The Times-Picayune 02-27-2026

Push is on to speedup CorpsofEngineers work

Secretaryofthe Army DanDriscoll, right, and Assistant Secretaryofthe Army Adam Telle, backright,look

Shore LakePontchartrain leveeprojectduring avisit to thework site on Thursday.

BY MIKE SMITH Staff writer

Ahigh-level delegation fromWashingtonvisited south Louisiana on Thursday as part of anew initiative aimingtospeed up projectsbuilt by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, whosevastdredging and flood protection programs are vital for the state.

Secretary of theArmy Dan Driscoll and Assistant Secretary Adam Telle joined Gov. Jeff Landry andothers at thesite of amultibillion-dollarlevee project in LaPlace to talk about the initiative.They pledged to cut red tape to address the Corps’ enormous backlog of projectsnationwide, but the initiative remainsshort on specifics so far,and thereare questions

BY STEPHEN GROVES Associated Press

WASHINGTON Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told members of Congress on Thursday thatshe had no knowledge of Jeffrey Epstein’s or Ghislaine Maxwell’scrimes, starting off two days of depositions that will also include former President Bill Clinton

“I had no idea about their criminal activities. Idonot recall everencountering Mr Epstein,” Hillary Clintonsaid in an opening statement she

tons’

over the amount time frames can be reduced without violating laws, regulations andprocedures.

The plans will be closely watched here, with the Corps’ New Orleans district home to theagency’sbiggest civil works and dredging programs due to Louisiana’s strategic —but vulnerable —location along the Gulf Coast and the Mississippi River,one of the world’smost important shipping lanes.

Thedelegation gathered amidthe dirt and heavy equipment being used to build theWest Shore LakePontchartrain levee system, aproject to protect 60,000 people in St.Charles, St.John the Baptistand St Jamesparishes thatisexpected to cost

page 14A

‘GATOR is not going to grow ’

Landry’s bid to expand vouchers

BY PATRICK WALL Staff writer

atypically quiethamlet north of New York City,come after months of tense back-and-forth between theformer high-powered Democratic couple and theRepublican-controlled House Oversight Committee as it investigates Epstein, who

BY STEPHANIERIEGEL and RICH COLLINS Staff writers

First Horizon Bank, the regional lender that arrivedinLouisiana sixyears agobypurchasing IberiaBank,has filed suit against the newly formed companyofits New Orleans-based formerchair over

State Senate President Cameron Henry said Wednesday that he will not support Gov. Jeff Landry’srecent request to double funding for LA GATOR, the voucher program that givesparents tax dollars to payfor private school tuitionand other expenses, potentially sidelining the proposed expansion before lawmakers head to Baton Rouge for this year’slegislative sessionnext month.

“GATOR is not going to grow,” Henry,R-Metairie, said, flatly rejecting Landry’sproposal last month to double spending on the program to $88 million. “It’sunsustainable financially.” Theremarks from Henry,the powerful leader who has repeatedly raised concerns about the program’scosts, could foreshadow arepeat of last year’sbudget battle,whenthe state Senate agreed to appropriate just half of what Landry wanted forLAGATOR despite pressure from conservative advocacy groups and Republican donors who want to help more childrenattendprivate schoolsor homeschool.

During an interview Wednesday, Henry saidhewillpushtokeep LA GATOR funding flatat$43.5 million, enough to keep supporting the nearly 5,600 students who received stipends this school year

He argued that if the Legislatureagreestodouble funding this year,providing vouchers to an estimated4,000 to 5,000 additional

ä See GATOR, page 10A Henry

sues

recruiting practices, marking the opening salvo of anew battleinthe south Louisiana banking industry Daryl Byrd built IberiaBank into aregional powerhouse before mergingitintoMemphis-based First Horizon, andannounced late last year that he had created acompany with several of his former executives to acquire Morgan City-based MCBank and Trust. Now, hiscompanyismoving quickly to build anew team,and that’sbrought him into conflict

ä See SUES, page 10A

World Economic Forum

head steps down

GENEVA World Economic Forum head Børge Brende said Thursday that he is stepping down after facing pressure over his contacts with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Brende, a former Norwegian foreign minister, said in a statement that he had decided “after careful consideration” to step down as president and chief executive of the forum, known for its annual January summit in the Swiss Alpine resort of Davos.

Brende was Norway’s foreign minister from 2013-17 and is one of several prominent Norwegians who have faced scrutiny following the latest release of Epstein files.

He didn’t refer directly to that controversy in Thursday’s statement, but the WEF announced earlier this month that it was opening an internal review into Brende to determine his relationship with Epstein after files indicated the two had dined together several times and exchanged messages

Brende told Norwegian broadcaster NRK at the time that he was cooperating with the investigation, that he only met Epstein in business settings and that he had been unaware of Epstein’s criminal background.

Man arrested after snowball fight in N.Y.C.

NEW YORK — A 27-year-old man was arrested Thursday after New York City police said officers were hurt when they were pelted with snow and ice during a massive snowball fight in Washington Square Park this week.

The man, Gusmane Coulibaly, has been charged with obstructing governmental administration, a misdemeanor and harassment, a noncriminal violation, according to online court records Police had arrested Coulibaly on a charge of assaulting a police officer, a felony, but prosecutors declined to pursue that. Monday’s snowball fight, which appeared to be organized by social media content producers, caused a chaotic scene as a large crowd amassed at the popular park to wing snowballs at each other during a winter storm.

Police said officers arrived at the park after a 911 call about a disorderly group there. A video shows two officers getting bombarded by snowballs as a rowdy crowd yells and films with their phones. The officers shoved at least two people to the ground as they paced a walkway in the park while getting hit from all directions by snowballs

The department said multiple officers were hit in the face with snowballs, and a spokesperson for the union has said two police officers were treated at a nearby hospital for face, head and neck injuries.

Fire at farm complex kills about 6,000 hogs LONDON, Ohio A fire at an Ohio hog farm complex killed about 6,000 pigs and unleashed a large plume of smoke that could be seen for miles across the rural landscape, an official said Multiple fire departments responded amid sustained winds of about 20 mph and gusts reaching up to 35 mph, which accelerated the fire’s spread, and because water supplies in the area were limited, extensive water shuttle operations were needed. Two of five large agricultural buildings were “heavily involved in fire,” and it took five hours to bring it under control, Chief Brian Bennington of the Central Townships Joint Fire District said. About 1,500 hogs survived and were taken elsewhere, he said No people were hurt. Bennington said the hog waste stored below the buildings was contained, with no concern for impacts on surrounding groundwater

An Associated Press reporter visited Fine Oak Farms on Thursday, a day after the fire

A little bit of smoke could still be seen rising from the burned down area. A darkened structure was partially collapsed, and charred debris was piled beside several darkened metal silos where flames had ripped through. But the impact appeared concentrated in one area of the farm complex.

Netflix declines to raise offer for WBD

Paramount now has path to take over Hollywood studio’s operations

BY WYATTE GRANTHAM-PHILIPS Associated Press

NEW YORK — Netflix is declining to raise its offer to buy Warner Bros. Discovery’s studio and streaming business, in a stunning move that effectively puts Paramount in a position to take over the fellow storied Hollywood giant.

On Thursday, after Warner’s board announced that Skydanceowned Paramount’s offer was superior to the agreement it had previously struck with Netflix, the streaming giant said the new price that would be required to buy Warner would make it a deal that is “no longer financially attractive.”

Unlike Netflix’s bid, Paramount wants all of Warner’s operations, including networks like CNN and Discovery. That would put CNN under the same roof as Paramount’s CBS and combine two of Hollywood’s last five remaining studios.

The owner of HBO Max, DC Studios and popular titles like “Harry

Potter” had backed Netflix’s proposal for months. But after Skydance-owned Paramount upped its rival bid for the entire company to $31 per share, in addition to other revisions, Warner’s board on Thursday said that the offer “constitutes a ‘company superior proposal.’”

A Paramount buyout of Warner’s business would vastly reshape Hollywood and the wider media landscape. Paramount’s CBS has seen significant editorial shifts, notably with the installation of Free Press founder Bari Weiss at CBS News, under new Skydance ownership. And if Paramount’s acquisition of Warner is successful, many expect the reach of those changes to only grow

A Paramount-Warner combo would also combine two of Hollywood’s five legacy studios that remain today, in addition to their theatrical channels. Beyond “Harry Potter,” Warner movies like “Superman,” “Barbie,” and “One Battle After Another” — as well

as hit TV series like “The White Lotus” and “Succession” — would join Paramount’s content library Today Paramount’s lineup of titles include “Top Gun,” “Titanic” and “The Godfather.” And beyond CBS, it owns networks like MTV and Nickelodeon, as well as the Paramount+ streaming service. Executives at Paramount have argued that merging will be good for consumers and the wider industry But lawmakers and entertainment trade groups have sounded the alarm — warning that a Warner takeover would only further consolidate power in an industry already run by just a few major players. Critics say that could result in job losses, less diversity in filmmaking and potentially more headaches for consumers who are facing rising costs of streaming subscriptions as is. Combined, that raises tremendous antitrust concerns. The U.S. Department of Justice has already initiated reviews, and other coun-

Chicago mourners pay respects to Jesse Jackson

BY SOPHIA TAREEN Associated Press

CHICAGO Alineofmourners streamed through a Chicago auditorium Thursday to pay final respects to the Rev Jesse Jackson Sr as cross-country memorial services began in the city the late civil rights leader called home.

The protégé of the Rev Martin Luther King Jr and two-time presidential candidate will lie in repose for two days at the headquarters of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition before events in Washington, D.C. and South Carolina, where he was born.

Family members wiped away tears as the casket was brought into the stately brick building. Flowers lined the sidewalks where people waiting to enter watched a large screen playing video excerpts of Jackson’s notable speeches. Some raised their fists in solidarity Inside, Jackson’s children, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Rev Al Sharpton were among those who stood by the open casket to shake hands and hug those coming to view the body of Jackson, dressed in a suit and blue shirt and tie.

“The challenge for us is that we’ve got to make sure that all he lived for was not in vain,” Sharpton told reporters. “Dr King’s dream and Jesse Jackson’s mission now falls on our shoulders. We’ve got to stand up and keep it going.”

Jackson died last week at age 84 after battling a rare neurological disorder that affected his mobility and ability to speak in his later years.

Remembrances have already poured in from around the globe, and several U.S. states, including Minnesota, Iowa and North Carolina are flying flags at half-staff in his honor

But perhaps nowhere has his death been felt as strongly as in the nation’s third-largest city, where Jackson lived for decades and raised his six children, including a son who is a congressman.

Bouquets have been left outside the family’s Tudorstyle home on the city’s South Side for days. Public schools have offered condolences, and city trains have used digital screens to display Jackson’s portrait and his well-known mantra, “I am Somebody!”

His causes, both in the United States and abroad, were countless: Advocating for the poor and underrepresented on issues including voting rights, job opportunities, education and health care. He scored diplomatic victories with world leaders and through his Rainbow PUSH Coalition, he channeled cries for Black pride and self-determination into corporate boardrooms, pressuring executives to make America a more open and equitable society

“We honor him, and his hard-earned legacy as a freedom fighter, philosopher and faithful shepherd of his family and community here in Chicago,” the mayor said in a statement. Next week, Jackson will lie in honor at the South

Carolina Statehouse, followed by public services. Jackson spent his childhood and started his activism in South Carolina.

Details on services in Washington have not yet been made public. However, he will not lie in honor at the United States Capitol rotunda after a request for the commemoration was denied by Benton Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson’s office.

The two weeks of events will wrap up next week with a large celebration of life gathering at a Chicago megachurch and finally, homegoing services at the headquarters of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

Family members said the services will be open to all.

“Our family is overwhelmed and overjoyed by the amazing amount of support being offered by common, ordinary people who our father’s life has come into contact with,” his eldest son, Jesse Jackson Jr., said before the services began.

Mourners of all ages — from toddlers in strollers to elderly people in wheelchairs — came to pay respects.

Video clips of his appearances at news conferences, the campaign trail and even “Sesame Street” also played inside the auditorium.

tries are expected to do so, too.

Netflix, Warner and Paramount have spent the last couple of months in a heated, public backand-forth over whose deal has a better regulatory path — and offers more value for Warner shareholders. Thursday’s announcement arrived shortly after Paramount upped the ante on its offer Beyond increasing its proposed purchase price for Warner the company also agreed to a regulatory termination fee of $7 billion. And Paramount pledged to move up a previously-promised “ticking fee.” The company initially said it would pay 25 cents per share for every quarter the deal drags on past the end of the year Now it’s agreed to pay that amount if the deal doesn’t go through by the end of September, Warner said.

But Paramount is taking on billions of dollars in debt to finance its offer And David Ellison’s father, Oracle founder Larry Ellison, is heavily backing the bid for his son’s company Foreign sovereign wealth funds have also provided equity for the offer, drawing scrutiny

Brother of man killed by Cuban troops says he had ‘obsession’ to free island

BY DÁNICA COTO and JOSHUA GOODMAN Associated Press

MIAMI — Word from the Cuban government of a deadly encounter between its troops and a boat carrying armed expatriates is casting a spotlight on Cubans living in the U.S. who still harbor aspirations of a counterrevolution 67 years after a guerrilla uprising ushered in communism.

Cuban soldiers confronted a speedboat carrying 10 people as the vessel approached the island and opened fire on the troops, who fired back, killing four and wounding six, Cuba’s government says.

One of the four killed was Michel Ortega Casanova a man on an “obsessive and diabolical” quest for Cuba’s freedom from current circumstances, according to his brother in Miami.

Misael Ortega Casanova said that his brother Michel is an American citizen who has lived in the U.S. for more than 20 years and still agonizes over the suf-

fering that Cubans endure. “They became so obsessed that they didn’t think about the consequences nor their own lives,” Misael told The Associated Press. Misael said that he did not recognize any of the names that the Cuban government released in connection with the boat incursion. “No one knew,” Misael said of his brother’s plans. “My mother is devastated.”

Cuban authorities, meanwhile, say Michel Ortega Casanova was accompanied on the boat by two men who are wanted “based on their involvement in the promotion, planning, organization, financing, support or commission” of terrorism, speaking of Amijail Sánchez González and Leordan Enrique Cruz Gómez. The Cuban government said the watercraft was a Florida-registered speedboat, and officials who searched it found assault rifles, handguns, homemade explosives, bulletproof vests, telescopic sights and camouflage uniforms.

Iran nucleartalks endwithout deal

BY FANNY BRODERSEN, JON GAMBRELL and MELANIE LIDMAN Associated Press

GENEVA— Iran and the United States held hours of indirect negotiations Thursday overTehran’s nuclear programbut walked away without adeal, leavingthe danger of another Mideastwar on the table as the U.S. has gathered amassive fleet of aircraft and warships in the region.

Oman’sForeign Minister BadralBusaidi, who mediated the talks in Geneva, said there had been “significant progressinthe negotiation” without elaborating.

But just before the talks ended, Iranian state television reported that Tehran was determined to continue enriching uranium, rejected proposals to transfer it abroad and sought the liftingofinternational sanctions, indicating it was not prepared to meet U.S. President Donald Trump’sdemands.

Trump wants adeal to constrain Iran’snuclear program, andhesees an opportunity while the country is struggling at home with growing dissent following nationwide protests. Iran also hopes to avert war, but maintains it has the right toenrich uranium and does notwantto discussother issues, likeits longrange missile program or support for armed groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.

Al-Busaidi said technical talks involving lower-level representatives would continuenext week in Vienna, the home of theInternational Atomic Energy Agency.The United Nations’ atomic watchdog likely would be critical in anydeal.

In an interview with Iranian state television, Iran’sforeignminister said the talks withthe U.S. were some of the country’s“most intense and longest rounds of negotiations.”

Abbas Araghchi offered no specifics but said “what needs to happen has been clearlyspelledout from our side.”

The White House did not immediately respond to arequest forcomment.

‘A very terriblescenario’

The stakes could hardly be higher

If America attacks, Iran has said U.S. military bases in the region would be considered legitimate targets, putting at risk tensofthousandsofAmerican service mem-

PHOTO PROVIDEDByFOREIGN MINISTRy OF OMAN

Oman’sMinister of Foreign Affairs Sayyid Badrbin Hamad Al Busaidi, right, holds ameeting with White House special envoySteve Witkoff, center, and Jared Kushner as part of the ongoing Iranian-American negotiations ThursdayinGeneva,Switzerland

bers. Iran has also threatenedto attack Israel, meaning aregional war again could erupt across the MiddleEast.

“There would be no victory for anybody—itwould be adevastating war,” Araghchitold India Today in an interview recorded Wednesday just before he flew to Geneva.

“Since the Americans’ bases are scattered through different places in theregion, then unfortunately perhaps the wholeregion would be engaged and be involved, so it is a very terrible scenario.”

AliVaez, an Iran expert with the International CrisisGroup,saidit was agood sign thatthe Americans did not walk away immediately Thursday whenIran presented its latest proposal

“There might still not be abreakthrough at the end of this day,but the very factthat the U.S. team is returning shows thatthere is enough common ground between the two sides,” he said.

Thirdmeeting sinceJunewar

The twosides held multiple rounds of talks last yearthat collapsed when Israel launcheda 12day war against Iran in June and the U.S. carried out heavy strikes on its nuclear sites, leaving much of Iran’snuclear program in ruins even as thefullextent of the dam-

age remains unclear

Araghchi represented Iran at the talks.Steve Witkoff,a billionaire real estate developer and friend of Trumpwho serves as aspecial Mideast envoy,headed up theU.S. delegation withTrump’sson-in-law Jared Kushner.The talks again were mediated by Oman, an Arab Gulf country that’slongserved as an interlocutor between Iran and theWest.

The two sides adjournedafter around three hours of talks and resumed the discussions later

Duringthe break,Iranian Foreign Ministryspokesperson Esmail Baghaei said theIranians felt there were “constructive proposals” offered on both nuclear issuesand sanctions relief.

Trumpwants Iran to completely halt its enrichment of uranium and roll back bothits long-range missile program and itssupport for regionalarmed groups.Iran says it will only discuss nuclear issues, andmaintainsits atomicprogram is for entirely peaceful purposes.

Uraniumenrichment

U.S. Secretary of StateMarco Rubio told reporters Wednesday that Iran is “always trying to rebuild elements” of its nuclear program. He said that Tehran is notenriching uranium right now,“but they’re

NewAfghanpenal code sets 15 days in prison forwife-beating, 5monthsfor animal fights

By The Associated Press

ATHENS,Greece Anew penal code issued by decree in Afghanistansetsharsher punishments forthe mistreatment of animals than for domestic violence against women and solidifies into law inequality based on gender and social status.

The decree,which was signed by Afghanistan’s Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada in January, “defines several crimes and punishments that contravene Afghanistan’sinternational legal obligations,” U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said Thursday in remarks to the Human Rights Council in Geneva. Comprised of 119 articles, the 60-page Decree No.12 lays out penalties for women who visittheir relatives withouttheir husband’s

permission, and allows husbands and the heads of householdstodetermine and mete out punishment in their own homes.

“It provides for theuse of corporal punishmentfor numerousoffenses, including in thehome, legitimizing violence againstwomen and children,” Turk said. “And it criminalizes criticism of the de factoleadership and their policies, in violation of freedom of expressionand assembly.”

Thedecree states that a manwho beatshis wife severely enough to causea visiblecut,wound or bruise faces 15 days in prison—if hiswife can prove her case to ajudge. Buta woman who goes to her father’shouse andstays there withouther husband’spermission ispunished by three months in prison,asare her relatives if they do not returnher to

her husband. Penalties are harsher for mistreatinganimals than women. Five months in prison is thepunishment for anyone having animals or birds fight. Animaland bird fighting, particularly cockfightsand fights between partridges, is apopular pastime in Afghanistan but was banned after the Taliban seized power in 2021.

Afghan authorities have oftenissuedlaws laying out various prohibitions, including bans on education for girls beyond primaryschool, on women working in most jobs, and mandates on how women should dress and behave. But the decree is the first full penalcode issued by thegovernment. In murder cases, anyone found guilty faces thedeath penalty.The other capital offense is insulting theProphet Muhammad.

trying to get to the point where they ultimatelycan.”

Iran has said it hasn’tenriched since June, but it has blocked IAEA inspectors from visiting the sites America bombed. Satellite photos analyzed by The Associated Press have shown activity at two of those sites, suggesting Iran is trying to assessand potentially recover material there. The West and the IAEA say Iran had anuclear weapons program until 2003. After Trump scrapped the 2015 nuclear agreement, Iran ramped up its enrichment of uranium to 60%purity —ashort, technical step away from weapons-grade levels of 90%.

U.S. intelligenceagencies assess that Iran has yet to restart a weaponsprogram, but has “undertaken activities that better position it to produce anuclear device, if it choosestodoso.”SomeIranian officials have spoken openlyabout the country’sreadiness to produce abomb if that decision is taken.

Threat of action sparks warfears

If the talks fail, uncertainty hangs over the timing of any possible U.S. attack.

If the aimofpotential military action is to pressure Iran to make concessions in nuclear negotiations, it’snot clear whether limited strikes would work. If the goal is to remove Iran’sleaders, that will likely commit theU.S.toa larger, longer military campaign. There has been no public sign of planning for what would comenext, including the potential forchaos in Iran.

There is also uncertaintyabout what any military action could mean for thewiderregion. Tehran could retaliate against the American-alliednationsofthe Persian Gulf or Israel. Oil prices have risen in recent days in part due to those concerns, withbenchmarkBrent crude now around $70 abarrel.

Iran in the last round of talks said it briefly halted traffic in the Strait of Hormuz,the narrowmouth of the PersianGulf through which afifth of all traded oil passes. Gambrell reported from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and Lidman reported from Jerusalem. Associated Press writers Will Weissert in Washington and Jamey Keaten in Geneva contributed to this report.

EU expands fundsfor abortion access

BY SAM McNEIL Associated Press

BRUSSELS The European Union said on Thursday it would back efforts to financially support womenseeking accesstoabortions, after amultiyear campaign by more than amillion citizens acrossthe 27-nationbloc to expand support forwomen in nations with conservative laws.

Hadja Lahbib, European Commissioner forEquality, said on Thursdaythatthe EU’s147-billion-euro European Social Funds Plus can be used by EU nationsto treat and defray costs of an abortion for women regardless of where they come from within the bloc.

“Nearly half amillion unsafeabortions takeplace in Europeevery year,” Lahbib said.

She praisedthe My Voice, My Choice campaign, saying organizers had brought her boxesfulloflettersfrom womenacross the bloc.

Theinitiativehad called for the EU to set up aseparate fund forwomen to travel outside their homenations to secure safe abortions. And while thecommission did not do that, organizers said the decision achieves their aims by other means.

“Thisisnot symbolic.Itis apolitical commitment to women’srights,”saidNika Kovac,coordinator of the My Voice, My Choice initiative.

“It establishesbeyond doubt that access to safe abortion is amatter of public health and social justice,” Kovac said. “For the first time, the Commission confirmsunequivocally that EU funds can be usedtoguaranteeaccesstosafeabortion care, particularly for women in vulnerable situations, regardless of where they come from in Europe.”

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Columbia studentdetained by ICEisabruptlyreleased

BY JAKE OFFENHARTZ Associated Press

NEW YORK Federal immigration authorities arrested aColumbia University student early Thursday,triggering protests on campus along with allegations that agents had entered the university-owned residence under false pretenses.

Just hours after detaining student Ellie Aghayeva, though, the federal government abruptly reversed course, permitting her to walk free after an apparent intervention by President Donald Trump.

In asocial mediapost Thursday afternoon, Mayor Zohran Mamdani saidhe expressed concerns about the arrest duringanunrelated meeting with Trump, who then agreed to release her immediately “I am safe and okay,” Aghayeva wrote on Instagram, minutes after Mamdani’spost, adding she was in “complete shock” from theexperience.

The head-spinning series of events marked the lat-

est development to emerge from the Republican president’sunlikelyrelationship withademocraticsocialist mayor he once threatened to have deported. On Thursday, whilepitching Trump on amassive housing project,Mamdani also called on thepresident to drop cases against several other current and former students facingdeportation for their roles in protests against Israel. Aghayeva, asenior from Azerbaijan studyingneuroscience and politics, hasn’t been publicly linked to any of thepro-Palestinian demonstrations that roiled Columbia’scampus. Aself-described content creator,she has amassed alarge social mediafollowing by sharing day-in-the-lifevideos and tips for navigating college as an immigrant.

EarlyThursday,federal agentsgained entry to her apartment by claimingthey were searching for amissingperson, accordingtoa petitionfromher lawyers and astatementreleased by Columbia.She quickly

dashed off amessage toher more than 100,000 followers on Instagram: “DHS illegally arrestedme. Pleasehelp.” A photo accompanyingthe post appeared to showher legs in the back seat of avehicle.

ADepartmentofHomeland Security spokesperson saidAghayeva’sstudent visa had been terminated in 2016 for failingtoattend classes. Inquiries to Columbia about her visa status and how long she hadbeen enrolled in the university were not returned.

In their petition, attorneys for Aghayeva saidshe had entered the country on a visa in or around 2016. They declinedtoprovide additional comment, including details about her immigration status.

DHSspokespersonTricia McLaughlin denied allegations levied by somestate officials that agentshad gained entry to her apartment by posing as New York Citypolice officers. She didn’trespond to questions about whether they hadclaimed to be seeking a missing person.

Judgerejects requesttoblock WhiteHouse ballroom plans

BY MICHAELKUNZELMAN

Associated Press

WASHINGTON Afederal judgeonThursday rejected apreservationistgroup’s requesttoblock theTrump administrationfromcontinuing constructionofa $400million ballroom where it demolished the East Wing of the White House.

U.S. District Judge Richard Leon ruled that the National Trust for Historic Preservation was unlikelyto succeed on the merits of its bid to temporarily halt President Donald Trump’sproject. He said the privately funded group based its challenge on a“ragtag group of theories” underthe Administrative Procedure Act and the Constitution, and would have a better chance of success if it amended the lawsuit.

“Unfortunately,because both sides initially focused on the President’sconstitutional authority to destruct and construct the East Wing of theWhiteHouse,Plaintiff didn’t bringthe necessary cause of action to test the statutory authority the President claims is the basis to do this construction project without the blessing of Congress and withprivate funds,” the judge wrote.

The preservationists sought an order pausing the ballroom project until it undergoes multiple independent reviews and wins approval from Congress.

Trump used his social media account to hail the ruling as “Great news for America.” The Republican president said the project was ahead of schedule and under budget and “will stand long into the future as asymbolto the Greatness of America.”

CarolQuillen, president and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, said the group was “disappointed” that no injunction was issued but “pleased that Judge Leon ruled that the National Trust has standing to bring this lawsuit, as we have asserted fromthe start.”

“Weare also pleased that he encouragedustoamend our complaint —specifically, to assert that the president has acted beyond his statutory authority —and we plan to do so promptly,” Quillen said in astatement.

The White House announced the ballroom project over the summer.By late October,the Republican president had demolished the East Wing to make way for aballroom that he said will fit 999 people. The White House said private donations, including from Trump himself, would pay for the planned construction of a 90,000-square-foot ballroom. Trump proceeded with the project before seeking input from apair of federal

review panels, the National CapitalPlanning Commission and the Commission of Fine Arts. Trump has stockedbothcommission with allies.

BY SARA CLINE Associated Press

ABible-infused curriculum that Texasapproved for public schoolsover pushback in 2024will undergo corrections to fix hundreds of errors caught by teachers and education officials after thematerial was introduced to classrooms.

The curriculum in what is known as the “Bluebonnet” textbook is amongRepublican-led efforts in the U.S. to incorporate more religious teaching into classrooms. Designed by thestate’spublic education agency,itisoptional forschoolstoadopt, though they receive additional funding if they do so.

Bluebonnet was approved over concerns from religious scholars thatthe reading lessons favored Christianityoverother faithtraditions and pushback from advocacy groups thatthe materials inappropriately prioritized preaching over teaching.

The State Board of Education voted 8-6 Wednesday to approve the changes —which include correcting factual errors, fixing punctuation and replacing images due to licensing or copyright issues—after some members questioned thehigh number of errors.

“Myconcern is that we have failed studentsthis school year whohavebeen utilizing this product,” said board member Tiffany

Clark, aDemocrat. Aaron Kinsey,the Republican board chair,asked Clark if she was implying that correcting something seemingly trivial like copyright issues could potentially mean that “we failed ourstudentsand they are not going to pass” the state’sannual standardized test administered to public school students.

Clark retorted that something as simple as atypo especiallyinmathequations

—can have consequences

“If we have been teaching incorrectlythis is going to have an impact,” she said.

“I understand that some of theseerrors areminimal, someofthemare for clarity and someofthem are for accuracy.But still, an error is an error,” said PamLittle, aRepublican board member Colin Dempsey, aTexas Education Agency official who helps organize the instructional material review process, acknowledged the “highnumber of updates” needed but insisted factual errors were “minimal” although he did not provide an exact figure.

Boardmemberssaid morethan 4,000 corrections were needed. But Jake Kobersky,spokespersonfor theTexas Education Agency,told The Associated Press that approximately 1,900 changes were made and that the figure includes duplicate corrections in theteacher guide,student

workbook and other documents. Kobersky said most changes were“proactive in response to teacher feedback or grammatical fixes, not aresult of factualerrors.” It is unclearhow many districts adopted the curriculum forthe current school year,the first it becameavailable. As of August, more than300 school districts and charter schools indicated they would use it. That number represents aboutaquarter of Texas’ 1,207 districts and charters.

AfterWednesday’sapproval of changes, the education agency said online curriculum materials wouldbeupdated within 30 days. It did not say how long it would taketoprint and replace physical learning materials or how much it would cost. Little, who voted for the proposed changes, said she worries the boardhas “set aprecedent forsloppy publishing.” Dempsey saidthat the agency has increased the number of reviewers from five to eight whowill be assessing the material going forward.

“I’m hopeful that will improve our process, where these are caught in the summer andnot lateron, he said.

Guilds in WorldofWarcraft: Your Family,Stronghold, and

Even with Blizzard’s push to supportsolo gameplay,World of Warcraft remainsbuilt around cooperationand shared moments. Guilds areat thecenterofthis. Fora newbie,theymay seem like just anotherchatroom, butfor aveteran,a guildisa fundamentaltoolfor progression.

In this guide, we’llexplore whyyou should join acommunity,how they work,and howWoW boost services canhelpyou become avaluablemember of astrongteam, forexample -https://skycoach. gg/wow-boost What Is aGuild in WoW?

Technically, aguild is an in-gamegroup of characters with access to shared chat,abank, an events calendar,and specialbonuses.But in practice,it’sa groupofpeopleunitedbycommon goals, time zones, or interests. Once youjoina guild, youstopbeing anotheradventurerand become amemberofarealteam. KeyBenefitsofJoining OrganizedPvE content: CompletingHeroic andMythicraids is practicallyimpossiblewith random players. Guilds form permanentraiding groups that raid at aspecifictime. This ensures your teammatesknowthe tactics, won’t leave afterthe firstfailure,and sharethe loot fairly Saving Gold andResources: Most established guilds payfor theirmembers’equipment repairs (through taxesonlootorBoE item sales).Additionally,the GuildBankoften offers free potions andinfusions,food, andenchantments, which asoloplayerwould otherwisespend thousands of gold on

GuildPerks: WhileBlizzardremoved some passivebonuses,likeCashFlow, importantbenefits remain.These include50% Heartstone cooldown reduction, instantmailforwardingbetween guild membersand accesstouniqueguild mounts,pets andheirlooms from thevendor.

Social Mobility andTraining: Astrongguild usuallyincludesveteranswho canguide yousuggesting better rotations, talent builds,and pointing youtothe best trinketsources.It’s essentiallyfreecoaching.

GuildTypes andPlayerGoals

Casual/Social: Primarygoals arecommunication,leveling, quests andachievements. Raids arerareand only on Normal.Playerrequirements areminimal–bereasonableand sayhello in chat occasionally.Goodfor beginners, people with a busy schedule andloreenthusiasts

Semi-Hardcore: Primarygoals arecompleting theHeroicRaid(AOTC)and thefirst bosses of Mythic.M+keyslevel 10-15. Player requirements areknowledge of theclass,visitingRaidTime 2-3times aweekand good chemistry. Good for playerswho want to progress butaren’t willing to sacrificetheir real lives. Hardcore (Cutting Edge): Primarygoals are completing theMythicRaidbeforethe next patch, toplogsand speedruns. Player requirements are perfectmastery of aclass,4-7 days of RT attendanceduringmastery andmultiplealts. Good for thosewho view WoWasa second joboresports

PvPGuilds: Primarygoals arerated battlegrounds, arenas andworld PvP. Player requirementsare high arenaratingand versatilityin gear.Goodfor thosewho enjoyfightingother players, notmobs.

Role-play: Primarygoals areroleplaying,storytellingand tavern events.Playerrequirements areknowledge of lore,TRP3addon andapassion forwriting andreading chat.Goodfor creatives, actors andD&D fans WhyDoesaPlayerNeeda BoosttoJoina Guild? Imagineyou’vereturnedtothe game mid-expansionand want to join agoodSemi-Hardcore guildfor raiding. Butthe Raid Leader sees low item level, no aheadofthe curveachievement and lowraider.IO rating.You getdeclined. It’s that classicloop: raidsrequire gear andexperience yetthe only placetoearnthemisinsideraids This is whereaWoW boost comesin. Aplayer buys raid or high-level keystonequeststoquickly obtain relevant gear,earnachievementsthat serveasa pass to reputablecommunities and raiseyourMythic+ rating so it stands outduring recruitment.

This isn’tshortcuts or cheating.It’sapractical waytoreclaim progress when real life kept you away -work, family,responsibilitieshappen. WheretoLookfor aGuild andHow to Avoid Mistakes If you’re lookingfor aguild that really plays together,start with:

•WoWProgress /Raider.IO: Websites that show your guild’sactualprogress. •Realm Discords:Popular serverssuchas Gordunni or HowlingFjord usuallymaintain Discordhubswhere guilds post recruitment messages •Trade chat:But be careful, as it’s oftenspammed by fly-by-night guilds HowPlayhub HelpsPlayers Playhubisa player-to-player platform where youpurchasea servicefroma specific driver or guild. Playhub’smainfeature is itsfunds freeze system.Whenyou payfor aWoW boost, themoney is held in aPlayhub guarantoraccount. Theseller only receives it afteryou confirmthe servicewas completedefficientlyand in full Youcan comparepricesfromdifferent sellers, read reviews from real buyers,and choose the best offer. With Playhub, purchasing araidboost is secure andstraightforward.You canearnyourCurve achievementand presentafullypreparedcharacterwhenapplyingtoguilds. It’s Time to Take Stock AWoW guildisthe heartofthe game.Itgives youfriends to laughwith, people to relyon, and areasontolog in again. So don’t be shyabout joining. Andifyourcharacter isn’t quiteready for top-tier groups yet, WoWboostingthrough Playhubisa smart waytojumpintoraids and Mythic runs with people whowantyou there. Ultimately,WoW isn’tabout epic items. It’s about thepeopleyou earn thoseitems with.Findyour guild, andAzeroth will become your second home

killed himself in a New York jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial. It will be the first time that a former president has been forced to testify before Congress.

Yet the demand for a reckoning over Epstein’s abuse of underage girls has become a near-unstoppable force on Capitol Hill and beyond.

President Donald Trump, a Republican who has expressed regret that the Clintons are being forced to testify, bowed last year to pressure to release case files on Epstein The Clintons, too, agreed to testify after their offers of sworn statements were rebuffed by the Oversight panel and its chairman, Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., threatened criminal contempt of Congress charges against them.

“Like every decent person,” Hillary Clinton added in her opening statement, “I have been horrified by what we have learned about their crimes.”

She has previously said that her husband flew with Epstein for charitable trips but that she did not recall ever meeting Epstein. She had also interacted with Maxwell, Epstein’s former girlfriend and confidant, at conferences hosted by the Clinton Foundation.

Maxwell, a British socialite, also attended the 2010 wedding of their daughter, Chelsea Clinton.

As she exited the event center where the deposition was held, Hillary Clinton told reporters that Maxwell had come to the wedding as a guest of someone else and that she had told the committee she only knew Maxwell “as an acquaintance.”

Bill Clinton, however has emerged as a top target for Republicans amid the political struggle over who receives the most scrutiny for their ties to Epstein. Several photos of the former president were included in the

first tranche of Epstein files released by the Department of Justice in January, including a number of him with women whose faces were redacted. Clinton has not been accused of wrongdoing in his relationship with Epstein

Comer has also pointed to Hillary Clinton’s work as secretary of state to address sex trafficking as another reason to insist on her deposition. Clinton defended her work to address sex trafficking around the world, saying that it remained important to help the millions of survivors of sex trafficking

The committee’s investigation has also sought to understand why the Department of Justice under previous presidential administrations did not seek further charges against Epstein following a 2008 arrangement in which he pleaded guilty to state charges in Florida for soliciting prostitution from an underage girl but avoided federal charges.

