The Advocate 01-18-2026

‘LOUISIANA IS ALWAYS MY PRIORITY’

Report: Louisiana greenhouse emissions flat in 2025

BY TYLER BRIDGES Staffwriter

Favorable political windsprovided plenty of lift whenJeff Landry becamegovernor in January 2024.

He inheritedanoverflowing statetreasuryfromhis Democratic predecessor, JohnBel Edwards, and he took office with a Republican supermajority in the Legislature, the first GOP governor in modern times with that benefit Landry has moved aggressively to take advantage sincethen, securing conservativewinsthat havetoughened anti-crimelaws, reduced income tax rates and allowed more parents to send their children to private schools with taxpayer dollars. At the same time,Landry has shown apenchant for jumping into controversial issues with inflammatory comments that have won him headlines —not always favorably He called for theexecution of Venezuela’sousted president Nicolás Maduroand won plaudits on Fox News. He demanded the resignation of LSU’sathletic director,saying he’d rather let Donald Trump pick the next coach,” and was roasted by

sports columnists nationally Now,ashebegins his third year, Landryisfacing questions of whether hisappointment as Trump’sspecial envoy to Greenlandwill distract him fromservingthe needs of Louisiana. Not at all, Landry told The Times-Picayune| TheAdvocate during a45-minute interview at theGovernor’sMansion.

“Louisiana is always my priority,” he said Nor,headded,doeshis newinternational rolemean he’s looking to move on to ahigh-profile role in Washington.

“The voters can kickmeout,” he said. “But I’mnot leaving Louisiana.”

Landry has beenraising money for his reelection campaign in 2027. No challenger has surfaced yet.

Landry, 55, was elected as Louisiana’s57th governor in 2023 in theprimary,without having to contest arunoff, after leading during the entire campaign.

Voters liked his exuberant Cajun personality,his conservative

Oystermengrieve Honduran deckhand

Mandrowned fleeing Louisiana immigrationsweep

BY JOHN SIMERMAN and SOPHIE KASAKOVE Staff writers

Aweek before Christmas, a white minivan pulled up to the docks in Hopedale, and four U.S. Coast Guard agents jumped outin black vests.

Aboard the Rambler,anoyster boat that had docked to offloadits haul, two deckhands fromHonduras acted fast.

They feared the same fate as other immigrants working at the bottom reaches of St.Bernard Parish who were arrested in asweep on the water in early November

The youngerofthe two deckhands hidinthe Rambler’scabin, he said. His co-worker,Walter Cerrato,a father of threewith awife in Houston,duckedintoa cooleron the deck.

Theagentsapproachedthe boat

ä See CERRATO, page 4A

Butinflux of new industrycould outpace improvements

BY JOSIEABUGOV Staff writer

Louisiana has been among the nation’sbiggest greenhouse gas emitters due to its heavy industry, but new data shows the state may be at least temporarily bucking a trend. Whileclimate-warmingemissions increased nationwide last year,Louisiana’sshare has slightly declinedoverthe past fewyears and wasrelatively flat in 2025, the preliminary data from an independent research group shows.

Anyreduction in greenhouse gasesclassifiesasgood news. But industry and environmental analysts caution that Louisiana’sfigures should be taken with aheavy dose of caution. The uptick in nationwide emissions reverses atrend of decreases over thepasttwo years, note analysts at the Rhodium Group, which used U.S. Environmental Protection Agency data forits report. Muchofthe increase was duetoutilities burningmorecoal to help meet thegrowing power needs of artificial intelligence data centers and residents heating their homes during coldwinter weather, the analysts say But some of the underlying factors are different in Louisiana. At the national level, power generation drives greenhouse gas

ä See EMISSIONS, page 8A

Blast of winter weather hits Midwest, East Coast

HOUSTON A blast of winter weather brought snowfall and subfreezing wind chills across the Midwest and East Coast on Saturday as well as near-freezing temperatures in parts of the South, including normally balmy Florida.

In northeastern Ohio, sudden bursts of heavy snow and gusty winds created whiteout conditions, according to the National Weather Service. Snow squall conditions moved into the Cleveland metro area and were expected to continue east into Pennsylvania and parts of eastern New York.

“Expect visibilities of less than a quarter of a mile and rapid snow accumulation on roadways. Travel will be difficult and possibly dangerous in the heavy snow,” the National Weather Service warned.

Below-average temperatures in the Central and Eastern U.S were predicted for the weekend and into early next week.

“The next few nights are forecast to be very cold for much of the Central and Eastern United States,” the Weather Prediction Center, part of the National Weather Service, said. “Subzero wind chills are forecast from the Plains to the Midwest and Northeast, with the coldest wind chills expected in the Upper Midwest on Sunday night.”

“Impactful snowfall” was forecast to begin late Saturday up and down the East Coast, from the western Florida Panhandle to Maine, according to the prediction center Snow was expected to blanket Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island by Sunday night, with some areas getting up to 4 inches of snow Meanwhile Oklahoma, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida were expected to have near-freezing temperatures at least through the weekend.

In Tallahassee, Florida, there could be some snowfall Sunday morning, according to the National Weather Service. But it should not last long.

Vance, Rubio to attend Winter Olympics opening

ROME, Italy Vice President JD Vance will lead an American delegation to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy and attend the opening ceremony, the White House said Saturday Vance will be joined by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, second lady Usha Vance, U.S. Ambassador Tilman Fertitta and a group of Olympic gold medalists, the White House said in a statement. The Milan Cortina Games kick off on Feb. 6. The opening ceremony’s Parade of Nations will feature athletes led by the national flagbearers not only in Milan’s San Siro stadium, which will be packed with 60,000 spectators, but also, for the first time in Olympic history, in three other locations: the mountain venues of Cortina, Predazzo and Livigno. President Donald Trump isn’t on the list of members of the delegation.

Former Nickelodeon star

killed in hit-and-run

NEW YORK Law enforcement

officials say Kianna Underwood a former Nickelodeon child star, was killed Friday in a hit-and-run in New York. She was 33

According to the New York Police Department, Underwood was crossing an intersection in the Brownsville neighborhood of Brooklyn when a black Ford Explorer SUV hit her in the morning. While lying in the street, she was then “subsequently struck by a black and gray sedan,” NYPD said in a statement. Underwood was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police say both drivers left the scene and have not been identified. The investigation remains ongoing.

Underwood starred in Nickelodeon’s popular children’s sketch comedy show, “All That,” over seven episodes in 2005. Between 1999 and 2004, Underwood voiced the character Fuschia Glover in the Nick Jr show “Little Bill.”

She also spent a year on the first national tour of “Hairspray” as Little Inez. “All That” was Underwood’s last credited role.

MINNESOTA

Pro- and anti-ICE demonstrators clash

Governor announces mobilization of National Guard amid unrest over immigration crackdown

BY JACK BROOK Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS Protesters for and against the Trump administration’s latest immigration crackdown clashed in Minneapolis on Saturday as the governor’s office announced that National Guard troops had been mobilized and stood ready to assist state law enforcement, though they were not yet deployed to city streets.

There have been protests every day since the Department of Homeland Security ramped up immigration enforcement in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul by bringing in more than 2,000 federal officers

A large group of protesters turned out in downtown Minneapolis and confronted a much smaller group of people attending an anti-Somali and pro-Immigration and Customs Enforcement rally They chased the pro-ICE group away and forced at least one member to take off a shirt they deemed objectionable.

Jake Lang, who organized the anti-Islam and pro-ICE demonstration, appeared to be injured as he left the scene, with bruises and scrapes on his head. He said via social media beforehand that he intended to “burn a Quran” on the steps of City Hall, but it was not clear if he carried out that plan.

Lang was previously charged with assaulting an officer with a baseball bat, civil disorder and other crimes before receiving clemency as part of President Donald Trump’s sweeping act of clemency for Jan. 6 defendants last year Lang recently announced that he is running for U.S. Senate in Florida.

In Minneapolis, snowballs and water balloons were also thrown before an armored police van and heavily equipped city police arrived.

“We’re out here to show Nazis and ICE and DHS and MAGA you are not welcome in Minneapolis,” protester Luke Rimington said. “Stay out of our city, stay out of our state. Go home.”

National Guard ‘staged and ready’

The state guard said in a statement that it had been “mobilized” by Democratic

Gov Tim Walz to support the Minnesvota State Patrol “to assist in providing traffic support to protect life preserve property and support the rights of all Minnesotans to assemble peacefully.”

Maj. Andrea Tsuchiya, a spokesperson for the guard, said it was “staged and ready” but yet to be deployed.

The announcement came more than a week after Walz, a frequent critic and target of Trump, told the guard to be ready to support law enforcement in the state.

During the daily protests, demonstrators have railed against masked immigration officers pulling people from homes and cars and other aggressive tactics.

The operation in the deeply liberal Twin Cities has claimed at least one life: Renee Good, a U.S. citizen and mother of three, was shot by an ICE officer during a Jan. 7 confrontation.

Living in fear

During a news conference Saturday, a man who fled civil war in Liberia as a child said he has been afraid to leave his Minneapolis home since being released from an immigration detention center following his arrest last weekend.

Video of federal officers breaking down Garrison Gibson’s front door with a battering ram Jan. 11 become another rallying point for protesters who oppose the crackdown.

Gibson, 38, was ordered to be deported, apparently because of a 2008 drug conviction that was later dismissed. He has remained in the country legally under what’s known as an order of supervision After his recent arrest, a judge ruled that federal officials did not give him enough notice that his supervision status had been revoked.

Then Gibson was taken back into custody for several hours Friday when he made a routine check-in with immigration officials. Gibson’s cousin Abena Abraham said Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials told her White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller ordered the second arrest

The White House denied the account of the rearrest and that Miller had anything to do with it.

Gibson was flown to a Texas immigration detention facility but returned home following the judge’s ruling. His family used a dumbbell to keep their damaged front door closed amid subfreezing temperatures before spending $700 to fix it.

DHS said an “activist judge” was again trying to stop the deportation of “criminal illegal aliens.”

U.S. launches another retaliatory strike on Islamic State target

Leader tied to group reportedly killed in Syria

By The Associated Press

WASHINGTON A third round of retaliatory strikes by the U.S. in Syria resulted in the death of an al-Qaida-affiliated leader, who officials say had a direct tie to the Islamic State member responsible for last month’s ambush that killed two U.S. soldiers and one American civilian interpreter in the country

U.S. Central Command announced that the strike in northwest Syria on Friday killed Bilal Hasan al-Jasim, who they claim was “an experienced terrorist leader who plotted attacks and was directly connected” to the Dec. 13 attack that killed Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard and civilian interpreter Ayad Mansoor Sakat

“The death of a terrorist operative linked to the deaths of three Americans demonstrates our resolve in pursuing ter-

rorists who attack our forces,” Adm. Brad Cooper CENTCOM commander said in a statement. “There is no safe place for those who conduct, plot, or inspire attacks on American citizens and our warfighters. We will find you.” It was the latest strike as part of a broader U.S. operation ordered by President Donald Trump following the ambush of the Americans to target “ISIS thugs” trying to regroup after the ouster of autocratic leader Bashar Assad a year ago

The Republican president has stressed that Syria was fighting alongside American troops as the U.S. military is expanding its cooperation with security forces as part of a coalition fighting the militant group. He added at the time that Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa was “extremely angry and disturbed by this attack.”

CENTCOM said that the operation, titled “Hawkeye Strike,” has resulted in U.S. and partners like Jordan and Syria targeting more than 100 Islamic State infrastructure and weapons site targets.

Judge: Feds can’t detain, tear gas peaceful protesters

BY AUDREY MCAVOY and STEVE KARNOWSKI Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS Federal officers in the Minneapolis area participating in its largest recent U.S. immigration enforcement operation can’t detain or tear gas peaceful protesters who aren’t obstructing authorities, including when these people are observing the agents, a judge in Minnesota ruled Friday

U.S. District Judge Kate Menendez’s ruling addresses a case filed in December on behalf of six Minnesota activists. The six are among the thousands who have been observing the activities of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol officers enforcing the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area since last month.

Federal agents and demonstrators have repeatedly clashed since the crackdown began. The confrontations escalated after an immigration agent fatally shot Renee Good in the head on Jan. 7 as she drove away from a scene in Minneapolis, an incident that was captured on video from several angles. Agents have arrested or briefly detained many people in the Twin Cities.

The activists in the case are represented by the American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota, which says government officers are violating the constitu-

tional rights of Twin Cities residents.

After the ruling, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin issued a statement saying her agency was taking “appropriate and constitutional measures to uphold the rule of law and protect our officers and the public from dangerous rioters.”

She said people have assaulted officers, vandalized their vehicles and federal property, and attempted to impede officers from doing their work.

“We remind the public that rioting is dangerous — obstructing law enforcement is a federal crime and assaulting law enforcement is a felony,” McLaughlin said.

The ACLU didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment Friday night. The ruling prohibits the officers from detaining drivers and passengers in vehicles when there is no reasonable suspicion they are obstructing or interfering with the officers. Safely following agents “at an appropriate distance does not, by itself, create reasonable suspicion to justify a vehicle stop,” the ruling said.

Menendez said the agents would not be allowed to arrest people without probable cause or reasonable suspicion the person has committed a crime or was obstructing or interfering with the activities of officers.

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and the young deckhand rushed to Cerrato, who he called “hermano” — brother — and told him he would jump, he said in a phone interview in Spanish.

Cerrato worried the agents would catch up with them, he told his friend. But after the younger man dropped into Bayou La Loutre, the older one followed.

Water rushed into the younger man’s boots and a strong current swept him away from the boat, he said. By the time he reached the other bank and looked back to see Cerrato’s head sink beneath the water’s surface, “it was already too late.”

Walter Francisco Cerrato Cabrera drowned in his white shrimp boots after 20 years working on oyster boats around Hopedale. He was 48. Friends said he couldn’t swim.

A wooden cross memorial now juts from a short post by a bank of oyster shells near where he jumped. His loss has stung this small community of oystermen and fishing guides down Hopedale Highway raising concerns among some over the immigration crackdown from President Donald Trump’s administration.

They describe stepped-up arrests in lower St. Bernard, including the raid on boats in Drum Bay over a few days at the start of oyster season.

Trump’s administration also sent more than 200 U.S. Border Patrol agents to south Louisiana early last month, fanning out from New Orleans to Baton Rouge.

Republican state leaders, including Gov Jeff Landry and Attorney General Liz Murrill, have welcomed the federal officials, saying they will help to rid the state of crime. Democratic leaders of New Orleans have opposed them.

The operation, dubbed “Catahoula Crunch,” has netted 560 arrests so far,

federal officials said, though the vast majority have not had criminal records.

Oystermen say the campaign has instilled fear among immigrants in an industry few Americans are eager to work.

“They’ve been really spooked out ever since Border Patrol and ICE have been in New Orleans,” said Anthony Tesvich, the Rambler’s captain, who described the Coast Guard van that pulled up as unmarked.

The Coast Guard confirmed its presence that day but said in a statement that it didn’t learn of the two Honduran men, or that one of them drowned, until later Oysterman Greg Perez, who often employed Cerrato, said he had a work visa at one point but that it likely had lapsed. Perez said he knew Cerrato couldn’t swim, having fished him out of the water about five years ago.

The younger deckhand, who asked that his name not be published over fear of immigration officials, said it’s a hard time for those in his circumstances.

“Given how things are right now sometimes we react in a way that we don’t see the consequences of what’s going to happen,” he said He credited his survival to a floating tree branch he used to buoy himself to the far banks of a bayou about 120 feet across.

“I was drowning, literally drowning, swallowing water,” he said, adding that nobody saw them because they were blocked from view “I was resigned to dying; I had given up.”

‘A good, good guy

As the sun set on Dec. 18, Perez and other oystermen hurled grappling hooks into the bayou until St. Bernard Parish deputies with longer lines recovered Cerrato’s body after nightfall, about 7 p.m., according to a sheriff’s report.

“I sure hope God made him an angel, because he was a good, good guy Anything you asked him: ‘I got

STAFF PHOTO By CHRIS GRANGER

A wooden cross memorial on pilings has been placed near where deckhand Walter Francisco Cerrato Cabrera died in late December after he jumped into Bayou La Loutre in Hopedale to avoid being arrested by U.S Coast Guard agents. The oyster boat Legacy, back right, was the boat that managed to pick up and save one of the two men who jumped into the water that day.

PROVIDED PHOTO

Walter Cerrato, 48, a longtime oyster boat deckhand around Hopedale in lower St. Bernard Parish, drowned on Dec. 18 after jumping into Bayou La Loutre as U.S. Coast Guard officials approached.

it.’ Just an A1 guy,” said Robbie Campo, of Campo’s Marina. He also knew that Cerrato, whom he described as “far from a troublemaker,” couldn’t swim.

“Whoever needed a deckhand, he was just a hardworking dude,” Campo said, adding that Cerrato was bilingual.

“Walter made himself that way I remember when he couldn’t speak a bit of English at all. He just picked it up really quick.”

Mary Hand, an attorney for the St. Bernard Parish

Sheriff’s Office, said a records search found no warrants, attachments or criminal history for Cerrato.

Another longtime oysterman, Brock Buras, estimated that about 30 immigrant deckhands remain working in the community two decades after they arrived in the U.S.

“They’re all good people, really good people. It’s a horrible thing,” Buras said “If they’re gone, I’m out of business, plain and simple.”

In response to questions, the U.S. Coast Guard released a statement describing the November sweep as a two-day “Border Patrol-led interagency operation that took place in Biloxi Marsh,” which encompasses Drum Bay

The statement said the operation resulted in “10 illegal alien arrests,” and that the Coast Guard issued 33 violations.

Among them were “three violations where more than 25% of the total number of unlicensed seamen on the vessel were aliens not lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence and one violation for a vessel operating with a nonU.S. master.”

It said the Coast Guard’s presence in Hopedale six weeks later, on the afternoon that Cerrato drowned, “was not a joint operation and was

not connected to previous boardings in November.”

“On December 18th, while U.S. Coast Guard Sector New Orleans Boarding Team was conducting a standard Ports Waterways Coastal Security (PWCS) patrol around Hopedale Hwy, they conducted a small vessel security boarding on a commercial fishing vessel off-loading catch,” the statement read.

“The master of the fishing vessel stated there were only two persons on board.”

Hours later the Sheriff’s Office alerted the Coast Guard, which had left the scene, “that the vessel had a third crew member who entered the water prior to the boarding,” the statement said.

The Coast Guard said it returned to help with the search and didn’t know Cerrato’s legal status until after his death.

An American was detained on an outstanding warrant during the Coast Guard operation. At the time, Tesvich didn’t let on about the two Honduran men, he said.

Tesvich said he was torn about when to report the possible drowning He delayed calling authorities for a few hours that afternoon as he and others searched, records show

Cerrato’s family held a service on Christmas Eve in Houston before flying his body to Honduras for burial, Perez said. Attempts to reach family members were not successful.

Deckhands hard to find

Around Hopedale, a fishing enclave built by Islenos after the Civil War, oystermen said the immigration focus has taken a toll.

After the mass arrests on Drum Bay, “you couldn’t find a deckhand for weeks,” Campo said.

Oystermen agreed that the immigrants do work few locals embrace.

“Ninety percent of them are lazy You can’t find nobody to work down there. It’s pitiful. The ones that do work, they doing dope,” Campo said.

“What you have with these Hondurans, or Mexicans or whatever, Guatemalans — those guys are there to make money and get back in (to shore),” he said. “I know they’re here illegally, you know what I mean? But ICE got ’em so damn scared.” Cerrato was quick to request his IRS tax forms each year, Perez said He was also frugal and drove the same old Nissan Sentra until it died. Cerrato would return home every few weeks to Houston and his family

“When the phone would ring and it was his kids, he would just change into the sweetest tone you’d ever want to hear speaking to a child,” Perez said. “It’s beautiful.” He said Cerrato sometimes talked about Honduras.

“He had a few investments over there he was proud of. He made a little apartment complex, the way it sounded,” he said. Perez said he awoke this week from a dream in which Cerrato had appeared, surviving, before he recognized it had not happened Politically, he said, it’s been hard to know where to land.

“I understand Walter and them, being illegal. My mother’s from Havana, Cuba. I feel a sympathy But at the same time, I know we have a problem with our borders,” he said. “I’m kind of on both sides.”

The younger deckhand said that he and Cerrato worked together every day for a year Cerrato was “a hardworking man who didn’t smoke, didn’t drink,” he said. “He left a big void. Everyone knew him.”

The deckhand said he’s mostly stayed at home since Cerrato’s death. He’s considering leaving the country and leaving his son behind to follow the path of many friends in recent months who have returned home, he said, rather than live in the U.S. in fear Staff writers Lara Nicholson and James Finn contributed reporting

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message and his record of taking on Democrats during his eight years as attorney general.

Hyperactive sincehewas akid in St. MartinvilleinSt. Martin Parish, Landry doesn’twalk into rooms. He bounds in, full of energy,smiles and claps on the back But he’ll turn combative when his point of view is challenged

During his two years asgovernor,Landry has embraced Trump’s MAGA policies of aggrievement, while cutting deals with Democrats when necessary to advance his policy goals.

“I think Gov.Landryhas been an extraordinarily successful governor in achieving the goals he has set forth for his administration,” said Robert Hogan, who chairs LSU’spoliticalscience department. “His list of accomplishments read like awish list that most any Republican governor would hope to accomplish.”

Hogan added that Landryhas shown adeft politicaltouch and has been fortunate not to have “a revenue crisis or set of conditions that require painful cuts to services or the imposition of taxes, so this makes governing much easier Also, he has large majorities of fellow partisans in both chambers, again, another fundamental condition that results in success.”

The House under Speaker Phillip DeVillier,R-Eunice, has given Landry virtually everything he has sought, while the Senate,under President Cameron Henry,RMetairie, has rejected some of his initiatives.

“He’sevolved every year as governor,” Henry said. “He wentin with an approach of telling elected officials what to do. He’sevolved into making decisions more collaboratively.Henow asks, ‘What’s the best way to proceed? How can we get things done?’ We allhave the same desire to have Louisiana succeed, but sometimesour approaches are different.”

Abusysecondyearinoffice

In his second year as governor, Landry won praise for overseeing planning fora highly acclaimed Super BowlinNew Orleans, for therole of Troop Nolain contributing to the continued drop in crime in New Orleans and for promoting big investment projects in Louisiana. In March, Landry and Trumpannounced that Hyundai isplanning to spend $5.8 billion to build asteel mill in Ascension Parish Business Facilities magazine, which reports on economic development projects, nameditthe country’s“Platinum Deal of the Year” in 2025 —ayear after the publication gave the same award for Meta’s$27 billion artificial intelligence data center under construction in Richland Parish in northeast Louisiana.

His opposition led state officials, citing highercosts,tocancel the Mid-Barataria Diversion,which aimed to rebuild wetlandsasLouisiana’sbiggestcoastal project

He welcomedthe federalimmigration crackdown in theNew Orleansarea that led to 560 arrests, according to the Department of Homeland Security,and opened up aclosed wing at Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola for detained immigrants. Landry also encountered setbacks during his second year in office.

He suffered what he acknowl-

edges was his biggest defeat when voters in March, by a2-1 margin, rejected changes he sought to the state’sbudget and tax laws.

In April, just before the legislative session began, anews story reporting he and several key legislators went turkey hunting in Texaswith trial attorney Gordon McKernan prompted conservatives to question his commitment to adoptpro-insurance changes that conservatives said would lower home and property insurance rates.

As the session wasabout to end, Landry trumpeted passage of legislation favored by theinsurance industry.But he faced his first major defections among House Republicans when they opposed ameasure that Landry said wouldallow Insurance Commissioner TimTemple to lower rates —but that insurance industryofficials said would discourage them from investing in thestate.

Concerned aboutpossible ballooning costs, thestate Senate has been willing to give Landry onlyhalf the money he has sought for LA GATOR, which gives parents taxpayer money to send their children to privateschools.

ated from the UniversityofLoyola Law School at 33.

As governor,Landry put so many demands on then-LSU President William Tate that that was afactor in Tate’sdecision last year to leave to become president of Rutgers University, said two members of the LSUBoard of Supervisors.

Landry madeitknown that he favored then-McNeese State President Wade Rousse to be LSU’snext president.The LSU board went along with him.

“Any time we are engaging in policydebates that Ibelieve are good for the peopleofthe state, Iwill go to allextremes to ensure that the peopleget what they deserve.”

JEFFLANDRy

GOV.

In January,Landry hailed big gainsinnational fourth grade reading scorerankings compared to other states, but thechanges creditedfor thoseimprovements took placebeforehetook office.

Landry showed an appetite for political retaliation: Afull 16 of the 17 line-item vetoesthat he issued in 2025 targetedspending projects sought by Republican legislators who had opposed that measure.

Landry later showed his political muscle by getting the House Republicans to choose state Rep.Michael Echols of Monroe to be their caucuschair overRep. John Illg of Metairie, an unusualinterventionfor agovernor.Illg hadvoted against theinsurance measure.

The governor has paid unusually close attentiontoLSU, which may be asurprise to some, given that college was not apriority for Landry after he graduated from St.Martinville High School. He worked in alocal sugar cane field initially before moving on to other jobswhile attending what is now called theUniversity of Louisiana at Lafayette. He completed his studies there at age 28 and gradu-

Daysearlier, Landry complained about LSU’splan to raise ticket pricesfor next year’sfootball games after getting blown out by Texas A&M at home,and universityofficials reversed course. But any goodwill he gained there was offset when he was accused of meddling by calling for theresignation of Athletic Director Scott Woodward and complaining that LSU had givenanoverly generouscontract to coach BrianKelly,who had just beenfiredand was now owed $54 million. Critics had afield day after LSUthengave Lane Kiffin, the new coach, acontract that seemed to be as generous, including ahuge payout if he was fired, and Landry expressed his delight at the hire.

“Canyou smell what’s coming out of LSU? That would be theunforgettable odor of mendacity,” wrote acolumnist for Front Office Sports, an online news organization that coversthe business of sports.

In theinterview,Landry said Kiffin’scontractisbetterfor LSU because the payments to the coach are front-loaded andbecause the contract expressly says the Tiger Athletic Foundation, aprivate entity,would cover aKiffinbuyout. (Thefoundation is expected to pay themoney owed to Kelly.)

“All of those critics?” Landry said. “It’s hogwash. Again, Iwas right.They were wrong.”

In themeantime, Landry has continued to operate less transparentlythan his predecessors, not explaining why he traveled to Argentina in December andhavinghis staff scrub details of his daily schedule before releasing it to thepress.

In Landry’sview,all of this is background noise. In his view,the statehas never seen amore effectivegovernor

“The people of Louisiana said they wanted change,and we have absolutely delivered that positive change,” he said. “Some people maynot like the way we fixed the problem. But ultimately,wefixed theproblem.”

He added,“Even in light of setbacks, everything that we promised to the people of this state, we delivered on.Crime? Going down. Education? Our numbers are better.The economy?Historic. Infrastructure improvement? Historic. Budgetstabilization? Historic. Fiscal responsibility? Historic.”

LouisianaEconomicDevelopmentreports that companies planned to invest $61 billion in the statein2025, up dramatically from $16 billion in 2024 and $16 billion in 2023.

“Thegovernor is correct,”said economist Loren Scott. “Wehave never seen anything like this.”

By thenumbers

Butbyother,broader measures, the economic gains aren’texactly historic.

From when he becamegovernor through November 2025, when the latest numbers are available,Louisiana mirrored the national average with an increase in nonfarm employment of 1.5%. That translated into about 29,000 more jobs in Louisiana.

The state unemployment rate ticked up to 4.3% in November from 4.2% when Landry took office.

Economist Jim Richardson hails theplans fornew investments but notes that mostofthe job creation will come during the construction phase,not afterthe new facilities are open, because mostofthe new projectsare capital-intensive.

Landry and other conservatives blamed Gov.Edwards’ policies for adrop in the state’spopulation during his tenure. No reliable census figures exist yettoshow whether the population loss hasbeen reversedunder Landry.Atlas, the big moving company,provided figuresrecently to suggest that it hasn’t.

Atlasrecently reported that, on apercentage basis, Louisiana had moreoutbound moves with the company than any other state from Nov.1,2024, to Oct. 31, 2025. Louisiana hadtwo outbound moves for every inbound one, the company said.

Landryhas benefited from having plenty of money to spend, inheriting a$325 million budget surplus from Edwards and seeing the surplus grow to $577 millionbythe endof2025. But state officials are projecting a$130 milliondeficit for next year anda $609 million deficit for theyear after that. Statelaw requires the Legislature and governor to approve a balanced budget each year

The state’stwo reserve accounts —the Budget Stabilization Fund andthe Revenue Stabilization Fund —had $3.23 billion two years agoand nowhave $3.6 billion.Lawmakers face restrictions on how they can spend that money

Landryisbeing “very prudent, which anygovernor should do,” Richardsonsaid.

While Landry has called forless government, the number of state employees rose slightly from 69,135 in 2024 to 69,630 in 2025, according to Richardson.

Landry said he has positioned Louisianafor an investment boom and population gains by getting the Legislature in November 2024 to approve anet taxcut. The lawmakers reduced the top individual and corporatetax rates and abolished the much-maligned corporate

franchise tax, which was atax on corporate assets —but they also raised the state sales tax.

The TaxFoundation, aWashington, D.C.-basednonprofit favored by conservatives, moved Louisiana in its State TaxCompetitiveness Index from 37th nationally to 31st.

“You could say Louisiana moved only six places, but it’sclearly moving in the right direction,”said ManishBhatt, thegroup’sstate tax policy director

Landry said he hopes to convene aspecial legislative sessionlate in the year to reduce income tax rates even further

But while reducing the tax rates 14 months ago, Landry and the Legislature offset thatbyraising the state sales tax from 4.45% to 5%.

Louisiana has the highest combined state and local sales tax rate in the country and went from the 48th-ranked state sales tax system to the 50th, according to The Tax Foundation.

Economist Greg Albrecht found the changesare making Louisiana’stax system slightly moreregressive by giving tax cuts in percentage terms to the wealthy while the poor are paying slightly more. What’s next?

Afterpushing through major changes during his first twoyears, the governor has yet to explain his major initiativesfor the regular legislative session that convenes on March 9. It appears he is focusedonconsolidating the conservative policies that he says are offering the right recipe for Louisiana.

However,legislators, including conservatives, aregrumbling privately more andmoreatLandry’s style, whichsomecall overbearing.

“Any time we are engaging in policy debates that Ibelieve are good for the people of the state, I will go to allextremes to ensure that the people get what they deserve,” Landry said. The governorhas traveledrepeatedly to Washington, D.C., to cultivate ties withTrump and otherkey figuresinMAGA world. This led Trumplast month to appoint Landry as the president’s special envoytoGreenland.

“He seems more focused on being Donald Trump’spet projects coordinator than tending to our problems andneeds in Louisiana,” said Dustin Granger, aDemocrat who lost the 2023 race to be state treasurer.

Landry’snew role puts him in theinternational spotlight —he told Fox News on Friday that he plans to travel there in March, followingahigh-levelmeeting in WashingtononThursday— as Trumpfaces offwith leaders from Greenland, Denmark and Europe over the island’sfuture.

“It’sanhonor to serve youinthis volunteer position to make Greenland apartofthe U.S,”Landry said in apost on Xaddressed to Trump in his first statementon Dec. 21. In theinterview, Landry offered asofter approach, saying, “This is an opportunity to go talk to some folks andsay,‘Hey, would y’all be interested in engaging in arelationship with the United States that’sbetter than the one you have in Europe?’”

Asked about his lack of experience in foreignaffairs and knowledge aboutEurope,Landry asked, “You have to have adegree in diplomacy from Harvard to be able to converse with different people?”

LAWAND ORDER

■ TOUGHERCRIMINAL JUSTICELAWS

In one of his first acts as governor, Landrysummoned lawmakers to a special legislativesession on crimeto pass aslewofbills aimed at cracking down on crime.The packageended mostparole and slashed the time inmates could gettaken off their sentences for good behavior.Another lawautomatically placed 17-yearolds into the adult justice system, and other measures createdharsher penalties for crimes.

It was asea changefrom the approach lawmakers took in 2017, when abipartisan coalition passed apackageofbills to increase early release opportunities for nonviolent offenders and free up moneyfor rehabilitativeservices.

Landryand his supporters said those changes went too far,and the state needed to crack down on crime. Opponents argued Louisiana was seeking punishment instead of rehabilitation and would pour more people intoprisons —the statehas one of the highest incarceration rates in the world.

■ RESTARTING EXECUTIONS

Landryin2024 pushed the Legislature to add electrocution and nitrogen gastothe state’slist of approvedexecution methods.

That set the stagefor the state’s first execution in 15 years: Last March, the state used nitrogen gastoexecute Jessie Hoffman Jr., whohad been sentenced to death for the 1996 abduction, rape and execution-style slaying of 28-year-old Mary“Molly” Elliott in rural St.TammanyParish.

The state’spause in executionswas partly due to an inability to obtain the drugs for lethal injection, thestate’s only approvedexecution method before Landrytook office.

■ EMBRACING TRUMP’S IMMIGRATIONCRACKDOWN

Landryhas embraced President Donald Trump’snationwide push to detain and deportimmigrants in recordnumbers.

More ICE detainees are held in Louisiana than in anystate otherthan Texas. Landryhas worked to intensify that role. During his term, state law enforcement has partnered with ICE to aid in immigration enforcement; Landryhas urged local police to do the same.

In September,the governor unveiled anew ICE detention center,known as Camp 57 or the Louisiana Lockup, on the grounds of the Louisiana State PenitentiaryatAngola.

Several months later,Landry welcomed the U.S. Border Patrol agents to the NewOrleans area for acrackdown,dubbed “Catahoula Crunch,” that resulted in the arrests of about 560 undocumented immigrants, according to the U.S. Border Patrol.

CHANGING STATE GOVERNMENT

■ OVERHAULING TAXES

In 2024, Landryand the Legislature overhauled Louisiana’stax system. Theycut the corporate income tax from athree-tiered system, witha top rateof7.5%, to one flat rateof5.5%. Theyconsolidated income taxes from three brackets, with atop rate of 4.25%,toa flat rate of 3%.And they axed the corporate franchisetax on business capital.

To makeupfor the lost revenue, Landrysigned an increase in the state sales tax to 5%.

Supporters saythe taxes will make the state much more competitivefor businesses. Critics sayitmadethe taxsystem more regressivebyraising Louisiana’ssales taxes to among the highest in the country.

Part of Landry’soverhaul failed after voters rejected amendments to the state Constitution that would have given the Legislature more flexibility to decide howtofund state government

TRACKING LANDRy’S AGENDA

Along with Republican supermajorities in the Louisiana Legislature, Gov.JeffLandry andhis cabinet have pursuedanaggressive agenda in his first twoyearsofoffice. Here aresomeofthe mosthigh-profile actions state leaders have taken since Landry took office in 2024.

Gov. Jeff Landry’s twoyears

Here is what’shappened on his watch

Source:Louisiana Economic Development

Source:The TaxFoundation

Source:The TaxFoundation

Source:DivisionofAdministration

Source:Louisiana Department of Education

Department of Corrections

and what tospend the moneyon.

■

CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING

Landryhelped put Louisiana at the center of amajor voting rights and redistrictingdebate when he backed anew versionofLouisiana’ssixdistrict congressional map.

The map added asecond majorityBlack districtthat favored Democrat Cleo Fields andhelped oust from theseatGarret Graves, aWhite Republican. Landry has saidthe new map was meant to satisfyanorder from afederal judgeinresponse to a voting-rights lawsuit.

Butagroup of White voters challengedthe map,setting up alawsuit thatisnow before the Supreme Court, which asked the parties to addresswhether it’s constitutional to useraceasafactor to drawvoting districts. Louisiana has taken the position that race should neverbeusedasa factor in redistricting.The state’smap couldbe redrawn to have onemajority-Black seat —ornoneatall.

■ CLOSED PRIMARIES

Louisianaswitched fromanopen “jungle” primarysystem,where all candidates compete against each other on the same ballot, to a closed partyprimary system, where Republicans andDemocrats hold separateprimary contests to select their nomineesfor ageneralelection.

The change,madeinearly 2024, only appliestoraces for Congress, theLouisianaSupreme Court, Public

everto fight coastal land loss.The $3 billion project would have allowed sediment from the Mississippi River to flow out, restoring marshesthe way nature did before leveesystems were built.

sayitimpingesonstudents’ religious freedom. Landryhas been unmoved by the backlash, saying parents who oppose displaying areligious textin public school classrooms should “tell the child not to look at it.”

OTHERISSUES

■

BIGINDUSTRIAL COMMITMENTS

Administration officials argued the project’scost wasspiraling out of control and that it would destroy the livelihoods of oystermen in the affected areas.But many coastal scientists and environmental advocates arguedthe diversion was the best waytopersistently rebuild coastline—and more than $600 millionhad alreadybeen spent State officials nowsay the coastal restoration strategy is focusedon land bridges and barrierislands.

■ ACARBONCAPTURE MORATORIUM

Landrylast Octoberannounced apause on newcarbon capture projects, wading into adebate of growingimportance in Louisiana. Industrial companiessay carbon capture —a process of storing carbon deep underground instead of intothe atmosphere—isanimportant stepto meeting climate goals frominvestors and other countries, and could generate significant jobs in Louisiana.

But opposition is mounting from property owners upsetabout property being expropriated forwells and pipelines,residents upsetabout safety and pollution risks, and environmentalists whoargueit’s stallinga transition away from fossil fuels

Landryhas pushed forLouisiana to become acenterof“thenew industrial South,”inking major deals withinternational businesses to build enormous facilitiesinthe state. Meta is building a$27 billion artificial intelligence datacenter in Richland Parish, which is expected to create hundreds of jobs and potentially transformasection of northeast Louisiana that has languishedrecently.Hyundai has announceda $5.8 billion steel mill project forAscension Parish, which is also expected to be amajor job creator Those twodeals were named “Platinum Dealofthe year” by Business Facilitiesmagazine,making Louisiana the first state to win the award back-to-back.

■ CARINSURANCE AND LAWSUITS

At the startofthe regular 2025 legislativesession, Landrydeclared that both personal injurylawsuits and bad behavior by insurance companiesweredriving up thecost of car insurance

Landryissuedanexecutiveorder freezingnew projects, and regulators have selectedsix projectsfor priority approval. Landrysaid the goal is to “provide aclear road mapfor citizens and localofficials.”

EDUCATION

■ LA GATOR

With his backing,the legislature passed several laws changing the rulesfor howthose lawsuitsare handledincourt. Supporters said that will curtail frivolous lawsuitsthat drive up the price of insurance;opponents said it would make it harder for people whoare injuredinwrecks to getcompensated.

Service Commission and the Board of Elementaryand Secondary Education.

Supporters of the changesay only members of aparty shouldhaveasay in pickingthe nominee.Opponents of the closed system sayitexacerbates partisanship.

■ DOTD OVERHAUL

In abid to fixthe state’s notoriously decrepit roadways more quickly,a plan to restructure the Louisiana Department of Transformation and Developmentwon bipartisan approval in the Legislature in 2025. Landry had ordered a“reformation and optimization” of the agency The governor backed the creation of abrand-newoffice, completely independentofDOTD, to handle repairs and construction of the state’s smaller bridges and roads. Lawmakers also revamped DOTD’s organizational chartwith an eyetoward speedingupproject delivery.Theycreated anew Office of Transformation dedicated to “operational efficiency” and combined engineering and project deliveryinto one office, which is now also required to privatize services whereverpossible.

COAST AND THE ENVIRONMENT

■ MID-BARATARIA

SETTLEMENT DIVERSION

The Landryadministration halted the Mid-BaratariaSettlement Diversion, Louisiana’slargest project

Landry’ssignature education policy, called LA GATOR, is arevamped version of Louisiana’slong-standing school voucher program.Like vouchers, the program gives families tax dollars to payfor privateschool tuition, but it also allows them to spend the stipends on other education-relatedexpenses— such as textbooks or laptops —that could be usedfor homeschooling

Landryhas vowed to eventually open the program to all private school families —which would cost overhalf abilliondollars, according to some estimates —but so farhe’sbeen stymied by state lawmakers wary of the hugenew expenses. Last year, Landrysought about $94 million forLAGATOR, but the Legislature allocated just $50 million— roughly howmuchthe state spent on the old voucher program

■

READING GAINS

Louisiana students have made big gainsinreading in recent years, a remarkableturnaround forastate challengedbylow literacy rates.The state’sfourth graders ledthe nation in reading progress on aclosely watchednational test in 2024, rising to 16th place nationally,upfrom 42nd place in 2022.

The widely heraldedimprovements have been attributedinlarge part to aseries of state laws and policy changes that overhauledhow reading is taught in public schools. The literacy reformsbegan during the tenure of Gov. John BelEdwards, Landry’sDemocratic predecessor, and took several years to roll out

■ TENCOMMANDMENTS

Louisiana is at the front linesof alegal battle overchurch-state separation thanks to astate law requiring public schools to post the TenCommandments. Landryhas been an outspoken proponent of the law, which afederal judgeruled unconstitutional and the 5th U.S. Circuit CourtofAppeals is setto reviewthisweek.

Proponents saythe lawreflectsthe country’sChristian roots, while critics

Landryalso pushedhardfor a newlaw that gives the insurance commissionerauthority to reject rate increaseshedetermines to be excessive. CommissionerTim Temple and someotherRepublicans objected, saying it gives toomuch arbitrarypower to agovernment official; Landryhas said Temple will be to blame if ratescontinue to rise ■ BANNINGABORTIONPILLS

Louisiana became the firststate to classify twoabortion medications, misoprostol and mifepristone,as dangerous controlledsubstances. Having the drugs without avalid prescription is nowa crime and could lead to 10 years in prison, though pregnant women are exempt from penalties underthe law.

Supporters arguedthe change closedanunsafeloophole for abortions afterthe state banned theminthe wake of aSupreme Courtdecision overturning Roev Wade. Some doctors have pushed back on the change.Theyarguethe newclassifications createhurdles to administering the drugs, which have usesotherthan abortion, such as managing miscarriages ■ INTERVENINGIN

NEWORLEANS

Landryhas repeatedly intervenedin NewOrleans, saying at thestart of his term that city leaders were ineffective and local lawenforcementwas “in shambles.”

In somecases, political leaders have accusedLandryofinterfering in what should be local issues and using the city as apolitical punching bag But in others, likethe deployments of Troop Nola and the National Guard, and in Landry’spersonal role in gearing the city up forthe Super Bowl and Mardi Gras in 2025, they have praised aclose and productive relationship.

Oneavenue wherehis priorities are alreadybeing enacted is through the selection of newmembers on powerful state-controlled boards that overseethe Superdome, the Convention Centerand thecity’slevee system.

EMISSIONS

emissions,saidDavid Dismukes, professor emeritus at the LSU Center for Energy Studies. But nearly 60% of Louisiana’scarbon emissions came from industryas of 2023.

“Wehave amuch higher industrial basethan the average state, and we also have alower population,” saidDismukes.“Where industry goes is where our greenhouse gas emissions are going to go in the state.”

It is precisely for that reason that the reductions may come as asurprise to some.

The state has welcomeda variety of industrial plants in recent years, from a boomingliquefied natural gas exportsector to continued petrochemical production along the Mississippi River corridor.Arange of projects are also slated to begin operations in the coming years, such as anearly $6 billion Hyundai steel mill andMeta’spower-hungry AI data center

Dismukes attributes Louisiana’sdecreasing emissions to improved efficiency when it comes to both power generation and industry.He highlighted utilities phasing out old generators and replacing them with newer, less polluting, models.

“Even though it’snatural gas and it’snot renewable, we’re emitting far less greenhouse gas emissions for that power generation,” Dismukes said.

The same is true on the industrial side, Dismukes said, as Louisiana expands its productive capacity without making substantial changes in emissions at ammonia plants, methanol plants and refineries. Greg Upton, the current director of theLSU Center forEnergyStudies, alsonoted that many industrial plants aretrying to connect to the grid, which could reduce emissions if the energy being transmitted there is cleaner

“It’snot just about reducing carbon emissions,” said Justin Carr,acarbon capture asset manager forExxonMobil. “It’sabout consuming less energy and natural gas to save cost, too. There’s always apush to make the productswith lessinput.”

Amixed result Carr argued that Louisi-

DAVID GRUNFELD

STAFF FILE PHOTO By

Over thepast twodecades, carbon emissions dropped nine percentinLouisiana, according to the Rhodium Group, mirroring alargernational trend to aless dramatic degree. Across thecountry as awhole, emissions declined by 18% in the same period.

ana has the opportunity to decrease emissions “without sacrificingits ability to be amanufacturing powerhouse” throughcarboncapture —but that technology is highly controversial and it is unclear howintensively thestate will pursue it in the future.

Carbon captureinvolves piping CO2 emissions deep underground for permanent storage, but it hasfaced heavy opposition in rural areas.

Another concern is that an influx of newindustrycould outpace improvements

“On one hand, you’ll have the emissions intensity of products decline, but on the other hand, you have these billions ofdollars of investment in facilitiesthatare going to comeonline,” Upton said. “Even if they’re producinga very low carbon product …that canactually increase the total amount of emissions.”

Kimberly Terrell, aresearchscientist at theEnvironmentalIntegrity Project, said thateven asingle largefacility can change theoverall picture forthe state’semissions. She pointed to year-to-year changes in state emissions data, noting that 2023emissions figures were similar to nearlya decadeprior

Decreasing emissions from 2023 to 2024largely came from reductionsin naturalgas pipelinetransport, shesaid,even asother sectors increased their emissions.

“If we removethat one source of natural gas transport, that takes away most of thedecrease,” Terrell said. “Individual sectors in Louisiana have been remaining steady or increasing slightly.”

Over the last two decades, carbon emissions dropped 9% in Louisiana, according to the Rhodium Group, mirroring alarger national trend to aless dramatic degree. Across the countryas awhole,emissions declined by 18% in the same period as the country phased out coal power in favor of mostly natural gas andsome renewable energy

Butthere arewarnings that the Trump administration’soppositiontorenewable energy and embrace of coal could reverse many gains.

Thenationallevel

Competing forces are also playingout on thenational level, theRhodiumGroup’s estimates show Lastyear,solar power was thefastest growing source of electricity. But higher demand in the power sector, largely fueled by AI data centers, and theresurgence of coal due to high natural gas prices —inpart spurred by liquefied natural gas exports—ultimately trumped the surge in solar, the researchers found.

“When power demand is growing substantially,both things can be true: Youcan be bringing arecord amount of renewables online,but at thesame time you’re not really reducing emissions,” said Michael Gaffney,alead author of the report.

Gaffney noted that Louisiana hasseen some emissions reductions in the power sector,asnatural gashas reduced thegrid share of coal. Conversely,emissions from LNG exports have increased as more capacityfor thefacilities come online. Louisianaisthe globalepicenter of the carbon-intensive industry,and President Donald

Trump haspushedtoexpand thesector further

The three existing LNG export terminals in Louisianawereall amongthe top 10 carbon emitting facilities in the state as of 2023, according to data from Upton. There are more thanadozen more terminals approved or proposedfor Louisiana. The other top emitters were chemical plants and refineries.

Terrellnoted that Rhodium’s low,medium and high emissions predictions for Louisiana all project a

“massive increase in emissionsfromLNG,” even as the state’sholistic emissions figures are morevaried.

The Rhodium Group found that some of the national emission changes resulted fromTrump repealing climate regulations andcurbing clean energy tax credits passedunderthe Biden administration. More effects of policychangesmay be felt in the coming years, Gaffney said. Upton and Dismukes similarlypointed to theimpact of the shutteredtax credits,

butthey cautioned against giving too much weight to some domestic political changes.

“I know broadly where the policy is going, and it doesn’t matter whoitis,” Dismukes said. “It’sgoing to be more efficient and having lower emissions and delivering productand commodity at thelowest cost,bothenvironmentally and economically.”

Email Josie Abugov at josie.abugov@theadvocate. com.

GrowingupinArkansas, JanuaryGardenof theMonth winner Bonnie Cooper,PhD,found it easy to love gardening. Shecredits heraunt, to whom shewas very close, with inspiringher passionfor thehobby.Cooperoften accompanied herauntonvisitswithother womeninthe neighborhood whogardened

“Ofcourse, back then buying plants wasout of thequestion,”saidCooper. “Mrs.Annabel or Mrs. Clarawould give youa cutoftheir flowers.

“And youwerenever supposed to say‘thank you’ forthe flower—it wasconsideredbad luck,” continuedCooper. “You’d say, ‘I appreciate it,’ becauseGod made theplants. They reallydon’t belong to us;weare just theircaretakers.”

Moving to SouthLouisiana broughtnew gardeningchallengesfor Cooper.Inher youth, thesoft, sandysoilofArkansas’ cotton country made gardeningsuccessrelativelysimple. When Cooper plantedsomething,she wasconfident it woulddowell—as long as sheprotected it from herplants’ greatest nemeses: hermother’s free-roaming chickens andher brother’s lawnmower.

“WhenI came down here, IrealizedI hadto elevatemybeds. Theclayinthe soil makesit toughfor plants to grow,” said Cooper.“Butif youplant enough things, somethingisbound to grow.”

