Announced last week the mayor’s push to deliver major raises for the Baton Rouge Police Department took its first
about the lack of raises for her
Wednesday.
formal step Wednesday — despite requests from the Constable’s Office to be included.
With about two dozen constable deputies in attendance, the Metro Council voted to introduce the proposal, which would mark the largest pay increase in department history if approved next month. However, the council decided to hold the vote and public hearing in four weeks, rather than the usual two weeks following an introduction.
ing a plan to boost sworn officer salaries by at least 15%. Shortly after, Constable Terrica Williams took issue, not with police receiving raises but rather with her office not being included. Williams attended the Wednesday meeting with her deputies and said she doesn’t expect her deputies to make the same amount as police, but still thinks they should get a pay bump too.
“Constables are law enforcement,
See RAISES, page 8A
2026
push bill to force disclosure of drug costs
BY ALYSE PFEIL Staff writer
Some Louisiana lawmakers think prescription drugs cost too much, and they want to create a new Prescription Drug Affordability Board to investigate why — and force pharmaceutical companies to disclose pricing information.
“We want the truth,” state Sen. Kirk Talbot, R-River Ridge, said Wednesday while presenting a proposal that would require drug companies to reveal to the board how much it costs them to make certain prescription drugs and the prices they charge.
Under Talbot’s legislation, Senate Bill 401, it would be illegal for pharmaceutical companies not to report the price information to the board.
“Costs of prescription drugs have been increasing dramatically without any attributed reason,” the legislation says “Transparency is typically the first step toward cost containment.”
Drug manufacturers are expected to push back strongly against the bill, however Talbot introduced the measure at a public hearing Wednesday, but he temporarily set it aside to give interest groups more time to travel to Baton Rouge and provide
See TRUTH, page 7A
Appeals court rules BR protest organizer can be sued
Injured police officer says leader should be held liable
BY QUINN COFFMAN Staff writer
A lawsuit by a former Baton Rouge police officer against a Black Lives Matter leader can go to trial after an appeals court ruling that could affect whether organizers are held liable for actions
taken at protests. Baton Rouge Police Officer John Ford was struck by a rock or chunk of concrete during a 2016 protest after the killing of Alton Sterling. He lost multiple teeth, needed corrective surgery and ultimately left law enforcement. Elements of the nearly decadeold case have been heard as high up as the U.S. Supreme Court, but Ford’s claim that the protest organizer’s negligence led to his injury has not been before a jury yet. The case has come before the
U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals before, with judges finding that DeRay McKesson could be sued for negligence without it violating his First Amendment rights to organize a protest. That ruling, reaffirmed by the same court on March 19 after more legal wrangling, addressed whether a protest organizer can be found liable for the actions of demonstrators under Louisiana law
“Eight years of pretrial litigation are enough,” said U.S 5th Circuit Judge Edith Jones, in her majority
opinion. “It is time for Officer Ford to have a jury assess his claim that DeRay McKesson’s negligence in leading a violent protest caused him to suffer injuries at the hands of rioters.” McKesson is a Black Lives Matter organizer who traveled to Baton Rouge in the wake of Sterling’s killing and promoted a protest on July 9, 2016, in which crowds attempted to march onto Interstate 12.
During the protest, while trying to make an arrest, Ford was hit in
the face with a rock.
McKesson was arrested the day of the protest, and later joined a class-action lawsuit against BRPD and the city-parish over “unlawful mass arrests” and a militarized “excessive” use of force.
The 5th Circuit’s three-judge panel reaffirmed on March 19 that there are grounds for Ford to sue McKesson over potential negligence in organizing the protest that led to his injury
STAFF PHOTO By JAVIER GALLEGOS
Constable Terrica Williams, center, speaks with Baton Rouge police officers
office as other members of the Constable’s Office gather outside of the Metro Council meeting room on
EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH METRO COUNCIL
Trump reschedules
China trip for May 14-15
WASHINGTON President Donald Trump will travel to Beijing for a rescheduled summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping on May 14 and 15, the White House announced Wednesday Trump had been scheduled to travel to China later this month but previously announced he was delaying the trip so he could be in Washington to help steward the U.S. and Israeli war against Iran. The Republican president had announced a rescheduled trip even though the war in Iran continues and the U.S. is pressing Tehran to accept a ceasefire proposal.
The president and first lady Melania Trump also plan to host Xi and his wife for a White House visit later this year Press secretary Karoline Leavitt, when asked if the new dates for Trump’s trip could suggest he believes the Iran war could end soon, offered an optimistic tone that the conflict could reach an endgame before he travels. “We’ve always estimated four to six weeks,” Leavitt responded “So you could do the math on that.”
The United States and Israel launched the attacks against Iran on Feb. 28.
The China trip had been planned for months but began to unravel as Trump pressured Beijing and other world powers to use their military might to protect the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for the flow of oil. The strait has been effectively closed as Iran targets energy infrastructure and traffic through it.
Another boat strike kills 4 in Caribbean, U.S. says WASHINGTON
The U.S. military said it carried out a strike Wednesday on a boat accused of smuggling drugs in the Caribbean Sea, killing four people, as the Trump administration pushes forward with a monthslong campaign against alleged traffickers in Latin America while waging a war against Iran
The latest attack brings the number of people who have been killed in boat strikes by the U.S. military to at least 163 since the Trump administration began targeting those it calls “narcoterrorists” in early September
As with most of the military’s statements on the dozens of strikes in the eastern Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, U.S. Southern Command said it targeted the alleged drug traffickers along known smuggling routes. The military did not provide evidence that the vessel was ferrying drugs. A video posted on X showed a boat moving across the water before it was engulfed in a bright explosion.
President Donald Trump has said the U.S. is in “armed conflict” with cartels in Latin America and has justified the attacks as a necessary escalation to stem the flow of drugs into the United States and fatal overdoses claiming American lives Guthrie appeals for help finding missing mother
A tearful Savannah Guthrie, in her first interview since her 84-year-old mother was apparently abducted from her Arizona home, said that “someone needs to do the right thing” and come forward with information to help the investigation
“We are in agony,” she told NBC News colleague Hoda Kotb in a portion of the interview aired Wednesday on the “Today” show She said she wakes up in the middle of each night thinking of what her mother went through.
NBC said Wednesday that a full interview with its “Today” show host will air on the program Thursday and Friday It is Guthrie’s first interview since her mother was reported missing on Feb. 1. Based on security footage, authorities believe Nancy Guthrie was kidnapped or otherwise taken against her will.
Savannah Guthrie has been a co-host of NBC’s morning show since 2012, and is expected to return at some point, although no date has been set as she spends time with her family.
Despite offering a $1 million reward for information, there has been little movement in the investigation.
FEMA will resume grant program
Judge orders resilience funding program restored
BY GABRIELA AOUN ANGUEIRA Associated Press
The Federal Emergency Management Agency on Wednesday opened applications for a major resilience grant program that the agency canceled last year, less than three weeks after a federal judge ordered FEMA to make the funding available.
FEMA will make $1 billion available for the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program, which helps states, local governments, territories and tribes take on preparedness projects to harden against natural hazards like fires, floods, earthquakes and hurricanes.
“When done correctly, mitigation activities save lives and reduce the cost of future disasters,” Karen S. Evans, FEMA’s acting leader, said in a statement announcing the resumption.
While the resumed funding restores access to badly needed assistance for some areas, FEMA imposed new rules that are in line with the Trump administration’s attempt to push more responsibility for disaster management on states.
The new rules, which include the cessation of funding for hazard mitigation planning and non-financial direct technical assistance, could impact smaller communities with fewer resources and expertise.
“The program now maximizes state and local responsibility for resilience and risk reduction rather than federal investing in a wide range of activities,” a FEMA statement said.
The Trump administration has
slashed disaster preparedness dollars across multiple FEMA programs. It’s been one year since President Donald Trump approved any state or tribe’s request for hazard mitigation funding, a typical add on to major disaster declarations.
The funding announcement comes after FEMA under a previous acting leader Cameron Hamilton, canceled the BRIC program last April, calling it “wasteful and ineffective.” That decision drew blowback from Republican and Democratic lawmakers as roughly $3.6 billion was halted for what amounted to several years’ worth of projects to protect infrastructure, communities and homes across the U.S.
A federal judge last December ruled that FEMA could not eliminate BRIC and ordered FEMA to reverse course after a coalition of 22 Democratic-led states and
First woman installed as head of Church of England
Former nurse now archbishop of Canterbury
BY DANICA KIRKA Associated Press
CANTERBURY, England
The new archbish-
op of Canterbury knocked three times on the doors of the city’s great cathedral on Wednesday, ceremonially demanding to be allowed inside in a tradition laid down over centuries by each new leader of the Church of England.
But this time, for the first time ever, a woman came knocking. And the doors were opened.
Sarah Mullally a former cancer nurse who became a priest at the age of 40, walked into the cathedral to celebrate her historic election as the first female archbishop of Canterbury since the post was created more than 1,400 years ago.
Although Mullally, 63, formally became archbishop in January, Wednesday’s event marked the beginning of her public ministry as both the head of the Church of England and spiritual leader of the worldwide Anglican Communion.
The communion is an association of independent churches, including the Episcopal Church in the U.S., that together have more than 100 million members.
“We walk with God — trusting that God walks with us,” Mullally said in her first sermon as archbishop. “Trusting that in all that we face, in the sorrow and the challenges as much as in the joy and the delight — we do not walk alone.”
The ceremony at Canterbury Cathedral was attended by Prince William, Princess Catherine, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and representatives from many of the 42 churches that comprise the Anglican Communion. Representatives from the Roman Catholic and the Orthodox churches also attended.
In a nod to Mullally’s historic appointment, the service was held on the Feast of the Annunciation, which marks the moment Mary was told she had been chosen to be the mother of Jesus. It is a day on which the church says it celebrates “one of the great women of the Bible and thinks about how we can respond to God’s call.”
The celebration marks a major milestone for the Church of England, which traces its roots to the year 597, when the pope sent St. Augustine to Britain to convert the population to Christianity He is now recognized as the first archbishop of Canterbury The English church broke away from the Roman Catholic Church in the 1530s, during the reign of King Henry VIII. The church ordained its first female priests in 1994 and its first female bishop
in 2015.
Rifts in the Anglican Communion
Mullally begins her tenure as archbishop at a difficult time for the Church of England and the Anglican Communion, whose members are deeply divided over issues such as the role of women and the treatment of LGBTQ+ people.
Mullally replaces former Archbishop Justin Welby, who announced his resignation in November 2024, after he was criticized for failing to act decisively and tell police about allegations of physical and sexual abuse by a volunteer at a church-affiliated summer camp.
In an interview with the BBC this week, Mullally said the church was “seeking to become more trauma informed, listening to survivors and victims of abuse.”
In her sermon, Mullally said she had “such hope” for the church and considered ways big and small in which she found God in action.
From nurse to archbishop
Mullally, who is married and has two adult children, was born in 1962 in Woking, southwest of London.
She attended local schools and worked as a nurse in Britain’s National Health Service until she was named chief nursing officer for England at the age of 37, the youngest person ever to hold the post While still working in that job, she began training for the ministry
Mullally was named a bishop in 2015, becoming the fourth woman in the Church of England to reach that rank. Three years later, she was named bishop of London, one of the most prominent positions in the church.
She was named archbishop of Canterbury after a monthslong selection process conducted by a committee of senior clergy and lay people, including representatives from the government and Anglican Communion.
But her appointment was not without controversy in a church that is still split over the role of women.
Archbishop Henry Ndukuba of the Church of Nigeria said her election was “devastating” and insensitive “to the conviction of the majority of Anglicans who are unable to embrace female headship in the episcopate.”
But Wednesday focused on a new start, rather than long-standing disagreements.
George Gross, an expert on theology and the monarchy at King’s College London, said Mullally’s appointment instantly makes her one of the most recognized Christian figures in the world, alongside the pope. “I think it’s huge, absolutely massive,” he told The Associated Press. “The stained-glass ceiling is smashed.”
the District of Columbia sued the Trump administration over the cancellation. After the agency failed to release funding, U.S District Judge Richard G. Stearns again ordered FEMA this month to take steps toward restoring the program. Last week, FEMA announced it would resume program support for BRIC awards when the DHS shutdown ended, saying that it had finished evaluating the program that was originally signed into law during Trump’s first term. Under former President Joe Biden, BRIC became too bureaucratic and “focused on ‘climate change’ initiatives,” FEMA said in a statement. States will have 120 days to apply for the new funding opportunity, which covers fiscal years 2024 and 2025, since FEMA rescinded last year’s opportunity Meanwhile, it’s still unclear how quickly they can expect resumption of the grants they were already awarded.
BY ERIC TUCKER and ALANNA DURKIN RICHER Associated Press
WASHINGTON The Justice Department has settled for roughly $1.2 million a lawsuit with Michael Flynn, the former national security adviser to President Donald Trump who pleaded guilty during the Republican’s first term to lying about phone conversations with a top Russian diplomat but was later pardoned.
Court papers filed Wednesday do not reveal the settlement amount, but a person familiar with the matter, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to disclose nonpublic information, confirmed the total as about $1.2 million.
The settlement resolves a 2023 lawsuit in which Flynn sought at least $50 million and asserted that the criminal case against him amounted to a malicious prosecution. It also represents a stark turnabout in position for a Justice Department that during the Biden administration had pressed a judge to dismiss the complaint.
“Such weaponization of the federal government
must never be allowed to happen again,” a department spokesperson said. Flynn pleaded guilty in December 2017 to lying to the FBI when he said he had not discussed with the diplomat, Sergey Kislyak, sanctions that the outgoing Obama administration had just been imposed on Russia for election interference. During that conversation, Flynn advised that Russia be “even-keeled” in response to the punitive measures, and assured him “we can have a better conversation” about relations between the countries after Trump became president. The conversation alarmed the FBI, which at the time was investigating whether the Trump campaign and Russia had coordinated to sway the election. In addition, White House officials were stating publicly that Flynn and Kislyak had not discussed sanctions, which the FBI knew was untrue. But Flynn later sought to withdraw his guilty plea, saying federal prosecutors had acted in “bad faith” and broken their end of the bargain when they sought prison time for him. Flynn was later pardoned.
Sarah Mullally left, arrives Wednesday for the Enthronement Ceremony installing her as archbishop of Canterbury in Canterbury, England, the first woman ever to lead the Church of England.
Delta dings Congress as TSA wait times drag on
Airline suspends lawmakers’ special accommodations
BY MATTHEW ALBRIGHT Staff writer
As travelers wait for hours to get through airport security because of unpaid TSA workers leaving their posts, Delta is telling members of Congress to get in line.
The airline said Tuesday it is suspending specialty services, such as escorts and red coat services, and will treat members of Congress like any other passenger based on their SkyMiles status.
“Next to safety, Delta’s No. 1 priority is taking care of our people and customers, which has become increasingly difficult in the current environment,” the company said in a statement.
It adds to mounting pressure on lawmakers to end a budget impasse that is bogging down travel nationwide
But members of Congress said no deal seems to be imminent.
“We’re back to square one,” Sen. John Kennedy, R-Madisonville, said on CNN on Wednesday.
“That’s honestly the way I see it I wish I didn’t have to say that, but that’s where we are.”
Why are lines so long?
Transportation Safety Administration workers are quitting or calling out sick in droves because they are not getting paid. That’s because the budget bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security, which includes TSA, is in limbo
in the Senate. The worker shortages snarled security lines on Sunday and Monday in New Orleans, particularly in the mornings Passengers reported three- or four-hour waits, and many missed their flights Airport officials said Sundays and Mondays are the busiest and advised travelers to arrive three hours before their flight on those days. They suggested a two-hour lead time on other days.
So far travelers have not faced major delays at the Baton Rouge or Lafayette airports.
Who is and isn’t getting paid?
TSA workers, Federal Emergency Management Agency employees and members of the Coast Guard are not getting paychecks.
While Immigration and Customs Enforcement is under the Department of Homeland Security, that agency has money from the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” the mammoth spending legislation last year that implemented much of President Donald Trump’s domestic agenda.
So ICE agents are being paid — Trump deployed some of them to airports, including the one in New Orleans
Kennedy has been trying to pass a resolution that would withhold senators’ pay during funding shutdowns like this one or the one that shuttered much of the federal government last year But that resolution has not advanced in the Senate.
What’s the holdup?
The bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security is subject to the Senate filibuster, which means it needs 60 votes. With 53 Repub-
on Monday.
lican senators, that means Democratic votes are needed to pass it.
Democrats refuse to vote for the bill unless Republicans agree to changes to immigration enforcement after federal agents killed two American citizens during a crackdown in Minnesota
Those changes include requiring agents to display names and ID numbers, stop wearing masks and wear body cameras, among others.
The impasse has lasted for more than a month.
When could the shutdown end?
It’s not clear when or how the political gridlock could end.
Democrats have proposed a standalone bill to fund just TSA.
Some Republicans, including Kennedy, have called for Republicans to strike a deal to fund everything in the Department of Homeland Security except for ICE; the GOP could then pass a budget for ICE through the same budget reconciliation process it used for Trump’s big budget bill last year, which only requires a majority vote. But both ideas have faced resistance. President Donald Trump has said Republicans should not cut any deal that does not include passing the “SAVE Act,” which would require proof of citizenship
to register to vote, among other voting security changes.
What do La. senators say?
Kennedy said the deal he supported appears to be out of the picture now
“The whole ‘opening-everythingup on reconciliation’ is premised on the suggestion by Democrats that they would open everything up — including TSA — but ICE, and we would have to deal with ICE on our own,” Kennedy said.
But now Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., has “changed that position,” Kennedy said, and won’t agree to vote for other DHS funding unless Republicans “agree to what he wants to do on ICE.” Schumer said Wednesday that Democrats have consistently called for reforms to ICE during the budget debate.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Benton, cast doubt on passing a piecemeal bill, saying Congress should fund “the entire department.”
“That is the responsible way to do this,” he said. “We’ve been very resistant to any idea to break it apart.”
Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-Baton Rouge, said in a statement that “Senate Democrats are solely responsible for every missed flight and paycheck withheld during this shutdown,” and noted that he has voted repeatedly to fund the homeland security department.
“They’re inflicting pain on Americans to appease their left-wing base. That’s wrong,” Cassidy said. The Associated Press contributed to this story
Chicago unveils winner of snowplow naming contest: ‘Abolish ICE’
BY JAKE SHERIDAN Chicago Tribune (TNS)
CHICAGO When a Chicago salt truck with a baby blue cab pulled up slowly behind Mayor Brandon Johnson on Wednesday, the mayor pointed to the newly christened vehicle’s name as evidence that the city stood together Emblazoned on its side: “ABOLISH ICE.”
The eye-catching name — a play on words jabbing at President Donald Trump’s use of U.S. Immigra-
tion and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, agents in Chicago and other cities to enforce the administration’s aggressive deportations — was submitted over 9,000 times
The total accounted for 70% of all submissions in a citywide contest to name six new salt trucks, Johnson said.
“We don’t want ICE in Chicago,” Johnson said as he unveiled the top winner “Chicago has spoken overwhelmingly We do not want ICE or our cities occupied by rogue
federal agents who are operating outside of the bounds of the Constitution. It’s an affront to who we are as a nation.”
The support for the name, which Johnson said was “resounding,” followed this past fall’s Operation Midway Blitz, a 64-day incursion in which more than 100 ICE and other federal agents arrested 4,500 people. The effort also involved tear-gassing citizens and the attempted deployment of National Guard members onto city streets.
Local Democratic officials, including Johnson and Gov JB Pritzker, vehemently opposed the operation. Johnson reiterated that opposition on Wednesday, as he has also opposed moves this week by Trump to deploy scores of ICE officers to airports around the nation to assist Transportation Security Administration agents amid an ongoing partial government shutdown that is leaving TSA agents unpaid. As Johnson celebrated the tongue-in-cheek jab at ICE, a
heckler shouted behind a row of television cameras. The man, who departed after being asked to leave, called the truck naming a “joke” in light of the murder of Loyola University Chicago freshman Sheridan Gorman, who prosecutors allege was murdered by a Venezuelan national, Jose Medina, 25. Republicans and others have laid blame on Johnson and Pritzker for supporting city and state sanctuary policies, they argue, that are partly responsible for the killing.
Askthe experts: A deep diveoncarbon captureand storage
Thisstory is brought to you by ExxonMobil
There’sbeenalotoftalkaroundcarbon capture andstorage (CCS) recently, especially right here in Louisiana. We’veheardquestions from Louisiana residents about CCS technology’shistory and safety; the economic opportunityfor landowners, parish governments and the state; and whatmakes the U.S. Gulf Coast agood location forCCS.
Louisiana experts in geology, technology, economics and businesshavebeen discussing some of thesecommon CCS questions in panels,information sessions and other meetingsacrossthe state.Here’swhat they’re saying.
Familiar technology,new opportunities
Carbon capturetechnologydatesback to the 1930s when the separation of carbon dioxide (CO2)fromnatural gaswas first patented. By the early 1950s,patents to use CO2 forenhanced oil recovery (EOR) were issued, and carbon capture, utilization and storage via this processofficiallycame into commercial useinthe early 1970s In Louisiana,EOR has been apart of our energy economyfor at least 40 years. But now, newopportunities have emergedfor CCS to help manufacturersremaincompetitiveinglobal markets
Gregory Upton, Jr., PhD,ExecutiveDirector and Associate Research Professorat the LSU Center forEnergy Studies,spoke at aCenterfor Emerging Energies (CEE) panel about howchanging markets impact demand forLouisiana-made products
“For overacentury,Louisiana has been amajor producer and exporter of energy, as well as products derived from fossil fuels—fertilizers, chemicals,and plastics— thatare sold in both domestic and international markets,” said Dr.Upton. “Theseare products the world will continue to need. Whatweare seeing todayisthatcompanies countries,and consumers areincreasingly signaling that theywantlower-carbon-intensityversions of thoseproducts.”
Meeting global demandhas become more importantthan ever forLouisiana industry.CCS technologyplays acritical role in keeping Louisiana industry competitive,
and supports U.S. energydominance,while sustaining local jobs and attractingbillions of dollarsinnew investments in the state
Louisiana has the rightrecipefor CCS
From its multi-layeredgeologyand vast existing pipeline infrastructuretoa booming industrialeconomyand experienced workforce, Louisiana has the rightrecipe forsafe,permanent CO2 storage.
Ourstate’s unique geologyhas formed in ideal layers forCCS. Layers of porous sandstone act like aspongefor storage, sealed in by the solid rock layers hundreds of feet thick.
ExxonMobil geoscientist Kathryn Denommee, PhD,explains whyLouisiana’s subsurface is aprime location forCO2 storagewells: “You canthink of the subsurface as sort of alayercakewith alternating layersofshale, then sand, moreshale and more sand. Louisiana hasa lot of very widespread shale units and it’sheld hydrocarbons for millions upon millions of yearsand so it is morethan capable of holding CO2 in the ground as well.
Louisiana’s robust pipeline infrastructure,large industrialsector and prime geography alsomake the state agoodfitfor CCS. Mark Zappi, PhD,ExecutiveDirector of the Energy InstituteofLouisiana at the UniversityofLouisiana at Lafayette, spokeatthe CEE panel about the suitabilityofthe U.S. Gulf Coast’sgeologyand geography
“Ifyou look at southeast Texasand Louisiana,and youlook at the U.S. Geological Surveymaps of whereCCS could be andshould beapplied, we area keycenterofNorth Americaand in manywaysthe world,”Dr. Zappi said. “Weare one of the best places to do this Louisiana is in awinning position. Geographicallywehavealot of advantages
[compared] to manyother statesif we take advantageofit.”
JasonLanclos,Louisiana Economic DevelopmentDirector of State Energy Developmentand Planning, reinforced the state’s prime positioning:“If youlook at amap of the infrastructurealready in place across Louisiana —six interstates, eightdeep-draft ports and50,000 miles of pipeline —it tells aclear story.Wehaveboth the physical assets and the expertise to unlockcarbon captureatscale, creating long-term economic growth and opportunity forcommunities across our state.“
Highly experienced, heavily regulated Notonly hasLouisiana’s layeredgeologykept oil in placefor years, butitisalso already storing millions of tons of CO2 as a result of EOR projects.The wells forpermanent CO2 storagefor CCS aredeeper and moreheavily regulated, meaning thereare extralayers of safety in place.
From itsmulti-layered geology and vastexisting pipeline infrastructuretoa booming industrial economy and experienced workforce, Louisiana has the rightrecipe forsafe, permanentCO2 storage.
Storing CO2 underground in dedicated storagerequires aClassVIpermit to construct and operate. While permits forClass I, II, III, IV,and Vwells aredesigned to ensureprotection of underground sources of drinking water, Class VI permits require waterprotection and proof of permanence, meaning operators must ensurethe CO2 remains exactly whereit’ssupposed to be stored –thousands of feet belowthe surface.
“Weare looking forstorage facilities that would have multiple layers of caprock,”Dr. Denommee explained. “Sothe same rocks thatare keeping oil in the ground fortens of millions of yearsare the same types of rocks
thatwill keep the CO2 in the ground.
In addition to thesedeep natural formations,wells areengineered with multiple protectivebarrierstopermanently contain CO2within the injectionzone Operational planning, continuous testing and monitoring, and extensiveinvestment in emergency responseplanning and training further support CCS well safety Last year,ExxonMobil worked with the Louisiana Fire &Emergency Training Academyand River Parishes Community Collegetolaunch the Louisiana Pipeline Emergency Training Program.
“Weare grateful to ExxonMobil forintroducing newand innovativetools that enhance the proactivetraining of first responders,”said Chancellor Quintin Taylor of RPCC.“This program allows teams to practice real-lifescenarios,ensuring the safety of both our communities and our responders. After decades of drilling in Louisiana ExxonMobil has detailed knowledgeofLouisiana’ssubsurface. We usethatexpertiseto find the best locations forsafeand effective storage, securethe necessary permits,construct the storagewells,and store CO2 Researchers, academics,geoscientists pipeline operatorsand economic developmentleadersalikeare excited forthe benefits CCS will unlock forLouisiana
“I think we canhaveitall if we do this correctly,” said Dr.Zappi. “Wecan have our cake hereinLouisiana and eatittoo.I think we have the brain powerand know-howin place thatcan assist industry and regulators along with working with the public to make surewedothis properly.I’m really fired up about Louisiana’sfutureinsomanyways.
STAFF PHOTO By DAVID GRUNFELD
With TSA screen lines closed, Transportation Security Administration employees help travelers through the screening process at Louis Armstrong International Airport in Kenner
ExxonMobilgeoscientistKathryn Denommee, PhD, describes subsurface layers of caprock and porous sandstone.
Center forEmerging Energies expertpanel in LakeCharles
CONFLICT IN THE MIDDLE EAST
Iran rejectsU.S.plan, issues owndemands
BY JON GAMBRELL, MIKE CORDER, MUNIR AHMED and AAMER MADHANI Associated Press
DUBAI, UnitedArabEmirates Iran on Wednesday dismissed an American planto pause the war in the Middle East and launched more attacks on Israel and Gulf Arab countries, including strikes that hit afuel tank at Kuwait InternationalAirport, sparking afire.
