The Times-Picayune 01-25-2026

WINTER STORM BRINGSSNOW,

Strengthened Carnival security back this year

road barriers, National Guard, drones part of lawenforcement plan

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StaFFPhotoSByDaVID

Concrete barriers line lowerSt. Charles avenue in Neworleans on Friday.Inadditiontobarriers, several hundred federalagents,local officers, state troopers anddeputies from anumber of sheriff’soffices will fan out on street corners and along parade routes citywide duringthe peakofCarnival.

BY JAMES FINN Staff writer

The specter of the Bourbon Street terrorist attack loomed over last year’sCarnival season Armored vehicles flankedparaderoutes. St.Charles Avenue’s Uptown-bound lanes featured an obstacle courseofroad barriers. Drones buzzed overhead, and agents in tactical gear kept watch on the ground

This year,New Orleans officials say that level of security is here to stay

At least several hundred federalagents, local officers, state troopers and deputies from a slew of Louisiana sheriff’s offices will fan out on street corners and along parade routes citywide during the peak of Carnival in February. Theexpanded law presence willinclude Coast Guard patrolboats on the Mississippi River,police dogs, nuclear and biological weapon detection teams and drones.

The stiff law enforcement presence will be mostvisiblefor asix-day period in midFebruarywhen the feds have granted New Orleans aSpecial Event Assessment Rating 1, the city’sinterim Homeland Securitydirector, RichardChatman, said this week. The designation unlocksthe greatestamountof resources and most involved federal planning that local municipalitiescan receive forbig events.

“You’re likely going to see some armored vehicles staged,” said Eric DeLaune, former special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations‘ New Orleans Field Office,who led the federalplanning for last year’sCarnival season.

“You’ll see tacticalpersonnel,” DeLaune said. “Drones in the air

You’re going to see canines out, bomb-sniffing dogs,indifferent locations. You’re probably going to see aheavier uniform presence fromLSP,NOPD and partner state and local agencies.”

Krewes cope with tariffs from imported throws

Some choose higher-quality items; some must pass costs to riders

BY DOUGMacCASH Staff writer

If there’sone industry in Louisiana that’s been worriedabout sky-high tariffs on Chinese goods, it’sthe Mardi Gras industrial complex.

Dread spread among throw importers and parading organizationslast year, after President Donald Trump’songoing tariff threats reached astratospheric 145% in April.AlthoughNew Orleans krewes have been evolving toward more sustainableand ecofriendly throws,the newtaxes could have more than doubled the costs of custom beads and baubles that Crescent Citycrowds still count on catching. If the cost of those items soared,

would float ridersbewilling to pay more? Would they simply throwless? Were thetariffshere to stay? Nobody knew. Andthere was no time to wait: Orders had to be placed withoverseas manufacturers in time for Fat Tuesday In acity where Carnival is acrucial part of thecollective cultural identity,this was apurple, green and gold existential crisis, if there ever was one.

Butafter much hand-wringing and strategizing, NewOrleans krewes say theyhave found solutionssothatthose of us shouting “throw me something mister” from the curbs won’tnotice any change from previous years.

“Wewerescrambling,” said Alyssa Fletchinger Higgins, proprietor of the Plush Appeal Carnival supply store. Orders had to be placed with foreign manufacturers months in advance of Carnival 2026, but thetariffs would only be imposedwhenthe goodsreached ports in the United States

MINNEAPOLIS

Federal agent shoots,kills manduring protests

BY JACK BROOK,STEVE KARNOWSKI and REBECCA SANTANA associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS Afederal immigration officer shot and killed aman Saturday in Minneapolis, drawing hundreds of protesters onto the frigid streetsand ratcheting up tensions in acity already shaken by another fatal shooting weeks earlier Family members identified the manwho was killedasAlexPretti, a37-yearold intensive care unit nurse who had protested President Donald Trump’simmigration crackdown in his city.After the shooting, an angry crowdgathered and protesters clashed with federal immigration officers, whowielded batons and deployed flash bangs. The Minnesota National Guard wasassisting localpoliceamidgrowing protestsatthe direction of Democratic Gov.Tim Walz, officials said. Guard troops weresent to both the shooting site and to a federalbuilding where officialshavesquaredoff with protesters daily Information about what led up to the shooting was limited,Minneapolis PoliceChiefBrianO’Hara said. Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said in astatement that federal officers were conducting an operation and fired “defensive shots” after aman with ahandgun approached them and“violently resisted” when officers tried to disarm him. Theofficer whoshotthe

ä Man killed in Minneapolis wasICU nurse, family says. PaGe 5a

ä See MINNEAPOLIS, page 4A

It’s notyet clearhow large rate decreasescould be

BY SAM KARLIN Staff writer

After years of losses, fortunes have changed in boardroomsinBermuda and London. Reinsurers, whobackstop the global insuranceindustry,are seeing healthy profits.

An extraordinaryspate of wildfires,hurricanes and other disasters wreaked havoc on the reinsurance industry for several years, spurring wide-reaching effectsthatincludedsurging insurance bills forLouisiana homeowners. Reinsurers charged higher prices to homeowners insurance companies, which got passed along to customers. The steep increases in Louisiana thrust the state into an insurance crisis that’shollowing out hurricane-prone communities and softening the real estate market.

acustomershops for Mardi Gras itemsatPlush appeal inNew orleans on Friday. Some Mardi Gras krewesare adapting their throws to overcome hightariffs and sustain tradition.

Trump says Maduro raid used ‘discombobulator’

WASHINGTON President Donald Trump said U.S. military forces used a weapon that he referred to as “the discombobulator” during the U.S. operation in Caracas to remove former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro from power earlier this month

“The discombobulator I’m not allowed to talk about it,” Trump said in an interview with The New York Post. He said the weapon made enemy equipment “not work.”

“They never got their rockets off,” Trump said, according to the Post. “They had Russian and Chinese rockets, and they never got one off. We came in, they pressed buttons and nothing worked. They were all set for us.”

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for additional information about the weapon.

In the hours after the raid, dubbed Operation Absolute Resolve, the president alluded to a technical capability in a news conference after the raid

“It was dark, the lights of Caracas were largely turned off due to a certain expertise that we have, it was dark, and it was deadly,” Trump said after the operation.

U.S. forces captured Maduro and his wife, Celia, in an earlymorning raid on Jan. 3 and sent him to the U.S. to face criminal charges.

Suicide bomber strikes wedding, kills 7 people

DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Pakistan A suicide bomber detonated an explosive vest among guests at a wedding ceremony in northwestern Pakistan on Friday, killing at least seven people and wounding 25, police said

The attack took place at the home of Noor Alam Mehsud, a pro-government community leader in Dera Ismail Khan, a district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, said local police chief Adnan Khan. He said officers transported the victims to a hospital, where some of the wounded were listed in critical condition.

The ceremony was underway, with guests dancing to the beat of drums, when the bomber struck. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. However, suspicion is likely to fall on the Pakistani Taliban, also known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan or TTP, who have carried out numerous attacks in the country in recent years. The group is separate from but allied with the Afghan Taliban.

TTP has been emboldened since the Afghan Taliban returned to power in neighboring Afghanistan in 2021 when U.S and NATO troops left the country after 20 years of war Many TTP leaders and fighters have found sanctuaries in Afghanistan since the Taliban takeover there

Apartment building gas explosion, fire kills 1

A gas explosion sent fire racing through the top floors of a high-rise apartment building in New York City early Saturday, killing one person and injuring 14 others as temperatures plunged into the single digits overnight, authorities said Firefighters responded shortly before 12:30 a.m. to the 17-story building in the Bronx, where people were seen leaning out of windows calling for help as flames engulfed parts of the top floors, officials said.

Chief of Department John Esposito said firefighters were investigating reports of a gas odor on the 15th and 16th floors when the explosion occurred. He said there was major structural damage to about a dozen apartments and fires in 10 apartments on the 16th and 17th floors

Officials said the building had been undergoing renovations, and work on the natural gas system had been completed and inspected.

Iranian general warns Trump

revolutionary Guard commander says his forces are ‘more ready than ever’

BY ELENA BECATOROS associated Press

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates The commander of Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, which was key in putting down recent nationwide protests in a crackdown that left thousands dead, warned that his force is “more ready than ever, finger on the trigger.”

Nournews, a news outlet close to Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, reported on its Telegram channel that the commander, Gen. Mohammad Pakpour warned the United States and Israel “to avoid any miscalculation.”

“The Islamic Revolutionary Guard and dear Iran stand more

ready than ever, finger on the trigger, to execute the orders and directives of the Commander-inChief,” Nournews quoted Pakpour as saying.

Tension remains high between Iran and the U.S in the wake of a bloody crackdown on protests that began on Dec. 28, triggered by the collapse of Iran’s currency, the rial, and swept the country for about two weeks.

Meanwhile, the number of people reported by activists as having been arrested jumped to more than 40,000, as fears grow some could face the death penalty

Trump’s warnings

U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly warned Tehran, setting two red lines for the use of military force: the killing of peaceful demonstrators and the mass execution of people arrested in the protests.

Trump has repeatedly said Iran halted the execution of 800 people

detained in the protests. He has not elaborated on the source of the claim, which Iran’s top prosecutor, Mohammad Movahedi, strongly denied Friday in comments carried by the judiciary’s Mizan news agency

On Thursday, Trump said aboard Air Force One that the U.S. was moving warships toward Iran “just in case” he wants to take action.

“We have a massive fleet heading in that direction and maybe we won’t have to use it,” Trump said.

A U.S. Navy official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss military movements, said Thursday that the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and other warships traveling with it were in the Indian Ocean.

Trump also mentioned the multiple rounds of talks American officials had with Iran over its nuclear program before Israel launched a 12-day war against the Islamic Republic in June, which also saw U.S. warplanes bomb Iranian

Syria extends ceasefire with Kurdish-led force

BY GHAITH ALSAYED associated Press

RAQQA,Syria Hours after the expiration of a four-day truce between the Syrian government and Kurdish-led fighters Saturday Syria’s defense ministry announced the ceasefire had been extended by another 15 days.

The defense ministry said in a statement that the extension was in support of an operation by U.S. forces to transfer accused Islamic State militants who had been held in prisons in northeastern Syria to detention centers in Iraq.

The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces confirmed the ceasefire extension. “Our forces affirm their commitment to the agreement and their dedication to respecting it which contributes to de-escalation, the protection of civilians, and the creation of the necessary conditions for stability,” the group said in a statement. Over the past three weeks, there have been intense clashes between government forces and the SDF, in which the SDF lost large parts of the area they once controlled

Earlier in the day, the Kurdish-led force called on the international community to prevent any escalation.

The end of the truce came as government forces have been sending reinforcements to Syria’s northeast.

Syria’s interim government signed an agreement last March with the SDF for

it to hand over territory and to eventually merge its fighters with government forces. In early January, a new round of talks failed to make progress over the merger, leading to renewed fighting between the two sides.

A new version of the accord was signed last weekend, and a four-day ceasefire was declared Tuesday. Part of the new deal is that SDF members will have to merge into the army and police forces as individuals.

The SDF said in a statement Saturday that military buildups and logistical movements by government forces have been observed, “clearly indicating an intent to escalate and push the region toward a new confrontation.” The SDF said it will continue to abide by the truce.

On Saturday state TV said authorities on Saturday released 126 boys under the age of 18 who were held at the al-Aqtan prison near the northern city of Raqqa that was taken by government forces Friday. The teenagers were taken to the city of Raqqa where they were handed over to their families, the TV station said.

The prison is also home to some of the 9,000 members of the Islamic State group who are held in northeastern Syria. Most of them remain held in jails run by the SDF Government forces have so far taken control of two prisons while the rest are still run by the SDF

Earlier this week, the U.S military said that some 7,000 IS detainees will be transferred to detention centers in Iraq.

China’s top general under investigation

By the associated Press

BEIJING — The Chinese military’s top general is being investigated for suspected serious violations of discipline and law

the Defense Ministry said Saturday, Zhang Youxia, the senior of the two vice chairs of the powerful Central Military Commission, is the latest figure to fall in a long-running purge of military officials.

Analysts believe the purges are designed both to reform the military and to ensure loyalty to Chinese leader Xi Jinping, who also chairs the military commission They are part of a broader anti-corruption drive that has punished more than 200,000 officials since Xi came to power in 2012.

Another member of the commission, Liu Zhenli, has also been placed under investigation by China’s ruling Communist Party a Defense Ministry statement said. Liu is the chief of staff of the com-

mission’s Joint Staff Department. The commission is the top military body in China.

The statement did not provide any details on the alleged wrongdoing.

Zhang, who is 75, joined the People’s Liberation Army in 1968 and is a general from its ground forces.

The Communist Party expelled the other vice chair of the commission, He Weidong, last October and replaced him with commission member Zhang Shengmin.

The Trump administration released a new National Defense Strategy on Friday acknowledging China as a military power that it said needs to be deterred from dominating the U.S. or its allies.

“This does not require regime change or some other existential struggle,” the strategy said. “Rather, a decent peace, on terms favorable to Americans but that China can also accept and live under is possible.”

nuclear sites. He threatened Iran with military action that would make earlier U.S. strikes against Iranian uranium enrichment sites “look like peanuts.”

Rising death toll and arrests

Although there have been no further demonstrations in Iran for days, the death toll reported by activists has continued to rise as information trickles out despite the most comprehensive internet blackout in Iran’s history

The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency on Saturday put the death toll at 5,200, with the number expected to increase. The group’s figures have been accurate in previous unrest and rely on a network of activists in Iran to verify deaths.

The activist agency on Saturday also increased the total number of people arrested to 40,879 — a significant jump from the more than 27,700 people in its previous update.

Heavy snow and rain kill 61, injure 110 in Afghanistan

BY ABDUL QAHAR AFGHAN associated Press

KABUL, Afghanistan Heavy snow and rainfall over the past three days have killed more than 60 people and injured over 100 across Afghanistan, the country’s disaster management authority said Saturday, as authorities in the impoverished country struggled to open roads and gain access to cut-off villages. National Disaster Management Authority spokesman Yousaf Hammad said 61 people had died and 110 were injured, while 458 homes had been completely or partially destroyed and hundreds of animals had died in 15 of Afghanistan’s 34 provinces. The numbers, he said, could change as authorities gathered more information from the provinces. Afghanistan is highly vulnerable to extreme weather events, with snow and heavy rain that triggers flash floods often killing dozens, or even hundreds, of people at a time. In 2024, more than 300 people died in springtime flash floods. Decades of conflict coupled with poor infrastructure, a struggling economy, deforestation and the intensifying effects of climate change have amplified the impact of such disasters, particularly in remote areas where many homes are built of mud and offer limited protection against sudden deluges or heavy snowfall. The country’s eastern provinces are also still struggling to recover from devastating earthquakes that struck last August and again in November destroying villages and killing more than 2,200 people. Those displaced by the quakes are particularly vulnerable to the extreme cold and bad weather conditions In December, UNICEF said an estimated 270,000 children in the areas affected by the quakes were at “severe risk of life-threatening diseases related to the cold.”

aSSoCIateD PreSS Photo By BaDerKhaN ahMaD Kurdish fighters with the Syrian Democratic Forces are cheered by local residents ahead of the end of a four-day truce with the Syrian government in hassakeh, northeastern Syria, on Saturday.

Security challenge

With its multiple, mileslong routes for large float parades, smattering of smaller neighborhood walking parades and infusion of visitors, all of it lasting for weeks, New Orleans’ Carnival season has long presented officials with a unique security planning challenge

Though the New Orleans Police Department has built a strong reputation for handling major events, there was a new urgency — and an expansion of federal help during the 2025 Carnival season as officials worked to ensure residents and visitors felt safe following the Bourbon Street attack weeks before After the attack, the federal government designated Mardi Gras SEAR 1 a designation that had already been in place for Super Bowl LIX in February, but which had never before been invoked for Carnival. The massing of federal resources already in town for the big game continued to intermingle with Carnival sights and sounds until Ash

Wednesday

This year, the federal Department of Homeland Security, which leads coordina-

THROWS

Continued from page 1a

Since the amount of the tariffs kept changing, there was no knowing what the final price of throws would be.

Higgins said that she sought out alternative manufacturers, from Vietnam to India to Mexico. But even with high tariffs, the cost of Chinese products beat other international manufacturers.

Higgins also tried to manage costs by reducing orders for items with the highest tariffs. For instance, the bags that carry Mardi Gras beads are taxed at a higher rate than the beads themselves. The situation “created a lot of moving pieces and parts,” she said.

Dan Kelly is owner of Beads By the Dozen, one of the region’s main Mardi Gras throw import companies, and captain of arguably most generous parade, Endymion. He faced the same challenge, saying that in the past there was no import taxes on beads at all, so any increase in tariffs and duties in 2026 would be felt. Most economy-savvy observers didn’t expect the tariffs to stay at 145%, he said, but how far they would drop was anybody’s guess.

The branded, imported throws for each krewe are also essential to the Mardi Gras economy, since they help pay for the parades. For decades, krewes have imported custom-made “signature throws” that bear the organization’s name, which they sell to riders to help cover costs.

Quality over quantity

Happily, by May, Trump dropped the tariff to 30%, and Kelly convened Endymion’s float lieutenants to conceive a strategy to compensate for the higher cost. The group voted not to raise the price of the $750 throw packages sold to members. Instead, Kelly said, they agreed to stock the packages with fewer, higher-quality throws, including usable items such as kitchen towels and bucket hats. They eliminated more transient trinkets, such a lighted bouncing balls. Kelly said he doubts para-

tion by federal agencies for SEAR-designated events, is putting the SEAR 1 in place from Feb 13 to 18. While the ramped-up law enforcement presence will be most visible during those days, residents will likely see signs of it before that as federal resources begin arriving into town.

Some longer-standing measures, such as turning to other local law enforcement agencies to supplement the NOPD’s ranks, are also in the works.

The City Council this week advanced a contract of up to $3.7 million to fund extra dispatches of Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies from Feb. 1 through March 31. The deputies are meant to supplement the NOPD’s on-the-ground presence.

“That additional manpower helps us secure the blocks better; it lets us secure the back side and the front side (of the parade routes), and it lets us better engage the crowd and community,”

NOPD Capt. Anthony “Buddy” Micheu told the City Council this week

The contract will pay for about 175 deputies per day for the first major weekend of parades, Micheu said He said the numbers will go up “slightly” for the weekend before Fat Tuesday An NOPD spokesperson declined requests this week

degoers will perceive a drop in the amount of throws they catch in 2026. Endymion riders, he said, spent between $4.5 million and $5 million on throw packages. Plus, he imported $1.5 million extra Endymion throws to allow riders to supplement their stashes. Kelly said that, by law, he does not profit from the Endymion throws sold to the krewe he captains.

The little guy Jack Rizzuto, captain of the 300-rider Mid-City parade, said tariffs have hit the small krewe hard. In 2025, he said, the krewe paid zero tariffs on imported beads and novelties. But in 2026, the organization was billed an extra $25,000 on its $200,000 purchase of throws.

There was no going back, Rizzuto said “The orders were placed before we knew of the tariffs.”

Rizzuto said the krewe did not immediately pass on the increase to its members. But those riders who hadn’t paid for their throw packages by Sept. 1 were charged an extra 15% to help defray the unpredicted cost. To make up the rest, Rizzuto said, “we had to dig into our backup money and do without other things.”

The Plush Appeal store in Mid-City was busy on a recent Friday, with customers lined up at cash registers with carts full of beads, toys and decorations. Kalin Norman laughed as he and an employee stuffed a large and cumbersome load of throws into his small sedan.

As a creative director at an architectural nonprofit organization, Norman said he was aware of the potential for higher prices from the tariff duel with China. But even if the cost of throws had increased, he couldn’t bring himself to buy less as he prepared for to ride with his mom in the upcoming NOMTOC parade. In past years, he said, he spent hundreds on throws. This year he reached $1,000.

Covering the extra costs

Lloyd Frischhertz, captain of the Krewe of Tucks, said there was no beating China’s prices for plastic throws, even if the tariffs had sta-

to interview Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick about Mardi Gras planning, saying the agency would provide updates closer to Carnival.

At a news conference earlier this month, Kirkpatrick described how the city had sought the SEAR 1 designation for all of Carnival season — though she said the heightened federal involvement during the season’s final days was still appreciated.

“You’re going to see a lot of presence,” she said. “You’re going to see what I call my sea of blue, which is our police cars will be lit up with blue lights. And that’s a strategy, folks. That is a strategy of the community knowing we are out there and the bad elements know we’re out there as well.”

bilized at 50% The krewe tried to economize on their purchases. But from the start, he said, the organization planned to absorb any extra cost instead of passing it on to riders. Overall, Frischhertz said, “we’ll probably throw more this year.” Most of what the Tucks riders throw are custom-made, he explained. Usually the krewe orders

National Guard help

Louisiana National Guard troops sent to the city at Gov Jeff Landry’s request in recent weeks will remain positioned throughout the downtown area, too, adding to the uniformed presence. Guardsmen patrolling in downtown areas have been wearing large black nameplates affixed to their body armor reading “National Guard.”

A National Guard source who was not authorized to speak publicly said the agency learned during operations in Washington, D.C. — one of several places where the Trump administration dispatched federal agents and troops to Democratic-led cities — that wearing such nameplates could be beneficial so they would not be confused with Immigration

more than enough, so there’s always some left over But not in 2026. For reasons unclear, rider purchases “are 20% higher this year,” Frischhertz said. Like the others interviewed for this story, Clark Brennan, captain of the freethrowing Krewe of Bacchus, said he was relieved that, in the end, the tariffs weren’t as high as once feared. The

and Customs Enforcement or U.S. Border Patrol. Border Patrol agents recently swept through the New Orleans region on a weekslong immigration enforcement operation.

The Louisiana National Guard had to get the nameplates specially made, and troops make a point to tell people in New Orleans that they are local, the source said.

National Guard units in other states have taken similar steps in recent months.

At an event at Gallier Hall this week Mayor Helena Moreno said she’s hopeful that National Guard personnel can be enlisted to help erect parade barriers.

“Ordinarily,” she said, “it’s the Department of Public Works folks who have to do that, and I’d much rather have them out there fixing

krewe is awaiting one more shipment, Brennan said, but so far, none of their imports have incurred more than a 30% charge.

Bacchus’ bead consumption is complicated, Brennan said, because the kind and quantity of throws varies by each individual float. The average rider, he said, spends something like $1,500 on beads and toys, though some

our sidewalks and paving streets and things like that, instead of putting out all of this public safety equipment.”

Other safety measures employed after the Bourbon Street attack will remain in place this year, too. For instance, the “serpentine” barriers will be installed again along St. Charles from Calliope Street to Napoleon Avenue in the Uptown-bound lanes to slow traffic during parades, while still allowing neighborhood access, Chatman said Thursday Though Carnival festivities play out across the region, the ramped-up federal presence is largely focused on New Orleans. Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Brandon Veal said the agency would operate “same as usual” during Mardi Gras season this year and won’t have any National Guard troops crossing over the parish line. The only notable change

spend twice that. Costs have gone up in 2026, he said. In general, if a member paid $1,000 for throws last year, they paid maybe $1,150 this year, Brennan said. The krewe has also covered some of the cost increase.

“That’s why I pray that one day, we can get all this stuff in America,” Brennan said, “but we’re not there yet.”

MINNEAPOLIS

Continued

man is an eight-year Border Patrol veteran, federal officials said.

In bystander videos of the shooting that emerged soon after, Pretti is seen with a phone in his hand but none appears to show him with a visible weapon.

O’Hara said police believe the man was a “lawful gun owner with a permit to carry.”

Trump weighed in on social media by lashing out at Walz and the Minneapolis mayor

Trump shared images of the gun that immigration officials said was recovered and said: “What is that all about? Where are the local Police? Why weren’t they allowed to protect ICE Officers?”

Trump, a Republican, said the governor and mayor are “are inciting Insurrection, with their pompous, dangerous, and arrogant rhetoric.”

Pretti was shot just over a mile from where an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer shot and killed 37-year-old Renee Good on Jan. 7, sparking widespread protests.

Video shows shooting

In a bystander video of Saturday’s shooting obtained by The Associated Press, protesters can be heard blowing whistles and shouting profanities at federal officers on Nicollet Avenue.

The video shows an officer shoving a person who is wearing a brown jacket, skirt and black tights and carrying a water bottle That person reaches out for a man and the two link up, embracing. The man, wearing a brown jacket and black hat, seems to be holding his phone up toward the officer

The same officer shoves the man in his chest and the two, still embracing, fall back. The video then shifts to a different part of the street and then comes back to the two individuals unlinking from each other The video shifts focus again and then shows three officers surrounding the man. Soon at least seven offi-

cers surround the man. One is on the man’s back and another who appears to have a canister in his hand strikes a blow to the man’s chest Several officers try to bring the man’s arms behind his back as he appears to resist. As

they pull his arms, his face is briefly visible on camera. The officer with the canister strikes the man near his head several times.

A shot rings out, but with officers surrounding the man, it’s not clear from where the shot came. Multiple officers back off of the man after the shot. More shots are heard. Officers back away and the man lies motionless on the street.

The police chief appealed for calm, both from the public and from federal law enforcement

“Our demand today is for those federal agencies

that are operating in our city to do so with the same discipline, humanity and integrity that effective law enforcement in this country demands,” the chief said.

“We urge everyone to remain peaceful.”

Gregory Bovino, of U.S Border Patrol, who has commanded the administration’s big-city immigration campaign, said the officer who shot the man had extensive training as a range safety officer and in using less-lethal force.

Walz said he had no confidence in federal officials and that the state would lead the investigation into the latest fatal shooting.

Drew Evans, superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, said during a news conference that federal officers blocked his agency from the shooting scene, and when they returned with a signed judicial warrant, they were still blocked.

Protests continue

Protesters converged at the scene of the shooting despite dangerously cold weather

At midday Saturday, the worst of an extreme cold wave was over, but the temperature was still -6 degrees. The Arctic blast hadn’t deterred thousands of protesters from marching downtown Minneapolis on Friday afternoon to call for ICE to leave the Minnesota. After the shooting, an angry crowd gathered and screamed profanities at federal officers, calling them “cowards” and telling them to go home. One officer responded mockingly as he walked away, telling them:

“Boo hoo.” Agents elsewhere shoved a yelling protester into a car Protesters dragged garbage dumpsters from alleyways to block the streets, and people who gathered chanted, “ICE out now,” referring to Immigrations and Customs Enforcement.

“They’re killing my neighbors!” said Minneapolis resident Josh Koskie.

“This is only the latest attack on law enforcement. Across the country, the men and women of DHS have been attacked, shot at,” he said.

Formorethan70years,Cornerstone Chemical Company, LLChas been aproud community partnerinJefferson Parish.Today,asthe companyadvances along-termvisioncentered on modernization, sustainabilityand shared economicvalue,Cornerstone is reinforcingthat commitment with astrategic leadership hire.

Thecompany hasnamed CreedRomanoas Director of Business Developmentand Marketingfor CornerstoneEnergyPark(CEP).Thisroleisdesigned to alignbusinessattractionand site development effortswithcommunity priorities,workforce developmentand sustainable economicimpact.

“AsCornerstone Energy Park continues to transformfor thefuture, it’s critical that communityengagementand business development remain centraltoour approach.HavingCreed in this role willhelpensureour engagement efforts continue to be proactive, transparentand focusedoncreatingsharedvalue forour site,our employees, andour community,”saidAinslie Blanke,seniormarketing andcommunications advisoratCornerstone

Romano brings more than 15 yearsofexperience in economic development, marketingand project management,withaproventrack record of driving business attraction,retention andregionalgrowth across Louisiana’sindustrial andutilities sectors.

“Whatexcites me most aboutthisroleisthe opportunity to shapemeaningfulsiteinvestment that benefitsthe people of Waggaman,Jefferson Parish andCornerstone Energy Park,” Romano said.“CornerstoneEnergyParkisn’t just aplace forindustry.It’sa platform forlong-term economic transformation,and I’mhonored to be able to guide that effort.

Romano will join more than 600employees andcontractors whoare drivingprogressat CEP– passionate anddedicated professionals whose work positively impactscommunities

acrossthe region andaroundthe world. These qualified individualshaveawiderange of skills, includingengineering,supplychain andoperations management,administration,industrial maintenanceand processtechnology. This knowledgehelps employeesdeliver high-quality products people useevery daythatmakelifesafer help improveand protectthe environmentand enhanceproductlongevity

“Bymaintaininghighstandards andstaying consistent in howweapply them,wecan attract strong operators, keep communityatthe forefront andensureCornerstone Energy Park advances in away that is both economicallycompetitive and socially responsible,” Romano said Site co-locatingcompanies at CEPmake in-demandproductsthatincreasethe longevity of everyday goodslikecars, lumber,furniture andhousehold products.Increating these products,CEP aims to reduce itsenvironmental footprintwhile prioritizing thehealthand safety of employees andthe community. As part of this future-focused approach,Cornerstone continues to seek potentialsitecompanies to co-locateatthe energy park that shareits commitment to safety health,and environmentalstewardship

“Our site developmentstrategyfocuses on longterm value, both for CornerstoneEnergyParkand for thesurrounding community. Bringing Creed onto theteamenhances ourability to attract investment,align developmentopportunities with workforceand infrastructurepriorities, andpositionthe site for responsible,sustainable modernizationthatbenefits JeffersonParishfor decadestocome,”saidJacques Byrd,vicepresident of site developmentatCornerstone Romano’s background includes extensive collaborationwithlocal,state andfederal partners to supportworkforce developmentprogramsand strengthen regional economiccompetitiveness, includingleading initiatives that generated more than $150 millionincapital investment andsupported thecreationofhundredsofjobs. Knownasacollaborative andrelationship-driven leader,hebringsastrongcommitmenttoaligning strategicinitiatives with communitydevelopment ensuring Cornerstone’sbusinessdevelopment effortscreate lastingvalue foremployees neighbors, andfuturecompanies at Cornerstone Energy Park

“Havingspent my career workingatthe intersection of economicdevelopment,updating infrastructure,and communityimpact, I believetrust is builtthrough consistencyand follow-through.Ultimately, long-termvalue comesfrombalance.Whenwedothisright CornerstoneEnergyParkwillcontinuetobea driver of economic developmentwhile also being aresponsible neighbor –today andfor decadesto come,” he said To learnmoreabout CornerstoneEnergyPark, visit: https://cornerstonechemco.com/energy-park.

aSSoCIateD PreSS PhotoS By aBBIe Parr

Federal agents stand near the site of a shooting in Minneapolis on Saturday.

Federal agents stand near the site of a shooting in Minneapolis on Saturday

MankilledinMinneapolis wasICU nurse,

BY MICHAEL BIESECKER, TIM SULLIVAN and JIM MUSTIAN associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS Family mem-

bers saythe man killed by a U.S. Border Patrol officer in Minneapolis on Saturday was an intensive care nurse at aDepartment of Veterans Affairs hospital who cared deeply aboutpeopleand was upsetbyPresident Donald Trump’simmigration crackdown in his city Alex Jeffrey Pretti, 37, was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed getting in adventures with Joule, his beloved Catahoula Leopard dog who also recently died. He had participated in protests following the killingof Renee Good by aU.S. Immigration and Customs officer on Jan. 7.

“He cared aboutpeople deeply and he was very upset with what was happening in Minneapolis and throughout the United States with ICE, as millions of other people are upset,” said Michael Pretti, Alex’sfather.“He thought it was terrible, you know,kidnapping children just grabbing people off the street. He caredabout those people, andheknew it was wrong, so he did participate in protests.”

Pretti wasa U.S. citizen, born in Illinois. Like Good, court records showed he hadnocriminal record and his family said he had never hadany interactions with law enforcement beyond a handful of traffic tickets

In arecent conversation with their son, his parents, who live in Colorado, told him to be careful when protesting.

“Wehad this discussion with him two weeks ago or so, you know,that go ahead and protest, but do not engage, do not do anything stupid, basically,” Michael Pretti said. “And he said he knows that. He knew that.”

The Department of Homeland Security said that the man was shot after he “approached” Border Patrol officers with a9mm semiautomatic handgun. Officials did not specify if Pretti brandished the gun. In bystander videos of the shooting that emerged soon after,Pretti is seen witha phone in his hand but none appears to show himwitha visible weapon.

Family members said Pretti owned ahandgun and had apermit to carry aconcealed handgun in Minnesota. They said they had never known him to carry it.

Family strugglesfor details

The family first learned of the shooting when they were called by an Associated Press reporter.They watched the video and said the man killed appeared to be their son. They then tried reachingout to officials in Minnesota.

“I can’t get any information from anybody,” Michael Pretti said Saturday.“The police, they saidcall Border Patrol, Border Patrol’s closed, the hospitalswon’t answer any questions.”

Eventually,the family called the Hennepin County Medical Examiner,who they said confirmed had abody matching thenameand description of their son.

AlexPretti grew up in Green Bay,Wisconsin, where he played football, baseball and ran track for Preble High School. He was aBoy Scout and sang in the Green Bay Boy Choir After graduation, he went to the University of Min-

nesota,graduating in 2011 with abachelor’sdegree in biology,society andthe environment, according to thefamily. He worked as a researchscientist before returning to school to become aregistered nurse.

Hadprotested before Pretti’sex-wife,who spoke to the AP but later said she didn’twant her nameused forfearofretaliation, said she was not surprisedhe wouldhave been involved in protesting Trump’simmigration crackdown.She said she had not spoken to him since they divorced more than two yearsago and she moved to another state. She said he wasa Democratic voter and that he had

participated in the wave of street protests following the killing of George Floyd by aMinneapolis policeofficer in 2020, notfar from thecouple’sneighborhood She described him asomeonewho mightshout at law enforcementofficersata protest, butshe hadnever known him to be physically confrontational.

She saidPretti got apermittocarry aconcealed firearm aboutthreeyears ago andthatheowned at least one semiautomatic handgun when they separated.

Pretti had‘agreat heart’

Pretti lived in afour-unit condominium building about 2milesfrom wherehewas shot. Neighbors described

him as quiet and warmhearted.

“He’sa wonderful person,” saidSue Gitar,who lived downstairsfrom Pretti and said he moved into the building about threeyears ago. “He has agreat heart.”

If there was something suspicious going on in the neighborhood, or when they worried thebuilding might have agas leak,hewould jump in to help.

Pretti livedaloneand worked long hours as a nurse, but he was not a loner, his neighbors said, and would sometimes have friends over Hisneighbors knew he hadguns —he’d occasionally take arifle to shoot at a gunrange —but were sur-

“Wehad this discussionwith him two weeks ago or so, you know, that go ahead and protest, but do not engage, do not do anything stupid, basically.And he said he knows that. He knew that.”

MIChaeL PrettI, alex’s Pretti’s father

alexJ.Pretti was shot by afederal officer in Minneapolis on Saturday ProVIDeD Photo

prised at the ideathat he might carry apistol on the

streets. “I neverthought of him as aperson whocarried agun,” said Gitar Passionate aboutoutdoors

Acompetitive bicycle racer who lavished careon his new Audi, Pretti had also been deeply attached to his dog, who diedabout ayear ago. His parents said their last conversation with their son wasacouple days before his death. They talked about repairs he haddonetothe garage door of his home. The workerwas aLatino man, and they said with all that was happening in Minneapolis he gave the man a $100 tip.

Pretti’smother said her son cared immensely about the direction the county was headed, especially the Trumpadministration’srollback of environmentalregulations.

TheKrewe of Endymionrolls in NewOrleans,Saturday, March1,2025. Theparadefeaturedmorethan3,200 riders and37floats on theirtraditionalroute throughMid-Cityand downtown NewOrleans (Staff photobyBrett Duke,The Times-Picayune)

This articleisbrought to youbythe LouisianaOffice of Tourism.

MardiGrasissynonymouswithNew Orleans– thesights, sounds and pageantryofCarnivalseasonare embedded in thecity’sculture.And formillionsofpeoplearoundthe worldwho can’t traveltoLouisiana thecelebration is within reach. Throughthe MardiGrasFor AllY’all initiative, sponsoredthisyearbythe LouisianaOffice of Tourism, viewers canexperiencethe magicofthe season in real time vianola.com’slive Parade Cam.

TheParadeCam will airfootage of 2026 paradesthisyearatwww.nola. com,www.facebook.com/MardiGras.nolaandwww.youtube.com/@NOLAtp

Here's thefullbroadcast schedule:

•FridayFeb. 6(begins at 5:30 p.m.): KreweofOshun,Krewe of Cleopatra

•SaturdayFeb. 7(begins at 11:30a.m.):Krewe of Pontchartrain, LegionsofMars, KreweofChoctaw

•SaturdayFeb.7(begins at 5p.m.):Krewe of Freret,Knights of Sparta, KreweofPygmalion

•SundayFeb. 8(begins at 11 a.m.): TheMysticKrewe of Femme Fatale,Krewe of Carrollton,Krewe of King Arthur

•Wednesday Feb. 11 (beginsat6:15p.m.):Krewe of Druids, KreweofAlla

•ThursdayFeb. 12 (beginsat5:30p.m.):Knights of Chaos, Knights of Babylon, KreweofMuses

•FridayFeb. 13 (beginsat5:30p.m.):Krewe of Hermes,Krewe of d’Etat,Krewe of Morpheus

•SaturdayFeb.14(begins at 11 a.m.): KreweofIris, KreweofTucks

•SaturdayFeb. 14 (beginsat4p.m.):Krewe of Endymion

•SundayFeb. 15 (beginsat11a.m.):Krewe of Okeanos, Krewe of Mid-City

•SundayFeb.15(begins at 12 p.m.): KreweofThoth,Krewe of Bacchus

•MondayFeb.16(begins at 5:15 p.m.): KreweofProteus

KreweofOrpheus

•Tuesday Feb. 17 (beginsat8 a.m.): KreweofZulu, KreweofRex

Throughthe MardiGrasFor AllY’all Parade Cam, viewerscan seeeach of theseparades roll down St.Charles Avenue from theLCMCStreaming Stage. This year’s MardiGrasFor AllY’all beverage sponsorisDrPepper. Each year,individuals sharecommentsabout howthe footagemakes them feel like they areright therewithother revelers, whethertheyare former Louisianaresidents whonow live outofstate,longtimeadmirers of MardiGrasfromafarorlocalswho prefer to enjoythe festivitiesfrom thecomfortofhome.

“Mardi Gras in NewOrleans is acelebration foundnowhere else in the world. It’s wherecenturies of culture, creativity, musicand traditioncome together,and it’s oneofthe most powerful expressionsofwho we areas acityand as astate,” said LieutenantGovernorBilly Nungesser. “Every parade,every krewe, andevery moment alongthe parade routetells the storyofNew Orleanstothe world. TheMardi Gras ForAll Y’allParadeCam allows us to take Louisiana’sgreatest celebrationfar beyond ourborders andmakeeveryonefeelliketheyhave afront-row seat in NewOrleans.”

In addition to showcasing theCrescentCity, theLouisiana Office of Tourismisalsoproud to supportthe dozens of paradesand MardiGras events taking placethroughoutthe statethrough FatTuesday on February17, 2026.Fromfamily-oriented paradesinLafayette andAlexandria to traditionalCajun courirsinEvangelineand St.LandryParishesto dog-centriceventsinShreveport, Lake Charlesand BatonRouge,there’s somethingfor everyone “While NewOrleans maybethe most famous stage, MardiGraslives in everycornerofLouisiana.Carnivalseasonreflects thediversity,hospitality andpride of ourcommunities statewide. No matter whereyou celebrate, MardiGrasinLouisiana is authentic, personal,and unforgettable.” Visitwww.explorelouisiana.com/mardigras to learnmore.

REINSURERS

But recent quiet hurricane seasons and the soaring rates that reinsurers have charged have led to unusually strong profits for the reinsurance industry, according to analysts. And with capital flowing freely, the pendulum is swinging back.

Insurance companies who buy protection from reinsurers are seeing huge slides in prices, which have dropped between 10% and 20%, by some estimates.

Their good fortune has raised the possibility that Louisiana homeowners could finally see some relief this year as they renew or shop for property insurance policies.

“Reinsurers have been doing well the past few years after absorbing massive losses for a number of years,” said Brian Keefer, CEO of Allied Trust Insurance Company, who recently traveled to London to buy reinsurance. “Beginning in 2025, insurers are now finally starting to do better too. The ones still suffering are the policyholders. It is their turn now to get lower rates as the reinsurance costs soften.”

It’s not yet clear how large or widespread rate decreases could be in Louisiana. Many insurers are still hesitant to write policies in south Louisiana, particularly for homes with older roofs.

And while inflation has cooled and the U.S. experienced unusually quiet hurricane seasons in 2024 and 2025, climate change has still scrambled the underlying fundamentals of the insurance business. Insurers are increasingly hesitant to insure places like south Louisiana, which has high exposure to hurricanes that are becoming more powerful because of climate change.

Meanwhile, a yearslong effort by the state’s Republican Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple and GOP lawmakers to deregulate the industry has not yet spurred

significant drops in premiums, which Temple and lawmakers hope will happen by driving more competition into the market. The dynamic has caused a rift with Gov Jeff Landry, a Republican who backed a controversial new law last year to allow Temple to reject “excessive” rate hikes, something Temple vowed he won’t do.

Temple went to London this month to show reinsurers the state’s latest coastal master plan and work on fortified roofs, which was part of a yearslong bid to entice the industry to write more business here. He said the presentation was well received, and that he’s hearing insurers are going to get significant savings, in large part because of abundant supply in the reinsurance market.

“Over the last several years, reinsurers have made a lot of money Some property insurers have made a lot of money,” Temple said. “It’s time for consumers to share in that.”

Year of disaster, turmoil

When homeowners pay their insurance premium, usually through their mortgage company, the insurance company doesn’t keep all of the money

Instead, insurers send a significant portion sometimes a majority — to reinsurance companies, many based in Bermuda and London. Those companies promise to help the insurer pay its claims, particularly if a major disaster like a hurricane or wildfire strikes.

The reinsurance business, which faces far fewer regulations than homeowners insurance companies in the U.S., took a beating after years of wildfires and hurricanes from 2017 to 2022. A recent report by the reinsurance broker Guy Carpenter found the industry took a bath for several years in a row

“It was a business that was suffering from volatility and broadly poor returns,” said David Duffy, president of global clients at Guy Carpenter “Investors in rein-

in the industry, the balance has swung back in the favor of insurers, Duffy said. More competition is driving down costs.

Part of the equation is the unusually quiet hurricane seasons, Duffy noted. They will not last forever

“The trend has not been our friend in terms of climate change and the frequency and severity of storms,” he said. “The insurers and reinsurers are doing their best to price their risk to a not-excessive profit over the long term.”

Cuts on horizon?

surance companies were really starting to lose their patience at the end of 2022 and 2023.”

In response, reinsurers hiked rates dramatically and pulled back on the risks they were willing to cover

But reinsurers’ fortunes changed in 2023, when profits soared to 22%, according to the Guy Carpenter report. Duffy called the margin “unusually strong.” And the windfall is expected to continue, with profits projected to be in the mid-teens for 2024 and 2025.

The amount of capital in the reinsurance industry skyrocketed as a result, reaching record levels in 2026, according to a report

released last week by the ratings agency AM Best. The agency said reinsurance prices for property fell by 10% to 20%, reaching levels last seen before the explosion in prices in 2023. With capital flowing freely

Keefer, the Allied Trust chief executive, went to London four years ago after a spate of devastating hurricanes and found reinsurers were charging high rates for protection The next year, Allied Trust paid $240 million to reinsurance companies for its coverage while only taking in $230 million from premium dollars. The company was going to lose money even if it didn’t have to pay a single claim.

Allied Trust started a series of rate hikes on Louisiana policyholders, some by more than 20%.

After years of net losses, Keefer’s firm posted a $5 million profit in 2024. And its latest quarterly filings for 2025 show the firm is on track for a banner year, with $16 million in net income through the third quarter

He said the firm is still in a $27 million deficit from hurricane losses in 2020 and 2021.

Earlier this month, Keefer’s trip to London went much more smoothly He found there’s more compe-

Tulane

tition that’s driving lower costs.

“With the combination of additional capital in the market and a relatively low year (of catastrophe losses), prices are starting to come down,” Keefer said. “As buyers of that cheaper reinsurance, we can pass those savings on to our policyholders.

“In fact, effective Dec. 20, Allied Trust lowered rates 2.3% overall with newer homes with (stronger) roofs going down more than 10%. I would expect another rate decrease later this year after we finalize this reinsurance treaty.”

Monitoring rate filings

Temple noted that a 20% decrease in reinsurance prices doesn’t mean homeowners should expect a 20% decrease in their premium. And it takes time for reinsurance costs to flow down to homeowners because of the regulatory process. But he said his office will closely monitor the rate filings to make sure homeowners see the benefits. Temple said he’s traveled to London and Bermuda several times in recent years to create a “buzz” around changes to Louisiana’s insurance laws, which have made it easier for insurers to raise rates and drop policyholders. His office has also supported bills to boost enforcement of building codes, something that he’s eyeing again this year

“If you want to get in shape and lose weight you gotta get on a program and be consistent,” Temple said. “We need to be consistent.”

By Amanda McElfresh | amcelfresh@theadvocate.com

CrossinLouisiana serves4.65millionresidentsacrossall64parishesandextendshopeto communitiesacrossthenationandaroundtheworld.Whenyousupportyour localRedCross,youmakeadirectimpactinyourcommunity Poweredbygenerosity. TheRedCrossisnotagovernmentagency.Wearea501(c)(3) nonprofitthatreliesonthepowerofvolunteersandthegenerosity ofdonorstocarryoutourhumanitarianmission. RedCrosssupportersprovideabeaconofhope.Fromhelping duringdisasters,toprovidinglifesavingtrainingandsupporting militarycommunities,theRedCrossistherewhenhelpcan’twait.

Tulane University School of Medicine is leading a newera of cardiovascular care,givingpatientswith advanced heartdisease renewedhopeand abroader arrayofoptions to help them live longer andspend more time doingwhattheylove.

In partnershipwithLCMCHealth, Tulane offers themostadvancedheart failureand structural heart diseasetreatmentsinLouisiana,including stateof-the-art mechanical circulatorydevices,heart transplantsand innovative techniques to address blockagesinperipheralarteries.

“Everythinghas gone much faster than we ever envisioned,but in agoodway,” said Dr.JoseWiley

Tulane SectionChief forCardiologyand LCMC Health Chairofthe Cardiovascular Serviceline.

“Wedid ourfirstheart transplant here in April 2025.Bythe endofthe year,wehad done 11 transplants andnearly100 placements of advanced mechanical circulatorysupport devices,” he said “We’ve been able to make East JeffersonGeneral Hospital aregionaldestination for complexcardiac care.Wenow have theopportunity to treatverysick patients whopreviouslydid nothavemanyoptions.”

Dr.Wiley,a native of Puerto Rico,firstworkedin NewOrleans in thelate1990s andearly 2000sduring aresidency in internal medicine anda fellowship in cardiology.His career then took himtoNorth Dakota andNew York City.Inbetween thosestops Dr.Wiley served in theU.S.Army, whereheearned commendationsfor hisservice as afieldsurgeon and rose to therankoflieutenantcolonel.

When Tulane approached himin2022about the possibilityofreturning to NewOrleans,Dr. Wiley wasimmediately intriguedbythe chance to make a true difference forhundredsofpeople. In fact,being able to lead an advanced cardiovascular programhad been in hismindsince he hadcompleted aMasterof Public Health in Health Policy andManagementat Columbia University in 2014 “Myteamand Idid ourhomeworkbeforewe arrived, anditwas evidentthatthere wasa large prevalenceofpeoplewithadvancedheart failure

in Louisiana, whichwas leadingtohighmortality andrehospitalization ratescomparedtothe rest of thenation,”hesaid. “Itwas clearthatthere was an opportunitytobetterserve thecommunity and developa robust programfor people in this state.

Dr.Wiley said he andhis team,which includes some of themosthighly-trainedand accomplished cardiologistsinthe field,mostoften seepatients referred to them by localphysicians. Many arefrom NewOrleans,but thehighquality of care hasalso attractedpatients from otherareas of Louisiana, as well as Mississippi.

“Theycontact us when conventional therapy is no longer workingand thepatient is either not improvingorbeginning to deteriorate,”heexplained “Wegothrough anumberofquestions andcriteria to evaluate whereweare andifthispatient needs advanced therapy. We accept patients regardless of insuranceorfinancialmeans.Thatiswhy Icallus adestination for this type of treatment. Thepossibilities forcaringfor people with advanced heartdisease aremorewide-rangingthan ever before, Dr.Wiley said.Medications andstents cannow decrease theriskofvessels re-narrowing Meanwhile, newmechanicaldevices aresmall enoughtoallow most patients to live independently andtakepartinnormalactivities.

“I’vebeenveryfortunate here at Tulane to work with tremendous leaderswho have beensupportivefromthe moment we pitchedthe conceptofour programs,” Dr.Wiley said.“We’realsofortunate to have strong andvisionary leadership at LCMC that quicklyunderstoodthe necessity of developing advanced cardiaccareprogramshereinLouisiana Together,weare part of aselectgroup of institutions that is changing patientcarenot only here,but across thecountry.I have no doubtthatwehaveimproved thelevel of care forthese patients andwillcontinue to do so.” To learnmoreabout Tulane Doctorsorschedule an appointment, visitwww.tulanedoctors.com or call 504-988-5000

Trumpthreatens Canada with 100% tariff

PrimeMinister

Carney recently announced trade deal with China

BY MICHELLEL.PRICE and ROBGILLIES associated Press

WASHINGTON— President Donald TrumponSaturday threatened to impose a100% tariff on goods imported from Canada if America’s northern neighbor went ahead with its China trade deal, intensifying afeud with Prime Minister Mark Carney,arising voice in the West’spushback to Trump’s new world order Trump said in asocial media post that if Carney “thinks he is goingtomakeCanada a‘Drop Off Port’ for China to send goods and products into the United States, he is sorely mistaken.”

It was unclear when Trumpmight impose the threatenedtariff. He said in the post it would happen “immediately” if Canada made adeal with China, whichCarneydid aweek earlier The White House did not offer any additional details.

While Trump has waged atrade war overthe past year,Canada forged ahead with its own deal to lower tariffsonChinese electric vehicles in return forlower import taxes on Canadian farm products.Atthe time, Trump said that agreement was what Carney “should be doing and it’sagood thing for him to sign atrade deal.”

Dominic LeBlanc, Canada’sminister responsible for trade with the United States, said Canada and China had resolved “severalimportant trade issues” but there was

no pursuitofafree-trade agreement. Trump’sthreatcame amid an escalatingwar of words with Carney as the Republican president’spush to acquire Greenland strained the NATO alliance. Trump hadcommentedwhile in Davos, Switzerland, that “Canada lives because of the United States.”Carney shot back that his nation can be an example that the world doesnot havetobendtowardautocratic tendencies “Canadadoesn’t live becauseofthe UnitedStates. Canada thrivesbecausewe are Canadian,” hesaid Trump later revoked hisinvitationtoCarney to join the president’s“Board of Peace” that he is formingtotry to resolveglobal conflicts.

Trump’spush to acquire Greenlandhas come after he has repeatedly needled Canadaoverits sovereignty andsuggested it alsobeabsorbed into the United States as a51st state. He posted an altered imageonsocial mediathisweek showing amap of the United States that included Canada, Venezuela, Greenlandand Cuba as part of its territory In hismessage Saturday, Trump continuedhis provocations bycallingCanada’s leader “Governor Carney.” Trump had used thesame nickname for Carney’spredecessor,Justin Trudeau, and his first use of it toward Carney was the latest mark of their soured relationship. Daniel Béland, apoliticalscienceprofessor at McGill University in Montreal,said “there was asense Trump showed more respect for Carney than for Trudeau. Now,after Carney’svisit to China and, even more, his widely celebrated Davos speech, which clearly outshined andupset Trump, the

Canada’sPrime

gloves are off.”

Carney has emerged as a leader of amovementfor countries to findwaysto link up and counter the U.S under Trump. Speaking in Davos before Trump, Carney said, “Middle powers must act together because if youare not at thetable, you are on themenu” and he warned aboutcoercion by greatpowers— without mentioningTrump’s name. The prime minister received widespread praise and attention for his remarks, upstaging Trump at theWorld Economic Forum

The prime minister even spoke of a“rupture” between theU.S. under Trump and itsWestern allies that would never be repaired. Trump, in hisTruth Social post Saturday,also said that “China will eat Canada alive, completely devourit, including the destruction of their businesses, social fabric, and general way of life.” In alater post, thepresident said: “The last thing the World needs is to have China

Trumpheaps praise on U.K. troops afterearlier Afghanistancomments

BY PANPYLAS associated Press

LONDON U.S. President Donald Trump heapedpraise Saturday on Britishsoldiers whofoughtinAfghanistan, in apost on social media that represented apartial reversal of comments he made this week that drewa cascade of criticism in the U.K., particularly from families of those killed and seriously injured in the conflict.

In the wake of aconversation earlier with British Prime Minister KeirStarmer,Trump said on TruthSocial that the “great and very brave soldiers of the United Kingdom will always be with the United Statesof America.”

He described the 457 British servicemen and women who died in Afghanistan and those that were badly injured,as“among the greatest of all warriors.” Trump addedthat the bond between the two countries’ militaries is “too strong to ever be broken” and that the U.K. “with tremendous

heart and soul, is second to none (exceptfor theUSA).”

Trump’scomments follow an interview with Fox Business Network on Thursday in Davos, Switzerland,when he said he wasn’tsure the other 31 nations in NATO would be there to support the United States if and when requested and that troops from those countries stayed “a little off thefront lines.”

Trump did not apologize directly for those comments, nor retract them, as Starmer hadsuggested in hisinitial response on Friday when he described the words of the president as “insulting and frankly appalling.”

Starmer’soffice in No. 10 DowningStreet said the issuewas raised in aconversation between the pair on Saturday,inwhich other topicswerediscussed, includingthe warinUkraine andsecurityinthe Arctic region.

“The prime minister raised thebrave and heroic Britishand American soldiers whofought side by

side in Afghanistan, many of whom never returned home,” Downing Street said in astatement. “Wemust neverforget theirsacrifice.”

Trump’sview as expressed in the Fox Business interview stands at odds with thereality that in October 2001, nearly amonth after the9/11 attacks,the U.S. led an international coalition in Afghanistan to destroy alQaida, whichhad usedthe country as its base, and the group’sTaliban hosts.

Alongside the U.S. were troops from dozens of countries,including from NATO, whose mutual-defensemandate had been triggered for the first time after the attacksonNew York andWashington. More than150,000 British troops served in Afghanistan in the years after the invasion, the largestcontingentafterthe American one.

The Italian and French governments also expressed their disapproval Saturday at Trump’s comments, with both describing them as “unacceptable.”

to reduce someofthe tariffs that he hasimposed on key sectors of the Canadianeconomy.But Canada has been protected by the heaviest impact of Trump’s tariffs by the Canada-U.S.MexicoAgreement. That trade agreement is up for a review this year Canada had initially mirrored the United States by putting a100% tariff on electric vehicles from Beijing anda 25% tariff on steel and aluminum. China had responded by imposing 100% import taxes on Canadian canola oil and meal and 25% on pork and seafood.

take over Canada. It’sNOT going to happen, or even come close to happening!” Carney has not yet reacheda deal with Trump

But as Trump’spursued pressure tactics, Canada’s foreign policy has been less aligned withthe U.S., creating an opening for an improved relationship with China. Carney madethe tariffannouncement earlier this month during avisit to Beijing.

Carney has said that Canada’srelationship withthe U.S. is complexand deep and that Canada and China disagree on issues such as human rights. LeBlanc, the trade minister,said in astatement that Canada wouldworktoensure that the future of that relationship “benefits workers and businesses on both sides of the border.” Canada is thetop export destination for36U.S. states. Nearly$2.7 billion worth of goods and services cross the border each day About60% of U.S. crudeoil importsare from Canada, as are85% of U.S. electricity imports.

Canada is also the largest foreign supplierofsteel, aluminum and uranium to theU.S.and has34critical minerals and metals that thePentagon is eager for and investing in for national security

aSSoCIateD PreSS Photo By VINCeNt thIaN

mate Ev arsal Din Weddin

Slavery exhibits in Philadelphia removed

trump order affects display by Independence hall

BY FALLON ROTH and MAGGIE PROSSER

the Philadelphia Inquirer (tNS)

PHILADELPHIA The National Park Service has started dismantling exhibits about slavery at the President’s House in Independence National Historical Park.

The President’s House, which serves as a memorial to the nine people George Washington enslaved there during the founding of America, has come under increased scrutiny by President Donald Trump’s administration. The president and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum ordered content at national parks that “inappropriately disparage” the U.S. to be reviewed and potentially removed.

Around 3 p.m Thursday, an Independence Park employee told an Inquirer reporter that his supervisor instructed him to take down all the displays at the iconic site earlier that day

Two other individuals later joined the employee to help remove the educational exhibits The final display was removed at 4:30, the whole process taking about an hour and a half. The displays were then loaded into the back of white Park Service pickup truck.

“I’m just following my orders,” the employee repeatedly said, refusing to say whether he was tasked with removing the displays because of the executive order

The demolition Thursday, with wrenches and crude crowbars, elicited questions — and exclamations, like “this is crazy” and “damn shame — from a few passersby. At least one asked if the exhibits are coming down “because of this administration.”

Jali Wicker, 74, was walk-

ing through the Mall when he stopped and asked why the exhibits were being removed Wicker, who stopped to record as NPS workers unscrewed bolts from the brick walls, said the sight overwhelmed and disturbed him.

“You can try to erase our history, but we’re still going to survive,” Wicker said.

“History has shown that, slavery has shown that. And you want to go back?”

Seeking to stop the display’s permanent removal, the city of Philadelphia on Thursday sued Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and acting National Park Service Director Jessica Bowron

“Let me affirm, for the residents of the city of Philadelphia, that there is a cooperative agreement between the city and the federal government that dates back to 2006,” Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker said during a press conference Friday

“That agreement requires parties to meet and confer if there are to be any changes made to an exhibit.”

Slavery is central to the site’s story, Philadelphia’s lawsuit argues: The people enslaved at the mansion included Oney Judge, who famously ran away and remained free despite Washington’s attempts to return her to bondage.

The panels came down because Trump’s order requires federal agencies to review interpretive materials to “ensure accuracy, honesty, and alignment with shared national values,” an Interior Department statement said. It called the city’s lawsuit frivolous, aimed at “demeaning our brave Founding Fathers who set the brilliant road map for the greatest country in the world.”

Michael Coard, leader of the Avenging the Ancestors Coalition which has helped lead an effort to protect the President’s House from the Trump administration, said in an interview Thursday that the removal of the displays is an “abomination,” adding that Trump is a “monstrosity in the White House.”

“It’s a disgrace and that’s an understatement,” Coard said. “What’s going on now is absolutely unheard of in the history of the United States of America.”

The move comes in advance of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States on July 4 where Philadelphia and its historic exhibits will be in the national spotlight.

The fate of exhibits at the President’s House have been in limbo for several months since the Department of Interior signaled it would review and potentially remove

flagged displays.

More than a dozen displays about slavery were flagged for the Trump administration’s review with the President’s House coming under particular scrutiny, The Inquirer reported. Removal of noncompliant displays was initially slated to come on Sept. 17. But that didn’t happen — until now

Instead, Philadelphians continued to fuel their advocacy and efforts to protect the President’s House. Leading the charge is the President’s House/Slavery Memorial Alliance spearheaded by ATAC and other stakeholders who helped shape the site in the early 2000s.

