The Times-Picayune 03-21-2026

Attorneysfound guilty in staged-crashes trial

First Assistant U.S. AttorneyMichael Simpson, center,speaks to members of the media outsidethe Hale BoggsFederal Courthouse in NewOrleans on Fridayafter twoNew Orleans attorneys were found guilty in atrial involving staged crasheswith 18-wheelers.

Lawyersconvicted on eightcharges

BY JOHN SIMERMAN andJAMES FINN Staff writers

Personalinjury attorneys Jason Giles and VanessaMotta were found guilty Friday on all counts and ordered jailed ahead of sentencing over abrazen fraud scheme involving hundreds ofpreplannedcollisions with 18-wheelers and scores of lawsuits they filed pursuing bogus injury

claims. Giles and Motta wereeach convicted on eightcharges, includingconspiracy to commit mail andwirefraud,multiple counts of mail fraud and witness tampering. Each of their lawfirms was found guilty as well.

Ajuryreturned theverdict Friday afternooninapacked federal courtroom in New Orleans after deliberating for more than fivehours.AsChief U.S. District JudgeWendy Vitter read theverdict,Motta sobbed silently,then hugged herteenage daughter at thefront of the courtroom gallery

Vitter sparred with defense attorneys

for Giles and Motta about whetherthey should be remanded to jail ahead of sentencing in July Motta’sattorney,Sean Toomey,argued that she’samother to twodaughters, and that defendants are usually released ahead of sentencing in typical fraud cases. Giles’ attorney,Lynda VanDavis, said he’d compliedwith conditions of his bond. But Vitter found that both presented concernsafter being convicted of witnesstampering. Vitteralsosaid Motta previously violated acondition of her release when shecontacted apotential

ä See GUILTY, page 4A

Afterconvictions,drama erupts in courtroom

BY JAMES FINN Staff writer

N.O. airport unveils master plan

Leaderschartgrowth over next 20 years

BY JONAH MEADOWS Staff writer

Airport officials and parish leaders said Friday they areclose to getting the blessing of federal regulators fora massive growth plan that will reshape Louis Armstrong NewOrleans International Airport over the next 20 years, adding moregates, anew parking garage and, eventually,anew terminal. If currenttravel patterns hold, the nearly sevenyear-old airport will reachits capacity by 2031, airport officials have said. Over the past two years, they have been working on drafting afederallyrecommended master plan thatwill provide ablueprint forits expansion.

“Weneed more capacity We have to expand. I think that says alot about our area and our region about needing to have our airport meet those demands.”

HELENA MORENO,New Orleans mayor

At anewsconference Friday, New Orl ean s MayorHelena Moreno, airport officials and nine parish presidents from across the region gave an update on the planand spoke about why the future of the region’stourist economyistiedtothe growth of the airport.

Their family members were among spectators of the threeweek trial who heard testimony about “slammers” whomade livings staging highway wrecks

ä See DRAMA, page 4A

As the judge read out “guilty” on charge aftercharge, the stuntwoman-turned-lawyer who once advertised her personal injury services on billboards across New Orleans began to weep. Vanessa Motta, foundguilty Friday in federal courtalongside attorney Jason Giles in ascheme to stage car crashes across the city and collect payouts from boguslawsuits, sat at the defense table facing away from the gallery as her and Giles’families looked on.

gifts: Checchio is bringing NewOrleansrecipestoshare with thepope, whileBensonwillbring acustomized PopeLeo Saints jersey.

BY JEFF DUNCAN Staff writer

On her triptoEurope thisweekend, Gayle Benson is makinga stop in Rome to visit Pope Leo XIV with two VIPs as her guests: New Orleans Archbishop James F. Checchio and former Archbishop Gregory Aymond. The trip to the Vatican on Monday kicks off aweeklong international business trip for the New Orleans Saintsand Pelicansowner,who will also head to France to promote the first NFL game to be held there. The appointment with Leo will be the first for Benson but not for Checchio, who has deep roots in Rome, having served as the rector of the Pontifical North American College there from 2006 to 2016. Leo appointed Checchio as the coadjutor archbishopofNew Orleans in September Thecontingent will arrive bearing

Any suchvisit raises questions about whether apapal visit to New Orleans could be in theasking. Such avisit has been apoint of speculation among Catholics in New Orleans ever since the pope’sfamily tiestoNew Orleans were revealed. “I am certain it will be mentioned,” said Greg Bensel,the Saints’ vice

ä See POPE, page 6A

“Weneed more capacity.We have to expand,” Moreno said. “I think that says alot about our area andour regionabout needing to have our airport meet those demands.”

Officials sharedfew newdetails Fridayabout themaincomponents of the plan, which have been presentedincommunity meetings over the past twoyears.

But the briefing underscored the emphasis on regional cooperation that Moreno hasprioritized in her new administration. The airport

ä See AIRPORT, page 6A

STAFFFILE PHOTOByBRETT DUKE NewOrleans Saints and Pelicans owner GayleBenson and Archbishop James F. Checchiowillmeet with Pope Leo XIVin Rome on Monday.

STAFF PHOTO By BRETTDUKE Vanessa Motta

STAFF PHOTO By DAVID GRUNFELD Jason Giles

STAFF PHOTO By BRETTDUKE

2 killed in U.S. attack on alleged drug boat

WASHINGTON AU.S. military attack on an alleged drugsmuggling vessel in the eastern Pacific Ocean has left one survivor and two people dead, U.S. officials said Friday,as the Trump administration pursues itscampaign against alleged traffickers in Latin America.

U.S. SouthernCommand said in apost on Xthat it immediately notifiedthe U.S. CoastGuard to activate asearch for three people who survived the strike. The Coast Guard saidin astatement that one of its ships recovered two dead bodies and one survivor,and transferred them to the Costa Rican Coast Guard

The latest attack brings the number of people who’ve been killed in boat strikes by the U.S. military to at least 159 sincethe Trump administration began targeting those it calls “narcoterrorists” in early September

As with most of the military’s statementsonthe morethan40 known strikesinthe eastern Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, U.S. Southern Command said it targeted alleged drug traffickers along known smuggling routes. The militarydid notprovide evidence that the vessel was ferrying drugs. It posted a video on Xthat showed avessel erupting into flames as it cruised through the water

Judge sides with Times in Pentagon access suit

WASHINGTON Afederaljudge agreed Friday to block the Trump administration from enforcing apolicy limiting news reporters’ access to thePentagon, agreeing with TheNew York Times that key portionsof the new rules are unlawful.

U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman in Washington, D.C., sided with the newspaper andruled that the Pentagon policy illegally restricts the press credentials of reporters who walked out of the building rather than agree to the new rules.

The Times sued the Pentagon and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in December,claiming thecredentialing policy violates thejournalists’ constitutional rights to free speech and due process. The current Pentagon press corpsiscomprisedmostly of conservativeoutletsthat agreed to the policy.Reporters from outlets that refused to consent to the new rules, including from The Associated Press, have continued reporting on the military Friedman, who was nominated to thebench by Democratic President Bill Clinton, said the policy “fails to provide fair noticeofwhat routine, lawful journalistic practices will result in the denial, suspension,or revocation” of Pentagon press credentials. He ruled thatitviolatesthe First and Fifth Amendment rights to free speech and due process. The Pentagon did not immediately respond to arequest for commentonthe ruling.

Ex-pro wrestler Ted DiBiase Jr.acquitted

JACKSON, Miss. Aformer professional wrestleraccused of misspending millions of welfare dollars in part of Mississippi’slargest public corruption scandalwas found not guiltyby ajury on Friday

Ted“Teddy” DiBiase Jr.was facing 13 charges related to conspiracy,wire fraud, theft andmoney laundering. Afederal indictment accuses DiBiase of fraudulentlyobtaining millions of federal welfare dollarsand using the money for his own personal gain, including the purchase of avehicle, boat and home down payment.

DiBiase’slawyers werenot immediately available for comment when contactedbyThe Associated Press.

DiBiase, aWWE wrestler in the 2000s and 2010s, is the only person charged in the scandalto face trial.

The welfare scandal came to light in 2020 when the former director of the Mississippi Department of Human Services, John Davis, was indicted on fraudand embezzlement charges alongside several others,includingTed DiBiase Jr.’s brother former pro-wrestler Brett DiBiase.

Iran threatensworld tourismsites

BY JON GAMBRELL,SAM MEDNICK and JULIE WATSON Associated Press

DUBAI, United ArabEmirates Three weeksinto an escalating war in the Middle East, Iranthreatenedto expand itsretaliatory attackstoinclude recreational andtourist sites worldwide, as the U.S. announced it was sending more warships and Marines to the region

Following news of the deployments, President Donald Trump said later Friday on social media thathis administration in fact was considering “winding down” military operations in theregion.

The mixedmessages came after another climb in oil prices plunged the U.S. stock market, and was followed by aTrump administration announcement that it will lift sanctions on Iranian oil loadedonships,a move aimedat wranglingsoaringfuelprices.

Thewar,meanwhile, has shown no signs ofabating

Israel said Iran fired amissile at it early Saturday,while Saudi Arabia said it downed 20 drones in just acouple of hours in the country’seastern region, which is home to major oil installations. Thedefense ministrysaid there were no injuries or damage

Theattackscame aday after Israeliairstrikeshit in Tehran as Iranians celebrated the Persian New Year,known as Nowruz, a normally festive holiday Iran has escalated attacks on itsGulf neighbors sinceIsrael bombedits massiveSouth Pars offshore natural gas field, while keepinga stranglehold on shippingin theStrait of Hormuz, astrategic waterway throughwhich afifth of the world’soil and other critical goods are transported.

With little information coming outofIran, it was notclear how

much damage itsarms, nuclear or energy facilities have sustained in thepunishing U.S. and Israeli strikes,which began Feb. 28 —or even who was truly in charge of the country. But Iran’sattacksare still choking off oilsupplies andraising foodand fuel pricesfar beyond the Middle East

The U.S. and Israel have offered shifting rationales for the war, from hopingtofomentanuprisingthattopples Iran’sleadership to eliminating its nuclear and missile programs. There have been no public signsofany such uprising and no end to the war in sight.

In hissocialmedia post,the president said, “Weare getting very close to meeting ourobjectives as we consider winding down our great Militaryefforts in the Middle East.”

Thatseemed at odds with his administration’s move to bolster its firepower in the region and request another $200 billion from Congress to fund thewar

The U.S. is deploying three more amphibious assault ships and roughly 2,500 additionalMarines to theMiddle East,anofficial told The Associated Press.Two other U.S. officials confirmed thatships

were deploying, without saying where they were headed. All three spokeonconditionofanonymity to discuss sensitive military operations.

Daysearlier the U.S. redirected another group of amphibious assault shipscarrying another2,500 Marines from the Pacific to the Middle East. The Marines will join more than 50,000 U.S. troops already in theregion.

Trump has said he has no plans to send ground forces into Iran but also has asserted that he retains all options.

Gen. Ali Mohammad Naeini, a spokesperson for Iran’sparamilitary Revolutionary Guard, was quotedbyastate-run newspaper Fridayassaying Iran continues to manufacture missiles despite Israel’sclaim that it destroyed Iran’s production capabilities. Iranian state television later said Naeini was killed in an airstrike.

Supreme Leader AyatollahMojtaba Khamenei praisedIranians’ steadfastness in the face of warin awritten statement read on Iranian television to markNowruz. He said the U.S. and Israeli attacks were based on an illusion that killing Iran’stop leaders could cause

the overthrow of the government. Khameneihas notbeen seen in public since he became supreme leader following Israeli strikes that killed his father,Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and reportedly wounded him.Airstrikes have also killed thehead of itsSupreme National Security Council and araft of other top-ranking officials.

Iran’s top militaryspokesperson, Gen. Abolfazl Shekarchi, warned that “parks, recreational areas and tourist destinations” worldwide will notbesafefor thecountry’s enemies. The threat renewed concerns thatTehranmay revert to using militant attacks beyond the Middle East as apressure tactic. Brent crudeoil, the international standard, has soared during the fighting andwas around $108 per barrel,upfromroughly $70before the war

The newly announced U.S. pause in sanctions appliestoIranian oil loaded on ships as of Fridayand is set to end April 19. The license has limits including arestriction on sales involving anyone in North Korea or Cuba.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessentpreviously suggested it as a way to prevent China from being the sole beneficiary of Iranian oil. The new movedoes not increase the flow of production, acentral factor in thesurging prices.Iran has managed to evade U.S. sanctions foryears, suggesting that much of what it exports already reaches buyers.

Looking forways to boost global oilsuppliesduring the Iranwar, the Trumpadministration has previously pausedsanctions on certain Russianoil shipments for30 days, which critics said rewarded Moscow while having only amodest effect on markets.

More than 1,300 people have been killed in Iran duringthe war. Israeli strikes targeting Iran-backed Hezbollahmilitants in Lebanonhave displaced more than 1million people, according to the Lebanese government, which says more than 1,000 people have been killed. In Israel, 15 people have been killed by Iranian missiles and four others have died in the occupied West Bank. At least13U.S.military members have been killed.

DEAnames Colombianpresident ‘prioritytarget’

BY JIM MUSTIAN, JOSHUA GOODMAN and ALANNA DURKIN RICHER Associated Press

NEWYORK— Colombian President Gustavo Petro has beendesignated a “priority target” by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration as federal prosecutorsinNew York probe his allegedties to drug traffickers, according to people familiarwith the matter andrecords seen by The Associated Press. DEA recordsshowPetro has surfaced in multiple investigations dating to 2022, many basedoninterviews

withconfidential informants. The alleged crimes the DEAhas investigated includehis possible dealings with Mexico’sSinaloa cartel and ascheme to leveragehis “total peace” plan to benefit prominent traffickers who con tr ibutedtohis presidentialcampaign. The records also suggest the use of law enforcement to smuggle cocaine and fentanyl through Colombian ports.

The“priority target” label is reserved for suspectsDEA deemstohave a“significant impact” on the drug trade.

Petrodenied all ties to drug traffickers and maintained he never accepted their funds during hiscampaign. Writing on XFriday, he arguedthatU.S.legal proceedings wouldultimately dismantle accusations fromthe Colombian far right, agroup he claims is actually the oneinvolved withtraffickers.

Colombia’sEmbassy in Washington downplayed what it called “unverified” and anonymousreports of preliminarylaw enforcement investigations againstPetro.

“The reported insinuationshave no legal or factual basis,”the embassy said in astatement.

In recent months, prosecutorsinBrooklyn and Manhattan have been questioning drug traffickers

abouttheir ties to Petroand specifically about allegations theColombianpresident’s representatives solicited bribes to block their extradition to the United States, according to oneofthe people

whoweren’tauthorized to discuss the ongoing inquiry and spoke on condition of anonymity. Theperson saidit wasn’tclear whether federal prosecutors have implicated Petro in anycrime.

HELP@THEADVOCATE.COMor504-529-0522 News Tips /Stories: NEWSTIPS@THEADVOCATE.COM

BY JENNIFER SINCO KELLEHER Associated Press

HONOLULU Muddy floodwaters from severe rains inundated streets, pushed homes offtheir foundations, swallowed vehicles and prompted evacuation orders for thousands of residents in towns north of HonoluluonFridayas officials warned of the possible failure of a120-yearolddam Emergency sirens blared along Oahu’sNorth Shore, where rising waters damaged homes in acommunity world-renowned for its surfing. Honolulu officials told residents Friday morning to leave the area downstream of Wahiawa dam —longknown to be

vulnerable —saying it was “atriskofimminent failure.” There were no immediatereports of deaths or injuries, but some homes had been sweptaway,said Ian Scheuring, aspokespersonfor Honolulu. Crew searched by air and by water for people who had been stranded —efforts that were hampered by people flying personal drones to get images of the flooding, he said. Dozens —ifnot hundreds —ofhomes had been damaged but officials have not been able to fully assess the destruction,Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi saidinanafternoon

news conference. Some 5,500 people were under evacuation orders

“There’s no question that the damage done thus far has been catastrophic,” he said.

Blangiardi saidofficials felt confident in thestability of the dams on the island, butthatitwas hard to predict howmuchrain would comeand what it might do.

The National Guard and Honolulu FireDepartment airlifted 72 children and adults who had been attending aspring break youth campataretreat on Oahu’s west coast called Our Lady of Kea’au, according to city and camp officials. The campisonhigh ground but authoritiesdidn’twantto leave them there, the mayor said.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTOByVAHID SALEMI

Acleric beats his chest as he mourns FridayinTehran, Iran, during the funeral procession of Iran’sintelligence minister Esmail Khatiband, according to Iranianofficials, his wifeand daughter

Martialartsmaster, actorChuck Norris dies at 86

BY JONATHAN MATTISE Associated Press

Chuck Norris, the martial arts grandmaster and action starwhose roles in “Walker, Texas Ranger” and other television showsand movies made him an iconic tough guy —sparking internetparodies andadorationfrom presidents has died at 86. Norris died Thursday, in what his family described as a“sudden passing.”

“While we would like to keep the circumstances private,please know that he was surrounded by his familyand was at peace,” the family said in astatement posted to social media.

Before he would become astar in movies and on TV,Norris was wildly successfulincompetitive martial arts. He wasa six-time undefeated World Professional Middleweight Karate champion.He also founded his own Korean-based American hard style of karate, known sometimes as Chun Kuk Do, and the United Fighting Arts Federation, which has awarded more than 3,300 Chuck Norris System black belts worldwide. Black Belt magazine ultimately credited Norris in its hall of fame with holding a 10th degree black belt, thehighest possible honor

Born Carlos Ray NorrisinRyan, Oklahoma, on March 10, 1940,he grew up poor.At age 12, he moved with his family to Torrance,California, and joined the U.S. Air Force after high school, in 1958. It was during adeployment to Korea that he started training in martial arts, including judo and Tang SooDo.

“I went out for gymnastics and footballatNorth Torrance high,” he told TheAssociated Press in 1982. “I played some football, but Ialso spent alot of time on the bench. I was never really athleticuntilIwas in the service in Korea.”

After he was honorably discharged in 1962,heworked as afile clerk for NorthropAircraft and applied to be apolice officer,but was putonawaitlist. Meanwhile, he opened amartialarts studio,which expanded to achain, with students including such stars as Bob Barker, Priscilla Presley,Donny and Marie Osmond, and Steve McQueen, whom he later credited withencouraginghim to get into acting.

Norrismade his film debut as an uncredited bodyguard in the

1968 movie “The Wrecking Crew,” which included afight withDean Martin. He had alsocrossed paths with Bruce Lee in martial arts circles. Their friendship—sometimes, as sparringpartners —led to an iconic faceoff in the 1972 movie “Return of theDragon,” in which Lee fightsand kills Norris’ characterinRome’sColosseum.

He went on to act in morethan 20 movies,such as “Missing in Action,” “The DeltaForce” and “Sidekicks.”

“I wanted to project acertain imageonthe screen of ahero. Ihad seen alot of anti-hero movies in whichthe lead was neithergood nor bad. Therewas no one to root for,” Norris said in 1982. In 1993, he took on his most

famed role, as acrime-fighting lawman in TV’s “Walker,Texas Ranger.” Theshow ran fornine seasons, and in 2010, then-Gov. Rick Perry awarded him the title of honorary TexasRanger.The Texas Senate later named him an honorary Texan. “It’snot violence forviolence’s sake,withnomoral structure,” Norristold theAPin1996, speaking about the show.“Youtry to portray theproper meaning of what it’sabout —fighting injusticewith justice, good vs. bad. …It’sentertaining for the whole family.”

Norris also made asurprise comedic appearance as adecisive judge in the final match of the 2004 movie “Dodgeball.” He only on occasion hadtaken acting rolesin recent years, including 2012’s“The Expendables 2” andthe 2024 sci-fi action movie “Agent Recon.” He’s due to appear in “Zombie Plane,” an upcoming film starring Vanilla Ice.

It wasaroundthe time of “Dodgeball” that his toughman image becamethe stuff of legend, literally: “Chuck Norris Facts” went viral online with such wildly hyperbolic statements as, “Chuck Norris hada staring contest with the sun —and won,”and,“They wanted to put Chuck Norris on Mt. Rushmore, but the granite wasn’ttough enough for his beard.” Norris ultimatelyembraced the absurdity of the meme craze, putting together “The Official Chuck Norris Fact Book,” whichcombined his favorites with supposedly true stories and the codes he aimed to live by.Hewould also write books on martial arts instruction, amemoir,political takes, Civil War-era

historical fiction and more.

“Tosome who knowlittle of my martial arts or film careers but perhapsgrew up with‘Walker, Texas Ranger,’ it seems that Ihave become asomewhat mythical superhero icon,” Norris wrote in the forwardtothe “FactBook.”“Iam flattered and humbled.”

That book raisedmoney fora nonprofit he foundedwith President GeorgeH.W.Bushthatpromoted martial arts instruction for kids.

The intentionally outlandish statements featured in the2008 Republicanpresidentialprimary, when Norris endorsed Arkansas Gov.Mike Huckabee and shot an ad playing on the“ChuckNorris facts.”

“Chuck Norris doesn’tendorse. He tells America how it’sgoing to be,” Huckabee said in the campaign ad.

President Donald Trump’ssupporters laterpromoted “Trump Facts”inthe same vein,and political pundits tried it as well, describing the commander-in-chief’s decision to seize Venezuela’ssitting president, Nicolás Maduro,as a“Chuck NorrisMoment,” andits initial effect on oil prices a“Chuck Norris Premium.”

Norriswas outspoken abouthis Christianbeliefs andhis support forgun rights, andbacked political candidates for years —heeven wentsky diving withBushfor the former president’s80th birthday As for Trump, Norris endorsed him in the 2016 general election and wrote guest columns praising him without explicitly endorsing him in the days before the 2020 and 2024 elections.

HarvardsuedbyTrump administration

BY MORIAHBALINGIT and MICHAELCASEY

Associated Press

BY KEVIN FREKING Associated Press

WASHINGTON Abill to fund the Department of Homeland Security failed to advanceFriday in the Senate amid growing concerns about long lines to get through screening at some of the country’sbiggestairports.

Democrats declined to provide the support needed to move the funding measure toward final passage

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer,D-N.Y., said he would offer an alternative measure Saturday to fund just the Transportation Security Administration, which screens passengers and luggage for hazardous items. That too is likely to fail as lawmakers holda rare weekend session. Behind the scenes, work toward resolving the standoff intensified Friday as White House border czar TomHoman wasset to meet for the second consecutive day with abipartisan groupofsenators Democrats are demanding changes to immigration enforcement practicesby federalagents following the shooting deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minneapolis.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said that he sees “deal space”coming

out of the discussions with the White House.But he also questioned whetherDemocrats were serious about reaching any agreement that wouldprovide more money for Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

“This is apox on everybody’shouse,” Thune said. “You’ve got peoplestanding in lines at the airports. Thisneedstobefixed. It needs to getresolved and there are good-faith efforts being made finally on all the relevant issues.”

On the Senate floor, Schumersaidheagreedthat TSAneedstobereopened as quickly as possible —but not under the terms Republicans areoffering, whichis to fund theentire Homeland Security department. Democrats are looking to fund TSA while continuing negotiationsonImmigration and Customs Enforcement.

“Tomorrow,America will see the mattercrystal clear: which senators want to openupTSA, payTSA workers, and end the chaos at our airports, and which senators are going to block TSA funding yet again,” Schumer said.

Thevast majority of employees at TSAare considered essential and continue to work during the government funding lapse, but they aredoing so without pay.

WASHINGTON The Justice Department filed anew lawsuit Fridayagainst Harvard University,saying its leadership failed to address antisemitism on campus, creatinggrounds for the government to freeze existing grants and seek repayment for grants already paid.

The lawsuit,filedinfederal courtinMassachusetts,is another salvo in aprotracted battlebetween the administration of President Donald Trump andthe elite university

“The United States cannot and will not tolerate these failures,”the Justice Department wrote in thelawsuit. It asked thecourt to compel Harvard to comply withfederal civil rights lawand to help it “recover billions of dollars of taxpayer subsidies awarded to adiscriminatory institution.”

The lawsuit also asks a judge to require Harvard to call police to arrest protestersblocking partsofcampus and to appoint an independent monitor,approved by thegovernment, to ensure the universitycomplies with courtorders.

In astatement, Harvard said it “cares deeplyabout membersofour Jewish and Israeli community and remains committed to ensuring they are embraced, respected, and can thrive on our campus.”

“Ouractions illustrate this,” the university said. “Harvard has taken substantive, proactive stepstoaddressthe root causes of antisemitism and activelyenforces anti-harassment and anti-discrimination rules and policies on campus Harvard’seffortsdemonstrate thevery opposite of deliberate indifference.” In apair of lawsuits filed lastyear by theuniversity,

Harvardhas said it’s beingillegally penalized for refusing to adopt the administration’s views. Afederal judge sided with Harvard in September, reversing the funding cuts and calling the antisemitism argument a“smokescreen.”

The government’snew lawsuit comes after negotiations appear to have bogged downinthe yearlongbattle, whichhas tested the bound-

aries of the government’s authorityoverAmerica’s universities.What beganas an investigation into allegations of campus antisemitism escalated into an all-outfeud The Trump administration slashed more than $2.6 billion in Harvard’sresearch funding, endedfederal contractsand attempted to block Harvard fromhosting international students.

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By JORDAN STRAUSS

Martial artsgrandmaster and action star ChuckNorris has died at 86, according to his family

Continued from page 1A

witness. The judge also noted that her fiancé, Sean Alfortish, awaits trial for killing a witness, slammer Cornelius Garrison III, who had cooperated with the FBI before his execution-style slaying in 2020.

As Vitter left the courtroom for several minutes to render her decision on detaining the two lawyers, Motta’s mother passed out in the front row, dropping to the carpet, as Motta wept nearby Court staff eventually propped her back up. As they did, Motta began to gag, leaning over her chair and heaving into a trash pail for several minutes as a woman held back her hair

Then Vitter returned and ordered both lawyers to jail pending sentencing dates in July

“To be clear, this is anything but a typical fraud case,” Vitter said. “The jury has found a wideranging conspiracy involving professionals that are supposed to be looked up to, attorneys, who are part of this conspiracy.”

Motta’s sentencing is scheduled for July 7, and Giles’ is scheduled for July 14.

The jury convicted a third defendant, Diaminike Stalbert, on a charge of making false statements to FBI agents, but acquitted her on the main conspiracy count Stalbert, described as a single mother of six, was accused of riding in and recruiting for one bogus crash

Vitter released her pending a July 31 sentencing.

The guilty verdict came after more than two weeks of testimony in a case that has gripped New Orleans’ legal community. It was the first case to go to trial from a sprawling investigation dubbed

DRAMA

Continued from page 1A

with big-rig trucks, then bringing passengers to Giles, Motta and other attorneys to seek big payouts. They heard how one slammer turned FBI informant died, execution-style.

The curtain call of Friday’s trial topped it all, the courtroom drama shocking even veteran legal watchers.

After more than five hours of jury deliberations, a bailiff in the hallway blurted out that the jury had reached a verdict, sending federal prosecutors, FBI agents, local and national reporters and other court buffs rushing to Chief U.S. District Judge Wendy Vitter’s courtroom.

As they packed in for glimpses of the made-for-Hollywood trial’s closing moments, Motta strode down the hall and into the courtroom, clasping hands with her teenage daughter. Giles exchanged a laugh with his lawyer, Lynda Van Davis-Greenstone, as they passed through a metal detector

Vitter, who steered the trial with a firm hand and occasional touches of humor, cautioned against outbursts before she took the verdicts in a Manila envelope from the jury foreperson and began to read.

Motta spent most of the trial seated with her back to the courtroom Now, she swiveled to face Vitter

“On Count 1, conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud, the jury finds defendant Vanessa Motta guilty,” Vitter read.

Motta shook her head.

“The jury finds defendant Jason Giles guilty,” Vitter continued.

Giles stood beside his attorney, showing little expression.

“The jury finds defendant Diaminike Stalbert not guilty,” Vitter read. (Stalbert, the only nonattorney on trial this month, was accused of recruiting passengers for a single staged wreck.)

The “guilty” charges would keep coming. The jury convicted Giles and Motta on every charge they faced: conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, multiple counts of mail fraud, witness tampering and obstruction. Stalbert was con-

“Operation Sideswipe” that has led to about 50 guilty verdicts to date.

Federal prosecutors said Giles and Motta each worked hand-inhand with “slammers,” who they paid to fill cars with passengers and steer them into tractor-trailers on highways in New Orleans. Civil juries in those cases tended to return higher settlements, according to testimony from insurance defense lawyers and others.

Prosecutors painted a sordid picture of a group of lawyers — Motta, Giles and other attorneys who were not charged and were not called to testify — conniving with street-level “slammers” to create a constant flow of lucrative injury claims they manufactured themselves.

“Vanessa Motta and Jason Giles abused their positions and violated their oaths as attorneys,” First Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Simpson said after the verdict. The question of whether those slammers knowingly staged hundreds of sideswipes and other wrecks in cars full of passengers as they crashed into tractor-trailers on New Orleans roadways was not disputed by either side during the trial.

Motta and Giles acknowledged the scheme, but their attorneys denied they knew it was going on around them. Their attorneys presented no witnesses in defense of Motta and Giles after more than 11 days of government testimony From the witness stand, slam-

mer Damian Labeaud spelled out a scheme working with Giles and other lawyers at The King Firm, in which they paid him $1,000 for each adult passenger in a staged collision with a big rig. Labeaud told the jury he delivered hundreds of bogus crash victims to Giles and another lawyer, Danny Patrick Keating Jr Labeaud also implicated others at The King Firm.

“Let’s just face it: What the stagers and slammers did was horrible,” said Giles’ attorney, Lynda Van Davis-Greenstone, after Friday’s verdicts. “The difference is I do not believe my client knew.”

She said media coverage of the sprawling federal investigation predisposed jurors against the

lawyer defendants. She also questioned immunity deals she said were afforded to at least two other lawyers who worked at The King Firm. Those lawyers never took the stand.

“I did find it interesting that lawyers who received immunity were not called as witnesses in this case. I found it very interesting those who were convicted,” Davis said. Simpson declined to comment on other lawyers who were implicated by witnesses over the course of the three-week trial as he praised the prosecution team.

Keating, the only other lawyer charged in the case, has already pleaded guilty, and he testified at the trial, spelling out his knowledge of Labeaud’s work and the code words involving food and fish that the slammer would use while offering crashes for sale.

Another slammer, Ryan Harris, testified about his involvement in a similar setup with Motta, a former Hollywood stuntwoman, and her fiancé, disbarred attorney Alfortish, a former Kenner magistrate who served federal prison time over a scheme to defraud a Louisiana horsemen’s group as its president.

Alfortish and another man allegedly involved in staging wrecks, Leon “Chunky” Parker, are slated to stand trial in August for allegedly killing another prolific slammer, Cornelius Garrison III, in September 2020. Garrison had been cooperating with the FBI for about a year up to then, and he’d implicated Motta, Alfortish, Giles and others in the scheme, wearing a wire for the government at one point. His killing at the doorstep of his mother’s home in Gentilly cast a pall over the federal investigation, and the pace of indictments slowed.

victed of lying to the feds, though the jury acquitted her of helping to orchestrate the scheme.

Then Vitter signaled she would take an unusual step for a whitecollar case. She noted that the burden of staying out of jail pending sentencing now shifted to Giles and Motta. They needed to show

they weren’t likely to flee or pose a danger to their communities Motta’s lawyer, Sean Toomey, argued in the trial that Motta had been duped by her fiancé, Sean Alfortish, a disbarred attorney who faces a separate August trial date for fraud and the 2020 killing of slammer Cornelius Garrison III.

“My particular defendant has personal issues,” Toomey told Vitter on Friday “One of her daughters is struggling, both with her health and in school. Her 3-yearold daughter, obviously, needs to be cared for We’d like there to be an opportunity for her to plan for that.”

Giles’ attorney, Davis-Greenstone, said her client had not known he was the target of a federal probe when he was caught tampering with witnesses.