Iran’sdefiance came as Israel launched airstrikes on Tehran and as the United States deployed paratroopers and more Marines to the region.
Iran’sForeign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in an interviewonstate TV that his government has not engaged in talks to end the war,“and we do not plan on any negotiations.” That followed areport from Iranian state TV’s English-language broadcaster quoting an anonymous official as saying Iran rejected America’sceasefireproposal andhas its owndemands to end the fighting.
Earlier,two officials from Pakistan, which transmitted the U.S. plan to Iran,described the 15-point proposal broadly,saying it addressed sanctions relief, arollbackof Iran’snuclear program, limits on missiles and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, through which afifth of the world’soil is shipped
An Egyptian official involved in the mediation efforts said the proposal also includes restrictions on Iran’ssupport for armed groups. The officialsspoke on condition of anonymity to discuss details not yet released. President Donald Trump, speakingata fundraiser Wednesday night in Wash-
ington, insisted that Iran still wants to cut adeal.
“They are negotiating, by theway,and they wantto make adeal so badly, but they’re afraid to say it because they figure they’llbe killed by their own people, said Trump, who added: “They’re also afraid they’ll be killed by us.”
Iran has long insistedit won’tdiscuss its ballistic missile program or itssupport of regional militias, which it viewsaskey to its security.And its abilityto control passagethroughthe StraitofHormuzrepresents oneofits biggest strategic advantages.
with its restrictions on the strait, have sent oil prices skyrocketing,putting pressure on theU.S. to find a waytoend the chokehold and calm markets.
More U.S. troops on way
At least1,000 troopsfrom the 82ndAirborne Division will be sent to theMideast in the coming days, threepeople with knowledge of the plans told The Associated Press. They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive militaryplans.
Theparatroopers are trained to jump intohostile or contested areas to secure key territory and airfields
The Pentagon is also sending about 5,000 moreMa-
Hegsethprays forviolence‘againstthose whodeserve no mercy’ at Pentagon service
Secretaryalso making changes to chaplain corps
BY TIFFANY STANLEY Associated Press
WASHINGTON Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, hosting hisfirst monthly Christian worship service at the Pentagon since the Iran war began, prayed Wednesday to have “every round find its mark.”
“Every month it is fitting to be right here,” he told the gathered civilianemployees and uniformed militarypersonnel. “Allthe morefitting this month, at this moment, given what tens of thousands of Americans are doing right now.”
pitted Christiansagainst Muslims. Statements offaith are common in American public life, across political parties and religious traditions. Pentagon aides and Hegseth’s defenders pull examples fromhistory,such as President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s supportofgiving Biblesto troops. Hegseth regularly cites George Washington, who pushed to establish the military chaplain corps. Hegseth often goes beyond standard calls for God to bless the country or its troops.Last week,heasked Americans to pray for servicemembers “inthe name of Jesus Christ.” On Wednesday,heagain prayed in Jesus’ name.
tagon for internalcommunications about the worship services, their cost,guests and any complaints received from employees.
Chaplain corpsreforms Military chaplains typically provide worshipservices within the defense department. As ordained clergy andcommissioned officers, they ministerfrom their specific tradition, but provide spiritual care to troops of any faith or no faith.
rines trained in amphibious assaults andthousands of sailors to theregion.
Most Americans believe theU.S. militaryaction againstIranhas gone toofar and many are worried about thecost of gasoline, according to anew AP-NORC poll.
Challengetodiplomacy
Mediators are pushing for possible in-persontalks between the Iranians and the Americans, perhaps as soon as FridayinPakistan, the Egyptian andPakistani officials said.
Trump hassaid theU.S. is “in negotiations right now” andthatthe participants include special envoySteve Witkoff, Trump’sson-in-law
Jared Kushner,Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance. Trump has not disclosed who from Iran they are in contact with, but said “I can tell you, they’d like to makeadeal.”
PressTV, the English-language broadcaster on Iranian state television, quoted an anonymous official as saying, “Iran will end the war when it decides to do so and when its own conditions are met.”
It cited an Iranian fivepoint proposalthatincludes ahalt to killings of its officials, safeguards against future attacks on Iran, reparationsfor thewar,the endof hostilitiesand Iran’s“exercise of sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.”
Those measures, particularlyreparationsand its continued chokeholdover the Strait of Hormuz, likely will be unacceptable to the White House. While Iran and Oman both have territoryinthe strait, its narrow shipping channels are viewed as international waters through which all ships can travel.
Any talks between the U.S. and Iran would face monumental challenges. It’snot clear who in Iran’s government has the authority to negotiate —orwould be willing to, as Israel has vowed to continue killing the country’sleaders.
Israel launches newstrikes
The Israeli military said Wednesday it had carried out waves of airstrikes in Tehran, following strikes aday earliertargeting an Iraniansubmarine developmentcenter in Isfahan. Missile alert sirens sounded multiple times in Israel as Iran and the Iranian-backed militant group Hezbollah in Lebanonlaunchedattacks Hezbollah has fired rockets into northern Israel around theclock sincethe warbegan. Iran also kept up pressure on itsneighbors.Saudi Arabia’sDefense Ministry said it had destroyed at least eight drones in its oil-rich Eastern Province, and missile alert sirens sounded in Bahrain. Kuwait said it shot downmultiple dronesbut that one hit afuel tank at Kuwait International Airport. Meanwhile, six people allegedly linkedtoHezbollah were arrested in Kuwait for planning to assassinate Gulf leaders, Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior said in astatement. Fourteen associates hadfled the country,officials said.
He read aprayer he said was first given by amilitarychaplain to the troops who captured then-President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela.
“Let every round findits mark against the enemiesof righteousness and our great nation,” Hegseth prayed during the livestreamed service.
“Give them wisdom in every decision, endurance for the trialahead, unbreakable unity,and overwhelming violence of action against those who deserve no mercy.”
Hegseth frequently invokes his evangelical faith as head of the armed forces, depicting aChristian nation trying to vanquish its foes with military might.
“I pursued my enemies and overtook them, and did not turn back till they were consumed,”heread from the Psalms on Wednesday Duringthe expanding Iran war and globalconflicts, Hegseth’sChristian rhetoric has drawn renewed scrutiny,including his past defense of the Crusades, the brutal medieval wars that
Ronit Stahl, author of “Enlisting Faith: How the Military ChaplaincyShaped Religion andState in Modern America,” said referring to God in broad language is not unusual in this context.
“But the shift towards the specificity of JesusChrist and therefore Christianity and in Hegseth’scase, aparticular form of Protestant Christianity,isnew, especially coming from the defensesecretary.
Advocacy group filessuit
Hegseth belongs tothe Communion of Reformed EvangelicalChurches,aconservative network co-founded by theself-described Christian nationalist Doug Wilson. CREC pastorshave appeared at Hegseth’sPentagon services at least three times,including Wilson who preachedthere in February Alawsuit was filed Monday over theservices byAmericans United for Separation of Churchand State.The advocacy group filed asimilar suit against theLabor Department,where Secretary LoriChavez-DeRemer hosts monthly prayer gatherings inspiredbyHegseth. Thesuitseekstoenforce a public records request from December,askingthe Pen-
Hegseth announced Tuesday two reforms in what he has described as “making the chaplain corpsgreat again.” He wants chaplains to focus more on God and less on therapeutic “self-help and self-care.” In recent years, the military hasbecome increasinglydependent on chaplains to help addressthe growing numbers of troops in mental healthdistress.
In avideo message, he said chaplains would no longer wear their rank on their uniform but instead be identified by religious insignia. He arguedthe move would remove “unease or anxiety” service membershave about approaching officers for spiritual care.
He also saidthe military is reducing the number of faith codes, or religiousaffiliations, thatitrecognizes. The militarywill now use 31 religious affiliations, down from morethan200, which included many smallProtestantdenominations as well as identifications for Wiccans, atheists and agnostics. ThePentagon didnot respond to several requests for more information about thechanges
The militaryisreligiously diverse, and nearly 70% of troops identify as Christian, according to a2019 congressional report.Nearly aquarter of troopswere listed as “other/unclassified/unknown,”with small percentages of atheists/agonistics, Jews,Muslims andadherents of Eastern religions.
Hegseth
Pulitzer Prize-winning author Tracy Kidder dies at 80
BY R.J RICO Associated Press
Tracy Kidder, an award-winning narrative nonfiction writer who turned everything from computer engineering to life in a nursing home into unexpected bestsellers, has died. He was 80. Kidder’s longtime publisher Random House confirmed his death in a statement Wednesday Kidder won the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award for his 1981 work “The Soul of a New Machine,” which delved into
the work of a fledgling computer company long before most people cared about the inner workings of Silicon Valley
“It was like going into another country,” Kidder told The Associated Press at the time. “At first, I didn’t understand what anybody was saying.”
For 1989’s “Among Schoolchildren,” he spent a year in a fifthgrade classroom, highlighting the dedication of an inner-city teacher in Holyoke, Massachusetts. Later for 1993’s “Old Friends,” he observed the dark side of growing
old in America while also chronicling how two friends maintained their dignity in a nursing home despite their infirmities.
Turning these events at a Northampton, Massachusetts, nursing home into a cohesive narrative was one of his major challenges, Kidder told the AP
“Not a lot happens, and yet I think when you read it, you feel that a lot does Small things have to count for a great deal,” he said.
Kidder was born in New York City in 1945 and attended Harvard University, where he signed up for
Instagram, YouTube found liable in social media addiction trial
BY KAITLYN HUAMANI and BARBARA ORTUTAY AP technology writers
LOS ANGELES Meta and YouTube
must pay millions in damages to a 20-year-old woman after a jury decided the social media giant and video streamer designed their platforms to hook young users without concern for their well being
The California jury’s decision Wednesday in a first-of-its-kind lawsuit could influence the outcome of thousands of similar lawsuits accusing social media companies of deliberately causing harm.
The plaintiff, known by her initials KGM, testified at trial that she became addicted to social media as a child and that this addiction exacerbated her mental health struggles. After more than 40 hours of deliberations, a majority of jurors agreed and awarded her $3 million in damages.
Jurors later recommended an additional $3 million in punitive damages after deciding the companies acted with malice, oppression or fraud in harming children with their platforms. The judge has final say over how much damages are awarded.
It’s the second verdict against Meta this week, after a jury in New Mexico determined the company harms children’s mental health and safety, in violation of state law Meta, the parent of Instagram
and Facebook, and Google-owned
YouTube issued statements disagreeing with the verdict and vowed to explore their legal options, which include appeals.
Google spokesperson Jose Castañeda said the verdict misrepresents YouTube “which is a responsibly built streaming platform, not a social media site.” A Meta spokesperson said teen mental health is “profoundly complex and cannot be linked to a single app.”
Peter Ormerod, an associate professor of law at Villanova University, called the verdict “a momentous development” but noted it’s just “one step in a much longer saga” and that he doesn’t expect to see large changes to the platforms immediately
“I don’t think it is an unequivocal victory and I think there’s a long way to go before you see something akin to the master settlement that this is often analogized to in the tobacco and opioid litigation,” he said.
The jury determined that Meta and YouTube were negligent in the design or operation of their respective platforms, and that the negligence was a substantial factor in causing harm to the plaintiff. They also determined each company knew their platforms could be dangerous when used by a minor, and agreed that they failed to adequately warn of that danger, further contributing to the plain-
tiff’s harm.
Only nine of the 12 jurors had to agree on each claim against each defendant. Two jurors consistently disagreed with the other 10 on whether the companies should be held liable, but a majority of the jury agreed on all seven claims against each company
The jurors also decided Meta held more responsibility for harm to KGM, or Kaley, as her lawyers called her during the trial The jury said Meta shouldered 70% of the responsibility while YouTube bore the remaining 30%. That division was reflected in the breakdown of the $3 million in punitive damages with the jury deciding on $2.1 million from Meta and $900,000 from YouTube.
Meta and YouTube were the two remaining defendants in the case. TikTok and Snap settled before the trial began.
One juror, who did not feel comfortable sharing her full name, said to reporters outside the courtroom that Mark Zuckerberg’s testimony, and how he “changed it back and forth,” did not “sit well” with the jury
She also said they landed on the $6 million in damages even though some jurors were advocating for a higher amount because they were concerned about giving the sole plaintiff a larger lump sum all at once. But the jury still wanted the companies to understand they felt
ROTC to avoid the Vietnam War draft.
After graduation, despite thinking he would be assigned a Washington communications intelligence role, Kidder was instead sent off to Vietnam, where the 22-year-old was placed in charge of an eight-man rear-echelon radio research detachment that monitored the communications of enemy units to try to pinpoint their locations.
Kidder documented the confounding experience in 2005’s “My Detachment,” an often humorous
memoir that offered insights into the lives of the support troops who made up most of the 500,000-plus U.S. military personnel who were in Vietnam at the height of the buildup when the author served there in 1968-69. The war became an abstraction for Kidder, who never saw combat and knew the enemy only as “dots on a map.” After the war, Kidder and his new wife, Frances Gray Toland, moved to the Midwest so Kidder could enroll in the University of Iowa’s prestigious creative writing program.
their practices were not acceptable. “We wanted them to feel it,” she said.
Kaley said she began using YouTube at age 6 and Instagram at age 9 She told the jury she was on social media “all day long” as a child Lawyers representing Kaley, led by Mark Lanier, were tasked with proving that the respective defendants’ negligence was a substantial factor in causing Kaley’s harm. They pointed to specific design features they said are designed to “hook” young users, like the “infinite” nature of feeds that allowed for an endless supply of content, autoplay features and notifications.
Meta argued that Kaley’s men-
tal health struggles were not connected to her social media use and pointed to her turbulent home life. Meta also said “not one of her therapists identified social media as the cause” of her mental health issues. But the plaintiffs did not have to prove that social media caused Kaley’s struggles — only that it was a “substantial factor” in causing her harm.
YouTube focused more on the nature of the platform, arguing that it’s a video platform akin to television rather than a social media platform. The company also mentioned her declining YouTube use as she aged. According to their data, she spent about one minute a day on average watching YouTube Shorts since its inception in 2020.
Everyone wantstoavoidtax.Whenpeoplethink about avoiding taxes, they usually thinkabout avoiding income tax. But, Louisiana residentshavetobe concernedwithseveraltypesoftaxeswhentheyareplanningtheirestates
FederalEstateTax–DidYouKnow?
Everyone wantstoavoid tax. When people thinkabout avoidingtaxes,theyusually thinkabout avoidingincometax. But, Louisianaresidents have to be concerned with severaltypes of taxeswhentheyare planningtheir estates. FederalEstateTax –Did YouKnow?
Thefederalestatetax applies to estatesofpeoplewho areresidents in anyofthe 50 states. When it applies, it is significant.Essentially, when apersondies,wehaveto add up thefairmarketvalue of everythingthe deceased owned–theirhouse,cars, bank accounts, IRA’s, 401(k)’s, lifeinsurance, stock,businessestheyown,realestate andmore. Effective January1,2026, thefederalestatetax exemptionamount is $15,000,000 perperson($30,000,000 formarried couples)for deaths occurring in 2026. Theestatetax rate remainsat 40%
Thefederal estate taxappliestoestates of peoplewho areresidents in anyof the50states. When it applies, it is significant. Essentially, when apersondies, wehavetoadd up thefairmarketvalueofeverythingthe deceased owned–theirhouse, cars, bank accounts, IRA’s, 401(k)’s,lifeinsurance, stock, businessestheyown,real estate andmore. Since2013, newfederal estate tax lawswerepassed.Theexemptionamountis$13,610,000fordeathsoccurringin 2024,andtheestatetaxrateis40%
What About TheSurviving Spouse?
WhatAboutTheSurvivingSpouse?
Before 2010, each spouse hadanestatetax exemption. If theestateofthe first spouse to die did notuse their exemption, it wouldbelostand thesurviving spouse couldnot useany of theexemption of the firstspousetodie.However in 2013, “portability”was kept in place –the survivingspousecan nowincrease their exemptionbythe amount of theunusedexemption amount of thedeceased spouse whodiedafter 2010. Butportability must be exercisedtimely.
Before 2010, each spouse hadanestatetax exemption. If theestateofthe first spousetodie didnot usetheir exemption, it wouldbelostand thesurviving spousecouldnotuseanyoftheexemptionofthefirstspousetodie.Howeverin 2013,“portability”was kept in place –the survivingspousecan now increase theirexemptionbytheamountoftheunusedexemptionamount ofthedeceased spousewhodiedafter2010.Butportabilitymustbeexercisedtimely
HowToAvoid CapitalGains Tax
HowToAvoidCapitalGainsTax
knowledge is power,and thechoice is yours. But you MUSTACT NOWtoput yourestateplaninplace. ItallstartsbyattendingoneofLauraPoche’sfreeeducational events whichmakes it clear that regardless of your networth,ifyou want to preserve your hard-earnedassets or have peopleinyour lifeyou need to protect or havecausesthatyouwanttopromote,EVERYPERSONNEEDSALEGALESTATE PLAN. LetLaura Pocheand herprofessionaland knowledgeable staffmakethis processaseasyaspossiblesoyoucanlivewithPEACEOFMIND. Now Returning to Your FavoriteRestaurants
BatonRouge
BatonRouge
Monday,March 30
BatonRouge
BatonRouge
Thetax that often creeps up on people people is capital gainstax.Capital gainsis paidwhenyousellanassetthathasappreciatedinvalue.Example:youbuyastock for$20,000 andlater sell thestock for$100,000. Youwill have $80,000 of capital gain,and youmustpay taxonthis. Howyou structureyourbequests to your spouse andyourfamilycan have asignificant impact on howmuchcapital gains taxyourheirs will have to pay. When youdie,yourassets will be “stepped-up” and your heirswill getanew value.
Thetaxthatoftencreepsuponpeoplepeopleiscapitalgainstax.Capitalgains is paid when you sell an assetthathas appreciated in value. Example: you buy astockfor$20,000andlatersellthestockfor$100,000.Youwillhave$80,000 ofcapitalgain,andyoumustpaytaxonthis.Howyoustructureyourbequests to your spouseand your family can have a significantimpact on how much capitalgainstaxyourheirswillhavetopay.Whenyoudie,yourassetswillbe “stepped-up”andyourheirswillgetanewvalue
Giftsof$20,000 PerYearPer Person (UsedTo Be $10,000 PerYearPer Person)
Youmay have heardyou candonateorgive$20,000 each year perpersonwithout gift taxconsequences. Typically, no onepaysgift taxonagift regardlessofthe value of thegift.Asizeable gift will have estate andgift taxconsequences.
•Ensurethatyourheirsreceive astep-upintax basis–not just when the first spouse dies butagain when thesurviving spouse dies;
•Utilize the2026 annual gift taxexclusiontomakegiftsof$20,000 peryearper person during your lifetimetoreduce your taxableestateatyourdeath…and MUCHMORE!
•Utilizethe2024annualgifttaxexclusiontomakegiftsof$18,000peryearper person duringyour lifetimetoreduce your taxableestateatyour death…and MUCHMORE!
PocheLaw Office 4960 Bluebonnet, Ste. C 2:00pm -4:30pm Refreshments ProvidedAfter
workshops employ strict social distancing standardsfor everyone’s safety Workshops areopentoFIRST-TIMEATTENDEES ONLY andare geared towards peoplewhowantorneedyourlegalestateplaninplacequickly.(*)Pleasehaveyour personalcalendarhandyat theworkshopsoyoucan choosetostart yourplan NOW! Ifmarried,bothspousesmustattendaworkshoptoensurethatalldecision-makersare involvedinyour family’s coordinatedplan. Allpeoplewho attend will receive a FREEcopyoftheupdated2ndeditionofLauraPoche’sBook,“EstatePlanning Advice by aWoman forLouisiana Women: AGuide for Both Men andWomen AboutWills,Trusts, Probate, Powers of Attorney,Medicaid, Living Wills and Taxes.” *Non-Louisianaresidentsmayattendforanominalfee.
Mary Rodee holds a photo of her son Riley after the verdict in a landmark trial over whether social media platforms deliberately addict and harm children at Los Angeles Superior Court in Los Angeles on Wednesday.
Melania Trump shares spotlight with robot
BY DARLENE SUPERVILLE Associated Press
WASHINGTON Melania Trump often commands the attention of any room she enters but all eyes — and cameras were trained on her humanoid companion on Wednesday
The robot accompanied the first lady to the White House East Room for the final day of a summit she had convened with counterparts from around the world through her Fostering the Future Together global initiative. The group has been discussing ways to empower children using education, innovation and technology, including artificial intelligence.
Melania Trump and the humanoid walked slowly side by side along the red carpet from the opposite end of the hallway
The first lady paused just before entering the East Room while the robot walked around the table with the panelists and took up a position in the center of the room. It took a moment to scan the audience before speaking.
“Thank you, first lady Melania Trump, for inviting me to the White House. It is an honor to be at Fostering the Future Together’s global coalition inaugural meeting,” it said.
“I’m Figure 03, a humanoid built for the United States of America,” it continued. “I am grateful to be part of this historic movement to empower children with technology and education.”
“Welcome,” it said before offering similar greetings in 10 other languages. The robot then thanked everyone and retraced its steps back down the red carpet.
The first lady thanked the robot for joining her adding: “It’s fair to state, you are my first American-made humanoid guest in the White House.”
The startup robotics company Figure AI, based in Sunnyvale, California, introduced Figure 03 in October as its third-generation humanoid robot for people to use at home for help with such household tasks as laundry, cleaning and washing dishes, according to its website and company literature.
CEO Brett Adcock said on social media he was “proud to see F.03 make history as the first humanoid robot in the White House.”
The startup is competing with others, including Boston Dynamics and Elon Musk’s Tesla, as well as a number of companies in China, in building robots that look human-like and do some of the things that people do.
U.N. calls for reparations to remedy wrongs of slave trade
BY EDITH M. LEDERER
Associated Press
UNITED NATIONS The U.N. General Assembly on Wednesday adopted a resolution declaring the trafficking of enslaved Africans “the gravest crime against humanity” and calling for reparations as “a concrete step toward remedying historical wrongs.
The resolution also urges “the prompt and unhindered restitution” of cultural items — including artworks, monuments, museum pieces, documents and national archives — to their countries of origin without charge.
The vote in the 193-member world body was 123-3, with 52 abstentions. Argentina, Israel and the United States were the three members voting against the resolution. The United Kingdom and all 27 members of the European Union were among those that abstained.
While the United States opposes the past wrongdoing of the trans-Atlantic slave trade and all other forms of slavery it “does not recognize a legal right to reparations for historical wrongs that were not illegal under international law at the time they occurred,” deputy U.S. ambassador Dan Negrea said before the vote.
“The United States also strongly objects to the resolution’s attempt
to rank crimes against humanity in any type of hierarchy,” he said.
“The assertion that some crimes against humanity are less severe than others objectively diminishes the suffering of countless victims and survivors of other atrocities throughout history.”
In the United States, support for reparations gained momentum in the wake of the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer in 2020. However, the issue has been a difficult one and has been caught up in a broader conservative backlash over how race, history and inequality are handled in public institutions.
Unlike U.N. Security Council resolutions, General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding but are an important reflection of world opinion.
“Today, we come together in solemn solidarity to affirm truth and pursue a route to healing and reparative justice,” Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, a key architect of the resolution, said before the vote.
“The adoption of this resolution serves as a safeguard against forgetting,” he said “Let it be recorded that when history beckoned, we did what was right for the memory of the millions who suffered the indignity of slavery.”
Mahama noted that the vote was
taking place on the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the transAtlantic Slave Trade, honoring the memory of about 13 million African men, women and children enslaved over several centuries.
Diplomats applauded and some cheered the adoption of the resolution.
The history of slavery and “its devastating consequences and long-lasting impacts” must never be forgotten, said British acting U.N. Ambassador James Kariuki, speaking on behalf of mainly Western nations, including some that enslaved Africans.
Western nations are committed to tackling the root causes that persist today, he said, pointing to racial discrimination, racism, xenophobia and intolerance. He said “the scourge of modern slavery” also must be addressed — trafficking, forced labor, sexual exploitation and forced criminality.
Cyprus’ deputy U.N. ambassador, Gabriella Michaelidou, speaking on behalf of the EU, echoed the U.S. and U.K. on concerns about “the use of superlatives” that imply “a hierarchy among atrocity crimes.”
Michaelidou also cited the EU’s concern about the resolution’s “unbalanced interpretation of historical events” and legal references that are inaccurate or
inconsistent with international law, including “suggestions of a retroactive application of international rules which was non-existent at the time and claims for reparations.”
The resolution “unequivocally condemns the trafficking of enslaved Africans and racialized chattel enslavement of Africans, slavery and the trans-Atlantic slave trade as the most inhumane and enduring injustice against humanity.”
In approving the resolution, the General Assembly affirms the importance of addressing the historical wrongs of slavery that promotes “justice, human rights, dignity and healing.”
The resolution calls on U.N. member nations to engage in talks “on reparatory justice, including a full and formal apology, measures of restitution, compensation, rehabilitation, satisfaction, guarantees of non-repetition and changes to laws, programs and services to address racism and systemic discrimination.”
It encourages voluntary contributions to promote education on the trans-Atlantic slave trade and asks the African Union, the Caribbean Community and the Organization of American States to collaborate with U.N. bodies and other nations “on reparatory justice and reconciliation.”
BY ANDREW DALTON Associated Press
LOS ANGELES A woman from Florida pleaded not guilty Wednesday to the attempted murder of Rihanna.
Ivanna Lisette Ortiz, of Orlando, also pleaded not guilty through her attorney to more than a dozen other felony counts in Los Angeles Superior Court.
Prosecutors allege the singing superstar, her hip-hop star partner A$AP Rocky and their three young children were among the people assaulted at their home in the Beverly Hills area on March 8 when Ortiz, 35, pulled up to the property and sprayed about 20 bullets from an AR-15 style rifle
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By JACQUELyN MARTIN First lady Melania Trump arrives, accompanied by a robot, to attend the Fostering the Future Together Global Coalition Summit on Wednesday at the White House in Washington.
Houseconsiders bill targetingnoncitizenvoting
Some fear measure couldpurge citizens from therolls
BY MEGHAN FRIEDMANN Staff writer
Months afterthe state announced the results ofaninvestigation that found noncitizens rarelyvote in Louisianaelections legislators are weighing alaw that would require future state officials to conduct such investigations every year Cast by Republicans as away to safeguard electionintegrity,the proposal sparked resistance at the State Capitol Tuesday from Democrats and advocacygroups,who worried such probescould inadvertently kick actual U.S. citizens off the rolls because they would relyonaDepartment of Homeland Security tool that has been criticized for producing inaccurate results.
House Bill 691 by state Rep. Beau Beaullieu, R-NewIberia, would require Louisiana to annually check voters’ citizenshipusing the System Alien Verification for Entitlements program, known as SAVE. That processwould flag people whocould be noncitizens and therefore ineligible to vote. The Secretary of State’sOffice would be required to investigate those results, with thegoal of removing from the rolls voters whosecitizenship couldnot be verified.
HB691 cleared the House & Governmental Affairs Committee Wednesday in a9-7 votethat fell along party lines. It now needsapproval from the full Housetomove to the Senate. During the committee meeting,
gave states freeaccesstothe tool, prompting some officials to use it to purge noncitizens from voter rolls.