Cooper recallsthat, yearsago,the popular gardeningphilosophywas to plantbedswith asingletypeofplant.Instead of followingthat trend, Cooper stuckwithher ownapproach, experimentingwithavariety of plants in each bedtodiscoverwhatworkedbest. Aftermorethan45years of trusting her instincts, Cooper’s home is surrounded by a thriving garden filledwithnativespecies and bursting with greenery.Under thegraceful canopy of a50-year-old live oak, camellias, azaleas, soon-to-be dahlias, andother plants taketurnsbloomingthroughoutmostoftheyear When theannualfrostarrives,Cooperturns to herlushindoorplant collection andNew

Orleans-stylecourtyard to keep herspirits up.Feeding thelocal faunahas also become a favorite pastimeofCooper’s. Watching cardinals,pigeons,doves,and hummingbirds visit brings dailyjoy

“I have akitchen with asitting area and a recliner,and Ienjoy my yard from inside just as much as Idooutside,”

Billy Nungesser

Lieutenant Governor, Louisiana Office of Tourism

Dustin Yates Mayor, City of St.George

Chris Daigle Parish President, IbervilleParish Government

At atimewhenmuchofthe national conversation around journalism focusesoncontraction,our organization grew We expandedour audience,increased subscriptions, and strengthened ourposition as Louisiana’sleadingsourceoflocal news andinformation.Asthe proudowner of esteemed brands such as TheTimes-Picayune, NOLA.com, TheAdvocate, The AcadianaAdvocate, Gambit andthe Shreveport -Bossier City Advocate,our journeyreflects commitment to preserving local journalism whileembracing opportunities acrossLouisiana. Thoseresults did nothappenbychance. They reflectintentional choices—about whereweinvest, howwetellstories, andhow we serveaudiences andadvertisers whovalue credible,local journalism andcompellingstorytelling.

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Asweturn the page on 2025, it’s worthpausing to recognizesomething thatcan be easy to overlookintoday’smedia climate: GeorgesMediamademeaningful progress this pastyear

journalism is relevant,useful, andlocal,readers arewillingto supportit. That growth tellsustwo things. First,there is real demand fortrusted reportingrootedinour communities. Second,our focusonlocal accountability,enterprisereporting,and highinterest coverage—news, sports, culture, andcommunity life—is resonating Subscriptionsare nowa central pillar of ourbusiness, and that relationship with readersbringsbothresponsibilityand opportunity.Subscribers expect value, consistency, andtrust andearning that trustevery dayremains ourmostimportant job. Expanding HowWeReach Audiences Anotherimportant area of progress in 2025 washow audiences consumeour journalism.Readersincreasinglyengagewithus acrossplatforms—web,mobile, newsletters,social, andvideo. Video, in particular,representsagrowing opportunity.Whether it’s breaking news, sports, community storytelling,orliveevents, videoallowsustomeetaudiences wheretheyare andpresent local journalism in compellingnew ways. We seethisasan

ouisiana’s tourismindustrycontinued itsstrongupward trajectory in 2025, with visitation on pace to exceed the impressive performanceof2024. That year,wewelcomed

44.5 millionvisitorswho generated$2billioninstate andlocal taxes, saving each Louisianahousehold roughly $1,135. Tourismremainsa majoreconomic engine,supporting approximately 225,000 jobs in Louisiana. In September, Ijoinedadelegation of tourismpartnersonan outreach missiontoCanada, ourlargest internationalmarket. In 2024, more than 85,000 Canadian visitors contributednearly$194 milliontoour economy, andinterestintravelingtoLouisiana remainsstrong–making theserelationships vital to expandingour global reach.

Louisiana’sculinary reputation also continues to rise on the global stagethrough ourpartnership with theMICHELINGuide

American Southwhichrecognized 34 Louisianarestaurantsinthe first year andwill help drawevenmorevisitorseager to experience theauthenticity anddiversity of ourcuisine Forthe fifthyear, Louisianaproudly participatedinthe Rose Parade.Withanestimated 10 billionnationaland international viewersand nearly $58 millioninadvertisingvalue generated, theparade remainsone of ourmosteffective toolsfor showcasing Louisiana’sculture andhospitality. Louisianamade significant investmentstoattract premier sporting events in communities throughout thestate,hosting youth, amateur collegiate,and professionalcompetitionswhichgeneratedmore than abilliondollars in impact andsupported tens of thousands of jobs. This momentumcontinues with severalnational fishing tournamentshostedacrossthe state.

Lookingahead,2026 marksLouisiana’s Year of Outdoors,an initiative spotlightingour stateparks, historic sites, theUNESCO site at PovertyPoint,morethan400 festivals, vibrantmainstreets, outdoorconcerts, andopen-air dining. This effortwillfurther accelerate thestrongyear-over-yeargrowthinvisitationtoour state parksand deepen therenewed enthusiasm forexploring Louisiana’s naturallandscapesand outdoorexperiences. We closed 2025 with record resultsand arepoisedtobuild on this successwithnew programs that continue to position Louisianaas oneofAmerica’s toptraveldestinations.

Aswemoveinto2026, we want everyone to know that St George is open forbusiness andset apartfor economic growth That’s whywe’re investinginprojectsthat keep ourcitystrong, competitive, andfocused on the future.We’re zeroed in on practicalimprovements andlongterm investmentsthatmakeiteasierfor businesses to grow here

Forexample,our Public WorksDepartmentcontinues to expand drainage improvements andmakeroadway repairsfor saferstreets,while also strengtheningthe everyday services residentsdependon. Additionally,the rolloutofour newGIS Hubwill further enhancetransparencybygivingthe public andlocal businesses real-timeaccess to mappingtools,project updates, andservice information,asignificant accomplishment foranemergingcitylikeSt. George

Oureconomicprioritiesfor 2026 center on creating stability, predictability,and confidencefor families and investors. We’realsoworking closelywithregional partners to alignSt. George with parishwide planning,workforce programs andlong-term transportation investments.

As ayoung andfast-growingcity, fiscal responsibility remainsatthe heartofevery decision we make.Webudget conservatively,build efficiently, andfocus ourresources on services that directly supporteconomicgrowth, creating more opportunityfor thecitizensofSt. George

Whetherit’sour long-termbusiness partners that are already growinginSt. George,orthe newbusinessesthatare making decisionstorelocatehereinthe future,wewantthem to know we’reinvesting in strategicprojectsthatsolidifyour position as acompetitive,well-managedmunicipalitywitha greatquality of life.

Aswewrapup2025,Ireflectonwhathasbeenanother remarkableyearforIbervilleParish.Itremainsanhonorto serveasyourParishPresidentandtoworkalongsidesomany residents,communityleaders,andpartnersdedicatedto movingIbervilleforward Theyearbeganwithamomentwewon’tsoonforget—ahistoric Januarysnowfallthatremindedusofthestrengthandunityofour community.Fromthatmemorablestart,progresscontinuedacrossour parishwithinitiativesthatwillshapeIberville’sfutureforyearstocome OneofourtopprioritiesremainsthenewMississippiRiver Bridge—aprojectvitaltoboththeBatonRougeregionandIberville Parish.Asoneoftheonlyparishesalongtheriverwithoutabridge,this infrastructureisessentialforreducingcongestionandopeningnew growthopportunities.Thisyear,theprojectadvancedasweenteredthe federalNEPAphase—theNationalEnvironmentalPolicyActprocess —whichrequiresathoroughreviewofenvironmental,community,and economicimpactsbeforeafinalbridgelocationcanbeselected.Wenow awaitthestudy’sresultsandremainsteadfastinadvocatingforfunding andcontinuedmomentum

Wealsomademeaningfulprogressacrossparishservicesand amenities.WeexpandedearlyvotingaccessinEastandNorthIberville celebratedIbervilleDayattheCapitolonMay6th,andbothbroke groundandheldaribboncuttingwithCPRAforthenewBayouPigeon BoatLaunch—aprojectthatwillgreatlyenhancerecreation,access andtourismalongourwaterways.Inaddition,westartedthebeginning phasesofdevelopingOneIberville:ShapingTomorrowTogether,the firstcomprehensiveMasterPlanupdateinmorethan20years,to guideresponsiblegrowthandstrengthenourcommunityforthenext generation EconomicdevelopmentcontinuestoaccelerateinIberville.Our parishisopenforbusinessandpoisedforsubstantialgrowthalong theI-10corridorinNorthIbervilleandalongtheMississippiRiver, supportedbystrongregionalpartnershipsandexpandinginfrastructure. Together,wearebuildingastronger,moreunitedIberville.Iseea brightfutureahead,builtoncollaboration,innovation,andcommunity pride.WishingyouandyourfamilyahappyandprosperousNewYear!

SusanB.Bourgeois, Secretary, Louisiana Economic Development

Clint Cointment Parish President, Ascension Parish

Lori Melancon President &CEO, GreaterBaton Rouge Economic Partnership

extensionofour reporting, nota replacement—and we will continue to buildinthisspace Looking to 2026: Growth with Purpose As we look aheadto2026, ourexpectationsare clearand realistic. We believe thereisopportunity

LastyearLouisiana said we were positioningourselves to win, this year we arenot only winning, butleading.

In everycornerofthe state, growth is reshapingour economy andcreatingnew opportunities forLouisiana workersand communities Energy projects areadvancing, portsare expandingand homegrownand global companiesalike areinvesting in the partnerships andinfrastructurethatkeepour statecompetitive Theseinvestments arestrengtheninglocal economiesand reaffirmingLouisiana’s role as aleaderinAmerica’s industrial renaissance. This administration is focusedonsustainingthatmomentum. By cuttingred tape,improving coordination andpartneringdirectly with industry andlocal leaders, we areensuringthatprogress continues andthatopportunity reachesevery corner of ourstate When stategovernmentworks efficiently,projectsadvance faster, communities benefitsoonerand successspreads farther. Andthe resultsspeakfor themselves SinceJanuary 2024, thestate hasannounced $70 billionin newinvestmentprojects, representing oneofthe strongest industrial pipelinesinthe nation This activity includes worldscaleinvestments in LNG, hydrogen andbiofuelsaswellasnew manufacturing andmaritimefacilities that areredefiningthe future of American energy security

Thesecommitments reflectthe strength of Louisiana’seconomy, theskill of ourworkforce andthe confidence investorshaveinour abilitytodeliver results. We arenot waitingfor thefuture.Weare buildingitnow TheLouisiana opportunity is here,powered by innovation, grounded in industry anddrivenbydeterminationthatcontinues to move ourstate forward.

AscensionParishhas emergedasthe powerhouseof economic growth in Louisiana, delivering levels of investment andopportunity unmatched anywhere else in thestate.Nowhere else in Louisianadowesee thescaleof investment,momentum, andopportunity that is unfoldingright here at home.Our strategiclocation, strong infrastructure, and exceptional workforcehavepositioned Ascensionasapremier destination forindustryand innovation, andthe resultsspeak for themselves.

On theWestBank, ourgrowthisunmatched.WithHyundai Steel, Linde, CF Industries, AscensionClean Energy (ACE), and NEMOIndustries (Phase I) underway, we nowreflect $20.7 billioninannounced projects supporting 2,288 newpermanent jobs.Manyofthese positionscarry average annual salaries exceeding$110,000, bringing transformational,generational changefor familiesonthe West Bank andstrengtheningeconomic opportunity parish-wide.Onthe East Bank five additional projects total $540million in investment and 270 newjobs,bringingour parish-wide total to more than$21 billion in active or announced capital investment and 2,558 associatedjobs, notincludingthe potential~$7 billionAir Productsproject. Athrivingeconomy depends on astrongeducation system, and Ascensionisfortunate to have oneofthe top-performingschool districtsinLouisiana The West AscensionEarly Learning Center nowinits second year,isproviding ouryoungestlearnerswith apowerfulfoundation, strengtheningour long-termworkforce pipeline, andcompletingthe cradle to career philosophy Meanwhile, RiverParishesCommunity College continues expandingprogramsthataligndirectlywithindustryneeds, preparingstudents forhigh-quality, high-demandcareers Ourfuture pipelineremains robust,with 35 prospectiveprojects representing $11 billion in potentialcapital investment and 926 newjobs,demonstrating industry’s continuedconfidence in AscensionParish. Beyond theeconomic metrics, theseinvestments bring meaningfulbenefits to ourcommunity,includingphilanthropy, workforcedevelopment initiatives, scholarships,and hands-on internshipsthatprepare ouryoung people forsuccess. AscensionParishisnot only experiencingextraordinary growth butisalsobuildingaresilient, innovative,and prosperous future forgenerations to come

The Capital Regionclosed 2025withone of themost consequentialeconomicdevelopment yearsinits history. Companies announcednearlymorethan$10 billioninnew capital investment –anall-timehighfor ourregion. Hyundai Steel’s$5.8billionfacility in Donaldsonvilleanchoredthatmomentum, joined by advanced manufacturing projects that broaden andstrengthen oureconomicbase. Together,thesecommitments will generate over 2,000new direct jobs, $196 millioninnew annual payroll, andmulti-year construction activity across theregion.

Severaloftheseprojectswillbreak ground in 2026, particularly thoseonthewestsideofthe riverinAscensionParish. Thescaleofthese investmentswillaccelerate commercial andresidentialgrowthinthe surroundingcommunities. This is notmarginalchange; it is astructural shift in theeconomictrajectoryofthe Capital Region.

Butopportunityofthismagnituderequirespreparation.The workforcedemandstiedtotheseprojectswillreshapecommuting patterns;weneedtransportationsolutionsthataccountnotonlyfortoday’s congestionbutforthevolumeofworkerswhowillmovebetweenjobsites, trainingcenters,andcommunitiesinthecomingdecade.Ourhighschools communityandtechnicalcolleges,anduniversitiesmustcontinuealigning programswiththehigh-wage,high-skillrolestheseemployersarecreating. This work requires theregiontooperate as oneunified economic area,withprogressdependentoncollaboration across parish lines, governingbodies, andinstitutions Earlyindicatorsshowwearemovingintherightdirection.Regional householdincomesareup7%overtheyear,outpacingthenational averageandmostpeermetros.Residentswithabachelor’sdegree increased8%,drivenlargelybygraduatesmovingintotheregion These arestrongsignsthattheCapitalRegionisentering2026withmomentum, clarity,andanunprecedentedpipelineofopportunity

Jill Kidder President &CEO Visit BatonRouge

In2025,tourisminBatonRougemadeheadlines–andhistory.

Fromourcity’sfirst-everMichelinrecognitionofElsie’sPlate&Pie

toaJamesBeardsemifinalistnodformixologistAlanWalter,our culinarysceneearnednationalacclaim.Sportstourismtookcenter stagewithmorethan58,000amateurbowlerscompetingattheRiver CenterforfivemonthsasapartoftheUnitedStatesBowlingCongress OpenChampionships.

VisitBatonRougeproudlylaunchedaboldnewbrandthatreflects theenergy,authenticityandeverydayrichnessofourcity.Webuilt localprideandempoweredourcommunitythroughthelaunchofthe CapitalCityChampionsAcademy,ourfreeonlinehospitalitytraining course.VisitBatonRougealsosupported64localfestivalsandcultural eventsineverycornerofourparishthroughout2025. Lookingaheadto2026,themomentumcontinues.Majorconcerts inTigerStadiumasapartofDeathValleyLive,agrowingcalendar ofconventions,andtheexpansionofyouthandamateursportswill bringevenmorevisitorstoourcity.We’realsoworkingcloselywith cityleadersontransformativeprojects,fromtheredevelopmentof theRaisingCane’sRiverCentertoensuringthelong-termsuccessof riverboatcruisedockingsdowntown.

VisitBatonRougeremainslaser-focusedonourmission:attracting morevisitorsandincreasingtheirspendinginwaysthatbenefitour residents.We’retargetingtherightkindoftravelers,thosewhostay longer,spendmore,andengagedeeplywithourcommunity.Backed byresearch,weknowwhotheyareandhowtoreachthem.

In2026,we’llcontinuetomarketaggressively,strengthenpartnerships, andensurevisitordollarscirculatelocally

OurgoalcontinuestoberaisingthebarfortravelandensuringBaton Rougeremainscompetitive,resilient,andreadyforwhat’snext

Edgardo Tenreiro

President &CEO, BatonRouge General

Next year’seconomic outlookfor healthcare in Baton Rougeisshaping up to be amix of challengesand new opportunities. Oneofthe biggestquestionmarks involves changes in stateand federalregulations that couldaffect

Medicaidreimbursement. Even though Louisianarecentlyincreased rates, thereisgrowing concernthatupcomingpolicyshiftsmight reduce payments or tighteneligibility. Forhospitalsand clinics in BatonRouge that care foralarge Medicaidpopulation,any drop in reimbursementcould putrealpressureonbudgetsand services.

At thesametime, therapid growth of AI in healthcare offersa promisingcounterweight.Moreorganizationsare turningtoAItools to streamlinescheduling, documentation, claims work,and patient communication Thesetechnologiescan help teamsworkmore efficiently, reduce errors,and cutdownonadministrative headaches. Formanyproviders, AI maybecomeone of themostpractical ways to manage risingcosts andkeepcareaccessible.

That mattersbecause staffing shortagesare still amajor issue andshownosignofeasing. Turnover remainshigh, burnoutis widespread, andthere simplyare notenoughnursesand support staff to meet thedemand createdbyanaging population with more chronic needs.

On theother hand,Baton RougeGeneralisbetting on growth Thesystemisplanninganew 40,000-square-foot“neighborhood hospital”inLivingstonParish, with a14-bed emergencyroom, 12bedinpatientunit, outpatientservices, andphysician practices. We’re also addingphysiciansinall areas, increasingaccessand making it easier to getcarewhenyou need it Takentogether, thecomingyearwilllikelypushBaton Rouge healthcare organizationstomakethoughtful financialdecisions whileembracinginnovationand growth Thosethatinvestin smarter workflows, expandaccess, andadopt creative staffing solutions will be in astrongerposition to stay resilientand continue delivering qualitycaretothe community

Fourengines powerBaton Rouge’seconomy.Industrial operationsalong theriver arethe bell cow, statecapital status ensuresconsistentcapital flow,arobusthealthcare sector provides stability, andLSU anchorsthe southern metro. Father Time is healing2022’sunprecedented rate shock. Commercial lending hasretreated from ~8% to ~6%, improvingdealfeasibility TheFederal Reservewalks a tightropebetweenemploymentand inflationwhile public pressure mounts forlower rates. Officialsremain cautious learningfrom2021-2022 missteps. My reality: rent growth in office andretailhas plateaued. Food &Bev remainsinsanelycompetitive,offeringhandsome rewardsfor topperformersand disaster foroperators in the caboose.Elevatedinterestrates plus flat rentsplace heavy downward pressure on assetvalues. Best-in-class tenantsthrive whilethose competingprimarily on price face aperilousroad. TheK-shapedeconomy is undeniable.Act accordingly. Followingbanneryears in 2021-2022,our firm’s volume remainsbuoyant.Stayprincipled, usediligence andleverage personal relationshipsasthe bedrockfor deal flow Icannotstressthisenough: engage with AI toolsnow if you haven’talready.Use it to curate andoptimizeyourlife. Nothing stopsthistrain. MatthewShirley 2026 President, GreaterBaton Rouge Association of REALTORS Commercial Investment Division

AWhitney Hoffman Sayal Executive Director Downtown Development District

Thad E. Rispone President, ISC Constructors, LLC

sBREC looksahead to 2026, theagencyentersthe newyearwithstrongmomentumand aclear vision forhow parksand recreation will continue supporting qualityoflifeand theoverall vitalityofEastBaton RougeParish. After ayearmarkedbymeaningful progress and renewedcommunity confidence,BREC is preparingtoadvance initiatives that strengthen neighborhoodsand enhancethe parish’s appeal as aplace to live,work, visitand play In thecomingyear, BREC will focusonsmart reinvestments in community assets—updatingaging facilities, modernizing recreation spaces,and enhancingparkexperiences that promotewellness, connection,and asense of place.Each projectisguidedbyacommitmenttoworking smarter by maximizingresources andensuringimprovementshavelonglastingimpact.

Operationally,BREC will continue prioritizing efficiency, safety,and data-informeddecision-making.Streamlined processesand thoughtful internal improvements will help ensure that taxpayer dollarsare used wisely andthatservices remain responsive to communityneeds. Environmental stewardshipalsoremainscentral,withongoing conservation efforts that protectnaturalspaces andexpandopportunities for outdooreducation acrossthe parish

Strong partnerships will be keyin2026. By workingclosely with community groups, local governments, schools, and businessleaders, BREC aims to broaden access to programs, strengthen regional connectivity,and create welcomingspaces that serveresidents of allages.

Guidedbythe ImagineYourParks 3planand strong leadership,BREC is well-positionedtomake2026 another year of meaningfulprogressand remainsdeeplycommitted to itsmissionofenrichinglives throughparks, recreation,and nature

In2026,Downtownispoisedfor significant redevelopment, fueled by strong investmentsinthe entertainmentsector, new office space,and expandedresidentialopportunities. We are leveraging partnerships to capitalizeonthe momentum from Plan BatonRouge IIItopropelDowntownforward Plan BatonRouge III, thenewestcommunity-driven master plan guidingthe next era of growth,isset to be completed in early2026.Aswenearthe endofthe planningprocess, we preparetoshift toward implementation -focusingonenhancing theriverfront, expandinghousing opportunities, andenhancing retail andcommercialactivity. Plan BatonRouge IIIwill build on thesuccessofthe previous twomasterplans andcompleted projects to propel Downtown BatonRouge’s economic growth In 2025, majorprivate investmentswereintroducedtothe economic landscape.Two downtown casinos have committed more than $200 millioninlandside development, signaling a powerfulnew chapterfor theregion’sentertainmentand tourism sectors. Theseinvestments attractvisitors, generate jobs, and strengthen Downtown’s riverfront as apremier destination Downtown hotels arealsoexperiencingaresurgence, with multiple properties completingsignificant renovations, elevating thehospitalityexperience andsupportingthe continuedgrowth of leisure andbusinesstravel.

Demand fordowntownlivingremainsstrong. Residential occupancyinthe CentralBusinessDistrictstands at 94%, underscoringthe high desirability of urban living and continuedneed foradditionalhousingoptions This momentum highlightsDowntown’sroleasavibrant,in-demand residential neighborhood As we look aheadtoamomentous 2026,wethank allwho live,work, invest,and explore downtown.Yourcontinued supportpropels oursharedvisionfor athrivingand dynamic Downtown BatonRouge

Aswelooktothe future,the evolving landscape of our local economyisclear.Nationalregulatory policies, highinterestrates, downturnsinnew housing, and global market fluctuations aresomeofthe factors shapingour path forward. Louisiana’straditional industries—oil,gas,and chemicals—remainessential to ourcommunities, yet, they face short-termchallengesthatrequire proactivesolutions Despitethese hurdles, ourstate is on thecuspofexciting andsignificant transformation.Alongside thefamiliar industry giants like ExxonMobil,BASF, andShell,weare now welcominginnovativecompanies like Meta,Google, and Hyundai. Investmentsinartificial intelligence facilities, steel andlithium batterymanufacturing,and powerinfrastructure upgrades promisesubstantial opportunities as thesesectors are poised forrapid growth.Withstrongresources,infrastructure, andwelcomingculture,Louisiana offersanideal environment forbusinessestothrive.

Forover35years,ISC Constructors,based in BatonRouge, hasbeennationallyrecognizedfor providingasafe, skilled workforcecombinedwithinnovationand cost-savingexpertise We believe that acompany’s strength lies in itspeople, and ourassociatesare knownfor their integrity andhighmoral standards.

Lookingahead,wesee afuture filled with promiseand purpose.Here’stobuildingastrongerLouisiana together.We wish everyone asafeand blessed2026.

Ed Silvey CEO,

Rouge Clinic, AMC

As TheBaton RougeClinic,AMC approaches its80thyear, wereflectona legacy builtbygrowth, innovation,and an enduringcommitmenttoexceptional patientcare. What beganin1946withfourphysicianshas developed into a multi-specialtymedical groupofmorethan300 providers. Today, The Clinic offersabroad andevolvingrange of services to patients across the CapitalRegionand thestate,demonstrating both itslongevity and itsability to adapttothe community’sevolvinghealthcareneeds

Theyear2025 marked aperiodofmeaningful expansion. Along with welcomingnew physicians, TheClinicbroadened itscapabilities andreach.Adedicated EyeCarefacilityopenedonthe Perkins campus,and thenew ZacharyInternalMedicineClinic began serving patients,bothdesignedtoimprove access to comprehensive care. TheClinicalsowelcomedLouisiana Urologyintoits family of physicians, strengtheningspecialized urologic services andadding newlocations in Plaquemine, Zachary, Livingston, andanadditional locationinBaton RougeonBluebonnetBlvd. Theadditionofphysiciansacrossmultiplespecialties brings expertisethatsupports TheClinic’sstandards of excellence and enhances thebroader healthcare infrastructure This ongoing growth of oneofthe region’s most establishedhealthcare organizationsand itscommitmenttoserving arapidly evolving population,togetherwithour continuedaffiliationwiththe Mayo Clinic Care Network, ensure patients benefitfromleading clinical knowledgeand innovative resourcesthroughoutthe state. Lookingahead to 2026, TheBaton RougeClinic remains focusedonexpanding access to care andsupportingthe health of thecommunities we serve. TheCliniccontinues to play avital role in thelocal economy, supporting jobs, attracting healthcare talent,and contributing to theoverall well-being of theregion With astrongfoundationand aforward-looking approach, The Clinic is well positioned to meet thehealthcarechallengesand opportunitiesofthe yearsahead

Jennifer Hebert 2026 President, GreaterBaton Rouge Association of REALTORS

Bill Hines

Managing Partner

Jones Walker LLP

Aswemoveinto2026, I’mencouragedbythe steady grounded strength of theBaton Rougerealestate market.Our area hasnever been onefor dramatic swings,and that consistencycontinues to be oneofour greatest advantages.Evenwiththe shiftswe’ve allnavigated— interest rate changes,evolvingbuyer expectations, andtighter inventoryinrecentyears—our market continuestohold firm in away that givesbothbuyersand sellersconfidence Thegoodnewsisthatinventory is slowly improving, offering buyers more optionswithout creating an oversupply.Sellers arestill benefiting from thesteadydemand driven by strong employment,adiverse local economy, andcontinued growth throughout East BatonRouge,WestBaton Rouge, Ascension, Livingston,and Pointe Coupee.Peoplewanttobehere, and that stabilityshows up in ournumbers monthafter month. Interest rateswill remain an importantfactorthisyear. Whilethey’re higher than theunusually lowlevelswe sawearlier in thedecade, consumersare adjusting, and lenders aresteppinginwithcreativesolutions that help keep homeownershipwithin reach. That shift hasbrought a healthier balancetoour market—morerealistic expectations, more constructive negotiations,and apace that allows buyers to make thoughtful decisions. Lookingahead,Iexpectmoderate price appreciation, continuedinvestmentinnew construction,and growing consumer confidence as conditions levelout.Baton Rouge hasalwaysthrived on steady,sustainablegrowth, and2026 is shapinguptofollowthatsamepositive trajectory Ourregion’sstrengthhas always been itspeople, itsresilience,and itssense of community—andthose fundamentalscontinuetopushour market forward. Here’s to astrongand promisingyearahead forrealestateinGreater BatonRouge

Jones Walker LLP is confidentinLouisiana’s 2026 economic outlook. As oneofthe state’slargest law firms, we partner with businesses to navigate complextransactionsand regulatory landscapes, ensuring strategicsuccessacrossthe energy,healthcare, andtechnologysectors,among others Louisiana’soil andgas industry remainsacornerstoneof growth,while emerging markets fornaturalgas,lithium, and biofuels presentnew investment opportunities. Thestate’s balanced approach to energy developmentcreates afavorable environmentfor innovationand long-termreturns,and it is ourdutytoeducate businesses on thelegalimplications and regulatory developments involved in theenergyevolution Similarly, as ourhealthcaresectorcontinues to advance, we recognizethe progress Louisiana hasmade as aleader in the digital healthcare industry andsee 2026asa year in whichit growsexponentially. At JonesWalker, we strongly believe in leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to supportthe success, development, and prosperity of businesses in Louisiana. Furthermore, AI presents significant prospectsfor large-scaleeconomicgrowth, as evidencedbythe ongoingconstructionofdatacenters within the state. Our firm actively promotes Louisianaasanideal location for both business developmentand investment.Our economic developmentaffiliate, AvidentAdvisors, continues to leverage itsteam’sextensive knowledgeand experience to offer effective location advisory servicesand guidance across varioussectors Theseinclude carbon captureand sequestration, portsand terminals,aswellasmanufacturing fields such as automotive aerospace/defense,shipbuilding, steel, rail,and petroleum/ petrochemical Louisianaoffersa compelling valueproposition forforwardthinking investors. JonesWalkeriscommitted to servingasa trustedpartner in unlockingthese opportunities in 2026.

Kristin W. Wall President &CEO

LWCC

AE.J.Kuiper President &CEO FMOL Health

Todd Graves Founder,CEO, Fry Cook &Cashier

RaisingCane’s

LtLWCC, ourpurpose of helpingLouisiana thrive guides everything we do.Asthe state’s largestworkers’compensationcarrier,we arededicated to protecting the18,500Louisiana businesses we serveand caring fortheir employees. We work alongsidepolicyholders to create safer workplaces that reduce risksand preventinjuries, becausethe best workplaceisone whereaccidents neveroccur.Yet when they do,weare therewith compassionatecareand expert support, helping injuredworkers recoverand return to work and ameaningfullife. Throughpreventionand care we remain focusedonstrengtheningLouisiana’s workforceand supporting long-termsuccess

Ourrealstrengthliesinpartnership.Asa private mutual insurancecompany,LWCCoperates with our policyholders’ best interestsatheart,recognizing that when they succeed,wesucceed.Through one of themostconsistentdividendprogramsinthe nation,LWCChas returned more than $1.5 billion to Louisianabusinessesoverthe past22years.These arefunds that they reinvest in theirbusinesses, employees, andcommunities,helping to strengthen ourstate’s economy.

Together,weare shapingastrongerfuture forLouisiana.Guidedbyour purposeand driven by care,LWCCcontinues to invest in innovation, expertise,and relationshipsthatprotect people strengthen businesses,and fuel economic growth across ourhomestate.Because it is more than our jobtohelpLouisiana thrive.Itisour purpose. Andit meanseverything.

ouisiana’s healthcare landscapecontinues to progress throughinnovationand partnership, andI’m encouragedaswelooktothe year ahead. At FMOL Health,wecontinuetomakestrategic capital investments in technology that sharpens diagnostics, speedstreatment andcreates more convenienthealthcare. Theseinvestments strengthen care todaywhile supporting long-termeconomic growth andhealthier communities tomorrow BatonRouge is aclear exampleofthatprogress. Long known as aproud sports town,the region is seeingrapid growth in athletic participation That momentum brings significant economic opportunity,driving activity,attracting visitors andincreasingdemand forcomprehensive sports medicine services.

Sports medicineisapowerfuldriverofBaton Rouge’sfuture, andFMOLHealth|Our Lady of theLakeleads theway Throughnationallyrecognizedcare, astrongacademicmission andstrategic partnerships with LSU, Southern University, BatonRouge OrthopaedicClinic andTraction Sports Performance, we’remaking bold investmentstoposition Baton Rougeasasportsmedicinehub forthe Gulf South. Expandingaccess also strengthensour local economy. As our communities grow,sodoesthe need forhigh-quality primary andspecialty care.We’re openingnew clinics, enhancing services andaligningresources so families canreceive exceptional care closetohome.

Developing astronghealthcareworkforce remainsessential ThroughFranU andour graduate medicaleducation programs we arepreparing thenextgenerationofproviders andbuilding durabletalentpipelines that supportthe region’s long-term economic vitality. As we begin2026, I’moptimistic aboutwhatliesahead.With theright partnerships, talentand vision,wewill continue to elevatecareacrossour stateonand off the field.

2025 wasanother greatyearfor RaisingCane’saswe served Caniacs500 milliontimes andpartnered with over 45,000local organizationstodonatemorethan $30M to ourlocal Communities. We grew to nearly 1,000 Restaurantsacross43statesand became theNo. 3chicken chaininthe US whilecontinuingtoleadthe industry across allmetrics. We activatedaroundmajor culturalmoments with awidearray of familiarfaces includingSaquonBarkley CynthiaErivo,Cardi B, Luke Bryan, Post Malone,FlavorFlav, HalleBerry,Ice T, SnoopDogg, Paul Skenes, MeganMoroney PeterBillingsley andmore. Lookingahead to 2026,I’m excited to continue ourmomentumasweexpandintothe UK and Mexico,openour milestone 1,000th Restaurant,and celebrate 30 yearsofCraveable ChickenFingerMeals.I’m so proudof allwe’ve accomplished and, in many ways,feellikewe’re just gettingstarted.Iowe everythingtoour incredible 70,000+ Crewmembersaroundthe worldand can’twaittocontinue building this Brandalongside them.

MarkT.Emonet

President&COO Lipsey’s

Lipsey’s2026Economic Outlook Lipsey’senters2026withconfidenceandmomentumafterachievingthemost successfulyearinourhistory,despiteachallengingindustrymarket.While manycompaniesfacedheadwinds,Lipsey’scontinuedtogrow,gainmarket share,andinvestinthefuture.Ourcommitmenttoinnovationwasevidentinthe introductionofadvancedautomationtechnology,whichisalreadytransformingour operationsandpositioningusforlong-termsuccess

OurStrength: OneTeam, OneRoof AkeydriverofLipsey’ssuccessistheuniqueadvantageofhavingourentireteamworking togetherunderoneroof Thisstructurefostersreal-timecommunication,collaboration andproblem-solvingacrossallareasofourbusiness. Itenablesustorespondquickly tomarketchanges,strengthenrelationshipswithpartners,andcontinuouslyimprove customerexperience.Inanerawheremanycompaniesarefragmented,ourunified approachremainsapowerfulcompetitiveedge AYearofResilience andGrowth 2025demonstratedthestrengthofLipsey’sbusinessmodelandthededicationofour team.Byfocusingonrelationships,operationalefficiency,andstrategicinvestments, wenotonlyweatheredadownmarketbutsetnewperformancerecords These achievementsreaffirmourbeliefthatadaptabilityandinnovationarekeydriversof sustainablegrowth. Looking Aheadto2026 Thecomingyearpromisesexcitingopportunities.Lipsey’swillcontinuetoexpandin theGreaterBatonRougearea,creatingnewjobsandstrengtheningourroleasavital contributortothelocaleconomy.Ourfocuswillremainonthreepillars: •Innovation:Furtherautomationandtechnologyintegrationtoimproveefficiencyand customerexperience

•Growth:Continuedmarketsharegainsandexpansionofourdistributioncapabilities •Community:Deepeningourcommitmenttophilanthropyandlocalpartnershipsthat makeameaningfulimpact

OurFoundation Remains Strong Lipsey’ssuccessisbuiltonfamilyvalues,hardwork,andanunwaveringcommitmentto ourcustomersandemployees.Withover70yearsofservice,wehaveevolvedinsizeand scope,butourcoreprinciplesremainunchanged.UndertheleadershipofChairwoman andCEOLaurieLipseyAronsonandaseasonedexecutiveteam,wearepreparedto navigatechallengesandseizeopportunitiesin2026andbeyond. Aswelookforward,Lipsey’sremainsdedicatedtoexcellence,innovation,andcommunity engagement.Weareconfidentthattheyearaheadwillbringcontinuedgrowthandnew milestonesforourcompany,ouremployees,andtheGreaterBatonRougeregion.

JayHardman, P.E. Executive Director Port of Greater BatonRouge

2

025 hasproventobeanother good year forthe Port of GreaterBaton Rouge. Ourprivate sector tenantsand stakeholdershavecontinued to grow theirbusinesses andimprove their cargo-handling capabilities. 2026 will seethissamegrowthand developmentcontinuewiththe commencementofconstructionfor therehabilitationofthe Port’s northernmost deep draft,liquidbulk cargo transfer dock.Oncecompleted in 2027/2028thisberth will provide additionalgrowthpotential forvarious types of liquid bulk cargoes. In early2026, fabricationofa hopper barge and supplemental conveyance will begintofacilitate barge to ship graintransfers forthe grainelevator. In addition,engineering hasbegun on newrailand conveyance infrastructurethat will facilitate theexportofone milliontonsannuallyofan additionalagriculturalcommodity.Helping to expandthe MississippiRiver’s dominanceincargo movementshas been thecompletionofthe LowerMississippi RiverCommodity Studyand thecontinued developmentofalower Mississippi RiverStrategic MarketingPlanbothofwhich arecollaborative efforts funded by the five deep waterMississippi Riverports. In conjunction, theUSACE continuesinits efforts to deepen theMississippi Rivertoa maintained 50-foot depth to Baton Rouge. Theseare buta fewofthe ongoingprojectsthatwill enablethe growth andsuccessofthe Port of GreaterBaton Rouge, notonlyfor 2026but foryears to come.Asalways, the staff andcommissioners of thePortwill pursuenew maritime opportunities that contribute to thegrowthand economic viabilityofthe region andthe StateofLouisiana.

Rene Ragas, FACHE President &CEO, Woman’s Hospital

Woman’s Hospital hasproudly served patients from communitiesinour surroundingareaand across thestate formorethan57years.Lastyear, we reachedasignificant milestone,deliveringmorethan400,000 babies, andour counterisstill goingstrong. In 2025 alone, we served patients from nearly all64parishes, from delivering babies, caring forsomeofthe smallestpatientsinour Newborn IntensiveCareUnit, thelargest in thestate,totreating thousandsofcancer patients. Throughthe six locationsofour Maternal Fetal MedicineClinics, we provided care during more than 13,500 high-riskpregnancy visits.

Since firstopening in 1968, ourservices have expandedto meet thegrowing needsofour patients.While knownasthe singlelargest birthing hospital in Louisiana, Woman’sbegan with an emphasis on cervicalcancer research.Innearlysix decades Woman’sCancer DetectionLaboratoryhas processed more than 3.3 millionPap smears.Using thelatesttechnology andspecialized treatmentplans,wehaveprovidedmorethan 1.1 millionmammogramsthrough both ourimaging center andmammography mobile coachprogram

In 2024, Woman’sopenedLouisiana’s firstin-patient

Perinatal Mental Health Unit (PMHU),offeringunique mental health care forpregnantand postpartum women. Recognizing theprevalence of perinatal mood andanxiety disorders, which affectone in sevenwomen, we respondedtothe urgent need to care forthisspecial population of patients.Todate, thePMHU hashelpedmorethan280 patients from Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, andFlorida.Improving the livesofwomen andinfants is ourmission that guides us and sets thepacefor providing excellentcarefor ourpatientsand their families todayand forgenerationstocome.

Trump: 8 European countries will face 10% tariff

President says levies to be placed over opposition to Greenland takeover

BY JOSH BOAK, EMMA BURROWS and DANIEL NIEMANN Associated Press

WEST PALM BEACH,Fla.— President Donald Trump said Saturday that he would charge a 10% import tax starting in February on goods from eight European nations because of their opposition to American control of Greenland, setting up a potentially dangerous test of U.S. partnerships in Europe.

Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland would face the tariff, Trump said in a social media post while at his golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida The rate would climb to 25% on June 1 if no deal was in place for “the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland” by the United States, he said.

The Republican president appeared to indicate that he was using the tariffs as leverage to force talks with Denmark and other European countries over the status of Greenland, a semiautonomous territory of NATO ally Denmark that he regards as critical to U.S. national security

“The United States of America is immediately open to negotiation with Denmark and/or any of these Countries that have put so much at risk, despite all that we have done for them,” Trump said on Truth Social.

The tariff threat could mark a problematic rupture between Trump and

America’s longtime NATO partners, further straining an alliance that dates to 1949 and provides a collective degree of security to Europe and North America. Trump has repeatedly tried to use trade penalties to bend allies and rivals alike to his will, generating investment commitments from some nations and pushback from others, notably China

Trump is scheduled to travel on Tuesday to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where he likely will run into the European leaders he just threatened with tariffs that would start in little more than two weeks.

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said Trump’s move was a “surprise” given the “constructive meeting” with top U.S. officials this week in Washington.

The European Commission’s president, Ursula von der Leyen, and the head of the European Council, Antonio Costa, said in a joint statement that tariffs “would undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral.” They said Europe would remain “committed to upholding its sovereignty.”

There are immediate questions about how the White House could try to implement the tariffs because the EU is a single economic zone in terms of trading, according to a European diplomat who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity. It was unclear, too, how Trump could act under U.S. law, though he could cite emergency economic powers that are currently subject to a U.S. Supreme Court challenge.

Trump has long said he thinks the U.S. should own

Ukrainian delegation arrives in U.S. for talks

BY SAMYA KULLAB and ELISE MORTON Associated Press

KYIV, Ukraine A Ukrainian delegation arrived in the United States for talks Saturday on a U.S.-led diplomatic push to end the nearly 4-yearold war as Russian attacks again took aim at Ukraine’s power grid, cutting electricity and heating in freezing temperatures.

Kyrylo Budanov, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, said he arrived in the U.S. to discuss “the details of the peace agreement.”

Writing on the Telegram messaging app, Budanov said he, together with Ukrainian negotiators Rustem Umerov and Davyd Arakhamia, would meet with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll. Also on Telegram, Zelenskyy said Saturday that the principal task for the Ukrai-

nian delegation was to convey how ongoing Russian strikes are undermining diplomacy.

The strikes, he said, are “constantly worsening even the small opportunities for dialogue that existed. The American side must understand this.”

Zelenskyy’s latest comments came after he said Friday that the delegation would try to finalize with U.S. officials documents for a proposed peace settlement that relate to postwar security guarantees and economic recovery

If American officials approve the proposals, the U.S. and Ukraine could sign the documents next week at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Zelenskyy said at a Kyiv news conference with Czech President Petr Pavel Trump plans to be in Davos, according to organizers Russia would still need to be consulted on the proposals.

the strategically located and mineral-rich island, which has a population of about 57,000 and whose defense is provided by Denmark. He intensified his calls a day after the military operation to oust Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro earlier this month.

The president indicated the tariffs were retaliation for what appeared to be the deployment of symbolic levels of troops from the European countries to Greenland, which he has said was essential for the “Golden Dome” missile defense system for the U.S., He also has argued that Russia and China might try to take over the island.

The U.S. already has access to Greenland under a 1951 defense agreement. Since 1945, the American military presence in Greenland has decreased from thousands of soldiers over 17 bases and installations to 200 at the remote Pituffik Space Base in the northwest of the island, the Danish foreign minister has said That base supports missile warning, missile defense and space surveillance operations for the U.S. and NATO. Resistance has steadily built in Europe to Trump’s

ambitions even as several countries on the continent agreed to his 15% tariffs last

year in order to preserve an economic and security relationship with Washington.

French President Emmanuel Macron, in a social media post, seemed to equate the tariff threat to Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine.

“No intimidation or threats will influence us, whether in Ukraine, Greenland or anywhere else in the world when we are faced with such situations,” Macron said in a translated post on X.

Earlier Saturday, hundreds of people in Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, braved near-freezing temperatures, rain and icy streets to march in a rally in support of their own self-governance.

Thousands of people also marched through Copenhagen, many of them carrying Greenland’s flag. Some held signs with slogans such as “Make America Smart Again” and “Hands Off.”

“This is important for the whole world,” Danish protester Elise Riechie told The Associated Press as she held Danish and Greenlandic flags. “There are many small countries. None of them are for sale.”

The rallies occurred hours after a bipartisan delegation of U.S. lawmakers, while visiting Copenhagen, sought to reassure Denmark and Greenland of their support.

EDUCATION

La.community colleges getbig bang forthe buck

Newleader says they need moremoney

BY MARIE FAZIO Staff writer

Richard Nelson has racked up many miles on his Chevy Silverado over the years —first while serving in the Louisiana Legislature, then while running for governor and working as secretary of revenue.

Duringthe nexttwo weeks, he’ll traverse the stateagain, this time to tour Louisiana’s12community and technical colleges as the system’snewly appointed president. Nelson said he admires the system,which receives limited state funding but helps its students— manyofwhom are older than traditionalcollege students and have families —improve their skills and job prospects.

“They’re taking people who aren’tworried about football or the experience,” said Nelson, who started as president on Jan. 1. “They’re there to get ajob and the credentials they need so they can provide for their families.”

Nelson, who lives in Mandeville, was astate lawmaker for four years, during which time he led efforts to revamp how elementary school students learn to read. The policies havebeen cited as one driver behind Louisiana’sbig literacy gains over the last few years.

After an unsuccessful runfor governor,Nelson was tapped to lead the Department of Revenue in 2024. In October,the Louisiana Community and Technical Col-

densed and editedfor clarity.

Do yousee anyconnectionbetween your work as alawmaker and your new role?

Iwas in the Legislature for four years, andthe two things I worked on alot were elementary literacyand the taxsystem. Isaw those two things as root causes of some of Louisiana’s ills.

WhenI was ranting on the House floor, questioning thereturn on investmentfor thestate forthe taxpayers’ money,I would always referencethe community andtechnical college system, whichisrelatively underfunded comparedtowhatother states put up to it,but Ithink oneof the best returns on investment across the board.

You’re taking somebodyfrom maybe making $10 an hour and then, aftertwo yearsatmostor sometimesa couple weeks, you could double or triple their wage.

legeSystem board selected Nelson to succeed Monty Sullivan, who held the role for morethana decade and helped triple the system’s enrollment.

Thesystem educatedmore than 92,000 students last year,about a thirdofthe state’scollege population.But Nelson says it will need more funding to meet thestate’s demand for skilled workers for upcoming large-scaleeconomic projects.

Nelson spoke with The TimesPicayune |The Advocate about thebiggest challengesfacing thesystem and how two-year colleges help power Louisiana’s economy

This interview hasbeen con-

Idon’t knowthatthere’s abiggerreturn on investmentfor the state thanthe communitytechnical college system.

What are the biggestchallenges facing community colleges?

The collegeshavebecome victims of their own success. Enrollments across the board are increasing andthere’s alot more demand on the colleges

At the same time,funding from the state hasbeen thesame for asignificant periodoftimeand tuition is basically stagnant while institutions have all these costs that areincreasing. How do yousee demand changing?

We’re getting huge economic development projects —like $80

billionbeing invested in thestate —which means tensofthousands of jobs are going to create additional strain on thesystem As astate, we have to make investments so we’rereadytoaddress that on thefront end. When you’re bringingin80,000 new jobs, mostofthose are going to be graduates of thecommunity technicalcollege system.That’s where these construction workers andoperators andwelders andelectricians come from. And that’sgoingtocreate amuch largeradditional burdenonus andit’sgoing to takesome investment on behalf of thestate in order to fund that.

Do youplan to ask the state for more funding?

Yes, it’snecessary. Whenyou look at the scopeofthe problem as farasthe demand for people to fill thesejobs, it’s going to take money to trainthem, outfitthe facilitiestomakesure that they have the skills they need Ijokethat we used to be in the gator-catching business,but nowwehavetobeinthe gatorskinning business.We’vegot all these projects, but we have to be able to closethe loop on that. I’ve heard concernsthatpeople are going to come from TexasorTennesseetowork on those projects and the answer to that problemis the communitytechnical college systembecause we can make sure Louisianans have theskills they need to fill thosejobs.

As people debate the value of four-year colleges, how do you plan to pitch the twoyear routeasaviable alternative?

Four-year universitieshave theirpurpose. Butthe waythe economy is going andthings are changing, people are going to have to be continuous lifelong learners. Youmight start at a two-year (college), maybe geta welding certificate or acredential to getintothe workforce, then usethattoget adegree at afouryear university down theroad We need to work as astate higheredecosystem to make it as easy as possible forpeople to retrain, getcredentialsand stack those things so we can have amobile andcapable workforce. It’s notlike it was100 years ago, whenyou could do thesame job in thesame place without ever having to worry. Now,technology could be completelydifferentbythe time youfinish your four-year degree. We have to be nimble —and two-year colleges are really in agreat spotfor that because of theirrelationships withbusiness andindustry

Monty Sullivan, previouspresident, left afteradecade. Did he share anywords of advicewith you?

We have asimilarapproach to this in that we see thereturn on investmentfor thestate andthe change,the impact this hason people’s lives. The system’sbeen put in agreat place. We’vebeen doing great work.

Now,how are we going to take it to thenextlevel in addressing some of these neweconomic development challenges—with allthese projects, allthese jobs andthatchanging dynamic with AI andtechnology.How are we going to prepare forthe next 10 years?

Email MarieFazio at mfazio@ theadvocate.com.

WE’RE ASKING EXPERTS ACROSS THESTATEHOW TO TACKLE THEBIGGEST CHALLENGES FACINGLOUISIANA SCHOOLS. HAVE AN IDEA? EMAIL PATRICK.WALL@THEADVOCATE.COM

LOUISIANAPOLITICS

ICEshootingsslowpassage of appropriation bills

WASHINGTON —Despite narrow margins, the U.S. House is passing the appropriations bills needed to avoid another government shutdown in two weeks —so far Representatives are doing so by working across party lines, which is unique for aCongressthat lately has operated under strict partisanship.

By the time the two congressional chambers left Capitol Hill for the weekend, the House had moved eight of the 12 bills that set appropriations for individual federal agencies for the fiscal year.The Senatehas sent six of those instruments to the White House for the president’ssignature. The bills won enough votes fromboth parties toovercome dissidents.

