The Times-Picayune 03-01-2026

STRIKE ON IRAN

Ayatollah killed in jointU.S.,

Israeliattack

Iran retaliates as PresidentTrump callsfor regime change

This imageprovided by Airbus showsthe strike on the Iranian supreme leader’scompound on SaturdayinIran. Iranian state media confirmed early Sundaythat the attack launchedbyIsrael and the United States killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Trump said the assassination gives Iranians their ‘greatest chance’ to ‘takeback’ theircountry

La.members of Congress weighinonattackonIran

Republicansrally around PresidentTrump

BY MARK BALLARD Staff writer

WASHINGTON —Louisiana Republicans in Congress were quick to rally aroundPresident Donald Trumpafterheordered an attack on Iran Saturday morning. Democratic membersofthe state’sdelegationwere more cautious, callingon the Trump administration forfurther clarification on thepresident’splanand

legal authority

U.S. HouseSpeaker Mike Johnson, RBenton, said he had been briefed on the situation andhas been kept up-to-date by Secretary of StateMarco Rubio.

“President Trump andthe Administration have madeevery effort to pursue peaceful anddiplomatic solutions in responsetothe Iranian regime’ssustained nuclearambitions and development, terrorism,and the murder of Americans —and even theirown people,” Johnson said in astatement. “For decades, Iran hasdefiantlymaintained its

ä See CONGRESS, page 4A

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILEPHOTO

In this photo releasedbyan official website of the office of the Iranian supreme leader,Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei attendsa meeting in Tehran, Iran, on Jan. 17.

BY JON GAMBRELL, MELANIELIDMAN, JOSH BOAK and ERICTUCKER Associated Press

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates Iranian SupremeLeader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei died following amajor attack by Israel andthe United States,Iranian statemedia confirmed early Sunday,throwing the future of the Islamic Republic into doubt andraising the risk of regional instability

President Donald Trump announced the death hours earlier saying it gave Iranians their “greatest chance” to “takeback” their country

Iranianstate televisionand thestate-run IRNA news agency did not report acause of death forthe 86-yearold.

“Khamenei, oneof the most evil people in History,isdead,” Trump wrote in asocial media post. He warned of “heavy and pinpoint bombing” that he said would continue throughout the week and even beyond, part of alethal assaultthe U.S. hasjustified as necessary to disable thecountry’s nuclear capabilities.

ä Travelers stranded by flight disruptions after Iran strikes.

PAGE 4A

ä War powers debate grows after attack on Iran. PAGE 8A

ä World leaders react cautiously to U.S., Israeli strikes.

PAGE 10A

The attack opened a stunning new chapter in U.S. intervention in Iran, carried the potential forretaliatory violenceand awiderwar and represented astartlingflexofmilitary might for an American president who swept intooffice on an “America First”platformand vowed to keep out of “forever wars.”

The killing of Khamenei in the second Trump administration assault on Iran in eight months appeared certain to create aleadership vacuum given the absence of aknownsuccessor and because the 86-year-old supremeleader had final say on all major policies during his decades in power.Heled Iran’s

ä See STRIKE, page 6A

Federalfraud trialbeginsinNew Orleansstaged-crashcases

Four accusedin insurancescheme involvingbig rigs

BY JOHN SIMERMAN

Staff writer

The words of aslainfederal witness are expectedtoloom large in aNew Orleans courtroom this week as atrial begins for twolocal lawyers and two othersaccused in awildscheme to stage vehicle

wreckswith big rig trucks across the CrescentCity The trial, slated to start Monday in federal court, is the first in a sprawlinginsurance fraudcase that gripped New Orleans legalcircles even before authoritiescharged amurder-forhire plot Vanessa Motta,a Hollywood stuntwoman-turned-lawyer,at-

torney Jason Giles andthe King Firm areaccused of brazen, yearslong frauds that involved filling cars with people,ramming them into 18-wheelers on New Orleanshighways and then suing for big insurance checks. The fedssay some passengers underwent surgeriestheydidn’t need while unscrupulous lawyers

took in millions while in somecases paying $1,000 perpassengerin kickbacks.

Theblockbuster federal probe has spawned guilty pleas from about50defendantsacrossmore thanahalf-dozen indictments since 2019.

Prosecutors allege overlapping schemes involving different “slammers,” whowere paid by the lawyers to gather passengers and thensteer into tractor trailers. From Houma to Slidell, dozens were recruitedtofill thecrash cars

andsign up withattorneystomake injury claims against the trucking companies.

According to the feds, Motta and Giles each employed Cornelius Garrison, aslammer who told the FBI he’d taken at least 50 turns behind the wheel in staged crashes. The lanky,6-feet-6 Garrison had been talking to federalagents for about ayear when he wasgunned downatage 54 at his mother’s doorstep in Gentilly in 2020.

ä See TRIAL, page 5A

BRIEFS FROM WIRE REPORTS

Plane crashes in Bolivia, killing at least 22

LA PAZ, Bolivia The death toll rose to 22 on Saturday from the crash of a military plane carrying 18 tons of new bank notes a day earlier near Bolivia’s capital, damaging about a dozen vehicles and scattering bills on the ground, a police commander said Saturday

Another 29 people were injured, mostly passengers traveling on public transportation where the plane crashed. Among the dead are 12 men, including one crew member, six women and four children, police commander Mirko Sokol said.

Forensic investigators were still recovering remains from the wreckage Saturday. The injured were taken to clinics in the city of El Alto, near La Paz, where the airport is located.

Defense Minister Marcelo Salinas said Friday that the Hercules C-130 plane was transporting newly printed Bolivian currency from the eastern city of Santa Cruz when it “landed and veered off the runway” at an airport in El Alto, a city adjacent to La Paz, before ending up in a nearby field. Firefighters managed to put out the flames that engulfed the aircraft. Images on social media showed debris from the aircraft, destroyed cars and bodies scattered on the road.

2 indicted in connection to Utah church shooting

SALT LAKE CITY A federal grand jury has indicted two men on firearms charges in connection with a shooting last month in a church parking lot in Salt Lake City that left two people dead and six more injured.

The indictment unsealed Friday charges 32-year-old Ryan Toutai with unlawful disposition of a firearm and 26-year-old Fineeva Maka with felon in possession of a firearm, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah said.

Investigators used cellphone videos and photos and GPS ankle monitor evidence to tie the two men to a pistol recovered from the Jan. 7 shooting, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said. Prosecutors allege the two men are gang members.

The violence took place in the back parking lot of a place of worship for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as the Mormon church. Investigators have said the shooting broke out from a dispute between people who knew each other and were attending a funeral. All the victims were adults.

Cher’s son faces counts of assault, trespassing

CONCORD N.H.— Police say Cher’s son was arrested on Friday after acting belligerently at a New Hampshire private high school, of which he has no association.

Elijah Allman, 49, was charged with four misdemeanors: two counts of simple assault, criminal trespass and criminal threatening. Allman, whose father was the late Gregg Allman, was also charged with a violation of disorderly conduct, which is illegal in the state but not considered a crime.

At about 7 p.m. that day, Concord police responded to reports that Allman was disturbing people in the dining hall of St. Paul’s School. After charging Allman, police said he was released on bail as his case works through the court system.

A representative for Cher was not immediately available. St Paul’s School declined to comment.

Pakistan strikes inside Afghanistan

‘Open

war’ continues on border

BY MUNIR AHMED and ABDUL QAHAR AFGHAN Associated Press

ISLAMABAD Pakistan’s military, backed by artillery and air power, struck more military installations deep inside Afghanistan overnight after Pakistan said it was in “open war” with its eastern neighbor

Pakistan on Saturday claimed more than 330 Afghan forces had been killed since fighting erupted Thursday night during a broad Afghan cross-border attack into Pakistan Afghanistan rejected the figures as false.

The casualty figures provided by either side could not be independently confirmed

The fighting was in response to Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan last Sunday. Pakistan said it was targeting the outlawed Pakistani Taliban, or TTP The group is separate but closely allied with Afghanistan’s ruling Taliban. Afghanistan, however, said only civilians were killed in Sunday’s airstrike.

After the Afghan attack, Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif declared Friday: “Our patience has now run out. Now it is open war between us.”

Pakistani Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said Saturday that more than 331 Afghan forces had been killed and over 500 others wounded during the ongoing military strikes in Afghanistan Pakistan destroyed 102 Afghan posts, captured 22 others and destroyed 163 tanks and armored vehicles at 37 locations, he said Kabul has dismissed the casualty claim as inaccurate.

On Saturday the Afghan Defense Ministry claimed that Afghan forces killed 110 Pakistani soldiers during ongoing fighting Enayatullah Khawarazmi, a ministry spokesman, wrote on X that Afghan forces also captured 27 Pakistani posts.

There was no immediate response from Islamabad.

Pakistan’s army spokesperson Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said on Friday that 12 Pakistani soldiers were killed in the fighting.

The Afghan government’s deputy spokesman, Hamdullah Fitrat, on Saturday accused Pakistan of targeting civilian areas in the provinces of Paktika, Khost, Kunar, Nangarhar and Kandahar, as well as refugee camps in Torkham and Kandahar Fitrat said 52 people had been killed, most of them women and children, and 66 others wounded.

Meanwhile, the United Nations wrote on X that major cities in Afghanistan were reportedly bombed by the Pakistani military on Friday, marking a new escalation and raising fears for civilians already struggling under the harsh rule of the Taliban authorities.

On Friday, Afghan government spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said 13 Afghan forces were killed and 22 wounded He also said 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed. Pakistan put its own military figures at 12 killed, 27 wounded and one soldier missing in action.

Pakistan’s state-run media reported the country’s air force carried out strikes targeting key military installations in various areas of eastern Afghanistan.

According to Pakistani authorities, hundreds of residents living near the northwestern Torkham border crossing had fled. In recent days, Pakistan has also deported dozens of Afghan refugees to Torkham.

Ejaz Ul Haq, an Afghan refugee stranded near the Torkham border with his family, said he could not return to Afghanistan because of the fighting Many others were struggling to obtain food during the fasting month of Ramadan, he said.

Afghanistan’s Defense Ministry on Saturday said Afghanistan attacked Pakistani military bases in Miranshah and Spin Wam overnight, destroying military installations and causing heavy casualties in response to the ongoing airstrikes by Pakistan.

Mexican authorities hand over body of ‘El

Mencho’

to his family

Case on gun rights, cannabis use builds unusual alliances

High court to hear arguments Monday

BY LINDSAY WHITEHURST Associated Press

WASHINGTON Gun rights and cannabis legalization are usually on opposite ends of the political spectrum, but both movements have brought about seismic shifts in the United States in recent decades.

Now those forces are lining up for a rare overlap in a case coming before the Supreme Court on Monday, and it is not the only unusual alliance.

The Republican Trump administration will be defending a firearm restriction, with backing from gun-control groups typically more aligned with Democrats.

On the other side is a pairing of the National Rifle Association and the American Civil Liberties Union.

At stake is a federal law that bars people who regularly use marijuana from legally owning guns. It is an issue that has divided lower courts since a landmark 2022 Supreme Court decision expanded gun rights.

Cecillia Wang, legal director at the ACLU, said the law violates the Second Amendment and is unconstitutionally vague about what it means to be a drug user

“We’re deeply concerned with the potential of this statute to basically give federal prosecutors a blank check,” she said. “Millions of Americans use marijuana and there is no way for them to know based on words of this statute whether they could be charged or convicted of this crime because they own a firearm.”

Cannabis is legal for medicinal use in most states and for recreational use in about half the country

But the law also applies more widely against all illegal substances, meaning the case could allow broader legal gun use by other drug users. The group Everytown for Gun Safety said the law meets the Su-

preme Court’s requirement that gun laws must have a strong grounding in the nation’s history and tradition.

“Restricting firearm use by illegal drug users is ‘as old as legislative recognition of the drug problem itself,’” attorneys wrote. Cannabis remains illegal on a federal level, though President Donald Trump has signed an order to fasttrack its reclassification as a less dangerous drug.

His Justice Department is also asking the justices to revive a criminal case against Ali Danial Hemani, a Texas man who was charged with a felony because he had a gun in his house and acknowledged smoking marijuana every other day FBI agents also found a small amount of cocaine when they searched his home as part of a broader investigation, but the gun charge was the only one filed against him.

The conservative-leaning 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the case, finding that only people who are intoxicated while armed can be charged with a crime.

The administration has argued in favor of gun rights in other cases, but government lawyers say this law is a justifiable restriction. “Habitual illegal drug users with firearms present unique dangers to society — especially because they pose a grave risk of armed, hostile encounters with police officers while impaired,” they wrote in court documents. The law fits within the nation’s history of restrictions on people who were frequently drunk, they argued.

While the conservativemajority Supreme Court has expanded gun rights, it also has upheld a federal law disarming people who are subject to domestic violence restraining orders.

The Department of Justice argues that drug users are similarly risky But the NRA and other gun-rights groups, typically aligned with the GOP, are arrayed against the administration in Hemani’s case.

In today’s tribute section for the late Norman Francis, a production error garbled a few words. In Edwin Lombard’s column, a sentence should state: “It was Doc who talked Rudy into coming out after he was arrested to meet those folks.” In Reynold Verret’s column, a sentence should state: “His legacy lives on in our alumni, the leaders he formed, and in so many across the nation who were blessed by his greatness.”

The Advocate | The Times-Picayune regrets the errors

By The Associated Press

MEXICO CITY Mexican authorities returned the body of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” to his family after he was killed by the Mexican army last week, officials said on Saturday

In a brief note on X, the Attorney General’s Office said that it handed over the body of El Mencho after completing all the necessary procedural protocols.

“Genetic tests were carried out to confirm that there were indeed blood ties between the person who requested the release and the deceased,” the organ said.

The killing of the country’s most powerful drug lord was met with a wave of retaliatory violence in some 20 states. More than 70 people were killed.

The violence has fueled fears that the bloodshed could hurt tourism ahead of the FIFA World Cup later this year

“I don’t think handing over the body to the family is going to recreate the havoc,” said David Mora, a senior analyst and Mexico expert at global think tank International Crisis Group.

“The violence that is going to come next is going to play out differently,” Mora added, pointing to the reorganization of the cartel following the decapitation of its leader and potential turf wars between smaller criminal groups.

The U.S. State Department had offered

Monday in

the Mexican

City,

a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to the arrest of El Mencho. The Jalisco New Generation Cartel, which he ran, is one of the most powerful and fastest growing criminal organizations in Mexico and began operating around 2009.

In February 2025, the Trump administration designated the cartel as a foreign terrorist organization.

The drug lord’s death was the Mexican government’s biggest prize yet to show the Trump administration in its efforts to crack down on the cartels.

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Travelersstrandedbyflightdisruptions afterIranstrikes

BY CARA RUBINSKY, MARC LEVY andJOSH FUNK Associated Press

LONDON America andIsrael’sattack on Iran disrupted flights across the Middle East and beyond Saturday as countries aroundthe region closed their airspace and three of the key airports that connectEurope,Africa and the West to Asia halted operations.

Hundreds of thousands of travelers wereeither stranded or diverted to other airports after Israel, Qatar,Syria, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait and Bahrain closed their airspace. There also was no flight activityover the United ArabEmirates, flight tracking website FlightRadar24 said, after the government there announced a “temporary and partial closure” of its airspace.

That led to the closure of keyhub airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha, and

CONGRESS

Continued from page1A

nuclear program whilearming and funding Hamas, Hezbollah, and other internationally recognized terrorist organizations. Iran and its proxies havemenaced America and American lives, undermined our core national interests, systematically destabilized the Middle East, and threatened the security of theentire West.”

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-Jefferson, was one of the first in Congress to announce his support of the military strikes by theU.S andIsrael with the statedgoal of eliminating Iran’snuclear capabilities.

the cancellation of more than 1,800 flightsbymajor Middle Eastern airlines. Thethreemajor airlines that operate at thoseairports— Emirates,Qatar Airways and Etihad —typically have about 90,000 passengers per day crossingthrough those hubs and even more travelers headed to destinations in the Middle East, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium.

ThenlateronSaturday

officials at Dubai International Airport —the largest in the United Arab Emirates and one of thebusiestinthe world —said four people were injured as theEmirates condemned what it called a“blatant attack involving Iranian ballistic missiles.”

Strikeswere also reported at other commercialairports in theregion, including Kuwait International.

“For travelers, there’sno way to sugarcoat this,”said HenryHarteveldt, anairline

Sen. Bill Cassidy,R-Baton Rouge, wroteon social media: “The President’sdecision to attack Iran presumably was based upon aclear and present danger to the United States, and aplanned execution that does not put the United States in aforever war.We prayfor the safety andsuccess of our servicemen and servicewomen.”

“The President has worked tirelessly to establish alasting peace through diplomacywith Iran. Instead, Iran continued to pursue their sinisterambitions, promoting terrorism, developing missiles,attempting to rebuild their nuclear program,and posing an imminent threat to the security of the United States and our allies,” Scalise wrote on X. “Wecan never allow the world’s numberone state sponsor of terrorism to have anuclear weapon.”

The Trump administration held three rounds of negotiations with Iranianofficials on limitingthe nation’snuclear program. Trump said Friday he was “notthrilled with the talks.

“They can never have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said in aspeech.

With the help of Israel, the U.S. launched massive and ongoingstrikes Saturday morning targeting Iranian leaders and military Soon after America woke up to the news, incumbent

sorb. So ticketprices could quickly start to increase if the conflict lingers.

The added flights will also putpressureonair traffic controllers in Saudi Arabia whomight have to slow traffic to makesure they can handleitsafely. And the countries that closed their airspace will missout on the overflight fees airlines pay for crossing overhead.

industry analyst and presidentofAtmosphere Research Group. “You should prepare for delays or cancellations for the next few days as theseattacks evolve and hopefully end.”

Airlinesthat are crossing

theMiddle East will have to rerouteflights around the conflict with many flights headed south over Saudi Arabia.That will add hours to those flights and consume additional fuel, adding to the costs airlines will have to ab-

ButMike McCormick, whoused to oversee airtraffic control for theFederal AviationAdministrationbefore he retiredand is nowa professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, said over the next few days these countries might be able to reopen partsoftheir airspace once American and Israeli officials share with theairlineswhere military flightsare operating and how capableIran remains at firing missiles. “Those countries then will be abletogothrough

and say,OK, we can reopen thisportion of ourspace but we’ll keep this portion of ourairspace closed,” McCormicksaid. “So Ithink what we’ll see in thenext24 to 36 hours how the use of airspace evolves as the kineticactivitygets morewell defined andasthe capability of Iran to actually shoot missiles and create additional risk is diminished due to the attacks.” Butitisunclearhow long the disruption to flight operations couldlast. For comparison, theIsraeliand U.S. attack on Iran in June 2025 lasted 12 days. The situation was changingquickly andairlines urged passengers to check their flight status online beforeheading to the airport. Someairlines issued waiverstoaffected travelers that will allowthemtorebook their flight plans without paying extra fees or higher fares.

Cassidy is seeking athirdterm but faces atoughclosed primary May 16 against anumber of conservativeRepublicansincluding Rep. Julia Letlow, R-Baton Rouge, who has Trump’sendorsement Letlow’soffice released astatement: “Iran is theworld’s leadingsponsorofterrorismand activelyplots to kill Americans. President Trump’sdecisivestrikes send amessage that America will not tolerate Iran’s threats to ournational security.May God bless our troops and keep them safe as we confront radicalIslamicterrorism andseek lasting peace.”

After reports surfaced that Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had been killed in the attacks, Sen. John Kennedy,R-Madisonville,posted on X: “Khamenei chose war. He paid withhis life.”

missile program.Stopkilling andtorturing your people. That’s allwewant,” Kennedy said.“I’m not abouttogivethe presidentany advice. He has intelligencethatIdon’t have, and Irespect thefact that he’s being very deliberateand carefulinmakingthe decision.”

“In the South, we give fair warning beforewecrack ajaw.I would say46years, 3 months, 3weeks and 3days is fair warning,” Rep. Clay Higgins,R-Lafayette, wrote on XSaturday afternoon.

partners andproxyforces operatingthroughoutthe region, the potential for escalation is real,and theconsequences could reach far beyond.”

Air raid warnings set off all over Israel,the UnitedArab Emirates and five other countries as well as American basesinthe Middle East as Iran launched missiles in a counterattack.

Trumptold Iranians there may neverbeabetter chance to overthrow the theocratic regimethat has ruledthe Islamic Republic of Iran since March 1979.

“When we arefinished, take over your government. It will be yourstotake,” Trump said.

Louisiana’sDemocratic membersofCongress didn’t condemn the attack but asked Trump for further information on hisplansand legal authoritytostrike.

Ken ne dy addressedthe situation in aspeech on the Senate floor Friday before thestrikes began.

“Put down the nuclear weapons.Put down thenuclear enrichment. Stop exporting terrorism to Hamas and Hezbollah. End your

“Any use of military force demands serious consideration with aclear and coordinated plan,”said Rep Troy Carter Sr., DNew Orleans. “The American peopledeservetounderstand the objectives, the risks, and the path forward. My focus is protecting American lives, supporting ourtroops, and ensuring Congress plays its proper constitutionalrole.”

Carter’swife, Ana, is atwo-stargeneralinthe ArmyReserve.

Carter later said in astatement: “History has shown that conflicts involving Iran rarely stay contained. With

Many Democrats and some Republicans are calling on Congresstovote Monday on awar powers resolution. The Constitution gives only Congress theright to declare war.Overthe years however,presidents have been able to call for military strikesinemergency situations.

“While Iunderstand the gravity of the threat,the process here cannot be ignored,” Rep.Cleo Fields, D-Baton

Rouge, said in astatement. “The WarPowersAct exists for areason: to ensure that no single person can commit this nation to war without accountability to the American people. President Trump had ampletimetocomebefore Congress, fulfill his legalobligations, andbring transparency to his decision-making —hechose not to. That is not aproceduraloversight; it is adeliberate decision to sideline the legislative branch and concentrate war-making authority in the executive branch.”

Iran’s missilebarrage testswhether U.S.

BY GERRYDOYLE Bloomberg News (TNS)

The ability of the U.S.,Israel and gulf Arab states to weather Iran’sretaliatory strikes willdepend on how many missile interceptors they have —and stocks are most likely dangerously low after intense combat with the IslamicRepublic last year Tehran’s main means of offensive operationsis long-range attackswith ballisticmissiles,cruise missiles, and drones, all of which it launched after Israeli strikes in June2025. This time around, Iran

TRIAL

Continued from page1A

Thekilling came four days after Garrison’sname appearedatop an indictment based largely on what he’d revealed, according to court records show The murder itselfisthe subject of atrial scheduled for late summer against Sean Alfortish, a disbarred attorney and former Kenner magistrate who sharesayoung child with Motta; and Leon “Chunky” Parker, who is also accused of staging wrecks, andwho prosecutors claimcarriedout the alleged hitonGarrison.

reactedtoU.S.and Israeli attacksbyalmost immediatelyfiring on Israel and countriesincluding Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwaitand Bahrain.

Defending againstsuch weapons requires an even biggernumber of interceptors —typical military doctrine callsfor firing two orthree at eachincoming target to maximize the chances of hittingit. Stocks of missile interceptors could be in danger of running low within days if the intensity of current Iranian attacks persists, according to aperson familiar with

the elections of aLouisiana horsemen’sgroupwhile serving as itspresidentand raidingits coffersfor personal expenses and toreimburse himselffor settlement ofasexual harassment grievance.

the matter.

“Missile interceptors are abig concern, particularly anti-ballisticinterceptors,” said Kelly Grieco, asenior fellowatthe Stimson Center.“We are using these interceptors faster than we can make them.”

Dozens or more Iranian missileswere intercepted on Saturday around the region, but at leastafew got through. The resultofcontinued strikesisthat if Iran hasmore missilesthanits targets have interceptors, moreattacks will startgetting through.

“Magazinecapacity was already low” for the U.S.

andits partnernationsafter lastyear,said William Alberque,asenior adjunct fellow at the Pacific Forum, aforeign policy research institute.

The U.S. fired about 150 THAAD interceptors last June to defend Israelduring the 12-day war against Iran,according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Those weapons are the highest-end ground-based missile defensesystemin theAmerican inventory, with each Lockheed Martin Corp. interceptor costing about $15 million.But only afew dozenwere pur-

chased last year

Such weapons aredesigned to be able to take out ballistic missilesbeyond the Earth’satmosphere. Thecosts of firing hundreds of them —aswell as other types of interceptors —is enormous. In April 2024, Bloomberg reportedthat it probably cost Israel—as well as the American, British, French andJordanian air forces —around $1.1 billion to foil missile and drone attacks from Iran. That wasfor afew hours’ work. The U.S. andIsraelimilitarieswill try to reduce the number of missilesand

been charged as partofthe wide-ranging fraudalleged by prosecutors.Danny Patrick Keating Jr., whowas accused of working witha differentslammer,Damian Labeaud,pleaded guilty in June 2021 andstill awaits his sentence.

Another defendant,Ryan Harris, has pleaded guilty to the murder plot while claimingAlfortish arranged it with Parker and paid him for the hit.

Harris admitted he had previously worked with Garrison on staged crashes. He is expected to be akey witness at atrialthat’sslatedto run for three weeks.

Garrison allegedlytold federal agents that he staged collisions for Giles, the King Firm, Motta, her law firm, and Alfortish. According to an FBI memo, Garrison had shown agents$192,000 in checks from Alfortish’scompany that he said were for dozens ofbogus wrecks. Garrison told agents that Alfortish instructed him “if anything ever happened” to say the payments were for construction work.

U.S. District Judge Wendy Vitter has ruled that prosecutors can show those statements to jurors. Garrison also allegedly “providedinformation regarding Alfortish’srolein the scheme and the attempts by Motta and Alfortishto make him an unavailable witness.”

Court records show that Garrison told agents that Alfortish offeredhim $500,000 if he “took the fall” and also offered to move him to the Bahamas.

ANew Orleans‘conspiracy’ For her part, Motta now claims that she was duped by Alfortish, who is noton trial this week and remains in federal custody pending his trial. In alegal filing, Motta acknowledges “a conspiracy by agroup of people from New Orleans East to stage caraccidents”but claims she wasn’tprivy to it.

Motta, who had appeared on attorney billboards under the slogan “Send ’Er In!” claims Alfortish admitted to her only later that he’d been paying “runners” to funnel personal injury cases to her Alfortish was a“master manipulator” who denied that he knew any of the wrecks were staged, wrote Motta’sattorney, Sean Toomey

“This was aterrible betrayal that deeply changed their personal relationship In short, Mr.Alfortish used Ms. Motta, he lied to Ms. Motta, he put her career (andnow possibly her freedom) in jeopardy without herknowledge,for hisown selfish financial greed,” Toomey wrote.

Alfortish, 58, previously served most of a46-month federal prison sentence handed down in 2012 after pleading guilty to rigging

‘Corruptiontax’ Prosecutors have described an “about-face” in Motta’s defense,“from asserting, for years, that she and Alfortish were victimsof circumstance to now claiming that at some point she knewAlfortish was part of astaged collision scheme,”Vitter wrote recently Harris has claimed that Alfortish andMotta toldhim Garrison was arat and asnitch andthat “it would be better” if he were dead, according to court records. Garrison’s killing “absolutely” slowed down a case that ranks amongthe largest in Louisiana for its impact, said RafaelGoy-

The two other defendants standing trial this week are Diaminike Stalbert andCarl Morgan, amember of Harris’ family.Each faces aconspiracycount. Stalbert also is accusedoflying to an FBI agent.

Afifthdefendant, Timara Lawrence, pleaded guilty on Wednesday toawire fraud conspiracy charge. Lawrenceadmittedthatshe andHarris, thena romantic partner,conspired to stage abogus crash and file a fraudulent insurance claim in 2020 AssistantU.S. Attorneys Matthew Payne, Brian Klebba and Mary K. Kaufman aretrying the case against the four defendantsand two lawfirms.

launchers Iranhas available, and kill top commanders to prevent their use. The question of which side canoutlast theother is asobering one, saidEyal Pinko, aformer naval commander who does research at Bar IlanUniversity outside TelAviv. “A lotmore attacks are coming,” he said in abriefing to the Jerusalem Press Club. “They have thousands of missiles anddrones, huge stocks. They will do everything to maintainthe regime. This is now an allout war for their survival.” Ethan Bronner contributed to this report.

clerical establishment and itsparamilitary Revolutionary Guard, thetwo main centers of powerinthe governing theocracy As reports trickled out about the death, eyewitnesses in Tehran told The Associated Press that some residents were rejoicing, blowing whistles and letting out ululations.

Iran, whichresponded to the strikes with its own counterassault, warned of retribution.

Ali Larijani, the secretary of Iran’sNational Security Council, said Saturdaythat Israel and America will “regret their actions.”

“The brave soldiers and thegreat nation of Iran will deliver an unforgettable lesson to the hellish international oppressors,” Larijani posted on X.

Months of rising tensions

The joint U.S.-Israel operation, which officials say was planned for months, took place Saturday during the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan and at the start of the Iranian workweek. It followed stilted negotiations and warningsfrom Trump, who last year trumpeted his administration’ssuccessin incapacitating thecountry’s nuclear programbut nonetheless cast the latest round as necessary to head offits potential resurgence.

About 12 hours after the attacks began, the U.S. military reported no U.S. casualties and minimal damage at U.S. bases despite “hundreds of Iranian missile and drone attacks.” It said targets in Iran included Revolutionary Guard command facilities, air defense systems, missileand drone launch sites, and military airfields.

Israel, for its part, said it had killed the commander of the Revolutionary Guard Corps and the country’sdefense minister,aswell as the secretaryofthe Iranian Security Council, aclose adviser to Khamenei. Khamenei “was unableto avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated TrackingSystems and, working closely with Israel, there was not athing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do,” Trump said. “This is the single greatest chance for theIranian peopletotake back their Country.”

An Iranian diplomat told the United Nations Security Council that hundreds of civilians were killedand wounded in the strikes. Iran retaliated by firing missiles and drones toward Israel and at U.S. military bases in the region, and exchanges of fire continued into the night.

Some of the first strikes on Iran appeared to hit near the offices of Khamenei, the second leader of the Islamic Republic who succeeded Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the leader of the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Israeli officials confirmed the death, followed by Trump.

Democratsdecried that Trump had taken action without congressional au-

ning near theIntelligence Ministry building in northernTehran, witnesses said, addingthat airdefensesystemshad begun operating there. Israel’smilitary said it had begun newstrikes against missile launchers andaerial defensesystems in central Iran.

In southern Iran, at least 115 people werereported killed when agirls’ school

wasstruck, and dozens more were wounded, the local governor told Iranian state TV.U.S.Central Command spokesperson Capt. Tim Hawkins said he was “aware of reports” that agirls’ school was struck andthatofficials were looking into them.

Iran’sstate news agency IRNA said at least 15 people were killed in the southwest, quoting the governor of the Lamerd region, Ali Alizadeh, as saying asports hall, two residentialareas anda hall near aschool werehit.

Flights across the Middle East were disrupted,and airdefensefirethudded over Dubai, the United Arab Emirates’ commercial capital.Shrapnel from an Iranian missile attack on the UAE capital killed one person, state media said.

Attack wascoordinated

Israel said theoperationhad been plannedfor months with the United States.Air Forcepilots struck “hundreds of targets acrossIran,”Israelimilitary chiefofstaffLt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said in astatement.

Targets in the Israeli campaign includedIran’smilitary,symbols of government andintelligencetargets, according to an official briefed on the operation, who spoke on condition of anonymityto discuss nonpublic information on the attack.

Trumpacknowledged Saturdaythatthere could be American casualties, saying “that often happens in war.”Hesaid he was aiming to “annihilate” the Iranian navy and destroy regional proxies supported by Tehran. He called on the paramilitary Iranian Revolutionary Guard to lay downarms, saying members would be given immunity or face “certain death” if they did not.

Iran hadsaidithoped to avert awar,but it maintained its right to enrich uranium Iranhas said it hasnot enriched since June, but it hasblocked international inspectors from visiting the sites the U.S. bombed. Satellite photos analyzed by AP

have shownnew activity at two of those sites, suggesting Iran is trying to assess and potentially recover material.

Trumphad threatened military action but held off following Iran’srecent crackdown on protests spurred by economic grievances that evolvedintoanationwide push against the ruling clerics.

The Human Rights Activists News Agency says it confirmed morethan 7,000 deaths in thecrackdownand is investigating thousands more. The governmenthas acknowledgedmore than 3,000 killed.

Marketscould be effected

The strikes could rattle global markets, particularly if Iran makes the Strait of Hormuz unsafe forcommercial traffic. Athird of worldwide oil exports transported by sea passed through the strait in 2025.

Saudi Arabia said Iran targeted its capital and eastern region in an attack that was repelled. Bahrain said amissile attack targetedthe U.S. Navy’s5th Fleet headquarters in theisland kingdom, andthreebuildings were damaged in the capital, Manama,and Muharraqcity by drone strikes anddebris from an intercepted missile. Kuwait’s civil aviation authority said adrone targeted the maininternational airport, injuring several employees.Kuwait’sstaterun newsagency saidthree troops were injuredby shrapnelfromstrikesthat hit Ali Al-Salem air base. Explosions could also be heard in Qatar.Jordan said it “dealt with” 49 drones and ballistic missiles. Lidman reported from in TelAviv.Boak reported from West Palm Beach, Florida. Tucker reported from Washington. Associated Press reportersJoe FedermaninJerusalem, Aamer Madhani and Konstantin Toropin in Washington, Sam Mednick in TelAviv,Farnoush AmiriinNew York and AP journalists around the worldcontributed to this report.

thorization. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said the administrationhad briefed several Republican and Democratic leaders in Congress in advance.

Unsuccessful nucleartalks

Tensions have soared in recent weeksasthe Trump administration built up the largest force of American warships and aircraft in the Middle East in decades. The president insisted he wanted adealtoconstrain Iran’s nuclearprogram while the country struggledwith growing dissent following nationwideprotests.

Though Trump hadpronounced theIranian nuclear program obliterated in strikes last year,the country was rebuildinginfrastructure that it had lost, accordingtoa senior U.S.official

who spoke toreporters on conditionofanonymity to discuss Trump’sdecisionmaking process. The official said intelligenceshowed thatIran had developed the capability to produce its own high-quality centrifuges, an importantstep in developing the highly enriched uranium needed for weapons.

Iran responded to the latest strikesbylaunching missiles anddrones toward Israel andtargeting U.S. military installations in Bahrain, Kuwaitand Qatar.The Israeli military said Iran fired dozens of missiles at Israel, with many intercepted. The Magen David Adom rescueservice saidSaturdaynight that awoman in the TelAviv area died after being wounded in an Iranian missile attack.

At leastthreeexplosions were heardSaturdayeve-

War powers debate grows after attack on Iran

BY LISA MASCARO AP congressional correspondent

WASHINGTON Key members of Congress are demanding a swift vote on a war powers resolution that would restrain President Donald Trump’s military attack on Iran unless the administration wins their approval for what they warn is a potentially illegal campaign that risks pulling the United States into a deeper Middle East conflict.

Both the House and Senate, where the president’s Republican Party has a slim majority, had already drafted such resolutions long before the strikes Saturday Now they are ready to plunge into a rare war powers debate next week that will serve as a referendum on Trump’s decision to go it alone on military action without formal authorization from Congress.

“Has President Trump learned nothing from decades of U.S. meddling in Iran and forever wars in the Middle East?” said Sen Tim Kaine, D-Va., a leader in the bipartisan effort. He said the strikes on Iran were “a colossal mistake.” In the House, Reps Ro Khanna, D-Calif., and Thomas Massie, R-Ky., are demanding Congress go on record with a public vote on their own bipartisan measure. “Congress must convene on Monday to vote,” Khanna said, “to stop this.” Massie blasted Trump’s own presidential campaign slogan and said: “This is not ‘America First.’” But most Republicans, particularly their leaders, welcomed Trump’s move against Iran. Many cited the longtime U.S. adversary’s nuclear programs and missile capabilities as requiring a military response.

“Well done, Mr President,” said

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. “As I watch and monitor this historic operation, I’m in awe of President Trump’s determination to be a man of peace but at the end of the day, evil’s worst nightmare.”

While presidents have the authority as the commander in chief to conduct certain strategic military operations on their own, the Constitution vests Congress with the power to wage war Before the Iraq War began in March 2003, Republican President George W. Bush made a monthslong push to secure congressional authoriza-

tion. No such vote was attempted on Iran, and an earlier Senate effort to halt Trump’s actions after last summer’s strike on Iran failed.

The congressional debate over war powers would mostly be symbolic. Even if a resolution were to pass the narrowly split Congress, Trump likely would veto it and Congress would not have the twothirds majority needed to overturn that rejection. Congress has often failed to block other U.S. military actions, including in a Senate vote on Venezuela, but the roll calls

Oil prices set for swings after strikes

By The Associated Press

FRANKFURT Germany Oil

markets currently closed for the weekend are set to see price swings next week as the impact from the U.S. and Israeli strikes on oil supplies from the Middle East remains unclear

Scenarios before the latest conflict with Iran foresaw a quick price spike that fades if the attacks didn’t affect oil shipping and infrastructure such as Iranian pipelines and its Kharg island terminal. However, there would be a bigger price spike and longerlasting impact if oil infrastructure or supplies were interrupted, for instance because of disruption of tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

Oil prices have already risen on war fears. International benchmark Brent crude closed at a sevenmonth high of $72.87 on Friday.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By LEO CORREA

in

An Israeli

Bay, northern Israel, after Israel issued a nationwide alert following its strikes on Iran.

Iran exports some 1.6 million barrels of oil a day, most of it going to China, where privately owned refineries are less concerned about the U.S. sanctions that prevent Iran from selling its oil elsewhere. If that supply is disrupted, Chinese customers would look elsewhere for oil on the global market, potentially driving up prices.

Another question is around the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of global oil supply pass through each day Middle East exporters Saudi Arabia, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates send most of their exports through the strait. However analysts say Iran has no incentive to try to close the strait because it would cut off its own exports and hurt its only big customer, China. Limited strikes on Iran’s nuclear program and the Revolutionary Guard that

avoid regime change or all-out war could see prices jump $5-$10 based on fear alone, according to Rystad Energy in a prewar scenario.

A wider war involving Iranian disruption of tanker traffic could see crude push past $90 per barrel and US gas prices “well above” $3 per gallon according to another prewar scenario from Clayton Seigle at the Center for Strategic & International Studies. U.S. gas prices averaged $2.98 per gallon last week, according to U.S. motoring club AAA.

stand as a public record.

The response by House Speaker Mike Johnson reflected the party’s long-standing views. Iran, he said, is facing “the severe consequences of its evil actions.”

Johnson, R-Benton, said the leaders of the House and Senate and the respective intelligence committees had been briefed in detail earlier in the week that military action “may become necessary” to protect U.S. troops and citizens in Iran. He said he received updates from Secretary of State Marco Rubio and will stay in “close con-

tact” with Trump and the Defense Department “as this operation proceeds.”

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., commended Trump “for taking action to thwart these threats.”

Thune said he looked forward to administration officials briefing all senators — a signal that lawmakers are seeking more answers to their questions about Trump’s plans ahead.

Many Democrats are calling the operation illegal, saying the Constitution gives Congress alone the power to declare war To them, the administration has failed to lay out its rationale or plan for the military strikes, and the aftermath.

Sen. Chris Van Hollen, who serves on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said the president has undertaken “illegal, regime-change war against Iran.”

“This is not making us safer & only damages the US & our interests,” Van Hollen, D-Md., said in a social media post. “The Senate must immediately vote on the War Powers Resolution to stop it.”

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York said while Iran is a “bad actor and must be aggressively confronted” for its human rights abuses and the threat it poses to the U.S. and allies, the administration “must seek authorization for the preemptive use of military force that constitutes an act of war.”

New York Sen. Chuck Schumer, the Democratic leader, demanded that Congress be briefed immediately on the administration’s plans.

“Iran must never be allowed to attain a nuclear weapon but the American people do not want another endless and costly war in the Middle East when there are so many problems at home,” he said.

Stay aheadoflife’sunexpected turnswitha year-round approach to taxplanning

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World leaders react cautiously to U.S., Israeli strikes

BY CLAUDIA CIOBANU, SAM McNEIL and SAM METZ Associated Press

BRUSSELS How long will it last? Will it grow? What will the conflict and the reported death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei mean to us, and to global security overall? Those questions echoed across the Middle East and the planet Saturday as world leaders reacted warily to U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.

President Donald Trump said on social media that Khamenei was dead, calling it “the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country.” Iranian state media said early Sunday the 86-year-old leader had died without elaborating on a cause.

Israeli officials previously told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity that Khamenei was dead. And Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a televised address, said there were “growing signs” that Khamenei had been killed when Israel struck his compound early Saturday

The apparent demise of the second leader of the Islamic Republic, who had no designated successor, would likely throw its future into uncertainty and exacerbate already growing concerns of a broader conflict.

The U.N. Security Council scheduled an emergency meeting.

Perhaps cautious about upsetting already strained relations with Trump, many nations abstained from commenting directly or pointedly on the joint strikes but condemned Tehran’s retaliation. Similarly to Europeans, governments across the Middle East condemned Iran’s strikes on Arab neighbors while staying silent on the U.S. and Israeli military action.

Other countries were more explicit: Australia

and Canada expressed open support for the U.S. strikes, while Russia and China responded with direct criticism

The U.S. and Israel launched a major attack on Iran on Saturday, and Trump called on the Iranian public to “seize control of your destiny” by rising up against the Islamic theocracy that has ruled the nation since 1979. Iran retaliated by firing missiles and drones toward Israel and U.S. military bases in the Middle East.

In a statement, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called on the U.S. and Iran to resume talks and said they favored a negotiated settlement. They said their countries didn’t take part in the strikes on Iran but are in close contact with the U.S., Israel and partners in the region.

The three countries have led efforts to reach a negotiated solution over Iran’s nuclear program.

“We condemn Iranian attacks on countries in the region in the strongest terms. Iran must refrain from indiscriminate military strikes,” they said. “Ultimately, the Iranian people must be allowed to determine their future,” they said.

Later, at an emergency security meeting, Macron said France was “neither warned nor involved” in the strikes. He called for intensified efforts for a negotiated solution, saying “no one can think that the questions of Iran’s nuclear program, ballistic activity, regional destabilization will be settled by strikes alone.”

The 22-nation Arab League called the Iranian attacks “a blatant violation of the sovereignty of countries that advocate for peace and strive for stability.” That coalition of nations has historically condemned both Israel and Iran for actions it says

risk destabilizing the region.

Morocco, Jordan, Syria and the United Arab Emirates denounced Iranian strikes targeting U.S. military bases in the region including in Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and the Emirates.

Under former President Bashar Assad, Syria was among Iran’s closest regional allies and a staunch critic of Israel, yet a statement from its foreign ministry singularly condemned Iran, reflecting the new government’s efforts to rebuild ties with regional economic heavyweights and the United States.

Saudi Arabia said it “condemns and denounces in the strongest terms the treacherous Iranian aggression and the blatant violation of sovereignty.” Oman, which has been mediating the talks between Iran and the U.S., said in a statement that the U.S. action “constitutes a violation of the rules of international law and the principle of settling disputes through peaceful means, rather than through hostility and the shedding of blood.”

New Zealand refrained from full-throated support but acknowledged Saturday that the U.S. and Israeli attacks were keeping the Iranian regime from remaining an ongoing threat. “The legitimacy of a government rests on the support of its people,” New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters said in a joint statement. “The Iranian regime has long since lost that support.”

Countries in Europe and the Middle East used careful wording, avoiding perceptions that they either support unilateral American action or are directly condemning the United States. Others were more blunt. Russia’s Foreign Ministry called the strikes “a preplanned and unprovoked act of armed aggression against a sovereign and independent U.N. member state.” The ministry accused Washington and Tel Aviv of “hiding behind” concerns about Iran’s nuclear program while actually pursuing regime change.

Similarly, China’s government said it was “highly concerned” about the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran and called for an immediate halt to the military action and a return to negotiations. “Iran’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity should be respected,” a Chinese Foreign Ministry statement said.

Despite recent tensions with the U.S., Canada too expressed its support for the military action. “The Islamic Republic of Iran is the principal source of instability and terror throughout the Middle East,” Prime Minister Mark Carney said.

And the U.N. Security Council scheduled an emergency meeting on the U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran, at the request of Bahrain and France. Palestinians in the occupied West Bank said they were largely unfazed as war erupted Saturday, barely pausing as booms echoed across the sky from Israel’s Iron Dome intercepting missiles overhead. Unlike Israel, Palestin-

ian cities have no warning sirens or bomb shelters, despite the risk of falling debris or errant missiles.

As people sheltered less than 10 miles away in Jerusalem, streets in Ramallah swarmed with shoppers browsing meat counters, vegetable stalls and Ramadan sweets, some stopping to record the sounds of distant sirens and missile interceptions.

But as Israel closed checkpoints to the movement of people and goods on Saturday, gas stations saw longerthan-usual lines as residents filled spare canisters in case of supply disruptions.

The Palestinian Authority, in a statement, condemned the Iranian attacks on Arab nations, many which have historically helped underwrite its finances. It made no mention of the Israeli or U.S. strikes.

Nervousness is perceptible across multiple countries. Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide told Norwegian broadcaster NRK that he was concerned the failure of negotiations between the U.S. and Iran meant a “new, extensive war in the Middle East.”

The Nobel Peace Prizewinning International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons condemned the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran in harsher words. “These attacks are totally irresponsible and risk provoking further escalation as well as increasing the danger of nuclear proliferation and the use of nuclear weapons,” said its executive director, Melissa Parke. EU leaders issued a joint statement Saturday calling for restraint and engaging in regional diplomacy in hopes of “ensuring nuclear safety.”

The Arab League, too, appealed to all international parties “to work towards de-escalation as soon as possible, to spare the region the scourge of instability and violence, and to return to dialogue.”

BY STEVEN SLOAN Associated Press

WASHINGTON— President Donald Trump, whose fierce denunciation of military adventurism abroad fueled his unlikely rise to the top of the Republican Party,risks becoming ensnared by that very type of conflict.

The U.S. and Israeli attackon Iran Saturday cementedTrump’s decadelong transformationfrom acandidate who in 2016 calledthe Iraq Wara“big, fat mistake” to a president warning Americans to prepare for potential casualties overseas and encouraging Iranians to “seize control of your destiny.” The strikes were also at odds with Trump’swarningsduring the 2024 campaign that his Democratic rival, Kamala Harris,was surrounded by “war hawks” eager to send troops overseas.

Trump justified theaction as necessary to prevent Iranfrom obtaining nuclear weapons or developing missiles capable of reaching theU.S., lessthana year afterhe said airstrikes “obliterated” their capability.U.S. intelligence has alsosaid Iran’sweapons capability was substantially degraded.

For Trump, memories of the false pretenses underlyingthe Iraq Warcould leadtopressure to prove his assertion that Iran’s weapons production posed an imminent threat to Americans.And for Republicans alreadyfacing a challenging election year weighed down by economic anxiety,the shift could force areassessmentof how the attacks fit into the “America First,” isolationist-leaning movement the party hasembraced during the Trump era.

While Trump might benefit from an early rally-around-the-flag effect, that could be hard to sustain for weeksand months, if not longer,afar different scenario from the swift effort to removeNicolás Maduro from power earlier this year in Venezuela

Success on day one is one thing. Thedays after are inherently unpredictable.

“The questioniswhether Iran’s goal is simply to outlast America and whether Trump has strategic attention deficit disorder,which will allow the Iranians to risefrom the ashes and claim victory,” said Michael Rubin, ahistorian at the

American Enterprise Institute who worked as astaff adviser on Iran and Iraq at the Pentagon from 2002 to 2004.

Republican reaction

ManyRepublicans werequick to line up behind thepresident, including Texas Sen.John Cornyn and state attorney general Ken Paxton, whoare fighting acompetitive Senate primary election on Tuesday

“Hopefullylives will not be lost needlessly,but this always entails risk,” Cornyn said Saturday at a campaignstop near Houston. “But we know that Iran will not stop unless the United States and our allies stop them.”

Others, likeSen. Todd Young, of Indiana, praised the militaryand were criticalofIranwhile noting that Americanswill have questions that “must be answered. And there was outright opposition from somewho have long criticized overseas entanglements, including Sen. Rand Paul, the RepublicanofKentucky,who lamented the start of “anotherpreemptive war.” Former Rep. Marjorie Tay-

lorGreene, the Georgia Republican who wasonce aclose Trump ally,rejected the president’swarning of Iran’snuclear capabilities.

“It’salways alie and it’s always AmericaLast,” she wroteonline “But it feels like theworst betrayal this time because it comes from the very man and the admin who we all believed was different.”

Little advancepreparation

The administration did littlein advance to prepare Americansfor such adramatic action

Vice PresidentJDVance told TheWashington Post this week there was “nochance” that the U.S. wouldbecome involved in a drawn-out war as it did in Iraq

During his State of the Union speech on Tuesday,Trumpdedicated just afew lines to Iran, arguing the country and itsproxies have “spreadnothing butterrorism, deathand hate.”

That stands in stark contrast to thelengthy run-up to theIraq War. PresidentGeorgeW.Bush, for example, named Iraq as amember of the so-called axis of evil in January 2002. Then-Secretary of State

Colin Powell delivered anow-infamous speech to the United Nations in February 2003, making the case forwar based on the inaccurate assertionthat Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction. The invasion, which ultimately dominated Bush’s second term,didn’tbegin until March 2003.

“Wejusthavetobehonestthat there is asense that this was not sold to the American public sufficiently,” Andrew KolvetsaidSaturdayon“TheCharlie Kirk Show,” an online program founded by the late conservative activist whowas close to Trump. “Perhaps there will be an opportunity on the back end of this.”

Kolvet waswilling, however,to give Trump leeway, noting these are the types of challenging decisions presidents are entrusted with “President Trumphas earneda big, long leash,” he said. “Not an unlimited one. But avery long one to maketough decisions.”