But news reports from other stateshave raised accuracy concerns aboutSAVE. The program haswrongly flagged U.S. citizens, in part because it is not always updated whenimmigrants become citizens,accordingtothose reports.
In Texas, state officials wrongly flagged at least 87 voters as noncitizens using SAVE,according to an investigation from the Texas Tribune.
Landry said Louisiana wasnot Texas, and that her office thoroughly investigated each person flaggedbySAVE. Aspokesperson for theSecretary of State’sOffice declined to disclose the total number of people flagged, citing an ongoing investigation.
Voterswho were identified as ineligible after an investigation had 21 days to respond with proof of citizenship before they wereremoved from the rolls.
whomustreplace missing records
Noncitizen voting
Sarah Louis-Ayo, an organizer with Voice of the Experienced, said most immigrants would never vote illegally and risk potential citizenship.
“Wedon’ttake thislightly,this narrative that immigrants are illegally voting,” Louis-Ayo said, adding that she had lived in the United States forover20yearsand won citizenship several years earlier
Somelegislators, including state Rep. Joy Walters, D-Shreveport, worried data uploaded to SAVE could be abused by ICE.
Beaullieu challenged that notion andsaiditwrongly politicized the issue at hand.
Reports from other states suggest it is rare for noncitizens to illegally vote. AreviewofUtah’s 2.1million registered votersidentified one noncitizen on the voter rolls, but that person had never cast avote, the Salt Lake Tribune reported.
SecretaryofStateNancyLandry saidher officeisalready using SAVE, and that it has removed from the rolls 403 people who failed to prove their citizenship.
That number representsroughly 0.01%ofthe 2.9millionvoters currently registered in Louisiana.
The department’ssearch reviewed people on therolls in May 2025 and their voting history,which dated backtothe 1980s.
“83ofthe (noncitizens) cast votes in at least one election for atotal of 440 votes,” Landry said. “Since 2020 there’sbeen130 illegal votes.”
To Landry,her department’sfindings were proof of aproblem
“My first election wasdecided
by 33 votes,” she said. “Every vote counts, and every ineligible vote cancels an eligible vote out.”
ButtoDemocrats,the numbers representeda sliverofthe votes cast over thelast several decades and therefore proveda different point:that voting by noncitizens is not athreat to elections.
“This bill is designed to deny people the right to vote,”said state Rep. Wilford Carter,D-Lake Charles.“We don’treally have a problem.”
Howthe SAVE system works SAVE has come into the spotlight in recentmonths after President Donald Trump’sadministration
HB691 would write that process into law,making parishes responsible for notifying voters who are slatedfor removal,and canceling their eligibility when theydonot respond in time.Itwould also require state investigators to refer registeredvoters identifiedaspossible noncitizens to prosecutors.
Representatives from the League of Women Voters, the Southern Poverty Law Center andthe American Civil Liberties UnionofLouisianaall testified against HB691.
Sarah Whittington, the ACLU of Louisiana’sadvocacy director, said the organization feared that uploading data to SAVE would make votersvulnerable to data breaches. She also argued 21 days is not always enough time to prove citizenship,especiallyfor voters
ButBeaullieuarguedLouisiana’sdata showed noncitizen voting could be on therise,since130 of the440 illegalvotes were cast since 2020.
“This is us getting in front of it and addressing it now,” he said.
Sometimes, noncitizens accidentally registertovote, said Landry She said that language barriers, along with alack of training among OfficeofMotor Vehicle employees, whoare required to offer voter registration, were behind some of the wrongful registrations.
In an email, OMV Deputy Commissioner Matt Boudreaux said employees arerequiredtotake an annual voter registration training, and that the agency is working with theSecretaryofState’sOffice to enhance that training.
comment on thebill next week.
PhRMA, anational trade group representing the pharmaceutical industry,said Wednesday in astatement that “lawmakers should focus on solutions that protect patient access and hold middlemen responsible for driving high drug costs.”
“The bill does not address the role of insurance companies and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), who ultimately decide what patients pay at the pharmacy counter and what hoops they must jump through to access their medicines,” PhRMA spokesperson Will May said. SB401 doesn’taddress pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs. Those businesses administer drugbenefits on behalf of health plans, determine which drugs are covered by aplan and negotiate lower prices with drug manufacturers. However, lawmakers for months have been calling for tighter regulations on PBMs, and several bills dealing with PBMs have been filed this year Under SB401, thePrescription Drug Affordability Board would create alist of “critical prescription drugs …for which there is asubstantial public interest in understanding the development of pricing for the drugs.”
For each drug on thatlist, pharmaceutical companies would berequiredtoprovide the board with cost and price information. That would includethe cost toproduceone dose; researchand development costs; marketing costs; pricescharged to foreign countries for the drug; and prices charged to Louisiana pharmacies andother purchasersinthe state That costand price information would be confidential and not subject to public disclosure laws. If amanufacturer fails to
report theinformation,it would be aviolation of Louisiana’sUnfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law Drug marketingmaterials directed at health care providers would also have to include price information underthe legislation. Failure to include it in marketing would also be illegal. Talbot on Wednesdayemphasized the body would not set drug prices or put in place an upper limit on prices in Louisiana —but it could look into such a
policy
“This board does not set prices,” he said. “I would like this boardtomaybe make arecommendation, if they see fit, to theLegislature on whetherweshould go down that route.”
The board would provide an annual report to the
Legislature on drug prices, including those that are “excessivelyhigh.” It couldalso recommendwaystolower costs.
Talbotsaidthe measure “represents the first step towardbetter understanding and then fixing health care expenditures in the state.”
In an interview,hesaid he’s notlayingthe blame on pharmaceutical companies forhigh drug costs, but rather seeking to answer a question: “Why is the price as high as it is and what can we do about getting moreaffordable drugs forour citizens?”
15TH FIL‐ING, andbeing desig‐natedonthe official plat of said subdivision, on file andofrecordinthe office of theClerk and Recorder of said Parish andState as LOT904, said subdivision, said lot having such size,shape anddimensionsand beingsubject to such servitudes as areshown on said map. Municipaladdress: 4757 BayouPlantationDrive Addis, LA 70710
TermsofSale: Cash to thehighest bidder WITH benefitofappraisement andaccording to law. Attorney forthe Plaintiff: AlexanderSides Spaht & Mullins`0214 Jefferson HighwayBaton Rouge, LA 70809 (225) 761-0001 Judicial Advertise‐ment(s)willappearin THEADVOCATEonthe date(s)of: March26, 2026 andApril 23, 2026. JEFF BERGERON,SHERIFF PARISH OF WEST BATON ROUGE BY:ANGIE DELAUNE, DEPUTYSHERIFF $53.69
POST-certified officers,” she said, referencing the state-mandated requirements for all peace officers. “They take the exact same police training that every other officer takes. We can make arrests. We can do warrant arrests. We have a jail.”
Last week, Williams, who is Black, publicly questioned whether race and gender are factors in her office being denied salary increases, while police and emergency services — both led by White men — are set to receive them.
Prior to Wednesday’s meeting, Williams said the mayor had previously told her he would try to find funding for raises in her office, but she has not spoken with him since last week’s announcement regarding police pay
“And I don’t want to hear ‘I can try.’ Just tell me what your plans are If you have a plan, give me the game plan,” Williams said. “I mean, he’s a coach. He knows what it’s like to have a game plan. Just tell me what’s the plan.”
At a news conference last week, Edwards said the Constable’s Office is among the agencies he plans to target for additional funding
Two Democrats — Darryl Hurst and Cleve Dunn Jr — tried to remove the agenda item introducing the police raises Wednesday
Though they voted to introduce, Democrats Anthony Kenney and Carolyn Coleman said it was their priority to help get constable deputies raises.
Just before the meeting, Hurst posted a video on social media explaining his position, saying he does not oppose raises for police but supports a plan that would
give them much smaller raises, as was recommended in a study conducted two years ago. With a lesser increase for police, Hurst said all city-parish workers could get raises, noting that the Department of Public Works, accounting and others need raises just as badly, and the end result
would cost nearly the same.
“(The) $12.9 million will give everybody in city-parish a raise,” Hurst said. “I believe we selfishly took $12.7 million and essentially said, ‘To hell with everybody else that’s worked hard, that’s been underpaid, overworked, because we need more police on the street.’”
Hurst called the decision to prioritize police “rushed,” arguing that other city-parish departments in need of more money can have just as positive an impact on Baton Rouge as higher police salaries and more officers.
“Why do we give all the money to the police when we could have
set money aside for blight?” Hurst said. “Give everybody else in the city-parish a raise so they can have high morale and give great customer service to our taxpayers.”
Email Patrick Sloan-Turner at patrick.sloan-turner@ theadvocate.com.
The two issues at hand were whether the case should proceed to a jury trial and whether the First Amendment protected McKesson from the suit by Ford.
Ford’s negligence claim was previously dismissed in 2024 by a U.S. District Court judge in Baton Rouge who ruled there wasn’t suf-
ficient evidence that McKesson had led the protest. The lower court also ruled that McKesson’s First Amendment right allowed him to legally participate in the protest
In her March 19 appeals court opinion, Jones said the lower court judge erred in saying there wasn’t enough evidence to let the case go to a jury
“There is ample admissible evidence to create a genuine, material fact dispute about whether McKesson was a leader in the pro-
test,” Jones wrote. In the dissenting opinion in the 2-1 decision, Judge Carolyn King disagreed that the facts of Ford’s case necessitated a jury trial. But it was on the second issue, of whether McKesson’s First Amendment rights protected him from the suit, that King spent most of her dissent.
“Officer John Ford was tragically injured in his line of duty Someone should be held accountable. But Officer Ford has not
come close to demonstrating that McKesson is that someone,” King said. “Perhaps eager to afford Officer Ford a remedy for his injuries, the majority nevertheless holds that he has done just that. In so doing, it imperils First Amendment liberties.”
She argues that the majority opinion chills future First Amendment expression by broadening the scope of how an organizer might be held responsible for the disorderly actions of others in-
volved in a protest. With the majority’s approval, a future jury is now free to decide if McKesson did lead protesters to march onto I-12 during the protest, if the violent confrontation between police and protesters was a foreseeable result of those plans and if McKesson’s actions violated his duty to not incite violence as the organizer of a protest.
Email Quinn Coffman at quinn. coffman@theadvocate.com.
STAFF PHOTO By JAVIER GALLEGOS
Jeff LeDuff, assistant chief administrative officer, center, speaks to Mason Batts, executive director, left, and East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-
President Sid Edwards during the Metro Council meeting at City Hall on Wednesday.
Bill takes aim at congressional run
Feud over Miguez’s district residency a ‘sensitive subject’
BY TYLER BRIDGES Staff writer
Simmering tensions among ambitious senators at the state Capitol burst into the open Wednesday — sort of.
The skirmish pitted Sen. Stewart Cathey against Sen. Blake Miguez and involved members of the Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee.
Cathey, a Republican from Monroe, seriously considered running for the 5th Congressional District seat that U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow is vacating to try to unseat U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy Miguez, a Republican, is running for the seat even though he lives just outside of New Iberia, nearly 100 miles from the district, which extends from Baton Rouge to Monroe. At issue before the committee was Cathey’s Senate Concurrent Resolution 9. It asks Congress to support changing the constitutional provision that allows members of Congress to live outside their districts. Cathey made it clear that he was targeting Miguez.
What ultimately happened Wednesday illustrates how business is typically conducted in the Louisiana Senate. The Senate committee had three items on its agenda. It dispatched two of them, then got to Cathey’s SCR9.
That’s when things got interesting. Six committee members — Miguez, committee chair Caleb Kleinpeter, R-Port Allen; Sen Mike Reese, R-Leesville; Sen. Greg Miller, RNorco; Sen Larry Selders, D-Baton Rouge; and Sen. Sam Jenkins, DShreveport all walked into a side room where they could discuss matters privately Normally, senators work out touchy subjects beforehand. They had obviously not done this yet on Cathey’s bill.
2 enter not guilty pleas in BR public corruption case
BY PATRICK SLOAN-TURNER
A staffer for former MayorPresident Sharon Weston Broome and a contractor indicted last month in a widespread Baton Rouge public corruption probe entered not guilty pleas in a Baton Rouge courtroom Wednesday Courtney Scott, a member of Broome’s staff from 2018 to 2024, and Veronica Mathis, owner of the company Build. Brand. Design., both pleaded not guilty to multiple corruption charges in Commissioner Jermaine Guillory’s courtroom, court officials confirmed. As part of an investigation brought on by Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill’s office, Scott is accused of receiving kickbacks of roughly $200,000 from Mathis. Mathis’ company was paid more than $738,000 in taxpayer dollars. That money flowed through a government-funded nonprofit known as the Mayor’s Healthy City Initiative and its subsidiary Safe, Hopeful Healthy BR both of which Scott oversaw for the Mayor’s Office. Sources with direct knowledge of the investigation say Scott used
LSU changes name of its theater school
See THEATER, page 2B ä See PLEAS, page 2B
STAFF
PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON
A hydraulic breaker on an excavator smashes concrete Monday at the old waste treatment plant in Baton Rouge BY TIMOTHY BOONE
Miguez Cathey
AUDIENCE WITH THE POPE
Gayle Benson, Archbishop Checchio pitch N.O. in ‘moving’ visit with Leo XIV
BY JEFF DUNCAN Staff writer
Gayle Benson pitched a papal visit to New Orleans during her Monday meeting with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican in Rome.
During a 35-minute meeting in the pope’s private library in the Apostolic Palace, Benson and Archbishop James Checchio expressed their hope that he would visit New Orleans during a future U.S. visit, highlighting reasons why the city should be a priority in a future papal itinerary, said Greg Bensel, the Saints and Pelicans senior vice president of government relations, who attended the meeting with Benson.
Among the discussion topics dur-
BILL
Continued from page 1B
A contentious race
Here’s the back story that confronted them: Miguez had been challenging Cassidy in the Senate election for months but exited that race on Feb. 3 after President Donald Trump endorsed Letlow Instead Miguez announced, he would run for Letlow’s seat with Trump’s support.
That didn’t sit well with Cathey
The following day, referring to the president’s praise of Miguez, Cathey tweeted, “Somebody lied to @realDonaldTrump!”
On Feb. 11, Cathey set aside his interest in running for the office, saying Trump had made “the wrong choice.”
State Sen. Rick Edmonds of Baton Rouge, state Rep. Michael Echols of Monroe, and Board of Regents Chair Misti Cordell of Monroe are also running in the May 16 Republican primary Back to the committee hearing: When his colleagues left, Sen. Mike Fesi, R-Houma, remained at
ing the 35-minute meeting were Leo’s family ties to New Orleans, the efforts to restore historic St. Louis Cathedral and the health and vitality of the Catholic community in New Orleans, Bensel said.
Archbishop-emeritus Gregory Aymond and Wayne LaJaunie, Benson’s brother, also attended the meeting.
“We were extremely grateful and humbled that Pope Leo spent such quality time with us in his private library,” Benson said. “He cares deeply about the people of New Orleans and state of Louisiana, where he has such close family ties. He offered his prayers and blessings. It was quite moving to be with him.”
Benson gave Leo an update on the current renovation and restora-
his seat at the committee dais.
Asked why by a reporter sitting in the audience, Fesi replied,
“I don’t think there should be a discussion. I don’t want to be in it because I know what I’m going to say.”
Minutes later, Selders emerged from the side room and joined Fesi on the committee dais.
Wasn’t he supposed to be part of the side discussion?
“I’m a rookie,” joked Selders, who was elected to the Senate only a year ago.
‘A glass of water’
Five minutes later Senate President Cameron Henry, R-Metairie, strolled into the committee room and headed to the side chamber
“I just want a glass of water,” he said with a smile on his face.
Henry departed five minutes later The senators came out soon after minus Miguez, the committee vice chair.
Cathey took his seat at the witness table and explained why he wanted them to approve his resolution.
Cathey said he was opposed to what he called “congressional car-
tion of the St. Louis Cathedral. He thanked her and the benefactors for their efforts.
The group also discussed the work being done to promote the causes of the Servant of God Henriette de Lille and Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos, as well as other matters relevant to the archdiocese.
Benson presented a New Orleans Saints jersey among other gifts. Leo blessed the group and gave each attendee a blessed rosary “Pope Leo was particularly interested in our Catholic schools and expressed gratitude for the cooperation offered by the state of Louisiana in assisting our children the opportunity of choosing a Catholic education,” Bensel said.
Checchio received Leo’s permis-
petbagging.” He described it as “candidates forcing themselves into areas where they are not necessarily wanted.”
Cathey said he had lived in the district all his life but noted that one of the candidates didn’t live there.
Cathey didn’t mention Miguez by name but then he didn’t have to.
Cathey asked for his colleagues’ support.
Kleinpeter noted that no one had a question for him. That indicated the senators had privately agreed to allow it to die a quiet death.
But Fesi, not having joined the discussion, spoke up.
“Doesn’t the residency require you to live in the state?” he asked.
Yes, replied Cathey, but not in the congressional district. He added that state legislators have to live in their districts.
“We have up to 25 congressmen (throughout the country) who don’t live in their district as of right now,” persisted Fesi.
“What kind of firestorm would this start?”
“People would be represented by legislators who actually understand the district, live in the
sion to name the upcoming renovation of St. Louis Cathedral rectory as the Pope Leo XIV Center for Evangelization in honor of him and his family, who lived in New Orleans for 200 years and attended Mass at the Cathedral.
The gesture, Bensel said, “moved the Holy Father deeply.”
After the meeting, the group visited the U.S. Embassy of the Holy See to meet with U.S. Ambassador Brian Burch to discuss potential programs between the Holy See and the city of New Orleans and state of Louisiana.
The Saints contingent flew to Paris on Wednesday, where they were scheduled to connect with Saints quarterback Tyler Shough and offensive tackle Taliese Fuaga and visit the Louvre.
district that they represent and actually vote for themselves,” Cathey replied. He then asked for a favorable vote.
But no senator spoke up to move the resolution. In fact, no one said anything. As a result, Kleinpeter said it would be reported “without action.” That essentially killed SCR9.
What happened?
So what happened in the side room?
In an interview, Kleinpeter indicated that Cathey hadn’t discussed the resolution beforehand with the committee members, so they had to take a break to work it out.
“It’s a sensitive subject,” Kleinpeter said.
Senators, he added, “like to be respectful We don’t throw hand grenades like the House does.”
Cathey, in an interview afterward, accused Miguez of “political opportunism,” saying, “Our needs are a lot different in northeast Louisiana than New Iberia.” Miguez did not return a phone call.
Check Point Charlie closes after decades in N.O.
Building with 24-hour dive bar, music venue sold
BY KEITH SPERA Staff
Check Point Charlie, the 24hour New Orleans dive bar, music venue and laundromat that raised a mighty racket at the corner of Esplanade Avenue and Decatur Street for decades, is no more. The venue abruptly closed this week after owner Darren Brooks sold the building. He was on-site Tuesday afternoon as employees under the red lights cleared out bottles of liquor and the bar’s hodgepodge decor as if evacuating for a hurricane.
“It’s been a great place,” Brooks said. “But it’s time for a little bit of a change.” Named for the Cold War’s most famous crossing point between West and East Berlin, Check Point Charlie was on the border of the French Quarter and Faubourg Marigny where the Lower Decatur Street strip ended at the entrance to the Frenchmen Street entertainment district. Standing near the foot of Esplanade Avenue, it was the end of the line for anyone drifting south toward the Mississippi River The convergence of all those scenes, coupled with its open-allnight aesthetic, contributed to an anything-goes mentality The pool table, chicken nuggets and burgers were part of the draw as was the ability to do laundry while
drinking or listening to music. The late celebrity chef, author and travel correspondent Anthony Bourdain visited Check Point Charlie for a 2003 episode of his show “A Cook’s Tour.” A scene from the Julia Roberts/Denzel Washington thriller “The Pelican Brief” was reportedly shot there. As news of the closing spread, patrons posted hundreds of farewell messages and memories online. One woman recalled “the time i was doing my laundry and couldn’t find my favorite gold miniskirt till i looked two barstools down and found a man wearing it as a tube top. He gave it back.” Over the years, Check Point Charlie hosted all manner of bands on an elevated stage tucked in a corner of the high-ceilinged room
near the washing machines. Openmic nights gave up-and-coming musicians a place to play Back in the day bands such as Irene & the Mikes and the late hoodoo bluesman Coco Robicheaux were regulars. The New Orleans hard rock band Suplecs cut its teeth at Check Point Charlie. Starting in 2001, Suplecs played an annual gig at sundown on Mardi Gras, bringing the Carnival season to a raucous close. That tradition of Suplecs at Check Point Charlie on Fat Tuesday continued for 25 years. Punk bands found a home there, as did more melodic bands. The Revivalists, the most successful rock band to break out of New Orleans in the past 20 years, played its very first gig at Check Point Charlie.
nationally among peer institutions, the name School of Theatre and Film more accurately reflects both the depth of this partnership and its significance within the broader vision of the CMDA.”
The name change will take effect immediately LSU officials are ordering new materials and getting a new logo for the department.
This name change also reflects the program’s evolving role within Louisiana’s booming film industry
LSU’s film program began as a modest initiative in 2012 with a dozen enrollees. It has since exploded in popularity among students, with its enrollment of 100 nearly matching the size of the theater program.
A primary driver of this growth was the transition from a Bachelor of Arts degree to a Bachelor of Fine Arts program, which solidified the curriculum as production-centric and career-focused.
“The name School of Theatre and Film more accurately reflects both the depth of this partnership and its significance within the broader vision of the CMDA,” said Vanessa Uhlig, head of the film program.
The film concentration was first launched under the leadership of Associate Dean and School of Theatre Chair Kristin Sosnowsky Admission has become highly selective, with applications consistently outnumbering available spots. The program has also become a pipeline to a career in film in all areas.
“We’ve always been a home for great storytelling,” Sosnowsky said. “By becoming the School of Theatre and Film, we’re officially recognizing the incredible evolution of our programs over the last 10 years. Whether it’s on stage or on camera, our students, faculty and staff are pushing boundaries — and now, our name does too.”
LSU established its theater program within the Department of Speech in 1928. The Department of Theatre was created in 1991, followed by the founding of Swine Palace, the professional theater associated with LSU Theatre, in 1992. In 1998, the Department of Theatre merged with the LSU School of Music to create the College of Music & Dramatic Arts, and then the film initiative was launched in 2012.
“Seeing the school renamed to the School of Theatre and Film confirms that CMDA is supportive of students’ goals on the stage or the screen,” said Josh Jackson, a former student of the program who is now an assistant professor in sports communication in the Manship School of Mass Communication. “We started with a few cameras, lights, and passionate students who wanted to be a part of those early creative projects. To see that love and appreciation for film grow is a wonderful thing to see for the alumni who were there in the beginning.”
PLEAS
Continued from page 1B
most of that money to pay off her mortgage and credit card debt. Scott and Mathis did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Each faces a handful of charges, including multiple conspiracy counts, bribery, theft, money laundering and more. The two are the most recent arrests in the probe by Murrill’s office, which also indicted five others who are accused of taking part in a bribery scheme related to Baton Rouge transit system contracts, including sitting Metro Council member Cleve Dunn Jr
Email Patrick Sloan-Turner at patrick.sloan-turner@ theadvocate.com.
PHOTO PROVIDED By NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Gayle Benson, right, and Archbishop James Checchio, left, of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, meet with Pope Leo XIV.
BUSINESS
BRIEFS
FROM WIRE REPORTS
Stocks rise, oil prices
ease as war continues
NEWYORK Hopes for a possible end to the war with Iran pushed stocks higher on Wall Street Wednesday while oil prices eased. Financial markets have swung sharply since the war began , and many of the reversals have struck hour to hour as uncertainty continues to dominate about how long the war will last.
The price for a barrel of Brent crude delivered in June fell 3% to settle at $97.26 Gold, which has been one of the investment world’s worst losers through the war, rose. It climbed 3.4% to settle at $4,552.30 per ounce.
On Wall Street, Arm Holdings soared 16.4% after the U.K. company announced a suite of chips for data centers and artificial-intelligence technology. Robinhood Markets rallied 5% to help lead U.S. stocks after its board authorized a program to send up to $1.5 billion to shareholders by buying back the company’s stock.
Terns Pharmaceuticals rose 5.7% after Merck said it would buy the oncology company in an all-cash deal valuing it at $6.7 billion. Merck rose 2.6% On the losing end of Wall Street was On Holding. The Swiss company that sells On shoes slumped 11.2% after saying its chief executive officer, Martin Hoffmann, is stepping down.
In Hong Kong, Pop Mart International Group tumbled 22.5% after the company behind the popular Labubu dolls reported explosive growth in profit and revenue, but not enough to meet analysts’ expectations.
Businesses may be quicker to raise prices
FRANKFURT, Germany The head of the European Central Bank says that businesses may be quicker to raise prices in response to the oil shock from the Iran war due to bitter memories of the inflation spike after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. If oil and gas prices continue to rise, “the response of firms and workers may be faster than last time,” ECB President Christine Lagarde said Wednesday in the text of a speech at a conference in Frankfurt, Germany Even though the ECB brought the 2022 inflation spike under control with higher interest rates, “that experience has left a mark,” she said. “An entire generation has now lived through its first episode of high inflation and it may not be as slow to react a second time.”
Inflation in the countries that use the euro currency peaked at 10.6% in October 2022 after the invasion led to the cutoff of most Russian natural gas supplies and sent oil prices temporarily higher Inflation in February was 1.9%, according to EU statistics agency Eurostat Lagarde pointed out that monetary policy cannot lower oil prices, and that central banks typically look past transitory energy spikes without raising interest rates Raising rates only makes sense if higher energy prices start being built into prices for other goods and into workers’ wages, producing a price spiral.
OpenAI pulls the plug on AI video app Sora
SAN FRANCISCO OpenAI is shutting down its social media app Sora, which went viral last fall as a place to share short-form videos generated by artificial intelligence but also raised alarms in Hollywood and elsewhere.
OpenAI said in a brief social media message Tuesday that it was “saying goodbye to the Sora app” and that it would share more soon about how to preserve what users already created on the app. The company behind ChatGPT released Sora in September But a growing chorus of advocacy groups, academics and experts expressed concern about the dangers of letting people create AI videos on just about anything they can type into a prompt, leading to the proliferation of nonconsensual images and realistic deepfakes in a sea of less harmful “AI slop.”
Ethanol blend receives EPA’s OK
Agency grants waiver for E15 fuel
BY MELINA WALLING Associated Press
The Environmental Protection Agency said Wednesday that it would temporarily allow widespread sales of a higher ethanol gas blend in a move that it hopes will tamp down consumer prices that have soared since the Iran war began The higher blend has been pro-
hibited in warm weather because of concerns it could worsen smog.
“President Trump is unleashing American Energy Dominance, and today’s action will directly lower prices at the pump and gives a clear demand signal to our domestic biofuels producers,” U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said in a statement.
The summer waiver for E15 has become commonplace in recent years, and both Republicans and Democrats have called for it to become year-round and permanent to lower prices at the pump. It’s
Tens of thousands set to receive $0 again
BY PHILIP MARCELO, OBED LAMY and RIO YAMAT Associated Press
A woman in Indiana who put off dental surgery because she doesn’t know if she can afford the copay A Florida couple with young children who are depleting their savings. A grandmother in Idaho who plans to sell her car to pay the rent.