All 12 bills —ora continuing resolution to postpone —need to be signed by President Donald Trump by Jan. 30 or much of thefederal government will shut down again.

“Maybe by next week we’ll finish,” House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, RJefferson,said Tuesday

But the four remaining spending packages are the most controversial and represent most of the federal government’s discretionary funding.

Negotiations are ongoing tosort out the issues with funding the departments of Defense, Health &Human Services, Transportation, and Housing &Urban Development. At the top of the House’sto-do list is the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’sannual appropriation.

That’sthe funding facing thebiggest hurdles,most of which have emerged in the last couple of weeks

The Homeland Security budget had been teed up for aHouse votelast week, but was removed from consideration by House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Benton, and his leadership team, which includes Scalise.

Madison Sheahan running for Congress

Madison Sheahan, who served as the secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife &Fisheries for ayear before leaving for atop job at ICE in 2025, is running for Congress.

Mark Ballard Sheahan

Sheahan, who is leaving her post as deputy director at ICE so that she can campaign,is campaigning for aHouseseat this fall representing Ohio’s9th CongressionalDistrict.

Democrat Marcy Kaptur, Congress’ longest-serving woman, has held that seat for 22 terms.

Trump won the increasingly Republican district by 7 points in 2024, when Kaptur held off aRepublican challenger by less than a percentage point.

In avideo launching her campaign, Sheahan described herself as a “Trump conservative” and boasted of her role in President Donald Trump’s mass deportation campaign

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By RODLAMKEyJR. Speaker of the House MikeJohnson, R-Benton, center,prepares for anewsconference at the Capitollast week in Washington.

Congressional pushback, mostly by Democrats but including some Republicans, was sparked by violent incidents involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents across the country,but particularly in Minneapolis, where Renee Good, aU.S. citizen and mother of three, was shot to death.

Thesituation was further inflamed when Vice President JD Vance and Homeland SecuritySecretary Kristi Noem claimed that Good was an “agitator”out to hurt ICEagents, beforeany investigation and without presenting proof.

President Donald Trump on Thursday threatened to invoke theInsurrection Act of 1874 toallow themilitarytooperate

“Louisiana knows Madison as a proven conservative fighter who serves with astrong commitment to America First values,” he wrote.Trump“needs people in Congress who will fight for the MAGAagenda, and never cower to the Left. Madison is that person.”

Millard Mule leaving Landry’s office

Atop aidetoGov.Jeff Landry whoheaded manyofthe governor’sNew Orleans-focused initiatives is leaving state government to work in theprivatesector

Millard Mule has performed numerous jobs for Landrysince his 2010 Congressional term, serving as communications director when Landry was stateattorney general andnow as policy director in the governor’s office.

Capitol Buzz STAFF REPORTS

“In less than one year at ICE, I’ve stopped more illegalimmigrationthan MarcyKapturhas in her 43 years in Washington,” Sheahan said in the video.

Louisiana Gov.Jeff Landry endorsed Sheahan in apost on X.

In his latest role, he crafted legislation and lobbied lawmakers on the Republican governor’s priorities —including tougher state criminal justice laws, New Orleans water system upgrades and planstoplace an immigration detention facility at theLouisiana StatePenitentiaryatAngola.

At theend ofJanuary, Mule is launching aprivateconsultancy to advise “companies in highlyregulated or scrutinized industries, tradeassociations

as police in American cities. The law was last used in 1992 when President George H.W.Bushsent 3,500 soldiers andMarines to Los Angeles,atthe request of California’sgovernor,onthe fourth day of deadly riots after the acquittal of police officers who beat motorist Rodney King on videotape.

Many Democratsnow are demanding concessions in exchange for their support of the Homeland Security funding bill.

“Right now,there’snobipartisan path forward for the Department of Homeland Security,”House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., told reporters Wednesday.“ICE cannot conduct itself as if it’s above the law.”

and coalitions, nonprofits, advocacy groups, and issue-driven campaigns,” he said in an email this week announcing his departure.

According to a person familiar with his plans, one of those causes will likely be advising Landry in apolitical capacityonhis duties as President Donald Trump’sspecial envoy to Greenland.

Trump, who has said he wants theU.S. to take over the Danish territory tosecure its rare earth minerals andfor national security, tapped Landry for that role in December,though it remains unclear what the governor’sduties will be.

Mule declined to provide specifics on clients or causes he will work with in theprivatesector

“I will still be working hand-inhand withJeff as Ihave forever, just moreonthe political side,” Mule said Wednesday

Mule’sdeparture means Landry’steam is losing aveteran staffer who played aprominent role in thegovernor’sdesigns for New Orleans. He has “been there at every step on all the major issues” for the city,said Greg Rusovich, CEO of Transoceanic Development and alongtime civic leader

AJesuit High School gradu-

The seniorDemocrat on the House Appropriations Committee, Rep. Rosa DeLauro,ofConnecticut —towhom Chair TomCole, R-Okla., has given muchcredit for helping to craftspending bills acceptable to Democrats —saidinastatement she wants constraints on spending and more accountability

“I am looking forpolicyriders in the Homeland Security bill to be able to rein in ICE. President Trump provided $75 billionfor ICE in the One Big Beautiful Bill, (whichbecamelaw on July 4).I votedagainst this bill. ICE is terrorizing ourcommunities, andIhave calledon masked, armed ICE agents to leaveour towns,” she said.

Actualwording for the four bills should come outoverthe weekendand the full House is expected to vote next week Johnsonand Scalise also are dealing with atiny GOP majority —218 seats, the bare minimum —and have to overcome absences amongRepublicans whenever a vote is called. Most of the bills passed last week were with the help of Democrats. Still, Johnsonisoptimistic that all 12 appropriations measures will clear the House andreverse the trend over the past decadeofapproving continuing resolutions until the four leaders of both parties andbothchambers agree to an all-encompassing spending bill foranup-or-down vote at the last minute.

“Wewill getthatover the line and get it to the president’sdeskfor signature. This is howappropriations is supposed to work,” Johnsonsaid. “WecannotgovernbyCRoromnibus. When we do that, it also losesCongress’sopportunity and credibility.And so we’re really proud aboutrebuilding this muscle memory.” Johnsoncontinued, “I promisedwhen Ibecame speaker to jump-start this. It’s takena while, but we are finally moving thatboulderupthe hill.”

Email Mark Ballardatmballard@ theadvocate.com.

ate whose father,Salvatore T. Mule, was alocal judge, Mule led talks for theGovernor’sOffice on legislation to reform the city’s beleaguered Sewerage &Water Board. Later,heheaded efforts to relocate homeless people to a state-run shelter in the run-up to Super Bowl LIX, among aslew of other policies.

Someelected NewOrleans Democrats said Mule has often emerged as the face of the governor’sagenda in the city

“He really understands what’s going on downhere,” said state Rep.Mandie Landry,anUptown Democrat whoisnot related to thegovernor State drops affirmative action statement

Responding to an executive order President Donald Trump signed ayear ago aimed at ending so-called diversity,equity and inclusion practices across government, Louisiana has removed an affirmative action statement from its hiring policy

Gov.Jeff Landry celebrated thechange in asocial media post Monday

“DEI has been swept out of Civil Service,”hewrote. “Now employment decisions will be based strictly on the basis of merit theway it SHOULD be!”

“DEI” refers to “diversity,equityand inclusion” policies that Landry,Trumpand other conser-

vatives have long derided.

For morethan four decades, state agencies had been required to have “an affirmative action program to assure equal employmentopportunity in the Classified Service of State government,” according to Louisiana’scivil service rules, which govern employment practices forthe state workforce.

Now,agencies are simply required to have policies that ensure “equal employment opportunities for all” and are “based upon merit and without regard to religious or political beliefs, sex, race, or any other nonmerit factors.”

Affirmative action plans have provided acomparison of the number of minorities hired and promoted in an agency’sworkforce to the broader labor market, but they didn’tinclude hiring quotas or require specific actions by hiring managers, State Civil Service Director Byron Decoteau Jr.said in an interview

“From apractical standpoint, there is no substantive change,” in the hiring process or decisions, he said.

Sherri Gregoire, general counsel forState Civil Service, at a meeting last month said Trump’s executive order meantLouisiana agencies could risk losing funding forhaving an affirmative action plan.

The commission approved the change at its January meeting without objection.

Board of Peace forming with eye toward wider mandate

Group a part of Gaza ceasefire agrement

BY MATTHEW LEE AP diplomatic writer

WASHINGTON President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace,” which was initially seen as a mechanism focused on ending the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, is taking shape with ambitions to have a far broader mandate of other global crises, potentially rivaling the United Nations in what would be a major upheaval to the post-World War II international order In letters sent Friday to various world leaders inviting them to be “founding members” of the board, Trump says the body would “embark on a bold new approach to resolving global conflict.”

Invitation letters from Trump to Argentine President Javier Milei and Paraguay’s leader Santiago Peña, that were posted Saturday to their official social media accounts note that Trump’s 20-point Gaza ceasefire plan, which includes the creation of the Board of Peace, was endorsed by the U.N. Security Council and indicates that the panel of world leaders may not confine their work to Gaza.

“Now it is time to turn all of these dreams into reality,” Trump wrote. “At the heart of the plan is the Board of Peace, the most impressive and consequential board ever assembled, which will

be established as a new International Organization and Transitional Governing Administration.”

Other leaders whose governments have confirmed receiving invitation letters include Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah elSissi and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. It was not immediately clear how many or which other leaders would receive invitations.

Trump’s apparent aspirations to turn to the Board of Peace into an international institution that could provide an alternative to the United Nations is sure to be controversial and opposed by numerous countries, including China and Russia, which hold veto power in the U.N. Security Council and have significant interests in opposing any radical change in the world order

Smaller nations are also likely to have objections as the U.N. system has given them at least a voice in major international decisions since the end of the Second World War.

“This is a U.S. shortcut in an attempt to wield its veto power on world affairs,” Daniel Forti, head of U.N. affairs at the International Crisis Group, said. “It allows the U.S. to really take the role it has on the Gaza-Israel file, where it’s able to shape things to its will and try to extend that to other conflicts.”

He added that this idea

“would give world leaders involved a sort of mechanism to try and sidestep longstanding agreements around

U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, left, and businessman and President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner attend a news conference after the signing of the declaration on deploying post-ceasefire force in Ukraine during the ‘Coalition of the Willing’ summit on security guarantees for Ukraine on Jan. 6 at the Elysee Palace in Paris. Both have been named to Trump’s Board of Peace for Gaza.

sovereignty and territorial integrity in exchange for transactional deals.”

A senior U.S official said an expanded role for the Board of Peace remains “aspirational” but that Trump and his advisers believe it is possible, particularly as the U.S. and others have repeatedly expressed frustration with the United Nations and its associated organizations, commissions and advisory boards.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal Trump administration thinking, did not say the Board of Peace is intended to replace the United Nations but suggested that it could perhaps galvanize the world body into action.

The Trump administra-

Israel objects to announcement of Board of Peace executives

BY NATALIE MELZER

Associated Press

NAHARIYA, Israel Israel’s government is objecting to the White House announcement of leaders who will play a role in overseeing next steps in Gaza as the ceasefire moves into its challenging second phase.

The rare criticism from Israel of its close ally in Washington said the Gaza executive committee “was not coordinated with Israel and is contrary to its policy,” without details. Saturday’s statement also said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has told the foreign ministry to contact Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The committee announced by the White House on Friday includes no Israeli official but has an Israeli businessman billionaire Yakir Gabay Other members announced so far include two of President Donald Trump’s closest confidants, a former British prime minister a U.S. general and representatives of several Middle Eastern governments.

The White House has said the executive committee will carry out the vision of a Trump-led “Board of Peace,” whose members have not

yet been named. The White House also announced the members of a new Palestinian committee to run Gaza’s day to day affairs, with oversight from the executive committee. The Palestinian committee met for the first time on Thursday in Cairo.

The executive committee’s members include Rubio, Trump envoy Steve Witkoff, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair Apollo Global Management CEO Marc Rowan, World Bank President Ajay Banga and Trump’s Deputy National Security Adviser Robert Gabriel.

Committee members also include a diplomat from Qatar, an intelligence chief from Egypt and Turkey’s foreign minister — all countries have been ceasefire mediators as well as a Cabinet minister for the United Arab Emirates.

Turkey has a strained relationship with Israel but good relations with Hamas and could play an important role in persuading the group to yield power and disarm. Hamas has said it will dissolve its government in Gaza once the new Palestinian committee takes office, but it has shown no sign that

it will dismantle its military wing or security forces.

Netanyahu’s office didn’t respond Saturday to questions about its objections regarding the executive committee.

Minutes after its statement, Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir in a statement backed Netanyahu and urged him to order the military to prepare to return to war Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, another far-right Netanyahu ally, said on social media that “the countries that kept Hamas alive cannot be the ones that replace it.”

The Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Gaza’s second-largest militant group after Hamas, in a statement Saturday also expressed dissatisfaction with the makeup of the Gaza executive committee and claimed it reflected Israeli “specifications.”

The Trump administration on Wednesday said the U.S.-drafted ceasefire plan for Gaza was now moving into its second phase, which includes the new Palestinian committee in Gaza, deployment of an international security force, disarmament of Hamas and reconstruction of the war-battered territory

tion has often been at odds with the United Nations as it zeroed in on eliminating bil-

lions of dollars in funding to international organizations and humanitarian assistance at large. Trump and his allies have blasted the world body for not reaching its potential and for “bloated” and redundant agencies that push “woke” ideology

The letters follow Trump’s post on social media Thursday, saying the Board of Peace had been formed and that the names of its members would be announced “shortly.” Officials say a formal announcement is expected to be made next week during the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland.

It comes after the White House on Friday evening released the names of some of the leaders who will play a role in overseeing next steps in Gaza, including an executive board that will work to carry out the vision of the Board of Peace. Israel’s gov-

ernment objected Saturday, saying it “was not coordinated with Israel and is contrary to its policy

That executive committee includes Trump administration officials Secretary of State Marco Rubio and envoy Steve Witkoff as well as businesspeople like Apollo Global Management CEO Marc Rowan and others like former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and World Bank President Ajay Banga. The White House did not respond to a request for comment Saturday on Trump’s ambitions for the Board of Peace nor the letters posted by leaders The United Nations also did not immediately respond.

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THE GULF COAST

BelovedTikTokstarwill open Gulfport restaurant

BY POET WOLFE Staff writer

Matthew Boundsdoesn’t consider himself achef.

The creator behind the TikTokaccount “Your Barefoot Neighbor,” where he shares home-cooked recipes with more than 2million followers, rejected the label Monday morning in Gulfport, standing inside apartiallyguttedspacethat once housed Downtown Bistroand will soon become his first restaurant, Neighbors Table &Tap.

The restaurant, aproject he and his husband,CJ, have been working on since November of last year,isslatedtoopen in March in what Bounds described as a “moody and cozy” addition to awaterfrontcorridoralreadylinedwitheateries.

While thefullmenuisstill beingdeveloped, Bounds said it will servelunch andsmall plates, includingsome entrees offered as dinner specials, along with cocktailsand wine.Itwillalsoremain open late on Fridays and Saturdays, with aseparate late-night menu.

He characterizedthe offeringsas “fun” and “creative,” avoidingthe “typicalseafood”options common atmany restaurants along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

“Not everybody who walks in the door is going to know who Iam, so Iwant this restaurant to stand on its own twofeet and have itsown identity,” Bounds said. “While we may sprinkle in afew of my viral recipes that everybody knows,the menu isnot going to be built aroundme exclusively.”

Neighbors Table& Taparrives as the Gulf Coast’sdining scene has expanded in recent decades,with avant-garde restaurants reshaping the culinary map —some even earning Michelin recognition in 2025. The region has increasingly positioned itself as afooddestination beyond neighboring New Orleans, long aculinary powerhouse, drawing both newcomers and visitorsfrom across the country Bounds has contributed to that evolution, carrying his onlinepresence into the real world with abrick-and-mortar restaurant and cookbooksthat made him

PHOTO By HANNAHRUHOFF/SUN HERALD

MatthewBounds, also known as @yourbarefootneighbor on TikTok, is opening arestaurantinGulfport, Miss.

aNew York Times-bestselling author

Bounds said the space, featuring long high-top tables, sofas and armchairs surrounded by an emerald-green interior,is designedtoencourage conversation and lingering

“I want this to really be alanding place for people,”hesaid. “I want this to be a place where people want to be and want to hang out.”

Bounds will focusonits hospitality,a longtime passion that has always kept him“at thefront of the house,”while another chef oversees the kitchen.

Though he did notlearn how to cook until laterinlife, Bounds long dreamed of opening arestaurant. Hisintroductionto theindustry came as ateenager,washing dishes in akitchen

During theCOVID pandemic, while working from home,hebegan teaching himselfhow to cook andstarted posting videos on TikTok as “YourBarefoot Neighbor” —a caricatureofashoeless neighbor who always greets you witha beer in hand

Whatbegan as apage documenting do-it-yourself projects —fromplanting flower beds to building afence —gradually shifted into aseries of kitchen videos showing what he was making for dinner His audience, and his reach,grew quickly.

“You getatastefor it,” Bounds said, “And you either love it or youhate it. I loved it.”

Tripletailshad been open foryears

BY POET WOLFE Staff writer

Tripletails Restaurant,a longtime eatery along South Beach Boulevard in Bay St. Louis,Mississippi,closed itsdoors this week after yearsofofferinglivemusic andserving seafood tothe coastal community

Jonathan Allen, who co-owns the restaurant andbar with David Potter,said on Tuesday afternoon that the rising cost of running a business —including rising insurance rates andfood prices drivenbyinflation —made it increasingly difficult to continue operating thebusiness. He described therestaurant industry as “just atough business to be in.”

“Weenjoy being in Bay St. Louis very much,” Allen said. “The town is doing fantastic. When it’sbooming, it’sreally good. When it’sbust,it’stough.”

Tripletails sat in the heart of Bay St. Louis’ waterfront entertainment district, surrounded by other popular restaurants,including The Blind Tiger, Rags to Riches, Buoy’s, 200

North Beach, Cuz’sand Trapani’sEatery

It is the latest of several restaurants along the Mississippi Coast to close as the region’s culinary sceneevolves. Modern eateries have earned accolades in recent years, including Michelin recognition in 2025, while longtime establishments owned by retiring restaurateurs have shuttered.

Tripletails opened morethan adecade ago, before Allen purchased the building in 2021. Since then, the restaurant continued drawing asteadyclientele of localsand visitorstraveling from other partsofthe Gulf Coast,including New Orleans.

Allen first announced the sudden closure in aFacebook post that garnered dozens of likesand comments fromcustomerswho said theywould missdining at the restaurant, with manymentioning its po-boys, beer and cocktails. In the post, Allen also said the building will be forsale soon, sharing aphoto of the multistory beachfront property lit in neon green and framed by palm trees.

“It’sbeen afun ride owning this placefor the past 4years,” Allen said, “But we need to turn it over to anew businessready to tackle the challenges of the modern restaurant world.”

Iran’s leader callsTrump ‘criminal’ forbacking protests

BY ELENA BECATOROS Associated Press

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates Iran’s SupremeLeader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday branded President Donald Trump a“criminal” for supporting protestersin Iran and blamed demonstrators for causing thousands of deaths In aspeech broadcast by state television, Khamenei said the protests had left “several thousand” people dead— thefirst indication from an Iranian leader of the extent of the casualties from thewave of protests that began Dec. 28 and led to abloody crackdown

“In this revolt, the U.S. president made remarks in person,encouraged seditious peopletogoahead andsaid: ‘Wedosupportyou, we do support you militarily,’ ”said Khamenei, who has final say on all state matters. He reiterated an ac-

cusation that theU.S. seeks dominationoverIran’seconomic and politicalresources.

“Wedoconsider the U.S. president acriminal, because of casualties and damages,becauseofaccusationsagainstthe Iranian nation,”

he said.Hedescribed theprotesters as “footsoldiers”ofthe United Statesand said theyhad destroyed mosques and educational centers.

“Through hurting people, they killed several thousand of them,”

he said

In response, Trump called for an end to Khamenei’snearly 40-year reign.

“The man is asickman who shouldrun hiscountryproperly and stop killingpeople,” Trump told Politico in an interview Saturday.

“Hiscountry is theworst place to live anywhere in the world because of poor leadership.”

“It’stime to look fornew leader-

ship in Iran,” he added.

Theback-and-forth rhetoric came aday after Trump sounded a conciliatorytone, saying that “Iran canceled thehanging of over 800 people,” and adding that“Igreatly respect the factthatthey canceled.”Hedid not clarify whom he spoke to in Iran to confirm the state of any plannedexecutions. Hiscomments were asign he may be backing away from amilitary strike

The official IRNA news agency reported thatTehran ProsecutorGen.Ali Salehi, referring to Trump’sremarks about the cancellation of thedeathsentence of 800 protesters,said: “Trumpalways makes futile and irrelevantstatements. Our attitude is severe,preventive and fast.” He did not elaborate In recent days, Trumphad told protesting Iranians that “help is on

theway ”and that his administration would “act accordingly” if the killing of demonstrators continued or if Iranian authorities executed detained protesters.

In his speech, Khamenei saidrioters were armed with live ammunition that was imported from abroad, without namingany countries. “Wedonot plan, we do not take thecountry toward war.But we do notreleasedomestic offenders, worse than domestic offenders; there areinternationaloffenders. We do not let them alone either,” he said, and urgedofficials to pursue the cases Iran has returned to an uneasy calm after harsh repression of protests thatbegan Dec.28over Iran’s ailing economy.The crackdown has left at least 3,095 people dead,according to theU.S.-based Human RightsActivists News Agency,exceeding that of anyother round of

protest or unrest in Iran in decades and recalling the chaos surrounding the 1979 revolution.

Theagencyhas been accurate throughout theyears of demonstrations, relying on anetwork of activists inside Iran that confirms all reported fatalities. The AP has been unable to independently confirm the toll. Iranian officials have repeatedly accused the United States andIsrael of fomenting unrest in the country.OnFriday,Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian, in aphone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, accused the U.S. andIsrael of meddling in the unrest.

There have been no signs of protestsfor days in Tehran, where shopping and street life have returned to normal, and Iranian state media have not reported any new unrest.

EU,blocofSouth American nationssignfreetrade deal

BY NAYARA BATSCHKE and ISABEL DEBRE Associated Press

ASUNCIÓN, Paraguay— The European Union and the Mercosur blocof South American countries formally signed along-sought landmark free trade agreement on Saturday, capping more than aquarter-century of torturousnegotiations to strengthen commercial ties in the face of rising protectionismand trade tensions around the world.

The signing ceremony in Paraguay’scapital, Asunción,marks a major geopolitical victory for the EU in an age of American tariffs and surgingChinese exports, expanding the bloc’sfoothold in aresource-rich region increasinglycontested by Washington and Beijing.

It also sends amessage that South America keeps diverse trade and diplomatic relations even as President Donald Trump makes an aggressive push for geopolitical dominance across the Western Hemisphere.

Mercosur consists of the region’s two biggest economies, Argentina and Brazil, as well as Paraguay and Uruguay.Bolivia, the bloc’s newest member,can join the trade deal in

the coming years. Venezuela has beensuspended from the bloc and isn’tincludedinthe agreement

Promoted by South America’s renowned grass-fed cattle-raising countries and Europe’sindustrial interests, the accord’sgradual elimination of more than 90% of tariffs creates one of the world’slargest free tradezones andmakes shopping cheaper formorethan 700million consumers European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who heads theEU’sexecutive branch, portrayedthe deal as abulwark against the disruptive policies of the Trump administration

“It reflects aclear and deliberate choice:Wechoosefair tradeover tariffs. We choose aproductive long-term partnership over isolation,” vonder Leyen declaredinan veiled rebuke to Trump’s trade policies at theceremony,which got underway as Trump announced 10% tariffs on eight European nations overtheir opposition to American controlofGreenland.

“Wewill join forces like neverbefore, because we believe that this is thebest way to make our people andour countriesprosper.”

BrazilianPresidentLuizInácio

From left, Panama’sPresident Jose Raul Mulino, Bolivian President RodrigoPaz, European Council President Antonio Costa, European CommissionPresidentUrsula vonder Leyen, Paraguay’sPresident SantiagoPena, Argentina’sPresident Javier Milei, Uruguay’sPresident yamanduOrsi and Brazilian Minister of ForeignAffairs Mauro Vieira hold hands Saturdayduring ameeting to sign afree tradedeal between the European Union and Mercosur in Asuncion, Paraguay.

Lula da Silva, alongtime advocate for the EU-Mercocsur deal as negotiations lumbered through his three nonconsecutive presidentialterms, hailed the agreementassymbol of global cooperation.

“At atime when unilateralism isolates markets and protectionism inhibits global growth, two regions that share democraticvaluesand

acommitment to multilateralism choose adifferent path,” Lula said in an Xpost. Lula’sdecision to skip the ceremonysignaled that tensionssimmered between the trading blocs.

Brazil, whichheldthe rotating presidency of Mercosur last year, had been gearing up to host the signingceremony in thecountry’s

capital,Brasília,last month, when European countriescalleditoff, demandingmoreconcessions to farmers scared of the possible dumping of cheap South American agricultural imports.

Lula, robbed of his spotlight, was outraged at what waswidely seen in SouthAmericaasthe latest example of the EU’sbureaucratic intrusiveness. One of the main reasons the deal took so long to clinch was Brussels’ attempts to manage SouthAmerica’sagriculturalproduction processes, from standards on plastic packaging to deforestation regulation.

“The EU’smaximalist wish lists of demands from developing economies willing to sign free trade agreements areoften perceivedas patronizing,” said Agathe Demarais, asenior policyfellowwiththe European Council on Foreign Relations. After imposing environmental and animal welfare regulations, strict quotas on farm products like beef andsugar andstaggered timelinesfor tariff reductions, the EU sweetened the deal even more for its farmers with apromise of hefty subsidies. Thatpushedagricultural powerhouse Italy acrossthe line earlier this month.

NASA’s new moon rocket heads to launch pad

BY MARCIA DUNN AP aerospace writer

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla NA-

SA’s giant new moon rocket headed to the launchpad

Saturday in preparation for astronauts’ first lunar flyaround in more than half a century

The out-and-back trip could blast off as early as February

The 322-foot rocket began its 1 mph creep from Kennedy Space Center’s Vehicle Assembly Building at daybreak. The four-mile trek could take until nightfall.

Thousands of space center workers and their families gathered in the predawn chill to witness the longawaited event, delayed for years. They huddled together ahead of the Space Launch System rocket’s exit from the building, built in the 1960s to accommodate the Saturn V rockets that sent 24 astronauts to the moon during the Apollo pro-

gram. The cheering crowd was led by NASA’s new administrator Jared Isaacman and all four astronauts assigned to the mission. “What a great day to be

here,” said Reid Wiseman, the crew commander. “It is awe-inspiring.”

Weighing in at 11 million pounds, the Space Launch System rocket and Orion crew capsule on top made the move aboard a massive transporter that was used during the Apollo and shuttle eras. It was upgraded for the SLS rocket’s extra heft.

The first and only other SLS launch — which sent an empty Orion capsule into orbit around the moon — took place back in November 2022.

“This one feels a lot different, putting crew on the rocket and taking the crew around the moon,” NASA’s John Honeycutt said on the eve of the rocket’s rollout.

Heat shield damage and other capsule problems during the initial test flight required extensive analyses and tests, pushing back this

first crew moonshot until now The astronauts won’t orbit the moon or even land on it. That giant leap will take come on the third flight in the Artemis lineup a few years from now Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover and Christina Koch longtime NASA astronauts with spaceflight experience — will be joined on the 10-day mission by Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, a former fighter pilot awaiting his first rocket ride They will be the first people to fly to the moon since Apollo 17’s Gene Cernan and Harrison Schmitt closed out the triumphant lunar-landing program in 1972. Twelve astronauts strolled the lunar surface, beginning with Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin in 1969. Only four moonwalkers are still alive; Aldrin, the oldest, turns 96 on Tuesday

BY RODNEY MUHUMUZA Associated Press

KAMPALA, Uganda Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni won his seventh term with 71.65% of the vote, according to official results Saturday in an election marred by a dayslong internet shutdown and rigging claims by his youthful challenger, who rejected the outcome and called for peaceful protests.

The musician-turnedpolitician best known as Bobi Wine took 24.72% of the vote, the final results showed.

Wine, whose real name is Kyagulanyi Ssentamu has condemned what he described as an unfair electoral process and alleged abductions of his polling agents before voting had even started in parts of the East African country He

said he rejected the “fake” results and urged Ugandans to peacefully protest until the “rightful results are announced.”

Wine said he had to escape to avoid arrest by security forces who stormed his house Friday night. Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke said Wine was “not under arrest” and was free to leave his house, but there was “controlled access” for others trying to go into the property to prevent people from using the premises to incite violence.

Electoral officials face questions about the failure of biometric voter identification machines on Thursday that caused delays in the start of voting in urban areas — including the capital, Kampala — that are opposition strongholds. After the machines failed, in a blow to pro-democracy

activists who have long demanded their use to curb rigging, polling officials used hard-copy registers of voters.

The failure of the machines is likely to be the basis for any legal challenges to the official result.

Wine has not said whether he would launch a legal challenge with the courts, which previously have refused opposition efforts to nullify Museveni’s victories while recommending electoral reforms.

Museveni said he agreed with the electoral commission’s plan to revert to paper records of voters after the biometric machines failed, but Wine alleged fraud, claiming that there was “massive ballot stuffing” and that his party’s polling agents were abducted to give an unfair advantage to the ruling party

Louisiana company fined $10K for leak

Diversified Foods settles ammonia leak violations

BY DAVID J MITCHELL Staff writer

A Covington-based food manu-

facturing company and state regulators have agreed to a $10,000 penalty to settle alleged violations over a dangerous ammonia gas leak that shut Interstate 12 a decade ago, another smaller leak that followed two months later and other allegations of poor planning

Project includes grocery store for north BR

Development also includes other retail

BY IANNE SALVOSA Staff writer

A $50 million development with a grocery store and retail is in the works off Harding Boulevard in north Baton Rouge, a project that could cap off years of efforts to bring supermarkets to the area. A groundbreaking event for The BLVD at Harding, in the Howell Place development, is set for Monday Its anchor tenant is Harvest Fresh, which would be the only full-service grocery store in its immediate area, widening access to food and essential items, those involved in the project say Charles Johnson, a representative for the BLVD Development Group, said Harding Boulevard will be home to Harvest Fresh’s first location, and the brand aims to establish itself statewide Harvest Fresh is part of a co-op partnership with Associated Grocers, he said Improving access to grocery stores in north Baton Rouge has long been an issue. Former MayorPresident Sharon Weston Broome said more than 70,000 people lived in areas where it was difficult to buy fresh food. Rouses Supermarkets opened a location at Florida Boulevard and North Ardenwood Drive two years ago; officials said they hoped that would lead to investment in other parts of north Baton Rouge. The BLVD campus is designed to span more than 100,000 square feet, with Harvest Fresh taking up 42,000 to 45,000 square feet. Developers said they are waiting for final permit approvals, which they expect to be completed by May and hope to open the supermarket by fall 2027. The development is projected to create 250 permanent and construction jobs.

The project has been 15 years in the making, Johnson said. The development group wanted to bring grocery, retail and service closer to north Baton Rouge residents and Southern University students, who typically have to drive down to College Drive for those things he said.

“We want to make everything on that side of town convenient,” Johnson said. Plans are still in the works for the rest of the development’s tenants, but Johnson says the developers plan to have space for restaurants, business suites, a dessert hall, a mail center with an Amazon hub and a bank. They are hoping to attract local and national chains. The development has an additional 14 acres on which Johnson said the group is looking to develop housing and a movie theater The BLVD at Harding is

training and maintenance, according to state regulatory papers.

Started by Al Copeland Sr., the now deceased founder of Popeyes Fried Chicken, the company, Diversified Foods and Seasonings, makes prepared foods, spices and mixes, including the red beans and rice, biscuit mix and fried chicken seasoning served at Popeyes. In October 2015, Diversified Foods’ Madisonville manufac-

turing plant leaked an estimated 28,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia after a rooftop pipe broke open, according to documents.

The break released enough of the toxic gas to shut the vital crosscountry highway for hours, brown nearby trees and contaminate a nearby pond and soil with ammonia that had been doused with water by firefighters trying to limit the gas cloud’s extent, according

to regulatory papers.

Diversified Foods makes sauces, soups and side dishes at the 93,000-square-foot plant off La. 1085 north of Madisonville and had a refrigeration system that required ammonia for its operation.

The penalty order that led to the new proposed settlement also faulted Diversified Foods for failing to keep up with planning designed to determine the geographic extent and risk of a worstcase leak, as well as a variety of requirements designed to keep

workers, equipment and procedures up-to-date on preventing such incidents.

Known as “chemical accident prevention planning,” or CAPP, the procedures incorporate steps such as ensuring a company responds in a timely fashion to its own internal hazard reviews recommending procedural changes or equipment upgrades and then communicating those changes to workers. Among a few dozen allegations,

Starting small

Couple accused of negligent homicide

5-year-old weighed 19 pounds at death, Sheriff’s Office says

QUINN COFFMAN Staff writer

BY QUINN COFFMAN Staff writer

on counts of negligent homicide, second-degree cruelty to

niles, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and illegal carrying of weapons, the

iff’s Office said in a Facebook post Friday The couple are accused of keeping their son, Marley Perilloux, in negligent conditions that led to his death. In the post, the couple’s residence where the boy stayed is described as in “poor condition” and “barely livable.” Deputies were first called to a gas station in Geismar around

Teachers angry over change in bonuses

More than 1,000 didn’t get merit pay

BY ELYSE CARMOSINO Staff writer

Fewer than 200 Jefferson Parish Schools teachers received performancebased bonuses last month, a sharp reduction from last year that has left hundreds of teachers who had been counting on the extra money empty-handed.

Each year the school district gives pay bumps of $1,000 to $2,000 to teachers who achieve the top evaluation rating, which until recently had been “highly effective.” About 1,300 of Jefferson Parish’s roughly 3,200 teachers earned that rating last school year, according to numbers provided by district officials.

Most were expecting a stipend when the district issued them in December

However, the district changed its policy last year to reflect the state’s updated evaluation rubric, which created a new top rating, “exemplary.” Under the new policy, only 162 teachers qualified for the merit pay

“People are mad,” said Melanie Cade, a special education teacher at Jefferson Elementary School who was rated “highly effective” last school year and had been banking on the bonus to help pay for Christmas presents. “They shortchanged a lot of us.”

At a School Board meeting this month, board member Steven Guitterrez said he has been “bombarded” with emails from teachers

PROJECT

Continued from page 1B

Houston-based BLVD Development Group’s first Baton Rouge development. The group had been trying to locate a grocery store in north Baton Rouge for years prior to landing Harvest Fresh.

“People were just afraid to invest in north Baton Rouge, but we were not, and we stayed consistent with it, and one thing led to another, and now we’re here,” Johnson said. He declined to comment on whether the city-parish provided tax incentives for the development.

Southern University Chancellor John Pierre said he has been involved in talks about The BLVD at Harding development for the past few years with city officials, including Broome and former Metro Council member Chauna Banks. Starting last year Pierre and Southern officials worked with the develop-

HOMICIDE

Continued from page 1B

who told him they weren’t notified in advance about the change. He argued that applying the new performance-pay policy to last school year’s ratings amounts to “pulling the rug” out from educators.

“I don’t think that’s fair,” he said.

Guitterrez proposed paying bonuses to teachers rated “highly effective” last year in addition to those who scored “exemplary.”

The board will vote on his proposal next month.

But district officials said it isn’t feasible to give stipends to the 1,300 teachers deemed “highly effective” — a big increase from the 643 who received bonuses for their 2023-24 ratings

They also argue that the district’s practice of giving bonuses to the highest-rated teachers has not changed.

“Our previous language awarded a stipend to those who were at the highest level,” Jefferson Parish Schools Chief Financial Officer Sarah Caruso said during last week’s board meeting. “That is what we are continuing to do.”

The debate comes as Louisiana rolls out its new teacher-evaluation standards, which school systems had the option to adopt last year and which officially launched statewide this year

The new rubric grades teachers on a five-tier scale — from “ineffective” to “exemplary” instead of the previous system’s four-point scale, and it incorporates teacher selfassessments into ratings.

State officials have said the changes are intended to give teachers better pro-

ers to provide demographic information on the university community to help push the project forward. The high traffic volume at the exit from Interstate 110 to Harding Boulevard signaled a prime location for the project, developers found.

Southern’s footprint is growing, with plans to construct new spaces for the STEM and business programs and an amphitheater Pierre said the university’s growth, coupled with The BLVD at Harding development, is indicative of more to come to the previously disinvested area.

“People are seeing the value of what’s happening in north Baton Rouge,” he said.

Pierre said the development will provide fresh food access to students, faculty and staff, and potentially drive the school’s enrollment.

“Anything that can help those students feel like they feel like a college town or just like their everyday cities if they’re not from

9 p.m. Jan. 1 for a report of a medical emergency involving a juvenile. At the scene, deputies located the unresponsive 5-year-old alongside his father

Deputies performed CPR on the child while waiting for EMS. The child was transported to a hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

An investigation into his parents was opened following reports of injuries to the child and concerns of severe malnourishment. A search warrant for the residence where the child lived with his parents was later executed.

Speaking with the couple, detectives learned that both parents had failed to ensure proper hygiene, feeding and medical care for their son. Both were being held without bond in the Ascension Parish jail. The investigation is ongoing, and additional or upgraded charges are pending, the post states.

Email Quinn Coffman at quinn.coffman@theadvocate. com.

JEFFERSON

PARISH

fessional feedback.

Jefferson Parish Schools opted to start using the new rating system last school year, but the district did not update its bonus policy until after the school year ended, School Board documents show The board approved changes to the district’s salary chart last July, but Guitterrez said at last week’s meeting that he and other board members had not been aware that the changes included the new bonus pay cutoff.

He also said that teachers were not notified about the policy change — a claim echoed by several educators. The lack of communication meant that many teachers discovered during the holiday season that the extra pay they’d anticipated would not arrive, Guitterrez said.

He added that the new policy should only have been applied to this school year and after, not last school year

“If we’re looking at the future and changing it to ‘exemplary,’ that’s fine,” he said. “But we’re talking about retroactively (doing) this.”

Jefferson Parish Schools did not respond to a request for comment.

Superintende nt of Schools James Gray said at the board meeting that the intention was not to hide the change from educators, adding that the district only updated the bonus policy to match the state’s new rating tiers.

“Our teachers are our most precious resource,” Gray said. “The state

Baton Rouge is a win for the community,” said Metro Council member Anthony Kenney, in whose district the development will be located.

Howell Place

Developer Richard Preis founded Howell Place, a 200-acre mixed-use development near the Baton Rouge Metro Airport, in 1997 to spur economic growth in north Baton Rouge. He started with a Hilton hotel — the airport did not have a neighboring hotel at the time — which then attracted other lodging and the ExxonMobil YMCA.

About 30 years later, Howell Place has become home to medical offices, residential developments and a charter school, amounting to over $300 million in construction, according to Preis. After The BLVD at Harding development is complete, only 30 acres of Howell Place will remain to develop.

“When I started it was difficult, because I was selling a dream,” Preis said “To

SAFETY

Continued from page 1B

Following his death, three men have been arrested on counts of first-degree murder armed robbery and breaking and entering.

The nonprofit Student Housing of America Inc., which owns Cadence, met in December with Moore and representatives of the Baton Rouge Police Department to discuss safety at the complex.

Moore said leadership was receptive to adding safety improvements, including additional cameras and license plate readers outside the complex, which would connect to BRPD’s Real Time Crime Center

Other ideas discussed were making some units available free of charge to BRPD officers to live in, adding more outside lighting and increasing the hours security is posted at the gate.

Cadence implemented some of those changes this month, adding more barrier arms to the complex’s drive entrance and paying for multiple BRPD details to secure the complex 24/7.

“Cadence Apartments exists to serve students and ensuring their safety is a shared responsibility,” said Samuel Wiggins, CEO of Student Housing of America. “These meetings reflect a strong com-

made some changes. We’re following those changes.”

Teachers feel blindsided

Cade, the special education teacher, said she repeatedly checked her bank account on the day the bonuses were scheduled to drop last month.

When she received her regular paycheck but no stipend, she checked Facebook and saw she wasn’t alone. Several teachers across the district were also posting that they hadn’t gotten the extra pay they had expected. Some pointed out that a district salary guide says on one page that “highly effective” teachers are eligible for the bonus, but on a different page, it says “exemplary” teachers are eligible.

A first grade teacher, who asked not to be identified out of concern about retaliation from the district, said she had planned to put the bonus toward a vacation with her children.

She said she’s upset the district was not more transparent about the change

“We went through the whole school year and the summer thinking we were going to get this stipend,” she said.

In an interview Guitterrez credited teachers as the driving force behind the school system’s recent academic growth and said they deserve compensation for their hard work.

“Some people are going to look at this as a cost,” he said, “but this should really be considered an investment in our teachers.”

these people, the hotels, the medical, I had nothing to prove that it would work.”

Preis said that when he first started to construct Howell Place, he received a lot of push back from south Baton Rouge leaders, who opposed developing hotels that were far from the others in the city He attempted to get tax incentives from the city-parish, which denied his requests.

“It’s pure economic development in its truest sense, with very little assistance,” he said.

Carmen Austin, an associate broker for Saurage Rotenberg Commercial Real Estate who is managing the leasing on the development, said plans are to provide a tenant mix that caters to the neighborhood’s needs for retail and food access She said The BLVD at Harding development will carry out Preis’ plan for Howell Place.

“We’re looking to put something back into the community and revitalize this original vision,” Austin said.

mitment by Student Housing of America, the Baton Rouge Police Department and the District Attorney’s Office to take meaningful action to create a safer living environment for students.”

Not a nuisance

The Cadence complex, located at 7801 Scenic Highway, had more than 100 calls for service each year over the past five years, according to the District Attorney’s Office The highest year had 160 calls, while the lowest had 108. Moore described that range as “somewhat average” for a complex of that size.

“The overwhelming majority were disturbance/public assistance (calls), which can be anything, and alarms,” Moore said “We had some burglaries, some thefts.”

The number of calls for service at Cadence was not comparable to other apartment complexes that have been labeled public nuisances by the District Attorney’s Office For example, the Sandpiper apartment complex in Tigerland had three times as many calls for service on average in a year despite having only 14 units

Micah Booker, 17, was shot and killed at the Cadence complex on Oct. 4, in an incident police originally described as similar to Pugh’s death: a victim being

LEAK

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state regulators accused the company of not responding to its own recommendations quickly enough.

‘Reasonable settlement’

The facility is in a nowgrowing suburban area in western St. Tammany Parish just north of I-12 and the Brewster Road area and just south of a community sports park.

Last month, the state Department of Environmental Quality announced the proposed settlement, setting up a public comment period and review by the state Attorney General’s Office. The proposed settlement penalty would be about a fifth of the more than $50,000 penalty that agency regulators had calculated initially but the deal comes after Diversified Foods addressed the concerns raised by inspectors and then challenged the order and initial penalty in 2024 through DEQ’s administrative appeal process.

Robert Holden, an attorney for Diversified Foods, said the company spent $2 million to clean up after the 10-year-old release, reimbursed DEQ for its response costs and paid another $4 million “to replace the entire ammonia refrigeration system out of an abundance of caution.”

He added that considering “the facts and circumstances, the parties reached a reasonable settlement.”

Though ammonia is found in nature at tiny concentrations and is used as a common household cleaning product diluted in water, anhydrous ammonia is a toxic gas that exists without water The chemical is typically stored as a liquid at extremely low temperatures. If it leaks in this state, however, it quickly becomes a gas and mixes with water vapor in the atmosphere, forming a white cloud that lingers along the ground and can be flammable, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The pungent chemical can burn the skin, eyes, nose with contact and the lungs if inhaled at high enough concentrations. Ammonia concentration readings along I-12 and in nearby communities in the hours after the leak were relatively low or not detected at all, according to state air monitoring data.

Going back at least to 2001, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Chemical Safety Board, however, have issued warnings about the dangers of leaks from ammonia-based industrial refrigeration systems and about the need for safety precautions.

‘Defective welds’

Nine months before the October 2015 leak at Diversified Foods, the safety board issued a safety bul-

shot during a robbery However, the District Attorney’s Office has since said the shooting is considered justified.

Layla Patterson, a former sophomore at Southern and one of Pugh’s neighbors at Cadence, said she routinely felt unsafe at the complex. Patterson stopped living at the apartment after Pugh’s death.

“There’s been times where people have shot at each other at Cadence and no police came,” she said, “and we’re just all standing outside looking at each other like, ‘Y’all heard that, right?’”

Nonstudents entering complex

One of Patterson’s chief complaints was the laxity of gate procedures at Cadence, which allowed nonresidents to easily enter the complex.

“I’ll tell you right now, when I was living there, any and everybody was in and out of there,” Patterson said.

While residents are given a gate code and can buzz in guests using their phones, Patterson said a code for delivery drivers was commonly known to most residents at the complex and was shared regularly with strangers.

According to Moore, most apartment complexes in Baton Rouge face this problem, and Cadence leadership is looking to tighten gate procedures to keep

letin warning against the specific physical reaction, known as “hydraulic shock,” following a 2010 Alabama ammonia leak from a refrigerant plant that injured one and hospitalized 32 workers a quarter-mile away with ammonia gas exposure. Under hydraulic shock, pressures can surge unexpectedly in pipes and equipment when the speed of liquids flowing in that equipment changes rapidly The pressure spike is particularly sharp, as in ammoniabased refrigeration systems of a certain design, when a vapor and a liquid are in the line together, according to the safety board.

In a 2016 state report, DEQ inspectors blamed the October 2015 leak on hydraulic shock.

The inspectors said the Diversified Foods plant had the same refrigeration design as the one flagged by the safety board and concluded there “were apparently no tangible steps taken in response to the Bulletin prior to the incident” in October 2015.

But, since then, the inspectors added, the company instituted significant design and process safety changes in the refrigeration equipment.

Holden, Diversified Foods’ attorney, maintained, however, that the failure that led to the leak wasn’t due to safety issues but from “the failure of a weld.”

“Hydraulic shocks occur periodically but should not cause a weld failure. Diversified could not have prevented a defective weld from failing,” he said. Holden said the company replaced the entire refrigeration system over concerns “that there could be more defective welds.”

“Diversified’s current refrigeration system meets or exceeds all the current standards,” he said. Since the leak, DEQ inspectors found additional alleged violations in 2022 revolving around chemical accident planning, process safety and training on its new systems. In February 2025, the company was issued a compliance order over those findings with potential penalties. Company lawyers told DEQ in March that the company had already addressed the deficiencies alleged in that order Holden declined comment on the compliance order “This matter is a currently ongoing legal dispute entirely relating to administrative requirements for the management of ammonia refrigeration systems,” he said.

In addition to the Madisonville plant, which employs about 150 people, Diversified Foods has a plant in Mobile, Alabama, where the company makes dry goods, including mixes for baked items, like biscuits and savory spices.

David J. Mitchell can be reached at dmitchell@ theadvocate.com.

out nonstudents. In its December release, Student Housing of America also said it had put forward an “affiliation agreement” to the Southern Board of Supervisors that would “reinforce Cadence’s role as a dedicated student housing facility.” Tony Clayton, Southern’s board chair, said he would not consider any partnership with Student Housing of America until crime at Cadence improves.

“Unless they straighten up their business over there, I wouldn’t even entertain asking the board to enter into a collaborative relationship,” Clayton said. “That’s a serious problem over there with all the crime, and my obligation is to make sure that the kids that we have there, that they’re not put in harm’s way.”

Gavin, Jeanne TheGuru, 1857 Government St BatonRouge,LAat2pm

Obituaries

Alonzo Jr., Mack Joseph

Funerals Today Carolina 28805. During his final days at the CharlesGeorge VA Medical Center,Mackoftenspoke of how kindand compassionate the staff were. He couldnot say enough about the doctors, nurses, and caregivers who made his final days so comfortable and meaningful,and the familywillforever begratefulfor the care and dignity they gave him. Mack Joseph Alonzo, Jr leaves behind alegacy of faith, family,and love that willliveonfor generations. churchstreetfuneral.com

Hendersonville, NCMack Joseph Alonzo, Jr passed awaypeacefully on January 12, 2026, at the age of 90, at the Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville, North Carolina, surroundedbythe family he loved so deeply.He was born on January 31, 1935, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana,a place that forever held his heart. Mack lived alife grounded in faith, family, and perseverance. He owned and operated automobile dealerships for more than 55 years, including Iberville Motors in Plaquemine, Louisiana, before continuing his work at Asheville Chevrolet after moving to western North Carolinain 2000. While he took pride in his career, Mack always believed his greatest accomplishment was the family he and Anne built together.

Mack was adevoted husband. For 70 years, Anne was the love of his life, his partner, and his anchor. He was her protector, her biggest supporter, and her best friend. Their marriage was thefoundation of their family and apowerful example of faith, commitment, and unconditional love.

