The Acadiana Advocate 01-26-2026

As

THECHILL IS ON

BY ASHLEY WHITE staff writer

Lafayette and most of the Acadiana area were notimpacted by the freezing rain that plagued central Louisiana, but the area won’t avoid thedangerously coldtemperatures moving through the area, according to the National Weather Service in Lake Charles.

The extreme weather prompted Lafayette Parish Mayor-President Monique Boulet to declare astate of emergency Sunday morning because “immediate emergency actionsare required, or are anticipated to be required, in order to minimize the effects of this weather event.”

Thecoldestair of theseason is moving through the area with widespread showers and storms.

Most of the freezing rain was dumped north of U.S. 190, affecting Vernon, Rapides and Avoyelles parishes. Lafayette and most

sports gambling thrives, point-shavingscandal emerges

More than athird of implicated athletes haveLouisiana ties

BY JOSEPH CRANNEY staff writer

Louisiana’ssports gambling industry has come under fire in the wake of acollege basketball point-shaving scheme unveiled this month by federal prosecutors,with more than a third of the implicated athleteshav-

In

ingplayed for colleges in thestate.

Fora state where legal sportsgamblinghas exploded into a$440million industry,the indictments have prompted around of questions as to why the alleged sprawling conspiracy all but centered in Louisiana, and whether the state’sera of legalization playedafactor Basketball players from Tulane University,Nicholls Stateand the Universityof New Orleanswereindicted, accusedofattemptingtorig

ä see GAMBLING, page 5A

Cassidy callsfor Minn. shooting probe

BY MATTHEW ALBRIGHT and ALYSE PFEIL staff writers

Afterfederalimmigration enforcementagents fatally shot asecond person in Minneapolis, stirring mass protests, U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy called the events “incredibly disturbing.”

“The credibility of ICE andDHS areatstake,” the Louisiana Republican wrote on X, referring to Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Department of HomelandSecurity. “There must be afull joint federal and state investigation. We can trust theAmerican people with the truth.” On Saturday,a U.S. Border Patrol agent shot and killed Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen andintensivecareunit nurse. Federal officials said officersshotPretti defensivelyasheapproached them witha gun. But videos from the scene contradict that account: They show him holding aphone, not agun, and appear to show the officer shooting him after he had already been wrestled to the ground. The shooting, which is the second since President Donald Trump’sadministration launcheda sweeping immigration

Judgerules againstcondo approval

DDaloses appeal on Jeffersonproject

BY STEPHEN MARCANTEL staff writer

The CEOofLafayette’s Downtown Development Authority is questioning whether the city is properly applying its building code after ajudge dismissedthe group’sappeal of acondo project on Jefferson Street Judge John Trahan ruledin favor of Lafayette Consolidat-

ed Government, whichargued thatthe DDA did not have standing to challenge aBoard of Zoning and Adjustment decision approving a21-unit condo with ground-floor parking at 444 Jefferson St. “What the city is allowing this developer to do is something that no one else has ever been allowed to do,” DDA CEO Kevin Blanchard said.

The DDA was unable to prove it was an aggrievedparty affected by the development, the judgeruled, even thoughthe condosits within theDDA’s

legal taxing boundaries and the organization owns property downtown.

Trahan noted that if the DDA had owned property adjacent to the project, it would have been easier to establish standing under Louisiana law,which requires showing an interest in the land and potential monetary damages. Even though the ruling favored the city,Trahan said the outcome might have been different in another jurisdiction.

ä see CONDO, page 5A

staFF PHoto By JILL PICKett

Israel starts operation to find last hostage in Gaza

NAHARIYA,Israel Israel said Sunday its military was conducting a “large-scale operation” to locate the last hostage in Gaza, as Washington and other mediators pressure Israel and Hamas to move into the next phase of their ceasefire.

The statement came as Israel’s Cabinet met to discuss the possibility of opening Gaza’s key Rafah border crossing with Egypt, and a day after top U.S. envoys met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about next steps.

The return of the remaining hostage, Ran Gvili, has been widely seen as removing the remaining obstacle to moving ahead with opening the Rafah crossing, which would signal the ceasefire’s second phase.

The return of all remaining hostages, alive or dead, has been a central part of the first phase of the ceasefire that took effect on Oct. 10. Before Sunday, the previous hostage was recovered in early December

While Israel has carried out search efforts before for Gvili, more detail than usual was released about this one. Israel’s military said it was searching a cemetery in northern Gaza near the Yellow Line, which marks off Israeli-controlled parts of the territory Separately an Israeli military official said Gvili may have been buried in the Shujaiyya-Daraj Tuffah area, and that rabbis and dental experts were on the ground with specialized search teams. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because they were discussing an operation still under way

Climber scales Taipei 101 without ropes

TAIPEI, Taiwan American rock climber Alex Honnold ascended the Taipei 101 skyscraper on Sunday without any ropes or protective equipment.

Cheers erupted from a streetlevel crowd as he reached the top of the spire of the 1,667-foot tower about 90 minutes after he started. Wearing a red shortsleeve shirt, Honnold waved his arms back and forth over his head.

“It was like what a view, it’s incredible, what a beautiful day,” he said afterward. “It was very windy, so I was like, don’t fall off the spire. I was trying to balance nicely But it was, what an incredible position, what a beautiful way to see Taipei.”

Honnold, known for his ropeless ascent up Yosemite National Park’s El Capitan, climbed up one corner of Taipei 101 using small L-shaped outcroppings as footholds. Periodically, he had to maneuver around and clamber up the sides of large ornamental structures that jut out from the tower pulling himself up with his bare hands.

The building has 101 floors, with the hardest part being the 64 floors of the middle section the “bamboo boxes” that give the building its signature look. Divided into eight, each segment has eight floors of steep overhanging climbing followed by balconies, where he took short rests as he made his way upward.

More bodies recovered in Indonesia landslide

BANDUNG, Indonesia Improved weather on Sunday helped rescuers on Indonesia’s main island of Java recover more bodies as they dug through mud and debris in search of scores of missing in a landslide that killed more than two dozen villagers The predawn landslide on the slopes of Mount Burangrang in West Java province on Saturday buried some 34 houses in Pasir Langu village. On Sunday, 72 people remained missing, many feared buried under tons of mud, rocks and uprooted trees. About 230 residents living near the site were evacuated to government shelters.

A 250-member search team on Sunday collected victims’ remains, including body parts, in 14 body bags, bringing the total recovered to 25, said Ade Dian Permana, who heads the local search and rescue office. They will be released to relatives once they are identified by forensic experts.

Winter storm slams swaths of U.S.

a million customers left without power across the south

BY KATE BRUMBACK and JULIE WALKER associated Press

A massive winter storm dumped sleet, freezing rain and snow across much of the U.S. on Sunday, bringing subzero temperatures and paralyzing air and road traffic. Tree branches and power lines snapped under the weight of ice, and about a million homes and businesses in the Southeast were left without electricity

The ice and snowfall were expected to continue into Monday in much of the country, followed by very low temperatures, which could cause “dangerous travel and infrastructure impacts” to linger for several days, the National Weather Service said.

Heavy snow was forecast from the Ohio Valley to the Northeast, while “catastrophic ice accumulation” threatened from the Lower Mississippi Valley to the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast.

“It is a unique storm in the sense that it is so widespread,” weather service meteorologist Allison Santorelli said in a phone interview “It was affecting areas all the way from New Mexico, Texas, all the way into New England, so we’re talking like a 2,000 mile spread.”

President Donald Trump

had approved emergency declarations for at least a dozen states by Saturday

The Federal Emergency Management Agency prepositioned commodities, staff and search and rescue teams in numerous states, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said.

New York Gov Kathy Hochul said the state was bracing for the longest cold stretch and highest snow totals it has seen in years.

Communities near the Canadian border have already seen record-breaking subzero temperatures, with Watertown registering minus 34 degrees and Copenhagen minus 49, she said.

“An Arctic siege has taken over our state,” Hochul said. “It is brutal, it is bone chilling and it is dangerous.”

In Corinth, Mississippi, where power outages were

Press FILe PHoto By CHarLes DHaraPaK

assoCIateD

President Barack obama awards the Medal of Freedom to Dr. William Foege, former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, who helped lead the effort to eradicate smallpox, on May 29, 2012, at the White House in Washington. Foege died saturday at age 89.

William Foege, leader in smallpox eradication, dies

BY MIKE STOBBE associated Press

ATLANTA Dr. William Foege, a leader of one of humanity’s greatest public health victories — the global eradication of smallpox — has died.

Foege died Saturday in Atlanta at the age of 89, according to the Task Force for Global Health, which he co-founded.

The 6-foot-7 inch Foege literally stood out in the field of public health. A whip-smart medical doctor with a calm demeanor, he had a canny knack for beating back infectious diseases.

He was director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and later held other key leadership roles in campaigns against international health problems.

But his greatest achievement came before all that, with his work on smallpox, one of the most lethal diseases in human history For centuries, it killed about one-third of the people it infected and left most survivors with deep scars on their faces from the pus-filled lesions.

Smallpox vaccination campaigns were well established by the time Foege was a young doctor. Indeed, it was no longer seen in the United States.

But infections were still occurring elsewhere, and efforts to stamp them out were stalling.

Working as a medical missionary in Nigeria in the 1960s, Foege and his colleagues developed a “ring containment” strategy, in which a smallpox outbreak was contained by identifying each smallpox case and vaccinating everyone who the patients might come into contact with.

The method relied heavily on quick detective work and was born out of necessity There simply wasn’t enough vaccine available to immunize everyone, Foege wrote in “House on Fire,” his 2011 book about the smallpox eradication effort.

It worked, and became pivotal in helping rid the world of smallpox for good. The last naturally occurring case was seen in Somalia in 1977. In 1980, the World Health Organization declared smallpox eradicated from the Earth.

widespread, Caterpillar told employees at its remanufacturing site to stay home Monday and Tuesday

“May God have mercy on Corinth, MS! The sound of the trees snapping, exploding & falling through the night have been unnerving to say the least,” resident Kathy Ragan wrote on Facebook.

On the east side of Nashville, Jami Joe, 41, had power Sunday afternoon but she feared the juice might not last long as ice-heavy limbs from mature oak and pecan trees continued to crash around her house. “It’s only a matter of time if a limb strikes a power line,” she predicted.

In Little Rock, Arkansas, officials say the weight of accumulated snow and sleet likely caused the collapse of an awning onto several houseboats. Six people

Zelenskyy:

were rescued and 22 were evacuated, Pulaski County officials said.

As of Sunday morning, about 213 million people were under some sort of winter weather warning, Santorelli said. The number of customers without power stood at about 1 million, according to poweroutage.us.

Tennessee was hardest hit with about 337,000 customers out by midday Sunday, and Louisiana and Mississippi all had more than 100,000 customers in the dark. Tens of thousands of homes and businesses were without power in Kentucky, Georgia, Alabama and West Virginia.

At Philadelphia International Airport, inside displays registered scores of canceled flights and few vehicles could be seen arriving Sunday morning. At Reagan National in Washington, virtually all flights were canceled.

Even once the ice and snow stop falling, the danger will continue, Santorelli warned.

“Behind the storm it’s just going to get bitterly cold across basically the entirety of the eastern twothirds of the nation, east of the Rockies,” she said. That means the ice and snow won’t melt as fast, which could hinder some efforts to restore power and other infrastructure.

Along the Gulf Coast, temperatures were balmy Sunday hitting the high 60s and low 70s, but thermometers were expected to drop into the high 20s and low 30s there by Monday morning. The National Weather Service warned of damaging winds and a slight risk of severe storms and possibly even a brief tornado.

In New York City, Mayor Zohran Mamdani said at least five people who died were found outside as temperatures plunged Saturday before the snows arrived in earnest, though the cause of their deaths remained under investigation.

The Democrat pleaded with New Yorkers to stay inside and off roads: “We want every single New Yorker to make it through this storm.”

Some 11,000 flights were canceled Sunday and more than 14,000 delayed, according to the flight tracker flightaware.com Airports in Philadelphia, Washington, Baltimore, North Carolina, New York and New Jersey were hit especially hard.

U.S. security deal for Ukraine ready to be signed

By the associated Press

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Sunday that a U.S security guarantees document for Ukraine is “100% ready” after two days of talks involving representatives from Ukraine, the U.S. and Russia.

Speaking to journalists in Vilnius during a visit to Lithuania, Zelenskyy said Ukraine is waiting for its partners to set a signing date, after which the document would go to the U.S. Congress and Ukrainian parliament for ratification.

Zelenskyy also emphasized Ukraine’s push for European Union membership by 2027, calling it an “economic security guarantee.”

The Ukrainian leader described the talks in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, as likely the first trilateral format in “quite a long while” that included not only diplomats but military representatives from all three sides. The talks, which began on Friday and continued Saturday, were the latest aiming to end Russia’s nearly fouryear full-scale invasion.

Zelenskyy acknowledged fundamental differences between Ukrainian and Russian positions, reaffirming territorial issues as a major sticking point.

“Our position regarding our territory — Ukraine’s territorial integrity — must be respected,” he said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a Ukraine settlement with President Donald Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner during marathon talks late Thursday The Kremlin insisted that to reach a peace deal, Kyiv must withdraw its troops from the areas in the east that Russia illegally annexed but has not fully captured.

Zelenskyy said the U.S. is trying to find a compromise, but that “all sides must be ready for compromise.”

Zelenskyy

Negotiators will return to the UAE on Feb. 1 for the next round of talks, ac-

cording to a U.S. official. The recent talks covered a broad range of military and economic matters and included the possibility of a ceasefire before a deal, the official said There was not yet an agreement on a final framework for oversight and operation of Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which is occupied by Russia and is the largest in Europe.

/Stories: NEWSTIPS@THEADVOCATE.COM Obituaries: 225-388-0289• Mon-Fri9-5; Sat10-5; ClosedSun

Advertising Sales: 337-234-0174•Mon-Fri 8-5

Classified Advertising: 225-383-0111 •Mon-Fri 8-5

Subscribe: theadvocate.com/subscribe E-Edition: theadvocate.com/eedition Archives: theadvocate.newsbank.com

assoCIateD Press PHoto By KrIstIN HaLL

Icicles form on power lines sunday during a winter storm in Nashville, tenn.

Iran unveils mural warning of retaliation if U.S. attacks

BY ELENA BECATOROS associated Press

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates Iranian authorities unveiled a new mural on a giant billboard in a central Tehran square on Sunday with a direct warning to the United States to not attempt a military strike on the country, as U.S warships head to the region.

The image shows a bird’seye view of an aircraft carrier with damaged and exploding fighter planes on its flight deck. The deck is strewn with bodies and streaked with blood that trails into the water behind the ship to form a pattern reminiscent of the stripes of the American flag. A slogan is emblazoned across one corner: “If you sow the wind, you will reap the whirlwind.”

a billboard depicting a damaged U.s.

a

The unveiling of the mural in Enghelab Square comes as the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and accompanying warships move toward the region. U.S. President Donald Trump has said the ships are being moved “just in case” he decides to take action. “We have a massive fleet heading in that direction and maybe we won’t have to use it,” Trump said Thursday Enghelab Square is used for gatherings called by the state and authorities change its mural based on national

occasions. On Saturday, the commander of Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard warned that his force is “more ready than ever, finger on the trigger.”

planned execution of about 800 arrested protesters — a claim Iran’s top prosecutor called “completely false.”

But Trump has indicated he is keeping his options open, saying on Thursday that any military action would make last June’s U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites “look like peanuts.”

U.S. Central Command said on social media that its Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle now has a presence in the Middle East, noting the fighter jet “enhances combat readiness and promotes regional security and stability.”

Similarly, the U.K. Ministry of Defense said Thursday that it deployed its Typhoon fighter jets to Qatar “in a defensive capacity.”

The protests in Iran began on Dec. 28, sparked by the fall of the Iranian currency, the rial, and quickly spread across the country

There have been no further protests for days and Trump claimed recently that Tehran had halted the

Tension between the U.S. and Iran has spiked in the wake of a brutal crackdown on nationwide protests that saw thousands of people killed and tens of thousands arrested. Trump had threatened military action if Iran continued to kill peaceful protesters or carried out mass executions of those detained.