They are among about 50,000 Transportation Security Administration officers expecting to receive another $0 paycheck this week. A dispute in Congress over funding the Department of Homeland Security has held up their salaries since mid-February With monthly bills coming due many of these federal employees, who screen passengers and luggage at airports across the U.S., are making difficult choices about how to make ends meet.
High absentee rates at some major airports have produced long lines and frustrated passengers at understaffed security checkpoints. Union leaders and federal officials say empty gas tanks, child care expenses and the threat of eviction keep more screeners from showing up the longer the shutdown continues. At last count, more than 480 had quit instead of weathering the ongoing uncertainty TSA’s acting administrator told lawmakers Wednesday
“Stop asking me about the long lines. Ask me if somebody’s gonna eat today,” Hydrick Thomas, president of the national American Federation of Government Employees union council that represents TSA employees, told reporters Tuesday
Indiana TSA agent turns to food pantry for groceries
Before starting her shift at Indianapolis International Airport on Monday Taylor Desert stopped at a food bank for meat, eggs, vegetables and dairy products.
“I never thought I would be in a position where, working for the federal government, I would need to go to a food bank to supplement my groceries,” she said as she loaded bags into her car
Desert, who has been a TSA officer for seven years, said her last full paycheck came on Feb 14, the day the shutdown started. She had some savings to draw on despite a record 43-day shutdown last fall but put some personal plans on pause.
For example, Desert needs to get her wisdom teeth removed but says the TSA isn’t approving time off during the shutdown. She also worries about costs from the surgery not covered by insurance. Wednesday was the 40th day of the DHS funding lapse. If it goes another 21 days, Desert said she would seek another job.
“I don’t want to have to spend my entire savings just to afford to keep living,” she said.
BY ROB GILLIES Associated Press
TORONTO Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Wednesday that the Air Canada CEO’s Englishonly message of condolence after Sunday’s deadly crash in New York showed a lack of compassion and judgment and Quebec’s premier called on the airline executive to resign. Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau is being summoned to testify at Parliament’s official languages committee after he shared a fourminute condolence video online that only included two French words — “bonjour” and “merci.” Antoine Forest, one of the two pilots killed in the crash at La-
already allowed in some Midwestern states.
Some places don’t have the necessary infrastructure or enough of a supply of ethanol to ramp up use, said Kenneth Gillingham, a professor at the Yale School of the Environment who studies the impacts of transportation regulations on prices, emissions and consumer welfare.
More corn used for ethanol also means less can be used for animal feed, said Jason Hill, a professor at the University of Minnesota who studies food, energy markets
and environmental consequences. That means consumers could be trading lower costs at the pump for higher costs at the grocery store.
Hill said he thought the announcement was targeted more at farmers hit hard by higher prices for the diesel they use to run their equipment and by fertilizer price hikes caused by the Iran war He said similar announcements have been made before as a way to express support for “agriculture and those who drive.”
Taylor Desert, a Transportation Security Administration agent, checks in to pick up groceries at Gleaners Food Bank in Indianapolis on Monday Desert is among the approximately 50,000 TSA officers working with no incoming paycheck as a partial government shutdown continues.
Florida TSA couple worry about their young children
Oksana Kelly, 38, and her husband, Deron, 37, both work as TSA agents at Orlando International Airport. They have two young children and don’t know how they will keep supporting their family without any income coming in.
Kelly said they’re dipping into savings for now but it’s running dry If the shutdown persists, they will ask relatives for help or take out a loan, which she worries would put them deeper in debt.
Her husband has worked as a DoorDash delivery driver in his spare time since the shutdown in October and November He’s considered resigning from the TSA to put the couple on more stable financial footing.
“It’s very mentally exhausting,” said Kelly, who is an organizer for the labor union representing TSA workers across central and northern Florida. “How do we even decide between being able to feed our kids or come to work?”
A veteran officer in Idaho fears homelessness
Rebecca Wolf cries every day She tries to hide it from her grandchildren, ages 11 and 6.
“They don’t understand why grandma’s crying,” Wolf said. “I try not to cry in front of them, but sometimes it’s just too much.”
The 53-year-old TSA officer and union leader in Boise, Idaho, joined the agency soon after its creation in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks. She was homeless at the time but turned her situation around with steady work and the benefits of federal employment. Now, Wolf can’t help but dwell on where she was 24 years ago. “I don’t want to be in that position again,” she said.
Her Feb. 28 paycheck amounted to $13.53, sending her “into a spiral right away.”
With no savings to fall back on, she is preparing to sell her car to cover her rent due in a week. She calls nonprofits daily seeking rental assistance, but hasn’t had any luck. Supporting six family members — four children and two grandchildren — has always been challenging, but the repeated shutdowns have made it nearly unsustainable.
“I worked hard to get to where I am now, and the thought I might lose it all scares me,” she said.
A father in Utah makes ‘hard decision’ to leave federal service
Robert Echeverria quit his job as a TSA agent at Utah’s Salt Lake City International Airport about two weeks into the current shutdown.
The 45-year-old, who has a wife and three children, counted five government shutdowns in the nine years he worked for the agency The toughest was last year’s record shutdown that ended in mid-November
Echeverria said his family skipped Christmas and took months to recover financially He began looking for a new job in February when it became clear Congress was headed for another budget battle.
“Emotionally I was already distraught,” Echeverria said last week. “We were barely recovering from the last shutdown.”
He now works for the department that manages the airports in Utah’s capital. Leaving federal service “was a hard decision for me,” Echeverria said.
“I really believed in the mission of the TSA,” he said. “We took an oath, and it was a way for me to give back to the country that gave me so much.”
Guardia Airport, was a Frenchspeaking Quebecer Forest and Mackenzie Gunther died when the Air Canada Jazz flight they were landing at LaGuardia collided with a fire truck on the runway Sunday evening.
Canada’s largest airline is headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, where French is the primary language. Rousseau has been criticized for not speaking French previously He delivered his condolence video message in English, with French subtitles.
“We proudly live in a bilingual country There are two official languages here and Air Canada has a special responsibility whatever the situation to communicate whatever the situation in both of-
ficial languages,” Carney said.
“I am extremely disappointed by the message released by the CEO of Air Canada. It shows a lack of compassion, and we will be closely following his comments before the official languages committee as well as the comments coming from the board of Air Canada.”
Quebec’s identity has been contentious since the 1760s when the British completed their takeover of what was then called New France Quebec is about 80% French-speaking.
Quebec Premier François Legault noted that when Rousseau was appointed president of the airline in February 2021, he promised to learn French.
“If he still doesn’t speak French today it’s disrespectful to his employees and to his francophone customers, so yes, I think that if he doesn’t speak French, he should resign,” Legault said.
A spokesperson for Air Canada didn’t immediately respond to a message seeking comment.
The Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages has received hundreds of complaints about Rousseau’s video.
“I don’t want to make political hay over what remains a tragedy with people still in hospital, but this isn’t the first time that he’s been told to speak French and he should know better,” said Marc Miller the Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture.
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By MICHAEL CONROy
Arnone,Guy
St.Patrick’s Catholic Church,12424
Brogdon Lane,Baton Rouge, LAat
11am
Gallaspy, John Superior Avenue BaptistChurch on North Columbia Street in Bogalusa at 11am
HoffmanIII, James
St.AloysiusChurch at 11 a.m.
Marchand, Joseph OakGrove BaptistChurch in Prairieville,Louisianaat11am.
Mott Broussard,Paula
WilbertFuneral Home,Plaquemineat
1pm
Rasberry,Lanell
SealeFuneral Home,1720 S. Range Avenue in Denham Springs,at11a.m
Smith,Rose
St.John theEvangelistCatholic Church,15208 LA 73,Prairieville,LA at 12pm
Wooden, Rose
OurLadyofMercy Catholic Church at 2p.m
Obituaries
Campbell, James M. James M. Campbell, 92, of Central,LA, passed awayathis residence on March 20, 2026. He was born in Bude, MS to M. Farr Campbelland Mittye A. Campbell. James is preceded in death by his parents,infant sister,Dorothy, andsister, Betty Purvis He is survivedbyhis wife of 72 years,Doris D. Campbell, one daughter Shirley Galloway (Rick), twosons, JerrellCampbell (Susan), and Carl Campbell (Tonya) and hissister,May Campbell. Jameswas blessed with eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. The family wouldlike to expressour deepestgratitude to caregivers Donna Collins and Tammie Knight. Agraveside service will be held Friday, March 27, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at MidwayCemetery in Meadville, MS,under the directionofNewman Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers,please considera donation to the American HeartAssociation or St. Jude's Hospital in Memphis, TN.
Marvin Jewel (MJ) Carter died March 23, 2026, with his daughters at his side. He was 82 years old. Born at home in Central, Louisiana on August 5, 1943, Marvin lived alife built on steady hands, quiet courage, and aready laugh. He graduated from Baker High School and answered his country's call, enlisting in the Army in 1962. He served with the 505th Signal Corps for two tours in Vietnam. After his honorabledischarge in 1965 he married Mary Ann Picou. They raised their two daughter, Naomie and Patrice, together until Mary Ann's passing in 1988. He found joy again and married Nancy Shehane in 1992, remaining devoted to her until her death in 2024. Acarpenter by tradefor most of his life,hetook pride in ajob welldone. He took his time, ensuring each measurement was accurate and the project well-made. He never met astranger and wasquick with ajoke or an offer of help. At home he was apatient and supportive father who loved to read, enjoyed fishing, and was askilled fly tackle hobbiest. When he was able, he tended bees and dreamed aloud of raising rabbits, happily telling anyone who would listen about his plans. He was preceded in deathbyhis wives Mary Ann Picou Carter and Nancy Shehane Carter; hisparents Jewel and Griselda Carter; siblings Sue Picou, Arlen James Carter, Dotorthy "Dot" White, and Griselda "Bootsy" Guillot; and grandsons Joshua LeJeune andChristopher Carmello He is survived by his daughters Mary Patrice Carter and Naomie Carter Swanson (Chris); grandson Mitchel Carmello (Rachel); Mary Ashlen LeJeune Davis (Joey )and their children Molly Jewel, Rebekah, and Cillian; and siblings Ruth Marceaux, Roy Carter (Pasty), and Andy Carter (Freida).The family extends deep gratitude to the residents and staffof the Louisiana War Veterans Home in Jackson, Louisiana, who became friends and companions during his later years. They smiled to tell how much time he spent in front of
time he spent in front of thevendingmachinesand how he playeddominos with his daughterPatrice, whom he consistently beat; she stillinsists she "wasn't letting himwin." Special thanks to The HospiceofBaton Rouge and their inpatient Butterfly Wing staffatBaton Rouge General Medical Center Midcityfor their comfort and care at the end of his life.Hewillberemembered for his laugh, his generosity, and the steady kindnessheoffered everyone he met. Share memories at www.CharletF uneralHome.com.
Clark Sr ,E.M. 'Ned
E.M. "Ned" ClarkSr. passed awayonMarch16, 2026, at the ageof92. A formal and respectfulremembrance is offered for a devoted,accomplished and civic-mindedman whoselifereflectedsteady leadership, generous service,and enduringlove for family, friends,LSU andthe Baton Rouge community. Anative of BatonRouge, Ned attendedBaton Rouge HighSchool, Darlington Preparatory School, LSU, and Banking School of the South. Nedgraduated from Louisiana State University in 1955and is aformer U.S. Air Force captain. While at LSU, Nedwas astarforward for the Tigersand helped lead them to their first Final Four in 1953, and also played for LSU baseball.Hewas awardedthe 2010SEC Basketball Legends Award. Ned's careerinbanking spanned over 55 yearsand includedthe launching of two banks. Ned playedan activerole in numerous civic, professionaland charitableorganizations, servinginvariouscapacities on the boards of United Givers,Junior Achievement of GreaterBaton Rouge,the YMCA,LSU NationalL Club,The Rotary Club, UnitedWay,Baton Rouge General, St. James Place, St. JamesChurch, Baton Rouge FoodBank, Boy Scouts and The Cancer Services,among others. His accoladesinclude the Baton Rouge VolunteerActivist Awardand The Baton Rouge Brotherhood and Sisterhood Award of the NCCJ, amongothers. Nedissurvivedbyhis wifeof69years, Laura O'Lenic Clark; daughters, Bryan ClarkFox (Ray) and Chrissie ClarkOlsson (Don); son, EM Ned Clark, Jr.(Stacey); grandchildren, Harrison Fox (Megan), HaydenFox, Bryan Olsson, Clark Olsson, Collyn Clark Stramwasser (Cristian), MatthewClark (Caroline) and Camille Clark Theriot (Henri);and great-grandchildren, Tessa Clark, Sophie Stramwasser, Preston Stramwasser,DukeClark, Millie Fox and Frankie Fox. He was precededin death by his parents, Willard Curtis Clark and Sally SwainClark,and his sister, Nancy Clark Wait. PallbearerswillbeHarrison Fox,Matthew Clark, Hayden Fox, Bryan Olsson, Clark Olsson and John O' Hearin.Honorary pallbearersare Dick Hearin and Robert Pettit, Jr Avisitation willbeheld onFriday, March 27th at RabenhorstFuneral Home on Government St. from 5 PM to 8PM. Visitation will resume on Saturday, March 28th at St. James Episcopal Church from 12 PM until the Funeral Service at 1:30 PM. Burial will follow at Greenoaks Memorial Park. In memoryofNed, please considergiving to some of his favorite Organizations including Hospice of Baton Rouge, Baton Rouge FoodBank, St James Episcopal Church or Cancer ServicesofBaton Rouge.The familyisdeeply grateful for his caregivers Donnie Batiste, Beverly Helm, Shaneika Finley, ShondellGaines andCarolyn Cl to Latrie Debbie Hospic
Harold "Hink" Anthony Couvillon was born in BatonRouge,onMarch 16, 1932. He left this earthfor heaven on March 22, 2026. Harold,affectionately known as Hink, was the3rd childof11children, born to LucilleJeanLandry and DudleyJoseph Couvillon, Sr.Hewas agraduateof CatholicHighSchool and LSU. Hink served in the United States Army and then attended LSUonthe "GI bill." One of his fondest memories in themilitary was playing on asoftball team in his spare time. Hink was stationedinan artillerygroup,near Washington, DC. during his 2 years of service to his country.
At LSUhewas an outstanding accounting student. Afterhis graduation, he workedinDenver, Colorado, then passed up a jobinIdaho,because he feltthe Lord was calling him to return to Louisiana. Notlongafter hisreturn to Louisiana, hisfather died of aheart attack, leaving his mother awidow with her youngestchildonly 14 years old. Hink became head of thehousehold, and he ran aharmonious home assisting his mother Hink'ssurviving siblings are Jimmy (Audrey), Lawrence (Janet), MargaretBell, Rev. Brother Louis Couvillon, SC,and Carole(Ronnie) Ackman Hink's deceased siblings and theirspouses are Brother ElliotCouvillon, SC, Maybelle (Alvin)Navarre, David (Peggy),Pat,Tommy (Dee) and Herb Bell. Harold had 4great loves: his St. Patrick Church community; his extendedfamily including siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends;BASEBALL, especiallythe Yankees; and animals- cats and dogs. He was amemberatSt. Anthony of Padua Church for 52 years and St. Patrickfor 42 years. Over theyears at these parishes, he served as a reader, volunteeraccountant, tabulator,prison minister, Blue Army member, Legion of Mary member, weeklyEucharisticadorer, and Rosary Leader. He attendedManresaretreats fordecades and enjoyed Bible studies and other church events. He was active in the Respect Life movement and believed in a"seamlessgarment"for " pro- life"- fromconception through anatural death, and he was against capital punishment. Hinkwas a runner and in earlierdays bowled.Heloved thecats and dogs who wouldshow up at his door.Hewould adoptthem, and thepets ruled his home. He loved his neighbors. The family is thankful to allofhis caregivers, especially his sister Caroleand her husband Ronnie who were next door neighborsand graciously and unwaveringly cared for him for over 40 years. Also dedicatedto his care were his niece Denise, his nephew Stephen, niece Gerianne, a registered nurse, his nephew and godson Andrew,his sisterMargaret who helpedwith the upkeep and renovationofhis home, and his brother Lawrence and his wife Janet. Hink was asubstitute father forhis younger siblings, especiallyCarole. His brother Louis who is an ordainedBrother of the Sacred Heart counseled him spiritually.
Visitation at St. Patrick Church will beginat9 am on Saturday, March 28, 2026, followed by the rosary at 9:20, reflecting his love of MotherMary The Mass of ChristianBurial willfollow at 10am. Areception forfamily and friends follows Mass at the St.PatrickParish Halland all are invitedtoattend.Inurnment willbeheldata laterdateand time to be determined at Greenoaks Memorial Park near many family members alreadyat rest. May he rest in peace.
George Cox Jr., aresident of Sorrento, LA. passed away on Sunday, March 22, 2026. He was 94 years old. Services for GeorgewillbeheldonFriday, March 27, 2026, at St. Anne's CatholicChurch, Sorrento, LA.Visitation willbefrom 9am untilthe Mass of Christian Burial at 11am. He will be laid to rest at HopeHavenCemetery,Gonzales, LA
Warren Louis Dille,82, a nativeofDonaldsonville, LA and residentofPlattenville,LA, passed away on Saturday, March 21, 2026. Warren was aman of deep faith who lovedthe Lord wholeheartedly.Warren wasanOperator at CF Industries and retired after forty-two years of service. He found greatjoy in sharing storiesand spending meaningful time with those he loved. Alifelong learner, Warren was alwayseager to expand his knowledge,oftenturning to theinternet to discover something new. He had a true passionfor gardening and took prideincaring for hisfruit trees. He also enjoyed huntingand fishing, butaboveall,Warren lovedthe Lord and hisfamily, they were thecenter of hislife He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife of fifty seven years, Diane Laurent Dille; four children, Sonia Falcon (Myles), ChristyDille (BJ), Bret Dille (Stephanie) and Ryan "RJ" Dille(Alana); nine grandchildren, Christoph Barnes (Frances), Blaire Tregre (Shaine), Landon Falcon, Core Barnes (Jasmin), EthanBergeron, Ethan Dille, VictoriaDille,John Dille and Lane Dille;one greatgranddaughter, Oaklynn Barnes and his three siblings, Curtis Dille Jr Michael Dille (Sue)and Laura Lee Rivet(Rusty). He is precededindeath by parents, Curtis Sr.and Evy Dille and hisin-laws, Stephen and Edith Laurent Avisitationwillbeon Friday, March 27, 2026, at Community WorshipCenterfrom 8:30am untilService at 11am. Interment will follow at Assumption of theBlessed Virgin Mary Mausoleum in Plattenville.
John NormanGallaspy of Bogalusa, Louisiana, passed away peacefully at Our LadyofAngels hospitalonMarch 21, 2026. John was born on November 8, 1932, to theunionofFrancis NormanGallaspy and Hazel Weeks Gallaspy.At theage of three, John's mother died of postoperative complications. Hisfather remarried Mary Leigh Marshall of Stonewall,and this unionwouldgiveJohn awonderful,lovingmother and later,two beautiful sisters,Kathleen and Virginia. John enjoyed ahappy childhood in ruralDeSoto Parish butendured the hardships of theGreat Depression and thefearand uncertainty of World War II
The family farm provided John theopportunityto pursue his passion of growing watermelons With theassistance of his
With the assistance of his father,Johnplanted his first watermelon patch at theage of 10 in 1943. Given thewar, commercial fertilizer andfuelwerescarce, butJohnmade do with barnyardfertilizer andthe familyhorse. Hisfirst patch produced several varietiesofmelons, including theKeckleySweet andthe Dixie Queen,one so large that he was unableasa young boy to carry it outof thepatch
At theage of 15, John graduatedfromPelican High School andenrolled at LSUasone of the youngest students on campus. He majored in history with aminorinEnglish, wasa member of Sigma Chifraternity, andwas active in theCorps of Cadets, serving as thecompany commanderhis senior year. On graduating,he wascommissioned aSecondLieutenantinthe U.S. Army Field Artillery.
After additional training, John wasdeployed to Koreainthe fall of 1952, servingasa forward observer for the39th Field Artillery Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment of theThird Infantry Division.Hewas involved in intense,often hand-to-handcombat and on oneoccasion when his position was overrun by enemy forces,Johnwas forced to call in artillery fireonhis ownposition. During anotherbattle, an enemy mortar roundimpactedrightinfront of him, liftingJohnoff the groundand leaving him with permanentdeafness in oneear. He later participated in the BattleofOutpost Harry,one of thelast major engagements of the Korean War.Fightingat nightunderheavy mortar fire, U.S. andGreek troops defendedthisstrategicpositionfromrepeated attacks by the Army of the People'sRepublic of China More than 50 years later oneofJohn'sfellowofficers wrote him aletterof gratitude for hiscontribution to this battle.John's comrade explainedthat he hadbeen severely wounded andashelost consciousness, thelast voice he heardoverhis radio wasthatofLt. Gallaspy, himself underfire, calmly andprecisely directing artillery fire. The officerbelievedJohn'saccurate, unrelentingfiresupport not only saved his life and manyothers, but also played asignificant rolein theU.S. andGreek forces retaining control of this critical outpost.For his service in the battle,John wasawarded the Bronze Star for ValorinCombat.
After thewar ended, John wasacceptedinto LSULaw School, wherehe served as studentbody presidentand wasinducted into theLaw School's Hall of Fame. As graduation neared andhebegan interviewingfor jobs,a friendset himupona blind datewith Dixie Nell Yates. They fell in love and were marriedinJuneof 1958. Theyremained married for almost 60 years untilDixie's death in 2016.
John and Dixie initially resided in Lake Charles butthe happycouplesoon moved to Bogalusa, where they raisedtheir three sons, Whit,Gardnerand Lee. John became theChief Prosecutor for Washington Parish underDistrict AttorneyW.W. "Squinch"Erwin, Bogalusa CityAttorneyunderMayorC.P.Verger, and CityAttorneyfor the village of SununderMayor LuLu Mizell. Proud to be a "smalltownlawyer, John'scivil practice included awiderange of legal services, including litigation,real estate, successions andwills. He andhis longtime law partner, Mickey Paduda, and their staff, RachelPierce, FreddieTourneand Anita Lavinghouse,became acornerstone of thelegal communitywhiledeveloping lifelongfriendshipswith eachotherand their clients.One long time client was so appreciative of John'sassistance over theirmanyyearsthathe took theunusual step of publicly expressing his gratitude in alocal newspaper,writing in aletterto theeditor that John was "anever-ready presence" in theirlives and a"true gentleman andfamilyman andgreat lawyer."After practicing law foralmost 60 years, John retiredin 2016.
As much as John enjoyed practicinglaw,it wasoften correctly said that he wouldratherbe known as achampion watermelongrower. It was notuncommon to see John donningalightweight, seersuckersuit as he practicedlaw during theday andtransitioning to wellworn dungareesinthe eveningashetendedto hisbeloved watermelon h i l
his beloved watermelon patches. Hismelonswon grandchampion awards at thestatewatermelon festival in Farmervilleand were sold for many years at Travis' SupermarketinBogalusa. But hisfocus was neveroncompetitionsor making money -hemost enjoyed thetimeoutdoors, spendingtimewithfellow farmerslikeMickeyMurphy, and giving away the vast majority of his crop to friends and family. In alettertoa friendjust last year, John citeda favorite author,Mark Twain,when he said:"When onehas tasted it,heknows what theangelseat. It wasnot a Southern watermelon that Eve took; we know it because she repented."
John wasanactive contributor to thecommunity andgarnered numerous honorsoverthe years, including Citizenofthe Year andserving as Grand Marshall of the2023 Washington Parish Watermelon Festivalparade and the 2026 KreweofMCCA parade. He wasanactive member of Elizabeth Sullivan Memorial United Methodist Church, Mill Town Players, Rotary Club, theAmerican Legion, and thehonorary40and 8. AnotherofJohn'spassions wasJohnDeere tractors. During theaforementioned parades, he wasmuch more satisfied drivingon oneofhis tractors,towing oneofthe floats,thantakingpartinother aspects of thefestivities.
In 2014, as partofthe CityofBogalusa's100th anniversary, he wrote an extensive, 300-page history of thecityentitled, "Bogalusa, the CitythatRefused to Die."Inhis eloquentmanner,Johnsaid at thetime: "Asweall know we have aratherunique history. The industrial aspectsofithave been documenteda goodbit.Our sawmill has made history all over the world. Iwanted to do somethingthat wouldgive readers a glimpse into thepersonality of thecommunity."
John wasanavidreader andrelishedgiving other booklovers atour of his impressive libraryonGaylordDrive in Bogalusa.Ifa visitor saw atitle that piquedinterest, it was theirs to take home to enjoy. Christmas Eve at the Gallaspy home found John in front of thefireplace reading Dickenstales to familyand friends, conveyingthe joyofthe season capturedin"Mr.Wardle's Christmas Party" andthe wagesofGabrielGrub's cold heartin"The Storyof theGoblins WhoStole a Sexton." He appreciated old movies as well,particularlythosefeaturingW.C. Fields, andhebecame a devoteeofTurnerClassic and othervintagemovie channels in hislater years.
After Dixie'sdeathin 2016, John met and married MarthaMoak. They enjoyed theirgolden yearsby visitingfriends,taking trips to Mobile,attending SunMethodist Church, and spending time with family.
John waspredeceased by hiswife of almost 60 years, Dixie Yates Gallaspy; hisparents, Francis Norman Gallaspy, Hazel Weeks Gallaspy, andMary Leigh Gallaspy; his youngerbrother,Jerry Weeks Gallaspy; and his cousin and close friend, Mary RivesGallaspy.
John is survived by threesons, John Whithurst Gallaspy (Stacy), Gardner Weeks Gallaspy (Lori), and Leland ReddingGallaspy (Tonya); eightgrandchildren,Caitlyn, Connor,Marianna and MollyGallaspy (Whit); Will andEmilyGallaspy(Gard); and Caroline andGrantGallaspy (Lee); andhis twosisters, Kathleen Myers andVirginia Garlington
Thefamilywould like to extendheartfelt thanks to thestaff at OurLady of Angels Hospital, St.Tammany Parish Hospital, OurLady of theLake Hospital and thesittersand lovedones whoprovidedinvaluable assistance andcare during John'sfinal weeks.
The final serviceswillbe held at Superior Avenue Baptist Church on North Columbia Street in Bogalusa. The funeral will be on Thursday, March26th, from 11:00 to noon. Visitation will be on Wednesday, March25th, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. andagain on Thursday, March26th, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Gravesideserviceswill be handled in thePelican Cemetery in Pelican Louisiana, on Friday, March27th, at 10:30 a.m. Pallbearers are Michael "Micky" Murphy, WalterS "Buddy" Adams, Judge
Couvillon, Harold Anthony 'Hink'
Cox, George L.
Dille, Warren Louis
Carter, Marvin Jewel
Gallaspy, John Norman
ry Harrison, John Connor Gallaspy, GrantlinYates Gallaspy, and John Wilson Gallaspy. To honor John's memory, the family requests donations to Sun Methodist Church, Superior Avenue Baptist Church, Holly Grove Methodist Church, or 40 and 8Nursing Scholarships.