Vitter curtly reminded Toomey of a tape played at trial in which Motta called a witness and recorded the person. The judge noted many of the same witnesses would be called for Alfortish’s trial. And she noted that Giles was convicted of obstruction and tampering counts, as was Motta.

Motta’s sobs deepened as the lawyers went back-and-forth with the judge.

Vitter recessed for a few minutes to weigh the arguments. Giles hugged family members in the courtroom. While she waited, Motta’s mother appeared to collapse, landing flat in the first row of the gallery

A court staffer asked someone to call 911. Court security came to

her side, propped her on a bench and gave her care in the courtroom hallway Motta howled, and then she began to gasp and heave. She gagged and leaned into a lined garbage bin. Then, Vitter returned and delivered her ruling.

“I have no reason whatsoever to believe that Ms. Motta was naive or was under the influence of anyone else,” Vitter said. She added, “to argue that Mr Giles was unaware he was a target is an insult to this court.”

Security officers cleared the courtroom after someone appeared to shout expletives at Motta’s ex-partner, Jeff Brockton, the father of her teen daughter A career Hollywood stuntman, Brockton attended much of the trial.

“Vanessa, do you have any jewelry?” Toomey asked Motta before they led her away Brockton spoke to a knot of reporters on the courthouse steps as U.S. marshals cuffed Motta and Giles and took them into custody upstairs.

“It’s a tough situation we’re in right now,” Brockton said. “They found what’s right. Nothing’s good about it. We’ll have to pull together.”

STAFF PHOTO By DAVID GRUNFELD

Defendant Jason Giles, left, and his attorney Lynda Van Davis-Greenstone walk into Hale Boggs Federal Courthouse on Friday.

STAFF PHOTO By BRETT DUKE

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Simpson, right, speaks to members of the media outside the Hale Boggs Federal Courthouse in New Orleans on Friday.

STAFF PHOTO By BRETT DUKE

Vanessa Motta, center, leaves the Hale Boggs Federal Courthouse in New Orleans on Friday.

owned and operated by the cityof New Orleans while located mostly in thecityofKennerinJefferson Parish, with aportion of runway in St. Charles Parish —has traditionally been asource of friction among local and parish leaders.

“WhenIfound outthatwewere submitting the plan to the FAA, I’m like, ‘Hey guys, we should all get awhole briefing on this and support this, because this is areally bigdeal for our entireregion,’ ” Moreno said. “They’re like, ‘Absolutely.’”

More capacity

In 2025, the airport handled 6.21 million departing passengers, down more than5%from 2024. But the long-term trend points upward and, with acapacity of 9.7 million departing passengers under its current configuration, airport officials have said they will hit awall if they don’texpand.

Over the past two years, they’ve been working on the $3.6 million master plan, which they recently submittedtothe FAA. They’re currentlyexchanging noteswith the agency to finalize details.

The plan calls for expandingthe existing terminal to the east and the west,eventually connecting it to asecondterminal on itswest side. Together, the terminals would allow for an additional 10 to 15 new gates —upto60inall —alongwith 31,000 square feet of new ticket lobby space, 53,000square feet of space for an expanded security

POPE

Continued from page1A

president of communications and government affairs, who will be partofthe team’scontingent on the trip. Leo, who was chosen aspope in May,was born andraised in Chicago. His maternal grandparents, Joseph Martinezand Louise Baquié, were from the 7th Ward of New Orleans and werewed at Our LadyofSacred Heart on Annette Street in 1887. The last and only papal visit to New Orleans came in 1987, when

celebrate

checkpoint and 78,000 squarefeet of baggageclaim area.

“This airport is not only going to be apremier traveldestination, but its going to serveasan economic growth factor,” Michael Bagneris, chairman of theNew OrleansAviation Board. “It’s going to be acatalyst for vibrant economic growthfor thegreater New Orleansregion.”

The plan also calls for anew parkinggarage to be built on top

Pope John Paul II made athreeday stopaspart of his U.S.tour

The Vatican hasbeen afrequent destination for Benson, adevout Catholic whomet herlatehusband, former Saints owner TomBenson, at Sunday Mass at St. Louis Cathedral in 2004. She met with Pope Francis at theVatican during a10daytrip to EuropeinApril 2024. Shevisited Pope Benedict XVI at theVatican during a2011 trip to Italy and Germany with her late husband Benson has helped spearhead efforts to restore St.Louis Cathedral as the primary benefactor of the “Our City,Our Cathedral”campaign, which addresses critical

of the current surface lot and improvementstothe airport road network to improve access and circulationwhile reducing the bottlenecksofits currentconfiguration.

Severalairport infrastructure improvement projects are currently underway.A new $84.5 million connector road for express shuttlesisbeing paved, a $27.1 millionproject to rehab the airport’snorth-south runway got

structuraldecay,interior restoration and long-term maintenance to theiconic French Quarter church. The Rome stop is the firstleg of abusyEuropean trip forBenson. From Rome, the Saintscontingent, which includes Benson’sbrother, Wayne LaJaunie, will travel to France to promotethe Saints’game in Paris in the2026 season. The details of thegame, including the opponent, playing date and kickoff time, are still uncertain,Bensel said. The game, which is part of the NFL’sInternational Series, will be the first in France. Benson is scheduled to attenda news conference in Paris to promotethe

aNew Orleans affair for readers,

Check out some of

WEDNESDAY,MARCH25

underway this monthand is expected to be complete in November, a$45 million upgrade will add 25% additional capacity to inspect checked baggage andairport officials plan to soon begin building 400 more parking spacesnear the terminal.

The bill forthe infrastructure improvements andfor the terminal projects and garage will be covered by funds generated by airport operations and through ne-

gameonMarch 27. Saints quarterback TylerShough andright tackle Taliese Fuaga will also attend the event, along with Brett Gosper, the head of NFL Europe and Asia Pacific. Among the series of business meetings Benson andthe Saints contingent have scheduled is a Thursday visit with U.S.AmbassadorCharles Kushner,who was instrumental in securing the game in Paris Shough andFuaga are scheduled to tourStade de France, where the Saintsgamewill be played, visit the Paris-Saint Germain soccer club andmakeaschool visit to promote the league’sflag football ini-

gotiations with the airlines.

Oldterminal, newlife

Part of the new master plan calls forthe demolition of the south terminalthat has sat largely vacant sincethe newterminal opened in November 2019. Some portions of the 1950s-era facility arestill used foradministrative and public safety functions, others have been rented out foruse by film and television productions.

Aviation Director Kevin Dolliolesaidthe redevelopmentofthe south campus will prioritize aeronautical uses.

“There’s plentyofroom to work with, plenty of room foradditional hangers, with privateowners, even,” Dolliole said.

Cargo and private aviation terminals, or FBOs, will be moved to the south campus, and anew hanger for maintenance, repair and overhaul, or MRO, is also planned. Eventually,Dolliole said airport officials hope to establish an aircraft mechanics school there.

Theairport’smaster plan also envisionsaneventualconnection to the terminal from apotential passenger rail station to the south, though the road will be built long before the arrivalof train service.

“Initially,it’ll be shuttles off that terminal, just like the shuttles fromhotel facilitiesand economy parking,” Dolliole said. “Eventually,probably light rail or autonomousvehicles —most likely autonomous vehicles —it’salot less costly,alot moreefficient.” Email Jonah MeadowsatJonah. Meadows@theadvocate.com.

tiatives. Theywill also bring Nike products as giftsfor theschoolchildren.

The Saints secured the marketingrightstoFranceaspartofthe NFL’sGlobalMarkets Programin 2023.

“This is abusiness trip,” Bensel said.“We arethere to promote theSaints game, the Saints brand, our flag football planning and implementation in France and in Paris and as aglobal marketing partnerwithFrance, and then of course anything we can do economic development, and business to business. Those are critical pieces of the meetings that we’re having.”

FRIDAY,MARCH 27

6:30 PM Arrival

7:30 PM –8:45PM—Theatre KIND STRANGER…A MEMORY PLAY—OPENING NIGHT This critically-acclaimedone-man showexploresthelifeoflegendary playwright TennesseeWilliams andisadapted directly from his autobiography. Kind Stranger exploresTennessee Williams’life, hisloves,and hisart,portraying thetroubledbut deeply humansoulbehindsomeofAmerica’s greatest plays. Rick Simone-Friedland starsasTennesseeWilliams with witand unflinching honestyashewriteshis last chapter, revealinghow his playswerehis lifeand hislifewas hisplays.Using only hiswords,Kind Stranger couldbecalledthe last Tennessee Williams play Conceivedand PerformedbyRickSimone-Friedland. Adaptedand Directed by Steven Simone-Friedland Le PetitThéâtre du VieuxCarré,616 St PeterStreet,General Admission -$35; VIPSeating -$50 or VIPPass. Add-ons: Pre-show dinneratTableau -$95; After-partyatTableau -$30.

THURSDAY,MARCH26

7PMPerformancesBegin WE HAVE NOTLONGTOLOVE: ACELEBRATION OF TENNESSEE WILLIAMS Directed by RobAshford,acclaimed director andchoreographer andwinner of Tony,Olivier, Emmy,Drama Desk andOuter CriticsCircleAwards. Experience iconic scenes performedinintimaterooms throughout thehistoricBKHouse &Gardens,where the boundaries between actors andaudiencedisappear Featured vignettesinclude: SweetBirdofYouth Orpheus Descending,and AStreetcarNamed Desire.Enjoy hors d’oeuvresand asignature cocktail in thegardenbeforethe finaleperformance of SuddenlyLastSummer,which brings theevening to apowerfulclose

SATURDAY,MARCH 28

8:30 –9:45AM—SpecialEvent BOOKSAND BEIGNETS WITH GARY RICHARDS THEROSETATTOO BY TENNESSEEWILLIAMS

Afterrecentlyfocusingonother writers, our breakfastbook groupreturns to Tennessee Williams himself, exploringhis 1951 play The Rose Tattoo to commemorate its75th anniversary.Enjoyyourbookchatwithsouthern literaryscholar Gary Richards, alongwith pillowy golden beignets,anarray of fresh fruit, coffee, andjuices, allpreparedbyDickie Brennan’sBourbon House! Dickie Brennan’sBourbon House, 144 BourbonStreet, $40 or VIPPass.

SATURDAY,MARCH 28

6:30 PM—Special Event

Doorsand cash barat6 PM THELASTBOHEMIANSOIRÉE: AN EVENINGWITHBILLY EICHNER

6:30 –9 PM—Special Event TRIBUTEREADING:FUGITIVEBEAUTY, TENDER FEELINGS,& SPARTANENDURANCE:THE WOMENOF TENNESSEEWILLIAMS Over thelast80years actressesaroundthe world have regularlyexpressed howdeeply they relate to andappreciate thefemalecharacterscreated by TennesseeWilliams,and at this year’s TributeReading youwillheartheir voices.While thereare afew “SouthernBelles” (who bear no resemblanceto stereotypesofwhata Southern womanmight once have been), this years’ readersinclude Festival authors JewelleGomez, Robert Olen Butler,and Skye Jackson; playwrights Martin Sherman and JamieWax; Maureen Corrigan,NPR’s FreshAir Book Reviewer;and actors Gideon Glick and CCH Pounder.The eveningiscurated by Festival Director Paul J. Willis andWilliamseditor Thomas Keith,and hosted by Keith. TheannualTribute Readingispresented by agrant from theNew Orleans TheatreAssociation (NOTA) Hors d’oeuvresand acashbar at 6:30 PM;performance at 7:30 PM NewOrleans Jazz Museum,400 EsplanadeAvenue,$45 or VIPPass.

Thestar-studdedcastincludes: MichaelCerveris,twotime Tony awardwinner(FunHome and Assassins); Christine Ebersole,two-timeTonyaward winner(Grey Gardens and 42ndStreet); MarinIreland (SneakyPete, TheIrishman); JenniferLaura Thompson (Dear Evan Hansen,Wicked, Nice Work if YouCan GetIt);Ansel Elgort (TheFault in ourStars, Baby Driver,WestSideStory); Froy Gutierrez (CruelSummer, Here’s to Us); JenniferNettles,Grammyaward winning singer andactress; Tony awardwinner HarrietHarris (Thoroughly Modern Millie,Frasier, and DesperateHousewives); Sam Rechner (TheFabelmans Scream 7); MicaelaDiamond (The Cher Show,Parade); and Leslie Castay (TheBig Short.) Come seethe starsinthisdazzlingyet intimate one-night-only eventinone of theFrenchQuarter’s most beautifulhistoric homes. Historic BK Houseand Gardens, 1113 Chartres Street Limitedtickets—$200.

OurLastBohemiaSoiréeisintheopulent QueenAnne Ballroom at ourhosthotel, theMonteleone, andpromisestobean unforgettableevening of conversation music, andstorytelling. Billy will shareexcerptsfromhis upcoming audiomemoir, Billy on Billy,due outinMay by Macmillan Audio. He’llbejoinedbyCBS news correspondentand Broadway playwright JamieWax to discussthe voicebehindthe viralsensation Billy on theStreet, Billy’s unlikelypathtostardom,the artiststhatinspired him, andthe forces that shaped himalong theway HotelMonteleone, QueenAnne Ballroom, $50orVIP Pass forreservedseats;$40 generaladmission;$20 studentorindustryprofessional

STAFF PHOTO By BRETT

Robert OlenButler Maureen Corrigan

Mallon DenneMichele Norris MauriceCarlosRuffin Mona Lisa Saloy Justin Torres

Skye Jackson

Martin Sherman

MichaelCerveris ChristineEbersole MarinIreland

Thepremier mediasponsor forthe TW&NOLF

CharlesBaxter

RobAshford

Supreme Court to hear mail ballot grace period case

BY JULIE CARR SMYTH Associated Press

There will be just one Election Day for this fall’s midterm elections Nov 3. But voters in 14 states who cast their votes by mail have been given a grace period ranging from a day later to several weeks in which their ballots can be received and counted.

Whether that extra time should be allowed is at the heart of a case that will be argued Monday before the U.S. Supreme Court. If the court strikes down those grace periods, it will leave those states — and their voters — scrambling to adjust with only a few months before absentee ballots are sent out for this fall’s midterm elections.

The implications could extend well beyond the 14 states that give a grace period for regular ballots, depending on how the court ultimately rules. A total of 29 states allow extra time for at least some mail voters, including those who cast military and overseas ballots, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Voting Rights Lab.

If the ruling is that a ballot is invalid even if it’s postmarked by Election Day, “it might as well have never been received,” he said.

“There’s no way to resolve that issue,” Holmes said “There’s no second chance.” The practice of counting ballots after Election Day has been a target of President Donald Trump since he sought to “STOP THE COUNT” after the 2020 election. He and his allies argue it delays results and leads to suspicions about the vote tallies. It’s part of Trump’s broader attack on most mail balloting, which he has said breeds fraud despite findings to the contrary and years of experience in numerous states.

The Republican National Committee and the Libertarian Party of Mississippi brought the lawsuit against Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson, a Republican, arguing that federal Election Day statutes envi-

In a filing with the court, a group of state and big-city election officials cited “the risks of confusion and disenfranchisement” if mail ballot grace periods were ended suddenly in states where voters have counted on them for years. Stuart Holmes, director of elections for the Washington Secretary of State’s office, said 127,000 ballots were received after Election Day in 2024, so voters should expect about that many ballots to be rejected if Mississippi loses the case. Washington has the longest grace period of any state, 21 days after Election Day

ballots brought in from a polling

sion a single day for casting ballots. Grace periods for receiving mail ballots also in place in the District of Columbia and three U.S. territories — violate federal law, they argue.

“Election Day is Election Day for a reason,” Ohio state Sen. Theresa Gavarone, a Republican, said during debate over her state’s ban on the practice last year “Allowing ballots to be delivered days after the election does nothing but hurt the integrity and

to the

credibility of our elections.”

In briefs supporting Mississippi, voting rights groups, local election officials and organizations representing military and overseas voters defend the right of states to write their own voting rules. The Constitution gives states the authority to set the “times, places and manner” of elections.

Supporters of ballot grace periods told the court that upholding the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals’ deci-

sion to strike down Mississippi’s law would threaten to create chaos and confusion in this year’s midterm elections.

“State legislatures have recognized this issue and set election deadlines that balance the interests of canvassing speed and ballot security depending on the specific needs of each individual state,” a group of local election officials and local governments told the court.

The groups said eliminating grace periods could affect ballot verification activities, provisional ballot processing, and the processing of military and overseas ballots that often happens after Election Day

All 50 states require ballots to be cast or postmarked on or before Election Day

The 14 states with grace periods for regular ballots accept and count mailed ballots for periods ranging from a single day after the election in Texas to 21 days afterward in Washington state. Mississippi’s disputed grace period is five days. A November 2025 Brookings Institution study found that mail voting was a practical, secure way to expand voter access, with about four cases of fraud out of every 10 million mail ballots. It was an option used by about 30% of voters across the U.S. during the 2024 presidential election. With the Mississippi case looming, some states have begun to act on their own. Four states — Ohio, Kansas, North Dakota and Utah eliminated grace periods last year, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures and Voting Rights Lab. A fifth, Minnesota, shortened its ballot deadline from the close of polls on Election Day to 5 p.m.

Jury finds Musk misled investors during Twitter purchase

X owner absolved of some fraud claims

BY BARBARA ORTUTAY AP technology writer

SAN FRANCISCO A jury has found Elon Musk liable for defrauding investors by deliberately driving down Twitter’s stock price in the tumultuous months leading up to his 2022 acquisition of the social media company for $44 billion. But it absolved him of some fraud allegations finding that he did not “scheme” to mislead investors.

The civil trial in San Francisco centered on a class-action lawsuit filed just before Musk took control of Twitter, which he later renamed X

Jurors were asked to decide if two tweets and comments Musk made on a podcast in May 2022 amounted to him intentionally defrauding Twitter shareholders, who sold their shares based on Musk’s statements.

Musk

The nineperson jury returned the verdict after nearly four days of deliberation, nearly three weeks after the trial began on March 2. They said that while Musk was liable for misleading investors with two tweets — including one said the Twitter deal was “temporarily on hold,” he did not do so with a statement he made on a podcast and

that he did not intentionally “scheme” to defraud investors.

The jury awarded shareholders between about $3 and $8 per stock per day as damages, which the plaintiffs’ lawyers said amounts to about $2.1 billion in stock and another $500 million in options. Musk’s fortune is currently estimated at about $814 billion, much of it tied up in Tesla shares.

“It’s an important victory, not just for investors of Twitter, but for the public markets,” said Joseph Cotchett, an attorney for the plaintiffs. “I think the jury’s verdict sends a strong message that just because you’re a rich and powerful person, you still have to obey the law and no man is above the law.”

Musk’s legal team refer-

Zelenskyy: Ukraine aiding 5 countries against Iran attacks

BY HANNA ARHIROVA Associated Press

KYIV, Ukraine Ukrainian of-

ficials are helping five countries in the Middle East and Gulf region counter attacks on their territory by Iranian drones, while the United States and European countries are among others who have requested support, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Friday Ukraine is also looking into whether it can have a role in restoring security in the Strait of Hormuz amid the Iran war he said.

Ukraine has become one of the world’s leading producers of cutting-edge, battletested drone interceptors that are cheap and effective. They play a key part in its defense against Russia’s more than 4-year-old full-scale invasion.

“Our teams are already working with five countries on countering (Iran’s) ‘Shahed’ drones — we have provided expert assessments and are helping build a defense system,” Zelenskyy said on X. Iran is an ally in Russia’s invasion. Tehran signed a

broad cooperation pact with Moscow last year

Zelenskyy has previously said he hoped to provide expertise to Arab Gulf countries targeted by Iranian Shahed drones, versions of which are heavily used by Moscow’s invading forces, in exchange for advanced air defense missiles that Ukraine needs to counter devastating Russian aerial attacks. Kyiv fears it will get fewer of the sophisticated missiles it needs to fend off the Russian strikes as the Iran war burns through stockpiles.

enced other cases Musk won and said they will appeal.

“Last month, Elon won the largest appellate victory in this country’s history after getting an unfair shake at the trial level. Earlier today, in a Texas court he won another appellate victory in which the trial judge was reversed,” the legal team at Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan said in a statement.

“We view today’s verdict,

where the jury found both for and against the plaintiffs and found no fraud scheme, as a bump in the road. And we look forward to vindication on appeal.”

Much of the trial focused on Musk’s claims about the number of bots on Twitter Musk testified that Twitter had a much higher number of fake and spam accounts than the 5% it disclosed in regulatory filings. He used

ADVERTISEMENT

what he called Twitter’s misrepresentation of the number of fake accounts on its service as a reason to retreat from the purchase. After Musk tried to back out, Twitter went to court in Delaware to force him to honor his original deal. Just before that case was scheduled to go to trial, Musk reversed course again and agreed to pay what he had originally promised.

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out.

By The Associated Press

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Federal prosecutors asked a judge Friday to dismiss the charges against two Louisville officers accused of falsifying the warrant that led police to raid Breonna Taylor’s apartment the night she was killed six years ago.

Prosecutors said in a court filing that their review of the case showed the charges against former Detective Joshua Jaynes and former Sgt. Kyle Meany should be “dismissed in the interest of justice.”

It’s unclear when the judge might rule on the request. A hearing is scheduled for April 3.

Judges have twice reduced a felony charge against each officer to a misdemeanor, saying there wasn’t a direct link between the false information in the warrant and Taylor’s death. Prosecutors said after the second ruling that they had decided to drop the cases “We are elated with this development,” said Travis Lock, an attorney for Jaynes. Meany’s lawyer, Michael Denbow, said he is “incredibly grateful for today’s filing.” Meany “is looking forward to putting this matter behind him and moving forward with his life,” he said. Taylor 26 was shot to death by police when they

broke down the door of her apartment while serving a no-knock drug warrant looking for a former boyfriend who was no longer there.

Taylor’s boyfriend at the time fired at the officers, and Taylor was killed as police fired back.

The March 13, 2020, death of Taylor, who was Black, and local anger over Louisville’s handling of the case gained widespread attention during the wave of racial justice protests sparked by the police murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis that May Six years on, activists continue to point to Taylor’s killing as an example of the systemic injustice Black women face.

Consider these national average costs of treatment. $274for acheckup $299 for afilling $1,471 foracrown.3 Unexpected bills likethis canbea real burden, especially if you’re on afixed income  Look forcoverage that helps pay formajor services. Some plans may limit the number of procedures —orpay forpreventive care only.

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ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By RICH PEDRONCELLI

Election workers Heidi McGettigan, left, Margaret Wohlford, center, and David Jensen unload a bag of

precinct

Sacramento County Registrar of Voters office in Sacramento, Calif., on June 5, 2018.

mostly

willbefollowedbyasunnyand warmweekend. Afternoon

NOLA.COM | Saturday, March 21, 2026 1BN

Use of park funds sparks debate

Kenner resolution on fee deferred indefinitely

BY LARA NICHOLSON Staff writer

An attempt to revive a decadeslong debate over whether a Lafreniere Park fee on Kenner residents’ water bills should go to Kenner recreation instead blew up Friday in a heated discussion between the Kenner City Council and a member of the Jefferson Parish Council.

Parish officials called out in Jefferson IG report

Annual review mentions delayed responses

BY LARA NICHOLSON Staff writer

The Jefferson Parish inspector general said in a report Wednesday that the Parish Council and administration have failed to make meaningful reform to fix waste, fraud and abuse in the parish over the last year

Inspector General Kim Chatelain’s annual report titled “Closing the Loop: From Findings to Fixes and Facing Opposition,” said that her office is met with “silence, delayed responses, or resistance” from elected officials that prevent the parish from making necessary reforms in response to her office’s findings.

The publication comes on the heels of more than a year of public clashes between Chatelain and elected officials who say she’s acted politically in her position to undermine parish projects, a claim she has repeatedly denied.

“Too often in Jefferson Parish, the work of the JPOIG is met with opposition, and the Inspector General is subjected to public ridicule by elected officials,” the report states.

The annual report is intended to summarize the Inspector General’s Office activities and achievements in identifying waste fraud and abuse for the parish.

Chatelain cited several examples of how that opposition “detracts from addressing the real and serious challenges currently facing Jefferson Parish,” including finance department problems that resulted in the loss of the parish’s bond rating and the construction of a brewpub in downtown Gretna despite a report by her office admonishing the project.

She also referenced new rules for her office passed by the council in January 2025 that require a 30-day response period for the subjects of any IG publications, and a request by the council for an outside lawyer to investigate her handling of the brewpub report after council members accused her of colluding with Jefferson Parish council member at large Jennifer Van Vrancken. That lawyer determined that Chatelain acted within her authority Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng said in a statement that her administration has worked with Chatelain’s office to correct any issues.

“Our administration has consistently met with the Office of the Inspector General when findings are issued, reviewed those concerns and taken corrective actions as appropriate,” Lee Sheng said. “We remain committed to identifying and addressing any fraud, waste, or abuse, and to ensuring parish government operates effectively, transparently and responsibly for our residents.” Jefferson Parish council member

A resolution by City Council

member Brian Brennan that had sought to start talks with Jefferson Parish about redirecting a monthly $1.87 fee for Lafreniere Park on Kenner water bills to Kenner parks and recreational facilities was deferred by a 6-1 vote for an indefinite period of time.

If passed, the resolution would have only urged the Jefferson Parish Council to take action, as it is

the only body that can control the Lafreniere Park fee.

But while the matter was ultimately deferred, the City Council’s vote came after a fiery debate that also touched on the politics surrounding the city’s upcoming council elections. Brennan said the money from the fee, roughly $400,000 per year would better benefit Kenner residents by funding its own rec-

reation department rather than a park located outside the city limits in unincorporated Jefferson Parish, and that the resolution was based on feedback he’s gotten while canvassing for his campaign for City Council at large Division A.

“Yes, it is an election, but knocking doors and speaking with people, many people have brought up, ‘Why are we paying this money at Lafreniere Park when I don’t go there?’” Brennan said. “This is just a way for us to get money back in

the hands of Kenner to dedicate it to parks and recreation.”

But Jefferson Parish Council member Arita Bohannan, Kenner Mayor Michael Glaser and other City Council members criticized the legislation, saying it would create a rocky relationship between the city and parish that has otherwise been harmonious. Bohannan estimated that more than a third of Lafreniere Park patrons are Kenner residents, and

groundbreaking

income,

development

corner of Esplanade Avenue and Henriette Delille Street in New Orleans on Friday.

Housing planned for vacant lot

50 units slated near French Quarter

BY JONAH MEADOWS Staff writer

Construction is underway on a mixed income apartment complex that will bring 50 apartments, including 37 “affordable” or rent-restricted units, to a long-vacant, city-owned property on the edge of the French Quarter, Treme and Faubourg Marigny Developers and city officials held a groundbreaking Friday on the Esplanade Delille Apartments, set to be completed in April 2027, on a site that was part of the St. Aloysius School campus until the 1960s.

In 2023, HRI Communities and New Orleans Restoration Properties were selected to do the project by the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority

PROVIDED PHOTO

which is leasing the property from the city

The developer’s plans call for constructing three buildings — a main structure fronting Esplanade Avenue with 40 apartments above two groundfloor retail storefronts, and a pair of smaller, camelback-style houses along Henriette Delille Street with five apartments each. Most of the units will

An architectural rendering shows plans for the 40-unit main building at the Esplanade Delille Apartments, scheduled to be complete in April 2027. ä See HOUSING, page 2B

New riverfront park opens next month

Project took 19 months to complete

BY MARCO CARTOLANO Staff writer

The Audubon Nature Institute’s new downtown riverfront park will open next month after more than a year of construction, officials said Friday a move aimed at giving residents and visitors access to the new public space in time for the French Quarter Festival. Goldring Woldenberg Riverfront Park will have a ribbon-

cutting ceremony April 7 and will open to the public on April 16, Audubon officials said. French Quarter Fest, which draws tens of thousands of music lovers to the Quarter for four days of free performances, opens the same day The park is the first phase of the project atop the Gov Nicholls Street Wharf and took 19 months to complete. A second phase of the project, which will redevelop the Esplanade Avenue Wharf, is scheduled to begin later this year Audubon has been working

Man rebooked on child porn after probation check

Court documents: Developer rearrested after evidence found

BY MISSY WILKINSON Staff writer

A Roblox programmer was rearrested on 40 counts of pornography involving juveniles under 13 after his probation officer spotted a child-sized sex doll in his bedroom during a routine compliance check last month, according to court documents. Jamie Borne, 30, was arrested Feb. 27 on one count of possessing, trafficking or importing a

child sex doll a felony according to an affidavit supporting his arrest. He was rebooked Tuesday on the 40 child pornography counts after forensic analysts with Homeland Security Investigations completed a search of his laptops, external hard drives and cellphones. Bail was set at $50,000 per count. Attorney General Liz Murrill announced Friday that her office will prosecute the case. Borne had been on probation for nearly two years for illegal use of a weapon after throwing Airsoft and smoke grenades at

STAFF PHOTO By DAVID GRUNFELD

The

ceremony is set up for the HRI Communities 50-unit Esplanade Delille Apartments project, a mixed-

mixed-use

on a vacant city-owned block just outside the French Quarter at the

ä See PARK, page 2B

Former cop found guilty of simple battery

Jury acquits man on five additional felony charges

BY MICHELLE HUNTER Staff writer

A Jefferson Parish jury acquitted a former New Orleans police officer on five felony charges related to allegations he severely beat his former wife, but found him guilty on a lesser charge of simple battery Larry King Jr., 53, was charged with domestic abuse battery with serious bodily injury, cruelty to the infirm, domestic abuse by strangulation, two counts of aggravated assault with a firearm

REPORT

Continued from page 1B

Hans Liljeberg echoed that sentiment and said the administration and council have taken appropriate action on all credible reports.

Van Vrancken, Chatelain’s main supporter on the council said she agreed with Chatelain that the parish is paying a “tremendous cost” for not taking proper accountability on Chatelain’s reports on issues like the bond rating withdrawal, the brewpub and issues with east bank firefighter leave policies.

REBOOKED

Continued from page 1B

two Central City tent-dwellers, firing a semiautomatic pistol at them and yelling racist slurs in March 2023 He had received a six-month suspended sentence in that case.

Borne’s probation and parole officers were conducting a compliance check at his St. Andrew Street address when they saw a female sex doll “in plain sight on a sofa,” according to the affidavit.

“When asked about the child sex doll, Borne stated he was very lonely,” the affidavit states. In an interview, Borne allegedly admitted to buying the doll and possessing child pornography Investigators found more than 40 images and videos of child sexual abuse material, as well as a web history of explicit searches. Louisiana has seen a sharp increase in reports of internet crimes against children, rising from 171 reports in 2010 to 16,000 in 2024. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill sued Roblox in August, alleging the popular online gaming platform geared toward children is “basically open season for sex predators.” At least half a dozen other states have filed similar lawsuits

Borne remains held at the Orleans Justice Center If convicted, he faces up to 40 years in prison.

HOUSING

Continued from page 1B

be one-bedrooms.

The $22.2 million project comes as the city continues to struggle with a shortage of workforce and affordable housing. Housing advocates have said the city needs 55,000 more units of affordable housing than is currently available.

“The general approach to this one was they wanted a lot of housing, because we have such a housing need in the city,” said Josh Cullen, president of HRI Communities. “But it’s a tight site It really is a very, very small site, and so we had to stretch to get 50 units onto the property.”

Long-term affordability

Thirty-seven apartments will be set aside for affordable housing for renters earning 60% or less of the area median income, which currently restricts it to people earning about $38,800 if they live alone or $43,200 for two-person households.

The terms of the project’s financing require those 37 units to stay affordable at that level for at least 45 years, although the fact that the land has been leased from the city means that the public can effectively keep them affordable far longer

and illegal use of a firearm, all felonies.

Instead, jurors downgraded one of the domestic abuse counts, finding him guilty of a misdemeanor offense that carries no more than 6 months in jail.

Over the course of the three-day trial, Jefferson Parish Assistant District Attorneys Zachary Grate and Sarah Helmstetter accused King of terrorizing and battering his ex-wife, 50, for years, even after she suffered three strokes in one year King, they alleged, pointed a gun at his daughter, 27, after she confronted him about the abuse.