Coard said Thursday that his team anticipated something like this happening and that “we have a plan.”

Elected officials, including Gov Josh Shapiro and members of Philadelphia City

Council, also condemned the sanitization of historical exhibits. Independence Park employees were tasked with evaluating displays for content that “inappropriately disparage Americans past or living,” according to Trump’s March 2025 executive order

A total of 13 items across six exhibits at the President’s House were flagged for the Trump administration’s review

This included parts of displays entitled: “Life Under Slavery,” “History Lost & Found,” “The Executive Branch,” “The Dirty Business of Slavery,” “The House and the People Who Worked & Lived In It,” and an illustration with the words “An Act respecting fugitives from Justice.”

The Associated Press contributed to this story

As keyindustries across thestate face retirements,technologicalchangeandgrowing competitionfor skilledtalent, theLouisiana Communityand TechnicalCollege System (LCTCS)isrespondingwithjob-focused trainingdesignedtomoveresidents into sustainablecareers whilehelping employers keep pace with demand. Rather than relying onone-size-fits-allacademicmodels,LCTCS institutions like BossierParishCommunity Collegeand SouthLouisiana Community Collegeare building programs shaped by industryadvisoryboards,regionaleconomic partners andreal-time labormarketdata. AtBossierParishCommunityCollege(BPCC), thesix-weekEmploymentPreparednessand Workforce Readiness(EMPWR) program wascreatedwiththe NorthLouisiana Economic Partnership to help individualswithout abackground in skilledtradesget theirfootinthe door “EMPWR wasintentionally designed to be aSwiss Armyknifeoftrainingandgivestudentsatasteofdifferent industries so that employers canthentrain them on theirspecific processes,”explained Joseph Brownlee BPCC Dean of Science,Technology, Engineeringand Mathematics. “Weintroduce them to thebasicsof manufacturing, safety techniques andthe proper use of toolsand personal protective equipment. We also introducestudentstoindustrypartnerstostartplanting theseeds that they couldbeworking at thesecompanies in as little as sixweeks.”

year,SoLAcchas launched threenew short-term workforcecredentialprograms–IndustrialMaintenance Technician,AviationSheet Metaland most recently Certified LogisticsTechnician.

Theresultshavebeenimmediate.AllofSoLAcc’srecent Industrial MaintenanceTechniciangraduates secured employment, andthe next cohort willlaunchinMarch. “Short-term, workforce-focused credentialsoffer employersa hiringpoolofqualified candidates in a shorterperiodoftime,allowingthemtoreachnewlevels ofproductivity.Forstudents,theseprogramsoffertraining in aspecific industry so they canfocus theirlearning on thecareerpathoftheir choice,allowingthemtoenter thejob market sooner andwiththe skills they need to succeed,”saidNancy Roy, SoLAcc InterimExecutive DirectorofWorkforceStudentServicesandOperations Dr.TiffanyHoward, SoLAcc InterimVicePresident of EconomicWorkforce Developmentand Continuing Education, said theCertified LogisticsTechnician (CLT)credentialemergedfromfeedbackfromAcadiana companieswho emphasized theneedfor employees who seehow driving, warehousing, inventory, technology andbusinessoperationsconnect

“The CLTprogram respondsdirectlytothatneed by giving students acomprehensive understanding of transportationsystemsandpreparingthemtocontribute acrossmultipleroles within theindustry,”Dr. Howard said,addingthatstudentswitha CLTcredentialwill have opportunities to work in industries such as energy healthcare,manufacturing andretail.

Brownlee said that in developing EMPWR, BPCC officialsalsoheard from companiesthattheywant employeeswho arereliable, communicativeand able to meetallemploymentrequirements.Therefore,EMPWR is designed to mirror areal-worldworkenvironment Students must pass adrugtestbeforebeing admitted Theythenattend classesfrom8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each weekday for thedurationofthe program.

“Weexpectthemtoarriveatleast 15 minutesearly put theirphonesand personal effects in theirassigned lockers, punchinatthe time clockand be sittingattheir desk readytobegin at 8a.m.,”Brownlee said.“We hear fromemployersthatjobattendanceamongourgraduates is notanissue,and we credit that to thestructure of the program. It is atimeinvestmentonthe students’part, buttheyknowtheyhaveguaranteedinterviewswith industry partners.Thatreallyresonates with them and showsthemthe valueofthe program. Meanwhile,BPCCisalsorespondingtoworkforcegaps in thetransportationindustry throughits commercial driver’s license(CDL) programatits Natchitoches campus.Thatprogram wasrevived last summer andis nowinitsfourthcohort.Thesix-week,240-hourprogram blends classroominstruction with extensivetraining on drivingsimulatorsand behind-the-wheelpractice. “Wefeelfortunate that we were able to bringthis programtoNatchitoches, becausetransportationis such acriticalindustry, andwecontinued to hear from industry partners that more people areretiringevery year,” Brownlee said.“There’sbeenconcern that there won’t be enough skilleddrivers to meet transportation anddistributionneeds.That’sled to incredible interest from both employersand students.” SouthLouisiana CommunityCollege (SoLAcc) is taking asimilarly agileapproach. Over thepastfiscal

“These employers consistently need workerswho understand howgoods move across warehouses,ports, highways andlast-mile delivery systems,”she said “The CLTprogram addressesthatgap by preparing students for rolesadjacenttodriving,including logistics coordination,inventory control, warehouseoperations andtransportationsupport–positionsthatareessential to keepingregionalcommercemoving. With retirementsaccelerating andtechnology reshapingnearlyevery sector,Louisiana’s ability to competewilldependonhow quicklyitcan develop skilledtalent. Acrossthe state, LCTCScollegesare workingalongside employerstodeliver trainingthat is faster,targetedand builtfor immediateworkforce demand— ensuring residents canaccesscareers that supportfamiliesand industry canaccessthe workers needed to grow

PhILaDeLPhIa INQUIrer

Photo By eLIZaBeth roBertSoN

National Park Service workers remove the displays at the President’s house site in Independence National historical Park in Philadelphia on thursday. More than a dozen displays about slavery were flagged for the trump administration’s review, with the house coming under particular scrutiny.

PhILaDeLPhIa INQUIrer Photo By toM GraLISh National Park Service employees remove a panel titled ‘the Dirty Business of Slavery’ at Independence National historical Park in Philadelphia on thursday.

Winter storm sweeps across U.S., grounding flights

BY THOMAS PEIPERT, JEFF AMY and DAVE COLLINS associated Press

OKLAHOMA CITY Thousands of flights across the U.S set to take off over the weekend were canceled as a monster storm started to wreak havoc Saturday across much of the country, knocking out power and snarling major roadways with dangerous ice.

Roughly 140 million people, or more than 40% of the U.S. population, were under a winter storm warning from New Mexico to New England. The National Weather Service forecast widespread heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain from Saturday to Monday, stretching from the southern Rocky Mountains to New England. It warned people to brace for a string of frigid days.

“The snow and the ice will be very, very slow to melt and won’t be going away any time soon, and that’s going to hinder any recovery efforts,” said Allison Santorelli, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

President Donald Trump had approved emergency declarations for at least a dozen states by Saturday, including Louisiana, with more expected to come. The Federal Emergency Management Agency prepositioned commodities, staff and search and rescue teams in numerous states, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said.

“We just ask that everyone would be smart — stay home if possible,” Noem said.

As crews in some southern states began working to restore downed power lines Saturday, officials in some eastern states issued final warnings to residents.

Georgia Department of Transportation Commissioner Russell McMurry said.

“We’re going to do what we can to keep the ice from sticking to the roads,” McMurry said. “This is going to be a challenge.”

After sweeping through the South, the storm was expected to move into the Northeast, dumping about 1 to 2 feet of snow from Washington through New York and Boston, the weather

Power outages hit Texas

service predicted. The Midwest saw windchills as low as minus 40, meaning that frostbite could set in within 10 minutes. The minus 36 reading in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, on Saturday morning was the coldest in almost 30 years.

College cancellations

Schools superintendents in Philadelphia and Houston announced that schools would be closed Monday

Some universities in the South canceled classes for Monday, including the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the University of Mississippi’s main campus in Oxford. Around the Southeast, people used the cancellations to have some fun. On a hill outside the Capitol building in Nashville, adult sledders on green discs and inflatable pool animals giggled with joy as they slid in the snow

Forecasters say the damage, especially in areas pounded by ice, could rival that of a hurricane.

Around 120,000 power outages were reported in the path of the winter storm Saturday, including about 50,000 each in Texas and Louisiana, according to poweroutage.us.

In Shelby County, Texas, near the Louisiana border, ice weighed down on pine trees and caused branches to snap, downing power lines. About a third of the county’s 16,000 residents lost power on Saturday

“We have hundreds of trees down and a lot of limbs in the road,” Shelby County Commissioner Stevie Smith said from his pickup truck. “I’ve got my crew out clearing roads as fast as we can. It’s a lot to deal with right now.”

Airplanes are grounded

About 13,000 flights were canceled Saturday and Sunday across the U.S. according to the flight tracking website FlightAware.

All Saturday flights were canceled at Will Rogers International Airport in Oklahoma City, and all Sunday morning flights also were called off, as officials aimed

“We are expecting a storm the likes of which we haven’t seen in years,” New Jersey Gov Mikie Sherrill said Saturday while announcing restrictions on commercial vehicle travel and a 35 mph speed limit on highways. She added: “It’s a good weekend to stay indoors.”

to restart service Sunday afternoon.

Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, a major hub, saw more than 700 departing flights canceled on Saturday and nearly as many arriving flights called off. Disruptions were also piling up at airports in Chicago, Atlanta, Nashville, and Charlotte, North Carolina.

By late Saturday afternoon, nearly all departing flights scheduled to leave Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Sunday had already been canceled.

Georgia worries about ice Officials in Georgia advised people in the state’s northern regions to get off the roads by sundown Saturday and be prepared to stay put for at least 48 hours.

Will Lanxton, the senior state meteorologist, said Georgia could get “perhaps the biggest ice storm we have expected in more than a decade” followed by unusually cold temperatures.

“Ice is a whole different ballgame than snow,” Lanxton said. “Ice, you can’t do anything with You can’t drive on it. It’s much more likely to bring down power lines and trees.”

Crews began treating highways with brine after midnight Saturday, with 1,800 workers on 12-hour shifts,

This week,LCMCHealth’sUniversityMedical Center (UMC)announced itslatestmilestone:certification as aJoint Commission Comprehensive Stroke Center.Withthisdesignation,UMC nowstands uniquely in theGulfSouth region as theonlyhospital knowntohouseaLevel1TraumaCenter, anAmerican Burn Association(ABA)-verified Burn Center,and a JointCommissionComprehensive Stroke Center—all under oneroof. Together,these threedesignations form apowerfultrifectaoflife-saving services and underscore UMC’slong-standing commitment to delivering thehighest levelofcaretoOrleans Parish andthe surroundingregion.

“UMC,and ourpredecessor, CharityHospital, have beenthe safety-net facility for generationsin this area,” said Dr.Jeffrey Elder, emergencymedicine physicianand ChiefMedical OfficeratUMC “Achieving comprehensive stroke center certification illustratesthatweare notonlycaringfor themost traumaticallyinjured patients in ourcommunity,but that we arealsopreparedtotreatthe most critical and complex stroke cases. When it comestotreatingastroke, time is everything. Forevery minute astrokegoesuntreated,an estimatedtwo millionbrain cellsdie—damagethat canleadtochronic disability or death.1 From the moment apatient arrives, theemergency department andstroketeams rapidlyassesssymptomsand determine next stepsfor treatment.

UMC’stripledesignation ensurespatients can receivethe full spectrum of specializedemergency careinoneplace.Apatientinjuredinacaraccident,for example, maybetreated simultaneously for trauma, burns, andsigns of stroke withoutthe need forsecondarytransfers that coulddelay care

“Inmanyways, it’s like apit stop in aNASCAR race,” said Alyana Samai, LCMC Health’s Vice President of Neuroscience Services.“Everyone hastoknow theirroleand be readytoact instantly. Improvingthe timingimproves theoutcomes.

To meet theJoint Commission’s rigorous standards, UMCdeveloped adedicated neurointensive care unit staffed 24/7 by board-certified physicians andadvancedpracticeproviders, developedanendovascular neurosurgerylab,and trainedmorethan 500nursesacrossmultipledisciplines to recognize andcarefor complexstrokepatients. Today, all teams—from emergencymedicineand radiologyto themedical-surgicaland intensivecareunits—are cross-trainedtoidentifyand administer advanced care for stroke patients within time parameters set forth by theJoint Commission

This levelofreadiness is especially critical in the Gulf South, aregionthathas historicallybeena part of the“StrokeBelt.”Highratesofhypertension,diabetes andother risk factorsmeanthe likelihood of experiencing astroke—or knowingsomeone whowill—is significantly higher 2 In addition to higher rates of strokes, trends show southernersare experiencing strokesatyounger ages 3

AccordingtoSamai,the journeytoUMC receiving comprehensive stroke center certification hasbeen yearsinthe making.In2024, UMCrecognized the need foradvancedstrokecareinOrleans Parish.LSU Health SciencesCenter, Tulane School of Medicine andUMC physicians andstaff have collaborated extensivelytoensureadvanced, life-savingstroke care remainsavailable within city limits “We’ve spentcountless hoursdevelopingand polishingour processes, as well as tracking and reviewingdata,”saidToniRougeou,StrokeProgram CoordinatoratUMC.“Thiscertificationdemonstrates UMC’scommitmenttoupholding thehighest standardsofhealthcareand safety forour stroke patients ourhealthcareteam, andour community. At UMC, that commitment extendsbeyondthe hospital stay.Asthe region’s safety-net hospital case managers, social workers, andrehabilitation specialistsbegin plansfor dischargeand follow-up careuponadmission,addressinganybarriersthatmay be present, such as access to medications, housing, andtransportation.

“It’samazing to seeapatient sittingupand drinkingjuice,whenthe daybeforetheysuffered astroke andcouldn’t speak or move aportion of theirbody,” Rougeousaid. “Whenwesee thepositiveresultsfrom theadvanceswehavemade, it makesitsoworth all thehardwork. AnotherdistinguishingstrengthofUMC is its academic partnerships.Asone of thefew hospitals in thecountry affiliated with twomedical schools— LSUHealthSciencesCenterand Tulane School of Medicine—UMC benefitsfromsharedresources and acollaborative environment that fuelsadvancements.

“These partnerships allowustohave leadersin thefields of trauma,burn, andstrokecarepractice medicine here at UMC, whilealsoserving as academic faculty, educatingthe students,residents,and fellows whowillbedeliveringthisvital care to ourregionin thefuture,”saidDr. Elder. Formoreinformation on UMC’sComprehensive Stroke Center,Level 1TraumaCenter, andthe Burn Center,visit:https://www.lcmchealth.org/university-medical-center-new-orleans/about-us/3-in-1/

Zelenskyysaystrilateraltalks endedconstructively

BY SAMYAKULLAB,ELISE MORTON and MICHELLE L. PRICE associated Press

KYIV,Ukraine Twodays of talks involving representatives from Ukraine, Russia and the United States wrappedupSaturday with “constructive” discussions on “possible parameters” for ending the war,Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

Negotiators will return to the United Arab Emirates for thenext round on Feb. 1, according to aU.S. officialwho describedthe meetings as upbeat and positive.

Thetalks arethe firstknown instance that officials fromthe Trump administration have sat down with both countries as part

of Washington’spush for progress to endMoscow’snearly4-year-old invasion.

“All parties agreed to report to theircapitalson each aspect of thenegotiations and to coordinate further steps with theirleaders,” Zelenskyy wroteonTelegram.

Themeetings covered abroad rangeofmilitary and economic matters andincluded the possibility of aceasefire before adeal, said the official. Therewas notyet an agreement on afinal framework for oversight and operationof Ukraine’sZaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which is occupied by Russiaand is thelargest in Europe

Thepower generated from the plant will be shared “onanequitable basis,”according to the

official, but control of it wasstill undecided.

Zelenskyy, meanwhile, said therewas “an understanding of the need for American monitoring and control of the process of ending the war and ensuring real security.”

U.S.envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner participated alongside Ukrainian officials, including chief negotiator Rustem Umerov and Kyrylo Budanov,Zelenskyy’s chief of staff. Russia sent military intelligence and army representatives, according to Zelenskyy Certain sensitive sticking points —most notably those related to territorial issues —remainunresolved.

TheU.S.official said Russian and

Ukrainian officials likely would need to hold further talks in Russia or Ukraine before there was a chance of Zelenskyy meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, or even ajoint session with President Donald Trump. There seemed to be momentum to reach the stage of leader meetings, according to the official, whospoke to reportersinWashington on condition of anonymity to describe the private talksinAbu Dhabi.

Just hours before the three-way talksbegan Friday,Putin discussed aUkraine settlement with Witkoffand Kushner during marathon overnight talks. The Kremlin insiststhat to reach apeace deal, Kyiv must withdrawits troops fromthe areas in theeast that

Russia illegally annexed but has not fully captured.

The second day of talks came as Russian drone attacks killed one person and woundedfour in the capital, Kyiv,according to Kyiv City Military Administration head TymurTkachenko. In Ukraine’s second-largest city,Kharkiv, drone attackswounded27people, Kharkiv regional head Oleh Syniehubov said Saturday

“Cynically,Putin ordered abrutal massive missile strike against Ukraine right while delegations aremeetinginAbu Dhabitoadvancethe America-ledpeace process,” Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha wrote on X. “His missiles hit notonly ourpeople, but also the negotiation table.”

BY ERIC TUCKER associated Press

WASHINGTON

Areport

by former special counsel

Jack Smith on his investigationinto President Donald Trump’shoardingofclassified documents belongsin the“dustbin of history” and should remain sealed, the Justice Department said in asharply worded court filing Friday

“The illicit product of an unlawful investigation and prosecution belongs in the dustbin of history.The United States will leave it there,” prosecutors wrote.

The department’sposition echoes that of Trump, whose lawyers this week asked U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon to permanently block the release of the Smith report. It adds to the likelihood that adetailed report on a criminal investigation once seen as posing significant legal peril to Trump might continue to remainhidden from public view

Smithand histeam produced atwo-volume report on investigations into Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election after he lost to Biden and his retention of classified docu-

aSSoCIateD PreSS Photo Former JusticeDepartment special counsel Jack Smith testifies thursdaybefore the house JudiciaryCommittee at the Capitol in Washington

ments at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach,Florida, afterheleftthe White House followinghis first term.

Bothinvestigations producedindictmentsthatwere abandoned by Smith’steam afterTrump’s November 2024 election win in light of longstanding Justice Department legalopinions that say sittingpresidents cannot face federal prosecution

The volume on the election investigation wasreleased in the final days ofthe Biden administration.But Cannon, aTrump-appointed judge in Florida who issued multiple favorable rulingsfor Trump andhis two co-defendants in the classified documents case, lastyeargranted a defense request to at least

temporarily halt therelease of thereport dealing with that case. That edictmeant that Smith could not discuss the substance of that investigation when he testified Thursday before theHouse JudiciaryCommittee.

The injunction is set to lift on Feb. 24.

But Jason Reding Quiñones, the U.S. attorney for the SouthernDistrict of Florida, where thecase was filed, said in athree-page courtfiling that thereport should remain sealed. He and another prosecutor in that office, Manolo Reboso, wrote that Smith’s investigation was “unlawful from itsinception.”

They also wrote that Attorney General PamBondi had determined that the report was “aninternal deliberative communication that is privileged and confidential and shouldnot be released”outside the Justice Department.

“Smith notonly weaponized the Department of Justiceagainst aleading presidentialcandidate in pursuit of an anti-democratic end, but he did so without legal authorityand while targetingconstitutionally protected activity,” the prosecutors wrote. Smith, during his testimony Thursday,

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LOUISIANAPOLITICS

JohnsonstartsweekinU.K., ends it passingbudgetbills

WASHINGTON

—Byany measure, House Speaker Mike Johnson had apretty good week.

The Republican firefighter’sson from Benton started the week in London, where Johnson hobnobbed with parliamentarians, peers,and prime ministers and ate with silverware older than the U.S. at aspecial dinner

He topped it off Thursday night with the passage of all 12 bills that set spending for federal agencies after overcoming significant opposition from both Republicans and Democrats.

In Washington, Democrats continue to rail against funding of the masked Immigration and Control Enforcement agents whose violence has attractedheadlines.Despite opposition to the Trump administration’sharsh immigration crackdown, the bill covering the Department of Homeland Security narrowly passed the House. It also includes an extensionofflood insurance until Sept. 30. The appropriations bills still need to clear the Senate this week or the federal government will partially shut down as Friday night turns to Saturday —the day Louisiana attracts national attention for staging a carnival ball that caps four days of Washington Mardi Gras festivities.

Johnson linked the spending bills, many of which Democrats support, in a way the Senate can likely

House candidates join 2026 race

approvethem. The 53 Senate Democrats will need to find atleast seven Republicanstojoin them to stop the legislation.

House Appropriations Committee Chair TomCole, R-Okla., said Thursday he thought theHouse was sending the Senatelegislation “they think they can pass.” He praised Johnson as themain reason thebills passed.

Avisitto‘calm thewaters’ Johnson on Tuesday was the first U.S.Speaker of the House in history to address Parliament in the United

Twopeople announced their candidacies this week for the5th congressional district seat that

U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow,R-Baton Rouge,isvacating to trytounseat

U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy,R-Baton Rouge. One is stateSen. Rick Edmonds, R-Baton Rouge. AChristian conservative who is a pastor,Edmonds has served in the Legislature for a decade

“I have spent my life fighting for children, families, and personal liberty,and Iam prepared to bring that fight to Washington, D.C.,” Edmonds said in a statement.

The other is Misti Cordell, who was appointedbyGov.Jeff Landry last year to chair theLouisiana Board of Regents, which sets policies for the state’s colleges and universities.

Cordell lives in Monroe andhas been aclose friend of Landry’s for decades. She has hired the

Kingdom. He was invited in October by U.K. House of Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle to speak as part of America’s250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

“Wehad achance to chat over acup of tea about our first trade dispute, the Boston TeaParty,” Hoyle said when introducing Johnson.

“Whilst it (theU.K.-U.S. relationship) began in conflict, over time we have rebuilt trust and developed one of the world’sclosest and most enduring partnerships,”Hoyle said. “The special relationship we

in the state House.

know and celebratetoday is based on our shared values of democracy and the rule of law and built on defense and security cooperation.”

The “special relationship” between the United States and the United Kingdom recently comeunder strain when President Donald Trumppromised to raise tariffs by10% for theeight European nations that won’t join his effort to procure thesemiautonomous nation of Greenland, which is a member of theNorth Atlantic Treaty Organization. NATO was established in 1949 as guarantee of mutual

defense against aggressive nations that moved against any one of 30 European nations, Canada or the U.S. U.K. Prime Minister KeirStarmer criticized the tariffs and efforts to undermine Greenland’s sovereignty

“Any decision about the future status of Greenland belongs to the people of Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark alone,” Starmer said Monday.“The use of tariffs against allies is completely wrong.”

Trumpwrote Monday on social media that Great Britain acted with “great

governor’smedia consultant, Brett Littlefield,towork for her campaign.

“Our district feeds America and fuels Louisiana’seconomy,”

Cordell said in anews release.

“Our farms, ourinfrastructure, andour working families whether in Baton Rouge neighborhoods orrural NortheastLouisiana —need astrong voice.” Larry Davis, amember of the LivingstonParish Republican Parish Executive Committee, has alreadyannounced.

About half the district includes Baton Rouge and Livingston Parish, and it also includes the Florida Parishes and parishes alongthe Mississippi River up to Monroe.

In another race, Paul Sawyer haswon the endorsement of U.S Sen. John Kennedy,R-Madisonville, in the race to replace state Rep.Paula Davis, R-Baton Rouge,

“I’ve known Paul along time and can tell you this:he’sastough as athree-dollar steak and wakes up every day determined tomake thelives of Louisianafamilies better than they were yesterday,” Kennedy said in astatement.

Sawyer served as chief of staff to then-U.S. Rep.Garret Graves and is now theexecutive director of the Amite River Basin Commission.

Lynne Coxe Graham,amember of the Republican StateCentral Committee, is also running for theseat.

“She will bring Common Sense Conservatism to her legislative service, emphasizing creating efficiencies in the areas of state government that most often interface with thepublic, such as LDR and the DMV,” Graham said in a Facebook post

With Davis resigning her position this month, the primary to replace her will be held on March 14 in what will be alow-turnout special election. Early voting in that race will take place from Feb.28toMarch 7.

The district includes theneighborhoods of Old Goodwood, Tara, Broadmoor and includes neigh-

borhoods south of Interstate 12 and north of Old Jefferson Highway

Landry uninvitedfrom dogsleddingrace

As President Donald Trump ratchets up his campaign forthe U.S. to take control of Greenland, Louisana Gov.Jeff Landry, Trump’senvoy to the territory, has been uninvited from the island’smost prestigious dog sledding race.

“KNQKhas been informed that thetourism company that invited Gov.Jeff Landry from the United States has unilaterally withdrawn its invitation,” the Greenland Dog Sledding Association,orKNQK, wrote in arelease Sunday.“This is reassuring forKNQK, and we takenote of it.”

Aspokesperson forLandry did not return arequest forcomment.

KNQK organizes the annual race, known as theAvannaata Qimussersua, andthe organization previouslyshared concerns after learning the governor had been asked to attend.

“The KNQK Board finds it unacceptable that political pressure is being exerted from outside,”

stupidity” over its returning control to Mauritius an Indian Ocean island that includes aBritish military base where Americans are also stationed.

When Trumpspoke Wednesday before the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, he ruled out seizing Greenland by force, then walked back threats of increased tariffs Trumpstill wants to work out someway to dominate the icebound island nation with about 57,000 people for security reasons. In his Tuesday speech before the House of Commons and Lords in Westminster Johnson said, “I told the president that Ifelt that my mission here today was to encourage our friends and help to calm the waters, so to speak, and Ihope to do so.”

He also said he generally supported Starmer’s speech.

Johnson applauded the twonations’ shared respect forlaw and forprotecting individual freedoms. He name-checked prominent conservatives in the U.S. and U.K.,including Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan.

“Wehave always been able to workthrough our differences calmly as friends. We will continue to do that. Iwant to assure you this morning that that is still the case,” Johnson said. “As proud Americans, it is as though we have returned to the spiritual birthplace of our own nation. And the history here, the weight of it is palpable.”

Email Mark Ballard at mballard@theadvocate. com.

the organization’searlier statementsaid earlier this month.

“The board is currently working closely with patrons to determine whosent invitations to foreign actors.”

Trump appointedLandry as special envoytoGreenland in December,tohelpwith the president’smissionofacquiring the island. The appointment roiled officials in Denmark and Greenland, asemiautonomous Danish territory.Theyhave made it clear thatthe territory does notwish to become part of the United States.

Trumprecently threatened tariffs against countries that don’t support his goal of acquiring Greenland. European leaders say his actions could shatter NATO, the 32-country military alliance that includes the United States and Denmark.

In anews conference Tuesday,Trumpwas asked how far he would go to take Greenland. “You’ll find out,” he said. But in aspeech at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Wednesday morning, he said he will not use force to take the island. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Edmonds Cordell

Photo ProVIDeDByUNIteD KINGDoM hoUSe oF CoMMoNS

house Speaker Mike Johnson, r-Benton, right, standsnext to U.K. house of Commons Speaker Lindsayhoyle as Johnson visitsthe Parliament in London last week.

TexasBlack manexonerated70years afterexecution

Prosecutorsnow saycasewas basedonfalse evidence,riddled with racial bias

BY JUAN A. LOZANO associated Press

HOUSTON Nearly 70 years after aTexas Black man was executed in acase that prosecutors now say was based on false evidence and was riddled with racial bias, officials have declared that he was innocent in the killing of aWhite woman in Dallas

Tommy Lee Walker was executed in the electric chair in May 1956 for the rape and murder of 31-yearold Venice Parker

At the time of the trial, prosecutorshad alleged Walker attacked Parker,a store clerk who wasonher way home, on the evening of Sept. 30, 1953.

Parker’s killingtookplace during atimeofpanic and racial division in the Dallas area as there were reports that apeeping Tombelieved to be aBlack man was terrorizing women, according to the DallasCounty Criminal District Attorney’sOffice

But an extensive review of Walker’sconviction by the Dallas County Criminal District Attorney’sOffice, along with the help of the Innocence Project of New York and Northeastern University School of Law’s Civil Rights and Restorative Justice Project, found multiple problems with Walker’s case. The review found problems with statements from aDallas police officer who claimed that Parker had identifiedher attacker as a Black man. But multiple wit-

ProVIDeD By DaLLaS hIStory &arChIVeS DIVISIoN

Whitewoman.

nesses denied that Parker “did anything outside of convulse andhemorrhage exorbitantamountsofblood,” after being attacked, Dallas County DistrictAttorney John Creuzot saidduring a Wednesday meeting of Dallas County commissioners that was held to askthe officialstodeclare Walker innocent

During the nextfew months after Parker’skilling, hundredsofBlack men were rounded up byauthoritiesand four months later Walker,then 19 years old, was arrested Walker was subjected to threateningand coercive interrogation tactics by Will Fritz, aDallas police captain whohad beena memberof theKuKluxKlan,Creuzot said.

Walker later testifiedhe confessed to thekilling because hewas afraid for his life, Creuzot said. At his trial, Walker’s lawyers presented10witnesses

who testified that at the time of the murder,they were with Walker andhis girlfriend when she gave birth to their son, Edward Lee Smith, at alocal hospital, according to theInnocence Project.

“But this carried little weight in Jim Crow Dallas,” theInnocence Project said.

Walker was convicted by an all-White jury in 1954.

“The prosecution in this case presentedmisleading and inadmissible evidence,” Creuzot said.“This case while it has undeniable legal errors, was riddled with racial injustice during atime when prejudice and bigotry were woven throughout every aspect of society, including the criminal justice system.”

Creuzot credited thework of journalist Mary Mapes, who first began investigating Walker’s case 13 years ago.

“He paid with his life for acrime he could not have

committed,” Mapes told commissioners.

During an emotional moment at Wednesday’smeeting, Smith, Walker’snow 72-year-old son, and the victim’sson,Joseph Parker, hugged each other

“I’m so sorry for what happened,” Parker told Smith

“AndI’m sorry for your loss,” Smith replied.

Smith had earlier told commissioners that his father’swrongful execution

was very hard for him and his mother

“I’m 72 years old and Istill missmydaddy,” Smithsaid as he cried. “She said, ‘Baby, they give your father the electric chair forsomething he didn’tdo.’”

Joseph Parker told commissioners he hopes that Walker’sexonerationwill help prevent wrongful convictions in the future.

“If nothing else comes fromthis situation …it’s

that we learntotry not to makethe samemistake again. The mistake being what? The mistake being the injustice, the taking of an innocent life,” Parker said. At theend of Wednesday’s meeting, DallasCounty commissioners unanimously passed asymbolic resolution declaring thatWalkerwas wrongfully convicted and executed and what happened to him represented “a profound miscarriage of justice.”

BY PATRICK WHITTLE

associated Press

PORTLAND,Maine One of the world’srarest whale species is having more babies this yearthan in some recent seasons, but experts say many more young are needed to help stave off the possibility of extinction.

The North Atlantic right whale’spopulation numbers an estimated 384 animals and is slowly rising after several years of decline.

The whaleshave gained more than 7% of their 2020 population, according to scientists who study them.

The whales givebirth off the southeastern United States everywinter before migrating north to feed. Researchers have identified 15 calves this winter,the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said recently

That number is higher than two of the last three winters, but the species needs “approximately 50 or more calves per year for

many years” to stop its declineand allowfor recovery, NOAA said in astatement

Thewhales are vulnerable to collisions with largeships and entanglement incommercial fishing gear

This year’s number is encouraging, butthe species remains in peril without stronger laws to protect against thosethreats,said Gib Brogan, senior campaigndirector with environmentalgroup Oceana.

The federal government is in themidst of amoratorium on federal rules designed to protect right whales until 2028, and commercial fishing groups have pushed for aproposal toextend that pausefor even longer

There is still time left for more baby whales to be born this winter,but 50 is not a reasonable expectationbecause of alack of reproductive females in the population, Brogan said.

“We’re not going to be able to calveourselvesto recovery,” Brogan said.

“Wealso need to be doing

more to tackle the twoprimarycauses of right whale deaths, being entanglement in fishing gear and being hit by boats.”

The whales have fared better thanlastwinter, when they gave birthto only 11 calves, according to NOAA data. The whales have reached 20 calves only twice since 2010,and they gave birth to no calvesina disastrous 2018 season. The whales are less likely to reproducewhenthey have suffered injuries or areunderfed, scientists have said.

The whales were huntedto the brink of extinction during the era of commercial whaling and have been federally protected for decades. They remain in acrisis at the moment because there have been moredeaths than births in the population in thepast decade, NOAA said.

By

As thenumberofchildrenenteringfostercare in Louisianacontinues to climb, theneedfor Court AppointedSpecial Advocates, knownasCASAvolunteers, remainsmoreurgentthanever. “Oneofthebiggesttrendswehaveseenstatewide is that children need care because oneorbothoftheir parentsare facing substanceabuse-related issues,” said Amanda Moody, LouisianaCASADirector. “The demographics do notdiscriminateatall.Wesee kids from allareas of thestate,all agegroupsand allsocioeconomic backgrounds. CASAvolunteersaretrainedcommunitymembers whoseroleistoadvocateforthebestinterestsofchildren whohaveexperiencedabuseorneglect.Onceavolunteer isassignedtoachild,theybecomeaconsistentpresence inhisorherlife.CASAvolunteersmustmeetwiththeir assigned childatleast once amonth.Inbetween visits theyareexpectedtobeinconstantcommunicationwith thechild’sfosterfamily,statecaseworker,teachersand others.Thevolunteersthenturnthoseobservationsand communicationsintowrittenreportsthatarereviewed byjudges,whoultimatelydeterminethebestnextsteps for thechild

seriously. It’s very clearthattheyare readingthem and areaskingquestions basedonour observations.It’sa good feelingtoknowthatpeoplerespect ouropinions andknowthatweare thereasvolunteerstoadvocate forthe child.”

MoodysaidCASAvolunteersgenerally work on achild’s case for10to20hours permonth.Hebertsaid thatinherexperience,theworkloadfluctuates.Thereare slowerweekswheretherearecalls,textsandcheck-ins withthechild’sfosterfamily,mixedinwithbusiertimes forin-person visits,draftingreports andappearing in courthearings.

“WhatsetsCASAapartisthatweareestablished by statestatute andare an integral part of thecourt system,”Moodysaid.“CASAvolunteershaveunprecedented access to achild’s life andtruly arethe eyes and ears of thejudge.The true role of aCASAvolunteer is to actonbehalfofthe courttoobserve thechild’s life andprovide fact-based recommendations. That best interest advocacy andthe fact that we arespecifiedin statelaw makesusunique.”

DenaéHebert,the2025LouisianaCASAAdvocate oftheYear,hasworkedwithfourchildrenasavolunteer Hebertsaidthatwhileitwasinitiallyabitintimidating to have to presentobservationstoa judge in courtand workalongsidetrainedprofessionalsinthelegalsystem thosefeelingseased as sherealizedthateveryoneis workingtowardthesamegoal–givingachildconsistent positive reinforcement anda stable foundation

“I’velearnedalotabouthowtoworkwithdifferent peopleindifferentroleswhoallwanttofindpermanence for thekids,”Hebertsaid. “I’veseenhow much the judgesrespectCASAasaprogramandtakeourreports

“Oneofthebiggestconcernswehearisthatpeople feeltheydon’thavethetimeorbandwidthtovolunteer However,alotofourvolunteersareworkingprofessionals andparentswhoareabletomanageitwithnoproblem,” Moodysaid.“Themostimportantthingwearelooking forare people whohaveaheart forchildren. Yes, it is a time commitment,but it is doable.” Hebertsaidsheintentionallyscheduleshervisits with children for theweekendssoshe candedicate plenty of time forthem. Theactivitiesvarydepending on thechild’s ageand interests.

“I letthekidsleadwithwhattheyenjoydoing.While we’redoing an activity,Iask afew questionsand then justletthemtalk,”shesaid.“I’vefoundthatifIletthem talk long enough,theywillsay somethingthatcreates an openingfor me to digdeeper. Ilet them organically bringupthatanchorpoint,and theconversationflows from there.

BothMoodyandHebertemphasizedthatnoCASA volunteerworksinavacuum.EachvolunteerhasaCASA supervisorwhoprovidescoachingandanswersquestions Training,tools,resourcesandtechnicalassistanceare availableatany pointfromboththe stateassociation andlocalchapters.

“Weunderstandthatsomecasesaremorecomplex thanothers,andwetrytoappropriatelypairchildrenand volunteers,”Moodysaid.“Weworkwitheachvolunteer to

Photo

tommy Lee Walker,a Blackman from texas, attends his March1954 trial in Dallas for therapeand murder of Venice Parker,a

Amanda McElfresh| amcelfresh@theadvocate.com

This articleisbrought to youbyLouisiana CASA

EDUCATION

Education officials opening fewer sexual violence probes

against the void,” said Katie McKay, a lawyer at the New York firm

C.A. Goldberg.

“It feels like a big question mark right now,” she said “How are we supposed to hold a school accountable once it has messed up?”

BY COLLIN BINKLEY

education writer

aP

WASHINGTON Before President Donald Trump’s administration started dismantling the Education Department, the agency served as a powerful enforcer in cases of sexual violence at schools and universities. It brought the weight of the government against schools that mishandled sexual assault complaints involving students

That work is quickly fading away The department’s Office for Civil Rights was gutted in Trump’s mass layoffs last year leaving half as many lawyers to investigate complaints of discrimination based on race, sex or disability in schools. Those who remain face a backlog of more than 25,000 cases. Investigations have dwindled Before the layoffs last March, the office opened dozens of sexual violence investigations a year Since then, it’s opened fewer than 10 nationwide, according to internal data obtained by The Associated Press.

Yet Trump’s Republican administration has doubled down on sexual discrimination cases of another kind Trump officials have used Title IX a 1972 gender equality law, against schools that make accommodations for transgender students and athletes The Office for Civil Rights has opened nearly 50 such investigations since Trump took office a year ago.

Even before the layoffs, critics said the office was understaffed and moved too slowly Now, many firms that handle Title IX cases have stopped filing complaints, calling it a dead end.

“It almost feels like you’re up

An Education Department spokesperson said the office is working through its caseload, blaming President Joe Biden’s Democratic administration for leaving a backlog and rewriting Title IX rules to protect LGBTQ+ students. Trump officials rolled back those rules.

“The Trump Administration has restored common sense safeguards against sexual violence by returning sex-based separation in intimate facilities,” spokesperson Julie Hartman said. “OCR is and will continue to safeguard the dignity and safety of our nation’s students.”

The layoffs have slowed work at the Office for Civil Rights across the board, but it has an outsize impact on cases of sexual violence.

Students who are mistreated by their schools including victims and accused students alike — have few other venues to pursue justice.

Many are now left with two options: File a lawsuit or walk away

One woman said she’s losing hope for a complaint she filed in 2024. She alleges her graduate school failed to follow its own policies when it suspended but didn’t expel another student found by the school to have sexually assaulted her. No one has contacted her about the complaint since 2024.

The woman recently sued her school as a last resort. She said it feels like a David and Goliath mismatch.

“They have all the power, because there is no large organization holding them accountable. It’s just me, just this one individual who’s filing this simple suit,” the woman said The AP does not typically identify people who say they are victims of sexual assault unless they grant permission.

The civil rights office is supposed to provide a free alternative to litigation. Anyone can file a complaint, which can trigger an investigation and sanctions for schools that violate federal law

In 2024, the agency received more than 1,000 complaints involving sexual violence or sexual harassment, according to an annual report.

It’s unclear how many complaints have been filed more recently Trump’s administration has not reported newer figures. In conversations with the AP, some staffers said cases are piling up so quickly they can’t track how many involve sexual violence.

In December, the department acknowledged the civil rights backlog and announced dozens of downsized workers would be brought back to the office amid a legal challenge to their layoffs. The workers’ return offers some hope to those with pending civil rights complaints. Department of-

We’re aSKING eXPertS aCroSS the State hoW to taCKLe the BIGGeSt ChaLLeNGeS FaCING LoUISIaNa

ficials have vowed to keep pushing for the layoffs.

Before Trump was elected to his second term, the office had more than 300 pending investigations involving sexual assault, according to a public database. Most of those cases are believed to be sitting idle as investigators prioritize easier complaints, according to staffers who spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of retribution.

The details of past cases underscore the urgency of the work.

In 2024, the office took action against a Pennsylvania school system after a girl with a disability told staff she had been sexually touched by a bus driver She was put back on that driver’s bus later that afternoon, plus the next two days. The district was required to designate a Title IX coordinator for its schools, review previous complaints and consider compensation for the girl’s family

That year, the office demanded changes at a Montana school

where a boy was pinned down by other students and assaulted after a wrestling practice. The students had been suspended for three days after school officials treated it as a case of hazing instead of sexual assault.

In another case, the office sided with a University of Notre Dame student who had been expelled over accusations of sexual misconduct. The student said the college never told him precisely what he was accused of and refused to interview witnesses he put forward.

Cases that get attention from the federal office are being handled under federal rules created during Trump’s first term. Those rules were designed to bolster the rights of students accused of sexual misconduct.

Lawyers who work with accused students see little improvement.

Justin Dillon, a Washington lawyer said some of his recent complaints have been opened for investigation. He tells clients not to hold their breath. Even before the layoffs, cases could drag on for years, he said.

Others gave up on the office years ago. The LLF National Law Firm said it stopped filing complaints in 2021 in favor of suing schools directly Lawyers at the firm said the office had become incapable of delivering timely outcomes, which was only worsened by the layoffs. Complaints can be resolved several ways. They can be dismissed if they don’t pass legal muster Many go to mediation akin to a settlement. Some end in voluntary agreements from schools, with plans to rectify past wrongs and prevent future ones.

In 2024, under Biden, the office secured 23 voluntary agreements from schools and colleges in cases involving sexual violence, according to a public database. In 2018, during Trump’s first term, there were 58. Since Trump took office again last year, there have been none.

THE GULF COAST

Miss.chefracks up JamesBeard,Michelinnods

BY POET WOLFE Staff writer

Eight hours before opening on an overcast Wednesdaymorning in Gulfport, Mississippi, Austin

Sumrall was already at work inside Siren Social Club, preparing for a day that would stretch across two cities and two kitchens.

He treated the day like any other, moving between his restaurants and accepting interviews likethis one. But it wasn’t. Earlierthat morning, Sumrall had been named one of two Gulf Coast chefs selected as semifinalists for Best Chef in the South by the James Beard Foundation —the second time he hasbeen nominated in that category

Sumrall is part of abroader culinary shift taking shapealong the Mississippi Coast and the U.S. South. He opened his first restaurant, White Pillars in Biloxi, in 2017 with arotating farm-to-table menu that was —and remains— rare in the region. Ingredients are sourced from the Gulf of Mexico and local farms; meats arecured in-house, tomatoes blended into ketchup, dough shaped byhand into strips of pasta. Asimilar process guides Siren Social Club, a speakeasy-stylerestaurant Sumrall opened with his wife, Tresse, in 2024. Both spots wererecently recommended by the Michelin Guide in its first considerationsof Gulf Coast restaurants.

Sumrall shrugs off any suggestion that his approach is newor revolutionary.Food, he says simply,comes from farms. Still, the philosophy stands out in aregion where butter,red gravy and frying oil might as well have their own places on the food pyramid.

Along the Coast, however,the food culture is evolving and beginning to claim aplaceonthe national culinary map. Chefs and restaurateurs like Sumrall aredrivingthat evolution, with accolades like the James Beard recognition offering reassurance that the region is moving in the right direction That said, none of it seemedtoalter Sumrall’sWednesday.His work continued through the afternoon.

By 2p.m., he was at White Pillars, giving atourand scarcelymentioningthe nomination as he trailed throughthe neoclassical white mansionoverlooking the Gulf.

“This is, and always will be,my baby,” Sumrall said.

Zigzagging through hallways, dining roomsand even abasement, the tour stretched on for nearly half an hour as hechronicledthe building’shistory.Originally constructed in 1905 by an infectious diseasedoctor who treated patients on ShipIsland, its details spancenturies, states and families.

Behind the barsits astructure commissioned in the mid-19thcenturyfrom Chicago’sBlackstone Hotel, where Al Capone was once afrequent guest. Nearby, above a grand piano, hangs an oil painting from 1650depicting anude woman clutchinga plate of gold coinsand grinning at the viewer.The oldest pieces —bronze menuholders datingback to 1599 —stand at the front,still in use.

The walls are covered in paintings and portraits of former proprietors, including Virginia Mladinich, who opened theoriginal White Pillars in1969with entreeslike stuffed crabs and seafood gumbo —family recipesonce servedtoan older generation of coastresidents buthave becomeantiquesthemselves, preserved in fine print on manila paperand framed in one of the dining rooms.

The restaurant closed in 1989, not because of natural disasters like many assume, but because “20 years in the restaurant businessisa longtime,”Sumrallsaid. Thebuilding sat vacantuntil 2017 when Sumrallgaveita new lifewithWhite Pillars.

Given its nameand decor,White Pillarsmight be mistaken fora posh, white tableclothrestaurant.

Sumrall shook his head and pointed to the bare tables. There is not adress code, andthe restaurant is known for its monthly brunch where drag queens flip, dance and split. Sumrallisevenknown to dance atop at the bar at the end of service, doling out shots of Jagermeister

Likeanavid antique collector

he prefers to preserve everybit of the past —oratleast triesto— reflecting thesameway he treats cooking: arefusal to cut corners

Sumrall has followed that principle throughout his entire culinary career,beginning at the Universityof Mississippi.

He wasstudying mechanical engineering butalwaysknewhebelonged in restaurants. It was in his blood —his maternal grandfather owned restaurants in New Orleans andSumrall grewupcooking with his family.Changing hismajor became an omnipresent thought until he finally committed,a decisionhe described as his“light bulbmoment.”

His parentsfully supported him pursuing adegree in hotel and restaurantmanagement, under one stipulation fromhis father: he had to get ajob at arestaurant.

Sumrall worked under chef John Currence in Oxford three days a week.Onhis days off, he hosted dinner parties at his house.

“At that point,Ijust never,never

look back,” Sumrall said. “It was full steam ahead.”

After graduating college, he went to theCulinary Institute of America in New York, then worked at Cochon Restaurant in NewOrleans Sumralllater movedtoBirmingham and worked at Hot &Hot Fish Club, acity staple.

He paused,jogging his memory, then listedhis mentorsover the years: Currence in 2009; Stephen Stryjewski in 2011; and Chris Hastings in 2012. Twohavewon Best Chef in the South —byhappenstance. “Thatwas notaplan,”Sumrall said. “It just worked out like that.”

Photo ProVIDeD By treSSe SUMraLL

Chef austin Sumrall is asemifinalist in the Best Chef South categoryofthe James Beard awards.

StaFF Photo By PoetWoLFe White Pillars,a Biloxi restaurant, is housed in aneo-classical white mansion overlookingthe Gulf.

Indonesian handprints are oldest cave art found yet

BY ADITHI RAMAKRISHNAN

aP science writer

NEW YORK Handprints on cave walls in a largely unexplored area of Indonesia may be the oldest rock art studied so far, dating back to at least 67,800 years ago.

The tan-colored prints analyzed by Indonesian and Australian researchers on the island of Sulawesi were made by blowing pigment over hands placed against the cave walls, leaving an outline. Some of the fingertips were also tweaked to look more pointed.

This prehistoric art form suggests the Indonesian island was home to a flourishing artistic culture. To figure out how old the paintings were, researchers dated mineral crusts that had formed on top of the art. Upon seeing the new study, independent paleoanthropologist Genevieve von Petzinger said she “let out a little squeal of joy.”

handprints with sharpened fingertips are seen on a

“It fits everything I’d been thinking,” she said. Indonesia is known to host some of the world’s earliest

cave drawings, and scientists have analyzed countless examples of ancient art across the globe including simple

marks on bones and stones that go back hundreds of thousands of years. Crosshatched markings on a piece

of rock in South Africa have been dated to about 73,000 years ago.

The new art from southeastern Sulawesi is the oldest to be found on cave walls. The stencils also represent a more complex tradition of rock art that could have been a shared cultural practice, said study author Maxime Aubert with Griffith University, who published the study last week in the journal Nature.

Scientists are eager to understand when early humans learned to make art, moving from dots and lines to more meaningful representations of themselves and the world around them. These cave drawings help firm up a timeline for the dawn of human creativity

It’s not yet clear whose hands made the prints. They could be from an ancient human group called Denisovans who lived in the area and may have interacted with our Homo sapiens an-

cestors before eventually going extinct. Or they may belong to modern humans venturing away from Africa, who could have wandered through the Middle East and Australia around this time. Fine details on the cave art, including the intentionally modified fingertips, point to a human hand.

Other drawings discovered in the same area of the island, including a human figure, a bird and horselike animals, were found to be created much more recently, some of them about 4,000 years ago. There’s likely more art to be found on nearby islands that could be even older than the handprints Future studies may help scientists understand how these artistic traditions spread across the globe and how they’re woven into the fabric of humanity’s early days.

“For us, this discovery is not the end of the story,” Aubert said in an email. “It is an invitation to keep looking.”

Trump stirs talk of ‘new world order’ with his treatment of allies

BY STEVEN SLOAN associated Press

WASHINGTON President Donald Trump gives. And he takes away.

Offended by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s increasingly assertive posture toward the U.S., Trump revoked an invitation to join his Board of Peace. Many Western allies are suspicious of the organization, which is chaired by Trump and was initially formed to focus on maintaining the ceasefire in Israel’s war with Hamas but has grown into something skeptics fear could rival the United Nations.

Appearing at the World Economic Forum, Trump spoke of imposing tariffs on Switzerland — which he ultimately lowered — because the country’s leader “rubbed me the wrong way” during a phone call.

Before shelving sweeping tariffs on multiple European countries, Trump pressed Denmark to “say yes” to the U.S. push to control Greenland “and we will be very appreciative. Or you can say no and we will remember,” he said, imperiling the NATO alliance.

Over his decades in public life, Trump has never been one for niceties. But even by his standards, the tumult of the past week stood out because it crystallized his determination to erase the rules-based order that has governed U.S. foreign policy — and by extension most of the Western world since World War II.

The president and his supporters have dismissed that approach as inefficient, overly focused on compromise and unresponsive to the needs of people contending with rapid economic change. But in its place, Trump is advancing a system that is poorly understood and could prove far less stable, driven by the whims of a single, of-

ten mercurial, leader who regularly demonstrates that personal flattery or animus can shape his decisions.

Returning to the U.S from Davos, home to the World Economic Forum, Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska said the phrase she heard “over and over” was that “we are entering this new world order” as she described a sense of confusion among allies.

“It may be you just had a bad telephone call with the president and now you’re going to have tariffs directed at you,” she told reporters.

“This lack of stability and reliability, I think, is causing what were traditionally reliable trade partners to be saying to other countries, ‘Hey maybe you and I should talk because I’m not sure about what’s going on with the United States.’”

Trump-centric approach

The Trump-centric approach to governing is hardly surprising for someone who accepted his first Republican presidential nomination in 2016 by declaring that “I alone can fix” the nation’s problems. As he settles into his second term with a far more confident demeanor than his first, he has delighted supporters with his “to the victor goes the spoils” style.

Steve Bannon, Trump’s former adviser, recently told the Atlantic that Trump is pursuing a “maximalist strategy” and that he must keep going “until you meet resistance.”

“And we haven’t met any resistance,” Bannon said

That’s certainly true in Washington, where the Republican-controlled Congress has done little to check Trump’s impulses. But leaders of other countries, who have spent much of Trump’s administration trying to find ways to work with him, are increasingly vocal.

Carney is quickly emerging as a leader of a move-

ment for countries to find ways to link up and counter the U.S. Speaking in Davos ahead of Trump, Carney said, “Middle powers must act together because if you are not at the table, you are on the menu.”

“In a world of great power rivalry, the countries in between have a choice: to compete with each other for favor or to combine to create a third path with impact,” he continued.

“We should not allow the rise of hard powers to blind us to the fact that the power of legitimacy, integrity, and rules will remain strong if we choose to wield it together.”

Trump did not take kindly to those remarks, responding with threats in Davos before yanking the Board of Peace invitation.

“Canada lives because of the United States,” Trump said. “Remember that, Mark, the next time you make your statements.”

Some leaders push back

Carney, however, was unbowed, speaking of Canada as “an example to a world at sea” as he crafted a potential template for other world leaders navigating a new era. “We can show that another way is possible, that the arc of history isn’t destined to be warped toward authoritarianism and exclusion,” he said in a speech before a Cabinet retreat in Quebec City

Trump’s tactics have raised fears that he is imposing long-term damage on the U.S. standing in the world and encouraging countries to rethink their alliances and deepen their ties with China.

“China’s leadership watched an American president fight with allies, insult world leaders, and engage in bizarre antics, and thought to themselves this is nothing but good for us,” Jake Sullivan, former President Joe Biden’s national security

adviser, said in an email.

The administration is showing no sign of backing down. The Pentagon released a defense strategy late Friday telling allies to handle their own security

Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware, a Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee, was in Davos and participated in a bipartisan delegation to Denmark with

Murkowski that was intended to show unity amid Trump’s bid for Greenland. Recalling his conversations with other leaders, he told reporters on Friday that Trump has shown he only backs down when countries like China “showed toughness and a resiliency.”

“Those who were accommodating and who negotiated in good faith, like the EU, which did not impose retaliatory tariffs, seemed to have not won any of his respect,” Coons said. “They can reach their own conclusions, but it would seem to me that trying to find a way to accommodate him when the foundation of his demands about Greenland is unhinged seem to me to suggest a course of action.”

At Franciscan Missionaries of OurLadyUniversity (FranU), communityservice is much more than an extracurricularopportunity or aresumebuilder Rather,itisa core responsibility wovenintoevery aspect of life at FranU– onethatshapesacademic programs,campusculture andthe waystudents preparefor life aftergraduation.

That philosophy hasearnedFranU national recognition throughthe 2026 Carnegie Elective Classification for CommunityEngagement. Awardedbythe American CouncilonEducation andthe Carnegie Foundation forthe AdvancementofTeaching, the designationplaces FranUamong just 277collegesand universitiesnationwiderecognizedfordeep,sustained andinstitutionalized communityengagement. The classificationisvalid through2032.

“We’re asmall institutionthatismakinga big impact.I thinkthisrecognitionisatestament to the fact that everythingwedoismission-driven,”saidDr. RhodaReddix, FranUDirectorofService-Learning.

“We’re intentionalinwhatwedo, andour work has both breadthand depth.”

That intentionality stoodout in FranU’sCarnegie application,withanemphasisonrelationship-building andlong-term impact rather than one-time volunteer efforts.Dr. Reddix said FranUnow partners with approximately160 organizationswho areworking throughout Louisianatoassistthe elderly, localyouth themedically underserved, individualswithspecial needsand thoselivinginpoverty

“Thisrecognition reflects ourcommitmentto forminghighlyskilled professionalsand integrated thinkerswhounderstandthattheireducationismeant to serveothers. Throughcommunity engagement ourstudents areformedtoleadwithexcellence, integrityand compassion in ways that transform both livesand communities,”saidFranU President andCEO Dr.David Bellar

Dr.Reddixsaidservice-learningatFranU means students work hands-on with organizationsand individualsacrossthe state. That caninclude helping performblood pressure checks andhealth screenings at area nursinghomes,conductingguided interventionswithchildrenonthe autism spectrum mentoringyouth andencouraging them to pursue higher education, packingmeals at localfoodbanks andparticipating in kidney diseasescreening and educationathealthfairs

“AllFranUstudentstakeanintroductiontotheology classwitharequiredservice-learningcomponent They cansearchfor opportunities amongour partner organizations that resonate with them,” explained RebeccaGruntz, FranUDirectorofFranciscan StudentLifeand ServantLeadership. “Oncetheyare in theirprogram of study, they determineasagroup wheretheyare goingtoserve.I’veheard from many students that themostimpactful part of theirFranU

experienceisthe serviceopportunities.”

Gruntz addedthatleaders from partnerorganizationsoften pointout that FranUstudentsgoabove andbeyondtohelpthose in need “Through service-learning, we seeour students trulyserve theLordand others.Thatsetsusapart They areabletoshowcasetheir servantleadership heartand learnhow they cancontinuethatwork aftergraduationwhentheyare in theirprofessional fields,”she said

Dr.Reddixsaidshe hasseenservice-learning transformstudents’ livesaswell. OneFranU student whowas struggling in herfaith wasassigned a projecttohelpa spirituallygroundedseniorcitizen create amemorybookfor herfamily. Throughthat experience,Dr. Reddix said thestudentregainedher faithand resumedher relationship with thechurch. In anothersituation,Dr. Reddix said aFranU studentplanned to becomea physical therapist, but facedunexpectedacademic challenges.Her service-learningproject involved workingwith children on theautismspectrum. As sheworked with anonverbalkindergartner at alocal school,the childbegan to speak for thefirsttime.

“The teachers kept tellingher that shetruly has a gift.She washired by aschooland todayher entire career is workingwithchildrenwithspecial needs. That wassomethingshe hadnever considered before,” Dr.Reddixsaid. “Her service-learning experience at FranUcompletelychanged herlife.

Dr.Reddixsaidthe service-learningexpectation is setatFranU from theverybeginning,fromstudent orientations andadmissionstothe staffhiring process. Gruntz notedthatbecause this expectation is so interwoven into life at FranU, shehas seen students andfaculty create newopportunities to help others.For example, theStudent Government Organizationled an efforttoprepare meal kits for more than 50 students in need last Thanksgiving, with staff memberscontributing monetarily “Ourfacultyandstaffareoftenouttherevolunteering as well.Whenthe opportunity arises,theyare ready to serveside-by-sidewithour students,” shesaid. Learnmoreatfranu.edu

Photo ProVIDeD By MaXIMe aUBert

cave wall in the Maros region of Sulawesi, Indonesia.

By Amanda McElfresh| amcelfresh@theadvocate.com This articleisbrought to youbyFranU

Storm glazes north La.with sleet

SouthLouisiana braces for extremecold

BY MISSY WILKINSON Staff writer

Amassive winter stormblew

across the U.S. on Saturday,bringing freezing rain and ice tonorth Louisiana but temporarily sparing NewOrleans, where extreme cold won’tarrive until Sunday evening meteorologistssaid.

The storm’s“freeze line” drifted east and south acrossnortheast Louisiana on Saturday afternoon, glazing Shreveport with sleet.In New Orleans, where highs hovered in the 60s and lows dipped into the 50s on Saturday, an extreme cold warning is settotake effect from 6p.m. Sunday through noon Tuesday,accordingtothe National Weather Service.

On Saturday night in New Orleans, thunderstorms andheavy rain posed the greatest threat

“Weare monitoring multiple rounds of rain this weekend. The first is at our doorstep now,” said weather service forecasterKevin Gilmore on Saturday afternoon.

“There will be abrief lull tonight and another rain on Sunday.”

Sunday will see ahigh of around 70 degrees before temperatures plummet into the 20s, theweather service said. Hard overnight freezes are forecast through Tuesday morning statewide.Early voting locations will be closed Monday, and multiple schools have reported closures.