Joy Guffey Gremillion passed away peacefullyon March 22, 2026, after along illness,surrounded by the love she so generously gave throughout her life. She is survived by her devoted husband, Frank Gremillion; one son, Scott; and three daughters, Stephanie Miletello,Stacey White, and Allyson Strange.She is also survived by seven grandchildrenand six great-grandchildren.
Agraduate of Istrouma High Schooland the Northwestern School of Nursing, Joy began her professional life as adedicated nurse at Baton Rouge General Hospital. She later joined the practice of the late Dr Alvin Stander, where her compassion and skillmade alasting impression on all whoknew her. In time, she embraced asecond calling and built asuccessful career as areal estate agent with Gully Real Estate, continuing until her retirement. She often reflected that she was fortunate to have spent her life doing not one but two things she truly loved.
Though Joy stepped away from nursing professionally,she never stopped being anurse at heart. She was the first to offer help -wanted or nottoanyone who needed it,a quality that endeared her to everyoneshe encountered. Joy had agift for bringing people together An avid tennis player anda natural hostess, she treasured her many friendships and delighted in celebrating them. She was the creator of abeloved New Year's Day tradition: the "Bring Your Favorite Food" party, agathering that became acherished ritual for all who attended. Whether hosting her own events or lending ahand at someone else's Joy was always present, always enthusiastic, and always the heart of the room. She will be remembered for her warmth, her laughter, her generosity of spirit, and for the joy -fitting to her name -that she brought into every life she touched.
Please join us as we celebrate the life of our beloved Joy Gremillion this Friday, March 27th. Visitation 9:00 am, Memorial Service 10:00 am at St. Joseph's Cathedral, 412 North Street, Baton Rouge, LA
Lutschg, Grace Janice Staples
Grace Janice Staples Lutschg,age 87, of Baton Rouge,Louisiana,passed awayonFebruary 7, 2026. She was bornonMay 6, 1938, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana,toThomas RolandStaples, Sr. and EthelElizabeth Turner Staples.
Grace was the beloved wifeofDr. James Henry Lutschg for 63 years and a devoted mothertoher sons,Kenneth and David. A formerscience teacher, she held adeeprespect for education and was known for her love of reading and hersharpwit. SheattendedCentenaryCollege and graduatedfromLouisiana State University. Grace was alifelong memberof First UnitedMethodist Church of Baton Rouge. She lived her lifewith grit, quiet strength, and a slow, steady,patient way ofmoving through the world that taught us more than she ever realized Gentle in spirit but steady at heart,she hada quick mind and akeensense of humor—with aknowing smiletomatch—thatdelighted those who knew herbest. Grace loved watching the birds, listening to music, playing tennis with friends, and rug hooking.Inher later years, she cherished herrole as a grandmother and took great delight in hergrandchildren. Cooking wasneverher calling, but she more than made up for itin other ways. Gardening, playing handbells,planning a"fieldtrip" to exploresomewhere new, and sitting back with agood margarita on the porch wereamongher favorite simplepleasures. Grace was one of sevensiblings. Shewas precededindeath by herparents;her brothers, Thomas Staples,Jr. and Joe Staplesand her sisters, Arlene Elland Sarah McDowell. Sheis survived by her husband, Jim; her sons,Kenneth (wifeMeghan) and David; her grandchildren, Malley Grace,WilliamFord, and Bennett James; as wellas herbrother, Turner Staples, and her sister,Anne Johnston.Thefamilyextends their sinceregratitude to HeritageManor and LifeSource for the kindness and compassionate care showntoGrace Shewillberemembered for her devotion to family, her gentle spirit, hersharp wit, and the steady grace with which she moved through life.Acelebration of life willbeheldon March 27, 2026, with visitation at 12:00p.m.,followed by the service at 1:00 p.m., at First United Methodist Church of Baton Rouge.In lieu of flowers, the family kindlyrequestsdonations b d h i i
kindly requests donations be madetothe Louisiana Ornithological Society. www.losbird.org/joinor First UnitedMethodist Church of BatonRouge.
John Martel Norwood, 77, longtime professor at theUniversity of Arkansas at Fayetteville,passed away on February 15, 2026, in NewOrleans. He died from complications from dementia. He was bornon January 11,1949 to Colvin Gamble Norwood, Sr ("Pete") and DorothyElise PecotNorwood ("Dot") and raised in Franklin, Louisianawith his siblings Carol Ann Cram Kilburn and Colvin Gamble Norwood,Jr. ("Woody").
John graduated from Hanson Memorial High School in 1966 at thetop of his class. He was awarded aBachelor of Arts degree in 1970 from LSUinBaton Rouge and Juris Doctor degree fromTulane Law School in 1973. In 1977 John returnedtoLSU to earn his MBA Afew months before he was to graduatefromlaw school,henoticeda posting fromNortheast LouisianaUniversityin Monroe (NLU) seeking arecent JD to teach business law. He appliedfor and got thejob,beginning acareer that brought himimmense personalsatisfaction as wellashighmarksfrom hisstudents.
In 1981 John accepteda positionteaching business lawinthe Business School at theUniversityof Arkansas, where he played apivotal role in developing theHonorsprogram and mentoring students. Many studentshaveexpressed theirgratitude,acknowledging his guidance and influence on their careers. The winner of several teaching awardsover the years, John lovedhis profession, approaching it fromthe start withenthusiasm and dedication. John retired in 2021 after 40 years at theUniversity of Arkansas.
Burial willbeprivate in thefamily cemetery in Franklin.
Colleagues, students and friends are invitedto attend aCelebrationofLife in honorofProfessorJohn Norwood.This event will be held April 17, 2026, in Fayetteville at 2:30 pm in theReynolds Center Auditorium at theWalton CollegeofBusiness on the University of Arkansas campus.
In his home surrounded by his wife and two sons, John D. Rayborn, Jr.passed away on March 22, 2026, at theage of 88. Aresident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, John was bornonMay 11, 1937, in Lewisville, Arkansas. John graduated from LouisianaStateUniversity, where he was also in theTiger Marching Band and amember of theSigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. John was alongtime StateFarm Claims Superintendent. John was adevoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend.John found greatjoy in life's simple pleasures,especially cheering on LSUfootball and spending time with his family at thebeach. After retirement,John and Mary traveled theworld and madenew friendsalong theway. He was afaithful member of St.Jude Catholic Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. John is survivedbyhis beloved wife, Mary Tinnin Rayborn of Shreveport,Louisiana; sons, Jack (Melissa) Rayborn of OrangeBeach, Alabama, and Michael Rayborn of BatonRouge, Louisiana; cherished grandchildren, Brandon (Kristen) Rayborn of Orange Beach, Alabama, Chandler Rayborn of Foley, Alabama, Brooke Rayborn of SanDiego,California, and AidenRaybornof Navarre Beach, Florida; great-grandsons, Colton Rayborn, Jackson Rayborn, ConnorRayborn, and Mason Rayborn. Family and friends are invited to celebrateJohn'slifeonFriday, March 27, 2026, at Resthaven Funeral Home. Visitationwillbegin at 1:30 PM with services beginning at 2:30 PM.Johnwill be remembered for his love of family,his warm spirit, and thelasting impact he made on those who knew him. Family and friends may signthe online guestbookorleave apersonal notetothe family at www.resthavenbatonroug
JamesEdwin "Eddie Schafer,bornDecember 25, 1941 in Plaquemine,LA, passedawayathis home on March23, 2026, at the age of 84. Nothingmeant more to him than spending time with hisfamily, fishing, andenjoying chicken fried steak from Franks. Eddieissurvived by his children, Stacie Gardana (Tony), Clint Schafer (Michelle), and Travis Schafer;his grandchildren, Tanner, Nicole, Courtney, Becca, Jessica,Hannah Brooke,Ty, Maison, Collin, Jolie';and 12 great grandchildren. Preceded in death by wife, Linda Comeaux Schafer;and his parents, Marguerite and John I. Schafer.A Memorial service will take place on Friday, March27, 2026, at Healing Place Church Ascension, 14234 Airline Hwy, Gonzales, LA 70737. Visitation will startat10:00 am untilservice at 12:00 pm.
Glynell LambertTemplet, born February 9, 1943 in Sorrento, LA, passed away on March24, 2026 at herhomesurrounded by herfamily, at theage of 83. Glynell wasa lifelong resident of Gonzales, LA, a graduate of GonzalesHigh School, andshe retired from The BankofGonzales/Regions Bank after 22yrs. Sheenjoyed gardening, dancing,playing cards, andspending time with herfamilyand friends. Sheisprecededin death by herfather,John M. Lambert; he othe
Thomas,Alvin
Alvin Thomas III left this earthylifeonMarch20, 2026 after buildinga lastinglegacythat touched countlesspeople
He wasbornonMay 29, 1948 in Natchez,MSto Alvin Thomas, Jr.and CatherineThomas. He grew up in Baton Rouge andwas aproud graduate of Capitol High School c/o '67
Thomas wasa Vietnam Veteranwho served honorablyinthe Army. He was an avidrunnerand was devotedtohis church
Thomas waspreceded in death by his parents and hisoldest son, Chief WarrantOfficer 2Terry Thomas
Thomas leaves behind hiswife of 54 years, Patricia; daughters TaRhonda (Mike) andTressa (Tory); son Timothy; eleven grandchildren; anda host of friends andfamilywho will miss himdearly.A visitation will be held from9:00 AM to 11:00 AM on 2026-0327 at CrossofCalvary University Lutheran Church, 3235 DalrympleDr. Afuneral service
neralservice at 11:00 am.
youneed thenews. Wherever youreadthe news Thenewspaper of record for BatonRouge subscribe today subscribe.nola.com
Schafer, James Edwin 'Eddie'
Rayborn Jr., John D.
Gremillion,Joy Guffey
Norwood, JohnMartel
Templet,Glynell Lambert
OUR VIEWS
MayLa.’s longleafpines live long andprosper
The longleaf pine tree mightnot beasiconic asight to current generationsofLouisianans as it was to their ancestors, butthe species has along, important history in ourareaand elsewhere in the South.
We cheer efforts to ensure it will have along future here as well.
That goal, led by conservationists andgovernment officials, involves not just persuasion but thoughtful environmental management, accordingtoa storybythis paper’sMike Smith.
Longleaf pines, with their signature bunched needles, were once abundantinthispartofthe country,covering some 90 million acresfrom Virginia down into Texas. In Louisiana, they were traditionally prominentinthe parishes northofLake Pontchartrain and in thecentral andwesternparts of thestate.
In recent years, however,total acreage had dropped all theway down to three million Theculprits in the decline range fromlogging to adesire for faster-growingtimber to thedesire to avoid forest fires
Controlled burning, though, is oneof the tools nowbeing used by groupssuch as thenonprofit Nature Conservancy to clear out underbrush and allow sun in, helping new trees to grow.
The federalgovernmenthas also offered some cash assistance to growers.
“Wildlife is alarge driver here in Louisiana of individuals coming in wantingto be apartof thelongleafstory,”Sarah Trichel, the USDA’s acting Louisiana stateconservationist, said. “We have those that remember seeing longleaf when they weregrowing up anddon’tsee that anymore,and theyreally wanttohave thatlongleaf stand reestablished, to see those long needles, those large cones, and for their grandchildren and their grandchildren’s children.”
Thanks to efforts by apublic-private consortium known as America’sLongleaf Restoration Initiative, these pines arestarting to seearebound. By last year,total acreage had creptup to 5.2 million. The group’sgoal is 8million.
That shouldn’tjust matter to those who appreciate the trees’ beauty Longleaf pines’ growthpatternsprovidewideopen spaces for wild turkeys, bobwhite quail and other animals, as well as some other endangered plants. The grass thatgrowsaround them is suitable for cattle grazing. These trees may grow more slowly than other species, but their wood is strong and well-suited to shipand infrastructure building.
“If you care about the environment and you careabout biodiversity,and you live in an area where longleaf was historically thenatural ecosystem,it’shard to do anything betterthan to restore this system,” Will deGravelles, who overseeslongleaf pine restoration forthe Nature Conservancy in Louisiana, toldSmith. We care about all of those things, and think Louisianans who enjoy our state’snatural spaces and who make their livingthere do too. We hope these restoration effortswill keep this unique tree plentiful in ourstate foryears to come.
LETTERSTOTHE EDITOR ARE WELCOME. HERE AREOUR
GUIDELINES: Letters are published identifying name, occupation and/or title and the writer’scity of residence
TheAdvocate |The Times-Picayune require astreet address andphone number for verification purposes, but that information is not published. Letters are not to exceed 300 words. Letters to the Editor,The Advocate, P.O. Box 588, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-0588, or email letters@ theadvocate.com.
TO SEND US A LETTER, SCANHERE
Gettingagun easier than avoter ID with SAVE Act
To purchase aweapon, alicensed gun dealer or an unlicensed privategun seller can set up atable in acivic center or auditorium at agun show.Gun buyers must provide avalid driver’s license and fill out aform. Nearly every buyer will leave the gun show withhis/ her new weapon of choice. Somewill be there to purchase aweapon as agift for someone else.
The SAVE Act (spearheaded by the samepeople who are hell-bent on protectingthe right to bear arms) allows no organization or person to set up atable in acivic center,auditorium, student union or church to register voters.
If theSAVEAct passes, everyone will have to go to agovernment office during office hours to register tovote.
According to theSAVEAct, every U.S. citizen must provide documentation proving they are who they say they are (passport,Real ID).
Furthermore, the nameappearing on all required documents must be identical to the one appearing on their birth
certificate. It seems the authors and supporters of the SAVE Act are moreconcerned with facilitating the Second Amendmentthan the15th and 19th Amendments Ihave asuggestion should the SAVE Act pass: Throw “Let’sVote!!!” parties. Organize church buses, limos, tour buses, etc., topick up U.S. citizens from aconvention center,auditorium, student union, church,etc. and bring everyone to the Registrar of Voters’ Office. Entrance to theparty is alegal birth certificate, proof of residence, Real ID, and/or apassport. With documents in hand, drive everyone to the governmentoffice to register to vote. Then return to theparty! Political affiliation is nobody’sbusiness —the goal is to facilitate the voter registration process. Let’sparty for the RIGHTTO VOTE!!!
When Gov.Jeff Landry addressed lawmakers at the opening of Louisiana’slegislative session on March 9, he spoke about strengthening the state’seconomy,removing barriers to work and building aworkforce ready to meet theneeds of Louisiana’sindustries If Louisiana is serious about those goals, there is one piece of workforce infrastructure that must be part of the conversation: early childhood education
Every morning, thousands of Louisiana parentsrely on early childhood education programssothey can show up for their jobs —nurses beginning hospital shifts, workers clocking in at plantsand refineries, teachers standing in classrooms. For manyofthem, none of that happens without asafe, reliable place for their young children.
When early childhood education breaks down, theworkforce breaks down withit.
Louisianaalready faces aworkforce participation challenge, ranking near thebottom nationally in labor force participation, witharate of about 58%. Businessleaders across Louisiana
increasingly point to child care as a major barrier keeping parents from working.
Parents cannot work if they have nowhere safe for their children to go.
Across Louisiana, the demand foraffordable, high-quality early childhood education far exceeds supply.The gap is especially significant forinfants and toddlers, where care is mostexpensive and the number of availableseats is mostlimited. Families struggle with costs. Employers struggle with absenteeism and turnover when workers cannot find reliable care.
Louisianahas made meaningful progress over the past decade, but thedemand from working families still far exceeds whatthe system can provide.
If Louisiana wants to strengthen itseconomy and grow its workforce, early childhood education must be treated and invested in as essential infrastructure. Because if we want morepeople in theworkforce tomorrow,wemust.
LIBBIE SONNIER
CEO,
Louisiana Policy Institute forChildren
Political alarms, rants and fingerpointing are not unique to either major political party.Asking abasic yes-or-no question often yields no answer —only adiatribe of blamedirected at the other side. Frustration with, and apathy toward, Congress increases by the day.Meanwhile, the number of voters changing their affiliation to Independent or No Party affiliation continues to grow What can we do to counter partybased deflection and political theater? Be waryofthose whorepeat rehearsed talking points. Issues are often camouflaged with emotionally charged terms like “no illegal human beings,” “uncaring,” “common sense” and even “patriotism” —phrases designed to tug at the heart rather than inform the mind. An informed and thoughtful public is often inconvenient forpoliticians. Many of us are fedup, frustrated and feel helpless in the face of congressional gridlock. Remember, we are dealing with representatives whomight struggle to agree on something as simple as offering Coke, Pepsi and filtered water in a cafeteria —though somehow,baloney always makes the menu. TOMLEWIS Baton Rouge
The creator of the editorial cartoon on March 7depicting an Iranian woman disposing of her hijab has insulted and trivialized all women Those womenwhose country has been attacked and bombed, killing civilians and children, will not be celebrating. They are terrified and in mourning. And anyone whobelieves that this warisbeing waged to liberate or obtain equal rights forIranian womenisdelusional.
ROSLYN ELFER NewOrleans
Four brand-newLouisiana books, butjustone degree
Most of youknow the line about“six degreesofseparation,”meaningthat everyone on Earth supposedly knows someone who knows someone who within six moves —knows everybody else. In Louisiana, it’smore like asingle degree of close connection. Our unique culture so seamlessly entwines literature, music,food, other arts,politics and other diversionsthat I myself am surely just one happy connection away from you,and from you, and, yes, you As it happens, Louisianans of note arepublishing (or had published about them) four new books in early 2026.I have an unbreakable rule against writingformal reviews of booksbyfriends (oreven friendly acquaintances), but these books show how the degrees of close connection, again, apply Archaeologist, scholar and traditional jazz band leader Fred Starr is out with hisautobiography “Blue Skies: My Life in Many Worlds.” Beginning with charming recollections of his boyhood in Cincinnati, it traces his rise to (among other things) an internationallyrecognized expert on Russia and, as an adopted citizen of New Orleans, amajor contributor to the Crescent City’scultural life.
New Orleans history teacher Howard Hunter has published “Conversations with Jason Berry,” acompendium about the Louisiana writer of that name whose “bodyofwork,”Hunter writes, “has probed the human condition through journalism, theater,cultural criticism, thenovel, film, and history.”
In April, New Orleanian Nancy Lemann’sfirst novel in two decades, The Oyster Diaries, will be released. I eagerly await. Lemann’sfiction, as accurately described in aMarch 23 New York Times feature, is full of “unexpected word choices, asense of place …[and] strong emotion,”whilebeing “preoccupied withwhat she calls the ‘verities’: honor,nobility,humility.”
Speaking of honor: Alsoin April, my former boss Bob Livingston, the longtime congressman from Louisiana,releases “The Rainbow Chaser:The man whogambled for success and broke even.”
The first third is an entertainingly told pre-congressional autobiography; therest is adelineation of examples of “lawfare”bypower-besotted, politicized prosecutors.AsLivingston
Time
We’ve long known that Donald Trump drives his critics crazy, andhe’snow doing it to some critics whoused to be his friends.
The isolationist right is convinced that President Trumpis waging the Iran WaronIsrael’s behalf, which wouldmakehim thehandmaiden of aforeign power That should be afamiliarsounding charge, sinceDemocrats and the legacy media spent most of Trump’sfirstterm making the same accusation,except the foreignpuppeteer was Russia rather than Israel.
details, he himself was targeted by the Justice Department for …well, for something unspecified relating to the Foreign Agents Registration Act, for hisbrief (and well-chosen) lobbying representation of Ukrainian Yulia Tymoshenko,ananti-Russian, pro-Americanpolitical leader Livingston’swell-earned reputation for legal probity (alongwith his bank account, for lawyer’sbills) was placed at severe risk during 20 months of abusive harassment,even though he had dutifully and openly filed requisitepaperwork detailing “hundreds of meetingrequestsand meetings held with [Tymoshenko].” After an 88-page brief conclusively proved his innocence, the would-beprosecutors silently slunk away,and eventually Livingston received an anodyne letter asking him to fix what he calls “a minor clerical omission that was corrected in two minutes.” Nothing remotely approachinga crime; no charges filed.
Allofwhichleads, exactly,where? Well, this being Louisiana, there is a one-degree connection between all four of these people.
Thefirst time Imet Lemann, Iwas workingfor Livingston’s1987 race for governor and she showed up, seeking localcolor for her writings, when he was “guest bartending” as acampaign gimmickatBud Rip’s Old 9th Ward Bar Livingstonand Starr? Fastfriends. Livingstonand Berry? Livingston wrote thelegal brief that first convicted Byron De La Beckwith, the murder-
hiscontradictory statements during this war,nothing we’ve heard suggests anythingother than that he genuinely relishes killing Iran’sleaders and destroying its weapons.
Journalist Jason Berry signs books during the NewOrleans Book Festival at Tulane University in NewOrleans in 2023.
er of civil rights leader Medgar Evers (although Livingston’sbrief helped convict De LaBeckwith not for Evers but for theattempted murder of Jewish leader A.I. Botnick). As it happens, Berry’sfirst job out of college was as press secretary for the Mississippi gubernatorial campaign of Charles Evers, Medgar’sbrother Berry,anavid chronicler of the roots of New Orleansmusic, has favorably mentioned Starr multiple times in Berry’svarious writings on traditional jazz. Meanwhile, Berry’sfirst big break as awriter camewhen novelist Walker Percy put him in touch witha publisher.And for Lemann, Percy was amentor,friend and, in aword she frequently uses for him,her “hero.” Round and round theconnections go. Frommyvantage point, this sort of thingjust doesn’thappen anywhere else quite like it does in Louisiana. For years, our politics were part of our entertainment, and our entertainers (thinksinger/actor Jimmie Davis) became politicians. Andpolitics here inspire great works of fiction —see “All theKing’sMen” —and theconvivial culture draws pols and artistes to eat and drink delectables together while their lives overlap. Somehow,sodothe lives of almost every Louisianan, all wrapped together in one abundant, fascinating jumble. Onedegree of connection always seemstoapply
Email QuinHillyer at quin.hillyer@ theadvocate.com
To partisans behind Bluesky,itmust have seemed like agiftfrom the gods when Elon Musk bought Twitter.Inshort order,he changed its nametoX,shifted its moderation policies sharply to the right and sent millions of internet refugees searching foranew home. But as the ancients knew,gifts of the gods often come with strings attached.
In the twoyears since Bluesky opened to all comers, the social media app has gained 43 million users, an amazing feat foracompany with fewerthan 50 full-timeemployees. That growth got ahuge boost from Musk’santics in the lead-up to the 2024 election, which endowed Bluesky with abase of devoted users —users whoskewed heavily progressive and brought with them cancel culture tactics that had flourished on X. Those users are now the platform’s biggest barrier to growth.
Consider the firestorm that ensued when Jesse Singal joined Bluesky in late 2024. Singal is reviled on the leftfor his reporting on youth gender medicine, and tens of thousands of users have blocked him.Many petitioned for him to be banned from the platform. Bluesky refused. Wherever possible, the company relies on strong moderation tools (such as massblock lists) that let communities police their own boundaries, rather than the whole app. That admirable ethos let Singal stay,but abusive users inundated him with death threats. Singal’s is the mostextremeexample, but it’scommon enough that one of the site’stechnical advisers felt compelled last May to clarify that it was not OK to tell other users to kill themselves. Social media depends on network effects: In theory,each user makes the platform moreattractive to other users. In practice, Bluesky has agroup of users whotry to repel outsiders. Those users are aminority of aminority Chief Operating Officer Rose Wang told me that politics accounts foronly 10 %ofBluesky activity,and mostfolks are sharing stories and swapping memes,not mobbing fellow users. But the territorial faction is strong enough that manynon-progressives quickly gave up, and active daily use stats suggest the platform is hitting aplateau rather than escape velocity While the number of people with Bluesky accounts keeps inching up, active daily posters currently hover around 650,000, about the same as in September
Iasked Chief Executive Officer Jay Graber how the company can grow in such conditions. She had an answer —agood one. But it will be tricky to pull off.
Now,“Russia, Russia, Russia,” as Trump often puts it, has become “Israel, Israel, Israel.”
Temperamentally,Trump loves exercising power,always wants to do it on his own authority,and seeks to preserve hisoptions.Itshouldn’tbe surprising, then, that as commanderinchief of the world’s most proficient military, he’s been drawn to using and threatening force.
Israel didn’t talkTrumpintoconductinghis Venezuela raid, or menacing Denmark over Greenland, or looking to Cubaashis nextpotential target.
theJewish state, but morethan anything,they are damning Donald Trump. What worse offense can apresident of theUnited States commit than subjugating his own nation to aforeign power? It’sa treasonous act that deserves eternal infamy and impeachment and removal.
All of this is misbegotten, first and foremost, because we havenever had a president who is so thoroughly hisown man as Donald Trump. Good luck trying to control him, as so many advisers and consultants have learned over the years There are very few things he’sdone as president where you’vethought “Oh, that’ssounlike him.”
That includes firing FBI Director James Comey in his first term,one of the main countsagainst him duringthe Russia frenzy,and launchingthe war against Iran today.
Going back 50 years,noone would have been shocked to learn that a nationalistic American presidentobsessedwith strength had bombedIran. Trump is just suchafigure, andsure enough, he’sbombed Iran twice in his second term.
Trump has made bellicose statements about Iran since 1980, and despite all
TO
One argument, based on adistortion of remarksmade by SecretaryofState Marco Rubio at theoutset of the war,is that Israel forced Trump’shand; it was going to attack Iran no matter what, andweknew U.S. personnel would be hitbyIran in response and would be particularly vulnerable if we didn’thit Iran as well.
Trump, therefore, had no choice. Check and mate, BibiNetanyahu. Theidea, though, that Trumpwas too sheepish to stay Netanyahu’shand if theIsraeli prime minister was about to launch amilitary operation that Trump opposed and was going to jeopardize American lives is preposterous.
Trump hasbeen happy to say no to Netanyahubefore.Hepressured the Israeli leader into turning back planes at theend of the Twelve-Day Warlast June.
By alleging that Israel forced the U.S. into war,the isolationiststhink they are making aharsh criticism of
This is exactly why theRussia obsessives so delighted in believing that Trumpwas atool of the Kremlin. Most of theright-wing dissenters blanch at following their own logic. An alternative tack —seen in intelligence official Joe Kent’sresignation letter —istoargue that Trumpwas simply fooled. Kent said there was “a misinformation campaign” that “sowed pro-war sentiments,”and that “this echo chamber was used to deceive” the president This argument is still astinging condemnation. It paintsTrumpasaneasily manipulated naïf, and on ahighly consequential matter of war and peace. In reality,there was no broad-ranging media drumbeat for war and no wave of popular support for one. This, again, emphasizes how thedecision was Trump’s, and his alone.
The Russia hoax was, in part,driven by theleft’sshock and disappointment at Trump’svictory in 2016. Likewise, theisolationistsare having trouble processing thefact that the president in whom they invested so much has launched amajor war in the Middle East.
ButTrumpwas not owned by this faction of theright, any morethan he is owned by Israel.
Michael Barone is on X, @MichaelBarone.