Polling suggests that many Americans share Trump’sconcerns about Iran’snuclear capabilities,evenifthey’re less confi-

dent in the president’sresponse. About half of U.S. adults were “extremely” or “very” concerned that Iran’snuclear program poses adirect threat to the U.S., according to apollthis month fromThe Associated Press-NORC Center forPublic Affairs Research.

Most Americans, 61%, said Iran is an “enemy” of the U.S., which is up slightly from aPearson Institute/AP-NORC poll conducted in September 2023. But their confidence in the president’sjudgment when it comestorelationships with adversaries and the use of military force abroad is low,the new pollshows, withonlyabout 3 in 10 Americanssaying theyhave “a great deal” or “quite abit” of trust in Trump.

Democratssenseanopening Democrats sense apolitical opening on the issue.InMaine, Gov.Janet Mills and Graham Platner are competing for the Democratic nomination to challenge incumbentSen. Susan Collinsinthe fall. They both issued statements on Saturday pressing Collins, the only Republican on theballotthis year in astate won by Harris, to step up her oversight of the administration.

Collins was one of three Senate Republicans who backed an unsuccessful push last month fora war powers resolution that would have limited Trump’sability to conductfurther attacks on Venezuela. Democrats saidSaturday theywould quickly seek avoteon asimilar proposal forIran.

“If we’ve started awar where we begintoloseAmericanlives,that starts changing the political calculus,” saidRepublican strategist Ron Bonjean.

But he noted that Democrats have vulnerabilities of their own, particularly if there’s adomestic terror attack while theDepartment of Homeland Security is closedastheydemand changes to howimmigration operationsare conducted.

Fornow,Trump isn’toffering muchofadetailed strategy on whatcomes next.Ina social media post Saturday evening, he said bombings could continue “aslong as necessary.” Associated Press writer Sean Murphy in OklahomaCity contributed to this report.

WASHINGTON —The federal government shut down for 43 days last year when Democratsdemanded Republicans extend the enhanced premium credits that helped pay for health insurance on the AffordableCare Act marketplace that expired Dec. 31. But negotiations stalled,leaving 24.2 million Americans —small businesses, gig workers, independent contractors, early retirees and others —paying twice as much for their health insurance this year compared to last “These enhanced premium tax credits keep their coverage affordable,” said Jan Moller, executive director of Invest in Louisiana, progressive Baton Rouge-based analysts on state finances.

LOUISIANAPOLITICS

afford the costs.

Any household of four making morethan $128,600 annually 400% of the federal poverty level —paid the premiums. But those falling in between the 138% of poverty and 400% could receive financial aid.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the income-level eligibility was lifted from 2021 through 2025, allowing some premium tax credits forfamilies making more400% of the federal poverty level —the amounts depended on several factors. The end of the premium tax credits on Jan. 1dramatically increased what those people pay

Ballard

The Congressional Budget Office estimated 2million people in 2026 could no longer afford health insurance and would drop their policies, with increasing numbers thereafter.The Urban Institute calculated 5million would loseinsurance because the financial cushion was removed.

The

first snapshotofactual sign-ups indicatesthose estimates could be reachedorexceeded by the end of the year

About 1.2 million policyholders have already dropped their ACA marketplace policies compared to enrollment numbers on the same date last year,according to the Centers for Medicare& Medicaid Services. CMS, which oversees Obamacare,took its initial census on Jan. 15, the day open enrollment ended.

Just how many in Louisiana dropped coverage is unknown. ButCMS reports 296,648 enrolleesinthe state —upslightly from last year KFF,nonpartisan healthcare analystsbasedinWashington, cautions that the initial enroll-

John Carmouche

namedLSU vice chair

The LSU Board of Supervisors on Friday chose veteran trial attorney John Carmoucheasits vice chair Carmouche succeeds business owner Lee Mallett,who was named by Gov. Jeff Landry earlier this month to chair the 16-member board that oversees the university’s activities. Traditionally, themembersof the board chose the chair,who would serve ayear andthen be replaced by the vice chair

But Landry got the state Legislature in 2024 to allow himto name the chair,and the chair now servesatthe governor’spleasure. Serving on the LSU board is one of the most sought-after appointments in state government. Board members get to buy two tickets to sit in the LSU board suite at football games and hobnob with business, higher education andpolitical insiders.

ment report comes with alot of asterisks.

For instance,Louisiana saw a 1.2% increase in enrollment. But last year’sreport showed a27% increase.

About 40% of policyholders automatically reenroll for thesame policy,possibly without checking theprice, says KFF New policyholders must pay a monthofpremiumsupon signing up. Renewalsare allowed three months to pay premiums.Thus, the numbers will be adjusted later this year to remove those whodon’t makethe payments. Those numbers won’tbeavailable

Carmouche, 57, is ahigh-profile attorney with aBaton Rouge firm that is best known for suing oil andgas companies, accusing them ofcausing coastal landloss through their drilling activities.

Carmouche is also amajor donor in judicial and gubernatorial races.

Landry named him to the board two years ago, to the consternation of some conservatives.

STAFF REPORTS

Carmouche was directly involved in thehiringofLane Kiffin as LSU’s football coach late last year through his role as chair of the board’sathleticscommittee.Hewas oneof thethreepeoplewho first met with Kiffin at his home in Oxford, Mississippi, to discuss apossible move to LSU.

Carmouche then served as the pointperson on theboard during thenegotiationsfor Kiffin’scontract.

CarmoucheisanLSU grad. Two of hischildrenhave graduated from LSU, while two more are

until July

Exchanges run by thestates, rather than relying on the federal government’s website, report that ACA Marketplace customers are buying policies that cost less but have much higher deductibles and provide much less coverage. For instance, California reported about athird of itsrenewing membersswitched to the less expensive bronze plan, which requires consumerstopay out $7,500 before theinsurance starts paying mostmedical costs.

Enacted in 2010, theAffordable Care Act expanded state and federally paid Medicaid coverage

studentstherenow

“I lovethe university,” Carmouche said. “It’sa passion of mine.Iwant to make sureweeducate andkeepasmanystudentsas we can in Louisiana.”

Landry touts Louisiana tax changes

As Louisianans findthemselves in themidst of taxseason, Gov Jeff Landry celebrateda majorcut to thestate income tax his administrationapproved over ayear ago, which taxpayers arenow seeing reflected in the returnsbeing filed for 2025.

“This year,this tax season, it’sgoing to be like every Louisianacitizen is going to hit the lottery,because their paychecks, their refunds are going to be real and going to go up,” Landry told reporters gathered at theCapitol in Baton Rouge.

“The typical middle-class workingfamily will save nearly$500 this year,” he said.

“The averageworking individual

for households making less than 138% of the federal poverty level, or $44,367 forafamily of four

It also recognized that many employers don’thelp their employees pay forhealth insurance, which is how about 60% of the nation is insured. The ACA Marketplace was created to fill in the gap by offering individuals bronze, silver,gold and platinumpolicies, each providing differing levels of coverage through private health insurers. Obamacare also provided a range of subsidies, mainly based on annual incomeand household size, for those whocouldn’tfully

is gonna save about $261.”

State Rep. Tony Bacala,R-Prairieville, whorecently tookover as chair of the House tax-writing committee for Julie Emerson, who resigned her seat to serveas thegovernor’schief of staff, said the taxcuts “are notanacademic study.”

“This is afamilywho goes out and earns aliving and gets to keep moreoftheirmoney,” Bacala said.

In aspecial session dedicated to Louisiana’stax system late in 2024, thegovernor andthe Louisiana Legislature reduced the state’stop individual income tax rate from4.25% to 3% and changed it from agraduated rate with three different brackets to oneflat rate.

They also increased the standard deduction from $4,500 to $12,500, an amount that will now be adjusted for inflation every year.And they doubled the tax exemption seniorsget on retirement income to $12,000.

“When people file taxes this year, they are going to geta biggerrefund,” Landry said.

Landryalso slashed the highest corporate income rate tax by two percentage points and set aflat

As manyconsumers fret over increased costs, the Democrats hope to focus on the Republican majorities’ refusal to renew the subsidies as akey point in this fall’scongressional midterm campaigns.

While “affordability” resonates in Louisiana, five of the six House races aren’tcompetitive, so touchy issues likely won’tbe addressed, said Pearson Cross, a political science professor at the University of Louisiana Monroe. The Fifth Congressional District, which includes parts of the Baton Rouge area and the Florida parishes, has seven Republican and five Democratic candidates. “Itispossible that candidates could stake out different positions on the tax credits, and it could be quite an issue,” Cross said.

In the Senate race, incumbent Sen. Bill Cassidy,the Baton Rouge Republican whochairs the Senate Health committee, faces twostrong GOPchallengers.

“Itcould really be acontributing factor in the race,” Cross said. Ithink Cassidy would have much morecredibility on this issue than any of the other candidates. This might be something that he would capitalize on.”

Email Mark Ballard at mballard@theadvocate.com.

rate of 5.5%.

“Wemade Louisiana one of the most competitive states in America forbusiness investment,” he said. “That investment translates into jobs.”

To make up forthe lost revenue to state coffers, Landry signed off on an expansion and increase of the state sales tax, which is now 5% andisscheduledtodropto 4.75% in 2030.

Legislature convenes on Monday,March9

The Louisiana Legislaturewill convene its annual regular session on Monday,March 9, at noon. Gov Jeff Landry is expected to open the session with an address laying out his legislative agenda. The sessionwill last through 6p.m. on June 1, unless extended. Hundredsofbills have already been pre-filed, covering everything from carbon capture and storage to prescription drug prices to social media safety and AI Check outnextSunday’sedition of The Advocate |The Times-Picayune forspecial coverageofthe biggest issues that are likely to emerge.

EDUCATION

Educator says evaluationsa tool forgrowth

Teachers canuse them to make most of theirclass time

BY ELYSE CARMOSINO Staff writer

Back when Wendi O’Halloran was an elementary school teacherinRapides Parish, she received feedback after aclassroom observation that improved her practice and showed her the power of teacher evaluations.

After observing her lesson, her principal pointed out at that O’Halloran had spent most of the time standing behind apodium. As aresult, some studentsinthe back lost interest in what was being taught.

After her evaluation, she and her principal sat down as ateam to discuss why it was important for educators to move around while teaching and how doing so could improve their relationship with their students.

“It wasn’t, ‘You need to move around more,’” O’Halloran recalled. “It was asupportive,‘Let me show you why this is important.’”

Today,O’Halloran is director of clinical practice and partnerships for the School of Education at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, where she preparesstudent teachers for careers in the classroom.

One topic O’Halloran spends a lotoftime on are the mandatory evaluations that public school teachers receive twice ayear, which rate their effectiveness through metrics like classroom instruction and student test scores.

Results are used to help teachers improve, and sometimes to

Q&A WITH WENDI O’HALLORAN

DIRECTOR OF CLINICAL PRACTICE AND PARTNERSHIPS

FORTHE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION AT NORTHWESTERN STATEUNIVERSITy

determine whether they receive tenureorbonuses.

Some educators dread evaluations, but O’Halloran argues theycan be apowerfultool for improvement by clearly defining effective instruction and giving teachers clear-cut goals to work toward.

This school year,Louisiana rolled out arevamped evaluation rubric.

Thenew rubric measures four key aspects of teachers’ performance: instruction, including how well they pace lessons and present content; lesson planning; environment,which looks at teacher’sclassroom culture; and professionalism, including teachers’ abilitytogrow professionally

O’Halloran saidthe revised system gives educators aclearer guide on how to improve their practice and more opportunities to reflect on their performance and work withevaluators to pinpoint areas for improvement. Yet there’salsoaplace for spontaneity in the classroom, for teachers to bring their unique personalities into their work.

“The beauty of teaching is that it’sacreative practice,” shesaid, “that’sabout human development and making connections with your students.”

O’Halloran recently spoke with The Times-Picayune |The Advocate aboutwhy teacher evaluations are important and how educators can usethem to make the most of their time in theclassroom

This interview has been edited

and condensed for clarity

What makes agood teacher,and what are some effective teaching strategies?

It can look different from one classroom to the next, but there are commonalities that are all grounded in research-based practices.

Youhave to look for whether ateacher is using clear communication and whether they’re building relationships with their students.

Thereare several things you always need in aclassroom, like student engagement and classroom management, because studentscan’tlearn in achaotic environment. Teachers shouldn’t be scrounging around to find pencils, and they should have everything readytogoinadvance.

They alsoneed to be paying attention to whether andhow their studentsare taking in material; for example, are they getting any misconceptions from theway the information is being presented?

Teachers have to monitor what studentsare able to do and be able to adjust instruction in the moment.

What are teacher evaluations?

Teacher evaluations identify if ateacher is utilizing best research practices in the classroom to better deliver theircontent to students.

With this new rubric, teachers also sitdown with their evaluator after the fact, andthe evaluator asks them what they felt went well, what they think they could have improved on and let them lead theconversation about how they can grow.Teachers’ self-

the lessonwhile the evaluator reviews it.

During the lesson, evaluators arelooking forseveral things: Howoften is the teacher posing aquestion? Are they giving enough time for thatquestion to be processedand answered by students? Are students collaborating with oneanother?

You’re also noting if there’s wasted instructional time. Is the teacher efficient at distributing materials? Are there procedures in place so thatthe teacher is notconstantly having to say the same thing over andover? Can I hear the teacher from the back of the room?

You’re really just trying to see the big picture of whatthis classroom’sinstruction looks like on adaily basis andget asense of whether the teacher is delivering content effectively

How do you useevaluations to help teachers improve? In the same way that we want teacherstohelpstudents have a growth mindsetand give them asafespace to talk about their mistakes.

assessments arealso included in theiroverall rating. How do the new teacher evaluations work?

When it’stime fora teacher to be rated,the evaluator schedules ameeting with them to sit down and look at the lesson plan for that day together and have aconversation to make sure the teacher has thought about the different areas they’ll be scored in. This preconference is atime to makesure the teacher has considered everything andto make sure theyfeel supported and confident enough to deliver

ASKING EXPERTSACROSS THESTATE HOWTOTACKLETHE BIGGEST CHALLENGES FACINGLOUISIANA SCHOOLS.

Whenworking with astudent, ateacher may askthem what made thembelieve their wrong answerona test was correct. Thentheybothdig deeper and have aconversationabout the student’sthought process and howtheycan change their thinking to come to the right conclusion.

Evaluators use the same tools andthe same language, because we’re here to coach teachers and help themgrow. We want themtobelifelong learners, andwewantthem to continue to be better than they were yesterday.

Email Elyse Carmosino at ecarmosino@theadvocate.com

THE GULF COAST

Mississippiprosecutorwho took on theDixie Mafiadies

BY ANITALEE

The Sun Herald

Peter Hickman Barrett,akey prosecutor in oneofMississippi’smost notorious modernday murder conspiracies, passed awayathis home in Gulfport. He was 78. The scrappy lawyer was working as an assistant U.S. attorney forMississippi’s SouthernDistrict when he helped prosecute defendants whose conspiracy led to the murders of Circuit Court Judge Vincent Sherry and former councilwoman Margaret Sherry in their Biloxi home. The investigation into the couple’sSeptember 1987 murders led to the convictions of DixieMafia members and Biloxi’sformer mayor

FBI Special Agent Keith Bell, now retired, oversaw the 10-year case through the investigation and three trials that resulted in convictions. Barrett helmed the first trial in 1991.

Bell said some prosecutors were hesitant to take up the case, but Barrettplowedthrough the investigative materialinFBI offices daily for weeks, including hundredsofinterviews with members of the southeastern mob known as the Dixie Mafia.Bell said he credits Barrett with the overall successful prosecution of those responsible for theSherry murders in what isone of the mostnotorious cases in Gulf Coast history

“He stepped up to takeitonwhen others wouldnot,” Bell said.

Although Barrett was devoted to his legal career,hewas also an involved fathertoson William Carl “Bill” Barrettand daughter Susan Barrett Creegan.

Peter Barrett attended alltheirsporting events and also found timetocoach their soccer teams.

“For somebodywho was so busy,hewas a generous person,” Bill Barrettsaid.“He was still present. To me andSusan and my mother, he was just dad, and he showed up.”

PeterBarrett was born andraisedinGulfport. He graduated from the University of Mississippibefore attending lawschool there. His obituary modestly notes: “Over his ca-

reer,Peter tried anumberof‘firsts’ in federal criminal cases in Mississippi, including the first federal death penalty prosecution, the first federal wiretap case, and the first federal possession of child pornography prosecution.”

It goes on to say,“He famously avoided the spotlight in thenewsworthy cases,” which wasverytrue, as this reporter canattest, having coveredthe Sherry case. Like most federal prosecutors,Barrett refused to speak with themedia. Buthewas always politeand friendly,never rude or arrogant.

His duty,hefelt, was to his client, whether that was theU.S. government, acorporation or acriminal defendant,his son said.

“He was agreat one,” said former assistant U.S. attorney and Jackson lawyer Joe Hollomon, whoprosecuted theSherry murderconspiracy case alongside Barrettin1991.

“Themostimportant cases prosecuted in the Southern District of Mississippi were handledbyPeter Barrett. He did agreat job, justafearlesstriallawyer,alwaysdid the right thing,” Hollomon said.

Barrett and Hollomon shared many tense moments, but Barrettalways found away to lighten the mood

“Hewas just astand-up guy,”Hollomon said.

Barrett’ssister,MaryElizabeth “Betty” Barrett,said that shewas teaching school when Peter Barretthelped convince her that sheneeded to get alaw degree.

He helped support her through OleMiss lawschool. After graduation, she enjoyed a career as an attorney

Hiswife, Fay,was also an attorney andboth their children followed them into thepractice of law.Bill Barrett practiced withhis father in Gulfport before receiving an offertogo to work for Tony Lawrence, then districtattorneyfor Jackson, Georgeand Greene counties. Bill Barrettisanassistant district attorneyinthe office.

He saidhis father encouraged him to take the jobunderLawrence because he thought it would be agood learning experience.

“He was like that,” Bill Barrett said. “His advice was what was best for us.”

Daughter Susan, nowa busy mother of three in Texas, also spent time in practice with her father Bill Barrett said that his father led by example: “It wasobvious thathard workand trust were important.”

BY POET WOLFE Staff writer

Athree-story waterfront building that for more than adecade housedTripletails Restaurant in downtown Bay St. Louis hit the market lastweek with aprice tagof $2.35 million. The property on SouthBeach Boulevard, with itsmetal roof, lime-green façade andblue-trimmed windows, spans 4,413 square feet and includesa 3,920-squarefoot parking lot.

It is being marketed as “ideally suited for adestinationrestaurant, elevated retail concept,ormixed-use hospitality venture,” according to JohnMcDonald Realty, the listing brokerage.

The first floor includes afully equipped kitchen, an office space and two restrooms,the listing said. An elevator and multiple stairways lead to the second and third levels, featuring indoor and outdoor dining areas and bar spaces that overlook the waterfront. Theupper floors also includebalconies, deck walkways and four additional restrooms.

The sale comes as downtown Bay St. Louis continuestoevolvewithnew restaurantsand other developments shaping the area, often comparedtoDestin and Pensacola Beach. South Beach Boulevard

also is still hometolongtime local eateries, including The Blind Tiger,Buoy’s, Sycamore House and Trapani’sEatery,even as newbusinessesand restaurantconcepts open this year

Flying Dolly’s, aMandeville-based snoball shop, plans to expand to downtown in March, adding to agrowing presence of NewOrleans-area establishments such as PJ’sCoffee, Creole Creamery and Tacos and Beer.Last week, the building that formerly housed O’Dwyer Realty,betweenLemoine’s Landingand TheBlind Tiger, wasdemolishedtomakeway fora four-story arcadescheduledtoopennext spring.

Tripletails first opened in 2015, joining a beachfront rowofcolorful buildings offering food, drinks and nightlife in the growing Mississippi Coast city.Jonathan Allen, theco-owner of Tripletails who purchased the building in 2021, announced in January that the restaurant wasclosing, citing rising insurance costs and food prices.

“It’sbeen afun ride owning this place for the last 4years,” Allensaid in aJanuary interview,“But we need to turn it over to anew business ready to tackle the challenges of the modern restaurant world.” Tripletails drew in asteady clientele for more than adecade, offering seafoodand live music to the Mississippi Coast.

Skydance rises to overtake Paramount, Warner Bros.

Firm has gone from box office bomb to media powerhouse

BY MATT SEDENSKY AP national writer

NEW YORK — In its debut film, Skydance Productions released a special effects-laden World War I drama about fighter pilots with a starring role for an unknown actor, the company’s founder, David Ellison.

It was a box office bomb

Twenty years later, in a twist fit for Hollywood itself, the tiny studio once brushed off as a billionaire scion’s vanity project is poised to be an entertainment behemoth. With that once-unknown actor at its helm and a merger with Paramount already under its belt, Skydance is now on the cusp of another takeover that once seemed unthinkable, this time of storied giant Warner Bros. Discovery

“It’s only a surprise to those who haven’t been paying attention to the long game,” says Walter Nicoletti, founder of the film production company Voce Spettacolo, noting Skydance’s focus on financing hit movies and accumulating assets while partnering with some of the biggest companies in the business. “This is a sort of a silent takeover Skydance didn’t start as a predator It started as an essential partner.”

When Ellison, the son of tech giant Oracle Corp. co-founder Larry Ellison, launched Skydance as a 23-year-old in 2006, the company registered little more than a blip in an industry where he was just another rich newcomer trying to gain a foothold in the warmth of Hollywood’s bright lights.

“Flyboys,” the war story it chose as its inaugural feature, did little to raise its profile.

“Cloyingly formulaic,” jeered The Seattle Times. An “inflated wannabe epic,” chimed in The Washington Post. “It’s hard not to giggle,” concluded The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

The celebrated critic Richard Roeper echoed the panning reviews of his brethren and the lackluster response of audiences in questioning what the movie’s makers were thinking.

the Union address to a joint session of Congress in the House chamber at

Washington.

“Why make such a corny and incredibly predictable film?” he wrote. But Ellison plodded on. As the years ticked by, more flops came but he slowly notched successes too. He partnered with some of the biggest names in the business, including Paramount, Netflix and Apple, and unleashed a string of hits that brought in hundreds of millions at the box office. He lured both talent and streams of financing. He even released the rare film to surpass the $1 billion mark, the 2022 blockbuster “Top Gun: Maverick,” with his studio’s most reliable star, Tom Cruise.

Jason Squire, a former studio executive, emeritus professor at the University of Southern California, and host of “The Movie Business Podcast,” is no fan of the deal that has Skydance poised to take over Warner Bros., seeing the consolidation as reducing competition and hurting the industry But he

nonetheless marvels at how Ellison went from being “not high on the radar” in Hollywood to entertainment’s pinnacle.

“One of the traditions of entering the movie business is serious wealth, or access to serious wealth. But once you get a foothold, you have to demonstrate that wealth — by buying things, acquiring projects,” Squire says “They became a player.”

Money alone didn’t assure Ellison’s success, Squire says, but it sure helped.

“He became a member at the table when these partnerships and the infusion of dollars really set him up on a really strong trajectory,” he says. “It’s quite amazing.”

In time, the failure of “Flyboys” was not what anyone thought of about Skydance. While there have been a few disappointments, including its reboot of the “Terminator” franchise, a string of “Mission: Impossible” flicks continually

put Cruise in the limelight and audiences in theater seats. Hits like “Grace and Frankie” on Netflix gave it an entry to streaming television.

A run-up of successes had rumors swirling what giant might gobble Skydance up.

But in the end, Skydance did the gobbling.

After years of partnering with Paramount, the two companies merged last year, and in the months since, Ellison went on a relentless spending spree, announcing agreements on everything from streaming rights for Ultimate Fighting Championship to a deal with the creators of “Stranger Things,” who were lured from Netflix.

Meantime, while the much larger Netflix once seemed a shoo-in to acquire Warner Bros., Ellison’s Skydance was unrelenting in its counterproposal. On Thursday, it emerged the winner Netflix walked away from its offer, leav-

ing regulators as Skydance’s only potential foil.

“This was absolutely a meteoric rise. Two decades from its formation to its current position to become one of the most powerful media companies in the world is nothing less than incredible,” says Tre Lovell, a Los Angeles media law and entertainment attorney “What Skydance has done over the past two decades has not been accomplished by any other media company in history.”

Skydance’s merger with Paramount delivered MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon and a host of other channels, including its flagship CBS, where the change in power has brought turmoil to its news division If the Warner deal is finalized, Ellison will preside over a sprawling empire that would include HBO, HGTV, the Food Network, and another vast expansion into news with CNN, a move that has some of its employees worried about interference from a family seen as an ally of President Donald Trump.

It also delivers to Paramount, which has sputtered recently at the box office, a studio coming off a banner year Warner Bros. collected 30 Oscar nominations compared with Paramount’s zero, and accounted for 21% of the domestic box office in 2025. Paramount’s market share was just 6%. All of it now could be Ellison’s. What a difference 20 years makes.

The failure of “Flyboys” had Ellison so depressed, he once said, that he suffered atrial fibrillation that required hospitalization. But for someone from a family so rich that his father owns most of a Hawaiian island, and with a look that GQ described as “the golden glow of the genetically sparkling,” his reversal of fortunes may be unsurprising. In this redemption story, Ellison may be straight out of central casting.

Ellison has scored his biggest big-screen wins with familiar stories from popular franchises like “Transformers,” “Scream,” “Sonic the Hedgehog,” and “Paw Patrol.” His own narrative, emerging the unlikely victor, may strike an equally familiar tone.

“Hollywood has seen David-versus-Goliath moments before,” says Vikrant Mathur, co-founder of the streaming company Future Today

BY RACHEL METZ and MAGGIE EASTLAND Bloomberg News (TNS)

OpenAI has agreed to deploy its own artificial intelligence models within the Defense Department’s classified network after rival Anthropic PBC saw its relationship with the Pentagon implode over surveillance and autonomous weapons concerns.

OpenAI Chief Executive

Officer Sam Altman said late Friday that he’d reached an agreement with the department that reflects the firm’s principles on prohibiting “domestic mass surveillance and human responsibility for the use of force, including for autonomous weapon systems.” The startup also built safeguards to ensure its models behave as they should as part of the deploy-

ment, Altman said in a post on the social media platform X.

OpenAI declined to comment on whether the firm’s services for the department would replace work previously done by Anthropic. The Defense Department didn’t respond to requests for comment.

Just hours earlier, the Pentagon had declared Anthropic a supply-chain risk, an unprecedented move against an American company that could have profound consequences for its business.

Dean Ball, a former adviser to President Donald Trump on AI, described the decision as “attempted corporate murder.” Less than a day after Altman posted about the deal, Trump announced that the U.S. had carried out airstrikes against Iran alongside Israel.

Anthropic, which has stipulated that its products not be used for surveillance of Americans or to make fully autonomous weapons, said Friday that “no amount of intimidation or punishment from the Department of War will change our position.” The company vowed to challenge any formal notification that it’s been designated a supply-chain risk in court, and its chief called the move “retaliatory and punitive” in an interview with CBS News.

The AI firm has been thrust into the limelight in more ways than one in recent weeks: Its push to expand AI offerings to businesses has triggered sell-offs in everything from software to financial services and cybersecurity stocks as investors fear such products will disrupt entire industries.

A year later, RFK Jr. has broken many promises he made

BY AMANDA SEITZ and HANNAH NORMAN KFF Health News (TNS)

More than a year after taking charge of the nation’s health department, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr hasn’t held true to many of the promises he made while appealing to U.S. senators concerned about the longtime anti-vaccine activist’s plans for the nation’s care.

Kennedy squeaked through a narrow Senate vote to be confirmed as head of the Department of Health and Human Services, only after making a number of public and private guarantees about how he would handle vaccine funding and recommendations as secretary Child vaccine schedule

In two hearings in January 2025, Kennedy repeatedly assured senators that he supported childhood vaccines, noting that all his children were vaccinated.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, DMass., grilled Kennedy about the money he’s made in the private sector from lawsuits against vaccine makers and accused him of planning to profit from potential future policies making it easier to sue.

“Kennedy can kill off access to vaccines and make millions of dollars while he does it,” Warren said during the Senate Finance Committee hearing. “Kids might die, but Robert Kennedy can keep cashing in.”

Warren’s statement prompted an assurance by Kennedy

“Senator, I support vaccines,” he said. “I support the childhood schedule I will do

recommendations,” Nixon added. “Secretary Kennedy talks to the chairman at a regular clip.”

Cassidy and his office have repeatedly rebuffed questions about whether Kennedy, since becoming secretary, has broken the commitments he made.

Vaccine funding axed

Weeks after Kennedy took over the federal health department, the CDC pulled back $11 billion in COVIDera grants that local health departments were using to fund vaccination programs, among other initiatives.

any funding appropriated by Congress for the purpose of vaccination programs?”

A federal judge later ordered HHS to distribute the money. The National Institutes of Health, part of HHS, also yanked dozens of research grants supporting studies of vaccine hesitancy last year Kennedy, meanwhile, ordered the cancellation of a half-billion dollars’ worth of mRNA vaccine research in August.

Autism theory

that.” Days later, Republican U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy of Baton Rouge, chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee declared Kennedy had pledged to maintain existing vaccine recommendations if confirmed. Cassidy, a physician specializing in liver diseases and a vocal supporter of vaccination, had questioned Kennedy sharply in a hearing about his views on shots.

“If confirmed, he will maintain the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ recommendations without changes,” Cassidy said, explaining his vote.

A few months after he was confirmed, Kennedy fired all the incumbent members of the vaccine advisory panel, known as ACIP, and appointed new members, including several who, like him, oppose some vaccines. The panel’s recommendations soon changed drastically In January, the CDC removed its universal recom-

mendations for children to receive seven immunizations, those protecting against respiratory syncytial virus, meningococcal disease, flu, COVID, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and rotavirus. The move followed a memorandum from the White House calling on the CDC to cull the schedule.

Now, those vaccines, which researchers estimate have prevented thousands of deaths and millions of illnesses, are recommended by the CDC only for children at high-risk of serious illness or after consultation between doctors and parents.

In response to questions about Kennedy’s actions on vaccines over the past year, HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon said the secretary “continues to follow through on his commitments” to Cassidy

“As part of those commitments, HHS accepted Chairman Cassidy’s numerous recommendations for key roles at the agency, retained particular language on the CDC website, and adopted ACIP

South Sudan faces turmoil as

BY JOSEPH FALZETTA and DENG MACHOL Associated Press

JUBA, South Sudan A former South Sudan finance minister is the latest former government official arrested in a wave of detentions that analysts say shows cracks in the government of President Salva Kiir, who also faces an armed rebellion.

The latest arrest came Friday when Bak Barnaba Chol was taken into custody while attempting to cross the border into Uganda. His arrest followed that of another former minister of finance and planning, Marial Dongrin Ater who was fired in August.

In the past week, a former central bank governor, a former undersecretary for the ministry of petroleum, and a general in the domestic intelligence agency previously posted to the same ministry have been detained. The exact reasons for the arrests remain unclear Government spokesman Ateny Wek Ateny told lo-

cal media outlet Eye Radio that the arrests were “not political” and were a “direct response to irregularities identified within the monetary system.” He said that a committee was investigating “financial malpractices.”

Edmund Yakani, a prominent civic leader, said Saturday that the mood in Juba was tense among politicians fearing detention “So far, these arrests have mostly targeted financial institutions, but if the arrests carry into the security sectors it will be very dangerous,” he said.

Daniel Akech of the International Crisis Group said the arrests showed a narrowing of the president’s “big tent” coalition, which he has relied on for years to maintain control of a fractured political landscape.

The war in Sudan is hurting South Sudan’s economy, which is overwhelmingly dependent on oil exports All of South Sudan’s oil flows through pipelines in Sudan. Since the South Sudan war

began in 2023, pipeline ruptures have at times put more than 60% of oil production offline The World Bank estimates that South Sudan’s economy shrunk 24% in 2025. In 2024, the International Crisis Group warned that the disruption of oil production could lead to much wider political violence as Kiir runs out of petrodollars “to keep South Sudan’s rivalrous generals and warlords on his side.”

The regime is already facing an armed rebellion. Opposition leader Riek Machar is under house arrest and on trial for alleged subversion, charges he denies. Many of his allies have since been arrested or purged from the government. Kiir suspended Machar as his deputy in September after Machar faced criminal charges

Machar’s removal coincided with a sharp increase in violence. The U.N. estimates that thousands were killed in 2025 and 280,000 people have been displaced since December

That happened after Kennedy pledged during his confirmation hearings not to undermine vaccine funding.

Kennedy replied “Yes” when Cassidy asked him directly: “Do you commit that you will not work to impound, divert, or otherwise reduce

Cassidy said in his floor speech that he received a guarantee from Kennedy that the CDC’s website would not remove statements explaining that vaccines do not cause autism.

Technically, Kennedy kept his promise not to remove the statements. The website still says that vaccines do not cause autism.

But late last year new statements sprung up on the same website, baselessly casting doubt on vaccine safety “The claim ‘vaccines do not cause autism’ is not an evidence-based claim because studies have not ruled out the possibility that infant vaccines cause autism,” the page on autism now misleadingly reads. The webpage also states that the public has largely ignored studies showing vaccines do cause autism. That is false. Over decades of research, scientific studies have repeatedly concluded that there is no link between vaccines and autism. A controversial 1998 study that captured global attention did link the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine to autism. It was retracted for being fraudulent though not until a decade after it was published.

N.O. weighs which schools to close

As enrollment drops, up to nine campuses at risk

BY MARIE FAZIO Staff writer

In New Orleans’ all-charter system, low-performing schools are routinely shut down. But now district officials face a new, more contentious situation: They will likely have to close schools not for poor performance, but because the shrinking system has too many campuses.

N.O. residents decry soaring gas bills

Delta Utilities CEO expects lower costs in spring

BY JONI HESS Staff writer

Morva Ory, 83, lives on a fixed income in the same Broadmoor home she’s lived in for decades. She rarely uses her gas stove after her femur broke and her hip was replaced. Instead, she microwaves most of her food. And over the years, she’s experienced winters far colder than the freezes that hit the Southeast region this season. So when her gas bill skyrocketed this month from less than $80 to $300, she was dumbfounded

“I can’t afford to pay this,” she said. “I’m just going to pay what I think I owe them.”

Ory is one of thousands across the state who are fraught over gas bills that have soared in some cases this winter Residents have taken to social media, public forums and elected officials to voice their anger over a utility bill that has traditionally been a blip on their radar Delta Utilities, the state’s largest natural gas provider, took over gas operations from Entergy in July Officials have blamed the issue on customer usage, a separate gas and electric bill structure customers are now seeing and a volatile natural gas market burdened by recent cold weather spikes.

Delta Utilities CEO Tim Poche last week told the Public Service Commission, which regulates utilities for all parishes except Orleans, that 11% of Delta’s gas supplies were purchased at record-breaking prices during the late January winter storm, which, combined with higher usage from cold weather, caused a spike in customers’ bills.

He also said that he expects relief to come soon as spring draws near.

“As warmer weather approaches, people will use less gas. We’re already seeing the cost of gas normalize to much lower than what it closed at for that February pricing,” he said.

Ory and others say their usage hasn’t changed compared to their Entergy bills from the previous year during the same time period. Similar resident stories of steep gas bills have circulated across the New Orleans metro area in recent weeks, with residents’ frustration bolstered by other rising costs, like soaring home insurance premiums and monthly housing costs that are 13.6% higher than the national average.

The New Orleans City Council, which regulates the city’s

An analysis by the nonprofit New Schools for New Orleans, shared with the School Board last week, said that up to nine schools should be shut down in the next four years to account for the city’s declining student population Now, with few schools across the B-rated district struggling academically, officials face the prospect of closing schools based more on enrollment than performance issues.

In coming weeks, the board plans to craft a new policy to guide the difficult and sure-to-be-controversial closure decisions, which officials said will likely take into account schools’ academic quality, building conditions, finances, enrollment and community impact.

“We’re at the point where we know there’s no low-hanging fruit,” said Maxwell Daigh, the dis-

trict’s chief of data, accountability and portfolio. “There are going to be hard discussions.”

Shrinking system

Since 2020, New Orleans public schools have lost 3,000 students because of a declining birthrate and outmigration from the city Holly Reid, chief of policy and portfolio for New Schools for New Orleans, told the School Board on Tuesday Reid said the decline has been partially offset by an influx of immigrant students, but officials

expect those numbers to fall due to the Trump administration’s immigration policy School funding is mostly doled out based on student count, so emptier classrooms can create a financial strain for schools, some of which have already closed or consolidated operations in recent years because of low enrollment. One solution is to close underenrolled schools, which reduces costs and increases the population

A

AT THE RACES

St. Tammany detour road sees 400% jump in traffic

Area residents also cite excessive speeding

BY WILLIE SWETT Staff writer

Like countless other byways scattered across rural areas of St. Tammany Parish, Horsehoe Island Road is typically quiet and most often used by people who live on it or nearby

At least it was until earlier this year

When the state closed a section of nearby La. 36 to replace a deteriorating bridge, the once-lonely Horseshoe Island Road became the unofficial detour route around the bridge construction zone.

Spurred by complaints from area residents, St. Tammany Parish’s Engineering Department monitored the increase in traffic and discovered the road that previously had a vehicle count of 355 per day in 2024 was now seeing nearly 2,000 vehicles a day — an increase of more than 400%. And many in the sudden burst of new vehicles are driving much faster than the posted 25 mph speed limit, sparking outcry from residents and calls from parish officials for more road signage and stepped-up traffic enforcement.

The 2024 data is based on a state Department of Transportation and Development count, while the 2026 data is based on parish testing from Feb. 11-13, said parish spokesperson Michael Vinsanau. Meanwhile, the drivers on the

road are moving at “ridiculous speeds,” St. Tammany Parish Engineering Department Director Daniel Hill told the Parish Council at a meeting Wednesday Vinsanau said the parish testing showed that 90% of the vehicles on Horseshoe Island Road were going over the speed limit.

Residents have complained of mailboxes being hit by drivers whizzing by and expressed concern about the potential for accidents due to the fast-moving traffic on a road that essentially has no shoulders.

“This is a rural area, small road, it’s not designed to be the highway system that they have made it right now,” said resident Stacy Stewart. Parish Council member Rick Smith called on the St. Tammany

Parish Sheriff’s Office to increase traffic enforcement, something the agency says it already has done.

Sheriff’s deputies made 55 traffic stops and wrote 30 citations on Horseshoe Island Road between Feb. 4 and Feb. 26, said Lt. Suzanne Carboni, a Sheriff’s Office spokesperson. Carboni was not immediately able to provide data for the previous month, but said, “We are doing a lot of extra patrols out there.” The Louisiana Office of Highway Construction closed off the stretch of La. 36 near La. 434 and Horseshoe Island Road at the end of January to replace a deteriorating bridge, as part of the newly created office’s goal of fixing 62

Landry wants to change Angola’s federal judicial district

Governor has criticized immigration detainee rulings

BY MARK BALLARD Staff writer

WASHINGTON — Gov Jeff Landry

is seeking to move West Feliciana Parish — where the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola is located into a different federal judicial district after criticizing “liberal judges” in the Baton Rouge area for letting immigration detainees out of the “Louisiana Lockup” there.

In a letter to Louisiana members of Congress on Thursday, Landry asked to move the parish from the U.S. Middle District of Louisiana to the Western District. In the letter, he cited an increase in cases, much of it driven by prisoners at Angola.

“The Middle District has seen a 35.2% increase in total filings since 2020 and currently has 25% more new filings per judge than the Western District,” Landry wrote. “Moving West Feliciana Parish into the Western District will improve judicial efficiency and better address public safety needs in East Baton Rouge Parish and the State of Louisiana.”

SCHOOLS

Continued from page 1B

at other schools.

Reid recommended closing five to six K-8 schools and two to three high schools by the 2029-2030 school year

She presented the board with a case study of a New Orleans high school that added 35 students after other high schools closed. The enrollment boost translated to $570 extra per student, allowing the school to add staff members, increase teacher pay or update technology School Board member Olin Parker said that shuffling students may be the only way to increase school funding amid flat state aid and a projected drop in local tax revenue.

“You have to have more students enrolled in those campuses,” he said. “That’s the financial reality.”

More closures

The ongoing enrollment decline poses a new challenge for the district, which until now has closed schools

DETOUR

Continued from page 1B

bridges across the state by the end of the year

A groundbreaking event on Feb. 12 drew Gov Jeff Landry, who has championed the new highway construction office as a way to solve the state’s backlog of infrastructure projects. He said residents should contact the state with any problems. The project is expected to be completed in September

The “official” detour is for drivers to take La. 434 and La. 3241, according to Archie Chaisson III, executive director of the state highway office.

But most La. 36 drivers are instead using Horseshoe Island Road to get around the closure, Vinsanau said. La. 36 cuts east-west across central St. Tammany Parish from Abita Springs to the Pearl River area. Chaisson said he has spoken to the contractor on the project and they have ordered additional detour signs in an effort to keep people from using the road. St. Tammany Parish Council member Arthur Laughlin, who represents the area, said he has been in touch with local and state officials, as well as the Sheriff’s Office, about the traffic concerns. Still, Laughlin said in an interview he was thankful the state was fixing the La. 36 bridge. “Thank God we got this project because some parishes didn’t get one,” he said.

Congressional action is necessary to effect the change Landry proposes.

But Landry showed another reason for the request Thursday when he blasted a federal judge in the Middle District over an immigration case.

“ALERT! The Liberal Judges of the Middle District of Louisiana are at it again,” Landry wrote Thursday afternoon on X. “Judge Shelly Dick has ordered the release of a convicted RAPIST from the Louisiana Lockup, allowing him to roam free.”

Landry continued: “News flash: in Louisiana, we protect victims and punish criminals NOT the other way around. Those who are in the Country illegally and commit crimes like this should be locked away until deportation! Shame on you Judge Dick!”

U.S. Rep Julia Letlow, the Baton Rouge Republican whose district includes West Feliciana Parish, reposted Landry’s criticism of Dick, and said she would be sponsoring a bill to move the parish’s jurisdiction

“I stand with Governor Landry and (President Donald Trump) in supporting conservative judges,” Letlow wrote.

Earlier this month, both Landry and Letlow publicly criticized Middle District Judge John de-

due to academic, financial or operational issues.

Some charter operators, feeling the pinch of too few students, have voluntarily closed or consolidated schools Most recently, Einstein Charter Schools opted to close Sarah T. Reed High School and combine its three K-8 schools into one, citing low enrollment across the network as one reason.

But the enrollment declines could force the district to pursue more controversial closures, such as high schools with decent academics but very low enrollment — including, potentially some schools with large and vocal alumni contingents.

Board members on Tuesday expressed concern that single-site schools like Rooted School, a small high school that doesn’t have the alumni backing of legacy schools but fills a program niche in the city, could be a casualty of district downsizing.

Parker said some high schools with deep roots in the community may have to close to keep up with enrollment declines, a move that

Gravelles after Fox News reported that the judge had ordered four Louisiana Lockup detainees to be released from custody Rep. Cleo Fields, Baton Rouge Democrat in whose district the federal courthouse is located, said Friday: “I have not seen evidence that the current district boundaries are failing the people they serve. The Middle District was established for good reason, and an established appeals process already exists for litigants who believe a court has erred. I remain committed to protecting the independence and integrity of our federal judiciary.”

The case Landry criticized Landry was referring to a court order Dick signed Monday ordering the release of Roberto La Coss from Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention.

“Court finds that Petitioner is substantially likely to succeed on the merits of his claim that he is unconstitutionally detained,” Dick wrote.

La Coss sought release through a motion for habeas corpus filed February 6. He was arrested September 16. She ordered an evidentiary trial for March 3.

A 47-year-old laborer from Madison, Mississippi, La Coss was born in Manila, Philippines, and adopt-

is sure to be controversial.

“Do we care about the politics of school closure?” he asked his fellow board members. “Or do we care about providing more resources to students and teachers and raising teacher pay?”

The board already has a policy for helping charter schools through the closure process, but it expires in June. The board plans to update the policy, which helps students from closing schools find new placements and addresses the finances of closing schools.

But that policy does not offer guidance for how or when the district should close schools in response to declining enrollment. It also does not address districtrun schools like the Leah Chase School, which the board opened in 2024 and recently considered closing partly due to its low student count.

The board appears poised to update the policy from assisting charters that must close due to academic or financial issues to more proactively looking for schools to shutter or consolidate in order to downsize the dis-

ed by Americans stationed by the military in the country He entered the country at the age of 21 and acquired permanent residence status six years later, according to court records.

As a 26-year-old in March 2005, La Coss pleaded guilty to statutory rape of a girl who was 14 years old or younger, court filings show. He served two years in the Rankin County, Mississippi, jail, had 18 additional years in prison suspended and was required to serve five years of supervision upon release, according to his guilty plea.

His only other crime was a DUI in May 2021, court filings say Chief Judge Dick was nominated by President Barack Obama, as were the two other federal trial judges sitting in the Middle District, which is headquartered in Baton Rouge and covers nine parishes.

Five of the seven federal judges in the Western District, which covers 42 parishes and 47% of the state’s population, were nominated by President Donald Trump; another by President George W. Bush; and the seventh judge by President Joe Biden. There is one vacancy

The courts sit in Alexandria, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Monroe and Shreveport.

The three Middle District judges

trict. Daigh recommended the board take into account multiple factors, including academics and building conditions, but it remains to be seen how they would steer closure decisions.

NOLA Public Schools

Superintendent Fateama Fulmore said the policy should include district-run schools and make clear that when a charter school closes, it won’t reopen as a traditional public school, which could undermine the district’s consolidation efforts.

In coming months, the district will also update the Charter School Accountability Framework, which it uses when deciding whether to renew schools’ charters, to bring it in line with the state’s new accountability system. That revision could include measures to make it easier to close schools to address the district enrollment problem.

“I personally would like to see us move quickly to optimize our facilities,” Parker said, “knowing that it’s the only way that we’re going to bring more resources to our campuses.”

A truck turns onto Horseshoe Island Road, where traffic has increased dramatically since the state closed off La 36 at the end of January and Horseshoe Island Road became an unofficial detour route.

had 474 cases filed in 2025, 72 of which were felony criminal actions. Their dockets showed 569 pending cases on the last day of 2025, according to the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. Criminal cases take an average of 11.3 months from filing to disposition.

The Middle District received 1,421 legal filings requiring judicial disposition, including supervisory release hearings, in 2025 and had 1,707 such actions pending at the end of the year That’s the 35.2% increase since 2020 noted in the governor’s letter

The Western District, by comparison, received 2,642 such filings – a 22.5% increase since 2020 – and had 3,247 actions pending at the end of the year, the Administrative Office recorded.

The seven Western Middle District judges had 377 cases filed in 2025, 55 of which were felony criminal actions and 464 pending cases on the last day of the year, according to the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. Criminal cases take an average of 10.5 months from filing to disposition in the Western District.

Staff writer Meghan Friedmann contributed to this report.

Email Mark Ballard at mballard@theadvocate.com.

GAS

Continued from page 1B

utility operations, approved the controversial utility sale in late 2024, under a deal that required Entergy to share a portion of its proceeds with ratepayers to minimize the impact of expected increases. Cost increases would also be frozen for two years before rising $3 a month thereafter

Critics opposed the move, believing the higher costs would be absorbed by customers and that it would go against the city’s climate action goals to reduce gas emissions.

City Council President JP Morrell, who chairs the council’s Utility, Cable, Telecommunications and Technology Committee, did not respond to a request for comment. But at a committee meeting earlier this month that addressed the cost increases, Morell acknowledged the council’s initial assumptions that rates would stay the same and urged Delta officials to promote a levelized billing option.

Delta officials have also blamed higher bills on customers being dropped from their levelized billing plans with Entergy during the transition They say customers struggling with bills should opt in to Delta’s levelized billing program, which averages a customer’s previous 12 months of bills to create a consistent monthly bill.

Ory and Mid-City resident Jo Ann Korejo said they were never enrolled in the program under Entergy and have no interest in enrolling out of fears they would still pay more in the long run if costs continue to climb.

Korejo said she’s seen steady increases since the Baton Rouge-based firm took over. The first bill she received in July was $15 The next three months she got bills that were around $30, before they jumped to $43 the next billing cycle Her December-January bill was $153, however Her latest doubled, to $301. Seeking clarity, Korejo called a Delta customer service representative who compared her usage to the previous year and found it

was relatively the same. But the Delta official said the cost of natural gas had gone up substantially Korejo was then referred to the United Way of Southeast Louisiana, where Delta recently launched a program to help low-income customers putting $200,000 toward the effort for 2026. If approved, customers receive a onceper-year $250 credit applied to their accounts.

“I said, ‘Ma’am, I’m not going to qualify for that,’” Korejo said, noting that her income doesn’t meet the federal poverty threshold. It felt like the conversation went nowhere, she said. “I was so upset I had to get out of the house and go walk for a mile.” New Orleans resident Laura McLean said her gas bill this month was $174, while her electric bill was $80. Before the transition, her combined electric and gas bills rarely went above $200 a month.

“Our insurance rates have gone up. So have our property taxes. It’s like everything in Orleans Parish is getting more and more pricey,” she said.

With central air and heat and a gas stove they don’t often use, McLean speculated that much of her family’s gas usage is eaten up by their tankless water heater She’s concerned costs will continue to be higher than they were under Entergy moving forward.

