The Times-Picayune 01-21-2026

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-1/27/26

EC TI ON 20 26

Letlow to challenge Cassidyfor Senate

don’t think the crux ofthe campaign willbe about endorsements.”

U.S. SEN. BILL CASSIDy, R-Baton Rouge

BY TYLER BRIDGES Staff writer

U.S. Sen.Bill Cassidy begins the 2026 Senate race with$11 million in the bank, millions of dollars more in asupportive super PAC—and abig problem.

U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow told aBaton Rouge crowd Tuesday morningthat sheischallenging Cassidy,R-Baton Rouge, three daysafter President

Donald Trumpsaidhewould back her Twohours after her announcement, Letlow,R-Baton Rouge,posted atwo-minute video that included pictures of her two young children and said, “I have fought alongside President Trumptoput America

Settlement OK’d for wrongful conviction

City agrees to pay$2.5million

BY JOHN SIMERMAN Staff writer

The city has agreed to a $2.5million payout to Raymond Flanks, who spent 39 yearslocked up before District Attorney Jason Williams’ office in 2022 agreed to vacate his murder conviction based on afailure by prosecutorstoturn over evi-

dence decadesearlier Monday’ssettlementcame aweek intoafederal jury trial in whichFlankssought much more for his lost years, while an attorney for the district attorney claimed Williams’ civil rights division hadoverstepped in agreeingtothe release. Flanks’ attorneys, Christopher Murell and David Shanies, said in astatement that their client, now 64,

ä See SETTLEMENT, page 6A

First, standing up for our parents, securing our borders, supporting law enforcement, rooting out waste, fraud and abuse that drives up inflationand fighting to fix an education system toofocusedonwokeideology instead of teaching.” Nonetheless,Cassidy saysheplans to wage avigorouscampaigntoretain his seat

See SENATE, page 4A

BY PATRICK WALL Staff writer

Afederal appeals court heard arguments Tuesdayinaclosely watched case centered on Louisiana’slaw requiringpublic schoolstopost theTen Commandments, which couldhave national implications for religious freedom and is expected to end up in the U.S. SupremeCourt.

The full 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals considered alawsuit brought by amultifaith group of families seeking to block the 2024 law,which requires public K-12 schools and colleges to display the TenCommandments in classrooms. The case wascombined with one related to asimilar law that the Texas Legislature passed last year,provoking alegal challenge by public school parents. The relatively rare review of the cases by the entire court comes after apanel of three 5th Circuit judgeslastyear declared Louisiana’slaw “plainly unconstitutional,”upholding alower court’sruling. The decision by thefull court, which is considered the country’smost conservative federal court of appeals, to rehear the case could signal some disagreement with the panel’s decision, legal observers said.

During Tuesday’shearing, afew judgesasked pointed questions aboutthe laws,including how

ä See APPEALS, page 5A

Trumpthreats spark

BY WILL WEISSERT,JAMEYKEATEN and EMMA BURROWS Associated Press

WASHINGTON President Donald Trump’spledge to provoke a sweepingtarifffightwithEurope to gethis way in taking control of Greenland has leftmany of America’sclosest allieswarning of a rupturewith Washington capable of shattering the NATO alliance that had once seemed unshakable. The European Union’stop officialonTuesdaycalledTrump’s

planned new tariffs over Greenland a“mistake” and questioned Trump’strustworthiness. French President Emmanuel Macron said the EU could retaliate by deploying oneofits most powerful economic tools, knowncolloquially as atrade “bazooka.”

Trumpprides himself on ratcheting up pressure to try to negotiate througha position of strength.He was leaving Tuesday —the anniversary of his inauguration —for

ä See TRUMP, page 6A

Vance, wife say they are expecting fourth child

WASHINGTON Vice President

JD Vance and his wife, second lady Usha Vance, are expecting a son in late July they announced in a social media post on Tuesday

The couple said they were excited to share the news of their fourth child, who will join their other three young kids: Ewan, Vivek and Mirabel.

Vance, 41, and his wife, 40, said in the post that both mother and baby were doing well.

“During this exciting and hectic time, we are particularly grateful for the military doctors who take excellent care of our family and for the staff members who do so much to ensure that we can serve the country while enjoying a wonderful life with our children,” the post read.

The news of the Republican vice president’s growing family comes as he has spent years passionately advocating for Americans to have more children.

Hearing delayed for Florida congresswoman

MIAMI A federal judge in Miami yet again rescheduled a hearing on Tuesday so that a Florida congresswoman charged with conspiring to steal $5 million in federal COVID-19 disaster funds could finalize her legal team.

Judge Enjoliqué A. Lett granted U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick’s request for two more weeks, moving the arraignment to Feb. 3. Prosecutors didn’t object.

Defense attorney David Oscar Markus told the judge that Cherfilus-McCormick’s finances were complicated, but that he was confident they’d be able to reach an agreement to secure legal counsel by next month’s court date. The congresswoman’s arraignment had previously been scheduled for late December, but it was rescheduled for Tuesday Markus and Cherfilus-McCormick declined to speak with reporters Tuesday, but she has maintained her innocence Syrian military, Kurdish forces announce truce

RAQQA, Syria Guards from the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces abandoned a camp Tuesday in northeast Syria housing thousands of people linked to the Islamic State group, and the Syrian military said that allowed detainees to escape.

Hours later, the Syrian government and the SDF announced a new four-day truce after a previous ceasefire broke down. The two sides have been clashing for two weeks, amid a breakdown in negotiations over a deal to merge their forces together

The al-Hol camp houses mainly women and children who are relatives of IS members Thousands of accused IS militants are separately housed in prisons in northeast Syria.

Syria’s interior ministry accused the SDF of allowing the release of “a number of detainees from the ISIS militant (group) along with their families.” The AP could not independently confirm if detainees had escaped from the camps or how many

The SDF subsequently confirmed its guards had withdrawn from the camp, but did not say whether any detainees escaped.

U.K. approves a ‘mega’ Chinese Embassy

LONDON Britain’s government on Tuesday approved a huge new Chinese Embassy in central London, despite strong criticism from lawmakers across the political spectrum that it could become a base for espionage and intimidation of opponents.

Local Government Secretary Steve Reed formally signed off on plans for the building near the Tower of London, after years of delays and legal challenges. Critics have long expressed concerns that the supersized embassy, set to be the biggest Chinese Embassy in Europe, will heighten risks of Chinese intelligence-gathering as well as amplify the threat of surveillance and intimidation of Chinese dissidents in exile.

The heads of two U.K spy agencies said that while it’s not realistic to eliminate all risk, appropriate “security mitigations” were in place.

DOJ subpoenas Walz, other Minn. officials

Immigration enforcement obstruction probe launched

BY STEVE KARNOWSKI and ALANNA DURKIN RICHER Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS Federal prosecutors served grand jury subpoenas Tuesday to Minnesota officials as part of an investigation into whether they obstructed or impeded law enforcement during a sweeping immigration operation in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, a person familiar with the matter said.

The subpoenas, which seek records, were sent to the offices of Gov Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her and officials in Ramsey and Hennepin counties, the person said.

The person was not authorized to publicly discuss an ongoing investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity

The subpoenas are related to an investigation into whether Minnesota officials obstructed federal immigration enforcement through public statements they made, two people familiar with the matter said Friday. They said then that it was focused on the po-

tential violation of a conspiracy statute.

Walz and Frey, both Democrats, have called the probe a bullying tactic meant to quell political opposition. Frey’s office released a subpoena, which requires a long list of documents for a grand jury on Feb. 3, including “any records tending to show a refusal to come to the aid of immigration officials.”

“We shouldn’t have to live in a country where people fear that federal law enforcement will be used to play politics or crack down on local voices they disagree with,” Frey said. Her, a Hmong immigrant and a Democrat, also acknowledged a subpoena, saying she’s “unfazed by these tactics.” The governor’s office referred reporters to a statement earlier Tuesday in which Walz said the Trump administration was not seeking justice, only creating distractions.

The subpoenas came a day after the government urged a judge to reject efforts to stop the immigration enforcement surge that has roiled Minneapolis and St Paul for weeks.

The Justice Department called the state’s lawsuit, filed soon after

the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an immigration officer, “legally frivolous.”

“Put simply, Minnesota wants a veto over federal law enforcement,” government attorneys wrote. Ellison said the government is violating free speech and other constitutional rights. He described the armed officers as poorly trained and said the “invasion” must cease. It’s not known when U.S. District Judge Katherine Menendez will make a decision.

Ilan Wurman, who teaches constitutional law at University of Minnesota Law School, doubts the state’s arguments will be successful. He said immigration enforcement is clearly a matter of federal control.

Greg Bovino of U.S. Border Patrol, who has commanded the Trump administration’s big-city immigration crackdown, said more than 10,000 people in the U.S. illegally have been arrested in Minnesota in the past year, including 3,000 “of some of the most dangerous offenders” in the last six weeks during Operation Metro Surge.

Ukraine’s power grid again struck by Russia

Officials seek momentum in U.S.-led peace talks

BY KAMILA HRABCHUK Associated Press

KYIV Ukraine Russia bombarded Ukraine with more than 300 drones and ballistic and cruise missiles in its latest nighttime attack on the Ukrainian power grid, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Tuesday, as Moscow gave no public sign that it’s willing to end the invasion of its neighbor anytime soon.

The attack knocked out heating to more than 5,600 apartment buildings in the capital, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said. Nearly 80% of the affected buildings had recently had their heating supply restored after a major Russian barrage on Jan. 9 that plunged thousands of people into a dayslong blackout, he said.

Ukraine is enduring one of its coldest winters for years, with temperatures in Kyiv falling to minus 4 F At the same time, Russia has escalated its aerial attacks on the electricity supply, aiming to deny Ukrainians heat and running water and wear down their resistance almost four years after Moscow launched its full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials are trying to keep up the momentum of U.S.led peace talks. A Ukrainian negotiating team arrived in the United States on Saturday Their main task was to convey how the relentless Russian strikes are undermining diplomacy, according to Zelenskyy

The Ukrainian leader said last week that the delegation would also try to finalize with U.S. officials documents for

a proposed peace settlement that relate to postwar security guarantees and economic recovery If American officials approve the proposals, the U.S and Ukraine could sign the documents at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, this week, he said.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Tuesday that presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev plans to meet with some American representatives at Davos. He refused to name the officials Dmitriev would meet with, but media reports said they would include U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and U.S. President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said his country needs urgent assistance and additional sanctions on Russia to make Moscow change course. Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “barbaric strike this morning is a wakeup call to world leaders gathering in Davos,” Sybiha said on X.

U.S. forces seize 7th tanker linked to Venezuela

BY KONSTANTIN TOROPIN and MICHAEL BIESECKER Associated Press

WASHINGTON U.S. military forces boarded and took control of a seventh oil tanker connected with Venezuela on Tuesday as part of the Trump administration’s broader efforts to take control of the South American country’s oil.

U.S. Southern Command said in a social media post that U.S. forces apprehended the Motor Vessel Sagitta “without incident” and that the tanker was operating in defiance of President Donald Trump’s “established quarantine of sanctioned vessels in the Caribbean.”

The military command did not say whether the U.S Coast Guard took control of the tanker as has been the case in prior seizures. Both the Pentagon and Southern Command said they had nothing to add when asked for more details.

The Sagitta is a Liberianflagged tanker and its registrationsaysitisownedandmanaged by a company in Hong Kong. The ship last transmitted its location more than two months ago when exiting the Baltic Sea in northern Europe.

The tanker was sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department under an executive order related to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

The post from U.S. Southern Command indicated the ship had taken oil from Venezuela. It said the capture of the tanker “demonstrates our resolve to ensure that the only oil leaving Venezuela will be oil that is coordinated properly and lawfully.”

The military command posted what appeared to be aerial footage of the Sagitta sailing on the ocean, but unlike in prior videos the clip did not show U.S. forces flying toward it in helicopters or landing on the deck of the ship. Since the U.S. ouster of Venezuela President Nicolás Maduro in a surprise nighttime raid on Jan. 3, the Trump administration has set out to control the production, refining and global distribution of Venezuela’s oil products.

Barcelona commuter train crashes, killing1

BY JOSEPH WILSON and SUMAN NAISHADHAM Associated Press

BARCELONA, Spain— ABarcelona commutertrain crashed Tuesday aftera retaining wall fell onto the tracks, Spanish regional authorities said, killing at least one person and injuring 37 others.

The crash in Catalonia in northeastern Spain came just twodaysafter aseparate deadly train collision killed at least 42 people in the country’ssouth and injured dozens more.

Emergency workersTuesday were stillsearching for more victims in the wreckage from Sunday’sdeadly train accident that took place some 497 miles away as the nation began three days of mourning.

Emergency services in Catalonia said of the 37 people affected by Tuesday’s crash, five were seriously injured. Six others were in less serious condition.

Emergency services said20 ambulances had been sent to thesiteofthe crash, and that the injured were taken to hospitals in the area. Regional firefighters saidmost of theinjured had ridden in the first train car Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez acknowledged the Barcelona area crash, writing on X: “All my affection and solidarity with the victims and their families.”

While Spain’shigh-speed rail network generally runs smoothly,and at least until Sunday had been asource of confidence, the commuter rail service is plagued by reliability issues.

LSUplayersuesover suspension

Tovianobenched foryearinTitle IX investigation

BY JAMES FINN Staff writer

Nearly two years after his arrest on avideovoyeurism count that was swiftly dismissed, LSU football player Javien Toviano is suingthe university over its handling of a Title IX investigationinto thesame case, court records show Toviano’slawsuit against LSU’sBoard of Supervisors accuses the universityofstackingthe Title IX process againsthim and denying hima fair appeal.The previouslyunreported Title IX probe ended withLSU suspending Toviano after finding himresponsible last fall for “sexual exploitation” of aformergirlfriend, according tohis lawsuit.

LSU’sTitle IX office, which handles complaints of sexual misconduct and gender-based violence, handed Toviano aone-year suspension after concluding the investigation in October,accordingtothe suit. His complaint asks a judge to barthe Board of Supervisors from enacting thatpunishment througha temporary restrainingorder Toviano’sformer girlfriend filed acomplaint with the TitleIXoffice in August 2024, records show,weeks after agrand jury dismissedToviano’s criminalvideo voyeurism case. In both the criminal and Title IX case, the womanalleged thatToviano filmed them having sex without her consent.

Toviano’sattorneys,however,say in newcourtfilingsthat the former girlfriend’sallegations were laterproven false, leading agrand jury to decline to

bring criminal charges.

The complaint filed late last year in the 19th Judicial District Court in Baton Rouge does not directly nameToviano as its plaintiff. After LSU’sattorneys asked to move thecase to federal court thismonth, they includedintheir filing an affidavit identifying Toviano as theperson bringing thecase.

Toviano’s attorney,Philip House, did not immediately return aphone message left with his office Tuesday.LSU Athletics spokesperson Zach Greenwell saidthey do notcomment on legal matters.

LSU Board Chair Scott Ballarddid not return phone messages.

Tovianohas played for thepastthree seasonsfor the Tigers, but recently enteredthe NCAA transfer portalasacoveted prospect. After his initial arrest in 2024, he was suspended from playing football for alittle morethan aweek before beingreinstated shortly before the season began.

The freshly public court recordsshed new light on awinding disputebetween Tovianoand theformer girlfriend afterhis arrest and initial brief suspension. The revelations of the Title IX office’sprobe of Toviano addtoalengthy list of accusations of alleged sexual misconduct against athletes at the state’s flagship university, after alaw firm’s2021 review found widespread failuresfrom LSU on responding to complaints of sexual misconductand partner-based violence among students.

Detectives with theEast Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’sOfficearrestedToviano on July 21, 2024, on asinglecount stemming from the former girlfriend’sallegations

An arrest warrant said Toviano admitted to using

ahiddencamera to record thepair’ssexualencounters. But days later,the criminal charges were “dismissed and no-billed” legal parlance for agrand jury’sdecisionnot to charge apotentialdefendant —after Toviano produced proof that boththe sexual activity depicted in therecordings and the recordings themselves were“consensual,” his attorneys say

The lawsuit offers few clues as to what evidence Toviano may have provided investigatorstobolster that claim, though it describes how he had given theformer girlfriend passwords to hisiPad andiCloudaccount, which his attorneys say she used to access the videos

The East Baton Rouge ParishDistrict Attorney’s Office, “after reviewofthe case, declinedtoproceed with prosecution,” prosecu-

torswrote in a2024 court filing. Theyordered the Sheriff’sOffice to return belongings to Toviano’s former girlfriend that investigators had seized as evidence.

The former girlfriend submittedher complaint to the university’sTitle IX office later that August. Toviano learnedthe investigation wasunderway four months later,inDecember 2024, his lawsuit says.

As the investigation pressed forward over the next year,Toviano’ssuit accuses the TitleIXoffice of “hand picking” members of apanel thatweighedthe allegations against him.

Thepanel found Toviano responsible for “sexual exploitation” on Oct. 20, 2025, and issued him aone-year suspensionfromthe university,the lawsuit says. Toviano appealed,but the appeal was deniedamonth

later.It’sunclear whether Tovianoiscurrently serving the suspension. His complaint contends that the Title IX process left himwithout an opportunity for “further review of deprivation of his property rights .and reputation.” Atop-100 high school recruit who washighly touted coming outofArlington, Texas, Toviano hasplayed a variety of positions forthe Tigers’ defense.Helogged 50 tacklesinhis threeseasonsonthe team,33ofthem in his freshmancampaign.

Staff writersMatt Bruce and Wilson Alexander contributed to this report. James Finncovers federal law enforcementfor The Times-Picayune |The Advocate. Email himat jfinn@theadvocate.com or contact himonSignalat jamesfinn.82.

There’sanurgentneedfor blood donations across theUnitedStates, andLouisiana isnoexception.Every twoseconds,someone in theU.S.requiresablood transfusion, makinga strong andsteadyblood supplyessential.ThisNationalBlood DonorMonth, we’re highlighting theimportanceofblood donation andhow youcan help.Ifyou’re at least17years old(or 16 with parental consent),weigh 110poundsormore, arein goodhealth, andhaven’t donatedinthe past 56 days,you’reeligibletogiveblood justone donation cansavemultiplelives.

Race to fill Letlow’s Houseseatunderway

BY TYLER BRIDGES Staff writer

The race to win U.S. RepJulia Letlow’s5th CongressionalDistrict —aftershe announced Tuesday that she is giving up the seat to run for Senate —beginswithno clear front-runner

Several state legislators and others said Tuesday theywill getinto theraceorare looking closelyatit.

About half of the district is in metro Baton Rouge after thestate Legislature redrew congressional boundaries several years ago. The other half includes the Florida Parishes and the parishes up the Mississippi River to theMonroearea, where Letlow lived when she first was elected in 2021.

“It’sawide-open race,” said Woody Jenkins, aformer state representative who chairs the RepublicanParty in East Baton Rouge Parish. “People in northeast Louisiana are used to having representation. They’ll gravitate to acandidate from there. Anybody from north Louisiana needs to get

down here. It’savery conservative district.”

President Donald Trumpwon 67% of the district when he won the2024 presidentialelection and 66% in 2020 when he was defeated by PresidentJoe Biden, according to figuressupplied by JohnCouvillon,a Baton Rouge pollster and demographer.

Will Graves make acomeback?

The biggest question is whether former U.S. Rep. Garret Graves will seek to return to Congress.

Graves representedBaton Rouge and parishes to the south until 2024,whenhedidn’trun for reelection after redistricting gave hima district he didn’tthink he could win

That seat is now held by U.S. Rep. Cleo Fields, aDemocrat. That district nowstretches from Baton RougetoShreveportand includes majority-Black precincts.

“It’sawide-open race. People in northeast Louisiana are used to having representation. They’ll gravitate to acandidate from there.Anybody from north Louisiana needs to getdown here. It’saveryconservative district.”

WOODyJENKINS, Republican Partyof East Baton RougeParish chair

Graves didn’t respond to atext Tuesday.Hehas more than $3 millioninhis campaign account left over from the 2024 race he didn’t run.

Thereconfigured5th Congressional District includes St. George andother majority-White precincts in Baton Rouge, but Graves actually lives in Fields’district. He does not have to liveinthe 5th Congressional District to run for theseat.

Who’sin?

Candidates will have athree-day windowbeginning on Feb.11todeclare their intentions.

StateSen. StewartCathey said he will announce “shortly.”

Cathey,44, is aRepublican servinga second term representing the Monroe area, which contains about 20% of the 5th Congressional District’spopulation.

“Mytrack record —fighting for all areas of the state —proves that geography doesn’tmatter,” Cathey said.

Aconsultantwithhis father on IT issues, Cathey said he expects to be the only combat veteran in therace, having served twoterms in Afghanistan as amember of the Army Reserves.

RickEdmonds, 69, also intends to run. ARepublican from Baton Rouge,heisserving his first term in the state Senate after two terms in thestate House. He is apastor whoserved as vice president of theFamily Forum, which supports traditional families and opposes abortion.

“The Louisiana Legislature has been agreat place to serve to prepare me for serving in Congress,” Edmonds said. Larry Davis, amember of the Republican Parish Executive

Committee of Livingston Parish, announced forthe race last week, planning to run against Letlow if she ran forreelection.

Davis,28, said he owns Red Republic Media, which hosts conservative podcasts and publicizes conservative policies.

Davissaidheisrunning “to bring back innovation and actual resources, proper growth to the constituents of District 5.”

State Rep. Daryl Deshotel, RHessmer,said he is “strongly considering” getting into the race.

StateRep.DixonMcMakin, RBaton Rouge, said he “most likely”will run forthe seat if Graves stays out.

State Rep. Michael Echols, RMonroe, said he is talking with “leaders across the district now” in deciding whether to become a candidate.

Misti Cordell, aRepublican from Monroewho wasappointed by Gov. Jeff Landry to chair the state Board of Regents, is considering getting into the race.

“I don’tthinkthe crux of the campaign will be about endorsements. The crux of the campaign willbe how to make Louisiana and the United States abetter place,” Cassidy toldreporters Tuesday afte rnoon during a hastilycalled news conference via Zoom He believes he is the person doing that, noting billions of dollars he helped secure to prevent flooding and to repair roads and bridges in Louisiana and his efforts to reduce the scourge of fentanyl.

Skrmetta

Cassidy was already seen as vulnerable as he seeks his third sixyear termin the Senate —somuch so that four major Republica ns had already announced campaignsto unseathim.

The others are state treasurer John Fleming, state Sen.Blake Miguez of New Iberia, state Rep.Julie Emerson of Carencro and PublicService Commissioner Eric Skrmetta, whose district covers suburban New Orleans.

Letlow is little-known throughout the state at this point, political analysts say But Trump so dominates the

Republican Party that she threatenstooverwhelm Cassidy andhis opponents,who are now facing questions of whether they will stay in the race.

“She’s been carefulto align herself with theconservativewing of her partywhile not embracing anything that would beradical,”said PearsonCross, apolitical-science professor at the University of Louisiana at Monroe. “She is asympatheticfigure. When her husbandpassed unexpectedly, shepicked up the torch and carried it forward. Shealsohas thesingle most important thing, Donald Trump’sendorsement. In aclosed primary,thatwill make adifference.”

Letlow was atop executive at theUniversityofLouisiana at Monroe when her husband, Luke, was elected in December 2020 to represent the 5th Congressional District andthendiedof COVID-19. Julia Letlow then won the seat in 2021, saying she had never aspiredtorun for theoffice.

Letlow wonreelectionin 2022 and 2024 and last year moved from Richland Parish,outside ofMonroe, to Baton Rouge.

To be sure, some political analysts said Letlow is not assured of winning the Republican primaryinastate that typically elects theRepublicancandidatefor Senate with 60% of thevote.

“It doesn’tmean she’sthe overwhelming favoriteto win,” said Bernie Pinsonat, aveteran pollster and political consultant. “I’m guessing only athird ofLouisiana knows who sheis. She hasto spend money to getknown in Louisiana and to make the case why sheshould be elected. He’ssitting withlots and lots of money.A lot of it can beusedtocriticize his opponents. When they talk about his bad vote, he can talk aboutthe bad things the public might not like about her.

The“bad vote” was Cassidy’sdecision to join six Re-

SENATE ELECTION TIMELINE

FEB.11TO13: Candidates

qualify to run MAY16: Closed party primary —Republicans and Democrats vote forwho will represent their party in the general election JUNE 27: Runoff election for party primaries, if needed NOV. 3: General election

publican senators andall 50 Democrats to convict Trump of inciting the assault on the Capitol by his supporters on Jan. 6, 2021.

The Louisiana Republican Party immediately censured Cassidy,and his poll numbers statewide tanked.

Some conservativesare questioning whether Letlow is conservative enough.

Fleming, who spent eight years in theU.S. House representing northwestLouisiana, is also planning to campaign hard for the Senate seat

He believes that his opposition to carbon capture and sequestration efforts will resonatewithvoters fearful of the potential water pollution

“Theybothhave somewhat moderate voting records, Flemingsaid of Cassidy and Letlow.“They’re both supportedbythe Washington insider organizations, the big PACs and large corporations. Neither oneofthem have been vanguards in the MAGA movement.”

Fleming, who helped found thearch-conservative Freedom Caucus in the House, likes to say that he wasMAGA before MAGA was cool.

Skrmettasaid in atext Tuesdaythatheisremain-

inginthe race andisnailing down the date of his first fundraiser.Miguez and Emerson did not respond to texts Behind thescenes, Letlow was calling donors to lineup campaign cash,while Cassidy madestopsTuesday in southLouisiana.

Garry Lewis, an attorney andreal estate developer in LivingstonParish who is a major contributor to Republicans, accompaniedCassidy on avisit to PremierConcreteProducts in Denham Springs.

“I’m disappointed,I guess,” Lewis saidofLetlow’sentry intothe Senate race. “I thoughttheywould both keep their same positions.”

Lewis addedthathebelieves both Cassidy and Letlow are big supporters of Trump, who Lewis called “the best president we’ve ever had.”

Roy O. Martin III,another big Republican donor whose family operatesa major timberoperation in central Louisiana,saidhewas torn among the candidates.

“I think theworldofJulia,” Martin said. “I like Bill Cassidy as well. John Fleming is also agoodcandidate. May the best person win.”

One measure of Letlow’s support will come on Jan. 28 when she holds afundraiser at the Sazerac House on CapitolHill as Washington Mardi Gras kicks off.

With lots of speculation about Cassidy’spath forward, one possible option —torun as an independent candidate this fall —nolonger exists.

The deadline to submit 2,500 signatures from voters across the state to qualify as an independent was Jan. 14,or30daysbeforethe final dayofqualifying, which takes place from Feb. 11 to 13.

Somepolitical insiders believe that the Trumpendorsement was timedtotake place after the opportunity to qualifyasanindependent had passed, although Cassidy had never shownadesire to do so.

Letlow,44, made the announcement at the end of a speech at the Baton Rouge Business Report Leadership Power Breakfast, and it caught mostofthe room off guard at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Cassidy hadRSVP’dfor the event, andJulio Melara, whose company publishes the newspaper,announced to the crowdofnearly 700 people that he wasthere But Cassidy’scampaign said he didn’t attend the event. Cassidy said that Letlow calledhim Tuesdaymorning to let him know that she would be challenging him

they could constitutionally require schools to post a text from one religion — specifically a Protestant Christian version of the Ten Commandments — when students’ families practice a wide range of religions

But other judges expressed skepticism about the arguments against the law, noting that other texts allowed in schools such as the Pledge of Allegiance reference God and saying that the Ten Commandments posters fall short of government coercion to practice a particular religion.

“Nobody’s telling the kids they have to look up at everything that’s posted on the walls,” said Judge Edith Jones, who was nominated to the court by President Ronald Reagan.

Louisiana’s law put the state at the vanguard of a movement by conservative activists and lawmakers to promote legislation that, they say, reflects the nation’s Christian roots and restores the role of religion in public life. Republicans in several states have proposed their own Ten Commandments laws and related measures, such as allowing schools to teach Bible-based reading lessons or hire chaplains.

Gov Jeff Landry, a staunchly conservative Republican who has championed Louisiana’s law, attended Tuesday’s hearing alongside state Attorney General Liz Murrill, whose office is defending the law Afterward, Landry told reporters that the law reflects “the Judeo-Christian principles that this nation was founded upon,” adding that all parents should teach their children those principles

“You either read the Ten Commandments,” he said, “or your child is going to learn the criminal code.”

But groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union and Americans United, which advocates for church-state separation, said parents alone should decide what moral code to teach their children. The groups, which are representing families in the Louisiana and Texas cases, said religious freedom is threatened when the government promotes a particular doctrine.

“Americans agree that parents should be teaching their family’s religion to their kids,” said Americans United President and CEO Rachel Laser, “not government officials or public schools.”

Louisiana became the first state in recent years to require public schools to display the Ten Commandments when Landry signed the law in June 2024, with Texas and Arkansas soon passing their own legislation. Kentucky has passed a similar law more than 40 years earlier, which the U.S. Supreme Court struck down in a 1980 case called Stone v. Graham.

Louisiana’s law dictates the size of the posters — at least 11 by 14 inches — and the text they must feature, a Protestant version of the Ten Commandments that begins with, “I AM the LORD thy God. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” It also requires an accompanying “context statement” explaining that some early American textbooks featured the Ten Commandments, and says schools “may” display other historical documents alongside the posters

A group of public school parents who identify as Jewish, Christian, Unitarian Universalist and nonreligious quickly sued to stop the law from taking effect.

In November 2024, U.S. District Court Judge John deGravelles ruled that the law violates the First Amendment’s guarantee of religious freedom, and barred state officials from enforcing it. The 5th Circuit panel upheld that ruling, writing that Louisiana’s law is “plainly unconstitutional” based on the Supreme Court’s ruling in the Stone case. The lower court’s preliminary injunction remains in effect as the full 5th Circuit reviews the case

On Tuesday, some of the judgesnotedthattheStonedecisionreliedonanearliercase, Lemon v. Kurtzman, that said a law must have a primarily secular purpose to avoid running afoul of the First Amendment’s establishment clause. But, in 2022, the court’s new conservative supermajority scrapped the so-called Lemon test, saying the new standard is whether a law is consistent with the country’s history and traditions.

While the Supreme Court has not overturned Stone, the judges said it now stands on shaky ground

“If you take away Lemon, there is nothing left in Stone,” said Judge Stuart Kyle Duncan, who was nominated to the court by President Donald Trump Several judges also cited

historical documents that are taught and displayed in schools, such as the Declaration of Independence, that include language that could be described as religious. They also echoed an argument by Louisiana’s attorneys that the Ten Commandments posters are a “passive display” that does not coerce students to adopt a particular faith.

Jonathan Youngwood, who represented the public school families at Tuesday’s hearing, said the Ten Commandments laws cross a constitutional line because they require students to be exposed to the text in every classroom during their entire school career He also said the laws would violate some of the new First Amendment standards set

by the Supreme Court in the Kennedy case.

“If the government is going to put up a central tenet of a religion as a state-selected scripture, I think that is turning the school in part into a church,” said Youngwood, an attorney with Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP

After the hearing, Murrill said the Ten Commandments law does not run afoul of the First Amendment’s establishment clause, which prohibits the government from promoting or favoring a particular religion.

“It’s not establishing anything,” she said. Instead, it is presenting a “foundational document of one of the foundational lawgivers that is part of our historical tradition.”

Woodmere

3407 LapalcoBlvd., Suite D2 Harvey, LA

In thespringof2025, twolongtimefriends

Sherri Utleyand Mary Alvarez, puttogethera smallchurchfundraiserinAscension Parish, Louisiana. On thetable were candles, handpoured,carefully crafted, andscented to spark memories.For Utleyand Alvarez, this wasmore than asale. It wasthe beginningofBlessed Bayou Candles, acompany rooted in faith, friendship, andthe simple desire to bringjoy

Theirjourney,however,began decadesearlier

Thetwo womenmet whileworking in emergency management afterHurricane Katrina. They became fast friends,bondedbytheir shared servicemindset.Sherri, aU.S.Navyveteran eventually went to work with theU.S.Marines in Arizonaasacivilian, but shenever quitelostthe desire to make candles. Afterretiringfromthe Corps, shereturnedtoLouisiana to sell ahouse andreconnected with Mary.Whatstarted as a catch-up conversation became abusinessplan. WithSherri’sartistryand Mary’s marketing

expertise, thetwo cofoundedBlessed Bayou Candles. Theirfirstbig event, afundraiserat Mary’s church,confirmedwhattheysuspected: People lovedthe playfuldesigns andnostalgic scents.Customers mistookthe pies forrealbaked goods, sometimeseventryingtocut into them

“We’re agift,”Maryexplains. “Whenyou purchase acandleshapedlikea cupcakeorpie, you’re giving somethingnoone else has.”Those scents evoked powerful memories of family kitchens andholidays.

Theircandles wouldeventuallytravelfar beyond LouisianatoOregon, NewJersey, Denmark, Mexico,and even Scotland,after the twowomenappliedtotheShellLiveWireprogram abusinessaccelerator for entrepreneurs. The programgavethemmorethantraining; it offered community, coaching, andpractical lessonson finance,marketing,and contingencyplanning.

“Wedidn’t even have ducksyet,” Sherri jokes, “but they taught us howtolinethemup.” Today, BlessedBayou Candlesisstill young, but itsimpactisunmistakable. Each candle carries

thewarmthofSherri andMary’smission.“We’ve spentour liveshelping people in emergencies,” Mary reflected.“Nowit’sour time to make people happy.”FromAscension Parish to kitchens across theglobe,their candlesdoexactly that ShellLiveWireLouisiana concentrates on 13 parishes in SouthLouisiana.Applicantsare accepted from Ascension, Assumption,East BatonRouge,WestBaton Rouge, Iberville Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston,St. Charles, St.James,St. John theBaptist,St. Mary,and Terrebonne Parishes andwelcomesbusinesses from allsectors.Participants in theprogram areselectedbyapplication andaninterview by apanel of judgesfromShell leaders, industry andbusinessrepresentatives,who areexperts in industry andmarketrequirements. Readytogrowyourbusiness? Applications forthe 2026 ShellLiveWire Louisianaprogram areopenthrough January 26,2026. Learnmoreand applyatwww.shell us/livewire.

SETTLEMENT

showed “extraordinary courage” before accepting asettlementthat “allows him to move forward with his life”and avoid alengthyand uncertain appeal if he’d won

The attorneys claimed theyhad “laid bare apattern of fraud and abuse…that pervaded theDA’soffice” for many years

Aspokesperson for Williams’ officedid not immediately respond to arequest for commentTuesday on thesettlement, nor did the city. The agreement callsfor thecityto pay it out by the end of 2027.

U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown dismissed the case on Tuesday

It was the first to reach trial among at least 13 civilrights lawsuits that Williams’ office is defending in U.S. District Court over work by acivil rights unit he set up soon after taking office in 2021. The work has resulted in relief for afew hundred prisoners.

Thesettlement was thefourth one that the city agree to with longserving prisoners since Williams took office, totaling more than $10 million in payouts.