Bluesky is not anormal social media company.Organized as apublic benefit corporation, it doesn’thave to prioritize profits forits investors. It takes aspecial kind of mission-oriented investor to embrace that ethos, but apparently they exist. Bluesky just announced that it had raised $100 million forthe company to invest in the platform’sapp and open protocol. The protocol is arguably moreimportant. What is it? Well, Bluesky isn’ttrying to build a walled garden like Facebook or X. It’s trying to create something morelike email: an open system that lets developers build their own Twitter or Substack-like apps atop ashared network of users whowould have one identity across all those applications.
Ifind that vision appealing because Igot my writing start as ablogger
It wasglorious. It also couldn’tlast.
The old internet nerds loved the freedom, but when the masses arrived, that freedom became overwhelming. There was too much content and no quick way to organize it. Meanwhile, traditional media was building its own walls. When digital readership was small, it was safetoput your content online forfree, as akind of advertising. As readership forprint publications dwindled, giving your stuff away got moreexpensive. Alot of virtual ink has been spilled regretting this shift. Bluesky is betting on its reversal: reopen the frontier,leave the little subdivisions and once again cavort on the open range, where communities and developers shape the network without acommon gatekeeper
Iwant to believe that this can happen, as I want to believe that Ican be 28 again. Yeteven apublic benefit corporation needs somerevenue to keep things running, and I’mnot clear where that will come from —whether or not the vision is realized.
Ihave my doubts. But Iamrooting forWang and her team to defymypessimistic expectations. It might be afantasy.But if so, it’sanawfully compelling one.
MeganMcArdle is on X, @asymmetricinfo. Email her at Megan.McArdle@washpost.com.
STAFF PHOTO By SOPHIA GERMER
Quin Hillyer
Michael Barone
ega McArdle M n
PLAYING‘BIG’
LSUneeds post playerstostepuptoreach FinalFour
The guards on the LSU women’sbasketball team should spend their downtime inside aleadroom with one of those radiation warningsymbols onthe door and asign that reads“Dribbleatyour own risk.”
In Sunday’s101-47 demolition of Texas Tech in the NCAA Tournament’ssecond round, Flau’jae Johnson and Mikaylah Williams went nuclear for 24 pointseach in acombined 57 minutes of court time.
MiLaysia Fulwiley had aquietfirst two games of thetournament: 13 points in a 116-58 first-roundwin over Jacksonville, two points against Texas Tech. But that wascoming off astringofsix straight contestswhere she averaged 21.3 points per gameoff the bench. And there’sno forgetting point guard Jada Richard, who has been in double figures in five of the Tigers’ past six contests. Great guard play is as essential as air in the NCAA Tournament. But for LSU (29-5) to getback to theFinal Four,to first overcome Duke in Friday’sSacramento 2regionalsemifinals (9 p.m. ESPN) andthenprobablytop-seeded UCLA on Sundayinthe Elite Eight,LSU will need more than that.
The Tigers will need elite post play
The Tigers will need someone to be
their LaDazhia Williams. Williams started 34 of LSU’s36games at forwardduring the 2022-23 Tigers’ run to their first NCAA championship, playing in the long shadows cast by AllAmerican Angel Reese andguards such as Johnsonand Alexis Morris. But in the Sweet 16 against secondseeded Utah,Williams hadher career moment as aTiger. Battlingdownlow against Alissa Pili, the Utes’ All-American forward,Williams poured in agamehigh 24 points on 11-of-14 shooting with six rebounds. She alsohelped hold Pili to manageable numbers (14 points, five rebounds).
Firing McMahon to hire Wade wouldcost LSUhoops
BY TOYLOYBROWN III Staff writer
While Matt McMahon remains the coach of LSU,his future with the basketball program isn’tcertain.
After missing the NCAA Tournament each of the last four seasons and finishing in the bottom two of the SoutheasternConferencestandings threetimes,LSU could be ready for achange. Apotential new coach rumoredisone familiar with Baton Rouge —North CarolinaState coach Will Wade. The former LSU coach led NC State (20-14, 10-8 ACC) to an NCAA Tournament berth as aNo. 11 seed, losing 68-66 to Texas in the First Fouron March17. He signed asix-year contract worth $17.25 million to lead the Wolfpack in March 2025. If LSU decides to hire Wade, it’ll have to pay apair of buyouts. One would be McMahon’sroughly $8 million buyout with three years left on his contract. Theother is Wade’s, so he can leave NC State afterone year LSUwould have to payNCState $5 million for Wade’s buyout.However, that price tag drops to $3 millionif LSU hires Wade after April 1. The transfer portal window opens April 7. Once LSU pays NC State, it’llhave to hand Wade acontract that is likely comparable to or more thanthe money he would have earned annually at NC State. This then would be followed by agreeing to provide the requisite NIL resources necessarytorebuild the team and the money to hire his coaching staff.
After NC State lost to Virginia in the ACC Tournament on March12, Wade said in anews conference that LSU had not contacted him.
BY TOYLOYBROWN III
Scott Rabalais ä See RABALAIS, page 3C
LSU survivedUtah 66-63, its closest game of the entire tournament. It is fair
BY SCOTT RABALAIS Staff writer
At LSU, Kailin Chio is called “Kailin Ch10” forthe perfect 10s she’s had this season —nine in all.
Now everyone cancallher the Southeastern Conference gymnast of theyear
TheSEC announced itspostseasonhonors Wednesday,with no surprise thatthe LSU sophomore wasnamedthe top gymnast
Not only does Chio have the most 10.0 scores in the nation this season —including an unprecedented threeinthree events in thefinalregular-season meet against Arkansas—but she also is thenation’stop-ranked allarounderand hasthe top season scoring averageonvault and balancebeam.The Henderson, Nevada, native won five All-SEC awards (all-around, vault, bars, beamand floor)enroute to taking theall-around and vault titles Saturday at the SEC championships in Tulsa,Oklahoma. As ateam,LSU finished third behind Florida andOklahoma.
Chio wasnamed theSEC freshman of theyear in 2025, following former LSU great and current assistant coach Haleigh Bryant who accomplishedthatdouble in 2021 and 2024. Chio has 33 individual titles this season and 56 for her career, putting her in 11th place on LSU’sall-timewins list.
Chio wasn’tthe only LSU gymnast to earn top conference honors. Fellowsophomore Kaliya
“Is the jobopenthere?” Wade said. “No? Listen, let me be very clear: I’m excited at NC State. Iwas hired at NC State to do ajob. This wasn’tgoing to take one year.I’ve already met with our administration about next year and some of the changes that we need
See LSU MEN, page 3C
Lincoln, who wona share of the SEC floor title, was named SEC co-specialist of the year along with Skye BlakelyofFlorida and HannahHorton of Missouri. Anative of Frisco, Texas, Lincoln is thefirst LSU gymnast to getSEC specialist honors since fellow Dallas-area native Kiya Johnsonin2021. In addition to Chio andLincoln, sixother LSU gymnasts earned All-SEC recognition: Nina Ballou (floor),Kylie Coen (floor),Emily
Innes(floor), KonnorMcClain (beam), Victoria Roberts (vault) andLexiZeiss (vault). It’sthe third straight year for McClain, ajunior, to earn All-SEC honors.
KJ Kindler of Oklahoma was named SEC coach of the
STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON
LSU forward Kate Kovalshoots over Jacksonville guard Priscilla Williams, left, in an NCAATournament first-round game on Fridayat the Pete Maravich Assembly Center
On TV AUTO RACING
9:30 p.m.
6 p.m. Miami at Clemson ACC
7 p.m. Oklahoma at Texas SEC NCAA MEN’S BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
6:10 p.m. Texas vs. Purdue CBS
6:30 p.m. Iowa vs. Nebraska TBS
8:45 p.m. Arkansas vs.Arizona CBS
9:05 p.m. Illinois vs. Houston TBS MEN’S COLLEGE HOCKEY
12:30 p.m.UConn vs. Michigan
Freshmen to lead Arizona and Arkansas
BY JOSH DUBOW AP sportswriter
SAN JOSE, Calif. — Coach John Calipari has made a career of relying on freshman stars to make long NCAA Tournament runs so the fact that he’s doing it again at Arkansas with Darius Acuff and Meleek Thomas should come as little surprise.
For Arizona, it’s been a bit of a change for coach Tommy Lloyd, the Wildcats have gone from being a veteran-laden team to one that revolves around a talented freshmen duo of Brayden Burries and Koa Peat.
The Sweet 16 matchup in the West region on Thursday night between the top-seeded Wildcats (34-2) and fourth-seeded Razorbacks (28-8) will be the first game played in this round when the top two scorers for both teams are freshmen.
“If you have coaches that are confident in the culture of their program, it doesn’t matter what year you are in school to be able to be a significant contributor,” Lloyd said. “I know, the way our freshmen play, people remind me all the time like, did you realize your three freshmen were the leading scorer last game? No, I didn’t realize that. But when I’m writing up lineup cards and whatever, or game plans, I don’t write freshman next to their name either. I just know they’re really good basketball players.” The winner of the game between the Wildcats (34-2) and the Razorbacks (28-8) will advance to the regional final to play the winner of the game between second-seeded Purdue (29-8) and No. 11 seed Texas (21-14).
The freshmen have carried a heavy load for both Arizona and Arkansas this season with only Duke getting a higher share of its scoring this season from freshmen among NCAA Tournament teams Arizona has had more than half of its scoring — 50.3% — come from freshmen with Burries averaging 16 points per game, Peat at 13.7 and Ivan Kharchenko at 10.7. Arkansas ranks third among tournament teams with 44.2% of its scoring coming from freshman led by Acuff’s 23.3 and Thomas’ 15.6.
The Wildcats won the Big 12 regular season and tournament thanks in large part to the play of Peat and Burries. That carried over to the first weekend of the tournament with Burries scoring 34 points last weekend while making seven of eight 3-pointers, while Beat averaged 14.5 points and 8.5 rebounds per game.
Acuff scored 36 points in the secondround win over High Point for the second most ever for a freshman to De’Aaron Fox’s 39 for Calipari’s Kentucky team against UCLA in the 2017 Sweet 16. His 60 points so far are the most ever for a freshman in the first two rounds and he joined Billy Donovan and Jimmer Fredette as the only players of any class since the tournament expanded to 64 teams in 1985 to average at least 30 points and six assists in the first two rounds.
Thomas scored 40 points the first two games, making Arkansas one of two teams alive in the tournament with two players averaging at least 20 points per game in the first two rounds.
Calipari has made a career of relying on freshmen with talented players such as Fox, Derrick Rose, Anthony Davis, Julius Randle, Devin Booker and Karl-Anthony Towns helping fuel long tournament runs at Memphis and Kentucky
“I would say just it’s the confidence that he instills in his players,” Thomas said. “He doesn’t want anybody to be shy of their own game. When we commit and we come, and it’s time to hoop in the summer, you put your game on display From there on he’ll recognize what you do best and he’s going to help you.”
Pope’s status
Sean Miller is optimistic Texas guard Jordan Pope can play in a homecoming game despite injuring his ankle late in a secondround win over Gonzaga.
“We’re hopeful that he can,” Miller said. “We’ve given him a lot of rest since our last game, and I think he’s really responding to it.”
Pope, who was born and raised in nearby Oakland, is averaging 13.1 points per game for Texas this season and hit a key 3-pointer late in a first-round win over BYU.
“Jordan has really grown and emerged as our point guard,” Miller said. “We depend on him in just virtually every category.”
NCAA TOURNAMENT
Big Red’s bandwagon showing out in H-Town
Nebraska fans hyped about team’s huge turnaround
BY ERIC OLSON AP sportswriter
Oklahoma City was caught off-guard by the invasion of Nebraska Cornhuskers fans for the first and second rounds of the NCAA Tournament. Thousands of people in red took over the arena and downtown eating and drinking establishments. Young men made celebratory dives into a nearby canal after wins. Word spread that some of the bars ran out of the beer of choice, Busch Light. A good time was had by all.
Now the Big Red bandwagon is headed to Houston for the Sweet 16, and the fans are going to be extra frisky with rival Iowa as the opponent for Thursday night’s game at the Toyota Center
A sign that Houston is prepared: Tom’s Watch Bar, designated the official headquarters for Nebraska fans, has opened an outdoor overflow area and rented refrigerated trucks to keep cold drinks at the ready for when the taps run low inside With Sweet 16 games at night and the Houston Astros’ season opener down the street in the afternoon, an estimated 3,000 patrons are expected, said Brooks Schaden, co-CEO of the Denver-based chain with 19 Tom’s locations Nebraska basketball caught on with the masses in the Cornhusker State largely because the program’s turnaround was so dramatic. The Huskers had never won a game in eight previous NCAA Tournament appearances and they still haven’t won a conference championship since 1950.
At a time when the Nebraska football team hasn’t given fans much to cheer about, the basketball team’s 20-0 start under Fred Hoiberg attracted new followers. Jim Holloway, a research engineer at the university’s Midwest Roadside Safety Facility hadn’t attended a Nebraska basketball game in many years and his wife, Jessica, isn’t even a sports fan. But after Nebraska beat Vanderbilt to make the Sweet 16, a game Jim watched alone
THURSDAY’S GAMES
■ No. 11 Texas vs. No. 2 Purdue, 6:10 p.m., CBS
■ No. 9 Iowa vs. No. 4 Nebraska, 6:30 p.m.TBS/TruTV
■ No. 4 Arkansas vs. No. 1 Arizona, 8:45 p.m., CBS
■ No. 3 Illinois vs. No. 2 Houston, 9:05 p.m.,TBS/TruTV
on TV Jessica surprised him by buying tickets from an online broker The Holloways loaded up their dogs in their recreational vehicle Wednesday and began the 13-hour drive from their home in Raymond, Nebraska The fact the RV gets about eight miles per gallon at a time of rising gas prices didn’t faze Jim.
“I like the Hoiberg story, him being from the Midwest and all that good stuff that comes with it,” he said.
“I watched him in the pros, watched him at Iowa State, knew of him. That’s my leading interest. And just the fact they’re having a good season and wanting to be supportive.”
Hoiberg said he and his players appreciate all the support. After the win over Vanderbilt, the players did a victory lap around the arena to high-five the fans. Hoiberg said he had never seen one fan base dominate a venue at a neutral site like that.
“It’s what made that event so unforgettable for so many people,” Hoiberg said “For our guys to go around and show the love to the fans... There’s no doubt they had a
Saints pick up former No. 2 overall pick Wilson
The Saints reached a free agent agreement with former No. 2 overall pick Zach Wilson late Tuesday according to league sources. Wilson will join Spencer Rattler as depth behind starting quarterback Tyler Shough.
The New York Jets selected Wilson with the second pick of the 2021 draft after his breakout junior season at BYU.
Wilson compiled a 12-21 record over parts of three seasons as the Jets starting quarterback.
New York traded Wilson to the Denver Broncos before the 2024 season, and he then spent the 2025 season with the Miami Dolphins. Wilson has a career passer rating of 73.1, having thrown for 23 touchdowns and 25 interceptions in 38 games.
Seahawks to open season on Wednesday of Week 1
SEATTLE The NFL announced Wednesday that the Seattle Seahawks, the league’s reigning Super Bowl champions, will open the season at home on Wednesday, Sept 9, in the regular-season opener for the league.
The league did not name an opponent but did announce the date and time — a 7:20 p.m. kickoff — and TV designation (NBC).
The opponent will be announced with the rest of the NFL schedule this spring.
The date of the Seahawks’ game had been in question because the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers will play on Friday morning, Sept. 11, in Melbourne, Australia — a game that will air in the U.S. on Thursday night, Sept. 10.
Padres RHP Darvish starting season on restricted list
Right-hander Yu Darvish began the season on the Padres’ restricted list while he recovers from elbow surgery which means he won’t be getting paid immediately by San Diego.
Darvish was placed on the restricted list instead of the injured list as the Padres got down to the 26-player active limit Wednesday
The 39-year-old Japanese star won’t pitch this season after elbow ligament repair surgery late last year, but he also hasn’t retired.
Darvish is owed $43 million for the final three seasons of a $108 million, six-year contract: $15 million in 2026 and $14 million each in 2027 and 2028.
The surprising move by Darvish and the Padres could clear budgetary room for San Diego to pursue another player
Cole put on 15-day IL by Yankees before opener
huge impact on us winning those two games just with the energy, how charged-up it was, and it was really fun to be a part of that. Husker fans are going to remember that forever.”
Dawn Friedrich said she and her husband, Jeff, sure will. She said they might attend three Nebraska basketball games per year along with some football and volleyball games. They previously had never traveled for a basketball game. Now they’re hardcore. They drove to the games in Oklahoma City, then back home to Wausa, Nebraska — population fewer than 600 — on Sunday They turned around Wednesday and began their drive to Houston, nearly 1,000 miles away
“We weren’t 100% sure we were going to make the Houston trip,” Dawn Friedrich said, “and then Monday sometime we decided, ‘Yeah, what the heck.’” Following the Huskers isn’t cheap. Ticketing technology company Victory Live, which analyzes prices across multiple re-sale platforms, reported the average price paid for an all-session ticket to Thursday’s games in Houston had increased 22% since Nebraska earned its spot in the Sweet 16. The average price paid Wednesday was $524, up from $429 before Nebraska’s win over Vanderbilt on Saturday
“We told our son last night that we guess we’re spending all your inheritance,” Friedrich said.
SAN FRANCISCO Ace Gerrit Cole was put on the 15-day injured list by the New York Yankees before Wednesday’s season opener against San Francisco rather than the 60-day IL.
If the 35-year-old right-hander had been placed on the 60-day IL, he could have not pitched in a major league game until May 24. He had Tommy John surgery on March 11 last year with Los Angeles Dodgers team physician Dr Neal ElAttrache and has made a pair of spring training starts, on March 18 and on Tuesday New York also placed left-hader Carlos Rodon, recovering from elbow surgery in October on the 15-day IL and put shortstop Anthony Volpe (shoulder surgery) on the 10-day IL
Eighth grader has perfect women’s NCAA bracket
The only perfect bracket left after the opening weekend of the men’s and women’s NCAA tournaments from more than 40 million entries across all the major contests — was produced not by some college basketball expert or betting guru but an eighth grader from suburban Pittsburgh. His name is Otto Schellhammer He is 14 years old. And despite his perfect-so-far women’s bracket, he admits to knowing nothing about hoops. “I play with my friends,” he said, “but I don’t really watch it.” Oh, he’ll be watching now Schellhammer has correctly picked the first 48 women’s games in ESPN’s Tournament Challenge, leaving him just 15 away from perfection. He has Texas cutting down the nets on April 5 in Phoenix.
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTOS By NATE BILLINGS
A Nebraska fan holds a sign after the Cornhuskers beat Vanderbilt in an NCAA Tournament second-round game on Saturday in Oklahoma City
Nebraska coach Fred Hoiberg acknowledges the fans as he leaves the court after a game against Vanderbilt on Saturday
Sources: LSU targets McNeese AD with Wade ties
BY TOYLOY BROWN III and WILSON ALEXANDER Staff writers
LSU is working to hire McNeese State athletic director Heath Schroyer as a senior administrator, which is viewed as an important step in the ability to lure former men’s basketball coach Will Wade back to Baton Rouge, multiple sources told The Advocate on Wednesday Schroyer has led the McNeese State athletic department for nearly six years after he was the program’s men’s basketball coach starting in 2018. After Wade was fired for cause by LSU in spring 2022 because of multiple allegations of NCAA Level I violations, Schroyer hired him as the coach of the Cowboys a year later At LSU, Schroyer would reunite with LSU president Wade
Rousse, who was hired in November after serving as president of McNeese. They worked closely together in Lake Charles, and Schroyer was on campus with Rousse the day he was announced as the LSU president. Schroyer would fill a spot in the athletic department that was vacated when LSU promoted Verge Ausberry to athletic director His role would oversee men’s basketball and external government affairs. There have been discussions about hiring Schroyer at LSU for months, and now the process is accelerating as the school reaches a critical point in its decision with the men’s basketball coaching spot. While current coach Matt McMahon remains, the wheels are in motion to hire Wade away from NC State. He just finished his first season with the Wolfpack with a 20-14 record and a 68-66 loss in
the First Four of the NCAA Tournament to Texas. Wade led McNeese to excellence, winning the regular-season and Southland Conference Tournament championships to earn an NCAA Tournament berth in each of his two seasons at the school. In his second NCAA Tournament appearance at McNeese during the 2024-25 season, the No. 12 seed Cowboys won their first-round matchup against No 5 seed Clemson. This season, McMahon led LSU to a 15-17 overall record and a last-place finish in the SEC, going 3-15. The fourth-year coach’s future with the program is uncertain, as rumors swirl regarding the potential return of Wade. With three years remaining on his contract, McMahon’s buyout if fired at LSU without cause is roughly $8 million.
RABALAIS
Continued from page 1C
to say the Tigers wouldn’t have won the NCAA title without the superb effort Williams gave that day “Shout out LaDazhia,” Johnson said last week going into the NCAA Tournament. “That was my vet. I love her.” As for this year’s post players, this year’s “bigs,” Johnson said: “We’re really telling them, ‘We need y’all. We need y’all. We (guards are) going to handle our part but we need y’all to be big.’ “I think they really like taking on that responsibility And their focus has been unmatched. Kate, Mama, Z and Grace, they’ve really been turning it up a notch. I think they know we need them. And I think they know we’re counting on them.”
Flau’jae spoke of forwards Kate Koval, Amiya Joyner, ZaKiyah Johnson and Grace Knox. All four have rotated in and out of the LSU lineup this season depending on the matchup. They’ve all had big performances at times, but all also have faded into the background at times. They will have to be golden in the Golden State this weekend. Duke starts off with a formidable group of forwards in 6-foot-2 Toby Fournier the Blue Devils’ best player with 17.4 points and 8.0 rebounds per game — along with 6-3 Delaney Thomas (11.1 ppg, 6.4 rpg) and 6-4 Jordan Wood (4.9, 3.1). If LSU can get by Duke for the second time this season (the Tigers won 93-77 at Duke on Dec. 4), then the mountain that is UCLA waits to be climbed (the Bruins play Minnesota in the other regional semi). UCLA (331) got slightly disrespected by
LSU MEN
Continued from page 1C
to make and some of the things that we need to do to put this program where it deserves long term.” Wade also told reporters that the 2025-26 squad would be his worst at NC State.
“We’ll be fine,” Wade said on March 17. “I wouldn’t worry about us. This will be the worst team we have at NC State right here. You just watched it. This is the
LSU forward Kate Koval, center fights for control of the
against Arkansas guard Bonnie Deas, left, and Arkansas forward Maria
Rodriguez, right, on Jan. 29 at the Pete
not being the No. 1 overall NCAA seed instead of UConn, but the Bruins are tough enough. Most formidable of all is 6-7 center Lauren Betts (17.1 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 1.8 blocks per game), who just poured in 35 points and nine rebounds in an 87-68 second-round win over Oklahoma State. In ESPN’s first-rate documentary about NC State’s legendary upset of Houston in the 1983 NCAA men’s final, Dereck Whittenburg talks about Hall of Fame Cougars center Hakeem Olajuwon, saying in subtle but telling fashion, “He is a problem.” Like Hakeem the Dream, Betts is a “Houston, we have a problem” problem. No one, including LSU, has a comp for her, though the 6-5 Koval comes closest. Koval (8.6 ppg, 6.4 rpg) has started only 16 of the Tigers’ 34 games. But she started against Jacksonville and Texas Tech, one assumes to get her acclimated as best as possible for the regional
test to come.
“I feel post play is super important,” Koval said last week, “especially with the system coach (Kim) Mulkey runs. Just being able to step up when our guards are getting doubled or they’re switching up defenses. Just being confident, asking for the ball in the paint and being dominant.
“The mindset is to dominate every game we get. We’ve been working hard for this moment.”
Koval alone doesn’t have to be the low post star for LSU this weekend. ZaKiyah Johnson, Knox or Joyner could fill that role just as well.
But as sure as the sun sets over the Golden Gate bridge each day, one or more of those LSU forwards will have to bring their A-game, their A-plus game, if the Tigers want to bring back a regional title.
Staff writer Reed Darcey contributed to this report.
UConn star Fudd easy to locate during March
BY DOUG FEINBERG AP basketball writer
It’s nearly impossible to miss seeing UConn star Azzi Fudd when tuning in for March Madness, as she’s all over TV commercials and social media.
“Really fortunate to have done some really amazing and fun deals and have some great partnerships,” Fudd said in a Zoom interview with The Associated Press. “I’m super excited to see everything just start to roll out. It’s going to be crazy to see everything I’ve done. I feel like a lot of things are being posted now.”
Fudd is one of the most recognizable stars of women’s basketball, whether in Planet Fitness ads, Marriott Bonvoy spots or Geico commercials.
“Companies are figuring out how to best use college athletes in the moment and you can’t watch a men’s or women’s game without seeing a commercial with Azzi Fudd in it,” said Joe Favorito, a longtime sports consultant and professor in Columbia’s School of Professional Studies. “She had the benefit of being around great players for a while and she’s a great comeback story.”
Fudd, who was an AP All-American this season, said that much of the content was shot earlier in the year so as not to put extra time demands on her during the busiest time of her season.
“I’m excited since March is the best time of the year. I’m excited for everything,” she said.
Partnering with Planet Fitness was a natural fit for Fudd, who has dealt with injuries for much of her college career
“It’s an essential part of literally every single day — some form of recovery,” Fudd said. “So to be able to partner with them and really put that emphasis on how important it is to make sure you’re recovering and take care of yourself physically, mentally you have to put that time with that to take your
comfort.”
She missed 11 games as a freshman with a foot injury The next year she suffered a knee injury in December that cost her 22 games, including time after she reaggravated it.
The next season she tore her ACL in early November and played in only two games. She’s been healthy the last two years, helping UConn win its 12th national championship in 2025 and now has the Huskies four wins away from repeating and capping off an unbeaten season.
“Having gone through the injuries I learned a lot about how important it is to have a great warmup and how extremely vital it is to also have a great recovery,” Fudd said “I’m always doing contrast the cold tub and hot tubs. I’m rolling out for literally an hour before and after practice and work out, it’s using the sauna, it’s stretching. It’s getting those massages. It’s a massage chair It’s any resource I can find.” Fudd credits her mother Katie, who played at NC State and Georgetown, for helping her understand how to take care of herself early on.
“I have a mother who’s also been through a ton of injuries, so she stressed the importance of taking care of our body from a young age,” Fudd said. The mother-daughter combo teamed up in a fun social media spot for Celsius beverages, playing a version of the basketball game “Horse.” Fudd loses to her mom, who hits trick shots to beat the UConn star — who had 34 points in her final home game on Monday night that advanced the Huskies to their 32nd consecutive Sweet 16.
“This started a little before Caitlin Clark and then it exploded,” Favorito said. “Not just for women’s basketball fans, but for people who love sports and pop culture. She’s top of the list right now and where (UConn) goes in the next two weeks will continue to add to that.”
LSU POINT GUARD THOMAS TO ENTER PORTAL
LSU point guard Dedan Thomas will enter the transfer portal, his dad, Dedan Thomas Sr told The Advocate on Wednesday.
The junior spent one season at LSU averaging 15.3 points and a team-leading 6.5 assists before having seasonending foot surgery in February. He is the first player to announce he will enter the transfer portal from coach Matt McMahon’s roster.