The issue of rising bills prompted neighborhood groups like the Gentilly Terrace Association to hold a community meeting this week to seek answers from Delta representatives. The Public Service Commission also questioned the company this week and agreed to move up its standard two-year audit of Delta’s billing and finances to this summer

they were

Parish public works vehicles could also be seen on the

Public Works Director Jay Watson said Wednesday they were adding eight additional speed limit signs and were planning to stabilize the shoulders on some parts of the road. Parish President Mike Cooper said he also has been in touch with the state about installing additional signage. “We also ask drivers

On Thursday, a sheriff’s deputy was out checking drivers’ speeds with a radar

NewOrleans Area Deaths

Battiste,Eunice

Billet, Margot

Cutting, Mary DaltonIII, Walter Delbert, Ruth

Genes, JoAnn Gerone,Peter Grillot, Gwen Hopkins Jr., William Illg,Sharon Lee, Kembra

Link, Patrick Lovrak,Steven McFarland, Carolyn Metcalf, Carol Murphy,Edward Oubre, Bruce Petty,Barbara Polete,John RoarkSr.,Ray Rodgers,Brenda Smith,Oscar Tauzin,Elaine EJefferson

Garden of Memories

Lee, Kembra Leitz-Eagan Tauzin,Elaine NewOrleans Greenwood Illg,Sharon Metcalf, Carol Petty,Barbara JacobSchoen

Grillot, Gwen

Eunice Lucille

Eunice Lucille Battiste transitionedtoher heav‐enlyhomeonTuesday, February17, 2026, at the age of 87. Ms.Battistewas a lifelong resident of New Orleans,Louisiana.She leavestocherish hermem‐ory,son,Henry Battiste (Jackie); threegrandchil‐drenKimberlyB.Jefferson, Karen B. Jones(Jacob),and Branden J. Williams;six great-grandchildren Siera Battiste, Malik,Ariana, and Malachi Jefferson, Branden Jr. andBrayden Williams; two sistersMelba Dean and Yvonne Weathersby (Larnell);sister-in-law Lil‐lianWilliams; anda host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friendswhomshe treasured.Precededin death by herfatherWilliam JosephWilliams; her motherNoraMadison Williams;granddaughter IreilleWilliams, greatgranddaughter Anaiya Jef‐ferson; five brothers, WilliamWoodson, Charles Smith,Leory,Willie, and LawrenceGeorgeWilliams; sisterClaylee WJackson; two brothers-in-law ThomasDeanand Daniel Jackson;and twosistersin-lawDorothy andCather‐ine Williams.Relatives and friends areinvited to at‐tendthe Mass of Christian BurialonThursday,March 5,2026, at 10:00 a.m. at BlessedSacrament/St. JoanofArc Church,8321 BurtheStreet,New Or‐leans,Louisiana.Visitation willbegin at 9:00 a.m. to 9:45a.m.Interment will fol‐low at Mount Olivet,2050 Caton Street,New Orleans, Louisiana.Professional arrangementsentrusted to MajesticMortuaryService, Inc. (504) 523-5872.

Cutting, Mary GraceBenedetto

MaryGraceBenedetto

Cuttingpassed peacefully on Monday, February 23, 2026, at herhome in Metairieafter alengthy andcourageous cancer battle at theage of 82, surroundedbyher loving family. Shewas born on July 12, 1943, wasa native of NewOrleans,and agraduate of AlceeFortier High School whereshe wasaffectionately known as "Mickie" to herdearest andclosestfriends

Sheispreceded in death by herparents, George V. Benedetto, Sr.and Anna C. Brignaudy Benedetto, siblings, Carolyn Benedetto Terranova (Jack) and George V. Benedetto, Jr (Barbara), and son-in-law David Sanborn Blake.

Sheissurvivedbyher loving husband, Paul R. Cuttingtowhomshe was marriedfor morethan 62 years after a"millionto one" chance encounter at Pontchartrain Beach 66 years ago, whichchanged thecourse of theirdestiny forever. Theirsignature song played at their wedding was "A Million to One" by doo-wop group ThePlanotones. Sheisalso survived by herdaughter, Heather Cutting Blake, grandson,JohnPaul Sanborn Blake, andbrother,CharlesV.Benedetto.

by WilliamDaltonIII, MiquellaWhite,Dantrice Garner, KeithGarnerJr., WalterDaltonJr.,Da'Juan White, ErnetraSullivan, Pearl Dalton,Jameka White, Quanesha WhiteCojoe,Guy White, and AlexisDalton. He is pre‐ceded in deathbygrand‐mothers -PatriciaWhite and PearlieDalton, grand‐fathers -William Dalton Sr and Edward Welch. Private serviceswillbeheld. Pro‐fessional arrangements entrusted to Majestic Mor‐tuary Service, Inc. (504) 523-5872.

Delbert,Ruth Lyons

Ruth Lyons Delbert, 76, of Weeki Wachee, FL passed away Feb. 21, 2026. Atrailblazing consultant in theautomotiveindustry anda proudexplorer of the world, sheissurvived by herhusband, Bryan Delbert; sisters, Nancy and Chris; brothers, Tom and Michael; andher beloved cats Newmanand Flanner. Herlifewill be celebrated privately. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association.

Genes, Jo AnnChessor Mrs. JoAnnChessor Genes, 78, passed away peacefully in Cumming, Georgia, on February 22, 2026.

Mary Gracewas a beloved and devoted daughter, sister,wife, mother, andgrandmother whofound strength in her devotion to herfaith, family, andfriends. Shewillbe missed by all whowere blessed to know her.

Lake Lawn Metairie Billet, Margot Cutting, Mary McFarland, Carolyn Gerone, Peter John

Majestic Mortuary Battiste,Eunice

DaltonIII, Walter Oubre, Bruce River Parish

Millet-Guidry

Smith,Oscar St Tammany

EJ Fielding Murphy,Edward West Bank

Robinson FH Rodgers,Brenda

West Leitz-Eagan

RoarkSr.,Ray

MargotJeanne Billet passed away February 9, 2026, peacefully in Hammond,where she has livedfor thelast 25 years. She was 85 yrs old. ANew Orleans native, Jeanne graduated from Academy of theSacred Heart and Sophie Newcomb College. Jeanne was aLibrarian at theNew Orleans Public Libraryand aSocial Worker helping many peoplewhich she loveddoing. Jeanne was thedaughter of MargotVales Billetand Adolph C. Billet Jr.Jeanne is survivedbyher sisters, Suzanne and Carolyn Billet and Anita Billet Walker (Dr. John A. Walker, Jr.) and many nieces and nephews. Graveside Serviceswillbe held at Metairie Cemetery, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. NewOrleans, LA 70124 on Tuesday, March 3at 10:30am. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a

Aprivate service willbe held at alater date.

Walter RichardDaltonIII passedawayonFebruary

8,2026 at 11:55 a.m.,atUni‐versity Hospital in NewOr‐leans,Louisiana.A joyful soulwitha radiantsmile Walterwas born on May 11, 2010 to Walter Dalton and Danica White. Walter loved fishing, which was his peaceful placeatBayou St. John. He wasa gifted and intelligentyoung man. Hegavesomuchloveand laughtertohis familyand friends. Walter is survived

Sheissurvivedbyher son, John Genes; her daughter, Kristina Genes Shane; herbeloved grandchildren, James, Samantha, Alexandra Adams, and JuliannaMoreas; hersister, SharonChessor;her brotherBrantChessor;and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces,greatnephews, and dear friends. Shewas preceded in death by herhusband, JamesWilliam Genes; her parents, Elmer andAnna Chessor; herbrother Elmer Chessor,Jr.; and her sister,AnnaChessor JoAnn'slegacyoflove, faith, and kindnesswilllive on in thehearts of all who knew and lovedher

Dr.Peter ("Pete")

Pete graduated from OakfieldHigh School and graduatedfromUniversity of Buffalo with a Bachelor's degree in 1949 and aMaster's degree in 1951. He then attendedThe John Hopkins University andwas awarded aDoctor of Sciencedegree in Microbiology andVirology in 1954.

4B

Sunday, March 1,

His career started with work for the Department of the Army in Fort Detrick, Maryland. In 1971 he became the director of the Delta Regional Primate Research Center of Tulane University where he led ground-breaking research of infectious diseases. Significant breakthroughs in HIV/AIDS were made under his leadership in addition to efforts to address diseases such as cancer, Lyme disease, leprosy, and cystic fibrosis. Not one to be idle, since retirement from Tulane after thirty years of distinguished service, Pete continued sharing his intellectual vigor and volunteered as amember of the St. Tammany Parish Mosquito Abatement District, also serving as the Secretary and Treasurer. He also worked with and supported the National Alliance for Mental Illness ("NAMI").

In addition to his professional and intellectual pursuits, Pete had agreat fondness for theoutdoors

The farm in Folsom was the pride and joy of Pete andLois where they were able to growtheir own vegetables and become stewards of the land. Pete's numerous skillsalso allowed him to buildtheir house and with multiple barns of shop equipment there was not anything that Pete could not build, fix or rehabilitate.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Dr. Samuel Gerone his sister Erma Blanchard, Anna Lindberg Gerone with whom he had seven children, and his daughter Roseanne Gerone Leediker. He is survived by his wife Lois Gerone and six of his children: John Gerone of New Orleans, Louisiana, CarlGerone of New Orleans, Louisiana,Susan Gerone (Blair) of Takoma Park, Maryland, Paul Gerone of Mandeville, Louisiana, Mary Ellen Gerone Pratt of Gramercy Louisiana, and Laura Gerone Butlin of Longwood, Florida. Peteis also survived by numerous grandchildren, including Andrew Leediker and Kara Leediker Munchak (Roseanne); Matthew Gerone and Gary Gerone (Carl); Rafael Brown, Merrick Brown, Nevin Brown and Trahern Brown (Sue); Barrett Pratt (Mary Ellen); and Carter Butlin (Laura). Pete's extended family includes Dan and Paula Wellons (Julia, Will, and Kate) and Robin Wellons Cleveland (Heatherand Kristina).

Acelebration of Pete's life will be held at alater date. In lieuofflowers, donations can be made to the National Alliance of Mental Illness ("NAMI") for Southeast Louisiana) P.O Box 2055, Mandeville, Louisiana, 70470.

Grillot,O.Carm., Sister Gwen

Sister Gwen Grillot, O. Carm.,SisterofMount Carmel, returned to God February25, 2026 at Sun‐riseSeniorLivingCommu‐nity, Metairie,LA. Shewas 76years oldand in the55th yearofher religiouspro‐fession.SisterGwen, born Gwendolyn AnnonAugust 10, 1949, is the firstof seven children born to the lateMarionGrillot and MarianFagot of NewOr‐leans,LA. Sheentered Carmelin1968 andpro‐fessed firstvowsin1971 SisterGwenattendedSt. Agnes,St. DominicElemen‐tary, andMount Carmel Academy,New Orleans. She received aB.A.inSpe‐cialEducation from NichollsCollege,Thibo‐daux, LA.Sistercelebrated her 50thJubileein2021 SisterGwentaughtin Catholic schoolsinMar‐rero, Abbeville, Thibodaux, New Iberia,and NewOr‐leans before becoming di‐rectorofreligious educa‐tionatSt. DominicParish. Sisterservedasgeneral administrator of thecon‐gregation’s property in La‐combe andassistant fi‐nance officerfor theCon‐gregation.SisterGwenwas executive director of Carmelinthe CentralBusi‐nessDistrictuntil itsclos‐ing in 2003. Sister served asExecutive Director of Cub Corner Preschool from 2003-2025. Sister Gwen was precededindeath by her parents andher sister,An‐dreeGrillot West (Leland) She is survived by onesis‐ter:MichelleGrillot May‐field(Joe) of NewOrleans, LAand four brothers:Gary Grillot (Beth)ofCovington, LA, John Grillot(Lisa)of NewOrleans,LA, andRoy

Grillot(Janet) andStephen Grillot (Grace)ofMetairie, LAaswellasniecesand nephews.A Mass of Christ‐ian Burial will be cele‐bratedFriday, March6, 2026 at St.Dominic Catholic Church,775 Harri‐son Avenue,New Orleans, LA. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. with Massat11:30 a.m. followed byinterment in St.Louis No. 3Cemetery, 3421 Es‐planade Avenue,New Or‐leans,LA. Rev. Fr.Thomas Stehlik,C.M.willpreside ArrangementsbyJacob Schoen& SonFuneral Home. Condolencesmay beleftatwww.schoenfh. com

Hopkins, William Henry 'Bill'

William(Bill)Henry Hopkins, Jr. passedpeacefully in his sleep in his home, after recent lung and heartissues, at age 84. Bill,a second-generation Houstonian, was raised in RiverOaks, attended gradesK-12 at The KincaidSchool (class of 1959, where he was fondly known as Billy, running track and playing football), and graduatedfrom Tulane University with a B.A.inEnglish Literature anda minor in Economics (classof1964, NROTC). After college,Bill servedas an U.S. Naval Officer, with two toursofdestroyerduty in the WesternPacific on the USSWilhoitetosupport VietnamWar operations.While stationed in Honolulu, he met Sandra (Sandy) DeLoachHopkins and they married in her hometown of Pensacola in 1966. Bill and Sandy started their57-year married life together in Honolulu, then moved to Houston to start and raise theirfamily (thanks to the Homes of St. Markn/k/aPresbyterian Children's Homes and Services).InBriar Grove Park,Bill began his 37-year careerinthe oil and gasindustry,specializingin safety and training, in which he won the highest awardinhis fieldtwice. His career brought family relocations to New Orleans/Mandeville, Dallas, The Woodlands (twice),and River Hollow, as well as aproud retirementfromthe Bristow Group. Bill enjoyed sailing, tennis, golf, traveling reading, movies,classical music, the Eagles, art and design, gin rummy, puns, wordplay,intellectualcuriosity,and being Dadto Kirbs, DaddytoKimz, big bro to Tom, and Poppy to his beloved grandchildren and grandnieces.Hecherished his faith journey at The Woodlands United Methodist Church, Christ Episcopal Church (Covington, LA), and St. Paul's United Methodist Church.

Bill is precededindeath by his wifeSandy, his mother MaryElizabeth Kimsey,and his father WilliamHenry. And he is survivedbyhis son Kirby D. Hopkins and family, Jennifer,William, and Lincoln, daughterKimsey Hopkins Perez and family, Hunter,Guy, and Samantha,his sister Mary Ann (Mimi)Hutchinson, his brother Thomas(who he delighted in picking on and cutting up with), extended family Justin, Stella Nathalie,and Joelle Chen, WilliamStone (Stoney) DeLoach, andfavoriteperhapsofall -Gracie, his miniature Schnauzer.

Thememorialservice for Bill willbeatHouston National Cemetery(10410 Veterans MemorialDr.), on Friday, March6,2026, at 2:30 p.m. Please arrive at 2:15 p.m. in Lane1 In lieuofflowers, donationstothe Alzheimer's Associationinhonorofthe love of Bill's life -Sandy, to whom he was adedicated caregiver for seven years, willbeappreciated

Illg,SharonHoerner

HoernerIllg,

on Sunday,February22, 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

Kembra Butler Lee passedawayonFebruary 11, 2026 at theage of 69 She spentmostofher life withher devotedhusband, Steve Lee, andrecentlycel‐ebrated their50-year an‐niversary.She wasthe lov‐ing mother of Lenzie Lee Henderson andPaxtonLee aswellasthe proudgrand‐motherof6 grandchildren. She wasborninHighPoint North Carolina to thelate Brendaand Harris Butler and is thesisterofBoBut‐ler.Kembrawas laid to rest ata privatefamilygather‐ing.Condolences maybe offeredatwww.gardeno fmemoriesmetairie.com

Patrick StephenLink 1955 -2026

Patrick Stephen Link, long-time resident of Gretna passedaway January 26th,2026. Patrick joined theMarine Corps in 1972 at theage of 17 and served a1-yeartour in Okinawa Japan, he was honorably discharged in 1975. Patrick is survived by his son, Stephen Link and his fiancée Erica Sims, grandsonSyrus Link and hissiblingsMary Lu, Johnny, Kathryn, Dennis and Jean. He is preceded in death by his parents Lucilleand John Henry Link and his brother David Link. Patrick was laidtorestat theSoutheastLouisiana Veterans Cemetery on February 4th, 2026.

Steven Robert Lovrak, 73, passed away peacefully at home on February 24, 2026, after facing Parkinson's diseasewith resilience and perseverance. Stevewas born in Bellaire, Ohio, to Peter and Gene (Risler) Lovrak. He was preceded in deathby his parentsand his brother,Peter (Nancy) Lovrak. He is survivedbyhis belovedwife of nearly 37 years, Deborah(Block); his daughter, Claire (Dustin) Funderburg; and his cherishedgrandchildren,Anna Wren and Elizabeth Funderburg,along with many loving family members and dear friends.

Stevegrewupin Rittman, Ohio, and earned aBachelor's degree from OhioUniversity and a Master's degree in Geology fromMiami University. He beganhis professional career in theoil andgas industrywith ChevronUSA in Lafayette, Louisiana, later taking him to NewOrleans where he wouldjoinCNG Producing Company. Steve enjoyed asuccessful career at CNGwhere he met many esteemed colleagues and lifelong friends, including his wife and native NewOrleanian,Debbie. They were marriedin Carmel,California, and welcomed theirdaughter, Claire,ontheir first wedding anniversary.Steve's work eventually brought thefamily to Houston, Texas.Despitethe move Stevealways treasured his years in NewOrleans and cherished thememories and friendshipsthatmade thecity feellikehome

Steveloved traveling, history,and cheering for OhioStatefootball. He will be greatly missed and remembered for his warmth wit, and deep devotion to his family

The Lovrak family will be present to receive friends on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at St. John Vianney CatholicChurch, 625 Nottingham Oaks Trail, Houston, TX 77079. A Rosarywillbegin at 10:00 a.m.,followedimmediately by aFuneralMass at 10:30 a.m.

Carolyn McCall

CarolynMcCall McFarland passed away peacefully on February 23, 2026. She wasborn on July 29, 1936, in NewOrleans, Louisiana, to Harry Elmer McCall and Estelle Desmare McCall CarolyngrewupinNew Orleans and attended Isidore Newman School and Louise S. McGehee School before enrolling at Newcomb Collegeof Tulane University. While at Tulane, she was amember of KappaKappa Gamma and met her future husband, Charles McFarland,a Tulane Deke.They shared 64 years of marriage. Carolynwas known for her Southern belleaccent, quick wit, and fun-loving disposition.

Carolyn and Charles spent many cherished summers in Pass Christian, Mississippi,and eventually retired there, enjoying an activesocial life with friends at thePass ChristianYacht Club.

knowledge of etiquette, she remained deeply grounded, knownfor rescuingstray animals and sitting on thefloor to shower anypet withaffection

Carolyn is survivedby hertwo children, Marian McGavran andCharlotte McFarland (Mark Dufour) andher grandchildren, GarrettMcGavran andJulia McGavran

Shewas preceded in death by herbeloved husband, CharlesMcFarland, andher parents, Harry Elmer McCalland Estelle DesmareMcCall.

Thefamilyextends heartfelt gratitude to all of Carolyn's loving caregivers.

Carolyn will be rememberedfor hergrace, warmth,generosity, and thelove she sharedso freely with family, friends, andall whowerefortunate enough to know her.

Relativesand friends are invited to attenda memorial service on Friday, March6,2026, at Lake LawnMetairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd.New Orleans, LA. Visitationwill be held from11AM- 1PM with amemorial Mass to begin at 1PM.

(Phillip), andgreat-grand‐childrenIsaiahWehman, LukeWehman, Hayden Trosclair,and Olivia Kaus The familywould like to offerour specialthanksto the dedicatedstaff of Sun‐riseofMetairieAssisted Livingand Memory Care for providingCarol thecare needed during herlast year. Visitation will be held onSaturday, March7,from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Green‐wood FuneralHomeimme‐diately followed by afu‐neral mass with Rev. Matthew Johnston officiat‐ing.Inlieuof flowers, the familyrequestsmassin‐tentionsordonations in Carol’s name be made to St. BenildeCatholic Church,St. Mary’s Domini‐can High School,orthe EastJefferson YMCA.Mem‐ories andcondolences can besharedonlineatgreen‐woodfh.com.

CarolLee Rice Metcalf passedawaypeacefully on January 29, 2026, in Metairie, Louisiana, at the age of 92. Born on April13, 1933, in NewOrleans, Louisiana to BernardF Riceand Margaret Bernard Rice, Carollived along, blessedlife, of grace, faith and servicetoothers. She was preceded in deathby her belovedhusband of 64 years,ThomasL.Metcalf and hercherished son, Richard Metcalf. Aproud graduateand alumna of St Mary’sDominican High School,class of 1951, Carol Lee washonored as both Valedictorian andSenior Class President—areflec‐tionofher intelligence,de‐termination,and leader‐ship. Shemaintaineda lifelongmembershipinthe St Mary’sDominican Alumni Associationenjoyingyears ofcamaraderie andfriend‐ship. Shelater builta ful‐fillingwork-lifewithLykes BrothersSteamship Com‐pany, Floral Enterprises, and theHallmarkGold Crown Store, allwhile re‐maining devotedtoher familyand community Carol’s faith wascentral to her life.She wasa parish‐ioner of St.Benilde Catholic Church and School sinceits founding in1964, where sheactively participatedinparishac‐tivities, most recently the CherAmieClub. Her warmthand hospitality madeher acornerstone of her parish andneighbor‐hood, always putting oth‐ers before herselfand lift‐ing spiritswithher care and concern. Both Carol and herhusband,Tom, wereactivemembers of the East JeffersonYMCAin their lateryears where theycultivatedmanynew and lastingfriendships Happiestsurrounded by those sheloved,Carol found pleasure in sharing familydinners,tending to her backyard vegetable and rose gardens, walking bythe lakefrontand,car‐ing forher petcats. She enjoyed travel,theater, and indulginginher fa‐voriteGulfCoast softshell crabdinners.A true “peo‐ple person,” shehad a warmsmile,a friendly spirit, anda gentle nature thatendearedher to all who knew her. Shelived by example,alwaysputting othersbeforeherself,a re‐flection of herheart.She is survivedbyher daughters Karen MetcalfWehman (Phil)and CindyMetcalf Trosclair (Brian); grand‐childrenMarkWehman (Victoria), andCarolyn WehmanBoom(Keegan); Kevin Trosclair(Saman‐tha),Nichole TrosclairKaus

Carolynhad agift for blending refinement with comfort,asthoughgood taste was simply an extension of herkindness.Her dinner club gatherings—often hosting fourteen or more—were marked by her impeccable attention to detail and extraordinary cooking. Family favoritesincluded potdecrème, creamed spinach, and roastbeef. She appreciated fine thingsinlife theglowof oldwood, awell-kept home, fine art, and beautifully arranged flowers—but never allowedthem to define her. Manners came naturallytoCarolyn, not from formality, but from adeepand genuine thoughtfulness for others. She carried herself with grace, yet it was her generositythatwillberemembered most. For all her

Edward "Eddie"James Murphy was born to Irish immigrantparents James andBridget McGlue Murphy in Lincolndale, NewYork, on July 25, 1937. Eddiewas raisedinLittle Neck, NewYork, alongwith hisbrothersJames, Frank (Francis), Billy (William), John andhis sister Ann. He died peacefullyathome in Covington, Louisiana, on February 25, 2026, at the age of 88. On theflipofa coinand at theurgingofaninstrumental teacher, Eddieleft hischildhood home in New York for Louisiana to attend LSUand to study civil engineering. WhileatLSU Eddiemet hisfuture wife Patricia Dora Rhodes Murphy of Covington, Louisiana. After graduatingfromLSU,Eddieand Patty were marriedand together theyraised four wonderfulchildrenPatrick, Brennan, Shawn andRyan andwereblessed with nine grandchildren Rhodes, Eve, William, Grace, Edward,Liam, Luke, Annand Mickey.Eddiealso hasalovingson-in-law Matt Curley(Shawn)and a devoteddaughter-in-law RaquelJumonvilleMurphy (Ryan). After graduating from LSU, Eddieservedinthe United States Navy with theCoast andGeodetic Survey, an outfit of 125 Civil Engineerstasked with mapping theoceanfloor Hisshipwas instrumental in theunderwater offshore testing of theatomic bomb after WorldWar II. Eddie andhis shipmates also took partinmapping the route for thedirectphone line betweenPresident John F. Kennedy andSoviet Leader NikitaKhrushchev across theAtlanticOcean to Brest, France. After completinghis naval service,Eddiemoved to Covington andworked as acivil engineerand land surveyor for over 50 years. He practicedsurveyinguntilrecently, battling swamps, snakes, andother critters, often taking on "one more job" for afriend or acquaintanceasa favor—longafter he likely shouldhave retiredhis surveyingequipment. In addition to serving as an engineer,Eddieowned and developed residential and commercial propertiesin Covington andalways enjoyed meeting andworking with thetenants andbusinesses whooccupied theseproperties. Eddiealso hada passion for golf, whichwas cultivated at an early ageasa caddy on many golf courses on LongIsland. He watched with great admiration and enthusiasm as oneofhis closest friends, Dave Goodyear,built Money Hill CountryClub, whereEddiebecame the first member. Eddietreasuredhis time on thegolf course withhis brothers andhis friends andwas hitting golf balls untiljust afew monthsbeforehis

death. The three most important things to Eddie were his faith, his family, and his friends. Eddie was alifelong devotedCatholic. Eddieand Patti were married in St. Peter Church in Covington and were members of St. Peter's for more than 50 years.Hewas a daily Masscommunicant andhad agreatdevotion to the Rosary. He maintained along relationship with St. Paul's School, where his sons and two of his grandsons attended, andthe Christian Brothers who served and taught at St. Paul's, and often attended Mass on its campus. He counted on his faith in God with great strength even as he faced his final days.

Among allhis many loves, Eddie loved nothing more than being "Grampy to his nine grandchildren He was so proud of each of them and loved them with all the strength his heart could muster. He always wanted to know what his grandchildren were doing, what they were studying and when he would see them again. Each time he talked with them, they felt that love because he devoted all his attention on them in those moments. Eddie told them many stories of his adventures in the Navy, his childhood friends and other unbelievable experiences. Each story seemed so amazing and funny that his grandchildren often repeat those stories and talkaboutthe characters who were such an important part of Eddie's life. He loved spending time with his grandchildren on annual summer vacations at the beach, at their sporting events and musical concerts, during holidays, and just about any other time he could find to spend with them. Everyone loved Eddie. No matter theplace, location, or even the country he was in, Eddie made new friends with ease, regaling them with funny stories and finding acommon connection seemingly without effort. Eddie was naturally curious about everything, wanted to know how things worked, or just hear about the history of building, abusiness, or someone's life. His disarming demeanor and the genuine interest he showed in everyone he met naturally drew people to him in a special way. His family is very grateful for the well wishes and visits he received from many of those friends in his final days. Eddie is preceded in death by his parents James and Bridget McGlue Murphy and his brothers James, Frank, Billy and his sister Ann. Edward is survived by his wife Patty, his children and their spouses his 9grandchildren and his brother John (Ann). The family would like to extend their deepest thanks and appreciation to the wonderful caregivers who have shown such great devotion to Eddie, particularly in the last several months, and all of his friends who filled his life with such joy. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saint Paul's School Our Lady of Peace Chapel. Family and Friends are invited to visitation at St. Peter Catholic Churchin Covington at 9:30AM and funeral Mass at 11:00AM on Friday, March 6, 2026. Interment will follow at St. Joseph's Abbey cemetery. E. J. Fielding Funeral Home of Covington, Louisiana, is honoredtobe entrusted with Mr. Murphy's funeral arrangements. His familyinvites you to share thoughts, memories,and condolences by signing an online guestbook at www.ejfieldingfh.com.

He wasa retiredoffice manager at Aerotyme of Kenner, LA,and an em‐ployeeofOffice Depotin Metairie, LA.All relatives and friendsofthe family are invitedtoattend the MassofChristian Burial at the Basilica of St.Stephen 1025 NapoleonAvenue, NOLA 70115 on Saturday March 7, 2026. Visitation 10:00 am;Massfollowing 11:00 am;Monsignor Christopher Naltyofficiat‐ing.Interment will be pri‐vate. In lieu of flowers, the familyrequeststhatdona‐tions be made to St.Jude oryourlocal Food Bank Professionalarrangements entrusted to Majestic Mor‐tuary (504) 523-5872.

Petty,Barbara Harrison

BarbaraHarrisonPetty passedawayonWednes‐day,February25, 2026, at the ageof81. Born on Feb‐ruary 28, 1944, to thelate Emily andWilliam Harri‐son,Jr. Belovedwifeofthe lateCharles E. Petty Motherof Joseph (Kasey) Laurent,Grace (Donnie) Kight,David Laurent, and the late Edward (Sherri) Laurent,Jr.,and BrianLau‐rent. Stepmother of Lisa Petty andSamuelPetty Grandmother of Frances Laurent,Austin(Amber) Laurent,Emma Laurent, Rylan Laurent, Brittany Laurent,Roy Madere,Laura Turpin, Joseph Laurent, Jr and Tori Madere.Greatgrandmother of Vanessa Bruce,River,Jase, Emily, Natalie,Charlie,Remi, An‐toine,and Mason. Sister of Elizabeth (Godfrey)Trux‐illo. Barbarawas amember ofthe RedHat Ladies for almost20years.She spent her sparetimesewingand being with herfamilyand grandchildren,she enjoyed every minutewiththem. Barbara also took to paint‐ing,intime, shebecame quite good.She showed her kindness throughhelp‐ing people in anyway she could andalwaysa mother toeveryone. Barbarawill truly be missedbyevery‐one who knowsher.Rela‐tives andfriends arein‐vited to attend avisitation at10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Green‐wood FuneralHome, 5200 Canal Blvd New Orleans, LA70124, with aFuneral Service to follow at 12:15 p.m.Burialwillbeat Greenwood Cemetery.We inviteyou to shareyour thoughts, fond memories, and condolencesonlineat www.greenwoodfh.com

Polete,John Payne'JP'

John Payne Polete, 73, of NewOrleans, LAdied November 30, 2025athis home.

He was born on June 18, 1952 to John Harold & Letha Polete in New Orleans

John briefly attended the UniversityofNew Orleans,but then joined the US Air Force.Heattendedand graduated from the Naval School of Health Sciences inSan Diego, California in January, 1979

John spent 18 yearsin the US Air Force,serving as alicensed RN(Registered Nurse)all over the world including London After leaving the Air Force, he beganworkingin SanDiego at various medical facilities.Hereturned to NewOrleanswhere he continued to work at the Orleans Parish Jailhouse and at the Covenant NursingHome. John is survivedby threesiblings, Alfred (Claudette), King Israel, and JoanPolete Bryant (Lewis), and ahost of uncles, aunts, cousins and friends, especially CassandraCunnikin He was precededin death by his parents and two other siblings (Gloria and Frederick). By his request, no memorialorfuneral willbe held.

Roark, Ray David

RayDavid Roark, Sr., passed away peacefully on February 26, 2026, at the ageof90. He was bornon February 8, 1936, in Beaumont,Arkansas, to Evans NelsonRoarkand MinnieMae Adams Roark. One of eight children, he was preceded in deathby allseven of his siblings. At theage of two, his family relocated to Louisiana, where he grew up and built thefoundation of alife marked by faith, hard work, and devotion to family.

Rayreceivedthe Holy Ghost in 1955 and carried his faith with him throughout his life.Itguidedhow he lovedothersand served quietlyinhis church and community. He met the love of his life,NilaLucille Randall,ona church bus traveling to ayouth rally, and they marriedonMay 9, 1953. Together they builta strong, loving home and shared many happy years side by side

He workedfaithfully for 37 years at Avondale Shipyard before retiring He also completedhis Adult Educationdiploma, setting an example of perseverance and responsibilityfor his childrenand grandchildren. Outside of work, Rayenjoyed theoutdoors. He lovedhunting and fishing, and some of hisbestmemorieswere madeinthe woods or by thewater with family and friends.

Aboveall,Ray was a family man. He was steady, dependable, and always willing to help.His quietstrengthand gentle spirit made those around him feelsafe and cared for.

He is survived by his loving wife, NilaLucille Roark; his children Ray David Roark, Jr.; James Evans Roark; Steven Michael Roark and Tammy; Sandy RoarkSartinand Michael;Christopher Shawn Roarkand Mary Catherine.

He leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: RayDavid Roark IIIand Corrie; Dustin AleinRoark and Daisy Roark; Jennifer Roark Savoieand Bobby; Lauren Rhodesand Rodney; AmandaRoark Bonuraand Matt; Katie RoarkReisand Anthony; KellySartinLopez and Terry; Kasey Lynn Sartin; Keith Sartin, Jr.and Nicole; Sophia Roark; Sean Roark; and CarrieAguilar and Donald

He was also blessed with 22 great-grandchildren and 2great-greatgrandchildren. Raywillberemembered forhis love of God, his dedicationtohis family,and thesteady, hardworking life he lived. His presence willbedeeplymissed, but thestories, values,and memories he leavesbehind will continue through thegenerations who knew and lovedhim.

The Funeral Service will be held at 11:00AMon Saturday, March 7th, 2026 at First Pentecostal Church, 3200 Ames Boulevard in Marrero, Louisiana. Avisitation will beginat10:00AM and continue until the Service time. Burial willimmediatelyfollow at Garden of Memories Cemetery in Metairie,Louisiana.

Expressions of sympathymay be shared with the Roarkfamily at www.West sideLeitzEagan.com.

Rodgers, Brenda Cecelia

Brenda CeceliaRodgers, age 82, enteredeternal rest onFebruary24, 2026. She was born November 11, 1943, in Valley Lee, Mary‐land, to ViolaHillGreen and John Green.She was raisedbyEnoch andMary Briscoe (“Ms.Mercer”) after thepassing of her parents at an earlyage She wasmarried to the lateSeniorChief Donald Rodgers, Sr.onJune 12,

1965. Together they raised threechildren: Renata Rodgers McPhie,Donald Rodgers,Jr.,and Shari Rodgers Griffin. Brenda was agraduateofGeorge WashingtonCarverHigh School andBowie State University, where she earnedher bachelor’s de‐greeinElementaryEduca‐tion. As amilitaryspouse, she traveled extensively and taught students acrossthe United States and abroad.In1990, she settled in Plaquemines Parish, where shecontin‐ued hercareer in educa‐tionteachinginboth Plaquemines andJefferson ParishPublicSchoolsuntil retiringin2006. Shewas honored in May2000 with the Jeanerette Senior High School “Inspiring Us to Do Our Best”award,after being nominatedbya for‐mer studentwhose life she profoundly influenced.Her greatestjoy andproudest rolewerethatofa loving motherand grandmother. Her grandchildrenwere truly herpride andjoy.She delighted in attendingtheir sportingevents, band per‐formances,and extracur‐ricular activities.She was precededindeath by her parents,Johnand Viola Green;her belovedhus‐band, Senior ChiefDonald Rodgers,Sr.;and herson DonaldRodgers,Jr.;her sisters,Janet Commodore (late George), Norma Somerville (lateRudolph); her brother, LeonardHill; her mother andfathers-inlaw,Pauland Margarite Rodgers,Sr; hersisters-inlaw,Anna Harvey,Barbara Marshall; brothers-in-law, PaulJr. andWillieRodgers She leaves to cherishher memoryher daughters, Re‐nataMcPhieand ShariGrif‐fin(Keith);daughter-inlaw,Rayma Rodgers; sis‐ter,BronteMiller; six grandchildren;two greatgrandchildren;and ahost ofnieces, nephews, rela‐tives,and friends. Rela‐tives andfriends of the familyare invitedtoattend the funeralservice on Tuesday,March 3, 2026 at St. Joseph TheWorker Catholic Church,455 Ames Blvd.,Marrero LA.The visi‐tationwillbegin at 8a.m., Rosarywillbegin at 8:45 a.m.and theMasswill begin at 10 a.m. Father Sid‐ney Speaks III will officiate and entombment will fol‐low in Westlawn Cemetery inGretna. Funeralplanning entrusted to Robinson FamilyFuneralHome(504) 208-2119. Online condo‐lencescan be shared at www.Robinsonfamilyfuner alhome.com

Oscar Smith aresident of Vacherie, passed away on Thursday February 27, 2026 at theage of 76. Belovedhusband of the late Cheryl Rogers Smith. Loving fatherofCassie Falgoust (Ted), Michelle Smith (Gipson), Russell Smith (Erin), and thelate ChristopherSmith. GrandfatherofNathan Falgoust (Jessica), Haleigh Held (Johnny), Abbey Gonzalez (Ryan), Dylan Falgoust (Dusti), Samantha Oubre (Brad), Hunter Smith (Lily), AidenSmith,Ryder Blanchard,and Connor

Smith. Great-Grandfather of Collin, Evelyn andJulian Falgoust, Wesand Will Gonzalez, Meredith and Maci KateHeldand Adalyn andEllaSmith. Son of the lateOscar Smith and Florence Everett Smith. Brother of Lloyd Smith, Marshall Smith, Tom Smith, EillenSmith,David Smith, the lateTed Smith, Emmie Pruitt, andBK Smith. Also survivedbynumerous, nieces nephews andcousins. Oscar proudly retired from theUSCoast Guard and thenthe Port of South Louisiana. Relativesand friends are invited to attendthe visitation andmemorial service on Friday, March6 2026 at Millet Guidry Funeral Home. Visitation from 2:00 pm -4:00 pm and theMemorialService at 4:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the familyisrequesting donationstothe NewOrleans Bulldog Rescue in his name https://www.neworlean sbulldogs.com/donate A visitation will be held from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM on 202603-06 at MilletGuidry Funeral Home, 2806 West Airline Highway. Amemorial service will be held from4:00 PM to 5:00 PM on 2026-03-06 at Millet Guidry Funeral Home, 2806 West Airline Highway.

Elaine QuigleyTauzin passedawaypeacefullyat homesurrounded by her lovingfamilyonThursday, February26, 2026. Shewas 82. Alifelongresidentof Metairie, shelived in the sameneighborhood where she laterbecamethe ma‐triarch.Elainegraduated fromSt. Christopherand EastJefferson High School In 1963, shemet andmar‐riedLeroy Tauzin andis survivedbytheir daughter, Colleen Tauzin of Ocala, FL She helped many people duringher journeythrough life. Sheenjoyed good food,gamblingand danc‐

ing. In 1992, shemet JosephAttardo, Sr.and theyremainedcompanions until theend Shewas especially proud tobea loving "Nana" to Madalyn Attardowho was her "Sunshine" andMered‐ith Attardowho washer AngelBaby".There was alwaysa specialplace in her hearttoo forJoseph and KadieAttardo, Jr.She isalsosurvivedbyseveral cousins who shespent manyjoyfulhours with overthe yearsand long‐timefriends whomshe treasured.Her trusted friends were always an im‐portant part of herlife, and theywerethe ones who helpedher throughthe rough parts. Shewas thedaughterof the late Matthew V. Quigley andOllie Ducote Quigley Visitation will be held on Thursday,March 5, 2026, from5:00- 8:00 pm at LeitzEagan FuneralHome, 4747 VeteransMemorialBlvd. in Metairie. TheFuneral Mass willbecelebratedbyRev David Ducote on Friday, March 6, 2026, at 11:00 am inthe chapel of LeitzEagan FuneralHome. Inter‐mentwillbeinGardenof MemoriesCemetery. In lieu of flowers, please contributetoSt. Jude Chil‐dren'sResearchHospital, https://www.stjude.org. Fond memories or condo‐lencesmay be shared at www.leitzeaganfuneralho me.com

OPINION

VIEWS La.builds on momentum with data center boom

With Amazon becoming thelatest bigtech company choosing to makea biginvestment in our state, we applaud the effortsofstate leaders and Louisiana Economic Developmenttocapitalizeonmomentum to attract new industries.

Thecompany said Monday it planstobuild twonew Amazon WebServices AI data centers in Caddo and Bossier parishes as part of $12 billion development expected to create up to 450 jobs Theannouncement puts an exclamationpoint on the burgeoning potential in north Louisiana, an area of the state stillreelingfromthe lossof some of its major employers over thepastfew decades.

Theregion’sfortunes began to turn around in 2024 when Meta unveiledplans to build afourmillion-square-foot facility in RichlandParish, aproject whose price taghas now risen to $27 billion. Construction has spurred something of gold rush to thosepiney woodsasproperty values have soared and tiny townshaveseen a boom in economic activity.

Amazon’stwo data centers will bepartof 7-million-square-foot campuslocatednear Blanchard in CaddoParish andnearBentonin Bossier Parish. Athird Shreveport data center wasalsoteased.

Theexpansion of data centers to power the rapid development of AI technologyhas raised concerns in some quarters, specifically about electricityand water usage. AWSsaid it plansto invest $400 million in public water infrastructure in this project.

But as more data centers are built in ourstate, we also have the opportunity to makesurethere is asufficient regulatory framework in place to address public concerns.

The Louisiana Public Service Commissionisa key to that, and we urge commissioners to make theimpactonour communities theparamount issue.

We take utility officials and Gov.JeffLandry at their word when they say this datacenter will notraise costs for ratepayers. Yetweare glad to see that on the federal level, PresidentDonald Trump is also vowing action, saying in his State of the Union address Tuesday that hewould seek pledges from techcompanies to pickup more the electricity costs of datacenters. Those issues aside, we areenthusiastic about what this new data centerannouncement by Amazon represents. Louisianaseems to be on themap nowfor largeeconomic development projects

That’slargely thanks to thework of LED Secretary Susan Bourgeois and herteam. It’sa good sign that for the second time nowthe state has been given astamp of approval by oneof the country’smost cutting-edgecompanies. We can’twait to see what comes next.

CORRECTION

Antoine Garibaldi was the third-longest-serving president of the UniversityofDetroit Mercy. Will Sutton’scolumn on Feb. 22 incorrectly said he was the longest serving

LETTERSTOTHE EDITOR ARE WELCOME. HERE AREOUR

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

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

TO SEND US A LETTER, SCAN HERE

Carbon sequestration wells don’t look much like windmills.

Butthat isn’tstopping ahandful of legislators from tilting at them regardless.

Carbon capture and sequestration, or CCS, the process by which excess carbon dioxide created during industrial processes is captured and stored underground rather than being released intothe atmosphere, appears poised to generate a fair bit of heat —but little in theway of new law —inthe upcoming legislative session.

Pineville (not to be confused with U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, a Republican from Benton).

thing that would further restrict carbon capture.”

During the prefiling period that ended last week, no less than eight bills were filed on thetopic, most of them aiming to give parish authorities more power to reject CCS infrastructure, including injection wells and pipelines; protect landowners in case of an accident, and prohibit companies from storing carbon under land without a landowner’sconsent.

The headliner is House Bill 5, which would award broad power to parish councils to reject carbon capture wells, pipelines or storage. The bill is sponsored by House Speaker ProTem Mike Johnson, aRepublican from

Journalism is alot about waiting.

People often thinkit’sa job where you’re running here and there all thetime, and that can happen during big breaking news events, but most journalistsspend alot of time waiting —waiting outside courthouses, waiting in lobbies, waiting at concerts, waiting, waiting, waiting.

That’sbecause to get the story,orthe perfect photo, you have to be in position before events unfold.

Johnson and acoalition of other lawmakers, manyfrom central Louisiana, filed the bills after monthsoffurious opposition to CCS in their districts. The bills are just the latest salvos in what has been asimmering fight between pro- and anti-CCS forces in thelegislature, in public meetings andinthe courts. Johnson’sbill, in manyways, echoes one filed last year by Rep. Chuck Owen,ofVernon Parish. That bill failed to make it out of committee.

AndifSenate President Cameron Henry is agood prognosticator,Johnson’sbill is unlikely to improve on that outcome.

“No,” he said, whenasked if he thought Johnson’sbill had abetter chance than Owen’s did last year

Regardless of whathappens in the House, Henry said he didn’tsee apath for thebills through the 39-member Senate.

“It comes down to avote to get 20 votes one way or the other,” he said.

“I don’tsee an appetite now to do any-

As Henry noted, the basic conundrum is this: Many industries coming to Louisiana cite carbon capture as a central piece of what makes the state attractive. The state has been granted expedited permitting authority from the feds, and so seemspoised to become aleader in the process. But manylandowners don’twant it. They worry about the CO2 stored underground seeping up into water supplies or pipeline accidents. This isn’tthe old business-versusenvironmentalists debate. This is two strands of conservative Republicans —one pro-business, the other pro-local control —duking it out. The safebet is on the former,atleast in the Legislature’supper house. In the famous musical, “Man of La Mancha,” based on Cervantes’ classic novel Don Quixote, the windmill-tilting knight sings, “Todream the impossible dream,tofight the unbeatable foe… this is my quest.” Louisiana’scarbon capture opponents can relate.

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

that perhaps would have gone unnoticed in acrowd.

In Opinions, we sometimes have the luxury of letting the dust settle abit before weighing in.

If you get to aspot as things are happening, it may already be too late to get the information you need.

That’swhy mostjournalists who’ve been in this business for awhile are always early to an assignment. You never know what can happen in the time you are waiting.

Youcan catch asource in ahallway for an informal chat or see something

We do like ourcommentary to keep up with what people are talking about.

Online, we publish opinions on news events if there is alot of interest in atopic.

On somedeveloping stories, though, especially ones where facts may be unclear,welike to wait to write an editorial until there’smore information, particularly before stating aposition on ahot-button issue. That’snot always what happens on the internet, we know,where opinions are quickly shared after any controversy —even if they are later retracted. We like to stand by ouropinions, so that sometimes means holding

back our full-throated endorsement of aplan or idea until the details are known. There’smuch that can change during the implementation phase, and unintended consequences can become moreapparent. So we can come back later and clarify our opinion if necessary

Turning to our inbox forthe weekof Feb. 19-25, we received 53 letters. No one topic stood out. There werethree letters on Mardi Gras and its aftermath, twoletters on education, two letters on immigration and two letters on the TenCommandments law,which recently passed judicial muster.So perhaps this week, manyofyou were waiting before registering an opinion on atopic. We will be waiting to hear from you.

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

COMMENTARY

When an innocent manisjailed, we alllose

Sometimes it’seasy to see a story about asingular,gross miscarriage of justice and just stop reading, because it seems to have no real bearing on your own life.

Please don’tdothat here —because there’sabigger issue than the immediate injustice.

Iwrote last July about Jimmie “Chris” Duncan, who spent 32 years in prison after aconviction for allegedly raping and murdering the 23-month-old daughter of his live-in girlfriend. Famed lawyerauthor John Grisham also wrote about thecase in these pages, flatly stating of Duncan that it was “a crime he did not commit.” Two months before Grisham wrotehis column, Judge Alvin Sharp of the 4thJudicial District in Ouachita Parish had come to the same conclusion, declaring Duncan “factual[ly] innocen[t].

—and sincethen, Duncan has found ajob andreportedly is doingwell.

The state though, won’t drop its appeal, so Duncan isn’tfree and clear.That’s where thenew development comes in.

Quin Hillyer

On Feb. 4, thefamily of Loyd Donald Oliveaux, the since-deceased father of deceased 2-year-old Haley Oliveaux, filed an amicus brief with the Louisiana Supreme Court declaring afirm conclusion that Duncan is innocent and requesting thefinal vacation of his conviction.

AuntJennifer Berry,uncle JoshuaBerry and cousin Jacob Hamm wrote that “we don’tbelievethere is anyevidence for anycrime at all.” Notewell: Not just zero evidence that Duncan committed thealleged crime, but that no crime was committed by anybody.

Still, Duncan remained behind bars for sevenmore monthsbecause Louisiana prosecutors are appealing Sharp’sruling. In November,Sharp ruled rightly that Duncan should be released on bail while the appeal moves forward

Haley’s mother,Allison Statham,also was quoted last year saying shebelieves Duncan is innocent.

What is undisputed is that Duncan was babysitting for little Haley when she died by drown-

ing. Duncan says he left her in apartly filled bathtub while he washed dishes, returning minutes later to find her face down. Prosecutors alleged, though, that he deliberately drowned her after raping her,and cited what may have been bitemarks on her face and some inflammation in her posterior region. Duncan, though, had no criminal history or record of sexual deviance. He is theone who carried Haley’sbody,while weeping, to neighbors and asked them to call paramedics.

As Grisham noted, the assertion about the bite marks was based on what Grisham called “the wholly fabricated theories of two notorious forensic experts” with long histories of having their “bitemark evidence” subsequently found utterly unreliable by courts. Grisham also noted there was no blood or semen found at thescene of the death.

So far,everybody but theprosecutors seems to believe Duncan spent 32 years in prison, 27 on deathrow,for acrimehedidn’t commit. Notably,Duncan for decades was amodel prisoner,including working as aGeneral Ed-

ucational Development instructor to coach 16 fellow inmates in earning diplomas. Meanwhile, Berry family members, who said that they fordecades believed Duncan wasguilty until being apprised of the exculpatory information,said that for some27years they have been denied their “basic rights as surviving family members of Haley Oliveaux,” including “the right to be present andheard during all critical stages of pre-conviction and post-conviction proceedings.” Their brief says they wrote to Attorney General Liz Murrill, Gov. Jeff Landry and District Attorney Robert Tewtoask to present their support forDuncan, but they haven’treceived the courtesy of areply OK, let’spause here. The obvious question arises as to whythe statecontinues to press to imprison aman whoalready served 32 years behind bars even though the“evidence” against him was outrageously dubious and even though atrial judge and the victim’sfamily “believe fully in Mr Duncan’sinnocence.” There seems to be no good answer

The next question is whyreaders should care. Well, there’sabigger issue here. Afundamental tenet of the American creed, atenet especially at the heart of Reaganite conservatism, is that the main role of domestic government is to safeguard liberty.That’sthe very reason American government exists. And our Madisonian system is designed around the recognition that unchecked, centralized power is anathema.

That’swhy it is both unconservative and un-American, for example, to countenance massive internal policing by the federal government without extensive training or respect forcivil liberties. (Minnesota, anyone?) And that’swhy every time state power is used to take way liberty from someone unjustly accused, it is a travesty,asin —and athreat to us all.

Jimmie “Chris” Johnson has suffered enough. It’s timefor the state to drop its appeal —sohe can keep making his new lifein freedom.

Email Quin Hillyer at quin hillyer@theadvocate.com.