Parade revelers kept their eyes to thesky in New Orleans, where thepossibilityfor thunderstorms dampened but did not extinguish the Carnival spirit, canceling the Krewe of Kuties Parade in Gretna, postponing the Algiers MardiGras Festivaland tightening the Chewbacchus parade lineup times.

“Wehave been talking about how to adjust costumes (for the weather): makingsure you’re adding or removing layers, adding tarps to contraptions,” said Chewbacchus overlord Aryanna Gamble shortly after the intergalactickrewe announced itsparadewould roll through the French Quarter and the Marigny rain or shine Saturday night.

Louisiana State Police urged motorists to avoid affected roads

ä See STORM, page 3B

Director of

Famous building ‘has apersonality,’ he says

BY BOBWARREN Staff writer

Laurent Salomé stood outside St. Louis Cathedral late Friday morning,stilldigesting all that he hadseeninsideperhaps New Orleans’ most famous building. If there’sone thing Salomé knows, it’sthe weight that historic places must shoulder “It is very beautiful,” he said of the cathedral. “It has apersonality.That is important.” Iconic buildings that stand at thecenter of history and culture are second nature to Salomé. For the past nine years,hehas been director of

INTERGALACTIC CeLeBratIoN

The Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus parade rolled Saturday in New Orleans. Thekrewe consists of over 150 subkrewes, each of which pays loving (and sometimes satirical) homage to the fullspectrum of science fiction, fantasy,horror and everything in between.

CARNIVAL 2026 INSIDe, 2B NOLA.COM

Versaillesmuseumtours

theNational Museum of the Palace of Versailles and Trianon, overseeing much of the historical presentation of the famous palace and grounds commissioned byKing Louis XIV outside Paris. One of the best-knowntourism destinations in theworld, Versailles receives 10 million visitors annually

Visiting New Orleansfor the first time this week, Salomé joined Christopher Wiseman, executivedirector of the Catholic Cultural Center of New Orleansand an expert on the cathedral,for atour that explained many of the structure’s treasures, but also revealed some of its problems.

Thecathedral, which dates to 1851, still dominates the French Quarterlandscape like no other structure. But as it approaches 200 yearsold,the

cathedral is showing its agein somespots. Supporters, led by Saints owner Gayle Benson, have embarked on afundraisingcampaigntocover an ambitious, 36-month-longrenovation that will be both complicated and expensive.

Wiseman estimated the cathedralwork will cost around $45 million.

But Salomé, whohas watched any number of restoration projectssputter and churn at one of theworld’s iconic palaces, knows thedevil is in the details —especiallythose details that don’treveal themselves until midway through aproject.

“It alwaysislasting afew moreyears and costingafew more millions,”Salomé said with aknowing grin. “It is a permanent job. It is never

ä See CATHEDRAL, page 2B

St.Louis Cathedral

StaFF Photo By Brett DUKe

Laurent Salomé, center,director of the National Museum of the PalaceofVersailles and trianon, tours the St. Louis Cathedral in Neworleans on Friday. an application has been made to UNeSCo to designate the famous building,along with the Presbytere and the Cabildo, as aWorld heritageSite.

StaFFPhotoSByeNaN CheDIaK

Costumed participants in the Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus parade maketheir waySaturday down St. Claudeavenue.

Chewbacchus participants maketheir waydownSt. Claude avenue.

aparticipant in the Chewbacchus parade fires a bubblegun.

apinkalien wows the crowd.

DaMP reVeLry

ABOVE: The Intergalactic Kreweof Chewbacchus makes itsway down St. Claude Avenue on arainy Saturday night. RIGHT: Aparade participant jumps forthe camera BELOW: Lisa Weisert, captain of the Red Shirt Rebellion, poses for aphotograph before the parade

ending. Youfinish oneand you start another.” Wiseman said the renovation work could begin as soon as this summer.The expectation at this point is 18 months of workonthe exterior, followed by 18 months of work on the interior

N.O.’s most famous building

Few structures in New Orleans compete on theworld stage as well as St. Louis Cathedral.

The seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese in New Orleans and the oldest continuously operated cathedral in the U.S., the building’sthree-story façade, central steeple, Doric columns and arched windows are abeacon to tourists andCatholics alike. Flankedon one side by the Cabildo and on the other by the Presbytere, the trio of historic structures are acommanding presence across from Jackson Square

The building that is so recognizable now —the popular backdrop to untold thousands of photos —is actuallythe newest churchbuilding on the site. The story goes that Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville, after founding the city, touched his sword to the ground in what is roughly now the location of St. Louis Cathedral, Wiseman

told Salomé, notingthe historical uncertainty of thestory.

An early church was at thelocationby1722, but it was destroyed by ahurricane. It was replaced by the first permanent church in 1727, thearchdiocese says. That church was also destroyed, consumed by the French Quarter fire of 1788. Anew church was completed and consecrated in 1794. But population growth spurred an ambitiousrenovation in the1840s that, complicated by construction mishaps, resulted in the church being substantially rebuilt. The new

church was completed in 1851. It was designated abasilica by Pope Paul IV in 1964, but theformal name “Cathedral-Basilica of St. Louis, King of France,” never resonated among New Orleanians, Wiseman noted.

As Wiseman led SaloméonFriday’stour, he acknowledgedthe building’strouble spots aren’t always obvious.

“That’sone of thethings that hurts us (in gaining awareness),” he said. “Itlookspretty good.But there are problems.”

Thoseproblems range from

water damage and plaster damagetocracks in walls. According to the fundraising website ourcityourcathedral.org, the restoration work will include masonry andstucco repairs, enhancing lighting andsecurity,and extensive improvements to the roof, which is covered in slate tiles.

Therepairsand restoration work won’t only be enormously expensive, it will also require adelicate touch, Wisemansaid. All the stainedglass will be restored and the main ceiling will be redone, whichincludescarefully extracting andthen reinstalling the murals, thewebsite noted.

Wiseman saidthe mural on the ceiling, which dates to the late 1800s, wasoriginally painted directly onto the plaster

“And thatjust didn’twork in NewOrleans,” he told Salomé, noting the region’soff-the-charts humidity.

Acouple decades later,Wiseman said, another painter linedthe ceiling with atype of canvas that was then painted on. Removing that canvasonwhich the muralisactually painted,hesaid, will be an exacting task.

Benson, who has pushed the campaign to restore the iconic building, brought togethera host of historians, architects and engineers to form aplan and find the resources that plan will require.

In 2023, Benson took agroup of experts to Paris to getanup-close

look at the massiverestorationof the700-year-old Notre Dame Cathedral that had been devastated by afire in 2019.

Notre Dame was reopened in 2024 andhas returned to hosting thousands of tourists each day

Theimportanceofbuildings

Though expensive, the care and upkeep of places like Versailles andSt. Louis Cathedral is vitally important, Salomésaid. “The history.The passion.The uniqueness,” he said.

Salomé said his visit to New Orleans included afew presentations on Versaillesand lots of museum visits and sightseeing. “Wehave stories to tell,” he said of his effortstoenticemorepeopleto makethe trip to France foravisit to Versailles.

PatMorrison, aNew Orleansresident and cathedral supporter who helpedcoordinate Salomé’svisit, said exposing the “magnificent building” to someone of Salomé’s stature can only help its cause. Rebecca Mackie,director of the Louisiana State Museum who provided Saloméatour of the Presbyterebeforehis cathedralvisit, said an application has been made to UNESCO to designate St.Louis Cathedral, the Presbytere and the Cabildo as aWorld Heritage Site. Perhaps Saloméwill have some influence there, Morrison said. “Museum directorshavea strong voice,” Morrison said.

StaFF Photo By BrettDUKe

Laurent Salomé, director of the National Museum of the Palace of Versaillesand trianon, tours the St.Louis Cathedral in Neworleans on Friday

StaFF PhotoSByeNaN CheDIaK

Infantgorilla dies at Audubon Zoo, officialssay

BY CHAD CALDER Staff writer

An infant gorilladied shortly after childbirth on Friday,the Audubon Nature Institute said. It was the second infant to die just after being born to 18-year-old Tumani, one of the Audubon Zoo’swestern lowland gorillas. The previous instance was in 2020, when the first infant of Tumani and 31-year-old Okpara dieda week after birth due to an unexpected medical condition with Tumani. Audubon said at the time that Tumani was not able to sufficiently lactate to support her offspring.

Audubon announced the “sad news” Saturday morning, and no further details were made avail-

able.

“Western lowlandgorillas like thoseat Audubon Zoohave beenassessed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as critically endangered, withapopulation decline of more than 80%,mainly due to illegalhunting, disease, habitatloss, and an increaseinpoaching,” the institute said Audubon Zoo’sgorillas are part of the Association of Zoosand Aquariums Species Survival Plan, which manages 343 gorillas in 49 North American zoos. Theprogram seeks to ensure genetic diversity and long-term sustainability for the species.

Email Chad Calder at ccalder@theadvocate com.

NewOrleans Area Deaths

AssafIII, David Ballas, Charles Beavers, Sandra Bridges, Beverly Brown, Hillary Chiles,Alfred Diaz, Omar Fernandez, Mario Ferrara Sr., Charles

president,and also served as president of KeyClub and founder of the meteorology club. In 1963, the school newspaper noted that David had his"own homeworkshop in which he performs experiments in thephases of science." Indeed, it wasduring high school that he began alifelong hobby as an electronics tinkerer and amateur radio operator,aka a "ham".

om/donate)and Jefferson PerformingArtsSociety (https://www.jpas.org/do nate). Funeral to be held at Mary Queen of Peace church in Mandeville, LA on January31, 2026: 10:00 AM visitation,11:30 AM remembrances, 12 PM funeral Mass. To be followedby inurnmentatSt. Joseph's Abbey Cemeteryin Covington at theSt. Anselmcremation niches. E.J. Fielding Funeral Homehas been entrusted with funeral arrangements. Please sign the guestbook at www.ejfieldingfh.com

death by herbrother Elton Guy Courtney, Jr.She is survived by herbrother JohnnyB.Courtney. Shewas aproud memberofthe OrderofEastern Star andheld amembership at MetairieRidge Chapter, #169. Aprivate Intermentwas held in PinecrestMemorial Gardens, 2280 West 21st Avenue, Covington, Louisiana. In lieu of flowers, please make adonation in Beverly's name to Shriners Hospitals forChildren, www.lovetotherescue.org, andplease share amemory or photo on theTribute Wallat www.ejfieldingfh.com

STORM

Gibbs,Issac Hemmings,Julia

Hester,James Lorio, Kathryn

Mannina Jr., Keith Mansour Jr.,Alfred Marcello,Robert Marchese,Antoinette

Matlock,Barbara Miestchovich Sr., Charles MontzSr.,Robert Moore, Edward Palotta,Rita

Roccaforte,Sandra

Shuey, Susan

Sumner,Diane Swan,Cynthia

Wilson, Beckie EJefferson

Garden of Memories

Marchese,Antoinette

Wilson, Beckie

Leitz-Eagan

Beavers, Sandra

Continued from page1B

during any icy weather Roads were closed in Bossier Parish, Caddo Parish, Catahoula Parish, Ouachita Parishand Rapides Parish as of Saturdayafternoon, according to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development.

As of around 1:30p.m. Saturday,troopers reported storm-related fuel service disruptions along I-49 north of Exit 138inNatchitoches through milepost 186 in DeSoto Parish. Around 120,000 power outages were reported in the path of the winter storm Saturday afternoon, including about 36,000 in Louisiana, 56,000 in Texas and nearly 10,000 in New Mexico, according to poweroutage.us.

President Donald Trump justbefore 4p.m.onSaturday said he approved afederal emergencydeclaration for Louisiana, among about nine other states.

Forecasters say the damage, especially in areas pounded by ice, could rival

that of ahurricane

“I think there are two parts of this storm that make it unique. One is just abroad expanseofspatial coverage of thisevent.

You’ve got 2,000 miles of country that’s being impactedbythe storm with snow,sleet andfreezing rain,” said Josh Weiss, a meteorologist at NOAA’s Weather PredictionCenter

“The other part of this stormthat’s really impressive is what’sgoingto happen right afterward. We’relooking at extreme cold,record cold.”

The Associated Press contributed tothis report.

your tickets.

Mugs, shirts, hats, posters, books.

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Diaz, Omar NewOrleans

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Forthe rest of hislife, David would continue to keep aworkshop(affectionately called "the shack") in every place he called home, chock full of radiosand electronics in various phases of repair, especially hisfavorite Drake brand transmitters andreceivers. With hisradios,his trusted Morse code keyer, athousand watts,and amodified Yagi antenna of hisown design, he would bounce radio waves offthe ionosphere to communicate with other hamsonthe other sideof theplanet, apractice knownas"DX" in ham parlance. DuringHurricane Betsy in 1965, he provided emergency communication via hisamateur radio station, aservice forwhich he wasrecognizedbythe city of New Orleans. Davidmet hisfuture wife PaulaKreilkampona blinddateatLoyola University, where they were both students. They were engaged for ayear and ahalfwhile David was drafted and served in the AirForce and AirNational Guardrepairing aircraftradios at Belle Chase AFB, and while Paulavolunteered with theJesuit Volunteer Corps on the Colville Reservation in Omak, Washington.They were married at St Dominic CatholicChurch in New Orleans on July 12, 1969. On their honeymoon, they watched theApollo 11 moon landingbroadcast. Theyoung couplesettledinBatonRouge where David studied at LSU for a Masters in Electrical Engineering and worked twojobs: daysasa graduateteachingassistant, and nightsatthe local TV stationWAFB. In 1971 they were blessed with their first child, David IV.Over thenext twodecades, they welcomed Bernard, Megan William, and Rachel David beganworking with WilliamJ.LeBlanc in 1973 and wasmade apartner in March 1979 to form LeBlanc &Assaf Consulting Engineers, laterAST. As a stamped electrical and mechanical engineer, David led theaward-winning designfor lighting and coolingthe Louisiana StateCapitolinBaton Rouge, forwhich he was recognized by the Louisiana Congress. At his retirement, he said to lawmakers thinking about changingthe electrical, lighting, and coolingsystems,"Don'tmess up my building."David also worked on electrical and/ or mechanical systemsat LSU'sold Alex Box stadium,LSU'sTiger Stadium, St.Thomas More Church, St.Joseph Cathedral and other churches, the Old StateCapitolbuilding, and numerous other buildings at LSU, Southern University, and hisalma materLoyolaUniversity

Ballas, Charles Joseph 'Charlie'

Frady, Jacob Brown, Hillary

Charles JBallas Jr passedaway on Monday, January12, 2026 from an unexpectedillness. He was 54 years old. He wasborn on October13, 1971 in Metairie, LA. He attended St.ChristopherElementary andgraduatedfromDeLa Salle High School in 1989. He lived in Bay St.Louis, MS wherehewas an avid outdoorsman.Hewas employed by Transocean as a ChiefElectrician He is predeceased by hismother Ethel Pollet Ballas. He is survivedby hiswife AshleyGillan Ballas, hisfather Charles Joseph Ballas (Barbara), histwo sons Bryce (Dallas), Collin, andhis daughterLauren (Dakota), hissistersVictoria Tuck (Stephen)and Raelynn Babin(Bobby). HisgrandchildrenJhase,Kaiden, Declan,Peyton andmany nieces andnephews. He wasloved andwillbe missed by all

SandraK.

SandraK.Beavers, 79, passed away at St Joseph's of Harahan on January 14, 2026. Shewas thedaughterofthe late Margie Singleton. Anative of Baton Rouge,she wasa 1964 graduate of Baton Rouge SeniorHigh School, andwas amember of the BRHS band, and aU.S. Navy veteran. Shewas aresident of MetairieManor for thepast 10 years. A Military Burial and Committal ceremony will be at the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery,34888 Grantham CollegeDr, Slidell,LA 70460, on Wednesday, January28, 2026, at 1:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of yourchoice

HillaryBrown,age 98, of Covington,LApassed away peacefully on January 20, 2026. He was born on January 13, 1928 in Whitehall,LAtoValcin BrownSrand Margaret Lauzervich. Hillaryissurvived by hisbeloved wife AdaBrown,towhomhe wasmarried63years; his childrenDebbie Ponseti (Kyle),Annette Curren, and Sharon Bourg(Stephen); fivegrandchildrenMonica Hanzo,Jessica Hanzo PatrickCurren, Blake Bourg andBrandonBourg; threestep-grandchildren DaniellePonseti-Gray (John-Mark),Valerie Ponseti,and Samantha Ponseti;and twogreatgrandchildrenMaisy and Myles. He is also survived by nieces andnephews. Hillaryispreceded in death by hisparents and siblings Edna Hernandez, ClarenceBrown,Hodges Brown,and Elton Brown andson-in-law Kevin Hanzo.Heproudly served in theUnited States Army duringthe Korean War before working at theJax Breweryfor 31 years and thenjoining the International Long Shoreman Association as a stevedore for 18 years. "Brown" enjoyedstaying active with fishingand huntinginhis early years. Later in life, he wasanavid gardener, havingthe most beautiful redroses, and themost manicured, plush lawn. He lovedwatching football, basketballand baseball, especially the NewYorkYankees, and discussingthiswith his grandkids. He also enjoyed trips with hiswife to thegulfcoast casinos. Relativesand friends are invited to attendvisitation on Wednesday, January28, 2026 from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm at GraceFuneral Home (450 Holy Trinity Drive,Covington). AMass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 noon GravesideServiceswith Military Honorswillfollow at St LazarusofBethany Memorial Garden

St Tammany Bridges, Beverly AnnCourtney

AssafIII, David Bridges, Beverly Grace Funeral Brown, Hillary Palotta,Rita West Bank Mothe

Fernandez, Mario Obituaries

Assaf III, David

Taken toosoon from family and friends, David Assaf,III departed this world on January 18, 2026. He wasbornonApril 12, 1945 in New Orleans, Louisiana, second of three children of David Assaf,Jr. and EdithMcElroy. At St. AloysiusHighSchoolin New Orleans, Daviddevoted four years to thescience club,serving as its

David wasactiveinthe Baton RougeAmateur Radio Club and other ham clubsinsouthLouisiana. In hisretirement, he took his hobby to new heights by participatingin DXpeditions to exotic places and remote, uninhabited spotslikeMellish Reef in the Coral Sea. These meticulously planned trips involvedthe construction and operation of temporary amateur radiostations forcontacting thousandsofhamsall over theworld via Morse code Themoreisolated and inhospitablethe place, the more sought after theDX! Hismostmemorable trip wastothe South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands, where at theage of 71, he helped set up and operatea radio station on Thule Island, thesouthernmost beach outside Antarctica and one of the most unforgiving places on Earth, where theonlypermanent inhabitants are some rather curious penguins. David waspreceded in deathbyhis parents, David Assaf,Jr. and Edith McElroyAssaf,his sister Ednamary Caserta, and his beloved wife of 56 years, Paula KreilkampAssaf.He leaves behind hisbrother DennisAssaf;his children David Assaf,IV(Sydney), Bernard Assaf (Stacy), MeganAssaf (Joe), William Assaf (Christine), and Rachel Aylsworth (Jason); and eight grandchildren: Simon, Timothy, Kirby, Nathan, Elizabeth, Noah, Lauren, and Julian.

In lieu of flowers, the family requestsdonations to St.Joseph Abbey (https: //www.saintjosephabbey.c d ) d ff

Beverly AnnCourtney Bridges passedaway peacefully on Tuesday, January6,2026, surrounded by herloving family, in Madisonville,Louisiana. Shewas born on May23, 1941 in West Monroe, Louisiana to thelateVada LeeCourtneyand Elton Guy Courtney,Sr. Beverlywas theloving anddevoted wife of the lateWilliam Michael "Mike"Bridges,Jr. and the loving mothertoTanya MicheleBridges (Clay), William Michael Bridges, III (Tracey), Wanda Bridges Capdeville (Eric) and KennethWayne Bridges (Brittney). Shewas alovinggrandmotherto Victoria Capdeville Hartzog(Kemp), William Michael Bridges, IV (Ally), Megan Elizabeth Bridges Duronslet(Lance)Joshua Reid Bridges, GavinWayne Bridges, Clayton Randall Bennett andHouston Michael Wilson. Shewas theloving great grandmother to Levi Kemp Hartzog, Wyatt Eric Hartzogand Silas Dean Duronslet. Shewas preceded in

Alfred "Al" Branning Chiles, III,passed away on January 5, 2026, at the age of 73. He wasbornon February 14, 1952, in Gainesville, Florida and wasraised in Bartow, Florida. After earning his bachelor'sdegree from TulaneUniversity, he dedicated hislifetoserving his country. He became a Majorinthe United States Army Reservewiththe 377th TAACOM.After leavingthe Army, he workedas aclaims adjuster for All State Insurance Company. He wasa memberofSt. Augustine's Episcopal Church,American Legion, VFW, andaPiKappa Alpha Alumnus. In hisfreetime, he enjoyedcollecting stampsand coinsand watchingsports- especially when Tulanewas playing. He wasprecededin death by hisparents, AlfredB.Chiles, Jr.and Elizabeth CoeChiles; brother, Larry Chiles; and grandchildren, Fredrick Gonsoulin, Gabriella Gonsoulin, and Stella

StaFF FILe Photo By Brett DUKe

an infant gorilla died shortly after childbirthon Friday, the audubon Nature Institute said.

Beavers,

EJ Fielding

Chiles, Alfred Branning

4B ✦ Sunday,January25,2026

Albritton.

Al is survived by his wife of 42 years, Kathleen Brown Trygg Chiles; daughters, Kati Trygg Brown (Matthew), Rachael Elaine Trygg, and Lauren Trygg Baxter (Chris); brother, Harry F. Chiles (Mary); grandchildren, Madeline Gonsoulin Latino (Christian), GeorgiaBrown, Scarlett Brown, Mya Baxter, Chris Baxter, and Bryson Baxter; niece, Courtney McDonnell (Tommy); nephew, Frazier Chiles (Cessie); and several great nieces and great nephews. The family would like to extend their gratitude to St. Margaret's at Mercy. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral services at St. Augustine's Episcopal Church, 3412 Haring Road in Metairie, on Saturday, January31, 2026. Visitation will begin at 1PMwith a memorial following at 2 PM. Rev. Robert Childress will be officiating. In lieu of flowers,please consider adonationtoSt. Augustine's Episcopal Church.

Omar Isidro Diaz was called to God on January 16, 2026, to be reunited with his loving family. He was born on May 15, 1936, in Havana, Cuba to the late Octavio Diaz and the late Aida Leon. He settled in New Orleans in 1967 with his parents. He enjoyed spending time with his family and his dogs (Manolo and Lucky)all of whom were loved dearly. He loved watching his favorite television shows and eating all of his favorite snacks. He was very generous and giving to his family as well as strangers. He lived a peaceful life until the very end. He is survived by two brothers, Dr. Elier Diaz (Clara, deceased) and Ellis Diaz (Norka). He is also survived by his muchloved nieces, Ingrid Laffont and Eneida Younis (Mustafa), great niece (BiancaYounis) and godson, Michael Younis all who helped to care for him. He is also survived by his goddaughter (Sivia Diaz) as well as many nieces, nephews, great grandnieces and nephews, as well as great-great grandnieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his four brothers, Alberto Diaz (Cora), Carlos Diaz (Elda), Manuel Diaz (Edilia),and Claro Diaz (Carmen); his sisters, Noemi de la Grana (Eduardo), Ela Acevedo (Angel), LidiaAngulo (Pedro), and Eneida Laffont (Galo); his nieces, Edith Benemelis, Lidia (Bibi) Everett, Edith Valdez Elizabeth Chadbourne and his nephews, Alejandro Sardina, Jorge, Christopher, and Ryan Diaz. He retired from the University of New Orleans maintenance department where he worked for many years. Familyand friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass at LeitzEagan Funeral Home, 4747 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, Louisiana, 70006 on Friday, January 30, 2026 at 11:00 am. Interment will be in Lake Lawn Park in New Orleans. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, https://www.stjude.org Fond memories or condolences may be shared at www.leitzeaganfuneralho me.com.

Fernandez, Mario Guadalupe

MarioGuadalupe Fer‐nandezentered into eter‐nal rest on January19, 2026. Mariowas born on January 19,1947 anddied onhis 79thbirthdayat Ochsner Main Hospital on Jefferson Hwy. He was thankfultoGod that he lived that long.Hewas a Liver Transplant recipient in2011. He is thankful to all the staff at Ochsnerfor keepinghim going.Mario was born to theunion of Juanand ElviriaFernandez Beloved husband of Yas‐mine Rivera Fernandez. Brother of AmericoFernan‐dez andBlancadelaRosa Fernandez.His loving chil‐drenMario M. Fernandez and Jena E. A. Fernandez Brupbacher(Emil Roy) Beautiful grandchildrenhe loved with allhis heartLola J.E.Morrisonand Emery GunnerBrupbacher. Step grandkids Emil Roy, Jr Eu‐geneReneBrupbacherand MarleeScobey. Loving sis‐ter in lawEilleen Rivera Zaror (late Tony)and brother in lawRafael Rivera, Jr.(Jan).Niecesand nephews Eileen,Joshua Rachel, Brandon, Karla, Ka‐rina, Frida, Joshua Chelsea,great nephew and niece Tristin, Casey, Bran‐don Jr.Withlovingregards toAndrewMorrisonand the family foreverloved by the family.Hewas alife‐timeresidentofNew Or‐leans,studied andbecame a U.SCitizen in theearly 70's. Marioworkedfor EMD CityofNew Orleansfor over35years andworked other jobs before he started with theCity. His greatestlovewas hisfam‐ily andspendingtimein Picayune,MS. He wasa man that would help any‐one he could. Amor Eterno He will be missedbyall who knew himand loved him.Thank youtothe staff ofFresenius on Behrman Ave Gretna fortaking suchgreat care of himall these years. To allofour friends,Thank you. Rela‐tives andfriends of the familyare invitedtoattend the FuneralMassinthe ChapelofMothe Funeral Home, 2100 Westbank Expy.,Harvey, LA on Satur‐day,January 31, 2026 at 1:30p.m.Interment West‐lawnMemorialParkCeme‐tery, Gretna,LA. Visitation willbeheldfrom12:30 p.m. until funeraltime.

FerraraSr.,Charles Joseph

on Friday,January 30, 2026, at12:30 p.m. Visitation is from10:30 a.m. until Mass time. Intermentwillfollow inGreenwood Cemetery Mausoleum.The family welcomesMasses, dona‐tions to theAmericanCan‐cer Societyortothe char‐ity of your choice.When‐everyou enjoyeggs bene‐dict, veal parmigiana, strawberry shortcake, can‐noliorgelato, thinkof Charlie andrememberhis zestfor la bella vita!Mem‐ories andcondolences can besharedatwww greenwoodfh.com

Frady,

JacobFrederick Frady passed away on January 15, 2026 at theage of 40, havingendured medical problems for thepast several years that resulted in his untimely death.

He was born and raised in NewOrleans, and is survivedbyhis daughter, LucieBreaux, the light of his life,and his parents, PaulaSheinberg and Philip Frady. He was predeceasedbyhis grandparents, Etheland Michael FradyofNew Orleans and Shirleyand Frederick Sheinberg of New York City.

Jacobgraduated from De La SalleHighSchool as aNational Merit SemiFinalist, and then received his BA degree from Loyola University NewOrleans as an English literature major who read voraciously throughout his life.Healso enjoyed and excelled in science and technology, and after graduating,he worked as acomputersupport technician. He excelled in thetechnicalaspects of thework, butalso equally enjoyed helping people by explaining and teaching them howtodeal with their tech issues.

Jacobwas also very talented in both his artistic and writing abilities. He enjoyed videogaming and comedy shows, and was quirky as reflected in the items he chose to collect which included comic book character actionfigures, and gadgets including pocket knives, flashlights, and laserpointers. His musical taste rangedfrom rock to rapper Aesop Rock. Jacobwas exceptionally warm, thoughtful and caring,always going out of his way to help others. He was extremely intelligent and inquisitive, with asardonicwit and sense of humor.Hewillbedeeply missed by allwho knew him.

Relatives and friends are invitedtoattend the visitationatLake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. in NewOrleans, on Friday, January 30, 2026, from 10:00AM until 11:30AM, followedbya service. The interment willtake place in Metairie Cemetery at 12:30PM

Hemmings,

JuliaClaire

Julia Claire Hemmings, age35, passed away on January18, 2026 at her home in NewOrleans.

Julia was born on August 13, 1990 in Metairie to William Hemmings and Lisa Ulmer Smith. She was agraduateofthe University of NewOrleans with adegree in Secondary Education. She was a Social Studies teacherat John F. Kennedy High School, where she wasa mentortoand advocate forher students. Julia was kind,outgoing,and belovedbyall,a wonderful daughter, sister, and friend. She lovedher cats and madepersonalized collars forthem. She loved making craftsand giftsfor herfamily and students. She was afiercely loyal NewOrleanian,and loved music and MardiGras.

Julia is survivedbyher father, William Hemmings, her mother, Lisa Smith, sister, Rebecca Smith,stepfather,Richard Smith, uncle, Douglas Ulmer, and numerous cousins. Preceded in death by her stepmother, Donna Humberd,and grandparents John Hemmingsand Gerry Salvaggio, Louis and Gloria Ulmer.

Visitation willbe Saturday, January31, starting at 11 AM at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home,5100 Pontchartrain Blvd, NewOrleans, with serviceat1:30 PM at the funeral home. Interment to follow at AllSaints Mausoleum.

To view and sign theonline guestbook visit, www.lakelawnmetairie.co m

also survived by herbrother,PhilipD.Lorio III (the lateKathryn Venturatos); herniece, Elisabeth Lorio Baer (Jason)and theirchildren,Carter andCaitlyn; andher nephew,PhilipD Lorio IV (Megan) and their children, Bennett andNell. Kathryn attended Ursuline Academy in New Orleansand worked for more than 40 years at S.P. Richards, whereshe was known for herloyalty, dedication,and strongwork ethic.

Familywas thecenterof Kakkie'slife. Shewas adevotedmotherand adored beinga grandmother. She expressed herlove through caringfor others andthrough hercooking, fillingher home with warmth,laughter, and memorable meals.

Kakkiewill be rememberedfor herselflessness, gentle presence, and the deep, unconditional love she gave so freely. Her legacylives on in thelives she touched andthe feelingofhomeshe created for all whoknewher

Relativesand friends are invited to celebrate Kathryn's life on Monday, January26atLake Lawn Funeral Home in Metairie, Louisiana, with visitation beginningat10:00 a.m., followedbya Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow.

In lieu of flowers, the familyasks that donations be made to the American CancerSociety: https://do nate.cancer.org/g/eewanr wnkolqjdaoweoticqr/directed To view andsignthe online guestbook, visit www.lakelawnmetairie.co m

Mannina, Keith Michael KeithMichael Mannina Jr 44, passedawayon January1,2026, in Powell, Wyoming.BornonMay 4, 1981, in Marrero,Louisiana, Keithwas astudent of EarlyChildhood Education andLiberal Arts, reflecting hisdeep curiosityand love forlearning. Throughout hislife, he embraced avarietyofroles with heart anddedication—working as astay-at-home dad, waiter, bartender,and barista. In eachofthese roles, he connectedwith people through kindness, humor, andauthenticity.

CharlesJosephFerrara, Sr.,passedawayatthe age of91at hisMetairieresi‐dence on January20, 2026, surrounded by hisloving family. Born in New Or‐leans,hewas preceded in death by hisparents Josephand Elizabeth Moscona Ferrara, hissister Anna Marieand herspouse WilliamStanley,Sr.,and brother-in-lawArthur Balser. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Nova Ann WeserFerrara,chil‐drenCharles “Chuck” Jr., Stephen (Kellie),Angela and Stacy, sister-in-law JoanWeser Balser,and manynieces, nephews, cousins,friends andneigh‐bors. Charliewas agradu‐ate of Sacred Heartof Jesus School in mid-city and received hisBBA and JDdegrees from Loyola UniversityinNew Orleans. Heenthusiasticallyprac‐ticed lawfor over 60 years and wasknown forhis zealous advocacy forand principledservice to his clients.Hewas aUSArmy veteran who enjoyed sports, travel,reading and all things Italian, especially the cuisine! Charliealso enjoyed acting as ahobby, appearinginnumerous moviesand commercials Heservedinvarious local and national leadership positions with AFTRAand SAG-AFTRA for28years.He was aman of deep faith and aparishioner of St MaryMagdalenfor 60 years.Relatives and friends of thefamilyare in‐vited to attend theFuneral MassatSt. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church,6425 West Metairie Ave.,Metairie, LA

If youwish, please consider adonation in Jacob's memory to theLymphatic Education &Research Network (LE&RN;), LymphaticNetwork.org.

To view and sign theonline guest book, please visit LakeLawnMetairie.com

Gibbs, Ike God called Hisservant, Issac D. Gibbs, home. New Orleans native, Issac, was known forhis laughter and dedication to hisfamily and community. He was a faithful member of Second Baptist Church Sixth District. Issac was preceded in death by his wife, MeitterGibbs; his parents, Sarah Campbell Gibbsand Samuel Gibbs Sr.; and his sister, CrossleePorché.He is survivedbyhis children, Dr. Sean Gibbsand Dr. Jillian Gibbs; daughter-inlaw, Dr. Sojourner A. Gibbs; grandchildren, Aden, Isaiah,Morghan, and Amir Gibbs;siblings, Barbara Williams, BrendaJohnson, SamuelGibbsJr.,and Lillian Gibbs;relatives and friends. Memorial service: January22nd 2026 10am Second Baptist Church Sixth District,New Orleans, La Interment:Garden of Memories, Metairie, La

James W. Hester, age 55, passed away peacefully at hishome on Friday, January 16, 2026 after a courageous three-year battle with cancer. Relatives and friends are invitedtoattend a memorial visitation to be held at St.Philip Neri CatholicChurch, 6500 Kawanee Avenue, Metairie, LA on Saturday, January 31, 2026, from10:00AM to 12:00PM.A Memorial Mass willfollow at 12:00PM ACelebrationtohonor James's life will be held laterthat dayatthe New Orleans Elks LodgeNo. 30, located at 2215 Cleary Avenue,Metairie, Louisiana, beginning at 2:00PM. Inurnment in the Elks Tomb in Greenwood Cemetery will take place at alaterdate. In remembrance of James and in lieu of flowers, kindly considera donationasa way to honora life defined by generosity serviceand adeepbeliefin giving back, www.gofundme.com/f / honoring-james-w-hestersmemory. To view and sign theOnline Guestbook, please visit www.stbernar dmemorial.com.

Anne

Atrueartist at heart, Keithexpressed himself through creativity andwit He wasknown for his sharp comedic timing. A voraciousreader with an insatiable appetite for knowledge,hefound solaceinbooks andinspiration in music.Hehad a special fondnessfor NPR radio and an enduring love forsloths—creatures whose calm demeanor mirroredthe peace Keith always soughtinlife.

Keithwalked the path less traveledand danced to thebeat of adifferent drum. Hisindividuality was notjust atrait buta way of life—one that inspired those around himtoembrace theirown uniqueness. Aboveall else, Keith wasmost proudofhis two daughters, Isabel Cury McClean andEsme' Mannina. They were the source of hisgreatest joy. He is survived by his beloveddaughters Isabel MacLean-Cury and Esme Mannina; HisGrandmother MaeDoraMannina Langford, Hismother Christine Buquoi Peters (Chris); hisfather Keith ManninaSr. (Gina); hissisterKellieMannina Girouard(Royce); nephews Jackson andJulian, and Step Brother Brad Fabre (Amy), NephewsBlaise and Micah as well as numerous aunts, uncles,cousins, and friends whowill carry forward hismemory with love

Keithwas preceded in death by hisgrandparents, Joseph Mannina and William andThelma Buquoi. UncleSteve and Aunt Maria.

In keeping withKeith's generousspirit,prayers are welcome in lieu of flowers. Donations may be made to alocal food bank, homeless shelter,or Humane Society—causes that reflectKeith's compassion for others

MayKeith's memory bring comforttothosewho knew himand serve as a reminder to live authentically, love deeply, and seek peace always.

Kathryn Anne Lorio, lovingly known as Kakkie, passed away peacefully aftera brief illness on January20, 2026 at theage of 70, leaving behind a legacy of devotion, generosity,and quietstrength She was the daughterof thelate Philip Donatien Lorio,Jr. and is survived by her loving mother,Helen Mayeux Lorio; herson, Christopher Shane Lorio (Laura); and her beloved grandchildren, Reagan, Carly, and Brendan. She is

Dr.Alfred"Al" Ameen Mansour, Jr,a devoted husband and father, cherished grandfather,and respected physician,passed away peacefullysurrounded by familyonJanuary 19, 2026, in Houston, Texas. He lived an incrediblelifedefined by kindness, dedication,and devotion, leaving alegacythat willshape generationstocome. He waspredeceased by hisparents, Judge Alfred Ameen Mansour, Sr., and Mary Jo Mansour; his brother-in-law, Albert "Chip"Edward Carpenter, Jr,and hisnephew, William PatrickMeek. He is survivedbyhis loving wife of 53 years, Maryetta Logan Mansour andtheir four children, Dr.AlfredAmeen Mansour,III (Danielle), AubreyLogan Mansour (Janine), Dr.Ashton Shields Mansour (Georgia) and Margaret Mansour Salem (Dr. AndrewSalem)and his 13 precious grandchildrenCole, Cade, Brooke, Cameron, Maya, Kai, Shields, Oxford, Lorabeth, Rhodes, Sawyer, Sloanand Serena.Heisalso survived by hisbrother,Dr. Richard PrestonMansour(Merrial), hissister,SharonMansour Meek (Dr. JimMeek), and hisbrother andsisters-inlaw,Drs. David andPatricia Hilton, Sally Logan Carpenter, andten nieces and nephews. Al wasbornonNovember26, 1950, in Monroe, LA, andspent most of hislife raising hisfamilyand practicingradiology in Alexandria, LA. From an early age, he demonstrated kindness and compassion for helpingothers, astrongwork ethic, anda keenfocus on hisfamilyand faiththat guided him throughout his life andcareer. Al pursued hiseducation with grit anddetermination. He graduated with thehighest honorsand distinction from Holy SaviorMenard High School. He went on to study Pre-Med at TulaneUniversity, while also playingfootball,and Louisiana State University, followed by medical school at Louisiana State UniversityinNew Orleans, servingasthe studentbody presidentand amember of theAlpha OmegaAlpha Honor Medical Society. Aftergraduating from medicalschool in 1975, he enlisted in theUnited States Army as aFlight Surgeon andservedfouryears, including atourinGermany. Subsequently, he completed histraining in Radiology at Louisiana State University, NewOrleans,and returned to Alexandriain 1983 to begin his41-year career.Last year, Al and Maryetta were thrilledto reconnectwithhis classmates and spouses at his 50th-year medical school reunioninNew Orleans. Al's commitment to excellence ledhim to adistinguished career in radiology, wherehewas Head of Radiology as well as Chief of Staff for several years andservedasthe Chairman of theBoardof Trustees for twoyears. He served patients andcolleagues in Central Louisiana with integrity, humility, andcare. In 1991, he wasinductedintothe Committee of 100 ChampionsofExcellence by LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans. Over theyears, Al served on numerous boards and organizations including:Presidentofthe AlexandriaCountry Day School Boardfor many dedicatedyears, President of theRapides General Medical Society, Fellow of theAmerican Collegeof Radiology, Presidentofthe Radiological Society of Louisiana, Member and Clinical Sponsor of theSocietyofCardiovascular andInterventional Radiology, Member of theAmericanRoentgenRay Society andMemberofthe Radiological Society of North America. Aboveall else, Al treasured and wastreasured by hisimmediate andextended family. He wasa loving andwonderfully supportive father,ever presentwithguidance, encouragement,and unwavering support.As"Gidy" (grandfather), he foundimmense joyand pride in spendingtimewith his grandchildren, ages rangingfrom1 to 19 years old. He attendedcountless sportingevents andperformances, enjoyedreadingstories withgrandkids cuddled in hislap,and swimmingand playing

Mansour, Alfred Ameen 'Al'

Jacob Frederick

Diaz, Omar Isidro

Hester, JamesW

Lorio,Kathryn

games.

One of his greatest joys was vacationing with family and friends in places that brought both beauty and great cuisine, including Watercolor, Florida, and the coast of Maine.A true lover of great food, he never missed achance to enjoy awonderful restaurant, believing that agood meal was best shared with those he loved.

Al will be remembered for his generosity of spirit, his gentle strength, devout faith, and love of family. He passionately believed in hard work, lifelong learning, and treating everyone with kindness and respect. His impact reached far beyond his profession, touching countless lives through his generosity and the example he set.

Visitation will be held at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, Alexandria, on January 31, 2026, from 8:30 AM until 12:30 PM, followed by amemorial Mass at 1:00 PM at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral.

The familywishes to extend their gratitude to the medical team at M.D. Anderson for their care and support. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to Alexandria Country Day School. To extend on-line condolences to the Mansour family, please contact us at www.hixsonbrothers.com.

Robert "Bobby" John

Marcello, 77, died Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 7:48 p.m., at Thibodaux (La) Regional Hospitalof complications after a7year battlewith multiple myeloma. Hisfamily and close friends were with him. He was born July 8, 1948, in Thibodaux, to the late John Joseph Marcello and Rosalie JohnsonMarcello Bobby was definitely unique, living life to the fullest. Loving descriptions of him include husband, father, grandfather"Pappy" after his maternal grandfather -son, brother, teacher, soldier, businessman, community leader and King Christopher LXV.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Lesley Wharton Marcello, twin daughters, Elizabeth Wharton Marcello Fabrega (Gus), Lawton, OK; and Margaret Johnson Marcello Petersen (Tim), Athens AL; five grandchildren: Benjamin and Caroline Fabrega; William, Michael and Matthew Petersen; sisters Gaynell Boudreaux (Marc) and Jane Bernard (Steve); brother DonaldMarcello (Marie); nieces and nephews: Rebecca Bernard, Jennifer Jones, Julie Harris, Jonathan Boudreaux, Philip Bernard, Joseph Marcello, Gabrielle Guilbeaux, Joey andAndy Wharton and numerous great nieces and nephews. Other survivors include in-laws, PriscillaWharton, Goldsboro,NC; Ann Shull (Dick), Landisburg, PA; and John Wharton (Amy), Charlottesville, VA. He was also preceded in death by his grandparents, Joseph and Blanche (Rizzo) Marcello and Col. (RET) Albert A. JohnsonJr. and Augusta(Chauvet) Johnson. He graduated in 1966 from Thibodaux High School and Nicholls State University in 1970 with a BA in social studies education/administration and supervision with aminor in English. He earned an M.Ed in 1973,with 30 additional graduate hours. Bobby had multiple careers, teaching being his first love. He taught, English (hispersonal favorite), Geography, Talented and Gifted and Special Education classes to junior high students. He also served as an assistant principal at Raceland Junior High School and English Department head at West Thibodaux Junior High School. Over the years, one of his great joys was running into former students who told him how much they had loved learning about "Romeo and Juliet" or "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," or when he learned that former students had become teachers. His second career as a US Army officer ran concurrently with his teaching career. He started as aprivate in 1970inthe Louisiana National Guard

on thechurch grounds.

and was commissioned as asecond lieutenant in 1971. He remained in the National Guard for seven years beforetransferring to the US Army Reserve.He retired as aLieutenant Colonelfromthe Army Reserve in 1999

His military education included: InfantryOfficer Candidate School, Engineer Officer Basic Course, Command and General StaffCollege, War College, LeadershipCenter Regional Studies Middle EasternSpecialty(where he was the onlyUSArmy Reservist to complete that session), JFK Special WarfareCenter Psychological Operations and CivilAffairscourses. Bobby servedina varietyofmilitaryroles in his 29 years of service, ranging from engineering, maintenance,civil affairs and personnel to logistics. He proudly served on active duty during Desert Storm, assignedtoKKMC in the Saudi Arabian desert. One of his jobs therewas coordinating a visit from aUSgeneral withthe localsheik. The banquet took place in a tent on asanddune and lookedlikea scene from a movie,hesaid.

Lesley and the girlsoften accompanied him on some duty assignments to Germany,Hawaiiand other exoticplaces aroundthe world. He likedhis stint in Hawaii so much that he and Lesleytook the girls there fortheir 21stbirthday, and Margaret was later stationedthere. His militaryhonors included the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Achievement Medalwith threeOak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Service Star,SoutheastAsia Defense Medal with Bronze Service Star, Humanitarian Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Hourglass and Meritorious Service "M," Army Services Ribbon, Army and Army ReserveOverseasTraining Ribbon. Military service was in his blood, since his father, grandfatherand uncle wereall in the Army. Margaretfollowedinhis footsteps and retired from theArmy last yearafter a 20-year career. As his educationalcareer wound down in the early2000s, Bobby's third careerasa representative forColonial Lifetook off Bobby was the No. 3 Salesman in the country his rookie season which earnedhim atripto Hawaii.His outstanding performances also qualified him forlater trips to Atlantis in the Bahamas and Barcelona. Even as aColonial agent, Bobby was still teaching,explainingcomplex insuranceissuesto people across everyspectrum of society.Heloved it when people called him, askingfor an explanation about apolicy. He never stoppedteaching or learning,alwayswantingto know the "why"ofsomething,often to people who didn'twant to explain it. Bobby careddeeply abouthis hometown.He found his niche in Thibodaux Rotary International and itsmotto of "Service Above Self, eventually becoming president in 2015-2016. He was also the Group Leaderfor four young professionals fora month in Italy, visiting other Rotary clubs. He loved to serve others and help anyone who needed it whether it was boiling chickens for gumbo, beingwith hisdaughtersinKids and Dads or assisting people with moves. Bobby embraced life, from beingactive in Student Council and band at Thibodaux High School, acharterpledge and lifetime memberofPhi Kappa Theta (PKT) at Nichollsor being partofMardiGras krewes. Heproudly ruled as KingChristopher LXV in Thibodaux, oftensigning off as "LXV." He also wrote andnarrated the Christophertableau scripts for manyyears He previously belonged to the Krewe of Chronos wherehebrought bead throwing to an art. He also spent 10 years riding as a memberofthe Krewe of Endymion, the largest krewe in NewOrleans He belonged to the VFW, the AmericanLegion and supported many other groups with histime and energy.Hegrewupattending St. Joseph Catholic Church but attendedSt. John's Episcopal Church in later yearswith hisfamily Funeral serviceswillbe Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, at St John'sEpiscopal Church, 718 Jackson St., Thibodaux, La. 70301. The visitation willbegin at 8:30 a m.,with servicesat10a.m., followed by interment in the church scatter gardenand areception at Horgan Hall

At 10 a.m.,Saturday Jan. 31, 2026, he will be interred in theMarcello Family Tomb at St Joseph's Cemetery, 949 Menard St Thibodaux. Both serviceswillbewith fullmilitaryhonors. Family and friends are invitedtoboth services

If youwish, in lieu of flowers,donations may be madetoorganizations that support educators, veterans and their families

The family said they drewtheir strength from theyears of support from family,friends, an endless list of medicalprofessionalsand God's help. Landry's FuneralHome, Inc. is in charge of arrangements.

Antoinette Marchese passedawayonJanuary 20, 2026, at theage of 59 Antoinette wasbornin New Orleansand resided inDestrehan,Louisiana,for the past 20 years. Sur‐vivorsinclude herhus‐band, Joseph Marchese her daughtersChristina Marcheseand JuliaMay‐ers,her grandchildren, Car‐leigh Haydel,Cooper Hay‐del,Kayne Mayers,and Kendall Mayers.She is also survivedbyher mother EvelynSciambra, andsib‐lings,JodiBalestraand Gia Dermody as well as ahost ofniecesand nephews. She wasprecededindeath byher father,AndrewSci‐ambra,her brother, Dino Sciambra, andher sister LisaCoulonge. Relatives and friendsare invitedto attend aFuneralMasson Friday, January30th, 2026 The servicewillbeheldat GardenofMemoriesFu‐neral Home andCemetery4900 AirlineDrive,Metairie, LA70001. Visitation will be heldfrom11a.m.to2 p.m. Proceedingmassat2 p.m. pleasevisit:www.gardeno fmemoriesmetairie.com To offercondolences to the family, send flowersor plant atreeinmemoryof Antoinette

Matlock, Barbara Hutcheson

Barbara(Hutcheson) Matlock,August28, 1955January 5, 2026. Barbara (Hutcheson) Matlock passedawaypeacefully on January 5, 2026 at theEast Jefferson Hospital.She was born August 28, 1955 inFlint, Michigan buta lifelongresidentofSt. Bernard Parish. Shewas preceded indeath by herlatehus‐bandPaulMatlock II. Sheis survivedbyand will be misseddearlyby3 chil‐dren, RayHutcheson Leeann Matlock, andPaul (Butch) MatlockIII; 9 grandchildren,Alyssa Mat‐lock, ChazzMatlock,Chase Matlock,Guage Matlock, GatlinMatlock,Allison Matlock,Ray HutchesonII, SamanthaHutcheson,Seth Hutcheson;and 5greatgrandchildren.A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday,Jan‐uary31, 2026 at St.Bernard Baptist Church,2615 Jacob Drive,Chalmette, Louisiana.Anyoneiswel‐cometocomeand show their respects.Professional arrangementsentrusted to MajesticMortuaryService Inc. (504) 523-5872.

Miestchovich Sr., Charles Joseph

Charles Joseph Miestchovich, Sr.,diedat

theage of 74 on January 16th2026 at his home in Wiggins, MS. Charles was born on June 19th, 1951 in NewOrleans, LA to Ivan JosephMiestchovich, Sr. and Lorraine Mader Miestchovich. Charles was thesecond oldest of four children:Ivan Miestchovich, Jr.(Peggy Miestchovich),Ray Miestchovich, and Yvonne McCulla (JamesMcCulla).

Charles attended Cor Jesu HighSchool and graduated as the1970 Charter Class of BrotherMartin High School.

Charles marriedhis best friend, Mary Harrington in September 1974 in Abbeville,LA. Charles started hisfamily in New Orleans and latermovedto Ocean Springs, MS where he raisedhis threechildren:CarmenGarza, CamillePaige,and Charles Miestchovich, Jr. Charles willberemembered forhis larger-thanlife personality that paired beautifully with his culinary skills. The passion he brought intothe kitchen was enjoyed by thoseclosest to him and extended throughhis culinary journey as aCaterer,Executive Chef, and Restaurant Owner. Finally, in his later years, this talent was shared as adevoted memberofthe Knights of Columbus.

Following his culinary career, Charles and Mary developed,Creative Designs &Signs graphics business that supported business along theentire MS Gulf Coast for over a decade,before retiring to Wiggins, MS. Charles is survivedby his wife Mary Miestchovich; children Carmen Garza(Alfredo Garza, Jr), CamillePaige (Morgan Paige), and Charles Joseph Miestchovich, Jr. (Jen Miestchovich);grandchildren,MasonGarza (Morgan Sharp), Selina Garza, Heather Dilorenzo (Tyler Dion), Jackie Dilorzeno, Aden Miestchovich-Mapp,Taylor Miestchovich, and Shaun Miestchovich; great-grandchildren, Trevon Sharp, Alexander Garza, Remi Young,and Kai Dion. He is also survivedbynephews: Wilson Marsh PerryII, Ray Miestchovich, Ryan Miestchovich, Ivan Miestchovich, Marc Harrington, Aubrey Charpentier,Casey Hutchens; nieces: Kristen Bulloch, KaitlinBridges Dorthy Harrington, Megan Charpentier Charles is preceded in death by his parents, Ivan Miestchovich, Sr.and Lorraine Mader Miestchovich and his brothers, Ivan Miestchovich, Jr. and Ray Miestchovich. He is also preceded in death by his greatgrandson, Jude Young.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Michael J. Fox Foundation forParkinson's Research, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741. Friends willbe received forvisitationat St.Pius XCatholic Church located at 6666 Spanish FortBlvd.,New Orleans, LA 70124, Saturday, January, 31st,2026 at 12:00 noon with mass to follow at 1:00 pm.

Robert (Bob) Joseph Montz,Sr.,79, passed away peacefully on December26, 2025 in SevernaPark, MD. In his final days Bobwas surrounded by lovedones, and he gottohaveone last beautiful Christmas with his family.Helived in the NewOrleans area all of his life,and was known as loving and loyal, and themost animatedcharacter in any room he walked into.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents Stanley AugustineMontz, Sr. and Nellamae Rappelet Montz, his sisterJoelle Gerken (Paul), his brothers Stanley A. Montz,Jr. (Susie) and Steven Montz, andhis grandson William Ferguson.

He is survivedbyhis wife of nearly 58 years, KathleenWard Montz; six childrenBobby Montz, Jr., Randy Montz(Sabrina), Renée M. Williams (Gary), Michael Montz(Chenier), Katy M. Cure (Mike), and Anthony Montz (Jade); grandchildrenBrittany, Cameron, Randy, Ashley, Andrew, Robert,Taylor, Dominic, Isabella,Jeanne, Heidi, Ava, Nickolas, Olivia, Elizabeth, and Benjamin;

great-grandchildren Siena, Rilan,and Elijah. Afuneral mass willbe held at St.Ann Church and NationalShrine, 3601 Transcontinental Dr., Metairie, LA, on Friday, February 13, 2026, at 11:00 AM with Visitation beginning at 10:30 AM Intermenttofollow at GreenwoodCemetery,5190 Canal Blvd NewOrleans LA.

Moore,Edward Craig

Edward Craig Moore,Jr. 72, departed this earthly life on Sunday, January4, 2026, surrounded by his wife andson at Audubon RetirementVillage in New Orleans, LA. Theson of the lateEdward Craig Moore, Sr.and Cora Ann Childs, Craig (as he wascalled) wasbornJuly6,1953, in Selma, Alabama andgrew up in Marionand Uniontown, Alabama. He graduatedfromRobertC Hatch High School in Uniontown.

Craig attendedGeorgia Tech University in Atlanta, GA andgraduated with a Bachelor of ScienceinCivil Engineeringin1976. Craig thenmoved to New Orleansand started hiscareer with Chevron as an engineer.Whileworking, he attendedTulane University wherehereceived hisMaster of ScienceDegreeinCivil Engineeringin1980.

Craig continuedhis career as an engineer, advancing to multiple senior positionswith several majorcorporationsinthe Petroleum Industryfor over 40 years. He ledthe design,fabrication, andinstallation of structural facilitiesfor offshore andonshore oiland gas projects worldwide

Craig was aNew Orleansresident for most of hisadult life andgrew to love Jazzand Mardi Gras.Anavidjogger,Craig wouldoften jogalong Lake Pontchartrain.Craig was also acertifiedpilot who flew and maintainedhis partnership plane

Craig is survived by his loving wife of morethan40 years, SaraAnn Brown; son,Edward Craig Moore III (Lily), grandson, John HenryMoore;brothers, Marcus (Mary), and Tony (Rhonda); and numerous relatives, friends andloved ones.

Craig will be greatly missed but hisloved ones celebrate his life knowing he is with theLord, flying andjogging withJesus

Craig's earthly vessel wascremated anda celebration of life will be held at First United Congressional Church of Christ in Marion, Alabama at afuturedate. In lieu of flowersmake donations to First UCCofChrist in Marion, Alabama.

Rita Garrity Palotta, a formerrealtor, passed away peacefullyon January21, 2026 at theage of 91. Shegrewupin Algiers, LA oneofeleven childrenborntothe late JamesD Garrity andEvelyn Depaul Garrity. Rita leaves on to cherish hermemory herdaughterBridget P. Hellmers (Michael). She wasa deeply lovedgrandmothertoMatthew Hellmers (Linh), Michelle Mata (Antonio), and Melanie Lemoine (Clayton). Rita is also survivedbyseven great grandchildren, hersiblings, August Garrity, Thomas Garrity (Susan), andMary AnnMurr. Rita also leaves behind to cherish her memory ahost of nieces, nephews, friends andextended family. She is precededindeathbyher husband, Joseph C. Palotta andsiblings, Thais Bunton, Leah Dooling,Judy Toups, JamesGarrity, John Joseph Garrity, Gerald Garrity, and Carol Garrity. Rita wasa life-longdevoted Catholic that attendedmass faithfully. Thefamilywould like to thank herniece, Jean Marstonand Marion Pastranafor theirassistance andsupport. Visitation will be held on Monday, January26, 2026 from 9:00 am until11:00 am at the GraceFuneral Home (450 Holy Trinity Drive, Covington,LA). ACatholic Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, January26, 2026 at Grace Funeral Home (450 Holy Trinity Drive, Covington, LA). Entombment will followinLakelawn Cemetery

Sandra Flattmann

Sandra FlattmannRoc‐cafortepassedaway peacefully at herhomein Baton Rouge, Louisianaon Thursday,January 22, 2026 She wasbornonOctober 14, 1943, in NewOrleans to ElwoodA.Flattmannand Cleon ReutherFlattmann. She attended St.Christo‐pherSchool andwas a 1961 graduate of St.Mary's Dominican High School She is preceded in death byher parentsand her brother,Bob Flattmann. Sandraissurvivedbyher lovinghusband of 64 years, Joseph"Jay" Roccaforte, Jr.;their daughters, Kim Roccaforteand Beth Me‐trailer andhusband Charles;and herbeloved grandchildren,LaurenMe‐trailer Miller,Katie Me‐trailer Matus, EmilyMe‐trailer,ClaireWigleyand TaylorWigley, who affec‐tionately called her "Honey"; as well numerous

Palotta, Rita Garrity

Marchese,Antoinette

Marcello,Robert John 'Bobby'

Roccaforte,

Montz, Robert Joseph 'Bob'

See more DEATHS, page

TheComite

River Diversion Canalis overdue, but welcome

We are heartened to seethatthere may be a real finish line for the ComiteRiverDiversion Canal project, acritical piece of capital-region flood-prevention infrastructurethat, according to theU.S.ArmyCorps of Engineers, could be finished in mid-2028.

The canal, once operational, will divert floodwater from the Comite River througha300-foot wide, 50-foot deep channel eightmilesbeforeit travels another four miles through bayous and overland to eventuallyfind itsway into theMississippi River.The flow down thecanal will be controlled by astructure at theComite River, and water will onlybediverted when riverlevels are high. If it works as planned, it will help prevent flooding of tens of thousands of residents.

But any optimism about thenew timelineis tempered in no small part by the longand torturous process it took to get it to this point.

The projectwas first conceived in the 1960s, but no federal approval happened until 1993. Still, though, the subsequentyears broughtonly halting progress.

Fast forward to 2016, nearly ageneration after that approval, when heavy rainsacross southeast Louisiana caused record flooding in the Amite and Comite River basins. Thousands of homes were destroyed andmanyresidents were out of their homes for months.

That disaster injected sense of urgencyinto the project and work really got goingin2019. Butthen came months and years of delays, roadblocks and holdups. Some of thosewere due to the project’scomplexity: It requires a number of new railroad andhighwaybridges, as well as designing and buildingintersections with at least three other bayous.

Otherswere more man-made: Several dozen pipelines and utilities needed to be moved, and negotiationswiththe owners of those sometimesdraggedon. One of the last ones,the relocationoftwo gaspipelines, was recently completed, paving theway forreal progress.

