The Times-Picayune 02-15-2026

UPTOWN:

l Okeanos, 11 a.m.

l Mid-City, Noon

l Thoth, Noon

l Bacchus, 5:15p.m.

METAIRIE:

l Athena, 5:30 p.m.

Freshman applications breaking records at LSU

Andmostofthem arefromout of state, officialssay

BY HALEY MILLER Staff writer

In the past decade,the number of students applying to LSUhas nearly tripled —and the number of applicants from out of statehas soared.

More than 62,000 potential incoming freshmen have applied this cycle, university officials say, compared with 29,000 in 2020.

While the poolofapplicants swells, so doesthe proportion of out-of-state students interested in becoming Tigers. Astaggering 82% of applications came from non-Louisiana residents,upfrom 49% in 2017.

“Thatisatrend across all institution types, whetherit’sa regional, public or aflagship, even private institutions, seeing more students choose to come to the Southeast than ever before,” LSU Vice President for Enrollment Management Emmett Brown said. “This region, in general, is growing. We happen to both be the type of institution that’sgrown the most butalso in a regionthat’sindemand.”

Officials say LSU benefits from a confluence of factors which might help it head off the dreaded “demographic cliff” that is worrying other universities as the number of high schoolgraduates in the

ä See LSU, page 7A

BESTINTHROW

‘The culturekid’

Ayounger generation stepsintoelaborate costuming,dancing traditions of MardiGrasIndians

BY JENNA ROSS Staff writer

Afterschoolwas out, band practice over and dinner eaten, Horace Xand his 11-year-old son Hayden pulledout their canvasses and began to bead It was four weeks until MardiGras, and they were behind.

ABOVE: The Krewe of Endymion riders makethrows during the parade on CanalStreet on Saturday. ‘American Songbook’ is thethemefor theparade with 3,250 riderson38floats by KernStudios

LEFT: The crowd reaches for throws at theEndymion parade

STAFFPHOTOSByENAN CHEDIAK

“Start with the green, son,” Horace said, tapping on asmall container of greensequins Thepairofintricately beaded, dramatically plumed suitsthey wore lastyear stood tall in the living room’scorners, eggingthem on. Horace and Hayden are spy boys of the Creole Wild West andkeepers of theMardi Gras Indian tradition, leading the procession of the oldest Mardi Gras Indian

ä See TRADITIONS, page 8A

SpyboyHayden

‘Trouble’ X, of the Creole Wild West Black masking Indians, beads abirddesign for hissuitathis home in New OrleansonJan. 27.

STAFF PHOTO By

SOPHIA GERMER

Russia poisoned Navalny with frog toxin, U.K. says Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny was poisoned with a deadly toxin found in the skin of Ecuador dart frogs, the U.K.’s foreign office said on Saturday

The toxin — epibatidine — was found in samples from Navalny’s body and “highly likely resulted in his death,” according to a statement issued by U.K. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper at the Munich Security Conference.

“Only the Russian state had the means, motive and opportunity to deploy this lethal toxin to target Navalny during his imprisonment in a Russian penal colony in Siberia, and we hold it responsible for his death,” the statement said.

Navalny, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s most prominent opponent, died in February 2024 at the age of 47 in a camp where he was serving a 19-year sentence for extremism. His supporters and Western governments blamed the Kremlin for his death.

The joint statement made with Sweden, France, the Netherlands and Germany — said Russia had “brazenly” developed and deployed the poison in violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention.

Four new astronauts arrive at space station

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — The International Space Station returned to full strength with Saturday’s arrival of four new astronauts to replace colleagues who bailed early because of health concerns

SpaceX delivered the American, French and Russian astronauts a day after launching them from Cape Canaveral.

Last month’s medical evacuation was NASA’s first in 65 years of human spaceflight. One of the four astronauts launched by SpaceX last summer suffered what officials described as a serious health issue, prompting their hasty return. That left only three crew members to keep the place running — one American and two Russians prompting NASA to pause spacewalks and trim research.

Moving in for eight to nine months are NASA’s Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, France’s Sophie Adenot and Russia’s Andrei Fedyaev Meir, a marine biologist, and Fedyaev a former military pilot, have lived up there before During her first station visit in 2019, Meir took part in the first all-female spacewalk. Adenot, a military helicopter pilot, is only the second French woman to fly in space. Hathaway is a captain in the U.S. Navy

Another alleged drug boat struck, killing 3

WASHINGTON The U.S. military said Friday that it has carried out another deadly strike on a vessel accused of trafficking drugs in the Caribbean Sea.

U.S. Southern Command said on social media that the boat “was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Caribbean and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations.” It said the strike killed three people A video linked to the post shows a boat moving through the water before exploding in flames.

Friday’s attack raises the death toll from the Trump administration’s strikes on alleged drug boats to 133 people in at least 38 attacks carried out since early September in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared last week that “some top cartel drugtraffickers” in the region “have decided to cease all narcotics operations INDEFINITELY due to recent (highly effective) kinetic strikes in the Caribbean.” However, Hegseth did not provide any details or information to back up this claim, made in a post on his personal account on social media.

President Donald Trump has said the U.S. is in “armed conflict” with cartels in Latin America and has justified the attacks as a necessary escalation to stem the flow of drugs. But his administration has offered little evidence to support its claims of killing “narcoterrorists.”

TSA again working without pay

Airport security caught up in Homeland Security shutdown

BY RIO YAMAT AP airlines and travel writer

A shutdown of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that took effect early Saturday impacts the agency responsible for screening passengers and bags at airports across the country Travelers with airline reservations may be nervously recalling a 43day government shutdown that led to historic flight cancellations and long delays last year

Transportation Security Administration officers are expected to work without pay while lawmakers remain without an agreement on DHS’ annual funding. TSA officers also worked through the record shutdown that ended Nov 12, but aviation experts say this one may play out differently

Trade groups for the U.S. travel industry and major airlines nonetheless warned that the longer DHS appropriations are lapsed, the longer security lines at the nation’s commercial airports could get Funding for Homeland Security expired at midnight. But the rest of the federal government is funded through Sept. 30. That means air traffic controllers employed by the Federal Aviation Administration will receive paychecks as usual, reducing the risk of widespread flight cancellations.

According to the department’s contingency plan, about 95% of TSA workers are deemed essential personnel and required to keep working. Democrats in the House and Senate say DHS won’t get funded until new restrictions are placed on federal immigration

operations.

During past shutdowns, disruptions to air travel tended to build over time, not overnight. About a month into last year’s shutdown, for example, TSA temporarily closed two checkpoints at Philadelphia International Airport. That same day, the government took the extraordinary step of ordering all commercial airlines to reduce their domestic flight schedules.

John Clark, arriving at Detroit Metropolitan Airport from a business trip in Mississippi, said he was impacted by that earlier shutdown and is worried.

“You might not be able to get home if you’re already out, or it might delay if you worked all week and you’re trying to get home,” said Clark, who frequently travels for his job balancing machines.

Canada’s PM, opposition leader hold hands at vigil

BY JIM MORRIS and ROB GILLIES Associated Press

VANCOUVER, British Columbia Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and the country’s main opposition leader held hands Friday as they paid tribute to the victims of one of the worst mass shootings in the country’s history at a vigil in a devastated British Columbia town.

Carney and Opposition Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre joined hands as an Indigenous leader sang a prayer outside the town hall in Tumbler Ridge.

Carney and Poilievre also spoke. The prime minister named each of the six people killed at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and said the mother and brother of the shooter who were killed also “deserve to be mourned.”

Authorities said the 18-year-old alleged shooter, identified as Jesse Van Rootselaar killed her 39-year-old mother, Jennifer Jacobs, and 11-year-old stepbrother, Emmett Jacobs, in their home on Tuesday before heading to the nearby Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and opening fire, killing five children and an educator before killing herself.

Carney said he sat with people who are “living through something no one should ever have to endure.”

“When you wake up tomorrow, and the world feels impossible, know that millions of Canadians are with you. When the cameras leave and the quiet sets in — know that we will still be here,” Carney said.

A crowd of hundreds attended the vigil. Some held photos of loved ones they lost Carney said the community has always

been defined by people caring for each other “And when the unimaginable happened on Tuesday, you were there again. First responders at the school within two minutes. Teachers shielding their children,” he said.

Poilievre commended Carney for his “tremendous grace.” Canada’s political leaders flew from Ottawa together British Columbia Premier David Eby said the students of the school won’t ever have to return to the building if they don’t want to.

“I will promise that not one of you will ever be forced to go back to that school. We will provide a safe place for you to go back to school,” Eby said.

Authorities on Thursday identified those killed at the school as Kylie Smith, Abel Mwansa, Zoey Benoit and Ticaria Lampert, all age 12, as well as 13-year-old Ezekiel Schofield and assistant teacher Shannda Aviugana-Durand, 39. Maya Gebala, 12, who was wounded in the head and neck, and Paige Hoekstra, 19, who also suffered bullet wounds, remain hospitalized in Vancouver

Dwayne McDonald, the deputy commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in British Columbia, said earlier Friday that the alleged shooter did not appear to be searching for a specific target at the school.

“This suspect was, for lack of a better term, hunting,” McDonald said. “They were prepared and engaging anybody and everybody they could come in contact with.”

Four guns were seized, two from the family home and two from the school, he said.

Rio police in costume arrest phone thieves

By The Associated Press

RIO DE JANEIRO Rio de Janeiro police officers kitted themselves out as thieves from the series “Money Heist” and as Jason Voorhees from the “Friday the 13th” horror movie franchise to blend in with crowds celebrating Carnival and catch criminals stealing cellphones. Carnival officially kicked off on Friday in Rio, and for many revelers participating in the megalopolis’ raucous, dazzling street parties, one of the biggest concerns is holding on to their phones — as thefts are all too common.

To tackle this phenomenon, officers in the Santa Teresa neighborhood Friday donned costumes to fly under thieves’ radar The undercover agents noticed a woman snatching a cellphone from someone’s hand, followed her and saw her hand the device to an accomplice,

Rio’s civil police said in a statement Saturday Police arrested the pair and found five cellphones in their possession. That wasn’t the first time Brazilian police officers wearing costumes have sought to mingle with the crowds during festivities to catch wrongdoers. Last Sunday police officers dressed as characters from “Ghostbusters” caught a woman with 12 cellphones stolen in downtown Sao Paulo. A day prior, officers in alien outfits caught a man with three phones hidden under his clothing.

Cellphone thefts have declined overall in Brazil, according to the 2025 annual report by the Brazilian Forum on Public Safety think-tank. They dropped from approximately 980,000 per year in 2022 to some 850,000 in 2024. But fear of both armed robberies and discreet pocketing of cellphones remains high.

“It’s really bad.” John Rose, chief risk officer for global travel management company Altour, said strains could surface at airports more quickly this time because the TSA workforce also will be remembering the last shutdown. “It’s still fresh in their minds and potentially their pocketbooks,” Rose said.

It’s hard to predict whether, when or where security screening snags might pop up. Even a handful of unscheduled TSA absences could quickly lead to longer wait times at smaller airports, for example, if there’s just a single security checkpoint. At the airport, Rose said, remember to “practice patience and empathy.”

“Not only are they not getting paid,” he said of TSA agents, “they’re probably working with reduced staff and dealing with angry travelers.”

At least 3 detained in Guthrie case, but still no arrests made

BY BRIAN NIEMIETZ New york Daily News (TNS)

Heavy police activity in Tucson, Arizona, late Friday night resulted in at least three people being detained in connection to Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance, but ended without any arrests. Two individuals a man and a woman — were taken out of a Pima County home during an operation involving a SWAT team, according to News Nation.

More than a dozen vehicles, including those from SWAT and forensics, were seen at the residence roughly 2 miles from Guthrie’s home. Investigators were said to have spent several hours searching the property The Pima County Sheriff’s Department confirmed on Saturday that a federal court-ordered search warrant was carried out at the home and was “based on a lead” received by detectives.

Sheriff Chris Nanos told local CBS affiliate KOLD 13 that there were no signs of Guthrie at the residence

and no arrests were made. A third person of interest was simultaneously detained in connection with the case during a traffic stop in the parking lot of a nearby restaurant. The male driver was cooperative and later released, Nanos said. What led law enforcement to those three individuals wasn’t clear on Saturday The PCSD did not provide details on the lead they received, saying the FBI requested that no further information be publicly shared. The late-night activity came just hours after authorities revealed that DNA collected from Guthrie’s property didn’t belong to her or those in close contact with her During an appearance on CNN Saturday morning, TMZ founder Harvey Levin said he’d been unable to confirm if the DNA was a factor in the detainments. However, he did say a law enforcement source told him the ransom notes and reward demands received by his outlet were “not the trigger.”

CANADIAN PRESS PHOTO By CHRISTINNE MUSCHI

Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney and his wife Diana Fox Carney place flowers at a memorial for the victims of a mass shooting Friday in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia.

Rubio’s speech to European allies takes softer tone

BY MATTHEW LEE, EMMA BURROWS and GEIR MOULSON Associated Press

MUNICH U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio offered a reassuring message to America’s allies on Saturday, striking a less aggressive but still firm tone about the administration’s intent to reshape the transAtlantic alliance and push its priorities after more than a year of President Donald Trump’s often-hostile rhetoric toward traditional allies.

Reminding his audience at the annual Munich Security Conference about America’s centuries-long roots in Europe, Rubio said the United States would remain forever tied to the continent even as it pushes for changes in the relationship and the institutions that have been the bulwark of the post-World War II world order

Rubio addressed the conference a year after Vice President JD Vance stunned the same audience with a harsh critique of European values. A series of Trump administration statements and moves targeting allies followed, including Trump’s short-lived threat last month to impose new tariffs on sev-

eral European countries in a bid to secure U.S. control of Greenland, a semiautonomous territory of NATO ally Denmark.

On Friday German Chancellor Friedrich Merz had opened this year’s gathering by calling for the U.S. and Europe to “repair and revive trans-Atlantic trust together,” saying that even the U.S. isn’t powerful enough to go it alone in an world whose old order no longer exists. But he and other European officials made clear that they will stand by their values, including their approach to free speech, climate change and free trade.

While offering a calmer and more reassuring tone, Rubio made clear that the Trump administration is sticking to its guns on policy He denounced “a climate cult” and “an unprecedented wave of mass migration that threatens the cohesion of our societies.”

Rubio argued that the “euphoria” of the Western victory in the Cold War led to a “dangerous delusion that we had entered ‘the end of history,’ that every nation would now be a liberal democracy, that the ties formed by trade and by commerce alone would now replace nationhood and that we would now live in a world without borders where everyone became a citizen of the world.”

“We made these mistakes together and now together

we owe it to our people to face those facts and to move forward to rebuild,” Rubio said.

“This is why President Trump demands seriousness and reciprocity from our friends here in Europe.”

Rubio said that an end of the trans-Atlantic era “is neither our goal nor our wish,” adding that “our home may be in the Western Hemisphere, but we will always be a child of Europe.”

He acknowledged that “we have bled and died sideby-side on battlefields from Kapyong to Kandahar,” a contrast with disparaging remarks by Trump about NATO allies’ troops in Afghanistan that drew an outcry “And I’m here today to make it clear that America is charting the path for a new century of prosperity and that once again, we want to do it together with you, our cherished allies and our oldest friends.”

The president of the European Union’s executive commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said Rubio’s speech was “very reassuring” but noted that “in the administration, some have a harsher tone on these topics.”

In her speech to the conference, she stressed that “Europe must become more independent,” including on defense. She insisted on Europe’s “digital sovereignty” — its approach to hate speech on social media.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that “we shouldn’t get in the warm bath of complacency He said the U.K. must reforge closer ties with Europe to help the continent “stand on our own two feet” in its own defense, and said there needs to be investment that “moves us from overdependence to interdependence.”

Hanno Pevkur, the defense minister of EU and NATO member Estonia, said it was “quite a bold statement to say that America is ‘a child of Europe’.”

“It was a good speech needed here today, but that doesn’t mean that we can rest on pillows now,” he told The

Associated Press. “So still a lot of work has to be done.”

Rubio didn’t mention Greenland. After last month’s escalation over Trump’s designs on the Arctic island, the U.S., Denmark and Greenland started technical talks on an Arctic security deal.

The Secretary of State met briefly in Munich on Friday with the Danish and Greenlandic leaders, a meeting Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen described as constructive.

But Frederiksen suggested Saturday that although the dispute has cooled, she remains wary Asked whether the crisis has passed, she

replied: “No, unfortunately not. I think the desire from the U.S. president is exactly the same. He is very serious about this theme.” Asked whether she can put a price on Greenland, she responded “of course not,” adding that “we have to respect sovereign states and we have to respect people’s right for self-determination. And the Greenlandic people have been very clear, they don’t want to become Americans.”

BY SAMYA KULLAB, EMMA BURROWS and ELISE MORTON Associated Press

KYIV, Ukraine Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked his international allies for their support but suggested there were still questions remaining over the future security guarantees for his country

Speaking at the Munich Security Conference in Germany, Zelenskyy repeatedly thanked America n and European allies for helping Ukraine by providing air defense systems that protect infrastructure like power plants and “save lives.”

Previous U.S.-led efforts to find consensus on ending the war, most recently two rounds of talks in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, have failed to resolve difficult issues, such as the future of Ukraine’s Donbas industrial heartland that is largely occupied by Russian forces.

Later with reporters, Zelenskyy questioned how the concept of a free-trade zone proposed by the U.S. would work in the Donbas region which Russia insists Kyiv must give up in order

to get peace. He also said the Americans want peace as quickly as possible and that U.S. team wants to sign all the agreements on Ukraine at the same time whereas Ukraine wants guarantees over the country’s future security signed first Russian officials are opposed to any foreign troop presence in Ukraine, Zelenskyy suggested, because Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to have the opportunity to attack Ukraine again

Zelenskyy also said he was surprised that Moscow had replaced the head of its negotiating team before another round of U.S.-brokered talks and suggested the move was deliberately aimed at delaying negotiations

During negotiations, Russian officials have insisted Ukraine give up more territory in the east of the country to end the war But Zelenskyy told The Associated Press that it was “a little bit crazy” to suggest Ukraine withdraw from its own territory or exchange it

Thousands of Ukrainians have been killed defending the country’s Donbas region, he said, pointing out that 200,000 people also live there and it would not be acceptable to effectively hand them over to Russia. If Putin is given any opportunity for victory “we don’t

know what he will do next,”

Zelenskyy said.

Crownprinceurges worldtostand with people of Iran

About250,000 demonstratein Munich,350,000 in Toronto

BY STANISLAVHODINA Associated Press

MUNICH About 250,000 people demonstrated on Saturday against Iran’sgovernment on the sidelines of agathering of world leaders in Germany,police said, answering acall from Iran ’s exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi for cranked-up international pressureonTehran.

Banging drums and chanting for regime change, the giant and boisterous rally in Munich was partofwhat Pahlavi describedasa “global day of action” to support Iranians in the wake of deadly nationwide protests. He also called for demonstrations in Los Angeles and Toronto.

Policesaid in apost on X that the number of protesters reached some250,000,

more than the organizers had expected. “Change, change, regime

change”the huge crowd chanted, wavinggreenwhite-and-red flags with

lion andsun emblems. Iran used that flag before its 1979 Islamic Revolution that toppled the Pahlavi dynasty

At anews conference, Pahlavi warned of more deaths in Iran if “democracies stand by and watch” following Iran’sdeadly crackdownonprotesters last month.

“Wegatheratanhourof profound peril to ask: Will the world stand with the people of Iran?” he asked. He added that the survival of Iran’sgovernment “sends aclear signal to every bully: kill enough people and you stay in power.”

An estimated 350,000 people marched on the streets of Torontoaspartofthe Global Day of Action Rally, Toronto Police spokesperson Laura Brabant said.

At theMunich rally,demonstrators sported “Make Iran Great Again” red caps, mimicking the MAGA caps worn by U.S. President DonaldTrump’ssupporters.

Among those sporting the caps wasU.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, aRepublican from South Carolina whogave a speech to the crowd during whichhewas photographed holding up the headwear Many at therally waved placards showing Pahlavi, somethat called him aking. The sonofIran’sdeposed shah has been in exile for nearly 50 years but is trying to position himself as a player in Iran’sfuture.

The crowd chanted “Pahlavi for Iran,” and “democracy forIran” as drumsand cymbals sounded.

“Wehave huge hopes and (are) looking forward that the regimeisgoing to change hopefully,” said Daniyal Mohtashamian, a demonstrator who traveled from Zurich, in Switzerland, to speak for protesters inside Iran who faced repression.

“There is an internet blackout, andtheir voices are not going outside of Iran,” he said.

Iraniansecurityusesdragnet spanning thecountry to arrest protesters

BY AMIR-HUSSEIN RADJY Associated Press

CAIRO— The Iranian security agents came at 2a.m., pulling up in ahalf-dozen cars outside the home of the Nakhii family.They woke up the sleeping sisters, Nyushaand Mona,and forced them to givethe passwords for their phones. Then they took the two away

The women were accused of participating in the nationwide protests that shook Iran aweek earlier, afriendofthe pair told The Associated Press, speaking on condition of anonymity for her security as she described theJan.16 arrests. Such arrests have been happening for weeks following the government crackdown last month that crushed the protests calling forthe end of the country’stheocratic rule. Reports of raids on homes and workplaces havecome from major cities and rural towns alike, revealing adragnet thathas touched large swaths of Iranian

society University students, doctors, lawyers, teachers, actors, business owners,athletesand filmmakers have been swept up, as well as reformist figures close to President Masoud Pezeshkian.

They are often held incommunicado for days or weeks and prevented from contacting family members or lawyers, according to activists monitoring the arrests. Thathas left desperate relatives searching for their loved ones.

TheU.S.-based HumanRights Activists News Agency has put the number of arrests at more than 50,000. TheAPhas been unable to verify the figure. Trackingthe detainees has been difficult since Iranian authorities imposed an internet blackout, and reports leak out only with difficulty

Otheractivist groupsoutside Iran have alsobeen working to document the sweeps.

“Authorities continue to identify peopleand detainthem,” said Shiva Nazarahari,anorganizer with

one of those groups, the Committee forMonitoring the Status of Detained Protesters.

So far, thecommittee hasverified the names of more than2,200 people who were arrested, using direct reportsfrom families and a networkofcontactsonthe ground. The arrestees include 107 universitystudents, 82 children as young as 13, as well as 19 lawyers and 106 doctors.

Nazarahari said authorities have been reviewing municipal street cameras, store surveillance cameras and drone footage to track people whoparticipatedinthe protests to theirhomes or places of work, where they are arrested. The protests began in late December,triggered by anger over spiraling prices,and quicklyspread across thecountry.Theypeaked on Jan. 8and 9, when hundreds of thousands of people in more than 190citiesand townsacrossthe country took to thestreets Security forces responded by unleashing unprecedented vio-

lence. TheHuman Rights Activists News Agency hassofar counted morethan 7,000 dead and says the true number is farhigher.Iran’s governmentoffered its only death toll on Jan. 21, saying 3,117 people were killed. The theocracy has undercounted or not reported fatalities from past unrest.

Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejehi, ahard-line cleric whoheads Iran’s judiciary,became the face of the crackdown, labeling protesters “terrorists”and callingfor fasttracked punishments. Since then, “detentions have been very widespread because it’slikea wholesuffocation of society,” said one protester,reached by the AP in Gohardasht, amiddleclass area outside the Iranian capital. He said twoofhis relativesand three of hisbrother’sfriends were killedinthe first days of the crackdown, as well as several neighbors.

The Nakhii sisters, 25-year-old Nyusha and 37-year-old Mona, were first taken to Tehran’snotorious Evin prison, where they were

allowed to contact their parents, their friend said. Later,she said, they were moved to Qarchak, a women’sprison on the outskirts of Tehran where rights groups reported conditions that included overcrowding and lack of hygiene even before the crackdown. Despite thecrackdown,many civic groups continue to issue defiant statements.

Anational council representing schoolteachers urged families to speak out about detained children andstudents. “Do notfear the threats of security forces. Refer to independent counsel. Make your children’snames public,” it said in astatement.

Aspokesmanfor thecouncil said Sunday that it has documented the deaths of at least 200 minors who werekilledinthe crackdown. That figure is up several dozen from the count just days before.

“Every day we tell ourselves this is the last list,” Mohammad Habibi wrote on X. “But thenextmorning, new names arrive again.”

BY OLGA R. RODRIGUEZ Associated Press

SAN FRANCISCO Ajudge declared amistrial Friday in the case of fivecurrent and former StanfordUniversity studentscharged after pro-Palestinian protests in 2024,whenthey barricaded themselves inside the university president and provostexecutiveoffices.

The trial in Santa ClaraCountywas arare instance of demonstrators facingfelony charges from protests over the Israel-Hamas war that roiled campuses across the country

Thejuryvoted 9-3 to convict on afelony charge of vandalism and 8-4 to convict on afelonycharge of conspiracy to trespass. After deliberating for fivedays, jurorssaid they could not reach averdict.

Judge Hanley Chew asked each one if more time deliberating would help break the impasse, and all answered,“No.”

“It appears that this jury is hopelessly deadlocked, and I’m now declaringa mistrial in counts one and two,” Chen said. He then dismissed the jurors.

Demonstrators barricadedthemselvesinside the offices for several hours on June 5, 2024, the last day of spring classesatthe university. Prosecutors said the defendants spraypainted the building, broke windows and

furniture, disabledsecuritycameras and splattered ared liquid describedasfake bloodonitems throughout theoffices.

Defenseattorneyssaidthe protest was protected speech andthere was insufficient evidence of an intenttodamage the property. They also said the students wore protectivegear and barricaded the offices out of fear of being injured by policeand campussecurity If convicted,the defendants wouldhave faced up to three years in prison and been obligated to pay restitution of over $300,000.

SantaClaraCounty District Attorney Jeff Rosen said he would pursue anew trial.

“This case is aboutagroup of people who destroyed someone else’sproperty and causedhundredsofthousands of dollars in damage,” Rosen said in astatement. “That is against the law and thatiswhy we will retry the case.”

As the mistrial was announced, thestudents, somewearing kaffiyehs, sat on a bench in thecourtroom anddid notshow a visiblereaction.

Authorities initially arrested and charged 12 people in the case, but one pleaded no contestunderanagreementthatallows some young people to have their cases dismissed andrecordssealed if they successfully complete probation.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By EBRAHIMNOROOZI

Supporters of Iran’sexiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi attend ademonstration Saturday duringthe MunichSecurityConference in Munich, Germany.

NOMTOC: NewOrleans Most Talked Of Club rolls through Algiers on Saturday

STAFF PHOTO By BRETT DUKE

ISIS: The all-female KreweofIsis rolls throughthe streets of Kenner on Saturday. The krewe,named after theEgyptian goddess, is knownfor its specialty throws of decoratedbrasinsupportofbreast cancer charities

STAFFPHOTO By DAVID GRUNFELD

ISIS: VictoriaHeyl hopes for footballs as the Krewe of Isis rolls through the streets of Kenner on Saturday

STAFFPHOTO By BRETT DUKE

STAFFPHOTO By SOPHIA GERMER

TUCKS: King LVIII Adam Wolf Lambertrides in the KreweofTucks parade on St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans on Saturday.

STAFF PHOTO By SOPHIA GERMER IRIS: The Queen of Iris wavesasthe KreweofIris parade rolls on Saturday.

IRIS: Lauren Schmidt, 10, yells for beads on the shoulders of Michael Schmidt asthe Krewe of Iris paraderolls on St. CharlesAvenue in NewOrleans on Saturday.

U.S. ebbs due to population decline

The appeal of the SEC, the university’sresourcesas aflagship institution anda vibrant student experience attract the “best and brightest” from Louisiana and other states, they said.

“If they’re not from the state or from the region, they see us on ESPN ona Saturday night,” Brown said.“There’ssomeofthat big brand piece that exists there.But then theyturn aroundand they see thatwe have hundreds of studentorganizations, they see that we have phenomenal leadership preparation with our student government, with our Greek life.”

While the number of out-of-state applicants has soared, amajority of the students who actually attend are from Louisiana. For the class that entered in 2025, 78% of applicants were from out of state,but out-ofstate students made up only 37% of those whoenrolled.

Still, the percentage of students who enroll from outof state has increased in recent years, officials say As out-of-state interest grows, LSU continuesto market itself with an increasingly national brand Under new System President Wade Rousse and Chancellor Jim Dalton, the university has initiated an extensive reorganization, swapping out high-level executives and integrating Pennington Biomedical Research Center,the LSU AgCenter and the health sciences centers in Shreveport and New Orleans into the flagship.Their main goal for the reorganization is to achieve “top 50” research university status from the NationalScience Foundation and elevate its national profile.

“Weareontracktonotonly continuebut increase our recruitmentofand attraction of literally thetop talent, not only just within the state of Louisianabut alsoacross the country,” LSU Provost Troy Blanchard said Regional trends LSU officials said the steady application andenrollment growth is both specific to LSUand in line with broaderdemographic shifts, whichshow students flocking to the South in droves.

“More students from the North are now actually coming to the SEC than ever before,”said stateRep. Dixon McMakin, R-BatonRouge, who is the Tiger Stadium announcer.“Ithink that reason is because of the quality education where they’re not goingtobeindoctrinated

liketheymight be in the North, andofcourse, the atmosphere we have and the fun times that youcan have.”

Brown said sports culture might serve as the introduction to LSU for many out-ofstate students, butthey end up impressedbythe academic opportunities and array of student organizations and extracurriculars.

“We’re really luckytobe in aposition where thekind of education that we offer is in high demand,”Brown said. “We’ve alsoreached outfurthertofocusinon ourneighboring states and really all around thecountrywhere we see interest to try and engage withthose studentsearlier and more often.”

The focus on out-of-state recruitment is partly driven by the need to insulateLSU fromlooming “demographic cliffs” thatthreaten universities across the country,he said.

“Thatreally just means

that we’re going to be seeing, for the next 10 to 15 years, fewerhigh school graduates nationally,” Brown said.

“That’smajor demographic trends that are stemming from the financial crisis in the late 2000s.”

Officials emphasized that in-state students will not be sidelinedevenasthe uni-

versity assumes agreater national profile.

Blanchard said LSU always starts with in-state recruitment.

“That’sa toppriority for us,” Blanchard said. “We want the best and the brightest in Louisiana to stay in Louisiana.”

McMakinsaiditisa “win overall” forBaton Rouge, LSU and Louisiana the more students the university can enroll— residents andnonresidents alike.

“I look forward to those numbers just keepgoing up andpeople wanting to come andbeapartofour culture,” McMakin said.

The university balances the burgeoning application pool with realistic institutional capacity,Brown said. The acceptance rate will likely be lower for the 2026 fall semester than in years past, which hovered around 70%, he said.

Growing enrollment and increased selectivity are good news for the state, he added.

“One of thethingsthatwe really pride ourselves on is there are notasmanyorganizationslike this that import talent from outside the state,” Brown said. “That’s something we really wantto do.Wewanttobebringing the best and brightest students, yes, in ourhome state, absolutely,but also importing great, talented students from across the country to fill Louisiana’sworkforce.”

STAFFPHOTO By HILARy SCHEINUK

LSUstudents navigate campus between classes near the student union in Baton RougeonThursday

TRADITIONS

tribe. Hayden’s fate was sealed in the womb: When Horace’s wife Letittica was pregnant, they decided that if he were a boy, he would join the Black masking tribe At just 8 weeks old, a photo shows Hayden’s sleeping face surrounded by gold beads, red lace and a baby bottle He was “the youngest ever to mask,” his father, formerly Horace Anderson, claims.

Now, he’s Spyboy Trouble, one of several children playing key roles — spy boy and flag boy among them — in these exclusive, elusive tribes that emerge on Mardi Gras morning in elaborate suits, ready to square off. They are expected to handle many of the same responsibilities as their older counterparts: to dance and to practice, to sew and to bead, ever more frantically as Mardi Gras approaches.

The tribes, in turn, are changing around them. Practices once held in bars have moved into community centers.

“It’s the old phrase, when you know better, do better,” said Juan Pardo, big chief of the Golden Comanche. When adults dominated the culture, bar practices weren’t an issue. “With tons of youth being involved now, you want to create the best environment.” But, he added, “some of this is because it was a secret culture, and that was by design.”

The young spy boy he relies on is 11-year-old Demetris Williams Jr who earned his tribal name Spark because, even as a little kid, he’d grab whatever suit pieces he could and parade up and down the sidewalk. He doesn’t need an OK, Pardo said, “he just goes.”

“They give us that energy,” he said, of the tribe’s younger set.

“They help keep us alive in it.”

A bum knee keeps Horace, now 52, from hopping as fast or as high as he once did, while Hayden is light on his feet. Horace needs a headlamp to thread his needle now, but Hayden beads quickly, plucking a sequin with ease. At one point in his life, Horace loved the sparring. Now on Mardi Gras, he steps back and watches his two sons, he said “That’s my biggest joy.”

Spyboy

Hayden ‘Trouble’ X works on a suit next to his father

Spyboy Horace X at their home.

They will debut their new suits on Mardi Gras.

‘The culture kid’

Eight weeks before Mardi Gras, kids arrived at the Backstreet Cultural Museum, tiny tambourines in hand.

“Good afternoon, good afternoon,” said Horace, a volunteer tour guide at the museum, a trove of Mardi Gras Indian artifacts in the heart of the historic Treme neighborhood. “When I came up” in this culture, he explained, “we were in the barroom.”

But on this day in late December, families packed the museum’s main room, surrounded by big chiefs’ suits from years past, topped with tall headdresses and framed by dramatic puffs of plumes.

Horace’s parents were part of the Wild Magnolias, and he grew up in those spaces, running and playing and, importantly,

TO RECYCLE

STAFF PHOTOS By SOPHIA GERMER

Spyboy Horace X, of the Creole Wild West Black masking Indians, watches old videos of masking Indians with his son Spyboy Hayden ‘Trouble’ X at their home in New Orleans on Jan. 27.

A closeup of beads on Horace

each year

watching. When, in his teens, he decided to mask, he joined the Creole Wild West.

“I was like, ‘I’m going with the young crowd,’ ” he said. “And the rest is history.”

Letittica knew that marrying Horace meant marrying the culture. But she didn’t start making suits until having Hayden. Now, in bed watching “Chicago P.D.” and “Law and Order,” she sews and beads the bulk of her two sons’ suits.

A hundred days out from Mardi Gras, Horace woke up at 3 a.m. to use the bathroom and discovered Letittica sewing.

“That’s my apron,” he told her “And she was like, ‘Yeah, I need you to catch up.’ ” Hayden beads his patches. He’s still a child, Letittica said, busy with other interests, including baseball. This Carnival season, he will play tuba in six parades. But even as a baby, Hayden loved sporting a suit. As soon as he could talk, he’d ask folks if they’d want to take a picture of him in it. As he grew older, he listened as his father taught him the history of the culture. His younger brother, West, by contrast, has always been more focused on other interests, such as soccer West’s suit this year features beaded soccer ball patches.

“Hayden is the culture kid,” Letittica said, just as his father was before him. “Their relationship is on a different level.”

At the museum, Hayden was among the kids listening quietly as his father and Pardo explained the respect behind the ceremonies, the ideas behind the movements.

“If I do this real quick,” Pardo said, throwing his arm up and his hand out, “visually from a spiritual realm, you’ve got a shield. Protection.”

Then, Pardo and other tribal leaders began beating their tambourines, singing. The kids joined in, singing and tapping, taking turns stepping into the circle’s center. Little queens danced. The room grew hot. Sweat dripped to the floor Horace entered the circle, and Pardo responded by ducking behind Williams, his young spy boy Then, as Pardo stepped back, Williams stepped forward. Williams spun, his arms loose, facing off with Horace directly Horace shook his tambourine as he moved.

Then he turned to his son, Hayden, tapping him on the shoulder inviting him in.

‘No gifts, no king cake’

Work on this year’s suits started nearly a year ago, the night of Mardi Gras. Lying in bed, just hours after debuting their peachplumed beauties, Horace and Letittica dreamed up what they might do for 2026. “The next day, we settled on a few ideas, and I went to my artist, and he put it on a piece of canvas, and it was on from there.” Each suit is new, front and back. The design, theme and even color

scheme stay secret until Mardi Gras morning

But Horace will say that this year’s suit was inspired by his wife, by Black women, by the birth of creation. So to honor her, he is using smaller, size 10 beads, which will make the patches look more intricate, more multifaceted.

“Use 8,” the saying about beads goes, “you won’t be late.” Their family could be late this year

“My anxiety is through the roof,” Letittica said, one week until Mardi Gras.

The goal is to impress fellow tribal members and other tribes, with “pretty” being the ultimate compliment But there are challenges. This year, tariffs have made procuring and paying for both beads and plumes more difficult.

Horace, who works nights at Amazon, has a January birthday and friends and family know that “I don’t want no gifts, no king cake.

“Listen, I need you to chip in ” he said, chuckling.

“I’ve got a $2,000 tab running right now at Jefferson Variety,” the Mardi Gras Indians’ go-to spot for suitmaking supplies

But four weeks out, the family had all the supplies they needed. It was just a matter of putting each bead, each feather in place. As they worked, Horace played YouTube videos of past Mardi Gras on the bigscreen TV He paused it, at one point, to take a closer look at his socks. Black, he said, shaking his head, when they should have been orange.

Hayden worked quietly on a bird that he’d drawn onto his canvas, his own design.

“I really learned it from my little brother,” he said, of his drawing skills Older clips began playing, one after another, from PBS documentaries about the long and storied history of Mardi Gras Indians. Hayden kept looking up, between sequins, to watch. When a group of Indians past began singing “Indian Red,” Hayden stared for a long stretch. He kept hold of his needle, but his left hand started tapping, as if on a tambourine.

Contact Jenna Ross at jenna.ross@theadvocate.

Horace X, spy boy of the Creole Wild West Black masking Indians, sews beads for his suit at his home in New Orleans on Jan. 27. The new suit will be debuted on Mardi Gras.

STAFF PHOTO By SOPHIA GERMER

STAFF PHOTO By SOPHIA GERMER

X’s 2025 suit The Black masking Indians create new suits

Love in the air for Valentine’s Day at Winter Olympics

BY FERNANDA FIGUEROA and JENNIFER MCDERMOTT Associated Press

MILAN At the Milan Cortina Olympic Games, winning medals isn’t the only thing making hearts swell. From the ice rinks to the snowy hills, love is in the frozen air

Some competitions already seem to have Cupid in attendance.

Dutch skater Jutta Leerdam set an Olympic record in the 1000-meter race, then turned to find her fiancé Jake Paul in the stands; both visibly weeping, they made heart signs to one another with their hands. And downhill skiing champion Breezy Johnson’s longtime boyfriend proposed to her near the finish line Thursday while surrounded by members of the U.S. Ski Team.

Valentine’s Day for athletes and attendees at the Games doesn’t usually mean grand gestures, but it’s no less special.

Competing on Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day was the finals for the women’s skeleton event. That means that Kim Meylemans of Belgium and Nicole Rocha Silveira of Brazil — an international couple who play for their separate national teams — will be too busy for a romantic dinner They told The Associated Press they didn’t even bring gifts to exchange. But since they are together all the time, “It’s always a bit of a Valentine’s Day,” Meylemans said “It is part of our sport every day, our love.”

The two feel fortunate their national Olympic committees arranged for them to bunk together at Cortina d’Ampezzo’s Olympic village, since typically only teammates share housing. Half their room is decorated for Belgium, the other half Brazil

Rocha Silveira was new to the sport in 2019 when Meylemans was already competing in World Cup races. They fell in love during the pandemic while sharing shortterm rentals, since many hotels closed. Fast forward to 2024, and they unknowingly bought identical engagement rings and planned proposals for the same boat trip in Brazil while on vacation. They married last August. When they compete, they high-

five and kiss before each run, wishing the other well.

“It doesn’t matter which one is on the podium. At the end of the day, it’s a victory for our team,” Meylemans said.

Rocha Silveira said it’s important their relationship appears during these Games in Italy, where samesex marriages aren’t recognized and only married heterosexual couples are allowed to jointly adopt. It’s a great place to “show it even more,” and “encourage and inspire people that they can be themselves,” she said.

Volunteer valentines

Lori and Curtis Brown have been married for over 30 years and will be spend Valentine’s Day at the skating arena where they are volunteering for this year’s Winter Olympics.

About 18,000 volunteers are spread across the venues in northern Italy — a sea of navy blue uniforms keeping the Olympics running around the clock, with duties such as giving directions, accompanying athletes to venues, crowd

control and medical support.

Curtis 60 said neither of them had realized they were scheduled to work. Now, they’re hoping they can coincide their breaks to have dinner together, perhaps surrounded by the rest of the volunteers, he joked.

“This is the most special Valentine’s Day of our lives,” Curtis said “Because we’re both here, we’re both on the same page, we’re both enjoying this adventure together.”

While presents are neither’s love language, Lori, 61, told the AP she bought boxer briefs from the official Milan Cortina souvenir store.

Curtis hadn’t bought anything for her “It’s not so much about gift giving, just going out and doing something together,” said Lori, 61. She spoke while sitting beside Curtis, so perhaps she’ll be surprised on Saturday Canadian pair has date on ice Canadian hockey forward Laura Stacey and her wife, team captain Marie-Philip Poulin, had a different kind of date: playing Germany’s

team in the quarterfinals in Milan.

“We have a game, we have a big game, so spending it together

We’re pretty lucky,” Stacey said.

“Most people don’t get to do what they love, chasing their dreams together, and we do. So I think on February 14th, I think it’s important for us to just appreciate that and not take it for granted.”

Aside from taking on Germany, they didn’t have plans — but Stacey said they will surely at least give each other cards.

Other Olympian couples

Many other couples are at the Olympics, some teammates and others competing against each other

n The record-breaking face of the U.S. women’s hockey team, Hilary Knight, is in Milan with her girlfriend Brittany Bowe, a speedskater from the U.S. skating team.

On Saturday, she posted a photo of a pink, heart-shaped carabiner on her Instagram.

n American figure skaters Madison Chock and Evan Bates were married in 2024 and won a silver

medal on Wednesday n U.S. bobsledding has a power couple with reigning women’s monobloc world champion Kaysha Love engaged to men’s push athlete Hunter Powell. She’s in the Olympics for the second time, while he’s making his debut.

n U.S. Alpine skiing star Mikaela Shiffrin — that sport’s all-time wins leader — is engaged to Norway’s Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, who returned to racing this season after dealing with major injuries.

n Italy’s luge team Dominik Fischnaller and the U.S.’s Emily Sweeney married last year after dating for almost 15 years.

n Latvia’s luge team includes the husband-and-wife pair of Martins Bots and Elina Bota, both single sliders.

n Curling may have the most well-known couples of any sport. Norway’s Magnus Nedregotten and Kristin Skaslien have been together since 2008 and won bronze in Pyeongchang Jocelyn Peterman and Brett Gallant of Canada married in 2022 and were favorites this year There are Switzerland’s Yannick Schwaller and Briar Schwalller-Huerlimann, too; they brought their baby and photos of him carrying a curling broom twice his size went viral. He looked like a curling Cupid. McDermott reported from Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy Associated Press writer John Wawrow in Milan contributed to this report.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By JACQUELyN MARTIN

United States’ Breezy Johnson, right, and fiancee Connor Watkins are interviewed after he proposed to her at the end of an alpine ski, women’s super-G race, Thursday in Cortina d’Ampezzo Italy Her engagement ring can be seen at bottom center

AP PHOTO By FATIMA SHBAIR Switzerland’s yannick Schwaller and Briar Schwaller-Huerlimann kiss Feb 8 during the mixed doubles round robin phase of the curling competition against Britain at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy

LOUISIANAPOLITICS

Criticssay voting bill wouldsuppressLouisiana voters

Johnsonsayssurvey

shows84% areOK with showing ID

WASHINGTON —Upon returning to Capitol Hill aweek from now,the U.S.Senate faces another Housepassed bill that adds stringent new requirements for voters in this fall’scongressional midterm elections.

The latest version, called the SafeguardAmerican VoterEligibility Act, or SAVE America Act, cleared the House Wednesday on a218-213 vote in which only one representative crossed partylines.

Mark Ballard

Louisiana’sfour Republican representatives voted for the measure and thetwo Democratic House members against.

The bill would require registrants to present acertified birth certificate, passport or other documentation to prove citizenship when they register to vote. Voters in all 50 states would be required, as Louisiana already does, to show government-issued photo IDs at the polls. And election workers could face criminal charges for failingtofollow the rules.

The bill would go into effect upon the president’ssignature andthus impact November’scongressional midterm elections.

But Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said Republicans don’thave “anywhere close” to enough votes to overcome the procedural hurdles needed to pass the bill, and Democratsare uniformly opposed.

Democrats say the requirements would create so many obstacles that millionswould become disenfranchised.

The Brennan Center for Justice, anonpartisan but progressive-leaningpublic policy institute in New York, says its researchshows more than 21 mil-

Kennedycalls for Krewe of Carrollton prosecutions

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Benton, reads notes before speaking about the

on Capitol Hill in Washington on Wednesday.

lionAmericans lack ready access to those documentsand another 2.6 million don’thave agovernment photo ID.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer,D-N.Y., likened theprocedures tothe literacy tests and poll taxes of the segregation era.

“It’sJim Crow 2.0,” he said. Republicans argue the bill would restore confidence in the electoral process by ensuring only U.S. citizens cast ballots.

“They’retalkingabout voter suppression,” House Majority LeaderSteve Scalise, R-Jefferson, said of Democratic criticsafter

the House vote. “Try getting on an airplane and flying home tonight without showing apicture ID.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Benton,pointed to aGallup survey that showed 84% of Americans were OK with showing photoIDs and 83% with proving citizenship at registration

“Weare encouraging all of our SenateRepublican colleagues who believe in thisjustaswedo, to try to get this thing through thesystem,” Johnsonsaid at a news conference after the House vote. “We’re hoping that some Democrats in the Senate will

come to their senses and do the right thing forthe people.Otherwise, they gota lotofexplaining to do, as we saydowninthe South.”

Ashley Shelton, who leadsthe New Orleans-basedvoting rights group Power Coalitionfor Equality& Justice, said she hasan explanation.

Voting is alreadyillegal for noncitizens, she noted to start. Registrantsalreadyare open to perjury charges if theylie about theircitizenship. Andnoevidenceexists showing significantnoncitizen voting.

Only 79 noncitizens have voted in Louisiana elections since the 1980s,a Louisiana Secretaryof State’s audit found in September

The real issue forLouisiana voters is that so few— only 29.1% have apassport. And if Louisiana is like the national estimates, then 1out of 10 have no access to their birth certificates, she said.

Many voters already registered—those who move or need to altertheir registration —are going to need to find that birth certificateortheir passport or apply fornew ones. Married voters who took their spouse’s last name will need birth and marriage certificates along with otherdocumentation to prove their current last name

The resulting complicated, expensive andtime-consuming procedure could becometoo burdensome formany in astate where annualpay is well below the nationalaverage and where the poverty rate is well above, she said.

“In astate like Louisiana, where we alreadyhavelow turnout, we’re going to seeeven lowervoter registration,” Sheltonsaid.

The Secretary of State’sOffice showsthe 2.96 million registered voters on Feb. 1isthe lowest for February since 2019. Louisiana has about 3.5 million people 18 years or older,the legal voting age.

Louisiana SecretaryofState Nancy Landry’soffice cited ongoing litigation in refusing to address the specificsofhow the SAVE AmericaAct would impact Louisiana voters. The state was suedinBaton Rouge’s federal districtcourt afterthe Legislature approveda law requiring proof of citizenship whenregistering.

“Louisiana hasbeen ranked as oneofthe topstates in the nation when it comes to the integrity of its elections,” heroffice said in a statement.

Email Mark Ballardat mballard@theadvocate.com.

U.S. Sen. John Kennedy, RMadisonville,said in aspeechon the Senate floor that the “knuckleheads” in the Krewe of Carrollton who are accused of aggressively throwing objects at police officers should be prosecuted.

Kennedy

“I want to choose my words carefully here because Ilove Louisiana,” Kennedy said in the speech Wednesday. “But sometimes some of my people do dumb things. We’reall human. And something justhappened at Mardi Gras that turned my stomach.” Krewe organizers said 41 people were removed from afloat midway through the parade. The NewOrleans Police Department said “beads were intentionally thrown from the float in an aggressive manner toward officers along the parade route.”

“It’sembarrassingfor me to have to saythis, that this happened in my state and my city,but it did,” Kennedy said in his speech.

If investigators confirm that thepeople intentionally targeted theofficers, the consequences should be moreseverethan just aban on riding,Kennedy said.

secretary,effective Feb. 2, according to arelease.

“They need to prosecute, and people in New Orleans needtodemand it,” Kennedy said. “Actshave consequences, and you don’t have the right to hurt cops just because you don’t like them.”

Landry names new juvenile justice leader

Anew leader is heading up Louisiana’sjuvenile justice system after Kenny Loftin,who headed the Office of Juvenile Justice for two years, retired, officials said.

In January,Gov.Jeff Landry appointed Courtney Myers, a former prosecutor in East Baton Rouge Parish,asOJJ’sdeputy

As deputysecretary, Myers now oversees the entire agency,which is an arm of theDepartment of Public Safety& Corrections.

The release says Myers previously headed up the juvenile section of the East Baton Rouge district attorney’soffice. She joined theOJJ in January 2023, serving as an assistant secretary to Loftin.

“Courtney Myers has been a great Assistant Secretary at OJJ, and Iamconfident she will continue her strong track record now serving as DeputySecretary of YouthServices,”Landry said in a statement.“She is aproven leader who will work tirelessly to reform and improve our State’sjuvenile justice system.”

Loftin had always planned to retire after acouple of years, said stateSen. Heather Cloud, R-Turkey Creek, who works on juvenile justice legislation. She praised his work at theagency Cloud said that “this is thebest

run that I’ve ever seen OJJ” have during her timeinthe Legislature.

“It’s reflective in the secretaries,” she added. “Webrought Kenny Loftin in because of his extensive knowledge and his ability.”

Loftin’s appointment as deputy secretary raised eyebrows in the early months of 2024 because he previouslyheaded up the Ware YouthCenter in Coushatta, aRed River Parish juvenile detention facility that came under scrutiny in 2022 after aNew York Times investigation unearthed araft of child abuse allegations there. Loftin,who was never personally accused of abuse, denied the claims. The Louisiana Senate confirmed him in June 2024.

LABI namesScott Ballard as board chair

ScottBallard, wholast week stepped down as chairofthe LSU BoardofSupervisors, has been named the chairman of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry’sboard of directors.

LABI,the state’slargest chamber of commerce and business advocacy group, announced its full 2026 board of directors and leadership, including Ballard’s new role, on Thursday Ballard remains on the LSU board and owns the PJ’scoffee shop chain with his business partners. He succeeds TomCox, founder and executive chairman of Golfballs.com,who now becomes the immediate past chair

Scott Poole, president and CEO of RoyOMartin, will serve as vice chair,Eric Danos, owner of Danos Ventures, will serve as secretary and Kristin Wall, president of Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Corporation, will serve as treasurer “Historic investments are pouring into Louisiana, and that’s atestament to our economic potential,” Ballard said in aprepared statement. “Our job now is twofold: continue attracting businesses and capital, and ensure Louisiana is agreat place forpeople to live and thrive. Sustainable growth depends on both.”

Capitol Buzz STAFF REPORTS

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTOByTOM BRENNER

SAVE America Acttoreporters

EpsteinusedtiestoNobel PeacePrize to

BY MARK LEWIS Associated Press

STAVANGER, Norway Jeffrey Epstein repeatedlyplayed up his ties to the former head of the Nobel Peace Prize committee in invitations to and chats with elites like Richard Branson, Larry Summers, Bill Gates and Steve Bannon, atop allyofPresidentDonald Trump, the Epstein files show Thorbjørn Jagland, who headed the Norwegian Nobel Committee from 2009 to 2015, turns up hundreds of times in the millions of documents about theformer U.S. financier andconvicted sex offender that were released by the U.S. Justice Department last month. Since the release, Jagland, 75, has been charged in Norway for

BY JOHN HANNA and KENDRIA LAFLEUR Associated Press

fered a“unique perspective.”

“aggravated corruption” in connectionwithaninvestigation prompted by information in the files, theeconomiccrime unit of Norwegian police Økokrim said. Økokrim has said it would investigatewhether gifts, travel and loans were received in connection with Jagland’sposition. Itsteams searched his Oslo residence on Thursday,plus two otherproperties in Risør, a coastal town to the south,and in Rauland to the west.

His attorneys at Elden law firm in Norway said Jagland denies the charges,and was questioned by thepolice unit on Thursday While thereisnoevidence in the

documents seen so farofany outright lobbying for theNobel Peace Prize, Epsteinrepeatedlyplayed up hostingJaglandathis properties in New York and Paris in the 2010s.

In September 2018, during Trump’sfirst term andinanapparent allusiontohis interestin thepeace prize, Epstein had avaried text-message exchange with Bannon, at one point writing —in one of many messages with untidy grammar: “donalds head would explode if he knew you were now buds withthe guy who on monday will decide thenobel peace prize.”

“I told himnext year it should be youwhenwesettlechina,” he added, without elaborating.

In oneemail from 2013, mixing in investmenttips andpraise for PR tips, Epstein told British en-

trepreneur and magnate Richard Bransonthat Jagland wouldbe staying with Epstein in September thatyear,adding: “if you are there, youmight find him interesting.”

Ayear after she left ajob as White HousecounseltoPresident Barack Obama, in 2015, Kathy Ruemmlergot an email from Epstein saying:“head of nobelpeace prizecoming to visit, want to join?”