Twoverydifferentleaders agree: Higher ed in La.mustadapt

Percy Miller,aWarren Easton High School grad, ran arecordstore then became asuccessful record label businessman, rapper,entertainer and eventually Master P, an entrepreneurwho hit it big with 1997’s“Make ‘Em Say Uhh!” CameronHenry,aJesuit High School grad, became alegislativeaide to aLouisianapolitician, replacing him in the Louisiana House of Representatives, serving in the state Senate and,eventually,becoming thestate Senate president. Both have strong business acumen and experience. Neither has led asystem or auniversity.Neither has led adepartment, college or school. Butboth think something significant needs to be done with Louisiana’shighereducation and they’ve come to that conclusion from theoutside lookingin.

responsible for day-to-day oversight of the colleges and universities. Each institution hasits own leadership,faculty,staff and students.

To an outsider,that might seem like alot of bosses with multiple layers of system administrations, each claiming apiece of our academic focus, resultsand success In recent years, that hasn’tnecessarily led to success,with several of thestate’suniversities facing financial trouble, including UNO, which is struggling to close an estimated $10 million budget gap.

Will Sutton

To insiders, much of what exists is necessary because there’sno one layer of leaders that can keep up with all of the federal, state and accreditation requirements while also constantly changing curricula to meet ever-changing professional and workplace needs.

Last year,the UniversityofNew Orleans named Master Ppresident of itsbasketball operations, largely in an attempt to improve its marketing and branding.

In his Senate role, Henry is in charge of crafting astate budget that includescolleges and universities as some of itsbiggest ticket items.

In separate conversationsthis week, I found that Master Pand Master C(Cameron Henry) were sayingsome of the same things. In differentways, they each said thatfor higher educationinour state to succeed,some people are going to have to get out of the way

The state of Louisiana has about30publiccolleges and universities, dependingon which institutions you count. The Louisiana Board of Regents, created bythe 1974 state constitution, has the responsibility of coordinating higher education across the state. Four separate system boards are

Master Pand Master Chave some questions, and they think we need to seriously look at what we’ve been doing.

“Weneed more business-thinking people,” Master Ptold me during WBOK’s Good Morning Show on Wednesday.“We need morebusiness-thinking people in leadership. Ithink alot of academic people are afraid of that. They’re afraid of the changeand the growth. Things aredifferent. Our educators, they think that they’regoing to losetheir jobs. We just needtounderstand where thetimes are going. Andthis is abusiness.”

Henry is about to go intoaMarch legislativesession with lots on his mindand the minds ofour legislators. Oneissue is higher education and whether we’re getting the mostfor our taxpayer money

In ameeting with editorial board members, reportersand editors on Wednesday afternoon,Henry expressed concerns

about what he sees as alack of critical financial responsibility.

Pointingtothe BoardofRegents and its oversight role, he said that thegroup can’t shirk itsduty.

“They have tocome back andsay,with all of the universities that are struggling financially,ifyour job, big picture job, is to forecast what universitiesneed, want, desire and the role of the future, that’snot working real well,” he said.

Butthere are many factors at play.We Louisianans aren’tmaking enough babies and not enough young people have been moving into our state recently.The college-age population continues to decline. Not everyone goes to college, but the number of those who could dropped from 220,000 in 2012 to 201,000 in 2022. That decline has continued. Some projections say we could lose up to 15% more college-age

students by 2029. That meansthe samenumber of institutions will be competing forfewer students, knowing that someofthem will go to private, in-state colleges and universities and others will leave the state.

UNO has leftthe UL system,officially moving to the LSU system in July.Master Pisexcited about the move, especially the branding opportunities. But UNO and all of our schools need students.

We can’tcontinue to pay morefor the samenumber of leaders and people to educate fewerstudents. Master Pand Master Cdon’thave the answer,but they have an answer: amore serious business approach. Universities aren’tbusinesses. But the numbers must add up.

Email Will Sutton at wsutton@gmail.com

Is time runningout forsanctuary cities?

In the end, the conflict between federal immigration authorities andprotesters in Minneapolis boiled down to one fundamental policy question: Should sanctuary cities be allowed to exist? Should cities, and counties, and states be allowedtoprohibit their policefrom cooperating with the enforcement of federal immigration law,even as those local agencies cooperate with all other law enforcement?

In the wake of Minneapolis, some hardcore Democratic leaders are doubling down on sanctuary policies.

Erika Smith at Bloomberg summarized what’sgoing on in apiece titled “This Immigration Crackdown Is Creating More Sanctuary Cities.” Abigail Spanberger,the new Democratic governor of Virginia, has ordered state authorities to cancel any

agreements withthe federal government allowing cooperation with immigration enforcement. In New York, Democratic Gov Kathy Hochul is pushing abill to do thesame thing. In New Jersey,new Democratic Gov.Mikie Sherrill has signed an order that in many situations will bar federal immigration authorities from state property.And in Maryland, DemocraticGov WesMoore is hoping to bar local jails from cooperating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE. Similar things are happening in blue cities, which already had sanctuary policies.

In New York, new Democratic Socialist Mayor Zohran Mamdani wants to ban ICE agents from almost any cityproperty unless the agentsget ajudicial warrant.

AndinLos Angeles,Democratic Mayor Karen Bass has just signed alaw with new restrictionsonICE. No surprises there. Anything to resist thehated Trump. What is striking, though, is at thesame moment all that is happening, there is growing cooperation with federal immigration law enforcement elsewhere in thecountry NBC News reports that “agreements between Immigration and Customs Enforcement and local law enforcement that allow officerstomake federal immigration arrests have increased by 950% in the first year of President Donald Trump’ssecond term.”

The NBCreport continues: “As of Jan. 26, there were 1,168 agencies with officers trained to help ICE, up from 135 during the Biden administration and 150 at theend of Trump’sfirst term.”

The Trump administration has restarted an oldprogram under which local police officers essentially act as ICE deputies, with theauthority to arrest people suspected of being in the country illegally.ICE is encouraging local agenciesbyoffering grants for assistance. NBC reports the states that have the most agencies enrolled in the program are Florida, Texas, Tennessee, Pennsylvania andAlabama. They’re theanti-sanctuary jurisdictions. Public opinionseems to be on theirside. AHarvard CAPS Harrispoll from late January asked, “Do you think thatlocal officials should hand over to immigration authorities criminals in jail who are here illegally,orshould state and local officials notturn over criminals for deportation?” Sixty-seven percentofrespondents saidofficials should hand over thecriminals, while just 33% saidthey should not.

The poll also asked, “Do you think thatstate andlocal authoritiesshould cooperateorrefuse to cooperatewith federal immigrationauthoritiesonthe deportations of criminals?” The answers came out exactly the same —67% said authorities should cooperate, while 33%said theyshould not. There areseveral bills in Congress, allproposed by Republicans, thatwould outlaw or sharply limit sanctuary noncooperationpolicies. Evenifone or more of them make it through Congress —and despite public opinion, it is likely Democrats will fight them tooth andnail—theywill surely face court challenges. Still, it could be thatthe real momentum after Minneapolis is against sanctuary jurisdictions.

Email Byron York at byork@ washingtonexaminer.com.

LATE-NIGHT PELS

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

SPORTS

CH G GR S

Whowill be Saints’ next Hall of Famer?

Now that Drew Brees has becomethe fifth NewOrleans Saint to gain induction to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, you might be wondering: Who’sondeck? Who will be the next Saint to earn agold jacket and join Brees (2026), Sam Mills (2022), Morten Andersen (2017), Willie Roaf (2012) and Rickey Jackson (2010) in Canton?

Center STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

BY REEDDARCEY

Staff writer

Her senior night is behind her.Now it’stime for Flau’jae Johnsontotry onelast timetoleadthe LSU women’sbasketball team back to theFinal Four

The basketball and hip-hop starishopingtobookend her career with national championships.Johnson was a freshman starter on theTigers’ teamthat won it all in 2022-23. Now she’sa senior,one who’salready accomplished enough to become one of the Tigers’ all-time greats —nomatterwhathappensnext.

“When Ithink of LSU and all thetremendous athletes that have played all thesportshere,”coach Kim Mulkey said, “her name’sgonnaberight up therewith them.”

If Johnson scores 25 points in aroad game against Mississippi State that tipsoff at 3p.m. Sunday (SEC Network), then she’llbecome justthe sixth player to tally

morethan 2,000 career pointsinanLSU uniform.Joyce Walker,Seimone Augustus, Julie Gross,CorneliaGayden and Sylvia Fowles arethe only other Tigers who havehit that mark.

LSU’s2,000-point club lastadded anew memberin2008 —the year Fowles joined. She scored 2,234career points. Johnson has ashot to eclipse 2,100 points. If she maintains hercurrent scoring average(14.1 points pergame), then it would take her nine moregames to hit thatmark Only eight Tigers have ever posted ahigher career scoring average thanJohnson (14.6). Shehas morecareer pointsthan all but seven active Division Iplayers. “She’sall over this campus,”Mulkeysaid. “She’sall over this community.Wedon’tevenknowall the things (Flau’jae) does forpeople, andshe’s very generous and shares her wealth.

The franchise has ahand-

Sherman all worthy first-year-eligible candidates. TomBrady and J.J. Watt headline the Class of 2028 candidates, while Aaron Donald, Jason Kelce and Julio Jones become eligible forthe Class of 2029. It’s supposed to be difficult to get into the Hall, and it will be formany deserving candidates in the years ahead. Here’show Iwould assess the chances forthe Saints players and coaches whowill receive Hall of Fame consideration in the future: 1. JAHRI EVANS: Evans has been afinalist each of the past three years, so he’sthe heavy favorite to becomethe next Saints player to earn agold jacket. Frankly, he’soverdue to get in. Evans owns one

BY MATTHEW PARAS Staff writer

INDIANAPOLIS All it takes is one.

James Borrego doesn’tmind thinking outside the box, no matter how far outside the box his thoughts may take him. So when the New Orleans Pelicans were struggling defending in thepaint, Borrego didn’thesitatetoinsert 37-year-oldDeAndre Jordan —who hadn’t played since Oct. 29 —into thestarting lineup. The movehas paid off, with thePelicansbeating the Utah Jazz Thursday night for their third straight game with Jordan inthe lineup. It’sone of several unconventional moves Borrego has made since taking over as interim coach 12 games into theseason Good leaders get paid to make gutsy calls and Borrego has shown heisn’tafraid to do so. He’ll shake thingsupwhenhehas to —evident from his very first game after taking over after Willie Green was fired. Pelicans executive vice president of bas-

ketball operations, Joe Dumars, said on the dayGreen was fired thathewould leave all theon-court decisions up to Borrego. In Borrego’sfirst game, he inserted rookie Derik Queen into the starting lineup. Three games later, Queen scored 30 pointsand grabbed nine rebounds. Twonights after that, Queen recorded his first double-double. Borrego was just getting started. When ZionWilliamson returned from an injury that sidelined him for six games, Borrego chose to bring him off the bench. Williamson, the face of the franchise, had never come off thebench in his career Yetthe move worked as thePelicans won four straight games and went 4-3 before Williamson was put back in the starting lineup. Then there was thedecision to bench Jordan Poole, the second-highest-paid player onthe roster.Poole was struggling, so Borrego sat him out for nine consecutivegames.

Let’sget that caveat out of the way When it comes to whether Derek Carr actually un-retires this offseason, just one team needs to be motivated enough to persuade the former New Orleans Saints quarterback to return, hash out atrade and work through whatever else pops up along the way. Oh, and they apparently have to be good enough to winthe Super Bowl.

If you’re reading that witha healthy sense of skepticism,you wouldn’tbealone. Basedonseveral conversations at theNFL scouting combine, doubtexistsoverthe idea that ateam —especially acontender— would be willing to put its faith in a34-yearoldwho hasn’tplayedina year,iscoming off what was described as amajor shoulder injury and didn’thave the best track record of postseason success to begin with. Yes, the quarterback market isn’tgreat. And yes, Carr seemstowant to play But if Carr is serious about only returning for ateam that can win it all, that very much

Rangers lose Jung, Foscue for 10 days with injuries

Texas Rangers third baseman

Josh Jung is expected to miss about 10 days with an adductor strain. Rangers manager Skip Schumaker also told reporters, including MLB.com, on Saturday that designated hitter Justin Foscue has a hamstring strain and also could miss 10 days.

Jung, 28, hit .251 with 14 home runs and 61 RBIs in 131 games in 2025. Foscue, 26, had only nine atbats last season and is contending for a share of a platoon at designated hitter

Neither player’s ability to be ready for Opening Day would appear to be impacted, which is good news, given the sudden lack of infield depth. After trading Marcus Semien to the New York Mets, the team is expecting Josh Smith to move from a utility role to being the regular second baseman.

Burries scores 20 in win over Kansas

BY JOHN MARSHALL AP sportswriter

TUCSON, Ariz. — Brayden Burries

had 20 points and 12 rebounds, Motiejus Krivas added 13 points and No. 2 Arizona clinched a share of the Big 12 regular-season title with an 84-61 win over No 14 Kansas on Saturday The Wildcats (27-2, 14-2 Big 12) used a 19-0 run to build an 18-point lead, allowed Kansas to whittle it to two midway through the second

half, then pulled away with another big run to earn a share of the Big 12 title in their second season in the league.

Jaden Bradley scored eight straight points during the decisive 19-2 second-half run and Koa

Peat had 12 points after missing the previous three games with a lower-leg injury

The Jayhawks (21-8, 11-5) handed Arizona its first loss of the season on Feb. 9 and rallied behind star freshman Darryn Peterson

after being overwhelmed early in the rematch. Peterson finished with 24 points, but Kansas had no answer during the Wildcats’ big run and lost for the third time in five games. Kansas won the first meeting 82-78 despite Peterson sitting out with flu-like symptoms.

The Jayhawks ran into early trouble in the rematch when Bryson Tiller, who had 18 points in the first go-round picked up two early fouls.

Arizona took advantage of Kansas’ smaller lineup with a 19-0 run that forced Jayhawks coach Bill Self to call two timeouts in a span of 1:12. Kansas missed nine straight shots during the run and the Wildcats kept pouring it on, stretching the lead to 37-19.

The Jayhawks tightened up defensively to close the half, holding Arizona without a field goal over the final 3:52 to pull within 39-28 at halftime.

Philon leads Alabama over Tennessee

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Labaron Philon

Jr. hit a jumper with 22.8 seconds left to lead No. 17 Alabama to a 7169 win over No. 22 Tennessee on Saturday night.

Latrell Wrightsell scored 25 points to lead the Crimson Tide (227, 12-4 Southeastern Conference), and Philon came off the bench to score 15 of his 23 points in the second half. Aden Holloway added 12.

Ja’Kobi Gillespie scored 26 points and had eight steals and seven assists to lead the Volunteers (20-9, 10-6), who lost their fourth SEC game after having a double-digit first-half lead

J.P Estrella had 12 points and Jaylen Carey had 10 points and nine rebounds.

The Vols missed three shots within five feet of the basket in the final seconds.

Tennessee freshman Nate Ament sustained what appeared to be a right knee injury With 7:42 left in the first half, he became tangled in a scrum of players and his knee bent awkwardly He went to the locker room under his own power Ament started the second half, scored his only basket, but left for good with 17:53 to play Gillespie scored 15 first-half

points and Tennessee led at the break, 40-28.

Alabama freshman Amari Allen missed Tennessee’s win over Alabama in late January with a groin injury He shot 6 of 7 from beyond the 3-point line in Wednesday’s win over Mississippi State but had just two points against the Vols. Philon missed the Mississippi State game with an undisclosed injury NO.5 HOUSTON 102, COLORADO 62: In Houston, Milos Uzan had 26 points and six assists, Joseph Tugler scored 14 and No 5 Houston snapped its three-game losing streak with a win over Colorado on Saturday Uzan had 16 points on 5-of-7 shooting in the first half as the Cougars (24-5, 12-4 Big 12) built a 55-29 lead at the break. Houston shot 56%, including 6 of 11 on 3-pointers, in the first half. Chris Cenac Jr scored 12 points, Kingston Flemings had 11 points, six rebound and eight assists and Chase McCarty, Emanuel Sharp and Mercy Miller finished with 10 points each for Houston, which shot 60% for the game and 10 of 17 on 3-pointers.

WEST VIRGINIA 79, NO. 19 BYU 71: In Morgantown, West Virginia, Honor Huff scored 19 points, Brenen Lorient added 18 and West Virginia led the entire second half and beat No.

19 BYU on Saturday night. DJ Thomas added 13 points and Jasper Floyd and Chance Moore had 11 apiece for the Mountaineers (17-12, 8-8 Big 12). Robert Wright III scored 23 points and AJ Dybantsa added 20 for BYU (20-9, 8-8), which couldn’t make up a double-digit halftime deficit for the second straight game. The Cougars have lost two straight and eight of 12. NO 16 TEXAS TECH 82, NO. 4 IOWA 73: In Ames, Iowa, Donovan Atwell scored 18 points to lead No. 16 Texas Tech to an victory over No. 4 Iowa State on Saturday that sent the Cyclones to their first home loss of the season. Iowa State (24-5, 11-5 Big 12) was 15-0 at Hilton Coliseum before the Red Raiders (22-7, 12-4) came in and ended the streak, building a 20-point first-half run and fighting off a second-half surge by the Cyclones. Texas Tech, playing the rest of the season without JT Toppin, the reigning Big 12 player of the year stayed in a second-place tie with Houston, two games behind leader Arizona, heading into the final week of the regular season. Iowa State dropped into a tie for fourth with Kansas. NO 12 NEBRASKA 82, USC 67: In Los

Angeles, Pryce Sandfort scored 32 points — one off his career high — and No 12 Nebraska pulled away in the second half to beat Southern California on Saturday for its school-record 14th Big Ten victory and third straight overall. The Cornhuskers (25-4, 14-4) improved to 7-2 on the road in league play with one away game remaining. They began the season 20-0 and are 5-4 since then.

CLEMSON 80, NO. 24 LOUISVILLE 76: In Clemson, South Carolina, Jestin Porter scored all 16 of his points in the second half as Clemson snapped a four-game losing streak with an victory over No. 24 Louisville on Saturday

The Tigers, once comfortably in the NCAA Tournament field with 10 wins in their first 11 Atlantic Coast Conference games, had raised questions the past two weeks with their late-season slide. But Clemson (21-8, 11-5 ACC) held off the Cardinals (20-9, 9-7) with defense and Porter’s timely baskets.

Up 55-49, Porter drove through the right side of Louisville’s defense for a basket off the glass. Moments later, Nick Davidson stole the ball from Adrian Wooley, fed a perfect pass to a wide-open Porter who hit a 3-pointer for a double-digit lead.

Mavs waive Jones, sign Nembhard to 2-year deal

DALLAS The Dallas Mavericks have waived point guard Tyus Jones, one of the players involved in the three-team trade that sent Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards.

The move announced Saturday gives Jones a chance to pursue a deal with a contender needing backcourt help. The 29-year-old made the playoffs three consecutive seasons with Memphis from 2021-23. The Mavericks now have the flexibility to convert rookie point guard Ryan Nembhard to a standard contract. Nembhard is closing in on the maximum number of NBA games allowed for players on two-way deals. Jones made two starts among eight appearances for the Mavericks, averaging 3.9 points and 3.8 assists in 16.6 minutes per game.

RHP Melton expected to miss opening day for Tigers

LAKELAND, Fla. — Detroit Tigers right-hander Troy Melton is not expected to be available for the start of the season due to inflammation in his right elbow

Tigers manager A.J. Hinch told reporters Friday that Melton won’t throw for one to two weeks. Melton told the Detroit Free Press on Saturday he is “not too concerned over anything too long-term.” Melton, 25, was 3-2 with a 2.76 ERA in 16 games, including four starts, as a rookie in 2025.

“We’ll know more in a week or two,” Melton said, “So, I don’t really know how much I can say.”

Melton’s chances of earning a spot in the rotation took a hit when the Tigers agreed to deals with veteran starting pitchers Justin Verlander and Framber Valdez.

Australians Green, Lee take lead at LPGA Singapore SINGAPORE Australians Hannah Green and Minjee Lee moved to the top of the leaderboard Saturday to lead by one stroke after three rounds of the HSBC Women’s World Championship. Green, the 2019 Women’s PGA Championship winner and who won the Singapore tournament in 2024, shot a 4-under 68 and threetime major winner Lee 69 to post three-round totals of 11-under 205 at the Sentosa Golf Club. American Angel Yin (68) and Haeran Ryu (70) of South Korea were tied for third in the LPGA tournament. With the final group on the eighth hole, six players were tied for the lead at 9-under Yin took the lead for first time with a birdie from off the green on the 10th, displacing her fellow American Auston Kim, who had led after the first two rounds.

F1 testing canceled following missile strikes

A planned two-day F1 tire test in Bahrain has been canceled following missile strikes as tensions grow in the Middle East.

All Pirelli and F1 personnel on site in Sakhir are safe in their hotels following the United States and Israel launching attacks on Iran on Saturday morning.

In retaliation to the attacks, Iran launched missiles across the Middle East, with a missile striking the command center of the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet in Bahrain.

Mercedes and McLaren had supplied mule cars for Pirelli to conduct routine tire testing, with the two-day event planned to feature wet-weather running by artificially wetting the track to gather crucial data.

BY GUERRYSMITH

Contributing writer

On paper,itismission impossible.

How can Tulane, whichis coming of a34-point blowoutlossathometosecondplace Tulsa, hit the road and competewith American Conference-leading South Florida after trailing by as many as 25 to the Bulls during a97-83 defeat in January?

The first order of business was flushing what happened Wednesday nightand making sure the teamwould be mentally and physicallyfresherfor Sunday’smatinee at the Yuengling Center (11 a.m., ESPN2).

“Wedidn’tdoanything on Friday,” Tulane coach Ron Hunter said. “Wejust let the guys have some time off. No film, no basketball, and Imade it the same withthe staff. Youget to watching more film than you can imagine, but Ijust thoughtitwas important we had aclear mind goingin. We know this is atough assignment.”

The second factorisa road warrior mentality.Tulane (17-11, 8-7)is5-2 away fromhome in league play, with the two losses coming by acomposite eight points. The Wave’slopsided defeats have all happenedat home, while South Florida (20-8, 12-3) has dropped two conference games in Tampa.

“Weknow it’sgoing to be ahectic environment,” Tulane point guard Rowan Brumbaugh said. “It’sgoing to be loud. The atmosphere alone is going to help us

LSU

Continued from page1C

“Her soul is so pure. She’s happy.She’sjust ajoyful person. And she tooka chance on LSU when what did we have to sell?” Johnson is scoring more than four fewer points per game this season than she didlast year.But that’sbecause she’sboth playing fewer minutes and taking fewer shots, on average, each night than she did in 2024-25. The same is true for Mikaylah Williams —the star junior who’schipping in acareer-low 13.1 ppg. Both Johnson and Wil-

Tulane at SouthFlorida.

11 A.M.SUNDAy,ESPN2

have alot more camaraderie andplay really hard.”

Brumbaugh, somewhat inexplicably,isshooting 47 of 88 (53.4%) away from home compared to36of 97 (37.1%) at Devlin Fieldhouse in Americangames

After scoring aseasonlow seven points on 2-of-7 shooting against Tulsa, the league’spreseason player of theyearshould be locked in on Sunday

“You get down to the end of the season, the best playersinthe league rise up,and he’sone of the best,” Hunter said.“He hasn’t shot it great in the last couple weeks, but he just needs to see theball go in. Some of his baskets aresohard.Hejust needs something easy,get to the free throw line, make some shotsand he’ll be fine.”

Even when Tulane is at its best,South Florida presents amatchup problem. The Bulls takeand make more 3s than anyconference foe but Tulsa, and theylead the league in offensive rebounding. They scored 27 second-chance points while repeatedly grabbing their own misses andkicking the ball out to wide-open shooters in thefirst meetingwith theWave.

won fourinarow andfive of itsfirst six in February or the one that lost five in arow at the end of January and came up empty against Tulsa.

Tigers can’twin second consecutive SECgameashome losses continue ä

“It’sour kryptonite,” Brumbaugh said. “But if we play really hard and play together and really do agood job of boxing out and keeping them off the glass, we giveourselves achance versus anyone.”

It should be evident pretty early which Tulane team showsup— theone that

liams, though,haveimproved their shooting efficiency.Johnson is shooting acareer-high41% from 3-point range. Williams is converting50% of her field-goal tries and 40% of her3-pointattempts.Both of thoserates would be career-highs.

Johnson scored only10 points on 3-of-10 shooting on Thursday in awin over Tennessee. Butshe averaged 18.3 ppgon 48%shooting in the three gamesLSU played before they beatthe Lady Vols. That stretch includes Johnson’s21-point outing against South Carolina on Feb. 14 andher 18-point showing vs.Ole Miss five

“When we wereplaying well, we matched every run,”Hunter said. “The other night they had runs and we didn’tmatch any of them. Against South Florida, youcan’t have 15-0 runs.I may have to callmoretimeoutsearlier on the road than Inormally would. I’vegot to make sure thoseruns are shorter thanthe last time.”

Hunter liked the energy at Saturday morning’s practice before Tulane flew to Tampa, Florida. He addedthe Wave followed its worst practice of the year on Tuesdaywithits worstgame of theyear on Wednesday,sohehoped this good onewould translateintoSunday thesame way

South Florida can clinch at least ashare of theAmerican regular-season championshipwith its seventh consecutive win.

Tulane, which is in sole possession of sixthplace, is fighting to at leastremain that high. The No. 5and No. 6seeds get byes in thefirst round of the league tournament, but theWave is only ahalf-game in front of seventh-place Florida Atlantic.

“Wehave afocus on the road that’sunbelievable,” Hunter said. “We’ve been that wayall year.Welike thecrowds being on us. We know we’re going into atough environment with asold-outarena, but Iexpect our guys to play really well.”

days later.She missed two key free throws latein thefourth quarter of the Tigers’ loss to the Gamecocks, then bounced back by teaming up withMiLaysiaFulwiley to lead LSU to its come-from-behind win over the Rebels.

Now Johnson’seyeing somebigger victories. She’lljoinLSU’s exclusive 2,000-point club as shechases those wins.

“First year,winning the national championship really setthe bar for me,” Johnson said,“andnow Iwantthe freshmen to feel that, you know what I’m saying?

“I want them to feel that excitement, that confetti, cutting the net.”

LSUfalls to Oklahoma

Oklahoma (15-14, 5-11

BY TOYLOY BROWNIII Staff writer

LSU hashad its fair share of letdowns at home this season.

From the heartbreaking game-winner by Kentucky to head-scratchingdefeats to Southeastern Conference opponents, including Mississippi State andSouth Carolina, fanshavenot left the Pete Maravich Assembly Center in good spirits often.

The trend of home losses continued as the Tigers were unable to win asecond game in arow for the first time in SEC play.Theyfell 83-67 to Oklahoma Saturday at the PMAC.

MaxMackinnon had 17 points on 6-of-20 shooting, threedays after scoring a season-high 34 in the team’s winatOle Miss on Wednesday

PJ Carter had 12 points, andPablo Tamba had10 pointsand 10 rebounds.

This was thefirst time LSU (15-14, 3-13) played Oklahoma at home since theSoonersjoined the SEC during the2024-25 season.

SEC) found its footing offensively after Mackinnon was handed aflagrant onefoul, grabbing Oklahoma while falling to avoida fastbreak scorer following apassing turnoverbyJalen Reece. Xzayvier Brown’stwo made free throwswere the catalyst for an 8-0 run that gave histeama 10-5 lead after four minutes.

The Tigers were active on the offensive glass as Sutton had two of the team’sfour after six minutes of play

The alertnesskeptLSU’s offense afloat as it repeatedlyfouled Oklahoma on shots around the hoop. The Sooners led 17-11 with 12:45 left and were 7of8from thefree-throw line. Nwoko helped counterLSU’s freethrowdiscrepancy, making 5of6free throwsinthe first half

LSU’soffensewas chilly in the first half. The plays coach Matt McMahon calledwere well defended by Oklahoma, whoforced LSU to playlateinthe shot clock more than it wanted. With 7:42 remainingbefore halftime, the Tigers trailed 26-20 andwere8of21from the field.

Brownmade all six of his freethrows in thefirst half and Pack, a5-foot-10 redshirtsenior,was crafty around the hoop. He was adeadly pull-upshooter from beyond the arc. Brown and Pack had 11 and 10 points,respectively, at halftime. LSU had to be cognizant of its opponent’sperimeter shooting. Oklahoma is third in the SECin3-pointers madeper game(10) and tied forsecond in 3-point field goal percentage (36.7%). In itsmost recent91-79 home win over Auburn, it was 13 of 19 from beyond the arc, which wasaseason-high percentage (68.4). The Sooners were not as lethal, but still went 10 of 25 from the3-point linecompared to the Tigers’ 6of23. Mackinnon found his shooting touch to open the second half. He scored LSU’sfirst seven points, using his off-ball movement moreeffectively to make plays. The Australian guard had11pointsinthe second half

When Borrego decided to use abigger lineup, that meant letting Herb Jones handle point guard duties. In turn, that ledto moving rookie Jeremiah Fears to the bench. Then, in Tuesday’sgame against the Golden State Warriors, when Dejounte Murray returned from ayear-long absence rehabbing from atorn Achilles, Borrego started Murray right away and benched Queen.

“I felt Dejountewas the right move to start,” Borrego said. “That wasnot an easy decision because there was agroup that had some chemistry.But Ilike the balance of the two groups (starters and reserves).”

The Pelicans, unlike the other teams in the NBA with no playoff shot, are still trying to win. They don’thave afirst-round draft pick, so there’sno need for Borrego to tank.

“The goal for us is to win and DeAndre is moving that needle for us,” Borrego said.

So Borrego will continue trying to push all the right buttons down the final stretch of theseason.

“I couldn’ttell you what we are going to do next game,” Borrego said.

“We’ve got to figurethat out together.Isthis aone-game thing? Afive-game thing?I don’tknow.I’m just taking it one game at atime with

and took it like they should takeit. Igive alot of credit to them for that. We are all here to win andlongevity is the key for everybody.”

Butalso credit the guy who is calling the shots. The decisions will get even tougher once Trey Murphy (rightshoulder contusion) and Yves Missi (left calf strain) return from their injuries.

Does Borrego replace Jordan with Missi at center?

Does Saddiq Bey,who poured in aseason-high 42 points in Thursday’s win over the Jazz, remain in the startinglineup? Or does Borrego stick with Herb Jones for his defense?

the focus being on winning each possession.” Fortunately for Borrego, hisplayers seem tohave bought in even withthe changes in their roles. “Poole has stayed ready and has beenapro the whole time,” Borrego said. “This has not been easy for him.” Poole came offthe bench and scored 23 points in his second game back after beingbenched. He had12 points and six reboundsin the win over theWarriors. That gamewas thefirst one in which both Fears andQueen came off the bench sincethe second game ofthe season.

“There are no egos,” Murray said. “Nobody is pouting. We have young guys who werestarting They wenttothe bench

“It’s very complicated right now,” Borrego said. “It’s about to get more complicated, probably in thenext game or two. It’sa good problem.We’ve been waiting for this. We’ve got healthy bodies back. We’re playing good basketball. Guys are confident right now.It’sa puzzle that I’ve got to figure out night to night.Ican’tmake 15 guys happy,but Iknow Ihave 15 guys ready to go.

Borrego embraces the challenge.

“The beautyisthese guys are makingittough on me,” he said. “That’smy job to makethese tough decisions.”

Onething he’smade clear since taking over He’snot afraid to do so.

Email Rod Walker at rwalker@theadvocate.com.

Forthe second game in a row,sophomorecenter Robert Miller started in place of junior Mike Nwoko.

Miller’sdefense was impressive from the onset, gettinganinterior steal on Oklahoma’ssecondpossession. Thatturnover led to theTigers’ firstscore, a corner 3-pointer for MarquelSutton, whowas scoreless in the last game.Miller finishedthe game with six points,eight rebounds and four blocks.

No playerhad made more than onefield goal until Tamba made asecond shot with 6:01 left. The graduate student transferfromUC Davis was engaged on both ends. He was relentless on the glass and used his speed at 6-7toroll hard and finish contact layups. He hadsix points, seven rebounds and asteal as LSU trailed 41-33 at halftime.

The Sooners’ top players are guardsNijel Pack and Brown, who average 15.7 and15.5points, respectively,inconference play. Both demonstrated theirshotcreating abilities.

However,Oklahoma kept LSU at adistance with timely 3s from Pack, who finished the gamewith agamehigh 21 points,and company The Soonerswentona 14-2 runtogoup71-52 with7:52 remaining.

PJ Carter made back-toback 3s to cut the Tigers’ deficitto79-65 with4:29 remaining, but that run stalled after atimeout from Oklahoma.

The Sooners got revenge from last season as LSU beat Oklahomaonthe road 82-79 in dramaticfashion. Former Tigers guard Cam Carter went on apersonal 7-0run in thefinal20seconds,including the goahead three-point playwith eight seconds left.

THEVARSITYZONE

SAVING THEDAY

Aucoin’s diving stop in penalty-kick shootout givesDominican statetitle over MCA

BY CHRISTOPHER DABE Staff writer

With the state championship on the line during apenalty-kick shootout, Dominicangoalkeeper Evelyn Aucoinwaited for thenextattempt— andshe knew what to expect.

Walking toward the ball placed 12 yards in front of the keeper was one of Aucoin’sclub teammates: Mount Carmel’sLilah Grandbouche.

That familiarity gave Aucoin just the edge she needed.

The sophomore dove to her right to swat away the penalty kick and another attemptclanged off the postinDominican’s4-2 shootout victory that clinched the Division Ititle after the teams played to a1-1 draw SaturdayatStrawberry Stadium in Hammond.

Aucoin’sprior experience against Grandbouchelet hertakeanextra halfstep to the right just before thekick

“It gave me that one extra pushyou need,” Aucoin said. “Because that’sall you need in penalty kicks— one extrapush.” The stop let third-seeded Dominican(24-0-5) hold a2-1 leadthrough two shootout rounds. Dominican’sEvelyn Ieyouband Stella Zippert scoredonthe first two attempts. Sophomore Valentina Smith and freshman Blaire Smith made the next two, and the match ended when Mount Carmel’sfourthattempthit off the right post.

With the win, Dominican secured a second penalty-kick shootout victory against Mount Carmel (21-3-1) thisseason. The teams played for the district title Jan. 31 at Pan American Stadium with Aucoin in goal for that match. Anticipating another possible shootout

in the state final, Dominican coach Al Silvasmade it afocus in practice.

“She’sseen alot of PKs,” he said. “A lot of work with it. She came up huge for us again tonight. Proud of her. Only asophomore. So much moreahead of her for the next two years.”

Before the shootout, theteams remained scoreless into thesecondhalf, when Theresa Newburger delivered Dominican’slonegoalinregulationwitha free kick from about35yards out. The well-placed ball deflected off Mount Carmel goalieAvery Albert’soutstretched arms and underthe crossbar with just under20minutes left in regulation.

Mount Carmel, the top seed and last year’sstate champion, drew even with Sally Chapoton’sleft-footed blast from near the far sideline that tucked inside the right post for atying goal withjust

under 10 minutes toplay

On other scoring chances, Dominican’s Zippert —witha school-record135 career goals —had multiple breakaway opportunities thwarted by Mount Carmel defender Elle Vodonavich.

Mount Carmelalso had multiplechances, including aheader by Stella Junius on acorner kick that hit off the right post.

Dominican won astate title for the fifth time in programhistory,the first since 2021. Mount Carmel remained as an eight-time state winner with the loss.

“You don’twin thegames if you don’t score,”Mount Carmel coach Alexi Petrou said. “Wecreated aton of chances. I think we played very well. I’mproud of my girls.”

Contact Christopher Dabe at cdabe@ theadvocate.com

PREP REPORT

Division IV nonselect

Regional pairings

Tuesday No. 9David ThibodauxatNo. 8Hannan No. 11 Shaw at No. 6Kennedy,7 p.m. No. 18 BookerT.Washington at No. 2Peabody No. 19 Carver at No. 3Washington-Marion, 7p.m.

Division III select

Bidistrict scores No. 9Catholic-NI 60, No. 24 Sarah T. Reed 30 No. 11 Independence68, No. 22 Newman 64 No. 12 Lafayette Christian 51,No. 21 Pope John Paul 47 No. 13 Episcopal 73, No. 20 NorthlakeChristian 51 No. 15 JeffersonRise 67, No. 18 NotreDame 46

Regional pairings

All games Tuesday No. 13 Episcopal at No. 4DeLaSalle No. 14 St. Thomas Aquinas at No. 3Country Day, 6p.m. No. 15 JeffersonRise at No. 2Dunham, 6:30 p.m. Division IV select

Bidistrict scores No. 9Ouachita Christian 52, No.24Riverside 33 No. 21 CrescentCity 63, No. 12 Covenant Christian 49 Regional pairings All games Tuesday No. 15 Opelousas Catholic at No. 2St. Martin’s, 6p.m. No. 21 CrescentCity at No. 5Westminster Christian-Lafayette

Division Inonselect

Bidistrict scores No. 8St. Amant65, No. 25 Hahnville 62 No. 9Northshore 62, No. 24 Salmen 39 No. 13 Destrehan 59, No. 20 NewIberia 58 No. 16 Covington 60, No. 17 Airline 44 No. 23 Parkway 74, No. 10 Slidell 70, OT Regional pairings All

scores No.9North Central 63, No.24West St. John 48 No. 12 Grand Lake66, No. 21 South Plaquemines 52 Class C No. 10 PhoenixatNo. 7Hornbeck, 6p.m. Tuesday Statewide bidistrict scores DivisionInonselect Barbe 65, Mandeville 60 Central-BR 73, West Ouachita 39 Covington 60, Airline 44 Destrehan 59, New Iberia 58 East Ascension 49, H.L.Bourgeois 36 Neville 63, Southside 34 Parkway 74, Slidell 70,OT South Lafourche 61,Thibodaux

68, Winnfield

Kinder 50

59, Church Point51 Rayville 103, Ville Platte 84 RedRiver 88, Crowley 48 Richwood 82, UnionParish 77 St. Helena 69,Pine44 St. James 57, Springfield42 DivisionIVnonselect Arcadia 69, Logansport37 Franklin 70,

45 Vinton 72, Delhi 53 DivisionIselect Baton Rouge Catholic 68, Saint Paul’s 53

BY CHRISTOPHER DABE Staff writer

When Chris Keene’s3-pointer lefthis hands Fridaynight, the entireBrotherMartin studentsection raised their arms in anticipation.

Thesenior captainchecked in forthe final two minutes of No. 10 Brother Martin’s56-30 victory over No.23Scotlandville in the first round of the LHSAA Division Iselect playoffs Friday

Basketball

Threetimes, he took shots from beyond the arc. He missed each one. His impact is felt beyond the box score.

“He’sthe first one to get here. He’sthe last one to leave. Youdon’thave to do that when you don’t gettoplay,”Brother Martin coach WesleyLaurendine said.

“He makes everybody better because everybody tries to beat Chris Keene to practice. That’s how you build culture —guys like that.”

At times, Keene arrives so early that asecurity guard has to let him into the gym so he can get up shots before anyone else.

“I think Itry to set an example by being all-in all the time,” Keenesaid. “I think they vibe offthat and that’swhy when Icome in, they want to see a bucket.”

Though he plays limited minutes, Keene always valued being part of the team.

“I like hanging out with my boys,” he said. Laurendine made sure Keene had his moment on the floor with the team’s other three seniors in what waslikely to be their final homegame together Will McChesky,the only starter among the seniors, finished with seven points and eight rebounds against Scotlandville (15-18). Jax Wilklow, ausual rotation player off the bench, had seven rebounds and ablocked shot. Chris Gallagher also checked in with Keene forthe first timewith just morethan twominutes remaining.

Whenitwas Keene’sturn, he steppedonto the floor knowing he would get to put up some3-pointers.

“When we weresitting on the bench, Jax and Will looked at me and said, ‘When we get in, we’re giving y’allthe ball. Go score,’ ”Keenesaid. “I was like, ‘OK,bet.’ ” His first attempt from the left cornercame directlyinfront of the BrotherMartinbench and student section.

Every miss drew groansfrom hissupporters. They wanted amoment forhim to celebrate.

“I don’tthink Chris has any haters —any enemies,” junior Noah McDanielsaid. “He’sakind guy to everybody.”

While Keene didn’tscore, Brother Martin (216) had several players who did. Junior Raphael Bickham (14 points) and 6-foot-8 sophomore Luke Olivard (10) reached double figures.

McDaniel impacted the first half with seven points and five steals on the way to a26-15 lead at halftime.

Laurendine thought at least one of those 3-pointers would go through the net.

“I just wish he would have hit one,” he said. “He hits them in practice all the time.”

With that,the Crusaders turnedtheir focusto next week’sregional round at No. 7Tioga.

Contact ChristopherDabe at cdabe@ theadvocate.com

Captain Shreve54, Holy Cross39

Carencro69, Bonnabel 51 Huntington 74, Hammond 27 Karr 64, Evangel Christian Academy38

McDonogh #35 62, Woodlawn(BR)

narrows his options

Some teams fit the criteria.

The Minnesota Vikings, Atlanta Falcons and Pittsburgh Steelers are all clubs that have talented rosters, have been on the quarterback carousel and are desperately trying to find an option that puts them over the top. Any of those would be great for Carr But would it be great for the teams?

As logical as it might appear for those teams to take a swing, it’s easy to come up with counterarguments. If the Vikings want a veteran option, why not just bring back Kirk Cousins — their former starter who meshes well with coach Kevin O’Connell? Pittsburgh’s brass has already indicated it prefers Aaron Rodgers, and that would take Carr off the table. Atlanta?

That’s how they want to begin the Matt Ryan era?

Perhaps Carr still has it. In his last season with the Saints, he was undeniably deserving of a starting job. He was even electric the first two weeks of the year

But that will be two years ago come the fall — only adding to the skepticism that all the cards will align for Carr

An under-discussed X factor

All right, my apologies There’s another elephant in the room when it comes to Carr’s return. His contract.

The Saints don’t see the quarterback’s contract as any sort of obstacle in potential trade talks

That’s clear But multiple people this week acknowledged that any team taking on Carr likely would have to address the deal for him to return.

As a result of Carr’s retirement, his contract tolled — meaning he walked away with two years left on his deal, so he would return with two years left on his deal, even though a year has passed. And at the time he walked away, the guaranteed portion of Carr’s contract was essentially over with.

In that case, why would Carr ever return without any additional security?

Throw in the no-trade clause in his contract — yes, he has one

— and Carr gets to pick his next destination. It wouldn’t make sense for him to do so without a reworked contract, even for a player who surprisingly agreed to give back $30 million upon retiring last May

Rattler’s market

The Saints aren’t in a rush to trade Spencer Rattler, and as of now, no other team has called to check on the 25-year-old’s availability

New Orleans would have to legitimately be moved by an offer to part ways. And like with Carr, it can be tricky to find the right team.

It doesn’t help, in this case, that there is a sea of backup quarterbacks who could be moved this spring.

The Bears acknowledged there’s interest in Tyson Bagent, while the Jets have been linked to Philadelphia’s Tanner McKee and Houston’s Davis Mills. Indianapolis gave Anthony Richardson permission to seek a trade. San Francisco’s Mac Jones won five games and now has the Kyle Shanahan glow. Green Bay’s Malik Willis — the most desired of them all — is set to cash in at free agency

The Saints believe Tyler Shough and Rattler have a great dynamic, creating no reason to break them up so soon.

Taylor perception

Alontae Taylor is believed to be seeking a deal comparable to former teammate Paulson Adebo whose contract with the Giants last year averaged $18 million per year

Whether he gets it is a different story.

Taylor was initially reluctant to move inside to the slot because of what it could mean for his future earnings. Those fears aren’t necessarily validated yet, but several people said there is a gap in how teams value Taylor Chicago’s Kyler Gordon is the NFL’s highest-paid slot corner at $13.3 million — almost $5 million less than Adebo.

Gordon’s deal, too, was signed last April, and positional values in the NFL rarely get reset for non-quarterbacks in the way it would take for Taylor to make $18 million per year (Chicago’s commitment to Gordon, for what it’s worth, is also why the Bears will likely be out of the running

for Taylor, despite their reported interest in him at the trade deadline.)

Taylor, though, is versatile and talented. Some teams may easily believe he’s worth the money because he can play outside in base packages and excels on the inside. The Las Vegas Raiders, as previously mentioned, have coaches with ties to Taylor and ample salary cap space.

Taylor said at the end of the season that he believed his market would be robust. All it takes is one.

Downs is up

The Saints met with all kinds of incoming rookies at the combine, so it’s not necessarily news when they meet with a star prospect. That said, Ohio State safety Caleb Downs left quite the impression — so much so that there was a feeling that if he interviewed that well with other teams, he’ll be gone by the time the Saints pick at No. 8.

Odds and ends

Opinions are split over whether linebacker Demario Davis ends up testing the market, but it wouldn’t be shocking to see him at least talk to other teams when the negotiating window opens March 9. Davis and New Orleans still would like to reach an agreement. The Saints would like another pass rusher regardless of whether Cam Jordan returns. Never say never, but even with a strong group of tackles in this year’s draft, the Saints don’t seem on track to take another offensive lineman in Round 1. The Saints have expressed a lot of confidence in Kelvin Banks and Taliese Fuaga and their development.

The Saints are bracing for some team to give center Luke Fortner a chance to start, likely putting him outside their price range. That makes it even more important for Erik McCoy to stay healthy, though New Orleans will almost certainly look for depth at the position. The Saints blocked the Raiders’ interview request to speak with wide receivers coach Keith Williams for what would have been the same role on Klint Kubiak’s staff, a source said.

Email Matthew Paras at matt paras@theadvocate.com

Notre Dame, Penn St. RB tandems share stage at NFL combine

BY MICHAEL MAROT AP sportswriter

INDIANAPOLIS Former Notre Dame running backs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price rekindled some fond memories at this week’s NFL’s scouting combine.

They shared a room just as they used to when they were college teammates. Only here, one of college football’s best backfield duos is no longer working in tandem. Instead, they’re here to showcase their own skills and increase their prospects heading into April’s NFL draft.

“I’m going to go out there and be myself, no matter where I go, no matter when my name’s called, I’ll be Jeremiah Love,” he said before Saturday’s workouts in Indianapolis.

“But it’s a great honor, seeing if people recognize me, and I plan to go out and prove myself right, prove everybody else right as well.”

There certainly is a mutual respect and admiration between Love and Price for what they accomplished together over the past three seasons.

Love rushed for nearly 3,000 yards, finishing No. 7 on Notre

Dame’s career rushing list despite only 29 starts overall and 71 carries as a freshman. He broke the program’s single-season record by scoring 21 total touchdowns in 2025, became the first player in Irish history with two TD runs of 90 or more yards and was third in last year’s Heisman Trophy balloting.

Price, on the other hand, was more than just capable of providing a second punch. While he excelled when giving Love a break, opposing defenses were never that fortunate.

Price still managed to rush for nearly 1,700 yards and 21 scores and became the first Notre Dame player to have two or more kickoff returns of 100 or more yards.

The result: Both earned AllAmerican honors last season and they’re generally ranked as the two top running backs in this year’s draft class.

“Almost every coach and interview I had the past couple days,” Price said when asked how many teams have inquired about his play on special teams. “I told them all the same (thing), I love special teams and I attack it like I attack offense. I’m willing to do anything when it comes to special teams.”

LSUdefeats Northeastern with pitching,defense

BY KOKI RILEY Staff writer

Thechanges werenoticeablein the first inning.

As Northeasterncenter fielder Ryan Gerety walked up to the plate, LSU’s infieldersbegan to swap positions. Junior Steven Milam moved from shortstop to second base. Oregon State transfer Trent Caraway slid to shortstop but was on the right side of the bag because of the defensive shift. High Point transfer Brayden Simpsonwas at third base, playing at the edge of the grass in case the left-handedGerety bunted.

This was not aone-off alignment. LSU returned to the formation each time aleft-handed hitter walked up to the plate. When arightywas up,LSU positioned itself more typically,with Milam at short, Caraway at third and Simpson at second base.

LSU’sdefensive changes on Saturday worked. TheTigers’ infield didn’tcommit any errors, and Milam, LSU’sbest defensive infielder recorded three outs from the alignment. The effort helped LSU secure the 3-1 win over the Huskies at Alex Box Stadium.

“I’m not afraid to do thingsa littlebit differently in thoseregards,” Johnson said. “We’re not trying to reinvent the game. Ijust felt like it fit today.”

This isn’tthe first time Johnson has moved his shortstop tosecond base againstleft-handed hitters. In 2023, Johnson moved shortstop Jordan Thompson tosecond against lefties to helpout second baseman Gavin Dugas, who was playing with an injured right shoulder

Thompson was also LSU’sbest defensive infielder at thetime. Getting him as many chances as possibletofieldthe ball made sense for ateam that was aiming for anational championship. Johnson used thatsame logic on Saturdaywith Milam.

“Michael Jordan alwaysguarded thebest player on the other team as the NBA Defensive Player of the Year,” Johnson, who won his 200th game as LSU’scoach on Saturday,said.“And I’m nottrading (Milam)for anybody, so Ijust put himwhere Ithought they were going to hit it themost.”

LSU (10-1) has struggled to find areliable defensive option at second base. Simpson, Kansas StatetransferSethDardarand fifth-year senior Tanner Reaves have all gottencracks at the position,but Dardarcommitted twoerrorsatsecond base on routine plays on Friday.Reaves has had defensive issues wherever he’sbeen sincearriving on campus, andSimpson played mostly third and first base at High Point thelast twoyears.

LSU’sbest defensive optionat second is freshman Jack Ruckert. But he hasn’tearned Johnson’strust at the plateyet, despite being adefensive replacement late in games on multiple occasions, includingthe eighth inning on SaturdayasLSU was nursinga3-1 lead.