If it is finished on the currenttimeline, the35 years it will have taken to go from approvalto completionwill rival thatofthe interstate highway system, which officially kickedoff with the Federal-Aid Highway Actof1956 and wasdeclared “completed” in 1992, about36yearslater It will easily outstrip the length of time it took to dig the 51-mile Panama Canal, whichbenefited from eight years of French work in the1880s but began in earnestin1904 and opened about a decade later

We know that the people whocould benefit from the Comite River Diversion Canalare anxious to seeitcompleted andoperational.We are, too. And while we would like to seethe time required to completesuch projectsreduced,we are nonetheless glad to see that when we focus on large, ambitious infrastructure projects,we can still get them done. The need forforward thinking and ambition, especially when it comes to managing Louisiana’srivers, is only likely to increase.

OPINION

ALEXANDRIA Roaming among tables in an expansive event room on aconverted Air Force base earlier this month,Chris Masingill was certain of one thing.

“Wewill get our opportunityfor adata center,” he said with theconviction of a revivalist preacher “It’sjust amatter of time.”

Masingill’senthusiasm has been on display anumber of times in thelast three months, as the newly minted economic development leader for a10-parish region across the state’smiddle embarked on atour that was part pep-talk, part community relations and part listening tour His message has been simple: Yes, Central Louisiana has been an economic laggard. Butaturnaround is possible if theregion unites behind asingle vision.

Partofhis message involves toutingthe region’s broad potential, but right now,heknows there are two magic words that folks want to hear: datacenter

Plenty of folks in CenLa sure hope he’sright.

The recent rush across thesouth to build sprawling new server farmstofeed the ravenous AI beast has set off asilicon-rush of sorts, with each state and region competing to makeitself themost attractive to massive technology development firms. The hope, of course, is to land aproject like what is coming to Richland Parish, where asubsidiary of Metaisbuilding a$27 billion datacenter.That project, in the less than two years since itsannouncement, has already transformed a sleepy agricultural parish into ahub of construction and economic activity Central Louisiana’sleaders hunger for that sort of project Butthe economics of such projectsare changing. The really big companies, like MetaorGoogle or Amazon, are not building as many of their own data centers like theone in Richland Parish, Masingill told me. Instead, it’ssmaller companies purchasing land, building the centersand then offering them up to the bigger companies on acontract basis, he said. That’swhat appears to be happening in West Feliciana Parish, where acompany called Hut 8isbuilding a$7 billion data center Hut 8recently announced a 15-year deal with Anthropic, the company behind popular AI chatbot Claude. Central Louisiana’sturn may be coming sooner than somethought. Last month, acompany named Applied Digital purchased about 670 acres near Boyce in Rapides Parish. Applied Digital is a Dallas-based firm that describes itself as “constructing the epicenter of AI”on its website. Masingill alluded to the news in his talk to those business leaders. “You all saw the news with the land transaction, that’snosecret,” he said. Masingill told me that Central Louisiana has plenty of the things that data center developers are looking for: available land, water and power generation potential. So, even if this project doesn’tpan out, one eventually will.

Email Faimon A. Roberts III at froberts@theadvocate. com. LETTERSTOTHE EDITOR ARE

HERE AREOUR

GUIDELINES: Letters are published identifying name, occupation and/or title and the writer’scity of residence theadvocate |the times-Picayune require astreet address andphone number for verification purposes, but that information is not published. Letters are not to exceed 300 words. Letters to the editor,the advocate, P.o. Box 588, Baton rouge, La 70821-0588, or email letters@ theadvocate.com. to SeND US a Letter SCaNhere

We like to keep thingsfresh on the Opinion pages because we like to think our readers are eager to engage in the world of ideas. Yousee new features on these pages when we see opportunities to give fresh perspectives or if we see content we thinkdeserves awide audience. Recently,wefeatured abook excerpt in our new feature, “From the Bookshelf.” We will be periodically publishingsuch excerptswhen we see topics that are worthwhile. We know ourreaders likely have so many sources of information at their disposal, but we like to highlight content that may fly under theradar.And when we can spotlight local issues or local authors, that’s even better.Inthe case of thebook excerpt, we were also able to tell readers about an opportunity to meet theauthors at aQ&A at alocal

bookstore. So hopefully,aswecontinue this feature, it can encourage readers to find new spaces to makeconnections in their communities and support local booksellers as well. This week, we are also starting aseries of essays in honor of the 250th birthday of our country Throughout the year,wehope to spotlight interesting insights from writers, thinkers, civic leaders and others about what this milestonemeans forour country.Many feel that we are at acrossroads in our history,sowhat better time to look back at our founding principles and assess how they are holding up today?

We are also going to be discussing how to engage more with you online, as we know manyofyou follow our websites closely.You may be wondering how we decide what to do next. When

looking fornew ways to keep our audience engaged, we get ideas from everywhere. We look to what other Opinion pages are doing, we talk with other reporters and editors about what they are seeing, and we of course listen to your suggestions. We know someofyou like the predictability of the Opinion pages, and we are committed to keeping your favorite content, but mixing it up every once in awhile can be good too.

Looking at ourLetters inbox for the week of Jan.15-22, immigration was the toptrending topic, prompting six letters. Next, some of you were concerned aboutPresident Donald Trump’sthreat to take over Greenland, leading to four letters. Lastly,there were threeletters commenting on our Opinionpages

Email Arnessa Garrett at arnessa.garrett@theadvocate.com.

Arnessa Garrett

Faimon Roberts

ProVIDeD Photo Crews work at the Meta aI data center site in richland Parish.

COMMENTARY

Trumpseeks to make U.S. Senate race abouthim

There are 2,965,470 registered votersin Louisiana, and last Ichecked, Donald John Trump was not one of them. Yetthe question before those actual voters is now this: To what extent does the presidentget to determinewho represents thestateinthe United States Senate?

Last week, U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow won Trump’scovetednod in theRepublican primary,but it was amost unusual entry into amajor race. Trump led, by announcing on Truth Social that he’d support her if she decided to challengethe twoterm incumbent of their own party, U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy —reportedly without giving her aheads-up Letlow followed days later when she broke the news that was by then not news at all: She would indeedbea candidate.

shegets the chance. Butshe is also professional andpolished, not pugnacious and certainly not vulgar

This timeline positions Letlow not just as the Trump-endorsed candidate, but the Trump-branded candidate. Sheisthe instrument of his vengeance against the gastroenterologistfrom Baton Rouge who, despite ayear’sworth of cringycapitulations to the president’sinsatiable ego and terrible judgment in hiring Robert F. Kennedy Jr.toleadthe Healthand Human Servicesdepartment, will alwaysbethe guy who (rightfully) voted to convictTrump for inciting the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol at impeachment.

That’snot to say that shewouldn’t be a legitimate contender on her own. Letlow entered Congress followinga careerasa high-leveluniversity administrator,and in the most sympathetic way possible:She won the northeast Louisiana seat after her husband and the father of hertwo young children was elected but diedafter contracting COVID.InCongress she’s advocated for young families andfocusedon rural issues important to her district, and sits on the important Appropriations Committee.

She’salso an arguably imperfectavatar for Trumpism. Letlow votes with the president and compliments him whenever

Nowthat she’stied herself so closely to him, howwill she respond when asked about Trump’stransgressions and unpopular policies?Will she go after Cassidy personally,asstate Treasurer John Fleming andstate Sen. Blake Miguez, who are also running under theMAGAbrand, have already shown themselveswilling to do? What will she do if they stay in the race —we’ll know once qualifying comes around next month —and theyaim theirfire at her too? For his part,Cassidy said that Letlow was polite in informing him that she’d decided to jump in “Congresswoman Letlow called me this morning to say she was running. She saidshe respected meand that Ihad done agood job,” he posted. If that’sanaccurate portrayal of their conversation, she wouldn’tbethe only major Louisiana Republican to feel that way Consider thereaction of Baton Rouge business leader Eddie Rispone, whoseplatform in his2019 gubernatorial campaign basically boiled down to “I’m with Trump.”

“I don’tunderstand the president’s deal,” Risponetold my colleague Tyler Bridges after Trump issued his preemptive endorsement. “I thinkit’spretty ridiculous. Youhavea great guy making adifference. He chairs amajor committee and is on the Finance Committee. She’sobviously asmart person, but she’snot even aseasoned congresswoman.”

On apreliminary basis, someother GOP bigwigshave also touted Cassidy’srecord andhis seniority, andsaid they’ll stick with him. Thestate party, which was quick to censure Cassidy after his impeachment vote, may not endorse in this intraparty showdown, LaPolitics Weekly is reporting. Cassidy is also reaching out to nonparty voters who can participateinthe GOP primary —manyofwhom are furious over hisRFK votebut someofwhom might thinkaTrump-sponsored challenger would

be worse.

In fact, now that it’sclear that kissing up didn’twork, Cassidy has one more chance to assert his independence, hold his head up high, continue tosupport Trump when he genuinely agrees butalso act as aguardrail against the president’s—and, importantly,Kennedy’s—worst behavior It may not be enough to overcome Trump’sdecision to put his finger on the scale on Letlow’sbehalf, not to mention her own performance on the campaign trail

in her first genuinely contested election. That’suptoLouisiana’svoters, at least those able to participate in anew primary system that wasdesigned to empower Cassidy’scritics. But at least it would give those voters a clear choice. Because ultimately,this decision really is theirs, not Trump’s, to make.

Email StephanieGrace at sgrace @theadvocate.com.

Cassidyrightly pressuresNEA on left-wingorthodoxy

In giving the National Education Association aJan. 29 deadline to answer pointed questions about “allegations of antisemitism” he calls “deeply troubling,” Republican Sen. BillCassidy,ofLouisiana, is showing that his watchdog role extendsbeyond health policy

Cassidy also is showing that the NEA is acting far more as aleftwing power group than abargaining agent for school workers, much less agroup whose firstpriority is helping students excel in reading, writing and arithmetic.

in 1948 during the establishment of the State of Israel,” thus adopting an extreme anti-Israel viewpoint devoid of the context that Israel was created by theUnited Nationsand that it offered almost all those 750,000 the option of remaining in place.

One example involved an Oct. 8email to some 3million membersthat celebrated “indigenous lands” which —get this —literally erased Israel from themap and replaced it with a territory it called “Palestine.”

He noted that the NEA is specifically chartered by Congress, and wrote, tellingly, that “the NEA has lost sight of its original purpose, becoming entrenched in political and activist causes far outside its area of expertise and failing to advance our children’slearning.”

Cassidy is chairman of theSenate Committee on Health, Education, Labor,and Pensions. It is the “education” and “labor” parts of the committee’spurview that precipitated his lengthy Dec. 18 letter to NEA President Rebecca Pringle. Therein, he cited four major categories of alleged NEA antisemitism. Several involvedresolutionsapprovedby vote at the 2025 NEA RepresentativeAssembly or by the NEA board. One pushed aboycott of the Anti-Defamation League, which for decades has provided widelyadmiredHolocaust educationmaterials.Anotherapproved something called “Palestinian Nakba Education,” which teaches students about the so-called “forced,violent displacement and dispossession of at least 750,000 Palestinians from theirhomeland

“Even worse,” Cassidy wrote, the emailed material “recommended resources linked to terror-supporting organizations, who have expressedsupport of the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israeli civilians.”

Cassidy also cited widespread complaints ofharassment and abuse experienced byassembly delegates who happened to be Jewish. In doing so, he referenced aletter to theexecutive committee from the NEA’s Jewish AffairsCaucus that outlined ahost of examples of hateful behaviors that union officials allegedly did nothing to rein in, including clothing that advocated “verbal and physical violence against Jews.”

And much, much more.

In all, Cassidy demanded answers from Pringleto31specific questions, mostof which also included several sub-questions.

In essence, Cassidy is limning twodifferent issues. Oneisthe importanttopic of antisemitism, an evil which has no place in any decent universe. The second is the left-wing political activism of the NEA in realms far removed from education. Cassidy asked why an education union is veering so heavily into“foreign policy,and environmental and social justice causes.”

His point is valid. Aperusal of NEA’s website and its links to recommended (and presumably endorsed) other sites and materials leadsone down various rabbit holes of left-wing causes ranging from transgender advocacy toclimate-change activism to endorsement of the13principles of Black Lives Matter that —inthe cause of embracing “villages” of “collective care” —explicitly says “we are committed to disrupting theWestern-prescribed nuclear family structure requirement.”

Again and again, the website,NEA handbook and NEA 2024 strategic plan focus on political activism, on how to “build power”and how to advance “racial and social justice” while adopting an “of-

fensive strategy to counter and defeat right-wing social attacks.” This includes “partnering” anddonating lots of money to ahostofoutside groups —including the “terror-supporting organizations” mentionedinCassidy’sletter.These documents do contain occasional statements against antisemitism, but theyare usually anodyne andalmost always paired with warnings against “anti-Muslim” bias, whereas the more numerous expressions of,and advocacy for,what critics call antisemitism arealmost never leavened by anyexpressedsympathy for Jews. I did askNEA President Pringle, via direct email, forcomment, but did not hear back by this column’sdeadline.

In sum,it’sone thing forapolitical action group to take voluntary donations forideological activism. It’s another foraneducation association chartered by Congress to use union dues forpower plays faroutside the educational realm.Especially when, as Cassidy noted, American schools continue to perform terribly on academic measurements —aproblem the NEAshould focus on, not on foreign policy

It is unclear what Cassidy would do if he doesn’tlike NEA’sanswers. For now,it’s good that he’sasking relevant questions.

Email Quin Hillyer at quin.hillyer @theadvocate.com

Nearly everyone likes the ideaofsolar. Homeowners who have seen big savings running all or some of their households with solar panels like it. Businesses doing away with traditionally unpredictable utility costs like lower,more predictable solarcosts. Even utility companies like Entergy New Orleans have taken alikingtosolar as an energy source as the electricfocused company sees the future

As the city’sbig utility,Entergy New Orleans has invested in the New Orleans Solar Station, a100-acre solar farm at NASA’s Michoud plant in New Orleans East, aReNEWable Orleans Rooftop Solar Program encouraging rooftop solar use in part by providing monthly billcredits and exploringcommunity solar gardens and other solar options.

Sounds good, right?

consolidatedbill. It seems they planned to make this realitybythe end of 2025. City Council membershave been working with CityCouncil staff, community solar advocates and developerstofine-tune how Entergy New Orleans could take bills from solarcompanies and developersand make it easier on solar customers by providing one bill.

community solarprograms,and only eight of themhave or aremoving to combine solar bills intoasingle, consolidated bill.

I’m all for consolidated billing. Ilike the all-bills-hereapproach, but with limits.

There are some reasonsfor concern The last New Orleans CityCouncilvoted in favorof pursuing merging customers’ electric and solar billstocreate asingle,

Who wouldn’tprefer asingle bill each month to cover amortgage or rent,electric and gas for theapartment or home, sewage and water, gasfor each vehicle and all planned, precooked and mailed meals that take only minutes to warm?

That one-bill-does-it-all approach won’t be happening anytime soon in New Orleans orany other part of Louisiana.It’s toocomplicated, and as simple as it sounds it’d likely lead to monthly bill increases that customersmight hardly notice at first. A penny here. Anickel there. Oh, it’s only 25 cents. There are morethan 40 communitieswith

As proposed, the City Council is being asked to force Entergy New Orleans to combine regular, monthly electric bills with regular, monthly solar bills, consolidating the twobills intoone monthly bill to make it easier on solar customers who likely would appreciate having asingle bill. That wouldn’tbeone solar company’sbill consolidated withanelectric bill.

It would mean ENO has to work with 15 community solarprojects developedby severaldifferent solar groups, including the Florida-based SunConnect and six other projects being developed by groups thatinclude Carpe Diem Developers, StayReady Solar,Algiers Solar and Together New Orleans.The latter is one of the biggest consolidated billing advocates and agroup working with Sisters of theHoly Family to implement acommunity solar program.

Irespect the work of TNO and the Holy Family sisters. Ibelieve that, in their hearts, they see community solar and consolidated billing as away to benefit lowincome people who use solar power.Idon’t think that TNO, the sisters or the City Council intend to hurt 95% of ENO customers since the proposed consolidated billing program could increase administrative costs for Entergy New Orleans. ENO has argued Entergy customers would likely see bill increases if the City Council makes them handle back-office, administrative billing processing for multiple companies. That could cost Entergy New Orleans as muchas$200 millionover 20 years. Who do you think would pay that? That would be 100% of Entergy customers, including the 95% who won’tuse solar energy I’m sure Together New Orleans and the 5% who would benefit like that. Idon’t. EmailWill Sutton at wsutton @theadvocate.com.

StaFF FILe

PhotoByMIChaeL JohNSoN U.S. rep. Julia Letlowanswers aquestion while attendinganevent at the City Club of Baton rougeonoct. 21, 2024, in Baton rouge.

Stephanie Grace Quin Hillyer

Will Sutton

with meteorologistDamonSingleton

Mondaymorning from 5-18 degrees.

DEATHS continued from Georgia, and most recently Baton Rouge.She is survived by daughters Rachel Ferguson Shuey and Kate HarmonShuey, to whom she was endlessly devoted. As amothershe provided constant care and support spiced with sharp wit.There was no getting anything past her. Susan was avalued eldersistertoDougHarmon, Rachal Murphy,and Lisa George,cousintoKathy Hoggard, Myra Ortego, Steve Mead, Linda Bitter, Palma Jorgensen, Bobby Going, Cindy King, Debbie Balicki, and Molly White, and aclose friend of Mary Grace, CatherineMcKenzie,Kay Humphries, Diane Butler, and former husbandJamesShuey, all of whom willmiss her dearly.

otherfamilyand friends. She wasanaccomplished artistand amemberofthe Baton RougeArt League She wasanactivemember and past presidentof the Baton RougeSymphony League. In 1989, Sandra was namedone of Baton Rouge's Best Dressed. She was acompetitive tennis playeratThe CountryClub ofLouisiana.Her team won cityand statechampi‐onships,advancing to re‐gionaltournaments on several occasions. Sandra was theconsummatehost‐ess. Shefound joyindeco‐ratingand creating ahome rooted in love,happiness and lastingmemories. She willbemissedand forever cherished.Relatives and friends areinvited to at‐tendthe FuneralMassat 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 28,2026,atSt. GeorgeCatholicChurch, 7808 St.GeorgeDrive in Baton Rouge. AVisitation willbeheldatthe church beginning at 8:30 a.m. A celebration of Sandra's life willfollowatThe Country ClubofLouisiana.Family and friendsmay sign the onlineguestbook or leave a personal note to thefam‐ily at www.resthavenba tonrouge.com

Shuey,Susan

SusanShuey (née Harmon), age 77 of Kaplan, Louisiana, passed away peacefullyonJanuary 15, 2026. Susan Elizabeth Harmon was born on April 24, 1948 to Derwin Kay Harmon and Madeline Peace Harmon. She graduated from Opelousas High Schoolin 1966, LSU in 1970 and LSU's Paul M. Hebert School of Law in 1980. Prior to law school, Susan was aguidance counselor and English teacher at Baton Rouge High School. Afterward, she lived in NewOrleans, Lincolnton,

Sheloved reading mystery books, watching home improvement shows,sharing her considerable knowledge of European history, and teaching everyoneshe could how to properly make aroux. She had impeccable taste and wanted everyone to know that her daughters received theirbesttraits from her.

Aservice in celebration of Susan's life will be held on Friday, March6th, 2026 at the University United MethodistChurchinBaton Rouge, LA. Visitation at 1pm, Memorial Service at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, donationsmay be made in her memorytothe Retina ResearchFoundation, which supports researchonretinal disease.

Sumner,Diane Barnwell Diane Barnwell Sumner, 86, alifelongresidentof Metairie, Louisiana and most recently Covington, Louisiana passed awayunexpectedly and peacefully on January 19, 2026.Diane is survived by her two daughters, Nancy Sumner Hewitt (Rob) and StephanieSumnerBass (Ricky). She wasalsosurvived by herprecious grandchildren Caroline,

Liza and Leighton Hewitt and Sumner and Gibson Bass. She was predeceased by her loving husband of almost 60 years, GeorgeRussell Sumner, her father William Crane Barnwell and her mother DonAndrews Barnwell. Born on June 25, 1939, in Bogalusa, Louisiana, Diane graduated from Bogalusa High School and attended LouisianaStateUniversity where she was amember of Chi Omega Fraternity. Diane graduated from University of Southern MississippiinBiology and upon graduationcompleted an internshipinMedical TechnologyatOchsner Foundation Hospital.She workedinhematologyat Ochsnerand in Cancer Research at Tulane MedicalSchool. After the birthofher first child, Diane devoted her life to her family.She was deeply involvedatSt. Martin's EpiscopalSchool, where hertwo daughters graduated, serving as President of theMother'sClub and participating in numerous activities.

Diane was also very involved in theChi Omega Alumnae chapter in New Orleans, where she served as President and Out-ofStateRecommendation Chairman. Aproud memberofChi Omega, she found greatjoy in seeing both her daughters and twogranddaughters follow in her footsteps. Diane devotedmany years to volunteering at WYES,the nonprofit PBS station in New Orleans, servingas Processing Chairman for thestation's annualauction. She was amember of theOrleans Club and Entre Nous BookClub.Diane possesseda rare gift forconnectionand never met a stranger; her greatest happinesscame frombeing surrounded by people, laughter, and conversation. The true embodiment of aSouthern steel magnolia, she was polishedbut powerful--fiercely devoted to her family and blessed with thesweetest Southern drawl thatfilled our liveswithcomfort and love.Diane treasuredtime spent with her family aboveall else. She created achildhoodfor herdaughters and their friends that was warm, nurtured and filled with joy, and the deep, abiding love she shared with her husband was abeautiful and enduring example forher children.As"DeeDee", she

was afun-loving,devoted, and endlessly caring grandmothertoher five grandchildren, cherishing every moment spent with them. Together, Diane and Georgeloved traveling,enjoying dinners withdear friends, and ending each daywith acocktail on their back porch. Diane also found joyinplaying bridge with numerous friends, doing Pilatesand reading. She left this worldjust as she livedevery dayofher life—withtimeless elegance,radiant beauty, and boundless love Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Memorial Service at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home,5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. NewOrleans, LA 70124 on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Visitation willbegin at 11:00 a.m. until service time. Aprivateinterment forthe family willfollow in Metairie Cemetery. For thosewho would like to honorher with amemorial, please consider donations to Chi Omega Foundation, Second HarvestFoodBank NewOrleans, or thecharity of your choice.Toviewand signthe online guest book, please visit www.lakelawn metairie.com

On January10, 2026, CynthiaAnn Swan, 81, peacefully passed away in her room at SummerHouse Vista Shoresfrom complications of dementia. She was preceded in death by her father, Raymond Harlan Swan; hermother MargaretVirginia Carpenter; her sister, Sandra May Swan CameronDocca; and by her belovedhusband, Thomas Armitage, and is survivedbystep-son JosephArmitage(Jhesika), NewOrleans; brother

RaymondH.Swan, Rockport, Maine;SuellenA Eyre (Gary), sister in law; andnephewDavid Cameron.Cynthia was born August 14, 1944, in Washington,D.C. andgrew up in D.C. andsurrounding areas. In 1962, Cynthia graduated from Northwood High School in SilverSpring, Maryland, as amember of theNational Honor Societyand Future Homemakers of America. GraduatingfromUrsinus Collegein1966 with adegree in mathematics, she returned to SilverSpringto work as amathematician at theNaval Ordnance Laboratory. Shemoved to NewOrleans ca.1977 and fell in love with thecity andits culture.Her caring natureled hertowrite numerousletters to theeditor of the newspaper in response to issues like littering, urban planning,loss of greenspaceinthe city, andsaving theswimming pool in Audubon Park. She started working at Tulane University in June 1980 as an energy conservation analyst, working in the FacilitiesServicesdepartment as aSystems Programmeruntilher retirement in 2014. Cynthia wasactive in many civic groups,suchasthe League of Women Voters andthe IndependentWomen's Organization,and locally, theUptown Neighborhood ImprovementAssociation andWomen for aBetter Louisiana, serving as Chair of Area Beautification and co-chairofits Awards Committee.Cynthia had thekindest soul, taking care of stray and adopted cats andtheir dog, Roux. Tom andCynthia'sbackyard Mardi Gras parties for the Thoth parade were legendary. Herfriends and familysendout ourheartfelt appreciationto Hospice Specialists of Louisiana andthe staff at Vista Shores, whotook great care of herfor the past twoyears. We will all miss hergreatly!

Beckie Lynn Wilson passedawaypeacefullyin her sleep on December 2, 2025, at theage of 62. Born onAugust29, 1963, Beckie was alifelongresidentof Jefferson Parish.She was precededindeath by her beloved mother,Betty Wil‐son Judin, andher father David Wilson.She is sur‐vived by hersiblings, CherylEdwards,TroyWil‐son,and David(Kim) Wil‐son,aswellasher long‐timeloveand devoted partner,Aaron Sarpy. She was also acaringand lov‐ing aunt to Cory Edwards, AlexisVega, Kristianand James DeBerardinis,and Joshua andKaytlen Judin. Beckiehad adeep love for animals andcherished her beloved furbabies, Jingles, Bella,and Lovee. Herheart was full of love,which she gavefreelytoevery person and animal fortunate enoughtobepartofher life. Beckie expressedher lovefor theworld through her art, findingbeautyin the smallest details. Her talentand passionlefta lasting impression on everyonewho shared her vision, andshe will be deeply missedbyall who knewher.Inlieuof flow‐ers,pleaseconsidera do‐nationinher name to the Jefferson Parish SPCA.Al‐ternatively,donations to ShrinersChildren’sHospi‐tal or anothercharity of yourchoicewould be deeply appreciatedasa tribute to hermemory. To offercondolences,please visit www.gardenofmem oriesmetairie.com

Wilson,BeckieLynn

Swan, Cynthia Ann

Hogs too much for LSUdown stretch

thomas scores 18 points in second game back

BY TOYLOYBROWN III

Staff writer

Aroad win is difficult to come by in the Southeastern Conference

It was especially challengingfor LSU, which faced back-to-back ranked opponents away from homethis week. In the second contest, the Tigersbattled butfell to No.20 Arkansas 85-81 at Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville, Arkansas

Dedan Thomas had 18 points and five assists; Mike Nwokohad 14 points andfour rebounds; andPablo Tamba registered 12 points and 10 rebounds for theTigers.

LSU (13-7, 1-6 SEC) maintained asingledigitleadfor themajorityofthe first half, leading by as many as eight points. Arkansas (15-5, 5-2)heated up thankstoits star Darius Acuff, who had acareer-high 31 points and six assists. The 6-foot-3 freshman took over with 24 points on 10-of-11 shooting in the second half.

“Wetried to throw thekitchen sink at him,” LSUcoach Matt McMahonsaid of Acuff on the LSU sports radio network. “We could not rattle him, especially in the last10 minutes.

Asignificantpartofthe defeat was LSU’s poor 3-point shooting, as itwent3 of 15 comparedtoArkansas’ 10 of 22.

“Wedid enough thingswell to give

ä See LSU, page 4C

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LSU guard Max Mackinnon shoots over arkansas guard Karter Knox during agame SaturdayinFayetteville, ark. LSU lost 85-81.

Justin Reid checked another b Wednesday night.

If you know anything about th New Orleans Saints safety,that shouldn’tcome as surprise. He’sthe ing definition of a math, or aperson intense desire for learning.

Numbersshow Saints need to surround rookie quarterback with morejuice

Once Reid puts something,

need an emergency kicker, handlethat, too.Hemade an ext and barely missed a44-yard fiel

HOUGH PORT

S SUPPORT SPORTS

The New Orleans Saintsseem to have found their quarterback.Now they need better playmakers around him.

Tyler Shough hadsuccess throwing theball to wide receiverChrisOlave andtight endJuwanJohnson, while wideout Devaughn Vele emerged as an important contributor,too.

Butgeneral manager Mickey Loomis andcoach Kellen Moorewouldn’tbeblamed if they conclude the offense needs more juice heading into next season. With practices for theSenior Bowl next week, draft season is just around the corner —and finding newweapons to boostShough’ssupportingcastshould be atop priority

As well as Shough played down the stretch, the offense lacked theexplosiveness that’sneeded to become one of the league’sbetterunits. When Shough took over as the starter over theback half of the season, 13.6% of theSaints’completions ended in an “explosive” —defined as apass of 16 yards or more. That ranked only 17th in the NFL. For the year,the Saints finished with an explosive pass percentage rate of 10.2% —the third-worst markinthe league.

That’snot the only way the Saints lacked juice, either.Let’sdig in.

ANALYSIS

Long drives stall

The Saints and Dallas Cowboys led theleague in drives of at least 10plus plays with39.

But there was akey difference between the twoteams. TheCowboys, who had twoelitewideouts in CeeDee Lamb andGeorgePickens scored touchdowns on 17 of those drives, third-mostinthe NFL. The Saints? Theyhad just 12, putting them in the middleofthe pack (tied with six teams for 14th).

On onehand, being able to string togetherlengthy driveshighlights Moore’ssharp play-calling and quarterback play.But too often, the Saints didn’thave the differencemakers who could finish those long series in the end zone. The Saints ended up kicking 16 field goals on drives that lasted at least 10 plays, the second-most in the league. Long drives aren’tnecessarily abad thing. The Denver Broncos, San Francisco 49ers and Houston

BYWILSON ALEXANDER Staff writer

Earlier this week, head coach neKiffin claimed that once U was finished adding transit would have “the best porhehistory of collegefootball.” debated, but Kiffin has supargument d theNo. 1class forthe secyear,according to 247Sports. of thetop players at their h quarterback Sam Leavitt, ackle Jordan Seaton anddePrincewillUmanmielen. It th, andLSU’stransfer class e second-highest point total orts behind only Southern Cal ass that included future Heis-winning quarterback Caleb lot of work to do once they Kiffinsaidatanevent hosted ater Baton Rouge Business to assemble that talent, you that anywhere else.” sg ing Seaton late Fridaynight,

LSU is not expected to add any more transfers. It brought in 42 new players as the rosterunderwent amakeover,especially on offense. LSU had 34 players transfer out, and 16 others either exhausted their eligibility or entered the NFLdraft. Only 10 players are returning on offense. Youmay be wondering who’sonthe team after so muchchange, so we broke downevery position heading into next season:

Quarterback

Transfers: Sam Leavitt (Arizona State, R-Jr.), Husan Longstreet (Southern Cal, R-Fr.), Landen Clark (Elon, R-Soph.)

Earlier this month,LSU didn’t have a scholarshipquarterback on the roster That would be adisastrous situation in the pre-transfer portal era, but now teams can refill entire positions within acouple of weeks. LSU, whichhad notsigneda high school quarterback in eitherofthe past tworecruiting cycles, is suddenly in good shape. It landed one of the top transfers regardlessofposition withLeavitt,

Rod Walker

Photo By MIChaeL WooDS

ä See SAINTS, page 3C

5

3

3

2

6

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COLLEGE BASKETBALL

SOCCER

5:55 a.m. Southampton at Portsmouth CBSSN 8 a.m. Chelsea at Crystal Palace USa 8:55 a.m. Celtic at hearts of Midlothian CBSSN 11:15 a.m.al hilal at riyadh SC FS2

WOMEN’S SOCCER

4:50 p.m. haiti vs.antigua & Barbuda FS2

6:50 p.m. Costa rica vs.Virgin Islands FS2 TENNIS

6:30 p.m. australian open eSPN2

Toppin, Tech halt Houston’s streak

By the associated Press

LUBBOCK, Texas — JT Toppin had 31 points and 12 rebounds for his 44th career double-double and Donovan Atwell hit consecutive 3-pointers late to put No 12 Texas Tech ahead to stay in a 90-86 win over No. 6 Houston on Saturday, ending the Cougars’ 11-game winning streak. Freshman Kingston Flemings had a season-high 42 points with six assists for the Cougars (17-2, 5-1 Big 12), who had won their past 16 true road games — all conference games — since a loss at No. 8 Kansas two years ago. That was a school record and the nation’s longest active streak Texas Tech (16-4, 6-1) had 10 made 3s in the first half when scoring 55 points against a Houston team that coming in ranked second nationally allowing only 60.1 points. The Red Raiders made only two from beyond the arc after halftime, Atwell hitting the goahead 3 with 5:55 left and adding another 34 seconds later Emmanuel Sharp had 20 points for Houston.

Toppin’s 44 career double-doubles are the second most for active players behind Michigan’s Yaxel Lendeborg (48). Toppin has 32 in 52 games with Tech since transferring from New Mexico after his freshman season.

No. 1 ARIZONA 88, WEST VIRGINIA 53: In Tuscon, Ariz., Brayden Burries scored 22 points, Koa Peat added 17 and Arizona remained undefeated. The Wildcats (20-0, 7-0 Big 12) dominated the Mountaineers (137, 4-3) while building a 20-point halftime lead and didn’t let up for the program’s best start since opening 21-0 in 2013-14.

No. 2 UCONN 75, VILLANOVA 67: In Hartford, Conn., Solo Ball had 24 points, including a key 3-pointer in overtime, and Alex Karaban had all of his 17 after halftime for UConn. Silas Demary and Tarris Reed each finished with 10 for UConn (19-1, 9-0 Big East), which won its 15th game in a row No. 11 ILLINOIS 88, NO. 4 PURDUE 82: In West Lafayette, Indiana, Keaton Wagler scored a career-high 46 points, making nine 3-pointers, as Illinois beat Purdue. Wagler, a freshman guard, shot 13 for 17 overall, 9 of 11 from 3-point range and 11 of 13 on free throws. David Mirkovic added 12 points and eight rebounds for the

Illini (17-3, 8-1 Big Ten).

No 5 DUKE 90, WAKE FOREST 69: In Durham, North Carolina, Cameron Boozer scored 32 points to lead fifth-ranked Duke’s dominating interior play that helped the Blue Devils beat Wake Forest.

The star freshman big man made 11 of 20 shots to go with nine rebounds and four assists. And with the 6-foot-9, 250-pound forward in charge, Duke (18-1, 7-0 ACC) outscored its longtime instate league foe 48-16 in the paint.

No 7 NEBRASKA 76, MINNESOTA 57: In Minneapolis, Pryce Sandfort scored 20 of his 22 points in the second half and grabbed 10 rebounds for Nebraska, helping the Huskers remain unbeaten by surging past Minnesota.

Sam Hoiberg had 14 points and seven assists and Jamarques Lawrence added 14 points for the Huskers (20-0, 9-0 Big Ten), who maintained sole possession of first place in the conference and matched the program’s best start in conference play since the 1965-66 team began 9-0 in the Big Eight.

No. 9 IOWA STATE 84 OKLAHOMA STATE 71: In Stillwater, Oklahoma, Milan Momcilovic scored 29 points, and Iowa State defeated Oklahoma State.

Momcilovic made 8 of 12 field

goals, including 5 of 9 3-pointers, and all eight of his free throw attempts.

Joshua Jefferson added 20 points for Iowa State (18-2, 5-2 Big 12) which led by 30 at halftime.

Kanye Clary and Jaylen Curry each scored 19 points for the Cowboys (14-6, 2-5).

No 10 MICHIGAN STATE 91, MARYLAND 48: In East Lansing, Michigan, Jeremy Fears had 17 points and a career-high 17 assists and Coen Carr scored 14 points while adding to his highlight reel of dunks for Michigan State.

The Spartans (18-2, 8-1 Big Ten) jumped out to a 24-4 lead and didn’t let up in the second half, scoring 15 straight points to lead 71-34 with 11:11 to play No. 13 BYU 91, UTAH 78: In Provo, Utah, AJ Dybantsa scored 43 points to break BYU’s freshman scoring record, leading the No. 13 Cougars over Utah.

Dybantsa went 15 for 24 from the floor and 9 for 10 from the free throw line for his first 40-point game. He surpassed Danny Ainge’s record for points in a game by a BYU freshman and added six rebounds, three assists and blocked a shot.

No. 22 NORTH CAROLINA 85, NO. 14 VIRGINIA 80: In Charlottesville, Virginia, Caleb Wilson scored 20 points, Jarin Stevenson added all of his

17 in the second half and No. 22 North Carolina rallied for a big ACC road victory Trailing by two with 3:50 to play, Carolina got three-point plays from Stevenson and Seth Trimble to build a 78-74 lead, then hung on. The Tar Heels outscored the Cavaliers 18-9 over the final 5:25.

No 15 VANDERBILT 88, MISSISSIPPI STATE 56: In Starkville, Mississippi, Tyler Tanner scored 24 points and Duke Miles added 17 as Vanderbilt snapped a three-game losing skid.

AUBURN 76, No. 16 FLORIDA 67: In Gainesville, Florida, Keyshawn Hall scored 24 points, including 22 in Auburn’s dominant and stunning first half, and the Tigers upset Florida for the program’s first win in Gainesville since 1996. No 18 CLEMSON 77, GEORGIA TECH 63: In Atlanta, Jake Wahlin and Nick Davidson scored 13 points apiece and No. 18 Clemson got hot from long range, beating Georgia Tech. TEXAS 87, No. 21 GEORGIA 67: In Austin, Texas, Dailyn Swain scored 26 points, Tramon Mark added a season-best 23 and Texas overwhelmed Georgia. No. 23 LOUISVILLE 85, VIRGINIA TECH

71: In Louisville, Kentucky, Mikel Brown returned from an eightgame absence and scored 20 points to lead Louisville to a victory over Virginia Tech.

Carnegie-led Georgia upsets No. 11 Kentucky

By the associated Press

LEXINGTON,Ky.— Dani Carnegie and Rylie Theuerkauf scored 19 points each and Georgia led nearly wireto-wire in a 72-67 victory over No.

11 Kentucky on Saturday A 3-pointer from Kaelyn Carroll gave the Wildcats their only lead of the game, 42-39 with 5½ minutes remaining in the third quarter. Georgia scored the next seven points and went on to lead 52-50 heading to the fourth. The teams combined to make 10 3-pointers in the quarter, six of them by Kentucky The Bulldogs led 60-55 with 5:45 remaining before defense took over and neither team scored in the next three minutes. Mia Woolfolk’s jumper gave Georgia a seven-point lead with 2:34 remaining then Amelia Hassett’s 3 got the Wildcats within 62-58. It was the

last made basket before another 3 by Hassett got Kentucky within 70-67 with eight seconds to go. Carnegie finished off the win with a pair of free throws for Georgia. The Lady Bulldogs made 18 of 20 free throws. Woolfolk had 11 points and 13 rebounds and Trinity Turner scored 14 points for Georgia (183, 4-3 SEC). No. 1 UCONN 92, SETON HALL 52: In South Orange, New Jersey, Sarah Strong scored 17 points, reserve Blanca Quinonez added 16 points and Azzie Fudd broke out of a brief shooting slump with 14 points as UConn beat Seton Hall. UConn ran its winning streak against Seton Hall to 43 games. The Pirates last beat the Huskies January 5, 1994 Allie Ziebell scored 11 points for the Huskies, who received 45 bench points. Mariana Valenzuela led Seton Hall (14-6, 8-3 Big East) with 18 points and eight rebounds. Savannah Catalon added 11

points for the Pirates, who had their four-game win streak halted. No 8 LOUISVILLE 85, BOSTON COLLEGE 56: In Louisville, Kentucky Mackenly Randolph tied her careerhigh with 13 points to lead Louisville over Boston College. The Cardinals (19-3, 9-0 Atlantic Coast) extended their winning streak to 12 games and have won 15 of their past 16 games. Tajianna Roberts added 11 points and six assists, and Skylar Jones also scored 11 for the Cardinals. Louisville shot 54.7% from the field, its second-best performance this season despite going just 4 of 15 in the fourth quarter No. 9 TCU 67, UCF 50: In Orlando, Florida, Olivia Miles scored 17 points to lead TCU to a victory over UCF TCU won for the fifth time in six games and rebounded from its second loss of the season, a 71-69 decision against No. 12 Ohio State on Monday that snapped a fourgame winning streak.

Ramírez agrees to $175M extension with Guardians All-Star third baseman and American League MVP finalist José Ramírez has agreed to a seven-year, $175 million deal to remain with the Cleveland Guardians, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on Saturday The 33-year-old native of the Dominican Republic has played his entire 13-year career in Cleveland. He was signed through the 2028 season. He had three years and $69 million remaining on the extension he signed in 2022, but will now average $25 million over the next seven years.

The extension also includes a notrade clause and performance bonuses related to his finish in MVP balloting. Ramírez has finished in the top five six times. He was third last year and fifth in 2024.

Pitino savors 900th win as a college head coach

CINCINNATI St. John’s rallied from a 16-point deficit in the second half to defeat Xavier 88-83 on Saturday as Rick Pitino reached a career milestone.

The 73-year-old Hall of Fame coach became the fourth Division I men’s basketball coach to reach 900 victories. He is 900-316 overall in 38 seasons as a head coach in college. It began with six games as an interim at Hawaii in 1976. He is the only coach to win an NCAA title at two schools (Kentucky and Louisville) and the first to take three schools to the Final Four (Providence, Kentucky and Louisville).

Win No. 900 came at the expense of his son, Richard, who is in his first season coaching the Musketeers.

Scheffler, teen 1 shot back at American Express

LA QUINTA, Calif. — Blades Brown handled the scariest tee shot at PGA West to an island green like a seasoned pro Saturday in The American Express.

The 18-year-old goes into the final round one shot behind Si Woo Kim another teen prodigy from a generation ago — and tied with none other than Scottie Scheffler, the No. 1 player in the world.

Kim quietly went about his business at La Quinta Country Club with a 6-under 66 to grab a oneshot lead, a good day to be at one of the easier courses when the wind finally arrived in the Coachella Valley Kim was at 22-under 194. Scheffler and Brown were on the tough Stadium Course at PGA West and each shot a 68.

Reed leads by 4 shots at Dubai Desert Classic

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates Patrick Reed will take a four-stroke lead into the final round of the Dubai Desert Classic after shooting 5-under 67 on Saturday, as Rory McIlroy’s chances of a recordextending fifth title virtually disappeared.

Reed, the former Masters champion who now plays on the LIV Golf circuit, tapped in at No. 18 for his seventh birdie of the third round at Emirates Golf Club to move onto 14-under 202 for the week.

Leading the chase was David Puig, another LIV player, who shot 66 to jump to second place. A further shot back was Viktor Hovland, who had a 65 that tied the lowest round of the day, and Andy Sullivan (71).

Donovyn Hunter scored 12 points and Taylor Bigby added 11. Marta Suarez finished with eight points, seven rebounds and two steals, while Clara Silva added eight points, 10 rebounds and four blocks. Mahogany Chandler-Roberts led the Knights (10-10, 2-7) with 17 points.

No.19TEXASTECH 77,UTAH 49: In Salt Lake City, Snudda Collins scored 28 points off the bench, and Texas Tech rolled past Utah. Collins had 20 points by halftime, going 4 for 4 from behind the arc in the first half as the Lady Raiders built a commanding 39-20 lead. Texas Tech shot 52% from the field and 45% from 3-point range while holding Utah to 33% shooting and just 3 of 16 from deep.

Texas Tech put the game away in the third quarter, outscoring the Utes 25-12 to push the margin past 30. The Lady Raiders led 6432 entering the fourth and never allowed Utah to threaten.

Shiffrin finishes third in World Cup giant slalom SPINDLERUV MLYN, Czech Republic Mikaela Shiffrin is back on a World Cup giant slalom podium after two years. And she could have hardly picked a better moment to do so. The American star finished third on Saturday in the last GS before the Milan Cortina Olympics. Reigning Olympic champion Sara Hector held on to her opening run lead for her first victory since January 2025.

Shiffrin, the 2018 Olympic GS gold medalist, trailed Hector by 0.23 seconds. In second place was American Paula Moltzan, who was 0.18 off the pace in a strong showing by the U.S. team; Nina O’Brien was fifth and AJ Hurt eighth. Shiffrin holds the women’s

aSSoCIateD PreSS Photo By aNNIe rICe

texas tech forward Jt toppin looks to pass while houston center Chris Cenac, right, attempts to guard on Saturday in Lubbock, texas. toppin scored 31 points and had 12 rebounds in the red raiders’ 90-86 win.

Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham warms up before a playoff game against the Buffalo Bills, on Jan. 17 in Denver.

aP Photo By JaCK DeMPSey

Broncos backup QB no stranger to Patriots

BY ARNIE STAPLETON

pro football writer

aP

DENVER If any opponent is familiar with Denver Broncos fill-in quarterback Jarrett Stidham, it’s the New England Patriots, who drafted him in 2019 to serve as Tom Brady’s backup.

When Josh McDaniels took the head coaching job of the Las Vegas Raiders he traded for Stidham, who backed up Derek Carr for two years before signing with Denver, where he served as Russell Wilson’s No. 2, then as Bo Nix’s right-hand man.

After McDaniels returned to New England for his third stint as offensive coordinator last offseason, the Patriots were interested in a reunion with Stidham, but he chose to stay in Denver With Nix recovering from surgery after breaking his right ankle on Denver’s game-winning drive in overtime against Buffalo last weekend, Stidham steps in Sunday when the Broncos (15-3) host Drake Maye and the Patriots (163) in the AFC championship game.

Although Nix was integral to Denver’s success this season — he engineered six comebacks in the fourth quarter or overtime and led Denver to an NFL-best 12-2 record in one-score games — his coaches and teammates insist they’re equally confident Stidham can lead them to the Super Bowl.

“We’re lucky to have him,” right tackle Mike McGlinchey said, “because not everybody has a quarterback waiting in the wings as talented as Jarrett.”

Although the Patriots brass knows Stidham well, defensive tackle Milton Williams didn’t mince words when asked what he knew about the sixth-year QB who hasn’t thrown a pass in two years.

“Nothing. I ain’t going to lie,” he said. “Nothing. We’re going to watch the tape on him and figure out what he likes to do But they

SAINTS

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Texans finished right below the Saints, Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals and still made the playoffs But breaking up those series every now and then with an explosive play can change a game, and that was missing from the 2025 Saints Lack of 3-pointers

Throughout Moore’s first season, the coach loved his basketball analogies. Moore wanted his team to play with pace, similar to the NBA’s Indiana Pacers. Quarterbacks were told to take “3-pointers and layups,” which were basically deep shots or easy completions.

But in this analogy, the Saints weren’t a very good 3-point shooting team. Early in the year defenses were cautious of Olave and Rashid Shaheed beating them over the top, leaving quarterback Spencer Rattler to take what was in front of him. Though Shough showed more aggression after taking over and Olave started to torch defenders anyway, the Saints still didn’t hit on deep shots at the rate that Moore would have preferred. Shough was excellent on intermediate throws of 1019 yards with a completion percentage of 67.9%, but he was just 9 of 36 on throws that traveled at least 20 yards through the air, according to Next Gen Stats. That 25% completion rate ranked fifth-worst among 33 qualified passers. Although Shough needs to improve in that area, some data suggests he could use additional help. The rookie was pressured on 47.2% of his deep throws, the seventh-highest rate in the league. Rattler was above that, facing a pressure rate

ä Patriots at Broncos.

2 P.M.SUNDay,CBS

didn’t like him over Bo.”

Of course, no team likes their backup QB more than their starter, but Broncos coach Sean Payton insists Stidham could start for any number of other NFL teams.

Stidham may not have quite the resume of Nix but he’s no slouch, said Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez.

“He’s in the NFL for a reason,” Gonzalez said. “They believe in him, they brought him up, so we’ve got to prepare and be ready for him. They’re in this game for a reason, too. They’ve got a lot of weapons on the offensive side.”

Stidham won’t have running back J.K. Dobbins alongside him.

The Broncos ruled Dobbins out after he returned to practice for the first time since undergoing foot surgery in November

Maye had an MVP-caliber season in his second year in the league and first under McDaniels’ tutelage. But he’s had a puzzling postseason, getting sacked 10 times, throwing two interceptions, fumbling six times and losing half of them while still beating the Chargers and Texans handily

“Really impressive,” Payton said. “He’s extremely fast and those come from obviously pocket scrambles, but he can run. We had that challenge a week ago. It seems like every third week you have that challenge of someone that you have to make sure your pocket rushes are on point.”

The Denver defense led the league in sacks with 68 but it had a dearth of takeaways until collecting five against the Bills last week. That defense and a good ground game could make a difference for Stidham in the biggest game of a career that features just four starts and one victory on Dec. 31, 2023, against the Chargers.

Seahawks, Rams meet again, this time for Super Bowl spot

BY ANDREW DESTIN associated Press

RENTON, Wash. — To some extent, Seahawks defensive lineman Leonard Williams was anticipating that the NFC championship game would shake out this way, with Seattle facing the divisionrival Los Angeles Rams for a third time this season.

Williams, a key contributor on the league’s top-ranked scoring defense, has seen firsthand how talented the Rams’ top-ranked offense is. The Rams racked up 581 yards against Seattle in December in a game the Seahawks ultimately won 38-37 in overtime.

Williams feels good about the players around him and how they will respond Sunday in Seattle.

“I was just expecting it to happen this way,” Williams said. “I think it’s interesting that the only two teams we played in what feels like over a month is the Niners and the Rams. But I think it’s a testament to how good this division has been this year A lot of respect for both of those teams, but I have even more respect for my team and confidence in my team, and just the way we make it about us is special to me.”

Just over a month after that epic overtime game, the Rams have a shot at redemption against the top-seeded Seahawks with a Super Bowl berth on the line.

“We’re not immune to understanding the circumstances and what the game means to the outside world, and whether or not we get to continue to keep playing football or not, (but) from a daily standpoint, we operate as normal and get ready to play,” said Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, a finalist for The Associated Press 2025 NFL Most Valuable Player award.

The Rams took the first meeting of the season in November, led by a defense that intercepted Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold four times in the 21-19 victory

Seattle got the better of Los Angeles in the second game in December with a fourth-quarter comeback and became the first NFL team to win on an overtime two-point conversion.

“I think every week obviously, no matter how many times we’ve played them, we’re trying to find new ways to attack them and ways to get after them,” Williams said. “At the same time I think our team does a great job making it

StaFF FILe Photo By DaVID GrUNFeLD Saints quarterback tyler Shough, center, calls a play from the huddle during the second half of a game against the tampa Bay Buccaneers on oct. 26 at the Caesars Superdome.

of 51.7% (fifth) on deep throws Shough’s completion percentage on those throws was 12.5 percentage points worse than expected, behind only Atlanta quarterbacks Michael Penix and Kirk Cousins. An explosive passing game is instrumental for a team’s success.The New England Patriots (18.4%, first), Seattle Seahawks (16.9%, third) and Los Angeles Rams (15.9%, sixth) all finished top six in explosive pass play percentage. Those three are playing in conference championships this weekend. Run to nowhere

A strong running game obviously helps a quarterback. The Saints didn’t have one in 2025. Beyond ranking 28th in rushing yards and 31st in expected points added per rush, there was a lack of explosiveness in New Orleans’ rushing attack. Just 8.1% of the Saints’ runs went longer than 12 yards, which counts

as an “explosive.” That number crept up to 10.1% when Shough became the starter, but it was still below the league average of 10.7%.

The Saints had just five runs that gained at least 20 yards, ahead of only the Raiders, 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs. Shough and Taysom Hill two quarterbacks accounted for three of those five big gains. Devin Neal, a sixth-round rookie, and Audric Estime, who didn’t receive a carry until December, had the other two.

Alvin Kamara, the normal starter had his longest run of the season in Week 1 — an 18-yard touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals. Kamara missed the last six games of the season with a knee injury Kendre Miller, a key backup, was lost to a torn ACL on Oct. 19.

The Saints not only need a running back with noticeable burst but also an offensive line that can create the holes for the runner to sprint through.

about us every day.”

Coaching clash

One day after his 40th birthday, Rams coach Sean McVay will attempt to win the NFC title for the third time with the Rams.

The youngest coach to win a Super Bowl was profoundly frustrated after his team blew that late 16-point lead in Seattle last month, but he doesn’t want his players thinking too much about these teams’ two recent thrillers during their preparations for the rubber match.

“You want to be careful not to chase ghosts,” McVay said. “It is about good execution and good fundamentals. They’re a great team and they’re great in all three phases. We’d like to think when we’re humming and we’re at our best, we’re pretty good too.”

The offensive wizard reached the Super Bowl in his second season with the Rams. Mike Macdonald would match that achievement Sunday if the defensive guru can lead the Seahawks to the franchise’s fourth Super Bowl.

Kupp’s reunion

The Rams will be facing their Super Bowl 56 MVP on Sunday when Cooper Kupp squares off against his former team again. Kupp won the 2021 AP Offensive Player of the Year award and the receiving triple crown during that championship season in his eight prolific years with the Rams.

Kupp had the second-fewest receiving yards of his career for Seattle this season, yet he stayed healthy nearly all year after injury struggles contributed to his release by the Rams last year and he led Seattle with five catches for 60 yards last weekend in its playoff win over the San Francisco 49ers.

“It’s crazy to think (of) all of the things he’s accomplished, and the way he comes to work and the way he leads,” said Seahawks practice squad running back Cam Akers, who was Kupp’s teammate on the Rams for a little over three seasons.

Stafford’s tenacity

Stafford’s statistical performances in the Rams’ first two playoff games didn’t measure up to his MVP-caliber regular season, yet he led the fourth and fifth game-winning drives of his playoff career under extraordinary road pressure.

While Darnold has demonstrated his skills and moxie during two strong seasons with the Vikings and Seahawks, the Rams could have a decided advantage Sunday in experience and poise behind center: Stafford’s seven postseason victories are more than twice as many as the three other starting quarterbacks in the playoffs’ final four combined.

“I feel like I’m getting pretty repetitive about just how cool, calm and poised he is, and that’s what it takes to win games over time,” said Rams receiver Davante Adams, who will attempt to win an NFC title game for the first time in five tries.

McCarthy is returning to hometown to coach Steelers

BY WILL GRAVES associated Press

PITTSBURGH Mike McCarthy is coming home.

The Pittsburgh Steelers announced Saturday the club has reached a verbal agreement with McCarthy to replace Mike Tomlin as head coach.

McCarthy grew up in the Greenfield neighborhood, just a couple of miles away from the team’s practice facility on the city’s south side. The 62-year-old McCar-

thy is 185123-2 (playoffs included) across 18 seasons, 13 with Green Bay — which beat the Steelers in the Super Bowl following the 2010 season — and five with Dallas. He was New Orleans’ offensive coordinator from 2000 to 2004.

His potential hire is just the fourth by the Steelers since 1969 and a marked

departure from his predecessors, Tomlin and Hall of Famers Chuck Noll and Bill Cowher All three were largely unknown assistants/coordinators.McCarthyishardlythat. McCarthy would replace Tomlin, who stepped down earlier this month after his 19th season ended with a seventh straight playoff loss, this one at home to the Houston Texans. Tomlin’s surprise departure came as he was under contract for 2026 with a club option for 2027. McCarthy

aSSoCIateD PreSS Photo By StePheN BraShear Seahawks defensive tackle Leonard Williams celebrates after Seattle defeated the San Francisco 49ers on Jan. 17 in Seattle.

aSSoCIateD PreSS

Sinner survives cramps, heat at Australian Open

BY JOHN PYE aP sportswriter

MELBOURNE, Australia Limping and desperately trying to stretch out cramps in his arms and legs, Jannik Sinner had just gone down a break in the third set when the extreme heat rules saved him.

Play was suspended for eight minutes while the roof was closed on Rod Laver Arena on Saturday afternoon, and the two-time reigning Australian Open champion returned a revitalized man

After being on the verge of an unlikely exit one of his coaches, Darren Cahill, was urging the 24-year-old Italian just to stick it out for a few more games — Sinner won five of the next six games to take the set against No. 85-ranked Eliot Spizzirri.

Another 10-minute “cooling break” between the third and fourth sets followed — an allowance under the extreme heat policy — and Sinner returned for a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 victory.

“I struggled physically today I got lucky with the heat rule,” Sinner said, agreeing that the cooler indoor conditions suited him much more than the energy-sapping heat

Continued from page 1C

ourselves a chance,” McMahon said. “I loved our effort on the glass. Turnovers down to nine, still a couple bad ones that hurt us, but at the end of the day, they hit 10 3s. We only made three. We couldn’t make up that 21-point difference there behind the 3-point line.” Thomas re-entered the starting lineup in his second game back from a left lower-leg injury he suffered on Jan. 2. With Thomas running the offense, the Tigers resembled the version of themselves that had one loss during nonconference play They played with a faster tempo and attempted a higher percentage of looks around the hoop.

LSU had five players make at least two field goals in the first half and scored 20 of its first 30 points in the paint. The Tigers had five double-figure scorers, including Marquel Sutton with 11 points and Max Mackinnon with 14. What also helped the Tigers lead for the majority of the first half, entering halftime with a 37-33 edge, was their focus on rebounds. The biggest reason for LSU’s 18-point loss to No. 16 Florida on Tuesday was its failure to crash the glass, losing that battle 50-30. Sutton and Tamba led the charge on the glass early against Arkansas. Tamba reeled in seven firsthalf rebounds, including three on the offensive end. Sutton had three of his four rebounds come on offense as well. LSU outrebounded Arkansas 21-14 at halftime and won that battle 36-28 for the game. Thomas moved nimbly, not showing any ill effects from his injury But he was cold from the field, finishing the first half with two points on 1 of 7 from the field. He ended the game 7-of-20 shooting.

“I thought he looked a lot more comfortable,” McMahon said of Thomas. “He’ll shoot a better percentage moving forward.”

A 5-0 run by Arkansas cut its deficit to 18-15 with 12:36 left in the first half. The Razorbacks grabbed

of the first two sets. “I try to stay calm even in a moment like this. If he keeps playing the way he was playing, maybe I was dropping a little bit, maybe my tournament was over today I don’t know.”

Spizzirri was magnanimous about it, adding: “That’s the rules of the game, and, you know you got to live with it.”

Djokovic: 1st to 400

Novak Djokovic became the first player ever to notch 400 match wins at the majors when he beat Botic van de Zandschulp 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (4) in a night match.

The 24-time major winner improved his win-loss record to 10210 at the Australian Open, equaling Roger Federer’s career haul for the most-ever match wins at the season’s first major Osaka out

Two-time Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka withdrew because of an abdominal injury before her scheduled third-round match against Australian qualifier Maddison Inglis.

That sent Inglis into a fourthround match against No. 2-ranked Iga wi tek, who had a 6-1, 1-6, 6-1

win over Anna Kalinskaya.

No. 4 Amanda Anisimova beat Peyton Stearns 6-1, 6-4 in an allAmerican encounter and will next face Wang Xinyu, who upset No. 13 Linda Noskova. No. 5 Elena Rybakina advanced to a fourth-round match against No. 21 Elise Mertens.

Cheers, Stan

The 40-year-old Stan Wawrinka lost 7-6 (5), 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 to No. 9 Taylor Fritz and then grabbed two beers from a courtside ice box, cracked the cans with the tournament director and bid farewell to the crowd.

“Cheers everybody!” he said.

Fritz will next face No. 5 Lorenzo Musetti, who held off Tomas Machac 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 5-7, 6-2 to become the third Italian man to reach the fourth round. No 8 Ben Shelton beat Valentin Vacherot of Monaco, 6-4, 6-4, 7-6 (5) on Margaret Court Arena and said having the roof closed “just amplified the noise.”

The 37-year-old Marin Cilic, U.S. Open champion in 2014 and Australian Open runner-up four years later, lost in four sets to Casper Ruud.

three offensive rebounds that resulted in a corner 3-pointer for D.J. Wagner On the next play, Meleek Thomas intercepted a Nwoko pass and threw an alley-oop pass for a dunk to Malqiue Ewin to take a 20-18 lead, forcing McMahon to call his first timeout.