In 2012, Epsteinwrote former Treasury Secretary andHarvard University president Larry Summers about Jagland, saying “head of thenobelpeace prize staying with me, if you have any interest.”

In thatexchange, Epsteinreferred to Jagland —also aformer Norwegian primeminister and former head of theCouncil of Europe, ahumanrightsbody—as “notbright” but someone whoof-

The financier wrote Bill Gates in 2014, saying that Jagland had been reelected as head of the Council of Europe.

“That is good,” the Microsoftcofounderand formerlythe world’s richest man, wrote. “I guess his peace prize committeejob is also up in the air?”

During Jagland’stenure as chair of thecommittee, it gave thepeace prizetoObama, in 2009,and the European Union in 2012. Jagland wasbrought into Epstein’sorbit by TerjeRød Larsen, aNorwegian diplomat whohelped broker the Oslo Peace Accords between Israel and Palestinians. Larsen and his wife are also facing corruption charges in Norway due to their association with Epstein.

nalactivities“in anyway”or “at any time.”

EDUCATION

Custodian gets national recognition for her service

‘She goes above and beyond’ with countless students

BY MARIE FAZIO

Staff writer

Donella Wagner, the head cus-

todian at Raintree Elementary School in Baldwin, is often the first to arrive each day sometimes before dawn — to unlock the doors and turn on the lights. Every morning as children hop off the bus, she greets them with a cheery “Good morning” and usually a hug.

“She sets the tone for the day,” said Raintree Principal Marie Cole. “She’s got a beautiful smile and spirit and is always happy and it makes everyone else happy.”

Wagner who has fostered relationships with countless students during her 16 years at the school, often goes by “granny” or “mawmaw.” Students share details about their personal lives and know they can ask her for help if they come to school without clean socks or a belt.

Wagner stocks a school uniform closet with those and other items, including shoes and backpacks, through donations that she solicits from the community. She also started a “Boys and Bowties” mentorship group after noticing behavioral issues among students, and she’s known to put up seasonal decorations for Christmas or Mardi Gras or Black History Month — throughout the building.

“She goes above and beyond,” Cole said. “I wish every school could have a Ms. Donella.” Now Wagner, a grandmother

Q&A WITH DONELLA WAGNER

HEAD CUSTODIAN, RAINTREE ELEMENTARy SCHOOL IN BALDWIN

of six who has worked in the St.

Mary Parish school system for nearly 30 years, is being recognized on a national stage for her service and spirit

Wagner recently won the national Recognizing Inspiring School Employees, or RISE, award. Each year, states nominate outstanding school support staffers such as paraprofessionals, bus drivers and secretaries and the U.S. Department of Education chooses a winner This year, Wagner was chosen from among 36 nominees from 20 states and jurisdictions, according to the department.

“Donella Wagner is the epitome of what it means to be a good leader,” Gov Jeff Landry said in a statement We are grateful for Donella’s commitment and service to children, and we are proud to call her Louisiana’s own!”

During a visit to New Orleans last month, U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon invited Wagner and Cole to breakfast at the Four Seasons, where she surprised Wagner with the RISE award.

“Education support professionals like Ms. Wagner are the backbone of our schools and local communities,” McMahon said in a statement. “It was an honor to learn about Ms. Wagner’s dedication not only to Raintree Elementary School where she greets every student with a smile, but also to the Baldwin community.”

The Times-Picayune spoke with Wagner about her experience at Raintree Elementary, her impact

on students and what it’s like to be nationally recognized for her work. This interview has been edited for clarity

How long have you worked at Raintree Elementary?

I’m from Jeanerette, Louisiana. It takes me about 8 minutes to get to work every morning from where I live.

I’ve been here for 16 years and I’ve been in the school system for 27 years. I was in the cafeteria when I first came on. I worked for several different schools in the area. Then I switched to janitorial.

How do your duties go beyond keeping the school clean?

Greeting the students in the morning is the beginning of my day When they get off the bus in the morning, they come through the bus entry and I tell them, “Good morning, open your book bags,” and some of them come with little sad faces so I give them a hug and brighten them up.

I greet the teachers. I have several teachers I know come early, and if they’re not here early I know I need to make a phone call to check to see where they are.

How do students respond when you greet them in the morning?

It makes a difference.

When they come in, I don’t know what happened on the bus or on their way to school. But when they get here and see my face, some of them light up, some of them are ready with a hug before I even ask them if something was going wrong the day before or the night before.

was honored with a national award for her

as a school custodian in Baldwin. U.S Secretary of Education

presented her with the award while touring in New

last month. ‘Education support professionals like

are the backbone of our schools and local communities,’ McMahon said

What is a time you really felt like you made a difference?

From second grade to fifth grade, they feel comfortable coming to me and talking. Some of them call me granny or mawmaw or nanny The older kids talk to me about their boyfriends. We had a little incident here at school where the boys needed to be mentored so we started Boys

WE’RE ASKING EXPERTS ACROSS THE STATE HOW TO TACKLE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES FACING LOUISIANA SCHOOLS. HAVE AN

ShapingTomorrow’sLeaders Onemillionstudents. Infinitepossibilities.

and Bowties. We have a meeting once a month with the boys and they get to say what’s going on in the community or what’s going on with them and we talk about it. What did it feel like to receive the award from the U.S. Department of Education? I felt very honored and appreciated for all the little bitty things I do for education.

AMillion Futures And Counting Thisyear,Junior AchievementofGreaterNewOrleanswillreacharemarkable milestonewithits1millionthstudent.That’sonemillion studentsinspired,prepared,andempoweredthroughtheir hugelyimpactfulhands-onprogramsinfinancialliteracy,career readiness,andentrepreneurship.

TheJunior Achievement Difference Fornearly70years, JuniorAchievementofGreaterNewOrleanshasbrought classroomlessonstolife,thankstomorethan700volunteers eachyearwhostepinasmentorsandrolemodels.Through programslikeJABizTown,studentsdon’tjustlearnaboutthe economy,theyrunit.Theyearnpaychecks,managebusinesses, balancebudgets,andmakedecisionsthatpreparethemfor therealworld.Theresultsareclear:JAstudentsleavewitha strongersenseofpurpose,adeeperunderstandingoffinancial responsibility,andthebeliefthattheycansucceedinwhatever theychosetodo.

Celebrating One Million Students Reachingonemillion childrenfromacrossLouisianaandMississippiisasignificant milestone.Itrepresentsyearsofcommitmentfromeducators, volunteers,andcommunitypartnerswhobelieveinthelimitless potentialofyoungpeople.Itmeansclassroomsfullofstudents whoseepossibilityinsteadoflimitation,andwhorecognizethat leadership,integrity,andperseverancearewithintheirreach.

What’s Next Aswecelebratethismilestone,we’relooking forwardtothenextmillion.Becauseeverystudentwhowalks outofaJuniorAchievementprogramcarrieswiththemnot justknowledge,butconfidence–theconfidencetoowntheir future,strengthentheircommunity,andleadwithvision.

Thank youfor the support

Seehowwe’rechanging thefutureat jagno.org orscantheQRcode.

LARRYWASHINGTON CEO,JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT

ORLEANS

PROVIDED PHOTO

Donella Wagner left,

work

Linda McMahon

Orleans

Ms. Wagner

THE GULF COAST

Black Mardi Gras krewe brings Bay St. Louis together

BY POET WOLFE Staff writer

When Rickey Lewis moved north as a child in the 1980s, he spent the next five years missing Bay St. Louis, a feeling that deepened every Mardi Gras when the streets of his hometown were fogged with barbecue smoke and littered with beads. Lewis returned during Carnival twice, and each time he struggled to accept he would have to leave again. That truth felt especially heavy on Mardi Gras Day during those visits, when the Krewe of Real People rolled through a thriving Black business hub locals then called the Back-of-Town in convertible cars, horse-drawn carriages and floats.

The parade was one of his favorites.

His earliest memory of it came when he was 5 or 6 years old, riding on a float painted blue and wearing a store-bought Phrygian cap. Lewis was dressed as a Smurf, for reasons that only make sense during Mardi Gras.

“Mardi Gras meant home,” he said. “The Krewe of Real People meant we were around family.”

The krewe meant family both by blood and by community Growing up, Lewis’s grandparents and aunt were part of the original Krewe of Real People, which remains the only Black krewe on the Mississippi Coast with a Mardi Gras parade

Now 48, Lewis is continuing that tradition as an organizer for the Krewe of Real People: Next Generation, renamed after the previous leadership stepped down.

The parade marches on in downtown, drawing swarms of new revelers as the population surges in Bay St. Louis, one of the fastestgrowing cities on the Gulf Coast

“It means so much to me for us to keep it going,” Lewis said. “If we don’t, it’s very possible that it fades, and a big parade would no longer exist. This has been a part

of my life forever.”

How the krewe started

To outsiders, Carnival can look like an excuse to drink too much, eat too much and collect too many throws that lose value once the holiday has passed For Lewis and others who celebrate, its meaning runs deeper

Mardi Gras has long served as a reason to bring people together, even through some of the South’s darkest moments — wars, hurricanes, pandemics.

The work begins well before Carnival, as artists build floats from papier mâché, bands rehearse brass lines and drum cadences, and Mardi Gras Indians spend months sewing sequined costumes adorned with crystals and feathers.

Sandra Price and a group of Mississippi coast residents started the Krewe of Real People in 1981 for

that very reason: to foster community after the Merry Makers, one of the first Black krewes in Bay St. Louis, discontinued.

“Mardi Gras would come, people would cook at their house or whatever, but there was no union,” Price said.

Money was tight, but that did not discourage the krewe’s founders. The small group could not afford beads, so they created their own throws with chicken wire, while Price created and led her own dance krewe, the Ebony Pearls. Making do with limited resources was something they learned from earlier generations, including an older krewe called the Moss Men, who Price remembered decorating their clothing with moss.

“I know it don’t sound like much,” Price said. “You know back in the day, we didn’t have much.”

Even the krewe’s name reflected the community Price and the

other founders grew up around. Originally, the group was torn between two names — Almost Anything Goes and Real People — both taken from television shows. Price pushed for Real People because, to her, it meant “realistic, energetic and loving people.”

To Lewis, the name carries a similar meaning.

“Real People signifies the everyday person in our community, whether it be the highly educated professional, or it be just a regular working class mom or dad, whether it be the teenagers in college,” Lewis said. “It’s just a real slice of Mississippi, a real slice of America, just a slice of the people that make up the community.”

‘Can’t take it out my blood’

The Krewe of Real People: Next Generation looks much different from the one Price helped build.

The organization now has more

funding to support its Mardi Gras Day parade, when car clubs, motorbikes and ATVs fill the street as krewe members throw everything from New Orleans Saints jerseys to paintings. Beyond Carnival, the krewe hosts food and toy drives for Thanksgiving and Christmas and offers scholarships, working yearround to support the community it represents. Its annual Mardi Gras ball is its largest fundraiser with ticket sales used to fund those efforts, said the krewe’s president, Lonnie Bradley, whose father was its first king.

The ball carries a different theme every year, with past celebrations including Harlem Nights and Coming to America. On Saturday, the ball honored historically Black colleges and universities a theme that resonated with many members, including this year’s king and queen, Paul and Joni Farve, both HBCU graduates.

The krewe is doing exactly what Bradley hoped for seven years ago, when he agreed to become the organization’s president under one condition: that it emphasize community over Carnival.

After he lost his son to gun violence, he said, the work became “a testimony the reason why we do what we do.”

“We need to wrap our hands around our community and I’m not talking about Black and White,” Bradley said. “I’m talking about community, period.”

Some things, however, have not changed. The parade route remains the same, rolling each year past the corner of Sycamore and St. Francis streets in Back-ofTown. During segregation, it was one of the few places where Black residents could celebrate Mardi Gras.

Price never wants to see the route change.

“(Back-of-Town) goes way back, way before I was born It was pretty much our square,” Price said. “I don’t know how else to put it You can’t take it out of my blood. It’s embedded in me, you know? I’m grounded in it.”

continued from appropriate to the nonprofit "Save ABrain" Happy Helmet Fund https://saveabraininc.com that promotes prevention of concussions &traumatic brain injuries by providing high-quality helmets to those in need. Therewill be aprivate graveside ceremony forfamily and close friends only,followed by inurnment, at Metairie CemeteryinAll Saints Mausoleum. To view and signthe online guestbook, please visitwww.lakelawn metairie.com

Mary, Queen of Peace Church, 1501 West Causeway Approach, Mandeville, LA 70471. Relatives andfriends are invited to attenda Mass at 11:00AMon Saturday,February 21, 2026, at Mary, Queen of Peace Church, 1501 West Causeway Approach Mandeville, LA 70471. Visitation on Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 10:00 until service time. Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in New Orleans at 1:00 PM. There will be areceptionin Metairie following the burial. E. J. Fielding Funeral Home of Covington, Louisiana, is honored to be entrusted with Ms. Maloney's funeral arrangements. Her familyinvites you to share memories and condolences by signing an online guestbookat www.ejfieldingfh.com.

Wayne Alan Manix, brotherofMaurice J Manix, Jr., BriantM.Manix (Nancy), TerasaA.Manix, and Jason A. Manix, passed away quietly on Sunday afternoon, January 11th, 2026. He was preceded in death by his mother Gloriajoyce Disimone Manix and father Maurice Joseph Manix, Sr. Wayne was born May 10, 1960 in NewOrleans but grew up in the suburb of Metairie LA. He went to Westgate Elementary, Theodore RooseveltMiddle and Marjorie Walter's schools before graduating from Alfred Bonnabel High in 1984 where he was nicknamed "Pappy" in their Air Force Junior ROTC unit. He worked many years in the Grocery industry in addition to the Restaurant industry where he was a Kitchen/Dining AssistantWayne truly loved helping his customers. He loved fishing/camping down in Cocodrie. He was an avid cyclist, so in lieu of flowers, adonation would be

Normand,Gloria Villavicencio

Gloria Villavicencio Normand on Tuesday, January27, 2026.Age 91 years. Daughterofthe late Daniel &Espinoza Pastora Villavicencio. Predeceased by her spouseof57years, Nathan J. Normand. MotherofNewell (Shawn) Normand, Debbie(Corey) Robins and Nate (Kimberly) Normand. Sisterofthe late Carlos Villavicencio, Daniel Villavicencio, Laura Ahten, Amanda Guzman, Sonia Normand, Raul Villavicencio, Edgar Villavicencio&Consuelo Maumus. Grandmother of Corey(Ryan Vauk) Robins, Taylor Normand, Sarah Normand, Elise Normand, Emily Normand and Garrett Normand. Great grandmotherofOlivia Kate Normand, Vivienne RobinsVauk and ConnorRobinsVauk. Alsosurvived by many loving niecesand nephews. Gloriawas aloving& devoted wife, mother,grandmother, sister& aunt Relatives and friends areinvited to attend a Memorial ServiceatLAKE LAWN METAIRIE FUNERAL HOME,5100Pontchartrain Blvd. (in Metairie Cemetery) on Saturday, February 21, 2026at11:00

Why you need dentalinsurance

AM. Visitation willbeginat 9:30 AM. Interment willfollowinAll Saints Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers,pleasedonate to The American Lung Association, in memory of: Gloria V. Normand, forthe purpose of defeatinglung cancer, creating atobacco -freefuture,championing clean air for all,and improving thequality of life forthose living with lung disease.

Donations may be at https://www.lung.org/getinvolved/ways-to-give.To view and sign thefamily guestbook, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.co m.

Our beautiful and loving mother passed away on February 10, 2026 at the ageof97atInspired Living in Kenner, Louisiana. She is survivedbyher daughter and four sons: Keenan Romig (Stephen) of Metairie,LA, David Pickert (Pamela) of SanAntonio, TX, Stephen Pickert (Valerie) of Orlando, FL, John Pickert (Rhonda) of Cleveland, TN,and Alan Pickert (Linda) of Jacksonville,FL. Her legacy includes 15 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren She wasprecededin death by her parents, William and Margaret Tolton; her brother, William "Jere"Tolton, Jr.; and her husband of 65 years, Aloysius Joseph Pickert, Jr.who died in 2016. Margarettawas anative of Pensacola, FL and deeply missed her Pensacolatiesdespite havinglived in theNew Orleans area since November 2015 to be close to her daughter, Keenan She was asupportive Navy wife throughout Al's ca-

Many Americans are fortunate to have dental coverage fortheir entire working life, through employer-providedbenefits. Whenthosebenefits end with retirement, paying dental billsout-of-pocket cancome as a shock,leading people to put off or even go without care.

Simplyput —without dental insurance, there may be an important gap in your healthcare coverage.

When you’re comparingplans ... “Medicare&You,” Centersfor Medicare& Medicaid Services,2025. 2 “Aging

 Look forcoverage that helps pay formajor services. Some plans may limitthe number of procedures —orpay forpreventive care only.

 Look forcoverage with no deductibles. Some plans mayrequire you to payhundreds out of pocketbefore benefits are paid.

 Shop forcoverage with no annual maximum on cash benefits. Some plans have annual maximums of $1,000.

Medicare doesn’tpay for dental care.1 That’s right. As good as Medicare is, it wasnever meanttocover everything. That means if youwant protection,you needto purchase individual insurance.

Early detection canprevent small problems from becoming expensiveones.

The best way to preventlargedental bills is preventive care.The American Dental Association recommends checkupstwiceayear.

Previous dental work canwear out.

Even if you’vehad qualitydentalwork in the past,you shouldn’t take your dentalhealth forgranted. In fact, your odds of havinga dental problem only go up as youage.2

Treatment is expensive— especiallythe servicespeople over 50 often need.

Consider these national averagecostsof treatment. $274for acheckup $299 for afilling $1,471 foracrown.3 Unexpected bills likethis canbeareal burden, especially if you’re on afixedincome.

reer, and happy to spend retirementinher home town following his last tour of duty in 1976. Margarettaloved children and was asuper grandmother, playing gamesand holding pretend teaparties whenever they were able to visit.She workedparttime as akindergarten aide at St.Paul'sCatholic School and was an avid bridge player,anactivity she continued to enjoy for some timeafter her move to NewOrleans. Family and friends are invitedtoattendher funeral services at St. Catherine of SienaChurch in Metairie,onThursday, February 19, 2026. Visitation willstart at 11:00 a.m. followedbyMass at noon.Margarettawillbe laid to rest withher husband in Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola on Friday, February 20, 2026. The family wouldliketo thank Mom's caregivers who havebeendevoted to Momand our family: Deborah Moore, Marlo Lavine, and Hope Valladares. Your love and concern havebeeninvaluable andweare truly grateful

Rose Schomaker Pitts,age 70, of Slidell, Louisiana,passedaway peacefullyonFebruary9, 2026. Born in NewOrleans onAugust16, 1955, she was thebeloved daughter ofthe late Kateri and RobertSchomaker Sr Donna wasa devotedand affectionate mother to her fourchildren: DavidPitts (Rebecca), DerekPitts, Darah Hereford (Rodney Jr.), andDevin Pitts Donna’s greatest joyinlife was being“Grammy,” a roleshe cherisheddeeply She wasa proudgrand‐mother to Abigailand

CharlotteHereford; Chase, Bryce,and ReesePitts;and Loganand Boston Sullivan She lovedspendingtime withthemand hada large partinhelping to raise them. Donna is survived by her former husbandof29 years,David C. Pitts.Donna was thecherished older sisterofRobertSchomaker Jr. (Celia), Cathy Schomaker (Bryan), Billy Schomaker (Sharon),Cyn‐thiaDevenny (the late Joe), and DannySchomaker.She was abeloved Nannyto DawnRudiger (Ron), Bubba Hotard(Emily),Jason and KyleHotard, Amanda Schomaker (Andy),Dylan Devenny (Breanne), Chad Schomaker (Francesca), the late Rachael Schomaker,and Peyton Schomaker (Tyler). Anat‐ural-born caretaker, Donna took greatpride in her familyand found true hap‐pinessincaringfor those she loved. Shewas an avid gardenerwho delightedin nurturing even themost lifelessplantsbackto health. Donna also hada lovefor collecting antiques and “junk,”alwaysseeing beautyand potentialin overlookeditems,and she proudly rana flea market thatreflectedher creativ‐ity,resourcefulness, and passion forpreserving piecesofthe past.Donna willbedeeply missedby all who hadthe privilege of knowing her. Herlegacy lives on throughher chil‐drenand grandchildren, and hermemorywillbe cherished by familyand friends forgenerations to come. Perher request, there will be no service. There will be aCelebration ofLifefor herata later date. Memories andcondo‐lencesmay be expressed atwww.AudubonFuneralH ome.com

passedaway peacefullyon February 10, 2026. Born in NewOrleans,the third of four boys, to Thomas Webb Raphaeland Claire Coleman Raphael, David grew up on Monroe Street in theDixonneighborhood whereheattendedLittle FlowerCatholic school (which he hated), then Jesuit High School (which he loved). When David was 17, he met hisfuturewife, Rita Bares, on adouble datetoa SacredHeart High School dance (Rita wasthe otherguy's date) They soon became high school sweethearts, married in 1965, and later moved to Metairie, where they raisedtheir threechildren.David wasa hardworking,gentle, generous, and kind husband, father, grandfather, dentist, colleague, and friend. He graduatedfromJesuitHigh School in 1960 and from Loyola University Dental School in 1966. He practiceddentistryinNew Orleansand Metairiefor 55 years. He neverstopped learning, reading widely in history, science, andcurrent events, andpursuing continuing education in dentistry. He became a Fellow of theAcademy of General Dentistry and later earnedthe Academy of General Dentistry Mastership Award.Healso held memberships in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI), theNew Orleans Dental Association,the LDA, and theADA.Atvarious times duringhis life, Davidavidly played baseball, racquetball, tennis, and golf. There waseven abrief foray into scuba diving. He wasalso an enthusiasticrunner, whoran across theLake Pontchartrain Causeway in the1979 and 1980 Mardi Gras Marathons. He wasa charter member of the Beach Cluband theKrewe of Argusparade, both in Metairie. In aworld that is notdesignedfor people with hearing loss, David persisted in anygoal he wantedtopursue.His wry, insightfulhumorwill be rememberedbyfamilyand friends. Over theyears, we have heardfromothersof kind things he didfor them,and theremustbe many we will neverknow because he nevertalked abouthis gooddeeds. David waspredeceasedby hiswife of 52 years, Rita Bares Raphael, andhis parents, Thomas Webb Raphael andClaire Coleman Raphael.Heis survived by hisbrothers,

Pickert, Margaretta Tolton

Manix, WayneAlan

Pitts,Donna Rose Schomaker

Donna

Raphael, David Coleman

David Coleman Raphael, born on November 13, 1942,

Thomas Raphael,Jr., RobertRaphael, and Raymond Raphael; two daughters, Rebecca M. Raphael and Claire J. Raphael (Lindsay); and one son, DavidC.Raphael, Jr. (Diana). He will always be "Pops" to his three grandchildren,Corey T. Moody, Jr. (Sara), Amanda E. Raphael, and Alejandro D. Raphael (Ileana); and his great granddaughter, Juno G. Raphael. The family would like to give special thanks Jackie LaBeaud, Carol Gabourel, and all of the staff at St. Margaret's at Mercy in New Orleans, for their devoted care and attention to David's needs during the final years of his life. Relatives and friends are invited to attendthe visitationatthe Chapel of the North American Martyrs at Jesuit High School, 4133 Banks St. New Orleans on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 11 a.m., followed by Mass at1 p.m. andinterment at Metairie Cemetery in All Saints Mausoleum, 5100 Pontchartrain Boulevard, New Orleans. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Hearing Health Foundation and/or Covenant House. To view and sign the online guestbook, please visit www.lak elawnmetairie.com

Lemuel John "L.J. Schenck Jr. passed away peacefully on November 22,2025 at the age of 80. Born in New Orleans on September 3, 1945, L.J. was ajazz drummer, vibraphonist, musiceducator, devoted husband to Rosemary Senger, and loving father of two, Domenic and Maria. He wasthe son of Lemuel and Cleo Schenck, and brother to Terry. Raised and educated in and around New Orleans, L.J. remained ahometown boy who loved his city and the musicians who give the city its heart. He was also aworld traveler, living and teaching in Morocco, Nepal, Bolivia, and China. Everywhere he ventured, he spread the sounds of New Orleans to new audiences and budding musicians alike. Agentle and curious soul, L.J. pursued countless hobbies and interests,from art to sewing to photography to calligraphy. He evenspoke alittle French, and though it was never superb, even the Parisians couldn't help but love him.

Adrummer to his core, L.J. believed in the sanctity of time, the imperative of practice, and the sublime magic of improvisation. He had the good fortune to play alongside the greats, and remained ever dedicated to passing along the gift of music to his students. Though he had no final words, we imagine he would ask only that you keep playing your instrument, and never give up on your dreams.

Amemorial service will be held on March 7at1pm at Vaughan's Lounge.In lieu of flowers, we ask that

you get out and enjoy some live local music, and don'tforget to tip the band.

Villarrubia, DavidMartin

David Martin Villarrubia of Douglasville, Georgia, passed awayonJanuary 23, 2026, at the ageof73aftera lengthy and courageous battle with cancer. He was born on November 30, 1952, in New Orleans, LA. David was precededin death by hisparents Malcolm H. Villarrubia Sr and Shirley Conzelmann Villarrubia,and his godson Malcolm H. Villarrubia III. Davidissurvived by his devoted childrenBrookeand DavidJr. (D.J.), theirmother Teresa Villarrubia, and his grandchildren Kayden and Kaliannah, allthe brightest lights of hislife He is also survived by his three brothers Malcolm (Mona), Thomas(Sharon) and Peter (Jean), and by many nieces and nephews, allaffectionatelycalled "theglue."The glueloved Daviddearly and will miss him terribly. Davidwas agraduate of St John Vianney PreparatorySchoolofNew Orleans.Hetook great pride in his once being selectedAll-Districtcatcher of St. John'sbaseballteam. In 1973David begana thirty-year enormouslysuccessful professional career in hotel management with the Hilton Hotel Corporation. He startedas adishwasher at the Hilton New Orleans Airport. In time,hard work and loyalty sawhim rise to several senior managerialpositionsincluding food and beveragedirector,executive assistant manager, and eventually general manageratseveralHilton hotels across the U.S ,in NewOrleans, Houston, Atlanta,Jacksonville, Seattle, and LosAngeles. Davidwas amemberof several professionalorganizations, mentoringmany individuals in hotel management, modeling for themboth leadershipand care forothers.David alwaysworked and played with intensity. He loved to fishand to golf. He wasa member of the Chapel Hill Country Club of Douglasville. His life-long love of golfand his role as General Manager allowed him to take part in many celebrityand charitable golftournaments around the country. Davidset high expectationsfor himselfand yet was his own greatest critic. His family will remember him for his sense of humor and sharpwit,his generosity, his compassion, hisintelligence, and his stubborn commitment to sticking around as longas he could forhis children

and grandchildren, despite years of debilitating pain and discomfort fighting cancer and COPD Although physically distant for many years, David held his NewOrleans family very close. His family has wonderful memories of chocolatepianosata NewYear's Evecelebration at theHiltonHotel Airport alongwithguest privileges at thepool.During Katrina, David generouslyhosted his evacuee family at the HoustonHilton. And despiteseriousillness, he insistedonjoining his family's yearly camping trip in Mississippi

His extendedNew Orleans family wouldlike to acknowledge thepersonal care and support giventoDavid during his illness by his daughter Brooke and also by David Jr.and Teresa, whose longterm care enabledDavid to stay at home surrounded by those he lovedsodearly Relatives and friends are invitedtoattend the Funeral Mass and celebration of his life at St. Agnes Church, 3100 Jefferson Hwy, Jefferson, La., at 10 a.m. on Thursday,February 19, 2026. Visitation willbe held at theChurch beginning at 9a.m. Internment at LakeLawn Metairie Cemetery, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd, New Orleans, will follow the Mass.

Donald Joseph Zimmer‐man Sr.was born in New Orleans,LA, on November 11, 1934, andentered into eternal rest on Saturday February7,2026, at theage of91. Mr.Zimmerman was a resident of Harvey,LA, for 66 years. Donald is the beloved husband of the lateJeanette McAllister Zimmerman for58years Heisthe sonofthe late Dewey Zimmermanand the late CelesteOckman Zimmerman.Lovingfather of Donald “Don”Zimmer‐

manJr(Danny) andJoylyn Zimmerman.Alsosurvived byhis extended family, Danny Estevesand Fatima Hasbunaswellasmany cousins of theOckmanand Zimmerman families.He was amemberofthe Oil, Chemicaland Atomic Workers International Union (OCAW) Local13-447, the Family MotorCoach Association,the Cruisin Cajuns Chapterof Louisiana,and aparish‐ioner of InfantJesus of PragueChurch.Heretired after 37 yearsofservice fromthe American Cyanamid/CytecCompany After retirement,Don and Jeanette traveled through‐out theU.S Canada,and Mexicointheir motor coach. Thefamilywould

like to thankthe staff of WestJefferson Medical Centerfor providingcom‐passionatecareduringhis finalhours.His memorial funeralserviceswillbe heldonTuesday,February 24, 2026, at MotheFuneral Home, 2100 Westbank Ex‐pressway, Harvey,Marrero, LA. Visitation will be held from9:30amto11:00 am, and theMasswillbegin at 11:00 am.Interment to im‐mediately follow at West‐lawnMemorialPark, 1255 WhitneyAve,Gretna, LA.In lieuof flowers, please con‐sider adonationtothe Na‐tionalShrineofBlessed Francis Xavier Seelos (see‐los.org), 919 Josephine Street,New Orleans, LA 70130. Thefamilykindlyin‐vitesyou to share

By Amanda McElfresh,amcelfresh@theadvocate.com

When RichardNelsonthinksabout thepower of education, hismindgoesbacktoAPCalculusclass at Mandeville High School

Histeacher,Ms. FanDisher, waswell-regarded as oneofthe topcalculusteachersinthe nation.Every studentwho passed throughher classroomearned atop scoreonthe AP exam,securingcollege credits andsavingtuition dollarsbeforeeversteppingfoot on acampus.

“ItamazesmewhenI thinkabout theimpactshe hadonsomanystudents. Hermotivationand drive wassecondtonone. It remindsmeofhow teachers cantruly make adifference andcreate arippleeffect for theirstudents,” Nelson said That earlyfoundationshapedNelson’spathinto biological engineering, andlater,intolaw,politicsand stateleadership.Ashebeginshis newroleaspresident of theLouisiana Communityand TechnicalCollege System (LCTCS), he sees educationnot as an abstract ideal, butasa practicalenginefor economic mobility for Louisianacitizens.

president to thesheriff to thegovernor. Everybody hastoberowinginthe same direction. As he hasseenthe implementation of newpolicies to strengthen thestate’s economic landscape, he has been filledwithpride andoptimism.

“I seeLCTCS as thesystem that connects thegaps betweenskills, population andemployers. Ourjob is to make sure thestate hasa highly-educatedworkforce thatmatchesbusinessneeds.Thenumberonepurpose forustoget people into high-payingjobs,”Nelsonsaid. “Wewantpeopletowalkout of ourinstitutionswith adegreeorcredentialthatwillleadtothemhavinga better life.”

Nelson arrivesatLCTCS during what he callsone of themostpivotal momentsinLouisiana’s modern history. Billions of dollarsineconomicdevelopment projects have been announcedinrecent months encompassing industries such as information technology,manufacturing,energy, transportation andmore. Nelson said theseinvestments areexpected to generate at least70,000 to 80,000 newjobsacross Louisiana– many of whichwillrequire an associate degree or technicalcredentials “Wewantthe citizens of Louisianatobenefitfrom theseinvestments.Ourgoalistoconnectourcitizensto thesenewjobopportunities,”Nelsonsaid.“Asasystem, wealreadyhavedeepconnectionswithmanyemployers, andeachLCTCS institutionhas collaborations with industriesintheirregion.Wewanttostrengthenthose tiesandbuildnewonesasmorecompaniescometoour state. We know theseemployers willneedpeople. It’s just as important, if notmoreso, than infrastructure andutilities.Wehavetobeabletoprovide thehuman resources they need.”

With priorexperienceasa diplomatwiththe U.S. ForeignService,aLouisiana staterepresentativeand theSecretaryoftheLouisianaDepartmentofRevenue, Nelson brings awidelenstohis newrole. He haslived andworkedall over theworld,but hispulltoLouisiana always remained strong “Everythingisconnected in Louisiana. This is a statethatisbuilt on relationships,”Nelsonsaid. “I’m gratified to have builtalot of connectionswithparish officials, lawenforcement leadersand school board membersacrossLouisiana.Thosekindsofrelationships arecrucial to success. Systemicprojectslikethe ones we areseeinginLouisiana take involvementfrom everyone from thecouncilmantothe school board

“The discussion fora long time wasabout how to keep kids in Louisiana. Now, that discussion has changedintohow to getLouisiana kids into these jobs before people from otherstatesmovein. That’s an exciting conversation to have,” Nelson said.“We’re seeing rapidchanges in economic investment,the tax code andinsurance regulations. As theeffects of these continue to be felt,it’sgoing to completely change the future of thestate.” Nelson said he believes the12LCTCS institutions arewell-positioned to play akey role in that future During hisvisitstocampusesinrecentmonths,he’s beenimpressed by thetop-tier facultyand advanced technology systemsthatare in placetoprepare and trainstudents forlucrative careers. Witnessing that work across thestate hashelpedNelsondefine several keyprioritiesaspresident—among them ensuring that each institutionhas theresources to meet studentand workforcedemands andsimplifying pathways for students to geta degree or certification

“Ifyou’reahighschoolstudent whowants to take classesatanLCTCS college, thereshouldbea straightforwardwaytodothat.Ifyou’reaworkingparent whowants to getyourdegree, thereshouldbeenough optionsforyoutodothat.If youwanttogetabachelor’s degree aftercompletingyourLCTCS education, those creditsshouldtransfereasily,”Nelsonsaid. “I want to help cleara path andstreamlinethose processes. With strong programs,accessibility,affordability andwell-paying jobs ready to be filledclose to home Nelson said he believes thefutureisbrightfor the people of Louisiana. Over thenextfew years, he hopes to grow LCTCS’ overallenrollmentand elevatethe state’sreputationasonethatproduceshighly-qualified graduateswho areready forthe workforce. “The status quoisabsolutelynot whyI’m here,” he said.“Iswing forthe fences.You aimfor thebestideal solutionandthenfilteritthroughthepoliticalrealities Iunderstandthateverythinghas to be ajoint effort. There’snothingI candoalone,and Ifeelthatwehave agoodfoundationtobuild on to graduate Louisiana citizens,givethema pathwaytoa job andkeepthem in ourstate.”

Zimmerman Sr., Donald Joseph

Schenck, Lemuel John

REXQUEEN

His majesty of Carnival

H. MERRITT LANE III

Rex ‘epitomizes’ what a king should be

Legacy of public service behind Merritt Lane

BY JOHN POPE Contributing writer

In a scene that could have been lifted from a spy movie, Poco Sloss summoned his friend H. Merritt Lane III to the front of his office building in New Orleans’ Central Business District one afternoon in November Sloss then told Lane, the president and CEO of Canal Barge Co., to walk with him to the corner of Baronne and Union streets. He complied A black SUV with deeply tinted windows was waiting. A door swung open. “Get in,” Lane was told. He obeyed. Inside, he found five members of the Rex Organization.

“We’re looking for a Rex 2026,” he was told. “No one has ever told us no.”

“You’re not going to get a no from me,” Lane said he replied, figuring it was an offer he couldn’t refuse. “I was so flummoxed.”

In a few minutes, it was all over Lane was, understandably, pumped by the accolade,

but the secrecy pervading his selection kept him from sharing his good news.

“I had to go back upstairs as if nothing had happened and go on to my next meeting,” Lane said, chuckling over the memory of the incident.

The veil has been lifted, and Lane, 64, can tell the world that he will ride Tuesday as Rex, king of Carnival.

Friends are jubilant. “He epitomizes what the king of Carnival should be,” said Hardy Fowler, Rex 2013. Lane, who never uses his first name (Harry), sipped a Diet Coke as he reminisced. He and his wife, Eleanor Kohlmeyer Lane, sat in their Uptown living room, where artworks fill every wall.

Even though his big day was less than a week away, the Lanes were calm, and the room bore only two hints of the season: vases containing flowers in Carnival colors of purple (tulips), green (chrysanthemums) and gold (roses); and a square glass tray, a gift of his cousin Jim Huger, that bears the names of 30 of Lane’s kinfolk who were in Rex’s courts as far back as 1886.

ä See REX, page 2B

KELSEY GRACE FRENCH

Queen of Carnival no stranger to royalty

Family legacy guides path to throne

BY JOHN POPE Contributing writer

The spacious Uptown living room was quiet — so still that a black Lab named Evie dozed on the cool marble floor as sunlight streamed through floor-to-ceiling windows.

Then Kelsey Grace French walked in, picture-perfect in a powder-blue suit and sparkly mauve pumps, and things suddenly started happening.

People materialized. A makeup artist dabbed at the young woman’s cheeks with a brush, and an aide walked around, passing out glasses of ice water French’s mother, Kara Van de Carr, put down a platter of snacks to fuss with her daughter’s light-brown hair while a photographer set up lights and a backdrop. Evie roamed the room, yearning for attention that wasn’t being lavished on French.

“Usually, I don’t really like a lot of attention,” French said as the rush subsided, “but it’s been fun, and I’m starting to like it more.”

That attitude probably is healthy because, in addition to being a debutante who has been flying home frequently from college in Texas to attend parties and balls, French, 21, has been getting ready — way below radar, of course to be Rex’s consort, the queen of Carnival, on Tuesday Preparation for that regal role has entailed, among other things, fittings, rehearsals and lessons on how to process around a ballroom and flourish a scepter while flashing an ear-to-ear smile. That last part is easy, she said “My friends tell me that I’m the smiliest person that they know.”

A graduate of the Isidore Newman School, where she was a distance runner, Kelsey French is a junior finance major at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, and has spent summers at the American University in Paris and the London School of Economics. She was an intern last summer at KBW, an investment-banking firm in New York City, and she plans to return there this summer She also has been a volunteer at Eden Centers for Hope and Healing, a nonprofit

ä See QUEEN, page 2B

Plans for ‘hybrid’ hotel near French Quarter move ahead

Building designed for families, friend groups

BY STEPHANIE RIEGEL Staff writer

More than 18 months after un-

veiling plans for a hotel on the edge of the French Quarter New Orleans real estate developer Sam Solomon is moving forward with a scaled-down version of the project.

Solomon, whose family built hundreds of movie theaters and shopping centers across the south in the mid-20th century, recently secured approval to build a two-story hotel on the parking lot near the intersection of North Rampart and Barracks streets across from the former Carmelite Convent, which he bought in 2019 and converted to luxury apartments.

The hotel is the latest of several new hybrid hotels that have opened in the downtown area over the past two years as the city has cracked down on commercial short-term rentals. Though licensed as a hotel, a hybrid hotel functions as a complex of short-term rental units, each with multiple bedrooms, under a single roof.

The properties are designed to appeal to groups who travel together for celebratory gatherings and festivals and have proven particularly popular as the city grows its reputation as a destination for bachelor parties and weddings.

“There is a big demand for this type of product,” Solomon said. “A lot of new developments have come up across New Orleans to help fill that need, but there is still more demand.”

Solomon revised his plans for the project after neighbors from the Colonial Condominiums directly across Barracks Street from the site raised concerns about the size of the structure and its potential impact on parking and noise.

The new plans, approved by the city’s Historic Districts Landmarks Commission and the City Planning Commission, address some of those issues, several neighbors said this week. Instead of a three-story building that would have exceeded the maximum height limit in the neighborhood, the new building is two stories with a sloped roof and dormers.

Plans show the 10,000-squarefoot building will be about onethird smaller than the three-story,

and said hybrid hotels are popular with families as well as groups of friends.

Another sticking point with neighbors is whether the hotel will have an on-site property manager or concierge, which is required of hotels by city law

Tom Neyhart, another resident of the Colonial Condominiums, said Solomon has not committed to 24/7 on-site management.

Solomon said Wednesday that “if it’s required by the city, then we’ll have it.” Solomon is in the process of seeking financing for the project, which is expected to cost less than $2 million.

“They basically just squeezed the same thing into a smaller space,” said Phil Kurica, who lives in the Colonial Condominiums. “We don’t mind them building something. It’s what they are building that concerns us.” Solomon noted that the plans comply with all city regulations

15,000-square-foot project Solomon originally proposed in mid-2024. Despite its smaller size, the hotel will have nearly as many bedrooms as originally planned — 26 instead of 27 in four large apartmentstyle units instead of seven. One of the units will have two bedrooms, and two units will have seven bedrooms each. The largest unit will have 10 bedrooms. Still, neighbors said they remain concerned that the large units will amount to “Airbnb-style party pads.”

Revisions to the plans have lowered the developer’s costs at a time when interest rates are more favorable than when the project started, he said. Insurance rates also appear to be holding steady after several years of double-digit increases.

“Interest rate decreases have helped a lot of projects to start up,” he said. “I think there is a general optimistic view about New Orleans right now.” He hopes to begin construction by midsummer

STAFF PHOTO By CHRIS GRANGER

Rex 2026 H. Merritt Lane III and his wife, Eleanor Kohlmeyer Lane, at home in New Orleans.

STAFF PHOTO By SOPHIA GERMER Queen of Carnival Kelsey Grace French and her mother, Kara Van de Carr, at their home in New Orleans.

Oneofthe Lanes’ three daughters, Sarah Eleanor Lane, was Rex’squeen in 2020.

Hisgrandfather Joseph Merrick Jones also served as Rexin1958 and founded the company that Lane now leads. After starting with one barge, Canal Barge is now one of the country’sbiggest barge operators, boasting about 900 employees in 27 states.Itwas sold lastyear, but Canal Barge retained its New Orleans headquarters. Lane was named CEO of the new holding company

While lineage can play a roleinthe secrecy-laden selection of Rex, public service is amajor factor.Hecredits hismother, SusanGundlach, with motivating himinthis direction: “Mom always impressed on us to give alittle something back (and) to not seek recognition.”

search. Youcan trust it.”

“Wecan’thaveenoughgood government.”

who graduated from Isidore Newman School and the University of Virginia, traces his passion forparadingtohis father,who dressed himupand put him atop aladder to watch parades when Lanewas atoddler

fore, andthey are so excited to see you. They said there’s no experience likethat.”

This is theonlydrawback he can think of: Theking of Carnival isn’tallowed to toss trinkets to hissubjects.

Lane has served on aslew of boards, including those of BaptistCommunityMinistries, the National WWII Museum, the Nature Conservancy of Louisiana, and the Pro Bono Publico Foundation, an arm of the Rex Organization that has allocated more than $16 milliontosupport New Orleans’ publicschools. Lane chairs its grants committee.

He has aspecial spot in his heart forthe Bureau of GovernmentalResearch,where he hasserved andisstill on the board.

“The BGR is really important,” he said. “It’sthe source of truth (and) gold-plated re-

After Hurricane Katrina, Lane served as the Business Council’srepresentative as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers rebuilt the area’sfloodprotection system. He also was the first chair of the Idea Village, anonprofit entrepreneurial-development system “I love his approach to civic responsibility,” said Christian “Christy” Brown, Rex 2015 and alongtime friend. “He does viewitasa duty,and I think he just has afeeling of what is best for the community,and howcan we leverage this (Rex) organization to provide the best for our community “Rexismeant to represent the best of New Orleans and Merritt has been doing that longbefore donning the crown.”

Lane, alifelong Uptowner

His father rode in four parades: Momus,Comus,Proteus and Rex. “I remember the fun of chasing him for doubloonsand thought it was so cool that Dad was arock star up there, throwing beads to us,” he said.

Lane has been preparing forhis royalride by soaking up tips from friends like Sloss, who was Rex in 2018.

“Everyone says the ride on that float is the most extraordinaryexperience of alifetime,”Lanesaid.“Youhave this sea of humanity, andyou seeall thesepeople you know, and they’re calling your name, and you see all these peopleyou’venevermet be-

“I love to throw stuff,” Lane said. “I probably have done more than100 ridesin my life. Idon’t liketounwrap (bags of baubles); Ijustlike to throw.”

Explaining why he loves to toss beads and other trinkets is “the most impossible thing,” said Lane, who rides in the Chaos and Proteus parades as well as Rex But this year’sRex also is exhorting his subjects to do more. With anew mayor, “there’sasense of optimism,” he said,“and Iwould encourageeveryone to look around to see why we love this city andleanintomakingitbetter.”

QUEEN

Continuedfrom page 1B

organization her mother founded forsurvivors of humantrafficking.

French is the latestmember of her family to receive acrownfrom the Rexorganization.The familyalready boasts fivekings, startingin1889 and running through 2007, when her grandfather,Dr. Ronald J. French, reigned. His wife,Flora Fenner French, was queen of Carnival in 1959.

“It’ssofun that Iget to be part of this,” Kelsey French said. “I’m so honored.”

Thequeen’s father,Will French, is the Rex organization’shistorian. He’salso alieutenant,which means that on Tuesday,he’llbeon horseback, swathed in green, watching Rex and his daughter toast each other

had collected over the years, andshe jangled themhappily Although VandeCarr didn’t grow up in the Carnival culture, shehas adoptedthisfeature of the annual celebration: ironclad secrecy abouther daughter’supcoming reign. A native of SanFrancisco who holdsdegrees from theUniversityofCalifornia,Berkeley and two law schools, Van de Carr has had no trouble conforming to thisrule. “I’m aformer diplomat, and Ihad atop-secret clearance,” said VandeCarr,who was posted in Washington, D.C., andJamaica. “I couldn’teven tell my family alot of what I had learned, so (keeping secrets) wasn’tashard as you might think.”

‘Oh, my gosh.’

about, just like sheis,” Kelsey French said.

“It’ll be agreat moment,” Will French said.

Kelsey French’s path to the throne began last March, when her father led her into an upstairs roomatthe New Orleans Country Club. ARex official was waitingthere to read her apoem that ended with theannouncement that she had been picked to be the 2026 queen of Carnival.Ronald and Flora French were there, too.

“I was in shock anddisbelief,” Kelsey French said.“I didn’tthink it wasreal until Ilooked over and my grandmother was crying. Ithought,

Despite signs indicating that her granddaughter was alikely queen, FloraFrench said the moment caught her by surprise.

“I thought Iwas going to collapse on the floor.Ihad no idea that was coming, shesaid. “AtMardiGras, you never expect anything. That way,you’re never disappointed.”

Since then, shehas been helping her granddaughter prepare for her bigday.“She keeps tellingmethatIneed to have funand be myself, and it’sgoing to be the best time and that I’m going to be telling my grandchildren

Hergrandmother is giving her something tangible, too: On thenight of theball, she’ll be wearing the earrings and necklace that her grandmother wore in 1959. Thenecklace has been gold-plated, and lilies have been added, in keeping with this year’sparade theme, “Rebirthand Renewal.”

That’s notthe only gift Flora Frenchhas bestowed in anticipationofthisyear’s celebration.Onthe afternoon of Kelsey French’sinterview, VandeCarr wore acharm bracelet made of golden Rex doubloonsthatFlora French

KeepingMardi Gras secretsfrominquisitive friends was tough for her daughter —atfirst. “I’m the worst liar ever,” Kelsey French said. Butfor now,her focus is on Fat Tuesday.“Ijust hope that Iget to bring people some of the joythatI’m experiencing,” she said, “and I’m hoping they’re as excitedabout MardiGras as my family is andIam.”

STAFF PHOTO By SOPHIA GERMER

Queen of Carnival KelseyGrace French sits with her dog, Evie, in their homeinNew Orleans.

STAFFPHOTO By CHRIS GRANGER

2026 H. Merritt Lane III looksthrough his record collection at home in NewOrleans.

NewOrleans Area Deaths

Andry, Mary

Batiste, Suzanne Benjamin,Jan

Berthaut,Daniel

Camese Jr., Eddie

Compton, Fannie

DeMoss, Beulah

Dickmann, Carol

Evans, Sylvia

Fink, Elra

Fontenot,Stephanie

Gomez,Alina

Grinstaff, Eileen

Hurley,Dan

Johnson, Marlene

La Nasa,Willie

Leblanc, Barry

Leitz,Barbara

Levy,Louis

Maloney, Vivian

Manix, Wayne

Normand, Gloria

Pickert, Margaretta

Pitts,Donna

Raphael,David

Schenck, Lemuel

Villarrubia, David

Zimmerman Sr., Donald EJefferson

Leitz-Eagan

bly by her beloved son, BrianBuchertAndry (Misa), her sister,Maurine Buchert Magne (Jacques), her nieces, Jacqueline Magne Sheridan (Patrick) and Jeanine Magne Liotta (Sean), hernephew, JacquesMagne, III (Michelle), her seven grandnieces and grandnephews, herSouth Korean family, and the host of family members and friends she loved so deeply. Shegraduated from Fortier HighSchool in 1967 and then attendedHotel Dieu School of Nursing, where she received her R.N. degree. Sheworked as an ICU nurse, Quality Assurance Professional and Case Manager at Ochsner Foundation Hospitalfor themajority of her career. She also worked at SaintCharles General and East Jefferson General Hospitals. Mary Kay was an avidreader and adevoutfan of LSU Baseball and the New Orleans Saints. Her favorite hobby was shopping forher lovedones foreveryoccasion and holiday Sheknew how to make people laugh, especially at the dinnertable. Her friendship and humorwill be missed. The family wouldlike to give aspecial thanks to the incredible staffat Foundations Hospice and SummerhousePark Provence Assisted Living. Family and friends are invited to attend afuneral service on Thursday, February 19, 2026,atLake LawnMetairieFuneral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. New Orleans, LA Visitationwillbeheldfrom 1PM-2PM with aMassto begin at 2PM. Interment willfollow at Hope Mausoleum, 4841CanalSt. New Orleans, LA.

Grinstaff, Eileen Batiste, Suzanne Theresa

NewOrleans

JacobSchoen

Gomez,Alina

Lake Lawn Metairie

Andry, Mary Benjamin,Jan

Fink, Elra Hurley,Dan

Johnson, Marlene

La Nasa,Willie

Manix, Wayne

Normand, Gloria

Pickert, Margaretta

Raphael,David

Majestic Mortuary

Batiste, Suzanne St Tammany

Audubon

Pitts,Donna

EJ Fielding

Maloney, Vivian West Bank

Mothe

Berthaut,Daniel

Dickmann, Carol Zimmerman Sr., Donald

Robinson FH

Camese Jr., Eddie

Obituaries

Andry, Mary Kay

University (with ayear at Sorbonne University). She also was agraduateof Tulane Law School Following afederal judicial clerkship,Jan workedfor a prominent national law firm in Washington, D.C She also spent many years after Hurricane Katrina in Charleston,where she enjoyed many of thequalities of thecity thatreminded her of NewOrleans.

Aprivateperson who redefined resilience, Janwas fiercelyindependent and vigorouslychallenged thosewho thought otherwise. Aladywho reveledin thefinerthings in life,Jan really enjoyed traveling Janwas exuberant and overjoyed with last year's climb of stepsatthe Eiffel Tower and her specialtime touring museumsinthe area with Jenniferand Emma. More than anything,Jan deeplylovedher family and closestfriends.

Janwas preceded in death by her mother, Emily Stein Benjamin, and her father,Jack C. Benjamin, Sr She is survivedbyher brother, Jack C. Benjamin, Jr.(Jennifer), her niece, Emma Stotter Benjamin, and her nephew, Jack C. Benjamin, III. She cherishedher uncle, Joseph Stein, Jr. (Joanne), with whom she spoke (at least) daily, and she feltquite close to her cousins,Ann Liberman(Mitch), Jeffrey Stein (Tara), and Andrew Stein(Rebecca). She was thrilled to havea recent visitwithMargaret Murray Sullivan and was especially grateful forthe kindness demonstrated by Marion W. Weinstock and the thoughtfulness of CiCi P. Lemann and EllenS Williams. Whenyou enjoy bubbles, (good) dark chocolate and lump crabmeat (with extra lemon) think of Janand smile.

Suzanne TheresaBatiste (age 76) transitioned to glory on Thursday,Febru‐ary 5, 2026, at 11:05 a.m. She wasa devotedhouse‐wifeof25years to thelate Leonard Briggs.She hada big heartand wasdearly loved by herfamilyand friends.She is thedaugh‐ter of thelateRoseMarie Duplessis-Batisteand Jules Batiste.She is survived by her threedaughters,Ros‐alind (Charlie), Tracy (Robert), andPatrice (Andre);two sisters, Gwen‐dolyn (Henry), andNancy (thelateTerry); twoaunts, Arnetta Jonesand Barbara Duplessis. Also survived by seven grandchildren, Bran‐don (Derrione),Michael (Tamara), Dalevon(Nico‐lette), Whitney,Kelsey (Harry), Ronald,and Alaina; sevengreat-grand‐children, Denem, Milo, Zaiden, Mila,Amira,Blaze, and Milan; threenieces, Jacqueline, Ashley (Mitch), and Toyia(Darrick);and three nephews, Gerard, Terrence(Asia), andAn‐thony.Alsosurviving area hostoffamilyand friends. Relatives andFriends of the Family areinvited to attendthe FuneralService tobeCelebratedatSt. Michael's BaptistChurch, 315 JamesStreet, Kenner, LA70062, on Saturday,Feb‐ruary 21, 2026, at 11:00am Visitationwillbegin at 10:00am.Interment will be private.Professional ArrangementsEntrusted to MajesticMortuaryService Inc.,(504) 523-5872.

