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HAPPY NEW YEAR! N O L A.C O M

T h u r s d ay, J a n u a ry 1, 2026

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Chaotic 24 hours changed N.O. forever One year later, officials reflect on 15 seconds of violence that left 14 dead, plus attacker

BY JAMES FINN Staff writer

The phone call jolted him awake at 4 a.m. on New Year’s Day. Gov. Jeff Landry, asleep at a French Quarter hotel, heard New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell on the line. “This can’t be good,” he thought. Speaking so hurriedly that Landry had to ask her to slow down, Cantrell relayed how an attacker had just killed “a bunch of people on Bourbon Street, ran over them with a truck,” Landry recalled. The call touched off a frenzied 24 hours in which local, state and

federal law enforcement ofﬁcers, along with elected officials in Louisiana’s tourist hub, sought to secure one of America’s most famous party neighborhoods after an attack that killed 14. As they raced against the clock on the eve of the Sugar Bowl and with the impending kickoff of Carnival season, they frantically tried to discern whether the attacker, 42-year-old Shamsud Din-Jabbar, acted alone in planting explosives around the French Quarter hours before he swerved a Ford pickup onto the famous party strip. He ran down dozens of revelers and engaged police in a shootout that left him dead.

The burst of violence lasted all of 15 seconds, but had horrific consequences. The attack sent officials scrambling to New Orleans after they had been celebrating the holiday with their families across the state. Their mission: to determine whether Jabbar acted alone amid at-times mixed messages from federal law enforcement. Investigators would also need to evaluate whether a flurry of additional bomb warnings called in by anxious pedestrians after the attack posed further threats. Resolving those questions would

ä See CHAOTIC, page 3A

STAFF FILE PHOTO By CHRIS GRANGER

New Orleans police and federal agents investigate a terrorist attack on Bourbon Street on Jan. 1, 2025. The attack left 14 people dead and dozens injured.

Group eyes rules for high school athlete endorsements

SUGAR ROLL

New year’s Eve parade celebrates Sugar Bowl matchup between Ole Miss and the University of Georgia

Carolyn Babauta of the Krewe of Dolly participates in Wednesday’s parade.

STAFF PHOTOS By SOPHIA GERMER

The Allstate Sugar Bowl executive committee gets ready to roll through the French Quarter in the Allstate Sugar Bowl New year’s Parade on Wednesday.

Task force includes coaches, lawmakers, lawyers and students

BY JOSEPH CRANNEY Staff writer

With elite high school football and basketball traditions stretching from Shreveport to New Orleans, the new pay-the-players era that allows kids to profit from paid endorsements has led to big business in Louisiana, and some athletes are bringing home six-figure incomes before they even graduate. But it’s also spawned a host of concerns around a lack of financial protections for young athletes and who can claim a stake in the money they’re now allowed to earn. Those concerns were a key focus this year of a 22-person legislative task force involving Louisiana lawmakers, lawyers, college athletic administrators, coaches and student athletes. The group was empaneled to study the effects of paid endorsements and salaries for the state’s high school and college players. They began shortly after a landmark NCAA settlement in June that allowed college athletes to begin collecting salaries directly from their universities this season. For the past four years, college athletes could earn money through outside endorsement deals but not directly from their schools. Over the course of five meetings, the panel zeroed in on the so-called “NIL” era in high school sports, named for the money that athletes have been allowed to earn

ä See ATHLETE, page 4A

CIA behind drone strike on Venezuelan dock, sources say BY AAMER MADHANI and KONSTANTIN TOROPIN

with details of the operation who requested anonymity to discuss the classiﬁed matter. Associated Press The first known direct operaWASHINGTON — The CIA was be- tion on Venezuelan soil since the hind a drone strike last week at a U.S. began strikes in September docking area believed to have been marks a signiﬁcant escalation in used by Venezuelan drug cartels, the administration’s months-long according to two people familiar pressure campaign on Venezuelan

WEATHER HIGH 69 LOW 54 PAGE 8A

President Nicolás Maduro’s government. The strike has not been acknowledged by Venezuelan ofﬁcials. President Donald Trump first made reference to the operation in an interview Friday with John Catsimatidis on WABC radio in New York, saying the U.S. had

knocked out some type of “big facility where ships come from.” In an exchange with reporters Monday as he hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his Mar-a-Lago resort, Trump added that the operation targeted a “dock area where they load the boats up with drugs.” But the

Business ......................6A Commentary ................5B Nation-World................2A Classified .....................7D Deaths .........................3B Opinion ........................4B Comics-Puzzles .....3D-6D Living............................1D Sports ..........................1C

president declined to comment when asked whether the attack was conducted by the military or the CIA. The CIA and White House ofﬁcials also declined to offer further comment on the matter. Col. Allie

ä See STRIKE, page 4A

13TH yEAR, NO. 142

2A ✦ Thursday, January 1, 2026 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune

BRIEFS

FROM WIRE REPORTS

Channel Tunnel power malfunction fixed

PARIS — Trains were running again Wednesday in both directions through the Channel Tunnel between continental Europe and the United Kingdom but problems remained after a day of travel chaos caused by power malfunctions. The tunnel operator, Eurotunnel, said the 32-mile undersea link was back to “full capacity” after a power fault inside it was fixed overnight Tuesday. The short statement didn’t detail the cause of the power failure. But Eurostar, which runs passenger trains through the tunnel, warned of continued possible delays and cancellations because of “knock-on impacts” from the severe disruptions on Tuesday. Its website showed delays Wednesday to LondonParis, London-Brussels and London-Amsterdam trains in both directions and early morning cancellations. Tuesday’s hourslong interruption of cross-Channel train services and a resulting cascade of cancellations upended travelers’ end-of-year getaway plans and provoked scrambles for ﬂights and buses. Another power malfunction Tuesday on the U.K. side that Eurostar said was related to the electrical fault inside the tunnel also caused severe delays for passengers aboard three trains, Eurostar said.

Just 52 bears killed in Fla. hunt, state reports Fifty-two bears were killed in the first black bear hunt in Florida in a decade, far fewer than the cap the state had set, according to numbers released Tuesday by the state’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The 23-day hunt from Dec. 6-28 was restricted to 172 permit holders, each of whom won a “tag” through a lottery to take or harvest one bear, terms the agency uses for killing. The state devised a far more restrictive structure for the 2025 hunt than the last hunt in 2015, which was open to all licensed hunters but was shut down after a few days as the bear toll rose above 300. This time, only tag holders could hunt a bear, and tags were limited by geographic zone. Statewide, as many as 50 permit-holders may have secured a tag through the lottery with no plan to participate in the hunt. Animal advocates mounted a “spare a bear” campaign and said foes of the hunt entered the lottery to prevent the killing of bears for sport. Each lottery entry cost $5. The state said it sold about 163,000 permit applications, and no one could win more than one.

Guinea’s junta leader wins election in landslide Guinea’s military leader Mamadi Doumbouya won a widely expected victory in Dec. 28 elections from which several opposition ﬁgures were barred from running. Doumbouya, who seized power in a 2021 coup, secured 86.7% of the vote, according to preliminary results from the General Directorate of Elections. Standing under the banner of the Generation for Modernity and Development, he defeated former central bank governor Abdoulaye Yéro Baldé of the Democratic Front of Guinea who won 6.6%, said Djenabou Touré Camara, managing director of the electoral body. Voter turnout was 81%, Camara said on state television late Tuesday. Ahead of the vote, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said opposition ﬁgures in Guinea faced intimidation and enforced disappearances, creating “a climate of fear” that could undermine the election’s credibility. Doumbouya, 41, a former special forces commander who overthrew President Alpha Condé in the 2021 coup, built his campaign around major infrastructure projects and a national development plan linked to the Simandou iron ore project. Production began last month at the majority Chinese-owned mega-mining project, located at the world’s largest iron ore deposit, after decades of delays.

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EPSTEIN FILES

DOJ reviewing 5.2M documents BY STEPHEN GROVES and SEUNG MIN KIM Associated Press

WASHINGTON — The Department of Justice has expanded its review of documents related to the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein to 5.2 million as it also increases the number of attorneys trying to comply with a law mandating release of the files, according to a person briefed on a letter sent to U.S. attorneys. The figure is the latest estimate in the expanding review of case files on Epstein and his longtime girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell that has run more than a week past a deadline set in law by Congress. The Justice Department has more than 400 attorneys assigned to the review, but does not expect to release more documents until Jan. 20 or 21, according to the person briefed on the letter who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss it. The expanding scope of the disclosure and the additional legal firepower committed to it showed how the Epstein file investigation

will continue to occupy significant attention in Congress and the White House, almost ensuring that it remains a potent political force as the new year rolls toward midterm elections. The White House did not dispute the figures laid out in the email, and pointed to a statement from Todd Blanche, the deputy attorney general, who said the administration’s review was an “all-hands-ondeck approach.” Blanche said Wednesday that lawyers from the Justice Department in Washington, the FBI, the Southern District of Florida, and the Southern District of New York are working “around the clock” to review the files. The additional documents and lawyers related to the case were first reported by The New York Times. “We’re asking as many lawyers as possible to commit their time to review the documents that remain,” Blanche said. “Required redactions to protect victims take time, but they will not stop these materials from being released.” Still, Attorney General Pam Bondi is facing pressure from Congress after the Justice Depart-

ment’s rollout of information has lagged behind the Dec. 19 deadline to release the information. “Should Attorney General Pam Bondi be impeached?” Rep. Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican who helped lead the effort to pass the law mandating the document release, asked on social media this week. Democrats also are reviewing their legal options as they continue to seize on an issue that has caused cracks in the Republican Party and, at times, flummoxed President Donald Trump’s administration. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said on social media that the latest figures from the Department of Justice “shows Bondi, Blanche, and others at the DOJ have been lying to the American people about the Epstein files since Day One” and pointed out that the documents released so far represented a fraction of the total. A late January release of documents would put the Department of Justice more than a month behind the deadline set in law, but some key lawmakers appeared willing to let the process play out before trying to take direct action

against the Trump administration. Massie has also said that he wants to see the release of statements that victims gave to the FBI. He has claimed that those could disclose the names of influential business figures and political donors who were involved or complicit in Epstein’s abuse. The pair has also argued that the expanding disclosure is evidence that more people were involved besides Epstein and Maxwell. The Trump administration has already struggled to move past the Epstein files for the better part of last year. While it’s not clear what else will be shown in the files, it will almost certainly give Democrats continued fodder to continue to seize on the issue. A tranche of documents released just before Christmas showed that Trump flew on Epstein’s private jet in the 1990s, when they had a friendship before a falling out. But the documents revealed little new information about their relationship. The initial release of documents also showed several photos of former President Bill Clinton with women whose faces were blacked out.

Thailand releases 18 Cambodian prisoners of war BY SOPHENG CHEANG and WASAMON AUDJARINT

Associated Press

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — Thailand on Wednesday released 18 Cambodian prisoners of war held for five months, fulfilling the terms of a ceasefire agreement the two countries signed to end bitter fighting along their border. The release was stipulated in the ceasefire agreement, signed Saturday by the defense ministers of the two countries at the same border checkpoint between Thailand’s Chanthaburi province and Cambodia’s Pailin province where the soldiers were released. “The repatriation of the 18 Cambodian soldiers was undertaken as a demonstration of goodwill and confidence-building, as well as in adherence to international humanitarian principles,” Thailand’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Cambodia’s Defense Ministry said the release “creates an environment conducive to peace, stability, and the full normalization of relations for the benefit of both nations and their people in the near future.” The soldiers’ release removes a major impediment toward that goal after two rounds of destruc-

airport. They and their families were then taken by buses for what was reported to be a planned private meeting with Prime Minister Hun Manet. Crowds outside the airport gates cheered and waved small flags as their motorcade passed. The freed men acknowledged the welcome by waving or displaying the traditional Asian greeting of clasping hands in prayerlike fashion in front of one’s face or chest. The two countries had given differing accounts of the circumstances of the men’s capture, which took place on the same day the initial ceasefire came into effect at the end of July. Cambodian officials say their soldiers approached AGENCE KAMPUCHEA PRESS PHOTO the Thai position with Cambodian soldiers are welcomed by villagers upon their arrival at Prum border gate, in friendly intentions to ofPailin province, Cambodia, Wednesday, after being captured and held by Thailand. fer post-fighting greetings, while Thai officials said the tive combat over compet- by Cambodia’s govern- Phnom Penh, where they Cambodians appeared to ment to rally nationalist were greeted with hugs have hostile intent and ening territorial claims. Thailand insisted it was sentiment in the conflict and visible emotion by their tered what Thailand considfamilies as they stepped off ers its territory and subseallowed to hold the men against Thailand. Wednesday’s statement a helicopter at the city’s old quently were taken prisoner. under the Geneva Conventions’ rules of war, which from Cambodia’s Defense say prisoners can be de- Ministry said the govGET IN TOUCH tained until the end of ernment “has remained hostilities. The prisoners steadfast in the promise Customer Service: HELP@THEADVOCATE.COM or 504-529-0522 were allowed visits by the made to the families of the News Tips / Stories: NEWSTIPS@THEADVOCATE.COM International Committee 18 soldiers and the CamObituaries: 225-388-0289 • Mon-Fri 9-5; Sat 10-5; Closed Sun of the Red Cross and other bodian people: that no solAdvertising Sales: 504-636-7421 • Mon-Fri 8-5 rights covered under in- dier would be left behind.” Classified Advertising: 225-383-0111 • Mon-Fri 8-5 The former prisonternational humanitarian Subscribe: nola.com/subscribe law, Thai authorities said. ers were flown in the afTheir continued deten- ternoon from western tion was used effectively Cambodia to the capital, The Times-Picayune (USPS 18530) is published by Capital City Press at 840 St. Charles Avenue, New

Trump vetoes 2 bipartisan bills BY MICHELLE L. PRICE and MEG KINNARD at the heart of that bill.

Associated Press

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump issued the first vetoes of his second term on Tuesday, rejecting two low-profile bipartisan bills, a move that had the effect of punishing backers who had opposed the president’s positions on other issues. Trump vetoed drinking water pipeline legislation from Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert of Colorado, a longtime ally who broke with the president in November to release files on convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. He also vetoed legislation that would have given the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida more control of some of its tribal lands. The tribe was among groups suing the administration over an immigration detention center in the Everglades known as “Alligator Alcatraz.” Both bills had bipartisan support and had been noncontroversial until the White House announced Trump’s vetoes Tuesday night. Trump appeared to acknowledge the tribe’s opposition to the detention facility in a letter to Congress explaining his veto. “The Miccosukee Tribe has actively sought to obstruct reasonable immigration policies that the American people decisively voted for when I was elected,” Trump wrote. Trump did not allude to Boebert in his veto of her legislation, but raised concerns about the cost of the water pipeline

In an interview later Wednesday with Politico, Trump also criticized the state’s Democratic Gov. Jared Polis while saying that he issued the veto because “They’re wasting a lot of money and people are leaving the state. They’re leaving the state in droves. Bad governor.” Boebert, one of four House Republicans who sided with House Democrats early on to force the release of the Epstein ﬁles, shared a statement on social media suggesting that the veto may have been “political retaliation.” “I sincerely hope this veto has nothing to do with political retaliation for calling out corruption and demanding accountability. Americans deserve leadership that puts people over politics,” her statement said. Boebert added in another post: “This isn’t over.” The Florida legislation had been sponsored by Republican Rep. Carlos Gimenez, whom Trump has endorsed. Gimenez and the Miccosukee Tribe were not immediately available for comment on Wednesday. Boebert’s legislation, the “Finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit Act,” aimed to improve access to clean drinking water in eastern Colorado. While the congresswoman has long been a staunch supporter of Trump, she found herself at odds with the president with her support this year for legislation that required the Justice Department to release ﬁles related to Epstein.

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CHAOTIC

Continued from page 1A be key in deciding whether the city’s tourism core could reopen in time for the Sugar Bowl — and whether the city, among the most seasoned in the country at hosting major events, could bounce back in the longer term to host a successful 2025 Mardi Gras season and Super Bowl LIX.

A speeding truck, a blackout, an eerie quiet About 30 minutes before Landry bolted awake, Yehonatan Ben-Tzur, an Israeli soldier on vacation in the United States, was walking back to his Canal Street hotel with a friend after a night partying in the French Quarter. They saw Jabbar’s truck come ﬂying toward them. The vehicle slammed BenTzur’s right side, crushing his arm and rupturing an artery in his leg along with ligaments, bones and tendons. A police ofﬁcer rushed to help him. He blacked out. Col. Robert Hodges, the Louisiana State Police superintendent and a veteran of the agency, woke up four minutes after the attack when his phone rang with a call from New Orleans Police Department Chief Anne Kirkpatrick. He shaved, put on his blue State Police uniform and drove south from his northshore home across Lake Pontchartrain. By 4 a.m., Hodges was walking west-to-east along a three-block stretch of Bourbon from Canal to Conti Street. The strip is normally bustling with tourists streaming in and out of a Walgreens, Galatoire’s restaurant and a strip club. Now, Hodges saw blood on the concrete and bodies shrouded in white sheets. Jabbar’s mangled F-150 sat wedged against a cherrypicker that had stopped its destructive path. It was eerily quiet, except for the wail of sirens as emergency crews rushed victims to nearby hospitals. “I’ve never been on a scene and seen that many deceased at the same time in a small area,” Hodges said.

‘There are still bodies on Bourbon Street’ Daylight brought a ﬂurry of conﬂicting messages and tough choices. At an initial press briefing that morning, then-FBI Assistant Special Agent In Charge Alethea Duncan said the attack “was not a terrorist event” moments after Cantrell called the carnage a “terrorist attack.” Later that morning, staffers for Landry and state law enforcement leaders gathered at the regional State Police headquarters in Benson Tower. Landry had been discussing with Sugar Bowl leaders whether to postpone the game between Georgia and Notre Dame that evening. There was pressure from ESPN to play on as scheduled, Landry said. He felt strongly that the city needed an extra 24 hours. “Every hour we could buy was an hour we could pour

STAFF FILE PHOTO By CHRIS GRANGER

New Orleans police and federal agents investigate the terrorist attack on Bourbon Street on Jan. 1, 2025. said. “Those were things we tried to do to send a message to the public that we had our hands around the situation.” While the Landrys dined, FBI agents and State Police technicians sorted spent bullet casings, phones, fragments of Jabbar’s truck and other crime scene detritus on tables near Bourbon and Conti streets. They started packing up around 9 p.m. By midnight, law enforcement agents were replaced STAFF FILE PHOTO By BRETT DUKE by cleaning crews armed with hot water pressure Gov. Jeff Landry, center, and New Orleans Mayor LaToya washers. Cantrell, right, take part in a moment of silence for the It was light out by the time victims of the Bourbon Street attack before the start of the the last traces of gore were gone from the street. Sugar Bowl on Jan. 2, 2025. more resources into the city,” Landry said. “We were juggling the largest crime scene probably in the history of the state with a manhunt, because we didn’t know if this was a lone actor.” The governor rode in an SUV for a half-block — security didn’t want him walking — to deliver that message to Sugar Bowl leaders at their ofﬁces in the Superdome. Cantrell and her staff were in the City Hall Emergency Operations Center, so a Landry staffer texted her, summoning the mayor to Benson Tower. When she arrived, the discussion turned again to whether it was safe to play the Sugar Bowl game that evening. Thousands of fans in Georgia and Notre Dame gear wandered the French Quarter that morning with dazed looks on their faces, toting suitcases after being evacuated from hotels. Bomb-disposal agents found nails and C4 explosives inside an ice chest at Bourbon Street and Orleans Avenue, plus a similar device at JAX Brewery that was deemed not to be explosive. More bomb-making materials were found inside an Airbnb in St. Roch, which Jabbar had set ablaze. Agents ﬁelded “numerous additional bomb threats” that morning, Hodges said. IV Waste Owner Sidney Torres, whose company cleans the French Quarter, ordered workers not to empty dumpsters while law enforcement

combed them for explosives. Later, Cantrell’s administration would take ﬂak for its failure to erect robust vehicle barriers on Bourbon Street and for not following a clear ofﬁcial security plan on New Year’s. But after she arrived at Benson Tower on the morning of Jan. 1, people in the room credited Cantrell for helping to make the decision to postpone the Sugar Bowl. “There are still bodies on Bourbon Street,” Cantrell told the room of public safety leaders. The room fell silent. “That’s the end of the ‘are we playing the Sugar Bowl tonight’ discussion,” said JT Hannan, then a policy adviser in Landry’s administration who was in the discussions. Landry drew blowback later after posing for a photo with his wife, Sharon, outside a Central Business District steakhouse and posting it on X on the night of Jan. 1. “Proud to be a part of this incredibly resilient city,” he wrote. “See everyone at the game tomorrow!” The governor, in a recent intervie,w acknowledged the criticism, saying he sent the message after hearing from hospitality industry leaders who were anxious that the attack would harm business. “The next day, when we went to the football game, I had out-of-state fans thanking me (for the post),” he

Investigations — and finger pointing — ramp up

Law enforcement leaders gathered back at Benson Tower the next morning to discuss updates in the investigation. Duncan, the FBI special agent who initially said the attack was not terrorism, had been sidelined.

Instead, a senior FBI counterterrorism official from Washington, Chris Raia, arrived to lead the investigation going forward. By the end of the day, officials would reiterate that they believed Jabbar had acted alone. They said he was radicalized by the Islamic State terror group, but that he had not appeared to work with others directly to plan the attack. Fallout and finger-pointing related to the attack were widespread. Spats erupted in oversight hearings before the City Council. Congress took federal law enforcement officials to task because Lyonel Myrthil, the FBI’s special agent in charge for New Orleans, had been out of the country when the attack happened. Much of the response turned to caring for survivors and victims’ families. The feds frustrated some local and state officials by setting up a victims’ assistance unit in a relatively remote

stretch of Elysian Fields Avenue, far from New Orleans’ downtown core where the attack occurred. “There was some stress between the FBI’s victims office and our victims’ office, just trying to contact families and victims,” Landry said. “But … by the time the Sugar Bowl was done and over, I felt like we had our hands around it.” A Landry staffer dedicated to supporting crime victims, Patty Giovingo, met in the hospital with Ben-Tzur, the Israeli man struck by Jabbar’s truck. He would need nine surgeries in two months in New Orleans, plus another when he returned home to Israel. The Israeli government provides free health care to survivors of terror attacks, and Ben-Tzur needed certification from the FBI that his injuries stemmed from a terrorist incident. Giovingo helped him secure a letter from the FBI affirming as much. Ben-Tzur said he harbors no ill will toward the attacker who maimed him. “There is no one to be angry about,” he said. “He’s dead.” Current and former officials praised coordination between state, federal and local law enforcement in the attack’s immediate aftermath. But official statements and a consultant’s report have since exposed weaknesses of the city’s defenses, and New Orleans has taken only patchwork steps to protect downtown residents, The Times-Picayune | The Advocate reported this week. Those measures include barriers and armored vehicles used to block streets during major events and holidays. City officials at a news conference this week described a network of street closures, law enforcement deployments and National Guard units planned for the night of the attack’s oneyear anniversary. “We’re absolutely taking in what we experienced one year ago,” Cantrell said.

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4A ✦ Thursday, January 1, 2026 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune

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Feds freezing child care funds to Minnesota BY HALLIE GOLDEN

Associated Press

President Donald Trump’s administration announced on Tuesday that it’s freezing child care funds to Minnesota and demanding an audit of some day care centers after a series of fraud schemes involving government programs in recent years. Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services Jim O’Neill said on the social platform X that the move is in response to “blatant fraud that appears to be rampant in Minnesota and across the country.”

ATHLETE

Continued from page 1A since 2021 through endorsements or other use of their name, image and likeness. Under the task force’s recommendations, which will be forwarded to lawmakers in January, the state would require that anyone other than a parent who helps high schoolers negotiate endorsement contracts must register as an agent with the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office. That requirement is already in place for professional sports agents in Louisiana. The agents would also be subject to background checks and required to complete training. Lawmakers could craft the changes to allow high schoolers to recoup any money paid to an unlicensed agent, said Harry J. “Skip” Philips Jr., assistant chief deputy attorney general. “You’d try to get back as best you can the ill-gotten gains, as it were, and give it to the student athlete,” Philips said during the task force’s December meeting. “I’m not sure we’ve fixed this problem altogether,” Philips added, but the changes give authorities a mechanism for pursuing what Phillips called “renegaders,” or people posing as professional agents in order to reap the benefits.

STRIKE

Continued from page 1A Weiskopf, a spokesperson for Special Operations Command, which oversees U.S operations in the Caribbean, said in a statement that “Special Operations did not support this operation to include intel support.” The strike escalates what began as a massive buildup of U.S. personnel in the Caribbean Sea starting in August, which has been followed by at least 30 U.S. military strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and eastern Paciﬁc. More recently, Trump has ordered a quasi-blockade aimed at seizing sanctioned oil tankers coming in and out of Venezuela. CNN ﬁrst reported on the CIA’s involvement in the operation.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz pushed back on X, saying fraudsters are a serious issue that the state has spent years cracking down on but that this move is part of “Trump’s long game.” “He’s politicizing the issue to defund programs that help Minnesotans,” Walz said. O’Neill referenced a right-wing inﬂuencer who posted a video Friday claiming he found that day care centers operated by Somali residents in Minneapolis had committed up to $100 million in fraud. O’Neill said he has demanded Walz submit an audit of these centers that includes attendance records,

licenses, complaints, investigations and inspections. “We have turned off the money spigot and we are ﬁnding the fraud,” O’Neill said. The announcement comes one day after U.S. Homeland Security ofﬁcials were in Minneapolis conducting a fraud investigation by going to unidentified businesses and questioning workers. There have been years of investigations that included a $300 million pandemic food fraud scheme revolving around the nonprofit Feeding Our Future, for which 57 defendants in Minnesota have been convicted.

The panel’s chair, Rep. Rashid Young, D-Homer, said in an interview that the recommendations are meant to be a starting point, and lawmakers are welcome to add revisions. “This is sort of one of those building-a-plane-as-we-fly type of situations,” said Young, a former linebacker and strong safety at Grambling State. “We’ll see how it works. If we need to come back and adjust, I think everybody is open to doing that.” The task force didn’t recommend any specific NILrelated changes to state law regarding college athletics, other than a resolution that would study the “funding structures of athletic departments” and “evaluate the ﬁnancial implications of NIL activities.” The panel did recommend a list of best practices for Louisiana college athletic departments, including educating athletes on “available mental health resources” and to “carefully consider Title IX implications” when deciding how to dole out college athlete salaries. LSU has said 90% of the $18 million it has earmarked in salaries will go to football and men’s basketball players. The university — and all others in the state — have rejected public records requests to turn over salary data per individual athlete. The task force turned its attention to high school

agents after J.T. Curtis, football coach at John Curtis Christian School in River Ridge, told the panel of “rampant” problems among the state’s premier football schools. Adults with no professional certifications or backgrounds in the law swoop in to secure representation from Louisiana’s top recruits, some as young as 12 or 13 years old, Curtis told the panel. “Until we find a way to get outside influences out of the lives of our high school athletes, we’re going to continue struggling with this,” Curtis said during an August meeting. In the task force’s final meeting in December, Curtis called the panel’s recommendations “a good beginning.” Historically, Louisiana has one of the nation’s largest shares of high school football players who are recruited by Division I colleges. In the upcoming 2026 class, eight football players from Louisiana high schools are ranked in the Top 200, according to 247 Sports. In 2025, it was nine. For athletes under the age of 17, the task force recommended legislation requiring them to deposit a portion of their compensation into a trust account, which they’d have access to later as an adult. The account could be drawn from “under specified

Trump for months had threatened that he could soon order strikes on targets on Venezuelan land. He’s also taken the unusual step of publicly acknowledging that he had authorized the CIA to carry out covert action inside Venezuela. The administration is required to report covert CIA actions to senior congressional ofﬁcials, including the chair and ranking members of both the Senate and House intelligence committees. But Trump, by entrusting what appears to be the ﬁrst land strike of the Venezuelan campaign to the intelligence agency, could be calculating that the action would face less scrutiny from lawmakers than a military strike. “I authorized for two reasons, really. No. 1, they have emptied their prisons into the United States of America,” he said in October as he

confirmed to reporters his approval for the CIA to act. “And the other thing, the drugs, we have a lot of drugs coming in from Venezuela, and a lot of the Venezuelan drugs come in through the sea.” All the while, Trump has repeatedly said Maduro’s days in power are numbered. The Venezuelan leader and members of his inner circle have been under federal indictment in the United States since 2020 for narcoterrorism and other charges. Maduro has denied the charges. The U.S. Justice Department this year doubled to $50 million the reward for information that leads to his arrest. The Venezuelan president made no mention of the CIA operation during an hourlong speech Tuesday at an international leadership school for women.

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Prosecutors said the organization was at the center of the country’s largest COVID-19-related fraud scam, when defendants exploited a state-run, federally funded program meant to provide food for children. A federal prosecutor alleged earlier this month that half or more of the roughly $18 billion in federal funds that supported 14 programs in Minnesota since 2018 may have been stolen. Most of the defendants in the child nutrition, housing services and autism program schemes are Somali Americans, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Ofﬁce for Minnesota.

conditions, such as educational expenses or milestone events, while maintaining safeguards to prevent misuse,” per the task force’s adopted language. The task force also recommended the Louisiana High

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O’Neill, who is serving as acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, also said in the social media post Tuesday that payments across the U.S. through the Administration for Children and Families, an agency within the U.S. Health and Human Services Department, will now require “justiﬁcation and a receipt or photo evidence” before money is sent. They have also launched a fraud-reporting hotline and email address. The Administration for Children and Families provides $185 million in child care funds annually to Minnesota, according to Assistant Secretary Alex Adams.

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Putin expresses confidence in victory over Ukraine Russian drones blast apartment buildings

BY ILLIA NOVIKOV Associated Press

KYIV, Ukraine — Russian drones blasted apartment buildings and the power grid in the southern Ukraine city of Odesa in an overnight attack that injured six people, including a toddler and two other children, ofﬁcials said Wednesday. Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed confidence in his country’s eventual victory in the war against its neighbor. Four apartment buildings were damaged in the Odesa bombardment, according to regional military administration head Oleh Kiper. The DTEK power provider said two of its energy facilities had signiﬁcant damage. The company said 10 substations that distribute electricity in the region have been dam-

aged in December. Russia has escalated attacks on urban areas of Ukraine. As its invasion approaches a four-year milestone in February, it has also intensiﬁed targeting of energy infrastructure, seeking to deny Ukrainians heat and running water in the bitter winter months. Between January and November, more than 2,300 Ukrainian civilians were killed and more than 11,000 were injured, the United Nations said earlier in December. That was 26% higher than in the same period in 2024 and 70% higher than in 2023, it said.

Renewed diplomatic push Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff said he, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Trump’s son-in-law and adviser Jared Kushner had a “productive call” with the national security advisers of Britain, France, Germany and Ukraine “to discuss advancing the next steps in the European peace process.”

“We focused on how to move the discussions forward in a practical way on behalf of (Trump’s) peace process, including strengthening security guarantees and developing effective deconfliction mechanisms to help end the war and ensure it does not restart,” Witkoff said in a post on X. He added that a main element of the conversation was the reconstruction of Ukraine and how to ensure its prosperity in the future. Wednesday’s call comes after U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday and announced that a settlement is “closer than ever before.” European and Ukrainian officials plan to meet Saturday, lead Ukrainian negotiator Rustem Umerov reaffirmed, adding that U.S. representatives were expected to join remotely. Zelenskyy also is due to hold talks next week with European leaders supporting his efforts to secure ac-

Trump says he’s dropping push for Guard in Chicago, L.A. and Portland for now BY MICHELLE L. PRICE Associated Press

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said he’s dropping — for now — his push to deploy National Guard troops in Chicago, Los Angeles and Portland, Oregon, a move that comes after legal roadblocks hung up the effort. Trump said in a social media post Wednesday that he’s removing the Guard troops for now. “We will come back, perhaps in a much different and stronger form, when crime begins to soar again — Only a question of time!” he wrote. Troops had already left Los Angeles after the president deployed them earlier this year as part of a broader crackdown on crime and immigration. They had been sent to Chicago and Portland but were never on the streets as legal challenges played out. Trump’s push to deploy the troops in Democrat-led cities has been met with legal challenges at nearly every turn. The Supreme Court in December refused

to allow the Trump administration to deploy National Guard troops in the Chicago area as part of its crackdown on immigration. The order was not a final ruling but was a signiﬁcant and rare setback by the high court for the president’s efforts. In the nation’s capital, District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb sued to halt the deployments of more than 2,000 guardsmen. In Oregon, a federal judge permanently blocked the deployment of National Guard troops there. California National Guard troops had already been removed from the streets of Los Angeles by Dec. 15 after a court ruling. But an appeals court had paused a separate part of the order that required control of the Guard to return to Gov. Gavin Newsom. In a Tuesday court ﬁling, the Trump administration said it was no longer seeking a pause in that part of the order. That paves the way for the California National Guard troops to fully return to state control after Trump federalized the Guard in June.

ceptable terms.

Putin convinced of victory Despite progress in peace negotiations, which he didn’t mention, Putin reaffirmed his belief in Russia’s eventual success in its invasion during his traditional New Year’s address. He gave special praise to Russian troops deployed in Ukraine, describing them as heroes “ﬁghting for your native land, truth and justice.” “We believe in you and our victory,” Putin said, as cited by Russian state news agency Tass. The Russian Defense Ministry said 86 Ukrainian drones were shot down overnight over Russian regions, the Black Sea and the illegally annexed Crimea peninsula.

Ukraine denies attack Russia’s Defense Ministry released a video of a downed drone that it said was one

of 91 Ukrainian drones involved in an alleged attack this week on a Putin residence in northwestern Russia, a claim Kyiv has denied as a “lie.” The nighttime video showed a man in camouﬂage, a helmet and a Kevlar vest standing near a damaged drone lying in snow. The man, his face covered, talks about the drone. Neither the man nor the Defense Ministry provided any location or date. The video and claims could not be independently veriﬁed. Kyiv has denied the allegations of an attack on Putin’s lakeside country residence and called them a ruse to derail progress in peace negotiations. Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation said Wednesday the images could not be considered evidence of the attack as the origin of the damaged drone, as well

as the time and location of the video itself, remained unknown. “It took Russia more than two days to fabricate this ‘evidence’. The photographs of metal fragments laid out on the snow, published by the Russian Defense Ministry, do not prove anything in themselves,” the center said in a statement on its website. “There is no video of air defense operations in the area of the residence, no recorded drone crashes in the claimed locations and no consistency even in its own ﬁgures, which have changed repeatedly.” The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, called the Russian allegations “a deliberate distraction” from peace talks. Zelenskyy said Romania and Croatia are the latest countries to join a fund that buys weapons for Ukraine from the United States.

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6A ✦ Thursday, January 1, 2026 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune

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BUSINESS N O L A.C O M/BIZ

DOW 48,063.29 -303.77 -0.63%

NASDAQ 23,241.99 -177.09 -0.76%

BRIEFS

FROM WIRE REPORTS

Applications for jobless benefits fall below 200K

WASHINGTON — Fewer Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week with layoffs remaining low despite a weakening labor market. U.S. applications for jobless claims for the week ending Dec. 27 fell by 16,000 to 199,000 from the previous week’s 215,000, the Labor Department reported Wednesday. Analysts surveyed by the data firm FactSet forecast 208,000 new applications. Unemployment benefit filings are often distorted during holiday-shortened weeks. The shorter week can cause some who have lost jobs to delay filing claims. The weekly report was released a day early due to the New Year’s Day holiday. Earlier, the government reported that the U.S. gained a decent 64,000 jobs in November but lost 105,000 in October as federal workers departed after cutbacks by the Trump administration. That helped to push the unemployment rate up to 4.6% last month, the highest since 2021. The October job losses were caused by a 162,000 drop in federal workers, many of whom resigned at the end of fiscal year 2025 on Sept. 30 under pressure from billionaire Elon Musk’s purge of U.S. government payrolls. Labor Department revisions also knocked 33,000 jobs off August and September payrolls. Recent government data has revealed a labor market in which hiring has clearly lost momentum, hobbled by uncertainty over President Donald Trump’s tariffs and the lingering effects of the high interest rates the Fed engineered in 2022 and 2023 to rein in an outburst of pandemic-induced inflation. Since March, job creation has fallen to an average 35,000 a month, compared to 71,000 in the year ended in March.