LSU couldn’t find its 3-point range as it closed the first half 0 of 8. That cold stretch was snapped by 3-pointers from Mackinnon and Tamba to start the second half. That success didn’t continue. Mackinnon, who entered shooting 43% on 3s, finished the game 1 of 7 beyond the arc.

Arkansas showed why it’s one of the most lethal offenses in the country in the second half. It entered the game 14th in points per game (89.8) and 16th in 3-point shooting percentage (38.5%) It made 67.7% of its field goals and 6 of 10 3-pointers in the final 20 minutes.

The Razorbacks followed the lead of Acuff, who entered averaging 19.6 points and 6.2 assists per game. The point guard made four of his first five shots in the second half to get his team ahead 55-54 with 12:06 left. LSU leaned on Thomas, who enjoyed his own scoring forays. He made three of his first four shots after halftime, including an andone runner with his nondominant right hand

Tulane makes football coaching staff offi

BY GUERRY SMITH Contributing writer

Tulane officially rolled out its football staff under coach Will Hall on X this week, mostly confirming what already had been revealed through sources. In an exception, Nate Fuqua has been hired as co-defensive coordinator and bandits (rush ends) coach after spending 2025 at Kentucky as a defensive analyst concentrating on the outside linebackers. He was co-defensive coordinator at Cincinnati the previous two seasons and had the same role at Georgia State from 2017-22, also coaching the outside linebackers. As had been reported in December, Hall promoted Tayler Polk to defensive coordinator retaining him from former coach Jon Sumrall’s staff The highly respected Polk, 31, will continue to coach the linebackers and will be one of the youngest defensive coordinators in the FBS. The other defensive assistants and their assignments are spears (nickelbacks) coach Brayden Berezowitz, his twin brother Bryan Berozowitz (safeties), cornerbacks coach J.J. McCleskey and defensive line coach Landius Wilkerson All are holdovers, with the Berezowitz twins getting promotions The only defensive assistants who followed Sumrall to Florida are defensive coordinator Greg Gasparato, who will be the linebackers coach, and outside linebackers coach Bam Hardmon.

The offensive coordinator will be Russ Callaway, who was offensive coordinator at Florida this past season after having the title of co-offensive coordinator in 2024, tight ends coach in 2023 and defensive intern in 2022 under Billy Napier Unlike at Florida, he will call the plays, a role he had at Samford from 2017-19 when he guided the No. 1 passing offense and No. 4 total offense in the FCS in 2018.

The rest of the offensive staff is quarterbacks coach Collin D’Angelo, running backs coach Brock Hays, wide receivers coach Carter Sheridan, tight ends coach Tyler Spotts-Orgeron and offensive line coach Cody Kennedy All are holdovers except for Kennedy who most recently coached at Mississippi State (2024) and Arkansas (2021-23) and was Hall’s handpicked offensive line coach at Tulane under Willie Fritz in 2019 and 2020 when Hall was the offensive coordinator

D’Angelo, who was credited with getting late July quarterback arrival Jake Retzlaff up to speed quickly last fall, was promoted from analyst.

The only offensive departures to Florida with Sumrall were offensive coordinator Joe Craddock, who will be the quarterbacks coach, and offensive line coach Evan McKissack.

Hall’s special teams coach is Chris Forestier, who was an analyst for special teams at Texas this past season and had the same role at Houston and LSU before then He replaces Johnathan Galante, who left for Florida.

Kanan Ray is remaining as assistant offensive line coach, and Bryce Bohanon, who just finished playing for the Wave, will be a graduate assistant working with the receivers. Country Day product Justin Ibieta, who suffered a career-ending injury in the 2023 Military Bowl, will be a graduate assistant helping with the tight ends.

Colin Kenyon has been promoted to strength and conditioning coordinator after serving as assistant strength and conditioning coordinator the past two years. He replaces Rusty Whitt, who joined Sumrall at Florida. Chris Hatcher — who has been a head coach the past 26 years at Valdosta State, Georgia Southern, Murray State and Samford — is Hall’s chief of staff. He coached Samford when Callaway was the offensive coordinator Kelly Comarda, a Fear The Wave collective co-founder who was director of roster management in 2025, will be the general manager

Twins owner trying to win back fan support

BY DAVE CAMPBELL

aP sportswriter

MINNEAPOLIS

One of Tom

Pohlad’s priorities over his first month as controlling owner of the Minnesota Twins was personal phone calls to fans on a list of 50 people who have yet to renew season tickets for 2026.

that hurt the Twins financially over the past five seasons, but he fully acknowledged how much of the strain was self-created.

With the game tied 66-66, LSU played a 2-3 zone defense for the first time with seven minutes remaining. That didn’t bother Acuff, who drained a 3-pointer He sped to the hoop for a layup the next time down, and that was followed by an and-one finish by guard Billy Richmond, giving Arkansas a 7466 edge with 5:49 remaining.

“Whether we trapped, (Acuff) always made the right play,” McMahon said. “We went zone, he hits a big 3 at the buzzer We just could not get enough stops there.”

LSU continued fighting as Nwoko got a three-point play on a putback. The next time down, Thomas made a pull-up 3-pointer, his first in conference play to cut LSU’s deficit to 79-75 with 3:47 left.

Thomas brought the team within two points at 81-79 after a midrange shot over Acuff with a little more than 90 seconds left in the game. He then buried an elbow jumper to cut LSU’s deficit to 8481 with 36 seconds remaining, and Acuff missed a pair of free throws. But with a chance to tie the game, Thomas couldn’t find space for a 3-pointer and missed a runner in the paint. Nwoko couldn’t grab the offensive rebound and touched the ball last as it went out of bounds.

LSU’s next game is against Mississippi State at 6 p.m Wednesday at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center

Many of his attempts went to voicemail. One recipient hung up three times, assuming a prank, before replying to Pohlad’s follow-up text message with some pointed criticism about the direction of the franchise.

“Let’s say the response wasn’t necessarily kind back, but hopefully the effort counts for something,” Pohlad said this weekend at Target Field, where the Twins held their annual fan festival.

The Twins have a big hole to climb out of, as far as their relationship with the customers. Pohlad recently took the reins of the franchise his grandfather bought in 1984, replacing his younger brother as part of a new executive leadership structure created with the addition of three new investors who purchased non-controlling stakes in the club. He has vowed to tackle the organization’s recent slide headon, already with a more publicfacing approach to the role than his brother, uncle or grandfather took in their tenures as controlling owner The current disappointment within the fan base stems from the front office’s decision to pare back the payroll after winning the AL Central in 2023 and advancing in the postseason for the first time in 21 years. Pohlad pointed to several factors such as the pandemic and the collapse of the team’s regional TV contract

“In a lot of things we tripped over ourselves, if you will, and we certainly didn’t do a good job communicating what we were going through and what we were trying to accomplish,” Pohlad said “You take that all together and it’s a recipe for a very challenging time. We’re trying to hit the reset button not a rebuild button, but a reset button. Bring in some new energy, a different sense of urgency and accountability, and figure out what we want to do going forward. That frankly, is how do we build a team that can compete and play October for a string of seasons in a row?”

Pohlad also has made a point to connect with the players, meeting in person recently with center fielder Byron Buxton and starting pitcher Joe Ryan and planning a conversation with starting pitcher Pablo López this weekend at the fan festival. All three of those All-Stars were prominently bandied about on the trade rumor mill since last summer, when the Twins dealt 10 players during the week leading up to the deadline. But while the payroll is still significantly down from recent seasons, the Twins refused to trade their top trio and made some modest investments in enhancing the roster by signing veterans Josh Bell, Victor Caratini and Taylor Rogers.

“The one thing I told the front office, ‘I would like to be a part of this rotation going forward,’ ” López said. “I want to be part of a rotation that can really let people know how far a pitching staff can take a team.”

LSU

aSSoCIateD PreSS Photo By MIChaeL WooDS

LSU forward Mike Nwoko drives past arkansas forward trevon Brazile to score during the first half on Saturday in Fayetteville, ark.

StaFF FILe Photo By DaVID GrUNFeLD New tulane football coach Will hall speaks during an introductory news conference in the Glazer Family Club at yulman Stadium on Dec. 9. hall now has filled out his coaching staff for next season.

Photo By Dar yaSIN

Jannik Sinner, left, of Italy walks off the court with eliot Spizzirri of the U.S. after winning their third-round match at the australian open in Melbourne, australia, on Saturday.

Newlineup, stronger finishbothencouraging forPels

BY RODWALKER Staff writer

James Borrego used astarting lineup Friday night that he had neverused before.

Don’texpect him to change it anytimesoon as long as everyone stays healthy

The starting five of Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy,HerbJones, Saddiq Bey and Derik Queen delivereda 133-127 victoryoverthe Memphis Grizzlies.

It was amuch-needed win in a season where wins have been hard to comeby. The Pelicans improved to 11-36, avenging two earlier losses to the Grizzlies (18-25)

Now Borrego is hoping whathe saw in the FedEx Forum on Friday transfersovertoSan Antonio’s Frost Bank Center for Sunday’s 6p.m.gameagainstthe Spurs. Particularlywhat he saw in the fourth quarter when the Pelicans outscored the Grizzlies 40-26.

“Our group just decided to guard,” Borrego said about the fourthquarter. “There was a physicality about us, an energy about us. We finally tookastand. It’sgoing to be hard to watchthe first three quarters defensively

ROSTER

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and it found its potential quarterback of the future in Longstreet, aformer five-star recruit with four yearsofeligibility.Clark adds an intriguing developmentaloption.

Runningback

Returning players: Caden Durham (Jr.), Harlem Berry (Soph.)

Transfers: Dilin Jones (Wisconsin, R-Soph.), Raycine Guillory (Utah,R-Fr.), Rod Gainey (Charlotte, R-Soph.), Stacy Gage (Central Florida, R-Soph.)

After Kewan Lacy resigned with Ole Miss, LSU persuaded Durham to withdraw from thetransferportal. That was probably the best decisionfor both sides based on what was available at thetime. Durham and Berry are both talented players, and they could have breakout seasons on abetter offense. It was apriority to keep Berry.Meanwhile, LSU added much-needed depth from the portal. The most proven transfer is Jones, who rushed for 300 yards and two touchdowns last season.

Wide receiver

Returningplayer: Phillip Wright (R-Fr.)

Transfers: Jayce Brown (Kansas State, Sr.), Jackson Harris (Hawaii, R-Jr.), TreBrown (Old Dominion, R-Jr.), Eugene Wilson(Florida, R-Jr.), Malik Elzy (Illinois, R-Jr.), RomanMothershed (Troy,R-Jr.), Tyree Holloway(West Florida, R-Jr.), Josh Jackson (McNeese State, R-Soph.), Winston Watkins (Ole Miss, Soph.)

Incoming freshmen: Jabari Mack, Corey Barber, Brayden Allen Wright is theonlyreturning LSU wide receiver,and he had one catch for 2yards as afreshman. The restofthe position is completely new Kiffinand his staff seemed to prioritize two traits: length and explosiveness. All of the receivers now except for Wilson and Watkinsare at least 6-foot, aclear shift after LSU lacked much heighton theoutside the past twoseasons. And fiveofthe transfers averaged more than 14 yards per catch last year

Tightend

Returning players: Trey’Dez Green (Jr.), JD LaFleur (RFr.)

Transfers: Malachi Thomas (Pittsburgh, Jr.), Zach Grace (Oregon, R-Jr.)

Incoming freshman: JC Anderson Green was one of the few offensive players that LSU needed to keep, anditresignedhim to anew deal entering his junior season. Green had asolid yearwith 33 catchesfor 433 yards and seven touchdowns, but he has the potential to reach another level. LSU addedThomas and Grace to complement him. Thomas caught 13 passes for 192 yards and two touchdowns last season, and Grace primarily blocked as afullback and tight end.

honestly.MaybeI’ll just watch the fourth.” When he watches the fourth, he’ll also witness abrilliantperformance by Bey.Hescored 19 of his season-high 36 points in the final quarter that began with the

Pelicanstrailing 101-93. Beywentontwo personal7-0 runs in thefourth quarter.Heburied a3-pointer from the corner with58.4seconds left thatwas prettymuchthe dagger, putting the Pels ahead 128-123. He fin-

Offensiveline

Returning players: Braelin Moore (R-Sr.), Weston Davis (R-Soph.),Solomon Thomas (R-Fr.), Bo Bordelon (R-Sr.), Brett Bordelon (R-Fr.)

Transfers: Jordan Seaton (Colorado, Jr.), Aliou Bah (Maryland, R-Sr.),Sean Thompkins (Baylor,R-Jr.), Devin Harper (OleMiss, Soph.),William Satterwhite (Tennessee, R-Soph.), Darrin Strey(Kentucky,R-Fr.), JaKolby Jones (Copiah-Lincoln CC, Jr.),Ja’QuanSprinkle (NC Central, R-Jr.),Ja’Mard Jones (Nicholls State,Soph.)

Incoming freshmen: Brysten Martinez,RyanMiret

The significance of adding Seatoncannot be overstated LSUgot aplug-and-play left tackle who’s athleticand uses his hands well to move defensiveends. It’snow easytosee Seaton at lefttackle, Moore at center and Bah at guard. Bah started 24 consecutive games at Maryland. LSU will need to figure out theother two spots, but it hasoptions after signing so many new offensive linemen. While it couldhave pieced things together withoutSeaton, landing him solidified oneofthe most important positions on the field.

Defensivetackle

Returning players: Dominick McKinley (Jr.), Shone Washington (R-Sr.), Brandon Brown (R-Fr.)

Transfers: Stephiylan Green (Clemson,R-Jr ), Malik Blocton (Auburn, Jr.),AchillesWoods (SouthAlabama, R-Soph.)

Incoming freshmen: Richard Anderson, Deuce Geralds

After losing four of its top fivesnap-getters at defensive tackle, LSU needed to add someexperience togo alongwith its young talent. Greenand Blocton did not stuff thestat sheet at their previous schools, but they both playedmore than 300 snaps last season and have made double-digit career starts. McKinley,aformer five-star recruit,needs to be readyfor abigger role LSUwill be in good shape if the highly ranked freshmen can contributeright away but there aresomeunproven players here.

Defensiveend

Retuning players: Gabriel Reliford (R-Soph.), Damien Shanklin (R-Fr.), Kolaj Cobbins (R-Soph.), Dylan Carpenter(R-Jr.)

Transfers: Princewill Umanmielen (Ole Miss, Sr.),JordanRoss(Tennessee, Jr.), Jaylen Brown (SouthCarolina, R-Soph.)

Incoming freshmen: Lamar Brown,Trenton Henderson

Last year, LSU signed three transfer defensive ends with one more season of eligibility.That meant LSUwouldneed to go back into the transfer portal, and it did. Umanmielen wasthe No. 1defensivelineman on the market after recording nine sacks and 131/2 tacklesfor losslast season. He gives LSUanimmediate upgrade to its pass rush, and Ross haspotential as aformer five-star recruit. With apromising group coming

back andtwo highlyranked freshmen, there’sa lot to like about the present and future of theposition.

Linebacker

Returning players: Whit Weeks (Sr.), Davhon Keys (Jr.), Tylen Singleton (R-Soph.), Charles Ross (Soph.), JaidenBraker (R-Fr.), Keylan Moses (R-Fr.), Zach Weeks (R-Fr.)

Transfers: TJ Dottery(Ole Miss, R-Sr.),TheoGrace (North Dakota State, R-Fr.)

LSU accomplished one of itstop goals by bringingback Whit Weeks, butitneededa starting linebacker from the transfer portal to pair with him.Itfound one in Dottery, wholed the SEC with 98 tackles this past season for the Rebels. Keys will have arole after leading the team with 92 tackles last year,and the rest of the linebackers could continue to develop behind those topthree.

Cornerback

Returning players: DJ Pickett (Soph.), PJ Woodland (Jr.), Ja’Keem Jackson (R-Jr.), Michael Turner (R-Soph.), Aidan Anding (Soph.)

Incoming freshmen: Dez Ellis, HavonFinney, EmariPeterson LSU did not see theneed to target anytransfercornerbacks with Pickett and Woodlandreturning next season.They bothplayed more than 500 snaps last year,and they’ll be the projected starters after star cornerbackMansoor Delane exhausted his eligibility Safety

Returning players: Tamarcus Cooley (R-Jr.), Dashawn Spears (Jr.), CJ Jimcoily (Soph.), Jhase Thomas (R-Fr.)

Transfers: Ty Benefield(Boise State, Sr.), Faheem Delane (OhioState, Soph.),Mason Dossett (Baylor, R-Soph.), Treylan James (Southern, R-Jr.)

Incoming freshmen: Aiden Hall, Isaiah Washington, Jackson Williams

Benefield was oneofthe topdefensive backsinthe transfer portal. He hasstarted 33 careergames,madea team-high 107 tackles last season and earned firstteam All-Mountain West honors. With him, Cooley and Spears,LSU has asolid top three heading intothe spring. Delane, aformer top-100 recruit,also could finda role after playing in 13 games his freshman year at Ohio State.

Specialteams

Returning players: GrantChadwick (P,Jr.)

Transfers: Scott Starzyk (Arkansas, K, Soph.);Hayden Craig (Florida, P, R-Fr.); Mack Mulhern (LS, Florida, R-Fr.)

Chadwick stuck around even though LSUbrought in anotherpunter, so they can compete going into next season. Craig hasnot puntedin agame yet, while Chadwick averaged 45.7yards per punt in his first year at LSU.Starzyk went 14 of 18 as afreshman last seasonwith two field goals of morethan 50 yards. LSU also could have some other long snappers on the roster

ished the night knocking downsix 3-pointers.

“I’mjust grateful,” Bey said. “Trying to help the team as much as Ican. Every possession, every game, Itry to make the most of it and make Godproud.”

The Pels also welcomed back Jones. Good things happen for the Pelicans when he is in the lineup, and Jones suited up for the first time sinceJan. 6. He hadmissed the previous eight games and 15 of the last 16.Since Borrego took over as interim coach, the Pelicans are 6-6 withJones and 3-20 without him.

“Herb is definitelythe anchor of our defense,” Bey said. “We’ve been missing him forweeks. When he comesinand defendslikehe does —and playing point guard today —hejust does so manythings thatdon’tshow up in the stat sheet. Ilike that lineup. Everyone came in and contributed and played well.”

With Jones back, Borrego decided to bring rookie point guard JeremaihFears off of the bench. It was Fears’ first time notstarting sincethe second game of the season. Butheended up giving the Pelicans some valuable minutes, scoring 12 points to go with four

WALKER

Continuedfrom page1C

summer in training camp.

Reid officially added “photographer” to his resumeWednesday night as he sat on the baseline at theSmoothie King Center to takepictures and shoot video for theNew Orleans Pelicans’ social media team for thegame against theDetroit Pistons.

“I’mhaving ablast,” Reid said at halftime. Andno, this wasn’tsome gimmick for clicksand likes. The Saints and Pelicans take their social media content seriously

“He was anatural,” said Alex Restrepo, senior director of social media for bothfranchises. “From video, photoand helping shoot the courtside broadcast angle, he proved he has agreat eye for content.”

Reid,who wants to go into broadcasting, became interested in photography awhile back when he was looking at his Instagram page.

“My content on mypage needs to get better,” he told himself.

Reid had attended the NFL’s broadcast boot camp and the league’ssocial media and marketing boot camp two years ago. That led him to buying anice camera. Butthe door really opened during the season when he injured his knee in thefirst quarter of thegame against theMiami Dolphins and missed thefollowing two weeks.

“I turn everything into an opportunity,” Reid said. “So when Igot hurt, that’s anegative. Iturned that extra time into apositive by going to hang out with theSaints production team. Ihad about 10 people feeding me information.

‘How do Idothis? Howdo Idothat?’ They poured

assists and two rebounds.

“Jeremiah had avery good second half and he impacted that game,” Borrego said. “His defense to me is what’sstanding out. On the ball. His aggression. Creating disruption. Chasing down rebounds and loose balls. He’sbeen phenomenal.”

Murphy scored 32 points, while Williamson finished with 24 points and 11 rebounds. Williamson also had acouple of hustle plays in the fourth quarter that led to his two steals.

The Pelicanshad 29 assists and just 10 turnovers.

“That’sthe goal,toshare it every night,” Borrego said. “This group is an unselfish group and Ithink you saw it tonight.”

Anew starting lineup coupled withan“it’s abouttime”fourthquarterfinish were refreshing to see.

“It’sgoing to take multiple efforts,” Borrego said. “Itdoesn’t come as easily as we’dlike. We’ve gottostickwith it.I think that’sthe blueprint that we saw in the fourth quarter.”

Email RodWalker at rwalker@theadvocate.com.

into me and gave me a head start.”

Reid wasinquisitive, wanting to be just as thorough about his new hobby as he is about studying gamefilm.He’saStanford graduate, so him catching on quickly shouldn’t surprise anyone. And if he didn’tunderstand something, he asked questions. Lots and lots of questions.

Just ask social media member Megan Kottemann.

“Oh, God,did he ask questions,” Kottemann said. “He was in full Stanford brain, where he’sasking such intelligent questions. He mademequestion myself.Sometimes I had to bring him to other people that have adeeper knowledge.”

Reid got achance to put his knowledge to the test Wednesday when he got his first assignment at the Pelicans game.

“After the first five minutes, Istarted to get afeel forit,” Reid said. “Pictures. Videos. And then Igrabbed the big-boy camera and wasdoing the live feed.”

Sitting on the baseline sometimes can be scary Not that Reid wasever worried about Zion Williamson or any of the other players crashing into him

“I would’ve just tackled him,” Reid said with agrin. He’sprobably right. Reid tends to tackle anything he wants to tackle, including this latest venture. Eventually when his football career is over,hewants to be in front of the camera instead of behind it.

“I felt like knowing this production side would be useful because you have morehigh-level conversations with people in getting things done,” Reid said. Reid went to social media to express just how pleased he waswith his first real gig.

“Emergency kicker, emergency camera man, emergency whateva you need!” Reid posted on X. “Side quest complete.”

It wasfollowed, of course, by agreen check mark.

Email RodWalkerat rwalker@theadvocate. com.

StaFF Photo By DaVID GrUNFeLD

Justinreid, right, sits on the sideline as he and staff photographer enan Chediakphotograph the second half of aPelicans game against the Pistons on Wednesdayat the Smoothie KingCenter

aP Photo By BraNDoN DILL

Pelicans centerDerik Queen drives to the basket between Memphis GrizzliescenterJockLandale, left, and guard CamSpencer on Friday in Memphis, tenn.

OUTDOORS

Beatingthis drum

young StevenBrumfield had abig time catching this giant black drum near Pointe-auxChenes in lowerterrebonne Parish.Fishing withhis family,including his younger brother Bryson, left, the older Brumfield battled the 37-pound giant for what seemed likeanhour before gettingittothe net and,with all smiles, showingoff his memorable catch.

CALENDAR

MONDAY RED STICK FLYFISHERS FLYTYING SESSION:

7p.m., BluebonnetRegional Library,9200 Bluebonnet Blvd., Baton Rouge.Opentothe public. Materials and tools available for beginners. Website: www.rsff.org

MONDAY-WEDNESDAY

GULF COUNCILMEETING: Hyatt CentricFrench Quarter, New Orleans. Final action on increasing redgrouper catch limits &splitting the shallow-water groupercomplex into two groups. Also discuss mandatory recreational reporting programfor deep-water grouper &consider regional managementofgreater amberjack. Public commentWednesday, 9:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Webinar available. Website: gulfcouncil.org

TUESDAY

LAKE CLAIBORNE PUBLIC MEETING: 7p.m., LakeClaiborne State Park ConferenceCenter, 225 State Park Rd., Homer. Agenda: fish-stocking plans, update on fish populations. State Wildlife &Fisheries’ Inland Fisheries staff. HUNTING SEASONS

DUCKS/WEST ZONE: Through Jan.25, includes coots &mergansers; Jan. 31-Feb. 1, veteransonly special weekend.

DUCKS/EAST ZONE: Through Jan. 31, includes coots &mergansers.

DEER/ARCHERY: Through Jan. 31, StateDeer Areas 1, 2&4.Either-sextakeallowed.

DEER/PRIMITIVE FIREARMS: ThroughJan. 31, State Deer Areas 1, 4&6,either-sextakeallowed; State Deer Areas5&9,bucks only

WOODCOCK: Through Jan. 31, statewide.

GEESE/WEST ZONE: ThroughFeb. 1. Includes Canada, blue,snow&Ross’ &specklebellies Take of Canada geese prohibitedinportions of Cameron &Vermilionparishes.

GEESE/CONSERVATION ORDER: Feb. 2-March 15, West Zone; Feb. 8-March 15, East Zone Limited to takeofblue, snowand Ross’ geese only.Nodaily nor possession limits. Hunters allowedtouse electronic calls andshotguns capable of holdingmorethan threeshells

GEESE/EAST ZONE: Through Feb. 7. Includes Canada, blue, snow&Ross’ &specklebellies

DEER/ARCHERY: Through Feb. 15, StateDeer Areas 5, 6&9,either-sex takeallowed. QUAIL, RABBITS&SQUIRRELS: Through Feb. 28, statewide, private lands only

SNIPE: Through Feb. 28, statewide.

LOTTERYHUNT

YOUTH RABBIT HUNT: Jan. 30 application deadline for fiveyouth hunters(ages 1017) on Dewey Wills WMAFeb. 21. Youths must have huntersafety certification, have 20-gauge or .410 shotgun &wear Hunter Orange. Other rules &details, email Cliff Dailey (WMA supervisor): adailey@wlf.la.gov

AROUND THECORNER

FEB. 4—JUNIOR SOUTHWEST BASSMASTERS

MEETING: 7p.m., Seminar Room, BassPro Shops, Denham Springs. Boys &girls agegroup bass tournaments for ages 7-10, 11-14 & 15-18 anglers.Call Jim Breaux (225) 772-3026. FEB. 5—LA. WILDLIFE&FISHERIES COMMISSION MEETING: 9:30 a.m.,Joe Herring Room, state Wildlife and Fisheries headquarters, Quail Drive,Baton Rouge.

FEB. 6-7—HOMEWATERS FEST: Municipal Building, Murfreesboro, Arkansas. Free. Fly tying demos,fishing seminars, biologist reports &vendors.ArkLaTexOma Fly Tiers event. Website: www.arklatexomaflytyers.com.

FEB. 7—NSCA REGISTERED SPORTING CLAYS: Bridge View Gun Club, Port Allen.

FISHING/SHRIMPING

SHRIMP: Outside waters open statewide; fall inshoreseason closed in Zones 2&3& portions of Zone 1except Breton/Chandeleur sounds.

OPEN RECREATIONAL SEASONS: Flounder; lane,blackfin, queen and silk snappers& wenchmenamongother snapper species; all groupers except closed for goliath &Nassau groupers in state/federal waters.

CLOSED SEASONS: Redsnapper;greater amberjack; gray triggerfish;bluefintuna; gag, goliath &Nassau groupers in state/federal waters. Commercial greater amberjack seasonclosed.

LDWF UPDATES

CLOSED: Waddill Wildlife Refuge (Baton Rouge)closed Wednesdayfor hunter education conference.

CLOSED: All roads on BogueChitto WMA (flooding); Hope Canal Road/boat launch (Maurepas Swamp WMA, levee construction) ROAD CLOSURE: SectionofLa. 975 through Sherburne WMAclosed through June 12, 2026 (replace bridge) access from U.S. 190 and I-10open.

DRAWDOWNS: Underway on Henderson Lake, LakeBistineau,Saline,Kepler, Iatt, Black&Clear lakes, Clear-Smithport Lake&LakeMartin.

EMAIL: jmacaluso@theadvocate.com

FISHINGRESULTS

Arctic blastshould help duck hunters

BY JOE MACALUSO Contributing writer

Thelatest Waterfowl Study survey shows there areducksinLouisiana,more in the southwestern parishes than in the southeastern parishes and an abundance of ducks and geese in the northeastern parishes.

Now,it’suptoduckand goosehunters to use some common sense.

Ourstate’s West Zone hunting season ends Sunday(Jan.25). The East Zone runs through Saturday,then there’s more goose-season days before the ConservationOrder season on blue, snow and Ross’geese.

Beginning Monday morning, temperatures are predicted to plummet intothe 20s in the interior parts of the state and intothe low 30s along the coast.

Lots of us diehard duck hunters have been in blinds during freezingconditions —but usuallynot forlong. Allduck hunting trips into ourmarshes andswamps have alevel of built-in hazards, but you can double, even triple that for Monday and Tuesday

Get wet and you’re in trouble. Get stranded and you’re in bigger trouble.

Be careful, andifyou don’thave the proper clothing and equipment to stand up to frigid conditions, then please don’tgo.

About fish

With everyarctic blast like the one invading our state, there’sthe possibility of fish kills. If there’s any goodnews

in the weather forecast it’s thattemperaturesalong the coastalmarshesare predictedtoremainabove freezing, which meanswe are notlikelytosee thekind of fish kills we saw last year and three years ago.

Yet, with north winds arriving on this coldfront, water levels in marsh ponds will drop and that means somestranded fish and possible localized fish kills.

Ducks

Louisiana duck and goose hunters should benefit from the frigid temperatures, with snow andice invading the Midwest andpushing through Arkansas and eastern Oklahomaand Texas.

Yes, the West Zone is closed Monday,but East Zone hunters should see ducks.

Fogdelayed JasonOlszak and his Waterfowl Study staff’searly January surveyofour agriculture fields and marshes, and theirlatest estimates issued Friday camebeforethiscurrent weather forecast.

What did they find?

How about 2.46 million ducks in the southwest, southeast andLittle River Basin areas, andanother 1.447 million ducks in the northeastern parishes describedasthe “Mississippi AlluvialValley.”Pintails (148,000), spoonbills (134,000) and gray ducks (118,000) dominated that count.

Otherwise, this latestestimate in the three survey ar-

eas wasupbyslightly more than200,000 ducks comparedtothe January 2025 surveydespite lower numbers of mallards —17,000 in 2025 to 6,000 this year —and an 82% decrease in thenumberofringnecks— 565,000 in 2025 to 100,000 thismonth. For goose hunters, the northeast surveyholds“an estimated 763,000 geese which consisted of 6,000 white-frontedgeeseand 757,000 light geese,”a count that’s233% higher than this timelast year

Redsnapper

The final 2025 estimate of thetakeduring theeightmonth private recreational red snapper season is in 947,103 pounds. Because that number is 5.8% over our state’s 894,955-pound annual allotment, Louisiana annual allocation for 2026 will be 891,439 pounds, which is ourbaseline annual allocation of 943,587 pounds less the 2025 overage of 52,148 pounds. Full detailsofthe weekby-week landing estimate areavailable on theWildlife and Fisheries’ website: wlf.louisiana.gov/page/redsnapper

Shrimp closure Wildlife and Fisheries will close the remaining portion of Zone 1atsunset Monday for the fallinshore shrimp season,exceptthe open waters of Breton and Chandeleur sounds will remain open. Zones 2and 3, and parts of Zone 1were closed last last year

ProVIDeD Photo

Pitchers Paz, Rizy,Moore shineinearly scrimmages

BYKOKI RILEY Staff writer

LSU was limited to three days of scrimmages last week (Wednesday, Thursday and Friday)because of the weekend weather,but coach JayJohnson still learned alot about his team through the opening week of practice games. Here areafew takeaways from LSU’sfirst few scrimmages of the year Paz, Rizy flashpotential

Despite missing his entirehigh schoolsenior season because of Tommy John surgery, Marcos Paz excelled in hisfirst appearance for LSU in 2026. The freshmanrighthander didn’t allowanearned run in 12/3 innings, striking outfive batters and surrendering onehit on Thursday Paz showcased apowerful

and ahalf, he showed good control thanks to asmooth delivery

Mooreaimsfor rotation role

Second base update

fastballwith tailing movement, a slider and acurveball. His commandcould use morepolish, but fora pitcher whohasn’tthrown in acompetitive game in ayear

BesidesPaz, also throwing on Thursday was MavrickRizy.The 6-foot-9 sophomore right-hander allowed one earned run with five strikeoutsin22/3 innings, showing improved command and asmoother delivery than last season.

Johnson said Friday that Rizy worked withstrength and conditioning coach Chris Martin during the offseason to improve his delivery

“Coach Martin hasreally emphasizedhow much better he is moving down themound,” Johnson said.

“Toreally know what he’sdoing in the weight room and how that would translate to moving well on themound with his delivery.I thinkhe’sgot that together.”

Cooper Moore was the first pitcher to toethe rubber thispreseason, and the junior right-handed transfer from Kansas didn’tdisappoint, tossing four scoreless innings with fivestrikeouts.

His best weapon was his changeup, apitch he showed supreme commandofand produced alitany of swings and misses. To complement the changeup, Moore also threw asweeper,afour-seam fastball and acurveball.

Of thefour offerings, the curveball needed the mostwork. But Moore’spersistent strike-throwing and changeup make him astrong candidate to enter the rotation at thestartofthe year

“He’sgoing to be at thefront of this thing,” Johnson said.

“He’sgoing to throw aton of innings.

LSU’sthree leading contenders to start at secondbase allhad strong moments through the first weekofscrimmages.

Fifth-year senior Tanner Reaves hadtwo hitsFriday anda home run Thursday. Seth Dardar,another fifth-year senior,drove in three runs andhit ahomerWednesday Senior Brayden Simpson went 2for 3 on Wednesday

None of them emerged as aleading candidate to start once Friday’sscrimmage cametoaclose, but each hitter spent time working at positions other than second. Reaves played some left field on Friday.Simpson spent several inningsatthird base,and Dardar got workatfirst and third.

Email Koki Rileyatkoki.riley@ theadvocate.com.

Winningformula

BY CHRISTOPHER DABE Staff writer

St. Augustine junior Aaron Miles stoodatthe free-throw line when coach Wade Mason subbed out the other four playerson the court. After the made free throw,Miles also wenttothe bench —and sat as the five bench players quickly forced aturnoverbeforeMason put the first five players back on the floor On anight when Miles scored 21 points and made 12 of 13 from the free-throwline, St. Augustine wonwithdefense in a54-42 victory over host Jesuit in the Catholic League opener for both schools Friday St.Augustine(20-2)limited Jesuit (14-5 in-state) to 24 points through threequarters andthe Blue Jays finishedwith17turnovers —five morethan the 12 Mason hoped his team wouldcreate. Mason made frequent lineup changes, commonly getting a spark on defense.

“I’m trying to buyussome time,” Mason said. “I’m trying to rest our legs alittle bit. I’m trying to give our other guys some confidence, some of ourfootball players who are just comingback.”

St. Augustine ran its winning streak to six games and won for the 10th time in 11 games —the only loss coming in December againstdistrictrival John Curtis at aholiday tournament. Ja’Vardes Brazile, a6-foot-6 senior,posted adouble-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Junior Abe Taylor scored10points. St. Augustine aggressively defended the perimeter with azone defense that had the long-armed

Jesuit’s Jack Maguire looks to shoot against

Brazile during the first half.

Brazile at the top of the key

The score stayed close in the early going and St. Augustine went ahead for goodwhen senior Percy Thompson(eight points) scored off apass from Miles for a 13-11 after aturnover at the other end.

“Defense can turn into offense whenever you need it to, as long as you play hard defenseand take somebody out of their offense,” Brazile said. The lead grew in the thirdquarter as St.Augustine continuedto make freethrows —finishing with 25 of 39 from the line compared to 4of10for Jesuit. “In practice,wescrimmage with

the (junior varsity) team, and they don’tcall no fouls so it’s us having to play through that,”Milessaid, creatinganaggressive mindset that helps him get to the line. For Jesuit,junior Duke Nitcher ledinscoring with nine points TheBlue Jays made eight3-pointers, fourofthem in the fourth quarter

“That’s areally,really good team,” Mason said aboutJesuit “They’reextremely hardtoguard. They’llbeinLakeCharles (for the statetournament), so it was abig one.”

ContactChristopherDabe at cdabe@theadvocate.com

BY SPENCER URQUHART Staff writer

John Curtis led Edna Karrby just two at halftime before pulling away in the second half behind smothering defense and balanced scoring in Friday’sDistrict 9-5A opener Zaveon Shepherd hit three straight 3-pointers to put Curtis up by 10 in the third quarter,and the Patriots rolledtoa 71-55 wininAlgiers.

Curtis eighth grader Tory Walker finished with ateam-high 16 points despite not scoring untilthe midwaythrough thethird quarter Walker,Shepherd, Autrail Manning and Jonnie Walkerall scored double-digit points forCurtis.

The Patriots’ defensive effort wasalso akey factor in outscoring Karrby14pointsinthe final two quarters.

“Like it’sbeen all season, Ithink alot it stemsfrom our defense andour pressure,” Curtis coach Biko Paris. “Our whole M.O. is how much pressure we can put guys without fouling and without getting beat. Trying to speed the other team up and cause turnovers,and that worked forusin thethird quarter.”

Tory Walker missed the first two shotshetook but didn’tmiss againthe rest of the way. He finished5of7 from thefieldwith two 3-pointers and five rebounds.

“It was just practice, the reps and coaches believing in me,” he said. “Just going hard everyday and my teammates finding me Just trying to find opens gaps and get my shots. My teammates helped me find my rhythm.”

“Our whole M.O.ishow much pressure we can put guys without fouling and without getting beat.Trying to speed theother team up and cause turnovers, and that worked for us in the third quarter.”

Jonnie Walker and Manning scored 13 points each. Shepherd added11pointsand five rebounds.

Manning hit acontested jump shot in the closing seconds of the first half to break a24-24 tie.JonnieWalker ledCurtis with sevenrebounds andhad a strong all-aroundeffortthatincluded three assists, twosteals and ablock.

“Wehave alot of guys that can score,” Paris said. “I don’tknow whose night it’sgoing to be when we play,the way we share the ball. These guyshavebeen playing together all year.They don’t carewho scores thepoints, as long as we come out the with the win.”

SeniorKenvonRileyled Karr with 18 points and wasone of two Cougars in double figures along with Delvin Jordan, whofinished with 11 points.

Jordan and Kaleb Williamshad ateam-high four rebounds each. Curtis (18-2, 1-0) entered Friday ranked No.1inthe Division Iselect power rankings. No.6Karr fell to 17-6, 0-1. Curtis will host Brother Martin on Tuesday,while Karr will entertain Holy Cross.

Email Spencer Urquhart at surquhart@theadvocate.com.

Photo By Matt DoBBINS John Curtisguard tory Walker pressures Northshore guard tyrie Spencer during agame

StaFF FILe Photo By MIChaeL JohNSoN LSU pitcher Mavrick rizy,a 6-foot-9 sophomore, showedgood command and asmooth delivery duringthursday’sscrimmage

BIKo ParIS, John Curtis coach

StaFF PhotoSByeNaNCheDIaK

St. augustine’sPercy thompson goes in for alayup during the first half against Jesuit on Friday night in the CatholicLeagueopener for both teams at Jesuit.the Purple Knights won54-42.

SOMETIMES OPPOSITES ATTRACT

Didthe Amishever establisha settlement in N.O.?

BY ROBIN MILLER Staff writer

Almost ev-

eryone has the same reaction when hearing about it: “No way!”

This also was Christy Jarreau’sreply when someone told her thatNew Orleansonce hadits own Amish settlement.

“That was hard for me to wrap my headaround,” the Watson resident said. “I just said, ‘No way! New Orleans?’ But now I’m wondering if it’strue.” So, is it? Yesway!

The Amish settlement was small, lasting only 26 years, between1846 and 1872, documented in Amish historian David Luthy’s1991 book,“The Amish in America: Settlements that Failed, 1840-2019.”

Behind sagging bulkheads, the leveesloughs off into the river at the site of ‘cave’atthe head of elmira avenue in algiersin this file photo takenonNov 20, 1892, 20 years after the amish settled in and aroundthis location.

Luthy authored anumber of articles and books on the Amish before his death in October 2025. He was not native to the Amish but eventually joined acommunity in Alymer, Ontario. He began writinghis book in 1971, tracing failed Amish settlements throughout the United States. The chapter on New Orleans is short but well-researched.

Weatherisahazard

As Ohio historian and journalist KevinWilliams points out, the Amish’sshort-lived time in New Orleans had more to do with climate than conflicting lifestyles.

“The biggest thing that keeps the Amish from settling in Louisiana —and Mississippi for that matter and anywhere in the South —isthe heat, because they don’thave electricity,and it’sjust stifling in the summer,” Williams said “That’swhy you have thelargest concentration of Amish in ä See CURIOUS, page 11D

KEeping it moving

BBYKASEY BUBNASH

Staff writer

yabout 11 p.m. on the sec-

ond Saturday of each month, youcan expect to find the dance floor at Saturn Bar packed to the brim,throngs of music lovers crammed shoulder to shoulder,shimmying and shaking under thedim glow of thedive’s multicolored chandelier

The back patio is likely inhabited by cliques huddled around ashared cigarette, abowl of late-night ramen or both. Lines snake out of the bathrooms,uptothe bar and from St. ClaudeAvenue to thebuilding’s entrance. Sweaty dancers crowd onto nearly every inch of the balcony,clinging to the railing as they look out on the chaos below

It’ll be like this through much of

thenight, sometimes until dawn

But the music pumping from Saturn’sspeakers? Youwon’tfind it on Billboard’sHot 100 or trending on Spotify.It’snot even from this century

ers —and it’sthe music that has drawn new generations of New OrleanianstoMod Dance Party for the last 25 years. One of the longest running dance parties in the city,Mod night startedatCircle Bar in 2000 with apair of rookie DJs, some old ’60s howMod night, one of theoldestdance partiesinNew orleans, drawscrowds after25years

It’sthe music that first played on radiosand in dance halls 60 years ago —Aretha Franklin, The Zombies, The Beatles,The Isley Broth-

BY COLETTE DEAN Contributingwriter

StaFFPhotoSByeNaN CheDIaK acrowd gathers on the dance floor during the Mod Dance PartyatSaturnBar in Neworleans on Jan. 10.

FILe Photo

StaFF Photo By ChrIS GraNGer

Griffard Baumgarten

Matt Uhlman, left, and Kristen auldanceastheyDJthe Mod DanceParty at SaturnBar

DINING SCENE

DookyChase’s

At Dooky Chase’sRestaurant, ahug —fromamember of the restaurant family or their longserving staff —issocommon and genuine, forregulars it can feel like afirst course to the meal.

abit of “Clemenceau gumbo”).

On Tuesday,the embraces werea little tighter, and lasted just abit longer

“Oh, ahug is the first course,the second course,all the courses today,” saidTracie Haydel Griffin, between greetingguests at the host stand and visiting with othersaround her family’srestaurant.

Tuesday was the first dayback for the Treme landmark, four days after abrazen shooting in the restaurant left one man deadand three women wounded,with police still searching for the gunman.

The Chase family was determined to reopen andget back to businessassoon as staff were ready to return.

They had not publicly announced plans to reopen, but word got around anyway.Aboutadozen people had gathered outside the door Tuesday morning.Many more would arrive to pack the dining rooms as lunch serviceprogressed, amix of regulars, civic leaders and even some tourists.

The dining rooms, often likened to an art museum for the family’s collection of African Americanart on the walls, started to feel like a mural of community uplift.

But members of the Chase family asked well-wishers to also focus on the shooting victims and their families.

“Wehave to keep them in our prayers,”said Haydel Griffin.

Afeeling of family

New Orleans police say the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Kareem Harris on the night of Jan. 16 was targeted. Harrishad been fleeing an attacker in the street, police say,and dashedinto Dooky Chase’s. His assailant followed,

and restaurant customers were wounded in the gunfire. One remainedinintensive care on Tuesday

The attacksent shock waves aroundthe city,rattling people whotreasure the restaurant, which has nourishedand nurtured in so many ways through its long history

In thedays afterthe shooting, adamagedfoyer hadbeen repaired andtraumacounselors were broughtintomeet with staff. Then, just before the Tuesdaylunch service, apriest from the family’schurchblessed the restaurant and the doorsopened again.

Waitstaff thankedcustomers as they escorted them to theirseats and membersof the Chase family were constantly receiving hugs andhandshakes asgumbo and friedchickenand seafood platters filledtables.

Gumbo, gratitude

As is commonatrestaurants with deep history, people build

their own traditions here and might even customizetheir meals It was another Dooky Chase’sregular who earlier taught me about “table chicken,” which means simply ordering acommunal plate of fried chicken to share,while everyone at the table orders

This way you can try the chicken and perhaps also the shrimp Clemenceau (here’smyown trick: Ilike to take some of the brabant potatoes at the base of this old-fashioned Creole dish and add them to the gumbo that I’m slowly nursing on the side; it soaks up the roux for

But Dooky Chase’sismore than aplace to eat. It’shometoashared New Orleans culture of connection, told through distinctive food that becomes more than ameal. It’sthe way the experience makes you feel. It’sthe history of the restaurant, and the way its next generation make an expanded notion of family feel possible through hospitality

On Tuesday,hospitality wasa two-way street as it clearly flowed back to the restaurant —from people who value its role in their city,who needed to express their care for the people behind it.

Alivinglegacy

Dooky Chase’sfirst opened in 1941 as abar and po-boy shop. The late legend Leah Chase, daughterin-law of its founders, eventually made it her goal to turn the family business into the best restaurant available to Black people during segregation.

By the 1950s, with the Civil Rights Movement gaining ground, the restaurant became ameeting place for activists and civic leaders, and the Chase family openly defied Jim Crow laws by serving all customers.

Over the decades, Dooky Chase’s would host luminaries and presidents and become adestination for tour groups and banquets. But it has first and foremost always been agathering place for New Orleans people.

On reopening day,the dining room wasfilled with familiar faces, while afew others were seeing the restaurant with fresh eyes.

Gail Stanleyand Karen Goodrich were traveling from their home in Tampa,Florida, for avacation expressly to eat and drink around New Orleans. Stanley had seen Dooky Chase’sonaTVprogram, and the restaurant made her bucket list. When afriend back home asked if she would still visit after news of the shooting, she didn’thesitate.

“Wehad areservation, and nothing was going to stop us from coming,” she said. “This place is beautiful. It’ssovibrant.

Email IanMcNultyat imcnulty@theadvocate.com.

Standing near the kitchen, Stella reese Chase, of DookyChase’s restaurant,

n The Twelfth Night Revelers

“Some Enchanted Evening” was played by the Jimmy Maxwell Orchestra, led by RobertMaxwell,asthe 2026 queen of the Twelfth Night Revelers, Miss Ashley Conner Ellis, acknowledged her mother on the ballroom of the Orpheum Theatre, after she had just received the golden bean of TNR queenship. In 2025, the same honor befell Miss Laura Elise Vickery.Their respective parents are Mr.and Mrs.William Conner Ellis III and Mr.and Mrs. Eugene Benton VickeryIII Maids of the court of 2025 were Misses Carolyn Taylor Bienvenu,TeresaMallard Brewer,Annabelle Baldwin Brown, Carolyn Grace Burton,Abigail Hartsfield Chaffe, Caroline Legier Delmer,Elizabeth Wilder Drennan, SarahElizabeth Fitzpatrick, FloraElizabeth French,Adelaide BoulignyGaines, MaryGrace Jenkins,Victoria Livaudais Nieset, Charlotte Heyward Parrino, Julia McLainPilant, Eleanor McCall Plauché,Tatum Lady Reiss, Sarah Butler Sumrall, Louisa Margaret VanPraagh Treadway, and Marianne Pratt Villere. Manybecame queensofsubsequent Carnival balls of thatseason Queen Ashley’scourt maids— those who drew silver beansfrom thehuge celebratory TNR cake —were Misses Patricia Randle Aucoin, Emma Rose Baumer, Susan SledgeEllis, Eliza Brandon Favrot, Kelsey Grace French,Caroline LeBon Henry, Caroline Grace LeBourgeois, Lucile McGlinchey Monsted, CarolineStaples Picou, BrookeColeman Reiss, ElizabethKathleen Robert, Lillian Margaret Roussel, Elizabeth McLundie Bolton Schmidt, and Lucie Ellann Williamson. Anumber ofcrowns await them. Ahalf century ago, Miss Catherine Cook Flower (Mrs. RobertHailes EarhartJr.) ruled as the Twelfth Nightqueen with the Lord of Misrule, the king. More recognition for 2026 turned to the seven Junior Cooks: Masters Wilton Ellwood Bland V, GeorgePerry EastmanV,Nicholas Jude Fleming Jr.,Thomas Cutting Mead, ScottMcDonaldMilling,Alexander Charles NavarroJr., and William Claiborne Starr.They dutifully handedout ball programs. Foundedin1870, the Twelfth NightRevelers, the city’s second-oldest Carnival ball, celebratedwithout a queen, but proceededwith the Lord of Misrule as part of aparadeconsisting of 18 floats and cavalcades, a TableauBall,and thecutting of thegreat Twelfth-Cake. In 1871, Miss Emma Butler joined the king to reign Amongthose assembled for the most recent royalty andpageantry were formerqueens and maids; mothers of currentand recentones, and of Junior Cooks; and spouses of members andkrewe dignitaries. Erin Plauché and Frances Treadway enjoyed royal relatives, respectively,in2019 (Julia Margaret Plauché)and 2004 (ElizabethFrances Treadway), while Kelly Ellis rated raves as the2026 mother of the queen. Post bal masqué, the festivities continued until the proverbial wee hours at theNew OrleansLawn Tennis Club, where their exuberant majestiesofthis year opened Carnival 2026.

Nell Nolan SOCIETY

Contact: nnolan@theadvocate.com

n Semiquincentennial Splendor

The youthful Krewe of Apollo celebrated the 250th anniversary of America at the annual ball, which was held in theConvention Center’sNew OrleansTheatre and hailed as queen Miss Florence Virginia Dupuy, daughter of Mr.and Mrs. Benjamin ArnoldDupuy.Her great aunts, as Misses Suzanne Charest Dupuy and Charlotte Hillyer Dupuy, were Apollo queens in 1964 and 1969. Last year,Miss Patricia Becker Seemann,daughter of Mr and Mrs. CharlesFrederick Seemann III,reigned. Maids to her majesty Florence, whosegown was inspired by the Statue of Liberty,were Misses SydneyMcCloskey Able, Caroline DoyleBeahm, Camden Haynes Billups, Elizabeth Cole Duggins, Jane Catherine Farnsworth, Gray Madelyn Gibbs, Molly Eleonore Gorman, Caroline Louise Hales, Sara AveryLovell, Jeanne Katherine Meyer, Olivia Denis Monsted, LivieFreret Montgomery, Elizabeth Enneking Lamberton Patin, Madeleine EmoryPhillips, and AlexandraRand Rutledge.Their short dresses designed as American flags were by Toni Jertberg Uncle Sam inspired theking’soutfit —designed by Kathleen VanHorn of KVH Designs, as was that of the queen —which paired along open jacket in blue at the top with red and white stripes on the tails. His chief accessory was athematic top hat. Completing thecourt werethe pages, Misses or Masters Tate Campbell Adams, Elizabeth Anne Henican, David Conway KepperIII, Lillie Hunter Charbonnet, Lauren HarperThompson,and CharlesBrice Schaefer Adebutante quartet, former Apollo maids, caught the spotlight. They were Misses Lucile McGlincheyMonsted (the2022 Apollo queen, whopresented them), EleanorKatherine Cowan, Brooke Coleman Reiss, and Elizabeth McLundie Bolton Schmidt. Messrs. William Francis Grace III, Gordon Hardin Kolb Jr and Charles Niels Monsted IV werecommittee chairmen.The music included modern rock and country songs with patriotic themes. Applauding all thepatrioticpomp wereMrs. Dupuy anddaughter KathrynSimmonsDupuy, who was celebrating her 16th birthday; and Mmes MatthewThomas Strickland,Michael LivaudaisLeBourgeois, AndrewSteward Hovet,Gregory Charles Feirn,HunterGarrett Hill and William PenningtonGibbons.The 2021 queen, Miss Tatum Lady Reiss, wasseated withher mother, Mrs.James Joseph Reiss III, along with Mrs.Marshall Ballard III,Mrs.Vance Greenslit Reynoir, Miss Adele Reynoir, and Ms Lady ReissFuller.Nearby were Miss Katherine GraceWalshe,2018 Apollo queen, and Mmes.St.DenisVillere III,PeterHillyer Dupuy,Peter Hillyer Dupuy Jr Seemann,MichaelQuirkWalshe Jr.and Reginald Bruce Hoefer, the 1978 monarch as Miss Elizabeth Manning Grace Jubilation continued at the Queen’s Supperwhen Ocean Street made musical mirth, favorite eats(such as hamburgers, chicken tenders, fries, and brownies) satedthe late-night appetites, andthe decorations, in red, white andblue,and stickers proclaimed “Votefor Florence.” Afaitaccompli, thatrequest was regally rewarded.

PhotoSByJeFF StroUt

2026 queen ashleyellis and Lord of Misrule

ashleyellis, emma rose Baumer

Caroline Picou, Carolinehenry, Caroline LeBourgeois, Lucile Monsted

Lucie Williamson, ellie Schmidt, Lillian roussel, elizabeth robert, Brookereiss

Masker and erinPlauche

Susan ellis, eliza Favrot, Kelsey French

2025 queen elise Vickery

tricia aucoin, Cook

Standing front row: Wilton Bland, thomas Mead, William Starr, Charlie Navarro, JudeFleming.Back row: Perryeastman, Scott Milling

Kelly ellis Frances treadway

PhotoSByreaGaN LaQUe Florence Dupuy

Molly Gorman, Caroline hales, Sara Lovell, Kate Meyer

GrayGibbs, Jane Farnsworth, Cole Duggins

Michael Walshe, Sydney able

olivia Monsted, LivieMontgomery, elizabeth Patin, Madeleine Phillips, alexandra rutledge

Sweet Dupuy, anne Villere, erica reiss

Seated:David Kepper III, Lauren thompson, Charles Schaefer Standing: tate adams, Lillie Charbonnet, elizabeth henican.

Caroline Beahm, Camden Billups

TRAVEL

Bransonafun travel destinationfor allages

BY ELIZABETHDEAL Staff writer

Looking for aplace to escape for along weekend? Don’tmiss Branson, Missouri. The cityand thesurrounding area has something that will interest just about everyone. Ithought visiting Branson would be all about seeing nostalgic shows of live music, but Iwas surprised. The area has evolved into amecca of indoor andoutdoor entertainment for all ages. The city’sreputation as the place for live entertainmentwas born in 1959 by the Mabe brothers,who called themselves the Baldknobbers. In 1963, another local musical family, the Presleys, began playing shows and built the first live music theatre on Highway 76 in 1967 —Branson’s original country music theater

This area is now the heart of the Entertainment District and generations of Presleys still perform at Presleys’ Country Jubilee

But there is more than country musicinBranson —there’s a huge variety of live music from the 1960s to the 1980s to “SIX” to “MJ” to “Legends in Concerts,” which is promoted as the world’s greatest live tribute show.Inaddition to music, there’sentertainment like the Shanghai Circus Amazing Acrobats, Dolly Parton Stampede, magicians, comedians and award-winning dance troupes

The region is more spread out thanIexpected, stretching from historic downtown Bransontothe entertainment district and further to Table Rock Lake.

Historic downtown Branson has afree trolley for exploring the quaint streets and shopping, including the long-running Dick’s 5and 10 generalstore at 103W Main St., overflowing withretro toys, old-fashioned candy and

TRAVEL TROUBLESHOOTER

By Christopherelliott

more. The Branson Landing is full of retail stores andrestaurants andsits along LakeTaneycomo. There is amoderately priced Hilton Promenade in this part of town.

Theentertainment and theater district,“the strip,” is West 76th CountryBoulevard, lined with restaurants andattractions like the Titanic Museum, Hollywood WaxMuseum,The Track Family FunPark featuringthe Branson Ferris Wheel and The Butterfly Palace rainforest adventure. Thecity is also home to Branson’sWild World animal adventure park and aquariumand The Shepherd of the Hills adventure park featuring Missouri’shighest and fastest zip line, the Inspiration Tower scenic overlook, indoor and outdoor shows and restaurants. There are several

economy-priced hotels along the strip.

In Branson, the food options are limitless, from donuts to diners, family-friendly to steakhouses, locally owned places to familiar chains. Ifound an authentic Indian restaurant —one of my favorite cuisines —and had lunch at the India Clay Oven Fine Indian Cuisine at 2005 West 76thSt. Iordered my favorite dish: lamb kormawith rice, naan bread and raitasauce. It was some of the best Indian food I’ve eaten.

For outdoor recreation, Table Rock Lakeisgreat for boating, fishing, waterskiing, tubing and more. Boat andother rentals are available at various marinas. Lodging options include private rentals and afew resorts. Branson has plenty for the golfer.There are at leastadozen

golf courses in the city,several courses designed by renowned golfers like TomFazio, Tiger Woods, Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus.

For an upscaleexperience any time of year,Big Cedar Lodge, about 15 minutes south of Branson, is your best bet. The Osage Restaurant at Topofthe Rock on theproperty is phenomenal, with fine cuisine, awarm setting and scenic views of thevalley and the lake. They have aspecial sunset ceremony,where aCivil Warcannon erupts andeveryone raises their glass foratoast.

The lodge bills itself as “America’sPremier Wilderness Resort” and offers cabins, cottages and lodge rooms. Someofthe amenities include swimming pools, a fitness center,spa, marina, lake cruise, six golf courses, several

restaurants and Fun Mountain, 50,000 square feet of actionpacked activities. Child care is available.

Also at Big Cedar is the Topof the Rock Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail and the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum, which has one of the mostsignificant collections of Native American and Civil Warartifacts, plus awoolly mammothfrom Siberia. Big Cedar Lodge is located at 190 Topofthe Rock Road, Ridgedale, and forafee, non-guests can take advantage of someofthe amenities.

Helpfultipsfor visiting Branson

n Determine how you want to spend your timeinBranson, whether that be outdoor recreation, theatre showsand attractions or shopping, etc. before choosing your lodging to limit travel around the city n Be prepared fortraffic. There are mainroutes through the city, but with all of the attractions, it can becomequickly congested. n Wear or carry comfortable walking shoes. Once landing in an area like the Branson Landing, historic downtownBranson or the entertainment district, you’ll likely park and walkaround to shops, restaurants and attractions.

ExploreBranson.com is the official website of the Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau, where those interested can find information to showsand attractions and purchase tickets. Be aware that the numerous brickand-mortar businesses with “visitor center” type signage are not affiliated with the official visitors center but are independently owned travel agencies.

Email Elizabeth Deal at elizabeth.deal@theadvocate. com.

Simple carrentalcancellationturns into $52annoyance

ized for following the rules.

Christopher Elliott

Irecently booked aHertz rental car through Expedia for pickup at FargoAirport.Thereservation clearly stated that Icould cancel at any time before pickup with no penalty.Three days before my rental,Icanceled the reservation through Expedia and received an email confirming my cancellation with no cancellation fee Imagine my surprise when,aweek later,Hertz charged me a$52 no-show fee.Iimmediately contacted Expedia and arepresentativetold me that my reservation did not include acancellation fee. But then the responses gotconfusing: One Expedia agent claimed there wasacancellation fee in my reservation (which Iknow isn’ttrue),another toldmetodeal with Hertz directly,and yet another said Hertz had agreed to refund me —but the refund never arrived.

At one point,Expedia even issueda refund to my credit card,only to reverse it and sayitwas amistake.