The previous settlements included $5.5 million for JohnFloyd; $2 million for Robert Jonesand

$800,000 for Jerome Morgan.All were federal cases that usually require prompt city payment, as opposed to state judgments in which the city can writeIOUs. Thecity must pay Flanks as well, according to hisattorneys. Floyd, Jones and Morgan all were freed before Williams took office.

Flanks’attorneys had aimed to show thelong-serving prisoner was doomed by policiesinthe office of former district attorney Harry Connick,who served for 30

years up to 2003. Murell argued thatoffice policy enabledprosecutors under Connick to routinely violate Bradyv Maryland, the 1963 U.S. Supreme Court edict thatsaid the government must reveal all evidence favorable to thedefense.

Connick died in 2024 at age 97. His legacy includes ahost of overturned convictions that have helped place Orleans Parish amongthe busiest in the nation, according to the National Registry of Exonerations. Innocence-Project

New Orleans, whichrepresented Flanks, has led investigations in manyofthose case. Lastweek, alawyer for the district attorney told the jury that his client now disavowed the claims that allowed Flanks to walk free.

“For adistrict attorney to tell an exonerated man he never deservedhis freedom —and then try to prosecute him again foracrime he did not commit—creates enormous pressure to accept asettlement,” saidFlanks’ attorneys.

Police arrestedFlanks when he was20for robbinganA&P store around Christmas 1983. He admitted to that crime, and prosecutors pegged him as aserial robber in a showercap who had beentargeting elderly womeninthe Pine Village area of NewOrleans East.

Theysoon tied him to the shootingdeath of Martin Carnesi, who was slain in front of his wife during arobbery less than aweek before Flanks wasarrested.

Faye Carnesi, who is nowdead, identified him in aphoto lineup that Flanks’ attorneys challenged.

Ajurydeadlocked at his first capitaltrialin1984. Asecond, unanimous jury convicted Flanks of first-degree murder the next year but sparedhim adeathsentence.

In November 2022, civil rights attorneys workingfor Williams, aformer criminal defense attor-

ney who launched acivil rights division to correct wrongs of the past, agreed in amotion to vacate Flanks’ conviction.

Thecivil rights division found Connick’soffice had failed to turn over grandjury testimony in whichFayeCarnesi singledout a “little white blotch on the side of his cheek”thatFlanks doesn’thave. Had his attorney knownabout changesinher story, it “would have completelyunderminedthe reliabilityofher identifications” of Flanks and the vehicle, Williams’ office agreed.

District Judge Rhonda GoodeDouglas endorsedthe 2022 agreement to free Flanks, who testified last weekover his lost years.

But Inga Petrovich,anattorney for the District Attorney’sOffice, arguedduring last week’s trialthat the District Attorney’sOffice’scivil rights division had given Flanks toomuchcredit for its interpretation of the missing evidenceand its importance to the case.

She toldthe jury that Williams also hadfound no evidence that Connick adopted unconstitutional policies.

“Thiscase is aboutcorrecting a narrative thattookona life of its own,” she said.

Williams’ office had begun presentingtestimonytothe jury when the twosides settled the 3-year-old case.

theWorld Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, a venue that offers Trump the chance to defuse tensionsas quickly as he stirred them up. But European leaders digging in and vowing to defend Denmark and its control over semiautonomous Greenland —may be seeking just as hardtomeet an extraordinary moment with ashow of their fierce resolve.

That could hurt the chances of Trumpfinding aquick way to turn around the crisis. Greenland’sleader insisted on respectfor its territorial integrity and said recognition of international law is “not agame.”

Trump made an unusual appearance in the White House briefing room to mark the one year he’d been in office. When asked how far he’d be willing to go to acquire Greenland, Trump said only,“You’ll find out.” He also mistakenly referred to Greenland as Iceland at one point. Still, the president predicted there could be adeal in the makingwith allies. “I think that we will work something out where NATO is going to be very happy, and where we’re going to be very happy,” he said, without providing specifics.

Trump said he’d been encouraged that NATO had increased military spending, but he also belittled the alliance, saying other members may not protect Washington’sinterests. The presidentsuggested NATO members expect theU.S. to come to their rescue but “I just really do question whether or not they’ll come to ours.

European Commission

President Ursula von der

Leyenpushed backagainst Trump’sannouncement that, starting February,a 10% import taxwill be imposed on goodsfrom eight European nations that have ralliedaroundDenmark. Greenland is asemiautonomous territoryofDenmark, aNATOmember

“The European Union and the United States have agreed to atrade deal last July,”von derLeyen said in Davos. “Andinpolitics as in business —adeal is adeal. And when friends shake hands,itmustmean something.”

“Weconsider the people of theUnited States notjust ourallies, but ourfriends And plunging us into adownward spiral would only aid thevery adversaries we are both so committed to keepingout ofthe strategic landscape,” sheadded.

She vowed that the EU’s response “will be unflinching, united and proportional.”

Taking firmer stances defiedthe approachthatmany Europeanleaders haveoffered since Trumpreturned to office. Ithad mostly entailed saying nice things about thepresident to try to stay in hisgood graces, while workingfuriously through other avenues to find compromise.

Trumpsays theU.S. needs Greenland to deter possible threats from Chinaand Russia.But hiscontinued insistence in recent weeks that anything short of theU.S owning Greenland is unacceptableistesting the limits of thesofter strategy Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksensaid“the worst may still be ahead of us.” Speaking to parliament, she said “we have never sought conflict. We have consistentlysoughtcooperation.”

Greenland’sPrimeMinister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said at anews conference

in the island’scapital, Nuuk, that “we need to have respect for international law and territorialintegrity.” He saidthose principles should unite Western democratic countries, and expressed gratitude for EU allies’ support

“International law,it’snot agame,”hesaid, adding “Weare willing tocooperate much more, but of course in mutual respect,and if we cannot seethat, it will be very difficult to have agood and reliable partnership.”

Trump’sthreats have sparkedoutrage andaflurry of diplomatic activityacross Europe,asleaders consider possible countermeasures, including retaliatory tariffs and the unprecedented use of the EU’santi-coercion instrument

Unofficially known as the “trade bazooka,”the anticoercion instrument could sanctionindividuals or institutions found to be putting unduepressureonthe EU

The EU hastwo other major economictools it could use to pressure Washington: new tariffs,ora suspension of the U.S.-EU trade deal.

Macron warned in Davos thatthe additional tariffs could force the EU to use its anti-coercion mechanism for thefirst time against the United States.

“Can you imagine that?” he said, arguing that allied countries should be focusing instead on bringing peace to Ukraine. “This is crazy.”

In general, he said, the mechanism “isapowerful instrument andweshould nothesitate to deployit in today’stough environment.”

Trumpearlier posted a text message from Macron in which theFrench president suggesteda meeting of membersofthe Group of Seven industrialized democracies in Paris after the Davos gathering. An official closetoMacron, who spoke

anonymouslyinlinewith the French presidency’s customary practices, confirmed the message shared by Trumpisgenuine.

In hislatest threatoftariffs,Trump indicated that the import taxes would be retaliationfor last week’s deployment of symbolic numbers of troops from theEuropean countries to Greenland —though he also suggested he was using the tariffs as leverage to negotiate with Denmark.

Canadian PrimeMinister MarkCarney,whosecountry is afounding NATO member, warned of global fissures beyondGreenland, suggesting it was an “illusion” and “fiction” thatthere remainsarules-based international order “Let me be direct:Weare

in the midst of arupture, not atransition,” Carney said during aspeech in Davos.

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De WeversaidatDavosthatEurope cannotbea “miserable slave’toTrump. Others encouraged NATO leaders to stand up to Trump. Speaking on the sidelines of Davos,California Gov.Gavin Newsom slammed Europe’sresponse to Trump’stariff threats as “pathetic” and“embarrassing,” andurgedcontinental leaders to unite and stand up to the United States.

“It’stime to stand tall and firm,have abackbone,” Newsom, aDemocrat, told reporters.

Greenland’sEuropean backers have also looked at establishing amore permanent military presence to

help guaranteesecurity in the Arctic region, akey demand of the United States, Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson said. In Moscow,meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov strongly denied any intention by Russia and China to threaten Greenland, while also describing Greenland as a“colonial gain” forDenmark. Trump wasaskedTuesdaywhatwould happen to his tariff threats related to Greenland if the Supreme Court rulesagainst his abilitytoimposeimporttariffs as part of acase it is considering.

“Well, I’ll have to use something else,” Trumpsaid. “We have other alternatives.” He didn’trespond when asked about using force.

ELIMINATE

If youare over35and suffer from thefollowing

• Sciatica •NeckPain•DiscHerniations

•Lower Back Pain •Radiating HipPain •Numbnessinthe Legs andFeet

Theremay be hope! Nowlocal doctorshavewhatmay be the most importanttreatment in helpingthese conditions!

Nothing’sworse than feelinggreat mentally,but physically feelingheldback from life becauseyou hurt andthe pain just won’tgoaway. We understandwhatitfeels like tolive in pain, becausewesee it everyday.Weare Dr.Scott LeBlancand Dr.DanaLeBlanc of LeBlancSpine Center We’vehelpedhundredsofpatientswithdischerniations andsciaticaleave ouroffice pain free

When cushions in your back joints,calleddiscs,get injured or wear out, they beginto degenerate andcause pain

Bulgingand herniated discsbegin to form,pressingonthe nerveroots.The most common invasive treatmentfor disc herniationsissurgery

Even with health insurancethe patientisleftwiththeir ownportion of thebill, in excessof$10,000 -$15,000,and sometimesmore.In addition,the recovery time andmissed work canbeanywherefrom3 to 6months, nottomention theobvious severe risksassociated with all surgeries.

Before YougoUnder theknife AndOpt ForSpinalSurgery

Youshouldseriously consider alessinvasive approach called spinal decompression. Non-surgical spinal decompressionisanew technology that hasbeenproven to helpdischerniations.Itcreatesavacuumeffectonthe disc,which pullsthe disc back into itsnormalpositionand brings in afresh blood supply to promote healing.

ProofThisTreatment Works

Whilenon-surgicalspinaldecompression is arathernew treatment, there’splentyofresearch to back up itsclaims.

Dr.Scott LeBlanc, D.C. Dr.DanaLeBlanc,D.C.

Here’s just ahandful of scientificstudies

“Wethussubmitthatdecompression therapyshouldbe considered first, beforethe patientundergoes asurgical procedurewhich permanentlyaltersthe anatomyand function of theaffected lumbar spinesegment.”

-Journal Of NeuroscienceResearch

“86% of the219 patients whocompleted thetherapy reported immediate resolution of symptoms.”

-Orthopedic Technology Review

“vertebral axial(spinal)decompression wassuccessfulin 71%ofthe 778cases”

-Journal of NeurologicalResearch

“good to excellent” relief in 86%ofpatientswithHerniated discs”

-The AmericanJournal of Pain Management

“decompression therapyreported a76.5% with complete remissionand 19.6%withpartial remissionofpainand disability:

-Rio Grande Hospital,Department of Neurosurgery

Anotherstudy presented at theAmericanAcademy of Pain Management in 2007 showed “Patientsreported amean88.9% improvementinback pain andbetterfunction. No patientrequiredany invasive therapies(e.g. epidural injections,surgery).”

As youcan see, spinal decompressionhas ahighsuccess rate.Whatthismeans foryou is that in just amatterof weeks, youcould be back on thegolfcourse, enjoying your

I first came to LeBlancSpine Center with numbness in my arms andlegs. Iwas also experiencing lowerbackpain andneckpain. I hadbeensuffering with this forover 10 years. Ihad previouslytried one epidural injectioninmylower back andphysicaltherapy,anIwas still suffering with thesesymptoms. Since beginningSpinal Decompression treatments, Ihavehad consistent improvementinmybackcondition, andIamnow 70%improved! I am liftingwithout pain,sleeping better,and Inow have theability to walk withouttiring! Iwould highly recommendDr. LeBlancand LeBlanc SpineCenter!

L. J. Dupuy (College Baseball Coach) Hometown -Addis,LA

Ihad been suffering forabout 8 months with pain shooting down my left armand shoulder. Ihad previously triedinjectionsinmy shoulders,and Iwas stillsuffering

IcametoDr. LeBlancand began Spinal Decompression treatments Iamnow 90%improved! My range of motion hasimproved95% andIhavenomorepain at night. Iamnow able to do anythingI want-all withoutthe pain!WhatI like most aboutmycarehereisthe personal care from thewhole staff andthe Doctor’s What wouldmycommentsbe if askedtorecommend LeBlanc SpineCenter? Iwould say, “Why areyou notthere yet?!”

GeorgMarcum (Retired Consultant) Hometown-PortAllen,LA

IcametoLeBlanc SpineCenter with severe neck pain that radiated from thetop of my head down into my shoulders. Ihad been dealing with it forabout ayear, andthe pain hadgottenunbearable. Before coming here,mydoctorhad only recommendedmassages andTylenol, buttheydidn’tgivemerealrelief. Sincestartingcare, I’mabout 90% improved.The staff here is awesometrulyfriendly andsupportive-and the resultsfromthe treatmenthavemade such adifference in my life.Being able to live withoutthatseverepain is so refreshing.I’venoticed improvements in everything -sleeping, mobility, tension, andjustoverall howIfeelday to day. Idefinitely would, andalready have,recommendedLeBlanc Spine Centertoanyonesufferingwithback or neck pain

Diane Fritts (Retired) Hometown -Baton Rouge, LA

love life,ortraveling again.

CouldThisBeYour Sciatica AndBackPainSolution

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For7 days only,weare runninga specialoffer whereyou will find outifyou area candidate forspinaldecompression

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We have twooffices located in BatonRouge andKenner, LA.Call225-763-9894, andour amazingstaff will get youscheduled. No charge at alland youdon’t need to buyanything- butyou will find outifyou qualifyfor this revolutionarynew therapy.

chargeatall and youdon’t need to buyanything. Butyou will find outif youqualify forthisrevolutionarynew therapy. Youwon’t leaveour office wonderingifit’ssomething that could have helped youget ridofyour pain

During your assessment,we’ll check outyour:ligamentstability,muscle function,hips, pain levels,reflex response,disccondition,tendons, spinalalignment,pelvicleveling, x-rays,MRI analysis,range of motion, balance&nerve function

OfferExpires 1/29/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

SALE BY SHERIFF JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT THAT CERTAIN PORTIONOF GROUND BEAR‐INGMUNICIPAL NUMBER 5110

LOUISA DR,CITY OF NEEW ORLEANS, IN THEMATTEREN‐

abovesuit, TERMS- CASH Thepurchaser at themoment of adjudication to make ade‐positoften per‐cent of thepur‐chaseprice,and thebalance within thirty days thereafter Note:The pay‐ment must be Cash,Cashier's Check, Certified CheckorMoney Order. No Per‐sonalChecks. FACE MASKS ANDTEMPERA‐TURECHECKS AREREQUIRED UPON ENTERING BUILDING

SusanHutson Sheriff, Parish of Or‐leans

JEWEL

RB 19 LOGS LEGAL GROUPLLP 504838-7535 AMYR.ORTIS

TheN.O.Advo‐cate Date (s): 12/17/2025& 1/21/2026 DEC17-JAN212T $90

Case No: 2025-252 By virtue of a Writ of Seizure andSaledi‐rected to me by theHonorable Judges of Civil District Court forthe Parish of Orleans, in the aboveentitled cause, Iwillpro‐ceed to sell by public auction, on theground floor of theCivil District Court Building, 421 Loyola Avenue, in theFirst Dis‐trictofthe City on January22, 2026, at 12:00 o'clocknoon, thefollowing describedprop‐erty to wit: 5110 LOUISA DR NEWORLEANS, LA 70126 LOTNNSQUARE 27

3RDMUNICIPAL DISTRICT ACQMIN: 1392512 GENTILLY WOODSSUBDI‐VISION WRIT AMOUNT:

$67,746.74

Seized in the

NOTICE SALE BY SHERIFF JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT THAT CERTAIN PORTIONOF GROUND BEAR‐INGMUNICIPAL NUMBER 203 NEIL AVENUE, THIS CITY,IN THE MATTER ENTI‐TLED:NATION‐STAR MORT‐GAGE VERSUS TEXMICHAEL ARMENTOR A/K/ATEX M. ARMENTOR A/K/ATEX AR‐MENTOT AND BARBARASUE ARMENTOR A/K/ABARBARA S. ARMENTOR A/K/ABARBARA ARMENTOR CI VI L DI ST RI CT CO UR TF OR PA RI SH OF OR LE AN S Case No: 2025-391 By virtue of a Writ of Seizure andSaledi‐rected to me by theHonorable Judges of Civil District Court

forthe Parish of Orleans, in the aboveentitled cause, Iwillpro‐ceed to sell by public auction, on theground floor of theCivil District Court Building,421 Loyola Avenue, in theFirst Dis‐trictofthe City on February 26, 2026,at12:00 o'clocknoon, thefollowing describedprop‐erty towit:

203 NEIL AV NEWORLEANS, LA 70131

SQUARE J, LOT2 FIFTHMUNICI‐PALDISTRICT ACQMIN:947939 WRIT AMOUNT: $40,111.11

Seized in the abovesuit, TERMS- CASH Thepurchaser at themoment of adjudication to make ade‐positoften per‐cent of thepur‐chaseprice,and thebalance within thirty days thereafter Note:The pay‐ment must be Cash,Cashier's Check, Certified CheckorMoney Order. No Per‐sonalChecks. FACE MASKS ANDTEMPERA‐TURECHECKS AREREQUIRED UPON ENTERING BUILDING

SusanHutson Sheriff, Parish of Or‐leans GH 23 THELAW OF‐FICESOFHER‐SCHELC.AD‐COCK,JR.,L.L.C (225)756-0373

DENNIS F. WIG‐GINS,JR.

TheN.O.Advo‐cate Date (s): 1/21/2026 & 2/25/2026

JAN21-FEB252T

ENTITLED:J.P MORGAN MORT‐GAGE ACQUISI‐TION CORP.VER‐SUSWILLIAM PAUL JOSEPH, JR.A/K/A WILLIAMP JOSEPH JR AND ROSHEEN POPLAR JOSEPH

CI VI L DI ST RI CT CO UR TF OR PA RI SH OF OR LE AN S Case No: 2025-1039

By virtue of a Writ of Seizure andSaledi‐rected to me by theHonorable Judges of Civil District Court forthe Parish of Orleans, in the aboveentitled cause, Iwillpro‐ceed to sell by public auction, on theground floor of theCivil District Court Building,421 Loyola Avenue, in theFirst Dis‐trictofthe City on February 26, 2026, at 12:00 o'clocknoon thefollowing describedprop‐erty to wit:

7031 MANCHES‐TERSTNEW OR‐LEANS, LA 70126 LOT: A-2, SQUARE:19 THIRDMUNICI‐PALDISTRICT WRIT AMOUNT: $179,674.00

Seized in the abovesuit, TERMS- CASH Thepurchaser at themoment of adjudication to make ade‐positoften per‐cent of thepur‐chaseprice,and thebalance within thirty days thereafter Note:The pay‐ment must be Cash,Cashier's Check, Certified CheckorMoney Order. No Per‐sonalChecks. FACE MASKS ANDTEMPERA‐TURECHECKS AREREQUIRED UPON ENTERING BUILDING

SusanHutson Sheriff, Parish of Or‐leans

GH 1 JACKSON& MCPHERSON, LLC504-5819444

TheN.O.Advo‐cate Date

PUBLIC NOTICE SALE BY SHERIFF JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT

THESECERTAIN PORTIONS OF GROUND BEAR‐INGMUNICIPAL NUMBERS6817, 6801, 6769, 6759, 6747, 6741, 6725, 6711 TARA LANE,THISCITY, IN THEMATTER

ENTITLED:LOAN FUNDER LLC, SE‐RIES 40104 VER‐SUS PLAZAPARK TARA LN,LLC ANDSIMON STAUBER

CI VI L DI ST RI CT CO UR TF OR PA RI SH OF OR LE AN S Case No: 2024-2135

By virtue of a Writ of Seizure andSaledi‐rectedtomeby theHonorable Judges of Civil District Court forthe Parish of Orleans, in the aboveentitled cause, Iwillpro‐ceed to sell by public auction, on theground floor of theCivil District Court Building,421 Loyola Avenue in theFirst Dis‐trictofthe City on January22, 2026, at 12:00 o'clocknoon, thefollowing describedprop‐erty to wit:

Fifteen certain lots of ground in theThird Dis‐trictofthe City of NewOrleans, Stateof Louisiana, in that part thereofknown as CindyPlace Extension and beingidentified as Lots 9 through24 of Square C thereof, said Square Cbeing bounded by Tara Lane,Lake Forest Boule‐vard, BundyRoad, andthe Inter‐state10Service Road,saidlots9 through24are adjoined and measureeach

54 feet fronton Tara Lane,same widthinthe rear,bya depth of 140 feet between equal andparallel linesasshown on asurveys of Gilbert, Kelly andCouturie, Inc. datedFebruary 17, 2004, copies of whichare at‐tached to an Act of Cash Sale recorded March 29, 2004, at Inst No.2004 10164, CIN#277424 of theOffice of the Recorder of Or‐leans Parish,LA. Beingthe same property ac‐quired by SKWALA,LL.C. from W. Landry Investments, L.L.C. and Sims Develop‐ment,L.L.C.by ActofCash Sale recorded Au‐gust 24, 2015, at Inst.No. 2015 35729. CIN #583586, in the Office of the Recorder of Or‐leansParish, LA Forinforma‐tional purposes only; Lots 9& 10 6817 Tara Lane; Lots 11 &12 6801 Tara Lane; Lots 13 &14 6769 Tara Lane; Lots 15 &16 6759 Tara Lane; Lots 17 &18 6747 Tara Lane; Lots 19 &20 6741 Tara Lane; Lots 21 &22 6725 Tara Lane; Lots 23 &24 6711 Tara Lane

WRIT AMOUNT:

$4,670,572.00

Seized in the abovesuit, TERMS- 100% CASH AT THE MOMENT OF AD‐JUDICATION

Note:The pay‐ment must be Cash,Cashier's Check, Certified CheckorMoney Order. No Per‐sonalChecks. FACE MASKS ANDTEMPERA‐TURECHECKS AREREQUIRED UPON ENTERING BUILDING

SusanHutson Sheriff, Parish of Or‐leans BD 13 LAWOFFICE OF KYLE S SCLAFANI 504

PUBLIC NOTICE SALE BY SHERIFF JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT

THIS SALE IS MADE UNDER R.S. 13:4360 AT THERISKAND PERILAND FOR THEACCOUNT OF ,WHO FAILED TO COMPLY WITH THEADJU‐DICATION MADE TO HIMON 09/22/2022. THAT PORTION OF GROUND, BEARING MUNICIPALNO. 9200 I10SER‐VICE RD NEW ORLEANS LA 70127, THIS CITY,INTHE MATTER ENTI‐TLED:FIRST GUARANTYIN‐SURANCECOM‐PANY,VERSUS NEWORLEANS CREMATION SERVICE,INC

CI VI L DI ST RI CT CO UR TF OR PA RI SH OF OR LE AN S Case No: 2022-2875

By virtue of a Writ of Seizure andSaledi‐rected to me by theHonorable Judges of Civil District Court forthe Parish of Orleans, in the aboveentitled cause, Iwillpro‐ceed to sell by public auction, on theground floor of theCivil District Court Building, 421 Loyola Avenue, in theFirst Dis‐trictofthe City on January22, 2026, at12:00 o'clocknoon, thefollowing described prop‐erty to wit: CERTAINPOR‐TION OF GROUND,TO‐GETHER WITH ALLTHE BUILD‐INGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREONAND ALLTHE RIGHTS, WAYS,PRIVI‐LEGESAND PRESCRIPTIONS,

SERVITUDES, ADVANTAGES AND APPURTE‐NANCES THERE‐UNTO BELONGINGOR IN ANYWISE AP‐PERTAINING, SITUATED IN THETHIRD MU‐NICIPAL DISTRICT OF THECITYOF NEWORLEANS, SECTION23OF THELAKRATT TRACT (FORMERLY NEWORLEANS LAKESHORE LAND COMPANY SUBDIVISION) DESIGNATED AS LOTNO. 5E1A 1, ALLINAC‐CORDANCE WITH AN ACTOF RESUBDIVISION DATED SEPTEMBER 11, 1975, BY J.J. KREBSAND SONS,INC C.E. AND LEDASA TITLE CHANGEONOC‐TOBER24, 1975, IN COB731, FOLIO604 UNDERREG‐ISTRYNO. 178091, SAID LOTBEING MORE PARTICU‐LARLYDE‐SCRIBEDAS FOLLOWS, TO WIT: BEGINNINGAT THEINTERSEC‐TION OF THE SOUTHLINEOF INTERSTATE HIGHWAY 110RIGHT OF WAYAND THE SEATLINEOF BUNDYROAD, WHICHPOINT IS THE NORTHEAST COMEROFOLD LOT5E1,HIGH‐WAY1 10 RIGHT OF WAYAND CORNER; THENCE PRO‐CEED NORTH64 DEGREES,18 MINUTES, 13 SECONDSEAST ADISTANCE OF 216.66 FEET TO THEPOINT OF BEGINNING; SAID LOTBEING APORTION OF ORIGINAL LOT 5E1. FORINFORMA‐TIONAL PUR‐POSES ONLY: IMPROVEMENTS THEREONBEAR MUNICIPALNO. 9200 I10SER‐VICE ROAD,NEW ORLEANS,LA 70127 WRIT AMOUNT: $405,000.00

TheN.O.Advo‐cate Date (s): 12/17/2025 & 1/21/2026 DEC17-JAN212T abovesuit, TERMS- CASH Thepurchaser at themoment of adjudication to make ade‐positoften per‐cent of thepur‐chaseprice,and thebalance within thirty days thereafter. Note:The pay‐ment must be Cash,Cashier's Check, Certified CheckorMoney Order. No Per‐sonalChecks. FACE MASKS AND TEMPERA‐TURECHECKS AREREQUIRED UPON

TheN.O.Advo‐cate Date (s): 12/17/2025 & 1/21/2026

DEC17-JAN212T $146

Seized in the

Trumprecaps firstyearbackinoffice

Addressmarkedwith winding remarks, papertossing and impressions

BY MICHELLEL.PRICE and MEG KINNARD Associated Press

WASHINGTON PresidentDonald Trump wantedtorecap hisfirst year back in office. And it felt like he wanted to spend the next year doing it.

For more than 100 minutes,the president held forth Tuesday at the White House, where he went on a winding journey through hislast year,interspersed with plentyof asides, afew impressions of other politicians and critics and, eventually,questions from the media.

Trump riffed on things his administration has done,starting with an awkwardly quiet stretch of show-and-tell in which he held

up photographs ofpeoplehesaid immigration officershad arrested in Minnesota.

“I’mgoingthrough this because Ithink we have plenty of time,”

Trumpsaid

Thedrawn-out performance came at amoment of international alarm anddomestic tension.

Trump over the weekend shook the NATO alliancebythreatening tariffs onEurope to strong-arm his aim of taking over Greenland.

At home,tensions were high after his administration ordered 1,500 active-dutysoldiers to be ready to possibly deploy to thestreets of Minneapolis as he threatens to impose the Insurrection Act.

Tuesday’snews conference came just hours beforeTrump was set to head to Europe fora meeting with globalleadersanxious to discuss his designs on Greenland, thenew international peacemaking body he wants to form and amyriad of other global issues.

Hisfellow Republicanshave

been urging him to speak more to voters’ concerns about affordabilityasthey stare down crucial midtermelections this year

“One of the reasons I’mdoing this news conference, Ithink it’s

important —wehavetaken amess and made it really good,” Trump said.“It’s goingtoget even better.”

Formorethan10minutes, he showed off mugshots of people he said hadbeenarrested, remark-

ing on their alleged crimes. At one point, he asked the reporters in the room,“You’re notgetting bored with this, right?”

Seeming to realize he was losing his audience, Trumptold them they werelucky that he only went through “like 100” mugshots, then tossedthe stack on theBriefing Room floor next to his lectern. After futzing with alarge binder clip, remarking on how it could have taken his finger off, he assured everyone, “I would not have shown the pain.” He threw the binder clip on the floor,too. Not long after,hehoisted intothe air athick stack of paper with the word “Accomplishments” written in bold letters on top, alist he said would take him more than aweek to read.

“It’sbig stuff too. We have the hottest country in theworld, Trumpsaid. Andthenthe president threwthe accomplishmentsonto the floor, where theylandedwith aloud thud.

Judge: Trump-appointedprosecutor

in Virginia ‘masquerading’

BY ERIC TUCKER Associated Press

WASHINGTON— Twojudgesin

Virginia are rejecting Trump administration arguments that aWhite Houseloyalist can continue serving as a top federal prosecutor in the state, with one on Tuesday soliciting applicants for a replacement and the other prohibiting Lindsey Halligan from continuing to represent herself in his court as aUnited States attorney The dual ordersfrom separate judges markeda dramatic new front in an ongoing clash between the Trump administration and the federal court over the legitimacy of Halligan’s appointment. AWhite House aide with no priorprosecutorial experience, Halligan was picked for the role by

President Donald Trump in September onlyto have a judge two months later rule that theappointment wasillegal.

TheTrumpadministration has kept Halligan in place despite that ruling, but on Tuesday,two judgesmade clear that they believed it wastimefor hertenureto end. Similar disputes have occurred in other districts across thecountry,where judgeshave rejected Trump administration efforts to install acting prosecutors outside conventional protocol. In oneorder,M.HannahLauck, the chief judge of theEastern District of Virginia andanominee of PresidentBarack Obama, directed aclerk to publish avacancy announcementon the court’swebsite and with thenews media and said she

in thejob

was “soliciting expressions of interest in serving in that position.”The judge noted that the temporary appointmentgiven to Halligan, who hassincebeen nominated by Trumpbut not confirmed by theSenate, expires on Tuesday In aseparateorder, U.S.

District Judge David Novak said he was striking the words “United StatesAttorney” from the signature block of an indictment in a case that was beforehim, andbarredher from continuing to present herself with that title. He saidhe would initiatedisciplinary proceedings againstHalligan if she violated his order andpersistedinidentifying herself in court filings as a U.S. attorney,and said other signatories could be subject to discipline as well.

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St. Mary manufacturer to launch expansion

A St. Mary Parish manufacturer will launch an expansion project in a move that will create 14 new jobs.

Viking Attachments will invest $160,000 to expand its domestic production of its VMW Series vibratory pile drivers at its Morgan City headquarters, officials with Louisiana Economic Development announced Tuesday

The project advances its transition from pilot to full-scale operations, strengthening its ability to meet demand from marine and infrastructure contractors nationwide, LED officials said.

The facility will serve as Viking Attachments’ primary manufacturing and testing site for the pile drivers, supporting engineering, welding, assembly painting, testing and spare-parts warehousing.

The work is expected to be completed by March.

It will also support expanded inventory and the addition of a demonstration fleet as operations scale, strengthening production capacity and service response.

“Viking Attachment’s expansion is a true point of pride for St. Mary Parish,” said Evan Boudreaux, St. Mary economic development director “A local, home-grown business expanding into full-scale, national manufacturing right here in Morgan City affirms that we are a place businesses can start, scale and compete on a national stage.” EU plans phase out of telecom suppliers

LONDON The European Union said Tuesday it plans to phase out gear supplied by companies based in “high risk” countries from critical infrastructure such as high-speed telecom networks, in a move seen as targeting Chinese companies including Huawei and ZTE. Brussels’ proposed measures to tighten up cybersecurity come amid rising concerns that the bloc’s 27 member countries are vulnerable both to the dominance of Chinese high tech manufacturing and U.S Big Tech services. Under the draft legislation released by the EU’s executive commission, telecom equipment from so-called high risk suppliers in third countries would be phased out within three years.

The proposals don’t mention any countries or companies by name, but the term “high risk” has been previously used to refer to countries like China, home to tech giant Huawei. The company is the world’s biggest maker of networking equipment but has long been banned from the United States.

U.K. considers teen social media ban

LONDON The British government says it will consider banning young teenagers from social media as it tightens laws designed to protect children from harmful content and excessive screen time.

The government said it would consult with parents, young people and other interested parties about the safe use of technology amid growing concern that children are being harmed by exposure to unregulated social media content.

“As I have been clear, no option is off the table, including looking at what age children should be able to access social media and whether we need restrictions on things such as addictive features like infinite scrolling or streaks in apps,” Prime Minister Keir Starmer wrote on Substack.

As part of their investigation, government ministers will travel to Australia to learn about the country’s recent move that requires major social media apps such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X to bar children under 16 from their platforms.

More than 60 lawmakers from Starmer’s center-left Labour Party earlier this week wrote to the prime minister calling on the government to introduce an Australia-style ban in Britain

Tariff threats sink Wall Street

Trump targets eight European countries over Greenland

BY DAMIAN J. TROISE Associated Press

NEW YORK Stocks slumped on Wall Street Tuesday after Presi-

dent Donald Trump threatened to hit eight European countries with new tariffs as tensions escalate over his attempts to assert American control over Greenland. The losses were widespread, with nearly every sector losing

ground. Major indexes in the U.S. extended losses from last week in what has been a wobbly start to the year The S&P 500 fell 143.15 points, or 2.1%, to 6,796.86. It is the steepest drop for the benchmark index since October The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 870.74 points, or 1.8%, to 48,488.59. The Nasdaq composite fell 561.07 points, or 2.4%, to 22,954.32.

Technology stocks were the heaviest weights on the market. Nvidia, one of the most valuable companies in the world, plunged 4.4%. Apple fell 3.5%.

Retailers, banks and industrial companies also fell sharply Lowe’s fell 3.3%, JPMorgan Chase fell 3.1%, and Caterpillar lost 2.5%. European markets and markets in Asia fell. Long-term bond yields in Japan rose to record levels on concerns over the government’s fiscal policy, adding to anxiety in global markets.

Trump’s trade policy has roiled markets since the start of his second term. Stocks have sold off on the threat of steep tariffs, then rallied when Trump delays or cancels a tariff, or negotiates a lower rate.

Trump said Saturday that he would charge a 10% import tax

starting in February on goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland. The annual combined imports from European Union nations are greater than those from the top two biggest individual importers into the U.S., Mexico and China. Gold prices surged 3.7% and silver prices soared 6.9%. Such assets are often considered safe havens in times of geopolitical turmoil. The trade tensions apparently short-circuited a recent rally in bitcoin. The cryptocurrency rose above $96,000 late last week but has dropped back to around $89,700.

China meets soybean commitment

But Trump’s shifting trade policy could disrupt deal

BY JOSH FUNK Associated Press

China has fulfilled its initial commitment to buy 12 million metric tons of soybeans from the U.S., but it’s not clear if the trade agreement announced in October can withstand President Donald Trump’s ever-shifting trade policy as American farmers are still dealing with high production costs.

Earlier this month, Trump said he would impose 25% tariffs on any country that buys from Iran, which would include China. Then last weekend he threatened to impose 10% tariffs on eight of America’s closest allies in Europe if they continue to oppose his efforts to acquire Greenland.