But defense attorney Gregory Carter argued that King’s wife and daughter had lied about the abuse on the witness stand so jurors

“There are real and dire consequences for continuing to ignore the OIG,” she said. Scott Walker, the other council member at large who’s largely stayed out of the conflict, said that the council has made corrective changes in response to her reports before and that he does not “publicly ridicule her.” He added that he’s tried to mediate conflict between the council and the IG in the past “I hope it gets better, because I don’t think it does any of us good to be in a public battle with the inspector general,” Walker said.

The report said that last year

Chatelain’s office reviewed 84

shouldn’t believe their testimony

“He had his whole life turned upside down because of these lies,” Carter said. Authorities said there was a history of unreported domestic abuse in the marriage, which ended in divorce in May 2021, according to court records King’s ex-wife and daughter told investigators that they were afraid of retaliation should they report abuse because of his two-decade career with the NOPD.

In 2021, King’s ex-wife contacted the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. She told deputies that between September and November 2019, he would often kick her or slam her head into walls or the floor, according to authorities. This was after King’s ex-wife

complaints, issued seven public reports and initiated five new investigative cases.

Since launching in 2013, the Inspector General’s Office has issued 332 “concerns, observations and findings” across its published reports, and identified about $87 million in questioned costs, avoidable costs and funds at risk, the report states. Of those findings, 192 are resolved and 22 are partially resolved.

In total, the office has published 73 public reports and 19 public letters. Eight complaints have resulted in arrests or warrants.

The office currently has three ongoing audits two of which are

suffered the first of three strokes

In November 2019, she was hospitalized with a brain bleed that required surgery Prosecutors said the injury was caused by King’s abuse.

Jurors deliberated for about seven hours before reaching a decision. King is scheduled to be sentenced on April 1 and was issued a $35,000 bond. He was fired from the NOPD in November following a four-year investigation by the department’s Public Integrity Bureau that found he’d committed repeated violations over the years, according to WWL Louisiana.

Email Michelle Hunter at mhunter@theadvocate.com.

related to the brewpub project, and four evaluations.

This year, the office plans to audit council discretionary spending accounts and the parish’s procurement and contracting procedures, the report said.

“Oversight works best when it is paired with a commitment to improvement,” Chatelain said in a news release. “Bringing about meaningful reform requires a willing and true partner in the Administration and Council. The citizens of Jefferson Parish deserve nothing less.”

Email Lara Nicholson at lnicholson@theadvocate.com.

Goldring Woldenberg Riverfront Park will open next month after more than a

RIVERFRONT

Continued from page 1B

toward the opening of the sixacre park for years, part of a plan to create a continuous stretch of parkland from Spanish Plaza to Crescent Park that would give greater access to the Mississippi River Former Audubon CEO Ron

Forman began the project over a decade ago.

The new park segment will feature landscaping, shade trees, seating and a marsh-themed playground. It will also have a covered shed billed as New Orleans’ Front Porch with food and beverage concessions and restrooms.

“Experiencing the river here offers a glimpse into the city’s earliest days when it served as the

HRI Communities President Josh Collen speaks during the groundbreaking ceremony of the HRI Communities 50-unit Esplanade Delille Apartments project, a mixed-income, mixed-use development on a vacant city-owned block just outside the French Quarter at the corner of Esplanade Avenue and Harriette Delille Street in New Orleans on Friday.

backbone of the local economy

Transforming former working warehouses into a vibrant, accessible green space will make a meaningful impact on our community,” Michael J. Sawaya, CEO of Audubon Nature Institute, said in a statement. The park will be open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 6 a.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

Horizon’s Community Investment Group — a $6.5 million loan from the city, a $500,000 loan from the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority and a deal with Finance New Orleans to pay a fixed $10,000 a year instead of property taxes.

“This is a totally replicable model,” Cullen said describing it as “best practice” to use quasi-public groups like HANO or NORA to leverage private capital in order to get vacant or blighted city-owned properties back into commerce.

“The real secret here is having the city have enough funding to go along with these properties to win the scarce resources that the state of Louisiana puts out,” Cullen said.

“A lot of their programs, they don’t give you enough money to get the whole thing done.”

said the parish’s contributions to the city, like a $12.5 million amphitheater being built in Laketown, far outweighed funds collected through this fee.

“You said you’re doing this because you want to promote fairness among East Bank residents while enhancing recreational opportunities parishwide,” Bohannan said, referencing a news release about the resolution sent by Brennan’s campaign manager, Greg Buisson, before the meeting. “I am not sure how singling out Kenner and putting it on an island alone could possibly accomplish parishwide opportunities.”

At-large City Council member Tom Willmott told the council the resolution “reeks of politics,” and City Council member George Branigan questioned the legality of the legislation, as the City Attorney’s Office did not draft or review the legislation before it appeared on the agenda.

“This question has been asked and answered several times already,” Willmott said.

“As I’ve pointed out, it’s wrong to use this body as such a pawn Everybody can see through it. It’s a political stunt, plain and simple.”

Brennan said he was not intending to harm the relationship between Kenner and Jefferson Parish, and that he only wanted to open a dialogue about reallocating those fees. He said he followed normal procedures for proposing legislation and worked with an outside attorney to draft it.

He denied his legislation being politically motivated, and said after the meeting that the opposition his resolution received “could be viewed as political as well.”

“All this was was, ‘Let’s have a conversation. Is it something we can do? Is it not something we can do?’ ” Brennan said “I would think that Parks and Recreation would appreciate having some more money I’m not trying to upset Jefferson Parish or the relationship with Jefferson Parish.”

Kristi McKinney, the current at large Division A City Council member, said the recreation department is underfunded and said the Lafreniere park fee would be a “valuable conversation to have.” McKinney is term-limited in her current position and running for District 4.

All east bank residents, with the exclusion of disabled and elderly residents, are charged the monthly fee on their water bills, totaling about $21.84 per year per household.

The fee was first applied only to residents of the unincorporated east bank, and later extended in 1989 to Kenner and Harahan residents as well Kenner officials at the time opposed it. After city and parish officials questioned its legality the state Legislature adopted a bill allowing the fee collection.

The issue came up again in 2003, when former Mayor Phil Capitano, then a council member, said money for the development of Kenner’s City Park should have come from the fee.

In 2010, then City Council members Kent Denapolis, Ben Zahn and Joe Stagni — who’s now running this May against Brennan — passed a similar resolution to reclaim those funds, which Bohannan said never came to fruition because it would be unlawful.

The entire Kenner Culture and Recreation budget totals about $3.2 million, while the Lafreniere Park budget is about $2.9 million. According to Brennan, Kenner’s parks and recreational facilities have an entire footprint of over 350 acres, while Lafreniere Park is about 155 acres.

Under the terms of a $30.5 million federal program, the Iberville-Treme Choice Neighborhood Initiative, the city was required to build 859 replacement apartments and 1,549 total units in the neighborhoods previously served by the Iberville development — the area between St. Bernard and Tulane avenues and between Broad and Rampart streets.

Fifteen years later, that money has long been spent. But the completion of the Esplanade Delille project along with two other projects near the Lafitte Green-

Of those, 15 will be covered by project-based vouchers from the Housing Authority of New Orleans, including a dozen designated as official replacement housing for units that were lost when the city demolished the Iberville public housing development.

way that are under construction — will bring the total number of units built as part of the initiative to 1,580, and the total number of replacement units to 859, according to Maggie Merrill, senior director of asset management, development and modernization for the Housing Authority of New Orleans.

Finding the financing

Funding for the Esplanade Delille comes from a variety of sources. They include a 9% low-income housing tax credit from the Louisiana Housing Corporation — accounting for about $13.5 million of the construction cost through First

Friday’s groundbreaking comes less than a year after the same contractors and development team completed another affordable apartment building about a third of a mile away in the 7th Ward.

“They are very comparable,” Cullen said. “Where they really differ is in their building shapes and historical context.”

The St. Bernard Circle Apartments include 51 affordable units set aside for those at or below 60% of area median income, as well as two ground floor retail spaces. As is planned for the Esplanade Delille space, the developers have declared their preference to rent the space to businesses owned by women and minorities.

Email Jonah Meadows at jonah. meadows@theadvocate.com.

Lafreniere Park is a regional park featuring an inclusive playground, dog park, splash pad, food pavilion, sports fields and festival grounds for annual events like Uncle Sam Jam and Que Pasa Fest.

Email Lara Nicholson at lnicholson@theadvocate.com.

STAFF PHOTO By DAVID GRUNFELD

PROVIDED PHOTO By AUDUBON NATURE INSTITUE

year of construction.

BREC official addressesplans to sell parks

Statement outlines goal to prioritize resources

BY CHRISTOPHER CARTWRIGHT Staff writer

The chair of the BREC Commission released aletteroutlining theorganization’splans to sell some parks across the parish, following a heated meeting earlier this weekconcerning eight parks.

In aletter released Friday, Chair Michael Polito said the plans were objective, datadriven and that park salesare planned across many Baton Rouge council districts.

“Let me be clear: this effort is notnew,not political,and not targeted,” he wrote. “It is acontinuation of amultiyear,data-driven initiative —undertakenatthe direct direction of voters through their approval of Imagine Your Parks 3—toresponsibly manage public assets for the benefit of all residents of East Baton Rouge Parish.”

The letterfollows Tuesday’smeeting of BREC’s Planning and Park Resources AdvisoryCommittee, which saw local elected officials

object to plans to sell eight parks innorth Baton Rouge. Whilethe parks currently under consideration for sale areinthe northern part of the parish, there are plans to sell moreinother areas, Polito said. The sale is part of awider plan to reduce BREC’sinventory,with officials saying it will help prioritize resources in parks thatare used more According to Polito, BREC is considering more than 50 parks spanning the districts forMetro Councilmembers Brandon Noel, Anthony Kenney,Aaron Moak, Darryl Hurst, Cleve Dunn Jr., Twahna P. Harris,Dwight Hudson and Carolyn Coleman. These districts encompass the entire region above Florida Boulevard, including north Baton Rouge and the cities of Central, Baker and Zachary. However,they also include parts of downtown, MidCity and the western portion of the city of St. George. Afulllistofparks was not included in therelease.

Poweronthe BREC Commission shifted last year followingthe passing of a newlaw,which gave the areas outside city limits more seatsonthe board. Thecommission’sdemographics changed withthe law, shifting from six Black commis-

sioners andthree White ones to two Black commissioners and seven Whiteones.

Polito wrotethatthe plans to identify underutilized parksand declare themobsolete are notnew and began under the tenure of former Superintendent CoreyWilson,with around 25 already identifiedasobsolete.

“Two properties were successfully sold without public controversy,” he wrote. “Several additional properties were approvedfor disposition by the prior Commission.”

Last year,the organization voted to sell Industriplex Parkwithout public pushback.

Local officials, includingDadrius Lanus, an East Baton Rouge Parish school board member,argued earlierthisweekthat the recent north Baton Rouge park sales cameupwithout any input from the community and said the area has long been underserved.

“These parks, they are in closeproximity to theschools wherethese kids reside,”he said.“If youtake these parks out of the area,what arethey supposedtodo?” The committee ultimately

voted to defer decisions on five of the eight parksup for possible sales. The remainingthree parks—Alexander StreetPark,Belfair Park and Blueberry Street Park —were recommended to be declared obsoleteand sold Officials have identified possible parks to sell based on multiple criteria. That includes proximitytoother BREC facilitiesand maintenance and operational costs.

Additionally,officials have used aggregated cellphone tracking data spanning a period of years to evaluate roughlyhow muchthe public uses parks.

Politowrote that theprocess is and will continue to be transparent, data-driven, consistent and respectful of community input.

“Weunderstand that parks aredeeply personal and meaningfultocommunities …This is about strengthening theentire park system —not diminishing anycommunity,” he wrote. “Weremain committed to ensuring that every decision we make reflects fairness, consistency and the long-terminterests of all citizens of East Baton Rouge Parish.Wewill not allow misinformationtodistract from responsiblestewardship.

Southern University hiresfirm, begins search forpresident

Consultant has HBCU ties

BY HALEYMILLER Staff writer

As the summerdeadline to hire anew leader approaches, Southern Universitywill use thefirm TM2 Executive Search to find its next president.

The firm specializes in working with historically Black colleges and universities, TM2 consultants said at the SouthernBoardofSupervisors meeting Friday

“Webelieve that we have the toolsnecessary, we believe that we have the experience necessary, to bring you all’snext system-level president,” TM2

President Amanda Washington Lockett said.

Lockett said Southern and TM2 arealigned not just on theexecutive search butinsharedhistory

Booker T. Washington, hergreat-great-grandfather,met with Southern University’sfirst president,Joseph S. Clark, on campustodiscuss the futureofthe university over 100years ago, she said.

“I have HBCUs through and through in my blood, and I’m so honored to be working with you all today,” Lockett said.

The Southern University System Foundation

will retainand compensate TM2, aspokesperson forSouthern said.

Thepresidentialsearch timeline hasthe Board of Supervisors considering final candidates at its May 14 meeting, with a new president in place by July 1.

Thesearchofficially kicked off in February after the board parted wayswith former President Dennis Shields at theend of 2025.Orlando McMeans, chancellor of the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center, is serving as interim president.

At ameeting in May, membersofthe presidential search committee said they wereopen to “nontraditional” leaders, including businessexecutives. They listed aterminal degree, or the highest degree that can be earned in aparticular discipline, as apreferred qualification instead of mandatory in thepresidential profile.

“Obviously, we’re not in traditional times in our country or in higher education,”Chair Jason Hughes said at thetime. “Ideally,speaking for myself, Iwould like to seeus cast as wide anet as possible as we work to recruit thenextpresident of the SouthernUniversity system.”

BY ADAM DAIGLE

Acadiana business editor

The rapidly growing solar panel manufacturer that recently opened its $1.1 billion plant in Iberia Parish is expected to create nearly $300 million for local governments, according to astudy. An economic impact study conducted by the staff at the Kathleen Babineaux Blanco Public Policy Center at the University of Louisianaat Lafayette indicates the company’soperations will lead to $271.5 million in public

revenues forIberia Parish throughthe year 2050. First Solar opened its 2.4 million-square-foot plant in Novemberand is expected to employ 826with an average compensation package of $90,000 once theplant is fully operational. Itwill be capable of producing3.5 gigawatts of solar panels each year,which is enough capacity to power at least2.5 million homes. For local governments,construction activities and equipment purchases through the year 2050 are expected to yield$120.4 million, which

just over half wil ed as part of the lieu-of-taxes agreements the Iberia Economic ment Authority ria Parish Airport according to the lease with the 2045, and First pay $8.2 million taxes annually First Solar is to pay $645,000 ventory tax, whi $16.1 millionb ing to the report. Also, the water facilitythat was

STAFF PHOTO By JAVIER GALLEGOS

Belfair Park in Baton Rouge is pictured from therustedstaircase of the neighboring BREC Belfair Center on Tuesday.

Bennett Jr., Robert

Betbeze, Marie

Calogero,Iris

Impastato, Mary

Randolph,Alena

Reuter,Audrey

Scott, Zara

Sinatra, Lawrence NewOrleans

Boyd Family Randolph,Alena Greenwood

Impastato, Mary JacobSchoen

Bennett Jr., Robert

Reuter,Audrey

St Tammany

Audubon

Calogero,Iris

Honaker

Betbeze, Marie West Bank

Mothe

Sinatra, Lawrence

Robinson FH

Scott, Zara

Obituaries

Bennett Jr., Robert Turner 'Bob'

Robert Turner (Bob) Bennett, Jr.leftthisearthly realm on February 20,2026 atthe ageof80. On aFri‐day,hepassedawaysur‐rounded by familyand friends at theVAhospital inNew Orleans. A finalVet‐eran'sWalkwas held that evening in hishonor.Bob was preceded in deathby his belovedwifeof49 years,AlandaJoy Thomas Bennett whodiedApril 24 2022. He wasalsopreceded indeath by hisfather RobertTurnerBennett and motherMarjorieBlackburn Bennett, also hissister Molly BennettPughpassed awayApril 7, 2022 and brother Joseph (Joey) Allan Bennett passedawayJanu‐ary 11, 1996.Bob is sur‐vived by hissisters: Katherine Amanda Bennett Deshotels living in Lafayette (twinsisterof Joey) andAnn Bennett Wallace of Lafayette and her daughter EmilyKather‐ine Wallace. SteveRees is rememberedtoBob as "a special pal."Bob also maintaineda closeand special relationship with the familyofhis late wife Alanda, theThomases. Thisincludedhis motherin-lawKatie Thomas,Bob Thomas(Polly),Robin Squyres (Robin), Ann Rogers (Bob),and Becky Allain (Larry), andhis manyniecesand nephews. Those who knew Bobknew thathehad auniqueper‐sonalityofanunforget‐table sort.His nature is ideally portrayedbyhis other name.Those closest tohim lovingly referred to him as "Blob."Onceina familygathering,he shouted thereare too manyBobshere(referring tothe threeBob brothersin-law),"startcalling me Blob!"So, to ageneration offamily, he became Uncle Blob. He wasthe guythatif a pictureneededa photo bomb, youcould always count on UncleBlobtobe there.Heloved to dance (Cajun-style) andheloved Mardi Gras-andhewas outstanding at both.Many a partyorget-together was takenoverbyhim and Alandadoing alivelytwostep. At MardiGrashe was costumedasa Valkyrie warrior,orsomething vaguely relatedtothat image.Bob's closerelation toLafayettebegan with his attendingthe University of SouthwesternLouisiana (nowthe University of Louisiana at Lafayette) and majoringinArchitecture. AtULL, he wasa member ofSigma Nu fraternity.He earnedhis degree in that fieldand beganhis firstjob asanarchitect in Lafayette.Fromthere,he

andAlandamoved to New Orleans,thenTampa,and finallybacktoNew Or‐leans.Several buildings bearing hisarchitectural designs arestandingin Lafayette today. Bob servedinthe army.During the VietnamWar he was stationed at theTon Son Nhut airbaseinSaigon After histourofduty, he returnedtocivilianlife. His architectural creativity ex‐tendedintothe art field where he wasanaccom‐plished artist.His artwork adornsthe wallsofmany local homes. He hadmany other interestsand made the most of hislife. He was anavidsailorand spent manyhours as adocentat the Lake Pontchartrain Lighthouse. He enjoyedtry‐ing to instillhis love of being on the waterto those around him. He loved his dog, a very largeDober‐man Pinscher called Sukey. Bob wouldoften be seen walking Sukeyina nearby park. Some neighborseven knewhim as the"Mayorof the DogPark."Bob fought a noblebattlefor thelast few yearsoflifeina battle thatweare alldestinedto lose. Buthis life will always liveonthrough thememo‐riesoffamilyand friends who were fortunate enoughtoknowBob Ben‐nett. Thefamilywishesto thank theVeteran's Admin‐istration hospital of New Orleans fortheir kind and considerate service. This includesthe doctorsand nursesofthe Urology Dept.,Oncology Dept Neu‐rology Dept., SpecialSer‐vices Palliative Care,Hick‐ory HouseCommunity Liv‐ing Center,and Azalea Hospice Care.The profes‐sionaland personal care at the VA hospital is greatly appreciated. Family and friends areinvited to a memorialservice to be heldonMarch 28 at 11:00 am, Rayne Memorial UnitedMethodist Church 3900 St.Charles Ave.,New Orleans.PastorJay Hogewood will preside overthe service. Acelebra‐tionofBob's life will con‐tinue at theBennett's home, 1004 Second Street, New Orleans. In lieu of flowers, thefamilyre‐queststhatdonations in Bob's memory canbe madefor renovationsto the ULLSigma NuFrater‐nityhouse.Checkscan be madetoETA NuHouse Cor‐poration, 315Settlers' Trace Blvd Lafayette,LA 70508.

MarieFranchina Bet‐beze,84, of Mandeville, Louisiana, passedawayon March16, 2026. Mariewas born September30, 1941 in NewOrleans,toLouis A. Franchinaand Augustina Lena Garofalo.Marie wasa devotedwife, mother and grandmotherand spent heryears focusedonher family andher Catholic faith. Sheisprecededin deathbyher loving hus‐band of 57 years, Sidney B. Betbeze, Jr.and abrother Theodore Miller (Eileen). Sheissurvivedbyher two children,Elana Ponceti (Anthony)and Michael Betbeze(Jennifer); four grandchildren, whom she wasmostproud of Gabrielle Ponceti, GenevievePonceti,An‐gelinaBetbeze,and KatherineBetbeze;her brothers,Anthony Franchina(Gail),and Vin‐cent Franchina(Gail). She is also survived by numer‐ousnieces, nephews, and cousins, allofwhomshe loved. Mariewillbemissed by allofher friendsand family.A Catholic Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of theLakeCatholic Church,312 Lafitte St., in Mandeville,Louisiana,on Monday,March 23, 2026. Visitation will beginat 10:00 am followed by the FuneralMassat11:30 am Burial will be in Southeast LouisianaVeteransCeme‐tery in Slidell, Louisiana, on Wednesday, March25, 2026, at 10:00 am.Please visitwww.honakerforestla wn.com to sign guestbook Arrangements by Honaker FuneralHome, Inc.,Slidell, LA

Iris Lucy DeRouen Calogero,ofSlidell, Louisiana,passedaway peacefullyonMarch 17, 2026, at theage of 91. She was born on December 21, 1934, in NewOrleans Louisiana.She wasdaugh‐ter of thelatePearl Cyrus DeRouen andCharles DeR‐ouen, andwas prede‐ceasedbyher belovedhus‐bandof36years,RobertG Calogero Sr.Iris'smemory willbelovinglyremem‐bered by herthree chil‐dren, CharlesCalogero (JoAnn),Susan Guarisco (Michael),and Robert Calogero Jr.(Sherrie).She was aproud grandmother toCourtneyDavis (Justin), RobertCalogero III(Stacy) Kirsten Nguyen (Dong), MarkHammonds(Sarah) Christopher Calogero (Cristie),Cohen Calogero JosephGuarisco(Katelyn), Matthew Guarisco,Amber Silver, andMicah Silver (Taylor)and adoting great-grandmother of 16 great-grandchildren.She was theadoredsisterof her deceased siblings, Lurry DeRouen(Joyce) EdnaMae Clement (Christy),Gordy DeRouen (Joyce),YolaNavarre (Ted), and herlivingsister, Patri‐cia Ligon (James). Shealso leavesbehinda host of ex‐tendedfamilymembers and friends, allofwhom she loveddearly. Iris's pro‐fessional life wasmarked byher role as aJudicial Secretary with the Louisiana SupremeCourt Her colleagues will remem‐ber herasa pillar of pro‐fessionalismand amentor tomanyuntil herretire‐mentin2009. Awoman of deep faith,Iriswas alongtimeparishioner of Our LadyofLourdes Church, where shecontributed her timeand talentstothe St JosephAltar Committee She wasthe proudfounder ofthe PatrioticAltar in 2005, andwas recently honored forher dedication Her commitment to her church andcommunity was recognized in 2019, whenshe washonored withThe OrderofSt. Louis Award by theDiocese of New Orleans. As amember ofthe Ladies of Liberty, Iris found joyinfellowshipand service.She found great peace in prayingthe Rosarywitha groupshe and her“Nine Lucky Ladies” founded more than 40years agoand laterex‐tendedtopraying thePa‐triotic Rosary formore than20years at Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Pearl River,LA. Sheloved orga‐nizingand attendingsocial events, Saints football par‐ties, visits to thecasino, and BingoatSummerfield Assisted Living.The family extends theirheartfelt gratitude to themany physiciansand medical staff who caredfor Iris; SummerfieldAssisted Liv‐ing staff; Passages Hos‐picestaff, Kendra and Scott; andher dedicated caregivers, Tina,Joyce, Monique,and Shawanda Relatives andfriends are invited to attend avisita‐tiononSunday, March22, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.atAudubon Funeral HomeinSlidell. TheLegion ofMaryand closefriends willpraythe Rosary at 7:00 p.m.A second visitation willbeheldonMonday, March 23, 2026, from 9:30 a.m.to11:00 a.m. at Our LadyofLourdes Church witha FuneralMassto begin at 11:00 a.m. Iris will belaidtorestinForest LawnCemeteryfollowing Mass. In lieu of flowers, do‐nations maybemadeto the St.JosephAltar at Our LadyofLourdes Church lo‐cated at 400 Westchester Place,Slidell,LA70458 Memoriesand condo‐lencesmay be expressed atwww.AudubonFuneralH ome.com

Impastato, Mary LeeLasano

Mary LeeLasanoImpas‐tatowas called home to theLordonMonday, March

16, 2026, at theage of 93.

Beloved wife of deceased husband,Frank A. Impas‐tato, Jr., daughter of the latePauline Lasano,sister ofthe late Felix Nasoli. Lov‐ing mother of four children MarcImpastato (Bonnie), the late Gary Impastato (Julie, deceased), Neil Im‐pastato,and FrankA.Im‐pastato,III (Christine). Grandmother of four,Gary Impastato, Jr., Rebecca Im‐pastato,Katie LeeImpas‐tato, andFrank A. Impas‐tato, IV.She wasa loving mother, devotedtoher family, friendsand neigh‐borsand waspassionate about herfaith.She also had astrongaffection for animals.Familyand friends areinvited to at‐tenda FuneralMassat Greenwood FuneralHome, 5200 CanalBlvd.,New Or‐leans,LA70124 on Thurs‐day,March 26, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. In‐terment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery.To viewand sign thefamily Guest Book,visit www greenwoodfh.com.Inlieu ofsending flowers, please considerdonatingtothe Louisiana SPCA

Randolph,Alena MarieElphage

AlenaMarie Randolph (Elphage) gained herheav‐enlyhomeonMarch 16 2026, at theage of 78 Alena is survived by her children: Cheryl Elphage, Kevin Elphage, BryanBall, BrianaTaylor, KarenTaylor, EdmondRandolph(Kat‐rina),and ConnieDavid‐son.Alena is preceded in death by hermother, Ida Mae PearleyWinfield, and her father Thomas El‐phage,daughters:Daphne Elphage,Erica Reed,grand‐children: Gerhonda El‐phage,Korey Reed,Ed‐mondRandolphJr. and great grandson Dwight El‐phage,and ahostoffamily and friends. Family and friends areinvited to at‐tendthe CelebrationofLife Service on Monday,March 23, 2026, for10:00 a.m. at The Boyd Family Funeral Home, 5001 Chef Menteur Hwy NewOrleans,LA 70126. Visitation will begin at9:00a.m.Interment will followatWoodlawn Ceme‐tery, 9820 Nine Mile Point Rd. West,Westwego, LA 70094. Guestbook Online: www.anewtraditionbegins com (504) 282-0600. Linear BrooksBoydand Donavin D.BoydOwners/FuneralDi‐rectors

Audrey WeltyReuter passedawaypeacefully on March 13, 2026, at age98. She wasthe daughter of PaulM.Welty andUna Garic Welty, who prede‐ceasedher.She wasalso predeceased by her beloved husband,James V. Reuter, Jr andher sister Beverly WeltySarrat. Sheis survivedbyher sons James.V.Reuter, III (Jewel),Paul(Michelle), and Bryan(Donna), her grandchildren,Elise Mc‐Mullen(Kyle), Claire Özoral (Cemal),PaulReuter, Jr (Alexandria), James Reuter, IV,Christopher Reuter(Eileen), Caroline Barry (Gregory),and Stephanie Brake(Simon) and hergreat grandchil‐dren, Audrey,Clark,Lillian and Juliette McMullen, OliviaÖzoral, Liam,Parker, and RhettReuter, Wilfred, Nicholas, Patrick, Ruth,and AdelaideReuter, Genevieve and AnthonyBarry,and Isaac Brake. Shegraduated fromSt. Joseph’s Academy inNew Orleans, Classof 1945, andorganized the yearlyclass reunions. Au‐dreywas aparishioner of St. DominicParishfor manyyears andwas aEu‐charistic minister,a mem‐ber of theRosaryAltar So‐ciety,and amemberofthe St. DominicDames.She was afoundingmember and actively involved in NAIM. Shelater became a parishioner of St.Angela MericiParishwhere sheat‐tendeddaily Mass. Forsev‐eralyears,she wasonthe Board of theOne Metairie PlaceCondominium Asso‐

ciation. Shewas always humble, building up others without seekingpersonal attentionorrecognition She enjoyedspendingtime withher familyand with her condofriends at One MetairiePlace.She partic‐ularlylooked forwardto her annualvacationtothe Grand HotelinPoint Clear withher extended family. In lieu of flowers, thefam‐ily requests adonationto St. Angela Merici Church or St. DominicChurch.Rela‐tives andfriends arein‐vited to attend aFuneral MassatJacob Schoen & Son FuneralHome, 3827 Canal Street,New Orleans, LA70119, on Monday, March 23, 2026 at 12:30 pm withpublicvisitationbe‐ginning at 10:00 am.Inter‐mentwillfollowthe Mass and take placeatLake LawnParkCemeteryand Mausoleum,5454 Pontchartrain Blvd New Orleans,LA.

On February 26, 2026, a precious angel, Zara Angel Scott, wasborninNew Or‐leans, Louisiana. Though hertimeonearth wasonly abrief moment,her life wasalready surrounded by love long before shear‐rived. On that same day, Zara peacefully gained her angelwings andreturned to heaven,leaving behind a family who will forever carry hermemoryintheir hearts.Zarawas abeauti‐fuland deeply cherished daughter whose presence though brief, broughtim‐measurable love,hope, andmeaning to thosewho awaitedher arrival. From theverybeginning,she wasloved,prayedfor,and joyfully anticipatedbyher family.Zarawas born alongsideher twin sister Zuri Blessing Scott. While Zara wascalledhometoo soon,her love will always remain apartofher sis‐ter'slifeand thehearts of herfamily. Sheleavesto cherishher precious mem‐oryher loving parents, Lyn‐trellMaysand AlvinScott Sr.; hersiblings, Treasure London,Tru London,Alvin ScottJr.,Nasir Scott, and SincereScott; hertwinsis‐ter, Zuri Blessing Scott; her grandmother, Kizzie Williams;and ahostof aunts, uncles,cousins,and extended family members who will forevercherish hermemory. Zara was pre‐cededindeath by her grandmother, Tina Scott; grandfather, AlvinMath‐ews; great-grandmothers HellenaMathews and LeolaMays; great-grandfa‐ther,AlfredWaters; greatuncle,AlfredMaysJr.;and great-aunt,Barbara Ann Waters.AlthoughZara's time here wasbrief,the love shebrought into this worldwilllastforever.She will always be remem‐beredasa precious angel whose lightwillnever fade. Hermemorywillliveonin theheartsofher family andall who lovedher Though we didnot getthe chance to watchher grow, we find comfortinknowing that oursweet Zara now restspeacefully in the arms of God. Relativesand friendsofthe family arein‐vitedtoattend thefuneral serviceonSaturday, March 21, 2026 at St Rock Baptist Church 2300 Rochelle St Harvey LA.70058. Thevisi‐tation will beginat9AM followed by a10AMser‐vice.BishopLeonard Franklin will officiate. Fu‐neralplanningentrusted to Robinson Family Funeral Home.Onlinecondolence at www.robinsonfamilyf uneralhome.com

Sinatra, Lawrence Joseph 'Nunny'

Lawrence "Nunny JosephSinatra,July13, 1939 —March 13, 2026 With heavyhearts, we an‐nouncethe passingof Lawrence“Nunny” Joseph Sinatra on Friday,March 13, 2026, at theage of 86 Nunnywas born andraised inAlgiers,Louisiana,and was alifelongresidentof Gretna. Nunnyissurvived byhis loving anddevoted wifeof46years,Georgette O’Dwyer Sinatra; hischil‐dren, ChrisSinatra (Shelly) Gregory Sinatra(Stacy), Rebecca SinatraSmith (Shane),and Lawrence M. Sinatra (Mary);and hissis‐ter,Phyllis SinatraHebert. Healsoleavesbehind elevengrandchildren who willcherish hismemory, along with ahostofnieces, nephews,extendedfamily members,friends,and loyal customers. He was precededindeath by his parents,LawrenceLeonard Sinatra andJosephine Fal‐coneSinatra;his sister, Frances SinatraTingstrom (Sidney); hisgranddaugh‐ter,SophiaCatherine Sina‐tra;and hisstepson,Marc Matherne. Nunnyproudly serveda shortactive-duty stint in theU.S.Naval Re‐servesbeforeattending barberschool.Duringhis longcareer as abarber, he ownedand operated VIP and Sinatra’sBarbershops beforelater workingwith Chuck& Gordon’s,Dale’s, and most recently Ri‐couard’s. He wasoncesaid tobethe oldest living bar‐ber on theWestbank, working rightupuntil the day of hispassing.Nunny took greatpride in his workand trulyenjoyed his customers—offeringnot justa haircut, butalso sportstalk, laughter,a handshake,and apromise tosee them next time Nunnywas an active mem‐ber in theItalian American, Lucky 13, andQuarterback Clubs formanyyears.He loved LSUsports, espe‐cially baseball,aswellas Saintsfootball, golf,hunt‐ing, fishing, andblackjack However,his greatest joy was watching hissonsand grandsons play baseball For many years, Nunny servedasanusher at St JosephCatholicChurch in Gretna. Adevoted Catholic who lovedJesus deeply his family findscomfort in the belief that he is now withthe Lord andthatthey willsee himagain oneday Family, friends, andcus‐tomersofNunny’sare re‐spectfullyinvited to attend his services at MotheFu‐neral Home,2100 Westbank ExpresswayinHarvey. Visi‐tationwillbeheldonMon‐day,March 23, 2026, from 9 amuntil 11 am,withMass at11am. Intermentwill followatWestlawn.