Aprivategraveside service was held for thefamily Those wishing to make adonation in memory of JanC.Benjamin are encouragedtocontribute to the"Jack C. Benjamin Scholarship Fund"c/o Tulane University Law School, Office of Advancement, P.O. Box 669394, Dallas, TX 75266; theFriendship Fund at the Jewish Endowment FoundationofLouisiana One GalleriaBlvd, Suite 1040, Metairie,LA70001, theMetropolitanCrime Commission, 1615 Poydras Street,Suite 1060, New Orleans, LA 70112; Temple Sinai, 6227 St.Charles Avenue,New Orleans, LA 70118, or acharity of your choice.

To view and sign theonline guest book,pleasevisit LakeLawnMetairie.com

Berthaut,DanielMartin

Daniel Martin Berthaut entered into eternalrest February7,2026. Beloved son of thelateGeorgeC Berthautand Jeanette Pe‐tersBerthaut. Brotherof the late George W. Berthaut. Brotherinlaw of MargieBerthaut. Uncleof GregoryBerthaut(Chris‐tine).Great-uncle of Char‐leneBumblis,GeorgeR Berthaut, andEmily Berthaut. Age81years,a nativeofNew Orleans, and residentofHammond,LA. Relatives andFriends of the Family areinvited to attendthe FuneralService inthe Parlor of MotheFu‐neral Home,1300 Vallette St.,Algiers,LAonFriday, February20, 2026 at 11 AM IntermentMcDonoghville Cemetery, Gretna,LA. Visi‐tationwillbeheldfrom9 AMuntil servicetime. The familyinvites youtoshare yourthoughts, fond memo‐ries, andcondolences on‐lineatwww.mothefunera ls.com.

“Donot letyourhearts be troubled.You believein God; believealsoinme. My Father’s househas many rooms; if that were notso, wouldI have told youthatI am going theretoprepare aplace foryou?And if Igo andprepare aplace for you, Iwillcomebackand take youtobewithme that youalsomay be whereI am.” John 3:16.The Life andLegacy. Eddie Camese,Jr.,lovingly knowntothose closeto himas“Tubby,”peacefully departed this life on Friday February 6, 2026. Sur‐rounded by theloveofhis devotedwifeand family, he transitioned from this life to hisheavenlyhome, leavingbehinda legacy cherishedbyall whoknew him. He was68years old. Eddiewas born on August 6, 1957, to thelateEddie Camese,Sr. andBetty Jane HarrellCamese. He wasa native of NewOrleans and latermadehis homein Belle Chasse,Louisiana wherehewas knownand lovedbymany. On July 24, 2009, Eddiewas joined in Holy Matrimonytohis belovedand devotedwife, Sheila Turner Camese, whom he absolutely adored andcherished with allhis heart. He wasthe proudand loving father of EddieCameseIII (Morgan) Throughmarriageto Sheila,Eddiewas blessed to embracethe role of a loving stepfather to CharlesWilliamson(Mor‐row),Monique RagasSylve, TabithaPowell(An‐thony) andHershellRagas Eddiehad alovingand cherishedbondwithhis siblings,PatriciaCarpenter (Nathaniel), Lisa Brown, David(Myra)and Steven Camese,KeeyshaCamese Southall (Byron), andthe late Nathanieland Wanda Camese.Hewas theloving anddedicated grandfather of Brayden, Payton,Cam‐dyn, Breanna,Kendrick, Jr Kenan, Collin,Cameron, Caleb, Vaughnsha, Charles, Dertell, Kaylin,and Jazlin He wasthe brother-in-law of VernaRagas,Mary Parker,AltheaPepper

(Michael)MyraManuel (Alton), Lorraine,Vincent (Deborah)and thelateVic‐torTurner. Eddiewas the proudGodfather of Jeane’ andSaley Johnson, Kryshun Freeman, and Shantell Murdock. Eddie shared aspecial close friendship with MartyGrif‐fin. Eddie’slifewas apow‐erfulreflection of his steadfastfaith in God. He wasbaptizedatSt. Paul BaptistChurch in Ironton, LouisianabyRev.Willie Watts,III. As adevoted member of GreaterSaint PeterMissionaryBaptist Church,under thepastor‐ageofDr. DarnellSmith, Sr with unwavering dedi‐cation,Eddiefaithfully served on theDeacon Board, attended Thursday nightbible classesand Sunday Worshipservice Hiscommitmentreflected thedeep meaningbehind hisfavoritehymn, “MySoul is Anchored in theLord, Eddiethoroughlyenjoyed life andlived it to the fullest.Alwaysstepping outlookinglikehejust fin‐isheda photoshoot with GQ Magazine,Eddieloved dancing. He wassolight on hisfeet at timesitseemed as though he was floating very smooth. Hisenthusi‐asmforlifeled himto enjoytraveling,seeingand exploringnew adventures Like others Eddiewas a die-hard Saints fan, cheer‐ingthemonwithunwaver‐ingloyalty andpride.Eddie wasa graduate of John McDonogh High School Aftergraduating, he went on to furtherhis education at LouisianaState Univer‐sity.Eddie’sloveofservice lead himtoa 42 year of law enforcement. Within those 42 years, Eddiewas the firstAfrican American to be employed as Warden in thePlaquemines Parish SheriffOffice.Witha yearning to want to learn more aboutGod anden‐hancehis spiritualgrowth, Eddiewentonthe enroll andgraduatefromChrist‐ianBaptist College. Eddie leaves to cherishhis mem‐oriesand will be sadly missedbyhis loving wife children,stepchildren, grandchildren,aunts, un‐cles,a host of loving nephews, nieces,cousins, otherrelatives andfriends Eddiewas preceded in deathbyhis parents, ma‐ternal andpaternalgrand‐parents, onebrother,and onesister. Relativesand friendsofthe family arein‐vitedtoattend thecelebra‐tion of life servicewhich will be held on Monday, February 16, 2026 at GreaterSt. PeterBaptist Church 182 WestSaint

DeMoss, Beulah for questions or concerns dial

PeterStreet BelleChasse LA 70037. Thevisitationwill beginat8 a.m.,and the servicewillbegin at 10 a.m. Rev. Dr.Darnell Smith Sr officiatingand entomb‐ment will follow at West‐lawn Memorial Park Ceme‐tery,Gretna, LA.The family will also receiveguest fora visitation on Sunday Febru‐ary15, 2026 at Robinson Family FuneralHomefrom 4p.m., to 6p.m.Funeral planning entrustedto Robinson Family Funeral Home (504) 208 -2119. For online condolencesplease visitwww.robinsonfamilyf uneralhome.com

Compton, Fannie Samuel Fannie SamuelCompton passedaway at the age of 86 on January 30, 2026, at herhomeinBaton Rouge, surroundedbyher loving childrenand grandchildren Born on April 23, 1938, in Baton Rouge,Fannie was theonlychild of Fannie Loret Samueland Frank BurnettSamuel. Sheattended Dufrocq ElementarySchool and spent many cherished hourswith herfamilyat theirancestral home, "The Cottage," on River Roadmemories that remained close to herheart throughouther life. Fannie graduatedfrom Baton Rouge High School andwentontoLouisiana State University, whereshe earneda BA degree in Journalismand wasa member of the ChiOmega sorority. During herfirst week at LSU, she met the love of herlife, John Compton, Jr., of Cheneyville, Louisiana. They shared 62 devoted years of marriageand made theirhomeinBaton Rouge,where they raised their threechildren. Fannie had adeep love of words, ideas, and stayinginformed. Shefaithfully

Camese Jr., Eddie

read The Advocate from cover to cover each day and delighted in thoughtful conversation about current events. She generously gave her time and talents as an adviser to the Chi Omega sorority at LSU for many years and served on the Louisiana Mental HealthBoard formore than adecade.

Alifelong member of St. James Episcopal Church, Fannie was actively involved in awide range of civic, cultural, and social organizations, including the Junior League of Baton Rouge; the National Society of Colonial Dames of America; the Daughters of the American Revolution; The Reviewers; The Baton Rouge Assembly; La Tertulia Study Club; Potpourri Study Club; and the St. James Foyer Group. She was also deeply engaged in many aspects of her husband's work during his tenure as Louisiana's Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture.

Among Fannie's greatest joys were her friendships. One of her most cherished groups, affectionately known as the "La Girls," met each month for lunch, laughter, and spirited discussions of world events.

Fannie is survived by her three children, John Compton III; Frances Compton Rambo and her husband, Rick Rambo; and Elizabeth Ann Compton; and by her two grandchildren, John Compton Rambo and Rachel Lauren Rambo, who brought her immense pride and joy. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to her devoted caregiver, Brandy Jouette, whose kindness, compassion, and constant presence provided comfort and peace to Fannie and her family during her final years.

Fannie will be remembered for her sharp intellect, quick wit, loyal friendships, and unwavering love for her family and community.

Amemorial service will be held Friday, February 20, 2026, at St. James Episcopal Church, with visitation starting at 11:30 a.m., followed by aservice at 1p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Fannie's memory canbemade to Evergreen Life Services, 920 Main Street, Pineville, LA 71360.

DeMoss,Beulah Brouillette

Beulah Brouillette

DeMoss passed away peacefullyather home on January 26, 2026, at the age of 102. Born August7 1923, she was aresident of Slidell, LA for 49 years, and previously resided in New Orleans, LA for nearly 40 years. She was born and raised in an AcadianFrench speaking community in Avoyelles Parish in Central Louisiana She was preceded in death by her husband, Garland Everett DeMoss, son, Stanley James DeMoss, parents,Cora Lachney and Jessie Brouillette, and by siblings, Elander Brouillette, Chris Brouillette Remel, Vergie Brouillette, Huey Brouillette, Nolan Brouillette, and Calvin Paul Brouillette.

She is survived by her daughter, Janet DeMoss Karpovs Michelet, her sister, Ethel Brouillette Landry (Samuel), grandchildren, AnatoleKarpovs, Aleksander Karpovs, Richard DeMoss, Paul DeMoss and Andrew DeMoss, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren. Beulah witnessedmany changes in history and technology overher 100 year life span and was truly apiece of Living History herself. As achild she worked alongside her family picking cotton and endured the hardships of The Great Depression. As a young wife with small children and with ahusband stationed overseas during World WarIIand The Korean War, she weathered the anxious wartime years. She later worked as aseamstress altering clothes at home, and after retiring to Slidell, spent countlesshours sewing, maintaining her gardens, and cooking meals for family gatherings. Butshe will best be remembered for her kind nature, her love of friends and family, and her enduringdevotion to her husband of 60 years, Garland.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a graveside service on Friday, February20, 2026, at 11 AM in Metairie Cemetery, 5100 PontchartrainBlvd. New Orleans,LA. Acelebration of life willfollow in her daughter's home

Dickmann, CarolBorne

CarolBorne Dickmann ofNew Orleanspassed awaypeacefullyinher sleep on February 9th, 2026, at 91 yearsold.A life‐longresident of Algiers, Louisiana.BornApril 5th, 1934 to EliseLassere of Vacherie andWalterBorne ofFranklin. Shesaiditwas timetogosee John her Husband,and Sons Brian and Britt. Sheispreceded indeath by herparents Husband John PeterDick‐mannJr.,sisterElaineShel‐ley,and sons Brittand Brian Dickmann. Sheissur‐vived by herchildrenand their spouses– Kevinand BrendaDickmann, of South Beach OR,Wendy andFer‐rellBrunetofBaton Rouge, LAand Travis andChristy DickmannofBoise ID.Her ninegrandchildren and their spouses– Aurora Heinemann,Crystal Heine‐mann, Cortneyand Brian Givens, Eliseand Jason Fenstermaker, Marcie and Jimmy Bartel,Ryanand Melissa Brunet, Ashley and TreyGros, Taylor Dickmann and Parker Dickmann.And her tengreat grandchil‐dren –DorianEdwards, Mason Fenstermaker CarterBartel, Jude Brunet, BrooksFenstermaker, Charlotte Bartel,James Brunet, WeslyGros, John Brunetand Sophia Gros She is also survived by her ten nephewsand nieces And many cousinsand friends.She hadmanyAn‐gelstoo,one beingLyn Dickmann. Carolattended HolyNameofMaryschool startingin kindergarten through hersenioryear. She worked at Louisiana Power and Lightwhere through afriendmet the loveofher life –John. They weremarried July 5th, 1954, andmoved into their starter home,which turned out to be theirforever home. Shewas thesecre‐taryatSt. Andrew the Apostle school,itseems for most of ourlives.She knewall thekidsand fami‐lieswell. Over theyears she wouldrun into thestu‐dents andkeptupwith their families.She would alwaystelluswho sheran intoand kept us updated. The family wouldliketo thank allthe staff at Our LadyofWisdom formak‐ing herlastyearand days socomfortable.There are nowords that canexpress our appreciation forthe warmthand compassion shown to herand herfam‐ily andfriends.Inlieuof flowers, please make do‐nations in Carol’snameto HolyNameofMaryChurch orOur Lady of Wisdom Relatives and Friendsof the Family areinvited to attend theMemorialVisi‐tationatHolyNameof MaryCatholicChurch,500 Verrett St Algiers, LA on Monday, March2,2026 from9 AM until Funeral Masstimeat11AM. Inter‐mentwillfollowinMc‐Donoghville Cemetery, Gretna, LA.Mothe Funeral Homes handledarrange‐ments

SylviaMay Buttone Evans

Born February 19, 1938 in New Orleans,Louisiana. She went to be with her Savior, Jesus on February 9, 2026inIrvine, Kentucky. Herparents were Salvadore AdolphButtone and MaryNuckley Buttone. Sylvia was an onlychild and grew up in New Orleans.She graduated from Francis T. Nicholls High School in 1955.She met and married the father

of her children in 1957 and moved to Lexington, Kentucky where Brian Ross and Michele Ross Perret were born. They moved back to theNew Orleans area in 1963, where Sylvia liveduntil 2025 when she moved to Kentuckytobe near her daughter.

Sylvialoved to dance, which providedher with many adventures and friendships. Sylviaenjoyed fun with her friends, bowling,playing cards, traveling to many placesaround theglobe,and shopping. She was amember of the Republican Women's and lovedthe USA.Sylviawas an officer in the Krewe of Isisfor years and was Queen of Isisin1985.

Sylvialoved her children and grandchildrendearly. They spent summer vacations many years together, making wonderful memories.Family was very important to her. She loved cooking for them and taught them her best recipes like red beans and rice

In 2016 she met and married WalterEvans They livedhappily until his death in 2020. She is survivedbyher son, Brian Salvadore Ross (Cristina) and daughter, Michele Ross Perret(Jerry) and two granddaughters, Lauren Michele Perret and Sarah Rebecca Ross. Her only grandson, Austin Taylor Perret,preceded her in death.

Sylviaasked not to have aservicebut requested to be puttorest next to her grandson. Her heart was so tenderfor animals, so Memorial donations can be made to MetairieHumane Societyat6213 Airline Hwy. Metairie, Louisiana 70003. (504)458-0531

Elra Bernard Fink, age 94, anativeofNew Orleans, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on January30, 2026, in St. Johns, Florida, surrounded by her loving family.She was called home to be with theLordafter alife marked by devotion, faith, and quietstrength.

Elra was preceded in death by her belovedhusband of 48 years, Edward Charles Fink, Sr.;her parents, ThaddeousJoseph Bernard and AliceLambert Bernard; and her sister, AlidaBernardPerera (Philipdeceased).

She is survivedbyher devoted children, Deborah Hofbauer (Jim), Edward Fink, Jr. (Fay deceased), and Lorraine Naquin(Joe); her cherished grandchildren,Ken, Jessica, Joseph, Camryn, Carson, and Heather;her adored greatgrandchildren, Trey, Brynne, Michael, John, and Amelia; as wellasmany loving nieces and nephews.

Elra was an activememberand past President of theGoldenAgesof Metairie,where she formed many treasured friendships. She wasa passionate NewOrleans Saints and LSUfan and greatlyenjoyed agood game of poker. In thefinal years of herlife,Elrafaced chronicillness with extraordinary courage, dignity, and grace, inspiring all who knew her.

The family extendstheir heartfelt gratitude to Community Hospice and PalliativeCare of Jacksonville,Florida, for their compassionate care and support Relatives and friends are invitedtoattend a Funeral Mass at LakeLawn MetairieFuneral Home and Cemeteries, 5100 PontchartrainBlvd.,New Orleans, Louisiana 70124, on Thursday,February 19, 2026. Visitation willbeheld from10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., followedbythe Funeral Mass at 12:00 p.m. Interment willfollow at Lake Lawn Park and Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers,donations may be madein Elra'smemory to CommunityHospice and PalliativeCare, Jacksonville,Florida.

StephanieCanatella Fontenot, aNew Orleans original who epitomized thespirit of Louisianaand an enduring joiedevivre, passed away on February 5, 2026, in VirginiaBeach, Virginia. Born on February 19, 1940, she liveda life defined by resilience,creativity, and love forall AnativeNew Orleanian to her core, Stephanie carried thecity'ssoul with her—festive, fun-loving, compassionate,and unsinkable. She was asurvivorinevery sense of the word. In theaftermathof Hurricane Katrina, she enduredfivegrueling days waiting for rescue in the Louisiana Superdome. Afterwards, she rebuilther life,making stopsin Virginia, Florida, and back to Louisiana, ultimately settling in Virginia.

Stephaniewas industrious and proud of her work. She spent 14 years as an office assistant with Shell Pipeline, whereshe was known forher reliability, warmth,and strongwork ethic. Beyond her professionallife, she was agifted artisan. She made jewelry and craftsand was asuperb seamstress, creating beautiful pieces that reflected her creativity and patience—many of which remain cherished keepsakes among family and friends today.

Aboveall else, Stephanieloved her family deeply. She was preceded in deathbyher parents, Rocco and Thelma Canatella; brothers Frank and Raymond;sisters Joyce Rasso and Lois Duplessis,daughter Maurine Goodman; and granddaughter Valerie Lewis. She is survivedbyher son, StephanFontenot (Julie) of VirginiaBeach, Virginia; her daughter, Melissa Fontenot (Garry) of Lafayette,Louisiana;her grandsons, Christopher LewisofFlorence,Oregon; and Jason Sonnier (Brittany) of Lafayette, Louisiana; and her granddaughters, Leah Hough (Jere'l) of Alexandria, Virginia; Kristina Johnson (Chris) of San Diego, California; Jordan Fontenot (Brad)ofVirginiaBeach, Virginia; and Taylor Fontenot (fiance Brooklyn) of Smithfield,Virginia. She is also survivedbyeight great-grandchildren: Miles, Poppy, Jackson, Charles, Jace,Violet, Darcy, and Keira.

Stephanielived fully and unapologetically. She lovedlaughter, color, and connection, and she gave generouslyofherselfto those around her.

She willberemembered as awoman who was a friend to all.Her memory livesoninthe storiestold, thehandsshe guided, the thingsshe made, and the love she left behind.And now, as she always proclaimedwhen she completed aquick task—as youwatched—and in the truest NewOrleans style and spirit: Voilà!

ACelebrationofLife will be held on Monday May 25th, 2026 at 10:00 AM at theAltmeyer Funeral Home and Cremations, Southside Chapel located at 5033 Rouse Drive, VirginiaBeach, 23462. AltmeyerFuneralHomeis both humbledand honored to be able to servethe Fontenot family during this difficult time. Acelebration of life will be held at 10:00 AM on 2026-05-25 at AltmeyerFuneral Home, 5033 Rouse Drive.

dren AlinaBlett (Livan), GeorgeGomez (Maitee) and AngelGomez (Maite). She is also survived by her brother ReyArias (Cecilia), sisters Cecilia Suarez (Eddie),Flora Dwyer (Patrick) andMirthaPoul‐liard.Alina marriedthe loveofher life,Jorge Gomez,and together they built afamilyrootedin love, faith,and serviceto others. Shewas adevoted and proudmotherand grandmother.One of her greatestjoysinlifewas be‐coming“Awie,” acherished grandmother,toClaudia Blett, Abby Blett, George Gomez Jr., Armani Gomez, Arabella Gomez, andAn‐gelinaGomez.Mostre‐cently, shewas overjoyed tobecomea great-grand‐mothertoEli Miller.She alsoleavesbehinda host ofmanynieces, nephews, and cousinswho lovedher dearly. Alinawas widely recognizedfor thebusi‐nessesshe builtalongside her husband. Their firsten‐deavor, George’s Auto Parts in NewOrleans servedthe communityfor 20years.Theylater owned and operated La Casa Gomez in Mandeville, Louisiana,for another20 years.Mostrecently, she workedwithher husband and sonatGomez Pine Straw,helping grow it into one of thelargest pine straw companiesinthe South.Through everyven‐ture, Alinawas thecon‐stant behind thescenes— her honesty, commitment toquality,and exceptional customerservice were the foundationoftheir suc‐cess. Outsideofwork, Alina’s greatest passion was cooking. Shenever needed areasontocele‐brate—she createdone She found joyinpreparing meals forfriends andfam‐ily,and if youeverhad the blessingoftasting Awie’s cooking, youknewyou wereinfor somethingspe‐cial. Sheloved gathering around thetable,sharing food, laughter,and love Alina hada humble and generousheart.She gave freelyofwhatshe hadand was always readytohelp anyoneinneed. Her strength, warmth,and un‐waveringdevotiontoher familywillbedeeply missedbut foreverremem‐bered.Visitationwillbe heldfrom10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. followed by Massat12:00 p.m. on Feb‐ruary 19thatJacob Schoen & SonFuneral Home,3827 Canal Street,New Orleans. ArrangementsbyJacob Schoen& SonFuneral Home.Condolences may

Grinstaff, Eileen Burke

EileenBurkeGrinstaff, born on February 6, 1943, passed away peacefullyon Sunday, February 8, 2026, in RiverRidge, LA,just after celebratingher 83rd birthday. Eileenspent her career as adedicated receptionist at Fidelity Homestead, from which she retired, leavingbehind many cherished colleagues andfriends.She was known for herdeep love forher familyand herjoyousspirit.Eileenwas predeceased by herparents, William E. Burke, Jr.and Rita Ricker Burke; hersister, Barbara; herhusband, JamesGrinstaff, Jr.; her son, JamesGrinstaff,III andher grandsons, Benjamin andAnthony Grinstaff. Sheissurvived by herson,Michael Grinstaff (Louise); agrandson, ChristopherGrinstaff (GabbyNaylor); agreat granddaughter, Maddison Grinstaff andseven siblings: Dianne, Dennis, Timothy, Patricia, Michael, Kathleen, andWilliam Edward III.Visitationwill be held on Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM followedbya Memorial Service at Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home, 4747 Veterans Memorial Blvd.in Metairie, Louisiana 70006. Shewill be buriedwithher husband and son in GreenwoodCemetery in NewOrleans.Fondmemories or condolences may be sharedatwww.leitzeag anfuneralhome.com.

AlinaA.Gomez,68, passedawaypeacefullyin Covington,Louisiana.Born onJuly18, 1957, in Cam‐aguey,CubatoAmada and Arnaldo Arias. Alinawas one of five children and grewupsurrounded in a homesurrounded by love Precededindeath by her parents,Arnaldo and Amada Arias, andher brother-in-law, Marcus Pouilliard. Alinaissurvived byher husband of 51 years, JorgeGomez,and herchil‐

Fontenot, Stephanie Canatella

Fink, ElraBernard

Evans,Sylvia Buttone

Gomez, AlinaA

casions, many

Dan Hurley, anative of Brooklyn, NY, and adopted resident of New Orleans, LA, recently passed away. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Francis and Bridget Kielty Hurley, Co. Galway, Ireland and Brooklyn,NY; brother, John "Jack" Joseph Hurley. Dan was also preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joycelyn Schell Hurley. He is survived by his two sons: Grady Schell [Toni] and Timothy Patrick [Trudy] Hurley; eight grandchildren; six greatgrandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Dan began his professional career as acommissioned officer on active duty with the US Army Judge Advocate Generals Corp during the Korean War. He subsequently joined the New Orleans Legal Department, Texaco, Inc. where Dan held several positions as aregional counsel, and was an assistant to the General Counsel, Senior Vice-President, at Texaco's New York corporate headquarters before retiring as General Attorney after thirty-seven years of service. After his retirement from Texaco, Dan remained active professionally, serving as an independent mediator. Dan was also aPublic Arbitratorwith the Financial Industry National Regulatory Authority [FINRA].

Dan attended the College of Arts &Sciences at Tulane University and its School of Law [19471954] where he receiveda Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctorate Degrees. Whilea student at Tulane, Dan participated in its Pan Hellenic and Intramural Athletic Programs,served on a Homecoming Committee, was amember of Sigma Pi Fraternity, appointed Cadet Colonel, Tulane Army ROTC, and honored as aDistinguished Military Graduate. He was also inducted in the National Scabbard and Balde Honorary Military Society At Tulane Law School, Dan was amember of the Moot Court Board and a Presiding Judge, Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, and a finalist in the Tulane Senior Moot Court Competition. As an Alumnus, Dan remained a longtime supporter of the Tulane Athletics Program, contributed to the efforts associated with the revival of the Tulane University Marching Band [TUMB], served on the Tulane Alumni Association and Tulane Associates Boards, as aLaw School Class Agent, and amember of the original Admiralty Law Institute Committee. He also served on two Tulane Search Committees for the selection of avarsity football and basketball coach, as President and cofounder of the original non -profit Green Wave and Tip -Off Clubs, as well as a Charter Member of the Tulane Captain's Club [Men's Basketball]. As a result of service to his University, Dan received the Tulane Alumni Association's "Bobby Boudreaux's Spirit Award Trophy"in2015, and the Emeritus Club honored him with anamed award.In community matters, Dan was amember of Booster Clubs, served as CYO CoDirector, PTA President, and served Lafrenier Park Board. Dan coached several sports and Youth Athletic Programs at NORD and JPRD for several years.

However, Dan's most treasured priorities were participating in family activities and special events. He particularly enjoyed looking forward to the annual summer road trips with his family, including grandchildren in later years, visiting national historical sites, out of town family members, cultural venues, various entertainment centers, and vacationing at several favorite oceanside and mainland resorts located throughout the United States and Canada. Dan was also a fixture with Joycelyn at the plethora of school and sporting events where their sons and grandchildren were participants. Please consider adonation in Dan's memory to the Tulane University AthleticsFund or the Shriner Children's Research Hospital [www.loveshriner.org]. To view and sign the Funeral Book online, please view and visit www.lakelawn

please and visit www.lakelawnme tairie.com. Aprivate family service was held at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home where he is interred.

Johnson, Marlene Weiser

Marlene Weiser Johnson passedaway peacefullyon February10, 2026, at the age of 63. She is lovingly remembered by her beloveddaughter, Paige, and her husband of 33 years, Kenneth Johnson. She is also survived by her parents, Earland Carolyn Weiser, and her siblings MichaelWeiser (Pamela), Mark Weiser (Sharon), Matthew Weiser (Tina), Michele Weiser Brimer, and Melanie Weiser Mercier; her cherished nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and many loving aunts, an uncle, cousins, and extended family members.

Marlene graduatedfrom Cabrini High School.A gifted creative spirit, she shared hertalents as acalligraphy artist and was an award-winning poet recognized through hermembership in the Poetry Society of America. She had adeep love for animals and devoted much of her life to caring for and protecting them. Though Marlene lived aquiet and private life, she brought warmth, humor, and laughter to those fortunate enough to know her and will be deeply missedby all whose lives she touched.

The family wishestoexpress their deepest gratitude to her caregiver, Brenda Bryant, forher compassionate care,kindness, and unwavering dedication to bring comfort to Marlene in herfinal weeks.

Visitation will be held February20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., followed by Mass at Noon at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, with burial to follow at Greenwood Cemetery

In lieuofflowers, donations may be made in her memory to Guardian Angel Hospice or LASPCA.

La Nasa, Willie Mae Hundley

Willie Mae HundleyLa Nasa, 88, passedaway peacefully on January 29, 2026, with her 3sons at her bedside. Willie was born in Kosciusko, Mississippi on January 23, 1938, to Joseph Floyd Hundley and Willie Myrtle Allen. She wasprecededindeath by her husband of 59 years, August Joseph La Nasa,her parents and brother, Ray Doyle Allen, and granddaughter,VickieLynn LaCombe,and is survived by her three sons, Robert JeffreyLaCombe,Alfred John La Nasa, andPhilip Joseph La Nasa (m. Rachel), and grandchildren, Lucy, Jake, and Nina. Willie was agraduate of Warren Easton High School, class of 1955. She workedfor South Central Bell and then as asecretary at the JonesWalker law firm beforemarrying Augie in 1965. She became afull-time wife,mother, and homemaker but still had time in the early 1970's to draw plans, contract, and decorate the 5,000 square foot family home. For the vast portion of Willie's life, she loved to garden and make floral arrangements (winning many blue ribbons), entertain, cook (winning contests), travel, and make jewelry. Willie was the life of the party and threw the best parties for her family, friends for their special occasions, and the many

clubsthat she belonged to Willie was fun, creative, colorful, full of life, loving, caring, generous, compassionate, self-less, talented and had atrue servant's heart

After Augie, her sons, and grandchildren, Willie's greatest joy in life was giving of her time and talents by volunteering for many charities and organizations. Her top three were: Ronald McDonald House/Children's Oncology Services of Louisiana Willie was amember of the search group fora Home Away From Home fortemporary housing facilities for families of cancer patients. She was instrumental in acquiring the original house on Canal Street that furnished support forfamilies and chaired the sale of ticketsfor theatrical presentations for four years to raise money for the House. She served on the Board of Directors since its inception and onfundraising and public relations committees and was President from 1983-85.

Louisiana Garden Club Federation Willie was a Life member; Prayer Request chairman 2011-13; Vendor chairman for five of the state conventions; chairman of aproject "Green the Coast" sponsored by National Garden Clubs, Inc.,and served as chairman of the dedication in City Park of that project in 2010. She was amember of the State Convention committee held in Jefferson Parish in April 2013.

The Friends of City Park From 1987-2014, Willie was asupporter of the children's program during Christmas in the Oaks and purchasing ornaments for the children. She was a volunteer at Christmas in the Oaks until 2014. Also, Willie was amember of the Popp Society, which was. formed to restore the Popp Fountain, and amember of the committee "Popp for a Brick," afundraiser selling bricks to pave the way.

Willie was amember of the National Garden Clubs/ National Council Of State Garden Clubs, Inc. Anyone who knew Willie and her creativity would notbe surprised that she won its poetry contest (with over 800 poems submitted across America) in 1994 with her poem "Wildflower, Oh Wildflower". In 2002, Willie designed aChristmas Tree Ornament that was presented to National Garden Clubs, Inc.,and was placed on their treein Washington, D.C. She was acharter member of The Pirate's Alley Faulkner Society from 1991 to 2014, served on its advisory council, and was amember of thefirst fundraising gala, "Happy Birthday, Mr. Faulkner".

Willie had natural organizational and leadership skills. If she became involved in an organization, she soon was leading a committee or serving as an officer. She was President of: New Orleans Garden Society (1970-71); New Orleans Woman's Club (1976-78) (also philanthropic chairman (1972-73), Program chairman (197576), Tour chairman forthe Tutankhamun exhibit at NOMA (1977), and served as chairman of the Education and Service to the Community forseveral years); Ladies Leukemia League (1988-89) (also Chairman of Blood Drive in Mobile Facility for two years. Life member.); Goodwill Industries(198990); SocietyofLouisiana Artists in Metal (2003-06) (and editor of itspublication "The Slammer"); Lake Forest Garden Club (200709); The Federated Council of New Orleans Garden Clubs, for five years and past chairman of 15 of the 25 committees, served as Chairman of thededication of the Native Plant Garden in CityPark in 2010, Chairman of aBlue Star Memorial By-way Marker and the flagpole and American flag installation, Director of "Sunken Gardens project, Habitat for Humanity Landscaping project, and "Seeds of Service" in NewOrleans.

In addition to these Presidential roles, Willie served as Chairman for the: Gentilly Garden Club (also Register and Treasurer); Japanese Garden SocietyofNew Orleans (membership drive and sponsorshipfor the garden in the New Orleans Botanical Garden); Spina BifidaAssociation (Chairman, Louisiana/ National Fundraising Campaign and composed The Spina BifidaCreed which was accepted by the NationalSpina Bifida Association); and theNew Orleans Opera Association (chairman of student subscription sales in (1976-77).

Williewas on the Board of Directors of Grace House of New Orleans and Lake Terrace Property sociatio She

Owners Association. She also served on the Membership Committee of The InstituteofHuman Understanding; was aCub Scout Den Mother during the 1970's; served many years withthe students at Workers of Magnolia School (helped establish the greenhouse that is still growing); and was amember for many years of the Volunteers of America and chaired many of their fundraisers.

Willie gave of herself for so many years, and did so humbly, with great love, and never sought recognition. Her efforts, though, did not go unnoticed. Willie received many awards, including: Certificateof Appreciation with Key to the City from MayorMoon Landrieufor hosting the U.S. Conference of Mayors in New Orleans (1972); Boy ScoutsofAmerica "Recognition forUnselfish, Devoted Leadership" (1976); written up as a leader in theOrleans Guide newspaper (1977); chosen Woman of theYear by the Junior Membership of the New Orleans Woman's Club for outstanding, unselfish endeavors forthe community with thementally and physically handicapped,the aged,and for her civic and political work (1979); CertificateofMerit for serving on the Turf Committee for the Sugar Bowl Stadium; chosen Woman of theYear by the Junior Membership of the New Orleans Garden Society (1980); recognized with agavel and plaque by the Children's Oncology Service of Louisiana's Board of Directors for her unselfish work to the Ronald McDonald House (1985); Honorary Member of the New Orleans Saints Wives; received aplaque/ gavel from Goodwill Industries Volunteer Service for unselfish dedication (1990); received the Federated Council of New Orleans Garden Club's "Woman of the Year Award"(1998); and was named into the Louisiana Garden Club Federation's "Circle of Roses" foroutstanding leadership and work in the garden clubsof Louisiana (2013). She also received: aCertificationof Appreciation for Outstanding Service from the Ladies Leukemia League; aCertificateof Appreciation for co-chairing the volunteers at Christmas in the Oaks in City Park(1989); the "Living and Giving" award from the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation of Louisiana; the St. Elizabeth's Guild CommunityActivist Award "City Stars"; and the award of "Ten Outstanding Persons" from the Institute of Human Understanding.

While happy to have been recognized forher work, Willie was especially honored to have received the National Valley Forge Honor Certificateinrecognition of an outstanding contribution in the category of Individual Achievement (1986), anational award in recognition of an outstanding contribution which strengthens an understanding and appreciation of the rightsand responsibilities of citizenship in afree society, and The Great Lady/Great Gentleman Award (2014), an award whose recipient is chosen by aSelection Committee composed of professional and business leaders in the community and which honors and recognizes outstanding volunteer service by men and women in the Greater New Orleans area.

Willie also was an active member of so many other charitable and community organizations and held numerous committee leadership positions -literally too many to list.

Her family, and the many whose lives she touched and made better, will miss Willie and her lively spirit and infectious personalityand smile.

AFuneral Mass will be celebrated at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 12 PM. Visitation will be held from 11 AM until Mass begins. Interment will be private. In lieuof flowers, the family asks that you make donations to theRonald McDonald House in her memory: RMHC of South Louisiana, Attn: Grace McIntosh, 210 State Street,Building 4, New Orleans, LA 70118.

Barry David LeBlanc, died Monday, February 9, 2026, at home surrounded by his family. He was 71 years of age.

Barry was aproud graduate of De La Salle High School Class of 1972. He received his Bachelors of Science in Accounting from the University of New Orleans followed by a Masters of Business Administration from Loyola University New Orleans.

Barry began his career at Arthur Young and worked in accountingin several industries, including shipping, oil and gas and foods. He started his own CPA firm which led to his career as Presidentand CEO of Akorn Pharmaceutical and later as Presidentand CEO of PamLab, LLC.

Barry was actively involved in the New Orleans community. He contributed hisknowledge and experience by serving on the Loyola University Board of Trustees (Vice Chair.) and the boards of the UNO Foundation (Chairman), UNO Alumni Association,and Stuart Hall School for Boys.

Barry wasalso aformer member of the Bienville Club and the Roundtable Club. He started ascholarship program at UNO called Students4Higher, which successfully guided select students to complete college in 4years debt free. Barry's inspiration came from guiding Jonathan Kwofie who later became part of the family.

Barry enjoyed golf and played with several groups mostly at Audubon Park. For many years he enjoyed his Saturday running group. He was outgoing and caring with a huge heart andaneven bigger smile that lit up the room. He took agenuine interest in everyone he met, and had away of makingevery person feel important. He leaves a large legacy of love, faith compassion and discipline. Barry began anew kind of life in 2021, when he moved into amemory care facility in Mandeville, where he met so manyunique caretakers and residents that made himfeel at home. The family would like to thank themany nurses and staff at Notre Dame Hospice, particularly Hannah Travis and Dionne Davidson, during the final months of his life at home. Barry is preceded in death by his parents, Ames Philip LeBlanc, Jr. and Norma Hebert LeBlanc, his grandson, Barry Estera LeBlancand his brother, Brian LeBlanc. He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Teresa Villars LeBlanc, daughters, Meg and Allison (Anna), his son, Jack, andhis grandson,Max. He is also survived by his sister, Linda Griffin (Mike), brothers, Wayne (Janiene) and Keith LeBlanc, sister -in-law, Carmel Guitterrez, and many nieces and nephews. Funeral Services will be

held on Monday, February 16, 2026, at Mater Dolorosa Church, 1230 S. Carrollton Avenue, New Orleans, LA. Visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m. followed by aChristian Mass at noon. Interment to follow at St. Joseph Abbey Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Masses preferred.

Leitz, Barbara Gordon

Barbara Ruth Gordon Leitz passed away on Feb. 6th, 2026 at the age of 76, surrounded by family and friends. She is survived by her beloved husband of 53 years Lawrence (Larry) Leitz, their sons Larry Leitz, II (Shannon), Gordon Thomas Leitz (Brandy), and Luke Jacob Leitz, and her sisters Becky Gordon Brown (John) and Belle Gordon Wadge (Glen). She also leaves behind 5 grandchildren,soon to be 4 great grandchildren,and a number of nieces, nephews,cousins, and friends.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents Ruth Barbara Stall Gordon Bushnell and Thomas Jefferson Gordon, Jr, and her brothers Brian Walker Gordon and Barry Thomas Gordon.

Barbara was born in New Orleans and raisedin Metairie before moving to Slidell and later Ponchatoula.

Barbara's faith provided comfort throughouther life, and she is now resting in the peaceofher Savior Jesus.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that donationsbemade to the Slidell Hospice House. thehospicehouse.org

Donationscan be made by mail to P.O. Box 5806, Slidell, LA 70469 or via PayPal to MirandaParker@ TheHospiceHouse.org, Venmo: @HospiceHouse. A celebration of life will be held from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM on 2026-02-22 at The Village Church -Lutheran, 29180 US-190

Leblanc, Barry David

Levy, Louis

Dr. Louis Herman Levy wasborn on June 18, 1946 and passed away while surrounded by his children and loved ones on February 4, 2026. He grew up in New Orleans, Louisianaasthe oldest of five children. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Mathematics from the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now University of Louisiana Lafayette), his Master's degree in Sociology from Louisiana State University New Orleans (now University of Orleans), and his

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OPINION

OUR VIEWS

Arthur Hardywill always be our favorite Mardi Gras guide

When Louisiana bidsfarewell to the flesh this week, it will also say goodbye to amainstay of Carnival. Come Ash Wednesday, Arthur Hardy is boxing up his throws,hanging up his beads and rolling into awell-earned retirement.

As author of the Mardi Gras Guide,which he launched in 1977 along with his wife, Susan, and hislateassociate John Drury,Hardy’s name has long since been synonymous with our area’sunique celebratory season. Over half acentury,his startup publication, modeledinparton theonce-popularTVGuide,grew into an annual treasure trove of stories, trivia and loreabout krewes largeand small, urban and suburban, as well as ahandy collection of news-you-can-use —including those all-important daily parade maps. He’sdocumented explosive growth and cultural changes, from throwtrends to the riseof women’skrewes andthe nowubiquitous cheeky adultdance troupes.

Hardy’salso been afixture on localtelevision, something that soon will end, too. Indeed, much of what many of us know about Carnival can likely be traced back to his painstaking research and documentation.

It should surprise nobody who’sfollowedhis work that Hardy started as an educator, teaching music and leading the band at Brother Martin High School in New Orleans for many years.In theWYES-TV documentary “Arthur Hardy: Our Mardi GrasGuide,”hesaid he and Susan were looking to make somemoney on theside and first set out to publish abar guide,but switchedgears and came up with the idea of aparadeguide After some early hits and misses, it eventually took off once Hardy started appearing regularly on TV to talk about the paradesand the throws, the stories behind each krewe and the artwork, which he collects.

Over time, he became atrustedexpert, to the pointwhere he occasionally corrected krewe leaders on their own organization’searly exploits. This Carnival season hasbeensomething of amonthslong celebrationofHardy’simpact, completewithproclamations and floats bearing hisimage.

We’re happy to report, though, that the tradition he started isn’tgoing away.The guide will still be produced by GeorgesMedia,which owns this newspaper and purchasedthe guide in 2023. And it will continue to bear his name,“ensuring that his name and hislife’swork remain forever tied to the celebration he loves,” publisher Kevin Hall said. Hardy himself isn’tgoing anywhereeither With more time on his hands, “nowI cango to more parades than ever,” he told WYES. We look forward to seeing him out there,passing agood time on the neutralground for years to come.

And afinal note to our many readerswho ride in Carnivalparades:Thisshouldgowithout saying, but if you spot ArthurHardy on theroute, go ahead and throw him something, mister— or sister He’scertainly earned it after 50 years of ajob very well done.

LETTERSTOTHE EDITOR ARE

WELCOME. HERE AREOUR

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

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

TO SEND US A LETTER, SCANHERE

Nudity considered thenew submission

Somelisteners who are not entirely sold on Chappell Roan’s artistry brush off her songs and bawdy stage persona as “campy and loud.” They see aflashy, attention-grabbing circus act. And even as Roan marketsherself as an over-the-top lesbian, thestyling still reads as catering to the male gaze. At therecent Grammy Awards, she drew maximum notice withexposed breasts and rings punched through thenipples. From thosecontraptions hung her dress straps. “I want tohear themusic,” a rock critic told me. “I don’tnecessarily want to see thebazooms.” (He’sseen lots of them,hesays. More than he can count.) “The really great female performers don’tdothat,” the critic added.

Packagingsymbolic acts of submission as amark of sexual power takes someserious mental gymnastics. For starters, having holes punched through one’snipples and sticking metal objects through them is apainful process and arisk for infections. Pierced nipples are said to be an emblem of nonconformity. So would driving arod through your hand. Award showshave turned intoakind of runway contest in boundary-pushing nudity.How much of thepubic area can they show? Howmuch rear end can be revealed? Andhow little can be stuck over the breast and still count as “dress?” The spectacle often

Much like Mardi Gras, our lettersinbox offers something for everyone. Iwas recently asked what letters Iparticularly enjoy reading. And Ihadn’treally thought alot about it. Iamglad that so manypeople take the time to write to us. Likemany of you, I’m sure, Ienjoy well-informed views that raise issues Ihadn’t thought about. We have lotsof readers with very specialized knowledge of technical topics, so Iam always glad when letter writers teach me something new Ialso enjoy the letters that use humor or satire to makeapoint. There are several readers who are very clever and whose writing is just laughout-loud funny.Humor is atool that can bring people together if used correctly,though sarcasm can sometimes be aturnoff. It’s afine line, and some

feels inversely related to the talent on display Men aren’texpected to sell themselves that way.Atthe Grammys, Bad Bunny showed up fully covered in an elegant black velvet tuxedo from Schiaparelli couture. Irecently joined friends at ahip urban restaurant on abrutally coldnight. All themen and smart-looking women were dining bundled up in sweater layers and puffy vests, somewith wool scarves still wrapped around theneck. In walked six young women in sleeveless shift dresses that ended about mid-thigh. They woreheels you wouldn’twant to test on the ice outside. It was aSaturday night, and fellow diners speculated that “the girls” were there to get picked up by someofthe well-to-do male customers whofrequent theplace. The pretty young women looked quiteavailable, but they leftthe restaurant unescorted. If they werelooking for adate, they’d probably have done better browsing the stacks at a nearby bookstore. At the very least, they’d look less desperate. Valentine’sDay has away of exposing the lopsided gender bargain. It’s supposed to be adressed-up night out —reservations, candles, the whole thing —yet far too often, only one half of the couple gets the memo,

the female half.The womanarrives dolled up in asparkly dress and spiky sandals. Her hair and makeup are done, her nails freshly polished. Her malecompanion? He’sfrequently in a sweatshirt and scruffy jeans. I’ve seen malepartners in white-tablecloth restaurants with backward baseball caps and bellies spilling out. No lie: I’ve even seen men in ribbed, sleeveless “wife-beater” undershirts. And this inequality will continue through summer’s water play.The girls will be wearing tiny patches of cloth on their breasts and bottoms, while the boys rompfreely in baggy surfing shorts. The shorts’ looser cut is built formovement, comfort and coverage. But note how the girls on surfboards are still in that barely-there swimwear I’dbet that, come Valentine’sDay, somewomen will get nipple piercings to makethemselves seem more desirable, at least in their minds. Then they’ll be told to watch forredness, swelling, fever and yellow-green ooze. Sold as rebellion, it’sthe high price that somewomen pay to satisfysomeone else’sfantasies.

Hurting yourself to play sex toy reads less like empowerment and morelike submission —atleast to me. But what do Iknow?

Froma Harrop is on X, @FromaHarrop.Emailher at fharrop@gmail.com.

readers know how to paint scenes that have us rolling in the aisles or toss off zingers that hit home. Politicians are often the target of these letters, and that’sprobably because they give readers so much material to work with. We get lettersfrom all corners of the state, and Iparticularly appreciate readers who care deeply about issues affecting their local communities.Whether it’stopraise or criticize, readers who write to raise awareness of something that may not be in the spotlight always earn my respect. It’s good for officials toknow that citizens are paying attention to what they do. Lastly,Ialways am happy to see letters that are steeped in Louisiana history and lore. We live in an amazing part of the country with aunique shared history,sowhenever readers

give aparticularly Louisiana perspective on the news, I’mreminded of how special this place is. Even though our politics has becomemore similar to other Southern states, there are still a fewissues where the Louisiana view is just different, and readers point that out. With Mardi Gras on the horizon, I don’thave the count of letters we received foryou this week. Ihope you are taking time away from the news to enjoy this season of revelry.The newswill always be here, and we’ll be waiting foryour opinion on it. In the meantime, enjoy the parades. Along the route, differences of opinion don’t matter.All that matters is that everyone is having agood time.

Arnessa Garrett is Deputy Editor | Opinion Page Editor.Email her at arnessa.garrett@theadvocate.com

Arnessa Garrett

Hardy

Froma Harrop

COMMENTARY

Lawmakersshouldworktoscale up LA GATOR

Parents matter.They,not the government,should control their children’schoices relatedto education. That simple insight should lead the Louisiana legislature this year to approveGov Jeff Landry’s full request for funding of the LA GATOR initiative, which is the innovative school-choice program that parents love. State Senate President Cameron Henry,R-Metairie, last yearwas loath to meet Landry’sbudgetary request, but there’snogood reason for him to do so again.Indeed, he and Landry should taketime beforethe March9start of the legislative session to put torest any concerns and work outany differences.

With amassive, unexpected surplus from the 2025 budget year, there is no goodfiscal reason to rejectLandry’srequest. And with tens of thousands of Louisiana families last year denied participation in LA GATOR despite having applied for it, the actual education marketplace is screaming for legislators to more fully finance this bold, effective policy LA GATOR isn’tjusta“voucher” program like the old one in Louisiana that led to mixed results. Instead, it provides educational savings accounts that familiescan use not just at private schools but

fora widearrayofeducational courses, services and products such as tutoring, standardized test preparation, onlinecourses, extracurricular programs, special-ed offerings andmore.

Thenumbers are telling. Last year, Landry requested nearly $94million for LA GATOR, but thelegislature, withHenry leading the opposition, approved only $43.5 million.There were almost 40,000 students whose parents applied for the grants, but only 5,600 grantswere awarded. Worse, theimplementation of theprogram discouraged parentsfrom using choice even to start their children’s educational careers, with just apaltry 80 kindergart-

ners gettinggrantsdespite 4,500 kindergarten applicantsbeing eligible.

This year,Landry is asking for $88 million for theprogram, which essentially would double thenumber of studentswho could use it.State House Speaker Phillip DeVillier,R-Eunice, listed support for LAGATOR among his seven key policy issues in a statement released Feb. 12, while acknowledging that the state Senate still has “questions around what the actual functions of LA GATOR look like.”

Henry,for his part, continues to express skepticism and says moreinformation is needed about how families can spend the

money Those questions, though, already amplyhave been answered, if only he will look. Between the statelaw that created the program and aregulation of the state BoardofElementary and Secondary Education knownasBulletin 133 —which was shared with all legislators and on which not asingle legislator commented, much less complained —the requirements andlists of approved expenditures are clearly laid out, along with provisions forprogram evaluation, monitoring and compliance.

“There are definitely guardrails and expectations,” said Erin Bendily,asenior vice president of the conservative Pelican Institute thinktankwho spent nearly 10 years as theAssistant Superintendent of Policy andGovernmental Affairsatthe Louisiana DepartmentofEducation. “Audits, reviews andreporting requirements areall strict,” and with instructions that they be “nondiscriminatory.”

Meanwhile, fiscal concerns, especially in the short run, are unwarranted. Louisiana was blessed with awhopping $577 million of surplus revenues from the 2025 budget year that ended last June 30.

Of that, $144 million will go into an already substantial “rainy day” savings account and $144 million to early payoffofcapital debt,both of which obviously put

the state in better shape to handle any future economic downturns. That still leaves $289 million forother purposes. If Landry thought the state could afford $50 million morethan it spent forLA GATOR from its regular budget last year,then surely it can afford $44.5 million more(the difference between last year’s$43.5 million actual allocation and Landry’s$88 million request) in the coming fiscal year,just using those surpluses alone.

Henry said on Feb. 6that he is worried about “doubl[ing] this program every single year,” but nobody is suggesting anything of the kind. Even if they double last year’sallocation, all it would do is approach (but not yet meet) Landry’soriginal request from a year ago, and with no indication that any redoubling is expected in the future.

In short, Louisiana clearly can afford this program forthe foreseeable future at the level the governor wisely is requesting —all while rigorous monitoring already is part of the package. With this initiative, Louisiana has joined the vanguard of states creatively adopting parent-centered education reform. With so manyfamilies clamoring to participate in LA GATOR, now is not the timefor legislators to crawfish away from paying forit.

Email Quin Hillyer at quin hillyer@theadvocate.com

Photos,stories andreckoning with thepast

Astreetcorner in Baton Rouge ANew Orleans restaurant. The courthouse in Clinton. They’re just places or buildings. But much like the ghosts and memories that float through their rooms and halls, these old structures tell stories. Not so much in words, but in wood, brick, stone and time.

Those sites —and the stories they tell —lie at the center of anew exhibit at the Old State Capitol in Baton Rouge, one that puts aphotographic lens on Louisiana’s history of embracing and fighting segregation.

thoughts, accomplishmentsand heroes of our past For too long, it wasn’tso.

The exhibit, called “Present Day Traces of Segregation, Civil Rights, and Collective Memory in Louisiana” and curated by acommittee from the LouisianaPhotographic Society,isfree andopen to the public through March14. Its stark images recountand remind those who see them of decades of Louisiana history that, whether we like it or not, must be considered alongside the great

WhenIstartedkindergarten in the late 1970satSacred Heart SchoolinBaton Rouge, forinstance,myclasses hadboth Black and White students. By the time I reachedhigh school in the 1980s, lessons about segregationdownplayedits ugliness and taught it as a relic of the past that ended in 1964 with the passage of the Civil Rights Act.

Consequently,I was an adult before Ilearned how fragile that scholastic racialcommingling of my early years was. And how muchstruggle had gone on in the years immediately beforetobring it about.

These arestories with which I—and Isuspectmany others continue to grapple.

That bringsmeback to the exhibit. Each of the pictures exploressegregation andcivil rights in adifferent way,sometimes through the tight, focused lens

of an individual’sstory, at others through photographic depiction of landmarks that, for whatever reason, tell some aspect of the story of the fight for equality in Louisiana.

There are statues, courthouses, cemeteries and shops. There are houses, historical markers and portraits.

One photo shows the towering Confederate soldier statue in front of the East FelicianaCourthouse, which remains to this day.Another,the obeliskmonument in a Colfax cemetery thatisdedicated to threeWhite men who died “fighting for Whitesupremacy” during the 1873 massacreofBlack residents.

Some show important incubators of the fight againstsegregation: Dooky Chase’sTreme restaurant, wherecivil rightsleadersgathered to plan strategy in the fight for equality,orNorth Boulevard just outside theOld StateCapitol, amajor staging ground for the 1953 BatonRouge Bus Boycott.

One photo simply shows agolf ball on atee, and the attached

placard recounts the 1991 actions of the St. Frederick’sHigh School golf team, whose lone Black member was denied entry to Caldwell Country Club in Columbia, where ahigh school tournament was scheduled. In response, the rest of his teammates also refused to play

All of thephotos in the 85-item display were taken by volunteers withthe Louisiana Photographic Society in response to arequest from the folks who run the Old State Capitol. The society’smembers fanned out across the state, capturing places and people whose lives remind us that segregation’s structuresremain part of our landscape today

Sometimes even the photographers learned new things.