I’vefollowed all the advice fromyour columns,including appealing to the executive contacts listed on your site.Theonly replies

Igot were generic and didn’tanswermy specificquestions.Iasked Expediatoprovide writtenproof that my cancellation wassent to Hertzbefore the pickup time,so Icould appeal to Hertz directly,but they never provided it.Ieven visited the Hertzcounter at Fargo Airport,but the manager never gotbacktome, and the staff there said it lookedlikeExpedia didn’tsend the cancellation in time.

Howcan Iget my $52 back? —ToddBrueshoff,Chicago

Let’sget one thing straight: When you book arental car through an online travel agency like Expedia, it’sthe online travel agency’sjob to make sure your cancellation goes through and that you’re not penal-

Expedia should have promptly processed your cancellation, confirmed it with Hertz, and provided you with written proof that the cancellation was received by Hertz before your scheduled pickup.

If your reservation termsallow for afree cancellation, and you cancel within the allowed window you should not pay ano-show fee.

If Expedia failed to transmit your cancellation to Hertz in time, that’s on Expedia —not you.

Ireviewed your correspondence withHertzand Expedia, and it looks like you did this by the book.

Youcanceled in advance, kept all the documentation, and escalated your case through the proper channels, even appealing to executive contacts. Ipublish the names, numbers and email addresses for the

higher-ups at Expedia andHertz on my consumer advocacy site, elliottadvocacy.org

Youmaintainedadetailedpaper trail, which is exactlywhatI recommend. If thishappens to anyone else, I’dadd: Always double-check thatyou receiveacancellation confirmation emailand, if possible, contact the rental agency directly to confirm receipt —especially if you’re close to thecancellation deadline. Youdid everything right,and you even went theextra mile —literally —byvisiting theHertz counter at Fargo Airport. The staffthere suspected that Expedia didn’tsend the cancellation in time, which would explainwhy Hertz saw you as ano-show.Expedia,meanwhile, bounced you between departments, issued and then reversed arefund,

andultimatelyfailedtoprovide thedocumentation youneeded to resolve theissuewithHertz. It turnsout there wasmore to this story.After Expedia issued a credit andthenwithdrew it,you fileda credit card dispute, which youlost. Once your bank sideswith amerchant, youonly have tworealisticoptions:anoutside advocate or atriptosmall claims court. You chose me and Icontacted Expedia on your behalf. Expedia issued afull refund of your $52 no-showfee.

Christopher Elliott is the founderofElliott Advocacy,a nonprofitorganizationthathelps consumers solvetheirproblems. Email himatchris@elliott.org or get help by contacting himat elliottadvocacy.org.

HOLLYWOOD SOUTH

Native New OrleanianproducesNo. 1rom-com

On Jan. 14, the Netflix romantic comedy “People We Meet on Vacation” rocketed to No. 1on the streaming service’s“Top10 Movies in the U.S. Today.” Over 50% of the film was shot in New Orleans, with producer Wyck Godfrey,anative of the city,atthe helm. He was instrumental in bringing Emily Henry’sbeloved novel about total opposites finding love to screens all over the world.

“Before Henry’sbook was published,her filmagent sentitto entertainment companies, and we got it at Temple HillEntertainment, and loved it,” said Wyck Godfrey of Temple HillEntertainment. “We convinced Sony to read it, and they optioned the book. We thenworked on the script together, attached director Brett Haley to the project, and then went to Netflix, as we decided streaming was the way to go with this movie.”

The film takes Poppy (Emily Bader) and Alex (Tom Blyth) to destinations around the world from Barcelona and Tuscany to stateside staples like Boston,New York City and Palm Springs, as the best friends spend every summer taking avacation, while their relationship evolves over time.

The multiple cities shown in the film, however,were not all actual location shoots for the cast and crew.Infact, Louisianastandsin for amultitude of different locations because of its diverse landscapesand topographies.

“For instance, we shot at Tulane University to replicate the scenes that took place in the book at Boston University,” said Godfrey “When we needed amore rural setting, we crossed the Causeway and went to the northshore to shoot. Louisiana has such avarietyoflocations that it stood in for many cities shown in the film.

“And New Orleans itselfhas its own share of well-knownlocations

thatyou’ll see in the film.Wewent to Domilise’sPo-Boys, Café du Monde, HotelSt. Vincent, Jackson Square and so many iconic locales. In fact, thefinale,shot on acrosswalk which was supposed to be in Ohio (where the two characters grewup) was actually shot in New Orleans,four blocks from where I grew up, Uptown near Broadway.”

The statisticsinvolved with shooting in our state emphasize just how important having Hollywood productions shoot here is to our economy,and to so many people’spocketbooks. Nearly 350 crew members worked on “People We Meet on Vacation” in New Orleans, in addition to 16 cast members and nearly 800 extras. More than 280 local vendors also pitched in during production on location.

As to why this particular romantic comedy struck anerve with viewers and caused the movie to shoot up to No. 1less thanaweek after itsrelease on Netflix, the producer and director have some thoughts.

“These are not box-office stars in this film, but the success of this movie is totally dependent upon the chemistry between Alex and Poppy,” said director Brett Haley “Weauditioned hundreds of people for these roles, and the chemistry between these twowas electric. That’s what matters.”

When it comes to apopular book coming to the screen, the readers invested in the books expect to see thatsamechemistry on-screen, which theyenvisioned from reading the novel.

“Indeed, the audience cares more

about peoplewho embodythe characters in thebook,not movie stars,” explained Godfrey.“As to why this film hasbeen such asuccess, Ithink people are starved for entertainmentthatmakes them feel good. The big studioshave gotten away from theatrical romcoms, which Ithink hasbetrayed audiences. This is escapistfare —travel to exotic locations, with asimmering love story on top of that.”

Emily Henry is abeloved author who uniquely infuses herlovestories with humor andpratfalls.Her readers are very importanttoher and Godfrey noted that shewas an active part of thescreenplayand made sure themovie hadsome of the Easter eggs from thebook that she knew readers would love to see.

Godfrey graduated from Princeton withanEnglishdegree, moved afterward to NewYork to analyze plays forNew Line Cinema, looking formaterial which could be flipped intoscreenplays, andthen finding thewriters. He fell in love withthe movie business, andeventually moved to L.A., deciding that’swhere thebusiness wascentered.But he still has godparents in NewOrleans, and lovestocome back.Withthe recent optioning of two moreofEmily Henry’sbooks, New Orleans can only hope he brings another production to the Crescent City “People We Meet on Vacation” is streaming on Netflix.

Contact Leslie Cardé at lesliecardejournalist@gmail. com.

Dear Annie: Igot divorcedafter 27 years of marriage. Ididn’t leave because I stopped loving my husband —Ileft because Iwas lonely inside my own home. We stopped talking, stopped laughing, stopped noticing each other.Ispent years saying, “It’sfine” until one day Irealized Ididn’t want my life to be fine. Iwanted it to be real.

My best friend, “Leah,” was my lifeline during that time.

She took my calls on my longest nights. She sat withmeonmy porch with abottleofcheap wine and let me cry until my face felt tight.She told me Iwasn’tselfish, Iwas human. She promised me I wasn’talone Afterthe divorce, Istarted dating again—slowly, awkwardly, like learning to walk in new shoes. And then Imet someone kind. He brings me coffee without asking. He remembers the names of my kids’ friends. He looks at me like I’m not broken.

Leah’sreaction has been strange. Atfirst,she was supportive, but now she makes little

comments: “Mustbenice to have someone.” Or “Don’t get too excited —you know how men are.” She’ll scrollthrough pictures of us and say,“He’sfine, Iguess.” Andwhen Itold herhewanted to takemeaway for aweekend, she went quiet and said, “Well, some of us don’tget to runoff.”

The partthat hurts is that I’ve always been theone cheering her on. When shegot promoted, Ibrought Champagne. When her son struggled in school, Ihelped her find tutors. I’ve been loyal in away Ithought mattered.

Now,everytime Isharesomething happy,Ifeel myself brac-

ing for the sting that follows. I don’twant to lose her,but Ialso don’twant to shrink my life to keep her comfortable. How do you handle afriendship that feels like it’s punishing youfor moving forward? —Finally Happy, Quietly Guilty Dear Finally Happy, Quietly Guilty: You did not leavealonely marriage just to minimize yourself once again. Leah’scomments arenot harmless. They arereeking with jealousy that she hasdressed up as honesty.Callher behavior out once, kindly andclearly.Tellher you value herfriendship, but the digs need to stop.

If she adjusts, great. If she doublesdown, believe what you are seeing andstophanding her your good news like it is something for hertocritique. In the meantime, share the sweet updateswith people who can simply say, “I’m happy for you,” andmean it. Areal friend clapswhenyou win, no matter what. Areal friend won’t say,“I’mhappy for you, but …” Real friendship and support is unconditional.

Send yourquestions forAnnie Lane to dearannie@creators com.

Photo By MICheLe K. Short ForNetFLIX

‘People We Meet on Vacation’ stars tomBlyth,left, as alex and emily Bader as Poppy.

Godfrey

Leslie Cardé

Plotting suspense in southLa.

Shreveport author brings twists andturns

BY JOYHOLDEN Staff writer

Monroe native Ashley Elston

author of six young adult novels andtwo adult novels,lives in Shreveport with her family Elston was aweddingphotographer who started writingbooks as acreative outlet after pausing her photography business when her third son was born. She published her first book, “Rules for Disappearing,” in 2013. Her last book, “First LieWins,” gained national acclaim through Reese Witherspoon’sBook Club. Her new book, “Anatomy of an Alibi,” cameout Jan. 13 andis available at all local bookstores.

“Anatomy of an Alibi” is asuspenseful mystery that is set in St. Francisville and Baton Rouge.

One woman, Aubrey Price, agreestotake on Camille Bayliss’ identity for aday so Camille can investigate her husband Ben’sunusual behavior.The plan involves muchmore than what is originally agreed upon when Ben turns up murdered the next morning.

The two women get caught up in adecades-old secret that involves them both.

This conversation was edited for length and clarity

What drew you to Baton Rougeand St. Francisville as the setting for your new book?

All of my books have been set in Louisiana, and I’ve done some in Shreveport and some in madeup towns. We weredown in St Francisville acouple of years ago. It was just so cute, so quaint,so fun. And Iwas like, “I shouldset something here.”

Then we ended up going tothe Angola rodeo, and Ithought I had to use this in abook somehow.That’show Iwanted toitbe in St. Francisville. Then Ineeded

ProVIDeD Photo

ashleyelston is the Shreveport author of ‘First Lie Wins’ and ‘anatomyofanalibi.’

abig town, and Baton Rouge is the closest bigtown,sothat worked to allbe what Ineeded it to be

What wasyour process in getting to know the area?

I’ve been to Baton Rouge aton.

Ifelt pretty comfortable with Baton Rouge, andI do feel like, in general,there’salot of similarities between Baton Rouge and Shreveport Icame back toSt. Francisville last year when Iwas editing it, justtoride around again and makesure that what Iwas saying felt right for the place. Then Imade some tweaks and changes. That’sthe fun partofwriting. “Anatomy of an Alibi” hasmanycomplicated twists and turns, involving legaland business issues. How did you develop a plot likethat? It takesalot of different drafts for me. Idon’treally think of all thatatthe start. The first draft

is typically abit morestraightforward. When Iknow whereI’m trying to go, what I’m trying to do, Iask,“How can Igotwist it up?”Then Iusually go back in and really look at each sceneand go, “How can Imake this better and dig alittlebit deeper?”

The characters in “Anatomy of an Alibi” are complex.What inspires you to create ambiguous characters?

That’swhat Ilove when I’m reading. When I’m writing, I hope to get acrossthat everybody’sabit complicated. Everybody is not just black or white.

Sometimes you’rebad, but you have good qualities,and sometimes you have great qualities, but you have acouple bad moments. Ithink that makes it so much more realistic and natural.

Ienjoy acomplicated character,and Ilike that you can’t decide whether youlike them or not

Just as the characters are multidimensional, the plot has manylayers. How did you getthat deep into the weeds of what the actual truth was?

Ispent alot of time thinking about those characters and how they would react, thethings they would do. Alot of it is just editing, revising, digging deeper, thinking pastthe surface to motivations

That’swhy it takes me along time between books —because Idospend alot of time trying to get as deep as Ican.

“First Lie Wins” received alot of national recognition.Were there anyexpectations for ”Anatomy of an Alibi”?

It’scrazy,especially because they’re my seventh andeighth books,and alot of people think it’s my first and second. I’ve had books that come outthat nobody knew about —noattention and sales were abysmal. Istill think they’re as good as these books They just didn’tget the marketing dollars.

Ithink also,though, thatallowed me to really appreciate what Idid get, because Ihave been on thatotherside.I’m so verywell awareofwhat that other side feels like,soitjust made this even sweeter

What are you most proud of with“Anatomy of an Alibi?” Finishing it. It wasextremely hardtowrite abookafter all of theattentionof“First Lie Wins.”

Ifelt like “First Like Wins” was

like lightning in abottle. And I just thought, “Why would Ieven attempt to try to write something else?” So,I struggled, just wondering if it wasgoodenough. I secondguessedmyself in away thatIhad neverdonebefore. So,Iammostproud thatI actually finisheditbecause it was the book Iwas most scared to write.

Email Joy Holdenatjoy holden@theadvocate.com.

La.poetDavid Middletonshinesin‘Time Will Tell’

In the author photo for“Time Will Tell,” his newly collected poems, David Middleton greets readers with apen in his left shirt pocket, which reminded me of his fellow poet, Wendell Berry of Kentucky

I’ve seen many pictures of Berry in which he, too, totes a pen above his heart, poised to record whatever he seesbeyond his desk. For both of these poets, the work of words is aportable enterprise —acallinginwhich inspiration is more likely to strike in afield or along aroadway than withinthe cloister of a writer’sstudy

Middleton, apoet-in-residence emeritus at NichollsState University in Thibodaux who’snow in his 70s, also invites comparisons with Berry becausethey’ve both been hailed as champions of the Southern Agrarian literary tradition. It’sasmuch asensibility as aphilosophy,evident in poems deeply informedbyearth and sky One notable example is “The Farmer’sAlmanac,” aMiddleton poem in which he muses on those

old-fashioned farm and garden manuals that bloom from store shelves at this time of year.With their quaint etchings evoking an ancient past,the covers of these almanacs depict apioneer culture in which land promised not only practical wealth, but emotional and spiritual sustenance, too.

Middleton, with typical grace, puts it more succinctly: “Such pictures bear fair witness to atime /When heart and mind could know the world as one.

But for Middleton, almanacs offer more than mere nostalgia In their scrupulous attentionto the seasons, thesehumble texts still provide “news of what’s too precious to be news.”

In other words, the kind of

truth one is unlikely to find on cable TV

“Time Will Tell” is necessarily aretrospective book; any volumethat collects more than 300 pages of poemsfrom several decades cannot help indulging a backward glance. But these manypoems, mostly inspired by Louisiana locales,

ProVIDeD PhotoByDeBorah LILLIe

Louisiana poet DavidMiddleton has anew book,‘time Will tell,’that collects hispoems fromseveral decades. Middleton is poet-inresidence emeritus at Nicholls State University in thibodaux.

still crackle with the vitality of agreen and evolving world yet within our grasp —ifonly we take the time to look. These

poems help us see what endures, even among the ravages of change.

They’re shaped as muchbythe eye as the ear,and for good reason. Middleton describes himself as “a poet who paints with words,” the result of achildhood in his father’sart studio.

“Tomethe smell of oil paint is an aromaofthe soul, and my love of vivid images in poems comes from that art,” he writes in abrief afterword.

Examples of Middleton’spainterly eye abound. In “Toward North Louisiana,” he recounts a long drive past old farms: “Beside whose lonely houses lately placed /Satellite dishes whiten toward Orion.”

It’svintage Middleton, the commonplace and the cosmic keeping close company Time,welearn in this collection, does tell. These poems affirm that for both Middleton and his readers, the years have been arevelation.

Email DannyHeitman at danny@dannyheitman.com.

Eros bids farewell to Yellow Brick Road at bal masque

The Krewe of Eros celebrated its 89th annual bal masque and tableau Saturday at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans in the Celestin Ballroom. Eros, the god of love and the youngest of the gods, toyed playfully in disguise with its annual theme as the royal court bid “Farewell Yellow Brick Road.”

Reigning as queen was Miss Amelie Regina Bent, daughter of Mr and Mrs. Gregory E. Bent. Her majesty wore a strapless gown of silver beaded tulle over gold lamé, embellished and beaded. Her Majesty’s full silver crown, scepter, Medici collar and the organization’s mantle completed her royal wardrobe.

Maids were Misses Emma Katherine Starr Barnes daughter of Mr and Mrs. Brian C. Barnes; Avery Elizabeth Cheatham, daughter of Mr and Mrs. Scott R Cheatham; Ainsley Michelle

Dupré, daughter of Mr Joel E. Dupré and Ms Dana C Dupré; Reagan Wallace Hayes, daughter of Mr and Mrs. Glenn W. Hayes Jr.; Aimee Colette and Allie Janette Landry, daughters of Dr and Mrs. Scott P. Landry; and Molly Cate Richardson,

daughter of Mr and Mrs. Jeffrey H. Richardson. They wore long-waisted strapless gowns with a full skirts of winter white silk shantung.

Junior maids were Misses Valentina Lucille Day, daughter of Mr and Mrs. Jonathan M. Day; Kaitlyn Grace Janusa, daughter

of Mr and Mrs. Gabriel P. Janusa; Annette Marie and Mary Louise Oertling, daughters of Mr and Mrs. Matthew D. Oertling; and Eliza Katherine Schmitz, daughter of Mr and Mrs. Gerard M. Schmitz. Sleeveless gowns of white silk dupioni with full skirts, detailed with box pleats, were their attire, highlighted by a true waist trimmed by a beaded sash. Princesses were Misses Amelia Marie deBoisblanc,

daughter of Mr and Mrs. Dennis L. deBoisblanc Jr.; and Miss Kate Grace Vega, daughter of Dr and Mrs. Ryan J. Vega. White silk dupioni dresses with full skirts and cap sleeves featured pintucked bodices trimmed by a simple sash tied in the back Pages to the king were Masters Lars Cooper Fanberg, son of Mr and Mrs. Zachary M. Fanberg; William Michael Schmitz, son of Mr and Mrs. Gerard M. Schmitz; and Remy Phillip Schwartzlow son of Dr and Mrs. Todd A. Schwartzlow His majesty wore a tunic of cream satin with silver beaded tulle over gold lamé embellished and beaded with Swarovski crystals. His pages wore white, silk shantung tunic and bloomers featuring gold sequin appliques and a cape.

The captain wore an off-white tunic of Italian brocade trimmed in gold and encrusted with Austrian rhinestones and a crisscross-patterned belt of rhinestones. His headpiece was accented with white plumes. The cape of the same brocade was lined with gold fabric and featured the krewe’s initial. A matching mask trimmed in rhinestones completed his attire. A dance and breakfast buffet followed the ball with entertainment from Dat Band.

The general chairman was Mr Kevin J. Frischhertz. Mr Chris P. Bankston served as vice-chairman. The floor committee chairman was Mr Claus Grassel. The reception committee chairman was Mr Gregory E. Bent. Consulars to the court were Messrs. Jeffrey C. Cashe, James E. Kuhn, Carlton Larrieu Sr., Wayne Ruth, Stephen J. Simone and Dr Michael Hagmann.

Krewe of Covington hosts 75th Carnival tableau and ball

Jessica Lynch, Krewe of Covington queen 2026

By the associated Press

Today is Sunday Jan. 25, the 25th day of 2026. There are 340 days left in the year Today in history:

“75 Years of Merriment” was the theme of the annual Carnival tableau and ball of the Mystic Krewe of Covington at the Covington Lions Club Hall. The king was attired in a gold lamé tunic embellished with rhinestones, sequins and appliques and the krewe’s crest. His collar was studded with rhinestones and gold and black sequins. A gold crown was inlaid with rhinestones.

Completing the ensemble were gold boots, white gloves and a golden scepter Reigning over the ball as queen was Mrs. Jessica Lynch. She wore a silver

lace and tulle halter gown embellished with appliques of flowers. The ensemble was completed with a silver crown of rhinestones and a silver scepter with orchids.

Maids in the court, representing highlighted years and themes from the past were Mrs. Mandy Carter, as First Mardi Gras (Mystic KaaCee); Miss Alisyn Daigle, as 25th (Silver Reflections); Miss Mia Bordelon, Mardi Gras (50 Glorious Years); and Miss Briley Lynch, (75 Years of Merriment). Mrs. Tiffany Hudson, the 2025 queen, and her court were presented.

The krewe entered the ballroom and danced to traditional Mardi Gras tunes. The captain then appeared from a cloud of smoke and began the tableau with his silver whistle. Chairmen of the tableau committee was Mr Lee Roy Jenkins. Chairman of the court committee was Mr Robert C. Lunch. Chairman of the reception committee was Mr Philip E. Beckham.

On Jan. 25, 2004, NASA’s Opportunity rover landed on Mars and sent its first pictures of the planet to Earth; originally planned as a 90-day mission, the rover remained operational for over 15 years, trav-

eling a total of 28 miles across the planet’s surface. Also on this date: In 1924, the first Winter Olympic Games opened in Chamonix, France.

In 1945, the World War II Battle of the Bulge ended as the German army concluded its final offensive on the Western Front; approximately 19,000 U.S. soldiers were killed during the five-week campaign.

In 1945, Grand Rapids, Michigan, became the first city to add fluoride to its public water supply

In 1961, President John F. Kennedy held the first live televised presidential news conference. In 1971, Charles Manson and three of his followers were convicted in Los Angeles of murder and conspiracy in the 1969 slayings of seven people, including actor Sharon Tate.

In 2011, Egyptians began nationwide protests that forced longtime autocrat Hosni Mubarak to step down amid the Arab Spring uprisings that swept the Middle East and North Africa.

In 2024, Alabama conducted the nation’s first execution using nitrogen gas, putting to death Kenneth Eugene Smith for his conviction in the 1988 murder-for-hire killing of a pastor’s wife.

Today’s birthdays: Football Hall of Famer Carl Eller is 84. Actor Leigh Taylor-Young is 81. Actor Jenifer Lewis is 69. Hockey Hall of Famer Chris Chelios is 64. Actor Ana Ortiz is 55. Actor Mia Kirshner is 51 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is 48. Soccer manager and former player Xavi is 46. Singer-songwriter Alicia Keys is 45. Football Hall of Famer Patrick Willis is 41.

Carter Daigle Bordelon

Lynch

amelie Bent, queen of eros 2026

Barnes Cheatham Dupré Hayes

Ai. Landry Al. Landry Richardson

Gala celebration marks Young Men Illinois Club ball

For its annual Carnival ball Friday, the Young Men Illinois Club Inc. celebrated a century with the theme: “Centennial Anniversary of Excellence” at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center The club originates from the Original Illinois Club and Wiley J. Knight, often referred to as the “Father of Negro Society in New Orleans” in 1895. Tradition holds the name — Illinois Club was derived from the fact that Mr Knight was part of the Pullman porter group which serviced trains traveling between Chicago and New Orleans. Moreover, Mr Knight was immersed in the tales of culture and tradition he heard while working up to 18 hours per day on the trains. His unheralded desire to promote social customs and culture to the African American community led him to open a dance studio in Uptown New Orleans near Cadiz and Camp streets in the early 1900s. For the centennial the club paid homage to outstanding New Orleans women who have served as trailblazers in social causes, culture, education and the arts, such as Leah Chase, Ruby Bridges, Irma Thomas, Sybil Morial and Dorothy Taylor to name a few

Reigning over the ball as queen was Miss Sydney Carrol Mason, daughter of Judge Omar K. Mason and Mrs. Carla Bringier-Mason. Serving as maid was Miss Addison Morgan Roussell, daughter of Mr Adam Roussell and Mrs. Keesha Roussell.

Debutantes were Misses Naomi Marie Bouie, daughter of Joseph Bouie III and Ariadne Marie Keller; Sidney Isabelle Davis, daughter of Brandon Eric Davis and Tiffany Delery Davis; Bailey McKenzie Hall, daughter of Michael Joseph Hall and Jonique Hall; Kaley Janell Hill, daughter of Demetrius Kirby Hill and Conney Valencia

Hill; Talyn Rene Hinds, daughter of Christopher M. Hinds and Tiffany A. WalterHinds; McKenzie Elizabeth Jordan, daughter of Antonio Kermit Verrett and Amber Theresa McKnight; Alexis Marie Lewis, daughter of Mr and Mrs. Gavin C. Lewis Sr.; Baileigh Cy McFadden, daughter of Bryan McFadden Sr and Brandy Thomas; Kennedy Ann-Maria Miller, daughter of Mr and Mrs. Kendrick Don Miller; Al-

anna Thibodeaux Mogilles, daughter of Mr and Mrs. Rahman Mogilles; Kylah D’Laci Prevost, daughter of Kyle Prevost and Judge Sharlayne Jackson Prevost; Shayde Harmoni Randolph, daughter of Damian John Randolph Sr and Shalan Melton Randolph; Brianna Monaé Raphael, daughter of Nigel M. Raphael Sr and Dr Tonja M. Raphael; Ava Coryn Sallier, daughter of Dwight Dace Sallier and Juanita

Alexander-Sallier; and Jasmine Mariah Williams, daughter of Hasson Williams and Dr Chantell WashingtonWilliams.

Princesses were Misses Freya Elizabeth Banks, daughter of Derrick and Shelia Banks; Amari McKenzie Centeno, daughter of Sandreka Centeno and Gary Centeno; Amelia Rose Doucette, daughter of Jason Gerard Doucette and Monique Gougisha Doucette; Carlie Nikol Garrison, daughter of Calvin Garrison Jr and Nikki Garrison; Chloe Charlie Green, daughter of Eugene Green and Kaila Hutchison; Skylar Victoria Pappion, daughter of Gregory Anthony Pappion II and Melissa Lear Pappion; Adri-

enne Nicole Rogers, daughter of Cornel T. Rogers and Keisha Rogers; Riley Marie Vidal, daughter of Cory Vidal and Dr Robin Riley Vidal; Lila Eglee Walcott, daughter of Michael Walcott Sr and Crystal Walcott; and Marigny Jolie Williams, daughter of L. Jeff Williams and Robin Bouie Williams. The pages were Misses Amara Cecile Josephine Mason-Folse, daughter of Dr Henri Mason-Folse and Aria Mason-Folse; Brooke Simone Robinson, daughter of Kenneth and Dr. Samoan Robinson; and Masters Christopher Jules Ross, son of Cardell Ross and Christy Noel Ross; and Zane Amir Rousseau, son of Robert Rousseau Jr and Brandi Rousseau.

Officers include Messrs. Cardell Ross, president; Dr Cornel Rogers, vicepresident; William Aaron, financial secretary; Michael Walcott, recording secretary; Ravi Bates, treasurer; Lawrence Robinson, director of social affairs; Anthony Faciane, assistant director of social affairs; Mario Anderson, sergeant-at-arms; Marion Floyd, parliamentarian; Kevin Bart, keeper of records and seals; Bryan Jourdain, director of publicity; and Ronald Vigee, chaplain.

Amid the sweeping Saharan sand, set within an ancient land, arose the god Osiris’ tent celebrating the 111th Grand Ball. The lights were raised to reveal the magnificent throne of the Palace of the Sun overlooking the sands of Egypt. Abundant palms, ferns and flowers entwined with a myriad of glittering lights provided a lush oasis setting for the coronation of a new king and queen. Reigning with his majesty as queen was Miss Kate Faulkner Bensel, daughter of Mr and Mrs. Gregory Charles Bensel. Maids in the court were Misses Madeleine Odette Black, daughter of Mr and Mrs. John Louis Black III; Mary Roberts Favor, daughter and stepdaugh-

ter of Mr George Michael Favor and Mrs Becca Fox, and daughter of Mrs. Joy Roberts Favor; Lillian Lair Hooper, daughter of Mr. and

The Krewe of Argus hosted its annual Galaxy Ball on Friday in the Great Hall of the Pontchartrain Center, with a celebration themed “Argus Gets Animated.” The theme came to life through décor and costumes inspired by cartoon characters.

Captains Lawrence Chehardy and Robert DeViney called the evening to order as the pageantry began with the presentation of colors by the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard commanded by Capt. Aaron Wilkie. The national anthem was performed by Ms. Abby Nastasi, a former Argus maid. Reigning as queen Miss Callie Anne Langhetee, daughter of Dr Henry Langhetee and Ms. Wanda Theriot. A senior at the

Academy of the Sacred Heart, she was recently named a 2026 semi-finalist for the National Merit Scholarship. Serving as Argus XLI

Mrs. Andre V Hooper; Annabel Katherine McCarthy, daughter of Mr and Mrs. Mason Hauck McCarthy; Madeleine Paige Morrison, daughter of Mr and Mrs. deLesseps Story Morrison III; Kathleen Brewer Ready,

daughter of Mr and Mrs. Davis Milton Ready; Georgia Kathryn Scott, daughter of Mr and Mrs. Stephen Lee Scott; and Helen Claire Thompson, daughter of Mr and Mrs. Charles David Thompson Jr

was Mr David L. Haydel

Jr Part of the famed Haydel Bakery family known for Carnival’s favorite treat — king cakes. He is married to Joanne Schwartz Haydel and the father of two daughters. Her majesty wore a gold

silk A-line gown adorned with imported lace and handset Austrian rhinestones. A traditional Medici collar of matching lace, trimmed with rhinestones and drop crystals, framed the ensemble, completed by a gold mantle. She wore

Princesses in the court were Misses Madeleine Rose Adatto, daughter of Mr and Mrs. Bradford Ellis Adatto; Campbell Grace Banta, daughter of Mr and Mrs. Benjamin Hayden Banta; Caitlin August Brennan, daughter of Mr and Mrs. Jeffrey Curtis Brennan; Florence Virginia Dupuy, daughter of Mr and Mrs. Benjamin Arnold Dupuy; Elizabeth Helen Fitzpatrick, daughter of Mr and Mrs. Grady Oren Fitzpatrick; Emily McKay Guider, daughter of Mr and Mrs. William Charles Guider; Caroline Ann Kogos, daughter of Mr and Mrs. Paul Nicholas Kogos; Evelyn Anne Lauscha, daughter of Mr and Mrs. Dennis Patrick Lauscha; Livie Freret Montgomery, daughter of Mr

and Mrs. Jonathan Baldwin Montgomery; Riley Helyn Ralston, daughter of Mr and Mrs. Graham Mears Ralston; and Elizabeth Grace Taylor daughter of Mr and Mrs. William Clayton Taylor Pages were Masters Thomas Jackson Bethune V, son of Mr and Mrs. Bethune IV; Thomas Gordon McLeod Jr., son of Mr and Mrs. McLeod; and James Rowan Williams, son of Mr and Mrs. Christopher James Williams. The 2025 queen, Miss Melanie Kathleen Talbot, daughter of Mr and Mrs. Brent Arnold Talbot Sr., was presented to their majesties and received roses. In addition, the 50-year queen was Mrs. Martha Stephens Johnson.

a custom-designed crown and scepter

His majesty complemented the queen in a gold silk tunic styled in the traditional manner and accented with handset Swarovski crystals.

His matching mantle and original crown and scepter completed his regal attire.

Maids, dressed in costumes reflecting the theme, were Misses Madelyn Faith Bernard, daughter of Mr and Mrs. Shane Bernard; Sidney Isabelle Davis, daughter of Mr and Mrs. Brandon Davis; Claire Schully Deroche, daughter of Mr and Mrs. Carl Deroche; Sydney Grace Konur daughter of Mr and Mrs. Baris Konur; Eliza Jean Morin, daughter of Dr and Mrs. Michael Morin; Kira Juliet Mixon, daughter

of Mr and Mrs. Matthew Winters; McLaine Claire Schlosser, daughter of Dr and Mrs. Charles Schlosser III; and Ava Loren Schott, daughter of Mr and Mrs. Arthur Schott III.

The court also included king’s squire, Master Wilbert Joseph Briscoe Jr., son of Mr and Dr Briscoe.; page to the queen, Miss Savannah Louise Stall, daughter of Mr and Mrs. William Stall; and pages to his majesty, Masters Garrett Joseph Leingang, son of Mr and Mrs. David Leingang; William Luis Stall, son of Mr and Mrs. William Stall; and Owen Phelps, Beau Gibbs and Jack Lawrence Alread, sons of Mr and Mrs. Jon Alread. Announcer for the ball was former Argus monarch Newell Normand.

Les Femmes d’Orleans celebrates ‘The Magic of Music’

its central motif.

A gold rhinestone fleur de lis-adorned crown and a jeweled scepter completed her royal regalia. His majesty wore gold cloth trimmed in ermine. His crown and scepter matched in design with the queen’s.

The maids in the court, costumed to carry out the lyrical theme, were Ms. Stephens, symbolizing “Classical,” was costumed

in a lavender gown displaying a piano, violin, French horn and trumpet upon her collar; Ms. Lindstrom, portraying “Jazz,” sported a yellow dress with her collar adorned with musicians, saxophones and musical notes; Ms. Hayes, representing “Country,” wore a Kelly green ball gown, with a collar featuring a guitar, wagon wheel, and saguaro cactus; and Ms. Hymel, depicting “Rock-nRoll,” wore a collar with a frock of turquoise displaying a pink Cadillac, juke box and a silhouette of dancers.

Junior maids in the court were Misses Brianna Marie Maique, daughter of Mr Roberto Manuel Maique and Ms. Megan Sanchez; and Sophie Angelle Koniditsiotis, daughter of retired Lt. Col. Elias J. Koniditsiotis and Ms. Jeanne Koniditsiotis. The princess was Miss Lilly Claire Hatt, daughter of Mr Jeremy Hatt and Mrs. Aunjel FaucheuxHatt. General chairman of the ball was Mr Louis C. Gaudet, with Mr David “Storm” Manning serving as the evening’s narrator.

Sydney Carrol Mason, queen of young Men Illinois Club 2026 Bouie Davis Hall Hill Hinds Jordan

Lewis McFadden Miller

Thibodeaux Prevost Randolph

Roussell Raphael Sallier Williams

Kate Faulkner Bensel, queen of osiris 2026

Mixon Morin

renee F Smith auld, queen of Les Femmes d’orleans 2026

Royal ball celebrates Nereus’ 131st anniversary

Festive dances of mambo and merengue were performed in the Royal Tent at New Orleans Country Club on Friday for Nereus’ 131st anniversary grand ball His majesty’s tableau players entered a transfer portal taking guests to the notable Kellerman Vacation Resort for their own dance-sport rendition of the iconic popculture film “Dirty Dancing.” Baby and Johnny, (played by a well-known Southern coach), had trouble getting their dance steps down. He recognized it was time to move on, so with players confused and Baby on the sidelines, he quickly departed before the end-ofthe-season show

Feeling that “nobody puts Baby in the corner,” the big dance resumed with much

fanfare. Moods were lifted — maybe a dance partner too. Guests noted they had “The Time of Our Lives,” swearing it’s the truth and owing it all to the Nereus krewe.

Gracing the bal masque as queen was Miss Madeline Frances Kessels, daughter

of Dr and Mrs. John Sellers Kessels, who reigned with the god of the sea.

Trumpeting the grand entrance of her royal highness were pages Masters Cornelius William Booher IV, son of Mr and Mrs. Booher III; and Hayden

West Janke, son of Mr and Mrs. Benjamin West Janke. The queen was presented by court committee chairman Mr Stephen Henry Schonberg.

Maids in the court were Misses Devron Blais Barreca, daughter of Mr and

Mrs. Anthony Joseph Barreca; Adelaide Elizabeth Benzman, daughter of Mr and Mrs. Scott Jay Benzman; Ellen Margaret Daly daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael McNellis Daly; Taylor Lee Elliott, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Sporl Elliott; Catherine Carlisle Martin, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton Loftin Martin; Ellie Eugenie Menszer, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Gary David Menszer; Sloane Alexandra Paysse, daughter of Mr and Mrs. René Sylvain Paysse Jr.; Kathleen Brewer Ready, daughter of Mr and Mrs. Milton Davis Ready; and Lillian Margaret Rous-

Majestic queen reigns at Mardi Gras

Gathering for the organization’s 60th celebration, the Mystic Krewe of Olympia presented its annual bal masque Saturday at the Castine Center in Mandeville.

Following the appearance of the captain, officers and krewe, the Covington Police Department presented the colors and, according to tradition, a wounded warrior was recognized for his service. Honored was the late Sgt. Grant Candies for his service to the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office. His widow, Courtney, accepted an honorary medallion.

The captain then signaled the presentation of the court.

Zeus LX entered, acknowledging his guests as he processed to the throne.

Reigning as queen was Carolyn Ray Rushing, daughter of Mr and Mrs.

Heath Ashley Rushing. Her strapless column gown was Italian double-faced silk duchess satin with an overlay of hand-beaded tulle from India, tapering at the hem with a design of silver thread embroidery, bugle

beads and seed beads creating windowpanes connected by diamonds encrusted with Austrian crystals and rhinestones. The embellishments created a focal point down the center of the gown, capped by a Medici collar of lace, lochrosens

and Swarovski crystals.

From her shoulders fell the krewe’s mantle. She wore her grandmother’s antique necklace and earrings along with the fulgent crown and scepter Maids in the court were Misses Camille Caroline Christopher, daughter of Dr and Mrs. James Warren Christopher; Caroline Lanier Lagarde, daughter of Mr and Mrs. Jonathan Davis Lagarde; Madeleine Grace Poirier, daughter and stepdaughter of Mr and Mrs. Aldric Poirier and stepdaughter and daughter of Mr and Mrs. Marc Johnson; and Isabelle Rose Seeger daughter of Mr and Mrs. Benjamin Carl Seeger Ladies-in-waiting were Misses Rowan Anne Brown, daughter of Capt. and Mrs. Briscoe Steven Brown Jr.; Addison Leigh Galloway,

daughter of Mr and Mrs. Preston Taylor Galloway; Amelia Rose Higgins, daughter of Mr and Mrs. Richard Gary Higgins Jr.; Margaux Michon McMath, daughter of State Sen. and Mrs. Patrick Moore McMath; Billie Laine Powers, daughter of Mr and Mrs. Lewis Nicholas Powers; Carlisle Mae Roberts, daughter of Mr and Mrs. Jacob David Roberts; Liliana Faith Tallo, daughter of Mr and Mrs. Kyle Wade Tallo; Lillian Rae Tridico, daughter of Mr and Mrs. Joseph Ray Tridico; and Kara Lauren Zito, daughter of Mr and Mrs. Jason Matthew Zito. Their peau de soie matte satin gowns were adorned with a wide belt with a large bow featuring the favor pins. Pages were Masters JohnEdgar Coleman Goorley, son

sel, daughter of Mr and Mrs. Scott Farrell Roussel. The captain presented roses to the 2025 queen Miss Madison Elizabeth Hales, daughter of Mr and Mrs. Stephen Benjamin Hales. Members and guests danced to the music of Jimmy Maxwell Orchestra at the ball, and BRW at the queen’s supper following in the country club, a traditional New Orleans breakfast, including Southern-style grits and grillades and king cake. Serving on the court committee were vice chairmen Messrs. H. Mark Adams, Alan G. Brackett, William Courtade Carrere, John R. Cook IV, Christopher S. Mann, William S. Nalty Graham M. Ralston, Charles T. Walsten and Michael Q. Walshe Jr

of Mr Elliot Charles Goorley and Mrs. Mallory Morse Goorley; Brayden Devaney Lane, son of Mr and Mrs. John Devaney Lane III; Davis James Madden, son of Mr and Mrs. Paul Charles Madden; and Cash Joseph Tantillo, son of Mr and Mrs. Salvador Peter Tantillo III. Mr Nicholas Richard Ludwig, served as chairman of the ball and floor committees. Assisting him were Drs. Paul Stahls III and Richard Robertson Jr and Messrs. Mark Blanchard, Sam Collett III, Lange Gambel III, Semmes Hughs, Richard Murphy Jr., Joseph Reagan, Rory Roniger Mason Rudolph, Gordon Stewart and Matthew Voelkel. Following the presentation, members and guests enjoyed a queen’s supper with the music of Got Groove.

‘Celestial Knights’ banners Excalibur’s celebration

“Celestial Knights” was the theme Saturday when the Krewe of Excalibur gathered at the Pontchartrain Convention and Civic Center for the 24th annual bal masque. Reigning as Queen Excalibur XXIV was Mrs Sandra Kruse Nix. King Excalibur XXIV was Mr John Vincent Valenza III. The queen’s dress was antique gold lace with hunter green Indian dupioni silk, with gold drapes around the skirt and a traditional medieval neckline and sleeve. It was adorned with hunter green and crystal stones and rhinestones. Her full medieval crown featured fleurs de lis around the perimeter and was adorned with a variety of colored stones,

colored stones representing his children and family He is married to Mrs. Kristen Hartley Valenza.

representing members of her family She is married to Mr Jay Nix.

The king wore a traditional tunic in antique gold tones to complement the queen. His full medieval crown with cross pattée and

“The Krewe of Tchefuncte is off to the Races” was the theme for the annual Mardi Gras Ball on Saturday at the River Mill Center, a night of pomp and pageantry as the royal court was presented during the tableau. The revelry began the sound of the traditional trumpets and Queens’ Club Representative Amie Aertker introducing American Legion Post No. 16, who presented the flag. Miss Brooke Steinhauer sang the national anthem. Master of Ceremonies Daniel Munn introduced the 2025 monarchs, Brad Haddox and Marie Pennington, who took their farewell promenade. Parade captain Samantha Goodwin and parade grand marshal Dale Shows were introduced. Reigning over the ball was King Archie Tyrney, married to Linda Gassen Tyrney A retired electrician, he has been an active volunteer in the athletic community, serving as coach and board member. He has installed lights on

The monarchs’ collars, representing medieval symbolism, were encrusted with Austrian rhinestone appliqués, crystal and hunter green stones and white ostrich feathers. The 12-foot mantles featured the crest of the krewe trimmed in stones and sequins. Maids, depicting various

celestial anomalies, were Mmes. Kennen Leah Santos, step-daughter and daughter of his majesty and Mrs. Valenza, as Stars and Supernovas; Maria Cea, daughter of Ms. Emilia Cea, as Comets and Meteors; Colleen Nix McDonough, daughter of the late Mrs. Nancy Nix McDonough and Mr Gary Martin McDonough, as Mercury and Neptune; and Elizabeth W. Flick, wife of Mr Ronald A. Flick Jr.; as Angels and

the Pine Street and Mandeville High School baseball fields. Royal pages Masters Lane Sanders, son of Samuel and Lindsay Sanders; and Kevin Barnes III, son of Kevin and Crystal Barnes. The maids and escorts represented different races. Miss Kinsley Windom, daughter of Jeremy and Juliana Windom, represented chariot races in a gold pleated dress with a

train featuring an eagle and a Roman on a chariot She was escorted by 2023 King Paul Gitz. Miss Lilly Towles, daughter of Glenn and Melissa Towles, represented horse races in a yellow satin gown with a train that featured the Triple Crown emblem and a horseshoe made of 150 satin roses. She was escorted by 2019 King David Cooper Miss Anna Grace Williams, daughter of Kenneth and Erin Williams, repre-

sented hot air balloon races in a flowing blue satin gown and train featuring sequined balloons flying over a mountain scene. She was escorted by 2022 King Tim Bounds. Miss Ava Kulivan, daughter of Kevin and Amy Kulivan, represented the Iditarod Trail sled dog race, attired in a dark blue sequined dress with the Iditarod emblem made of sequins and a Siberian husky on the train. She was escorted by 2014 King David Stein. Miss Lillian Brewster,

Demons. The Princess of Avalon was Miss Kaitlyn Chapman, daughter of Mr Christopher Enoch Chapman Sr and Ms. Kelsey Marie Meyers. The Squire was Master Christopher E. Chapman Jr., son of Mr Chapman Sr and Ms. Kelsey Marie Meyers. Pages to the queen were Misses Lucy Elizabeth Grisaffi, daughter of Mr and Mrs. Timothy Charles Grisaffi; and Kathryn Judith Valenza, daughter of the king and Mrs. Valenza. Pages to the king were John Vincent Valenza IV, son of the king and Mrs. Valenza; and Benjamin Michael Grisaffi, son of Mr and Mrs. Timothy Charles Grisaffi. Lady of the Grail was Mrs. Erica Michelle Collins, married to Mr Charles Alan Collins. Merlin the Magician was Mr Brian Hernandez, married to Mrs. Denise Hernandez. General chairman was Mr Pendleton W. Larsen Jr., vice general chairman was Dr Timothy Melancon; honorary vice general chairman was Mr Mark H. Hildreth and aide to the captain was retired Lt. Col. Robert A. Brown. Committeemen were Messrs. Larry Byers, Ray Carreras, Philip Fricano, Michael Haydel, James Melancon, Jacob Saladino, C.J. Tessitore, David Vigo and Kenny Beck.

daughter of Drew and Jessica Brewster, represented the Tour de France cycling race in a sequined black gown with a white sequined train featuring cyclists under the Eiffel tower and the tour emblem. She was escorted by 2018 King Rodney Keys.

Miss Kylie Taylor daughter of Jason Taylor and Jennifer Dupre, represented auto races in a steel grey sequined dress with a blue satin train featuring the Daytona 500 emblem and a red racer from Monaco. She was escorted by 2012 King Myron Bourg. Miss Sophia Hubbell, daughter of Nathan and Cristina Hubbell, represented the Dragon Boat Races in a red ball gown and train featuring a race symbol as well as a boat made of shimmering fabic. She was escorted by 2013 King Lloyd “Bubbie” Ostendorf. Miss Alyssa Gaudet, daughter of Michael and Kendra Gaudet, represented the Crescent City Classic, her purple train and

gown featuring a large fleur de lis over St. Louis Cathedral and a streetcar plus two pelicans she created. She was escorted by 2008 King Bill Trepagnier Mrs. Amy Gassen Fresh reigned as queen. She is married to Stewart Fresh. A native of Madisonville, she and her husband own chiropractic clinics. Her majesty has served on several board, including St.

Madeline Kessels, queen of Nereus 2026

Barreca Benzman Daly Elliott Martin

Menszer Paysse Ready Roussel

Brewster Gaudet Hubbell

Christopher

Poirier Lagarde

Seeger

Carolyn rushing, queen of olympia 2026

Cea Flick Santos

Collins McDonough

Sandra Kruse Nix, Queen excalibur XXIV

records and acouple of loyal fans. Since then, it’sgrown into astaple of New Orleans nightlife, outliving its original home and surviving Hurricane Katrina, COVID-19 andthe advent of iPods, cellphones and streaming services.

So what makes Mod night so special? Maybe it’sthe event’sfearless leaders, 64-year-old Matt Uhlman and 46-year-oldKristen Aul, theDJs who have remained devoted to the event since inception. Maybe it’stheir allegiance to real vinyl45s and LPs, anovelty in today’s internet-centered world,or Saturn Bar’sunpretentious atmosphere

But Uhlman and Aul, sitting outside the Bywaterbar on arecent Saturday after a soundcheck, distilled the magic of Mod Dance Party down to one simple element: the music.

“This era of music, most of this music was madeto dance to,” Uhlman said.

“I mean,” Aul said, nodding, “how can you not?”

DJ Zeppelin presents Fans of Mod night as it is today have the late Kelly Keller to thank. Amusic obsessive andco-owner of the now shuttered Circle Bar until her death in 2004, Keller wantedtohost arecurring DJ night but needed someone to lead the charge. Keller,known to have an eye for talent, tapped Uhlman. He agreed, though his DJ experience was limited to radio, having aired on Tulane University’sstudentrun station WTUL. But, Uhlman pointed out, radio requires a“totally different kind of DJ.”

“Because you’re not worried aboutwhetherpeople

GARDENS

Continued from page1D

Bronze level is 25 native species or 25% native plants, silver is 50 native species or 50% native plants, and gold is 75% native species or 75% native plants.Certification levels can be upgraded for free at any time by resubmitting an updated species list via email.

After asite visit by a LNPS volunteertoidentify plants and answer questions, homeowners are bestowed a 9-inch-by-12-inch metal sign with the appropriate bronze, silver or gold decal fordisplay.The designations allow opportunities for both small patiosand large acreagesto qualify for certification.

“Like many of us, we were inspired by the messageof Doug Tallamy,that homeownerseverywhere could plant native plants to help our environment and promote wildlife habitats,” Griffard said. Tallamy,anentomology professor,author and conservationist, wrote “Bringing Nature Home” over a decadeago in which he discussed the importance of native plants. In his follow-up book, “Nature’sBest Hope,”

are dancingornot,” hesaid. He had to buy all new equipment for the gig and earned his stripes on the job, learning some hard lessons alongthe way Uhlman said he initially wanted to call the party “something stupid,” like “Lipstickand Cigarettes.” He also said he wanted to call himself “something stupid,” like “DJ Zeppelin. Aulstill laughs hysterically when they talk aboutthis. Uhlman rolls his eyes. Keller,amerciful ruler, vetoed those options, instead dubbing the event Mod Dance Party and Uhlman

DJ Matty

It wasn’t an overnight sensation, but Mod night quickly generated afew fanatics,including Aulherself, who Uhlman said always danced and was always best dressed. Clad now in one of her many vintage polyester mini-dresses and apair of whitego-go bootsappropriate of the era, she still is.

Aul revealed to Uhlman that herpassion for music wascultivatedinpart by her dad, who had been in a’60s garage band called Substantial Evidence. Aul didn’tthink Uhlman would have heard of them, but he

he urged private homeowners to take environmental actionintotheir own hands by turning theiryards into wildlife corridors. He explained if American landowners would make it agoaltoconverthalfofhis or her lawn to productive native plantcommunities —approximately 20 million acres —this restoredecosystem would be larger than all United States national parks combined.Hecalls this the “Homegrown National Park.” Griffard said there areother states that offer typesofhabitat certifications, but one unique goal for the Louisiana certificationis

to include personalconnectionswithnative plant gardeners in theirarea.

“Wedecentralized the program, so there is opportunity for gardeners to continue to connectwith like-minded people who live near them” she said.

Conservation partners with theLNPS program who help providethe volunteers to assist in certifying yards include the Native Plant Initiative of Greater New Orleans, the Acadiana Native Plant Projectand LSUHilltop Arboretum. PeggyCoates has been helping to certify yards through Hilltop.

“It’s been so wonderful to

had acopy of theband’ssong “DeathAngel” on a45. It felt kismet,soUhlman asked Aul to help host the event. They stillend each Modnight with “Death Angel” to this day

From thestars

When Auljoined the team, she brought herdad’s record collection and college radio experience of her own. She too hadtolearn the intricacies of alive music setting, andshe reiterated that“Mod Dance Party was not ahit in the beginning, with manya Saturday night going withoutasoulonthe

meet all these gardeners,” she said. “Some of them start with the very minimum and after that, they getthe bug and want to get thegold. It’s very exciting for them.”

Photos andstories of homeowners whohave received certification are celebratedand are posted on theFacebookpages of LNPSand conservation partners, as well as chaptersofWild Ones, anational organizationpromoting native landscapes Wild Oneschapters are in Baton Rouge, thePontchartrain Basin and Western Gulf Plain. Astatewidemap on the LNPS websitepinpointswherethe certified habitatsare located.

“Wecontinue to growour database fororganizations and resources that advocate for native plants in Louisiana,” Baumgarten said.

So far,the largest number of certified yards are in the New Orleans area, closely followed by Acadiana and Baton Rouge.

Griffard andBaumgarten said they were recently honored to share the success of the Louisiana programata national conference in Cullowhee, North Carolina.

For moreinformation, visit lnps.org.

dance floor

Buttheir love forthe musicofthe era endured,and others eventually started to catch on.

“You can hear asong like ‘Louie Louie,’you canhear it 1,000times,but untilyou see people dance to it, it gives it awhole newmeaning,” Uhlmansaid. “It’slike aform of anthropology or something.”

Aul and Uhlman play some of the samesongs each Mod night, buttheydon’t plan out asetlist, allowing them the freedom to lean more funk, surf or soul depending on the crowd’sresponse.

“So that anticipation of whattoplay next to keep the dance floor crowded is what Ithink that me and Matt are really good at,” Aul said. It’sthat instinct thathas kept locals like 37-year-old Philip Yiannopoulos coming outtoMod DanceParty for thelast20years. To him, Mod night is oneofthose New Orleansconstantsyou can always count on —akin to Saints games, Mardi Gras or potholes —nomatter how else the city might change After Katrina hit in August2005, Modnight was back up and running that October,leaky CircleBar roof be damned.WhenAul briefly moved to Germany, Uhlmankept the dance party going. Uhlman movedto Philadelphia, and Aul kept it up. During COVID-19lockdowns, the pair hosted Mod parties over Zoom.

“It’sbeenamazing to see some of the same faces for over two decades now,” Yiannopoulos said. Yiannopoulos and his wife, Heather Lane, bought Saturn Bar in 2021 partly in an effort to save the institutions like Mod Dance Party that have found ahomeat the offbeat corner bar Saturn and their team of veteran bartenders have been critical to Mod’ssurvival, especially following theclosure of CircleBar, Aulsaid. Sheproudly pointed out that she, Uhlman, Yiannopoulosand Laneare allSagittarius, who are —if you believe in thetenants of astrology —adventurous knowledge seekers ruled by Jupiter. Ironic,then, that they should all find aplace at Saturn. While Modnight tends to build longtimefans, there are newcomers, too. Yiannopoulos often helps work the door on busy Mod

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Saturdays, and he said it’sa shock to the system when some 21-year-old born in 2004 hands him an ID. Really,though, he cherishes the opportunity to watch newbiesnavigate theirfirst Mod night. During the week leading up to Super Bowl LIX, agroup of young(but totally of age!) college kids were among the hundreds

CURIOUS

Continued from page1D

Ohio, Indiana and Illinois, because you don’twant be where it’seithertoo ice cold or too stifling hot.”

An even bigger problem in 1846 was the lack of money.Luthy writes that the Amishleft their native Alsace and Lorraine in France in 1840 and migrated to the U.S. through the Port of New Orleans.

“Many of the numerous Amish immigrants who migrated from Europe to central Illinois after 1840 landed in America at the Port of New Orleans,” Luthy writes. “There they boarded steamboatsfor the rest of their journey up the Mississippi River and into the Illinois River.”

Others didn’thave the money to move forward.

“Perhaps, too, some had not even been able to completely pay for their ocean passage,” Luthy writes “Thus, asmall community of stranded Amish settlers is said to have existed in New Orleans. Of course, at that time it was not the huge city it is today.However,itwas not afarming community either.”

Spokethe same language Still, the Amish didn’tfeel completely out of place.

The residents of New Orleans were mostly French speaking, and the Amish migrated from France, so it’spossiblethat they felt more at ease in Louisiana than at the English-speaking ports of New York, Philadelphia and Baltimore.

“At any rate, New Orleans was an unusual place for an Amish community to exist,” Luthy wrote. “And that it did, indeed, exist as evidenced by just enough bare facts to make us very curious.”

Luthy traced the community through letters, along with written accounts by traveling out-of-state Amish who were readily welcomed by the New Orleans community.Healso gatheredstories from some of the New Orleans Amish’sdescendants.

One letter revealed that New Orleans’ Amish settled along Elmira Avenue at Algiers Point

“An Amishman, Christian Oswald, who likely emigrated from Alsace, is said by his descendants to have crossed the ocean withhis family ‘with just enough money to land in New Orleans,’”Luthy writes. “The family stayed there seven or eight years during which time Christian undoubtedly found ajob, and his wife ‘would bake fancy cookies, cakes, and bread, then sell them to the people around New Orleans.’ By about 1860 they had saved enough money to continue their migration to central Illinois.”

Then there was an account by Amish bishop Peter Naffziger,who told his family that he twice walked from his settlement in Butler County,Ohio, to New Orleans to minister to its small Amish congregation. Another Amishbishop, Joseph Maurer,emigrated from Alsace in 1855. Luthy wrote that, in 1856, Maurer settled in the Partridge Creek settlement in Woodford County,Illinois. On his way to New Orleans in 1867 he died and was buried along the banks of the Mississippi River in an unmarked grave. Finally,Luthy cites a Christmas Day letter written to Mennoniteperiodical Herald of Truth detailing the visit of Jacob Kauffman of the Melvern AmishcommunityinOsage County, Kansas. It was published in 1871, the year before the

who rushed to Saturn Bar for country music star Zach Bryan’ssurprise performance.Aul and Uhlman were upnext, andYiannopoulosencouraged the group to stick around. About half of them shut down at the first echo of the oldies, looking for the nearest exit. The other half,though, rushed to the dance floor, giddy as they joined the fray It tends to bea love it orhate it kindofnight, Yiannopoulos said, and that’s part of the fun. “When you’re there on the

New Orleanscommunity faded out of existence.

“They undoubtedly by that timehad lost manyof their traditionsbyexposure to urban life,” Luthy wrote. AmishinLouisianatoday

These days,noAmish communities exist in Louisiana,though there is alongstanding Mennonite community in DeRidder But there is an Amish community thatexists in Texas, according to Kevin Williams, ahistorian and reporterfor CNBC and The NewYork Times.

In hisJuly18, 2025,article, “Where Arethe Amish In Louisiana?”for Amish 365 (amish365.com), Williams notonlyexplores why there areno settlements in the state but alsowhat the state wouldhave to offerthe Amish, including agricultur-

dancefloor andit’spacked, you have to leaveifyou don’t wanttobethere,” he said “You can’thalf-ass it.”

In Modwetrust

Aul andUhlmanonly have two rules:dance, and don’tspill your drink on the valuables, though the duo prefersarowdy crowd to a sleepy one.

Aulherself, leading by example,has fallenfrom afireplacemantel and finished thenight with ablack eye. A pregnant Modattendee was

al opportunities, religious freedom and family values.

“I consider myself ajournalist first, but Ispent a number of years researching Amish culture before Idove back into journalism fulltime,” Williamssaid, speaking from his homeoutside of Cincinnati. “I spent years visiting Amish settlements, literally from Maine to Montana, and Ilearned alot during thatperiod about them.”

Through his research, Williams discovered that hurricane season often creates astrong Amish presence in Louisiana. The Mennonite Christian Aid Ministries in Ohio send teams of Amish and Mennonitevolunteers to help in disaster relief and recovery. Williams says theyare often known as the last to leave adisaster area.

He pointstoHurricane Rita, which hit southwest

once rushed to the hospital when her water broke on the dance floor,and morethan a few now-marriedcouples met for thefirst time at Mod night,kickstarting their relationships with good, oldfashioned dirtydancing. Aul and Uhlman have been featuredinseveral weddings for this reason. They alsodon’t gatekeep their setlists like some DJs do,instead sharing theirmusic with anyone whoasks, including New Orleans ex-pats as far as Hong Kong who

Louisianaonly weeks after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleansin2005. For years after Hurricane Rita, Amishteams settled in Louisianaand brought their traditional cooking and food styles.

And, Williams said, they often learn and incorporate local cooking traditions into their own.

“There’sa lot of culinary

have started Mod offshoots in their new homes. They don’tconsiderthemselves stuffy record collectors or music educators, though attendees are often so young (but totally of age!) that they hear somesongs forthe first and only time at Mod night. Aul’scopyof“Don’tYou Just Know It” by Huey “Piano” Smith skips briefly at one point, and she and Uhlmansaid the crowdsings alongtothe skip.Mostof them have never heard it outside Saturn Bar

exchange, so you better believe they brought gumbo back to Ohio with them,” he said.

Williams predicts areturn of the Amish to Louisiana.

“I wouldn’tbesurprised to see the first settlement in Louisiana within the next three years,” he said.