Howto place an Obituary Notice

a

Calogero,Iris Lucy DeRouen

Scott, Zara Angel

Betbeze, MarieFranchina

Reuter,AudreyWelty

TSA concerns grow as airport screeners quit

Eviction notices. Vehicle repossessions. Empty refrigerators and overdrawn bank accounts.

According to union leaders and federal officials, these are among the mounting financial strains that Transportation Security Administration officers face during a government funding lapse the third in less than six months that has required the people who conduct airport security screenings to work without pay

The public is experiencing the consequences in long wait times at some airports as more TSA officers take time off to earn money on the side or cut back on expenses At least 376 have quit their jobs altogether since the latest shutdown began on Valentine’s Day, according to the Department of Homeland Security exacerbating staff turnover at an agency that historically has had some of the U.S. government’s highest attrition and lowest employee morale.

“It’s just exhausting. Every day it just feels like this weight gets heavier and heavier on us,” Cameron Cochems, a local TSA union leader in Boise, Idaho, told The Associated Press.

The ongoing shutdown affects only Homeland Security The House Committee on Homeland Security has scheduled a hearing for Wednesday to review the impact so far on the TSA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S Coast Guard and other agencies within the department.

Children’s liquid pain medication recalled

WASHINGTON Nearly 90,000 bottles of a children’s pain reliever have been recalled due to reports of black specs and other contaminants, according to federal regulators.

The Food and Drug Administration posted an online notice about the recall of Taro Pharmaceuticals’ Children’s Ibuprofen Oral Suspension. The company’s website states that the product comes in a berry-flavored solution and is recommended for children ages 2 to 11.

The FDA notice states that the recall was launched earlier this month after customers reported “a gel-like mass and black particles in the product.” Agency regulators categorized the action as one in which the risk of serious injury or health consequences to consumers is “remote.”

The medication was manufactured in India by Strides Pharma Inc., which produces generic and overthe-counter medicines for firms in the U.S. and many other countries. Strides initiated the recall, according to the FDA notice.

Neither Strides nor Taro Pharmaceuticals immediately responded to requests for comment Friday morning.

Trump officials announce 10-gigawatt data center

PIKETON,Ohio The U.S. Department of Energy on Friday announced a public-private partnership to develop a major data center with its own power supply on the site of a decommissioned uranium enrichment plant in southern Ohio, as it pushes commercial development of artificial intelligence technology.

The Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant in Pike County now being branded as the “PORTS Technology Campus” — is expected to include a 10-gigawatt data center and up to 10 gigawatts of new power generation, including 9.2 gigawatts of natural gas generation, according to the Department of Energy.

The Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant was on a list of 16 federal sites released last year as locations where the department could invite technology companies to build data management and storage capacity

Earlier this month, President Donald Trump called tech companies to the White House and asked them to commit to developing their own power generation alongside the electricity-intensive sites. The Ohio project includes both on-site and grid-connected power generation, along with billions of dollars in transmission upgrades, officials said. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum visited Piketon on Friday for the project announcement, along with officials from SoftBank Group, a Japanese investment management company, and its affiliate SB Energy

High oil prices knock down stocks

Hopes erased for a cut to interest rates

BY STAN CHOE AP business writer

NEW YORK Another climb for oil prices shook stock markets on Friday, as hopes collapsed for a possible cut to interest rates this year by the Federal Reserve.

The S&P 500 fell 1.5% to close its fourth straight losing week, its longest such streak in a year The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 443 points, or 1%, and the Nasdaq composite tumbled 2%.

The market’s losses deepened after oil prices erased an early dip and accelerated in the afternoon. Brent crude, the international standard, rose 3.3% to settle at $112.19 per barrel. Benchmark U.S. crude gained 2.3% to $98.32 per barrel.

Stocks also bent under the weight of leaping yields in the bond market. Higher yields make mortgage rates and other borrowing more expensive for U.S. households and companies, slowing the economy, and they grind down on prices for all kinds of investments. Treasury yields have been jumping on worries the war with Iran will cause a long-term spike in oil and natural gas prices that drives up inflation.

Worries have gotten so high that traders have canceled nearly all their bets that the Federal Reserve could cut interest rates this year according to data from CME Group. Some even think the Fed could raise rates in 2026, a nearly unthinkable scenario before the war began.

“I think it would be market shaking,” Ann Miletti, head of equity investments at Allspring

Global Investments, said about a rate hike But she also said that if oil prices stay high for a long time, they would likely drag so much on the economy that the Fed would not raise rates.

Lower interest rates would give the economy and investment prices a boost, and they’re something President Donald Trump has angrily been calling for Before the war, traders were betting heavily that the Fed would cut rates at least twice this year

But lower rates risk worsening inflation. And investors now see little room for central banks worldwide to cut interest rates to help their economies. Besides the Federal Reserve, central banks in Europe, Japan and the United Kingdom also held their interest rates steady this past week.

The price of Brent crude has zigzagged sharply on its way from roughly $70 per barrel before the

war began to as high as $119.50 this week Big swings have struck hour to hour as financial markets try to handicap how long the war will last and how much damage it will do to oil and gas production in the Persian Gulf.

The U.S. stock market has a history of bouncing back relatively quickly from past conflicts in the Middle East and elsewhere, as long as oil prices don’t stay too high for too long. Oil prices aren’t at a red-flag point yet, Miletti said, but “we’re getting close if the duration is long enough.”

“If three months from now, we’re in a similar situation, not only myself but a lot of other investors will be much more cautious,” she said. While companies can adjust to gradual rises in oil prices, Miletti said they’re less able to quickly change their business models after a sudden spike becomes a new normal.

White House urges Congress to take a light touch on AI regulations

BY SEUNG MIN KIM and MATT O’BRIEN Associated Press

WASHINGTON The White House said on Friday that Congress should “preempt state AI laws” that it views as too burdensome, laying out a broad framework for how it wants Congress to address concerns about artificial intelligence without curbing growth or innovation in the sector

The legislative blueprint outlines a halfdozen guiding principles for lawmakers, focusing on protecting children, preventing electricity costs from surging, respecting intellectual property rights, preventing censorship and educating Americans on using the technology House Republican leaders swiftly endorsed the framework and said they’re ready to work “across the aisle” to pass legislation, but doing so would be a heavy lift, requiring agreement with Democrats in the Senate as public divisions over AI run deep.

The announcement comes as state governments have forged ahead on their own regulations for AI while civil liberties and consumer rights groups lobby for more regulations on the powerful technology The industry and the White House have pushed back, arguing that a patchwork of rules would hurt growth. Trump signed an executive order in December to block states from crafting their own regulations

“This was in response to a growing patchwork of 50 different state regulatory regimes that threaten to stifle innovation and jeopardize America’s lead in the AI race,” said White House AI czar David Sacks in a social media post Wednesday

Sacks said the next step is to work with Congress to turn the administration’s principles into federal legislation.

While passing sweeping AI legislation will be difficult, especially in a midterm election year, the framework appeared designed to appeal to some AI-wary Republicans and Democrats with a focus on widespread and bipartisan concerns, such as the harms that AI chatbot companionship can pose to children and the electricity costs of AI infrastructure.

“It covers basically all the key sticking points I think that might stop an AI bill from moving through Congress,” said Neil Chilson, a Republican former chief technologist for the Federal Trade Commission who now leads AI policy at the Abundance Institute. “It reads to me as an attempt to build a larger tent, even if it doesn’t give everybody everything that they want.”

But it has already been panned by some Democrats, including U.S. Rep Josh Gottheimer, of New Jersey, who said in a statement it “fails to address key issues, including strong accountability for AI companies, under the guise of protecting children, communities, and creators. Americans need protection — but this means nothing if we allow the AI industry to be the Wild West.”

Whether AI legislation can pass both chambers of Congress could also rely heavily on the support of Republicans like U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, of Tennessee, who has introduced her own AI bill, and last year was instrumental in thwarting Trump’s earlier attempt to deter state governments from regulating AI Blackburn on Friday called Trump’s framework a roadmap and welcomed the administration to the “important discussion” of getting a bill passed.

Several states including California, Colorado, Texas and Utah — have already passed laws that set some rules for AI across the private sector The state-level laws include limiting collection of certain personal information and requiring more transparency from companies.

With bipartisan support in the Texas legislature, a new AI law that took effect this year in the Republican-led state requires government agencies and health care providers to disclose when they are using

AI to interact with consumers or answer questions. The law also prohibits the development of AI that encourages a person to commit suicide, harm themselves, harm another person or engage in criminal activity Colorado’s law, which is aimed at preventing AI from discriminating against people when making consequential decisions about things like hiring and medical care, was passed in 2024 but won’t take effect until later this year

California’s Democratic Gov Gavin Newsom has vetoed some AI bills while signing into law others. His office criticized Trump’s framework Friday

The Trump administration says it doesn’t think Congress should preempt all state regulatory powers over AI, including enforcement of general laws against AI developers, “to protect children, prevent fraud, and protect consumers.” It also says Congress shouldn’t interfere with local authorities in deciding where to place data centers and other AI infrastructure, or how states procure their own AI tools for law enforcement or education.

However, it says states “should not be permitted to regulate AI development,” shouldn’t penalize AI developers for a third party’s unlawful conduct using their product, and “should not unduly burden Americans’ use of AI for activity that would be lawful if performed without AI.”

CBS News shutters its storied radio news service

BY DAVID BAUDER AP

it will

its

radio news service after nearly

of operation, ending an era and blaming challenging economic times as the world moves on to digital sources and podcasts. Said longtime CBS News anchor Dan Rather: “It’s another piece of America that is gone.” When it went on the air in September 1927, the service was the precursor to the entire network,

giving a

its top-of-the-hour news roundups. The service will end on May 22, the network said Friday “Radio is woven into the fabric of CBS News and that’s always going to be part of our history,” CBS News editor-in-chief Bari

said, “we just could not find a way to make that possible.” CBS News cut some of its radio programming late last year, including its “Weekend Roundup” and “World News Roundup Late Edition,” in an attempt to keep the service going.

It was unclear how many people will lose their jobs because of the radio shutdown. CBS News was cutting about 6% of its workforce, or more than 60 people, on Friday It’s not the end of turmoil at the network, as parent company Paramount Global is likely to ab-

STAFF PHOTO By SOPHIA GERMER

The construction of the Meta data center site is photographed in Holly Ridge on March 10.

ANOTHERVIEW

Here’show Vance andRubio measure

Critics of Donald Trumpsaw the funnyflap over his gifting black Oxford shoes tosome of hisadministration members —and these men dutifully wearing them, whether they fit or not —asone moreepisode of sickeningsycophancy. But thegesture may have deeper meaning: WhichRepublican will fill his shoes as the party’sleader and presidentialnominee?

The question points to thequietrivalry between Vice President JD Vance, 41, and SecretaryofState Marco Rubio,54. Both are plausible contenders for the 2028 nomination. While Vanceiscurrently the front-runner and may ultimately sewitupwith Trump’sendorsement, Rubio could prove the better bet for the Republican Party. Rubio is asmart, pragmaticconservative not hobbledbyideological rigidity —aformer local official, state legislator,Florida House speaker and U.S. senator.He’sthe nation’shighestranking Hispanic American official, a notable asset for apartythat struggles to broadenits Latino appeal Rubio has broader,deeper experience than Vance andwould better bridge political gaps. He can speak to MAGA voters, traditional Republicans and independents—a balancing act similarto the one Ronald Reagan masteredwith bluecollar conservatives andCountry Club Republicans. Vance is no slouchasacandidate, but his range is narrower; he’smore hemmed in by MAGAand its demands. His personal strengthsare less relevant to the presidencythanRubio’s.

The first question that must beasked is:Will Trump have the power to pick the next GOPnominee?

The answer is likely yes. Much depends on events, as is always the case.But it’s unrealistic to expect party leaders and donors todefy thepresident. Aworsening economy and unresolved foreign conflicts would surely complicate aTrumpendorsement and make it toxicinthe generalelection. The latest Economist/YouGov poll finds that55% of all voters have an unfavorable view of thepresident. But if Trump’sbase holdsup— thesame poll shows an overwhelming 89% of Republicansremain in his corner —hecould still sway theparty’spresidential nomination.

Despite podcasters and punditssayingMAGARepublicans are split on his handling of thesituationin Iran, this poll shows87% of them supportit.

The next question is whether Trump will publicly pick asuccessor.That seems highly probable. He could back afavoritecandidateorblessa couple of contenders (Vance and Rubio?) while freezingout others. When Trump put Vanceonthe 2024ticket, the young, bearded Ohio senator was seen as heir apparent. Since then, Vance has worked tosolidifythat status, especially among MAGA true believers.

Anew Echelon Insightspoll has Vancerunning far ahead among primary voters with 40% support, compared with 16% for Rubio, 9% forDonaldTrump Jr., 5% for each Ron DeSantis and NikkiHaley anda combined 9% for other candidates, with therestundecided.The Economist/YouGov survey showsVance is more popularamong all Republicans (79% vs.62%) andMAGAsupporters(84% vs. 70%) than is Rubio But Trump’sloyalties runhot andcold,and that’s making Vance sweat.

Ask Mike Pence. He wentfromTrump loyalistto traitor in asingle day

Could the same thing happentoVance? Of course All it would take is aperceived weakness or the slightestwhiff of disloyalty.

Trump made Vance asenator in 2022 by backing himina difficult primaryfight and then,two years later,handed him the vice presidency.Vance owes Trump everything and TrumpowesVance nothing. Trump reportedly has been asking friends whom they’d prefer,VanceorRubio. Thatsuggestsheremains open to either one.

Trump respects Rubio’stalents. Appointing Rubio secretary of state —and thenpiling on threeadditional jobs, as national security adviser, archivistof the United Statesand head of USAID —saysalot. At some point, Trump could decide Rubio is more electable and would be the better president. Could Vance and Rubio enduponthe same ticket? Trump has already floatedthat solutionand knows Republican donors would loveit. But whether either man would accept the No. 2slot is unknown.

Trump may change his minda hundred timesbetween now and 2028. Events could ultimately decide what he does. But remember: More thananyone else, he will be able to shape those events.

Ron Faucheux is anonpartisan political analyst, pollster and writer based in Louisiana.

YOUR VIEWS

is no more

The jury will be in endlessdebate on America’sstanding in theworld as aresult of President Donald Trump’sdecision to declare war on Iran.

Butnot now,and maybe never, will the country be “a city upon a hill,” especially after he started a war without the American people’s approval through their voice in Congress.

When Englishman John Winthrop,adevout Puritan and lay preacher,used the phrase“acity upon ahill,” which has abiblical origin, in 1630 as he led other Puritans fearing persecution in theirhomeland in afleet of ships crossing to the New World, he challenged them to set an example for others to follow by working in harmony and Christian brotherhood for acommon cause in establishing theMassachusetts Bay Colony.“We must consider that we shall be as a city upon ahill,” he said. “The eyes of all people are upon us.”

In the20th century,President John F. Kennedy,aDemocrat, referenced the phrase as he was

preparing in 1960 for agovernment with peopleofintegrity he envisioned in his upcoming administration

He saidhewas guidedbyWinthrop’s outlook andcourage.

Former President Ronald Reagan, aRepublican, lifted the phrase to contemporary lexicon with a warm, feel-good delivery,adding “shining city” to convey America as abeacon of goodthings for the rest of the world to envy and copy

In America 2026, little boasting can be heard about ashining city upon ahill.

Instead, Americans, under Trump, areremindeddaily of a troubled country divided and in turmoil, negative attitudes toward immigrants, inflation, racism, antisemitism, aslap against diversity and the dismantling of efforts to preserve the environment for future generations. What would Winthrop and Kennedy,and Reagan, labeled“the great communicator,”say today?

LANNY THOMAS NewOrleans

Paralympicsshouldhavegottencoverage, too

Inoticed in your paper that you had theresults of the Olympics posted. Ialso noticed that you did not have theParalympics results posted. Why is that? Iknow that there are alot of people, myself included, who would have loved it if you had posted the Paralympics as well.

Ibelieve that the Paralympics should get equal representation because even though they do not participateinsome of the same events, they do participate in others

that are not in the Olympics that I believe are more entertaining and should be reported on Pleaseconsider the impact this would have if you showed the Paralympics in the paper.I believe it would get morepeople to pay attention to the Paralympics, and maybe they might just think that they can make it to the Paralympics. So please, for the future, consider covering the Paralympics.

CLAYTON BURKE Madisonville

Opinionpages should catertowiderange of views

Iwould like to dispute thewriter of the letter in the Feb. 26 paper.I do not buy that the majority of the newspaper’sreaders are Republican, but let’ssay that’strue.Asa liberal, Iread the letters written by all people in your paper,and Iread thecolumns written by theliberal and the conservative writers on your commentary page.

Ilike getting the viewsofall people instead of just reading those who agree with me. Idobelieve a paper should havesomething for everyone. Youcan’tjust appeal to themajority party in your area. Thank you for allowing me to state my opinion.

YVONNE HUNTER Abita Springs

Carbon capture opponentsdeserved to be takenseriously

Faimon Roberts’ recent column seemstosay that carbon capture (where literally tons of carbon dioxide would be sequestered beneath Louisiana’slands and waters) is agood thing because, “Many industries coming to Louisiana cite carbon capture as acentral piece of what makes the state attractive,” regardless of landowners’ —and local governments’ —objections. And efforts to block it by giving local governments the power to reject it have little hope of success. In astate that belongs, lock, stock and barrel, to President Donald Trumpand his acolytes, what people want has no bearing on the issue.

RUSS WISE Laplace

TenCommandments posterswithJohnson should raisequestions

Separation of church and state issues aside, adisplay of the Ten Commandments in Louisiana school classrooms is objectionable. On one side of the Commandments is Moses, amajor Biblical figure, and on the other side, House SpeakerMike Johnson, of Louisiana, which, especially to achild, implies equivalence.

Even Johnson’smost ardent supporters don’tbelieve that, let’s hope. One would think that Johnson, whohas said that anyone whowants to understand him should read the Bible, would reject being depicted as of the samestature as Moses. MARK MARLEY NewOrleans

Section on Norman Franciswas exceptional

Iwould like to thank you for publishing the supplement that wasinthe newspaper on March 1, “Remembering Norman Francis.” What an incredible human being. Reading it makes me wanttobea better man BO BIENVENU Prairieville

Ron Faucheux

TIGERS TAKE ON SOONERS

LSU-Oklahoma endedafter this editionwenttopress. Forcomplete coverage,visit nola.com

LocalhopefulsheadLouisiana Derbyfield

Golden Tempo, with jockey Jose Ortiz aboard, wins the 83rd running of the Lecomte Stakes race on Jan. 17 at the Fair

Grounds

PROVIDED PHOTO By LOU HODGES JR.

LSU gymnastics canbeNo. 1 with SEC titlevictory

Thequestion is:do theTigerswantthat?

BY SCOTT RABALAIS Staff writer

The LSU gymnastics team goes to Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Saturdayinpursuit of its third straight title inthe Southeastern ConferenceChampionships.

7P.M. SATURDAy

If the Tigers perform well enough, they might even secure the No. 1seed for next month’sNCAA Championships for the second straight year “Last year it happened at SECs,” Clark said, referring to LSU securing its first-ever No. 1overall NCAA seed. “We’re very very close.” The numbers are again within LSU’s grasp, going into Session II of the SECmeet at 7p.m. on the SEC Network. But is that definitely something coach Jay Clark wants from his Tigers? Oklahoma goesinto the SEC Championships having won the conference regularseason title and holding the nation’stop National QualifyingScore(NQS)average with a197.963. But the No. 2-ranked Tigers are right on the Sooners’heels at 197.917, a scant 0.046 points back.

If the Sooners don’tdoanything to improve on their average, LSU could tie OU’saverage Saturday with ascore of 198.375, which would be aseason high for the Tigers. If LSUgoes 198.400 under those circumstances, the Tigers wouldbethe No. 1NCAA seed once again. All that said, Clark likes his team where it is. LSU is guaranteed to be the No. 1seed in the NCAA regional the school is hosting April 1-4atthe Pete MaravichAssemblyCenter. He enjoys the role of the pursuer rather than the team everyone elseispursuing Perhaps that’sbecause being the overall

See GYM, page

Trio of localrunnerswill have to contendwith fleet of talented colts

BY JEFF DUNCAN Staff writer

The 113th running of the Louisiana Derby looks like aclassic case of “us” vs. “them.” Chip Honcho,GoldenTempo and Universeleada strong trio of localrunners in the Grade II $1 million stakesrace, but they’llhave to contend with afleet of talented invaders from California, Florida and New York. The LouisianaDerby headlines an eight-

stakesprogramthatfeaturesfourgraded events: theGradeII$400,000 FairGrounds Oaks; the Grade II $500,000 New Orleans Classic;and the Grade II $300,000 Muniz Memorial Classic Stakes. First post in the 14-race card is noon. The fieldofnine 3-year-old coltsinthe Louisiana Derby will vie forthe 100-50-2515-10 qualifying pointsfor theKentucky Derby on the first Saturday in May.The race’stop twofinishers will earn enough points to make the Kentucky Derby field. Chip Honchoand Golden Tempo, already

MOVING ON

LSU guard Flau’jae Johnson slices throughthe defense of Jacksonville

the first quarter of their first-round NCAA Tournament game on Fridayatthe Pete Maravich AssemblyCenter.LSU won 116-58.

Tigers enjoyhistorically strong offensivenight in winoverJacksonville

BY REED DARCEY Staff writer

First, Mikaylah Williams bankedinarunner through contact. Thenshe stationed herself beyond the arc on theleft wingand waited.She knewa pass was coming her way,and when it arrived, she could step intoa3

Once Williams’ shot dropped through the net, the rout was on. The LSUwomen’sbasketball team didn’thave to sweat its first-round NCAA Tournament matchup against Jacksonville on Friday.There were no jitters.Norustleftoverfroma13-daylayoff. Instead, theNo. 2-seeded Tigers thumped the No. 15-seeded Dolphins,winning 116-58 and breaking their program records bothfor points scored and margin of victory in an NCAATournament game.

“Wewere itching,” Williams said. “Wewere itching to play basketball.” Williams scored 18 points, assisted acareer-high 10 shots, grabbed five rebounds andforced three turnovers, while Flau’jae Johnson added20

ä See LSU, page 3C

At Thursday’snews conferences, the Jacksonville coach was asked if she worried about getting into arun-and-gun gamewith LSU in Friday’sfirst round of the NCAA Tournament. “I don’tthink alot of people want to get up and downwith Jacksonville either,” Special Jennings said then. “Weaverage over 70 points a game.” Outside, IswearI could hear the engine revving on Flau’jae Johnson’sMercedes. Nottopick on the undaunted Dolphins, whotobeprecise, entered the tournament averaging 72.9 points per game, but these Tigers can score 70 points in ahalf. Friday,they nearly did. From the opening tip, which LSU’s 6-foot-5 Kate Koval controlled, the Tigers werecleared for takeoffonrunway 26-Left. LSU was up 10-0 82 seconds into the gameonapair of ZaKiyah Johnson free throws. It was14-0 Tigers by the time the Dolphins came up forair fortheir first basket.

STAFFPHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

guards BaileyBurns, left, and Aniah Smith in

See DERBY, page 6C

Scott Rabalais

4:30

6

COLLEGE GYMNASTICS

noon Big Ten: Session 2 BTN

1:30 p.m. Atlantic Coast: Session I ACCN

2 p.m. Southeastern: Session I SECN

5 p.m. Big Ten: Session 3 BTN

6 p.m Atlantic Coast: Session 2 ACCN

6 p.m. Big 12: Session 2 ESPNU

7 p.m. Southeastern: Session 2 SECN MEN’S COLLEGE HOCKEY

7 p.m. Ohio St. at Michigan BTN MEN’S COLLEGE WRESTLING

10 a.m

NCAA: Medal Round ESPNU

5:30 p.m. NCAA: Championship ESPN GOLF

noon PGA: Valspar GOLF

2 p.m PGA: Cologuard Classic GOLF

2 p.m PGA: Valspar NBC

5 p.m.

LPGA: Fortinet Founders Cup GOLF

HORSE RACING

noon America’s Day at the Races FS1

1 p.m. America’s Day at the Races FS2

1:30 p.m. America’s Day at the Races FS1 5

6 p.m. L.A. Lakers at Orlando NBATV

6 p.m. Clevland at New Orleans GCSEN

7:30 a.m. Liverpool at Brighton USA 10 a.m. Burnley at Fulham USA

Astros’ Sousa to open season on injured list

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Houston Astros left-hander Bennett Sousa will begin the season on the injured list manager Joe Espada said Thursday

Sousa, 30, strained his left oblique in a Grapefruit League game last Thursday against the Washington Nationals. Sousa returned to Houston for further testing, but Espada said he would “be down for a while.” “We’re going to not have him throw until that pain goes away,” Espada said.

Last year was a breakout season for Sousa after sitting out the 2024 season due to injury He appeared in 44 games in 2025, and posted a 2.84 ERA across 50 2/3 innings with 59 strikeouts. But Sousa landed on the injured list on Aug. 20 with left elbow inflammation and didn’t return.

Iowa State forward

Jefferson hurts ankle

ST LOUIS All-America forward

Buzzer-beater saves Kentucky

Wildcats go on to beat Santa Clara in OT

BY JEFF LATZKE Associated Press

ST LOUIS Otega Oweh rescued Kentucky with a buzzer-beater from just inside half court to force overtime, then hit the tiebreaking free throws in the extra period as the seventh-seeded Wildcats beat No. 10 seed Santa Clara 89-84 on Friday in the first round of the NCAA Tournament In an electrifying finish to regulation that defines the words “March Madness,” Santa Clara’s Allen Graves drained a 3 from the right wing with 2.4 seconds left to put the Broncos ahead 7370. Oweh received the inbound pass, pushed the ball up the court and pulled up to the left of the midcourt logo to launch his desperation heave. The ball was midair when the buzzer sounded, and it banked in for the tie.

“As he raised up, he said, ‘That’s a bucket,’ and then threw it off the glass,” second-year Kentucky coach Mark Pope said. Oweh said he was just trying to get the ball out of his hands in time.

“It’s March,” he said. “I feel like that’s just what happens. You know, it’s crazy.”

“I was just praying for it to go in. I was about to cry if he missed that shot,” added teammate Mouhamed Dioubate. “I was just hoping the shot went in. I didn’t want the season to end already.”

Oweh scored a career-high 35 points and had eight rebounds and seven assists for the Wildcats (22-13), who will face either No. 2 seed Iowa State or 15thseeded Tennessee State in the second round in the Midwest Region.

Oweh’s two free throws with

1:12 remaining in overtime put Kentucky in the lead to stay in its 63rd NCAA Tournament appearance, the most in the country Brandon Garrison twice blocked 3-point attempts by Sash Gavalyugov in the final minute of overtime, following the first with a breakaway, two-handed dunk that stretched Kentucky’s lead to 83-79 His second block led to more free throws for the Wildcats.

Teammates credited the 6-foot10 Garrison for suggesting in a huddle that they switch on screens, declaring that he’d be able to handle the matchup with the 6-3 guard Gavalyugov

“I don’t know where you get this drama, I don’t know where you get this this transformation of emotions to just from despair to thrill to despair to thrill in a matter of four seconds,” Pope said. “But we got that a bunch. Christian Hammond led Santa Clara (26-9) with 20 points and Graves scored 17. Graves put Santa Clara ahead 70-68 when he caught Elijah Mahi’s airballed 3-pointer and made the putback with 1:33 to play, just before the shot clock expired. After a miss by Oweh, Graves had another point-blank attempt that missed, and Oweh was able to scramble for the ball

on the floor as Kentucky called timeout.

Oweh tied it with a layup with 9.9 seconds left to set up the wild finish. Adding to the fast-moving drama, neither team was granted a timeout in the closing seconds.

“I unequivocally called timeout. But they didn’t grant it,” said Sendek, asserting that officials should have recognized that a coach might want to set up his defense after Graves’ 3-pointer

“I mean, I think the video evidence is clear And anybody is able to pull it up.”

Santa Clara was seeking its first tournament win since 1996, when future NBA MVP Steve Nash was a senior

“It hurts how it all ended, but I’m just thankful, man,” Mahi said “God bless, I’m just thankful.”

Dioubate scored 17 points for Kentucky Denzel Aberdeen, a transfer from Florida’s national championship team last season, added 16.

Collin Chandler and Aberdeen connected on back-to-back 3s to begin a 13-4 burst as the Wildcats attempted to build a lead in the second half. Aberdeen’s second 3-pointer in the stretch put Kentucky ahead 51-44 with 12:21 to play, but Gavalyugov immediately responded with a 3 of his own to ignite a response.

After a high-arcing 3-pointer from Mahi, Gavalyugov hit a jumper and another 3 to put Santa Clara ahead 59-55 with 7:56 remaining.

The long-range shooting was quite the turnaround from the first half, when both teams struggled with matching 4 for 15 marks from behind the arc. The Broncos led 31-29 after closing the half with a 10-3 stretch that featured seven points from Mahi.

Virginia wins first tourney game since title

By The Associated Press MIDWEST

NO 2 IOWA ST 108, NO. 15 TENNESSEE

ST. 74: In St. Louis, Iowa State star Joshua Jefferson left in the first half of the Cyclones’ romp past Tennessee State with a left ankle injury Friday, leaving the AllAmerican’s status for the remainder of the NCAA Tournament in doubt. Nate Heise had eight of his season-high 23 points during a 23-0 run for the Cyclones (28-7), which began shortly after Jefferson was hurt and sent them breezing past the Tigers (23-10) and into a second-round matchup with seventhseeded Kentucky on Sunday

The Cyclones already were dealing with a groin injury that limited point guard Tamin Lipsey in the Big 12 Tournament. Now, their depth will be tested even more without Jefferson, who was second on the team in scoring and their leading rebounder

NO 3 VIRGINIA 82, NO. 14 WRIGHT ST

73: In Philadelphia, Jacari White hit six 3-pointers and scored 26 points, and Virginia avoided yet another early NCAA Tournament exit, beating a resolute Wright State in the first round. The Cavaliers (30-5) will face

sixth-seeded Tennessee or No. 11

seed Miami (Ohio) in the second round in the Midwest Region on Sunday

Michael Imariagbe scored 19 points and kept hope alive for that rare 14 seed win — there have been none in the tournament since 2024 — with a late 3 that pulled the Raiders within 78-73. White responded with a bucket that finally put to rest any thought of an early ride back home for the Cavaliers.