So the administration’s trade policy continues to change quickly, and Iowa State University agricultural economist Chad Hart said that could undermine the trade agreement with China and jeopardize the commitment by the world’s largest soybean buyer to purchase 25 million metric tons of American soybeans in each of the next three years.

“Those new tariffs — what does that mean for this agreement? Does it throw it out? Is it still binding? That’s sort of the game here now,” Hart said

Beijing paused any purchase of U.S soybeans last summer during its trade war with Washington but agreed to resume buying from American soybean farmers after Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping met in South Korea and agreed to a truce. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the purchasing milestone China has met in an interview with Maria Bartiromo on Fox Business on Tuesday from the sidelines of a major economic forum in Davos, Switzerland, where Bessent met with his Chinese counterpart, Vice President He Lifeng. Bessent said China remains committed.

“He told me that just this week they completed their soybean purchases, and we’re looking forward to next year’s 25 million tons,” Bessent said. “They did everything they said they were going to do.”

Last fall, preliminary data from the Department of Agriculture cast doubts on whether China would live up to the agreement because it was slow to begin purchasing American soybeans and there is a lag before the purchases show up in the official numbers.

On Tuesday, the USDA data showed that China had bought more than 8 million tons of U.S. soybeans by Jan. 8, and its daily reports indicated that China placed several more orders since then, ranging from 132,000 tons to more than 300,000 tons.

China has shifted much of its soybean

purchases over to Brazil and Argentina in recent years to diversify its sources and find the cheapest deals. Last year Brazilian beans accounted for more than 70% of China’s imports, while the U.S. share was down to 21%, World Bank data shows.

Trump is planning to send roughly $12 billion in aid to U.S. farmers to help them withstand the trade war, but farmers say the aid won’t solve all their problems as they continue to deal with the soaring costs of fertilizer, seeds and labor that make it hard to turn a profit right now Soybean farmers will get $30.88 per acre while corn farmers will receive $44.36 per acre.

Another crop hit hard when China stopped buying was sorghum, and those farmers will get $48.11 per acre. The amounts are based on a USDA formula on the cost of production.

That and uncertainty about trade markets and how much farmers will receive for their crops has even some of the most optimistic farmers worried, said Cory Walters who is an associate professor in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Department of Agricultural Economics. Soybean prices jumped up above $11.50 per bushel after the agreement was announced, but the price has since fallen to about $10.56 per bushel on Tuesday So prices are close to where they were a year ago and aren’t high enough to cover most farmers’ costs.

Netflix intensifies $72 billion bid for Warner Bros.

BY MICHELLE CHAPMAN and WYATTE GRANTHAM-PHILIPS AP business writers

Netflix is now offering to buy Warner Bros. Discovery’s studio and streaming business in all cash — in an effort to win over the Hollywood giant’s shareholders for its $72 billion merger and potentially thwart a hostile bid from Skydance-owned Paramount. Back in December, Netflix struck a cash and stock deal with Warner valued at $27.75 per share, giving it a total enterprise value of $82.7 billion, including debt. But on Tuesday, the companies announced that they would be revising the transaction to simplify its structure, provide more certainty of value for Warner stockholders and speed up the path to a shareholder vote — which they said could arrive by April.

The all-cash transaction is still valued at $27.75 per Warner share. Warner stockholders will also receive the additional value of shares of Discovery Global, which would become a separate public company following a previously-announced separation from Warner Bros. Warner leadership has repeatedly backed a merger with Netflix — and the boards of both companies approved the all-cash deal announced Tuesday In a statement, Warner CEO David Zaslav said the revised agreement “brings us even closer to combining two of the greatest

Paramount declined to share further details on Tuesday, the Wall Street Journal reported last week that the company was planning on another extension.

all cash, $77.9 billion offer last month. Warner stockholders have until 5 p.m. ET Wednesday to tender their shares in support of Paramount’s bid, which has an enterprise value of $108 billion including debt But that deadline could be pushed back further While

Beyond its tender offer, Paramount has promised a proxy fight. Last week, the company said it would nominate its own slate of directors before the Warner’s next shareholder meeting, the date of which has still not been set. Paramount also filed a suit in Delaware Chancery Court seeking to compel Warner Bros. to disclose to shareholders how it values its bid and the competing offer from Netflix. But a judge on Thursday denied Paramount’s request to expedite that proceeding.

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U.S. couldlose measlesstatus

Health officials to reevaluate elimination designation

BY DEVI SHASTRI Associated Press

It’sbeen ayear since a measlesoutbreak began in West Texas, and internationalhealth authoritiessay they plan to meet in April to determine if the U.S. has lost its measles-free designation.

Experts fear the vaccinepreventable virus has regainedafoothold and that the U.S. maysoon follow Canada in losing the achievementof having eliminatedit.

The reevaluation is largely symbolic and hinges on whether asingle measles chain has spread uninterrupted within the U.S. for at least 12 months.

Public health scientists around the country are investigating whether the now-ended Texas outbreak is linked to active onesin Utah, Arizona and South Carolina. But doctors and scientists say the U.S. and North America overall —has ameasles problem, regardless of the decision.

“It is really aquestion of semantics,” said Dr.Jonathan Temte, aWisconsin family physician who helped certify the U.S. was measlesfree in 2000. “The bottom line is the conditions are sufficienttoallow this many cases to occur.And that gets back to de-emphasizing a safe and effective vaccine.”

Last year,the Centers for Disease Control andPrevention confirmed2,242 measles cases across 44 states —the

most since 1991 —and nearly 50 separate outbreaks.

Theproblem has been years in the making, as fewer kids get routine vaccines due to parental waivers, health care access issuesand rampant disinformation. More recently,Trump administration health officialsincluding HealthSecretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.have questioned and sown doubt about the established safety of vaccines at an unprecedented level while alsodefundinglocal efforts to improve vaccination rates.

“The mostimportant thing that we can do is tomake sure the people who aren’t vaccinated get vaccinated,” said Jennifer Nuzzo, director of Brown University’s Pandemic Center.“We have notissued aclear enough message about that.”

ADepartmentofHealth and HumanServicesspokesperson said Thursday that Kennedy has emphasized vaccinesasthe best way to prevent measles, adding that the CDC is responding to outbreaksand working to

increase vaccination rates.

In abriefingTuesday,departmentofficials said they don’tyet have evidence that asingle chain of measles has spread for ayear

But CDC’sprincipal deputy director saidhewould consider the loss of elimination status to be the “cost of doing business” globally

“Wehavethese communitiesthatchoose to be unvaccinated,” said Dr.Ralph Abraham. “That’stheir personalfreedom.”

There is little room for errorintrying to stop measles

The virus is one of the most contagious, infecting 9out of every 10 unvaccinated people exposed. Communitylevel protection takes a95% vaccination rate. The current rate nationally is 92.5%, according to CDC data, but many communities fall far below that.

The patient in Texas’ first known case developedthe telltale rash on Jan. 20,2025, according to state health department data. Fromthere, the outbreak exploded.

TestimonyendsinUvalde officer’strial over response

BY JIM VERTUNO Associated Press

Witness testimony ended Tuesdayinthe trialofaformerUvalde, Texas, school police officer accused of failing in his dutytostopa gunman in the critical first minutesofthe 2022 Robb Elementary School attack, setting up the case to go to the jury

Defense lawyers for Adrian Gonzales rested their caseafter callingjusttwo witnesses, including apolice tactics expert to bolster their claim that Gonzales did the best he could after driving ontocampus amid achaotic scene.

Gonzales has pleaded not guiltyto29counts of child abandonment or endangerment. He facesuptotwo years in prison if convicted Gonzales did nottakethe

BY MORGAN LEEand SAVANNAH PETERS TheAssociated Press

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. A judge hasordered that actor Timothy Busfield be released from jail during adetention hearing on child sex abuse charges.

Theorder Tuesday by state districtcourt JudgeDavid Murphy is linkedtoaccusations that Busfield inappropriately touching aminor while working as adirector on theset of theseries“The Cleaning Lady.”

The judge ordered him released on his own recognizance, pending trial. Busfield will be supervised upon release, and can leave the state to live at home.

Busfield, an Emmy Awardwinning actor who is known forappearancesin“TheWest

stand in hisown defense. Closing arguments are scheduled Wednesday before the jury begins deliberations. Prosecutors rested their caseafter nine days of testimony from 36 witnesses. Gonzales’ only two witnesses includeda woman who worked acrossthe street from the school who told jurors she sawthe shooter ducking between cars and trying to stay outofview —testimonythatcould reinforceGonzales’ claims that he neversaw thegunman.

Jurors have heard at times gripping and emotionaltestimony fromteacherswho recounted theterrifying moments when the 18-year-old gunmanentered theschool and killed 19 students and two teachers. Prosecutors havepresented graphic photos from inside the class-

rooms andbrought to the witness stand officers who described the chaos of the response. At onepoint in thetrial,the sister of oneofthe teachers killedthatday wasremoved after an angry outburst after oneofthe officers testified. The prosecution’scase has tuggedatthe rawemotion and shock of the carnage of May24, 2022, as theyattempt to show whatcould have been avoided had Gonzalesintercepted the gunmaninthe early seconds of theattack

Prosecutors allege the 52-year-old Gonzales, a10year police veteran who hadled an active shooter response training course two months before the shooting, abandoned his training and did not try to stop Salvador Ramos before he entered the school

Wing,”“FieldofDreams” and “Thirtysomething,” was ordered held without bail last week at hisfirst court appearance. Busfield called the allegations liesina video shared before he turned himself in.

At the hearing Tuesday,hewas handcuffed and dressed in an orange jailuniform at thehearing in aNew Mexico state district court, while his wife, Melissa Gilbert, watched fromthe court gallery Gilbert wastearful while exiting the courtroom after thejudgeorderedBusfield’s release.

Gilbert, who played Laura Ingalls in the 1970s to ’80s TV series “Little House on thePrairie,” is on thelistof

potential witness submitted ahead of thehearing Albuquerque policeissued awarrant for Busfield’sarrest this month on two counts of criminal sexual contact of aminor and one count of child abuse. Acriminalcomplaintalleges the acts occurred on the set of the series “The Cleaning Lady.”

According to the criminal complaint, an investigator with the police department says the child reported Busfield touched him on private areas over his clothing on oneoccasionwhenhewas 7 yearsold andanother time when he was 8. The boy’s twin brother told authorities he wasalso touched by Busfield, butdid notspecify where.

NOLA.COM | Wednesday, January 21, 2026 1Bn

Some law firm layoffs begin by Jan. 30

McGlinchey Stafford announces wind-down plans

BY STEPHANIE RIEGEL Staff writer

More than two weeks after Mc-

Glinchey Stafford’s leaders voted to dissolve the law firm after more than 50 years in business, the firm’s wind-down plans are rapidly taking shape

McGlinchey’s New Orleans office, its largest, will shut down on

Poydras office tower sold

Hakim family expands CBD footprint

BY ANTHONY McAULEY Staff writer

One of New Orleans’ most prominent office towers has quietly changed hands, marking a significant expansion for a north Louisiana real estate family and a rare bright spot in a downtown office market that has been battered by years of uncertainty North American Land Development Corporation, an entity controlled by the Hakim family of Monroe, has purchased the 32-story 400 Poydras Tower from California-based Hertz Investment Group, Jeff Lahasky, Joseph Hakim’s son-in-law who oversees the family’s real estate interests confirmed Tuesday

The deal closed on Friday and though the sale price was not immediately available, sources with direct knowledge of the transaction said it was about $50 million, or just over $80 per square foot

The deal transfers ownership of one of the Central Business District’s largest Class A office buildings — roughly 620,000 square feet — from a national firm burdened by debt to a well capitalized family-run operation with a growing footprint on Poydras Street

The acquisition deepens the Hakims’ presence along the city’s primary office corridor The family owns Orleans Tower, formerly known as the Amoco Tower, which they acquired more than a decade ago, as well as the DXC building at 1615 Poydras St., purchased in 2024. With the addition of 400 Poydras, Eddie and Joseph Hakim now control roughly 1.5 million square feet of Class A office space on Poydras Street alone, or about 17% of the total prime office market in downtown New Orleans Lahasky said the purchase completes a strategic lineup of Hakim-controlled buildings along Poydras Street, giving the family ownership at multiple points along the corridor and across a range of rental price points, from the midteens per square foot to nearly $20. It allows the firm to appeal to a broad swath of tenants seeking downtown office space. Unlike the family’s previous two downtown office acquisitions, the purchase of 400 Poydras was not a distressed sale. While the building had been in default since late last year, it was otherwise performing well, with occupancy above 80% and rental income sufficient to cover interest payments and operating costs.

“This property is a little different, because the occupancy is around 84%,” Lahasky said. “So it’s already a functioning asset with an occupancy rate that’s in line with market averages.”

The default stemmed from Hertz’s inability to refinance the mortgage when the principal came due last year, rather than from

March 31 with layoffs for its more than 100 employees beginning on March 16, according to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification that the firm sent last week to the Louisiana Workforce Commission notifying the agency of the pending job losses.

Those in the firm’s other offices will be out of work sooner. In a virtual meeting with employees

on Jan. 15, McGlinchey Managing Partner Michael Ferachi said the last day of work for everyone outside of New Orleans will be Jan. 30, which also will be the firm’s last day to practice law

“Thank you for your patience, resilience and grit over the past week,” Ferachi told employees, according to an audio recording of the meeting. “I have been very

impressed how you cared for and supported each other Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

Per federal law, companies are required to give 60 days advance notice and file letters if they are laying off 100 employees or more.

Only McGlinchey’s New Orleans office is large enough to meet the threshold.

McGlinchey’s equity members, a group of partners that own the firm, voted on Jan. 5 to shut down the mid-sized law firm, once a

powerhouse in the region, sending shock waves across Louisiana’s legal community

A variety of factors contributed to the decision, including the recent departure of several highprofile attorneys with the firm, delinquent collections, internal disagreements and steep overhead costs in far-flung offices, according to sources familiar with the situation and the firm’s public

Community shows support as Dooky Chase’s reopens

Police search for shooting suspect

BY IAN McNULTY and MARCO CARTOLANO Staff writers

Four days after a brazen shooting at Dooky Chase’s Restaurant left one dead and three wounded, police were hunting for a suspect on Tuesday as the Treme landmark reopened for business. A mix of regular customers, civic leaders and tourists turned out to show support over bowls of gumbo and seafood platters

About a dozen people were gathered outside when the doors opened for the day, and more would arrive as the lunch hour progressed, filling the dining rooms.

Noble Minds director defends fund usage

BY MARIE FAZIO Staff writer

A state auditor said Noble Minds Institute, a former New Orleans charter school, may have improperly used more than $600,000 of public funds for rent, teacher incentives and consultants as it moved to become a private school,

Wait staff thanked customers for turning out, and members of the Chase family were constantly giving hugs and handshakes to customers as shrimp Clemenceau and seafood platters filled the tables.

Among the political leaders in attendance were Mayor Helena Moreno, who sat for lunch with City Council member J.P Morell, Deputy Mayor of Public Safety Michael Harrison and District Attorney Jason Williams.

Regulars were also there in a show of solidarity Local businessman Henry Coaxum redirected a planned group lunch outing that day to be at Dooky Chase’s instead.

“You just have to show support when something happens at places you love,” he said.

The reopening arrived as a woman remained in intensive care after being shot multiple times inside the restau-

rant’s foyer late Friday New Orleans

Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said Tuesday morning on WBOK.

Police say the same gunman killed 19-year-old Kareem Harris and injured two other women. Kirkpatrick said a suspect had not been identified as of Tuesday morning.

Police said Harris was running from an attacker near his home in Treme around 8 p.m. when he entered the historic restaurant. Kirkpatrick said the lone shooter began firing outside of the restaurant and that bullet casings were found outside.

The gunman then opened fire inside the entryway, hitting the women as they waited to be seated.

Kirkpatrick said she could not confirm where Harris was first shot. He was declared dead inside the restaurant.

See DOOKY CHASE’S, page 2B

In an interview Tuesday Triplett called the audit’s suggestion that the funds were used improperly “irresponsible.” “They’re trying to criminalize spending when there’s nothing criminal about it,” Triplett said. “As a school we have every right to spend our funds.” The school’s attorneys also Audit: Former charter may have misused $600K

from the state for the 2023-24 school year, the school gave up its charter In the fall, it opened as an independent private school that charged tuition, provided summer programs and offered full, or part-time programs for homeschooled students. It continued to use the Noble Minds name. According to a report released by the state legislative auditor last week, after the charter school’s board voted to close the school in December, the school used

public funds to fund employee incentives and hire wellness consultants. The payments included more than $100,000 to founder and CEO Vera Triplett, which the audit said could violate compensation rules. The report said the school also paid a year’s rent in advance for its space on Carrolton Avenue where it continues to run its private school. “By improperly using public funds to benefit the nonprofit corporation and/or donating public funds,” the report said, “Noble Minds management may have violated the Louisiana Constitution, which prohibits the donation of public funds, and state law.”

The audit report recommended that the state Department of Education and BESE review the findings with legal counsel to determine whether it should try to recover the money, which totaled $606,000.

LAYOFFS

Continued from page 1B

statement. In the days since, individual lawyers and groups of attorneys within McGlinchey have left for other firms, according to recent announcements. Dozens, however, remain, according to the notice filed with the state. The document shows that the New Orleans office alone, which is located on the 12th floor of the Pan American Life Center on Poydras Street, has 111 employees, including 34 attorneys.

The attorneys include 2 equity members, 17 no-equity members, 11 associates and four of-counsel.

The office also has eight secretaries, six paralegals, four ebilling coordinators and more

than 40 others in accounting, IT, finance, compliance and back office departments. Ferachi and the firm declined to comment.

More departures

At the time McGlinchey announced its vote to dissolve, the firm had around 160 attorneys and hundreds of support staff in 18 offices around the country from Seattle to Boston, though its New Orleans and Baton Rouge offices were its largest.

In the wake of the announcement, a prominent group of attorneys from the Baton Rouge office moved their corporate and real estate practice, including nine attorneys and four staffers, to Adams and Reese.

On Friday a 36-person team, including 19 attorneys from several of McGlinchey’s offices

outside of Louisiana, said they would be joining Womble, Bond, Dickinson, a trans-Atlantic firm with 1,300 attorneys and home offices in London and Baltimore, according to an announcement from the firm.

AM Law, an industry trade publication, reported Jan. 16 that talks between the group, headed by a partner in McGlinchey’s Cleveland office, and Womble began on Dec. 8 and concluded Dec. 26, less than 10 days before the vote to dissolve.

Around the same time, McGlinchey lost four attorneys from its corporate litigation group in New Orleans to Jones Walker Another four attorneys from the firm’s Washington, D.C., and Florida offices that specialize in consumer financial services defense announced their departure for Chicago-based Hinshaw

In remarks earlier this month, Ferachi acknowledged the firm had experienced several highprofile departures but said no single move had contributed to the decision to dissolve.

Those remaining at the firm have less than 10 days now, according to Ferachi’s remarks last week. At the meeting, he said the firm’s goal was to continue meeting payroll “as long as we can,” though he acknowledged this would “require ongoing bank approval.”

“In service of that goal, however, there is not room in the budget to issue retroactive 2025 bonuses or 2026 salary increases,” said Ferachi, which he called “a difficult decision.”

Email Stephanie Riegel at stephanie.riegel@theadvocate. com.

DOOKY CHASE’S

Continued from page 1B

The shooting was captured on video and showed Harris, who briefly worked at Dooky Chase’s, collapsing just inside the front door, Kirkpatrick said.

“It was a targeted shooting. It was not random,” said Kirkpatrick, who previously said the shooting appeared “retaliatory.”

OFFICE

Continued from page 1B

trouble leasing office space.

For Hertz Investment Group, the sale marks a further retreat from New Orleans, where the firm once stood among the city’s most influential office landlords. The Los Angeles-based company owned several marquee towers downtown, many financed through commercial mortgagebacked securities that began maturing just as rising interest rates and lower occupancy following the pandemic made it harder to refinance debt.

When loans became delinquent, special servicers stepped in, assuming control of rent collection and managing the properties while bondholders weighed restructuring, foreclosure or sale.

William “Zev” Hertz, who took control of the firm following the death of founder Judah Hertz in 2021, did not respond to requests for comment.

Lahasky said the building had been well maintained despite the financial stress on its ownership. “Everything that we’ve seen from Hertz has been very positive,” he said. “They put a lot of money into capital improvements over the years.”

A competitor bid

According to one of the people familiar with the transaction, the Hakims had been competing in recent weeks with Triangle Capital Group, a New York-based real estate firm that owned most of the building’s mortgage debt, for control of the property. Triangle Capital Group did not respond to requests for comment.

The three injured women were tourists: two from Los Angeles, the other from Lake Worth, Florida.

Both of the women from Los Angeles were shot multiple times, Kirkpatrick said; one was shot five times, leaving wounds in her back that exited through her chest After multiple surgeries, her condition had improved but she remained in the ICU, Kirkpatrick said Tuesday On Monday, the other woman

from Los Angeles remained stable in the hospital. NOPD did not immediately respond to a request for an update on her condition.

The Florida woman suffered a graze wound to the buttocks and was released from the hospital within 24 hours, Kirkpatrick said. The brazen shooting at a venerated restaurant shocked the city over the weekend. Kirkpatrick and Moreno were on the scene Friday The Chase family made a prayer for the victims the day

after the shooting. Open since 1941, Dooky Chase’s was a famous meeting spot for leaders of the Civil Rights Movement. The restaurant remains popular with tourists and locals for its history, Creole dishes and collection of Black art. Crimestoppers raised a reward Monday to $13,500 for information leading to the shooter’s arrest. People can submit anonymous tips at (504) 837-8477 or on Crimestoppers’ website.

CHARTER

Continued from page 1B

maintained that each expense was necessary and legal.

“Noble Minds has acted within its scope and authority regarding the school’s finances both prior to and after the decision to relinquish the charter,” Noble Minds’ attorney Halima Narcisse McKenna wrote. “It is absolutely within the school board’s and school leadership’s authority to expend funds in areas that are prioritized.”

Shift to private

After several years of D and F ratings from the state, Noble Minds was ineligible for renewal under the state’s criteria. As a private school, it stayed in the location on Carrollton Avenue that it rented from Central St. Matthew United Church of Christ. In an interview last year, Triplett said about a third of Noble Minds’ 150 students stayed on, opting to pay the $350 monthly tuition.

State board of education policy stipulates that when a charter is surrendered, all of its assets and cash on hand should be transferred or “disposed of” as instructed by the state education department. If it isn’t clear whether something was purchased with public or private funds, the asset goes to the state, according to the policy

After the board voted to relinquish its public charter, the school paid the church $174,000 in rent. The church told the auditor the school prepaid for a new lease that started in July 2025 and runs through June 2026 Triplett told the auditor that the amount was a payout for breaking the lease, which ran through 2027. If it paid rent for the school year when it would be a private school, it may have violated state laws against donations of public funds, according to the report.

The school also paid a total of $238,000 to three consultants last year that the auditor said either benefited the nonprofit corporation or were “unnecessary.” They included a fundraising consultant who was paid $40,000 and a wellness consultant who was paid $78,000. The wellness consultant provided mental health services, including guided meditations, yoga, sound baths and other stress and anxiety interventions. Between February and May, the school also paid at least $120,000 for professional development, including administrative support, and classroom observation and feedback. McKenna disputed the auditor’s findings, writing that the characterization of the expenses as unnecessary was only an opinion and “has no bearing on the charter school’s right to spend its funds.”

The attorney said that none of the expenditures were improper, including the wellness consultant who was hired after employees, parents and students reported high levels of anxiety and depression after learning of the impending school closure. According to the attorney’s letter there was an uptick in suicidal ideation and self-harm among Noble Minds’ staff and students.

While the building had strong occupancy and blue-chip tenants, including Entergy and LCMC Health, the transaction was complicated by several million dollars in additional obligations tied to broker commissions and capital improvements.

By contrast, the people familiar with the 400 Poydras deal said the building did not carry the same level of layered debt, making a negotiated sale more straightforward and allowing Hertz to exit without a prolonged foreclosure process.

The Hakim model

Together, the Hakim acquisitions reflect a long-standing strategy: buying properties at prices below replacement cost and investing in leasing and improvements to drive long-term value. That approach has deep roots.

Eddie Hakim, who is founder and CEO of Nuby, a company best known for sippy cups and other baby products, began his real estate career with rental properties near the University of Louisiana at Monroe. Along with his brother Joseph, now president of Nuby USA, he expanded those early holdings into larger commercial developments across north Louisiana and Texas.

In one formative deal in the early 1990s, the brothers purchased two office buildings in Houston for roughly $3.5 million during a market downturn, later selling them for about $30 million as conditions improved. Over time, they assembled and repositioned major retail properties, including buildings housing Academy Sports and Books-A-Million in the Monroe area.

Building on New Orleans deals

That same playbook has guided the family’s New Orleans investments. When the Hakims

In 2024, Triangle took possession of the 39-story Energy Centre tower after Hertz failed to refinance a $56.5 million loan.

acquired Orleans Tower more than a decade ago, the building was roughly 45% occupied. After extensive renovations and focused leasing efforts, occupancy rose above 80%, with multiple floors now leased to city of New Orleans departments.

At the DXC building, purchased in 2024 for a reported $18.5 million — well below its outstanding debt — the family quickly secured a long-term lease with the New Orleans Police Department, which now occupies two of the building’s 23 floors. Occupancy has risen from about 50% to above 60%, Lahasky said.

The purchase of 400 Poydras represents a step up in both scale and visibility At more than 600,000 square feet, it is larger than either of the Hakims’ previous Poydras Street holdings and positions the family as one of the corridor’s dominant private landlords at a pivotal moment for the Central Business District.

A signal in a fragile market

Some market observers said they viewed the sale as an early sign of stabilization after several years of turmoil in the downtown office sector Leasing activity has been sluggish since the pandemic, with companies downsizing, consolidating or delaying long-term commitments amid uncertainty over hybrid work and economic conditions. Rising interest rates added to those pressures by making refinancing too expensive for many owners. That pushed several buildings into default even though tenant demand remained relatively steady Lahasky said ownership uncertainty itself had slowed leasing momentum at 400 Poydras. “When a property goes into special servicing or has the banks

involved, a lot of tenants don’t want to get deals done because of uncertainty,” he said “One of the things that we’ll bring to the table is just certainty in the market.”

That uncertainty had “a chilling effect” on getting new tenants and signing long-term leases, said Cres Gardner, whose firm has been handling leasing for 400 Poydras for the past seven years. “They’re getting a great asset that’s above market in terms of occupancy and with a lot of pent-up demand from existing tenants,” Gardner said.

Still, the broader market remains fragile. Class A office occupancy downtown has slipped below 80%, and average rents hover around $20 per square foot. Much of the recent leasing reflects relocations within the Central Business District rather than net new demand.

The Hertz-owned Hancock Whitney tower — which at 51 stories is the city’s tallest office skyscraper remains in default and will lose one of its major tenants, Shell Oil, early next year when the company moves to new, smaller space in the River District.

Lahasky said that while the Hakims are not interested in buying the Hancock Whitney tower, he hopes it will be acquired by a developer with a plan to convert at least some of the space to hotel and residences.

“If that building loses a decent amount of tenancy, supply is going to be more than our market needs at this point,” Lahasky said. “So, selfishly I do hope that there’s some investor or developer who ends up with that property that has a plan for conversion.”

Email Anthony McAuley tmcauley@theadvocate.com.

The auditor also flagged $168,425 paid to employees who stayed on with the school after it agreed to relinquish its charter, including $100,500 to Triplett and $67,925 to other charter school employees. Triplett said in an interview that the Department of Education encouraged the school to offer incentives to employees to encourage them to stay through the end of the school year

“Nothing we did was abnormal,” Triplett said. “Everything was pro forma.”

According to Noble Minds’ records, Triplett was paid $50,000 on Jan 17, 2025, and again on June 30. The payouts were listed as for unused PTO and compensation for continuing to work for the school and transitioning it from a charter back to an education nonprofit.

The auditor said that those payments may have violated the state constitution because Triplett was being paid for services that had not yet been provided and was being compensated for duties that would already fall under her role as CEO. McKenna, the school’s attorney, argued that shepherding the school through the closure process fell beyond Triplett’s normal scope of work and that her incentives were “moderate and aligned with industry standards.”

“The language used in this report has the potential to defame and malign her professional reputation,” McKenna wrote.

Metairie woman charged with murder

BY MICHELLE HUNTER Staff writer

Four months after aMetairie grandfather of five died when authorities say he was stabbedand hit by avehicle,aJefferson Parish grand jury indictedhis wife with his murder Carmella Battiste, also known as Carmella Motley, 60, was charged Jan. 16 with counts of second-degree murder and obstruction of justice, according to court records.

She pleadednot guilty Friday in Jefferson Parish Magistrate Court.

Battiste is accused of killing 68-year-old Sebastian King on an isolated stretch of roadway in Waggaman on Sept. 16. Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the area of Live OakBoulevardnearRivet Boulevardtoinvestigate a report of asingle-vehicle accident just after 10 p.m., according to theSheriff’s Office.

Apasserby had spotted King’sCadillac XTE in a ditch, with King lying on the ground asking for help according to authorities. A womanatthe scene later identified as Battiste allegedly told the passerbythat King was “OK.”

By the time deputies arrived, King was lying shirtless on his back in the ditch next to the still-running Cadillac, the Sheriff’s Office said. He had asmall cut on his right hand and puncture wound to his right arm

Paramedics arrived, but King died at the scene. An autopsy later determined that in addition to the stab wounds, King hadbeenhit by avehicle, according to authorities.

Battiste was pacing near the vehicle. She told investigators that the couple had been riding in thecar with King behind thewheel when they started arguing about another woman, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Battiste told deputies that King hadordered hertoget outofthe vehicle.She also accused him of trying stab her with afork and saidhe triedtorun her overwith the vehicle, according to authorities

Deputies found alarge amountofblood on the driver’sside door,the rear passenger-side door,the hood of the vehicle and the windshield.

Authorities noted that Battiste had ascratch on her chest that wasnot bleeding at the scene, the Sheriff’s Office said. Investigators also discovered blood smeared on the roadway of Live Oak Boulevardand founda bloody barbecue fork on the street near the Cadillac, the Sheriff’s Office said.

Battiste was detained, taken to ahospital to ahospital for amedical assessmentand later arrested.

Sheriff’sOffice investigators have never given any details about asuspected motive for the violence.

Battiste is also charged with obstruction of justice for allegedly hiding evidence. She’saccused of stuffing apairofbloody latex gloves that she had worn during the murder under her breastswhen she was detained by deputies at the scene, according to authorities.

Battiste later tossed the gloves into atrash canafter she was taken to West Jefferson Medical Center No informationwas immediatelyavailableabout whether investigators were able to recover the gloves. After Battiste’sindictment, the court raised her bail to $1 million. Shewas being held Tuesday at the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center in Gretna.

NewOrleans Area Deaths

Brown, Ta’Jon

Favre, David

Francis, Rosie

Gregory, Joy

Howe-Frilot, Laura

HuguenelSr.,Earl

Irons,Alvin

Jackson, Perry

Kincey-Adams,Lucille

Lapeyrouse, Nathalie

Mayeux, Stafford

Meyer, Mary Moore, Edward

Thibaut, Vera EJefferson

Garden of Memories

HuguenelSr.,Earl NewOrleans

Charbonnet

Francis, Rosie

Irons,Alvin

Kincey-Adams,Lucille

DW Rhodes

Brown, Ta’Jon

JacobSchoen

Howe-Frilot, Laura Lake Lawn Metairie

Cervini, Maria Collins, Donald Meyer, Mary St Bernard St Bernard

losing himishorriblyover‐whelming. We find solace in thememoriesheleftbe‐hind.Relatives andfriends of thefamilyare invitedto attend aFuneralService at Mt.Sinai BaptistChurch, 1249 LeboeufSt. NewOr‐leans, LA 70114 on Friday, January23, 2026 at 1:00 pm Visitation will beginat 12:00pm. Interment: Mc‐DonoghvilleCemetery. ArrangementbyD.W Rhodes FuneralHome, 3933 Washington Ave. Please visitwww.rhodesfuneral. comtosignthe online guestbook

She is survivedbyher devoted lifetimeand spiritual companionoffour years Jonathan N. Kernion, withwhom she found companionship,faith,and love in thelateryears of her life

familyguestbook, please visit lakelawnmetairie.com

Browning, Ronald Cervini, Maria Collins, Donald Collins,DonaldOgden

Browning, RonaldWayne

Ronald "Ron"Wayne Browning,passed away on January 14, 2026, at 83 years old. He was born in BatonRouge in 1960, and a proud 1960 Istrouma High graduate. Ronretired from DHH as amanager of Adult ProtectiveServiceswhere he trained investigatorsof abuse and neglect cases He was aprofessorof Public Speaking at LSUEunice and at BRCCfor many years. Ron was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Baton Rouge and laterin Covington. He willberemembered as alovingfather, devoted husband and greatPawpaw. The family wouldliketoinviteall who knew and lovedRon to join them as we commemorate hislife. Avisitation willbe held at Resthaven Funeral Home,11817 Jefferson Hwy, in BatonRouge, on Thursday,January 22, 2026, from1:30 PM until funeral services at 2:30 PM,with graveside servicestofollow.

Lapeyrouse, Nathalie Cervini,Maria La Guardia

St Tammany

Grace Funeral

Thibaut, Vera West Bank

Mothe Favre, David Mayeux, Stafford Robinson FH

Jackson, Perry

Obituaries

Brown, Ta’Jon

Ta’Jon Browndeparted this life on Thursday,Janu‐ary8,2026. He wasthe lov‐ingson of LatashaBrown. Ta’Jon Brownwas born on December 26, 2003. He at‐tended severalschools from OrleansParishtoJef‐ferson.Hereceivedhis high school diplomafrom HelenCox High School in Harvey,Louisiana.Ta’Jon lovedsports, music, and beingwithhis family. He wasalsoknown as “Teezy”.Ta’Jonleaves to cherishhis memories his BrotherJohan Alexander, step father WilbertMicheal Kenner,stepBrother Joshua Johnsonand step Sister DanchelJohnson.He is also survived by his Grandparents;Chalose Brown(Carolyn) andMrs LindaCheneau,Aunts; Sta‐cieBrown andNikisha Alexander, Uncles;Eric, Gregory(Danielle),John Brown, andRenardPrice anda hug host of cousins andfriends.Ta’Jonwas precededindeath by his Greatgrandparents; Samuel Packnett (Mar‐garet),RuthRiles, and CloraMae Raphael, Hislov‐ingdevoted lovedones Damien EltonJackson,his step brotherJohan Kenner (Yogi), whomwetakecom‐fort in knowingtheywel‐comedhim with open arms.Thoughthe pain of

She is also survivedby her children, Mark S. McAdams Jr., (Carrie), ElizabethMcAdams Kaplan, Jeffrey R. McAdams, VictoriaL Cervini and Maria C. Eaton (Nathaniel); her beloved brothers, LouisJ.La Guardia Jr,(Irene), John J. La Guardia,and AnthonyJ La Guardia Sr., who all lovedher deeply

Maria was adevoted grandmother to her eight grandchildren. Paul Jacob Scariano Jr., LukeVernon McAdams, ParkerJoshua Kaplan, Grace Demetra McAdams, Ella Cervini Casanova, Patrick Ryan McAdams, Jacob George McAdams, and MilaCervini Eaton.