They were met by a violent crackdown by Iran’s theocracy which does not tolerate dissent.

The death toll reported by activists has continued to rise since the end of the demonstrations, as information trickles out despite a more than two-week internet blackout the most comprehensive in Iran’s history The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency on Sunday put the death toll at 5,529, with the number expected to increase. It says more than 41,200 people have been arrested. The group’s figures have been accurate in previous unrest and rely on a network of activists in Iran to verify deaths. That death toll exceeds that of any other round of protest or unrest there in decades, and recalls the chaos surrounding Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution. The Associated Press has not been able to independently verify the toll. Iran’s government has put the death toll at a far lower 3,117, saying 2,427 were civilians and security forces and labeled the rest “terrorists.”

Canadian PM: No plans to pursue free trade deal with China

BY ROB GILLIES associated Press

TORONTO Canadian Prime

Minister Mark Carney said Sunday his country has no intention of pursuing a free trade deal with China. He was responding to President Donald Trump’s threat to impose a 100% tariff on goods imported from Canada if America’s northern neighbor went ahead with a trade deal with Beijing.

Carney said his recent agreement with China merely cuts tariffs on a few sectors that were recently hit with tariffs.

Trump claims otherwise, posting that “China is successfully and completely taking over the once Great Country of Canada. So sad to see it happen. I only hope they leave Ice Hockey alone!

President DJT”

The prime minister said under the free trade agreement with the U.S. and Mexico there are commitments not to pursue free trade agreements with nonmarket economies without prior notification.

“We have no intention of doing that with China or any other nonmarket economy,” Carney said. “What we have done with China is to rectify some issues that developed in the last couple of years.”

In 2024, Canada mirrored the United States by putting a 100% tariff on electric vehicles from Beijing and a 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.

Breaking with the United

U.S.

finishes withdrawal from WHO

By the associated Press

NEW YORK The U.S. has finalized its withdrawal from the World Health Organization, one year after President Donald Trump announced America was ending its 78-year-old commitment, federal officials said Thursday But it’s hardly a clean break. The U.S. owes about $280 million to the global health agency, according to WHO And Trump administration officials acknowledge that they haven’t finished working out some issues, such as lost access to data from other countries that could give America an early warning of a new pandemic. The withdrawal will hurt the global response to new outbreaks and will hobble the ability of U.S. scientists and pharmaceutical companies to develop vaccines and medicines against new threats, said Lawrence Gostin, a public health law expert at Georgetown University

States this month during a visit to China, Carney cut its 100% tariff on Chinese electric cars in return for lower tariffs on those Canadian products

Carney has said there would be an initial annual cap of 49,000 vehicles on Chinese EV exports coming into Can-

ada at a tariff rate of 6.1%, growing to about 70,000 over five years. He noted there was no cap before 2024. He also has said the initial cap on Chinese EV imports was about 3% of the 1.8 million vehicles sold in Canada annually and that in exchange, China is expected to begin in-

vesting in the Canadian auto industry within three years. Trump posted a video Sunday in which the chief executive of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association warns there will be no Canadian auto industry without U.S. access, while noting the Canadian market alone is too

small to justify large scale manufacturing from China. “A MUST WATCH. Canada is systematically destroying itself. The China deal is a disaster for them Will go down as one of the worst deals, of any kind, in history All their businesses are moving to the USA. I want to see Canada

SURVIVE AND THRIVE!

President DJT,” Trump posted on social media. Trump’s post on Saturday said that if Carney “thinks he is going to make Canada a ‘Drop Off Port’ for China to send goods and products into the United States, he is sorely mistaken.”

andStrategyfor SpaOwner

ForFrances Love,the journeytoentrepreneurship beganwithasingle, unexpected gift:a spa certificateshe received as ahighschoolsenior. It washer firsttimeeversteppingfootina spa. “Fromthe moment Iwalkedin, Iwas blown away,” sherecalled. Thecalming aromas,the warm customer service, andmostofall,the massageitselftransported her. “I felt like Iwas in adifferentdimension.”

That oneexperience didn’t just sparkher love forwellness, it plantedavision. Frances knew then that shedidn’t just want to receive that levelofcare. Shealsowantedtoprovide it forothers. That sparkstayedwithher as she movedthrough collegeand into thehospitality industry,where sheworkedher wayuptoVP ofOperationsata majorhotel group. In 2016 shefinallytookthe leap.She left hercorporate role,became alicensedmassage therapist, and opened thefirstiteration of PeaceofSerenity Massage& Wellness

Thebiggest shift, however, came notfroma newbuilding, butratheranew mindset. During theCOVID-19pandemic, Frances noticeda growingdemandfor wellness in theworkplace Companieswerestrugglingwithburnout and lowmorale, andshe sawanopportunity to bring massagetherapy into corporatespaces. Theshift from servingindividualclients to partnering with businesses wasalready underway when shejoinedthe ShellLiveWireprogram,but the programgaveher theclarity,confidence,and strategy to go allin.

Oneofthe most pivotalmoments came during aLiveWiresession focusedonmarketing and branding.Together, they restructured her website:Clear messagingatthe top, simplified offerings,and arefineduserjourney.Theyalso used AI toolstostreamlineback-office tasks; somethingFrances hadnever exploredbefore. That claritypaidoff.Soonafter revampingher website, Frances finalized apartnership with a prominentdowntownNew Orleanshotel.“We’ll be theirexclusive wellness partner,”she says

proudly. Francesthenmadethe bold decision to closeher physical location andoperate fully onsite at client properties.“It wasn’t easy,” she admits.But it worked out.

Heradvicetofutureentrepreneurs entering theprogram?“Be open.Trust theprocess. ShellLiveWireLouisiana concentrates on 13 parishes in SouthLouisiana.Applicantsare accepted from Ascension, Assumption,East BatonRouge,WestBaton Rouge, Iberville Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston,St. Charles, St.James,St. John theBaptist,St. Mary,and Terrebonne Parishes andwelcomesbusinesses from allsectors.Participants in theprogram areselectedbyapplication andaninterview by apanel of judgesfromShell leaders, industry andbusinessrepresentatives,who areexperts in industry andmarketrequirements.

Readytogrowyourbusiness?

Applications forthe 2026 ShellLiveWire Louisianaprogram areopenthrough January 26,2026. Learnmoreand applyatwww.shell us/livewire.

assoCIateD Press PHoto By VaHID saLeMI

on its deck

reap the whirlwind,’ is

This articleisbrought to youbyShell

Legal fight erupts over latest shooting

Minnesota leaders demand federal immigration officers leave

BY SARAH RAZA, JACK BROOK and STEVE KARNOWSKI associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS — Local leaders and Democrats across the country demanded federal immigration officers leave Minnesota after a Border Patrol agent fatally shot a man in Minneapolis and set off clashes with protesters in a city already shaken by another shooting death weeks earlier

The latest shooting has sparked a legal fight over control of the investigation amid the immigration surge that has swept across Minneapolis and surrounding cities.

Video shot by bystanders and reviewed by The Associated Press appears to contradict statements by President Donald Trump’s administration, which said agents fired “defensively” against Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care unit nurse, as he approached them Saturday morning.

Pretti can be seen with only a phone in his hand as he steps between an immigration agent and a woman on the street. No footage appears to show him with a weapon. During the scuffle, agents appear to disarm him after discovering that he was carrying a 9 mm semiautomatic handgun, and then opened fire several times. Pretti was licensed to carry a concealed weapon.

In the hours after the shooting, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Pretti attacked officers, and U.S. Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino said he wanted to “massacre law enforcement.” On X, White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller called Pretti “a would-be assassin.”

Relatives are heartbroken

Pretti’s family said they were “heartbroken but also very angry” at authorities, calling Pretti a kindhearted soul who wanted to make a difference in the world. Relatives were furious at federal officials’ description of the shooting.

“The sickening lies told about our son by the administration are reprehensible and disgusting. Alex is clearly not holding a gun when attacked by Trump’s murdering and cowardly ICE thugs. He has his phone in his right hand and his empty left hand is raised above his head while trying to protect the woman ICE just pushed down all while being pepper sprayed,” the

family statement said. “Please get the truth out about our son.”

A federal judge has already issued an order blocking the Trump administration from “destroying or altering evidence” related to the shooting, after state and county officials sued.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said the lawsuit filed Saturday is meant to preserve evidence collected by federal officials that state authorities have not yet been able to inspect. A court hearing is scheduled for Monday in federal court in St. Paul.

“A full, impartial, and transparent investigation into his fatal shooting at the hands of DHS agents is nonnegotiable,” Ellison said in a statement.

Spokespersons for the Justice Department and the Department of Homeland Security, which are named in the lawsuit, did not immediately respond to emails seeking comment Sunday Drew Evans, superintendent of the state’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, which investigates police shootings, told reporters Saturday that federal officers blocked his agency from the scene of the shooting even after it obtained a signed judicial warrant.

On Sunday morning, though, bureau officers were working at the scene.

The Minnesota National Guard temporarily assisted local police at the direction of Gov Tim Walz, officials said, with troops sent to the shooting site and a federal building

where officers have squared off daily with demonstrators.

But Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said Sunday morning on CBS’ “Face the Nation” that “it’s back to just the Minneapolis police responding to calls.”

O’Hara said he had seen no evidence that Pretti brandished the pistol, and that the crackdown was exhausting his department.

“This is taking an enormous toll, trying to manage all this chaos on top of having to be the police department for a major city. It’s too much,” he said.

Gun groups defend right to carry Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem questioned during a news conference Saturday why Pretti was armed. But gun rights groups have noted it’s legal to carry firearms during protests.

“Every peaceable Minnesotan has the right to keep and bear arms — including while attending protests, acting as observers, or exercising their First Amendment rights,” the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus said in a statement. “These rights do not disappear when someone is lawfully armed.”

The president weighed in on social media by lashing out at Walz and the Minneapolis mayor He 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 said the Democratic

governor and mayor “are inciting Insurrection, with their pompous, dangerous, and arrogant rhetoric.”

In a statement, former President Barack Obama called Pretti’s death a “heartbreaking tragedy” and warned that “many of our core values as a nation are increasingly under assault.”

He urged the administration to work with city and state officials to “to avert more chaos and achieve legitimate law enforcement goals.”

“This has to stop,” Obama said. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York was among several Democratic lawmakers demanding that federal immigration authorities leave Minnesota. She also urged Democrats to refuse to vote to fund U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, saying via social media: “We have a responsibility to protect Americans from tyranny.”

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer later said that Democrats will not vote for a spending package that includes money for DHS, which oversees ICE. Schumer’s statement increases the possibility that the government could partially shut down Jan. 30 when funding runs out.

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

Video footage shows shooting

When the Saturday confrontation began, bystander video shows protesters blowing whistles and

shouting profanities at federal officers on a commercial street in south Minneapolis.

The videos show Pretti stepping in after an immigration officer shoves a woman. Pretti appears to be holding his phone toward the officer, but there’s no sign he’s holding a weapon. The officer shoves Pretti in his chest and pepper-sprays him and the woman.

Soon, at least seven officers are forcing Pretti to the ground. Several officers try to bring the man’s arms behind his back as he appears to resist. An officer holding a canister strikes him near his head several times.

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

Bovino, the public face of Trump’s crackdown, was repeatedly pressed on CNN’s Sunday “State of the Union” for evidence that Pretti assaulted law enforcement. It was “very evident” that Pretti was not following the officers’ orders, he said.

“It’s too bad the consequences had to be paid because he injected himself into that crime scene,” he said. “He made the decision.”

Protests continue

Demonstrations broke out in several cities across the country after the shooting, including New York, Washington and Los Angeles.

In Minneapolis, protesters converged in the neighborhood where Pretti had been shot despite dangerously cold weather with temperatures around minus 6 degrees.

An angry crowd screamed profanities at federal officers after the shooting, calling them “cowards” and telling them to go home. Protesters dragged large garbage bins from alleyways to block streets, setting garbage in at least one on fire.

As darkness fell, hundreds of people mourned quietly by a growing memorial at the site of the shooting. A doughnut shop and a clothing store nearby stayed open, offering protesters a warm place.

By morning, the scene was calm. Brett Williams, 37, came from the city’s suburbs to a morning vigil at the scene.

“I stand in solidarity with a brother whose life was taken too soon,” he said. “He’s standing up for immigrants. We’re all immigrants.” Associated Press writers Giovanna Dell’Orto and Tim Sullivan in Minnesota, Rebecca Santana in Washington and Jim Mustian in New York contributed this story

crackdown in Minnesota, led to more protests by residents demanding that immigration agents leave.

Cassidy’s call for a joint investigation comes amid deep tensions between state and federal officials in Minnesota State officials have accused immigration agents of reckless tactics that needlessly stoke fear and confrontation; Trump administration leaders have said state officials are refusing to work with them and are inflaming anger at law enforcement. Federal officials have so far refused to cooperate with local law enforcement investigating the shootings.

After Pretti’s death Saturday, the Minnesota attorney general filed a lawsuit, and a federal judge issued an order blocking federal agencies from “destroying or altering evidence” related to the shooting.

Other La. leaders react

On the Sunday morning CBS news program “Face the Nation,” House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, RJefferson, was asked about Cassidy’s statement on the events Saturday in Minneapolis.

“I don’t question the credibility of ICE,” Scalise said The unrest in Minneapolis is due to “failed local leadership,” he said. “(Federal agents) didn’t get resistance in cities like New Orleans.”

U.S. Rep. Clay Higgins, R-Lafayette, in a social me-

Budget battle

Saturday’s shooting could complicate Congress’ attempts to pass budget bills with a deadline looming at the end of the week to prevent another partial government shutdown.

Under the direction of Under the direction of House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Benton, the U.S. House has passed all of the 12 individual spending bills that fund the federal government — the first time in

years that Congress hasn’t relied on stopgap measures. Those bills passed with support from both Democrats and Republicans.

But the bills still must pass the Senate. And, after the shooting, many Democrats said they would not give their votes to a budget that kept funding for the Department of Homeland Security and its immigration enforcement agencies without changes.

“What’s happening in

Minnesota is appalling — and unacceptable in any American city,” wrote Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y and the Senate minority leader “Democrats sought common sense reforms in the Department of Homeland Security spending bill, but because of Republicans’ refusal to stand up to President Trump, the DHS bill is woefully inadequate to rein in the abuses of ICE. I will vote no.” The Associated Press contributed to this story

dia post on Saturday night, said “sanctuary city” policies, which place limits on state and local cooperation with federal immigration authorities, are to blame for the escalation of tension in Minneapolis.

“This sanctuary city BS raises stress levels in ways that it’s difficult to explain, but I can tell you that pulling the trigger will happen more frequently,” Higgins wrote.

Trump’s Department of Justice lists Minnesota as a “sanctuary state,” but Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison in an interview with PBS earlier this month said it is not and has never claimed to be a sanctuary state.

U.S. Rep. Cleo Fields, DBaton Rouge, condemned Pretti’s killing

“This gentleman was executed Period,” he said Fields also called for the resignation of Kristi Noem, the top official at the DHS,

which oversees federal immigration enforcement across the country

“She’s out of her league,” he said.

“The people of Minnesota and everywhere else have a right to be angry,” he added.

“Federal law enforcement agencies have to be held accountable.”

U.S. Rep. Troy Carter DNew Orleans, said on social media that “another U.S. citizen was murdered” by federal law enforcement.

“This violence we’re seeing is sanctioned by the dangerous rhetoric and reckless policies of Donald Trump and Kristi Noem,” Carter said.

He said that last week, he voted against funding ICE’s budget.

“I refuse to support it unless it contains major reforms and strong guardrails that prevent further assault on the civil rights of my constituents,” Carter said.

assoCIateD Press PHoto By aDaM Gray

People gather near the scene where alex Pretti was fatally shot saturday by a U.s Border

of Acadiana avoided that and have just received2 to 3inches of rain between Saturday and Sunday mornings, according to the weather service.