NO 4 ALABAMA 90, NO. 13 HOFSTRA 70: In Tampa, Fla., Labaron Philon Jr scored 29 points and Alabama rallied from an early double-digit deficit to beat Hofstra in a firstround game in the Midwest Region of the NCAA Tournament.

The Crimson Tide (24-9) advanced to a second-round matchup against fifth-seeded Texas Tech (23-10), a 20-point winner over 12th-seeded Akron in the earlier first-round game at Benchmark International Arena.

NO 5 TEXAS TECH 91, NO. 12 AKRON 71: In Tampa, Fla., Jaylen Petty scored 24 points, Christian Anderson added 18 and Texas Tech beat Akron in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

The Red Raiders (23-10) will face fourth-seeded Alabama in the second round in the Midwest Region on Sunday

Akron got within 64-60 midway through second after Eric Mahaffey scored on a layup and made a free throw to complete a 3-point play But the Zips couldn’t get any closer NO 6 TENNESSEE 78, NO. 11 MIAMI (OHIO) 56: In Philadelphia, Ja’Kobi Gillespie hit six 3-pointers and scored 29 points as Tennessee ended a fabulous season for Miami (Ohio) with a win.

The Vols (23-11) shook off a rough end to the season losing four of six games — and advanced to play third-seeded Virginia on Sunday in the Midwest Region.

Gillespie hit five 3s in the first half to help the Vols push ahead by 20 and squash any chance the 11th-seeded RedHawks (31-2) could carry over the confidence gained from their First Four win and pull off a signature victory

The Vols did just about everything right and showed again why — no matter the seed — they are a perennial threat to go deep in March.

WEST REGION

No. 1 ARIZONA 92, NO. 16 LIU POST 58: In SanDiego, Brayden Burries hit four 3-pointers while scoring 18 points, Koa Peat added 15 points and top-seeded Arizona opened

its NCAA Tournament run with a over Long Island on Friday. Ivan Kharchenkov had 14 points and 10 rebounds for the Big 12 regular-season and tournament champion Wildcats (33-2), who quickly showed why they’re the tournament’s second overall seed behind Duke.

Arizona will return Sunday to face the winner of Villanova’s meeting with Utah State in the West Region bracket NO 9 UTAH STATE 86, NO. 8 VILLANOVA 76: In SanDiego, MJ Collins’ steal and emphatic one-handed slam dunk with 1:13 left gave him 20 points and Utah State opened its fourth straight NCAA Tournament by beating Villanova Mason Falslev, the Mountain West Conference Player of the Year, scored 22 and helped bring the Aggies back from a 10-point deficit early in the second half. Utah State (29-6), the No. 9 seed in the West Region will play No 1 seed Arizona in the second round on Sunday Collins converted a three-point play with 2:53 left to give the Aggies a 78-73 lead. After No. 8 seed Villanova (24-9) committed a fivesecond inbound violation, Falslev fed Collins for a layup and an 8073 lead. Collins intercepted a pass by Bryce Lindsay and went in for his slam for an 84-74 lead.

Joshua Jefferson had to be helped from the floor after hurting his left ankle early in No. 2 seed Iowa State’s game against No. 15 seed Tennessee State on Friday, leaving his status in question for the rest of the NCAA Tournament. Jefferson was immediately taken up the tunnel and into an X-ray room to have his ankle examined. He emerged about 10 minutes later on crutches, and he was wearing a boot on his left ankle when he came out with the rest of the team after halftime.

The 6-foot-9 Jefferson, who was averaging 16.9 points, 7.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists, was a second-team AP All-American this season, missing out on the first team by a single point in voting.

Cleveland’s investigation into Clase, Ortiz continues NEW YORK The Cleveland Guardians won’t have to pay indicted pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz while Major League Baseball’s investigation continues into allegations of pitch-rigging for gamblers.

Ortiz was placed on paid leave last July 3 and Clase on July 28, and they received their salaries while they didn’t pitch for the remainder of the season. They were indicted on federal charges on Nov 9 and a trial is scheduled for May 4 but could be delayed. Clase and Ortiz are charged by federal prosecutors with accepting several thousand dollars in payoffs to help two gamblers from their native Dominican Republic win at least $460,000 by placing more than 100 in-game prop bets.

Hamstring injury keeps Ronaldo out of friendlies

LISBON,Portugal A hamstring injury will keep Cristiano Ronaldo out of Portugal’s friendlies against the United States and Mexico ahead of the World Cup in North America. The 41-year-old Ronaldo hasn’t played since Feb. 28 when he limped off the field while playing for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. As expected, Portugal coach Roberto Martínez did not include the five-time Ballon d’Or winner in the squad he announced on Friday Ronaldo hasn’t played in the U.S. since an August 2014 preseason friendly with Real Madrid against Manchester United in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Portugal plays Mexico in Mexico City on March 28 and the U.S. in Atlanta on April 1.

Trump against broadcasting conflicts for Army-Navy game

WASHINGTON President Donald Trump issued an executive order Friday barring College Football Playoff and other postseason games from airing during the annual Army-Navy matchup in December

Trump directed the commerce secretary and the FCC chairman to coordinate with the playoff committee, the NCAA and media rights partners to ensure an exclusive broadcasting window for a storied rivalry played on the second Saturday in December

Trump’s order makes reference to potential expansion of the CFP, which likely would lead to an earlier start for the playoff. In the first two years of the 12-team format, the firstround games were the weekend after Army-Navy, which moved off the first Saturday in December in 2009 because of conference championship games.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By ALI OVERSTREET

Kentucky’s Otega Oweh heads to the basket as Santa Clara’s Jake Ensminger defends during their first-round NCAA Tournament game on Friday in St Louis.

NCAA WOMEN’STOURNAMENT

‘We’re

Southern prepares forNo. 1seed SouthCarolina

BY CHARLESSALZER

Contributing writer

The Southern women’s basketball team will have the national spotlight shining down onSaturday when it plays afirst-round NCAA Tournament game against South Carolina Playing in the Sacramento4 Regional, No. 16 Southern (20-13) won its First Four on Thursday to advance into thefirst round. Waiting for Southern is No. 1South Carolina (31-3), regular-season champions of theSoutheastern Conference.

Saturday’sgame will be played at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, South Carolina, home floor of the Gamecocks. The contest will tipat noon and air on ABC.

“They have astrong team, but we’re going to go out andcompete,” said Southerncoach Carlos Funchess, who noted his team has played in similar environments already this season.

Before the start of theSWAC regular season, Southern played road games against six teams that are in the NCAA Tournament. There weretough losses to Iowa and UCLA, two of the top teams in the NCAA field, but there were also wins overPower Four schools Arizona and Houston.

goingtogoout andcompete’

ä Southernvs: South Carolina NOON SATURDAy,ABC

gin wasSouthern’slargest of the game. As it hasbeenall season,defense was the key as Southern held Samford to 30.8% shooting fromthe field. Part of that was an 8-for-27 showing from 3-point range, a statistic theBulldogshad hoped would swing the game in their favor Johnson said she was impressed by Southern’saggressiveness.

“They looked readytoplay We’regoing to have to scoutthat and adjust,” Johnson said during a Friday newsconference. South Carolina coach Dawn Staley also hadgood words forSouthern.

“I think HBCUshave been given sort of araw deal because they’re just HBCUs, andthey’re notPower Fours,” Staley said. “But as you’re seeing, they are super wellcoached. Southern is super wellcoached.Theyreally understand what they’re doing.”

Staley continuedbynotingthe importance of playingand winning tough games.

RABALAIS

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They didn’tget arebound until therewere 3:37 left in thefirst quarter

It went kind of like that

To say LSU’swire-to-wire 11658 demolition of Jacksonville was imploding-an-old-Las-Vegashotel-like in its completeness would be to undersell the Tigers’ performance.

LSU may have set arecord for most records in agame. To wit:

n Most points for LSU in an NCAA Tournament game, shattering the mark from theTigers’ 103-48 win overSan DiegoState in last year’sfirst round

n Most points in ahalf of an LSU NCAA tournament game (64), besting the 59 the 2023 Tigers scored on Iowa in the first half of that year’sNCAA championship game

n Most steals in an LSU NCAA tournament game (18)

n Biggest margin of victory by LSU in an NCAA Tournament game (58)

n First team in NCAA Tournament history with 30 points in the firstthree quartersofa game

n And, finally,LSU tied the mark for most 100-point games in aseason with 15, matching

LSU

Continued from page1C

points, five rebounds and three steals. By halftime, LSU had a 28-point lead and two other NCAA Tournament program records onefor points scored in aquarter (34) and one forpoints scored in a half (64). If the Tigers (28-5) hit the century mark onemoretime, then they’ll break Long Beach State’s39-yearold NCAA Division Irecord for 100-point games in aseason. The 49ers wound up reaching the Final Four that year

This LSU team can follow suit, especially if it keeps scoringlike it did Friday in the Pete Maravich Assembly Center

The Tigers shot 60% from the field, drained six of their 213-point tries and earned 29 tripstothe free-throw line. All but one active contributor saw the floor,and six of them scored in double figures LSU also turned 15 offensive rebounds into 22 second-chance points –akey reason whythe Dolphins (24-9) didn’teven grab their first board until the 3:37mark of the firstquarter By then, though, theTigers had alreadyput up 27 points. Just anotherday at the officefor coach Kim Mulkey and her revamped roster “The offense is not surprising,” she said. “We’ve seen that all year

The finalscore looked goodon Thursday,when Southern defeated

“We’ve already playedsome of the top teamsinthe country,so we’re going to goout and just compete likewedid before,” Funchess said. “We’lltry to do the best we can and whenthe horn sounds, we’ll look up and see what the score is.”

LongBeach State in 1986-87.

“That tied the record?” LSU

coach Kim Mulkey asked in Friday’spostgame presser.“Yeah, that’salot of scoring.

“But I’ve got alot of scorers outthere.”

Every Tiger who played scored (Amiya Joyner sat because of what Mulkey said was acoach’s decision, but she can go in Sunday’ssecondround), with seven of them reachingdouble figures.

How fun, Iasked Flau’jae Johnson, is it to play this fighter jet being catapulted off an aircraft carrier style?

“It’ssofun,” saidthe LSUsenior,who Euro-stepped her way to agame-high20points in what is herpenultimatePMACgame.

“If you want to hoop, come to LSU. If you really just want to hoop, coach Mulkey,she’sjust like ‘Go ball,’you know what I mean?

“This is why people like to come andplay at LSU. This is why we get the best transfers and thebest freshmen because they like to come playthis style of basketball.”

LSUis averaging about 95 octane, er,points per contest, on pace to shatter the Southeastern Conference single-season scoring record. Youcan either keep up or, as they say inNASCAR,

I’ve said it so many times, Ifeel like I’m arecorder.Wecan score theball.”

LSUwas aheavyfavoriteto winonFriday.Jacksonville —the second-placeAtlanticSun team thatpunched itstickettothe Big Dance bywinning itsconference tournament —faced two NCAA Tournament teams earlier this season (Texas Tech and TCU) and lost both ofthosegames by acombined margin of 76 points.

On Friday,the Tigerswon by 58, which is tied for their eighth-largest margin of victory this season.

LSU began the beatdown by scoringthe game’sfirst 14 points, mostly through its signaturetransitionoffense. TheTigers missed only three of their first 10 shots, and they rebounded each one, turning them intosecond-chance points

Jacksonville countered by throwing out azone defenselate in the first quarter,and that look helped itslow the game down.

But LSU still foundways to score. Sophomore center Kate Koval converted layups and earned trips to the free-throw line. Williams, juniorguard MiLaysia Fulwiley and freshman guard Bella Hines each drained 3-pointers. Koval finished with 11 points andeight rebounds. Freshman forward ZaKiyah Johnson chipped in 16 points. Sophomore point guard Jada Richard tallied 17 points on 8-of-10 shooting, while Fulwiley scored 13 points and blocked

Samford 65-53. The First Fourwin was Southern’ssecond in as many seasons.

South Carolina will be playing its first game since a78-61 loss to Texasinthe SECtournament final.The Gamecocksare led by aleague record-tying five playerswho earned all-SEC honors,

you may windupwadded up on thebaseline.

The Tigers, who covered Friday’senormous 511/2-point spread like LSUpole vaulter Mondo Duplantis going over the cross bar, will be another massive favorite Sunday over Friday’sTexas Tech-Villanova winner.They were tied 26-26 after,bycomparison, apedestrian first half in the day’ssecond first-round game.

So, expect LSU to be in the Sweet 16 next week in the Sacramento 2regional out in California. The question becomes, can theTigers, playing this kind of offense, be alegitimate threat to win asecond NCAA title in four years?

Nothing LSU did Friday changed the fact that UConn and UCLA (the top seed in LSU’s regional) are still thefavorites to meet for this year’stitle. But the way the Tigers can fillthe basket,can run and run teams over, you have to at least put them in theconversation.

It’s along way from beating Jacksonville to beating one of those teams, the EliteEight or Phoenix in the FinalFour.But there is alegitimatefear factor withLSU thatmust be considered.

At leastonFriday, theTigers’ engine was purring just finecoming out of the startingblocks.

including 6-foot-3 forward Joyce Edwards and sharp-shooting guardTessa Johnson. Johnsonand her teammates were able to watch Southern’swin over Samford. That gamewas tied 51-51 early in the fourth quarter before Southern outscored the Bulldogs 14-2. The winning mar-

“(Southern) plays abattle-tested schedule. They beat acouple of Power Four teams, and it’sgoing to take gameslike that. Youhave to have eye-opening wins.”

The odds foraneye-opening win on Saturday are against Southern. Only one No. 16 seed in the history of the NCAA women’sTournamenthas beaten aNo. 1seed,but Funchess expects the Jaguars to play hard.

SouthCarolina’sJohnson seeking fifth straight trip to FinalFour

BY PETEIACOBELLI Associated Press

COLUMBIA, S.C. Raven Johnson believes South Carolina haseverything it needs to advance to the FinalFour. Andfew know better than her what it takes to movethat farinthe NCAA Tournament. Johnsonhas reached the Final Four each of her first four seasons and looks to make it five in arow when her top-seeded Gamecocks (31-1) open tournament play against No. 16 Southern (20-13) on Saturday Clemson (21-11), seeded eighth in Region 4, followsagainst No.9 seed Southern California (17-13). Thewinners play on Monday fora spotinthe Sweet 16 at Sacramento, California.

“In March, it gets hard,” Johnson said. “I say we want to focus on it onegame at atime, just being in themoment where our feet are.”

That’s served South Carolina well the last five seasons, all of which ended in the FinalFour Johnson was ahighly regarded recruit —No. 2inthe country when she joinedthe Gamecocks for the 2021-22 season. An early season injury cost her that year

three shots. Senior forwardAmiya Joyner was the only player who didnot seethe floor,and Mulkey characterizedher absencefrom theaction as a“coach’sdecision.”

Jacksonville shot29% from the field and gave away 28 possessions. LSUturnedthose giveawaysinto 38 points at the other end. The only thingMulkey could nitpick was

thesecond quarter —the frame in which the Tigers allowed Jacksonville to hit 10 of its 17 shots.

“It’stoo many points, “Mulkey said. “You gotta clean that up. Yeah,wewill nitpickit, but we won’tnitpick it so much that we’re going to look back at that. We’ve got to move forward. We’ve got to getout of here and watch this

which ended with South Carolina’s second national title.

Ahealthy Johnson and her team fell to Caitlin Clark’s Iowa in the national semifinalsin2023 before theGamecocksbecame the most recent undefeated team to win a national title the next season. A year ago, Johnson and South Carolina came up short to UConn in the championship game. Johnson wants alast chance at atitle and likes the makeup of her team, where only five of its 11 players have Final Four experience. The Gamecocks lost starter Chloe Kittstoinjurythispastfalland stellarbackup Milaysia Fulwileytothe transferportalaftersheleftforLSU. It hasn’talways been an easy transition, but Johnson thinks the newcomers, like her high school teammateTa’NiyaLatson and Mississippi State transfer Madina Okot, are anxious to experience whatSouth Carolina has accomplished so often.

“It does get hard, especially when you’re experiencing something for the first time,” Johnson said. “You have to fight through those things and Ithink each player on this team has fought through the adversity.”

gameand do ascouting report on them and get ready to practice tomorrow.”

Friday’swin wasMulkey’s150th at LSU. She hit that milestone in only 175 games.

Mulkey-coached teams have now won23straight first-round NCAA Tournament matchups. LSU’sHallof-Fame coach has lost only one of those games in herhead coaching career,and it wasthe one her first Baylor team played in 2001. TheTigers aretryingtoreach the Sweet 16 for the fourth year in arow.Theywere bounced out of the second round of the tournament in Mulkey’sfirst season in charge,and sincethen, they’ve wonall sevenpostseasongames they’ve played inside the PMAC. LSU has also now hit the 100-point mark in each of itslastthreeearlyround contests. The Tigers will next play in the Round of 32 on Sunday against either No. 7seed Texas Tech or No. 10 seed Villanova. Those two teamswill meet in the first round at 7:30 p.m.onESPNU.

If LSU wins on Sunday,the team will fly to Sacramento, California, for the regional semifinals. They’re now only three wins away from earningtheir seventhtripto the Final Four Williams thinks the Tigers can get there.

“I’m extremely excited to finish out this season with (Johnson),” she said, “and Ihope we end out on abang.”

STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

LSU guard Mikaylah Williams, right, celebrates with teammate Flau’jae Johnson after a3-pointeragainst Jacksonville on Fridayatthe PMAC

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTOByNELL REDMOND

SouthernguardJaylia Reed drives for alayup against Samford during the second half of aFirst Four game in the NCAA Tournament on ThursdayinColumbia, S.C.

Mixedresults from portal

Alookatwhere LSU transfersstand as they enterSEC play

BY KOKI RILEY Staff writer

This summer was another busy one for LSU baseball in the transfer portal, as theTigers added 10 players fromthe transfer portal to roundout their 2026 roster afterlosing eight signees to the MLB Draft

But the results from LSU’sportal additions so far have been underwhelming, heading into itsfirst home series in Southeastern Conference play against Oklahoma this weekend.

Here’swhat you needto know aboutLSU’s newtransfersasit dives further into its SEC schedule.

Cooper Moore•RHP

Moore has beenLSU’smost consistent performer amongits portal additions. The Kansas transfer holds a3.21 ERA in fivestarts and has only walked seven batters in 28 innings. His fastball only sits at around 92-93 mph, but it has astrong movement profile —moving away to left-handers and insidetorighties —and his changeup works as aperfect compliment to the pitch. Commanding the bottom half of the zone is crucial to Moore’ssuccess.

EthanPlog•LHP

Plog has been LSU’stop lefthanded option out of the bullpen for most of the season.But he’s struggled lately,holding a6.75

LSU pitcher Cooper Moore delivers apitch against Sacramento State in thefourth inning on March 7atAlex Box Stadium. Moore has been LSU’s most consistent performer among its portal additions.

ä LSU at oklahoma.

2P.M. SATURDAy,SECN

ERAand allowing three earned runs on Saturdayagainst Vanderbilt. When he’s at his best,his lower arm slot and the movement he creates with his fastball have been keys to hissuccess.

SECCHAMPIONSHIP

TrentCaraway •3B

Caraway has started nearly every gameatthird base for the Tigers aftertransferringinfrom Oregon State. The California native hada strong first week of the season but has slowed down since then,recording just four hits and one extra-base hit since LSU’slast game at theJax College Baseball

FIVE TO WATCH

LSU’sChioand four othergymnaststokeepaneye on in Saturday’s meet

The top four teams in the nation are all squaring off Saturdayinthe night session of the Southeastern Conference gymnastics championships in Tulsa, Oklahoma. No. 1-ranked Oklahoma, No. 2LSU,No. 3Florida and No. 4 Alabama will tumble at 7p.m. in Session II.Arkansas,Auburn, Georgia, Kentucky and Missouri will compete at 2p.m. in Session I. Both meets will be shown liveonthe SEC Network. The meet is glittering with top collegegymnastics talent.We’ve picked five to watch:

KAILIN CHIO

Sophomore •LSU

Classic. On defense, Caraway has only committed one error

Seth Dardar •INF

Dardarhas hadanup-and-down starttohis first season at LSU.The KansasState transfer wasone of LSU’sbest hitters over the first week of theseason,but he’s had trouble squaring up the ball consistentlyeversince. He is hitting .218, with more walks than strikeouts, but alow .436 slugging percentage. In the field, Dardar has committed three errors and has played at second and third base.

Daniel Harden •OF

Harden earned some playing time toward the end of nonconference play,starting against UL and Sacramento State. The juniorcollege transfer also blasted aninthinning home run against the Hornets as apinch-hitter. He’s only had12at-bats, but Johnson likes theathleticismheprovidestothe lineup as aleft-handed hitter

DaxDathe •RHP

Dathedidn’tpitch forLSU over thepasttwo weekends after beginning theyear near the topofthe pecking order out of the bullpen. When theAngelo Statetransferhas been at his best, his slider and cutter offer aunique look forhitters to deal with. He currently holds an ERA of nine in seven appearances.

Zach Yorke•1B Yorke was expected to play abig role in LSU’s lineup after transferring in from Grand Canyon. The senior blasted four home runs

GYM

Continued from page1C

No. 1didn’thelp LSU last year

The Tigers made it to the NCAA Championships but didn’treach the four-team final session,which was won by OU

“I like to be number one at the end,” Clark said. “Untilthen, I’m OK with chasing something. I like themindset that can help and keep producing. It’sapsychological thing.”

That said, the meet is hardly just an LSU-OU showdown

The top fourranked team s in thenation Oklahoma, LSU Florida and Alabama— are allin Session II. The Gatorshave posted thisseason’stwo bestteamscores in their past two meets,including a198.575 thispast week at Kentucky

entering conference play,but he’s also second on the team in strikeouts and has struggled hitting offspeed pitches. At first base, he’s committedtwo errors on throws to home plate that cost the Tigers at least tworuns.

DannyLachenmayer •LHP

Lachenmayerhasn’tbeenafforded many opportunities out of the bullpen since transferring in from North Dakota State. In three appearances,the sophomorehas only facedsix batters in 11/3 innings. His over-the-top delivery is whatmakes him unique from LSU’s other left-handed arms.

BraydenSimpson •INF/OF Simpson hasn’tearned alot of playing time since arriving at LSU. He’sonly recorded 30 plate appearancesdespite hitting22homers and posting a1.250 on-base plus slugging percentage last season at High Point. He has swung and missed quite abit despite not being aregular starter,striking out 13 times while only recording seven hits.

Santiago Garcia •LHP

Garcia wasSteven Milam’s high school teammate at Centennial High in NewMexico and has earned alarger role in the bullpen as the season has gone along. He threw on Sunday against Vanderbilt and tossed 22/3 scoreless innings in relief against Creighton. TheOregontransferalloweda homerun against Vanderbilt, but that wasthe first run he’d allowed since his first outing of the year

part of the Tigers’ success this season as well, especially in recent meets. The 2024 SEC beam championasa freshman, McClain is ranked fifth nationally on bars and hasposted11straight scores of 9.90-9.975 in LSU’spast four meets.

“I feel good mentally,” the LSU junior said. “The team has supported me. It was arough season this year,but thepastmonth has boosted my confidence. The team has my back.”

“I feel good mentally The team has supportedme. It was arough season this year,but the past month has boosted my confidence. The team has my back.”

KONNOR McCLAIN, LSU gymnast

Oklahomahas been the nation’s most consistent team, notpostingascore lower than 197.425. LSUisthe only team in the nation ranked in the top three on all fourevents: vault, unevenbars, balance beam and floor

“It’s going to be fun,” Clark said. “Must-see TV.The top four teams in the country,itdoesn’t get any better than that.”

No one in theregular season hasbeen better than LSUsophomoreKailin Chio.

Coen earnsSEC honor LSU junior Kylie Coen has been named to the 2026 SEC Gymnastics Community Service Team. Coen has given morethan 40 hours of community servicethis year for such causes as MLKDay of Service, Girls on the Run, work at alocal food bank andhospital visits. She also serves on the LSU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC)and is an Academic All-American.

LSUin2027Sprouts field

SELENA HARRIS-MIRANDA

Senior •Florida

LSU gymnast Kailin Chio performs her balance beamroutineduring aameet against Alabama on Feb. 27 at the Pete Maravich AssemblyCenter.Chio scored hersecond straight perfect 10 on beamand thirdinthat event this season. PROVIDED PHOTO Oklahomasophomore gymnast AddisonFatta performs a floor routine. Fatta is ranked third nationally in the all-around

The presumptiveSEC gymnast of the year,Chio ranks first in the allaround, on vault and beam. Has an NCAA-best nine perfect 10s among 31 individualtitles.

ADDISONFATTA

Sophomore •Oklahoma Third nationally in the all-around

and second on vault behind Chio An all-arounder in all 12 meets, shehad a10onvault Feb.13at Florida.

The 2025 SEC vaultchampion, Harris-Miranda has excelled on beam this season. Comes in with back-to-back 10s on beam and is ranked second behind Chio.

CHLOE LACOURSIERE

Junior •Alabama First nationally on unevenbars. No perfect 10s,but no score lower than 9.925 in 12 meets. Has23 scores of 9.90 or better on 38 total routines.

MORGANPRICE

Senior •Arkansas

An AAI Award finalist, Price ranks eighth on vaultand 10th on bars Her perfect 10 on vaultFeb.20 against Kentucky was the first in program history. Three more to watch: Kaliya Lincoln,Soph., LSU; Gabby Gladieaux, Sr Alabama;Faith Torrez, Sr., Oklahoma. —ScottRabalais

The ownerofa nation’sbest nine perfect 10s this season including three on vault, beam and floor March 13 against Arkansas —Chio leads the NCAA in all-around, vault andbeam scoring.

“She’strailblazing in front of our eyes,” LSU freshman Nina Ballousaid. “It’shistory in the making, and we’re apart of it.”

KonnorMcClain has been abig

TheTigers will once again be part of the field for the Sprouts Farmers Market Collegiate Quad, set forJan. 9-10, 2027, at Bon Secours WellnessArena in Greenville, South Carolina, ESPN Events announced Friday There will be twofour-team sessions: one on Jan. 9onABC, the other on Jan. 10 on ESPN Participating teams include LSU, Oklahoma, Florida, Georgia, Clemson, Utah, UCLA and North Carolina. It was not announced which teamswould participate in which session.

The Sprouts Collegiate Quad has previously been held in West Valley City,Utah (2024 and 2026) and OklahomaCity (2025). LSU finished second in 2024 and 2025 and tied for first this year with OU

STAFF FILE PHOTOByMICHAEL JOHNSON LSU gymnastKylie Coen celebrates after finishing her floor routine at ameet against Penn

STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

ARIEs (March 21-April 19) Settle in, dial up your discipline and refuse to let temptation lead you astray. Rethink your financial and health strategies and adjust your routine to suit your needs.

tAuRus (April 20-May 20) Getserious about your financial, medical and contractual obligations. Overextending yourself in any aspect of life will lead to trouble with institutions.

GEMInI (May21-June 20) Take action, and you'llhelpmake adifference. Equality andbalance arenecessary, andcurbing bad habits and being frugal will put you on apath to freedom.

cAncER (June 21-July 22) Acting in haste or letting your ego or desire tempt you to do unwise things will lead to regret. Avoid excessive behavior and making suggestions you cannot fulfill.

LEo (July 23-Aug. 22) Put your differences with others aside and pour your energy intoresearch and making a unique contribution. How you present yourself and your objective will determine what you receive in return.

VIRGo (Aug. 23-sept. 22) You may crave change, but you mustfirst think matters through and consider any consequences. Thinkabout what's in demand and focus on how you can be part of a positive outcome.

LIBRA (sept. 23-oct. 23) Let your imagination run wild,and enjoy the onset of creativity that follows.Pay attention to detailand use your energy and

willpower to broaden your agenda and seize an opportunity.

scoRPIo (oct. 24-nov. 22) Explore the possibilities, elaborate on your ideas and put your plans in motion. Thoughts followed by actionswill lead to new beginnings and opportunities.

sAGIttARIus (nov. 23-Dec. 21) Keep your thoughts to yourself and let your actions lead theway. Achange of pace, sceneryorentertainment will help you revise how you handle or earn your money.

cAPRIcoRn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) You can wheel and deal,but you must protect yourselffrom anyone using unscrupulous tactics to tempt you to take on toomuch. Aboveall else, maintain balance and equality.Avoidtaking a health risk.

AQuARIus (Jan.20-Feb. 19) Overreacting will not serve you well. Control your emotions, stick to abudget and aplan, and refuse to take financial or physicalrisks. Choosepeaceand love over chaos and discord.

PIscEs (Feb. 20-March 20) Challenge yourselfmentally and physically.Competitive situations will encourageyou to try harder. Avoid overspending or letting ego interfere with your progress. Make self-improvement your goal. The horoscope, an entertainment feature, is not based on scientific fact. ©2026 by nEa, inc., dist.Byandrewsmcmeel syndication

Celebrity Cipher cryptograms arecreated from quotations by famous people, pastand present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another toDAy'scLuE: cEQuALs L

CeLebrItY CIpher

For better or For WorSe

SALLYForth

beetLe bAILeY

Mother GooSe And GrIMM

LAGoon

bIG nAte

Sudoku

InstructIons: sudoku is anumber-placingpuzzle based on a9x9 grid with several given numbers. The object is to place the numbers 1to9 in the empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 boxcontains the same number only once. The difficulty level of the sudoku increases from monday to sunday

Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer

THewiZard oF id

BLondie

BaBY BLueS

Hi and LoiS

CurTiS

By PHILLIP ALDER

EllenHopkins, anovelistwho writes primarily for teens and young adults, said,“Forshort-termrelaxation, Itake ahot tub. It’smybest way to unblock writers’ block, too.”

So, if you have adifficult decision to make at thebridge table, take aquick bath —ifthe other players don’t mind thedelay,ofcourse.Still,oneofHopkins’ words is relevant to thisdeal.

How can the defenders defeat three no-trump after West leads his fourthhighest spade to dummy’s bare king?

North wasright to respond three notrump. Mentally look on king-singleton as king-doubleton. Even when theopening leader has the ace, he isn’t going to lead it against ano-trump contract

South starts with seven toptricks: onespade (given the first trick), three hearts, one diamond andtwo clubs. The extra winners can obviously comefrom diamonds. And if that finesse is working, declarer will takethe first 11 tricks

Even if the finesse loses, South will be all rightifthe opponents cannotcashfour spade tricks.

Howcan the defenders getthose four spade winners? At trick one, Eastmust drop his queen under dummy’sking.

This serves two purposes: It tells partner about thequeen and jack, allowing himtounderlead the ace on the next round, and it unblocks the suit.(West knowsthe queencannot be asingleton, becausethatwould give South six spades.)

Declarer will take the losingdiamond finesse,whereupon thedefenderscan run four spade tricks—but only if East unblocked thequeen at trick one. ©2026 by nEa, inc dist. By andrews mcmeel syndication

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

Previous answers:

word game

InstRuctIons: 1. Words mustbeoffour or more letters. 2. Words that acquire four lettersbythe addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed. 3.

Aship or

loCKhorNs

Areyou readytoshareJesus withothers? People need the Lord.— G.E. Dean

marmaduKe

Bizarro

hagar the horriBle

Pearls Before swiNe

garfield

B.C.

PiCKles hidato

ScrabbleGramS

dIrectIons: make a2-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 havenopoint value. all the wordsare in the Official sCraBBlE® players Dictionary, 5th Edition.

ken ken

InstructIons: 1 -Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1thorugh 4(easy) or 1through 6 (challenging) withoutrepeating. 2 -The numbers within the heavily outlined boxes called cages must combine using the given operation (in any order) to produce the target numbers in the top-left corners 3 -Freebies: Fill in the single-box cages withthe number in the top-left corner.