Boeing to make fighter jets for Israel Boeing will design and produce 25 new fighter jets for the Israeli Air Force under a new contract with the U.S. Department of Defense. The Pentagon said Monday it had awarded Boeing an $8.6 billion contract to build and deliver 25 new F-15IA aircraft for the Israeli Air Force, with an option for an additional 25 aircraft to be included in the order. Boeing’s F-15 fighter, a twinengine aircraft, was originally built by McDonnell Douglas in 1969 for the U.S. Air Force. Boeing merged with McDonnell Douglas in 1997 and has since produced several variants of the F-15 family. Israel is a longtime operator of the Boeing plane, which has seen extensive use in Gaza. Opponents to Israel’s war against Hamas following the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks have criticized Boeing and other American firms for providing support to the Israeli military and government during the conflict. Following the new contract, Boeing will produce the fighter jets for the Israeli Air Force in its St. Louis facilities, where the manufacturer completes most of its defense production. The Pentagon expects the work will be complete by the end of 2035. The deal was immediately condemned by the Council on American-Islamic Relations, a Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization. “The Pentagon’s decision to funnel billions of American taxpayer dollars and advanced weaponry to the Israeli military is morally indefensible,” CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell said in a statement. Boeing has long provided military aircraft and support to the Israel Defense Force, dating back to 1948, when the Israeli Air Force flew Boeing’s B-17 Flying Fortress.

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GOLD 4,325.60 -44.50 -1.02%

6-MO T-BILLS 3.61 0.0 0.0%

30-YR T-BONDS 4.84 0.04 0.73%

Wall Street falls in light trading It ends banner year for markets

BY ALEX VEIGA

AP business writer Wall Street closed out another banner year for stocks Wednesday with a downbeat ﬁnish that extended the market’s recent losing streak to a fourth day. The S&P 500 gave up 0.7%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.6% and the Nasdaq composite closed 0.8% lower. Trading volume was very thin ahead of the New Year’s Day holiday, when markets will be closed, as most big investors have already closed out their positions for the year.

Even with their mini post-Christmas pullback, the major U.S. stock indexes finished with strong gains for the year. The S&P 500, which set 39 record highs in 2025, closed 16.4% higher for the year, its third straight double-digit annual gain. The Nasdaq gained 20.4% and the Dow finished 13% higher. Wall Street’s 2025 gains came as investors embraced the optimism surrounding artificial intelligence and its potential for boosting profits across almost all sectors. But the market had no shortage of turbulence along the way amid President Donald Trump’s on-again, off-again tariffs on imported goods worldwide and uncertainty over the trajectory of interest rates.

The S&P 500 plunged nearly 5% on April 3, its worst day since the 2020 COVID crash. It fell another 6% a day later, after China’s response raised fears of an escalating trade war. Worries also gripped the U.S. Treasury market. Trump eventually put most of his tariffs on pause and negotiated agreements with countries to lower his proposed rates on their imports, helping calm investors’ nerves. “Once the market realized that no, these tariffs are on again, off again, and probably will not result in a recession, it was amazing how quickly it got back to breakeven,” said Sam Stovall, chief investment strategist at CFRA. Strong proﬁt reports from companies and three cuts to interest

rates by the Federal Reserve also helped drive markets higher. “You could say that it’s the longterm AI optimism combined with the continuously improving earnings growth outlook for this year and the coming two years, as well as the Fed easing interest rates, that’s kept optimism alive,” Stovall said. Still, the AI frenzy that drove markets in 2025 did not come without concerns. Chief among them is the worry that artiﬁcial intelligence technology may not produce enough proﬁts and productivity to make all the investment worth it. That could keep the pressure on AI stocks like Nvidia and Broadcom, which were responsible for much of the market’s gains this year.

Big retailers increasingly hit by online refund fraud

Operatives moving to online ‘because there is more business there’ BY MIKE HUGHLETT and BILL LUKITSCH

The Minnesota Star Tribune (TNS) Noir Luxury Refunds marketed itself as an expert in helping consumers get refunds from retailers. But its expertise was grounded in fraud, federal prosecutors say. Noir’s operatives spanned the country, though the fraud ring was allegedly run from Egypt. It’s one of several online refund fraud rings to have surfaced in recent years, generating big losses at major retailers such as Amazon, Walmart and Target. “It is safe to assume that any retailer the size of Target or Best Buy have experienced this problem,” said J. Bennett, chief customer officer of Signifyd, an e-commerce fraud prevention firm. “We will be talking about online refund fraud more in the next few years.” Leaders of internet refund fraud rings aren’t easy to pin down, though some have been prosecuted. Amazon, the world’s largest online retailer, has aggressively pursued refund fraud rings in federal courts. Fraudulent and “abusive” returns totaled $103.8 billion in 2024 — equal to 15% of all U.S. retail sales, according to the fraud prevention software firm Appriss Retail and Deloitte, a prominent consultancy. Refund fraud is part of the broader problem of return fraud, and both have long plagued physical retailers. But e-commerce transactions have grown rapidly since the COVID-19 pandemic, making up 28% of all U.S. retail sales in 2024, according to Appriss and Deloitte. Fraudsters “are moving to online because there is more business there,” said Vishal Patel, Appriss’ chief product and technology officer. And online refund fraud is often easier to pull off than in-store scams. These cheaters aren’t just dishonest shoppers, he added. “These are businesses.”

More than $1.5M in losses Noir certainly ran like a business. It advertised a “concierge” refund service on Telegram. More than 5,900 users “followed” the criminal ring between 2020 and 2022 on the Dubai-based social media platform. Those customers would pay Noir a percentage of the product price — usually in

TNS PHOTO By RICHARD TSONG-TAATARII

Big retailers including Target have lost millions from one online refund scheme, federal prosecutors said. cryptocurrency — in exchange for the organization fraudulently refunding the item on the customer’s behalf. The customers would keep the product. Losses to retailers stung by Noir tallied $1.5 million to $3.5 million over the two years, according to federal prosecutors. The U.S. Attorney’s Ofﬁce in northern Alabama credited Target and other major retailers with providing “assistance” in taking down Noir. Nine people, mostly 20-somethings from several states, have pleaded guilty in an Alabama federal court to wire fraud and mail fraud conspiracy. They are awaiting sentencing. Prosecutors contend that a 21-year-old man in Alexandria, Egypt, ran the scheme. An Alabama federal grand jury indicted him in April.

Varying levels of sophistication The Noir scam worked like this: A user would ﬁll out an online form and select a valuable product, like designer clothing or electronics, to buy from a speciﬁc retailer. Noir then assigned a professional fraudster to pose as the user. Different methods with varying degrees of sophistication were used to steal expensive merchandise. In some cases, fraudsters would simply claim a box arrived empty. In others, shipping labels were manipulated, and malicious software was used to trick a retailer’s own inventory tracking to abuse its return poli-

cies. As Noir grew in scale, so did its services. At one point the criminal organization created a “mentorship” training course for aspiring “refunders” — at a minimum $2,500 fee. It also developed a travel service. Organizers discovered how to gain illicit access to airline employee benefit programs. A Russian known to federal investigators as “Yangboyz” helped steal airline miles from compromised loyalty accounts, according to the government. Through its methods exploiting merchants, Noir also amassed stolen inventory that conspirators sold on eBay.

Rings originated in Lithuania, Albania Amazon isn’t waiting for criminal charges to punish alleged online fraud rings. In four civil cases reviewed by the Minnesota Star Tribune, the online retailer sued the purported leaders of two rings, one a particularly large online refund scam from Lithuania, the other based in Albania. In February, a federal judge in Washington hit the Lithuanian man who ran the Rekk refund ring with a $2 million default judgment. Four Amazon fulﬁllment center workers — insiders who proﬁted from the Rekk scam — were hit with default judgments of $67,000 to $175,000. Amazon is also pursing relatively smalltime participants in organized refund fraud. Public records show no criminal charges for many of the defendants in the four Amazon suits.

Lee Enterprises stabilizes finances with $50M investment BY JOSH FUNK Associated Press

Lee Enterprises announced a compromise Tuesday with billionaire investor David Hoffmann, who offered to take over the nation’s third-largest newspaper chain this year, to help stabilize the company’s ﬁnances with a $50 million investment and set Lee up for the future. Hoffmann, whose family investment ﬁrm already owns more than 40 other publications, will become Lee’s chairman as he continues to pursue his goal of becoming the country’s largest newspaper publisher. He has said in recent inter-

views that he believes newspapers can continue to play an important role in covering local communities and build a successful digital subscription business. Lee said that when Hoffmann takes over, CEO Kevin Mowbray will retire after 39 years with the Davenport, Iowa-based company, which owns the St. Louis PostDispatch, Buffalo News, Omaha World-Herald and dozens of other publications in 25 states. “With improved ﬁnancial stability and a clear governance framework in place, the focus can now be on disciplined execution and longterm value creation,” said Hoffmann, who declined to comment

beyond the statement on the deal. He built his initial fortune through the DHR Global executive search ﬁrm he founded and went on to set up his investment fund. It now includes more than 125 brands and 22,000 employees and is set to become the controlling owner in the Pittsburgh Penguins next year. The test will be whether Hoffmann and Lee reinvest in newsrooms to strengthen coverage of high school sports and other local institutions like he has talked about after he takes over, said Tim Franklin, a professor and chair of local news at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journal-

ism. In recent years Lee — like many news companies — has cut staff and sold off some of the real estate its newspapers own as advertising and website trafﬁc declined. Many Lee publications also stopped printing on Mondays. The company also struggled with $455.5 million of debt taken on when it bought Warren Buffett’s newspapers from Berkshire Hathaway and reﬁnanced its existing debt. Lee said the new infusion from Hoffmann and other investors will allow it to reduce the interest rate on that debt from 9% to 5% and to save about $18 million a year.

The Times-Picayune ✦ nola.com ✦ Thursday, January 1, 2026 ✦ 7A

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Attorney Philip Cossich dies Singer Richard Smallwood dies Trial lawyer was behind some of La.’s biggest lawsuits BY TYLER BRIDGES Staff writer

Philip Cossich Jr., a prominent trial attorney who won big judgments for people injured or harmed by companies accused of negligence, especially in south Louisiana, died Monday from pancreatic cancer at his home in Belle Chasse. He was 67. Cossich was known for his legal smarts and also for his ability to work with anybody. Former Gov. John Bel Edwards and Gov. Jeff Landry are political foes, but both expressed dismay Tuesday of Cossich’s passing. “He was an unbelievable lawyer and a great guy,” Landry said, stunned at Cossich the news. “Unlike most, he was a big thinker,” Edwards said. “He had a way of looking not just at what was happening but where the law was going and where he could make a big difference. I genuinely don’t believe the word brilliant begins to describe how smart he was.” In his ﬁnal case, Cossich was part of the team of lawyers who accused Chevron of causing the loss of land in Plaquemines Parish through their drilling activities. In April, a jury awarded Plaquemines Parish $745 million in damages. Chevron is seeking to have the U.S. Supreme Court overturn that ruling. John Carmouche, the plaintiffs’ lead attorney, said Cossich played a key role in getting the Plaquemines Parish Council to agree to sign onto the lawsuit and helped fight efforts by oil and gas representatives afterward to have the council drop the case. Cossich told the council in

2018 that the attorneys’ goal was simply to make the oil and gas companies pay what they owed. “If you made up a mess, clean up your mess,” he said. More recently, Cossich helped Carmouche formulate strategy on how to try the lawsuit in 2025 and who to pick for the jury. “I never heard anyone ever say a cross word about Phil Cossich,” said Donald Price, a veteran Baton Rouge-based trial attorney. In a long career, Cossich’s law firm won tens of millions of dollars for school boards and local businesses after hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005. Cossich represented oystermen and menhaden fish processors following the giant BP oil spill in 2010. He helped craft a $2.3 billion settlement for the seafood industry, said Daniel Balhoff, an attorney involved in the case. “It meant they could continue to take care of their families when things were tough,” said John Tesvich, a fourth-generation oysterman in Buras. Cossich represented cities and water providers in several states that accused 3M, DuPont and other companies of contaminating drinking water with “forever chemicals” known as PFAS. They were part of a team that won nearly $15 billion in a settlement for their clients. “He was able to utilize both his historical knowledge and relationships to get very good and fair settlements for his clients,” said John Perry, a Baton Rouge-based lawyer and court-appointed mediator. “He could land the plane. He wouldn’t land the plane unless his clients were taken care of.” Cossich expressed a distaste for politics, but he and his law firm — Cossich, Sumich, Parsiola & Taylor — donated tens of thousands of dollars over the years to governors, attorneys general, senators, state legislators, mayors and district attorneys, Democrats and Republicans alike. In 2011-12, he served as president of the Louisiana

Association for Justice, which represents the interests of trial attorneys in Baton Rouge. He and Edwards became friends through their membership in the association. In May 2015, Cossich and two other prominent trial attorneys got their firms to put up $50,000 apiece to form Gumbo PAC, with a message to keep then-Sen. David Vitter, an anti-trial lawyer Republican, from being elected governor. “I said, “Guys, we fight bullies for a living. Why not take on this one?” Cossich said in a 2016 interview. Vitter had fought to limit BP’s legal exposure after the spill. Later in 2015, Cossich’s law firm donated $5,000 to Edwards, who was elected governor. His firm also donated money to Landry when he was reelected as attorney general in 2019 and when he was elected governor in 2023. Cossich’s is survived by his wife Deena, who was his high school sweetheart, and four children: Christina Cossich, Tiffany Cossich Sands, Melissa Myers and Philip Cossich III. His sister, Joy Lobrano, is a judge on the 4th Circuit Court of Appeal, which serves Orleans, Plaquemines and St. Bernard parishes. Cossich’s funeral is scheduled for Jan. 7 at Lake Lawn Funeral Home in New Orleans. Cossich was a star athlete in the 1970s at Buras High School, where his father served as athletic director, and he tended to view his activities through a sporting lens, said Christina Cossich. He and Edwards bonded over their shared experiences as high school quarterbacks, trial lawyers and parents. He and Edwards frequently sat next to each other in the governor’s suite during Saints games, intently watching the play on the field, not wanting to be interrupted. “We went to the game to see the game and not to be seen,” Edwards said. “We absolutely had that in common.”

BY JEFF MARTIN Associated Press

Richard Smallwood, a gospel singer and recording artist nominated eight times for Grammy Awards, has died. He was 77. Smallwood died Tuesday of complications of kidney failure at a rehabilitation and nursing center in Sandy Spring, Maryland, his representative Bill Carpenter announced. Smallwood had health issues for many years, and music gave him the strength to endure, Carpenter said in an interview. “Richard was so dedicated to music, and that was Smallwood the thing that kept him alive all these years,” he said. “Making music that made people feel something is what made him want to keep breathing and keep moving and keep living.” Smallwood’s songs were performed and recorded over the years by artists such as Whitney Houston, Stevie Wonder, Destiny’s Child and Boyz II Men. Houston brought his music to ﬁlm by performing “I Love the Lord” in the 1996 movie “The Preacher’s Wife,” according to Smallwood’s biography at the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Smallwood “opened up my whole world of gospel music,” singer and songwriter Chaka Khan wrote on Facebook after his death. “His music didn’t just inspire me, it transformed me,” she said. “He is my favorite pianist, and his brilliance, spirit, and devotion to the music have shaped generations, including my own journey.” Smallwood was born Nov. 30, 1948, in Atlanta and began to play piano by ear by the

age of 5, according to biographic materials provided by Carpenter. By age 7, he was taking formal lessons. He had formed his own gospel group by the time he was 11. He was primarily raised in Washington, D.C., by his mother, Mabel, and his stepfather, the Rev. Chester Lee “C.L.” Smallwood. His stepfather was the pastor of Union Temple Baptist Church in Washington. Smallwood was a music pioneer in multiple ways at Howard University in Washington, where he graduated cum laude with a music degree. He was a member of Howard’s ﬁrst gospel group, the Celestials. He was also a founding member of the university’s gospel choir, according to an obituary from Carpenter. After college, Smallwood taught music at the University of Maryland and went on to form the Richard Smallwood Singers in 1977, bringing a contemporary sound to traditional gospel music. He later formed Vision, a large choir that fueled some of his biggest gospel hits, including “Total Praise.” “Total Praise” became a modern-day hymn that touched people from all types of backgrounds and walks of life, Carpenter said by phone Wednesday. “You can go into any kind of church — a Black church, a White church, a nondenominational church — and you might hear that song,” he said. “Somehow it found its footing throughout the whole Christian world. If he never wrote anything else, that would have put him in the modern hymn book.” Wonder performed “Total Praise” at the funeral of Martin Luther King Jr.’s son Dexter Scott King at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta on Feb. 10, 2024.

‘The Wire’ actor Isiah Whitlock Jr. dies BY ANDREW DALTON Associated Press

Isiah Whitlock Jr., an actor who made frequent memorable appearances on the HBO series “The Wire” and “Veep” and in five films with director Spike Lee, died Tuesday. He was 71. Whitlock’s manager Brian Liebman told The Associated Press in an email that the actor died in New York after a short illness. Whitlock played openly corrupt state Sen. Clay Davis on 25 episodes across the five seasons of “The Wire.” Davis, a fan-favorite character, was known for his profane catchphrase — “sheee-it” — delivered by Whitlock in moments of triumph and blunt honesty. The actor first used the phrase in his first film with Lee, 2002’s “The 25th Hour,” when his

detective character discovers a cache of drugs hidden in a couch. “It’s a big, big, big loss,” Lee said in a phone call with the AP on Tuesday. “I’m going to miss him for the rest of my life.” Whitlock went on to appear in four other Lee ﬁlms, including 2004’s “She Hate Me,” 2012’s “Red Hook Summer,” 2015’s “Chi-Raq,” 2018’s “BlacKkKlansman” and 2020’s “Da 5 Bloods.” “We vibed over all those years,” Lee said. “We clicked from the jump.” Lee said he has especially sweet memories of the extended time he spent with Whitlock shooting “Da 5 Bloods” on location in Thailand. “He was just a beautiful, beautiful soul,” Lee said. “If you were around him, he made everybody feel good in his presence. He would radiate. I would put that over his acting.”

Be prepared before the next power outage.

Former U.S. senator from Colorado dies BY NIELS LESNIEWSKI CQ-Roll Call (TNS)

WASHINGTON — Former Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell, who ﬁrst came to Congress as a Democrat but later switched to the GOP, has died at age 92. Sen. John Hickenlooper, a Colorado Democrat, said the former senator died Tuesday afternoon. “He was a master jeweler with a reputation far beyond the boundaries of Colorado. He was always generous to me with his time and wisdom. I will not forget his acts of kindness,” Hickenlooper posted on X. “He will be sorely missed.” Campbell, who was the only Native American serving in Congress during his tenure, was ﬁrst elected to the House in 1986, representing western Colorado. He served three terms in the House before being elected to the Senate, also as a Democrat. In March 1995, shortly after Republicans took control of majorities in Congress, Campbell announced that he would be joining the

Republican Party. His statement came the day after he voted for a balanced-budget constitutional amendment that failed to win Senate passage; he decided he no longer was comfortable calling himself a Democrat. The switch infuriated Democrats, but on announcing his new party afﬁliation, Campbell underscored that he would continue on an independent course. “I have always been considered a moderate, much to the consternation of the Democratic Party,” Campbell said. “My moderacy will now be to the consternation of the right wing of the Republican Party.” In the Senate, Campbell served as chairman of the Indian Affairs Committee and rose to be a senior appropriator, including chairing the subcommittee that had jurisdiction over the Treasury Department and the Postal Service. A member of the Northern Cheyenne tribe, Campbell was also an Air Force veteran who served in Korea and captain of the U.S. Olympic Judo Team that competed in Tokyo in 1964.

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8A ✦ Thursday, January 1, 2026 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune

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Regional Summary TODAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

Mostly sunny and nice

Breezy; a shower in the p.m.

Occasional morning rain

Mostly sunny and less humid

Sunny and nice

Partly sunny, nice and warm

HIGH

LOW

69°

54° 74° 64°

LOW

HIGH

75° 53°

LOW

65° 50°

LOW

69° 54°

Mostly sunny and nice today. Winds west-southwest 4-8 mph. Expect 6-10 hours of sunshine with average relative humidity 50%. Partly cloudy tonight. Winds south-southwest 6-12 mph. Average relative humidity 80%. A warm breeze tomorrow with a passing shower in the afternoon. Winds south 10-20 mph. Expect 2-4 hours of sunshine with a 55% chance of precipitation and average relative humidity 75%.

LOW

75° 59°

YESTERDAY

TODAY

READING 81 MAIN POLLUTANT Particulates

MAIN POLLUTANT Ozone

New Orleans through 5 p.m. Wednesday

TEMPERATURE

Monroe 70/54

Shreveport 71/58 Longview 69/56

High/low Normal high Normal low Record high Record low

Jackson 68/51

61°/30° 63° 47° 83° in 2021 23° in 1983

24-hour total Month to date Normal month to date year to date Normal year to date

FLOOD WED. 24-HOUR

Baton Rouge 71/54

Lafayette 70/56

Beaumont 74/58

New Orleans 69/54

Lake Charles 70/57

Port Arthur 71/60

Houma 71/51

Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

City

Austin Boston Dallas Denver Fairbanks Honolulu Las Vegas Louisville Miami

TODAY

Lo W

75 54 pc 31 15 pc 70 56 pc 60 38 c -34 -45 s 82 71 sh 55 45 sh 41 31 c 69 51 s

FRI.

Lo W

85 55 s 28 19 s 72 45 s 57 37 pc -37 -45 s 79 70 sh 60 44 c 42 30 c 72 55 s

0.00” 4.29” 4.82” 57.53” 63.35”

GOOD

SOURCE: LOUISIANA DEQ AND AIRNOW.GOV

Hattiesburg 68/47

Alexandria 69/53

Many 68/51

MODERATE

PRECIPITATION

City

Nashville Orlando Philadelphia Phoenix Pittsburgh Raleigh St. Louis San Diego Tampa

TODAY

55 66 34 69 21 54 38 67 68

Lo W

34 s 46 s 24 pc 56 sh 16 sf 30 pc 28 pc 59 sh 52 s

FRI.

58 71 35 70 28 57 40 70 71

Lo W

42 c 52 pc 24 pc 53 c 16 pc 41 c 27 c 58 c 61 pc

MISSISSIPPI STAGE STAGE CHANGE Memphis 34 -4.20 -0.79 Vidalia-Natchez 48 16.80 +0.28 Red River Landing 48 19.40 +0.10 Baton Rouge 35 7.20 +0.30 Donaldsonville 27 3.80 none Reserve 22 2.81 +0.08 New Orleans 17 1.50 -0.07 OHIO Cairo 40 14.23 +2.33 COMITE Near Olive 19 -1.42 -0.01 AMITE Near Darlington 18 -0.96 -0.02 Denham Springs 29 10.19 -0.05 Port Vincent 8 0.40 -0.49 TICKFAW Montpelier 13 2.02 -0.04 Holden 15 0.87 -0.02 ATCHAFALAYA Simmesport 47 5.49 +0.41 Melville 34 3.49 +0.30 Krotz Springs 29 3.27 +0.28 Butte La Rose 20 2.47 +0.34 Bayou Sorrel 12 2.40 +0.70 Morgan City 6 1.91 +0.10

TODAY’S TIDES HIGH FT. LOW FT. Lake Pontchartrain (Tchefuncte River) 5:00a 0.7 5:05p -0.5 Shell Beach 11:29p 1.5 10:51a -0.7 South Point, Marsh Island 4:25p 1.8 5:57a -1.4 Cypremort Point 8:02p 1.3 10:00a -1.0 Grand Isle (Barataria Pass) 7:41p 1.2 6:12a -0.8 Mississippi River (Southwest Pass) 6:54p 1.6 4:31a -1.1 Wine Island 8:49p 1.5 7:14a -1.0

Sunrise today Sunset tonight Moonrise today Moonset today FULL

LAST

NEW

FIRST

JAN 3

JAN 10

JAN 18

JAN 25

data as of 7 a.m. Wednesday

Weather (W): s-sunny, pc-partly cloudy, c-cloudy, sh-showers, t-thunderstorms, r-rain, sf-snow flurries, sn-snow, i-ice.

6:57 a.m. 5:12 p.m. 3:19 p.m. 5:12 a.m.

HIGH

---------------

FT.

---------------

LOW

---------------

Today 8:49a Friday 9:50a Saturday 10:53a Sunday 11:56a Monday 12:30a Tuesday 1:29a Wednesday 2:24a

2:33a 9:22p 3:34a 10:23p 4:37a 11:25p 5:41a ---6:43a 12:57p 7:42a 1:54p 8:35a 2:47p

JANUARY 2026

ccc10k.com/training-calendar

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Saturday - April 4, 2026 Sign up today at ccc10k.com

Prepared by Jill Marie Kenyon (RRCA)

Thursday

---------------

The solunar period schedule allows planning days so you will be fishing in good territory or hunting in good cover during those times. Major periods begin at the times shown and last for 1.5 to 2 hours. The minor periods are shorter. MAJOR MINOR MAJOR MINOR

NEW ORLE ANS 10 K TR AINING C ALENDAR

For more tips on training and speed breakdowns, vist:

FT.

Friday

Saturday

Walkers: ½ mi Joggers: 1 mi Runners: 2 ½ mi

Rest

Walkers: 1 mi Joggers: 2 mi Runners: 5 mi

Walkers: ½ mi Joggers: 1 mi Runners: 3 mi

Strength/Cross Train/ Rest

Walkers: 1 mi Joggers: 1 ½ mi Runners: 3 mi

Strength/Cross Train/ Rest

Walkers: 1 mi Joggers: 1 ½ mi Runners: 3 mi

Rest

Walkers: 1 ½ mi Joggers: 2 ½ mi Runners: 6 mi

Walkers: ½ mi Joggers: 1 ½ mi Runners: 3 mi

Strength/Cross Train/ Rest

Walkers: 1 ½ mi Joggers: 2 mi Runners: 3 mi

Strength/Cross Train/ Rest

Walkers: 1 ½ mi Joggers: 2 mi Runners: 3 mi

Rest

Walkers: 2 mi Joggers: 2 ½ mi Runners: 6 mi

Walkers: 1 mi Joggers: 2 mi Runners: 3 mi

Strength/Cross Train/ Rest

Walkers: 1 ½ mi Joggers: 2 mi Runners: 3 mi

Strength/Cross Train/ Rest

Walkers: 1 ½ mi Joggers: 2 mi Runners: 3 mi

Rest

Walkers: 2 mi Joggers: 2 ½ mi Runners: 7 mi

Walkers: 1 mi Joggers: 2 mi Runners: 3 ½ mi

Strength/Cross Train/ Rest

Walkers: 2 mi Joggers: 2 mi Runners: 4 mi

Strength/Cross Train/ Rest

Walkers: 2 mi Joggers: 2 ½ mi Runners: Speed A

Rest

Walkers: 3 mi Joggers: 3 mi Runners: 8 mi

3:05p 4:06p 5:09p 6:11p 7:11p 8:06p 8:58p

JEFFERSON • NEW ORLEANS • ST. TAMMANY • RIVER PARISHES ST. BERNARD • TANGIPAHOA • PLAQUEMINES

METRO

N O L A.C O M

T h u r s d ay, J a n u a ry 1, 2026

1Bn

STAFF FILE PHOTO By SCOTT THRELKELD

Jon Batiste leads a second-line on Feb. 8 during his Love Riot Festival, a free ‘day of hope and celebration’ on the campus of George Washington Carver High School in New Orleans’ 9th Ward ahead of Super Bowl LIX.

THE YEAR WE LIVED 2025 moments from around the N.O. area

BY DAVID GRUNFELD

ä More photos on Page 2B.

2025 was a hard year, and our photographers met it with compassion and grit. The big headlines and shocking news are easy to remember. What gets lost are the quiet, ordinary moments, the everyday life that keeps going and deserves to be seen again. These images show the heart and everyday soul of New Orleans and southeast Louisiana. What sets this staff apart is their willingness to go beyond the obvious. They slow down. They notice the moments most people walk right past. They aren’t just dropping in; they live here, too. They know the streets, the neighborhoods, the seasons — Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, hurricane season, Saints season — and the people. They understand that culture isn’t a break from the news; it’s the reason

the news matters. Sometimes that means second-lines and packed festivals. Other times it’s a small gesture, an unexpected frame or the weight of photographing a funeral for an ofﬁcer killed in the line of duty, work that stops you cold. Their images matter because photography is about paying attention. It’s about ﬁnding meaning, surprise and beauty in everyday life. The images in this collection show how this place is really lived in, messy, loud, quiet, joyful and complicated all at once. We’re grateful to share this work with you, our readers and viewers of NOLA.com and The Times-Picayune. This is a year seen up close, documented with care, honesty and a deep love for the place we call home.

Director of photography

STAFF FILE PHOTO By SCOTT THRELKELD

Chris Peet, of New Orleans, waves a flag he fashioned from his shower curtain and green and purple paint on Jan. 2 at Bourbon and Canal streets in the French Quarter. ‘The terrorist took the same route that I take for my morning jogs,’ Peet said. ‘He tried to claim it for evil. I am reclaiming the route for love.’

Quinn Ogg, 14, rides an inflatable alligator down the Mississippi River levee on Jan. 21 in New Orleans as a winter storm moves through the area. STAFF FILE PHOTO By BRETT DUKE

STAFF PHOTO By SOPHIA GERMER

Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams, left, gets in a scrum with New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado during a game on Saturday at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans.

STAFF FILE PHOTO By ENAN CHEDIAK

Revelers gather Nov. 23 for the annual St. Catherine’s Hat Parade in McDonough Zachery Park.

2B ✦ Thursday, January 1, 2026 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune

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A LOOK BACK AT 2025 Paula Davis to

step down from state House BR-area Republican

says ‘decision did not come lightly’

BY TYLER BRIDGES Staff writer

STAFF FILE PHOTO By CHRIS GRANGER

With no bands between floats because of incoming bad weather, a long line of Mardi Gras floats rolls down Napoleon Avenue on March 4 for the Rex parade.

Bryson Candies, 8, glances up at the casket holding his father, Sgt. Grant Candies, as it is placed into the back of a hearse by police officers on April 1 at the Harbor Center in Slidell. Candies was killed in the line of duty. STAFF FILE PHOTO By CHRIS GRANGER

State Rep. Paula Davis is resigning from the House next month, the Baton Rouge Republican announced Tuesday night. Davis didn’t give an explanation for her move in a letter to House Speaker Phillip DeVillier, R-Eunice. “This decision has not come lightly, but I believe the time is right to step away from public office and embrace the next chapter of my personal and professional life,” she wrote. Davis will step down on Jan. 9 as the representative from District 69, which covers south Baton Rouge. Davis took office in 2016 with a group of fellow freshmen Republicans bent on quickly learning the ropes and banding together to increase their political power. Some — such as state Rep. Jack McFarland, R-Jonesboro, who chairs the House Appropriations Committee — have gone on to positions of leadership. But political insiders say Davis has been sidelined during her third and final term by DeVillier and Gov. Jeff Landry for being too independent. Early in her career, she won notice by not being cowed by Baton Rouge business owner Lane Grigsby, who met with her privately to say that he would start a recall if she voted for a tax measure sought by then-Gov. John Bel Edwards to help fill the budget shortfall that Edwards inherited from his predecessor, Gov. Bobby Jindal. “I just said OK. He got up and walked out,” Davis said at the time when asked about their meeting. She said Grigsby’s comments played no role in her decision to vote no on the tax measure and wouldn’t on future votes. In fact, in June 2018, Davis stepped forward during a special session to sponsor a compromise measure that would renew a state sales tax at 0.45% for seven years. Far-right conservatives were dead-set against it, but Davis agreed with Democrats and

STAFF FILE PHOTO By TRAVIS SPRADLING

State Rep. Paula Davis, R-Baton Rouge, is resigning from the House next month, she said Tuesday.

moderate Republicans that the state needed the money to fund essential services. Then-Speaker Taylor Barras, RNew Iberia, and Edwards supported the bill after tough negotiations. But state Rep. Raymond Crews, RBossier City, threatened to derail the measure at the last minute. “No, you’re not going to do this,” she told Crews on the House floor. “You’re not going to put this amendment on my bill.” Several other legislators intervened on her behalf, and Crews dropped his opposition. The House and then the Senate approved the bill. Her role led Moon Griffon, the conservative talk radio host in Lafayette, to dub her “Paula ‘Pelosi’ Davis.” Davis won reelection two more times. In her resignation letter, Davis said she sponsored more than 100 bills, with more than 50 becoming law. “These efforts focused on strengthening our state’s business climate, workforce development, economic recovery, modernizing insurance frameworks, improving health care and access to IVF treatments, pro-family policies, reinforcing infrastructure and championing small business resiliency,” she wrote. She voted with Louisiana Right to Life 97% of the time during her tenure, according to the group’s scorecard. Davis, who is originally from Breaux Bridge, has worked as a real estate broker, a lobbyist, a spokesperson for L’Auberge casino in Baton Rouge and as a senior official at the state Insurance Department. The Legislature already has five vacancies among its 144 seats, with primary elections set to fill them on Feb. 7.

Earthquake rattles northwest Louisiana BY ADAM DUVERNAY

Staff writer

STAFF FILE PHOTO By CHRIS GRANGER

Lycee Francais de la Nouvelle Orleans facilities manager Roy yost, center, playfully dances and sings to students waiting on the sidewalk for the opening bell on the first day of school on Aug 18. Mount Carmel’s Stella Junius, who kicked the winning goal, celebrates on Jan. 25 as Dominican’s Corinne Lannan reacts after Mount Carmel beat Dominican, 2-1, during a game at Pan American Stadium in New Orleans. STAFF FILE PHOTO By SCOTT THRELKELD

Northwest Louisiana last week again felt the rumble of an earthquake, this time in De Soto Parish, northeast of the town of Pleasant Hill in Sabine Parish. Since about this time last year, a number of small earthquakes — unusual, but increasingly frequent — have rattled northwest Louisiana and parts of east Texas on the state line. The earthquake that struck near Pleasant Hill on Saturday was one of the strongest of at least 10 recorded in northwest Louisiana last December. According to data from the U.S. Geological Survey, an earthquake occurred at 6:47 a.m. about 4 miles northeast of Pleasant Hill. The earthquake was about 3 miles deep and registered as a 2.9 on the Richter scale, tying for ﬁfth strongest in northwest Louisiana since this time last year. Earthquakes in Louisiana are rare, largely because the region doesn’t sit on an active geological fault line like parts of California and the Pacific Northwest, where shakes are more common and much stronger. Geologists believe the shallow, weak quakes now affecting this part of the country are more commonly man-made. Geologists believe the culprit of the quakes in Louisiana, as well as in Oklahoma and Texas, are saltwater disposal wells used by the oil and gas industry. The wells inject wastewater from extraction processes back into

the ground which geologists say, over time, can lubricate the earth and cause geological slippage. “It’s almost certainly induced by man-made operations,” USGS Research Geophysicist Thomas Pratt said after a quake struck in Caddo Parish in January. “There’s been a history of earthquakes induced by oil and gas operations out there, so this is probably another one of those.” USGS recorded Saturday’s earthquake, but does not report on the cause of speciﬁc earthquakes. Only three people reported to USGS that they felt the earthquake. In December 2024, Caddo Parish registered a number of earthquakes around Mooringsport. The quakes came in clusters but tapered off after January. At the same time, and throughout the rest of 2025, USGS recorded a string of other earthquakes in neighboring parishes and over the state line near east Texas towns. Data on earthquakes in December 2024 originally identiﬁed with epicenters near Uncertain, Texas, later was revised to have origin points in Caddo Parish.

LOTTERY

TUESDAY, DEC. 30, 2025 PICK 3: 5-4-7 PICK 4: 0-3-3-0 PICK 5: 2-0-0-0-8 MEGA MILLIONS: 18-43-49-63-69 MEGA BALL: 6 Unofficial notification, keep your tickets.

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New Orleans Area Deaths Baptiste, Beulah Broussard Sr., Robert Dorsey, Jomonique Drouilhet, Yvonne Hatcher, Margaret Joseph Jr., Oscar Longmire, Dynetta

rhodesfuneral.com to sign the guest book.

Broussard Sr., Robert 'Bob'

McGuire, Clyde Prater, Ora

Shall, Dorothy Smith, Linda

Ward, Michael

E Jefferson Leitz-Eagan Drouilhet, Yvonne

New Orleans Boyd Family Hatcher, Margaret

Ward, Michael Charbonnet Prater, Ora DW Rhodes

Baptiste, Beulah Dorsey, Jomonique

Longmire, Dynetta Gertrude Geddes

McGuire, Clyde

West Bank Robinson FH Broussard Sr., Robert Joseph Jr., Oscar Smith, Linda

Obituaries Baptiste, Beulah P.