That water could causean issue as temperatures continue to drop. Temperatures were expected to dip below freezing, which is 32 degrees, by midnight Monday in Lafayette and Acadiana, according to the weather service. If the rainwater doesn’t have time to evaporatebeforebelow-freezingtemperatures, it could cause ice to form on roadways. The weather service estimates there’sa20% chance of that happening south of U.S.190.

“Now we are about to enter the second portion of our hazard concerns,which is the extreme cold that will filter in throughout the day, dropping temperatureswell below freezing overnight,” the service’sLake Charles office said in aSunday morning update. “Black ice/ refreeze of wateronto surfaces is likely to occur.This will be most common along roadway curbs or streets that tend to retain puddles.” Lafayette is forecast to remain below freezing through noon Monday,for

CONDO

Continued from page1a

“IfI’m sitting in Orleans, you win,” he said. The DDA caneither appeal to thecircuit courtor continue urgingBOZA to reconsider its decision. Blanchard said he has not yet decided whether to appeal.

By By JILL PICKett

staFFPHoto

about 17 hours between noon Monday and noon Tuesday,for about 11 hours betweennoon Tuesday and noonWednesday and for about six hours between

noon Wednesday andnoon Thursday.

Adangerous wind chill is forecasttoaccompany those cold temperatures. The windchill is expected

to dip to 11 degrees on Mondaymorning and21degrees on Tuesday morning. A windchill is howthe temperature feels to exposedskin. Becauseofthe weath-

er conditions, mostK-12 schools in Acadiana decided to closeonMonday. Adecision about Tuesday’sinstruction has not yet been announced. The University

of Louisiana at Lafayette announced it wasmoving to remote instruction on Monday More than 10,000flights were canceled Sundayand another 8,000 weredelayed across the U.S., The Associated Press reported. Nearly 10 flights of the scheduled 15 flightstoleavefrom Lafayette RegionalAirport were canceled as of Sunday morning, according to the airport’swebsite. Another six flights scheduled to arrive in Lafayette on Sunday had been canceled. While much of south-central and southeast Louisiana wassparedthe freezing rain, ice pellets andsnow, north Louisiana wasn’t.Ice andwinter stormwarnings were in effect Sunday for theShreveport-Bossier area andtemperaturesweren’t expected to rise above freezing. Shreveport is expected to seeupto1 inch of iceaccumulation Sunday,according to the weather service. Twomen died of hypothermia in Caddo Parish, according to the Louisiana DepartmentofHealth.

President Donald Trump approved an emergency declaration for Louisiana and other states. The Federal Emergency Management Agency pre-positioned commodities, staff and search and rescue teams in numerous states, Homeland Security SecretaryKristi Noem said.

At issue is groundlevel parking and the lack of habitable space required along Jefferson Street by the Lafayette Development Code. Developer Cliff Guidry amendedthe project to include screens and artwork along the bottom floor wall, but said he cannot tradeparking spots for habitable space, which the code mandates at aminimumdepth of 18 feet along

GAMBLING

Guidry

Jefferson Street and 12 feet alongCongress Street Guidry said he is movingforward with the project, which will feature 20 condos and afive-bedroom penthouse for short-term rentals “I’m looking forward to beautifying downtown and actually providing housing, which there is aneed for,” Guidry said. “A feasibility study showeda needfor about 200 more living quarters downtown, and I’m supplying about 10% of that.”

The condo project is adeparture from typical Jefferson Street development, but the zoning board approved it last year.Blanchard said the board’sapproval was partly based on the understanding that Guidryhad consulted with the DDA.

“Our legal theory wasn’t that if the DDA says no, you can’tbuildit,” Blanchard said. “BOZA asked what the DDA thought because they wanted input.” Guidry said he believed he had the DDA’s approval when he presented to the zoning board. “The decision lies with BOZA andthe city,” he said.“Idon’t knowthat it’s mandatorytohave DDA

approval.Maybe that’s a good thing because now they can understandtheir position. Ithink the judge made it pretty clear.”

CriticismofDDA

In court filings before the hearing, the cityofLafayette offered ascathing rebuke of DDA, referring to theagency as “merely an advisory board and rec-

ommending body” that has no authoritytochallenge a BOZA decision. It is alleged it overstepped its role by filing the challenge.

“Inrecent months, Lafayette haswitnessed DDA grosslyoversteppingits assignedrolebyattempting to insert itself into matters that fall beyond the scope of its purpose and forwhich it has no control or authority,” attorney Daniel Gauthierwrote. “This appeal is a primeexample.”

Thecitysaidthe DDA’s conduct “runs counter to the very purpose forwhich it was created,” whichisto collect taxesand help prevent blight downtown.

Yetnowhere in the LCG’s response did it address BOZA’s decision regarding Guidry’sproject and how it does not adhere to the development code.

Blanchard said the DDA worked with LCG to craft

thedowntownbuilding codes,which have won awards and guided cohesive development. He worries that inconsistent enforcementcould affect property values and decades of planning. The DDA maintains a workingrelationshipwith BOZA and has been asked to comment on other Jefferson Street projects.

“We’re going to be alot more vocalabout issues that we’re concernedabout,” Blanchard said. In astatement celebrating the project, Mayor-President MoniqueBouletwrote, “We’re excited about the momentum behind adowntown project that brings muchneeded housing and parking to the heart of Lafayette. It directly addresses one of the biggestchallenges to downtown growth andreflects the kind of progress our community wants to see.”

Continued from page1a

eight games between 2024 and 2025. Twoothers from Northwestern State were implicated in the indictment, but not named.

Sen. Beth Mizell,a FranklintonRepublican and opponent of legalizing sports betting, said in an interview that Louisiana’s “gambling culture” where sports betting is advertised on billboards and gambling promotionsare distributed to freshmen on college campuses, is part of the problem.

“My immediate reaction is we need to do more in every direction on gambling, becauseyoung people are getting pulled into situations, sometimes innocently, sometimes with bad intentions,” Mizell said. “And there needs to be consequences.”

Most of the bets involving Louisiana teams were not actually placed in Louisiana, according to prosecutors. The scheme’s ringleaders were based in Philadelphia and Mississippi. And the conspiracy alsoinvolved college athletes in at least three states —Alabama, Georgia and Texas —where sports gambling remains illegal.

Whilenoone involved has said whysomanyplayers from Louisiana were allegedly recruited into the scheme,the 70-page indictment filed Jan. 14 in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania offers some clues.

For one, federal prosecutors say former LSU basketball star Antonio Blakeney, accused of helping rig two Chinese Basketball Association games in 2023, later usedhis influence in Loui-

siana to help recruit other, younger collegebasketball players in the stateinto thefold. Blakeney,who is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, hasn’tentered aplea yet, according to online court records.

Some who helped to usher in legalized sports bettingin Louisiana say that decision is not to blame Ronnie Johns, aformer statesenator who chaired theLouisianaGaming Control Board from 2021 to 2024, noted that Louisiana wasanearly state to ban prop bets on college sports, akind of wager on players’ individual statistics that critics said were especially subject to abuse.

“The legislation we ultimately passed wasn’t the cause of thepoint-shaving,” said former Louisiana SenateMajorityLeader Danny Martiny, who supported legalization.“Thepoint-shavingwas caused by people whowantedtotakeadvantage of this system.”

Still,others say the culture around sports betting in the state has gone too far “There’sanotion that it’s not just acceptable,but that it’ssafe,” Mizell said.

Moneyand consequences

Whensportsgambling was put to areferendum in 2020, the issue had broadappeal among Louisianans.Voters in 55 of the state’s64parishes backed legalization

TheLegislatureadopted the changes intolaw in 2021, which also permitted the state to taxsportsbooks a portion of their proceeds. Theindustry took off quickly

In oneparticularly high profilemove, Caesars Entertainment struck adeal with LSU to become its official

sportsbook and advertise on campus. LSU students received an emailin2022 offeringthem $300 in free betsafter making a$20 wager withCaesarsSportsbook,which drewoutcry on campus.

LSUand Caesarshave since ended their agreement.

Meanwhile,the state has reaped financial rewards fromlegalization.

In the2025 fiscal year, sportsbooks collected more than $443 million in netproceeds on more than $3.7 billion in wagersinLouisiana, state records show.More than $67million of theproceedswere paid to the state in taxes.

Anew law increased the taxthat the state collects from online sports gambling from15% to alittle more than 21%.Still, some states tax onlinesports gambling at farhigherrates, with New York andOregon, for example, taxing them at 51%, according to theTax Foundation.

Rep.Neil Riser,aColumbia Republican who authored the tax increase for onlinesports gambling, pointed to thepoint-shaving scandal as anotherexample of itsconsequences for young or desperate people

“It leads to things you have right now,”Risersaid. “Any timeyou have gambling, youhavethe lure of easy money.For young athletes, money’senticing. It’s the ultimate appeal.”

Riser’slegislation that was signedinto law last June also included an attempt to steer some of the state’sgambling revenues back to those who help bring it in —university athletic departments. Aquarter of the taxmoney that the state receives from

online sports betting should go to the state’s11public universities with Division Isports programs, which Riser estimated at around $2 million ayear,per school. Themoney’s aboost for Louisiana’ssmaller, strapped athleticdepartments,all of which —other thanLSU —operate at a deficit andrelyonthe university to subsidize their operations.Now that the NCAA allows universities to pay theirathletes direct compensation, athletic directors of cash-strapped schools have said it’s become even more difficult to recruit top players. With money from gam-

bling proceeds, athletic departments can payfor scholarships,facility upgrades, insurance and medical coverage. Thelaw doesn’t permit them to use the moneyto payathletes directly.

Historyofscandals

Johns,the former gaming board chair,noted that pointshaving in college basketball wasa problemlongbefore stateslegalizedsports gambling, withnotable scandals dating as farbackasthe 1950s. They include apointshaving scandal at Tulane in the mid-’80s, when three Tulane players wereindicted and three coaches lost their jobs.

Johns said it’suptothe NCAA and university athleticdepartments to educate players on sports gambling’s potential dangers.

“I just hope that the universities have avery proactive program for monitoring their athletes, educating them andkeeping atab on their activities,” Johns said. Martinyadded that regardless of what laws the state adopts, some people will try to take advantage of the system

“That’swhat crooks do,” Martiny added. “Wemade bank robbery illegal, but that doesn’tmean nobody’s ever going to rob abank.”

ProVIDeD reNDerING

of the project at 444 Jefferson st.

achild sledsonawintry mix in shreveport on sunday

Area rallies for woman fighting cancer

‘our hearts are overflowing’

BY JA’KORI MADISON staff writer

The community is rallying around a Youngsville woman facing a pancreatic cancer diagnosis after years marked by profound personal loss.

In mid-January, Francine Gauthier went to the emergency room with symptoms she could not ignore. What she believed might be

Student duo cares for only live tiger mascot

BY HALEY MILLER staff writer

The tiger stalked his caretaker, fixing his gaze on her while her back was turned. Then he froze. Wiggled his hindquarters. Waited a breath And bounded forward, stopping just short of the towering metal fence surrounding his enclosure.

“Sweetie, I love you, I love you,” the caretaker cooed as she touched his muzzle through the fence. Mike VII chuffed, a happy snorting sound to show, despite his predator stance a moment ago, they were all friends.

The relationship between human and tiger developed with time, care and sacrifice necessary for one of the most demanding jobs on the LSU campus. Baylee Weems and Madison Vicknair students at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, will pass the torch this spring to the next duo responsible for the well-being of the only live tiger mascot in the U.S.

“We formed such a strong bond,” Weems said. “I can’t really say he’s my pet, but I love him as if he were my pet.”

Though many veterinary students express interest in the tiger keeper role, the realities of the job tend to narrow down the candidate pool, LSU Veterinary Medicine spokesperson Ginger Guttner said. One student must always be within 30 minutes of Baton Rouge in case of an emergency. In addition to feeding and socializing with Mike, the caretakers pick up trash in his enclosure, manage his food and supplies inventory and provide enrichment activities.

The students juggle those tasks while fulfilling the obligations of the last two years of veterinary school, including daily rounds and rotations through different specialties. They coordinate their schedules, so Mike is never without a caretaker

The keepers also need to get along as co-workers, Guttner said They apply as a team and serve for two years.

“It’s probably the coolest student worker job on campus but also the one with most responsibility,” Guttner said.

Steps away from Tiger Stadium, Mike begins his day with a caretaker arriving early to the habitat to put out his breakfast and socialize. While Mike is locked in an interior area, the student cleans his habitat and plates his food.

Weems or Vicknair will also stop by in the evening to serve Mike dinner and observe the tiger’s mood and health.

“That is Christmas, New Year’s, Thanksgiving, when their little sister gets married, when their brother graduates from high school, all of those things,” Guttner said “Mike does not have a calendar.”

Weems and Vicknair attend to Mike’s daily needs, supervised by veterinarian and professor Dr Rhett Stout, but they are also a

temporary instead became a lifealtering diagnosis of pancreatic cancer

As she begins treatment, Gauthier is also carrying the weight of grief after losing both of her children and becoming the primary caregiver for her two young grandsons.

Gauthier’s youngest son, Clay, died in 2017. His two sons were living with her at the time, and she

later gained custody of both.

On Sept. 29, Gauthier lost her oldest and only remaining son, Casey

“That’s a pain no parent should ever have to endure,” she said.

Doctors diagnosed Gauthier with an advanced malignant mass on her pancreas. After initial imaging and treatment locally, she and her husband, Richie Gauthier, sought specialized care at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.

Further testing showed the tumor had grown around a major

blood vessel and another nearby vein, making surgery impossible for now

“Besides having pancreatic cancer, which is obviously not a good thing, having it wrapped around that vein is a big issue,” Gauthier said. “They can’t just go in and remove it.”

She recently underwent additional scans and treatments in Houston and is scheduled to return next week for more procedures, including placement of a stent in the portal vein to improve blood

flow Doctors plan to begin aggressive chemotherapy in hopes of shrinking the tumor enough to make surgery an option.

Gauthier said the losses she has endured have strengthened her resolve to fight, not only for herself, but for her grandchildren.

“I have two grandchildren who depend on me, and they’ve already experienced so much loss,” she said. “The thought of them losing their nana, too, would just be

staFF PHotos By BraD KeMP

Warming body, soul

27 chosen for 39th year of

Leadership Lafayette

BY ADAM DAIGLE acadiana business editor

The Leadership Institute of Acadiana named 27 participants for this year’s Leadership Lafayette, now in its 39th year

Participants represent a crosssection of the community’s business, civic, education and nonprofit sectors.

Members of the 2026 class include:

n Stacey Bello, FlyGuys

n Sydney Bianchini, Second Harvest

Food Bank

n Landon Boudreaux, SLEMCO

n Sarah Brasseaux, Imperian

n Cassidy Broussard, CGI

n Ali Chapman, Thoughtful Growth

Marketing

n Nicolette M. Darjean, CGI

n JaWand E. Edwards-Morris, JaWa-

nd Morris Coaching

n Taylor Elliott, Basin Arts

n Jason Emert, Jones Walker LLP

n Jared Eubanks, United Vision Logistics

n Ryan Farnell, Dupre Logistics

n Shelly Fontenot, St. Landry Bank & Trust Company

n Rachael Hood, Moloco

n JoElle Judice, Downtown Lafayette Unlimited

n Hannah Lafleur, Ochsner Lafayette General

n Jacob Landry, Unitech Training Academy

n Katelyn LeBlanc, JD Bank

n Timothy Miguez, Wayground

n Stacy Mistric, Hospice of Acadi-

ana

n Melissa Penny, Acadiana Center for the Arts

n Sharioka Phills, SCP Health

n Taylor Robinson, Acadiana Legal Service Corporation

n Lacey Simon, BioMarin Pharma-

ABOVE: Saungra Manuel serves a bowl go gumbo during the Gumbalaya Cook-off 2026 at Affiliated Blind of Louisiana on Saturday in Lafayette. The event offered a blend of gumbo and jambalaya flavors while also bringing awareness to the visually impaired community. There was music from Iris Callegan and special guest Danielle Parisi.

LEFT: Stephanie Stlf, left, and Sarah Yager, sample a bowl of gumbo.