Mack was aproud and loving father to four daughters, whom he and Anne raised in the Lord, teaching them to live with faith, integrity, and love. He was endlessly proud of the four girls they raised and of the strong, faithful families they went on to build. As the patriarch of the family, Mack was the steady presence everyone leaned on, always offering wisdom, encouragement, and prayer. One of Mack's greatest joys was his family. He lived to go to his grandchildren's and great-grandchildren's games, recitals, graduations, and school events, traveling wherever he needed to be just to be there and show his support. Mack was apassionate LSU fan, andhis love for LSU sports was legendary Whether it was football or baseball, he never missed achance to cheer on the Tigers. Hispurple and gold pride was as strong as his devotion to his family.

Alifelong lover of golf, Mack found peace and joy on the course and through reading about the game He could often be found playing, watching, or studying golfwhenever he had the chance. Alot of his lifelong friends were met on atee box.

Mack was also very proud of his service in the United States Air Force and of the opportunity to serve his country, acommitment that reflected his deep sense of duty and gratitude.

Mack was afaithful memberofHendersonville First Baptist Church, where he cherished worship, fellowship, and spiritual growth. He and Anne enjoyed sharing with their groups and the congregation under the leadership of Pastor Steve and Justin. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mack Joseph Alonzo, Sr. and Bessie Land Alonzo, his sister-in-law, SylviaAlonzo, and his nephew, Michael Alonzo.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 70 years, Anne Cox Alonzo; his daughters, Debbie Anders and husband, Stan, Donna Shelton and husband, Jimmy, Darlene Murph and husband, Buzz, and Deniel Roussel and husband, Bobby; 15 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; his brothers, Ray Alonzo and Gary Alonzo and wife, Linda; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at12PMonJanuary 22nd at Hendersonville First Baptist Church with Pastor Steve Scoggins officiating. Burial willfollow at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain. The family will receive friends from 10:30 AM to 12 PM prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Charles George VA Medical Center, 1100 Tunnel Road, Asheville, North

11817 Jefferson Hwy, in BatonRouge,onThursday, January 22, 2026, from1:30 PM until funeralservices at 2:30 PM,withgraveside services to follow.

Cancienne, Catherine LeBlanc

Edith "Jann" Benson Carlock,68, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, passed away January 11, 2026,aftera courageous battle with cancer. Jannwas a devoted mother, nationally ranked dressage competitor, avid runner, and lover of interior design. Shewas precededindeath by her parents,MarthaJeanParkerBenson, LutherFortenberry, and Jack Benson; brother, Jack Clark Benson; and husband, DavidMorris Carlock. Sheissurvived by her daughters Sister Regina "Brittany" Cochran, Devon Brooke Cochran, and Farran Morris Carlock;her sisterLesaBenson Kelley (Dennis Kelley); her brother Gary Benson (Hope Benson);and manyniecesand nephews.VisitationisSaturday,January24, 2026,at 10:00a.m., followed by a funeral Mass at 11:00a.m. at SacredHeartofJesus CatholicChurch, Baton Rouge. Arrangements by SealeFuneralHome.

Browning, RonaldWayne

Ronald"Ron" Wayne Browningwas bornin1942. He is anative of Baton Rouge and aproud 1960 IstroumaHigh School graduate.Hereturnedtohis Heavenly FatheronJanuary14th, 2026.Hewas 83 years old. Ron retired from DHH as amanagerofAdult Protective Services where he trained investigators of abuseand neglect cases. He was aprofessorofPublicSpeaking at LSU-Eunice and at Baton Rouge Community College formany years. He was extremely passionate aboutthe spokenword and always received veryhighmarks from his students. Ron was afaithful memberofThe Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Baton Rouge and later inCovington.Heissurvived by the great love of hislife- his wifeKarenBuckley Browning. He is survivedbyhis 5 daughters with his first wifeCarol:ChandraDixon (Gerald);Rachel Cupit; Meredith Breaux (Wade); Emily Shelton (Austin); and Crystal Argrave (Vincent); and two stepchildrenErin Cook (Corey); and Jonathan Balius (Vanessa). He is survived by his brother Marlon Browning. He is also survived by twomen who willalwaysbehis sons-in-law: DavidJohnson and Chris Cupit. He was blessedwith 20 grandchildren: David, Jared,and Patrick Johnson; Nicholas and MadelineCupit: Jacob Browning,Bailey and Hannah Breaux;Tyler Browningand Savannah Shelton; Noah and Scarlett Argrave; Logan, Nolan, and Jameson Cook; Victoria and Alexander Balius; Skyler and Devin Dixon;Christa Lynn Johnsonand 6great grandchildren.Proceeded in death by: Hisparents Vannie Lee and Alma Rowland Browning, his sisterLinda Barnard, and nephew LaMar Barnard. He was patriotic at heart with asincere and lasting love for America. Hisunwavering faith in the gospel of Jesus Christand devotion to the LDS Church was asource of strength, comfort, and purpose to him and those around him. He will be rememberedasa loving father, devoted husband and great Pawpaw.The family of Ron Browning wouldlike to invite allwho knew and loved him to join us as we commemorate his life. A visitation willbeheld at ResthavenFuneralHome,

Catherine LeBlanc Cancienne, of BelleRose, passed away peacefully on January13, 2026, at theage of 90. As afaithful Catholic, she was aEucharistic Minister forthe homebound, a member of the St. Jules LadiesAltar Society and a CCD teacher for32years. She lovedbeing ahomemakerand working in her yard.Her flowers werealwaysbeautiful! Being Maw Maw to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought hersomuch joy! Catherine is survived by her twodaughters, Erin Dupre and husband Jeff; Dana LeBlancand husband Mike; seven grandchildren, Jeffrey (Jennifer),Jordan, Michael(Abby), Sarah, Daniel (Meggie),Nicholas (Taylor) and London (Jace); eleven great-grandchildren; siblings, Robert Jr.and BonnieBurns, Edward and JaniceBurns, Lorraine and Terry Landry, LindaWaguespack, Henry and Janet Burns, Dennis and NoonieBurns, Gary Burns, Rodney and Cathy Burns, along with numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her high school sweetheart and husband of 46 years, Jules "Boomy" LeBlancJr.;son,Phil LeBlanc; her second husband, Paul Cancienne; her parents, Robert Sr. and WinonaBurns; and sister, Bobbe Gene Trepagnier. The family would like to give aspecial thanks to Lola forall her love and care. Visitationwillbeheldon Thursday, January 22, 2026 from10:30 am until the Mass of ChristianBurial at noonatSt. Jules Catholic Church in BelleRose, LA Burial to follow at St. Jules CatholicCemetery. Father MattDupre willofficiate

Bruce Hayden Clark passed away peacefully on January14, 2026 at theage of 69 at his home surrounded by family after a lengthy illness. He was born in Owensboro,KYbut was alongtime resident of Baton Rouge. He was a graduateofRobert E. Lee HighSchool class of 1974 in BatonRouge.Hewas preceded in death by his parents Thomas H. Clark and DorothyWells Clark; hissister Patricia C. Tatum; adaughterErica Wells Clark and agrandson Tristen Clark. He is survivedbyhis son Cole Hayden Clark of Baton Rouge; asisterTwilaClark Dry (Larry) of Mt.Juliet,TN, nieces Tara Dry (Max Gravel) of Savannah, GA ;Tracy D. Kane (Jeremy) of Sandy, UT; and Lisa D. Harlow (Steve) of Mt Juliet, TN;a nephew TaylorClark Tatum; and 5great-nieces and agreat-nephew. He was acharter member of Louisiana Chapterofthe NationalCorvette Restorers Society.Hewas owner of Dreamworks Restorations and restored classic corvettes and otherautomobiles.Hewas awarded theTop Flight Award in 2000 by Arkus-Duntovfor excellence in theRestoration and Preservationofa 1973 Corvette. The family of Bruce wouldliketoinvite allwho knew and lovedhis to join them as we commemoratehis life Avisitationwillbeheldat Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Hwy. in BatonRouge,onWednesday, January 21, 2026, from 12:30 PM until funeralservices at 2:30 PM,with graveside servicestofol-

low. In lieu of flowers,the family kindly requests donations be madetothe ArthritisFoundation,in Bruce's name.

Compton, TerryLong

TerryLongCompton, a resident of Baton Rouge, LA passed away on December 31, 2025, at theage of 78. He was bornonOctober10, 1947, in Parkersburg W. Virginia After beinghonorably discharged from theU.S. Army, Terry earnedhis undergraduate degree in Business Administration fromLSU,followedbya Doctor of Veterinary Medicine fromthe LSU School of Veterinary Medicine.Hebuilt asuccessfulveterinary clinic in BatonRouge,where he practiced for25years before retiring Terrywas an Eagle Scout and continuedto share his love of theoutdoorsand naturewithhis wife, children and grandchildren. Known as "PawTer" to his grandchildren, he cherished time with family and was an enthusiastic sports fan, especially of LSUteams. He took greatpride in his son John's time on theLSU football team.

For thepast 23 years, as amember of theAAcommunity, Terry supported and mentored hisfellows in their recovery journey. He oftensaid,"Ilovethis programand you people", expressing that he gained morethanhegave.

Terrywas also alongtime member of BroadmoorUnited Methodist Church, activelyparticipatingfor 42 years in the men'sgroup KillerBees, and attending the Lagniappe Sunday School class.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 35 years, ChristiYoung Compton;his son John Compton and his wife Gabby; stepson Stephen Villavasoand his wife Emily;granddaughter Isabella Compton; stepgrandchildrenThomas, Adelyn and Brooks Villavaso ;sister Trudy Sowles and her husband Jason; mother -in-law Carolyn Young; brother-in- law Paul Young and his wife Jene; as well as nieces, nephews, and his treasured dog, Rosie.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Gladys Compton; brothers Janand Rick Compton;and recently his father -in-law Charles Young.

Amemorial service will take place at Broadmoor UnitedMethodist Church, 10230 Mollylea Drive, Baton Rouge, LA,onFriday, February 6, 2026. Visitation at 10:00 followedbythe serviceat11:00. Reception following.

In lieu of flowers,the family requests donations in Terry's name be madeto your favorite animal sheltercharity.

Arrangementsunder the care of Church FuneralServices &Crematory

Sr., age 45, enteredeternal rest on January 14, 2026 in Baton Rouge,Louisiana. He wasbornonMay 28, 1980, in Baton Rouge,Louisiana. Brandon wasa graduate of Southern Laboratory School andfurthered his education at Southern University. He wasknown for bringing life wherever he went.His joyand sense of humor could light up any room, andthere wasnever adullmoment in hispresence.Brandonwas atrue foodie andespecially enjoyed Mexican cuisine Brandon Dixon,Sr. leaves to cherish hismemory: daughters, Demeter Dixon andKamaria Williams; son, Brandon Dixon,Jr.; grandchildren Avaiah Adams, TrutheMcCaskel, andHonestee McCaskel; brother, Keith Sanders, Jr.; God-sister, Nicole Banks; uncle,Kenneth (Deirdre) Dixon;aunt, TreniaSanders; first cousins, Vernay Sanders, April (Aubry) Turner,BrittanyDixon, Danielle (Valmie) Brown, Ja'nae Sanders, and DevinDixon; andahostofotherrelatives andfriends Brandon waspreceded in death by parents,DemeterDixonand Keith Sanders; grandparents, Ripley &Betty Dixon,and Pearl Sanders; anduncle, Vernon Sanders, Jr Visitation will be held Tuesday, January20, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Star Hill Baptist Church,12331 PowellStation Road,St. Francisville, Louisiana. Funeral service will follow at 12:00 p.m. Interment will be at SouthernMemorialGardens, Baton Rouge,Louisiana.

Arrangements entrusted to M.J.R. Funeral Home, Denham Springs, Louisiana.

Stanley "Pops" G. Dixon acherishedmember of the Gonzalescommunity, passedaway on January 15, 2026, at the age of 88. Born on May17, 1937, in Galvez,Louisiana, Stanley lived arichand fulfilling life characterizedbydedication to his family, community, andprofession.

Stanley hada notable career as aMillwrightsupervisor andplanner,servingwith pride as aGold CardMemberofthe United Brotherhood Carpenters JoinersAmerica Local 198, Union720 for an impressive50years. Hiscommitmenttohis work exemplified hisstrongworkethic andleadership skills, earninghim the respectand admiration of hiscolleagues.

Aproud graduate of GonzalesHigh School in theclass of 1956, Stanley took great pride in hiseducation andearly life experiences. He wasa devoted member of St.Mark Catholic Church,where he actively participated in church activities and formed lastingfriendships.

Beyond his professional contributions,Stanley's vibrant personality shone through in hishobbiesand interests. He enjoyed dancing, horseriding, andgardening,indulging in the simple pleasures of life.As amember of the Cajun French Association"Les DanseursdeLaCapitale" in Baton Rouge,heem-

braced hisculturalheritage and shared hislove for dance with others Stanley also contributed to hiscommunityasa memberofFriends of Ascension and theCouncil of Aging, demonstrating hiscommitmenttosupportingthose around him. Stanley takeswith hima legacyoflove andfamily. He is survived by his belovedwife,GwenYoung Dixon,and theirthreechildren:Ted Dixon (Jodi), Kay D. Turner (Ralph), and Kim Delatte.Heisalso survived by hissister Pairlee Fontenot, andhis grandchildrenScottA.Stephens (Kathryn)and great-grandsons Phillip andBraydon. Stanley waspredeceased by hisparents, Ellen and JohnnyDixon, andnumerous siblings including Ellie,Yvonne, Violet, Mary, Ruth,Lucille, Faye, Dot, Doval, Charlie, Valmon, Berlin, George,J.T. Roddy, and son in law Willie Delatte Sr Hisproudest accomplishmentsincludedbeing aformer memberofthe East Ascension Riders Club andthe Ascension Parish Sheriffs Posse, testifying to hisadventurousspirit andcommunityinvolvement.

Visitation will be held on January 21, 2026, from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM,followed by aMass at St.Mark Catholic Church,located at 42021 LA-621, Gonzales, LA. Theburialwill take place on thesame day at Hope Haven Garden of Memory at 604 EHwy 30, Gonzales, LA, followingthe Mass. Serving as pallbearers: Ralph Turner,Simon Young Jr,TroyLogarbo, Todd Gautreau, BillDixon, and Phillip Foster. Stanley G. Dixon will be remembered as adevoted husband, father,grandfather,and friend, whose impactonthe lives of those he encountered will be cherished forever. His legacyofkindness, dedication,and communityspirit continuestoinspireall whohad theprivilege of knowing him.

Ronald Anthony

Ronald AnthonyFernandez, Sr., born July 21, 1952, in Donaldsonville Louisiana, to Adell R. Fernandezand JamesJ.Fernandez, Sr passedaway on January 12, 2026, at Our Lady of theLake Regional Hospital. Ronald was a quiet, loving familyman whofound joyworking with hishands and spendingtimeonthe land he loved. He was atruejackof-all-trades.Wellknown anddeeply lovedthroughoutthe Ascension Parish School system, Ronald was recognized for hiskindness, willingness to help others,and steady presence.Hetook great pride in hisconnectiontothe schools and thecommunity, andheleft alastingimpression on all whoknew him.

Visiting 9am, Tuesday, January20, 2026 at St CatherineofSienna Catholic Church,Donaldsonvilleuntil Mass of Christian Burial at 11am, Rev. Raphael Asika, Celebrant. Recitation of Rosary at 10am. IntermentinAscensionCatholic Church Cemetery

4B ■ Sunday,January18,2026

Hamer, Jean Anne Jean Anne Hamer passed away from astroke on Friday, December 19, 2025. She was precededin death by her parents Collin Bradfield Hamer, Sr., and Vivian Elizabeth Hanna Hamer and her brother William GordonHamer (Leslie Felger Hamer).She is survived by her brother Collin Bradfield Hamer,Jr. (the late JacqulinGrant Hamer),and sisters Sharon David (the late Alfred David, Jr.), Carol Carvajal (Donald), and Faye Brown (Raymond); niece Jan Alexandra Hamer; and nephews Bruce William Gerard Hamer, Grant DouglasHamer, Michael David Hamer, Gary Stephen Hamer, Donald Hamer Carvajal, Stephen Matthew Carvajal, and Thomas Andrew Carvajal; and ahost of extended family. MissHamer was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on October 28, 1947. In 1969, she received her B.A. in Psychology from LouisianaState University in New Orleans. She loved birding and nature. She will be interred in Hope Mausoleum in New Orleans, LA.

She was aresident and native of Plaquemine, LA. She passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 15, 2026 at the age of 93. Visitation will be at Bayou Plaquemine Baptist Church on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 from 10:00am until service time at 12:00pm. Services will be conducted by Rev.Tom Shepard. Intermentwill follow at Grace Memorial Park. She is survived by her daughter: Jana Kristi Himel of Plaquemine; Brother: Arthur Adonis "Bro" Goulas and wife Dianne of Central; Brotherin law: Charles Templet of Plaquemine; Sister in law: Rosalie Goulas; and her honorary children -her Nieces andNephews. She is preceded in death by her husband: John I. Himel; Parents: Adonis and Nettie Gilmore Goulas; 2 sisters: Doris GoulasTemplet &Polly Goulas Verret; Brother: James Hale Goulas. Juanita was best known for her baking skills. Every member of the family and many of her friends received acake of their choosing for their birthday. She loved her family, living on the bayou, western movies, and reminiscing about the good ole days. She was the last living charter member of the Bayou PlaquemineBaptist Church. In lieuofflowers, memorial donations can be made to Bayou Plaquemine Baptist Church: 29215 High-

way 75, Plaquemine,LA 70764

Kennon, Kenneth Wood'Kenwood'

Kenneth Wood Kennon ("Kenwood") December6,1943 -January11, 2026 Kenneth Wood Kennon ("Kenwood" or "KW") passed awaypeacefully surrounded by familylate on January11, 2026. He was 82 yearsold. The youngest son of Robert F. Kennon and Eugenia Sentell, Kenwood spent his childhood horseback riding and roaming barefoot with his two big brothersinMinden, LA, until his fatherwas elected governorofLouisiana in 1952.Whenthe family movedinto the OldGovernor's Mansion in Baton Rouge from the time Kenwood was 8until he was 12, Kenwood occupied Huey Long'smasterbedroom at the front of the historic home Kenwoodmet his lifelongbestfriend Charles "Chip" Duchein attending LSU's University Lab School and U-High, before transferring to Sewanee Military Academy (19081971)inTennessee to finish highschool.During his time at Sewanee,Kenwood ledthe school's Honor Guard DrillTeamtomarch in John F. Kennedy's 1961 inaugural parade. Kenwood attended Louisiana State University and LSU Law School, wherehe graduated second overall in his class (and went on tobecome alifelong devotee of the LSU Tigers). He served in the National Guard, earning high honors there, as well.Led by a strong sinceofintegrity and equity, Kenwood practicedasa defense attorney in Baton Rouge formany yearswith afirm he formedwith his friends: Kennon, Callahan, Wilson &Duchein. Later in life, he referred to lawas"the contentiousness business" and said he "recovered" upon lettinghis lawlicense expire.

In addition to his law practice, Kenwoodhad an interesting career as a propsmasteroncommercialsets,and his rugged goodlooks resulted in him being cast as an actor in several shoots—aswellas beingnamed one of Baton Rouge's"Sexiest Men in Town" in a1974 listbyBatonRouge's alt-weekly of the time, Gris-Gris. Kenwoodsatisfiedhis lifelong admirationfor Super Manbyobtaininghis private pilot's license and purchasing his own small plane, which allowed him to take countlessfriends, family,and dogs flyingon huntingorleisuretrips with himhelming the cockpit. He also possessedan ultralight flyingmachine and hangglider, which al-

lowed himtoaccomplish daring feats like flying off thetop of Aspen Mountain in Colorado In the1970s, he discovered and purchased Como, ascenic landing largely untouched by human development on theMississippiRiver,where he and his friends livedcommunally. Later, Kenwood continued to regularly return to Como to camp or light a fire and playhis guitar, resulting in thelanding being dedicatedasThe Kenwood Kennon PrivateParkonDecember 12, 2025.

Kenwoodalso traveled thecountry sourcing antiques to sellathis shop on his hilltop propertyin downtownSt. Francisville, Shadetree. Whenhis only daughter, Alexandra, was born, Kenwoodand his then-wife Ellen converted theShadetree hillinto a bed-and-breakfast,which has since become a belovedfixture of downtown St. Francisville.One of Kenwood'smany joys was sharing thebeautiful hilltop bird sanctuary he curated at Shadetreewith visitors fromall overthe world

Adeeplykind, good-humored, and contemplative man, Kenwood'slegacy of peaceful love for allhumans and animals carries on, alongwithhis heartfelt guitar renditions of countryfavoriteslike"El Paso, "FolsomPrison Blues,"and "Take Me Home, Country Roads."

Aproud parent,brother, and friend, Kenwood is survivedbybeloved daughter Alexandra and her husband Sam Shahin, brothers Robert F. Kennon, Jr. and his wife Suzanne, Charles S. Kennonand his wife Donna, his former spouse and friend Ellen Kennon, and countless dear friendshemaintained fromthroughout his life Hiskindness, wisdom, and humorwillbesincerely missedbyall who knew him.

Amemorial willbeheld on February 1, 2026 at 1pm at Como Retreat,5000 Como Road,Tunica, LA 70782. In lieu of flowers,the family suggests contributions to theWestFeliciana Humane Society or theNational Audubon Society, twoorganizations that reflect Kenwood'senduring commitment and love for animals and nature. Acelebrationoflifewillbeheld from1:00 PM to 3:00 PM on 2026-02-01 at Como Retreat, 5000 Como Road

Lincecum, Ruth Ellen Glass

RuthEllen Glass Lincecum, age 85, was born on January13, 1940, in Pineville,Louisiana, and peacefully entered eternal rest at home, surrounded by family,onDecember 22, 2025, in Birmingham, Alabama. She wasprecededin death by her husband, Hubert Leo Lincecum, with whom she was reunited in marriagefollowing the death of hersecond husband, Dennis Paul Hebert;

her daughter, PamelaRuth Lincecum; her granddaughter, Randi Nicholle Smith; her great-grandson, Gavin Holman; her greatgranddaughter,Gloria Smith; her parents, Avery Morton Glass and Marguerite Evelyn Glass; her sisters,M.Anne Glass Gianelloni and Rebecca Glass Heftel; and her beloved canine companion,Miss ScarlettO'Hara; alongwith other cherished members of her family and numerous dear friends. She is survivedbyher daughters, CherylAnne Lincecum, Laura Lee Lincecum Edwardsand husband David Edwin Edwards, and Karen Louise Lincecum; her son, Brandon Reece Lincecum; hergrandchildren,Gabriel Michael Smith, Lindsay MargueriteRuthSmith,Zachary Dylan Smith, Desiree SealiaGaff, Hallie King,James Brett Gravois (Melissa), Ryan LeoGravois (Ashlee), ChasePatrick Gravois (Chelsea), Candice Louise Osgood (Danny), and Briana AlexisLake(Jeffery); her siblings, Robert Mark Glass (Patricia), Elizabeth Louise Gomez (James), and RalphEdwin Glass (Marsha); thirty-seven greatgrandchildren, four greatgreat-grandchildren, four nephews, twonieces, numerous cousins, and many otherbeloved family members.

Ruthlived alifemarked by independence, conviction, and deep love forher family.Inher youth, she was ahighschool cheerleader and latera college dancer, passions that reflected her lifelong energy and confidence. She wasa business owner, acommittedwomen'srights advocate, an earlysupporter of theEqualRightsAmendment,a longstanding member of theBaton Rouge League of Women Voters, and amember of theNational Organization forWomen.

Ruthretired after many years of dedicatedservice as Safety Coordinator for theLouisiana Department of Justice, Office of theAttorney General. She served as adelegatetothe DemocraticNational Convention during thefirst presidentialcampaignofBillClinton and was acharter member of theKrewe of Orpheus in NewOrleans, Louisiana, reflecting both her civic engagement and her appreciationfor traditionand community.

Gifted musically, Ruth couldsit down and play virtually any piece of piano sheetmusic, atalentshe both shared and celebrated.She taught her daughters to shoot, whilealso encouraging music lessons, civic activism, and social graces, believing stronglyinindependence balancedwith culture, confidence, and responsibility. She also lovedtogarden and took special joyin propagating irises, sharing theirbeauty with family and friends.

Aboveall,Ruth(better known as MeMe)adored her grandchildrenand great-grandchildren, dotingonthemendlessly and taking immense pridein each of them. Known for her headstrong spirit, generosity,and unapologetic authenticity, she livedlife fullyand on herown terms. Her legacy of strength, love,and fearless individuality willcontinue to live on in allwho were fortunateenoughtoknow

her Following private services, Ruth waslaidtorest at Forest LawnMemorial ParkinPineville, Louisiana.

McCrory, Laura Mae

Laura Maepassed away Monday, January12, 2026. Sheisprecededindeath by herhusband,J.E. McCrory; herparents andnumerousbrothersand sisters. Sheissurvived by 4 children, Mary Braud(Kent),JohnMcCrory, Jill Marabella, &Laurie Stevens.She had11 grandchildrenand 8greatgrandchildrenwith 3on theway. Herpallbearers will be hergrandsons, Cody andKyleGautreau, Dustin, Devin, Drew McCrory,Beau Marabella, Logan Stewart andNicholas Stevens.Honorary pallbearers are Kent Braud, Austin Decoteau andJon Karrer. Thanks to herspecial familyfriend, Shannon Wilson. Aviewing (wake) will be held from6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Monday; Jan 19 at AscensionFuneral Home, 426 WNew River. Avisitation will be held from10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Jan 20 at St:Mark Catholic Church,Hwy 621. Amass of christian burial will follow at Hope Haven Cemetery

Robert Louis Pavy, Jr.of Clinton,Mississippi, was received into hiseternal home on December 22, 2025. Born in Opelousas, Louisiana, on January 10, 1950, to Dr.RobertL.Pavy andAnnaMae WaguespackPavy, Bob grew up in Lafayette, Louisiana, graduatingfromLafayette High School andthe University of SouthwesternLouisiana. Hisbusinessbackground spanned from work at McRae'sDepartment Stores to Viking Range Culinary Group. Knownfor hishonestyand sincerity, Bob workedthrough challenges andsought solutionsthathelped himbuild strongrelationshipswith colleagues. Bob at home wasa dedicated, supportive,and loving husband and father, employing that same dedication andresolve to support hissonsthrough school, sports, andlife's otherchallenges. Then came grandchildren: joy, gratitude, anda fresh look at what life is all about. He lovedhis church Theadministrative gifts he recognized andusedin early years, however, changedsomewhatupon retirement. TheLordcontinued to work in him through studyingHis Word

andservice to Hischurch. Bob's dedication to the Monday NightBible Study revealednew applications of hisgifts. He also saw theneedfor asober sense of hisown shortcomings anda need to acknowledge them andtolet the Lordworkinhim. Bob is survived by his wife of fifty-three years, Nancy, sons Robert "Trey" L. Pavy, III (Jessica)and Matthew Penn Pavy; seven grandchildren: Anna Grace, Laura Louise,Selby Jane, Robert Louis, IV,Silas Abney, Isaac Sidney, and SaraBethanyPavy; brother Francis(Cathi), andsisters EdithPavyBeam (Bryan) andCamille Pavy Claibourne (Bill). ACelebrationofLife washeld on Monday, December 29, 2025, at Clinton Methodist ChurchinClinton,MSfollowed by aburial at Lakewood Memorial Park. Anymemorialsmay be made to the churchor to afavorite charity.

Calder Penniman, 91, died December 16, 2025, in Longleaf Memory Care at Christwood Retirement Community in Covington, Louisiana. Joanie lived at Christwood for the past four years whereshe received exceptional kindness and care.She was preceded in death by her husband, Graham Allen Penniman,Jr., herparents, Hugh Gordon Calderand Gladys Edwards Calder, hersister Lorayn Calder andbrother Hugh Calder Shewas born in WilkesBarre, Pennsylvania on January 8,1934. Joanie attendedVassar Collegebeforemarrying John Baxter Atkins, Jr.in Shreveport, Louisianain September of 1953. Together,theyhad three children, Lila, Carolineand Gordon. Joanie created a warm, invitinghome for herselfand herchildren, filledwithmusic andthe beautyofnature. Her home was agathering place anda sanctuary. Joanie wasa loverofbeauty. Every table was astill life, with asingle flower,a branch, aceramicfrog, or an open art book. Allthe colors of thespectrum were celebrated in her home, herclothes, and her garden. During theseyears, Joanie devotedly served as the Presidentofthe Junior LeagueofShreveport. She served on theboardofthe Caddo-Bossier Councilon Alcoholism and Drug Abuse.She attendedFirst United Methodist Church whereshe wasa Sunday School teacher.OnApril 16, 1975, she marriedG.Allen Penniman,Jr. andmoved to Baton Rouge,where she lived forthe next 45 years. Their home wasfilledwith thetwo families, their many friends, andlots of happy celebrations.Joanie faithfully attendedthe UnitarianChurchofBaton Rouge.Throughouther life,

Joanie was acourageous advocate for women, children and many less fortunate than herself.Along with acore group of friends, she was instrumental in creating the first free women's health care clinic in Baton Rouge. Her love forpeople and her generosity of spirit made a difference in the lives of so many. Her big heart and beautiful smiletouched everyone in her path. She is survived by her daughters; LilaAtkins Mulkey, her husband Randolph MulkeyofSanta Fe,New Mexico, and Caroline Atkins Coutret, her husband Henry Charles Coutret, of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and her son Gordon Edward Atkins, his wife Susan Hardtner Atkins of Covington, Louisiana, nine grandchildren; Sarah Mulkey Hussion, Claire Mulkey Bourne, Amy Mulkey Deutsch, William Charles Coutret, Gordon Calder Coutret, Eloise Maverick Coutret, Mary Katherine Atkins Jorgensen, Gordon Edward Atkins, Jr., Henry Baxter Atkins, nine great grandchildren; Lily Hussion Claire Hussion, Hailey Bourne, Calder Bourne, Owen Deutsch, Dylan Jean Deutsch, GriffinCoutret, Archer Coutret, and Jane Atkins Jorgensen. She is also survived by her late husband, Allen Penniman's children and grandchildren; Laurie and Al McDuff, MaryVirginiaRuiz and Kate McDuff, Mary Crain andBill Brumback and Jake Brumback, Margaret Boudreaux,Elliot Boudreaux and Anne McAloon, Graham and Maureen Penniman, Alyce Penniman, Rita Penniman, Mary Margaret Penniman, William Penniman and Catherine Penniman, Robert and Rebecca Penniman, George Penniman, Jack Penniman and Elizabeth Penniman. The family would like to thank the caregivers from Christwood Longleaf Memory Care, and Hospice for their generous love and care. There will be aprivate burialinShreveport, Louisiana. Amemorial service will be held in the historic chapel at Christ EpiscopalChurch in Covington, Louisiana at 11a.m. on Saturday, January31, 2026. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Christwood Foundation or the charity of your choice. Amemorial service willbeheld at 11:00 AM on 2026-01-31 at Christ EpiscopalChurch, 129 N. New Hampshire st..

Siri Kilcrease Pizzolato passed away on Wednesday, January 14, 2026,at the age of 70. She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Joey Pizzolato, Sr.; daughter, Cassie Blanchard (Joey); grandchildren, Jake and Max Wyble, Sadie, Clayte, and Collin Blanchard; brother, Steven Kilcrease; and ahost of other loving family membersand friends. Siri is preceded in death by her son, Joey Pizzolato, Jr.; parents, Henry and Emily Kilcrease; infant sister, Linda Kilcrease; and brother, Michael Kilcrease, Sr.; nephew,Mikey Pizzolato; in-laws, Tony and Mary Lee

Pizzolato;and brother-inlaw, Cliff Pizzolato.Visitation will be at St. Gerard MajellaCatholicChurch, 5354 Plank Rd Baton Rouge,LA, on Tuesday, January 20, 2026,from 10:30am until the Mass of Christian Burial at 12:30pm. Burialwillimmediatelyfollow at GreenoaksMemorial Park. The familywould like to extenda special thanks toher caregivers, Sonja Davis, Robin Trahan, Roxane Roth,and Sarah Boudreau, for theirwonderfullovingcarefor the past 11 years. Family and friends areinvited to sign the online guestbook at www.greenoaksfunerals.c om

Rouyea,Margaret

Margaret "BobbieJane" BlanchardRouyea passed awayonJanuary12, 2026, at the age of 82. Shewas a devotedmember of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, where she was activein the CatholicDaughters and had aspecial love forthe church's food pantryministry. She dedicated many yearsofservice working for the State of Louisiana in various positions and worked forSenator Louis Lambert. Throughouther career, she remained devotedtoher family, raising four childrenwhile also providingaccounting supportfor her husband, Bill Shehad alifelonglove of dancingand enjoyedclogging. Her and Bill werelong -time members of the Country KickersSquare DanceClub, whereshe took great pride in handmaking allofher own dance dresses. She cherished time spent with her grandchildren, especially playingScrabble,checkers, and cardgames.Margaret loved to travel, whether campinginthe mountains or walking along the beach. Music was an important part of her life,witha special fondness forElvis, Connie Francis, and music of the 1950s. Sheenjoyedplaying the guitar and harmonica. Shewas oftenfound with a book in herhandorrelaxing on her porch swing. Sheissurvived by her four children,Clinton RouyeaIII (Barbara); Paul Rouyea (M'Leigh); Rhonda Mumphrey(Kerry);Cassondra Johnson (Jay); and siblings EarlBlanchard (Shelia), Michael Blanchard (Margaret), Nancy Forbes, Steve Blanchard (Barbara) and Mary Decuir (Donnie). Hergrandchildren: JordenMumphrey (Brittnee),Justen Mumphrey(Brittany), AustinRouyea (Mórrígan), Jadyn Braud(Jesse), Emily Baut (Evan), Brooke Rouyea, GraceTramonte PrestonTramonte, Jaydin Johnson, Jase Johnson. She has twelve great grandchildren: Dylan,Emmalynn, Remington, Magnolia, Cooper,Cohen, Everleigh, Mali, Ella,Holt, Violet, Kasen,and 3onthe way. Sheisprecededindeath by herhusbandClinton "Bill" Rouyea Jr: her parents Earl BlanchardSr. and MargaretOurso Blanchard Forbes: Her brothers Roland Blanchardand Darrell Blanchard: brother-inlawWayneForbes andsister-in-lawAudrey Stoute. Pallbearers: Justen Mumphrey, Jorden

Mumphrey, Austin Rouyea, PrestonTramonte, Jase Johnson, Mike Blanchard and RussellBlanchard Honorary pallbearer: Steve Blanchard.A visitation for Margaret will be held Monday, January19, 2026, from 5pmto8pm at Ourso Funeral Home,13533 Airline Hwy, Gonzales, LA.Visitation willresume on TuesdayJanuary 20, 2026, from 9am to 11am at Holy RosaryCatholicChurch 44450 La Hwy 429 St. Amant La. The mass of a catholic burialwillbegin at 11am. Margaret will be laid to rest at HolyRosary Catholicchurch mausoleum. In lieu of flowers please donatetoHoly RosaryCatholicChurch foodbank.

DavidGlass Tees,a vi‐sionary leader in theen‐ergyindustryand ade‐voted advocate forengi‐neeringeducation,passed awayonJanuary 2, 2026, at the ageof81. Born on July 22, 1944, in Houston, Texas, toGriffith andHenrietta Tees,David earned both his bachelor’s (1966) and master’sdegrees (1973) in engineeringfromTexas A&M University.David’s ca‐reer beganatHouston Lighting& Power(HL&P)in 1966 andcontinued there and with successorcom‐paniesfor 40 years. His leadershipencompassed power plantoperations and maintenance, engi‐neering, construction,and environmental safety.He heldexecutive roleswith HL&P, CenterPointEnergy, Houston Industries,Inc., Reliant Energy,and Texas Genco Holdings,Inc (Genco),managingpower generationacrossthe UnitedStates, SouthAmer‐ica,and Europe.In2006, David retiredasPresident and CEOofGenco.David continued to shapethe en‐ergyindustryasa senior advisor at Zachry Project Managementand Consult‐ing,LLC,and as adirector ofEcono PowerInterna‐tionalCorporation.Healso servedasa member of the Texas A&MDeanofEngi‐neeringAdvisoryCouncil and as an instructor at RiceUniversity’sExecutive ManagementSchool.His commitmenttoenviron‐mentalstewardship con‐tinuedserving as Director and Vice PresidentofFi‐nance of HoustonRegional MonitoringCorporation and as aDirectorand Chairmanofthe Boardof South TexasProject Nu‐clear OperatingCompany David will be remembered for motivating andvaluing his employees,his brilliant leadership, integrity, and unwaveringdedicationto clean andreliableenergy. David is survived by his wife, Valerie; sons Jared (Beth), Carl Burch (Christie), andTye Burch (Stephanie);and seven grandchildren

JuanitaM."Nita"Cretini Vicari passed away on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at theage of 93. We willforevermiss her but found comfort and peace in being able to be with her when she passed at her home -where so many memories as afamily were made. Nita was born on August 5, 1932, in Lake Charles, Louisiana to Pierre M. Cretini and Datile Naquin Cretini.A 1950 graduateofLake Charles High School, it was while receiving hereducation that she met thelove of her life,Frank JosephVicari, her husband of over 55 years. She was amemberofthe Kilties and often shared storiesofher time on theall-girl marching drum corps,evenperforming at theSugar Bowl! Nita is preceded in death by her parents; her husband; their beloved son, Jeffrey Brian Vicari; her brothers, Wilbur and CorkyCretini;and her sisterDianne CretiniBeeson She is survivedbyher devoted children PamVicari Wingate (Bill), Frank V. Vicari (Roberta), and Tina Vicari Grant (Richard); her fifteen grandchildren,who lovinglycalledher "Grannie", Jennifer Wingate Robertson (Shaun), Brandon Wingate (Leah), JosephVicari (Shannon),Jessica Vicari, Jean Vicari Moore (Daniel), John Vicari,AaronVicari (Amber), Kristin Vicari (Nicolas), Michael Vicari (Courtney), Katie Vicari, Stephen Vicari (Trisha), Matthew Vicari,Austin Vicari, Abby Grant Toohey (Kieran)and Daniel Grant; her eleven great-grandchildren Dillon Wingate,Brianna Vicari,Josie Moore, Zachary Vicari,Zoe Vicari, Myka Vicari,CourtlynVicari, Sasha Levant, Sandro Levant,Frankie Vicari and Liam Toohey.She is also survivedbyher sister, Dot Stelley; as wellasnumerous other loving family and friends. The family wouldliketo thank Amedisys Hospice Care, and Deborah,Demetria, Kendra and Tammy, theamazing caregivers who haveblessed our familywiththe care they providedNita. Your compassionwas aboveand beyond anything we could haveasked for.

Nita was aparishioner of Our LadyofMercy Catholic Church forover65 years, filling many roles at thechurch during that time, includingworking as acoordinatorfor thealtar servers. Her commitment to church was evident to allthatknew her, and she was faithful in attending Mass daily. She oftenjoked that she maintained her 30 -year tenure in theworkforce to ensurethather children received thebest privateschooleducation. The hard work shows in all their successes.

ball,especially if tailgating precluded it.After Frank passedin1988, she began to dabble in gardening and as with everythingshe did, sheexcelled, andhad othersmarvel at hergreen thumb capabilities.However,all these adventures paled in comparison to her most cherishedhobby...her grandchildren! Sheattended everygrandparent'sevent, andshe hosted slumber parties for them at herhome, creating unique andcherished qualitytimewith each of her grandchildrenand providingthemwith aspecial bondthatcan never be broken. To herchildren, Nita wasthe epitome of a mother- funny, loyal, sweet andindependent. Shewas faith-filled, a friendtoeveryoneshe met, compassionate and helpful...ourmotherwas a sainttousall.Wewill miss hersmileand are confident that we will see heragain in heaven,where she will greetuswitha 'let me puta pot of coffee on.' Untilthenmom, it is us whosay, 'welove you more.'

Relativesand friends are invited to attendthe Funeral Mass at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January20, 2026, at OurLady of Mercy Catholic Church,445 Marquette AvenueinBaton Rouge.A Visitation willbe held at thechurchbeginning at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Resthaven GardensofMemory.

HonoringNita as pallbearers and honorary pallbearers will be hergrandsons and granddaughters. For those so desiring, memorialsinhonor of Juanita M. "Nita" Cretini Vicarimay be made to Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church andSchool (giving.parishsoft.com/ App/Form/f2ccc1ee-403846a5-8e22-8aa5f8ca0cb2)

Familyand friends may sign theonline guestbook or leave apersonal note to thefamilyatwww.resthav enbatonrouge.com

CE. JimWorrell wasa man of integrity and wit, fun to be with,easy to live with andlove. He taught himself to appreciateart,music,and history. He enjoyed home projects, birdwatching, travel, and reading from hisown library. In exploringhis heritage,hefoundpatriots andpioneers andexplored hisindigenous roots. As a result, he became an official member of the Choctaw NationofOklahoma. Amongthosewho will miss our"Papa Tas" are widow, Joanna N. Worrell, children, MollyW.and C. Cid Anderson of Raleigh andDavid N. and Kendyl K. WorrellofBaton Rouge andgrandchildren, Alexa S. andKarlKeaneand MadelineStafford; Henry, Eva andOscarWorrell; and step-grandson, Christian Anderson. Hisbrother is DanWorrell, Ph.D.,of Fayetteville,AR. Familyserviceswill be held at later dates in both Plaquemine,LAand Ryan, OK.

John Owen

John "Johnny" "JY"

She wasanavidreader, became aden mother with theCub Scoutswhen her sons joined, and learned needlepoint -making a Christmas stocking for each of hergrandchildren. Frank and Nita traveled, enjoyed regular Friday date nightsand rarely missed an opportunity to watch theTigersplayfoot-

JamesDavid Worrell died in Raleigh,NConJanuary 12th, 2026. The son of Ruby Louise Garrisonand Jones DanforthWorrell, he wasbornSeptember 8, 1940, in Stillwater, OK Jim grew up in Oklahoma, Indiana, Illinois, Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana, wherehegraduated from HahnvilleHigh in 1958. Amember of Acacia Fraternity, he received a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from Louisiana State University in 1963. Besides being a newgraduate,Jim Worrell was by then also ahusband, afather,and anewly commissioned ROTC army second lieutenant. Jimand Joanna Nadler Worrellspent 26 years of their marriageinBaton Rouge,where they raised their twochildren. The couple lived in 18 homes in eightstates.Jim wasa Professional Engineer, a riggingengineerwho specialized in cranes, heavy liftingand hauling Jimand Joanna made North Carolinatheir home in 2007. Here Jimconsulted through Lift-Think, LLC. He wasa Life Member of AS-

Owen Yarbrough,Jr., anative andresident of Baton Rouge,LA, went to be with Jesus on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at the age of 80. He wasa graduate of Istrouma High School and Louisiana State University. He workedand retired from Gulf States Utilities/ Entergy. He also retired from theEast Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff'sOfficeafter over 45 years of committed service.Heissurvived by hisdaughters, JanellPellichino andher husband Rexand LaurieMaloneand herhusbandPatrick; grandchildren, JustinPellichino andhis wife Kailey, Brandon Pellichinoand his fiancéeKindraKowaleski, Caitlin Malone andher fiancé Griffin Fetters ,Ryan Malone,and Megan Pellichino;great-grandchildren,KannonPellichino andKaelinPellichino; brother, RonnieYarbrough andhis wife Bonnie;two nieces, Traci Yarbrough andRhondaBenoit andher husband Daniel; andother members of hismuch lovedfamily, Jan andKirk Summers, LesSummers Jessi Moyed andher family, andOwenDettman.He waspreceded in death by hisparents, John "Tap" Owen Yarbrough,Sr. and MadelineWalker Yarbrough.Visitationwill be held at ResthavenFuneralHome, 11817 Jefferson Hwy. Baton Rouge,LA 70816, on Monday, January 19, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. untilFuneral Service at 2:30 p.m. Intermentwill follow at ResthavenGardensof Memory. In lieu of flowers, donationscan be made to Healing Place Church "Parking Lot Fund."

OUR VIEWS MLKJr. showed howtomove from activism to enduring action

Editor’snote:Versions of thiseditorialhaveappeared at earlier holidays.

It was 43 years ago that PresidentRonald Reagan made the third Monday in January an official federalholiday to honor Martin Luther King Jr.’sJan. 15 birthday.

With King’swidow Coretta Scott King, thenVice President George H.W.Bush andthen-U.S Sen. Joe Biden and others standing with him outside the White House, Reagan told those listening and watching that Kinglivedoninour collective nation’sheart.

“In America in the ’50s and’60s, oneofthe most important crises we faced wasracial discrimination,” he said. “Theman whosewords anddeeds in thatcrisis stirred ournationtoits very depths and soul was Dr.Martin Luther King Jr

“In anation that proclaimed liberty andjustice for all, too many Black Americanswereliving with neither.” Reagan notedthat King hadlived hislife fightingfor equality while usingnonviolence as a central method for his brandofadvocacy and activism.

As effusive as Reagan was when hesigned HR 3706, gettingto thatday wasajourney. He had initiallyopposed creating afederalholidayto recognize King. Throughout his life, King changed,too, although his clear commitment to nonviolence continued throughout his life.

Long before he was assassinated at 39 while fighting for better pay and conditions forBlack sanitation workersinMemphis, King’srise to worldwide prominence began when heentered Morehouse College in Atlanta at just 15 years old. He attended Crozer Theological Seminary and was ordained at 19 before receivinghis theology doctorate from Boston University King’sreputationasanorator,scholar, theologian and activist committed to improving lives at the grassroots level grew as hemoved with his wife from Montgomery to Atlanta.His civil rights work with the Southern ChristianLeadership Conference took him from community to community,focusing on local issues with national implications.

King had anumber of Louisiana connections. In 1957, he and others were at theNew Zion Baptist Church in New Orleans whenthey founded the SouthernChristian Leadership Conference. TheLouisianaConference of The United Methodist Church is fondofpointingout that King attended vespers at Southern University It should be noted that the famous Montgomery bus boycott wasmodeledafter a1953 Baton Rougebus boycott Democracy should include all of us. Andyes, sometimes that canmean argumentand protest. Toooftentoday,wesee leaders whoseek only to inflame, yet constant provocation will never forge the kind of movement thatcan truly change anation. That’swhy someone like King will long be revered. We maynot appreciate the agitation at the time, butyearslater,wecan seehow King was able to take the energy of a people hungry for justice and hone it into an instrument to achieve positive, lastingchange

LETTERSTOTHE EDITOR ARE

WELCOME. HERE AREOUR

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

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

TO SEND US A LETTER, SCANHERE

Earlier this week, acompelling videocirculated on Instagram. In the reel, aSouthern-accented narrator, who is not seen, describesand shows somecrumbling bridge pilings as he navigates his boat between them.

The caption on the video states that the pilings are underthe Interstate10bridge over the Atchafalaya Basin between Baton Rouge and Lafayette.

The video, as of Thursday, hasgarnered morethan 45,000 likes and 3,000 comments, many of them bemoaning the stateof Louisiana’sinfrastructure and complaining about politicians and state government

The problem? That bridge isn’teven in Louisiana.

It’sactually in Florida. The crumbling parts may noteven be loadbearing. In other words, the video is grade-A bunk.

For many,that won’tmatter.Louisiana’sinfrastructure is bad, and bridges are aparticular area of deficiency —just ask the folks who live on either side of the U.S. 90 bridge on the Louisiana-Mississippi border

The video justfeeds anarrative many already believe and don’tbother

Most of our readers are concerned about issues close to home, and that’s natural. The price of milk and eggs means more to the average person than what is going on thousands of miles away

Butrecently,international issues have begun to resonate among readers, particularly as U.S. foreign policy reaches into places like Greenland and Venezuela.

to question. Somedid jump into the comment stream to try to fact-check it, including Gov.Jeff Landry,who commented from his official account that the bridge is “NOT in Louisiana,” including alink to astory in this newspaper. It would be funnier if this sort of social media nonsense were notascommon as it is. And it’s notasifit’snew:Bots and other badactors have been using social media to scam and manipulate for years. This bridge post shows it still works.

But rather than let this column serve as yet another critique of the problemswith Facebook, X, TikTok, et. al., let me instead offer instead a quick two-question test for any outlet serving up “information.”

First,consumers should focus on transparency. Reliable outlets attach namestoeach story in the form of bylines. Youcan know that ahuman reporter is behind that story

Those reporters also are clear about howthey got their information, whether it be from sources, documents,video analysis or something else. The second test is how an outlet handles any errors. Everybody makes

policy experts. When Itravel, Ilike to read local news sources. Ifind it gives me afeel for what people in the place I’mvisiting really care about.

mistakes, including media outlets with layers of review and editing. Do they acknowledge those missteps? For newspapers, corrections get printed. For TV outlets, corrections are aired. Online, corrected stories will contain an editor’snote at the bottom.Credibility demands admitting when you’ve made amistake. If an outlet has never admitted an error, then it’snot reliable. Just applying these two simple questions could save us all alot of timeand frustration. They can save stress by helping to prevent us from falling for dubious information that fits our accepted narratives and beliefs. Needless to say,aquick examination of the account that posted the bridge video shows it fails both prongs of this test.

Yetthousands of people, including high state officials, devoted time— far more than legitimately warranted —tocommenting, fact-checking and correcting the video’sassertions. It’sjust not worth it.

I’m not suggesting that people stop scrolling —Ispend plenty of timeon my social feeds. But only for entertainment, not for reliable information.