She is also survivedby many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family wishes to thank thestaff of Ochsner HospitalER, ICU, and hospice team fortheir compassionate care during Maria's final days.

Maria was blessed with many dear friends who were alwaysthere forher, and aspecial thank youto theDaughters of Isabella, SaintJoanofArc chapter fortheir love and prayers.

May her memory be eternal.

AMass of Christian Burial willbecelebrated at St Francis XavierChurch, 444 MetairieRd.,Metairie, LA 70005. Visitation willbe held at St Francis Xavier Church on Thursday, January 22, 2026, from10 AM until12PM. Mass will beginat12PMwith Reverend JosephPalermo officiating.Interment will follow at AllSaints Mausoleum, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd.,New Orleans, LA 70124.

In lieu of flowers,the family request donations be madetothe American Heart Association, and M. D. Anderson Multiple Myeloma division.

To view and sign the

NEWS 24/7ON

Maria La Guardia Cervini,age 70, passed away peacefully on January 16, 2026 surrounded by those who lovedher.

Born in 1956 in Kankakee, Illinois. She was thedaughterofthe late Louis James La Guardia Sr and Demetra John Moshos.

She attended Saint James Majorhighschool where she formed lifelong friendships.Her laughter and love willalways inspirethose who knew her. Maria had apassion for cooking,tap dancing and engaging in meaningful conversations. She cherishedthe memories of savoring oysters at Drago's, lovedexercising,and the color yellow, which perfectly capturedher vibrant nature. Above all else, her life's work was loving and raising her five children.

MariaJudithLaGuardia had threechildren from her first marriagetoMark McAdams, Sr.: Mark Steven McAdams, Jr. (Carrie), Elizabeth McAdams Kaplan, and Jeffrey Ryan McAdams. She later married Warren Anthony CerviniIII,and they had twodaughters: Victoria La Guardia Cervini andMariaCervini Eaton (Nathaniel).

Maria dedicated23 years of serviceto JeffersonParish. She served as PublicWorks Administrativeoperations coordinator,coordinating essential services for the parish throughout her career. She was known for her professionalism warmth and unwavering commitment to excellence. She had aunique abilityto make any workplace better, bringing organization, compassion, and asense of community to allthose she workedwith. Colleagues remember her as someone who ledwith kindness,humor,and integrity.

joyalong with ahostof nieces, nephews andcherished close friends. Aspecial thank you to his loyal secretary, "life manager" andfamilyfriend of more than 50 years, Charlotte Mire Barker. Donald wasa member of TheBienvilleClub, The Stratford Club, andseveral otherCarnivalorganizations. He wasa longtime volunteeratthe WorldWar II Museum, amember of thechoiratSt. Francis Xavier andenjoyed retreats at Manresa. Throughout theyears, Donald took pleasure in reading andsketching the scenerywhilespending weekendsand summers with familyinPass Christian,Mississippi, along thecoast of Maine andinthe mountainsof North Carolina. He always looked forward to returninghometoNew Orleans for Sunday dinnersatthe NOCC with hisfriend group. "DOC" will be rememberedfor hisquickwit, commanding presence captivatingstorytelling, sage advice,sparklingblue eyesand sense of style. Relativesand friends are invited to attenda memorial service on Friday, January23, 2026 at Lake LawnMetairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd.New Orleans, LA. Visitationwill be held from10am- 12 pm with amemorial Mass at 12 noon. Intermentwill followinMetairieCemetery In lieu of flowers, the familyrequestsdonations to St.Jude Children's Hospital.

Donald Ogden Collins passedaway peacefullyon January11, 2026, at the age of 92. He was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on January 9, 1934, to Robert Joseph Collins, Sr.and Louise Brandt Collins. He waspreceded in death by both parents, abrother, Robert Joseph Collins, Jr anda sister,GloriaCollins Baudier. Donald graduatedfrom Fortier High School and TulaneUniversity in New Orleanswhere he wasactive in theROTC. He served in theU.S. AirForce before attending Tulane University School of Law He wasadmittedtothe Louisiana Bar in 1962 and practicedatJones, Walker as apartner for many years specializingin Admiralty &Maritime, Aviation and Insurance Defense. Over thecourse of hiscareer, he wasanactive member of the Louisiana Bar Association andthe Louisiana Defense Councilofwhichheserved as presidentfrom19801981. He is survived by his devotedwife of 20 years, Mary Kay BurnsCollins; a son,Donald Ogden Collins, Jr.; adaughter, Kendall Collins Gensler (Scott); a grandson,MilesOgden Gensler;a stepson, Patrick H. Burns(Laura); two stepdaughters, Suzanne Burns Revelle(Dale)and Emelie BurnsRountree(Will); and seven additionalgrandchildren:Michael Patrick BurnsII, CourtneyChilds, Margot Childs, David Childs, Elizabeth "Libby" Rountree, Caroline Rountree, andAdeline "Addie" Rountree. Allof whom broughthim much

Gregory,

Joy Chelena

4B ✦ Wednesday, January21, 2026 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune andLeonard Favre. Brother of Peggy FavrePerrotand Jeanie FavreBradburn (Blufford)and thelate ShirleyLawless, Mary Ellen Hanson,JackieMatt, Patsy F. Perrot,Leonard Favre, Jr andRobertM.Favre.Also survived by ahostof nieces,nephews,great nieces andnephews and greatgreat nieces and nephewsand otherrela‐tives. He wasanavidexer‐ciser, who lovedrunning, walkingand biking.He served hiscountry honor‐ably in theU.S.Armyasa paratrooper andwas a Merchant Marine.Hewas also amemberofthe Mas‐ters Matesand Pilots Inter‐national Union. He wasa native of NewOrleans,LA anda resident of Belle Chasse,LA. Relatives and friendsofthe familyare in‐vitedtoattend theFuneral Serviceinthe chapel of MotheFuneral Home,2100 Westbank Expwy., Harvey, LA on Thursday,January 22, 2026 at 1:30pm.Visita‐tion will be held on Thurs‐daymorning from 11:30am until 1:30pm.Interment Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery.Special thanks to hiscaregiver,Liz Mitchell forher loving care In lieu of flowers, dona‐tionscan be made in his memory to theAlzheimer’s Association. Family and friendscan view andsign theonlineguest book at www.mothefunerals.com

RosieWrightFrancis wasbornonDecember16, 1936 to thelateDanieland Zerena AntonioWrightin NewOrleans,LA. Sheen‐teredintoeternal rest on Monday,January 12, 2026. Wife of thelateCalvinJ Francis, Sr.Motherof Calvin J. Francis, Jr., Angela M. Francisand thelateCarl John Francis. Sister of the late Noilie V. Wright.Mrs Francisattended Dillard University,where shere‐ceived aBADegreeinEdu‐cation andtaughtinthe OrleansParishPublic School System forover33 years. Relatives, friends; Staff andemployees of the OrleansParishPublic School system areinvited to attend thefuneral.A Mass of Christianburial honoring thelifeand legacy of thelateRosie Wright Franciswillbeheld at Corpus ChristiCatholic Church,2022 St Bernard Ave.,New Orleans,LA 70116 on Thursday,January 22, 2026at10am. Intern‐ment St Roch Cemetery # 2, 1725Music Street,New Orleans, LA 70117. Visita‐tion 9aminthe church Please sign online guest‐book@www.charbonnetf uneralhome.com. Charbon‐netLabat Glapion, Direc‐tors (504)581 4411.

Doris Joy Chelena Gregorypassedaway on Thursday, January 15, 2026 in the loving comfort of her home in Shreveport,LAat the ageof93.

Anative NewOrleanian, Joy attendedLafayette Elementary andMcMain High School beforeattendingTexasLutheran UniversityinSeguin, TX whereshe obtained aB.S in Education and met her husband,Richard. Later, Joy received her Masters in Education with aspecialty in reading from the University of New Orleans. Shewas an active member of Christ the King Lutheran and Faith Cumberland Presbyterian churches in Metairie.

Joy's passion for early education was unparalleled. Shewas an early elementaryteacher at John Clancy, Alice Birney, Christ the King Lutheran,Green Park, Bridgedale, Westgate, and James Madison Elementary Schools, and laterroseto Principal at McDonogh 26 and Woodmere Elementary.After retirement, she stayed involved in educationasa mentor to new teachers,anevaluator,and asubstitute teacher. In recognition of her commitment to education, she was awarded the Dr. John M. Davis Distinguished Educational Achievement Award from the SouthernAssociation of Colleges and Schoolsin 2004.

After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Joy movedto Shreveport with hermother and husband, where she becameanactive member in the localPhilanthropic EducationOrganization (PEO) chapter and Broadmoor Presbyterian Church and served asprimary caregiverfor her mother, Esther Joy is preceded in death byher parents Salvador Chelena and EstherCrusta Chelena. Sheissurvivedby her husband, Richard Gregory; their three children, Pam Hutchinson, Randy Gregory, and Dawn Gregory; daughter in law Mary Lang Gregory;four granddaughters, Maggie Clack, Rachel Gregory EmilyGregory,and Sarah Gregory; as wellasher cherished friend, Ida Brown

Adevouteducator, loving wife,nurturingmother, doting grandmother, and steadfast friend, Joy will be remembered for her commitment to herstudents and colleagues,infectious laughter and bright smile, endless warmth and generosity, and quick wit. Sheis deeply lovedbyher family and willbedeeplymissed

Howe-Frilot, Laura Katherine

palChurch in NewOrleans, where shecoordinated parish mealsand celebra‐tions. Shewas amember of theAltar Guild, Flower Guild, andCongregational DevelopmentCommittee. Sheand Briancould often be found ushering together on Sunday mornings.She wasalsoa devotedmem‐berofthe Orderofthe Daughtersofthe King,an internationalorganization dedicatedtoprayer, ser‐vice,and spiritualgrowth. Sheservedonboardsof severalministriesofChrist Church Cathedral: Camp Able NewOrleans,a pro‐gram dedicatedtoenrich‐ingthe livesofchildren with disabilities andtheir families;Jericho Road,the Episcopal HousingInitia‐tive,and Eden House, the firstrecoveryhomethat served adultvictims of human traffickingand commercial sexual ex‐ploitation in theGreater NewOrleans area Throughout herroles Katherine’scommitmentto service, mentorship,and empowering others re‐mained constant.Above all, Katherinewas ade‐votedwife, mother,sister, andaunt.She embodied thetruest senseofhospi‐tality—whether hosting gatherings,pulling to‐gether atailgateparty,or designingand decorating forany occasion.She hada remarkable gift formaking everyone feel welcomed, valued,and special. Katherine’slight wasvery bright,and it will continue to shineinthe livesofall who were blessedtoknow andloveher.A FuneralSer‐vice will be held at Christ Church Cathedral, 2919 St CharlesAvenue,New Or‐leans, Louisiana, on Janu‐ary22at10:30 am with vis‐itationpreceding at 9:30 am.Reception to follow in StewartHall. In lieu of flowers, memorialsmay be made to theKatherine Frilot memorial fund at CREW NewOrleans,orto Christ Church Cathedralin supportofits many min‐istrieswhich were so im‐portanttoKatherine crewnetwork.org/crewnetwork-foundation/inmemoriam/katherinefrilot-memorial-fund CCCNOLA.org

ries together.Heissur‐vivedbyhis belovedwife, Goldie Huguenel,towhom he wasmarried for69 years. HissonsEarl Huguenel,Jr. (Peggy)and DavidHuguenel(Saskia); GrandchildrenDanaPeters (Kory),David Huguenel Jr (Jody),Ellen Windmann (Brett),ErinCognevich, andRyanHuguenel (Kalieh);and eightgreatgrandchildren. Adevoted andlovingOldpa,hetrea‐suredevery moment spent with hisfamilyand will be deeply missed. Family and friendsare invitedtoat‐tend avisitationonFriday, January23, 2026 at Garden of Memories FuneralHome andCemetery, 4900 Airline Dr.Metairie, La.70001. Visi‐tation will beginat10:00 am with aService starting at 12:00 pm.Interment will follow immediatelythere‐after

Glapion, Directors, (504) 581-4411.

Jackson, Perry

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in her name to STAIR (Start the AdventureinReading) New Orleans(stairnola.org), whosemission is to improve the self esteemand reading skillsoflowerelementary publicschoolchildren, or another charity of your choice.

LauraKatherine HoweFrilot, lovingly knownas “Katherine,” age63, passed away on January4,2026, in NewOrleans,Louisiana Shewas born on Septem‐ber22, 1962, in Corpus Christi, Texas. Katherineis survived by herhusband BrianFrilot; herson,Fran‐cisMarkHowe; herdaugh‐ter, KatherineCadeHowe vonder Rosen(Wolfgang); hersister, ElizabethHowe Loggie;her nieces,Olivia, andEleanor Loggie;and herstepdaughters,Caro‐line Frilot Crosby (Thomas Allain), andMaitlandFrilot DeGenova (Alex).She was preceded in deathbyher mother,Laura Frances JacksonHowe, andher fa‐ther,Larry Lyle Howe Katherinegrewupona ranchinKerrville, Texas, andwas aseventh-genera‐tion Texan, aheritageshe deeply cherished. Sheat‐tended SaintMary’sHallin SanAntonio as aboarding student, graduating in 1982. Shecontinued hered‐ucationatTexas Tech Uni‐versityand SchreinerUni‐versity, earninga Bachelor of Arts in Financein1985. Katherinebegan herpro‐fessionalcareer in hospi‐tality management,a field well-suited to hernatural warmth andattentiveness, before transitioninginto banking, where shetruly found hercalling.She was exceptionalatfostering meaningful relationships, with an innate abilityto anticipate theneedsofher colleagues andclients alike. Shespent over 17 yearswithWells Fargoin SanAntonio,Texas,where shemet herhusband Brian. In 2020, they relo‐catedtoNew Orleans, where Katherineservedas aheadofCommercial LendingwithCreditHuman FederalCreditUnion Katherinegenerouslygave of hertime, talent,and treasure to numerous or‐ganizationsand causes Shehad adeep passionfor liftingothersupand help‐ingthemrecognize and reachtheir full potential. Shementoredhighschool students at Business Ca‐reersHighSchool,served on theBoard of Directors forMercedHousing Texas, wasTreasurer of the AlamoKiwanis Club forsix years, andwas deeply in‐volved in CREW Network, an organization dedicated to advancingwomen in the commercial real estate in‐dustry.Katherine wasa member of CREW SanAn‐toniofor 11 years, serving as President, andupon moving to NewOrleans continuedher leadership as PresidentofCREWNew Orleans. In addition, KatherineservedasPresi‐dent of NAWBOSan Anto‐nioand wasdevoted to mentoring andleadership developmentfor female business owners.She served as Mother Advisor andGrand Deputy forthe SanAntonio chapterofthe InternationalOrder of the Rainbowfor Girls, guiding andsupportinggirls during theirformative years. Katherinewas also amen‐tortoat-risk teenagegirls throughYouth Empower‐ment in SanAntonio,help‐ingthembuild financiallit‐eracy, confidence, andthe skills needed to plan for theirfutures.A womanof faith, Katherinewas an ac‐tive member of Christ Church CathedralEpisco‐

Earl Joseph Huguenel, Sr aresidentofMetairie, La.passedawaypeacefully on January17, 2026. He wasprecededindeath by hismotherRubyK Huguenel,fatherEarlH Huguenel,and adopted mother Rose Huguenel.He wasa graduate of Fortier High School.Heproudly served in theUnitedStates Navy before dedicating many yearsasa police of‐ficerfor both Harahanand JeffersonParish. He was deeply proudofhis service andcarried thosevalues throughout hislife. He was also alongtimememberof Mt.Moriah-QuitmanLodge No.59, F.&A.M TheFarhad Grotto andthe Jerusalem Shriners.Hefound joyin life's simple pleasures. A good cupofcoffeeinthe morning, afternoonsspent sittingonhis frontporch, andtimeathis fishing camp.Hecherished the yearsspent travelingwith hiswife, creating memo‐

AlvinLuther(“Al”, Papa") Irons, enteredeter‐nalrestonJanuary 15, 2026, at theage of 88. Belovedhusband of Paulette Irons; loving fa‐ther of MarseahIrons, Alexandria Harris,and Paul Irons; cherishedgrandfa‐ther of Daniel Delatte, Drew Delatte,DillonDe‐latte,Micah Irons, Hailey Harris,Joshua Irons, ZacharyIrons,and Seth Harris.Son of thelateJohn JamesIrons Sr.and Essie FolseIrons He is also sur‐vivedbyhis siblings,Helen Rodgers, OctaviaIrons, Joel Irons, Lionel Irons, CharlesIrons (Vivian),and brother-in-law Samuel Riley, anda host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He is preceded in deathbyhis parents; and siblings,Julia Washington, Mary EthelDaly, Emmanuel Irons, Willie Irons, John IronsJr.,and LydiaLindsay FuneralServiceshonoring thelifeofAlvin Irons will be held at TheCityofLove Church,8601 Palmetto St., NewOrleans,LAonFriday, January23, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Visitation at 9:00 a.m. Intermenttofollowata laterdateatthe Southeast LouisianaVeteransCeme‐tery,Slidell, LA.Pleasesign theonlineguestbook at www.charbonnetfuneralho me.com.CharbonnetLabat

On Friday,December26, 2025, Perry went home to be with theLord. He was blessedwith70years of life,which he lovingly shared with familyand friends. Perry wasbornto thelateHaroldT.Jackson Sr.ofNew Orleans, LA and thelateLillieA."Doyle" JacksonofOakvilleLA. He is thebeloved brotherof Harold T. JacksonJr.,War‐renJ.Jackson Sr., Kevin JacksonSr.,and thelate Dianna L. Jackson. Perry is thefatherofPerry Jr., Gary, Wendy, Michelle,Toni, Bar‐barahand Imani. Brotherin lawofEvangelineM.Jack‐son, Veronica C. Jackson, andthe late Anna Jean "Hoye" Jackson. Perry's legacy livesonthrough his familyand his22grand‐children,10great grand‐children,nieces, nephews, cousins, otherrelatives anddevoted friends. Rela‐tivesand friendsofthe familyare invitedtoattend thefuneral serviceon Thursday,January 22, 2026 at Robinson Family Funeral Home,9611 LA-23, Belle Chasse LA.(504) 208-2119. Thevisitationwillbegin at 9AMfollowedbya 10AM service. Intermentwillbe held on Friday,January 23, 2026 at theSoutheast LouisianaVeteransCeme‐tery,34888 Grantham Col‐lege Dr SlidellLA. at ex‐actly10:30AM.For online condolencespleasevisit www.robinsonfamilyfuner alhome.com

mother of Troy Lewis, MichaelKincey, Nina John‐son, Stacey “Ester”Scott, Merlin Kincey andLatoya Kincey.Alsosurvivedby eleven grandchildren, twenty threegreat grand‐children,two greatgreat grandchildren, otherrela‐tivesand friends. Aloving sister,aunt,cousinand friend.Relativesand friendsare invitedtoat‐tend thefuneral.A Cele‐brationservice honoring thelifeand legacy of the late Lucille Kincey-Adams will be held in theChapel of Charbonnet Labat GlapionFuneralHome, 1615 St.PhilipStreet,New Orleans, LA 70116 on Fri‐day, January23, 2026 at 10 am.Interment Mount Olivet Cemetery,2050 CatonSt.,New Orleans, LA 70122. Visitation 9amin thechapel.Pleasesignon‐line guestbook at www.cha rbonnetfuneralhome.com Charbonnet LabatGlapion Directors(504)581 4411

It is with heavy hearts that we announcethe passingofNathalie "Nat" Rodi Lapeyrouse.Nat was adevoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who passed away peacefully on January 16, 2026, at the age of 86. She was the beloved wife of 50plus years to the late Emile A. Lapeyrouse, Sr., whom she missed dearly. Devoted motherofRussell (Diane) and EmileJr. (Laurie).Loving grandmother of Kelli Lapeyrouse Gioia (Christian), Jared Lapeyrouse, and Jeffrey Tritt(Lindsey). Proud great -grandmother of Kinleigh Gioia, Malaina Lapeyrouse, Scarlett Tritt, Sterling Tritt, and Saylor Tritt. She is also survivedand lovingly remembered by her sister-inlaw, Judy Lapeyrouse Benandi (the late A.J.), and many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents John A. and Emily Coulon Rodi; her brothers Alfred Rodi, Anthony(A.J.)Rodi and her sisterMaxine Rodi Montifue(the late Lenny).

Nat was aseamstress for most of her life. She loved cooking for her family and hosting Sunday dinners and was the life of the party.She was acaretaker, selfless, and never meta stranger. She was adevout Catholic. Family was the heart of Nat's life and her greatest joy.She was cherished for her kindness, generosity, and unwavering love and support. Her memory willlive on in the hearts of allwho knew and loved her.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend avisitation to be held at St. Bernard Memorial Funeral Home, 701 W. Virtue St., Chalmette, LA on Friday January 23, 2026 from 11:00AM -1:00PM, followed by afuneral service in Nat's memory beginning at 1:00PM. She willbelaid to rest in St. Bernard Memorial Gardens alongside her beloved husband wherethey will be reunited for eternity.

The family would liketo extend their sincere appreciation to Hospice Compassusfor their care of Nat during her battle with dementia.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to the Dementia Society of America (www.D ementiaSociety.org /donate) or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (www.stjude.org).

To view and sign the Family Guestbook, please visit www.stbernardmemo rial.com

from Marksville High School in 1960, joined The LouisianaArmyNational Guardin1965 andserved until honorablydischarged in 1970. He is preceded in deathby hisgrandson Evan MichaelJohnson,par‐ents HerseyMayeuxand OrphaMayeux, brothers Hersey Mayeux,Jr. (Faye) AllenMayeux(Gloria)sis‐ters Ruby Nell Moreau,Gail Sayerand AnnieMae Stroud (Jerry). S.J. married ElizabethGailHackett on December 5, 1968, at St Joseph's Church in Marksville,LA. This was the firststepintheir build‐inga largeCatholic, faithbasedfamily. Remainingto cherishS.J.'smemoryare hiswifeof57years,Gail Mayeaux, children:Craig Mayeaux(Angel),Chad Mayeaux(Melanie),Chris Mayeaux, CarenJohnson (Bobby),ChuckMayeaux, GrandChildren: Nataly Gal‐lagher (Kevin),Tyler John‐son(MadisonGondrella), Hailey Mayeaux,Emily Johnson(ConnorRichoux), Hersey Mayeaux, Amelia Mayeaux: Brother, Julius Mayeaux. In-Laws: Cathy Hasset (Jim), RodHackett (Tara),Louis Hackett, Vic‐toriaWedge (Danny)and many loving nephewsand nieces.S.J.workedasa carpenter, contractor,real estate investor and PlaqueminesParishbuild‐inginspector.Hewas a member of OurLadyof PerpetualHelpChurch and served as afairchair in 1980 and1981 andalsoasa CYOchaperone.Inhis younger yearsS.J.enjoyed huntingand fishingand he passedthislovedownto hischildrenand grandchil‐dren.Later in life he espe‐cially lovedtrapping and relocating animals, gar‐dening andspendingtime with hisfamily. S.J. wasa loving husband,fatherand grandfather. He wasa self‐less andhardworking man of fewwords butinfinite love,whose quietpresence wasthe foundation of his family. Whetherhewas callinghis children to checkinorletting them know whatnextproject they were going to do,they neverdoubtedhis support andunconditional love for hisfamily. S.J. lovedmak‐ingpeoplelaugh and laughing with them in any circumstance.His practical mind andproblem-solving attitude fueled hiseager‐ness to make repairsfor others,sometimes before they knew it even needed fixing.Heleavesbehinda legacy of integrity, hard work anda love so deep it needed no fanfare. Visita‐tion will be held Friday, January23, 2026, at 10:00am- Noon at OurLady of PerpetualHelpChurch in Belle Chasse,Louisiana Funeralmasswillbegin at Noon.Interment following at OurLadyofPerpetual Help Cemetery.Onlinecon‐dolences maybesharedat www.mothefunerals.com In lieu of flowers, please donate to Jesuit High School,inmemoryofEvan Johnson, link below(spec‐ify In Memory of Evan JohnsonScholarship): Gift in Memory |JesuitHigh School of NewOrleans Please visitmothefuner‐als.comtoviewand sign theonlineguestbook

Meyer, Mary Beth Cook

Mary BethCookMeyer passed away peacefully on January 14, 2026, at theage of 76. She was abeloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Alifelong resident of NewOrleans, Mary Beth truly embodied thespirit of thecity she lovedand was always readytocelebrate, gatherwithloved ones, and enjoy life to the fullest.

Mary Bethwas the youngestdaughterof Edward J. Cook,Jr. and Iris JacksonCook. She is survivedbyher sister, Carol Wuchter, and was preceded in death by her sister, Barbara Wheeler.

She was thedevoted mother of twosons, Michael Edward Chepolis and John CookChepolis. Mary Bethwas precededin death by her eldest son, Michael, who is survived by his wife, Debbie, and their threechildren, Michael,Connor, and Alexa. She is also survived by her son, John, and his wife, Katherine, and their threechildren, Sophia Etta, and Owen. Mary Beth adored her sons and lovingly embraced her daughters-in-lawasher own. She was delighted to be a grandmother and treasured thetime she spent with her grandchildren.

Mary Bethwas thewidow of Joseph"Joe" Meyer, Jr to whom she was married for31years before his passing in 2021. Together, Mary Beth and Joe builta life filled with laughter, travel,and celebration. They were known for hosting lively gatheringsin their home and never needed much of areason to throwa party. Traveling togetherwas one of their greatjoys, withNew York City and IslaMujeres among theirfavoritedestinations.

Agraduateof Dominican High School, Mary Bethplayedvolleyball and continued playing intoher adult years. She was also apassionatedog loverwho rescuedmany dogs over theyears, welcoming each one as a cherished member of her family

Mary Beth delighted in long, joyful meals shared with family and friends and was fondly known for her slow-paced eating,savoring both thefoodand theconversation. She lovedeverything New Orleans, withthe Saints and MardiGrasalways at thetop of thelist.

her honorwillbeheldata laterdate. Condolences may be expressedat lakelawnmetairie.com. In lieu of flowers,the family requests that donations be madeinMary Beth's memorytoThe American Brain Foundation.

Edward Craig Moore, Jr. 72, departedthis earthly life on Sunday, January 4, 2026, surrounded by his wife and son at Audubon Retirement Village in New Orleans, LA.The son of the late Edward CraigMoore, Sr.and Cora Ann Childs, Craig (as he was called) was born July6,1953, in Selma,Alabama and grew up in Marion and Uniontown, Alabama. He graduated fromRobert C. Hatch High School in Uniontown.

Craig attended Georgia Tech University in Atlanta, GA and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Civil ineeri in Craig

Pontchartrain.Craig was also acertifiedpilot who flew and maintainedhis partnership plane

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

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

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

Thibaut, Vera 'Kiki'

Vera "Kiki"Wright Thibaut, 96 of Mandeville passedawayonFriday January16, 2026 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born on February 2, 1929 in

wasa woman of strong faithand amember of Covington Presbyterian Church.Kikiwas aloving anddevoted mother grandmother,and great grandmother.Kikiissurvived by herloving children,Louise Thibaut Rusch (Richard), David Dubourg ThibautJr(Lisa) ,and Sally ThibautBuras; grandchildren,Katherine,Sarah, Chris, andSimon;great grandchildren, Masonand Baylee. Kiki also leaves behind to cherish hermemory ahost of nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family. Thefamily wouldliketogive aheartfelt thank you to Viola, Christine, Tammy, and Bianca for their dedicated love andcare. Visitation will be held on Friday, January23, 2026 from 10:00 am until11:00 am at Covington Presbyterian Church (222 South JeffersonAve,Covington). Funeral Serviceswill be held at 11:00 am on Friday, January23, 2026 at Covington Presbyterian Church (222 South JeffersonAve,Covington) with burial to follow at St LazarusCemetery

Why youneed dental insuranceinretirement

Many Americans arefortunate to have dental coveragefor their entire working life,through employer-provided benefits. When those benefits end with retirement, payingdental bills out-of-pocket can come as a shock,leading people to put offoreven go without care. Simply put —withoutdental insurance, there may be an important gap in yourhealthcare coverage.

Whenyou’recomparing plans

 Look forcoverage that helpspay formajor services. Some plans maylimit thenumberof procedures —orpay forpreventive care only.  Look forcoverage with no deductibles. Some plans mayrequire you to pay hundredsout of pocket before benefits are paid.

 Shop forcoverage with no annual maximumoncash benefits.Some plans have

Mary Bethwas apleasure to be around and alwaysready to laughand celebrate. She cherished living in Lakeviewand was especiallygrateful to have her sons and their families living close by. The family wouldliketoexpress their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionatestaff at SummerHouse Vista Shores for thecare, kindness, and support they

Medicare doesn’tpay for dental care.1

That’s right. As goodasMedicare is, it was never meant to cover everything. That means if youwant protection, you need to purchase individual insurance.

Early detection canprevent small problems from becoming expensive ones

Thebest way to preventlarge dental bills is preventive care. The American Dental Associationrecommends checkupstwiceayear.

Previous dentalwork canwear out

Even if you’ve hadqualitydentalworkinthe past, youshouldn’t take your dentalhealth forgranted.Infact, your odds of havinga dentalproblemonly go up as youage.2

Treatment is expensive especially theservicespeople over 50 often need

Consider these national average costsof treatment. $274for acheckup $299 for afilling $1,471 foracrown.3 Unexpected bills likethis canbea real burden, especially if you’reonafixed income

Stateshould startplanning forfuture with less federalhelp

As the statehas faced recurring storms over the years that have affected largeswaths of our housingstock,many homeowners havecome to relyonabackstop that, in thefuture,may not be as readily available. That has become clear as the state winds down theRestore Louisiana program institutedtorebuild homes after Hurricanes Laura and Ida for people who didn’t have enough insurance coverage. If the federal government pullsbackfrom itsdisasterrelief efforts, we would like to seethe state begin to build on what it has learned abouthelping Louisiana residents to recover after storms. Restore is administered bythe Louisiana Office of Community Development,which was responsible for distributingfederalfunds the state was awarded after thehurricanes in 2020 and2021. The state received $3.1 billionfor the recovery,and about athird of it went to Restore Gina Campo, headofthe office, told ourreporter Sam Karlin that the office had provided aid to 13,000 people. But that’sout ofnearly40,000 surveys submitted by individuals seeking aid Restore, which started afterthe 2016 floods that inundatedareas of southLouisianathathad never seen serious floodingbefore,aimedtobe an improvement on the much-malignedRoad Home programtoassist homeowners in rebuildingKatrina.

Andwhile Restore Louisiana,like the Road Home,sufferedmyriad delays at thefederal level —funds for Laura and Ida werenot even appropriated by Congress until 2022—and was stymied by red tape in determiningwho was eligible for aid, state officials say some efforts to streamline the processofgetting assistancethe hands of homeowners were successful. Campo notedthat Louisiana disbursed aid fasterthan other states that receivedfederal fundsaround the same time.

All projects related to theRestore program for the 2020-2021 disasters are slated forcompletionbySeptember.The funds left over will go to affordable housing projectsthatwerepart of the recovery package in Baton Rouge, New Orleans and other places. Local infrastructure projects are also on tap once an application and reviewprocess is put in place.

But we urge the stateHouse panel that is charged with oversight of disaster recovery efforts to look closely at theRestore program and what it tellsusabout what thestate needs to do to prepare as storms become more frequent and stronger due to climatechange.With the Trump administration vowing to movemoreof thedisasterrecovery load to thestates, it’simperative that Louisiana develop aplanbased on experience.

Campo said that relocation could be an option that thestate will be more activeinasking some residentswho live in storm-prone areas to consider.While we understandthe need to tread carefully here, all options needtobeon thetable.There’s no bettertime than now to preparefor the next storm —evenaswehope it nevercomes

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

OPINION

Bibletells us howwe should treatimmigrants

Iwent to Lowe’sona recent weekend, and as Ipulled up outside, it seemed abit eerie, quieter and different. Then, it dawned on me it was because Border Patrol andPresident Donald Trump’simmigration officials had captured or run all the immigrants away Iguess to someofusitwas agood thing,but Iactually missed seeing those guys. They were always smiling and in good spirits, waving to see if you have any work for them. It made me think of when Iused one afew months back to fix aplumbing issue that popped up on aSunday when my normal plumber wasn’tavailable. It also made me recall how those immigrant guys helped me removeatree off my home and repair my fence and roof after Hurricanes Katrina and Ida when labor was in high demand and

short in supply The sudden eeriness of them missing and thrown into detainment camps like criminals made me think about and reach for my Bible when Ireturned homefrom Lowe’s. There in Leviticus 19:33-34, where God wasspeaking to Moses and theLevites whowere God’spriestsonhow to be holy,was this mostrelevant scripture: “When an alien lives with you in your land, do not mistreat him.The alien living with you must be treated as oneofyour nativeborn. Lovehim as yourself,for you were aliens in Egypt. Iamthe Lord your God. Ihope in the end the truly holy and Christ-like people winout and we see those guys back outside Lowe’sseeking agood day of work.

KEVIN E. WILLIAMS NewOrleans

In itsdaily printpaper,N.O.has

This month,the Atlanta JournalConstitution ended its 157-year print run and is now only digital. Iknow, because Iread that news in my sevenday-a-week hard copy of The TimesPicayune. Each morning, Istartthe day withalarge French Truck iced coffee and thoroughly read the paper IamsogratefultoDathel and John Georges for their commitment to our daily paper.Under their leadership, and that of Editor ReneSanchez, the qualityofcoverage continues to improve. What afine group of reporters: Tyler Bridges and Stephanie Grace for stateand local politics, Keith Spera for music, Doug MacCash for art and culture, Bob Marshall still weighing in on environmental issues, and conscientious reporting on education, urban affairs, development and sports. Plus

somethingspecial

David Grunfeld’sterrific photography Special shout out to IanMcNulty, who is not afood critic, but moreacultural anthropologist, exploring local foodways and thepeople whocreate thediversity of flavors and restaurantsthat makethis city so wonderful. His approach of warmth, curiosity inclusion and intelligence is great journalism in my opinion.

When Imoved here from Boston 47 years ago, New Orleans was often measuring itself (usually in disparaging ways) against Atlanta. While Iwish we had theurban tree canopy of Atlantaand itsprosperity,New Orleans still shines, and we haveThe TimesPicayune on the front porch every day Hallelujah! Andthanks.

KARIN GIGER NewOrleans

Grunfeld photos always leaveanimpression

Religion,history andculture cry outagainst immigrantraids in NewOrleans

The aggressive dispersal of federalimmigrationagents into andacrossour city andits neighboring communities stoked fear anddistress in the lives of many New Orleanians. As scholars and educatorswho live in this city, we believe there are two reasons city residents should be deeply worried by the tactics deployed by federal agents and the treatment being meted out to our immigrant neighbors.

morning French Quarter and the view of the Peristyle in fog from Christmas Eve offered real treats formyeyes at theend of 2025. Thanks! Ilook forward to morein 2026!