Beulah P. Baptiste de‐ parted this life on Thurs‐ day, December 19, 2025, at the age of 83. Wife of the late Joseph H. (Paw Paw Joe) Baptiste, Sr. Born on July 20, 1942, to the late Mary Pearl (Neen) Lewis Pugh and Raphael George (Red) Pugh. She is survived by her brother retired army veteran, Joseph George (Rejena) Pugh and sister, Nancy P. Davis; good friend, Gwendolyn W. Hayes and a host of nieces, nephews, and other rela‐ tives. She was married to the late George Thompson, III and from this union they had three daughters, Mon‐ ica T. Flint, Paula T. Reid and the late Alvirda T. Cook. She also leaves to mourn her Bloomington based daughters, Natalie Brunson Wheeler, Tanya Davis, and Delilah Johnson; eight grandchildren, Valarie J. Cook, Houston R. Flint, Maya F. Johnson, Devin G. Frazier, Rachel S. Banks, Caurey F. Bourgeois, Michelle M. Reid, and Si‐ mone A. Reid; her Bloom‐ ington grandsons, Javon Davis, Austin and Aaron Wheeler, and twenty seven great grandchildren. Beu‐ lah Baptiste a devout catholic, was a parishioner of the Blessed Sacrament of St. Joan of Arc, a mem‐ ber of the Les Jeune Filles Social and Pleasure Club and The Duchess Incorpo‐ rated Social and Pleasure Club. She was employed at South Central Bell in New Orleans and 19 years at State Farm Insurance Com‐ pany, retiring August of 2004. She was devoted to her family and especially proud of her grandchil‐ dren. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a Funeral Mass of Christian Burial at Blessed Sacrament of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 8321 Burthe St., New Orleans, LA 70118 on Tuesday, Decem‐ ber 30, 2025, at 10:15 am. Visitation begins at 8:45 am. Funeral Mass of Christ‐ ian Burial Interment: Fri‐ day, January 2, 2026, at 10:00 am at Carrollton Cemetery #1 (Green St.) Professional services en‐ trusted to: D.W. Rhodes Fu‐ neral Home, 3933 Washing‐ ton Ave. New Orleans, LA 70125. Please visit www.

Robert “Bob” Broussard, Sr., businessman, insur‐ ance executive, entrepre‐ neur, mentor, friend to everyone he met, but most of all, a loving and doting husband, father, grandfa‐ ther, and sibling even to his in-laws, lost his valiant battle with pancreatic can‐ cer on December 17, 2025. As he departed his earthly home, he was blessed with visits from dozens of friends and family who traveled from near and far wanting to hold his hand, tell him how much they loved him, thank him for being a sounding board, a moral compass, a man with integrity whom they admired, and mainly to thank him for being their best friend. Robert, or “Bob,” as he was referred to professionally, was born July 24, 1948, to Thelma Mire Broussard and Wal‐ lace Broussard in Maurice, Louisiana. He grew up in Lafayette, Louisiana, where attended St. Paul he Elementary Catholic School and graduated from Paul Breaux High School. In his early years, Robert was sure he would become a bricklayer, following in the construction footsteps of his father and uncle, but God had a different plan. A childhood friend suggested he apply to Southern Uni‐ versity A&M in Baton Rouge, which he did on a whim. God ordered his steps as he majored in Administration, Business graduating in December 1970. That choice not only earned him a degree, but also led him to be the wingman on a double date in October of 1969. Even though both Robert and Jinx had to be persuaded by their friends to go on that blind date, magic hap‐ pened between them that evening. How coincidental: both had sisters named Eva and brothers named Warren Joseph! After only three in-person dates and many love letters that fol‐ lowed, a proposal letter, a diamond engagement ring and a kimono sent all the way from Japan, arrived in Jinx’s tiny LSU mailbox. The fourth time they laid eyes on each other was when Robert and Jinx wed on April 17, 1971. In total, they experienced 56 years of adventure, travel, rais‐ ing not only their children and helping many others, but most of all a deep, un‐ ending loyalty, respect, connection, and love. Why? Because God ordered his steps. With the Vietnam War raging and a draft lot‐ tery number of 22, Robert knew he would be headed to the jungles of that Southeast Asian country. He decided to follow in the of his two footsteps cousins, Allen P. Catalon and Paul “Shorty” Brous‐ sard, and join the Navy. His skills as the fastest typist around and his ability to Creole French speak landed him the job of clerk typist and assistant to the Commandant. Robert often told stories of his travels across the entire globe, Madagascar to from Ethiopia to Singapore, and beyond. “This little country boy from Truman has been all over the world”, he would say. Why? Because God ordered his steps. Robert often joked that he and their daughter, Erica, were the only two people he knew who served in wars and did not fire a gun. After his Navy service, Robert moved to New Or‐ leans to join his wife, Jinx. He worked his first job for literally about five minutes when he realized the job was not as advertised. Concerned about how Jinx would react, he walked for an hour downtown, not re‐ alizing God was ordering his steps. While taking those steps, he looked through the window at Casey/Canal Ford and saw a friend from Lafayette in‐ side. That friend hired him on the spot. Armed with his business degree, a drive to make his mark, his Navy experience, affable personality, and let’s not forget, good looks and charm, he quickly rose to the peak of his sales field, garnering innumerable top awards. Seeking the next challenge, Bob joined IBM, where every year he re‐ ceived national recognition as a top producer. After five years, he joined All‐ state Insurance Company

and remained there for al‐ most 38 years, eventually becoming an independent Allstate Agency owner. There, his sales prowess and personality enabled him to excel, winning bonuses, and awards, recognition that included to Hawaii, the trips Caribbean, Lake Tahoe, New York, Las Vegas, and many more. He reached the top echelons of every endeavor he pursued, pro‐ fessionally and personally. Robert’s love of travel whisked him and his little wife all across the Ameri‐ cas, Western Europe, the Baltics, Asia, and beyond. “Bob is the only person I know who has best friends from every stage of his life,” one friend recently said. At any given time, he may be on the phone remi‐ niscing with his cousins about jumping off the barn onto a horse and riding through the pastures in Maurice, La, or with his “potnas” from Paul Breaux or Southern University, to all the friends he gathered from Casey Ford, IBM, All‐ state, the gym, cutting grass outside waving to neighbors, and through decades of attending the Catholic Men’s Retreat at Manresa in Convent, La. He lived his life by providing a smile, a laugh, a good time, a hug, an ear, a source of support and guidance to so many. He was the first on the dance floor who could swing out and Zy‐ deco and the last to leave. A great dancer who com‐ mitted to being in the pre‐ sent moment and having a great time; he was good at it all. He was a husband, friend, father, and mentor to many. He may have told them what they didn’t want to hear, but what they needed to know. Robert believed in taking care of his body, eating right, and exercising. He worked out religiously and played golf multiple times a week. That dedication to the gift of his body gave him the strength to fight this battle and win for far longer than expected. As he faced his mortality, he was strong and coura‐ geous; a realist and hope‐ ful. He would not give up. Although he may have felt scared at times, he let everyone know his expec‐ tation was that as long as he was alive, you were to treat him as such. He did not want pity, but prayers of love and hope. He wanted good stories and memories shared with him, smiles and the fun times he gave to all of us. That is how he wanted to be hon‐ ored. Because God ordered his steps, he was able to freely live his life with the motto of doing the right thing even when no one was looking. Whether it was wheeling and dealing in his sales profession or on a night out with the fel‐ las, he led by example and embodied integrity, for he knew that a fair deal was still a great deal. He also deeply believed that there was no one better or more suited for him than his pretty little wife, Jinx. His greatest legacy is not just what is mentioned above. It is being a strong, loving, and secure man. At a time in history where it was not socially acceptable for a wife to flourish profession‐ ally, he supported his wife, Jinx’s career. Cheerleading accomplishments, her watching over their kids while she traveled or worked late; all while his friends teased him, calling him “Mr. Jinx”. Robert didn’t care because he and Jinx did this for each other. A true powerful, impactful partnership. They only had one team and that was Team Robert, Jinx, Erica, Dana and Rob. He was right there putting hair‐ dressers out of business, combing and styling hair, putting soul food restau‐ rants to the test as he whipped up those meals, and no one could make a bed as tight as he did. He was walking those miles as a St. Augustine High School Marching 100 band dad. He was flying to Nashville or Washington, D.C. to help tend to his girls if they were sick with pneumonia or sick because someone who couldn’t measure up to him broke one of his girl’s hearts. He taught his children how to respect themselves, be confident,

manage independent, money and how to succeed in and at this thing called life. He taught his children grandchildren IN‐ and TEGRITY and accountabil‐ ity. To any and everyone he encountered, he professed deep love of his wife and his children. He was the fun uncle, the surrogate fa‐ ther, the brother from an‐ other mother. His home was open to old and young who needed it. He visited the elderly and the sick. He made it to the mountain‐ top, but always had his arm extended to help someone rise to the top with him. And for that, all love him. “God doesn’t live for us. We live for God.” Robert Broussard, Sr. This was his philosophy. Robert was rewarded on this earth for walking in God’s steps. He had the fortune of enjoying the fruits of his labor and of the life he cre‐ ated with his pretty little wife. They watched their children succeed over and over again. His big girl, Erica, became the ﬁrst medical doctor in his fam‐ ily. His baby girl, Dana, earned her doctorate in psychology and touches lives in the same way he did, and his namesake, Robert Jr., followed in his footsteps and began his own immensely successful insurance agency. Robert had an opportunity to cre‐ ate memories with all of his grandchildren, taking them to school, cheering at games, and playing peeka-boo. And now, Robert’s work is done. God has or‐ dered his steps to eternal peace. Although it pains us survivors to see him go, we know he is up above, im‐ ploring us to honor his spirit, to make a great time out of a good time, to be a friend and family member someone can count on. If we can live by his example, may we be blessed to have the amazing family, life and career of the one and only, Robert “Bob” Brous‐ sard, Sr. Robert is survived by his wife, Dr. Jinx Cole‐ man Broussard, and their children, Dr. Erica Brous‐ sard Bart, Dr. Dana Brous‐ sard Labat, and Robert Broussard, Jr.; Son- and daughter-in- law Kevin Bart and Sasha Steib Broussard; Ryan grandchildren, Labat, Gabriel Joseph Robert Labat, Nadia Elise Bart, Fallon Victoria Bart, Savannah Marie Broussard, and Robert “Saint” Brous‐ sard III. Robert’s siblings include James Broussard (Theresa) of Maurice, La.; Eva Broussard Whetstone (Michael) of New Orleans, La; Rose Broussard of La; Warren Lafayette, Broussard of Houston, Tx; and Charlotte Williams of sistersand Lafayette; brothers-in law, Betty Cole‐ man Clement of LaPlace, Eva Colemen of La; La; Warren Vacherie, Joseph Coleman (Brenda) of Wallace, La.; Larry Cole‐ man (Patricia) of New Or‐ leans, La; and Amy Cole‐ man Moore (Marcus) of DeSoto, Tx. Robert is sur‐ vived by a host of nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews, in‐ cluding Keisha NelsonBoutee (Martin); Kaisha Nelson, Chastity Rubin, Broussard Hall Krystal (Tommy), Kelly Broussard, Anthony Broussard, and Loni Broussard, all of Hous‐ ton, Tx; Chelsea Fields (Eric) of Lafayette, La.; Melanie Clement of DeS‐ oto, Tx; Maya Clement; Warren Coleman III (Sha‐ juandra) of Wallace, La.; Marcus Cole Moore of Houston, Tx; Colin Moore of Austin, Tx; Jeramie Cole‐ man (Maya) and Javon Ly‐ muel (April) of New Or‐ leans, La; godchildren, and a host of other family and friends. For many mar‐ riages, the spouse learns that their life partner is part of a package deal. Robert found out early on that Jinx Coleman came with Eva Coleman. After decades of Eva being a constant in their lives, the three of them nicknamed themselves the Three Ami‐ gos and the Three Muske‐ teers. Eva was right there by their sides until the end. Although Robert loved all his nieces and nephews, he considered it one of his greatest honors to be the Parrain of James Charles. They loved each other be‐ yond measure and their was undeniable. bond Robert was preceded in

The Times-Picayune ✦ nola.com ✦ Thursday, January 1, 2026 ✦ 3B

death by his father, Wal‐ lace Broussard; mother, Thelma Mire Broussard; and brother, Harold. The services will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2025, beginning with visitation at 9:00 a.m. at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church, 7300 Crowder Blvd, in New Orleans, Louisiana. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 a.m. Before mass begins, tributes will provided by The be Pontchartrain Chapter of the Links, Incorporated, and sister chapters, as well as by Robert Brous‐ sard, Jr. The recitation of the rosary will precede the funeral. Internment: South‐ east Louisiana Veterans Slidell, LA. Cemetery, Arrangements entrusted to D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Ave., New Orleans, LA 70125. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral. com to sign the online guestbook, share memo‐ ries and condolences with the family. In Lieu of ﬂow‐ ers, please donate to the St. Augustine High School Marching 100 by visiting the link below. Please write In Honor of Robert Brous‐ sard, Sr. in the Special In‐ structions. https://secure. lglforms.com/form_ engine/s/l2G4uvfmBmb s34XlAEg0gQ

Dorsey, Jomonique

With sadness we share the passing of Jomonique Dorsey, on December 13, 2025. Please visit www.rho desfuneral.com to view service information, sign online guestbook, send ﬂowers and share condo‐ lences.

Amelia Mary. Her legacy continues through her step great-grandchildren: Lucas Puisseger, Shawn Puisseger, Charlotte Sanders, Eathan Sanders, Magdalena Baczmaga, Lucasz Baczmaga, and Casey Babin, as well as her step great-great-grandchild, Sully Babin. Cookie was preceded in death by her parents, Earl J. Pursell, Sr. and Ellen Austin Pursell; her husbands, John C. Todd, Jr. and Raymond Drouilhet; her son, John C. Todd, Jr.; her stepson, Patrick Drouilhet (Cindy); her sisters, Reginamae Pursell Behan and Earleen Pursell Bernard; and her brother, Earl J. Pursell, Jr. A devout Catholic throughout life, Cookie was a faithful member of St. Ann Church and Shrine. Her deep faith sustained her through life's many challenges, including the heartbreaking losses of her husbands, John and Ray, and her son, Johnny. Family and friends are invited to honor Cookie's life at a visitation on January 3, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at St. Ann Church and Shrine, 3601 Transcontinental Drive, Metairie, Louisiana 70006. A Catholic Mass will follow at noon. Interment will take place at Lake Lawn Park Mausoleum, 5454 Pontchartrain Boulevard, New Orleans, Louisiana. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her.

Hatcher, Margaret Turner

Drouilhet, Yvonne 'Cookie'

Yvonne "Cookie" Drouilhet, a loving mother, wife, grandmother, devoted family member, and dear friend to all, who truly never met a stranger, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2025, in Folsom, Louisiana. Born on January 11, 1945, Cookie lived a life defined by unwavering faith, deep devotion to her family, and a generous spirit. She worked as a part-time bookkeeper, a career she began shortly after graduating from high school and continued faithfully throughout her life. Even in her later years, she prepared a handful of tax returns for lifelong friends. Cookie's greatest joy was being a full-time mother, wife, and homemaker. She shared 36 wonderful years with her beloved late husband, John C. Todd, Jr., and after his passing, she was blessed with 20 loving years with her husband, the late Raymond Drouilhet. She was the devoted mother of Suzanne Todd Hutton (Mike), Mark Todd, and Melissa Todd (Zachariah). She also lovingly embraced her stepchildren: Terri Walters (Gary), Sherri Blackwood (David), Sonny Drouilhet (Kelly), and Timothy Drouilhet (Andree), stepdaughter-in-law, Cindy Drouilhet, as well as being an incredibly loving dog mom to her constant companion, Rascal. Cookie was a proud grandmother to Christopher Hutton (Racquel), Allison Hutton Wilson (Zachary), and Kyle Todd, as well as stepgrandmother to T.J. Theil (Jolene), Brandi Puisseger (Andrew), John Paul Drouilhet (Rachel), Jeanne Celwell (Chris), Angele Baczmaga (Daniel), Kara Blackwood (Mark), and

Margaret Turner Hatcher passed away peace‐ fully in her home on De‐ cember 6, 2025, at the age of 93. Margaret was born and raised in Louisiana and lived a life deﬁned by strength, resilience, and devotion to her family. She was known for her hon‐ esty, perseverance, and unwavering commitment. Family was always at the center of her world, and she took great pride in car‐ ing for and supporting multiple generations. Mar‐ garet is survived by her three grandchildren, An‐ derson Lee III, Derek Lee, and Jean-Pierre Lee; her great-grandchildren, Shaun Pierre Gaudet and Nathan Pierre Lee; and a host of other relatives and friends who will cherish her mem‐ ory. Family and friends are invited to attend a Memor‐ Service celebrating ial Margaret’s life on Friday, January 2, 2026, for 1:30 p.m. at The Boyd Family Fu‐ neral Home, 5001 Chef Menteur Highway, New Or‐ Louisiana 70126. leans, Reverend Dr. Vernita Riley will ofﬁciate the service. A repass to follow at the home of Pierre Lee. Mar‐ garet will be remembered for her strength, wisdom, and enduring love she shared with her family. Guestbook Online: www. anewtraditionbegins.com (504)282-0600. Linear Brooks Boyd and Donavin D. Boyd Owners/Funeral Di‐ rectors.

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State in good position to address challenges in 2026 It’s that time of year when many of us are recommitting ourselves to attack long-festering issues, whether it’s that extra 20 pounds that just won’t go away by themselves or the pile of seldom-worn clothes that really should be donated. It’s also a time to focus on things beyond selfhelp and domestic order, to take stock of the world around us and ﬁgure out how we all can play a part in helping to address some lingering issues. Louisiana has its fair share of those, but let us say ﬁrst that we saw a lot of good things happening in our state in 2025. Education appears to be a bright spot with Louisiana student and school performance scores at new highs. Crime still remains at record lows in many areas. It seems that perhaps some of the multi-pronged efforts to lower our insurance costs may be starting to have an effect. The state budget picture appears to be good. And we particularly like what we have seen on the economic development front, not only with new projects being announced but also with the strategy of diversifying economic potential in all parts of the state. So we’re at least starting the year with our heads above water. Still, there are a few areas where we would like to see more attention. The coast: We have previously expressed concern about the cancellation of the big sediment diversion projects that were set to help rebuild land lost along the coast. And while we are open to new strategies that are supposedly being pursued, we still don’t see a comprehensive vision. It has taken a phenomenal effort to bring our coastal issues into the national conversation; let’s not see that spotlight dim. Health care: The cuts to Medicaid and potential loss of health insurance by those who can no longer afford it without subsidies present a real challenge to our state. We were glad to hear the state will get $208 million from the federal government for rural health care to address some of these issues but wonder if it will be enough. Youth: If Louisiana is to have a prosperous future, we simply must invest more in our youth. While crime in general is down, violent crime among juveniles remains stubbornly high in our state. Our rates of teen pregnancy are also unacceptable. Everyone in Louisiana, from the governor on down, should be looking at ways we can encourage young people to make healthy and smart choices. We need to spend more on education and organizations that give youths a connection to community. With congressional races shaping up to be contentious in 2026, we hope at least, during their campaigns, the candidates talk about the serious issues facing our state rather than just stick to their national party talking points. We need a real conversation if we ever hope become the state our people deserve.

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Let’s all try to stop spread of preventable diseases Whooping cough hasn’t been a threat in the U.S. since the 1940s. But less than a decade ago, I became infected with the highly contagious respiratory condition. It left me coughing uncontrollably and barely able to breathe. I wouldn’t wish that terrifying experience on anyone. I was eventually diagnosed with a form of primary immunodeﬁciency, meaning part of my immune system is missing or not functioning properly. I am more susceptible to different types of infections that people with healthy immune systems ﬁght off naturally. Whooping cough is rare to see due to high vaccine rates. Those traditionally high rates are being threatened by misinformation and proposed changes to vaccine policies not rooted in science. Lower vaccination rates threaten people like me and the millions of others across the country with compromised immune systems. I am the mother of a 1-year-old, who is just making her way through the routine childhood vaccine schedule.

I am also the wife of a physician at a local health system. My husband is routinely exposed to infectious pathogens through his patients. The declining vaccination rates in the general population and any possible threat to the access of safe vaccines are a major concern for my young family. I was honored to speak at a roundtable for Louisianans hosted recently by the Immune Deficiency Foundation. We discussed shifting vaccination rates and how people with compromised immune systems rely on community immunity to stay healthy. This goes beyond a simple plea to get your flu shot. We are pleading to policymakers and public health officials at the state level in Louisiana and at the federal level to keep promoting vaccines with proactive policies and accurate information. We need to make certain vaccine-preventable diseases like whooping cough and measles remain a thing of the past for everyone.

JENNIFER HARRY New Orleans

Mandatory Commandments display defies values The recent defense of mandatory Ten Commandments displays in Louisiana classrooms by Andrea PicciottiBayer rests on a selective reading of both history and original intent. The Ten Commandments undeniably emerge from the Bronze Age cultures of the ancient Middle East — societies that were overwhelmingly hierarchical, theocratic and monarchical. Law in those systems ﬂowed downward from divine authority to subjects. What they did not generate were the deﬁning political institutions of the Western liberal tradition: trial by jury, election of leaders, separation of powers, and the subordination of rulers to law. Those features arise instead from entirely different historical streams — Greek civic reasoning, Roman civil law, and especially the communal legal practices of early European “barbarian” societies, where free men assembled, judged one another, and selected leaders. Our jury system does not descend from Sinai; it descends from forests, villages, and common-law traditions that treated political authority as conditional rather than divine. Originalist arguments fare no bet-

ter. The Founding generation was indeed largely Christian, but that fact reﬂects accident of birth, not constitutional prescription. The Constitution itself avoids enshrining any religion, forbids religious tests for ofﬁce, and guarantees both free exercise and non-establishment — precisely because its architects understood that future Americans would not necessarily share their beliefs. To confuse demographic coincidence with constitutional intent is to misread the very design they created. Finally, if the mandated classroom displays were truly intended as neutral moral instruction rather than symbolic religious preference, basic empathy and intellectual consistency would require the inclusion of ethical traditions from other cultures as well. The exclusive elevation of a single religious code, while labeling it “nonsectarian,” quietly excludes the pluralistic reality of modern classrooms. The strength of American civic life had never rested on the authority of any saved text, but on a political architecture built to govern people of many beliefs under shared law.

BRIAN HANLEY Baton Rouge

Column tries to erase Iroquois contributions to U.S. Rich Lowry in his Dec. 3 column dismisses any influence the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy had in the founding of the United States, saying it is “a nice fairy tale;” they had “no role in our constitutional history,” and the idea was a “childish canard.” Lowry minimizes Benjamin Franklin’s knowledge of it in a specious and demeaning rewriting of history. Reality check: Franklin, George Washington and others studied Haudenosaunee governance when shaping the colonial confederacy. Franklin was Indian Commissioner for Pennsylvania, chairman of the Indian committee for the Continental Congress, and published records of treaty councils as Pennsylvania’s official printer. The Grand Council of the tribes has sections of Elder and Younger Brothers, similar to the U.S.’s twohouse Congress. The 13 arrows bundled together on the Great Seal of the United States is after an analogy of 6 bundled arrows that Onondaga leader Canassatego used to urge colonies to unite at the 1744 Treaty of Lancaster. Franklin recorded and published his speech. Lowry implies that there is but one sentence in a March 20, 1751, letter where Franklin expressed knowledge of the Haudenosaunee Confederation. That potent sentence to James Parker says: “It would be a very strange Thing, if six Nations of ignorant Savages should be capable of forming a Scheme for such an Union, and be able to execute it in such a Manner, as that it has subsisted Ages, and appears indissoluble; and yet that a like Union should be impracticable for ten or a Dozen English Colonies, to whom it is more necessary, and must be more advantageous.” Franklin proposed the Albany Plan that Lowry belittles; the Haudenosaunee attended the meeting. It was a significant forerunner for the Articles of Confederation and the U.S. Constitution, embodying the federalist principles in the Iroquois system. More is in the 392-page 1987 U.S. Senate report, “Iroquois Confederacy of Nations.”

R. EUGENE TURNER Baton Rouge

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COMMENTARY Celebrate that 2025 is over What Samuel Johnson said of Milton’s “Paradise Lost” can be said of 2025: No one ever wished it longer. As this year slinked offstage, remember some memorable moments: Cracker Barrel stumbled into crisis when many Americans who have too much spare time became enraged because the restaurant chain deleted from its logo an elderly man in overalls. An Immigration and Customs Enforcement social media graphic said: “If it crosses the George U.S. border illegally, it is Will our job to stop it. People. Money. Products. Ideas.” Particularly pesky ideas. A trans-identifying male Transportation Security Administration agent at Dulles Airport sued the TSA because its discriminatory policy would not let him (now her: Danielle) conduct security pat-downs of female travelers. After 32 years at Ford Motor Co., an executive retired with 2,229 examples of colleagues’ verbal pratfalls, including: “He’s going to be so happy he’ll be like a canary in a coal mine.” To prepare young Oklahomans for the demands of a high-tech future, the state’s board of education mandated instruction about “discrepancies” in the 2020 presidential election. Intellectuals really are the last to learn things: Harvard Law School thought the Magna Carta it bought 79 years ago for $27.50 was one of many later reproductions. Now British researchers think it might be one reissued in 1300. In a mailing to its 3 million members, the National Education Association, America’s largest union of K-12 teachers, linked to an article explaining that Hitler was “pushed into the genocide option” because European Jews refused his offer to send them elsewhere. In other organized labor news, the United Auto Workers (1.5 million members in 1979; 400,000 today) had in 2025 about 100,000 members from higher education’s proletariat. Neither the UAW’s communications director nor its chief of staff have ever worked in an auto factory. Sen. Bernie Sanders, the Vermont socialist, said many warehouse jobs are (a) inhumane and (b) should be protected from automation. Elon (“I’m not just MAGA, I’m dark gothic MAGA”) Musk’s DOGE (Department of Government Efﬁciency),

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Cracker Barrel stumbled into crisis when many Americans became enraged because the restaurant chain deleted from its logo an elderly man in overalls. which never existed (actual departments are created by Congress), went out of existence after streamlining the government, which you might not have noticed. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who last year helped make Kamala Harris what she is today, told a 2025 crowd he relishes watching stock of Musk’s Tesla company tumble. Two Minnesota state funds own a total of almost 2 million Tesla shares. The 24-day fire of 2025 indicated that in 2024 Los Angeles County should have spent on firefighters some of the $70.8 million it then spent on 134 lifeguards, one of whose compensation was $523,351. The U.S. president — he is such a cut-up — posted an AI-concocted video of himself as a fighter pilot wearing a gold (of course!) crown and dropping excrement on “No Kings” protesters. Explaining his commutation of the prison sentence of the fraudulently elected ex-congressman George Santos, the president said Santos “had the Courage, Conviction, and Intelligence to ALWAYS VOTE REPUBLICAN.” So there. The president decreed that the Gulf of Mexico is the Gulf of America. In 1945, Manhattan’s Sixth Avenue was renamed Avenue of the Americas. Has anyone ever called it that? In the Republicans’ hotly contested Toadyism Sweepstakes, a House member proposed legislation to mandate carving Donald Trump’s visage on Mount Rushmore. Channeling the etiquette of the Golfer-in-Chief, American spectators at the Ryder Cup shouted

vulgarities at the European players. Cannot protectionism fend off the NBA’s overbearing foreigners? In the season that ended in June, the five top players, as identified by two sophisticated metrics, had passports from Canada, Serbia, Greece, France and Slovenia. New York elected a socialist mayor (“free” buses and child care and lots of other stuff). Seattle, whose motto should be “Anything you can do we can do weirder,” elected a 43-year-old socialist mayor who has been living partly on checks from her parents. (Shocker: Both are professors.) She promises government guided by people from, among others, the following communities: Black, Indigenous, Asian and Pacific Islander, Latinx/Hispanic, people of color, women, immigrants, refugees, people with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQIA+. Q = Queer or Questioning, I = Intersex, A = asexual. 2S = TwoSpirit, which you understand or you probably are a bigot. A taxpayer-funded Chicago nonprofit’s “Subversion Summer Camp” taught “queer magic” for resisting Trump. Paleontologists in New Mexico found evidence that before a 6-mile-wide space rock smacked Earth 66 million years ago, dinosaurs were flourishing. Post-rock, all was desolation, but out of this came, eventually, human beings. Was this progress? Not on the evidence of 2025. Email George Will at georgewill@ washpost.com.

As anniversary year ends, let’s keep harnessing the spirit of Katrina recovery Throughout 2025, our city marked the poignant milestone of the 20th year of rebuilding efforts following the historic and unprecedented devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina and the multiple levee failures that ensued. While the memories of this disaster have been painful to recall, there Mary Landrieu are many reasons for us to be proud of what we GUEST COLUMNIST have accomplished. So, as this anniversary year comes to a close, let us take a minute to remember the tens of thousands of individuals and organizations that helped us along this journey. I remember being strengthened daily by the good will and positive energy that came from around the world, as we rolled up our sleeves and went to work. Together, we redesigned and rebuilt a school system that better meets the needs of our students and teachers alike, one that is focused on student achievement and teacher empowerment. We rebuilt over 200,000 homes, thousands of businesses and 10,000 affordable housing units with care and compassion to help families move up the economic ladder. Our public hospitals are now state-of-the-art and quality health care is ﬁnally accessible to all. A new, higher and stronger levee protection system has been put in place, which provides security for our region, and our building codes have been improved to guide our future growth and development. In addition, thanks to lessons learned from our friends in the Netherlands, we have a deeper understanding of the concept of “living with water” and the importance of preserving our coastal wetlands as our

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Peter Winkler, right, helps Eric Orlando position a huge tarp over his damaged roof on Sept. 14, 2005. first line of protection against rising flood waters. Because of our creative, civic and political leadership, a hapless FEMA was reshaped into a stronger partner, not just for ourselves but for other communities around the country ravaged by storm waters, fires and winds. And most importantly, we learned how much we needed each other to rebuild ... house by house, block by block and church by church. We always loved our neighborhood restaurants and special gathering places, but we moved up to a whole new level of appreciation and gratitude for the comfort they provided to us in those early days of recovery. So, as we remember the terrible pain and loss we all experienced 20 years ago, let us be encouraged by all that we have accomplished together, and let’s remember to thank those who helped us and commit to continue the work in

the neighborhoods that still need our collective help and support. Change is inevitable, but true human progress can only be accomplished with caring and dedicated leadership. We found it in ourselves in the swirl of the storm waters of Katrina. Can we ﬁnd it in ourselves every day? Can we each commit to doing our part as this new year begins to continue the hard work to build a stronger, greater and more prosperous city and region for our children and grandchildren? I think we can. Will our new mayor and City Council ﬁnd the courage and political fortitude to make the changes necessary for New Orleans to excel in the future? Let us pray that they will, and let each of us do our part to help. Mary Landrieu represented Louisiana in the U.S. Senate from 1997 until 2015.

Live the New Year simply. Smell the cheeses. MONTREAL — Michael Finnerty finally has wakened up. His awakening is a lesson for us all — in personal struggle and purpose, in renewal and redemption. Thus, a perfect tale for anyone contemplating a New Year’s resolution. This story involves two mighty islands, many time zones, sleepless nights, early mornings, bus billboards, toilets, Persillé du Beaujolais, Mistralou, Chabichou and Castillon Frais. Those last four are cheeses. You should get to know them. You should get to know Mr. Finnerty, David Shribman too. For years, before his version of the Great Awakening, his bedside alarm rang at 3:20 a.m., to rouse the host of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s Montreal morning drive show. From 5:30 to 8:30, his voice coursed through the homes of the city’s Englishspeaking minority, making Daybreak Montreal a cheery wake-up comprised of the news, commentary, and the latest gossip. His face was on buses. His checking account bulged. Then he stopped. Quit. Hung up his headset, you might say. Or, more precisely, took a sabbatical, kind of a halfway house to a more substantial life change. Moved to England. Ran out of money. Discovered there was such a profession as “cheese monger.” Began working at a cheese stand in a London public market. Cleaned the staff toilet. Scrubbed the basement stairs. Apprenticed with people half his age. Put his gift of gab to work behind the counter. Learned the difference between Camembert and Brie. Came to appreciate the difference between Camembert and Brie. Wrote a book. Along the way, changed his life. “I began a journey of reinvention, a pivot,” Mr. Finnerty, 59 years old, told me over a Europeanstyle lazy lunch in a French bistro. He had a salad, I had the onion soup, loaded with cheese. “I make less money. Some of my friends think I’m crazy. Some of them think I’m brilliant. But it’s brought happiness. I didn’t have that in my career as a journalist at the end.” He sees beauty in “turning milk into this marvelous product that not only immersed you but also leads you to irresistible delight.” He believes cheese “almost makes you levitate as you consume it” and that it was a bit like wine because, he goes on, “there’s the land, the knowhow, the making of it, the keeping of it.” Had he gone mad — or had the man who once worked with Louise Penny when the mystery writer was host of the Quebec City morning show simply become the bard of blue cheese, the maestro of Manchego, the pastor of Provelone, the rector of Ricotta? This new life — it sure was different from the old one, which he came to see as one part fun, many parts misery. Writing the book, titled “The Cheese Cure: A Memoir” (Aveo Press, a subsidiary of the University of Toronto Press), helped restore the color. Part of it involves the decision to devote a big slice of his life to some slices of cheese. Here’s some advice from the guy we might call the Cheese Wiz, a fellow who as a Saskatchewan youngster considered La Vache Qui Rit, paired with apple sauce, the height of gustatory achievement. He thinks Tomme de Chambrouze might be a good gateway to new heights of cheese, or maybe Tomme de Savoie or Fourme d’Ambert. These are not marketed by Kraft Heinz. You will not find them shrink-wrapped in the refrigerated section of your local grocery shop. And here’s some Finnerty advice for life: Take a breather. To coin a phrase: Slow down and smell the cheeses. “My new life that is mongering, writing and some broadcasting has required sacrifices,” he writes in his memoir. “I’m no longer on a presenter’s wage and while I may be a full-fledged monger, I’m not a manager, meaning I’ve had to downsize some projects I’d had for my future to fit my lifestyle into my more modest means. Honestly, the choice isn’t a hard one and thinking about it makes me smile because those former projects hold considerably less appeal than what I’m doing now. A simpler life appeals to me.” That, and a slice of Chabichou, might be all anyone really needs. Mike Finnerty believes that Chabichou goat cheese works well in a spinach pie, or, if you are daring, with grilled squash. It also pairs well with a dry Loire wine. He thinks you’ll love the gooey cream line that appears just under the rind when you cut it. And when you cut it, it’s clear Mike Finnerty has learned more than what he could share when he delivered only the news. Email David Shribman at dshribman@postgazette.com.

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6B ✦ Thursday, January 1, 2026 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune —in her mouth, her walk, DEATHS continued from lll

Joseph Jr., Oscar

Oscar Joseph Jr. was born on October 3, 1935, to the late Oscar Joseph Sr. and Samelia Poche in St. James Parish, Louisiana. He was a dedicated and hardworking man who re‐ tired from both Highland and Avondale Refinery Shipyard, where he worked as a shipfitter and a fore‐ man. Oscar was a faithful and devoted member of New St. Matthews Baptist Church. Under the pastoral leadership of Reverend Lovelace, he was baptized later served the and church faithfully as a Dea‐ con. Oscar married the love of his life, Odessa (affectionately Joseph as his “Black known Queen”) on September 3, 1987, and together they shared 38 wonderful years of marriage filled with love devotion. Lovingly and known as Papa and Dadee, Oscar found his greatest joy in spending quality time with his family, espe‐ cially his grandchildren, whom he adored and cher‐ ished deeply. He was an avid sports fan, with a spe‐ cial love for baseball and the Dallas Cowboys, and he especially enjoyed gather‐ ing every Sunday to feast at his beloved granddaugh‐ ter Quan’s home. On Tues‐ day, December 23, 2025, Oscar transitioned peace‐ fully to his eternal home. He was preceded in death by his parents Oscar and Joseph: four Samelia brothers George Joseph, Clarence Joseph, Frederick Joseph and Wilbert Joseph, Sr.; four sisters, Emily Joseph, Beatrice Suther‐ land, Yvonne Smith and Samelia Ross; and one son Kevin Bo Joseph. He leaves behind to cherish him: his wife Odessa devoted Joseph, 9 children: Kathy Joseph, Oscar Joseph Jr., Lester Joseph of Donald‐ sonville, La, Sandra Missy (Kevin), An‐ Brumfield Net WIlliams toinette Dwayne Joseph (Rick), (Nekole), Marvin Joseph of Bridge City, La, Brian Joseph (Sharon) of Harvey La. 5 step-children: Wanda Robinson (James), Cardella Mayho, Thomas Mayho (Keshawn), Norva Nwosu (Ben) and Karen Sumner 42 Grandchildren, 57 Great grandchildren, 12 great great grandchildren, sev‐ eral nieces and nephews, brothers and sisters in law, and several dear friends and neighbors. Relatives and friends of the family , pastor officers and mem‐ bers of New St. Matthew B.C., New Zion B.C., and all neighboring churches are invited to attend the fu‐ neral service on Friday Jan‐ uary 2, 2026 at New Zion B.C. church located at 1131 Garden Road, Marrero LA. 70072. The visitation will begin at 8AM followed by a 10AM service. Rev. Jordan L. Robinson Sr., host pastor Rev. Clarence and Lovelace, pastor of New St. Matthew B.C. will officiate. Interment will be held on Saturday January 3, 2026 in Woodland Park Memorial Cemetery 9820 Nine Mile Point Road , Westwego LA. 70094 at 10AM. The repast will be held on Friday im‐ mediately following the service at the Marrero Community Center 1425 Walkertown Way, Marrero LA. Funeral planning en‐ trusted to Robinson Family Funeral Home (504) 2082119. For online condo‐ lences please visit www. robinsonfamilyfuneralho me.com

Longmire, Dynetta 'Slim'

Dynetta Longmire, affec‐ tionately known as “Slim,” was born on July 24, 1967, in New Orleans, Louisiana. On December 21, 2025 The Almighty God decided Slim had done more than enough down here and called her home to eternal rest. A proud New Orleans native, Slim graduated from Joseph S. Clark Senior High School in 1985 as a proud Bulldog. That Bull‐ dog spirit showed up daily

and her zero tolerance for foolishness. Slim was pre‐ ceded in death by her mother, Jeanette Holden Allen; her father, Leonard “Dick” Williams; her grand‐ parents, Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Holden; her brother, Lloyd Jones; and her beloved son, Durrell Williams. She leaves to cherish her mem‐ ory her beloved daughter, Dyneisha Jeanette Long‐ mire; her sister, Valencia Allen; her brother Turrell Jones; her cousin and adopted mother, Minnie Chandler; cousins Sheryl Goffner and Reginald Goffner; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, friends, and honorary chil‐ dren she helped raise. Rel‐ atives and friends of the family are invited to attend a Funeral Service at D. W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70125 on Fri‐ day, January 2, 2025 at 11:30 am. Visitation begins at 10:30 am. Arrangements by D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Ave. Please visit www.rho desfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook.