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

Many Americanshave questions about our involvement in conflicts overseas and wonder if some foreign interventions are ultimately in our national interest.

We strive to bring you amix of opinions on these very weighty issues, but we also know there may be those in our communities with expertise in foreign affairs who want to share their insights. We invite you to writea letter to theeditor if you have direct experience in any of the countries in thenews these days. Often,those who have lived or worked in acountry have adifferent opinion from the foreign

Nowadays, though, even without leaving home, it’seasy to access news from around theworld online. Even if you don’tread the language of the country in question, Google

Translate makes it easy to get the latest news from websites in foreign countries.

It’sinteresting and instructive to see our world through other lenses. And there are hard-working journalists around the globe who do their jobs often at great risk to their own safety

That’swhy repressive governments often try to stop news from getting out.

Readingabout theinternet blackout in Iran amid widespread protests against theregime should make us all aware of the power of news. Repressive governments that struggle to maintain the illusion of popular support don’twant

the rest of the world to know what they are doing. But in our increasingly connected world, it has becomeharder for them to hide.

Turning to our letters inbox, we received 75 letters forthe week of Jan. 8-15. The Immigration and CustomsEnforcement operation in Minnesota that led to the fatal shooting of Renee Good, aU.S. citizen, was the topic that brought the mostletters. We had eight letters on the topic, with nearly all criticizing the actions of federal agents. Immigration in general was next on the list of your concerns, with seven letters received.

Lastly,the continued wrangling over Greenland wasalso on your minds. We received four letters on the topic, all focused on our governor’sunique role as special envoy to the country Sometimes, foreign issues do hit close to home.

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

COMMENTARY

Meritlesseco-lawsuit coulddeter localeconomies

Court cases involvingfew immediate, practical effects can nonetheless have far more important downstream ramifications. Witness what essentially is anuisancelawsuit, putatively about environmentalconcerns, in St. James Parish. The case,however,has major statewide implications

To preserve local autonomy and protect economic development projects from endlessrounds ofjob-killing reviews, the Louisiana Supreme Court should rule in favor of the parish and of the Koch Methanol company, against achallenge from environmental activistsaided by the Tulane Environmental Law Clinic. At issue before the high court Jan. 22 is atechnical procedural dispute.No matter which side wins the proceduraldispute the methanol plant will continue operating exactly as it is now,without asingle change in environmental effects. Yet, if Koch and St.James Parish lose their procedural argument, astatewide precedent could be set that hobbleslocal commerce. It sounds confusing. Let’s simplify: Koch has along-existing plant in St. James, operating well within environmental laws. Koch wanted to expand its capacity To do so, it needed moreethane gas. An ethane pipeline already existed nearthe plant, in an area officially designatedaswetlands To access the existingpipeline would require merely 1,000 feet —lessthana fifth or amile, about three-fourths of the backstretchatthe New Orleans Fairgrounds of new,8-inch pipe.

Only 400 feet —the distancefrom home plate to center field in most ballparks— actually would cross wetlands.

Nobody (apparently) contends the expandedoperations would violatelegal standards foremissions setbythe federal Environmental Protection Agencyorthe state Department of Environmental Quality.Still, the activists nonetheless fear that additional emissions will add to the environmental problems that have led to theparish being part of so-called “Cancer Alley.

Unlessaproject runs afoul of environmental legal standards, though, its approval is alocal zoning issue,subject toreview by the parish’splanning commission and then approval by theelected parish council. At the planning commission meeting, not a single person objected to therather routine expansion. The commission recommended approval, and only after that did anyone object. Having considered theobjections, the parish council laterapprovedthe project, and astate district court ruled thatthe projecthad been duly approved.

The new pipe was built and has been operatingsinceJune 2024.

The activists, however,appealed to the state FifthCircuit Court of Appeals, contending thatbecausethe pipeline entered wetlands,the planning commissionand parish council should have subjected the project to amorestringent level of review

The parish and thecompany say the review was thorough. The applicable local law says that “wetland areas should [note: “should,”but not “must”] remain unoccupied except for unique circumstances.”The planning commission, and by extension the parish council, had consideredthe question andhad decided thathaving an already-existing ethane pipeline in the wetlands was a “unique”circumstance that justified avery minor new connection tothe same pipeline. No big deal.

By a3-2 vote, however,the appeals court reversedthe decision. It said the parish council had misinterpreted itsown lawby applying only amidlevel (calleda“Tier 2”) reviewrather than amorestringent “Tier 3” analysis

Believe it or not, this this —isthe crux of the matter.Bynow,the pipeline already is in operation safely,inservice of creating methanol, which(remember) is acomparatively clean-burning fuel that environmentalists usually support. The question really isn’tabout whether the 1,000-foot pipe is harming the wetlands, muchless if plant emissions are violating environmental laws, whichthey aren’t.

The question, instead, is whether courts can interfere in local interpretations of a locality’sown zoning rules, to force new rounds of environmental reviews even whennostate or national laws are violated.

As described in the latest brief on behalf of the parish, “If allowed to stand, the Fifth Circuit’sdecision below would forcethe parish council to makea decision on every pier,culvert, boat ramp, drainage ditch, weir,and pipeline crossing in the Wetlands, regardless of how trivial.”

The point of the suit now is exactly that: to give activist groups more opportunities to tie up projects with endless reviews and endless litigation.

Now get this:While appealing the Fifth Circuit decision, Koch went ahead and resubmitted its application under Tier 3 review anyway,just to be on the safe side Again,the new pipeline wasapproved. So, what’snow the point?

Well, the state Supreme Court still ought to overturn the appeals court’sdecision, to make clear that local entities should interpret local laws and that activist groups can’tuse courts to harass businesseswith repeated, meritless rounds of lawsuits.

In sum, the Supreme Court should clear the proverbial legal pipeline.

Email Quin Hillyer at quin.hillyer@ theadvocate.com

Murrillsteps up public face on abortion pills

If you think amedical practice is unsafe, there’sapretty obvious solution: Don’tforceitinto the shadows. Yetthat’sexactly what Louisiana’scrackdownon widely used drugs used to perform medical abortions does. And it’swhy Attorney General Liz Murrill’stoo-clever insistence during aU.S. Senate committee hearing last week that state law is meant to protect women was so insulting.

In Murrill’stelling, the 10,000 Louisiana women who seek these pills by mail annually —a figure she grudgingly acknowledged as the only data that we have” after first dismissing it as offered by a“pro-abortion advocacy group” —are victims of “out-of-state abortion pill traffickers” and those who would coerce them into abortion against their will. They are women who would jeopardize their own safetybyaccessing pills by mail rather than under in-person medical supervision —even though lawmakers have

made the supposedlysafer option illegal and Murrill herself has vowed to prosecute thosewho offer it. What they somehow never are,inher framing, are constituents making difficultand immensely personal decisions. Those decisions were considered private under the U.S. Constitution until 2022,when theSupreme Courtoverturned the nearly halfcentury-old Roe v. Wade decision and gave controlofabortion to the states. Louisianathen moved with haste to outlawmostabortions andtoimpose criminal penalties on those who help womenattain them.

And Murrill is not alonein seeking to restrict access. The Louisiana Legislature enacted thelaws sheenforces with such zeal. The Senate hearing was called byU.S.Sen.Bill Cassidy, whochairs the Health, Education, Labor andPensionsCommittee, andwho argued that thepills are particularly dangerous when pre-

scribed without an in-person visit with aprovider who can confirm gestational age, rule out ectopic pregnancy or determine whether awoman is being coerced. Murrill, though, has stepped up as the state’smost public face on theissue. Lastweek, she charged aCalifornia doctor with mailing pills to aSt. Tammany woman. Lastfall, she suedthe FDA for removing the requirement that mifepristone,one of twodrugs often used in medication abortion, be dispensed in person by acertified provider

She’salso been an avid advocate of the Legislature’sunique, medically dubious decision to label mifepristone and the other drug in theregimen, misoprostol, controlled dangerous substances. That designation is generally used for addictive drugs, and the classification has mademisoprostol more cumbersometoaccess following deliveries, when it’s sometimes used to stanch dangerous hemorrhaging. So again, there goes state law making women less safe, not more.

It should be said, loud and clear, that medical groups consider these pills extremely safefor ending apregnancy of up to 70 days of gestation

It is also obvious on its face that not allowing womentogototheir own health care providers in Louisiana and other red states makes coercion easier and keeps women from getting guidance they may seek. It also surely prompts some to not fullydisclose their situationsinanemergency due to fear of legal jeopardy

Yetwhen Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, the ranking memberof Cassidy’scommittee, spoke up for the rights and highlighted the concerns of those 10,000 Louisiana women, Murrill showed little interest.

“It is illegal,itisunethical, and it is immoral …for anyone to send pills to someone with no medical supervision and then tell them to lie at the hospital,” she said.

“But that happens because of thelaws of your state,” Sanders pointed out.

“No, it happens because people from outside our state are sending them into our state to nullify our state laws,” she responded. About all Murrill offered the women whohave to live under those lawswas asuggestion that they “seek that care in another state,” aresponse that echoed an earlier,equally tone-deaf quip from her former boss, then-A.G and now Gov. Jeff Landry: “If you don’tlike Louisiana’slaws or Louisiana’sconstitution, you can go to another state.”

Quite an attitude from leaders of astate that suffers from chronic out-migration. The truth is, though, that Louisiana officials really don’tneed to come out and tell people they’re welcome to leave. Their actions on these difficult medical issues —and their refusal to fully consider the real-lifecircumstances of the manywomen affected are enough to point people toward the exits.

Email Stephanie Graceat sgrace@theadvocate.com.

The recent Verizon outage gave me awake-upcall

I’m sooooo reliant on my phone that Ihad trouble adjusting to not having service much of Wednesday Iknew Iwas stuck on tech some years ago. I use my phone for some of everything. News alerts, reading and watching news stories. Looking at multiple social media platforms for the serious, and the not-so-serious. I take photographs and record video.Idosome writing andediting. Some might call me acellphone addict. According to the Pew Research Center,nearly all Americans have acellphone. As of 2025, 99% of those 18-49 years old have one. About 95% of those 65 years old and older have one. About 16% of we chronologically gifted have acellphone, but not asmartphone. Seven percent or fewer have cellphones but not smartphones in the other age groups. No, I’m

not including the children. Some of them shouldn’thave phones. Period.

then not being able to make or takecalls or texts or pull up apps and more.

When you’reasconnected to aphone almostasmuch as to a loved one, it’s bad.

Iwoke up Wednesday morning planning to have anormal work day with my phone always in my hand, in my pocket or somewhere close where Ican see it and easily grab it to randomly check to see whether Imissed acall, a text or some news. There are times Ican detach from my phone. Just recently,Idid it for at least five minutes. On Wednesday,Iwas off my phone for hours, like about 1millionotherVerizon customers. My New Orleans Verizon outage experience was not good.

As Imoved from aradio station to our newsroom inthe Central Business Districttodosome work at CC’s on Esplanade and home, Iwent from normal smartphone use to wondering what the heck was happening. Iwent through the dayconnecting to Wi-Fi to do some things, then trying to useasatellite connection,

The outage lasted for several hours, and Iwasn’tthe only one affected by it.

“MyVerizon service was noticeably out between noon and 7p.m.,” shared Cami Geisman, executive vice president for external affairs at Louisiana Tech University in Ruston. “I could still textand useinternet as long as Iwas on Wi-Fi.” Herhusband has Verizon,too. Buthis service wasn’tout as long. Because she was on Wi-Fi much of the day,“it didn’tdisrupt much.”

But, shecontinued, “The most annoying part was not being able to listen to Spotify on my way home from work.”

Ihad more trouble. Ihad no networkbars. Ikept seeing “SOS,” “callfailed,” and “textnot delivered” messages. The Verizon outage didn’timpact only Verizon users.

Ashley Shelton, president and CEO of the Power Coalitionfor Equity and Justice, works in Baton Rouge, New Orleans and around the state.She wasinNew Orleans on Wednesday.Her mobile service providerisAT&T She didn’thaveany AT&T problems.She hadVerizon problems becausesome of herpeople have Verizon,and theycouldn’tconnect

“Wehad conferencecalls and we had to use Signaland some of theother web-based services to try to connect with people,” she said.

Andree Miller, aself-employed smallbusiness ownerinBaton Rouge, usesVerizon, and it wasn’tagreat day. “At first Iwas annoyed by the lack of connectivityand notbeing able to make and receive calls,” she said, “but then it brought me back to 1988 when surely the cute boy from school had calledmewhile I wasn’thome. And it’snot because he just didn’tcall.” Verizon hasoffered a$20 account credit to average users like

Geisman, Miller and me

Isought commentfrom multiple Verizonrepresentatives. All of themsentmethe same statement Ihad read in various news reports. One said it wasa software issue,and it wasresolved that night. “A thorough investigation is underway,”she added. As the investigationcontinued Thursdaynight, Icouldn’tmake or take calls. Usererror? Perhaps.

Verizon, if you’re reading this or listening to the computer voiceread my words, you really messed up my day.

Whata lessonIgot that day.It’s time to look for my old address book andjot down some of the many contactsonly in my phone. It’stime to think about where I use Wi-Fi without thinking about it. It’stime to consider how much it might costfor average folks like me to use,gulp, ElonMusk’s Starlink.

Email Will Sutton at wsutton@ theadvocate.com

LSU earns firstSEC victory

Tigers snap losing streak with gritty winoverMissouri

BY TOYLOYBROWN III Staff writer

LSU basketball joinedthe rest of the Southeastern Conference by getting itsfirst conference win.

Afteradramatic home lossatthe buzzer to Kentucky on Wednesday,the Tigersbeat Missouri 78-70 on Saturday at the Pete Maravich AssemblyCenter

“Wegot better this week,” coachMatt McMahon said. “Our team improved. We didn’tget the result we wanted in ourlast game, but we got alot better.You saw that today.We’vebeen turning the ball over too much. We only had seventurnovers today We won the turnover battle by fivefor the first time in league play.Wehad 16 offensive rebounds. We won the glass.” Marquel Sutton had 26 points on 7-of-14 shooting. He also made 10 of 14 free throws and had six reboundsand twosteals.Max Mackinnon had 20 points and made 4of10 3-pointers.

“It feels amazing, youknow, to get our first SEC win, especiallyhow we bounced back(from) the last game,” Suttonsaid.“I thought we were composed, and wedidn’t let the last game affect us. And we played together for 40 minutes.

LSU (13-5, 1-4 SEC) avoided afifth straight loss in conference play.The last time it lost that number of games consecutively was during the 2009-10 season. Dedan Thomas missed his fifth straight game with alower

ä See LSU, page 5C

STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

LSU guard Rashad King takesashot against Missouri guard TrentPierce on Saturdayat the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.LSU won 78-70 to snap its four-game losing streak.

Once alow-profile recruit, Richardnow hasLSU’s toughest job

BY REED DARCEY Staff writer

When Jada Richard found out LSU was hiring coach KimMulkey,she

her phone and called her mom.

Cynthia Guillory hadn’theard the news. She was still at work. In fact, she still isn’tsure how her daughter caught wind of it when she did —orhow she could be so confident that Mulkey was indeed making the move before it even hit thenews.

“And that’swhen shestarted talking about LSU,”Guillory said.

Now,five years later,Richard is starting at point guard for the LSU women’s basketball team, which means shehas Mulkey’stoughest job.The Hall-of-Fame LSU coach often compares her lead ballhandlers to quarterbacks because she asks them to juggle extraresponsibilities. They have to initiate theoffense. Theyhave to setupthe defense They have to tee up their teammates for open shots —and they have to do it all underthe watchful eye of a coach who excelled in thatrole her-

LSUaddsOle Miss LB Dottery

BY WILSON ALEXANDER and REED DARCEY Staff writers

LSU announced at midnight Saturday that it has signed Ole Miss linebackerTJ Dottery,adding an experienced player to the middle of its defense

The addition gave the Tigers alikely starter at linebacker alongside Whit Weeks, who’sreturning for his seniorseason instead of entering the NFL draft. LSU wanted to find aplug-and-playlinebacker to replace senior West Weeks, anditfound one with Dottery The fifth-year senior started 27 straight games for the Rebels after beginning his career at Clemson. He has recorded 176 tackles, 10 tacklesfor loss and 3 1/2 sacks in his career,and he has onemore year of eligibility LSU has now landed 38 transfers —more than twice as manyasitsignedlast offseason. Only nine of those newcomers are defensive players, in large part because coach Lane Kiffin retained defensive coordinator Blake Baker andthe bulkofhis staff not long after he took over the pro-

graminDecember.The Tigers hadmore needstoaddress on the offensive side of the ball. Baker and his staff have already signed former Boise State star Ty Benefield,one of the cycle’stop transfer safeties. The rest of their portal haul includesthree edgerushers —Tennessee’sJordan Ross (Tennessee), Jaylen Brown (SouthCarolina) andAchilles Woods (South Alabama) —and two defensive tackles —Stephiylan Green (Clemson) and Malik Blocton (Auburn)

LSU landed acommitmentFriday from Ohio State freshman safety Faheem Delane. He’saformer top-100 recruit, accordingto247Sports composite rankings,and the younger brother of the Tigers’ former All-American cornerback MansoorDelane. Dottery is one of three Ole Miss playerswho havefollowedKiffin to LSU.The other two are freshman wide receiver Winston Watkins andfreshman offensive linemanDevin Harper —aShreveport native and former top-100 recruit who also committed Friday

self when she was playing college basketball. Other, moreexperienced players have had rocky seasonsinthat role theprevious two years. But it seems to fit Richard’sskillset

The 5-foot-7 sophomorefrom Opelousas can defendthe point of attack.She can drain both catchand-shoot 3-pointersand off-thedribble mid-range jumpers. She also knows howtoprevent theoffense from stalling —something she’ll have to continue to do at 2p.m. Sun-

daywhenthe No.6Tigers (16-2, 2-2 SEC) face No. 13 Oklahoma on the road (ESPN2). Richard was not ahigh-profile recruit.ESPNsaidshe wasonly the 90th-best prospect in her class. She’s also the only regular LSU contributor who didn’tplay on an AAU team that competed on one of the nation’s premier circuits, and she hardly saw the floor whenshe was afreshman last season.

ä See RICHARD, page 5C

BY WILSON ALEXANDER Staff writer

Friends, assistants face off for CFP title

IU, Miami defensive coordinators Haines, Hetherman on opposite sides

BY TIM REYNOLDS Associated Press

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — It’s not uncommon for Indiana defensive coordinator Bryant Haines and Miami defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman to jump on their phones during game weeks, see how the other is doing and come up with ideas on how to stop their next opponent. They’re close friends It’s normal for them. Such talks aren’t happening this week — for obvious reasons. Haines and Hetherman will be on opposite sides of the College Football Playoff national championship game on Monday night, with the undefeated Hoosiers (15-0, No. 1 CFP) taking on the Hurricanes (13-2, No. 10 CFP)

“It’s probably the same for both of us. I think we’re both competitors. Both of us, it’s all about being 1-0,” Hetherman said. “For us, there’s nothing that changes. It’s

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morning, but he wished Lacy were playing somewhere in the NFL right now

“I think I’m to the point where I use it as fuel,” Daniels said. “That’s something he would want me to do I kind of use his energy to pass on to other people because he was filled with joy and extreme competitiveness, so I try to use that as fuel.”

It has been nine months since Lacy died from an apparent selfinflicted gunshot wound, according to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. Lacy had been accused of causing a fatal car crash in December 2024 in Lafourche Parish that killed 78-year-old Herman Hall, and a grand jury was scheduled to begin hearing evidence in the case the next day He was 24.

“It’s kind of bittersweet sometimes,” Daniels said. “Some days, it can be a little bit of grief But on game day I’m putting it all out for him.”

Daniels’ one season at LSU was not what he envisioned when he transferred from Liberty He had recorded 1,067 yards and 10 touchdowns as a redshirt junior, and he wanted to prove himself in the SEC. But he only caught 40 passes for 480 yards and no touchdowns. Daniels played through a chunk of the season with an injury to the fifth metatarsal bone in his foot.

LSU wanted to keep Daniels, and then-LSU coach Brian Kelly said in late November 2024 that Daniels would return for another year Daniels told The Advocate at the time he was “very firm on coming back,” saying, “I think it would be best for me” as he tried to improve his draft stock. Instead, Daniels entered the transfer portal.

“I just went back to reflect on the season, talked to my family and really figured out what’s going to be the best opportunity for me to succeed?” Daniels said. “When I went back and reflected, I thought it was right for me to go my separate ways with LSU.”

Miami offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson liked what he saw when he watched Daniels on tape, even though Dawson said “he would probably admit that

‘block out the distractions, block out the noise and focus on what you can control.’ As long as we can control the controllables and focus on going 1-0 and the normal process we have every week, that’s what it’s all about for us. It’s no different than any other game, the way we look at it.”

Except, well, it is different. There are ties that bind all over this game: Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza went to the same high school as Miami coach Mario Cristobal and Hurricanes offensive line coach Alex Mirabal did, Mendoza’s mother played tennis at Miami and the Mendoza family home is less than a mile from the Hurricanes’ campus.

The list doesn’t stop there: Hetherman — in his first year at Miami worked for Indiana coach

Curt Cignetti at James Madison from 2019 through 2021. Cignetti was head coach and Hetherman and Haines shared the defensive coordinator duties.

“I loved him. I didn’t want him to leave,” Cignetti said of Hetherman. “We had a great relationship. I really thought a lot of him. Corey is a great football coach. He’s done a great job here.”

That he has. So has Haines. Indiana might have the Heis-

man Trophy-winning quarterback in Mendoza and Miami might have a high-octane offense fueled by Carson Beck and Malachi Toney, but it’s the defenses that have ensured that the Hoosiers and Hurricanes made it to the title game at Hard Rock Stadium.

Indiana is No. 2 nationally in scoring defense this season at 11.1 per game; Miami is No 5 at 14.0 per game. Indiana has 28 takeaways, Miami 25, both teams ranked among the top 10 nationally this season in that department.

With numbers like those, it’s easy to see why both Haines and Hetherman are finalists for the Broyles Award — presented annually to college football’s top assistant coach.

“Coach Hetherman is an awesome, awesome football coach, and I love him as a human being, too,” Haines said. “But it’s pretty easy to separate work with the relationship externally So, not hard to separate it, but yeah, he’s a good football coach.”

And they’re close, too — Haines was in Hetherman’s wedding. They even share notes on fatherhood. Hetherman said he picks Haines’ brain about things his daughter is going through, knowing that Haines has been through

the same things.

“We’ve stayed very close because I think we are very similar in our beliefs in football and life and everything else that we handle,” Hetherman said. “We’ll remain close. Obviously this week it’s one of those things He’s on the other sideline. There’s been times this year, last year I coached against close friends. You just don’t pick up the phone that week. You block out the noise and focus on what you can control. It’s all about going 1-0 this week.”

Miami missed the CFP last year in part because its defense fell apart at the end of the season. Cristobal targeted Hetherman quickly as a potential hire entering the offseason, believing he would be the right person to take Miami to the next level.

Hetherman believed in what Cristobal was selling.

“He has great answers,” Cristobal said “He knows the system inside and out, he knows the strengths, he knows what errors are going to be attacked and to be able to communicate that and get that done with the football players, absolute difference maker for us.”

So, it turns out, Cristobal was right. Cignetti and Haines probably suspected he would be.

LSU didn’t go exactly the way he wanted it to go.” Miami was going to have a young group of wide receivers this season, led by star freshman Malachi Toney, and it liked the idea of adding a sixthyear senior

“I kind of had an idea of the player I was giving, but a lot of times, especially with the transfer portal, you don’t have an idea of the person you’re giving,” Dawson said.

“You try to do as much research as you can do, but where we knocked it out of the park with him was with his character and his leadership. I don’t know if we necessarily knew that. We kind of got lucky with that in a way.”

When Daniels arrived, Miami wide receivers coach Kevin Beard noticed someone who needed to regain his confidence, so he taught Daniels that it’s OK to fail, as long as one learns to understand why they failed so they don’t repeat the mistake. But Daniels was also the guy who asked

Going into the national championship game at 6:30 p.m. Monday against Indiana, Daniels has 46 receptions for 496 yards and seven touchdowns, the second-most on the team behind Toney He missed three games earlier in the year because of an injury but said he feels healthy now

“He’s had a bigger impact on our offense with leadership and character,” Dawson said. “He is the one in that receiver room that keeps everything going in the right direction. He blocks his a** off. He does the dirty work, and I think everyone follows suit.”

If Miami wins a national title in its home stadium, Daniels will play a part. And he’ll be out there with his tribute to Lacy

“I went to battle with him every day man, and he was a brother to me,” Daniels said. “It was really something I wanted to use as fuel, as motivation because he was a guy I went to battle with, and I know he would do the same thing for me.”

IN BRIEF FROM

Giants get top choice, hire Harbaugh as head coach

John Harbaugh agreed Saturday to become coach of the New York Giants, finalizing the big-market longstanding franchise’s all-out pursuit of its top candidate.

Owners John Mara and Steve Tisch made the hire official less than 72 hours after a lengthy interview and dinner with Harbaugh that sealed the deal. The sides began working on a contract Wednesday night when it was clear Harbaugh was a fit and he canceled meetings with other teams. Harbaugh is expected to report directly to ownership, rather than general manager Joe Schoen. Harbaugh joins the Giants less than two weeks after he was fired by the Baltimore Ravens, who made the playoffs 12 times in 18 seasons under him and won the Super Bowl in the 2012 season.

All-Star reliever Pressly announces his retirement

Two-time All-Star reliever Ryan Pressly has retired after a 13-year career in which he collected 117 saves and helped the Houston Astros win the 2022 World Series. Pressly, 37, recorded six saves and allowed only one unearned run over 11 innings during Houston’s 2022 postseason run. He compiled two saves and gave up just that one unearned run over 5 2⁄3 innings in the Astros’ 4-2 World Series victory over the Philadelphia Phillies. He went 37-39 with a 3.33 ERA to go along with his 117 career saves with the Minnesota Twins (201318), Astros (2018-24) and Chicago Cubs (2025). He made 667 career relief appearances and struck out 721 batters in 6911⁄3 innings. Pressly made All-Star teams with Houston in 2019 and 2021.

U.S. driver wins World Cup monobob race

Kaillie Humphries Armbruster won Olympic gold when she was in her 20s. She won another Olympic gold in her 30s. And now 40, she seems ready to chase again. Humphries Armbruster — who missed some of this Olympic cycle while becoming a mother for the first time — heads into next month’s Milan Cortina Games with momentum. She won the monobob World Cup season finale at Altenberg, Germany, on Saturday At 40 years and 4 months, Humphries Armbruster is now the oldest woman to win a World Cup monobob race. Humphries Armbruster, Elana Meyers Taylor and reigning world champion Kaysha Love will all be nominated to the U.S. Olympic team on Monday

French pair wins ice dance title ahead of Olympics

SHEFFIELD, England — France’s Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron won the ice dance at the European figure skating championships on Saturday after the buildup was overshadowed by a dispute between Cizeron and his former dance partner Fournier Beaudry and Cizeron scored 135.50 points for their free skate to music from the movie “The Whale” for a total 222.43. That’s the highest total score in ice dance by anyone this season and underlined their status as challengers to American pair Madison Chock and Evan Bates at next month’s Olympics. Cizeron won the Olympic gold medal in 2022 with Gabriella Papadakis, who has published a book describing him as controlling and their partnership as unequal. Cizeron has called the comments part of a “smear campaign.”

the jugs machine.

Oliva Pinto surges to lead at Latin American Amateur LIMA, Peru Segundo Oliva Pinto made five birdies in an eight-hole stretch around the turn Saturday on his way to a 6-under 64, giving him a one-shot lead in the Latin American Amateur and setting up a sprint to see who gets a spot in three majors this year Pinto made seven birdies in his round that took the Argentine from seven shots back to a 54-hole lead in the championship that awards the winner a spot in the Masters, U.S. Open and British Open this year He was at 5-under 205, one shot ahead of Eduardo Matarazzo of Brazil (66) and Andy Schonbaum, the 34-year-old Argentine who has played in all but one of the 11 editions of this event. Schonbaum, the 36-hole leader had two double bogeys on the back nine for a 72.

NFL

Saints ranked NFL’s top rookie class in ’25 by ESPN

BY LUKE JOHNSON Staff writer

If it felt at times like the New Orleans Saints may have had the most impactful rookie class in the NFL this season, at least one set of postseason rankings agreed with that notion.

Compiling his annual list of the rookie classes that produced the most for their teams for ESPN, Aaron Schatz ranked the 2025 Saints crop at the top of the heap Schatz is an analytical pioneer who created the DVOA metric for Football Outsiders and now works for FTN Network. He based this year’s rookie rankings on several data points, starting with Sports Info Solutions’ Total Points system, which attempts to assign value to individual players He then adjusted his rankings based on positional importance, ESPN tracking data and his own DVOA formula.

These rankings are meant to organize the draft classes by the impact the rookies had on this year’s teams rather than trying to assess future value or potential — which hurt teams such as the Jacksonville Jaguars, who only got seven games out of No. 2 pick Travis Hunter.

New Orleans ranked No. 1 on Schatz’s list because of the contributions it received from quarterback Tyler Shough and left tackle Kelvin Banks — its top two picks — but also because several other members of the class contributed in a positive way

Some other sources back up Schatz’s rankings: Pro Football Reference keeps a proprietary statistic (Approximate Value, or AV) which attempts to quantify a player’s value to a team in a given season.

This year, Pro Football Reference found 35 players from the 2025 draft class to post an AV of 6 or better The Saints accounted for three of them — Shough (7), Banks (6) and safety Jonas Sanker (7). The only other teams with three or more players to reach that benchmark were the Patriots (4) and Bears (3).

Each of the nine players the Saints selected in the 2025 draft appeared in at least one game this season, though seventh-rounders Moliki Matavao and Fadil Diggs spent most of the season on the practice squad, and third-rounder Vernon Broughton missed the final 15 games of the season with a hip injury

Shough was the gem of the Saints’ class — for the 2025 season, at least having recently been named a finalist for the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year despite starting only nine games

He finished a close second to Giants QB Jaxson Dart (91.7) in QB rating (91.3) and led all rookie passers in passing yards per game (216.7) and completion percentage (67.6 %). Most importantly, Shough also won five of his nine starts — the only rookie to lead his team to a winning record in his starts.

In Shough and Banks, the Saints found two foundational players at

premium positions to accelerate their rebuild with their top two picks. But they also hit on some defensive starters on Days 2 and 3 of the draft.

Sanker played solid football throughout the season after taking over as the starting safety in Week 2 following Julian Blackmon’s season-ending shoulder injury The third-rounder was one of five rookies to record at least 80 tackles and two interceptions this season.

Quincy Riley took over as a starting outside corner after the first quarter of the season and impressed the Saints with his play-making ability, finishing fourth among NFL rookies in passes defended (10). Linebacker Danny Stutsman finished eighth among rookie linebackers in tackles (53) despite playing only 19 % of the Saints’ defensive snaps. The Saints were one of three NFC South teams to rank in Schatz’s top six, with the Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons checking in at the No. 5 and 6 spots, respectively. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers checked in at No. 16.

Carolina (Tetairoa McMillan) and Tampa Bay (Emeka Egbuka) both drafted receivers who will at least draw consideration for Offensive Rookie of the Year — and in McMillan’s case, probably win it. Atlanta, meanwhile found three impact defensive players in James Pearce (rookie-high 10.5 sacks), Xavier Watts (rookiehigh 5 interceptions) and Jalon Walker

Texans’ top-ranked defense look to slow down Patriots in divisional matchup

FOXBOROUGH, Mass Drake Maye made his first NFL start against the Houston Texans. The New England Patriots’ second-year quarterback has come a long way in the 15 months since.

“That feels like, shoot, 10 years ago. It’s been a long journey,” Maye said. “Running out there with the first-snap jitters was pretty cool. It was fun to look back on We’ll hopefully have a different outcome from (that) game.”

Maye and C.J. Stroud each threw three touchdown passes that day, but Maye also was intercepted twice and sacked four times in the Texans’ 41-21 win.

Houston (13-5) and New England (15-3) meet again Sunday, this time with a trip to the AFC championship game at stake.

The Patriots are seeking their first appearance in the title game since the 2018 season, when they went on to win a sixth Super Bowl. The Texans have never made it

ä Texans at Patriots.

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that far, having lost in the divisional round in each of the past two seasons under third-year coach DeMeco Ryans.

“We’ve been in this position before. I think we’ve learned from those things. Now it’s time to go put it on tape,” Stroud said. Both teams have exceeded expectations. The Patriots went from worst to first in the AFC East, while the Texans recovered from an 0-3 start and are riding a 10-game winning streak. It’s a matchup of strength against strength. The Patriots averaged an AFC-best 28.8 points per game, and the Texans have the NFL’s topranked defense.

“I respect how hard they play,” New England coach Mike Vrabel said “They’re not only talented, but they have a play demeanor that I can appreciate.”

Ryans believes much of the Patriots’ offensive success can be traced to Maye’s growth un-

Broncos advance to AFC title game after beating Bills in OT

BY ARNIE STAPLETON AP pro football Writer

DENVER Ja’Quan McMillian intercepted Josh Allen’s deep throw in overtime, and Bo Nix led the Broncos into position for Wil Lutz’s 24-yard field goal that sent Denver to the AFC championship game with a 3330 win over the Buffalo Bills on Saturday McMillian’s pick was Denver’s fifth takeaway of the game. He wrested the ball away from Brandin Cooks at the Broncos 20-yard line when a field goal would have won the game for Buffalo.

The Broncos (15-3) will face either New England or Houston for the AFC title next Sunday at Empower Field at Mile High, where Denver has won 14 of its last 15 games. The Bills (13-6) were flagged for pass interference twice on Denver’s final drive. Former Broncos kicker Matt Prater nailed a 50-yard field goal with 5 seconds left in regulation, knotting it up at 30-all. That came after Nix’s 26-yard touchdown throw to Marvin Mims Jr with 55 seconds left had given Denver a 30-27 lead.

Allen, who hadn’t turned the ball over in his previous six playoff appearances, threw two interceptions and lost two fumbles on strip-sacks by Nik Bonitto.

P.J. Locke also picked off Allen, ending the QB’s streak of 204 consecutive completions in the postseason.

Nix will have season-ending surgery Tuesday in Birmingham, Alabama.

“We celebrate the season for

him,” Payton said. “And listen, the city’s ready and we’ll be ready for the next challenge.”

Backup QB Jarrett Stidham takes over for Nix. He took just one snap this season, a kneeldown in a blowout win over Dallas in Week 8.

“Stiddy’s ready,” Payton declared. “He’s ready I said this at the beginning of the season I’ve got a 2 that’s capable of starting for a number of teams. And I know he feels the same way So, watch out.”

Stidham has appeared in 20 games in six NFL seasons, starting four and winning one.

Nix got hurt on a keeper where he lost 2 yards and was tackled by safety Cole Bishop. Nix was limping after the play, but there was no indication that he suffered such a serious injury

On the next play, Nix threw a deep pass to Marvin Mims Jr that drew a 30-yard pass interference flag and got the Broncos well into field-goal range. Nix then took a knee to center the ball for Lutz’s game-ending field goal.

Nix tied Russell Wilson’s NFL record with two dozen victories in his first two seasons. Saturday’s victory was his first in the playoffs. The Broncos lost last year at Buffalo but Nix led Denver to the AFC’s top seed this season.

“He’s a tough cookie,” Payton said. “And this team all year has lost key players and will rise up for the next challenge.”

Before word of Nix’s injury broke, Denver was jubilant over the Broncos’ first playoff victory in a decade.

Rams collide with resurgent Bears in divisional round

BY ANDREW SELIGMAN AP sportswriter

LAKE FOREST Ill. — Ben Johnson spent plenty of time studying Sean McVay’s offense, though not necessarily for a moment like this.

Back then, he wanted to know what worked for Jared Goff. Now, he’ll try to stop Matthew Stafford. And the stakes are high with the Chicago Bears set to host the Los Angeles Rams in a divisional game on Sunday

“(McVay) does a phenomenal job,” Johnson said. “He has ever since he’s gotten to LA. All of his teams are really well prepared.

There’s no doubt that he’s super sharp in the offensive side, but I think how he does it as a head coach, bringing all three phases together is really critical to their success. I think he does a great job, knows how to speak to the team with the pulse of the team and get the most out of them.

“There’s a reason why they’re in it every year since he’s been there.” Johnson was an assistant in Detroit when the the team kicked off a rebuild by trading Stafford to Los Angeles for Goff and several draft picks, including two first-rounders, following the 2021 season.

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lifting the Rams to a 34-31 win. Now, two teams with high-powered offenses and a flair for the dramatic are set to go at it The winner will play Seattle or San Francisco next week for a spot in the Super Bowl.

“Ben does a good job of being able to create matchups,” McVay said. “They mix up their personnel. They’ve got backs that can obviously run the football, but they’ve got skills in the pass game with tight ends and receivers that can do the same thing. It’s a great challenge.” Holding the line

The Rams are hoping right guard Kevin Dotson returns from a three-game absence with a sprained ankle to complete their optimal offensive line.

der offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. He’s impressed with how much freedom Maye the league’s most accurate passer — has been given to run.

“I think he is doing a really good job of not making bad decisions with the football,” Ryans said “Where he’s taking that next step is his ability to escape the pocket. I think it really doesn’t get talked about much, but his athletic ability, his ability to escape the pocket has been really clutch for them.”

Texans thin at receiver

The Texans’ top receiver, Pro Bowler Nico Collins, will miss the game after sustaining his second concussion of the season in Monday night’s wild-card win at Pittsburgh. Receiver Justin Watson (concussion) was also ruled out on Friday Christian Kirk had a big game against the Steelers and the Texans are hoping for a repeat performance. The eight-year veteran set a career high and franchise playoff record with 144 yards receiving.

Now, after a successful run as the Lions’ offensive coordinator, he has orchestrated a remarkable turnaround in his first season as the Bears’ head coach. Chicago (12-6) went from worst to first in the NFC North and posted a winning record for the first time since the 2018 team won the division. Quarterback Caleb Williams took big steps in his second year for the Bears, who advanced in the playoffs for the first time since the 2010 season by rallying for a 31-27 wild-card victory over rival Green Bay They trailed by as much as 18 on the way to their seventh fourthquarter comeback win, outscoring the Packers 25-6 in the final period.

The Rams (13-5), who won the Super Bowl four years ago, established themselves as championship contenders during an 11-3 start. But they needed Stafford to lead one of his vintage comebacks to beat Carolina last week. The All-Pro threw a perfectly-placed 19-yard touchdown pass to Colby Parkinson with 38 seconds left,

While Stafford and Puka Nacua get all the attention, Los Angeles’ line has been the foundation of the NFL’s most productive offense, clearing the way capably for Kyren Williams and Blake Corum while largely keeping Stafford upright long enough to get the ball to the record-setting Nacua or to NFL touchdown receptions leader Davante Adams. Run down

The Bears were third in the NFL in rushing during the regular season. They’re just not getting those big ground gains in recent weeks. Chicago was the only team with two 750-yard rushers, with veteran D’Andre Swift running for 1,087 yards and rookie Kyle Monangai going for 783. But the Bears have struggled to run the ball the past two games.

Chicago fell into an early hole against Green Bay and finished with 93 yards rushing after being held to a season-low 65 in a loss to Detroit.

“Certainly late in the season, we wanted that to pick up, playoffs, weather games like this,” Johnson said. “You certainly want to be able to lean on your run game. So those are some elements we’re looking at. What can we do to help ignite that? It’s both efficient runs to stay on track and ahead of the chains and also explosive runs as well. Where can we find a few of those?”

Golden Tempo finishes strong to edge Mesquite

Colts give trainer DeVaux 1-2 finish in Lecomte Stakes

BY LES EAST

Contributing writer

Cherie DeVaux has had a very successful career as a trainer but she has yet to saddle a horse for the Kentucky Derby or the Kentucky Oaks. That might be about to change. DeVaux-trained horses finished one-two as Golden Tempo held off Mesquite to win the 83rd Lecomte Stakes to climax Road to the Derby Day on Saturday at the Fair Grounds. Though another DeVaux duo didn’t fare as well in the 34th Fasig-Tipton Silverbulletday Stakes for fillies earlier in the day, things are looking good for DeVaux on the road to Churchill Downs in May

Golden Tempo earned 20 qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby and Mesquite earned 10.

“I’ve been fortunate to have a lot of success in my career,” said DeVaux, who has 22 graded stakes wins and a Breeders’ Cup win since 2021. “I’ve never had a realistic opportunity for the Oaks or the Derby If we don’t have a strong contender in both the Oaks and the Derby, I’ll be disappointed.”

She wasn’t disappointed in the Lecomte, though there was a wide range of emotions during Golden Tempo’s trip over the mile and 1/16 in 1:44.98 DeVaux said she tries to remain “objective” when she has multiple horses in the same race

Jockey Joe Ortiz adroitly negotiated Golden Tempo’s path

through a congested stretch run to finish three-quarters of a length in front of Mesquite.

“Jose is a great rider, and he’s patient,” DeVaux said. “I was hoping immaturity wouldn’t show up because of the horses’ lack of experience, but I couldn’t be more pleased. So excited for both horses, elated for the owners (Phipps Stable and St. Elias Stable).

Golden Tempo went off as a 5-2 favorite but started slowly as he did in a last-to-first sprint victory in his debut Dec 20 at the Fair Grounds.

DeVaux said during the week that she thought Golden Tempo was “a little bit more mature mentally” than Mesquite, even though Mesquite had two previous starts, including one around two turns, and Golden Tempo had just the one start and would be experiencing two turns for the first time in the Lecomte.

“I was just very patient,” Ortiz said. “I followed Mesquite until the 3/8th pole. He went outside and I went inside. Luckily, I got an opening and the horse did the rest. I’m very impressed. I was a little bit worried because you never know how a horse is going to react going two turns for the first time and he was facing stakes horses for the first time. I was very happy with him.”

Golden Tempo paid $7.40, $4.20 and $3.40, Mesquite paid $4.80 and $3.80 and Carson Street, who led for much of the race before finishing a neck behind Mesquite, paid $6.80 to show in the Grade 3 $250,000 race, claiming six qualifying points.

“He was a real pro,” Mesquite jockey Flavien Prat said of his horse “It was a good trip and he kept coming. He’s figured out a lot.”

Chip Honcho finished fourth to

Fans

on Saturday.

from

earn four points, and fifth-place

Quality Mischief got two points. Ocelli was scratched, leaving a 10-horse field.

In the $150,000 Silverbulletday for fillies, Taken by the Wind led virtually wire to wire and held off a persistent challenge from Luv Your Neighbor to win by a neck after covering the one mile and 70 yards in 1:43.58 and paid $10.80, $7 and $2.80.

Taken by the Wind, trained by Kenneth McPeek and ridden by Brian Hernandez Jr., went off at 4-1 and earned 20 qualifying points for the Kentucky Oaks. Luv Your Neighbor who paid $8.20 and $3.40, earned 10 points, and betting favorite Atropa, who paid $2.10, earned six points.

Pashmina earned four points and Dancin In Old Town earned two. DeVaux trained Atropa and White Smoke, who finished last in the six-team field.

SUNDAY’S

Bourbon. Race Time: 1:09.99 Daily

(1-4) $6.90; Exacta (4-2) $8.30; Superfecta (4-2-5-7) $9.08; Trifecta (4-2-5) $15.65; Pic 3 (4-1-4) $31.15

Claimed: F T W Slam ($20,000.00, Owner: Riley Blanchet, Trainer: Justin Jeansonne) Fifth Race — Purse $60,000, Maiden special weight, 3 yo, Six Furlongs 10-Just Bluffing (Cannon D.) $44.00 $13.60 $6.60 13-Goodall (Lopez P.) $5.00 $3.60 2-Tap to Open (Ortiz, Jr. I.) $5.60

Also Ran: Love and Trust, Kayla’s Komet, Isabelle’s Music, Feeling Groovy, Thesewallshaveears, Callmeyourmajesty, Funny Bunny, Constructively, Winning Matters

Late Scratches: Zsa Zsa Race Time: 1:10.33 Daily Double (4-10) $69.50; Exacta (10-13) $181.90; Superfecta (10-13-2-12) $458.66; Trifecta (10-13-2) $996.00; Pic

3 (1-4-10) $55.15; Pic 4 (4-1/3-4-10) $599.75; Pic 5 (3-4-1/34-10) $4,635.85 Sixth Race — Purse $60,000, Maiden special weight, 3 yo, Six Furlongs

6-Knock It Off (Lopez P.) $18.80 $11.00 $5.80

12-Trouble Calling (Saez L.) $10.00 $3.80

5-Mojacar (Prat F.) $2.20 Also Ran: Bearister, Double Entendre, Classic Tap, Get Them Roses, Cowboy Roy, Guns Allowed, Hot Days Ahead, McBridge. Late Scratches: Tapit’s Gunner, Special Ops Race Time: 1:09.47 Daily Double (10-6) $339.60; Exacta (6-12) $80.50; Superfecta (6-12-5-4) $477.64; Trifecta (6-12-5) $90.10; Pic 3

(4-10-6) $236.20 Seventh Race — Purse $100,000, Stakes, 4 yo’s & up, Five And A Half Furlongs 4-Usually Wrong (Castillo I.) $5.00 $3.20 $3.20

8-Mondogetsbuckets (Ortiz, Jr. I.) $10.40 $6.80

3-Bear River (Graham J.) $4.60

Also Ran: Wendelssohn, Petcoff, Heart Headed, Schwarzmeier, Can’t Deny It, High Front.

Late Scratches: Frost Free, Step Forward, Monsieur Candy, Tough Catch Race Time: 1:01.63

Daily Double (6-4) $53.90; Exacta (4-8) $26.90; Superfecta

(4-8-3-1) $115.31; Trifecta (4-8-3) $104.95; Pic 3 (10-6-4)

$283.30 Eighth Race — Purse $60,000, Maiden special weight, 3 yo, One And One Sixteenth Miles

7-Reagan’s Honor (Prat F.) $16.20 $8.00 $5.60

9-Kelz (Hernandez C.) $65.40 $24.60

12-Ocelli (Curtis B.) $3.80

Also Ran: Silver Shot, Gethsemane, Market Runner, Roguishness, Liberty Valance, El Capo, He’s a Charmer, Sunset Skip, La Norme de Jour. Race Time: 1:45.03 Daily Double (4-7) $22.80; Exacta (7-9) $525.80; Superfecta (7-9-12-5) $3,360.58; Trifecta (7-9-12) $2,160.25; Pic 3 (6-4-7) $144.20

Ninth Race — Purse $100,000, Stakes, 4 yo’s & up, One And One Sixteenth Miles

5-Medoro (Ortiz J.) $4.20 $3.00 $2.60

1-Cupids Crush (Pedroza, Jr. M.) $15.00 $10.20

4-Lucky Speech (Graham J.) $16.40

Also Ran: Nanda Dea (ARG), Strikingly Spun, Sweet Treasure, Stylish Sue, Triumphant Spirit, Epic Style Lakota Spirit.

Late Scratches: Wild Bout Hilary

Race Time: 1:42.17 Daily Double (7-5) $19.30; Exacta (5-1) $25.50; Superfecta (5-1-4-8) $846.85; Trifecta (5-1-4) $448.20; Pic 3 (4-7-5)

$35.50; Pic 4 (6-4/7/10/11/13-7-3/5) $417.55; Pic 5 (10-64/7/10/11/13-7-3/5) $12,505.95 Tenth Race — Purse $150,000, Stakes, 3 yo, One Mile Seventy Yards 4-Taken by the Wind (Hern., Jr. B.) $10.80 $7.00 $2.80 5-Luv Your Neighbor (Concepcion A.) $8.20 $3.40 1-Atropa (Ortiz J.) $2.10

Also Ran: Pashmina, Dancin in Old Town, White Smoke. Race Time: 1:43.58 Daily Double (5-4) $16.20; Exacta (4-5) $36.70; Superfecta (4-5-1-6) $32.79; Trifecta (4-5-1)

Djokovic is gearing up for another shot at a 25th Grand Slam title

BY JOHN PYE AP sportswriter

MELBOURNE, Australia Novak

Djokovic can still crack a joke when discussing the Carlos Alcaraz-Jannik Sinner rivalry that for two years has prevented him from becoming the most decorated tennis player ever

“I lost three out of four Slams against either Sinner or Alcaraz,” in 2025, he said Saturday, on the eve of the Australian Open.

“We don’t need to praise them too much,” he added, smiling. “They have been praised enough! We know how good they are, and they absolutely deserve to be where they are. They are the dominant forces of the men’s tennis at the moment.” Djokovic is starting a third season in pursuit a 25th Grand Slam singles title, and has refined his ap-

proach for the Australian Open. He withdrew from his only scheduled tuneup tournament, knowing he’s lacking “a little bit of juice in my legs” to compete with two young stars at end of the majors and that he has to stay as pain-free as possible.

Djokovic worked out how to beat Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, the established rivalry before he turned it into the Big Three and then surpassed them both.

A winner of 24 major championships — a record for the Open era and tied with Margaret Court for the most in the history of tennis — the 38-year-old Djokovic is doing everything to keep himself “in the mix.”