To the entire New Orleans immigrant community: Youbelong here, you are valued and you are loved. DAWSON McCALL professor of history PABLO ZAVALA professor,languages and cultures OUR VIEWS

Idon’thave to wait for art reviews by Doug MacCash to seeart in your newspaper.Every time Isee one of David Grunfeld’sphotos, Iappreciate theart he creates. Whether accompanying astoryoras just one beautiful image of our area, I am impressed by his work. The early

The first is moral and stemsfrom this city’sstrong Catholic heritage, which asserts that “every migrant is ahuman person who, as such, possesses fundamental, inalienable rights that must be respected by everyone and in every circumstance” (Caritas in Veritate, 62). The purposeful federal policy of stoking fear,separating families and creating hardship in the lives of immigrants should call every Catholic in the city,from Catholic institutional leaders to everyday parishioners, to find waystoshow love, compassion and support to those impacted by federal actions. The second reason to reject the current federal program is historical. Choctaw andChickasaw, Frenchand Spanish, Wolof and Yoruba,Acadianand Sicilian, Irish andEnglish, Vietnamese and Filipino,Mexican andGarifuna, Honduranand Cuban and Brazilian—our city’sshared histories have long been defined by the interactionofpeople from different places.These people have helped to fashion ourcity’sunique culture,built businesses and institutions, startedfamiliesand homes andrebuilt ourcommunity in the aftermath of naturaldisasters. New Orleansisstronger whenwe value the centralrole played by all of ourpeople,immigrant and nonimmigrant together

PEGUSNER Mandeville

La.can be Voting Rights Act leader.Willweaccept challenge?

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 has guaranteedthat all eligible citizens of the United States have thesame opportunities to register and cast ballotsas all other eligible people once they’vereached 18 years of age. I’d love to see larger numbers of people who share my political and social change desires, perspectives andviews register and vote in ALL elections. Andasan American who gets excited when we have large numbersofpeople engaged, Iwant to see as many people participate as possible.IfIand others can’t swaythem to be engaged,toregister to vote and to vote my way,that’sonwe who share certain kinds of views.

These days it seems some politicians are more interested in keeping their seats, limiting others from getting equal footing within governmentand suppressing the number of votersby putting things in place to make it less likely that they will vote. Rather than encouraging people to sharecommunity and parish concerns that can be addressedbylocal, state and federal elected leaders, we have too many people discouragingactive engagement and participation.Some want to discourage votingbypeople who they don’tthink share their views. Rather than expand votingsignificantly with automatic ballot mailings and all-mail elections, as California, Oregon and afew other states have done, they want to limit voting as much

whenever the court decides, they can’t stop the fight to hold ontothe voting rightsthey have and tofight for more.

Realitymaking acomebackin America

In Trump World, wherealternative facts rule, reality is starting to makecomeback.

as possible. That includes limiting or eliminatingmail ballots and reducing thenumberofdays and ways people can vote.

Ican’tbecertain, but Ithink alarge numberofour registered Louisiana voters who don’tvote regularly might be moreinclined to voteiftheyautomatically received an official ballot in themail.

Janai Nelson, who argued the nowfamous Louisiana v. Callais redistricting case before the U.S. SupremeCourt in October,spoke at aBaton Rouge church Monday,asthe statewas still awaitingthe highest court’sdecision on whether Louisiana’scurrent congressionaldistrict map featuringtwo majority Black districts will stand. She told thecrowd that whatever and

During aMartin Luther King Jr scholarship brunch at United Christian Faith Ministries, she announced that theLegal Defense Fund she heads will work with thePower Coalition for Equity and Justice and other justice seekers topush to add Louisiana as one of afew states with its own Voting RightsAct.

According to theNational Conference of State Legislatures, California, Connecticut and Colorado have their own VotingRightsActs, and others are close or working toward that goal.

What that legislation would look like and what voting protections might be pursued are yet to be determined as conversations continue. Nelson said stateSen. Royce Duplessis, D-New Orleans, has agreed to help develop the bill and bring it before theLouisiana Legislature.

The spring legislative session will be important and interesting for anumber of reasons. It’sabout to becomeeven moreimportant, as we thepeople have aLouisiana VotingRightsAct considered by our elected legislative leaders.

“It’s going to takeall of us to get that act passed,”Nelson told the audience at United Christian Faith Ministries. ALL of us. As in nomatter what political party, what philosophy,what background.

Allmeans all.

Email Will Sutton at wsutton@ theadvocate.com.

Amid turmoil, dazedbut notconfused

As anew year of tormentcommences underthe administrationofPresident DonaldTrump, the only consolation for non-MAGA Americans is, well, nothing. Sorry.For the most part,the only refuge can be found in ashared reality: No, you’re not crazy.Ifeel the same way

Ireceive daily calls and textsfrom friends and family searching for answers, as though Isit atop a mountain of insight Who, me? I’m sitting in a pit of despair

Kathleen Parker Will Sutton

Whether it’sthe unsanctioned usurping of Venezuela’s government with the nighttime kidnapping of President Nicolás Maduro or the fatal shooting in Minneapolis of a37-year-old U.S. citizen by an Immigration andCustoms Enforcement agent, life feels out of control. And dangerous My contacts want to know if others areasfreaked out as they are. Yes, yes and yes. But what can you do? This is where the conversation usually stalls. And what’snext? Are we going to war with Mexico? Trumphas said that drugs are pouring through Mexico so “we’re going to have to do something.” Are we going to invade Greenland? Trump says annexing Greenland is anational security necessity. And what about NATO? Are we abandoning Europe?

In his pursuit of hemispheric hegemony,Trump isn’t just isolating the United States from our allies; he’s creating apolitical divide at home that is becoming an irreparable chasm. Social media brimswith commentssuch as “I voted for this,” as Trump does the next worst thing. At the end of last week, it was Trump’swithdrawal of U.S. support for more than 60 international organizations. Meanwhile, more rational Americans feel paralyzed in ahellish limbo. Trump is making them feel crazy because no one who can do something is saying anything. To its credit,the Senate did just advancealargely symbolic measure to block further military action in Venezuela by Trump. We’ve watched afull year of Trump 2.0 with no reprieve in sight —and he’sgot three more years? It always starts with the small stuff —renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, paving over the Rose Garden, demolishing the East Wing and, recently,adding his name to theKennedy Center.It’sall designed to dazzle and confuse, numbing us for bigger stuff to come.

The Republican-controlled Congress ought tobeashamed. If the cat’sgot their tongue,they need to go home and hug their blankies.Toparaphrase

Mayor Jacob Frey (D), who told ICE to “get the f*** out of Minneapolis,” your presence is no longer required. My fear is what Trump’sRasputin, Stephen Miller,will come up with next. He recently told CNN’sJake Tapper: “We’re asuperpower.And under President Trump, we aregoing to conduct ourselves as asuperpower.” Tapper later said:“Idon’teven know, honestly,what you’retalking about right now.” I’d translate it as:Stay out of our way As in ReneeNicole Good, thewoman who tried to drive away but was shot to death by ICE? Homeland Security Secretary Kristi L. Noem defended theagent as doing his job,contrary to what we can see with our own eyes. Witnesses say there was no threat. Democratic MinnesotaGov.Tim Walz urged people not to buy thegovernment’s“propaganda,” while the president accused Good of trying to “run over” the agent. Trump, we’ve been told,is second to none in supporting lawenforcement. But then why did he pardon or commute the sentences of more than 1,500 criminals who attacked and traumatized Capitol police officers in the Jan.6riot?

Swooping into Venezuela ostensibly to stop the flowofdrugs to America, only tocommandeer the country and its oilsupplies, is equally farcical

when just last month Trump pardoned former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández, who had been sentenced to 45 yearsinprison for conspiring withtraffickers to funnel at least400 tons of cocaine into the U.S. If democracy suddenly erupts in Venezuela, I’ll runacorrection. So, yes,I’m dazed but not confused. My only consolation has come, not surprisingly,from acomedian. Dave Chappelle, in his Netflix special “The Unstoppable,” which was performed in October in D.C., makes one feel briefly sane. Apart political rant mixed with some gratuitous raunch, the75-minute show featured achainsmoking Chappelle delivering brutal truthsabout today’s world.

Iwas impressed by an empathetic moment of solidarity with the audience. If you’re feeling like things are weird now,hesoftened his tone, “you are not alone.” Well, thanks for that, Dave, and also for reminding us that humor is the antidote to horror which perfectly explains why Trump, after attacking the“fake media” through his first term, seized on comedians in 2025. For what it’sworth, you’re not alone if you feel like the worldiscrashing around you. Andifyou’ve read this far,you’re probably not crazy.Our only recourse will soon be within our sights— theNovember midterms.

Email Kathleen Parker at kathleenparker@washpost.com.

For months, the president has hammered JeromePowell, the chair of the Federal Reserve, denouncing him as a“numbskull” and demanding that he lower interest rates morerapidly Powell kept his course, but also kept quiet, until federal prosecutors threatened to bring criminal charge against him forlying to Congress.

Finally,Powell fought back. In a highly unusual two-minute video, he branded the criminal probe a“pretext” and asserted: “The threat of criminal charges is aconsequence of the Federal Reserve setting interest rates based on our best assessment of what will serve the public, rather than following the preferences of the president. This is about whether the Fed will be able to continue to set interest rates based on evidence and economic conditions —orwhether instead monetary policy will be directed by political pressure or intimidation.”

This is aparadigm momentthat crystalizes a central tension in the political universe. Trump’s view is that “Reality is what Isay it is,” as the historian Ruth Ben-Ghiat put it, and what serves his interests. But his opponents, epitomized by Powell, say no: Reality is based on evidence, on facts, on independent observation and calculation.

Trumphas embraced “alternative facts” (a phrase coined by his former adviser Kellyanne Conway) his entire career.Heclaimed, without evidence, that his inaugural crowds werelarger than his predecessor’s. That the 2020 election had been stolen. That tax cuts pay forthemselves. All false. All lies.

Even moreinsidiously,Trumphas gotten rid of government officials whostand forprofessional integrity and could contradict his prejudices inspectors general, career prosecutors, climate scientists. He fired the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Erika McEntarfer,charging again, without evidence —that her figures were “RIGGED” against him

Trumphas also assailed other experts and institutions that can challenge his definition of reality —federal judges, law firms, universities and media companies. Many have folded in the face of his pressure, terrified of his power to sue them or regulate them or simply denounce them on social media.Almostall Republicans have gone along as well, impressed by the fervorofhis followers, but also fearful of his wrath.

Lately,thatunity has shown signs of splintering. Republicans in the Indiana legislature rejected his demands to redrawCongressional boundaries. Five Republican senators voted for awar powers resolution, rebuking Trump’s actions in Venezuela, and so infuriating the president thathedeclared they “should never be elected to officeagain.” Awhopping 17 Republican House members broke ranks andsupporteda measure to restore expiredsubsidies for health insurance premiums.

The attempt to intimidate Powell really hit a nerve,because it threatened the basic independenceofthe Federal Reserve, one of the central principles thathas made the American economy the strongest in the world. And it challenged the essentialconceptthat“evidence and economic conditions” should guide the Fed’sdecision-making, notpolitical pressure or self-interest.

“Powell investigation backfireswith Hill Republicans,” headlined the news website Semafor One of the strongest denunciations camefrom Sen. ThomTillis of North Carolina, whose decisiontoretire hasfreed him to be far more critical of the White House.

“If there were anyremaining doubt whether advisers within the Trump administration are actively pushing to end the independence of the FederalReserve,there should now be none,” said Tillis. He vowedtoblock any replacement for Powell, whose term as chairends in May, “until this legalmatter is fully resolved.”

Sen. JohnKennedy of Louisiana said he would be “stunned” if Powell had done anything wrong, adding: “Weneed this like we need aholeinthe head.” Rep. French Hill of Arkansas, chair of the House FinancialServices panel, warned that the threat by federal prosecutors “could undermine this andfuture administrations’ ability to make sound monetary policy decisions.”

Abipartisangroup of economists, including former Fedchairs and treasury secretaries, issueda stern warning: “This is howmonetary policyismadeinemerging markets with weak institutions, with highly negative consequences for inflation andthe functioning of their economies more broadly.Ithas no place in the United States, whose greateststrength is the rule of law, which is at the foundation of our economic success.”

Douglas Holtz-Eakin, an adviser to two Republican presidents, summarized the general reaction: “This strikesmeasa really unwise and boneheaded move. This is really stupid.”

Trump will certainly continue his waronreality, but he is nowlosing some battles

Email Steve Roberts at stevecokie@gmail.com.

with meteorologist DamonSingleton

Well, after several mostly sunnyand drydays, the weatherwill startchanging up abit today. Expect apartlytomostly cloudy, mild, humid and breezy day. Temperatures this afternoon will rise to the upper 60s to low70s.Windswill be out of the southat10to15mph.Rainchances todayare at 20%,soafew isolatedorscattered showers are possible,especially in the evening For the restofthe week, scattered rainis possible as temperatures remainabove average until droppingdramatically thisweekend.

Featherweight Scooter

Lucky for 13

Cignetti

laid foundation with James Madison players who followed him

BY EDDIE PELLS and MAURA CAREY AP sportswriters

MIAMI He had to start somewhere. So, when coach Curt Cignetti started his rebuilding project at Indiana, he turned to what he knew Cignetti recruited 13 players from his old school, James Madison, over to his new program with the Hoosiers. They formed the backbone of what he called “one of the greatest sports stories of all

time” — the rise of college football’s losingest program into a national champion.

Former James Madison players Elijah Sarratt, Kaelon Black, Aiden Fisher and Mikail Kamara were among the baker’s dozen — some call them “Cignetti’s Dozen” who contributed to Indiana’s undefeated season and the national title.

The players came in dribs and drabs, starting shortly after Cignetti accepted the job on Nov 30, 2023.

“They understood the program, the culture, and they had that championship at-

Fischer narrates

Voice of Hoosiers was also behind mic for Indiana’s 32-0 basketball season

BY TIM REYNOLDS AP sportswriter

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Don Fischer never saw this coming. The play-by-play voice of Indiana basketball and football was behind the microphone a half-century ago when the Hoosiers

titude,” Cignetti said. “They were able to answer questions for the guys to decide to return and the right guys returned. And the new transfers, too, they could answer their questions and lead, and they were good players.”

In a testament to what Cignetti built during his five years at James Madison, it was the Dukes of the Sun Belt Conference who snagged the fifth and final automatic bid to this year’s College Football

ä See CIGNETTI, page 4C

perfection 50 years apart

BY GUERRY SMITH Contributing writer

Sophomore center Tyler Ringgold’s inability to avoid foul trouble was crippling in Tulane’s second consecutive American Conference home loss last week.

After committing two fouls in the first 83 seconds of last Wednesday’s 82-69 defeat against UAB and his third a few minutes after reentering the game, he lasted a little more than eight minutes in Sunday’s 71-63 loss to North Texas before picking up his second fooul. His third foul was a killer, coming on an illegal screen he set for point guard Rowan Brumbaugh at the 5:35 mark of the first half.

“It was a poor decision,” Tulane coach Ron Hunter said. “He stepped out and didn’t need to do that. He’s just got to be careful because he understands he’s the glue for our offense to keep going. He’s got to do a better job of moving his feet and figuring it out.” The adjustment needs to begin Wednesday when Tulane (12-6, 3-2) plays at league-leading Florida Atlantic (13-6, 5-1), which has won four in a row since losing 69-66 at Devlin Fieldhouse on Jan. 4. The Green Wave’s rough offensive outings in both games last week — 40% shooting vs. UAB and 31% against North Texas tracked to Ringgold’s foul trouble, according to Hunter He logged only 16 minutes of court time against UAB and 24 minutes against North Texas. “He has to find the right balance (between aggressiveness and staying on the floor), Hunter said. “When we’re good, Tyler’s playing well for us. When he’s on the sideline, we’re a different team. We don’t get the ball reversed. We don’t get the same action. We have to keep him on the floor.” Ringgold, who is averaging 8.7 points and 4.3 rebounds, is Tulane’s closest facsimile to ultra-versatile center Gregg Glenn, whose tragic drowning death off the coast of Florida in late July altered the makeup of the team. Playing out of position at center in Glenn’s absence, the 6-foot-8, 225-pound Ringgold gives the Wave some of the guardlike skills Glenn

— the basketball Hoosiers, coached by Bob Knight won the 1976 national title with a perfect 32-0 record. And Monday, he described for listeners how the football team matched that feat of becoming an undefeated national champion. Indiana beat Miami 27-21 at Hard Rock Stadium for the College Football Playoff national championship, with the Hoosiers becoming the first 16-0 team in major college football since Yale in 1894.

“From my perspective as a broadcaster, that’s the ultimate to be a part of something, a national champion,” Fischer said in the Hoosiers’ radio booth a couple of hours before kickoff Monday “And now I’ve got a chance to do the same thing in football. I mean, it’s a special night for me.” It got more special a few hours later, when Fischer got to make the call he’s waited 50 years to say

“The rags-to-riches story for Indiana football comes to conclusion and they are

ä See FISCHER, page 4C

Gators clean glass with Tigers in blowout win

Florida routs LSU despite Thomas’ return from leg injury

BY TOYLOY BROWN III Staff writer

LSU basketball’s on-court leader, Dedan Thomas, returned from an injury Tuesday against No. 16 Florida. Despite his presence, LSU couldn’t keep up with the Gators, losing 79-61 at Exactech Arena in Gainesville, Florida.

Mike Nwoko led LSU (13-6, 1-5 SEC) with 17 points, six rebounds and three turnovers before fouling out in 23 minutes. Thomas had two points on 1-of-8 shooting, three assists and zero turnovers in 17 minutes. Florida center Rueben Chinyelu had 15 points and 21 rebounds, with 11 on the offensive end, in 23 minutes. The Gators had 50 rebounds to Tigers’ 30, and Florida (14-5, 5-1) had 24 offensive boards to LSU’s seven. “Think the rebounding was the

story of the game. We were able to keep the tempo the way we wanted it in the first half,” LSU coach Matt McMahon said on the LSU sports radio network. “They just mauled us on the glass.” Thomas played for the first time since Dec. 29. The 6-foot-1 junior missed the previous five games after suffering a lower leg injury on Jan. 2, the day before the team’s SEC opener against Texas A&M. Thomas came off the bench for the first time this season, checking in after the first media timeout with 15:37 left in the first half. While he missed his first two field goals before exiting at the 13:09 mark, he appeared to be moving normally with and without the ball. Nwoko was aggressive offensively to start. After winning the opening tip, the Tigers executed a set play that resulted in Nwoko finishing an alley-oop dunk from Pablo Tamba. When Nwoko set

screens, he often short-rolled to a soft area in the paint and made push shots. In the first half, the Mississippi State transfer had eight points on 3-of-5 shooting and three rebounds. He finished the game 7 of 10. Thomas’ cold start continued when he re-entered, as he missed two more runners around the paint. He had two assists in eight minutes as LSU trailed 38-26 at halftime.

“He feels good,” McMahon said about Thomas. “Just, you know, frustrated he didn’t make some of those floaters in the lane, but we’ll learn from it.” Before the point guard got injured, he was averaging a teamhigh 16.2 points on 49.3% shooting, an SEC-high 7.1 assists and only 1.8 turnovers per game. Crashing the glass was among

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Beltrán, Joneselected to Hall of Fame

BY RONALD BLUM AP baseball writer

CarlosBeltránand

YORK

NEW

Andruw Jones, center fielders who excelledatthe plate and with their gloves, wereelectedtobaseball’s Hall of Fame on Tuesday Beltrán, making his fourth appearance on the ballot, received 358 of 425votes for84.2% from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, 39 above the 319 needed for the 75% threshold. Jones, in the ninth of 10 possible appearances, waspicked on 333 ballots for 78.4%

Beltrán moved up steadily from 46.5% in 2023 to 57.1% the followingyear and 70.3% in 2025, when he fell 19 votes short as Ichiro Suzuki, CC Sabathia and Billy Wagner were elected.

Beltránwas hiredasthe New York Mets manageronNov.1, 2019, then fired on Jan. 16 without having managed agame, three days after he was the only Astros player mentioned by name in a report by Major League Baseball regarding the team’sillicit use of electronics to stealsigns during Houston’srun to the 2017 World Series championship.

Jonesreceivedjust 7.3%inhis first appearance in 2018 and didn’t get half the total until receiving 58.1% in 2023.Heincreased to 61.6% and 66.2%, falling35votes short last year

They will be inducted at Cooperstown, New York, on July 26 along with second basemanJeffKent, voted in last month by the contemporary era committee.

BBWAA members with 10 or more consecutive years in the organization were eligible to vote.

ChaseUtley (59.1%) wasthe only other candidate to get at least half the vote, improving from 39.8% last year.Hewas followed by Andy Pettitte at 48.5%, an increase from 27.9% last year,and FélixHernándezat46.1%, up from 20.6%.

Cole Hamels topped first-time candidatesat23.8%. The other first-time players were all under 5% and willbedroppedfrom future votes.

Steroids-tainted players again were kept from the hall. Alex Rodriguez received 40%inhis fifth appearance, up from7.1%,and Manny Ramirez 38.8% in his 10th and final appearance.

There were 11 blank ballots.

Anine-time All-Star,the switchhitting Beltrán batted .279 with 435 homers and1,587 RBIs over 20 seasons withKansas City (1999-2004), Houston (2004, ’17), theMets(2005-11), San Francisco (2011), St. Louis (2012-13), the

HALL OF FAME VOTING

Votingforthe2026BaseballHallofFame class.Playersneed75%ofthevotetobe elected.Playersgettingatleast5%of thevotecanstayontheballotforupto 10years.Therewere425votescast;319 needed

Carlos Beltrán358 (84.2%), Andruw Jones 333 (78.4),Chase Utley 251 (59.1),Andy Pettitte 206 (48.5),Félix Hernández 196(46.1) Álex Rodríguez 170 (40.0), MannyRamírez 165 (38.8), BobbyAbreu 131 (30.8),Jimmy Rollins 108 (25.4), Cole Hamels101 (23.8) Dustin Pedroia 88 (20.7),Mark Buehrle 85 (20.0), Omar Vizquel 78 (18.4), David Wright 63 (14.8), FranciscoRodríguez 50 (11.8),Torii Hunter 37 (8.7) Received fewer than 20 votes (lessthan 5): Ryan Braun 15 (3.5), EdwinEncarnación 6(1.4), Shin-Soo Choo 3(0.7),Matt Kemp 2(0.5), Hunter Pence 2(0.5),Rick Porcello 2(0.5), Alex Gordon 1(0.2), Nick Markakis 1(0.2), Gio González 0, HowieKendrick 0, Daniel Murphy0

New York Yankees (20014-16) and Texas (2016). He had 311 homers hitting left-handedand 124batting right, Beltrán was the 1999 AL Rookie of the Year and wonthree Gold Gloves, also hitting .307 in the postseason with 16 homers and 42 RBIs in65games. Jones batted .254 with 434 homers, 1,289 RBIs and 152 stolen bases in 17 seasons with Atlanta (19962007), the Los Angeles Dodgers (2008), Texas (2009), the Chicago White Sox (2010) and the Yankees (2011-12). He finished his career with the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles of Japan’sPacific League from 2013-14. His batting average is the second-lowest for aposition player voted to the HallofFame, just above the .253 of Ray Schalk, a

superior defensive catcher,and just below the .256 of Harmon Killebrew,who hit 573 homers. Afive-time All-Star, Jones earned 10 Gold Gloves.

In the 1996 World Series opener at Yankee Stadium, Jones at 19 years, 5months became the youngest player to homerina

Series game, beating Mickey Mantle’sold mark by 18 months. Going deep against Pettitte in thesecondinningand Brian Boehringer in the third of a12-1 rout, Jones became the second player to homer in his first two Series at-bats after Gene Tenace in 1972.

Sinner beginswithanticlimactic win

BY JOHN PYE AP sportswriter

MELBOURNE,Australia Twosets and just over an hour of tennis wasn’t what Jannik Sinner wanted at Rod Laver Arena for the start of hisbid for an AustralianOpen three-peat. In hisfirst competitive match since beating Carlos Alcaraz at theATP Finals in November, Sinner was leading 6-2, 6-1 when No 93-ranked Hugo Gaston suddenly retired from their match Tuesday night with an undisclosed injury.

“I sawthat he was notserving with avery high pace,” Sinner said, but “it’snot the way you want to win the match.”

After signaling he had to quit, Gaston went to acourtside chair and bowed his head into his hands. Sinner wenttoconsole him,putting ahand on the Frenchman’sshoulder and wishing him aspeedy recovery For Sinner,itwas an anticlimacticreturntoMelbournePark’s main arena 12 monthsafter clinching back-to-back Australian titles withawin over Alexander Zverev in the final.

He played Alcaraz in the finalsof the other three majors, winning at

Wimbledon andfinishing runnerup at Roland Garros and theU.S Open, as theso-calledSincarazrivals extendedtheir dominanceof GrandSlam tournaments to asecond full year

Sinner isn’tcontent with evenly splittingthe titles with Alcaraz, though. He usedhis time off to concentrate on adjusting hisservice motion and tweaking other parts of his gameinthe search for incremental improvements

“I’ve put in many,many long days in the off-season trying to becomeabetter tennis player,” No. 2-ranked Sinner said. “But at the endof the day the most important part is to go on court andtoenjoy, no?It’sveryspecial to startthe season in anight session match here in aGrand Slam, the packed stadium, justtrying to do your best.”

Sinnerisaiming to becomethe fourth player to win three consecutive men’stitlesat the Australian Open

Osaka’sfashion statement

Wearinga wide-brimhat, veil andholding awhite parasol as she walked ontoRod LaverArena for the last night match,Naomi Osaka made agrand entrance.

The four-time major winner went on to beat Antonia Ruzic 6-3, 3-6, 6-4. Keys opener

Madison Keys had atough start to hertitle defense, struggling early against theoffbeat styleof Oleksandra Oliynykova beforeadvancing 7-6 (6), 6-1.

Ninth-seeded Keys, playing in her 50thGrand Slam tournament, trailed 4-0 before finding her rhythm.

“Obviously Iwas verynervous at the start,” Keys said. “As nervous as Iwas ...I’m really glad to be back, and that Igot through that match.”

Oliynykova’sunorthodox shotmaking andstrongdefensekept Keys off balance in the first set.

“I feel like thatmade things alittle extra tricky,” Keys said. “I felt likeatthe end of thetiebreaker I really kind of foundmygame and thenwas abletocarry that into the second set.”

Oliynykovagained alot of attention with herunique body art and ink, and aprinted message for Ukraine on aT-shirt she worein her post-match news conference. No.5Elena Rybakina and No

Warriors guard Butler out for season with ACLtear

SAN FRANCISCO Golden State Warriors star Jimmy Butler will require surgery and miss the remainder of the season after tearing theACL in his right kneeduring the third quarter of a135-112 victory over his former Miami team Butler was hurt Monday night moments after catching apass in the paint when he wentdown hard andawkwardly following acollision with the Heat’sDavion Mitchell —who was called forafoul. After the play,Butler was asking for twofree throws, apositive sign to coach SteveKerr that his spirits weregood.

Butler is Golden State’ssecondleading scorer behind Stephen Curry,having averaged 20.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists entering the week.

Vikings receiver Addison’s trespass charges dropped TAMPA, Fla. Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison will not be charged with misdemeanor trespassing, after the case against him was dismissedone week following his arrest.

Florida state attorney Susan Lopezissueda termination of prosecution notice in Hillsborough County court on Tuesday,ordering therelease of Addison’s $500 bond. Addison wasdetained by Seminole Indian Police at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino at 3:46 a.m. on Jan.12and was released from jail later that day Addison served athree-game suspensiontostart the 2025 season forviolating the NFL’spersonal conduct policy,stemming from his drunken driving arrest in Los Angeles the year before.

Falcons make veteran Callahan newO-line coach FLOWERYBRANCH,Ga. TheAtlantaFalcons hired veteran offensive line coach Bill Callahan on Tuesday,making one of the NFL’s most-experienced coaches thefirst offensive assistant added to new coach Kevin Stefanski’s staff. Theaddition of Callahan, 69, comes one day after the team announced defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich will return. Callahan was theTennesseeTitans’ offensive line coach the past two years, including time working forhis son, Brian Callahan, who was fired as coach on Oct. 14. Bill Callahan hascoached 48 yearsincollege and the NFL. He has had 14 offensive linemen earn 35 ProBowl selections in his 27 yearsinthe NFL.

Packersrelease CB Diggs 3weeks afterclaiming him GREEN BAY, Wis. CornerbackTrevon Diggs was released by the Green Bay Packers on Tuesday,three weeks after they claimed him off waivers from the Dallas Cowboys. General manager Bri an Gutekunst announced the move. The Packersclaimed Diggs on Dec. 31, aday after the Cowboys waived him.

10 BelindaBencicadvanced in straight sets, but twowomen’s seeds were ousted in straight sets early on Day 3, with Janice Tjen upsetting 2021U.S.Open finalist Leylah Fernandez and Tereza Valentova beating Australia’sMaya Joint SloaneStephens, the 2017 U.S Openchampion who had to qualify for the season-opening major,lost to Karolina Pliskova 7-6 (7), 6-2. Sheltonadvances In amatch between left-handers, BenShelton, asemifinalist ayear agoinAustralia, overcame Ugo Humbert 6-3, 7-6 (2), 7-6 (5). Shelton said it was one of the toughestfirst-round matches he could have faced, with No. 33 Humbert having the highest ranking of the unseeded players. He’ll next face Australian qualifier Dane Sweeny,who ended the 20thand final Australian Open campaign for 39-year-old Gael Monfils. Also advancingwere No.5Lorenzo Musetti, No. 9Taylor Fritz, 2023 runner-up Stefanos Tsitsipas and Eliot Spizzirri,who beat 19-year-old Joao Fonseca 6-4, 2-6, 6-1, 6-2.

Diggshad an NFL-leading11interceptions and earned All-Pro honors in 2021. He made the ProBowl again in 2022 but his performance hasdeclined since, in part because of two major knee surgeries. Diggs, 27, joined thePackersjust before their final regular-season game.Heplayednearlyhalfof Green Bay’s defensive snaps in his Packersdebut as theteamrestedits starters in a16-3 lossatMinnesota

Alberto Mendoza transfers from Indiana to Georgia Tech

Less than 24 hours after being crowned anational champion with Indiana, AlbertoMendozahas announced his transfer to Georgia Tech. He announced his decision Tuesday in ajoint Instagram postwith the On3 transfer portal account. Mendozawas Indiana’sprimary backup underhis older brother, Fernando, as aredshirt freshman in 2025. He appeared in nine games and completed 18 of 24 passes for five touchdownsand an interception.Headded 190yards and a touchdown on 13 carries. Alberto played in one gameasa true freshman in 2024 behind sixthyear quarterback Kurtis Rourke. He joins the Yellow Jackets, who gotoff to their first 8-0 start since 1966under coach BrentKey and quarterback HaynesKing in 2025.

HILARySCHEINUK

John Curtis guard BaileyTimmons drives the ballagainst Huntington during aDivision Iselect semifinal game on March 6inHammond. Timmons,a UL signee whorecently reached the 1,000-point mark for her career,isakey reason the Patriots are16-1 this season.

Curtis’Timmons a naturalonthe court

Senior hasPatriotsontrack foranother statetitle run

BY SPENCER URQUHART Staff writer

BaileyTimmons has had success playing basketball since ayoung age, and now she’sone of the top players for aJohn Curtis team that’s won its past 11 games.

Asenior,the 5-foot-7 Timmons has played on the Curtis varsity team since she wasaneighth grader.She was both an all-state and AllMetro selection as ajunior and has carried that success into this season, averaging 14 points,eight rebounds, four assists and three steals per game.

Timmonsstarted playing AAU basketball at age 6, winning multiplechampionships.She reached the 1,000-point mark in her Curtiscareerduring lastMonday’s68-19 win over H.L. Bourgeois.

Timmons said the game hasalwaysfeltnatural to her “I’ve always had the feel for basketball,” she said. “I’ve always had abasketball in my hand and was around good people to help me get better since growing up. (Reaching 1,000points) was very specialtome. Igot the help of my teammatesto help me reach that goal.”

Timmons enrolled at Curtis before her seventh-grade year and saw playing time on the junior varsity as an 11-year-old.

“I knew she was special (at

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the biggest priorities for LSU. Florida is one of the biggest teams and is the best rebounding group in the country,averaging 15 more boards per game than its opponents. The Gators returned their four best frontcourtplayers, who helped them win the SEC Tournament and the NCAA men’sbasketball championship lastyear. Florida used its size advantage to hurt LSU relentlessly,leading by as many as 24 points. The most dominantplayer was Chinyelu, a6-10, 265-pounder.Hemanhandled every one of the Tigers’ bigs in the paint. In the first sixminutes of thesecond half, he collected nine rebounds, including five on offense.

“It was just adominant

basketball) but didn’tknow howspecial,” saidTimmons’ mom Bridgett Handy.“Ijust let herdowhat she loves doing, andshe gave it herall when she went to training with coaches.”

Timmons’ all-around game hasbeen akey for thePatriots

“Bailey does everything that’sneeded for theteam to win,” coach Alendra Brown said

“She’sable to score,she’s able to rebound and she’s able to defendany position on thecourt.”

Curtis (16-1) is ranked No. 1inthe DivisionIselect power rankings and recently defeated reigning state champion Zachary 50-45 behind Timmons’ 22 points and 10 rebounds.

“Wehave alot of motivation (this year),” Timmons said. “We’ve just beenputting in the work and getting after it.”

Timmons has astrong supporting cast, which includes seniorKe’SonjaNelsonand sophomores Jayla Albert andJaniyah Williams.Both Albert andWilliams hold Division Ibasketball offers. Nelson grew up playingbasketball alongside Timmons and reached 500 career assists in a74-20 district win overWarren Easton on Thursday.Nelson finished with eight assists and scored double-digit points along with Albert, Williamsand Timmons, who

performancefrom Chinyelu,” McMahon said. “I mean, Idon’tknow if anyone’s ever gotten arebound aminute, but that’sbasically what he didhere today.” Nwoko, on one occasion, felt aneed to hook andhold Chinyelu’sarm to prevent a rebound. The officials called aFlagrant 1 foul on Nwoko. LSU kept the score within single digits for thefirst 16 minutes as both teams missed abevy of fieldgoals.

ButFlorida gotrebounding productionfrom backup center Micah Handlogten, whoripped downsix rebounds in hisfirst eight minutes. He hadfour on the offensive end Florida caught fire from the 3-point line to wrap up the first half. After starting 1of10with alittle under fourminutes left in the half, it went on to make 3ofits next 4.Backup guard Urban KlavzargaveLSU issues, finishing with 18 points on 5

‘Sky is notfalling’on LSUgym,Clark says

BY SCOTT RABALAIS Staff writer

LSU gymnastics coach Jay Clark is channelinghis inner Flau’jae Johnson after the Tigers’ first loss of the season. Johnson saidthe sky wasn’tfalling after the LSU women’sbasketball team opened Southeastern Conference play with back-toback losses. Clark saidthe same thingafterhis Tigers’ uneven 197.200-196.850 loss Friday to open SECcompetition at Georgia.