“I am very pleased with what he’sdone to thispoint in time,” Johnson said. “… To getonthe field for nineofyourfirst 11 games as a freshman at this place, it’sa pretty good accomplishment.”

TheTigers’ defensewas amassive part of their championship campaign ayear ago. They finished the year with asterling .981 field-

ingpercentage.But headinginto Saturday,only three Southeastern Conference teams had aworse fielding percentage thanLSU,as Johnson’steam was also tied for fourthinthe conference in errors.

“I think Jack’sthe best guy (defensivelyatsecond base),” Johnsonsaid. “… Ithink therest of them, they’reworking hard. I mean, Seth andBrayden were out there today before (batting practice) and continuing to work.”

LSU’sdefensive solution on Saturday helped out Kansas transfer and right-handed starter Cooper Moore, who tossed aseason-high 72/3 innings,allowing just one earned run with10strikeouts. Northeastern (1-6) didn’tnotch its first hit until thefifth inning.

He threw 104 pitches —easily themosthe’d tossedall year beforehanding the ball off to redshirt sophomoreright-hander DevenSheerin,who struck out three of the five batters he faced to end thegame.

“I was at mybest when Iwas filling it up at the bottom of the zone,” Mooresaid. “And Itried to do as much as that today as Icould.”

TheTigers needed everybig pitch from Moore andSheerin as their offense struggledfor athird consecutive game.Theydidn’t have an extra-base hitand were just 2for 12 with runners on base despitedrawing seven walks

“Weworkedhardtoday before the game,”Johnson said. “You have good players that may be missing some pitchesthatthey normally hit.”

LSU will face Dartmouth again on Sunday,back at Alex Box Stadium. First pitchisset for 12:30 p.m., and the game willbeavailable to stream on SEC Network+.

Privateers headed in rightdirection underHollowell

Stacy Hollowell just shook his head on the sideline as Tyshawn Archie’sdriving layup found the bottom of the net in the final seconds of McNeese’s66-63 win over New Orleans Saturday night.

2024-2025, and resulted in a Level 3violation from the NCAA. At the same time, his wife, Nicole, was undergoing surgery and chemotherapy treatments for breast cancer at MD Anderson in Houston, Texas.

Jeff Duncan

The bucket broke a63-63 stalemate, and along with it, the Privateers’ hearts. UNO’svaliant upset bid against the Southland Conference’slongtime kingpin cameupjust short. The Privateers would have to settle for amoral victory instead of one that counted in the win-loss column.

“Wewere right there,” Hollowell said afterward, still replaying the final sequence of events in his mind.

The loss was only the third in the past 10 games for UNO. And while it disappointedanenthusiastic home crowd at Lakefront Arena,itdid nothing to diminish the positive momentum UNO has gained down the stretch of the season.

The Privateers can secure afourth-placefinish and firstround bye in the Southland Conference Tournament with awin over Southeastern Louisiana on Monday night.

“Weshowed some toughness in the second half tonight,” Hollowell said.“Ithink we learned some things from this game that we can take into the tournament that will help us. That’sastalented ateam as there is in our league. We were able to play with them.”

The Privateers entered the game as one of the hottest teams in the Southland. They’d won sevenoftheir previous nine games, including astunning 7771 win at Stephen F. Austin, the conference leader,which was 15-0 at home before the loss.

The slugfest with McNeese was agood gauge of UNO’sprogress. The Cowboys have ruled the SLCfor the past few seasons, and ayear ago they dominated the Privateers in apair of worsethan-it-looked 86-61 and 78-64 wins.This year,McNeese beat UNO 82-63inLake Charles by leading just 57-51 with 13 minutes to play before pulling away late.

On Saturday,the contest could have gone either way,anail-biter thatwasn’tdecided until the final seconds.

“Tough loss, but the ball just didn’tgodown for us late,” Hollowell said. “It is what it is.” More than anyone, Hollowell understands that progress at UNO is measured in baby steps ratherthan leaps.

The Privateers, after all, are light years ahead of where they wereayear ago, when enduring anightmare season that qualified as the worst in the program’s49year history.They won just four of 31 gamesand were wracked by agambling scandal that saw Hollowell dismiss three players for allegedly fixing games. The scandal detonated the roster, leaving only two holdovers from

“It wasagrind,” Hollowell said of the trying campaign. All things considered, the Privateers have shown remarkable growth in Year 2ofHollowell’s tenure.

They entered the McNeese game ranked No.181 in the latest Torvik ratings, acollege basketball analytics website usedinthe NCAA tournament selection process for both men’sand women’s basketball.

While that might seem underwhelming, it’sexponentially higher than their 343 ranking a year ago. In fact, it’sthe highest the Privateers have ranked since Torvik began charting teamsin 2008, higher even than the 2017 team that went to the NCAA Tournament (No. 185) and Joe Pasternack’s19-13 team in 2008 (No. 183).

Likewise, the Privateers’ 1416 record might not excite the masses, but it’sskewed by a brutal non-conference schedule that featured nine road games, including trips to Top10powers Houston and Texas Tech. The Privateers went 2-7 in those games but managed to upset Texas Christian and Tulane along the way

They nearly had athird win but dropped aheartbreaker to Mississippi State on abanked 3-point shot in overtimeafter squandering alate 13-point lead in regulation. The Privateers bused to Starkville, Mississippi, on the day of the game. After arriving back in New Orleans at 2:30 a.m., they boarded an 8a.m.flight the next day to Lubbock, Texas, where they played No. 10 Texas Tech aday later.Unsurprisingly, the Privateers shot 37% from the field and wiltedinthe second half of alopsided 82-50 loss.

“It wasbrutal,” Hollowell said. “Wewere exhausted.”

The gauntlet of “guarantee games” was necessary to help the cash-strappedprogram generate revenue. The Privateersremainone of the most underfundedprograms in college basketball with oneofthe smallest budgets in the DivisionIranks.

To their credit, UNO survived the stretchand found its footing in SLC play. The Privateers’ 77-73 upsetofSouthland Conference leader,Stephen F. Austin, last week snapped the Lumberjacks’ 13-gamewinning streak and sent amessage to the rest of the Southland that UNO will be adifficult out for anyone in the tournament.

“When we went through that tough stretch early in the season, alot of people checked out on us,” Hollowell said. “We’re moving the right way. Youtake steps, and you stack recruiting classes and you get better.Ifwe’re able to retain the core of this team, we’ve gotthe bones of something really good.”

Free passes sink Tulane baseball vs.Eastern Kentucky

The early-season M.O.isout on the Tulane baseball team. If you don’twalk the Green Wave, you probably are going to win.

Eastern Kentucky starterJacob Price issued zero free passes in his seven-inning stint while the Colonelscapitalizedjust enough on 12 walks, two hit batters andtwo errors by third baseman Nate Johnson to take the second game of the weekend series 6-3 on Saturday at Turchin Stadium.

Tulane (7-4) has walked atotal of 10 times in its four losses, scoring 15 runs. The Wave has drawn awhopping 49 walks while being hit 15 times in its seven victories, averaging more than nineruns.

“Weplayed absolutely miserably,” Tulane coachJay Uhlman said. “Wegave them all the things we gave them on defenseand we only gave up six runs out of that, which is unbelievable. In the eighth and ninth innings, we actually had achance to tie or win the game. As horribly as we played, we still had achance.” Tulane finally got some help

from Eastern Kentucky(3-7) in the final twoinnings afterPrice exited, butthe Wave couldnot take advantage.MatthiasHaasswung and missed at two straight fastballs for thethird outinthe eighthafter working a3-1 count withrunners on first and second. Kaikea Harrison flew out on the first pitch he saw in the ninth before TyeWood grounded out to second base after Colonels closer Jack Bell walked Nolan Nawrocki and Johnny Elliott with one out.

Harrison’sopportunity wasthe best. He had doubled and scored leading off the first, hit an RBI single in theseventh and was robbed of another extra-base hit when Eastern Kentucky first baseman Tyler Phillipsleaped to snag aline drive headed for theright field corner in thefifth.

This time,though, he swung a little toofar under Bell’soffering and popped up to center field. “It was acutter,” Harrison said. “I wish Icould getthatback.We

had put ourselves in the right position to win even though we didn’t play well at all.” Only someHoudini acts kept theWave within range.Eastern Kentucky left 16 on base,scoring justone runafter goingup5-1 in thethird inning while coming up empty with the bases loaded and one outtwice.RelieverJake Toporek struck out back-to-back batters looking in the sixth to get out of trouble, and Julius EjikeCharles induced twopop-ups in the ninth after entering with the basesfull. Tulane matched EasternKentucky’seight hits but struggled to overcome asecond consecutivepoor outing from starter Beau Sampson (0-1). Dylan Littlefield hit hisfifth homer of the year off him in the first before the free-pass parade began, ending in ahit batter with the bases loaded. Sampson left in the second inning —just as he did against Harvard last Saturday— afterwalking twointhe second.

“He was not anywhere close,” Uhlman said. “You’ve got to throw strikes. Ifeel bad for him. It’snot alack of working hard. It’snot hap-

pening forhim right now.”

Tulane became increasingly agitated at home plate umpire William Posey’sstrike zone, leading to arguments with Uhlman andcatcher Hugh Pinkney before Poseyejected pitching coach Anthony Izzio in the sixth. Assistant Frankie Niemann called the pitches the rest of the way. Still, mostofthe Wave’sdamage was self-inflicted. Johnson’sfirst throwing error ledtotwo runs instead of one in the third as Eastern Kentucky stretched its lead to 5-1. RelieverJ.D.Rodriguez, who threwtwo scoreless innings, pitched around the second throwing error Tulane’s otherrun cameonNate Johnson’ssingle in the fourth the third hit of the inning. It was not enough as Price (1-1) retired eight in arow at one point. The seriesfinale will be Sunday at 12:30 p.m.

“Theydoatremendous job whenthingsdon’t go well of beingabletorespond,”Uhlman said. “I think that’swhat’sgoing to show up. Itoldthemifthat’s not where they are, don’teven come tomorrow.”

OUTDOORS

Spring in theirsteps

Louisiana fishermengetting excitedaspeakseasonnears

BY JOE MACALUSO

Contributing writer

We’re closing on on the first day of spring.

If you follow the old saying about awhat spring does to ayoung man’s fancy —it’ssupposed to be love, right? —well, not around here, because it’sfishing! Andits attraction affects more than young men.

Need proof?

So many south Louisiana folks are talking about how many sac-a-lait areshowing up in lakes, ponds, bayous, marshes and river systems now that we’re on arun of warm afternoons.

Yet, it’smore than sac-alait. Saturday,the Red Stick Fly Fishers invite any and all who want to learn about the art of fly fishing —Red Stick Day —tothe Waddill Wildlife Education Center in Baton Rouge.

That same day,2026’s first of along line of fishing contests takes centerstage when the annual Anglers AgainstAutism bass tournament takes plays and weighs in at Doiron’sinStephensville.

Over its many years, this pick-your-partner event has raised tens of thousands of dollars to help Baton Rouge area children and adults affected by autism.

UPCOMING FISHING EVENTS

March 7: Anglingfor Autism Bass Tournament,Doiron’s Landing,Stephensville.

March 13-15: Bassmaster Classic, Knoxville,Tennessee

March22: Kiwanis of Pointe Coupee Open Bass Tournament, FalseRiver, NewRoads.

March 28: NewOrleans Big Bass Rodeo &Fishtival, City Park, NewOrleans May1-3: La.High School &JuniorBassmaster State Championship, Doiron’s Landing,Stephensville.

NewthisyeartoAAA are allwaters accessible from Doiron’slaunches in the Verret andAtchafalay basins. Yes, the marsh is open, but allposted areas remain off limits to tournament anglers.

There’sa$205 entry fee ($5 of that goes for alaunch fee) and, better yet, there’s a$5,000 guarantee for the first-place team. There are three pay-out places in thebig-bass list and, as usual, organizer Moonie Bergeron has $300 for a team weighing a3-pound (on the nose) bass. This year’sproceedsgoto two scholarships funds along with the Port City Bakery andGreenhouse projects.

June 4-6: Catholic High Alumni Fishing Rodeo, Port Fourchon

June 10-13: Swollfest

Fishing Rodeo, Grand Isle

June 19-20: Br.MartinHigh Rodeo, NewOrleans

June 19-20: Br.Dardis/ JesuitHighRodeo, New Orleans

July 2-4: Golden MeadowFourchon Tarpon Rodeo, Port Fourchon

July 23-25: International Grand IsleTarpon Rodeo, Grand Isle

To register for the tournament, email: susanner@cox. comorcall Keith Thibodeaux at (225) 938-0941.

Triggerfish

Gray triggerfish are on an angler’scatch list nowthat the season will run from March 1-May 31 in both state andfederal waters. There’sa15-inch minimum size and the limit if one per person per day

Hopefully,the recreational red snapper season will give offshore fishermenthe chance to catch red snapper and gray triggerfish in May

The triggerfish season will close June 1and will reopen Aug. 1and runthroughthe end of the year

Thecommission

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission is departingfrom its usualThursdaymeeting day and will convene its March meeting at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday at Wildlife and Fisheries headquarters on Quail Drive in Baton Rouge.

Topping the agenda is areport on December’ssecond blackbearhuntalong with adiscussion of possibly expanding the2026 hunt.

Then, theseven-man commissionwill take up setting this year’sprivaterecreational redsnapper season along with daily creellimits, and vote on any amendments to the2026-2027 resident-game, migratory bird andmigratory waterfowl seasons.

Other agenda items include:

n Consider anotice of intent to change bass and sac-a-lait regulations in the Saline-Lartocomplex;

n Consider resolutions adding “acquiredproperty” to the John Franks, Sandy Hollowand Salvadorwildlife managementareas;

n Hear apresentation on thenew Geaux Volunteer Portal;

n Areport from legal counselonpossiblelegislation in the forthcoming Legislative session.

The meeting’saudio/video stream will be available via Zoom webinar

Reddickon pole chasing history, SVG

Driver looksfor 3rd straight win, but vanGisbergen has been ruling road

BY JIM VERTUNO AP sportswriter

AUSTIN, Texas Shane van Gisbergen wassodominant on road courses last season than many had looked at NASCAR’sfirst road race of 2026 like it wasalready settled: SVG in arunaway Hold on.Tyler Reddick’s pursuit of racing history may yet have asay in that.

Reddickearnedthe pole positionfor Sunday’srace at the Circuit of the Americas as the winnerofthe Daytona 500 and again last week at Atlanta lookstobecome the first driver to win the first three races of the season.

VanGisbergen won five of six road races last season, andSunday’sracehas been teed up as afight between New Zealand’sroad wizard andhis 19-year-old Trackhouse rookie teammate, Connor Zilisch. But Reddick has history at COTA—hewon atripleovertime crash-fest here in 2023 —and has theconfidence of adriver whohas no plans to surrender races to anyone fornow.His win here in 2023 was his first withMichael Jordan’s23XI Racing.

“Ithelps thechances certainly,” Reddick said of Sunday’spoleposition.

“Starting up front is huge.”

But that was earned with speed over onelap.Beating van Gisbergen’sroad course mastery over the 95 laps of afull race is something else indeed.

“I just need to getas much of ahead start on him as Ican and try to stay ahead of him all day,” Reddick said.

VanGisbergen will start from 13th andhe’schasing his own history.Asixth consecutive road course winwould tie Jeff Gordon’s recordset from 1997 to 2000 andleavehim two shy of Gordon’scareer record of nine.

As dominant as he was on road courses last season, vanGisbergen didn’twin at COTA, aracetrack originally built for Formula 1.

He’d been expected to fight for pole but was well off the pace Saturday

Zilisch will start 25th and still figures to contend for the victory despite adifficult qualifying session. He made an impressive and fiery Cup Seriesdebut at COTA last year when he chargedthrough thefield

AfterSaturdayqualifying; race Sunday At Circuit of the Americas Austin, Texas. Laplength: 3.41 miles (Car numberinparentheses) 1. (45) Tyler Reddick, Toyota, 88.380 mph. 2. (1)RossChastain,

in the second stage before alate wreck knocked him out. “With Connor,it’sexciting. (He’s) apretty cool talentcoming into this level now, in thesameequipment,” van Gisbergen said. “It’sgoing to be good.”

Zilisch said he learned a lot from racing last year against SVG in the secondtier O’Reilly series, where he won four road course races last season. Zilisch won poleposition for Saturday’sundercard race with van Gisbergen right next to him

VanGisbergen won a head-to-head battle between the drivers in the O’Reilly series in Chicago lastyear when he pushed Zilisch into the wallonthe finalrestart Aweek later, Zilisch gotthe bestofSVG in another tussletowin at Sonoma.

“I feel like I’ve been able to run with himinthose,” Zilisch said. “I feel like personally Ican do it. But putting an entire race together,being consistent and not making mistakes Ifeel like Ihavethe speed to do, it but Ifeel like Ihave to run aperfect race to be able to beat him.I think everybody’srealized how difficult that is.”

Keselowski keepingHand

Brad Keselowski plans to race Sunday as he continues recovery from a broken right leg. He raced in Daytonaand Atlanta, butthe road course in Austinisadifferent physical strain. He’ll have sports-car ace Joey Hand available to step in if needed.

“It’sgoing to take alot forthattohappen,” Keselowski said.

“I’llhave to be either really slow,orreally in pain I’marace car driver,that’s what Ido.” Odds andends

VanGisbergen is the betting favorite (+100) to win therace, according to BetMGM Sportsbook Sunday will be the debut of the newhorsepower boostfor road courses this season, abump from 670 to 750, achange severaldrivers said should create more passing.

programs, tying, casting clinics &kayakdemos.Red Stick Fly Fishers event. Website: rsff.org

ANGLING FORAUTISM BASS

TOURNAMENT: Safe daylight to 3p.m. weigh-in, Doiron’s Landing, Stephensville.

Benefits Port City Enterprises. Call Moonie Bergeron (225) 938-2834 or KeithThibodaux (225) 938-0941.

HUNTING SEASONS GEESE/CONSERVATION ORDER: Through March 15, East &West zones. Limited to take of blue, snowand Ross’ geese only.Nodaily nor possession limits. Huntersallowedtouse electronic calls and shotguns capable of holding morethan threeshells.

AROUND THECORNER

MARCH 9—REDSTICK FLY FISHERS PROGRAM: 7p.m., BluebonnetRegional Library, 9200 BluebonnetBlvd, Baton Rouge.Open to thepublic. Email Brian Roberts:roberts. brian84@gmail.com. Website: rsff.org MARCH 11—BUGS &BEERS: 6:30 p.m., Skeeta Hawk Brewing, 455 N. Dorgenois St,New

Orleans. Casual fly tying. Open to public. Email A.J. Rosenbohm: ajrosenbohm@ gmail.com. Website: www neworleansflyfishers.com

MARCH 12—JUNIOR SOUTHWESTBASSMASTERS MEETING: 7p.m., Seminar Room, BassPro Shops, Denham Springs. Boys &girls agegroupbass tournaments for ages 7-10, 11-14 &15-18 anglers. Call Jim Breaux (225) 772-3026.

FISHING/SHRIMPING

SHRIMP: Fall inshore season closed in Zones 2&3& portions of Zone 1except Breton/Chandeleur sounds. Outside waters from Caillou Boca west to Freshwater BayouCanal closed. All other outside waters open. OPEN RECREATIONAL SEASONS: Gray triggerfish;flounder; lane, blackfin, queen and silk snappers &wench-

men among other snapper species; all groupers except closed for goliath &Nassau groupers in state/federal waters.

CLOSED SEASONS: Red snapper; greater amberjack; bluefin tuna; gag, goliath & Nassau groupers in state/ federal waters. Commercial greater amberjack season closed.

LDWF UPDATE

CLOSED: Hope Canal Road/ boat launch (Maurepas Swamp WMA, levee construction);Price LakeRoad (Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge) weekdays from March 2-20 (repair hurricane damage);Section of La. 975 through Sherburne WMAclosed through June 12, 2026 (replace bridge) access from U.S. 190 and I-10open. EMAIL: jmacaluso@theadvocate.com

Chris Buescher, Ford 87.718. 15. (5)Kyle Larson, Chevrolet, 87.703. 16. (48) Alex Bowman, Chevrolet, 87.678. 17. (34) Todd Gilliland, Ford,87.661. 18. (41) Cole Custer, Chevrolet

ROSEDALE

801 Rosedale Drive, (504) 309-9595

WednesdaySaturdaylunch and dinner,Sunday brunch and dinner

Changingof theguard

Here’sone wayto assemble agreat meal at Rosedale.

First, sharethe fried cauliflower with pepper jelly and crab boil aioli, which makes thenormally humble vegetable creamy,crisp, atouchspicy andtotally irresistible.

Now,cut into the shrimp Creolewith panéed eggplant for some finelywrought classic CreoleItalian, or samplethe curry with tofu and green Hatch peppers, aflavorful, meatless Southeast Asian-Southwest USA riff that’snot just avegan placeholder Ian McNulty WHAT’S COOKING

Then ask yourself what sort of restaurant you’re dining in after all. Each dish could have come from adifferent place, yet they’re together at acasual spot that defies aneat category Many regulars know Rosedale simply as aSusan Spicer restaurant, and that’senough. Over decades, they’ve come to trust the taste and famously high standards thathave made Spicer among the mostrespected chefs in New Orleans

Curry with Hatch peppersand tofu isonthe menuatRosedale.

Now,though, Rosedale is also increasingly an Allison Birdsall restaurant

This younger chef has been working withSpicer for years, and last fall she became executivechef and apartner in the restaurant.

It’spart of aslow-motion approach to retirement for Spicer who, at 73, has long talked about backing away from the daily demands of the business. What does theswan song look like for someone who loves her

Allison Birdsallplates food in the kitchen at Rosedale.

Aboudin Scotch egg is servedupatRosedale.

work and closely values what she’screated, but understands she’sapproaching anew chapter of life?

Rosedale right now is aportrait of alegend in NewOrleans food methodically navigating that turn. “Passing the torch” sounds too abrupt. It’s moreachoreography of two chefs engaged in an exchange of ideas, styles and energy as one prepares to leave her work in the other’shands.

“She was one Ilooked up to a long timebefore Imet her,” said

ä See SPICER, page 7D

BY JANRISHER Staff writer

When Elliot Hamilton’sface appeared in aSuperBowlcommerciallast month, no oneatthe Midtown Manhattan party where he was watching the gamenoticed. They weretalking aboutBad Bunny’shalftime show Hamilton, 31, hadknown the advertisement would air during the game, but he had no idea when. By thefourth quarter,hewas starting to suspect thatsomething had gone wrong. “Was Ilied to?” he wondered.

When the advertisement came on, it was the culmination of years of auditioning andnear-misses— his first commercial to airnation-

ARTS &CULTURE

Self-taughtartists,jazzphotosshine at newexhibits

Decades ago, before moving to New Orleans,Michael Burke

was furnishing aCatskills house with “the country eclecticlook” by hunting for trinkets and gadgets to display.But what started as a home project is now anew exhibit at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art.

Dave Walker

“Burke’sDelight” celebratesits namesake’srecent donation to the Ogden of more than 80 works from the American South by more than 50 artists, and represents aquest of 45 years (eventually joined by wife Stacey) of “snooping around” that brought the collectors to flea markets, galleries, auctions and into artists’personal spaces. The exhibit contains works by such notables of the genre as Bill Traylor,Sam Doyle and Nellie Mae Rowe as well as lesserknown artists.

He was first inspired by a2016 exhibit at the New Orleans Museum of Art called “Unfiltered Visions: 20th Century Self-Taught American Art.”

It “triggered in my brain, like wow,these guys, these people, don’t have any monetary interest in this,” said Burke, by trade a lighting technician for film and television, including many seasonsofthe “Law &Order” suite of shows.

“They felt the urge to create out of simple materials withno education in the process.They just made things.”

The result, over many years, wasastellar personal collection of “self-taught” or “outsider” art “‘Vernacular’ seems to be the educational term, but if Itell some friendsofmine that Ihavesome ‘vernacular’ art, they’re going to think it’slike something from the biology lab,” Burke said.

“Burke’sDelight: The Stacey andMichael Burke Collection” is on view through Jan. 10, 2027.

Thecollectingquest

As important as the collecting quest was how the Burkes collectedpersonal experiences with some of the artists, said Bradley Sumrall, Ogden’scurator of the collection.

“Michael Burke’sdelight was

Downbeat,

not onlybuying the objects, acquiring the objects, but it was living with the objects,” Sumrall said. “It was getting to know the makers of those objects. Andnow it’sgettingtosee the world enjoy and engagewith these objects.”

Burkesaid it’s very different than just going to agallery

“When you go on atripand you wind up meeting somebody, either by surprise or by appointment, you make aconnection,” he said. “And it becomes alittlebit

more real to me and not necessarily buying pieces for investment.”

Asub-exhibit collectsaselection of “face jugs,” ceramic vesselsrooted in centuries of history,that theBurkes have also donated to the Ogden.

“For an institution that’sknown for its collection of vernacular art, Michael’scollection filled out some holes that we had in it,” Sumrallsaid. “You know,some missing artists and some missing

elements of artists’ practice.”

Thejazzgiants

AnotherBurke-enabled exhibit, “Herman Leonard: Images of Jazz,”isonview through July 12, 2026. Leonard, who called New Orleans home in the 1990s and early 2000s, captured smoky, heroic photographic portraits of jazz greats made primarily in the middle years of the last century His portraits of Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald and others, comefrom aportfolio the photographer produced during his New Orleans years. Earlier andlater,hespent other years in Ottawa, NewYork City,Paris, Ibiza and Los Angeles.

Burke came to know Leonard thenand acquired acopy of the portfolio, which holds 30 prints and is one of only 30 produced. It was while visiting Burke’s home to collaborate on the “Burke’s Delight” exhibit that Sumrall, who’d had aposter of Leonard’sDexter Gordon portrait in his first post-collegiate apartment,spied the portfolio.

“I was sitting in his living room, and we were going over some

MUSEUM CALENDAR

n March 1isthe final daytosee the exhibit “Nicolas Floc’h: FleuvesOcéan, Mississippi Watershed” at the NewOrleans Museum of Art. noma.org

n At 5:30 p.m.Thursday(March 5), The Newcomb ArtMuseum at Tulane will host areception forits spring exhibitions, “The Moss Mystique: SouthernWomen and Newcomb Pottery” and “Making HerMark.” newcombartmuseum.tulane.edu

n The exhibition “Gálvez and Louisiana’sRoleinthe American Revolution” opens March 8atthe Cabildo. louisianastatemuseums.org.

n From 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. March 11, the Historic NewOrleans Collection will offer an after-hours event themed to its exhibition “A Vanishing Bounty: Louisiana’s Coastal Environment and Culture.” hnoc.org

n Author Rick Atkinson will present afreelecture, “The TwoGreatest Generations: Fromthe American Revolution to WorldWar II,” at 5:30 p.m. March 12 at The National WWII Museum.A4:30 p.m. reception will precede the lecture,which will be offered in-person and online nationalww2museum.org

n The National WWII Museum will host the symposium “Patton: Man of War” on March 13-14. It will take place in-person and stream forfree online.nationalww2museum.org

notes of whatwehad looked at that day and what might be available for donation,” Sumrall said. “And Iglanced over on the floor, and against the wall there was Herman Leonard’sportfolio. (Burke) waslike, ‘Yeah, you want it?’” “Now they’re all going to be framed,” Burke said. “They’ll all be up, and everybody can see them and enjoy them.”

Dave Walkerfocuses on behindthe-scenes coverage of the region’s museumshere and at www.themuseumgoer.com. Email dwalkertp@gmail.com.

Royal revelations!

n Dorians

Whereas the Krewe of Dorians recalled Helen of Troy,“this face that launch’d athousand ships,”attheir annual bal masqué, the visage that was hailed was that of the radiant queen, Miss Lucie Ellann Williamson,daughter of Mr GeorgeTaylor Brodnax Williamson Jr and Mrs. James Russell Kelly Jr., and stepdaughter of Mr.Kelly Jr The pageantry unfolded in the Orpheum Theater on aThursday evening, a change from past years Yetanother change was the appearance of anew ball captain, who acquitted himself with Carnival panache. Radiant, as well, were the royal maids, Misses Marché Marie Beals, Suzanne Marie Brown,Taylor Lee Elliott, Colleen Marion Lee Fowler,Lydia Rice Greene Sloane AlexandraPaysee (Caliphs of Cairo queen), and Sophie Lucille Temple. Aquartet of ladies-in-waiting included Misses Francois Lolol Beals and Catheryn SporlElliott, younger sisters of court maids, and Anne Frances Kellogg and Elizabeth Collins Koppel.Another foursome rounded out the courtaspages: Masters Wyatt Bryson Boyd, Jack WinserHumphreys Janke, Christopher Michael Hodnette Jr and Hunter Crutcher Collins Meade.Messrs. Alan Guy Brackett, Christopher Seldon Mann and Charles Frederick Seemann III served as court committee chairmen.

Lucie Williamson

Last year,the Dorians crown wasworn by Miss Emma Claire Morton,daughter of Mr and Mrs. John Flood Morton IV More ladiesof note were those seated in prominent boxes, such as the royal mother, MollieKelly,who chose an antique gold-colored gown with asweetheart neckline and an overskirtin Mikado satin twill, and Mrs.Andrew Buckley Lapeyre,whose daughter Miss Vivienne Claire Lapeyre held the Dorians scepter in 2022. Another daughter,a twintoVivienne,was in attendance: Miss Martha Grace Benedict Lapeyre,the Olympians majestyof2022. Joining them, as well, were Mrs.TheodoreJoseph Borgman Jr and Mrs. RobertStephen Lapeyre. In 2011, Mrs.Bret Alden Clesi smiledasthe mother of amonarch,who reigned as Miss Victoria Aylett Clesi.Her married name is Mrs.Matthew Brian Mazzarell.

Applauding all the lively pomp was Ms. Edna Krentel Greenbaum and Mmes.Thomas GeorgeKrentel,GaryNeilKrasnow,Matthew Thompson Palmer,John BolognaKrentel, Jerome FrancisKrentel, Chester Philip Gelpi, David Edward Maheu,Jason Lawrence Pitard, Mitchell Dennis Roniger,GeorgeTaylor Brodnax Williamson, GeorgeDavey Talley Jr., James William Kolbe, Norris Bringle Williamson, Joseph ThomasHamrick Jr., Gavin Hodges Guillot,William MasonAlexander III, Jason William Adriance, Adolph Charles Suhren III, John Roache Cook IV, andMisses Maclin Williamson and AbyDixon Hamrick,the 2016 queen. Additional former queens present were Mmes. Martin Peter Pospisil (Taylor Lauren Schmidt, 2005), GeorgeWogan BernardII(Katherine Konrad Lagarde, 2003), Chad MichaelWaldrup (Amelia Elizabeth Cook,2002) and MichaelAntonio Caballero (Katherine Anne Cook, 2006). Many worethe krewe favor of aDoric ship created by the 1983 majesty, Missy Reynolds of ClothildeDesigns. Katie Rafferty designed theball invitation and program. All admired the Doriansking andher majestyLucie, who processed regally to the music of the Jimmy Maxwell Orchestra,led by RobertMaxwell. Suzanne Perron St. Paul designed the regal robe thatfeatured layersofbeadedlace, diamond white silk satin and sheer organza to create an hourglass silhouette with apeplumdetail. Flanking the ball at the Orpheumwerethe Queen’sReception and breakfast,both at theNew OrleansCountry Club. King cake capped breakfast fare, Thibodeaux’sFloral Studio embellished the premises, and the show band, BRW, packed the floor with “Brown Eyed Girl.”

Christopher

Jr.,

Janke,

Royalty seems fleeting in its one night of consummate glory,but memories never fade. Queen Lucie repeated all nightlong how honored she was to be tapped to rule andhow happy she was to share therevelry,and her role, with dearest family and friends.

n Mithras

Named for the mighty god of the Sun, Mithras, the impressive eponymousball unfolded in the NewOrleans Sheraton. It celebrated the Japanese cherry blossom,sakura, and fashioned the ladies’ pin accordingly.The greater celebration was that of royalty and Miss Caroline LeBon Henry, daughter of Mr.and Mrs. Gerard Edward Henry,regaled those assembled at the invitation of the High Priests of Mithras as the 2026 queen. All eyes beheld her in aresplendent gownby Suzanne Perron St. Paul that wasdesigned with layers of lace, silk satin, silver tulle, and silver arced and scalloped lace. Her majesty’sequestrian passion wasincorporated into the floral pattern of the lace with subtle motifs, such as horseshoes. Maids to queen Caroline and their parents were Misses Cameron Sinclair Andrews, Mr.and Mrs.Todd MichaelAndrews; Emma Rose Baumer,Mr. and Mrs. Kristen Michael Baumer;HazelKathryn Drury, Mr.and Mrs. Lloyd L. Drury; Susan SledgeEllis, Mr.and Mrs. John Cothran Ellis; ElizaBrandonFavrot, Mr.and Mrs. TimothySemmes Favrot; Anita Gillum Gorman, Mr and Mrs.Alan B. Gorman; Lillian Lair Hooper,Mr. and Mrs.Andre vonKurnatowskiHooper;Caroline Grace LeBourgeois, Mr.and Mrs. Charles ClaiborneLeBourgeoisJr.;Meredith LaurenMason, Mr.and Mrs. MichaelG.MasonSr.;AnnabelKatherine McCarthy, Mr.and Mrs. MasonH.McCarthy; Caroline StaplesPicou, Mr.and Mrs. David Louis Picou; BrookeColemanReiss, Mr.and Mrs. James J. Reiss III; Lucie Ellann Williamson, Mr George Taylor Brodnax WilliamsonJr. and Mrs. James Russell Kelly Jr.; and Charlotte SydneyWirth, Mr and Mrs.Adam RoyWirth. Six of them, Misses Favrot, LeBourgeois, Picou, Reiss, Williamson and Wirth, wore crowns of other krewes this season. Masters Williams BrandonFeirn,Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Charles Feirn,and AlexanderCharles NavarroJr.,Mr. and Mrs. Navarro,were the dutiful pages. The Jimmy Maxwell Orchestra delivered the musical message. Sighted in special seating weremonarchal mother, Melissa Henry,who chose aCostrallos gowninhues of blue with 3D appliqued over layers of tulle; her majesty of 2025 Teresa Mallard Brewer, daughter of Mr.and Mrs. Craig WrenBrewer;and Mmes. J. Ryan Acomb,William Ryan Acomb,William Anderson III, Duncan Brown, Patrick Christovich, James Christovich, BenjaminArnold Dupuy,Reiss Eagan, Scott Geary, Eric Hoffman, B.R.H. Jacobs, Gordon Kolb,MichaelSchmidt, Daniel Sullivan,Todd Thompson,Andrew Todd, Graham Wogan, DavidKepperJr.,H.Merritt Lane III,Travis Rachal, Jack Smallpage,AndrewHovet, Moylan Feild Gomila, John Werner,JohnCharpentier, and Miss Carter Macdiarmid. Also, royal grandmother Mrs.William Earl Hudson,and Mmes. Robert LeslieSuggs, Paul Andre Connolly,Charles Neils MonstedIV, Murray AndrewCalhoun, MichaelPatrick Cook, Peter Lawrence Freeman, and LyntonGuy Cook. And, MissesLucile McGlinchey Monsted and Emily Marie Campbell. As it is with manyofthe Carnival organizations, aspecial toast was raised to queen Caroline and her court at alovely reception in the NewOrleans Country Club prior to the ball. “Hear! Hear!” was the salutation.

After the delights of the masked ball, a supper in the Sheraton featured decorations of white alstroemeria topiaries; afull Asian-themed dinner buffet(with passed biscuits and sliders) and the rollicking notes of the BucktownAllstars. His majesty,who savored every minute of his reign, and queen Caroline entertained ahost of compliments. Her words of appreciation resonated. “This is such an honor forme,” she said. “Mithras has been so important to my family.” And now,toher

Williams Feirn, Charlie

Queens of Carnival gather formemorableluncheon in Rex Room

The former queens of Carnival gatheredrecently in the Rex Room of Antoine’sRestaurant fortheir annual Mardi Gras merriment. Seated in frontare Tatum LadyReiss (2025) and Adelaide Wisdom (1953). Seated, from left, are Creevy Clay,Delia Lane Hardie, Lulie SmitherMcDonald,Claudia Fitz-Hugh Kelleher,Flora Fenner French,Anne Charbonnet Goliwas, CharlotteSmallpageSapir,Cammie Kock Mayer, Annie SarpyPhillipsand Katherine Saer Duncan. Standing areShelbyWestfeldtMills,Kate Ballard Werner,Lynn Favrot Nolan, Mary StewartSmallpageBailey, Elinor Spicer Bright, Katherine Waters Gelderman, Liz BurkeLandry,ElizabethKelleher Roberts, AshbrookeTullis,Adair FreemanParr, Tina FreemanWoollam, Anna LeCorgne Schaefer,Evie Gomila, MarleyEastman Le Bourgeois, Ellie Brent Montgomery, KatyReily Roubion, SarahJane Freeman, CarrollGelderman Zimmer,Nina Griswold Fitch Ransdell Grace Prieur, KatherineHaygood Saulsburyand Nina Sloss.

Comus queens gather for Mardi Gras merriment

The queens whoreignedoverthe Mistick KreweofComus balls of yesteryear were fêted recently at aqueens’ luncheon. Seated are, fromleft, Winkie Sinnott Monsted,Carolyn Crusel Wogan, Helen Wisdom, MaryScott Westfeldt McKinnon, CarolynCrusel Caindec,GracieJenkins (2025), Ellen Simmons Ball, GraceHoefer and LindseyPowellVodanovich. Standing are

MuffinLabouisse Adriance, Kathleen Kelleher,LibbyGrace Hoefer,AnnePhillipsZiegler,AlstonMontgomeryKerr, Anne Lykes Woodard,LilySaer Tufts,Virginia Freeman Rowan, Anne Kock, DorothyBall, Sara Schmidt DeJarnette, ElizabethSmart Wooten, NinaGensler and SandySmitherHaygood

Past queens of Elves of Oberon gatherfor luncheon at Ralph’sonthe Park

The former queens of the Elves of Oberon gathered recentlyatRalph’sonthe Park for aCarnivalseason luncheon. In the front row, seated from left, are Katherine Hanemann Wade, MaryBurkeBaker,Catherine Barry Thompson (50year queen), Sarah Elizabeth Fitzpatrick (2025 queen),Nicette Gensler Goodier,KendallGoodier Hales. In the second roware Elizabeth Brown Soslow, MaryChaffe Brooks, SallyChapman Johnson, Mary Brooks Allen Rodrigue, MaryKostmayerSchwing,Mary Elizabeth Ives Henry, Tipping Ellis Metzger,Barbara Geary Diano, Katherine GraceWalshe, Marcelle d’AquinMeyer, Marguerite ConerySchmidt, Bradley Alpaugh Friedrichs, Ann Claire Kallenborn, Isabel Strong Schmidt.

PROVIDED By ELVES OF OBERON

Knights of Momusqueens hold2026luncheon at CountryClub

PROVIDED By KNIGHTS OF MOMUS

The Momus Queens’ Luncheon was held at the NewOrleans CountryClub on the afternoon followingthe annual Momus ball. Shown in attendance area, front from left, Adair Friedrichs, Alice Parkerson (50-year queen), Catherine Monsted Norville, Nancy Eaves, Eliza Favrot(2026 queen)and Ruth Maginnis Blum. Secondrow areDorothy Lyman Redfearn,Anne Strachan,Susan AndryMilling,ShelleyDevlin Kurtz and Morrell Trimble Corle. On thethirdrow are Sarah Sumrall, Annie Fowler Sarpy, Susan Baldwin Gomila, Margaret KostmayerCharbonnet,ElizabethBaldwin Hefler, Julie Kahle Domingue and Elinor Dupuy

KreweofHermes queenscelebrate 2026 Carnival with luncheon

TheHermes past queensluncheon was held at Antoine’s Restaurant recently during the Carnival celebrations. Shown seated are, from left, Suzanne StewartKessenich,MaryJeanGabler,Frances Stall Smith, BeverlyWaltherDevier, Chickie Springer Martin, Patricia FitzgeraldSimpsonand Jennifer VanVrancken Dwyer.Standing areEmily Cara Valentino, Tessa Martinez, Emily Elizabeth Davis,ShelbySanderford Dabelich, Barbara Batt Claiborne,Constantine Elena Rodriguez,Mari-OfeTumminello, Lisa LongLainhartand Jan Gabler Cranfield.

PROVIDED By PROPHETS OF

Queens for Prophets of Persia ball hold centennial celebration

Former Prophets of Persia queens celebrated the organization’s centennial with areception at the Ernst-Dildyhome. Front from left, are Ann-MarieHeslin, Patricia Hopkins Price, Margaret CountissHarbison and Margaret Farris Adams. Second roware Dixie Tucker Madigan, Robin Marlette Burck, Nina Margaret Farris, Deborah Curry Reily,Emily Straub Duke, Marigny Ernst Dildyand Louise Lyell Lampton. Third roware MaryCrosbyWhealdon, Alison Susanne Rodriguez, Greyson Haddad Brown and FlurryNormann yanez. Fourthrow are Elisabeth McNeill Gehl, Emilie Burns Rountree, Carolyn Francis Balmer and Suzanne Burns Revelle Next are Cameron Kinnett Strayhan, AdeleMichaelis Ralston, Ana Coutin Martin, Ashley Tufton Deleryand MaryKathleen Haase Luetkemeier.Inthe backare Helen Crosby Gibert,Carolyn Plough Saunders, Holly Sharp Snodgrass, Katie PaigeGardes (2025 queen),Spencer Page Olivia Harris, WhitneyKent Crawford, VirginiaDove Mitts and PamelaRichmond Burck.

Queens of Mystery gather for annual Carnival luncheon

The ladies whoreigned over the Krewe of MysteryCarnival balls in the past recently gathered at Ralph’sOnthe Park for aluncheon. In attendance were, seated from left, Karen Gardes, Danielle Calhoun, Jean Hopkins (50 year queen), EsméBenjamin and Lynne Gibbons. Standing are Claudia Powell, Laura Sanders, Karen Reisch, Cherry Phillips, Louise Schaeffer Charlotte Thomas, Jeanne Walker, Linda Diaz, Elizabeth Ramona, CeCe Nix and Gigi Mathé.

PROVIDED By KREWE OF MySTERy

BETWEEN THE PAGES WITH DR. MARC SIEGEL

Scalise among cases called ‘miracles’ in new book

Bestseller tells stories of divine, modern medicine working together

BY JUDY BERGERON Staff writer

Dr Marc Siegel offers three reasons why his book, “The Miracles Among Us,” was recently on The New York Times and Publishers Weekly bestsellers lists for seven weeks. First, it’s hopeful. Second, people like stories, and third, people can relate to these stories.

“The idea that miracles aren’t rare, that they’re more common than we think, that they are relatable, is very uplifting to people, and it’s also true,” Siegel said His years in the medical field don’t conflict with his belief in these inexplicable events, as Siegel sees the doctors and the divine working together in these situations, he said.

Siegel spoke by phone from New York, where he’s a clinical professor of medicine and practicing internist at NYU Langone Health, medical director of “Doctor Radio” on SiriusXM and senior medical analyst for Fox News.

The author devotes each of 16 chapters to a different “miracle”

subject, detailing, through extensive research and interviews, how divine intervention unfolded for that person. Among these stories are those of Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin’s cardiac arrest during a 2023 game, Dan Redfield’s traumatic brain injury and subsequent hemicraniectomy (removal of the front half of the skull) after a fall from a moving golf cart, and that of House Majority Leader Steve Scalise of Metairie.

Scalise was critically wounded by gunfire in a 2017 shooting during a practice for the annual Congressional Baseball Game in Alexandria, Virginia. He had a 10% chance of survival. Here, the author discusses the Scalise case, how different religions view miracles, how accurate the TV medical dramas are and why he

included prayers in his book.

This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity

What struck you as you interviewed Scalise about the shooting and its aftermath?

His courage and strength. His indomitable spirit. He’s a person of great faith in prayer He believes that people praying for him made a big difference. He believes the people on the field that got him off the field, into that helicopter, got the tourniquet on, got the IV and gave him fluids. And he arrives in the ER with a blood pressure close to zero and needing 50 units of blood.

He feels that that coordination of effort was divine.

In the book, you touched on the different religions and how they look at miracles. Would you talk a little on that?

The Catholic Church tends to define miracles as there is no other explanation but divine intervention.

But it’s not the only way to look at a miracle. Cardinal (Timothy) Dolan says to me that there’s also soft miracles where, if God’s hands are the hands of great physicians, that, plus an accumulation of coincidences, leads to a miracle that would be a soft miracle, where a personal God is present in the world.

That is incredibly uplifting to people the effects of prayer God choosing what miracles he wants to give. That’s perhaps a Christian point of view on miracles, but not a Catholic point of view It’s certainly the Jewish point of view on miracles, that God is present every day and makes his presence felt every

day in magical events.

I’ve had many conversion moments in my life, and many things occur that are unfathomable. Like the time in the ICU when I was a resident, when a man had been in a coma for three months, the family praying every day at the bedside. The man woke up when everybody had written him off, and we thought the family was crazy They’re saying, “Look, he’s moving. Look, he’s twitching. Look, his heart rate’s going up.”

We were just dismissive, and then the man walks out of the ICU and goes back to work.

What do you do when you are working alongside a doctor who doesn’t believe any of this?

I haven’t had that, because over 70% of doctors have faith and over 55% think they’ve seen miracles in their daily practice. But doctors don’t want to admit it because they’re afraid that people will see them as diluting their science.

Not a single physician has complained or come to me and said, “This is hogwash,” because I’m careful to distinguish what is a miracle, including science. It’s not instead of science, it includes science. It’s like saying, “Let’s value the preciousness of each human soul.” Doctors like that, because many of them, the vast majority, already believe.

What led to your including prayers in the book? And does a miracle have to come from a prayer, in your opinion, or through prayer?

Prayers are connected to miracles, but not all your prayers are going to be answered the way that

you ask. I added that section because those are healing prayers. These are, for the most part, healing miracles, and I am a healer I see myself as a healer

We’re too ecumenical about it these days. We’re like, “We’re scientists.” But there’s no distinction between faith and science when you get inside the human body and see the incredible miracle of life itself. So I think the prayer section fits because it’s icing on the miracle cake.

How well do you think TV medical dramas are capturing accurately what happens in a hospital?

“The Pitt” is doing a good job, and I think “ER” did a pretty good job. I think “Grey’s Anatomy” does a pretty good job.

But here’s where they fall short: Drama always supersedes the differential diagnosis.

So something that’s unlikely if it’s dramatic enough, will appear more likely in a medical drama, whether it’s “The Pitt, or whether it’s “ER” or whether it’s “Grey’s Anatomy,” the drama supervenes. Anything to add?

If my book accomplished anything, it’s to teach people that there’s no separation between science and faith. That doesn’t need to be there. Most doctors will tell you they’ve seen miracles in their practice. Look at miracles as an accumulation of events that have a positive outcome — that creates a sense of hope and togetherness in our society at a time when it’s badly needed.

Email Judy Bergeron at jbergeron@theadvocate.com.

Mississippi author pens micro-memoir, ‘The Irish Goodbye’

Fennelly to teach class on unique writing style at workshop

BY RIEN FERTEL Contributing writer

“The Irish Goodbye: Micro-Memoirs,” by Beth Ann Fennelly Norton, 144 pages.

I love authors that swerve, those multitalented multihyphenates. Case in point, Beth Ann Fennelly, who started as a poet, publishing three collections of personal, frequently humorous verse that rank, in my estimation, as modern classics. She then published a compilation of epistolary essays on motherhood, “Great with Child,” followed by a novel, “The Tilted World,” co-written with her husband and University of Mississippi colleague, Tom Franklin In 2017, while serving as Mississippi’s poet laureate, she swerved once again, releasing “Heating & Cooling,” a collection of what she calls “micro-memoirs” short-form poetically informed often quite intimate prose. Years later, I can still recite a few of her punchier pieces, many just a sentence long.

She returns to the form in “The Irish Goodbye,” an as-always revealing book that finds Fennelly mourning family redefining relationships with old friends and posing for a naked self-portrait.

Fennelly will appear at the New Orleans Book Festival March 14, and, the day following, will lead a micro-memoir workshop with the New Orleans Writers Workshop This interview has been condensed and edited. What was the impetus for the micro-memoir form?

I confess it’s not anything I plotted out in advance. What happened was I had written a collaborative novel with my husband, Tom Franklin, and it was a pretty big project After it was published, I wasn’t sure what was going to come next. I thought, “Maybe I’m going to write my own novel now.” And every day I would go to my notebook, and I would wait for this big novel to announce its grand arc. Meanwhile, I’m scribbling little funny thoughts or a bizarre memory that I didn’t know why I remembered or something I’d overheard. At some point I looked at my notebook and thought, “OK, I don’t know what this is.” It’s not a novel, clearly It’s not essays. It’s not poetry But I’m having fun. And, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned to follow the fun.

So I thought of the word micro-memoir And when I thought of that word, it changed everything. It actually gave me permission, because now I had a thing to call it. It wasn’t that I wasn’t writing, it was that I hadn’t recognized what I was writing. I looked back at my notebook, and I realized I’d probably written a book already in there. I’m still finding out what this form has to teach me. When it comes to the observations you’re making, the act of recording, do you now immediately see things as micro-memoirs, or could they be poetry?

What I love from poetry is that extreme compression and abbreviation and lyrical thrust And what I love from fiction is creating a narrative arc and maybe suspense. And what I love from nonfiction is truth telling.

This form allows me to steal from those different genres and create this thing that takes the best of all three. Right

now, even though my training is in poetry and I love poetry and I do hope to return to it one day, I’m still just crushing on the sentence.

I love the idea of crushing on the sentence.

My whole life was organized around the line break. For someone who’s spent so much time balancing and thinking about the rhythm of the line break, it felt really liberating to stretch all the way to the period. And it allowed me to have a different ability to craft narrative.