Funeral Homes in the Metro areas are invited to attend the Visitation on Fri‐ day, January 2, 2026 at Gertrude Geddes Willis Fu‐ neral Home, 2120 Jackson Avenue, New Orleans, LA. 70113 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Followed by a Cel‐ ebration of Life Service on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at Rock of Ages Baptist Church, 1216 Aycock Street, Houma, LA 70360 at 11:00 a.m. Visitation from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Inter‐ ment following in Deweyville Cemetery, Houma LA. You may sign the guest book on www. gertrudegeddeswillis.com. Gertrude Geddes Willis-Ter‐ rebonne Funeral Home, Inc. in charge (985)872-6934.

Prater, Ora Minor

McGuire Sr., Clyde

Clyde McGuire, Sr., our beloved Clyde, entered this world on July 19, 1956, in New Orleans, Louisiana, departed this earthly home on Monday, December 22, 2025. From a tender young age, Clyde opened his heart to Christ and was joyfully baptized at Rock of Ages Baptist Church, where he would later serve as a devoted and faithful deacon, touching count‐ less lives with his gentle spirit and unwavering faith. Clyde's profound passion for serving others guided him to Delgado Community College (City Park), where he earned an Associate’s Degree in Mor‐ tuary Science. That same heartfelt dedication led him to Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO), where he proudly earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Social Work. As a devoted Licensed Funeral Director, Clyde gave his all to com‐ forting grieving families, wrapping them in compas‐ sion and dignity during their most difficult mo‐ ments-a beautiful embodi‐ ment of his lifelong mis‐ sion to uplift and care for others. In 1977, Clyde's heart found its match when he married his cher‐ ished Emeline Reed. To‐ gether, they built a beauti‐ ful family filled with love. He was the proud and adoring father to Robert McGuire (Shalanee) and Clyde McGuire, Jr (Zeshia), and a warm, guiding step‐ father to Charles Reed (Shamekia) and Damion Reed. Clyde's joy shone bright as a grandfather, delighting in the laughter of his nine precious grand‐ children and two sweet great-grandchildren. He also held a special place in his heart for his five god‐ children and his dear mother-in-law, Vera The‐ riot. As a brother, Clyde was a treasure-loving and supportive to Willie New‐ ton (Emma), Sharri McGuire, and Clarence McGuire, Jr. (Darlene). He leaves behind a warm cir‐ cle of nieces, nephews, and a host of dear friends who were like family to him. Clyde was preceded in death by those he held so dear: his loving mother, Agnes Perkins McGuire; his father, Clarence McGuire, Sr.; his brother-in-law, Brien Verdin; his son, Clyde (Tootie) McGuire, Jr.; his beloved aunts, Willie Mae Seals and Pearl Williams; his uncle, Mack Perkins; and his paternal grandpar‐ ents, Robert and Mary McGuire, as well as his ma‐ ternal grandparents, Jeanetta Scott and Willie Williams. Oh, how Clyde was truly the life of every party-the one with the in‐ fectious laugh, the warm hug, high fives, and the stories that brought every‐ one together. His love for God was a light that guided him through life. Clyde will be deeply, end‐ lessly missed, but his love lives on in every heart he touched. We cherish the beautiful memories and hold him forever in our hearts. Relatives and friends of the family, also Pastor, officers, and mem‐ bers of Rock of Ages Bap‐ tist Church, all neighboring churches in Houma, LA and New Orleans, LA and the Staff of Gertrude Geddes Willis-Terrebonne Funeral Home, Gertrude Geddes Willis Funeral Home and all

Ora Minor Prater, age 88, was born on October 21, 1937 in Cornor, LA to the late Eshand, Sr. and Clara Minor. She peacefully entered eternal rest on Fri‐ day, December 26, 2025. Loving mother of Carlos (Michele) Prater. Beloved sister of Shirley M. Dotson bonus brother/ and nephew, Woodrow Minor. Grandmother of Roque Caston, Jr. Loving great grandmother of Christione, Jr., Chris‐ Christopher shawn and D’Anna Mon‐ tegue. Godmother of Ur‐ sula Borland and Eric D. Minor . Ora is fondly re‐ membered by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members and friends. Also survived by three friends whom she loved dearly, Geraldine (Jerry) Robertson, Doris Puller and Larry Jones. In addition to her parents, Ora is also preceded in death by her husband, John E. Prater; son, Darryl Prater; grandson, Christo‐ pher Montegue, Sr., and nephew, Harry Dotson. Ora graduated in 1957 from John Daruson High School and worked for Depend‐ able Sitting Company for over 20 years until retire‐ ment. Relatives, friends and members of New Zion Baptist Church, Abundant Life Tabernacle Full Gospel and Greater Church Church of Bethany Maringouin, LA are invited to attend the funeral. A Celebration Service honor‐ ing the life and legacy of the late Ora Minor Prater will be held at New Zion Baptist Church , 2319 Third Street, New Orleans, LA 70113 on Friday, January 2, 2026 at 10 am. Interment Town Cemetery, Minor Spillman, LA. Visitation 9 am in the church. Please sign online guestbook at www.charbonnetfuneralho me.com. Charbonnet Labat Glapion, Directors (504)581 4411.

Shall, Dorothy Mayer

Dorothy Mayer Shall, born September 13, 1928, in Uptown New Orleans, died on December 22, 2025, at the age of 97. Born to William L. Mayer and Ercilia Dutilh Mayer, Dorothy and her siblings were raised from a young age by their maternal grandmother, Pauline Oliva Dutilh, following their mother's early passing. At the age of 15, Dorothy met the love of her life, Philip Barinque Shall, and they married at the age of 19. For the next 75 years, the pair were lovingly known as "Dotsie and Phil" before Phil's passing in 2022. Dotsie was the loving mother to five children: Phyllis Shall Michel (Gerard), Jean Shall McAuliffe (Eddie), Don Philippe Shall (Trisha), David Laplace Shall (Margaret), and Elaine Shall. But her purpose in life was most certainly to become a grandmother to seven grandchildren: Dr. André Michel Markle (Travis) of Tyler, TX; Philippe Michel (Dana) of

Waveland, MS; Devin Shall of Mandeville; Edward McAuliffe (Laura) of New Orleans; Eleanor Barinque McAuliffe of New Orleans; Isabelle Shall Lewis (Bradley) of Covington; and Camille Claiborne Shall of Metairie. Dotsie's seven great-grandchildren were also fortunate enough to spend many years with her: Finley and Connor Markle of Tyler; Beau and Mathilde Michel of Waveland; and Cecilia, Margaret, and Jack McAuliffe of New Orleans. Dotsie was an excellent seamstress, taught by her grandmother. But she was more well known for her hospitality and cooking—most particularly her roasts, oyster patties, and lemon meringue pie. She and Phil extended their warmth to the hundreds of world-wide patrons who stayed at the Bayou St. John Bed and Breakfast, which the couple opened in their historic family home on Moss Street. These guests became extended family, returning regularly for robust breakfasts cooked by Dotsie and served with good New Orleans Coffee with chicory by Phil. The family wishes to express their thanks at Dotsie's passing to these B&B regulars who added so much to Dotsie's life over the 20+ year span of Bayou St. John B & B. As a grandmother, Dotsie provided idyllic childhood memories to her grandchildren. She certainly spoiled them with toys, treats, and countless tea parties, always expertly paired with family traditions, history, and stories. She offered countless memorable experiences from crab trapping on Lake Pontchartrain; walks around Bayou St. John and City Park feeding the ducks and looking for alligators; and even making the occasional turtle soup from "locally sourced" ingredients. Dotsie always supported and celebrated her grandchildren. When her eldest grandson attended Saint Stanislaus for high school, Friday nights were spent in Bay St. Louis, watching him play football or soccer. Among the most beloved traditions was Dotsie's annual Christmas on the Bayou party, which extended these fairy tale memories to the children of many family friends and neighbors. Dotsie was a recurrent presence among, and made lasting impressions on, the friends of her children and grandchildren, from locals who knew her well to friends of relatives living in or attending universities as far away as Virginia and Washington, D.C. "How is Dotsie?" was a regular topic of conversation. While Dotsie taught her grandchildren that "family is everything," her definition of family was very broad.

Smith, Linda Milner

Linda Milner Smith. Au‐ gust 6, 1947 – December 24, 2025. It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Linda Milner Smith, who peacefully en‐ tered eternal rest on De‐ cember 24, 2025, sur‐ rounded by her loving fam‐ ily. Linda was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Au‐ gust 6, 1947, and spent most of her life in the city before relocating to Slidell in 2006. Linda's life was marked by her unwavering love for family and friends. She was known for her warm smile, playful spirit, and a heart full of kind‐ ness. A true lover of life, Linda enjoyed celebrating birthdays and holidays with those she held dear, often surrounded by her beloved grand pets. She treasured spending time with her grandchildren, who affectionately called her "Grammy," and was al‐ ways ready for a friendly card game or a challenge with a puzzle. Her competi‐ tive nature was matched only by her love of learn‐ ing, whether she was en‐ gaging in a lively game of cards or solving complex puzzles. Her occasional spunky demeanor and zest for life left a lasting im‐ pression on everyone she met. Linda's ability to ﬁnd joy in simple things and her caring, nurturing pres‐ ence will be missed by all who know her. Linda is sur‐ vived by her devoted hus‐ band of 58 years, Ernest J. Smith III; her children Dar‐ ren Smith (Melissa), Court‐ ney Mine (Derrick), and Ernest Smith (Amy); and her cherished grandchil‐ dren Austin Lachney, Blaze Smith, Braeden Mine, Katie Smith, and Drew Smith. She also leaves behind a host of family members and friends who will con‐ tinue to carry her memory in their hearts. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Heritage Manor of Slidell and Notre Dame Hospice for their compas‐ sionate care and support during Linda’s ﬁnal days. A celebration of Linda’s life will be held at a later date. Funeral planning entrusted to Robinson Family Funeral Home (504) 208-2119. For online condolence please visit www.Robinsonfamilyf unerahome.com.

A funeral will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026, at Jacob Schoen & Son, 3827 Canal Street, New Orleans. Visitation from 2-4pm (family welcome at 1:30pm), followed by a funeral mass at 4pm and reception. A later burial Mass will be held at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, 3368 Esplanade Avenue, New Orleans at 11am on Friday, January 23, 2026, followed by interment at St. Louis Cemetery #3, 3421 Esplanade Avenue, New Orleans. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a donation to Our Lady of Holy Rosary Church, the National World War II Museum, or Saint Stanislaus High School in Bay St. Louis, MS, in memory of Mr. & Mrs. Philip B. Shall.

How to place an Obituary Notice EMAIL:

obits@theadvocate.com OR CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION:

225-388-0289

Ward, Michael Reno

Dotsie did not miss one Grandparent's Day at Academy of the Sacred Heart—where she and Phil met their grandparent counterparts, Shotsy and Doug Maloney. This became a most meaningful friendship, with the couples spending many a Christmas Eve together with their families. Apart from her beloved husband, Dotsie was also preceded in death by their son, David Laplace Shall; her parents and grandmother; her sisters Elaine Mayer and Adrian Mayer Wheeler; and her brother, Theodore Mayer. Dotsie is survived by her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, her brother Edmund Mayer, and numerous nieces and nephews and their families.

Ward, affectionately known as “Mickey”, “Supa”, and “Fiddler Mike” was called to eternal rest by his heavenly father. Michael was a world-renowned jazz violinist; born in San Anto‐ nio; however, adopted by the city of New Orleans. Michael is survived by his beloved wife, Lenzie LeBeauf-Ward and their two sons, Cortes and Cameron Ward, daughter Brittany Hynson (Favyon), sons: Shaun (Blair), Michael, Jr. (Razine) and Azariah Ward, Devante Lacy, 7 grandchildren. Also survived by a host of other family, friends and fans. He is preceded in death by his mother Carol Ward, daugh‐ ter Gabrielle Hynson, and grandson Rashad Ward. There will be a public view‐ ing (Lie in State) on Friday, January 2, 2026, at Gallier Hall, 2nd floor Grand Ball‐ room, 545 St. Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130 from 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm. Relatives and friends of the family, employees of the Center for Vital Records and Statistics, Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, Del‐ gado Community College Police Department, In‐ spireNOLA Charter Schools - Edna Karr High School, Dwight D. Eisenhower Charter School, and the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, members of New Philippians Mission‐ ary Baptist Church (New Orleans, LA), the pastor and members of Timothy Trumpet of Truth Ministries (Arabi, LA), the pastor and members of Counsel of God International Min‐ istries (Baton Rouge, LA) are invited to attend the Celebration of Life Service on Saturday, January 3, 2026, for 10:00 a.m. at Household of Faith Family Worship Center, 9300 I-10 Service Rd, New Orleans, LA 70127. Visitation will begin at 8:00 a.m. Pastor Anthony Jeanmarie, III offi‐ ciating. Interment will fol‐ low at Mount Olivet Ceme‐ tery, 4000 Norman Mayor Ave, New Orleans, LA 70122. Guestbook online: www.anewtraditionbegins. com Linear Brooks Boyd and Donavin D. Boyd Own‐ ers/Funeral Directors. (504)282-0600.

How to place a Memorial Ad An “In Memory Of” ad, is a way to pay tribute to your loved one. This remembrance is often printed on the anniversary of a loved one’s death. The deadline is two days prior to the day you want your ad to appear. TO PLACE A MEMORIAL AD GO TO: obituaries.nola.com, click submit an obituary and select create a memoriam.

On Monday, December 15, 2025, Michael Reno

Order frameable newspaper page reprints of any special day important to you. SHOP TODAY! store.nola.com

OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

SPORTS

N O L A.C O M

T h u r s d ay, J a n u a ry 1, 2026

1Cn

Some Saints set for last N.O. ride with expiring contracts who a feat he’s pulled off while playing These players are not ers may be playing his ﬁnal game in a just 53% of the defensive snaps. Saints uniform. He clearly has something left in signed for 2026 It’s an interesting group of im- the tank at 36 years old, and it is

BY LUKE JOHNSON Staff writer

For all he knows, this could be Cam Jordan’s ﬁnal time playing his most hated rival as a member of the New Orleans Saints. The Saints, who were eliminated from playä Saints at Falcons, off contention NOON SUNDAy, FOX way back in November, will play their ﬁnal game of the 2025 season Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons. Jordan is one of several notable Saints play-

pending free agents, and how the team approaches them this offseason should say something about where the organization believes it is, and what it is prioritizing in the second season under Kellen Moore. Jordan is one of three Saints on expiring contracts who are well into their 30s, and there’s only one homegrown player who is set to play the last game of his rookie contract among this group. Here’s the list. DE Cam Jordan: The 15-year veteran has delivered a resurgent 2025, boosting his Hall of Fame credentials with a team-high 91/2 sacks —

hard to imagine Jordan hanging up his cleats after such a strong season. While it is equally hard to imagine him playing in anything other than a Saints uniform, that could be on the table if New Orleans decides to get younger. LB Demario Davis: Father Time may be undefeated, but he is having a hard time catching up with Davis. Now 37 years old, Davis is putting together another ﬁne season. He’s recorded 137 tackles this season, breaking a career best that he set last season. He hasn’t been as impactful with the game-swing-

STAFF PHOTO By DAVID GRUNFELD

Saints defensive end Cam Jordan, left, celebrates with linebacker Demario ä See SAINTS, page 5C Davis after a sack at the Caesars Superdome on Dec. 21.

LSU women’s depth keeps stars ‘fresh’

BY REED DARCEY

Staff writer

STAFF PHOTO By DAVID GRUNFELD

Ole Miss Rebels coach Pete Golding, left, and Georgia Bulldogs coach Kirby Smart shake hands at the end of the Allstate Sugar Bowl coaches news conference at the Sheraton Hotel of New Orleans on Tuesday. The Rebels and Bulldogs square off Thursday.

WE MEET AGAIN Ole Miss, Georgia say Oct. game holds no bearing on rematch ä Georgia

BY LES EAST

vs. Ole Miss.

Contributing writer Georgia defeated Ole Miss 43-35 on Oct. 18 in Athens, Georgia. Those teams will meet again at 7 p.m. Thursday in a College Football Playoff quarterfinal in the Allstate Sugar Bowl in the Caesars Superdome. The No. 3-seeded and SEC champion Bulldogs (12-1) and the No. 6-seeded Rebels (12-1) agree that what happened 75 days ago will have little bearing on determining who advances to the semifinals. “There’s nothing about our last game against Ole Miss that’s going to help us in this game,” Georgia coach Kirby Smart said. What will matter is how well each team adjusted to what happened in that game and since. The Bulldogs have won the final five

7 P.M.THURSDAy, ESPN

games of a nine-game winning streak since the first meeting. The Rebels have gone 6-0 since their only loss of the season, beginning with a 34-26 victory at eventual CFP participant Oklahoma a week after the Georgia game. “We didn’t know how we would react to losing versus Georgia, and then we had to go on the road to Norman and play Oklahoma,” Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss said. “So that was a test of our faith and our confidence in this team. And beating Oklahoma, we knew that the sky was the limit. “ By far the biggest change since the first meeting is Ole Miss defensive coordina-

tor Pete Golding succeeding Lane Kiffin as head coach after Kiffin left in late November for the LSU job. Everything went fine in Ole Miss’ first game under Golding, a 41-10 home victory against Tulane in the CFP first round Dec. 20. That game also was a rematch and followed a very similar script to the Rebels’ 45-10 victory against the Green Wave on Sept. 20. “The big message to our players has been: ‘You’re in the playoffs. You’ve got to play your best game. We’re not asking you to do anything different than you’ve done all year,’ ” Golding said. “ ‘But you’ve got to be locked in, focused and be able to execute the call.’ ” The Bulldogs also have a recent experience with a rematch, avenging their lone loss (a 24-21 home setback

ä See BOWL, page 4C

The answer seemed obvious, but Mikaylah Williams made sure to emphasize it anyway — first by bobbing her head, then by stretching out the first few syllables of her response. The LSU women’s basketball team finally has reached Southeastern Conference play. Williams, a junior, has never played fewer minutes across any stretch of ä Kentucky at LSU, games than she 7 P.M.THURSDAy, SECN+. did through the 14 nonconference contests the Tigers rolled through this season. Does she feel fresher as a result? “Oh, ab-so-lutely,” Williams said. “This is a blessing.” The same is true for Flau’jae Johnson. She’s a senior, and she’s logging a career-low 23 minutes per game. Williams is averaging only 25 minutes, which shows that the No. 5 Tigers (14-0) may begin their SEC slate at 7 p.m. Thursday at home against No. 11 Kentucky (SEC Network+) with a deeper collection of rotation players — and a fresher pair of stars — than they have had in at least the last two years they’ve played under coach Kim Mulkey. “It’ll allow me to play them even more minutes,” Mulkey said, “because hopefully their bodies feel good, and they’re not going into that SEC play with the wear and tear that they’ve had on their bodies the last two years because we didn’t have the depth.” Ten players are logging more than 13 minutes per game, and seven have double-digit scoring averages. South Carolina transfer MiLaysia Fulwiley (15.1 ppg) is one of the Tigers’ two leading scorers. She comes off the bench just like Grace Knox, a five-star freshman forward who started only two games in nonconference play but scored 11.5 ppg and shot 69% from the field. Knox is contributing about as much

ä See LSU WOMEN, page 2C

Pels can’t ﬁnd normal magic vs. Bulls BY ROD WALKER Staff writer

A date with the Chicago Bulls is typically just what the New Orleans Pelicans need to get a win. But not even playing an opponent they have owned in recent years was enough Wednesday night. The Pelicans’ losing streak reached ﬁve in a row after a 134-118 loss to the Bulls at the United Center. It was the second straight game the Pelicans have given up at least 130 points. “Just overall, a lack of pride in physicality on that (defensive) end of the floor,” Pelicans interim coach James Borrego said.

Before Wednesday, the Pelicans (8-27) had defeated the Bulls (16-17) the last ﬁve times and seven of the last nine. There was no such luck this time around, even though the Bulls were playing without their top two scorers in Josh Giddey and Coby White. Giddey also leads the team in rebounds and assists. It didn’t matter. The Pelicans, despite big nights from Zion Williamson and Jordan Poole, didn’t have enough. Williamson finished with 31 points and seven rebounds. He scored 20 points in the ﬁrst half. He scored 12 of those points in the second quarter, including a stretch late when he scored nine

consecutive points. It came just two nights after he scored a season-high 32 in a loss to the New York Knicks. Poole came off the bench and scored 26 points. He scored 10 straight points during a stretch in the third quarter and ﬁnished four points shy of his seasonhigh 30. The Pelicans were hoping to close out December with a bang. They showed progress when they went on a five-game winning streak, but they ﬁnished the month 5-9. They were a dismal 3-18 at the end of November. “I think on both sides of the ball, we took jumps,” Borrego

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By PAUL BEATy

Pelicans guard Jeremiah Fears goes up for a shot against Chicago Bulls ä See PELICANS, page 6C defenders Isaac Okoro, left, and Tre Jones on Wednesday in Chicago.

2C ✦ Thursday, January 1, 2026 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune

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BROADCAST HIGHLIGHTS 5 p.m.

On TV WOMEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL 11 a.m. California at North Carolina ACCN 11 a.m. Michigan St. at Indiana BTN 1 p.m. Stanford at NC State ACCN 1 p.m. Nebraska at Iowa BTN 3 p.m. Notre Dame at Georgia Tech ACCN 3 p.m. Maryland at Illinois BTN

Michigan at Washington COLLEGE FOOTBALL 11 a.m. Oregon vs. Texas Tech 3 p.m. Alabama vs. Indiana 7 p.m. Mississippi vs. Georgia HORSE RACING 1:30 p.m. America’s Day at the Races NBA 7:30 p.m. Philadelphia at Dallas

IN BRIEF

FROM STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS

BTN ESPN ESPN ESPN FS1 NBATV

NHL Utah at N.y. Islanders NHLN Winnipeg at Toronto NHLN MEN’S SOCCER 8:55 a.m. Birmingham City at Watford CBSSN 11:30 a.m. Leeds United at Liverpool USA 2 p.m. Manchester City at Sunderland USA TENNIS 8 p.m. ESP v. ARG TENNIS 2 p.m. 6 p.m.

Colts to start Leonard over Rivers at QB against Texans

Philip Rivers’ brief comeback is over — and apparently so is his career. Again. The 44-year-old quarterback who came out of retirement to try and lead the Indianapolis Colts back to the playoffs three weeks ago will not start Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans and has likely taken the ﬁnal snaps of his 18-year NFL career. Coach Shane Steichen announced Wednesday, as expected, Rivers would be replaced in the starting lineup by rookie Riley Leonard in the Colts’ season ﬁnale Sunday at Houston. Rivers came out of retirement two days after Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending torn right Achilles tendon that could keep him out at least until the start of training camp, perhaps longer.

Falcons’ Dorlus will miss season finale vs. Saints

STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

LSU running back Harlem Berry, center, cuts past Texas A&M cornerback Dezz Ricks, right, in the second quarter on Oct. 25 at Tiger Stadium.

Source: RB Berry to return to LSU BY WILSON ALEXANDER

Staff writer

LSU running back Harlem Berry has agreed to return for his sophomore season, a source with knowledge of the situation confirmed to The Advocate, marking an early win for new coach Lane Kifﬁn and his coaching staff. Berry was expected to ﬁnalize a new contract Wednesday, which compensates him through a combination of revenue sharing and NIL funds. As a freshman this past season, Berry was LSU’s second-leading rusher with 104 carries for 491

yards and two touchdowns. He also caught eight passes for 32 yards. Berry might be LSU’s only active scholarship running back to return next season amid the coaching change, depending on the future of sophomore running back Caden Durham. Two backups, junior Kaleb Jackson and sophomore Ju’Juan Johnson, plan to enter the transfer portal when it opens beginning Friday. Freshman JT Lindsey has been suspended since an August arrest. LSU did not sign a running back in the 2026 recruiting class. Berry was a ﬁve-star recruit and the No. 1 running back in

the country in the 2025 class, according to the 247Sports composite rankings. He was a priority for Kiffin’s new staff, and his return gives LSU a promising player to build around heading into the 2026 season. After the Texas Bowl, thenLSU interim coach Frank Wilson suggested Berry would return to LSU when asked why he did not touch the ball after fumbling in the first half. Berry finished the game with three carries for 45 yards. Wilson said the decision was made to avoid turnovers in a close game. Berry has to work on ball security in the offseason. “Harlem has been outstanding

in his freshman campaign,” Wilson said. “He has a bright future here. He’ll be one of the greats when it’s all said and done.” Wilson, a primary figure in Berry’s recruitment out of St. Martin’s in New Orleans, left after the game to become the Ole Miss running backs coach and senior associate head coach. LSU hired Ole Miss running backs coach Kevin Smith to ﬁll the position, and he quickly met with Berry after arriving in Baton Rouge. With the room depleted, LSU is expected to pursue top running backs in the transfer portal to pair with Berry.

LSU men’s hoops signee to get a head start

BY TOYLOY BROWN III Staff writer

LSU basketball has added a new member to this year’s team from its 2026 recruiting class. Four-star forward Marcus Vaughns, who hails from Melbourne, Australia, will enroll early at the university for the spring semester, coach Matt McMahon said Wednesday. While he is with the team after signing Nov. 12, he will not play in games this season. The four-star recruit arrived at LSU (12-1) Tuesday and will

go through medical testing this week. The plan is for him to begin practicing next week. “This is great for him, a ﬁvemonth head start as I mentioned ... will join our scout team, (have) one-on-one time in the gym,” McMahon said. McMahon said another beneﬁt of having Vaughs, a 6-foot-8 wing who weighs 215 pounds, on campus early is for him to get stronger in the weight room with strength coach Mike Chatman. “Just the overall acclimation to college, he’s been at the Centre of Excellence there in Austra-

lia,” McMahon said. “So he’s been away from home before. “But still, I think having this semester head start will really benefit him with his transition here to LSU. So I think there’s only positives to take from it.” Vaughns is listed as the No. 187 recruit in his class and the 55th small forward, according to the 247Sports Composite. He committed to the Tigers on May 22. He will join a team that has LSU senior guard Max Mackinnon, who is from Brisbane, Australia, and played in the same prep program as Vaughns before

beginning his college career. LSU associate head coach David Patrick also has ties to Australia. The former college head coach and longtime assistant has been an assistant coach for the Australian National Team since 2019. Vaughns is one of the three wings LSU signed in the 2026 recruiting class, along with Kevin Thomas and Herly Brutus. The Tigers currently own the 20thranked class in the country, according to ESPN. The site lists Thomas No. 71 and Brutus No. 88.

STAFF PHOTO By HILARy SCHEINUK

son. Mulkey said she hasn’t told Johnson this season to dial back the extra work she tries to squeeze in outside of practices and games. “I have not had conversations with her about what she does with a trainer away from our practices,” Mulkey said. “Maybe I should, but how do you tell kids (to) put the ball down in November and December? And what am I gonna tell her any different her senior year that I haven’t already told her previous? “So she knows. She’s a senior now, and she knows what she has to do to stay healthy.” The extra depth should help. So should the fact that Johnson and Williams spent more time on the bench during the nonconference slate than they ever have before in their respective careers. More than 45 SEC players have played more minutes this season than Williams. More than 55 have seen the ﬂoor for more time than Johnson. Williams said she has more gas in her tank as a result, something that will help LSU navigate the difﬁcult 16-game stretch of league play that begins Thursday. “I am just very, very grateful for the depth that we have,” Williams said. “So, I’m excited. I feel fresh going into the SEC.”

LSU WOMEN Continued from page 1C

to LSU wins as the other three frontcourt players who have rotated in and out of Mulkey’s starting lineup. East Carolina transfer forward Amiya Joyner is scoring 11.4 ppg and grabbing 7.3 rebounds on 66% shooting. Notre Dame transfer center Kate Koval is scoring 12.1 ppg, grabbing 7.1 boards and shooting 61% from the ﬁeld. ZaKiyah Johnson, another ﬁve-star freshman, is notching 12.2 ppg on 64% shooting. They’ve all teamed up with Fulwiley to help LSU lead Division I in bench scoring. The Tigers received only 16.3 ppg from their reserves across the last three seasons, but this year they’re getting 50 ppg. Those contributions have allowed Flau’jae Johnson and Williams to spend more time on the bench than they ever have before. Mulkey said she’s “not gonna hesitate” to include most of her eight newcomers in the rotation she uses against SEC teams. That group should include freshman guard Bella Hines, and it could

LSU guard Mikaylah Williams works the ball around Charlotte guard Imani Smith on Nov. 12 at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. include freshman ballhandler Divine Bourrage in addition to the eight players already locked into signiﬁcant roles. Flau’jae Johnson spent 100 fewer minutes on the ﬂoor against nonconference competition than she did in the previous two years. For Williams, it’s 82 fewer minutes. The lighter workloads could help them both avoid the kind of nagging injuries they’ve each had to battle right as the Tigers approach the postseason.

In 2024, plantar fasciitis forced Williams to miss LSU’s regularseason finale and first two SEC Tournament games. In 2025, shin splints started bugging Flau’jae Johnson in the middle of February. They eventually forced her to sit out the Tigers’ regular-season ﬁnale and both of their SEC Tournament matchups. Flau’jae Johnson told ESPN for a story published in December that she thinks she suffered that injury because she didn’t take proper care of her body during the sea-

Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Brandon Dorlus avoided a serious injury after leaving Monday’s 2724 win over the Los Angeles Rams. The second-year defensive tackle left in the third quarter with what was thought to be a knee injury. Coach Raheem Morris expressed concern after the game, saying that “it didn’t look great” and that he “felt for the young man.” The coach said on Wednesday it was a hamstring injury and not a torn ligament in the knee. Morris was optimistic about the defensive tackle’s prognosis. He said he’s uncertain if surgery will be required. The Falcons wrap up the season against the Saints on Sunday, but Dorius has been ruled out of the game.

Bills DT Oliver hurts knee, further delaying his return

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Buffalo Bills starting defensive tackle Ed Oliver had minor surgery for a knee injury this week, further delaying his return off injured reserve for playoff-bound Buffalo. Coach Sean McDermott provided the update on Wednesday by saying the injury happened while Oliver was rehabbing from a torn left bicep he suffered in late October. Oliver was originally projected to return before the end of the season. McDermott did not have a timetable on Oliver’s recovery but said the knee injury adds a level of uncertainty. Buffalo (11-5) closes the regular season by hosting the New York Jets (3-13) on Sunday. The Bills are currently the AFC’s No. 7 seed.

NBA Christmas viewership hits 15-year high at 47M

NEW YORK — The NBA saw its best Christmas Day viewership numbers in 15 years, the league announced Wednesday. More than 47 million people in the U.S. watched at least some of the ﬁve-game slate on ABC and ESPN, which represents a 45% increase over last year. And there was an average of 5.5 million viewers for the games, up 4% from a year ago. The Cleveland-New York game was the most-watched Christmas game ever that started at noon Eastern, with an average of 6.4 million viewers. The San AntonioOklahoma City game was the mostwatched in the 2:30 p.m. Christmas timeslot since 2017 and the DallasGolden State game was the mostwatched in the 5 p.m. timeslot since 2019.

Bulls Giddey, White to miss next few games with injuries

CHICAGO — The Chicago Bulls will have to get by without their top two scorers for at least the next few games, with Josh Giddey sidelined because of a strained left hamstring and Coby White out with right calf tightness. The team said Wednesday that Giddey will be reevaluated in two weeks and White in one. Both players were injured in Monday’s 136-101 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Giddey walked off the court gingerly with an apparent left hamstring injury in the ﬁrst minute of the second half. The Australian is averaging 19.2 points, 8.9 rebounds and 9 assists in his second season since a trade from Oklahoma City. He has seven triple-doubles. Chicago hosted New Orleans on Wednesday night.

The Times-Picayune ✦ nola.com ✦ Thursday, January 1, 2026 ✦ 3C

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Saints defensive end Chase young celebrates a sack against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday in Nashville, Tenn. Look for the Saints to be the NFC South favorites in 2026, says Jeff Duncan. ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By JOHN AMIS

A look into Duncan’s 2026 crystal ball

to the Pro Football Hall of Fame on his first ballot. He is joined in the Class of 2026 by Larry Fitzgerald, Luke Kuechly,Adam Vinatieri and Willie Anderson. … At the NFL Honors show, Shough wins the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year award, making him the fourth player in Saints franchise history to earn the honor, joining George Rogers, Rueben Mayes and Alvin Kamara. Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford wins January the MVP award, the first of his 17-year career. Mike Vrabel is the In the College Football Playoff Coach of the Year, edging Liam quarterfinals, Texas Tech rolls Coen. … In Super Bowl LX, Payton over Oregon, while Indiana and avenges the NOLA no-call loss Georgia win nail-biters against Alabama and Ole Miss to advance. by defeating coach Sean McVay and the Rams 24-23 at Levi’s Stadium … The Saints finish the season in Santa Clara, California. Nix at 7-10 as Tyler Shough outduels Kirk Cousins in a 26-24 win over the Fal- is named the game’s MVP after passing for three touchdowns. cons in Mercedes-Benz Stadium. … On Black Monday, Raheem Morris Denver celebrates its fourth Su(Falcons), Jonathan Gannon (Cardiper Bowl title and first since 2015. … Further Ado goes gate-to-wire nals) and Mike McDaniel (Dolphins) to win the Grade II Risen Star are fired, joining Brian Daboll and Stakes at the Fair Grounds, givBrian Callahan in the NFL unemployment line. … The Falcons ing trainer Brad Cox his fourth win also fire general manager Terry in the race in the past six years. Fontenot and introduce former star … For the first time in Carnival quarterback Matt Ryan as his suchistory, two grand marshals hail from the same household: Shough cessor. … The Broncos and 49ers secure the No. 1 seeds in the AFC in Bacchus and his golden retrievand NFC playoffs. … Colorado er, Murphy, in Barkus. …The Zulu receiver Omarion Miller, Ole Miss parade starts late on Mardi Gras quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and Day for the 116th consecutive Ole Miss running back Kewan Lacy year and is delayed by a series of enter the transfer portal and antractor breakdowns. nounce their plans to attend LSU. …Quarterback T.J. Finley signs with March Nicholls State, the sixth school Before the start of free agency, in his six-year playing career. … the Saints sign receiver Chris Olave In her final official duty in office, and defensive back Alontae Taylor to outgoing New Orleans Mayor long-term contract extensions, LaToya Cantrell flies and Taysom Hill announces his reto Milan, Italy, tirement from the NFL after nine to “scout” the seasons. … The Saints open free city’s last-minute agency by signing guard Teven preparations for Jenkins and announcing incentivethe Winter Olymladen, one-year deals with vetpics in case, she erans Demario Davis and Cam Jordan said, New Orleans to return for another season. … elects to bid on Dedan Thomas scores a game-high Cantrell a future Winter 21 points to lead four players in Olympiad. … The Seahawks, double figures as LSU beats Texas Rams and Packers advance with A&M 84-79 to finish the season wins in the NFC wild-card playat 22-9 and 10-8 in conference play, the program’s first winning offs. In the AFC, the Steelers, season since 2020-2021. … The Texans and Patriots move on. LSU women finish 26-4 under … In the CFP semifinals, Texas coach Kim Mulkey and earn the No. Tech upsets Indiana to advance 3 seed in the SEC tournament. … to its first national title game apThe Tulane men’s basketball team pearance. Ohio State rolls past finishes the season with a loss to Ole Miss in the other semifinal. Cal Irvine in the first round of the … Jose Ortiz pilots White Tiger to a NIT. Coach Ron Hunter announces strong rally down the stretch to win the Grade III Lecomte Stakes his retirement after seven seaat the Fair Grounds. …The Rams sons at the helm. … Mesquite wins and 49ers advance to the NFC the Grade II Louisiana Derby as championship game with wins trainer Cherie DeVaux scores her over the Seahawks and Packers. first career win in Louisiana’s In the AFC, the Broncos and Pamost prestigious race. Bella Balleritriots win their home divisional na wins the Grade II Fair Grounds games to advance. … In the CFP Oaks. … The LSU women earn the championship game, Julian Sayin No. 2 seed in the West Regional throws two TD passes to Jeremiah but fall to UCLA in the regional Smith and the Buckeyes’ defense final despite 30 points from Flau’jae makes a late goal-line stand to Johnson in her final college game. preserve a 20-16 victory over … LSU is upset by coach Will Wade Texas Tech as Ohio State celand the NC State Wolf Pack in the ebrates back-to-back titles. … The first round of the NCAA TournaNFL announces its slate of nine ment’s East Regional. international games for the 2026 season, including a Vikings-Saints April game in Paris. … The Rams rally Former Shaw High School and from a double-digit second-half Southeastern Louisiana runner deficit to edge the 49ers 35-33 in Bryant White wins the 48th running the NFC championship game. Bo of the Crescent City Classic afNix runs for two touchdowns and ter finishing second in 2025. … passes for another as the Broncos Michigan outlasts Gonzaga in a defeat the Patriots 27-16 in the 94-91 shootout in the men’s NCAA AFC championship game, sendFinal Four and record the school’s second national championship ing coach Sean Payton to his second and first since 1989. … Dawn Staley’s Super Bowl. South Carolina Gamecocks upset February top-ranked UConn to win the women’s NCAA Final Four in On the eve of the trade deadPhoenix … Anthony Edwards scores line, the Pelicans deal guards Jose Alvarado and Jordan Hawkins to the At- 36 points in a 134-122 win over the lanta Hawks for wing shooter Luke Pelicans in Minneapolis. The Pels end their season at 34-48 and miss Kennard. … The Saints announce the addition of Gannon as a senior the final play-in spot by three defensive assistant. … The Winter games. … Director of basketball operations Joe Dumars announces Olympics open in Milan, Italy. … Drew Brees becomes the first player that James Borrego will not be rein Saints history to earn induction tained as the team’s head coach. appy New Year, New Orleans. In honor of the late, great Peter Finney, the legendary oracle of New Orleans sports, let’s dust off the crystal ball and see what 2026 portends for the world of sports. And as Pete always advised: Do not bet the mortgage on this inside information.