“The sky is not falling. We’re fine,” Clark said Tuesday.“We’ve got agreat group of kids. We knew going into this yearthere may be somegrowing pains.

“Wejustdon’t want to selfdestruct.”

Coming offanimpressive season opener,a tie forfirst with Oklahoma at 197.500 in the Sprouts Collegiate Quad, the Tigers stumbled at Georgiawithfive scores of 9.65 or lower.LSU was forced to count twoofthem, which proved to be the difference in the dual meet.

LSUNOTEBOOK

thenUCLA andGeorgia in a tie for fifth (197.100)

Clark said it will be good to gethome in areal meet for the first time Friday

Clarksaid. He stressed it was not along-term injury.

“She has ahistory of it on her other leg,” he said.“It’s not as bad as it’shappened before. She’sday to day, especially on vault. But on bars, she’ll be fine.” Blackson wonthe bars event in the Sprouts CollegiateQuadwith a9.95.

recorded eight steals.

“(Reaching 500 assists) is very important to me as a point guard,”Nelson said. “I make sure Iget (Timmons) her strong spotsaswell as my other teammates. (Timmons)isa real good player She creates for herself, but Itry to makeiteasier on her as apoint guard.”

Timmons committed to UL in October and signed on Nov.12. She’sset to join Curtis alum Imani Daniel in Lafayette. Daniel is afreshman for theCajuns.

“UL felt like home when I went on my visit,” Timmons said. “I felt comfortable very comfortable with the team.”

“There werea lot of schools looking at her,” Handy said. “Itwas aprocess, butGod led herto where she wanted to go.”

Next up for Curtis is a home districtmatchup on Thursday against Mount Carmel.

The Patriots are looking to return to the state championship game for the ninth time in 10 years after losing by twopoints in the semifinals last season.

“Since losing in the semifinals last year,we’ve been trying to getback to winning and back to the state championship,”Timmonssaid. “Wewant to win another statechampionship.

Email Spencer Urquhart at surquhart@theadvocate.com.

of 9from beyond the arc.

“I do think Klavzar’s 3-point shooting off the bench on topofthe offensive rebounds led to ourdemise here tonight,” McMahon said.

Max Mackinnon, who made 4of6 shots for 10 points, struggled to get open and lostthe ball four times, primarily on drives. Marquel Sutton struggled with his outside shot,missing six 3-pointers and going 4of14 overall for 10 points.

“I thought their defensive physicality really bothered us on the offensive end of thefloor,” McMahon said.

Thomas,who startedto open the second half, wasn’t able to find his shooting stroke.His only field goal wasa runner with 9:21 left in the game.

LSU’s next game is against No. 20 Arkansas(13-5, 3-2) at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Bud WaltonArena in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

It’sthe fourth straight year LSU has lostits SEC road opener.The previous three seasons, the Tigers reached theNCAA finals in 2023, won the SEC and NCAA championships in 2024, and were SECchamps and the No. 1overallNCAA seed in 2025.

“Dual meets mean alot to us internally,but they really don’tmean awholelot” overall, Clark said. “Aslong as we don’tcount ascore out of range.”

To affirm what Clarksaid, the Tigers onlyslipped from atie for second to No. 4in this week’s RoadtoNationals.com rankings, which arebased on ateam’saverage score. Florida is No. 1 (197.575), followed by Oklahoma (197.463),Alabama (197.375), LSU (197.175),

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possessed without the same girth. He can take slower big men off thedribble, and he has developed anice outside shot, hitting seven of his last 13 3-pointers from hiscomfortspot at the top of the key

His biggest problemis staying on thefloor. After picking up four fouls in eight of Tulane’sfirst 11 games, he hada three-game stretch with three or fewer fouls before his current four-game streak of four or more, including getting disqualified forthe first time against UAB.

“It’s something I’ve been working on, seeing when to be more aggressive and when nottobe,” he said. “It’shardbecauseIdon’t want to foul out,but I’ve got to find away to play around it.Iknow playing theposition Iplay,I mightpick up

TheTigers host Kentucky at 6:30 p.m.onESPN2

Individualrankings

Kailin Chio is tiedfor secondinthe nationonbalance beam (9.95) andtied for fourth on vault (9.912). Konnor McClain is fourth on vault (9.938) and Amari Drayton is tiedfor eighth on balance beam (9.925).

Kentucky, which has struggledinits firsttwo meets after being ranked No. 9inthe preseason coaches poll, is ranked39th (194.625) after failing to break 195.000 in itsfirst two meets.

Blacksonupdate

Seniortransfer Courtney Blackson was alatescratch on vaultatGeorgia because she“tweaked” her lower calfjust aboveher Achilles,

morefouls, but Ihave to be smart aboutit. Ifeel Iwill find good balancewithitin the next games coming up.”

The issue is not just Ringgold’spropensity for fouls but also how tentative he plays when he gets in foul trouble.

“Even when he gets the first or second foul, he kind of withdraws,” Hunter said. “Then you might as well just sit him on the bench. We’re trying to talk about, hey,ifyou foul out, you foul out, but just stay aggressive and keep playing that way.Hehasn’tplayed alot of basketball. He’strying to figure that part out.”

Ringgold succeeded in the first game against Florida Atlantic, blocking acareerhigh four shots and making twosteals as the Wave held the Owls 17 points below their average and 10 points lower than their total in any of their conference wins.

“Our defense was really good that game,” Ringgold

On McClain, Drayton It’sbeen aroughstartto the seasonfor two of LSU’s most talentedgymnasts, Drayton and McClain. Drayton hashad afall or serious breaks in three of her five events, while McClain has had them in twoofher five performances.

Clark said his confidence in both gymnasts remains high.

“They’re showing great things in practice,”hesaid.

“Mymessageistokeepdoing whatyou’re doing. The challenge is to keep moving forward. Don’tever look backward, even if the result is great.”

Both also hadencouragingscores in theGeorgia meet: McClain tied for first on barswith a9.95, while Drayton tied forsecond on beam with a9.925.

said. “Wehavetobring the same edge we had the first time and come back witha win.”

Ringgold’sroleiseven moresignificant with the knee injury that backup center Percy Daniels suffered in practice two weeks ago. Daniels,the Wave’s shot-block leader,stepped on the back of ateammate’s foot while sprinting down thecourt andfelthis knee bend back.

Although an MRI showed no structuraldamage,he will playthrough pain and stiffness forthe rest of the season. Hunter said the injury requiressix weeks of rest to heal, but there is no time for that. Daniels played 14 minutesagainst UAB but appeared hobbled, then15better minutes against North Texas.

“It was apretty bad injury,but I’mfeeling allright,” Daniels said.

“I think I’ll be able to manage it.”

Indianatops final AP

Top25football poll

BY ERIC OLSON AP collegefootball writer

Indiana achieved one more first to end its magical season full of firsts: The national champion Hoosiers areNo. 1inthe final Associated Press Top25college football poll. After beating Miami in the College Football Playofftitle gametocap a16-0season that was unprecedented in the modernera, the Hoosiers on Tuesdaybecame thethirdstraight Big Tenteam to finishontop of the rankings. Indiana’schampionship and No.1final ranking followedthose of fellow Big Ten teams OhioState in 2024 and Michigan in 2023.

No. 2Miami (13-3) moved up eight spots and ended with its highest ranking since the 2002 season,when it was second behind Ohio State. The 2003 Miami team had been the most recent to finish in the top 10.

Ole Miss (13-2), which lost to Miami in the CFP semifinals after it beat Tulane and Georgia following coach Lane Kiffin’sdeparture for LSU, was No. 3, its highest final ranking since 1962.

No. 4Oregon (13-2) finished in the top 10 for athird straightyear andNo. 5Ohio State wasinthe final top 10 for the 12th straight year.The Big Tenhad three teams in the final top five for thesecond straight year

Georgia (12-2), Texas Tech (122), Texas A&M(11-2), Alabama (114) and Notre Dame (10-2) rounded out the top 10.

The Bulldogs were No. 6inthe final poll for the second straight season and have ended in the top 10 every since since 2017. Texas Tech is aseason-ending top-10 team for the first time. Texas A&Mhadn’tbeenrankedina final poll since Jimbo Fisher’s 2020 team was No. 4. Alabama, which had ended every season between 2008-23 in thetop 10, was back afterslippingtoNo. 17 last year

Notre Dame won 10 straight games following an 0-2 start, was left out of the playoff and opted to not play in abowl game. Notre Dame slipped one spot and was ranked in aninthstraight final poll.

TheHoosiers were No.20in the preseasonpoll aftergoing 11-2 in Curt Cignetti’sfirst season. They earned their thenhighest ranking ever at No. 3 after they won at Oregon to go 6-0. They moved up to No. 2the following weekand stayed there for seven straight polls. Their

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FINALAPTOP 25 POLL

The Top25teams in The Associated Press college football poll,with firstplace votes in parentheses, records through Jan. 19, total points based on 25 points for a first-place vote through one point for a25th-place vote, and previous ranking: RecordPts.Prv. 1. Indiana (66)

abowl winoverVanderbilt. No. 22 Houston beatBaylor and LSU to end the seasonand wasranked for thefirsttime in four polls. No.25 TCU,whichhad been 18 spots out of the Top25, was rankedfor the first time sinceSeptemberafter beating Houston, Cincinnati and USC.

n Arizona (21), Georgia Tech (24) and Missouri (25) dropped out

n TheSEC hadseven teams in the finalTop 25 forthe second straightyear.Last season was the first time that had happened since 2013.

n No. 15 Vanderbilt has itshighestfinal ranking since the1948 team was No. 12.

n No. 19 James MadisonNo. 24 North Texasare in the final poll for thefirst time.

Conference call

SEC(7ranked teams): No. 3Ole Miss, No. 6Georgia, No. 8Texas A&M, No. 9Alabama, No. 12 Texas, No. 13 Oklahoma, No. 15 Vanderbilt

Big Ten(6): No. 1Indiana, No. 4Oregon,No. 5Ohio State, No. 17 Iowa, No. 20 Southern California, No. 21 Michigan.

Duke files suit to keep QB Mensah from transferring

BY AARON BEARD AP sportswriter

Duke has filed alawsuit against quarterbackDarian Mensah seeking to block his efforts to transferand reach acontract with another school to play elsewherenext season. The university filedits complaint in Durham County Superior Court on Monday,three days after Mensah reversed his previously announced plan to return to the Blue Devils after leading themtothe ACC title. Ahearing is now listed forthe case on Feb. 2, according to thecourt system’s online portal.

Theschool argued that its twoseason contract with Mensah —signed in July and running through 2026 after he transferred to Duke from Tulane paid himfor exclusiverights to market Mensah’sname, image and likeness tied to playing college football. It sought atemporary restraining order from the court to prevent Mensah from entering the portal along with blocking him from taking additionalsteps in the process of reaching adeal with anew school, arguing that the contract requiresparties to go through arbitration before any dispute can be resolved.

“This case arises out of the decision of astar quarterback in the increasinglycomplex world of college athletics,” the complaint statesinits opening.

13-10win over Ohio State in the Big Tenchampionship game pushed them to No. 1heading into theplayoff.

Poll points

n No.17Iowa was rankedfor the first timethis seasonafter winning three straight,including

Big 12 (5): No. 7Texas Tech, No. 11 BYU, No. 14 Utah, No. 22 Houston, No. 25 TCU. American (3): No. 18 Tulane, No. 23 Navy,No. 24 North Texas.

ACC(2): No. 2Miami, No. 16 Virginia. Independent (1): No. 10 Notre Dame. Sun Belt (1): No. 19 James Madison.

Mensah finished second in the FBSbythrowingfor 3,973 yards while ranking tied for secondwith 34 passingtouchdowns.

The Mensah-Duke caseis thelatest in what is becoming amorefrequent occurrence in the revenue-sharing era of college sports —legal fights over contracts between schoolsand playersseeking to transfer Earlier this month, Washington quarterback Demond Williams announced plans to transfer before changing his mind twodayslater,coming amid multiple reports that the school waspreparedtopursue legal options to enforce Williams’ NIL contract. And in December, Missouri pass rusher Damon Wilson filed alawsuit claiming the athletic department at Georgia was tryingtoillegally punish him for entering the portal in January 2025.

“Butatits core, this is asimple case that involves the integrity of contracts.” In an email to The Associated Press on Tuesday afternoon, sports attorney Darren Heitner, who hasworkedwith Mensah, said Duke’s request for atemporary restraining order preventing Mensahfromentering the transfer portal had been denied. In alater social-media post, however, HeitnersaidMensah “is not, for the time being” allowed to enroll or play football elsewhere before adecision by ajudge set to preside over the next hearing.

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“I’ve seen alot of bad football.”

DON FISCHER, voice of Indiana football, basketball Playoff under his successor,Bob Chesney. Chesney recently got hired away by UCLA, and at least seven players from the playoff team have followed him to Westwood, California.

The Indiana story is asuper-charged versionof what’shappeningacross college football. The transfer portal has allowed players whodon’t getlooks from the big programs in high school achance to start small, get better,thenmaybeget their chance at the big time.

Regarding Indiana’slackoffour- and five-starrecruits, Cignetti said, “I’ve never looked at astarin my life.”

Some refer to the smallerprogramsthe unheralded players start with as “feeder schools.” The oneat JamesMadison helped theHoosiers become champions. In this case,Cignettihad arole in both —finding the players out of high school, then luringthem to the Big Ten.

“You take those 13 guys, Idon’tthink any of them had great offers coming out of high school,” Fisher said. “Wehad acoach that took achance on us once, and then the opportunity rose to doit again. For me, it changed my life.”

Here’s alook at “Cignetti’s Dozen”: Mikail Kamara:The defensivelineman’s blockedpunt resulted in atouchdownthatgaveIndiana a17-7 lead in thethird quarter againstMiami Kaelon Black:The running back ledthe Hoosiers with 81 yards rushing against the Hurricanes. Thisseason, he formed aone-two punch with RomanHemby.Both finished with 1,000-plus yards.

D’Angelo Ponds:The lockdown cornerback had five tackles in the championship game.His pick-six of Oregon quarterback Dante Moorehelped theHoosiers get off to afast start in the Peach Bowl. He was named defensive MVPinthe Roseand Peach bowls. TyriqueTucker:The junior defensive lineman hasbeen astrong presence on the defensive line.His six sacks ranked third on the roster behind Rolijah Hardy (eight) and IsaiahJones (seven). Tucker alsofinished theseason with 38 tacklesand twopassdeflections

Aiden Fisher:One of Indiana’sstar linebackers, Fisher finished second on the roster with95tackles.Healso had 41/2 sacks for aloss of 25 yards, apass deflection, aforced fumble, afumble recovery and two interceptions, one of which was apick-six. He had fourtackles

and asack against Miami.

Solomon Vanhorse:The senior added depth to the Hoosiers’ running back room andfinished the season with nine carries for48yards. He had aseason-long 12-yard rush in Indiana’s63-10 win against Illinois.

Elijah Sarratt:The seniorreceiverled theHoosiersand FBSwith 15 receiving touchdowns and had 830 yards receiving.Hehad threereceptions for 28 yards on Monday night

James Carpenter:After leavingIndiana afterthe 2024 season,the defensive lineman signed with theJacksonville Jaguars in April. He recently was picked up by theBirmingham Stallions of the UFL.

Jailin Walker:The linebacker signed with the Las Vegas Raiders in thespring. In January,hewas drafted by thenew UFL franchise, the Columbus Aviators. NickKidwell:The former offensive lineman is now the offensive line coach at Shepherd University. Zach Horton:The tightend signedwiththe Detroit LionsinApril. He spent the season on thepractice squad. Tyler Stephens:The former offensive lineman is happily engaged and enjoying post-graduate life in Virginia.

Ty Son Lawton:The running back played in 13 games with sixstarts during his final year of eligibility in 2024. He was akey contributor with668 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns on 141 carries.

the national champions of 2026,” Fischer said after Heisman Trophy-winningquarterbackFernando Mendoza hit the ground forthe final play.“What afootball team!What afootball team! And this crowd goes crazyhere tonight.The confetti starts to fly.”

Fischer has seen some things in his time as the voice of Indiana football. Most of those things were, well, bad. There wasa stretchof24seasons during which theHoosiers managed exactly one winning record —and thatwas just a7-6 mark in 2007. There was an 0-11 year.There wasan83-20 lossat Wisconsin.There was a62-0 loss at Iowa. There was a28-game losing streak against ranked opponents.

“I’ve seen alot of bad football,” Fischer said.

Then came Curt Cignetti, who is now 27-2 in his two seasons at Indiana and anational champion. Fischer gotintroduced to Cignetti during the coach’sinfamous“Purdue sucks so does Michiganand Ohio State! Go IU!” speech that he gave during an Indiana-Marylandbasketball game. Fischer’sbroadcast aired Cignetti’sremarks live frommidcourt during atimeout.

“I just started laughing,” Fischer said. “Nobody’sever said that in Indiana before, you know? And Isaid, ‘This is something different.’ So, from that point forward, Iwas intrigued by the guy.” Cignetti, for his part, loves the Knight comparisons. Cignetti isn’tafraid to saywhat’sonhis mind,with little concernfor repercussions. Knight was the same way. They aren’tcarbon

copies —tothe best of all knowledge, Cignetti has not throwna chair across afield —but it’seasy to see parallels. Also, they both win.

“I was abig Bob Knight fan as alittle kid,” Cignetti said. “I liked sort of the shenanigans and the facesatthe press conferences andthrowingthe chairacrossthe court. Ithought that waspretty cool. And the guy Ibought my house fromwas abig friend of Bob Knight, actually.” Fischer started going to Cignetti’spracticesshortly after thenew coachcametoIndianatowatch what makeshim tick. He saw Cignetti was spending as much time, if not more, coaching his assistantsthanhedid coaching players. He was the CEO, which is what he learned in four yearsworking underNick SabanatAlabama. Fischer would getasked how he thought Cignetti would do. He predicted Cignetti would win big.

“I knew he was going to win. I could tell,”Fischersaid. “You can tell if you’ve been around long enough that the coach has got it or if he doesn’tgot it.Icould see after watching those practices in the spring that he had it.” And after morethan 2,000 games, his voiceechoing across the state of Indiana, Fischer had achance at relivingthose perfect memories of 1976.

“How do you get to thisplace in twoyears’ time andget to the playoff both years and get to the nationalchampionship game in thesecondyear?”Fischer said. “It’samiracle.”

Saints re-sign safety Blackmon

BY MATTHEW PARAS Staff writer

The New Orleans Saints resigned safety Julian Blackmon to a one-year contract extension, making the move after the veteran missed all but one game this past season with a shoulder injury

The move, announced Tuesday by the team, essentially gives the Saints and Blackmon a chance at a do-over after the veteran’s season was cut short. The Saints and Blackmon initially were excited about the fit. Blackmon earned the starting spot opposite Justin Reid and appeared to be a great find for the Saints after Tyrann Mathieu’s unexpected retirement in July

The question for Blackmon is whether he can stay healthy He has missed 28 games in his sixyear career because of injuries. He suffered a torn Achilles in 2021, dealt with an ankle issue in

2022 and suffered a shoulder injury in 2023 that lingered into the next season.

In 2025, Blackmon played all of the Saints’ season opener only to realize a day after that he had suffered a torn labrum during the game. The injury required season-ending surgery, causing the Saints to turn to rookie Jonas

Sanker

Sanker was a pleasant surprise, but now it remains to be seen whether he’ll retain his starting role or have to compete for it during training camp.

Blackmon, a 2020 third-round pick out of Utah, spent his first five seasons with the Indianapolis Colts.

The terms of Blackmon’s new contract were not announced. He joined the Saints last season on a one-year, $3.1 million deal.

Email Matthew Paras at matt.paras@theadvocate.com

Source: Tennessee hires Saleh as coach

BY TERESA M. WALKER

AP pro football writer

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Titans agreed to hire Robert Saleh as their coach on Monday night, hoping he can speed up their rebuild and end the franchise’s skid of four straight losing seasons, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the agreement had not been announced Saleh spent this season as the San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator, his second stint in that job after spending threeplus seasons as head coach of the New York Jets. He did not have a winning season with the Jets and was fired after a 2-3 start in 2024, going 20-36 overall.

But the 46-year-old Saleh still had a strong reputation around the league and was a sought-after candidate in this busy coaching cycle.

“Playing for him was such a blessing. He’s a defensive mastermind,” 49ers cornerback Deommodore Lenoir said earlier Monday “I think he’s one of the best to do it.”

Tennessee went 19-49 over the past four seasons under Mike Vrabel — who was fired after the 2023 season and Brian Callahan, who lasted just 23 games before being fired on Oct 13 after a 1-5 start. That made the Titans the first team with a coaching vacancy only to wind up as one of 10 NFL teams looking for a coach and the fourth to hire one.

The Titans interviewed 15 candidates for the job before paring down their finalists to Saleh,

Kansas City offensive coordinator Matt Nagy and Green Bay defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley who was hired earlier Monday as the Miami Dolphins coach. Of that trio, only Saleh had yet to interview with the Titans until an in-person session Monday This was the first coaching search run by general manager Mike Borgonzi, who was hired on Jan 17, 2024 Borgonzi knew he was walking into a franchise needing a major rebuild, and he made clear he had no timetable for making his biggest move yet. Borgonzi started the renovation by taking quarterback Cam Ward

at No. 1 overall. His first draft class featured Ward, who started every game and set the single-season rookie passing record with 3,169 yards. He also threw 15 touchdown passes with seven interceptions. Chimere Dike became an All-Pro punt returner, and All Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons had a career year Simmons shared a googlyeyes emoji on social media as news broke of the Titans finding their coach Ward, who had said he wanted to be involved in the team’s search, was in Florida watching his alma mater, Miami,

lose the College Football Playoff national championship game to Indiana.

The Titans go into this offseason with the fourth overall draft pick, about $100 million in salary cap space with the chance to free up more room and an enclosed stadium opening in 2027.

Saleh is the seventh coach the franchise has had since moving to Tennessee in 1997 and the fifth since 2014.

Before his first stint as the Niners defensive coordinator that began on 2017, he worked as an assistant with Houston, Seattle and Jacksonville.

McDermott refutes call that led to Bills’ loss

BY ARNIE STAPLETON AP pro football writer

Sean McDermott went down fighting for Buffalo, both at the postgame lectern in the Mile High City and from 35,000 feet on the flight home, insisting that it was a catch and the Bills should be the ones moving on.

Brandin Cooks had a step on his defender and was hauling in Josh Allen’s 44-yard pass at the Denver 20 when Ja’Quan McMillian wrested the ball from the wide receiver’s grasp as the pair tumbled to the ground.

McMillian came up with the ball and the NFL ruled it an interception, which set up Denver’s game-winning drive and a trip to the AFC championship Sunday against the New England Patriots (16-3).

Twenty-four hours after Wil Lutz’s 23-yard field goal ended Buffalo’s season short of the Super Bowl once again, McDermott was out of a job, the 10th head coach to join the NFL’s crowded unemployment line. After angrily disputing the call at his post-game news conference, McDermott called Jay Skurski of The Buffalo News to argue anew that it was not an interception: “That play is not even close. That’s a catch all the way,” McDermott told Skurski, adding that fans deserved an explanation.

Which they’d already gotten via a pool report from referee Carl Cheffers, who explained, “The receiver has to complete the pro-

view process in New York, so the timeout essentially just gave McDermott an opportunity to get an explanation, which he didn’t like.

“It’s hard for me to understand why it was ruled the way it was ruled,” McDermott said. “And if it is ruled that way then why isn’t it slowed down just to make sure that we have this right? That would have made a lot of sense to me because that’s a pivotal point in the game. We have the ball at the 20 maybe kicking a game-winning field goal right there — but I’m saying it because I’m standing up for Buffalo, damn it, I’m standing up for us.”

He wasn’t alone. Among those who had McDermott’s back were former star cornerback Richard Sherman and ESPN analyst and former QB Dan Orlovsky, who argued, “This is a catch every time.”

because McMillian was already running away with the prize held high and the official who was right there ruling it was Denver’s ball.

“We were both fighting for the ball,” McMillian said. “I just made a play and basically took it out of his hands and came up with it.”

Cooks said he thought it was a catch at first but knows he needed to do more: “The way I think about it is, you know, make it in a way that it doesn’t have to be in an official’s hands; that’s always gonna be my mindset. I’m never gonna cower away from that. It’s the man I am. That’s the player I am. You know, I own it.”

Told that his counterpart had just disputed the interception ruling at his postgame news conference, Denver coach Sean Payton said well, what about the safety that wasn’t called earlier in that drive?

Harbaugh embraces the Giants challenge

Former Ravens head coach is excited to turn New york into playoff contenders

BY STEPHEN WHYNO AP sportswriter

EAST RUTHERFORD

N.J John Harbaugh has done plenty of winning in the NFL, including 12 playoff appearances and a Super Bowl title. The New York Giants for much of the past decade have done very little of it

That is not stopping Harbaugh from dreaming big Taking over as Giants coach, he has plenty of power in shaping their future and a visible eagerness to turn them back into a contender sooner than later

“I wanted this job,” Harbaugh said Tuesday at his introductory news conference “I wanted this job and to be on the biggest stage in the biggest sport. I know the challenges, I understand the expectations, I know that the fans are hungry for a winner We’re here with one mission, to become to earn the right — to be called the world champions in New York. And that’s what we plan to do.”

Harbaugh after 18 seasons with the Baltimore Ravens faces a challenge in bringing success to a storied franchise that has gone 45-1051 and not made it past the divisional round since 2016.

As part of his arrangement to accept the gig, the 63-year-old reports directly to ownership rather than general manager Joe Schoen, so Harbaugh will get to mold the organization in his image around the core led by young quarterback Jaxson Dart.

“He’s going to be the most important cog in the wheel,” said Chris Mara, the longtime executive who led the coaching search along with brother John and co-owner Steve Tisch. “But in terms of final say, this is going to be a collaborative effort between ownership, general manager and coach.”

There are plenty of fresh success stories around the NFL of teams pairing a new coach with an established QB and winning right away New England, Chicago and Jacksonville all made the playoffs this season following that recipe, and the Patriots are in the AFC championship game.

“That’s what we’re going to be chasing,” Harbaugh said. “It’s going to be about how we play It’s going to be about us every single day, just becoming as good as we can be.”

The Giants were 4-13, costing former coach Brian Daboll and other assistants their jobs but also giving them a long runway to map out the options available. The moment Harbaugh became available in early January, he immediately became their top candidate.

“I didn’t think he’d be available,” Chris Mara said, adding that twotime Super Bowl-winning coach Tom Coughlin put him in touch with Harbaugh and urged a meeting. “But for us, it was a home run.” Mara, Harbaugh and Schoen all downplayed the chain of command and tried to talk up just how strong the rapport already is between the new coach and the GM back for a fifth season. Harbaugh anticipates the working relationship being “phenomenally great,” though the coming weeks and months building out a staff, signing free agents and making important decisions in the draft will tell that tale.

cess of a catch. He was going to the ground as part of the process of the catch and he lost possession of the ball when he hit the ground. The defender gained possession of it at that point. The defender is the one that completed the process of the catch, so the defender was awarded the ball.”

McDermott couldn’t challenge the ruling because of the league’s overtime rules, so he called a timeout to give the officiating crew and replay officials a chance to take an extended look. The play already had been confirmed through the NFL’s expedited re-

No it isn’t, countered Hall of Fame tight end Sterling Sharpe, who, on his popular podcast with Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, said it was absolutely the correct call, and Johnson agreed.

“Let me explain it to you, it’s called the Calvin Johnson rule,” where receivers have to secure the catch through their landing, not just grab it in the air, Sharpe said. “If a receiver catches a football and he goes to the ground he must maintain possession of the football throughout the entirety of the catch.

“He goes to the ground, he needs to get his ass up and hand the ball to the officials.”

Which Cook certainly didn’t do

D.J. Jones was clearly held by center Connor McGovern, who wrapped both arms around Denver’s nose tackle with Allen two steps deep in the end zone. But it’s not a certainty that the hold were it called — would have been ruled a safety, as well. If officials deem it a hold initiated outside the end zone, the half-thedistance penalty would have kept the game going. Either way, it’s a certainty there would have been some consternation over the call just like there was with McMillian’s interception.

“A phenomenal play by J-Mac,” Payton said. “But it should’ve ended, really, with a safety.”

“We need to work together, and we’re going to come to the final conclusion and it’s always going to be able what’s best for the New York Giants,” Schoen said. “I have no problem with that, and I’m looking forward to working with him.” Harbaugh figures his role will be similar to how he and Ozzie Newsome and Eric DeCosta operated with the Ravens: evaluating players, giving input and contributing to the vision of the organization. Brother Jim, who just finished his second season coaching the Los Angeles Chargers after winning the national championship at Michigan, hyped up what it will be like in a new place.

“He said, ‘You’re going to be really excited to walk into that room for the first time with a different team’ — a team that you haven’t been around — and you start fresh from the beginning and kind of build it up the way you want to,” John Harbaugh said. “I just can’t wait.”

Handlogten). Technical Fouls: None. LSU2635—61 Florida384179 Women’s state schedule Monday’s games No games scheduled. Tuesday’s games No games scheduled. Wednesday’s games Coastal Carolina at UL 6 p.m.

Thursday’s games

Mississippi Valley at Southern, 6 p.m.

McNeese at Southeastern, 6 p.m.

Northwestern at Stephen F. Austin, 6 p.m.

Arkansas – Pine Bluff at Grambling, 6:30 p.m. Louisiana Tech at Missouri State, 6:30 p.m.

UNO at Nicholls, 6:30 p.m.

James Madison at UL – Monroe, 6:30 p.m.

LSU at Texas A&M, 8 p.m.

Women’s national scores

Tuesday’s games

EAST Seton Hall 73, Providence 57 Temple 86, South Florida 83

SOUTH Charlotte 77, Florida Atlantic 56 North Texas 72, UAB 59

MIDWEST Creighton 82, Xavier 64 Eastern Michigan 76, Toledo 71 Tennessee-Martin 67, Southeast Missouri State 56 Wichita State 66, Memphis 59

Tennis

Australian Open Results

Tuesday At Melbourne Park

Melbourne, Australia

Purse: AUD111,500,000

Surface: Hardcourt outdoor Results Tuesday from Australian Open at Melbourne Park (seedings in parentheses): Men’s Singles First Round

Lorenzo Sonego, Italy, def. Carlos Taberner, Spain, 6-4, 6-0, 6-3. Luciano Darderi (22), Italy, def. Cristian Garin, Chile, 7-6 (5), 7-5, 7-6 (3) Ethan Quinn, United States, def. Tallon Griekspoor (23), Netherlands, 6-2, 6-3, 6-2. Lorenzo Musetti (5), Italy, def. Raphael Collignon, Belgium, 4-6, 7-6 (3), 7-5, 3-2, ret.

Sebastian Baez, Argentina, def. Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, France, 6-4, 6-4, 3-6, 5-7, 6-3. Ben Shelton (8), United States, def. Ugo Humbert, France, 6-3, 7-6 (2), 7-6 (5). Eliot Spizzirri, United States, def. Joao Fonseca (28), Brazil, 6-4, 2-6, 6-1, 6-2. Karen Khachanov (15), Russia, def. Alex Michelsen, United States, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 5-7, 6-3. Nishesh Basavareddy, United States, def. Christopher O’Connell, Australia, 4-6, 7-6 (7), 6-7 (3), 6-2, 6-3. Jakub Mensik (16), Czechia, def. Pablo Carreno Busta, Spain, 7-5, 4-6, 2-6, 7-6 (1), 6-3. Yibing Wu, China, def. Luca Nardi, Italy, 7-5, 4-6, 6-4, 6-2. Dane Sweeny, Australia, def. Gael Monfils, France, 6-7 (3), 7-5, 6-4, 7-5. Rafael Jodar, Spain, def. Rei Sakamoto, Japan, 7-6 (6), 6-1, 5-7, 4-6, 6-3. Jannik Sinner (2), Italy, def. Hugo Gaston, France, 6-2, 6-1, ret. Taylor Fritz (9), United States, def. Valentin Royer, France, 7-6 (5), 5-7, 6-1, 6-3. Vit Kopriva, Czechia, def. Jan-Lennard Struff, Germany, 4-6, 6-2, 2-6, 6-3, 6-1. Tomas Machac, Czechia, def. Grigor Dimitrov, Bulgaria, 6-4, 6-4, 6-3. Hubert Hurkacz, Poland, def. Zizou Bergs, Belgium, 6-7 (6), 7-6 (6), 6-3, 6-3. James Duckworth, Australia, def. Dino Prizmic, Croatia, 7-6 (4), 3-6, 1-6, 7-5, 6-3. Stefanos Tsitsipas (31), Greece, def. Shintaro Mochizuki, Japan, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2. Women’s Singles First Round Katerina Siniakova, Czechia, def. Panna Udvardy, Hungary, 6-1, 6-2. Ashlyn Krueger, United States, def. Sara Bejlek, Czechia, 6-3, 6-3. Tereza Valentova, Czechia, def. Maya Joint (30), Australia, 6-4, 6-4. Taylah Preston, Australia, def. Zhang Shuai, China, 6-3, 2-6, 6-3. Varvara Gracheva, Russia, def. Viktorija Golubic, Switzerland, 6-1, 2-6, 6-1. Janice Tjen, Indonesia, def. Leylah Fernandez (22), Canada, 6-2, 7-6 (1). Madison Keys (9), United States, def. Oleksandra Oliynykova, Ukraine, 7-6 (6), 6-1. Wang Xinyu, China, def. Anhelina Kalinina, Ukraine, 6-3, 6-3. Karolina Pliskova, Czechia, def. Sloane Stephens, United States, 7-6 (7), 6-2. Linda Fruhvirtova, Czechia, def. Lulu Sun, New Zealand, 6-3, 7-5. Julia Grabher, Austria, def. Elisabetta Cocciaretto, Italy, 7-5, 2-6, 6-4. Elena Rybakina (5), Kazakhstan, def. Kaja Juvan, Slovenia, 6-4, 6-3. Anna Kalinskaya (31), Russia, def. Sonay Kartal, Britain, 7-6 (3), 6-1. Jelena Ostapenko (24), Latvia, def. Rebecca Sramkova, Slovakia, 6-4, 6-4. Sorana Cirstea, Romania, def. Eva Lys, Germany, 3-6, 6-4, 6-3. Belinda Bencic (10), Switzerland, def. Katie Boulter, Britain, 6-0, 7-5. Laura Siegemund, Germany, def. Liudmila Samsonova (18), Russia, 0-6, 7-5, 6-4. Naomi Osaka (16), Japan, def. Antonia Ruzic, Croatia, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4. Nikola Bartunkova, Czechia, def. Daria Kasatkina, Russia, 7-6 (7), 0-6, 6-3. Maddison Inglis, Australia, def. Kimberly Birrell, Australia, 7-6 (6), 6-7 (9), 6-4. Men’s Doubles First Round Tomas Martin Etcheverry and Camilo Ugo Carabelli, Argentina, def. Andrey Golubev and Aleksandr Nedovyesov, Kazakhstan, 6-3, 6-4. Francisco Cerundolo and Juan Manuel Cerundolo, Argentina, def. Edouard RogerVasselin, France, and Hugo Nys (8), Monaco, 6-4, 2-6, 6-3. Jean-Julien Rojer, Netherlands, and Marcelo Demoliner, Brazil, def. Alexander Bublik Kazakhstan, and Alexander Shevchenko, Russia, 6-3, 6-2. Lucas Miedler, Austria, and Francisco Cabral (9), Portugal, def. Fabian Marozsan, Hungary, and Mattia Bellucci, Italy, 7-6 (6), 6-2. Patrik Rikl and Petr Nouza, Czechia, def. Alexandre Muller and Terence Atmane, France 6-7 (7), 7-6 (2), 6-2. Pedro Martinez and Jaume Munar, Spain, def. Pruchya Isaro, Thailand, and Niki Kaliyanda Poonacha, India, 7-6 (3), 7-5. Kevin Krawietz and Tim Putz (5), Germany, def. Arthur Rinderknech, France, and Valentin Vacherot, Monaco, 6-4, 6-4. Luke Johnson, Britain, and Jan Zielinski, Poland, def. Rinky Hijikata and Tristan Schoolkate, Australia, 6-7 (3), 7-5, 6-4. Women’s Doubles First Round Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini (2), Italy, def. Maia Lumsden, Britain, and Qianhui Tang, China, 6-3, 6-2. Olivia Nicholls, Britain, and Tereza Mihalikova (12), Slovakia, def. Jaqueline Cristian, Romania, and Anna Bondar, Hungary, 6-3, 6-2. Victoria Mboko, Canada, and Iva Jovic, United States, def. Ulrikke Eikeri, Norway and Ingrid Neel, Estonia, 7-5, 6-3. Emiliana Arango, Colombia, and Elsa Jacquemot, France, def. Venus Williams, United States, and Ekaterina Alexandrova, Russia, 7-6 (3), 6-4. Olga Danilovic, Serbia, and Anastasia Potapova, Russia, def. Iryna Shymanovich, Belarus, and Solana Sierra, Argentina, 6-3, 3-6, 6-0. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, Russia, and Clara Tauson, Denmark, def. Lyudmyla Kichenok, Ukraine, and Katie Volynets, United States, 6-7 (6), 6-4, 6-4. Magda Linette, Poland, and Shuko Aoyama, Japan, def. Ingrid Martins, Brazil, and Alexandra Eala, Philippines, 7-6 (3), 2-6, 6-3.