Djokovic last won a major title at the 2023 U.S. Open. Sinner and Alcaraz have split the eight since then. Sinner has won the last two Australian titles. Alcaraz is in Aus-

tralia determined to add the title at Melbourne Park to complete a career Grand Slam. Despite being hampered by injuries, Djokovic reached the semifinals at all four majors last year A torn hamstring forced him to quit his Australian Open semifinal, after he’d ousted Alcaraz in the quarterfinals.

By reminding himself that “24 is also not a bad number,” Djokovic said he’s taking the “now-or-never type of mentality” out of his every appearance at a major because it’s not allowing him to excel at his best.

“Sinner and Alcaraz are playing on a different level right now from everybody else. That’s a fact,” Djokovic said, “but that doesn’t mean that nobody else has a chance.

“So I like my chances always, in any tournament, particularly here.”

The 10-time Australian Open

champion starts Monday in a night match on Rod Laver Arena against No. 71-ranked Pedro Martinez of Spain. Seeded fourth, he’s in the same half of the draw as Sinner That means they can only meet in the semifinals here.

Fitness

Djokovic hasn’t played an official tournament since November.

“Obviously took more time to rebuild my body, because I understand that in the last couple of years, that’s what changed the most for me takes more time to rebuild, and it also takes more time to reset or recover,” he said.

“I had a little setback that prevented me to compete at Adelaide tournament but it’s been going on very well so far here.”

He said there’s “something here and there” every day in terms of aches and pains, “but generally I

feel good and look forward to competing.”

PTPA

Djokovic cut ties earlier this month with the Professional Tennis Players Association, a group he co-founded, saying “my values and approach are no longer aligned with the current direction of the organization.”

Djokovic and Canadian player

Vasek Pospisil launched the PTPA in 2020, aiming to offer representation for players who are independent contractors in a largely individual sport.

“It was a tough call for me to exit the PTPA, but I had to do that, because I felt like my name was overused,” he said. “I felt like people, whenever they think about PTPA, they think it’s my organization which is a wrong idea from the very beginning.”

Pels taking achanceonMorantworth considering

How bad has this season been for the New Orleans Pelicans?

So bad that when areport came out Friday that the Pelicanshave shown interest in trading for Memphis Grizzlies’guard Ja Morant, it wasenough to make some people say,“Hey, the way things are going, that might not be abad idea.”

ä Pelicans at Rockets, 6P.M.SUNDAy,WAFB

including suspensions and fines for flashing guns on Instagram Live, have raised red flags that thePelicans try to avoid.

Confession:I’m one of those people. Although not completely sold on the idea,there is apath to sway me If, and only if, Pelicans executive vice president of basketball operations Joe Dumars can find the type of deal you find in the clearance bin at aDollar General.

NBA Insider Michael Scotto reported Friday that the Pelicans were one of the teams showing interest in Morant, whose time in Memphis is clearly nearing the end. The other teams showing interestinMorant, accordingtothe report, are the Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, Sacramento Kings, and Toronto Raptors.

It’sunclear how strong the Pelicans’ interest (if any) has been for Morant,who has two years and a little over $80 million left onhis contract.

My initial reaction was “Heck no. Nope, not worth the risk.”

Then Iwatched Friday night as the Pelicans lost to the Indiana Pacers, the only NBA team with fewer wins than the Pels entering the game. The Pelicans are 10-34 heading into Sunday’sroad gameagainst the Houston Rockets. The Pels are on pace to finishwith aworse record than last year,when they finished 21-61, the secondfewest wins in an 82-game season in franchise history

RICHARD

Continued from page1C

NowRichard’s playingalmost 30 minutes per game. How did she earn herself such an important role?

“She’sanother KimMulkey,” said Errol Rogers, Lafayette Christian Academy’s longtime girls’ basketball coach. “That’s why. Imean,we’re talkingabout akid who had the aspirations to be great.

“She’sthe type of person,if I went to adark alley,I’d want her on my backside.”

Guillory,Richard’smother, playedcollege basketball at Southern. She was aguard, too, but she was more of ascorer, and because she played most of her prep career at Plaisance High School without a3-point line,she used aset shot —alower, slower, more stationary shooting form She wished then that she had developed more of ajumper instead. So she taught her daughter howto get off the ground and shoot Richard wasonly about 6or7 years old. After school,she and her motherwould pull uptotheir house,throw theirbagsinsideand work on her game outside. Guillory would tie Richard’sright arm behind her back so she’d learn how to use her left hand, while encouraging her to wait patiently for her jumper to feel more comfortable. One day,she’d be strong enough to enjoy more fluid mechanics.

Once Richard began eighth grade, Guillory found her a Lafayette-based trainernamed Marcus Onezime.She also started playing her AAU ball for Louisiana United, aclub that competes outside the state butnot against the teams that play in themajor tournaments sponsored by Nike, Under Armour and Adidas.

“But that’snot because they didn’task,” Guillory said.

Guillory said some of those teams would call and email her to see if Richard would be interested in joining them. She, however, left the decision up to her daughter,who chose to be “loyaltoher team.”

“Now,mind you,” Guillory said, “she didn’tknow that she was gonna miss out on the perks of playing on the circuitbecausewedidn’t know anything about all of that. She just wanted to play ball.” Richard started working with Onezime, her trainer,intwo-hour sessions they’d hold six or seven timesper week.Therewasn’t much time left for anythingelse. Richard did sing withher church choir,though, and she didperform well enough in school to be named valedictorian of her graduating class. But Onezime has had to force her to take time offfrom basketball, and Rogershad to nudge her into things that more ordinary highschool students do

The remaining 38 games will likely follow afamiliar script as the first 44. Plenty of sharp-shooting nights fromTrey Murphy

An unstoppable gamefromZion Williamson, scoring at will here andthere.

ADerik Queen triple-double thrown in from time to timeto remind you how good his future could be

Aperformance by Saddiq Bey that makes you appreciatehow he comes to workeverysingle game.

More often than not,those stellar performances will endupresultinginaloss.

The Pelicanshave won just31 gamessince the start of lastseason

There is asegment of the fanbase thathas accepted thegrowing pains and is focusing on buildingfor the futurearound young, promising pieces like Queen and Jeremiah Fears.

Others have completely checked out, as evidenced by themany emptyseats oftenseen at the Smoothie King Center.

Oneway toget fans back in and get buttsback in the seats would be acquiring aplayer withMorant’s star power.The stardom may not be what it was in his first few seasons in the league, but it’s still there.

I’mnot sure how long thebuzz would last, but the first wave would have the arena rocking like it was the night Williamson played his very first game for the Pelicanssix yearsago.

The concerns, though, arethe headachesthatcould come with the star Morant’soff-the-court issues,

Hisavailabilitysince theGrizzlies drafted him one pick after thePelicans drafted Williamson in the2019 draft could be adeal breaker.Morant has played in just 79 games since thestart of the2023-24 season.The most games he’splayed in aseason is 67, his rookie year And who knows how he would jell in the locker room and on the courtwiththe current roster.The Pelicans have aclose-knit group thatdoesn’tneed to be disrupted. Maybe it helps that Morant has a connection with Williamson. The twoofthemwereAAU teammates in South Carolina. Perhaps this could be afresh start for both Morant and the Pelicans Morant, asecond-team All-NBA player in his third season and a two-time All-Star,has averaged 22.4 points and 7.4 assistsinhis career Obviously,there is not enough room on the rosterfor Morant rookie Jeremiah Fears, Jordan Poole and Dejounte Murray. Fears, astarter, isn’tgoing anywhere. Murray hasn’treturned from his torn Achilles injury.And Poole, the second-highest-paid player on the Pelicans’ payroll, comes off the bench. If Dumarscould get Morant for Poole or Murray,he’d have to strongly consider it. There will likely be other offers out there for Dumars to consider as the Feb. 5trade deadline approaches. With no first-round draft pick this year,something has to be done. Morant is risky. The cons may even outweigh thepros. But given theway things are going, it’s worththinking about it

LSU guard Jada Richard defends Texasguard Rori Harmoninthe third quarterlast Sundayatthe Pete Maravich Assembly Center

for fun. Things like tryingtoland aspotonthe homecoming court

“She would have rather been in thegym than on thehomecoming court,” Rogerssaid. “So that’sthe difference. That’swhy shewas able to compete with everybody else.”

The first thing Richard rehearsedwith Onezime was shootingoff thedribble —a skill that sheused to become one of Louisiana’stop players.

As asophomore, Richard dropped52pointsinanafternoon win over Southern Lab in theSugar BowlClassic,then returned to thefloor afew hours later to hang 55 pointsoncoach Temeka Johnson’sJohn Curtis team. Amonth later,she scored 39 pointsinLake Charlesagainst Mikaylah Williamsand Parkway High.

Mulkey was theretosee Williams —one of the nation’smost coveted recruits at the time. But Richard stole the show

She wound up leading Lafayette Christiantofour state championships and scoring nearly 3,000 career points. Her scholarship offers came mostly from mid-major schools, but programs such as SMU, Arizona State, Ole Miss and LSUrecruited her as well.

“She handled her business,” Rogers said. So sometimes, we thinkthatwegot to chasea dream, going all overthe country when sometimes our dream is right there in frontofus.”

Richard played only ahandful of minutes per game inSEC play last season. Guillory saidshe “lost her confidence” as aresult, then quickly committed to buildingitbackup. Over thesummer,Onezime helped Richard learn how to play without theballinher hands.He simulatedtypicalLSU games—

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant drivesthe ball against the Philadelphia 76ers on Dec.30inMemphis, Tenn. Reports saythe Pelicans have interest in Morant.

LSU

Continuedfrom page1C

leg injury he suffered on Jan. 2. LSUgot off to afast start, which had plagued it previously in conference play. It led 10-0 after five minutes as the group piled stops andplayed unselfishly

The eighth point came from a Sutton 3-pointer on the right wing in transition. He was the recipient of across-court pass from Mackinnon, who used his eyes to fool a defendertoprevent apassinthe paint transition. Sutton, afifth-year Omahatransfer,canned asecond 3-pointer before halftimeand his aggression as ascorer was abig part of LSU’searly success. He was decisive as adriverfrom the high post and frequently sought contact.Hemade7 of 8from the free-throw line in the first half

He had19points as LSU led 3727 over Missouri (13-5, 3-2) at halftime.

back-and-forth, fast-paced and physical —byhaving her run the floor four or fivetimes, stop at the 3-point arc, relocate to adifferent spot and set up for acatch-andshoot opportunity

Richard already knew how to handle the ball and create her own shot. What she neededto figure out, if she’d start at point guardasasophomore,was how shecould best complement Williams,Flau’jae Johnson and the post players in chargeofscoring around the rim.

“She’svery,very,very strong mentally,” Guillory said. “Very, very strong. Some of these kids, they don’tbounce back as soon, confidence-wise. Butshe did, and this year,she said it was going to be different.She was gonna have that chip on her shoulder.”

Now,through LSU’sfirst four games of league play,Williams and Johnsonare the only Tigers who have played moreminutes than Richard. MiLaysia Fulwiley —the star junior who transferred from South CarolinatoLSU —isstill coming off the bench. She’sseeing the floor for roughly fourfewer minutes per night thanRichard.

“Jada will guard you,” Mulkey said. “Jadatakes things that you sayand triestobethe coach on thefloor,even at ayoung age.

“So yeah, Iwant theball in Jada’shands. Imean, she’sthe best free-throw shooter we have.”

Richardhad to earn that trust It was along, hard process —one that beganinearnest when she first learnedthat Mulkey was moving to Baton Rouge.

“She believed that she was gonna play at LSU,” Rogers said. “And whatever it took, whatever sheneeded to do to do that, she madesure she did that.”

“My team gave me theballinspots where they seen Ihad an advantage in,”Sutton said. “Theywere kind of giving me theball(in thehigh post), just letting me go to work and I’m grateful that they trust me withthe ball.”

Missouri madeits first field goal at the14:18 mark, after missing its first nine shots.The defense was solidifiedinlarge part due to backup center Robert Miller. He substituted in with16:59 left in the first half after Nwoko picked up asecond foul while fighting for arebound.

Thesophomore Miller immediately contributed to LSU’simpressive start as he was impactful as arebounderand defender.He hadtwo points, four rebounds and acoupleofdeflections in his first fiveminutes.

At the9:24 mark, Miller blocked Missouri’sleading scorer Mark Mitchell. The 6-8forward averages 17.5 points and had the thirdmost free-throw attempts (127) in theSEC. Miller finishedwithfourpoints, seven rebounds, one steal and a block.

“Rob Miller, he just keepsgetting better,” McMahon said. “He’s been fantastic. His offensive efficiency numbers in the league are off the charts.”

TheLSU defense disrupted Mitchell’srhythm offensively as he had two points and two turnovers in thefirst half. Pablo Tamba drew acharge, which gave Mitchell his second foul with about seven minutesremaining in thefirst half. Missouri mixed in azone defense throughout the game as it trailed by as many as 14 points. The Tigers were patientwithitand continuedtofind Sutton in the soft spot aroundthe free-throw line. Point guards Jalen Reece and Rashad King combined for14points, seven assists and three turnovers. Missouri’sscoring struggles

halfonSaturdayatthe

didn’tlast forever as it went on a7-0 run to trail 45-38 with 15:30 left.Backup point guard Reece promptly madea3-pointer from thetop of the key as Missouri left him open.

Missouri wasn’tdeterredasit made itsfirst three 3-pointers in thesecondhalfand wasnoticeably more aggressive on both ends, chipping away Missouri’sJayden Stone caught fire, making all three of his team’s 3-pointers in the second half. He picked up 12 second-half points in 10 minutes. The 6-4 guard finished with 20 points With 8:49 remaininginthe contest, LSU led 55-52 as Missouri continued to storm back. When the Tigers needed ascore late in the shot clock, Tambatothe hoop around therestrictedarea andkickedthe ball out to King, who made aleft wing 3-pointer withlessthana second on the shot clock.

On the following possession, Nwoko got ablock, whichinstigated afastbreak layup forSutton that extended LSU’s advantage back to 60-52 at the 7:46 mark. Nwoko finished with six points and eight rebounds in 13 minutes. The Tigers were challenged but didn’t look back. King made aclutch runner to give LSU asix-point lead with 1:04 remaining. Tamba,who finishedwith eight points and five rebounds, made two late-game free throws to redeem himself from his end-of-gamemisses against Kentucky.Hesealed the win with a steal on defense to put the game out of reach with 18 seconds left. LSU’s next gameisagainst Florida (13-5, 4-1) at 6p.m Tuesday at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center in Gainesville, Florida.

THE VARSITY ZONE

LOUISIANA CLASSIC

won 13-3.

Wrestlers from Live Oak, East Ascension win individual titles

Catholic-B.R. boys capture team title

BY JACKSON REYES Staff writer

Live Oak senior Billy Edmonston had reached the semifinals of the Louisiana Classic three times in his high school career but failed to get past that point all three times.

That changed this year

He reached the 215 final and faced St. Paul’s John Martinez in the final. Edmonston and Martinez split takedowns and escapes in the first period, tied 4-4. In the second period, Edmonston took a 10-7 lead after a takedown and a nearfall He held on late and got a takedown and nearfall to win it in the final seconds by a 15-8 decision

He was one of several Baton Rougearea wrestlers to win finals in the 53rd Louisiana Classic and Third Women’s Louisiana Classic at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center on Saturday Catholic won the boys team title with 237 points. Del City won the girls team title with 168 points.

“I was never able to get to the finals, so that was an achievement in itself,” Edmonston said. “Winning it was even better It means the world to me right now.” He said winning his Louisiana Classic final is a stepping stone toward the state tournament in February

“Everything comes down to February,” he said. “It doesn’t matter if I win this; if I lose in February, it’s not going to matter.”

Two winners for East Ascension

East Ascension junior Braylon Stewart got off to a quick start with a takedown and forced a nearfall to take a 6-0 lead in the first period against St. Amant senior Mason Asevado in the 165 final.

“There wasn’t really any fear for me,” Stewart said about the match “I was confident in my shots the whole match. I knew I would be able to get in quick, set up an attack if I needed to.”

His back was exposed during one of his attempts to go for Asevado’s legs, but he recovered quickly to avoid dropping points Stewart stretched the advantage to 9-0 after a takedown in the second period.

He won the final 15-0 by technical fall after a reversal earlier in the third period and a nearfall to cap it off with a title.

“The whole goal was just not to get scored on at all during this whole tournament,” Stewart said, “and to win it, because freshman and sophomore year, I came in third place twice. Finally giving my school something to cheer about.”

He followed through on his goal, grappling his way through the 165 bracket without allowing a single point in any of his matches.

Stewart credited his success in the tournament to the confidence instilled in him by his coaching staff.

“My coach already tells me that I’m the fastest person on my feet in my weight class,” Stewart said “Having that sort of confidence from my coaches, believing in me, really helps me power through these matches.”

On the girls’ side, Spartans senior Anjelah Jackson faced Lakeshore junior Sophia Gagliano in the 100 final

No. 3 UConn survives at Georgetown

By The Associated Press

Louisiana Classic Results

Final results from the Louisiana Classic wrestling tournament held Saturday at Lamar Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales. MD (major decision); DEC (decision); TF (technical fall); F (forfeit); UTB (ultimate tiebreaker).

Boys

106 pounds: W. Fontenot, Brother Martin over P. Evans, Catholic High, MD (13-3)

113: C. Ayala, St. Paul’s over J. Thiele, Rummel MD (10-2)

120: Z. Blanchard, Southern Lab over M. Barnett, DEC (5-4)

126: A. Rozas, Teurlings Catholic over C. Kirk, Catholic High, TF (4:42)

132: F. Peterson, St. Thomas More over A. Oubre, Holy Cross, Dec (7-0)

138: O. Gray Acadiana over M.

Evans, Catholic High, F (3-0)

144: J. Rebstock, St. Thomas More over M. Krail, Holy Cross, DEC (2-1)

150: D. Durham, Rummel over J. Lara, Brother Martin, MD (10-2)

157: D. Kizer, Del City over K. Scott, Catholic High, DEC (12-5)

165: B. Stewart, East Ascension over M. Asevado, St. Amant, TF (5:12)

175: Z. Cestia, St. Thomas More over R. Reeves, Holy Cross UTB (7-6)

190: C. Shartle, St. Paul’s over C. Macha, Teurlings Catholic, DEC (11-7)

215: B. Edmonston, Live Oak over J. Martinez, St. Paul’s, Dec (15-8)

285: W. Berry, Jesuit over J. Hollins, Slidell, Dec (9-2) Girls

100 pounds: A. Jackson, East Ascension over S. Gagliano, Lakeshore, F (4:42)

She fell behind 6-2 in the first period Jackson continued to fall behind in the second period after a reversal and nearfall put her behind 12-5.

She missed the tournament last year with a concussion, so this was her first time competing in this style of tournament. The nerves began to take over heading into her final.

“I hadn’t eaten all day, I hadn’t drunk any water,” she said. “I wasn’t in the right headspace.”

After falling behind 17-6 in the third period, Jackson suffered a temporary injury and was given injury time. She spent the majority of the match on bottom, exhausting energy but used those valuable seconds to refocus and gain new life in the match.

“Something clicked,” Jackson said.

“I was like, ‘I have to win this. This is my last chance.’”

She followed through on that mindset and won the match with a fall to take first place.

“It honestly hasn’t set in yet,” Jackson said about winning. “This has never happened to me before, being a late starter in wrestling.”

Live Oak, Dutchtown girls win Dutchtown freshman Lilly Johnson remained undefeated after winning by major decision 13-1 over Walker’s MacKenzie Thomas. She protected her No. 1 ranking in the weight class with the win

“It’s exciting, but I know I have to keep working hard,” Johnson said.

“Being No. 1 means everybody is coming for me.”

107: C. Booty, Central over L. Higgins, Riverside TF (18-3)

114: L. Johnson, Dutchtown over M. Thomas, MD (13-1)

120: R. Blanchard, Lafayette over M. Penberthy, Niceville, Dec (7-3)

126: Q. Guevara-Tapia, Lafayette over A. Wade, Benton, Dec (8-3)

132: L. Griffin, Live Oak over S Bolton, Del City, F (1:41)

138: L. Guillory, East Ascension over O. Maxie, Baton Rouge High, F (5:35)

145: S. Camarata, Albany over S. Cervenka, South Beauregard, MD (18-7)

152: A. Dial, Del City over M. Stutes, Acadiana F (3:15)

165: S. High, Del City over B. Arbic, Niceville, F (0:26)

185: C. Daniels, Del City over I. Harrison, Brusly, Dec (7-6)

235: Z. Williams, Dutchtown over A. Flores Hernandez Baton Rouge High, F (2:31)

She credited her preparation for the win.

“I knew what she was going to do because I’ve been watching her,” Johnson said. “I had a plan of what I wanted to do, and it worked out.”

Live Oak junior Laken Griffin was named outstanding wrestler on the girls side after she won the 132 final by fall 3-0 in the first period.

“It was a really big one,” Griffin said on winning outstanding wrestler “This whole season, I’ve been trying to work at it and get it. Getting it today was a complete surprise, and it meant a lot.”

She said the accolade shows her preparation and practice is working.

“I just need to keep on,” she said. “It gives me a lot of confidence going into state.”

Catholic wins team title

The Bears brought home the Louisiana Classic team title on the boys’ side with 237 points, finishing ahead of St. Thomas More, which finished with 230. Catholic had four wrestlers compete in first-place matches but failed to win any of the finals.

“We didn’t perform to the best of our ability in the finals,” Catholic coach Tommy Prochaska said. “We won, but it’s a bittersweet win, especially for the seniors.”

Prochaska called the tournament a learning experience for his side.

“It was a wake-up call,” he said. “At the same time, they have to work a little bit more and be a little bit more coachable. If they do that, then we’re going to be OK.”

WASHINGTON Tarris Reed had 15 points and 11 rebounds, and third-ranked UConn held off Georgetown 64-62 on Saturday for its 14th consecutive victory Silas Demary scored 12 points and Braylon Mullins added 11 for the Huskies (18-1, 8-0 Big East), who improved to 11-0 against the Hoyas since rejoining the Big East. The 11 consecutive victories match UConn’s longest winning streak ever against Georgetown. Vince Iwuchukwu had 12 points and 14 rebounds and KJ Lewis added 12 points for the Hoyas (9-9, 1-6), who have lost five in a row Lewis pulled Georgetown within 63-60 with 32.7 seconds left, and the Huskies’ Solo Ball then missed two free throws. But Lewis was short with a 3-pointer on the Hoyas’ next trip, and Mullins made 1 of 2 foul shots to bump UConn’s lead to four NO 1 ARIZONA 84, UCF 77: In Orlando, Fla., Arizona overcame foul trouble to star forward Koa Peat with 23 points from Jaden Bradley and a hounding defensive effort to beat UCF Brayden Burries scored 18 points and center Motejus Krivas added 17 and 12 rebounds in the victory Krivas’ interior presence helped Arizona (18-0, 4-0 Big 12) overcome early foul trouble that limited Peat to 20 minutes, tying his season-low Peat scored a season-low four points on 1-for-4 shooting with three rebounds. But the Wildcats maintained a strong inside, outscoring the Knights (143, 3-2) 36-28 in the paint.

CINCINNATI 79, NO 2 IOWA ST. 70: In Cincinnati, Day Day Thomas scored 19 points to lead Cincinnati to a win over Iowa State, which has lost two straight after winning its first 16 games.

Milan Momcilovic scored a career-high 34 points, hitting eight 3-pointers, for the Cyclones (16-2, 3-2 Big 12) who were looking to rebound after an 84-63 loss to Kansas on Tuesday

But a desperate Cincinnati team made things difficult, forcing 12 turnovers leading to 20 points. Jizzle James scored 15 points and Sencire Harris and Jalen Celestine each scored 12 for Cincinnati (108, 2-3) which has won two straight games after starting 0-3 in the league.

NO 4 MICHIGAN 81, OREGON 71: In Eugene, Ore., Elliot Cadeau scored 17 points and Michigan defeated Oregon at Matthew Knight Arena.

Nimari Burnett scored 15 points and Aday Mara added 12 points as Michigan (16-1, 6-1) won its second straight game following its lone loss of the season. Morez Johnson scored nine points in 17 minutes despite foul trouble and Yaxel Lendeborg added six and a game-high 10 rebounds for the Wolverines, who shot 49% from the field and outrebounded the Ducks 36-30. Sean Stewart scored a

career-high 22 points to go with eight rebounds for Oregon (8-10, 1-6), which dropped its fourth straight game.

NO 5

PURDUE 69,SOUTHERN CAL 64: In Los Angeles, Braden Smith stole the ball at midcourt and hit a layup with 23 seconds left, helping Purdue edge Southern California to pull into a first-place tie with Nebraska in the Big Ten standings with its ninth consecutive victory NO 15 TEXAS TECH 84, NO. 11 BYU 71: In Lubbock, Texas, JT Toppin had 27 points and 12 rebounds, and Texas Tech rallied in the second half for a victory over BYU, ending the Cougars’ 13-game winning streak. Christian Anderson scored 22 points and LeJuan Watts added 20 for the Red Raiders (14-4, 4-1 Big 12), who beat the Cougars for the fifth consecutive time after losing the first three meetings between the schools.

NO 21 GEORGIA 90, NO. 17 ARKANSAS 76: In Athens, Ga., Jeremiah Wilkinson scored 20 points, Blue Cain added 18, and Georgia jumped out to a quick double-digit lead then outlasted Arkansas’ second-half run to beat the Razorbacks.

Arkansas trailed 55-36 less than four minutes into the second half but went on a 20-3 run over a roughly five minute span to cut Georgia’s lead to 62-61. Arkansas tied the game at 68-all when Darius Acuff Jr., who led the Razorbacks with 20 points, made a 3-pointer with 6:43 remaining.

NO 19 FLORIDA 98, NO. 10

VANDERBILT 94: In Nashville, Tenn Rueben Chinyelu scored 16 of his 20 points in the second half and Florida beat Vanderbilt.

Chinyelu was 5 for 5 from the field and 6 for 6 from the line in the second half as Florida (13-5, 4-1 SEC) overcame a one-point halftime deficit with a 54-49 scoring edge in the second half. Xaivian Lee had 20 points on 8-for-13 shooting from the field, including three 3-pointers.

Tyler Tanner scored 20 points and Duke Miles added 15 before fouling out late in the second for Vanderbilt (16-2, 3-2), which lost its second straight game after opening the season with 16 consecutive wins.

NO 18 ALABAMA 83, OKLAHOMA 81: In Norman, Okla., Labaron Philon scored 23 points, Aiden Sherrell added 21 and Alabama beat Oklahoma. Oklahoma inbounded the ball with 4.1 seconds left and went for the win, but Nijel Pack missed a long 3-pointer and the Sooners couldn’t get a shot off after corralling the offensive rebound. Alabama (13-5, 3-2 Southeastern Conference) won despite making only 15 of 26 free throws.

KENTUCKY 80, NO. 24 TENNESSEE 78: In Knoxville, Tenn., Denzel Aberdeen scored 22 points, 18 in the second half, and Kentucky rallied from a 17-point first-half deficit to knock off Tennessee.

OUTDOORS

‘Lifetime’ buck

Rob Gonzales took full advantageof hunting deer during the peak of the rutting season when he took this massive 13-point buck on atrip intoWest Feliciana Parish. Gonzales hunted the area 14 days without firing ashot. His persistence paid off for what he called ‘a lifetime buck, taken with a300yard shot and which scored 152 on the trophy-buck scale He will have to wait acouple of more months to have his buck officially scored for the Louisiana Big Game Records Program. There are several categories for deer in this program. For details about the state’sBig Game Records, call Johnathan Bordelon at (318) 487-5334 or email: jbordelon@ wlf.la.gov

PROVIDED PHOTO

CWDstrikes again

ConcordiaParishunder controlplanbecause of infected buck

BY JOE MACALUSO

Contributing writer

Louisiana haslostanother round in the battle against Chronic Wasting Disease.

Last week, Wildlife and Fisheries ordered aDeclaration of Emergency extending the CWD control area after ahunter took adiseased whitetail buck on the Richard K. Yancey Wildlife Management Area in Concordia Parish in December Examination and documentation of this buck means the emergencydeclaration extends the control areato include Catahoula and Concordiaparishes andparts of Avoyelles, LaSalle, Pointe Coupee and Rapides parishes.

Landowners and hunters in those newly named areas must become aware of the terms “control area” and “buffer zone.”

All baiting and feeding is banned in aCWD Control Area’sEnhancedMitigation Zone, while varying restrictions on bait and feeding apply in abuffer zone.

Baiting and feeding restrictions become effective Feb.1 in the control area along withrestrictionson deer carcass transport rules and with moving certain parts of any deer from the

NOTEBOOK

control area. The emergency declarationwill be in effectfor 180 days. After that, the Wildlife and FisheriesCommission will have to consider anoticeofintent to make permanent those appropriate CWD restrictions andbans.

In thecase of thediseased deer, the hunter taking the 31/2-year-old buck voluntarily submitted it for sampling andthe presence of CWD wasconfirmedbythe Iowabased National Veterinary ServicesLaboratory. It’s the first confirmed CWD case found in Concordia Parish. For CWD info, go to the state agency’swebsite: wlf. louisiana.gov/page/cwd BOW

Onlinelottery applications for the March 20-22 Becoming an Outdoors Woman Workshop will be accepted by Wildlifeand Fisheries throughJan. 28. Thesepopularworkshops fill fast,and the agency decided on alottery for this one instead of filling it on a first-come, first-served basis.

Forthe application, instructions andother infor-

mation, use this address: bow@wlf.la.gov

BOW is ahands-on program for women 18 and oldertolearn abouthunting, fishing, marksmanship, kayaking, outdoor cooking and archery

It’s held at Camp Grant Walker in Pollock,and there is afee to covermeals and lodging. The department notes “scholarships are available for qualifying participants in need of financial assistance.”

Otherlotteries

There’saFeb.7 deadline to put your name in for the annual wildlife management area turkeyhunt and the While Lake Wetlands Conservation Areafishing lotteries. Applicationsare available on this Wildlifeand Fisheries website: louisianaoutdoors.com/lottery-applications.

If youdon’t have one, you’ll need to createa“customer account”tosubmit the lotteryapplication and paythe $5 administrative and transaction fees.

General turkey lottery hunts will be held on Clear Creek, J.C. Gilbert, Pearl River, Sabine and West Bay WMAs this, and youthlot-

teryhuntsare set for Clear Creek, FortPolk North/Fort Polk-Vernon,Sandy Hollow, TunicaHills andWestBay WMAs.

Call David Hayden at (381) 487-5353 or email:dhayden@ wlf.la.gov formore information

TheannualWhite Lake lotteryselects 100 fishing accesspermitsfor the 2026 fishing season. Lotterywinners will have to pay $40 for the permit. Go to this website: wlf.louisiana.gov/page/ white-lake-lotteries. Need more? Call Lance Ardoin at (337) 536-6061 or email: lardoin@wlf.la.gov

Rehabbingwildlife

Wildlife rehabilitators across the state arecelebrating the offering of anew online wildlife rehabilitation training course offered by Wildlife and Fisheries. Successfully completing thefour-part training course—there is an exam —isneeded to secure awildlife rehabilitator’spermit Three of thefourparts are free of charge on this website: wlf.louisiana.gov/page/ approved-wildlife-rehabilitation-courses Fordetails, call the Wildlife Permits Officeat(225) 763-5499.

TUESDAY

CALENDAR

LA. CRAB TASK FORCE MEETING: 10 a.m., Terrebonne ParishMain Library,151 Library Dr., Houma. MORGANZA-TO-GULF PUBLIC MEETING: 2-4 p.m &6-8 p.m BollingerSisters Suite, University Dining & Conference Center,Nicholls State, Thibodaux. Public comments on Hurricane and Storm Damage Risk Reduction Project. LAFAYETTE KAYAKFISHING CLUB MEETING: 6p.m., Pack and Paddle, 601 E. Pinhook, Lafayette. Also Feb. 17, March 17, April 21, May19, June 16, July 21, Aug. 18, Sept. 15, Oct. 20, Nov. 17, Dec. 15. Call (337) 232-5854. Website: www.lafayettekayakfishing.com.

WEDNESDAY

LAKE PROVIDENCE COUNCIL INFO MEETING: 11 a.m., LP Country Club,190 La. 134, LakeProvidence. Naturebased solutions to flooding, water quality &aquatic habitat loss. Call Ryan Daniel(318) 343-4044/email: rdaniel@wlf.la.gov

FLIES&FLIGHTS: 7-9 p.m Rally Cap Brewing, 11212 Pennywood Ave., Baton Rouge.Casual fly tying. Open to public. Also: Feb. 18, March 18, April 15, May 20, June 17, July 15, Aug. 19, Sept. 16, Oct. 21, Nov. 18, Dec. 16.Email Chris Williams: thefatfingeredflytyer@ gmail.com

GULF COUNCILSSC VIRTUAL MEETING: Analysisoflane snapper and gag &red groupers. Website: gulfcouncil. org

THURSDAY ACADIANA BUGS &BREWS: 6p.m., Pack and Paddle, 601 E. Pinhook, Lafayette. Casual fly tying and local beersprovided. Open to the public. Also Feb. 26, March 26, April 23, May28, June 25, July 23, Aug. 27, Sept. 24, Oct. 22. Email DarinLee: cbrsandcdc@gmail.com. Website: www.packpaddle. com

SATURDAY CENLAFLY FISHINGFESTIVAL: 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m Kees Park Civic Center, La. 28 East, Pineville.Free. Seminars,flytying demos casting clinics, exhibitors.Benefits Greater Food BankofCentral Louisiana. Kisatchie FlyFishers event. SACK UP FORCLEAN WATER: 9a.m.-noon, Monte Sano Park, 2727 Greenwell St., Baton Rouge.Red Stick Fly Fishersevent.Website: rsff. org

HUNTINGSEASONS

DEER/MODERN FIREARMS: Through Jan. 18, State Deer Areas 1&4,still-hunt only either-sex takeallowed; State Deer Area 6, with/without dogs,either-sex take allowed; State Deer Areas 5&9,with/without dogs bucks only

DEER/PRIMITIVE FIREARMS: Through Jan. 18, State Deer Area 2.

DEER/PRIMITIVE FIREARMS: Jan. 19-31, State Deer Areas 1, 4&6,either-sex takeallowed; State Deer Areas 5& 9, bucks only

DUCKS/WESTZONE: Through Jan. 25, includes coots &mergansers; Jan. 31Feb. 1, veterans-only special weekend.

DUCKS/EAST ZONE: Through Jan. 31, includes coots & mergansers.

DEER/ARCHERY: Through Jan. 31, State Deer Areas 1, 2 &4.Either-sex takeallowed. WOODCOCK: Through Jan. 31, statewide.

GEESE/WEST ZONE: Through Feb. 1. Includes Canada, blue,snow& Ross’ &specklebellies. Take of Canada geese prohibited in portions of Cameron& Vermilion parishes.

GEESE/EASTZONE: Through Feb. 7. Includes Canada, blue,snow& Ross’ &specklebellies

DEER/ARCHERY: Through Feb. 15, State Deer Areas 5, 6 &9,either-sex takeallowed. QUAIL, RABBITS &SQUIRRELS: Through Feb. 28, statewide, private landsonly SNIPE: Through Feb. 28, statewide.

LOTTERYHUNT

YOUTH RABBIT HUNT: Jan. 30 application deadline for five youthhunters(ages 10-17) on Dewey Wills WMA Feb. 21. Youths musthavehunter safety certification, have 20-gauge or .410 shotgun & wear Hunter Orange. Other rules&details,email Cliff Dailey(WMA supervisor): adailey@wlf.la.gov

AROUND THECORNER

JAN. 25—SOUTH

state championship &IronMan). Call Mike Burke(337) 380-8120. Email: SouthLAHighPower@ hotmail.com

FISHING/SHRIMPING

SHRIMP: Outside waters open statewide; fall inshore seasonclosed in Zones2&3 &portions of Zone 1. OPEN RECREATIONAL SEASONS: Flounder;lane, blackfin, queen and silk snappers&wenchmen among othersnapper species; all groupersexcept closed for goliath& Nassau groupers in state/federal waters. CLOSED SEASONS: Red snapper; greater amberjack; gray triggerfish; bluefin tuna; gag, goliath& Nassau groupersinstate/federal waters. Commercial greater amberjack seasonclosed.

LDWF UPDATES

CLOSED: All roads on Bogue Chitto WMA (flooding);Hope Canal Road/boat launch (MaurepasSwamp WMA, leveeconstruction)

ROAD CLOSURE: Section of La. 975 through Sherburne WMA closedthrough June 12, 2026 (replace bridge) access from U.S. 190 and I-10 open

DRAWDOWNS: Underway on HendersonLake, Lake Bistineau, Saline,Kepler, Iatt, Black &Clear lakes, Clear-Smithport Lake&Lake Martin.

EMAIL: jmacaluso@theadvocate.com

LIVING

DannyHeitman

As anew year starts,making plansnudges me to dream

My grown daughter changed careers acoupleofyears ago, atransitionthat required her to go back to school for an interior design degree. Years after graduating from college, shewas back in the classroom, reconnecting with the joysof homework.

Among her assignments were some drawings fordesign projects —detailed plansabout whereand how to place sofas and chairs, tables and shelves, rugs, desks and pieces of art.I askedher to mail me someof her homework so that Icould keep it near my keyboard.

Like many parents, my wife and Ioften displayed school work from our daughter and son when they were small. The latest report cards and crayon drawings found their way to the front of our fridge or afamily bulletin board.Seeing our children’screations reminded us of their special place in our lives.

Just because our daughter is nowanadult, keeping herclose in this way stillseemed likea good thing to do. Knowing how sentimental Iam, she sent me some of her drawings. Shortly after their arrival, Islipped one from its big manila envelope and taped it to my office wall. My daughter’s skills have improved since she finished that assignment, and the drawing on my wall is a reminder of how far she’s come. The picture makes me smile when Iglance across my desk and notice it.

My daughter’shandiwork reminds me of the plans Idrew in shop class during my high schoolyears. Although we built nothing grander than asmall bookshelf, our teacher required us to chart out ourwork in detail on paper. There was atextbook perfection to the plans that life seldom matched In itsimagined form on thepaper,mylittle shelfwas straight and true.

While putting the plan in motion, though, Iquickly met reality.Bent nails, splinters and knotted pine taught me that things are usually harderinthe doingthaninthe thinking. The charm of every plan, I suppose, is that it brings us deep within its dream of possibility,inviting us to think about the future as afrontier full of promise. That can be aspecial comfort here in January,after the brightness of the holidays has subsided and we return to the routines of work and obligation. Where does wonder liveafter the decorations are back in their boxes, the holiday trees ditched at thecurb? Ithink about all of this each January when Iclimb the steps to my office and begin another year

ä See AT RANDOM, page 4D

If thesewalls could talk …

DBY ROBIN MILLER Staff writer

emi Dauterive uses abamboo swab to dab acetone around the drawing, careful not to apply toomuch of the solution at once.

The sketch is arendering of a man driving amule-drawn wagon stacked high in sugarcane. Dauterive knows there’ssomethingtobepreserved here, astory of everyday life at Windrush Plantationtoldthrough rough lines made by Steele Burden’spen. Or was it agraphite pencil —a distinction that now matters.

The artist’s medium hasyet to be determined, which presentsa challenge because if anyofthese drawings arelost, much of Burden’snarrative will also be lost withthem

It’sanarrative that lingers in the background of the exhibit of funeral carriages andfarmequipment on the walls of theLSU RuralLife Museum’s barn in Baton Rouge. Burden drewthemdirectly on the vinyl attachedtothe insulation, whichwas installed to hold warmth in the room. Theonly problemisthe room doesn’thave aclimate-control sys-

Does anyone remember

BY RACHEL MIPRO

Contributing writer Decades ago,“eccentrics,” “nut cases” and other New Orleans personalitiesenjoyed the spotlight of alate-night TV show.One reader’squestion brings backrecollections of the memorable “New Orleans Nite People.” The question: “I remember hearing about ashow called ‘Late

NightNew Orleans People.’ When did it air and where did it air? What was the format of theshow?” Delving into theoften inscrutable landscapeofold New Orleans media withthe help of seasoned TV producers turned up two possibilities: “Late Nite New Orleans” and “New OrleansNite People.”

Steele Burden’sdrawingofafarmworker milkingacow is one of many he sketched on the LSU RuralLifeMuseum’sbarnwalls to tell the story of daily lifeonWindrush Plantation, whichisnow the museum.

tem, which doesn’tbode well for theartifactsithouses. So, museum staff are in the process of figuring outhow to refurbish the space to preserve the artifacts, which include Burden’sdrawings. This is whereDauterive,ofSt. Bernard, became partofBurden’s

story.She’sworking on her master’sdegree in art history while also working alongside her art professor,Jane Ashburn, to preserve Burden’ssketches. Sonowcomesthequestion—why?

See BARN, page 4D

“New OrleansNite People” was ashow that elicited strong, although mixed,reactions from the viewing public. Local DJ “Captain Humble,” aka Hugh Dillard, created the show in 1968, envisioning alocal spin on the classic “Tonight Show” formula. The show aired on WGNO from 1968-70 and was briefly brought back foraone-hour special in October of 1987. Characters such as Ruthie the Duck Girl, Harry the Singing Mailman and Ding Dong the Singing Bird contributed to mingled feelings about the show,which was often accused of mining forshock value —one guest is said to have bit off achicken’shead on air

David Cuthbert, longtimeNew Orleans reporter and former writer forThe Times-Picayune, had somewhat unflattering memories of the program “Ifmemory serves …[the show]involved an ever-changing array of people yearning to be thought of as New Orleans ‘characters,’ whose entertainment

Baton Rouge Chapter of TheLinks

PROVIDED PHOTO

The Baton RougeChapterofThe Links honored sevenLouisiana Role Models at its 18th annual NewOrleans-stylejazz brunch at theRenaissance Baton RougeHotel in December

Gathered are,from left, Andre Harmon, Regina Davis, Edward ‘Ed’ Barnes Sr., the Rev. Thomas F. Clark, Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield and J. Renea Austin-Duffin. Not pictured is Tahj ‘Queen Tahj’ Williams.

Chapter of the Links honors role modelsatannual jazzbrunch

The Baton Rouge (LA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated,honored sevenLouisiana Role Models at its18thannualNew Orleans-style jazz brunch in December at the RenaissanceBaton Rouge Hotel.

Theevent, thechapter’ssignature fundraising event, drewcloseto500 attendees, with Chapter President Cheryl Hall-DeRouen welcoming guests and Erin Monroe serving as emcee.

The theme highlighted the accomplishments of Louisiana servantleaders who have made apositive and lasting impact at the local, state and national levels. Each honoree exemplifies The Links’ mission of service to the community through its five facets: services to youth, national trends and services, health and human services, international trends and services,and the arts.

The 2025 honorees included the Rev. Thomas F.Clark, Andre Harmon, J.ReneaAustin-Duffin, Regina Davis,Ambassador LindaThomas-Greenfield, Edward “Ed” Barnes Sr and Tahj “Queen Tahj”Williams

Thechapter also recognized itsDr. Julia Brogdon PurnellScholars andSTEM Book Scholars during the celebration. This year’s event also includedasilentauction thatenhanced the fundraising efforts supporting

the chapter’stransformational programming.

The group also paid tribute to charter member V. Jean Butler,whose recent passing reminds them of the women who paved the way for community service excellence.

“Her unwavering commitment to service, friendshipand communitycontinues to inspire our purpose,” anews release states.

TheMichael Foster Project provided musicalentertainment,concluding with the brunch’straditional secondline by chapter members around the ballroom

SheliaSterling served as eventchair.Committee members included: AneatraBoykin,Desiree Honoré Thomas, Avis Chaney,Miesha Beverly Brisco,Renada Deschamp,Danielle Mack,Emi Henry,Jessica Guinn,Joni Roberts Sam,MicaFranklin,Ernise Singleton, Judy Johnson-White, Erin Monroe, Maxine Cormier,Carmen Jones, BarbaraWoods and Dianne Brandon

Theevent was made possible through presenting sponsorExxonMobil, along with support from Impact, Premier,Corporate andDiamondCircle sponsors.

“For 61 years, theBaton Rouge(LA) ChapterofThe Links, Incorporated —avibrant organization of African American women leaders —has committed its energy and resources to the betterment of the community through academic achievement, healthand wellness, and civic and cultural initiatives,” therelease also said.

Hope Group

Members of the Hope Group gatheredfor fun and fellowship at Portobello’sGrill on Jan. 8. Shown are, from left, seated, Linda Crane, Charlotte Fitzsimons, Tennie Bajon and Joyce Hazleton;standing, Charlette Hill, Bonnie Kemp, JackieEichelberger,Joy D’Armond, Gerri Cornett, Jenola Duke, Judith Burchand BeverlyGrant.

Baton Rouge Navy Club

Baton RougeNavyClub,USS Kidd, Ship 661, members were guests of Williamsburg Senior Living Communityfor their monthlyluncheon on Jan. 13. Shownare, from left, Chick Streat, Jeannie Streat, JerryPugh, Bus Di Palma, Williamsburghost TonyaGriffin, TomHirschey, Mary Window, Rick Munchand JackLaws.

KingofOrion party

The King of Orion party washosted by 2026 King Ryan Maranto at Uncle Earl’sonJan. 10. Gathered are, from left, Chad Coppola, Laura Dunlap,Crystal Coppola,TammieCappo, Ron LeBouef, Maranto, BrittanyLipoma, Elizabeth Blythe, RussellRuh, DannyPaline, Rachael Blythe, RobertHodges, Shawn Hodges, Ashley Sweet and AngieCoates.

RotaryClub of Baton Rouge

Members of the RotaryClubofBaton Rougerecentlyinstalled officers for2026. Shown are, from left, Ian Melancon, sergeant-at-arms;MarySeghers, clubdirector; NancyEllis, club director; MaryErlingson, secretary; Michael Tipton, vice president; Susan Nelson, presidentelect; Todd Schexnayder,president; Darrel Papilion, past president; Greg Wood, immediate past president; and RobertDouglas, Rhaoul Guillaume, Vanessa Graham and Robert Daigrepont, all club directors.

Garden Discovery Series

The Baton RougeBotanicGarden Foundation’sGarden Discoveries event titled ‘The Mysteryand EcologyofTrees’ was presented by arborist and certified tree consultant Alec Baxt at the Main LibraryatGoodwood on Jan. 10. Shown are, fromleft, Meagan Pugh, John Hough, AlecBaxt and Mary Tharp.

PROVIDED PHOTO

Chapter WofP.E.O

Members of the Chapter WofP.E.O.toured the Greater Baton RougeFood Bank on Jan. 6. Liz Pfifer,chief executiveofficer,and Brian Hightower, chief development officer,led the tour throughthe warehouse, showing the volunteer and distribution areas, storagearea, freezer and refrigerator areas, and the rice-bean packaging area while explaining howfood is collected and distributed. Following the tour,members gathered at Zea’s restaurant for lunch. Shownare, from left, Hightower, VirginiaHolloway, PatAucoin, AnnSharkey,Mary Sandoval, Barbara Long,JoCarolyn Mayeux and Sarah Booth.

TRAVEL

Travel-friendlyfamilyprojectskeepthingscrafty

BY MYSCHA THERIAULT Tribune News Service (TNS)

Need afamily-friendly artactivity conducive to travel? Something you can enjoy,but willalso keep the kids entertained during avisit with the grandparents? I’ve field tested the following ideas in anumber of settings around the world, and with awide range of ages to boot.

Bonus?These craftscan be cranked out even in the absence of aformal art supply store.That’s right. Using only free items pulled from the recycling and inexpensive supplies from small discount stores,you can create mailart, impromptuparty decorations, and more. Trythese projects during your next family vacation.

Sculptures

If theword“sculpture” leaves you feeling overwhelmedwith visions of wood-carving tools, messy clay,and the mayhem either could cause in the hands of younger artists on family holiday,bestressed no more. Aphenomenally versatile supply exists right next to your toilet. Yup, those littlecardboard tubes at thecenterofyour bathroom tissue rolls are good for more than preschoolpuppet theater.While thereisnoshortage of repurposing ideas for these things, the one that really caught my eye thispast year was mask sculptures. Some of the most inspirational onesout there were created by artist Junior Fritz Jacquet, whose finished faces have provided inspiration for afair number of teachers, students, and art content creators.

The more complicatedexamples will require afairly deep dive. However,there are simpler approaches which still look amazing, even for young beginners. A simple internet search and one of the empty roll tubes willget you started. From there,you can add embellishments as Idid, or simply choose one basic pigmenttolayer over the cardboard. Youcan also use apiece of charcoal,ordark colored pastel to add more visual depth to the nooks and crannies. The firsttime Itried oneofthese, Ihad difficulty with someofthe tighter folds. During my practice

TRAVEL TROUBLESHOOTER

By ChristopherElliott

be the easiest. If youdon’t have atravel set of linocut blades to carve rubber mats or old vinyl erasers into your sceneofchoice, one of the mostaccessiblesolutions is flatstyrofoam packaging and your average ballpoint pen. Simply save andsanitize the foam trays from meat and takeout purchases and slice the curved parts away,leaving only the flat portion. Cut to your desired size, and trace adesign into the foam, leaving grooves whichwill formthe details of your print. Be advised that younger hands will be more successful with larger pieces of foam and less detail. The only other supply you need is amoistenedink pad. Ihave asmall oneI usually make room for in my luggage, whichI store in aleakproofbag.Ifyou’d rather nottake thatrisk, Ihave seen these in some fairly small villagemarkets. I’m speaking of the type where they stock everything frombasic school supplies to kitchen towels and tea kettles. Ink pads are pretty easy to access. If you run into problems, you can always use craft paint.