Jeff Duncan

… Ludvig Åberg sinks a birdie putt on No. 18 to defeat Bryson DeChambeau and become the first Swede to win the Masters. … The Las Vegas Raiders select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft. … With the No. 9 pick, the Saints select Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, making him the ninth running back taken in Round 1 in club history and first since Mark Ingram in 2011. … The Love Dallas Cowboys select LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane in Round 1 … The Saints select Oregon defensive tackle A’Mauri Washington and Louisville receiver Chris Bell on Day 2. … Danish twins Nicolai and Rasmus Højgaard become the first brother combination to win the Zurich Classic at TPC of Louisiana.

May The Pelicans introduce Kevin Ollie as the franchise’s 10th head coach. … Further Ado wears down Ted Noffey in the stretch to win the Kentucky Derby and give Cox his first win in the Run for the Roses in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. … Ted Noffey avenges the loss two weeks later by wiring the field to win the Preakness Stakes. … Viktor Hovland wins the first major championship of his career at the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown, Pennsylvania … Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scores 38 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 120-116 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 7 of the Western Conference finals. … The New York Knicks out-grind the Detroit Pistons in six games to win the Eastern Conference finals and advance to the NBA Finals for the first time since 19981999. … LSU loses to Georgia in the semifinals of the SEC baseball tournament but earns the No. 6 national seed in the NCAA Tournament. … Tulane loses to Florida Atlantic in the semifinals of the American Conference baseball tournament to finish its season at 31-27 in its fourth season under manager Jay Uhlman. … At the NFL spring meeting in Orlando, Florida, NFL owners award the 2031 Super Bowl to New Orleans. Nashville and Las Vegas are awarded the 2029 and 2030 Super Bowls, respectively. … Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears are named to the NBA All-Rookie team, becoming the fourth and fifth players in Pelicans franchise history to earn first-team honors.

June Mesquite closes from last place to run down Further Ado and Ted Noffey at the wire and win the Belmont Stakes. … LSU makes the College World Series for the third time in four years when Zach Yorke hits a game-winning home run in the ninth inning to beat Texas in Game 3 of the Baton Rouge super regional, but the Tigers are eliminated in back-toback losses to No. 1 seed UCLA and Tennessee.

July

October

Jeff Kent and Carlos Beltran are inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York, as the Class of 2026. … The Wizards select BYU forward A.J. Dybantsa with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, and the Pacers select Kansas guard Darryn Peterson at No. 2. … The Pelicans trade into the bottom of the first round and select Texas Tech wing J.T.Toppin. … Matt Fitzpatrick wins the British Open at Royal Birkdale in Southport, England. … Carlos Alcaraz defeats Jannik Sinner in the men’s final at Wimbledon to avenge last year’s defeat. ... Iga Swiatek of Poland wins the women’s final for the second consecutive year. ... Slovenian superstar Tadej Pogacar wins his third consecutive Tour de France and fifth overall title, tying him with four others for most in the race’s 113-year history. … The Saints open training camp in Metairie by announcing that the team has sold out its season ticket inventory for the 21st consecutive season. They are the consensus pick to win the NFC South. … LSU announces that Lane Kiffin has replaced former gymnast Livvy Dunne as the school’s largest social media brand influencer. Kiffin’s yellow lab, Juice, is No. 5 on the list.

Aaron Judge hits three home runs to power the New York Yankees to a 11-8 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 7 of the World Judge Series at Dodger Stadium. Judge is named World Series MVP after hitting six home runs in the series. … The Saints go 3-1 in the month, including a 28-27 win over the Vikings before a sellout crowd at Stade de France in Paris in the first NFL game in France. Saints tight end Juwan Johnson celebrates his game-winning TD catch by drinking champagne and leading a “Qui dat?” chant in the victorious postgame locker room. … LSU goes unbeaten in the month, defeating McNeese, Kentucky, Mississippi State and Auburn to improve to 6-2 and climb back into the AP Top 25. … The FireLaneKiffin.com website is disbanded. … Tulane finishes the month at 4-4 overall, splitting its four games, wins over Tulsa and Charlotte and losses to South Florida and Army. … The Pelicans open the season with a 124-113 win over the Dallas Mavericks behind Queen’s 24-point, 12-rebound double-double.

August Ohio State opens the season at consensus No. 1 pick in the preseason AP football poll. LSU checks in at No. 24. ... Vuori active wear company signs Kifﬁn to a multiyear endorsement contract…. Gov. Jeff Landry and Pelicans governor Gayle Benson announce a new long-term lease extension for New Orleans’ NBA team that includes a major renovation of the Smoothie King Center and reimagined entertainment district adjacent to the arena. The deal also includes a commitment by the NBA for New Orleans to host the 2028 NBA All-Star Game.

September The Lane Kiffin era at LSU begins with a 26-20 victory over Clemson before a capacity crowd at Tiger Stadium in a nationally televised prime-time game. … Darian Mensah throws four touchdown passes as Duke avenges its 2025 loss to Tulane with a 38-24 win over the Green Wave in Will Hall’s debut as head coach. … The Saints open the season as the favorites to win the NFC South and validate the predictions by routing the Bucs 36-16 behind Love’s 125-yard rushing day in his NFL debut before a sellout crowd at the Caesars Superdome. … Tulane gives Hall the first win of his head coaching tenure on Willow Street with a 36-20 victory over South Alabama at Yulman Stadium. … LSU improves to 2-0 with a blowout home win over Louisiana Tech behind Lacy’s 120 yards rushing. … In what is billed as the biggest game in school history, Ole Miss hands Kiffin the first loss of his LSU coaching tenure, a 33-31 Rebels victory before a record crowd of almost 69,000 fans at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Mississippi. Fans storm the field and pelt the LSU team buses with eggs after they exit the stadium. … Tulane finishes the month at 2-2, splitting games at Kansas State (loss) and at home against Southern Miss (win). … Still hungover from the Ole Miss loss, LSU loses to Texas A&M at Tiger Stadium and finishes the month at 2-2. … FireLaneKiffin. com is launched and an online petition receives more than 19,000 signatures in 24 hours. ... The Saints finish the month at 1-2 after back-to-back losses to the Rams and Ravens.

November The Saints go 2-3 in the month, beating the Bucs and Chiefs but losing to the Giants, Falcons and Packers. … LSU upsets Alabama 30-28 before a sellout crowd and nationally televised audience. State officials commission a bronze sculpture of Kiffin to be constructed outside Tiger Stadium. … A week later, Arch Manning throws four touchdown passes to lead Texas to a 33-26 victory at Tiger Stadium. State officials cancel the plans for the Kiffin statue. … LSU wins its final two games of the season against Tennessee and Arkansas to finish Kiffin’s first season at 9-3 and earn a Citrus Bowl berth. Lacy tops the 1,000yard rushing mark for the season. … Tulane reels off consecutive wins against North Texas, Rice and Texas-San Antonio but falls to Memphis in the season finale to finish Hall’s first season at 7-5. The Green Wave earn an invitation to play Toledo in the Gasparilla Bowl.

December The Saints lose to the Lions, then defeat the Panthers, Browns and Bengals to improve to 9-7 and ensure the franchise’s first winning season in three years. … Smyth ties Tom Dempsey’s franchise record with a 63-yard goal vs. the Panthers in the Caesars Superdome. … Love caps a dominant rookie season by winning the Offensive Rookie of the Year, making it back-to-back years a Saint has won the honor. … UL fires coach Michael Desormeaux after his fourth losing campaign in five seasons and names former LSU coach Ed Orgeron as his successor. … Tulane nips Toledo 23-21 on Patrick Durkin’s last-second 41-yard field goal in the Gasparilla Bowl. The Green Wave end Hall’s first season by winning four of its final five games. … Miami whips LSU 30-20 in the Citrus Bowl. FireLaneKiffin. com relaunches. … The Browns fire Kevin Stefanski after seven seasons and target Saints defensive coordinator and Perry, Ohio, native Brandon Staley as his successor. … Orgeron announces his first commitment as UL coach: quarterback T.J. Finley. … On New Year’s Eve, Gov. Landry resigns from his White House envoy appointment when he learns that “Greenland” is not President Donald Trump’s nickname for Saudi Arabia.

4C ✦ Thursday, January 1, 2026 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune

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COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF Ole Miss, Georgia no strangers to Sugar Bowl BY SPENCER URQUHART Staff writer

Georgia and Ole Miss face off in the 92nd annual Allstate Sugar Bowl on Thursday in a College Football Playoff quarterfinal matchup at the Caesars Superdome. The matchup between No. 3-seeded Georgia and No. 6-seeded Ole Miss will mark the first time in more than 60 years that two Southeastern Conference schools have played in the Sugar Bowl. Georgia fell 23-10 to Notre Dame in last year’s Sugar Bowl, and Ole Miss last appeared in 2022 in a 21-7 loss to Baylor. Both Georgia and Ole Miss have played in the Sugar Bowl plenty of times over the years. Listed below are all 22 Sugar Bowl matchups that have involved either the Bulldogs or Rebels. Jan. 1, 1947: Georgia 20, North Carolina 10 No. 3 Georgia faced No. 9 North Carolina in front of 73,000 fans at Tulane Stadium. North Carolina led 7-0 at halftime, but Georgia took a 13-10 lead in the third quarter after Charley Trippi completed a 67-yard touchdown pass to Dan Edwards. Georgia finished the season 11-0. Jan. 1, 1953: Georgia Tech 24, Ole Miss 7 An all-SEC matchup between Ole Miss and Georgia Tech took place in front of 80,000 at Tulane Stadium. No. 7 Ole Miss took a 7-0 lead after a 4-yard touchdown run by Wilson Dillard, but No. 2 Georgia Tech scored 24 unanswered points. Jan. 1, 1955: Navy 21, Ole Miss 0 Ole Miss returned to the Sugar Bowl for the second time in three years at Tulane Stadium. No. 6 Ole Miss faced No. 5 Navy, and the Rebels failed to score. Navy running back Joe Gattuso was named MVP after scoring two rushing touchdowns. Jan. 1, 1958: Ole Miss 39, Texas 7 Ole Miss won its first Sugar Bowl in dominant fashion. No. 7 Ole Miss led No. 11 Texas 26-0 after the third quarter, and Rebels quarterback Raymond Brown was named MVP after finishing with 157 yards rushing and two touchdowns on 15 carries along with a passing touchdown. Jan. 1, 1960: Ole Miss 21, LSU 0 An SEC rematch took place between No. 2 Ole Miss and No. 3 LSU. The Rebels prevailed after a dominant defensive performance in which the Rebels held LSU to 74 total yards. All three Ole Miss touchdowns were passes, one from Jake Gibbs and two from Bobby Franklin. Jan. 2, 1961: Ole Miss 14, Rice 6 No. 2 Ole Miss earned backto-back Sugar Bowl wins with a strong showing against Rice. Ole Miss quarterback Jake Gibbs was the MVP, scoring both touchdowns. Ole Miss was named national champion by the Football Writers Association of America. Jan. 1, 1963: Ole Miss 17, Arkansas 13

STAFF FILE PHOTO By MICHAEL DEMOCKER

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By AJ SISCO

Ole Miss wide receiver Laquon Treadwell catches a touchdown pass against Oklahoma State in the Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Caesars Superdome on Jan. 1, 2016.

Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver George Pickens holds the Sugar Bowl trophy after the Bulldogs beat the Baylor Bears in the Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Caesars Superdome on Jan. 1, 2020.

No. 3 Ole Miss was looking to keep its undefeated season intact against No. 6 Arkansas. A 33-yard pass from Ole Miss quarterback Glynn Griffing to Louis Guy gave the Rebels a 10-3 halftime lead, and they held on after Griffing’s rushing touchdown in the third quarter. Jan. 1, 1964: Alabama 12, Ole Miss 7 Ole Miss was facing Alabama for the first time since 1944 even though they were both in the SEC. A defensive struggle resulted in a combined 13 turnovers, and Ole Miss scored the game’s only touchdown but fell short. Alabama kicker Tim Davis made four field goals. Jan. 1, 1969: Arkansas 16, Georgia 2 No. 4 Georgia returned to the Sugar Bowl for the first time in 22 years to face No. 9 Arkansas. The only points Georgia scored came from a safety in the second quarter. Underdog Arkansas had Chuck Dicus win MVP after catching 12 passes. Jan. 1, 1970: Ole Miss 27, Arkansas 22 With Archie Manning at quarterback, Ole Miss returned to the Sugar Bowl against No. 3 Arkansas. No. 13 Ole Miss struck first after Bo Bowen’s 69-yard touchdown run and led 24-12 at halftime after two touchdowns from Manning. Ole Miss never trailed, and Manning was named MVP. Jan. 1, 1977: Pittsburgh 27, Georgia 3

in 20 years in a matchup with ACC champion Florida State. A 71-yard pick-six by Bruce Thornton swung the momentum in favor of Georgia, and the Bulldogs never trailed the rest of the way. Jan. 2, 2006: West Virginia 38, Georgia 35 This Sugar Bowl was moved to the Georgia Dome in Atlanta with the Superdome undergoing repairs after Hurricane Katrina. West Virginia led by as much as 28 points and held off Georgia’s comeback attempt. West Virginia freshman Steve Slaton’s 204 yards rushing were a Sugar Bowl record. Jan. 1, 2008: Georgia 41, Hawaii 10 Georgia represented the SEC in the Sugar Bowl with LSU in the BCS national championship game, and the Bulldogs faced the nation’s last remaining undefeated team in Hawaii. Georgia dominated the game, and Bulldogs defensive end Marcus Howard became the ﬁrst defensive player to win MVP. Jan. 1, 2016: Ole Miss 48, Oklahoma State 20 Ole Miss returned to the Sugar Bowl for the ﬁrst time in 46 years against Oklahoma State. The Ole Miss passing attack proved too much for Oklahoma State to contain, as Rebels quarterback Chad Kelly threw four touchdown passes, three of which went to Laquon Treadwell. Jan. 1, 2019: Texas 28, Georgia 21

The second Sugar Bowl played at the Superdome featured No. 5 Georgia against No. 1 Pittsburgh. Heisman Trophy-winning running back Tony Dorsett found the end zone to give Pitt a 21-0 edge at halftime, and Georgia managed just one field goal against the eventual consensus national champions. Jan. 1, 1981: Georgia 17, Notre Dame 10 No. 1 Georgia handled No. 7 Notre Dame. Georgia running back Herschel Walker won Sugar Bowl MVP as a true freshman, scoring both Georgia touchdowns and finishing with 150 yards rushing. Georgia was the consensus national champion. Jan. 1, 1982: Pittsburgh 24, Georgia 20 Reigning national champion Georgia faced Pittsburgh again. Walker scored two touchdowns for Georgia, and the Bulldogs led 20-17 in the fourth quarter until Pitt quarterback Dan Marino completed a 33-yard touchdown pass to John Brown for the comeback win. Jan. 1, 1983: Penn State 27, Georgia 23 The national championship was on the line with Georgia and Penn State ranked No. 1 and No. 2 overall. Penn State led 20-10 until a Walker touchdown run brought Georgia within three points, but that was the closest the Bulldogs would come. Jan. 1, 2003: Georgia 26, Florida State 13 SEC champion Georgia returned to the Sugar Bowl for the first time

SEC runner-up Georgia faced Big 12 runner-up Texas. Texas led by as much as 21 points, and Longhorns quarterback Sam Ehlinger was named MVP after accounting for three touchdowns. Jan. 1, 2020: Georgia 26, Baylor 14 Georgia returned to the Sugar Bowl for a second straight year against a Big 12 opponent and was able to earn redemption. Georgia set the tone with a 19-0 halftime lead, and George Pickens was named MVP after catching 12 passes for 175 yards and a touchdown. Jan. 1, 2022: Baylor 21, Ole Miss 7 Ole Miss earned a Sugar Bowl bid for the first time with Lane Kifﬁn as coach, but the Rebels suffered some bad luck early with an injury to QB Matt Corral. Baylor set the tone with a 96-yard pick-six, and linebacker Terrel Bernard was named MVP with two sacks and 17 tackles. Jan. 2, 2025: Notre Dame 23, Georgia 10 Last year’s Sugar Bowl was pushed back one day because of the Bourbon Street terrorist attack. In a CFP quarterﬁnal matchup between No. 2-seeded Georgia and No. 7-seeded Notre Dame, Jayden Harrison’s 98-yard kickoff return led to a Fighting Irish upset. Email Spencer Urquhart at surquhart@theadvocate.com.

Roles reverse between Indiana, Alabama in Rose Bowl

BY GREG BEACHAM

ponents of the Crimson Tide (11-3) over the past two decades Tuesday when he described the challenge of facing the Hoosiers (13-0) in a College Football Playoff quarterfinal doubling as the 112th edition of the Granddaddy of Them All. “They’re the No. 1 team for a reason, and we know it,” Simpson said. “As a coach’s son, I know that to get that program to where it is in that time frame is just super impressive. It’s going to be a tough challenge, but that’s what we live for.” Alabama reached six CFP finals and won three titles under Saban during the postseason format’s first decade. Two years into the nearly impossible task of following Saban, coach Kalen DeBoer has had significant success — just not to the level expected at this program. After going 9-4 last year, the Tide began this season with an embarrassing loss to Florida State, and it got blown out by Georgia in the

SEC title game. Alabama still made the CFP for the first time under DeBoer, who realizes he won’t win over his new fan base without a strong national title run. The Tide’s solid comeback victory at Oklahoma in the first round suggested Alabama has the potential to ruin the Hoosiers’ perfect season, yet DeBoer understands the enormity of the task facing his team. “They’re undefeated for a reason,” DeBoer said. “They’ve got a very good football team. They play well. From our standpoint, there’s a belief in who we are. And that’s what you really you’ve got to focus on is, who are we? What we’ve been through, and how we’ve overcome, is what we’re proud of.” It’s a decade too soon to know whether Curt Cignetti is building the sport’s next titan, but there’s no denying his first two seasons have been more impressive than Saban’s

start at Alabama — when Cignetti was a Tide assistant. Indiana is the CFP’s top seed and the Big Ten champion after its spectacular regular season culminated with a paradigm-shifting victory over Ohio State in the conference title game. The Hoosiers are in the Rose Bowl for the ﬁrst time since 1968, and they’re the AP’s No. 1 team for the ﬁrst time — a distinction Alabama has held 141 times. The Hoosiers made the CFP last season, but the Rose Bowl is the CFP debut for Heisman Trophywinning quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the California transfer who has taken the Indiana offense to an elite level. “We want to win the national championship, but playing in the Rose Bowl, getting a chance to play a historic team like Alabama, it’s something that’s really important to appreciate,” Mendoza said.

“The Big Ten championship was sweet, and it left a good taste in our mouth, but we’ve had a month for Coach Cignetti to light a fire under us and remind us we need to win the Rose Bowl. If we don’t, this season was great, but it isn’t what we want it to be.” The Hoosiers beat the Buckeyes on Dec. 6, but Mendoza believes they can benefit from a 25-day layoff without succumbing to the rustiness that likely played a role in last year’s CFP, when all four teams with first-round byes lost. “I think having the month off is also a plus, although it was a negative for some teams last year,” Mendoza said. “I just gave myself time to reflect on the Big Ten championship, the Heisman, all those other great things, let them sink in in a way where — ‘OK, that’s cool. Boom. Now we’ve got the new season.’ ”

have this long of a layoff,” Smart said. “Not basketball, not footContinued from page 1C ball, not baseball, where you go from playing once (a week) to 25, 30 days (before) playing again.” There are elements of the first to Alabama on Sept. 27) by beating the Crimson Tide 28-7 in the game that one team or the other SEC championship game on Dec. would like to replicate or prevent from being replicated. 6. The most obvious is that the RebGeorgia will play for the first time in 26 days whereas Ole Miss els would like to force a punt after will play its second game in 12 not forcing any in the first game. Though the final score was a onedays. “There’s no sport where you score margin, there were larger

disparities in key statistics. Running the football and stopping the run are Georgia’s bread and butter, and its superiority in those areas (221-88 edge in rushing yards) contributed to those disparities in total yards (510-351), ﬁrst downs (34-21) and time of possession (37:36-22:21). “I think the biggest thing is not over-thinking it,” Golding said. “Neither one of us is the same team we were when we played there. I think you can get too cute

sometimes. There’s a foundation of who you are and what you believe in and the things you’ve got to do to be successful, regardless of who you play, you’re going to continue to do them.” Smart agreed. “If you’re a good team, you do what you do and you do it well,” he said. “You don’t trick people. You go out and you beat them with what you do best.” The Bulldogs trailed 35-26 after three quarters, but outscored the

Rebels 17-0 in the fourth quarter. “It was a good game through three quarters,” Ole Miss wide receiver Harrison Wallace III said, “and then the fourth quarter, it got bad.” The SEC has been a major part of Sugar Bowl history. Although Georgia is third in number of appearances (12) as the 92nd edition prepares to kick off and Ole Miss is fourth (10), these teams have never met in this game before.

AP sportswriter

LOS ANGELES — Nick Saban coached his ﬁnal game for Alabama just two years ago in the Rose Bowl. Although the sport didn’t know it at the time, an era ä Indiana ended for the 21st century’s vs. Alabama, most dominant 3 P.M. THURSDAy, program when ESPN Jalen Milroe got stopped on fourth down in overtime by Michigan. The No. 9-seeded Crimson Tide is returning to the Rose Bowl’s storied turf Thursday as underdogs against unbeaten and top-seeded Indiana, which improbably has constructed a burgeoning superpower from the ground up during those two short years. Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson sounded a bit like so many op-

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Saints aim for better red-zone results BY LUKE JOHNSON AND MATTHEW PARAS

wins the division. But if Tampa Bay wins and Atlanta wins, then Carolina still would win the NFC South at 8-9 because of the division tiebreakers.

Staff writers

There was one big difference that separated the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons the last time they met: Atlanta cashed in on its scoring opportunities, and New Orleans did not. The Saints went 0 for 3 in the red zone against the Falcons. Two of those red-zone drives resulted in zero points — one on a missed ﬁeld goal, the other a turnover on downs at the 1-yard line. Atlanta had only two red-zone trips, but both led to points. “It was a tale of missed opportunities,” Saints coach Kellen Moore said. It also was a continuation of a season-long problem the Saints. Notebook for After that game, New Orleans had scored touchdowns on only 10 of 29 red-zone trips — a 34.5% conversion rate. But the Saints have turned things around in a big way lately. In the last ﬁve games, New Orleans has scored touchdowns on 8 of 13 redzone chances (61.5%). In that first Atlanta game, the Saints largely took the ball out of rookie quarterback Tyler Shough‘s hands once it got inside the Falcons’ 20-yard line. But since then, Shough has been performing at a high level in those situations. It’s a small sample size, but Shough has a 133.4 passer rating in the red zone this season, completing 11 of 15 passes for 111 yards and six touchdowns without an interception. Shough also has a redzone rushing touchdown. “It’s better chemistry, better feel of each other and just operating the plan,” Shough said. “I think it comes down to execution in that

Injury report The Saints held a light walkthrough instead of a normal practice Wednesday, but they still had a number of players missing from the session. The injury report included 10 players listed as “DNPs”, including wide receiver Chris Olave and running back Alvin Kamara. Kamara has not practiced since suffering a knee injury in a Nov. 23 loss to the Falcons. Olave sat out because of an illness, not because of the back injury that has been nagging him for weeks. STAFF PHOTO By BRETT DUKE Quarterback Spencer Rattler (right finger), guard Dillon Radunz (knee), New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough reacts after being sacked tight end Jack Stoll (knee), corby the Atlanta Falcons on Nov. 23. nerback Michael Davis (shoulder), tight end Zaire Mitchell-Paden, defenway … and we’re going to have to caneers (7-9) on Saturday to win sive tackle Nathan Shepherd (ankle/ do that again, because (the Falcons the NFC South and then the Saints knee), defensive tackle Bryan Bresee are) really good in the red zone, a (6-10) would need a victory over (knee) and wide receiver Mason Tipreally good defense. We’ve got to be the Falcons (7-9). In that scenario, ton (groin) also were absent. dialed.” because the Falcons, Buccaneers Of those, Radunz’s and Ratand Saints all would finish 7-10, the tler’s injuries weren’t previously NFC South scenarios Saints would win the tiebreaker be- known. Moore said Radunz’s injuThe NFC South is still up for cause of a better in-division record ry was discovered Monday, while grabs heading into the final week (4-2). Rattler’s injury wasn’t of much The Saints would finish third in concern. of the season, and while the Saints can’t win the division, they can cer- the division if they beat Atlanta but Moore also said that Stoll, who Tampa Bay beats Carolina. If that was carted back to the locker tainly affect it. The Saints can finish as high as happens, the Buccaneers would room during Sunday’s game, second in the division, though also make the playoffs, the Panthers wouldn’t play this weekend. Elsewhere, linebacker Demario have scenarios in which they could would finish second, followed by the Davis (calf) and guard Cesar Ruiz end up third or fourth. The order Saints and Falcons. Losing to the Falcons would keep (ankle) were limited. in which the Saints place will afRuiz returned to practice after fect the opponents the team faces the Saints in fourth place since their record would be 6-11. But the divi- missing the last two games. in 2026. For New Orleans to place second, sion order could shake out in one of Email Matthew Paras at matt. the Carolina Panthers (8-8) would two ways: have to beat the Tampa Bay BucIf the Panthers win, then Carolina paras@theadvocate.com

QB Manning leads Texas to win over Michigan BY DOUG FERGUSON Associated Press

ORLANDO, Fla. — Arch Manning made big plays with his arm and his legs Wednesday in the Citrus Bowl, throwing two touchdown passes and putting it away with a 60-yard scoring run in a 41-27 victory that ended a rough month for No. 14 Michigan. Manning was an easy choice as the Citrus Bowl MVP, and that was before he burst up the middle on his 60-yarder that gave the Longhorns (10-3) a 38-27 lead, the first time all game either team led by more than one score. Manning was 21 of 34 for 221 yards passing, and he ran nine times for 155 yards. He delivered a perfect throw to Kaliq Lockett on a 30-yard TD for a 31-27 lead, the first time Texas led since a field goal on its opening drive. That was one play after he scrambled 15 yards for a first down on fourth-and-2. Manning twice converted on fourth down with clutch runs, both times extending drives that led to touchdowns. Kyle Whittingham, who arrived in Orlando on Saturday to start meeting with players, watched from the box at the Citrus Bowl. The longtime Utah coach takes over a Michigan team (9-4) that produced a strong running game and played tough on defense despite missing its top two defenders who opted out of the game.

SAINTS

Continued from page 1C ing plays in 2025 — Davis has recorded half a sack, his lowest total since his rookie season, and his three passes defended are his worst mark since 2017 — but he is still playing at a high level. As with Jordan, it’s a question of age and whether the Saints are open to blocking Danny Stutsman’s path to the field for another season. QB Taysom Hill: Maybe it’s nothing, but it sure felt like the Saints were trying to do Hill a solid a few weeks ago against the Jets by sending him off with a bang in the final home game of 2025. Hill has been an especially valuable player for the Saints over the years, but he looks like he’s lost a step after suffering a major knee injury late in the 2024 season. Of all the old guard on this list, he feels closer to retirement than a return. CB Alontae Taylor: He is the only homegrown Saints player whose rookie contract is expiring, because he’s one of only two left from the 2022 draft class (the other, Chris Olave, will play on his fifth-year option if he doesn’t

Bryce Underwood, Michigan’s freshman quarter, kept the Wolverines in the game until a pair of late interceptions sealed it. He was 23 of 42 for 199 yards and two touchdowns, along with three interceptions in the last 18 minutes of the game. Underwood, who ran for 77 yards, scampered for a 5-yard touchdown run by diving to touch the pylon, giving Michigan its last lead at 2724 with just under 11 minutes to go. Hisd pass was intercepted by Ty’Anthony Smith over the middle after Texas had taken the lead, and Smith picked him another along the sideline on the next drive.

ReliaQuest Bowl IOWA 34, NO. 13 VANDERBILT 27:

er and Pavia answering with an 11yard TD run. Iowa (9-4) pushed the lead back to double digits with a 44-yard field goal from Drew Stevens to cap off a 13-play, 49-yard drive that took more than seven minutes. Vanderbilt answered with a 37-yard field goal from Brock Taylor to make it 34-27, but Iowa was able to close out the game with Xavier Williams running for 11 yards on a third-and-1 with 1:55 remaining. Pavia finished with 347 passing yards. Richardson caught six passes for 127 yards and Junior Sherrill had eight catches for 123 yards for Vanderbilt. Vonnahme led the Hawkeyes with seven catches for 146 yards and Kamari Moulton rushed for 95 yards and a touchdown.

35 on a 6-yard TD pass from Sims to Malik McClain at 12:31 of the fourth quarter — their ﬁrst lead since the game’s opening score, a 4-yard run by Sims. The Sun Devils took over with 2:51 remaining and seemingly in control, but Demarius Robinson fumbled at the end of a 14-yard on the next play. Kendall Johnson forced the fumble and Ma’Khi Jones recovered for the Blue Devils on the ASU 22-yard line.

Las Vegas Bowl NO. 15 UTAH 44, NEBRASKA 22: In Las Vegas, Devon Dampier threw for 310 yards and two touchdowns and ran for 148 yards and three scores, and in Morgan Scalley’s ﬁrst game as coach Utah beats Nebraska. Scalley was expected to be the Utes’ coach beginning after this game, but Michigan hired Kyle Whittingham on Friday, prompting a quicker change. For Dampier, the question now is whether the junior will return to Salt Lake City or enter the transfer portal and maybe even follow his old coach to Michigan. This game was considered a sort of audition for Nebraska freshman quarterback TJ Lateef, who passed for 182 yards and had a touchdown each throwing and running. Utah turned around the game in the second period by outscoring Nebraska 17-0 and outgaining the Huskers.

Texas Tech, Oregon to face off BY TIM REYNOLDS AP sportswriter

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The formula for getting to this season’s Orange Bowl apparently went like this: Score a ton of points, allow very few points, have a big play on basically every possession, excel on third downs offensively, be stingy on third downs defensively. That was Texas Tech’s path. That was also Oregon’s path. Numbers-wise, Texas Tech and Oregon have basically been mirroring images of one another this season. They’re both 12-1, neither has lost since mid-October, both have top-10 scoring offenses, both have top-10 scoring defenses ... the similarities go on and on and on. The Red Raiders ( No. 4 AP, No. 4 CFP) and Ducks (No. 5 AP, No. 5 CFP) will square off in the Orange Bowl on New Year’s Day in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals, with the winner headed to the national semifinals at the Peach Bowl next week against either Indiana or Alabama. “Everybody knows the stakes,” Oregon coach Dan Lanning said. “These are moments that you’re excited to get to go be a part of.” There are no shortage of numbers that have one team looking a lot like the other. Points per game, it’s Texas Tech 42.5 and Oregon 39.2. Points allowed per game, it’s Texas Tech 10.9 and Oregon 16.3. Yards per game, it’s Texas Tech 480 and Oregon 469. Yards allowed per game, it’s Texas Tech 254 and Oregon 271. Yards allowed per play, it’s Texas Tech 3.96 and Oregon 4.36. “How lucky are we? And that’s not a question, but man, a statement of gratitude,” Texas Tech coach Joey McGuire said. “You know, if you had told my 13-year-old self that I’m getting ready to coach on January 1st in the Orange Bowl at 11 a.m. Central time, man, I would have probably never believed it. So, I’m just so fortunate and grateful that we get to do this and man, we’re excited.” It could be argued that this is already the best season in Texas Tech history, with a school record for wins and a strong likelihood that the Red Raiders will finish the year 10th or better in the final AP Top 25 for the first time. “It’s more of an internal thing for us to push through and try to be the best that we can no matter what the outside voices say,” star Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez said. “If they say that we’re the best, we’ll try to play the best.” Oregon quarterback Dante Moore said after the Ducks’ win over James Madison in Round 1 of the CFP that this has been the longest season of his life — now 14 games and counting, with the potential of two more after this one. “I feel like with this team, we were very young at the beginning of the year, but we’ve had a lot of experience,” Moore said. “We’ve been pushing each other every day.”

In Tampa, Fla., Mark Gronowski threw two touchdowns and rushed for another to lead Iowa to a win over Vanderbilt in the ReliaQuest Bowl. Gronowski was 16 of 22 passing for 212 yards, throwing touchdowns passes of 10 and 21 yards to Reece Vander Zee and DJ Vonnahme, respectively, as Iowa got out to a 21-3 lead early in the third quarter. Vanderbilt (10-3) rallied behind Diego Pavia. The Heisman Trophy runner-up threw a 75-yard touchdown pass to Tre Richardson and a 16-yarder to Joseph McVay to pull the Commodores within 24-17. The teams traded scores early in the fourth quarter, with Gronowski making it 31-17 with a 1-yard keep-

DUKE 42, ARIZONA STATE 39: In El Paso, Texas, Darian Mensah threw for 327 yards and four touchdowns to lead Duke to victory over Arizona State. Mensah, named the game’s MVP, was 29 of 51 passing with an interception. He helped Duke to its fourth straight win and tied a Sun Bowl record for TD passes in a game. The Blue Devils (9-5) also won nine games for a second consecutive season — only the second time in program history they accomplished the feat. The Sun Devils took the lead at 39-

reach a new contract with the Saints). Taylor has been a bit of a boom-or-bust player in his four seasons with New Orleans, but he’s a four-year starter who has shown high-level potential. He could command a solid deal in free agency. S Julian Blackmon: Defensive coordinator Brandon Staley made no secret about how he had tried to coach Blackmon for years, and the veteran safety looked primed for a big 2025 year based off of his training camp performance. Unfortunately, Blackmon suffered a season-ending shoulder injury after the first game. Rookie Jonas Sanker has played well in his absence. TE Foster Moreau: Like Hill, Moreau spent the first part of the season rehabilitating from a serious knee injury, and he’s played a smaller role in the offense since getting back on the field. He’s also already done for the year, having been placed on injured reserve last week. Still, Moreau is well-liked within the building, and there is always a role for players with his skillset. LG Dillon Radunz: The Saints signed Radunz this offseason to give them a potential starter on the interior.

McCoy was lost for the season with an injury. Like Radunz, Fortner is best suited for a depth role, but he’d be worth bringing back as insurance for McCoy. DB Ugo Amadi: There always seems to be a spot for Amadi with the Saints — he’s signed one-year deals each of the last three years — but he’s often been inactive on game day in 2025. The injured offensive linemen: Both Landon Young and Will Clapp spent the entire 2025 season on injured reserve, and the Saints made trades to ﬁll both gaps, acquiring Fortner and Asim Richards. It’s possible those trades made both Young and Clapp redundant (Richards is under contract through 2026). The Staley gang: The Saints signed STAFF PHOTO By DAVID GRUNFELD a bunch of defensive players who had history with Staley to oneSaints quarterback Taysom Hill starts the ‘Who Dat’ chant before a year contracts, and all have played game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Caesars Superdome on Jan. small but meaningful roles: LB 7, 2024. Chris Rumph, S Terrell Burgess, and DLs Jonathan Bullard and He ended up starting nine of the look to upgrade their interior of- Jonah Williams. The same can be first 16 games, paving the way fensive line. said of TE Jack Stoll, who was one C Luke Fortner: New Orleans ac- of a few players with history under for the team to trade former ﬁrstrounder Trevor Penning. Radunz quired Fortner in a trade with the Moore. is probably better suited to being Jacksonville Jaguars just before the team’s sixth offensive lineman, the start of the season, and it end- Email Luke Johnson at as the Saints almost certainly will ed up paying off when starter Erik ljohnson@theadvocate.com.