Hank Williams Jr. coming to Cajundome

BY JOANNA BROWN staff writer

Hank Williams Jr has had a long career in country and Western music, matched only by the impact of his father, country music pioneer Hank Williams. Williams’ early death, at the age of 29 in 1953, led to contemporaries like Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Fats Domino becoming prominent figures in Williams Jr.’s life and early path.

As a singer-songwriter, Hank Williams Jr built a career that followed in his father’s footsteps while becoming a major influence in the outlaw country and rock ’n’ roll scenes Artists like Gretchen Wilson of “Red-

neck Woman” fame, have shared about his impact on their music. For over 20 years, until 2011, his song

“All My Rowdy Friends Are Here on Monday Night” was the theme song for “Monday Night Football.” He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2020. Now 76 years old, the Shreveport native is still touring — now with Western swing band “Asleep at the Wheel” and will bring his high energy show to the Cajundome in Lafayette on April 17.

Tickets went on sale Friday at the Cajundome box office and website.

Email Joanna Brown at joanna.brown@ theadvocate.com.

Families leaving becauseLa. lettingthem down

Louisianahas become one of the nation’sprimary exit states. I’m not surprised. Ireturned home a decade ago to teach, determined to invest in my community. Today,many of the people Iworked with left for other states.Sodid my childhood friends. So did my mother Sure it’seasier to leave when you’re up against skyrocketing insurance costs and limited economic opportunity. But the ones who feel it most: our children Staffing shortages mean fewer teachers in classrooms, fewer caseworkers responding to abuse reports and fewerprofessionals able to intervene before harm occurs. Years ago, as aclassroom teacher,Iwitnessed how turnover hollowed out schools —not just classrooms, but institutional memory.Each departure meant teachers stretched thinner,fewer mentors, fewer advocates, fewer resources and fewer adults who knew the students and thecontext well enough to provide equitable, transformative educationalexperiences. During my years in the classroom, Imade anumber of reports and claims to the Department of Childand Family Services. One child was so afraid to return home, she urinatedonherself as she walked to the bus during dismissal. The DCFS caseworker andsocial worker assigned to her case provided stabilization resourceswithin the hour Knowing that today,that same systemmay notrespondatall or in time —chills me. We’re in the middle of acrisis and choosing to emigrateisadecision with consequences. Istayed because Ibelieved staying mattered. Istill do. But belief alone cannot sustain a system stripped of the people who serveits children. If Louisiana wants families like mine to remain rooted here —and if we want ourchildrentobesafe, supported and seen —we must choose to invest in those who serve them.The cost of doing nothing is one our children will pay.

JULIENNE LOUIS-ANDERSON Neworleans

YOUR VIEWS

Changesinvaccine schedule notinbestinterestofkids

Iamquaking in my bootsasa pediatrician because ofthe recent overhaul of our country’schildhoodvaccine schedule, eliminating recommendations for six important vaccines. In fact it should alarm all of us, left or right, because vaccines arethe mostimportant public health measure we have.

Rotavirus, COVID-19, influenza, meningococcal disease and hepatitis Aand Bare all serious diseases that can be deadly,and fortunately are all either preventable or made less dangerous by vaccines.And yet each of them has been eliminated as requirements on our updatedvaccine schedule. This doesn’thave anybasis in safety or good medicine. Vaccines have alwayshad to meet strict standards for safety and effectiveness, including the six that have been eliminated. Andweknow theydo not cause autism; however much it may tug at thefears of good parents, that idea has been thoroughlydebunked.

It’sunlikely to be thelast blow to our health

in the next few years —itcertainly hasn’tbeen thefirst.Measles had once been eradicated in the U.S., but this year has seen over 2,000 cases of it, some of which killed, all thanks to Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’sfearmongering about vaccines in an official capacity

This may not be deliberate— Kennedy seems to believe in what he preaches. But regardless of intent,these actions have already led to terrible consequences, and continuing to weaken our greatest bastion against disease is sure to bring moredisaster

Let’sbebetter than this. Call your elected officials to tell them how important vaccines are and urge them to do everything in their power to protect them. Make sure youand yoursare fully vaccinated. And have those difficult conversations with your loved ones who are on the fence about vaccines. The stakes are high.

MICHAELCAFFERY,M.D Kenner

scalise, Johnsonfailedtoput social security on agenda

Well, anotheryear has passed and the two most powerfulRepublicansinCongress, Majority Leader Steve Scalise andHouse Speaker Mike Johnson, have done nothing to address the upcoming crisis in Social Security benefits. For years, the trustees of theSocial Security Trust Fund have warnedthat without action from Congressthe fund would run out of money to pay the full benefit to which recipientsare entitled. The newdatetosee a23% reductionin benefits is 2033, justseven yearsfrom now. Roughly onehalf of people over the age of 65 rely on SocialSecurityfor 50% of their income andaquarterofall Americans rely on it for 90% percentoftheir income. There are many optionstofixthe system,byraising the ceiling on wages subject to the tax, or boosting taxes

that both employers and employees pay,but in spite of being in power Scalise and Johnson have not authored asingle bill to fix the system. Why? Because they don’tcare. They have cushy pensions and lifetime health care. They are too busy increasing thenational debt and denying healthcare to millions of Americans.

If you are receiving Social Security benefits that you earned or hope to receive those benefits when you retire, then you must vote Scalise and Johnson out of office in 2026 and elect people who do care and who will fight to fix theSocial Security problem which is getting worse every year nothing is done. The clock is ticking and the time to fix theproblem is now ROBERT W. BECKER Neworleans

Back in college in the 1970s, my contemporary English literature class taught me aword: juxtaposition. Ididn’tquite understand it then. Lifehas since provided avery clear example. Juxtaposition is Rep. Steve Scalise cowering behind thenSpeaker Nancy Pelosi’sdress in an undisclosed room in the United States Capitol during the riot on Jan. 6, 2021 —and then, five years later,standing quietly behind Donald Trump, as he insisted with a straight face that it was apeaceful demonstration. LISA SINGERSANDERS Covington

assoCIateDPress FILePHoto Minneapolis Public schools families,educators and students holdsignsonJan 9during anews conferenceatLakeHiawatha Park in Minneapolis,demanding Immigration and Customs enforcement be kept out of schoolsafter the shooting of renee Good by afederal agent.

argument in Minn.shooting doesn’tadd up

The Justice Department, Homeland Security and the White House all seem to agree that the actions of the agent in Minneapolis who killed the driver of an SUV wasjustified because it was a“clear case of selfdefense.”

Will someone please explain to me how firing agun into avehicle that you are standing mere feet in front of can be considered selfdefense? Even if, as in Minneapolis, the driver is killed, the vehicle continues to cover that few feet in the same direction and at the same speed whetherthe driver is dead or alive. It will either hit you or miss you, period. The bullet’sonly effect was to take alife; it had no chance of stopping amoving vehicle.

OUR GUIDELINES: Letters are published identifying name and the writer’scity of residence.the advocate |the times-Picayune require astreet address and phone number for verification purposes, but that information is not published. Letters are not to exceed 300 words. Letters to the editor,the advocate, P.o. Box 588, Baton rouge, La 70821-0588, or email letters@theadvocate.com. to seND Us aLetter sCaN Here

Lawyer’s contribution overlooked in McGincheystaffordstories

Regarding several stories authored by Stephanie Riegel andother writers about the dissolution of the McGlinchey Stafford law firm,it seems they really missed the impact of Donald Mintz’scontribution. As afounding partner he was very instrumental in growing the firm In fact, hewas theclassic “rainmaker” for business development andthe go-toguy for

making things happen. He wasatake-charge person who earned thenickname “Nails” by being atough litigator.Mintz’scontributions to thefirm and tothe greater NewOrleans community are immeasurable. Regretfully,he passed away at 53.

MARK BONNER Mandeville

Venezuelan drugsposed national security threat to U.s.

Amajor fact is being overlooked in the recentmilitary action in Venezuela.

Thedrug smugglers were addicting millions of potential military-age men.This would greatly compromiseour abilitytodefend against an enemy.The government of Venezuela did absolutely nothing to stop the smug-

glers. Itsfailure to act makes it complicit in what can be considered an act of war.Thus, our military response was necessary.Itshould be noted that they went there to capture, not kill, theenemy.

TOBY J. RUSSO Chalmette

As they say,hindsight is 20/20, but standing in front of avehicle containing someone you want to interrogate is at best apoor choice and at worst, adeath wish. Ialso have to question when using acellphone to capture police actions on video replaced hands-free bodycams? Wielding acellphone and ahandgun at the same time seems pretty unsafe and extremely unprofessional to me.Whenever your handgun is drawn, it should have your full attention and both of your hands. Unlike asuspect with afirearm who is still athreat if their first shot misses, if the weaponisavehicle that misses, it is no longer athreat and should not be fired upon. Rememberthat the agent who shot the womanhad already videoed her license plate so, she could have easily been found and booked with fleeing afederal officer.Instead, she’sdead. SAL RAGUSA old Jefferson

staFF FILe PHoto By BILL FeIG

rolling up his shirtsleeve,a fourth grader in east Baton rougeParish takes the flushot in stride as registered nurse Nurse Gail Lamb,left, administers the vaccine.

AMERICA250

this sceneofthe second Continental Congress working on the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphiais fromanupcoming exhibition about the americanrevolution at the HistoricNew orleans Collection. the augmented reality experience is produced and designed by Histovery,a French technology firm.the image was created in collaboration with arthistorians, period experts and developers.

We’ve got abig birthdaycomingup this year. Our 250th. Here’smybirthday wish: Let’suse this anniversary to unite our nationaround our shared values.

We have become so polarized and poisonous in our politicsthatwe are not in the best mood for aparty.Everything seems to divide us, including our views of our history

But perhaps wecan use this opportunity,the way a fractious family might use an important birthdayparty to come togetherlike we did for our bicentennialafterthe fraughtyears of Vietnam, Watergate, urbanriots and assassinations

By Walter Isaacson

second sentenceofthe Declaration of Independence, our Founders balancing therole of divine providence and thatofreason in determining our rights.

each group blended withthe others while retaining some of itsown texture and flavor

ABOUTTHE IMAGE

One way is by reflecting on our fundamental principles, the ones proclaimed in the Declaration of Independence’s great second sentencethatservesasour nation’smission statement:“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that allmen arecreatedequal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these arelife, liberty,and the pursuit of happiness.”

These truths becamethe creed that bounda diverse group of pilgrims andimmigrantsintoone nation. For apeople with many different beliefs and backgrounds, it defined our common ground and aspirations. The concept of “common ground” has always been part of humanity’sstruggle to createagood society.Its simplest manifestation was aphysical space: the land thatwas designated as “the commons.”

In England, thatwas the land wherethe commoners—yes, that’swherethe word“commoners” comes from —could all grazetheir herds. When thefirst English settlerscametoAmerica, this space was set aside in their towns, suchasBoston Common and the Cambridge Common.

Many of us know that sentencealmost by heart, but rarely do we stop to savor and appreciate whateach word means to us.

In June 1776,the Continental Congress appointedacommittee to draft the declaration. Backthen, Congress knew how to creategreat committees. It had Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin and John Adams on it. I’ve just written alittle book, “The Greatest SentenceEverWritten,” that looks at how thatcommittee went through four drafts ofthis great sentence.

“Wehold thesetruths tobesacred …” Jefferson wrote in the first of the drafts Franklincrossedout “sacred,” using the heavy backslash marks he had often used asa printer, and wrote in “self-evident.” The declaration they were writing was intended to herald anew type ofnation, onein which our rights are based onreason, not the dictatesordogmaofreligion But then the sentenceinvokes the “Creator.” In Jefferson’sfirst draft, he wrote that menare created equal and “from that equalcreation they derive rights.” Thatphrase is crossed out, this time with adifferent pen,and replaced with “endowed by their Creator” with rights. That was probably the edit of Adams, whose views on religionwerea bit more conventional than those of Jefferson Thus we see, in the editingofthe

The idea of thecommons was not just about land. Societies have alwaysput certain basic goods intothe commons:schools,libraries, parks, some health care, police, national defense and fire protection. These are calledthe communiter bona, the goods in common.

Both freedom and economic growth require that we allow individuals to reap the benefits that comes from theirlabor.Our system does,and should, give ample rewards to builders and entrepreneurs and those who work hard, takerisks and even just have goodluck.

But in doing so, we should keep in mind the moral and practical value of the commons. Having arobust commonground can help stabilize asociety with disparities of wealth by giving people astakeinthe social order.The benefits and services and ritualsthat we share help temper resentments and political polarization.

In New Orleans,werecently celebrated our tricentennial. So perhaps we have some wisdom to impart to our nation on its mere 250th. Bred into our town’s DNA is the creative culturethatarisesfromits racial and ethnicdiversity.Ever since Bienville set up aFrenchoutpost among the Chitimacha Indians, New Orleans hasbeen enriched by waves of new arrivals: Americans and Creoles of varying hues, slaves and freed slaves andgens de couleur libres,Spaniards and Hispanics, Irish and Italians andJews,Haitians and Vietnamese. At its best, New Orleans was not so muchamelting pot as agumbo pot:

Across Louisiana, hurricanes remind us of abasic fact,which is that we areall in the same boat. At our best, we know how to share what we love and to nurture commonrituals: catching go-cups at parades, celebrating or suffering withour Saints, sucking theheads and eating king cake after Twelfth Night.

This makes our politics and civic discourse (usually) alittle less poisonous and divisive thanexists in Washingtonand therestofthe nation these days. We can disagree, but we know how to share the neutral ground, literally and figuratively

At the official signing of the Declaration, John Hancock wrote his name withhis famous flourish. “There mustbenopulling different ways,” he insisted. “Wemustall hang together.” Franklin replied, alluding to what would happentothemiftheir revolutionfailed, “Yes,wemust, indeed, all hang together,ormost assuredlyweshall all hang separately.”

As Franklin pointed out,our life-ordeath challenge as anation, whether it be in 1776 or 2026, is this: When there aresomany forces dedicated to dividing us, how can we best hang together? What policies can we adopt,what balances can we strike, thatwill strengthen our common ground?

In an era without universal military service, what institutions can instill asenseofshared patriotic service across class lines? What policies can help give everykid an equal opportunity? And when it comes to our media and our daily discourse, how can we create news outlets,social media platforms, public discussions, personal conversations, algorithms and chatbots that seek to connect us rather than inflaming our resentments, engaging us through enraging us and harvesting clicks through sensationalism?

One way to do it is by reflecting on our fundamental principles,the ones thatdefine our common aspirations to life, liberty and thepursuit if happiness. That restoration of our common ground is not,alas, going to begin in Washington or at the national level. It will have to arisefrom people who love their communities. Louisiana in 2026 can be among those thatlead the way

WalterIsaacson is abest-selling biographer and aprofessor at Tulane University.From1976 to 1979, he was areporterfor this newspaper

the imageabove features ascene from “american revolution,”which makesits United statesdebutat the Historic Neworleans Collection on March 20.thisfree, interactive experience utilizes360-degree augmentedreality to immersevisitors in 20 defining moments of thenation’s founding,from the sparks of theBoston teaParty to the victoryatyorktown Developedbyleading historians and scholars, this exhibition celebrates the figures whoshapedthe United states and sharesthe revolution in afresh waythat speaks to the hearts and minds of the american people today. the exhibition will serveasa focal point of the Louisiana america 250 commemorations and coincideswith HNoC’s60thanniversary.

ABOUTTHE HNOC

over the last six decades, HNoC has become avital communityinstitution, preserving the world’slargest collection of materials relatedtoNew orleans and the Gulf south. Locatedinthe heartof the French Quarter, its campus spans 14 historic buildings which serveas acatalyst fordialogue and historical understanding “american revolution” is producedand designed by Histovery with promotional support from Neworleans& Company and Louisiana america 250.the exhibitionoffers afresh, technologically driven waytoexplore the americanstory. Planyour visitathnoc.org

For more information on events near youcommemorating america’s 250th birthday, visit america250la.org.

CANCER

Continued from page1B

devastating.”

Community support

Friends moved quickly to help ease the financial strain that often accompanies aserious medical diagnosis. AGoFundMe was launched to help cover medical bills, time away from work,travel to Houston and other unexpected expenses tied to cancer

TIGER

Continued from page1B

“custodianand apool boy,” Guttner said.