Postcards

session however,Inoticed that aftera few scrunchesand squishes, Icouldmanage asculpted face which looked very much likean Easter Island statue or aPolynesian tikicarving.Sothat’sthe directionItook. Frankly,I had aball. So didseveral of my friends and neighbors. Afterproducinga few examplesonthe road, Ibrought theconcept home andhosted a community craft night on the back porch of my favorite wateringhole. It was ahuge hit Free supplies included thecardboardtubes,along with sticks,pine needles, and mossfroma nature hike. Other items Ipickedupat acreativereuse center,including remnants of upholstery trims, art yarn scraps, partially used tubes

of craft paint, and acouple of costume wigs to cutapart for hair. In towns without acreative reuse center,Ihavefoundsimilar items at thriftand dollarstores. Wrapping stickswith threads, trims, andother bits, then attachingthem to finished masksproducesacollection of tikitotems youcan enjoy in anumber of ways. Place a few in acontainer with greenery to addflairtoa tropical cocktail evening,orput ahaunted island spin on your next murder mystery dinner party.

Prints

While there are several types of printmaking achievable on the road with minimal equipment, I’ve found hand-carved stamps to

Refund sought

My daughters and Iwere set to flyto

Cambodia from Eugene, Oregon, via Seattle.

The first legwas on Alaska Airlines,with aconnection to EVAAir in Seattle.The Alaska flight wasthe first legofour tripto Cambodia.

Christopher Elliott

Hours before departure,Alaska canceled our flight because of acrew shortage.No rebooking options existed, so we drove five hours to Seattle, missing aday of our vacation Ibooked through Expedia, so Icontacted the online travel agency first.What followed was months of maddening runarounds: Expedia’s chatbots bounced me to agents whoclaimed Alaska marked us as “no-shows”(absurd, since Alaska’sown email confirmed the cancellation!).

AgentsinsistedExpedia couldn’trefund us and told me to pester AlaskaorEVA Air EVAreplied,“ContactExpedia,”whileAlaska said,“Expedia holdsyourfunds.”

Iescalated my case to Expedia’s“Premium Traveler Care”department, onlytohear, “Wenolonger have access to yourtickets.” I’ve saved everyemail and chat log, which proves Expedia’sindifference.Whydid Expedia, the middlemanIpaid, refuse to process arefund even afterAlaska admittedfault? How manyhoopsmustacustomer jump through? Can you helpmeget my money back? —Laura Hughart, CottageGrove, Ore.

Expedia should have refunded youimmediately.You paid Expedia —not Alaska or EVA. Expedia’sterms of service arenoncommittalwhen it comes to airline refunds. It says any refunds will

be transferred back to you by the party thattook your original payment —inother words, your airline.

It adds, “Wedonot have visibility of aTravel Provider’srefund process.”

Butthe Department of Transportation (DOT) is clear about who’sresponsible. Its regulations mandateautomatic refunds for cancellations, regardless of cause —noloopholes for “staffing issues.”Ithink theDOT might hold Expedia responsible, especially if it charged your credit card.

Expedia played ashell game with your money,wasted your time with useless chatbots and ignored paper trails. Come on. Youwisely documented every

I’ve been making homemade postcards and sending them to friends for afew years now.The skill-levelbarrier for creating them is extremelylow,while the freedomtoelevate the endproduct as your artistic talents grow is virtually unlimited. This means that in addition to being quite abit of funtodo, they are also achievable for travelers of many ages and abilities. The best part? People are legitimately tickled to find these in theirmail, no matter howabstract, rustic, or quirky their particular postcard is.

There’s areason ideas andtutorialsfor mail artand pen-pal clubs have hada resurgence.There’s something heartwarming about getting an iteminthe post that isn’tabill or asale flyer.Itmakes people feel seen. And the more real andvulnerable youare with the postcards youmake, the more the people who receive themwill feel they can really see you too. While you can certainly spend a small fortune on supplies to start this project, it is absolutely unnecessary.Inmany parts of the world, it isn’tpossible to overspend anyway, as supply sources are fewand farbetween. Some of the most basic cards can be created with empty food boxes from the pantry,tourism brochures, and afew readily available basics such as scissors, aglue stick, and some crayons. You’ll also need something to glue on the imaged side of the card you cut from the food box so you can decorate it.Blank index cards are usually my first choice, but do whatworks for you. From there, just color in abackground, cut an interesting image from one of your brochurestocollage on top of it, and add your address and message to the plain background of the completed postcard. Bottom line?There areanumber of ways to be creative while traveling, many of whichdon’trequire lugging along aton of tools and equipment in your pack.With a littleingenuityand abit of leftover packaging, you can create more art than you might expect.

At this point,you’rebasically ready to press your stamp into thepigment and stamponyour paperofchoice. Smaller stamps provide awiderrange of options for using repurposed paper items. The brown craft paper that comes wrappedaround shipped items, bits of business envelopes from themail, and even empty sections of printed documents can come into play if archival paperisn’t at your disposal.For example, I’ve found that black ink stamped on brown packing paper with torn edges can look quite striking on a black background. If you’re worried about having limitedpatterndrawing experience, don’tbe. I’ve done pencil-carved foamstamps in remote locations with students as young as seven. Seriously,you’ll be surprised at how rewarding the finished product can be. These pint-sized prints can serve anumber of purposes. I’ve personally used them to add dimension to an artjournalentry,ashandmade gifttags,and to decorate thank you notes. Giving themasa gift? Try adding abacking, or acoordinating mat and frame to elevate the look.They are also fun to have on hand if youhappentostumble upon one of those free tiny art galleries during your adventures.

forcanceledAlaskaAirlinesflightfromExpedia

interaction, saved Alaska’scancellation confirmation and persistently escalated your request. Still, Ihave three tips fornext time: First, demand refunds in writing within 30 days —companies stonewall, hoping you’ll quit.Second, when frontline reps shrug, skip the chat roulette and email Expedia’sexecutives. I publish their contacts on my consumer advocacy site, Elliott.org, for this exact purpose. Finally you can contact the DOTwhen an airline or online agency won’trefund you. Typically,that will get a quick response. By theway,I wanted to commendyou on your choice of a vacation destination. Cambodia is rich in culture and history and

one of my favorite places. Ihope it was worth the five-hour drive to Seattle to makeyour flight. Icontacted Expedia on your behalf and separately,you also reached out to EVA’sexecutives, which controlled your ticket. Finally,almost ayear after your flight cancellation, you received your $500 refund from EVA. While I’mglad EVAfinally did the right thing, it should have not taken ayear or an advocacy team to fix this mess.

Christopher Elliott is the founder of Elliott Advocacy,anonprofit organization that helps consumers solve their problems. Email him at chris@elliott.org or get help by contacting at elliottadvocacy.org.

Expectations hazy in relationship

Dear Harriette: Idon’tfeel secure in my current relationship. Ifeel like the guy Ihave been seeingis going to ghost when it takes him awhile to respond, even if things seem fine on the surface. We have this odd dynamic where Iamalways excited about anything he suggests for adate, but whenever Itry to initiate the plans, he has aweird or flimsy excuse for why he can’tgo. I’m left feeling like Iamchasing after him or begging him to spend time with me, and that is so embarrassing. His behavior leads me to overthink every interaction Ihave with him and wonder if Iam doing something wrong, even though Iknow that relationships should not feel this one-sided. I’m annoyed that heonlymakes an effort when it is convenient for him, while Iamputting in emotional energy that never seems to be matched. Ihave tried to bring up how this makes me feel bad, but he brushes it off or changes the subject, which makes me even more unsure aboutwanting to continue to see him. My friends all tell me Ideserve someone who treatsme better,but Ikeep hoping hewill become more consistent.Iam starting to question whether I keepignoring red flags because I want this to work so badly.How

do Ifigure out whether this relationship hasreal potential or if Ishouldwalk away for my own mentalhealth? —Dating Today

Dear Dating Today: Ihave recently read afew studies about dating patterns today andpeople’ssatisfaction levels with those they are dating.Itseems that dating has become oddly impersonal.Inwhat is nowknown as “hookup culture,” many people are gettingintimatebefore they know each other, which creates afalse sense of intimacy where one partner characteristically gets hurt.Whenexpectationsaren’t clear,interest levels are unknown and ageneral desire not to be committed prevails, you can endupinthe situation you are in —terribly lopsided. Your friends are right: If he acts uninterested in what you suggest and bows out unless the date was his idea,hedoesn’t deserve you. Arelationship should be reciprocal. Both of you should have input into how you spend your time. Don’tsit pining for someone who is unwilling to dance with you.

Send questions to askharriette@harriettecole. com or c/oAndrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St Kansas City,MO64106.

Mattel,AlexAster

team up forBarbieyoung adultnovel

BY HILLEL ITALIE

AP national writer

NEW YORK The publishing arm of Mattel Inc. is teaming with million-selling novelist Alex Aster on aBarbie young adult novel in which the iconic doll embarks on ajourney across “treacherous, magicallands.”

“Barbie: Dreamscape,” scheduled for July 28, is the first novel for young adults out of Mattel Publishing since the imprint was announced three years ago. The novel is not tied to the blockbuster 2023 “Barbie” movie and no screen adaptation is currently planned, according to Mattel. The toy and family entertainment company is calling Aster’s book a“coming-of-age story” that finds Barbie declared“Fateless” at the graduation ceremony of the “enchanted” Swancrest Academy “Toearn aFate, shemust journey across treacherous, magical

CURIOUS

Continued from page1D

value was nil,” Cuthbert said The show underwent more of atonal shiftwhen then-station owner Dave Wagenvoord took over as host. Wagenvoordreportedly dedicated more air time to sponsors, such as water bed promoter Red Kagan.

“New Orleans Nite People” was canceled shortly after the station was sold, accordingto Times-Picayune reporting.From the same scorching Times-Picayune account of the show: “It wasderanged. It was disgusting It was discontinued. …Anhour long edition of ‘Stupid Human Tricks’ featuring any eccentric or nut case whopopped up in the studio audience or walked through the studio doors.”

The show has largelydisappeared from the collectiveconsciousness. Former WGNOproducer David Jones, who joined theorganization in 1980, said the involved parties had already left the station. Jones later tried to track down acouple of the characters to include in anew weekly series, but the search proved unsuccessful

“In the ’70s they did produce a lot of odd ball shows,” Jones said via email.

The other show,alternately

AT RANDOM

Continued from page1D

Flipping

lands in search of the mysteriousbeings who controlthe destiniesof everyoneinHeartland andthe buried truths that could change her world forever,” Thursday’sannouncementreadsin part. “Because to forge herown path,Barbiemuststep out of the box and intothe unknown.”

The publishing imprint is focused on Mattel’s“extensive catalog of children’sand family entertainment franchises,” includingBarbie, Hot Wheelsand Polly Pocket. Earlier this week, MattelInc.announced it had created an autisticBarbiedoll, part of the Fashionistas line committed to diversity Aster, asocial media favorite best known for her “Lightlark” series and for the adult novel “Summerinthe City,” said in a statement thatBarbie dolls were aformativepart of herchildhood.

referred to as “LateNight New Orleans,” and “Late Nite New Orleans” was also treated none toogently in thelocal paper.Current WLAE-TV staff members didnot haverecords of theshow, but aTimes-Picayune search turned up someinformation in the form of another scathing review

Theshowwas announced as a joint project between radio station WTIX and WLAE. DJs Tony Ponsetiand Jay Richards headed theshow, set to launch September1992. The two were meant to host “Late Nite New Orleans” every Tuesday,withnew live musical acts broadcasted from the Palm Court Cafe in the French Quarter.But by December,multiple delays and alack of fundingled theTimes-Picayune to term the show a“dead issue.”

From the December1992 article on theshow:“Once touted as its most ambitious local production ever,‘Late Nite New Orleans’ instead has turned out to be oneof WLAE’sbiggest busts.”

While thetwo shows were ultimately short-lived, memories of theprogramming lives on.

Do you have aquestionabout something in Louisiana that’s got you curious?Emailyour question to curiouslouisiana@ theadvocate.com.Include your name, phone number and the city where you live.

design plans taped to thewall. They point me to theidea that we can imagineany future we want, athought to sustain me as the coming monthsunfold.

Email Danny Heitman at danny@dannyheitman.com.

LSU Professor of ArtJane Ashburnteaches aclass in artconservation. She bringsher students to the LSU Rural Life Museum as part of the class. She currentlyisworking with master of fine artstudent Demi Dauteriveina project to preserve Steele Burden’sbarnsketches.

BARN

Continuedfrom page1D

Even Burden wouldn’thave claimed his drawings were anythingclose to masterpieces. Still, they were morethan mere doodles. Follow their progression along the walls, and the story of Windrush comes tolife. They tell the story of the people who lived on the 400-acrespread and their dailyfarmlifeaswitnessedby Burden. It’s nothing fancy or history-changing, but this was what happened here.

Steele Burden grew up here Burdengrew up on the Essen Laneplantation with his siblings, Pike andIone. Thetriodonated their family home to LSUinthe 1960s, and the museum was established in 1970, withSteele Burden running it

His museum vision, like his sketches, focused on rural settings andthe daily strugglesoffarmers, laborers andenslavedpeople.He actively sought outand moved historic buildings, as well as artifacts, to the grounds to tell the story

As an artist, Steele Burden was particularly noted for his ceramic sculptures,whichcommented not only on everyday life in Louisiana but itsculture and politics. Hisartisticendeavorsalsoincluded painting, drawing, photography and landscapedesign, all influenced by his grandfather Capt. O.B. Steele, whowas both an artist and art collector

“Steele Burden was astoryteller,” said Katherine Fresina,the museum’scurator.“Hisworks were inspired by his own vision and memories, and theybecame another way of sharing his stories.”

And though his barn sketches hadn’t been forgotten,they weren’t alwaysnoticed.Perhaps it was because theywere drawn in black lines, appearing as scribbles on the wall.

LSUduo stepsup

The museum asked Ashburn to takeacloser look.

“I teach an ‘Introduction to Conservation’ course,and Ibrought my classes out here,” shesaid. “And in that course, studentsare given two objects from the RuralLife ephemeral collection to work with.So, theobjects aren’t from thepermanent collection, and they’re not thecataloged objects. They’re theadditional objects that are out here but maybe don’thave provenance.”

The students’ assignments includedresearching the history of each objectand itsmaterials andtaking the steps to conserve and stabilize it.

abamboo swab stick to carefully clean aSteeleBurden sketch. The drawing is one of manyBurden drewonthe LSURural Life Museum’sbarnwalls

“Everysingleobjectisdifferent, andwith that class, I’ve had students who then want the opportunitytodoextra work,” Ashburn said. “So, Demi is doing an independent study,and the museum has selected something that they’re interested in creating a case study. That’show we’ve selected this work.”

Ashburn andDauterive began their project in the heat of August and continued well intoDecember,planning to restart soon. They knew they were taking achance at each step, the first of which was figuringout Steele Burden’s medium for the drawings.

“Westill don’tknow,” Dauterive said, continuously moving the cotton swab over the vinyl as she talks.

“I’ll have to sayit’skind of guesswork,” Ashburn added. “Part of this process is testing to seewhat solvents will re-solubilizeit. We’ve gotsome guesses as to whathe used, maybe paint marker,but we aren’tsure. Allweknow is this particular medium isn’taffected by theacetone. We tested it and let it sit for two weeks, andwestill haven’tseen anykind of effect.”

The re-solubilization —essentially loosening the material again, removes brown spots from years of being exposed to Louisiana’senvironmental elements.

Just thebeginning Ashburn throwsa quick glance toward the endofthe table.Drawings removed from the walls are stacked high, separated by insulation. But this is just asampling.

The walls are long and still filled with drawings, andthoughthe cleaningprocessisslow, each new step offers encouragement.

“The drawings had to be removed using personal protective equipment,” Dauterive said. “So, we’re being very careful.”

And since the insulation is old, its adhesive doesn’tcling to the

outervinyl bearing the drawings.

“It’sbrittle and old, and the adhesive isn’texactlywhat it used to be,” Dauterive said. “So,I went out there with amask, protective glasses and something covering my clothes, andIjustpickedupa drawing from apaletteand started scraping it.Then Istarted peeling it back until the backing camecompletely off. Iwas able to use the acetone to meltthe adhesive completelyaway from the drawing.”

As their cleaning swabsget closer to the actual drawing, the duo switches to paintbrushes to delicately work around the lines —lines that have had away of opening up theirunderstanding of Steele Burden’sworld. Burden’s humorshines

“He didn’ttakehimselftoo seriously,” Dauterive said. “He definitely had asense of humor.”

“On the main part of the barn, there wasthis drawing that looked like three menand some dogs hunting something,”Ashburn added. “But the something is in thetree. It looksvaguely mouseshaped, but it’svery large.” Araccoon?Ormaybe an opossum?

“Maybe, but we don’tknow,” Ashburnsaid. “But it’s mouseshaped. We were laughing the other day,saying that it just looked like alarge rat. His sense of humor does shine here.”

For now,the rat in the tree will remain amystery,but Dauterive hopes this project will solve the sketch’srestoration process.

“I’m writing aguide on how to preserve these, and I’mhoping it will streamline theprocess to get through this quicker,” she said. “Itwill be amanual that anyone can pick up andcontinue this workafter Ileave.”

Email Robin Millerat romiller@theadvocate.com.

LOUISIANABAKES

Forthe biggame, make theplayofthe dayacrowd-pleaser

Olivia Regard

The College Football Playoffs and the NFL Super Bowlaren’tjust about the action on the field; theseevents are about gathering with friends, family and fellow fansfor good food and great memories. Even thoughour beloved Louisianafootball teams have reached the end of their respective seasons, afew big games remain. While chips, burgers andwings are staples for anygame day gathering, adding special dishes to your menu can turn awatch party into an unforgettable celebration

Sure, you could fret over whipping up afancy spread,but why bother? With alittle planning and creativity, baking for football playoffs andthe Super Bowl can turn your homeintothe ultimate fan zone.

Start with crowd-pleasers like this riff on pimento cheesedip served with Southern “fire crackers” foranextra punch. Elevate your charcuterie board with afigand prosciutto baked brie

The “fire crackers” cometogether with just afew simple ingredients and one key trick: Make suretorotatethe crackers oftenbeforeletting them sit overnight so they soak upthe bold flavor in the marinade. The result iseasy, tasty and asoon-to-be obsession

The baked brie combines warm, creamy brie withgently spiced fig jam and crispy prosciutto for asavorysweet appetizer.The brie bakes directly in its crate,allowing thecheese to soften while the prosciuttoturns golden and the jam settles into the scored surface. It has that perfect balanceof salty,sweet and alittle smokywithout needing along ingredient list or any tricky steps. Enjoy the baked brie with crudites, crackers or toast points warm from the oven.

It’seasy to love that thefood sometimeseclipses the game itself. By the time next season rolls around,you may not remember whowon the biggame, but you will never forget these recipes that are easy to prepareinadvanceand will elevate your game day spread So, pass around these dishes at the next football watch partyand end the epic game on adelicious note, nomatter who wins.

Gouda Cheese Dip

Serves 8-10. Adapted from Food &Wine.

1/2 purpleonion, diced 4-ounce jarpiquillo peppers, drained and finelychopped (about 1/2 cup)

Figand Prosciutto

Baked Brie

1round of French Briecheese in woodencontainer 4-6 tablespoons figpreserves 1(3-ounce)container of prosciutto Fresh rosemaryorthyme (optional), chopped Red pepper flakes Olive oil Crackers, crudites or French baguette slices forserving

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.

4tablespoons (about 2packages) ranch dressingmix

3tablespoons red pepper flakes 16-ounce package saltine crackers

1. Usingalarge gallon zip-top plastic bagorlargeplastic container witha tight-fitting lid,pour in theolive oil, seasonings and spices. Close thebag andknead the marinade to thoroughly mixthe ingredients together

2. Addall four sleeves of crackers to the marinade, re-seal and gently turn the bag over several times to coat the crackers with the spice mixture. Continue rotatingthe bag every so often.

3. Letthe bag sit for at least eight hoursorevenovernight

4. Preheat oven to 250 F. Linemultiplebakingsheetswith parchment paper orfoil.Place thecrackers in one layeronthe lined baking sheets

5. Bakecrackersfor 15 minutes.Let cool and serve. Note: Store in an airtight container foruptotwo weeks. Crackersgowell with pimentocheese dip and make a tasty addition to soup.

2tablespoons applecider vinegar 1teaspoon hot sauce

4ounces extrasharp cheddar cheese, finelyshredded 4ounces smoked gouda, finely shredded

1/2 cup mayonnaise

Saltand black pepper to taste

1. Grate purple onion on large holes of abox grater.Place onion in a paper towel and squeeze out the excess liquid.

2. Stir together the grated onion, peppers, mayonnaise, vinegar and hot sauce.

3. Fold in grated cheeses.

4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes

5. Serve with crackers (fire crackersare great with this), toasted crostiniand/or crudités.

3. Cut diagonal lines into the cheese in both directions, stopping before the edge and without cutting through the base.

4. Spread fig preserves into the cuts and on top of the brie round.

5. Place pieces of prosciutto into the cuts, pressing gently into the cheese. Note: Depending on the size of the brie, you may not need all of the prosciutto.

6. Sprinkle with herbs and apinch of red pepper flakes, then drizzle with olive oil.

2. Remove cheese from the plasticwrap; save the wood container.Line the wood container with parchment paper andremove any long overhangs. Place the cheese in the parchment-lined wood container

7. Place cheese on asheet pan and bake for20minutes. Remove from oven and serve.

Krewecarries out‘ArtemisTurns 25 In The225’theme

TheKrewe of Artemis hosted its 25th annual soirée on Friday at the Raising Cane’sRiver Center Arena in Baton Rouge Queen Artemis XXV along withher king, were presented in atableau titled “Artemis Turns 25 In The 225.” Krewe of Artemis Captain Joanne Walker Harvey’s whistle exchange called the festivitiesto order,and the colors of the United States of America were presented by Helix Mentorship STEAM Academy of Baton Rouge. The krewe’s past kings and queens were presented to thesong“Overture from Music Man.”

Alexis Harvey,Queen Artemis XXV,isthe daughter of Joanne and Charles Harveyand is asenior majoring in computer science engineering at LSU’sOgden Honors College.

Royal pages to the queen wereDell Hepburn Nikolaus, daughter of Amy and Emily Nikolaus, and Brynn Elizabeth Fife, whose parents are Shae and Brennan Fife. The pagesrepresented “Artemis Takes AHoliday.”

Royal maids were Eliza Claire Bodin, daughter of Katie and Greg Bodin, representing “Tales From the Bayou”; AmeliaFay Carlson, daughter of Amy and Ned Fasulloand Jennifer and Benjamin Carlson, representing “LSU”; Amelia Claire Lalonde, daughter of Dr.Jimmy and Dr.Elise Lalonde, representing “Christmas Wonderland,”

KingArtemis

and Marguerite AnnUzee, daughter ofKim andTravisUzee and Dr.Ann and Smokey Cook, representing “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.”

StevenEugene Cheatham reigned as King Artemis XXV.His wife is Katie Cheatham,QueenArtemis XXII, and he is an investor and executiveinnumerous business ventures includingCocreham Brick,HRM Concrete, and Resilient EnergySolutions.

Royal pages to theking were Asher JosephPossa, the son of Joseph and

Chadwick Possa, and Julian James Flanagan, son of Paigeand Jonathan Flanagan.

Royal dukes were Joseph Roland Bodin, son of Katie and Greg Bodin; Adam Henry Strunk, son of Crystal andJason Strunk; Andrew Henry Kucharchuk, son of Jessica and Andrew Kucharchuk, and Callon Catesby Schiele, son of Holly and Steven Schiele. The princesses of thejunior court wereMary Huntington Chambers, daughter of Lauren Gutierrez and

Matthew Chambers; Ana Lucia Delgado, daughter of Stephanie Possa and John Delgado; Madeleine Marie Esquivel, daughter of Marie Esquivel and Bret Esquivel, and Elizabeth Marie Smith, daughter of Erin and Justin Smith. The princesses represented “See America, the Artemis Way.”

The junior dukes were Devin KumarWelden, son of Dr.Jonathan and Dr.Lisa Jain Welden; Sohan Mahendra Welden, son of Dr.Jonathan and Dr.Lisa Jain Welden; Mason Bruce Esquivel, son of Marie Esquivel and Bret Esquivel, and Matthew Parker Ingram,son of Michelle and Connor Ingram Presented as officers of the Krewe of Artemis were KatyBraun, Molly Bryan, Leigh Holdiness Davis, Marie Banta Esquivel, Alexis Harvey,Michelle Ingram, and Edith Rahm.Board member emeritus Toni Chenevert wasunable to attend. The krewe’s float lieutenants endedthe formal presentationbygiving the krewe members andtheir guests asneak peek at this year’s parade,which also will carry outthe “Artemis Turns 25 In The 225” theme. The krewewill parade through the streets of downtownBaton Rouge at 7p.m. Friday,Feb. 6, with 28 New Orleans-style floats and morethan 25 bands and marching groups. For moreinformation, go to kreweofartemis.net.

KreweofDenhamSprings celebrates 46th MardiGras

The Krewe of Neaux Klu presented“AGhostly Gala”for the Krewe of Denham Springs, transforming North ParkRecreation Center into ahaunted grandballroom for its 46th annual Mardi Gras ball on Saturday Outgoing royalty were Maurice “Scooter” Keen and Kay Keen, the 2025 king and queen. Crowned as the 2026 king and queen were Susan Hazleton and Charles “Chuck” Hazleton.

The Hazeltons have been members of the Krewe of Mystic Summer for 15 years and have served the krewe in numerous capacities,most recentlyasfloat captains. She has also served as ballcaptain andcurrently serves as treasurer for the krewe.

Susan Hazleton has worked as controller and office manager for Blount General Contractors in Walker for the past 20 years. Together,the couple owns Hazleton Automation &Machine, a valve automation companybased in Denham Springs, which they haveoperatedfor 20 years.

MLK Fest 2026 to be held Jan. 19

The Walls Project invites theBaton Rouge community to honorthe legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr at MLK Fest 2026.

Aresource fair and block party from noon to 3p.m. Jan. 19 at Park Medical Elementary School will follow the morning service projects.

This celebratory gathering will feature live entertainment, guest speaker, craft vendors, food trucks, facilitated conversations on racial healing and kid zone activities (including Little BR Village installation).

The block party is open to the public and offers a space to reflect, connect and celebrate the collective impact of theweekend.

Activities on Monday morning include refreshing elder homes withpainting, landscaping and curbappeal improvements in partnership with EnvisionBR and Habitat for Humanity; 800 acres of blight and litter cleanup; placemaking murals; and innovative “living galleries” that turn reclaimed yard signs into mobile artinstallations throughout Baton Rouge at our Baton Roots garden

Eagle 98.1 radio personality

ScottRobb,master of ceremonies, introduced theball captains, parade captainsand Denham Springs Mayor GerardLandry

Float captains included:

n Billie and Joy McCartney –

Krewe of Bras Moi Chue

n Codyand Kaley Crotwell –

Krewe of Fleur de Lis

n Glen and LindaForbes –

Krewe of Hullabaloux

n Steve Carpenter and Lori Schmitz –Krewe of Klassy Ca-

juns

n Clay and Michelle Morris –

Krewe of Misfits

n Alton and Tricia Cambre –

Krewe of Mystic Summer

n Will andKellie Benton –

Krewe of Neaux Klu

n Joe and Gretchen Galindo –

Krewe of Roux

n Julie Mayeaux– Krewe of Who

n Brad and Brittany Marcotte –

Krewe of Friends

The outgoingkingand queen bestowed Krewe of Denham Springs silver medallion neck-

sites and communityfarm. Formore information or to register,thewallsproject. org/mlkfestbr. Historical marker to be rededicated

Thehistorical marker identifying the 400-yearold “Miss JanePittman Oak”, theinspirationfor the Ernest J. Gaines 1971 novel “The Autobiography of Miss JanePittman,” is being rededicatedat3 p.m. Jan.18at 11850 La. 416 in Lakeland, one mile west of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. The original marker was stolen in October 2022, but joint efforts of thePointe Coupée Historical Society, theAlbert Family Foundation,the Curet Family and donors of theBaton Rouge Area Foundation sourced and purchaseda newhistorical marker Leadersinvolved will be available for questions. Foradditional information, email katricealbert@gmail. com.

LSU Hilltop Arboretum to hold annual symposium

Join FriendsofHilltop Arboretum for the2026

Annual Symposiumfrom 9a.m. tonoon Jan. 31 at the Main Library,7711 Goodwood Blvd., Baton Rouge.

laces upon the newly crowned royalty. The mayor read aproclamation and presented the new royal couple with akey to the City of Denham Springs Members of themayoral and royal courts,along with guests, toasted thenew king and queen. The royal couple closed the evening’sceremonies by leading everyone in atraditional Mardi Gras second line. Phat Hat brought thedance floor to life throughout theevening.

The 46th annual Krewe of Denham Springs parade will roll at 3p.m. Saturday,Jan. 31. The family-friendly parade will begin at Denham Springs High School on Yellow Jacket Boulevard and proceed down Range Avenue to Veterans Boulevard.

In remembrance of years past and the 10-year anniversary of thehistoric 2016 flood in Denham Springs, this year’sgrand marshal will be the United Cajun Navy 2016, represented by President Jon BridgersSr. and Vice President Robert Pearson.

The symposium is titled “Designing withNature: Functional, Sacred, and Sustainable Landscapes,” featuring keynote speaker Jessi Bloom.

Bloom will explore how to create functional landscapes rooted in ecological and permaculture principles, while incorporating sacred and healing spaces into gardens and outdoor environments.

Attendees will gain practical insights, inspiration and strategies to integrate sustainability, beautyand habitat intoeveryday landscapes.

Continuing education unitswill be available for master gardeners and landscape architects. The event will also include hospitality, vendors and Hilltop Gift Shop book sales.

Costs are $85 for members, $95 for nonmembers and $50 for students. Register here or visit lsu.edu/ hilltop/programs/adult/ symposium.php to register Save the datefor Love the Boot Week

Keep Louisiana Beautiful and Lt. Gov.Billy Nungesser announced that online registration is now open at LoveTheBoot.orgfor the 5th annual Love the Boot Week, Louisiana’slargest statewide litter removal and beautification effort. The event will takeplace

April 18–26, and will celebrate America’s250th birthday Louisianans across the stateare encouraged to show their pride in their communities, and their country,byparticipating in alocal cleanup or beautification effort during Love

the Boot Week. The first 800 groups to register their litter cleanup or beautification event will receive asupply box with volunteer T-shirts, gloves and trash bags.

Louisiana residents can participate in Love the Boot Week in the following ways:

register alitter cleanup or beautification event, volunteer foranevent in your area, pick up 250 pieces of litter in celebration of America’sbirthday,share #LovetheBoot on social media and donate to the KLB Foundation to support Love the Boot Week.

By The Associated Press

Today is Sunday,Jan. 18, the18thday of 2026. Thereare 347 days left inthe year

Todayinhistory:

On Jan. 18, 1958, Canadian Willie O’Reebecame the first Black player in theNational HockeyLeague as he madehis debutwith the Boston Bruins.

Also on this date:

In 1778, English navigator Captain James Cook reached the present-day HawaiianIslands, which he dubbed the“Sandwich Islands.”

In 1803, President Thomas Jeffersonasked Congress in aconfidential message for$2,500 in funding for exploration of Western lands all the way to the Pacific, an early step in the eventual formation of the Lewis and Clark expedition that would ultimately accelerateAmerican expansion westward beyond the Mississippi River.

In 1911, the first landingofan aircraft on a ship took place as pilot Eugene B. Ely brought his Curtiss biplane in for asafe landingonthe deck of the armored cruiser USS Pennsylvania in San Francisco Harbor

In 1977, scientists identified the bacteria responsible for the deadly form of atypical pneumonia known as Legionnaires’ disease

In 1990, Washington, D.C., Mayor Marion Barry was arrested afterFBI agents caught him smoking crack cocaineina hotelroom in avideotapedsting. (Convicted of drugpossession, Barry spent afew months in prison, returning to win aD.C. Council seat in 1992 and hisfourthand final mayoral victory in 1994. He died in 2014.)

In 1993, the Martin Luther KingJr. holiday wasobservedinall 50 states for the first time

In 1996, Lisa Marie Presleyfiled for divorce from Michael Jackson, citing “irreconcilable differences” afterless than twoyears ofmarriage.

In 2013, former Democratic New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin was indicted on chargesthat he’d used his officefor personal gain, accepting payoffs, freetrips and gratuities fromcontractors while the devastated city was struggling to recover from Hurricane Katrina. (Naginwas later convicted, served time, and wasreleased from prison in 2020.)

In 2019, Jason VanDyke, theWhite Chicago police officer who gunneddown Black teenager Laquan McDonald in 2014, was sentencedto nearly seven yearsinprison

In 2025, agasoline tanker exploded in Nigeria, killing at least 70 people as individuals sought to transfer gasoline from one tanker into another truck as numerous bystanders lookedon.

Today’sbirthdays: Actor-filmmaker Kevin Costner is 71. Actor Mark Rylance is 66. Hockey Hall of Famer Mark Messier is 65. Actor Dave Bautista is 57. Actor Jesse L. Martin is 57. Rock singer JonathanDavis (Korn) is 55. Football Hall of Famer Julius Peppers is 46. Actor Jason Segel is 46. Actor Carlacia Grant is 35. Singer and activist Montana Tucker is 33. Spanish soccer starAitana Bonmati is 28. Actor Karan Brar is 27.

Presumegoodintentions—mostofthe

Dear Miss Manners: When did people become so insecure that they take offense at pretty much everything?

I’ve noticed ahuge shift.Compliments given by strangers are now considered an insult or an attack against their feelings. Amom is insulted, a woman with apretty hairstyle is offended, someone with anice outfit is annoyed. “You look nice today” is taken as saying she looks bad the rest of the week. What’swrong withpeople?

What is asociety when nobody talkstoanyone, and we let insecurities turn us cold and isolated? Then you have people saying, “I’m lonely and no one talks to me.” Well, what did you expect?

Due to being asingle mom, people often ask what hap-

pened to cause my divorce. Ijust laugh and tell the truth—that Iwas young and dumb—and everyone always laughs in agreement. This has started some very funny conversations, and it has also started conversations with women who are struggling in their own marriages and need someonetotalk to. Due to financial struggles, Ihave purchased 99% of my clothes at resale shops or garage sales. Ihave always gotten compliments on my clothes; some women even ask where Ibought my blouse, jacket, etc. Do Iget insulted, and say, “Ohmygosh, how dare she intrude in my life struggles”? No. Isay,“Thank you —and you know,I’ve had it so long Idon’tremember where I

bought it.” Compliment given, compliment accepted. My faith keeps me motivated to be happy and kind to others. Here’safinal thought: If you use your timeand energy to be happy and kind to others, you won’thave the timetolook forinsults where no insult exists. Acomplimenttoastranger might just be what they need that day!

Gentle Reader: Or not.

YetMiss Manners agrees that the unpleasant habit of taking insult when none was intended is widespread. She admires and appreciates your behavior.Indeed, the world would be alot morepleasant if people presumed goodwill in others. There are exceptions, of course: compliments that are salacious, forexample. Questions that imply aslur.Or plain nosiness, which is also rampant. No one should feel

forced to answer personal questions. But barbed comments from strangers may be ignored, and nosy questions may be deflected. All Miss Manners asks is that they not inspire further rudeness.

Dear Miss Manners: Iam56 years old and have aspecial person in my life. When we go out and meet people, how do Iintroduce her? As my girlfriend, my lady friend, my pillow pal? Please help.

Gentle Reader: Only if you expunge the term “pillow pal,” which has leftMiss Manners with amental picture she would prefer not to entertain. The accepted term foran established unmarried couple is now “partner.” Short of that is “friend.”

Email Miss Manners at dearmissmanners@gmail. com.

Dear Heloise: The letter about preventingcarbon monoxide poisoning by getting amonitor for your home is amust but,itdidn’tgo far enough. Youshould get amonitor that you can also travel with. How manyarticles have we read about carbon monoxide poisoning in vacation rental homes, condos and even hotels? Vacations are arelaxing getaway,but you shouldn’tlet your guard down while you are stayinginplaces that probably do not have an installed monitor.Taking that home monitor with you, or aseparate unit, could save yourlife. —Kagey in Prescott,Ariz. Kagey,it’salways good to have acarbon monoxide detector in thehome, office and/ or in ahotel room. However if you have afire going in your fireplace, it may cause the detector to sound an

alarm. In that case, just crack awindow alittle or put out thefire.

—Heloise Hiccups

Dear Heloise: Ihave to offer my tip to stop hiccups instantly.Tostop hiccups, hold about 20 milliliters water in your mouth andatthe same time plug bothyour ears with your fingers. After a few seconds, spit thewater out of your mouth.Hiccups should stop instantly —Jay M., Richmond,Va Jay,that’s anew one I hadn’theard about before. People usually advise swallowing water —Heloise Lint

Dear Heloise: Ilove reading your columnonadaily basis. Iwish to add to the hints about removing clothes dryer lint. My laundry room is right next to my workshop, where I have amedium-size shopvacuum.You can use thevacuum hose to removedryer lint in about five seconds —it’s

quick and easy —Tim Hammond, Buckeye,Ariz Foaming soap

Dear Heloise: Iuse refillable foaming soap bottles at all my sinks. One day Iaccidentally bought aliquid soap refill instead of foaming. I found out that if Iput about an inch of liquid soap in the empty bottle then water up to the fill line it makes perfect foaming soap. I’ve had the refill forayear now,and it’snot even close to halfway gone. This bottle will last me years. Best money-saving mistake Iever made. —SandraG., in Reseda, Calif.

Removing moldycheese

Dear Heloise: We’ve all had cheese moldafter using some andsaving the rest in the refrigerator.Cheese moldisn’t harmful,but not something we want to eat. Rather than throwing the whole chunk of cheese away,many of us will cutoff the moldy part and use the rest. The easiest way

to remove the affected area is to use your potato peeler.It does asuper job, and does so while minimizing the amount of good cheese that is removed.

—Don B.

Shellac

Dear Heloise: Recently a neighbor gave me awooden salad bowlset. The individual bowls are fine, but the large bowlshowsareas where it mostlikely wasshellacked. How can Isafely remove that coating without damaging the wood? —Donna C.,Tucson,Ariz. Donna, Irecommend going to ahardware store and having one of the salespeople help you find the correct remover.You’ll need one that won’tleave aresidue. Be sure to tell them that this is awooden bowland that you will be using it with food. They might recommendthat you re-shellac the bowel to keep oils from soaking into the wood. —Heloise Email heloise@heloise.com.

‘Boudin Boy’ blends art, storytelling, Cajun culture

Author, illustrator releases new books for children

BY LAUREN CHERAMIE

Staff writer

Paul Schexnayder has been a professional (colorblind) artist for more than 30 years He is frequently featured as a festival poster artist, and his work has been placed in galleries and shows throughout Louisiana.

Schexnayder is also an author/ illustrator of several children’s books, including “I Know My Louisiana Colors” and “The Gumbo Gators series.”

His most recent release, “The Adventures of Boudin Boy” is his first young reader book The story centers around an old Cajun couple who uses their famous boudin recipe to make a son who goes on wild adventures throughout the swamps of Louisiana. In the fall, Schexnayder will release a second book of Boudin Boy’s adventures, titled “Boudin Boy Meets Cracklin’ Dog.” How does art and writing intersect in your life? How did it culminate into a children’s book? I always get the story from the art. I’ll do something and think, Who is that character? What are they doing? Where are they going, or where are they coming from?” That has always been where I start. Now, maybe a phrase or something visual that I see is where the stories usually come from, especially the last couple of books

that I’ve done For this book, I wrote the story a long time ago, but it was too long to be a picture book. So I shelved it and then my publisher recommended a young reader/middle grade chapter book. I sent it to them and they asked for it to be a little longer to be

a chapter book. I did, and it all worked out. Children’s books tend to have this sort of whimsy to them that you can have fun with the plot and the characters.What was the appeal for you to write a young reader book? The fun. I always forget, like,

wait, he’s a boudin boy He could do anything. I always think that he’s a little boy and he has to do certain things. No, he can’t. I could go crazy That is what really opened up the second half the book that they wanted to make it longer I could make him do anything. I just have to remember that. Somebody told me that he could blast off in a rocket and take his boudin around space. And I’m like, yes! I could do that. It’s wide-open. As an adult, I forget that sometimes. What are some of your favorite spots to get boudin in Louisiana?

I have not tasted a boudin that I haven’t liked. I don’t eat it all the time, so it’s always a treat when I do.

Everybody loves The Best Stop. Kartchner’s in Scott was so good. Legnon’s Boucherie in New Iberia is really good. I have to say this: My ultimate favorite is no longer with us, because when the husband and wife died, the recipe went away It was Nook’s Boudin in New Iberia. She did everything by hand.

Did you pull any inspiration from your childhood to write about Boudin Boy’s Cajun adventures?

There’s a little bit. I think he’s a very curious kid but also respects and loves his parents. That’s always in the back of his head, and I love my parents. I always try to do the right thing. That’s me in there in him. He’s very observant of things, and I wanted to put that in there.

Not just of nature but kind of oldfashioned things. I’m about to be 60, and I’m the youngest of five, so I’ve taken on that role, growing up as the baby, watching everything and learning the good and the bad.

Now Boudin Boy is an only child. He’s got a lot to learn.

The premise of the story is that the main character is a food, and you mention a secret batter in the book that helps to create him. How was food integrated in your family growing up?

It was more of a ritual, once-aweek thing. I remember my dad always cooking barbecue chicken on Sundays while we were in the pool, with the smoke everywhere. We had a large family, and my parents were good friends with other people who had big families. Every holiday we’d all be together, so it’d be five or six different families all celebrating Thanksgiving. We’d have over 100 people, and everybody had to bring a dish. It was this ritual every year for Thanksgiving, Easter New Year’s Day Labor Day, etc.

It was wonderful, and that’s such a great memory I’ve done so many paintings of the different homes we were at some on the bayou and some in the country

The food part, the tradition and culture, it was infused in our everyday life.

Schexnayder will host a book release party from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 14 at A&E/Paul Schexnayder Gallery 335 West St. Peter St., New Iberia, with crafts, boudin boy cookies, boudin bites and book signings. Additional events and book signings include: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 21 at Barnes & Noble, 3721 Veterans Blvd., Metairie; 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 21 at Barnes & Noble, 1200 S. Clearview Parkway, New Orleans; 9 a.m. to noon March 7 at Legnon’s Boucherie, 410 Jefferson Terrace Blvd., New Iberia and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 11 at Books Along the Teche Literary Festival, The Bazus Building, 210 E. Main St., New Iberia. Email Lauren Cheramie at lauren.cheramie@theadvocate. com.

Author explores the mythology of Mississippi Delta

BY RIEN FERTEL

Contributing writer

“When It’s Darkness on the Delta,” by W. Ralph Eubanks, Beacon Press, 264 pages.

The Mississippi Delta has long haunted Ralph Eubanks, a professor and writer in residence at the University of Mississippi’s Center for the Study of Southern Culture, as a study in contrasts and contradictions.

“I have come to think of the Mississippi Delta,” he writes in his new book, “When It’s Darkness on the Delta,” as “a liminal space of madness where my thoughts are sometimes lost between the darkness and the intermittent light that can be found in this land’s glowing sunsets.” Raised in the piney-hilled woods of south-central Mississippi, a young Eubanks often accompanied his father to the unincorporated Delta town of Mileston He still remembers those visits, “dropping down that hill at Yazoo City and how everything just changed,” he tells me. “Like I was in this other world.”

Decades earlier, a New Deal program purchased 10,000 acres of former plantation lands surrounding Mileston with the intention of transforming the lives of 110 Black sharecropping families, transforming them into shareholders in a farm cooperative and eventually landowners

In 1949, the elder Eubanks, a young and idealistic Tuskegee grad with a degree in agronomy

moved to town to advise farmers enrolled in the program Hostility by White residents, especially wealthy descendants of the Delta’s planter class, forced him out by 1956

Mixing history, journalism, photography and memoir, Eubanks challenges our understanding of a place that has become, in the minds of many, a pilgrimage site for Blues fans.

“To understand the Delta,” he writes, “you must experience it not just through the history and rhythm of the blues, but through the struggles and stories that created the music.”

This interview has been condensed and edited

Why does the Mississippi Delta continue to capture the imaginations of not just Americans? You make the point that it’s

never completely been about the music.

The person that I think put it the best was June Jordan, when she said it’s one of those places that’s mythical. It’s like Plymouth Landing. Like Harlem All of these are really big places that we have mythologized. And the Delta’s mythology has gone from the South to the rest of the world. And why is that? I think it’s just because it is one of those places that’s wrapped in stories, layered stories.

When you get people talking about it, they all go at different layers of it all. Some of it is true, some of it is myth. And sometimes even when you’re exploring the myth, when you dig through that, you can get to the truth.

And Blues music, one of the first popular musical forms in this country, was a way of storytelling It wasn’t a way of storytelling; it was a way of protest The ways this art form has traveled around the world is endlessly fascinating to me. I was in Berlin a couple years ago, in the Stasi archives, and one of the things I did not know about is something called the Blues Masses, where they used the Blues to protest the repression that was happening in East Germany

When people are oppressed, they have to find some way to release that, and that very often comes through art. In this case, the Delta came through the Blues.

There’s this poignant moment in the book that I can’t let go of.You’re reporting on a school play that tells the story of a family who integrated the school system in the

town of Drew And you end up joining the production.

I’m doing these interviews with Gloria Carter Dickerson about her organization, We2gether Creating Change. And they need an adult from the community to play (prominent local Civil Rights leader) Amzie Moore. And I’m thinking, I can do this, and I can see what it is that’s happening with this group.

But I also saw that there was this piece that was missing. As I’m looking out, I know every White face in the crowd it’s every White liberal in the Delta and I realize there’s no White person under age 25. We’re maybe 2 miles from North Sunflower Academy (a private school, established in 1966, to provide a segregated education for White students). They are present. But why aren’t they here?

Each night, we were talking about the “cruel and intolerable burden.” That was the last line of the play (spoken by an actor

playing activist Marian Wright Edelman). And that line just kept bumping off my head. The intolerable burden is still with us. It’s just taken a different form. And realizing these kids are opting out of school integration, and they’ve never been to an integrated school. That’s the great irony of it all. What do you think your father would think if you could take him back to the Delta today? He went there with a great deal of idealism, and I think he truly believed that things like Mileston, this idea of farm cooperatives, could be transformative for Black people in the Delta. Lots of people believed that. In the post-war era, this is what was going to change the lives of Black people in the South. And I think he would be saddened to see that what he thought was going to happen didn’t happen. My father would have been 100 years old on New Year’s Eve, and had he lived, I think he would have seen the Delta of today pretty close to what it was when he arrived there in 1949.

Everyone underestimated the ways that the plantation power structure would work so hard to maintain their dominance. It is in that struggle for power that we see the problems in the Mississippi Delta. It is that eternal power struggle. And it is one that is rooted in economics rather than politics.

Rien Fertel is the author of four books, including, most recently, “Brown Pelican.”

‘The

grid

transforming’ is

BY RICH COLLINS

Staff writer

Electric wires on poles? Most people don’twaste asecond thinking about that kind of thing. They’re just glad they can plug their smartphone in at nightor heat up leftovers in the microwave. But “most people”doesn’t include the foundersofAmpirical,a 20-year-old Covingtonengineering firmthat hasparlayed its expertise in power delivery to grow from astartup with sixemployees and ahandful of small contractsinto a600-person powerhousewithrevenues of roughly$500 million.

Ampirical is oneofLouisiana’s under-the-radar business successes, and it’sone built on good decisions

—and fortuitous timing. The company’sfounding partners hung their shingle in the early 2000s,wheninvestment in power delivery was increasing because of efforts to upgrade the nation’s aging grid infrastructure. Also, policy

BY RICH COLLINS Staff writer

Aruling from the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in acase involving Baton Rougesongwriter-turned-broadcast-executive CyrilVetter could change the way big music companies transfer intellectual property back to songwriters, upending decades of established practice and bringing big changes tothe way the industry makes and en-

PHOTOS

was shifting toward new, cleaner types of power generation. More recently,afocus on grid resilience and atech industry-fueled data center construction boom have made

ä See GRID, page 2E

Asubstation expansion in Barataria led by Louisiana engineering firm Ampirical was designed to improve system reliability.

FifthCircuit copyrightrulingcould

forces deals. In its Monday decision, a three-judgepanel said Vetter reclaimed total ownershipof his1960s hit “Double Shot (Of My Baby’sLove)”when he terminatedhis contractwith music publisher Resnik Music Group in2022. Under previous interpretationsofthe law,Vetteronly gained U.S. rights to the 64-year-oldsong, which has been covered by Bruce Springsteen and other notables.