Puzzle Answer

WiShinG Well

HErE is aplEasanT liTTlE

the number of

Get fuzzy

jump Start

roSe iS roSe

animal crackerS

DuStin

Drabble Wallace the brave breWSter rockit luann

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PROPOSALS TheSupreme Courtof Louisiana, LouisianaJu‐dicial Collegeinvites qualified hotels to sub‐mitproposals to provide facilitiesand services for theLouisiana Judicial CollegeNew JudgeTrain‐ingtobeheldoverthree or five days during the week beginningDecem‐ber12, 2026 andending December 19, 2026. Ven‐dors have until 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April14, 2026 to submit proposals. Pro‐posals received after this deadline will notbecon‐sidered. TheProject Number for this requestfor propos‐als(“RFP”) is RFPLASC2026-01. Acompletecopy of theRFP maybeob‐tained from Maurine Laborde, Staff Attorney SupremeCourt of Louisiana, GeneralCoun‐sel’sOffice,400 Royal Street,Suite 1190, (504) 310-2550, mlaborde@ lasc.org.A complete copy of theRFP hasalso been posted on the SupremeCourt website (www.lasc.org)

This announcement does notcommitthe Courttoaward acon‐tractortopay anycosts incurred in theprepara‐tion of proposals. The Courtreservesthe right to accept or to reject in full or in part allpropos‐alssubmitted and/or to cancel theRFP.Any con‐tractawarded shallbe baseduponthe proposal most advantageous to theCourt.All contracts aresubject to theavail‐abilityoffunds. 181230-mar21-28-apr411-4t

March12, 2026 OdysseyHouse Louisiana, Inc. 1125 N. TontiStreet NewOrleans,LA70119 (504)821-9211 Thesenotices shallsat‐isfy twoseparatebut re‐latedproceduralrequire‐mentsfor activities to be undertaken by thename of OdysseyHouse Louisiana. Inc. On or aboutMarch 25, 2026 theOdysseyHouse Louisiana, Inc. will sub‐mita requesttothe US Department of Housing andUrban Development/ LouisianaOffice of Com‐munity

as Recov‐eryHousing 2433-35 Ur‐sulinesAve/1810-12 Gov‐ernorNicholls, St New Orleans, LA 70119 forthe purposeofestablishing SoberLivingrecovery housingfor individuals diagnosedwithsub‐stance usedisorderin theamount of $1,352,000 at 2433-35 UrsulinesAve/ 1810-12 Governor Nicholls,St.,New Or‐leans, LA 70119. Theactivitiesproposed comprise aproject for which aFinding of No Significant Impact on the environmentwas pub‐lished on February 26, 2026. An Environmental Review Record (ERR) that documentsthe environ‐mental determinations forthisproject is on file at OdysseyHouse Louisiana, Inc. 1125 N. TontiStreet,New Or‐leans, LA 70119 andmay or copied A.Mto

bilities have been satis‐fied.HUD’/Louisiana Of‐fice of Community Devel‐opment’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA andrelated laws andauthorities andal‐lows OdysseyHouse Louisianatouse Program funds. OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS HUD/LouisianaOffice of Community Development will accept objections to itsrelease of fund and OdysseyHouse Louisiana’scertification fora period of fifteen days followingthe antici‐patedsubmissiondateor itsactualreceipt of the request(whichever is later) only if they areon oneofthe following bases: (a)the certifica‐tion wasnot executed by theCertifyingOfficerof theOdysseyHouse Louisiana; (b)Odyssey HouseLouisiana has omitteda step or failed to make adecisionor findingrequiredbyHUD regulationsat24CFR part 58; (c)the grantre‐cipientorother partici‐pantsinthe development processhavecommitted funds, incurred costsor undertaken activities not authorized by 24 CFRPart 58 before approval of a releaseoffunds by HUD/LouisianaOffice of CommunityDevelop‐ment;or(d) anotherFed‐eral agency acting pur‐suantto40CFR Part 1504 hassubmitted awritten findingthatthe projectis unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environ‐mental quality. Objec‐tionsmustbeprepared andsubmitted in accor‐dancewiththe required procedures (24CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76) andshall be addressedtoU S. De‐partment of Housing & UrbanDevelopment New OrleansField Office Of‐fice of Public HousingAt‐tention: ElvettraGibbs, Director 501 Magazine Street,9th Floor NewOr‐leans, LA 70130/ LouisianaOffice of Com‐munity DevelopmentP.O Box94095 BatonRouge Louisiana70804-9095. Po‐tentialobjectors should contactHUD/Louisiana Office of Community De‐velopmenttoverifythe actual last

PUBLIC NOTICE SupremeCourt,State of NY CountyofKings IndexNo. 553883/2025 JODIAN ANTOINNETTE CRAIG Plaintiff Against JAMESEARLFINISTER Defendant Summons with Notice in ACTION FORA DIVORCE. BasisofVenue:Plf.Res To theabove namedDef Youare hereby sum‐monedtoserve notice of appearance on Plaintiff’s Attorney within 30 days afterservice is complete andincaseyou fail to appear,judgmentwillbe takenagainst youbyde‐faultfor thereliefde‐manded in thecom‐plaint.Natureofthisac‐tion:Dissolvethe mar‐riageongroundsofIrre‐trievableBreakdown of Relationship foratLeast SixMonths. Relief sought Judgment of Divorcein favorofPlaintiff. Ancil‐lary relief sought either partymay resume useof aprior surname: Plaintiff mayresumeuse of maiden nameCRAIG and such otherfurther relief as thecourt maydeem just andproper. NOTICE OF AUTOMATICORDERS: (DRL sec. 236-part B, sec 2).Bothparties to this action arebound by cer‐tain AutomaticOrders, which shallremaininfull forceand effect during thependencyofthisac‐tion,unlessterminated, modified,oramended by furtherorder of theCourt upon motion of either of theparties oruponwrit‐tenagreement between theparties.A complete copy of theAutomatic Orders is availableatthe Courtclerk’s office,Mat‐rimonial Part of the SupremeCourt 360 AdamsStreet,Brooklyn, NY 11201. NOTICE OF HEALTH COVERAGE PUR‐SUANTTODRL 255(1) PLEASE BE ADVISEDthat once thejudgmentofdi‐vorceissignedinthisac‐tion,bothparties must be awarethatheorshe will no longer be covered by theother party’s health insuranceplan andthateachparty shall be responsiblefor hisor herown health insurance coverage andmay be en‐titled to purchase health insuranceonhis or her ownthrough aCOBRA option,ifavailable.NO‐TICE OF GUIDELINEMAIN‐TENANCE(s.5678/A. 7645, Chapter269. Theabove is served upon youbypub‐lication pursuant to an OrderofHon.EricI.Prus, JSC,

before the20thday of April, 2026, or be per‐manently defaulted. If anyclaimantdesires to contesteitherthe right to exonerationfromor theright to limitation of liability, he shall file and serveonthe attorneys forLimitationPetitioners an answer to thecom‐plaint on or beforethe aforesaiddateunlesshis claimhas included an answer,sodesignated, or be defaulted.

Date: Mar102026

CarolL.Michel

LAVISH LIVING

HOME | DESIGN | GARDEN |

GREENTHUMB

Cucurbitsare simpleto grow. PAGE 4

GARDEN ADVICE

Houseplantshatewet feet. PAGE 5

INSIDE SOURCES

Addantiquest toculinary collection. PAGE 8

INSIDE INFO

Home and garden happenings. PAGE 9

ONEIN AMILLION

New Uptown home with vintageappeal. PAGE 10

COVERSTORY

Reno bringsback Victorian’s charm. PAGE 14

INSIDE STORY

Home projectstofocus on in 2026. PAGE 16

REAL ESTATE TRANSFERS

Recent transactions in the metroarea. PAGE 17

The InsideOut home and gardensection is published everySaturdayby The Times-Picayune. Questions about InsideOut should be directed to the editor.

InsideOut’s mission is to give readers peeks inside the many different ways thatpeople in the New Orleans area live. We profile spaces thatare opulent,orjust offbeat;sophisticated or simple; functional or lighthearted; historic or brand-spanking new.And anything in between. Please help us by sending informationand JPEG photosofyour home, or specific spaces inside it, to insideout@theadvocate. com.Welove gardens and outdoor spaces, too. And we’re waiting to hear from you.

INSIDEOUT EDITOR: Lauren Walck, lauren.walck@theadvocate.com CONTRIBUTINGWRITERS: Victor Andrews, Jyl Benson, Dan Gill

COVER DESIGN: Andrea Daniel

COVER PHOTO: Jeff Strout TO BE FEATURED: Sendinformation and photos to insideout@ theadvocate.com

5228MeadowdaleSt • PontchartrainGardens/Metairie$395,000

First time on market in over 65 years!!! Custom-built home in 1965 &occupied by same family. Situated on oneofthe largestlotsinthe neighborhood Renovatedin2006&wellmaintained. New windows&doors,4nice-sized bdrms, 3baths,plusbonus room upstairs.Beautiful cypressboardscover thegreat room walls.Backyardisbig enough to have your ownplayground!

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2015 SpanishOaksDrive• Harvey $275,000 Well-maintained3-bedroom,2-bath home with functional layout, spacious living areas, andbonus room.Features wood andtile floors, exposedbeams, anda well-equippedkitchen.Primary suiteincludes en suitebathand walk-incloset. Enjoya coveredpatio,large fenced backyard,and two-cargarageina quiet,convenientneighborhood. Adrienne LaBauve504-344-0877 LaBauveGroup /eXp Realty504-513-3109X 165

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Gorgeous fullyrenovated& expandedcontemporaryhomeoffering 4bedrooms, 3.5baths,office &duallaundry rooms. Showcasing a floating staircase, floor-to-ceiling windows, chef’s kitchen w/ quartziteisland&luxury applsplusamazing butler pantyw/wet bar. Primarysuite w/ spabath. Private yard w/ pool,hot tub, outdoorkit &gated rear access.Great forentertaining! Lisa Nunez985-788-6270

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518WalnutStreet, Unit E • Uptown $750,000

Exquisite 3bed,2.5 bath condominiumoverlooking AudubonPark in ameticulouslypreserved 1920sbuilding. High ceilings,original hardwood floors,formaldining, living room,charmingsunroom

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GREENTHUMB

Despite the recent chilly weather, we’restill planting warm-season vegetables in our gardens.Several of the mostpopular warmseason vegetables grown in thehome garden belong to the cucumber family (Cucurbitaceae). These related vegetables are commonly grouped together andcalled cucurbits.Vegetables that belong to this group include summer squash, zucchini, winter squash, mirliton, pumpkin, gourd, cucuzza, watermelon, cantaloupe, cushaw,luffa and, of course,cucumber.

All these vegetables produce vines that run along the ground or climb. Summer squash and zucchini vines are naturally short and thick and so are more compact than other

STAFF FILE PHOTOByTRAVIS SPRADLING Summer squash and zucchinivines are naturally shortand thick, so theyare more compact than other members of the cucurbitfamily.

How to avoid overwatering container plants

BY DAN GILL

Contributing writer

I bought a houseplant recently, and information on its care I found on the internet mentioned being “careful not to overwater.” Now, I’m afraid to add very much water when I water it. Help! — Nancy Roberts

Overwatering means keeping the soil too wet for an extended period. This is not determined by

the amount of water you apply when you water You cannot overwater with one watering.

You could apply a gallon of water to the pot, and the excess would just drain out of the drainage holes. This is a waste of time and water, and can leach out nutrients, but it doesn’t hurt the plant as long as the soil drains well.

If, however, you apply a pint of water every day and the soil stays constantly wet, that is overwatering. This can lead to unhealthy roots or even root rot. Soil that stays constantly wet from frequent watering deprives the roots of the oxygen they need.

GARDEN TIPS

Properly watering plants in a pot depends on the frequency of watering not the amount.

FILE PHOTO

CHECK DRAINAGE: An excellent time to evaluate drainage conditions in your landscape is after a heavy rain.Which areas did the water drain away from quickly? Where did water puddle in the yard? What areas still have standing water or are still very wet days after a rain? This can be invaluable later on when considering what plants to plant in various areas.

TEND ROSES: Fertilize roses now if you have not already done so. If you are growing types of roses highly susceptible to black spot (such as hybrid tea roses), a regular spray program should be started now for disease (black spot) and insect problems. For convenience, use a material that combines an insecticide and a fungicide in the same product.

LOVE LAWNS: We fertilize lawns

anytime from late March to early April, so now is the time. Mow the lawn just prior to fertilizer application, spread the fertilizer evenly and at the proper rate, and water thoroughly when you are finished. If weeds are an issue, you may use a weed and feed.

BUG OFF!: Check your oak trees for masses of young, black buck moth caterpillars, and consider

having your tree sprayed if you see large numbers. Don’t wait until the caterpillars start crawling down the tree trunk or falling from the branches to spray.

PRUNE WITH CARE: Prune spring flowering trees and shrubs any time after they finish flowering Have a specific purpose in mind before you begin pruning, and prune carefully to accomplish it.

By JEFF STROUT

from page 4

members of the family. Some dwarf or “bush” types of cucumbers and other cucurbits also produce short vines.

Birds, bees and cucurbits

Members of the cucumber family produce separate male and female flowers, and they both occur on the same plant (you only need to plant one mirliton).

Pollen must be transferred from the male flowers to the female flowers to obtain fruit

ADVICE

Continued from page 5

The water continuously fills up the pore spaces in the soil driving out the air So, overwatering is not based so much on how much you water apply when you water, but has much more to do with watering too frequently.

Determining how often to water depends on how fast the soil dries out and the water preferences of a plant. When you water, always apply enough water so that it runs out of the drainage holes. That way you know you have wet the entire rootball.

Plants that prefer to stay evenly moist, such as the peace lily (Spathiphyllum), should be watered again when the surface of the soil is dry (for larger pots, when the upper inch of soil is dry when you stick your finger in it). Most houseplants prefer to dry slightly between waterings. For them, wait until the soil looks dry and feels dry when you stick your finger down into the soil.

If you are not sure if you need to water, wait a day or two. It is better to water too little — a plant can recover from slight wilting — than too much and cause a fatal root rot infection.

For plants that prefer to be-

GREENTHUMB

morning when bees are most active. Wait until late afternoon or early evening if insecticides must be used.

Only the female flowers develop into fruit. Cucumbers, for instance, produce enormous numbers of male flowers compared with female flowers. I have talked to many a gardener who thought they were about to see a bumper crop, only to watch in stunned disappointment as most of the flowers fell off without producing a cucumber

set. The transfer of pollen is done by bees and other insects, so it is extremely important not to spray insecticides in the

The showy part of the male and female flowers is often

come dry between waterings, such as cacti and succulents, allow the soil to feel dry almost to the bottom of the pot before you water Using a probe like a wooden dowel can be helpful for larger pots.

Some general rules: 1) Plants in small pots dry out faster than plants in big pots; 2) Plants in clay pots tend to dry out faster than plants in plastic or glazed pots; 3) Plants outside tend to dry out faster than plants inside, and those in sun dry out faster than those in shade; 4) Plants that have filled their pots with roots or are pot bound dry out faster than plants that aren’t.

I’m wondering what varieties of vegetables do best here in south Louisiana. Is there a list? — Jeremy

This is a great question. You may want to grow tomatoes, but which varieties grow best in Louisiana?

The LSU AgCenter does

vegetable variety trials to see which produce best here in Louisiana. Their variety recommendations can be found in the online Louisiana Vegetable Planting Guide. These recommended varieties are certainly not the only vegetable varieties that will do well here. And you should feel free to try whatever varieties your are interested in planting. But including recommended varieties in your planting can help ensure good results.

In addition to variety recommendations, the Louisiana Vegetable Planting Guide is chockablock full of helpful information to make you a more successful gardener.

In particular, there is a chart that shows the proper planting times through the year for the many vegetables we can grow Planting at the right time is critical to successful vegetable growing. There is also information on fertilizing vegetables. Every home vegetable gardener should download this publication as a valuable reference. The information is specifically tailored to Louisiana.

Dan Gill is a retired consumer horticulture specialist with the LSU AgCenter. He hosts the “Garden Show” on WWLAM Saturdays at 9 a.m. Email gardening questions to gnogardening@agcenter.lsu. edu.

FILE PHOTO By KATHy ANDERSON Mirlitons, like most members of the cucumber family, make both male and female flowers on the same plant.

STAFF

very similar. But the female flower possesses an ovary behind the flower that looks like a miniature version of the fruit that will eventually form. The female flower of a cucumber, for instance, is connected to the vine by what looks like a tiny cucumber. The ovary of a female squash flower looks like a tiny squash.

Plant squash now

Summer squashes are among the most popular and productive of the warm season vegetables. Now is an excellent time to plants seeds or transplants into the garden.

The short-vine, bushy summer squash plants are rather large, 24 to 36 inches across, so make sure you space them properly in the garden. The fruit is harvested when immature, while it is young and tender Your thumbnail should easily penetrate the rind. Commonly grown summer squashes are yellow crookneck, yellow straightneck, zucchini and scallop.

Winter squashes usually have a more vining growth habit and need more room to grow than summer squash. Their fruit is allowed to remain on the vine until fully matured, when the rind is hard and you cannot penetrate the rind with your thumbnail.

The name winter squash does not refer to when they are grown, but rather to the fact that the fruit stores well and may be stored and consumed during the winter. Examples of winter squash are pumpkin, butternut, acorn, Turk’s turban and Hubbard.

A nod to the trellis

Cucumbers are generally an easy vegetable to grow. Transplants are usually available, but as with most cucurbits, they are easily grown by planting seeds directly in the garden. Most gardeners allow cucumber vines to grow along the ground, but it is highly recom-

GREENTHUMB

okra in flavor when fried. When the gourds are mature and the skin turns brown, it can be peeled away to reveal the most remarkable aspect of this plant — a tough network of fibers, which make an excellent sponge.

When a plant provides beautiful flowers, edible fruit and a sponge to clean up with, well, you can’t ask much more than that.

caterpillars are also an occasional problem on members of this family. Control these pests with BT or spinosad insecticides. Beetles may also chew on the leaves and can be controlled with spinosad, pyrethrum or other labeled insecticides.

mended that you trellis them. Provide a sturdy trellis 3 to 4 feet tall and space plants along the base about 6 inches apart.

Tests conducted at LSU AgCenter Research Stations show substantial yield increases for trellised cucumbers as well as fewer disease problems and better quality cucumbers.

Plant the sprouted fruit of mirlitons now through April with the large, sprouted end down in the ground. Provide a large structure for these vigorous vines to grow on.

Production from a spring planting will start in the fall, generally in October or No-

vember, so be patient Mirlitons will return for several years from the roots, and older plants will sometimes produce a lagniappe crop in early summer.

Triple-duty luffa

One of my favorite members of this family is the luffa gourd. Very easy to grow, luffa seeds may be planted directly into the garden now at the base of a 6-foot trellis, thinning the plants to 1 to 2 feet apart when they come up. This vine does triple duty in the garden. With attractive green leaves that stay healthy all summer and large, bright yellow male flowers, it is goodlooking enough to be used as an ornamental annual vine.

In addition, the fruit is edible when 6 to 8 inches long and can be sliced, breaded and fried like okra. Indeed, two old common names for this gourd, climbing okra and Chinese okra, refer to its similarity to

Plan for pests

As with all vegetables, there are pests that must be dealt with on occasion.

Early planting of cucurbits will reduce problems with squash vine borer Leaf-eating

Powdery mildew causes a white, powdery appearance to the foliage and can damage leaves. There are also a variety of leaf spots. Fruit rot is a fairly common problem in summer squash. Keeping the plants well mulched can help reduce this. If necessary, these fungus diseases can be controlled with a broad-spectrum fungicide labeled for use on vegetables.

STAFF FILE PHOTO By TRAVIS SPRADLING Planting cucumbers early, midMarch through mid-April, may help avoid bitterness.

PROVIDED PHOTO

INSIDESOURCES

Start collection with culinary antiques, dealer says

BY JYL BENSON

Contributing writer

Patrick Dunne founded Lucullus Antiques in the French Quarter 44 years ago, gaining swift recognition for its focus on culinary antiques. These items are practical, collectible and visually appealing, making them ideal for new collectors. The business moved to the Bywater neighborhood in 2019.

Dunne advises people in their 20s and 30s to forgo mass-produced items from retailers such as Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware and instead focus on antiques. He cites culinary antiques as an ideal place to begin

Younger generations disavow waste and instead embrace recycling and repurposing, so building collections of vintage or antique items makes both practical and emotional sense.

“Antiques and vintage goods are ecofriendly,” said Nathan Drewes, Dunne’s business partner “Reusing is being sensitive to the Earth’s resources. Also, old stuff is generally unique. And reflects craftsmanship. I started work at Lucullus when I was 20. Patrick drilled into me: Better to use an apple crate now than some ugly mass-produced thing you will ditch later.”

“Yes,” Dunne said. “Get an antique set of something that really means something.”

Essentials and beloved treasures

Dunne and Drewes travel to Europe twice a year to buy items for their business, which includes Decorations Lucullus, an interior design firm that also offers repair and restoration of antiques.

“When I buy, I think of the market I am buying for,” Dunne said, pointing to a wide, shallow Limoges bowl sitting atop a matching dinner plate. “No one in New Orleans wants a fussy cream soup bowl, but a bowl such as this would be ideal for gumbo.”

Drewes suggests starting a collection with essentials but staying open to acquiring items you love, even if they are impractical — they will fit into your plans eventually

Dunne describes collecting as being tied to a basic urge to decorate — a deeply rooted instinct He observes that our desire to enhance our spaces is an inherently human trait. While we appreciate both design and utility, there is also a playful side to how we adorn

things simply for our own enjoyment

For instance, carving a motif into a table, chair or column is not necessary, but it brings a unique sense of satisfaction.

“Start with the most convivial thing. Nineteenth-century bistro glasses. They can be used for wine, water or anything. They are sturdy. They have character. A set of six is about $495. A set made in the 1840s is something a newly married couple could really groove on.”

Silver-plated beauty

Another recommendation is a set of silver-plated French cutlery from the 1850s or 1860s.

Antique French silverplate is characterized by heavy-gauge base metals such as copper or brass, substantial silver thickness and artisan maker’s marks, often boasting a deeper, warmer patina.

In contrast, modern silverplate uses lightweight nickel-silver, is produced using faster electroplating techniques and features machine-stamped manufacturer marks, resulting in a cooler, high-gloss shine.

Antique French pieces from the 19th to early 20th centuries were designed to mimic solid silver, with exceptional craftsmanship and thicker plating to last generations. Over the years, antique silverplate may show warm, pink-

LUCULLUS ANTIQUES

915 Kentucky St. (504) 528-9620 lucullusantiques. com

Nathan Drewes, left, and Patrick Dunne are partners at Lucullus Antiques, a shop Dunne founded 44 years ago in the French Quarter before moving the business to the Bywater in 2019.

PROVIDED PHOTO

ish tones of copper beneath, while modern items typically reveal white nickel. Antique silverplate often feels heavier and more substantial to the hand, while modern mass-produced plating is often lighter.

“An antique French set will come with 12 spoons (perfect for gumbo), 12 forks, 12 teaspoons and a ladle for serving for $1,200. That’s around $30 a piece,” Dunne said. “Nineteenth-century French silverware had a very heavy silver content. In the 1800s, they began to anneal silver to copper or brass. These are beautiful, easy to care for, sturdy and they mean something. They should also be used every day.”

Collectors should look for marks indicating the silver weight, such as “84,” “90” or “100” (representing the grams of silver used to plate a certain amount of flatware), often accompanied by the manufacturer’s initials.

“These aren’t just relics,” Dunne said. “They are meant to be used and enjoyed. For instance, an old copper jelly pan could chill craft beers instead of making jam. We should be using items like copper pots and teacups, rather than simply displaying them.”

Inside Sources is a column that tracks trends and provides consumer information from experts in their home and gardening fields.

By JyL BENSON Lucullus Antiques is selling dinner knives with horn handles. Culinary antiques like silverware are a long-lasting and affordable way to start collecting antiques.

Patrick Dunne says the desire to enhance our spaces is an inherently human trait. While we appreciate both design and utility, there is also a playful side to how we adorn things like this plate simply for our own enjoyment.

PROVIDED PHOTOS

INSIDEINFO

Celebrate spring at Longue Vue

Explore the gardens, play lawn games, participate in crafts and perhaps get a glimpse of the bunny when Longue Vue House and Gardens hosts Spring Fest from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday

Also Saturday, Landy Livingston will read a book with musical accompaniment as part of the Emma Brown Reading Program at 12:30 p.m on the Oak Lawn. A community dance class will be held at 3 p.m.

Longue Vue design symposium honors landscape pioneer

BY VICTOR ANDREWS Staff writer

“Shipmania,” a nod to Ellen Shipman, will be the theme of the annual design symposium starting Wednesday at Longue Vue House and Gardens, 7 Bamboo Road, in New Orleans.

Considered a pioneer in the design realm, Shipman was a landscape architect known for her design of the gardens at the New Orleans estate of Edith and Edgar Stern, as well as estates in New York and North Carolina.

The symposium will honor Judith Tankard, Shipman’s biographer

Under the banner “Design and Natural Environment,” the opening reception at 5 p.m. Wednesday will be followed by a discussion at 5:30 p.m. featuring Kate Orff, of SCAPE design studio; artist-in-residence Renee Royale; and Jacqueline Terrebonne, of Galerie magazine. An exhibit of Royale’s work will open Tuesday in Longue Vue’s Playhouse.

Thursday opens at 11 a.m with the theme “Setting the

Stage: Design and the Theatrical Arts.”

OperaCréole will perform a scene from Edmond Dédé’s “Morgaine” at 11:15 a.m. followed by a seated lunch.

OperaCréole’s Givonna Joseph and Aria Mason, along with A.J. Allegra, of Le Petit Théâtre du Vieux Carré, will discuss the art of production design. At 1 p.m., the Fashion Council of New Orleans will provide a behind-the-scenes look at a fashion shoot.

Starting at 10 a.m. Friday under the theme “Design and Interior Environments,” a reception will honor Tankard and the “Pattern and Place” exhibit will open.

At 11:30 a.m., gallery owner Martine Chaisson and interior designer Barrie Benson will discuss design, followed by a garden picnic at 12:30 p.m. and a closing reception at 1:30 p.m.

Royale will lead an all-ages project plus other design activities March 28 as part of a Community Design Day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with free admission from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Tickets start at $250 per day Visit longuevue.com.

The Greater New Orleans Bromeliad Show and Sale is March 27-29 at Lakeside Shopping Center in Metairie.

Registration is $15 per person. Longue Vue members receive a $5 discount on registrations.

Visit longuevue.com.

Destrehan garden, pet show this weekend

The fourth annual Spring Garden and Pet Show will attract more than 75 vendors to Destrehan Plantation, 13034 River Road, selling decor, jewelry and plants, including house plants, vegetables, rare plants, fruit trees and herbs. Presented Saturday and Sunday by the River Road Historical Society and the LSU AgCenter, the show will also have experts on-hand as well as seminars on plant care, soil health, climate, wildlife and pets. And local rescue organizations will have adoptable pets.

Visitors can hear live music and peruse food vendors, and for the younger participants are a kids’ corner, egg hunts and more.

The home is open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Visit destrehanplantation.org.

Bromeliad show, sale set for Lakeside

Head to the skylight area near the parking garage at Lakeside Shopping Center for three days of bromeliads. The Greater New Orleans Bromeliad Show and Sale is from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. March 27-28 and noon to 6 p.m. March 29. For information, visit the group’s page on Facebook.

maintain the extensive urban green space. Those coming up include:

n Urban Forest Support Initiative: 9 a.m. Saturday Volunteer Center, 1031 Harrison Ave.

n Litter Cleanup Krewe: 9 a.m. Tuesday Volunteer Center, 1031 Harrison Ave.

n Big Lake Native Plant Trail Restoration Project: 9 a.m. Friday Big Lake Native Trail near 7 Friedrichs Ave.

Volunteer projects abound at City Park

A variety of cleanup days and initiatives are on tap at City Park to improve and

Register for the programs and find out about what to bring at friendsofcitypark.volunteerhub.com.

Have a home and garden event coming up? Send it to events@theadvocate.com.

FILE PHOTO By JEFF STROUT

STAFF FILE PHOTO By CHRIS GRANGER Elle Shipman is credited with designing the landscape of Longue Vue House and Gardens.

New Uptown home blends vintage charm with modern amenities

BY VICTOR ANDREWS Staff writer

Sitting in a prime spot in Uptown New Orleans, a few blocks from St. Charles and Louisiana avenues and Magazine Street, is a new home that seems to have been on the spot for years.

The almost 5,700-square-foot domicile is a fashionable addition to the area, replacing a former commercial strip at 3620 Chestnut St. Incorporating many of the vintage elements seen on existing, palatial homes that drape the neighborhood in history and gentle ambiance, this six-bedroom, five-plus-bath home offers many contemporary elements designed for family living in the roaring ’20s of the 21st century for $2.455 million.

The two-story home features the classic look of a New Orleans residence, with shutterframed floor-length windows, a double-columned gallery and wrought iron details. Dentil work along the entablature creates interest and an aged appeal. The double drive balances the home on the lot that features tidy plantings and a brick walkway to the front door

The foyer opens to a broad hall with wood floors that beckon entry to the home. To the right through a double opening, a sitting room or home office enjoys large windows looking onto the front porch. Detailed ceiling work and a medallion with a chair rail offer interesting details in the space.

Across the hall, a bright and spacious dining room has windows on two sides and more details, providing a prime spot for delightful dinners and celebratory meals with access to a lengthy butler’s pantry with wine storage, vast counter space and storage for plentiful serving pieces and more.

Out in the hall, a commanding staircase rises to the upper floors on one side, while a powder room is conveniently located near public rooms. Also taking a place of prominence is a well bar with display cabinetry and concealed

A wet bar is well-located between the dining room, sitting room and just off the home’s massive great room. A powder room is also conveniently nearby.

Three

New construction evokes the flavors of vintage architecture found throughout Uptown at this Chestnut Street home.

PROVIDED PHOTOS

ABOVE: A staggering amount of cabinetry provides voluminous storage in the kitchen, which features a waterfalltopped island and access to a bright breakfast room.

LEFT: One of the two closets conjures images of a trendy retail spot, able to hold a plethora of fashion items.

stories of stairs create a stunning visual in the center of the home.

ONEINAMILLION

storage. Aside entryhall also serves as amud room and landing padfor family paraphernalia including athletic equipment and school supplies.

Acrossthe back of thehouse are the unified living spaces that run from akitchen and breakfast room on oneend to an entertainment mecca on the other

An abundance of white cabinets fill the kitchen, whichincludes marble surfaces onthe food preparation area,the central island with farmhouse sink andthe additional prep area to the side. Professional-grade appliances in stainlesssteel are evident and ready for culinary creativity.The centralisland, which forms the spacedivider for the grand room, also has seating for up to six.Aconnected breakfast room is abright place, with atrio of windows overlookingthe backyard.

The great room is avoluminous spot anchored by alarge fireplace flanked by cabinets and lighted shelving for art, literature or electronics. A coffered ceiling addstothe roomy feel of the space, which also has apair of French doors opening to aback patio.

On thesecond floor,the stairs opentothe centerofahall that traverses the level, from the front balcony to the primary suite at the back.

Matching the size of the

An oval soaking tub sits beside astanding shower in the primary bath.Twin vanities are ample for unencumbered morning rituals and twowalk-in closets are connected to the space.

great room, the primary bedroom enjoys windows on two walls to provide natural light. Theprimary bath is amultiroom, spalike enclave with twovanities, separate water closets, separate closets (one looks like aprivate boutique), ovalsoaking tub and standing shower.

Three other bedrooms, all en suite, are on the second floor,with one of the smaller bedrooms having an expansive view through afloor-length window over the upper balcony.Aconveniently located laundry sits in the hall across from the stairs

Up the stairs to the third floor

is alargeplayroom or den with acozy alcove in thedormer. Twobedrooms have useofa spacious hall bath.Access to storageinthe attic is also at hand.

On theback patio, agas grill and prep area make for on-site al fresco fun and dining. The sizable backyardisready for theaddition of apool or detailed plantings.