One recent morning sent Weems walking acrossthe bouncy cable roof of the enclosure to retrieve astray beer canthat appeared overnight. Foreign objects inside the habitat can endanger Mike, she said.

“Ifyou lose agrip, you will go rolling,” Weems said. “It’svery dangerous We have to make sure it’s safe for him to come out.”

‘A typical cat’

Adesire to work in zoos or with big cats is not arequirement to apply for the tiger keeper role.Weems, forexample, planstopractice small animal veterinary medicine after graduation.

Theposition rewards those who can handle the pressure. Mike doesnot forget his people, Weems said

“I find that Mike VI was more playful with everybody,” Weems said, “whereas he’smore just like, ‘I have my people, Iknow my people, that’s it.’”

Thetiger’s behaviorcan appear similar to ahouse cat. He rubshis face against the fence and plays with toys in the yard. He even has weather preferences —snow and rain make him “frisky,” Weems said. His “goofy”nature does not mean the caretakers can stop treating him likea predator,Weems said.Protocol and the construction of the habitat prevent the keepers from coming into

treatment Gauthier saidthe community has continued to show up in ways she never imagined, organizing raffles, bake sales and giveback nights to support her family

“I’mreally speechless,” she said. “My husband and Icry every day —not out of sadness, but gratitude. Ourhearts are overflowing.”

Restaurants across Acadiana, including DeanO’s Pizza and Prejean’sCajun Restaurant, are hosting

give-back nightsTuesday, donating 10% of sales to support theGauthiers. A raffle featuring donated handmadeitems, local goods, meals, experiences and services has also been organized.

On Saturday,Aubrey’s Amazing Grace will hosta bake saleatDeanO’sSouth on KalisteSaloom Road from 10:30 a.m. to 3p.m., withproceeds benefiting thefamily

As she prepares for the next phase of treatment, Gauthier saidher family

remainsstrongbut cannot do it alone.

“We’re standing strong,” she said. “But we can only standasstrongasthe people around us. We’re thankful for thecontinued prayers and support.We’re fighting, and we’renot giving up.”

As of Friday afternoon, more than $46,000 hadbeen raised toward the $50,000 goal.

Email Ja’koriMadison at jakori.madison@ theadvocate.com.

LsU student Baylee Weems, oneoftwo current caretakers, takes amoment with MikeVII after agame at the tigerhabitat recently in Baton rouge.

directcontact with Mike. “He definitelyisstill an apex predator,” Weems said. “He knows how to stalk, he knows how to pounce, real quietly sneak up on you.Heknows how to do all thosethings.But at the end of theday,he’sstill atypicalcat.”

Shesaidshe will visit Mike regularly after grad-

uating, but the interactions will feel bittersweet. The next caretakers will start shadowingthe currentpair in February.

“If he spotsmeinacrowd and he comes running, it’ll be very difficult nottobe able to come in here, play withhim,pet him,”Weems said. As golden-hour light

streamed into Mike’syard, Weems traveled around the back of the enclosure, preparing to serve thetiger his special ground meat carnivore diet

Mike followed her along his side of the fence. He watched from awindow as she began the evening routine, and then he padded inside, ready for dinner

Obituaries

Donald Joseph Trahan AMass of Christian Burial will be held for Donald Joseph Trahan on Thursday, March5,at10:00 at St.PiusX Catholic Church in Lafayette.

Red, as he wasknown since early childhood, given hisbrightred hair, passedawayatage 91 on Sunday, January11, 2026, at The Calcutta House Hospice facility, surrounded by hisfamilyand dear familyfriendCelia Eaton, followinga briefillness.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Judy, who he loveddearly,his three sons Scott Trahan (Stephanie) of Pully, Switzerland; Chris Trahan (KevinSerrin) of St.Louis, Missouri; Matt Trahan (Amie) of Houma, Louisiana andthree granddaughters; AinsleyTrahan of Cambridge,England; HadleyTrahan of Pully, Switzerlandand Morgaine Trahan of Orlando,Florida. He is also survived by his sister-in-law,Katherine Landry, sister,Priscilla Janise, andbrother,Jimmy Trahan,ofLafayette, and waspreceded in death by hissister,Betty Roy.

After graduating from RayneHigh School in 1952,

and buying a small business, whichhe ran successfully for 40 years.

Red'shobby waswork; when his accountant askedhim what hisplan wastoretireatage 85, he answered that he intended to work for therest of his life andhealmost got his wish, stopping only at age 90 in August last year when hishealthnolonger permittedit. He always put his belovedwife Judy first and supportedand encouraged hissonsintheir very different life paths,instilling in them astrongsense of independence, integrity, hard work, andquiet strength.Hewas aloyal friendand familyman to hiscore Thefamilywishes to extend theirheartfelt gratitude to thewonderful doctors andnurses at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital andthe terrific team at the Calcutta House for their support. Donationsmay be made to Hospice of Acadiana, Calcutta House.

The biggeststories customizedtoyour interests– delivereddirect to your inbox.

AT

ceutical n TaylorWallace, Dr.RaphaelA.Baranco Elementary School

n Kristi Waltrip, Unitech Training Academy

n Kristen Wesley,Second Harvest Food Bank Program co-chairswillbe Billy Hobbs, CEOofBWPR and agraduate of Leadership Lafayette Class XXXVII, and DianneTrim, founder of Trimline Strategiesand ClassXXXVIII.

The class will be recognized during LIA’s annual meeting Feb. 10 at the City Club at River Ranch. To register,visit leadacadiana.org

“Leadership Lafayette continues to serve as apow-

erfulspacefor leaders to gainperspective and grow alongside peerswho are equally committed to thefutureofAcadiana,” said Lindsey Faulk, executive director of the Leadership Institute of Acadiana. “Through the program, participants deepen their understanding of the forces shaping our region, build fresh perspectives andstrongrelationships and develop agreater sense of responsibility to lead with intention andlongterm impact.”

leaders, newopportunities and leadership skills.

Continued from page1B LOTTERY SATURDAY,JAN.24, 2026

Established in 1987, Leadership Lafayette prepares a diverse group of professionals for leadership in the community andlays the groundwork forawell-rounded understanding of the community,sparks community involvementand exposes participants to community

Classes are an entire day once amonth for discussion with community and business leaders, trips throughout the community and engaging exercises pertinent to theprogram topics.

COUNCILREGULAR MEETINGHELDON THURSDAY,JANUARY 08 2026 AT 6:00 PM AT YOUNGSVILLECITYHALL COUNCILCHAMBERS1 OPENING 1.1Invocation was ledbyPastorChris Williams,The Pente‐costals of Youngsville.1.2 PledgeofAllegiancewas led by ShannonBares.2 ROLLCALLPRESENT: Mayor KenRitter, Shan‐non D. Bares(Division A) Mayor ProTem LindyBol‐giano (DivisionB), Matt Romero(Division C) NicholasNiland(Division D), Simone B. Cham‐pagne (DivisionE). AB‐SENT: None.STAFF: NicoleGuidry(City Clerk), Terry Bourque (COO),JeanPaulBrous‐sard(Police Chief),Wade Trahan(City Attorney), Cathryn Greig(CFO),Tim Robichaux (Parks &Rec Director).3.RECOGNI‐TIONS/PERSONS TO AD‐DRESS THEMAYOR & COUNCIL 3.1Chief Brous‐sardintroducedPatrol Officers JacobAbraham Jalen Joseph andMark Wright. 4. MINUTES4.1 Approval of December 11, 2025 meetingmin‐utes. Motion made by Lindy Bolgiano,seconded byShannon Bares, ap‐proving theDecember11, 2025 meetingminutes YEAS: ShannonD.Bares Lindy Bolgiano,Simone B.Champagne.NAYS: None. ABSTAINED: Matt Romero, Nicholas Niland ABSENT: None.Motion Approved.5.FINANCE RE‐PORT5.1 Approval of No‐vember2025 financere‐port. Motion made by Lindy Bolgiano,seconded byShannon Bares, ap‐proving theNovember 2025 financereport. YEAS: ShannonD.Bares Lindy Bolgiano,Matt Romero, Nicholas Niland SimoneB.Champagne NAYS: None.ABSTAINED: None. ABSENT:None. Mo‐tionApproved. 6. OTHER BUSINESS6.1 MycahLan‐dreneau

mentPlant.Motionmade byLindy Bolgiano,sec‐onded by Matt Romero adoptingResolutionNo. 2026-01.YEAS: Shannon D.Bares,Lindy Bolgiano MattRomero, Nicholas Niland,SimoneB.Cham‐pagne.NAYS: None.AB‐STAINED:None. ABSENT: None. Resolution Ap‐proved. 8. ORDINANCES FOR PUBLIC HEARING AND FINALADOPTION8.1 OrdinanceNo. 508-2025AnOrdinance of theCity ofYoungsville,Louisiana amendingthe Code of OrdinancesChapter 14 Offenses", "Article I. -In General"and Chapter22 Trafficand Vehicles", ArticleI In General.", was read aloudand openedfor Public Hear‐ing by MayorRitter. Mo‐tionmadebyLindy Bol‐giano,secondedbyMatt Romero, adopting Ordi‐nance No.508-2025. The CityClerk requestedthat the Councilamend the title of theproposedOr‐dinance to ensure clarity onthe subjectmatterof the proposal.Mr. Bol‐giano &Mr. Romero with‐drewtheir motions. Hearing no furthercom‐ments,a motion made by Lindy Bolgiano,seconded byMattRomero, adopt‐ing amendedOrdinance No. 508-2025, an Ordi‐nance of theCityof Youngsville,Louisiana

ShannonD Bares,Lindy Bolgiano, MattRomero, Nicholas Niland,SimoneB.Cham‐pagne.NAYS: None.AB‐STAINED:None. ABSENT: None. OrdinanceAp‐proved. 9. MAYOR &

staFF PHoto By MICHaeL JoHNsoN

Trahan, Donald

ACADIANA BUSINESS

Davis, Olavetop PFFgrad RT

BY JEFF DUNCAN staff writer

The seemingly ageless Demario Davis was the New Orleans Saints’ highest-gradeddefensive player for the 2025season, according to Pro Football Focus, aCincinnati-based analytics company used byNFL teams

And Chris Olave was theSaints’highestgraded offensive playerfor the 2025season, according to Pro Football Focus.

Davis’ grade of 80.3 ledthe Saintsdefense and ranked fifth among NFL linebackers who played 50% of their team’s snaps.

In his 14th NFL season, Davis recorded a career-high 143tackles, whichled theSaints

SPORTS

andranked 12thinthe NFL. Davis, who turned 37 last week, also ranked among the Saints’ team leaders in tackles for loss (six) andforced fumbles (two), all while playing ateam-high 1,079 defensive snaps.

APFF gradeof80.3 is considered very good. It typically reflects aplayer in the upper tier of starters during agivenseason, just below aPro Bowl level.

ThePFF grading scaleconsiders players at 90-or-aboveaselite, 85-89.9 as ProBowl level, 70-84.9asstarter level, 60-69.9asaverage or backuplevel, and below 60 as below average or replacement level.

Defensiveends ChaseYoungand Cam Jordanwere thenext-highest rankeddefend-

ers with gr 78.0 and 76.0 respectively.Jordan (10.5) and le dt he season.

Second-yea instry was th the secondary three interce Linebacker est-graded ro 205 snaps. Ro

ades of Young (10 0) Saints in sacksthis r cornerback Kool-Aid McKe highest-graded defender in at 69.5.Heled the Saints with ptions.

DannyStutsman was the highokie at 71.5, but he played only okie classmates, safety Jonas

MiLaysia

up

THEX-FACTOR

BYREED DARCEY staff writer

Youmay have penciledMiLaysiaFulwileyintothe LSU women’sbasketballteam’sstarting lineupbefore the season, but coach Kim Mulkeydid not. She doesn’t make promises. So Fulwiley’srunning with the reserves —like she did at South Carolina. She’salsochanging thecomplexion of games. Like she did at South Carolina. Thejunior guard did so as recently asThursday, whenshe was asked after ablowout win over Texas A&M how she thinks her first year with the Tigers has gone so far.

“I feel like it’sbeen going good,” Fulwiley said. “I mean, not perfect. Not the way Iprobably would want it to.But I’m gettingbetter.”

The No. 6Tigers (18-2, 4-2 SEC) can win afifthstraight game at 6p.m. Mondaywhentheyhost Florida (SECNetwork), and Fulwiley is alarge reason why.She struggled in LSU’sfirst two SECcontests —both losses. But she’s since rebounded and strung together afew productive outings,which suggeststhatthe prized SouthCarolina transfer is starting to settle into arole withthe Tigers. Fulwiley’sjob is to come off the bench and jolt LSU’s transition offense.She’s the X-Factor.She won’tscore more than20pointsevery night moving forward, but when she does, theTigers will be tough to beat. The challenge now —for Mulkey and her staff —isto figure out how to put Fulwiley in aposition to deliverthat kind of scoring punch as frequently as possible.

LSU‘disappointed’following loss to Arkansas

BY TOYLOYBROWN III staff writer

With each passing loss,LSU’s chances of making the NCAA Tournament shrink. The Tigers’85-81 road defeat toNo. 20 Arkansas on Saturday didn’thelp, which is why the team’sreactioniswhat many would expect. “Obviously,we’re incrediblydisappointed by the result, coachMatt McMa-

honsaidonthe LSUsportsradio network, “but we’ll build on alot of the thingsthat took place here today.”

Thefourth-year coachwants histeam to reclaim its team identitynow thatpoint guard Dedan Thomas returned to the startinglineup. With itsdynamic passer, LSU (13-7, 1-6 SEC) wants to return to a team that gets high-qualitylooksinthe paint,crashes the glass, and has theversatility to play fast-paced and methodically

Theprogram demonstrated its vision against atalented foe. It led most of the first half, never trailedbydouble digits andforced 13 lead changes versus Arkan-

sas, which beat five ranked teams. Despiteoutrebounding Arkansas by eight for11more second-chancepoints andhittingits target of at least40paint points, LSU’sinept 3-point shooting led to its demise. “I loved our effortonthe glass,” McMahonsaid. “But at theend of theday,they hit 10 3s, and we only made three. We couldn’tmake up that 21-point difference behind the3-point line.”

Aftermaking sevenormore3-pointers in five SEC games, the Tigers finished 3of

LSU football’smassive transfer portal haul —and the key players retained from the 2025 team —has led to amassive question about the Tigers’ first team under Lane Kiffin. Aquestion that is the proverbial 800-pound gorilla in your Tiger Stadium suite, scarfing up all the sliders. It’s impossible to avoid, so let’sask it: Has LSU bought itself a national championship team forthe 2026 season? Hyperbole? Probably.But so is this transfer portal class. Aclass that is 42 players strong, the No.1-rated portal class according to On3.com by the width of the Mississippi River over wouldn’tyou know it? —Mississippi. We think Kiffinand LSU are done, but with the self-styled “Portal King,” you can never be certain. Here’ssomething else you can’tbecertain of: that money will buy success. Just ask Brian Kelly (if he takes your call) about that after LSU spent $18 million to sign last year’stop-rated transfer portal class. Or ask Jimbo Fisher what the bestever recruiting class in 2022 at Texas A&M got him besides apink slip. Eighteen million. How quaint. No one at LSU is saying yet, but conventional wisdom suggests the program spent north of $25-30 million on luring transfers and on roster retention. Making sure it hung onto core players like tight end Trey’Dez Green, running back Harlem Berry,center Braelin Moore, cornerbacks DJ Pickett and PJ Woodland, and of course linebacker Whit Weeks. The gameisno longer about signing afistful of high school five stars —though LSU got its share of those too with players like U-High’sLamar Brownand Edna Karr’sRichard Anderson. It is about filling the needs of your roster with proven and/or promising college players to try to ignite immediate success. On second thought, there’snoneed to query BK or Jimbo about past recruiting classes and their potential pitfalls. Better to ask Indiana’sCurt Cignetti, who

Scott Rabalais

staFF PHoto By MICHaeL JoHNsoN

LsUguard

Fulwileyraces

courtwiththe ball during agameagainst texasinthe thirdquarter on Jan. 11 at the Pete Maravichassembly Center

Sabalenka beats Mboko

top-ranked sabalenka raises her game, rolls into quarterfinals

BY JOHN PYE

aP sportswriter

MELBOURNE, Australia TikTok influencer and top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka is having to work her way through some rising teenage stars in her bid for a third Australian Open title in four years. Sabalenka, who has drawn praise from fans and other players for her posts on the social media platform about matters on and off the court, held off 19-year-old Vicky Mboko 6-1, 7-6 (1) at Rod Laver Arena on Sunday. She’ll play 18-year-old Iva Jovic in the quarterfinals.