Sun Bowl

Playing early Texas Tech will be playing for the sixth time this season in a game starting at noon Eastern, or 11 a.m. Central. The Red Raiders are 5-0 in those games this season.

6C ✦ Thursday, January 1, 2026 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune

lll

Tulane men pick up win Hunter ‘needed’ Green Wave gets an elusive victory at East Carolina

BY GUERRY SMITH Contributing writer

The jinx is over. Coach Ron Hunter finally notched his ﬁrst victory in seven tries at East Carolina as the Tulane men’s basketball team won 79-70 on Saturday in its American Conference opener. The Green Wave (10-4, 1-0) closed with a 13-3 run in the ﬁnal 4:45, getting two huge baskets from guard Scotty Middleton while the Pirates (5-9, 0-1) missed their last eight shots. Among long-standing league members, Hunter had won everywhere but Greenville, North Carolina, since arriving at Tulane in 2019, and he was well aware of his issues there. “I needed this,” he said. “We’ve had a lot of good things happen,

but this was bothering me this summer and it was bothering me two weeks ago. When the league schedule came out and I saw that was the ﬁrst game, I said this has got to be the one (where the losing streak ends).” It still was in doubt late, but Middleton scored on an off-balance put-back of a Rowan Brumbaugh miss to give the Wave the lead for good at 68-67. Asher Woods sank a shot from just outside the foul line to make the score 72-69 with 3:03 left, and Middleton followed with a wide-open 3-pointer off of a feed from Brumbaugh to pad the advantage to 76-70 at the 1:19 mark. “Our kids needed this for conﬁdence,” Hunter said. “Going in and getting a road win like this will be huge for us, and they all knew we hadn’t won in here, too. They’d

been talking about it. I’d been trying to keep it down.” Brumbaugh and Woods each scored 19 points, with 15 of Woods’ points coming in the second half. Brumbaugh picked up two fouls in the first 2:05 of the game but played through them, not getting his third until late in the second half. “My all-conference guards played like all-conference guards,” Hunter said. “It’s the first time all year where both of them together played like all-conference guards.” Tyler Ringgold kept the Wave afloat with 14 first-half points — three off his career high for a game — and finished with 16. His quick rotation to block a 3-point shot out of bounds led to another empty late possession from East Carolina. “Tyler was a grown man,” Hunt-

er said. “That’s the best he’s played in college thus far.” Middleton added a career-hightying 16 points, hitting four of seven 3s after reaching double figures only four times in the first 13 games as a highly touted transfer from Seton Hall. “That last one was a dagger,” Hunter said. “His confidence is growing. He understands the system. For new guys it takes a while.” East Carolina, the worst 3-point shooting team in Division I (24.4%), hit 6 of 13 from long range before missing its last seven. Jordan Riley matched his average with 21 points but needed 19 shots to get there, and the Wave limited the Pirates to 30.3% shooting in the second half. Tulane controlled the run of play in the first half but trailed by two at the break because of a rough final five minutes when a 32-25 lead disappeared. The issues started

with Woods and Brumbaugh — two of the best foul shooters in the league — coming up empty on back-to-back trips to the foul line. Woods missed one and had a second make nullified by a lane violation. Brumbaugh was off target on the front end of a one-and-one. The Pirates tied the score at 3535 on Riley’s 3-pointer — his first make after going 0 for 12 on treys in the previous five games — and took their largest lead at 39-35 on Reid Cason’s dunk when the Wave fell asleep on an inbounds pass. Woods hit two free throws to cut the deficit to 39-37 in a matchup that had 16 lead changes before Tulane took control late. “It was one of our most complete games,” Hunter said. “We shot it well, and the second half our defense was incredible.” Tulane hosts Florida Atlantic (9-5, 1-0) at noon Saturday in its American home opener.

SCOREBOARD Odds

EAST CAROLINA (5-9) Davis 3-5 0-0 6, Emejuru 3-5 6-9 12, Bailey 4-14 3-4 13, Caulker 3-8 0-0 6, Riley 8-19 3-6 21, Mbeng 1-4 0-0 3, Cason 3-3 0-0 6, D’Arcy 1-2 0-0 3, Gardner 0-4 0-0 0. Totals 26-64 12-19 70. Halftime — East Carolina 39-37. 3-Point Goals — Tulane 11-23 (Middleton 4-7, Brumbaugh 2-4, Ringgold 2-4, Woods 2-4, J.Moore 1-1, Williams 0-3), East Carolina 6-20 (Riley 2-4, Bailey 2-7, D’Arcy 1-2, Mbeng 1-4, Caulker 0-3). Fouled Out — Mbeng. Rebounds — Tulane 34 (Brumbaugh 7), East Carolina 29 (Emejuru 9). Assists — Tulane 15 (Brumbaugh, Woods 4), East Carolina 12 (Bailey 4). Total Fouls — Tulane 17, East Carolina 18. A — 2,992 (8,000).

NFL Saturday

FAVORITE UNDERDOG at TAMPA BAY Seattle

OPEN

TODAY

O/U

3 2½ (44) Carolina 4½ 1½ (49½) at SAN FRAN.

Sunday

FAVORITE OPEN TODAY O/U UNDERDOG at CINC. 8½ 7½ (44½) Cleveland Dallas 1½ 3½ (51½) at NY GIANTS at J’VILLE 4½ 12½ (47½) Tennessee at HOUSTON 4½ 10½ (39) Indianapolis at ATLANTA 5½ 3½ (43½) New Orleans at MINNESOTA 1½ 6½ (36½) Green Bay at LA RAMS 4½ 7½ (46½) Arizona at N. ENGLAND 2½ 10½ (45½) Miami at CHICAGO 1½ 3 (50½) Detroit Kansas City 6 5½ (36½) at LAS VEGAS at DENVER 2½ 12½ (37½) LA Chargers at PHILADELPHIA 4½ 7 (39½) Washington at BUFFALO 9½ 7 (38) NY Jets Baltimore 3 3½ (40½) at PITTS.

National scores EAST

American 84, Loyola (Md) 69 Army 85, Lehigh 78, OT Brown 105, Johnson and Wales (RI) 47 Campbell 68, Monmouth 65 Clemson 64, Syracuse 61 Colgate 85, Lafayette 77 Columbia 106, Penn State-Abington 51 George Mason 80, La Salle 75 Holy Cross 65, Bucknell 58 Loyola Chicago 61, Rhode Island 57 Marshall 84, Georgia State 80 Navy 82, Boston University 77 Pennsylvania 80, NJIT 61 Villanova 71, DePaul 66

College football Thursday

Orange Bowl FAVORITE Oregon Rose Bowl Indiana Sugar Bowl Georgia

Friday

OPEN TODAY O/U UNDERDOG 1½ 2½ (51½) Texas Tech 6½

(48)

Alabama

6½

6½ (55½)

Ole Miss

Armed Forces Bowl Texas State 6½ Liberty Bowl Navy 6½ Duke’s Mayo Bowl Mississippi St. 2½ Holiday Bowl Arizona 1½

15½(57½)

Rice

7½ (54½)

Cincinnati

(53½) Wake Forest

2½ (52½)

SMU

College football Bowl glance Dec. 29

Birmingham Bowl Georgia Southern 29, Appalachian State 10

Dec. 30

SOUTH

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By JULIO CORTEZ

Just Sayin

Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin is sacked by Miami defensive linemen Rueben Bain, left, and defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor during the first half of the Cotton Bowl College Football Playoff quarterfinal game Wednesday in Arlington, Texas. The game ended after press time.

Independence Bowl Louisiana Tech 23, Coastal Carolina 14 Music City Bowl Illinois 30, Tennessee 28 Alamo Bowl TCU 30, No. 16 Southern Cal 27, OT

Pro football

ReliaQuest Bowl No. 23 Iowa 34, No. 13 Vanderbilt 27 Sun Bowl Arizona St. vs. Duke, n Citrus Bowl No. 14 Texas 41, No. 18 Michigan 27 Las Vegas Bowl No. 15 Utah 44, Nebraska 22

y-New England x-Buffalo e-Miami e-N.Y. Jets South

Wednesday

Friday

Armed Forces Bowl Texas State vs. Rice, noon (ESPN) Liberty Bowl No. 22 Navy vs. Cincinnati, 3:30 p.m. (ESPN) Duke’s Mayo Bowl Mississippi St. vs. Wake Forest, 7 p.m. (ESPN) Holiday Bowl No. 21 Arizona vs. SMU, 7 p.m. (FOX)

College Football Playoff

Quarterﬁnals Wednesday At Cotton Bowl, Arlington, Texas No. 10 Miami at No. 3 Ohio St., n

NFL glance East

x-Jacksonville x-Houston e-Indianapolis e-Tennessee North Pittsburgh Baltimore e-Cincinnati e-Cleveland West y-Denver x-L.A. Chargers e-Kansas City e-Las Vegas

NFC East

Thursday At Orange Bowl, Miami Gardens, Fla. No. 5 Oregon at No. 4 Texas Tech, 11 a.m. (ESPN) At Rose Bowl, Pasadena, Calif. No. 11 Alabama at No. 1 Indiana, 3 p.m. (ESPN) At Sugar Bowl, New Orleans No. 6 Ole Miss at No. 2 Georgia, 7 p.m. (ESPN)

Carolina Tampa Bay e-Atlanta e-New Orleans North

Montana State 48, Montana 23 Illinois State 30, Villanova 14

Final

Monday Frisco, Texas Illinois State (124) vs. Montana State (13-2), 6:30 p.m., ABC

y-Chicago x-Green Bay e-Minnesota e-Detroit West x-Seattle x-San Francisco x-L.A. Rams e-Arizona

Portland Utah Dallas L.A. Clippers Sacramento New Orleans

Saturday’s games

AFC

y-Philadelphia e-Dallas e-Washington e-N.Y. Giants South

FCS glance Semiﬁnals

e-Eliminated from playoffs x-clinched playoff spot y-clinched division

W L 13 3 11 5 7 9 3 13

T 0 0 0 0

Pct .813 .688 .438 .188

PF PA 452 310 446 357 337 386 292 468

W L 12 4 11 5 8 8 3 13

T 0 0 0 0

Pct .750 .688 .500 .188

PF PA 433 329 366 265 436 374 277 437

W L 9 7 8 8 6 10 4 12

T 0 0 0 0

Pct .563 .500 .375 .250

PF PA 371 363 400 372 396 472 259 361

W L 13 3 11 5 6 10 2 14

T 0 0 0 0

Pct .813 .688 .375 .125

PF PA 382 308 365 321 350 314 227 420

W L 11 5 7 8 4 12 3 13

T 0 1 0 0

Pct .688 .469 .250 .188

PF PA 362 301 454 477 332 434 347 422

W L 8 8 7 9 7 9 6 10

T 0 0 0 0

Pct .500 .438 .438 .375

PF PA 297 364 364 397 334 384 289 364

W 11 9 8 8

L 5 6 8 8

T 0 1 0 0

Pct .688 .594 .500 .500

PF PA 425 396 388 344 328 330 462 397

W L 13 3 12 4 11 5 3 13

T 0 0 0 0

Pct .813 .750 .688 .188

PF PA 470 289 434 358 481 326 335 451

Carolina at Tampa Bay, 3:30 p.m. Seattle at San Francisco, 7 p.m.

Sunday’s games

Cleveland at Cincinnati, noon Dallas at N.Y. Giants, noon Green Bay at Minnesota, noon Indianapolis at Houston, noon New Orleans at Atlanta, noon Tennessee at Jacksonville, noon Arizona at L.A. Rams, 3:25 p.m. Detroit at Chicago, 3:25 p.m. Kansas City at Las Vegas, 3:25 p.m. L.A. Chargers at Denver, 3:25 p.m. Miami at New England, 3:25 p.m. N.Y. Jets at Buffalo, 3:25 p.m. Washington at Philadelphia, 3:25 p.m. Baltimore at Pittsburgh, 7:20 p.m.

Pro basketball

Tuesday’s games

14 12 12 11 8 8

19 20 22 21 25 27

.424 14 .375 15½ .353 16½ .344 16½ .242 20 .229 21

Philadelphia 139, Memphis 136, OT Boston 129, Utah 119 L.A. Clippers 131, Sacramento 90 Detroit 128, L.A. Lakers 106

Wednesday’s games

Golden State 132, Charlotte 125 Atlanta 126, Minnesota 102 Orlando 112, Indiana 110 Cleveland 129, Phoenix 113 New Orleans at Chicago, n New York at San Antonio, n Denver at Toronto, n Portland at Oklahoma City, n Washington at Milwaukee, n

Thursday’s games

NBA conference glance EASTERN CONFERENCE Detroit New York Boston Toronto Orlando Philadelphia Miami Cleveland Chicago Atlanta Milwaukee Charlotte Brooklyn Washington Indiana

W 25 23 20 20 19 17 18 19 16 16 14 11 10 7 6

L 8 9 12 14 15 14 15 16 17 19 19 22 20 24 28

Pct GB .758 — .719 1½ .625 4½ .588 5½ .559 6½ .548 7 .545 7 .543 7 .485 9 .457 10 .424 11 .333 14 .333 13½ .226 17 .176 19½

Oklahoma City San Antonio Denver Houston L.A. Lakers Minnesota Phoenix Golden State Memphis

W 28 23 22 20 20 21 19 18 15

L 5 9 10 10 11 13 14 16 18

Pct GB .848 — .719 4½ .688 5½ .667 6½ .645 7 .618 7½ .576 9 .529 10½ .455 13

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Houston at Brooklyn, 5 p.m. Miami at Detroit, 6 p.m. Philadelphia at Dallas, 7:30 p.m. Boston at Sacramento, 9 p.m. Utah at L.A. Clippers, 9:30 p.m.

College basketball Men’s state scores, schedule Tuesday’s scores

Grambling 90, Centenary 58 Incarnate Word 79, UIW 70

Wednesday’s games

Tulane 79, East Carolina 70 South Alabama 63, UL 58 Texas A&M-Corpus Christi 83, UNO 69 Stephen F. Austin 74, Northwestern State 64 Nicholls 71, Texas-Rio Grande Valley 69

Appalachian State 81, Old Dominion 73 Charleston 85, Elon 81 Charleston Southern 89, Gardner-Webb 79 Duke 85, Georgia Tech 79 Florida Atlantic 110, UTSA 70 Furman 74, Mercer 72 George Washington 99, Richmond 85 Hampton 63, Towson 62 High Point 87, UNC Asheville 69 Longwood 82, Winthrop 70 Memphis 57, North Texas 48 North Carolina State 70, Wake Forest 57 Northeastern 85, North Carolina A&T 74 Radford 76, USC Upstate 69 Troy 100, Texas State 80 UNC Wilmington 65, Drexel 53 VCU 89, St. Bonaventure 82 Virginia Tech 95, Virginia 85, 3OT Wichita State 75, UAB 70 William & Mary 76, Stony Brook 57 Wofford 79, Western Carolina 74

MIDWEST

Buffalo 81, Northern Illinois 67 Dayton 63, Fordham 56 North Dakota State 84, South Dakota 61 Saint Louis 102, Saint Joseph’s 79 UConn 90, Xavier 67

SOUTHWEST

Lamar 69, East Texas A&M 62 Tulsa 97, Rice 48

FAR WEST

Denver 87, Kansas City 74

Women’s state scores, schedule Tuesday’s game

UTSA 65, Tulane 63

Wednesday’s games

Stephen F. Austin 76, Northwestern State 71 Nicholls State 66, UTRGV 56

Thursday’s games

South Alabama at UL-Monroe, 1:30 p.m. Prairie View at Southern, 2 p.m. Troy at UL, 4 p.m. Texas Southern at Grambling, 6:30 p.m. Kentucky at LSU, 7 p.m.

Friday’s game

Sam Houston at Louisiana Tech, 6:30 p.m.

Transactions BASEBALL

Major League Baseball National League CHICAGO CUBS — Agreed to terms with RHP Hunter Harvey on a one-year major league contract.

FOOTBALL

TULANE (10-4) Middleton 6-10 0-0 16, Ringgold 5-9 4-4 16, Brumbaugh 4-7 9-13 19, Williams 2-8 0-0 4, Woods 6-15 5-9 19, J.Moore 1-2 0-0 3, Daniels 1-1 0-0 2, Greene 0-1 0-2 0. Totals 25-53 18-28 79.

NFL CLEVELAND BROWNS — Signed C Kingsley Eguakun to the active roster from Detroit’s practice squad. Placed G Wyatt Teller on injured reserve. MINNESOTA VIKINGS — Signed RB Sincere McCormick to the practice squad. Waived LB Austin Keys. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS — Designated LT Will Campbell to return from injured reserve. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES — Signed LS Charley Hughlett to the practice squad. PITTSBURGH STEELERS — Placed TE Darnell Washington on injured reserve. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS — Signed RB Josh Williams to the practice squad. Released RB Michael Wiley.

Thursday’s game

Southern Miss at UL-Monroe, 4 p.m.

Friday’s games

Lamar at McNeese, 6 p.m. Louisiana Tech at Middle Tennessee, 6:30 p.m.

Tulane 79, East Carolina 70

FAIR GROUNDS ENTRIES Thursday Post time: 12:45 p.m.

THIRD RACE — CLAIMING $5,000, 4 YO’S & UP, F & M (FILLIES AND MARES), PURSE $15,000, SIX FURLONGS DIRT Shorty Mac (Concepcion-Radosevich) 10-1 2 In Your Life (Hernandez-Loreﬁce) 10-1 3 Huntleigh (Nieves-Duhon) 5-1 4 Emilyhasherturn (Loveberry-Jean) 8-1 5 Ruby the Destroyer (Mudd-Brssard) 20-1 6 Zoom Erin (Riquelme-Hargrave) 6-1 7 Gold Plus (Lopez-Govea) 3-1 8 Dixie Morning (Curtis-Arndt) 9-2 9 Simona’s Choice (McMahon-Duke) 4-1 FOURTH RACE — SOC $10,000-$5,000, 4 YO’S & UP, PURSE $19,000, 1 1/16 MILES TURF Red Road (Curtis-Ducoing) 6-1 2 Brit’s Wit (Ortiz-Maker) 6-1 3 Big Scully (Lopez-Wilson) 8-1 4 Prowling Tiger (Mudd-Govea) 30-1 5 Parrot Head (Castillo-Wilson) 30-1 6 Fortuity (Hernandez-Breaux) 9-2 7 Boitano (Concepcion-Camejo) 9-5

8 Ben Dreaming (Loveberry-Claire) 8-1 9 Publius (Rodriguez-Cano) 20-1 10 Z Z’s Prince (Nieves-Zeringue, Jr.) 20-1 11 Sendero (Pedroza, Jr.-Sanchez) 12-1 12 All in Sync (Hernandez-Wong) 20-1 13 Skip the Line (Lopez-Tracy) 10-1 14 Notion (Pedroza, Jr.-Mouton) 8-1 FIFTH RACE — MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT, 4 YO’S & UP, PURSE $54,000, ONE MILE DIRT Top Notch Protocol (Loveberry) 5-2 2 Ayden’s Edge (Hernandez-Cangemi) 12-1 3 Cajun Moviestar (Chavez-Burkes) 5-1 4 Who Is Chief (McMahon-Mouton) 12-1 5 Rescue Squad (Mudd-Williams) 8-1 6 Vineaux (Ortiz-Calhoun) 2-1 7 Lightning Twirl (Concepcion) 6-1 8 Such a Pickle (Geroux-Gelner) 10-1 SIXTH RACE — MAIDEN OPTIONAL CLAIMING $50,000, 3 YO, PURSE $30,000, ONE MILE TURF High Go (Curtis-Walsh) 9-2 2 Strong (Hernandez-Desormeaux) 8-1

3 Fast Connection (Castillo-Foster) 8-1 4 Moral Man (Pedroza, Jr.-Simpson) 10-1 5 Shakin My Head (Concepcion-Brion) 9-2 6 Mountain Grandeur (Murrill-Foley) 6-1 7 Leonardo (Lopez-Atras) 12-1 8 Chasing Gray (Loveberry-Forster) 20-1 9 Ogilvy (IRE) (Cannon-Beckman) 3-1 10 Starmetal (Graham-Pessin) 20-1 SEVENTH RACE — ALLOWANCE, 4 YO’S & UP, F & M (FILLIES AND MARES), PURSE $55,000, SIX FURLONGS DIRT Shan’s Quest (McMahon-Tracy) 10-1 2 Sweet Darlin (Castillo-Wong) 5-2 3 Arijana’s Pearl (Rea-Atras) 12-1 4 Trust Fund Philly (Ortiz-Eurton) 3-1 5 Hay Evabody (Curtis-Walsh) 3-1 6 Terra Bella (Loveberry-Amoss) 4-1 7 Miss Maximus (Lopez-Ducoing) 10-1 EIGHTH RACE — ALLOWANCE, 4 YO’S & UP, PURSE $55,000, 5.5 FURLONGS TURF Mega Magic (Graham-Stall, Jr.) 6-1

2 This Time (Loveberry-Maker) 12-1 3 Hit That Review (IRE) (Curtis) 6-1 4 Vesture (Concepcion-Calhoun) 4-1 5 Sassi D (Rodriguez-Thomas) 12-1 6 Sight (Geroux-Stall, Jr.) 12-1 7 One True Gentleman (Murrill-Flint) 12-1 8 I’m Wide Awake (Ortiz-Casse) 7-2 9 Pharoah’s Dynasty (Lopez-Asmussen) 6-1 10 Silver Halo (Cannon-Foley) 12-1 11 Unbeatable (Pedroza, Jr.-West) 10-1 NINTH RACE — CLAIMING $5,000, 4 YO’S & UP, PURSE $14,000, SIX FURLONGS DIRT SHAWN’S SOLVING (MURRAY-NEY) 8-1 2 Crigler (Pedroza, Jr.-Govea) 4-1 3 Colt’s Brim (Riquelme-Hargrave) 3-1 4 Gordito Hermoso (Loveberry-) 8-1 5 Baby’s Last Dance (Ramirez, Jr.-Zeno) 8-1 6 Saberman (Hernandez-Romero) 10-1 7 Tap the Tequila (Castillo-Gelner) 8-1 8 Josan (Edison-Morrell) 5-1 9 Stone Alliance (Magnon-Patt, Jr.) 8-1

defensively. Transition defense. Taking care of the paint. We’ve Continued from page 1C had a stretch of wins when we were much better, then we hit a little lull there. More physicality. said about the team’s play in More of a mentality of a physical, November. “Moving the needle aggressive team.”

That wasn’t the case Wednesday in the last game of 2025. Eight Bulls scored in double figures, led by Isaac Okoro’s 24 points. Pels rookie Derik Queen filled up the stat sheet, finishing with nine points, seven rebounds, four

assists and a season-high five blocked shots. Trey Murphy finished with 15 points, but he made just 3 of 10 3-pointers. He’s three 3-pointers away from tying CJ McCollum (692) for the franchise record for

3-pointers. He’ll get a chance to get that record Friday when the Pelicans host the Portland Trail Blazers.

FIRST RACE — CLAIMING $5,000, 3 YO’S & UP, PURSE $14,000, ONE MILE 70 YARDS DIRT No Rematch (Loveberry-Pessin) 7-2 2 Oliverio (Lopez-Lopez) 9-5 3 Dixie Doctor (Rea-Sharp) 5-1 4 Dan d’Oro (Pedroza, Jr.-Gibson) 2-1 5 Tsuperman (Magnon-Magnon) 12-1 6 Peyton’s Day (Andros-Tillis) 10-1 SECOND RACE — MAIDEN CLAIMING $20,000$15,000, 3 YO, F (FILLIES), PURSE $19,000, SIX FURLONGS DIRT Pam’s Friend (Cannon-West) 5-1 2 Geaux Geaux Tiger (Rea-Stidham) 2-1 3 Princess Celine (Pedroza, Jr.-Cox) 8-5 4 Mya Papaya (Curtis-Beckman) 6-1 5 Veronicaforthewin (Lopez-Lopez) 6-1 6 Honor and Obay (Murrill-West) 15-1 7 Lyla’s Golden Gal (Mudd-Zeringue, Jr.) 20-1

PELICANS

Email Rod Walker at rwalker@ theadvocate.com.

LIVING

N O L A.C O M

A little extra on top Blueberry French toast casserole gets a tangy finish from homemade lemon curd

BY GRETCHEN MCKAY

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (TNS) Need to prepare breakfast for a house full of guests? The best solution for a busy host is a dish you can whip up in advance and serve at everyone’s leisure. This blueberry-packed French toast casserole recipe is worth considering. Not only does it serve a small crowd, but if you take the time to assemble it the night before, all you have to do the next morning is throw it into the oven. Then, it bakes while you enjoy your first cup of coffee. It brings all the same great flavors as “regular” French toast to the breakfast table, but because it’s made in one large pan, it’s more hands off for the cook. The homemade lemon curd that is spooned on top makes the moist and custardy casserole feel extra-special, and you can spread the leftovers like jam on top of cookies or toast, swirl it into yogurt or use it as a filling for tarts. (The recipe makes two 8-ounce jars of curd.) I used brioche, a light and sweet yeast bread with a slightly sweet, golden crumb, but thick, sturdy slices of challah would also work beautifully. French and Italian bread slices also get the job done, especially if they’re day-old and slightly stale. (Dried-out bread absorbs the custard mixture better than fresh without falling apart.) I added fresh blueberries, but you could substitute

ä See CASSEROLE, page 2D

T h u r s d ay, J a n u a ry 1, 2026

1dn

RISE & SHINE Breakfast Quesadilla PHOTOS By LIZ FAUL

Boost your mornings with protein-rich breakfast ideas: quesadillas, overnight oats, more BY LIZ FAUL

calories and/or grams of protein has never appealed to me — it can feel too overwhelming to make We all move in and out of healthy meal plans that involve doing habits like a dance. One step for- math. I find that it’s easier to calculate ward and two steps back. Some the simple fact that starting the days are better than others. day with protein-rich foods, like As we begin a new year, many yogurt, nuts, seeds, beans or eggs people are inclined to set new provides the immediate benefit goals and proclaim healthy of feeling good and having more resolutions, but tackling a lot of energy. A breakfast quesadilla change or the latest health trend is quick and easy and offers a is often too much. Instead of setway to start the day with a boost ting yourself up for failure, consider allowing each morning to be of protein from eggs, beans and a new beginning for small change. cheese. Lately, my favorite hot breakI have found that having a nutritious breakfast paves the way to fast is steel-cut oats with fruit, other positive choices throughout toasted nuts and a little milk on the day. top. The first step toward building You can start a pot of steel-cut a new routine is to have a plan. oats at night by bringing the pot Begin by filling your pantry and to a boil, stirring the oats, turnrefrigerator with ingredients like ing off the heat, covering the oats, chia seeds, nuts and nut but- pot and heading to bed. Wake up ters, whole grain bread, fresh and to a ready-made pot of oats that dried fruit, eggs, yogurt and milk, simply needs to be warmed up which can be combined to form a with some milk and desired fruit, nut or seed toppings. Adding chia number of breakfast meals. seeds or toasted pumpkin seeds Protein has become the latest adds protein and tastes great. buzzword in wellness circles When my kids were young, I these days. Health influencers would make overnight oats. proclaim that we need many grams of protein to maintain ä See MORNING, page 2D muscle and lose weight. Counting Contributing writer

TNS PHOTO By LINDA GASSENHEIMER

Hearty Borscht Dinner

Prepped beets get Borscht on table in no time BY LINDA GASSENHEIMER Tribune News Service (TNS)

Borscht is often served cold, but this version is warm and comforting. It’s perfect for a chilly winter day. I was delighted to discover pre-cooked, vacuum-sealed beets in the produce section of my market. They’re a great shortcut since roasting beets from scratch can take quite a while. Using these readyto-eat beets cuts the cooking time dramatically, making this a quick, easy and satisfying vegetarian meal.

ä See BORSCHT, page 2D

RECIPES INSIDE: ● Breakfast Quesadillas ● Easy Overnight Oats ● Steel Cut Oats

Fancy Toast 2 slices of whole-grain bread, toasted 4 tablespoons of peanut butter or almond butter 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon honey (divided on each piece of toast) 4 strawberries (thinly sliced) 1 banana (thinly sliced) 2 teaspoons poppy seeds 1. Place the sliced bread in a toaster, and toast the bread. 2. Spread the peanut butter or almond butter over the toast in a thick layer. Add the cinnamon and drizzle the honey over the nut butter and spread it in. Place thinly sliced strawberries and bananas on top of the nut butter. Sprinkle the poppy seeds on top to add a little texture and crunch.

2D ✦ Thursday, January 1, 2026 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune

TODAY IN HISTORY By The Associated Press Today is Thursday, Jan. 1, the first day of 2026. There are 364 days left in the year. This is New Year’s Day. Today in history: On Jan. 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation during the Civil War, declaring that all enslaved people in rebellious states “are, and henceforward shall be free.” Also on this date: In 1804, Haiti declared itself independent from France, becoming the world’s first Blackmajority republic. In 1808, the federal law prohibiting the importation of enslaved people to the United States took effect. In 1818, Mary Shelley’s novel “Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus” was first published in London, when Shelley was 20 years old. In 1892, the Ellis Island Immigration Station in New York formally opened, processing nearly 700 immigrants on its first day; nearly 12 million immigrants would ultimately pass through the station before its closure in 1954. In 1959, Fulgencio Batista resigned as Cuban president and fled the country, marking victory for Fidel Castro’s rebel troops and the Cuban Revolution. In 2000, an anxious world held its breath as computers silently switched to the year 2000, but the dreaded “Y2K bug” caused few serious issues. In 2013, thousands were trampled leaving a New Year’s fireworks display at a stadium in Ivory Coast, leaving at least 64 people dead amid the chaos. In 2024, an earthquake rocked the west coast of Japan, collapsing homes, killing at least 260 people and forcing the evacuation of more than 3,000 others. In 2025, a man driving a pickup that bore the flag of the Islamic State group slammed into revelers during New Orleans’ New Year’s celebration, killing 15 people. The man was shot dead by police and the attack was subsequently investigated by the FBI as an act of terrorism. Today’s birthdays: Filmmaker Frederick Wiseman is 96. Actor Frank Langella is 88. Musician Country Joe McDonald is 84. Actor-comedian Don Novello is 83. DJ Grandmaster Flash is 68. Actor Dedee Pfeiffer is 62. Actor Morris Chestnut is 57. Olympic gold medalist ice dancer Meryl Davis is 39. Rapper Ice Spice is 26.

BORSCHT

Continued from page 1D Helpful hints:

n Canned beets can be used in-

stead of packaged cooked beets. Be sure they are not pickled and drain them before use. n Any type of tomato sauce can be used.

Hearty Borscht Dinner Yields 2 servings. Recipe is by Linda Gassenheimer. 4 cups reduced-sodium vegetable broth 1/4 cup tomato sauce 1/2 cup sliced celery 1/2 cup sliced, peeled baby carrots 1 cup sliced onion 3/4 pound yellow potatoes, cut into 1/4- to 1/2-inch pieces (about 21/2 cups) 1 pound pre-cooked beets cut into 1/2inch pieces (about 11/2 cups) 1/2 cup canned, rinsed and drained reduced- sodium red kidney beans Salt and freshly ground black pepper 4 tablespoons sour cream 2 teaspoons prepared horseradish 1/4 cup broken walnuts 1. Add the vegetable broth, tomato sauce, celery, carrots, onion and potato to a large saucepan. Place over medium-high heat. 2. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium and cover with a lid. Cook 10 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. 3. Add the beets and beans and raise the heat to medium-high and cook, uncovered, 5 more minutes. 4. Meanwhile, mix sour cream and horseradish together in a small bowl. 5. Ladle the soup into two bowls. Sprinkle walnuts on top and add a spoonful of the sour cream mixture to each bowl. Nutrition info per serving: 513 calories (27 percent from fat), 15.3 g fat (3.2 g saturated, 3.6 g monounsaturated), 14 mg cholesterol, 20.4 g protein, 83.2 g carbohydrates, 13.5 g ﬁber, 421 mg sodium.

lll

Is the container part of the gift?

Dear Miss Manners: A friend came to a dinner party and brought with her the tin I had given her at Christmas. It had been ﬁlled with homemade curried nuts, and she had eaten those and washed out the tin. She apologized for Judith returning it Martin not sooner and left it on MISS my kitchen counter. MANNERS Last Christmas, I gave another friend some small packages of fancy store-bought popcorn, which I put in a basket that I’d purchased and decorated especially to be part of that gift. The basket was later returned to me. I’ve always considered the container — whether a tin, basket or jar that contains a food item or other small presents — to be part of the gift. It’s intended to be kept or given away by the recipient,

MORNING

Continued from page 1D This shortcut to a healthy breakfast was a game-changer. Unlike a bowl of warm oatmeal, overnight oats are meant to be

but not returned to the giver. This has happened to me often enough to cause me to wonder if I’m being rude by not returning the containers I receive with gifts. I have always kept them, whether to use in my house or to hold gifts for other people. Should I be returning them? Gentle reader: One is expected to return containers that are clearly part of the originating household and are used for ferrying informal gifts — such as homemade pies or leftovers from family dinners. Everything else you get to keep, although Miss Manners is still pondering whether Salome should have returned the silver platter. Dear Miss Manners: Would it be wrong for a church member to ask people to leave the church due to disruptive and inappropriate behavior? My husband and I very much enjoy the Christmas Eve services at our church, and many guests

attend. This year, there was one group of guests that sat in front of us, and I’ve seen kindergartners who were better behaved. The two women, especially, were disruptive and apparently didn’t know that sound travels. They started pointing at the pastor and giggling and whispering back and forth, obviously making fun of her. When the choir was singing, the older of these two women started singing along, loudly, while everyone else in the congregation was quietly listening. This went on through the entire service. Toward the end, the older one cupped her hand around the younger one’s ear and whispered something to her. The younger one burst into laughter and she could not gain her composure, laughing loudly and shaking through the remainder of the service! Even people in her party were

eaten cold, so it is an ideal graband-go breakfast. The process is easy — simply add oats, chia seeds and milk (or almond milk) to an old jelly jar and store in the refrigerator overnight. Take it out in the morning and top it with your favorite fruit or toasted nuts. My daughter named her go-to

quick breakfast “fancy toast.” She simply adds peanut butter, cinnamon and honey to a piece of toast, then layers it with thinly cut strawberries and bananas and adds a crunchy poppy seed topping. Try one of these easy recipes to start your day with your best foot forward in 2026.

Steel Cut Oats 3 cups water 1 cup steel-cut oats 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1 cup milk of choice (to reheat in the morning) 1-2 teaspoons pure maple syrup (optional) Toppings: 1 ⁄3 cup fresh blueberries 2 tablespoons toasted slivered almonds 2 tablespoons granola for added crunch 1. In a medium pot, bring 3 cups of water to a simmer. Then add the steel-cut oats and salt and stir. Let the oats simmer for a minute, then stir the oats, turn the heat to low and cover the pot for about 25 minutes. Be sure to stir the oats once during this cooking time to prevent them sticking to the bottom of the pan. Turn off the heat and let the oats sit for 2 minutes. 2. Stir in the milk, cinnamon and maple syrup into the cooked oats. 3. Serve the oats in a bowl and top with your favorite fresh fruit, nuts, seeds or granola.

Easy Overnight Oats

⁄3 cup old-fashioned oats 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 tablespoon chia seeds 3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt 2 ⁄3 cup milk (or almond milk) 1-2 teaspoons of honey or pure maple syrup Topping ideas: fresh berries roasted nuts (almonds,walnuts or pistachios) Granola 1. In a one-pint mason jar, jelly jar or small lidded bowl, add the oats, cinnamon, chia seeds and yogurt. Stir until combined. Then cover the oat mixture with milk. Drizzle in the honey or maple syrup. Stir again. Then cover the jar or bowl and refrigerate overnight. 2. The next morning, top the overnight oats with fresh fruit, nuts, seeds or granola and enjoy. 1

CASSEROLE

Steel Cut Oats

Breakfast Quesadillas 4 eggs 1/4 cup milk (optional) 1/2 teaspoon of salt 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper 1/2 tablespoon of butter (divided) 4 flour tortillas 1/4 can of black beans (strained) 1/4 of a red bell pepper (seeded and chopped) 1/2 cup baby spinach (chopped) 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese (grated) 1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt and pepper. 2. In a nonstick pan, over medium-low heat, add the butter to coat the bottom of the pan. Then add the egg mixture to the prepared pan. Cook the eggs slowly, using a spatula to gently push them from the edges to the center. Keep moving the eggs around the pan until they are cooked. This should take about 4-5 minutes. Remove the eggs into a serving bowl and reserve for later use. 3. Clean any remaining eggs out of the nonstick pan, then place the pan over medium heat.