“I didn’tknow whatpeople went through,” Linda Medine, who has severalshots in the show,told me Stacey Pearson, who helmed the LPS committeethat took the photos, said the project’sgoal was multifaceted: “not only memorializethe places but to honor the Louisianans who fought against

segregation.”

History has always been about the stories we tell, mostly about ourselves.

Sometimes those stories come in documents, artifacts or movements. Sometimes the stories are told through places, structures and monuments. Photos can bring all of those together,combining the whole range in atwo-dimensionalprint. That’s whatthese pictures aim to do: Foregroun in our consciousness stories that for too long were left in the background.

Pictures don’tyell, judge or harangue. They confront, reproach and correct. No mere photograph or even a collection of them,ofcourse, can tell the full story of Louisiana history.But the narratives these photos recount are not only important; they’re necessary Especially if we expect our story to ever get close to whatwemight call truth.

Email Faimon A. Roberts III at froberts@theadvocate.com.

Bringing thousandsofDemocrats to N.O. nota badthing

The Democratic National Committeewill have ageneralmeeting in Louisiana for the firsttime in recent memory Yep. The blue Democrats are coming to ruby red Louisiana. If past such meetings are any example, there willbe thousands of attendees. The early estimate is 2,000 to 2,500 Democrats.But, c’mon. When other Democrats find out that there’sa party gathering with like-minded people in New Orleans, youknow that number is going to go up. That business meeting isn’tthe place for those who are merely registered to vote as Democrats, casting ballots only during presidential elections. It’sfor the diehard party faithful, the people who are apart of the day-to-day operations of state Democratic party organizations,the people who dig into the weeds of the party’sbylaws, the people who care deeply about which committees are formed, expanded or disbanded. This is not like the national party convention you see on television everyfour years when it’stime to officially nominate apresidential nominee.

But, though not as big, it is important.

U.S. Reps. Troy Carter,D-New Orleans, andCleoFields, D-Baton Rouge, have been active in theirparty fordecades, but this meeting isn’tordinarily on their calendars. Thereare Democratic elected officials there from time to time,but usually at sessions as invited guests. Neither Carter nor Fields remembers the national party hosting ameeting in Louisiana.

Like the Republican National Committee, the DNC takes care of business year-round, not just on election day,during early voting and during campaigns. That takes meetings like the one thatwill be held at the Hilton Riverside Hotel at thefoot of Canal Street in downtown New Orleans, April 7-11. Since 2016, the DNC has had meetings in cities including Atlanta,Austin, Brooklyn, Charleston, Denver,Detroit, Las Vegas, Long Beach and Minneapolis. Philadelphia, Santa Fe, San Diego, San Francisco, San Juan, St. Louis and Washington, D.C. also hosted some of thesemeetings. I’ve been to most of these places.

They’re nice. Each has itsown charm,flavor and history.But, c’mon. None of themare New Orleans. Carter told me he’sbeen working to get anational meeting here for some time, and people warmed up to the possibility several months ago. Now thatit’sscheduled, he feels he’scleared abig hurdle to get the attention of the national party Fields said, “It’salways good to have the national party in your state,” adding that“the people who comeinApril will enjoy the hospitality” and see why the party should be in New Orleans and Louisiana. For them, it’snot just about hosting the DNC meeting.

Just this month, Democrat Chasity Verret Martinez won the state Representative District60seat with62% of the vote —inadistrict thathas voted for Trumpmultiple times.

“Louisiana should always be in play,” Carter told me.“Louisiana is ablue state if everyone votes.”

He’sright. There are moreregisteredDemocratsthan Republicans in Louisiana. But you wouldn’t know thatlooking at our state’svoting history

Some 36.4% of the state’s 3mil-

lion registered voters are Democrats. About 35.5% of the voters are Republican.

YetPresidentDonaldTrump overwhelmingly wonLouisianain each of his three presidential campaigns. In the last four decades, only four Democrats have been elected governor

It maybesome time before a Democrat gets elected to astatewide federal or state office again. And it may be sometime before a Democraticpresidentialcandidate wins Louisiana. It can happen, Carter said, “ifyou invest themoney and the time.”

Making that happenmight just start in April.

Maybe Louisiana Democrats —and Republicans —can dream bigger

Why can’tNew Orleanshost aDNC? Thousands attendfrom across the nation andthe world. It’s ahigh-profile convention withlots of media attention, anditisabig boost to the local economy wherever it goes. Since 1932, the DemocraticNational Convention hasbeen held in Colorado, Florida,Georgia,New Jersey and North Carolinaeach once; California,New York and Pennsylvania each thrice, and Illi-

nois yes, Illinois has hosted the big convention EIGHTtimes. Ilike Chicago forlots of reasons, except forabout four months of the year.But New Orleanshas aricher culture, significantlybetter food moreincredible peopleper capita. Plus,wehave theMorial Convention Center,named after aDemocrat, and theCaesars Superdome, twoplaces within walking distance of hotels.

The GOPchose GeorgeH.W Bush as itspresidential nominee in NewOrleansin1988. DNC Executive Director Roger Lau said in astatementthatplanning for the2028 convention hasstarted. The Request forProposal is out. Will NewOrleans Democrats, and Louisiana Republican leaders, go forit?” Carter,Fields and other Democrats expect asuccessfulDNC visit,and they want something better andbigger.Republican Gov.Jeff Landryand U.S. Sens. Bill Cassidy andJohnKennedy andall Republican congressional representatives should want thesame. It would be good forall of Louisiana.

Email Will Sutton at wsutton@ theadvocate.com

Quin Hillyer

Will Sutton

Faimon Roberts

STAFF FILEPHOTO By JAVIER GALLEGOS

Senate PresidentCameron Henry

New Orleans), and his Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology from Virginia PolytechnicInstitute and State University. Louis also served as apart-time Sheriff's Deputy in New Orleans and was aMedic in theArmy Reserves for six years. Louis married thelove of his life, JerriannLacour Levy, on August4,1972 They lived in Blacksburg, Virginia before making their home in Hammond, Louisiana, where they raised three children. During this time, he worked as afaculty memberinsociology at Southeastern Louisiana University where he helped open the Tangipahoa Parish Crisis Call Center, received the 1982 Teacher Excellence Award from the Alumni Association, and served as Department Head of Sociology, Social Work, and CriminalJustice In 1989, he and his family moved to Valdosta, Georgia where he was Professor and Department Head of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice at Valdosta State University. Heheld numerous administrative roles at Valdosta State, including Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Interim President. From 2002 to 2007, he was the principal investigator on a five-year, 2.9 million dollar grant from the Department of Education focused on statewide teacher recruitment. He also played crucial roles in the openingof the Health Sciences and Business Administration building, the creation of the Doctorate of Education, the development of the Master of Social Work program, and the foundingof the Council of Department Heads. Louis was an active member of the Valdosta community where he served on the Board of Directors for the local United Way and the Council on Aging. He was awarded the PublicCitizen of the Year Award by the National Association of Social Workers (South Georgia Chapter), and April 30, 2012 was declared Dr. Louis H. Levy Day in the City of Valdosta. Louis was adevoted father and grandfather who was quick to make

DEATHS continued from and friends laugh with a joke.Heloved NewOrleans jazz music, travelingand experiencingnew cultures, watching the New Orleans Saints, grilling out forhis family,attending symphonyand theater performances, and cheering for allofthe Valdosta State Universitysports teams. Each summer, he enjoyed afamilyvacation to Navarre Beach, Florida. Louiswas precededin death by his wifeand soul mate Jerriann Lacour Levy, his parents Dr. LouisLevy IIand Dorothy Cobb Levy, and his sister, Lynda Levy Thomas. He is survived by his daughters Michelle LevyRussell (Max Stone) and DeniseLevy(Daniel Byrd) and sonBrian Levy (Erica Meade Levy), brothersLarryLevy(Cheryl Levy) and Leslie Levyand sister Liz Frischhertz (Rob Frischhertz), andgrandchildren Gram Russell, Harper Russell, Vance Russell, Eliana Levy, and Ethan Levy. Louiswillbe foreverremembered byhis extended family,colleagues from Valdosta StateUniversity and beyond, and many dear friends.

Amemorialservicewill be held at ChristEpiscopal Church in Valdosta, Georgia on February28th at 10:00am with areception to follow. Acelebration of Louis' life also will be held in NewOrleans, Louisiana at alater date.

Inremembrance of his life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to the Valdosta State University Foundationfor the Dr. Louisand Mrs. Jerriann LevyEndowed Scholarship, VSUFoundation, 1500N Patterson St, Valdosta,GA 31698.

Maloney, Vivian Lee Vivian Lee Maloney,age

Francisco,California, to Arthur Sheridan Smith and Irene Fisher Smith In 1962, Vivian graduated from theUniversityof California, Berkley, with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Music. She was adevotedmember of PhiMu Sorority where she was very close to her sorority sisters After college,she worked as abuyer forthe Emporium-Capwell CompanyinSan Francisco. She piloted theBig Sister Program of Santa Clara County, was Secretary of theSanta Clara County Young Republicans,and oversaw theRepublican Women Fashion Showand Fundraiser.

As an onlychild, she was very close to her cousins,Arthur S. Patron ("Dooty"), Ronald H. Patron, and Madeline Patron Caulking,and the rest of thelarge Patron family.Eventually she decided to move down to Louisiana to be near them. She worked forTulane University Medical Center as theDirector of Donor Relations. Her cousin, Dooty,introduced her to her beloved John Maloney. They were married in September of 1995 and livedinMandeville.She went throughthe RCIA program and was welcomed intothe CatholicChurch on March 29, 1997. She was very involvedinher church parish, Mary, Queen of Peace. In 2001, She and John were awarded the Archdioceses of New Orleans OrderofSt. Louis Medallioninrecognitionof Leadershipand dedicated service to theChurch. Vivian was also instrumentalinraising fundstobuild thenew church building which was builtin2008.

An accomplishedpianist, master gardener, loverofanimals, and gourmet chef, Vivian will be dearly missed by her family and community.

Sheissurvivedbyher stepchildren, KennethJohn Maloney(Jennifer) TheresaAnne Olivier(Dr. Kenneth), AllisonWeiss (Dale), and AbbyGodee (Joost);6 granddaughters; 4grandsons; and too many Patron Cousins to count. She waspreceded in death by her belovedhusband John JosephMaloney, Jr, and her parents, Arthur and Irene Smith. In lieu of Flowers,donations may be madeto

PRIME-T SHOWD

TIME OWN

LSU-SouthC endedafter editionwent press. Forco coverage,vis

rolina is o mplete it nola com

LSUgetsMoore life outofchangeup

BY KOKI RILEY Staff writer

If Zac Cowan demonstrated anything last season, it was the power of adominant changeup.

He used it against righties and lefties. He threwittobothsidesoftheplate.Itdidn’tmatter what the count was or the situation, it was the pitch he could always lean on. Despite throwing afastballthatrarely eclipsed 91 mph, Cowan could still fool Southeastern Conferencehitters thanksto his changeup. The senior right-hander is back with the Tigers in 2026, but this season, he won’tbe

alone in the dominant changeup department.LSU fans,meet Kansas transfer CooperMoore.

Moore,inhis first startfor theTigerson Saturday against Milwaukee, struck out 11 batters in six innings during LSU’s5-3 winatAlex Box Stadium. Themajority of the right-hander’sstrikeouts endedonthe changeup,ashealso mixed in afastball that sat around 92-93 mphand abig curveball. Moore allowed only one earned run —asolo homerun in the fourth inning. “Bynomeanscomparing, but it’s asimilarthing to Kade Anderson,”LSU coach Jay Johnson said. “He’sreally hard to plan against because he hasalot of waystoget hitters out.”

on Saturday at Alex Box Stadium.

In his first start with LSU, Moore struckout 11 batters in six innings.

BR K

Fans can use the same three words about howthe New Orleans Pelicans have looked before the AllStar break as they couldhave used at this time last year

Not very good.

The wins just haven’tbeen there. As aresult, neither has fan enthusiasm.

Here’salook back at the highsand lows (there will bemore of the latter) of the

1. GREEN’S FIRING It took just 12 games to gettothis one. The Pelicanslost their first six games and started 2-10 before executive vice president of basketball operations Joe Dumars pulled the plug on the Willie Green era. Green was in his fifth season. He dealt with plentyofbad luck as far as injuries in his first four seasons, but therocky start wastoo much for him to overcome. It wasn’tjust that the Pelicanswere losingbut also how they were losingthatdid him in.

2.TOOSIMILAR

The Pels are 15-41. This time ayearago, they were 13-42. So thingsare pretty much the same. Before the seasonbegan, most people thought the Pelicans had achance to make aplay-in push if they couldstayhealthy. Well, they have been healthyfor the most part, but the results haven’t changed.Finishing gameshas been their biggest downfall. The Pels have the third-worst record in the NBA. The good news is the

schedule lightens up some for the remaining 26 games, especially considering the Pels play several teams that appear to be in full tank mode.

3. 5-GAMEWINNING STREAK

The Pelicansreeled off five consecutive victories in mid-December It included awin where the Pels rallied from a25-point hole to beat theHouston Rockets. The other wins came against thePortland Trail Blazers, Chicago Bulls,Indiana Pacers and Dallas Mavericks. Other than Houston, none of those teams likely will makethe playoffs.

ä See WALKER, page 7C ä See LSU, page

Would18 NFLgames affectSuper Bowlsin N.O.?

An 18-game NFLseason is coming. It’s not amatter of if but when it happens.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell wants it. Team owners want it. And by and large, fans want it. It’s going to happen, despite the posturing by NFLPlayers Association interim director David White, whorecently said the union has “no appetite fora regular-season 18th game.” The league and union will need to negotiate issues such as roster expansion and extra bye weeks to mitigate the effect on player health and safety,and players understandably will wantacut of the extra revenue, but those are formalities. The 18-game season is an inevitability Goodell set agoal of growing NFLrevenue to $25 billionby2027, andaddingan18th regular-season game to theschedule would seal thedeal.Itwould increase theregularseason TV inventory by 16 games andallow theleague to chargemedia partners more forthe inventory.Italsowouldmakefans happy by trading apreseason game for a regular-season oneintheir 10-gameseasonticket packages.

“Wealways say,‘What do thefans want? Whatdothe fans really thinkisimportant? Goodellsaidbefore last season.“AndIthink it’sclear they want moreregular-season games versus preseason games.” Such amove would create aripple effect on the NFL calendar,though. It likely would push the Super Bowl to Presidents Day weekend. League officials believe that holding the Super Bowl on the three-day Presidents Day weekend would make it more convenient for people to travel to the big game and host Super Bowl parties.

“I think 18 weekswould getyou to that point,and Ithink it would be areally great move,” Goodell said.

So whenwill it happen?

Some think it could comeasearly as 2027. The lingering absence of aspecific date

See DUNCAN, page 7C

Jeff Duncan

LSUpitcher Cooper Moore throws a pitch against Milwaukee in the top of the first inning

STAFF PHOTO By

MICHAEL JOHNSON

Rod Walker

3C

Pelicans forward ZionWilliamson reactsafter ashot against the Miami Heat during the first half on Wednesdayatthe

Smoothie King Center STAFF PHOTO By DAVID GRUNFELD

2p.m. Syracuse at LehighValleyNHLN AUTO RACING

1:30 p.m. NASCAR: Daytona 500 Fox MEN’SCOLLEGE BASKETBALL

11 a.m. Utah at Cincinnati ESPN

11 a.m. UTSA at Charlotte ESPNU

11 a.m. Maryland at Rutgers FS1

NoonIndiana at Illinois CBS

Noon DenveratOmaha CBSSN

1p.m. South Florida at FAUESPN2

1p.m.Tulane at UABESPNU

2p.m. DrakeatN.IowaCBSSN

3p.m. Davidson at Dayton ESPN2

3p.m. E. Kentucky at N.Alabama ESPNU

4p.m. Coll. Of Charl. at Campbell CBSSN

5p.m. Belmont at MurraySt. ESPN2

5p.m. Seton Hall at ButlerFS1

6p.m. TowsonatMonmouth CBSSN WOMEN’SCOLLEGEBASKETBALL

11 a.m. Pittsburgh at SMU ACCN

11 a.m. Vanderbilt at GeorgiaSECN

Noon North Carolina at DukeABC

1p.m. Virginia at Stanford CW

1p.m. Kansas St. at Iowa St. ESPN

1p.m. Maryland at Ohio St. FS1

1p.m. Ole Miss at Kentucky SECN

2p.m. TexasatTennessee ABC

2p.m. Indiana at UCLA Peacock

3p.m. NorthwesternatPenn St. BTN

3p.m. NC State at Notre Dame ESPN

3p.m. Michigan St. at MichiganFS1

3p.m. Oklahoma at Alabama SECN

4p.m. Villanova at Creighton TRUTV

5p.m. Florida St. at Louisville ACCN

5p.m. Minnesota at WisconsinBTN

5p.m. AuburnatTexasA&M SECN

7p.m. Oregon at Washington BTN

7p.m. West Virginia at TCU FS1

WOMEN’S COLLEGE GYMNASTICS

3p.m. Clemson at Pittsburgh ACCN COLLEGESOFTBALL

8a.m. Missouri vs.DukeACCN

8a.m. JamesMadison vs.TexasA&M SECN

9a.m. LSUvs. UCLAESPN2

11 a.m.Northwesternvs.TexasA&M ESPN2

MEN’STOP 25 ROUNDUP

5p.m.TexasTech vs. Nebraska ESPN

7p.m.Tennessee vs.Florida St.ESPN

COLLEGE WRESTLING

11 a.m. NebraskaatIndiana BTN

1p.m.Oklahoma St. at Virginia Tech ACCN

1p.m.IllinoisatNorthwestern BTN FISHING

7a.m.LippertBassmasterElite FS1 GOLF

Noon PGA: Pebble Beach Pro-Am Golf

2p.m.PGA: Pebble Beach Pro-Am CBS

2p.m.Champions: Chubb Classic Golf HORSE RACING

2p.m.America’s Dayatthe RacesFS2 NBA

4p.m.NBA All-StarGame NBC, Peacock MEN’S SOCCER

5:30 a.m. Leeds United at Birm. City ESPN2

7:55 a.m. Celtic at Kilmarnock CBSSN TENNIS

5a.m.ATP &WTA Tennis

1a.m.(Mon.) ATP& WTATennis

5a.m.(Mon.) ATP& WTATennis

No.1Arizona drops2nd straight game

By The Associated Press

TUCSON, Ariz. JT Toppin scored eight of his 31 points in adominant overtime performance andNo. 16 Texas Tech sent No. 1Arizona to its second straight loss, shocking the Wildcats 78-75onSaturday Texas Tech (19-6, 9-3 Big 12) beat theNo. 1teamfor thethird time in school history.The Wildcats (23-2, 10-2) were23-0 before losing to No. 9Kansas on Monday Arizona had a64-57 lead with 3:29 left in regulation,but Texas Tech responded with 9-0 run, capped by DonovanAtwell’scorner 3-pointer with 25 seconds left for a66-64 lead. Arizona’s Ivan Kharchenkov tied it at66with two free throws and Christian Anderson couldn’thit acontested jumper as time expired.

NO.5 IOWA STATE74, NO.9 KANSAS 56: In Ames, Iowa, Milan Momcilovic scored 18 points andNo. 5Iowa Stateshookoff aslowstart to defeat No. 9Kansas,snapping the Jayhawks’ eight-game winning streak.

The Cyclones (22-3, 9-3 Big 12) began afive-game stretch in which they play fourranked teams by taking control of this game in the firsthalfdespite struggling to make shots in the opening minutes. Iowa State’sdefense held Kansas (19-6, 9-3)to31.6% shooting from the field in the second half, including 1of8in3-pointers.

NO.2 MICHIGAN 86, UCLA 56: In Ann Arbor,Michigan, YaxelLendeborg had 17 points and eight rebounds to lead No. 2Michigan over UCLA. Michigan is in position to be ranked No. 1inthe AP Top25for the first time since 2013. No. 1Arizona lost its first game Monday on the road againstNo. 9Kansas, giving the Wolverines (24-1,14-1 Big Ten) apathtothe top spot in the pollwith their 10th straight win.

TheBruins (17-8, 9-5)had won five of six games.

NO.3 HOUSTON78, KANSAS STATE64: In Houston, EmanuelSharp had 23 points and six rebounds as No.3 Houston rallied from an early deficit to beatKansas State forthe Cougars’ sixth straight win Sharp scored 14 points on 4of10 shooting in the first half asHouston (23-2, 11-1 Big 12) built a33-19 halftime lead.

P.J. Haggerty scored 23 points

By

TexasTech forward JT Toppin drives past Arizona center Motiejus Krivas duringtheir game SaturdayinTucson, Ariz. The Red Raiders wonin overtime78-75.

to lead Kansas State (10-15, 1-11).

Haggertysurpassed 2,000 points in hiscollegiate career in the first half, becoming the fifth current Division Iplayer to achieve the milestone.

NO.4 DUKE67, NO.20CLEMSON 54:

In Durham, North Carolina, star freshman CameronBoozer had 18 points and No. 4Duke held No. 20 Clemsonto35% shooting.

Isaiah Evans added 17 points for theBlueDevils (23-2, 12-1 ACC), whomade 11 of 16 shots after halftime and pusheda31-26 edge past a20-point margin midway through thesecond half.

Carter Wellingscored12points for the Tigers (20-6, 10-3).

NO.7 NEBRASKA 68, NORTHWESTERN 49: In Lincoln,Nebraska,Pryce

Sandfort scored 29 points, Sam Hoibergadded 14 andNo. 7Nebraska shook off aslow start. TheCornhuskers (22-3, 11-3 Big Ten) overcame aseasonhigh-tying 18 turnoversand poor shooting in the first half to sweep the season series with the Wildcats (10-16, 2-13).

NO.11NORTH CAROLINA79, PITTSBURGH 65: In Chapel Hill, North Carolina, JarinStevensonand Seth Trimble scored 19 points each to help No.11North Carolina beat Pittsburgh and secure

another 20-win season.

The short-handedTar Heels played without freshman forward Caleb Wilson (bone fracture in left hand) and center Henri Veesaar (illness/lower body injury), who hadboth started every game this season and are the team’stop two scorers and rebounders.

Luka Bogavac and Zayden High, who had acareer-best game, each scored15pointsfor North Carolina (20-5, 8-4 Atlantic Coast Conference). Cameron Corhen had 23 points and Roman Siulepa added 14 pointsfor Pitt (9-17, 2-11).

NO.13PURDUE78, IOWA 57: In Iowa City,Iowa, C.J. Cox and Gicarri Harris each had14points to help No. 13 Purdue beat Iowa.

The Boilermakers (20-5, 11-3 BigTen), wrapping up astretch of sixofeight games on theroad, extended their winning streak to four with an efficient offense that consistently found openings.

Iowa (18-7, 8-6),which had won six of seven,lostfor thesecond time this week.

NO.14FLORIDA92, NO.25KENTUCKY

83: In Gainesville, Florida, Xaivian Lee scored 22 points, Urban Klavzar had 19 andNo. 14 Florida won its 10th game in its past 11 outings. Lee andKlavzar took advantage

Reports: LSUsafetiescoach

BYWILSON ALEXANDER

Staff writer

LSU safeties coach Jake Olsen is expected to be hired by the Washington Commanders, according to multiple reports Friday night,giving the Tigers avacancytofill on their defensive staff.

Central Florida softball takes down No. 12 LSU

of Florida’spaint presence andhit acombined nine 3-pointers. Florida(19-6, 10-2 Southeastern Conference) had been 1-4 against Kentucky (17-8, 8-4) under coach Todd Golden. But the Gators led wire to wire in this one and finished with a45-37 rebounding advantage.

NO.17ST. JOHN’S 79,PROVIDENCE

69: In Providence, Rhode Island, DylanDarling had23pointsand eight rebounds and No. 17 St. John’sscored eight straight points aftera fracas that resulted in six ejectionstotake theleadand earn its11th straight victory Bryce Hopkins hadnine points andninereboundsfor theRed Storm (20-5, 13-1Big East), andthe ex-Friarsstar wasinthe middle of it all when he was taken down by a hard foul with 14:25 left and Providence (11-15, 4-11) up 40-39. By thetimethingsweresorted out, four St. John’sand two Providence players had been ejected, andthe RedStorm wasonits way toaleadthatwasneverthreatened.

NO.19VANDERBILT82, TEXAS A&M 69:

In Nashville, Tennessee, Tyler Nickel scored 25 points to lead No. 19 Vanderbilt.

AK Okereke added aseasonhigh 23 points while Devin McGlockton had 17 forthe Commodores(21-4, 8-4SEC),who have won five of six since athree-game losing skid in mid-January Marcus Hill had 20 points for theAggies (17-8, 7-5 SEC).

NO.22BYU 90, COLORADO 86, OT: In Provo, Utah, Rob Wright scored a career-high 39 points and No. 22 BYU beat Coloradoinovertime. It was Wright’ssecond straight 30-point-plusgame after scoring 30 at Baylor on Tuesday.AJ Dybantsa added20points, 13 rebounds, and eight assiststohelp theCougars (19-6, 7-5 Big 12) win without second-leading scorer Richie Saunders.

NO.24LOUISVILLE 82, BAYLOR 71: In Fort Worth, Texas, standout freshman Mikel Brownhad apart of every point during Louisville’s go-ahead run earlyinthe second half in theCardinals’ win. The Cardinals (19-6) went ahead to staywithan11-3run thatstartedwhen Brownhad the assist on J’Vonne Hadley’sbasket with 18:20 left to snap a39-all tie Brown made three free throws less than aminute later,then had back-to-back stealsand immediately followed with assists.

The No. 12 LSU softball team suffereda5-1 loss to Central Florida on Saturday at the Eddie C. Moore Complex in Clearwater, Florida.

The loss dropped LSU to 7-3 on the seasonwhile UCFimproved to 8-2.

LSU pitcher Tatum Clopton (21) took the loss, allowing six hits, two earned runs and two walks in 32/3 innings. Reliever Cece Cellura pitched thelast31/3 innings with two strikeouts, five hits, two unearned runs and one walk. Jalia Lassiter turned in amultihit gamefor LSU, finishing 3 for 3and scoring one run. Maci Bergeron went2for 4and had the lone RBI forLSU UCF pitcher Isabella Vega (3-1) snagged the winafter 31/3 innings in relief

No. 1Connecticut women pick up 43rd straight win

Azzi Fudd scored 25 points, Sarah Strong had19ofher 22 in the second half, and No.1UConn remained unbeaten with a71-56 victory over Marquette on Saturday in Milwaukee.

UConn (27-0, 16-0 BigEast) has won 43 straight games andhasn’t lost since an 80-76 decision at Tennessee more than ayearago. The Huskies also have won63straight Big East games, counting regularseason and tournament matchups. Marquette (16-10, 10-7) did manage to end one UConn streak. UConn had won21straight games by at least 25 points ,which represented thelongest such streak in thelast25seasons.The last team to lose to UConn by fewer than 25 points was No. 7Michigan, which fell 72-69.

Bhatia overcomes weather, takes Pebble Beach lead PEBBLE BEACH,Calif. Pebble Beach started to show anasty side Saturday with wind that wobbledgolf ballsonthe greens in chilly Pacific air.Akshay Bhatia did enough early with six birdies in seven holes thatcarriedhim to a4-under68 and atwo-shot lead in the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Butthe worst might still be to come. Starting times were moved up one hour for the final round with aforecast of big wind and rain. Low scores were still available. CollinMorikawa, the two-timemajor champion trying to end more than two years without avictory, had11birdies in hisround of 62 thatshothim up 25 spots on the leaderboard to athree-way tie for secondwith JakeKnapp (66) and Sepp Straka (67).

Diamondbacks

bring back RHP Gallen on 1-year deal

Right-hander ZacGallenhas agreed to a$22,025,000, one-year contract to return to the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The 2023 All-Star,aclient of agentScottBoras,was seeking a multiyearcontract, butafter nothing acceptable materialized, he’s coming back to the desert where he’s spentthe majorityofhis bigleague career The value of the contract is equal to the qualifying offer that Gallen turneddown in November after he becameafree agent.

Gallen had his worst season in 2025, finishing with a13-15 record and 4.83 ERA. But his velocity was still good and he performed better after the All-Star break with a3.97 ERAoverhis final13starts.He had a$13.5 million salary

Olsen coached the LSU safeties the past two seasons after returning with defensive coordinator Blake Baker from Missouri. Olsen was previously an analyst who worked with the LSU linebackers in 2021, when he overlapped for one year with new Commanders defensive coordinator Daronte Jones in BatonRouge. Olsen, aNorth Dakota native, has spent most of his coaching career in Louisiana. He hadstints at Nicholls State, UL-Monroe and Northwestern Statebefore coming to LSU for the first time. He then went to Missourifor twoseasons as the linebackerscoach and

returned with Baker when LSU overhauled its defensive staff before the2024 season. Baker now has to address the openingbefore the start of spring practice March24. Though listed as the secondary coach, Corey Raymond focusedoncornerbacks the past two seasons. Therest of the LSUdefensive staff has undergonea couple of changes going intohead coach Lane Kiffin’sfirst season.LSU hired anew interior defensive line coach inSterlingLucas from South Carolina, and Chris Kiffin was namedco-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach.

At safety, LSU brought back potentialstarters in redshirt junior Tamarcus Cooley and junior Dashawn Spears. It also added BoiseState senior Ty Benefield and Ohio State sophomore FaheemDelane last month as part of atop-ranked portal class. The Tigers have to replace first-team

safeties coach JakeOlsen

Brewers pickupversatile ex-Angels player Rengifo

Former Los AngelesAngels infielder Luis Rengifohas agreed to termsonaone-year,$3.5 million contract with the Milwaukee Brewers.

Rengifo’s contract also includes a$10 millionmutual option for 2027.

Rengifo, 28, had spent his entire seven-yearcareer with the Angels. He batted .238 with a.287 onbase percentage, nine homers, 43 RBIs and10steals last season while producing career highs in games(147) andat-bats(541).That followed a2024 season in which he batted .300 with a.347 on-base percentage, six homers, 30 RBIsand 24 steals in 78 games. The versatile Rengifo hasplayed 409 games at secondbase, 199 at third, 97 at shortstop and 51 in the outfield during his career On TV AHL HOCKEY

STAFF FILE PHOTO By HILARy SCHEINUK

reportedly is leaving the team forajob withthe Washington Commanders.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO

RICK SCUTERI

Strong relief helps Tulane winopener

BY GUERRYSMITH

Contributing writer

Tulane struck fast in itsseason opener at Loyola Marymount, largely because Lions starting pitcherZach Bender couldnot find the strike zone.

Tulane relieverJ.D. Rodriguez made sure that early advantage held up, throwing almost nothing but strikes to preservea12-3 victoryonFriday night in Los Angeles thatwas not completely settleduntil theGreen Wave put up afive-run ninth inning.

Tulane scored seven times in the first two innings with thehelp of five walks and two hit batsmen. Rodriguez (1-0) entered with a7-3 lead in the fourth and retired 14 of 17 batters through the eighth The Wave’sinitial run came without the bat havingto leave ashoulder as Bender (0-1) hit Tanner Chun and walked Tye Wood, Trent Liolios andMatthias Haas in the topofthe first A.J Groeneveld then cleared the bases with atriple that glanced off centerfielder Cooper Whitton’sglove as he overran theball at the warning track.

Tulane put up three moreruns in the second courtesyoftwo more walks plus another hit batsman. When the inning was over, Tulane led 7-1 andhad sent 17 batters to theplate despitegetting only three hits.

Wave starter Trey Cehajic experienced his own control issues, plunking the first batter he faced and walking acareer-high five in 31/3 innings. He also gave up atwo-runbombtoright field by

LSU

Continued from page1C

Moore’sonly mistake came on afastball that BradynHorn blasted intothe left-field stands. He exited the game afterthe sixth inning but laterarrived at the newsconference with a cut on his right index finger and bloodiedpants.

“I think the pants aregoing to make it,” Moore said, “and the finger is going to be just fine.” Moore wasamong LSU’sbest pitchers throughout the fall and duringpreseason scrimmages. He threw strikes and missed bats with his off-speed pitches, most notably his changeup. That continuedonSaturday as 61 of his 76 pitches were for strikes and nine of his 11 strikeouts came in the opening four innings.

“I’m really confident in my changeup; it’sareally good pitch,” Moore said. “But Ithink all of my otherpitches complement it really well.”

Despite dominating Panther hitters,Moore exited with just a one-run lead, leaving it up to the bullpen to maintain the Tigers’ advantage.LSU first turned to sophomore right-hander Mavrick Rizy,who tossed 12/3 innings before hitting abatter andexiting with two outs in the seventh.

Junior-college transfer Ethan Plog replaced Rizy,but the lefthander struggled in his first appearance for LSU. He surrendered asingle and threw awild pitch that put two runners in scoring position. He thencame outfor right-handed Division II transfer Dax Dathe. Entering the game on a1-1 count, Dathethrew twosweepersand aslider to record LSU’s 15thstrikeout of the daytoescapethe jam.He letout ayell as he hopped offthe mound, sending ashockwave of energy through atense crowd.

“Wefeelgoodaboutwhathecan do for this team,” Johnson said of Dathe. “Just maybe aname that we haven’ttalked aboutawhole bunch, but Ithink we will.” Milwaukee (0-2) eventually got two runs off of the LSU bullpen in the ninth, but by thenitwas too late. LSU (2-0) had scored three runsintheeighthtotakea5-1lead.

“Wehaven’tplayedour brand of baseball that we want to play,” junior Steven Milamsaid, “but youcan skin acat in many different ways.”

The LSU bats got off to another slow start Saturday.The Tigers didn’tput adent in the scoreboard until the third inning, when sophomore Derek Curiel hitasacrifice fly and juniorJake Brown singled home another run to give LSU a2-0 lead.

LSU continuedtostruggle

AlexGamboa in the second, but he settled down just enough to strikeout five before leaving after issuinghis finalwalk to start thefourth Enter Rodriguez. Endthreat He allowed only two singles and walked one until tiringashetried to close itout in theninth—exhibitingall of thequalities Tulane coach Jay Uhlman thought he would show ayear ago before he struggled mightily

Withoutthe plethora of free passes, neither team foundways to score until the ninth. Loyola Marymount reliever Caleb Sweeneyblankedthe Wave in thethird andfourth,and JakeGeis struck outnine while notallowingarun in the next four innings.

Tulane finallygot to Geis in the ninth. Jack Johnson, who replaced Groeneveld at second base in the bottom of the eighth, ledoff with adoubletocenter field andscoredonKaikeaHarrison’ssingle. Chun’sthree-run double afterGeisleftendedany remaining suspense.

Connecticuttransfer Jude Abbadessa replaced Rodriguez with two on and no outsinthe bottom of theninth,inducinga 1-2-3 doubleplay to help getout of abasesloaded situation.

Battingleadoff, Harrison had three of Tulane’s nine hits. For the most part, though, the Lionswere theirown worst enemy,issuing 13 free passes (eight walks, five hit batters), and the Wave was patient enough to letithappen.

Tulane’sthreepitchers put 11 Lions on base withfreebies,but only oneofthem scored.

LSU 5, Milwaukee3 Milwaukee LSU (0-2) (2-0) ab rh bi ab rh bi

O’Connell cf 501 1Curiel cf 31 11 Kibler dh 402 1Brown rf 41 11 Ross 1b 40 10 Milam ss 411 2 Marion rf 40 10 Yorke1b3 00 0 Spencedh2 00 0Arramb.dh/c4 01 1 Lemm ph 100 0Dardar 2b 200 0 Glusick ph 10 00 Jh. Pearson ph 10 00 Horn lf 422 1Caraway 3b 312 0 Schmidt, 2b 311 0Serna Jr. c3 00 0 Holmesss4 01 0Stanfieldlf3 12 0 Ellis 3b 400 0 TOTALS 36 39 3TOTALS 30 585 Milwaukee 000 100 002— 39 1 LSU 002 000 03X —5 80 E— Holmes (2). DP —Milwaukee 1. LOB— Milwaukee 9; LSU 4. 2B —Kibler (1);Schmidt (1); Milam (2); Arrambide (2); Caraway (1); Stanfield (1). HR —Horn (1). HBP —Kibler; Ross; Schmidt. SF —Curiel (1).SB-Curiel (1). Milwaukee IP HR ER BB SO Ehmke, L(0-1) 7.04 21 23 Hrin 1.04 33 00 LSU IP HR ER BB SO Moore, W(1-0) 6.04 11 011 Rizy 1.20 00 03 Plog 0.01 00 00 Dathe 0.11 11 01 Cowan0.2 31 102 Fontenot, S(1) 0.10 00 00 WP —Mueller 2, Riel, Kuhnke 2. HPB —by Evans (Spence), by Williams (Ross),by Andrews(Yorke), by Riel (Milam), by Kuhnke (Harden). BK —Mueller.PB–Arrambide.

Umpires —HP: JaverroJanuary 1B:Danny Cricks 2B: Brandon Folks 3B: Clayton Hamm, Time —3:37. A— 11,582

ON DECK

WHO: Milwaukee (0-2)atLSU (2-0) WHEN: 1p.m.Sunday WHERE: AlexBox Stadium ONLINE: SECNetwork+ RADIO: WDGL-FM,98.1 (Baton Rouge);WWLAM,870 (NewOrleans); KLWB-FM,103.7 (Lafayette)

RANKINGS: LSU is No.2byD1Baseball; Milwaukee is not ranked

PROBABLESTARTERS: LSU —RHPWilliam Schmidt (0-0,0.00ERA); Milwaukee —LHP Riley Peterson (0-0,0.00 ERA)

PREGAME UPDATES: theadvocate.com/lsu ON X: @KokiRiley WHATTOWATCH FOR: Schmidt made the first weekendrotationafterdominatinghitters in his final outing of the preseason.He posted a4.73 ERA in six starts(17 appearances) last year as afreshman after turning down the opportunity to potentiallybecome a first-round pickinthe MLBdraft.Petersonhad a1.84 ERA in 291/3innings with 24 strikeoutsa year ago.

—Koki Riley

afterthe third. Outsideofthat inning, the Tigers were 1for 18 at the plate headinginto theeighth. They had just one extra-base hit before Milam cracked atwo-run double into the left-center gap in the eighth.

“I’ll tell you this game reminded me alot of theOmaha game last year,but we won(thistime).And I think that’sagoodsign,” Johnson said. “But there were alot of similarities. Thethird timethrough the battingorder was awful. Imean, it was awfulfrom just …itwas bad. And Idon’twant to get into the specificsofit, but they’re totally controllable things that we can do better,and wewill do better.”

LSUfinishesitsthree-gameseries with Milwaukee at AlexBox Stadium on Sunday.First pitch is set for 1p.m., and the game will be available to stream on SEC Network+.

ShorthandedLSU falls afterbattlevs. Vols

BY TOYLOY BROWNIII Staff writer

LSU found itself shorthanded Saturday without juniorpoint guard Dedan Thomas and senior backcourt mate Max Mackinnon, who sufferedaknee injury in LSU’slast game.

Even without the two guards, the Tigers battled Tennessee throughout, but they didn’thave enough as LSUlost 73-63 to the Volunteers at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, Tennessee.

“I really love the spirit,the competitiveness, and someofthe fight and toughness thatwas shown by ourplayers,”LSU coach Matt McMahon saidonthe LSU sports radionetwork after thegame. “Obviously disappointed in theresult, but Ithought we had alot of fight in us here tonight.”

Marquel Sutton had 15 points, allinthe second half,and nine rebounds for LSU. Jalen Reece had a career-high 15 pointsand four assistswhile playing all 40 minutes.

The second-half start wasexceptionalfor LSU(14-11, 2-10 SEC).Itmade its first four field goals, including three 3-pointers. The fourthscore wasaleft-wing 3-pointer by Reece, who knotted thegame at 40-40.

The second-half start was in contrast withthe beginning of the game, when LSU was 2of14from the field after nine minutesand LSUtrailed 23-11. The Vols settled for a35-29 halftime lead.

LSU forward Pablo Tamba,who ended with 13 points, was the aggressorearlybut missed multiple layupstostart.Suttontriedtopound theballinsidewithhis6-9frame.He passed up outside shots, missedhis first fourfield goals andwas scoreless with two rebounds and two fouls before the second half.

Mike Nwoko had acouple of early offensive rebounds thatled to hisfirst few paint shots. Thelength and activity of Tennessee (17-7, 7-4) bothered himasheopened0 of 3. The junior eventually found a rhythm in thepost and at the freethrow line, finishing with 10 points and five rebounds.

J.P.Estrella was one of the better defenders for Tennessee around the basket. He was also an early scoring option.The 6-11 sophomore had nine points by halftime and 16 overall. And 6-10 freshmanNate Ament had agame-high 22 points

At halftime, Tennessee had 24 rebounds to LSU’s10. Whatdidn’t help LSU’scause on theglass was Nwoko’sfoultrouble. The6-11, 261-pound center pickeduphis

LSU PG THOMAS SET FOR FOOT SURGERY

LSU point guardDedanThomas will have season-ending foot surgery, the program announced Saturday. The UNLV transfer injuredhis left foot on Jan. 2, the daybefore the SoutheasternConference opener, and reaggravated the injuryonJan. 28 in agame against Mississippi State.The junior will have surgerynext week. Thomas was averaging ateam-high 16.2 points on 49.3% shooting,an SEC-high 7.1 assists and only 1.8 turnovers per game beforethe first injury

—Toyloy Brown III

thirdfoul with 1:25 leftinthe first half andhis fourth foul at the 12:14 mark of the secondhalf. He played just 21 minutes.

“The story of the game… we couldn’tget enough defensive rebounds andtheir size andphysicalityaround the goal,” McMahon said. “I thought Estrella really dominated the paint, andthenAment showed whyhe’sa top-five pick in the draft coming up in June.”

TheTigersnever ledinthe first half but stayed within striking distance.

Success from 3-point range was strong for LSU. The team was 7 of 13 from beyond the arc 24 minutes into the game. In its last two

gamescombined, LSUmadea total of eight.

Theperimeter shooting success began to surge withMazi Mosley

When LSU missed nine shots in a row at one point in the first half,the 6-5 freshman guard made apull-up 3-pointer to makethe score 17-10 with10:58 left in thefirst half. A fewminutes later,hehit another 3 after getting adefendertoflyby after apumpfake.

Reece, who shoots 24% from 3on the season, also excelled frombeyond thearc,makinga career-high 3of5 3-pointers.

Sutton camealive in the last 20 minutes. He ran hard forfast scores when defenders relaxed. He also found his touch around the hoop and made one 3-pointer.The fifth-year senior made 6of11shots in the second half.

“I thought Marquel Sutton in the second half,tremendous effort,” McMahon said. “You know, we challenged him at halftime. We needed his scoring. He cameout and scored 15.”

The Tigers took a46-43 lead after ahook shot from Robert Miller with 13:29 remaining in the game.

The Tigers’ efforts were not rewardedbecause of an inabilityto shrink therebounding margin and cold 3-point shooting to endthe game, going 1of10ontheir finalattempts.LSUwasoutreboundedby21 andwent8of23frombeyondthearc.

LSU’snextcontest is against Texas (15-9, 6-5) at 8p.m. Tuesday at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas.

BY GUERRYSMITH Contributingwriter

In thewide-open American Conference, almost anything can happen for the Tulane men’sbasketball team —good or bad.

Wins at UAB (16-9, 7-5) on Sunday (1 p.m.,ESPNU)andNorthTexason Thursday would catapult the Green Wave (14-10, 5-5) into the conversationfor atop-four seed and abye to the quarterfinal round of the league tournament. Apair of losses would makemissing the10-team field a real possibility as one of the bottom threeinthe standings.

“Weneed to keep our head down and just work on thenext game,” Tulane coach Ron Hunter said. “Don’tlet one game be bigger than anotherbecause it doesn’tmatter. Youjust have to win the game that you’re playing right then. It’s crazy from top to bottom with the number of teamsthat are in our position.”

Ninth-placeTulane was two games behind second-place Tulsa and third-place Temple and Charlotte in the loss column entering Saturday’saction, and one behind Wichita State, Memphis and UAB. On theflip side, the Wave was only agame ahead of 10th-place Rice and North Texas. The regular-season finish means more thanever in the new tournament format, whichhas theseventh through 10th seeds playing in the first round. Thewinnersofthose twogames advance to face the fifthand sixthseeds, with the victors playing theNo. 3and 4seeds on Friday.The toptwo seedsget byes all the way to the semifinals.

Theupshot is any team playing in theopening round would have to winfive games in five days to take the title. The No. 5and 6seeds

Tulane guard Asher Woods goes for alayup against UABonJan. 14 in Devlin Fieldhouse.

would needfour wins in four days, while the No. 3and 4seeds would have amore manageable task of winning three games in three days. Typically,Tulanewouldfacean uphill battletraveling to Birmingham, Alabama. UABbeatitbydouble digitsthere in each of the past two years since joining the American and also won 82-69 in NewOrleans on Jan. 14, outrebounding the Wave 45-27. Nothinghas been normal about this year,though. The Blazers are amystifying 1-5 at homeand 6-0 on the road in conference play.They also mightnot be at full strength after knocking off formerly firstplace Tulsa 68-63 on Wednesday despite playing without injured starters Jacob Meyer and KyeRon Lindsay-Martin forthe entire game,and Ahmad Robinson for thesecond half All three are considered ques-

tionable for Sunday.The trio accounted for 41 of UAB’s82points in the first meeting against Tulane, with Lindsay-Martin posting a double-double (19points, 12 rebounds).

Tulane ended Memphis’18-game home winning streak in itslast road outing last Sunday

“Just the energy has been so much different(away from home),” said Tulane guard Asher Woods, whohas averaged 18.7 points on 53.1% shooting in the Wave’sthree conference road victories. “It’splaying againsta crowdand people who don’twant you to winatany cost.”

Tulane is coming off its best home effort of the year —a7766 victory against Temple when the Wave outshot the Owls 51% to 33% and won the rebounding battle38-34. Point guard Rowan Brumbaugh’snine assists were two shy of the career-best 11 he hadagainst UABlastseason.After failing to score in the first half,he sparked a47-point explosion in the second half

“The secondhalfwas the best he’splayed all year,” Hunter said. “That includes the 30-point games and all those other things. He’s good when he has eight assists, seven rebounds and 15 to 17 points. That’show he likes to play.It’sjust unfortunate because of wherewe are, he’shad to carry the scoring.” The Wave hopesitfound the right formula to makeabig run in the final three weeks.

“Wewere just playing together” Brumbaugh said. “Weare really good whenwestress playing collectively and we don’ttry to play hero ball.”

ä Tulane at UAB

STAFFPHOTO By ENAN CHEDIAK

STAFF PHOTO By HILARy SCHEINUK

LSU forward PabloTamba shoots afree throwagainst Kentucky on Jan. 14 at the PMAC. Tamba had 13 points in Saturday’sloss to Tennessee.

MI LA N CORT IN A OL YM

Stolz wins speedskating gold again

American drawing comparisons to legend Heiden

BY HOWARD FENDRICH Associated Press

BRAZIL SKIER GIVES SOUTH AMERICA ITS FIRST WINTER

OLYMPICS GOLD: The party in Brazil this week isn’t limited to the annual Carnivale in Rio de Janeiro.

Alpine skier Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, pictured above delivered the first gold medal by a South American athlete at the Winter Olympics by surging to victory in the giant slalom.

The 25-year-old, whose father is Norwegian and mother is from Brazil, posted a two-run time of 2 minutes, 25 seconds, beating defending champion Marco Odermatt of Switzerland by 0.58 seconds. Odermatt’s teammate, Loic Meillard, earned bronze on the snowy and slippery Stelvia course.

“I was skiing with my heart, and when you ski the way you are, anything is possible,” Pinheiro Braathen said.

FLOCK EARNS FIRST SKELETON

OLYMPIC GOLD AT 36: Janine Flock’s long road to Olympic gold is over The 36-year-old Austrian skeleton slider — winless in 16 all-time appearances at the Olympics or world championships won gold at the Cortina Sliding Centre, the biggest victory of her long career Flock jumped to the front during her first run and stayed there throughout the competition. She navigated four runs in 3 minutes, 49.02 seconds. Susanne Kreher and Jacqueline Pfeifer both of Germany, took silver and bronze.

“I can’t believe it. It doesn’t feel real right now,” Flock said.“It’s a dream to do this.”

DUTCH SKATER PICKS UP

SECOND GOLD IN SHORT TRACK: Jens van ’t Wout of the Netherlands won the gold medal in 1,500-meter short track speedskating, adding to his Olympic haul after winning gold in the 1,000 earlier this week.

South Korea’s Daeheon Hwang took the silver medal and Roberts Kruzbergs of Latvia was third for bronze as Canadian short track star William Dandjinou had to settle for fifth. Van ’t Wout raised his arms after crossing the line in 2 minutes, 12.219 seconds and skated over to a sea of orange-clad teammates to share hugs at the Milano Ice Skating Arena.

ANTHONY EARNS SECOND GOLD

IN MOGULS: Jakara Anthony produced another gold in freestyle skiing for Australia, winning in the Winter Olympics debut of dual moguls.

Anthony avoided mistakes during all five of her single-elimination races to win the second gold of her career — he was the Olympic champion in individual moguls four years ago — and second gold for Australia in Livigno Countryman Cooper Woods upset Mikael Kingsbury in the men’s individual moguls early in the Games.

American Jaelin Kauf took silver, the third silver medal of her Olympic career Teammate Elizabeth Lamely, who won gold in individual moguls earlier this week, earned bronze.

— Associated

Press

MILAN For a while now, Jordan Stolz’s talent and dominance as a speedskater, and his much-anticipated potential for Olympic success, prompted many to repeatedly mention his name — prematurely, no doubt alongside that of Eric Heiden. Now they really do belong in the same sentence, at least in one regard.

Stolz established himself as a two-time Olympic gold medalist, midway to his goal of four at the Milan Cortina Games, by winning the 500 meters on Saturday to follow up his victory in the 1,000. Those twin triumphs allowed Stolz, a 21-year-old from Wisconsin, to join Heiden as the only men to complete the 5001,000 double in speedskating at one Olympics.

“I mean, I guess it’s halfway but it’s hard to say it’s like a 50% chance to get the other two,” Stolz said. “Because you never know what can happen.”

Heiden of course, completed a record sweep of all five individual events at the 1980 Lake Placid Games for the U.S., taking everything from the 500 to the 10,000. With Heiden in the stands Saturday, Stolz finished the 500 in an Olympic-record time of 33.77 seconds, after also setting a Games mark in his win in the 1,000. Both times, the silver went to Jenning de Boo of the Netherlands, who clocked 33.88 in the shortest speedskating event. Both times,

they raced head-to-head in the same heat.

“We push each other He’s really strong. I’m also really strong. It’s really cool to see,” Stolz said “I guess I like being paired together It makes it more fun for the viewers.”

Stolz figured the 500 would be his toughest test in Milan He was leading out of the final curve. They were even entering the last stretch. But Stolz, who overcame a deficit in the 1,000, turned on the speed and leaned across the line first again. De Boo slipped and fell into the wall afterward,

while Stolz skated past and shook his right fist. Canada’s Laurent Dubreuil got the bronze in 34.26. The last American to win Olympic gold in the men’s 500 was Joey Cheek in 2006. The soft-spoken Stolz acknowledges that, yes, his aims are high, and, sure, he is flattered by the comparisons to Heiden. But Stolz, who isn’t entered in the 5,000 or 10,000 in Milan, also knows he isn’t trying to recreate the same sort of unprecedented and all-encompassing performance turned in by Heiden.

Ukrainian skier gets Valentine’s proposal

Freeskier Kotsar says yes after big-air qualifier

BY JOSEPH WILSON and EDDIE PELLS Associated Press

LIVIGNO, Italy Love was in the air — make that the big air — for freeskier Kateryna Kotsar of Ukraine on Valentine’s Day

On a cold, perfect evening in the Italian Alps, Kotsar got the sweetest gift of all after she qualified for the Olympic big air final Friday night Her boyfriend, Bohdan Fashtryha, dropped to one knee and popped the question

Kotsar said yes.

Isn’t that romantic?

“I think he was nervous enough. It was so cute, to be honest,” Kotsar said, showing off her glittering diamond ring while still in her crash helmet and snow-splattered ski suit.

“I’m still excited and can’t understand what happened tonight because it’s two really huge things for me,” she said after qualifying for Monday’s big air final, where the 25-year-old will compete against defending champion Eileen Gu and 10 others for a spot on the podium. Kotsar, a Kyiv native, is well aware her Olympic engagement offers a welcome distraction from the realities in her wartorn country

“You live without electricity without heating, without opportunity to wash your clothes and do some pretty simple things”

freestyle skiing big-air qualifications in Livigno, Italy on Saturday.

in Kyiv, she said.

Kotsar also spoke of the tinge of guilt she experiences when she is abroad, training in Austria or Switzerland for long spells.

“I have time to relax in a warm shower and something like that,” she said, contrasting that experience with what her family is going through. “And they don’t have this opportunity so much like me So it’s really hard for them.”

Kotsar, who ranks fifth in the big air standings this season, said she had a premonition something important was going to happen when she woke up Saturday. But even though it was Feb. 14, having her boyfriend of two-and-a-half years ask for her hand was not what

she was thinking.

“(Sometimes) I have some feelings that something great will happen and today I had that feeling, but I (thought) it’s about finals,” she said with a laugh.

As if Saturday night wasn’t special enough, Kotsar’s parents were with her in Livigno to watch her jump in person for the very first time.