Hillary Clinton accused Comer of running a onesided investigation that has failed to hold Trump and other Republican officials to account. “This institutional failure is designed to protect one political party and one public official,” she said. Yet conspiracy theories, especially on the right, have swirled for years around the Clintons and their connections to Epstein and Maxwell, who argues she was wrongfully convicted Republicans have long wanted to press the Clintons for answers.

Hillary Clinton said that one Republican lawmaker asked her a line of questions about “vile, bogus conspiracy theories.”

The deposition was also paused after Rep Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., sent a photo of Hillary Clinton in the private proceeding to a conservative influencer who posted it on social media, violating the committee’s rules for depositions.

Democrats said that the incident underscored how important it was for there to be a clear public record of the deposition. Rep. Robert Garcia, the top Democrat on the Oversight panel, said that Hillary Clinton, after the incident, repeated her longstanding demand that the deposition be made public, and Democrats called for a video and transcript of the complete proceedings to be released quickly

Comer said that he would work quickly to release a video and transcript of the deposition.

“The purpose of the whole investigation is to try to understand many things about Epstein,” he told reporters outside the convention center where the depositions were being held. “How did he accumulate so much wealth? How was he able to surround himself with some of the most powerful men in the world?”

Democrats, now being led by a new generation of politicians, have prioritized transparency around Epstein over defending the former leaders of their party Several Democratic lawmakers

joined with Republicans on the Oversight panel to advance the contempt of Congress charges against the Clintons last month. Several said they had no relationship with the Clintons and owed no loyalty to them.

Garcia also called on Trump to testify in the investigation. He argued that Bill Clinton’s appearance sets a precedent that should apply to Trump as well.

“Let’s get President Trump in front of our committee to answer the questions that are being asked across this country from survivors,” Garcia said.

Comer previously said that the committee can’t depose Trump because he is a sitting president.

Still, Democrats are also coming off an effort this week to confront Trump about his administration’s handling of the Epstein files by taking women who survived Epstein’s abuse as their guests to Trump’s State of the Union address. Garcia and others are also challenging the Department of Justice’s assertion that it has met the requirements of a law passed by Congress last year that mandates the release of many of the case files on Epstein.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York said his caucus in the coming days would also review unredacted versions of the Epstein case files at a Department of Justice office. Schumer who demanded that the department release all of the files and preserve all materials, said they will “pull on every thread” until they “reveal this massive cover-up.”

Exploresmall town charm, bigevent energy andbold flavors this spring in Monroe-WestMonroe

Spring is shapinguptobea vibrantand busy season in NortheastLouisiana,witha packed calendar of live music, outdoorfestivals anddiningdestinations giving visitors plenty of reasonstoplana getaway. At Landry VineyardsinWestMonroe, theweekends areanchoredbyarotatinglineupoflivemusic andrelaxed vineyard gatherings.The winery’s popularLagniappe Saturdaysoffer free patioperformances from 3p.m.to6:30p.m paired with wine by thecup,bottleorflight,plusguidedtastingsand amultitude of food offerings such as 12-inchpizzas, cheese blocks andsummersausage.Guestscan bring theirown food or snacks,but no pets,beeroroutside alcoholisallowed

Upcoming LagniappeSaturdays at Landry Vineyardsinclude:

•March 14:MikeMcKenzie(solo patioperfor mance)

•March 28:Mason andShannon Granade(duo)

•April 11:Clayton Maza

•April 18:DaveGore

•April 25:Encore(trio)

•May 2: Coyote PinesBand

•May 23:Murphy’sLaw (duo)

Guests arewelcome to arrive earlyfor theregular 2p.m.vineyardand winery tour,enjoy wine tastings, then settle in with lawn chairs or blankets for hours of live music.

Otherspringconcertsplanned at Landry Vineyardsinclude:

•March 21,4p.m.to7:30p.m.: Flashback5 (Top 40 covers, classicrock, greatdance music)

•April 4, 4p.m.to7:30p.m.: TheMikeMcKenzie Band (classic rock,country,great dancemusic)

•May 9, 4p.m.to7:30p.m.: Encore andFriends (classic country, pop, greatdance music)

Just down theroadinDowntownWestMonroe, Ouachita RiverFestreturns April24and 25 with afullslate of family-friendlyactivities, live music andart vendors. Recently namedthe Festival/Event of theYearbythe LouisianaTravelAssociation, RiverFestcontinues to grow as oneofthe region’s signaturespringattractions.Thisyear’scelebration willinclude live duck races,a rubber duck drop and thefirst-ever Miss Ouachita RiverFestPageant,open to contestantsage zero to 18 With a$50 entryfee,aneveningwearcompetition only andcontestants askedtoanswerone simpleon-stagequestion, thepageant is designed to be simple,fun andconfidence-buildingfor young womenfromacrossthe region RiverFestweekend will also featurethe Full BlownPinkCar Show on April25, showcasing classiccarsand custom builds whilesupportingbreast cancer awareness. Aviation fans cancap off thespringatthe Red, White& Blue Airshow, taking placeMay 1-3at

Monroe Regional Airport. Gatesopenat3p.m.May

1and May2,and at 11 a.m. on May3.Thisyear’s airshowcelebratesAmerica’s 250thanniversary with historic warbirds,modernaircraftand precision acrobatics.Someofthe highlights for2026 willinclude:

•Jet Waco Radmotorsports: Fast-paced sequences,high-speedpassesand dynamic climbs that blend thenostalgia of classic aviation with theexcitementofjetpoweredaerobatics.

•Frank Kimmel: Kimmel brings the iconic F4U-5Corsair,known for its distinctiveinvertedgullwings and powerful performance.

•Ben Ausbrooks: Ausbrookswilldeliver a high-energyperformanceinthe SuperSteen Skybolt, apowerfulbiplane that allows for crisprolls,loops anddynamic transitions.

•Titan AerobaticTeam: It’s precision formation flyingatits finestthankstoteam work,disciplineand aerodynamic control. Each performancefeaturestight formations, smooth transitionsand carefully choreographedsequences •NathanHammond: Hammondwillperform anight show Friday andSaturdaywithhis GhostWriteraircraft, delivering speed precisionand avisual spectacle unlike anyother WhilespringeventsinMonroe-West Monroe continue to expand,win awards anddrawvisitors, itsfoodscene is keepingeveryoneontheir toes year-round.The latest addition to therestaurant spaceisSushi Koko from JamesBeard semifinalist Cory Bahr.Openedearlier this year andinspired by Tokyo’sGinza district,Sushi Koko hassushi crafted with fishflowninfromJapan,Asian-inspireddishes andlive-fireyakitorigrilling–addinga globally-influenced diningoptiontodowntownMonroe. SushiKokojoins alonglistofother localrestaurantsthathaveemerged as some of thebestinthe region,including Parish,another eatery helmed by Bahr that is knownfor inventivedishesfeaturingseasonalingredients andthe best of Louisiana cuisine. Otherfavorites includeEnoch’s Pub(guests rave aboutits gourmetburgers andIrish comfort fare), Trapp’s(classicCajun food with scenic views) andThe Warehouse(aMonroeinstitution knownfor coastalfavorites). Together,these experiences showcase MonroeWest Monroe as more than just astopalong Interstate20. From laidback vineyard musicafternoons to high-flying events andculinarydestinations, the area offersamix of small-town charmand big-event energy.Visit www.monroe-westmonroe.org to learn more andplanyourtriptoday

students, then every year the state willbeonthe hook for thosestudents and new participantsuntil theprogram’scost swamps the state budget.

“Every year, it’sgoing to double from thepreviousyear,”hesaid, addingthattaxpayers would be stuck withthe bill. “Once you start payingfor something, you can never stop paying for it.”

In astatement Thursday,Landry called Henry’s remarks “disappointing” andsaidthat students whoreceived LA GATOR stipends this year saw their attendance and academicperformance improve whilebullying decreased. It’s not clear what data Landry was citing on theprogram. Nearly 90% of LA GATORparticipants previously received state vouchers, meaning they already attended private schools.

“That’swhat happens when families have options and students are in environments thatwork for them,” Landrysaid. “Wehope we can work with the Legislature and the Senate Presidenttoaddress concernsand keep moving this program forward for ourstudents and families.”

When Landry persuaded the Legislature in 2024 to establish the LA GATOR program, Louisiana joined agrowing number of Republican-led states thatgive students tax-funded scholarships to payfor private education.Unlike past voucher programs, the new scholarships or “Education Savings Accounts” can pay for expenses like laptops or tutoring in addition to tuition, andmostare no longer limited to low-income families.

Proponents say such programs empower parents to put their childreninaneducation setting

SUES

Continued frompage1A

with his former colleagues. In a lawsuit filedFeb. 20 in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana, First Horizon alleged that Byrd’s company, DMMS Holding, and Karl Hoefer,aformer First Horizon executive now working with Byrd at DMMS,worked to “gain an unfaircompetitive advantageover First Horizon” by improperly seeking out thebank’s employees and customers.

The suit claims that 27 First Horizon employees have been hired away by Byrd’sgroupsince the beginning of the year and that First Horizon has spent more than $5 million paying bonuses and raises to retain existing employees.

The suit comes two months after Byrd, 72, stunned the local business community by announcing that he was coming outofretirement and forming DMMS to raise money to acquire MCBank Joining him in the venturewere several former IberiaBank colleagues, including Mark Tipton, Michael Brown and ScottPrice. In astatement Wednesday,Byrd said, “Weunequivocally deny these unfounded allegations and willdefend ourselvesfully against this lawsuit. Our responsewill be filed this week and will be accessible throughthe federal court’s public record. We remaincommitted to advancing our plans while vigorously defending ourinterests.”

StateSenate President CameronHenry, R-Metairie, top,said he wants to keep funding for LA GATORatits current level—rejecting Gov. Jeff Landry’spush to double funding forthe private school voucher program

that meetstheir needs.Critics say voucher programs and new iterations like LA GATOR divert needed funding from public schools while subsidizing unaccountable and sometimes poor-performing private schools. Henry,who likeLandry,supports giving parents different school options, expressed practical rather thanideological misgivings about

Thestatementnotes that “the lawsuit was filed in the midst of our successfulcapital raise.”

The developmentsunderscore how the reentry of Byrd, alegendary local banker,into south Louisiana’stight-knitbanking community,isalready reshaping the local financial-services landscape and prompting aresponse from competitors.

First Horizon is far larger than M CBank.Ithas nearly 360 branches across the south, including 55 in Louisiana, and is the state’sfifthlargest bank with nearly $8 billion in deposits and almost 6% of the market share, according to the FDIC.

MCBankisthe state’s50th-largest bank withnine branches,less than $385 million in deposits and less than 0.3% of thestate’s marketshare.

Peter Ricchiuti, aprofessor at Tulane University’s A.B. Freeman School of Business,saidthat despite the disparate sizes, Byrd’s track recordatIberiaBank shows he can make waves in the market.

“Everybody suspected when Daryl announced this afew minutes ago that he planned to do something big,” said Ricchiuti. “This definitely has potential to inject freshcompetition into themarket.”

Attorneys for First Horizon did notrespond toa request for comment

Though the suit is centered around Byrd’scompany,itdoes not name him personally.Rather it targets DMMS and Hoefer,another former Byrd colleague from IberiaBankwho stayed on at First

LA GATOR.

Last year,the programdrew nearly 40,000 applications.Ifthe state continues to expand the program to meet demand,its price tagwillgrow exponentially,Henry said, pointing to Texas, which allocated $1 billionfor thefirst two yearsofits newvoucher program. Henry argued that it’s better to

STAFF FILEPHOTO By LESLIEWESTBROOK

DarylByrd announced late last year that he had created a companywith several of his former executives to acquire Morgan Citybased MC Bank and Trust.

Horizon as aregional president until he resigned in December In January,hejoined DMMS as a special consultant and is expected to be named regionalpresident for Louisiana and Texas at MCBank once thepurchaseisfinalized later this year,the suit says.

First HorizonpaidHoefer over $1 million over the years, conditioned on his agreement not to recruitaway First Horizon employees in theevent he left the company,the suit says.

The 24-page documentsays Byrd or Tiptonwould make an initial call to atarget employee of First Horizonthendirect the employee to callHoefer for more details. Hoeferwould subsequently “talk up” theDMMS deal, offering “above market salaries and bonuses.”

The suit names several First Horizonexecutives who have been approached by Hoefer in recent weeks, includinga vice president

keep the program at itscurrent size than to keep adding students until the costissohigh that the program must be cut.

“The momentthat you open it up to new peopleand you have to take it away,then you have aproblem,” he said Wednesday during an interviewwith The Times-Picayune |The Advocate aheadofthe 2026 legislativesession, which starts March 9.

Any additional funding forLAGATOR should come from the $4.6 billion thatLouisiana already spends on education through state andlocal sources,Henry argued. Otherwise, the state will have to pullmoney from other priorities, such as lowering taxes or helping homeownersfortifytheir roofs, tocover students’ private school tuition, whichhesaidmost taxpayers do not want.

cates andprivate schoolsorvendors pushing formore funding.

Henry andother lawmakers wary of ramping up LA GATOR arelikely to face anotherpublic pressure campaign.

“That’swhat happens when families have options and students are in environments that work forthem. We hope we can work withthe Legislature and theSenate President to addressconcerns and keep moving this program forwardfor ourstudents and families.”

GOV.

JEFF LANDRy

“There’sa whole bunchofmoney that needstogotoawhole bunch of other places,” he said. He also arguedthatallowing familiestospend the stipends on expenses otherthan tuition dilutes the program’spurpose, whichhe said should be getting every student intoagood school.

“Isthe goal to get every kid a computer?” he asked. “I wouldn’t say that’s the goal.”

Despite thelargenumberofLA GATOR applicants andpolling that showmost Louisiana voters support school vouchers, Henry said he has not heardfromparents or other lawmakers lookingtoexpand theprogram

“I’veyet to have asingle member cometomeand say,‘Youknow what? We need to double it,’”he said, adding that it’smainly advo-

in thebank’sHouston office, who was offered a$750,000 signing bonusplus$1million equity in MC Bank, thesuit says.

Hoefer also targeted aprivate banking manager in Baton Rouge, offering him $30,000 above his current salary,a$40,000 signing bonus,$150,000 in additional bonusesand $6,000 in country club dues if he would join MCBank.

Both bankers, as wellasothers named in the suit, declined the offer.

The suit says attorneys for First Horizon warnedHoefer in early Februarythat he wasviolating his covenants with the bank. An attorneyfor Hoefer denied the allegationsinaletter cited in thelawsuit

“Mr.Hoeferhas not directly or indirectly solicited, hired, or encouragedany person who is an employee of FHCtoterminate their employment with FHC,” the letter says, adding that Hoefer “has no authority to hire contractors or employees forDMMS Holdings.”

Hoefer did not respond to arequest for comment.

FirstHorizon’s suit asks the court to enjoin Hoefer and DMMS from recruitingadditional bank employees andalso seeks unspecifieddamages.

During his two-decade career at IberiaBank, Byrd built areputation for making smart acquisitions and growing quickly.After taking the reins in 1999, he led roughly two dozen bank buyouts that transformed the smallinstitutioninto amulti-state lender.The bank moved into the New Orleans market in 2011 by acquiring Omni Bank.

Last year,a nationaladvocacy group that promotes school vouchers paid for TV commercials attacking Henry andotherlawmakerswho balkedat Landry’srequest for $94 million forLAGATOR. One ad that aired across the state accusedthe lawmakers of “dashing the hopes of 6,000 lowincomekids.”

Landry also led dozens of private school students in achant of “Please support the GATOR scholarships!” at arally across from the state Capitol building last spring. It wasorganized by aLouisiana advocacy groupbackedbyRepublican megadonorand Landry ally Eddie Rispone and anational group affiliated with the conservative billionaire Kochfamily For now, thecampaign is happening behind closed doors. On Thursday,Henry metprivately withadvocates for LA GATOR, including the PelicanInstitute for Public Policy In astatement, thegroup’ssenior vice president, Erin Bendily, thankedHenry forthe meeting andsaidthe group looks forward to working with him and other lawmakers during the legislative session. ShealsosaidPelican will release apoll next week showing “continued strong support among voters” forprogramslikeLAGATOR.

“Weowe it to them to make this apriority and move forward with urgency,” she said.

His finaldeal with IberiaBank was the 2019saletoFirst Horizon forroughly $3.9 billion.

While discussing the MCBank acquisitioninDecember,Byrd said he “failed at retirement.” His move back into banking comes at atimewhen low oil prices and a struggling housing market have created weak loan demand, but those conditions mean there could be smallerbanks readytosellat good terms.

Ricchiuti said Byrd and his new team have acoupleofpotential advantages over First Horizon and theother larger banks that now dominate the market, alist that includes JPMorgan Chase, Capital One,Regions andHancock Whitney

“Byrd knows alot about bank acquisitions andhow to getthe culturestoalign, whichisdifficult,” Ricchiuti said

Also, some employees at First Horizon may missworking fora locally owned bank.

“Now, theyworkfor this giant bank headquartered in Tennessee,” he said. “The idea of going to astartup is really appealing.”

Ricchiuti had not seen the lawsuit and couldnot comment on specific allegations. But he said, in general, allegedviolations of noncompete and nonsolicitation agreements are frequent in the corporate world and seldom derail deals.

“Whenever there is asuit, it often works out,” he said. “It’snot like robbing abank.”

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

Trader Joe’s fried rice recalled over glass

LOS ANGELES Handle this with care: there could be glass in fried rice at Trader Joe’s.

The manufacturer, Ajinomoto Foods North America, recalled more than 3 million pounds of frozen chicken fried rice that “may be contaminated with foreign material, specifically glass,” according to an alert issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s food safety division.

The recall applies to batches of Trader Joe’s private-label chicken fried rice with soldby dates between Sept. 8 and Nov 17. The product, which contains stir-fried rice, vegetables, seasoned dark chicken meat and eggs, was sold nationwide in approximately one-pound plastic bags.

Trader Joe’s said that customers with recalled products can return them to any Trader Joe’s location for a full refund.

Ajinomoto notified the USDA’s food safety division after receiving four consumer complaints about finding glass in their fried rice. There have been no confirmed injuries tied to the product, according to the alert, which recommends consumers to return it or toss it out.

Ajinomoto did not respond to a request for comment

Trader Joe’s had 10 product recalls in 2025 affecting items like peaches, turkey wraps, and Cajun-style fettuccini alfredo, all recalled due to possible listeria contamination, according to a list on the company’s website.

Cottage cheese recalled from Walmart

Three varieties of cottage cheese sold under Walmart’s Great Value brand got yanked from stores in 24 states, including Louisiana and Mississippi, on potential pasteurization problems. Manufacturer Saputo Cheese USA said while doing “pasteurizer troubleshooting exercises” with the California Department of Food and Agriculture, the company and agency found “there’s the possibility liquid dairy ingredients used in the items (were) not being fully pasteurized according to state regulatory standards.” Here’s what’s recalled, which should be returned to the store for a refund or thrown into the garbage :

n Great Value Small Curd Cottage Cheese, 4% milkfat minimum, 16-ounce containers, best by April 2; 24-ounce containers, best by April 2 or 3; 3-pound containers, best by April 1 or 2.

n Great Value Small Curd Cottage Cheese, 2% milkfat, 24-ounce containers, best by April 1, 2, or 3.

n Great Value Fat Free Small Curd Cottage Cheese, 24-ounce containers, best by April 1 or 3.

Frozen meatballs recalled nationwide

Nearly 9,500 pounds of ready-to-eat frozen, Italianstyle meatballs have been recalled nationwide after a consumer reported finding metal fragments inside the product according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service. The recall involves 32-ounce bags labeled “Bremer Family Size Italian Style Meatballs,” produced July 30, 2025 The packages carry a “Best By” date of Oct. 30, timestamps between 17:08 and 18:20, and the establishment number “EST 4286B” inside the USDA inspection mark. The issue surfaced after a consumer complaint about small pieces of metal found in one of the bags. No injuries or illnesses have been confirmed, federal officials said. Consumers are urged not to eat the meatballs. Instead, they should throw the product away or return it to the place of purchase.

Mortgage rate drops below 6%

Decrease comes as spring home-buying season gets rolling

BY ALEX VEIGA Associated Press

The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate slipped this week below 6% for the first time since late 2022, good news for home shoppers as the spring home-buying season gets rolling.

The benchmark 30-year fixed rate mortgage rate fell to 5.98% from

6.01% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday One year ago, the rate averaged 6.76%.

The average rate has been hovering close to 6% this year This latest dip, its third decline in a row brings it to its lowest level since Sept. 8, 2022, when it was 5.89%.

Mortgage rates are influenced by several factors, from the Federal Reserve’s interest rate policy decisions to bond market investors’ expectations for the economy and inflation They generally follow the trajectory of the 10-year Treasury yield, which lenders use as a guide to pricing home loans.

Mortgage rates have been trending lower for months, helping drive a pickup in home sales the last four months of 2025, but not enough to lift the housing market out of its slump dating back to 2022 when mortgage rates began to climb from pandemic-era lows. Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes remained stuck last year at 30-year lows. And more buyerfriendly mortgage rates this year weren’t enough to lift home sales last month. They posted the biggest monthly drop in nearly four years and the slowest annualized sales pace in more than two years.

However with the average rate on a 30-year mortgage now below 6% as the annual spring home-buying season begins, it could encourage prospective home shoppers who can afford to buy at current rates to shop for a home this spring “Assuming rates stay below 6%, buyers and sellers are going to start getting back into the market,” said Lisa Sturtevant, chief economist at Bright MLS. “March is when the spring home-buying season typically begins to ramp up and with rates at a three-and-a-half year low, it could be a barn burner of a spring home-buying season.”

Worst day for Nvidia’s stock since spring drags Wall Street lower

BY STAN CHOE Associated Press

NEWYORK The worst day for Nvidia’s stock since last spring dragged the U.S. market lower on Thursday, even though most stocks on Wall Street rose.

The S&P 500 slipped 0.5% following sharp swings earlier in the week driven by hopes and worries created by the artificial-intelligence revolution. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 17 points, or less than 0.1%, and the Nasdaq composite sank 1.2%.

Nvidia, whose chips are helping to power the AI boom, reported another stellar quarter of profit growth that breezed past analysts’ expectations. It also gave a forecast for revenue in the current quarter that once again topped Wall Street’s estimates.

But such blowout performances have become so typical for Nvidia that they’re losing their oomph. Its stock sank 5.5% for worst loss since April.

“Our customers are racing to invest in AI compute — the factories powering the AI industrial revolution and their future growth,”

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said.

Worries are nevertheless rising that those customers may eventually curtail their

spending on Nvidia’s chips and other AI investments amid doubts about whether they can make back their billions of dollars through future gains in productivity

Because Nvidia’s is the largest stock in the U.S. market by value, it has more influence on the S&P 500 than any other. It alone accounted for more than four-fifths of the S&P 500’s loss.

Despite Nvidia’s troubles, seven stocks rose in the S&P 500 for every three that fell. Among them was Salesforce, which climbed 4% after it likewise reported a stronger profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected.

It’s a return to gains for the stock, which is still down nearly 25% for the young year so far It’s been under pressure because of worries that AI-powered competitors could undercut its business.

Salesforce uses AI itself in its offerings that help customers manage relationships with their own customers. It also made several announcements that typically give a stock’s price a boost: It will send up to $50 billion to shareholders through buybacks of its stock, and it increased its dividend.

“Agentic AI is a tailwind for our business,” CEO Marc Benioff said.

Companies in industries as far flung as

trucking logistics and financial services have also seen their stocks come under sudden and aggressive attacks this year by investors who fear their businesses may lose out to AI or even become obsolete.

Some of the sharpest swings in financial markets were for oil, where prices swung sharply as the United States and Iran held indirect talks about Iran’s nuclear program. A peaceful solution would remove the threat of war, which investors worry could block the global flow of oil and drive up its price. The U.S. military has already built up the largest force of American warships and aircraft in the Middle East in decades, which has raised the stakes The current round of talks feels “make or break,” according to strategists at Macquarie.

A barrel of benchmark U.S crude briefly fell as low as $63.60. But it erased that loss and rose above $66.50 before settling at $65.21, up 0.3%. Brent crude, the international standard, also had a zigzag day and finished at $70.75 per barrel, down 0.1%.

A report showed that the number of U.S. workers applying for unemployment benefits ticked up last week, but not by any more than economists expected. It also remains relatively low compared with history

Anthropic CEO: Company can’t accede to Pentagon demands

BY KONSTANTIN TOROPIN and MATT O’BRIEN Associated Press

WASHINGTON — Anthropic CEO

Dario Amodei said Thursday the artificial intelligence company “cannot in good conscience accede” to the Pentagon’s demands to allow wider use of its technology

The company said in a statement that it’s not walking away from negotiations but that new contract language received from the Defense Department “made virtually no progress on prevent-

ing Claude’s use for mass surveillance of Americans or in fully autonomous weapons.”

The Pentagon’s top spokesperson has reiterated that the military wants to use Anthropic’s technology in legal ways and will not let the company dictate any limits ahead of a Friday deadline to agree to its demands.

Sean Parnell said Thursday on social media that the Pentagon “has no interest in using AI to conduct mass surveillance of Americans (which is illegal) nor do we want to use AI to develop autonomous weapons that operate

without human involvement.”

Anthropic’s policies prevent its models, such as its chatbot Claude, from being used for those purposes. It’s the last of its peers the Pentagon also has contracts with Google, OpenAI and Elon Musk’s xAI — to not supply its technology to a new U.S. military internal network.

Parnell said the Pentagon wants to “use Anthropic’s model for all lawful purposes” but didn’t offer details on what that entailed. He said opening up use of the technology would prevent the company

from “jeopardizing critical military operations.”

“We will not let ANY company dictate the terms regarding how we make operational decisions,” he said.

During a meeting on Tuesday between Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Amodei, military officials warned that they could designate Anthropic as a supply chain risk, cancel its contract or invoke a Cold War-era law called the Defense Production Act to give the military more sweeping authority to use its products, even if the company doesn’t approve.

$3 4billion, including future levee elevations.

The area lies outside the newly rebuiltprotections surrounding the New Orleans area. Parts of LaPlacesuffereddevastating floodingfrom Lake Pontchartrain stormsurge in both 2012’sHurricane Isaac and 2021’sHurricane Ida.

The original cost estimate was $760 million, but the price has skyrocketed due to mitigation requirements, supply chainissues and inflation. The state must pay for35% of the project, which is on track to be completed in 2030. Construction began in 2021, though discussion, evaluation andefforts to secure fundingstretch back decades.

“Our goal is to cut paperwork and get back to buildingfor the American public,” saidTelle. “The project we are standingatright now,West Shore Lake Pontchartrain, took far too long to get done andinprogress,but it’sgetting close to completion.”

Driscoll said “we are getting after the government getting in the wayofcaring for its citizens.”

The initiative has been labeled “Building Infrastructure, Not Paperwork,” and Telle said the plan is to implement changes that do not require congressional approval. That will includebetter planning to avoid duplicating efforts, revisiting certain older environmental restrictionsondredging and“good management that we haven’t been doing,” he said.

Telle said the initiative aimed to be the biggest “transformation” of Corps civil works planssince at least 1986, when key changes were madeto cost-sharing arrangements and local input on projects.

Asked howthe initiative might have benefitedthe West Shore project, Lt.Gen. William Graham, the Corps’ commanding general, saidcompleting more of the engineering before askingCongress to authorizeitcould shorten time frames, since thatmay avoid later reassessments and resulting cost increases.

Corps officials said the initiative may help speed dredgingof shippingchannels by expanding the seasons when it is carried out. That would be done in consultationwith other agenciesinvolved in overseeing enforcement of the

Endangered Species Act,which theCorpsmust comply with.

Landry lauded the initiative and said Louisianans should do the same considering the importance of Corps projects to the state and the nation.Hesaid environmental restrictionswereimportant, but shouldn’tbe unnecessarily burdensome

“Let me ask you this: You’d rather protect asnail or you’d rather protect achild?” thegovernor said.

“That’s thequestion today,and we canbeable to balance that.”

But any Corps changes risk running up againstthe volumes of laws, rulesand procedures governing projects. Many of those rules and proceduresare designed to ensure projects are cost-effective, protect againstenvironmental risks or safeguard historical sites.

The lengthy historical and en vironmentalevaluation processes have been frequently criticized by politicalleaders, though the Corps has said it has had success

in reducing time frames in recent years while cautioning that, in the end, it must follow the law

Environmental concerns related to Corpsprojects in Louisiana extendfar beyond theEndangered Species Act.Changes to the river canhavecascading effectsranging from drinking water to coastal erosion.

Haley Gentry,assistant director of theTulaneInstitute on Water Resources Law and Policy,which closelyfollows Corps activities, noted thatshe wantstosee more specifics on thenew initiative before attempting adetailed analysis.

Shesaid the Corps, like other agencies, has alreadyintroduced congressionally mandated time and page limits for reviews under

PASSES FESTIVAL PASSES

Police: Driver in crash was impaired

Woman arrested in Jefferson deputy’s death

BY MISSY WILKINSON Staff writer

A woman arrested on suspicion of vehicular homicide, accused of ramming and killing a Jefferson Parish motorcycle deputy last month, was impaired by multiple prescription medications, New Orleans police said Thursday

“Thetoxicologyreport cameback, and that report played a key factor” in obtaining an arrest warrant, said Capt. Anthony Micheu, traffic commander for the New Orleans Police Department, which is investigating the death “We believe she was under impairment,” Micheu said at a

Theater site to become baseball facility

BY BEN MYERS Staff writer

The owner of the former Zony Mash Beer Project, a now-closed brewery at the site of the old Gem Theater on South Broad Street, is reopening the historic space as a baseball-focused training and amusement venue. Adam Ritter hopes to open the Broadmoor site early this year, according to a website for the facility The website does not specify a day or month. Plans the City Council unanimously approved on Thursday call for an outdoor baseball diamond and indoor batting cages, along with a bar, dining area and virtual reality simulator rooms “I’m a 12-month-out-of-the-year traveling baseball dad. These facilities are missing,” said project consultant Ron Loesel to the council on Thursday “You have (facilities in) Gretna; you have Harahan. This will really enhance, having one in New Orleans.” Ritter did not respond to a request for comment Thursday

ä See BASEBALL, page 2B

media briefing. Erica Smith-Katsanis, 53, tested positive for 11 drugs, including amphetamine and clonazepam, according to a police affidavit supporting her arrest.

Micheu said the medications’ known side effects include increased blood pressure, increased anxiety, fatigue and dizziness.

“We do not have any determination as to whether they were legally prescribed or not. We are looking into an impairment factor,” Micheu said More toxicology tests are pending.

Data retrieved from the 2022 Lexus showed that Smith-Katsanis

never braked when she slammed into Christopher Paul Ohlmeyer, 41, as he worked an off-duty funeral detail in the 9200 block of Airline Highway shortly before noon on Jan. 30, Micheu said.

According to the affidavit, SmithKatsanissaidshedidn’tseeanything in front of her before the impact and was “unsure of what she had hit,” despite clear sunny weather Detectives said she showed signs of impairment during an interview at the hospital, where she was treated after being struck in the face with airbags.

CLOSE CALL

A fish escapes an anhinga’s clutches as it surfaces with a fish in its bill as its tail fans above the water, creating a reflection in the ripples in City Park. An anhinga is a long-necked waterbird found across the southern U.S. (including Louisiana) and much of the Americas. People call it the ‘snakebird’ because it often swims with its body submerged and only its neck and head showing, like a snake.

Shia LaBeouf

pays new bail to stay out of jail, must go to rehab

Actor appears in court after bar fight

BY KASEY BUBNASH and JUSTIN MITCHELL Staff writers

BY MICHELLE HUNTER Staff writer

Brandon Jacobs, the Harvey man accused of ordering an Uber and stabbing his ride-share driver to death with the knife he’d just bought for that very purpose, was found not guilty by reason of insanity following a judge trial in Jefferson Parish on Wednesday Jacobs 33, had been charged with second-degree murder in the Dec. 8, 2022, death of Yolanda Dillion, 54. But doctors who testified for both the prosecution and the defense told the court that Jacobs was in the throes of severe mental illness when he killed Dillion.

“I believe at the time of this homicide, Mr Jacobs was experiencing active psychosis,” said Sarah Deland, a forensic psychiatrist who testified for the defense. “He was suffering under delusions that rendered him unable to distinguish right from wrong.” After handing down his ruling,

Judge Lee Faulkner of the 24th Judicial District Court, set a March 18 dangerousness hearing Jacobs’ attorney, Miles Swanson, said a sanity commission will assess the threat that Jacobs poses to himself and others and determine what type of treatment he needs.

“I feel horrible for everyone involved, including the victim’s family and Mr. Jacobs,” Swanson said.

“This is a horrible tragedy.” Jefferson Parish Assistant District Attorney Theresa King presented the case against Jacobs during the judge trial.

Dillion, a New Orleans resident who lived with and cared for her elderly mother, was a longtime budget analyst for the New Orleans Police Department. She drove Uber to make financial ends meet, relatives said. Jacobs was a software developer for Microsoft who was from Harvey but had been working in Seattle. In 2018, he began experiencing mental illness, according to Deland and Gina Manguno-Mire, a forensic psychologist who testified for the prosecution.

Dorothy Prevost, mother of one of ‘N.O. Four,’ dies

FIGHT

Continued from page 1B

LaBeouf was booked into the Orleans Parish jail on two counts of simple battery He was released on his own recognizance on Fat Tuesday, meaning he did not have to pay a bail in exchange for promising to show up to scheduled court hearings. He was back out on Bourbon Street later that night.

Jeffrey Damnit, a California resident who became entangled in the R Bar confrontation with LaBeouf while visiting for Mardi Gras, has called the actor’s release “ridiculous” and said he should be charged with a hate crime. Damnit was born with the last name Klein.

In her ruling Thursday, Levine told the courtroom her biggest concern is the potential danger LaBeouf poses not only to the victims, but to the broader community, particularly a “marginalized community” that has faced so

INSANITY

Continued from page 1B

Court and medical records from Seattle revealed that Jacobs’ delusions about conspiracies led him to make threats to himself and others, Deland said. In the years that followed, there were arrests commitments and at least one protective order

Jacobs was eventually put on disability leave at Microsoft. He returned to the New Orleans area several weeks before the homicide, according to authorities.

“He had a well-established record of mental illness prior to this incident,” Manguno-Mire said, referring to Dillion’s killing.

Uber chose her

In December 2022, Jacobs was staying at the Travelodge hotel on the West Bank Expressway in Harvey, according to Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office investigators.

“He woke up and decided he was going to kill someone,” Sheriff Joseph Lopinto said shortly after the murder

The doctors testified that Jacobs believed he needed to do something to garner national attention to get help. During his examinations, Jacobs described being followed by the FBI, or a friend who had been kidnapped as well as other paranoid delusions The killing, he believed, would stop these things.

CRASH

Continued from page 1B

much “terror” already

Before the start of his hearing, Levine ordered LaBeouf to take a drug and alcohol test, saying that she had seen “quite a lot” of evidence in his case following his initial release.

Levine said the test results showed evidence of past substance use in the actor’s system.

Though the judge said LaBeouf is taking a prescription that could be responsible for “one of the substances” found in his system, she said her biggest concern is his alcohol use.

Chervinsky said illegal drugs were not found in his system and argued that the results showed only evidence of past alcohol use. It’s not illegal to get drunk on Mardi Gras, she said.

Levine said such results would not show up more than a week later

Chervinsky argued that Levine’s initial decision to release LaBeouf was an “entirely proper, routine and legal decision.” She said the state had not requested a bail increase and that the NOPD had ar-

“He really did not seem to grasp that this was wrong,” MangunoMire said. “In his mind, he was under the belief that he needed help and this was the way that he could get help.”

On the morning of Dec. 8, 2022, Jacobs researched knives online and identified a knife store on Oak Street in New Orleans, Sheriff’s Office Detective Steven Keller testified. Jacobs ordered an Uber to take him from the Travelodge to the store.

Jacobs bought two knives and a sweatshirt in which to conceal them. He had considered walking to a nearby park to commit the killing or targeting his first Uber driver But he decided against it after realizing he would need a ride back to the hotel, according to Keller Jacobs ordered a second Uber to transport him to the Travelodge. Dillion accepted the fare, authorities said.

When Jacobs was later asked why he targeted Dillion, Keller told the court, “He said he didn’t choose the victim; Uber did.”

Without warning

With Jacobs on the back seat, Dillion arrived at the hotel about 3 p.m. Without warning, authorities say he lunged forward and attacked, stabbing her repeatedly in the neck

Jacobs stepped out of the vehicle and recorded the bloody aftermath with his cellphone, livestreaming the video through his Facebook account, Keller testified. A hotel em-

BY JOHN POPE Contributing writer

Dorothy Prevost, the mother of one of the four Black girls who desegregated New Orleans’ public schools in 1960, died Friday She was 94. Prevost, who lived in LaPlace, died of kidney failure, her daughter Tory Prevost said.

“She loved people,” Tory Prevost said of her mother. “She was about social justice and equality and wanted the best for children.”

In deciding to send her daughter to desegregate an all-White school, “my mother saw it not as a political act, but as a moral one,” she said.