Can you talk about the role of humor in your writing?

I grew up Irish Catholic in a very conservative neighborhood, going to Irish Catholic schools. It was a very, very patriarchal society Women didn’t crack jokes or seek the limelight. When I got to graduate school and I wanted to be taken seriously as a poet, I thought at first I had to be very serious.

And what the serious poets were doing at that time was writing poems about Greek myths, like everyone had their Odysseus poem or whatever And so I thought, “OK, I want to be taken seriously, so I better write my Odysseus poem.” And I don’t give a (expletive) about Odysseus. It took me a while to find my voice and give myself permission to think, “I don’t care if anyone else thinks this is interesting or important. I think it’s interesting. I think it’s important.” I stopped forbidding myself from having this quirky worldview and just telling it like I saw it. And when I started doing that, I felt for the first time like I was writing in my own voice. I’ve gotten more me since then. What do you think the micro-memoir can offer the writing community at large, whether that’s established writers or writers who are just starting out?

I’m teaching a class in the micro-memoir for the New Orleans Writers Workshop. One thing I really love about the micro-memoir is what a teachable form it is. It’s kind of low stakes and doesn’t come with a lot of pressure. Sometimes I work with senior citizens, and they want to write their life story for their grandkids, but they don’t know where to start. So I’m not saying you have to write your whole life story, I’m saying let’s write this paragraph. Then they can do it. They can write another one and another one — these little pieces start adding. I’ve done it with school kids who have learned from their phones that their attention span is approximately 36 seconds. And I can get something good out of them So I have found it to be a really teachable, joyful form. It helps me help people who feel the urge to write and who need it to be made a little more user-friendly

Rien Fertel is the author of four books, including, most recently, “Brown Pelican.”w

Birdsall. “And now here we are cooking shoulder to shoulder.It’slikebeing able to play with arock star.”

Wine dinnersand collabs

Found down aside street of thesame name, Rosedale is thenicest neighborhood joint imaginable.

It’scasual and affordable enoughfor anytimemeals.Yet in sourcingand qualityofingredients,inthe cocktails and its wine selection,itpunches much above itsweight.

Many of the entrees are sandwiches, even at dinner,and these are excellent (especially the meatloaf sandwich and cochon de lait po-boy).But thedaily specialslistisalwayslengthy and loaded with surprises,including dishes you’d expect at ahigh-end bistro

Rosedale also hostswine dinners, just about monthly, when itsin-house sommelier Michelle Gueydanbrings in prominentwinemakers fromaround the country.They work with Spicerand Birdsall for events thatcan makeRosedale feel like aone-night tastingmenu restaurant.

One such dinner in January, featuring Napa cult producer White RockVineyards,was ashowcase for the way the two chefs work together now.Anoyster stew for one course was classicSpicer, a local standard donetothe Platonic ideal. Another course from Birdsall brought trumpet mushrooms cookedwith bone marrow butter,a lusty and original treatmentofafarmersmarket harvest.

“Collaboration has alwaysbeen my favorite part of workingwithpast chefs and sous chefs. It’s good to stay open to things,” Spicer said.“Toomany cooks can spoil the broth,but two chefs, the right chefs workingtogether,can make it better.”

For Spicer,the right chef turnedout to be one she helped shape. Aprotégéesteps up

Birdsall grew up in Louisiana bayou country,inCut Off, andcamethrough the Chef John Folse Culinary Institute at Nicholls State University. Shestarted hercareer working in classicFrench and modern Italian restaurants (if you remember the magnificent roasted carrotpizza at Domenica from adecade ago, that washer creation).

When she saw Spicer at an industry event, she did not miss hershot. She explained her passion for cooking, andSpicer invited her to apply at Rosedale. She became chefdecuisine in 2018. She left fora few years to start acateringbusiness, but felt the call to return.

“This restaurant pulled me back in,” Birdsall said. “The type of food, the local customers, it’sthe perfect restaurant to me.”

Themenu is increasingly ablend of their respective styles, and chefs’ collaboration is also about transmitting lessons in kitchen leadership.

“She’s aperfectionist,” Birdsall said of Spicer.“It takes tenacity andkeeping on people but also you have to understand it’snot criticism, it’sabout growth, it’s getting themwhere they need to be.”

From Bayona to Rosedale

Rosedale is filled with character and quirky design touches. That includes vestiges of the property’shistory as a

police precinct house (onerestroom still looks very much like aholding cell). The bar has atavern feel. Atable on the leafy patio feels like dining in thecountry Walls are covered with memorabilia from Spicer’slong career and photos of people who have intersected with it.

Spicer grew up in Algiers andstarted cooking in restaurants in the 1970s, including an influential early apprenticeship withthe master French chef Daniel Bonnot at the Louis XVI, along-gone French Quarter restaurant

In 1990, she opened her first restaurant,Bayona, with business partner Regina Keever.This is where she became aleading voice in modernNew Orleans cuisine, with apioneering approach that broke themold of local dining with much broader sweep of global influences. In the years since the pandemic, Spicer began stepping away from Bayona,devoting her time to Rosedale. Eventually she sold her share of Bayona to her former business partner; she’snolonger involved withthat restaurant. At Rosedale, Spicer started looking for people who could gradually takethe reins. There was no obvious heir apparent. Her stepson worked with her for awhile, before he chose adifferent career

“I had to find the right people who want to know what Iknow to hand things over to,” Spicer said.

Thelonggoodbye

Jonas Owens, whoworked with her at Bayona in its earlier days, joined the Rosedale staffand afew years ago becameapartner.Hemanages the restaurant now,though this has been a collaboration too.

“She’svery protective of what she built and puts her nameon,” Owens said. “She had to push through alot as awoman in the business when she was getting started. Ithink she looks for that drive in others. She wants people to be engaged and to challenge her.” Spicer doesn’thave afirm timeline forretiring fully.She discusses her current status like someone whohas set boundaries forherself while carving out plenty of exceptions. She doesn’t work nights anymore. Notusually,anyway,unless there’sawine dinner,aprivate event or afunction around town, in which case she does.

At lunch, she frequentlysteps out of thekitchen to visitwithlongtime customers who have become friends. Thenshe’s back at thestove, working up theirorder.

“My favorite part of it is still being a line cook,” Spicer said. “Cooking food, and knowing people are enjoying it, and getting to see that in your restaurant. I love that. That’swhy I’mstill here.”

TRAVEL

Make themostofyourPTO withoutfeeling guilty

BY JESSICA PUCKETT TravelPulse (TNS)

Workers in the United States arenot greatabout taking paid vacation days, due to an array of factorslikebeing overwhelmed by heavy workloads and feeling guilty for taking abreak.

But 2026 can be different if you know the right way to plan and focus on adjusting your mindset. That might feel like anear-impossible taskfor some, according to the numbers.

Nearly aquarter (24%) of U.S. workers took no paid time off in 2024, even though 82% of employees have PTOtouse, saysarecent survey fromFlexJobs, aplatform that helps workers find remote and hybrid positions.

“Even when PTO is technically available, many workers still don’tfeel comfortable usingit,” says Keith Spencer, acareer expert at FlexJobs. “Heavy workloads, fear of falling behind, lack of coverage, and pressure to be ‘always on’ can make stepping away feel risky.There’salso the concern abouthow time offwill be perceivedorwhether it unintentionally signals alackofcommitment or reliability.”

According to the survey,43% of workers said their workload was

TRAVEL TROUBLESHOOTER

By ChristopherElliott

too heavy to justify time away, while 29% of respondents said they felt too guilty or too much pressure to appear committed to their jobtotake avacation. Furthercomplicating matters are unspoken workplacecultures against taking PTO, ongoing economic uncertainty in the U.S., and concerns about job security, which can allmake “PTOfeel like aluxury rather than aright,” Spencer says.

But with theright planning and communication, it’spossibleto maximize paidvacation days and minimize guilt

Thefirst step to quieting that judgmental voice is to try to considerpaid time off the same way as asalary

“It helpstostartbyreminding yourselfthat PTO is acore part of your compensation package, not afavor your employer is granting,”Spencer says. “It’sthere to

be used and taking regular time off is associated with betterfocus, creativity,and long-term resilience at work.”

Justasthere are documented workplace benefits to taking time to unplug andregroup,there are professional downsides to never taking time off.

Employees who skip their PTO can experience burnout and declinesinproductivity,according to Spencer

“Whenworkers recognize that time off actually supportstheir long-termperformance, it becomes easier to advocate for it,” he says.

Another way to minimize guilt is to makesure coworkers are prepared for the time away from the office.

Telling amanager and team about the time offasearly as possible,making acoverage plan like naming aspecific point of contact while away,and trying to finish up anymajortasks before heading out can help bring peace of mind during vacation.

Being strategic withthe allotted time off can help maximize vacation days in 2026. To get the most from days off, plan to group PTO with federal holidays that might be company holidays, too.

Delta Air Lines, forinstance, hasahelpful guide on how to use this strategy to take 18 days of PTO and turn them into 61 vacation days in 2026 by grouping them with weekends andfederal holidays.Somepeople may or may notbeable to stretchtheir vaca-

tion days that far,depending on the holidays different offices observe. For example,Delta counts VeteransDay andColumbus Day as potential company holidays, but manyoffices remain open on those days.

If travelersdoget Veterans Day off, the airline suggests adding twoPTO daysonto theholiday, whichfalls on aWednesday in 2026, to stretch it into afive-day break, including one weekend. The timing would be ideal fora fall shoulder season trip just before Thanksgiving travel begins. For alongertrip or international vacationin2026, the airline’splan suggests taking nine days of PTO from June 19 through July 5to incorporatetwo federal holidays —Juneteenth (Friday,June 19) andFourthofJuly (whichison aSaturday butwill be observed on aFriday this year) —plus two weekends, for atotal of 17 days off.

Delta’soutline also recommends using threePTO days during Thanksgiving 2026 to bridge the gapbetween the holiday itself (Thursday,Nov.26) and the two surrounding weekendsfor atotal of nine vacation days from Nov 21 to 29.

Taking three or fourwellplaced PTO days in December can stretch Christmas —which falls on aFriday thisyear —into an 11-dayvacationfromDec. 24 to Jan. 3bycombining vacationdays with weekends and NewYear’s Day, whichwillbeonthe Friday following Christmas in 2026.

HollandAmerica wantsanother $800 afterpayment

Irecently booked aseven-dayCaribbean cruise on Holland America

Ipaid $650 for averanda stateroom, courtesy of an MGM casino certificate. An agent verbally confirmed the booking,and Igot azero-balance invoice.Then Holland America changed the price to $1,450 and told me to pay$800 more or lose my cabin.

citing an internal mix-up with MGM. If the agent miskeyedthe certificatelevel, that’sonHollandAmerica —not you.

taken ascreenshot of the confirmation page as proof of your purchase. And you could have roped MGM into this, to get thecompany to pressure Holland America to do the right thing. When the stonewalling started, youescalated exactly as Irecommend. Youaskedfor supervisors,

kept every email, and finally copied the cruise line’s chief commercial officer,its senior VP of guest services and itspresident. You’ll find the direct contactsfor all the Holland America executivesonmyconsumer-advocacy site,Elliott.org. Ialso reached out to Holland America for you. A representative called you, apologized and reinstated your original obstructedview veranda for the $650 you already paid. Holland America also threw in a $200 in shipboard credit. I’m happy this is resolved, but it shouldn’thave taken all of these escalations for Holland America to help you. But in an age of increasing automation, apparently that’swhat it takes. Christopher Elliott is the founder of Elliott Advocacy, anonprofit organization that helps consumerssolve their problems. Email him at chris@elliott.org or get help at elliottadvocacy.org.

Christopher Elliott

I’ve begged supervisors to

Youfollowedthe script to resolvethis. Youaccepted aquoted price, paid in full, received written confirmation, then made downstream plans. HollandAmerica, meanwhile, followed adifferent script:Blame the

BY RACHEL MIPRO Contributing writer

Howdid Westwego’s name come about?

The small city of Westwego sits along the west bank of the Mississippi River within Jefferson Parish. Onereader’s question: How did Westwego get itsunique name?

The area was first knownfor a bustling maritime industry.The Louisiana Legislaturechartered the Barataria and LafourcheCanal Company to dig out achannel, in an ambitious project carried out in the 1830s. The companydug achannel to Bayou Segnette, and through extensions in other lakes, channels andbayous, made anavigable waterwaythat ran all the way up to what is now present-day Morgan City

When the company madeits way to BayouLafourche, alock was built, creating the Company Canal waterway.Maritime workers, drawn by trade, becamefamiliar with the area.

But Westwego owes its name

and television roles.Hestill works weekends at aBrooklyn restaurant that specializes in Southern food. During the week, he coaches youth baseball. He buys and resells baseball cards for extra money He performs stand-up comedy five nights aweek, mostly at open mics. He runs ashow at Freddy’sBar and often performs at O’Keefe’s Bar &Grill, Halyard’s Bar and Young Ethel’s—all in Brooklyn.

“In acting,” he said, “you audition for like 8billion things and never get anything —and then something just appears.”

The Super Bowl commercial washis second national advertisement, butthe first one he shot never aired.

Toughchoices

Hamilton graduated from Episcopal School of Acadiana in 2013 and earned an economics degree from Loyola University NewOrleans in 2017.

Acting, for most of that time, lived in the background.

He had always liked performing. As achild, his mom says he was unusually verbal. He memorized the presidents andcould recite them to acrowd. He enjoyed performing. Then, somewhere around middle school, sports took over MarkBroussard, his high school baseball coach at Episcopal School of Acadiana, said that during the Super Bowl advertisement, he first recognized his former student’svoice and then he realized it was Hamilton on television.

Hamiltonisgrateful for his time on the baseballfield —despite it taking him away from theaterand performing.

“In junior high and high school, if you do anything other than sports, kids make fun of you,” Hamilton said. “So, Ileaned into that.”

He was part of his small high school’stheater productions, which were directed by Kat Surratt Movassaghi. She says she loves seeing former students pursuing paths of the arts in today’sworld.

“I always knew there was something special about him on the stage. He had adry wit and good comic timing,” Movassaghi said.

Despite his ease on the stage, Hamilton chose to major in economics at Loyola and didn’treturntoacting until his senior year,when he took atheater elective He auditioned for acampus play and landed the lead

“Allthe theater kids were like, ‘Who’sthis econ major getting the lead in our play?’”his father,Dr. Scott Hamilton of Lafayette, said For Elliot Hamilton, getting back on stage felt less like adetour and more like a correction.

“I remembered how much Iliked it,” he said. “I was like, why did Iever get away from this?”

Making things work

After graduating from Loyola in 2017, he took ajob

STAFF PHOTO By SOPHIA GERMER

Asign on Louisiana Street marks theSalaville Historic District in Westwego

and population increase to later developments— namely the growth of the railroad industry a few decades later.New Orleans native JohnChurchill Chase gave an account of thesettlement’s history in his book,“Frenchmen, Desire, Good Children and Other StreetsofNew Orleans.”

The New Orleans, Mobile & ChattanoogaRailroad, by 1870, hadcompleted aline to Mobile. Thecompanydecided not to go onto Chattanooga, instead turning

in accounting in New Orleans. He worked in an accountingfirm for fouryears while quietly auditioning for independent films and small roles in New Orleans, where thefilm industry was boomingatthe time.

He signed with an agent. He auditioned constantly.

Nothing landed Then, in 2021, he booked arole in an Amazon series thatwas set to shoot in New Orleans. On his first day on set,productionshut down because ofCOVID exposure. Soon after,helearned his scenehad been written out.

“Itwas really devastating,” he said. Twoweeks later,hebooked asmall role in AMC’s“Mayfair Witches.” That onedid film.Itwas enough to convince himthe grind might lead somewhere. After he wasfiredfromhis accounting job, he leaned further into acting and performing

He began waiting tables in NewOrleans— and the

westward, aiming for Texas. The western division of thecompany, known as the New Orleans, Mobile &Texas Railroad, started looking for suitable sites for this westward line.

They needed to build aterminus withall thetrimmings, docks, wharves and infrastructurefor a railroad ferry.A plantation was purchased for this purpose and renamed Amesville. Disappointment struckwhen Amesville was discovered to have an unstable riverbank, unsuitable for transportationand construction purposes.

Anew site had to be found.

The area near Company Canal, with its steady riverbank, rose to theoccasion. The Westwego terminus was built there, and by 1871, construction on awestern line began.

Local stories have several versions of the naming process for this terminus. Oneofthe more popular versions attributes the nametorailroad conductors shouting “West-We-Go,”asthe

money was good.Thenhe moved to New York in 2022, chasing broader opportunity He says thefirst few months in theBig Apple felt like an adventure. He clicked with the pace of life immediately

“Every day Igot up, Iwas excited,” he said. “You don’t know what’s going to happen, but it’sgoing to be interesting.”

Embracingthe hustle

Elizabeth Fournet Hamilton, his mother,describes her son as positive and hardworking.

“He auditions every day,” she said. “He hasn’tgiven up.”

Like many parents, she hopesher sonwillone day buy ahouse andsettleinto financial stability. As parents, theHamiltons have watched their son navigate the ups and downs of the arts with surprising tranquility

“He doesn’tmind the uncertainty,” she said.

Elliot Hamilton acknowledges theinstability.Act-

trains took off westward. Chase has adifferent theory: New York board directors.

“It grew out of aseries of meetings of the railroad’sboard of directors in faraway NewYork,” Chase wrote. “They had purchased ahuge plantation, only to find it useless forterminus purposes. …When the recommendationscame in from the engineers that the Company Canal was suitable, it was with great relief that they voted, “Then westwego from here!”

In 1872, one of the earliest documented newspaper uses of the namewas reported in The TimesPicayune.

“The New Orleans, Mobile and Texas Railroad have completed and have in operation their main stem from Westwego, distant from Canal street about five miles on the opposite bank of the river, Donaldsonville,” the Times-Picayune reported on July 19, 1872.

While the terminal namecaught on quickly,“Westwego” the city

ing pays well when the jobs come, he said, but the challenge is never knowing when that will be.

“I don’twanttobestuck just workingside hustles forever,” he said.“But Ialways have confidence that I’ll figure it out.”

Work has neverintimidated him. As ateenager, he spent summers working at his grandfather Howard Fournet’sChevron station on JohnstonStreet in Lafayette —pumping gas, patching tiresand cleaning theservice bay in the heat

From7 a.m.to5 p.m., six days aweek.

“It taught me alot about being hot outside in the summer,” he said withalaugh. His mother’sbrother,Brian Fournet, ranthe service station.Itwas theFournets —his mother’slarge, lively and loud family of storytellers— whoshapedhis instinctsonstage.

“The only way to gettheir attention is if you tell agood story,” Elliot Hamilton said.

took timetobuild.

Sensing an opportunity in 1892, entrepreneur Pablo Sala bought a tract of land on the lower side of Company Canal. He split the land into 162 plots, naming the whole area “Salaville.”

After an 1893 hurricane wrecked the nearby fishing community of Cheniere Caminida, manyCheniere refugees bought plots and moved into the area, drastically swelling the area’s population. Residents knew the area by the Westwego terminus and the nameofWestwego became the common way to reference the settlement.

The name was formalized in 1919, when thearea was incorporated as the“Village of Westwego.”

Do you have aquestion about something in Louisiana that’s got you curious? Email your question to curiouslouisiana@ theadvocate.com. Include your name, phonenumber andthe city where you live.

“They all talk over each other.Ifyou don’thook them, they won’tlisten.”

That lesson translates easily to stand-up comedy

Afterthe camerascut

Sincethe Super Bowl,he has been testing the story of the unnoticed commercial at open mics. It usually works. Still, he admitsitfeelsawkward. He’snot completely comfortable talking about the experience.

“It feels self-congratulatory,” he said. “Like, ‘Hey Iwas in aSuper Bowlcommercial.’”

In reality,the momentwas less glamorous than it looked from afar.Atthe party in Manhattan, he eventually had to tell friends what they had missed. They pulled up the commercial on YouTube and replayed it.

He still appreciates the element of surprise.

“I think it’s morefun if your face just comes on the screen andpeople have no idea it’sgoing to,” he said.

He knowsbuilding acareer todayisnearly impossible without the likes and follows. The industry,he knows, now runs on visibility. Social media followers matter.Short clipsmatter. Recognition matters. Even still, Elliot Hamilton appreciates the other indicators of success.

“As long as Ifeel like I’m making progress, I’mcomfortable,” he said. Most viewers saw him forafew fleeting seconds duringthe SuperBowl.The rest of the work—the auditions, open mics, restaurant shifts and coaching sessions —continues long after the cameras cut away Back home in Louisiana, they noticed. Elliot Hamilton grew up in alarge, loud Louisiana family where stories competed forair andattention hadto be earned. In New York, on small stages and in crowded audition rooms, he’sstill earning it.

TODAYINHISTORY

By The Associated Press

Today is Sunday,March 1, the 60th day of 2026.There are 305 days left in the year

Todayinhistory:

On March 1, 1961, President John F. Kennedy signed an executive order establishing the Peace Corps;since its establishment, more than 240,000 Americans have served as Peace Corps volunteers.

Also on this date:

In 1872, President Ulysses S. Grant signed the Yellowstone National Park Protection Act, making Yellowstone the nation’sfirst national park.

In 1932, Charles A. Lindbergh Jr., the 20-month-old son of Charles and Anne Lindbergh, was kidnapped from the family home in New Jersey.(Remains identified as those of the child were found two months later; Bruno Richard Hauptmann was convicted of murder in the case in 1935 and executed in 1936.)

In 1954, four Puerto Rican nationalists opened fire from the spectators gallery of the U.S. House of Representatives, wounding five members of Congress.

In 1966, the Soviet space probe Venera 3crash-landed on the surface of Venus, becoming the first spacecraft to reach another planet. However,Venera was unable to transmit any data back to Earth because its communications system had failed

In 1971, abomb went off inside amen’sroom at the U.S. Capitol. The radical group Weather Underground claimed responsibility for the pre-dawnblast, which damaged the building but caused no injuries.

In 1974, seven people, including former Nixon White House aides H.R. Haldeman and John D. Ehrlichman;former Attorney General John Mitchell; and former assistant Attorney General Robert Mardian, were indicted by agrand jury on charges of conspiring to obstruct justice in connection with the Watergate break-in. (These four

defendantswere convicted in January 1975, thoughMardian’sconviction was later reversed.)

In 2005, Dennis Rader,the churchgoingfamily man accused of leadinga double life as theBTK serial killer,was charged in Wichita, Kansas, with 10 counts of first-degree murder.(Rader later pleaded guilty andreceived multiple life sentences.)

In 2007, atornadooutbreak in the Southeast U.S.killed at least 19 people across Alabamaand Georgia. Oneofthe tornadoes toppled aconcrete wall at ahigh school in Enterprise,Alabama, killing eight students.

In 2014, amass stabbing by menwielding knives and machetes atarailway station in Kunming, in southwest China, left at least 29 people deadand 130otherswounded.Authorities blamed a militant separatist group for the attack and said fourofthe suspects were shot dead.

In 2024, thousands of mourners bidfarewell to Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalnyata public funeralinMoscow,two weeks after his unexplained death in an Arctic penal colony. Navalny had been jailed since January 2021, when he returned to Moscow to face certain arrest after recuperatinginGermany from nerve agent poisoningheblamed on theKremlin. Today’sbirthdays: Rock singer Roger Daltrey is 82. Actor Dirk Benedict is 81. Republican Sen.Deb Fischer of Nebraska is 75. Filmmaker Ron Howard is 72. Actor TimDaly is 70. Hockey Hall of Famer RonFrancis is 63. Filmmaker Zack Snyder is 60. Actor Javier Bardem is 57. Basketball Hall of Famer Yolanda Griffith is 56. Basketball Hall of Famer Chris Webberis53. Actor Mark-PaulGosselaar is 52. Actor Jensen Ackles is 48. Actor Lupita Nyong’o is 43. Popsinger Kesha is 39. Pop singer Justin Bieber is 32. NFL wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase is 26. Actor Izabella Alvarez is 22. Actor Sawyer Sharbino is 20.

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Creepy mansplaineroutdoes himself

Dear Miss Manners: Iamafemale student,and Ihave asituation where amale classmate inappropriately chimes in on personal conversations. For example, Iwas asking my friends about atype of bra, and later that day,this classmate followed me to my car and gave me atutorial about bras. The crazy thing is he didn’tseem to notice thatIwas very uncomfortable. So I didn’tsay or do anything about that situation, and now today,hechimed in again. Iwas talking with my teacher about severe cramps and vaginal pain, and he jumpedinthe conversation to explain why it’shappening.

Ineed to know how to tell this person he’sbeing inappropriate and needs to stop. He does these things to other people, as well, and none of us know how to handle it

GentleReader: The fact that he is following you to your car is more concerning to Miss Manners than his choice of subject.She recommends you focus on that needing

Dear Heloise: Alot of people use white boards to makelists and notes. Butdid you know that you can use dry-erase markers on your bathroom mirror?

to stop and avoidthe trap of telling him that women do not wish to hear aman’sopiniononwomen things. Of course it is irksome, but would it not be worse to have him explain to youhow you would feel if the situationwere reversed?

Better to have your personal conversations out of his earshot —but not before pointing out that aman ought to know better than to follow awoman to her car

Dear Miss Manners Adirector at my place of work sent out asystemwide email inviting everyone to a baby shower forher daughter,who does not work here, never has, and no one here knows her,except by name.

The shower is scheduled fortwo hours, during work, in one of the roomsatmyplace of employment. Many of us are baffled by,first of all, the use of the companywide email system (that very fewpeople have access to) forsuch astrange invitation, and second, the fact that she somehow thinks this is appropriate.

On occasion, we have had departments host brief showers forpeople who do work here, but have never done so for grandparents, aunts,

etc. Making people further uncomfortable is that, because of her position, she has influence over many of us. Are we overreacting? Should we attend this event to protect our jobs, or should we politely decline due to our workload and hope she realizes how tacky this all is? To the best of my knowledge, managementhasn’tsaid anything to her, because she acts as if everything is perfectly fine.

Gentle Reader: This is awild overreach on the director’spart and an abuse of both the facilities and the people whoreport to her But before you go tattling on her to management (which is indeed tempting and warranted), Miss Manners suggests you bring it up to her delicately —asking if there might be abetter place to hold the event that does not utilize company resources or involve people her daughter doesn’tknow If your colleague balks, then you mayconsider going to HR or management. They probably already have arule in place that guards against such practices.

Email dearmissmanners@gmail. com.

open. Ihave been cutting the foil around the pill into about half-inch squares that fit into my SundaySaturday pill holder

It’seasy to jot notes on the mirror while you’re gettingready for theday,and more than likely,you will be back in that same bathroom throughout theday to see your notes. Additionally,you can write inspirational notes toyourself on the shower wall above where thewater hits. —Karen McV., via email Blisterpackmishap

Dear Heloise: Ihave ahint that might save someonealot of unwanted pain. Ihave aprescription drug that Itake once aweek. It comes in a blister pack and is very difficult to

This seemed like agood idea until Ididn’tsee the squares under the other pills in one of the daily sectionsand tossed everything in my mouth as usual to swallow with somewater.Immediately,the sharp edges of the blister card began cutting into my throat! Itried to swallow more water,not realizing that the foil-covered pill was in my mouth.

It then slipped over my windpipe, andIstarted to choke, not being able to breathe.

Running to the kitchen sink, I folded my body over the edge and mademyself throw up. When Isaw theblister card in the sink, Istarted to cry.Inever imagined that Icould pop my pills withoutseeing the blister card.

So, this is my warning: Never cut

out asection of pills that is smaller than 1inch, whether it’ssquare or round. Make sure that you keep these pills away from daily ones. It madefor ascary momentfor my husband and me. —Patti W.,inThousand Oaks, California

Anti-dampnesspackets

Dear Heloise: Iread Erika B.’shint about storing vitamins in the refrigerator.I use the anti-dampness packets that come with my prescription meds. They workgreat with my gummy medications and vitamins. If they are safefor our prescriptions, then they are definitely safefor over-thecounter meds. Ialso use them in any dry dressing mixes or seasonings that tend to clump together once opened. —Priscilla W.,via email Sendahinttoheloise@heloise com.

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

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

When you’re comparingplans ...

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

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

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

Medicare doesn’tpay for dental care.1

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

Early detection canprevent small problems from becoming expensiveones.

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

Previous dental work canwear out.

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

Treatment is expensive— especiallythe servicespeople over 50 often need.

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

“Medicare&You,” Centersfor Medicare& Medicaid Services,2025. 2 “Aging changesinteeth and gums”, medlineplus.gov,4/17/2022. 3 FairHealth, Inc. National average dental fees.Datacurrent as of July 2025;subject to change

“Absolutely love” “I absolutelylove my dental insurance. My dentaloffice files the claims,leaving me with very littlebalancetopay.” DorothyP TN

HOWLOUISIANA IS BECOMING ADATACENTERDESTINATION

BY STEPHANIERIEGEL Staff writer

When Facebook parent company

Meta announced plans in December 2024tobuild amassive artificial intelligence data center in rural northeast Louisiana,the state’seconomic developmentchief, Susan Bourgeois, predicted the deal, now estimated to cost$27 billion, would attract other big data centers to thestate. Those statementsnow seem prescient. Earlierthisweek, Amazon Web

Services announced it wouldbuild a $12 billion AI data center across three sites in the Shreveport area.

Twoyearsago,manypeople in Loui-

siana had never heard of AI datacenters,muchless knewwhatthe airportsized warehouses full of computer servers looked like or did.

Now,the state has two big ones on the way,including oneofthe country’s largest, Meta’sHyperion near Monroe. Athird one, partially backed by Google, is planned for asite in West Feliciana Parishnear Baton Rouge.

Thedeals illustrate how Louisiana has landed on the radar of the tech companies and real estate developers racing tobuild AI datacenters, aconstruction boom expectedtoexceed $700 billion this year alone.

Butthe AI datacenter arms race is competitive andincreasingly controversial. Louisianaisn’tamong the top 10 fastest-growing states for new data centers, alistthat is topped by Texas and Virginia. And somecritics question whether thepromised jobs are worththe lucrative state incentives

or the potential strains they could place on local power grids and water resources.

“These things are popping up everywhere,” said Laurent Withycombe Keeler,anassociate professor at Arizona State University who studies data centers. “The Beltway is the front-runner,but there’s increased interest in Texas, Illinois and Indiana, and the mountain westbecause of the hospitable climate.”

Twodecades of trialand error in theindustryhavehelped owners and operators calibratetheir offerings based on what remote workers, freelancers andentrepreneursare lookingfor ä See DATACENTER, page 2E

Pandemic cooled co-working industry,but newspacessurging

BY RICHCOLLINS Staff writer

On arecent weekday,construction workers were installing fiber optic lines beneaththe plywood subfloors in a1960s-era building at the corner of St. Charles and Louisiana avenues. The crew was hustling to completethe renovation of aformer medicalbuilding that soon will house New Orleans businessman Chris Reade’snew venture aco-working space named 1538, whichwillfeature private offices, shareddesksand alargecommon area with comfortable seating, astocked barand plenty of light from floor-to-ceiling windows.

Reade is counting on demand for theseoffices and amenities andthe ample parking beneath theraisedone-story structure— to make his$1.8millionpurchase of the property and an extensive renovation pay off.

Lately,he’snot the only one in Louisiana making thesame bet. The 20-year-old co-working industry,which experienced major growth in the late2010s before apandemicslowdown,isascendant again —and evidence canbeseen across thestate. Last week, TheShopatthe CAC announcedplans to opena second location in downtown New Orleans

Regus employees meet at the company’s PlaceSt. Charles co-working location. Regus is abrand of the International Workplace Group that opened several newcoworking spaces in Louisiana last year and now has 15 total in the state.

Pulling out the stops

States poised to emerge as data center hubs are those with lots of available land and sources of cheap power, both of which are available in north Louisiana Another factor, according to industry researchers, is a lack of organized opposition, which can slow the permitting and approval processes.

“What attracts data centers is speed to market,” said Ning Lin, an economist at the University of Texas. “So, they go to places that have abundant power, land and the ability to ramp up quickly.”

The Meta deal in Richland Parish, which came together in a matter of months, is an example of how Louisiana pulled out all stops to woo the tech giant to a state-owned cornfield in tiny Holly Ridge.

State officials quietly changed a bill about broadband access into a sales tax exemption on computer equipment — which Meta had said was a must letting only a handful of legislative leaders in on the deal and forcing them to sign nondisclosure agreements in the process.

Bourgeois says the law change was key to winning the deal.

“Without doing the sales tax exemption during the session in 2024, none of these conversations would have happened,” she said It also helped that the state already owned 1,400 acres of shovel-ready farmland, which had been marketed by economic development officials for years after an unsuccessful attempt in the early 2000s to attract an auto manufacturer to the site.

Entergy, which struck a deal with Meta to build three new natural gas plants to power the site, was also key

“These facilities are going up quickly, which means three to five years, so they want to know they can get power and get through permitting,” Keeler said.

Economic development officials say the Meta project has already

CO-WORKING

Continued from page 1E

Independent operators have recently opened new facilities in Baton Rouge and Lafayette And International Workplace Group, a global provider of short-term offices, co-working spaces and meeting rooms, is expanding its operations in the state.

Two decades of trial and error in the industry have helped owners and operators calibrate their offerings based on what remote workers, freelancers and entrepreneurs are looking for And now big companies like Amazon and JPMorgan Chase are buying into the co-working concept as well.

Last month, the Wall Street Journal reported that co-working has rebounded from its pandemic downturn, with its U.S. footprint growing from 115.6 million square feet three years ago to 158.3 million square feet. Co-working businesses now occupy 2.2% of U.S. office space, up from 1.7% three years ago. For Reade, who previously owned a co-working facility in the Bywater called Club Discovery, this new project is a chance to put an empty building back into commerce and, he hopes, bring in more income than if he rented to just one tenant.

As the leader of a mostly remote software team, he’s also looking forward to the company

“I wanted an office again,” Reade said. “I thought I could work from home after selling the last building, but I couldn’t. It’ll be nice to have a lot of people around.”

Co-working turns 20

The modern co-working industry traces its roots back to the early 2000s in San Francisco, where a software engineer opened what is considered one of the prototypes of the modern shared office space. Copycats followed, offering small offices or desks that users could rent for a fee that also enabled them to access common areas, kitchens, conference rooms and basic business services. Furnished and staffed executive offices that could be leased for short periods had been a thing for years, but they didn’t come with the amenities and programming designed to support the freedom of freelance with the community of a traditional office. The idea spread across the U.S. and Europe, with the high-profile company WeWork leading the charge. But the pandemic disrupted the office market, and the co-working industry stumbled as customers canceled contracts and operators struggled with long-

Gov. Jeff Landry, center, speaks at an event Monday at Shreveport Municipal Auditorium in Shreveport announcing Amazon’s plans to build data centers in Caddo and Bossier parishes.

spurred economic activity in the area, driving up sales tax collections, doubling the number of new building permits issued in a year, spawning new housing and hotels and attracting new air service to the Monroe Airport. The biggest proof of concept,

however, is the Amazon deal, which Bourgeois said would not have happened had it not been for Meta.

“Meta was the catalyst,” she said. Keeler said that’s because data centers tend to cluster

The Rigs coworking space at The Batture has about a dozen private offices, some with views of the Mississippi River, and nearly 50 members who share desks and other amenities. The facility was developed by

term leases.

WeWork itself went from poster child to cautionary tale. In 2018, the company bragged that it occupied more Manhattan real estate than anyone else. Five years later, its leaders declared bankruptcy

The controversial startup never made it to New Orleans, but the city had its own co-working pioneer: Launch Pad, which opened in 2009 in the Warehouse District and for a few years “served as the heartbeat of our city’s first tech generation,” according to New Orleans tech executive Patrick Comer Launch Pad moved to another location in 2017 and closed in 2020 as the pandemic and other factors took their toll.

In the years since, as employers and employees have embraced remote and hybrid work, co-working spaces are finding what appears to be a more stable niche.

“People thought we could all work from home, and we were silly to think we needed offices,” said Ann Olsen, director of co-working at The Shop. “Then we started to understand all the points of creativity and sharing that you’re missing by working in your kitchen, and a new understanding of the

value of co-working has emerged.”

In New Orleans, there are heirs to what Launch Pad started.

The Shop, which debuted in 2017, has 500 or so members, including the growing software company Copado. Club Discovery, which opened in 2019, was rechristened last year as a co-working space for nonprofits in the Bywater where a larger workspace called The Warehouse has attracted more than 100 members. The Green House in Mid-City offers lush environments inside and out, and Maroon on St. Charles offers perks and support for entrepreneurs along with the advantage of being just on the edge of downtown.

Open since 2024, The Rigs at the Batture has a dozen or so private offices plus shared workspace in two renovated structures that were one part of active oil rigs in the Gulf. Members have views of the Mississippi River and access to ample outdoor space. Creating communities

Reade isn’t the only entrepreneur in Louisiana combining coworking facilities with his own office space.

In Baton Rouge, tech entrepre-

said.

North Louisiana, by contrast, is sparsely populated and has struggled for decades to diversify its largely agricultural economy Rob Cleveland, head of Grow NELA, the regional economic development organization, said data centers are an important piece of a puzzle that is paying off.

“We have so much activity in this region and so many eyes on us,” said Cleveland, who pointed to seven potential industrial projects that are also in the works. “They’re all sizes, from $50 million to $1 billion, and they’re not all in Ouachita and Richland parishes.”

He predicts the deals will come to fruition in the next 12 months. Making it work for everybody

It’s hard to say how many more data centers will be developed in the next few years and where Louisiana fits into the larger picture.

“Also remember,” Lin said. “It’s happening so fast Not all of the mega campuses will be 100% delivered.”

“There are some transaction costs that are lowered when you already have one data center,” she said. “Community support or opposition can be more easily understood and you have figured out how to access power All of that eases barriers to entry.”

Cons and pros

Whether Louisiana should focus its economic development efforts on attracting more AI data centers is a question some policymakers and environmental advocates are now asking. Data centers are increasingly controversial because they can disrupt communities, drive up utility rates and draw heavily from local water supplies.

Some states and municipalities are pushing back against them.

Bourgeois has said the state is not putting all its eggs in the data center basket. South Louisiana’s economy is still primarily dependent on the energy and petrochemical sectors. Because of its climate vulnerabilities, it isn’t suitable to house data centers anyway she

Still, given the expected growth, Lin and others who study the industry say it’s important for communities to educate themselves about what data centers can bring to an area and ensure they are extracting meaningful concessions from developers if they decide it’s worth pursuing them.

“Data center demand is real, and there are pros and cons,” Lin said. “Communities need to align their interests with the data centers and know what they can ask for, and what their options are.”

Contracts between data centers and communities, called Community Benefits Agreements, are increasingly common and important, Keeler said, in creating better deals.

“A community can put a floor on salaries, require job training for workers, establish special funds for projects like parks,” she said. “And it’s OK to ask for what feels like a lot. It’s not a lot for these data centers.”

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

neur Matt Adler opened Studio Cowork last year to make additional income and have a lively place to work.

“I feel most productive when I have other people to talk to,” he said.

He gave his rented space in the city’s downtown a face-lift to make it more inviting and comfortable. Now, it features shared space, one private office, semi-private desks, lounge areas and a creative studio space with photography, video and podcast studio.

“Someone might come in on a weekday and make all the content they need for the next couple of weeks,” he said. His business joins Creative Bloc, Spaces, The Brewery and other active co-working concepts in the capital region.

In Lafayette, marketing and branding veteran Jaci Russo opened a co-working hub last year in her downtown building. She sells access by the day, week, month or year to co-working desks and private offices as she competes with other Lafayette co-working options, including Trendy Spaces.

“We’ve already paid for the remodel, and now it’s a profit center, even with new places opening constantly,” Russo said.

In New Orleans, attorney Jade Brown-Russell is trying new things this year to grow Maroon, her 4-year-old co-working space near the Pontchartrain Expressway Her offerings include a podcast area, several lounges and a conference room. She rents private offices to clients that include a barber, whose customers add to Maroon’s foot traffic. And the space hosts meetings, parties and special

events.

This year, Brown-Russell launched Kinfolk Coffee, a coffee shop that’s reserved for Maroon members now but will soon serve the public.

“People are looking for social spaces,” Brown-Russell said. “If they’re going to come and sit at our space for work, we want to make sure they don’t have to leave to find coffee or food.”

Not just ‘beer pong, happy hours’

The independent ventures are joined by options from national and international companies, including Regus, a brand of the International Workplace Group that opened several new locations in Louisiana last year and now has 15 total in the state.

To industry vets, the investment demonstrates that co-working is more than a trend and it has room to grow

“People think it’s just for startups interested in beer pong and crazy happy hours, but that’s not true,” said Olsen. “Companies that have been established for over 100 years are embracing it.”

Mike Siegel, president of Corporate Realty, who focused much of his career on the traditional office market, believes co-working is here to stay

“It’s a way to quickly get space without a long design and construction process, and without having to deal with a lease negotiation or order furniture,” he said “Office building owners are now looking at whether they do it themselves or bring in third parties to lease to and let them do it.”

Email Rich Collins at rich. collins@theadvocate.com.

TALKING BUSINESS

ASK THE EXPERTS

Solar deal fuels growth for St. Landry’s Noble Plastics

BY ADAM DAIGLE Acadiana business editor

Q&A WITH MISSy ROGERS

When Missy Rogers left LSU with a degree in mechanical engineering almost 40 years ago, she went to work at Texaco. Back then most engineers found jobs in the petrochemical industry

While that’s still primarily the case, Rogers, now CEO of Noble Plastics in Grand Coteau, is optimistic about the potential for new employment in the state’s manufacturing sector, which has grown significantly since the pandemic and is poised for more in the coming years. It ranges from the massive Hyundai steel plant in Ascension Parish that will employ 1,300 to the First Solar plant that went online in Iberia Parish at the end of 2025 and will employ about 700.

“With the (Mississippi) river, the ports and the local energy production, there are a lot of reasons Louisiana should be a much bigger player in the manufacturing space,” said Rogers, who has headed Noble Plastics for 25 years.

“We have tens of thousands of skilled craftsmen who have really perfected the building of things. I think it’s not just good for America it’s good for this region of Louisiana.”

The number of manufacturing jobs across the state has bounced back since the pandemic, with gains in Acadiana particularly strong. The sector topped 20,000 jobs in the region in the second quarter of 2025, the first time that’s happened since the fracking boom in 2014.

Last fall, Noble Plastics announced an $8.5 expansion after landing a deal to make precisionmolded plastic components for First Solar The business that’s housed in an unassuming building

just off Interstate 49 will also add 29 jobs to its current staff of 65.

In this week’s edition of Talking Business, Rogers talks about her custom plastic injection molding company’s expansion to supply solar panel manufacturer First Solar, how it meets its workforce needs and her role as chair of the board at the Federal Reserve Bank in New Orleans. This interview has been edited for clarity

Tell me about the First Solar deal.That’s 29 more jobs and 15,000 square feet that is being added to your building to accommodate their business.Will this be a transformational deal for you?

It’s a good 25-30% expansion, and we love that. What we love more is this is a company that puts its words to action. They are spending in the community They want their whole ecosystem to thrive. They want uniform companies, plate lunch companies and day cares.

You see that it’s a genuine commitment to American manufacturing to rural communities.

How did you all initially get connected with First Solar?

We have a good reputation in the industry and find ourselves on some short lists when people start looking at manufacturing capacity and capabilities. What was very rewarding to my team is to know that they have a global supply chain organization. There’s a VP of this and a head of that and a commodities manager, and they all had to come down, and we were assessed and vetted So to be selected by them is a real honor and privilege for my team. Their machines are going to run pretty much 24/7, so our warehousing — which is five days a week — is going to go seven.

You’ve diversified from the energy sector like many other manufacturers in the region. Is that a lesson everyone has kind of had to learn?

It’s a part that I think the Acadiana region and Louisiana as a whole had to understand that solar or other green energies are not a threat to oil and gas. They’re too deeply embedded in the American lifestyle. You’re looking at a generation at least of primary oil and gas, energy consumption. So it’s not “or.” It’s “and.” And I think the more the state can say and the more Acadiana can say, “Now my clients are oil and gas and solar.”

You’re a small manufacturer with about 65 employees. Are there challenges for you to find employees? How are you finding qualified workers? We’ve had robot technicians who used to work retail at Dollar General. We have a quality inspector and assembler who used to work in the cafeteria at a middle school. We have people whose background maybe didn’t challenge them or their education didn’t expose them to opportunities for programming. Our traditional education doesn’t do a very good job identifying spatial skills One of our favorite ladies here spent her entire career in banking. She came here as a re-

Always Do the RightThing

tiree looking for a little part-time work. We put her to assembling product, and she loved it. It never occurred to her at any point in her young adulthood, midcareer or advanced career that she had a spatial skill and an attention to detail that would serve well in a quality control environment.

Are you still a unicorn of sorts as a female executive in the manufacturing sector? Or are more women leading companies now? Definitely more than when I started, for sure. Maybe there are two other female founders I can think of It tends to be a secondgeneration (thing), something that they’ll come to. They tend to be younger professionals, but that’ll change. You’ll start to see more and more female founders. It’s a capital-heavy business, and I think there’s a barrier to entry there for anybody who isn’t already either in the business or closely associated to the business. But we see women in every field now, and I would like to think that in another generation, you don’t even think about what’s traditionally male and traditionally female.

Tell me more about your role with the Federal Reserve Bank in New Orleans. That sounds like an opportunity to make a significant impact.

I am one of the appointees who is a director representing industry That helps the rest of us have a voice and a seat at the table for those larger economic things. I really feel like I represent the little guy at the table. There’s something to be said for little Noble Plastics being at the table and saying things like, “Hey guys, if these rates don’t come down, my workers, St. Landry Parish residents, are looking at how they can get into that next vehicle when this one dies. And if cars cost too much and the cost of financing cars cost too much, how are they supposed to make a living when there’s no public transportation service in a rural parish?” Email Adam Daigle at adaigle@ theadvocate.com.

Staff report

Businesses and nonprofit organizationsacrosssouth Louisiana recently announced the following honors and recognitions NewOrleans

TwoTulane University executives were recently recognized by RaganCommunications.

Kimberly Allen,seniorassociate vice presidentof university com munications and marketing, was honored in Ragan’s TopWomen in Communications, Class of 2026, in the brand storytellers category Carmen Sarduy,assistant vice president of marketing, was recognized in the brand marketers category as one of Ragan’sTop Women in Marketing for 2025.

The National Association of Criminal DefenseLawyers honored Calvin Duncan, incomingClerk of Criminal Court for Orleans Parish, and Baton Rouge attorney Jean Faria,the former state public defender and capital case coordinator for the Louisiana Public Defender Board, with aspecial recognition during the organiza-

Fool’sSchool: Don’t neglect estate planning

tion’smidwintermeeting in New Orleans.

TheW.K. KelloggFoundation Community Leadership Ne tw ork selected Kimberly Novod, founder and executiv e directorof th en onprofit Saul’s Light, for its 18-month fellowship curriculum aimedatfurtheringsystems transformation and improvingcollaborativeskills

Forbes named The Spiro Group at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management as No. 1in Louisiana on its list of Best-in-StateWealth ManagementTeams.

Press Ganey,ahealth care performance improvement company,recognized Avala as a2025 Guardian of Excellence Award winner The recognition means the Covington-based health network is in the top 5% of healthcareproviders in patientexperience among the more than 41,000 facilities that work with Press Ganey Meanwhile, Becker’s Hospital Review named Chief Nursing Officer JoyMelgar to its 2025 Chief Nursing Officers to Know list. BatonRouge HydrovacNewsnamed Walter Sheese,owner and managing partnerofAllwaste IndustrialServices, to its 2025 Hydro Excavation Industry

It’seasy to avoid thinkingand planning for death, especially when we’re still relatively young, but the Grim Reaper comes for young people on occasion,and for us all eventually.Get some estate planning done,and you can save your loved ones alot of hassles and perhaps alot of money,too. Death often triggers probate,

Leaders list. TheGonzalesbased company provides nondestructive excavation and industrial cleaning solutions.

Forbes named Woman’s Hospital as oneofAmerica’s BestMidsize Employers for thethird consecutiveyear. It was one of twohospitals in Louisianatomakethe list for 2026.

LSULaw will honor seven alumniwith its 2026 Distinguished AlumniAwards for their contributions to the LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center in the following categories: BenAguiñaga,Outstanding YoungAlumnus; Bill Corbett,Honorary Alumnus; Vance Gibbs,Engaged Alum-

nus; RichardIeyoub,Outstanding Public Service; Kean Miller,CareerChampion; Michael Pinkerton,Legal Innovator; and U.S. District JudgeJay Zainey, Service to theProfession.

Leaders for aBetter Louisiana, now in its 38th year, announced the 52 members of its class of 2026: Thad Angelloz,director of grants and communications,Greater Lafourche PortCommission; Lance Armentor,president and CEO, Opelousas General Health System; Abbey Bain, vicechancellorfor student engagement, LSU Alexandria; Elizabeth Bentley-Smith deputy commissioner for finance and administration, LouisianaBoardofRegents; Pilar Blanco-Eble,vicechancellor for advancement and executive directorofthe BRCC Foundation, Baton RougeCommunity College; Dani Borel,partner,Breazeale Sachse Wilson; Brett Brown,senior financial analyst,BRF; EddieButtross,vice president and commercial relationship manager,First Horizon Bank; David Carter,principal, Emergent Method; Justin Centanni,assessor, Lafayette Parish Assessor’sOffice; and Steven Ceulemans,president andCEO, BatonRouge HealthDistrict.