For lemon curd: 2 cups granulated sugar Continued from page 1D 1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter, softened 4 large eggs 2 large egg yolks 1 tablespoon lemon zest frozen or use another fruit like 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 6 large strawberries — or no berries at lemons) all. 1. Grease a 9-inch-by-13-inch For an all-day sugar high, serve baking pan with butter. the casserole not just with the 2. Add bread cubes and bluebercurd, but also maple syrup and/ or a sprinkling of confectioners’ ries, toss with your hands to comsugar. bine and spread out to cover the entire bottom of the pan. 3. In a large bowl, beat milk, eggs, sugar, salt, vanilla and cinnamon together until well comServes 8-10. Recipe is from bined. Gretchen McKay, Post-Gazette 4. Pour milk mixture over bread For French toast casserole: cubes and toss to coat. Dot with 1 tablespoon butter, cut into 8 pieces, butter cubes and sprinkle lightly plus more for greasing pan with brown sugar. 7 cups stale brioche bread cubes (about 5. Place a sheet of plastic wrap 1 loaf) on top of the pan, and press down 1 pint fresh blueberries on the bread with your fingers. 2 cups milk You want to make sure all of the 6 large eggs bread has been submerged in the 1/4 cup white sugar milk mixture. 1/4 teaspoon salt 6. Place pan in the refrigerator 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for at least 1 hour up to overnight. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 7. Make curd: In a stand mixer Brown sugar, for sprinkling outﬁtted with a whisk, beat butMaple syrup and/or confectioners’ sugar, ter and sugar on medium speed for serving (optional) until blended, about 45 seconds.

Blueberry French Toast Casserole

PHOTOS By LIZ FAUL

Add the remaining butter to recoat the pan with a thin layer of fat. Once the pan is hot, add one tortilla. Then add the cooked egg, some of the beans, bell pepper, spinach and top with the grated cheese. Top the eggs, vegetables and cheese with another tortilla. 4. Using a spatula, gently flip the quesadilla to brown the other side. Let the second side warm in the skillet. Then remove the quesadilla to a cutting board. Let the quesadilla cool for a minute, then using a pizza cutter, or a sharp knife, divide the tortilla into four triangles. 5. Serve the warm breakfast quesadilla with a salsa and fresh fruit.

Add eggs and then egg yolks, 1 at a time, beating just until blended after each addition. 8. Gradually pour in lemon juice to butter mixture, beating at low speed just until blended. Stir in zest. Don’t worry if the mix looks curdled — that’s OK! 9. Transfer mixture to a heavy 4-quart sauce pot and cook, whisking constantly, over medium-low until mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 12-14 minutes. 10. Transfer cooked curd to a bowl and place a piece of plastic wrap directly on warm curd to prevent a ﬁlm from forming. Chill until it is ﬁrm and spreadable, about 4 hours. (Curd can be refrigerated in an airtight container up to 2 weeks.) 11. When ready to bake the casserole, preheat oven to 350 F. Bake until the center is set and top is golden, about 45-50 minutes. It’s done when the top is golden brown and puffed, the edges are bubbly and the center is set (not jiggly); an inserted knife should come out clean. 12. Cut into squares and enjoy topped with lemon curd, maple syrup or powdered sugar.

looking at her with disgust. I don’t know why they bothered coming if they were going to be their own entertainment. They spoiled the service for that entire section in the congregation. Would it have been wrong or out of place for me to ask these women to excuse themselves from the service? Gentle reader: As this was more than just a case of the church giggles, Miss Manners believes you could have politely asked them to have their talk elsewhere. It sounds like they would have been more than happy to have an excuse to do so.

Send questions to Miss Manners at her website, www. missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.

Use new year to change life Dear readers: Happy New Year! Can you believe that 2025 has passed us by already? It’s hard to grasp, and yet here we are. Take a moment to breathe and reﬂect on all that occurred in the past year. What did you learn? How did you grow? What do you need to work on moving forward? Be honest with yourself Harriette — and also be kind to yourself. Cole Now look SENSE AND ahead. Here you SENSITIVITy are at the beginning. I consider it a blessing to start a new year with all of the anticipation that beginnings can bring. What is your intention for yourself and your life this year? Take some time to contemplate that. What will you make manifest? Let the sky be the limit as you consider this. If you could do anything you want this year, what would it be? You can design your life and take the steps you need in order to make your dreams manifest. Start with a big idea and then break that down into manageable steps. Record those steps into your calendar so that you can hold yourself accountable every day. If you focus on your goals every day starting now, you will be able to see your progress in real time. I host 100 Day Plan sessions that have this concept in mind. Here’s what you can do on your own: Come up with three big ideas that you want to manifest in your life right now and that you pledge to enact in the next 100 days. Write down what they are and what could stand in the way of you reaching your goals. Then consider what you can do to get around those obstacles. Next, make a checklist of tasks you can complete in order to stay focused and do the work. In the best of worlds, you will ﬁnd an accountability partner who will cheer you on as the days tick by. Root for each other and don’t give up, even if you miss a day. Promise yourself that you are worth the effort you are putting forth for your life. Check in with yourself each week. How are you doing? What have been your successes? What have been your setbacks? Keep moving. If you stay the course, you will meet at least some of your goals. It’s amazing how effective this focused effort can be. You can be the architect of your life. Go for it and see what you are able to make happen. You can also sign up for a 100 Day Plan cohort if you don’t want to do it alone. Visit harriettecole.com/100dayplan to learn more. The bottom line here is that you have power over your own life. Don’t sit back waiting for someone to make things happen for you. Go for it. Now. Believe in your dreams. Say them out loud and work hard every day to make them come true. You are worth it! Send questions to askharriette@harriettecole. com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.

The Times-Picayune ✦ nola.com ✦ Thursday, January 1, 2026 ✦ 3D

lll

FrAnK And erneSt

bIG nAte

zItS

zodIAC CAPRICoRn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Restructure your living expenses to fit your budget. Rethink your schedule and fill in any blanks with a pastime or project that makes you feel good and doesn't create debt. AQuARIus (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Plan your day strategically. Personal change will positively impact how well you do. Be open to suggestions, and manipulate the information you receive to accommodate your intentions. Stop dreaming and start doing. PIsCEs (Feb. 20-March 20) Changing your domestic situation may not be well-received, but it will be necessary to reach your goal. Weigh the pros and cons, and consider offering incentives. ARIEs (March 21-April 19) Keep your life simple, affordable and running efficiently. Don't mix business with pleasure or offer too much personal information. Be friendly and helpful but on guard. TAuRus (April 20-May 20) A change will give you a unique perspective on life, love and moving forward. It's a good time to shed bad habits and replace them with something new and exciting. GEMInI (May 21-June 20) Review your involvements and what's consuming time you don't have to spare. A takecharge attitude will help you gain support, recognition and the opportunity to bring in extra cash. CAnCER (June 21-July 22) Expand your circle of friends. An opportunity to use

your strengths and skills differently will create additional income. A partnership looks inviting, but it's essential to get what you want in writing. LEo (July 23-Aug. 22) Consider your needs. Open communication is necessary if you plan to make progress in both personal and professional affairs. Refuse to let someone beat you to the finish line. VIRGo (Aug. 23-sept. 22) Do something you enjoy or that makes you feel good about how you look, what you can do or the prospects that excite you. Refuse to let anyone stand in your way. LIBRA (sept. 23-oct. 23) Focus on learning, practicing and honing your skills. Keep your eye on your dreams, hopes and wishes, and not on what others want you to do. You must satisfy your needs first. sCoRPIo (oct. 24-nov. 22) Learn something new that can upgrade your standard of living and make you less dependent on others. A change of scenery can shift your perspective on how you move forward. sAGITTARIus (nov. 23-Dec. 21) Someone will twist your words if you aren't precise with your facts, figures and promises. Emotions will fester if you get caught in someone's trap or miscalculate the cost of a guarantee. The horoscope, an entertainment feature, is not based on scientific fact. © 2026 by nEa, inc., dist. By andrews mcmeel syndication

For better or For WorSe WonderWord

peAnUtS

SALLY Forth

beetLe bAILeY CeLebrItY CIpher Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

ToDAy's CLuE: K EQuALs J

Mother GooSe And GrIMM

SherMAn’S LAGoon FAMILY CIrCUS

dooneSbUrY

4D ✦ Thursday, January 1, 2026 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune

CurTiS

Hi and LoiS

lll

Sudoku InstructIons: sudoku is a number-placing puzzle based on a 9x9 grid with several given numbers. The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once. The difficulty level of the sudoku increases from monday to sunday. Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer

BaBY BLueS

BLondie

THe wiZard oF id

nea CroSSwordS

La TimeS CroSSword

The Times-Picayune ✦ nola.com ✦ Thursday, January 1, 2026 ✦ 5D

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B.C.

Bridge By PHILLIP ALDER Here are four good bridge books from England: “Bridge for the Connoisseur” by Hugh Kelsey, “The Rabbi and the Weaker Sex” by David Bird and Ron Klinger (originally titled “Kosher Bridge 2”), “Playing to Win at Bridge” by Ron Klinger (all Weidenfeld & Nicolson), and “Card Play Technique” by Victor Mollo and Nico Gardener (Master Point Press). Kelsey discusses 58 interesting deals. The rabbi book is humorous and instructive. Klinger gives 90 problems, moving from elementary to intermediate and on to advanced. The Mollo and Gardener book covers all aspects of declarer play and defense, with quizzes at the end of each chapter. Originally published in 1955, this edition has been modernized by Mark Horton, editor of Bridge Magazine. Here is a deal from this book. South is in three no-trump. West leads a low spade and East puts up the queen. What should declarer do? South has seven top tricks: one spade (given the lead), three hearts, one diamond and two clubs. He can get the other winners from diamonds, but if that finesse is losing, East will return a spade. Here, as you can see, if South takes the first trick, he goes down, losing

garfield

Pearls Before swiNe

hagar the horriBle

one diamond and four spades. But as long as declarer ducks the first trick, which the authors say requires willpower, the contract is safe. East returns his second spade and West wins, but he has no entry. And if spades were 4-3, South would lose at most one diamond and three spades. © 2026 by nEa, inc., dist. By andrews mcmeel syndication

wuzzles Each Wuzzle is a word riddle which creates a disguised word, phrase, name, place, saying, etc. For example: nOOn gOOD = gOOD aFTErnOOn

PiCKles

Previous answers:

mallard fillmore

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 — EuPHoRIA: yoo-FOR-ee-uh: A feeling of well-being or elation.

Bizarro

marmaduKe

Average mark 26 words Time limit 35 minutes Can you find 32 or more words in EUPHORIA? yEsTERDAy’s WoRD — TInsEL tile tine inlet inset isle islet istle nest sent silent silt

sine site slit snit stein stile enlist lenis lens lent lest

lien line lint list listen lite

loCKhorNs hidato Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer

today’s thought “There has no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 God can give you the victory over temptation. Amen to that. Give your problems to the Lord. — G.E. Dean

6D ✦ Thursday, January 1, 2026 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune

muttS

roSe iS roSe

lll

Scrabble 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.

Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer

jump Start

For more information on tournaments and clubs, email naspa – north american sCraBBlE players association: info@scrabbleplayers.org. Visit our website: www.scrabbleplayers.org. For puzzle inquiries contact scrgrams@gmail.com.

Get fuzzy

Hasbro and its logo sCraBBlE associated logo, the design of the distinctive sCraBBlE brand game card, and the distinctive letter tile designs are trademarks of Hasbro in the United states and Canada. ©2021 Hasbro. all rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content agency, llC.

ken ken

animal crackerS

DuStin

InstructIons: 1 - Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 thorugh 4 (easy) or 1 through 6 (challenging) without repeating. 2 - The numbers within the heavily outlined boxes, called cages, must combine using the given operation (in any order) to produce the target numbers in the top-left corners. 3 - Freebies: Fill in the single-box cages with the number in the top-left corner.

Wallace the brave

Drabble

WiShinG Well breWSter rockit

luann

HErE is a plEasanT liTTlE gamE that will give you a message every day. it’s a numerical puzzle designed to spell out your fortune. Count the letters in your first name. if the number of letters is 6 or more, subtract 4. if the number is less than 6, add 3. The result is your key number. start at the upper left-hand corner and check each of your key numbers, left to right. Then read the message the checked figures give you.

The Times-Picayune ✦ nola.com ✦ Thursday, January 1, 2026 ✦ 7D

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New Orleans Rental

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METAIRIE 3513 EDENBORN AVENUE Lrg 2 Bed, 1 Bath * $925 * Off St Prkg Blocks from Lakeside 504-982-4040 * 504-885-8060 504-454-1333

CEMETERY PLOTS Garden of Memories St John Mausoleum Crypt with additional burial rights. Level B. $13,000 504-289-6757

518 N. LABARRE RD $1,600/Mo

CAMPS-CAMPSITES

NEW YEAR'S SPECIAL JONES ISLE. Off 1-55. Between Lakes Pontchartrain & Maurepas. Fronting 150'x150' on Pass Manchac (South Pass)

Precious Raised Cottage between Met Rd & railroad tracks. 2BD/1BA. Lrg Liv Rm w/wd ﬂrs. Wooden fence separating home f/ N. Labarre for privacy. Gated Yd. Refrig/Oven + W&D are available. Sandy Ward * 504-259-2616. Re/Max Living * 504-475-1011. Ea ofc indpntly owned & operated.

Hurricane Fence and Home Improvement is Your JellyFish Lighting Dealer All In One Exterior Lighting Solution Controlled from your smart device anywhere Security-Accent-Holiday-Game Day Lighting Trim - Patio - Landscaping FREE ESTIMATE • 504-466-3712 1 yr no interest financing

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m 504.239.1481

o 504.861.7575

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7934 Maple St. New Orleans, LA 70118 Licensed by the State of Louisiana

ABLE TREE SERVICE AB R CE

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We W recycle l your trees t

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DOGS Teacup POODLES POMS MALTIPOOS YORKIES miniature/Toy GOLDENDOO‐ DLES CAVALIERS - 504-259-2222 2yr guarantee UTD S/W Tcups $995 up $495.00 up

HAPPY HOLIDAY

DEADLINE ...........RUN DATE Fri, Dec 26 - 3pm................ Wed., Dec 31 Fri., Dec 26 - 3pm............... Thurs., Jan 1 Fri., Dec 26 - 3pm............... Fri., Jan 2 Tues, Dec 30-3pm ............... Sat/Sun Jan 3, 4 Wed., Dec 31 - 3pm ............ Mon., Jan 5 Fri., Jan 2 - 3pm ................. Tues., Jan 6

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DOGS CKC YORKIES or SHORKIES - (yorkies are with papers) all are vet checked with shot and worming, shorkies $450 will meet in Gulfport yorkies $600 (334) 467-3416

You may place your ad 7 days a week, 24 hours a day online at www.theadvocate.com or call Monday-Friday 8am-5pm

SALE ENDS 1/4/2026 Price Goes Back to $30K

504-237-5200

DOGS Australian Shepards - 13 CKC Aussie pups $800, 2 CKC Lhasa Apsos $1200 Lisa (601) 470-8306

DISPLAY ADS 24 HOURS EARLIER

$15K - Cash! Call: Allen Samuels Owner/Real Estate Broker

CATS Young Male Cat, Gray Colors, Have too many cats, Looking for another home for him. Please call 504-861-9617 ($50)

EARLY DEADLINES FOR OUR ADVERTISEMENTS

CEMETERY PLOTS Westlawn Cemetery Mausoleum, in the Chapel. Corr IV, Tier A, holds 6 interments $18,000. 504-259-0505

New Orleans Real Estate For Sale

NEW ORLEANS EAST LITTLE WOODS SPECIAL 7819 SANDS STREET * 3 BD/2 BA Central A & H * Fenced Backyard Sec 8 Welcome. No Deposit. $1,200 504-241-6189 * 504-430-1162

CATS RAGAMUFFIN & RAGDOLL KITTENS www.CatsByFrancy.com/kittens $700up! Reg. Shots & Guaranty 337-230-3150

The Classified Advertising Department will be closed on Thursday, January 1 to observe the New Year’s holiday

METAIRIE

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8D ✦ Thursday, January 1, 2026 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune Public Notices

Legal Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE --CITY PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE TUESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2026 PUBLIC HEARING: 1:30 P.M.

lll

Legal Notices

Menteur Subdivision in the southeast district, east of the Mississippi River AND resubdivision of Lots 39, 40, 41, and a portion of Section 27, T11S, R14E into Lots 39A, 40A, and 41A in Square 1, Chef Menteur Subdivi‐ sion in the SE district, east of the Mississippi River and bounded by Chef Menteur Highway, Lake St. Catherine, and the Intracoastal Water‐ way. Municipal ad‐ dresses are 21500-21590

Chef Menteur Highway. (Policy D)

CLOSE OF BUSINESS ON THE MONDAY, EIGHT DAYS PRIOR TO THE HEARING DATE.

ment of any related un‐ funded accrued liability charges and/or ﬁnancial penalties; to provide for deﬁnitions; to provide for venue and prescription; and to provide for re‐ lated matters.

HOME-DELIVERED

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS FIRST FLOOR – CITY HALL (CITY HALL - 1E07) 1300 PERDIDO STREET

EVERY DAY

THE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION, IN ACCOR‐ DANCE WITH PROVISIONS OF THE CITY OF NEW OR‐ LEANS SUBDIVISION REG‐ ULATIONS, WILL HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING ON Jan‐ uary 13, 2026 ON THE FOLLOWING MATTERS: SUBDIVISION DOCKETS 126-25 and 001-26 SD126-25 Resubdivision of Lot 1 into Lot 1A in Square 8, Chef Menteur Subdivision in the SE dis‐ trict, east of the Missis‐ sippi river and Square 1 (Lots 39, 40, and 41), Chef

NOLA.COM/SUBSCRIBE

SD001-26 Resubdivision of Square 476A into Lots A, B, and C in Square 467, Second Municipal Dis‐ trict, and bounded by North Norman C. Francis Parkway, Bienville Street, North Cortez Street, and Conti Street. Municipal addresses are 301 North Norman C. Francis Park‐ way and 3525 Bienville Street. (Policy D) THE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION WILL HEAR PROPONENTS AND OPPO‐ NENTS TO THE ABOVE PROPOSED SUBDIVISION. ALL INTERESTED PARTIES ARE ENCOURAGED TO AT‐ TEND AND ALL RELEVANT COMMENTS CONCERNING THE PROPOSED CHANGES ARE ENCOURAGED. THE CPC HAS ESTABLISHED PUBLIC HEARING RULES WITHIN ITS ADMINISTRA‐ TIVE RULES, POLICIES, & PROCEDURES, WHICH ARE AVAILABLE ON THE CPC WEBSITE: WWW. NOLA.GOV/CPC. YOU MAY ALSO SUBMIT WRITTEN COMMENTS TO THE EX‐ ECUTIVE DIRECTOR IN ADVANCE BY MAIL (1300 PERDIDO STREET, 7TH FLOOR, NEW ORLEANS, LA 70112) OR EMAIL CPCINFO@NOLA.GOV. ALL WRITTEN COMMENTS MUST BE RECEIVED BY

December 25, 2025; January 1, 2026; and January 8, 2026

NOCP 8835

Publication Dates: January 1, 2026 and January 2, 2026 NOCP 8841

171876-dec 25-jan 1-8-3t $117.39

172308-jan 1-2-2t $53.40

Robert Rivers, Executive Director

PUBLIC NOTICE ---

Public Notices Successions

PUBLIC NOTICE Public notice is hereby given, as provided by Section 29(C), Article X of the Constitution of Louisiana, that there will be introduced at the forthcoming session of the Legislature of Louisiana, to be con‐ vened on March 9, 2026, a bill relative to the Munic‐ ipal Police Employees’ Retirement System; to provide relative to disso‐ lution and partial disso‐ lution and the circum‐ stances under which an employer is deemed dis‐ solved or partially dis‐ solved; to provide rela‐ tive to the assessment, calculation, payment, collection, and enforce‐

PUBLIC NOTICE --24TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT FOR THE PARISH OF JEFFERSON STATE OF LOUISIANA NO. 826-079 DIVISION “L” DOCKET NO. SUCCESSION OF JESSIE B. WILLIAMS, SR. NOTICE OF SUCCESSION NOTICE IS GIVEN that Angela Bibbins, Adminis‐ tratrix of the Succession of Jessie B. Williams, Sr.,

Public Notices Successions

is applying for authority to sell at private sale, on terms of THREE HUN‐ DRED THOUSAND AND 00/100 ($300,000.00) DOL‐ LARS cash, that which is owned by the Succession of Jessie B. Williams, Sr., with said property being described as follows, towit: THAT CERTAIN LOT OF GROUND, together with all the buildings and im‐ provements thereon, and all rights, ways, privi‐ leges, servitudes, appur‐ tenances and advan‐ tages thereunto belong‐ ing or in anywise apper‐ taining, situated in the Parish of Jefferson, State of Louisiana, that part thereof known as STONE‐ BRIDGE, resubdivision approved by Ordinance #15014, recorded in COB 1019, folio 674, dated Jan‐ uary 1982, all as more fully shown on Plan of Resubdivision by J.J. Krebs & Sons, Inc., dated August 13, 1981, desig‐ nated as LOT 152, SQUARE 6, SECTION 1, bounded by Lake Aspen West Drive, Lake Aspen South Drive, and Parcel “C”. According to survey by Dading, Marques & Associates, Inc., dated October 20, 1994, Lake Timeberlane Drive (side) is shown as an additional boundary; said Lot 152 f

Public Notices Successions y commences 428.58 feet from the intersection of Lake Aspen West Drive and Lake Aspen South Drive and measures thence 100.00 feet front on Lake Aspen West Drive by a width in the rear of 103.45 feet, by a depth on the opposite sideline adjoining Lot 151 of 150.02 feet by a depth on the opposite sideline of 150.01 feet. The improvements thereon bear the Munici‐ pal No. 3644 Lake Aspen West Drive, Gretna, LA 70058.

Reporting you can trust on stories that matter

An order authorizing Ad‐ ministratrix to do so may be issued after twenty (20) days from the date of the ﬁrst of two publi‐ cations of this notice. An opposition to the appli‐ cation may be ﬁled at any time prior to the is‐ suance of such an order. By Order of the Court, CLERK OF COURT 170091-dec 11-jan 1-2t $94.50

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The digital edition of today’s paper is always at your ﬁnger tips with

E-EDITION HEROES OF HOPE Thank you to all of the ﬁrst responders for keeping us safe in this time of crisis.

HIGH 88 LOW 65 MORE ON 4C

THURSDAY

SEVEN DAyS l HOME DELIVERED l LOUISIANA OWNED

APRIL 9, 2020 $1.00

7th year, No. 241

Additional jobless pay set to begin

ELEC TION 2020 PRESIDENT

THE RACE IS ON

Unemployed to get $600 more per week from stimulus package

BY SAM KARLIN

COVID-19 CORONAVIRUS: THE LATEST

CASES IN LA.

652 deaths

17,030 positive cases INSIDE ä Mnuchin:

Direct deposits to start next week, 2A ä La. nursing home deaths up to 130, 5A ä More testing options available in N.O., 1B

Staff writer

Louisiana is set to start doling out supercharged unemployment benefits of $600 more a week on Monday, providing the first wave of relief to a staggering number of residents seeking aid as the coronavirus rocks the state’s economy. But as benefits begin flowing and officials project no part of Louisiana is on track to run out of hospital beds or ventilators in the coming 10 days, Gov. John Bel Edwards warned Wednesday it will be a long time before things return to normal. Until there is a vaccine and medication that can treat the virus — prospects that are months or longer away — Edwards said people will likely not see “life as you knew it before COVID-19.” Although at some point restrictions will be loosened, it remains unclear exactly what that will look like, Edwards said. The state will rely heavily on the federal government and will need far more testing, along with contact tracing and isolation of patients who later test positive, he said. “I promise you no matter what the timeline looks like, it’s going to be quicker if everyone follows the stay-at-home order,” the governor said. In the meantime, as the order is set to keep thousands of businesses closed until at least April 30, the Louisiana Workforce Commission will start paying out the extra $600 per week benefit to unemployed Louisiana

ä See JOBLESS, page 6A

Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden speaks during a March campaign rally in Detroit.

BY WILL SENTELL Staff writer

Louisiana public school superintendents Wednesday asked Gov. John Bel Edwards to extend his schools closure order through the end of the academic year because of the coronavirus. The request significantly boosts chances that classrooms will remain locked for nearly 720,000 public school students

and that the school year will have effectively ended for many students on March 13. “By not having students return to school facilities this school year combined with social distancing intervention there could be lessening or even prevention of further community spread of the virus,” superintendents said in their request to the governor.

ä See SCHOOLS, page 6A

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTOS

President Donald Trump arrives to speak at a January rally in Washington, D.C.

Sanders drops out, leaving former Vice President Biden the presumptive Democratic challenger to Trump BY WILL WEISSERT

Superintendents want schools to stay closed

Associated Press

WASHINGTON — Sen. Bernie Sanders ended his presidential bid on Wednesday, making Joe Biden the presumptive Democratic nominee to challenge President Donald Trump in a general election campaign that will be waged against the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic. Sanders initially ex- Sanders ceeded sky-high expectations about his ability to re-create the magic of his 2016 presidential bid and even overcame a heart attack in October. But he couldn’t convert unwavering support from progressives into a viable path to the nomination, with “electability” fears fueled by questions about whether his democratic socialist ide-

ology would be palatable to general election voters. “The path toward victory is virtually impossible,” Sanders told supporters Wednesday. “If I believed we had a feasible path to the nomination, I would certainly continue the campaign, but it’s just not there.” He called Biden a “very decent man” but didn’t offer an explicit endorsement of the former vice president. Sanders said his name would remain on the ballot in states that have not yet held primaries so he can gain more delegates and “exert signiﬁcant influence” on the Democratic platform. Biden, who is backed by much of the party’s establishment, told supporters at a virtual fundraiser that he had a “short conversation” with Sanders on Wednesday. “He didn’t just run a political campaign. He created a movement,” Biden said. “That’s a good thing for our na-

$500M in contracts inked to fight virus BY SAM KARLIN and ANTHONY MCAULEY Staff writers

The state has signed contracts for more than $500 million to lease hotel rooms, to buy medical equipment and services, and to build out the hospital facilities at the Ernest N. Mo-

Business ................... 8D Classified .................. 6D

tion and our future. His campaign has ended, but I know his leadership will continue.” Trump sought to foment the tension among Democrats by tweeting Wednesday that the party stacked the race against Sanders. The president said the senator’s supporters “should come to the Republican Party.” Sanders began his latest White House bid facing questions about whether he could win back the supporters who chose him four years ago as an insurgent alternative to Hillary Clinton. Despite winning 22 states in 2016, there were no guarantees he’d be a major presidential contender this cycle. But Sanders used strong polling and solid fundraising — collected almost entirely from small donations made online — to quiet early doubters. Like the ﬁrst time, he attracted widespread

BY JEFF ADELSON and BRYN STOLE

Staff writers

STAFF PHOTO By SOPHIA GERMER

Medical monitoring stations fill the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, set

New data on Louisiana’s coronavirus cases has conﬁrmed what many public health experts have long expected: The virus was widespread in the state much earlier than initially limited testing was able to show. The data, released by the state Department of Health on Tuesday, sheds new light on the march of COVID-19 through Louisiana, providing a valuable tool to researchers as they seek to gain

ä See CONTRACTS, page 6A up to handle coronavirus patients.

Comics.............. 4D, 5D Commentary ............. 7B

ä See RACE, page 4A

New data provides clearer picture of virus’s early spread

Convention Center as the Medical equipment, rial number of coronavirus patients Convention Center continues rising. The spending includes large included in spending contracts for ﬁrms that were

quickly assembled to convert the Convention Center to a stepdown facility for patients leaving area hospitals and man it with medical personnel. It also includes several multimilliondollar contracts for hospitalgrade ventilators and personal protective equipment, which

View the e-edition from the NOLA.com app

Deaths ...................... 3B Living......................... 1D

Opinion ..................... 6B Puzzles .............. 3D, 4D

Sports ....................... 1C Weather..................... 4C

ä See DATA, page 4A

in your web browser by visiting NOLA.com and clicking E-EDITION

THIS MONTH AT THE LIBRARY RESOURCES, SERVICES, AND EVENTS VOLUME 2

ISSUE 1

JANUARY 2026

C I S U M W E , N NEW YEAR

WELCOME THE NEW ARTISTS OF CRESCENT CITY SOUNDS

These albums are just a sample of the music you’ll hear at crescentcitysounds.org

JANUARY 2026

/nolalibrary

@nolalibrary

Main Library

219 Loyola Avenue (504) 596-2570

Algiers Regional Library 3014 Holiday Drive (504) 596-2641

Alvar Library

913 Alvar Street (504) 596-2667

Central City Library

2020 Jackson Avenue, Suite 139 (504) 596-3110

Children’s Resource Center Library

913 Napoleon Avenue (504) 596-2628

Desire / Florida Satellite Location 3250 Industry Street

East New Orleans Regional Library 5641 Read Boulevard (504) 596-0200

Cita Dennis Hubbell Library 725 Pelican Avenue (504) 596-3113

Rosa F. Keller Library and Community Center 4300 South Broad Avenue (504) 596-2660

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library

1611 Fats Domino Avenue (504) 596-2695

Milton H. Latter Memorial Library 5120 Saint Charles Avenue (504) 596-2625

Sensory Play

Saturday, January 10 from 10:30am – 11:30am East New Orleans Regional Library

Saturday, January 10 from 2pm – 3:30pm East New Orleans Regional Library

Families looking for a welcoming and comfortable space for neurodivergent children can join us for an inclusive and interactive storytime. Space is limited.

CREATE & PLAY: MINI MAESTROS*

Practice developing early literacy skills with crafts, hands-on activities, and snacks. A fun music-themed program for children ages 2 – 5 and their families.

Mid-City Library

LPO’S MUSICAL STORY HOUR

Nora Navra Library

1902 Saint Bernard Avenue (504) 596-3118

Nix Library

1401 South Carrollton Avenue (504) 596-2630

REACH Center

2022 St. Bernard Avenue, Building C (504) 256-6983

Experiment, create, or craft at this hands-on STEAM event for children ages 6 – 12.

Sensory-Friendly Storytime*

Friday, January 16 from 10:30am – 11:30am Algiers Regional Library

4140 Canal Street (504) 596-2654

STEAM CLUB*

The New Orleans Public Library offers storytimes for children from birth to age 5 at all of our locations. Visit nolalibrary.org/early-literacy for more information.

Norman Mayer Library 3001 Gentilly Boulevard (504) 596-3100

CHILDREN’S EVENTS

EARLY LITERACY EVENTS

THE STORY OF FERDINAND

Each month during this winter series, an LPO musician and reader will provide a unique storytime experience at the Library for early learners and their families. In January, violinist Rebecca Edge will accompany a reading of Munro Leaf’s The Story of Ferdinand. Saturday, January 17 from 10:30am – 11am Milton H. Latter Memorial Library

Families looking for a welcoming and comfortable space for neurodivergent children can join us for inclusive and interactive sensory play and exploration activities.

LITTLE STEAMERS*

This month’s activities include: • Dungeons & Dragons (ages 9 – 12) • Snowball Launcher • Painting with pH • Ping Pong Pickup Challenge • Pequeñas creaciones / Small Creations • Art Smarts: Wire Sculptures • Phonics Fun • Exploding Snowman • Mardi Gras Masks • Geometry with Mondrian • Interstellar Mobiles Visit nolalibrary.co/STEAM for times and locations.

CHESS CLUB*

Beginner and experienced players are welcome at Chess Club. Each session includes instruction as needed but focuses on playing against other participants or Library staff. Practice problem-solving and develop critical thinking at this hands-on STEAM program for ages 6 – 12.

Saturday, January 17 from 10:30am – 11:30am Norman Mayer Library

Wednesdays from 4pm – 5pm Algiers Regional Library Nix Library

BLUE HOUSE MUSIC: CONNECTING MUSIC AND EARLY LITERACY*

Thursdays from 4pm – 5pm Cita Dennis Hubbell Library

A series designed for children ages 3 – 5 years old to explore Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) at the Library.

Explore natural connections between language and music through singing and storytelling during this music and early literacy workshop. Saturday, January 24 from 10:30am – 11am East New Orleans Regional Library

Robert E. Smith Library

6301 Canal Boulevard (504) 596-2638

*SPONSORED BY THE FRIENDS OF THE NE W ORLEA NS PUBLIC LIBRARY ALL EVENTS ARE FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. YOU DO NOT NEED A LIBRARY CARD. OCCASIONALLY, EVENT DATES AND TIMES CHANGE. CHECK EVENTS.NOLALIBRARY.ORG OR CALL YOUR LIBRARY LOCATION TO CONFIRM THE MOST CURRENT EVENT INFORMATION.

JANUARY 2026

2026 Black History Month

ART CONTEST

FOR KIDS IN GRADES K – 12

CONTEST THEME: Building Tomorrow: Black Youth Shaping the Future Create an original art piece that highlights the inﬂuence of young Black trailblazers and activists on New Orleans and the nation, or connects past movements to future progress. Honor their legacy, amplify their voices, and imagine the future they and you are building. Black youth have always been at the forefront of change, from the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s, to the Black Power Movements of the 1960s, to today’s Black Lives Matter movement. Now it’s your turn to participate. Visit nolalibrary.co/BHM for more information.

FREE IMMUNIZATIONS FOR CHILDREN GREATER NEW ORLEANS IMMUNIZATION NETWORK

The Greater New Orleans Immunization Network at Manning Family Children’s will provide free vaccines to children 0 – 18 years of age. No appointment is necessary. Please bring the child’s birth certificate or passport and immunization record (if applicable). Tuesday, January 27 from 1:30pm – 4:30pm Algiers Regional Library Wednesday, January 28 from 1:30pm – 4:30pm East New Orleans Regional Library

Math Workouts for Kids

BOOK PARTY:

HOBBIT DAY*

Celebrate J.R.R. Tolkien’s Birthday with Hobbit-y games, crafts, and activities. Create your own hobbit pottery and greeting cards. Embark on a treasure hunt themed There and Back Again. Light refreshments will be served. Register at nolalibrary.co/hobbit to help us plan supplies.

with Make It Count Math*

TEEN & TWEEN EVENTS TEEN VOLUNTEER DAY*

Serve your community, be creative, socialize, and earn service-learning hours. Teen Volunteer Day is open to teens ages 14 – 18. Register at nolalibrary.co/teen-volunteer-day. Tuesday, January 6 from 4pm – 6pm Mid-City Library Tuesday, January 13 from 4pm – 6pm Milton H. Latter Memorial Library Tuesday, January 27 from 4pm – 6pm Algiers Regional Library

EXPRESS YOURSELF!

MONTHLY TRANS & QUEER TEEN HANGOUT WITH THE NEW ORLEANS PRIDE CENTER*

Enjoy games, activities, and pizza each month at this drop-in event for teens ages 11 – 18. Register at nolalibrary.co/express-yourself to help us plan supplies. Thursday, January 8 from 4:30pm – 5:30pm Main Library

TEEN DROP-IN*

Hang out, play games, make art, learn a new hobby, or explore new tech at this program for teens ages 11 - 18. Register at nolalibrary.co/teen-drop-in to help us plan supplies.

THEME: TINY ART Thursday, January 15 from 2:30pm – 3:30pm Robert E. Smith Library THEME: TINY ART Tuesday, January 20 from 3:30pm – 4:30pm East New Orleans Regional Library

Up your math skills and learn some fun games to continue at home. Light dinner provided. Open to rising 3rd – 6th graders.

THEME: BUTTON MAKING Tuesday, January 20 from 4pm – 5pm Mid-City Library

Saturday, January 3 from 2pm – 3:30pm Milton H. Latter Memorial Library

CATURDAY

CAT MEET & GREET BY LOUISIANA SPCA WITH THEMED CRAFTS*

Louisiana SPCA cats and kittens are headed to the Library. Kids and families can meet these fluffy visitors, craft toys to go back with them to the shelter, and leave with an animal themed book. Saturday, January 10 from 2pm – 3:30pm Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library

Teen Volunteer Opportunity: Math Workouts for Kids*

8th – 12th graders may sign up to volunteer as Big Math Buddies to help 3rd – 6th graders improve their math skills and learn some math games. Light dinner will be served. Big Math Buddies are asked to commit to attending all 3 sessions, plus an online orientation for new volunteers (time TBD).