“There’sagrowing Amish population in Arkansas, and northern Louisiana is very

Seeing newgenerations danceand sing to the music Auland Uhlman love is what has sustained the duo over thedecades,evenwhile both hold dayjobs. And theydon’t foresee themselves or Mod Dance Party slowing down anytime soon. “When Idie,” Aul said with alaugh, Uhlman nodding furiously. “I mean, as long as people show up, we’llbehere.” Email KaseyBubnash at kasey.bubnash@ theadvocate.com.

rural and affordable, so it has alot to offer.”

Do you have aquestion about somethingin Louisiana that’s got you curious? Email yourquestionto curiouslouisiana@ theadvocate.com. Include yourname, phone number and thecitywhere you live.

LOUISIANACOOKS

Ground Beef andPotatoesa soul-satisfying, simple family hit

BY DEBRA TAGHEHCHIAN Contributingwriter

“Momma, I’m coming home,”said my daughter who lives in Houston. “Can you please cook?”

No sweeter words have been spoken to this Cajun momma

“What are you hungry for?” Iasked. “I just want something soul-satisfying. Make it simple,” she said. “Weate so many rich foods during the holidays, and Ijust want simple, delicious homecooking.

Well, thatisexactly my style of cooking, so this was an easy task. Ithought back to my farm days and triedto remember what my momma would cook when we just wanted thatsoul-satisfying, hearty meal with no pretense —simple but good.

Our go-to was ground beef and potatoes. In other parts of the country this might be considered apotatohash. We grew our own potatoes on the farm and stored and used themthroughout the year

My momma threwthis

Newspapernot thesameonlaptop

simple dish together to feed her hungry family.I have carried on this tradition and it is the dish my family requests when theyreturn from traveling, have just recovered from an illness, or just want an uncomplicated meal. Iusually serve it over rice with asimple salad, and we usually pair it withsaltine crackers or sliced whitebread.

My children, grown now and withtheir own families, have modified this recipe to today’s cooking trends. My son likes to swap the beef and white potatoes for ground turkeyand sweet potatoes. Give the recipe atry and put your own spin on it.It’s gluten-free, inexpensive and generally enjoyed by even the pickiest eater

Ground Beef and Potatoes

and

proximately

Check fordoneness and add morewater if needed until the potatoes are fork tender

6. Taste forseasoning and adjust as needed.

Hints from Heloise

Dear Heloise: Iagree wholeheartedly about reading physical newspapers! My city had amorning and evening paper; Isubscribed to the evening paper.Then they decided to start publishing just one paper: the morning edition. Then the paper cut out the Sunday edition and combined it with Saturday’s.

Long story short, I’m now on aroutethat hasthe paper delivered through the United StatesPostalSystemdue to the lack of aroutedriver So,Ireceivethe morning paperinthe afternoon when my mail comes and when USPS is on aholiday I’msupposedtoget it with the next mail delivery,but it doesn’talways happen. Or the newspaper delivery person whodrops the bundles offdoesn’tactually drop then off. ButIenjoyreading aphysicalpaper.I’m

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waiting on afew editions to come back! Reading the newspaper isn’tthe same on my laptop! —Vicki, in Fort Wayne, Indiana

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Dear Heloise: My solution to identifying navy socks versus black socks is to always turn black socks inside out. Justremember:“Blackout!” Thanks for all your hints! Dean, in Baton Rouge Send ahinttoheloise@ heloise.com.

Many Americans are fortunate to have dental coverage fortheir entire workinglife, through employer-providedbenefits. When those benefits end with retirement,paying dental billsout-of-pocket cancome as a shock,leading peopletoput off or even go without care.

Simply put —without dental insurance, there may be an important gap in your healthcarecoverage.

When you’re comparingplans ...

 Look forcoverage that helps pay formajor services. Some plans may limitthe number of procedures —orpay forpreventive care only.

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Medicare doesn’tpay for dental care.1

That’s right. As good as Medicare is, it wasnever meanttocover everything. That means if youwant protection,you needto purchase individual insurance.

Early detection canprevent small problems from becoming expensiveones.

The best way to preventlargedental bills is preventive care.The American Dental Association recommends checkupstwiceayear.

Previous dental work canwear out.

Even if you’vehad qualitydentalwork in the past,you shouldn’t take your dentalhealth forgranted. In fact, your odds of havinga dental problem only go up as youage.2

Treatment is expensive— especiallythe servicespeople over 50 often need.

Consider these national averagecostsof treatment. $274for acheckup $299 for afilling $1,471 foracrown.3 Unexpected bills likethis canbeareal burden, especially if you’re on afixedincome.

“Medicare&You,” Centersfor Medicare& Medicaid Services,2025. 2 “Aging changesinteeth and gums”, medlineplus.gov,4/17/2022. 3 FairHealth, Inc. National average dental fees.Datacurrent as of July 2025;subject to change

“Absolutely love” “I absolutelylove my dental insurance. My dentaloffice files the claims,leaving me with very littlebalancetopay.” DorothyP TN

Photo By DeBra taGhehChIaN

Ground Beef and Potatoes can beservedoverrice witha simple salad and pairedwithsaltine crackers or sliced white bread.

‘Everybody throws aparty now’:Growing cultural event hasbecomeanetworkingfixtureinthe nation’s capital

BY RICH COLLINS Staff writer

On aweekday evening in early February 2023, RickyTempletwas visiting with friends and colleagues in the lounge of the Waldorf Astoria hotel in Washington,D.C Templet,then aJeffersonParish Council member,and his wife, Christine, had checked into the hotel thatday to attend events related to Washington Mardi Gras, an 8-decade-old celebrationofLouisiana culture that now draws more than 3,000 people to the nation’s capital to mingle with Louisiana’sfederal, state andlocal leaders

aboutanartificial reef project in hisdistrict.

IDeaS INNOVATION &

As he waited for Christinetojoin him, Templet struck up aconversation withDavid Cresson, then the head of the Coastal Conservation Association of Louisiana,

The discussion lasted only afew minutes, but it paid offbig. Templet said Cresson connected him with acorporatepartnerthatultimately pickedup most of the reef project’snearly $500,000 tab It might have been achance encounter, but in many respects, thatconversation—and countless others like it —are the reason that Washington Mardi Gras has become abigger andbigger draw for anyone doing business in the state.

“It’s the premier networkingevent forthe state of Louisiana,” Templet said in aphone interview last week. “It’sachance for all 64 parishestomeet with representativesand

ä See WASHINGTON, page 2E

ABOVE: U.S. rep troy Carter,D-New orleans, chairofthe 2025 Washington Mardi Gras, passes through acrowd of revelers on acart drivenbyJefferson Parish Sheriff Joe Lopinto at athursday night party leading up to last year’sevent.

LEFT: the rebirth Brass Band leads a second-lineatthe 2022 Washington Mardi Gras. ProVIDeD PhotoS

BY ANTHONY McAULEY Staff writer

For more than acentury, Fidelity Bank has been a fixture of New Orleans’ financial landscape, acommunity institution that weatheredwars,recessions and the long decline of the American savings and loans industry.Now,after agreeing to sell the mortgage subsidiary that onceanchored its expansion ambitions, the 115-year-old bankfinds itself at apivotal moment, with investors and industry observersasking athorny question: Does Fidelity still have agrowthstrategy,or is it positioning itself to be acquired? The uncertainty comes just over ayear after Fidelity completed one of the most consequential changes in its

Ferris

Both newand used cars areexpensive debt traps

The affordability crisis in America

is not ahoax. Just ask anyone in the market for acar

obviously“shocking,”Yoon said. “But

their peers, hear aboutthe best new ideas and move projects along.”

Michelle Singletary

the CoLor oF MoNey

Whether it’snew or used,landing avehicle with amanageable monthly payment is increasingly difficult. According to the car-shopping site Edmunds, more than 20% of new-car buyers are locked into monthly payments of $1,000 or more. That’s1in5 and an all-time high.

But here is the truly troubling part: Holding down car ownership costs used to be arelatively simple call buy used, not new —but that advice is losingutility as prices for pre-owned vehicles soar

According to Edmunds,6.3% of used-car buyers face monthly payments of at least $1,000 based on fourth-quarter data. Shoppers,onaverage, are financing nearly $30,000 of that purchase, stretching thosepayments out over 70 months.

For most Americans, acar isn’ta luxury; it’sarequirementtoget to work and keep the lights on, food on the table and aroof over their heads. But these numbers show that buying acar —new or used —has become adebt trap for many.The average monthly payment in the fourth quarter was $772 for new and $570 on used with interest rates of 6.7% and 10.6%, respectively “Combine super-high prices of these vehicles with interest ratesthat we haven’t seen since 2007, 2008, and we have this perfect storm of where you’re borrowing alot of money, expensively,” said Joseph Yoon, aconsumer insights analyst for Edmunds If you’re looking for avehicle, be realistic about what you can afford. Here are some critical questions you should ask yourself long before you start shopping.

What is the total cost of ownership?

Dealers want you to focus only on the monthly payment to deflect from the high interest rates available now and an extended loan term.But you have to look at the interest paid over the life of the loan, money that could be invested for retirement. Remember that new cars typically carry higher insurance premiums And keep in mind that the higher the car’sprice, the more salestax you will pay. Tools like Edmunds’scar affordability calculator can be incredibly helpful. Use the calculatorbefore you start any car shopping.

What’smymonthly budget?

It used to be that housing or rent was ahousehold’sbiggest expense far exceeding any vehicle-related cost, Yoon said. “But now thosethings are neck and neck for alot of people.”

If your monthly car payment is starting to look like your rent or mortgage check, you’re probably overextended. To maintain ahealthy financial balance in your budget, aim to keep it between 10% and 15% of your net pay

“Your total budget for transportation, including the loan and insurance payments, gas, and maintenance costs, should not exceed 20% of your net monthly income,” according to advice from Kelley Blue Book, which also has an affordability calculator How long can Iafford to go?

Afour-digit monthly payment is

FIDELITY

Continued from page1e

shareholdervalue,” Ferris said in an emailedresponse to questions.

He described the transaction as “strategic,” allowing Fidelity to concentrate on business lending, which he said offers better longterm profitability than mortgage origination.

Cuttingcosts,jobs

The terms of the NOLA Lending sale are yet to be set. Fidelitysaid the final value of the transaction will be determined by an independent evaluation by the Feb. 28 closing date. NOLA Lending’sassets primarily consist of eight leased, stand-aloneofficesand anetwork of roughly 85 mortgagebrokers, along with whatever value is assigned to the brand.

The sale also comes as Fidelity works to stabilize its financial performance following its public debut. Despite modest loan growth, the bank has posted net losses since going public. FB Bancorp reported anet loss of $6.2 million for 2024. Results improved somewhat last year,with the loss narrowing to $2.7 million for the trailing 12 months ending Sept. 30. Cost cutting has been acentral part of that effort, including job cuts. TwoFidelity employees with knowledge of the situation who

you have to realize we have that number becausethe average monthly payment is almost$800. And we’re not talking about extravagant, luxurious vehicles.Weare talkingabout cars that familiesare buying.”

Four-year auto loans wereoncethe norm. Now,toease the financial sting of steep vehicleprices andhigherauto-loan interestrates, car buyers are extending theirloan terms to seven years or longer.Willwesoon have a 10-year autoloan?

The larger the loan payment, the more likely it will compete with other essentialsaving goals. Keep theloan term as short as possible. Don’tjustdefault to the longer termsthe dealer may suggest to get you into the car

If you havetoextend the loan past sixyears, which is already along time, it’saclear sign youprobably can’taffordthe car

Will Ibecar poor?

An increasingnumberofconsumers with auto loans wereupside-down, meaning they owed more on the vehicle than it was worth.

According to the latest report from Edmunds, 28.1% of trade-ins applied toward anew-vehiclepurchase had negative equity,arecord high. The average amount owed on an upsidedown loan reached an all-timehigh of $6,905 in the third quarteroflast year. More alarmingly,24.7% of these drivers owed more than $10,000, and 8.3% owed morethan $15,000.

Here’swhy this can become aproblem. Borrowers who lack thecash to payoff their previous loan often roll that negativeequity into the new one. That’show somecar buyers endup with monthlypayments of more than $1,000.

“Ifyou have avehicle right now, and you’re shopping for another car forwhatever reasonitmay be,please, please, please, make sure that you’re not underwater,” Yoon said.

Can Ikeep my current car longer?

Your car’satthe repair shop. The service agent calls with an estimate that makes you wanttoscream.

After the initial shock, you might look up yourcar’s value andsee it’s less than the repairbill. Youstart wondering whetheritwould be better to just replace it.

But is it better?

A$2,000 transmission repair is far less expensive than borrowing for a $30,000 used car

However,atsome point, if your car is becoming unsafe or so unreliable that you areconstantlystranded, replacing it makes financial sense

In this case, Yoon said, be sure to get an independent quote for thevalue of your vehiclebefore yougotothe dealership.

Is the purchase awant or aneed?

Be honest withyourself

Do you really need to buy a$60,000

SUVwhen a$25,000 used sedan with the samesafetyfeatures will do?

Do you need that third roworextended cargo space for theoccasional times you need to move furniture?

Affordability is increasingly difficult in today’scar market because so much is out ofyourcontrol.But by doing the math, youcan ensure your next vehicle purchase doesn’t become afinancial anchor that weighs down your budget for thenextdecade.

Email Michelle Singletary at michelle.singletary@washpost.com.

were not at liberty to speak on the record said roughly40positions —justover 10% of the workforce —have been eliminated since the conversion. Ferris declined to commentonspecific joblosses, saying they were not yet public information, but acknowledged the broader push for efficiency “We’ve takendeliberate steps to improve efficiency across the organization,” he said. “These actions allowustooperatemore effectively while continuing to invest in our clients and the value we deliver to shareholders.” Despite its long history,Fidelity remains small by modern banking standards. FB Bancorp’s market capitalization is about $224 million, and Fidelity Bank holds nearly $1.3 billioninassets.Byway of comparison, Hancock Whitney often considered amidsized Gulf South regional bank —has roughly $35 billion in assets. That imbalance reflectsanational trend.Since theearly 2000s, the number of Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.-insured banks in the U.S. has fallen sharply,asrising regulatory costs, technology investments and competitive pressures have favored scale. While there are occasionalsuccess stories —such as TABBank of Utah, which evolved from aniche “mobile bank”for truckers into atechforwarddigital lender —those cases are rare. Academic research led by LSU

At this year’sD.C.MardiGras, Tuesdaythrough Feb. 1, there will be moreofthose business networking opportunities than ever beforeasmore groups host receptions, schedule panels and setuphospitality suites in the hopesofcapturingmoreofthat deal-making magic.

It’s all happening because recent history showsthat, despitethe event’sboozyand festive atmosphere,it’satimeand placewhere acriticalmassof decision-makersget together to make dealshappen.

“If you madealist of thethousand most influentialpoliticians and privatesector leaders in Louisiana —CEOs, elected officials, lobbyists, subject matter experts, you name it —they are all there,” said Susan Bourgeois,secretary of Louisiana Economic Development,a state agency thatisincreasing its presenceatD.C.MardiGras this year.“There’s no denying the effectiveness of attending.

‘Target-rich environment’ Templet’s coastalrestoration windfallisfar fromthe only successfuldeal to come outofspurof-the-moment conversations at Washington Mardi Gras.

What could become thebiggest outside investment in Louisiana history, the Meta Hyperion data center in north Louisiana, was partially conceived during interactions at the2024 gathering, when executives from Entergy, thestate’sbiggestutility, tipped off leaders at LED that Meta was on thehuntfor alocation for its massive project.

On asmaller scale, but still transformational, the$200 million redevelopmentofthe former Cortana Mall site in Baton Rouge intoanAmazondistribution center also traces its roots to WashingtonMardi Gras, when execs of thetech company struck up adialogue with members of theBaton Rouge Area Chamber,according to Adam Knapp, the chamber’sformer CEO who now leads Leaders for aBetterLouisiana, the state’s business roundtable

“Wescheduled ameeting in the hallways at the Hilton to brainstorm site selection,” Knapp said. “They had some fulfillment centers at that point but hadn’t yetbuilt large distributionfacilities in the state.”

Hoping to createmore moments like that, Louisiana business champions arecreating more opportunities fornetworking. That means an event that began in 1945 as apartyfor homesick politicos has evolved into amore decentralized business gathering thathas programming for plenty of people whomay not even attend eventsproduced by The MystickKrewe of Louisianians,the privatesocialorganization thathosts the Saturdaynight ball andother parties.

In the WashingtonHilton —the event’sepicenter —businesses,

finance professor Rajesh Narayanan has shown thatdeclining relianceonphysical branchesand the growing efficiency of large bankingnetworkshaveaccelerated consolidation, particularly since 2010. As digital banking reduced the economic valueof dense branchfootprints, larger institutions gained astructural advantage.

Louisianahas followed the same trajectory.FDIC data show asteady decline in thenumber of banks headquarteredinthe state over thepastdecade, with mergersfar outpacingnew charters and leaving asmaller group of institutions controlling alarger share of assets.

GuyWilliamson, CEO of Gulf CoastBank &Trust,saidthe consolidation mirrors broader economic realities in Louisiana.

“The banking sector reflects the underlying economy,” Williamson said. “Louisiana has faced alot of challenges in recent years.”He pointedtoimproving momentum from anew city administration in New Orleans and recent state tax reforms, but said those positives are counterbalanced by higher interest rates and persistently high insurance costs.

Fidelity’sown history mirrors many of those broader shifts.

Founded in 1908 as FidelityHomestead Association, the institution was created to promote thrift and homeownership, amission typi-

nonprofits,chambers andothers pay for hospitality suites that welcome visitors and meetings throughout theweek.A Friday economic development lunch has becomeaparticularly indemand gathering.

“Everybody throws aparty now,”saidRuthLawson,president of the Jefferson Chamber, whichhas hosted events for nearly two decades. “You could be at adifferentevent every 10 minutes.”

Three yearsago,Greater New Orleans Inc., the south Louisianaregional economic development nonprofit, began co-hosting events at the Hilton as well.

Jasmine Brown DeRousselle, who oversees GNO Inc.’sannualbrunch, said she’sseen an increase in business events just in the four yearsshe’s attended.

“That’swhy we started ourseries,” she said. “A lot of people didn’tknow how to be apart of the moment without being in the krewe.”

LED is revving up newprogramming this year,too, debuting what Bourgeois calls a“hospitality suiteonsteroids” at the Hilton. The space, modeled after atent theagencyset up in downtown New Orleansbeforelast year’sSuperBowl,will host panels on the energy and logistics industries, and aconversation focusedoninnovation

Bourgeois, who plans to spend the entire week in D.C.,saidmost of her senior staff is attending the event as well because “there is no moretarget-rich environment for theworkwedo.”

Beyond theHilton

Washington Mardi Gras programming has long since outgrown the Hilton,where oneof the lounges is temporarily renamed “The 65th Parish” forthe occasion andrumorhas it that the weekendsetsrecords forliquorsales For thelastthreeyears, the New OrleansChamber has hosted ahospitalitysuiteand receptionacross the street at The Churchill Hotel. Thechamber has a40-room block to accommodate anyone whowants to be close but not too close to the action across the street. The Thursdaynight reception,expected to draw several hundred people, attracts elected officials and business leaders from allover the state who want to make connections withtheir counterparts in New Orleans. A10-minute drive away,The WillardHotel hasbeen home to D.C.Mardi Gras-related events for morethana decade. There, Leaders for aBetter

cal of early savings and loans. For decades, it was closelyassociated with the Andry family,which guidedthe bank across multiple generations through muchofthe 20th century.Overtime,Fidelity evolved alongside the industry, changing itsname, expanding its productofferings and ultimately shedding the“homestead” designation altogether

The 2014 acquisition of NOLA Lending marked one of its most ambitious growth bets. Adecade later,the decision to sellthat unit underscoreshow much the banking environment has changed.

Sharebuyback rationale

Forinvestors, oneofthe most telling signals may be how Fidelityisdeploying its capital. Shares of FB Bancorp have mostly traded above their initial $10 offering price andwere around $12.50 in mid-January.Gavin Magor,ananalyst at Weiss Ratings, noted that the company has spent about $25 million buyingback roughly10% of its own shares at an average price of $12.725.

“Typically,whena company buys back its own shares, it’ssaying it would ratherreturn money to shareholders than invest it in growth,” Magorsaid. FB Bancorp is categorized as an “emerging growth” company on Nasdaq, but Magor said its behavior suggests otherwise. “Banks of this size nowadays

Louisiana (formerlythe Committee of 100 and Council for aBetterLouisiana) hosts amembersonly conferenceofthe state’s top CEOs on Wednesday and Thursdaybefore theWashington Mardi Gras ball. Several hundred members attend daytime policy briefings, meetings on Capitol Hill andplentyofparties

“Credit to my predecessors, who sawanopportunitytodo morethan the economic development lunch,” saidKnapp. “So many business leadersare there alreadythatit’sanopportunity to give them more contentabout big issues.”

Throughout the week,other businesses and organizations host events in Capitol Hill offices, corporate lobbies, embassies and other locationsaround town. Entergy is afrequent host, as aretrade groups representing the state’senergy,petrochemical andportindustries.

It all can test the average human’scapabilityfor schmoozing, but Gray Stream,the Lake Charles-based businessman who is serving as theceremonial king of this year’sevent, said he’smaking apoint to attend as many events as possible to help promote thestate.

He’s also spending big to host aking’slunch of his own, meaning he and his family have been planning invitations, menus and other details formonths.

“My wife is calling the whole thing ‘Gray’swedding,’” he said. Newperspective

Bryan Jones, an executive at thenational infrastructure firm HNTB, has anew perspective on the event that he’s attendedfor roughly 15 years.

Amember of the krewe that hosts it,Jones said he andhis wife usedtotreat the gathering like aweekendgetaway,leaving the kids homewith their parents.

Now thathe’sbeenpromoted to HNTB’s Washington, D.C.,office, where he oversees thecompany’sMid-Atlanticfootprint,he has to balance the party with getting home in time to make lunches and help with homework, but he sees the business value more than ever

“Washington Mardi Gras allows forpeople to gettogether outside of Louisiana,haveconversations about business and politics, build those relationshipsand then come back home andsee thosedealsthrough,”he said. “Someofmyclosest business relationships over the years have been forgedthere.”

Email RichCollins at rich. collins@theadvocate.com

are either going to be acquiring or they’re waiting to get acquired,” he said. “Clearly,they’re not in a position to be acquiring andseem more likely to be positioning themselves to be acquired.”

Fidelity has indicated it plans to continue repurchasing shares.

“A buyback allowsustodeploy excess capital in away that enhances long-termshareholder value,” Ferris said. “Just as important,itunderscores ourconfidence in Fidelity Bank’sstrategy and future growth.”

Big investment groups, including Principal Global Investors and BlackRock, own large chunks of FB Bancorp shares, though the majority is owned by small investors. Fidelity employees own just under10% andseniorexecutives, including Ferris, ownabout 4%. Ferrissaidthatgrowth remains part of the bank’sstrategy.Fidelity recently opened anew office in Lafayette, andhesaidearly results there have been encouraging.

“The early success of our new Lafayette office reinforces our beliefthat our community-banking model travelswellwhen we stay focusedonwhat we do best building local relationshipsand delivering personalized service,” Ferris said. “At the same time, we will continue to evaluate opportunities to expand geographically.”

Email Anthony McAuley tmcauley@theadvocate.com.

Bourgeois

StaFFFILe

PhotoByChrIS GraNGer

2024 KingDrewBrees, center,carries his Saints helmet scepter at the Washington Mardi Gras Ball at the Washington hilton.

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TALKING BUSINESS

Networking group helping founders become better leaders

BY RICH COLLINS Staff writer

Marie Powell’s art degree

ASK THE EXPERTS Q&A

WIth

MarIe PoWeLL

helped prepare her for the creative demands of running her 15-year-old advertising firm, Brew Agency, which has created campaigns for clients that include Delgado Community College, The Boot and a new state-funded nonprofit.

But, as Powell’s Baton Rougebased venture has grown, she has had to learn on-the-job the business skills required to run a company that now has more than 10 employees and annual revenues of more than $1 million. For help, she’s turned to networking groups and training opportunities like the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program and the CEO Roundtables organized by the Louisiana’s economic development agency

But, Powell said, she found something uniquely helpful after joining the local chapter of Entrepreneurs’ Organization, a global, peer-to-peer network designed to help business founders learn to be better leaders and grow their companies.

Powell joined the group in 2021 and, four years later, became president of its Louisiana chapter, which includes more than 80 local business owners, some of them among the region’s most high-profile startup founders. The group includes Franziska Trautmann, co-founder of the recycling company Glass Half Full; Conway Solomon, whose tech company WRSTBND was acquired by a huge entertainment company two years ago; and Christa Cotton, owner of the El Guapo brand of cocktail bitters and syrups, which just made it onto Walmart shelves. In this week’s Talking Business, Powell explains how Entrepre-

“Running a business is hard. It’s not for the faint of heart. (Entrepreneurs’ Organization) offers a community and support system for business leaders to learn and grow together.”

MarIe PoWeLL, founder of Brew agency and president of the Louisiana chapter of the entrepreneurs’ organization

neurs’ Organization works, why she signed on to lead it and how the group’s business accelerator program is designed to create future members. This conversation has been edited for brevity and clarity

You’ve run the Brew Agency for more than a decade.What is one of your notable campaigns?

We ran the public launch of LA Wallet, which made our state the first in the U.S. to fully launch a digital ID At the time, no one

knew what it was There were zero users We had to get the public and businesses to understand how it worked and that it was a legally accepted form of identification. To date, more than 75% of Louisiana drivers use the app. We were responsible for strategy and execution of the initial marketing campaign.

What is Entrepreneurs’ Organization and how did you get involved? EO is a nonprofit, global community of nearly 20,000 members

in more than 80 countries. There are individual and regional chapters. We’ve got about 90 people in Louisiana, all with businesses that make at least $1 million in annual revenue.

Running a business is hard. It’s not for the faint of heart. EO offers a community and support system for business leaders to learn and grow together

How and why did you join?

I got involved because I was a business owner and was looking for a community and network of other business owners that I could talk to. I was recruited by Mark Lewis, who runs the CEO roundtables for Louisiana Economic Development.

No one ever really taught me how to run a company I just knew how to do the work and slowly got clients and continued to grow

I started doing a variety of different networking groups, but there is nothing like EO, which focuses on the whole of the entrepreneur It’s not just about business strategies, growth, HR and legal issues. It actually gets into the personal side of the entrepreneur as well. EO produces local educational events, and members have the option to attend big national and international gatherings, but it sounds like the most important work happens at your regular “forum” meetings. What are those about?

There are usually seven or eight members in a forum and within that group we share experiences talk about the highs and lows and share what’s going on in our personal lives because, as entrepreneurs, our business lives kind of bleed into everything that we do. We take the work home with us.

There’s training that’s involved. They teach us how to communicate. We don’t give advice; we don’t tell each other what to do. But we share experiences that resonate. It sounds like therapy.

We say it’s not therapy, but it’s therapeutic And we say forum is a gym, not a spa. You’re there to

work, and the stuff we talk about, it’s pretty deep. You’re with these people once a month for years.

Why don’t you give advice?

Most people, and especially entrepreneurs, don’t like to be told what to do. They know their company better than anybody else.

It’s a leadership skill to be able to have a conversation with somebody and have them express what they’re going through and then not immediately give advice.

What’s the EO vibe? Who joins?

If you are the smartest person in the room, you don’t belong in EO.

If you are somebody who can use every circumstance and every situation to learn and grow from the people around you, that’s a good fit.

Confidentiality is hugely important. We’re talking about very personal things about our businesses, so trust and respect is essential. We’re all a little eccentric. Everybody’s got big personalities and are somewhat fearless. I think that’s a commonality among people who start businesses and are able to be successful.

I think the median age is probably in the early 40s, but there also are younger people and there are certainly some that have approached retirement and that have even sold their businesses.

Do you talk about challenges that are specific to being entrepreneurs here in Louisiana in 2026?

We talk about anything and everything that’s relevant to our businesses, including tariffs, other issues and how we’re working to get through them.

Within one forum, there may be people that have very different political views, might have very different religious views, might have very different styles of communication. But all the things you think we might disagree on, all that goes out the window and we really just truly connect on a fundamental level.

Email Rich Collins at rich. collins@theadvocate.com.

ProVIDeD Photo By Bret LoVetro

ACROSS THE REGION

Robots to do ‘dull,’ ‘dangerous’ jobs, developers say

St. Bernard-based company to build humanoid welders for industrial uses

BY RICH COLLINS Staff writer

Humanoid robot welders are coming to St. Bernard Parish.

On Thursday, Louisiana’s economic development agency and St. Bernard-based SSE Steel Fabrication announced an agreement with Houston-based tech startup Persona AI to launch a pilot program at SSE to develop humanoid robotics for industrial uses. Greater New Orleans Inc., southeast Louisiana’s economic development nonprofit, also is participating.

The pilot program is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of this year at SSE’s Violet facility, about a 30-minute drive from downtown New Orleans. The company is a woman-owned steel fabrication contractor that specializes in structural fabrication for commercial, industrial and municipal projects across the United States.

Under the terms of the nonbinding agreement, Louisiana Economic Development will commit up to $50,000 to cover the cost of Persona employees traveling to Louisiana from the company’s headquarters in Houston and its office in Pensacola, Florida If performance thresholds are met, LED also will negotiate in good faith for a lease of two humanoid robots from Persona for operational testing and deployment at SSE.

Persona views the pilot as a chance to collect data and gain real-world validation ahead of wider deployments of the machines. For local business champions, it’s a chance for the state to get ahead of technological changes that could affect legacy industries and a first step toward becoming a proving ground.

“The only way to see if technology is a net positive or negative is

for industrial uses.

to test it,” Josh Fleig, LED’s chief innovation officer, said in a phone interview. “We want to get our hands dirty and find out of these things can weld effectively in a Louisiana steel fabrication facility If it works, we’ll try to capture some of that value.”

The memorandum of understanding, signed last week, lays out a three-phase rollout of the machines in Louisiana.

First, Persona will send engineers to SSE to study the behavior of human welders, some of whom will be wearing motion capture suits as they work. The goal is to gather data that will help the company build hardware and software, which will be deployed slowly and incrementally until it can eventually take over tasks, working alongside tradespeople.

In the second phase, LED will lease two of the robots for testing

at SSE under Persona’s supervision. If the robots are a success, the state could lease more robots to use at other facilities around the state.

“This collaboration allows us to explore emerging technologies where they matter most, on the shop floor not in a lab,” Justin Airhart, chief operations officer of SSE Steel Fabrication, said in a statement.

‘Declining’ jobs?

Launched in 2024 by Nicolaus Radford, Jerry Pratt and Jide Akinyode, Persona aims to develop intelligent humanoid robots designed for industrial use.

After working for nearly eight years in NASA robotics labs and founding a separate venture, Nauticus Robotics, Radford said he created the new company to find realworld uses for the machines He

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thinks industrial applications make more sense than the “household” prototypes that have drawn laughs on social media and late-night talk shows as they are seen in videos struggling to load a dishwasher or washing machine.

Persona’s rugged humanoid platforms are being designed to operate in environments originally built for humans rather than the existing fixed industrial robots that operate in settings purpose-built for automation. The hope is that the humanoid machines will be able to use existing tools, navigate uneven terrain and adapt to changing conditions the same way a person would.

Radford and his co-founders are building machines to perform what they call “dull, dirty dangerous and declining” jobs. Radford said the machines will augment, not replace, human workers as they take

on high-risk or hard-to-staff tasks while experienced tradespeople move into supervisory and quality assurance roles.

“Three or four years ago, humanoids were still just really research things you’d see in YouTube videos,” Radford said during an interview recently after a signing ceremony at SSE. “Now, with modern AI, they are becoming really usable and something you can build a business around. That’s why there’s a gold rush.”

Last May, Persona signed an agreement with HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering and HD Hyundai Robotic with the goal of delivering prototype humanoid robots capable of performing complex welding tasks by the end of this year The deal says Persona will develop the hardware and artificial intelligence software, while another company creates the welding tools.

The Louisiana pilot program that will precede that project came together when SSE’s Airhart, whose wife, Mindy Nunez Airhart, is SSE’s CEO, reached out to Persona to suggest a collaboration after seeing stories online about the company

On Jan. 16, Radford, the Airharts and state and local officials gathered for a photo opportunity and signing ceremony at SSE. A couple of Persona employees carried a foam mockup of the welding robots across the facility’s gravel parking lot as stakeholders hopped into cars to drive to downtown New Orleans for a second signing ceremony The pilot comes as tech companies are making progress developing humanoid robots worldwide, though the machines still aren’t in widespread use.

“Our position is not AI is good or AI is bad, but AI is coming so we’d better jump in and figure what kind of value it brings to Louisiana,” said LED’s Fleig. “We’re dispassionate about it, although I personally geek out on the tech.”

Email Rich Collins at rich. collins@theadvocate.com

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Ourfirm is proudtohelpleadthe wayforwardfor Louisiana healthcare providersand supportcompanies as they undergo digitaltransformationand adapttoa dynamicand intricatelegal andregulatoryenvironment.

ProVIDeD Photo

Grady Fitzpatrick, from left, chief business development officer at Greater New orleans Inc.; Madeline trudeau Kawanaka, Louisiana economic Development’s director of innovation programs; Josh Fleig, LeD’s chief innovation officer; Nic radford, founder of Persona aI; Justin airhart, chief operating officer at SSe Steel Fabrication; Mindy Nunez airhart, SSe Ceo; and Jonathan reichel, Persona’s principal marketing architect, take part in an announcement of a pilot program to develop humanoid robotics

Nadiadela Houssaye

AllisonBell

Staff report

South Louisiana businesses and nonprofit groups recently announced the following promotions and new hires.

NewOrleans

JoeAnn Lawrence,the deputy district director of the U.S. Small Business Administration Louisiana, is retiring. Lawrence workedfor the SBA for 51 years, including more than adecade as deputy district director

Robottom

The nonprofit PontchartrainConservancy announced its 2026 board, includingChair NatalieRobottom,ViceChair Elizabeth Ellison-Frost Secretary Danielle Bourg andTreasurer Brice Howard.Other directors include JenniferArmentor, LaurenAverill, Derek Bessler, Dickie Brennan, CarlBritt, Ann Duplessis Michael Kelly Martin Landrieu Walt Leger Jr , John Alden Meade, Zoila Osteicoechea, Joni Tuck and RobertWilliamson

The nonprofit Daughters Beyond Incarceration announced anew cohort of New Orleans-based policy fellows and itsfirst cohortoffellows based in Baton Rouge. New Orleans fellows include Oshun Johnson and Cassidy Varnado, of Douglass High School; Maleah Robinson, of Abramson High School; Chrislyn Wil-

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liams, of McDonogh35SeniorHigh School;and Eri’shine Lewis, of George Washington Carver High School. The inaugural Baton Rougepolicy fellows are Amyrie Coleman, of Tara High School, and Ebony Hale, of Thrive Academy BatonRouge

Adams &Reese announced it has hired nine attorneys and four professional staff membersfrom McGlinchey Stafford, doubling the size of its Baton Rouge office. New hires include RudyAguilar, Jean-Paul“J-P”Perrault, Zelma MurrayFrederick Marshall Grodner

Aukse Joiner, Elisabeth LeBlanc, Kristi Wagley

Richard, Patrick Riley and Michael Rubin

TangerOutlets Gonzales announced the hiring of JimmyFredrick as itsmarketing director.Frederick, who spent 25 years as aradio and television sportscaster,previously worked as communicationsdirector for the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana and chief marketing officer forKnock Knock Children’sMuseum

Investar Bank announced several promotions in December

Jeff Blum,has been promoted to chief banking officer. He previously served as executivevice president and regional president of theWesternDivision.

Jeffrey Martin was named chief risk officer after astintasexecutive vice president and chief credit officer

Corey Moore was promoted from executive vice presidentand chiefac-

and net incomeclimbing by doubledigits yearoveryear in recent quarters.

counting officertodeputy chief financial officer

Renee Graff,who hasworkedfor the bank for more than 15 years, was promoted from treasurer to chief accounting officer

Byron Breaux was promoted to executive vice president and will serve as thewestern regional president.

Paul Judice,the C&I group manager, has been promoted to Baton Rouge marketpresident.

MaryGuidry was promoted from commercial group manager to Lafayette market president and will continue as directorofpublic finance.

Beau Phares,the C&Imarket manager for Lafayette, will now supervise more employees in theEvangeline and Lake Charles markets.

The Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership named 40 members of itsLeadershipBaton Rouge Class of 2026: RobbyAbboud,Greater Baton Rouge EconomicPartnership; Marcus Alexander,GulfCoastSocialServices; Victoria Armstrong,Thrive Foundation; Trey Bartholomew,Jones WalkerLLP; Robyn Bentley,University View Academy; Christina Boudreaux,Connectly Recruiting; SharneithaBradford,Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center; Dorcas Brandon TheRed Shoes; Fran’Cee Brown-McClure, LSU Division of Student Affairs; and Rebekah Brumfield,JeanEllen Homeand Lifestyle Collection.

Also, Chaz Cooper,Baton Rouge General; AshleyCoxCoates,Louisiana Department of Health; Amrika Dass,Ochsner

and retreated in 21.

Health; Alicia Davidson,Greater Baton Rouge Industry Alliance; Dr.Michelle Dennis,FranciscanMissionariesof Our Lady Health System; JulieDonald, Covalent Logic; Erin DougetCook,Cystic Fibrosis Foundation; Maegan Dunn, Woman’sHospital; CrystalEllis,Rouxted Growth Co.; and Monica Guient,LSU Also, DexterJackson,MidCity Redevelopment Alliance; I’TyonnieJackson, Southern University Law Center; Paul Jackson,Scotlandville Magnet High School; Carrie LeBlanc Jones,Breazeale, Sachse &WilsonLLP; Lacey Kelly,Baton Rouge Community College TRIO EducationalOpportunity Center; Josh Landry,YMCA of theCapital Area; Kelsey Livingston,Baton Rouge Gallery; John Nettles,Entergy; Liz Pfifer,Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank; and Devan Richard,Collegiate Academies. Also, Shanté Harvey Robins,East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney’s Office; Dana Schlotterer,Young EntrepreneursAcademy of BatonRouge; Lois Smyth,Louisiana Policy Institute forChildren; Caitlin Springer,Mauldin &Jenkins; AshleeSummers,Emergent Method; Leah Taylor,Baton Rouge Area Foundation; Porcha Thompson,Baton Rouge PoliceDepartment; Matthew Vicknair,Louisiana Blue; Latoria Williams, b1BANK, Talent DevelopmentOfficer; and ChrisYandle,Louisiana Board of Regents.

Do you have

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The tech giant makes the graphics processing units that fuel top AI tasks such as the training of large language models,or inferencing whenanAImodel applies that training to answer aquestion or solve aproblem. Nvidia’searly entrance intothe AI market gave it ahugeadvantage, andits focus on innovation has kept it in the top spot

All of this has led to enormous gains in earnings, with revenue

Nvidia has powered the early phases ofthe AIboom,but the company is also well positioned to drive the next chapters. This is because it has tailored its chips to serveinferencing —seen as the next big growtharea for AI and expanded its offerings into a variety of products andservices to suit customers’ AI needs.

Nvidia has also made smart strategic moves, such as partneringwith Nokia to develop AI for telecom

Just recently,it acquired the inferencing technology of chip startup Groq. Nvidia is likely to continue growing brisklyasthe AI story unfolds. With areasonable valuation at recentlevels, it’swell

worth consideration by longterminvestors. (TheMotley Fool owns shares of and recommends Nvidia.)

Fool’sSchool: Expect volatility with stocks Investorscan get rattled when thestock market —oraparticular stock —pulls back sharply Butifyou’re going to invest in the stock market,you must expect volatility. Fortunately,volatility is generally not abad thing, as long as you expect and prepare for it. After all, over many decades, thestock market has kept going up and settingnew records —despite occasional big and small pullbacks. Per Hartford Funds, over the 88 years including 1937 through 2024, stocks advanced in 67 years

Over the 84 five-year holding periods in that sametimeframe, stocks were up 90% of the time and 97% of the timefor 10-year holding periods.

Meanwhile, the stock market, as measured by the S&P 500 index of 500 of America’sbiggest companies, has averaged annual total returnsofclose to 10% over nearly 100 years.

Those returns vary widely, though: The S&P 500 advanced by double digits each year from 2019 through 2025, except fora double-digit loss of morethan 19% in 2022. In any given year, thestock market could jump by 30% or plunge by 35% or post a gain of 1%

This unpredictability is why you shouldn’tput any money you might need within five years (or

10, to be moreconservative) into the stock market.

But forlong-term dollars, it’s hard to find abetter waytobuild wealth than alow-fee index fund; you just need to invest meaningfulsumsregularly and stay the course from year to year

Like the broader market, individual stocks in great companies can have bad years —but as long as they remain promising, if you hang on formany years, you can do well.

Market pullbacks tend to last just afew months, and relatively fewlast morethan ayear (though amultiyear slumpisalways possible).

So expect volatility and don’t panic. Instead, try to grab some shares of great companies when they’re on sale —ormore shares of solid index funds.

Blum

Breaux

Moore

Guidry

Martin

Judice Graff

Phares

BY JONAH MEADOWS Staff writer

Family-owned businesses form

the backbone of Louisiana’s economy, from agriculture to manufacturing to retail to hospitality

Many of the state’s longest-lived companies are family affairs that have passed down a shared culture and institutional knowledge from one generation to the next.

But running a business with relatives also presents potential pitfalls, as personal relationships intersect with day-to-day management, long-term strategy and financial decisions

In this installment of One Big Question, we ask: What is the key to managing the unique challenges of running a family-owned business?

JUSTIN ALFORD

Co-owner, Benny’s car wash and convenience stores, Baton Rouge (third generation)

It can be very tough and challenging. Everybody has their own opinions of how things should be done. It’s not that one is right and the other wrong. Everybody has the good of the company in mind. But a lot of times they can go in different directions.

The key to getting through it is communication. We try to have meals together and talk things out. We’re also really focused on the next generation. My daughter Helen, a CPA, is now the fourth generation to join the business, along with my father and brother and I. I have a niece and nephew, still in high school, who may want to be a part of it, too. So we are trying to do a lot of succession planning now and really think about how we can hand this off to the next generation, as long as they are willing to do it.

HUGH RAETZSCH

President and CEO, Lyons Specialty Co., Port Allen (third generation)

From a very young age, I put a lot of pressure on myself to set an example, because I felt like ev-

ONE BIG QUESTION

ily business, then maybe you’re not approaching it the right way, because you should feel like you are being graded differently until you earn the respect from the other team members.

BETTY CHENIER

Co-owner, Chenier Farms, Opelousas (fifth generation)

going to sell it.

TODD ANDREWS

CEO, Tasc Performance, New Orleans (co-founded with parents and siblings)

The most important thing is communication — sharing financial information and strategy, as it relates to the entire business, from inventory to operations to overall marketing.

Also important is to be fully transparent to everyone — our family and our investors — as to our strategy and where we’re applying investments across the board to support growth for each channel of our business. They’re all involved, they have the opportunity for input and ideas, so it’s more of a conversation.

CHRIS

TUCKER

President, Chauvin Brothers, Chauvin (fifth generation)

It’s kind of a weird dynamic. Me and my father ran the lumber portion of our business, and for a long time, we were in our own building. So unless it came to stuff like, “Hey we need more money for this,” I’ve never really had issues with anyone since I’ve been there, which is going on 35 years. We’ve always gotten along.

erybody was watching what I was doing as a family member coming into the business. If you don’t feel the pressure of working in a fam-

A lot of people require their kids to go work other places before they come work in the family business. I didn’t do that, but I did require them to graduate from college. I never wanted the family business to be a fallback. The other key part to family businesses succeeding is everybody having a role and each person respecting that role. I’ve been fortunate with my kids coming in that they all have different interests in the business. That helps because you’re not stepping on top of each other It’s also important to make sure each person is pulling their weight. Things start to unravel when one person feels like they’re doing more than the other

You definitely have to treat it like a business. You have to lay out all the rules and regulations, just like as if it were Walmart or any other company, and everyone needs to be on board, whether it’s your son, your sister-in-law, whoever You have to have the right family members involved in the business. You just can’t have family members that don’t like this type of work, especially with farming because it’s so different and labor intensive. In our case (my husband, son and myself), we’ve been doing it for so long, we know what to expect and what not to expect — from each other I’m 64, my husband’s 71, but he works like he’s 25 or 30 out in the field. I am the one who’s kind of like the boss. I’m more or less the manager of what to plant, how much to plant and where we’re

My cousin Tommy Chauvin, (now an adviser) just retired as president the first of the year He was really from the old school. I have a lot of that in me, but I can stay away from the office more. I can bring a laptop to a hunting camp, where he probably wouldn’t.

My wife, she’s my general manager She came from another industry, and she kind of has to watch out for our employees, point things out to me She’ll say, “You’re not noticing this because you were brought up in this business — this is all you’ve truly ever really done and you’ve got to worry about their feelings.” Tommy and I never had that issue because we’re just from the same mold — you get up, you go to work. And me and him made it work. Email Jonah Meadows at Jonah. Meadows@theadvocate.com.

Gallagher: LessonsinResilience

On the recent 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, the Gallagherteam has been looking backat theexperienceand howitshaped today’sinsurance industry.

NancySylvester is an area executive vice presidentatGallagher,based in Baton Rouge. Sherecentlysharedher story of Hurricane Katrina, the challenges the insuranceindustry facedand howresilienceshaped the path forward.

With damages exceeding USD200 billion, Katrina notonly altered the city’sphysical landscapebut alsoreshaped global perspectives on disasterpreparednessand response.Today, 20 yearsafter Hurricane Katrina struck NewOrleans, its impact remains deeply felt acrossthe affectedcommunities as the costliestand one of the fivedeadliesthurricanes in US history.

Q: Take us back to Augustof2005. Howdid youexperience the landfall of the hurricane?

IliveinBaton Rouge,70milesfromNew Orleans. That weekend, my oldestson wasfishing in the Gulf of Mexicoand when we urged him to come back inland, whatshould have been an hour’s drivetook about 12 hoursdue to the worseningconditions. The news reports initiallysaid things were under control, butby lunchtime on Monday, the levees began breaking and things quickly spiraled out of control.

Q: What were the firstdayslikewhen family andfriendssought shelter at your home,far from the mostaffectedareas?

Iwelcomed my family from NewOrleans,expectingittobe manageable,but soon found myselfhosting 26 people.Islept undermydining room table,the only privatespaceleft. Wandering into the kitchenatnight, I’dmeetstrangers saying, “I work foryour cousin. He said it would be OK.”Ireassured everyone,“Yeah, everything’s fine.”

Q: Howwas daily lifeimpactedinthe aftermath of Hurricane Katrina?

My usual 15-minutedrivetothe office would takehours due to the crowds seeking refuge in BatonRouge and justtrying to get somewhereelse. Schools also faceda suddensurge in students, andthe schoolofficeswould announcewherepeople could find food.

Blackhawk helicopterswereconstantly flying overhead, transporting the injured from NewOrleans to Louisiana State University(LSU), where the athletics departmentbecame a makeshift emergency hospital. TheLSU studentbody even donatedclothingtothose in need, and youcouldsee people wearing purple andgold, thecolorsofthe university. It wasa touching displayofhumanity after Hurricane Katrina, with everyone welcomed and cared forasbestaspossible

Q: Howhaveyour clients’ perspectives on extremeweather risks evolved since Hurricane Katrina?

BeforeKatrina, redundancies were oftenviewedasunnecessary expenses. Today, having backups is understood as essential. Clients nowprioritizestrengthening buildings to ensuretheir facilities can enduresevereweather,addressing all potential exposures on supply chains or backup power, forexample Everyoneisfocused on preventing businessinterruptionclaims and avoiding closingtheir doorsbecause, once theydo, theymay neveropen again. We knowthatFEMA [Federal Emergency ManagementAgency] has stated 40%ofcompanies don’t reopen after adisaster, and another 25% fail within oneyear

As acommunity, we’realso massively investing in roof resilience to withstand strong winds and preventpiercings. When damage or lossoccurs, my clientsaren’tinterestedinjustrebuilding what wastherebefore; they’refocused on constructing to newercodes and following thehighestbuildingstandards

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CREATIVE HEALING

BY MARGARET DeLANEY Staffwriter

Aruna Moudgil has always loved art

She crochets.She paints. She draws She makes things.

“Anythingyou can give me, I’ll make something out of it,” she said. In 2019, Moudgil lost herhusband to an aggressive cancer.Before he died, he was in andout of thehospital for ayear —sometimes weeksatatime They often spoke about art.

“In the hospital, observing all that was going on around us, made us feel sad and down. We neededsomething to uplift us,” Moudgilsaid. “That’s why we talked about —when he got better —wewoulddoart together.”

But Moudgil’shusband died before they had the chancetocreatetogether Moudgil now has anew life mission. As avolunteer,she leads the art therapy program at Ochsner MD Anderson CancerCenter, creatingart andprints for cancer patients to color during chemotherapy treatments. The focus isonmindfulness, reflection andexpression, not artistic skill.

ancientart practice quiets themind, reducesstress forcancer patients

‘Healingpowers’ of mandalaart

When MonicaMulloolyreceived chemotherapy treatmentfor breast cancer this year,while sitting in a comfortable blue chair with an IV dripinher arm, she picked up awhite sheet of paper.The paper had circles

and squiggly lines and suns and flowersand triangles. She started to color inside thelines Withoutknowing it, Mullooly was participating in Moudgil’sgoal: to help cancerpatientstaketheirmindofftheir

ä See CREATIVE, page 4X

La.expert: Newfood pyramid ‘confusing’

BY MARGARETDELANEY Staff writer

New dietary guidelinesflipped thefood pyramid upside down, makingchangestothe recommended American dietincluding smaller portion sizes, moreprotein and fewerwhole grains.

On Jan. 7, Health Secretary RobertF.Kennedy Jr.and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins issued the 2025-2030 U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, required by law to be updated every five years. The guidelines provide the foundation for federal nutrition programsand policies. The new,inverted pyramidis made up of three sections, rather than the six from the previous food pyramid. The newfood groupings include:

n Protein, dairy andhealthyfats: targeting 1.2to1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day —that’saround 80 to 100 gramsofprotein for a150-pound adult.

n Vegetables and fruits: targeting three servings of vegetables per day and two servings of fruits per day

n Whole grains: targeting twoto four servings aday

“Inmyopinion, the (original) food pyramid never caught on.I think people were confused and could neverreally grasp what they should eat,” said Catherine Champagne, anutritional expert at Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge anddeveloper of the acclaimed DASH diet. “It’s going to be even moreconfusing forpeople upside down.”

Rather than a pyramid, Champagne prefers the MyPlate because it is simple and easy to follow,showing people howmuch of aplate should be filled with fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy and protein.

“My overall take on this is that thepyramidisnot agood educational mechanismtoteach people howtoeat,” Champagne said. “But, Iamhappy that we are talking aboutmakingwhole foodsa part of the diet and decreasing the consumption of ultra-processed foods.”

Aclear message: Eatrealfood

Theguidelines takeanew stance on “highly processed” foods, and refined carbohydrates, urging consumers to avoid “packaged, prepared, ready-to-eat or other foods that are salty or sweet, such as chips, cookies and candy.”

That’sadifferent term forultraprocessedfoods,the super-tasty, energy-dense productsthatmake up more than half of the calories in the U.S. diet and have been linked to chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity

“We’renot talking aboutall processed foods,” Champagne said. “Evencheese hastobeprocessed from milk.”

ä See FOOD, page 4X

Champagne

Volunteer aruna Moudgil talks about her program at ochsner MD anderson Cancer Center

StaFF PhotoSByhILary SCheINUK

seen at ochsner MD anderson Cancer Center recently in Baton rouge.

HEALTH MAKER

Mental health support essential for Olympians

Sleep strategies crucial for athletic performance

BY STEPHEN WADE associated Press

If winning gold medals were the only standard, almost all Olympic athletes would be considered failures.

A clinical psychologist with the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, Emily Clark’s job when the Winter Games open in Italy on Feb. 6 is to help athletes interpret what it means to be successful.

Should gold medals be the only measure?

Part of a 15-member staff providing psychological services, Clark nurtures athletes accustomed to triumph but who invariably risk failure.

The staff deals with matters termed “mental health and mental performance.” They include topics such as motivation, anger management, anxiety, eating disorders, family issues, trauma, depression, sleep, handling pressure, travel and so forth.

Clark’s area includes stress management, the importance of sleep and getting high achievers to perform at their best and avoid the temptation of looking only at results.

“A lot of athletes these days are aware of the mental health component of, not just sport, but of life,” Clark said in an interview with The Associated Press.

“This is an area where athletes can develop skills that can extend a career, or make it more enjoyable.”

Redefining success

The United States is expected to take about 235 athletes to the Winter Olympics, and about 70 more to the Paralympics. But here’s the truth.

“Most of the athletes who come through Team USA will not win a gold medal,” Clark said. “That’s the reality of elite sport.”

Here are the numbers.

The United States won gold medals in nine events in the last Winter Games in Beijing in 2022. According to Dr Bill Mallon, an esteemed shoulder surgeon

and Olympic historian, 70.8% of Winter and Summer Olympic athletes go to only one Olympics. Few are famous and successful like swimmer Michael Phelps, or skiers Mikaela Shiffrin or Lindsey Vonn.

Clark said she often delivers the following message to Olympians and Paralympians: This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance Focus on the process. Savor the moment.

“Your job is not to win a gold medal, your job is to do the thing and the gold medal is what happens when you do your job,” she said

“Some of this might be realigning what success looks like,” she added “And some of this is developing resilience in the face of setbacks and failure.”

Clark preaches staying on task under pressure and improving through defeat

“We get stronger by

pushing ourselves to a limit where we’re at our maximum capacity — and then recovering,” she said “When we get stressed, it impacts our attention. Staying on task or staying in line with what’s important is what we try to train for.”

A few testimonials

Kendall Gretsch has won four gold medals at the Summer and Winter Paralympics. She credits some of her success to the USOPC’s mental health services, and she described the value this way

“We have a sports psychologist who travels with us for most our season,” she said. “Just being able to touch base with them and getting that reminder of why are you here. What is that experience you’re looking for?”

American figure skater Alysa Liu is the 2025 world champion and was sixth in

the 2022 Olympics. She’s a big believer in sports psychology and should be among the favorites in Italy

“I work with a sport psychologist,” she said without giving a name. “She’s incredible — like the MVP.”

Of course, MVP stands — not for Most Valuable Person or Most Valuable Player for “Most Valuable Psychologist.”

“I mean, she’s very helpful,” Liu added.

‘I just did it myself’

American downhill skier Vonn will race in Italy in her sixth Olympics. At 41 she’s coming off nearly six years in retirement and will be racing on a knee made of titanium.

Two-time Olympic champion Michaela Dorfmeister has suggested in jest that Vonn “should see a psychologist” for attempting such a thing in a very dangerous sport where downhill skiers reach speeds of

80 mph. Vonn shrugged off the comments and joked a few months ago that she didn’t grow up using a sport psychologist. She said her counseling came from taping messages on the tips of her skis that read: “stay forward or hands up.”

“I just did it myself,” she said. “I do a lot of self-talk in the starting gate.”

On sleep

“Sleep is an area where athletes tend to struggle for a number of reasons,” Clark said, listing issues such as travel schedules, late practices, injuries and life-related stress.

“We have a lot of athletes who are parents, and lot of sleep is going to be disrupted in the early stages of parenting,” she said. “We approach sleep as a real part of performance. But it can be something that gets de-prioritized when days get busy.”

Clark suggests the following for her athletes and the rest of us: no caffeine after 3 p.m., mitigate stress before bedtime, schedule sleep at about the same time daily sleep in a dark room and get 7-9 hours. Dani Aravich, a twotime Paralympian — she’s been in both the Summer and Winter Games will be skiing in the upcoming Paralympics. She said in a recent interview that she avails herself of many psychological services provided by the USOPC. “I’ve started tracking my sleep,” she said, naming Clark as a counselor. “Especially being an athlete who has multiple jobs, sleep is going to be your No. 1 savior at all times. It’s the thing that — you know — helps mental clarity.”

Ditto Clark.

“Sleep is the cornerstone of healthy performance,” she added.

LSU Health New Orleans to study stimulant disorders

The Integrated Health Clinic at University Medical Center New Orleans with LSU Health New Orleans is one of only six teams nationally to participate in the American Hospital Association Health Research and Educational Trust’s Opioid Use Disorder, Stimulant Use Disorder Linkage and Retention Learning Collaborative.

The award includes a $20,000 grant that will aid in expanding the medical center’s life-saving services and “strengthening referral pathways for patients,” the hospital said in a release.

Pennington welcomes interim executive director

Dr Jennifer Rood, who began her career at Pennington Biomedical Research Center in 1993, began her term as interim senior vice chancellor and executive director of the center Jan 1.

Rood Staff report

Rood is working closely with LSU leadership to identify and search for a new executive director in an international search. A new full-time leader is expected later this year according to a release from Pennington.

Ochsner researches new cancer detection test

Ochsner is testing the perfor-

HEALTH NOTES

mance of a new research study: the Galleri multi-cancer early detection test. This innovative blood test analyzes DNA patterns in healthy individuals to detect cancer signals and predict their origin — offering a transformative approach to early cancer diagnosis.

FranU opens renovated health professions building

Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University celebrated the completion of its newly renovated School of Health Professions Building, a $2 million venture for the university

The updated building includes student-centered classrooms, advanced laboratories, a rehabilitation gym, a Research and Innovation Laboratory and collaborative study spaces that support holistic student formation.

Tulane pioneers gene therapy for hemophilia

The Louisiana Center for Bleeding and Clotting Disorders is the first facility in the state to administer gene therapy for hemophilia A, treating Jacob Beard, 26, at its Metairie clinic. Located within the Tulane University School of Medicine, the center holds clinics at University Medical Center-New Orleans, Lakeside-Metairie, Villas at Angel Point-Lafayette and Alexandria

This new blood disorder therapy offers the potential for a life free from the risk of spontaneous bleeding and the need for frequent intravenous

Photo ProVIDeD By FraNU

Franciscan Missionaries of our Lady University recently celebrated the completion of its newly renovated School of health Professions Building, a $2 million venture for the university

aSSoCIateD PreSS FILe Photo By LUCa BrUNo

olympic rings are seen in the snow at the Stelvio Ski Center the venue for the alpine ski and ski mountaineering disciplines at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter olympics, in Bormio, Italy

Icomfortably then that Living lessons and curiosity, who earned appreciate Ay And test and 50, about We can take how to follow-up at takeaway sure your tell what long “Year accomplishm quieter would making. should,” not

BY THENUMBERS

1IN20aDULtSINthe

U.S.

rePort CoroNary heartDISeaSe

Coronaryheartdisease is the most common heart disease in america. It killed 371,506 people in 2022 with about 1in20adults over 20 reporting coronaryheart disease.