Also, Kalli Christ,CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Acadiana; Hardeman Cordell,president,Central Oil& Supply; Lyla Corkern,owner and CEO, Finding Solace; Martha Crenshaw,general counsel, RoyOMartin; Shannan Cvitanovic,executive director,Friends of New Orleans Public Library;

Anna deTiege,director of innovationcapital, Louisiana Innovation (LA.IO); MeganDuhon, director of economic development, One Acadiana; Karla Edwards,HRbusiness partner, Sasol; BobbyFruge,ownerand founder,Radix; and JillGalmarini,director of civic initiatives, Community Foundation of Southwest Louisiana. Also, Kate Griener,senior communityaffairs adviser,Woodside Energy; Judd Jeansonne,executive director,Volunteer Louisiana; Viveca Johnson,owner and clinical administrator, Forward Moving Counseling Services; ChrisJoseph Jr ,associate, Adams and Reese; Heather Kleinpeter,director of strategic projects, Corporate Mobile Housing; Deanna Lafont,parish administrator, Lafourche Parish Government; Ryan LaGrange,director of workforce development Lafayette Economic DevelopmentAuthority; Matthew Lee,member,BradleyMurchison; ChristinaLord,regional medicaldirector forthe officeofpublic health,Louisiana Department of Health; and JustinMarocco,partner, Jones Walker Also, Pamela Matassa,deputy chief administrative officer andcommunications director,Ascension Parish Government; Samantha McKee,assistant treasurer,Cleco; Ethan Melancon,government affairs director,Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana; Jennifer Messina,vicepresident of development, Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West; Kim Montie,executive director, Port of Cameron; BaileyMorse

chief legal officer,Louisiana Organ ProcurementAgency; Ana Nanney,vice chancellor for enrollment andstudentdevelopment,Fletcher Technical Community College; James O’Quinn,II,executive director Louisiana Troopers Association; Ryan Page,CMO, Coastal Conservation Association of LA;and Emily FenetParker,director of marketing, L’Auberge. Also, NgaQuinlan,partner and chief experience officer,Hippo Technologies; Paula Shepherd,executive vice president for health plan operations and technology,Louisiana Blue; Ronald Simpson,director of community engagement andpublic affairs, Ochsner Health; BlakeStanfill,executive vice president and COO, Finance New Orleans; ShannonWarren, campus president, Unitech Training Academy West Monroe Campus; Jesse Watson,director of community engagement and partnerships, Discovery Schools; Liz Webb Hebert,seniordirectorof business development, Surgery Partners, andLafayette CityCouncil member; Tifferney White,CEO, Louisiana Children’sMuseum; Matthew Woodard,chief financial officer,Hunt, Guillot and Associates; Tony Zanders,president and CEO, Nexus Louisiana, founder and CEO, SkillType; and Kristin Zatta,customer service manager,Entergy Do you havepersonnel changes to share or other ideas forour business coverage? Drop us aline at biztips@theadvocate. com.

thelegal process of administering an estate. It involves demonstrating that awill is valid, valuingand distributingthe deceased’s property, paying debtsand taxes, transferringtitles and more.It can bealengthy and costly hassle, sometimes leaving assets in limbo until everything is settled.

Check therules for your state, because you can probably bypass probatebytaking certain steps now,such as settingupalegal document like aliving trust. This lets you formally transfer assetsand properties to your heirs before you die. Youmight also designate“transfer on death” or “payable on death” beneficiaries on various financial accounts, permittingthe accounts’ assetsto pass directly to thebeneficiaries

Beyond Boundaries.

Thehealthcareindustryhas asingle constant:change.

As thefastest growingsectorofthe American economy, theindustryisalwaysinastate of change in responsetomacroeconomic forces,the public’s demandfor high-quality andaccessible health care,and fiscalconstraints.Wehelpour clients successfully navigateachallenging andconstantly evolving business andregulatorylandscape as they create,and respond to,new delivery models to meet thesenew challenges.

William H. Hines

Managing

on your death Above all, be sure that you don’t die “intestate” —without having prepared awill. Without awill, your estate will be handled according to government rules, with your assets distributed according to formulas, often involving court proceedings. To learn more, search for “estateplanning” at sites such as ncoa.org, nolo.com and aarp. org. Or check out books such as

“Nolo’sGuide to Estate Planning” by Liza W. Hanks or “Essential Estate Planning forBeginners: Protect Assets by Avoiding Probate, Reduce Taxes and Minimize Expenses, Ease the Legal Burden forLoved Ones” by Freeman Publishing. Also consider consulting an estate planning professional. Spend alittle timegetting your affairs in order.Revisit your plans now and then to see if anything needs updating.

LOOKINGBEYOND:

JonesWalkeron DigitalHealthcare Growth

Evolving LegalLandscape Shapes Digital Healthcare Innovation andCompliance.

Digitalhealthcareinthe United States is continuously shaped by acomplex patchwork of federaland statelawsand regulations.

Federallawsgovernprivacy,while federal agencies regulate medicaldevices and certainsoftware. Telehealth rulesvaryby state, though Medicare andmanystates have expanded coverage andlicensure flexibility,and oversightcomes from multiple agencies. However, challengespersist regardingthe regulation of AI,cross-state telehealth practices, cybersecurity, anddata notcovered by federallaw,sopolicymakers continue to pursue reformstoensure innovationaligns with patientprotections

Ourfirm is proudtohelpleadthe wayforward forLouisiana healthcare providersand supportcompanies as they undergo digitaltransformationand navigate this evolving andcomplex legal andregulatoryenvironment.

MADE IN LOUISIANA

State’s largest salsa maker looks to

BY JONAH MEADOWS Staff writer

Twice a year, things kick into gear at the 2 Sisters’ Salsa Co. plant in Avoyelles Parish

Over the past decade, the company has become Louisiana’s largest salsa producer, shipping the popular condiment to about 30 states. And its production schedule is determined by the tomato season.

“You can only get them at certain times of the year,” said Denise Ramon, president and new majority owner “So they’re picked, and we cook at that perfect time.”

That means Florida tomatoes in the winter and Indiana tomatoes in the fall.

During peak production 2 Sisters’ Plaucheville manufacturing facility operates 24/7, with a handful of employees working 12-hour shifts to produce 16,000 jars a day along a largely automated assembly line. Those jars eventually make their way onto the shelves of more than 6,000 grocery stores around the country

Earlier this year the company’s founder, Avoyelles Parish farmer Patrick Deshotels, sold 2 Sisters to Ramon, the company’s president and a longtime employee. She plans to grow 2 Sisters, which has revenues of between $2 million and $5 million a year, by focusing on e-commerce and building out the company’s private label business, or producing goods for other retailers under their own labels.

“People are focused on saving money but they still want the same quality product, and they’re looking for a ‘better-for-you’ product,” said Ramon. “A lot of grocery stores are going in that direction, and we can help fill that void with private label.”

Widespread distribution

2 Sisters’ makes its salsa from a handful of basic, raw ingredients: onions, jalapeños and cilantro. They’re dumped, along with the fresh tomatoes, into an automated washer and dicer, then loaded into 150-gallon kettles, where locally made Cajun seasoning is added.

Each kettle boils for more than two hours, producing about a thousand jars.

“The sauce is pumped through into these fillers, then from the fillers, there’s a feeder feeding jars,” Ramon said. “The lids are placed on them, torqued, then the label goes on them, and then they go in a box.”

The boxes are stacked on pallets with room for 1,200 jars each.

They await pickups from trucks, which distribute the salsa across the country

2 Sisters is sold in mom-and-pop retailers as well as regional and national chains — about half its sales come from the 1,000 Walmart locations that shelve its jars.

A crossroads

When Deshotels started 2 Sisters’ Salsa a decade ago, he wasn’t chasing a dream of becoming a

condiment baron. Rather, his garden produced too many tomatoes and he wanted to put them to use. He started experimenting with different salsa recipes in his kitchen before testing them out at local farmers markets From there, 2 Sisters — named in honor of his daughters, now students at LSU — began distributing to grocers and wholesalers, starting with Rouses Markets and eventually growing to include more than a dozen supermarket chains and warehouse groups.

The company now produces five salsa flavors and employs about 15 people, a third of whom are brokers who act as liaisons between the company and the retailers.

Late last year, Deshotels found himself with another kind of surplus — piloting his own small plane to sales meetings for his growing salsa company, while juggling

responsibility for 5,000 acres of soybeans, sugar cane, rice and crawfish.

“I just went through and said, ‘Look, my plate is a little too full,’” Deshotels said.

After a conversation with his wife, they decided it was time to sell.

Ramon, who started as a sales manager in 2018 and has been company president since 2021, bought a majority stake in the salsa company in February

The deal allows Deshotels to retain ownership of the plant through a holding company while Ramon owns 90% of the brand, including its recipes and intellectual properties.

The sale coincides with a redesign of the salsa’s packaging, which now emphasizes that it is “farm fresh” and has no added sugar

Room to grow

In 2022, the company completed an approximately $400,000 expansion that more than doubled the size of its production facility

Now it has the capacity to produce 5 million jars of salsa every year from the 17,000-square-foot complex.

“We still have the capacity to grow into the facility, which was on purpose,” Ramon said. “We sit on close to 10 acres of property, so there’s definitely room for growth as we continue to scale the brand, both in terms of the facility and the land.”

But Ramon hopes that an increased focus on e-commerce, combined with an expansion into the private labeling and food service markets, can help boost sales volume beyond the 1 million jar mark.

The company has already found some international distribution, launching in Costa Rica in 2024 and in Hong Kong earlier this year

The recent focus on e-commerce also includes partnerships with influencers and affiliates to increase awareness of the 2 Sisters’ brand in a very competitive category

“Back in the day, you stuck it on a shelf, put it there, and they will come,” said Ramon.

Not anymore. Now, you need to run in-store promotions and create a secondary location in the store with high-visibility displays. And, she said, brands need to ensure that their product can reach customers outside of the grocery store.

That means selling on Amazon, improving its own website and getting more involved in sales through social media channels like TikTok Shop.

“We definitely want to get incremental business, but we also want to use it for brand awareness,” she said. “If somebody is out of town and walks into a store, buys the salsa and loves it, we want them to be able to get online and find it.” Email Jonah Meadows at jonah. meadows@theadvocate.com.

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REMEMBERING NORMAN FRANCIS

March 20, 1931 l February 18, 2026

Reflecting on longtime leader and activist’s legacy Page 4

Remembering the life of Dr. Norman Francis Page 2

Friend. Mentor. Teacher. Community looks at his impact. Page 6

Saying farewell to civil rights icon, longtime

Xavier University president

BY JOHN POPE Contributing writer

Norman Christopher Francis, the president of Xavier University for 47 years who was a force for justice in classrooms and boardrooms at the local, state and national levels, died Feb. 18 at Ochsner Hospital. He was 94.

During Francis’ years as the leader of the country’s only Black Catholic institution of higher learning, the Gert Town campus grew from five to 16 buildings, expanding far beyond its original boundaries.

Because of his focus on science, Xavier became a university that consistently sent more minority students to medical schools than any other college in the country

“His impact is immeasurable,” said Dr Michael Francis, his son. “He would do anything for his family the Xavier family and the Louisiana family.”

Among those Francis welcomed to Xavier’s campus were the Freedom Riders, civil rights activists he housed in a dormitory in 1961 after White supremacists attacked them in Alabama; former President Barack Obama, who was Illinois’ junior senator when he delivered the university’s 2006 commencement address; and Pope John Paul II, who, during his September 1987 visit, spoke in the campus’ quadrangle to the leaders of every Catholic university in the country

“It was a great, great moment for Xavier,” Francis said of the pope’s visit in a 1997 interview

“That moment gave us a national presence.”

Francis’ years of service have been recognized with a slew of awards, including 42 honorary doctorates and, in 2006, the Presidential Medal of Freedom the country’s highest civilian honor.

Because he built the university and thereby drew national attention to it, Francis is “clearly one of the most influential New Orleanians of the 20th century ” said former New Orleans Mayor Marc Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League.

“His greatness is being a builder of institutions that are going to continue being significant players in New Orleans.”

People- and book-smart

Francis, who served on 54 boards and commissions and advised eight presidents on education and civil rights issues, was born on March 20, 1931, in Lafayette during the Great Depression. One of five children, he earned money by shining shoes and painting houses.

He graduated from St Paul High School and considered enlisting in the Army because his family couldn’t afford to send him to college.

But a nun who had taught him contacted the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament the order of Catholic nuns that founded and ran Xavier The group arranged a scholarship for Francis that allowed him work in the library to pay his tuition. He enrolled in 1948 at 17.

His leadership skills were evident even then, said Sybil Morial, a friend since their undergraduate days at Xavier, an educator and a civil rights activist. Sybil Morial, the wife of former Mayor Dutch Morial and mother to Marc Morial, died last year

“I knew he was full of life and very smart, not just book-smart but peoplesmart,” she said. “It was an innate talent.”

Francis was president of his class each year until his senior year, when he was elected student body president and graduated with honors in 1952. He later applied to Loyola University’s law school, becoming its first Black student. But there was a catch: Even though Francis had integrated the law school, he couldn’t live in a Loyola dormitory So he bunked in a Xavier dorm, where he was in charge of freshmen men.

“I was a budding lawyer living with a bunch of rowdy teenage boys,” Francis said in an interview “At night, they’d set up bowling pins at one end of the hall and roll a Coke bottle down it to knock them over Those were some of the best years of my life.”

His first day there, Francis met a fellow student, Maurice “Moon” Landrieu, in the lobby “I put my hands on his shoulders and said, ‘Welcome aboard. If there’s any

way I can help you, let me know,’” said Landrieu, a former New Orleans mayor who died in 2022.

Before the two met, “I never thought about segregation. That’s just the way things were,” said Landrieu, who often called Francis for advice during his public service career “But when I met Norman, I began thinking in terms of fairness and integrity I became convinced that as long as his freedom was limited, mine was, too. It made me angry.”

After Francis got his law degree, he joined the U.S. Army, serving in the 3rd Armored Division. He later worked on special assignment with the U.S. Justice Department to desegregate federal agencies in major cities, especially in the South. He also joined the New Orleans law firm of Collins, Douglas & Elie, which was counsel for the Congress for Racial Equality the civil rights organization known as CORE. In this job, Francis fought segregation and represented activists who were challenging shop owners on the then-bustling Dryades Street to hire Black workers and staging sit-ins at White-only lunch counters on Canal Street.

A legacy as an educator

Although his legal career was going well, Francis decided in the late 1950s to pivot.

“I made a decision that education was going to be the answer for me because as I looked at the struggle for African Americans, I knew we weren’t going to make it if we just kept showing up in courtrooms defending ourselves against whatever the circumstances,” he said in a 1992 interview

He returned to Xavier in 1957 to become its dean of men, the first of several posts he would hold during his climb up the administrative ladder In the spring of 1961, a group of Xavier undergraduates told him about the Freedom Riders, a group of young people who planned to take a Greyhound bus from Washington, D.C., to New Orleans in a bid to end segregation in bus travel in the South.

The riders got as far as Anniston, Alabama, where about 50 White supremacists

attacked them and their bus. The next day, Vincent Roux and Rudy Lombard, who were coordinating the New Orleans end of that ride, went to Francis’ office to ask if the Freedom Riders could beput up in St. Michael’sDormitory, which had an empty third floor

“I had to think about it awhile for two reasons,” Francis said. “I knew if Iput them in thedormitory, Iwas perhaps endangering the lives of the other kids there, but this was the right thing to do.”

SisterMary Josephina Kenney,Xavier’s president, agreed,Francis said, on the condition that theschoolnot announce the decision in anews release, as localhotels andresidents feared violence would followthe group.

But he didn’tkeep alow profile. Instead, Francisheld anews conference in the dorm lobby to celebrate the group, who arrived on campus bloodied and bandaged in ascene Francis described as“sad and triumphant.” He also joinedthe group at Zion Baptist Church to celebrate the seventhanniversary of theU.S.Supreme Court’sdecision that outlawed segregation in publicschools.

Seven years later,the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament decided it wastime for aXavier graduate to become presidentofthe 43-year-old university thatSt. Katharine Drexel, the order’sfounder,had established for Black students. Francis became Xavier’sfirstlay president and first Black president

When he took over, “everyone was tryingtobeageneralliberal artscollege,” Marc Morial said. “He had afocus. Hepositioned Xavier with afocus on science. He diditbefore it was atrend.”

These days, Xavier turns out dozens of graduates each yearwho go on tomedical schools, and it has one of Louisiana’s twocolleges for training aspiring pharmacists.

Sybil Morial, who heldaseries of administrative positions at Xavier for 28 years, witnessedall thechanges.“It wasanexciting jobtobepartofthisvibrantthing that was turning out these successfulstudents who were contributingnot only professionally butalso personally,” she said. “Heset the example.”

As president, he was perpetually cheerful, and he had aheartygreeting for everyone. But he couldbe serious whenthe situation demanded it, as Sybil Morialremembered whenshe describedaprotest on campus.

“It could have been very ugly,”she said. “He told the students he wanted to meet withthemand hear what theirconcerns were. He let them talk, not just theleader.Hetotally disarmed them, and they

DR.NORMAN C. FRANCIS

walked away satisfied. Iguesstheydid somemarchingand public speaking on the campus, but it wasn’t angry.Hehad the talent to do that.”

A1986 survey by theCouncil for Advancement andSupport of Education named him one of the 100 most effective collegepresidentsinthe country

When HurricaneKatrina’sfloodwaters battered southeast Louisiana, ravaged his Gentilly home and torethrough Xavier’s campusinAugust 2005, Francis vowed to notonly rebuild thecampus but makeit better

“Bringing us back to where we were before Katrina wasn’tgood enough,” he said in an interview.“We hadtoget wherewe were planning to go. We were able to combine the plan thatstartedbefore Katrina …and see how we could move tothe next step.”

Eventhough the campus marinated for weeks in water as deep as 6feet, Francis vowed that classes would resume in January2006. They did.

“Some saiditwas crazy.Some said it couldn’t happen,”Obama said on campus on the fifth anniversary of thestorm. “But they didn’tcount on what happens when oneforce of nature meets another.”

‘Never forget’

Francis also developed areputation for leadership in civic and business organizations, including Liberty Bank, one of the biggest Black-owned financial institutions in the United States. He helpedfound it in 1972 and was chairman of its board of directors.

Gov. KathleenBlancoalsoappointed Francis in 2005 to lead theLouisiana Recovery Authoritytocoordinate the state’s comeback from Katrina.

“He was one of the few people that peopleinpolitics trusted to do theirthings,” Dr.Michael Francis said of his father

Despite his accolades, “I don’twear my title on my chest,”Francis saidina1992 interview.“It’s the last thing Iwould do Ijust see everybody as important. I’m president because thathappenstobemy job, butthatdoesn’t make me anybetter than anybody else.”

Francis chaired theNew Orleans Aviation Board and the boards of the Educational Testing Service, the Carnegie Foundation for theAdvancement of Teaching, the Southern Education Association, WLAE-TV,the MetropolitanAreaCommittee EducationFundand theSouthern Association of Colleges andSchools, aregional accrediting agency.Hewas president of the American Associationof Higher Education andthe UnitedNegro College Fund and amember of the Catholic University of America’sboard of trustees and The Times-PicayuneEditorial Advisory Board.

In addition to the honorary degrees he received, Francis was awarded The Times-Picayune Loving Cup andthe UniversityofNotre Dame’sLaetare Medal.

In 2020, the New Orleans City Council changed the nameofJefferson Davis Parkway,whichruns past theedge of Xavier’s campus, to NormanC.Francis Parkway

At Francis’final commencement, in 2015, the tributes raineddown. Vartan Gregorian, the Carnegie Corporation president and an honorarydegree recipient,was succinct when he toldFrancis, “The universe is notgoing to see anyone like you again.”

In response to all the praise,Francis said

Mrs. GayleBenson&theNewOrleans Saints

he felt privilegedtobeofservice, andhe told the graduates to “never forget from whenceyou come. …Iwould especially hope that yougiveyour talent and your expertise to those who need it most. …You have the tools. Youhave the strong leadership example. Now go out and contribute.” Francis’ wife,Blanche Macdonald Francis, died in 2015.

Survivors include four sons, Michael Timothyand David Francis, allofNew Orleans, and Patrick Francis of Austin, Texas; two daughters, Kathleen Francis of NewYork City and Christina Francis of Los Angeles; asister,Mabel Bailey of Lafayette; and 11 grandchildren.

Hisbodywill lie in repose on Monday from 9a.m. to 3:30 p.m.inXavier’sConvocationCenter,on7910 Stroelitz St. Francis’ family will be there from 4p.m. to 5p.m.

The Most Rev.Curtis Guillory,aformer bishop of Beaumont, Texas, will deliver opening andclosing remarks, andaprogram will begin at 5p.m.

AMasswillbesaidat10a.m. on Tuesday at the cathedral after visitation there from 8a.m.to9:30 a.m.Cardinal Wilton Gregory,aformer archbishopofWashington, D.C., will be the principal celebrant. In the half-hour before the service, the rosary will be prayed, andpeople will offertheir thoughts about Francis.

Burial will be in St. Louis Cemetery No. 3, 3421 Esplanade Ave. D.W. Rhodes Funeral Homeisincharge of arrangements.

Contact JohnPope at pinckelopes@ gmail.com.

Dr.NormanC.Francis

Mrs. GayleBenson: Iwas deeply saddenedtolearn of thepassing of Dr.NormanC.Francis.Iwas grateful forhis friendship andheldgreat admiration andrespect forthe leadership andinfluencehebrought to ourcity, state, and nation fordecades

Afterbeginning hiscareerinthe military andinlaw,Dr. Francis became atransformationalleader in civilrightsand higher education, servingmorethan50years at Xavier University of Louisiana, including47asPresident.Healso played an earlyroleinsecuringanNFL expansionfranchise forNew Orleans andwas aproud original investor in theSaints.

Iextendmy deepestcondolences to Dr.Francis’family.

REFLECTIONSONA LEGACY

Norman Francis’impactisapparent in so manyaspects of life in New Orleans and the state of Louisiana. His quietcontributions always aimed at making amore just and equitable future for all.

Xavier head showed thepower of quietleadership

As achild, Ioften visited “Miss Blanche’s” home with my parents and siblings in the tree-lined Gentilly neighborhood of New Orleans. It was a beautiful house on aspacious lot, complete with a detached garage that doubled as a guest space. Even at ayoung age, Iunderstood that visits to Miss Blanche’s home were different. We dressed a little nicer.Wewere reminded to mind our manners. And we showed up with respect Miss Blanche was always warm and welcoming and she never failed to offer candy One day,myparents toldmewe

were going to visit Dr.Norman C. Francis. Ihad no idea whothey meant.They describedwhere he lived,what he looked like and spoke of his many accomplishments. None of it connected until my mother finallysaid, “You know,Miss Blanche’shusband …” Suddenly, everything clicked. Looking back, Inow understand whyIdidn’trecognize Francis by name. His leadership never demanded thespotlight.Whenhe was home, he was fully present with hischildren and his beautiful wife. In aworld where many leaders command every room they enter,even theirown living rooms, Dr.Francis led differently.

He led quietly. In allthe time Iwas around him, Inever once heardhim raise his

TheworkofNorman Francis’ life goes

Dr.Norman Francis andmyfather,Moon Landrieu, were both born into working-class families in the segregated South. They met as college students in 1950 whenNorman, at Xavier, and Dad, at Loyola, planned atripto aCatholic conference in Grand Coteau.

Norman later chuckled, recalling my father’s naiveté about their meticulous planning process. “We’ll just stop when we’re hungry,” Dad said, not realizing that his new friends couldn’tjust stop anywhere. Dad later explained that “White Only” signs dotted the landscape —but you only noticed them if they impacted you.

on

voice, not even when he was overlooked to receive apiece of chocolate cake at abank celebration. As I’ve matured professionally,those small moments have become powerful lessons.

Today,weoften measureleadership by visibility. The louder the voice, the moreattention it receives.The moresomeone is seen, the morevaluable theyare perceived to be.

But Dr.Francis’ life provedthat impact does notrequire noise He achievedextraordinary successwithout seeking attentionfor himself. Instead,heelevated others andwhatmattered to them. He had araregift for weaving history,common sense and genuine compassion intoconversations about the issuesdiscussed. At the center of everything he

did, Dr.Francisdid so withthe embodimentofone simple but profound belief: People matter He believed in people and movements when othersand evensocietydid not. In 1972, Dr Francisinvited my father, AldenMcDonald Jr., to joinhim in creating Liberty Bankand Trust Company,whichtoday stands as the largest African Americanownedbankinthe United States. Once again, Francissaw potential long before it waswidely recognized.

Thatabilitytosee potential and greatness in othersand institutions before it is realizedwas one of his greatest gifts. He understood that whenpeople aregiven opportunity,trust andspace to grow, the result is often fargreater than the presentmoment.

He saw people,listened to what they hadtosay,respected their perspective even if it wasdifferentfrom his.And, mostimportantly, after speaking withDr. Francis, youfeltheard.

In an era that rewards volume over substance andvisibility over values, Dr.Francis reminds us of adeeper truth:The most enduring leadership is rooted in humility, faithand an unwavering beliefinpeople

Quietleadership doesn’t seek recognition. It creates legacy Andsometimes, theleaders who shapeusmost are theones who neverraise theirvoices but raise thepeople around them.

Todd McDonaldisthe president of Liberty Bank andTrust Company

Idecided in 1988 that Iwanted to become acollege president Oncethat occurred, Ibegan to read everything Icould about presidents, generally in trade publications like The Chronicle of Higher Education and Black Issues in Higher Education. Back then, before therewas easydigital access, Icut out articles andplaced them in afolder,a folder Istill have.

As Iprogressedthrough graduate school to thecompletion of aPh.D., I read anything Icould get my hands on aboutpresidents. Everywhere Iworked, Ialways found away to engage the president, be it Jim Laney at Emory,CarlPattonat Georgia State, Jim Koch at Old Dominion or Portia Holmes Shields at Albany State

But there was one person Iadmired from afar He began his higher education career working in student affairs, like me.Hewas amemberofAlpha Phi Alpha Fraternity,like me. He became acollege president at 37.

Being from Atlanta, Iwas terrified of hurricanes (still am to be honest), but he and Dean Joseph Byrd spent two hours with me,not just explaining hurricane season, but how he facilitated the development of their premedical program, and whatheproposed Dillard do as acomplement. When the federal government changed the qualifications for receiving the Parent PLUS loan, he was the one who called me to tell me to see if Iwas seeing what he sawatXavier. He was my hero, and that made me protective of him. Iampraying Ican still get into heaven after Ipublicly reprimanded Archbishop Gregory Aymond in an op-ed after he disrespected Francis right before his last commencement. I’m sure Iconfused people. The president of Dillard University,publicly supporting his crosstown rival. He did not need my defense, but Iwantedto remind everyone that there would be no disrespect to Francis, no matter who youwere And yes, while Iloved beating Xavieronthe basketball court, especially there, Ineverreally celebrated out of respect for him. But when he retired, it was adifferent story

Twoyears later, Norman and another Black student, Ben Johnson, became Loyola’sfirst AfricanAmerican law students

In considering Norman’sapplication, law school Regent the Rev.Louis J. Joseph Twomey wrote to the university president: “[Norman Francis] represents the type of law school applicant whom we rejoice to welcome into our studentbody Ordinarily,wewould not hesitate to accord him unqualified acceptance [However], we cannot act affirmatively on his application without prior clearance from higher authority.For it happens that Norman Francis is aNegro.” Francis shared two things with me aboutthat era: First, he wanted to make sure Iremembered thatother,equally or betterqualified Black applicantswere denied admission in prior years; and second, my father greeted him at Loyola by saying, “I know who you are and I’m here to be your friend.” Indeed, friends for life they were. In 1954, when the U.S. Supreme Court’slandmark Brown v. Board of Education decision ended legal segregation in public schools, Dad enthusiastically and naively (his words) said,“Norman, it’sfinally over.” Sadly,itwasn’t. One evening, ageneration later,after Norman and Dadhad both “married up” (as they would say of Norman’swife, Blanche,

andmymother,Verna), served in the military,and had15childrenbetweenthem,Dad arrived at Carrollton playground to pick us up from theopening night of Little League baseball. Upon arriving, Dad learned that two boys —Norman and Blanche’s two eldest sons, Michael andTim —were sent home because they were Black My father, then the mayor-elect of New Orleans, raced to the Francis home to apologize to Norman and Blanche personally and on behalf of the city.He asked Norman to bring theboys back to the playgroundand promised they would play.Norman responded, “Thankyou, Moon. I knowyou can fix itfor my boys, but the question is bigger than that. Can anyBlack kid play? I didnot know theplayground was segregated, or Iwould not have sent them over there.”

That response was typical of Francis. More than opening doors forhimselfand his family,hewanted doors opened for all. It also underscored how tirelessly peopleofcolor had to work to shield their children from the remnants of Jim Crow years after legal segregation was outlawed.

Thelessonsimparted by Dad andNorman’slifelong friendship could fill volumes,but what comes to mindmost clearly is this: They wanted us to play ball together so we could learn afew things about life. Show up. On time. Dressed to play.Run hard. Playfair.Trust yourteammates. Back each other up. When everyone gets an equal opportunity to play, we can all be as good as our talents and hard work take us.

This is what Francis would wantusall to remember.His and Dad’s unfinished workremains forustocomplete. Because it’s still not over I’m blessed to have grown up in the shadow of their beautiful friendship. Dr.Francis, may yourestinpeace inGod’sloving embrace.

Madeleine Landrieu is dean of Loyola University New Orleans College of Law

When Ibecame president of Philander Smith College in 2004, I, too, was 37. With Philander Smithbeing aUnited Negro College Fund institution,like Xavier University,Ifinally had achance to meet Dr.Norman C. Francis in March 2005 at our annual meeting in New York. For me, Iwas meetingacelebrity,aMichael Jackson-level superstar in myeyes. Butthose seven and ahalf years in Little Rock only provided semi-annual opportunities to see him work, particularly as chair of our governmental affairs committee. It wasn’t until 2012, when Imoved to New Orleans, that I got to see this legend regularly,and he did not disappoint.

Although Iwas an experienced president, Itook advantage of everychance to learn from Dr.Francis.

“Why do Idothis? Iwant no political influence, no prestige, no office. Why do Idothis? Ibelieve Idothis because Iambuilt this way.”

These words by Louis A. Martinet,one of the first Black lawyers in this statewho led the Citizens Committeethatchallenged the separate but equal doctrine, describe Dr.Norman C. Francisperfectly While Doc had many titles and roles in his life, threeofhis roles had thedeepestimpact on my life: the preeminent educator,avisionary and leader in thebusiness community anda servant leader in thenation. Through his faith, Doc was “built”tobe the longest serving historically Black colleges and universities president in this country,educating thousands of African American students. He was “built” to found the largest African American-owned bank to createBlack homeowners and Blackowned businesses; and he was “built” to be an amazing servant leader for our community and nation, chairing the Louisiana Recovery Authority that addressedthe recovery and rebuilding of Louisiana and New Orleans after the devastationofhurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005,while also rebuilding XavierUniversity. As ahigh school senior in 1980, Itook acourse at Xavier.Being on Xavier’s campus under the leadership of Doc was amazing —Xavier was alive, and youfelt it.Xavier recruited topBlack students from all around the country who, consistent with Xavier’smissionand the leadership of Doc,believedthey were theretocontribute as leaders to a better society. Doc had an unshakable commitment to the power of education and believed thateducationwas transformative to everystudent whoset foot on Xavier’scampus.While Iultimatelyattended another university out of state, Doc left an indelible impact on me, suchthat Ibecameapart-time instructor at Xavier as ayoung attorney.Inhigh school, Iwitnessed thetransformationalnature of a Xavier education, and Iwanted to play evena small role at Xavier under his leadership.

Iwas talking to my wife about his legacy, and she wondered who fills that void? Is there an HBCU president who is known outside of higher education, someone who was viewed not only as ahigher education leader,but aBlack leader,like Benjamin Mays or Johnnetta Cole? He cannot be replaced, but we need that kind of national voice forour sector,now more than ever As akid, other than my parents, my hero was Muhammad Ali. As aman, Ialso have ahero: Dr NormanC.Francis.

Walter Kimbrough is executive vice president, member services and engagement, at the United Negro College Fund. He previously served as president of Dillard University from 2012-2022.

In 2017, Ihad the honor of being asked to serve on the Liberty Bank board of directors underDoc’s leadership as chairman. This allowed me to witness his phenomenal business acumen and commitment to working to ensure that every individual, regardless of race or ethnicity,has the right to “financial dignity” as we refer to it at Liberty Bank. His commitment to fairness and equity hascreated substantial home ownership and businessesand expanded access to capital in the African American community His calling as aservant leader for our community and the nation was, and will always be, the most significant to me.The positions he had, the roles he served, the individuals he assisted and the contributions made to our community and the nationare numerous. But Doc’swork as chair of the Louisiana Recovery Authority for ourcity and state after the devastation of hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005 mayhave been his most notable philanthropic achievement, positively impacting the lives of millions of Louisiana citizens. As amember of the LRA, Ihad the privilege of watching Doc navigate the politicsof recovery (national, statewide and local), while serving as the moral voice for why Louisiana and New Orleans had to be rebuilt. As then-Gov. Kathleen Blanco recognized in appointing Doc as the chair of the LRA, he was the only person who had the undisputed integrity,reputation and credibility to serve as chair Some of Doc’s words make clear who he was and what he contributed to our nation: “Wehavetobe able to make decisions about who needscertain things to be able to live alife, go to school, or anything else that is apart of living.” There will never be another Dr.Norman C. Francis, and Iamhonored that Ihad the privilege of knowing him, learning from him and being mentored by him.

Kim Boyleisapartner withthe Phelps

Thearchitect of opportunity

FrombreakingbarriersasthefirstBlackgraduateof theLoyolaUniversityNewOrleansCollegeofLawtoguiding XavierUniversityandhelpingleadLouisiana’srecovery afterHurricaneKatrina,Dr.NormanC.Francislivedthepromise ofhopeandopportunity.Hebelievedindignity,in educationasjusticeandinfulfillingeverystudent’spotential.

Carryingforwardhispassionofempoweringfuturegenerations througheducation,weareproudthatmanyOchsner programsareconnectedtohislegacy,includingtheXavier OchsnerCollegeofMedicineandothersatXavierUniversityof Louisiana.Hislifewasaninvitationnotonlytobelieveina betterworld,buttobuildit.Somethingwestriveforeveryday.

PresidentEmeritus XavierUniversityofLouisiana IN LOVINGMEMORY

Dr.NormanC.Francis | 1931–2026

SCENES FROM ALIFE

NormanFrancis was afriend and mentor to many. His calm demeanor and steadyguidance left an impression on all who knewhim.Their stories,gathered through countless encounters with him overthe years, paint apicture of aman whoalways strove to make thosearound him better,and in so doing, to make our society better

‘Itwas theright thingtodo’

Norman Francisprovided Freedom Riders asafehaven

My

Francisknew education wasthe keyto empowerment

first encounter with Norman Francis waswhen Iwas in seventh gradeat All Saints Elementary School. As is the custom in most Catholic schools, they have fundraisers for the students, and Iwas out tryingtoraise money on my own.My brother Rudy,who wasthen afreshman or so, said, “Why don’tyou gotoXavier and ask them to buyanad?”And theyreferred me to thisguy namedNormanFrancis,who was adean. And he was anice guy.Wesat forabout an hour and ahalf, and he gave me whatI thought was, at the time,avery large ad to putinthe school paper.Itwas $25. So my first memory of Dr.Francis was longbefore any relationship he developed withmeor withRudy.

Butthe mostsignificantthing is thatRudy and Iwould meet with Doc often,and Rudy would recordsome of the conversations and go over what happened duringthe time when the Freedom Riders were broughtto Xavier It took alot for Dr.Francis to make that move. If you put it in the proper contextof his time, it was avery riskymove forhim to make in terms of not only endangering Xavier and the students because of thehatred at the time, but alsothe risk of losing his job. It was not aunanimous kind of decision. At the time, people were afraid for their lives, people werebeingkilled.This was for real, and to makethatone decision, to let those people stay in St. Michael’sHall. When Italked to him aboutitlater,he said, “You know,itwas theright thing to do.” He knew it was goingto be controversial, but his Christian belief was thatthese people were injured and needed aplace to go. Francis is the one who got Rudy out of jail after hewas arrested for leading the lunch counter sit-in at McCrory’sonCanal Street to protest segregation (his case went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, where he won). He used to lovetotell this story; He was at Xavier,and there were two recruiters on campus on Xavier campus, one from Harvard and one from Syracuse (where Rudy Lombard would go on to earn aPh.D.) who wanted to talk to Rudy.Rudy had decided that he wasn’tcoming out of jail. He

Members of the Congress of Racial Equality picket outsideMcCrory’sDepartment store to protest the five-and-dime store’spolicy of segregating lunch counter customers. This demonstration followedthe historic demonstration on Sept. 17, 1960, when four young Civil Rights Movementactivists were arrested for apeaceful sit-in at the lunch counter.Theywere Oretha Castle,RudyLombard, Sidney‘Lanny’ Goldfinch and Cecil W. Carter Jr

was going to makeastatement while in parish prison. AndDoc tells the story that he went back there and the prison guard asked him:Did he represent Rudy? Doc remembered he was alawyer,and he said, “Yeah, that’smy client.” It was Doc who talked Rudy into coming out after he was arrested to meet those folks.

Edwin A. Lombardisaretired judge who served on Louisiana’s4th Circuit Court of Appeal.

Francisguideda youngXavierite’s steps

“Regina, you know you canalways come home.”

Dr.Norman C. Francis was my universitypresident, my guidance counselor,mymentor,myconfidant and my friend.

During my days as ayoung Xavierite, my fellow students and Iwould oftensee Francis walking across the quadrangle, andhe would stop to chat. Ilater realized he had gotten to know each of us by name, where we were from, our family histories, our hopes and struggles. He then followed ourcareers. Years later,ifIweregoingtovisit anew cityortown, he would givemethe name of an alum to look up, and everything Ineeded to know about them.

While J.W.Carmichael prepared us well for medical school, it was Francis who personally introduced me to afuture mentor,

Dr.Louis Sullivan, at the Morehouse School of Medicine. Ibecame amember of the school’ssecond entering class. Throughout my leadership rise in theAmerican Medical Association andinmedical regulation, Francis would get me on thephone with former U.S. Labor Secretary Alexis Herman to discuss political strategy They were supportive as Iestablished my clinic in Bayou La Batre, Alabama. They were confidants when President Barack Obama asked me to serve as the 18th U.S Surgeon General. Behind the scenes, they held my hand and guided me through aunanimous U.S. Senateconfirmation

As Iconsidered the difficult decision to leave government to keep my BayouClinic going, Icalled Francis, once again, for guidance. His responsetomewas simply,“Regina, youknow you can always comehome.

On alater call, he offered me aposition at Xavier and allowed me to volunteer at my clinic. Iwas the NOLA.com |TimesPicayune Endowed Chair in Public Health Sciences.

Oneofmyroles included the privilege of representing him at outsidemeetings and events, especially those that required overnight travel. He lovingly took care of his beautiful but ailing wife. He alwaystried to makeapoint of being home with her each night.Once someone commented to him that “she may not even knowwho you are” and he responded, “but Iknow whoshe is.” Dr.Francis, we know who you are, and we are blessed to have had you in our lives.

Regina M. Benjamin, M.D.,founder and CEO of BayouClinic, holds the Endowed Chair of PublicHealthSciences at Xavier University.She wasthe 18th U.S.Surgeon General from 2009-2013.

I’manactor,but moreimportantly,I grew up here in New Orleans, and one of the icons that I’ve always knownisDr. Norman C. Francis. He was aleader in the community whodidn’tjust talk the talk, but he walked the walk. He was aman whomade me understand the importance of the mantra to exercise your right of self-determination. And he also taught me that education is your first wealth: Nothing monetary,nothing that is property,but the wealth that you get from getting agreat education is something that no one will ever be able to take away from you. He led Xavier University fornearly 50 years, after he decided to makethat pivot from being alawyer in the Civil Rights Movement to aleader in an education movement, knowing that there’sthe one thing that can actually change lives. Education can actually change people’sminds, and the power of education and knowledge can change their spirit. And that wasthe weapon that he used to fight injustice, to give people opportunity,tomake sure that those whodid not have avoice received avoice, and those whodid not have away madeaway out of no way. He gave them the tools that they needed to have asuccessful life. And whenever confronted with the violence, the ignorance of racism and oppression, Francis gave us the weapons to fight back because he knew there are those whowill never have our best interest at heart. So we would have to do it ourselves. The waytodothat is to makesure that you are empowered.

There’saline in the play “Waiting forGodot” where Vladimir says: “All humanity is us. Let us do something while we have achance before it’stoo late.”

And that’sthe lesson that Francis taught us: Do something now,before it’stoo late.

He’sleft us agreat legacy,and his death is areminder of what we have to do. What is our contribution to the paradigm going to be? He’s given us ablueprint and given us the great command and call to service. So thank you, Dr.Francis. Rest in peace.

WendellPierce is an actor and businessownerinNew Orleans This piece was originally aired on WBOK and is printed with permission.

Forceof Norman Francis’ characterkeptLRA on track

At one of our Louisiana Recovery Authority meetings, agroup of protesters started chanting about one of the issues we were addressing. Norman Francis, who was the chairman, turned to me and said he had to go to the bathroom. He told me, as vicechair,that I had to take over the meeting.

“Don’tgo,” Ibegged, as the protests were getting heated.

“When you’re my age andyou have to go,” he said, “you have to go.” Donna Brazile,amember of the LRA, started challengingthe protesters. Things went downhill. Iasked astaffer to go to there-

stroom and find Dr.Francis and tell himtohurry When he got back, the room miraculously settled down. Thetension disappeared andthe chanting stopped. He smiled Dr.Francis had that effect throughout his life. He could calm the waters while also pushing for progress. He was not only nice, but he madeeveryone aroundhim nicer Historically,that helped New Orleans duringthe Civil Rights years. When he housed theFreedom Riders at Xavier,or when hegathered theBlack and White civic leadersofthe city in the upstairsroom at Dooky Chase’s, he was always able to inspire people to be better

In 1988, Dr.Francis invited my wife, Cathy,and me to be with him at the Vatican,where he was celebrating alongside Pope John Paul II the beatification of Mother Katharine Drexel. It occurred to me as Iwatched him next to thepope that, at least among those who were blessed to know him,Francis deserved to be in that venerable number someday We were fortunate to have among us such aforce for good, and we can pray that his memory will inspire all of us to try, every day,tohave our course guided by his moral compass

Walter Isaacson, ajournalist and bestselling author,was vice chair of the Louisiana Recovery Authority

DR.NORMAN C. FRANCIS

FILE PHOTOByTED JACKSON

Aquiet giantand moralforce setanexample

Ihave been thinking for daysabout how to put into words what Dr.Norman C. Francismeant to me, not only as aleader of extraordinary vision, but as an exemplar whose quiet confidence and steady counsel guided my own journeyin ways Iamstill discovering. Francis was already aliving legacy when Icame to knowhim, first as ayoung faculty member at aneighboring institution.Toso many,hewas the longest-serving universitypresident in the nation in modern times, amoral force in American higher education,and the steward who guided Xavier University of Louisiana throughnearlyfive decades of profound change. To me,hewas also somethingmoreintimate and enduring—agenerous teacher whoexemplified

responsibility of leadership and the dignity of service to others. When Iwas selected to succeed him as president of his beloved Xavier,Iwas keenly aware of themagnitude of that moment. Onedoes not simply “follow” Norman C. Francis. One inherits asacred trust.Dr. Francis understood this better than anyone whenhetook on the weight of leadership. Yet, Francis did not allow hisformidable legacy to preclude hisprudent counsel and support for my work as his successor.He encouraged without presuming, advised without directing and affirmed withoutever centering himself. His encouragement was steady and sincere in momentswhen thechallenges were great. Moreover,Iprized and will miss his

deep faithand spiritual counsel.When we met, it was rare for him not to speak of his prayers for me as president andfor my family.Wespoke of prayer forour children and his grandchildren. This man of faith would remind me of our mission and call from St. Katharine Drexel. What struck me mostabout Francis was how consistently he lived his values. He lived his commitment to theflourishing of thehuman community.Hebelieved, unwaveringly,infull freedomfor the oppressed, especially thedescendants of the enslaved, and he understood education as a liberating instrument.His leadership was anchored in faith and love for the manyhe served, and he never separated excellence from responsibility

Even after stepping away from the presidency,Francis remained deeplypresent

in the lifeofthe university.Hewanted Xavier not only to endure, but to thrive and to remain faithful to its mission while meeting the demands of achanging world. This is agiftI will always treasure. As we mourn his passing, we are grateful. Grateful forhis guidance, forhis trust and forthe example he set. It wasone of humility,courage, and unwavering love forXavier University.His legacy lives on in our alumni, the leaders he formed and in so manyacross the nation whowere blessed by his greatness. Iamhonored to be among these.

Reynold Verretispresident of Xavier University of Louisiana. He succeeded Dr.Norman C. Francis in that role in 2015 after Francis served as president for 47 years.

Honoring Dr.NormanC.Francis: ALegacy That LivesOn

Onbehalfofthedirectors,officers,staff,andcustomersofLiberty BankandTrustCompany,wehonortheremarkablelifeandenduring legacyofDr.NormanC.Francis,ourfounderandChairmanEmeritus. Dr.Franciswasabold,courageousvisionarywhosesteadfast commitmenttoequitablequalityoflifeandservantleadershipshaped LibertyBankfromitsfoundingin1972.Heinstinctivelyunderstood thatgenerationalchangebeginswithaccess–toeducation,to opportunity,andtoqualityfinancialservices.Hisconvictionwas unwavering:financialdignityisacivilright

Poweredbythatbelief,LibertyBankgrewfromaboldideawithjust $2millioninassetsintoaninstitutionwithover$1billioninassetsand a53-yearlegacyofimpact.ItisbecauseofDr.Francis’sdetermination, resilience,andhumbleservantleadershipthatwestandtodayasthe largestBlack-ownedbankintheUnitedStates,continuingtoprovide fairfinancialaccesstotheunderserved.

Heknewthatthrivingsmallbusinesses,homeownership,financialsecurity,andhealthycommunitiesareonlypossiblewhen individualsareempoweredwiththerightfinancialtools–andhededicatedhislifetoensuringthataccesswasavailabletoall, regardlessofrace,origin,orreligion.

Withprofoundrespect,weacknowledgeDr.Francis’spassingandexpressourdeepestgratitudeforhisgenerationalimpact.His principles,compassion,andleadershipnotonlyshapedourcompanybutstrengthenedourresolvetocombatthewealthgapand expandopportunityforallAmericans.Hisexamplesetastandardthatcontinuestoguideourhearts,ouractions,andourmission.

Aswemoveforward,LibertyBankremainsdevotedtofulfillingourvisionoffinancialinclusivityandopportunityforeveryone Wewillcontinueourworkwithhumility,determination,andaccountability–provingeverydaythatitmatterswhereyoubank.

Thankyou,Dr.Francis,foryourextraordinaryleadershipandtimelessinfluence.Yourlifewasalesson;yourworka witness;andyourimpactwillendure.

–Liberty Bank BoardofDirectors LibertyBankandTrustCompany

LSU students tour hospital in BR

Our Lady of the Lake visit included android patients, ER rounds

BY MARGARET DELANEY Staff writer

Over 50 LSU College of Science students practiced intubating lifelike mannequins and diagnosing a talking android patient during a February “house tour” at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center

Louisiana oyster farmer, part-time nurse keeps family business alive

BY MARGARET DELANEY Staff writer

Brandi Shelley, a registered intensive care unit nurse at Ochsner West Bank hospital, has a passion for the bayou.

She can’t stay away from the water

Shelley grew up in a commercial farming family in Belle Chasse. Her father, Terry Shelley, has been a commercial fisherman since he was 19 years old. Terry Shelley, now 75, is leaving the bayou business to his daughter as he looks to retirement.

Shelley was studying at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary until Hurricane Katrina hit the city. She then relocated to Hattiesburg, Mississippi, where she completed her education in nursing at William Carey University After finishing school, Shelley decided to settle in a hospital as close to home as possible.

Shelley owns Shelley Farms, an oyster farm in Bayou Hertesa in Port Sulphur in Plaquemines Parish. She also part-owner of Terry Shelley’s Shucking House with her brother and father The oyster farm and distribution company services Louisiana, Texas and Kentucky

During the week, Shelley works two 12-hour shifts as an ICU nurse at Ochsner West Bank. The rest of the week she is either at the shucking house or on the bayou, working between 60 and 80 hours a week

Shelley Farms brings in 5,000 single oysters each week The wild division of the family oyster business, which harvests the oysters they shuck, brings in 500 to 600 sacks a week The shucking house is open to the public for walk-in sales Monday through Friday from 8

all the time. Shelley also hosted a shucking class for lunch and showed her colleagues and friends

a.m. to 3 p.m. In 2016, Shelley donated a kidney to a friend. Ten years later, both are doing well.

Tell me about your career as a registered nurse. What do you like most about the job?

younger I’ve always liked the puzzle of a patient who’s sick trying to figure out the complexity and what goes into fixing them. If the patient is taking a turn for the worst, knowing beforehand what’s going to happen and seeing symptoms ‘I

I’ve only ever done ICU as a registered nurse. I did case management for a few years when my little girl was

The regional medical center tour, which started nearly four years ago, includes a trip to the Lake’s educational building, where students try their hands at intubating human mannequins, using minimally invasive surgical tools in a game-style simulation and speaking with a human android patient that complains of symptoms in real time.

“It’s a great opportunity to expose these kids early to the hundreds of options in the medical field,” said Lauryn Modenbach, the director of academic affairs at the Lake.

Because the path to advanced medical degrees can take up to eight years beyond college early exposure helps students make informed decisions, Modenbach said.

The day begins with a meet-andgreet with physicians before students break into small groups for rotations through the lab, emergency room and education center

“I thought I wanted to do cardiology,” said LSU junior Jessica Rodney after intubating a practice dummy “But now I’m thinking about lab work and emergency medicine, too.”