BY IAN McNULTY Staff writer

ew Mid-City restaurant Charmant, in the former MoPholocation,can be hard to pin down. Is it anew brunchspot near City Park? Awine bar at a crossroads between neighborhoods that might tempt alate afternoon stop off?Acasually elegant bistro forimpromptu date nights?

It is allthese things, andthrough each phase, this versatile day-tonight spot speakssoftlywhile overdelivering in technique, flavor and style.

Themenushave many distinctive dishes. Yet, unexpectedly, Ifirst learned what this restaurant could do from the way it elevated two dishes that are muchmore commonplace. Let’sstart with the Brussels sprouts. That’s something Inever saythese days, beingoverfed on them as they’ve become omnipresent from gastropubs to barbecue joints. But thenthere’sCharmant’s version. Theyare crisp,not oily,which is the right start, but they also keep your palate guessing. Between a base of cardamom spicedyogurt and both golden raisins and lima beans underParmesan, it’s alltart,nutty, savory and satisfying. Next there’sthe avocado toast, a brunchstandard. This oneisboth uncommonlycomplexand well-executed.

The pork chop loin is finished with king trumpet mushrooms and morita chile sauce.

ä See CHARMANT, page 2D

IAN McNULTY

By The Associated Press

Today is Wednesday, Jan. 21, the 21st day of 2026. There are 344 days left in the year

Today in history:

On Jan. 21, 2020, the U.S reported its first known case of the 2019 novel coronavirus circulating in China, saying a Washington state resident who had returned the previous week from the outbreak’s epicenter was hospitalized near Seattle.

Also on this date:

In 1861, Jefferson Davis of Mississippi, with a dramatic farewell speech, resigned his U.S. Senate seat after his state and others seceded from the Union. He would later be elected president of the Confederacy shortly before the Civil War began.

In 1924, Russian revolutionary Vladimir Lenin died at age 53, setting off a

bloody power struggle that would lead to the rise of Soviet dictator Josef Stalin

In 1950, former State Department official Alger Hiss, accused of being part of a Communist spy ring, was found guilty in New York of lying to a grand jury (Hiss, who proclaimed his innocence, served less than four years in prison.)

In 1976, British Airways and Air France inaugurated scheduled passenger service on the supersonic Concorde jet

In 2010, a deeply divided U S Supreme Court, in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, vastly increased the influence of big business and labor unions by allowing unlimited contributions to political campaigns.

In 2017, a day after Donald Trump’s first presidential inauguration, an estimated 3 million to 5 million people rallied at Women’s

March demonstrations across the U.S. to support civil rights and to protest Trump’s rhetoric and policies.

In 2023, a gunman opened fire and killed 11 people at a ballroom dance hall in Monterey Park, California, during the city’s Lunar New Year festivities. The gunman killed himself as police closed in on him. Today’s birthdays: Golf Hall of Famer Jack Nicklaus is 86. Opera singer Plácido Domingo is 85. Singer-songwriter Billy Ocean is 76. Artist Jeff Koons is 71. Actor-director Robby Benson is 70. Actor Geena Davis is 70. Republican Sen. Kevin Cramer of North Dakota is 65. Basketball Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon is 63. Singer Emma Bunton (Spice Girls) is 50. Actor Luke Grimes is 42. Mixed martial artist Ilia Tuporia is 29. Singer-songwriter Em Beihold is 27.

WARM UP

Continued from page 1D

CHAMORRO

La Tia Cantina, 4517 W. Esplanade Ave., Metairie

Chamorro is Mexican osso bucco, and just like the Italian version, the meat comes off the bone in large chunks. The sauce is the cooking liquid poured at the table, and the real zinger is a vinaigrette on the side, spiked with chilies in a beautiful contrast to the meat’s richness The warmth in this cantina comes through in the service Just past the colorful dining room, there’s a small bar and lounge that makes a more intimate nook and serves some of the best cocktails you’ll find in Metairie.

BEEF STROGANOFF

Hot & Soul, 2540 Banks St

So you’re stocking up for some cold weather supplies at the Mid-City location of Trader Joe’s (in the wine section, probably), and you spot this funky little diner in a shotgun house next to the parking lot If curiosity leads you in for a bite, you’ll discover this bit of Slavic comfort food leaping off an eclectic menu that otherwise covers ground from Filipino eggrolls to Caribbean ceviche. Next thing you know you’re building little bundles of tender short ribs and housemade egg noodles, and sipping the “borscht and bubbles” beet-based cocktail Why? Because you know how to live.

OYSTER ARTICHOKE SOUP

Pulcinella!, 1300 St. Bernard Ave.

Our local oysters are at their best in the winter, but a cold dozen on the half shell isn’t the only way to enjoy the peak of the season. Pulcinella! is a relatively new restaurant with an old soul and a deeply Italian menu that also makes room for this New Orleans classic.

Ripples of oil and cream swirl over the surface around reefs of fried oysters that burst with the oyster juice still within. See if there’s a show at the related Original Nite Cap lounge just up the narrow staircase, or just go up for a drink any-

way to make a night of it. After all, it’s cold outside.

CLAMS WITH WHITE BEANS

Costera, 4938 Prytania St.

Surrounded by a great variety of oysters at the Shuck Cancer fundraiser last fall, an unlikely standout among the other dishes was this simple white bean dish done in the Spanish style, warmly stewed with smoky chorizo. Within days, I was at the Uptown Spanish restaurant for a few tapas, an inky Tempranillo and the full version of this dish, with clams lending their briny goodness to the hearty beans.

BUN BO HUE TD Seafood & Pho House, 1028 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey

The vast variety of Vietnamese cooking seems to have a soup for every season. At the hint of cold weather, I start thinking about this one. The basic format might sound similar to pho a beef base with noodles and a harvest of garnishes to add on top. But bun bo Hue is brawnier in every way, and while I love pho for its restorative qualities, this soup is just stronger winter medicine. The noodles are thick like spaghetti, the beef slices are dark and rich, the broth is spicy before you add anything to it, and there’s a fermented umami funk to the pork blood cakes bobbing

CHARMANT

Continued from page 1D

It’s a vehicle for cured fish (salmon when I tried it; trout more recently), with beets over the avocado in precise layers, topped with fresh herbs and trout roe. A bite gives a toasty crunch followed by the salty, creamy, fresh progression of flavors

Remaking former MoPho

Charmant is the first restaurant from Bonnie Borges, a local sommelier, and her husband, the chef Chris Borges. They have long worked in their hometown hospitality scene and they’re pouring that experience into their own spot, and in their own Mid-City neighborhood.

Charmant opened right around Thanksgiving. A few pieces are still taking shape, namely the patio; and morning hours may soon expand for an earlier start with coffee and pastries.

The location is familiar For more than a decade it was MoPho, the muchmissed modern Asian restaurant.

The new design makes for a sunny spacious room by day, good for work lunches, while in the evening, candles illuminate the tables beneath the pressed tin ceiling, and a convivial neighborhood energy takes over

The long bar remains the centerpiece, and this helps

make Charmant feel at times like a wine bar within a restaurant. There’s a good selection of wines that are accessible (most bottles well under $60) but not ordinary

The restaurant has a generous happy hour, with $7 plates, wines and drinks.

The kitchen leaves no room to doubt that Charmant is as much as bistro as any of its other roles.

Brunch to bistro

One of the dishes that makes the leap from brunch to dinner (in addition to the Brussels sprouts) is the PhoMo. The name is a pun on the old MoPho, though this blend of grillades and grits with pho is something Borges has kept in his back pocket for years. It’s a dish worth making weekend plans around in its own right.

Beef short ribs surrender under the fork into a liquid somewhere between jus and broth, with a scent of star anise, though overall tasting much more South than southeast Asian. Rice grits make it hearty, but not too heavy The egg over the top is so perfectly cooked, it looks like it was painted onto the plate, with the dome of the yolk primed for bursting. Every egg I’ve seen come out of this kitchen is the same way (of course I spy on dishes headed to other tables).

On the dinner menu, the pork chop is another example of a dish that’s giving

around. Get a booth and hover over a bowl, and this small, friendly strip mall restaurant can feel like curling up in someone’s kitchen.

FONDUE

La Crepe Nanou, 1410 Robert St. Fondue is a special occasion dish It’s always tempting, but how often do you have the right weather outside and the right person at the table to share a dish that could be the hors d’oeuvres station for an entire cocktail party?

Don’t miss the opportunity, because dunking French bread into that winesmacked cheese is incredibly gratifying, especially in the beautiful, take-me-toParis setting of these close romantic rooms.

CANNELLONI

Vincent’s Cuisine, 7839 St. Charles Ave. and 4411 Chastant St., Metairie Red sauce is comfort food. Add a creamy base of Alfredo sauce — baked to a custardy texture under a golden surface — and the framework of a tender cannelloni pasta shape filled with veal, and you have satisfaction by the spoonful. The Metairie location feels as homey as your nonna’s house in the ’burbs; the St. Charles Avenue spot, between the neon-lined windows and Chianti bottles, can feel like that Billy Joel song about the Italian restaurant come to life.

more than expected. It’s a thick cut from the loin, meaty as a roast but with a sizzled edge of fat. The cook on it was perfect, just past pink within, with morita chiles rendered in an oil to dress the plate with mellow, fruity warmth.

Cheese, desserts

Cheese and charcuterie boards are a big part of the program (giving more cred to the wine bar role), and the chef’s love of cheese is evident across the menu. The Vermont goat crottin, which might read on the menu as a salad, is more akin to a tasting platter of delicious things to mix with the smoothly-rich goat cheese at its center (like the cylinder-shape French cheese Crottin de Chavignol). You’re scooping into it to make different bites around the pieces of duck confit, cherries, shaved persimmon and toasted hazelnuts, with the grassybitter taste of frisée cutting through as the base. Desserts come from pastry chef Jillian Duran, who has earned a following for her own Rahm Haus ice cream brand (and the mysterious Balboni king cake). That explains why the chocolate ice cream was so good next to a pine nut tart, a dessert begging for an espresso martini. It’s another dish that could constitute its own reason for visiting.

TheAmerican RedCross ofLouisiana is hereall year.

Local support. Local impact.

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

Nell Nolan SOCIETY

Contact: nnolan@theadvocate.com

Cynosures!

n Welcome Dinner

“Dathel and John D. Georges invite youtoaMayoral Welcome Dinner” headed theinvitation that continued with “Join us as we welcome Mayor-Elect Helena Moreno.” Thevenue for the socializing, which slotted an hourfor cocktails, and then “dinner at 7pm,”was Galerie de Galatoire on Royal Street MelvinRodrigue of Galatoire’s(in attendance withspouse Katy Casbarian)was the major contact forthe event, which was also billed “TheAdvocate |Mayor Moreno Dinner.” It preceded her inauguration by four days. The Times-Picayune |Nola. com figured in the hostingforce.

The guest list was achoice “who’swho” within the area and included former New Orleans Mayors MarcMorial and MitchLandrieu with their accomplished wives, Michelle Miller and Cheryl Landrieu;U.S. Sen Bill Cassidy (with wife Dr LauraCassidy)and former U.S. Senator MaryLandrieu; and other notables in thepolitical realm. The New OrleansCityCouncil, the police force, the judiciary,business, sports, the hosting newspaper,academia, health care, developers, and foundationswererepresented within the assembly of 150.Family, too, gathered, such as NikeGeorges,Alexa Georges and JerryArmatis,and Pamela Georges Dongieux,as well as Chris Meeks, husband of Helena Moreno. Betsy Nalty (with spouse Dick Simmons)was recognized as the most recentrecipientof The Times-Picayune Loving Cup. Seated next to her were Anne and King Milling —both former Loving Cup recipients. During the cocktailing, guestsenjoyed the hand-passed soufflé potatoes, eggplant batons, fried Louisiana oysters andBoursin

n

Saint-ly Sons

Several reception areas of the Four Seasons New Orleans were abuzz recently when Son of aSaint held is annual fundraiser and spotlighted philanthropists Rico and Kristin Alvendia as co-chairs. “Illuminating Futures” themed the gala that had Alvendia, Kelly &Demarest (AKD) Law Firm as the Presenting Sponsor.Retired Lt. Col. Rico Alvendia, the cofounder of the Legion of Mars Mardi Gras Krewe and Mars Hero Fund, was addressed as “Your Majesty” almost ayear ago as the 2025 king of the Washington Mardi Gras, the Mystick Krewe of Louisianians, with Kendall Elizabeth Williams as his queen. When they spoke at the dinner, both Rico and Kristinstated their strong support for Son of aSaint and its work in shaping futures, building leaders and transforming communities. Through attentive mentorship,

cheese canapés.The dinner menu—attables centered with pillar candles of various sizes andvotives —began with preset shrimp remoulade, turtle soup, filet with béarnaise sauce and king cake that was sliced and served in the Chef’s Gallery.Anearly highlight was the arrival and room-parading of theJaywalkers Second-Line Band. The five musicians’ final rendering was “When the SaintsGoMarching In.”

When it was time to dine, Mary Landrieu gave theblessing.

Kevin Hall,president and publisher of The Advocate |Times-Picayune, stepped forward to welcome the150 attendees and recognized host John Georges,newspaper co-owner,who thanked Mary Landrieu for giving the blessing, acknowledgedthe two former mayors andafew other top names. He asked for a “big hand (in ovation)” for Chris Meeks. His finalintroduction was of the honoree, HelenaMoreno, who related how she met John Georges years ago; gave ashout out to Emily Arata and Aimee Quirk for their help with “You all are my rock;” singled out former U.S. Rep Cedric Richmond and then asked others to stand; and as atributetoher husband, said “Chris, Icould not do this without you.”

Her ultimatemessage was about the need for good direction, claiming, “So manyofour challenges can be met with leadership.” Her philosophy was stated as “Looking at what’s ahead.”

Mayor-elect Moreno was roundly applauded and approached with well-wishing after shespoke. Ageneral drift then occurred to theabove Chef’s Gallery,where king cake andseasonal conviviality awaited.

thenonprofittransforms the lives of young men, whoare fatherless due to death,abandonment or incarceration. Bivian “Sonny” Lee III is theSon of aSaint founder and CEO. Headliners of the gala’s program included “Son” mentees Carlos,Warren,Jonathan, and Ky and alumnus Miles Stewart, as well as emcee MikeHoss,board chair Carol Asher, special guests Troy and Tommi Vincent,

n Sugar Suspense

In true New Orleans fashion, aMardi Grasstyle parade kickedoff theturf thrills. The parade was the preludeto theAllstate Sugar Bowl, theplayoff quarterfinals on New Year’sDay between Ole Miss and theGeorgia Bulldogs, which kept fans raptuntil thefinal moments of thegame in the Caesars Superdome. Presented by Louisiana Tourism and including floats, bands and other participants, theparade was slated for theday before and traveled past city landmarks, such as Jackson Square, along the river before theculmination at Canal Street. Prior to bothevents, the AllstateSugar Bowl President’s Dinner took place in Commander’sPalace, aCrescentCity culinary mecca. Mona’sAccents did theflorals and Sparkle and Swag, thecelebratory balloons. Representation from the Sugar Bowl Committee included president Dottie Reese with husband Judge Kern Reese,immediate past president Walter Becker with Laurie, presidentelect Riley Busenlener with Kathleen,vice president Sam Zurik III with Jennifer,treasurer W. Scott Duggins with Jessica,secretary Judge Brian A. Jackson with spouse MelanieMegginson,and Richard C. Briede,who chairs the Sugar BowlExecutive Committee. Further headliners were Allstate Sugar BowlCEO Jeff Hundleyand Janine; AllstateInsurance Company Senior Vice President Dave Marsey; Amy Clark,who was affectionately dubbed “First Lady of the College Football Playoff” —her husband, Rich Clark,isthe CFP executive director; commissioners GregSankey (Southeast Conference) and Dr JonSteinbrecher (Mid-American Conference); and Jere Morehead and Dr Glenn Boyce, respective university presidents of Georgia and Mississippi (Ole Miss). Also, University of Georgia J. Reid Parker Director of Athletics Josh Brooks and University of Mississippi Vice Chancellor forIntercollegiate Athletics Keith Carter Others, too, whorelished the pregamegusto and afine meal of gumbo, Commander’ssalad, pecan-crusted fish, tournedos, and pecan pie. Violinist Shaun Ward madethe strings sing, and SBC president Dottie Reesegave tributes and thanks.

All of this led up to the thrilling quarterfinal gametwo days later,when the Ole Miss Rebels defeated the Georgia Bulldogs, 39-34. The winning points were scored withseconds remaining.

theAlvendias and Sonny Lee, and, for theFund-theMission and live auction, BrianKish,Emeril Lagasse Foundation president, and Tamica Lee,TVhost and SoaS board member.In addition to some of the above, Trishelle Cannatella, Jeanne Demarest, and Kelly Husted served on the planning committee, while Celeste Baer,Amanda Berger,Bentley Boldt, Damon Carraby,Hattie Collins, Sherae Hunter,Bitsy Metcalf, Caroline Morgan, Olivia Grey Pritchard, Grey Reno,and Katy DalyRobbins composed the volunteer committee. A number of the board members were alsosighted, as was Sheryl (Mrs. Robert“Bob”) Merrick and her son, Justin Duplantis.The Merricks were

n Moonlight and Miracles

Once again, Caesars Superdomehoused hundreds fora party with apurpose, Ochsner Health’sMoonlight and Miracles that had major sponsorship from the Gayle and Tom Benson Charitable Foundation and the presence of Mrs. Benson, among ahost of notables. Pete November is the OH president and CEO. The event benefited all Ochsner Health patients and programswithin aglorious and giving framework.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Do your homework, follow the proper protocols and stay within budget. Do what you can yourself, but when an expert is essential, don't scrimp.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) When in doubt, say no. Pursue facts, get the lowdown, enforcerulesandregulations,andrefuse to spend a penny on anything that you think is unnecessary.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) Keep your thoughts to yourself and avoid joint ventures and shared expenses. Look out for your best interests and say no to temptation. Focus inward. Make clarity, adaptabilityandgettingthingsdoneyour goals

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Keep moving. The more time you spend mulling over whattodoandhowtodoit themorefrustrating and unproductive your day will become. Just wing it

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) Open your mind, try something new and put your energy into new beginnings, creative imagination and making a difference. Fight the battles that mean the most to you instead of working tirelessly for someone else.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) Keep track of your money, possessions and important documents. You'll need to make payments or adjustments to avoid penalties. A disciplined mindset and unique approach will pave the way to satisfaction.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) Initiate change. Keeping an open mind and finishing what you start will pay off. Partnerships

WonderWord

help you address concerns and make a difference in your community. Keep a level head and your eye on your target, and something good will transpire.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Keep moving. What you achieve will depend on how much time, money and effort you are willing to put into your pursuit. Reach out and join forces with other hardworking individuals.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Use your charm to get others to pitch in and help. A lifestyle change that soothes the soul will get you back on track and ready to take a new direction. Personal growth will broaden your awareness.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) Wait and watch. Time is on your side, and avoiding premature changes will position you for success. Attend events that spark your imagination. Start conversations, listen intensely and observe what others do.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Get the ball rolling, ask questions, promote and market your skills, and focus on what's possible. You owe it to yourself to follow your heart and to pursue your dreams.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Tone down emotional rhetoric. If you act on gut feelings, you'll end up backtracking. Refuse to participate in emotional mayhem and instead project a positive attitude. Say less and do more.

The horoscope, an entertainment feature, is not based on scientific fact. © 2026 by nEa inc dist. By andrews mcmeel syndication

Sudoku

InstructIons: sudoku is anumber-placing puzzle based on a9x9 grid with several given numbers The object is to place the numbers 1to9inthe empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once. The difficulty level of the sudoku increases from monday to sunday.

Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer

BY PHILLIP ALDER Bridge

There is an old saying that real bridge playersdon’tneedBlackwood.Ofcourse, before bidding aslam, Blackwood of one ilk or another is often used.But on some deals it will not help, andthe partnership needs to employ control-bidding (cue-bidding).

Look at this deal. South openstwo clubs; North responds two diamonds, not being quite strongenough for atwoheart positive with thatrelatively weak suit; South rebids two spades; andNorth raises to three spades, promising asmattering of points.(Some playerswould make afour-club splinter bid, showing thesingleton,but Ilikefour-cardspade supportfor that action.)

NowifSouthusesBlackwood,helearns thathispartnerhasoneace—buthedoes not know if it is the useless heartace or the invaluable diamond ace. Instead,he makes afour-club control-bid, showing afirst-round club control (ace or void), expressing slam interest, andasking partner if he has asuitable hand. North, with aterrific hand, makes afour-diamondcontrol-bid.NowSouth,wondering abouttheclubsituation,control-bidsfour hearts.AndwhenNorthcontrol-bidsfive clubs to show his second-round control (king or singleton), South leaps majestically to seven spades.

Southruffs the heart lead,cashes his club ace, ruffs aclubinthe dummy, returnstohis hand with atrump,ruffs theclubqueen, carefully ruffs aheart in hishand (does notplay adiamond!), draws the last trump andclaims. ©2026 by nEa, inc dist. By andrews mcmeel syndication

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

Previous answers:

word game

InsTRucTIons: 1. Words must be of four or more letters. 2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed. 3. additional words made by adding a“d” or an “s” may not be used. 4. proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.

ToDAY’s WoRD ouTRIGHT: OUT-rite: Instantaneously.

Averagemark 17 words

Timelimit 35 minutes

Can youfind29ormore words in OUTRIGHT?

YEsTERDAY’s WoRD —REALMs

dIrectIons: make a 2- to 7-letter word from the letters in each row. add points of each word, using scoring directions at right. Finally, 7-letter words get 50-point bonus. “Blanks” used as any letter have no point value. all the words are in the Official sCraBBlE® players Dictionary, 5th Edition.

Scrabble GramS Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer ken ken

InstructIons: 1 Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 thorugh 4 (easy) or 1 through 6 (challenging) without repeating. 2 - The numbers within the heavily outlined boxes, called cages, must combine using the given operation (in any order) to produce the target numbers in the top-left corners. 3 - Freebies: Fill in the single-box cages with the number in the top-left corner. HErE is a

METAIRIE 518 N.

Refrig/Oven+ W&Dare available. SandyWard* 504-259-2616 Re/Max Living *504-475-1011. Ea ofcindpntlyowned& operated

a/h$1250/mo $600/dep. 504-813-7934 NINTHWARD 3Br/1BaPrivParking,fencedyard, w/appliances $1200/mo 504-638-3653

GIVENS, LOUELLA PEARL HARDING, LOUELLA P. HARDING, LOUELLA PEARL GIVENS HARDING, LOUELLA GIVENS HARD‐ING) ANDTHE OPENEDSUC‐CESSION OF CHARLES HARD‐ING, (A/K/A CHARLESCOR‐NELIUSHARD‐ING) AND41EN‐CAMPMENT, LLC

CI VI L DI ST RI CT CO UR TF OR PA RI SH OF OR LE AN S Case No: 2024-6824

SALE BY SHERIFF JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT THAT CERTAIN PORTION OF GROUNDBEAR‐INGMUNICIPAL NUMBER 5752 BANCROFT DRIVE, THIS CITY, IN THEMATTEREN‐TITLED: NATION‐STARMORT‐

5752 BANCROFT

DRNEW OR‐LEANS,LA70122 LOT: 6, SQUARE: 46 THIRDMUNICI‐PAL DISTRICT ACQMIN: 712387 OAKPARKGAR‐DENS WRIT AMOUNT: $173,657.10

(s): 1/21/2026 & 2/25/2026

JAN21-FEB252T

PUBLIC NOTICESALE BY SHERIFF JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT THAT CERTAIN PORTION OF GROUNDBEAR‐INGMUNICIPAL NUMBER 11270 S.IDLEWOODCT, CITYOFNEW ORLEANS, IN THE MATTER EN‐TITLED: PENNY‐MAC LOAN SER‐VICES,LLC VER‐SUS KEVINL WILLIAMS

g Loyola Avenue, inthe FirstDis‐trict of theCity onFebruary26, 2026, at 12:00 o'clock noon, the following described prop‐ertytowit: 11270 SIDLE‐WOODCTNEW ORLEANS,LA 70128 LOT26- SQUARE 3 3RD MUNICIPAL DISTRICT ACQMIN: 1247176 WRIT AMOUNT: $174,567.69

RB6 DEAN MORRIS LLC 318-3881440

TheN.O.Advo‐cateDate (s): 1/21/2026 & 2/25/2026 JAN21-FEB252T

By virtue of a WritofSeizure and Sale di‐rectedtomeby the Honorable JudgesofCivil DistrictCourt for theParishof Orleans,inthe above entitled cause,I will pro‐ceed to sell by publicauction onthe ground floor of theCivil DistrictCourt Building, 421 LoyolaAvenue, inthe FirstDis‐trict of theCity onFebruary26, 2026, at 12:00 o'clock noon, the following described prop‐ertytowit:

Seized in the above suit TERMS -CASH. Thepurchaser atthe moment ofadjudication tomakea de‐posit of tenper‐centofthe pur‐chase price, and the balance withinthirty daysthereafter. Note: Thepay‐mentmustbe Cash, Cashier's Check,Certified Check or Money Order.NoPer‐sonal Checks FACE MASKS AND TEMPERA‐TURECHECKS AREREQUIRED UPONENTERING BUILDING.

SusanHutson Sheriff, Parish of Or‐leans

GH 4 ALBERTELLI LAW, P.A. 813221-4743 PENNY DAIGRE‐PONT

CI VI L DI ST RI CT CO UR TF OR PA RI SH OF OR LE AN S Case No: 2025-5933

TheN.O.Advo‐cate Date

By virtue of a WritofSeizure and Sale di‐rectedtomeby the Honorable JudgesofCivil DistrictCourt for theParishof Orleans,inthe above entitled cause,I will pro‐ceed to sell by publicauction onthe ground floor of theCivil DistrictCourt Building,421 l

Seized in the above suit, TERMS -CASH. Thepurchaser atthe moment ofadjudication tomakea de‐posit of tenper‐centofthe pur‐chase price, and the balance withinthirty daysthereafter. Note: Thepay‐mentmustbe Cash, Cashier's Check,Certified Check or Money Order.NoPer‐sonal Checks FACE MASKS AND TEMPERA‐TURECHECKS AREREQUIRED UPONENTERING BUILDING.

PUBLIC NOTICESALE BY SHERIFF JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT THAT CERTAIN PORTION OF GROUNDBEAR‐INGMUNICIPAL NUMBER3589 MIMOSACT, CITYOFNEW ORLEANS, IN THE MATTER EN‐TITLED: FI‐DELITYBANK VERSUSSTACY N.WARREN

CI VI L DI ST RI CT CO UR TF OR PA RI SH OF OR LE AN S Case No: 2025-2325

p ceed to sell by publicauction onthe ground floor of theCivil DistrictCourt Building, 421 LoyolaAvenue inthe FirstDis‐trict of theCity onFebruary26, 2026, at 12:00 o'clock noon, the following described prop‐ertytowit: 3589 MIMOSA CTNEW OR‐LEANS,LA70131 LOT457SQUARE126 5THMUNICIPAL DISTRICT ACQMIN: 1075163 TALL TIMBERS SUBDIVISION WRIT AMOUNT: $117,454.19

BUILDING

Susan Hutson Sheriff, Parish of Or‐leans

RB 7 GRAHAM,ARCE‐NEAUX &ALLEN LLC 504-5228256 FOERSTNERG MEYER

TheN.O.Advo‐cateDate (s): 1/21/2026 & 2/25/2026

JAN21-FEB252T

PUBLIC NOTICESALE BY SHERIFF JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT THAT CERTAIN PORTION OF GROUNDBEAR‐INGMUNICIPAL NUMBER4202 S ROMAN STREET THISCITY, IN THEMATTEREN‐TITLED: U.S. BANKTRUST NATIONALAS‐SOCIATION,NOT

TYSON GROUP, LLC PUBLIC

SusanHutson Sheriff, Parish of Or‐leans

By virtue of a WritofSeizure and Sale di‐rectedtomeby the Honorable JudgesofCivil DistrictCourt for theParishof Orleans,inthe above

Seized in the above suit, TERMS -CASH. Thepurchaser atthe moment ofadjudication tomakea de‐posit of tenper‐centofthe pur‐chase price, and the balance withinthirty daysthereafter Note: Thepay‐mentmustbe Cash, Cashier's Check,Certified Check or Money Order.NoPer‐sonal Checks FACE MASKS AND TEMPERA‐TURECHECKS AREREQUIRED UPON ENTERING

X2,

KENNER,

OF GILBERT, KELLY& COURTURIE,

DATED AUGUST 26,

FROM C-1 NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL TO RR-1 SINGLE-FAMILYRESIDENTIAL, AND DIRECTING, AUTHORIZINGAND EMPOWERING THE PLANNING DIRECTOR FOR THE CITY OF KENNER TO ALTER AND AMEND THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF KENNER, LOUISIANA.

Case Z-2-26 - AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 11,062, ADOPTED MARCH 17, 2016, ENTITLED UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE OF THE CITY OF KENNER,LOUISIANA, MORE PARTICULARLYAMENDING

bids may also be received by mail or in-person until Thursday,February 12, 2026 at 9:45a.m. CST,bythe CityofKenner in theFinance Department located at: 1610 Reverend Richard Wilson Drive Building D Kenner,Louisiana 70062

All interested parties are invited to attend the Bid Opening on the same day at 10:00 a.m. in theCityofKenner,Building DAuditorium,1610 Rev.Richard Wilson Drive, Kenner Louisiana, at which time the bids will be publicly read. CITY OF KENNER

/s/Elizabeth Herring Chief Financial Officer

Advertisement: The Advocate January 14, 2026 January 21, 2026 January 28, 2026

INVITATION TO BID Sealed Bid No.26-6934 January 14, 2026

PROVIDE SOFTSTARTS AND VFDS AS NEEDED

Sealed Bid No. 26-6934

The City of Kenner (also referenced as “Kenner” and “Owner”) will receive sealed bids for: Provide Softstarts and VFDsasneeded

Bidders may also obtain copies of the bid documents and submit bids electronically by visiting www centralauctionhouse.com.Sealed bids may also be received by mail or in-person until February 13, 2026 at 9:45 a.m., by the City of Kenner in theFinance Departmentlocated at: 1610 Reverend Richard Wilson Drive Building D Kenner,Louisiana 70062

All interested parties are invited to attend the Bid Opening on the same day at 10:00 a.m. in theCityofKenner,Building

DAuditorium,1610 Rev.Richard Wilson Drive, Kenner Louisiana, at which time the bids will be

www.centralauctionhouse.com. CITY OF KENNER

/s/Elizabeth Herring

Advertisement: The Advocate: January 21, 2026, January 28, 2026, February 4, 2026

INVITATION TO BID Sealed Bid No.26-6936

January 21, 2026 Provide Limestone Aggregate as needed Sealed Bid No.26-6936

The City of Kenner (also referenced as “Kenner” and “Owner”) will receive sealed bids for: PROVIDE LIMESTONE AGGREGATE AS NEEDED

Bidders may also obtaincopies of thebid documents and submit bids electronically by visitingwww centralauctionhouse.com. Sealed bids may also be received by mailorin-personuntil Monday,February 23, 2026 at 9:45a.m CST,bythe CityofKenner in theFinance Departmentlocated at: 1610 Reverend Richard Wilson Drive Building D Kenner,Louisiana 70062

Allinterested parties are invited to attend theBid Opening on the same day at 10:00 a.m. in theCity of Kenner, Building DAuditorium,1610

C IV IL DI ST RI CT CO UR TF OR PA RI SH OF OR LE AN S Case No: 2025-6830

By virtue of a WritofSeizure and Sale di‐rectedtomeby the Honorable JudgesofCivil DistrictCourt for theParishof Orleans,inthe above entitled cause,I will pro‐ceed to sell by publicauction, onthe ground

floorofthe Civil DistrictCourt Building, 421 LoyolaAvenue, inthe FirstDis‐trict of theCity onFebruary26, 2026, at 12:00 o'clock noon the following described prop‐ertytowit:

4202 SROMAN STNEW OR‐LEANS,LA70125 LOT: 1AND ONEHALF(1/2) OF ORIGINALLOT NO. 2, SQUARE: 704

SIXTHMUNICI‐PAL DISTRICT ACQMIN: 1421284 WRIT AMOUNT: $298,093.05

Seized in the above suit, TERMS -CASH.