JANUARY 2026

ADULT EVENTS

NEW YEAR, NEW NOTEBOOK

MAKE AND DECORATE YOUR OWN NOTEBOOK

TECHCONNECT

Book a one-on-one appointment to develop conﬁdence, build computer skills, and grow more comfortable in today’s digital world. Register at nolalibrary.co/tech-connect. Wednesdays from 10am – 12pm Thursdays from 3pm – 5pm East New Orleans Regional Library

BEYOND BOOKS NON-TRADITIONAL RESOURCES AT THE LIBRARY

Get more than books with your Library card. Discover some of the Library’s non-traditional resources, including the Culture Pass Program, Cake Pan Collection, and Seed Libraries. Monday, January 5 from 3pm – 4pm Central City Library Wednesday, January 21 from 3pm – 4pm Cita Dennis Hubbell Library

Start this year learning a new language with Mango Languages Powered by intelligent technology and an adaptive algorithm, Mango offers over 70 world languages and more than 20 English courses, as well as specialty courses that cover a range of culturally speciﬁc topics. Mango contains user-friendly features, such as placement tests that help you begin exactly where your skillset suits you, Family Proﬁles for group learning, and downloadable lessons for off-line access.

Learn a simple method for binding a pamphlet-style book. Create your own notebook for the new year that you can customize using stamps, stickers, stencils, and other colorful supplies. Register at nolalibrary.co/new-notebook.

Wednesday, January 7 from 5pm – 6:30pm Nora Navra Library Friday, January 9 from 11am – 12:30pm Robert E. Smith Library

LOOKING FOR A JOB? LET US MAKE IT EASIER DROP BY THE COMPUTER LAB

Whether you’re starting from scratch or just need a second set of eyes, we’ve got your back. All with assistance from Library staff and your fellow community members. Registration suggested at nolalibary.co/looking-for-job. Wednesday, January 7 from 1pm – 2pm Algiers Regional Library

BASIC MARDI GRAS MASK MAKING

WITH CRYPTIQUE KREWE OF CEMETERY SHAMBLERS

Learn how to make a basic Mardi Gras mask using cardboard, wire, and paper clay. Register at nolalibrary.co/mask-making.

LAY YOUR BURDENS DOWN

AN EVENING OF COMMUNITY, REST, AND RENEWAL* Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with an evening of rest, joy, and connection that celebrates community care, civic engagement, and resistance through the radical power of rest and play. Inspired by the Nap Ministry’s call that “Rest is Resistance,” we’ll create space to breathe, connect, and simply be. Wednesday, January 14 from 6pm – 8pm | REACH Center

CHRIS CHAMPAGNE - SECRET NEW ORLEANS: AN UNUSUAL GUIDE

Renewed: A New Orleans Public Library Anthology

Tuesday, January 13 from 6:30pm – 7:30pm Cita Dennis Hubbell Library

Celebrate the release of our third anthology! Renewed is a collection of work from ﬁnalists in our 2025 Summer Fun Adult Writing Contest. There will be readings, refreshments, and music.

AUTHOR NIGHT AT HUBBELL LIBRARY

Now in its second edition, Secret New Orleans is an indispensable guide for those who thought they knew New Orleans well or would like to discover the other face of the city.

COMMUNITY PUZZLE NIGHT

Join us for an evening of jigsaw puzzling. Work on one by yourself or make new friends working on one together.

VOLUME 3 RELEASE PARTY*

Saturday, January 31 from 2pm – 4pm Main Library

Thursday, January 15 from 4:30pm – 6:30pm Milton H. Latter Memorial Library Thursday, January 29 from 4:30pm – 6:30pm East New Orleans Regional Library

FIG TREE CARE AND PROPAGATION

WITH BARCELO GARDENS*

Thursday, January 8 from 5pm – 6:30pm Algiers Regional Library

Learn how to start your own ﬁg from an existing tree, and how to properly care for your tree once it’s established. Register to reserve a ﬁg tree cutting to take home with you.

Tuesday, January 13 from 5pm – 6:30pm East New Orleans Regional Library

Saturday, January 17 from 10:30am – 11:30am Cita Dennis Hubbell Library

THE TIMES-PICAYUNE

Jan. 1, 2026

Popular northshore dance group in London New Year’s parade page 4

Thai restaurant Chada opens in Mid-City page 9

2 ✦ Thursday, January 1, 2026 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune

don’t miss

countdown to king cake

’Twas the night before Twelfth Night and all through the hall, the dancers were jammin’ and having a ball. The annual dance competition among some of the area’s favorite marching and moving ensembles heads to Southport Music Hall, 200 Monticello Ave., at 8 p.m. Monday, ushering in the ofﬁcial start of the Carnival season Tuesday. There’s a king cake “toast” at midnight and music by Glen David Andrews before and after. Admission is $10. countdowntokingcake.com.

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sugar bowl

One of the oldest college football bowl games, this sweet time in the Caesars Superdome pits the neighbors from Mississippi and Georgia against each other in a gridiron clash of SEC teams. Ole Miss will face the Georgia Bulldogs at 7 p.m. as part of the College Football Playoff Quarterﬁnal. As of re available starting at $208. press time, tickets were allstatesugarbowl.org.

winter lantern festival piatigorsky foundation concert The East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie, will host a free show of classical music featuring tenor Kelly W. Burns and pianist Nicholas Shaneyfelt at 2 p.m. Sunday. jplibrary.net

This is the ﬁnal weekend for the dazzling light show at Bayou Segnette State Park in Westwego. It runs from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. through Sunday. Hundreds of Chinese lanterns with LED lights create a wonderland of illumination at 7777 Westbank Expressway. There will also be entertainment by the Zigong Acrobatic Troupe, plus games and more. Tickets start at $18. winterlanternfestival.com.

ABOUT LAGNIAPPE

The Lagniappe section is published each Thursday by The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate. All inquiries about Lagniappe should be directed to the editor. LAGNIAPPE EDITOR: Lauren Walck, lauren.walck@ theadvocate.com COVER DESIGN: Andrea Daniel CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Victor Andrews, Kasey Bubnash, Desiree Stennett Ian McNulty, John Wirt

GET LISTED IN LAGNIAPPE

Submit events to Lagniappe at least two weeks in advance by sending an email to events@theadvocate.com.

holidays at audubon Audubon Aquarium and Audubon Zoo are extending holiday fun through Sunday. The zoo, 6500 Magazine St., has themed animal enrichment programs, a wild winter workshop and candy cane palm trees. And the aquarium, at the foot of Canal Street, is sporting a snowﬂake lobby and holding a “The Flight Before Christmas” storytime. Times vary. audubonnatureinstitute. org.

ON THE COVER

A reveler rides a streetcar with the Phunny Phorty Phellows in MidCity on the ﬁrst day of the 2025 Carnival season. Photo by David Grunfeld. The Phellows as well as the Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc in the French Quarter are set to kick off this year’s season Tuesday. Story by Victor Andrews on Page 6.

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music

The Times-Picayune ✦ nola.com ✦ Thursday, January 1, 2026 ✦ 3

New Bill Evans set collects original trio’s recordings BY JOHN WIRT

Contributing writer Six years after Concord Records released the massive 61-track “Everybody Still Digs Bill Evans: A Career Retrospective (1956-1980),” the label has issued a new collection by the late jazz piano great who graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond. “Haunted Heart: The Legendary Riverside Studio Recordings” features every studio recording made by the original Bill Evans Trio. The collection pairs the trio’s two studio albums — 1960’s “Portrait in Jazz” and 1961’s “Explorations” — with 26 alternate takes and outtakes. “What gave that trio its character was a common aim and a feeling of potential,” Evans says in “How My Heart Sings,” Peter Pettinger’s 1998 biography of the innovative and influential pianist. “The music developed as we performed, and what you heard came through the actual performance.” The first two of only four albums by Evans’ landmark trio with bassist Scott LaFaro and drummer Paul Motian, “Portrait in Jazz” and “Explorations” made an immediate impact. DownBeat magazine dubbed the trio’s debut an “album with meaning.” Its follow-up won a four-star DownBeat review and Billboard’s jazz critics’ best piano album poll. “Haunted Heart: The Legendary Riverside Studio Recordings” is available as a five-LP box set, three-CD box set and high-resolution digital audio. Seventeen tracks are previously unreleased. The set’s physical editions include rare photos, a fold-out poster, an appreciation by the Doors’ John Densmore and liner notes by jazz journalist Eugene Holley Jr. In his “Haunted Heart” notes, Holley writes that the seemingly entranced Evans coaxed “notes from the piano that sang” and “lingered long after the duration of their prescribed notational time limits; notes that would ultimately resonate with the hearts of listeners for generations to come.” Evans formed his trio with LaFaro and Motian following sideman studio sessions for Cannonball Adderley’s “Portrait of Cannonball,” Chet Baker’s “Chet: The Lyrical Trumpet of Chet

Baker” and Charles Mingus’ “East Coasting.” Impressive, but his eight months in 1958 with trumpeter Miles Davis superseded everything that came before. Evans toured with the Davis group that included Adderley and John Coltrane and played on nearly every track on Davis’ 1959 release, “Kind of Blue,” the bestselling jazz album in history. “Bill had this quiet fire that I loved on piano,” Davis writes in his autobiography. “The sound he got was like crystal notes or sparkling water cascading down from some clear waterfall.” Although Evans’ collaboration with Davis secured his place in jazz history, the pianist entered a new realm of ensemble artistry with Motian and LaFaro, forming the trio that influenced the future of jazz. “I’m hoping the trio will grow in the direction of simultaneous improvisation rather than just one guy blowing followed by another guy blowing,” Evans said. “If the bass player, for example, hears an idea that he wants to answer, why should he just keep playing a 4/4 background? … (I)n classical composition, you don’t hear a part remain stagnant until it becomes a solo. There are transitional passages — a voice begins to be heard more and more and finally breaks into prominence.” The groundbreaking first Bill Evans Trio ended when the 25-year-old LaFaro died in a car crash in 1961. A broken artist, Evans didn’t touch the piano for months. Nor could he bring himself to contribute liner notes for “Sunday at the Village Vanguard,” the album his trio recorded 11 days before LaFaro’s

death. “When you have evolved a concept of playing which depends on the speciﬁc personalities of outstanding players, how do you start again when they are gone?” Evans asked. Following months of silence, Pettinger writes in “How My Heart Sings,” Evans made one or two club appearances. He eventually returned to the keyboard and, despite years of heroin addition, released more than 40 trio albums in his lifetime. His recordings won seven Grammy Awards, two Grammy Hall of Fame awards and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. A native of Plainﬁeld, New Jersey, Evans followed his older brother, Harry Evans, to the music program at Southeastern. After their graduations, Bill Evans pursued performing while

his brother taught music in the East Baton Rouge Parish school system and became the system’s ﬁrst music supervisor. Bill Evans returned to Hammond in November 1979 for a performance at Southeastern with the then-current Bill Evans Trio lineup. After the concert’s ﬁrst selection, he told the audience: “I won’t go into what kind of special night this is for me. At least two of the four years I spent here were among the happiest of my life.” Harry Evans’ suicide in April 1979 at 51 years old is believed to have contributed to his brother’s death 16 months later, also at 51, from cirrhosis complications and untreated hepatitis. The brothers are buried side by side at Roselawn Memorial Park in Baton Rouge. Email John Wirt at j_wirt@msn.com.

GET TICKETS

JAN 2 – 25, 2026

BoxOffice@LePetitTheatre.com 504-522-2081 x 1

LePetitTheatre.com

4 ✦ Thursday, January 1, 2026 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune

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London is calling

Northshore’s Bad Moms dance krewe performing overseas in New year’s Day parade BY DESIREE STENNETT

Staff writer

Just as most people ﬁnally got the chance to relax after a busy holiday season, about 60 members of the northshore’s Bad Moms That Dance krewe were packing their bags to head across the pond. The group, which started on a whim in 2021, is marching in the London New Year’s Day Parade alongside other dance groups, marching bands, cheerleaders, larger-than-life inﬂatable balloons and other performers from across Europe and the world. But they aren’t the average Carnival dance krewe. These moms won’t be wearing leotards or waving pompoms to pop music. “We’re in hip-hop pants with varsity jackets and Dunks,” said Whitney Hebert, 39, one of the founders of the group. “It’s a more comfortable, laidback vibe.” And they will bring their brand of hip-hop beats and dance moves to the streets of London as they strut from Piccadilly Circus to Westminster on Thursday.

Moms band together Hebert and co-founder Alyse Renz never thought they would be able to bring their group to such a celebrated world stage when they met for the first time and got started in March 2021. The worst of the COVID-19 pandemic had started to ease, and both moms happened to join the same moms group on Facebook. By chance, someone shared a viral group of dancers performing to a hip-hop song, and another mom asked if anything like that existed in the New Orleans area. No one knew of any, so Renz, who had spent most of her life dancing, offered to lead a class. “I meant it just to be something fun,” said Renz, 39. “I missed dancing. I had danced my whole life and figured if I can get five women to take a class with me, at least I’d get to dance again.”

Bad Moms That Dance performs at the 2025 Mid-City Parade in New Orleans. Instead, 50 moms, including Hebert, signed up. What was supposed to be a one-off class on the northshore quickly became a weekly event. It got so popular that Renz was able to leave a career in real estate to lead the group full-time with Hebert.

Bad Moms That Dance founders Alyse Renz and Whitney Hebert shake hands with Winston Churchill’s greatgrandson Sir Duncan Sandys during his visit to their Covington dance studio to invite them to perform at the London New year’s Day Parade.

From class to Carnival From the beginning, with most of the attendees being moms in their 30s and 40s, they knew they wanted their class to be a bit different from the average dance class. “We had both been to adult dance classes,” Renz said. “What happens is you get in there, it’s ﬂuorescent lighting, there’s a 20-year-old teacher, and it’s really just not what women our age are looking for.” They wanted something more fun. They turned the lights down low, played uncensored music and brought drinks and snacks. For about two years, the class remained just a weekly session to blow off steam and ﬁnd sisterhood. Then about three years ago, a couple attendees pitched the idea of creating a

PROVIDED PHOTO By SHERRI LyNN PHOTOGRAPHy

PROVIDED PHOTO By ALySE RENZ Mardi Gras krewe. Renz and Hebert resisted at ﬁrst but gave in, thinking they would bring about 30 women to do a choreographed dance along the parade route. Instead, they got 120 women to sign up. They chose the ﬁrst 60 and hit the streets. By the second year, they had 450 members and could only bring about 150. For the 2026 Carnival season, it’s even bigger. More than 1,200 women signed up, and Renz and Hebert

said they will dance with about 300. At the same time, the classes kept growing. Now there are classes and rehearsals in Covington, Slidell, Metairie, Hammond and even Chalmette.

‘A lot of women need this’ Melissa Rouse, 49, attended that ﬁrst class in 2021 and still dances with the group. She said she joined when she had just moved to the northshore from the West Bank and barely knew any-

The Times-Picayune ✦ nola.com ✦ Thursday, January 1, 2026 ✦ 5

events

Arthur Hardy Collection

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HISTORY’S LONGEST LASTING KREWES 1857-2026 PROVIDED PHOTO By ALySE RENZ

Members of Bad Moms That Dance pose with Sir Duncan Sandys, Winston Churchill’s great-grandson, at the group’s Covington studio when he traveled to the northshore to formally invite them to perform in the London New year’s Day Parade. one. Her daughter was in high school and didn’t need Rouse to shuttle her around to activities anymore. So Rouse ﬁgured it was a chance to make a few friends and do something just for herself. “I think a lot of women need this,” she said. “I don’t think we realize how many women can’t ﬁnd friends in today’s modern world because they’ve been too busy being a mom.” Many of the women have become close friends, attending events for one another’s kids, providing support through health scares, lunching in New Orleans and day tripping to Hammond. These days, Rouse said the tables have turned. Her daughter, now 19 and in college, and her husband get a kick out of “chaperoning” her Bad Moms activities.

International ambassadors Despite the group’s growth, the invitation to dance in London still came as a surprise. Hebert thought the email was spam. On a lark, she and Renz called the person who claimed to be the recruiter for the London parade. He said that after seeing the group perform at the IrishItalian parade in Chalmette, he thought they would be perfect for London. When they accepted, London parade representatives ﬂew to New Orleans to formally present their invitations. “Winston Churchill’s great-grandson comes in in his very, very formal British outﬁt with all his medals, and I’m cracking up because here we are the Bad Moms,” Hebert said laughing, add-

The list of “Longest Lasting Parading Krewes 1857-2025” in this year’s Mardi Gras Guide contained errors and omissions that are corrected here, as we update the list to include 2026. Math can be tricky when counting parades. For example, a krewe founded in 1950 presented its tenth parade in 1959. In some cases, the year that a club ﬁrst paraded does not correspond with their founding year. Iris was formed in 1917 as a ball-only krewe but did not present its ﬁrst parade until 1959. Rex is 154 years old in 2026 but will present its 145th procession since there were no parades during the war years, in 1933 due to rain, during the police strike in 1979, and because of Covid in 2021.

THESE ARE THE PARADING KREWES WITH THE LONGEST RUNS IN MARDI GRAS HISTORY. Years Krewe

PHOTO By GRANT THERKILDSEN

The Bad Moms That Dance strut their stuff in Mandeville’s 2025 Winter on the Water Parade & Festival.

ing that she still ﬁnds the invite a little surreal. “It was such a funny thing to me because he was so proper and we are so not.” But the London group loved them. “They said that we are ‘very colorful’ and that we are going to bring a different vibe to the parade,” Renz said laughing, adding that she decided to take that as a compliment. “We’re just going to do our thing out in the streets of London.” You can watch the Bad Moms from home via livestream on the London Parade YouTube channel or on PBS starting at 7 a.m. Thursday in New Orleans. And they’ll also be marching in 22 Mardi Gras parades across the region, from Lafayette to Mobile, Alabama. Email Desiree Stennett at desiree. stennett@theadvocate.com.

154 144 134 119 116 102 93 92 91 89 87 86 79 78 76 67 66 60 59 57 56 57 57 53 53 51 56 52

Rex Proteus Comus Momus Zulu Carrollton Alla Mid-City Elks Orleans Hermes Choctaw Babylon Crescent City Thoth Okeanos Iris Grela Olympia Endymion Tucks Zeus Bacchus Atlas Cleopatra Isis Venus NOMTOC Elks Jefferson

1st Final Parade Parade 1872 1882 1857 1991 1872 1991 1910 1924 1933 1934 1935 1937 1939 1940 1947 1948 1950 1959 1948 2014 1966 1967 1969 1958 2014 1969 1969 1973 1973 1941 1992 1970 1974

Years Krewe

1st Final Parade Parade

52 50 50 48 45 44 43 43 41 42 40 40 39 39 38 34 33 32 31 31 30 29 29 29 27 27 26

1974 1976 1973 1978 1981 1982 1959 1966 1970 1984 1953 1986 1987 1980 1975 1974 1981 1994 1974 1977 1969 1957 1997 1997 1999 1999 1968

Argus Pontchartrain Jefferson trucks King Arthur Centurions Sparta Poseidon (orig.) Pegasus Rhea Rascals Freret (orig.) Dionysus Eve Caesar Thor Shangri-la Napoleon Orpheus Gladiators Aquila Diana Arabi d’ Etat Oshun Selene Druids Pandora (orig.)

2023

2002 2009 2011 1993 2019 2013 2008 2014 2005 2008 1999 1986

1994

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official! It’s

Cake and parades kick off Twelfth Night festivities Barn near the intersection of Willow and Carrollton Avenue. In colorful costumes and with libations and levity, the group is joined by the Storyville Stompers and a throng of folks seeing them off at 7 p.m. Following the streetcar line down the avenues, the phellows make the loop on Canal Street and then head back to the barn. Along the way, residents wait for the passing of the car that’s a jump start on the season. Get more at phunnyphortyphellows.com.

Followed by the funk

START, END

Tuesday, Jan. 6 • 7 p.m.

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Email Victor Andrews at vandrews@theadvocate.com.

PHUNNY PHORTY PHELLOWS

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Following Phellows is the Funky Uptown Krewe, this year rolling as “Funky by Nature.” DJ Mannie Fresh will keep things rocking on the route. This krewe will also be throwing vinyl records (yes, Fresh vinyl) and a few treasured hand-decorated records. The group will be tracking the same route as the Phellows. Check it out at funkyuptownkrewe.com.

Napoleon

1116 Chartres St. The krewe’s royalty, Queen Sandy Rosenthal and King For those who might be lucky Greg Lambousy, plus maid of honor Rory Davis (who will enough to catch a glimpse, a large birthday-looking cake will portray Joan), will toast at the be paraded through the streets Chef Paul Prudhomme Buildof downtown on Tuesday. ing, 416 Chartres St. Indeed, this colossal confecThe parade wraps near the New Orleans Jazz Museum at tion is one of the many fun French Market Place and Barthings that will be on the move for Twelfth Night as the Carniracks Street. Throws to watch for include val season ofﬁcially opens. 32 hand-decorated wooden The cake is part of the tradiswords, distributed by Davis, tion of one of Carnival’s oldest plus handmade journals, toy organizations, the Twelfth soldiers and a saint medallion. Night Revelers. The krewe, In addition to the royals, steeped in heritage, will parade there will be a host of marching from dinner to the white-glove ball where one lucky debutante, units and a Joan of Arc puppet at the end of the parade. For culled from the season’s coterie, will pull a golden bean from information, check out joanothe cake and be crowned queen. farcparade.org. But there are other street promenades to enjoy and watch Phunny pholks as well. The Heralds of Carnival, as they call themselves, are a kaSt. Joan rides again leidoscopic mélange of people, costumes and revelry that ride The Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc the rails instead of walking the takes to the streets at a new pavement. time and with a new route for The Phunny Phorty Phelits 18th annual parade through the French Quarter. lows have been a mainstay of Marking the Maid of Orleans Twelfth Night for the past cen(France)’s 614th birthday, tury and a half in some form the walking krewe will take or another. The krewe bases its off from Bienville and Front current incarnation on a 1981 streets. A ceremonial blessing revival. of Joan’s sword moves from the The krewe mounts a streetcathedral to St. Mary’s Church, car at the Willow Street Car Staff writer

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BY VICTOR ANDREWS

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STAFF FILE PHOTO By DAVID GRUNFELD

Phunny Phorty Phellows members toast the beginning of the 2025 Carnival season with members of the Krewe of Oak at the streetcar barn on Willow Street in New Orleans on Jan. 6.

of Arc

Bienville

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Esplanade Ave.

Tues., Jan. 6 • 7:30 p.m.

St. Louis Cathedral

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ABOVE: The Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc parades with medieval elements like gargoyles. The walking krewe honors the city’s unofficial patron saint, ‘The Maid of Orleans,’ while also kicking off the Carnival season on Jan. 6, melding medieval revelry with the traditions of Mardi Gras. STAFF FILE PHOTO By CHRIS GRANGER

STAFF FILE PHOTO By SCOTT THRELKELD

Members of the 2025 Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc march on Twelfth Night, Jan. 6, in New Orleans.

STAFF FILE PHOTO By SCOTT THRELKELD

The Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc celebrates the city’s French culture and heritage as well as St Joan of Arc’s birthday, which coincides with Twelfth Night.

8 ✦ Thursday, January 1, 2026 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune

food

Drawn in

bythe

glow When the temperature drops, hunker down at these area hot spots with a working fireplace

BY KASEY BUBNASH Staff writer

The heat of an open flame is about the last thing you’d want to feel in New Orleans most of the year. But as temperatures drop, the long-dormant fireplaces in doubles and Creole cottages around town seem to call out, ripe with the potential for an evening spent warming your toes on the hearth. But if a total chimney renovation isn’t in your cards, there are several bars across the New Orleans metro area where your roasting-chestnuts-on-an-open-fire dreams could become a reality — or, at

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A working fireplace keeps barside patrons warm inside Bar Tonique.

Here are bars around town with the coziest working ﬁreplaces:

FRENCH QUARTER Backspace Bar & Kitchen 139 Chartres St.

Furnished with bookshelves, typewriters and bulky leather lounge chairs, Backspace Bar has the feel of a library with the perks of a bar. There, you can snack on Brussels sprouts and sip a drink, all while relaxing by the open ﬁre.

STAFF PHOTO By KASEy BUBNASH

Bar Tonique 820 N. Rampart St.

This craft cocktail bar on Rampart Street features not just one but two functioning brick ﬁreplaces that help bring warmth to the drafty but beautiful French Quarter building. Grab an old-fashioned take a seat in the cozy corner of your choice. Laﬁtte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar 941 Bourbon St.

A visit to this dimly lit, 18th-century New Orleans staple always feels like traveling back in time. The feeling is even more pronounced when its towering central ﬁreplace is ablaze on chilly, winter nights. Old Absinthe House 240 Bourbon St.

Built more than 200 years ago and overflowing with historical significance, the Old Absinthe House is known to draw crowd. But snuggled up to the fireplace up against the back wall, you just might find a slice of peace and quiet on Bourbon. Hermes Bar at Antoine’s 725 St. Louis St.

Like at Antoine’s dining room, the wood-paneled walls, checkered tile floors and ornate fireplace in Hermes Bar harken back to a time of swanky New Orleans elegance. A cocktail and a seat at a table by the fire make for a sophisticated night out.

Good Friends Bar

Columns

740 Dauphine St.

3811 St. Charles Ave.

It’s always a good time at Good Friends, an iconic gay bar where you can pretty much always find crowds at the main bar and a party on the dancefloor upstairs. But tucked away in a back corner on the first floor is a wood-paneled fireplace where patrons can steal away for a moment of quiet. Bourbon Pub and Parade

The fireplace at Columns only enhances the moody atmosphere inside the hotel’s Victorian Lounge bar. If the seats around the hearth are already spoken for, you can usually find heaters and firepits out on the patio, too.

801 Bourbon St.

MID-CITY Wrong Iron 3532 Toulouse St.

Though the area is often used as extra seating in the summer months, the ﬁreplace at Bourbon Pub and Parade does also function as a heater and mood-lifter on particularly cold winter nights.

Everyone knows that Wrong Iron has a vast selection of beers and plenty of outdoor seating. But a lesser known perk? You can buy a s’mores kit and roast marshmallows at one of several ﬁrepits on the patio.

UPTOWN

SUBURBS

Mr. Ed’s Seafood & Oyster House

After Hours E.R.

1327 St. Charles Ave.

3431 Houma Blvd., Metairie

Though this Uptown institution is known for its charbroiled oysters and other Southern classics, its dining room also features one of the best working ﬁreplaces in town. The Tchoup Yard

The ﬁreplace at this neighborhood dive is nothing fancy, but that’s not really what you’re looking for at After Hours E.R. It’s warm and it works, and that’s the main thing. Barley Oak

405 Third St.

2101 Lakeshore Drive, Mandeville

If you’re craving something a little more casual, look no further. Grab a beer at The Tchoup Yard and take a seat by the ﬁrepit under the warm glow of twinkle lights.

A cold beer, pretzel and seat on the couch by the ﬁreplace at this northshore staple are all the elements needed for a perfect winter afternoon.

least, pretty close to it. Who actually eats chestnuts anyway?

Did we miss a good spot? Send us your favorites at kasey.bubnash@theadvocate.com.

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The Times-Picayune ✦ nola.com ✦ Thursday, January 1, 2026 ✦ 9

GROWING BOLDER

Goong Sarong, a fried shrimp wrapped in vermicelli noodles, is an appetizer on the menu for Chada, a Thai fusion spot in Mid-City.

Seasoned local restaurateurs open beautiful Thai place in Mid-City Great Thai cooking can feel like a seem to dance on the ceiling. revelation of flavors, with sour, spicy, Head to the second dining room and fermented and fresh you progress through a corridor lined alternating from bite to with intricate chandeliers imported bite. That’s a bit like what from Thailand and lotus-shaped light it feels like to walk into sconces. Chada (3420 Bienville St.) More bells, cathedral-sized this time, for the first time. seem to float over the tables in a space This new Thai resthat has the flexibility to become a pritaurant in Mid-City has vate dining room. Ian Then take a peek out to the back patio, McNulty transformed an old shotgun house into a progres- a two-level terraced space with tropical plantings and a peacock motif. sion of beautiful dining spaces that unfold before your eyes. On the menu Chada officially opens Thursday and will serve lunch and dinner Wednesdays The Chada menu has Thai standards through Mondays (closed Tuesdays). like papaya salad, curries, fried rice and, Chada is the next restaurant from or course, pad Thai and tom yum soup. the people who run Dahla in downtown But, like Dahla, it also goes deeper on New Orleans, part of the South Market regional Thai specialties and street food. District development. That Look for chicken wings CHADA restaurant is known for bold stuffed with pork and rice flavors, traditional dishes and noodles; goong sarong, or 3420 Bienville St. fried shrimp bundled in fried a lushly rendered interior with a stylish setting for any- 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. vermicelli noodles; beef time casual meals. and 4:30 p.m. to short ribs in panang curry; In Mid-City, Chada takes 9 p.m.Wednesday whole steamed fish; khao soi, a rich curry with crispy egg this to a different level. The through Monday noodles; and chor muang, or restaurateurs bought the (closed Tuesday) royal flower dumplings, with building for Chada, and they wrappers made purple with have poured much more into butterfly pea flower. it. Chada was created by Tom Intavichai, Casually elegant rooms Glenn Mahiya and Sara Jinawong. IntavIt gives a modest impression from the ichai’s family once ran the Metairie resstreet, just another of the shotguns lintaurant Thai Ocha (now closed) before moving their business downtown to open ing this block across from the derelict Dahla in 2023 with Mahiya. But they had hulk of the old Lindy Boggs Medical also been eyeing a possible Mid-City Center (now, at long last, slated for delocation all along and decided to expand molition). But walk in, and you find a front dining with a second restaurant when this proproom with a luminous bar, centered by erty came up. an oversized chada, the traditional Thai “It’s a great neighborhood and it has headpiece that gives the restaurant its a community that we can feed,” said name. Mahiya. Polished wood partially sheaths the walls below dark wallpaper. The lighting Email Ian McNulty at imcnulty@ gives a golden glow. Decorative bells theadvocate.com.

STAFF FILE PHOTO By JUSTIN MITCHELL

begin anew sparkle & shine

$76

7732 m a p l e 865 . 9625 mon - sat 10 - 5:30

shop @gaetanasnola

10 ✦ Thursday, January 1, 2026 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune

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Jessie Terrebonne, from left, as the first wife, Ashley Santos as the second wife and Vatican Lokey as the writer rehearse a scene in the Le Petit Theatre production of ‘Blithe Spirit.’ PROVIDED PHOTO BY LE PETIT THEATRE

Die laughing at these performances at local haunts Victor Andrews

Spirits and demons and Carnival, oh my! Ghoulish good times are headed for the theaters of New Orleans in the coming days as the city plunges headlong into the theatricality of Carnival (costumes, makeup, music, mirth). So prepare for the season of sensations and spirits as January gets started with a bang.

Spirited show

It was World War II, and London was being bombed by Germany. Times were bleak, and Noel Coward was about to debut a comedy, “Blithe Spirit.” “Written as a tonic for those grim months at the beginning of World War II, it still seems fresh today,” said director Ricky Gra-

ham. “A little frivolous fun is just the thing most of us need right now.” Indeed. Graham and company will raise the specters of Coward’s comic farce Jan. 8-25 at Le Petit Théâtre du Vieux Carré in the French Quarter. The pithy play features a writer who

ä See ANDREWS, page 11

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stages

Magazine prints early Tennessee Williams radio play ‘The Strangers’ has ‘all the elements’ of a gothic horror

BY HILLEL ITALIE

AP national writer

NEW YORK — Long before the rise of podcast dramas, listeners worldwide tuned in to the audio-only narratives of radio plays. Tom Stoppard and Arthur Miller were among the many playwrights who early in their careers completed brief pieces for radio, while such memorable dramas as Harold Pinter’s “A Slight Ache” and Robert Bolt’s “A Man for All Seasons” premiered as radio broadcasts. Radio work was often a way to bring in money and to reﬁne the arts of plotting and dialogue. When Tennessee Williams was a student at the University of Iowa in the late 1930s, still referring to himself by his birth name, Tom Williams, he completed a rarely heard gothic sketch for

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Continued from page 10 invites a slightly off-kilter medium to dinner for a seance to gather information for a planned book. However, the writer’s first wife (dead for seven years and not a really great person) is brought forth, and only he can see her. Havoc reigns as she tries to make his life miserable, the second wife is pestered and surprises and mayhem ensue. “I fell in love with Noel Coward when I Graham first saw the movie version over 50 years ago,” said Graham, who will also appear in the show as the medium. “Although I love all his plays, I think this is his best. The flawlessly tight construction, the characters, the believable complications (as long as you accept a sprightly afterlife) define what

atrical elements of early radio horror,” writes Strand managing editor Andrew Gulli, “a storm, howling wind, shadows, a house perched over the sea, ﬂickering candles, mysterious footsteps on the stairs, spectral beings — as well as early hints of the themes and devices Williams would return to in his most famous later works: isolation, fear, the shades of gray between imagination and reality, and a house ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO haunted by memory and the private When Tennessee Williams was a student terrors of those who inhabit it.” at the University of Iowa in the late Blanche DuBois would famously invoke “the kindness of strangers” in 1930s, still referring to himself by his birth name, Tom Williams, he completed Williams’ classic “A Streetcar Named Desire.” You could call this early work a rarely heard gothic sketch for radio “The Horror of Strangers.” His play is called ‘The Strangers,’ which is being set in a columned New England manor featured in an edition of The Strand on the Atlantic coast, a “ghostly” home squinting under a lighthouse beam that Magazine. casts a yellowish spell. The title refers radio called “The Strangers.” Williams’ to invisible demons who haunt two of the home’s residents, Mr. Brighton and play appears in The Strand Magazine, Mrs. Brighton. which has previously published little“We members of the human species known works by Ernest Hemingway, are equipped with only ﬁve senses. Or William Faulkner and John Steinbeck, six at the very most,” Mr. Brighton among others. declares early on. “The Strangers are “The play incorporates all the the-

is known as a ‘well-made play.’ ” So how did he “stumble” into the role of the medium, played most recently on Broadway by Angela Lansbury? “Playing Madame Arcati was a lastminute measure due to a fabulous cast member having to drop out. I’m splitting my time between directing duties and learning the delicious Coward lines.” Joining him will be Vatican Lokey as the writer, Jessie Terrebonne as the ﬁrst wife, Ashley Santos as the second wife, with Kyle Daigrepont, Bethany Lee and Ashley Smetherman Lemmler. “Everyone in the cast — who are all spectacular comic actors — and (Le Petit artist director) A.J. Allegra have been my safety net to get me through,” said Graham. “All in all, I’m very proud of what we’ve all created. I hope everyone ﬁnds this production lots of fun, but still very human — and positively ghostly!” The show is at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays and at 2 p.m. for a matinee Jan. 24 at 616 St. Peter St. Tickets start at $22. Visit

lepetittheatre.com.

A dark comedy debuts Starting the new year will be a new show with a company under a new name. And where better than at the New Marigny Theatre, 2301 Marais St. “Stanley and His Demon” will be the ﬁrst-of-the-year offering by Poppet Theater, reorganized last year from Streetcar Collective For the Arts. Mariana Santiago, the writer and director, brings the two-act comedy of satire and “supernatural chaos” to the stage starting Friday. “The show’s dark, but enjoyably so, and features some of the most hilarious acting I’ve ever seen,” said Santiago. “The irony of producing a play about a demon and two grifters pretending to be church leaders in a venue that used to be a Catholic church hasn’t been lost upon any of us.” The story follows Stanley, who masquerades as a church leader to prey on hapless victims. He and his wife, Esme, accidentally perform a true exorcism

creatures that might be perceptible to us if we had seven or eight or maybe nine senses. But as it is, they exist just outside our little sphere of contact with reality and so … what we know of them is very, very slight.” According to Williams scholar John Bak, “The Strangers” was among a handful of radio dramas the young playwright worked on while in Iowa, where he and his classmates were required to write and produce plays. Bak believes Williams was influenced by commercial considerations and by more personal forces. Horror stories were popular on radio in the late ’30s, Bak says. Williams first thought of radio plays as an “exercise,” but he would eventually take them more seriously. While writing “The Strangers,” he was already haunted by the mental health struggles of his sister, Rose, who would later inspire the fragile Laura Wingfield of “The Glass Menagerie.” Williams would long explore the idea of madness, Bak says, and how we respond to people who seem to see things “no one else can see.”

but are stuck with the demon. Stanley is played by Peat Wolf, while Mia Frost is Esme. Other cast includes Thugsy DaClown, Lexi Pink, Liz Johnston-Dupre, Julie Wakeﬁeld, Avery Johnson-Dupre and Rel Farrar. The show is at 8 p.m. Friday, Saturday, Jan. 9 and Jan. 12. Tickets are $30. Visit poppettheater.com.

In production “HELL’S KITCHEN”: 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Thursday and Sunday, 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Saturday; Saenger Theatre, 1111 Canal St. Family, music and life fuse into a dynamic display roughly based on Alicia Keys’ life, with a backdrop of music by the Grammy-winning singer/songwriter and author, with some of Keys’ top hits, including “Fallin’,” “Girl on Fire” and “If I Ain’t Got You,” plus new songs written for the musical. Tickets start at $39. saengernola.com. Email Victor Andrews at vandrews@ theadvocate.com.

12 ✦ Thursday, January 1, 2026 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune

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