BEYOND THE SCALE

Join us on a health journey through 2026 with ‘BEYOND THE SCALE: Addressing Louisiana’s obesity epidemic’ Do you want to start a health journey? We want to hear from you — not about weight, but about health, stress, food and life. As we move through 2026, we are inviting readers to come along a health journey with us.

Our next project will explore youth obesity We pose one question to our readers: What are some healthy school lunches your kids actually liked? Send us photos. Email your answers, comments or questions to Margaret DeLaney at margaret. delaney@theadvocate.com.

HPV-related throat cancers rising in men, doctors say

BY MARGARET DELANEY Staff writer

Michael Hamilton developed a lingering cough in June 2023 that would no go away Hamilton, 72, knew something was wrong. He visited his ear, nose and throat doctor, Dr Ben Walton, who said his vocal chords looked strained. Walton’s advice, according to Hamilton, was to limit talking and revisit in a months time.

“It did not go away,” Hamilton said. His next appointment included a CT scan that led to a scope and a biopsy at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center He was diagnosed with throat cancer in January 2024. Hamilton never smoked. He never drank beer wine or mixed drinks. He never drank coffee. He was “baffled” by his diagnosis, he said. However, in many cases, like Hamilton’s, these cancers can occur in nonsmokers

Throat cancers, including larynx and oropharyngeal, account for roughly 3% of malignant cancer in U.S with more than 60,000 new cases annually Incidence rates are also rising, accord-

ing to the American Cancer Society, driven by human papillomavirus-associated oropharyngeal cancer, particularly in men over the age of 55.

cinations and regular checkups for HPV as it pertains to cervical cancers. This regular, watchful eye has not yet translated to the male space, according to Vernado.

“We’re not sure yet why incidence rates are going up,” said Dr William Vernado, a medical oncologist and Hamilton’s doctor at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Baton Rouge Head and neck cancers, a broader grouping of cancer types, includes diseases starting from the lips through the larynx and windpipe. HPV-related head and neck cancers occur in the oropharynx, the back of the tongue in the tonsils.

While the vast majority of head and neck cancers are attributed to smoking, the majority or oropharynx cancers are driven by HPV the virus can remain dormant for years and ultimately cause enough inflammation to form cancers

Rates of HPV-related throat cancers are higher in men, primarily because women typically receive vac-

“We expect, hopefully, for the incidence to go down over the next 10 to 15 years,” Vernado said. “Because children who grew up with the HPV vaccination growing up will reach the age where these cancers are common.”

However, national skepticism over vaccines could halt any potential progress to be seen over the years.

Cervical cancer rates fall

The rate of new cervical cancer cases in the U.S. has fallen significantly over the last three decades from 11.1 per 100,000 people in 1992 to 6.9 per 100,00 in 2022.

The American Society of Cancer attributes the decreased incidence rates to increased cervical HPV screenings that have been normalized across the country and regular HPV vaccinations in children.

HPV vaccination coverage stalled in 2023 for the second consecutive year according to a study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. HPV vaccine cover-

as early as age 9.

“The idea is to initiate vaccination before any sexual intercourse or potential exposure to HPV,” said Dr David Barrington, a gynecologic oncologist at Ochsner Health in New Orleans. “We’re getting more and more data that even one dose of the HPV vaccine (without a booster later in life) is effective at preventing any infection.”

Beyond vaccination regular screening has greatly benefited female HPV-related cancers to slow the incidence of the disease.

Men, however should be aware of the HPV-related cancer symptoms in the body including lumps in the throat, genital warts or skin tags.

age already lags most other routine vaccines.

In 2023, about 77% of adolescents, ages 13 to 17, received at least one dose of HPV vaccine and about 61% of teens were up to date on HPV vaccination, including 64% of females and 59% of males.

Nearly all cervical cancers, developed in the lower part of the uterus, are caused by persistent HPV infection and are preventable. Each year in the U.S. 13,000 new

cervical cancer cases are diagnosed with Louisiana among the highest cervical cancer death rates in the country

Cervical cancer rates have declined by 11% each year for women ages 20 to 24, “reflecting the first signs of cancer prevention from HPV vaccination,” according to the American Cancer Society

Both men and women are recommended to receive their first HPV vaccination

“I do not have enough kind words to describe the care I received and the compassion shown by the doctors, nurses, technicians and support staff at the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center,” Hamilton said.

After 33 radiation treatments, six chemotherapy visits, a blood transfusion, a feeding tube in his stomach, a nine-day stay in the hospital, losing 70 pounds and many treatments for dehydration, Hamilton is cancer free.

FDA to drop two-study requirement for new drug approvals

BY MATTHEW PERRONE

AP health writer

WASHINGTON The Food and Drug Administration plans to drop its longtime standard of requiring two rigorous studies to win approval for new drugs, the latest change from Trump administration officials vowing to speed up the availability of certain medical products.

Going forward, the FDA’s “default position” will be to require one study for new drugs and other novel health products, FDA Commissioner Dr Marty Makary and a top deputy, Dr Vinay Prasad, wrote in a New England

NURSE

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that alert you to say, “Oh, this patient is going in the wrong direction. I need to do this or do that, or let the doctor know about the different things.”

I guess I like stressful situations.

What was it like to grow up in a commercial fishing family?

I liked it. I love the bayou. I love anything that has to do with water the beach the bayou. It’s just like a drug to me. It’s so relaxing and soothing to me to be out there. My dad has been a commercial fisherman as long as I can remember. He went straight to the bayou from high school. He was a commercial shrimper He had a 72-foot double river boat. When we were little and out of school during the summers, we would spend a week or so out on the boat with him.

My dad has caught every thing shrimp, crab, all of it — finally ending up in oysters. In 2009, he opened a shucking house called Terry Shelley Shucking House. In 2017, he decided to open an oyster farm, Shelley Farms. We have a brand called Terry’s Oysters. We shuck oysters into gallons, and we ship them out At the beginning, I was working as a nurse, but then also helping with the business just a smidge. We opened it for six months, then the BP oil spill happened. We closed for six months, and we were able to reopen again. Instead of being commercial fishermen, we had to reinvent ourselves more like farmers. We replenish the water with the leftover oyster shells to be able to have a crop the next year or the next few years — that’s the hope. My father started investing more into oysters and putting rocks out so his

Journal of Medicine piece published Feb. 18.

The announcement is the latest example of Makary and his team changing longstanding FDA standards and procedures with the stated goal of slashing bureaucracy and accelerating the availability of new medicines.

Since arriving at the agency last April, Makary has launched a series of directives that he says will shorten FDA reviews, including mandating the use of artificial intelligence by staffers and offering one-month drug assessments for new medications that serve “national interests.”

It contrasts with the FDA’s more restrictive approach to other products, including vaccines.

In their piece, Makary and Prasad state that dropping the two-trial requirement reflects modern advances that have made drug research “increasingly precise and scientific.”

“In this setting, overreliance on two trials no longer makes sense,” they write.

“In 2026, there are powerful alternative ways to feel assured that our products help people live longer or better than requiring manufacturers to test them yet again.”

The FDA officials predict-

and Brandi

Shelley Farms.

business would grow I told him then that I wanted to work on the farm

That’s when I stepped back from nursing for a little while to help him run the farm full time. After two years of high rivers and two hurricanes (Zeta and Ida), I had to flip the script. I went back to nursing full time and farming part time. Meanwhile, my dad is getting older In February of last year, he said, “I think I’m done. I’m too old for this.” He wanted to shut down Shelley Farms. That made me so sad So I decided to take over for him and the family

I ordered seed I got the oysters in the water in July I worked all summer getting everything back and running after the offseason. I couldn’t use the same cages he used, because they were way too heavy for me, so I used a smaller cage that I can actually get in the water Since July, I’ve been working nonstop six (sometimes seven) days a week

for

between the oyster farm and the shucking house and nursing. It gets overwhelming, but I want my dad to feel like he can slowly back out and know that somebody is going to be there to continue to carry on his legacy

How does it feel to keep the legacy going?

Just like my dad always said, “The bayou is a disease. Once you get addicted, you just want to be there always.”

There’s so much freedom in the water The sun’s shining. Sometimes it’s just not work. But then sometimes it’s so stressful. Coming to the hospital is easier because the days are so controlled and regulated. It’s not like on the bayou where one machine breaks and a new batch is coming in while we’re trying to get things to run smoothly

I bring oysters to the hospital staff here all the time. We did a shucking class one day for lunch, and I showed all my colleagues and friends how to shuck

ed the shift would lead to “a surge in drug development.”

Dr Janet Woodcock, the FDA’s former drug director, said the change makes sense and reflects the FDA’s decadeslong move toward relying on one trial, combined with supporting evidence, for various life-threatening diseases, including cancer

“The scientific point is well taken that as we move toward greater understanding of biology and disease we don’t need to do two trials all the time,” said Woodcock, who led the FDA’s drug center for about 20 years before retiring in 2024.

The two-study standard for

drugs dates to the early 1960s, when Congress passed a law requiring the FDA to review data from “adequate and wellcontrolled investigations,” before clearing new medications. For decades, the agency interpreted that requirement as meaning at least two studies, preferably with a large number of patients and significant follow-up time.

The reason for requiring the second study was to confirm that the first trial’s results weren’t a fluke and could be reproduced.

But beginning in the 1990s, the FDA increasingly began accepting single studies for the approval of treatments

oysters. Then, we air-fried them. Tell me about donating your kidney to a friend. How did that come about?

I went into labor one Sunday morning at 26 weeks with my little girl. She ended up being born that day at one pound, nine ounces. She was in the hospital at the Ochsner West Bank. She did so well. She came home a month early

When my daughter came home with me, one of my friends who I grew up with came to visit. My friend, Jasmine Meladine, has had lupus since she was a young girl. Growing up, I would spend the night with her at Ochsner’s main campus hospital for her treatments. When she came to visit me after my daughter was born, I kept thinking I needed to find a way to pay it forward. Because God gave me my daughter Even though she was a preemie,

she was still perfect. I couldn’t just go buy somebody a cup of coffee and that be equivalent. Jasmine came to visit, and I told her, to pay my miracle little girl forward, “I’m going to give you a kidney.” Jasmine had been on dialysis for eight years. She rejected her mother’s kidney Her dad and her brothers weren’t a match. I figured I could try to give her mine. She told me to think about it — at least for a month.

So I waited a week and called her transplant coordinator to start the process and get tested to see if I was a match. To make a long story short, we were a match. The transplant team gave us the green light and we had our transplant surgeries on March 21, 2016.

Email Margaret DeLaney at margaret.delaney @theadvocate.com.

for rare or fatal diseases that companies often struggle to test in large numbers of patients. Over the last five years, roughly 60% of first-of-akind drugs approved each year have been cleared based on a single study The shift reflects laws passed by Congress that directed regulators to be more flexible when reviewing drugs for serious or hard-to-treat conditions.

Woodcock said the new policy announced Wednesday will mainly impact drugs for common diseases that previously weren’t eligible for reduced testing standards.

Continued from page 1X

Throughout the eighthour day, students explore:

n The lab, where they learn about blood samples, cultures and testing bacteria;

n The emergency room, where they learn about triage and emergency medicine; n and the education building, where they get to practice on state-of-theart “dummies.”

The tours happen quarterly, according to Modenbach and programs all over the state participate — including Southern University and high schools.

Hospital leaders say the impact is already visible.

“I really see a difference this program has made. It’s pretty unique,” said Dr Mark Laperouse, the chief of emergency medicine at the Lake. “I’ve had emergency medicine interns come up to me on their first day at the hospital and tell me that this tour is what inspired them to become doctors.”

Eat Fit LiveFit

Tracking without tension: howtouse wellnessdatawisely

archinSouthLouisianacan

Mofferusabitofareprieve. Carnivalseasonisbehind us,andfestivalseasonhasn’tfully arrived.Socialcalendarstendto feelalittlelighterwithabitmore downtime.Formany,thisbecomes anaturalwindowtorefreshroutines andfocusonhowwewanttofeel daytoday.

Foralotofus,thatresetstarts withdata.

TheUpsideofTracking Youmightbepayingcloser attentiontoyourAppleWatchor checkingyoursleepscorewithan Ouraring.Maybeyou’rewatching yourrecoveryonWhooporlooking atstepcountsonaFitbit.Perhaps you’veheardaboutglucose monitoring,andyou’recurious aboutwhatacontinuousglucose monitor(CGM)mightrevealabout yourownpatterns.

IgettheappealbecauseIshare it,too.Ilovedata,Ilovethesefitness wearablesandIlovetalkingandwriting aboutwellnesstrackers.Infact,CGMs aremycurrentpersonalfavoritewhen itcomestotoolsthatoffermeaningful insighthelpingusidentifytrendsand seewhetherwhatwe’redoingisactually havinganimpact.

That’stheupside.

TheRisksofOver-Tracking

Thepartwedon’talwaysrealizeis howquicklythesetoolscanshiftfrom helpfulintostressful.Thesamedevices thatcanbuildawarenesscanalsofeed perfectionism.Iseeitwithpatientsand clients,andI’veexperienceditmyself. Whenthenumbersstarttofeellikea grade,itchangesthedynamic.It’seasy tofeelfrustratedifaworkoutdoesn’t “count”becausethetrackerdidn’t

sync.Wefeelguiltywhenwemissastep goal.Wecheckoursleepscorebeforewe evencheckinwithhowwefeel.Thedata becomesthedriverofourbehaviorsand moodinsteadofatoolquietlysupporting usinthebackground.

UsingDataWisely So,ifyou’reconsideringusingafitness trackertosupportyourspringgoals, here’stheapproachIencourage:usedata

BY THENUMBERS

intentionallyandputguardrailsaroundit. Startwithclarityofpurpose.What areyouactuallytryingtoimprove? Sleepconsistency?Energy?Bloodsugar awareness?Trainingperformance? Mealplanning? Pickoneprimaryfocus.Whenwetry totrackeverythingallatonce—steps, calories,macros,sleep,hydration,heart ratevariability,fastingwindows—it quicklybecomesoverwhelming.Weend

MollyKimball,RD,CSSD,isaregistereddietitian withOchsnerHealthandfounderofOchsner’sEatFit nonprofitinitiative.Formorewellnesscontent,tuneinto Molly’spodcast,FUELEDWellness+Nutrition,andfollow @MollykimballRDand@EatFitOchsneronsocialmedia Emailnutrition@ochsner.orgtoconnectwithMollyor scheduleaconsultwithherteam

LOUISIANA RANKSLAST IN THEU.S.FOR WOMEN’S ANDCHILDREN’SHEALTH

Louisianahas the worst health outcomes and environment for women andchildren in the country, according to areportfrom the United Health Foundation.

The foundation released the America’s Health Rankings 2025 Health of Women andChildren Reportearly this year, which takes acomprehensiveviewof 125measures of health and well-being from 34 data sources to compare health nationwide and within individual states. Some measures for children’shealth include: childhood obesity,early childhood education, neighborhood amenities, household smokeexposure. Somemeasures for women’shealth include: smoking duringpregnancy,wellwoman visits,women with adedicated health care provider,excessivedrinking and chronic conditions.

Nationally,this year’sreport finds encouraging gains in children’shealth and well-being across arangeof measures,aswell as in some maternal health behaviors. However, these advances were offset by worsening mortality rates among children of all ages and continued increases in maternal mortality

The healthiest state for womenand childrenwas Massachusetts, followed by Vermont, Minnesota, NewHampshire andUtah.

Louisianawas the least healthy, followedbyArkansas,Mississippi, Oklahoma and West Virginia.

Some highlights from the national data include:

n The percentage of children who were overweight or obese improved7%from 2021-22 to 2023-24.

n Early childhood education enrollment rose 4% from2022 to 2023.

n Children’sphysical environments improved: between 2021-22 and 2023-24, household smoke exposure decreased 19% and the rate of neighborhood amenities improvedby 6%.

n Smoking during pregnancy decreased 19% between 2022 and 2023.

n Well-woman visits improved3% from 2020-21 to 2022-23, but the percentageofwomen with adedicated health care provider decreased2% between 2021 and 2022-23.

n Child mortality increased 14% between 2018-20 and 2021-23, while infant mortality increased 4% between 2020-21 and 2022-23 —the first rise in this measure since theHealth of Women and Children Report began reporting

n Maternal mortality rose 36% between 2014-19 and 2019-23, even though overall mortality among women decreased 8% from 2022 to 2023. Racial differences persisted forboth measures.

n Women living in rural areashad healthier rates of excessive drinking than their metropolitan counterparts in 2022-23, but alsoexperiencedseveral chronic conditions at higher rates.

Thestates with the highestoverall scores for health for women in children, in descendingorder,include:

n Massachusetts with an overall health score of 0.766;

n Vermont with an overall health score of 0.628; n Minnesota with an overall health score of 0.607; n NewHampshire with an overall health score of 0.587;

n Utah with an overall health score

upmanagingadashboardofdata insteadoffocusingonthebehaviors thatmovetheneedle. Italsohelpstorememberthat mostmetricsareestimates,not verdicts.Stepcountsvarybydevice andplacement.Calorietrackingis notoriouslyimprecise.Sleepstaging fromwearablesisabestguess,not aclinicalsleepstudy.EvenCGMs,as valuableastheyare,havelagtime andvariability.Theyaretoolsfor learning,notforjudgment. Ifyou’rewearingaCGM,think ofyourselfasacuriousobserver. Focusontrendsratherthansingle datapoints.Lookforpatterns insteadofstrivingforperfection. Noticewhathappenswhenyoupair carbohydrateswithproteinorfiber comparedtowhenyoueatcarbson theirown.Payattentiontowhata shortwalkafterdinnerdoes.Observe howpoorsleeporalcoholintake impactsyournumbersthenextday. It’salsoimportanttokeep listeningtoyourownbody.Buildin momentswhereyou’renottracking.Take awalkwithoutcheckingyourpaceand exercisewithoutwatchingyourheart rate.Thosebreaksprotectyourinternal cues—hunger,fullness,energy,mood recovery,satisfaction—whicharejustas important,andhonestlymoreimportant, thananymetric.

Ifdatahelpsyoumoveyourhealthin apositivedirection,I’mallforit.Butif trackingmakesyoumoreanxious,more rigidormoreself-critical,it’salsookayto stepaway.

Thegoalisn’tperfectnumbers.Thegoal isbetterenergy,steadiermood,stronger bodiesandhabitswecansustain.The healthieststrategiesaren’ttheonesthat lookimpressiveonadashboard.They’rethe onesthatfitintoreallifeandstillworklong afterthatinitialburstofmotivationfades.

An overallscore forhealthwas givenbycombining 2025 data on health outcomes,health behaviors, clinical care,physicalenvironment andsocialand economic factorsineachstate

of 0.55;

n NewJersey with an overall health score of 0.522;

n Connecticut with an overall health score of 0.492;

n Colorado with an overallhealth score of 0.482;

n Maryland with an overall health score of 0.462;

n Washington with an overall health scoreof 0.445;

n Rhode Island with an overall health score of 0.443;

n Hawaii with an overall health score of 0.381;

n Nebraska with an overall health score of 0.35

Thestates with the lowest overall scoresfor health for women in children, in ascending order,include:

n Louisiana with an overall health score of -0.868; n Arkansas with an overallhealth score of -0.84;

n Mississippi with an overall health score of -0.806;

n Oklahoma with an overall health score of -0.712; n West Virginia with an overall health score of -0.62; n Alabama with an overall health score of -0.504; n Tennessee with an overall health score of -0.503; n Nevada with an overall health score of -0.477; n NewMexico with an overall health score of

; n Missouri with an overall health score of -0.391; n Kentucky with an overall health score of -0.34; n South

with an overall

score of -0.281; n Ohio with an overall health score of -0.263; n Georgia with an

Theleading minds in treating minds

AtOchsnerNeuroscienceInstitute,weusethelatesttechnologyand advancedtreatmentsforthemostcommontothemostcomplicated conditionsofthebrain,spineandnerves.Butwhattrulysetsusapartisour laserfocus–notjustonmakingtherightdiagnosis,butonpreservingand restoringfunctionaspartofthetreatmentplan,soeverypatienthasa chanceofgettingbacktolivingafulllife

Learnmoreatochsner.org/neuro

Growinggarden

Clover expands, now reaching over 8,000 individuals annually with family-orientedservices

BY JONAH MEADOWS

Staff writer

On arecent afternoon at Clover’s8-acre New Orleans’ Lower Garden Districtcampus, toddlersnapped in classrooms while preschoolers built withmagnetic tilesand seniors played bingo.

In the decade since opening Louisiana’s first purpose-built intergenerationalcampus, the nonprofit —knownasKingsley House until a2022 rebrand —has expanded dramatically

The number of children served has increased sixfold. Itsbudget, staff andadult day care participation have doubled. Today,Clover reachesmore than 8,000people annually

The organizationhas adopteda multigenerational, family-oriented approach to meetingthe needsofthe young and old alike, accordingtoco-CEO Keith Liederman. Sometimes, that happens simultaneously,like when the preschoolers and their elders —some with cognitive challenges —doart projects, songs, storytelling, parties andMardi Gras balls.

“It’sawin-win foreverybody,the kids —infants, toddlers —lovebeingaround older folks, andkids get exposure to people with all kinds of special needs and differential abilities,” Liederman said.

“When they transition out of heretokindergarten, our kids are the kids thatare themostwelcominginthe classroom for kids that are different in any way, shape or form.”

Keith

Historyof firsts

CEOofClover,

Nowinits thirdlocation,the organization known today as Clover has atrailblazing historydating back to its founding in 1896 as thefirst settlementhouse in theSouth.

Under itslongest-serving leader,Eleanor McMain, Kingsley House becamesecular and launchedthe city’s first free health clinic, kindergartenand classes for the blind.

As thedemographics of the surrounding neighborhood evolved —with fewer foreign-born Whites anda growing Black population —sodid the organization.

Despite state laws forbidding it,Kingsley Housebegan racially integrating its programs in the1940s. It operated the city’sfirst integrated swimming pool in the 1950s,becameone of the state’sfirst two

Head Start providers in the 1960s and one of the state’sfirst adult day care programs in the 1970s.

AfterKatrina,itwas the first New Orleans child care facility to reopen, resuming classes for about 100 children in its historic gym in December 2005 and coordinatingwithother six nonprofits doing recovery work while completing about $5 million in repairs and storm-mitigation work.

Multi-generational services

Clover’sservices begin with Early Head Start andHead Start for infants, toddlers and preschool-aged children, offering free education for low-income families alongside developmental screeningand other forms of advocacy

Chinell Williams, amother of two Clover Academy students, crediteda parent advocate with help diagnosing and treating her youngest daughter’sautism.

“IfIdidn’thave my advocate pushing me to say,‘Hey,listen, let’sgoand get this checked out.’ Iprobably would have prolongedit, which wouldn’thave benefited herinany type of way,” saidWilliams,who also received help with herown professionaldevelopment and financial literacy through Clover Williams saidshe encourages others to send theirchildrentoCloverbecause of theorganization’sdedication to advocating for its students.

“That’s where you want to send your baby,” she said.

Clover also partners with 10 childcare providersacross Orleansand Jefferson parishes. Combinedwith the students on its main campus and at EducareNew Orleans at Columbia Parc, the first such program in theDeep South,Clover reaches morethan2,000 children —meeting

ä See CLOVER, page 2Y

As we are doing all the things necessary to rebuild our house after the August fire, I’m going to places I’ve never had reason to visit before.

I’m looking for tile, flooring options, bathtubs, furniture, front doors, ceiling fans —somany little things to find, to order,topay for

Aweek ago, Iwas in the tile/ flooring store and saw asample of arug. I’ve long loved the depth, colors and designs of Persian rugs. So, Iwas surprised when this new, rather plain, solid ivory-colored rug sample caught my eye. Idon’tanticipate ordering it, but the salesperson told me that I could take the small sample piece with me to consider it further Later,Iturned it over to read the label. In large printed letters, it read: “70% Art Silk and 30% wool.” Because the price seemed reasonable, Iwondered: What is “art silk”?

So, Iwent on asearch and learned that “art silk” is short for “artificial silk.” It’saterm used to describe any synthetic fiber that resembles silk, but typically costs less to produce. Frequently,the term is just a synonym for rayon.

“Art silk” sounds alot more impressive than rayon.

Irealized my reaction wasn’treally about rayon. It was about the name. Art silk felt fancy.Rayon felt ordinary And yet, they are the same thing. Iwondered how often Iallow words to inflate or deflate value. Isent amessage to the newsroom to ask if people knew what “art silk” meant.

One person responded: “I picture alarge piece of the finest silk, almost like awater-ish texture. Something you would see in agallery.”

Another said, “A silk canvas.”

Acouple of people did, in fact, already know whatitwas —one of them majored in fashion merchandising. The vast majority of people were with me. Theydidn’t know either

Istarted thinking about all the ways people play with language and connotation:

n Pre-owned vs. used.

n Curated vs. collected.

n Starter home vs. small house.

n Bespoke vs. homemade. n Season of transition vs. grief.

n Rebuilding vs. burned down. In the months since our fire, I’ve learned alot of vocabulary —replacement value, depreciation, allowance and more. Most of the new terms I’ve learned are connected with attempts to assign numbers to memory —aline item for the linen cabinet, 17 pages of the contents of our home, aformula for loss. At first, none of those words felt big enough. But they were tidy and contained —easier to absorb than simply saying: everything we built here is gone. Maybe “art silk” is harmless. Maybe it’sjust branding. Branding works because we want to believe the upgraded version of something is better —shinier, more elevated, more valuable. There is nothing wrong with rayon. There is nothing wrong with choosing something affordable. But these days, Ihave less patience for anything that tries to

David Begnaud launches ‘Do Good Crew’

First show includes Oprah interview

BY JAN RISHER Staff writer

Lafayette native and longtime CBS journalist David Begnaud

launched a new venture called Do Good Crew on Feb. 23, beginning with an interview featuring Oprah Winfrey

The venture includes a podcast, newsletter, live events and social media accounts under the handle, @DoGood. Begnaud will continue his Monday morning segments on CBS.

To learn more about Do Good Crew and to join the community, visit thedogoodcrew.com. Listen or watch “The Person Who Believed In Me With David Begnaud” on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes drop every Monday. How are you feeling about the launch of your new venture?

Relieved that it’s here It’s been years in the making. After Puerto Rico, I started getting this itch. It wasn’t what I wanted to do with the rest of my life — knock on doors of mothers whose kids die in school shootings; cover hurricanes that devastate families and ruin homes.

I knew I wasn’t destined to do that forever It’s what I had to do, and I felt like it was time to do what I want to do.

You’ve been doing this work a long time.

How many years, total?

Almost 25. I was a teen reporter at KLFY in Lafayette as a senior in high school. Maria Plasser put me on the air at 18. That was 2001

You mentioned the emotional toll of hard news. Is that what’s driving this pivot?

A thousand percent. It’s also a reminder that I had to do the work to get here — Lafayette, Shreveport, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas, New York.

People know me through differ-

CLOVER

Continued from page 1y

significantly more rigorous standards than those set by the state. It also offers summer camps for kids aged 8 to 16 of all incomes, with sliding-scale tuition For working-age adults, Clover offers a range of services to help achieve economic independence, including training, financial coaching, tax preparation or emergency assistance.

For older family members who need full-time assistance, there’s Clover Care, a five-day-a-week adult day care with nursing care, social services, meals and structured activities. Licensed for up to 158 participants, it hosts about half that many on a typical day It’s paid for by Medicaid waivers, the VA or sliding-scale private pay with about 95% of participants able to remain at home.

Liederman said program aims to prevent people from unnecessarily going into nursing homes, which costs three to five times as much as the community-based program

ent moments: COVID, Puerto Rico, disasters. I loved being Johnny-onthe-spot. But I knew it couldn’t be forever

You said this is also a return to your roots. What do you mean?

When I started at KLFY, I wasn’t doing hard news. They had me doing the softer storytelling — the stuff I loved because I could connect with people Faces-in-Placesof-Acadiana type stories.

My partner, Jeremy, said it best: “That’s not a pivot — it’s a return to your roots.”

My mom and dad have always been public service-oriented people. This is that in a different form.

Why do these “news for the soul” stories matter right now?

People crave them — maybe more than ever When I was growing up, this was seen as “feel good” and soft. Today, it’s salve for the soul. We’re living in a world that feels upside down. I stay away from politics. My soul needs this too.

Some people treat this kind of work as less important than hard news. What do you say to that?

I have mad respect for hard news and the standards of journalism — which is why this shift took real conversations at CBS. We’re not blurring the lines without thinking about it. But in a two-hour morning show, there’s room for news for the heart. Hard news can feel soulsucking. Stories like these can feel soul-filling. I’m not saying everything should be this — I’m arguing for balance.

How does Do Good Crew relate to CBS?Are you staying on the Monday mornings?

A hundred percent. Nothing changes with CBS. Do Good Crew is happening at the same time. The relationship is a living, breathing document we’re figuring out with good intentions. One thing that’s different in the Do Good Crew newsletter is the calls to action.

We tell stories — and where there’s a way to get involved, we

“Getting caregivers and their loved ones out of isolation is a big part of what we do,” Liederman said “When their participants are here, their caregivers can take a bath, they can go shopping, they can work outside of the home, they can go to school.”

Challenges and expansion

Despite that success rate, Clover must contend with strong lobbying from for-profit child care providers and nursing home operators looking to improve their bottom lines. Commercial day care operations push back on the lower teacher-to-student ratios, while federal and state regulations favor nursing homes over community-based care.

Of Clover’s $17.5 million annual budget, about 78% comes from Head Start and related programs, about 4% comes from Medicaid and the VA while the remaining 18% comes from private donors, foundations and corporations.

During last fall’s government shutdown, the organization’s board was forced to draw on a line of credit and its reserves.

“Without any kind of guaran-

provide it Sometimes it’s sending a note of encouragement. Sometimes it’s a GoFundMe or a nonprofit Sometimes it’s donating blood. I don’t just want people to read and watch. I want them to be activated to do something.

You mentioned CBS taking a risk. How did that happen?

I walked in and told them, “I’m coming to you with an ask that will cross a line — and I understand if you need to let me go.”

Wendy McMahon, a New Orleans native (and then president and CEO of CBS), said, “This is an experiment we’re doing together,” and she took a risk on me. The current leadership has continued that good faith. We do things case by case, and standards matter — but this can be done in a way that’s honest and clear to viewers.

How big is your “Do Good Crew” team?

About five people right now — a small and mighty team. My busi-

ness partner and co-founder is Olivier Defoe. Everyone has experience, but I’ve also carved out room for young people — like I was — who have a lot to give

What do your parents think about your new chapter?

They want me to make sure I’m getting enough rest — and I’m probably not. They didn’t dream this for me because it’s bigger than what they could have imagined They’re proud because they can see I’m not just doing what made me successful — I’m doing what sets my soul on fire. I’m grateful they’re here to see it.

How did you decide to start with Oprah?

Because the core idea is: Celebrities and successful people don’t often get to shine the light outward. People are always fawning over them. But everyone has “the person who believed in me.” And I think famous people would like to sit down and talk about that

tee that we were going to see this money again, we drew out about $1.5-$2 million to keep everything going,” Liederman said.

Since COVID-19, Clover added a food pantry, partnered with Lycee Francais for French immersion starting at age 2, and will soon offer in-home adult day care with

housekeeping and errands And it will soon host a new “one-stop shop” 17 partner organizations offering wraparound services.

Liederman is retiring in April after 32 years with the nonprofit and more than 20 as its chief. He’s succeeded by co-CEO Arnel Covey, a longtime community college ad-

— because it’s not about them. It’s about gratitude and who helped make them.

You mentioned a question that stuck with me: “When did you begin to believe in yourself?”When did you?

The biggest moment was after Puerto Rico and the response I got to my coverage. It grounded me. It made me softer kinder more natural on camera, more content in my own skin. I remember feeling different — in how I sat in chairs in front of cameras. It was less about one person and more about an event.

What was so transformative about Puerto Rico for you?

I went there not looking for validation and not prepared for a tsunami of support. There was no power, barely any connectivity — I could transmit out, but I couldn’t download. I couldn’t even see the messages or follower count rising. Then suddenly, people were flocking to me. I’ll always be grateful to Puerto Ricans and to the people who followed the coverage. It gave me the comfort to take a risk and say: I don’t want to live on a plane and chase the bad headlines forever I can prove there are ratings and revenue behind good news.

Are you excited — or terrified?

I’m more afraid than excited. Every good story has the glory and the struggle The struggle

Email Jan Risher at jan.risher@ theadvocate.com.

ministrator, who was on the nonprofit’s board before becoming its strategy and impact officer Covey said she aims to increase policy advocacy work with elected officials, expand community partnerships and use more data-driven approaches to track progress and improve services.

“Our priorities are always focused on those things that are impacting our children and families not necessarily just the ones we serve in our programs — because they represent so much of the larger part of the entire community,” Covey said.

With her youngest entering her final year at Clover Academy, Williams it’s been more than a preschool, it’s helped her manage money, grow professionally and connect with other parents. She now serves as the parent representative on Clover’s board and plans to run for president of its parents council.

“They want to see the families advance, and they want to provide the resources to make it happen It’s not just about what they say,” she said. “They make sure that their walk matches their talk.”

HPV VACCINE

In December 2022, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, committed to expand access to the HPV vaccine in lowerincome countries, aiming to protect 86 million girls against the virus that causes most cervical cancers by the end of 2025.With $600 million in new investment, the program raised coverage in Africa to 44% by the end of 2024. In November Gavi met its target ahead of schedule, expecting to save around 1 million lives and produce $2.3 billion in economic benefits. More than 50 countries now offer the vaccine nationwide, free of charge, with Gavi support.

TUMOR ELIMINATION

Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have identified a molecular signal that tumors use to exhaust T cells — the immune cells that are supposed to attack cancerous cells — and found a way to counteract it.Tumors increase CD47 on T cells, which interacts with thrombospondin-1 to weaken these cells over time. In mouse models, disrupting this interaction with a peptide called TAX2 helped T cells stay active longer and slowed tumor growth.The scientists hope that targeting the CD47–thrombospondin pathway could improve T cell-based cancer immunotherapy They also plan to explore the idea of blocking both PD1 and CD47 to produce T cells that are more effective at killing cancer cells.

COP30

CLIMATE SUMMIT

The 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference was held at the Hangar Convention Centre in Belém, Brazil, in November There, almost “every country in

In September, Switzerland’s parliament approved a law that

the world signed off on a final COP30 package called the ‘global mutirão’ — meaning ‘collective efforts’ — after two weeks of talks,” as reported by Carbon Brief.The package mentions biodiversity loss, land rights and deforestation, but did not feature food.A highlight was the launch of the Tropical Forest Forever Facility, Brazil’s new program that rewards countries that conserve their tropical forests More than 3,000 representatives of Indigenous peoples attended the summit where the mutirão decision secured recognition of Indigenous peoples’ land rights.

CHILD PUNISHMENT

Starting this year, slaps, hits or severe verbal humiliation is no longer considered acceptable

disciplinary methods in Switzerland according to End Corporal Punishment. In September 2025, Switzerland’s parliament approved a law that designates corporal punishment of children as an act of violence rather than an acceptable parenting practice

The law requires cantons (states) to provide access to counselling and support services for children and parents.With this, Switzerland becomes the 70th jurisdiction to ban corporal punishment.

Fixthenews.com is a solutions journalism newsletter that finds stories of progress and shares them with readers from across the world. Acclaimed author Steven Pinker calls Fix the News “the best source for positive news on the internet.”

Church fundraising goes beyond bingo night

Religious groups look for new ways to raise money

BY JON PARKS Contributing writer

As LaTrice Stampley made her way onto the grounds of St. George Parish Fair in October she was overwhelmed by the sheer scope of the festival.

“I’d heard it was a great event,” she recalls, “but I was still amazed by how much was going on.”

Stampley and her children spent several hours at the fair enjoying live music sampling foods and trying out the carnival rides. The annual three-day event draws thousands of people — and raises thousands of dollars for the church and school.

“It has grown a lot over the years,” said Jo Dale Ales, a member at St. George, who noted that in its early days the fair was just a few tents with craft sales and hot dogs. “Not only is it a great fundraiser for the church and school, it builds our community and brings us together.”

St. George is not alone

Many area congregations and parishes have begun organizing festivals, fundraisers and other events to add to their income. These range from simple activities like bingo nights, bake-offs and pumpkin patches that involve a few people, to larger and more creative endeavors like festivals or raffling off Taylor Swift concert tickets. For most congregations, these types of activities are nothing new, but the need is greater now than ever before.

In its 2024 report, the Giving USA Foundation noted that, while total charitable giving rose in 2024 (a 2.7% increase, adjusted for inflation), giving to religious and faith-based organizations has been steadily declining for decades. In

PROVIDED PHOTOS

Mark Deymaz is the founding pastor of Mosaic Church in Little Rock, Ark., and author of of the 2019 book ‘The Coming Revolution in Church Economics: Why Tithes and Offerings Are No Longer Enough, and What you Can Do About It.’

1985 to 1989, 56% of all charitable giving went to religious groups.

From 2020 to 2024, that percentage dropped to 25% of total giving.

In short people are still giving — they’re just choosing to give to other causes.

The drive for clever, new fundraising ideas is as old as religion itself, but statistics predict that the funding gap will continue to widen. While some religious groups keep looking for creative new ways to raise funds, others believe that congregations must make a larger, strategic shift.

In his 2019 book, “The Coming Revolution in Church Economics,” pastor, author and speaker Mark DeYmaz asserts that most Christian congregations are no longer able to sustain their ministry using only the tithes and offerings of their congregants. He cites factors such as changing religious demographics, generational differences in approach to giving and wages that aren’t growing to meet increasing demands on family budgets. While giving is down, costs are rising.

Basic utility costs continue to rise, and insurance rates for many houses of worship have more than doubled in just the last two to three years. For more established congregations with aging facilities, the cost of repairs and maintenance is soaring.

Many congregants believe the answer lies in specialized giving campaigns and attracting new members. It falls on church leadership to find a “magic bullet” approach that will turn the statistics around. But tithes and offerings, according to DeYmaz, won’t be enough to cover the growing gap between revenue and expenses.

“To expect people to give more while making less… it’s just not going to happen,” says the Rev

Brady Whitton, pastor at First United Methodist in Baton Rouge.

Whitton brought DeYmaz to Baton Rouge in August 2025 to hold a workshop for church leaders. At the workshop, DeYmaz challenged the notion that faith leaders are solely responsible for finding a magic-bullet solution.

“It’s actually liberating for church leaders to hear this message,” Whitton says. “The answer to declining giving is not about learning new ways to ask for money and it’s not about getting more people in the pews We have to change the way we think about funding.”

DeYmaz’s Mosaic Church of Central Arkansas and other congregations have found success

by moving their outward-focused ministries, like food pantries and shelters, to a new nonprofit organization owned by the church.

This opens opportunities for funding from governments, businesses and civic groups many of which will not contribute directly to a religious organization. While attractive, some church leaders balk at the legal, financial and theological hurdles.

Whatever the answer, it’s clear that faith-based organizations can’t rely simply on past methods and a single-source income.

“At the end of the day,” Whitton says, “we have to find a way to thrive and accomplish our mission in an economic landscape that keeps changing.”

Standing Rock Sioux Tribe looks to expand buffalo herd

BY GABRIELLE NELSON

Contributing writer

Editor’s note: This story, created by Gabrielle Nelson for Buffalo’s Fire, is part of the AP Storyshare Louisiana Inspired features solutions journalism stories that provide tangible evidence that positive change is happening in other places and in our own communities — solutions that can be adopted around the world

Driving a pickup truck to one of the two buffalo pastures on the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Reservation, William Thompson spots a group of about a hundred buffalo grazing at one of the herd’s typical spots near the pasture’s entrance. Though the wind is biting and the temperature is below freezing, the herd seems unfazed.

As the tribe’s buffalo herd ranger, Thompson checks on the herd every other day His second stop on Friday, Jan. 9, is at the larger of the two parks, about a 20-minute drive from his office at the Standing Rock Game and Fish Department in Fort Yates, North Dakota On the 12,350 acres of arid badlands, Thompson has seen the buffalo run down the steep sides of buttes and jump 10-feet ruts but the terrain is impossible for large vehicles to traverse So to get to “all four corners” of the pasture, Thompson exits his truck, starts up a side-by-side vehicle and drives out to meet the herd

“I think our big bull is out there,” he says, singling out one buffalo in a sea of brown fur “That’s him. Even laying down he’s bigger than the rest.”

Unit is the tribe’s biggest male buffalo, weighing around 2,700 pounds. Most weigh around 2,000 pounds, twice the typical weight of females. He was transferred to Standing Rock from Yellowstone National Park in the 1990s, when the tribe reintroduced buffalo to the reservation, says Thompson. For 30 years, the herd’s population has been stable. It currently sits at 324 — 276 cows (female buffalo) and 48 bulls (male buffalo). Now Thompson wants to expand the herd, which he said will revitalize the tribe’s economy, land and Native culture The Game and Fish Department’s goal is to have more than a thousand buffalo.

But the department doesn’t have enough funds to lease more land or install more fencing, and the tribal

William Thompson, Standing Rock

watches a group of buffalo

North Dakota.

government isn’t providing more funding. So Thompson is turning to tribal organizations for grant funding, including the Buffalo Nations Grasslands Alliance, which provides technical and financial assistance to support environment programs of the Northern Great Plains tribal nations.

“There are a lot of costs with raising buffalo,” the alliance’s CEO, Shaun Grassel, told Buffalo’s Fire. “And when those herds are managed for the community, quite often there’s not a lot of revenue to be made. So if they want to do more with their buffalo, that’s just added costs that they have to source from somewhere.”

The Game and Fish Department is currently trying to acquire land abutting the existing buffalo pastures. Thompson says the alliance can provide funding for land acquisition and cover some fencing costs. A specific grant aims to help tribal environment departments cover the cost of leasing croplands for grassland restoration a process buffalo are essential to.

With the current herd size, yearly buffalo auctions pay for Thompson’s salary, equipment (like tractors and corral gates) and material to repair fencing

This past year, Standing Rock auctioned off 81 buffalo, mostly calves and yearlings, to private buyers, bringing in $148,400, says Thompson

With a larger herd, he says, the tribe could make a profit at its auctions, plus the department could

start holding buffalo hunting auctions. But increasing the herd would require more land, fencing and staff. Thompson says it’s “a gamble” that some tribal council members are hesitant to invest in.

“Buffalo are assets of the tribe,” he says. “If we get more support from them, it’ll actually help in the long run, creating better job opportunities, creating more surplus of funds.”

Bringing buffalo home

Buffalo are a keystone species of grasslands They helped shape the Northern Great Plains, and their presence supports the overall health and stability of the ecosystem. Their hooves help aerate the soil. They spread seeds that get trapped in their thick fur as they roam, and their poop has essential nutrients to fertilize the soil.

As a testament to their ties with the land, Thompson says he’s seen sick buffalo cure themselves by finding natural medicine in the pasture, like bear root and bitterroot. And unlike cattle, they don’t require supplemental hay grain or soy meal. They can get all the nutrients they need from grazing

He says a couple private buffalo ranchers in the area have gone the last four winters without feeding their herds, which lowers operation costs.

“They’ve been here way longer than us,” he says, adding that millions of buffalo used to roam from Canada all the way to Texas. Their

population fell to less than a thousand in the late 19th century when the U.S. Army, American settlers and fur traders hunted buffalo to near extinction for sport and as a way to weaken Native American communities that relied on the species. Recently buffalo populations have been growing due to restoration projects.

Yet, in the last few decades, grasslands buffalos’ native ecosystem — are declining. Over half the world’s temperate grassland, 62%, has been lost to agriculture, urban development and climate change. Indigenous grassland species, including pronghorns, elk and porcupine, are in danger, says Grassel, who, before starting the Buffalo Nations Grasslands Alliance, worked for 25 years as a wildlife biologist for the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe, where he’s a citizen.

“I got to experience seeing those animals, hunting those animals, but my grandkids might not,” he says, honoring the Native value of “looking seven generations ahead.”

In 1975, the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act recognized tribes’ right to selfgovernance and granted authority to tribes to manage their own fish and game programs, including the management of buffalo herds in the Northern Great Plains.

Less than two decades later, 19 tribes created the InterTribal Buffalo Council to support the restoration of tribal buffalo herds. Today the council consists of 86 member tribes in 22 states and has returned 20,000 buffalo to tribal lands. Standing Rock Game and Fish Department Director Jeff Kelly started working for the tribe in the early years of its program 20 years ago.

“It’s part of our past and our ancestry that we were close with the buffalo,” he says. “They provided us with everything — shelter, food, anything we could have needed to survive.” He says that while working with them he “learned to appreciate them as our relatives.”

And as people drive past the herd, which can be seen from the highway, Kelly says he hopes they are reminded of the relationship between Native communities and buffalo: “Our relatives are still here. We’re still here.”

Restoring land

Back at the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Reservation, wildlife is thriving, particularly on the largest pasture, called Unit 41. The land is now home to 80 elk, which the Buffalo Nations Grasslands Alliance helped reintroduce, as well as a mountain lion and her three cubs, mule deer, coyote, beaver, porcupine, raptors and prairie dogs, in addition to buffalo.

Together, the two pastures span roughly 17,000 acres with 58 miles of fencing, which Thompson checks every week in case there’s a need for repairs. But the setup can support only 300 more buffalo, he says.

As they return buffalo herds to tribal lands and restore native ecosystems, Thompson says Native communities are “gaining back our identity.” He has worked with buffalo for 15 years. About a year ago, he started managing the herd at Standing Rock, where he’s an enrolled citizen. Thompson says he’s come to know the herd and their personalities in the past year Some of them are curious, getting so close you can feed them by hand, while others are mean and rowdy and will challenge your vehicle, he says.

“It’s the bulls you have to get to know,” he says, driving the sideby-side vehicle up to a particularly “mischievous” group of young bulls tussling apart from the herd.

“They’re smart. They’re powerful. But I know where they’ll be and where they’re trying to get out.”

The bulls butt heads and leap across crevices in the rocky, grassy landscape as they chase one another Wary of the sound of the engine, they separate and run back to the herd. Thompson points out a cow with a red tag affixed to her ear She’s marked for harvest.

The Game and Fish Department typically harvests one buffalo a month to distribute the meat to community members. The hides and skulls, he says, are gifted to tribal members for sun dance ceremonies.

The department keeps its freezers stocked with 500 to 1,500 pounds of meat, which is processed at Wozu Inc., a Native community-focused organization on the Standing Rock Reservation, and West Side Meats, a meat market in South Dakota run by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe.

SUNDAY, MArch 1, 2026

grams

directions: Make a 2- to 7-letter word from the letters in each row Add points of each word, using scoring directions at right. Finally, 7-letter words get 50-point bonus. “Blanks” used as any letter have no point value All the words are in the Official SCRABBLE® Players Dictionary, 5th Edition.

word game

instructions: 1. Words must be of four or more letters. 2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed. 3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. 4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.

todAY's Word — unrAVeLs: un-RAVuls: Disengages or separates the threads of Average mark 41 words Time limit 60 minutes Can you find 60 or more words in UNRAVELS?

ken ken

instructions: 1 -Each rowand each column must contain thenumbers 1through4 (easy) or 1through6 (challenging) without repeating 2 -The numbers within the heavily outlinedboxes, called cages, must combine using thegiven operation (inany order)toproduce the target numbersinthe top-left corners. 3 -Freebies: Fillinthe single-boxcages withthe numberinthe top-left corner

instructions: Sudoku is anumber-placing puzzle based on a 9x9 gridwith several given numbers. The object is to placethe numbers 1to 9in theempty squares so that each row,each column and each 3x3 boxcontains the same number only once. The difficultylevel of the Conceptis Sudoku increases from Monday to Sunday

directions: Complete thegridso that numbers 1–132 connect horizontally, vertically or diagonally

Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Nichols Lewis

super Quiz

Aggressive behavior

This is another deal from a recent team match in Sweden. South was Swedish expert PerOla Cullin. Cullin’s four-spade bid was very aggressive, based on useful distribution and high hopes. It served to shut West out of the auction, despite his fine hand, after opening the bidding. West led his ace, and when dummy had a singleton in the suit, it became a suit-preference situation.

East played the two as a suitpreference for clubs, so West led the king of clubs and another club. East took his ace and shifted to a heart. Cullin won with the ace and led a spade to dummy’s queen, He ruffed a heart and led another spade, picking up West’s king and drawing trumps When another heart ruff dropped down the king, Cullin could claim ten tricks.

Tannah Hirsch welcomes readers’ responses sent in care of this newspaper or to Tribune Content Agency inc., 2225 Kenmore Ave., Suite 114, Buffalo, Ny 14207. E-mail responses may be sent to gorenbridge@ aol.com. © 2026 Tribune Content Agency

At the other table, North overcalled one spade rather than two diamonds and East made a negative double. South raised spades, but West bid three no-trump A heart lead and a spade shift would have defeated the contract by two tricks, but North made the reasonable lead of the queen of spades. West took his king and made nine tricks, thanks to the friendly club position. Bidding and making game at both tables created a huge gain for Cullin’s team

guilty

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recting your skills, qualifications and interests.

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AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Keep close tabs on your finances and career options. Timing is everything, and being aware of what’s possible is crucial if you want to get ahead. Channel your energy wisely Choose positivity over negativity wuzzLes The horoscope, an entertainment feature, is not based on scientific fact. © 2026 by NEA, inc., dist. By Andrews McMeel Syndication

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SCORING: 24 to 30 points —congratulations, doctor; 18 to 23 points—honorsgraduate; 13 to 17 points —you’replenty smart, but no grind; 5to12points —you really shouldhit the booksharder;1point to 4points —enroll in remedial courses immediately; 0points who reads thequestions to you?

Saturday's Cryptoquote: Whatever we believe about ourselves and our abilitycomes true for us. —Susan L. Taylor