On Nov 14, 1960, six years after the U.S Supreme Court ruled that segregated public schools are unconstitutional, Dorothy Prevost’s

rested more than 120 people over Mardi Gras, dozens of whom were also released on their own recognizance.

Still, Levine ultimately ordered LaBeouf to pay bail after reading the key details of a new police report on LaBeouf’s arrest, which included more information about one victim’s injuries and LaBeouf’s alleged homophobic comments.

Though Chervinsky argued that the details of LaBeouf’s arrest were included in the NOPD’s initial gist, Levine responded, “This was not information the court had whatsoever.”

LaBeouf sat quietly beside his lawyer following the hearing, signing a few documents before exiting the courtroom at her side. They parted ways at the courthouse entrance, where LaBeouf dodged a crowd of reporters and sprinted down Tulane Avenue without comment.

Several reporters chased after him until he crossed Broad Street. Chervinsky did not immediately respond to a request for comment

ployee who noticed the commotion asked what happened when she spotted Dillion bleeding.

The employee told detectives Jacobs ignored questions and calmly walked away, Keller testified. Dillion was rushed to a hospital, but she died of her injuries.

Detectives identified Jacobs as a suspect after contacting Uber They discovered he was a registered guest at the hotel and pinged his cellphone, Keller said. He was later arrested when he stepped outside of his room to smoke a cigarette.

While awaiting trial, Jacobs was treated for more than a year at the East Louisiana State Hospital in Jackson after Faulkner ruled him incompetent to stand trial in May 2023. He was found competent enough to proceed in October 2024

On Wednesday, Jacobs sat quietly in the jury box, clad in an orange inmate jumpsuit and a pair of black glasses. He turned his chair from side to side during testimony, keeping his eyes on the witness box.

It did not appear that any of Dillion’s relatives were present for the trial. Jacobs’ parents watched from the gallery

After the trial, when he was being led back to the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center, he softly said, “I love you,” to his mother and father as they stood in the hallway

Email Michelle Hunter at mhunter@theadvocate.com.

daughter Tessie, along with Gail Etienne and Leona Tate, integrated McDonogh No. 19 Elementary School, and Ruby Bridges entered William Frantz Elementary School. Because of the hostility surrounding this major change in public education, all four girls, who became known as the “New Orleans Four,” received federal protection In a statement, the Urban League of Louisiana saluted Dorothy Prevost’s “bravery, selflessness and steadfast dedication to equality so that future generations would have access to greater opportunity and justice.

“Because of women like Dorothy Prevost, barriers were broken and opportunities expanded for countless young people across our nation Her legacy will continue to inspire our work and remind us that

true change requires both courage and sacrifice.”

To preserve that the legacy of the “New Orleans Four,” Dorothy Prevost helped establish the New Orleans Four Legacy Collection

The Legislature last year passed a resolution honoring her commitment to social justice to acknowledge the role that New Orleans played in the Civil Rights Movement, said state Rep. Alonzo Knox, D-New Orleans.

Dorothy Prevost, a graduate of Booker T. Washington High School, worked as a seamstress, her daughter said.

Tessie Prevost Williams died in 2024. In addition to Tory Prevost, survivors include two grandchildren. Charbonnet-Labat-Glapion Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, which are incomplete.

Ex-Gretna chief won’t return to brewpub board

Ruling allows group meetings to advance project

BY LARA NICHOLSON Staff writer

Former Gretna Police Chief Arthur Lawson will not be reinstated onto the economic development corporation overseeing the controversial Gretna brewpub project, a judge ruled Tuesday morning.

Judge Donald “Chick” Foret, of the 24th Judicial District Court, ruled Tuesday that the Jefferson Parish Council’s unanimous vote last January to replace Lawson with Jeff Adam Sr on the board for Jefferson Facilities Inc. was done lawfully, despite the original resolution failing to explicitly say Adam would replace Lawson. The ruling also dissolved a temporary restraining order that had prohibited Jefferson Facilities Inc. from conducting meetings ahead of Tuesday’s hearing, preventing the company from moving forward on the controversial project to build a $10 million brewpub using parish funds in downtown Gretna as its tenant, Port Orleans Brewing Co., threatens to sue for breach of contract.

“We disagree, but we respect the judge’s ruling,” said Lawson’s attorney, Stephen Petit. “We’ll evaluate our options with our client and what he believes is best.”

Lawson, who retired last year after two decades in elected office, sued JFI and the parish last month after the Parish Council approved his replacement under a resolution authored by District 1 member Timothy Kerner Jr., who represents Gretna and has been at odds with Lawson over the past year

“From the beginning, we knew that we followed the bylaws as they were written, and the council exercised their authority consistent with the parish charter and bylaws,” Kerner said in a phone interview after the hearing

Petit said the resolution did not explicitly state that Adam would replace Lawson, and that the council unlawfully added a fourth member to the board as a result.

He also claimed the council likely wouldn’t have voted in favor had they known of the replacement of Lawson, although Kerner said the entire council was aware of the replacement at the time of the vote.

“This is terribly sloppy,” Foret said. “With all the politics that are involved in this, and all the subplots and everything, don’t you think somebody should have been a little more careful in following the prior notices and done it exactly the same? I think so.” Foret was the only judge in the 24th Judicial District Court who did not recuse himself from the case, according to court records. Kerner said Lawson’s replacement would allow for an “independent” board to review the brewpub project and its various contracts, which he’s been considering asking JFI and the council to cancel the project after discovering that the project could not act as the local match for a state-funded parking garage to be built nearby

But Kerner’s opponents argue that it’s too late to change course, as the building is 60% complete, and that doing so would result in expensive lawsuits from the project’s contractors and tenants. State lawmakers representing Jefferson Parish also say they could find other solutions in the upcoming legislative session.

Port Orleans Brewing Co. sent JFI a notice of breach of contract on Jan. 30 for failure to order brewpub equipment in a timely manner, and again threatened litigation at a Parish Council meeting earlier this month.

Andrew Lilly, an attorney and coowner of Port Orleans, said after Tuesday’s hearing that he expects JFI to order that equipment by the end of this week now that the temporary injunction is dissolved.

“JFI seems to be very empowered by this and now they can act,” Lilly said. “I’m hoping that they act, they go and order equipment for us, and they allow us to do the lease.”

JFI was also at the center of a discussion at the Parish Council meeting Wednesday, where a proposed resolution sought to change its makeup to give each of the three West Bank council members their own appointment beginning in 2028.

Parish Council member Deano Bonano, author of the resolution, previously stated he’s interested in utilizing the economic development corporation for the redevelopment of Hope Haven’s campus. But Jefferson Parish Inspector General Kim Chatelain, who has been a staunch opponent to the brewpub, sent a letter to the council ahead of the meeting requesting a deferral, saying her office is working on reports about JFI that could help the council’s decisionmaking once published.

BASEBALL

Continued from page 1B

The building at the intersection of South Broad Street and Thalia Street was once known as the Gem Theater, which catered to Black audiences during segregation from 1952 to 1960, according to the Preservation Resource Center The city recognized it as a historic landmark in 2009. After years of neglect, the 12,000-square-foot theater was converted to a brewery and tap room in

“All the medications listed in the warrant, Ms. Smith-Katsanis has prescriptions for, and she has been under the care of psychiatrists for

“Ms. Katsanis was displaying slurred speech, along with failure to maintain focus while speaking and unable to remain on topic,” states the affidavit signed Tuesday by Magistrate Judge Juana Lombard. “She continually stopped speaking mid conversation and closed her eyes with fatigue mannerisms.” Micheu said Smith-Katsanis did not appear to have a history of driving under the influence or traffic violations. Her attorney, Brian Capitelli, said she surrendered to authorities and emphasized her lack of criminal history at her Thursday bail hearing.

2016, but that business closed two years later Ritter and another local brewer took it over in 2019, turning Zony Mash into a brewery with live music and other events. The site consists of the former theater building and adjoining cityowned lot that Ritter leases. The baseball diamond, which is to include netting to prevent balls from flying off the property would be built on the lot. The council measure on Thursday provides a broad zoning exception allowing for the outdoor use and grants a significant parking waiver, reducing the requirement from 88 to 33 spaces.

decades now,” Capitelli told Magistrate Judge Jay Daniels, who set bail at $200,000 and ordered her not to drive if she posts bail. Capitelli had no further comment other than to express his sorrow over Ohlmeyer’s death. If convicted of vehicular homicide, Smith-Katsanis faces up to 30 years in prison. Anyone with information about the crash may contact the NOPD Traffic Fatality Unit at (504) 6586205.

Ritter will still need approval for final development plans. C. Hunter King, who owns a nearby empty lot, said he is thrilled with Ritter’s plans to convert the space into a baseball-focused venue. King said he plans to turn his property into a paid parking lot, with discounts for Ritter’s customers. King noted that, while Louisiana fields competitive college baseball teams, the sport takes a back seat to football in the state’s largest city

“If we don’t nurture young people in terms of playing baseball, they’re all going to go to Alabama, Tennessee and Mississippi,” King said.

Timothy Madden, JFI’s attorney, argued the board’s bylaws only allow members to serve for the duration of the parish president’s term, or “until their successors have been appointed.”

Because Lawson was appointed to the board in 2021 during Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng’s previous term, and because the other two members were appointed during her second term, Madden said Lawson was the only one who could be replaced by the resolution.

Attorneys for JFI and the parish, as well as Kerner, later clarified Lawson’s name was not included in the original resolution as a “professional courtesy” so as not to “embarrass” him.

Foret sided with JFI and the parish after more than two hours of oral arguments, but not without chiding Kerner for his handling of the situation and for only notifying Lawson of the new appointment via text message after attempting to call him. Previous resolutions to replace board members included provisions to send notice to all parties.

Bonano agreed to defer the resolution, but only after he and some other council members accused Chatelain of acting politically by critiquing his resolution, but not the recent changes spurred by Kerner

“The hypocrisy of the IG’s Office is real. It’s very, very real,” Bonano said. “It’s about which council member proposes the legislation and not what the legislation does.” Chatelain denied her motivation was political, and asked for respect from the council.

LOTTERY WEDNESDAY, FEB 25, 2026

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La. regulators reject data center probe

Groups sought review of Meta’s financing

BY JOSIE ABUGOV Staff writer

Louisiana regulators rejected a request Wednesday from environmental and consumer advocacy groups to investigate Meta’s financing for its massive data center in the state’s northeast.

The tech company’s new financial arrangement has left a separate company, rather than Meta itself, as the majority owner of the data center in Richland Parish. The advocacy groups allege the arrangement increases the risk that other ratepayers will be forced to cover the costs of three new natural gas-fired plants being built to power the facility, which will be the tech company’s biggest data center worldwide.

Two nonprofit groups the Alliance for Affordable Energy and the Union of Concerned Scientists, urged the state’s utility regulators to probe how the financing setup could affect ratepayers and whether Meta or Entergy misled elected officials during the controversial power plan approval process.

The Louisiana Public Service Commission, the elected body responsible for regulating utilities, greenlit the plan to construct the electricity plants and other infrastructure to serve the giant AI data center Entergy, which is building the electricity infrastructure, called

the allegations from the nonprofits

“nothing more than baseless conjecture” in the company’s filed response. Entergy leadership stressed that the new financing structure does not affect Meta’s previous commitments.

“At the end of the day, I owe it to my customers to make sure they don’t pick up the tab,” Larry Hand, a vice president at Entergy, told the regulators at Wednesday’s commission meeting. “That’s why we have that guarantee from Meta. It is unconditional and irrevocable.”

The regulators decided to not take up a probe into the issue. Davante Lewis, the sole commissioner on the five-person body who opposed Entergy’s power plan for the facility, noted that the regulators can investigate the issue in the future if new information arises.

The nonprofit groups called the decision a missed opportunity to fully examine the impacts of the financial setup.

“By dismissing this motion, the PSC is giving the green light to more tech companies to use this kind of financial maneuvering to maximize profits while evading public accountability,” said Susan Miller, an attorney for the environmental firm Earthjustice representing the nonprofits.

A spokesperson for Meta could not be reached for comment

The data center project has been welcomed by Gov Jeff Landry and other officials as an economic boon to an impoverished part of the state. Concerns have however per-

sisted over its electricity and water use, among other issues.

On the day the Louisiana regulators approved Meta’s power plan, the tech company “fundamentally changed” the financial setup of the data center, Miller said. Meta teamed with a private equity firm, Blue Owl, in a deal to help it offset financial risk and guarantees a profit for Blue Owl, according to The Wall Street Journal.

The restructuring essentially gives the private equity company majority ownership of the data center and makes Meta a tenant, able to exit the lease every four years for up to 20 years. Key to the nonprofits’ concern is

empty float

riders were ejected, accused of intentionally throwing beads ‘in an

the parade route.’

Proposed bead bill would punish float riders for injuries

BY DOUG MacCASH Staff writer

Prompted by incidents during this year’s Carnival season, a LaPlace-area legislator has filed a bill that would punish Mardi Gras float riders who throw objects “in a manner that is foreseeable to cause injury to another person.”

six months in prison for incidents that cause minor injuries, and at least $2,000 and one to three years imprisonment for violations that cause serious bodily injury

Democratic State Rep. Sylvia Taylor’s House Bill 397 would fine riders $500 for reckless throwing. Penalties would increase to $1,000 and up to

On Fat Tuesday, a Zulu float rider struck a 4-yearold child with a bottle of alcohol, causing an injury that required three staples to the child’s head.

On Feb. 8, 41 members of the Krewe of Carrollton were removed from their float by the New Orleans Police Department and accused of intentionally throwing

beads “in an aggressive manner toward officers along the parade route.”

A week later, all of the riders on a Krewe of Thoth float were ejected, also for allegedly throwing beads at members of the parade audience who displayed signs opposing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The bill is being reviewed by the House Administration of Criminal Justice Committee The next legislative session starts March 9. Email Doug MacCash at dmaccash@theadvocate.com.

Mardi Gras pickpocketing ring busted

BY MISSY WILKINSON Staff writer

A New York woman who reported a relative missing during Carnival ended up under arrest, along with four others in an alleged pickpocketing ring that authorities say targeted French Quarter revelers, according to New Orleans police.

Rosa Freire, 59, was booked into the Orleans Justice Center on Feb. 15, two days before Fat Tuesday

She faces more than 70 counts, including principal theft, illegal possession of stolen property, identity theft and access device fraud, court records show. Christian Noela 31 Fernanda Almagro, 24, Joselyn Soque, 29, and Andres Ambo Chacaguasay, 18, were also arrested on multiple counts tied to the scheme.

New Orleans police said Freire went to the 8th District Station in

the French Quarter early Feb. 15 to report Chacaguasay missing.

Officers told her the teen was in jail and she left the station, according to an arrest report. Chacaguasay had been arrested on multiple counts of possession of stolen property and matched the description of a suspect in a wanted bulletin police had circulated a day earlier

The NOPD used surveillance camera footage, including from nonprofit crime camera system Project NOLA, to “backtrack Freire’s movements” from the station to her red Jeep SUV, which they located at a Motel 6 parking lot in the Desire area, according to an arrest report

Detectives obtained a search warrant for room 215, where they found 71 cellphones, including “dozens wrapped in aluminum foil as a makeshift Faraday bag to prevent tracking software on

most cellphones,” according to the report. At Freire’s bail hearing in Orleans Parish Criminal District Court on Thursday, public defender Bernadette Fox argued that the evidence was circumstantial. A translator communicated to Freire, who speaks Spanish.

“My client was looking for a relative,” Fox said. “Police then followed her home and searched her hotel room without her knowledge, where at least five or more people were living in one room. And then what is left is a series of circumstantial evidence. It doesn’t clearly implicate my client.”

Some stolen phones were unclaimed as of last week. Anyone who believes their phone was stolen may call the NOPD at (504) 658-6080 or visit the department’s 8th District headquarters at 334 Royal St.

that a new entity — majority owned by Blue Owl is now the parent company of the Meta subsidiary, called Laidley, that originally entered into the agreement for the electricity plants. As a result of the new financial structure the nonprofits argue, various ratepayer protections that had been guaranteed by Meta are now called into question.

The four-year term is a fraction of the 15-year contract that the Louisiana regulators approved, though that length also worried opponents.

The three gas plants that Entergy is building have a lifespan of up to 40 years, the nonprofits argued over a monthslong approval process,

potentially leaving ratepayers on the hook for some costs of the new infrastructure if the tech company leaves.

Entergy maintains the new structure changes nothing about the contract with the subsidiary company or any of the already established ratepayer protections. The 15-year contract remains in full force, Hand told the regulators, as do other financial backstops intended to safeguard ratepayers.

Meta has agreed to cover the full annual cost of the power plants for at least 15 years, though the costs of other electricity infrastructure will be shared by all of Entergy’s ratepayers.

Hand, the Entergy vice president, also said he did not know about Meta’s deal with Blue Owl until the announcement, but that the issue of financing routinely comes up for large industrial projects.

“I can’t say I am completely unaware or surprised that Laidley endeavored to do some sort of financing that happens all the time,” Hand said.

Private credit arrangements, such as Meta’s deal with Blue Owl, have contributed to concerns of a financial bubble forming as a result of the fast-growing AI industry Blue Owl’s stock has taken a hit this year and the firm recently announced it would restrict withdrawals from one of its private credit funds, Bloomberg reported. Email Josie Abugov at josie. abugov@theadvocate.com.

LSU may reinstate test score requirement

Admission change considered for flagship

campus

BY HALEY MILLER Staff writer

As enrollment and the number of applicants to LSU soars, the Board of Supervisors is weighing whether to abandon its test-optional policy and reinstate the use of standardized test scores for admission to the flagship campus in Baton Rouge.

The amendment to admissions policies, attached to the Friday Board of Supervisors meeting agenda, said the test score requirement supports “student success initiatives” and follows the trend of other state flagships and peers in the Southeastern Conference.

The Baton Rouge campus offers prospective students the option to include their SAT or ACT scores in their application for admission and university-administered scholarships.

“The best indication of student success on a collegiate level is their high school performance — the grades they earn and the rigor of their coursework,” a Frequently Asked Questions page about the policy reads.

The board initially waived standardized testing requirements in December 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The test-optional policy was formalized in June 2022 as part of a wave across higher education questioning the utility of test scores and whether they can predict future performance. Critics of standardized testing argued that the practice disadvantaged students without access to test preparation resources and discounted oth-

er indicators of academic potential.

But LSU now says the data does not support disregarding test results entirely

“From 2021-2024, average retention rates for students who were admitted as test-optional applicants were 4.3% lower than test-inclusive students,” the proposed policy says. “Similarly, average first-term GPAs for test-optional students are 0.29 points lower than their test-inclusive counterparts with comparable GPAs.”

If the board votes to recenter test scores in admissions, LSU would join a host of institutions reversing course on pandemic-driven testing policies.

The amendment would apply only to the Baton Rouge campus. LSU at Eunice and LSU at Alexandria are currently test-optional, while LSU in Shreveport maintains a testing requirement.

Test scores are still mandatory for the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students, the state scholarship program run by the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance, regardless of institutions’ individual testing policies.

The proposal comes as LSU sees skyrocketing interest from prospective students across the country

Over 62,000 potential incoming freshmen have applied this cycle, university officials say, compared with 18,122 in 2016. A staggering 82% of applicants reside out of state.

The reinstatement of test scores would roll out in two phases, according to the proposed policy For the summer 2027 semester, potential students with cumulative weighted GPAs below 3.5 would need to submit test scores with their application Starting for the summer of 2028, all applicants would be required to include test results.

BY BOB WARREN Staff writer

One suspect has been arrested and others are being sought in a dogfighting operation in rural Tangipahoa Parish, authorities said The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office said in a news release that the dogfighting operation was uncovered over the weekend, operating on property in Roseland, which is north of Amite.

Deputies acting on a tip about 8 p.m. Saturday arrived at the site to find more than a dozen people scattering, the Sheriff’s Office said. Deputies found a ring, a scale and a program featuring dogs to be fought. They also found a dog in bad physical condition Alfred Dyson, 64, who authorities said owned the property, was

booked on counts of dog fighting and cruelty to animals. Several vehicles abandoned when the crowd scattered were seized and are being processed to determine who owns them, the Sheriff’s Office said. Tangipahoa Parish Animal Services took in two dogs for medical evaluation and treatment.

Detectives are asking anyone with information about anyone involved with Saturday’s incident or prior similar activities there, as well as any information about where the dogs involved may have come from, to contact the Criminal Investigations Office at (985) 902-2088. Tips can also go to the Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa tip line at (800) 554-5245 or tangicrimestoppers.com. Tips submitted directly through Crimestoppers may be eligible for a cash reward. 1

2026

nola.com

The Times-Picayune NewOrleans Area Deaths

Bell, Eddie

Booker, Perlie

De La Rose,Sonja

Demas, Susan

Durant,Stephanie

Edwards, Beverly

Ellis,Fannie

Henry, Bobby

HolmesSr.,Willie

Illg,Sharon

Judlin,Mary

Knapper, Clara

Lemoine, Robyn

LenoirSr.,Johnny

Lewis, Derick

Newman, Lloyd

O’Connor,Dottie

Parquet, Leonard

Pendarvis,Louis

PittmanJr.,Michael

Robb, Glen

Tinson, Delores

Tyson, Henry NewOrleans

Boyd Family

Booker, Perlie

Lewis, Derick

Charbonnet

Bell, Eddie

De La Rose,Sonja

Demas, Susan

DW Rhodes

HolmesSr.,Willie

Tyson, Henry Greenwood

Illg,Sharon

Lake Lawn Metairie

Judlin,Mary

Majestic Mortuary

LenoirSr.,Johnny O’Connor,Dottie

Robb, Glen

St Tammany

Audubon

Pendarvis,Louis West Bank

DavisMortuary

Henry, Bobby Knapper, Clara Robinson FH Tinson, Delores

Obituaries

Bell, EddieLee

EddieLee Bell,age 90, a native of Woodville, MS, enteredeternal rest on Fri‐day, February 13, 2026. Son of thelateWillie, Sr.and Mary ElizaTolliverBell. De‐votedhusband of thelate LillieBell. Mr.Bellwas a 1956 graduate of Booker T. Washington High School in NewOrleans,LAand served sixyears in theU.S Army.Healsoattended Dil‐lard University,where he received aBachelor of Arts degree. Eddieworkedas an insuranceagent for many yearsand later changedcareerstowork as aStillmanatTenneco Oilrefinery andMobil Oil Company. Afterretiring, he enjoyedhis favorite pas‐times, huntingand fishing. Eddiewas adevoutchrist‐ian, whoservedfaithfully at OldZionBaptist Church whereheattended with his family formanyyears.He laterunitedwithLiving Waters BaptistChurch and finally MountHermonBap‐tist Church,where he faith‐fully served on theDeacon Board, MenofValor and

mentoringthe youth. In ad‐dition to hiswifeand par‐ents,Eddieisalsopre‐cededindeath by siblings DeborahBadon,Willieand Albert Bell. Survivorsin‐cludehis children,Michael Bell (Monika) andMelissa Fleming; grandchildren, Mariamaand Kyla Fleming, ZakiriaMason,Zoe and Izaiah Bell; great-grand‐son, JamesLaughlin; de‐votedsister, Rosa Breas‐hears; friends, Gwendolyn Faye Dureseau andCalvin T. Spears,aswellasa host of nieces,nephews,other relativesand friends. A Celebrationservice honor‐ingthe life andlegacyof thelateEddieLee Bell will be held at Mount Hermon BaptistChurch,2153 N. BroadSt.,New Orleans, LA at 10 am.Interment Mount Olivet Cemetery.Visitation 9aminthe church.Please sign online guestbook at www.charbonnetfuneralho me.com Charbonnet Labat Glapion, Directors(504) 581-4411

Booker,Perlie

Perlie Booker passed awayonFebruary20, 2026 atthe ageof88. Perlie Booker is survived by her son,RickeyBooker Sr.(An‐gela);granddaughter,Cyn‐thiaBooker andLil Perlie Booker;her niece, Tanya Eaglin;her siblings Flora Eaglin,MarthaWaits,Mil‐dredLambert,SibbieHines Gray, Richard Hinesand Clifford Hines. Also sur‐vived by ahostofother rel‐ativesand friends. Pre‐ceded in deathbyher par‐ents, PirtyHalland Cibie Hines Jackson; herhus‐band, JamesDeltBooker; her children,James Booker and CarolynBooker;her brothersVirgilJackson Huey"Pap" Pugh,and James Hines; hersister, WillaMae HinesSpinks. Familyand friendsare in‐vited to attend theCele‐bration of Life Serviceon Saturday, February 28 2026, for11:00 a.m. at Pen‐tecostBaptist Church,1510 Harrison Ave.,New Or‐leans,LA70122. Visitation willbegin at 10:00a.m.Rev StanfordWilliams, officiat‐ing.Interment is private. Guestbook Online:www anewtraditionbegins.com (504)282-0600. Linear BrooksBoydand Donavin D.BoydOwners/FuneralDi‐rectors

De La Rose,Sonja Foucher

SonjaFoucher De La Rose, 82,passed away peacefullyonSaturday, February14, 2026 sur‐rounded by herlovingcare teamat OchsnerBaptist ICUat8:42pmCST.Bornon December14, 1943 in New Orleans,Sonja wasthe el‐destoffourchildrenborn intothe union of thelate Noel, Sr.and Bessie (Moret) Foucher. She began hercareerasaneli‐gibilityCaseWorkerfor the State of LouisianaWelfare Office,after completing StraightBusinessSchool in Treme’, where sheinspired and managedcountless cases formembers of the New Orleanscommunity who needed herservices. Devoted wife of thelate Calvin“Mr.D.” De La Rose, Sr.,for 35 years. Loving motherofShaylaand CalvinDeLaRose, Sr.Sis‐ter of Noel,Jr.,Thaddeus and AvaFoucher.She will berememberedfor her warmsmile,small talk,and generosity. In addition to her children Sonjaalso leavestocherish hermem‐ory ahostofnieces, nephews,cousins near and far,other relativesand friends.Relatives and Friends;Priestand parish‐ionersofStPeter Claver Our Lady of Guadalupeand Immaculate Conception Je‐suitParishes; Staff andem‐ployees of St.Peter Claver School;AlumniofXavier UniversityPreparatory Class of 1960; membersof Disabled American Veter‐

ansand Auxiliaryfrom Chapter #15, #17, #23and Unit#17; Autocrat Social Aid andPleasureClubare invited to attend thefu‐neral.A Mass of Christian burialhonoringthe life and legacyofthe late Sonja Foucher De La Rose will be heldatSt. PeterClaver Catholic Church,1923 St PhilipStreet,New Orleans, LA70116 on Saturday,Feb‐ruary 28, 2026 at 10 am.In‐terment Lake Lawn Ceme‐tery(AllSaintsMau‐soleum),5100 Pontchar‐train Blvd., NewOrleans, LA70124. Visitation 9am withrecitationofthe Holy Rosarytobegin at 9:15 am In lieu of flowers, please makeonlinegifts in honor ofthe late SonjaF.DeLa Rosetothe Dementia Soci‐ety of America, www.Dem entiaSociety.org/donate Please sign online guest‐book at www.charbonnetf uneralhome.com. Charbon‐net LabatGlapion,Direc‐tors(504)581 4411.

Demas, Susan AnnKeligond

SusanAnn Keligond Demas peacefully transi‐tionedtoher heavenly homeonThursday,Febru‐ary 12, 2026. Shewas born onApril 19, 1948, in New Orleans,LA, to theunion of the late Herbert, Sr.and Bernice Morgan Keligond. Ata young age, Susancon‐fessedJesus Christ as the Lordand Savior of herlife. She received herearly edu‐cationatMcDonogh 42 Ele‐mentary School andwas a proud graduate of Joseph S.Clark Senior High School OnJuly24, 1976, Susanen‐tered into holy matrimony withthe love of herlife, the now late Osborn Elliott Demas,Jr.,affectionately known as Michael. From thislovingunion,one daughterwas born,Dawn‐Monique DemasLee. Affec‐tionately knownas"Nana," Susan's grandchildrenand familywereher heart. She was adevoted wife,loving mother, proudgrand‐motherand took great pride in herfamily. She was an inspirationto many, always greetingoth‐ers with awarmsmile, kindwords,openhands ready to help anda loving heart.She nevermet a strangerand waswell known forher cheerful greeting, "Hey,Baby."In additiontoher husband and parents, Susanisalso precededindeath by her siblings, MarieGiles and Herbert Keligond, Jr.; sister and brothers-in-law, Mon‐ica Demas, TerenceDemas and LouisCerre,Jr. In addi‐tiontoher daughter,Those who remain to cherishher preciousmemoriesinclude her soninlaw,Raymond Lee, Jr.; sisters, BeverlyK Wilkerson(Claude)and Marlene K. Murphy (Charles);grandchildren, Gabrielle Michelle Lee, Jaida Rae' Leeand Rayani Trebreh Lee, as well as a hostofnieces, nephews, cousins,other relatives and dear friends. AMassof celebration honoring the lifeand legacy of thelate Susan Demaswillbeheld atSt. Raymond/ St.Leo the GreatCatholicChurch, 2916 ParisAve NewOr‐leans,LA70112 on Satur‐day,February28, 2026 at 10 am. Intermentprivate.Visi‐tation9 am in thechurch Pleasesignonlineguest‐book at charbonnetfuner‐alhome.comCharbonnet Labat Glapion, Directors (504) 581-4411

On Monday, February 16, StephanieBrett Samuel Durant died peacefully at her home in Georgia after alongbattlewitha Parkinson'srelated disease. Her husband Robin BlairDurant was at her side. ANew Orleans native, Stephanie's essence was of NewOrleans. She loved thesound of abrass band

driftingthrougha neighborhood, theperfume of sweetolive in thewind and thespirit of acityshe audaciously promoted and fearlesslyprotected. Stephaniegrewupin theNew Orleans Garden District as thedaughter of art collectorsand pioneering preservationists. She had an early appreciation of fine arts and architecture.Her prodigiousintellect was matched with a wry senseofhumor that stayed with her until the end.Inthe wordsofher longtime friend, Harry Shearer, "She was afunloving gal who livedto crack wise."

Stephanie's education beganatthe laudedMiss Aiken'sSchool on 2nd and Camp.Fromthere she went to Louise S. McGehee School where she formed friendshipsthatlasted her lifetime. She attended Sarah Laurence College andreceived her BA in Communicationsfrom LoyolaUniversity, and her Masters in Drama and Communicationsfrom the University of NewOrleans. Stephanieearnedher PhD in Art, Filmand Intellectual Historyfrom theUniversity of Texas at Austin, where she spent twoyears as an adjunct professor. Stephaniewas adetermined trailblazerinthe Louisiana filmcommunity. She mentored and inspired generations of film professionals.Asa Director of The NewOrleans Office of Filmand Videointhe early 2000's, Stephanieshaped thescale and direction of city filmpolicy, fostering a renaissance in Louisiana filming under thestate's Louisiana FilmTax Credit system. Her direction was informed by acareer in the trenches working as a LocationManagerand Scout on such iconic feature films as "Interview with theVampire, "Pelican Brief," "Blaze," "Cobb," "Johnny Handsome," "Miller's Crossing," "The Apostle, "Lolita," and "Crazyin Alabama." Her prodigious efforts reintroducedthe architectural beauty of NewOrleans and thelandscapes of south Louisiana to anew generationof filmgoers. Stephanie counted among her friends and colleagues such filmmakers as Francis Ford Coppola, RonShelton Lolita Davidovich, Antonio Banderas, Redmond Morris, Mark Childress, John Goodman, Harry Shearer, JudithOwen,

HelenMirren,Taylor Hackford, and hergreat friendthe lateRobert Duval,who died on the same day. Stephanie'sinexorable charm washer profound curiosity anda durable belief in what mightbecreated.She had an innategraciousness, apoise and the rareabilitytoboth connect with people andtoencourage connectionsamongst otherpeople.Stephanie instinctively understoodthe art of living. She kept her placemats in heroven; her dogs on herbed and her heartinher hand,giving it freely to friends, to those less fortunate andtothose whosimply asked.

An early team member of theNew OrleansJazz andHeritage Festival, Stephanie'scommitment to hercommunity and her love of thearts, extended to herworkonseveral important boardsincluding TheAdvisory Board of the NewOrleans FilmFestival, theboards of the Newcomb ArtMuseum, the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, the William Faulkner Society, andthe Advisory Board of the Contemporary Arts Center Shewas the NewOrleans FilmSociety's Celluloid Hero and Citibusiness Woman of the Year.Her accoladesare atreasure troveofaccomplishment andcontribution. Butfar beyond that, Stephanie wasanaccomplished spirit,anaccomplished soul that encouraged others to live theirbest lives andit wasalways hergreat joy to live it with them

In retirement, Stephanie travelled the worldwith herhusband, Robin, exploringFrenchPolynesia, touring Englandand watchingAndyMurray win Wimbledon, attendingthe BeijingOlympics, andferreting outunique art collections wherever they existed. Throughouther life, Stephanie wasanactive andinformed collector herself, amassing acurated cacheofworks by southern artists. Herlove of all music andher deep knowledge of showtunes entertained friends andinvited jovial sing-alongs. A favorite wasa 1925 rendition of "ThePrisoner's Song"fromVernonDalhart favoring theclosing line "IfI hadthe wingsofan angel, over theseprison walls Iwould fly." From those that knew andloved Stephanie, it is withprofoundlove that we send her, on gossamerwings,

over those prison walls. Stephanie is preceded in death by hermother, MarthaAnn Brett Samuel, andher father J. Raymond Samuel,many dear friends too longtolistand her treasured Dalmatian Balthazar. Sheissurvived by herhusband RobinBlair Durant, threestepchildren andfourgrand-children andher dear sister Cynthia AnnSamuel Brockhoeft. Therewill be no formal funeral at Stephanie'srequest. She hasinstead chosentogive herashes to the wind,preferably a SouthSea breeze.A celebration of Stephanie'slife will be held in thenear future.Arrangements are still pending. Please text Virginia for plans as they evolve. If you wouldliketo make acontribution in memory of Stephanie, please consider theOgden Museum of SouthernArt or theNew OrleansFilm Society.

Edwards, Beverly Mae

BeverlyMae Edwards enteredeternal rest on February 13, 2026, at the age of 79. For more than 38 years, she shareda devoted andlovingpartnership with PatrickChaplain Beverlyleaves to cherish hermemory herloving partner, PatrickChaplain; hersister,Carolyn Freeman;her children: Geralita Fox, Cheryl Steptoe,JuneMaria Butler, andGeorge Butler;seven grandchildren: Mahogany Butler,Maurice Fox Jr., Ivan Bailey,George Butler IV,BrandonButler, Melvin Butler,and Delvin Butler, alongwith oneson-in-law, Maurice Fox Sr.; eighteen great-grandchildren;and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and dear friends. Shewas preceded in death by herfather,Walter Davenport;her mother, Beatrice Steptoe;Alvin and Joyce Davenport;Delores andEdward White; KennethWhite; and Edward Davenport. Beverly's life wasa reflection of service,faith, dignity, andlove. She lived fully,

loved deeply, and left an enduring legacy in the hearts of all who knew her Family and friends are invited to attend a Homegoing Celebration on Saturday,February 28, 2026, for 10:00 a.m. at the Marine &Mt. Moriah Church, 3024 Andover St. Jefferson, LA 70121. Reverand Kevlin White Sr. officiating. Interment will follow at Providence Memorial Park & Mausoleum, 8200 Airline Dr. Metairie, LA 70003

1934 -2026

NEW ORLEANS, LA

Fannie Cecelia Toney Ellis, alifelong resident of New Orleans, passed away on February 18, 2026. Born on December 25, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Claiborne L. and Alice Eve Toney. Agraduateand Valedictorian of BookerT Washington Senior High School, Mrs. Ellisdedicated her life to the service of others. She earned her nursing license from Nightingale Nursing School and was adevoted, lifelong member of Blessed Sacrament St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church. Her extensive community service included the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary Court No. 22, the Altar Society, and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Ellis, Sr., her parents Claiborne and Alice Eve Toney and her siblings Lawrence Toney and Alice Toney Davis. She is survived by her four children: Ethel Ellis (Clarence) Wilson Jr., Gerardette Ellis, Edward (Tanya)Ellis, and Melvin Ellis; three grandchildren, Clarita (Antonio) Alphonse Sr., Alfred J. Wilson, and Edward M. Ellis III; and five great-grandchildren.

Service Information Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Blessed Sacrament St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 8321 Burthe St., New Orleans LA.