The news of Thomas’ intention to transfer comes as signs point toward the potential firing of McMahon and reunion with former LSU coach Will Wade, who currently coaches at NC State. Thomas, who transferred to LSU from UNLV, injured his left foot on Jan. 2, the day before the Southeastern Conference opener He reaggravated the injury on Jan. 28 after playing in three games before being shut down for the season Toyloy Brown III
of our program, and we will be much better moving forward. “We
STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON
LSU forward Amiya Joyner makes a move in the paint after grabbing the rebound against South Carolina in the third period of the SEC rival game on Feb 14 at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center
STAFF FILE PHOTO By HILARy SCHEINUK
ball
Anais
Maravich Assembly Center
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By JESSICA HILL
UConn guard Azzi Fudd reacts after making a 3-pointer during the first half of an NCAA Tournament second-round game against Syracuse on Monday in Storrs, Conn.
STAFF FILE PHOTO By BRETT DUKE
McNeese State coach Will Wade, left, greets McNeese president Wade Rousse, center and athletic director Heath Schroyer after McNeese beat the UNO Privateers at Lakefront Arena on March 6, 2024.
Yorke’spower displayaboonfor LSU
BY KOKI RILEY Staff writer
Zach Yorke arrived at LSU with high expectations.
After hitting.328 with 32 home runs in three seasons at Grand Canyon,Yorkewas LSUcoach
Jay Johnson’sanswer to replacing Jared Jones, the program’sfirst baseman and middle-of-the-order staplefor two years
But Yorke’sseason, through 26 games in Baton Rouge, hasn’tgone to plan. He came into Tuesday’s matchup with Louisiana Tech with just two extra-base hits since Feb. 27 and was takenout of the lineup on Saturday after striking outfour times on Friday (three times looking).
“I had agood meeting with coach after Friday night,”Yorkesaid.“It was probably the worst game of my life.”
Yorke was back in the lineup Tuesday.And for the firsttime in nine contests, he cracked an extrabase hit, blastingapairofhome runs in LSU’s15-5 winatAlex Box Stadium in eight innings. The game ended early duetothe 10-run mercy rule.
Yorke finished 2for 4with awalk and four RBIs. He whipped out a catharticbat flipafter his first homer in the fifth inning, golfing alow fastball 398feet over the right-center wall. The secondball he clubbed over thefencewent 405 feet and was good for threeruns in the eighth.
“I’m proud of him for persever-
SOUTHERN
Continued from page1C
us,” Faulk said abouthis first choice for the position. “Andwhen that happens, you know,itkindof puts you in flux. And Iinterviewed maybe four different guys,and it just wasn’tafitfor what we wanted.”
The person who ended up being the right fit was Rodgers, whohas been with Southern since Feb. 15. While this is his first job at the Division Ilevel, he was highly thought of by atrusted voice, Faulk said. The first-year Southern coach wouldn’tname who recommended Rodgers, but he shared thatthe person hasexperiencecoaching in the NFL and college.
“A good friend of mine who’s really good at coachingspecial teams,” Faulk said. “(Rodgers) came highly recommended because (Rodgers) mentored under him. And because he hasn’tgiven me the right to drop his name to saythat he’shelping us out —he’s coached in theNFL, coached in college, he’sbeen all around. He’s amentor to Cam, and so Cam came highly recommended to us.” Rodgers was adefensive back at Florida Atlantic from 2001-04.He played in 44 games and accumulated 124 tackles, four interceptions, 19 pass breakups and twoforced fumbles in his college career
LSU firstbasemanZach yorkewalks to the batting cage before the game against Oklahoma on Saturdayat Alex BoxStadium.
ing,” Johnson said, “sticking (with it) through failure.”
AproductiveYorke is acrucial componentofthe lineup. If the Tigers hope to bounceback over the next eightweeks of Southeastern Conference play,they need more
He coached atChamberlain
High, his former high school, workingwith the wide receivers and defensivebacksfrom201518. Rodgersmoved to thecollege level in 2019, coaching defensive backsatDivision III TrinityInternational in Illinois.
After oneseason, he joined the staff of Division II Midwestern State in Texas as agraduate assistant, assisting with defensive backsfor ayear.Hewas then an offensive analyst helping with running backs atDivisionIIAlbany StateinGeorgia.
Faulk also said that thesecond week of spring practicedoes not necessarily begin anew phase of preparation. He said that he wants his team to continue to “stack good practicesontop of good practices.”
When asked whetherthere is a side of the football that is doing better so far, Faulk said that “defense will always have an advantage” at this stage. He did expound on how theteam’s progressionin practice isn’t linear and how that’s notanissue.
“I think on both sides of the ball, from zero practice twoMondays agotonow,we’ve shown some progress,” Faulk said. “But you got to be truthful, we’ve taken acouple stepsback.But what IdolikeisI like that the kids are committed to doing it right. They’re getting out there to compete, andthey’regettingfrom drill to drill the way we wantthem to.”
STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON
LSU gymnast KaliyaLincoln finishes her floor routine against Auburn on Feb.13atthe Pete MaravichAssembly Center.Lincoln was named to the all-SEC team on Wednesday.
LSU GYM
Continued from page1C
Alabama were named SEC cofreshmenofthe year
LSU has the week offbefore returningtoaction nextweekwhen the Tigers host an NCAAregional April 1-4 at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.LSU is the No. 2national seed and will compete in the regional semifinals
at 7p.m. April 2against No. 15 Clemson, Auburn and thewinner of thefirst-round meet April 1between Air Force and Nebraska. No. 7Stanford,No. 10 Michigan, North Carolina and Utah Stateare in theother regional semifinal.The top two teams from theregional final plus the top two unattached gymnasts from each event advance to the NCAA championships on April 16and 18 in Forth Worth Texas.
reliable contributors to lengthen theorder and, as Johnson previously has noted, hit moredoubles
Yorke can be an antidote to both issues and help replace the power Jones provided for years.
“My teammates know that I’ve
been pressing alittle bit, which IwishI couldtellyou Iwasn’t,” Yorke said. “But…I’m just going to take it day by day, at-batbyatbat,and keep it positive and try to hit theball hard.”
Yorkewasn’talone in LSU’sof-
ä Kentucky at LSU, 6:30 P.M.FRIDAy,SECN+
fensiveassault againstthe Bulldogs. Sophomore Derek Curiel and junior Steven Milam had three hits apiece. Sophomore John Pearsonand juniorJakeBrown had run-scoring hits. By the end of the night, LSU (17-9) had seven walks and 14 hits.
That offensive performance was more than enough to overcomea sluggish start on the mound and in the field.
Freshman right-hander starter Reagan Ricken allowedtwo runs in thefirstinning. Only oneofthe runs wasearnedbecause of an errant throwfromBrown outof right field that allowed arunner from third base to score. In his third consecutive midweek start, Ricken recordedonly two outs before he was replaced by sophomore left-handerEthan Plog, who finishedthe inning with astrikeout. IncludingPlog, LSU turned to six different armstohold Louisiana Tech (15-11) to one run until the Bulldogs scored twice in the eighth inning.
“Wehave very good lefties, very good righties. Everybody’sgot like their own unique trait,” Plog said. “I think that’svery awesome for us.”
LSU resumes SEC playonFriday against Kentucky.First pitch from Alex BoxStadium is setfor 6:30 p.m., and the game will be streamed on SEC Network+.
Pelicans rookie guardFears
led to aSaddiq Bey layup.
Jeremiah Fears does not live up to his name—hehas no fears. Not even the most majestic arena in the NBA was enough to intimidate the19-year-old rookie of the New OrleansPelicanson Tuesday On anight where the courtside seatsatMadison Square Garden were filled with celebrities such as Spike Lee and Tracy Morgan, one of the biggest stars in thebuilding was Fears. The Pelicanslost to the Knicks 121-116, but not before Fears showed that the bright lights of New York City weren’t too bigfor him.
Fears came off the benchand finishedwith 21 points, three assists, two stealsand one rebound. He shot 9of12from the floor,including 3of5on 3-pointers.
“I thought he hada significant imprint on that game,” Pelicans interim coach James Borrego said. “He made big plays offensively,defensively and got to the rim. Ithought he played avery mature game tonight. In ahigh-level game against avery physical, aggressive defense, he belonged in that game. Andhe turned thegameand gave us a shot to winthat game.”
It was one of Fears’ best gamessince the Pelicans drafted him with the No. 7 overall pick last summer.Zion Williamson, wholed the Pelicans with 22 points on Tuesday,knows what it’slike to play well in a Madison Square Garden debut. When Williamson played his first gameinthe there fiveyear ago in his second season, he poured in 34 points to go with nine rebounds andfive assists. So Williamson wasable to appreciate what Fears did in his first game at MSG.
“He was aggressive from start to finish,” Williamson said. “You can see his maturity in the game as he’spicking and choosing which spots he wants to get to and how he gets to them.Hedid his thing tonight.”
The 21 points were the most Fearshas scored since pouring in acareer-high 28 in aloss to the LosAngeles Clippers on the first day of March. The Pelicans fell behind 9892 early in the fourth quarter against the Knicks. That’swhen Fearsreally got going. He scored 11 of thePelicans’ next 13 points. Hisreverse layup closed thePels’ deficit to 109-105. He followed that up with asteal that
“Inthe moment, you know he’s got it going,” Borrego said. “I think we all felt that. He definitely had it going, hitting big shots. There wasamoment we could have gone back to Dejounte (Murray), but we rolled with Fears. Ithink it wasthe right call. He wasfantastic.” With 2:48 remaining, Borrego subbed in Murray forFears, ending the rookie’sbig night. But for Fears, it wasanight he’ll always remember Now he’ll try to carry it over forthe last nine games of the season, starting with Thursday’s road gameagainst the Detroit Pistons.
“You recognize his aggression and his efficiency out there,” Borrego said. “The biggest thing with him is if he’smaking the right play,you’ve got to live with that. And he is. He’splaying off twofeet, not turning it over,getting shots on goal, putting pressure on the rim.He’smaturing. This second half of the season, he’sreally elevated his game. The future is bright with that kid.”
Anyone whosaw Fears playing under the bright lights of New York City on Tuesday night would agree.
Email RodWalker at rwalker@
SMITH
Pelicans rookie Jeremiah Fears drives to the basket against Newyork Knicks players Mikal Bridges, left,and
Anunoby, right, during the second half of agame on Tuesday in Newyork
Rod Walker
STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON
‘Nobody likes to be humiliated’
Ex-ump worries current umps will be embarrassed when robots overturn calls
BY RONALD BLUM AP baseball writer
NEW
Richie Garcia is worried about the impact that robot umpires will have on their human counterparts Major League Baseball introduced the Automated Ball-Strike System for regular-season play this season starting with the New York Yankees’ opener at San Francisco on Wednesday night, giving teams a chance to appeal strike zone decisions to a system based on 12 Hawk-Eye cameras.
“I think it’s embarrassing, embarrassing to the umpires that are calling the game. Nobody likes to be humiliated in front of 30,000, 40,000 people,” said Garcia, a major league umpire from 1975-99. “What Major League Baseball is saying is: I don’t trust the umpire’s strike zone, so I’m going to use something that’s going to be operated by some computer geek that knows nothing about baseball, and he’s the one that’s going to measure this and measure that because he’s got a Ph.D. in physics or whatever the hell he’s got a degree in.”
Garcia drew criticism for not calling a strike on a 2-2 pitch from San Diego’s Mark Langston to the Yankees’ Tino Martinez in the 1998 World Series opener, and Martinez hit a tiebreaking grand slam on the next offering that sparked New York to a four-game sweep.
Umpires keep improving
While there is constant debate over calls umpires were overall their most accurate ever last year Just not as perfect as technology
There were 368,898 regular-season pitches called by big league umps last season, an average of 152 per game. The 92.83% accuracy rate was the highest — an average of 10.88 missed calls per game, according to MLB. That is down from an average of 16.58 missed calls per game in 2016, when the accuracy rate was 89.31%
“I’m 60 and it seems to me like the younger generation really wants this technology and they want the certainty of a pitch being a ball or a strike,” said Ted Barrett, a big league ump from 1994 to 2022. Under ABS, each team gets two challenges per game and keeps a challenge if successful. A team out of challenges gets one additional in each extra inning.
“As an umpire, you never want to miss anything. You want to be absolutely 100% correct, but we’re all human and that’s just not possible,” said Sam Holbrook, an MLB umpire from 1996 to 2022
“Social media and the media have really been hammering the umpires for pitches that are just minutely off the zone or in the zone or whatever, and it’s just too hard to be perfect with all of this. I think it’s going to be good to correct any egregious pitches. I think it’s going to show
how good the umpires actually are.”
Electronic evaluation
MLB installed an Umpire Information System developed by Questec at some ballparks in 2001 and upgraded to a league-wide Zone Evaluation in 2009 as part the PITCHf/x system.
TrackMan’s doppler radar system took over in 2017 as part of MLB Statcast.
Since 2009, umpires have received a Z-E evaluation for every game they work behind the plate. Since 2014, they also have experienced getting overturned by expanded video review
“It’s tough mentally on an umpire because you failed at your job and there’s that instant feedback of failure,” Barrett said. “Nobody wants to fail at your job, but then there’s also the, hey, thank God I didn’t cost that team a game or a run or a pennant. No one wants to live with that. And so we take the positive of that. The negative is sometimes it’s like: What am I doing over there? I got overturned twice at first base.”
Under ABS, a strike is defined as when the ball crosses over the plate at the midpoint of the plate in a box 53.5% of the batter’s height at the top and 27% at the bottom. That is different from the rule book strike zone of a cube whose top is the midpoint between the top of the shoulders and the top of the uniform pants and whose bottom is at the hollow beneath the kneecap.
“They’re going to change to what the ABS calls, whether it’s a challenge or not because, remember they are getting evaluated on their performance based on that ABS,” Barrett said. Test results
Philadelphia had the best spring training challenge success rate among teams at the plate with 61%, followed by the Chicago Cubs (60%), Boston and Seattle (54% each), while Texas and Arizona (33% each) and Kansas City (34%) were at the bottom.
St. Louis (75%), Cincinnati (71%) and Cleveland (70%) topped challenge success by fielding teams, while the Los Angeles Dodgers (43%) and Baltimore (45%) lagged. Batters won 46% of 887 challenges and defense 60% of 1,020. The Yankees won the most challenges overall with 54, and Arizona, the Dodgers and the New York Mets tied for the fewest wins with 20.
Boston’s Willson Contreras had the most batter challenges and was successful on six of seven. Philadelphia’s Christian Cairo had the most challenges among batters with a 100% success rate at four
Among catchers, Pedro Pagés of St Louis was 8 for 8, Cincinnati’s P.J. Higgins 7 for 7 and Milwaukee’s Jeferson Quero 6 for 6. Edgar Quero of the Chicago White Sox was 2 for 11, Payton Henry of the New York Yankees 1 for 9 and Austin Wynns of the Athletics 0 for 7.
Benetti to lead NBC’s ‘Sunday Night Baseball’
BY JOE REEDY AP sportswriter
When NBC Sports executive producer Sam Flood learned in November that his network would be back doing baseball, he immediately knew who he wanted as his play-by-play voice and the format for it.
Viewers will get their first look and listen on Thursday when NBC has an opening day doubleheader
The prime time game between the two-time reigning World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks will be Jason Benetti’s debut as the network’s lead baseball announcer Benetti will be the voice of “Sunday Night Baseball,” which moves to NBC and Peacock after 26 seasons on ESPN He handled play-by-play for the “MLB Sunday Leadoff” package on Peacock in 2022 after calling baseball for NBC during the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
“Sam and I always joked after 2022 — and he was serious, and it turned out I was, too that if NBC ever got baseball back in this sort of state, that I would be on the list of people that he would call. And I firmly appreciate that,” Benetti said. Benetti had been with Fox Sports since 2022, calling baseball, NFL, college football and college basketball.
Fox let him out of his contract early for this opportunity
NBC will do the Sunday night games and Wild Card rounds the next three seasons after ESPN opted out of its original rights deal with MLB Benetti is a familiar voice for base-
ball fans, especially those in Detroit and Chicago This will also be his third season calling Tigers games locally after eight seasons with the White Sox.
The format of “Sunday Night Baseball” will be the same as it was for “Sunday Leadoff.” Benetti will be joined in the booth by analysts from both teams. On Thursday night, it will be former Dodgers pitcher Orel Hershiser and Diamondbacks slugger Luis Gonzalez, who led the franchise to a World Series title in 2001.
For the first “Sunday Night Baseball” game between the Cleveland Guardians and Seattle Mariners, it will be Rick Manning and Ryan RowlandSmith.
“At some point, somebody will ask if you’re around a bunch of baseball people, what three people would you want to have at the dinner table to talk baseball? And I kind of get to do that with this every week,” Benetti said. “It’s going to be two separate people who maybe you haven’t heard have a baseball conversation before. That brings me a lot of joy and curiosity, and we think it’s going to be for fans as well.”
Having analysts from both teams also harkens back to when NBC did the World Series. From 1947 through ’76, NBC would use either the play-byplay announcers or analysts for the Fall Classic.
In 1975, Carlton Fisk’s epic home run in the 12th inning of Game 6 was called on NBC by Red Sox announcer Dick Stockton, who would later become the lead NBA voice for CBS.
“The biggest complaint you hear during the postseason in baseball is, I can’t
North Carolina parts ways with Davis after 5 years
BY AARON BEARD AP basketball writer
Hubert Davis appeared to be the right coach to be North Carolina’s bridge from Dean Smith to Roy Williams and into the future. Instead, that run lasted just five years. North Carolina has parted ways with Davis, announcing Tuesday night that it had made “a leadership change” to end Davis’ tenure as successor to retired Hall of Fame coach Williams. Davis’ time featured multiple high points, but also wild swings of results, an inconsistency that runs contrary to the Tar Heels’ status as a tradition-rich blueblood with a hallmark of sustained top-tier success. In its announcement, the school said athletic director Bubba Cunningham and executive associate AD Steve Newmark — who will take over as Cunningham’s successor in July — made the recommendation ultimately accepted by chancellor Lee Roberts.
“We appreciate all that Hubert has done for Carolina as a player, assistant coach, head coach and community leader — he has helped make special memories we will never forget,” Cunningham said in a statement “This was not an easy decision because of Hubert’s tremendous character and all he has given to the program, but we must move forward in a way that allows our team to compete more consistently at an elite level.”
In his own statement posted on social media, Davis said he had been “let go” by the school and that he hopes to continue coaching.
“My desire was to continue to coach here,” Davis said. “This opportunity has truly been such a blessing.
I thank Jesus literally every day for giving me the opportunity, relationships and experiences with the kids and my staff.
“I am very proud of what we were able to accomplish together My goal is to coach again in the very near future.”
The program with six NCAA titles and a nationalrecord 21 Final Fours now has just three March Madness wins in the four seasons since an unexpected run to the 2022 national title game in Davis’ debut season. The Tar Heels reached the Sweet 16 as a No. 1 seed in 2024 before being upset by Alabama, but otherwise haven’t reached the round of 32 in that span, and even missed the NCAAs entirely in 2023.
Davis, who played
hear my people. I can’t hear my guys call the game. We’re going to have one person that’s authentic to that team calling games through the season,” Flood said, the executive producer of NBC Sports. “When we do the Wild Card round, it will exist as well. Because it’s the best way to know exactly what’s going on inside each clubhouse, on the field who’s hot, who’s not and what matters most to those fans.”
Benetti said he will enjoy the challenge of working with different analysts every week, and that working nine innings with two people each with their own cadence and tenor will be a fun puzzle to solve.
Benetti likened it in some ways to when he worked college basketball games on ESPN with the late Bill Walton. There was also a White Sox game in 2019 in Southern California against the Angels, where Walton was Benetti’s analyst.
“When I worked with Bill — a marvelous, joyful human being — you just had to know that you’re going to have to pay attention to the game and then Bill and the conversation, whatever crosses your own synapses, and then weigh that at all times. And it’s this crossword puzzle that is not black and white; it’s like psychedelic squares instead, but you just kind of have to always gauge where your mind needs to go. “And the answer usually is two or three places at once,” Benetti said. “Working with Bill in large part taught me that you can have a conversation about a lot of things while honoring the game and having a great time doing it.”
The final blow was Thursday’s overtime loss to VCU in the NCAA Tournament in which the Rams rallied from 19 down for the biggest comeback in firstround history, changing the tenor of conversations about Davis’ future. And by Saturday, Cunningham said the school was evaluating “all facets” of the program. Ultimately, that led to moving forward without the 55-year-old Davis, a popular former UNC player under Smith who went on to play 12 years in the NBA, work in broadcasting at ESPN, then join Williams’ staff as an assistant in 2012.
The school said it will honor terms of Davis’ contract. He signed a two-year extension last season running through 2029-30. The school would owe Davis roughly $5.3 million for the remaining future years of his deal, plus remaining payments for the 2025-26 fiscal year that ends June 30. Davis, who played at UNC from 1988-92, finished with a 125-54 record with the Tar Heels for a 69.8% win percentage.
Davis’ tenure
The high point of Davis’ tenure came early, with a
wild late-season ride to the 2022 NCAA championship game that seemed to validate Williams’ backing of his former assistant. That included two of UNC’s biggest wins against famed rival Duke, the first in spoiling Hall of Famer Mike Krzyzewski’s home finale at Cameron Indoor Stadium and the second a month later to end Coach K’s career in the first-ever tournament meeting at the Final Four Davis also won an Atlantic Coast Conference regular-season title in 2024, while he would become the first coach in ACC history to win at least 20 games in each of his first five seasons. Yet the low points were problematic for a program that measures itself by marquee wins and banners. They were hardly on the level of the 8-20 crashout under Matt Doherty in 2002 or even Williams’ lone losing season (14-19) in 2020. Yet the stumbles under Davis that would’ve qualified as successes elsewhere struck at the core identity of a program with national brand-name relevance and ties to some of the sport’s biggest names like Smith, Williams, James Worthy, Michael Jordan and Vince Carter Davis’ 2023 team had the ignominy of becoming the first team ranked No. 1 in the preseason AP Top 25 to miss the NCAA Tournament. After the 2024 surge came on a pitch-perfect dip into the transfer portal, the Tar Heels followed by going just 1-12 in Quadrant 1 games that top a postseason resume, then squeaked into the First Four to beat San Diego State before falling in the first round to Ole Miss. A course-altering injury The Tar Heels appeared ready for a leap this year with top recruit and highend NBA prospect Caleb Wilson proving to be an immediate star The Tar Heels beat Kansas and won at Kentucky, made a huge comeback to win at Virginia. Then they gave No. 1 overall NCAA Tournament seed Duke one of its two losses all year on Seth Trimble’s last-second 3-pointer to sit at 19-4. But Wilson broke his left hand days later at Miami. Then, when he was on the verge of returning in early March, Wilson — later chosen an AP second-team All-American broke his right thumb during a noncontact drill and was lost for the season. The Tar Heels didn’t win again. They lost at Duke and fell behind by 18 before falling short in a frantic comeback against Clemson in the ACC Tournament. Then they faded against VCU after leading 56-37 on Trimble’s layup with 14:58 left. That only increased existing scrutiny of Davis’ coaching decisions — such as shortening his second-half rotation to have four players play all 20 second-half minutes as well as his terse and awkward responses afterward. Davis was asked at one point what had gone wrong in that game.
“What do you mean?” he responded in what turned out to be his final news conference as coach.
ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By ASHLEy LANDIS
A replay from the Automated Ball-Strike System plays after a play was challenged during the second inning of a spring training game between the Seattle Mariners and Los Angeles Dodgers on Feb 25 in Phoenix.
Catholic pitcher Reis Wascom has been astarter for the Bears all season, but on Wednesday he took on anew role.
Bearscoach Brad Bass askedhis sophomore right-handertocome outofthe bullpen against Central at Grizzly Field. Whenstarter Jason DeCuir struggled with his command early,hitting three Central batters,Wascom tookoverin the second inning.
AWascom wild pitch against his first batter scored arun to tie the game at 1-1, but he quickly settled in and cruised after.He pitched 52/3 innings and did not allow ahit in a5-1 win over Central at Catholic.
“That’samaturity beyond the years of asophomore,” Bass said “Give him all the credit in the world for being prepared and moving to the bullpen.”
Wascom threw 40 strikes of his 61 pitches and struck out three. He kept the Wildcats offense quiet, allowing just two base runnerson an error in the second inningand a
Boys golf at BeaverCreek
Team scores 1, Prairieville 337; 2, Central 364;3,Walker 399; 4, West Feliciana 400 Medalists 1, EdwardSanchez,Prairieville, 79; 2, Creed Elledge,Walker, 82; 3, Deacon Finnerty,Prairieville, 85; 3, JeremyEasley Prairieville, 85 Boys tennis Denham Springs 3, Baton Rouge High 2 Singles Daniel Benjamin, Baton Rouge High def. Mason Bell 6-0, 6-1 Taige Yao, Baton RougeHigh def.Gabriel Daigle 6-1, 6-1
hit-by-pitch in the fourth.
“JustmadesureI stayed loose during allthe earlyinnings,”Wascomsaidonhis new role. “When I found it was my turn to go in, just go outand do whatI do.”
Catholic (23-2) put runners on thecorners in thefirst inning with twoouts. ShortstopMills Richardsonthenlaid down abunt and beat out the throw to put his team up 1-0.
The Wildcats responded in the top half of the second. DeCuir hit thefirst two batters with one out.
Wascom took over on the mound and Central’sCooper Austinhit a grounder to Wascom, but he slung it over the head of his first baseman, allowingarun to score.
Central (17-7) attempted to add to its inning, but Bearsright fielder
Harrison Kiddercollected the errant ball and rocketed the ball toward home plate in time to get the runner out.
Wascom then forced aflyout to end theinning
“I just got to go out there and do my job,” Wascom said. “Throw strikes, allow my defense to make plays, and that’swhat Idid.”
Singles Matthew Macaluso, Prairieville def. Jackson Simpson 6-3, 6-2 Cameron Spears, Prairieville def. Hayden Cowen6-1, 6-1
Doubles
Chris Oliver/Lucian Pham, Dunham def. Aiden Westerhaus/Carson Guy 6-1, 6-0 Bennett Lasseigne/Cooper Eeingenburg, Dunham def. Jacob Kosterlak 6-4,6-1
The Bears answered with four runs in thebottom of thesecond. After awalk and asingle put two runners on,Hayes Seager hit a grounder to Central secondbaseman Aaron Keller.Hebobbled the ball, which allowed arun to score from thirdand allowed Seager to
REPORT
Adam Nesheiwat/Parker Allee, Dunham def.