“Usually my mom said it’s too nervous for her, and she just waits for my call after competition when I said everything OK, I didn’t crash,” Kotsar said.

On this memorable night, everything was more than OK.

Now that she has a diamond, could there be some gold, silver or bronze to go with it?

“I have a few tricks to try here, and we’ll see,” she said.

Still, Stolz does have a real shot at the four medals, maybe even four golds, he is seeking at his second Winter Games.

“He goes to the starting line,” said Heiden, who’s also from Wisconsin and, like Stolz, learned to skate on a backyard frozen pond, “and I would suspect he thinks he’s probably going to win.” Heiden greeted Stolz when he left the ice with the gold after the 500 and gave him a hug.

The first gold? Stolz’s father, Dirk, said Jordan slept with it on his pillow the night after the 1,000.

U.S. men rally past Denmark

BY STEPHEN WHYNO Associated Press

MILAN Jack Eichel scored off his own faceoff win a minute after setting up Brady Tkachuk’s first of two goals the same way, and the U.S. rode its top line to a 6-3 defeat of Denmark on Saturday night, keeping pace with also-unbeaten Canada for the top seed in the men’s hockey tournament at the Olympics.

The U.S. bounced back from goaltender Jeremy Swayman getting beaten by a shot from 95 feet away, just inside the center red line, 11 minutes in. Swayman won’t have to kick himself too badly for the blunder after some of his most talented teammates stepped up to make the long-distance goal from Nicholas B Jensen and another soft one from Phillip Bruggisser with 2.6 seconds left in the second period moot. The goals by Tkachuk and Eichel — two-thirds of the top line along with Brady’s brother, Matthew — midway through the second period tied it and gave the U.S the lead. Defenseman Noah Hanifin added another when his shot got through Mads Sogaard and trickled over the goal line a bit later, providing some breathing room. Jake Guentzel fired a one-timer past Sogaard with a little more than 12 minutes left, and Brady Tkachuk scored his second off a feed from Jack Hughes after Sogaard exited with injury and was relieved by Frederik Dichow

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By LUCA BRUNO

Gold medalist Jordan Stolz of the U.S celebrates after the men’s 500 meters speedskating race on Saturday in Milan.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By ABBIE PARR

Kateryna Kotsar of Ukraine gets a proposal from Bohdan Fashtryha, front, as she competes in the women’s

BrotherMartinreaches soccer semifinals

BY CHRISTOPHER DABE Staff writer

Humiliated by how his team ended the season ayear ago, Brother Martin’sKaden Rossi walkedoff the field and made himself apromise: It wouldn’thappen again

One year later, the junior helped make good on it.

Rossi and senior Wyatt Hutchins scored two goals apiece as secondseeded Brother Martin defeated No. 10 H.L. Bourgeois 4-0 on SaturdayatLafreniere Park, advancing to the state semifinals for the first time since 2013.

Beforekickoff, Rossi spoke inthe locker room, recalling last year’s 6-0 quarterfinal loss to Jesuit.

“Wedid alot of great stuff to get here,” Rossi said. “But Ivividly remember being in this game and getting embarrassed. Ijust wanted to remind everyone what we’ve been through.” The message resonated. Brother

Martin posted its third consecutive shutout to open theplayoffs In next weekend’ssemifinals, BrotherMartin (21-3-1)will face thewinner of aTuesday quarterfinalbetween No.3DenhamSprings (19-2-1) andNo. 11 Mandeville (168-6).

“Everyone knows what the goal is,” said Rossi, whose father,Jeff, also played for Brother Martin. “Everybody works hard. Everybody’stogether.Everybody wants to get better.Overall, the camaraderie and the quality has been much better.”

Second-year head coach Matt Millet lauded Rossi for speaking when hedid “You want those kinds of players,” saidMillet, who coached Holy Cross to five state titles before coming toBrother Martin.

“He, Nathan (Wellman), Collin (Wimberley),those areleaders on thefield that acoach loves.”

Rossi and Hutchinshave led the

scoring for aBrother Martin team nowinthe semifinalsfor thefifth time since it won back-to-back state championships in 2000 and 2001.

“They’re ahandfuland they bang thegoals in,” Millet said. “So, it’s hardfor most teams to defend one or the other.”

Hutchinspounded in the first goal from close range offa rebound less thanthree minutes after thestart. Rossi scored the next two goals, the first one acrossing passfrom senior Thomas Compton in the 21st minute.

Five minutes into the second half,Rossidrilled afree kick off the right post and intothe net. Hutchins cappedthe scoringwith another cleanup goal after junior TorrinRogers’ close-range attemptwas stopped.

Brother Martin controlledpossession throughout, allowing only threeshotswithone on goal. Junior Owen Turnerdived to his right and

knocked down the lone attempt shortly afterthe opening goal.

“Whenever we come out and we use ourskill that we have and put it away early,itchanges the game immediately,” Hutchins said. The latest win came after are-

BY DARRELL WILLIAMS Contributing writer

It was crunch time, witha lot on the line. However,Bonnabel senior guard Thomas Molette was in his comfort zone.

Molette had agame-high 17 points and made crucial plays in thefinal two minutes to help lift Bonnabel to a52-50 victory Friday at Riverdale for the District 10-5A championship.

“He’sourleader,”Bonnabelcoach Micah Hagans said. “He’sa four-year guy He has (more than) 1,000 points and 500 assists. He’sthe guy. We expect himtomake those plays.

“Thomas is atough kid.He’shad some losses in his personal life, but he hasn’tmissed one secondof practice, workouts, games. …He’s aspecial kid.”

The district title is the third in arow for theBruins(23-8,6-0) and fourth in six seasons under Hagans. Riverdale(15-10, 5-1) was seeking to complete amagical season with achampionship in the first season of coach Alex O’Brien, who was on Hagans’ staff the previous three years. And, in the final district game of the season, it appeared theupstart Rebels might pull it off. Riverdale led 44-36 after the first score ofthe fourth quarter,aputback by guard Carlos Peyton 39 seconds into the fourth.

However,50seconds later, Molette answered with apullup 3-pointer to cut the marginto three. The Bruins trailed46-44 when Molettestole the ball and went more than half the court for the tying layup at the 4:41 mark With 1:47 left, Molette sanka

pull-up 16-footerthatgavethe Bruinsthe leadfor good, 50-48.

“Whenitwas late in thegame, the Riverdale players kind of knew what (plays) we werecalling,” Molette said. “But Istill had to make something happen

“Later,onthe steal,Isaw them alot of times go to acertain place on thecourt, and Iknew they were trying to get the ball to (Rebels guard Byron Perrilliat, who had 16 points). Iwas guarding him, and I anticipated thepass.”

Afteratimeout, theBruins changed from their customary man-to-man defense and began trapping Riverdale ball-handlers. Aswipe by Molette led toalayup by forward DernellArline with24 seconds left.

Perrilliat drove for abasket with 8.2secondsleft, butthe Bruinsran outthe clock.

Bruins forward Kenyon Harper joined Molette in double figures, scoring10points. On astarting five thatfeatures three sophomores, Molettesaid he feltthe final stretch was on him.

“I’mlike their coach out on the floor,” he said.“Thedistrict threepeatwas on the line, district MVP. …Itjust meant alot going into the playoffs, beingthe leader,the senior, showing ’em how it’sdone.”

The court has meant more to Molette than just basketball the past year. His stepfatherwas fatally shot. Then, in December,Molette’s uncle passed away —two key men in hislife.

Hagans told him he could take time offfrombasketball, but Molette wouldn’t haveit.

“It’s tough,” he said, “but Iuse basketballasthe outlet. The court is my safe place.When Iplay basketball,that’s all Ithink about.”

BY SPENCER URQUHART Staff writer

After suffering some close losses earlier this season, Brother Martin is emerging as astate tournamentcontender now that tight games are turning into wins.

Brother Martin faced reigning state champion St. Augustine on Fridayinadistrict matchup that went to overtime. Junior Raphael Bickham made the first shot in overtime to give the Crusaders a two-point lead,and they held St Aug to just onepoint the rest of theway in a57-54 win at Brother Martin.

The overtime triumph marks the fourthstraight district win for Brother Martin, which concludesdistrict play with a4-3 record after starting 1-3.

“You have to be willing toplay every possessionlike it’s the last theone,and that’s what we’re starting to do,” Brother Martin coach WesleyLaurendine said. “That’swhy we’re winning games. St. Aug is awell-coached team. They play hard, and Ithink ourguys have figured out if they play hard, they have achance to win every game.”

St.Aug led by two pointsat the end of the third quarter, but Brother Martin broke through in thefourth with apair of 6-0 runs.

Bickham finished with13points, eight of which he scored after the fourth quarter

“I wasn’t doing enough in the first half,”Bickham said. “I knew my team hadmyback,and that’s what gave me the confidence to do what Idid in the second half.”

Senior Will McChesky led the Crusaders in scoring with 15 pointsalong with a team-high five steals and five rebounds.

McChesky was tasked with guarding St. Aug’stop postplayer, Ja’Vardes Brazile,and held himto six points.

“We’ve been to alot of overtime battles this year,” McChesky said.

“(Brazile) is very physical; it was abattle. When he was in the post, Iknew Icould just get in front of him.”

Afast-paced game resulted in several turnovers on both sides, butBrother Martin forced more turnovers than St. Aug andrecorded 14 steals.

“It wasall self-inflicted,” St. Aug coachWadeMasonsaid.“Ourguys didn’t want to play.Weknewhow Brother Martin would play.Credit to themfor doing whatthey did.”

Bickham and senior Jax Wilklow hadthree steals each for Brother Martin. Senior Noah McDaniel scored 11 points along with three rebounds, two assists and two steals.

St.Aug juniorAaron Milesled the Purple Knights in scoring with 19 points alongwith two steals. Senior PercyThompson

finished with 10 points and four assists, and junior Abe Taylor had 10 points, five rebounds and three assists.

BrotherMartin (20-10, 4-3) enteredthe night rankedNo. 10 in the Division Iselect powerratings andwill conclude the regular season at homeonWednesday against L.B. Landry

“Wereallyfound something in thelastcoupleofweeks about ourpicking up andtrapping and allthat,” Laurendine said. “Once we figured it out, it’sreally been the key to us winning.”

St. Aug (25-4, 5-2) was ranked No. 3prior to Friday’sloss. The Purple Knights will be at home for their next game against McDonogh 35 on Monday

Email Spencer Urquhart at surquhart@theadvocate.com.

STAFF PHOTO By CHRISTOPHER DABE

Martinsoccer coachMatt Millet addresseshis team followinga

Bourgeois on Saturday in

STAFFFILE PHOTOByENAN CHEDIAK

Brother Martin’s Will McChesky,shown playing against Archbishop

SCOREBOARD

0-0 0, Henderson 0-1 0-0 0. Totals 25-54 17-23 73. Halftime—Tennessee 35-29. 3-Point Goals LSU 8-23 (Reece 3-5, Tamba 2-3, Mosley 2-5, Sutton 1-3, Carter 0-3, King 0-4), Tennessee 6-16 (Gillespie 4-8, Burg 2-3, Boswell 0-1, Henderson 0-1, Ament 0-3). Rebounds—LSU 22 (Sutton 9), Tennessee 41 (Ament, Estrella 9). Assists—LSU 11 (Reece 4), Tennessee 17 (Gillespie 6). Total Fouls—LSU 19, Tennessee 16. A—21,678 (21,678). Men’s national scores Saturday’s games EAST Albany 77, Binghamton 74 American 75, Army 63 Boston University 82, Bucknell 69 California 86, Boston College 75 Cen. Connecticut 63, Fairleigh Dickinson 57 Columbia 75, Princeton 65 Duquesne 78, St. Bonaventure 73 Fordham 70, Rhode Island 66, OT

By my count, there would be only two Super Bowls between now and 2050 that wouldn’t fall within the two-week window of Mardi Gras: 2038 and 2041.

for Super Bowl LXII in Atlanta is tied directly to the possibility of the games expanding for the 2027 season, according to a report by Mike Florio of NBC Sports.

Likewise, I’ve heard the league has asked cities that plan to bid on future Super Bowls to block out hotel rooms for three weeks in February in case the league schedule changes in 2029 and 2030.

In most cities, having the Super Bowl pushed back to midFebruary isn’t a problem. But in New Orleans, mid-February often means Mardi Gras. And that could be something the city has to deal with if the NFL expands the regular season to 18 games and pushes the Super Bowl into mid-February

Nevertheless, Jay Cicero, president and CEO of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, said we need not worry

“We don’t know what the NFL is going to do, but we’re not concerned with it,” he said. Cicero said he and his staff have considered all future options, even in 2031, which is the city’s next Super Bowl target.

If the NFL goes to an 18-game schedule, it likely would push the 2031 Super Bowl to Feb. 16 Mardi Gras Day is Feb. 25 that year.

“We’re not concerned with it,” said Cicero, who, along with New Orleans Saints officials, helps spearhead the city’s bid for Super Bowls We can handle it.”

There is precedent here. In 2002, the city moved Mardi Gras parades to accommodate the Super Bowl after it was moved back a week because of Sept. 11-related delays. Parades scheduled for the weekend of the game were moved to the previous weekend to manage security, traffic and police resources. The city compensated Carnival krewes for losses. Similarly, Cicero said city officials have plenty of time to plan around potential conflicts in the future. He said his staff has plotted out the potential scenarios for future Super Bowls in case an 18-game NFL season becomes a reality It’s nothing the city can’t handle with proper planning.

“It won’t affect us any more than it has in the past,” Cicero said. “Mardi Gras always moves around. It’s the same challenge we have for every other event.”

Let’s certainly hope so. New Orleans is famous for hosting Super Bowls and Mardi Gras. No one wants it to become an either/or proposition

But still, seeing the Pelicans reel off five straight wins looked like they may have turned a corner But the best they’ve done since then was putting together a pair of two-game winning streaks.

4. ZION’S AVAILABILITY Zion Williamson’s career has been plagued by injuries, but he’s played in 30 consecutive games, his longest stretch of availability since entering the league in 2019. It hasn’t translated into wins, but to see Williamson address the biggest flaw in his game has been refreshing to see. And while I know players shouldn’t get pats on the back for doing what they are supposed to do, at least Williamson has made sure he’s there for his teammates.

5. NO POOLE PARTY

Biggest disappointment? Jordan Poole was supposed to be a key part of this team. It’s why he’s the second-highest-paid player on the roster Only Williamson makes more. Poole hasn’t played in the last nine games and his spot in the rotation looks to be gone for good. The 3-point shooting (33.6%) and championship pedigree he was supposed to bring haven’t materialized.

6. BEY WATCH While Poole hasn’t been what the Pelicans have hoped for, the other player involved in the CJ McCollum trade has exceeded expectations. Saddiq Bey missed all of last season with the Washington Wizards while recovering from a torn ACL suffered the season before. He’s been one of the Pels’ most consistent players. He’s averaging 16.5 points and 5.9 rebounds while starting 41 games. Not bad for a player who was looked at as an afterthought in the trade.

7. MURPHY’S SHOOTING

The best individual performance of the season was Trey Murphy going off for a career-high 44 points against the Milwaukee Bucks. Murphy set a franchise record for most 3-pointers in a game with 12. He and Steph Curry are the only two players this season to make that many treys in a game. Murphy also became the franchise’s all-time leader in made 3-pointers this season, surpassing McCollum.

8.THE ROOKIES Only 10 rookies are selected for the Rising Stars Game, which was played Friday night to start off All-Star weekend. Two of those players were Pelicans, which tells you all you need to know about the season they’ve had. Derik Queen has recorded two tripledoubles, and Jeremiah Fears was two assists shy of recording one in Wednesday’s loss to the Miami Heat. Fears has played in every game and Queen has appeared in all but one. Dumars found two of the best players in the draft class.

9 THE TRADE All types of trade rumors swirled around the Pelicans prior to the deadline last week, but they made only one move, trading fan favorite Jose Alvarado to the New York Knicks for Dalen Terry, who was waived the next day The Pels also got two second-round draft picks and some cash. The roster after the All-Star break will look like it did before the break, except the team’s most energetic player is now missing.

10. BORREGO’S AUDITION The Pels

STAFF PHOTO By DAVID GRUNFELD Pelicans forward Trey Murphy is defended by Miami Heat guard Davion Mitchell during the second half of their game on

OUTDOORS

Inshore charter skipper Mike Gallo shows off tworedfish,the sizehetargets for fishing parties during thelatewinterand early spring in his favorite spots in the Pontchartrain Basin. Gallosaid lowwater,a problem that plaguesthe coastal marshes from Januaryinto March, shouldn’t pose aproblem forcatching fish,but makes getting around the marshes tougherwhen having to dealwith shallowwater andmud flats.

Low-waterstrategy

BY JOE MACALUSO

Contributing writer

Happy Mardi Gras!

Happy college baseball season!

Wish it could be happy fishing, too, but that’snot in the cards right now

It would’vebeennice for another stretch of cool mornings and, more importantly,warm and sunny afternoons, but this weekend’srainy,windy cold front will push prime-time sac-a-lait and speckled trout catches further down the timeline.

Historically,for the more ardent anglers, Lundi Gras and Mardi Gras mean heading out into themarshes becausemostfolks were in holiday parade mode.. While the waters will againlikely be mostlyclear of other fishing folks, the biggest late-winter problem is low water —especially on the east side of the Mississippi River,aproblem at least one fishing party faced early last weekinthe Delacroix area. Yes, they ran up on amud flat.

Charter veteran MikeGallo said low water has been a problem in the Pontchartain Basin, and he said all boaters should make their onthe-water runs in familiar places

“You need to know the waters you’re travelingin, theshorelines, everything,” Gallo said.

“Wehad low water(last weekend), but astronger tide pushed water back into our area (the Biloxi Marsh) Monday,Tuesday and Wednesday,” he said. There were other problems, like fog and no wind, the latter meaninggnats were ready to pounce, which meantcarryingalong your favorite vanilla-based gnat repellent.

“When we got into the Biloxi Marsh, the water was at thebottom of the grassline, but it was rising and gave us the chance to see redfish,” Gallo said.

“That was good.Ilike low water because the fish have to move out of the marsh and they’re in the same bayou you’re in and you just have to find them.

“If the water is up, then the redfish move farther back into the grass and become tougher to catch.” OK, so with acold front

NOTEBOOK

moving in this weekend and bringing in strong winds —coastal fishermen need to heedthe warning Gallo said it’sgenerally understood northerly and westerly winds push lots of water out of prime fishing areas, andthe chance of getting stuck on amud flatgoes way up

By Monday,the effects of that predictedwindevent should be enough of awarningabout what could be a productive Mardi Gras fishingtrip

Lunker laregmouth Toledo Bendisback on the map, aleast for TexasParks and Wildlife’sToyota ShareLunkerProgram,which chartsgiant largemouths caught in state waters (Texas shares The Bend with Louisiana).

Last Sunday,Stonewall’s DrakeWadsworth put aLouisiana angler on thelist with a13.1-pounder.Wadsworth didn’tsay whereonToledo Bendhecaught the lunker, and in typical bass fishing style didn’tdivulge what lure hisgiant fish attacked.

Gaggrouper

TheGulfCouncil is seeking input of offshore fishermenwhen it comes to gag grouperinthe Gulf

“The Council recognizes that as activefishermen, you may notice trends or interesting things happening in the Gulf thatthe scientists and managers may not be awareofyet,”the council

TUESDAY

LAFAYETTE KAYAKFISHING

CLUB MEETING: 6p.m Pack and Paddle, 601 E. Pinhook, Lafayette. Call (337) 232-5854. Website: www.lafayettekayakfishing.com.

WEDNESDAY

FLIES &FLIGHTS: 7-9 p.m, Rally Cap Brewing, 11212 Pennywood Ave.,Baton Rouge. Casual fly tying Open to public. Email Chris Williams: thefatfingeredflytyer@gmail.com

THURSDAY

ACADIANA FLYRODDERS

PROGRAM: 6p.m Pack and Paddle, 601 E. Pinhook,Lafayette. Open to public. Email Darin Lee: at cbrsandcdc@ gmail.com. Website: acadianaflyrodders.org

FRIDAY-SUNDAY

NATIONAL PHEASANT FEST

&QUAIL CLASSIC: ConventionCenter, Minneapolis. Websites: pheasantsforever. org& quailforever.org

SATURDAY

ACADIANA FLYFISHING 101:

10a.m.-1 p.m.,East Regional Library,215 La Neuville Rd Youngsville. Open to public. No fee, preregistration required. Tackle, hands-on casting, knots, leaders, and fly selection. Acadiana Fly Rodders event. Website registration: acadianaflyrodders.org

HUNTINGSEASONS

DEER/ARCHERY: Through Feb. 15, State Deer Areas 5, 6&9, either-sex takeallowed. QUAIL, RABBITS &SQUIR-

RELS: Through Feb. 28, statewide, private lands only SNIPE: Through Feb. 28, statewide.

GEESE/CONSERVATION

ORDER: East &West zones through March 15.Limited to takeofblue, snowand Ross’ geese only.Nodaily nor possession limits.Hunters allowedtouse electronic calls and shotguns capable of holding morethan three shells.

CALENDAR

FISHING RESULTS

Lafayette. Casual fly tying and local beersprovided. Open to thepublic. Formore information, email Darin Lee: cbrsandcdc@gmail.com. Website: www.packpaddle. com

FEB. 28—CENLAFLY FISHING 101: 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m

stated in the announcement.

So,with the gag grouper stock assessment beginning this spring, the council is asking anglers to go to its Fisherman Feedback Tool —ongulfcouncil.org —by 4p.m. March 13 to answer questions and provide other information aboutthis species.

GrandIsle

Anyone wishingtocommentonthe seaward (beach side) constructionofbreakwaters at Grand Isle has untilFeb. 20 to respond to the Corps of Engineers project.

The draft Environmental Assessment has been posted —Grand Isle andVicinity Louisiana Beach Erosion and Hurricane Project PL 84-99 —alongwith the initial “No Significant Impact” finding about the 35 segmented stone breakwatersand up to 20 navigational light platforms in the project within 400 feet of the shoreline. Youcan provide comments by email: mvnenvironmental@usace.army.mil

Scenic Rivers

Earlierthis month the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission passed anotice to change the Scenic Rivers Program to “expedite the permitting process, including the establishment of general permits, and clarify selective harvesting of trees within the 100-foot buffer of aScenic River.”

Apublic hearing is set for 10 a.m. March24atstate Wildlife and Fisheries headquarters on Quail Drive in Baton Rouge.

AROUND THECORNER

FEB. 22—SOUTH LOUISIANA HIGHPOWER CLUB MATCH: 8:30 a.m., Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Range,St. Landry Road, Gonzales. National RifleAssociation XTC& FClassmatch rifleorservice rifle, 200-yard/50-rounds matchcourse. Formore information, callMikeBurke at (337) 380-8120. Email: SouthLAHighPower@hotmail.com

FEB. 23—RED STICKFLY FISHERS FLYTYING SESSION: 7p.m., BluebonnetRegional Library,9200 Bluebonnet Blvd., Baton Rouge.Open to thepublic. Materialsand tools available for beginners Website:www.rsff.org

FEB. 26—ACADIANA BUGS &BREWS: 6p.m., Pack and Paddle, 601 E. Pinhook,

QUEENOFTHE MYSTIC CLUB

Mrs. Kimberlin PriceButcher

European Old Masterspaintings broughttolifeat lavish Mystic Club ball

Staff report

“Art Comes to Life” wasthe visuallymajestic theme when the Mystic Club, oneof thehighlights of the annual Carnival season,watched the works of European Old Masters cometolife in alavish ball.

Madrid’sMuseo del Prado, home of Goya’s “The Family of King Carlos IV,” was the settingestablishedby the invitation and programasthe court brought several of the paintings to life Reigning over the ball as The Mystic Queenwas Mrs.Kimberlin Price Butcher, who, with her king, embodied the couple fromGutavKlimt’s“The Kiss.” Her majesty’sgown featured stylizedelements from the Austrian’sfamous1908 portrait of youngloversembracing

Ladies-in-waiting, representing othergreat works, included Mesdames George Perry EastmanIV, “Swaying Dancer” by Degas; Michael Livaudais LeBourgeois, “The BirthofVenus” by Botticelli; Richard Bullard MontgomeryIV, “Singer in Green” by Degas;and Jonathan Edward Robert, “The Birth of Venus.

Aselect number of debutantes of the season were presented, includingMisses Emma Rose Baumer,KateFalkner Bensel, KelseyGrace French, Fenner Elise French, Lillian Lair Hooper, Susan Anne Le Clercq, Lucile McGlinchey Monsted, Brooke Coleman Reiss, Elizabeth McLundie Bolton Schmidt and Helen Claire Thompson.

BY ROBIN MILLER Staff writer

Theyear was 1950. Edward, Duke of Windsor,abdicated thethrone of England 14 years earlier to marry American socialite and twice-divorced Wallis WarfieldSimpson, passing the crown to his brother, Albert, who became King George VI and was the father of QueenElizabeth II. As forthe former king,Edwardwas freetodo what he liked. In 1950,heand his duchess hopped an ocean liner and crossedthe AtlantictoNorth America. New Orleans’ Mardi Gras was their eventual destination.Theyarrived in the CrescentCitytogreat fanfare on Feb. 21, 1950,bytrainafter vacationing in Mexico City They were wined anddined at Antoine’s,received the keys to the city from Mayor deLesseps “Chep” Morrison and watchedthe Rex procession alongSt. CharlesAvenue from the Boston Club Balcony.

ONCE IN A CENTURY

BY KIMBERLEYSINGLETARY

Contributingwriter

sk anyNew Orleanian and they can easily rattle offalist of their favorite Carnival krewes, maybe based on who has the bestthrows or the most eye-popping floats.

But thereisanother group of krewes that, unless you happen to be amember,you have likely never heardof —krewes whose purpose centers not around one big parade for the masses, but one elaborate ballfor avery select membership that carries on a debutante balltradition that has existed around the world since the18th century

Prophets of PersiaQueen

Leigh

the king past guests at the centennial ball on Feb.7

One of those krewes, ProphetsofPersia, is celebrating its 100th anniversary this season. It’s akrewe that Wayne Phillips, curator of costumes and carnival collections at the Louisiana State Museum, said has been unique from itsorigins. “Whenyou think of the foundersofthese oldkrewes, youthink of physicians, attorneys, bank presidents,” Phillips said, “but manyofthe menwho founded Prophets of Persia in 1926 were involved professionally in the movie industry,and at atime when it wasreally in abig transition —movingfromsilentfilms to films that synchronized voice and action for the first time.

ä See CENTURY, page 13D

PHOTO By NORRIS GAGNET

PHOTO PROVIDED By LOUISIANA STATEMUSEUM

Leda de la Vergne, the first queen of Prophets of Persia, 1927, with pages Billy Ferguson and Elizabeth McClellan

PHOTO By REAGAN LAQUE

Madison

Strayhan walks with

Even with the drums still beating for Mardi Gras, preparations are underway for adifferent annual party,one where acommunity sets the table with abonanza of Vietnamese cooking and invites others to pull up aseat.

Tetisthe Vietnamese celebrationofthe Lunar New Year,which this year falls on Feb. 17, Mardi GrasDay

But the biggest local celebration around it arrives theweekend after,Feb. 20-22, at Mary Queen of Vietnam Church. It’s too big of aparty for just one day

DINING SCENE

chile-spiked

sauce. Itried this two years ago and have been searching for it elsewhere ever since to no avail. This year,I’m angling for goi ca mai, sometimes advertised on the bilingual menu boards as Vietnamese sushi (though it’sreally more like Vietnamese ceviche), with the raw,marinated fish dressed with fresh herbs and a lightly funky sauce.

Ian McNulty WHAT’S COOKING

The church, with its school and festival grounds, is acenterpiece of life in Village de L’Est, the largely Vietnamese neighborhood in New Orleans East.

Its free, three-day TetFestival rolls out abig welcome matfor everyone to take part in Vietnamese culture.

It’snot just about food. There are children’srides and games, live bands, fashion shows and crafts.

People cluster around games of chance, plunking down tokens by the fistful andcraningtheir necks to watch spinning wheelsof fortune. Kids gleefully run about, blasting each other with silly string. Fireworks light up the sky as adragon dance snakes through the crowd (at 6p.m. eachnight).

But eating is so centraltoTet, it can allfeel like agiant food festival. Under block-long canopies, people knock back beers andpass aroundbottles of Sriracha hot sauce at shared tables filled with amix of street food and homestyle dishes.

Vietnamese food is agift to New Orleans, one of the many contributions from an immigrant community that has madethis city home.

It is now robustly represented around the region, withstaples like pho and spring rolls qualifying as widely-loved comfort food by plenty of people who didn’t necessarily grow up eatingit.

But Tetisamaster class in the depthand richness of the cuisine, and aheady plunge into itspossibilities.

Tetismyown annual assessment of whether my feelings have changed for trung vit long, or fertilized duck egg (better known by its Filipino name balut). Peel the shell and you mayget ayolk with custard-like texture, nice with adose of pepper and herbs. But sometimes there’sbeak and feathers, an acquired taste Ihave not yet acquired. Still, it’ssurely an essential taste of Tetfor some out there.

Ahomecoming, home cooking

The festivaldraws people from aroundthe region, withsomedriving in from as far asFlorida or Texas. Formany,itisa homecoming ritual, returning to theirfamily and roots in New Orleans East.

In recent years, though, Tethas seen an increasingnumber of visitors who arenot Vietnamese.

This is greeted with delight by the churchcommunity,said Deacon LinhTran, whohelps coordinate the event.

“Wewanttoinvite everyone and show themour culture,” he said.

“Ourfood is abig part of that.”

Whatmakes thefood at Tet special is the way the church organizes itself around it.

Foodbooths and cooking stations are each runbygroups of church parishioners or members of dif-

ferent ministries. They determine what dishes to serve,argue over recipe and technique, eventually land on agame plan, and then pour their energies intoproducing themonavastscale.

Each batch of pho entails a12hour cook time to get thebeef broth just right— beefy from bones cooked down, bright with ginger and onions, earthywith staranise, cloves and cardamom (to list just afew of the ingredients). This has the cooks taking

shifts overnight, tending the giant soup pots like pitmasters over their barbecue.

Off-the-menu finds

Familiar Vietnamese dishes abound at Tet. But I’m always peering into food booths to find the dishesnot normally seen on restaurant menus.

That’show Idiscovered be thui, acarpaccio-like saladoflightly smoked veal with tender and crunchy bitsand an electrifying

Keep browsing the stands. You’ll find banh xeo, arice flour crepe yellowed by turmeric and studded with pork and shrimp and sprouts, and hu tieu, whichasoup from the Mekong Delta in the south of Vietnam with thick udon-like noodles. There are eye-catching green pandan waffles, with acoconutlike flavor between their crispy ridges, and chuoi chien, or fried bananas thickly battered with crispy shells and creamycenters, giving that floral flavor of cooked banana. Ayouth ministry from the church now runs astand for Korean corn dogs, in all their flaming-orange meat-on-a-stick glory,because traditional cooking can sometimes yield to festival fun and the next generation gets to have its say too.

Joyinfood

The abundance of different food is part of the joy of this event, and the sounds, steam and aromas of all this open-air cooking add to the excitement. Go with family or a small group of friends. Find aspot at one of the shared tables. Send somebody out to find afew dishes to share and maybe astop at the beer booth. Take abreak between dishes. Maybe try your hand at one of the games of chance (it all benefits the church). Then sample something else. Even with the growing Vietnamese food scene in New Orleans, you might have an entire lunar year to wait to get ataste of some of this again.

The Rev. Thien Nguyengrills during TetFest.

n Achaeans

“Athena, the goddess of wisdom, spied him among the bold |And gave him the gift of adagger more powerful than gold.”

These poetic lines in the ball program of The Achaeans, which held forth formally and festively in the Hyatt Regency’sCelestin Ballroom, referred to Diomedes, aprominent

ATHENARULES!

Nell Nolan SOCIETY

Achaean (Greek) hero and King of Argos. YesAthena gave him the powerful dagger,but she counseled him to use wisdom in warfare. He took her advice and she was pleased.

Turning to pacific overtures, queenly glory was manifested at “Athena and Diomedes” by Miss Charlotte Sydney Wirth,daughter of Mr.and Mrs.Adam RoyWirth

The 2025 scepter was held by Miss Abigail Hartsfield Chaffe, daughter of Mr.and Mrs. David Blackshear Hamilton Chaffe IV Maids to queen Charlotte were Misses Patricia Randle Aucoin, Emma Rose Baumer,Kate Faulkner Bensel, Lyden Henriette Bland, Eliza Brandon Favrot, Caroline Staples Picou and Camille Adair Sewell. They,as did countless others, received the 2026 Achaeans krewefavor, abeautiful dagger pin/pendant made of gold-plated pewter andembellished with crystal stones

Other recipients were seated in prominent areas of the ballroom and enjoyed the music of RobertMaxwell leading the Jimmy Maxwell Orchestra. Noted wereroyal mother GinnyWirth the 2015 queen Courtney CookeGeary, Ms Rebecca Fransen Worley, Ms. Pamela Georges Dongieux,and Mmes. RobertBruce Worley Jr., Michael Patrick Cook,Andrew Herrington, Clayton CookeGeary, MichaelKent Philips, Newton Rowan Reynolds,Thomas Gerard DianoJr.,CyrilPaul GearyIII, James Favrot Geary, Gordon HardinKolb Jr., RobertDuncan Brown, Nicolas Price Lanier,John Benton SmallpageIII, BryanWestfeldt Fitzpatrick, HunterGarrettHill, David Gunn Bailey and TomBenson (Gayle MarieBenson) All admired the radiant royal, who was gowned by Suzanne Perron St. Paul.The regal trumpet-silhouette dress had acurving pattern of lace withdefined marquisemotifs that extended vertically throughout theskirt. Densebeading of iridescent white beads, luminous bugles, Swarovskicrystals andsequins created radiance. The same couturiere designedthe strapless gown of her majesty’smother,Mrs. Wirth. It wasofgarnetdouble silk witha sculpted peplum.

At the end of the bal masqué, and afterthe departureofthe monarchs, the white-outfitted captain passedthe whistle to asuccessor The transference of Carnival power wasreceived “with roars of cheers by all.”

Choice socializing occurred bothbeforethe ball at the Wirth family home and afterward within thehosthotel. Thetables,which were decorated with flowersbyPam Dongieux, alsoheld favors reflecting the queen’spersonality,suchashats, koozies, frost flexcups, and red blinky bracelets. Both sheand thekinghad favorpins madefor their royal occasion. Hers was acrownedelephant andhis, apalate of sheetrock. In addition,his majesty,who relishedhis regal role, provided blinky beads.

Late-night cuisine fueled the livelycrowd before they darted to the dance floor for the nonstop music of the17-piece Liquid Blue band from San Diego

In her royal reflection, queen Charlotte expresseddeepgratitude for her reign and the future memories, acknowledged new friendships, and concluded withthe honor she had of celebrating and upholding “a tradition that means so much.” Somewhere, Athena was smiling.

Wendy Geary, Ginny Wirth, Holt Kolb

Suzanne Brown, Piper Franks, Sloane Paysse

Marché Beals, David Sumrall, Lucy Hall

Seated: Mary Baxter,Isabelle Alexander, Miller Breland; Standing: Marguerite G’Sell, Elizabeth Henican, Mary Margaret Fischer

Charles Dietz, Matthew Gainey, Hayden Janke, John Roth

Natalie Sharpe, Samantha Sharpe, Loretta Miner, AnnWilkie Newman; Back: Hilton Bell

n Stories to Spin

“Mother Athena’sNursery Rhymes” titled the tableau for the Krewe of Athenians, whose 117th masked ball unfolded in the Orpheum Theater with echoes of childhood tunes, starting with “Three Blind Mice” as led by Robert Maxwell forthe Jimmy Maxwell Orchestra. Frolicking krewemembers tossed signature doubloons. Reigning was Miss Lillian Margaret Roussel, daughter of Mr.and Mrs. Scott Farrell Roussel, and the fourth “gold queen” in her family.She was resplendent in aclassic A-line skirted gowncreated by Chase Zibilich of cream peau de soie that was overlaid with gold beaded tulle and crystal rhinestones. Asentimental accessory was agolden butterfly pin that belonged to her great-grandmother, Lillian Cressend Schonberg. Mrs. Roussel followed sentimental suit with abracelet inherited from her grandmother,Emmy Lou Cowand, the 1946 queen of Carnival. Her Chase Zibilich gownwas of hot pink brocade. Gowned in white, the ladies of the court, the maids, were Misses Marché Marie Beals,Adelaide Elizabeth Benzman, Suzanne Marie Brown, EllenMargaretDaly (Olympians queen), PiperKatherine Franks, Julianne QuaidGood,Lucy House Hall, Sloane AlexandraPaysse (Caliphs queen) and Grace Goodwin Romero.The pages wereMasters Charles Nicholas Dietz, MatthewCharles Gainey, HaydenWest Janke and John Martin Roth,and the princesses, Misses Isabelle Garland Alexander, MaryAgnes Baxter,Miller Carlisle Breland, MaryMargaretFischer, Marguerite Elaine G’sell, Elizabeth Anne Henican, Loretta Livaudais Miner,Ann WilkieNewman, NatalieFlorence Sharpe and Samantha Josephine Sharpe. Mr Charles T.Walsten was the ball’sgeneral chairman.

Enjoying prominent seating were Mmes. Roussel, Robert Joseph Schonberg,Thomas Dale Blackburn, Richard DevlinRoussel,AlbertPeyton Bush IV,David Cressend Schonberg,Glenn Gill Goodyear,Stephen BenjaminHales,and Caroline Cowand Roussel, Emily Lillian Blackburn, Erin Curry Reily, Cheri Clark Hemelt,Yvette R. Monju, and her 2025 majesty Marguerite Lisette Breaux, daughter of Mr.and Mrs. Ralph Gerard Breaux. Also, Mmes. Breaux, James HarringtonReily,Kamran Zaheri, Paul Louis Friedlander,JamesColliganWilbert, Charles Emmett Redfearn, Daniel Gerard Busse and Edward Begnaud. After the ball, the NewOrleans Country Club wasthe welcoming location forbreakfast with king cake, along with the king and queen, and hours of dance floor action to The Boogie Men. Years will hold the memories of Lillian’smonarchal glory and her “gold queen” legacy.She emphasized the importance of celebrating with family and friends, concluding with, “Everything was perfect.” More smiles from Athena.

Gretchen Breaux, Ashley Roussel, Debbie Reily

PHOTOS By JEFF STROUT

Charlotte Wirth

Kate Bensel, Lyden Bland, Eliza Favrot

Camille Sewell

Tricia Aucoin,Jim Geary, Emma Rose Baumer

Caroline Picou, Robbie Saer

PHOTOSByREAGAN LAQUE LillianMargaret Roussel

Adelaide Benzman, Ellen Daly,Julianne Good, GraceRomero

TRAVEL

Greenlanddraws attentionand adventuroustravelers

BY MILLIE BALL Contributing writer

Rarely hasadestination received so much free publicityas Greenland. With the global attention it has garnered, now might be agood time to button up your overcoat and plan atrip to check out its glaciers, fjords, bays and colorful little towns.

I’ve been to Greenland twice, first in 2018 and again in August 2025. My trips have offered the chance to see multiple views of the world’slargest island.

On the first trip, part of a 21-day cruise from Denmark to New York,three little girls rushed up to welcome my husband, Keith, and me to Qaqortoq (Kah-Kor-took), population 3,055. It’sthe largest town in southern Greenland. The girls hugged each other and beamed as Itook their photo. Not far away,inGreenland’s southernmost island town of Nanortalik, achoir in asmall church invited us to aconcert They sang “Amazing Grace,” “Nearer My God to Thee” and other hymns in Greenlandic. Some of us hummed along with the singers who live in this town with 1,072 residents.

Greenland is often confused with Iceland. An autonomous territoryofDenmark with itsown prime minister,Greenland is 21 times larger than Iceland, three times the size of Texas, and 80% covered with ice. The total population is 57,000.

Iceland’spopulation is almost 400,000, about the size of Colorado. Only 11% is covered with ice.

The island countries are 185 miles apart at their closest point. Numerous stories say early Norse settlers wanted to appeal to others by naming the immense icy island Greenland, an early marketing ploy.Others say Greenland had somewarmer times. Nobody really knows. Adventurous travelers mainly come for the scenery

My second trip to Greenland was totally different from the first because of asmaller ship andadifferent itinerary

Most Greenlanders call their country Kalaallit Nunaat(kahLAH-fleet noo NAAT) “Land of thePeople.”

On our 2018 trip, the Zuiderdam glided past stark, stunning fjords and sounds, even icebergs,

TRAVEL TROUBLESHOOTER

By ChristopherElliott

but stopped only in two places where people lived —not big towns, but stillhome. Our ship’s capacity was about 2,800, with passengers and crew.Wewere a friendly invasion.

Clusters of cottages in small towns or sometimesscattered ones in smaller places all seemed to be paintedblue,red, green, orange or purple, trimmed in white. In Qaqortoq there apparently are enough shoppers to sustain what we called aminiCostco.

Nanortalik (Nan-our-talik) has amore rugged look after centuriesofstormy weather on its island, and the need for asense of balance when walking over stones and hills. The colorful houses aren’tquiteasbright,but localswere glad to see us eight

yearsago. Roadstypically don’tconnect townsinGreenland. Even the capital city of Nuuk (Nuke) was not reachable by road.Anairportfinally opened last year,and United now offers twice-weekly flightsfrom Newark to Nuuk in summer Our2025 cruise was aboard the WorldVoyager,a“purpose-built yacht”byAtlas Ocean Voyages Fewer than 200 passengerssail on their expedition cruises, where experiences are the main lure. Experiences include free rides in aZodiac boat to themiddle of afjord in Greenland, then hiking around it. Unfortunately,Ihave health issues, so hiking in afjord and walking tours weren’tonmylist. ButWorld Voyager may be my

favorite big “yacht.” We boardedinReykjavik, Iceland, spending our first night in an airport hotelafter checking out the exorbitant prices of those downtown. We felt right at home aboardthe Voyagerassoon as we recoveredfrom the $175 taxifare from ourairport hotel. Another guest said they were charged $345. Ask. Everything is expensive in both Iceland and Greenland.

Butaboardthe World Voyager, almost everything is included, even wine at dinnerand daily rides in Zodiacs forthose who want to do that. When the water wascalm,the captain welcomedpassengers to an open bridge. We watched icebergs fromour balcony and thepleasanttop-floor dome, with asemi-circular wall of windows and deck.

With superb room crew and food servers, we could eat wherever we wanted eachday in the dining room. Most fellow passengerswerewell-traveled, but instead of bragging about their trips to Antarctica(most we met had been), there was pleasure in exchanging impressions. Therewerelecturesand entertainment,oftenbycruise director Greg ScottJones, who grew up in New Orleans. Thoseofuswho didn’ttake aZodiac into Eternity Fjord found aspot on deck to admire itsglacier,floating icebergs and steep basalt peaks. After fjord hikersreturned, Ithink everyone aboard leaned over balconies to cheer fellow passengers doing Arcticpolar plunges—jumping or diving into the icywater Brrrrr!

One cloudy morning, Keith opened the sliding glass door to ourbalconyand said, “It’skind of warm outside.For Greenland.” It was 45. We missed afew scheduled stops because of weather and otherconditions. Basically,the only tours we sawoffered for afee were walking tours of a town or afood-oriented “Taste of Greenland.” Iwould happily have paid fora bus tour of the capitalcity of Nuuk. We left the ship in the Zodiacs only twice, in the capitalcity of Nuuk and to disembark. There was afreebus to downtown, andwewalkedtoamultistory building thatsold gifts and coffee. Midway,wesaw three people with adisplayofsomething. “Whatare youselling?” I askedthe woman. “Oh, nothing,” she said in English. “We’re giving outBible verses.” Ispotted the word Jehovah on the brochure. “Jehovah’s Witness?” Iasked. She smiledand said, “Yes.” Afterbreakfast on our last day, Iwobbledonto aZodiac, holding outstretched hands. We all boardedbusesfor atundra safari tour of massive stone formations andcenturies-old native flora abovethe Arctic Circle. The airport at Kangerlussuaqshares arunwaywith aformer U.S. Air Forcebase. Evenasthe world pays more attentiontoGreenland, it still feels profoundly untouched. Millie Ball was travel editor of The Times-Picayune. The Atlas cruise of Greenland starts in Reykjavik, Iceland, on Aug. 20, 2026. Brochure prices start at $8,200 per person.

Turnsout booking‘Flexi’ ferrytickets arenot so flexible

site didn’twarnmeabout losingmydeposit beforeIclicked the final cancellationbutton. Can you help me getmymoney back?

—MikeMarsden, Porthleven, Cornwall, United Kingdom

Christopher Elliott

Imade aferry booking with Brittany Ferries in Januaryfor an August sailingfrom Plymouth to Santander,Spain. I’m79, and unfortunately,health issues developed with my kidney disease. Irealized Ineeded to changemytravel plans. If my condition worsened while in Spain, Iwouldn’tbeable to returntothe U.K. quickly because ferries are limited and it’sa24-hour journey Icanceled my booking with three months’ notice.As soon asIcompleted the online cancellation, the website said there waszero refund. It wasn’tclear that cancellation meant losingmy $390 deposit.When I contacted customer service to explain my situation, theytoldme the cancellation was final —norefund and no ability to changetoadifferent route.

Ihad a“flexi” ticket and believed Iwould be able to cancel without penalty.The web-

Youshouldn’thave lost your entire deposit. And Brittany Ferries’ response to your situation shows atroubling lack of customer service

Let’sstart with what should have happened. Youpurchased a“flexi”ticket, which by definition should offer moreflexibility than astandard fare.The whole point of paying extrafor aflexible ticket is to have optionswhen circumstances change. Most ferry companies andairlines offer flexible fares specifically to enable passengers to make changes or cancel with reduced or no penalties.

The bigger issue here is BrittanyFerries’ website design. Anybooking system that doesn’t clearly warn customers about significant financial penalties before they complete atransaction is fundamentally flawed. Youshould have received aclear warning such as,“Youwill forfeit your deposit if you proceed withthis cancellation” before you clicked that final button.

Your healthsituation makes this even more unreasonable. You’re dealing withkidney disease at age 79, and you madeasensible decision to change your travel plans based on legitimate medical concerns. Aresponsible company would have shown some flexibility,especially given thethree monthsofadvance notice.

Under U.K. consumer protection laws,businesses must

provide clear andtransparent information about cancellation policies. The Consumer Rights Act requires that termsand conditions be “fair” and “transparent.” Asurprise forfeiture of your deposit without adequate warning likely violated this standard. Youcould have escalated this directly to Brittany Ferries’ senior management. Ipublish executive contact information for companies like Brittany Ferries on my website. Icontacted BrittanyFerries on your behalf, pointing outthat you had a“flexi” ticket and that the company’s handling of your case seemed unreasonable. We also noted that thecompany’swebsite failed to provide adequate warning about thedeposit forfeiture.

BrittanyFerries reviewed your case and issued afull refund

of your deposit “on agoodwill basis.” While the company maintained that its official policy was correct, it recognized that your situation warranted an exception. Your case highlights an important lesson fortravelers: Always read the fine print on flexible fares. Someflexible tickets only allow date changes, not route changes or full refunds. If you’re booking aticket specifically because you might need to cancel, double-check to confirm exactly what your flexibility includes. For future trips, consider travel insurance that covers trip cancellation formedical reasons.

Christopher Elliott is the founder of Elliott Advocacy,anonprofit organization that helps consumers solve their problems. Email him at chris@elliott.org.

Homes hug the stonyhillside in Greenland.

ARTS &CULTURE

Newexhibit explains originsofBlack Carnival society

TheJackson Square-adjacent setting for The Presbytère’s new exhibit “Origins of New Orleans Black Carnival Society: The Story of the Illinois Clubs” will put the important social, cultural and yes, Carnival —history it tells in front of a lot of tourists. But locals will benefit from the exhibit’snarrative as well.

The stories of the Original Illinois Club, founded in 1895, and the Young Men IllinoisClub, a 1926 offshoot, are told in theexhibit through text, images, video (transferred from home movies of 1960s-era balls), ball gownsand invitations and crowns and scepters. Even atableau backdrop portions of the 1968 Original Illinois Club ball set that recalled the French Opera House, somehow remarkably preserved. The exhibit will remain on view through Mardi Gras 2027.

“Our approach was,weknow thatmanypeople in the city know of the name,” said Kelly Dorsey Parker,co-curator of the exhibit with Kim Vaz-Deville. “But they’re not educated or enlightened on the actual story,the backstory and the history.”

“…There are so many layers as farasthe development, thehow and the why it got started.How did Wiley Knight find himself here in New Orleans?How did he come to the realization that, ‘Wow,there’saserious need to introduce young men andwomen of color to social etiquetteand graces. How did he come to that realization and how did his mission start? That’s what this exhibit will tell.”

Theoriginof‘Original’ Knight was aTennessee native who came to New Orleansbyway of Chicago, two capitals of commercejoinedbythe Illinois Central Railroad. After observing White Carnival culture, Knight in 1894 founded adance academy to train young Black people in the steps and deportment needed for their public introduction into local society. The students soonformed theIllinois Club. “Original” was added

after the1926 split

“In many ways, the founding of the Original Illinois Club and its presentation of debutantes was aconsciousresponsetothe burgeoning Jim Crow system” then present in New Orleans, wrote theHistoric New Orleans Collection’s Jari Honora in 2022. “It was adeclaration that people of color were imbued with the same refinement andsocial graces as the (White) New Orleanians whose organizationspresented their own debutantes eachyear.”

There is some of that subtle history to see in ball photos on

view in thenew exhibit. Basketball court markings are visible in several of them because theclubs, for mostof their history,had to hold their Carnival balls in gymnasiums or venues other than those used by mainline Carnival organizations. The Municipal Auditorium, longtime bastion of White Carnival society, wasn’topen to Black carnival organizations until 1966. The queen of theYoung Men Illinois Club ball that year,Karen Becnel Moore, is pictured in the exhibit with no free-throw circles in sight.

“I remember very clearly there was alot of racial tension, political and social tension in the city of New Orleans that year,” Moore said. “It wasn’t pertaining to this particular event, but it was all over.Segregation wascoming down in schoolsand lunchrooms and everything else. This was a year that reflected that kind of strain in society

“Contrary to the issues of society outside of the Municipal Auditorium, the ball inside the Municipal Auditorium was magnificent and peacefuland beautiful and outstanding and just …afantastic event, especially formesince this was my first ball and my first experience with the club.”

‘Thisisours’

The Illinois Club and its spinoff have thrived in parallel for acentury,asgeneration after generationofyoung womenlike Moore have made their society introductions.

“If you’re alocal, you’ve got a connectiontoeither of these organizations,” Parker said. “You’ve got maybe an uncle or afriend who’sgot afather and uncle who was amember.Ifyou’re not directly related to amember,either you wereadeb or you have friends or family members who were debutantes. …So, it’ssuch a

MUSEUM CALENDAR

n Shiftedbya week to sidestep Carnival,A.J.Cade will presentat the Friends of the Cabildo Second ThursdayLecture seriesat6 p.m. Thursday.The topic: “Death or Victory:The Louisiana Native Guards and the Black Military’s Significance in the Civil War.” friendsofthecabildo.org

n The next in aseriesoffreemonthly workshops, “Jewish Genealogy101,” is scheduled for11a.m. Sundayin the Chapman Family ResearchCenter at the Museum of the Southern JewishExperience.msje.org

n The National WWII Museum will host twoevents on Feb. 24. At 5:30 p.m., Jacob Flaws will participate in aMeet the Author event to discuss his book “Spaces of Treblinka: Retracing aDeath Camp.” A4:30 p.m. reception will precede the talk, which will take place in-person and online.At6 p.m., aDinnerwith aCurator event will address the topic “Jazz, Modern Art, and the Fight for Creative Freedom in WorldWar II.” The talk supports the traveling exhibit “Degenerate!Hitler’sWar on Modern Art.”nationalww2museum.org n The documentary“Mending the BrokenPieces,” which tells howagrassroots movementand its response to Hurricane Katrina became NECHAMA, the nation’sonly Jewishdisaster-relieforganization, will screen at 6p.m. Feb. 26 at the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience.A panel discussion featuring NECHAMA staffmembers will followthe screening.msje.org n The exhibition “Sèvres Magnifique: French Porcelain from the Collection of Thomas B. Lemann” opens Feb. 28 at the New Orleans Museum of Art. noma.org

wonderful connection.

“We’re hoping that alot of locals take part in celebrating this, because this is ours. This is what is uniquely ours as aculture.”

PROVIDED PHOTOSByLOUISIANA STATEMUSEUMS

Original Illinois Club debutantes and members dance the ChicagoGlide in 1968.

Karen Becnel, the first queen of aBlack Carnival club to be crowned in the Municipal Auditorium after segregation, is escorted by her father, Milton Becnel, at young Men Illinois Clubin 1966.

Dave Walker

Carnival books bring the festivities to wider audience

BY RIEN FERTEL

Confined to our own Carnival bubble that is Mardi Gras, it’s often easy to forget that, in scattered places throughout the globe, people are ramping up their own public and private bacchanals as the Lenten season inches closer But a pair of recent debut novels brings international Carnival flavors to a wider audience.

Rosália Rodrigo’s “Beasts of Carnaval” transports readers to the island of Etérea, a composite of several Caribbean locales, including the author’s native Puerto Rico. Set during the post-emancipation years of the late 19th century, the island is still controlled by a handful of colonial sugar cane plantations.