Visitation: 8:30 AM

Mass of ChristianBurial: 10:00AM

Interment: St. Mary's Cemetery

BobbyHenry wascalled homebythe Lord at River‐bendNursing andRehabili‐tationCenteronMonday, February16, 2026, at the age of 70. He wasa native and resident of NewOr‐leans,LA. “Bothy", as he was affectionately known tofamilyand friends, was a graduate of L. B. Landry HighSchool.Hewas avi‐brant,lovingand compas‐sionate person,Heshared anunconditional love for his familyand friends. Bobby nevermet a stranger, becauseoncein‐troducedtosomeone,he quickly made them feel liketheywerelongtime friends.Beloved sonof MarionVarnado andthe lateArthur Matthew. Lov‐ing brotherofLawrence (Thelma)Henry,Ricky and Craig Lambert, Desiree (Andre) Lewis, Sharon (Chanc) Brooks, Donna (Ronald)Hodges, Tyra (Li‐onel) McDonald,Samantha (Kevin) Barker,and thelate JaniceRossand Gail Shan‐non.Alsocherishing his memoriesare ahostof aunts,uncles, nieces, nephews,cousins,other relatives andfriends.Rela‐tives andfriends of the familyalsopastors,offi‐cers, membersofAsbury UnitedMethodist Church and allneighboring churchesare invitedtoat‐tendthe FuneralService at AsburyUnitedMethodist Church, 2725 Ernest Street, New Orleans, LA on Satur‐day,February28, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Visitation will begin at 8:30 a.m. untilser‐vicetimeatthe church.In‐terment:Woodlawn Park MemorialCemetery-West‐wego, LA.Arrangementsby Davis Mortuary Service, 230 Monroe St Gretna,LA. To view andsignthe guest‐

book,pleasegotowww davismortuaryservice.com. me/live. Visitation will beginat1:00pm. Please visitwww.rhodesfuneral. comtoshare condolences andsignthe guestbook

Holmes Sr., WillieHenry

Willie HenryHolmes, Sr affectionately knownas “Snipe”and “Champ”, to hisfamily, friends, andfor‐merriverfrontco-workers. He wasone of eightchil‐dren,bornon August 5, 1935, in Natchez, MS,tothe late FrankHolmesand ClaraDunbarFreeman.He wasa true countryboy and lovedtellingthe same sto‐ries over andoveragain abouthis upbringing in Natchez. Forthose who knew himverywell, these storiesnever changedand will foreverbeembedded in ourmemories! Many did notknowthatWilliewas a songwriter andrecorded severallovesongs back in the1960's. He lovedto paintscenery like thefa‐mous painter, BobRoss (withthe iconic Afro). He bakedbeautiful cakes, made jewelry--rings outof nut bolts, belt buckleswith coins, leatherlaced wal‐lets,and moneyclips. He also lovedtoshoot pool fish,playhis piano, har‐monica,and guitar.At90 yearsold,hewas so proud of thefactthathewas neveronany prescription medications. He took great care of himself, wasal‐ways neat,clean,smelled good,and wore wellstarched clothes. He even operated on himselfat times--yes,operated, whichalsoincluded stitches!Heexercised often, lovedworking in the yard,cutting down trees, andwas stillmowingthe lawn.Hewas able to fix anything--hewas indeed a jack of alltrades! Funny fact:Overthe decades, he celebrated threedifferent birthdates August 3rd, Au‐gust 5th, andAugust10th. AfterHurricane Katrina, he found that histruebirth‐daywas August 5th! So confusing, that many fam‐ilymembers couldnot re‐member hisbirthday! He relocatedfromNatchez to NewOrleans in the1950's at age15. He wasa long‐time employee of theNew OrleansEmployers -Inter‐national Longshoremen’s Associationand worked as aLongshoremanonthe riverfront from 1961 until hisretirementin1997. He wasunitedinholymatri‐mony to Nevada McKnight, andtheyhad been married for65years.Heand Nevada residedinNew Or‐leansfor well over 70 years. In 2019, they gave up everything they knew and had, demonstratinguncon‐ditional,brave,and selfless love by relocating to Cony‐ers, GA,for thesolepur‐pose of caring fortheir ail‐ingtwindaughter, Rhonda He departed this life on Wednesday, January7, 2026, at home in Conyers, GA.Hewas preceded in deathbyhis parentsand hisstepson,Michael Oshay McKnight.Hewas the last survivingchild of eightsib‐lings: twosisters,Eliza “Mondora”DunbarJohn‐sonand Eloise “Mymee” Holmes Harris; five broth‐ers, Walter “Polk” Sanders, Clay “Dudda”Wilkins Grant“Nuug”Dunbar, Jr., Levi Dunbar;and James “Mud”Wilkins.Those left to celebratehis life and cherishhis memories are hisbeloved wife,Nevada McKnight Holmes,Conyers, GA;three children:a son, Willie HenryHolmes,Jr., (Gwendolen)Columbus, GA;twindaughters Rhonda Holmes Jayroe (the late John Henry) Conyers, GA andCharleston, SC; WandaHolmesNunn (Ersk‐ine, Jr.),Apopka, FL;four grandchildren: Willie Henry Holmes,III, Columbus,GA; Bianca Holmes Thomas Columbus,GA; TysonMcK‐night, Fairburn,GA; Erskine Nunn, III, Apopka,FL; and Ashley Nunn Scoltock-Gar‐cia, Apopka,FL; five great grandchildren: Rylie Holmes,NevaehThomas, Maverick Thomas,Nadia Williams,Aidan Williams andIvy Scoltock-Garcia; twoveryspecial nieces: Vera Smoot,Natchez,MS andThelmaMontgomeryDaniels, Natchez, MS;a very specialgreat niece, Nicole Blackwell, Snellville GA;daughters-in-law, a host of loving nieces nephews, greatnieces, greatnephews,cousins andother relativesand friends. HisMemorialSer‐vice will be held at D.W. Rhodes FuneralHome, 3933 Washington Avenue on Sat‐urday, February 28, 2026, at 2:00 pm.The memorial Ser‐vice will be livestreamed by visiting www.facebook com/D.W.RhodesFuneralHo

Illg,SharonHoerner

Sharon HoernerIllg, of Metairie, Louisiana, en‐tered into hereternal rest onSunday, February 22, 2026, after a15-year battle withParkinson’s.She was 75years old. Born on Sep‐tember29, 1950, Sharon was alifelongresidentof Jefferson Parish.She grad‐uated from Archbishop ChapelleHighSchool be‐foreearning herdegreein ElementaryEducation from the University of NewOr‐leans.Sharonwas adedi‐cated educator,spending 35years within theJeffer‐son Parish Public School System. Themajorityof her career wasspent at Audubon Elementary in Kenner, where shetouched countless lives. Sharon is rememberedasa deeply supportiveand loving motherand grandmother. She andher husband of 41 years,Bob (Bobby),trav‐eledtovisit theirgrand‐childrenasmuchaspossi‐ble,attendingtheir many athleticand musical eventsand cherishing every opportunity to be to‐gether. Sharon is survived byher husband,Bob Illg; her children,BradVicknair (Renee),Brent Vicknair (Kirsten),and stepdaugh‐ter RobynIllgDansereau (DeganSr.); andsiblings, Barbara Bruno (Jim), Maria Taylor(Gary), herbrother, Bryan (Diana), andKaraEs‐quivel(Raul). Shewas the proud grandmotherof Nathan, Tyler, Bronson, Britton,Anna,Ella, Mary Degan Jr., andLucille.She was preceded in deathby her parents, Juanitaand TheodoreHoerner Sr., and her brother, Theodore “Ted” HoernerJr. Relatives and friendsare invitedto visit Greenwood Funeral Home, 5200 CanalBlvd. New Orleans, LA 70124 on Monday, March2,2026, for Services. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. fol‐lowed by aCatholicservice at1:00p.m.Sharonwillbe laidtorestinGreenwood Cemeteryalongside her parents andbrother,Ted Following services,there willbea receptionat Greenwood FuneralHome. Weinviteyou to shareyour thoughts, fond memories, and condolencesonlineat www.greenwoodfh.com

Mary EllenJudlin, 70, of NewOrleans, entered into eternal rest peacefully on February 23, 2026, surrounded by her family Mary Ellenwas born on May8,1955, in New Orleans to Madeleine Sophie Caire Grenier and Charles DesireGrenier Jr She attended Academy of theSacred Heart from kindergarten through twelfth grade. She later attendedLouisianaState University and went on to graduatefrom University of NewOrleans in 2005 with aBachelor of Science in Finance. She also earned her CertifiedFinancial Services Auditor(CFSA) certification. Ellendevoted more than four decadestoa distinguishedcareer in banking and financial services.She worked for nearly 20 years at Hibernia National Bank and was part of the2005 merger with Capital One After several years with Omni Bank, she accepted thepositionofAudit Director at Fidelity HomesteadBank in 2010. In 2016, she was promoted to theposition of SeniorVice President and Director of Internal Audit forFidelity Bank. In June 2024, she retired, looking forward to spending moretime with her family and lovedones. Beyond her professional accomplishments,Ellen was alovingmother,

known forher effervescence,warmth, and vibrant spirit. She was truly afriend to everyone and never met aperson she didn't getalong with. Her kindness,laughter, and genuine interest in others left alasting impressionon allwho knew her. She also gave back to her community as adedicated member of theEast St.Tammany Habitat forHumanity Board, reflecting her generous heart and commitment to servingothers. As amember of the Women of Distinction, nicknamed the Rosies", after thefamous WWIIiconRosie the Riveter,Ellen helpedto promote and support the Habitatmission in 2018. She also volunteered at the annualHogsfor Cause Fundraiser and Festival, which raises money forpediatricbrain cancer. Ellen willbedeeply missed by her family, friends, colleagues, and all whose livesshe touched. She is preceded in death by her parents, Charles D. "Ray" Grenier Jr. of New Orleans and Madeleine Sophie Grenier of Edgard, LA.Ellen is survivedbyher long-term partner Robert Pearcy, and her children, Rebecca Bourg, Brandon Bourgand Rachel Judlin. She is also survivedbysisters and brother, Margaret Ann d'Hemecourt(Bob), RosemaryGrenier Eigen (Barry),Charles Grenier (Julie) and ElizabethGarcia (Armando),and several nieces and nephews. Memorial Mass willbe celebrated at theChapel at theAcademy of theSacred Heart at 4521 St. Charles Ave, NewOrleans, LA 70115, on Saturday, February 28th at 10:00am, with visitationstartingat 9:00am. ACelebrationof Ellen'slife willfollow at the Southern YachtClub at 105 NRoadway St,New Orleans, LA 70124, from 12:00pm to 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers,donationsto theEast St.Tammany Habitat forHumanityor Academy of theSacred Heart are preferred. The family invites youtoshare your thoughts, fond memories,and condolences online, at www.dignitymemor ial.com.

ClaraMae Webb-Knap‐per,age 90, enteredeternal restonTuesday,February 17, 2026, surrounded by her lovingfamily. Shewas a nativeofWaterproof,LA and aresidentofMarrero, LA. Clarawillberemem‐bered forher loving spirit, home-cooked meals, cakes madefromscratch,and in‐fectioushumor that warmedeveryonearound her.Beloved wife of 50 years to thelateJoseph Knapper,Sr. Loving mother ofAudrey(Brian, Sr.) Gray Joseph(Valerie) Knapper, Jr.,Joyce Knapper, Joan (Carl,Sr.)Jackson,Gary Knapper,and Corey(Debo‐rah)Knapper andthe late Private Milton Knapper. Daughterofthe late Char‐lie Webb andJanie TinsonWebb. Sister of Martha Webb-Washington,Willie, Leslie,and ShoneWebb, and thelateCharles,Jerry, David,Terry,Aaron,Florida Louise, andCarrieWebb, and Rebecca Tinson-Mc‐Crainey.Clara is also sur‐vived by 15 grandchildren, 26great-grandchildren,6 great-great-grandchildren anda host of nieces, nephews,cousins,other relatives andfriends.Rela‐tives andfriendofthe fam‐ily also pastors, officers and membersofShiloh MissionaryBaptist Church and neighboringchurches are invitedtoattend the Celebration of Life at ShilohMissionaryBaptist Church,1419 4thSt.,West‐wego, LA on Saturday,Feb‐ruary 28, 2026, at 10:00 am PastorWoodrowHayden officiating. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. until ser‐vicetimeatthe abovenamed church.Interment: RestlawnParkCemeteryAvondale, LA.Arrange‐ments by DavisMortuary Service,230 Monroe St., Gretna, LA.Toviewand signthe guestbook,please gotowww.davismortua ryservice.com

RobynMeversLemoine March 25, 1972 –February 19, 2026. RobynMevers Lemoine,borninMetairie onMarch 25, 1972, passed awaypeacefullysur‐rounded by herlovingfam‐ily on February 19, 2026, at the ageof53. Sheissur‐vived by herlovingpar‐ents, Jack G. Mevers and ReginaS.Mevers; herchil‐dren, Taylor Calcote (Matthew)and Nicholas Lemoine (Caeley);her brother,JackG.MeversJr. (Jenny);her sister,Alexa Mevers(Austin); andher beloved grandson,Luke Calcote,who broughther endless joy. Herfamilywas the center of herworld and shecherished every momentspent with them She wasprecededindeath byher grandparents, AdolphB.Meversand Theresa M. Mevers,Elray DaceGisclardand Betty M. Gisclard. Andher god‐mother, DarleneL.Saia. Robyn graduatedfromAn‐drewJackson High School in1990. Shebegan herjour‐ney with themedical prac‐ticeofDr. KennethCombs and Dr.Brobson Lutz as a part-time employee while attending college. In 2004, she rejoined thestaff fulltime, andfor nearly 20 years,she proudlyserved asthe business manager for thepractice. Robyn built lastingrelationships withpatientsand staff alike,treatingeveryone she encounteredwithkind‐ness, warmth,and genuine care. Robynloved allthings New Orleans. Shelooked forward to Jazz Fest each year, couldn’t wait to catch a shoe from Musesduring Mardi Gras andtreasured eveningsspent enjoying amazing dinnersthrough‐out thecity. Thefamily would like to extend heart‐feltgratitude to herwon‐derfulsurgeon Dr.Adarsh Vijay.Dr. JayneGurtler and her amazingnursesand staff at theRidgelake of‐fice as well as to Dr.Ken‐nethCombs andDr. Brob‐son Lutz fortheir contin‐ued support. Relativesand friends areinvited to at‐tendthe visitation at Lake LawnMetairieFuneral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd.,New Orleans, LA 70124 on Saturday,Febru‐ary 28, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to11:00 a.m.,followedby Massat11:00 a.m. Shewill beburiedprivately at St Bernard Memorial Gar‐dens. Robynwillbere‐memberedfor her strength, herloveoflife, and herdeep devotion to her family. Shewillbe deeply missedand forever loved.

JohnnyLee Lenoir,Sr. entered into rest on Febru‐ary 7, 2026. AFuneralSer‐vicewillbeheldonSatur‐day,February28, 2026 at 10:00 am at CalvaryTaber‐nacle C.M.E. Church,3629 Dryades St., NewOrleans, LA70115. Visitation will begin at 9:00 am.Burialwill beprivate.Professional arrangementsentrusted to MajesticMortuary(504) 523-5872.

mother figure,Avanette Narcisse.Heleavesto cherish hismemorytohis sister, JazlynMosley, along witha host of brothers sisters,aunts, uncles, cousins,other relatives, and friends. Relativesand friends of thefamily; pas‐tors, officers,and mem‐bersofChristian Fellow‐shipFamilyWorship Cen‐ter,neighboring churches ofSt. Bernard, Orleans, Plaquemines Parishes,the staff at QC Meraux and studentsofChalmette High School areinvited to at‐tendthe FuneralService on Saturday, February 28 2026, for11:00 a.m. at Christian Fellowship Wor‐shipCenter, 5816 E. Judge Perez Drive, Violet,LA 70092. Visitation will be heldat9:00am-11:00 am Intermentwillfollowat Resthaven Memorial Park, 10400 OldGentillyRoad, New Orleans, LA 70127 Arrangementsentrusted to The Boyd Family Funeral Home, 5001 Chef Menteur Highway,New Orleans, LA 70126. Guestbook Online: www.anewtraditionbegins com (504)282-0600. Linear BrooksBoydand Donavin D.BoydOwners/FuneralDi‐rectors

Newman, 94, of NewOrleans,Louisiana, passed away on Monday, February 16, 2026. ADillard University graduate with a B.S. in Mathematics,he served withthe U.S.Army 82nd AirborneDivision duringthe Korean War,then spent over 30 years with theJeffersonParish School System teachingcarpentry andauto mechanicsto thousands of students. He wasprecededin death by hisparents, Joseph Newman and Thelma Minyard, andhis sister,Claudia Gurley.Heis survived by hisbeloved wife of 47 years, Delores Newman; his daughters, Latisha, Latonja, and Valerie Newman; his sons, Kevinand Melvin Newman; threegrandchildren and theirchildren; one nephew,Keith Mackey; andmanyother relatives andfriends. ACelebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 10:00 AM at St Paul'sLutheran Church 1625 AnnetteSt.,New Orleans, with visitation beginningat9:00 AM Intermentwilloccur at Slidell Military Veterans Cemetery.Arrangements by Dennis Funeral Home.

DottieLouiseO’Connor enteredintorestonFebru‐ary6,2026. AFuneral Ser‐vice will be held on Satur‐day, February 28, 2026 at 10:00am at Franklin Avenue BaptistChurch,8181 Lake Forest Blvd., NewOrleans, Louisiana70126. Visitation will beginat9:00am. Burial will be private. Profes‐sional Arrangements En‐trustedtoMajesticMortu‐ary(504)523-5872.

Derick Dean Lewiswas bornonJuly20, 2008, and departedthislifeonThurs‐day,February12, 2026, at UniversityMedical Center atthe ageof17years old. Hewas thebeloved sonof Sabrika LewisCountyand the late Walter CountyJr. and LeroyBrock.Derick was thecherished grand‐son of Walter andAudrey County, ShermanBrown JaniceBrock,and thelate MadellLewis.Hewas lov‐inglyraisedbyhis caring

LeonardJosephParquet wasa belovedhusband, familymember,and friend whose presence brought warmth andwisdomtoall whoknewhim. He lived a life marked by kindness andintegrity. Hislegacy See more DEATHS page

OPINION

LSUcan be both excellentand accessible

In Louisiana, higher education has asurplus of blessings —accessible universities, groundbreaking research, meaningful industry partnerships and students who excel at the highest levels. Yet, for far too long, our state’sinstitutionshave sufferedfrom adeficit of ambition

While Louisianans refuse to accept middle-of-thepack results in athletics, we have quietly embraced them in the academic arena.Wehave been content to remain on theoutside looking in to the fraternity of elite academic institutions. We have allowed the infrastructure of our universities to deteriorate, while our resources have been depleted by duplicative programs and unfocused management.

extensiveresearch portfolio so that we could takeour rightful place amongthe nation’s elite universities. It was also aclear signal that we will no longer accept“theway things have always been done. Instead, the LSU System will embrace an ambitious path forward —one that elevates theway we educate Louisiana and embraces excellence as our north star

This will require us to grow our research funding, toimprove our facilities and to set admissions standards that reflect our ambition for excellence. We will prioritize retaining Louisiana’sbest and brightest, and we will work to attract top students and faculty from around thecountry

Higher education in Louisiana is in aparadigm shift. The cost of higher education continues to increase, as does the percentage of that cost being borne by studentsand their families. As a result,prospective students are demandingatangible return on their investment.

The Louisiana State University System is charting anew course. When the Board of Supervisors approveda restructuringofour leadership last December,it was not simply achange to an organizational chart. It was an effort to consolidate —and grow —LSU’s

The debate aboutLSU’srole in our state has long focused on whether theuniversity should pursue elite academicrankings or focusonremainingaccessible to Louisiana students.That is afalse choice. Excellence and accessibility can, andmust, coexist. We are committed to elevating our flagship enterprise —includingour Baton Rouge campus, our health centers in Shreveport and New Orleans, the Pennington Biomedical Research Center and the LSUAgCenter —tobeamongthe nation’s top 50 research institutions.

As an institution with aunique relationship to thestate, we must also create avenues for all Louisiana students who want to advance their education and economic standing. We are well-positioned to do just that.

From Eunice and Alexandria to Shreveport,Baton Rouge and New Orleans, our institutions are as distinct as the communities where they are located. Each has unique strengths and programs. For studentsthat wish to pursue atwo-year degree, afour-year degree, agraduatedegree, aprofessional certification or who need apath to transfer to the flagship, there is an LSU institution to meet their needs. That is amessage we will amplify to every corner of this state, as we recruit Louisianans to join the LSU family

Drug pricingreforms cannot neglectindependent practitioners

Drug prices are too high. On that point, nearly everyone agrees. Patients across Louisiana and the nation struggle with the cost of specialty medicines thattreat cancer,autoimmune disorders and other serious diseases.

Acollege education must make financial sense. It must not only elevate astudent’sintellect, but their station in life. Institutions that ignore this basic market fact will wither; those that embrace it will thrive

At LSU, we plan to thrive by pursuing excellence AND meeting our students where they are. That means building degree pathways that are transparent, timely and aligned with real opportunity It means expanding experiential learning —internships, clinical rotationsand co-ops —sostudentsgraduate with both knowledge and arésumé.

Ourambition is to be among thenation’sbest universities while also expanding access for all Louisianans. This will require fiscal discipline and strong man-

agement. We will be honest about which programsare working and which are not. We will allocate resources wisely,avoiding unnecessary duplication of programsand investing heavily in disciplines where Louisiana can lead the nation. We will makeinfrastructure investments worthy of an elite university system.And, most importantly,wewill measure success in outcomes that matter: research competitiveness, graduation and job placement. Louisiana has everything it needs to compete and winin higher education. What we have lacked is aunified commitment to aim higher and deliver more. At LSU,weare setting anew standard: excellence that is measurable, access that is meaningful and stewardship that is disciplined. If we do this work together,LSU will not only rise in reputation. We will liftLouisiana’speople, economy,and prospects forgenerations to come.

Wade Rousse is the president of the LSU System.

Louisianashouldlet disabled people live at home

But while reform is urgently needed, many of the current proposals from Washington and Baton Rouge threaten to make a bad situation worse. Policies like pricecontrolsin Medicare, “most favored nation,” or MFN, pricing —which would tie American drug prices to the prices paid overseas and even tariffs on imported medicines are being sold as ways to bring down patient costs. In practice, they risk doing little for out-of-pocket spending while creating new threats to access, especially for patients who rely on independent doctors forlife-saving infusions.

In Louisiana, oncologistsand rheumatologists oftenadminister specialty drugs through asystem known as “buy-andbill.” The practice purchasesthe drug up front, stores and prepares it andthen bills theinsurer once it is administered. This model allows patients to receive treatment in their doctor’s office rather than in ahospital, reducing infection risk.

It is also far cheaper for the healthcare system. Hospital outpatient departmentstypically charge 129% to 211% more for drug administration than physician offices. That difference translates into billions in savings when patients can be treated locally But buy-and-bill only works if practices can reliably cover their costs. Medicare currently reimburses physicians for Part Bdrugs at the average sales priceplus 6%. That 6% helps infusion centers offset the expenses of storage, staff, preparation and insurance against drug spoilage.

Today’sdrug pricing proposals overlook this fragile balance. If Medicare price controls or MFN models drive down reimbursement rates while acquisition costs staythe same— or climb higher due to tariffs —independent practices will be left underwater Margins are already razor-thin. Pushing them lower may force practices to close their infusion sites.

For patients, that means fewer places to receive treatment and higher costswhen they are pushed into hospitalsettings. For rural communities, it could mean travel-

ing for hoursfor care that used to be available justdown the road

Timely access to medication is critical in cancer care and in treating autoimmune conditions.

Delays of even weeks can mean worse outcomes.

If independent practices can no longer afford to administer these drugs,patients will lose the option of lower-cost, communitybased treatment. That is theoppositeofwhat reform should achieve.

Thankfully,thereare solutions that balance affordability with access. Republican Reps. Greg Murphy of North Carolina, and Neal Dunn of Florida, and Democrat Adam Gray of California, have introduced abill that would safeguard physician reimbursementfor infusions under theAverage Sales Price model.

We arefortunate in Louisiana to have two leaders in theHouse, Speaker Mike Johnsonand Majority Leader Steve Scalise, who should remember that local patients relyon independent practices for convenient and lifesaving treatments. Louisiana’sdoctors are on the front lines, offering care close to home in settings that are safer andmore affordable thanhospitals. Undermining those practices would only shift costs elsewhere andlimit patients’ options.

Lower health care costs and stronger access to care are not mutually exclusive. With careful, collaborative policymaking, we can achieve both.

Butifreforms continue to ignore the realitiesofindependent practices, independent physicians and thepatients they servewill be collateral damageinthis drug pricing battle.

Dr.Madelaine Feldman is arheumatologist based in New Orleans. Kathy Oubre is a board member for Community Oncology Alliance.

My son Connor is ayoung man with severe disabilities. He lives at home because he receives services through aHome and Community-Based Services, or HCBS, waiver.That waiver is not abonus program. It is what allows him to wakeupinhis own bed, spend evenings with his brothers playing video games and remainpart of our community instead of living in an institution.

On Jan. 23, Louisiana and eight other states renewed their attack on Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act —this timetargeting a core disability civil rights protection knownasthe integration mandate. The lawsuit, Texas v. Kennedy,claims the Biden administration’s2024 update to Section 504 is unconstitutional, objecting to therequirement that states provide services in the “most integrated setting.”

venient. Supporters of the lawsuit warn of budget strain. Yetresearch consistently showsthat homeand community-based services are generally less expensive per person than institutional care. States have expanded HCBS not just because families want them,but because they are fiscally responsible. When community services shrink, institutional costs rise. This lawsuit is not about fiscal prudence. It is about weakening alegal standard that protects families when systemsare under pressure.

The states argue the rule exceeds congressional authority,improperly expands federal control over Medicaid systemsand could require costlyrestructuring.

Butthe integration mandate is not new.Section 504 has prohibited disabilitydiscrimination since 1973.

Federal regulations have required integrated settings for decades. In 1999, theU.S. Supreme Court confirmed in Olmstead v. L.C. that unjustified segregation is discrimination

The 2024 update did not invent this principle. It clarified how it applies in modern Medicaid and health systems. Claims that it “upends decades of federal disability law”ignore that the integration mandate has been settled law fornearly half a century

The law does not require communityplacement in every case. It recognizes that what is appropriate depends on the individual and allows states to consider available resources. It does not demand changes that would fundamentally alter programs.

Butitdoes set aboundary: Segregated settings cannot be the default,and policies cannot create aserious risk of institutionalization simply because community services are underfunded or incon-

Connor’slifeisnot abstract policy.Itistherapy scheduled around family routines. It is adaptive equipment in our living room.Itis belonging. It is dignity Families like mine know how fragile these supports can be. Waiting lists are long. Providers struggle. Budgets tighten. Civil rights protections matter most when trade-offs are being made. They are the guardrails that prevent cost-cutting from turning into segregation.

Louisiana should be strengthening community services, not joining lawsuits that question the legal foundation that protects them

This is not about partisanship. It is about whether our state believes people with disabilities belong in their homes and communities, or whether that belonging becomes conditional when budgets get tight. Connor deserves to live at home. He deserves to grow up surrounded by family.Hedeserves the samecivil rights protections as anyone else.

Guardrails exist for areason. Weakening them may not cause immediate harm.But over time, it changes the direction of the road. For my son, and for thousands of Louisiana families, that direction matters.

Louisiana should withdraw from this lawsuit and choose adirection that affirms, clearly and without qualification, that people with disabilities belong in their homes and communities.

Katie Corkern is adisability rights advocate wholives in Amite.

COMMENTARY

ISSUE OF THE WEEK BLACK HISTORy

As BlackHistoryMonthcomestoa close, we take the timetoreflectonthe contributions of African Americans to our stateand nation.This year marks the 100th anniversaryofthe annual celebration, but manyfeel that this is afraught timefor Black history, withplaques being removedfromlandmarks and attempts to erase stories from historybooks. Discussions of our shared past and the struggles of those whocamebefore remain important to our identity as a nation. Here are twoperspectives.

Controversieshighlight why BlackHistory Monthcametobe

This year marks the 100thanniversary of Black History Month, first proposed as aweeklong celebration byAfrican American scholar and activist Dr.Carter G. Woodson in 1926. Woodson had founded the “Associationfor the Study of Negro Life and History” in 1915. The organization continues today as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History,promoting the study and dissemination of information about the experience of people of African descent in schools, colleges and universities, andfor the wider public. Woodson and his peers lived in an era when Black people in the UnitedStates facedsegregation, widespread discrimination,political exclusion, economicmarginalization and widely accepted legal and extra-legalviolence. Manypeople outside of Black communities believedthat African Americans were inferior culturally and intellectually,and that their history and culture were not importantfor the United States or the world.Woodson sought to create an annualoccasion for the promotion of the studyofBlack history and the appreciation of theaccomplishments of African American people ASALH publishes onlinedetailed descriptions of the warm reception which the initial “Negro History Week”received, quickly becoming acommemorativeevent in African Americancommunities over the first half of the 20th century.Educator Mary McLeodBethune proposed theidea for the Negro History Bulletin, whichpublished material for use in these commemorations and promoted an annual theme. Black History Week thenexpanded into Black History Month in 1976, on the50th anniversary of theoriginal commemoration. In succeeding decades, Black History Month became an increasingly recognized national celebration.

tributions in arts, literature, science, civic life and multiple other spheres.

To overcome discouragement, look to Blackhistory heroes

Laura Rosanne Adderley GUEST COLUMNIST

YetinU.S. public life, in Louisianaand nationally,weregularly encounter attempts to oversimplify,minimize or even deny thefundamental roles that theexploitation of Black people and anti-Black racism have played in the making of the United States and theentire modern world. Additionally,wehave seen direct and indirect questioning of the importance of studying African American experience as adistinct and valuable pursuit, which will enrich learning for all and strengthen our common life.

Wendy A. Gaudin GUEST COLUMNIST

Therecent removal of books, photographs or exhibitions on Black enslavement and freedom are but three prominent examples of formal opposition to the public dissemination of materials focused on African American Life andHistory.Black people facedgrim obstacles in seeking safety,well-being and inclusion in the United States in the early 1900s. In the early 2000s, we see different— but not unrelated —political, social and economic struggles. The founders of Black History Monthinsisted that carefully researched, public-facing andcomplex discussions of African Americanlife and history were essential to the buildingofa United States where Black peoplecould thrive as well as anyone else. Historical context is critical.

We must insist that our history is an integral partofwhat madethis nation what it is, and we must insist that Black History Monthcontinue as an annual, constant reminder of the many contributions of African Americans as we strive to makethis nation better We cannot, and must not, make do withoutBlack history —orBlack History Month.

As we commemorate the 100th anniversary of celebrating Black History Month, we must remember this is a time to reflect and rededicate ourselves to atradition of persistence and resistance, particularly in the face of the current attempts to erase the innovations of African Americans in this country.The celebration of Black history is about the contributionsofAfrican Americans despitethe tenacious presence of anti-Black racism. The denial of Black history will only rob this nation of the advancements AfricanAmericans have madeinthe world. There is no greater example of Black history than one of the longest-serving presidentsofany collegeoruniversity, Dr.Norman C. Francis. After his death on Feb. 18, we remember his dedication and commitment to Xavier University of Louisiana and the city of New Orleans.

Today,many students of allbackgrounds are introduced to the study of Blackhistory and life throughout the year.Many public and private organizations join educational institutions in sponsoringprograms that embrace Black history andBlack con-

Laura Rosanne Adderley is an associate professor of African diaspora history at Tulane University.Wendy A. Gaudin is an assistant professor of history, specializing in race and racial mixture in the Americas,atXavier Universityof Louisiana.

Xavier,which celebrated its centennial last year,isnot only an institution of higher learning butalso acommunityofcare that fosters space for flourishing and leadership formation in aworld that is hostile to Black intelligence. As an alumnus of Xavier,I often remember watching Francis walk across thecampus, well-dressed in a suit and fedora, and carrying anewspaper and abriefcase. He had such a regal presence. Histemperament was always pleasant, and he never seemed to mindbeing stopped by students fora brief conversation. He wasthe personification of servant leadership, and his example defined campus life.

We were surroundedbystaffand facultywho supported our academicand personal pursuits. Beyond the faculty, someofthe mostinstrumental people were theadministrators in campus ministry,the counselor’soffice, the graduate center and the career office. The professors and administrators worked with us, listened to us, motivated us and inspired us. We were encouraged to be knowledgeable about thepast and skillful in transforming the future. Xavier was awelcoming campus cen-

tered on aspirit of care and community that expected students to excel academically and offered manyresources to ensure our success. As afirst-generation undergraduate, Ioften think about the diversity of the students on campus. There werestudents from Chicago, Detroit, California, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, NewYork, Africa and the Caribbean. Our diversity of thought and experience challenged each other.Wesharpened one another in discussions, group projects and study groups. There were so manystudents aspiring to be pharmacists, dentists, doctors and psychiatrists that Inever questioned my ability to pursue adoctorate. The lessons Ilearned at Xavier went beyond attaining professional degrees. Ilearned the importance of servant leadership and using my intellectual skills to address the needs of the world, particularly the elimination of poverty and racial injustice. My studies exceeded workforce development. Iwas taught how to think critically about the problemsI saw in my community and use truth and justice to guide me toward solutions.

In our current moment, Francis’ life journey should be an example of how we move forward. He assumed the role of president on the day of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.It is possible he felt the wind taken from beneath him,like manyofusfeel with the rollback to DEI, the reversal of affirmative action and the rise of Black joblessness. But, like him,wemust direct our frustration and anger toward a future hope and promise. Francis used his timeand energy to fortifythe minds of Black youth. We must also take our place in history to build institutional power to strengthen and protect impoverished and marginalized communities. And maybe we too, like Francis, after morethan 47 years of service, will have alegacy worth replicating.

Javian Bakerisascholar,writer and advocate of marginalized communitiesand children

with meteorologistDamon Singleton

Pendarvis, Louis

LouisPendarvis retiredbanddirec‐torand profes‐sional trombone player, passedaway peacefullyinSlidell, Louisiana,onFebruary20, 2026, at theage of 93.Heis survivedbyhis daughters, Paula Pendarvis-Milham (Dan),LisaPendarvis (CharlesLindell);grand‐son,CarlPendarvis Arredondo IV;and beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.Hewas preceded indeath by theloveofhis lifeand wife of 63 years, LynnPendarvis-Murphy; his parents, Evelyn GuichardPendarvis and Clifton I. Pendarvis; and sisters,MercedesPen‐darvisLee, BlanchePen‐darvisNorton, andCeline DiMacco.His passionfor music developedearly in his childhood with aviolin beforehetookupthe trombone. He marchedin the Warren Easton High Schoolbandwithleg‐endaryclassmate Pete Fountainand majored in music educationatLoyola University. Followinggrad‐uation, he wasdrafted into the U.S. Army,serving 18 monthsinGermany play‐ing trombone.Hereceived his MastersofMusic Edu‐cationdegreefromSouth‐eastern LouisianaUniver‐sityinHammond.He began hiscareer as aband directorinthe Orleans ParishPublicSchoolsat Capdeau Junior High be‐foremovingtoMartin Behrman High School.He was thefoundingbanddi‐rectoratthe newhigh schoolthatreplaced Behrman,O.Perry Walker Asbanddirector, he was assigned to choosethe schoolcolors(orange and blue),mascot(Chargers), fightsongand Alma Mater song. Belovedbystudents who called him“Prof,” he and Lynn developed life‐longfriendships with band membersand leadersof

DEATHS continued from theexceptional band par‐entsclub. Louisplayed trombonewiththe New Or‐leans Symphony,the New Orleans Opera, andthe New OrleansSummer Pops. He served on the PopsBoard of Directorsas treasurer.Hewas amem‐ber of theVal BarberaOr‐chestra,CrescentCityBig Band, anda fixtureofOk‐toberfest bandsfeatured atDeutsches Haus.Along withfellowPopstrombon‐ists, Milton “Whitey” Bush and Robert “Bobby”Mor‐gan,he founded Trom‐bones Beaucoup and recordedthe albumSwing Low,a 1967 collection of jazzand Dixieland. When hewasn’tproducing leg‐endaryhalftimeshows or leading hisbandthrough early morningdrills, he en‐joyed vegetablegardening sailboat racing, fishing, camping,traveling,boiling seafood, flying hisCessna aircrafts,and sharingfun times and tellingstories withfriends oldand new. Heespeciallyloved being Grandbubbytohis grand‐son,Carl. Friends, family, students, andcolleagues are invitedtohis funeral service Saturday,February 28, 2026, at St.Francis XavierCatholicChurch lo‐cated at 444 Metairie Road Metairie, LA.Visitationbe‐ginsat11:00 a.m.,followed byMassatnoon.Burial willbeprivate.Inlieuof flowers, massesordona‐tions to your favorite char‐ity arewelcomed. Memo‐riesand condolencesmay beexpressedatwww.Aud ubonFuneralHome.com

Pittman Jr.,Michael Jerome

Michael JeromePittman, Jr,53, sonofRuby Gibbs and Michael Jerome Pittman,Sr. died on February 15,2026.He leaves to cherish hiswife, Felecia,children: Michael

Glen Allen 'Lightning'

Glen AllenRobb, aka “Lightning”, enteredinto rest on Sunday,February 15, 2026 in NewOrleans Louisianaatthe ageof71 yearsold.Hewas born in Natchez, MS andlater movedtoNew Orleans, LA wherehis legacy started. Sonofthe late Beatrice Lu‐cille Robb andSam Randal Loving father of JimmyLee Robb, Sr.(wife Tamika Sul‐livanRobb),Dominique Schaffer,and Manickaand LanickaRogers.Grandfa‐ther of JimmyLee Robb, Jr JaneiroRobb, Ja’Han Robb, MiaPerkins andDi’Mare Onea Schaffer.Brother of Thomas K. Robb, EthanJ Robb, Mary Robb andthe late FrancesJohnson Fos‐ter. Lightningwas also sur‐vivedbya host of otherrel‐atives andfriends.Rela‐tivesand friendsofthe family,alsoPastors,Offi‐cers,and MembersofSt. JamesA.M.E., Calvary Tabernacle Church andIs‐raeliteBaptist Church are allinvited to attend theFu‐neralService on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 10:00 am at IsraeliteBaptist Church,2100 Martin Luther King,Jr. Blvd., Rev. Duane AnthonyHillOfficiating. Visitation will beginat9:00 am.Interment in Lake Lawn Park Cemetery.Pro‐fessionalarrangements entrustedtoMajesticMor‐tuary(504) 523-5872.