Drew Lacroix/Nordy Samson 7-5,6-3
Girls tennis
Baton Rouge High 3, Denham
Springs 2
Singles Meredith McNulty,Baton Rouge High def. Kendyll Davis 6-0, 6-0
Lillian Tessier, Baton Rouge High def. Karmen Kimble6-0, 6-1
Arizona-Arkansas winner vs.Purdue-Texas winner, TBA FINAL FOUR At Lucas Oil Stadium Indianapolis National semifinals Saturday, April 4 TBD vs.TBD,TBA
ner, TBA SACRAMENTO4 Regional semifinals Saturday South Carolina vs.Oklahoma, 4p.m. TCUvs. Virginia, 6:30 p.m. Regional championship Monday South Carolina-Oklahoma winner vs.TCUVirginia winner, TBA FORT WORTH1 Regional semifinals Friday UConn vs.North Carolina, 4p.m. Vanderbilt vs.NotreDame, 1:30 p.m. Regional championship Sunday UConn-North Carolinawinner vs.VanderbiltNotreDame winner, TBA FINAL FOUR At Mortgage Matchup Center, Phoenix National semifinals Friday, April 3 TBD vs.TBD,TBA TBD vs.TBD,TBA National championship Sunday, April 5 Semifinal winners, 2:30 p.m. Major League Baseball American League glance Wednesday’s game N.Y. Yankees 7, San Francisco 0 Thursday’s games Chicago White Sox(Smith 0-0)atMilwaukee (Misiorowski 0-0), 1:10 p.m. Minnesota (Ryan 0-0) at Baltimore(Rogers 0-0), 2:05 p.m. Boston (Crochet 0-0)atCincinnati (Abbott 0-0), 3:10 p.m. Detroit (Skubal 0-0) at San Diego (Pivetta 0-0), 3:10 p.m. L.A. Angels(Soriano 0-0) at Houston (Brown 0-0), 3:10 p.m. TampaBay (Rasmussen 0-0)atSt. Louis (Liberatore0-0),3:15 p.m. Texas(Eovaldi 0-0) at Philadelphia (Sánchez 0-0), 3:15 p.m. Cleveland (Bibee 0-0) at Seattle(Gilbert 0-0), 9:10 p.m. Friday’s games N.Y. Yankees at San Francisco, 3:35 p.m. AthleticsatToronto, 6:07 p.m. Kansas CityatAtlanta, 6:15 p.m. L.A. AngelsatHouston, 7:15 p.m. Detroit at San Diego, 8:40 p.m. Cleveland at Seattle, 8:45 p.m. National League glance Wednesday’s game N.Y. Yankees at San Francisco, n Thursday’s games Pittsburgh (Skenes 0-0)atN.Y. Mets (Peralta 0-0), 12:15 p.m. Chicago White Sox(Smith 0-0)atMilwaukee (Misiorowski 0-0), 1:10 p.m. Washington (Cavalli 0-0) at Chicago Cubs (Boyd 0-0),1:20 p.m. Boston (Crochet 0-0)atCincinnati (Abbott 0-0), 3:10 p.m. Detroit (Skubal 0-0) at San Diego (Pivetta 0-0), 3:10 p.m. TampaBay (Rasmussen 0-0)atSt. Louis (Liberatore0-0),3:15 p.m. Texas(Eovaldi 0-0) at Philadelphia (Sánchez 0-0), 3:15 p.m. Arizona (Gallen 0-0) at L.A. Dodgers(Yamamoto 0-0), 7:30 p.m. Friday’s games N.Y. Yankees at San Francisco, 3:35 p.m. Colorado at Miami,6:10 p.m. Kansas CityatAtlanta, 6:15 p.m. Detroit at San Diego, 8:40 p.m. Arizona at L.A. Dodgers, 9:10 p.m. College baseball Tuesday’s games UL 9, Southeastern 3 Southern 6, McNeese2 UNO 7, Jackson State 0 LSU 15, Louisiana Tech 5 Wednesday’s game Tulane 15, Grambling5 Thursday’s
State scores, schedule Tuesday’s games Southern 2, Xavier 1, Game 1 Southern 6, Xavier 2, Game 2 Southeastern Louisiana 3, UL-Monroe 0 LSU 9, Louisiana Tech 0 UL 5, McNeese State 2 Wednesday’s game Southern Miss 5, Nicholls State4 Thursday’s games No games scheduled Friday’s games Nicholls at Lamar (DH), 2p.m. Southeastern at TexasA&M-Corpus Christi, 4p.m. Alcorn at Southern, 5p.m. Oklahoma at LSU,6p.m. UL at ULM, 6p.m. Tennis Miami Open At HardRock Stadium. Miami Gardens Purse: $9,415,725 Surface: Hardcourt outdoor Men’s singles Quarterfinals Jiri Lehecka (21),Czechia,def.MartinLandaluce, Spain, 7-6(1),7-5 Women’s singles quarterfinals Elena Rybakina (3), Kazakhstan, def. Jessica Pegula (5), United States,2-6, 6-3, 6-4. Transactions BASEBALL Major League Baseball American League BALTIMORE ORIOLES —Designated RHP Jackson Kowarand
March 22. CHICAGOWHITE SOX—Placed INF Brooks Baldwinand CKyleTeel on the 10-dayILand RHPsPrelander Berroa,DrewThorpe and MikeVasil on the 15-dayIL. Designated CKoreyLee andINF Curtis Meadfor assignment. CLEVELAND GUARDIANS —PlacedRHPs Andrew Walters and Hunter Gaddis on the 15-dayILand OF George Valeraonthe 10dayIL, retroactive to March 22. Designated OF Johnathan Rodríguezfor assignment. Selected the contractof1BRhysHoskins from Columbus (IL). DETROIT TIGERS —Selected INF Kevin McGonigle from Erie. DesignatedRHP Dylan Smith for assignment. OptionedRHP Brenan Hanifee to Toledo (IL).PlacedRHP Sawyer Gipson-Long and LHP Bailey Horn on the 15dayILand INF Trey Sweeney on the 10-day IL, retroactive to March 22. HOUSTON ASTROS —Selected the contracts of RHP Christian Roaand CChristian VázquezfromSugar Land (PCL). PlacedOF Zach Dezenzo on the 10-dayIL. PlacedRHPs RonelBlanco, EnyelDeLos Santos,Nate Pearson and Hayden Wesneski and LHPs Josh Hader and Bennett Sousaonthe 15-day IL. Placed LHP Brandon Walter on the 60-day IL. Designated CCésarSalazar for assignment. Optioned OF Zach Cole to Sugar Land. KANSAS CITY ROYALS —PlacedRHP James McArthur on the 15-dayIL, retroactive to March 22. Selectedthe contractofRHP Eli Morgan from Omaha. LOSANGELES ANGELS —Selected the contracts of 3B Jeimer Candelario and2BAdam Frazier from SaltLake(PCL). MINNESOTA TWINS —Selected the contract of RHP Cody LawerysonfromSt. Paul (IL) Placed RHPsTravis Adams and David Festa on the 15-dayIL, retroactive to March22. NEW YORK YANKEES —PlacedRHP Gerrit Cole and LHP Carlos Rodón on the 15-day IL. Placed INF AnthonyVolpe on the 10-day IL. OptionedRHP Luis Gil to Scranton/WilkesBarre(IL).SignedOFRandal
PHOTO By PATRICK DENNIS
Catholic High’sReis Wascom pitches in relief in the second inning against Central on Wednesday at Catholic. The sophomore came out of the bullpen and pitched 523 innings without allowing ahit in a5-1 win.
BY LINDA GASSENHEIMER
Tribune News Service (TNS)
Chimichurri Taco Yields 2 servings. Recipe is by Linda Gassenheimer
1. Heat oil in a skillet. Add the cauliflower and saute 2 minutes. Turn cauliflower over and cover the skillet with a lid. Cook the cauliflower for
2.
NUTRITION
BY APRIL HAMILTON
Contributing writer
Editor’s note: During April Hamilton’s kitchen remodel, she’s moved her cooking into the backyard. This is the second in a series spotlighting some of the outdoor meals she prepares for her family
The kitchen is my playground, a place with myriad options for fun and creativity The drawback to my kitchen of nine years was the limited space to invite friends to play along. We hosted dozens of dinner parties over these years, and friends fretted that I kept them on the outskirts of the action. Extra people in the small but mighty kitchen would inevitably lead to a daring game of bumper cars. The walls had to come down. While our kitchen and beyond was carefully and cleanly disassembled by the contractor team, we headed to the great outdoors: our semi-covered pool deck providing partial shelter and a space
to cook, campsite style. With a family history of camping, this cooking concept is familiar and requires only a few simple tools. Plus, with access to refrigeration, a garden hose and electricity, we are hardly roughing it. My first goal was to utilize the contents of my pantry, a tiny kitchen closet that was full of
BY GRETCHEN McKAY
Not everyone is a fungi fan. For some, it’s a textural thing (mushrooms can be slimy or rubbery) while others simply don’t like their earthy flavor (or smell!) or the fact they’re grown on decaying matter But here’s a few reasons you might want
hidden treasures. Fire-roasted canned tomatoes, a bag of sweet potatoes from the farmers market and cans of black beans were discovered just as the temperature plummeted. I made a double batch of sweet potato chili, a recipe from my own cookbook, with flourishes, that fed us for days. It also complied with the next goal: keep the cooking confined to a single pot or pan, all done on a Coleman one-burner camp stove. On weekends, we fire up the grill and let the rice cooker bubble enough rice to fill our menus for the week and repeat. Colorful salads fill half the plate. Six weeks in and roughly 10 more to go — and the routine has been a fun challenge, filled with nostalgia. In the dark of predawn, my husband brews the coffee in a Chemex pour-over with boiling water from an electric kettle. The aroma is an escape from construction chaos to memories of family camping and immersing in nature.
STAFF PHOTOS By MICHAEL JOHNSON April Hamilton finishes stirring a pot of Sweet Potato Chili.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (TNS)
PHOTO By LINDA GASSENHEIMER
Sweet Potato Chili
Howtowater Africanviolets
Dear Heloise: African violets often look droopy and tired without the right light or amount of water.Ifyour plant struggles in adesk or shadowy corner,move it to an east-facing window Theseplants thrive in mild morning light but dislike the hot afternoon sun from west windows. Place the pot on a windowsill or on a table with adrainage tray.When the soil feels dry,push your finger about an inch in to check. If it’sdry,water the plant thoroughly and let excess water drain out.Let the pot sit in the tray for an hour so that the soil absorbs what it needs. Afterward, pour off any extra waterand wait for the soil to dry before watering the plant again. —Kathleen Tideman, via email
Jewelryorganizer
Clashofhosting styles
Dear Heloise: My husband accidentally dribbled superglue on my Corian kitchen countertop. Can it be removedwithout damagingthe surface? He’d really like to get outofthe doghouse! —FreyaWaynberg, via email
Dear Heloise: If you struggle to keep earrings paired and easy to find, try usinga small tackle box. Clear plastic boxes for fishing lures often have many small compartments, making them perfect for organizing earrings.
Each section holds apair so that you won’thave to dig through adish or untangle pieces. The boxes are compact and lightweight, and they fiteasily in adrawer,onadresser,oron acloset shelf. The clear lid lets yousee everythingata glance. Youcan findsmall tackle boxes at stores like Dollar Tree, Dollar General, Walmart, or sportinggoods stores. It’sacheap, practical way to keep jewelry tidy and accessible. Linda Rudolph,via email Removing superglue
rub lightly.Test an unseen spot first to check the finish. Finally,wash with warm, soapy water and dry well. —Heloise Petprescriptionmeds
By The Associated Press
Today is Thursday, March 26, the 85th day of 2026. There are 280 days left in the year
Todayinhistory: On March 26, 2024, Baltimore’sFrancis Scott Key Bridge collapsed after being struck by acontainer ship, killing six maintenance workers on the bridge. (Maryland officials have announced plans to replace the bridge by late 2030.) Also on this date: In 1812, an earthquake devastated Caracas,Venezuela, causing as many as 30,000 deaths. (The U.S Congress later approved $50,000 in food aid to be sent to Venezuela —the first example of American disaster assistance abroad.)
In 1945, U.S. forces declared victory in the Battle of Iwo Jima against the Japanese Imperial Army.(U.S. Marines and Navy personnel sufferedroughly27,000 casualties and Japanese forces more than 18,000 in the 36-day battle.)
In 1979, apeace treaty
Freya, yes!Corian is durable, so you can usually removesuperglue without harming it. Instead of wiping it while it’swet,Irecommendwaitingapproximately 30 minutes, oruntil the glue is gelatinousbut not fully hardened.Then carefully scrapeaway the glue with asharp chisel or card scraper.Work slowly to avoid scratching the surface. If afilm remains, dab abit of acetone-based nail polish remover on asoft clothand
TODAYINHISTORY
was signed byIsraeli Prime MinisterMenachem Begin andEgyptian PresidentAnwar Sadat and witnessed by President Jimmy Carter at theWhite House.
In 1992, ajudge in Indianapolis sentenced former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson to six years in prison for arape conviction. (Tyson was released in 1995.)
In 2013,Italy’stop criminalcourt overturned the acquittalofAmerican Amanda Knox in the2007 killingof British roommate Meredith Kercher andordered Knox to stand trial again. (Convictedinabsentia, Knox was exonerated bythe Italian Supreme Court in 2015.)
In 2018, atoxicology report obtained by The Associated Press revealed that the late pop superstar Prince had “extremely high” levels of fentanyl in hisbodyatthe time of his death in April2016. In 2021, Dominion Voting Systems fileda$1.6 billion defamation lawsuit against FoxNews, sayingthe cable news giant falsely claimed that thevotingcompany
Dear Heloise: Many pet owners buy prescription medications from their veterinarian for convenience, but it’s smart tocompare prices. Somereputable online pet pharmacies sell the samemedicationsfor less. There are manyonline pharmacies, so do someresearch before choosing one. Broaden your search to include the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, which governs theapproval of internet pharmacies in theUnited States. Somepet pharmacies, such as Pet Rescue Rx,donate aportion of purchases to rescue organizations. This means that buying pet medicine can support animal rescues. Your veterinarian must authorize all prescriptions, so confirm the medication, dosage, and the pharmacy’s legitimacy before ordering. By checking prices and reputable sources, you can save money while ensuring that your pet receives safe, effective treatment. —John H., in San Antonio Send ahinttoheloise@ heloise.com.
Dear Miss Manners: My inlaws and Iare opposites on acellular level when it comes to hosting. It ends up making me feel uncomfortable every time we get together,even if it’s just for very small, informal family gatherings.
Iwas taught to set adate and time and let invitees know in advance. The host chooses the menu, and the guests may offer to bring something.You might bring home leftovers of the dish you brought,oryou can leave them for the host.
rigged the2020 election. (Fox would eventually agree to pay Dominion $787.5 million in one of the largest defamation settlements in U.S. history.)
Today’sbirthdays: Basketball Hall of Famer Wayne Embry is 89. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is 86. Author Erica Jong is 84. Journalist Bob Woodward is 83. Singer Diana Rossis82. Rock singer Steven Tyler (Aerosmith) is 78. Actor-comedian Vicki Lawrence is 77. Actor-comedian Martin Short is 76. Country singer Ronnie McDowell is 76. Country singer Charly McClain is 70. TV personality LeezaGibbons is 69. Football Hall of Famer Marcus Allen is 66. Actor Jennifer Grey is 66. Basketball Hall of Famer John Stockton is 64. Actor Michael Imperioli is 60. Country singer Kenny Chesney is 58. Actor Leslie Mannis54. Google co-founder Larry Pageis 53. Rapper Juvenile is 51. Actor Keira Knightley is 41. Actor-comedian Ramy Youssef is 35. Actor Ella Anderson is 21.
ChickenMeatballs inMushroom Sauce
Serves 4-6. Recipe is by Gretchen McKay,Post-Gazette.Iused groundwhite meat chickenand whitebuttonmushrooms. If the mushrooms are not packaged clean, be sure to remove anydirtwithadamp paper towel.
FORMEATBALLS: 1pound ground chicken
½cup pankoorregular breadcrumbs
1⁄3 cup whole milk
1largeegg,beaten 1
3 cup grated Parmesan
2tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1teaspoon garlic powder
1teaspoon onion powder
½teaspoon dried oregano
1teaspoon kosher salt
Extra-virgin olive oil, for frying FOR SAUCE:
2tablespoons butter
1tablespoon olive oil
2cloves garlic, minced
1largeshallot, peeled and chopped(about¼cup)
1cup mushrooms, finely chopped
2tablespoons flour or cornstarch
1½ cups chicken broth or stock
1teaspoon chopped fresh
rosemary
1teaspoon chopped fresh parsley
Pinch of smoked paprika
Salt and pepper,totaste
½cup heavy or light cream
Continued from page1D
When buying, look for mushrooms that are firm and consistent in coloring. Unless they’re dried, bulk
2. Using aspoon or small ice cream scoop, roll into 24 meatballs.Place on abaking sheet, place in refrigerator and allow meatballs to chill for 20 minutestohelp them firmup.
3. When readyto cook,heat ¼ inch of olive oil in alarge saute pan over medium-high heat. Placemeatballs in the hotoil in asingle layer; don’t overcrowdthe pan. Youmay need to cook in batches.
4. Cookfor about 3-5minutes per side, turningthem regularly to get an even brown crust on all sides.
5. Remove to apaper towel-lined plate to drain and setaside whileyou make the sauce.
6. Heat 2tablespoonsbutter and 1tablespoon oliveoil in the same pan. When sizzling, add minced garlic and chopped shallot. Cook until the shallots soften and turn
1. In large bowl, stir together ground chicken, breadcrumbs, milk, beaten egg, Parmesancheese, parsley, oliveoil, spicesand salt. Mix with your hands or arubber spatulauntil well combined.
mushroomsshouldbeused within just afew daysof purchasing, stored in a brown paper bag. If you can’tbear the thought of not washing them(some are packaged clean),quickly rinse them with cold water and use a
translucent.Add chopped mushroomsand cook for another 4-5 minutes.
7. Whiskinflour or cornstarch andcook for 1more minute to get rid of the raw flourflavor.Slowly add chicken broth or stock, whisking continuously until thesauce thickens.
8. Stir in rosemary,parsley and apinch of paprika, then season to taste with salt andpepper. Gentlyfold in meatballs. If the sauce is toothick, adda little more stock or water
9. Simmer meatballs for 10 minutes, gently stirring every so often. Stir in heavy cream, toss to makesure it’s well combinedand turnoff theheat.
10. Serve hot on top of noodles, rice or mashed potatoes.
NOTE: To cutdownonfat, bake themeatballs in a375 F oven for about 20 minutes instead of frying them. Ilove the taste of fresh rosemary, but some people don’tlike it. If you’re not afan, simply leave it out of the sauce.
salad spinner or clothto drythem quickly.Or, wipe them with adamp paper towel
Ifried themeatballs in olive oil, but you
ries.
When Ileave their house, they drill me equally well about which leftovers I would like, how much of those leftovers, and what else from the fridge can they send home. From their perspective, this consideration is very generous. But as aguest, I don’twant to decide what they serve or offend anyone by not taking leftover noodles.
On theother hand, my inlaws will wait until aday or two before aspecial date, then seemingly remember it ought to be celebrated. This is aheadache for holidays when we need to coordinate with my family as well, and has led to theimpression that my husband and Iprioritize my family, who have set adate and time weeksinadvance.
As for their menu, it’s typically not set until the guestshave arrived. Iget quizzed on what Iwould like to eat, down to which type of noodle Iwould prefer and would my kids like their cucumbers peeled or unpeeled. Someone usually has to run to thestorefor a missing ingredient
When invited to our house, they request, “Can you makethe cheesy potatoes?” and afterward they ask, “Can Itake the potatoes home?” which seems rude to me. They probably think I’m being stingy fornot wanting to makethe cheesy potatoes (I’m already planning to makemashed) or offering them yogurt that’s about to expire from my fridge.
Are they generous and I’mstingy? Or are they rude and indecisive? And knowing neither party is likely to change, how can I better navigate these awkwarddifferences in the future?
Gentle reader: Etiquette neitherknows norcares who is generous andwho is stingy,and indecisive andrude arenot opposites. But youhavecome
to the right place to ask howtonavigate these differences. There will need to be adivision, stating which family is responsible for which festivity each year
On your birthday (presumably your responsibility), your rules will govern, and the in-lawswill be told the date months in advance. On your sister-in-law’s birthday,her rules will govern. Youwill learn the date (one hopes) in enough timenot to miss little Liam’sschool play and to separate the lasagna noodles from linguini before the meal
Everyone will be understanding when they have to be to preserve the peace. Even if you have to let them have the expiring yogurt.
As to how this grand deal is to be brokered, Miss Manners recommends that that be lefttoyour husband and his sibling, as they are the mostfamiliar with how to survive under both regimes.
Send questions to Miss Manners at herwebsite, www.missmanners com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail. com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.
Sweet Potato Chili servedasasalad
Sweet Potato Chili
Makes 4servings. Recipe is from “Counter Intelligence: The Best of April’sKitchen” by April Hamilton.
1tablespoon olive oil
1medium onion, chopped
2teaspoons ancho chili powder
1cup vegetable stock or water
1largered-skinned sweet potato, peeled and cut into ¼-inch dice 1(14.5-ounce) can fire-roasted crushed tomatoes 1(15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
3tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1chipotlechiliinadobo, chopped (optional, for alittle smoky heat) Saltand pepper to taste
1. Heat theoliveoil in a medium saucepan over medium heat
CHILI
Continuedfrom page1D
Eggs frying on thecamp stove alsotake me there. The single pot limit keeps clean up mostly painless. We set up a table bythe hose withtwo bus tubs for dishwashing and rinsing and a thermal drink dispenser for hand washing (which also doubles as the dogs’ favorite watering hole). Again, the electric kettle to therescue. We divide the
2. Add the onion andsaute untilslightlysoftened, about 5minutes.
3. Addchili powder and stir 1minute.
4. Add broth and diced sweetpotato andbring to aboil.
5. Cover pan; reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes.
6. Add tomatoes and beans and stir well to combine.
7. Continue cooking, uncovered, until the chili thickens and sweet potato is tender,about 10 minutes.
8. Add the cilantro and optional chipotle andseason with salt and pepper,as desired.
twoliters of boiling water into the tubs half-full of hose water and it’swarm enough to get the job done. Initially,the level of the table led to somebackbreaking ergonomics and a grouchy dish washer (me). Rather than throw in the kitchen towel, we tweaked the table height and location and all is well. Our neighbors are so great —they offer their kitchens and suggest we outsource the dishwashing to them,agenerous offerwewill not resist. The next goal will be backyard
Notes
9. Ladle into bowls and serve.
This recipe can easily be doubled and encored in many future dishes! No one will ever guess it is vegan. For acarnivore version, first brownahalfpoundofchorizo before sauteing the onion. Serve abig scoop of warmchili on abed of crisp salad greens foratasty taco salad.Justadd some chips, cheese, avocadoand asqueeze of limeand Taco Tuesday is served. It is also an excellent dip forquesadillasand all by itself in abowl, it comforts like aclassic chili.
bistro dinner parties. Iam eager forthis and will report back. Currently,myhusband’s candid comment has me questioning the need fora bigger kitchen. “I see no reduction in the quality of our dinners. Imean honestly,” he announced week three. With the confining walls removed andnew ones strategically installedfor the newspace, Idream aboutthe endresult and will always continue to cook outside when the weather feelslike SanDiego
Hints from Heloise
Judith Martin MISS MANNERS
STAFFPHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON
ARIES (March 21-April 19) Too much of anything will hold you back. Dive deep into your mind and apply more thought and energy to making your home and close relationships better.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Mental stimulation will set the wheels in motion and help you navigate your way forward with precision Look for grants, incentives and courses that can help you expand your interests.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20) Get the facts firsthand. Work to make a difference Whether you focus on your needs or reach out to help others, the process will be uplifting and will open doors that lead to insight.
CANCER (June 21-July 22) Avoid letting negativity and criticism set in. Look for the good in everyone and everything, and you'll attract the right people. Share your intentions and speak from the heart
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) Whatever you do next, weigh the pros and cons before getting involved in situations that could be hard to extricate yourself from. Protect your reputation and stick to the facts.
VIRGO (Aug 23-Sept. 22) Reach out, make suggestions and participate in events and activities that address issues of concern. Don't let your enthusiasm lead you to overextend yourself physically or financially
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) The people and places that attract you will not be conducive to you best interests. Listen
carefully and refrain from offering personal information.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) Set yourself up for success. Trust and believe in your abilities and reach out to people who are heading in the same direction. Work-related events will change your perception of someone interesting.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Take note of what others do or say, but don't follow the herd. Focus more on what makes you happy and choose a lifestyle that allows you to fulfill your heart's desires.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Be careful what you share and sign up for and who you trust to look out for your interests. When opportunity knocks and it will — open the door.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Apply your energy and attention to how you handle your finances. A change at home or to your lifestyle that encourages you to start a home business or sell off items you no longer use will boost your morale.
PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) Do something you enjoy or investigate something that intrigues you and the outcome will be enlightening. Don't hesitate to hone your skills; practice makes perfect, and perfection attracts those as enthusiastic as you.
Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another.
TODAy'S CLUE: H EQUALS C
CeLebrItY CIpher
For better or For WorSe
And erneSt SALLY Forth
beetLe bAILeY
Mother GooSe And GrIMM
LAGoon
bIG
Sudoku
InstructIons: Sudoku is anumber-placing puzzle basedona9x9 grid with several given numbers. Theobject is to place the numbers 1to9 in the empty squaressothat each row, each column andeach3x3 boxcontainsthe same number only once. Thedifficulty level of the Sudoku increases fromMonday to Sunday.
Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer
nea CroSSwordS La TimeS CroSSword
THe wiZard oF id
BLondie
BaBY BLueS
Hi and LoiS
BY PHILLIP ALDER
AristotleOnassissaid,“Don’tsleeptoo much. If you sleep three hours less each night for ayear, youwill have an extra month and ahalf in which to succeed.”
Iwonderifhetried that plan, but fell asleep on the job. Abridge player cannotafford to sleep atthetable.Heshouldcountwinnersand losers, and watch all of the cards as they are played. In this deal, theproblem is South’s extra loser.West leads the spade queen against three hearts. How should South proceed?
Northhadatextbookgame-invitational limit raise, showing at leastfourhearts, 10-12 support points(high-card points plus short-suit points) and eight losers. South guessed well to pass. When the dummy comes down, declarer should count his losers. Here he has one club, one heart and at least two spades. He has only seven sure winners: fourhearts, two diamonds and one club.
Southshould play alow spade from the dummy at thefirst two tricks. East is bound to have the ace and might be forced to play it.Here, though, the defenders takethe first three tricks. ThenEastshifts to alow club. What next?
Declarer has gained an eighth winner, his lastspade. Buthestill has five los-
wuzzles
ers:threespades,oneheartandoneclub. How can he eliminate that club loser?
South must immediately take three diamondtricks. He casheshis diamond ace, plays adiamond to dummy’s jack, and discards his club jack on the diamondking. Thendeclarer plays trumps andclaims.
Each Wuzzle is aword riddlewhich creates adisguised word, phrase, name, place, saying, etc. For example: NOON
Previous answers:
InstRuctIons: 1. Words mustbeoffour or more letters. 2. Words that acquire fourletters by theaddition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed. 3. Additional words made by adding a“d” or an “s”may not be used. 4. Proper nouns, slangwords, or vulgarorsexually explicit words are not allowed.
toDAY’s WoRD PAssWoRD: —PASS-wurd:A wordorphrase that enables one togain admission.
Average mark 16 words
Timelimit 30 minutes
Can you find 22 or more words in PASSWORD?
YEstERDAY’s WoRD —LocKEts
“Your word is alamp to my feet,and alight to my path.”