On one lives Sofía, “a child born to die for a master’s harvest,” who is now the 20-year-old friend and counselor to Adelina, who has managed her father’s sugar holdings since his disappearance five years ago. He and his personal assistant, Sofía’s twin brother, Sol, were never heard from again after boarding a ship to partake in the Carnival pageantry on nearby Isla Bestia, “a place where you could be anyone. Do anything Excess and secrecy were the only price of participation.” Sofía and Adelina agree to go full detective mode to track down their missing loved ones and head for Isla Bestia. There they join an elite group of guests, don masquerade disguises, check into rooms at the luxe Flor de Lis hotel and cautiously dip into the island’s “sumptuous feasts, the bottomless wine, the celebrations that ran from sundown to sunrise.”

Isla Bestia’s “Carnaval was not a static experience,” Rodrigo writes. “It was constantly evolving, teasing revelers with a steady stream of mystery.” But the festivities that appear in these early pages mostly fall flat There are aerialists and fire-breathers, secret mirrored labyrinths and creepy minions in horned grinning masks. It’s more circus sideshow, sexless

and banal, only a faint glimmer of the Carnivals that take place from Rio de Janeiro to Jacmel, Trinidad to Tobago and, of course, in New Orleans. From there, the novel dips even further into the fantasy-adventure genre.

While all the other guests sleep off a three-day, poisoned wine-induced coma, Sofía escapes down a series of underground rivers to an isolated, utopian community inhabited by the descendants of the Taike’ri.

They Rodrigo writes in an afterword, are stand-ins for the indigenous Taino peoples, who inhabited many Caribbean islands at the time of European contact.

The Taike’ri design the costumes for Bestia’s crowd in order, Sofia eventually learns, to dismantle the elites’ stranglehold on the island.

The novel’s final showdown, according to Rodrigo, takes a historical cue from the Canboulay, or Cannes Brûlées in French, a proto-Carnival festival from Trinidad and Tobago that commemorates emancipation through the ritual burning of sugar cane.

That may be so, but the climax is fantastical, melodramatic and absurd — much like our own Mardi Gras celebrations.

From Etérea we travel to Ecuador rendered in darkly realistic tones in Yuliana Ortiz Ruano’s “Carnaval Fever.” The novel is narrated by Ainhoa, a young woman who lives with her rollicking AfroEcuadorian fam ily in present-day

Esmeraldas, a small but bustling coastal city

Ainhoa begins her story with a memory of her first steps — not walking but dancing — on the day before Mardi Gras. She is 8 years old, with freshly braided hair for the holiday Anxious with carnivalesque energy, she succumbs to the hard percussive beat of a Colombian hit record; she starts salsa dancing. As her father looks on in delight, her mother looks on in dread.

own body undergoes changes she can only compare to a fever

“I don’t understand what the hell is happening in those bodies, in the neighbors out on the streets, the beach, and the city,”

Ortiz Ruano writes. “Just like I don’t understand what the hell is happening in my cussed little body, heating and reheating; my body inflating and trembling.”

Terrifically translated from the Spanish by Madeleine Arenivar, “Carnaval Fever” gives readers a taste of the Ecuadorian street scene, where strangers toss liquids on each other, most often buckets of water but also “beer, seawater, water mixed with egg, violently inflated colorful water balloons.”

This playful pastime is also imbued with a sexual energy, Ainhoa notices, with “people soaking each other up in the houses, on the sidewalks, in all the parlors and bedrooms.”

After being sexually assaulted by a cousin, Ainhoa flees her home and gets lost amid streets packed with merrymakers. She’s overcome by a sensory overload — “raving insanity, unending debauchery a faucet of partying that can’t be closed, that gushes forth, overflowing the container” — and imagines herself “lost forever, living in this overflowing, unending Carnaval for the rest of my life.”

Here, “Carnaval Fever” shares some synergistic vibes with “The Secret Agent,” Brazil’s recent darling of the art house cinema circuit and recipient of four Academy Award nominations. Both stories showcase the violent underbelly that exists in Carnival’s shadows.

Ainhoa eventually finds her way home, but watches as Carnival’s spirit survives despite the advent of Lent, in the form of “a mob of people taking to the streets, the only pressure valve there is.”

They rally to protest everything that is wrong with their country: escalating violence, economic and political instability They gather to walk across the Guatemalan border together, to pack motorboats “like sardines, disappearing forever across the dull gray sea in the direction of the United States.”

BY JOANNA BROWN Staff writer

Reading is often considered a solitary activity, but in Lafayette, people have several options for sharing their love of books in a supportive community There’s a local Silent Book Club chapter for those who enjoy no-frills communal reading, and Lafayette book businesses like Cavalier House Books, Book Rack of Acadiana and Bonne Vie Macarons and Book Club & Co. all regularly host themed book clubs. Bonne Vie has five different book clubs for mysteries, cookbooks, romance books, nonfiction and books that have been made into movies — all with a waiting list of eager readers. If you’re an especially prolific reader, there’s another option that might be just the challenge you’re looking for The Lafayette public library system is home to the “100 Book Club,” where members have one goal: reading or listening to 100 books through the year, with a medal and certificate of completion awarded at the end.

On Feb. 9, participants gathered at South Regional Library for a ceremony honoring their achievements last year. Names were read and cake was sliced as the all-ages group mingled and shared their love of reading. In order to complete the challenge, they had to read over eight books per month, or nearly two a week — a brisk pace in a screen-dominated society Heather and P.J. Best run Lafayette’s Silent Book Club chapter, and on Monday, the whole family was inducted into the 100 Book Club — mom, dad and two sons, 7-year-old Eli and 8-year-old Ethan. Ethan’s favorite read last year was “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,” and Eli’s was a graphic novel titled, “Dog Man: The Scarlet Shedder,” from author Dav Pilkey

Eli,

and Ethan Best,

show their certificates for reading 100 books, along with their parents Patrick and

reach services manager Emma Guillory, the program has been very successful since its launch in 2013, and hundreds of people participate each year

“They just love it,” she said. “One of our participants said, ‘It’s not hard to do what I love.’ They just love that they can be celebrated for reading, but also it’s being part of something that you work all year for, and it comes to fruition at the end with prizes.”

For every kind of reader, it’s clear that reading as part of a community made the experience something worth their time and dedication, particularly in an age where taking time for an immersive, solo hobby is something almost luxurious.

Brittney Boutte was supported by her family when she received her certificate, and as a working mom, she said she makes time for her reading by leaning on audiobooks — and the community aspect of the program is a “nice push to do it,” she said. Another participant, Shalala Thompson, said that pursuing the goal made her a better reader

The season’s gender dynamic foregrounds Ainhoa’s narrative. She learns that her parents met on a dance floor

“To be alive thanks to the novelty of Carnaval,” she admits, “makes me crazy.” Over subsequent years, more family members succumb to the season’s uninhibited sexual fervor, while her

A short book, Ortiz Ruano’s novel is both exhilarating and exhausting — just enough to make this reader happy that Carnival comes around only once a year

Rien Fertel is the author of four books, including, most recently, “Brown Pelican.”

When asked how they center reading in their household, Heather Best had a simple answer: “We very rarely watch TV.”

“It’s very important to us to raise readers,” she said. “In order to prioritize something, you have to say no to something else.”

According to library out-

Readers can join the 100 Book Club challenge for 2026 by visiting any Lafayette Public Library branch to register and receive a personal reading log. All participants, ages 6 and up, have to read or listen to the books themselves, and picture books are permitted for elementary school-aged readers. Magazines and comic books don’t count, but graphic novels, eBooks and audiobooks do.

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

Brothers

left,

right,

Heather back.

STAFF PHOTOS By BRAD KEMP

Readers who read 100 books or more

Contributing writer

“Beasts of Carnaval” by Rosália Rodrigo, Mira Books, 400 pages, and “Carnaval Fever” by Yuliana Ortiz Ruano, Soft Skull Press, 256 pages.

Rodrigo

KATHy ANDERSON

Former queens of theProteus ball gather for Carnival celebration

The monarchs whoreignedoverthe Proteus balls of yesteryear gathered for aMardiGras luncheon in theProteus room at Antoine’s. Shownseated are, from left, CourtneyTrufant Sutton,Jane Henican Heidingsfelder,Sheela BurkePlater,Charlotte Waguespack Allen, CathyRainold Brewster and ShelleyScanlon Harris.Standing are Emily Baldwin Johnson, SarahSmart Feirn, Ellie Heidingsfelder Silvia, Anne Viguerie Villere, Marianne Pratt Villere (2025), Lynn SmallpageMorgan, Michele Trimble Reynoir,CourtneyCook Stumm, Ashley Digges Morgan, Caroline Burlingame Eagan, Mimsy Pritchett Brewster,Ruth Moore Winston and Adele Vance Reynoir

PROVIDED PHOTO

Dorians former monarchs celebrate Carnival with festiveluncheon

The AudubonClubhouse wasthe setting for the recent gathering for the former queens of the Krewe of Dorians balmasque. Shown are, seated fromleft, Brenda GoochBethea, Emma Claire Morton, Diane Sustendal Labouisse,HolleyLawrence Haag and Katherine Lagarde Bernard. Standing are Marian Ripley DeMeyers, Amelia Cook Waldrup,Katherine Cook Caballero, Danielle Viguerie Coco, AbyDixonHamrick, Taylor SchmidtPospisil, Winifred Tranchin Duckworth, Harriet Hailey Rouhana, Susan Ewing Herbst and CourtneyLee Herbst.

Gathered for aluncheon of the former queens of The Mystic Club recently are, seated from left,Virginia Weinmann, Flora French,Anne Milling,Ann Strub,Anne Redd, CourtneyLeClercq,JudyFreeman, Leah Whann, MaryHines, Sharon Talleyand Ruthie Frierson. Standing areBarbara Bush,Susan Milling,Anne Grace, Phyllis Hines, Maria Wisdom, Harriet Nelson, PeggyLaborde,KathyEastman, Tina Woollam,CathyPierson, AshleyBright, CammieMayer,VirginiaRowan, Sandy Haygood, Betsy Nalty,CourtneyFreeman, Elly Lane and Regan Forrester

Mystic Club queens reunitefor Carnival luncheon

Former queens of The Mystic Club, which was founded in 1922 and celebrated its first Carnival ball in 1923, gathered for luncheon at the New Orleans Country Club. The cohostesses were Mmes. Louis McDaniel Freeman, Judy; Roswell King Milling,Anne; Edmund E. Redd, Anne; and Richard L. Strub, Ann. Mrs. Freeman was the queen

with thesenior reign Others in attendance were Mmes.RonaldJames French, John Giffen Weinmann,Richard Lawrence Simmons (Betsy Nalty,who reignedasMrs. DonaldJ Nalty), HowardA.Nelson Jr., LouisLumaghi Frierson, Paul M. Haygood, Albert PeytonBush III, Robert Hunter Pierson Jr David PipesMilling, William Fran-

cis Grace Jr., Chesley Hines Jr., William R. Forrester Jr., Charles BuckMayer, Philip Martin Woollam (Tina Freeman),John P. “Jack” Laborde, Edgar Allen Gordon Bright III, William Hugh Hines, John Menge Eastman, Louis McDaniel Freeman Jr.(Courtney), Robert James Whann IV, PatrickAlbert Talley Jr John Forney Rowan Jr.,

AndrewB.Wisdom,Harry Merritt Lane III and Frederic TheodoreLeClercq, Courtney,the 2025 queen. Prior to theluncheon and its menu of salad, Gulf fish amandine and peppermint ice cream, The Mystic Club captain spoke.Hepraised her majesty of 2025, Courtney Le Clercq, and dropped afew hints about her successor.

PROVIDED PHOTO

Okeanos pastqueens gather for luncheon

The former queens of Okeanos gathered recentlyfor Carnivalcelebration and memories at the Chateau Country Club in Kenner.Shown attending are, fromtop,Jessica Lynn Adubato, Maria-Kay Chetta, Sandra Harber Schenck, Clara Cerniglia, Christy Pacera Strickland, Karen Pacera Tusa and the 2026 queen, Simone MichelleMiller,selected at the coronation ballinJanuary.

PROVIDED PHOTO By

PHOTO By KENNy MARTINEZ

The Krewe of Endymion celebrated some of the greatest singersand songwriters from the United Stateswith their theme, “Endymion: American Songbook”bytransferring the essence of songs onto floats as it took to the streets on Valentine’sDay Ridingasco-grand marshals were Carnival historian andauthorArthur Hardy and new LSUfootball coach LaneKiffin. Reigning as Endymion

TODAYINHISTORY

By The Associated Press

Today is Sunday,Feb. 15, the46thday of 2026. Thereare 319 days left inthe year

Todayinhistory:

On Feb. 15, 1898, the battleship USSMaine mysteriously explodedinHavanaHarbor,killing more than 260 crew members and bringingthe United States closer towar with Spain. Also on this date:

In 1879, President Rutherford B. Hayes signed alaw allowing female attorneys to argue cases before the U.S. Supreme Court.

In 1933, President-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt escaped an assassination attempt in Miamithat mortally wounded Chicago Mayor Anton J. Cermak; gunman Giuseppe Zangara was executed by electric chair the following month

In 1950, Walt Disney’sanimatedfilm “Cinderella” premiered in Boston

In 1961, 73 people, includingall 18 members of the U.S. figure skating team en route to the World ChampionshipsinCzechoslovakia, were killed in the crashofa SabenaAirlines Boeing 707 in Belgium.

In 1978, boxerLeon Spinksscored amassive upset as he defeated Muhammad Ali by split decision to become the world heavyweight champion.

In 1989, the Soviet Union announcedthatthe last of its troops had left Afghanistan,after more than nine years of military intervention.

In 2001, the first draft sequence of the complete human genome waspublishedinthe scientific journal Nature.

In 2013, with ablindingflash anda booming shockwave, ameteor blazed across Russia’s western Siberian sky andexploded,injuring nearly 1,500 people as it blasted outwindows.

In 2022, the families of ninevictimsofthe Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting agreed to a$73 million settlementofa lawsuit against Remington Arms, themakerofthe rifle used by agunman to kill 20 first graders and six educators in 2012.

In 2023, Payton Gendron,the White gunman who massacred10Black shoppersand workers at aBuffalo,New York, supermarketin May of the previous year,was sentencedto life in prison without parole after pleading guilty to murder and hate-motivated terrorismcharges.

Today’sbirthdays: Actor Claire Bloom is 95. Songwriter Brian Hollandis85. Jazz musician Henry Threadgillis82. Composer John Adams is 79. Cartoonist Art Spiegelman is 78. Actor Jane Seymour is 75. Singer Melissa Manchester is 75. Actor Lynn Whitfieldis73. “The Simpsons” creator Matt Groeningis72. Actor Christopher McDonald is 71.Football Hall of Famer Darrell Green is 66. ActorAlex Borstein is 55. Hockey great Jaromir Jagr is 54. Olympic swimming gold medalist Amy VanDyken-Rouen is 53. Actor-singerAmber Riley is 40. Rapper Megan Thee Stallionis31. Race car driver George Russell is 28. Actor Zachary Gordonis28.

LX was RobertJonathan Blackwell. The queen was MissLily Joyce Bruneau, daughter of Mr.and Mrs. Adrian Lee Bruneau and granddaughter of Endymion

president state Rep Charles Emile “Peppi” Bruneau. Agraduate of Mt.Carmel Academy,she is afreshman at Louisiana StateUniversity,majoring in psychology,and plans

to attend graduate school. She wore awhite gown fittedtothe kneeand flaring to atrain. It was adorned with gold andsilver aurora rhinestone appliques. The bottomofthe gown was trimmedingoldfishnet fabric accentedwith rhinestones. Hercollarfeatured gold andsilverswirls trimmedinwhite plumes andgoldfeatherfringe Maids wereMisses Kaylie Lorrie Martin, daughter of Mr.and Mrs. Robert Martin

Jr.ofHouston, Texas; Josephine Anne Balhoff, daughter of Mr.and Mrs. John Balhoff; Alexandra Patricia Ingram,daughter of Mr and Mrs. Scott Ingram;and Lindsay Angelle Lombardi, daughter of Mr.and Mrs. Paul Lombardi. The parade ended in the Caesars Superdomewith the Endymion Extravaganza. Musical superstars GwenStefani and Blake Shelton headlined, playing back-to-back in adual set.

When thebackgroundmusic is tooloud

Dear Miss Manners: Ilive in a large city,and used to enjoy going out to lunch or dinner with friends.

However,the loud music combined with the lack of soundabsorbing materials in restaurants have made dining out astressful event. It has become almost impossible to converse in anormal tone of voice.

can we do, other than staying home and getting takeout delivered?

As we age, many of us wear hearing aids.Itisdifficult to distinguishwords in abackground of noise. Many young people alsocomplain about the decibel level.

We often ask the waitstaff if thevolume can be lowered, but to no avail. (If we are the only people in the restaurant, the volume might be lowered, but as soon as another party enters, thevolume is pumped up again.)

No wonder people have lost the abilitytoconverse! What

Gentle Reader: Youare more likely to enjoy your evening out if you choosearestaurantbydecibel level, just as you would select atype of cuisine, such as Moroccan or Sichuan.

MissManners suggests that you call ahead and explain that you arelooking for a quiet restaurant. No restaurateurwants an unhappy customer,sothey are unlikely to mislead you, and your call might make them wonder if they should be turning down thevolume.

Dear Miss Manners: Iaman RN, and Ispent mostofmy 30-year career working at a community hospital near my home. It didn’thave the greatest reputation, but it had some

great doctorsand nurses, and Iwas proud of the work we did. Whenasked, Itellpeople where Iworked, and am often met with, “Oh, Iwould nevergotothathospital” or “I hate thathospital.” (This also happenedwhile Iwas still working there!)

Iamata loss as to howto respond to these rude people

Usually,Ijust ignore the ignorant comment, but sometimes, I’dlike to have a comeback readythatwould make themaware howhurtful andthoughtless theyare

Any ideas?

Gentle Reader: Tell themyou are sorry theyhad abad experience— or whatever they arerelating about the hospital. Miss Manners fears that youmay be in foralong story

Thenmentionthatyou worked with some very dedicated professionals, but do notknowthe current situa-

tion. And change the subject. Please, however,noteMiss Manners’ full answer.You askedhow to make them realize theywererude and feel badabout it. She did that —and possibly also gotthem to rethink their opinionofthe hospital.

Youneglected to ask how to do this without starting an argument or convincing the questionerthatyou are just as badasthe hospital. Which is whatwould have happened, hadyou contradictedthem without giving themanout, or by glaring at themand letting the conversation grind to ahalt.

Sendquestions to Miss Manners at herwebsite, www.missmanners. com; to heremail, dearmissmanners@gmail. com; or through postalmail to Miss Manners, Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City,MO64106.

Everyone should maintain sparetirepressure

Dear Heloise: Iwas feeling curious, so Ichecked theair pressureinthe spare tireof an SUV that Ibought four years ago. I had never even looked to see where thespare was stored, which was under afloor panel in the back. Idiscovered that it was functionally flat and would have been absolutely useless in an emergency.Accordingly, Iurge everyone to monitor and maintain every vehicle’s proper spare tirepressure. Jim R., in Houston Roughtowel fix Dear Heloise: Regarding the inquiry of what to do about rough towels: After our traditional washing machine finally gave outafter many years of use, we now live with an insufficient, energy-efficient

appliance. Ourlaundry was not gettingclean and was frayed. We discovered that there was not enough water tocover the laundry in the normal cycle, and everything was getting tangled. We were using thesame amount of laundry detergent as we would for afull tubof water We now have reduced the amount of laundry detergent, use thedeep water rinse, and use thecycle for bulky items and sheets so that every load can get thesufficient amount of water

Also, to note, we have adishwasher that requires handdrying of dishes, an electric clothes dryer that requires two cycles to dry mostloads, and awater-conserving toilet that has to be flushed at least twice. —Sarah, via email Cutonthumb

Dear Heloise: Icut my thumb

right on the top of my knuckle, and Iknew that it would be difficult forittoheal properly because of all the bending and flexing in this spot during the day

After cleaning the cut thoroughly and applying antibiotic medicine and abandage, I wanted to stabilize my thumb so that it wouldn’tkeep reopening.

My first thought was to use atongue blade to make asmallsplint, but Ididn’t haveone on hand. Instead, I grabbed what Idid have: an emery board.

Asmall, stiffemeryboard worked perfectly to keep my thumb from bending too much. Itaped it in place, and it worked like acharm as a makeshift splint while the cut healed —Corrinne Berkland, in Universal City,Texas Zipup!

Dear Heloise: Many people, youngand old, have trouble

zipping up the double-zipper on coats and sweatshirts. This is the zipper that allows room at the bottom of the coat/ sweatshirt forsitting, bending or general comfort.

The easiest way to zip this up is to firmly hold the top zipper and pull downwhen inserting the pin on other side of the zipper Holding it downensures that the twozippers are fully aligned and ready forzipping! —Therese, in Indiana Poweroutagehint

Dear Heloise: Here are afew things to have on hand in case of apower outage: canned foods (along with amanual can opener), matches, and pillar (fat, sturdy) candles. Lay acandle on aflat mirror to reflect morelight and illuminate the entire room —A reader,via email

Sendahinttoheloise@ heloise.com.

Judith Martin MISS MANNERS

Hints from Heloise

queenof Endymion 2026

Hermes journeys to ‘FabledLands of Myth andLegend’

Forthe krewe’s 86th annual ball, his majesty Hermes invitedguests on atrip to “Fabled Lands of Myth and Legend,” existing onlyinfictional literature time-worn tales, eerie lore and only the most active imagination —found in an atlas that contained lands of make-believe, places of mystical inhabitants and beasts, and otherworldly beauty,all at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans.

Reigning as queen was Miss Ada Schoen Holmes, daughter of Mr.and Mrs. John Walet Holmes. Maidswere Misses Devron Blais Barreca, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Joseph Barreca; Mia Ann Bhatia, daughterofDr. and Mrs. Devinder Singh Bhatia; Isabella Marie Dennis, daughter of Dr.and Mrs. Patrick Michael Dennis; SamanthaÉlan Dugan, daughter of Mr.Fortuné Anthony DuganJr. and Dr Veronica To-Quyen Dugan; Grace Ryan Gootee, daughter of Mr.and Mrs.Ryan Patrick Gootee; Charley Colette Halpern, daughter of Mr.and Mrs. DavidJay Halpern; and Kagan Pulit-

AdaHolmes, queen of Hermes2026

zer Levine, daughterofMr. Seth Adam Levine and Mrs. Alexa Leonard Pulitzer Also in thecourt were Misses MeghanElizabeth McMahon, daughter of Mr andMrs.John Mullahy McMahon; Eloisa Brooke Patrón; daughterand stepdaughter ofMr. David Lee Patrón and Dr.Rebekah Elizabeth Gee and stepdaughter and daughterof Mr.Mark Anthony Vicknair andMs. MindyBrickman; Parker Anne Piacun, daughter of Mr.and Mrs. Joseph Steve Piacun;Mason Elisabeth Poole, daughter of Dr and Mrs. Jeffrey Carter

Boyfriendwon’t see doctor aboutmoodiness

Poole; Kathleen Brewer Ready, daughter of Mr.and Mrs. Milton Davis Ready; PaigeElizabeth Sarrat, daughter of Mr.and Mrs. Gary Paul Sarrat Jr.; and Ellison Shaw Vosbein, daughter of Mr.and Mrs. Robert Allan Vosbein Jr

The bearer of theflowers was Miss Jane-Owen McKenna Coleman, daughter of Mr.and Mrs. James Owen Coleman. The bearer of the scepter was Miss Eloise St. Clair Puckett, daughter of Mr.and Mrs. Christopher ScottPuckett.

Ladies-in-waiting were

Misses Abigail Jules Bertucci, daughter of Mr and Mrs. Bryan Jeffree Bertucci Jr.; Eleanor Cecile Clark, daughter of Mr and Mrs. George Shannon Clark; Emeline Monica King, daughter of Mr.and Mrs. Bradley James King; Cecilia Elizabeth Louapre, daughter of Mr.and Mrs. ReneAlbert Louapre IV; Virginia Lilly andCharlotte AnnMarsac, daughters of Mr.and Mrs. Ian David Marsac; June Frances Mayer,daughter of Mr.and Mrs. Ryan Davyd Mayer; Susan Stiel Newton, daugh-

ter of Mr.and Mrs. James Keith Marshall Newton IV; Connely Elizabeth Piper, daughter of Mr.and Mrs. Robert Paul Piper; and Quill Carolina Randle, daughter of Mr.and Mrs. Clayton Waller Randle. Pages were Masters James Hamilton Clark, son of Drs. Wesley Allen Clark; John Leland Davies, son of Mr.and Mrs. Trevor Charles Davies Sr.; Barrett Schoen Holmes, son of Mr.and Mrs. Collin Shoen Holmes; Jaan Jolly,son of Drs. Tarun Jolly; Vincent Charles Madeira, son of Mr.Filipe Camargo

Madeira and Mrs. Emily Cara Valentino; and Waller Randle, son of Mr.and Mrs. Clayton Waller Randle. The 2025 queen,Margaret SinclairSmith, daughter of Mr.Randall Alan Smith andDr. Diane Mary Sinclair,was present roses by thecaptain. Guests enjoyed aChampagne reception followed by the presentation and the supper dance. The Jimmy Maxwell Orchestra provided the music for the supper,and dance music was provided by the Maxwell orchestra and the Atlanta Showstoppers. Committeemen forthe ball includedMessrs. Robert M. Midkiff, H. Britton Sanderford Jr., Fortuné A. Dugan, Jr., Robert E. SmithLupo, Rick S. Rees andDr. George B. MorrisIV.

Dear Harriette: How long do you stay in arelationship when it doesn’tseem healthy? I’ve been with my boyfriend for nine years. At first it was great, though he has always been moody Now his moods are the driving force of the relationship. Inever know how he is going to act when Isee him. He can be kindone minute and hostile the next. I think he may have some kind of mental condition. Ihave suggested thathe go to adoctor to talk about medication that helps people with depression or other mood disorders. He refuses. Idon’thave the capacity to live through alifetime with this man if his issues willalways go unchecked. We are not married, but we are in a committed relationship. Am Iwrong for wanting to leave if he won’tget help? —Alone Dear Alone: Iwholeheartedly believethat therapy can save relationships and be a major contributor to their success. If your partner is unwilling to get help whenit is clear that he has some issues, that is ared flag.If you believe his going untreated is too much for you to handle, give him an ultimatum: Get help, or you’ll leave. Then act on it.

Iknow one couple who broke up because one partner had an addiction problem. Thesplit triggered him to take the situation seriously.Hegot helpand now they are married.

Dear Harriette: Ihave afriend who posted online recently that she didn’tfeel that life was worth living anymore Icalled to check on her immediately.She didn’ttalk about what was going on directly,but she sounded sad and despondent. Iofferedto come visit or to take her out So far,she has not agreed I’m not sure what to do. I keep calling her,but Iwould hate it if she took her life or hurt herself and Ididn’t at least make abig effort to rescue her.What can Idoto help? —UnhappyFriend

Dear Unhappy Friend: It’s frightening how many people are in afragile mental state these days. The good news is, like your friend, more people are speaking up about it than in the past. The going wisdom says that if your friend has told you, she must trust you —at least enough to listen. Do your best to be present and willing to hear her out. Learn what’sgoing on with her without judgment. Do not diminish her pain or fear.Acknowledge whatever she tells you. Express em-

pathy.Let her know thatyou are sorry that sheisgoing through this.Stay in touch with her as much as you can so that sheknowsshe is not alone. Encourage her to get help with atherapist. If, at any time,you believe sheisin immediate danger try to get hertocall the Suicide Helpline,988. For more, visit healthline.com/ health/mental-health/how-tohelp-a-suicidal-friend. Email askharriette@ harriettecole.com.

Dennis

Piacun

Halpern

Sarrat

Barreca

McMahon

Dugan

Poole

Levine

Vosbein

Bhatia

Patrón

Gootee

Ready

KnightsofMomus hostsballwithtimelessscrolls

TheKnights of Momus hosted their 154th bal masque Thursday at the Orpheum Theater,once again recreating their traditional and timeless ceremony of the scrolls. The ball opened with spotlights on the familiar Momus stage set, featuring the group’svenerable motto “Dum Vivimus Vivamus,” which means “While We Live, Let Us Live” in Latin. The festivities commenced with the national anthem, followed by abrief tableau.

Seated on the royal dais withMomus,the god of Mirth and Mockery,was Miss Eliza Brandon Favrot, daughter of Mr.and Mrs. Timothy Semmes Favrot, who was chosen to ruleover the evening’sfestivities.

Maids were Misses Cameron SinclairAndrews, daughter of Mr.and Mrs. Todd Michael Andrews; Patricia Randle Aucoin, daughter of Mr.and Mrs. Leonard Henry Aucoin Jr.;

Eliza Brandon Favrot, queen of Momus 2026

LydenHenriette Bland, daughterofMr. andMrs. Clay Vallon Bland; Ashley Conner Ellis, daughterof Mr.and Mrs. William ConnerEllis III; and Sarah CruselHenry,daughter of Dr andMrs.Edmund R. Henry Also serving in the court were Misses CarolineLeBon Henry,daughterofMr. andMrs.Gerard E. Henry; Caroline Grace LeBourgeois, daughter of Mr.and

Mrs. Charles Claiborne Cole LeBourgeois; Annabel Katherine McCarthy, daughter of Mr.and Mrs. Mason Mauck McCarthy; Lucile McGlinchey Monsted, daughter of Mr.and Mrs. Charles Niels Monsted IV;Brooke Coleman Reiss, daughter of Mr.and Mrs. James Joseph ReissIII; Elizabeth Kathleen Robert, daughter of Dr.and

Mrs. Kearny QuinnRobert III, and Lucie Ellann Williamson, daughter of Mr George Taylor B. Williamson Jr.and Mrs. Mollie Talley Kelly As proceedings unfolded, thegeneral chairman of the ball committee —armed with the regal scroll as directed by Momus and bearing the name of the demoiselle who was to reign as

queen —headed to the callout section to search for Miss Favrot. Once located, she waspresented with the document declaring her queen of the ball.

Acrown, on which the Momus crest glowed softly, wasplaced on the young queen’shead. Placed upon her shoulders, atop atraditional white ball gown, was amantle of gold lamébear-

Celebrationmarks Beau Brummell Club’s

Beau Brummell celebrat-

ed 86 years of the club’s affinity for perfection in attire, culture, social correctness and the highest standards of Carnival ball affairs recently at the Airport Hilton Hotel. This year’stheme, “The Brady Bunch,” was selectedinhonor of “Beau” Grady Rogers, who served as ball captain of the Beau Brummell Club, Inc., for the very first time. The theme was also aparody of the popular TV sitcom that aired from 1969 to 1974 about alarge, blended family.The Grady Bunch is also alarge, blended Beau Brummell family composed of lovable, unique characters.

Reginald A. Parquet, master of ceremonies, in-

Reed

vited the guests to abandon all worry and care. He then presented the members and their “ladies.”Also introduced were honorary members. During the tableau, the

club honored “Beau”John K. Etter for his contributions. The presentation of the reigning queen, MissTasianna Barnes, daughter of Mr.Louis Barnsand Mrs. Terri Manuel, was made, and shewas escorted by club Vice President Shedrick E. Sublett Jr.Her majesty had thehonor of selecting her successor from this year’s debutantes,who when ascending the royal platform, placed amagic capsule containinganame

intoacrystal urn. Debutantes presented were Misses Gabrielle Zion Davis, daughter of Mr.Kenneth Davis and Mrs. Fay Davis; Rihaan Reed,daughter of Ricardo Reed and Mrs. Amber Foucha and stepparentsMrs. Jamara Bijou-Reed and Mr.Stephen Foucha; and Jor’Dynn Elise Robinson, daughter of Mr.Dequaz Humphries and Mrs. Qua’Via Robinson Maids wereMisses Demi Beard, daughter of Mr.Darius Beard Sr.and Mrs. Angele Beard;Keira Releigh Gonzalez, daughter of Mr.Ward Gonzalez and Mrs. Kavon Gonzalez; Chloe Matthews,daughter of Mr.Clyde Matthews and Mrs. Tina Matthews; and Addison Nicole Sublett,

daughterofBeau Shedrick E. Sublett Jr., andMrs. Carla Sublett. With the spotlight on Queen Barns, she drew acapsule from the urn, handing it to the captain, who turneditovertoParquet. With heightened suspense andanaura of anticipationinthe ballroom,he announcedMiss Robinson as the newmonarch.Following the selection, Queen Jor’Dynn beganher reign andpresidedover the evening’sfestivities. President WarnerA Tureaudpresented roses to the newqueen,introduced hertothe ball guests, and promenadedher around the ballroom. Following the toast, the orchestra performed “Angel,”amusical tribute to the queen and

ing the crest of the Knights of Momus and adorned with Austrian crystal rhinestones and sequins. She was then presented with the traditional cascade bouquet of white orchids. In the wakeofthe captain, came the dukes, each carrying ascroll bearing the nameofa young lady whowould be amaid in the court. Again, there was a search in the call-out section. After the young ladies had been located, they werepresented with their scrolls and yellow cymbidium orchids. Miss Sarah Butler Sumrall, daughter of Dr.and Mrs. William David Sumrall III whoreigned as the 2025 queen, and Mrs. Alice B. Parkerson, whoreigned as the 1975 queen, were presented to their majesties and each given roses. Following the ball wasan impromptu supper honoring the queen and her royal entourage.

hercourt. Following the departure of the court, the club’s traditional waltz wasperformed by the members andtheir ladies. Afterthe waltz ended, general dancing anddining began. The theme was developed by JohnE.Rousseau Jr.The committee included composed of Messrs. Marvin Bennett, JohnK.Etter, Benny G. Harris, Grady Rogers, Richard Shelling, ShedrickE.Sublett Jr., WarnerA.Tureaudand Drs. Steven Byrd and Reginald A. Parquet. Debutante Coordinators were MesdamesTiffany Boveland andLeilani Perriatt. RechellCook andthe RegenerationBandprovided musical entertainment for the evening.

Bland

Monsted

C. Henry

Robert Andrews

LeBourgeois Ellis Reiss S. Henry Williamson Aucoin McCarthy

Davis

Babylon spends ‘A Knight at the Opera’ in bal masque

Sargon LXXX and his queen reigned over the bal masque of the Knights of Babylon as the Carnival celebration followed the theme “A Knight at the Opera” in the Grand Ballroom at the New Orleans Marriott. Her majesty is Miss Lillian Clare Brown, daughter of Dr and Mrs. John Franklin Brown Jr Maids in the royal court were Misses Allyson Marie Boackle, daughter of Mr and Mrs. Anthony M. Boackle; Abigail Elizabeth Brown, daughter of Dr and Mrs. John Franklin Brown Jr.; Paige Isabella Duffard, daughter of Mr and Mrs Glenn Anthony Duffard Jr ; Payton Katherine Fournier, daughter of Mr Ryan Paul Fournier and Mrs. Kourtney Stubbs Fournier; Mary Skylar Gettys, daughter of Mr Lawrence Gerard Gettys and the late Stephanie Ann Reuter Gettys; Avery Grace Hudson, daughter of Mr and Mrs. Daniel Hudson; Allie Kathleen Jones, daughter of Mr and Mrs. Marc Stephen Jones; Marissa Jewel LaCour, daughter of Mr and Mrs. Brett L. LaCour; Guidry Greer Manné, daughter of Mr and Mrs. Gamon Manné; Addison Renee Perry, daughter of Dr and Mrs. Carlton James Perry; and Emma

featured arias by Mrs. Sarah Jane McMahon. The arias were selected to highlight the theme and parade. Music was provided by the CARNAVAL! Orchestra, under the direction of B.J. Perez III.

Landry Theunissen, daughter of Mr and Mrs. Marcus Kade Theunissen.

Princesses to her majesty were Misses Aubrey Claire Hudson, daughter of Mr and Mrs. Hudson; and Emma Louise Wilson, daughter of Mr and Mrs. Clif Wilson.

Ladies-in-waiting were

Misses Elise Judith Casey, daughter of Mr Timothy James and Dr Rachel Kastl Casey; Ramona Mae Fink, daughter of Mr and Mrs. Jeremy Matthew Fink; Maya Elizabeth Millsap, daughter of Mr Michael Hoyt Millsap Jr and Ms. Rebecca Kastl; Marilyn May Persich, daughter of

Mr and Mrs. Nicholas C. Persich; and Sadie Jane Smith, daughter of Mr and Mrs. Dustin Robert Smith. Pages were Masters William Cullen Glennon, son of Mr and Mrs. Cullen Glennon; Johan Alexander and Mattias Vincent Larsson, sons of Mr and Mrs. J. Martin Larsson; and William Cooper Sanderson, son of Drs. Todd Sanderson and Amanda Dumas. The tableau opera ball

During the evening’s festivities, the 2025 queen, Hadley Elizabeth Mary, was presented roses. Prior to the parade, earlier in the afternoon, a royal court reception was held. A gala supper was held following the ball with music by The Wise Guys. General chairman of the ball was retired Lt. Col. Robert Brown and vice general chairman was Mr J. Ronald Atchley Committeemen were Messrs. Paul Brown, Larry Byers, Raymond Carreras, Richard Derbes, Pendleton Larsen Jr., Wayne Lee, Ronald Stinson; and Drs. Timothy Melancon and David Mulnick.

Social aid club theme is ‘Zulu World of Entertainment’

“Zulu World of Entertainment” was the theme for the gala extravaganza when the Social Aid & Pleasure Club staged its annual ball at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center The organization will parade on Mardi Gras morning.

Dr Ronald Tassin and Sharell Monique Chatman were crowned King and Queen Zulu at the coronation festivities.

Mr Don E. Washington, chairman of Carnival activities, began the ball with a blow of his whistle. Chaplain Travis D. Taylor Sr provided the invocation followed by the presentation of colors and the national anthem by the Marine Forces Reserve Band.

Mr Darren Mire, Zulu director of public relations, served as master of ceremonies and introduced the board and officers. President Oscar J. Rainey issued the welcome, and the Zulu characters were introduced.

Maids in the court were Misses Angelle Monai Barrow, daughter of Mr H. Jamon Barrow and Mrs. Tonya Barrow, king’s maid; Briellle Lynn Stephens, daughter of Mr Tris Stephens and Ms. Brandi Williams (queen’s maid); Lauryn Marie Batiste, daughter of Mr Reginald James Batiste Sr and Ms. Nadia Olivia Ferdinand; Raina Cheyenne Benjamin, daughter of Mr Rene’ Benjamin Sr and Mrs. LaShawn J. Rondeno; Shane Taylor Berry, daughter of Mr Marrious Berry and Mrs Shana Howard-Berry; Makayla

Rose Borne, daughter of Mr Micheal Borne and Mrs. Melantha Bell; Emalee Nevaeh Denson daughter of Mr Scott Denson and Dr Sharon Denson; Laila Alexandra Dunn, daughter of Mr Donnell Bonneé and Mrs. Brittaney Bonneé; Camryn Denise Dupard, daughter of Mr. Cornelius Dupard and Mrs. Regina Dupard; Payton René Jordan-Duplessis, daughter of Mr Randall Duplessis and Ms. Brittney JordanDuplessis; and Kennedy Cecilia Gibson, daughter of Mr Tommy Curtain Jr. and Ms. Christine Gibson Also in the court were Misses Kirsten Symari Givens, daughter of Mr Donald Givens Jr and Mrs. Koya Holmes-Givens; Ilyssa Rae Fields, daughter of Mr Ian Fields Sr. and Mrs. Jovanda Fields; Al’layah Shannon Jones, daughter of Mr Allen Jones and Mrs. Cantrese Wilson-Jones; Cre’Shaun Lynn Jones, daughter of Mr Freddie Jones and Ms. Courtney Duplessis; Zairi Muriel King, daughter of

Mr Jason King and Ms. Lenell Lavigne; Garri Milan Lawson, daughter of Mr Geriel Lawson and Ms. Manicka Rogers; Se’Riah Charm Marquez, daughter of Ms. LaShondra Wells and the late Sevé C. Marquez; Ja’Layiah Manaé McSwain, daughter of Mr Jason McSwain and Mrs. Allison Estem; Kamryn Chesney Melancon, daughter of Mr Keith Melancon and Mrs. Denise Melancon; and Camille Marie Mitchell, daughter of Mr Marcus

Mitchell and Ms. Dana Vinning. Also serving in the court were Misses Madison Bella Nunnery, daughter of Mr Charles Nunnery and Ms. Stephanie Moore; Trinity Renee Peeples, daughter of Mr Tellus Peeples and Ms. Renita Dale; Nylah Monique Quinn, daughter of Mr Nathan Quinn and Mrs. Domika Smith-Quinn; Chandler-Elizabeth Nicole Robinson, daughter of Mr Kenneth Robinson Jr and Mrs. Dominique

Martin-Robinson; Camryn Elise Smith, daughter of Mr Damon W. Smith and Mrs. Tiffany F. Smith; Kayleigh Gabrielle Smith, daughter of Mr Glenn Smith and Mrs. Belinda Smith; Madison Kei Taylor, daughter of Ms. Brittney Tanaka Brown; Gabrielle Delilah Vance, daughter of Mr Jason Vance and Mrs. Courtney Vance; Mykyra Dami Walker, daughter of Ms. Tanisha Taylor and the late Kieron C. Walker; Matison Kimberly Williams,

daughter of Mr Matthew A. Williams and Mrs. Tina Dixon-Williams. King and Queen Zulu 2025 Rodney P. Mason Jr and Kirsten Bonds Mason were presented. Following the crowing, the maids participated in a waltz, and the entire court promenaded through the ballroom. Mayor Helena Moreno provided the royal toast. The evening concluded with several performances and dancing.

Krewe of Tucks gets ‘cracking’ at zany Carnival ball

Over 1,000 costumed partygoers packed the grand ballroom of the New Orleans Marriott recently for festive merriment and to pay tribute to the monarchs who presides over the 58th edition of one of Carnival’s most fun and irreverent spectacle the Krewe of Tucks!

“Tucks Finally Cracks,” highlights something parade goers have known for years Tucks has officially Cracked Riders and guests alike took the dance floor by storm, “crackalacking” to the electrifying sounds of Mojeaux. King Adam Wolf Lambert and Queen Virginia “Ginny” Helton Casey reigned. Her majesty was adorned with a gold Napoleonic Era-inspired gown while his majesty wore traditional kings’ attire emblazoned with his royal crest, spats and a furlined cape. As customary to Tucks, the king clutched a jeweled royal plunger scepter, while the queen clasped a toilet brush adorned with jewels

“Ginny’

from faraway lands. The king was accompanied by his consort, Katie Lambert, and Queen Ginny escorted by Ray M. Casey Tucks’ customary maids, clad in French Maid outfits complete with feather dusters, Kristin Baird, Allison Bent, Laura Bratton, Emily Calongne, Angela Chambers, Elie Cossa, Cindy Deville, Gaia DiLoreto, Deidre Gallagher, Cheri Gardner, Portia Gordon, Rosemary Klecker Alexis

Long, Karissa Page, Alyssa Shattuck, Rhonda Sievers, Sarah Stone, Jenni Thibodeaux, Lua Walter and Kerrie York. After the formal introductions were made,

Duffard

Manné

Gettys

Theunissen

Boackle

Fournier

Hudson

Lillian Brown, queen of Babylon 2026

the L.B.

Landry High School Marching Band led the monarchs and their entourage atop mini floats through the ballroom. The royals tossed plungers and custom Tucks throws.

Virginia

Helton Casey, queen of Tucks 2026

Her majesty, who reigned as queen of Comus in 1991 as Helen Nalty, has a multigenerational connection to Carnival traditions, and a steadfast commitment to service. Her mother, Mrs. Donald J. Nalty, was presented as a debutante in 1991, a lady-in-waiting in 2012, and her daughter, Laura, was presented as a debutante in 2023. She is the mother of three children: Price, Martin and Laura.

Mrs. Butcher’s early education began at Louise S. McGehee School before she graduated from The Gunston School in Centreville, Maryland, and Mary Baldwin College in Staunton, Virginia.

She serves on the boards of governors for Isidore Newman School and the Louisiana Museum Foundation. She has held board positions with the Junior League of New Orleans, Lighthouse for the Blind, the Hermann-Grima + Gallier Historic Houses, and Trinity Episcopal School. She was president of both the McGehee School Parents’ League and the Junior League of New Orleans Garden Club.

Her majesty has chaired fundraising events for the NewmanFUND and N’spiration Auction at Newman; the 50th anniversary celebration at Trinity; the Centennial Patron Party and All That Jazz fundraiser at McGehee; the Amazing Grapes Wine Auction and Historic Houses events for the Hermann-Grima; and Sentimental Journeys at Longue Vue House and Gardens. She has also chaired the Legends & Lagniappe Gala for the Junior League, the Sugarplum Ball for Children’s Hospital, Double Shot in the Dark for Ochsner Hospital, and Chairish the Children for the Children’s Museum, among numerous others including the Zoo-to-Do and the Showhouse Opening Night for the Cashiers Historical Society in North Carolina.

Mrs. Butcher is an active member of the New Orleans Town Gardeners, the National Society of Colonial Dames of America and the Junior League of New Orleans Garden Club.

Email Victor Andrews at vandrews@theadvocate.com.

But it was what happened after the parade that made Mardi Gras history

“Is it true that King Edward, who abdicated the throne of England, came to Mardi Gras in New Orleans with his wife Wallis Warfield Simpson — and the two of them bowed to Mardi Gras royalty?” one reader asked.

In short, they did. Hierarchy was inverted. Social codes blurred, and the Old World met New Orleans.

The historic moment still exists — frozen in wax at The Great River Road Museum, next to Houmas House in Darrow Its displays include the wax figures that once belonged to New Orleans’ former Musée Conti Wax Museum, which closed in 2016.

The Great River Road Museum purchased and restored the figures, including likenesses of the Windsors.

The figures, dressed in reproductions of the Mardi Gras ball outfits worn by the British royalty, stand before a costume worn by a previous Rex, the king of Carnival.

A photo behind the figures shows the duchess in a graceful curtsy while holding the hand of the duke as he bows.

The 1950 Rex was local businessman Reuben H. Brown; his queen, Mary Brooks Soulé, was a debutante. But as the king and queen of Carnival, they were New Orleans royalty, meaning they didn’t bow to anyone including the former king of England and his wife.

The moment repeated itself that evening when the Windsors also bowed to Mystick Krewe of Comus royalty

Graciously welcomed Meanwhile, Times-Picayune reporter Pondine Schoenberger recounted in her Feb. 22, 1950, front-page story how royalty from both the Rex Organization and the Mistick Krewe of Comus graciously welcomed the Windsors. “Real royalty shared the spotlight with make-believe royalty in New Orleans Tuesday, and it was anyone’s guess who caused the most excitement,” Schoenberger wrote. “The Duke and Duchess stood on the balcony of the Boston Club while Rex, king of the Carnival, toasted his fair

queen and her court.”

Schoenberger’s story followed the duke and duchess through an itinerary that included talking to reporters and meeting New Orleanians, a luncheon and a meeting with the king and queen of the Mistick Krewe of Comus, who, according to their tradition, weren’t publicly named.

They also got into the spirit of Mardi Gras.

“What His Royal Highness seemed to enjoy most about the parade were the bands, particularly the little blonde drum majors,” Schoenberger wrote. “He and the duchess also seemed to get a big kick out of reaching for necklaces and other baubles thrown from the floats. They would grab them eagerly, then toss them back to the crowd.”

The day’s festivities finally wound down with an escort into the Rex Ball in the Municipal Auditorium.

“Following the grand march, the Windsors were led up to the royal throne, which dominated the stage,” Schoenberger wrote. “Here, they were formally presented to the King and Queen of Comus, who were standing at the time. The duchess went into a graceful curtsy and the duke

the Rex court.

“Again curtsy and bow were the occasion for prolonged applause from the spectators,” Schoenberger wrote.

However, Schoenberger mentions no bows by Rex royalty

Finally, Arthur Hardy, perhaps the foremost authority on Mardi Gras, cited an account of the event by authors Charles Dufour and Leonard Huber in the first official history of the Rex organization, “If Ever I Cease to Love” in a Feb. 15, 2017, article for The Times-Picayune:

“When the captain of the Comus organization presented the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, they looked anything but apathetic. The Duchess hit the floor with two of the most beautiful and graceful curtsies ever seen, and the Duke bowed from the waist, almost touching the floor with his forehead. Comus’ 2,500 guests were in ecstasy They responded with deafening applause.”

bowed from the waist.” Cheers exploded from the crowd, while the Comus royalty reciprocated with their own bows. Yes, according to the article, Comus royalty bowed. Then came the presentation to

More than 75 years later, the royal encounters still stand among the most remarkable moments in the city’s Carnival history

Email Robin Miller at romiller@ theadvocate.com.

FILE PHOTO By NORMAN J BERTEAUX

The Duchess of Windsor, Wallis Simpson, curtsies while holding the hand of her husband, the Duke of Windsor, former King Edward, as he bows to the royalty of Rex in 1950.

STAFF PHOTO By ROBIN MILLER

The Great River Road Museum’s wax figures of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, England’s former King Edward and his wife, Wallis Simpson, stand before a Rex, King of Carnival costume.

“Prophets of Persia’sfirst ball wasin1927, the same year that the first talkie, ‘The Jazz Singer,’ wasreleased. These men were booking agents for movietheaters, they worked in PR and marketing forthe industry, they managed theaters.”

Phillips said the founders’ ties to theentertainment industry heavilyinfluenced the krewe, from the name —which he said likely came from the factthat cultures viewed as exotic were especially popular at the time —tothe creativity of its themes. Award-winning moviesproduced around that time include “The Thief of Baghdad” and“The Adventures of Prince Achmed.”

Other krewes also found allure in Persian and Arabiannames, including the High Priests of Mithras, aPersian god.And in 1874, Rex rode on horseback, costumed as the Shah of Persia.

But the theme for the Prophets of Persia’sfirst ball had different inspiration.

“Thefirst ballrecreated the coronation of Napoleon and Josephine in 1804 in Paris’s Notre Dame Cathedral,” he said. “Surprisingly,noball or parade had ever used that theme.”

Prophets of Persia’scurrent captain —a30-year member whose nameiskept secret from the public in traditional fashion— said the krewe has always sought to set itself apart from its peers with its focus on elegance. Past entertainment has included ballet dancers and operasingers, with themes over the years always centered on recreating amoment in history,such as aball thrown by Louis the 16th.

He noted that the krewe’sannual ball enjoys aprime-timeslot Saturday night, just 10 daysbefore Mardi Gras Day —and he is proud that its current membership of 260 is the largest in itshistory

“When the whistle was passed to me in February of 2020,” he said, “I knew Iwas going to do everything in my power to make sure everything was larger and grander.”

For many New Orleanians, these krewes don’tjust honor history; they are aliving, cherished part of their own family stories. Afew days before Prophets of Persia’s

big 100thanniversary ball —held Feb. 7atthe OrpheumTheater

Marigny Ernst Dildy was pulling outcrowns andscepters collected from five generations of familymembers who have served as Prophetsroyalty,inpreparation forhosting the organization’san-

nualqueens’ luncheon.Sincethe pandemic, Dildy has been hostingthe gatheringofpastqueens in thehomeshe grew up in on St Charles Avenue and inherited after her father died in 2023. Named in honor of an ancestor whofoundedFaubourg Marigny,

my neck and grab one of mom’s crowns and put it on,” she said.

“But she wouldn’tlet me touch her scepter,soI’d grab atoiletbowl brush andparadearound as queen of the front porch.”

When her turn came in 1994, Dildy said it wasanexperience she’ll neverforget.

“I was permitted to wear my mother’scrown from1961, which was incredible,” she said. “My mother was designing all the dresses, so shedid mine,which made it extra special.”

For Dildy, the100th anniversary of an organizationthathas been, and continuestobe, such abig part of herfamily’slives—her husbandand cousins’ families are members —isbothexciting and bittersweet. Choking up, she shared that the biggest event in the krewe’s historyhappens to fall on herlatefather’sbirthday.

“He loved this organization so muchand gave so muchtoitthat Iknowhewill be looking down on us,” she said. “This ball’stheme was the last onehechose.”

Dildy said her mother’sfamily has been members of Prophets of Persia since the earliest days of the krewe, and her father joined in 1969. Growing up, she watched her parents reign as king and queen with thehope that someday it would be her turn. “As alittlegirl, Iwould take a towel andwrap one end around

Surroundedbyher family’sliteral treasures, Dildy said she was full of gratitude

“These organizations become so intricately woven intoyourlife, your family’s history, your memories, not just at Carnival, but all year long. Looking back at those beautiful memories with my family,all Ican sayisI’d do it all over againifIcould. In aheartbeat.”

PHOTO By REAGAN LAQUE

Maids and masked members dance at the Prophets of Persia centennial ball on Feb.7

PHOTO PROVIDED

Marie Clemenceau, queen of the Prophets of Persia in 1952, sitswith theking,who always remains anonymous.

PROVIDED PHOTO

Barbara Cassidy was queen of the Prophets of Persiain1930. The ball theme was ‘LaFete de Nuit at Versailles.

PROVIDED PHOTO

MarignyErnst Dildysaidher reign as queen of the Prophets of Persia in 1994 is an experience she will neverforget. ‘I was permitted to wear my mother’scrown from 1961, which was incredible,’she said.

Dear Annie: From the outside, my life looks like the kind of photo people put in gratitude journals. I have ahusband who is genuinely kind, kidswho still call andactually want to tell me about their days, and asteadyjob that pays the bills and even gives me asenseofpurpose. Friends tell me I’m lucky,and Iknow they mean it. Inod, Ismile, andI make ajoke. I’m good at that part. I’m the one who keeps the mood light, who can get the table laughing, who seems“fine.”