Martin Tinson.one sisterin-law, AnnieMae Tinson, aswellasa host of nieces nephews,cousins and other relativesand friends. Delores is preceded in death by herparents Oliver and Theodora Williams Tinson, Sr.; four brothers, OliverJr.,August, Peter, and Joseph Tinson.Rela‐tives andfriends of the familyare invitedtoattend the Mass of ChristianBur‐ial which will be held on Saturday, February 28 2026, at St.Thomas Catholic Church locatedat 17605 Hwy. 15, Point-AlaHache,LA70082. Thevisi‐tationwillbegin at 9a.m and theservice will begin at11a.m.FatherSampson Abduliofficiatingand en‐tombmentwillfollowatSt. ThomasCatholicChurch 70082. Funeralplanningen‐trusted to Robinson Family FuneralHome, 9611 LA-23, Belle Chasse,LA70037, (504) 208-2119. Foronline condolences,pleasevisit www.robinsonfamilyfuner alhome.com

DeloresTinsonwas calledfromlabor to reward and affectionately into eternal rest on February 18 2026, at herhomeatthe age of 88, releasingher fromthe pain andsuffering ofthisworld.She wasborn onSeptember 24, 1937, to the late Theodora Williams Tinsonand Oliver Tinson Sr. Deloreswas anativeof Pointe-A-La-Hache,Louisiana.Fromanearly age, she demonstratednotable qualities of kindness, intel‐ligence,humor,and re‐silience. Shecarried out her daddy wishes in the caringfor hersiblings. De‐lores trainedtobea teacher after finishingher schoolinginthe Plaquem‐inesParishSchool System and furthering hereduca‐tionatSouthernUniversity Baton Rouge. Shetaught school formorethan40 years.Her teaching career began at PhoenixHigh School andlater she moved to NewJerseyand continued teaching.De‐lores dedication andhard workearnedher there‐spect andadmirationof colleaguesand clients alike.Delores movedback toLouisiana andwas well known throughout Plaque‐mines Parish andsur‐roundingareas.Beyond her professional achieve‐ments,Delores wasa woman of many passions and talents. Shefound joy incrafting, reading, and helping others.Whether it was projectmakingor spendingtimewithher family, Deloreslived life withenthusiasmand grati‐tude. Family wasatthe centerofher life.Delores was adevoted friend, teacher to anyone who met her.she wasa pillar of strengthand guidance to her family, teaching them the values of hard work, compassion, andintegrity Her familywas herpride and joy, andshe delighted inevery moment spent withthem. Sheleavesto mourn 3sisters:OliviaTin‐son,Ellestine Ellis, and Marie McNeil,3 brothers: LouisSr.,Nicholasand

HenryLee “Red”Tyson was born on March18, 1938 inMarionCounty, Missis‐sippi anddepartedthislife onSaturday, February 21 2026. Henry(H.L.)was a special gift to theparent‐age of thelateS.W.Tyson and AlyceMai ConeyGoff. Henry attended public school andwas educated inMarionCounty. Soon after,hemoved to NewOr‐leans,Louisiana where in March 1965, he marriedthe loveofhis life,Emma Jean FrelixTyson.Hepursued a career in construction and becamea Master Welder, graduatingfromJefferson ParishVocationalTechni‐cal School.Henry wasa memberofthe Ironworkers Local #58and worked faithfullyasthe ownerand operatorofB&H Construc‐tionand awelderfor Boh Brothers Construction for

more than 35 years. As a dedicated member of the Woodchoppers Social Aid and Pleasure Club andthe Fun Lovers Travel Club he loved life andnever meta stranger. Mentorship and helping others were his passions. Henryenjoyed working with hishands and creating ornamental ironworks.Hewas agreat cook andfocused on car‐ing forhis family. Henry accepted Christ at an early age at theChina Grove Church in Kokomo,Missis‐sippi.His fellowship with God ledhim to become a memberand to worshipat HolyAnointedHouse of Prayerunder theleader‐shipofPastorLionel Roberts,Sr. in NewOr‐leans,Louisiana.Hewas precededindeath by his lovingwife, Emma Jean Felix Tyson, hisparents Alyce MaiConey Goff and S.W.Tyson,and hisbroth‐ers R.Cand S.C. Tyson. The memoriesof“Red” Tyson willbecherished by his daughters Tamika Elayna (Raymond) Duplessisand AshlynLa-cha (Brandon) Ayler.Hewas thededi‐cated GrandfatherofRay‐mondJames,Collin Alexandre,MaisonJeanHenri andAlaynaJanae Duplessis; RachaelFaith LaurenHopeand Nathan Tyson Ayler. Sister-in-law Deborah Gail (Matthew) Pittman.Heisalsosur‐vived by adevoted family friend, Cheryl Elaine Payne, and ahostofnieces, nephews,cousins,other relatives andfriends.Rela‐tives andfriends of the familyare invitedtoattend FuneralServicesatHoly AnointedHouse of Prayer located at 1447 Senate Street,New Orleans, LA 70122 on Saturday,Febru‐ary 28, 2026. Visitation be‐ginsat9:00a.m.Service beginsat10:00 a.m. Inter‐mentwillfollowatMt. OlivetCemetery, 2050 Caton Street,New Orleans, LA70122. Arrangements by D.W.RhodesFuneral Home 3933 Washington Ave. Pleasevisit www.rhodesf uneral.comtoshare con‐dolencesand sign the guest book

Pelicans-Jazzended afterthis editionwenttopress. Forcomplete game coverage,visit nola.com LATE-NIGHT PELS

SPORTS

HOTSHOTS

JOHNSON

LSU guard Mikaylah Williams shoots over Tennessee guard NyaRobertson in the first quarter on Thursday at thePete Maravich Assembly Center.Williamshad 20 points in LSU’s89-73win.

BY REED DARCEY Staffwriter

Tennessee shifted over toward MikaylahWilliams. So the LSU women’sbasketball team’sstar juniorpeered across the lane and roped apass over the defenseand downtoFlau’jae Johnson, who buried a3-pointer from the corner

That bucket was an important one.Itdidn’tjust give the No. 6Tigers (25-4, 11-4 SEC) a12-point lead late in the third quarter.Italsomarked the point at whichthey took control of their 89-73 win over the Lady Vols on Thursday —avictory orchestrated by theirthree-star guards. Williams tallied 20 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and two steals. MiLaysia Fulwiley scored18points, grabbed six boards, blocked four shots andassistedthree others.

ANALYSIS

Johnson, on hersenior night, shotonly 3of10from the fieldand 3of9atthe free-throw line but still finished with10points, becoming one of four LSU contributors to score in double figures.

The Tigers have now clinched adouble bye in the SEC Tournament for the fifthyear in arow

“Today it was,”coach KimMulkey said,“don’tsettle for anything outsidethe paintuntil theytake charges or they stop you. Youjust go righttothe paint,and you score, and Ithought we did that.”

Tennesseerunsa unique system.Second-year coach Kim Caldwell makes hockey-style line changes, engages afull-court press for the whole game andencourages the Lady Vols (16-11, 8-7) to let their 3-pointers fly.They’re

ä See LSU, page 4C

KeygymnastsLSU needsto be championship contenders

BYSCOTT RABALAIS Staff writer

LSU sophomore KailinChio has established herself as not only LSU’stop gymnast in 2026 butone of the topgymnasts in the nation.

Ranked No. 1nationally on vault and balance beam —events she had perfect10s in this past Friday at Oklahoma—Chioisalso No. 2nationally in the all-around behind only former Olympic gold medalist Jordan Chiles of UCLA. Her 22 individual event victories this season in just sevenmeetsare a remarkable achievement.

“She’soperating at such ahighlevel there’snot awhole lot you can sayother than ‘Wow,’ ”LSU coach Jay Clark said But LSU cannot maintain its top-two national ranking as achampionship program this season —onthe SoutheasternConference or NCAA level —withjustChioalone “What we can’tdoisbecomesodependent on her to do (what she didatOklahoma) all the time so that it puts pressure on her,” Clark said. “Wehave plentyof athletes on

our team capable of performing at that level and putting big scores out there.” As LSU goes from one SEC showdown meet to another —aNo. 1versus No. 2 battle atOUlast week, No. 2LSU versus No. 3AlabamaonFriday —let’sidentify some of those key gymnastsfor the Tigers. Gymnasts who will be needed against the Crimson Tide (8:30 p.m.,SEC Network) and againstBama, North Carolina and Arizona at 3p.m.Sunday in thePodium Challenge at theRaising Cane’sRiver Center  KALIYALINCOLN A2024 U.S. Olympic team alternate, Lincoln is theonlyLSU gymnastbesides Chio ranked in the top 10 nationally,tied for seventh on floor, including aseason high 9.975. Lincoln won’tcompeteonfloor for the second straight weekend, however, as LSU tries to conserve her because of an Achilles tendoninflammation. Thesophomore from

Former N.O. QB Carr ‘veryserious’ aboutNFL return

BY MATTHEW PARAS Staff writer

INDIANAPOLIS Derek Carr has said publicly that he would comeout of retirement for the right situation. At the NFL scouting combine this week, that rightsituation couldactuallybeunfolding.

The New Orleans Saints would notbe among those shocked to see Carr put back on his cleats for2026. And while that’s still not guaranteed, the buzz around Carr continued to get louder after NFL insiderJordan Schultz reported that Carr is “very serious” about un-retiring.

Carr,who played two seasons with the Saints before retiring last offseason with a shoulder injury,said earlier this month that he’d only un-retire if he had achance to play foraSuper Bowlcontender

Those options would seemingly limit Carr’s market,but thereare at leastafew teams on the verge of contention who fit that criteria. Notably,Minnesota Vikingscoach Kevin O’Connell and Atlanta Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski declined to endorse their young starting quarterbacks, each entering

ä See NFL, page 2C

FILE

Former Saints quarterback Derek Carr wavestofans before agame against the Las VegasRaiders on Dec.29, 2024. Carrhas saidheis‘very serious’ about coming out of retirement.

See GYMNASTS, page 6C

BY KOKI RILEY Staff writer

LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson is known forrecruitingelite high school talent. Think of howimportantDerek Curiel, Kade Anderson, Jake Brown, Steven Milam and Jared Jones, among others, have been to the program’s success since Johnson took over But notevery high school signeewho’s been committed to LSU under Johnson wound up on campus. There have been alot of big names whoskipped Baton Rouge and wentstraight to professional baseball. With spring training underway,and ahead of LSU’smatchup against DartmouthonFriday (6:30 p.m., SEC Network+), here’sanupdate on howevery LSU signeeunderJohnson whopassed up school and went straight to MLB has fared since their decision. In themajor leaguesoronthe doorstep Jacob Misiorowski, RHP,Milwaukee Brewers Misiorowski made his MLB debut last summer andemerged as oneofthe most exciting young arms in the game. His fastball wasupto104 mph, and he madethe All-Star Game, also helping the Brewers reach the National League Championship Series by posting a1.50 ERA in 12 postseason innings. Unlike the majority of the names on this list, Misiorowski was committedtothe

BROADCAST HIGHLIGHTS

5

6

Delane aims to keep LSU ‘legacy going’

BY MATTHEW PARAS Staff writer

INDIANAPOLIS

If it were up to him, Mansoor Delane says he would have been a middle linebacker in college.

The 22-year-old loves the physicality of football. He loves the feeling of tackling, crushing someone in the open field and bringing them to the ground. He was a wrestler in high school, knowing what it was like to grapple with the man across from him and exert physical dominance.

Alas, Delane is a cornerback. A good one at that. So good that he’s in position to become LSU’s highest-selected cornerback since Derek Stingley was drafted third overall in 2022

Four years after Stingley, Delane landing in the top 10 isn’t out of the question.

“It’s just a blessing to keep this legacy going,” Delane said. “That’s another reason I came to LSU, to uphold this tradition for people who came before me and people who come up (after).”

Delane upheld the tradition despite spending only one year with the Tigers. After spending his first four years of college at Virginia Tech, the Maryland native transferred to LSU last year. But it proved to be a wise decision

The 6-foot, 190-pounder benefited from a standout season that has him in line to be the first cornerback taken in this year’s draft.

According to Pro Football Focus, Delane allowed just seven first downs on 357 pass coverage snaps. He was targeted just 35 times, allowing only 14 completions.

It was a vast improvement over 2024 when he allowed 34 catches on 72 targets for the Hokies.

“I always had the talent,” Delane said. “But it was just being able to put it all together at once.”

Delane may not have gotten his wish of playing linebacker, but that didn’t stop him from being physical. One of the reasons for his jump last fall was due to his development as a press-man corner His scouting report on NFL com, for instance, notes how Delane regularly won off the line of scrimmage with “punches and slides,” cutting off the receiver

Continued from page 1C

Year 3 after disappointing seasons that saw both clubs narrowly miss out on the playoffs. And if Aaron Rodgers decides to call it quits, the Pittsburgh Steelers who did make the postseason — would be another potential landing spot for Carr

There seems to be no consensus yet on whether the interest in Carr is mutual.

Any team pinning its hopes on Carr in 2026 would have to feel comfortable enough with a signalcaller who hasn’t played football in a year and had a shoulder injury that caused “significant degenerative changes to his rotator cuff,” according to the Saints. Carr also turns 35 in March. That said, Carr could benefit from what appears to be a relatively weak free agent quarterback class.

And if a team wants Carr, the Saints still hold his contractual rights meaning the sides would have to hammer out a trade for a deal to happen.

The saga is far from over

In the meantime, here’s what else the Times-Picayune has heard during various conversations at the league’s busiest convention: Taylor mix

If New Orleans cornerback

from establishing his route.

At the scouting combine this week, Delane has had the opportunity to explain to teams how he approaches the game and to make a memorable impression.

He bonded with Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Shepherd over their ties to LSU. He brought up his Maryland roots with John Harbaugh, the former longtime Baltimore Ravens coach who is now with the New York Giants.

But as a player, Delane made clear: He’s not going to let the wide receiver dictate his play

“I’m going to bring the fight to you,” Delane said.

Graded well

The Saints graded well in the NFLPA’s annual report cards, finishing 11th overall based on player responses to a survey about the franchise’s conditions.

The results of the report card were reported by ESPN, weeks after an arbitrator ruled that the players’ union could not publicly release the results of the survey because it violated the NFL-NFLPA’s collective bargaining agreement by “disparaging NFL clubs and individuals.” The arbitrator ruled that the union could still

conduct the surveys and compile the grades, but had to keep them private.

The Saints received an A or an Aminus in 10 of the survey’s 17 categories. The team’s training staff, training room, strength coaches and defensive coordinator Brandon Staley earned New Orleans’ highest marks. First-year coach Kellen Moore was also graded positively, earning an A- from players.

New Orleans’ lowest mark, according to ESPN, was its “Home Game Field” — which ranked a C. It saw noticeable improvement for its “Food/Dining Area,” which earned an A- after previously being ranked a D- In between, the team renovated its cafeteria — though officials had downplayed the survey’s impact on the project.

The Saints’ position coaches and offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier were each given B-minuses. General manager Mickey Loomis received a B.

The NFL has long disputed the NFLPA’s surveys, arguing the criteria for formulating the grades hadn’t been properly disclosed.

Still, the Saints’ 11th-place ranking is the team’s second-best since the report card’s inception in 2023.

The latest ranking also marked

Alontae Taylor hits the open market once his contract expires in March, as is the current expectation, keep an eye on the Las Vegas Raiders for his services. There would be familiarity there after the Raiders hired Klint Kubiak and retained Joe

Woods — Taylor’s former defensive coordinator to be on the new coach’s staff. Eric Stokes, the Raiders’ No. 1 corner, is also set to be a free agent, and so if Las Vegas can’t re-sign him, its need for a top corner would become even more

NFL combine notebook

the third straight year in which the franchise climbed the union’s leaderboard, going from 19th to 12th to now 11th. The Saints debuted at 10th on the inaugural version of the report card rankings.

League-wide, the Miami Dolphins finished first this past season, while the Pittsburgh Steelers ranked last.

Clapp retires

Will Clapp has called it a career

The New Orleans Saints center announced that he’s retiring after appearing in seven NFL seasons. Clapp decided to hang up his cleats after the 30-year-old suffered a season-ending foot injury in the preseason. Including his year lost for injury, Clapp spent six of his eight years with the Saints — his hometown franchise that drafted the New Orleans native in the seventh round of the 2018 draft out of LSU.

“From the first to the last and all the ones in between, thank you for being my rock!” Clapp wrote on Instagram. “Grateful for an amazing career and excited for our next chapter!”

That chapter could include coaching. After Clapp got hurt last season, the offensive lineman spent the year as an unofficial assistant on coach Kellen Moore’s staff. He was seen on gamedays with a headset and Moore said during the year that Clapp was being a resource for the rest of the line.

The Saints, too, have an opening on Moore’s staff. Former assistant offensive line coach Jahri Evans departed for the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason and the Saints have yet to fill the role.

But the team plans to do so, potentially creating an opportunity for Clapp.

Clapp rejoined New Orleans last year after spending the previous two seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers — where he played for Moore, who was the team’s offensive coordinator — and the Buffalo Bills.

Email Matthew Paras at matt.paras@theadvocate.com

magnified. But even if Stokes returns, Taylor could slot in at nickel.

Moore’s staff

Saints assistant special teams coach Kyle Wilber interviewed for Green Bay’s special-teams coordinator vacancy after the Packers saw Rich Bisaccia surprisingly step down. Though Wilber, a former linebacker, was coached by Bisaccia and worked under him in 2024 in Green Bay, the expectation is that he’s likely to stay with the Saints next season. If that happens, it would be yet another sign that coach Kellen Moore’s staff is staying almost entirely intact. Jahri Evans remains the lone departure, as the assistant offensive line coach made a lateral jump to the Steelers The Saints plan to fill Evans’ role soon.

Training camp buzz

After spending all of 2024 in California for training camp and nine days out west last year, the Saints are still in the process of sorting out their plans for this year’s camp. It sounds like most of camp will be held at their facility in Metairie, though they could still look to get away for a small portion to bond and escape the heat. The Saints would also like to hold joint practices, ideally both at home and on the road.

Email Matthew Paras at matt. paras@theadvocate.com

IN BRIEF FROM STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS

Imai throws scoreless inning during Astros debut WEST PALM BEACH, Fla Japanese right-hander Tatsuya Imai threw a 10-pitch scoreless inning and was struck by a comebacker in his spring training debut for the Houston Astros on Thursday against the New York Mets. Imai allowed a leadoff single to Marcus Semien, whose sharp hit ricocheted off the pitcher’s lower right leg and went into foul territory Imai was checked by an athletic trainer and stayed in the game.

The 27-year Imai was a threetime All-Star in Japan before agreeing in January to a $54 million, three-year contract with the Astros. Houston lost Framber Valdez when he left as a free agent and signed with Detroit.

Eight of Imai’s 10 pitches were strikes, and he threw only sinkers and changeups.

Jets trade rusher Johnson for Titans tackle Sweat

The New York Jets have agreed to trade pass rusher Jermaine Johnson to the Tennessee Titans for defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press on Thursday Johnson will be reunited with Titans coach Robert Saleh, who was the Jets head coach when New York drafted the defensive end in the first round with the 22nd overall pick out of Florida State in 2022. He’ll also be back with defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton, who was his position coach with the Jets his first three seasons. The trade of Johnson leaves the Jets with just one of their firstround picks from 2022: wide receiver Garrett Wilson, who was taken 10th overall that year

Scherzer returns to Blue Jays on $3M, 1-year deal

NEW YORK — Max Scherzer is returning to the Toronto Blue Jays. Two weeks into spring training, the three-time Cy Young Award winner has agreed with the reigning American League champions on a $3 million, oneyear contract, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press early Thursday

The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal was subject to a successful physical and had not been announced.

The 41-year-old Scherzer can earn another $10 million in performance bonuses, starting with 65 innings pitched. He gets $1 million for 65 innings and each additional 10 through 155.

Ethiopia’s Welteji banned over a missed drug test

LAUSANNE, Switzerland One of the world’s top middle-distance runners has been banned for two years in a dispute over a missed drug test which overshadowed the opening of last year’s world championships. Ethiopia’s Diribe Welteji, the silver medalist in the women’s 1,500 meters at the 2023 world championships, was ruled to be “negligent” in failing to comply with an attempt to collect a doping test sample last year, the Court of Arbitration for Sport said Thursday World Athletics wanted a fouryear ban but CAS reduced the sanction, accepting Welteji’s rules violation wasn’t intentional. The two-year ban ends in June 2027, when Welteji will be 25, and means she could qualify for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

No. 1 Thitikul struggles in first round of championship

SINGAPORE Top-ranked Jeeno Thitikul struggled during the first round of the HSBC Women’s World Championship on Thursday shooting a 1-over 73 to trail the leader by seven strokes.

Thitikul won last week’s tournament in her native Thailand and is among nine out of the top 10 players entered in the Singapore LPGA stop on the Sentosa Golf Club’s Tanjong course. American Auston Kim birdied two of her final three holes for a 66 and a one-stroke lead over China’s Yan Liu. Five players were tied for third with 68s, including No. 12-ranked Haeran Ryu. Defending champion Lydia Ko had a 70, as did Brooke Henderson. Kim said she opened with a

LHSAA votes down one-time transfer rule

Another ammendment allows freshmen to pick any school

BY CHRISTOPHER DABE and JACKSON REYES Staff writers

With the vote result displayed on the projector screen, many in the room applauded.

At the annual LHSAA convention meeting of statewide principals and athletic directors Thursday in Baton Rouge, a proposal that would have granted a one-time option for students to have immediate athletic eligibility after transferring got voted down for the second year in a row, this time by a 287-59 margin. Critics of the one-time trans-

fer rule say it is a way for select schools to gain an advantage over the LHSAA’s nonselect schools. They also argue that it would make high school sports mirror college athletics.

“This will destroy the landscape of high school athletics,” Broadmoor principal Robert Wells argued during an open debate session prior to the vote.

LHSAA executive director Eddie Bonine said he was good with the decision made by the principals, who chose to vote down the onetime transfer rule.

Narrow ruling

The most contentious moment on Thursday came during the vote on an amendment to allow incoming freshmen to choose any LHSAA school of their choice and imme-

diately be eligible for all sports at all levels, regardless of attendance zone.

The amendment also stated that once eligibility is established, the student will be a bona fide student at the school of first choice and will then follow transfer student rules.

Wells argued the rule lacked clarity, and others said the rule was similar to the one-time transfer rule. The “9th grade school of first choice” amendment passed by just one vote, 169 to 168.

“When we see a lot of the eligibility come through in our office, there are some 9th graders that get caught in that JV only depending on where they’re going to go,” Bonine said.

Bonine said he’s never seen a proposal come down to just one vote in his 12 years attending the

Hannan girls completes their mission, win first state title

Hawks hold off Parkview Baptist in Div. III title game

BY JOSEPH HALM Staff writer

It was the moment that defined a team of destiny A powerful shot by Parkview

Baptist’s Ella Kate Johnston had tied its Division III girls soccer state championship match against top-seeded Hannan on Thursday in Hammond. The three-time reigning state champions seemed poised to gain the momentum and add another title to their trophy case.

The Hawks had other ideas as junior Farrah Lightell unleashed a shot 90 seconds later that found the back of the net as Hannan secured its first state title with a 2-1 victory at Southeastern Louisiana’s Strawberry Stadium.

“I’ve been waiting for this since my eighth-grade year,” said Hannan senior midfielder Kaitlyn Brady, who won Most Outstanding Player “This has been something that we have wanted for the longest time. I think the most impressive thing is how we pushed through until the end. We got scored on, but we came back

in a couple of minutes. This was a team win.”

The last time Brady and the Hawks played in the state championship was 2023, when they fell 2-1 to Parkview Baptist Brady, now a Providence signee, was a starting freshman on that team, while Hannan first-year coach

Nathaniel Peters was an assistant.

“It’s just unbelievable. To win with this group of girls is just so special. This senior class was my first year as my (junior varsity) coach, and now to win a final with them is just surreal,” Peters said.

“Parkview has been a thorn in our side, and tonight was a struggle against them. To finally get one against them is the cherry on top for our girls. They were able to knock out one of our long-standing rivals to make school history.”

Hannan took a 1-0 halftime lead after a 17th-minute goal by junior Maggie Wylie, but the Eagles (16-3-1) turned to LSU commitment Ella Kate Johnston in the 61st minute to tie the match

The reigning Louisiana Gatorade Player of the Year took advantage of a poor clearance, found a little space and blasted a powerful shot to tie the match

The Hawks didn’t blink as Lightell scored less than two minutes later to regain the momentum.

“I’ve been telling her to shoot

all game, and she finally took her shot,” Wylie said. “I ran to her so excited when it went in. It was just pure excitement after that.”

Lightell said she wasn’t sure if her shot was on target at first.

“Everyone encourages me to shoot a lot, and I took my opportunity It felt amazing, but honestly I didn’t feel like it was going in until it took the deflection. I just shot it, and it worked out,” Lightell said.

“This means everything to me and the team. We worked for this all year, and I think there is no team that deserves it more.”

The Hawks held on from there, but not without a few tense moments before the seven minutes of stoppage time finally expired. The Eagles’ best opportunity came in the 79th minute as Olivia Martin’s shot was just wide of the far post.

The victory was a fitting ending to a historic season for Hannan (20-1-1). The Hawks outscored their opponents 23-1 in five playoff wins and allowed just nine goals in 22 matches all season.

“It means the world to everyone on this team because they have put every minute of everyday into this win,” Wylie said.

Contact Joseph Halm at jhalm@sttammanyfarmer.net.

John Curtis return to semifinals for 10th-straight year despite slow start

No. 1 Patriots earn trip to state tournament

BY SPENCER URQUHART Staff writer

John Curtis was looking to return to the girls basketball semifinals for a 10th straight year but first had to get past Captain Shreve in the quarterfinals. The top-seeded Patriots trailed No. 8-seeded Captain Shreve midway through the first quarter of Thursday’s Division I select quarterfinal matchup and took the lead for the first time after an 11-0 run. Curtis never trailed again in a 59-37 quarterfinal win at home to advance to earn a trip to the state tournament Curtis outscored Captain Shreve by 19 points after the first quarter All 59 Curtis points were scored by its starting five, and trio of Patriots sophomores finished with double-digit points along with senior Bailey Timmons.

“Being able to execute down the line helped us to extend the lead,” Curtis coach Alendra Brown said

“The girls played team ball. It’s team game, and they’re relying on each other and playing to our strengths. They did a good job playing together as they always do.”

Curtis sophomore Jayla Albert led the way with a team-high 18 points, which included three 3-pointers. Albert added seven rebounds, two assists and three assists.

“I feel like I played I real good on defense,” Albert said. “I just practice my shot and make sure it’s falling the day before the game so I can be ready in the game We communicate well (as a team), so we’re ready for the ball at all times.”

Sophomore post player Raven Bolds, a first-year starter finished with 14 points and seven rebounds, including a team-high five points in the fourth quarter

“I was really looking for my shot, keeping my hands up and looking for the ball,” Bolds said “(This year) has been going really good. I’ve been pushing more and doing my thing.”

The third Curtis sophomore to score in double figures was Janiyah Williams, who finished with 12

points, four rebounds, four assists and a steal All 12 of her points came in the first half, which included two 3-pointers.

Timmons had 11 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Curtis senior Ke’Sonja Nelson scored four points to go with four rebounds, three steals and an assist.

For Captain Shreve, Leah Bryant scored a team-high 12 points with four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Shiloh Brokenberry was second on the team in scoring with nine points, and Loghan Ware had six points, two steals and two blocks.

Curtis (26-2) will face No. 4 Huntington next week in the Division I select semifinals at the University Center in Hammond. The Patriots will look to avenge last season’s semifinal loss to Huntington.

“Going into the semis, our focus is to continue to play together,” Brown said. “We want to go into each game and not take our success for granted. All of our girls aspire to play at the next level, so we have to continue to play the game the correct way.”

Email Spencer Urquhart at surquhart@theadvocate.com.

LHSAA annual conventions.

As long as freshmen meet the minimum requirements of eligibility, they can choose any LHSAA school that is their first choice.

Other notable amendments

Another amendment was passed to move the high school basketball season back by one week. The reasoning given was to shorten the season to allow for more qualified officials and reduce the conflict between fall and winter sports.

The proposal passed by a vote of 241 to 98.

Another amendment, which passed 235 to 77, will delay the official start of the softball season by two weeks starting with the 2027 season. The change also pushes back the state tournament by two weeks.

The state cross country meet will now take place over two days, rather than just one, after a proposal passed.

Another proposal affected outdoor track and field. Schools across boys and girls will compete in Divisions I, II, III, IV, V and VI rather than classes. The move was proposed to create more equal postseason competition by aligning all schools into divisions based on enrollment.

The final amendment of the day affected the state wrestling tournament. The Division I boys will go from a 32-man bracket to 24 wrestlers. Division II boys will be an 8-man bracket. Division II boys and girls will feature 16 wrestlers. Contact Christopher Dabe at cdabe@theadvocate.com

Northlake Christian boys snap title drought

Wolverines blank Ascension Episcopal for Division IV title

BY JOSEPH HALM Staff writer

Northlake Christian coach Nick Chetta could no longer contain his emotions.

It had been seven years since the Wolverines lifted a state championship trophy for boys soccer, and NCS was closing in on the title

Then, senior Gaven Clasen scored in the 77th minute to put an exclamation point

Late Wednesday

on the

second-seeded Wolverines’ 2-0 victory over No. 4 Ascension Episcopal in the Division IV state championship match at on Wednesday night at Strawberry Stadium in Hammond.

Chetta turned to assistant coach Steve Tujague as the two shared a hug that only comes when a season of hard work is about to pay off in the ultimate ending.

“It feels amazing,” Chetta said. “It was a moment for these boys, and they delivered. The game plan was to work harder than the other team, and I think we did a good job of that. The wind picked up in the second half, and I think that helped us, too.”

It was also a bit of revenge after the Blue Gators (13-9-0) knocked NCS out in the semifinals last year with a 4-0 defeat. The Wolverines (20-4-3) were determined to erase that memory and win the school’s fourth state crown.

After a scoreless first half, Northlake sophomore Harry Wall

gave the Wolverines a 1-0 lead as he beat the keeper to the ball and headed it into the goal in the 55th minute.

“I saw it bouncing, and I knew it was going to be a 50-50 ball for whoever got it,” said Wall, who won Most Outstanding Player “I just wanted it. I went out there and put my head on it. I knew it went past the keeper, so I was going to celebrate with the guys.”

The Wolverines put the match on ice in the 77th minute Junior Gabriel Gonzalez-Hernandez found some space going forward and delivered a perfect pass across the box to Clasen for the final goal.

The score set off a celebration in the Northlake student section that continued after the final whistle Senior captain Stevie Tujague was one of the first Wolverines to leap into the stands after the match.

“It means everything to me,” Tujague said. “We fell short to Ascension Episcopal in the semifinals last year We had a mindset that we were going to get it done this year and give everything that we’ve got. I’ve been playing since I was 3, and this was my last soccer game ever so it was a great way to end my season.”

Chetta credited his wing players — Carter Curry and Gonzalez-Hernandez — for executing the game plan, but he said the team’s success was more than one individual.

“These are guys who are friends first,” Chetta said. “They fight for each other because they actually love each other They have been playing together for a long time. They represented Northlake Christian extremely well, so I’m very proud of them.”

Contact Joseph Halm at jhalm@sttammanyfarmer.net.

LSUcontinues overtimesuccess

including three self-created shots in the paint.

On emotionalday, Tigers roll past Lady Vols onceagain

BY TOYLOYBROWN III Staff writer

Victories that don’trequire clutch scores tendtobethe least stressful andmostpreferred games for basketball coaches.

In the Southeastern Conference, those kinds of wins don’t come around too often, no matter ateam’srecord. LSU coach Matt McMahon knows this after losing three straight games by 10 or fewer points. The fourth-year coach revealed that he might not mind tight conferenceshowdowns, specifically those that go beyond regulation.

“Weneed to play in overtime more,” the fourth-year coach said sarcastically on the LSU sportsradio network.

That sentiment was born after the Tigers captured their third overtime win of the season, beating Ole Miss 106-99 in adouble overtime on Wednesday at The Pavilion in Oxford, Mississippi. LSU

LSU

Continued from page1C

certainly dangerous. Buttheydid enter Thursday’smatchupwith losses in sevenoftheir past nine games.

LSU was in much better shape. It just needed to collectTennessee’s misses and minimizeits turnovers to get the win, which it did,for the most part, in the second half

The Tigers may have allowed the Lady Vols to shoot 11 of 29 from beyond the arc, but they also gave up only seven offensive rebounds andcoughed up just fourpossessions across the third and fourth quarters.

Freshman forward ZaKiyah Johnson added 14 points on 7-of12 shooting and grabbed eight rebounds, while Grace Knox —another freshman forward —chipped in 13 points and nine boards. Sophomore point guard Jada Richard added nine points. Tennessee had three players in double figures. Its leading scorer was Jaida Civil, afreshman guard who finished with 17 points.

“Wewere movingthe ballasa team,” Caldwell said. “Ithink we were doing areally good jobonthe offensiveglass. Theyobviously madethe adjustment. That was harder for us coming out (of halftime), and they really picked up their effort at the rim, and we gave up alot of second-chance points.”

The two teams traded hot shooting stretches in the firsthalf. Tennessee struck first, usinga trio of 3-pointers to string togethera 9-0 run halfway throughthe first quarter.LSU then responded in the second by collecting misses andusingthemtobuilda 14-0 blitz, but it just couldn’tshake the turnover issues that the Lady Vols both forced and turned into points. The Tigers led just 43-42 at halftime, butthey began the fourth quarter with amuch morecommanding 70-59 advantage, in large part because they turned the ball over only once in the third.Williams —who became the 17th player in LSU history to eclipse 1,500 career points on Thursday

snappeda five-game losingstreak in acontest it led for barely over eight minutes overall.

When theTigers went up 95-92 after an and-one score from Max Mackinnon with 3:49 left in the secondovertime, that was their first lead since the35-second mark of thefirst half.

“Wetrailedfor 33 minutes of the game,”McMahon said.

“Down eight with seven minutes to go, and theguys justkept making plays. And then once it gotto overtime, Ithink when we were abletoholdthem to 26% from the floor in overtime andI thought ourguys really executedonthe offensiveend.”

The playerwho executed the best was senior guardMackinnon. TheAustralian hada seasonhigh 34 points, four rebounds and three assists for LSU (15-13, 3-12 SEC). He made 11 of 24 field goals, 4of6from the 3-point line and8 of 10 free throws. Mackinnon, a Portlandtransfer, alsoscored 12 pointsinthe finalovertime period,

The organizer for LSUwas point guard Jalen Reece. Thefreshman had his first double-double with11 points, 10 assistsand one turnover after playing 47 minutes against Ole Miss (11-17, 3-12).

LSU hadfour other playerswho scored in doublefigures.Itfinished the game with an SEC-high 11 of 21 3-pointers, 50% field-goal percentage and 25 of 29 free throws —led by center Mike Nwoko, who made all 10 of his attempts.

While defensewasn’tthe biggest strength of the night, McMahon complimented thegroup’s timely stops. “End of regulation, we hadto getback-to-back stops to get it to overtime,” McMahonsaid. “End of the first overtime, we’vegot to get the stops,and then they get the offensive rebound on aloose ball. (Ole Miss) get atimeout, seven seconds ago. Got to getanother stop on aspecial situation. So ourguys really rose to the occasion and gotitdonewhentheir best was needed there on thedefensive side.”

LSUsenior guard Izzy Besselman walks onto the courttoa thundering applause in the fourth quarter of agameagainst Tennessee on Thursday at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center

—either scored or assistedseven of the12field goals LSU converted in that frame.

“I thought Mikaylah Williams really, really hadagoodgame, Mulkey said.