Thepurchaser atthe moment ofadjudication tomakea de‐posit of tenper‐centofthe pur‐chase price, and the balance withinthirty days thereafter

y Note:The pay‐mentmustbe Cash, Cashier's Check,Certified Check or Money Order.NoPer‐sonal Checks FACE MASKS AND TEMPERA‐TURECHECKS AREREQUIRED UPONENTERING BUILDING.

SusanHutson Sheriff, Parish of Or‐leans

GH 6

JACKSON& MCPHERSON, L.L.C. 504-5819444 CRIS JACKSON

TheN.O.Advo‐cateDate (s): 1/21/2026 & 2/25/2026 JAN21-FEB252T

PUBLIC NOTICESALE BY SHERIFF JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT

THAT CERTAIN PORTION OF GROUNDBEAR‐INGMUNICIPAL NUMBER 2001 CONGRESS STREET,THIS CITY, IN THEMATTEREN‐TITLED: LNV CORPORATION VERSUS DON‐ALD V. ELLZEY AND CHANDA C. ELLZEY CI

Case No: 2025-4684

By virtue of a WritofSeizure and Sale di‐rectedtomeby the Honorable JudgesofCivil DistrictCourt for theParishof Orleans,inthe above entitled cause,I will pro‐ceed to sell by publicauction, onthe ground floor of theCivil DistrictCourt Building, 421 LoyolaAvenue, inthe FirstDis‐trict of theCity onJanuary 22 2026, at 12:00 o'clock noon the following described prop‐ertytowit: 2001 CONGRESS STNEW OR‐LEANS,LA70117 LOT: L, SQUARE: 1001 THIRDMUNICI‐PAL DISTRICT ACQMIN: 822495 WRIT AMOUNT: $60,897.52

Seized in the above suit TERMS -CASH. Thepurchaser atthe moment ofadjudication tomakea de‐posit of tenper‐centofthe pur‐chase price, and the balance withinthirty daysthereafter Note: Thepay‐mentmustbe Cash, Cashier's Check,Certified Check or Money Order.NoPer‐sonal Checks FACE MASKS ANDTEMPERA‐

TURECHECKS ARE REQUIRED UPONENTERING BUILDING.

SusanHutson Sheriff, Parish of Or‐leans

GH 17 LOGS LEGAL GROUP LLP 504831-7726 EMILYA MUELLER

TheN.O.Advo‐cateDate (s): 12/17/2025 & 1/21/2026

DEC17-JAN212T $90

PUBLIC NOTICESALE BY SHERIFF JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT

THAT CERTAIN PORTION OF GROUNDBEAR‐INGMUNICIPAL NUMBER 2608 CHIPPEWA STREET,THIS CITY, IN THEMATTEREN‐TITLED: WILM‐INGTON SAV‐INGS FUND SO‐CIETY,FSB,NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUTSOLELYAS TRUSTEEFOR FI‐NANCE OF AMERICA SRUC‐TURED SECURI‐TIESACQUISI‐TIONTRUST 2019-HB1VER‐SUS TERRYW KENDRICKIN HIS CAPACITY ASINDEPEN‐DENTADMINIS‐TRATOR OF THE

S Case No: 2025-4628

By virtue of a WritofSeizure and Sale di‐rectedtomeby the Honorable JudgesofCivil DistrictCourt for theParishof Orleans,inthe above entitled cause,I will pro‐ceed to sell by publicauction, onthe ground floor of theCivil DistrictCourt Building, 421 LoyolaAvenue, inthe FirstDis‐trict of theCity onJanuary 22 2026, at 12:00 o'clock noon the following described prop‐ertytowit: 2608 CHIPPEWA STNEW OR‐LEANS,LA70130 LOT: 18, SQUARE: 60 FOURTH MUNIC‐IPALDISTRICT WRIT AMOUNT:

$410,060.97

Seized in the above suit, TERMS -CASH. Thepurchaser atthe moment ofadjudication tomakea de‐posit of tenper‐centofthe pur‐chase price, and the balance withinthirty daysthereafter. Note: Thepay‐ment must be

Cash,Cashier's Check,Certified Check or Money Order.NoPer‐sonal Checks FACE MASKS AND TEMPERA‐TURECHECKS AREREQUIRED UPONENTERING BUILDING.

SusanHutson Sheriff, Parish of Or‐leans GH 10 JACKSON& MCPHERSON, LLC504-5819444 CRIS R. JACK‐SON

TheN.O.Advo‐cateDate (s): 12/17/2025 & 1/21/2026

DEC17-JAN212T $91

PUBLIC NOTICESALE BY SHERIFF JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT

THAT CERTAIN PORTION OF GROUNDBEAR‐INGMUNICIPAL NUMBER 10930 ROGER DRIVE, THISCITY, IN THE MATTERENTI‐TLED: NEW AMEICAN FUND‐ING, LLCVERSUS THE OPENED SUCCESSION OF MARKANTHONY CRAIG,JR. AND DANIELLE THORNTON,AS TRUSTEE OF THE MARNIELLE RE‐

VOCABLETRUST

C

Case No: 2025-4490

By virtue of a WritofSeizure and Sale di‐rectedtomeby the Honorable JudgesofCivil DistrictCourt for theParishof Orleans,inthe above entitled cause,I will pro‐ceed to sell by publicauction, onthe ground floor of theCivil DistrictCourt Building, 421 LoyolaAvenue, inthe FirstDis‐trict of theCity onJanuary 22, 2026, at 12:00 o'clock noon the following described prop‐ertytowit:

10930 ROGERDR NEW ORLEANS, LA70127 LOT: 30, SQUARE: G THIRDMUNICI‐PAL DISTRICT ACQMIN:202315069 WRIT AMOUNT:

$312,211.98

Seized in the above suit, TERMS -CASH. Thepurchaser atthe moment ofadjudication tomakea de‐posit of tenper‐centofthe pur‐chase price, and the balance withinthirty daysthereafter Note: Thepay‐ment must be

Cash,Cashier's Check,Certified Check or Money Order.NoPer‐sonal Checks FACE MASKS AND TEMPERA‐TURECHECKS AREREQUIRED UPONENTERING BUILDING.

SusanHutson Sheriff, Parish of Or‐leans

GH 21 LOGS LEGAL GROUP LLP 504831-7726 AMYR.ORTIS

TheN.O.Advo‐cateDate (s): 12/17/2025 & 1/21/2026

DEC17-JAN212T $90

PUBLIC NOTICESALE BY SHERIFF JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT

THAT CERTAIN PORTION OF GROUNDBEAR‐INGMUNICIPAL NUMBER5331 ELYSIAN FIELDS AV, CITY OF NEW ORLEANS,IN THE MATTER EN‐TITLED: ROSANNA BOL‐MAN BARNES VERSUSNIALA LYNNHOWARD

Byvirtueof a WritofSeizure and Sale di‐rectedtomeby the Honorable JudgesofCivil DistrictCourt for theParishof Orleans,inthe above entitled cause,I will pro‐ceed to sell by publicauction, onthe ground floor of theCivil DistrictCourt Building, 421 LoyolaAvenue inthe FirstDis‐trict of theCity onJanuary 22, 2026, at 12:00 o'clock noon, the following described prop‐ertytowit: 5331 ELYSIAN FIELDSAVNEW ORLEANS,LA 70122 LOTS 9-A& 10, SQUARE4056 3RDMUNICIPAL DISTRICT ACQMIN: 1384357 WRIT AMOUNT: $204,423.96

Seized in the above suit TERMS -CASH. Thepurchaser atthe moment ofadjudication tomakea de‐posit of tenper‐centofthe pur‐chase price, and the balance withinthirty daysthereafter Note: Thepay‐mentmustbe Cash, Cashier's Check,Certified Check or Money Order.NoPer‐sonal Checks FACE MASKS AND TEMPERA‐TURECHECKS

LOUISIANA

Sealed Bids will be received by theCity of Gretna in the Mayor’sOffice, Gretna CityHall, 740 Second Street, Gretna, Louisiana 70053 or electronically through thewebsitewww publicpurchase.com on February6,2026, until 11:45 a.m. local time for:

Truxton Street-Hancock Street ImprovementsProject (Chickfil-A Development) At 12:00 p.m. local time on thesame day,inthe Council Chambers, Gretna CityHall, Gretna, Louisiana, all Bidsthat have been duly received will be officially opened andread aloud. Without limiting thescopeofworkdescribed herein, the proposed bid provides for2”mill/overlay (Hancock StreetStumpf Blvd.), asphalt roadway reconstruction (Truxton Street), curb construction,sidewalk construction,sub surface drainage installation,and all other incidental workthereto.

All Bids must be in accordance withthe Contract Documents on file on publicpurchase.com and at theoffice of BURK-

KLEINPETER, INC Consulting Engineers, 2400 Veteran’s Blvd., Suite 310, Kenner,Louisiana 70062.

Copies of the Bidding Documents and Contract Documents, consisting of drawings and specificationsfor useinpreparing

Bids may be secured frompublicpurchase.com of theorthe office of BURK-KLEINPETER,INC., Consulting Engineers, 2400 Veteran’s Blvd., Suite 310 Kenner, Louisiana 70062 by licensed contractorsupon paymentof$20.00 per set or through the website www.publicpurchase.com.

Each Bidder must obtain acontractor’s licensefromthe State of Louisiana prior to submitting his bid.

The work for this project is classified as CategoryIIHighway Street and Bridge Construction and/or CategoryIV, Municipal and Public Works Construction ONLY Contractorswith this classification may submit bidsfor this project. Bidsreceived by Contractorswithout this classification will not be opened

Bids will be received on aunit price basis as described in the Contract Documents

All work is to commence immediately after theDate of Contract. Completion of thework is required within 60 calendar days.All time limits commencing upon thedate of issuance by registered mail of theOwner’s “Notice to Proceed.”

Bid security in theamount of 5percent (5%) of thetotal Bid must accompany each Bid.

The successfulBidder will be required to furnish a Performance and PaymentBond guaranteeingfaithful performance and thepaymentofall bills and obligations arising from theperformance of thecontract

Sureties will be required to meet qualificationsset forthin the Contract Documents.

Bidders must attendamandatory pre-bid conference, January 27, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at

and to reject nonconforming,nonresponsive, or conditional Bids. /S/ BELINDA C. CONSTANT MAYOR CITY OF GRETNA STATEOFLOUISIANA

Publish: Journal-Legal Ads., January14, 21, and 28, 2026 City of Gretna Burmaster Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades Requests for Qualifications

The City of Gretnaisherebysoliciting Requests For Qualifications(RFQ) frompersons or firmsinterested and qualified to provide professional engineering services for

plansand specifications forthe following Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements:

1. Digester Tank –The 500,000-gallonDigester Tank that is out of service is in need of significant repairs so that it can provide high-qualityfunctionalityand ensure theplant is serving thecommunity. These repairs will begin with tanksurfacepreparation,application of hydropox coating, replace and install piping, acatwalk, and an aerator mixer

2. Centrifuge Hoist –Gretna’sWastewater Treatment Facility has to perform regular maintenance on centrifuge assembly. The means by whichthey disassemble the centrifuge requires agreat deal of coordination due to the lack of ahoist and structural framingfor disassembly and reassembly.The facility requires astructural frame with hoist that aredesigned exclusively forthis task.

3. SCADA System -Gretna’sWastewater Treatment Facility requires round-the-clock monitoringofthe wastewater processes.Tobring thewastewater Treatment Plant to currentstandards aSupervisory Controland Data Acquisition (SCADA) system is requiredfor controlling, monitoring, and analyzing wastewater devices and processes.The system will consist of bothsoftware and hardwarecomponentsand enable remote and on-site gathering of data fromthe wastewater equipment.

4. New HeadworksScreen and Modified Hydrodine Screen -Inefficient wastewaterscreening equipment is being employed at thefacility and needs to be replaced. Apoor wastewater screeningsystem is leading to higher costs. Those costs are eating significantly intoGretna’soverall facility budget and arecausing their operations to be expensively inefficient.Inaddition,when theequipment fails or needs maintenance due to an inadequate, antiquated system, thedowntimeiscompromising thewastewater treatment facility’smission

Compensation

The fee shall be negotiated with theconsultantbyMadason Priore, Director of Public Utilities,and shall be mutually agreeable to bothparties basedonmeritsofthe project(s). The estimated fees forthis workmay vary among each differentassignment.Consultants may be required to substantiate thefee proposal on atask man-hour basis

All costs associated withthe project(s) shall be subject to CityofGretnareview and Mayor’sapproval.The winning submitter will have no more than 8months to complete the 4tasks listed in theRFQ Scope of Work.

Minimum Requirements for Selection

1. Thepersons or firmsunder consideration shall have at least one (1) principal and senior level management engineer who are registered professional engineers in theState of Louisiana with aminimumoffive (5) years’ experience in managementand disciplines involved.

2. The persons or firms under consideration shall have at least one (1) registered professional engineer in theStateofLouisiana withaminimum of five (5) years’experience in civil engineering.

3. The persons or firms under consideration shall have at least one (1) registered professional engineer in theStateofLouisiana withaminimum of five (5) years’experience in mechanical engineering.

4. The persons or firms under consideration shall have at least one (1) registered professional engineer in theStateofLouisiana withaminimum of five (5) years’experience in structural engineering.

5. The persons or firms under consideration shall have at least one (1) registered professional engineer in theStateofLouisiana withaminimum of five (5) years’experience in electrical engineering(SCADA).

Upon selection,successful firm(s)shall

SusanHutson

TheN.O.Advo‐cateDate (s): 12/17/2025 & 1/21/2026

DEC17-JAN212T $88

PUBLIC NOTICESALE BY SHERIFF JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT THAT CERTAIN PORTION OF GROUNDBEAR‐INGMUNICIPAL NUMBER331 BOUNY STREET, THISCITY, IN THE MATTERENTI‐TLED: ROCKET MORTGAGE, LLC F/K/A QUICKEN LOANS,LLC VER‐SUS FELICIA LEOPOLD AND DEREKV LEOPOLD A/K/A DEREK LEOPOLD

CI VI L DI ST RI CT CO UR TF OR PA RI SH OF OR LE AN S Case No: 2024-5082 By virtue of a WritofSeizure and Sale di‐rectedtomeby the Honorable JudgesofCivil DistrictCourt for theParishof Orleans,inthe above entitled cause,I will pro‐ceed to sell by publicauction onthe ground floorofthe Civil DistrictCourt Building, 421 LoyolaAvenue, inthe FirstDis‐trict of theCity onJanuary 22, 2026, at 12:00 o'clock noon, the following described prop‐ertytowit: 331BOUNY ST NEW ORLEANS, LA70114 SQUARE 3, LOTC FIFTHMUNICI‐PAL DISTRICT ACQ MIN:1354581 WRIT AMOUNT: $198,273.05 Seized in the above suit, TERMS -CASH. Thepurchaser atthe moment ofadjudication tomakea de‐posit of tenper‐centofthe pur‐chase price, and the balance withinthirty daysthereafter Note: Thepay‐mentmustbe Cash, Cashier's Check,Certified Check or Money Order.NoPer‐sonal Checks FACE MASKS AND TEMPERA‐TURECHECKS AREREQUIRED UPONENTERING BUILDING. SusanHutson Sheriff, Parish of Or‐leans GH 14 LAWOFFICES OF HERSCHELC

ANDNICOLE BELTBOYKINS

CI VI L DI ST RI CT CO UR TF OR PA RI SH OF OR LE AN S Case No: 2025-6790

By virtue of a WritofSeizure and Sale di‐rectedtomeby the Honorable JudgesofCivil DistrictCourt for theParishof Orleans,inthe above entitled cause,I will pro‐ceedtosellby publicauction, onthe ground floor of theCivil DistrictCourt Building, 421 LoyolaAvenue inthe FirstDis‐trict of theCity onJanuary 22, 2026, at 12:00 o'clock noon, the following described prop‐ertytowit:

5623 MANDEV‐ILLE ST NEWOR‐LEANS,LA70122 LOT9 -SQUARE 4413 3RDMUNICIPAL DISTRICT ACQMIN: 1244410 WRIT AMOUNT: $240,829.72

Seized in the above suit, TERMS -CASH. Thepurchaser atthe moment ofadjudication tomakea de‐posit of tenper‐centofthe pur‐chase price, and the balance withinthirty daysthereafter Note: Thepay‐mentmustbe Cash, Cashier's Check,Certified Check or Money Order.NoPer‐sonal Checks FACE MASKS AND TEMPERA‐TURECHECKS AREREQUIRED UPONENTERING BUILDING.

SusanHutson Sheriff, Parish of Or‐leans

RB 24 LOGS LEGAL GROUP LLP504831-7726 EMILYA MUELLER

TheN.O.Advo‐cateDate (s): 12/17/2025 & 1/21/2026

DEC17-JAN212T $90

PUBLIC NOTICESALE BY SHERIFF JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT THAT CERTAIN PORTION OF GROUNDBEAR‐INGMUNICIPAL NUMBER 2008 TENNESSE STREET,THIS CITY, IN THEMATTEREN‐TITLED: FIRST HORIZON BANK VERSUSMORRIS MAYFIELD, SR CI VI L DI ST RI CT CO UR TF OR PA RI SH OF OR LE AN S Case No: 2025-6429

abovesuit, TERMS -CASH. Thepurchaser atthe moment ofadjudication tomakea de‐posit of tenper‐centofthe pur‐chase price, and the balance withinthirty daysthereafter

Note: Thepay‐mentmustbe Cash, Cashier's Check,Certified Check or Money Order.NoPer‐sonal Checks FACE MASKS AND TEMPERA‐TURECHECKS AREREQUIRED UPONENTERING BUILDING.

SusanHutson Sheriff, Parish of Or‐leans GH 2 LOGS LEGAL GROUP LLP504831-7726

TheN.O.Advo‐cateDate (s): 12/17/2025 & 1/21/2026

DEC17-JAN212T $90

PUBLIC NOTICESALE BY SHERIFF JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT THAT CERTAIN PORTION OF GROUNDBEAR‐INGMUNICIPAL NUMBER213-35 FRANKLIN AV‐ENUE, THIS CITY IN THE MATTEREN‐TITLED: U. S. BANKTRUST NATIONALAS‐SOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR LB-DWELLING SERIES VI TRUSTVER‐SUS WARREN DYER

CI VI L DI ST RI CT CO UR TF OR PA RI SH OF OR LE AN S Case No: 2025-6390

By virtue of a WritofSeizure and Sale di‐rectedtomeby the Honorable JudgesofCivil DistrictCourt for theParishof Orleans,inthe above entitled cause,I will pro‐ceed to sell by publicauction, onthe ground floor of theCivil DistrictCourt Building, 421 LoyolaAvenue inthe FirstDis‐trict of theCity onJanuary 22, 2026, at 12:00 o'clock noon, the following described prop‐ertytowit:

2133-35 FRANKLIN AV NEW ORLEANS, LA70117 LOT: B, SQUARE: 1067 THIRDMUNICI‐PAL DISTRICT ACQMIN:202305366 WRIT AMOUNT: $155,908.09

PUBLIC NOTICESALE BY SHERIFF JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT THAT CERTAIN PORTION OF GROUNDBEAR‐INGMUNICIPAL NUMBERS 4840 DODTAVENUE, CITYOFNEW ORLEANS, IN THE MATTEREN‐TITLED: THE BANKOFNEW YORKMELLON FKA THEBANK OFNEW YORK, AS TRUSTEEFOR THE CERTIFI‐CATEHOLDERS OFTHE CWABS INC.,ASSETBACKEDCER‐TIFICATES,SE‐RIES 2004-3VERSUS SHERNITA KENNEDY

CI VI L DI ST RI CT CO UR TF OR PA RI SH OF OR LE AN S Case No: 2025-9470

By virtue of a WritofSeizure and Sale di‐rectedtomeby the Honorable JudgesofCivil DistrictCourt for theParishof Orleans,inthe above entitled cause,I will pro‐ceed to sell by publicauction, onthe ground floor of theCivil DistrictCourt Building, 421 LoyolaAvenue, inthe FirstDis‐trict of theCity onFebruary26, 2026, at 12:00 o'clock noon the following described prop‐ertytowit:

4840 DODT AV NEW ORLEANS, LA70126 LOTS:13AND 14, SQUARE: 17

THIRDMUNICI‐PAL DISTRICT ACQMIN: 759318 WRIT AMOUNT: $38,038.06

Seized in the above suit TERMS -CASH. Thepurchaser atthe moment ofadjudication tomakea de‐posit of tenper‐centofthe pur‐chase price, and the balance withinthirty daysthereafter. Note: Thepay‐mentmustbe Cash, Cashier's Check,Certified Check or Money Order.NoPer‐sonal Checks FACE MASKS AND TEMPERA‐TURECHECKS AREREQUIRED UPONENTERING BUILDING.

SusanHutson Sheriff, Parish of Or‐leans

Byvirtueof a WritofSeizure and Sale di‐rectedtomeby the Honorable JudgesofCivil DistrictCourt for theParishof Orleans,inthe above entitled cause,I will pro‐ceed to sell by publicauction, onthe ground floor of theCivil DistrictCourt Building, 421 LoyolaAvenue, inthe FirstDis‐trict of theCity onJanuary 22, 2026, at 12:00 o'clock noon the following described prop‐ertytowit: 3929 OCTAVIA STUNIT3921 NEW ORLEANS, LA70125 LOT: E, SQUARE: 119

SIXTHMUNICI‐PAL DISTRICT ACQMIN: 1374773 WRIT AMOUNT: $488,682.80

Seized in the above suit, TERMS -CASH. Thepurchaser atthe moment ofadjudication tomakea de‐posit of tenper‐centofthe pur‐chase price, and the balance withinthirty daysthereafter. Note: Thepay‐mentmustbe Cash, Cashier's Check,Certified Check or Money Order.NoPer‐sonal Checks FACE MASKS AND TEMPERA‐TURECHECKS AREREQUIRED UPONENTERING BUILDING.

SusanHutson Sheriff, Parish of Or‐leans GH 8 JACKSON& MCPHERSON

L.L.C. CRIS R. JACK‐SON

TheN.O.Advo‐cateDate (s): 12/17/2025 & 1/21/2026

DEC17-JAN212T $85

PUBLIC NOTICESALE BY SHERIFF JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT THAT CERTAIN PORTION OF GROUNDBEAR‐INGMUNICIPAL NUMBER7130 NEPTUNE COURT, THIS CITY, IN THEMATTEREN‐TITLED: LIBERTY BANKAND TRUST COM‐PANYVERSUS DONALDJ DAVIS SR.AND AULONKA DION NIXON DAVIS

j to make ade‐posit of tenper‐centofthe pur‐chase price, and the balance withinthirty daysthereafter. Note: Thepay‐mentmustbe Cash, Cashier's Check,Certified Check or Money Order.NoPer‐sonal Checks FACE MASKS AND TEMPERA‐TURECHECKS AREREQUIRED UPONENTERING BUILDING.

SusanHutson Sheriff, Parish of Or‐leans GH 18 NEWMAN MATHIS BRADY & SPEDALEA PROFESSIONAL LAWCORPORA‐TION504-8379040 WAYNEA.MAIO‐RANA

TheN.O.Advo‐cateDate (s): 1/21/2026 & 2/25/2026

JAN21-FEB252T

PUBLIC NOTICESALE BY SHERIFF JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT THAT CERTAIN PORTION OF GROUNDBEAR‐INGMUNICIPAL NUMBERS 220507BROADWAY ST, CITY OF NEW ORLEANS, IN THE MATTEREN‐TITLED: ERIC H. HEIDINGS‐FELDER AND JEANNINE KENNY HEID‐INGSFELDER VERSUS 700B15 LLC

PUBLIC NOTICESALE BY SHERIFF JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT THAT CERTAIN PORTION OF GROUNDBEAR‐INGMUNICIPAL NUMBER 1924-26 DAUPHINE STREET,THIS CITY, IN THEMATTER ENTITLED: B1BANK VERSUS LIONDEVELOP‐MENTGROUP LLC

CI VI L DI ST RI CT CO UR TF OR PA RI SH OF OR LE AN S Case No: 2024-7737

By virtue of a WritofSeizure and Sale di‐rectedtomeby the Honorable JudgesofCivil DistrictCourt for theParishof Orleans,inthe above entitled cause,I will pro‐ceed to sell by publicauction, onthe ground floor of theCivil DistrictCourt Building, 421 LoyolaAvenue, inthe FirstDis‐trict of theCity onFebruary26, 2026, at 12:00 o'clock noon the following described prop‐ertytowit: 1924-26 DAUPHINE ST NEW ORLEANS, LA70116 LOT;:15, SQUARE: 158 THIRDMUNICI‐PAL DISTRICT ACQMIN: 1388543 WRIT AMOUNT: $1,913,724.77

aboveentitled cause,I will pro‐ceed to sell by publicauction, onthe ground floor of theCivil DistrictCourt Building, 421 LoyolaAvenue, inthe FirstDis‐trict of theCity onJanuary 22 2026, at 12:00 o'clock noon the following described prop‐ertytowit: 2511 LASALLEST NEW ORLEANS, LA70113 LOTS B& CSQUARE343 4THMUNICIPAL DISTRICT ACQMIN: 1408193 WRIT AMOUNT: $215,890.01

Seized in the above suit, TERMS -CASH. Thepurchaser atthe moment ofadjudication tomakea de‐posit of tenper‐centofthe pur‐chase price, and the balance withinthirty daysthereafter Note: Thepay‐mentmustbe Cash, Cashier's Check,Certified Check or Money Order.NoPer‐sonal Checks FACE MASKS AND TEMPERA‐TURECHECKS AREREQUIRED UPONENTERING BUILDING.

SusanHutson Sheriff, Parish of Or‐leans

RB 11 JACKSON& MCPHERSON, LLC504-5819444 CRIS JACKSON

Check, Certified Check or Money Order.NoPer‐sonal Checks FACE MASKS AND TEMPERA‐TURECHECKS AREREQUIRED UPONENTERING BUILDING.

SusanHutson Sheriff, Parish of Or‐leans GH 14 LOGS LEGAL GROUP LLP 504831-7726 AMYR.ORTIS

TheN.O.Advo‐cateDate (s): 1/21/2026 & 2/25/2026

JAN21-FEB252T

Seized in the above suit, TERMS -CASH. Thepurchaser atthe moment ofadjudication tomakea de‐posit of tenper‐centofthe pur‐chase price, and the balance withinthirty daysthereafter

TheN.O.Advo‐cateDate (s): 12/17/2025 & 1/21/2026

DEC17-JAN212T $90

Note: Thepay‐mentmustbe Cash, Cashier's Check,Certified Check or Money Order.NoPer‐sonal Checks FACE MASKS AND TEMPERA‐TURECHECKS AREREQUIRED UPONENTERING BUILDING.

SusanHutson Sheriff, Parish of Or‐leans GH 10 LAWOFFICES BAKER,DONEL‐SON,BEARMAN, CALDWELL& BERKOWITZ 504566-5211 JOSEPH P. BRIGGETT

PUBLIC NOTICESALE BY SHERIFF JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT

THAT CERTAIN PORTION OF GROUNDBEAR‐INGMUNICIPAL NUMBER 7933 SHEEPHEAD STREET,THIS CITY, IN THEMATTEREN‐TITLED: NATION‐STARMORT‐GAGELLC VER‐SUS SHAWN PEPP, SR.(A/K/A SHAWN PEPP)

By virtue of a WritofSeizure and Sale di‐rectedtomeby the Honorable JudgesofCivil DistrictCourt for theParishof Orleans,inthe above entitled cause,I will pro‐ceedtosellby publicauction onthe ground floor of theCivil DistrictCourt Building, 421 LoyolaAvenue, inthe FirstDis‐trict of theCity onJanuary 22, 2026, at 12:00 o'clock noon, the following described prop‐ertytowit: 2008 TENNESSEE STNEW OR‐LEANS,LA70117 LOT: 36 SQUARE: 950989 THIRDMUNICI‐PAL DISTRICT ACQMIN: 1105937 WRIT AMOUNT: $70,325.10

Seized in the above suit TERMS -CASH. Thepurchaser atthe moment ofadjudication tomakea de‐posit of tenper‐centofthe pur‐chase price, and the balance withinthirty daysthereafter Note: Thepay‐mentmustbe Cash, Cashier's Check,Certified Check or Money Order.NoPer‐sonal Checks FACE MASKS AND TEMPERA‐TURECHECKS AREREQUIRED UPONENTERING BUILDING.

SusanHutson Sheriff, Parish of Or‐leans GH 22 LOGS LEGAL GROUP LLP504838-7535 EMILYA MUELLER

TheN.O.Advo‐cateDate (s): 12/17/2025&

GH 17 LOGS LEGAL GROUP LLP 504838-7535 EMILYA MUELLER

TheN.O.Advo‐cateDate (s): 1/21/2026 & 2/25/2026 JAN21-FEB252T

PUBLIC NOTICESALE BY SHERIFF JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT THAT CERTAIN PORTION OF GROUNDBEAR‐INGMUNICIPAL NUMBER3929 OCTAVIA STREET UNIT 3921, THIS CITY,INTHE MATTERENTI‐TLED: NEWREZ LLC D/B/A SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SER‐VICINGVERSUS SAMANTHA MARTIN CI VI L DI ST RI CT CO UR TF OR PA RI SH OF OR LE AN S Case No: 2025-6067 PUBLIC NOTICESALE BY SHERIFF JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT THAT CERTAIN PORTION OF GROUNDBEAR‐INGMUNICIPAL NUMBER5623 MANDEVILLEST, CITYOFNEW ORLEANS, IN

Seized in the

CI VI L DI ST RI CT CO UR TF OR PA RI SH OF OR LE AN S Case No: 2023-3284

By virtue of a WritofFieri Fa‐ciasdirectedto mebythe Hon‐orableJudgesof Civil District Court forthe ParishofOr‐leans,inthe above entitled cause,I will pro‐ceed to sell by publicauction, onthe ground floor of theCivil DistrictCourt Building, 421 LoyolaAvenue, inthe FirstDis‐trict of theCity onFebruary26, 2026, at 12:00 o'clock noon the following described prop‐ertytowit: 7130 NEPTUNE CTNEW OR‐LEANS,LA70126 LOT2,SQUARE1 THIRDMUNICI‐PAL DISTRICT LAKE FOREST SUBDIVISION NO.2,PARTA WRIT AMOUNT: $151,987.77

CI VI L DI ST RI CT CO UR TF OR PA RI SH OF OR LE AN S Case No: 2025-8533 By virtue of a WritofSeizure and Sale di‐rectedtomeby the Honorable JudgesofCivil DistrictCourt for theParishof Orleans,inthe above entitled cause,I will pro‐ceed to sell by publicauction, onthe ground floor of theCivil DistrictCourt Building, 421 LoyolaAvenue, inthe FirstDis‐trict of theCity onFebruary26, 2026, at 12:00 o'clock noon, the following described prop‐ertytowit: 2205-07 BROAD‐WAY ST NEW ORLEANS,LA 70118 LOTB -SQUARE 51 6THMUNICIPAL DISTRICT ACQMIN: 1421311 WRIT AMOUNT: $400,000.00

Seized in the above suit TERMS -CASH. Thepurchaser atthe moment ofadjudication tomakea de‐posit of tenper‐centofthe pur‐chase price, and the balance withinthirty daysthereafter. Note: Thepay‐mentmustbe Cash, Cashier's Check,Certified Check or Money Order.NoPer‐sonal Checks FACE MASKS AND TEMPERA‐TURECHECKS AREREQUIRED UPONENTERING BUILDING.

SusanHutson Sheriff, Parish of Or‐leans

RB 21 NEWMAN, MATHIS,BRADY & SPEDALE, APLC504-8379040

TheN.O.Advo‐cateDate (s): 1/21/2026 & 2/25/2026 JAN21-FEB252T

PUBLIC NOTICESALE BY SHERIFF JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT THAT CERTAIN PORTION OF GROUNDBEAR‐INGMUNICIPAL NUMBER 2511 LASALLE ST CITYOFNEW ORLEANS, IN THE MATTEREN‐TITLED: WILM‐INGTON SAV‐INGS FUND SO‐CIETY,FSB,NOT IN ITSINDIVID‐UAL CAPACITY,BUT SOLELYAS TRUSTEE FOR IBIS HOLDINGS A TRUSTVER‐SUS TYSON GROUP,LLC

CI VI L DI ST RI CT CO UR TF OR PA RI SH OF OR LE AN S Case No: 2025-3092 By virtue of a WritofSeizure and Sale di‐rectedtomeby the Honorable JudgesofCivil DistrictCourt for theParishof Orleans,inthe above entitled cause,I will pro‐ceed to sell by publicauction, onthe ground floor of theCivil DistrictCourt Building, 421 LoyolaAvenue, inthe FirstDis‐trict of theCity onFebruary26, 2026, at 12:00 o'clock noon the following described prop‐ertytowit: 7933 SHEEP‐HEADSTNEW ORLEANS,LA 70126 LOT: 29A, SQUARE:E THIRDMUNICI‐PAL DISTRICT ACQMIN: 1390380 WRIT AMOUNT: $189,426.64

By virtue of a WritofSeizure and Sale di‐rectedtomeby the Honorable JudgesofCivil DistrictCourt for theParishof Orleans,inthe above entitled cause,I will pro‐ceed to sell by publicauction, onthe ground floor of theCivil DistrictCourt Building, 421 LoyolaAvenue inthe FirstDis‐trict of theCity onFebruary26, 2026, at 12:00 o'clock noon, the following described prop‐ertytowit: 8233 SCLAI‐BORNE AV NEW ORLEANS,LA 70118 LOT2 -SQUARE 343 7THMUNICIPAL DISTRICT ACQMIN: 730214 WRIT AMOUNT: $228.14

Seized in the above suit TERMS -CASH. Thepurchaser atthe moment ofadjudication tomakea de‐posit of tenper‐centofthe pur‐chase price, and the balance withinthirty daysthereafter Note: Thepay‐mentmustbe Cash, Cashier's Check,Certified Check or Money Order.NoPer‐sonal Checks FACE MASKS AND TEMPERA‐TURECHECKS AREREQUIRED UPONENTERING BUILDING. SusanHutson Sheriff, Parish of Or‐leans

RB 27

THELAW OF‐FICES OF HER‐SCHEL C. AD‐COCK, JR.,L.L.C (225) 756-0373 DENNIS F. WIG‐GINS, JR

Seized in the above suit, TERMS -CASH. Thepurchaser atthe moment of adjudication k d

TheN.O.Advo‐cateDate (s): 1/21/2026 & 2/25/2026 JAN21-FEB252T

CI VI L DI ST RI CT CO UR TF OR PA RI SH OF OR LE AN S Case No: 2025-2970 By virtue of a WritofSeizure and Sale di‐rectedtomeby the Honorable JudgesofCivil DistrictCourt for theParishof Orleans, in the

Seized in the above suit, TERMS -CASH. Thepurchaser atthe moment ofadjudication tomakea de‐posit of tenper‐centofthe pur‐chase price, and the balance withinthirty daysthereafter

Note: Thepay‐mentmustbe Cash,Cashier's

TheN.O.Advo‐cateDate (s): 1/21/2026 & 2/25/2026 JAN21-FEB252T