But when the door closes and the house is quiet, Ifeel something Ican’texplain to anyone without sounding ungrateful: Ihatemyself

Not in adramatic, attention-seeking way.Inaheavy,constant way Like there’samean voice in my head that never takes aday off. Idid have childhood sexual abuse, and I’ve had plenty of coun-

seling over the years. I’ve done the hardwork, I’ve said the words out loud, and I’ve cried the tears. That’swhy Ifeel ridiculous even typing this.Ithappened so long ago. My life is good now.Sowhy do Istill feel broken? Why can’t Iget it together? Here’sthe part I’mashamed to say: Ieat my feelings.Idon’tmean an occasional stress snack. Imean Ifeel anxious or empty or angry,and my body seems to march me to the kitchen like it’sonautopilot. Itell myself I’llhave “just alittle,”and thenI’m standing over the sink, eating in a hurry,like Idon’twant anyone to catch me. Sometimes Idon’teven taste it. It’s just …relief for aminute. Then it turns into disgust. I’ve gained so much weight that normal things are hard now.I get winded walking up the stairs. I avoid pictures. Idread getting invitedanywhere because Idon’t know what to wear,and every social situation feels like I’mbracing for someone to judge me. Noneof my clothes fit comfortably.I’ve trieddietafter diet.Some work for

awhile, and thensomething stressful happens and I’mright back where Istarted, only heavier and more ashamed. I’ve removed every mirror in my house. Ican’tstand seeing myself. Idon’tunderstand how Ican be so happy with my life and yet feel so miserable in my own skin. How do Istopfighting myself and start living like the person my family thinks Iam? —Smilingonthe Outside, Sinking Inside DearSmilingonthe Outside: I’mso sorry you’re carrying this. And no, you’re not “ungrateful.” Trauma doesn’tkeep acalendar.Even when life becomes safe, the body can still reach for relief the way it learned to survive.Eating isn’t the problem; it’sthe medicine you found when you didn’thave better options.

You’ve done counseling, but it maybetimefor amore targeted kind from atherapist who specializes in trauma and compulsive eating —perhaps abinge-eating specialist or someone who offers EMDR or somatic therapy.Also,

talk with your doctor.Binge eating disorder is real and treatable, and there are evidence-based supports, including medication forsome people, plus nutrition counseling that isn’tdiet culture punishment. Start with one gentle step this week. Eat oneplanned snack sitting down, no hiding, andpractice speaking to yourselfasyou would to aloved one.

DearAnnie: I’ve been friendswith the same group of women since our children wereingradeschool We’re now in ourlate 50s andearly 60s, and for years this grouphas been my mainsocial circle. We’ve shared weddings, divorces, illnesses and losses. Iwill alwaysvalue themfor that.

Lately,though, Ifind myself dreading our get-togethers. The conversation hasnarrowed to a steady loop of complaints —about spouses, adult children,politics, health problems, youname it When Itry to change thesubject or bring up something positive, it’sbrushed asideormet withsarcasm.I leave these lunches feeling

drainedand oddly guiltyfor notbeing as unhappy as everyone else. Idon’t want to abandon old friends or act superior.Atthe same time, I’m at astageoflife where I want joy andcuriosity.I would never turn down afriendwho needs help, but these womenaren’t even looking forsolutions. Theyjust want someonetocomplain to. Is it disloyaltopull back from this group, even after allwe’ve been through together? —Ready fora New Chapter Dear Ready foraNew Chapter: History matters, but it is not alife sentence. People change. Seasons change. And sometimes agroup that carried us through childrearing years no longer fits the lifewe’re living now Youdon’tneed adramatic exit or an explanation. Simply go less often. Suggest different activities. Spend moretimewith people wholeave you feeling lighter instead of smaller

Email Annie Lane to dearannie@ creators.com.

Stateeyes industrial workforce challenges

BY IANNESALVOSA Staff writer

Need forskilled labor rising aheadof$98.1B in planned projects ä New ‘storyteller’ initiative designed to highlight

Louisiana Plastic Industries, aplastic product manufacturing company in West Monroe, is a leading employer in North Louisiana. But it has struggled in recent years to fill open positions and has found it particularly challenging to find workers whowould maintain the company’slarge machinery

“We’ve experienced the same recruitment and retention challenges other employers have experienced as well,” said Deion Hemphill, Louisiana Plastic chieffinancial officer.

Louisiana Plastic isn’talone.Companies across the state are feeling the effects of aworkforce shortage that has hampered growth efforts for years and couldintensify,asLouisiana prepares to meet about $98.1 billion in industrial projects. Skilled industrial labor demand is expected to peak at 120,000 by the third quarterof2027, according to datafrom the GreaterBaton RougeIndustry Alliance.

Now,anew partnership between state agencies and organizations is hoping to make recruitment easier for Louisiana businesses.

The Business Workforce Solutions pilot program establishes a framework for the state to address employers’ needs, as Louisiana ramps up to meet the labor needed forindustrial projects andshortages of skilled trades workers. The state’seight economicdevelopment organizations willserve as points of contact for businesses in need of employee recruitment, retainment and training support, reducingthe number of entities employers contact when seeking help with their workforce.

The organizations then work with the initiative’sother partners, Leaders for aBetter Louisiana, Louisiana Economic Development and Louisiana Community College andTechnical System, to find asolution,which could include promotion of certain job opportunities or refurbishingthe state’scertification and trainingofferings. Agoal of the initiative is to prevent employersfrom havingto reach out to all parties individually Louisiana Works Secretary Susie Schowen said state partners tend to overlap in outreach to employers to learn about their challenges in attaining and retaining employees. The initiative’sframework identifies apoint of contact and consistentset of expectations for employers when they consult state partners to help them procure talent, she said.

ä See WORKFORCE, page 2E

“After adecade of hard work,it’snolonger about developing fledgling tech.We proveditworks.The next step is to sustainably build it and deliver it fromour base in Louisiana.”

STARTER THE GUN

BY RICH COLLINS Staff writer

The National WWII Museum in downtown New Orleanshas plenty of historic weapons on display,including pistols, rifles and even abazooka or two. In an office building just across Camp Street from the museum’s campus, casual observers would be forgiven for thinking they’d found another stockpile, including whatappear to be several M4 carbine assault rifles and a fearsome-looking, tripod-mounted machine gun. But there’ssomething different about this second collection.

STAFF FILE PHOTOByLESLIE WESTBROOK An instructor cuts metal pipe during a class at South Louisiana Community College’sOpelousas campus. The state is trying to address

ng challenges faced by the industrial sector by making it easierfor businesses to recruit employees.

STAFFPHOTOSByENAN CHEDIAK

Luling nativeKyleMonti, left, founded HaptechDefense Systems, a12-year-old tech manufacturing companythat has created ‘surrogate’ military weapons designed to act liketheir real-life counterparts —includingrecoiling when fired

With Monti is Chief Operating Officer Conrad Rolling at the Haptech headquarters in NewOrleans.

Barrington Herbertdemonstrates audio witha videogamegun at the Haptech headquarters in NewOrleans.

3IRS issues to watch this taxseason

Every year at the start of tax season, the question is whether the chronically underfunded IRS will be ahot mess or whetherthings will runfairly smoothly

WEAPONS

Continuedfrom page1E

Michelle Singletary

THE COLOR OF MONEy

This year,the IRS expects about 164 million individual returns to be filed by the April 15 deadline.

Last year,before the Trump administration rolled back some gains, mainly staffing, things were looking better.About 104 million taxpayersreceived refunds, and those checks weren’tsmall, averaging $3,167.

“More recent filing seasons have demonstrated meaningful improvement,” National Taxpayer Advocate Erin Collins saidinher annual report to Congress.

As for how the current season is looking, Collins is optimistic and concerned.

“For the significant majority of taxpayers who file their returns electronically,who includetheir direct deposit information, and whose returns are not stopped by IRS processing filters, the process will be seamless,” she said. However,“the success of the filing season will be defined by how well the IRS is able to assist the millions of taxpayerswho experience problems,” she wrote. And that could encompass millionsof folks.

Let’sjust walk through some of the challenges that Collinssees for this tax season.

Understaffing

The IRS started 2025 with about 102,000 employees and ended the year with about 74,000, a27% reduction in “virtually all IRS functions,including Taxpayer Services,” Collins wrote.

Here’saneye-popping observation from her report: “The IRS generally receives over 100 million telephone calls and several million pieces of taxpayer correspondence each year.”

Although some of those open positions will be backfilled, “the numberswill be smaller,and new hires generally need to be trained from scratch,” Collins wrote.

What aself-defeating move to cut customer service representatives who answer telephone calls and process taxpayer correspondence andcasework.

My advice: Fileassoon as you can, triple-check all your math and pack an abundance of patience if you need to contactthe IRS.

Refund delays

Last March, President Donald Trump issued an executive order calling on the federal government to reduce the number of paper checks it issues. As aresult, refunds issued during the 2026 filing season will generally be delivered electronically as the IRS phases out paper checks, Collins said. However,this big push to go all-digital might be aproblem for many people who receive refunds but don’thave bank accounts.

“This transition is expected to disproportionatelyaffect unbanked, underbanked, disabled, elderly,and other vulnerable taxpayers for whom paper checks have often been the only practical means of receiving refunds needed to cover basic living expenses,” Collins wrote.

About 5.6 million households don’thave achecking or savings account, according to a2023 Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. survey On paper (pun intended), that makes sense. It costs more tomail acheck than to deliver it electronically.And Treasury checks are 16

WORKFORCE

Continued from page1E

“Coordinating that into asingle open door for the employers to walk through is ultimately what we’re trying to do,” Schowen said. The redundancy issue in employer outreach also led to aconcentration of attention toward larger companies, she said, and theinitiative aims to addressthe needs of small to midsizedbusinesses.

“This just puts aframework around it that assures that there are open lines of communication, that there are good ways to share information received from employers to the people whocan

timesmore likely to be lost, stolen, returnedoraltered thanelectronic payments, Collins pointed outina blog post last year

“Progress should not comeat the expense of the most vulnerable among us,” Collinswrote. “For some taxpayers, paper checks are not just amatter of preference; theyare the only option thatrespects their financial reality,geographic constraints, or religious convictions.”

If afilerdoesn’tprovide adirect deposit account, the IRS will send aletter requesting the informationoranexplanation for an exception.

“If there is no response to the notice and there are no other issues with thetax return, the refund will be released as apaper check after six weeks,” according to theIRS.

In an FAQ, the IRS said it will also provide alternative electronic payment methods, including payments via certain mobile apps and prepaid debit cards.

Fear of overdraft charges or high fees keeps some people from setting up accounts. But many banks and credit unions offer free checking with low or no minimum balance requirements.

My advice: If you know afriend or family member who doesn’t have abank account, help them open one and switch to electronic payments for their paychecks and any government payments, including tax refunds. NerdWallet posted this week its list of the 10 best free checking accounts for 2026.

TheOne BigBeautiful Bill Act

The majortax overhaul under theTrump administration will likely createone big headache for the agency and taxpayers. This Republican-backedlegislation made more than 100 changes to thetax code, according to Collins.

Some of the taxpayer-favorable deductions and benefits “are subject to complex eligibilityrules, incomethresholds, and phaseouts thatwill be difficult for manytaxpayers to understand and for the IRS to administer accurately during the filing season,” she wrote. For example, seniors get a new deduction, and there are tax breaks for tip income, overtime pay and auto loan interest. In thelattercase, there’sa long list of requirements to deduct up to $10,000 ayear in car loan interest:

To qualify,your car must be new, not used; bought forpersonal use (no leases); and assembled in the U.S. There’smore. The car loan must have been taken out after 2024 andobtained from astandard bank or lender —not from afamily member. Youalsohave to include the VIN on your tax return andmake sure the vehicle weighs less than 14,000 pounds. The deduction, which applies to the 2025 taxyear through 2028, begins to phase outonce what the IRScalls “modified adjusted gross income” exceeds $100,000 if you’re filing single, and $200,000 for married couples filing jointly

How likely is it that, between thestaffing shortage at the IRS and the complicated newrules for various deductions, there won’tbe alot of confusion?

My advice: If you don’twant your return or refund held up, be sure you understand all the new rules forclaimingany newdeductions. We would all love a“seamless” taxseason. But with all these fresh hurdles, fileearly,triplecheck everything, andpray you don’t actuallyhave to call the IRS for help.

Email MichelleSingletary at michelle.singletary@washpost. com.

actually dosomething about it,” she said.

Demand forworkforce support

The framework builds on Gov Jeff Landry’s Project Lightning Speed announcedinSeptember which appointed liaisons in the governor’sCabinet to state agencies in an effort to streamline business-related processes. Landry has alsovowed to make thestate, which struggles with retainingresidentsand filling open roles, themost high-growth economy in theSoutheast.

Adocumentoutlining how the state will achieve its economic goals identified “misaligned talentproduction and workforce services” as achallenge for state talent.

Last year,LED SecretarySusan Bourgeois embarked on atour of thestate’seight economic development areastogarner

Althoughtheylookand feellegit, these replicas will never fire around of ammunition. Instead, theyare “surrogate” devices designed to act like their real-life counterparts —including recoiling when fired —and to collect data abouta shooter’sspeed,accuracy andother performance metrics

Thetrainingtools are thecreation of Haptech Defense Systems, a12-year-oldNew Orleansbased tech manufacturing company that’sbeen working out of an office and lab on AndrewHiggins Drive in theWarehouse District for thepast six years.

Haptech founderKyleMonti, a Luling native, developed and patented new ways for surrogates to imitate real weaponsafew years after graduating from theUniversityofNew Orleans in 2010. He’s spent mostofhis time since buildingconnections in the military training and simulation industry, nabbing research contractsworth roughly $17 milliontodevelop prototypes,build hardwareand software, and put it all into practice.

Now, Monti says hiscompany is hoping to begin mass commercial production, after gettingaboost fromits biggest contract todate: an $11 million program for the U.S. Army designed to develop prototypes for enhanced weapons skills training. The 20-month program, whichendedlastyear,helped Haptech create surrogates for several more commonly used weapons.

“After adecadeofhard work,it’s no longer about developing fledgling tech,” Monti said during an interview at Haptech’sheadquarters earlier this month.“We proved it works. The next step is to sustainably build it and deliver it from our base in Louisiana.”

More high-techmanufacturing Haptech andits entertainmentfocused subsidiary,StrikerVR, represent the kind of high-tech manufacturing companiesLouisiana has been trying to build and attract for decades to diversify an economy overly reliant on energy, portsand hospitality.

State and regional economic development officials celebrate thecompanies that are leading the way,like New Orleans-area stalwart Intralox, maker of conveyance systems for aglobal customer base, or theLouisiana shipbuilders venturing into selfdriving boats and work for the commercial space industry.Drone manufacturer Blueflite‘ssmall officeinLafayette is another promising development, as is theplanned $370 million Radiance Microchip facility in Ruston.

High-techmanufacturing for thedefense industry is anew area of focus, as state leaderspoint to legacy companieslike Textron andmore recent entrantsinthat category.But experts saythe state needs morelike Haptech.

“Wedon’thave many small electronics companies in the state,” said Josh Fleig,LED’s chief innovation officer.“It’sbeenfun to seethem grow and pull solid talent from electrical engineering programs at LouisianaTech andLSU.”

But building andsustaining thesebusinesses from scratch isn’t easy, as Monti knows well. Military contracts can be unpredictable, established competitors have ahead start, and manufacturing products at scale has its own hurdles.

“Getting aprototype to work is hard, but the real work starts when youhavetomanufacture it the sameway everytime,” Monti said. “That’snot just aboutmachines and parts; that’sabout hiring and training the right people.”

From hapticstoHaptech

Haptech’s name is both an acronym and apun. In thetech world, the term “haptics” describes the way machines

feedback from businesses on how thestate can assist their growth. Astraightforward process for workforce development was among the responses, according to Tedra Cheatham,executive director of LED FastStart, the agency’sworkforce recruitment, training and retainment program.

LED will ensure theresponse from partners in theinitiative leverages regional strengths and thestate’starget sectors.

“Businesses consistently shared theneed for aclearer point of contact, stronger coordination among workforce and education partners and solutions that better reflect the pace and realities of hiring,”Cheatham said in an email. “That feedback informed thedesign of this initiative.”

‘A natural fit’

Trey Godfrey,the Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partner-

communicate with humans via touch, like an iPhone buzzing to announce anew text message or the way roboticsurgical equipment creates artificial resistance to help doctors workby“feel.”

Monti began his own deep dive into the field when, post-college, he was looking for ways to combine hisinterestinscience,techand entrepreneurship.

Afriend with experience in defense contractingchallenged himtomodernize theway training weapons are made. Instead of using compressedair or gas to imitate therecoilofa gun, the young engineer patented an electronic system that uses linear motors, whichgenerate motionina straight line, to achieve asimilar effect.

That recoil is important because it forces trainees to keep their eyes on their targets while the gun is kickingback like its real counterpart would.

Monti said thesurrogate weaponshedesigned are easier and cheaper to operate andmaintain than theold pneumatic systems —and they have the added benefit of collecting performancedata through an increasingly sophisticated software platform.

He’sspentyears makingthat case, taking meetingafter meeting withstakeholders in the roughly $15 billion militarytraining and simulation industry to build support for his new solution. In 2020, he brought on Chief Operating Officer Conrad Rolling to help navigate the process. Their combined efforts have led to about adozen contracts that have helped pay for thedevelopment of new surrogate weaponsplus associated hardware and software.

Thecompany,whichbuilds its productsinits Warehouse District workspace,has bids outonanother $3 millioningovernment defense contractsasitcompeteswithmore established competitors, who still rely on legacy technology

“Using linear motorshas inherent advantages, but we had to build consensus in the military market,” he said.“We’rea small company competing against firmsthat have been building pneumatic simulatorssince the early 1980s.”

From grunts to gamers

As Monti workedtolandmilitary contracts, he also began exploring the entertainment applications of his patents.

That led to the creation of StrikerVRtosell haptic-enhanced “blaster” devices —whichlook like guns from asci-fi movie —to virtual reality entertainment venuesnearly adecade ago. To date, thecompany hassoldseveral thousand blasters,whichitservices

ship’ssenior vice president of talentdevelopmentand policy said theinitiative will address the common pain points foremployers, from upskilling their current employees to creating atalent pipeline into their company It builds on the organization’s existing duties: The partnership meets with about 140 companies each year to learn about their needs to inform the legislation that the organization advocates for.Inthe 2025 legislative session, thepartnership pushed for workforce training programs, including the M.J. Foster Promise Program,afinancial aid program for adults pursuing degrees needed for high-wage, high-demand jobs.

Chris Masingill —president and CEO of Louisiana Central, an economic development organization for central Louisiana —said theinitiative will quicken the or-

a linear motor,left, at Haptech.

and repairs in NewOrleans and at asecond facility in Europe. Now,anewer,cheaper version of the product —retailing for hundreds of dollarsinstead of thousands —represents the company’sfirst departure from purely business-to-businesssales.Inaddition to commercial operators, an at-home virtual reality enthusiast can buy the Mavrik online and use it to play about adozen games available on VR headsets madeby Facebook parent company Meta.

The entertainment-focusedcompany’smost well-known client to date is the Universal Studios resort in Orlando, Florida. Monti’s team helped buildthe toyweapons fora“Minions”-themed target shooting attraction that opened in 2023.

Though Haptech andStrikerVR operate in different industries, Montiplans to grow both companies in asimilar way, using an “off the shelf”business model.

For Striker,that means making an even moreaffordableblaster, selling it on third-party sites like Amazon, and partnering with more gamemakers.

For Haptech, the goal is to massproduce surrogates of the most commonly usedweaponssomilitary customers or contractors can buy them just like they might buy commercially available laptops or software.

“The Armyand the Department of Defense are telling contractors this is what they want,” Monti said. Competingtobring jobs to La

On arecent weekdayvisit to Haptech’s headquarters, engineers and employees of its two sister companieswerebusyina workshop complete witha soundproof room andbenches covered with gun parts, wires, electronic components and tools.

In the center of the room,atechnician wasinstalling alaser in the barrel of amilitary training rifle. Afew desks away,a software engineer waswriting codefor atool that helps video gamedesigners control the movement and sounds of aMavrik blaster.Nearby,an electricalengineer was diagnosing aproblem with adevice.

It’sthis team that Monti is countingontopower both of hiscompanies forward as he pursues his “off-the-shelf”strategy

“We’re going makeproducts at scale using asupply chain Louisianaalready has in place because of companies in the oil and gas industry that make metal things,” the CEO said. “The military’sneed to train newrecruits is never going to go away.”

Email RichCollins at rich. collins@theadvocate.com.

ganization’sresponse time to connecting employers with resources forworkforce development.

Louisiana Central already has a close relationship with Central Louisiana Technical Community College and works with business leaders on adaily basis, he said, so the organization serving as a point of contact forthe initiative wasalogical choice.

“Itwas anatural fit forusto step up and be aconduit,” Masingill said.

Schowen

HaptechDefense Systems founder and CEO Kyle Monti shows off a hapticsurrogate replica machine gun, above,and

STAFFFILE PHOTOS By MATTHEW PERSCHALL

ASK THE EXPERTS

New tech could transform soft serve ice cream industry

BY IANNE SALVOSA Staff writer

After years of research and fundraising, a frozen treat technology company is getting ready to churn out its product.

Cremmjoy, led by mechanical engineer Jason Hugenroth, has created a soft serve ice cream and slush machine that does not require the typical disassembling and cleaning process of a frozen dessert machine. Over the past five years, Hugenroth and his team have worked to develop prototypes, patent the technology and fundraise almost $3 million.

The technology displaces the nearly 200-year-old mechanism for soft serve ice cream by keeping the mix in a plastic bag inside the machine. The mix never touches other machine parts, eliminating the need to disassemble the contraption for cleaning.

“It’s a pretty radical departure from what’s been done for ice cream in general for about 180 years,” Hugenroth said in an interview at the company’s new Beaumont Drive headquarters. He founded Cremmjoy at the LSU Innovation Park, where his research and development company Inventherm was a tenant. In 2022, the U.S. Department of Agriculture gave the company a $750,000 Small Business Innovation Research grant to develop a prototype of the technology Hugenroth said the company used a word-of-mouth fundraising strategy bringing in individual investors and demoing the invention.

Q&A WITH JASON HUGENROTH

It plans to test the product in test kitchens over the next year with a goal to have the machines on the market in 2027. In this week’s Talking Business, Hugenroth talks product development, company goals and Cremmjoy’s new headquarters. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. What inspired the creation of this technology?

My company, before Cremmjoy Inventherm, that’s what I started in 2006 when I finished up my Ph.D. That was new technology development consulting work; we helped clients develop their technology I have a lot of background in refrigeration technology compressors.

We had, in 2019, finished up a project for a countertop ice cream machine for a client and did several generations of prototypes on that. Because of the work we’re doing on that, and the way your browser spies on you and stuff, I’m getting YouTube videos showing people cleaning a commercial soft serve machine, like the things you see in Dairy Queen or Yogurtland or places like that. It looked like a very difficult process. I just started researching it a little bit, digging into it after spending some time with it kind of became the light that that really is the biggest problem in the industry, is that the machines have to be disassembled

Jason Hugenroth, CEO of Cremmjoy, stands at a milling machine used to make components for the machinery the company develops at its headquarters in Baton Rouge.

and cleaned and sanitized then reassembled regularly, or really should be done daily But most places maybe do it every few days. Kind of discovered that need, and then started thinking, we could come up with something where you didn’t have to do that, that would have a lot of market potential.

When you are demoing this to investors, what has been the reception of it? What are you finding and how are they receiving this?

It’s a tremendous amount of excitement. You have investors that have no idea other than generally being aware of soft serve machines when we bring them in. There’s a little bit of an education period. It’s not tremendously difficult, because we’re actually able

to show them this is the current technology This is what they have to deal with. This is what they have to clean and this. We show them what we do on Cremmjoy It really paints the picture of what the benefit is. Then, when you bring in people that are more like already either very familiar with the issues, or that are sort of industry experts and have background in this industry They already know what the problem is. We’re getting tremendous amounts of excitement from both our investors and then also potential customers and strategic partners. It’s because it’s such a paradigm shift in what’s out there right now Talk a little bit about your decision to remain here in Baton Rouge.Keep-

ing the headquarters in Louisiana, what does that mean to you?

I’m from Louisiana. I was out of state for about 10 years, and so my wife and I moved back, to be back in Louisiana, be closer to family There’s a general interest to be here. But then on top of that, the state actually has various programs that make it attractive to be here. Cremmjoy gets research and development tax credits. Our investors have been able to take advantage of angel investor tax credits. They give some financial incentives to be here. It’s just a combination of wanting to be here and the state trying to keep you here has made it a good fit for us. What are your goals overall for the company in the future?

The long-term goal is

that we need to make a return for our investors. You generally go through some type of process of it can be everything from merging with a bigger company to going public to private equity, or you can even have the payoff through once you just start generating revenue, start paying dividends to investors. But our focus in the upcoming few years is to keep ourselves on our development track and then get on the market and start generating revenue. Our overall goal is to disrupt the industry, to take a technologically stagnant industry and come out with a revolutionary product that’s going to be tremendously financially successful. Do you see yourself developing any other types of technology in addition to the Cremmjoy machine? Cremmjoy right now that’s our focus. Our technology applies to not only soft serve ice cream type products, but also to frozen beverages, so daiquiris and whatnot, and then on top of that, conventional machine companies can have a full product line, everything from a countertop low throughput system to a really big machine that you’ll see at Dairy Queen or McDonald’s. We’re hitting the market with a two-flavor machine that’s in a good sweet spot to have a lot of market potential, but we’ll have a lot of work to do with just expanding our offerings and then also adding more purpose-built frozen beverage machines versus a soft serve. Do you have a favorite ice cream flavor? We mainly test with vanilla.

161,305 trucktrips avoided

1M+ truckmiles eliminated ~1,700 metric tons of CO2eprevented

STAFF PHOTO By HILARy SCHEINUK

AROUND THE REGION

Storyteller initiative aims to highlight state’s successes

BY RICH COLLINS Staff writer

When Gov Jeff Landry named Susan Bourgeois secretary of Louisiana Economic Development in early 2024, she embarked on a statewide listening tour to find out what mattered most to local business owners, community leaders and everyday Louisianians.

While she heard many inspiring stories during her conversations, people frequently lamented Louisiana’s poor performance in national economic and quality-of-life rankings or the lack of population growth relative to other Southern states There was a general feeling, she said, that what’s possible elsewhere couldn’t happen here.

At the recent Mardi Gras celebrations in Washington, D.C., LED unveiled a new program aimed at changing that narrative — something Bourgeois believes is key to successful economic development efforts.

It’s called the Louisiana Storytellers initiative, and it’s a marketing campaign that seeks to recruit 1,500 volunteers from around the state and arm them with information they can use to help spread the word about the opportunities Louisiana has to offer and the progress it has made in addressing some of the state’s longstanding problems.

“It is aimed at keeping people here, attracting people here and expanding existing Louisiana businesses,” Bourgeois said. “It’s really a comprehensive value initiative to use Louisiana’s private sector as our army.”

‘Amplify the opportunities’

LED already has 800 volunteer storytellers, all of whom signed up for the program at the agency’s pavilion at the Washington Hilton during the Mardi Gras festivities.

Storytellers are given access to a website containing data about recent “positive” developments in the state, including new investments, job growth, reforms to the

tax structure and improvements in school test scores. They can also download slide decks detailing such data points and insert them into presentations when speaking to community or industry groups.

The goal, program director Rachel Shields said, is not to ignore Louisiana’s obvious challenges but to give people facts that will help them spread the word about what’s going right

“We want to help amplify the Louisiana opportunity story from the inside,” said Shields, LED’s chief engagement officer “Because we know economic development is driven by narrative from trusted voices.”

LED also hopes to use its storytellers in targeted ways. When volunteers sign up to participate in the program, LED collects information

about their industry, company, geographic region of the state and areas of interest or expertise.

“We can break that down geographically or by subject matter when we have a specific message to push,” Bourgeois said. “If we learn of a new development, say that is relevant to hospital CEOs or health care companies, we can send it to them.”

Storytellers are also encouraged to share information about their companies — expansions or job postings, for example — that will be posted to the storytellers site. There’s also a text tip line to help LED collect leads.

“If an exec is sitting on a plane talking to another exec who expresses interest in relocating, they can text the hub and we’ll reach out,” Shields said.

Changes at LED

The storytellers initiative follows other new projects and changes at LED since Landry took office.

During the past two years, his administration has revamped the agency, launched a new innovation division — LA.IO for short — and released a new statewide economic development plan.

The agency’s new leadership also benefited from good timing.

Bourgeois was appointed just as the state entered talks to land the Meta Hyperion data center in north Louisiana, a project with a nearly $30 billion price tag that is bringing major investment to a formerly quiet agricultural parish. That announcement was followed last March by another big

deal: the Hyundai steel plant near Baton Rouge. It will be the South Korean automaker’s first steel mill in the U.S. Altogether, LED has announced a record $76 billion in investment in the state since Landry took office.

To be sure, the deals are not without controversy Consumer advocates worry Entergy ratepayers will be on the hook for the cost to build new natural gas power plants to fuel the Meta data center Environmental advocates worry about the impact of mega projects on the quality of life in nearby communities.

Critics also lament that the state continues to give tax breaks to new industry while cutting back on investments in health care and education.

Bourgeois said she is not dismissing the critics or the state’s problems. But she said making people more aware of positive things happening in the state has only an upside.

“Do we have challenges in education? Yes,” she said. “But we have forward momentum, so we are equipping sector influencers with information to spread that story in a way that we could never afford through a traditional advertising buy.”

Now that Washington Mardi Gras is a wrap, the agency — whose fiscal year 2026 operating budget and project commitments top $261 million is reaching out to statewide economic development partners to get more volunteers for the campaign, which was executed with help from Louisiana-based Innovative Advertising as part of a broader $75,000 spend.

“We believe by end of year this year we’ll have thousands of storytellers aggressively communicating,” Shields said. “We want to move the needle and change how we talk about Louisiana.”

Email Rich Collins at rich. collins@theadvocate.com.

Beyond isn’taplace —it’samindset. Andit’sabeliefthathas poweredusfor over80years We areJones Walker LLP,a firmdrivenbyanentrepreneurial spirit,adeepsenseofcommunity,and afierce determination to deliverexceptional serviceand valuefor our clients.

Since1937, ourfirm hasbeencommitted to workingwithcommunityleaders to develop business opportunitiesacrossthe state. We aresteadfast in continuing ourdedicationtogobeyondinadvising clientsand supportinginitiatives andorganizations that make Louisiana abetterplace to live andwork

William H. Hines,ManagingPartner bhines@joneswalker.com 504.582.8000 201St. CharlesAvenue NewOrleans,LA70170-5100

STAFF PHOTO By CHRIS GRANGER

Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois, back left, chats with Michael Hecht, President and CEO of Greater New Orleans Inc., on Jan. 30 at the Louisiana NOW pavilion inside the Hilton during Washington Mardi Gras.

Staff report

South Louisiana businesses and nonprofitgroups recently announcedthe following promotions, new hires and resignations.

NewOrleans

Arnel Cosey has been appointedthe new CEO of the nonprofit Clover, formerly Kingsley House, effective April 1.

Cosey,strategy and impact officer of the nonprofit since 2020, was previously an administrator at DelgadoCommunity Collegefor more than 25 years. She will succeed Keith Liederman, who has been CEO since 2003 and worked for the nonprofit since 1994

LauraD’Angelo was named the coleader of the team specializing in the gambling industry at Jones Walker D’Angelo, apartner in thefirm’s Lexington, Kentucky office, succeeds longtime coleader Tommy Shepherd will work alongside co-leader Kelly Duncan

Lin Hymel has joined Adams &Reese as part of the law firm’sglobal intellectual property practice.

Hymel is amolecular biologist with morethan two decades of experience practicing patent law,having previously worked at law firms in Boston and Washington, D.C., and as an in-housepatent attorney at a major biotechnology company He has also served as an assistant professor at TulaneUniversity School of Medicine andthe University of Linz in Austria.

The New Orleans Women &Children’sShelter announced its 2026 board of directors.

Officers include President David Schlakman,Vice President Bonnie Dye Vice President for Governance Amy Dye Domangue,Treasurer Richard Rodriguez and Secretary Cole Newton

Board membersinclude Dan Silverman GretchenHirtGendron Melissa Vandiver, JessicaWilliams, Ari Ferrand-Goodwin, Ginger Spencer, Todd Ragusa and Marcy Delatte

Jim Nelson was hired by Red River Banktobecome abusiness developmentexecutive for the greater New Orleans market. Nelson, who will be based in the bank’sCentralBusiness District location, also serves as treasurer andboard member forWRBH88.3 FM Radiofor the Blind and PrintHandicapped.

James Capuzzi hasbeen hired as the newdonorengagement manager at Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans. Capuzzi, who previously worked as director of the Susan B. Anthony Birthplace MuseuminMassachusetts and managed annual givingfor the Abigail AdamsInstitute,will overseethe charity organization’s fundraising initiatives.

BatonRouge

The Louisiana Travel Association announced newofficers for its executive committee and new members of its board of directors at itsannual meeting at aprivate clubresort in Lafayette.

New officers include Chair Nelson Gumm, of AJR MediaGroup; Vice Chair CarlaTate, of Tangi Tourism; Treasurer Adrienne Breaux, of The Royal Sonesta; Secretary Timothy Bush, of Visit Lake Charles; and Immediate PastChair Donna O’Daniels, of Visit The Northshore.

New directors include PaigeAlost, of Natchitoches Convention &VisitorsBureau; John Bennett, of Gray Media; Amanda Carrier, of Experience Ruston; Dustin Gontarski, of Compass Media; Adrienne Hennis, of Advance Travel &Tourism; Laci Laperouse, of VisitSt. Martin Parish; and Joshua Robinson, of LIVE! Casino.

Do you have personnel changes to share or other ideas for our businesscoverage? Drop us a line at biztips@theadvocate.com.

Fool’sTake: Blue chip dividends

Motley Fool

Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO)is astock worth considering if you’reseeking dividend income. The company has raised itsannual payout for an impressive 60plus consecutive years. Over the pastfive years, it has grown that payout by 24% —asolid pace that helped offset the effects of inflation. Itsdividend recently yielded 2.6%.

Coke has an impeccable supply chain and global brand recognition, and its networkof bottling partners allows it to maintain high profit margins.

Remember that Coca-Cola produces syrups and concentrates, which its bottling partners then usetomanufacture, package, merchandise and distributeits products. Coke thereby maintains high operational flexibility across global markets, which can help it withstand regionspecific slowdowns.

Thanks in parttoits strong brands,Coca-Cola has been able to raise prices amid inflation and largely weather theeconomic storm in recentyears. While sales haven’tgonethrough the roof, it has steadily increased its top line —by6%in2023, 3% in 2024 and 3% in 2025. This is the type of steadygrowth that can be counted on for dependable and consistent gains, and it permits future dividend growth.

Coca-Cola is alow-volatility stock,withabeta of only 0.36. (A “beta” of 1.0 meansshares are about as volatile as the overall market; one below 1.0 reflects less-than-average volatility.)

This is astellar stock that can be ideal for risk-averse longterm investors.

Fool’sSchool: Allabout stock buybacks

If you invest in individual stocks, you need to understand stock buybacks —the “repurchasing” of shares —which can be good or bad news

Here’swhy you might celebrate astock buyback: Imagine apizza cut into eight roughly equal pieces. Now imagine it

cut into six pieces instead. Each piece will be bigger,right? It’sessentially the same with stocks. Each share represents a (small) degreeofownership in thecompany.Whenacompany buys backshares, essentially retiring them, it reduces the number of sharesthatexist; that means each remaining share represents alargerpart of the company’svalue

Here’sasimplified example: Let’ssay Buzzy’sBroccoli Beer (ticker: BRRRP) has 1,000 shares outstanding. If you own 100 of those shares, you own 10% of the company.But if Buzzy’sbuys back 200 of itsshares, thatleaves only 800 shares outstanding; if you still own 100, your stake in the company is now 100 out of 800, or 12.5%. Youhaven’tdone anything, but the company has transferredsome value to you via thebuyback.Dividends are one way thatcompanies reward shareholders, andbuybacks are another.(Some companies do both.)

The main concernwith buybacks is whetherthe company is buying its shareswhenthey’re overvalued. In suchacase, it’s wasting shareholdermoney and destroying value.That money might be betterspent driving growthorpaying adividend. Astock buyback can also make earnings growth per share look greater thanthe company’s overall growth in net income Imagine thatBuzzy’searned $1,000 in its last quarter. If it has 1,000 shares, its earnings per share is $1 —$1,000 divided by 1,000. Afterits buyback, though, $1,000 in earnings dividedby only 800 sharesyields an EPS of $1.25. So its EPS has risen —not becausethe company performed better andearnedmore money,but because its share count shrank. It’ssmart to check how muchofa company’sEPS growthisdue to factors other than improvedperformance.

Ask theFool:

Forced selling

What is “forced selling”? —A.D., Chepachet, Rhode Island It can refer to multiple things. For example, imagine you’ve invested “on margin.” (That’swhen your brokeragelends you money to invest with.) If your holdings fall in value significantly,you

might receive a“margin call,” requiring you to add money to your account —which you might do by selling someshares. If you don’ttake action, the brokerage may force-sell someshares for you. Meanwhile, if you own shares of amutual fund and it closes, your shares may be sold and the cash from the sale sent to you. Also, if afund hasn’tbeen performing well, manyshareholders may sell their shares, requiring the fund managers to sell off somestock the fund owns in order to pay the exiting shareholders what they’re owed. The managers may not have wanted to sell shares, but they wereforced to. (Ironically,this can happen after astock-market crash —a timewhen the fund managers might prefer to be buying shares of lower-priced stocks, not selling them.)

My Dumbest Investment: Didn’t

My most

at

even paying the trading commission, you’d have done well: Those Ashares were recently trading at more than $760,000 each! Some good news is that trading fees have fallensharply over the past quarter-century or so,and many major brokerages nowcharge $0 for most trades.

Do you have asmart or regrettable investment move to sharewith us? Emailitto tmfshare@fool.com.

Cosey

D’Angelo

Hymel

Nelson

Capuzzi

‘Transformative’ AI plugging into doctors’ offices, ERs

BY EMILY BRINDLEY

The Dallas Morning News (TNS)

An extra set of eyes on radiology scans, double-checking for signs of prostate cancer A green light telling surgeons when it’s safe to operate on trauma patients. A reminder system that finds and flags test results that need to be followed up on. Artificial intelligence has boundedintothemainstream,intopersonal lives, classroom assignments and work meetings — so it should be no surprise to find it in doctors’ offices and emergency rooms, too. Nationwide, according to a federal brief, hospitals’ use of AI tools is growing rapidly In 2023, 66% of hospitals used predictive AI tools in their electronic record systems. A year later, that number was up to 71%. As AI saturates nearly every aspect of our modern world, some medical applications run directly parallel to the types of tools we’re already familiar with. Many doctors, for instance, are using AI tools to listen to, transcribe and summarize their patient visits. Medical offices are using automated scheduling tools to navigate patient appointments and cancellations

These administrative tools, while not the most exciting, are proving to be hugely important. By reducing medical providers’ workloads, these tools can help curb physician burnout,aproblemthathasplagued the medical field for years

But in the field of medicine, there are also many more dynamic — and controversial applications.

AI tools can be used in clinical processes and decision-making, too, interfacing either directly with patients or with those patients’ care plans. The people who are working most closely with the development and implementation of these tools are excited. There are so many backstops that AI can provide, they say, to keep medical providers from making mistakes and to help understaffed emergency rooms respond more effectively to patient needs.

The people who are most excited about AI in health care describe the

technology as “transformative.”

As AI continues to evolve, day by day the central question for health care leaders is no longer whether they’ll use the technology in their medical facilities. The question, now, is how they’ll make sure the technology is improving patient care instead of imperiling it.

AI tools of all sorts come with caveats.

ChatGPT, among the most popular consumer-facing AI tools, has a caveat written at the bottom of the webpage. “ChatGPT can make mistakes,” the message says. “Check important info.”

Google’s AI tool contains a caveat, too, in a sidebar “Generative AI is a work in progress and info quality may vary,” it says.

AImistakesorhallucinationsmay not have life-altering consequences

when a user is looking for help rewriting emails or optimizing a todo list. When AI tools are applied to medical diagnosis and decisionmaking, though, the stakes are significantly higher

That’s part of why doctors and other health leaders emphasize that AI tools, at this stage in their evolution, are meant to assist medical professionals — not replace them.

Xiaoqian Jiang — a researcher and the director of the Center for Secure Artificial Intelligence for Healthcare at the University of Texas Health Houston said that many of the existing tools perform well in straightforward medical cases. The same isn’t yet true, though, for complex cases.

“I think we are on the edge, but many of the models we currently have are still not actually to the lev-

el of the expert,” Jiang said. “A lot of the time, sophisticated scenarios still need human judgment.”

Even tools that do work well can still make mistakes or erroneous connections, which a human eye may be able to suss out before any damage is done.

From a legal perspective, doctors remain responsible for the care they provide, no matter what outside tools they’re using.

Angela Clark is the director of the Urology Research & Education Foundation The organization was createdbyDr PatFulgham,aurologist who practiced at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas for 35 years.

Clark and Fulgham said doctors’ legal liability is a built-in protection mechanism, preventing providers fromleaningtooheavilyonAItools.

“The providers are still held accountable, liable, for whatever they diagnose,” Clark said.

“Or fail to diagnose,” Fulgham added.

Even with those caveats on AI, experts say there are myriad ways the tools can help doctors do their jobs better And there are some things, AI proponents say, that these tools can do even better than a human doctor can.

Fulgham said there are AI tools that double-check radiology scans to identify risk factors that a human radiologist might have missed. That could help to ensure accurate diagnosis of prostate cancer, he said.

“It’s not meant to replace the radiologist,” Fulgham said, “but it may pointoutsomethingthatwasinobvious to them.”

Similarly, there are tools that can look over a biopsy and assist a pathologist in determining how aggressive of a cancer a patient has. That information can then be used to inform a treatment plan.

Joe Longo — chief digital information officer at Parkland Health and James Gaston chief data officer at Parkland — say the health system has a wide variety of AI tools already in use.

Some, such as an early warning system that alerts providers when a patient is heading toward coding, havebeeninuseforyears.Theoriginal version of the system wasn’t called “artificial intelligence” at the time it first rolled out, but it falls into that category now

The goal of that system, and the other tools that Parkland and the Parkland Center for Clinical Innovation are working on, is to solve an actual problem in the hospital. AI tools are capable of all sorts of things. But if those tools are providing a solution where there is no problem, then they aren’t particularly useful to a health system.

“All the vendors are throwing spaghetti at the wall right now,” Gaston said “We’re trying not to just spend money and be excited about AI; We’re trying to make sure we’re delivering that value for the organization, for our patients.”

STAFF FILE PHOTO By CHRIS GRANGER

Dr Sammy Khatib left, listens to Dr Michael Bernard as he uses artificial intelligence to help with surgery at Ochsner Hospital.

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QuintessentialNew Orleanselegancemeets timelessFrenchQuarter charminthistruly one-of-a-kindresidencelocated in theheartofthe Vieux Carr,directlyacrossfromthe iconic Antoine’sRestaurant.Fromthe moment youenter,you aresurroundedbyauthentic architectural details includingoriginalplaster medallions, ornate crownmolding,dramaticchandeliers, original marble fireplacemantles, soaring 14-foot ceilings,richhardwood floors,&grand,light-filled roomsthat speaktothe city’s storiedpast. Designed forbotheverydayliving & entertaining,the expansivelivingarea& formal dining room provideanideal backdrop forhosting intimate gatherings or lively soires, all whileenjoyingcaptivating viewsofthe downtown NewOrleansskyline.The kitchenisbothfunctional&stylish,featuring granite countertops,a gasrange,generouscabinetry, &a walk-inpantry, w/ theoptiontopersonalize or update to suit your vision.Justoutside of the kitchen, aprivate balconyoffersa serene retreat? perfectfor morning coffee or eveningcocktails as thecitycomes alivearoundyou.The oversizedprimary suiteisatruesanctuary,completew/two walk-inclosets, aseparatesitting or dressing area,&a charming en suitebath. A comfortablesecondbedroom &additionalbathroomprovide ampleaccommodationsfor guests.Addingtothe property’sversatility is an additionalupstairsguest unit w/ itsown kitchen, bedroom, &bath?ideal forvisitingfriends,extendedstays,oradded flexibilitysuchasa home office,gym,etc.The ground floorofthe buildingisCOMMERCIALAND ALSO AVAILABLEfor purchase separately,presentinga rare opportunity toacquire theENTIREBUILDINGinone of NewOrleans’ most covetedlocations.Thisisauthentic FrenchQuarter living at its finest?richin character,history,and opportunity. Proofoffunds arerequired priortoany showings.Monthly contract parkingoptions arelocated nearby!

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LOUISIANA

Getting 7,000 steps a day is a great way to lose weight and reduce risks of premature death cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes and even neurological diseases such as dementia, according to Lisa Abramson a certified personal trainer at Ochsner Fitness Center New Orleans.

Rethink Lent

BY MARGARET DELANEY Staff writer

Many Louisianans tend to bypass the optimism of New Year’s resolutions with their sights set on something more true to their roots — Lent

After all, why begin new health goals when Mardi Gras is just beginning? Catholic or not, Lent offers a unique time in the year to kick-start health goals. Forty days of renewing 2026

resolutions or kick-starting a health journey or improving personally with a “winter arc” doesn’t sound too bad, right?

“Just get started,” said Lisa Abramson, a certified personal trainer at Ochsner Fitness Center New Orleans.

Although often touted as an opportunity for Catholics to make sacrifices and give something up, the Lenten season is an opportunity to get healthier

Limiting time on phones and devices and giving up desserts are common enough, but some goals need more focus and planning.

Here are tips to get started:

Define ‘wellness,’ start small Kristina Schuldt is a family medicine physician and wellness director for about 14,000 employees of the Mayo Clinic Health System in Minnesota. “Wellness means different things to

people. There’s fitness and physical wellness, but there’s also mental wellness, financial wellness, spiritual wellness,” she said. “A person should define what their wellness goal is.”

n Don’t take on the entire wellness universe at once, she warned. Start with small steps.

n Increase water intake, for example, using a bottle or jug big enough to hold

ä See LENT, page 2X

HEALTH NOTES

Link between wildfire smoke exposure, autism studied

Tulane study finds higher risk in children when mother exposed late in pregnancy

BY MARGARET DELANEY Staff writer

A study led by Tulane University found that children whose mothers were exposed to wildfire smoke during the third trimester had a higher risk of being diagnosed with autism before the age of 5. The study, published in Environmental Science & Technology, analyzed more than 200,000 births in Southern California from 2006 to 2014.

In mothers exposed to more than 10 days of wildfire smoke during the final three months of pregnancy, children had a 23% higher risk of autism diagnoses compared to those whose mothers were never exposed to smoke from wildfires during pregnancy

OLOL does La.’s 1st single-port transabdominal colorectal surgery

Dr Asif Talukder performed the first successful single-port transabdominal colorectal surgery, an advanced robotic technique, at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge in February.

The procedure is minimally invasive — with only one incision less than two inches in length — and reduces trauma to surrounding

tissue, minimizes pain and “supports shorter recovery times compared to traditional multiincision surgery,” according to the Lake.

The first single port robotic case in the state was quickly followed by the second, which Talukder performed the same day

Pennington doctor receives $3.7 million grant for study

Dr Candida Rebello secured $3.7 million in a five-year federal grant from the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute on Aging to study “lifestyle-focused care strategies” to reduce excess body fat and declining muscle mass in adults over the age of 50

ä See HEALTH NOTES, page 3X

Join us on a health journey through 2026 with ‘BEYOND THE SCALE: Addressing Louisiana’s obesity epidemic’ Do you want to start a health journey? We want to hear from you — not about weight, but about health, stress, food and life. As we move through 2026, we are inviting readers to come along a health journey with us. Our next project will explore youth obesity We pose one question to our readers: What are some healthy school lunches your kids actually liked? Send us photos. Email your answers, comments or questions to Margaret DeLaney at margaret.delaney@theadvocate.com.

GETTy IMAGES PHOTO

HEALTH MAKER

La. doctor says hypnosis can help with abdominal pain

BY RACHEL MIPRO Contributing writer

Dr Amanda Glinky, a gastroenterology hepatology and nutrition specialist at Manning Family Children’s New Orleans, discussed the efficacy of hypnosis, and how she incorporates it in her practice.

What sparked your interest in hypnosis?

I started my training journey in clinical hypnosis in the early summer of 2022 There were some pretty compelling studies that were coming out about the use of hypnosis for the treatment of abdominal pain from sensitive nerves, so things like irritable bowel syndrome and functional abdominal pain. And so I knew that I wanted it to be a tool that I could have to teach my patients who struggle with those conditions.

The kind of hypnosis that I teach is self-hypnosis, and so I teach kids how to enter into a state of focused attention, which is kind of the cornerstone of hypnosis, using exercises with focusing on breathing, sometimes it is with counting. To kind of

practice going into that part of your brain, to feel more comfortable in your body and to feel more powerful over abdominal pain and nausea

Study reveals infants’ complex visual processing

Research shows earlier cognitive development insights

BY LAURA UNGAR AP medical writer

A new study suggests that babies are able to distinguish between the different objects they see around them at 2 months old, which is earlier than scientists previously thought. The findings, published Monday in Nature Neuroscience, may help doctors and researchers better understand cognitive development in infancy

“It really tells us that infants are interacting with the world in a lot more complex of a way than we might imagine,” said lead author Cliona O’Doherty “Looking at a 2-month-old, we maybe wouldn’t think that they’re understanding the world to that level.”

The study looked at data from 130 2-month-olds who underwent brain scans while awake. The babies viewed images from a dozen categories commonly seen in the first year of life, such as trees and animals. When babies looked at an image like a cat, their brains might “fire” a certain way that researchers could record, O’Doherty said. If they looked at an inanimate object, their brains would fire differently The technique known as functional magnetic resonance imaging, or fMRI allowed scientists to examine visual function more precisely than in the past. Many previous studies relied on how long an infant looked at an object, which can be difficult to assess at

youngerages Someofthose past studies suggested that infants as young as 3 to 4 months could distinguish between categories such as animals and furniture

“What we’re showing is that they really already have this ability to group together categories at 2 months,” O’Doherty said. “So it’s something much more complex than we would’ve thought before.”

In the new study many of the babies returned at 9 months, and researchers successfully collected data from 66 of them. In the 9-month-olds, the brain was able to distinguish living things from inanimate objects much more strongly than in the 2-month-olds, O’Doherty said. Someday, researchers said, scientists may be able to connect such brain imaging to cognitive outcomes later in life

Liuba Papeo, a neuroscientist at the National Center for Scientific Research in France, said the number of babies in the study is one thing that makes the work “impressive and unique.”

Brain imaging with very young infants presents challenges

“One perhaps the most obvious — is that the infant needs to (lie) comfortably in the fMRI scanner while awake without moving,” she said in an email.

O’Doherty, who did the work at Trinity College Dublin in Ireland, said the key was making the experience as comfortable as possible for the babies Inside the scanner, they reclined on a bean bag so they were snug.

The images “appear really big above them while they’re lying down,” she said. “It’s like IMAX for babies.

I teach patients how to enter that state of focused attention, to feel better over their symptoms. It can be for cooperative children as young as

8, and then all the way up into teenagers. Think about it like a skill. I just teach them the skill and encourage them to practice on their own.

LENT

Continued from page 1X

a day’s worth, with markings on the side to let you see how much you drink.

n If quitting smoking is the goal, cut down by one cigarette until it feels comfortable, then do the same thing again and again.

n That goes for getting your steps in, too. If you’re not used to long walks, start with a few blocks and increase by two every week.

“Revamping an entire diet is not realistic,” said Allie Foreman, a nutrition specialist for Ochsner’s Eat Fit Baton Rouge program “You’re more likely to get burned out, and it’s not sustainable.”

Plan ahead

Although it is tempting, waiting until Ash Wednesday to begin thinking about health goals and what to do for Lent can be stressful and lead to confusing goals that are hard to accomplish.

Creating specific plans helps to cut down on the mental energy along the way and makes the process of achieving goals as painless and easy as possible.

Selecting goals must be personal, according to Abramson, and not for the benefits of others or trends or what people think.

“You have to have reasons to do it for yourself, not for anybody else,” Abramson said.

Each goal requires different parameters to achieve. Identifying the best types of goal will help to clarify the next planning stages.

For example, have appealing and accessible alternatives to cutting down on sugar caffeine or screen time may help make the goal achievable along the way

“We all have 10 minutes,” Abramson said A good plan, she added, follows the acronym FEEL: “It’s fast, it’s enjoyable, it’s effective and there’s longevity.”

Being consistent is key to building habits that will last the entire 40 days of Lent. That might mean mindful breathing, followed by a few minutes of stretching and a 10-minute workout in the morning. Or it could be a new approach to breakfast, or a rethink on the crush of daily responsibilities

Workout buddies matter

Even with countless studies on how exercise improves the health of our bodies, minds, and quality of life, 75% of people don’t get enough physical activity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Daniel Lieberman a Harvard paleoanthropologist

Is hypnosis a common technique among doctors in general, or is it a newer technique? I wouldn’t say that it’s very uncommon. I would say that it has gained ground, especially in recent years, as being a more mainstream and accepted treatment, particularly for IBS and functional abdominal pain. There were some guidelines released in 2025 by the North American Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, and the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition.