According to ESPN, Mulkeyis now thefirst coach in SEC history to lead ateam to at least 25 wins in each of the first fiveseasons of theirtenure. Mulkey haseclipsed that number of victories in 23 of the 26 seasons of her head coaching career LSU also honoredseniors Izzy Besselman andAmiya Joyneron Thursday.Besselman is aformer walk-on guard who’smissed the last two seasons while battlinga heart condition. She checked in to thegametoa loud ovation in the waning seconds ofthe fourthquarter,makingher first appearance in

agame since March 24, 2024. Joyner is a6-foot-2 forward who joined the Tigers ahead of this season as atransfer from East Carolina. She’sstarted each of the past four games, and on Thursday, she played eight minutes

The Tigers will now finish in the top four of theSEC’sregular-season standings forthe fifth consecutive year.They won’tstart their conference tournament run until the quarterfinal round tips off next FridayinGreenville, SouthCarolina. Beforethen, though, LSUwill play one more regular-season game: aroad matchup with Mississippi State thatwill tip off at 3p.m Sunday

Email Reed Darcey at reed. darcey@theadvocate.com.

Made into late-afternoon matinee idols by aridiculously early 5p.m. tiptime Thursday (thanks, ESPN), the LSU Tigers put on a show that had all the feels against the former women’sbasketball empire known as Tennessee. There were the obligatory nostalgicheartstring tugs of Senior Night —well, Senior Late Afternoon. Therewas the drama of a frenetic first half that LSU coach Kim Mulkey derisively and correctly referred to as “Rec ball. Nobodyguarding anybody.” And therewerethe flowery distractions that only aSenior Day/ Night/Brunch/Whatever can bring.

Gradually,orderwas restored and everything from an LSU perspectivewas putright in the house that Pete (Maravich) built.

Despite the LadyVolunteers’ disruptive style —aconstant barrage of 3-pointers and full-court pressure —LSU overcame its occasional lapses into lazy passes and lapses of concentration to pull away foran89-73 victory This is adeep and talented LSU team.Once again, the Tigers showed how much. Though seniorFlau’jaeJohnson —wearing ajersey that said “Feaux” below her No. 4—struggled with her shot from the floor (3 of 10) and the line (3 of 9for 10 points), LSU almost always has other scoring options.

Mikaylah Williams was 0-for-3 from 3-point range butbrought her jeweler’stouchtoa swarm of short andmidrange jumpers to record adouble double —20 points and 10 rebounds —doinggreat damage when Mulkey decided to go small and put the junior guard in the post. MiLaysia Fulwiley cameoff the benchwith hercyclonic style and poured in 18 points. Grace Knox, who sat outSundayagainstMissouri by Mulkey’sdecree after atechnical-drawing outburst at OleMiss, showedthe fire and grit Mulkey loves and notched 13 points and nine boards. By the final minute, LSU pulled so far ahead Mulkey was able to getsenior guard Izzy Bessleman —sidelined the past twoseasons with aheartcondition—onthe court for acurtain call that drew cheers, tears and astanding ovation

Of all the moments and memories of this game, that wasthe best one.

“Itmeant alot,” Bessleman said. “Wehave the best fans in theworld. It meant alot.” It certainly meantalot to Johnson,who everyone knows deep down will get one and probably two morechances to play in the PMAC when LSU hosts games in thefirst tworounds of the NCAA tournament.

“I’m very happytohave formed asisterhood with her the past four years,” Johnsonsaid. “She’s battled something alot of people couldn’t. She’sselfless, and Ilove her very much.” Love for Tennesseewomen’s basketball undersecond-year coach Kim Caldwell is currently in short supply For LSU, awin over theLady Volunteers is to be celebrated, whether things aregoing well forTennessee or not. Right now, things are rockyonRocky Top. The Lady Vols are 16-11 and 8-7 in the SECafter dropping theirfifth straight game and fourth straight to LSU,the Tigers’ longest-ever winning streak in aseries LSU still trails 53-22. Tennessee has dropped seven of nine in conference after a6-0 SECstart,the conferenceitusedtoown. It’s the Lady Vols’ worst SEC skid ever On the anniversary of Napoleon’sescape from Elba in 1815, Tennesseecouldn’tescapedefeat for the sixth time in seven games during Mulkey’stenure at LSU. Despite just losing the rebounding battle 45-43 to the Tigers —LSU hasnot been outrebounded since that NewYear’s Dayloss to Kentucky,still the Tigers’ most egregious defeat this season —LSU flooded the paint with 50 points to Tennessee’s30. In agamewhere the Lady Vols drained 11 3-pointers (theirsecond most in an SEC game this season)tothe Tigers’ four,paint points were perhaps the game’s mosttelling stat. Sunday,former Tennessee player and current ESPN analyst Andraya CarterrippedCaldwell and her program live and in living (or livid) color on “College GameDay.”

“She hasa lotofthings to figure out,” Carter said, adding that the Lady Vols “have no belief”in Caldwell’ssystem Responding for the first time sinceCarter’scallout, Caldwell didn’tfire back.

“It’sfair forthe mostcritical people to be the people whobuilt this program,” she said. “It’shard to get upset when I’mmybiggest critic.

“I don’tleaveworkevery day happy and satisfied. We have a program of love and honesty and that’show we’ve been able to be resilient through this.”

LSU has been resilient through aseason in which SEC women’shoops, top to bottom, has arguably been tougher than ever.Thursday’s win secured a double bye in next week’sSEC tournament, making LSU a lock to be opening NCAAplay at home andkeeps the Tigers’ path to aNo. 1regionalseed still viable.

“I just want to host first and secondround games here,” Mulkeysaid. “The fans and the team deserve it.”

As ever,Mulkey’sTigers left everyone wanting more.

LSUjuniorEdwards ‘growing into herown’

BY JIM KLEINPETER

Contributing writer

As an establishedsoftball player coming intoanestablished SEC program, LSU infielder Kylee Edwards learned early to keep grinding and not check her stat line.

Sure enough, Edwards had seven hits in her past14at-bats after starting theseason 5-for-35 andher path is mirroring that of theNo. 17 Tigers as they prepare forthe LSU Invitationalbeginning Friday

LSUplays Nicholls State at 4p.m Friday followed by a6:30 p.m. game with Memphis. On Saturday, LSU plays Iowa at 4and Memphis again at 6:30 at Tiger Park.

After struggling past Howard 1-0 on five hitsSunday,the Tigers’ offense was far more efficientin a9-3 win at McNeese with 10 hits and 11 walks. Edwards had three of those hitsand Char Lorenz hit a pair of solo home runs

Both transfers brought in to beef up the LSU attack are adapting to anew program and learning asystem in which controlling the strike zone is abuzzword.

“It’salong season; there are going to be ups and downs, so Iknew my time was coming soonerorlater,” said Edwards, who started two seasons at Mississippi State. “It’s getting comfortable in anew place, new teammates, new coaches, learning about myself and who Iamhere, getting comfortableinthe boxand finding my confidence. Confidenceis ahuge thing in our sport.”

Edwardshad herfirstwalk-off hitwitha triple to beat UL, 2-1, in 10 innings Saturday.She said the adjustments she’smade under assistant Bryce Neal, who handles the offense, are startingtobear fruit.

“I love everything he’sdone with my swing so far,” Edwards said. “I’ve been working with him all fall, making major adjustments to my swing for the better. Ihad areally uphill swing.Imissed under alot of pitches. I’vegot aflat swing now. It’s going to pay off in the long run.”

LSU coach Beth Torina’sconfidence in Edwards hasn’t wavered. Although she’sbeen moved from sixth to eighth in the batting order,she’sstartedevery game at shortstop.

“Looking at her numbers from last year,she was alittle bit of a slow starter (at Mississippi State), too,” Torina said. “This is alittle bit of her M.O.

“She’sbeen super solid defen-

SIGNEES

Continued from page1C

Tigers out of junior collegebefore deciding to forgo his LSU commitment and go pro.

Konnor Griffin,SS,Pittsburgh Pirates Griffin is the consensus No.1 prospect in baseball after hitting 21 home runs with a.941 on-base plus slugging percentage across three levels, ending the year in Double-A TheClass of 2024signee hasashot tobecomethePirates’startingshortstop less thantwo yearsafter being the No. 9overall pick in the draft. He doesn’tturn 20 until April.

Justin Crawford,OF,Philadelphia Phillies Crawford is on track to be Philadelphia’sstarting center fielderthis season, and he’satop-70 prospect in all of baseball,per The Athletic and ESPN. The former first-round pick in the 2022 draft is the son of former major leaguer Carl Crawford. Carter Jensen, C, Kansas City Royals Jensenhas astrong chance of startingthisseason in themajors after making his MLBdebut last summer.Hehad a.941 OPS in 69 plateappearances in themajors andisatop-35 prospect in The Athletic, ESPN and Fangraphs’ MLBwiderankings RobbySnelling,LHP,Miami Marlins Snelling, aformer LSU signee, has a3.17 ERA across three seasons in the minor leagues. He began his career in the San Diego Padresorganization but was traded to Miami in 2024. Snelling has astrong chance of making his MLB debut this summer Miami invitedhim to major league camp as anon-roster invitee. Ben Kudrna, RHP,Kansas CityRoyals Kudrna reached Triple-A last season but spent the majority of theyear in Double-A, posting a 4.21ERA at that level.Hewas Kansas City’ssecond-round pick in 2021 andisa top-20 prospectin theRoyals system, per ESPN and The Athletic. Youngand promising Cam Caminiti, LHP,Atlanta Braves Caminiti is the top prospectin

Tulane incentivized vs.ECU following near no-hitter

BY GUERRYSMITH Contributing writer

One night after adreadful performanceatUNO, the Tulane baseball team came within one strike of aperfect response at the endofa run-rule victoryagainst SouthAlabama. South Alabama outfielderNick Richardson shattered his aluminum bat on atwo-out bleeder that sneaked through the hole between first andsecondbase in the bottomofthe seventh inning as the Jaguars broke up the Green Wave’s attempt at its first no-hitterinsix years (Braden Olthoff, Clifton Slagel and Keagan Gillies vs. MiddleTennessee). Tulane (63) still won 15-2 on Wednesday, but coming oh-so-close to the nono was frustrating.

“I wentout to the team meeting afterwards, and the first thing out of my mouth was, ‘Itfeels like we lost,’” coachJay Uhlman said “It’s hard to get ano-hitter,especially when you’re doing it with thebullpen.”

Thedribblercame off reliever

in the third inning of agame on April14, 2023, at TurchinStadium.

sively.She’safun player,afun human being to have around. She’s growing into her own.”

Torina was pleased with her team’s response betweenthe Howard and McNeese State games, using astory by Olympic gold medal skaterAlysa Liuand howshe stepped away from the hard work of her sporttotry and recaptureher joy

“Wedid amuch better job of controllingthe strike zone,”Torinasaid. “It’sa fundamental part of this offense. We drew 11 walks that set thetone. That started us in the rightdirection, and we were able to capitalize on that. “(AgainstHoward) we swung out of the zone alot,chasing pitches,

the Braves system and atop-60 prospectinthe majors, according to ESPN and The Athletic,after posting a3.09 ERAacrosstwo levels in hisfirst year of professional baseball.The formerLSU signee was the No. 24 overall pick in the 2024 draft.

BlakeMitchell, C, Kansas City Royals Mitchell was the lone LSU signee whodidn’t cometoschool from LSU’s2023 class. The former No. 8 overallpickstruggled at the plate in High-A last summer,inpart due to ahamate injury he suffered before the year began. Mitchell is a non-rosterinvitee to major league campthis spring, as The Athletic pegs him as atop-60 prospect in the game.

Boston Bateman,LHP,Baltimore Orioles Bateman cracked thetop 10 of theOrioles prospect rankings heading into this year,per The Athletic andESPN.The Classof2024 LSU signeewas selected by theSan DiegoPadres out of high school but got traded to Baltimore in July Jaden Fauske,ChicagoWhite Sox Fauske was the White Sox’ssecond-round pick in July.He’sa top-10 prospect in The Athletic and ESPN’s rankings of Chicago’ssystem Briggs McKenzie, LHP,Atlanta Braves McKenzie has yettomake hisprofessional debut after the Braves signed him to a$3million deal in the fourth round. He’satop10 prospect in the team’ssystem, per ESPN and TheAthletic.

More worktodo

Mikey Romero, INF,Boston Red Sox Romero has had an up-and-down tenure in Boston after the Red Sox pickedhim in thefirst round of the 2022 draft. He made it to Triple-A last year and is anon-roster invitee to bigleague camp this spring, but he had a.276 on-base percentage in 45 Triple-A games.

Michael Kennedy,LHP,ClevelandGuardians Kennedy was picked by the Piratesinthe fourth round of the 2022 draft, but was traded to Clevelandin Dec. 2024. He posted a3.32 ERA in nine starts in High-A last year QuentinYoung,INF,MinnesotaTwins Youngcracked the top-12 of The

things we’d like to haveback. She (Howard pitcher Aiko Conaway) did anice job, didn’tthrow alot of stuff over the plate. Everybody wantstohit,put up bignumbers, score runs andhit it outofthe park. But youalso have to be given pitches to hit and attack the right pitches. That’sthe balancewe’re trying to find.

Bergeron questionable Torinasaidsenior catcher Maci Bergeron is questionable this weekend after missing the past twogames. Bergeron took a foul tip offher facemask in Saturday’svictory against Michigan State. Torina saidBergeron is “day-to-day” andisbeing “conservative” withher availability,with SEC play beginning in one week.

Athletic’s prospect rankings for the Twins after Minnesotapicked him in thesecondround in July.The former LSU signee is the nephew of former big leaguers Delmon and Dmitri Young.

Tucker Toman, INF,Toronto Blue Jays

Toman hasyet to makeitpast High-A in four seasonsinthe minorleagues. He was theNo. 77 overall pick in the2022 draft.

MiguelSime, RHP,Washington Nationals

Sime signed an over-slotdeal withthe Nationals in the fourth round last summer.The Athletic mentioned him as aprospect of noteinits breakdown of Washington’s minor league system.

River Hamilton, RHP,DetroitTigers

Hamilton was picked by theTigers in the11th round last summer.Hewas limited this past spring withanelbow injury

Landon Hodge, C, ChicagoWhite Sox

The White Sox drafted Hodge withthe first pick in the fourth round. In Chicago’ssystem, he’s the No. 13 prospect, according to The Athletic.

Dean Moss, OF,Tampa BayRays

The Rays’ second-round pick out of IMG Academy last summer has yet to make his professional debut. He signed a$1.29 milliondeal to join Tampa Bay

Brady Ebel,INF,Milwaukee Brewers

Ebel was the first LSU signee picked in the draft last summer.He was mentioned as aprospect of note in The Athletic’s breakdown of the organization’stop-20 prospects.

Ian Moller,C,Texas Rangers

Moller was Texas’ fourth-round pick in 2021. He spent all of last season in Double-A, posting a.601 OPS and hitting four homers.

KaleFountain, 3B,San Diego Padres

Fountainposted a.655 OPS across two levels in his professional debutseason last summer. He was afifth-round pick in the 2024 draft.

Brock Selvidge, LHP,New York Yankees

Selvidgewas New York’sthirdround pick in 2021. He posted a 4.92 ERAin75innings in DoubleAlast season. He’salsothe No. 11 prospect in the Yankees system, per The Athletic.

SamLarson, who entered after Jack Brafa threw 31/3 innings and J.D. Rodriguez tossed 22/3 innings before walking the lead-off batter in the seventh. Larson picked off therunner, but first baseman Matthias Haas was calledfor an obstruction, awarding him second base. Awalk and afly-out preceded the history-averting single, which scored tworuns. Tulane had put the game away witha12-runsixthfeaturing a three-run homer by Nate Johnson, abases-loadedsingle from Jason Wachs that ended up platingthree duetoa miscue and agrand slam by senior James Agabedis for his first hit of the year It was quite the contrast to Tuesday’s tepidfive-hiteffort (threebyWachs) in the 11-3 loss to UNO.

“I just told theteam we don’t carry last night’seffort into Friday,and it’sthe sameway when youdon’t play well,” Uhlman said. “If you allow it be carried into the next day,itwill continue.It’snever aboutwhat happens.It’salways aboutthe response.”

Uhlman wanted the no-hitter badly for pitching coach Anthony Izzio, whowent 8-1 on the mound as aplayer forSouth Alabamain 2012 and 2013.

“He had not been back in a while,” Uhlman said. “I wanted thepitching staff to getthatnohitter for alot of reasons, but I really wanted him personally to get that milestone in that park.”

More incentive

Tulane hosts Eastern Kentucky (2-6) this weekend in aseries that will carry extra significance for newhitting coach Walt Jones even if he played down the impact Jones coached at Eastern Kentuckyfrom the fall of 2020 until thespring of 2025,whenhewas fired in hissecond year as head coach.

“Itwill be exciting,” he said. “There’saton of great young men andgreat familiesthatIrecruited to go to school there. It will be good to see someofthose faces.”

Uhlman wants the Wave to put on ashow in Jones’ behalf,recalling howgood he felt in 2010 as afirst-year assistant at Oregon when the Ducks outscored Nevada 31-6 in afour-game sweep right after he spent eight years with Nevada.

“I wouldlikeustoplay really, really well,”Uhlmansaid. “It’s not about just one individual, but there’sanextra incentive. It’s not going to just happen for us. We’ve got to go out and be aggressive and take it, but Iwant to win for him.”

Jonesbrought first-teamAllAtlantic Sunfreshman A.J. Groeneveld and grad transfer pitcher Aiden Rath with him from Eastern Kentucky.Groeneveld, a starter in eight of nine games for theWave, hadfourhitsthrough hisfirst twogames andscored threerunsagainst SouthAlabama. Rath, aflame-thrower whowas ticketedtobethe closer before elbow issues delayed hisdebut, threw ascoreless inning against Harvard on Saturday “A.J. can change agame with his batand hasa littleposition versatility,” Jones said. “Aiden’s stuff is incredibly better than it wasayear ago. Thesky’s the limitfor him. He keeps getting better and works his tail off.” Lagniappe

UhlmansaidJacob Moore, Tulane’s closer in 2024 before struggling ayear ago, was close to being ready to pitch after an elbow problem sidelined him for the first two weeks. He completed arehab assignment on Thursday and threw strikes. …The Wave’sstarting rotation will remain Trey Cehajic (0-0, 7.11 ERA) Beau Sampson (0-0, 12.00) andJack Frankel (1-0, 1.64). Cehajic’sfirst twostarts were rough, but Uhlman said he expected agood outing against Eastern Kentucky

BYKOKI RILEY Staff writer

LSUbaseballcoach Jay Johnsonanticipatesthatsophomore catcher Cade Arrambide will return to the field forFriday’sgame against Dartmouth(6:30 p.m., SEC Network+).

Arrambide exitedTuesday’s game againstMcNeese State in thefourthinningwitha foot injury.Hehas three home runs and a1.216 on-base plus slugging percentage to begin the year

“He’s fine,” Johnson said on Thursday.“Iexpecthim to play fully tomorrow.” Meanwhile, senior left fielder Chris Stanfield, who has been out since the third gameofthe year with aleft-hand injury,is notexpected to hit this weekend against Dartmouth or Northeastern. Johnson hopes that Stanfield returnstothe lineupnextweekendwhen theTigers host Sacra-

mento State.

“(We’re) advancing what he’s doing in practice today,” Johnson said. “… He’ll be back in the mix as soon as he’sable to play at full strength.” Without Stanfield, LSUhas turned to High Point transfer BraydenSimpson, freshman Mason Braun and fifth-year senior Tanner Reaves in left field. Freshman Omar Serna took over forArrambideafter he exited Tuesday’sgame. Simpson had never played the outfield in college before Stanfield’sinjury,while Braun and Reaves havemoreexperience out there defensively.Sernahas impressed Johnson withhis defense, despite starting the year just 4for 16 at the plate.

“I would give him high, high marks across the board,” Johnson said. “And not asurprise. Just as Cade hasimproved, he will improve.”

TAKE NOTE

BY KEITHSPERA | Staff writer

First in New York and now in New Orleans, Cree McCree has spent decades writing about music and musicians. Her perspective is fullimmersion.

Having no musical talent herself, she expressed her love of live music by dancing.

“There were thesebands that justspoke to me,” sherecalled recently.“They spoke to my soul, to my heart, and Iwas always on the dance floor,right up front.

“I was in love with music and Ifelt like Iwas partofit. Iwasn’tjust an audience member.I was an active participant.”

She tucked smallnotebooks into the pockets of her vest.

BY KEITHSPERA Staff writer

Ayear ago, New Orleans-born 19th-century composer EdmondDédé was thestar of the annual Musical Louisiana: America’sCultural Heritage concert,a collaborationbetween the Historic New Orleans Collection and theLouisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. This year,Dédé is essentially a member of theensemble.

The 2025 Musical Louisiana concert at theSt. Louis Cathedral premiered selections from Dédé’sopera “Morgiane,” which

was written 1887 but never performeduntil 138 years later.That “Morgiane” was likely the first complete opera written by aBlack American composer —and that it was“lost” for morethan acentury —generated a dramatic narrative beyond the music itself. The 2026 Musical Louisiana concert at the cathedral on Wednesday,titled “Echoes of Innovation,” relates to that narrative.But rather than focus on a single composer,itcelebrates the contributions of several19th-century Creole composers and“inno-

vators.” In addition to Dédé, the program will feature works by Barès, Lambert, Gottschalk and Martin.

An international flavor

The Musical Louisiana:America’sCulturalHeritageseries was founded in 2007 by Alfred E. Lemmon,the late director of HNOC’sWilliams Research Center.Every year,the concert, which is streamed online and on theradio,showcases Louisiana’s contributions to classical music Grants fromthe National Endowment for the Arts andthe Andrew

“I would have theseepiphanies on thedance floor and I’d scrawl in thenotebooks.Ofcourse the next day Icould barely read any of theselittle drunkenscrawls.But just the very act of writing it down kind of singed it.”

Those scrawls informed her writing for Details, Spin, High Times, Us Weekly,NoDepression, Rolling Stone, Downbeat,OffBeat andmanyother publications.

McCree’snew collectionof articles, “My Life UnderDeadline: Frontline Dispatches From aTrailblazing Woman Music Writer” (Rare Bird Books), is part music journalism and part memoir It collects 30-plus years of her observations and interviews with John LeeHooker,PJHarvey,Dr. John, zydeco great Boozoo Chavis, Nick Cave,BluesTraveler, Spin Doctors, Marianne Faithful, former Rolling Stones guitarist Mick Taylor,New Orleans jazzmen Kidd Jordan and Wendell Brunious, Clarence “Gatemouth”Brown, B.B King, Little FreddieKing,Lucinda Williams and many more.

The singer Rickie Lee Jones, who like McCree emigrated to NewOrleans, wrote the book’s foreword. Jonesopinesthatthere are two kinds of music journalists. The first “sits in his room and writes about records, about the songs he has heard, and about the kindofpeople he pursueswhenhe ventures out of his room andinto the streets …His life follows his work.

“The other kind of journalist is the one whose work follows their lifestyle. They jump into the van with the band and followthe music from town to town. They learn about the music, the spirit, the reason this stuff exists. They immerse themselves in the life of musicians to be the bullhorn of rock ‘n’roll.”

McCree is very much the latter kind of music journalist.

The‘tribescribe’

Before Blues Traveler scored amassive MTVhit in 1994 with “Run-Around,” the band built its reputation in New York in the late 1980s with epicimprovisational concerts at the Nightingale and Wetlands led by John Popper’s harmonica.

McCree was immediately enthralled. She maxed out her credit

cardsrentingacar to follow Blues Traveler on tour as theband’s “tribe scribe.”

She was just as enamored with JohnCampbell, thespectral bluesman from Shreveport who relocated to New York, signed to amajor record label,then died of aheart attackin1993 just as his career took off.

Rather than write technical albumreviews, McCreepreferred to conveyhow aperformance felt “because that’swhat excites me themost —live music.”

She often saw musicians from Louisiana in New York. She finally visited New Orleans for the 1988 New Orleans Jazz &Heritage Festival: “The first time Istepped off theplaneand feltthat humidity caress me, Ifelt likeIwanted to live here someday.”

It took until 2021 to convince her late husband, the New York avantgardemusician Donald Miller, to give New Orleans ashot

The city turned out to be conducive towriting about music and McCree’sother passion: organiz-

ing flea and art marketsand creating wearable art.

Her 1983 book “Flea Market America: The Complete Guide to FleaEnterprise” was republished in 2003 as a20thanniversary edition.She describes herselfasthe “godmother” of theNew Orleans art market.

“When Ifirst got here, there were not any flea marketsorart markets whatsoever,”she said “Now there’slike amillion zillion art markets.”

Shestarted her first oneinthe courtyard of the Mermaid Lounge, the now-defunct Warehouse District music club. She later launchedthe Piety Market, which hasbeen held in various locations since2010, including Hotel Peter &Paul.

A“whiz with aglue gun,” she often uses found objects to create costumes, headpieces,hats and masks that are popular at Halloween and Mardi Gras. Upside down visors made intoheadpieces and skeleton-hand bras are among her signature pieces.

Craftingwearable artwitha glue gun is acompletely different creative process than writing. “I don’t worry about burning my fingers when I’m writing,” she noted.

Arealdeadline

“My Life Under Deadline” came togetherafter McCree was diagnosed with terminal Stage4cancer.She wanted to leave arecord of her work.

“My deadline was real,” she said. “There wasavery good chance I wasn’tgonna survive very long.”

Her friend, Linda Kelly,arunning buddy fromthe New York music scene, encouraged McCree to collect her writings —many of whichpredated theinternetand thus existed only on paper —into abook. Kelly traveled to New Orleans to type thearticles intoa laptop.

Ultimately, thebook traces amusical journey that began when McCree first heardThe RollingStones on the radio in the small Ohio town where she grew up.

“‘(I Can’tGet No) Satisfaction”

came on, and I’mlike, ‘Oh my God what is this?’ Iloved the wayMick moved and Iused to style my own dancing on whathedid. Ialways say Mick Jagger taught me how to dance.”

At 78, McCree doesn’tdance muchanymore. After breaking a femur, her mobility is limited; she uses acane. The cancer also took a physical toll.

But she still goes out to hear live music as often as she can and still writes about it.

The most recent entry in “My LifeUnder Deadline” is arecap of the 2025 Jazz Fest forDownbeat magazine.

She plans to be at the Fair Grounds again thisspring forthe ’26 Jazz Fest. She’ll scoot around on her Rollator,awalker with wheels, park in the handicap section near thestages andseek the samethrills that live music has always given her “I will be there,” she says. Email KeithSpera at kspera@ theadvocate.com.

Scooter

Afamilywedding, minusone person

Dear Annie: Am Ibeing too sensitive? My niece’sson is getting marriedthis year.I always believed Iwas close to her family,but when the “save the date” and shower invitations went out, my daughterwas not included —although all the other cousins were. My daughter rarely attends family functions, so when one of my sisters asked why “Charlotte” wasn’t invited, the answerwas, “Wedidn’tthink she would come.” Charlotteismyonly daughter,and Ifeel that the least they could have done was mention this to me beforehand. Instead, I stood at afamilygathering and watched invitations being handed to everyone else and their children.

By The Associated Press

Today is Friday,Feb. 27, the58th day of 2026. There are 307 days left in the year

massacre of Sioux men, women and children; the occupation would last for over two months.

Iwas deeplyhurt. Would it really have been so difficult to send her an invitation? Ithought that was the purposeofRSVPs. —VeryHurt Dear Very Hurt: You’re not wrong to feel stung, but you may be taking this abit too personally Wedding guest lists are often shaped by numbers, budgets and assumptions. Someone decided your daughter’spast absences meant she wouldn’tattend, and rather than risk an unused seat,they made aquiet choice. It wasn’tgracious,

CONCERT

Continued from page1D

W. Mellon Foundation have helped support the show

The 2026 roster of performerswho willjointhe LPO at the cathedral is a cross-section of international artists drawn to New Orleans and/or its deep musical traditions.

The LouisianaPhilharmonic Orchestra, guest conducted by Daniela Candillari of Opera Theatre of St Louis, will be joined by the OperaCréole ensemble,clarinetist Doreen Ketchens, pianist Oscar Rossignoli and guitarist Geovane Santos.

The New Orleans-based OperaCréole was foundedin 2011 by performer,educator and historian Givonna Joseph and her daughter,Aria Mason, to rediscover and showcase works by composers of African descent. Joseph was adriving force behind last year’s “Morgiane” performance. OperaCréole has performed other works by Dédé.

Ketchens is aworld-class clarinetist viewed by many thousands of fans annually as she busks on the streets of the French Quarter Blending classicaland jazz influences, she and her band, Doreen’sJazz New Orleans, have performed at festivals, concerthallsand embassies

but it also wasn’ta deliberate slightagainst you That said,your niece could havehandled this better.Abrief, private explanation would havesparedyou embarrassment.You’re right about that. My advice is to let it go. Save yourenergy, and don’tturn an awkward decision into alastingrift. Dear Annie: Ihave afriend with whom I shared nearly 20 years as co-workers. Over thelast fourorfive years since our retirement, we’ve developed aclose friendship. Our bond surprisedmanyat work because our personalities are quite different. While we weren’tthe best co-workers, we became much better friends. Lately, though, I’m questioningthe strength of that friendship. It seems thatalmost every time we make plans, she cancels. I’d estimate it happens about 80% of the time. Whether it’sacasual gettogetherorapaint-and-sip night (for which Ibought her ticket, only to have her cancel), I’m left feeling disappointed. Ionce asked if she cancels on her other friends, and she told me shedoesn’t. Recently,she texted suggesting aday for us to hang out. Iwas genuinely excited since Ihad nothingelse planned,but then thetime

everywhere from Southeast Asia to Africa. She has also performed for four U.S. presidents Rossignoli studied classical music at the National ConservatoryofMusicin his native Honduras. At night, he played Afro-Latin jazz in nightclubs. That interest led himtoAmerican jazz, whichnaturallyled him to New Orleans. Since arriving in thecity several years ago, Rossignolihas anchored his own ensembles andbacked awide range of other bandleaders,mostnotably singer JohnBoutte Opera Theatre of St. Louis principalconductor Daniela Candillari, the LPO’sguest conductor for “Echoes of Innovation,”grew up in Serbia and Slovenia beforeembarking on an international career Her long résuméspans operatic and symphonic stages around theglobe, from the London Philharmonic to the New York Philharmonic to Deutsche Oper Berlin to OrchestreMétropolitainin Montreal.She hasalsoled operaproductions at the Manhattan School of Music andthe Juilliard School. Andcome Wednesday, she’ll addconductingthe LPO for acelebration of Creole composers from the19th century to her list of credits.

“Pairing composers with civic andcultural pioneers of their day,this concert

was pushed from early to afternoon, and Isensed another cancellation looming. Ilead abusy life and often rearrange my schedule to spend time with her, only to be let down. When Itry to talk about how this makes me feel, she gets upset.I’m now considering ending the friendship for my own peace of mind and could really use some guidance. —Buckeye Buddies Dear Buckeye Buddies: Occasional cancellations are part of life, but an 80% rate is apattern —and one your friend has openly acknowledged.

What mattersmost isn’t why she cancels, but how she responds when you say you’re hurt.You can’tbe theonly one rearranging your life to makearelationship work.

Before walking away entirely,try one clear,calm statement: “I value our friendship, but Ican’tkeep making plans that don’thappen.” Then stop jumping through hoops and seewhat follows. If nothing changes, you’ll have your answer Not all friendships are meanttolast forever.That doesn’tmean you’ve failed; it meansyou’re choosing to invest your energy where it’sreturned.

Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@ creators.com.

reflects the interplay of art and societyasareminder that art never exists in isolation,” theHNOCsaid in a news release. “Itscreation is always rooted in the world that shapes it.” Admission is free. Show time is 7:30 p.m. The cathedral doorsopen at 7, with seating on afirst-come, firstserved basis.

Beforethe concert,the Historic New OrleansCollection will host adiscussion at 6p.m. about the show’s culturaland historical context featuring Alvin Jackson of Treme’sPetit JazzMuseum, the curator of theconcert program. HNOC familyhistorian Jari C. Honora will facilitate the discussion at the Williams Research Center,410 Chartres Street. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Go to https://hnoc.org for more information.

Email KeithSpera at kspera@theadvocate.com.

Todayinhistory: On Feb.27, 1933, Germany’sparliament building, the Reichstag, was gutted by fire; Chancellor Adolf Hitler,blaming communists, used thefire to justify suspending civil liberties.

Also on this date: In 1942, theBattle of theJava Sea began during World WarII; Imperial Japanese naval forces scored adecisive victory over the Allies In 1951, the22nd Amendment to the Constitution, limiting apresident to two termsinoffice, was ratified.

In 1973, members of the American Indian Movementoccupied the hamlet of Wounded Knee in South Dakota, the site of the1890

In 1991, Operation Desert Storm came to a conclusion as President George H.W.Bush declared in aWhite House address that “Kuwait is liberated, Iraq’sarmyis defeated,” and announced that the allies would suspend combat operations at midnight, Eastern time.

In 1997, Ireland became one of the last countries in the world to legalize divorce. Divorce remains illegal in just twocountries: the Philippines and Vatican City In 2010, in Chile, an 8.8 magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami killed 525 people and caused up to $30 billion in damage and a major power blackout.

In 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin dramatically escalated East-

PIscEs(Feb. 20-March 20) Mingle,try something new, or participate in activities or events thatintrigue andexcite you. The people you encounter will make you take acloser look at your lifestyle.

ARIEs (March 21-April 19) Workquietly behind the scenes; once you have everything in place, it will be easier to get othersonboard with your plans. Keep your dialogue simple andyour actionswithinreason.Wisechoices, good results.

tAuRus (April 20-May20) Check every detail and change onlywhat's necessary andaffordable. Avoidimpulsive moves, decisions or rhetoricthat can lead to badfeelingsand unwanted actions.

GEMInI(May 21-June 20) Allocate your time and money with precision,and payattention to the changes unfolding around you. Use your connections, energy and multitasking talents to advance.

cAncER (June 21-July 22) Use the tools, connections or outlets at your disposal to make your next move. You have plenty to gain professionally or personally by taking control and initiating what you want to see unfold.

LEo(July 23-Aug. 22) Dig in anddiscover. Knowledge is your pathway to success. Theconnections you make while attending alecture, eventorreunion will payoff. Be your own advocate, and play to win.

VIRGo (Aug.23-sept. 22) Expand your interests,knowledge and insight.Don't lose sight of how vital meaningful relationships are; be sure to nurture and accommodate those youlove.

LIBRA (sept. 23-oct. 23) Stay on topic even if someone tries to redirect you. It's essential to get your point across accurately. Clear apath forward and visualizethe possibilities.Focus on what matters most.

scoRPIo(oct. 24-nov.22) Angerand revenge will stand between youand getting what you want. Avoid domesticdisputes,attendeventsthat interest youand expand your circleoffriends.

sAGIttARIus(nov. 23-Dec. 21) Keep tabs on your expenditures, possessions and health. Home improvements will require budgeting and planning to avoidbeingtaken advantage of cAPRIcoRn (Dec.22-Jan. 19) Don'tbe afraid to take advantage of any opportunitythat comes your way. Ajoint venture or acommitment to joinforces andshare expenses, will ease stress.

AQuARIus (Jan.20-Feb.19) Youcan loweryour overhead if you look into efficiency programsorgrants. Don't let insecurity or temptation setinwhen you have so muchtogainbysticking to awell-thought-out plan.

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 objectistoplace the numbers 1to9inthe empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3box contains the same number only once.The difficulty levelofthe sudoku increases from monday to sunday.

Yesterday’sPuzzle Answer

Bridge

By PHILLIPALDER

Alfred Adler, an Austrianpsychiatrist who died in 1937, said, “There is no such thingastalent. There is pressure.”

True,ifyouwishtobesuccessfulatthe top levelofanything, you mustbeable to handle the pressure. This applieseven at thebridge table. But there is another form of pressure in bridge —pre-emptivebids, which pressure the opponents by removing bidding space.

Look at the South hand. After twopasses, what would youopen?

In the first twopositions, one heart would be apopular choice. But after two passes, thedynamic changes. NorthSouth’s chances of making game have diminished. It is time to pressure West. Openthree hearts!Or, if that is too rich foryou,bid two hearts.

Now look at thefull deal.After athreeheart opening, Westwouldmake atakeoutdoubleand East would advance with three spades. This contract would go down after three rounds of hearts are played,but West would never pass with such astrong hand. He would carry his sideintodeeper waters.

At the table, South opened one heart, West doubled,North responded one no-trump, Eastpassed, Southrebidtwo hearts, andthis endedthe auction when West verycautiously passed.

Thedefense was excellent, though. West led the spade ace: three, six,queen.

West,not fooled,continued with the spade king, and Eastdropped his nine, asuit-preference signalfor diamonds (the higher-ranking of the other two sidesuits). Westcashed hisdiamondace, gavehispartneradiamondruff,gotback on lead with the club ace, and gave East asecond ruff for down one.

©2026 by nEa, inc dist. By andrews mcmeel syndication

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

Previous answers:

word game

InstRuctIons: 1. Words must be of four or more letters. 2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” 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 coMPoRts: kum-PORTS: Behaves in aproper or expected manner

Averagemark 27 words Time limit 40 minutes

Can you find 35 or more words in COMPORTS?

yEstERDAy’sWoRD —REsuMED

sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.”

dIrectIons: make a2-to 7-letterword fromthe letters in each row. add points of each word, using scoring directions at right. Finally, 7-letterwords get 50-point bonus. “Blanks” used as any letter have no point value. all the words are in theOfficial sCraBBlE® players Dictionary, 5th Edition.

Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer ken ken

InstructIons: 1 -Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1thorugh 4(easy) or 1through 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.

info@scrabbleplayers.org.Visit

WiShinG Well

HErE is aplEasanT liTTlE

the

VERSUS FATEMAHBICK‐SLER A/K/A FATEMAHAB‐DALLAH MO‐HAMMADBICK‐SLER AND RONALD E. BICK‐SLER

Plaintiff

By virtue of and in obedienceto aWritof SEIZUREAND SALE from the 24thJudicial District Court, Parish of Jeffer‐son, Stateof Louisiana, in the abovenum‐beredand enti‐tled cause, datedMarch 26, 2025, Ihave seized andwill proceed to sell to thehighest bidder at public auction, at the JeffersonParish Sheriff'sOffice Complex, 1233 Westbank Ex‐pressway,Har‐vey, Louisiana, 70058,onApril 8,2026 at 10

o'clocka.m.the followingde‐scribedprop‐erty to wit: THAT CERTAIN PORTIONOF GROUND,to‐gether with all thebuildings and improvements thereonand all therights, ways, privileges, servitudes,ap‐purtenances andadvantages thereuntobe‐longingorin anywiseapper‐taining, situated in the PARISH OF JEF‐FERSON,STATE OF LOUISIANAin MAPLEWOOD PARK SUBDIVISION, SECTION"D", beingpart of theoriginal GargerePlanta‐tion,in Township 14 South, Range24 East,Westof theMississippi i i

pp River, in SQUARE NO 8, boundedby Dogwood Drive, ThirdStreet Maplewood Drive, and Fourth Street, designated as LOTNO. 30, allin accordingwith thesurveyof AdloeOrr, Jr.& Associates,C.E dated4/1/1963; approved by the JeffersonParish Councilunder Ord. No.6076, adopted 5/23/1963, which said lot commences at a distance of 453' from thecorner of Dogwood Driveand Third Street,the same measures thence 52' frontonDog‐wood Drive, same in width in therear, by a depth alongthe side line nearer Thad Street of 9935,

by adepth alongthe oppo‐site side line of 98.791. Allin accordance with thesurvey of AdleeOrr, Jr &Associates, C.E. dated 4/29/1964.

Forinformation purposes only: Theimprove‐mentsthereon bear theMunici‐palNo. 1437 Dogwood Drive, Harvey, Louisiana70058.

TERMS- Thefull purchase price is dueatthe time of thesale.

NOTE:All funds must be Cashier'sCheck Certified Check, MoneyOrder,or Personal Check with Bank Letter of Credit

BRIGHAMJ LUNDBERG Attorney for

JOSEPH P. LOPINTO, III Sheriff Parish of Jefferson

TheNew Orleans Advocate: February 27, 2026, April3,2026 Feb27-apr3-3t

RECEIVABLES LLCTRUST 2006HE2

MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-HE2 VERSUS THEUNOPENED SUCCESSIONOF ANDUNKNOWN HEIRSOF FRENCHIE CARTER A/K/A FRENCHIE CARTER ANDAL‐FRIEDA JONES MILLER A/K/A ALFRIEDA J. MILLER A/K/A ALFRIEDA MILLER By virtue of and in obedienceto aWritof SEIZUREAND SALE from the 24thJudicial District Court, Parish of Jeffer‐son, Stateof Louisiana, in the abovenum‐beredand enti‐tled cause, datedDecem‐ber1,2025, I

have seized and will proceed to sell to thehigh‐estbidderat public auction, at theJefferson Parish Sheriff's Office Complex, 1233 Westbank Expressway, Harvey Louisiana, 70058, on April 8, 2026 at 10 o'clocka.m.the followingde‐scribedprop‐erty to wit: Threecertain lots of ground, together with allofthe build‐ings andim‐provements thereon, andall of therights, ways,privi‐leges, servi‐tudes, appurte‐nances and advantages thereuntobe‐longingorin anywiseapper‐taining, situated in theParishof Jefferson, State

of Louisiana, in Square No.12, OwnYourOwn Subdivision, bounded by Sib‐ley, Milanand SheldonStreets andanalley called Hustedt Road, designated as Lots 24, 25 and 26 on thesurvey made by ErrolE Kelly,Surveyor, datedJanuary 23, 1963, acopy of which is an‐nexedtoanact registered in COB567, folio 231, dated February 27, 1963, andac‐cordingtosaid survey,said Lots 24, 25 and26adjoin each otherand measureeach 20 feet fronton SibleyStreet, thesame widthinthe rear andfront on Hustedt Road,by a depth of 100 f b

p feet between equal andparallel lines; said Lot No.24com‐mences at adis‐tanceof473.92 feet from the corner of Sibley andMilan Streets.

TERMS- Thefull purchase price is dueatthe time of thesale.

NOTE:All funds must be Cashier'sCheck, Certified Check, MoneyOrder,or Personal Check with Bank Letter of Credit

DENNISWIG‐

GINS,JR. Attorney for Plaintiff

JOSEPH P. LOPINTO, III

Sheriff Parish of Jefferson

TheNew Orleans Advocate: February 27, 2026, April3,2026 Feb27-apr3-3t

Attorney for Plaintiff

JOSEPH P. LOPINTO, III

Sheriff Parish of Jefferson

TheNew Orleans Advocate: February 27, 2026, April3,2026

Feb27-apr3-3t

JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT

24THJUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT PARISH OF JEFFERSON STATEOF LOUISIANA NO:867-201 MOVEMENT MORTGAGE,LLC VERSUS PHILLIP CAMERONHAR‐RISA/K/A PHILLIP C. HAR‐RISA/K/A PHILLIP HARRIS ANDLACEY AN‐NETTE HARRIS A/K/ALACEY A. HARRIS A/K/A LACEYHARRIS

&Associates, C.E., datedMarch 19, 1962.

MoneyOrder,or Personal Check with Bank Letter of Credit

purchase price is dueatthe time of thesale.

ANDARLENE BRUCEBLAIS A/K/AARLENE BLAIS

By virtue of and in obedienceto aWritofFIERI FACIAS from the 24thJudicial District Court, Parish of Jeffer‐son, Stateof Louisiana, in the abovenum‐beredand enti‐tled cause, datedJanuary 15, 2026, Ihave seized andwill proceed to sell to thehighest bidder at public auction, at the JeffersonParish Sheriff'sOffice Complex, 1233 Westbank Ex‐pressway,Har‐vey, Louisiana, 70058, on April 8, 2026 at 10 o'clocka.m.the followingde‐scribedprop‐erty to wit: That certain pieceorportion of ground,to‐gether with all thebuildings and improvements thereonand all therights, ways, privileges, servitudes,ad‐vantages andappurte‐nances there‐untobelonging or in anywise appertaining situated in the Stateof Louisiana, Parish of Jeffer‐son, in that part thereofknown as Esprit at StonebridgeEx‐tension, being a resubdivisionof ParcelsFF-11D1, FF-12, Square A, Lot1-A,and Square B, Lot1A, Lake Timber‐lane Estates, in accordance with plan of resubdivisionby Richmond W. Krebs, Profes‐sional Land Sur‐veying L.S. dated February 8, 1999, revised March26, 1999, andfurther re‐visedApril 6, 1999, approved by the JeffersonParish Councilunder ordinanceno. 20663 on May5, 1999 andregistered in theoffice of theclerk of courtfor the Parish of Jeffer‐sonunder

instrument no 99-31327, in COB 3008,folio 267 andaccording to which the said lot in more particu‐larlydescribed as follows: Lot1-A1of Square Awhich square is boundedby Lake Lynn Drive, Manhattan Boulevard, Lake Salvador Drive (side) and160 foot TrappCanal RightofWay (side) andmeasures a totalof90.66 feet fronton Lake Lynn Drive, hasa width in therear of 80 feet,has a depth on the TrappCanal RightofWay side of 111.48 feet anda depth alongthe Manhattan Boulevardside of 70.56feet.All in accordance with survey by John‐son Profes‐sional Land Sur‐veyors,Inc., datedMarch 16, 1999, resurveyed April 8, 1999 to locate forms, resur‐veyedApril 9, 1999 to locate slab resurveyed Oc‐tober10, 2000. Lot1-A2: That certain pieceorportion of ground,to‐gether with all thebuildings improvements thereonand all therights, ways privileges, servitudes,ad‐vantages and appurtenances thereuntobe‐longingorin anywiseapper‐taining, situated in theState of Louisiana, Parish of Jeffer‐son, in that part thereofknown as Esprit at Stonebridge Extension,being aresubdivision of ParcelsFF11D-1,FF-12, Square A, Lot1A, and Square B, Lot1A, Lake Timber‐lane Estates, in accordance with theplanof resubdivison by Richmond W. Krebs, Profes‐sional Land Sur‐veying,L.S dated February 8, 1999, revised March26, 1999, andfurther re‐visedApril 6, 1999, approved by the JeffersonParish Councilunder ordinanceno. 20663 on May5, 1999 andregistered in theoffice of theclerk of courtfor the Parish of Jeffer‐sonunder instrument no 99-31327, in COB 3008, folio 267, andaccording to which said lotis more particu‐larly described as follows: Lot 1-A2,SquareA which square is bounded by Lake Lynn Drive, Manhat‐tanBoulevard, Lake Timber‐lane Estates, Section1,Lake Arrowhead Driveand Lake Salvador Drive (side),and said lotforms acor‐nerof Manhattan Boulevardand Lake Lynn Drive, andmeasures as perthatsur‐veyby Richmond W. Krebs, Profes‐sional Land Sur‐veying,L.S., datedJuly26, 2004. Said lot contains ap‐proximately 8,043.84 square feet,moreor less.

TERMS- Thefull purchase price is dueatthe time of thesale.

TERMS- Thefull purchase price is dueatthe time of thesale.

NOTE:All funds must be Cashier'sCheck, Certified Check, MoneyOrder,or Personal Check with Bank Letter of Credit

COREYJ.GIROIR

Attorney for Plaintiff

JOSEPH P. LOPINTO, III

Sheriff Parish of Jefferson

TheNew Orleans Advocate: February 27, 2026, April3,2026

Feb27-apr3-3t

JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT

24THJUDICIAL

By virtue of and in obedienceto aWritof SEIZUREAND SALE from the 24thJudicial District Court, Parish of Jeffer‐son, Stateof Louisiana, in the abovenum‐beredand enti‐tled cause, datedAugust1 2025, Ihave seized andwill proceedtosell to thehighest bidder at public auction, at the Jefferson Parish Sheriff'sOffice Complex, 1233 Westbank Ex‐pressway,Har‐vey, Louisiana, 70058,onApril 8, 2026 at 10 o'clocka.m.the following de‐scribedprop‐erty to wit: Acertain piece or portionof ground with all thebuildings andimprove‐mentsthereon andall of the rights,ways, privileges, servitudes,ap‐purtenances andadvantages thereuntobe‐longingorin anywiseapper‐taining, situated in theState of Louisiana, in that Parish of Jefferson,in TerrytownSub‐division,Section 3, beingpartof Oakdale Subdivision, Section"B" FirstWard, allin accordance with thesurvey of AdloeOrr Jr. andAssoci‐ates,C.E., dated October9,1959, approved by the Jefferson Parish Councilunder ord. no.4545 adoptedApril 21, 1960,regis‐teredinCOB 510, folio 492, Parish of Jefferson,LA, on July20, 1960, andin plan book 39,folio 66 office of theclerk of courtofJeffer‐son,LA, which said property is more fully de‐scribedas follows, to-wit:

DISTRICT COURT PARISH OF JEFFERSON STATEOF LOUISIANA NO:869-513

LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC VERSUS EVANSA.USSIN, JR.

By virtue of and in obedienceto aWritof SEIZUREAND SALE from the 24thJudicial District Court, Parish of Jeffer‐son, Stateof Louisiana, in the abovenum‐beredand enti‐tled cause, datedOctober 14, 2025, Ihave seized andwill proceed to sell to thehighest bidder at public auction, at the JeffersonParish Sheriff'sOffice Complex, 1233 Westbank Ex‐pressway,Har‐vey, Louisiana, 70058, on April 8, 2026 at 10 o'clocka.m.the followingde‐scribedprop‐erty to wit:

KATE SOTO‐LONGO

Attorney for Plaintiff

JOSEPH P. LOPINTO, III

Sheriff Parish of Jefferson

TheNew Orleans Advocate: February 27, 2026, April3,2026

Feb27-apr3-3t

JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT

24THJUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT PARISH OF JEFFERSON STATEOF LOUISIANA

NO:870-044

MORTGAGE SO‐LUTIONSOF COLORADO,LLC VS SANJAY RAMAN

By virtue of and in obedienceto aWritof SEIZUREAND SALE from the 24thJudicial District Court, Parish of Jeffer‐son, Stateof Louisiana, in the abovenum‐beredand enti‐tled cause, datedNovem‐ber6,2025, I have seized and will proceed to sell to thehigh‐estbidderat public auction, at theJefferson Parish Sheriff's Office Complex, 1233 Westbank Expressway, Harvey Louisiana, 70058, on April 8, 2026 at 10 o'clocka.m.the followingde‐scribedprop‐erty to wit:

NOTE:All funds must be Cashier'sCheck, Certified Check, MoneyOrder,or Personal Check with Bank Letter of Credit

EMILYA MUELLER

Attorney for Plaintiff

JOSEPH P. LOPINTO, III

Sheriff Parish of Jefferson

TheNew Orleans Advocate: February 27, 2026, April3,2026

Feb27-apr3-3t

JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT 24THJUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT PARISH OF JEFFERSON STATEOF LOUISIANA NO:870-624 AMERICREDIT FINANCIALSER‐VICESINC D/B/AGMFI‐NANCIAL VERSUS DARLENEJONES

By virtue of and in obedienceto aWritof SEIZUREAND SALE from the 24thJudicial District Court, Parish of Jeffer‐son, Stateof Louisiana, in the abovenum‐beredand enti‐tled cause, datedNovem‐ber24, 2025, I have seized and will proceed to sell to thehigh‐estbidderat public auction, at theJefferson Parish Sheriff's Office Complex, 1233 Westbank Expressway, Harvey, Louisiana, 70058, on April 8, 2026 at 10 o'clocka.m.the followingde‐scribedprop‐erty to wit:

February 27, 2026, April3,2026 Feb27-apr3-3t

JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT

24THJUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT PARISH OF JEFFERSON STATEOF LOUISIANA NO:870-394

SMSFINANCIAL CREFUND, LLC VERSUS CONLIN STREET, L.L.C. SUNNY‐SIDE FAMILY HEALTH,L.L.C., SUNNYSIDE PEDIATRICS, L.L.C.,JOSEVER‐GASPOLAAND ANADE AGUILAR

THAT CERTAIN PARCEL OF GROUND,to‐gether with all thebuildings and improvements thereon, andall of therights, ways,privi‐leges, servi‐tudes, appurtenances andadvantages thereuntobe‐longingorin anywiseapper‐taining, situated in the Parish of Jeffer‐son, Stateof Louisiana, in that part thereofknown as Stonebridgeby resubdivision approved by Or‐dinance#15014, recorded in COB 1019, folio 674, in January1982, andall as more fully shownon a plan of resubdivsion prepared by J. J. Krebs& Sons, Inc.,dated Au‐gust 31, 1981, as Lot 353, Square 14, Section2,which measures as follows:

By virtue of and in obedienceto aWritof SEIZUREAND SALE from the 24thJudicial District Court, Parish of Jeffer‐son, Stateof Louisiana, in the abovenum‐beredand enti‐tled cause, datedNovem‐ber24, 2025, I have seized and will proceed to sell to thehigh‐estbidderat public auction, at theJefferson Parish Sheriff's Office Complex, 1233 Westbank Expressway, Harvey Louisiana, 70058, on Wednesday, April1,2026 at 10 o'clocka.m thefollowing describedprop‐erty to wit:

2020 GMC SIERRA 1500 CREW CAB, VIN# 3GTP8AE‐F1LG287648

STORED AT: AVONDALE STORAGE 3110 HWY. 90 P. O. BOX9150 AVONDALE,LA

This sale is sub‐ject to allsupe‐rior security in‐terests, mort‐gages, liensand privileges.

TERMS- Thefull purchase price is dueatthe time of thesale.

NOTE:All funds must be Cashier'sCheck, Certified Check, MoneyOrder,or Personal Check with Bank Letter of Credit

NOTE:All funds must be Cashier'sCheck Certified Check, MoneyOrder,or Personal Check with Bank Letter of Credit COREYJ.GIROIR

Lotno. 25 in square no.57, bounded by FriedricaStreet Farmington Placeand Heritage Av‐enue,which said lotcom‐mences at adis‐tanceof113 feet from thecorner of Friedrica Street and Farmington Placeand mea‐suresthence65 feet fronton FriedricaStreet, by adepth alongthe side line nearer Farmington Placeof78.66 feet,by adepth alongthe oppo‐site side line of 110 feet,by a width in the rear of 72.35 feet,all in accordance with thesurvey of AdloeOrr, Jr

ACERTAIN PIECEORPOR‐TION OF GROUND,situ‐ated in the Parish of Jeffer‐son, Stateof Louisianain that part known as TIMBERLANE VILLAGEPHASE II and designated as LOT4C, SQUARE Jall in accor‐dancewiththe plansofsubdi‐vision made by J.J. Krebs& Sons, Inc.,certified by John F. Marshall, surveyor,dated November 11, 1982 approved in Ordinance No.15453 by the JeffersonParish Councilon March9,1983 registered in COB1044, folio 774 as revised by plansof subdivision made by J.J. Krebs& Sons Inc. certified by John F. Marshall, Surveyor datedJune7 1983 and recorded in Map Book 115, Page 2 approved in Or‐dinance No.15637 by the JeffersonParish CouncilonJuly 27, 1983 regis‐teredinCOB 1054, folio 595. To‐gether with all thebuildings andimprove‐mentsthereon andall of the rights,ways, privileges, servitudes,ap‐purtenances andadvantages thereunto belongingorin anywiseapper‐taining, TERMS- Thefull purchase price is dueatthe time of thesale.

NOTE:All funds must be Cashier'sCheck, Certified Check,

Said LOT353 OF SQUARE 14, is bounded by Lake Lynn Drive, Parcel 2A (120' LouisianaPower &Light Com‐pany Rightof wayside), Bayou Barataria and180' TrappCanal RightofWay side.Inaccor‐dancewith a survey of Gilbert, Kelly and Couturie,Inc datedJune24, 1992, said lot measures a first fronton37.06 feet anda second frontof 71.59 feet on Lake Lynn Drive, a firstwidth in therearof31.12 feet anda second width in the rear of 36.89 feet,bya depth alongthe north‐westerly most sideline of 181.19 feet,and adepth along theopposite sideline of 199.22 feet

MARK R. DEETHARDT Attorney for Plaintiff

JOSEPH P. LOPINTO, III Sheriff Parish of Jefferson

TheNew Orleans Advocate: February 27, 2026 feb27-1t

ACERTAIN PIECEORPOR‐TION OF GROUND,to‐gether with all thebuildings and improvements thereon, andall of therights, ways,privi‐leges, servi‐tudes, appurtenances andadvantages thereuntobe‐longingorin anywiseapper‐taining, situated in the PARISH OF JEF‐FERSON,STATE OF LOUISIANA, in that part thereof knownasTER‐RYTOWN SUBDI‐VISION NO.2-A beingpartof OakdaleSubdi‐vision, Section"B", FirstWard, allin accordance with thesurvey of AdloeOrr, Jr & Associates,C.E., datedJune 3, 1959, revised September16, 1959, andSep‐tember 18, 1959, ap‐proved by Ordi‐nanceNo. 4706, JeffersonParish Council, which said Ordinanceis registered in COB514, folio 343, andthe Act of Dedication is registered in COB514, folio 343, said plan beingfurther registered in MapBook 40, page 31, which said property is more fully de‐scribedasfol‐lows,LOT NO 23, in SQUARE NO 8, bounded by AmapolaCircle, Athena Avenue Apollo Street, andAdonisWay which said lot commencesat a distance of 162 feet from the comerofAmap‐ola Circle and Athena Avenue, andmeasures thence 60 feet frontonAmap‐olaCircle, the same widthin therear, by a depthof110 feet between equaland paral‐lellines,all in accordance with thesurvey of AdloeOrr, Jr &Associates C.E.,dated Janu‐ary25, 1962.

TERMS- Thefull purchase price is dueatthe time of thesale.

NOTE:All funds must be Cashier'sCheck, Certified Check, MoneyOrder,or Personal Check with Bank Letter of Credit

KATE SOTO‐LONGO Attorney for Plaintiff

By virtue of and in obedienceto aWritof SEIZUREAND SALE from the 24thJudicial District Court, Parish of Jeffer‐son, Stateof Louisiana, in the abovenum‐beredand enti‐tled cause, datedJanuary 14, 2026, Ihave seized andwill proceed to sell to thehighest bidder at public auction, at the JeffersonParish Sheriff'sOffice Complex, 1233 Westbank Ex‐pressway,Har‐vey, Louisiana, 70058, on April 8, 2026 at 10 o'clocka.m.the followingde‐scribedprop‐erty to wit: That portionof ground,situ‐ated in the Parish of Jeffer‐son, Stateof Louisiana, in that part thereof knownas Pontchartrain Shores Subdivi‐sion,and,ac‐cordingtoa plat of subdivision datedOctober 30, 1956, made by J.L. Foncu‐berta, surveyor copy of which is on file in Plan Book 31, folio 60, in the office of Clerkof Court, Parish of Jefferson, which plat wasap‐proved by Policy Jury by Ordi‐nanceNo. 3433, said Portionof ground is desig‐natedand mea‐suresasfol‐lows:

Lots Nos. 5, 6, and7 of Square 74, Pontchar‐trainShores, bounded by West EsplanadeAv‐enue,Conlin Street,Murphy Drive, and Transcontinen‐talDrive.Said lots adjoin each other. LotNo. 5 commences 171.29 feet ac‐tual measure‐ment, 171.20’ title measurement, from thecorner of Murphy Drive andConlin Street and measures 50 feet fronton Conlin Street, same widthin therear, by a depthof137.57 feet between equaland paral‐lellines.Lot No 6measures50 feet fronton Conlin Street,same widthinthe rear,bya depth of 135.57 feet between equal andparallel lines. LotNo. 7 measures 60 feet fronton Conlin Street same widthin therear,bya depthof137.57 feet between equaland paral‐lellines

ber13, 1984 which is regis‐teredinthe of‐fice of theClerk of Court, Parish of Jeffer‐son, in COB 1158, folio 36, andwhich is filedfor record under Entry No.84-59190, ac‐cordingto which theabove describedprop‐erty hasthe same location and measurements as stated above. Theabove de‐scribedprop‐erty also is shownonthe plat of survey datedJune 19, 1991 by R.P. R Foncuberta,Jr., registered pro‐fessionalland surveyor,of BFM Corporation, a copy of which is annexedtothe ActofSale datedJuly19, 1991 which is registered in COB2351, folio 182, andwhich is filedfor record under EntryNo. 9132187 in the Conveyance RecordsofJef‐ferson Parish, Louisiana, ac‐cordingto which plat the abovede‐scribedprop‐erty hasthe same measure‐mentsasstated above. Allas more fully shownonsur‐veybyGilbert, Kelly &Cou‐turie, Inc.,dated May10, 2010 copy of which is annexedtothe Cash Sale dated May18, 2010 which is filedfor record under EntryNo 11019375 in the Conveyance RecordsofJef‐ferson Parish, Louisiana.

Together with anyand allpre‐sent andfuture buildings, con‐structions,com‐ponent parts, improve‐ments, attach‐ments, appurte‐nances, fix‐tures, rights, ways,privi‐leges, advantages batture, and batturerights, servitudes and easementsof everytypeand description, nowand/orin thefuturerelat‐ingtothe Prop‐erty,and any andall items and fixtures at‐tached to and/or forming integral or com‐ponent partsof thePropertyin accordance with the LouisianaCivil Code

This property or itsaddressis commonly knownas4420 Conlin Street Metairie,LA 70006.

TERMS- Thefull purchase price is dueatthe time of thesale.

NOTE:All funds must be Cashier'sCheck Certified Check, MoneyOrder,or Personal Check with Bank Letter of Credit

KREIGA BREAUX Attorney for Plaintiff

JOSEPH P. LOPINTO, III Sheriff Parish of Jefferson

TheNew Orleans Advocate: February 27, 2026, April3,2026 Feb27-apr3-3t

TERMS- Thefull

JOSEPH P. LOPINTO, III Sheriff Parish of Jefferson TheNew Orleans Advocate:

Theabove de‐scribedprop‐erty is shownon theplatofsur‐veydated De‐cember 3, 1984 by R.P. Fon‐cuberta, Jr., sur‐veyor, acopyof which is an‐nexedtothe Act of Sale datedDecem‐

NO:864-241

ALOHACAPITAL, LLC VERSUS SAHARANDE‐

VELOPMENTS LLCAND

KHALED OUAAZ (D/B/A KADE WISE)

Byvirtueofand inobedience to a Writ of FIERI FACIASfromthe 24thJudicial DistrictCourt ParishofJeffer‐son,State of Louisiana,inthe above num‐bered andenti‐tledcause, dated October 21, 2025, Ihave seizedand will proceed to sell tothe highest bidderatpublic auction,atthe Jefferson Parish Sheriff'sOffice Complex,1233 WestbankEx‐pressway, Har‐vey,Louisiana, 70058, on Wednesday, March4,2026 at 10o'clock a.m. the following described prop‐ertytowit: ONECERTAIN LOT OF GROUND, together with all thebuildings and improve‐ments thereon, andall the rights,ways, privileges, servitudes,ap‐purtenances and advantages thereuntobe‐longing or in i

g g anywiseapper‐taining,situated inthe Parish of Jefferson, State ofLouisiana,in thatpart thereon known asHAZEL PLACE SUBDIVISIONin SECTION “B bounded by Rensu Drive (formerly Al‐fred),Rural Avenue,Camille Drive andUp‐streamSubdivi‐sion, which said lot of ground is designated by the Number 31, forms thecor‐ner of Rensu Drive andRural Avenue, andmeasures ninetyand no hundredths (90.00’)feet front on Rensu Drive twenty-five and nohundredths (25.00’)feet in width in the rear(24.80feet per title),a depth andfront onRural Avenue ofone hundred nineteen andno hundredths (119.00’)feet (119.30feet per title), afrontage ona curved line which formsthe corner of Rensu Drive andRural Avenue of thirty-oneand eightyhun‐dredths(31.80’) feet (31.68 feet per title),and a depth on the sidelinenear‐est Upstream Subdivision of onehundred

fourteen andno hundredths (114.00”) feet: all accordingto a sketch of survey by Errol E. Kelly, Surveyor, dated March 31,1962, a copy of which is annexedtoan Act passed be‐foreAllainC Andry,Jr.,No‐taryPublic, dated April10, 1962,for refer‐ence, registered inCOB 550, folio 947.

Having amunic‐ipaladdress of 9001Rensu Drive River Ridge,LA70123. This sale is sub‐jecttoall supe‐riorsecurityin‐terests,mort‐gages,liens and privileges.

TERMS- Thefull purchaseprice isdue at the timeofthe sale

NOTE:All funds mustbe Cashier's Check, Certified Check, Money Order, or PersonalCheck withBankLetter ofCredit.

PENNY M. DAIGREPONT Attorney for Plaintiff

JOSEPH P. LOPINTO, III Sheriff Parish of Jefferson

TheNew Orleans Advocate: January23, 2026, February 27, 2026 jan23-feb27

JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT

24THJUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT PARISH OF JEFFERSON STATEOF LOUISIANA NO:865-878

MIDFIRST BANK VERSUS ASHLEY F. ACKER

By virtue of and inobedience to a Writ of SEIZURE AND SALEfromthe 24thJudicial DistrictCourt, ParishofJeffer‐son,State of Louisiana,inthe above num‐bered andenti‐tledcause, dated June 23 2025, Ihave seizedand will proceed to sell tothe highest bidderatpublic auction,atthe Jefferson Parish Sheriff'sOffice Complex,1233 WestbankEx‐pressway, Har‐vey,Louisiana, 70058, on Wednesday, March4,2026 at 10o'clock a.m. thefollowing d ib d

g described prop‐ertytowit: ACERTAIN PIECE OR POR‐TIONOF GROUND, to‐getherwithall the buildings and improvements thereon, andall the rights,ways, privileges, servitudes,ap‐purtenances andadvantages thereuntobe‐longing or in anywise apper‐taining,situated inthe PARISH OF JEF‐FERSON, STATE OFLOUISIANA, inTownship14 South,Range 23 and24East, Southeast Land Districtof Louisiana,West ofthe Missis‐sippi River knownasHar‐vey CanalProp‐erty, Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, des‐ignated as Par‐cel 0-2-Aall as per planbyJ.J Krebs &Sons, Inc.,C.E dated May 15, 1973, re‐vised October1,1982, which said por‐tionofground has been resub‐divided into WOODMERE SOUTHSUBDIVI‐SION, SECTION 2,all as perplan ofresubdivision made by J.J. Krebs &Sons, Inc.,C.E.&S., datedSeptem‐b

p ber 28, 1982, ap‐provedby theJefferson ParishCouncil byOrdinance No. 15418 recordedinCOB 1042, folio 673and as per Act of Dedica‐tionbefore OdomB.Heebe, NotaryPublic, dated June 30,1983, recordedinCOB 1056, folio 89 samebeing des‐ignated as fol‐lows:

LOT249 SQUAREF, bounded by Liro Lane, Destrehan Avenue, GlenoakDrive and Keith-WayDrive saidLot 249 commences at a distanceof 620.13 feet from the intersection of Keith-Way Drive and Liro Lane, measures thence 60 feet front on Liro Lane,same width in the rear, by adepth of100 feet be‐tween equal and parallel lines; subjecttore‐strictions, servi‐tudes,rights-ofway andout‐standingmin‐eralrightsof record affecting the property

Theimprove‐ments thereon bearthe Munici‐palNo. 3808

LIRO LANE,HAR‐VEY, LOUISIANA 70058

This sale is sub‐jecttoall supe‐riorsecurityin‐terests,mort‐gages,liens and privileges.

TERMS- Thefull purchaseprice isdue at the timeofthe sale

NOTE:All funds mustbe Cashier's Check, Certified Check, Money Order, or PersonalCheck withBankLetter ofCredit.

BRIGHAMJ LUNDBERG Attorney for Plaintiff

JOSEPH P. LOPINTO, III Sheriff Parish of Jefferson

TheNew Orleans Advocate: January23, 2026, February 27, 2026 jan23-feb27

JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT

PENNYMAC LOAN SERVICES, LLC VERSUS FLOYDP BADEAUX, JR. A/K/AFLOYD BADEAUX, JR. ANDBARBARA SERDA BADEAUXA/K/A BARBARAS BADEAUXA/K/A BARBARA BADEAUX

Byvirtueofand inobedience to a Writ of SEIZURE AND SALEfromthe 24thJudicial DistrictCourt, ParishofJeffer‐son,State of Louisiana,inthe above num‐bered andenti‐tledcause dated July 21, 2025, Ihave seizedand will proceed to sell tothe highest bidderatpublic auction,atthe Jefferson Parish Sheriff'sOffice Complex,1233 WestbankEx‐pressway, Har‐vey,Louisiana 70058, on Wednesday March4,2026 at 10o'clock a.m. the following described prop‐ertytowit:

That certain piece or portion ofground,to‐getherwithall the buildings and improvements thereon, andall the rights,ways, privileges, i d d

p g servitudes and advantages thereuntobe‐longing forin anywise apper‐taining,situated inthe Parish of Jefferson, State ofLouisiana,in thatpartof whatisknown asGolden Heights Subdivision, SectionJ,all as per plan of re‐subdivision made by J. J. Krebs &Sons, Inc.,C.E.&S dated March11, 1977, andap‐provedbythe Jefferson Parish Council by ordinance no. 12822 on April 14, 1977, recordedunder entry no 766676, more particularly de‐scribed as fol‐lows:

Lot17, Square Q, isbounded by Amite Drive, Suwanee Drive, Potomac Drive and thenorth side ofthe subdivi‐sion, said lot forms thecor‐ner of Amite Drive and PotomacDrive and measures 60feet fronton Amite Drivebe‐tween equal and parallel lines. All inaccordance witha plan of surveybyJ.J Krebs &Sons, Inc., datedFebruary

24THJUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT PARISH OF JEFFERSON STATEOF LOUISIANA NO:866-562 st nd nt, he app

y 12, 1978 and resurveyed to show improve‐mentsonMarch 10, 1978.

This sale is sub‐ject to allsupe‐rior security in‐terests, mort‐gages, liensand privileges.

TERMS- Thefull purchaseprice is dueatthe time of thesale.

NOTE:All funds must be Cashier'sCheck, Certified Check, MoneyOrder,or Personal Check with Bank Letter of Credit

DENNISWIG‐GINS,JR

Attorney for Plaintiff

JOSEPH P. LOPINTO, III

Sheriff Parish of Jefferson

TheNew Orleans Advocate: January23, 2026 February 27, 2026

jan23-feb27

suresthence60 feet

fronton Red CedarLane, same in width in therear, by a depth of 100 feet,between equaland paral‐lellines

This sale is sub‐ject to allsupe‐rior security in‐terests, mort‐gages, liensand privileges.

TERMS- Thefull purchase price is dueatthe time of thesale.

NOTE:All funds must be Cashier'sCheck Certified Check, MoneyOrder,or Personal Check with Bank Letter of Credit

KATE SOTO‐LONGO Attorney for Plaintiff

JOSEPH P. LOPINTO, III

Sheriff Parish of Jefferson

TheNew Orleans Advocate: January23, 2026, February 27, 2026

jan23-feb27

JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT 24THJUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT PARISH OF JEFFERSON STATEOF LOUISIANA NO:867-943

OF THE REGISTERED HOLDERSOF BEAR STEARNS ASSETBACKED SECURITIES I LLC, ASSETBACKED CER‐TIFICATES, SE‐RIES 2007-AQ1 VERSUS ROSALINDCAS‐SANDRA WAL‐TERS AND BRANDONDER‐RICK WALTERS

By virtue of and in obedienceto aWritof SEIZUREAND

SALE from the 24th Judicial District Court, Parish of Jeffer‐son, Stateof Louisiana, in the abovenum‐beredand enti‐tled cause, datedAugust1, 2025, Ihave seized andwill proceed to sell to thehighest bidder at public auction, at the JeffersonParish Sheriff'sOffice Complex, 1233 Westbank Ex‐pressway,Har‐vey, Louisiana, 70058, on Wednesday, March4,2026 at 10 o'clocka.m thefollowing describedprop‐erty to wit:

U.S. BANK TRUSTCOM‐PANY,NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, AS SUCCESSOR-ININTEREST TO U.S. BANK NA‐TIONAL ASSOCI‐ATION, AS TRUSTEEFOR CITIGROUP MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST INC.,MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-5 VERSUS MARY MAUK RODRIGUEZAND THEOPENED SUCCESSIONOF MANUEL A. RODRIGUEZ, SR ANDTHE OPENED SUC‐CESSION OF DANIEL JOSEPH RODRIGUEZ, SR ANDHILDA MARIEMATH‐ERNE AND MANUEL ADAM RODRIGUEZ, JR. ANDJULIE ANN PLAISANCEAND OLIVER JOSEPH RODRIGUEZAND TROY ANTHONY RODRIGUEZAND DANIEL J. RO‐DRIGUEZ, JR. ANDCRAIG JOSEPH RO‐DRIGUEZ

son, Stateof Louisiana, in that part thereof knownasWest Park Heights Subdivision, with theCityof Westwego, andaccording to asurveyby DonA.Garland, C.E.,dated July 24, 1971, said lot is designated as Lot89ofSquare 106 thereof, which said square is bounded by Kenney Drive, 13thStreet, LeCompte Drive and17thStreet, andcommences at a distance of 1137 feet from thein‐tersection of 13thStreet, and Kenney Drive, and measures thence 71 feet frontonKenny Drive, thesame width in the rear,bya depth of 70.75feet be‐tween equal andparallel lines. Furtherin accordance with asurvey datedSept. 6, 1972 by Gilbert, Kelly &Cou‐turie, Inc.

This sale is sub‐ject to allsupe‐rior security in‐terests, mort‐gages, liensand privileges

TERMS- Thefull purchase price is dueatthe time of thesale.