The home is listed by Ashley Nesser,ofCompass, (504) 4583536.

One in aMillion is an occasional series featuring upscale homesfor sale in the metro area.

Agas grill is the centerpieceofanalfresco kitchen, located just off the great room

PHOTOS By JEFF STROUT

When Matt McShee bought the Bywater home he now shares with his spouse, Dusty Allen, it had been chopped into three apartments. The couple lovingly restored it into the showplace it is today.

COVER STORy

PAST LIFE

Restoration amplifies original

details of Victorian side hall

BY JYL BENSON

Contributing writer

Less than two months before Hurricane Katrina blew through and made a mess of everything, Matt McShee purchased the circa 1903 Victorian side hall townhouse near the river in Bywater.

Many of the questions he surely had about the condition in which he found the oncestately structure, which had been chopped up into three

apartments, remain unanswered.

The ceilings had been lowered. An array of partition walls divided spaces nonsensically. Why?

“The interior walls were textured with a coating that could not be removed,” said Dusty Allen, McShee’s husband of almost 12 years. “All the interior trim had been removed. Most glass in the house had been

ä See VICTORIAN, page 14

McShee and Allen refer to their living room as ‘bordello chic.’ The room is resplendent with a pair of Victorian dramatically from cornices upholstered in gold damask trimmed with Austrian chandelier crystals. The walls lower halves of the walls have been finished with iridescent ‘Chicklet’ tiles that reflect the flicker of candlelight

an settees

an

This distinctive painting by an artist in Utah was grabbed on one of the couple’s many trips.

The couple has

enviable collection of Venetian glass mirrors, such as this one, in the den.

upholstered in burgundy velvet. Flocked velvet draperies, also burgundy, are trimmed in gold fringe and hang are covered in blue-violet damask. Gilded wainscotting divides the walls horizontally from four feet up from the floor; the

from the many candelabras in the room.

VICTORIAN

Continued from page 12

replaced with Plexiglas, and all the original louvered shutters had been replaced with a mesh wire.”

Just why?

Unbeknownst to them, just as McShee, now a retired geologist, was purchasing the home, his future husband was decamping from the Faubourg Marigny just a few blocks away for life in Gentilly

“Katrina brought us together,” said Allen, a now-retired veterinarian. As a couple, they set about restoring the home. They were married nine years after they met.

“The doors and floors are original,” Allen said. “We have done our best to use moldings and trim that are in keeping with the spirit of the house. Moreover, all lights and fixtures were chosen to be as appropriate as we could manage. The ceilings are just over 12 feet. We have created an illusion of higher ceilings using moldings.”

See the result of the couple’s exhaustive work on the Bywater Home Tour from noon to 4 p.m. April 12.

A lavish showplace

The 3,200-square-foot home is now a showplace with a lavish garden, swimming pool, wet bar and plenty of space for entertaining. The yard is shared with the house next door, which the couple also owns and uses as rental space.

The home’s original double parlor has been divided into separate spaces, a living room for entertaining and a guest bedroom, which remain open most of the time but can be closed off via the home’s original pocket doors for privacy

The parlor at the front of the house is resplendent with a pair of Victorian settees upholstered in burgundy velvet. Flocked velvet draperies, also burgundy, are trimmed in gold fringe and hang dramatically from cornices upholstered in gold damask trimmed with Austrian chandelier crystals.

The walls are covered in blue-violet damask. Gilded

wainscoting divides the walls horizontally, 4 feet from the floor; the lower halves of the walls have been finished with iridescent “Chicklet” tiles that reflect the flicker of candlelight from the many candela-

bras in the room.

“Glass tile just kinda floats my boat,” Allen said of the shimmering tiles that repeat throughout the home and garden. They cover the outdoor bar and the long, horizontal

The Victorian-style bed in the guest room was custom-designed to combine elements of one that belonged to Allen’s grandfather with those of one made by celebrated Creole craftsman Prudent Mallard. The bed is bathed in color from a nearby stained-glass window that overlooks the garden.

steps in the swimming pool.

“I like shiny things, I guess, and I am fearless about design and color,” Allen said.

A scene of merriment

The ceiling in the living room is covered in pressed tin

The seating area in the primary bedroom affords a view of France Street as well as the couple’s garden.

PHOTOS By JEFF STROUT

By night, this bowl of pale azure rocks comes to life with light.

The couple’sextensiveart collection includes paintings, drawings, figures, potteryand artglass.

with adramatic, glossy black finish. Agrand piano stands sentry across from the settees. Aprofessional-grade amplifier and instruments in their cases suggest the space is the scene of much merriment.

ABelle Époque-era basket chandelier illuminatesitall. Alarge Venetian glass mirror with aclaret frame andaccents carries atheme throughout the home.

“Wedecided everyNew Orleans house needed afunky, layered kind of room,” Allen said. “Like all the house, it continues to be awork in progress. We callthe design ‘bordello chic.’”

The Victorian-style bed in the guest room was customdesigned to combine elements of abed that belonged to Allen’sgrandfather with those of another made by celebrated Creole craftsman Prudent Mallard. The bed is bathed in color from anearby stainedglass window that overlooks the garden.

After conquering thehome’s steep 20-riser staircase, oneis greeted by the couple’swedding portrait, alikeness featuring the two groomsdressed in kilts standing before amedieval castle. Behind them, clan flags fly,representing their ancestries. The coats of arms on their respective flagsrepresent another repeating theme throughout the home.

Consummatehosts, McShee and Allen have awell-appointed wine andcocktailbar at theready for guests.

“Matt McShee is very Scottish,born just north of Glasgow,” Allen said of his

BYWATER HOME TOUR

WHEN: Noon to 4p.m.April 12

WHERE: 729 Bartholomew St., 4200/4202 BurgundySt., 718France St., 826 France St., 3900 RoyalSt. and 4019 RoyalSt. TICKETS: $30 and up INFO: bywater.org

husband. “I am of Welsh descent.Between us, somewhiskey can be had for sure.”

$560,000

Exceptionalall-brick home situated on an oversizedcornerlot in theVillas of English Turn,New Orleans’ premier gatedgolfcoursecommunity.Open floorplanfeaturessoaring ceilingsinthe entryand living room,creatingabright andinvitingatmosphere. Spacious eatin kitchenoffersample counterspace andstorage.Wood flooring throughout main living areasadds warmth and elegance.Generousfirst-floor primary suiteincludesen-suite bath andwalk-in closet.Additionalbedroomsand flexible living spacesprovide comfortfor family andguests. Primelocationwithinthe Villas,offeringeasywalking distance to theClubhouse, tennis courts,fitness center,and communitypool.

Oneofthe home’stwo guestrooms is adorned with art and memorabilia from the couple’sworld travels

Home projects to consider in 2026

BY ANGIE HICKS

Ask Angi (TNS)

Should I renovate, repair or just leave things alone for now?

Angi’s 2025 State of Home Spending Report, assembled every year by the online platform formerly known as Angie’s List, shows homeowners are still investing in their homes, but being more intentional about where their money goes.

Households spent an average of $12,472 on home projects in 2025, with many prioritizing projects that improve daily life and prevent bigger expenses later

Start with convenience. Smaller upgrades can have the biggest impact. Smart thermostats, lighting automation and leak detectors help manage energy use and avoid costly damage.

PRIJATEL

Kitchen

storage improvements are becoming popular because they solve everyday frustrations without requiring a full remodel.

Kitchen storage improvements — like hidden pantries are becoming popular because they solve everyday frustrations without requiring a full remodel. This feature, along with continuous countertops, are among the top

planned kitchen trends that homeowners are considering for 2026.

Bathrooms are following a similar pattern. According to the spending report, walk-in showers and rainfall showerheads are gaining attention not just for style, but for accessibility and ease of cleaning.

Homeowners increasingly want upgrades that improve comfort and usability, not just appearance. Many people are adapting their current homes to fit their needs instead of moving.

Before focusing on finishes, look at how your home performs. Energy-efficient appliances, sealing drafts, and better insulation can lower monthly costs and improve comfort year-round.

Durable materials are also growing in popularity because they require less maintenance. In fact, maintenance spending rose to $2,041 per household

in 2025, as homeowners focus more on prevention.

Younger homeowners are helping shape many of these choices.

Millennials now lead all generations in total home project spending per household, and 77% say they plan to take on a major home project within the next five years— far above the 49% average across homeowners.

Their interest in technology upgrades and eco-friendly materials is influencing broader design trends, but it’s important to not to overlook the basics while planning bigger upgrades.

Before starting a renovation, make sure your home’s structure and core systems are in good shape and plan for any upgrades. Next, focus on maintenance.

Maintenance remains the most common type of work, with 44% of homeowners completing at least one main-

tenance project in 2025. Schedule routine servicing for HVAC systems, check drainage around your foundation, and keep up with exterior upkeep like gutter cleaning and sealing. These preventive steps protect your home and help you avoid costly repairs that might delay the projects you’re excited about.

If you’re unsure where to begin, walk through your home without thinking about budget for now and ask three questions: What frustrates me every week? What costs me money each month? And what keeps me from enjoying my space?

Trends can offer inspiration, but the best home projects are the ones that support how you actually live. When you prioritize structure, maintenance, comfort and efficiency first, any design update you choose afterward will feel like a real improvement — not just a cosmetic one.

BY CATHY HOBBS Tribune News Service (TNS)

Today’s bathrooms are no longer just about function. They’re about mood, luxurious and innovative materials, and bold design.

From classic white-on-white bathrooms to infusing black for high contrast and interesting materials and patterns,

high-end bathrooms are pushing design limits beyond just boring and bland. The goal is to create a bathroom that strikes the right balance of color and materials without becoming overwhelming. Looking for bathroom design ideas? Here are some top tips.

DO

1. Embrace white-on-white or monochromatic neutrals for a classic, spa-like feel.

2. Use black tile to add drama and sophistication. Black tiles can be used for feature walls and all over color as well as features such as cabinetry and shower doors.

3. Mix black with unexpected accents such as citrus colors including green, yellow and orange.

4. Treat lighting as a design feature. Statement sconces, especially in color or sculptural forms, elevate the bathroom from purely functional to de-

sign forward.

5. Look for ways to add bold patterns This can be done using tile or even wallpaper.

DON’T

1. Mix too many bold elements at once. Often less is more.

2. Ignore scale and proportion. Large patterns or dark finishes can overwhelm smaller bathrooms if not care-

A bathroom uses track lighting to follow the slanted ceiling.

fully balanced with lighter elements.

3. Forget to incorporate signature lighting to make a statement in the bathroom.

4. Forget to use finishes such as brass and nickel to make a design statement.

5. Forget to think “function first.” Elements such as functional layouts, storage and easy to clean materials shouldn’t be overlooked.

FILE PHOTO By FRANKIE

FILE PHOTO By JEFF STROUT

REALESTATETRANSFERS

NEWORLEANS

n TRANSFERS FORMARCH 2-6

DISTRICT 1

ANNUNCIATION ST.1227: $625,000, Michelle L. Zerbato Jennifer D. Cotugno.

BAUDIN ST.4024-26: $290,000, SuccessionofLawrence Edward Dupont IV and Nathalie Delise Dupont to Ann Payerand Kyle Payer.

CAMP ST.1456: $2,775,000,Mark D. Powers and Terri E. Powers to Brett Danko.

ST.CHARLES AVE. 711, 713-15: $100 and other valuableconsideration, 715 St. Charles LLCto Old Barron 715 LLC.

DISTRICT 2

BIENVILLE ST.3124-26: $111,000, Dave &FionaLLC to JayRutter.

BIENVILLE ST.3225: $470,000, Clarissa Costa Lima Brownand Kyle Alexander BrowntoNicole Elise Comeaux Hebert.

BIENVILLE ST.4226: $500,000, Julia CarsonSoniat and William Michael Soniat to Anna Tromassie Soniat and William Michael Soniat Jr.

BURGUNDYST. 421, UNIT1: no value stated, Donald E. Jones, Donald E. Jones and GayLynn Marchand Jones Family LLCto Elizabeth Anne Steadman Brown and Matthew Gordon Brown.

CHRYSANTHEMUM LANE 26: $2,450,000, Charles S. Blanchard and Gia Moser BlanchardtoOsose E. Odia and Yazmin Morales Odia.

CONTI ST.3211, 3213-15: $160,000, Gina L. TabortoDavid Novelli and Ketsarin BoonsupapNovelli.

DAUPHINE ST.611: $142,500,William Allen Hood II to Krewe De Tejas LLC.

DUMAINE ST.625 1/2: $1,000,000, Nerepis Co. and ShelbyFamily Partnership LP to Nelson Ray Boothe and PaigeSorenson Boothe.

ESPLANADE AVE. 908-910: $100 and other valuableconsideration, 908 EsplanadeLLC to 908 Esplanade CourtyardLLC.

GENERAL DIAZ ST.6550: $410,000, Gregory Michael Hoffman Jr. to Jennifer Schmidt andMaximillian Schmidt.

GOVERNOR NICHOLLS ST.120507: $1,100,000, ElammEquity Investments LLCto1201 Gov Nicholls LLC.

GOVERNOR NICHOLLS ST.1717: $152,000,Home BankNAtoWilliamson &Jamison Investments LLC.

GRAND ROUTE ST.JOHN 3310: $739,000,LindaM.Landesbergto Brigid Mary Brown.

LOUISVILLE ST.5930-32: $306,000, Judith GraffagniniHeintzto Southern Coast Ventures LLC.

MARSHALL FOCH ST.7122: $806,000,Cherry AnnWolfand Lisa Marie Hoffpauir to Christopher WilliamKirkikisand Emery Finegan Kirkikis

N. PIERCEST. 622: $125,000, DebraD.Debarbieris, Kathleen D. Jemison, RoqueD.Marcade and Susan D. Roberson to Bertucci InvestmentGroup LLC.

ROYALST. 1109: $750,000, Dumaine Street Investments LLCto Gary Roy Wilkinson and Lynne

ParksWilkinson.

ST.ANN ST.820: $550,000, Andrew Sheldon Evans and SonjaVictoriaBatten to George C. Aucoin Jr. and Stephanie Page Aucoin.

ST.ANN ST.2540: $303,750, Stephanie Michelle Poucher to Allison McCarthyand Christopher Patzke.

ST.PETER ST.1019-21: $1,127,500, SouthLouisiana Petroleum Co LLCtoFrederick Paul Lemann.

DISTRICT 3

ALLEN TOUSSAINT BLVD.19301932: $290,000, Hawk Realty LLC to Tyler Powers.

BABYLONST. 4839: $51,000, Dominique De Quan Tyler to Aristeo Garcia Construction LLC.

BUTTERFIELD ROAD 7721: $150,000, Brandon L. Armour, Frieda Domino Armourand Lawrence A. ArmourSr. to Next Level NowManagement LLC.

CHAMBERLAIN DRIVE 6026: $10,

Angela Higginbotham Mizell and William L. Mizell to Laurie E. Martin.

CHARLTONDRIVE 1618: $612,000, Philip C. Koretski to Erin Elaine Schill.

DAUPHINE ST.6004-6006: $224,000, Alfred Louis BarbarinJr. to ErronThomas.

EADS ST.6429: $305,000, Callie E. Martin VallejotoMolly Barclay and Preston Lynch

E. GREENBRIER DRIVE 111: $345,000, Kim Cates Parker and SidneyH.Cates IV to Sheila M. Ferdinand.

ELYSIAN FIELDS AVE. 3415-3417: donation, no value stated, Christopher JosephNoto, Craig Thomas Noto and Jason Charles Noto to LeonardP.Noto.

FRANKLIN AVE. 530: donation, no value stated, Jane S. Murray to Drei Lilian Trust.

GLADIOLUS ST.2524, 2526: $75,000, Andi Morgan Darney and BethanyEllis Lemoine to Damion C. Louis.

HOPE ST.1946-1948: $289,000, CJG Property ManagementGroup LLC to James Castrillon.

IVY LANE11100: donation, no value stated, Paulette M. Bethel to Pamela T. Carrie LAMANCHEST. 1705: $115,000, Willie V. Gatlin to Mohamed Imad Aissaoui, Mouloud Aissaoui and Yamina Belkessa Aissoui.

LARK ST.2452: $139,000, Succession of Helen A. Boe to Sherman J. Lewis

LIZARDI ST.2218: $10,000, R2H Investments LLCtoWMW Investmentsand Holdings LLC.

MANDEVILLE ST.624: dona-

page 18

REALESTATETRANSFERS

ORLEANS

Continued from page 17

tion, no value stated, Sobia Naz Hafeez to Farzana Ibrahim and Maqbool Ibrahim.

MONTEGUT ST. 711-13: $160,000, David Claude Morales to Sarah Waltzer Wilson.

MONTICELLO ST. 2528: $5,000, Jerome Joseph Matthew Sr. to Charles Alexander Burton

NEW ORLEANS ST. 2714-16: $230,000, James M. Barbee to Dezmus Gonzalez.

N. CLAIBORNE AVE. 1800: $99,000, James Harris to One 800 Club LLC.

N. LEMANS ST. 13501-13503: $210,000, Olvin Rene Martinez to Errieyon Taylor.

N. MIRO ST. 5012, REYNES ST. 2110, 2114, 2118, 2124: $100,000, Cindy Winkleth Duncan and Jeniffer Johana Allinson Piedy to Gissel Melisa Piedy Asencio and Jose Fernando Lora Marquez.

N. MIRO ST. 5020. 5020: $20,000, Cindy Winkleth Duncan Piedy and Jeniffer Johana Allinson Piedy to Gissel Melisa Piedy Asencio Fuentes and Jose Fernando Lora Marquez.

N. RAMPART ST. 5460-62: $385,000, HCH Property Investments LLC to Nicole Robinson

PASTEUR BLVD. 5761: $178,000, 5761 Pasteur LLC to Gabrielle Goudeau.

PAUGER ST. 1923-25: $70,000, Arianne B. Early Roque and Marvin L. Early to Cynthia Hassenboehler Sellers and Daniel M Sellers.

ROYAL ST. 2021: $680,000, Eric Samuelson and Kristin Weaver

Samuelson to Karen Seebert Samuelson and Michael Samuelson.

SANDPIPER DRIVE 7951: $217,000, Gena Davillier Barnes and Juan D. Barnes to Ralph P. Richard.

SIMMONS DRIVE 224: $189,000, TB and F LLC to Letrania Washington.

SWIFT ST. 7711-13: $260,000, Kelley Patrick Cornin to Dyamond Perkins.

TRICOU ST. 1522-24: $130,000, Succession of Elijah Anthony Johnson Jr. to Valcindranette Albert Thomas and Willie Lee Thomas III.

TUPELO ST. 48247: $5,500, Ernestine M. Saul, Joseph Wilson Saul Jr., Lavettra Saul Willis and Sherna Lanier Saul Lumar to Lashone Francis and Shone Shawnika Francis.

WINGATE DRIVE 5740: $60,000, Ashley E. Frank Delarge and Ayana M. Frank to Olga Iveth Calderon Mejia.

DISTRICT 4

CHESTNUT ST. 2027: donation, no value stated, Christopher Robert Linn and Walter Anthony Linn to Carl Patrick Linn.

CHESTNUT ST. 2027: $100, Carl Patrick Linn to Bensoncarrollnola LLC.

FOURTH ST. 2315: $275,000, Craftmans Pride LLC to Darlene Burns and Quincy Armann Landry.

MAGNOLIA ST. 2201: $150,000, Fouad S. El Jaouhari to Khalil Thabata.

ROUSSEAU ST. 2417-19: $10 and other valuable consideration, 2417 19 Rousseau LLC to Caroline Broussard and Sarah Newton.

TOLEDANO ST. 2216-2216 1/2,

2217, 2219-2221: $232,000, I&I Properties LLC to New Indigo Realty LLC.

DISTRICT 5

BELLEVILLE ST. 1226-1228: $7,500, A & V Realty LLC to Lejurnderixv LLC.

ELIZA ST. 403, SEGUIN ST. 600-604612-614: $600,000, Candance Ann Kagan and Valerie L. Savoie to Eric Ross Flynt and Greta Gayle Garner Flynt.

ELLEN PARK PLACE 2134: $208,000, Maria Alejandra Fuertes Andurand to Leslie B. Williams.

FARRAGUT ST. 1728: $112,000, Patco Holdings LLC to 1728 Farragut LLC.

RUE MIGNON 3660: $240,000, Thao Phuong Dola to Jasmine Wheeler and Kathleen M. Wheeler.

THAYER ST. 400: $121,500, Gravier St. LLC to Virtaur LLC.

WAGNER ST. 609: $250,000, Aztec Group LLC to Eric Allen Martinez and Sara Amanda Jones Martinez.

WILLOW DRIVE 10855: $185,000, Darlene Sheasby Lindner and Eugene L. Lindner Jr. to Lislee Properties LLC.

DISTRICT 6

ARABELLA ST. 1331: $837,500, Ell Corp. LLC to Jason D. Sanchez and Yoko Toda Sanchez.

AUDUBON ST. 1722: $440,000, William F. Lexow to David B. Bertucci and Georgia White Bertucci.

AUDUBON ST. 344: $100, Juanita Kain Parenton and Kelly L. Parenton to David James Topping and Hannah Dratz Topping.

CADIZ ST. 1421: $735,052, Maureen Haefner Tonn to Rebecca Smith and Stefanson Smith.

CALHOUN ST. 3127-35: $100 and other good and valuable consideration, Roberts Properties LLC to 3127 Calhoun LLC.

CAMP ST. 3648-50: $1,040,000, Keith P. Leblanc Trust and Kelly J. Monnahan Trust to T&A Camp Street LLC.

CAMP ST. 4856-58, UPPERLINE ST. 925: $100 and other good and valuable consideration, Lucille Clair Mossop and succession of Newton Mossop Sr. C.D.C. to Marengo Investments LLC.

CARONDELET ST. 3303: donation, no value stated, Delfeayo Ferdinand Marsalis to Trena Vasser Marsalis.

COLISEUM ST. 5513: $1,170,000, Bradley D. Kieffer to Danielle Meeks Lesueur and Laurence D Lesueur Jr.

COLISEUM ST. 5517-19: $785,000, Danielle Meeks Lesueur and Laurence Donnelly Lesueur to Alexandra Cushing Butcher and Price Shreve Butcher.

GENERAL PERSHING ST. 1025:

$470,000, Anthony L. Scott Jr. to Eleanor Wohl Hamilton and Matthew Hamilton.

JEFFERSON AVE. 1035: donation, no value stated, Third Amended and Restated Paul S. Murphy and Mary Ann Murphy Joint Revocable Trust to Mary Ann Murphy.

JEFFERSON AVE. 1035: donation, no value stated, Mary Ann Murphy to Mary Ann Murphy revocable trust.

JEFFERSON AVE. 1654: donation, no value stated, Aline Bass Napoli and Craig Napoli to Laura Napoli Turner.

LAUREL ST. 6118: $820,000, Kelly Ryan Wiechert and Scott Wiechert to John Tracy Lea and Nancy Elizabeth Diethelm Lea.

PRYTANIA ST. 5326: $495,000, Succession of Lynn Butler Mauney and Thomas H. Mauney to TNT Thx Nola LLC.

ST. CHARLES AVE. 3915, UNIT 215: $365,000, Renee Gaubert to Denise Lee Delay.

ST. CHARLES AVE. 7014: $239,000, John Ransdell Guenard to Edward Scott Yerger and Emily Suzanne Collier Yerger.

S. GALVEZ ST. 5534: $465,000, Erik E. Shollmier and Robin Marie Dugas Shollmier to Marisa Mandich Poret.

S. ROBERTSON ST. 4221: $550,000, Carolyn Ciaramitaro Golz and Clifford T. Golz to Erin Hunter Oakes and John Martin Harkins.

TCHOUPITOULAS ST. 5921, UNIT 5921: $279,000, Anna Merritt Parsons to Christopher Peter Loffler. WALMSLEY AVE. 4420: $341,000, Nicole Natoli Sheldon to Caroline Good.

DISTRICT 7

APPLE ST. 8624-26: $206,000, ABC Nola LLC to Layla N. Carraby.

CAMBRONNE ST. 1419: $365,000, Nicholas Dwoskin to David Branden Terribile and Madelyne C. Terribile.

CAMBRONNE ST. 1921-23: $482,500, Allison D. Longsworth Jeanfreau and Jacob A. Jeanfreau to Marianna Knister Downer and Stephen Downer.

EAGLE ST. 1616: $357,000, 1616 Eagle LLC to Jason Odell.

FONTAINEBLEAU DRIVE 59: $775,000, Charlotte Robertson Ordeneaux and James Keith Ordeneaux to Austin P. Wilty and Reagan Reynolds Wilty

HOLLY GROVE ST. 4127-29: $131,500, Parrie Nickole Austin Phillips and Tommy Austin to S&S Real Estate LLC.

NELSON ST. 9231: $10,000, Joseph Gabriel to Celis Rentals LLC.

OLEANDER ST. 8311: $75,800, SPB Development LLC to United Housing Services LLC.

SEATTLE ST. 301: $130,500, Melanie Bordelon Forstall to Olufunsho Chukwuemeka Nwabuzor.

SYLVIA DRIVE 5844: $529,000, Adam Michael Toups to Kathleen Elizabeth Powe and Stephen Bond.

(c)

(c)

REALESTATETRANSFERS

EAST JEFFERSON

n TRANSFERS FOR MARCH 6-13 HARAHAN

BERKELEY AVE. 24: Sue A. V Bergen to Jennifer D. Brock, $493,000. S. CLEARVIEW PARKWAY U313 832: Ekaterina Z. Angeron to A. IV Hotfelter, $169,000.

JEFFERSON

AUDUBON TRACE 2912: William O. Rester to Erika J.P. Bidlack, $154,000.

BURNS ST. 3025: Kenneth E. Clark to K. Jack Investments LLC, $25,000.

CLAIBORNE DRIVE 1212: Vertical Capital LLC to K&C Properties LLC, $85,000.

ORLEANS BLVD. 4609: Christie H. Gibson to Erin A. Kenning, $435,000.

RIO VISTA AVE. 108: Jacqueline M. Day to Michael L. Silvestri, $351,705.

ST. 630: Doris A. S. Short to Melissa A. S. Moore, donation, no value stated.

KENNER

13TH ST. 2120-22: L&S Real Estate Investments LLC to Esther M. Cabrera, $295,000.

27TH ST. 26: Consolidated Investment Properties LLC to Twenty Six Twenty Seventh Street LLC, $625,000.

BEAUJOLAIS DRIVE 4140: Marvin Narcisse to Justin Ehrlicher, $425,000.

CHATEAU BLVD. 3287: Susan K. Pfister to Aline T. Nakouzi, $269,900.

CONNECTICUT AVE. 3221: Mas Housing LLC to Nancy M.M. Ramirez, $75,001.

DAVID DRIVE 5512: Melissa K. Moskau to Vitalii Hulchuk, $312,880.

DOGWOOD DRIVE 118: Anthony J. III Herques to Alyssa Ross, donation, no value stated.

ECHEZEAUX DRIVE 1: Carolyn M. Mccormic to Bryan A. Montz, donation, no value stated

HOUSTON PLACE 98: Thomas L. Daquin to Richard M. Salathe, $235,000.

JANICE AVE. 4608: John Dennis to Tricia B. Jacobsen, $423,000.

JOHN HOPKINS DRIVE 505: Tania Martinez to National Cooperative Bank, $150,000.

KILGORE PLACE 109: Irma S. Ramos to Rony W.F. Gomez, donation, no value stated.

NEWPORT PLACE U4 1725: Margorie R. Canales to David Clanton, $105,000.

PHOENIX ST. 2601: Aarica O Wright to Cindy Delgado, $55,000.

PIEDMONT ST. 2711: Boudree LLC to Whitten Real Estate LLC, $600,000.

RICHLAND ST. 2822: Pether Alonso to Kamaljot Singh, $525,000.

SESSIONS LANE 912: Dianna H.P. Deroy to Cornelia D. Acosta, $295,000.

SESSIONS LANE 912: Yandy G. Rodriguez to Dianna H.P. Rodriguez, donation, no value stated.

TAVEL DRIVE 937: Devon Bank to Mohammed Mirza, $225,000.

TAVEL DRIVE 937: Mohammed Mirza to Devon Bank, $225,000.

TULANE DRIVE 3705: David A. Dussel to Jessies Properties LLC, $165,000.

VETERANS BLVD. 808: ICLP20 LLC to Cellutalk LLC, $28,000.

VETERANS MEMORIAL HIGH-

WAY 2201: Geocor Properties LLC to Sr. Kenner Savvy LLC Sr., $1,025,000

WEBSTER ST. 1704: Charlotte C. Scallan to Jessica E.B. Coello, $203,000.

W. TULANE DRIVE 3541: Patricia L.G. Wilson to Elijah Scott, $210,000.

METAIRIE

ALEXANDER DRIVE 5221: Carl L. III

Bankston to Natalie A.K. Bonnett, $320,000.

BURKE DRIVE 4601: Ronda M. Wortmann to Savannah Teague, $485,000.

CLEARY AVE. U502 3456: Denise W. Gaines to Alfredo M. Silva, $150,000.

CYPRESS ST. 3765: Robert B. Johnson to Standford Parkman, $97,500.

DONNAWAY ST. 8716: Anne Boyd to Dart Collateral Manager LLC, $65,829.

ELMWOOD PARKWAY 4517: JNO Enterprises LLC to W.M. Brown, $550,000.

ELMWOOD PARKWAY 4517: JNO Enterprises LLC to W.M. Brown, $550,000.

EVANGELINE ST. 4817: Katie M. Langbein to Austin B. Vaughn, $368,000.

FAUN ST. 812-814: Elizabeth A.H. Prejean to Winston A. Winn, $381,000.

GARDEN ST. 4600: Margaret J. Reggio to Kathleen Reggio, donation, no value stated.

HELIOS AVE. 1136: Elizabeth C. Guarisco to George A. Post, $412,000.

HOMESTEAD AVE. 953: C.J. III Everhardt to Hongtu Investment Group LLC, $275,000.

JEANETTE DRIVE 5212: C Edrington to C Angelo, $380,000.

JEANNETTE DRIVE 5009: Celene J. Phillips to Thomas J. Hellmers, $455,000.

LAKE LOUISE AVE. 4820: Nicole Wright to Myriam P. Bou-mekhayel, $592,500.

MELODY DRIVE 349: David H.L. Dunn to Devin M. Melancon, $470,000.

METAIRIE COURT 141: Joseph F Rodriguez to Annette B. H. Hale, $555,000.

METAIRIE HEIGHTS AVE. 1923: Ashley C. Neelis to Todd M. Neelis, donation, no value stated.

NORA ST. 6409: LSF9 Master Participation Trust to WW Construction LLC, $115,000.

N. BENGAL ROAD 800: Blake Lawson to Brandon Venegas, $385,000.

N. TURNBULL DRIVE 1613: Leigh C. Fischer to Allen A. Markey, donation, no value stated.

N. TURNBULL DRIVE 3001: Thaddeus M. Calongne Jr. to Dolores C. Macaluson, $45,000.

N. WOODLAWN AVE. 205-207: Leslie Tusa to Daniel W. Dennis Jr., $358,500.

N. WOODLAWN AVE. 1112: Cecil L. Furlow to Drew M. Dodd Jr., $270,000.

OLD PLACE 948: Karlee P. Morales to Peter Bruno, $320,000.

ORION AVE. 216: Tammy C. Hemstad to K Fournier, $431,000.

PERSIMMON AVE. 1405: Rachel

A.D. Senac to Michael A. Huey, $151,700.

TAFT PARK 4525: Reagan T.T. Charleston to Scott T. Sands,

$899,000.

UPLAND AVE. 713: Derrick C. Kimball to Derrick C. Kimball, donation, no value stated.

WABASH ST. U7 4837: Jazmyne Lemar to Danielle P. Thibodaux, $160,000.

RIVER RIDGE

ALHAMBRA COURT 9513: Carol K. Wilkins to Lacey R. Hutchinson, $330,000.