These are the big governing bodies in terms of the management of pediatric GIs across North America and Europe. They affirmed a high recommendation for using hypnosis to treat abdominal pain, IBS and functional abdominal pain, even over a lot of medications which are more commonly used. So the 2025 guidelines reaffirmed that hypnosis is an acceptable and evidence based option for the treatment of these conditions now Is hypnosis paired with other treatment or is it effective on its

own?

I always pair the hypnosis recommendation with dietary and lifestyle modification to support treating those conditions, talking about sleep and stress management. I think you have to treat the whole patient. How long does each session take?

Sessions can be anywhere from five to 15 minutes. When patients practice at home, they can practice in session lengths of their choosing. I recommend that they create a schedule and that they try to adhere to the schedule, so that it really does become a practice that is second nature. Just like any other muscle, the more that you practice, the stronger it is and the easier it is to use. I can’t emphasize enough that there is a high quality of evidence for using hypnosis and that it really is a valid and scientifically proven method for the treatment of abdominal pain. We are taking it out of the stage act and more into actual real life to be a really powerful tool that people can use for themselves.

and author of “Exercised: Why Something We Never Evolved to Do is Healthy and Rewarding,” said the “buddy system” is the best way to motivate anyone to do a workout routine regularly

Canceling a 6 a.m. workout is different when a friend is waiting for you to show up.

Lieberman’s research shows that humans have major biological and cultural incentives to avoid exercise. That’s because historically, it was important for survival to avoid expending unnecessary energy

“For the vast majority of us, it’s hard to exercise and we all have deep fundamental instincts to avoid unnecessary activity,” Lieberman said in his book.

To motivate friends and family, try scheduling a daily walk after dinner or a standing weekly workout class at a studio near Taking a walk

Don’t fall for whatever wellness trend is making the rounds — except maybe walking.

Getting 7,000 steps a day is a great way to lose weight and reduce risks of premature death, cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes and even neurological diseases

such as dementia, according to Abramson.

“There’s a lot of good reasons that would motivate somebody to want to start walking,” Abramson said.

Walking can help de-stress the body and kick-start the digestive system if taken after meals. Walking is low intensity compared to other cardio options like running or biking. If looking for an extra challenge, rucking or carrying extra weights on the wrists or in vests can help add extra weight and workout to walking.

Find people to support you

While starting a new, healthy diet sounds like a simple task, many people get stumped on how to create dishes that fit the bill. Getting away from easy, comfort meals is a common hurdle for at-home health seekers.

Hosting a healthy recipes party can shine a light on new recipes and also build a supportive group of healthy eaters. Try out new healthy dishes like fun salads and vegetable sides with friends and family on a Friday (for Catholics adhering to a meatless day).

Foreman works with restaurants to connect them with healthy options and

modifications — replacing some items with whole grains, liming saturated fats and increasing proteins on the menu. The hospital-sponsored program also is hosting its 11th annual alcohol free for 40 days challenge. The program, at $65 per person with taxes, includes a Facebook group to ask questions, create new mocktail recipes and share experiences; tracking health metrics like weight, blood pressure and close-up photos of the face; and pre- and post-challenge blood work to compare inflammation, liver health and alcohol toxicity in the body

“During the 40 days, we found that people report better sleep and having more energy to do things like go for a walk after dinner or to spend time with friends,” Foreman said. “(Without alcohol,) energy levels are more steady throughout the day better mental clarity and ability to focus.” Although registration for the program ends Feb 16, the alcohol-free program’s Facebook group is open to all who want to join the challenge.

Email Margaret DeLaney at margaret.delaney @theadvocate.com.

PHOTO PROVIDED By FRANK L AyMAMI III

Dr Amanda Glinky, a gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition specialist at Manning Family Children’s New Orleans, uses hypnosis as a tool in her practice.

STAFF FILE PHOTO By TRAVIS SPRADLING

Kane Hurst, 8, left, tries to keep pace doing pushups with his fitness enthusiast dad Lawrence Hurst, right, in the workout area at BREC’s Highland Road Park on April 12, 2022. Daniel Lieberman, a Harvard paleoanthropologist and author of ‘Exercised: Why Something We Never Evolved to Do is Healthy and Rewarding,’ said the ‘buddy system’ is the best way to motivate anyone to do a workout routine regularly

STAFF FILE PHOTO By JAVIER GALLEGOS

Allie Foreman, a nutrition specialist for Ochsner’s Eat Fit Baton Rouge program, works with restaurants to connect them with healthy options and modifications.

PROVIDED PHOTO

Baby Blaise gets ready for her 9-month Foundcog brain scan with her mother, Mary, at Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience in Dublin, Ireland.

Eat Fit LiveFit

MThehidden costsofdrinking: Howalcohol really affectsyourbody and mind

ostofusweretaught tothinkofalcohol insimpleterms: moderationisfine,excessisthe problem.ButthedeeperI’ve goneintothesciencethrough yearsofclientwork,reviewing datafromAlcoholFreefor 40andinterviewingexperts, thecleareritbecomesthat alcohol’simpactisgreaterand moreimmediatethanmanyof usrealize.

Irecentlyhadthe opportunitytointerview alcoholresearcherMegan Strowger,PhD,formypodcast, FUELEDWellness+Nutrition.

Dr.Strowger’spostdoctoral workattheUniversityat Buffalo’sAlcoholResearchLab focusesonhowculturalcues andsocialmediashapeour drinkinghabits

“Weoftenthinkwe’remaking independentdecisionsaboutdrinking,” saidDr.Strowger.“We’reconstantlybeing subtlyinfluencedbywhatweseeinreal lifeandonsocialmedia.”

AlcoholandtheNervousSystem

“Ididn’trealizealcoholwasactually worseningmyanxietyuntilIstopped drinking.”It’soneofthemostcommon thingswehearfromAlcoholFreefor 40participants

Itseemscounterintuitive,butit’s true:Alcoholinitiallyincreasescalming neurotransmittersinourbrain,whichis whyitcanfeelrelaxinginthemoment Butasourbodymetabolizesalcohol, thenervoussystemreboundsinthe oppositedirection.Stresshormones rise.Heartrateincreases.Sleep becomesmorefragmented.Formany, theresultisnext-dayanxietyanda sensethatsomethingfeelsalittleoff

Overtime,thiscancreateand perpetuateatoxiccycleoffeelinganxious thedayafterwedrink,sowebegintorely moreonalcoholtorelax—eventhough alcoholitselfisakeypartofwhat’sdriving theanxietyinthefirstplace

TheRippleEffects

Theeffectsofalcoholextendfarbeyond thebrain.Itdisruptsgutbacteriaandthe balanceofthemicrobiome.Itinterferes withbloodsugarregulation,whichcan contributetoenergycrashes,cravings andtheup-and-downrollercoastermany

peopleexperiencethroughout theday.Itincreaseswhole-body inflammationandaltershowour bodymetabolizesfuel,often prioritizingalcoholoverfatburning

Manypeoplenoticevisiblechanges whentheycutbackorstopdrinking likelessfacialpuffiness,reduced bloatingorclearerskin.Othersnotice changesthatshowupindailylife suchassteadierenergy,improved concentration,feweremotional spikesandamoreconsistentmood.

“Givingupalcoholforawindowof timeisanopportunitytohitthereset button,”saidDr.Strowger.“People personallyexperiencehowabreak fromdrinkingaffectssomanyaspects oftheirwellbeing,insideandout.”

EvenShort-TermAbstinence CanShiftHabits

Dr.Strowgerrecentlyleda2025 scopingreviewofDryJanuaryresearch publishedinthejournalAlcoholand Alcoholism.Acrossmultiplestudies participantswhocompletedamonth ofabstinenceshowedimprovementsin biologicalmarkers,mentalwell-being andaconceptresearcherscall“drink refusalself-efficacy,”whichreferstoone’s confidenceindecliningalcoholinsocial situations.

“Oneofthemostcompellingfindings wastheincreaseinconfidencetorefusea drinkinsocialsettings.Inaculturewhere

MollyKimball,RD,CSSD,isaregistereddietitian withOchsnerHealthandfounderofOchsner’sEatFit nonprofitinitiative.Formorewellnesscontent,tuneinto Molly’spodcast,FUELEDWellness+Nutrition,andfollow @MollykimballRDand@EatFitOchsneronsocialmedia. Emailnutrition@ochsner.orgtoconnectwithMollyor scheduleaconsultwithherteam.

socialpressuretodrinkissopervasive, thatshiftissignificant.”

Evenparticipantswhodidn’tremain fullyabstinentshowedimprovementsin mentalwell-beingmonthslater.Thisisstill important,asitreframestheexperienceas progressratherthanperfection.

TheRoleofEnvironment andMedia

Dr.Strowger’sresearchalsoexamines howalcohol-relatedcontentonsocial mediainfluencesreal-worldbehavior.A cocktailreel.Abrunchmimosapost.A lifestyleinfluencerframingdrinkingas relaxationorevenself-care.Thesecues shapetheperceptionofwhat’snormal, oftenwithoutpeoplerealizingit.

Her work looksatwhathappensin the moments afterpeople encounter alcohol-related content.The effectisn’t always conscious, butthe behavioral influence is significant.

Atthesametime,she’sseenthe oppositeeffectwhenpeopleintentionally changetheirenvironment.Asherown socialmediafeedshiftedtowardmore alcohol-freecontent,itreinforcedher decisiontostopdrinking.Thecuesaround herchanged,andthebehaviorbecame easiertomaintain.

WhyThisMatters

Alcoholaffectsoursleep,anxiety, metabolism,inflammation,cognitionand more.Thedegreevariesbyperson,dose andpattern—buttheimpactisreal. Ifyou’veeverwonderedhowalcohol

BY THENUMBERS

LA.RANKS 2NDFOR SENIORS WITH COGNITIVEDECLINE IN U.S.

In 2023, 9.8% of Louisianaseniors over the ageof65reported having difficulty remembering,concentrating or making decisions.That’shigher than theU.S.averageat7.9%.

Cognitiveimpairment limits older adults’ ability to agein place independently.Family,friends and other unpaid caregiversoften bear theresponsibility of providingdaily assistance and emotionalsupport to older adults with severe cognitive impairments such as Alzheimer’s, the most common formofdementia. As the 65 and older population increases, the number of older adults living with Alzheimer’sdisease in the United States is projected to reach 13.8 million by 2060.

Several conditions contribute to cognitiveimpairment,including

HEALTH NOTES

Continued from page1X

with obesity The clinical trial, at Pennington Biomedical Research Center in BatonRouge, will bea 12week trial involving 80 adults overthe age of 50. Participants will be assigned to two different dietarygroup, and all participants will be required to complete 150 minutes perweek of supervised aerobicand resistance exercise. Baton Rouge cancer center offers outpatient CAR-T-cell therapy

The Mary Bird Perkins CancerCenter announcedanoutpatientservicefor patients with select blood cancers in their CAR T-cell therapy program, atreatmenttherapy thatgenetically engineers apatient’sown white blood cells to recognize, target and destroycancer cells. While other programs in the state offer inpa-

metabolic or endocrine dysfunction, Alzheimer’sand other dementias, and treatable health issues like medication side effectsand depression.While people can experience cognitiveimpairment at anystageinlife, ageisthe greatest risk factor for Alzheimer’s

These states had thehighest percentageofadultsover65with cognitivedifficulty,indescending order: n Mississippi at 10.1%, n Louisiana at 9.8%, n NewMexico at 9.6%, n Alabama at 9.5%, n Hawaii at 9.4%, n Kentucky and Oklahomaat9.2%, n Oregon at 9%, n Arkansas, California and West Virginia at 8.9%

These states had thelowest

AlcoholFreefor40registration closesSunday,February15,at midnight;fulldetailsandlinkto signupatAlcoholFreeFor40.com.

Seniorswithcognitive declineinAmerica

Percentage of adults age65and older whoreportedhaving

Source:U.S.CensusBureau

tientCAR-T-cell therapy(astay in thehospital), Mary Bird is thefirst in the regiontooffer treatment in an outpatient setting. Patientscan receivetreatment during the day and thenhead home,according to Mary Bird. NewOrleans hosts national summit for lung cancer

The third annualAfrican American Lung Cancer Patient &Caregiver Summit in New Orleans is set for April 23-25 at the Marriott Warehouse Arts District. The weekend-long event will focus on “survivorship, emerging treatments, clinical trials, environmental and clean-air justice, public policy, AI in care, mental wellness, financial navigation, caregiver supportand patient advocacy The eventisfree for lung cancer patientsand caregiversand includes meals, hotel accommodations and travel and learning materials.

Health Notes is an occasional listing of health happenings around Louisiana. Have something you’d like to share? Contact us at margaret.delaney@theadvocate.com.

percentageofadultsover65with cognitivedifficulty,inascending order: n North Dakota at 5.4%, n Iowa and Wisconsin at 5.6%, n NewHampshire and Vermont at 5.7%, n Nebraska at 5.8%, n South Dakota at 6.2%, n Colorado and Minnesota at 6.4%, n Wyoming at 6.6%.

BRO UGH TT OY OU BY

Molly Kimball RD,CSSD

HeartdiseaseistheNo.1causeofdeathinbothmenandwomen.Sometimes, heartattackwarningsignscanoccurweeksinadvance.Recognizingthemmay saveyourlife.

Common early signsinclude:

Frequentchestpain:Itmayfeellikeapressureortightnessinthechest,or likesomeoneissqueezingyourchest.Thepainmayalsoradiatetoyourarms, neck,jaw,backorstomach.Ifyouexperiencechestpainordiscomfortthat lastsformorethanafewminutes,seekmedicalattentionrightaway.

Fatigue:Youmayfeellikeyou’remoretiredthanusual,orlikeyoucannot seemtogetenoughrest.

Dizziness:Youmayfeellikeyou’regoingtofaint,orliketheroomisspinning

Indigestionornausea:Abdominalpainoccursinover50%ofheartattacksin bothmenandwomen.

Sweating:Excessivesweating,unlessyouaregoingthroughmenopauseor havejustcompletedanexercise,isapotentialwarningsign.

Unusualswellinginthelegs,anklesorfeet

Irregularheartbeat

Painordiscomfortinotherareasofthebody:Thiscanincludeyourarms, back,neck,jaworstomach.Thepainmayfeellikepressure,squeezingor fullness,andmaycomeandgoorlastforseveralminutesormore

What arethe unique signs of heart attacks in women?

Areheartattacksthesameinbothwomenandmen?Notalways.

Womentendtohavesmallerarteriesandexperiencemore“wearandtear”when theheartpumps.Theirarteriesarealsopronetospasm,whichlimitsbloodflow. Menopausecanspeeduptheseproblems,especiallyinwomenwithdiabetes.

Hereare signs of aheart attack in women:

Chestpain:Thisisthemostcommonheartattacksymptominwomen.Itcanfeel likepressure,tightnessordiscomfortintheleftorrightsideofthechest/breast area,shoulders,arms,neck,back,upperabdomenorjaw.

Itcanbescarytowakeupinthemiddleofthenightwithyourheartracing.Ifthis happensoccasionally,itislikelynotacauseforconcern.However,ifithappens frequently,itcouldbeasignofheartdiseaseoranirregularheartbeat.

Threepotential causesof racing heart while sleepingare:

Sleepapnea:Yourbreathingstopsandstartsrepeatedlywhileyousleep.

Nausea

Stressandanxiety:Ifyouareworriedorstressed,yourbodycanproduce hormoneslikeadrenaline.Nightmaresandvividdreamscancauseaspikein heartrate.

Shortnessofbreath

Lightheadedness

Confusion

Fatigue

Sometimes,womendonotrecognizetheseassignsofaheartattack. Thegoodnewsisthatyourdoctorcanworkwithyoutoloweryourrisks. Medicationsandlifestylechangesarethecornerstonesofheartdisease management.However,dependingonyourheartdiseasetype,youmayneed furtherproceduresand/orsurgery.

Ifyouareexperiencingchestpainorothersymptomsofaheartattack,call911.

Lifestyle:Caffeine,alcohol,smokingandeatingaheavymealrightbeforebedcan allcauseanincreaseinheartrate.

Ifyoursleepingheartrateisoftenabove100beatsperminute,talktoadoctor aboutit.

Armpainisanotherpossiblesignthataheartattackisimminent.Itistypically feltintheleftarm,butitcanaffectbotharms.

Heart-relatedarmpainoftenfeelslikeadullache.Itusuallycomeswithother warningsignslikesweating,nausea,chestdiscomfortorshortnessofbreath.

Armpainmayhaveothercauses.Musclepainusuallyhappensbecauseof physicalactivity,injuryorstrain.Itistypicallylocalized,meaningitaffectsa specificarea,andgetsworsewitharmmovementorpressingtheaffected area.Itgetsbetterwithpain-relievingmedicationslikeMotrinorAleve.

Knowingthedifferencebetweenmusclepainandheart-relatedarmpain iscrucial.Musclepainisusuallysharpandlinkedtomovement.Heartpainis morelikelytofeellikepersistentpressureorsqueezing.

LOUISIANA

TreBishop, left, chatswith fellowLouisiana Legislativeyouth AdvisoryCouncil members on Nov. 22 after thecouncil meeting at theEastBaton RougeParish Library’sdowntown branch.

‘We’re asking forsolutions’

Louisianateens are making

BY JOYHOLDEN Staff writer

On arecent January afternoon, 25 well-dressed teenagers gathered together for theirLouisianaLegislative Youth AdvisoryCouncil meeting at the Centerfor Coastal &DeltaicSolutions on River Road in Baton Rouge. Before the meeting began, theteenagers satatconference tables looking out over the Mississippi River At the sound of the gavel, the conversationsabout college acceptances, scholarship offers and honors programs ceased. The teenage delegates straightened their shoulders —and ties —and got down to business.

TreBishop, an Ascension Episcopal senior from Lafayetteand the president of this year’s council, calledthe meeting to order and confirmed aquorum was presentinorder to conductnew business. He introduced the speakers for the meeting, including St. Charles Parish School Superintendent Ken Oertling,who would be speaking on theparish’s strides in school safety. Bishop was already involvedwithpresentinga bill that became law.Fiveyears ago, he presented abill toencourage the local collection and recycling of campaign signstothe House Natural Resources and Environment committee. Thebillwas unanimously passed throughboth legislative chambers and signed into law June 2021. Since then,Bishophas continued to advocate and work on recycling campaign signs by sendingletters to politicians, settinguprecycling stations in Acadiana and collecting signs when he can. For him, the Legislative Youth Advisory Council

JanRisher

When faithruns thin,we canborrow alittle

Like clockwork, our younger daughter calls at 6:30 mostevenings as she makes the 25-minute drive from the high school where she teaches back to her Denver apartment. So when 6:40 p.m.came and went on Tuesday without acall, Iwondered what was up and dialed her number instead. She answered with ashaky voice and said she was with another teacher.Could she call me back in afew minutes?

When she did, the floodgates opened. She echoed achildhood favorite —“Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.”Inher words, it had been exactly that.

alegislative

impact

was another waytodirectly impact laws in the state and gaincrucial experience as he pursues political aspirations. Through his experiences with the council, he noted that many people think thatteenagers can’tdomuch about solvingproblems, but he says there are kids who are voicing their issues and finding solutions. “We’re asking for solutions on thingsthat are not just affecting us, but every other student,” Bishop said. “I’m so glad that kids are coming together and they are ready to take that step instead of just sitting on the sidelines.”

The 31 members of the Louisiana Legislative Advisory Council are in no way sitting on the sidelines. They eagerly want to make change in their communities and state,somuch so that they have committed themselves to ayear of service to work with state legislators on behalf of fellow Louisiana teenagers. “I’mgonna work to make (Louisiana) better for thekids of our state,” Bishop said. Christian Knight, asenior from Ouachita Christian School in Monroe, agreed that working to resolve issuesfaced by Louisiana

adolescentsmotivated him to apply for Louisiana Youth AdvisoryCouncil. MeganBella,a Louisiana Senate staff member and the Legislative Youth Advisory Council coordinator,has been working withstudent membersofthe councilsince 2017. She haswatched many teenagers grow andgain leadershipexperience. Their excitement is contagious, she said, andthey havesomany varied ideasabout what they want to accomplish. The council has someideas like expanding testing for

See IMPACT, page 2Y

Astudent she had gone out of her waytohelp —one she had advocated for—had blownupat her in class. The exchange left her embarrassed and rattled, and at 24, she is still young enough in her profession to feel she has something to prove to everyone in the room Iwas slow to learn that listening is often the mostuseful thing a parent can offer,soI listened for awhile before saying much. About 30 minutes into the call, she said quietly,“This feels too hard.”

This is achild whohas faced hard questions mostofher life. We adopted her from China when she was11months old, and since middle school, she has tried to understand the complicated story of how we came to be afamily

She’snot one to look away from difficult things.

But having once been ateacher myself,I didn’tpush back on the hard she was feeling. Somekinds of hard must be acknowledged before they can be carried, and a tough day in teaching is that kind of hard.

Ireminded her that asingle day does not define her as ateacher

We talked about the difference between the hard that comes from learning and the hard that comes from being unsupported. We talked about how doing difficult things makes us better versions of ourselves —that teaching has away of enlarging us, even when, at times, we would very much prefer to stay the same size.

Nothing Isaid seemed to make much of adifference.

Then she said, “I’m just waiting forafaith-in-humanity moment.” There wasatime, not so very long ago, when she was the one looking to the adults in her life forsteadiness. Now here she was —ayoung woman responsible forsteadying aclassroom —and admitting that her own reserves were running low

Even so, the fact that she was still hoping forsuch amoment wasreassuring to me. Even knowing she washurting, Ifelt relieved —even hopeful —tohear what she was waiting for. Cynicism would have been easier,but she hadn’tchosen it.

So Itold her that she reminded me that on my better days, I’m full of faith in humanity,even in these turbulent times —and on the harder days, Itry to find reasons to be hopeful in others, including her So,ondayswhenfaith in humanity feels thin, Isaid, “You can borrowmine until yours refills.”

Beija Lopes-Morgan, right, speaks to Louisiana Legislativeyouth AdvisoryCouncil members duringthe Nov. 22 council meeting

ASK

Louisiana art collector featured in new PBS series

research and historical analysis, Simien helped recover Bélizaire’s identity and story This year, he is expanding his media platform with a podcast “Static & Dust.”

BY LAUREN CHERAMIE Staff writer

Jeremy Simien, a Baton Rouge native, is an art collector, historian and cultural preservationist whose work focuses on uncovering overlooked histories in American and Louisiana material culture. A ninth-generation Louisiana Creole, his research centers on the visual record of multiracial communities, enslavement and identity in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Simien’s work includes the rediscovery and restoration of the 1837 portrait “Bélizaire and the Frey Children,” attributed to Jacques Amans. He is known for bringing renewed attention to the painting, which depicts Bélizaire, an enslaved Afro-Creole teenager whose figure had been painted over and obscured for decades. Through conservation, genealogical

Simien was featured on PBS Digital Studios’ “The Story in Us,” an anthology series that celebrates global storytelling traditions. Episode two, “How Creators Are Reframing Southern Identity,” premiered Jan. 15 and was partly filmed in Baton Rouge. The eightpart series explores how culture, history and identity are preserved through the universal art of storytelling. Watch the series at www.pbs.org/show/ the-story-in-us.

This interview was edited for length and clarity.

With your background in art, why was it important for you to be a part of this project in Southern storytelling and identity?

I was drawn to art because certain pieces express so much that’s difficult to explain. It can cause people to think It can say so much without having to fit into 15 or 20 seconds, or without having to sit for an hour and a half and listen to a long drawn-out story

self-study AP students and creating a statewide electronic platform to log community service hours.

“LYAC teaches you to work with adults and work with your peers because they really have to work together They are coming to the Capitol to testify on bills and putting themselves out there in a way that’s scary,” Bella said.

The council, comprised entirely of high school students with an interest in representing the voices of young people across the state, was created by state law in 2007 by Act 118. The 31 student members are appointed each year — three from each of the state’s six congressional districts and the remaining members at large.

The students attend a two-day seminar in July at the state Capitol to start their terms, then they meet every other month for one Saturday in Baton Rouge. In between, they meet on Zoom. At the start of each year, committees are established to create proposals to bring to legislators. This year’s committees include education, civic engagement, community resources and technology.

‘An incredible opportunity’

Brinkley Bennett, a senior at St. Joseph’s Academy in Baton Rouge, is serving her second term with the Louisiana Legislative Youth Advisory Council. She was part of the 2025 group that proposed and created the legislative K-12 School Safety Task Force with Sen. Rick Edmonds.

“When I saw the opportunity that I could actually start working in

A picture speaks 1,000 words, and sometimes it can do that in less than 30 seconds. I was drawn to trying to find a way to tell these stories for more than one reason. One, so they would be preserved. I regretted not asking one of my grandparents a lot of stories and questions about her upbringing, but I was fortunate to have other grandparents who lived into their 90s.

I learned that so much went unwritten. That’s always the case, but it’s especially the case for a certain generation in Louisiana and even more so with certain demographics and agricultural backgrounds. They were not necessarily exposed to formal education, some not exposed to any education, so that limited their ability to preserve history It wasn’t written a lot of times, so they preserved through storytelling and oral tradition.

With the omnipresence of social media, how do you balance the depth of storytelling with shorter attention spans in a digital world?

It’s more than depth and quick engagement, it’s also integrity It’s easy to lead with rage baiting and get their attention. But there comes a responsibility not

government at such a young age, I kind of jumped at it, because I think LYAC is just such an incredible opportunity,” Bennett said.

The council allows legislators to directly discuss issues with high school students, and they work together to form policy

Bennett says she’s learned that creating policy that pleases everyone isn’t always easy, because legislation requires multiple perspectives from a variety of demographics. School safety, for example, she said, impacts school resource officers, private companies, public schools, charter schools and other stakeholders.

“It’s important to bring everyone at the table in order to make sure everyone feels heard,” Bennett said. Knight says the successful collaboration between students from different parts of the state has had a lasting impact on him. Presenting issues that matter

In addition to the K-12 School Safety Task Force, the council also has a seat on the Commission on School and Nonprofit Security as well as the Youth Tobacco and Nicotine Cessation Task Force hosted by the Louisiana Department of Health.

Bishop says that the legislators are welcoming and receptive to the teenagers in their committee meetings.

“They know why we’re there,”

Bishop said “We are ready to make a change with them. We’re honestly just as important to them as they are to us We are the ones who are affected, and we see every bit of this firsthand every day of our lives.”

Recently, Bennett and other council members have been working with Sen Edmonds and individuals from the Department of Education,

WITH JEREMy SIMIEN

to exploit. Right now on social media, there’s a lot of authentic stories being told by people who are not of the culture — and maybe not even the location. For me, the challenge is not only getting their attention it’s also trying to be respectful and have integrity with telling the story That can be a challenge, because people are not always interested in 45 seconds. Certain platforms say if people don’t watch for 2.5 seconds they kill

your video.

It’s upsetting and irritating, but you can complain about it, or you can re-strategize. You have to maintain integrity, and it’s sad when people don’t. You have to be careful with this. Maybe I’m superstitious. Maybe I’m weird, but you have to honor the ancestors.

The episode synopsis explains that “Southern Black, Creole and Appalachian communities passed down history, values and identity through sound, rhythm and spoken

Louisiana School Board Association, Superintendents Association and other stakeholders to work toward making schools safer

At the last School Safety Task Force meeting, the council came up with three ideas — physical assessments of all schools by trained police, reporting threats to State Analytical Fusion Exchange and requiring safety and security standards for new school designs and renovations. These best practices were adopted by the task force and will be brought to legislation next session by Edmonds and Rep. Charles Owen.

Bella says the students will follow the bills through the legislative pro-

cess and come to the Capitol to testify in committee on both the House and Senate side.

“Whenever we go in committee,”

Bennett said, “it’s the fusion of all the work that we put in, and we’re bringing it to the legislator so they can see us as youth and that these issues do matter to us.”

To apply for next year’s council, visit house.louisiana.gov/civiced/. Applicants must be between the ages of 14 and 19, and enrolled in a public or private high school, a home school program, or a GED skills program.

Email Joy Holden at joy.holden @theadvocate.com.

word: on porches, in church basements and around kitchen tables.” How did you experience storytelling in your childhood? It was a lot of the kitchen table. The advent of air conditioning has not always been there, but it has changed where we tell these stories. Technology has changed, just like air conditioning, and we don’t necessarily have to sit on the porch

I could hear her breathing differently, and she said, “I can do that.” I’ve been thinking of our conversation in the days since — and how this quiet borrowing is something most of us do, whether we name it or not. None of us carries a never-ending supply of certainty or hope. There are seasons when our wells run low And on those days, we can keep going on what others lend us — a friend’s reassurance, a colleague’s confidence, a parent’s steadiness, even the kindness of a stranger

Eventually our own faith is restored, and then we get the chance to return the favor If the young adults in my orbit are any indication — earnest, determined, hardworking, still believing people can be better — I find my coffers replenished more often than not.

Faith in humanity is an ironic resource. The more we share, the more we create. Some days, we borrow Some days, we lend.

Email Jan Risher at jan. risher@theadvocate. com.

PHOTO By JAVIER GALLEGOS

Historian and art collector Jeremy Simien gives a tour of

Baton Rouge collection on Nov. 6.

Simien

Chronic wasting disease threatens deer across the U.S.

Missouri takes strong measures to fight illness

BY HECTOR ALEJANDRO ARZATE Contributing writer

Editor’s note: This story, created by Héctor Alejandro Arzate is part of the AP Storyshare. Louisiana Inspired features solutions journalism stories that provide tangible evidence that positive change is happening in other places and in our own communities — solutions that can be adopted around the world.

The pickup trucks pulled into the parking lot every 10 minutes or so.

One after another, drivers rolled down their windows and staff greeted them like restaurant workers taking drive-thru orders. But these weren’t customers at any of the fast-food chains in central Missouri. They were deer hunters. Successful ones, with freshly tagged whitetails, rolling into the Missouri Department of Conservation’s office in Columbia.

That mid-November weekend was the start of firearms season, typically, the most successful two-day outing for Missouri deer hunters. It was also when the state mandated sampling from every deer harvested in a select 35 counties.

Conservation staff were on the lookout for chronic wasting disease a neurological illness that can infect deer and closely related species like elk and moose. It’s highly contagious, always fatal, and there’s currently no treatment or vaccine.

“In order to manage the disease, clearly you got to know where it is,” said Jason Isabelle, the state’s supervisor for deer management.

To limit the spread of CWD, wildlife agencies have often relied on deer hunters, landowners and other stakeholders. Many are willing to

ners announced that the state would pause its postseason targeting of deer in areas where CWD had been detected.

In an open letter to hunters, Sumners shared how his passion for white-tailed deer as a youth in rural Missouri led him toward a career in state conservation.

Sumners said that MDC would work with both hunters and landowners to find a more sustainable approach toward CWD management. But he emphasized the threat of the disease if left unchecked.

might not look sick at first, but these deer will still spread CWD through direct herd contact and bodily fluids, such as saliva, urine and feces. Shed prions can contaminate the soil and water for many years.

“By the time you’re seeing lots of sick deer on the landscape, it’s way too late to do anything,” said Isabelle.

Last year, Missouri tested over 36,000 deer for CWD, finding 243 new cases. Seven counties experienced their first-ever case.

chief of the prion cell biology unit and one of the study’s coauthors. The results are “promising,” Haigh added. Still, concerns remain about both the emergence of a new CWD strain and the possibility that a small group of people has a genetic susceptibility to CWD.

“Personally, I would prefer my meat to be tested,” Haigh said. “But I really don’t think that handling a deer carcass is probably going to be very high risk.”

participate but tension has grown. Throughout the Midwest and Southeast, some deer hunters are at odds with their state over how to best respond to CWD.

That includes Missouri, where in addition to mandatory testing sites, the state had been working with landowners to “remove” deer in areas where CWD has been detected. But because the disease is not widely believed to affect humans, many hunters said they are more worried about the loss of game than CWD itself.

“You start hearing about the thousands and thousands of deer — healthy deer — that they’re killing to try to thin the herds all through the state of Missouri,” said Mark Ackerson, a hunter from Peculiar Missouri. “It starts to become a little ridiculous.”

As a lifelong hunter, Ackerson said he prioritizes harvestingwildgameoverstorebought meat. At a family outing this past season, however, hesaidthereweren’tasmany deer as he hoped. “It has drastically affected my life,” he said. “Yeah, it’s terrible and I don’t believe in it.”

Rising pushback

The exact origins of CWD are unknown. It was first detected in captive deer at a government research facility in Colorado back in 1967. Since then, the disease has been found in both wild and

captive cervids in 36 U.S states — including all 10 along the Mississippi River It’s also been identified in five Canadian provinces, as well as Finland, Norway, Sweden, and South Korea.

Many states that have detected CWD have a surveillance or management plan in place.

“We know what happens when you let it run its course. Which is that it becomes highly prevalent and it has impacts on the population,” said Daniel Storm, a deer research scientist at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

But conservation agencies’ response to the disease has spurred distrust among some hunters. In Illinois and Minnesota, researchers have found that particularly in places where CWD has been detected, hunters are less likely to defer to conservation agencies on questions like herd management and the risk posed by the disease In Missouri, one person started an online petition last year that called on the conservation department to end the “unnecessary killing” of deer as part of its CWD containmentefforts.Thepetition implored MDC to consider more “sustainable and ethical” actions, as well as more engagement with the hunting community It gathered over 3,000 signatures.

Then, in mid-December, MDC director Jason Sum-

“Some will say CWD is simply a political disease that has not impacted deer populations,” he wrote, “but this couldn’t be farther from the truth.”

Still, Sumners said that most stakeholders share the same goal of sustaining Missouri’s deer population so that future generations can appreciate it, including his own family

“Together, we can preserve the health of the herd and the futureofhunting;divided,we may lose it,” Sumners said. Why the urgency?

Kip Adams is the chief conservation officer for the National Deer Association, an advocate for deer conservation across the country

He said that CWD is the “single largest threat” to the futureofdeerherdsandhunting opportunities in the U.S.

So he wants to see the spread of the disease slow down.

“That’s not just my personal opinion or (our) organization, but the vast majority of wildlife professionals view it that way,” Adams said. CWD is caused by misfolded proteins, or prions. These replicate and damage the deer’s brain and nervous system, which often leads to extreme weight loss, drooling, confusion, and other strange behaviors that ultimately result in death.

Yet, CWD-infected deer can survive for a year or more before dying. They

New cases came out to less than 1% of the deer population tested in Missouri. It’s a good thing, said Isabelle In some parts of states like Illinois, Wisconsin, and Nebraska, the CWD prevalence rate has surpassed 5%.

Potential human risks

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people take precautions when handling animals infected with CWD.

Currently, there is no strong evidence that CWD can be transferred to humans. A 2018 article found a lack of transmission in macaque monkeys after 13 years of observation.

That’s unlike the prioncaused mad cow disease. It can spread to humans who eat infected beef and has been linked to fatal variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease of the brain.

Researchers did publish a 2024 article that examined two cases of hunters who developed Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease — which is different from the variant CreutzfeldtJakob linked to beef — after possible exposure to CWDinfected deer

However, most research suggests a strong species barrier In 2024, researchers in China and at the National Institutes of Health tested lab-grown human brain cells — called cerebral organoids for potential transmission. The results found a lack of prion transmission, according to Dr Cathryn Haigh, the

Future of deer populations In Missouri, the disease was first identified in 2012. Since then, it’s been detected in more than one-third of all of the state’s counties. Monitoring the spread of the disease can be a big endeavor Missouri is home to approximately 1.7 million whitetail deer, and testing requires the willingness of hunters like Collin Masters. On a warmer-than-usual season opener, Masters and his wife brought the severed head of a buck to the state conservation office in Columbia. She had shot the buck in Boone County, one of the places where scientists fear CWD may have spread. The head was wrapped inside a plastic trash bag, which he had stuffed into a green cooler. It wouldn’t shut because the buck’s antlers were sticking out. This wasn’t really an issue for Sarah Billington. Billington got to work with her scalpel. She is not a biologist She’s an administrative assistant, whose responsibilities include paying office bills or answering questions from the public. Yet, Billington had performed this procedure at least 20 times already Below the deer’s lower jaw were two bean-shaped lumps called retropharyngeal lymph nodes, which help its immune system filter out pathogens. Labs need the nodes because prions have a tendency to collect inside.

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PROVIDED PHOTO By HÉCTOR ALEJANDRO ARZATE

Deer hunter Collin Masters, left, pulls a severed buck head out of his truck to test for chronic wasting disease on Nov. 15 at a Missouri Department of Conservation site in Columbia, Missouri.

FAITH & VALUES

In Altadena, displaced congregations ‘in the wilderness’

Region scarred by Eaton Fire over a year ago

BY HAYDEN ROYSTER Contributing writer

To drive the streets of Altadena now, a little over a year after the Eaton Fire, is to be confronted by acres of dirt and greenery

The last of the charred debris was removed in August, and thanks to record-breaking winter rainfall, weeds and wild grasses have claimed many of the cleared lots.

The Eaton Fire was among the most devastating fires in California history killing 19 people and destroying more than 9,400 structures in this racially and economically diverse suburb of Los Angeles. More than a dozen of those buildings were houses of worship — like Masjid Al-Taqwa, Altadena’s first mosque.

Jihad Abdus-Shakoor, whose parents helped found Masjid AlTaqwa in the 1970s, spent much of his life within its walls. Today, all that remains of the mosque are its parking lot and street sign Abdus-Shakoor feels some relief at seeing rubble removed, but seeing the empty land is also “another blow,” he said “You’re glad the city is cleaned up, but the finality of looking at dirt is a different experience.”

In the year since the fire, Altadena faith communities whose structures were burned or damaged have found temporary spiritual homes, often leaning on interfaith connections to do so. Gradually, some are moving toward rebuilding although that day, for congregations and thousands of residents, remains distant.

For the Masjid Al-Taqwa community, the loss of the mosque was one of many Around 30 households, including the Abdus-Shakoor family, lost homes and businesses. One founding member’s daughter was killed.

Within days of the Eaton Fire, the community gathered for Friday prayers, hosted at First AME Church-Pasadena. In the months to come, they met at an Islamic school before settling into a property owned by Pasadena Covenant Church. The church encouraged them to make the two-room building their own. Over time, Abdus-Shakoor and others tore down the dividing wall and installed plush carpeting, creating a space more akin to a traditional mosque Abdus-Shakoor, who is heading up the mosque’s crisis recovery estimates his community could remain in the church building for another year or two “They’ve opened the doors to us, and it’s been a good collaboration,” he said.

A few blocks from Masjid AlTaqwa’s former site was Altadena Baptist Church, a progressive, multiracial church that lost its

sanctuary and children’s center to the blaze.

Since September, its members have held services downstairs at the Christian Science Church of Altadena — a white steepled chapel that somehow survived. “Our joke around here is that the only building to stand is the one woodframed building,” said the Rev George Van Alstine, associate pastor of Altadena Baptist Church.

“So, Mary Baker Eddy” — founder of Christian Science — “must be right.”

Van Alstine has pastored his progressive, multiracial parish since 1972, while the Rev Connie Larson DeVaughn, the current lead pastor, joined in 1987. For decades, they have both been part of groups such as the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Greater Pasadena — partnerships, they believe, that helped pave the way for the interfaith cooperation needed this year

“We don’t have to build those bridges at all,” DeVaughn said.

“We already have them.”

One crucial organization has been the Clergy Community Coalition. Created in 2005 to help local faith groups collectively address social issues, CCC has played a key role in fire relief: connecting Altadena congregations with temporary spaces, publishing a list of damaged houses of worship, and introducing donors to faith groups in need.

“We didn’t know that the 20 years of deep relationship-building, how important that would be in 2025,” said Mayra Macedo-Nolan, the executive director of CCC.

A former pastor herself, Macedo-Nolan described effectively serving as a “pastor to pastors” this past year She and CCC host a

regular meeting for leaders of the houses of worship that were lost. Along with helping them meet the needs of their members and neighbors, she said, “we also wanted to help them consider how to build for the future of the community.”

Recently congregations have begun taking concrete steps toward rebuilding. Some, such as Altadena Baptist Church and Masjid Al-Taqwa, are in talks with potential architects. Congregations with larger footprints, according to Macedo-Nolan, are considering adding affordable housing units to their properties as well.

One crucial organization has been the Clergy Community Coalition. Created in 2005 to help local faith groups collectively address social issues, CCC has played a

Six stories highlight global progress

From staff reports

These are stories of global progress, compiled by the media group Fix the News and shared in partnership with The Advocate/The Times-Picayune. Each story overview is linked to an original report or story with more information.

Group uplists endangered manta, devil ray species

In November, member nations of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora voted to grant the highest level of international protection to all 10 species of manta and devil rays. Oceanographic reported that the decision bans all international commercial trade in manta and devil ray products Known for their sweeping wingspans, the rays have specialized gill plates that set them apart from all other rays. Historically these traits have made them vulnerable, along with slow maturity and low reproductive rates. Now the fate of the manta and devil rays depends on global follow-through.

WHO/UNICEF releases

water supply report

The World Health Organization and United Nations Children’s Fund has released the Joint Monitoring Programme for Water Supply Sanitation and Hygiene since 1990 to produce

estimates of progress on drinking water, sanitation and hygiene internationally The 2025 report assesses those factors from 2000 to 2024. While gaps remain, many people gained improved services — millions now have safely managed drinking water, sanitation and basic hygiene — but progress varies regionally

According to the report, “between 2000 and 2024, the global population increased from 6.2 billion to 8.2 billion. Over this period, a quarter of the world’s population (2.2 billion) gained access to safely managed drinking water, and a third (2.8 billion) gained safely managed sanitation.”

How Kerala virtually eliminated poverty Kerala, a lower-middle-income economy in India, has virtually eliminated extreme poverty by combining modest economic growth with investments in health, education, equitable distribution, targeted safety nets and community participation. Brookings, a nonpartisan think tank reported that officials used a multidimensional poverty index to identify the poorest households and ensure none were overlooked through ground-level validation. Special programs, like the Athidaridrya Nirmarjana project, were instituted to identify and uplift individuals within five years. Extensive community engagement, led by local governments and supported by workers

like ASHA and Kudumbashree volunteers, was key Kerala’s historically egalitarian distribution also helped reduce poverty much more than income measures alone suggest.

South Africa fights back against invasive plants

South Africa’s landscapes are increasingly dominated by invasive plants like jacarandas, wattle and bugweed, which deplete water supplies, worsen drought and displace native ecosystems. These species cover about 10% of the country’s land, straining water supplies, biodiversity and agriculture while contributing to flooding and wildfire risk. In response, national and local programs are removing invasives from rivers, catchments and urban areas according to the World Resources Institute These efforts have restored water supplies, created jobs, improved ecosystem health, supported flood resilience and bolstered biodiversity

Collaboration extended to eliminate 3 diseases

The World Health Organization and Bayer AG, the German pharmaceutical company have extended a longstanding partnership into 2030 to support countries in scaling up free treatment for three neglected tropical diseases (NTDs): Chagas disease, human African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) and taeniasis/cys-

LGBTQ+-inclusive and affirming.

“That’s in my mind,” she said. “I’m thinking, ‘What does our LGBTQ+ community need from us?’” Whatever space the church builds, financing will inevitably be a factor With insurance and Federal Emergency Management Agency reimbursements only partially covering rebuilding costs, they and other congregations will likely need to fundraise millions. Across town, the Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center is weighing its own options and needs. The only Conservative Jewish synagogue in the western San Gabriel Valley, its worship space, library and entire campus were leveled by the fire, with only the Torah scroll preserved.

A year on, the synagogue’s 450 members gather at the chapel of the First United Methodist Church of Pasadena, while their religious school rents space at a nearby independent school. It was amid this season of uncertainty that Rabbi Joshua Ratner entered last August after accepting the role of PJTC’s senior rabbi.

Ratner arrived knowing he had “spiritual reserves” his congregants might not But he has been struck by a “strong spirit of resilience and optimism,” especially around what a new campus could bring, from a revamped library to a basketball court to expansive views of the San Gabriel Mountains. “This is a real exciting opportunity to build something from scratch,” he said.

In the meantime, Ratner acknowledged, “we are, to borrow a biblical theme, in the wilderness.”

While their Methodist hosts have been “accommodating” and “respectful” obscuring the cross with curtains during Shabbat services, for instance — “we know where we are,” he said. “It doesn’t feel like home.”

While their Methodist hosts have been “accommodating” and “respectful” — obscuring the cross with curtains during Shabbat services, for instance — “we know where we are,” he said. “It doesn’t feel like home.”

key role in fire relief: connecting Altadena congregations with temporary spaces, publishing a list of damaged houses of worship, and introducing donors to faith groups in need.

“We didn’t know that the 20 years of deep relationship-building, how important that would be in 2025,” said Mayra Macedo-Nolan, the executive director of CCC. DeVaughn sees a “golden opportunity” to create something better She is clear-eyed about what that could mean. “We imagine that it’s going to be wealthy people buying in after the fire,” she said “So we do want it to be beautiful.”

She is also conscious of Altadena’s substantial queer community In recent years, DeVaughn’s church has begun defining itself as

The sentiment is reflective of Altadena at large. Fewer than a dozen homes have been rebuilt, and 7 in 10 residents are still displaced. With many facing financial uncertainty, and homeowners of color disproportionately impacted, there are concerns that only wealthy, White Altadenans will return home at all. Abdus-Shakoor, his wife and his parents currently rent a house in Duarte, about 12 miles east of Altadena. At the moment, there is a significant gap between their insurance payout and what the family ultimately needs to rebuild.

“The community as a whole, from the faith-based organizations to all the residents, we still need a lot of help and support,” AbdusShakoor said. “It’s been a year, and it’s easy for this to be forgotten. But the journey is long.”

PROVIDED PHOTO By EMMA

A school of devil rays swim in Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary. In November member nations of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora voted to grant the highest level of international protection to all 10 species of manta and devil rays.

ticercosis. According to WHO, “NTDs are a diverse group of 21 diseases or disease groups that are widespread in the world’s poorest regions, where water safety, sanitation and access to health care are substandard.” Bayer will donate 18 million tablets and vials (suramin, nifurtimox, niclosamide) valued at about $15.5 million and provide $9.45 million in financial support to WHO programs and operations.

The collaboration “calls for the eradication or elimination of several of these conditions by the end of the decade.”

New guidelines unveiled for rewilding

The IUCN Commission on Environmental Management has unveiled its new guidelines for rewilding, offer-

ing the first comprehensive global framework for the practice. These guidelines were developed with partners worldwide and define rewilding as a nature-led, humanenabled approach to restoring selfsustaining ecosystems. The guidance aims to embed rewilding in global conservation policy and accelerate nature recovery to address biodiversity and climate crises Some of the guidelines include embracing ecosystem changes and involving local communities in decision-making.

Fix the News is the world’s leading solutions journalism newsletter The group finds hidden stories of progress and shares them with readers from 195 countries. Steven Pinker calls the newsletter “the best source for positive news on the internet.” Visit the website at fixthenews.com.

The former Altadena Community Church in seen in December in Altadena, Calif.

PHOTOS PROVIDED By KATHy DENINNO PHOTOGRAPHy

People participate in Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center’s one-year memorial event since the Eaton Fire on

Jan. 6 at the site of the former synagogue in Pasadena, Calif.

HICKERSON, FLOWER GARDEN BANKS NMS

SUNDAY, FebrUArY 15, 2026

CURTIS / by Ray Billingsley

SLYLOCK FOX / by Bob Weber Jr

GET FUZZY / by Darby Conley

HAGAR THE HORRIBLE / by Chris Browne

MOTHER GOOSE AND GRIMM / by Mike Peters

ZIGGY / by Tom Wilson

ZITS / by Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman

SALLY FORTH / by Francesco Marciuliano & Jim Keefe

PEARLS BEFORE SWINE /byStephan Pastis

directions: Make a 2- to 7-letter word from the letters in each row Add points of each word, using scoring directions at right. Finally, 7-letter words get 50-point bonus. “Blanks” used as any letter have no point value All the words are in the Official SCRABBLE® Players Dictionary, 5th Edition.

word game

instructions: 1. Words must be of four or more letters. 2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed. 3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. 4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.

todAY's Word — ideoLoGies: eye-deeOL-uh-jees: Concepts, especially about human life or culture

Average mark 48 words

Time limit 60 minutes

Can you find 66 or more words in IDEOLOGIES?

ken ken

instructions: 1 -Each rowand each column must contain thenumbers 1through4 (easy) or 1through6 (challenging) without repeating 2 -The numbers within the heavily outlinedboxes, called cages, must combine using thegiven operation (inany order)toproduce the target numbersinthe top-left corners. 3 -Freebies: Fillinthe single-boxcages withthe numberinthe top-left corner

instructions: Sudoku is anumber-placing puzzle based on a 9x9 gridwith several given numbers. The object is to placethe numbers 1to 9in theempty squares so that each row,each column and each 3x3 boxcontains the same number only once. The difficultylevel of the Conceptis Sudoku increases from Monday to Sunday

directions: Complete thegridso that numbers 1–132 connect horizontally, vertically or diagonally

Sudoku

Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Nichols Lewis

wuzzLes

On the ball?

super Quiz

Take this Super Quiz to a Ph.D. Score 1 point for each correct answer on the Freshman Level, 2 points on the graduate Level and 3 points on the Ph.D. Level.

SUBJECT: MARY OR MARIE

(e.g.,

Tannah Hirsch welcomes readers’ responses sent in care of this newspaper or to Tribune Content Agency inc., 2225 Kenmore Ave., Suite 114, Buffalo, Ny 14207. E-mail responses may be sent to gorenbridge@ aol.com. © 2026 Tribune Content Agency

Thanks for today’s deal goes to Scotland’sBarnetShenkin.Shenkin lived in Florida for about 20 years and achieved many outstanding results in top American competitions. He moved back to his native Scotland a few years ago. He was West and made the excellent lead of a trump. On any other lead, declarer would have no trouble ruffing two diamonds in dummy and making his ambitious slam. Dummy’s nine of clubs took the first trick as East shed a heart. South led a diamond from dummy at trick two. Had East played the king, South would have ducked, knowing that East had no-trump to lead. East played low so South took his ace and led another diamond. East had to win and he tried the ace of hearts, but South ruffed and ruffed a diamond in dummy Another heart ruff was followed by another diamond ruff, setting up the 10. One more heart ruff got South back to his hand, where he drew the remaining two trumps and claimed his contract. Well played! The defense missed a chance. At trick one, the importance of getting West on lead to play another trump should have been apparent to East His king of diamonds would not be a trick for the defense should South hold the ace-queen. East should have discarded the king of diamonds on the opening club lead! Declarer would not have been able to keep West off lead and the slam would have been defeated.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb 19) Get your next adventure underway Life is too short not to manifest your dreams and live up to your expectations. A partnership or joint venture looks promising.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) A change may not be something you want, but it might be time to shake things up and see what transpires. Paint an interesting picture for those you wish to incorporate into your plans.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) It’s time to shake things up and consider what makes you happy Big choic-

es can make or break your future. A mix of minimalism, gratitude and satisfaction will take you far.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Question everything, but do so with kindness and consideration. Your best route forward is the one that allows you to be yourself and broaden your knowledge, experience and options.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) Choose the path that satisfies your soul Don’t be a follower when you have so much to offer if you dedicate time and effort to the situations that concern you most.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) Use your ingenuity when you encounter a roadblock. A thoughtful approach to how you deal with others or take care of your responsibilities will serve you well.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) Stop stewing over situations and put an end to whatever is disrupting your life. Peace of mind will come from action Change isn’t always easy, but when it’s necessary put it behind you.

VIRGO (Aug 23-Sept. 22) Live and learn Gather facts and assemble your thoughts and plans accordingly Opportunity knocks, but if

you sit at home doing nothing, it will pass you by Get out, engage and see what happens.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct 23) If you enjoy what you do, you will find the courage to initiate your dreams. Use your intellectual charm to endear yourself to those you want to impress or befriend.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) Doublecheck everything you hear or encounter before you agree to participate. Distance yourself from anyone using pressure or temptation to lead you astray

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Push your agenda forward. Physical

activity and direct action will help alleviate pressure and leave you feeling gratified and ready to conquer whatever comes next.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Choose to use charm and intelligence over harsh words or disciplinary action. Bullying others will only escalate problems, whereas a give-and-take approach will help you instill higher standards.

The horoscope, an entertainment feature, is not based on scientific fact.

© 2026 by NEA, inc., dist. By Andrews McMeel Syndication

goren Bridge

Answers to puzzles

SCORING: 24 to 30 points —congratulations, doctor; 18 to 23 points—honorsgraduate; 13 to 17 points —you’replenty smart, but no grind; 5to12points —you really shouldhit the booksharder;1point to 4points —enroll in remedial courses immediately; 0points who reads thequestions to you?

Saturday's Cryptoquote: Istill believe thatloveis all you need. Idon't know abetter message than that. —Paul McCartney

1. Mary Tyler Moore. 2. MaryMagdalene 3. Mary Pickford. 4. Marie Antoinette. 5. Mary Shelley.6.Mary Todd Lincoln.7.Marie Curie. 8. MarySteenburgen. 9. Mary J. Blige. 10.Mary Astor.11. Mary Lou Retton. 12. Marie Wilson. 13. Marie Osmond. 14.Marie Dressler.15. Mary, Queen of Scots (Mary Stuart). Crossword Answers

jeFF mACnelly’sshoe/ by Gary Brookins &Susie MacNelly

FoXtrot/ by BillAmend