NOTE:All funds must be Cashier'sCheck, Certified Check, MoneyOrder,or Personal Check with Bank Letter of Credit

AMYR.ORTIS

Attorney for Plaintiff

JOSEPH P. LOPINTO, III Sheriff Parish of Jefferson TheNew Orleans Advocate: January23, 2026 February 27, 2026 jan23-feb27

SERVITUDES, APPURTE‐NANCES,AND ADVANTAGES THEREUNTOBE‐LONGINGORIN

ANYWSE APPER‐TAINING, SITU‐ATED IN THE CITY OF KEN‐NER, PARISH OF JEFFERSON, STATEOF LOUISIANA, IN THAT PART THEREOF KNOWN AS UNI‐VERSITYCITY SUBDIVISION, AS PERPLATBY ADLOEORR, JR. ANDASSOCI‐ATES,C.E DATEDDECEM‐BER9,1969, APPROVED BY ORDINANCENO. 1195, REGIS‐TEREDINCOB 713, FOLIO 190, DESIGNATED AS FOLLOWS:

LOT19-A, SQUARE 32, SAID SQUARE BEING BOUNDEDBY WEST LOYOLA DRIVE(FOR‐MERLYLOYOLA DRIVEWEST), WEST PURDUE PLACE, WEST LOUISIANA STATEDRIVE ANDWESTRICE PLACE, AND SAID LOTMEA‐SURES FIFTYFEET (50') FRONTONWEST LOYOLA DRIVE SAME WIDTHIN THE REAR,BYA DEPTHOFONE HUNDREDFIF‐TEEN (115')FEET BETWEEN EQUAL ANDPARALLEL LINES,SAIDLOT 19-ACOM‐MENCES FOUR HUNDREDFIFTY FEET (450') FROM THECOR‐NEROFWEST PERDUE PLACE ANDWEST LOYOLA DRIVE (FORMERLY LOYOLA DRIVE WEST). ALLIN ACCORDANCE WITH SURVEY OF MANDLE SURVEYING, INC. DATEDFEBRU‐ARY10, 1986.

This sale is sub‐ject to allsupe‐rior security in‐terests, mort‐gages, liensand privileges.

TERMS- Thefull purchase price is dueatthe time of thesale.

By virtue of and in obedienceto aWritof SEIZUREAND SALE from the 24thJudicial District Court, Parish of Jeffer‐son, Stateof Louisiana, in the abovenum‐beredand enti‐tled cause, datedDecem‐ber17, 2025, I have seized and will proceed to sell to thehigh‐estbidderat public auction, at theJefferson Parish Sheriff's Office Complex, 1233 Westbank Expressway, Harvey, Louisiana, 70058, on April 8, 2026 at 10 o'clocka.m.the followingde‐scribedprop‐erty to wit:

ONECERTAIN PORTIONOF GROUND,to‐gether with all thebuildings and improvements thereon, situ‐ated in the Stateof Louisiana, Parish of Jeffer‐son, in that part thereof knownas Southwood West Subdivi‐sion,Section B, accordingto a plan of subdivision by J.J. Krebs& Sons,Inc., C.E. & S.,dated July 10, 1974, revised December16, 1974, approved by theJefferson Parish Council on February 6, 1975 by Ordinance No.11923, regis‐teredinInstru‐ment No 669400, Parish of Jefferson, andmorefully describedas follows, to-wit: Lot31ofSquare E, which square is boundedby SugarpineDrive Mt.LaurelDrive, theeastern perimeterof Southwood West Subdivi‐sion andBelle Chasse Highway andsaidlot is locatedand measures allas perthe afore‐said plan of subdivision.

g bidder at public auction, at the JeffersonParish Sheriff'sOffice Complex, 1233 Westbank Ex‐pressway,Har‐vey, Louisiana, 70058, on April 8, 2026 at 10 o'clocka.m.the followingde‐scribedprop‐erty to wit: Twocertain lots of ground,to‐gether with all thebuildings andimprove‐mentsthereon, andall the rights,ways, privileges, servitudes,ap‐purtenances andadvantages thereuntobe‐longingorin anywiseapper‐taining, situated in theParishof Jefferson, Stateof Louisiana, in that part thereofknown as HarahanCity, in Square "I", which square is bounded by Oak andHickory Av‐enues, and Thirdand Fourth Streets, said lots aredesig‐natedaslot nos. 1and 2of said square and measureeach thirty (30’) feet fronton OakAvenue, same widthin therear, by a depthbetween equaland parallel linesof onehundred twenty (120’) feet.Lot 1forms thecornerof OakAvenue andThird Street

TERMS- Thefull purchase price is dueatthe time of thesale.

NOTE:All funds must be Cashier'sCheck Certified Check, MoneyOrder,or Personal Check with Bank Letter of Credit

COREYJ.GIROIR

Attorney for Plaintiff

NOTE:All funds must be Cashier'sCheck Certified Check, MoneyOrder,or Personal Check with Bank Letter of Credit

KATE SOTO‐LONGO Attorney for Plaintiff

son, Stateof Louisiana, in the abovenum‐beredand enti‐tled cause, datedSeptem‐ber9,2025, I have seized and will proceed to sell to thehigh‐estbidderat public auction, at theJefferson Parish Sheriff's Office Complex, 1233 Westbank Expressway, Harvey, Louisiana, 70058, on Wednesday, March4,2026 at 10 o'clocka.m thefollowing describedprop‐erty to wit: ONECERTAIN LOTOFGROUND, together with allthe buildings and improvements thereon, andall of therights, ways,privi‐leges, servi‐tudes, appurtenances andadvantages thereuntobe‐longingorin anywiseapper‐taining, situated in the PARISH OF JEF‐FERSON,State of Louisiana, in theCITYOF KENNER,in SQUARE 114, of KENNER HEIGHTSSUBDI‐VISION, boundedby Williams Boule‐vard,Minor and 12thand 13th Streets, andac‐cording to aplanby Gilbert& Kelly Surveyors, datedJune 13, 1949, said lotis designated as LOTF,forms thecornerof 13thand Minor Streets, and measures 50 feet front on MinorStreet similarwidth in therear, by a depth andfront on 13thStreet of 140 feet be‐tween equal andparallel lines. Lot7 is composedof original Lots 19 and20, and a portionoforigi‐nalLots18and 21, allasmore fullyshown on a survey by Gilbert& Kelly, Surveyors, datedOctober 26, 1949, acopy of whichis annexedtoan actbyReneR Nicaud,Notary Public,dated January26, 1950.

Improvements thereonbear theMunicipal No.1210 Minor Street,Kenner, Louisiana70062.

TERMS- Thefull purchase price is dueatthe time of thesale.

By virtue of and in obedienceto aWritof SEIZUREAND SALE from the 24thJudicial District Court, Parish of Jeffer‐son, State of Louisiana, in the abovenum‐beredand enti‐tled cause, datedAugust 26, 2025,I have seized andwill proceedtosell to thehighest bidder at public auction, at the JeffersonParish Sheriff'sOffice Complex, 1233 Westbank Ex‐pressway,Har‐vey, Louisiana, 70058, on Wednesday, March4,2026 at 10 o'clocka.m thefollowing describedprop‐erty to wit:

JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT 24THJUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT PARISH OF JEFFERSON STATEOF LOUISIANA NO:868-501 FEDERALHOME LOAN MORT‐GAGE CORPORA‐TION,AS TRUSTEEFOR THE BENEFITOFTHE FREDDIEMAC SEASONED LOANSSTRUC‐TURED TRANSACTION TRUST, SERIES 2021-2 VERSUS SHALIN BROWN

JOSEPH P. LOPINTO, III Sheriff Parish of Jefferson TheNew Orleans Advocate: January23, 2026, February 27, 2026 jan23-feb27

This sale is sub‐ject to allsupe‐rior security in‐terests, mort‐gages, liensand privileges

TERMS- Thefull purchase price is dueatthe time of thesale.

That certain pieceorportion of ground,to‐gether with all thebuildings and improvements thereon, andall of therights, ways,privi‐leges, servi‐tudes, appurtenances andadvantages thereuntobe‐longingorin anywiseapper‐taining, situated in the Parish of Jeffer‐son, Stateof Louisiana, in that part thereof known as WOODMERE SOUTHSUBDIVI‐SION,SECTION 3, designated as LOT632, SQUARE "O", bounded by Red CedarLane, De‐strehanAvenue, Burntwood Drive andKeith-Way Drive, said lot commences at a distance of 123 feet from the intersection of Keith-WayDrive andRed Cedar Lane andmea‐

That certain pieceorportion of ground,to‐gether with all thebuildings and improvements thereon, andall therights, ways privileges, servitudes,ap‐purtenances andadvantages thereuntobe‐longingorin anywiseapper‐taining, situated in the Bridge City Sub‐division,situ‐ated in the Parish of Jeffer‐

By virtue of and in obedienceto aWritof SEIZUREAND SALE from the 24th Judicial District Court, Parish of Jeffer‐son, Stateof Louisiana, in the abovenum‐beredand enti‐tled cause, datedSeptem‐ber12, 2025, I have seized and will proceed to sell to thehigh‐estbidderat public auction, at theJefferson Parish Sheriff's Office Complex, 1233 Westbank Expressway, Harvey Louisiana, 70058, on Wednesday, March4,2026 at 10 o'clocka.m the following describedprop‐erty to wit: THAT CERTAIN PIECEORPOR‐TION OF GROUND,TO‐GETHER WITH ALLTHE BUILDINGSAND IMPROVEMENTS THEEON AND ALLOFTHE RIGHTS,WAYS, PRIVILEGES,

JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT

24THJUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT PARISH OF JEFFERSON STATEOF LOUISIANA NO:868-531

NOTE:All funds must be Cashier'sCheck, Certified Check, MoneyOrder,or Personal Check with Bank Letter of Credit

RADERJACKSON Attorney for Plaintiff

JOSEPH P. LOPINTO, III Sheriff Parish of Jefferson

NOTE:All funds must be Cashier'sCheck Certified Check, MoneyOrder,or Personal Check with Bank Letter of Credit L. GRAHAM ARCENEAUX Attorney for Plaintiff JOSEPH P. LOPINTO, III Sheriff Parish of Jefferson TheNew Orleans Advocate: February 27, 2026, April3,2026 Feb27-apr3-3t

JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT

JOSEPH P. LOPINTO, III Sheriff Parish of Jefferson TheNew Orleans Advocate: February 27, 2026, April3,2026 Feb27-apr3-3t

JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT 24THJUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT PARISH OF JEFFERSON STATEOF LOUISIANA NO:851-267 LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC VS EDYA.NUNEZ A/K/AEDY NUNEZ

longingorin anywiseapper‐taining, situated in theParishof Jefferson, Stateof Louisiana, on theright bank of theMissis‐sippi Riverand forminga part of the original Ames Plantation,and duly resubdi‐videdand ap‐proved by the Jefferson Parish Police Jury,dated May 23, 1956, under OrdinanceNo. 3208 into Cy‐press GroveSubdivi‐sion,all in ac‐cordance with lotlayout, square layout, anddedication of streetsas showninaccor‐dancewiththe plan of J. J. Krebs& Sons, C.E.,dated April 19, 1956, revised May21, 1956; said Lotisdes‐ignatedasLot No.1 in Square J, bounded by Cardinal Drive, Dede Street Crestwood Sub‐division,and Lot G-314 of Ames Farms andEvieStreet andforms the northeastcor‐nerofCardinal Driveand Dede Street.Lot 1measures60 feet fronton Cardinal Drive, same widthin therear, by adepth of 80 feet between equaland paral‐lellines.All as more fully shownona survey byDon A. Garland, Land Surveyor,dated February 11, 1978, resur‐veyed September5, 1978. Allas more fully shownona plat of survey by Mandle Survey‐ing, Inc.,LandSur‐veyor, datedDe‐cember 28, 1989. This sale is sub‐ject to allsupe‐rior security in‐terests, mort‐gages, liensand privileges.

TERMS- Thefull purchase price is dueatthe time of thesale.

NOTE:All funds must be Cashier'sCheck, Certified Check, MoneyOrder,or Personal Check with Bank Letter of Credit COREYJ.GIROIR Attorney for Plaintiff

JOSEPH P. LOPINTO, III Sheriff Parish of Jefferson TheNew Orleans Advocate: January23, 2026, February 27, 2026 jan23-feb27

JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT

pressway,Har‐vey, Louisiana, 70058, on April 8, 2026 at 10 o'clocka.m.the followingde‐scribedprop‐erty to wit: That certain pieceorportion of ground,to‐gether with all thebuildings and improvements thereon, andall of therights, ways,privi‐leges, servi‐tudes, appurtenances andadvantages thereuntobe‐longingorin anywiseapper‐taining, situated in the Parish of Jeffer‐son, Stateof Louisiana, in Bissonet Plaza Subdivision SectionNo. 7in Square No.22 bounded by Ithaca Street, CraigAvenue Hastings Street andElm‐wood Parkway, designated as notno. 1all in accordance with the survey of Adloe Orr, Jr., andAs‐sociates,C.E., datedMarch 9, 1961, which said lot formsthe cor‐nerofIthaca Street andCraig Avenue,and measures 67.76 feet front on Ithaca Street by adepth and frontalong side of CraigAvenue of 101.20feet by a depthalong the opposite side‐line of 100 feet, by awidth in therearof83.33 feet

TERMS- Thefull purchase price is dueatthe time of thesale.

NOTE:All funds must be Cashier'sCheck Certified Check, MoneyOrder,or Personal Check with Bank Letter of Credit COREYJ.GIROIR Attorney for Plaintiff JOSEPH P. LOPINTO, III Sheriff Parish of Jefferson TheNew Orleans Advocate: February 27, 2026, April3,2026 Feb27-apr3-3t

JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT

24THJUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT PARISH OF JEFFERSON STATEOF LOUISIANA NO:856-296

U.S. BANK NA‐TIONAL ASSO‐CATION,ASIN‐DENTURE TRUSTEEONBE‐HALF OF ANDWITHRE‐SPECTTOBAR‐CLAYSMORT‐GAGE TRUST 2021-NPL1, MORTGAGEBACKED SECURI‐TIES,SERIES 2021-NPL1 VERSUS AARON J. HURD A/K/AAARON HURD AND MICHELLE SAHUQUEHURD A/K/A MICHELLE S. HURD By virtue of and in obedienceto aWritof SEIZUREAND SALE from the 24thJudicial District Court, Parish of Jeffer‐

TheNew Orleans Advocate: January23, 2026, February 27, 2026 jan23-feb27

JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT

24THJUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT PARISH OF JEFFERSON STATEOF LOUISIANA NO:871-263 MAND TBANK VERSUS CHENEY O. HEINIEMI AND TRACEY RICHARDSON

24THJUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT PARISH OF JEFFERSON STATEOF LOUISIANA NO:871-924 WELLSFARGO BANK,N.A VERSUS PAUL SOUFAS HEIRSOF CHARLES CHRISTOPHER SOUFAS AND TERESA SCOTTSOUFAS

By virtue of and in obedienceto aWritof SEIZUREAND SALE from the 24thJudicial District Court, Parish of Jeffer‐son, Stateof Louisiana, in the abovenum‐beredand enti‐tled cause, datedJanuary 21, 2026, Ihave seized andwill proceed to sell to thehighest bidd bli

By virtue of and in obedienceto aWritof SEIZUREAND SALE from the 24thJudicial District Court, Parish of Jeffer‐son, Stateof Louisiana, in the abovenum‐beredand enti‐tled cause, datedFebruary 27, 2024, Ihave seized andwill proceed to sell to thehighest bidder at public auction, at the JeffersonParish Sheriff'sOffice Complex, 1233 Westbank Ex‐pressway,Har‐vey, Louisiana, 70058, on Wednesday, March4,2026 at 10 o'clocka.m thefollowing describedprop‐erty to wit: That portionof ground,to‐gether with all thebuildings andimprove‐mentsthereon and allofthe rights, ways,privi‐leges, servi‐tudes, appurte‐nances andad‐vantages thereuntobe‐

24THJUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT PARISH OF JEFFERSON STATEOF LOUISIANA NO:872-111

MORTGAGE AS‐SETS MANAGE‐MENT,LLC VS NORMAPEREZ

By virtue of and in obedienceto aWritof SEIZUREAND

SALE from the 24thJudicial District Court, Parish of Jeffer‐son, Stateof Louisiana, in the abovenum‐beredand enti‐tled cause, datedJanuary 16, 2026, Ihave seized andwill proceed to sell to thehighest bidder at public auction, at the JeffersonParish Sheriff'sOffice Complex, 1233 Westbank Ex‐

BRAVORESIDEN‐TIAL FUNDING TRUST2022RPL1 VS SHICOLAD MARTIN A/K/A SHICOLAMAR‐TIN

By virtue of and in obedienceto aWritof SEIZUREAND SALE from the 24thJudicial District Court, Parish of Jeffer‐son, Stateof Louisiana, in the abovenum‐beredand enti‐tled cause, datedAugust 16, 2024, Ihave seized andwill proceed to sell to thehighest bidder at public auction, at the JeffersonParish Sheriff'sOffice Complex, 1233 Westbank Ex‐pressway,Har‐vey, Louisiana, 70058, on Wednesday March4,2026 at 10 o'clocka.m thefollowing describedprop‐erty to wit: That certain pieceorportion of ground,to‐gether with all thebuildings and improvements thereon, andall

of therights, ways,privi‐leges, servi‐tudes, appurtenances andadvantages thereuntobe‐longingorin anywiseapper‐taining, situated in the Parish of Jeffer‐son, Stateof Louisiana, in Square 5ofHar‐borEstates Subdivision, which said square is bounded by HeatherStreet, WayneAvenue, Emile Avenue and DollyStreet designated as LotNo. 116 on a plan of survey made by AdloeOrr, Jr.& Associates,Sur‐veyors,dated July 17, 1972, a copy of which is annexedtoan actofsalebe‐fore JamesJ Donelon, Notary Public,dated September 5, 1972 andac‐cordingto which survey, said Lot116 measures fiftyone(51’)feet fronton HeatherStreet, same width in therear, by a depth of one hundred (100’) feet between equal andparallel lines. Said Lot 116 commences at adistanceof 204.49’ from thecorner of Heather Street and WayneAvenue

This sale is sub‐ject to allsupe‐rior security in‐terests, mort‐gages, liensand privileges

TERMS- Thefull purchase price is dueatthe time of thesale.

NOTE:All funds must be Cashier'sCheck, Certified Check, MoneyOrder,or Personal Check with Bank Letter of Credit

COREYJ.GIROIR Attorney for Plaintiff

JOSEPH P. LOPINTO, III Sheriff Parish of Jefferson

TheNew Orleans Advocate: January23, 2026, February 27, 2026

jan23-feb27

o'clocka.m.the followingde‐scribedprop‐erty to wit:

That certain pieceorportion of ground to‐gether with all thebuildings and improvements thereon, andall therightsways privileges, servitudes,ap‐purtenances andadvantages thereunto, be‐longingorin anywiseapper‐taining, situated in the Parish of Jeffer‐son, Stateof Louisiana,in that part thereofknown as HARVEY CANALSUBDIVI‐SION allasmore fullyshown on a certified copy of mapshowing greaterportions of SQUARES30, 31, 37, 38,34, 46, AND53OF HAR‐VEYCANAL SUBDIVISION, by C.A. Robert,C.E &S., dated March19, 1952, annexedtoact to F.F. Davis passedbefore theundersigned Notary on April 7,1952, which said Lots aredesignated as LOTS 18 AND 19, in SQUARE 37 andmeasures in accordance with said map as follows: Square #37is bounded by Es‐ther Avenue, Florence and Norman Streets anddrainage canal. LOTS NOS. 18 AND19 adjoin each otherand measureeach 25 feet fronton Esther Avenue, awidth in the rear of 25 feet,0 inches 7lines by the following depths: Lot#18 hasa depthon thesidelines separating it from Lot#17 of 82 feet,8 inches, 4lines,a depth on thesideline separating it from Lot19of84 feet 6inches4 lines. Lot19has a depth on the side line sepa‐rating it from Lot18of84 feet,6 inches,4 lines, adepth on thesideline separating from Lot 20 of 86 feet,4 inches,4 lines lot#19 begins 75 feet from the cornerrofEs‐ther Avenue and Norman Street TERMS- Thefull purchase price is dueatthe time of thesale.

NOTE:All funds must be Cashier'sCheck Certified Check, MoneyOrder,or PersonalCheck with Bank Letter of Credit

EMILYA MUELLER Attorney for Plaintiff

Memorial High‐way, thence in a northerlydirec‐tion alongthe side‐line adjoining Plot C-9-X, a depth of 331.24 feet;thencein a westerly direction, a width in the rear of 236.50 feet;thencein a southerlydirec‐tion alongthe sideline nearer Chetta Drive, a depth of 331.24 feet,backtothe PointofBegin‐ning; AND Plot C-9-E-2 bounded on the southbyPlotC9-E-1, on the East by Plot C-9X, on the NorthbyCanal No.3,and on theWestby Chetta Drive; andsaidPlotC9-E-1 commencesat a distance of 128.84 feet from thecornerof Veterans Memo‐rial Highwayand Chetta Drive andmeasures thence in an easterly direc‐tion,236.50 feet frontonVeter‐ansMemorial Highway, thence in a northerlydirec‐tion alongthe sideline adjoin‐ingPlotC-9-X a depth of 331.24 feet,tothe PointofBegin‐ning of Plot C-9-E-2; thence in asoutherly directionalong thesidelinead‐joiningPlotC-9X, a depth of 339.40 feet;thencein a westerly direc‐tion alongCanal No.3,a width in the rear of 236.29 feet;thencein a southerlydirec‐tion alongthe sideline nearer Chetta Drive, adepth of 338.83 feet; thence in an easterly direc‐tion,a distance of 236.50 feet,backtothe PointofBegin‐ning

This sale is sub‐ject to allsupe‐rior security in‐terests, mort‐gages, liensand privileges TERMS- Thefull purchase price is dueatthe time of thesale.

NOTE:All funds must be Cashier'sCheck Certified Check, MoneyOrder,or Personal Check with Bank Letter of Credit

FOERSTNERG MEYER Attorney for Plaintiff

tled cause, datedNovem‐ber24, 2025, I have seized and will proceed to sell to thehigh‐estbidderat public auction, at theJefferson Parish Sheriff's Office Complex, 1233 Westbank Expressway, Harvey, Louisiana, 70058, on Wednesday, March4,2026 at 10 o'clocka.m thefollowing describedprop‐erty to wit:

THAT CERTAIN

LOTORPIECE OF GROUND,situ‐ated in the PARISH OF JEFFERSON, STATEOF

LOUISIANA, IN BISSONET

PLAZASUBDIVI‐SION, SECTIONNO. 3, designated as LOTNO. 227, bounded by Tar‐tanDrive,West Canal Avenue,Purdue Driveand Mead‐owdale Street, commencing at adistanceof 205 feet from the corner of Tartan Driveand Mead‐owdale Street, measuring thence 67 feet fronton Tartan Drive, same width in therear, by a depth between equaland parallel linesof onehundred (100')feet,all as more fully shownonsur‐veybySterling Mandle,Land Surveyor,dated December 11, 1973, acopyof which is an‐nexedtoact registered in COB805 folio 577.

This sale is sub‐ject to allsupe‐rior security in‐terests, mort‐gages, liensand privileges.

TERMS- Thefull purchase price is dueatthe time of thesale.

NOTE:All funds must be Cashier'sCheck Certified Check, MoneyOrder,or Personal Check with Bank Letter of Credit

EMILYA MUELLER Attorney for Plaintiff

JOSEPH P. LOPINTO, III Sheriff Parish of Jefferson

g described prop‐erty to wit:

That certainlot of ground,to‐gether with all of thebuildings andimprove‐ments thereonand all of therights, ways,privi‐leges, servi‐tudes, appurte‐nances and advantages thereuntobe‐longingorin anywiseapper‐taining, situated in theParishof Jefferson, State of Louisiana, in that part thereofknown as Live Oak Manor Subdivisionall as perplanof subdivisionby Subdivision Planning Engi‐neers, Inc., datedMarch 16, 1959, revised June 9, 1959 ap‐proved under ordinanceno. 4152 adoptedbythe JeffersonParish Council, filedof record under entryno. 159352 in COB486, folio 469 andasper ActofDedica‐tion before Harold J. Zeringer,Jr. No‐tary Public dated September16, 1959, filedof record under entryno. 160982 in COB 488, folio 343 more particu‐larlydescribed as follows, towit:

Lot19, Square 10, is bounded by JamesStreet Richelle Street, Jeffer Drive, and Duffy Street and commences at a distance of 114 feet from thein‐tersection of Jeffer Driveand Duffy Street andmea‐suresthence57 feet fronton Duffy Street, same width in the rear by adepth of 95 feet be‐tween equal andparallel lines. Allin accordance with asurveyby J.J. Krebsand Sons,Inc., CES, datedJanuary 8, 1983 andresurveyed January13, 1983 andFebruary2 1983 to show improvements

This sale is sub‐ject to allsupe‐rior security in‐terests, mort‐gages, liensand privileges.

abovenum‐beredand enti‐tled cause, datedJanuary 20, 2026, Ihave seized andwill proceed to sell to thehighest bidder at public auction, at the JeffersonParish Sheriff'sOffice Complex, 1233 Westbank Ex‐pressway,Har‐vey, Louisiana, 70058, on April 1, 2026 at 10 o'clocka.m.the followingde‐scribedprop‐erty to wit: THEINTEREST OF DEFENDANT, INVESTOR EQUI‐TIES,LLC IN THE FOLLOWINGAS‐SETS:1 PROMISSORY NOTE DATED MAY26, 2022 EXECUTED BY STRATEGIC VENTURES,LLC ANDMARKR SUBERVIELLE.2 MUTIPLE INDEBTEDNESS MORTGAGE DATEDMAY 26, 2022 EXECUTED BY STRATEGIC VENTURES,LLC, AS BORROWER ANDMARKR SUBERVIELLE AS GUARANTOR

This sale is sub‐ject to allsupe‐rior security in‐terests, mort‐gages, liensand privileges.

TERMS- Thefull purchase price is dueatthe time of thesale.

NOTE:All funds must be Cashier'sCheck Certified Check, MoneyOrder,or Personal Check with Bank Letter of Credit IRLR SILVERSTEIN Attorney for Plaintiff JOSEPH P. LOPINTO, III Sheriff Parish of Jefferson

TheNew Orleans Advocate: February 27, 2026 Feb27-1t

JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT

24THJUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT PARISH OF JEFFERSON STATEOF LOUISIANA NO:849-046

beinga portionofFarm LotB-31ofSec‐tion DofAmes Farms, shown on plan of J.W.T. Septehen, C& M #.,dated July 27, 1918, acopy of which plan is annexedtoan act passedbefore A.D. Notary Pub‐lic, of theParish of Orleans, on August 10, 1918, and acopyofwhich is also on file in theOffice of the ClerkofCourt forthe Parish of Jefferson, and also according to survey by J.J. Krebs& Sons, datedNovem‐ber10, 1959, revised February 29, 1960, approved by Ordinance No.4794 adoptedbythe JeffersonParish CouncilonNo‐vember 10, 1960, registered in COB520, folio 438, in Square C, bounded by Randolph Street,Gaise Street,EdenRoc Driveand Richard Street,desig‐natedasLot 12, which formsthe corner of RichardStreet andRandolph Street,Gaise Street,EdenRoc Driveand RichardStreet designatedas Lot12which formsthe cor‐nerofRichard Street andRan‐dolphStreet measures 60 feet fronton Randolph Street,and the same width in therear, by a depth of 114.14 feet between equaland paral‐lellines

TERMS- Thefull purchase price is dueatthe time of thesale.

NOTE:All funds must be Cashier'sCheck, Certified Check, MoneyOrder,or Personal Check with Bank Letter of Credit DENNISWIG‐GINS,JR. Attorney for Plaintiff

SERIES 2005-R1 VERSUS THELMA SCOTT (A/K/A THELMA WAGNER, THELMA W. SCOTT) AND DONNY JOSEPH SCOTT (A/KADONNY SCOTT)

By virtue of and in obedienceto aWritof SEIZUREAND SALE from the 24thJudicial District Court, Parish of Jeffer‐son, Stateof Louisiana, in the abovenum‐beredand enti‐tled cause, datedJanuary 27, 2026, Ihave seized andwill proceed to sell to thehighest bidder at public auction, at the JeffersonParish Sheriff'sOffice Complex, 1233 Westbank Ex‐pressway,Har‐vey, Louisiana, 70058, on April 8, 2026 at 10

JOSEPH P. LOPINTO, III Sheriff Parish of Jefferson TheNew Orleans Advocate: February 27, 2026, April3,2026 Feb27-apr3-3t

JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT

24THJUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT PARISH OF JEFFERSON STATEOF LOUISIANA NO:869-873 FIDELITYBANK VERSUS DAVIDLOUIS,III

By virtue of and in obedienceto aWritof SEIZUREAND SALE from the 24thJudicial District Court, Parish of Jeffer‐son, Stateof Louisiana,inthe abovenum‐beredand enti‐

tled cause, datedOctober 27, 2025, Ihave seized andwill proceed to sell to thehighest bidder at public auction, at the JeffersonParish Sheriff'sOffice Complex, 1233 Westbank Ex‐pressway,Har‐vey, Louisiana, 70058, on Wednesday, March4,2026 at 10 o'clocka.m thefollowing describedprop‐erty to wit: That certain Condominium Parcel in the Fountain Court Condominium, a Condominium, as createdby that certain Condominium Declaration, ex‐ecuted by VillereDevelop‐ment Group, Inc.,dated April 15, 1980, before WilliamP.Stahl, Notary Public, bearingEntry No.919615, reg‐isteredinC.O B. 980, folio 062, of the Registrarof Conveyances forthe Parish of Jefferson, as amendedbyan Amendment to Condo‐minium Declara‐tion executed by VillereDevel‐opment Group, Inc.,dated April15, 1980, before William P. Stahl, Notary Public,bearing Entry Number 919264, registered in C. O. B. 980, folio 092 of theRegis‐trar of Con‐veyances for theParishof Jefferson, which Parcel consists of Condo‐minium Unit No. 10, together with an appurtenantun‐divided.8915% interest in the CommonEle‐ments, which said Condominium Unit andCom‐monElements areincluded within andsitu‐ated upon: TWOCERTAIN PLOTSORPOR‐TIONSOF GROUND,to‐gether with all of the buildingsand improvements thereon, andall of therights, ways,privi‐leges, servitudes and appurtenances thereuntobe‐longingorin anywiseapper‐taining, situated in the Stateof Louisiana, Parish of Jeffer‐son, beinga re‐subdivisionofa portionofthe Elmwood Lafre‐nierePlantation, situated in Sec‐tion 41,Range 10 East, Township 12 South, South‐easternDistrict of Louisiana, East of theMis‐sissippi River; andaccording to plan by J. J. Krebs& Sons, Inc.,C.E., dated November 6, 1979, approved by the JeffersonParish Council under OrdinanceNo. 14152, adopted December 19, 1979 andregis‐teredinC.O.B 673, folio 991 andsaidplots or portions of ground being designated and describedas follows: Plot C-9-E-1 bounded on the SouthbyVeter‐ansMemorial Highway, on the East by Plot C-9-X, on theNorth by Plot C-9-E-2and on theWestby Chetta Drive; andsaid Plot C-9-E-1 commencesat a distance of 128.84 feet from thecornerof Veterans Memorial High‐wayand Chetta Drivve andmea‐suresthencein an easterly di‐rection, 236.50 feet front on Veterans

JOSEPH P. LOPINTO, III Sheriff Parish of Jefferson TheNew Orleans Advocate: January23, 2026, February 27, 2026 jan23-feb27

JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT

TheNew Orleans Advocate: January23, 2026, February 27, 2026 jan23-feb27

JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT

24THJUDICIAL

DISTRICT COURT PARISH OF JEFFERSON STATEOF LOUISIANA NO:870-508

TERMS- Thefull purchase price is dueatthe time of thesale.

NOTE:All funds must be Cashier'sCheck Certified Check, MoneyOrder,or Personal Check with Bank Letter of Credit

CITIGROUP MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2021-A VS EVELYN JORDAN

JOSEPH P. LOPINTO, III Sheriff Parish of Jefferson TheNew Orleans Advocate: February 27, 2026, April3,2026 Feb27-apr3-3t

JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT

together with allofthe rights, ways,privi‐leges, servitudes,ad‐vantages and appurtenances thereuntobe‐longingorin anywise appertaining situated,lying andbeing thereofknown as BARKLEYES‐TATES, in accordance with theplanof resubdivisionby Krebs, LaSalle, LeMieux, Con‐sultants, Inc.,Engineers, Planners &Sur‐veyors,dated at Metairie, Louisiana, March2,1994, approved by the JeffersonParish Councilunder OrdinanceNo. 19117, adopted July 20, 1994, regis‐teredunder EntryNo. 9446983, in COB 2901, folio 398, of the Conveyance Recordsofthe Parish of Jeffer‐son, Stateof Louisiana; and also in accordance with plan of sur‐veybyDufrene Surveying& En‐gineering, Inc., datedat Harvey, Louisiana,July 25, 1996, andac‐cordingtosaid plans, said lotis designated as LOTEIGH‐TEEN (18) of SQUARE SIX(6), which said square is bounded by Squirewood DriveNorth, Squirewood DriveWest, TurnberryLane, andParcel11-G; andaccording to said plans, said Lot18mea‐suresEightyThreeand 83/100 (83.83') Feet fronton Squirewood DriveNorth, with awidth in therearofSev‐enty-Seven and No/100 (77.00') Feet,bya depth on thesideline adjoiningLot 17 of OneHundred Twenty and No/100 (120.00') Feet,and a depth on the sideline adjoin‐ingLot 19 of OneHundred Twenty and No/100 (120.00') feet

Theimprove‐mentsthereon bear theMunici‐palNo3400 Squirewood Drive, Harvey, LA TERMS- Thefull purchase price is dueatthe time of thesale.

24THJUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT PARISH OF JEFFERSON STATEOF LOUISIANA NO:870-432

PENNYMAC LOAN SERVICES, LLC VERSUS DANIEL PAR‐QUET

NEWREZ LLC D/B/ASHELL‐POINTMORT‐GAGE SERVIC‐ING VERSUS THEUNOPENED SUCCESSION OF CORNELIA OFS‐TADD'AMICO (A/K/A CORNELIA OFS‐TAD)

By virtue of and in obedienceto aWritof SEIZUREAND SALE from the 24thJudicial District Court, Parish of Jeffer‐son, Stateof Louisiana, in the abovenum‐beredand enti‐

By virtue of and in obedienceto aWritof SEIZUREAND SALE from the 24thJudicial District Court, Parish of Jeffer‐son, Stateof Louisiana, in the abovenum‐beredand enti‐tled cause, datedNovem‐ber18, 2025, I have seized and will proceed to sell to thehigh‐estbidderat public auction, at theJefferson Parish Sheriff's Office Complex, 1233 Westbank Expressway, Harvey, Louisiana, 70058, on Wednesday, March4,2026 at 10 o'clocka.m thefollowing d ib d

COREYJ.GIROIR Attorney for Plaintiff JOSEPH P. LOPINTO, III Sheriff Parish of Jefferson TheNew Orleans Advocate: January23, 2026, February 27, 2026 jan23-feb27

JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT

24THJUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT PARISH OF JEFFERSON STATEOF LOUISIANA NO:860-752

NOLA FUNDING, LLC VS INVESTOR EQUI‐TIES,LLC,ETAL

By virtue of and in obedienceto aWritofFIERI FACIAS from the 24thJudicial District Court, Parish of Jeffer‐son, Stateof Louisiana, in the

By virtue of and in obedienceto aWritof SEIZUREAND SALE from the 24thJudicial District Court, Parish of Jeffer‐son, Stateof Louisiana, in the abovenum‐beredand enti‐tled cause, datedJanuary 4, 2024, Ihave seized andwill proceed to sell to thehighest bidder at public auction, at the JeffersonParish Sheriff'sOffice Complex, 1233 Westbank Ex‐pressway,Har‐vey, Louisiana, 70058, on April 8, 2026 at 10 o'clocka.m.the followingde‐scribedprop‐erty to wit: That portionof ground,to‐gether with all thebuildings andimprove‐mentsthereon and allofthe rights, ways,privi‐leges, servi‐tudes, appurte‐nances andad‐vantages thereuntobe‐longingorin anywise, apper‐taining, situated in theParishof Jefferson, Stateof Louisiana, in that part thereofknown as Eden Roc Subdivision

SECOND PARISH COURTCOURT PARISH OF JEFFERSON STATEOF LOUISIANA NO:138-399

SECOND PARISH COURT-PARISH OF JEFFERSONSTATEOF LOUISIANA BARKLEYES‐TATESCOMMU‐NITY ASSOCIA‐TION INC. VS SAND A. FRADELLA

By virtue of and in obedienceto aWritofFIERI FACIAS from the Second Parish Court, Parish of Jefferson, State of Louisiana, in theabove num‐beredand enti‐tled cause, datedNovem‐ber4,2025, I have seized and will proceed to sell to thehigh‐estbidderat public auction, at theJefferson Parish Sheriff's Office Complex, 1233 Westbank Expressway, Harvey Louisiana, 70058, on April 8, 2026 at 10 o'clocka.m.the followingde‐scribedprop‐erty to wit: ONECERTAIN LOTOFGROUND,

NOTE:All funds must be Cashier'sCheck Certified Check, MoneyOrder,or Personal Check with Bank Letter of Credit MICHAELS RICCI Attorney for Plaintiff

JOSEPH P. LOPINTO, III Sheriff Parish of Jefferson

TheNew Orleans Advocate: February 27, 2026, April3,2026 Feb27-apr3-3t