The 29-seeded Jovic overwhelmed Yulia Putintseva 6-0, 6-1 in 53 minutes at John Cain Arena — with six service breaks and winning the first 10 games — to secure a spot in the last eight of a Grand Slam for the first time.

“Obviously, she’s No. 1 for a reason and had so much success at this tournament,” Jovic said of Sabalenka “But that’s what I want — I said it last year, I hope to be

able to play her this year, because you definitely want to play the best and see how it goes.”

Coco Gauff, who was still a teenager when she won her first major title in 2023, is back into the quarterfinals in Australia for the third consecutive year after a 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 win over No. 19 Karolina Muchova. She’ll next face No. 12 Elina Svitolina, who closed play on Day 8 with a 6-2, 6-4 win over 18-year-old, eighth-seeded Mirra Andreeva.

No. 1-ranked Carlos Alcaraz is also in the last 8 for the third straight year, continuing his bid for a career Grand Slam at age 22 with a 7-6 (6), 6-4, 7-5 win over No. 19-seeded Tommy Paul.

He’s never gone past the last eight at Melbourne Park, the only one of the four Grand Slam venues where he hasn’t won the title. That’s a statistic he’s determined to rectify, to the point where he’s reworking his serve to a look a little bit more in style with 10-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic.

He’s unlikely to have the crowd behind him in the quarterfinals, where he’ll meet local hope and sixth-seeded Alex de Minaur, a 6-4, 6-1, 6-1 winner over No. 10 Alexander Bublik No. 3 Alexander Zverev, the runner-up in Melbourne last year,

beat Francisco Cerundolo 6-2, 6-4, 6-4 and will next meet 20-year-old Learner Tien, the youngest men’s quarterfinalist in Australia since Nick Kyrgios in 2015. Tien, who needed treatment for a bloody nose after the third game, beat three-time Australian Open runner-up Daniil Medvedev 6-4, 6-0, 6-3.

Djokovic’s Walkover

The 38-year-old Djokovic got a walkover into the quarterfinals after Jakub Mensik withdrew 24 hours ahead of their scheduled fourth-round match with an abdominal injury

Djokovic’s influence

Jovic has been getting some good advice from Djokovic, a 24time major winner, during the tournament. He said he’s been happy to help an up-and-coming star with Serbian heritage.

Jovic made it clear last year that she wanted a chance to play the World No. 1 Now she’ll get that chance.

Sabalenka, who has joked about waiting for a formal invitation to partner Djokovic in mixed doubles at a major, breezed through the first set in 31 minutes against Mboko but had some difficulty in the second.

Mboko saved match points and played well enough to beat many

players, but not the two-time Australian Open champion.

“What an incredible player for such a young age,” Sabalenka said of Mboko. “It’s incredible to see these kids coming up on Tour I can’t believe I say that. I feel like I’m a kid!

“She pushed me so much, and I’m happy to be through,” Sabalenka added in her on-court TV interview

Sabalenka led the second set 4-1, and then failed to convert three match points while leading 5-4. Mboko slowly took momentum and forced a tiebreaker only for Sabalenka to dominate.

It was the 20th straight tiebreaker victory a record for Sabalenka.

“I try to — not to think this is a tiebreak and play point by point,” said Sabalenka, who won back-toback titles in Australia in 2023 and ‘24 before losing last year’s final to Madison Keys. “I guess that’s the key to consistency.”

Doubling up

Jovic and Mboko combined later Sunday in the doubles and had match points before the No. 4-seeded Elise Mertens and Zhang Shuai duo clung on in the super tiebreaker to win 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (10).

“They’re both very young, very talented,” Mertens said. “It was a really tough match.”

Reed wins in Dubai Desert Classic

the associated Press

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates Patrick Reed kept everyone at bay and closed with an even-par 72 on Sunday for a four-shot victory in the Dubai Desert Classic, his first European tour title that moves him back into the top 30 in the world for the first time since he joined LIV Golf. Reed also made enough money from the Rolex Series event that it should cover his European tour fines for playing in the Saudibacked rival league, assuming he can sort out a new LIV contract.

“Win early and that will take care of it,” Reed jokingly said Saturday on the topic of European tour fines that LIV Golf no longer pays on the players’ behalf. Reed revealed he is still negotiating a new contract to play on LIV, which starts on Feb. 4 in Saudi Arabia. The 35-year-old American, who is playing the European tour next week in Bahrain, said he fully expects to be with LIV and a contract may already have been

sorted out. His focus was only on golf this week, and he took care of business.

Any drama at Emirates Golf Club didn’t last long. Reed seized control with middle rounds of 66 and 67 to build a fourshot lead over David Puig of Spain going into the last day. Reed said he found himself getting too conservative no birdies, one bogey over the front nine — and the lead was cut in half when the Spaniard made birdie on Nos. 8 and 9.

“Instead of just keeping the foot on the gas early, I tried to protect that lead,” Reed said.

He said his caddie told him it was a dogfight and Reed responded. The lead remained at two shots after Reed and Puig each started birdie-bogey on the back nine, and then it turned quickly — a birdie for Reed on the par-5 13th and a bogey for Puig.

The lead was back to four and Reed coasted from there, finishing on 14-under 274 for his 12th title worldwide nine on the PGA Tour, one each on the European

tour, Asian Tour and LIV Reed has won two World Golf Championships and the Masters that count toward his European tour tally

Puig, meanwhile, tumbled to a tie for seventh when he was penalized two shots when it was determined he grounded his club in a bunker on the 18th. He closed with a 75, the penalty costing him about 15 spots in the world ranking. Andy Sullivan of England had a 71 to finish alone in second, with Julien Guerrier of France (69) another shot behind.

Rory McIlroy was never in the mix from his opening 73. He finished with another 73 to tie for 33rd his first time to finish out of the top 30 since he missed the cut in the Canadian Open last June. The victory was worth more than just $1.5 million (E1.3 million) to Reed His move into the world ranking all but assures he will remain high enough to be exempt for all four majors this year

“It’s always nice to lock up the majors,” said Reed who was not at the U.S. Open or British Open

PGA Champions POY Cink opens 2026 with victory KA’UPULEHU-KONA, Hawaii Stewart Cink won the PGA Tour Champions’ season-opening Mitsubishi Electric Championship on Saturday, closing with an 8-under 63 for a three-stroke victory

The 52-year-old Cink finished at 23-under 193 at Hualalai. He won his second straight event after closing last season with a victory in Phoenix in the Charles Schwab Cup Championship. He has five senior titles.

Ángel Cabrera was second after a 66. Retief Goosen shot a 64 to finish third at 18 under and Ernie Els (67), Thomas Bjorn (66) and Freddie Jacobson (70) were 17 under Sixty-six-year-old Fred Couples was 15 under after a 70. The win is Cink’s fifth in 37 starts on PGA Tour Champions and his first in this event.

Ramírez,

Guardians agree to 7-year, $175M deal

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 person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal was pending a physical and had not been announced. The 33-year-old native of the Dominican Republic has played his entire 13-year, big league career in Cleveland He was signed through the 2028 season. He had three years and $69 million remaining on the contract he signed in 2022, but will now average $25 million over the next seven years.

Injured defender Foyth set to miss World Cup

MADRID — Argentina defender

Juan Foyth has ruptured his left Achilles tendon while playing for Villarreal in the Spanish league and is set to miss the World Cup. Foyth was injured in the 23rd minute of Villarreal’s 2-0 loss to Real Madrid on Saturday Villarreal said Sunday that tests confirmed the injury

The club said it will “provide further information in due course regarding the surgical procedure he will have to undergo.”

Recovery time for such injuries can be up to a year, meaning the 28-year-old central defender likely won’t be able to play in the World Cup that begins in June. Foyth has had long-term knee and shoulder injuries in the past. He recently had his contract with Villarreal extended until 2029.

James wows crowd, wins fifth straight Winter X title

Snowboarder Scotty James parlayed a never-before-landed trick combination into his fifth straight X Games title on the halfpipe on Saturday and tied Shaun White with eight overall gold medals at the biggest event this side of the Olympics In the final major contest before next month’s Milan Cortina Games, the 31-year-old Australian capped off his winning run with two straight backside 1440-degree jumps. That’s two tricks spinning with his back facing down the hill to start, one while riding forward, the other riding backward — or “switch.” They are among the toughest on the halfpipe.

James is looking like the favorite heading into the Milan Cortina Olympics. James has Olympic silver and bronze medals.

last year “Any time you go ahead and get a win, it’s special. To sit there and have as little amount of events that I’ve played to be in the top 30 is something that shows that my golf game is still where I want it to be.”

Reed has been banned from the PGA Tour since joining LIV in 2022. The U.S. tour recently offered a pathway back to LIV players provided they won a major or The Players Championship since 2022. Reed won the Masters in 2018 and would not be eligible.

He is an honorary lifetime member of the European tour with his Masters title, and he can stake his claim as perhaps the most global player in golf, willing to travel without the guarantee of big appearance money But he faces fines when he plays LIV events held the same week as European tour events.

“I’d rather just tee it up and play,” Reed said Saturday “And if it costs me this (or) that, whatever, I’ll go play.”

Skippylongstocking rallies to win Pegasus World Cup HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. White Abarrio’s bid to become the first back-toback winner of the $3 million Pegasus World Cup was thwarted Trainer Saffie Joseph’s bid was not. And finally, jockey Tyler Gaffalione is a Pegasus winner, too. Skippylongstocking is finally the winner of Gulfstream Park’s richest race, rallying in the stretch to beat White Abarrio in the Grade 1 Pegasus on Saturday Skippylongstocking had been in the Pegasus three other times, finishing seventh in 2023, not finishing in

assoCIateD Press PHoto By DIta aLaNGKara

aryna sabalenka of Belarus plays a forehand return to Victoria Mboko of Canada during their fourth-round match on sunday at the australian open in Melbourne, australia. sabalenka advanced to the quarterfinals.

SAINTS

Continued from page 1C

Sanker and cornerback Quincy Riley, received grades of 62.4 and 61.1, respectively

Defensive tackle Bryan Bresee was the lowest-graded defensive player at 52.9. Veteran defensive tackles Davon Godchaux and Jonah Williams were also ranked near the bottom of the roster with grades of 50.5 and 41.6, respectively, although neither played more than half of the unit’s snaps.

On offense, Olave’s grade of 78.0 led the Saints and ranked 20th among NFL receivers that played 50% of their team’s snaps. Olave enjoyed the best season of his four-year NFL career, leading the Saints with 100 catches for 1,163 yards and nine touchdowns.

Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough was the second-highestgraded player at 74.6. His grade ranked 15th among quarterbacks with 50% of their team’s snaps

RABALAIS

Continued from page 1C

judiciously used the portal to build a national champion led by Heisman Trophy-winning transfer quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Whether or not something similar to what Indiana did this past season will be accomplished at LSU this coming season is, of course, an unanswerable riddle. What is knowable is that it can be done Exhibit A: Indiana. Exhibit B: Kiffin’s old Ole Miss team. The Rebels rode their own star transfer quarterback, Mr.-straight-out-of-the-middleof-nowhere Trinidad Chambliss, and came within a breath of beating Miami in the Fiesta Bowl to earn the right to play the Hoosiers for the College Football Playoff championship.

While LSU’s 2025 transfer portal class was stocked with a lot of talent players like Moore, unanimous All-American cornerback Mansoor Delane and wide receiver Barion Brown — in hindsight, there were holes. LSU’s offensive line, Moore aside, was woeful. Well, the Tigers have signed nine linemen out of the portal, led by the most recent acquisition, Colorado’s Jordan Seaton, seemingly a plug-and-play starter at left tackle LSU needed quarterbacks — plural — because the room emptied out of scholarship signal callers after the Texas Bowl. Kiffin not only signed Arizona State’s Sam Leavitt, the No. 1 or 2-rated QB in this year’s portal cycle, but also former five-star Husan Longstreet of USC (On3.com’s No. 7 transfer quarterback) and Landen Clark of Elon.

Retaining Blake Baker as defensive coordinator was another Kiffin coup, but Baker’s defense was not very good at generating a pass rush without blitzing. So Kiffin got him edge

FULWILEY

Continued from page 1C

Against Kentucky on Jan. 1

Fulwiley missed five of the six shots she took and needlessly put herself into foul trouble. Then — when she started for the first and only time this season against Vanderbilt three days later — she tallied 13 points, seven rebounds and six assists. But she also turned the ball over five times and missed a key defensive assignment late in the fourth quarter, giving up an open 3-pointer that the Commodores used to re-take the lead.

LSU dropped those games primarily because it grabbed too few rebounds and committed too many turnovers. Fulwiley though, had a hand in the losing efforts. She chipped in only 15 points on 7-of-19 shooting across the two contests. Now Fulwiley’s contributing about that much offense, on average, every night. In LSU’s last four games, she scored 15.8 ppg on 44% shooting. She also averaged 3.3 steals and broke out of a 3-point shooting slump. Fulwiley missed all 11 longrange shots she took in the eight contests the Tigers played from Dec 16 to Jan 18. Then, on Thursday, she drained three of those looks just in the first quarter of a 44-point win over the Aggies — a matchup that turned

but was best among rookie quarterbacks. Jaxson Dart of the New York Giants (68.4) and Cam Ward of the Tennessee Titans (58.5) were next.

Shough’s 2025 draft classmate, left tackle Kelvin Banks, had a grade of 73.3, making him the only other Saints offensive player to play half or more of the team’s 1,075 snaps and record a grade of 70.0 or higher this season. Banks led the offense with 1,066 snaps played.

Devaughn Vele (72.7) and Spencer Rattler (70.0) had starter-level grades while falling just short of the 50% snap minimum.

Running backs Audric Estime and Kendre Miller had grades of 75.8and74.0butplayedjust181and 113 snaps, respectively

GuardDillonRadunzwasthelowest-graded offensive player at 48.5. Alvin Kamara and Cesar Ruiz were next at 51.7 and 55.1, respectively

Overall,theSaintsoffenseranked 27th in the league with a grade of 67.8.TheLosAngelesRamsoffense gradedthehighestat96.1,whilethe Cleveland Browns were the lowest at 55.6.

rusher Princewill Umanmielen from Ole Miss — a consensus top-five portal prospect along with Leavitt and Seaton — and former five-star edge rusher Jordan Ross of Tennessee.

In all, LSU signed nine players from the On3.com top 100 list of portal prospects. With LSU baseball season rapidly approaching, it is appropriate to say that Kiffin and his staff have covered every base.

The issues facing LSU now change, from literally not having enough players in meeting rooms, like quarterback and offensive line, to making this team a team. By the subjective standards of recruiting sites and services, Kiffin has pooled a superb collection of talent. Championship conversationworthy. Certainly, CFP berthworthy.

But collections of talent don’t win titles. Teams win. Something Indiana also proved. Between transfers and high school players, there will be at least 56 newcomers on LSU’s roster that come running out beneath Tiger Stadium’s north goalposts Sept. 5 to face Clemson.

That’s a lot of guys to get on the same page. To build chemistry with. To foster trust in each other

Oh, and is that a raised hand in the back of the room? No, it’s Leavitt’s right foot. The one that required season-ending Lisfranc surgery The one that will almost certainly keep him out of spring practice.

LSU’s depth is still not deep at a lot of positions, and health will go a long way to determining how much the Tigers win in 2026.

All that said, the prospects are tantalizing for LSU, without question. The Wright Brothers, aka Kiffin and Krewe, have assembled the pieces of one sleek-looking airplane.

Just how far can it fly?