ARNOLD AVE. 413: Terry F. Dillenkoffer to Phillip C. Grant, $255,000.

GLOXINIA CIRCLE 9713: Patrick E. Maraist to Brett E. Maraist, $385,000.

JOEL AVE. 10029: Richard E. Wilson to Albert M. IV Touzet, donation, no value stated.

RURAL ST. 301: Kathleen A. Burke to Monica D.B. Dantoni, $186,000.

WEST JEFFERSON

n TRANSFERS FORMARCH 6-13

AVONDALE

RETREATDRIVE 3737: DSLD LLC to AlexandraHoly,$256,990.

BARATARIA

FRAN LANE 79: Holden S. Fabre to Katherine T. Aliff, $29,000.

GRANDISLE

MEDICAL AVE. 181: Seasoned Credit Risk TransferTrust Series 2018 1. to Daniel S. IIIWanko, $50,000.

MULBERRYLANE 117: Barbara A. Matherne to Heather Jean, $135,000.

ROMES LANE 131: LeeTraigle to Morgan &MorganLand Preparation LLC, $15,000.

GRETNA

ATHENA AVE. 2121: Mark Diamond to Sury Figueroa, $55,000.

CLAIRE AVE. 3144: Sylvia A. Rodriguez to Angel R. Deleon, $134,830.

FAIRFIELD AVE. 644: Rickey Senner to Harrison L. Senner, $160,000.

FIRE THORN DRIVE 277: Lawrence P. III Palmisano to Edwyn N.M. Delcid,$215,000.

FIRETHORN DRIVE 356: Sang N. Nguyen to Julia E. Mendez, $218,200.

GARYCOURT1625: Ralph L. GuerreraJr. to Southern Management of Real Estate LLC, $192,000.

REALESTATETRANSFERS

LAKE TIMBERLANE DRIVE 3629: Sajea Inc. to ThaerHammad, $72,000.

MADISON ST.726-28: Clair N. Cervantes to Jarrett Evans, $225,000.

MADISON ST.819: Angela G. Thibodeaux to LBLCLegacy LLC, $100,000.

N. VILLAGE COURT2341: Kenlie M. Fite to Nevaeh Flak, $254,000.

OAKLANE 211: Pearl Homes Construction Company Inc. to I C. Visions LLC,$237,000.

OCEAN AVE. 490: Seecharrain SantokeSr. to John Mcneely, $167,000

HARVEY

ASPEN DRIVE 3852: Starletia Goodwin to Mahmoud Ayyad, $300,000.

BROWN AVE. 615: DaraMauroto Giovani D. Jauregui, $220,000.

CURTIS DRIVE 1324: KimL.K Pham to EricB.Kendrick, donation, no value stated.

CURTIS ST.1229: Homer C. III Traxler to BrittanyG.Zeller, $258,000

DEERRUN LANE 3837: Mariners Atlantic Portfolio LLCtoZmmy LLC, $138,000.

HUGHDRIVE 1932: Jose L. Arellano to Quan Am Temple, $150,000.

JUSTIN LANE2313-B: Jeffery L. III Martin to Erica R. Mealy,$25,000.

KILLINGTONDRIVE 1933: Warren J. Rogers to Imad Abukhalil, $121,001.

LOCH LOMAND DRIVE 1304: Andralla E.Slayton to Iraina J.S. Bush, donation,novalue stated.

MAPLEWOOD DRIVE 1037: Anne G. Hebert to Emilio A. Perez, $160,000.

PAIGEJANETTE DRIVE 2493: H&I Realty GroupLLC to Gx3 Property LLC, $45,800.

S. DEERWOOD DRIVE 3853: K&A Homes LLCtoGeral M. Jimenez, $285,000.

SQUIREWOOD DRIVE 1828: PhuongB.L. Pham to Trinity P. Le, $400,000.

THIRD AVE. 753: DanielJ.Lightell to Raychelle Jackson,$174,900.

LAFITTE

TOUCHARD LANE 5125: LisaM. Gisclair to Oreiana Lewis, $5,000.

MARRERO

ALPACADRIVE 5412: EdwardW. Gutierrez to Lori T. Gutierrez, donation, no value stated.

AVE. B715: Malcolm J. II Babin to Judith B. Esteve, donation, no value stated.

BENNINGTONDRIVE 5037: AnthonyJohns to Investar Bank N.A., $100,000.

BIRCHWOOD ROAD 2639: Debra L. EhrhardtoMelissa R. Gaubert, $353,500.

DUELING OAKS AVE. 5032: Robert E. Elliott Jr. to Ralph B. Blackmon Jr., $215,000.

FOURTH ST.5404: MyongC.Kang to FiveThousand Four Hundred Four Fourth Street LLC, $232,500.

HARRIER PLACE2223: Jessica Breaux to Gx3 Property LLC, $55,800.

LANCASTER DRIVE 1600: Malcolm Harris Jr. to Dnai Mitchell, $175,000.

LINCOLN AVE. 1347: Sheffield Capital Solutions LLCtoColley Johnson Jr., $173,000.

LINCOLN AVE. 1452: Edgewater

Directed Investments LLCto Brenda Joseph,$172,000.

LOLAN COURT3912: Danny F. Rees Jr. to PMcneice, $290,000.

SADDLER ROAD 436: Jordan Lanier to Derlis Gutierrez,$214,900.

ST.JOHN AVE. 5801: Porter Edwards to Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing, $113,334.

URBANDALE ST.707: Nexus Nova LLCtoFederal Home Loan Mortgage Corp.,$144,365.

WATLING DRIVE 1913: Monica L.A. Lasalle to Hilton J. Lasalle Jr., donation, no value stated.

TERRYTOWN

FIELDING AVE. 661: Janice L. Mooney to Matthew M. Fernandes, $257,500.

FIELDING AVE. 701: Jacqueline H. Carmen to Jeffrey R. Harris, donation, no value stated.

GUARDIAN AVE. 2137: SouthshoreFamily Homes LLCto Zachary Floyd,$264,000.

TERRYPARKWAY 309: Blair B. Alexis to Yentl Logwood, $215,000.

WAGGAMAN

ASTER LANE 21: Jacquelyn Johnson to ChandraCuillier, donation, no value stated.

WESTWEGO

DANDELION DRIVE 725: Nitale Investments LLCtoChyna Frazier, $159,000.

TIFFANY COURT9480: Berta Dominguez to Greyci A. Z. Echeverria, $123,600.

WESTDRIVE 801: Celia V ConcepciontoMichaelKlause, $189,000.

ST.TAMMANy

n TRANSFERS FORFEB.23-27 ABITASPRINGS

CRESTWOOD ESTATES,PHASE 5B, LOT177: Nicholas F. Velado and AmyB.Velado to Gregory M. Roberts and Christine M. Roberts, $422,500.

HAZZARD ST.73051: Celestine L. Noeland succession of Terrel Y. NoeltoArielH.Leglue,$205,000.

HIDDENLAKE LOOP 112: William G. Webster Jr. to Marcotte Family Trust, $275,000.

HILLCRESTCOUNTRYCLUB ESTATES,PORTION OF GROUND: ImpulseInvestments LLCto Ismael L. Zaragoza,$15,000.

NEAR ABITASPRINGS,LOTS8,9, SQUARE 7: Mamoneirrevocable trusttoStephen W. Martins and James B. Martins,$325,000.

SOUTH ABITASPRINGS SUBDIVISION,LOT 10A, SQUARE 75: C&C HomebuildersConstruction Inc. to Habitat for HumanitySt. TammanyWest, $36,000.

ST.JOSEPH STREET,PORTION OF GROUND: DebraJ.Brooks to Toby T. Dufrene, $55,000.

COVINGTON

BUDS LANE73123: LaneR.Dewitt and Kayleigh S. DewitttoKai Stanley, $266,000.

CALDENCOURT19662: DSLD HomesLLC to Agne Eggerth, $273,071.

CALDENCOURT19685: DSLD HomesLLC to Victor F. Ortega and Brenda K. Ortega, $303,759. CALDENCOURT19694: DSLD HomesLLC to GreysonFroberg and Ashlyn Martinez, $302,883.

CAPISTRANOCOURT817: Stephen J. Roser and Haley E. Burke Roser to Brandy Dupee, $389,000. CAPISTRANOCOURT826: Chad Nielsen Carroll and Sarah F. Carroll to Garron Helmand Rachal G. Helm, $370,000.

CLOVER KNOLL DRIVE 11305: Taylor N. Robinson Lagrange and Jonathan P. Lagrange to Dylan J. Laplante and Allison R. Pangracs, $276,000.

COUNTRYSIDE SUBDIVISION, PHASE 1, LOT60: RobertSalim to Stephen J. Montelepreand Macie H. Montelepre, $335,000.

COVINGTON CENTER 800: F&G Ventures LLCtoTrue NorthProperty Holdings,$350,000.

CYPRESS ROAD 19: John T. Butterworthand Caroline B. ButterworthtoReidP.Sheaand Christine K. Shea, $1,440,000. DARLINGTONST. 1536: T.B.F.P.LLC

to Ronald R. Rogers and Cheryl A. Rogers, $540,000.

DOMINIC DRIVE 1504: Winston Helling Jr. and Christine Helling to David P. Malbrough and Jourdan M. Haeuser Malbrough, $329,000.

DORIS ROAD 20402: Betty B. Overton to Norman Petticrew, $175,000.

ELK RIDGE 664: DSLD Homes LLC to Gary S Morton and Karen C Morton, $458,063.

FIFTH ST. 70051: Succession of Valerie V. Ernst to Roy Broussard and Cathleen Broussard, $215,000.

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS DRIVE 16731: Angelle E. Hebert to 16 Above of Covington LLC, $260,000.

KENNY LANE 20064: Nicholas W. Lagalante and Sydney V. Lagalante to Michael T. Estrada Jr., $352,500.

LA. 25 75130: First Apostolic Church of Covington Incorp. to JSB HWY 25 LLC, $300,000.

MADEWOOD ST. 117: Robert W. Smith and Barbara G. Smith to Larry S. Barnett and Mary L. Barnett, $530,000.

MEMPHIS TRACE 355: Onur Fidaner and Aysegul Dastan to Mason J. Sharp and Brooke D Sharp, $1,230,000.

N. CORNICHE DU LAC 504: Alexander B. Stallard to Leonard L. Gremillion and Pamela A. Guidry, $588,500.

N. CORNICHE DU LAC 557: David W. Love Jr. to Richard Ryan and Kimberly Ryan, $1,050,000.

NEAR COVINGTON, PORTION OF GROUND: 7R Properties LLC to Allen C. Mcilwain, $56,275.

NEAR COVINGTON, PORTION OF GROUND: Dustin M. Everhardt to Todd A. Steinke and Sara Cooper Steinke, $269,999.

NEAR COVINGTON, PORTION OF GROUND: CMC Property Investments LLC to Robert Brown, $55,000.

OCHSNER BLVD. 1411, BUILDING C: Apemus LLC to Covington Medical Assets LLC, donation, no value stated.

PARK PLACE 215: Ruddigore LLC to CAP3 LLC, $1,500,000.

PINEY WOODS SITES SUBDIVISION, LOT 5: Gulf Coast Bank and Trust to H11 LLC, $95,000.

RICKELIN DRIVE 75705: Martin W. Murphy and Carolyn A. Lorio Murphy to 16 Above of Covington LLC, $262,000.

RIVER CLUB ROAD 1340: Stoop Construction LLC to DM Thompson Construction LLC, $250,000

RIVERLAKE DRIVE 13517: Henry J. Cantrelle and/or Joy C. Cantrelle revocable living trust to Rafael F.

REALESTATETRANSFERS

Salcedo Sr. and Sharon B. Exnicios Salcedo, $530,000.

ROSEBAY DRIVE 72412: Tammany North Properties LLC to J.P. Huff Construction LLC, $225,000.

SPRING CLOVER LANE 21413: Kori K. Keaton and Kory G. Keaton to Kenneth C. Salzer and Michelle H. Salzer, $547,000.

TCHEFUNCTE DRIVE 163: Jeffrey S. Althouse and Shannon D. Althouse to William Strauss and Ashley Strauss, $555,000.

W. 14TH AVE. 819: Alice McNeely to Rebecca Hammett, no value stated.

W. 29TH AVE. 506: Jeffrey D. Elmore to West 30’s Redemption Co. Inc., $42,000.

FOLSOM

CHURCH ROAD 78129: Peggy J. Crawford to 2026 Peggy J. Crawford revocable living trust, donation, no value stated.

DAMIANO ROAD 11651: MHLFUNDING LLC to Keith John-David Naccari and Olivia M. Naccari, $100 and other good and valuable consideration.

MARLE LOOP 209: Jeffrey A. Turner to Marie A. Matherne, $255,000.

NEAR FOLSOM, PORTION OF GROUND: Barkers Corner LLC to Lloyd S. Jenkins Jr., $13,733.

NORTH FOLSOM ESTATES, LOT 10: MHLFUNDING LLC to Keith John-David Naccari and Olivia M. Naccari, $900,000.

TRAINING CENTER ROAD 82331, UNIT 11: Kimberly Galloway Miley to Louisiana Prospects Stables LLC, $50,000.

LACOMBE

KIMBALL ST. 66336: Michael C.

Thomas and Nicole P. Thomas to Jacob M. Tamborella, $200,000.

LANCASTER COURT 30311: D.R. Horton Inc.-Gulf Coast to 30311 Lancaster LLC, $339,900.

NEAR LACOMBE, PORTION OF GROUND: Pine Plantation LLC to Janelle Glass and Brandon Smith, $65,000.

SUNSET CIRCLE 62194: Jimmie A. Moore to Louisiana Land Trust, $204,000.

MADISONVILLE

AUTUMN CREEK DRIVE 113: Elizabeth A. Dahmer to Nicholas Morgan, $342,400.

BEDICO CREEK SUBDIVISION, LOT 888: Alvarez Construction Co. LLC to Michael S. Dooley and Cherie M. Dooley, $399,990.

CEDAR CREEK DRIVE 349: Ashley P. Smith to Clifford Smith, donation, no value stated.

CLAIBORNE OAKS SUBDIVISION, LOT 11: Malcolm C. Herrington and Leah D. Ream Herrington to Christopher J. Donaldson, $825,000.

CYPRESS TREE COURT 2013: Ryan Jones to William Buck and Cassidy Savoie, $520,000.

E. LA. 22 127, UNIT S-17: Frederick R. Ward to Kiera A. Murphy, $359,000.

GALATAS ROAD 215: YAR Construction Co. Inc. to Jason L. Yancey and Tiffany M. Yancey, $347,580.

HELEN DRIVE 66: Citizens Bank NA to Secretary of Veterans Affairs, $187,532.

MABEL DRIVE 117: PARR-T Rentals LLC to Timothy A. Lentz and Suzanne S. Lentz, $10 and other valuable consideration.

NATCHEZ TRACE SUBDIVISION,

PHASE 1, LOT 33A: Natchez Trace Property Owners Association Inc. to Michael R. Branighan and Michelle T. Branighan, $15,000.

NEAR MADISONVILLE, PORTION OF GROUND: All State Financial Co. to Red Apple At St. Tammany LLC, $564,726.

SPIKE DRIVE 71568: Joseph Panno to Loren Williams Jr. and Freda M. Williams, $215,085.

SPIKE DRIVE 71672: DSLD Homes LLC to Leslie Dorcey, $206,158.

SPIKE DRIVE 71712: DSLD Homes LLC to Ethan Delery, $215,691.

SPIKE DRIVE 71785: DSLD Homes LLC to Kerby J. Dufrene and Kierste Dufrene, $209,146.

SWEET PEA COURT 1632: Refuge Homes LLC to Stephen Roser and Haley Roser, $589,000.

TAVERNY COURT 69628: Chloe Pepper to Timothy Eckerle and Amanda J. Villarrubia, $272,000.

TIMBERLANE SUBDIVISION, PHASE 2, LOT 40: Christopher R. Bowers to Kathleen M. Jones, $434,900.

WHITE HERON DRIVE 144: Iona Properties LLC, Gabriel Carbajal and others to Joseph A. Olivero Jr., $213,500.

MANDEVILLE

11TH ST. 2255: Virgo Properties LLC to Orange Solar Properties LLC, $657,000.

BEAU CHASSE 102: Hugh E. Cassidy III and Mary L. Curren Cassidy to Richard C. Ely Jr. and Kimberly P. Ely, $725,000.

BEAU CHENE DRIVE 912: Bryan Weiser and Linda Weiser Trust to Karen W. Fransen, donation, no value stated.

ä See TAMMANY, page 22

Resurrection fern revives to a lush green after rainfall

By LSU AgCenter

Editor’s note: This is the final installment of a three-part “What’s on my tree?” series about organisms that are commonly found growing on trees in Louisiana.

Not many plants can lose up to 97% of their moisture content and then spring back to life within hours of rainfall. But for resurrection fern, this remarkable feat is just part of its survival strategy.

Resurrection fern (Pleopeltis polypodioides) is a common sight on the branches of live oak and other trees in Louisiana. It spends much of its life in a dried, brown state, blending in with the bark of the trees. But as soon as it rains, the fronds rehydrate, unfurl and turn a lush

TAMMANY

Continued from page 21

BEAU CHENE SUBDIVISION, PHASE 1, LOT 641: Christopher H. Baynas and Sandra H. Baynas to Aaron Burchfield and Amy Amerson, $895,000.

CAROLINE ST. 1861: Nathan R. Turner to Brielle Viator, $245,000.

CARONDELET ST. 745: Carrie Lee Rooks to Michael A. Spencer and Katherine E. Cousins-Spencer, $237,000.

CEDARWOOD DRIVE 406: Patricia B. Netherland to Michael P. Giffin and Rebekah S. Giffin, $155,000.

CHATEAU PAPILLON 184: Turnkey Homes LLC to Gabrielle E. Givens, $720,000.

CITY OF MANDEVILLE, LOTS 33, 35, SQUARE 266A: Gregory M. Verges to Nicholas B. Haak and Angela C. Haak, $4,000.

DOVE PARK ESTATES, LOT 12: Harold E. Burlingame and Lisa P. Burlingame to Austin M. Zak and Jordan D Picone, $365,000.

E. THISTLE ST. 100: Kane J. Boudreaux to Cody J. Vidrine and Sydney M. Sutherland, $255,000.

GRAND CHENIERE 128, UNIT 321: Mark L. Brasseaux and Marta Brasseaux to Orange Solar Properties LLC, $239,250.

JOAN ST. 1446: RMTP Trust Series 2021 Cottage-TT-V to Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, $3,490.

LIBBY LANE 756: Denise D. Lebrun to Denise Lebrun Family Trust, donation, no value stated.

MADEWOOD DRIVE 108: Gregory Roberts and Christine Roberts to John C. Dirksing and Katie C. Dirksing, $465,000

ent needs are met through the air and rain. It doesn’t hurt trees, simply using them as a place to grow Resurrection fern can be found throughout the southeastern United States, as it likes warmer climates with regular rainfall. Like other ferns, it spreads by spores and rhizomes, not seed. It prefers oak species but also can make itself at home on cypress, magnolia, pecan and other trees as well as structures in the landscape.

green — hence the name resurrection fern.

This plant is a harmless epiphyte, or air plant. That means its water and nutri-

PALMER COURT 1824: Nicholas Danos and Theresa Danos to Robin D. Edwards and Teresa L. Edwards, $345,000.

PLANTATION DRIVE 307: Timothy Delaney and Charlene G. Delaney to Gregory Orkus and Lindsey Orkus, $1,315,000.

SANDALWOOD DRIVE 348: Mehmet F. Dicle and Lara Dicle to Scott P. Sheafer and Courtney L. Campbell, $595,000.

TALLOWTREE DRIVE 1043: Patrick J. Murphy to Phi L. Nguyen and Trinh T. Mai Nguyen, $535,000.

TEE BOURG LANE 70150: Milo Properties LLC to Greg Ockman and Shannon H. Ockman, $107,500.

TOWN OF MANDEVILLE, LOT 68: Michael A. Schoultz to Jeffrey K. Moore and Tammie D. Moore, $52,500.

VILLERE ST. 1108, UNIT 26: Aurora V. Cosentino to Carrie Books, $352,000

WOODLAWN LANE 106: Fritzmark Contracting LLC to IRA Innovations LLC, $370,000.

PEARL RIVER

ARCHIE SINGLETARY ROAD 70184: Haven Gowland and Alex Chauffe to Brandon K. Hall and Brooke T. Hall, $315,000.

DIANE DRIVE 64232: Edward C. Sprunk to Kevin J. Dahmer and Elizabeth A. Dahmer, $415,000.

FISCHER DRIVE 104: Wendy L.

Griffith to Brandon Tibbitts and Rebeca P. Tibbitts, $278,000.

GUS SINGLETARY ROAD 34496:

Gail E. Singletary Blessing to Benjamin E. Dillon, $190,000, donation.

WILSON LANE 74423: Terry J. Jones II to Crawford Investments On Wilson LLC, $65,000.

SIXTH WARD

The plant has been studied as a model for drought tolerance and has even been taken into space for scientific experiments. While most plants can tolerate losing only about 10% of their water before dying, resurrection fern is capable of surviving while nearly completely

NEAR SIXTH WARD, PORTION OF GROUND: Thomas A. Clements and Shari L. Taylor Clements to Mary K. Clements Roberts, donation, no value stated.

SLIDELL

BLUE CRANE DRIVE 228 NO. 1: Joseph J. Dartez Sr. to Patricia C. Morehead, $409,500.

BLUEBIRD DRIVE 259: Rocket Mortgage LLC to Federal National Mortgage Association, $187,839.

BROKEN BOUGH DRIVE 424: Succession of Brian K. Cobb to Matthew D. Witthar, $250,000.

CANAL BANK DRIVE 3853: Thaddeus J. Petit Jr. to Bert V. Groves III, $350,000.

CARA MAE ST. 40582: D.R. Horton Inc.-Gulf Coast to Taquencia Asaundra Morris, $290,555.

CARDINAL DRIVE 416: Burton G. Amos to Cameron Black, $189,900.

CUTTYSARK COVE 1613: Ryan W. Santangelo and Robin J. AshCole to Kenneth P. Rauch Jr. and Nannette E. Hereford, $107,500.

CYPRESS VINE COURT 6545: D.R. Horton Inc.-Gulf Coast to Harry J. Anderson and Shelia S. Anderson, $181,930.

E. QUEENSBURY DRIVE 101: Jay Dee Hunt, Jonathan D. Hunt and Alexandria Rae Perez to Del-Loe Real Estate LLC, $100 and other good and valuable consideration.

FERNWOOD DRIVE 1408: Keith W. McQueen and Mandy Barnes McQueen to William K. Browne, $229,000.

GAUSE BLVD. 757: Kim Bonnie Enterprises LLC to Willow Circle LLC, $345,000.

desiccated — sometimes for years! Resurrection fern usually sheds about 75% of its water during dry spells, and in extreme drought situations, it can lose up to 97% of its moisture and still live. When dry weather hits, resurrection fern shrivels up to reduce its surface area and goes dormant. Special proteins called dehydrins protect its cells from damage, so cell walls can shrink and stretch without breaking. This allows the plant to lose nearly all its water without dying.

So, the next time you’re outdoors after it rains, look up into the trees. You just might spot resurrection fern — an interesting plant, and one that reminds us that renewal is always possible, even when life is challenging.

HUNTERS POINT ROAD 1537: Keith A. Meshell Jr. to Casey R. Webb and Braydra C. Webb, $275,000.

JACQUELINE DRIVE 143: Holy Moly LLC to Duke Lake LLC, $90,000.

JOEL DRIVE 1438: Raymond L. Porrier III to Gayle M. Macomber, $206,000.

LAKEVIEW DRIVE 270: John E. Maynard and Kathryn A. Maynard to Scott R. Styron and Tara M. Styron, $450,000.

MARAIS RIVER DRIVE 4674: D.R. Horton Inc. to Tracy B. Sanders, $218,725.

MARINA DRIVE 1260: Elliot J. Perret to Katherine R. Johnston, $260,000.

NEAR SLIDELL, PORTION OF GROUND: Harvey J. Fitzpatrick Jr., Gary V. Garfunkel and Arlen R. Garfunkel to A&A Design LLC, $36,000.

NIGHTHAWK DRIVE 420: Kenneth M. Hartdegen and Holly T. Hartdegen to Roberto Gentilcore, $427,500.

NORMANDY DRIVE 118, UNIT 2: Cheryl C. Garrity to Brian T. Carr, no value stated.

N. CALEB DRIVE 531: Jonathan A. O’Quin and Michelle L. Webb to Vy Vu, $550,000.

PEACH TREE ST. 3625: Tavish J. Cary and Elizabeth Cary to Sara C. Decker, $215,000.

PINE SHADOWS DRIVE 436: Robert J. Winhoven to Kenneth Greening and Karen Greening, $248,000.

PLIMSOL COURT 227: Rochelle M. Wilde to Hal B. Liliedahl, $117,500. ROSE ST. 35333: Debra Adams and Cynthia Moore to Chris K. Hoeltke and Shannon L. Hoeltke, $55,000.

SANDLEWOOD COURT 5542: Car-

rington Mortgage Services LLC to Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, $275,957.

SPILLWAY MANOR DRIVE 5120: D.R. Horton Inc.-Gulf Coast to Jairus K. Warren, $258,900.

SUNSET BLVD. 2221: Britni M. Ricard to Suhaskumar G. Patel, $1,110,000.

SWAN ST. 2010: Donald S. Esslinger to Jerry W. Esslinger Sr., donation, no value stated.

SWAN ST. 2010: Jerry W. Esslinger Sr. to Pearson Rentals LLC, $73,000.

TIDE WIND DRIVE 3435: Holly E. Daniels and Gilbert R. Daniels to Wayne D. Lebant Jr., $235,000. W. GAUSE BLVD. 701: McCurnin Family Properties LLC to Jomar Holding LLC, $50,000. W. LAKE DRIVE 401: Secretary of Veterans Affairs to Latiaya Henderson, $236,000.

WAKE RESERVE ROAD 5516: D.R. Horton Inc.-Gulf Coast to Darryonna Duncanson and William Duncanson, $402,900.

WEATHERLY COVE 118: Frank J. DiGiovanni IV to Andre G. Bellou, $229,000.

WEST MORGAN SUBDIVISION, LOTS 37-39, SQUARE 43: James A. Taylor to Tamland Investments Inc., $100 and other good and valuable consideration.

WEST MORGAN SUBDIVISION, LOTS 37-39, SQUARE 43: Tamland Investments Inc. to Reginald Sean Small, $11,000.

SUN/BUSH

ISABEL SWAMP ROAD 83194: Pine Plantation LLC to Richard C. Gill and Katharine R. Gill, $119,000. LA. 21 81591: Bush Relo DG LLC to Home Care Partnership, $1,698,814.

LSU AGCENTER PHOTO By OLIVIA McCLURE

Resurrection fern is a remarkably resilient plant that can rehydrate and turn green within hours of rainfall.

When your child becomesthe landlord

Dear Annie: Ilive with my almost-30-year-old daughter She acquired our place through alawsuit settlement. She talks to and treats me like I’m achild and tries to control my life. She often reminds me: “This is my place. Irun things.” Icould go on and on, but the bottom line is that sheconstantly makes me feel uneasy in what’ssupposed to be my home

Now she’splanning to move to Texas. Idon’t want to leave

where we live now,but Ialso don’t want to move with her. I can’thandle her demands anymore, yet Ican’tafford to live on my own. Rent istoo high. What shouldIdo? —Livingon Eggshells

Dear Living on Eggshells: Your daughter may own the home, but that doesn’tgive her free reintodictate your choices or disrespect you.

Before making anydecisions, have an honest discussion about what her move to Texas wouldmean foryou What would she expect if you wentwithher,and on what timeline?Clarity here will helpyou make the most in-

formeddecision. At the same time,research your other options—senior housing, income-basedapartments, shared living situations or even renting aroom in someone else’shome. It may be hard to afford aplace of your own,but the ability to live freelyand comfortably in your space is priceless.

Dear Annie: Seven years ago, my husband andIpurchased acondo near apopular tourist spot. We’ve gotten several requests fromfriends and family to come visit. We enjoy hosting, andithas worked out except with oneperson Every time he comesto

TODAYINHISTORY

stay, he’llask, “You don’thave almondmilk?!” or “You don’t have chia seeds?!” or insert some otheritem.Hesaysthis as if we don’thave indoor plumbing. Itry to have avariety of beverages andsnacks available in additiontobeing considerate of people’s generallikesand dislikes.

Howcan Irespond? I’m very tempted to tellhim we arecompletely committed and unable to host another visit, but he would probably eventually hear that we’ve been able to accommodateother people. Suggestions? —Hosting aHothead

Dear HostingaHothead: Most guests arrive with gratitude.

Afew arrive witha grocery list. You’ve been incredibly generoustoopenyourhome, but it’s notahotel.You’re notrequired to stock specialty items on demand. The next time he exclaims, “You don’thave almond milk?!” smile andsay, “Wekeep thebasics,but feel free to bring anything specific youlike,” andleaveitthere. If he keepspressing, it’s perfectlyreasonable to host him less often.Hospitalityisa gift, notagiven.

Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@ creators.com.

By The Associated Press

Today is Saturday,March 21, the 80th day of 2026. There are 285 days left in the year

Todayinhistory:

On March 21, 1965, civil rights demonstrators led by the Rev.Martin Luther King Jr.began their third attempt to march from Selma to Montgomery,Alabama —thistime underthe escortofU.S.Army and National Guard troopsassigned by President Lyndon B. Johnson.

Also on this date:

In 1873, the Spanish National Assembly abolished slavery in Puerto Rico, then aSpanish colony; enslaved people were required to work for three more years for their former owners.

In 1933, Germany’sNazi government establishedits first concentration camp in thetown of Dachau, ostensibly for political prisoners; Dachau held more than 200,000prisoners and more than 40,000 died there before American forces liberated the camp in April 1945.

In 1952, the Moondog Coronation Ball, considered the first rock ‘n’ roll concert,took place at Cleveland Arena. In 1960, police in Sharpe-

ville, SouthAfrica, opened fire andkilled at least 69 people at ademonstration against apartheidlaws.

In 1963, the United States closed Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary; over 1,500inmates hadbeen jailed at the island prison offthe coast of San Francisco over its three decades of use.

In 1972, Congress approved the Equal RightsAmendment and sentittothe states for ratification by March1979 (later extended to 1982); 35 of the required 38 states met the ratification deadline. With 38 states having since ratified, its statusisinlegal limbo.

In 1980, President Jimmy Carter announcedthatthe United States would boycott theSummerOlympic Games

in Moscow because of the Soviet Union’sfailure to withdraw itstroops from Afghanistan.

In 1990, Namibia became an independent nation as the former colonymarked theend of 75 years of South African rule.

In 2012, meting out unprecedented punishment for a bountysystem that targeted key opposing players, the NFL suspended New Orleans Saintshead coach Sean Payton without pay for the coming season and indefinitely banned theteam’sformer defensive coordinator; NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell fined

theSaints $500,000 and took away two draft picks.

In 2019, President Donald Trump abruptly declared that the U.S. would recognize Israel’ssovereignty over the disputed Golan Heights —the first country to do so —inamajor shift in Americanpolicy

In 2022, aChina Eastern Boeing 737 aircraft with 132 people on boardcrashed in amountainous area of southern China, setting off aforest fire visible from space in thecountry’s worst air disaster in decades.

(All 123 passengers and nine

crew members would later be confirmed dead.)

Today’sbirthdays: Football Hall of Famecoach TomFlores is 89. Actor Timothy Dalton is 80. Actor Gary Oldman is 68. Actor Matthew Broderick is 64. Comedian-actor Rosie O’Donnell is 64. Former soccer player Ronaldinho is 46. Actor Sonequa Martin-Green is 41. Actor Scott Eastwood is 40. Tennis player Karolína Plíšková is 34. Actor Jasmin Savoy Brown is 32. Actor Jace Norman is 26. Actor Forrest Wheeler is 22.

Annie Lane

DEAR ANNIE