Coronaryheartdiseaseis atype of heartdiseasethat occurs when the arteries of the heartcannot deliver enough oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle due to narrowing from the buildup of fatty deposits called plaque. In 2023, Louisiana had the fifth-highest death rate for heartdisease in the U.S., according to data from the Centers for DiseaseControl and Prevention. In Louisiana, the averagepercentageof adults whoreporteverbeing told by adoctor,nurse or other

healthprofessional that they hadanginaorcoronaryhearth disease in 2023was 6.9%. these parishes had the lowest percentageofadults withanginaorcoronaryheart disease in 2023, according to data from the CDC:

n ascension,St. Charles and St.tammanyparishes at 5.6%; n West Baton rougeParish at 5.8%; n east Baton rouge, Lafayette and St.James parishesat 5.9%; n Bossier andJefferson parishes at 6%; n Cameron, Livingston, orleans,Plaquemines and West Feliciana parishes at 6.1%; n Calcasieu and St.John the Baptist parishes at 6.2%; n and Beauregard, east

Feliciana and LaSalle parishes at 6.4% these parishes had the highest percentageofadults with angina or coronaryheart disease in 2023, according to data from the CDC:

n east Carroll Parish at 9.5%; n Claiborne Parish at 8.7%;

n Madison Parish at 8.6%;

n tensas Parish at 8.1%; n Bienville and Concordia parishes at 8%; n avoyelles and Morehouse parishes at 7.8%; n Caldwell and Webster parishes at 7.7%; n Catahoula, Franklin and red river parishes at 7.6%; n evangelineand St. Landry parishes at 7.5%; n and allen and St. helena parishes at 7.4%

BY MARGARETDELANEY

Staff writer

The largest artery in the body the aorta, begins at the heart and runs through the chest and abdomen. This one artery is responsible for supplying oxygenatedblood to the rest of the body

But, this artery canalso burst without warning, often referredto as a“silent killer” in thevascular medical community

An aortic aneurysm is aballoonlike bulge that canoccur anywhere in the aortic artery.These bulges increase the risk of atear in the inner layer of the wall of the aorta. Whenthese bulges burst, it causes sudden, intense pain leading to massive internal bleeding.

“You can imagine, when aballoon gets too big —you blow it up too

much —itcan pop,”said Dr.Dean Yamaguchi, director of the aortic center at Ochsner Health. “That’s the majorproblemthat we’re trying to avoid with aneurysms. There are two types of aortic aneurysms abdominal aortic aneurysms(in the belly) and thoracic aortic aneurysms (inthe chest). Abdominalaortic aneurysms are significantly more common, with 200,000 people in the U.S. diagnosed each year— the 15th leading cause of deathinthe country and the 10th leading cause of death in men older than 55, according to the American Societyfor Vascular Surgery

In many cases, aortic aneurysms are slow-growing and asymptomatic, often coming as asurprise and when it is far too late for address.

Treatments for aortic aneurysms are possible,ifthe conditionis caught early

Care options for patients tend to vary: some patientsneed surgery immediately, others are monitored for growthofthe aneurysm.

“Once (the aneurysms) gets around fiveorfive and ahalfcentimeters, or if it’sgrowing rather rapidly,wetendtooffer repair to those patients,” Yamaguchi said.

Open surgery to treat aortic aneurysms involves apolyestergraft sewn intothe part of the aorta that has dilated, or blown-up slightly Since this option is alarger operation,involving more healingand hospitalstay,Yamaguchi says he recommendsthisprocedurefor younger patients. Advanced vascular surgery,and the surge of noninvasive proce-

dures, led the way for stent grafts to treat arteries. These fabric-coated stents, delivered via acatheter, create anew channel in the aorta andprevents excess bloodflow from going into blood vessels including leg arteries, kidney arteries and more.

“Withstents, we can treat a whole broader range of patients withshorter hospital stays, less intensive care unit time andquicker return to daily activities,”Yamaguchi said. Finding an aorticaneurysmbeforeitruptures offers the best chance of recovery, but themedical community is still at aloss as to how,and why,these aneurysms develop.

As an aorticaneurysm grows, although thesymptoms often go unnoticed, possible warnings include:

n difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, n feelingfull even after asmall meal, n pain wherever the aneurysm is growinginthe neck, back, chest or abdomen, n painful or difficult swallowing, n and swellingofthe arms, neck or face.

“While (the symptoms) are not causative, they are associated with aneurysm growth,” Yamaguchi said. “Weoften times counsel our patients to do the best they can to monitor therisks.”

Both family history and lifestyle can play arole in the risk of developing an aortic aneurysm.Aortic aneurysmsoccur most often in people whoare over the age of 65, are male,are smokers or have high blood pressure or hypertension.

Molly Kimball RD,CSSD

CREATIVE

Continued from page1X

“I’m hoping while I’m drawing that my hair is going to come back,” Mullooly said. “I still have alot of things I’m working on as a patient.” Mandala art is acircular design symbolizing balance and focus. The repetitive patterns help quiet the mind and support meditation offering acalming activity during stress, anxi-

FOOD

Continued from page1X

Champagnesays one primary concern are snacks, like chips and other ultraprocessed items “that have ingredients lists that take up half the page.”

Ultra-processed food: What is it and how bad is it?

These foods are typically high in energy density dueto their sugar and fat content, according to CandidRebello, director of the nutrition and chronicdisease program at PenningtonBiomedical Research Center.Processed foods lead to excesscalorie intake within and across meals.

“The guidelines promote an inadvertent reductionin calorieintake, an approach that hasbeenclearly shown to lower overall food intake andbodyweight,” Rebello said.

ety or longtreatmentdays. Mandalas are ancient, dating backtofifthorsixth century B.C.E. They represent theuniverse in its ideal formand have long beenusedtorepresentand inspire healing.

A2024 study inthe NationalLibrary of Medicine looked at 84 male veterans diagnosed withposttraumatic stress disorder Oneveteran groupcolored mandala designs, the other group colored squares freely.The study concluded that the happiness scores were “significantly higher”

recommendation for americans. treatments.

in the mandala coloring group.

Moudgildraws allofthe designs herself, oftenstaying up late or waking early whena design ideastrikes. Each symbol within the circle design means something. An upward triangle is good energy and good ac-

tion. Acircle is wholeness, integrity andconnectivity Dots are focal points of one’sconsciousness. Bells are the openings of the mind. Spirals are changes andgrowth.

Jenny Delgado began creating art after spotting Moudgil in the hallway

while she was receiving her treatment.

“It is veryhelpful,” Delgado said. “It takes your mind offthe 50,000 things that youmight have.You worry unnecessarily during thetreatments —and the hearthelps.”

Moudgil hosts abimonth-

the old (1995) and new(2026) food

Proteinand more protein

Thenew guidance backs away fromrevoking longstanding advice to limitsaturated fats, despite signals from Kennedy and Food and Drug CommissionerMarty Makary that the administration wouldpushfor more consumption of animal fats to end the “war” on saturated fats. Instead, the document suggests that Americans should choose whole-food sources of saturated fat —such as meat, whole-fat dairy or avocados —while continuingto limit saturated fat consumption to no more than10% of daily calories.

Theguidancesays “other options can include butter or beef tallow,” despite previous recommendations to avoid those fats.

The previous recommended dietary allowance called for 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, about 54 gramsdaily for a150-pound person —the equivalent of about one large 10-ounce steak.

The new recommendation is 1.2 to 1.6 grams of protein perkilogramofbody weight, 108grams daily for

a150-poundperson —that’s nearly twice the previously recommended limit —the equivalent of about four hamburgerpatties or about 12 ounces of peanut butter or more than fivecups of cooked lentils, according to protein contentestimations from Johns Hopkins Center for Bariatric Surgery

Champagne has aproblem with theemphasis onprotein

She saysthe real number to reach thenew recommendedprotein levels is be toomuch. Proteins require more energy to metabolize than sugars.Increasing protein intake mayput unneeded stress on metabolism.

“(Americans) are probably alreadygettingenough protein,” Champagne said. New guidelines also stress the consumption of red meat. However, according to Champagne, the saturated fat associated withred meat can be arisk for cardiovascular disease.

“Some of that high-level historicalresearch isnot being addressed in saturated fat and animal proteins, par-

ticularly red meats,” Champagne said.

Theguidelines additionally adviseavoiding or sharply limiting added sugars or nonnutritive sweeteners, saying “no amount” is considered part of ahealthy diet

No onemealshouldcontain morethan10grams of added sugars, or about 2teaspoons, thenew guidelines say.Ingeneral, most Americans consume about 17 teaspoons of added sugarsper day, according to the U.S. Centersfor Disease Control and Prevention.

Alcohol limits removed

Thenew guidelinesroll back previous recommendations to limitalcohol to one drink or less per day for womenand two drinks or less per day for men

Instead, the guidance advises Americans to “consume lessalcohol for better health.” They also say that alcohol should be avoided by pregnant women, people recovering from alcohol use disorder andthosewho are unable to control the amount

they drink.

Changing over 45 years

The dietary guidelines, required by lawtobeupdated everyfive years, provide a templatefor ahealthy diet. But in acountry where more than half of adults have adiet-related chronic disease few Americansactually follow the guidance, research shows.

The new document is just 10 pages, upholding Kennedy’spledgetocreate a simple,understandable guideline.Previous editions of the dietary guidelines

have grown over the years, from a19-page pamphlet in 1980 to the164-page document issued in 2020, which included afour-page executive summary: n The first threefederal dietary guidelines, 1980, 1985 and 1990

n ,encouraged eating avariety of foods, avoiding saturated fats and cholesterol, getting adequate fiberand limiting “too much” sugar and sodium. They included how manycalories per hour aperson loses forvarious physical activities —including ballroom dancing, clean-

ly arttherapy session at 10:30a.m.to3 p.m. on the first and lastWednesdays of everymonth at the Ochsner MD AndersonCancer Center in Baton Rouge.

Email Margaret DeLaney at margaret.delaney@ theadvocate.com.

ing house,cross-country skiing and shoveling snow

n The n 1995 n dietaryguidelinesintroduced the “food guide pyramid” with an emphasis on bread, cereal, pasta and rice. Grains were recommendedasthe “foundation” of all meals.

n In n 2000, 2005 and 2010 n ,the guidelines mentioned obesity as an “epidemic” for the first time. Thesethree guidelinesalso put significance on measuring body mass index, or BMI,and how to use the figuretoadjustdietary needs with an emphasis on counting calories.

n In n 2015, the dietary guidelinesaddressedunhealthy beveragesand sugary drinks. In 2020 n ,the guidelines took “budgetary” and “cultural” choices into consideration in the recommendations.

n The guidance will have themostprofoundeffecton the federally funded National School Lunch Program, which is required to follow the guidelines to feed nearly 30 million U.S. children on a typical school day n The Agriculture Department will have to translate the recommendations into specific requirements for school meals, aprocess that can takeyears, said Diane Pratt-Heavner, spokespersonfor theSchoolNutrition Association.The latest school nutrition standards were proposedin2023 but won’tbefully implemented until 2027, she noted.

GraPhICS ProVIDeD By U.S. DIetary GUIDeLINeS

pyramids showa transition from ahigh-carbohydrate diet to ahigh-protein diet

StaFF PhotoSByhILary SCheINUK

Patient Guillermo Delgado worksonacoloring sheet at ochsner MD anderson Cancer Center recently in Baton rouge.

Patients Monica Mullooly,left, and JennyDelgado talk about their experiences at ochsner MD anderson Cancer Center recently in Baton rouge.

Ochsner’sessential list: Tophealth screenings adults need to schedule in 2026

By Amanda McElfresh amcelfresh@theadvocate.com

This storyisbrought to you by OchsnerHealth.

As2026 begins,Ochsner Health physicians recommend adults takeaproactive approach to preventivecarebyscheduling health screenings designed to detect diseases early,often beforesymptoms appear.Fromcardiovascular and metabolic assessments to cancer and age-relatedexams,manyevaluations play a critical role in improvinghealth outcomes

“Wewanttofind anyunderlyingissues so we candotimely interventions with medications,lifestyle changes or a combination,beforea person experiences seriouscomplications,”said Tyler Perrin-Bellelo,MD, FACP,D-ABOM, a primary care and obesitymedicine specialistatOchsner LafayetteGeneral Internal Medicine. “It’sokayifsomeone hasn’tbeen to adoctor in awhile. We want to motivate them and support them in theirhealth journey.”

Heart Health

Dr.Perrin-Bellelosaid screeningsfor blood pressure,cholesterol and A1C givedoctorsabaseline foreach individual. Ideally,thesescreenings beginatage 20,although they are recommendedfor peopleofall ages,and especially forthose age40and over. Thesemeasurements helpphysicians identifyearly signsofhypertension,heart diseaseand diabetes,which cancause damageifleft undetected.

eata healthydiet, maintain theirroutines andtakepart in activities thatwork the brain.

Visionand Hearing

Routine vision exams areimportantfor all ages,but acomprehensiveeye exam should be done yearly forpeoplewith diabetes or high blood pressure.Adults over 65 shouldhave avision exam everyone to twoyears to screen forcataracts glaucomaand macular degeneration

Abdominalaorticaneurysmscreeningisaone-time screeningultrasoundformenbetweentheagesof 65-75whohaveahistoryofsmoking.

TylerPerrin-Bellelo,MD,FACP,D-ABOM

“Manypeople don’trealizetheyhave high blood pressurebecausetheydon’t have anysymptoms.Their first symptom maybeastrokeora heart attack. That’s whyit’ssoimportanttoget those baselines and setgoals so we canintervene earlier,” Dr.Perrin-Bellelo said. “Everyone has adifferentcardiovascular risk profile. We look at their family history andother conditions that mayput them at ahigher risk forheart disease. We alsolook at whetherthe patient has obesity or smokes.Iftheyhaveany of thoserisk factors, ittells me we need to be alittle more aggressive.

Genetic Wellness Assessment

Ochsner also offersa GeneticWellnessAssessment —a quick questionnairethatreviews your personal and family cancer history to help determine whether youcould benefit from agenetic consultation or testing.

With your family history on hand, thisquestionnaire should takeyou lessthan 10 minutes to complete.Adults interested in taking the assessment canvisit Ochsner.org/ GeneticWellnessSurveytocompleteit at no cost

Brain andbonehealth

Older adults mayalsosuffer from hearing loss, which is a leading causeofdepression as we ageand canbemistaken for anumber of other conditions.Avisit to the audiologist to test hearing candetermine if thereisablockagesuch as waxor sensorineuralhearingloss,whichisrelatedtonervefunction

Cancer Screenings

Forpeople of all ages,cancer screeningsremain one of the most impactful components of preventivecare, offering the opportunitytodetect disease at its earliest and most treatable stages

National guidelines recommend thatadults of average risk begin colorectal cancerscreeningsatage 45,reflecting an increaseincases in younger adults. However, individuals withafamily history or other riskfactorsmay needtobegin screenings earlierorhavethem more often, said Lingling Du, MD,ahematologyoncologist at Ochsner MD Anderson Cancer Center in NewOrleans

Dr.Dusaidacolonoscopyisthe best screening method becausedoctorscan often remove anypolyps,thereby immediately reducing therisk of cancer

Prostatecancerscreeningisrecommendedatage45, andmenshoulddiscussavailableoptionswiththeir primarycaredoctororurologist.Screeningusually consistsofabloodtestthatmeasuresbaseline prostate-specificantigen(PSA)levels.

Forwomen Mammogramstoscreenforbreastcancerbegin atage40,orsoonerifthereisapersonalorfamily historyofbreastcancer

Cervicalcancerscreeningbeginsatage21.Thetypical screeningintervaliseverythreetofiveyearsbased onage,riskfactorsandpastpapsmearresults. Bonemineraldensitytest(DEXA)startsatage65or earlierbasedonriskfactorssuchashysterectomy, steroiduse,tobaccouseorhypothyroidism.

“In general, acolonoscopyisrecommended every10years. If one polypisremoved, the doctor may suggest anothercolonoscopyinfiveyears. If there aremanypolyps,theymay recommend the screening again in oneorthree years,”Dr. Du explained.

JosephHeneghan,MD

OchsnerHealthCenter-Prairieville

As adults age, preventivecareexpands to include screenings thatcan help preservemobility, independence and brain health. Joseph Heneghan, MD,a primary care physician at Ochsner Health Center –Prairieville, said bone densityexams arerecommended forolder adults,particularly smaller womenage 65 andup with fair skin and blue eyes as well as men with certain risk factors, such as having a shorter than averagestature

“Our bones and teeth become brittle as part of the normal aging process,”Dr. Heneghan said.“Thedensityscans give us abetterpictureofthe skeletal structure and allowusto giverecommendationstopatients.”

Dr.Heneghan said regular exercise, especiallywalking, canhelp improve bone density, as well as eating ahealthy diet high in vitamin Cand calcium, using over-the-counter supplementsortaking aprescriptionmedicationifthe bones areespecially thin.

“Wewanttopreserveasmuch bone density as we canto preventfalls, becausethosecan have dangerousoutcomes especially if someonebreaksahip,” Dr Heneghan said. “Health often declines greatly as we losemobility. That puts us at ahigher risk of bloodclots. We want to step in before anythinglikethathappens.”

Cognitivescreeningsare equally important, as memory changes canbesubtle.Dr. Heneghan said Ochsner uses astructured evaluation to determine if thesechanges are part of the normal aging processor a sign of aserious condition,suchasAlzheimer’s or Parkinson’s. Each patient is also screened fordepression, whichcan affectmemory and concentration.

“Theseevaluationshelp us discern what is goingonand create apersonalized treatmentplan,”Dr. Heneghan said. “Nomatterwhatthe screenings show,theseare agoodopportunityfor us to remind patients to get plenty of sleep,

Consistencyisalsokey formammograms,which should begin at age40for women of averagerisk, said Melanie Sheen, MD,abreast medical oncologist at Ochsner MD AndersonCancer Center in NewOrleans While monthly self-exams canhelp womenunderstand their physiologyand stayalert forany changes,yearly mammogramsgo much deeper,often detecting small cancersthatareotherwiseinvisibleandcause no symptoms

“It’ssoimportant to not skip amammogram becausethe breastschange and become lessdenseovertime,”Dr. Sheen said.“Somethingthatwasnot visibleayearagomaybecome visiblenow.Ifyoumissayear thatabnormalitymay notbe detecteduntil it is larger and potentially more dangerous.”

Ana Valente,MD, agynecologic oncologist at Ochsner MD Anderson CancerCenterinNew Orleans, said womenshouldalsodiscussroutinecervicalcancerscreenings with theirprimarycarephysician or OB/ GYN.Theseare recommended forwomenaged21and over, while thefrequency depends on each patient’srisk factorsand health history.Dr. Valente said thatinrecentyears, the addition of an HPVtest with aPap smear has madetheseexams more comprehensive.

“We’re nowable to detect abnormal cells as well as the presence or absence of HPV, which is the driving factor in most

Wewantpatientswhocometo Ochsnertofeellikethisisanojudgmentzone,”Dr.Perrin-Bellelo added.“Weknowtheseconditions arenottheirfault.Whenwecan treatthem,wecanavoidfurther complications.I’mencouragedto seemorepatientswhowantto focusonwellness.Thegoodnews isthattherearetoolstohelp thembesuccessful.”

TylerPerrin-Bellelo,MD,FACP,D-ABOM Primarycareandobesitymedicinespecialist OchsnerLafayetteGeneralInternalMedicine OchsnerHealthistheleadingnonprofithealthcareproviderinLouisiana,MississippiandacrosstheGulfSouth,

cervicalcancers,”Dr. Valente said. “Morethan 50 percent of women will have HPVatsomepointintheir lives.Some peoplecancleariteffectivelyandneverdevelopcancer.Other patients cannot,soHPV resides in thosecervical cells fora prolonged period of time and causes changes thatcan lead to cancer.” Across all specialties,Ochsner physicians emphasize thatpreventivecareworksbestwhen patients feel supported and empowered. Dr.Valente encourages women to find an OB/GYN with whom theycan have an openand honest relationship,especially when discussing sensitiveareas of the body.Similarly,Dr. Heneghan has found thatpatients are moreforthcoming about health concerns when theybuild a rapport with theirdoctor andunderstandthatthe goal is to improvetheir overall health andhelp them livelonger.

Inspiring Healthier Lives andStrongerCommunities

Formorethan80years,OchsnerHealthhasservedtheGreaterNewOrleansareaandbeyond,providingthe highestqualityofcareforourpatientsandcommunities.Withmorethan4,700providersspanningover400 locations,wehaveyoucoveredforallofyourroutineandcomplexcareneeds.Offeringdigitalmedicine programs,virtual visits,andextendedhours,wearefocusedonmakinghealthcareconvenientandaccessible, sothatyoucangetbacktodoingthethingsyouenjoymost

For14yearsinarow,OchsnerMedicalCenter-NewOrleans(OMC),includingOchsnerBaptistandOchsner MedicalCenter–WestBankCampus,hasbeennamedthenumberonehospitalinLouisianabyU.S.News& WorldReport.Inaddition,ourObstetricsandGynecologyservicesranked#13inthenation.Weareproudof thishonorandremaincommittedtoexceedingqualityandsafetystandardsinhealthcare.

Learnmoreaboutourcareorscheduleanappointmentatochsner.org/schedule

Roomsthatremember

L. Kasimu harrisand theworkthatbrought ‘Vanishing Blackbars’ into theframe at MoMa

BY JANRISHER Staffwriter

In 2025, when the Museum of Modern Art acquired photographs forits permanent collectionbyNew Orleans-based artistL.Kasimu Harris, the moment carried institutional weight. Not because Harris was an outlier,but because his work reflects abroader,overduecorrection in how American photography is seen and valued.

Fordecades, photographyfromthe American South, especially work rooted in Black communities, lived largely outside thewallsofmajor museums Harris’workhas been featuredin MoMA’s “New Photography 2025:Lines of Belonging,” the show closed Jan. 17, 2026.

Journalism,Katrina andethics

Harris was in graduate school studying writing and journalism at the University of Mississippi whenKatrina hit his hometown in 2005. He workedon campus as awriter at the Daily Mississippian.

Atripbackhome45daysafter Katrina, combined with pressure from an Ole Miss professor to returnto campus withworkinhand, launchedhis focus and ultimately his career

“Anything that would catch my eye while Iwas at homeduring thebreak Iwould stop and photograph,” Harris said.

Over time, he startedpayingcloserattention to what was happening in New Orleans, particularly withBlack bars and the gentrification happening as the city rebuilt itself. He decided he wanted to talk to Whitebar ownersand Black bar owners for his graduation project, but none of the White bar ownersagreed to participate.

“The way Isaw it was Iwanted to tell afair and balanced story,” Harris said With access to Whitebars denied, he decided to focus solely on Black bars.

“It almost felt likeIwas an investigative journalist,”Harrissaid. “I felt that it was alot of parachutejournalism that happened afterward.Mylonger-term project was aresponse to that—like, let’sdoadeep dive in that. …IfI’m doing something in journalism, it’sgonna be facts. But when I’m doing art, Ican arrive at the truth in anumberofways.

Preserving what disappears Harris is aphotographic culture bearer.His “Vanishing Black Bars and Lounges” photographyseries is about more than Black barsclosing. It is about more than New Orleans

“Even when Istartedthis project, even thoughNew Orleans was the inspiration,

Ialways saw it as something bigger,” Harrissaid.“So thefirst place Igot to do this work outside New Orleans was Pittsburgh.”

He continued photographing Black bars in Clarksdale, Mississippi, then Chicago, Detroit,Los Angeles and South Africa. One thing, he says, is certain.

“You can tell aBlack bar from aWhite barbywhat they drink,” he said.

He says he can recognizeaBlack bar simply by thesignage outside —and that thereare other subtle and not-sosubtle cues. White bars generally do not sell pints, astaple of older New Orleans Black bars, according to Harris.

“The pints are for the setup. Asetup is, youget your pint —you can share it, you can drink it and you get abucket of ice and you get some chasing,” he said.

His familiarity with New Orleans culture gives hima shorthand of understanding that does not always translate elsewhere. Thatfamiliarity didn’tease his nervesinDetroit, even though people

hadtold him it was alot like NewOrleans.

He comparesentering unfamiliar Black bars in new cities to starting school in January instead of August —hehas to walk adelicate balance.

Deeper than it seems

Harris’ wife, ArielWilson-Harris, sees the layered approach her husband takes as centraltothe work’spower

“You wouldn’tnecessarily thinkabout allofthis when youthink abouta bar,” she said. “Tojust go so much further and deeper into thecommunity andthenit connecting on aglobal scale —I think thatiswhy this work is so important, not only to the cityofNew Orleans, buttothe African diasporaasa whole.”

BrianPiper says he first became acquainted withHarrisand his photography in 2018 when the New Orleans Museum of Art showed some of Harris’ work in an exhibition called, “Changing

ä See HARRIS, page 2Y

JanRisher

Singing praisesof roller bag

On morethan one occasion last week, Isounded alot like an infomercial.

As I’ve brought up the object of my admiration multiple times, several people in the newsroom have asked where the studio audience is —and whyI’m not pointing at atoll-free number Ironically,all my cheerleading is forsomething Ididn’teven know Iwanted. My over-the-top enthusiasm is foranitem that I bought formyolder daughter for Christmas and didn’treturn. Granted, Ididn’treturn it because Itried it and could tell that this thing had the potential to be life-changing. Iwas right. She had asked foraroller bag forChristmas —not asuitcase, but abag that she could use to roll her groceries from her car and up the elevator to her apartment, or downthe street to the corner store. She broke her right arm about ayear ago. Even though it’smuch better,she is limited on what she can carry.She thought the rolling bag could be agreat solution.

So, Iresearched roller bags and found that abag by acompany called “Hulken” wasgenerally considered to be among the best. The bags are not cheap —even on sale. On Black Friday,I bought amedium-sized one for$97 which is still alot of money,but this daughter rarely asks for anything. Iwanted to give her something that would makedaily lifealittle less tiring, alittle easier and maybe alittle less frustrating. On Christmas morning, she opened the giftand seemed delighted. Later,I learned that she had already bought adifferent (less expensive) rolling bag. Itold her Iwould give her the money and send this one back.

And, like Isaid, then Iused it. This is where the story turns, morally speaking.

It has changed my life. For all of my days, I’ve had a problem of forgetting to bring things with me in the morning on my way to school or work. With this giant, impossible to miss bag, whenever Ithink of it, Ijust place the item inside. The bag, which holds up to 66 pounds, is so lightweight that Ihave no problem transporting it up and down stairs —after all, this is the stuff Iwould typically be carrying in my arms.

What Ididn’trealize until now is how much low-grade stress I carry around trying not to forget things —and how much lighter lifefeels when that stress rolls beside you instead of hanging from your arms.

And the rolling! Honestly,sometimes Ifind myself smiling because it rolls so smoothly Irealize the absurdity of my enthusiasm forthis product, but when Ifind something like this that improves the quality of my lifetothe extent that this one has, Iwant to share it.

Yes, there are dupes and copycats —and Ican’tspeak to them Idon’tknow if their wheels are madeofwhat must be acombination of fairy dust and butter.If NASA ever needs help moving equipment, Ihave asuggestion. With alittle research, Ilearned that the bag wasinvented by the father of aSwiss musician named Yoni Sheleg —aman whospent a lot of time schlepping gear from place to place.

StaFF PhotoSBySoPhIaGerMer

L. Kasimuharrisreflects into aphotograph on the wall of his studio recently in Neworleans.

harris’ work reflects abroader,overdue correction in howamerican photography is seen and valued.

INSPIRED DISCUSSIONS

ASK THE EXPERTS

Running the show at La.’s Old Governor’s Mansion

BY JOY HOLDEN Staff writer

In 2024, Sinella Aghasi was named the executive director of the Old Governor’s Mansion, a museum under Secretary of State Nancy Landry that preserves and showcases Louisiana’s political history and architectural heritage. Aghasi partners with statewide tourism and economic development agencies to increase the impact of the historic landmark.

Born in Iran, Aghasi moved to California in 2010 to attend university and study the violin. She moved to Baton Rouge in 2016 to pursue her doctorate. She serves on several boards and foundations in her pursuit to support and uplift the community

This interview has been edited for length and clarity

How did you get involved with the Old Governor’s Mansion?

I came to LSU to get my doctorate degree in music and nonprofit management. For so long, I was teaching, performing and involved with a lot of nonprofits. I would see the success and the challenges, but I really didn’t know what makes a difference for one to be successful and the other not. This is my calling.

I followed that journey with a lot of nonprofit organizations in the arts sector I wasn’t thinking that my next journey would be in a museum, but I know myself as a capacity builder who’s very passionate about education and creat-

HARRIS

Continued from page 1y

Course: Reflections on New Orleans Histories.”

Piper is the Freeman Family Curator of Photographs, Prints and Drawings at the New Orleans Museum of Art.

“One of the things that has always impressed me is how it (Harris’ photography) transcends what we might call traditional genres of photography,” Piper said. “It blends documentary It blends storytelling. It blends sort of a theatrical view of things.”

Piper says that Harris has evolved in as “a picture maker,” using his eye for story and for narrative to get at the essence of a subject or place and distill it down to a powerful image.

“He is very attuned to the importance of African-American culture and history here in New Orleans, as a son of the city, but also as someone who has looked at these things around the world, especially when it comes to Black social spaces,” Piper said. “In his ‘Vanishing Black Bar’ series, he’s thinking about similarities, both in terms of the vibrancy of those spaces and in the threats to them from factors like gentrification.”

Michelle Schulte, chief curator of collections and exhibitions at LSU Museum of Art in Baton Rouge, says that since 1998 there has been more emphasis on people of different backgrounds telling their stories.

“But we’re still missing that view of people from African American

ing accessibility. When I saw the opportunity, it seemed like a wonderful fit, and this is the happiest that I’ve ever been in my professional life.

What is it that makes the Old Governor’s Mansion a fulfilling job and place?

It’s a beautiful mansion and historic landmark, but I see it as an opportunity that has been underutilized. There are so many people that don’t know about it or have only visited for an event, when we have our museum side closed.

It’s been a very fun and wonderful opportunity to slowly but surely change that perspective.

We have almost nearly doubled our attendance from last year We are working closely with Visit Ba-

SINeLLa aGhaSI

ton Rouge and other leadership communities. We have joined First Free Sundays, which is a wonderful opportunity that has shifted availability for locals and visitors. We are doing more outreach and targeting different grades and school groups for educational programming.

With that comes a lot of opportunity and weight that I take seriously to make sure that it is preserved in the best possible way Since it was built in 1929, we are almost getting close to our 100year mark.

What can you tell us about the new“Three Decades of Change” exhibit that focuses on the tenures of nine Louisiana governors?

I’m proud of it. My first days at this job were at the Southeastern Museum Conference, so I had the opportunity to interact with a lot of museum professionals. I asked a few of them to come to the mansion and give me their thoughts, and one really sticks with me. There are nine governors who have lived in the mansion, and some lived here longer than others, so we have more items on display or more information on them, but that is our focus.

One person brought to my attention that we should connect these stories — to each other and to the people that are living within the community That talk stayed with

Lounges’

backgrounds,” Schulte said “For a museum like MoMA to recognize Kasimu and this photography from New Orleans that’s a big deal.

He’s real — a nationwide voice.”

Learning the system

Harris’ understanding of institutions has also been shaped by service

He has served on the board of the Ogden Museum of Southern Art for several years, an experience he says taught him as much about how museums function as about art itself.

“The art is paramount but museums can’t operate without money,” Harris said. “Being on the board, you start to see how things really work capital campaigns, strategic planning, even basic things like what happens when the air conditioner goes out.”

He acknowledges the tension between the financial realities of museums and the desire to make them more accessible and less intimidating.

That institutional fluency has helped him navigate his own career more deliberately

“When MoMA asked for a hold, I knew what that meant,” he said “That’s an intent — a proposal. Like ‘I want to marry you’ an intent to buy All those things have helped me navigate my artistic career more seamlessly.”

That awareness has also sharpened his understanding of how intimidating museums can feel to people who do not know the rules or who have rarely seen themselves reflected on the walls.

Roots and responsibility

Harris’ mother, Eartha Har-

me as we were looking at the gaps that we have not told and want to make sure that we’re accurately telling the history

Our curator, Joseph Ricci, created “Three Decades of Change,” which focuses on 1929 to the early 1960s. A lot of things happened inside and outside of Louisiana that truly affected people around the nation, like the Great Depression, World War II and the Civil Rights Movement.

How does your music career as a concert violinist transfer into your current role?

I played with the symphonies in Baton Rouge, Acadiana and Lake Charles until a few years ago. I was constantly driving back and forth, but my board engagements have increased substantially over the last couple of years. I play small gigs here and there, but I decided I would dedicate more time to this job and community work.

Part of the way it transfers is perfectionism. I don’t give up. There is a drive for excellence that I think sometimes drives my staff crazy There’s never a “No.”

We have to figure out how to do it, if not now, later If not this way, then another way.”

Also, teamwork and being a good listener Let’s tune in on what people are wanting to see and adjust. Just as a musician adjusts

ris, grew up uptown on Chestnut Street in New Orleans. She died in 2015, but her fascination with culture continues to inform his artistic practice.

“My mom was just a tenacious person,” he said. “Like she got fired from a job on Friday and showed back up to the same job on Monday. They were like, ‘What are you doing?’ And she’s like, ‘I got kids.’”

She later owned Le Earth Flowers, a floral shop that Harris says was well-known in the Black community

Work before recognition

Ben Hickey, now executive director of the Center for Exploratory and Perceptual Arts in Buffalo New York, says Harris’ work reflects advocacy and cultural awareness. Previously, Hickey was curator and interim director at The Hilliard Museum in Lafayette, where he curated a solo exhibit for Harris called “Vanishing Black Bars and Lounges” at the Hilliard Art Museum in 2022.

Hickey says Harris’ work comes from a place of love.

“It exudes it in every pixel, in every drop of ink in a print,” Hickey said “That inherent quality is what drew me to him.”

Whether working inside institutions or photographing spaces far from them, Harris approaches both with the same concern: understanding the rules well enough not to mistake them for the point. His photographs are shaped less by outcome than by intention by choices made before the shutter is ever released.

with the conductor with the flow, being flexible enough to shift and say, “How can we respond to the growing needs of the Baton Rouge downtown? And as a museum?” is important.

What would you say to yourself as a little girl growing up in Iran, that one day you would be leading a museum in an almost 100-year-old mansion in Louisiana?

One thing that always pushed me forward was my hope and my faith. As an Assyrian in Iran, I was a religious minority With that comes a lot of limited opportunities as a musician and as a woman. We learned from very early ages to always fight for what is taken for granted in a lot of places. And from that, I think I got a lot of resiliency I never envisioned that I would not be in my country. All I knew was studying music I didn’t think of myself as leading an organization or being even in a museum space. Moving in different cultures, leaving so much behind and starting from absolutely ground zero in a country that you don’t know many people and barely speak the language, develops flexibility, vision and drive to make a difference. I truly want to make something that shows that, through all of these hardships there was a reason. I’m making an impact, wherever I am. Baton Rouge is home, so I’m proud to make it here.

Email Joy Holden at joy.holden@ theadvocate.com.

Continued from page 1y

His father built him a rolling bag to make life easier During COVID, Sheleg and his wife, Alex Schinasi, turned that solution into a company

The sweetness that it was a father who was trying to make his son’s life easier is not lost on me.

I get that my excitement about this thing may make little sense to those who haven’t had the pleasure of pulling one of these bags.

But the delight is real. This week, I’ve said to people — including a complete stranger who commented on my oversized rolling bag: “You have to pull it to see how smooth it glides!”

Then, I convince them to try rolling it so they can share in my awe.

Maybe part of getting older is recognizing when brute force isn’t the best option anymore — when there’s a smarter, kinder way to move through the world. I didn’t buy this bag for myself, but it turns out I needed it. And if you see me smiling while pulling an oversized silver rolling bag down the street — no need to worry I’m fine. I’ve just discovered the quiet joy of not carrying everything the hard way anymore.

Email Jan Risher at jan. risher@theadvocate.com.

StaFF Photo By SoPhIa GerMer

L. Kasimu harris’s shows photos that are part of his ‘Vanishing Black Bars &

series at his studio recently in New orleans.

ProVIDeD Photo

Sinella aghasi, executive director of the old Governor’s Mansion.

Lafitte Greenway to get a little more green

Volunteers plant pockets of forest to provide eventual shade

BY SAM KARLIN Staff writer

It’s been more than a decade since workers cleared out space for the Lafitte Greenway in New Orleans, a nearly 3-mile long multiuse path connecting Mid City with the French Quarter Next to a city sign and signal facility, a clearing alongside the path sat empty for years.

On a recent Saturday, 50 volunteers waited out torrential rain before descending on the site They hacked through clay and rock and got to work planting 100 trees.

“We realized there was a big beautiful bioswale here,” said Jason Neville, head of the Lafitte Greenway Partnership. “We should do something with it.”

When complete the site will serve as a small but key example of what Neville and the nonprofit Saving Our Urban Landscape (SOUL) want the greenway to become. In recent years, the group has planted a wide variety of trees, creating pockets of forest that should eventually create a canopy for parts of the path.

Susannah Burley, head of SOUL, said the group has already amassed over 800 trees along the greenway By the end of the year, they’ll reach 1,000.

The trees provide obvious benefits for users of the greenway: shade, beauty and eventually a canopy expected to shape the greenway’s appearance. But Burley and Neville are hoping their efforts will do more.

They hope rainwater that pools on nearby streets will eventually be funneled into bioswales like this one, alle-

viating flooding.

As New Orleans gets hotter because of climate change the trees should cool the span. They expect ongoing experiments with many of the trees will help determine which root-manipulation techniques help trees grow stronger

“We want to build a big canopy,” Burley said New Orleans has few trees in several pockets of the city that are barren and blanketed in concrete, making summers especially hot. Summers in the city are getting dangerously hot due to climate change, and trees are an obvious solution — and also can help soak up ubiquitous stormwater

Funding and difficulties coordinating who plants and cares for trees have long caused problems for the groups working on reforesting the city

Neville and Burley see the greenway effort as a way to demonstrate how simple solutions like planting trees can help New Orleans become more livable.

About 50 volunteers worked for several hours planting the trees, with funding support from Entergy and Parks and Parkways through the Greater New Orleans Foundation Among the volunteers was Mike Karam, head of the city’s Parks and Parkways department. Karam previously said the city and nonprofit partners are about halfway to a 40,000-tree goal laid out in the city’s climate action plan, though certain pockets of the city have been developed with narrow streets and concrete that makes planting difficult.

Neville, of the Lafitte Greenway Partnership, took a break from hacking through old stumps to drive his golf cart down the greenway, waving at regulars walking their dogs.

The rain had cleared up, and hundreds of trees plant-

ed at various points over the past three years soaked up the water next to the path.

Neville pointed out a burgeoning forest between the path and a playground. Further down, saplings planted a few months ago lined the greenway Behind a new football field, cypress trees were slowly rising to form what should eventually be a barrier shielding the sprawling urban park from the interstate and its pollution.

SOUL is testing out various methods when planting the trees, including scoring and rubbing the roots to stimulate better growth, as well as enriching the soil when planting. They’re monitoring which trees had

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which method, and in the coming years they’ll be able to tell what works best.

A nonprofit called Louisiana Green Corps has put its students to work planting many of the trees, part of a broader effort to improve the prospects of underserved young people in the city

With many large-scale efforts to build green infrastructure languishing with bureaucratic delays, Neville said he’s embraced smaller projects on the greenway as a way to show what can be done at a larger scale.

“The new strategy is to do smaller scale stuff that demonstrates the concept,” he said.

SoUL’s Molly Powell, program and field coordinator, left, and ellen rogers, communications and volunteer coordinator prepare a tree to be planted.

HelpingSmall Businesses Thrive

Wellness at Work: FrancesLove Is BringingWellness to theWorkplace

For FrancesLove, thejourneytoentrepreneurship began with a single, unexpectedgift: aspa certificateshe receivedasa high schoolsenior.“From themoment Iwalked in, Iwas blown away,” she recalled.“IfeltlikeIwas in adifferent dimension.”

That sparkstayedwithher as she movedthrough college and into thehospitalityindustry. In 2016, she left hercorporaterole, became alicensed massagetherapist, and openedthe first iteration of Peace of Serenity Massage&Wellness.

Duringthe COVID-19 pandemic,Francesnoticedagrowing demand forwellness in theworkplace and she sawan opportunitytobring massagetherapy into corporatespaces.

Theshift from serving individual clientstopartneringwithbusinesseswas already underway when she joined theShell LiveWire program, but the programgaveher theclarity, confidence,and strategy to go all in. Frances then made thebold decision to close her physical location and operatefully onsite at client properties. “Itwasn’teasy,”she admits. Butitworkedout.Her advice to futureentrepreneursentering theLiveWire program? “Be open. Trust theprocess.”

Applications forthe 2026 ShellLiveWireLouisiana program areopen throughJanuary26, 2026 forbusinessesfromAscension,Assumption, East BatonRouge,WestBaton Rouge, Iberville,Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston, St.Charles,St. James, St.John theBaptist, St.Mary, and Terrebonne Parishes. All industrieswelcome Applynow at www.shell.us/livewire.

StaFF PhotoS By SaM KarLIN

Mike Karam, director of the city’s Parks and Parkways agency, right, helps volunteers as part of a project to plant 100 trees along the Lafitte Greenway.

FAITH & VALUES

Quieter vigils are a growing voice of protest

Demonstrators find a way to avoid campus limits

BY TANYA RAGHU

Contributing writer

Judith Lynn, who has lived close to Columbia University for two decades, marched beside pro-Palestinian students when campus protest against the war in Gaza erupted two years ago. “I was right there yelling with those beautiful students, but to see that squashed,” she said. “I’ve been finding ways to go beyond the protest.”

She has found her voice, she said, in silent vigils.

On either side of Columbia University’s main entrance on Broadway and 116th Street in Manhattan, Lynn, 74, stands with a large group dressed in black. Some of the group hand flyers to the steady foot traffic in and out of the campus. Others hold a steady gaze into the middle distance. On this day, Lynn clutches a black-and-white portrait of Yunseo Chung, an international student from Korea detained by immigration agents in March “It is solemn and elegant,” Lynn said. “It is a direct statement, but because it is silent it is very powerful.”

The vigils, organized by CU Stands Up, have taken place every Monday at noon for more than nine months, drawing dozens of faculty and staff in addition to students and Upper West Side neighbors. “By being silent, we are maintaining the spotlight on the portraits we are holding,” E.Y Zipris, a doctoral student and adjunct professor at Columbia University’s Teachers College, said. “The focus is on the fate of these students.”

Across the United States, vigils have been adopted as a way to build community around a principle or to grieve outside of expressly political or religious gatherings organized by institutions While religious language or symbols are not necessarily present, the rituals are unmistakably spiritual.

In Rio de Janeiro in 2013, an estimated 2 million people inundated Copacabana Beach for a Saturday night vigil before Pope Francis said Mass on Sunday In South Korea three years later, some 12,000-30,000 marchers held a candlelight vigil in the streets in Seoul to protest government corruption, leading to the president’s impeachment. On New Year’s Day, hundreds gathered near the Constellation bar in the Swiss resort village of Crans-Montana to mourn those who died in a fire.

CU Stands Up, the vigil organizers at Columbia conceived of its protest in April, when students began to be detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Faculty and staff felt a sense of urgency, according to Jennifer Hirsch, a professor at Columbia’s Mailman School of Public Health, who co-founded CU Stands Up. The group considered several responses but was inspired to hold a weekly vigil in part by the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo in Argentina, who for years held silent vigils holding photos of sons, fathers and others who had been imprisoned by the government. Rules about organizing on campus did not allow the group to register the event as a vigil; without a religious figure present, it could only be a protest.

But they kept the vigil format, said Hirsch, because it would attract more people. “It was pow-

erful because people who came wouldn’t have necessarily come for an action they saw as more explicitly political,” Hirsch said. “People showed up just to express our horror, dismay, and lack of institutional action.”

Charmaine Willis, a political science professor at Old Dominion University who has studied vigils as a form of protest, said that candlelight vigils especially have become an important part of the protest repertoire because, as opposed to a traditional march or protest, vigils can be “softer.”

“Vigils not only boost your numbers in terms of the protest, but also get more support from people that are not typically protesting,” Willis said, adding that the recent interest in candlelight vigils could be attributed to their power and ubiquity on social media.

The earliest vigils can be

traced back to the Greco-Roman era. The Rev James Sabak, a Franciscan friar who is director of divine worship for the Diocese of Raleigh, in North Carolina, and the author of a book on vigils, said the classical-era rituals were celebratory, all-night affairs. As the former Roman Empire was Christianized, vigils were absorbed into the Christian tradition but retained their joyous, dusk-to-dawn outlines.

That changed during medieval times, when vigils became reserved for the priestly class, said Sabak. “We lose out on what that festive nature of a vigil is; it becomes this solemn, evening moment that you begin to endure. It kind of destroys the real powerful nature.”

The Middle Ages are also when vigils gained power as a way to remove sins In many ways this is the version that gets adopted by modern society

“Whether it be Christian or not, society and culture adopts the word as something that is done at night and has a seriousness to it and is connected with something sad,” Sabak said. “It gets connected to these moments of grief and tremendous suffering or pain experienced in society.”

But the somber tone of vigils is also an effective way to get people to focus on an issue, said Hirsch.

“It’s funny to get people’s attention without talking, because ordinarily you would yell at them to get their attention,” Hirsch said. “Particularly, a bunch of faculty not talking — that’s what we do. For faculty and staff to be out there in silence, it’s supposed to be arresting as you walk by You see the juxtaposition of faculty standing in silence and these dark portraits and you think to yourself, ‘What is going on in my country right now?’”

Improved well-being and social connections from bicycle outings

BY MICHAELA HAAS

Contributing writer

Editor’s note: This story, created by Michaela Haas for Reasons to be Cheerful, is part of the Solutions Story Tracker from the Solutions Journalism Network a nonprofit organization dedicated to rigorous reporting about responses to social problems Louisiana Inspired features solutions journalism stories that provide tangible evidence that positive change is happening in other places and in our own communities — solutions that can be adopted around the world As soon as John Seigel-Boettner invites passengers onto his black trishaw a three-wheeled electric bicycle with two extra seats upfront, downtown Santa Barbara, California, seems to smile. Pedestrians wave and call out greetings. Children stop midstride. With his silver mustache, a cheerful “Mr Rogers” T-shirt and his favorite motto on his chest — “Believe there is good in the world” Seigel-Boettner is a familiar sight in this coastal city

He has been coordinating the local chapter of Cycling Without Age (CWA) since 2019. Effortlessly charming and still ferociously fit at 70 years-old, he gives rides at least twice a week Though the people who ride upfront don’t pedal, he doesn’t call them “passengers” but “riding partners” to emphasize the program’s spirit of companionship

“Cycling Without Age is about connection,” Seigel-Boettner says. “It’s about the conversations between pilot and partner and the connection with everyone we meet along the way.”

On this particular morning, his front-seat companion is 97-yearold Elizabeth Wright, a spry and witty resident of a local senior home who has been riding with him for many years.

“My name means I’m always right,” she says as she introduces herself Winding past palm trees, through a leafy neighborhood, and out toward the beach, she waves to her favorite street musician and recalls moments from her long life as a caregiver, activity coordinator, poet and writer

“This is where I bartended,” she says with a broad grin, pointing to a coastal pub, and tugs her blanket close in the morning breeze, her thin hands knotted with age. The ocean glints ahead. For a moment, she seems to fold

into her younger self.

CWA was born in Copenhagen in 2012, when Danish management consultant Ole Kassow borrowed a rickshaw on a whim and offered an elderly gentleman from a care home a ride. Kassow had watched his father, who lived with multiple sclerosis, grow increasingly isolated. As his formerly extrovert father’s world shrank, so too did his sense of connection. When Kassow later worked in a care home, he saw a lot of the same issues his dad had been struggling with.

“Elderly people come into a nursing home,” Kassow says, “and their world gets smaller and smaller and smaller until they just sit inside within their four walls.”

From that one act of kindness a movement spread, first across Denmark and then across the world. Today the nonprofit CWA spans more than 3,600 chapters and 50,000 volunteers in 41 countries, including in 25 U.S. states. It works in bike-friendly Copenhagen as well as in New York City Each chapter operates somewhat differently according to local needs, but all share five

guiding principles: Generosity, slowness, storytelling, relationships, without age. A visually impaired passenger called the initiative the “right to wind in your hair.”

The trishaws cost anywhere from $10,000 to $15,000 each, some modified to fit wheelchairs. “When you consider the impact of one trishaw and think about how much money people otherwise spend on elder care — beds and wheelchairs and what not — it’s actually not a lot,” Kassow points out. He calls each ride “a bubble where magic happens.” Some chapters operate with support from their municipal communities, but most depend entirely on local fundraising and volunteers. While anybody can ride for free, CWA prioritizes riders with limited mobility SeigelBoettner’s youngest rider was a 5-year-old boy on a feeding tube who wanted to ride to school with his friends. “We provided that,” he says, “and it made him very happy.” Seigel-Boettner loves cycling so much that he spent his honeymoon cycling with his wife, and he pedaled his newborn sons

home from the hospital. He used to be a middle school teacher and took his students on long bike rides across the country At least once a week, he still pairs a middle schooler with a senior for a ride on a trishaw, to spark conversations across generations that wouldn’t otherwise happen:

“They talk about life, music, what’s changed. The bike isn’t the end, the bike is the means to see the world from the riding partner’s perspective.”

Now he doesn’t consider himself retired, but “rewired for new experiences.” While people might think he’s feeding his karma bank by doing something good, he explains, “I come back from each ride completely changed. Society is missing a bridge between older people and everyone else — and this,” he says, tapping the trishaw frame, “is that bridge.”

Sometimes, his riders have lost their ability to speak at all. When Seigel-Boettner rides with someone experiencing memory loss, the words might fade away, but not the emotional resonance. The vibrations, the breeze, watching the passing world together become their shared language.

“They see a flower, or the ocean, or a bird, and suddenly a memory surfaces,” Seigel-Boettner says.

CWA is much more than a lovely idea. A 2020 study found that participants experienced measurable improvements in mood and well-being after rides. In Canada, a 12-week observational study of long-term care residents showed that cycling significantly increased immediate happiness and maintained overall quality of life without causing fatigue or pain. Another evaluation in Scotland of a pilot program linked CWA rides with reductions in social isolation and noted benefits for both residents and volunteers. The most comprehensive evidence comes from the “When Movement Moves” study, a three-year multi-method evaluation by the National Institute of Public Health and University of Southern Denmark. Researchers measured a striking shift in before-and-after self-rated life satisfaction — an improvement greater than that of the world’s happiest nations. The study also noted lasting gains in emotional resilience, social connectedness and sense of purpose. Beyond data, thousands of personal stories reveal the pro-

gram’s subtle transformations, cross-generational exchange and renewed agency During the pandemic, SeigelBoettner trained caregivers to become pilots, ensuring residents could still feel the sun on their faces. Some care homes have since incorporated rides into their regular activities “It changed their relationships,” Seigel-Boettner attests. “Caregivers became companions again and also experienced much more appreciation from the families.” CWA has since participated in memorials, weddings and Christmas parades. The trishaws roll wherever community life unfolds.

As Seigel-Boettner navigates a gentle stretch of coastline road and divulges a local’s secret spot for buying the freshest fish, Wright leans forward, her blue eyes bright. A soft wind tugs at her white, chin-length hair under her straw hat. A jogger gives her a thumbs-up; a toddler waves. “I had my birthday picnic on the beach here,” she remembers, pointing to the sand. She is no longer bound to her walker, but flying along the coast, reconnecting with her own narrative.

Seigel-Boettner pedals steadily, electric-assist humming beneath his seat. He listens as she talks about a childhood holiday in her native Illinois, her children and grandchildren. The city drifts by in slow motion, laughter from a passing cyclist, birdsong, the surf’s distant roar In this unhurried space, conversation flows across decades. The pilot becomes a companion; the rider a storyteller The trishaw excursion is a chance to be seen again, not as a diagnosis but a person, not a burden but a being alive in the world. For pilots, each ride is a mirror, a reminder of what it means to age, to hope, to connect. For both, it’s a moment when time loosens its grip. At the end of the ride, SeigelBoettner helps Wright from her seat. She lingers at the threshold, turning to him. “Thank you,” she says. “That was the best part of my day.” He waves and she waves back before she heads inside.

For Seigel-Boettner, the ride was the best part of his day, too. “I’ve ridden through downtown 5 million times, but with Elizabeth it was completely new,” he says. “Carpe diem seize each day like it’s your first.”

ProVIDeD Photo By taNya raGhU

Demonstrators organized by CU Stands Up hold a silent vigil near Columbia University in New york City

ProVIDeD Photo By BaroN SPaFForD

John Seigel-Boettner a lifelong cyclist, heads out on the road with a riding partner

SUNDAY, JANUArY 25, 2026

CURTIS / by Ray Billingsley

SLYLOCK FOX / by Bob Weber Jr

GET FUZZY / by Darby Conley

HAGAR THE HORRIBLE / by Chris Browne

MOTHER GOOSE AND GRIMM / by Mike Peters

ZIGGY / by Tom Wilson

ZITS / by Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman

SALLY FORTH / by Francesco Marciuliano & Jim Keefe

PEARLS BEFORE SWINE /byStephan Pastis

directions: Make a 2- to 7-letter word from the letters in each row Add points of each word, using scoring directions at right. Finally, 7-letter words get 50-point bonus. “Blanks” used as any letter have no point value All the words are in the Official SCRABBLE® Players Dictionary, 5th Edition.

word game

instructions: 1. Words must be of four or more letters. 2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed. 3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. 4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.

todAY's Word — oBeisAnce: oh-BEsens: A movement made in respect or submission.

Average mark 43 words Time limit 60 minutes

Can you find 58 or more words in OBEISANCE?

ken ken

instructions: 1 -Each rowand each column must contain thenumbers 1through4 (easy) or 1through6 (challenging) without repeating 2 -The numbers within the heavily outlinedboxes, called cages, must combine using thegiven operation (inany order)toproduce the target numbersinthe top-left corners. 3 -Freebies: Fillinthe single-boxcages withthe numberinthe top-left corner

instructions: Sudoku is anumber-placing puzzle based on a 9x9 gridwith several given numbers. The object is to placethe numbers 1to 9in theempty squares so that each row,each column and each 3x3 boxcontains the same number only once. The difficultylevel of the Conceptis Sudoku increases from Monday to Sunday

directions: Complete thegridso that numbers 1–132 connect horizontally, vertically or diagonally

Sudoku

goren Bridge

Where is the king?

West’s heart lead was most annoying. The slam would be cold on any other lead, making 12 tricks regardless of who held the king of diamonds. A losing diamond finesse would still create a discard for dummy’s losing heart. Now declarer had to use his best judgment and hope that was enough. Who was more likelytoholdthekingofhearts?If West has it, South should play the queen from dummy at trick one But is that likely? Leading from a king against a slam might be a good idea when the opponents stretched to reach the slam. You might need to set up a trick for your side before it’s too late. This however,wasapowerslam North clearly has a very good hand and leading from a king would be dangerous South decided to play East for the king of hearts

Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Nichols Lewis

super Quiz

Take this Super Quiz to a Ph.D. Score 1 point for each correct answer on the Freshman Level, 2 points on the graduate Level and 3 points on the Ph.D. Level.

SUBJECT: BRITISH AUTHORS

(e.g., Preacher and author of the allegory “The Pilgrim’s Progress.” Answer: John Bunyan.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. His works include “A Christmas Carol,” “Oliver Twist” and “A Tale of Two Cities.”

Answer________

2. She created Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple.

Answer________

3. Author of “Pride and Prejudice,” “Emma” and “Mansfield Park.”

Answer________

4. She created Harry Potter

Answer________

5. His novels and short stories are about Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson.

Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

8. His books include, “James and the Giant Peach” and “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”

Answer________

9. Scottish novelist of “Treasure Island” and “Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.”

Answer________

10. His most famous novel was “Brave New World.”

Answer________

PH.D LEVEL

11. His “Women in Love” and “Lady Chatterley’s Lover” were the subject of censorship trials.

Answer________

12. Called the “Father of Science Fiction,” he wrote “The War of the Worlds.”

Answer________

13.

South played low from dummy at trick one, winning in hand. He drew trumps in two rounds and cashed his three top clubs, discardingalowheartfromhishand. He ruffed dummy’s last club and then exited with a heart and was pleased to see East win the trick. East had to lead a diamond or give up a ruff-sluff 12 tricks eitherway regardless ofwhoheld the king of diamonds. Had West shown up with the king of hearts, South could still try the diamond finesse. Very well judged!

Tannah Hirsch welcomes readers’ responses sent in care of this newspaper or to Tribune Content Agency inc., 2225 Kenmore Ave., Suite 114, Buffalo, Ny 14207. E-mail responses may be sent to gorenbridge@ aol.com. © 2026 Tribune Content Agency

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Take your time. You may feel anxious to reach your destination but the risk of overlooking something essential is high if you neglect the details. Protect your possessions and be wary of scams PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) Muster up energy and ingenuity and bring aboutchange.Attendeventsthatcan open doors to greater opportunities. Follow your intuition and market yourself astutely, and an interesting offer will come your way ARIES (March 21-April 19) Be careful what you offer Someone will take advantage of you if you are too

accommodating. Say no to temptation and indulgent behavior Protect your home, possessions and reputation.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Observe, assess and adjust your life to fit your needs. Make choices that help eliminate emotional distress and anger Feed your intelligence, and do whatever serves your mind and keeps your body strong.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) You’ll solve problems and initiate change, but you’ll also attract interference and people who try to take advantage of you. Make yourself clear and get what you want in writing.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) Overreaction and exaggeration will tempt you Be careful not to overextend yourself or to promise more than you can deliver Focus more on personal growth.

6. His works include “The Jungle Book.” His poems include “Mandalay” and “Gunga Din.”

Answer________

7. He is best known for his James Bond series of spy novels.

Answer________

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) You have more wiggle room than you realize. Keep the momentum going, and generate the excitement and enthusiasm needed to get everyone on board.Youcanmakeadifferenceby stepping up and doing your part.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) Tidy up and move along. Cut your losses, abandon what isn’t working and channel your energy and enthusiasm into something that excites you. You are overdue for a change and will benefit from trying new things.

LEO(July23-Aug.22)Choosegoalsand push forward. A change of attitude about certain people will encourage decisions about who you spend time with. Align yourself with those who have as much to contribute as you do. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Be inquisitive. The more interest you show in how and what others are doing, the easier it will be to get the help you require to get what you want. A show of admiration will help you gain acceptance and support.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Consider what’s essential to reaching your goal. A lifestyle change will put you inabetterfinancialpositionandhelp you attract interest in your plans.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Choose your battles carefully Get your facts straight and don’t let your emotions cost you in the heat of the moment. Strive to remain calm and ask direct questions.

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

SCORING: 24 to 30 points —congratulations, doctor; 18 to 23 points—honorsgraduate; 13 to 17 points —you’replenty smart, but no grind; 5to12points —you really shouldhit the booksharder;1point to 4points —enroll in remedial courses immediately; 0points who reads thequestions to you?

Saturday's Cryptoquote: Alot of people like snow.Ifind it to be an unnecessary freezing of water.—Carl Reiner

1. Charles Dickens. 2. Agatha Christie.3.Jane Austen. 4. J.K. Rowling. 5. Arthur Conan Doyle. 6. RudyardKipling. 7. IanFleming.8.Roald Dahl. 9. Robert Louis Stevenson. 10. Aldous Huxley 11. D.H. Lawrence. 12.H.G. Wells. 13. C.S. Lewis. 14. Joseph Conrad. 15. G.K. Chesterton. Crossword

jeFF mACnelly’sshoe/ by Gary Brookins &Susie MacNelly

FoXtrot/ by BillAmend

/bySteve Kelley&JeffParker