Email Scott Rabalais at srabalais@theadvocate.com

in LSU’s favor the moment she checked in.

“She’s gonna always give you a spark,” Mulkey said. “God blessed her with unbelievable speed and quickness, and if you’re gonna be on the floor with her, you better be ready to get up and go.”

That trait — Fulwiley’s affinity for attacking in transition — is what makes her such a game-breaking force. And a natural fit for LSU’s preferred play style. Mulkey cuts her ballhandlers loose, letting them push the pace, but she holds them to a high standard as well. They have to minimize their turnovers, take smart shots, play sound defense and avoid silly fouls — to name a few key responsibilities. Fulwiley didn’t check enough of those boxes against Kentucky and Vanderbilt. She hasn’t been perfect, as she said Thursday

But she thinks she’s made strides since then. They’ve just happened to coincide with LSU’s four-game winning streak.

“I see my growth in areas that don’t show up on the stat sheet,” Fulwiley said, “so I’m just proud of myself and how far I came and how I just continue to try to get better each and every day.”

Email Reed Darcey at reed. darcey@theadvocate.com. For more LSU sports updates, sign up for our newsletter at theadvocate.com/lsunewsletter

‘CHERRY ON TOP’

a star-studded generation of hockey’s best players is finally going to the olympics

BY STEPHEN WHYNO aP hockey writer

Jack Eichel in the fall of 2021 still did not believe he and the rest of the world’s best hockey players would be going to the Olympics in Beijing a few months later, even after the NHL reached an agreement to do so.

“Don’t hold your breath,” Eichel said at the time.

His skepticism proved to be prescient, as pandemic scheduling issues led the league to withdraw

Eichel is part of a generation of NHL stars who have never gotten the chance to play in the Olympics. Unlike players of the past — before the league allowed its stars to take part — Eichel, fellow American Auston Matthews, Canadians Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon and many others of their vintage grew up expecting to go to the Games. The NHL, after all, played in five consecutive Olympics from 1998 2014.

Owners opted against sending players in 2018, and missing out in 2022 became a sad result of circumstances largely out of stakeholders’ control. The 12team tournament in Milan is a moment many have been waiting their entire careers for “It’s awesome,” Eichel said before this season, perhaps willing to exhale. “It’s something that we’ve wanted for a while.”

Delays bring more questions

Not so fast, Jack.

Out of his control are construction delays at the main hockey arena, a longstanding worry NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman began raising concerns all the way back in 2023, before the deal was reached to send players in 2026 and ‘30.

“We have been given assurances that the building will be ready,” Bettman said in February 2024. “We’re relying on those assurances. There’s a lot of construction that remains to be done on that building. I think they only recently started. But we’re being told by everybody not to worry But I like to worry so we’ll see.”

Those worries have persisted, and work continues on locker rooms and other facilities at Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, which is set to host the majority

of the men’s games beginning Feb. 11. The women’s tournament begins there Feb. 5. Test games in January left league and players’ union officials pleased about the condition of the ice, though even that has been a matter of consternation after rinks were made more than 3 feet shorter than NHL players are used to. That will change aspects of play but won’t keep the NHL out of the Olympics as long as everyone involved agrees the surface is safe.

What players missed out on Connor Bedard, the 2023 No. 1 pick who just missed out on making Canada’s roster for Milan, is so young at 20 that he does not even have a favorite Olympic memory He was 4 when idol and fellow countryman Sidney Crosby scored the “golden goal” to win on home ice in Vancouver in 2010 and 9 when T.J. Oshie gave the U.S. a shootout victory over host Russia in Sochi in 2014.

Canada’s Macklin Celebrini, drafted first in 2024 and at 19 the second-youngest men’s hockey player at the Olympics, has only gotten to dream about the possibility of representing his country on this stage.

“That’s the pinnacle, just the best on best, all the special moments that have happened at the Olympics, the history,” Celebrini said. “There’s just a little bit more

energy around it It’s bigger than yourself.”

In all, 12 NHL players are back at the Olympics after participating in the 2014 Games, the last time the league went and it was a true best-vs.-best tournament. The group includes Crosby and Drew Doughty for Canada; Gabriel Landeskog, Erik Karlsson and Oliver Ekman-Larsson for Sweden; Mikael Granlund and Olli Maatta for Finland; Radko Gudas and Ondrej Palat for Czechia. There are no Americans on that list.

“It’s a cherry on top of athletic life,” Gudas said. “Twelve years ago when we went to Sochi was such a great experience that I wish I can do that again. I was that much more sad that we couldn’t go the last two times, so for me I think it’s a great feeling to be able to do that.”

American defenseman Zach Werenski at 28 is old enough to remember Crosby’s goal in 2010, and four years later he was watching Oshie’s heroics with other members of the U.S National Team Development Program. Four of his teammates from back then are also set to go to Milan — Matthews, Matthew Tkachuk, Charlie McAvoy and Noah Hanifin — to finally have their Olympic moment.

“The significance of that, the build-up, we’ve waited a long time for this,” McAvoy said, “so it’s going to be incredible.”

15 compared to Arkansas’ 10 of 22. What made the perimeter shooting insurmountable was the brilliance of Razorbacks star freshman Darius Acuff. The 6-foot-3 projected NBA draft pick had a career-high 31 points and six assists. He had 24 points on 10-of-11 shooting in the second half alone for Arkansas (15-5, 5-2).

The disappointment does have a silver lining: Thomas. McMahon was pleased with how the lead guard performed in his return to the starting lineup in the second game back from the lower leg injury he suffered on Jan. 2. LSU’s best player had 18 points

on 7-of-20 shooting, five assists, four rebounds and three turnovers in 31 minutes. The three self-created scores he had with under four minutes were what LSU lacked in other close losses This was progress from his two points on 1-of-8 shooting and three assists in 17 minutes against No. 16 Florida on Tuesday

“My number one takeaway from Tuesday was he was able to get to his spots on the court,” McMahon said. “He was moving pretty well. I thought he was even better today Had his first two practices in three weeks, and I thought he looked a lot more comfortable. He’ll shoot a better percentage moving forward. Some of the timing on a couple of those lobs wasn’t there like it had been, but I think his recovery

has been phenomenal, and a great credit to his hard work and our medical team.”

A healthy Thomas means LSU is complete, not including redshirt junior Jalen Reed, who had a second straight season-ending injury in the sixth game of the season. Before McMahon’s team can wonder how Selection Sunday will pan out, LSU’s immediate goal is to rack up wins with Thomas back, starting with Mississippi State at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center

“Overall, you know pleased with our energy, our effort, our competitive spirit,” McMahon said “We got to get better, and we got to be prepared to win on Wednesday, when we come back home to play Mississippi State.”

assoCIateD Press PHoto By MICHaeL WooDs

LsU forward Mike Nwoko, left, and arkansas guard Karter Knox, right, fight for a rebound during the second half of a game saturday in Fayetteville, ark.

aP FILe PHoto By CHrIstINNe MUsCHI

United states’ Jack eichel skates in to celebrate the empty net goal over Canada by teammate Jake Guentzel during the third period of a 4 Nations Face-off game on Feb 15 in Montreal.

Rose has number retired with Bulls

BY ANDREW SELIGMAN

aP sportswriter

CHICAGO Derrick Rose figured

he would experience all sorts of emotions when he saw his banner hang from the rafters. They started flowing long before the moment arrived.

The Chicago Bulls retired his No. 1 following their win over the Boston Celtics on Saturday night And the kid who went from growing up in a rough South Side neighborhood to starring for his hometown team was ready for the moment.

“I had someone or a journalist ask me, ‘Man, did you cry?’ I told him I cry every day,” Rose said. “And he asked about what Being joyful, knowing where I grew up, knowing my coming back here, my being practical with knowing the economy, with me being there, and the neighborhoods And you just know

“That’s one of the reasons why I came back, is to curate things and to employ people.”

Rose joined Michael Jordan (23), Scottie Pippen (33), Jerry Sloan (4) and Bob Love (10) as the only players whose numbers have been retired by the team.

He shed tears during emotional speeches by former teammates Taj Gibson, Luol Deng and Joakim Noah and by coach Tom Thibodeau. He got choked up when he addressed his mother and older brothers as well as his wife, two sons and daughter There were hugs and smiles, too, when the banner was unveiled.

Rose had already gotten a glimpse at it. On Friday, the Bulls posted video on social media of him seeing it for the first time.

Rose said seeing the banner was “unreal.” But it hadn’t really sunk in. “All this, the moment, I’m still trying to take in, I’m still trying to

process in real time,” he said. “And yeah, and just feeling grateful, you know what I mean? Like knowing the weather conditions out there, knowing that it’s a Chicago thing to even show up here, to fight through that and still go to an event. It’s huge, so it’s something that I’m grateful for.”

The video the Bulls posted shows a wide-eyed Rose walking out to center court He lets out a “wow, are you serious?” as he gazes at the unfurled banner in front of the

scorer’s table. He squats, walks over and touches it, rubbing his hand over the No. 1. He’s then joined by his family as well as former teammates Joakim Noah, Taj Gibson and Kirk Hinrich.

Noah says in the video seeing Rose’s number raised to the rafters “is our championship moment.”

On Saturday, there were black Rose jerseys at each seat. The Bulls posted video from Jordan and Pippen congratulating him. Rose left roses from his flower

shop Rose’s Flower Shop in both teams’ locker rooms before the game.

“He instilled that heart, he instilled that trust in us and that made us come out and fight for you every single night,” Gibson told the crowd.

Former coach Tom Thibodeau called Rose “a basketball savant” whose humility is what really made him stand out.

SCOREBOARD

Alcaraz advances to quarterfinal in Australian Open

cisco Cerundolo (18),

6-2, 6-4, 6-4. Learner Tien (25), United States, def. Daniil Medvedev (11), Russia, 6-4, 6-0, 6-3. Alex de Minaur (6), Australia, def. Alexander Bublik (10), Kazakhstan, 6-4, 6-1, 6-1. Women’s Singles Fourth Round Aryna Sabalenka (1), Belarus, def. Victoria Mboko (17), Canada, 6-1, 7-6 (1). Iva Jovic (29), United States, def. Yulia Putintseva, Kazakhstan, 6-0, 6-1. Coco Gauff (3), United States, def. Karolina Muchova (19), Czechia, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3. Elina Svitolina (12), Ukraine, def. Mirra Andreeva (8), Russia, 6-2, 6-4.

Men’s Doubles Third Round Marcel Granollers, Spain, and Horacio Zeballos (3), Argentina, def. Robert Cash and James Tracy (14), United States, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3. Fabien Reboul and Sadio Doumbia (12), France, def. Tomas Martin Etcheverry and Camilo Ugo Carabelli, Argentina, 7-6 (7), 6-7 (6), 6-1. Christian Harrison, United States, and Neal Skupski (6), Britain, def. Botic Van de Zandschulp and Tallon Griekspoor, Netherlands, 5-0, ret. Luke Johnson, Britain, and Jan Zielinski, Poland, def. John-Patrick Smith, Australia and Adam Pavlasek, Czechia, 6-3, 6-4. Women’s Doubles Second Round Zhang Shuai, China, and Elise Mertens (4), Belgium, def. Victoria Mboko, Canada, and Iva Jovic, United States, 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (10). Women’s Doubles Third Round Taylor Townsend, United States, and Katerina Siniakova (1), Czechia, def. Miyu (1994) Kato, Japan, and Fanny Stollar (15), Hungary walkover. Eri Hozumi, Japan, and Fang-Hsien Wu, Taiwan, def. Demi Schuurs, Netherlands, and Ellen Perez (8), Australia, 6-2, 6-2. Gabriela Dabrowski,

Rose, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2008 NBA draft, went from being Rookie of the Year to an AllStar to NBA MVP in his first three seasons. He remains the league’s youngest MVP winning it when he was 22.

A major knee injury during the 2012 playoffs forced him to miss almost two full seasons and he contemplated stepping away from the game several times following other injury issues.

Rose averaged 17.4 points and 5.2 assists in 723 regular-season games. He averaged 21 points per game before the ACL tear 12 years ago and 15.1 per game in the seasons that followed. But he doesn’t dwell on what might have been. At 37, Rose is more focused on his family and business interests, like an online flower shop and employing people from the city Or his work promoting participation in chess, particularly among at-rise youngsters He’s not all that interested in working in basketball.

“Everybody thinks the the path or the motif was, ‘All right, after you get done, you gotta go back and be around basketball,’” he said. “I didn’t want that. I wanted to curate things or be in lanes that nobody was in. Coming from Chicago, when you tend to enter lanes that people are in, you step on toes and certain things can happen.

“So with me having that in mind, I wanted curate things so that I don’t have to worry about any competition.”

“The next stop, in my opinion, is the Hall of Fame and there is no doubt about that,” he said. This isn’t the first time the team honored Rose. The Bulls did it when they played New York on Jan. 4, 2025, symbolizing the date as well as the numbers he wore with the Bulls as well as the Knicks and Chicago’s Simeon Career Academy That same day, the Bulls announced they would retire Rose’s jersey

Martinez, United States, and Cristina Bucsa (9), Spain, 6-4, 6-3. Aleksandra Krunic, Serbia, and Anna Danilina (7), Kazakhstan,

7-5. Anna Danilina, Kazakhstan, and James Tracy, United States, def. Olivia Nicholls and Henry Patten (7), Britain, 6-2, 6-3. Aleksandra Krunic, Serbia, and Mate Pavic (5), Croatia, def. Matthew Ebden and Talia Gibson, Australia, 7-6 (2), 0-6, 10-6. Matthew Christopher Romios and Maya Joint, Australia, def. Gabriela Dabrowski, Canada, and Luke Johnson, Britain, 6-2, 6-7 (2), 10-7. Mixed Doubles Third Round John Peers and Olivia Gadecki, Australia, def. Edouard Roger-Vasselin, France, and Laura Siegemund, Germany, 6-3, 3-6, 10-5. Marcelo Arevalo,

assoCIateD Press PHoto By Matt MartoN

Former Chicago Bulls player Derrick rose, left, fist bumps fans before a game against the Boston Celtics on saturday in Chicago. rose’s jersey was retired after the Bulls’ win saturday

assoCIateD Press PHoto By DIta aLaNGKara

Carlos alcaraz of spain plays a backhand return to tommy Paul of the U.s. during their fourth-round match at the australian open on sunday in Melbourne, australia.

AS SCREENS BLUR THELINEBETWEEN WORK ANDHOME, SOME PEOPLE ARESLOWING DOWN ANDDISCONNECTING BY LOOKINGTO COMMUNICATION DEVICES FROM THEPAST

BY CHEYANNE MUMPHREY | associated Press

At atime when productivitymeans optimizing every second and screens blurthe linebetween work and home, somepeople are slowing down and disconnecting bylooking to communication devices from the past

Tactile activities rangingfrom writing letters andtypewriter clubs to TikTok communities showcasingcalligraphy skills and wax seals are giving retro writing instruments aresurgence. Morethan quaint throwbacks,the pursuits provide their enthusiastswith opportunities to reduce their technologyuse, be moreintentionalwith time and build meaningful connections with others.

Ultrasound technology showspromise in clearing plaque buildup

“I feel as though my penpalsare my friends. Idon’t think of them much differently than if Iwerechatting withafriend on the phone, in a coffee shop or at another person’s house,” said Melissa Bobbitt, 42, adevoted letter-writerwho corresponds with aboutadozen peoplefrom her home in Claremont, California,and hashad up to 40 pen pals at one time “Focusing on one personand really reading what they are saying, and sharingwhat’s on your heartisalmostlike atherapy session.”

ä see ANALOG, page 6C

HarryStylesannounces 2026 global tour

BY MARIA SHERMAN

cies. During his “Love on Tour” in 2022, he did a15-night stint at Madison Square Garden, which Ticketmaster labeled “the highest-grossing single engagement in the venue’shistory.” The “Together,Together” tour news arrivesaweek after Styles revealed his long-awaited, fourth studio album will arrive March 6.

ä see STYLES, page 6C

Is there nowultrasound technology that can clear the brain of abnormal amyloid plaquesinAlzheimer’sdisease?

The formation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles are thought to contribute to the degradation of the nerve cells, or neurons, in the brain and the subsequent symptomsofAlzheimer’sdisease. One of the biggest markers of Alzheimer’sdisease is the accumulation of amyloid plaques between these nerve cells in the brain. Amyloid is ageneral term forthe protein fragments that the body produces normally.Abeta-amyloid is asticky protein fragmentthat has been cut from an amyloid precursor protein (APP). In the brain of ahealthy individual, these protein fragments are broken downand eliminated, but in Alzheimer’s disease, the fragments accumulate to form hard, insoluble plaques.

Researchers at the Queensland Brain Institute in Australia have been studying ultrasound technology to clear the amyloid plaques. The technique usesa particular type of ultrasound called a “focusedtherapeutic ultrasound,”whichnoninvasively beams sound wavesinto the brain tissue.The fast oscillations of sound wavesgently open up the blood brain barrier, the layerofthe brain that protectsitagainst bacteria andstimulatesthe brain’s microglial cells to activate. These microglial cells are basically waste-removal cells, so theyare able to remove the beta-amyloid clumps thatare responsible for the hallmark symptoms of Alzheimer’sdisease.

The study found that by using this ultrasound technology on test mice, a75% memory function wasfully restored, with zero damage to the surrounding brain tissue. Researchers found that the treated mice displayed improved performance in three memory tasks: amaze, new object recognition, and atest to get the mice to remember the places they should avoid.

Researchers werepleased with early outcomes to the new innovative, non-drug therapeutic approach to finding prevention or cure forthe disease. While using the term “breakthrough” is cautionary,the researchers did feel that the outcome of the study fundamentally changes the understanding of how to treat the disease.

While the use of ultrasound technology is avery promising method to treat the disease, moreresearch and study need to be performed.

Dana Territo is an Alzheimer’sadvocate and authorof“What My Grandchildren Taught Me About Alzheimer’sDisease.” She hosts “The Memory Whisperer.” Email her at thememorywhisperer@gmail. com.

Getty IMaGes ILLUstratIoN

Thedifferencebetween acoldand the flu

Dear Doctors: My wife started getting sick afew days before Halloween. We were worried that it was going to turn into abad respiratoryillness, but it stayed in her nose and throat. That’sa common cold, right? Why is havinga cold so different from when you get the flu?

Dr.Elizabeth Ko

Dr.Eve Glazier asK tHe DoCtors

Dear reader: Both of the illnesses you mention in your letter —the flu and acold —fall into thebroad category of upper respiratory infections. Because different types of viruses cause each one, the body’sresponse can vary alot The flu can cause serious illness and can lead to hospitalization and even death. The common cold,by comparison, is shorter in duration, with symptoms that arenot as bad. Having acold isn’t funby anymeans, butit’snot aserious threat to health. To understand why, we need to take acloser look at themicrobes involved. Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is caused by specific subtypes of the influenzavirus. Most often this is influenza Aand influenza B. Thefluhitshard and fast due to the nature of the influenza virus. People shed theinfluenza

TODAYINHISTORY

By the associated Press

Today is Monday,Jan. 26, the 26th day of 2026. There are339 days left in the year

Todayinhistory:

On Jan. 26, 2020, NBA legend Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and sevenothers were killedwhentheir helicopter plunged into asteep hillside in dense fog in Southern California; the former Lakers star was 41. Also on this date: In 1887, groundbreaking began for the construction of the Eiffel Tower;the tower would be completed

ANALOG

Continued from page5C

Ink, paper and other tools that once were the onlyway to send amessage from afar are continuing to bring people together from around the world. Below,some of them explain the appeal of snail mail and giverecommendations for getting started.

Writingcan be an escape In asociety shaped by constant availability,hands-on hobbies like writing letters and scrapbooking require focus and patience. The act of picking up apen, sealing an envelope with wax and laying out pages may yield aesthetically pleasing results, but it also createsa space for reflection.

Stephania Kontopanos, a 21-year-old student in Chicago, said it can be hard to put her phone and computer away,especiallywhenit seems all of her friends and peers are on social media and her classes and personal life revolve around being online

“There are times when I’m with my friends and at dinner,I’ll realize we are all on our phones,” Kontopanos said, adding that shetries to put her phone downatthose moments.

Kontopanos alsounplugs consciously by sending postcards to her family and friends, scrapbooking, and junk journaling, which involves repurposing everyday materials like tickets and receipts to document memories or ideas. She says going to the post office has become an activity she does with her mother back home in Kansas and includes sharing stories with the postal workers, people she would not have routinely encountered.

Fosteringcommunity

Writing and sending letters is nostalgic for KiKi Klassen, who lives in Ontario, Canada.The 28-year-old says it helps her feelmore connected to her late mother,who was amember of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers, which represents mail carriers and other postal employees.

In October 2024, Klassen launched the Lucky Duck Mail Club, asubscriptionbased monthly mail service

virus through dropletsprimarily spread by coughing or sneezing. When others inhale thefluvirus, it absorbs through their mucous membranes. Then thefluvirus penetrates deep intothe tissues that line the airways. The virus can evade early immune detection by shielding itself from the sentinel cells of the immune system. By thetime the immune system finds this invader,the viral infection has grown, so the body triggers apowerful inflammatory responsetofight it The common cold, by contrast, is amilder infection. Symptoms usually start gradually over a day or two. Colds are mostoften caused by rhinoviruses. These viruses tendtostay in theupper airways and trigger fewer and

less intense immune responses. The immune system also recognizes theinfection earlier,sothe body has aslower and moremeasured inflammatory response.

An interesting fact: There are several types of rhinovirus that can cause the common cold. That’swhy it’spossible to have two colds in arow.You aren’t catching the samecold twice, but respondingtotwo separate rhinoviruses.

Medical care for acold and the flu also differ.Treatment for acold focuses on managing your symptoms.Usually,over-the-counter meds help ease pain and relieve sinus and nasal congestion. Getting plentyofrest helps, as does drinking lots of fluids to replace what the body uses to produce mucus.

For amild case of the flu, asimilar treatment, along with cough medicine, can be enough. But for serious flu symptoms, you want to check with your doctor.They mayrecommend aprescription of antiviral medications. Starting these medications in the first two days of an influenza infection can shorten the illness. If someone with the flu has worsening symptoms, including chest pain or high fever,they should seek immediate medical care.

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

Reader sounds off on cursive

just over two years later In 1905, theCullinan Diamond,at 3,106 carats thelargest diamondever found,was discovered in SouthAfrica.

In 1998, President Bill Clintonforcefully denied having an affairwith aformer White House intern, telling reporters, “I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Miss Lewinsky.” In 2023, Israeli forces killedatleastnine Palestinians and woundedseveral othersinalarge-scaleraid on theJenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank, the deadliest singleopera-

tioninthe territory in two decades.

Today’sbirthdays: Actor David Strathairn is 77. Football Hall of Famer Jack Youngblood is 76. Singer-songwriter Lucinda Williams is 73. Singer Anita Baker is 68. Hockey Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky is 65. Musician Andrew Ridgeley (Wham!) is 63. Gospel singer Kirk Franklin is 56. Actor Gilles Marini is 50. Basketball Hall of Famer Vince Carter is 49. Actor Sara Rue is 47. Race car driver Sergio Pérez is 36. Prowrestler Mercedes Moné is 34. Actor Joseph Quinnis32.

assoCIateD Press FILe PHotosByCHarLes KrUPa Penpal letters aredisplayedoutsidethe sullivan County HealthCarenursing home in Unity,N.H., in 2020.

that sends participants a piece of herart,aninspiring quote and message. Shesays her membership includes more than 1,000 people across,atmost, 36countries.

“When Isit down, I’m forced to reflect and choose my words carefully,” Klassen said. “It also lends itself to vulnerability because it is easier to write down how you are feeling. I’ve had people writemeback and I’ve cried hearing so many touching stories. Ithink for alot of people paper creates asafe space. Youwrite it down, senditoff and don’t really think aboutitafter.”

ForBobbitt, who has corresponded by mail for years, there is a“grand excitement” when she opens her mailbox and finds something that is not abill or advertisement.

“Ifweall filled eachother’s mailboxes with letters, we would all be kinder and, at the very least,won’tdreadchecking ourmailboxes,”she said.

Bobbitt saysshe first joined apen palclubinsecondor third grade and later was connected to more writers through Postcrossing,anonline project that partnerspeople around theworldtosend and receive postcards. She says some of the postcards turnedintoletters as friendships grew between her and some other regular writers. It’sasimilar feelingof connection that inspired DJ Robert Owoyele, 34, to create CAYA,amonthly “analog gathering” in Dallas. Owoyele launched the event less than ayear ago and has since organized evenings with letter writing,coloring, vinyl listening sessions and other activities.

“Welive in adigitalage that fosters afalse senseofconnection, but Ithink truecon-

nectionhappens in person,” he said. “Whenweare able to touch or see something, we are more connected to it naturally.These analog activities are arepresentation of that.”

Howtoget started

Whilewritingletters and engaging in other vintage pursuitsmight seem accessible, it is not alwayseasy to get involved. For many people, carving outtimeto slow down can feel like another obligation in aschedule filled withto-dos.

Kontopanos says she decideditwas importantfor hertoreprioritize her time.

“The older Iget, themore I realize how much time had been wasted on my phone,” shesaid. Creating spaceto explore allowed her to discover thehobbiesshe loved doing enough to make them apriority, she said.

There are manyhobbies to consider,some of which don’trequire expensive tools or hours of freetime. Frequenting spaces where communities centered around these hobbies gather can be away to learn about thedifferent activities.For example,participating in typewriter clubs such as Type Pals,attending events like the Los Angeles Printers Fair hosted by theInternational Printing Museum in California, andengaging with social media communitieslike the WaxSeal Guild on Instagram andThe Calligraphy Hub on Facebook

Klassen says thatbased on postsshe’sseeing on her social media feeds, reviving vintage writing instruments and small tactile pleasures might be on the verge of becoming trendy “The girls aregoinganalog in 2026,” she said.

Dear Heloise: Ijust have to comment about the lack of needing to teach cursive writing in the letter as described by the retired educator from Montana. No wonder our country is in such sad shape with this kind of thinking. When you can’tread cursive writing, you cannot read important papers that were written by our Founding Fathers, as well as many other past important papers. All family histories are written in cursive by thegenerations of the past.

Iunderstand that Ken Burns is producing adocumentaryseries on the Revolutionary War. How in the world would he have been able to get all this information without being able to read cursive? Adumbanswer tothis question is to “Google it ”Someone who could read cursive might have put this info into Google, but you don’tknow if they got it right An additional benefit

to cursive writing is the development of fine-motor skills —not like driving a car but being able to use your hands/fingers to hold small items and perform tasks like using ascrewdriver,using nail clippers, etc. …The list can go on and on. It’s hard to stop my indignation regarding thelack of needing to learn cursive writing

—Brenda R.,in Fremont,Nebraska

Brenda, Ifind it avery lazy approach to teaching, and judging from the letters we get here in our offices, so do most schoolteachers, parents and students. It’s asimple skill, and if teachers can’t teach it or aren’tallowed to teach it, then parents need to step in and teach their children how to write cursive. —Heloise Heatingpad warmsfood

Dear Heloise: Last week, I madebiscuits and muffins to take to asenior morning group. Iwanted them to stay warm, but Ididn’t

have aheating tray,soI took along aheating pad. I set the pad on high, and the muffins stayed warmbeautifully! Ilove reading your hints here in Connecticut. —Mary, via email Mary,this is aclever idea. We all must have a number of itemsathome that serve double duty Readers, write to me and let me know what you use that does morethan it was designed to do. —Heloise Forwhomthe bell tolls

Dear Heloise: Ienjoy reading your column daily Regarding the letter about “recognizing friends versus foes,” Ionly have asmartphone now.I attach aname to each of my friends’, family members’ or favorite business’ phone number.When my phone rings, Ijust have to look at whothe caller is. Having a

Hints from Heloise

Titled “Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally,” the album is Styles’

AQuARIus (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Rearrange and movethings around to better accommodate your plans. Put some thought intomoney management and how you use your skills for your personal benefit.

PIscEs (Feb. 20-March 20) Change that you make for the right reasons will benefit you. Don't let ego or emotions drive your decisions.Take careof businessfirsthand forbestresults.

ARIEs(March 21-April 19) Emotional situations will arise if you setunreasonable expectations or try to help someone who isn't willing to help themselves. Otherswill be too eager to take advantage of you if you let them.

TAuRus (April20-May20) Taking on too much will tax you mentally and physically. Rearrange your space to make life easier, and adjust your routineto ensure you have enough time to rest and rejuvenate.

GEMInI (May 21-June 20) Study and plan, and execute your nextmove. If possible, asecretive approach is favored. Follow your heart. Don't be in ahurry to announceyourself or your intentions.

cAncER(June 21-July 22) Put alittle elbow grease into the mix, andyou'll reach your goal. Discipline and hard workwill lead to results you can be proud of. Avoid emotional spending or paying for someone else's mistake

LEO(July 23-Aug. 22) Keep your eyes fixated on what's meaningful.Put relationships first and refusetolet outsid-

ers interfere with your personal life. When in doubt, observe. Time is on your side.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-sept. 22) Learning is your path to positive change. Consider whatmakes you happy and head in that direction. Gravitatetowardpeoplewho share yourbeliefs.

LIBRA (sept.23-Oct.23) Putinextra hours, work from home and promote a productiveweek. Make plans to incorporateahealthy schedule, including time forexercise and to address your dietary needs.

scORPIO(Oct. 24-nov. 22) Reserve judgment. Take the time to observe and consider situations fully. Your perspective about what's right for youmay notsit well with those facing similar situations.

sAGITTARIus (nov. 23-Dec. 21) Walk away from disruptive situations. Put your time,energy and thoughtinto work-related matters, investments and pursuitsthat offer the highest returns.

cAPRIcORn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Pay attention to detail, use your skills creatively andfocus on domestic issues to maintain acalm and productive environment. How you nurture your mind, body and soul will determine how your dayunfolds

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

FAMILY CIrCUS

Sudoku

InstructIons: Sudokuis anumber-placing puzzle basedona9x9 grid with several given numbers. The object is to place the numbers 1to9 in the empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once. The difficulty level of the Sudoku increases from Monday to Sunday

Saturday’sPuzzle Answer

BLondie

BaBY BLueS

Hi and LoiS

By PHILLIP ALDER Bridge

In 2013, this deal was chosen by the International Bridge Press Association panel for itsKeri Klinger Memorial Declarer Playofthe Year award

Appropriately, it was played by the top-ranked player in theworld, Fulvio Fantoni. He was born in Italy,but now represents Monaco. The journalist prize went to Toine van Hoof from the Netherlands.

How did Fantoni makesix heartsafter West led theclub queen to declarer’s ace?

Fantunes (as Fantoni and hispartner ClaudioNunes,areknown)playanunusualsysteminwhichone-levelopeningbids arenatural and unlimited. North’s threeheart raisewas pre-emptive. Eastthen producedarevealing takeoutdouble.

South made two control-bids(cue-bids), andNorth jumped to theslam.

Fantoni felt that East had 4-0-5-4 or 4-04-5distribution with thefourhonors he actually held. Trusting his reading of the position, at tricktwo, Fantoni played a low heart to dummy’s seven!

When East discarded adiamond, declarer continued with the club 10, pitching adiamond from his hand. West wonwith his jack and returned atrump. South won with dummy’s 10 andled the clubnine,coveredbythekingandruffed with theheart queen. Then two rounds of trumps ending on theboard squeezed East, notthatitmattered Declarer discarded adiamond anda spade on theeight and six of clubs before taking themarked spade finesse to land his slam. Terrific. ©2026 by NEA, Inc., dist. By AndrewsMcMeel Syndication

wuzzles

Each Wuzzle is aword riddlewhichcreates adisguised word, phrase, name, place, saying, etc. For example: NOONGOOD =GOOD AFTERNOON

Previous answers:

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,”

TODAy’s WORD ITALIcs: eye-TAL-iks: Atype style with slanted characters.

Average

Bizarro

hagar the horriBle

Pearls Before swiNe

garfield

B.C. PiCKles