Vetter initiated the legal challenge in 2023 after he got intoa disputewiththe publisher over whocould grant the rights for thesong’suse in aTVshow that was to be streamed internationally.The disagreement grew into acasethatquestions the way music copyright law has been applied for generations. By law, creatorshavethe right to takeback ownership

Cyril Vetter,center was amember of the Greek Fountains, a1960s rock band fromBaton Rouge that signed with MercuryRecords. With him, fromleft, are bandmembers Don Chesson, Tommy Miceli, Vetter, DukeBardwell and DannyCohen.

power delivery an even bigger priority,fueling growth for companies that know how to design and string together those wires on poles.

Over two decades, Ampirical has steadily expanded its geographical footprint, its team, the sizeof its contracts, and the products and services it offers.And,in 2024,it landed its biggest job to date:designingand overseeingconstructionofpower transmission for thenew Meta Hyperionartificial intelligence data center in north Louisiana.

Matthew Saacks, Ampirical’scofounder and CEO, said the project reflects his company’sevolution into anational player

“It’sunprecedented the way the grid is transforming,” Saacks said during an interviewat the firm’s 4-year-old Covington headquarters last week. “It’s not the staid old industry of the 20th century,and there’sa need for people to come up with solutions.” Twodecades of growth

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, three New Orleans-based Entergy Services engineers Saacks, Mike Sulzer and Mark Stephens —decided to establish their own firm. All born and raised in Metairie, the trio worked for an unregulated division of the utility that provided power delivery solutions to industrial clients and other utilities nationwide. But that type of work was increasingly being outsourced, so the colleagues decided to go intobusiness for themselves

They soon were joined by three other Entergy alumni and got to work on acouple of smallcontracts

COPYRIGHT

Continued from page1E

of their copyrights after acertain time period, but publishers and labels have asserted their global rights to works even afterward.

Because of itsfar-reaching implications not only for some of Louisiana’s most iconic musicians and their heirs but songwriters nationwide, thecase already hasprompted criticism from industry groups and cheers from those who represent the creative community New Orleans attorney TimKappel, who leads Vetter’srepresentation, said the court is respecting what U.S. Congress intended when it created the nation’s modern music copyright laws in 1909 and updated them seven decades later

“Copyright’spurpose is to allow creators to reap the rewards of their labor,” Kappel said.

“This case is about getting atrue second bite of the apple when adeal is done.”

handed off from the utility.

Operating out of asmall office in Covington, the nascent firm of civil and electrical engineers startedlanding jobs that involved designing everystep of the power delivery systemprocess: the highvoltage power lines that move electricity long distances, the lower-voltage lines that distribute it to users and the substations that connect the two systems.

“I always use adriving analogy to explain to peoplewhatwedo,”

Saacks said.“The big transmission lines are likethe interstate highway system,and the substations are the on ramps and off ramps.

We design it all.”

An engineering job for San Antonio’selectricutility was an early win,followed by more gigs for Entergyand other customersinthe GulfSouth.Aproject in California in 2009 opened thatmarket.Eventually the company set up permanent officesnear San Diego andthe Bay Area to takeonvarious jobs, including upgrading existing towers, poles and wires to makethem less likely to cause fires.

point purchasing Smith’s rights to the song from his heirs.

In 2022, after the originalpublisher’sinterest in thesong had been sold to Resnik, abroadcaster approached Vetter for permissiontouse thesong in an episode of the 1980s hit TV show“Moonlighting” that would be streamed internationally.The song had always been part of theepisode, but it had never aired outside the U.S. Resnik stepped in to assert its ownership of the global rights, claiming a percentageofthe revenue from the song’suse, and Vetter decidedtofight the system. He filedsuitin 2023, hiring Kappel to eventually make his case before the U.S. District Courtfor the Middle District of Louisiana in Baton Rouge.

The story of “Double Shot (Of My Baby’sLove)” began in 1963, when Louisiana songwriters Vetter and Don Smith wrote aslightly raunchy garage rocktune that became popular on the frat party circuit after being recorded by several bands. Aversion of the song performed by agroup called the Swingin’ Medallions became aBillboard hitafew years later,reachingNo. 17 on the charts. As aspiring creatives often did at the time, Vetter and Smith sold their copyright interests in the song’s music and lyrics to amusic publisher that offered access to record labels, radio programmers and the other industry players that could make the song ahit. Windsong, the publisher,paida fee of $1 for the copyright, according to legal documents.

The song’s success was amusic career peak for Smith, who died tragically in aplane crash adecade after he helped write it.

Vetter, meanwhile, continued to play music —eventually being inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame —and went on to become asuccessful TV and radio station owner in Baton Rouge. Over the years, he continued to manage his interest in “Double Shot,” at one

In asummary judgement in early 2025, U.S. District Judge Shelly Dick ruled in favor of Vetter,saying he was the sole owner of the song’s copyright throughout the world. Resnik’steam appealed thedecision, and the case went tothe 5th Circuit. Lawyersfor theplaintiffs and defendantspresented oral arguments inNovember In its ruling,the judges upheld Dick’sopinion, saying, “Overall,the district court did noterr by holding thatVetter is the sole owner of DoubleShot’s copyright throughout the world. This holding is supportedbystatutory text and purpose.”

The ruling was signed by Judges Jerry Smith, Carl E. Stewart and Irma Ramirez. It is unclear whether Resnik will seek arehearing from the full 5thCircuit or ask theU.S. Supreme Courtto hear the case. His attorney,Bob Clarida,arespected copyright expert from New York, declined to comment Global marketplace

The case underscores the oftentimes convoluted way themusic industry does business.

One featureisthatwhen songwriters sell aportion or all of their work toa publishing company,the deals don’tlast forever.Before the 1976 copyright act,they couldcontinue for two 28year terms, after which the song’sdomestic ownership could revert toits creator In practice, that limited geographic control means songwritersortheir heirs

Thejobskeptgetting bigger, and theAmpirical staffgrewsteadily along with them. In addition to its 78,000-square-foot headquarters, thecompanyalsohas asatellite officenearMandeville, onein Metairie and several out of state. This month, constructioncrews aredriving piles on land adjacent to the headquarters to expand capacity

Hittingcriticalmass

From the start, Ampirical’s founders aspired to provide engineering, procurement andconstructionservices (known in the industry as “EPC”), aturnkeyapproach that’ssimilar to the role a developer hasinareal estate project. Instead of acting as ahired consultant,anEPC engineer takes on financial risk and needs thecash on hand to qualify for bonds that protect customers.

Ampirical wasn’t bigenoughat first to take on substantial EPC jobs, but its leaders decidedtoreinvest profits over theyears to build up the capital that couldunlock those biggercontracts.

don’thavecomplete control of their work, because many uses will extend beyond U.S. borders.

If movie producers want to use asong, for instance, they’ll want the rightsto use it everywhere. And streaming services cross bordersaswell.

“It’sone big global marketplace at this point,”said Kappel, whoalso is afulltime professor at Loyola University New Orleans.

Often,publisherswilluse global rights as leverage to make anew deal with songwriters when successful songs or catalogs are set to return to songwriter’s control. But Monday’s5th Circuit ruling changes the equation, according to Kappel.

“The ruling confirmsthat Cyril should getback the full scope of what he gave away —not just ageographic sliver,” he said.

The decision runs contrary to years of industry practiceand caught the attention of the nation’smusic industry, whichhas taken sides in thecase.

Powerful groups like the RecordingIndustry AssociationofAmerica known for issuing gold and platinum records— and the Academy of Motion Picture Artsand Sciences —the Oscars people —filed “friend of thecourt” briefs supporting Resnik’sposition.

They argue the decision threatens business certainty,ignores decades of standardpractice and overstepsU.S. authority related to copyright laws in other countries.

“Attention, foreign nations: the United States is no longercontenttocome foryour oil, your rare earthminerals, or your TikTok. We’re coming for your copyrightstoo,” wrote Aaron Moss, aLos Angelesbased copyright attorney andblogger, in aMonday post.

This “threatens to destabilizeinternational expectations for authors, rightsholders, and anyone dealing in cross-bordercopyright exploitation,” he said.

The performersunion SAG-AFTRAand the SongwritersGuild of America lined up behind Vetter,and they are joined by songwriter Jim McCormick, aNew Orleans native whosplits timebetween his hometown and Nashville, Tennessee.

“This is astrongly protective rulingfor songwriters andtheir families,” said McCormick, who has cowritten three No. 1country hits. “Bythe endof35

The first one of note came in 2007,whenanindependent power plant in Colorado hired Ampirical to design more connections to the grid. Another followedsoon after near Sacramento,California Afew yearslater, Louisiana electric utility Cleco hired the engineering firmfor several initiatives worth tens of millions, and, by 2014, Entergy begansending even bigger jobsthe company’s way.Today,the firm hascompleted dozens of EPC projects forthe regional utility.

“Weusedtohaveaproject here andthere,but when we connected with Entergy’scapital projects group,that’sreally whenour EPC work really hit critical mass,” Saackssaid

NowAmpirical’s portfolioof engineering and EPC projects stretches from California to Florida with growing activityinthe Mid-Atlantic andOhio Valley.

Buying andselling

Ampirical also has begun to grow through acquisitions.

In 2020, the company scooped up aboutiqueAtlanta engineering firm that designs transmission infrastructure throughout the Southeast with afocus on smaller, customer-owned utilities in the Carolinas andVirginia. That deal came just before the boom in construction of data centers along the I-95 corridor on the East Coast andled to several big jobs in the region.

“When that hit, we looked like geniuses,”Saackssaid. “Theyneeded EPC projects, which co-op utilities typically didn’tdo, but now they are, and we have the capability.”

Ampiricalhas acquiredtwo other companies since, but itsbiggest move to date camein2024, when, after nearly twodecades of bootstrapping, it sought abuyer of itsown, finding interest from competitors, private equityfunds, public companiesand others. Ulti-

years, musicpublishers and record companiesare long past recouping their expenses. I’d liketosee these terminations happen in half thetime.”

Susan Genco, of the Music Artists Coalition, agreed: The “casecould setacrucial precedent for creators in today’sglobal marketplace,” she is quoted as saying.

mately,the company chose adeal with nationalprivate equity firm SkyKnight Capital, which was looking fora way into the energy infrastructure space.

SkyKnight took a60% stake in Ampirical, left the leadership intact, and collaborated on afiveyear plan that includes more acquisitions, more biddingfor bigjobs, andsellingproprietarysoftware for asset management and grid monitoring.

The transaction occurred as Ampirical was securing its biggest EPC contract to date: connecting Entergy’s gridtoHyperion, Meta’s $27 billion AI data center in Richland Parish near Monroe.

Saacks said the job is worth “hundreds of millions,” anditis leading to morework in that category,including aproject foradata center near Phoenix. He estimates investments like thatcould make up aquartertoathird of all of his company’sportfolio projects.

Lookingahead,Saacks sees some potential challenges, including supply chain constraints that could moderate growth, problems finding corridors for long transmission lines because of “not in my backyard” thinking, and rapid expansion putting pressure on rates.

But, overall, he says the data center jobs, grid hardening efforts, renewable power facilities —and industrial customers starting to developtheir own power generation —all add up to opportunities forforward-thinking companies.

“When the grid wasbuilt and regulations werewritten, it wasto manage power delivery to schools, homes, businessand factories,” Saacks said. “It wasn’tshipping solar power across four states. We can be essential because we understand the engineering, labor and capital needs forprojects like that.”

Email RichCollinsatrich. collins@theadvocate.com.

For now,the decision is thelaw only in the U.S. 5th Circuit, which includes Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. For the ruling to be adopted nationwide, there would have to be more lawsuits in other jurisdictions that result in the same conclusion, or the SupremeCourt would have to issue aruling, Kappel said.

“Everyone in the industry is digesting this opinion andtrying to figure outits implications,” he said.“The creative community is celebrating thesuccess of a legal position that hadbeen dismissed in very derisive tones.”

EmailRich Collins at rich. collins@theadvocate.com.

LOUISIANA’SSTORY: POSITIVE CHANGES=A

GROWINGECONOMY

Some of thelargest businesses in theworld have committedto $76billion in newinvestments righthereinLouisiana,with 70,000 jobopportunities

Thesetremendousinvestments areadirectresult of new, smart, competitive policyand taxmodernizationsthatmeanrealresultsfor ourstate

REAL TAXREFORM

A Top10 corporatetax climate,a 5.5% corporateincometax rate,the eliminationofthe corporatefranchise tax andthe 2ndlowest flat income taxinthe U.S. createanideal business andlivingclimate forLouisiana.

PREPARINGOUR WORKFORCE FORHIGH-WAGE JOBS

Louisianaworkforce programs areleading thenationand producing thousands of high-skilled,job-ready workers.Additionally, the salaries of newjobscoming to Louisiana tops $90,000.

ASTRONGER BUSINESS CLIMATE

Louisiana’sbusinessclimate is improvingfasterthananywhereelseinthe country and ranksamong the top10 states fordoing business.Bystreamliningefforts, thestate has strengthened itsfoundation forgrowthand alignedpolicywithits naturalresources andstrategic rail andportnetwork,helping businesses compete nationallyand globally.

LOUISIANAISTAKINGBOLDSTEPS ANDWINNING AS ARESULT.

TALKING BUSINESS

ASK THE EXPERTS

Parish Brewing expanding as state’s craft future in flux

BY ADAM DAIGLE Acadiana business editor

So what do you do when your attempt at diversifying your brewery business gets spiked by the federal government?

“That’s a good business question,” Parish Brewing Co. owner and operator Andrew Godley said

Starting in November, the Broussard-based brewery will no longer produce and sell its line of Veri, a THC seltzer that has been wellreceived since it debuted in the spring. It’s due to the move from Congress and the Trump administration to outlaw sales of intoxicating hemp-based drinks and other products.

It was a way to diversify in a business that is been on a downward slide in recent years. More craft breweries closed last year than opened, and a recent Gallup indicated 54% of Americans — the lowest percentage in its 90 years of doing the poll — indicated they drink alcohol. At Parish, sales are strong enough that there are still other drink markets it can wade into. The 15-yearold company, which employs 35, will launch an expansion this year that will double its footprint and triple its capacity But, Godley admitted, it’s a shame that it came to this with THC drinks.

“It’s fine with us. It’s not something we really want to fight for,” Godley said. “I definitely think it’s a shame that the approach is to completely ban it instead of adding regulations and tightening it up. There are a lot of consumers who have chosen this product instead of alcohol.” In this week’s edition of Talking

Business, Godley — a native of South Africa talks about why the THC drink market has taken off, how the company’s Ghost in the Machine beer remains popular outside Louisiana, the upcoming expansion project and how the state’s population loss in recent years could spell trouble in the future.

This interview has been edited for clarity

I’m curious from an inebriation standpoint why the THC drinks got banned. How does that affect your judgement compared to an alcoholic beverage?

Alcohol slows people down, and THC, I don’t believe, acts in the same way It doesn’t slow your motor functions down like alcohol does. It does soften people’s general perception awareness I can’t

say that it’s any safer than alcohol, but a lot of our consumers would tell you that.

I’ve talked to consumers here that used to drink one of our beers every day, and they tell me if they want to chill during the week, they drink a THC beverage because it doesn’t leave them with any dehydration or hangover like alcohol.

Tell me about the expansion project. Your application with Louisiana Economic Development indicates it will double your square footage and triple your production.

Our neighbors on Jared Drive are having a hard time because every day we have two, three or four 18-wheelers in here to deliver or take stuff away

On average, we’re shipping more than a truckload of beer every day I don’t expect us to sell triple the capacity, but it’ll open us up to be able to grow into that. If we can

grow 10% or 20%, it will more than

pay for the additional expense If we fully fill out that facility, we should be looking at more than doubling the employee count.

You’re known for your hazy IPA Ghost In

The Machine. Is that still wildly popular in markets outside Louisiana?

Most Louisiana breweries do well in Louisiana even more so in their individual cities, and the further you get away, it gets tougher and tougher to sell products.

I sell more Ghost in Houston than I do in Lafayette or New Orleans. I sell more Ghost in Atlanta. (In) China, Europe and Thailand, we sell it. It’s a great export for us as a company and the state in general. It was very clear I needed to build my beer around that product because of the response. I launched it in 2014, and people used to be lined up down the street to buy it.

The craft brewery explosion during that time was well-documented, but last year, there were more craft breweries that closed than opened. What has happened since then?

What’s happening is the cream

is rising to the top Consumers have tried everything and they’re coming back to the products they know and love. These people trying a new beer just for the sake of trying something new is a thing of the past. I know in Louisiana, there were 20 to 30 breweries, and most have gone away

The recent reports that alcohol consumption by young adults being down got some people talking Do you think that was accurate? Is the younger generation drinking less beer?

If you think about what 21-yearolds were drinking when we were all in college, it was light beer Nobody was drinking craft beer

It’s true that the younger demographic is drinking less beer, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the adult beverage market is shrinking. People are trying new things, and THC was a part of that. They might be moving their beverage of choice from beer to something else, but the total amount of adult beverages (consumed), I don’t believe, is changing overall.

What do you think the next five to 10 years looks like for Parish and the industry as a whole? Is there still more room for contraction or will things settle down?

The market has been shrinking, but our business has been very strong. I wouldn’t say that our sales are through the roof, but we’re fine. We sell the same amount of beer every year The biggest challenge facing Louisiana breweries is the population of Louisiana and economics in Louisiana. I’m sure you’ve seen in the press about the net migration in Louisiana, and it’s something I’ve been aware of for years.

Louisiana is definitely our weakest state. When people are leaving Louisiana more than they’re coming into Louisiana, there’s going to be less economic activity, and that’s the biggest factor that’s going to influence the success of breweries here.

Email Adam Daigle at adaigle@ theadvocate.com.

ACROSS THE REGION

Private equity fund aims to bolster established companies

BY RICH COLLINS Staff writer

Three local investors have closed on a first round of fundraising for a new private equity fund they hope will provide backing to keep more Louisiana companies in the state.

The Louisiana Impact Fund, founded in 2025 by New Orleans investment bankers Joseph Seremet and Joshua Cummings and Lafayette-based tech executive Jared Quoyeser, has raised $23.4 million so far, according to a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

The fund’s founders hope to raise $100 million by 2027

The partners created the fund backed by Ochsner Health, b1BANK and Acadian Ambulance Service, as well as other institutional and individual investors — to fill what they say is a need in the state for capital to help small and midsized companies grow The fund will target ventures valued between $10 million and $50 million.

Unlike angel investors and venture capital funds, which help seed startups or early-stage companies, the new fund will seek to acquire stakes in local companies looking to grow or sell.

Last year, Louisiana lost ownership of several high-profile companies including Canal Barge, Bisso Towboat Co., Elmer Chocolate, Gallo Mechanical and CSRS — to out-of-state buyers, though the businesses continue to operate in the state. Latter & Blum, a century-old Louisiana real estate brokerage, was sold to a national buyer in 2024.

Quoyeser hopes to stem the tide.

“LIF exists to provide founders with local alternative for scaling or exiting their businesses,” he said in a phone interview Monday. “Our primary metrics are financial returns, but we are equally committed to ensuring that capital, decision-making, and leadership talent remain rooted in our community rather than being exported to out-of-state interest.”

The new fund is designed to fill

a gap between the state’s growing number of venture capital providers supporting early-stage companies and larger private equity firms, like Bernhard Capital Partners, which target companies worth hundreds of millions or more. The amount of startup capital

in the state has grown in recent years because of rising interest and support from federal and state programs, which provide matching funds to some investors. But Louisiana and the Gulf South region lack the deep pockets found in other parts of the country to invest in or buy established companies.

“Too many great Louisiana companies get sold to out-of-state buyers — and with them go decisionmaking and, eventually jobs,” Seremet said in a prepared statement. “We’re here to change that trajectory by giving founders a competitive, values-aligned option to stay rooted in Louisiana while accessing the capital and capabilities they need to scale.”

Decades of experience

Prior to creating the fund, Quoyeser spent more than two decades as an executive at global tech company Intel. Seremet and Cummings have been principals for decades at New Orleans investment banking firm Johnson Rice & Co.

The trio, which formed a management company to run the new fund, will continue to raise funds from Louisiana organizations, family offices and individuals for a second round, targeted to close this summer, and then will focus on institutional investment.

Quoyeser said he and his partners are doing due diligence on potential investments now They plan to make majority or “significant minority” investments in es-

tablished Louisiana businesses, focusing on industrial services, engineering and construction, distributed power solutions, infrastructure, energy, technology and innovation, advanced manufacturing, health care, logistics and software. The fund’s “lower middle market” thesis targets companies with at least $10 million up to several hundred million in annual revenue, which private equity investors think of as having growth potential.

Louisiana Economic Development officials championed the fund’s announcement, saying it’s a chance to create quality jobs and attract new investment across the state.

“If we can buy Louisiana small businesses with Louisiana capital, it’s a win for the state,” said Josh Fleig, LED’s chief innovation officer “There’s less of a threat of them ripping out their back office and moving it away We need 20 more of these guys.”

Tuesday’s announcement of the initial closing means the fund has received commitments from investors but has more to raise toward its ultimate target.

Jude Melville, b1Bank chair and CEO, said the investment thesis behind the fund, with is focus on growing and keeping Louisiana businesses in the state, makes sense, which is why the bank was an early investor in the fund.

“It is not going to be the magic bullet, but I do think there are companies that would prefer to have local ownership,” Melville said. “So I think there will be some opportunities for investment success that they might not have if they didn’t have that approach.”

“Whatever groups they are successful with will benefit Louisiana because there will be less of a chance of them cutting jobs and moving elsewhere,” he added.

Jones Walker serves as fund formation counsel to the fund. Bennett Thrasher is LIF’s third-party fund administration adviser Email Rich Collins at rich. collins@theadvocate.com.

Louisianahas long relied on science to guidehow it managesits naturalresources.Fromenergy to agriculturetofisheries, legislatorsand regulators have invested in research,monitoring, andexpert oversightto ensure decisionsare grounded in evidenceratherthanassumption. That commitmentisnow beingtestedasthe LouisianaWildlifeand FisheriesCommission reviewsthe state’smenhadenbuffer zone HowWeGot Here Fordecades, Louisiana’smenhadenfishery operated under strict coastallimitsand remained sustainable. Thefisheryhas been continuously monitored, independentlyassessed, andconfirmed as healthybypeer-reviewed stockassessments Menhaden arenot overfished, andoverfishingis notoccurring. Butbeginning in 2021,additionalblanket buffer restrictions were imposedtoreduceuserconflict with therecreationalfishingsector. Many of these measures were accepted in good faith, even though Louisiana-specific data didnot yetexist to support them.The rulesapplied aone-size-fits-allapproach to acoastline that is anythingbut uniform. To putthe issueinperspective,Louisiana has

more than 400,000 licensed saltwateranglers and just 27 menhaden vessels. Yetbroad restrictions closed traditional fishinggrounds that science later showed posedlittleenvironmental risk.The result wasrealeconomicharmtoLouisiana menhaden fishermen,processingplant workers, andcoastal communitiesthatdependonthese year-round commercial fishing jobs

Recognizingthe need for clarity, theLouisiana Legislatureauthorizeda $1 milliontaxpayerfunded bycatchstudy to replaceassumptions with data.Thatstudy,conducted by LGLEcological Research Associates andoverseenbythe Gulf States Marine FisheriesCommission, is now complete.Using onboardobservers anddirect monitoring,itconfirmed that themenhaden fisheryissafe, sustainable,and well-managed Bycatchlevelsremainedwellbelow Louisiana’s statutorycap,and no measurable impactswere foundon reddrumorspeckledtrout populations in theareasevaluated What theNOI Does After reviewingthe full coastlineand bycatch studyfindings,the Commission hasadvanced aNoticeofIntent(NOI) to update thestate’s menhaden buffer zone regulations usingamore precise, science-basedframework Contrary to claims that theproposedNOI weakensprotections,itdoesthe opposite Theruleincreases totalprotected buffer area statewidebymorethanfourpercent.Thatmeans more coastalwater will be closed to menhaden fishingthanunder thecurrent regulation It strengthensprotections in Louisiana’smost sensitiveand high-priority areas, including significant expansions around theChandeleur Islandsand Isle Dernieres. Theseareas receive some of thehighest recreational useand deserve thestrongest safeguards

Theproposalalsoreplacesbroad,arbitrary distance lineswithprecise GPS-defined boundaries.Thatchangeimprovesclarity for enforcement, reducesconfusion on thewater,and aligns regulationswithactualcoastal conditions rather than abstract measurements

Most importantly, theNOI basesdecisions on independentscience andreal-worlddata, not on uniformrules that ignore Louisiana’s diversecoastline Wherethe NOIMakes Changes TheNOI restores limitedaccessonlyinasmall number of locationswhere scienceshows minimal environmental risk andlittlerecreationalpressure. At thesametime, it expandsand strengthens protectionsinthe state’smostsensitive andheavily used recreational areas. TheChandeleurIslands seeamajor expansionofprotected waters.Isle Dernieres receives additional safeguards Thenet result matters. Even afterthese targeted refinements,moretotal coastalwater willbeclosed to menhaden fishingthantoday

This is notderegulation. It is refinement. WhyThisApproach Is Better forLouisiana

Theproposedframework delivers stronger protectionswhere they matter most for environmentaland recreational interests. It also supports Louisianaworkers andcoastal communitiesinareaswhere scienceshows menhaden fishing is safe

By expandingoverall protectedwaterswhile restoringlimited accessonlywhere data justifyit, theNOI improves conservation outcomes without imposing unnecessary economicdamage.

It also reduces conflict. Separating user groups basedonactualpatternsofuse andecological sensitivityisfar more effective than blanketrules that fuel confrontationand resentment Commercial andrecreationalsectors both

matter to thestate’s economy andculture.Sound policy does notrequire choosing oneoverthe other. It requires applying evidenceconsistently. TheQuestion Before theLegislature Legislativeoversight exists to ensure agencies follow thelaw,respect evidence, anduse taxpayerfunded research responsibly.Following action by theCommission, theproposedNOI willmoveinto thelegislative oversightprocess, wherelawmakers willhavethe opportunitytoreviewits consistency with statute, science,and legislative intent Louisianainvestedinindependentscience to answer hard questionsabout menhaden fishing That science nowclearly supports amoreprecise, data-drivenapproach. Oversightworks best when conclusionsare evaluatedonthe qualityofthe evidence itself,not on whetherthe findingsare universallypopular or politicallyconvenient. If verified studies, direct monitoring,and peerreviewed assessmentsare treated as optional rather than decisive,thenfutureresearch losesits value. Thecredibility of science-based governance is at stake. As lawmakersconsidertheir oversightrole, the question is simple.Ifscience does not guidepolicy, what will? Louisiana’scoastal future dependson theanswer.

Staff report

South Louisiana businesses and nonprofit groups recently announced the following promotions and new hires.

Baton Rouge

Brandi Bush Roberts was hired as the new chief financial officer of the LSU system. Roberts, who has experience in accounting and leading financial operations, previously worked as LSU’s associate vice president and chief of staff for finance and administration.

The Baton Rouge General Foundation announced the election of three new members to its board of governors. Dr Henry Banham, a rhinologist with BRG Sinus and Nasal Specialists of Louisiana; Amanda Martin the founder and CEO of Studyville; and Hendrick Wood, the longtime general manager of Audi Baton Rouge, will all serve three-year terms on the board.

Alexa Candelora was named a partner of Breazeale, Sachse & Wilson in the casualty litigation section. Candelora handles cases involving medical malpractice, behavioral health, insurance defense, personal injury and general liability

Tiffany Dupree, Katherine Herbert and LaurenTarver-Tatman were elected partners at Jones Walker All three work out of the Baton Rouge office.

The consulting firm Emergent Method announced more than a dozen promotions to start the year

Luisa Cantillo, Brittany Francis and Keesler Morrison all become senior managers.

Nikki Carr, Makenzie Morgan, Alyssa Panepinto and MelanieTurner were promoted to manager Brooks Belanger, Shellie Milliron and JamesTrammell are now senior consultants. Ashlee Summers, a certified public accountant, was promoted to controller and Hannah Walters was promoted to talent manager, while Chiquita Southern and BrittniWheeler were named senior associates.

The commercial real estate brokerage Elifin announced a series of promotions.

Alex Ruch and Fabian Edwards, who are both based at the Baton Rouge office, were both promoted to senior vice president Mark Johns, of the Lafayette office, Caden LeBlanc, of the Houma office, Peter Laville and Noah Loveland, of the Baton Rouge office, were named vice presidents. Adrien Foley and Brady Becker, of the New Orleans office, Burton Richard of the Lafayette office, Cade McNabb and Jacob Loveland, of the Baton Rouge office and Lindsay Redhead, of the Ascension Parish office, were all named senior associates

New Orleans

Joey Roberts has been hired as executive director of the Children’s Museum of St. Tammany Roberts, a member of the Covington City Council, previously served as the executive director of the Covington YMCA.

Walter “Fritz” Metzinger, III, has been promoted to member of Stone Pigman. Metzinger an associate at the firm since 2017, focuses on business and insurance disputes and also works in matters of gambling

regulation and sports law.

Jones Walker announced a dozen new partners, including six in its New Orleans office: T. Gregory Schafer; Giles Detwiler “Det” Beal, IV; Shawn Daray; Sara Kuebel; Zachary Montgomery; and Samantha Oppenheim Their new positions took effect Jan. 1.

Anthony Jacob has been promoted to vice president of Boh Bros. Construction. Jacob, a manager of the piling and marine department, is an 18-year veteran of the general contractor

Michael Schmidt has acquired a “significant equity interest” in Chaffe & Associates and its broker-dealer subsidiary, Chaffe Securities. Schmidt, who previously coheaded the energy practice as the independent New York-based investment bank Seaport Global Securities, immediately assumed the positions of head of investment banking at Chaffe & Associates and president of Chaffe Securities. As part of the transition, G.F Gay LeBreton, a managing director, will

step back from the day-to-day operations of corporate finance.

TonyAdams, the New Orleans market president for Memphis, Tennesseebased financial services company First Horizon, has been named Gulf States regional president. Meanwhile, private client group leader Jimmy Dunn was promoted to New Orleans market president.

Ryan Gootee General Contractors announced several promotions and recent hires. Peyton Hancock and Darrell Young Jr , were both promoted to superintendent. Cole Ross was promoted to project manager, and Kian Badie was promoted to assistant project manager New hires include Grant Hubbard, Avery Noah and Jonathan Pottharst as assistant project managers. Geoff Kinnard was hired as an assistant project superintendent; Brent Madison was hired as a laborer

Danielle Riera was elected partner at the New Orleans office of Boston-based MG+M The Law Firm. Riera serves as local counsel in Louisiana for a

is

ing

Nicholas Grest was promoted to partner of Maron Marvel at the

Adair Kingsmill was elected as partner of Hinshaw & Culbertson at its New Orleans office. Kingsmill advises financial services companies on compliance with consumer finance and protection laws and helps clients assess regulatory risk.

BY THE NUMBERS

A growing economic engine faces political headwinds

BY ANTHONY McAULEY Staff writer

Long before Hurricane Katrina reshaped New Orleans’ economy and population, the city had already been shaped by deep and often overlooked ties to Latin America.

Today, those ties underpin a growing share of south Louisiana’s workforce and small-business economy.

Hispanic residents account for a rising portion of the New Orleans metro population, dominate key industries from construction to hospitality and own tens of thousands of businesses statewide. But business leaders and advocates warn that intensified immigration enforcement and a fractured federal system are beginning to disrupt labor markets, consumer activity and tax revenue putting at risk an economic engine that has powered much of the region’s post-Katrina growth.

“Post-Katrina was when we saw the influx of Latinos moving to the state,” said Lindsey Navarro, founder and executive director of El Centro, a New Orleans-based nonprofit that provides financial coaching and business support to Hispanic individuals and entrepreneurs. “In the last 20 years, the Latino population has essentially doubled in the metro area.”

population growth.

Post-Katrina demographic shift

As of the 2020 census, Louisiana had about 322,500 Hispanic residents, making up 6.9% of the state’s population, according to The Data Center While modest by national standards, the population is heavily concentrated in south Louisiana, particularly in the New Orleans metro area.

According to The Data Center’s analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data, about 148,895 Hispanic residents lived in the metro area as of July 2023, representing roughly 12% of the metro population (9% in Orleans and 19% in Jefferson Parish). The number has grown every year since Katrina. From 2010 to 2020, Hispanic residents accounted for the majority of the metro area’s

That surge was driven largely by reconstruction work after Katrina, when thousands of Central American laborers arrived to rebuild homes, businesses and infrastructure. Many stayed, formed families and opened businesses, reshaping the region’s labor force and consumer base.

Navarro, who was born and raised in south Louisiana to Panamanian immigrant parents, said the shift is visible in everyday commerce.

“Pre-Katrina we had like three grocery stores,” she said. “And now we have — I can’t even tell you the number of grocery stores that we really have serving the population.”

Unlike the national profile

Metro New Orleans’ Hispanic population differs sharply from the national Hispanic profile. While people of Mexican descent make up about 59% of the Hispanic population nationwide, they represent about 20% of the Hispanic population in the New Orleans metro area. In contrast, Hondurans made up about 32% of the metro area’s Hispanic population in 2022, despite accounting for only about 2% of the national Hispanic population. Statewide, Hispanic workers made up about 5.6% of Louisiana’s

workforce in 2022, with particularly strong representation in construction, hospitality, food service and general services industries central to south Louisiana’s economy.

Latino residents in Louisiana start businesses at a higher rate than in any other state. According to the Latino Donor Collaborative, 15.9% of Louisiana’s Latino population are entrepreneurs — the highest share in the U.S.

Data from the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 2022 Annual Business Survey and Nonemployer Statistics show that about 5.9% of all businesses in Louisiana are Latinoowned, including roughly 28,002 Hispanic-owned businesses statewide. Of those, 2,002 are employer firms, meaning about 7% of Latinoowned businesses have at least one employee.

“It’s a lot easier to create a job for yourself, as opposed to applying to get hired,” Navarro said, adding that many businesses operate in an informal economy, largely because of language barriers and limited access to information.

“There’s just a really high level of informality, or an informal economy, within our community,” Navarro said.

Enforcement fears

As immigration enforcement has intensified, business leaders say

Beyond Boundaries.

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Navarro said the effects were immediate and visible on the ground. Businesses adjusted quickly, limiting access points or temporarily closing Workers and customers alike became hesitant to travel. Income gaps, housing disparities

Despite high workforce participation and entrepreneurship, economic disparities remain pronounced.

In 2022, Hispanic households in metro New Orleans had a median income of $63,114 — about 31% less than White households, which had a median income of $91,148.

About 19% of Hispanic residents in the metro area live in poverty, compared with 10% of White residents. Among Hispanic children, 26% live in poverty

Homeownership also lags. In 2022, about 55% of Latino residents in the metro area owned their homes, compared with 77% of White residents.

fear is spreading through workplaces and commercial corridors.

“I think we all agree that laws should be enforced, and definitely we want criminals and anything that will jeopardize our communities taken away,” said Mayra Pineda, CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana. “But unfortunately, we’re dealing with more than that; we’re dealing with a broken immigration system.”

Pineda said enforcement uncertainty is already affecting business activity across the state.

The chamber will hold its annual Baton Rouge Business Luncheon on Thursday at the Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center, where Gov Jeff Landry is scheduled to speak

“The biggest concern here is the economic impact on businesses,” Pineda said. “There are nearly 29,000 businesses registered to Hispanic owners in Louisiana, and if they’re not generating income, they’re not paying taxes.”

The recent large-scale federal immigration enforcement operations began in the New Orleans metro area on Dec. 3, with the official launch of “Operation Catahoula Crunch.”

Despite its size and economic importance, Louisiana’s Latino population remains largely absent from the ballot box A 2020 study by Voto Latino found that of just over 175,000 eligible Latino voters in Louisiana, about 76% did not vote.

“I think there is a level of civic engagement, of increased civic engagement, that needs to happen in the Latino community,” Navarro said.

She pointed to the election of New Orleans’ first Latina mayor as a signal of what representation can mean

“If you can’t see someone who looks like you, sounds like you, has a similar shared heritage to you doing it, you cannot be as inspired,” Navarro said

For Navarro, the stakes extend well beyond politics and into the long-term future of the region

“Latinos have always been part of the fabric of south Louisiana community but there has been quite a shift in the colors of that fabric since Katrina,” she said “The concern is that tapestry could completely change because of the current political climate.”

Email Anthony McAuley tmcauley@theadvocate.com.

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Gallagher: LessonsinResilience

On the recent 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, the Gallagherteam has been looking backat theexperienceand howitshaped today’sinsurance industry.

NancySylvester is an area executive vice presidentatGallagher,based in Baton Rouge. Sherecentlysharedher story of Hurricane Katrina, the challenges the insuranceindustry facedand howresilienceshaped the path forward.

With damages exceeding USD200 billion, Katrina notonly altered the city’sphysical landscapebut alsoreshaped global perspectives on disasterpreparednessand response.Today, 20 yearsafter Hurricane Katrina struck NewOrleans, its impact remains deeply felt acrossthe affectedcommunities as the costliestand one of the fivedeadliesthurricanes in US history.

Q: Take us back to Augustof2005. Howdid youexperience the landfall of the hurricane?

IliveinBaton Rouge,70milesfromNew Orleans. That weekend, my oldestson wasfishing in the Gulf of Mexicoand when we urged him to come back inland, whatshould have been an hour’s drivetook about 12 hoursdue to the worseningconditions. The news reports initiallysaid things were under control, butby lunchtime on Monday, the levees began breaking and things quickly spiraled out of control.

Q: What were the firstdayslikewhen family andfriendssought shelter at your home,far from the mostaffectedareas?

Iwelcomed my family from NewOrleans,expectingittobe manageable,but soon found myselfhosting 26 people.Islept undermydining room table,the only privatespaceleft. Wandering into the kitchenatnight, I’dmeetstrangers saying, “I work foryour cousin. He said it would be OK.”Ireassured everyone,“Yeah, everything’s fine.”

Q: Howwas daily lifeimpactedinthe aftermath of Hurricane Katrina?

My usual 15-minutedrivetothe office would takehours due to the crowds seeking refuge in BatonRouge and justtrying to get somewhereelse. Schools also faceda suddensurge in students, andthe schoolofficeswould announcewherepeople could find food.

Blackhawk helicopterswereconstantly flying overhead, transporting the injured from NewOrleans to Louisiana State University(LSU), where the athletics departmentbecame a makeshift emergency hospital. TheLSU studentbody even donatedclothingtothose in need, and youcouldsee people wearing purple andgold, thecolorsofthe university. It wasa touching displayofhumanity after Hurricane Katrina, with everyone welcomed and cared forasbestaspossible

Q: Howhaveyour clients’ perspectives on extremeweather risks evolved since Hurricane Katrina?

BeforeKatrina, redundancies were oftenviewedasunnecessary expenses. Today, having backups is understood as essential. Clients nowprioritizestrengthening buildings to ensuretheir facilities can enduresevereweather,addressing all potential exposures on supply chains or backup power, forexample Everyoneisfocused on preventing businessinterruptionclaims and avoiding closingtheir doorsbecause, once theydo, theymay neveropen again. We knowthatFEMA [Federal Emergency ManagementAgency] has stated 40%ofcompanies don’t reopen after adisaster, and another 25% fail within oneyear

As acommunity, we’realso massively investing in roof resilience to withstand strong winds and preventpiercings. When damage or lossoccurs, my clientsaren’tinterestedinjustrebuilding what wastherebefore; they’refocused on constructing to newercodes and following thehighestbuildingstandards

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‘RARE IN THIS WORLD’

Memory cafes provide community for patients, caregivers

BY RACHEL MIPRO

Contributing writer

A small-scale Uptown program filled with music, art and discussion provides new life for people with dementia.

The New Orleans Jewish Community Center’s Alzheimer’s Care and Enrichment Program has become a lifeline for families dealing with dementia

Rachel Ruth, director of adult programs at the center said the program’s half-day format and small size — limited to 12 participants at a time — promotes a comfortable atmosphere for participants.

“They can sit around one table,” Ruth said. “They might not remember each other’s names, but they know their faces. They know each other.”

The small program meets three times a week and is geared toward people who live at home, to give caregivers some respite.

The schedule includes dancing, games and art. Children in the nursery program visit and the two groups read or do other activities together Participants will regularly listen to music, play games like Bingo or Hangman or do other activities before helping prepare their lunch. Each participant gets a task suited for their ability, whether this is cutting up fruit, squeezing lemonade or other lunch preparation tasks.

“We serve people at all different lev-

els of the disease,” Ruth said. “People from early stages to people who are nonverbal. Even if they’re nonverbal, we still address them when we’re asking questions.”

Questions start with:

n Where were you born?

n Where did you grow up?

n What kind of family do you have around you?

ä See MEMORY, page 2X

Hospital commits $5M to maternal health workforce at Southern

Staff report

Woman’s Hospital has committed

$5 million over the next three years to support the expansion of the Southern University and A&M College of Nursing and Allied Health, in partnership with the Southern University System Foundation.

The funding will double the college’s enrollment capacity in efforts to strengthen Louisiana’s nursing workforce and expand care in maternal care deserts in the sate.

Vaccine from Tulane could prevent emerging disease

Melioidosis is a little-known, and likely underreported, worldwide tropical disease now seen as an emerging public health threat.

The disease is caused by bac-

HEALTH NOTES

teria that live in soil and groundwater, and no vaccine exists to prevent infection Melioidosis can cause life-threatening pneumonia or sepsis within three days.

Now, researchers at Tulane University have developed the first vaccine shown to successfully protect nonhuman primates from melioidosis.

The findings, published in Nature Communications, are a key step toward human clinical trials and preventing a bacterial infection that’s often resistant to treatment — and which public health experts see spreading to areas it was not previously found.

While the vaccine has not yet gone to human clinical trial, it was tested on human immune cell sam-

ples. The resulting antibody and T cell responses “suggested that the vaccine will produce the desired immune responses for protection in humans,” Dr Lisa Morici, a corresponding author and microbiologist and immunologist, said in a statement from Tulane.

Development of the vaccine has taken more than a decade and required global collaboration between Tulane University, Northern Arizona University, University of California Irvine and Charles Darwin University in Australia.

Experts at LSU LCMC publish cancer research

Researchers at the LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center and LSU Health New Orleans published

ä See NOTES, page 3X

Melioidosis is a tropical disease caused by bacteria found in water and soil that can be ingested, inhaled or enter open wounds of someone walking in a rice paddy, for example. Researchers at Tulane University have developed what may be the first vaccine capable of protecting against the disease.

HEALTH MAKER

N.O. nurse dedicates 20-year career to NICU families

BY MARGARET DeLANEY Staff writer

Paula Simon has worked at Ochsner for nearly 20 years, guiding families through their most fragile moments, shaping the culture of one of the region’s busiest neonatal intensive care units and mentoring the nurses who carry out some of the most delicate work in medicine. Today, as unit director at Ochsner Baptist Hospital, she oversees a team that cares for thousands of Louisiana’s smallest patients each year Simon found herself in this role because of personal experience. While in nursing school, she gave birth to triplets — Tyler, Dylan and Kylie — at 31 weeks old. The trio were discharged from the NICU at various times over their two-month stay and are now 23 years old, living in New Orleans. Why nursing in the neonatal inten-

sive care unit, or NICU? I went into nursing because I thought I wanted to be a midwife. My goal was to be a labor and delivery nurse and then go back to school.

During nursing school, I became a NICU mom myself to triplets born at 31 weeks They weighed 2 pounds, 6 ounces; 3 pounds, 2 ounces; and 3 pounds, 1 ounce Each one had their own challenges. My husband and I were first-time parents, overwhelmed and terrified but also incredibly grateful. The nurses and providers who cared for our babies didn’t just take care of them, they took care of us, too. They became our lifeline during that time, helping us navigate everything from feeding schedules to fear of the unknown.

That experience gave me a very personal understanding of what our families go

through. It was humbling and life changing. I already knew personally what a difference this team could make, and I wanted to be a part of that for other families.

When I went back for the end of my degree at LSU Health New Orleans, I still wanted to be in labor and delivery My senior year, Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans. Finding a mentor was very difficult — and everybody in my class seemed to want to be in labor and delivery I didn’t get my first choice.

I ended up being in the NICU with a nurse in the same unit that my kids were in just a year before. I fell in love with it I realized that this is what I’m supposed to do. There was a reason that there weren’t any labor and delivery positions for me.

How has your personal experience impacted your work in the NICU?

Being a NICU mom has shaped every part of who I am as a nurse and a leader I know what it’s like to sit be-

side an incubator, watching monitors and praying for stability

I know what it’s like to count the hours between updates and to feel both hope and fear in the same breath. That perspective drives how I lead, how I communicate and how I advocate for both families and staff.

It’s also taught me the importance of supporting our nurses. The work they do is demanding and emotional, but it’s sacred work. My goal is to make sure they always have the tools, the support, and the recognition they deserve.

What major changes have happened in the NICU space in your 20-year career? What changes are on the way?

When I was a parent in the NICU, things were very different. I was not allowed into the unit when the physicians were doing rounds with the nurses and making the plan of care.

We were allowed to come into the NICU at 12:30 p.m. I talked to a physician twice

in the time my children were in the NICU — over two months. That lack of communication is something we have worked really hard to change. Our physicians do rounds on our babies every day The call families every day, giving them an update.

Parents are allowed in the unit 24/7. Parents aren’t visitors in our space. They are a part of our care team. So much technology has changed in the last 20 years as well. It’s really crazy Over the last few years, some of the technology has allowed us to monitor babies without having to draw blood.

The transcutaneous bilirubin meter, or TCB, is implemented to check if a baby had jaundice. We can just check the skin with this device. We’ve saved babies lots of pokes with that new technology

We just introduced transcutaneous CO2 monitoring as well. That’s been a huge impact for our babies be-

cause we can tell how well we’re ventilating them with their respiratory support without having to draw gas. We’re not taking blood that they need to transport oxygen to all of their vital organs. We’re also saving them the pain of that poke. Any idea how many babies you’ve helped?

During my bedside years, I was the primary nurse for more than 20 families, but honestly, the number of babies and families I’ve had the privilege of helping over the years is impossible to count. It’s in the thousands by now

What I love most is that the impact looks different now Back then, it was about holding a parent’s hand or celebrating a baby’s first bottle. Now it’s about mentoring the nurses who create those moments every day The circle of care just keeps growing.

Email Margaret DeLaney at margaret.delaney@ theadvocate.com.

Experts weigh in on health benefits of banana water

BY DEBORAH VANKIN Los Angeles Times (TNS)

If a can of coconut water and a banana smoothie had a baby, it might be banana water The latest plant-based hydration beverage on the market is being touted as “the peel good beverage” that offers “a bunch of nutrients.” And it’s drumming up attention on social media.

“Boyfriend says it has aromatics of slightly overripe banana,” one Reddit user leemoongrass, commented, adding, “It honestly isn’t that bad.”

“It smells like baby food,” lsp2c said on Instagram.

Not to be confused with banana water for plants, which is a DIY fertilizer made by soaking banana peels in water to extract nutrients, such as potassium and vitamin C. Nor homemade banana drinks, such as hot water steeped with banana peels and strained, or blended banana smoothies.

The new drink, sold in supermarkets, is being marketed as an alternative to sports drinks, a sort of coconut water 2.0.

But some have taken to social media with questions: “How do you think you juice a banana?!” tybottofficial asked on TikTok, while unpacking a box of organic banana water from Woodstock. “I wonder if they’re just in a factory, like, you know, really milking these bananas, I guess?” (He gave the drink a 7.5 out of 10.)

Both Woodstock and Banagua, leading manufacturers of banana water, make their banana water in Thailand

MEMORY

Continued from page 1X

n What work did you do?

n How did you meet your husband?

n What are your interests?

Ruth said the team uses the information to pull them into conversation when something comes up.

Melanie Bronfin, whose 68-year-old husband, Danny, is enrolled in the program, described the program as a blessing.

“There’s so little he can do now that he can enjoy,” Bronfin said. “He can’t sit and watch a TV show for long; he doesn’t register what’s going on. So to have a place where you can go and get stimulation and activity and camaraderie is just a godsend because it’s hard for me to provide that for him in any way otherwise.”

Caregiver Nicki Hurst’s husband, Kenny, was diagnosed five years ago. After a year and a half on the waitlist, Kenny entered the program in October She remem-

from organic “Thai golden” and “Thai cultivated” bananas, which are shorter and stubbier-looking than the standard yellow bananas sold in most American supermarkets and which have a slight pinkish tint. The fruit gets pinker in the processing and the drink has a pinkish hue. If you’re a label ogler, the ingredient list will put you at ease. Banana water contains just one ingredient: bananas. There’s no significant water added to it. A banana is 80% water, Banagua co-founder Rob Smithson says, and the processing of the drink (an “enzymatic process”) separates the water from the pulp — the drink is slightly viscous but not pulpy.

Woodstock’s bananas are steamed and mashed with “proprietary enzymes” to release nutrients. “Think of it as liquefied bananas,” says Bruce Bruemmer, vice president of brand management at UNFI Brands+, Woodstock’s parent company

The upshot? Both companies say their banana water is especially healthy, brimming with electrolytes like potassium, B6 and magnesium, as well as minerals and antioxidants such as vitamin A and C. The drink has no added sugar and zero fat, sodium and cholesterol, though a 330ml can does have about 13 grams of carbohydrates, slightly less than Naked coconut water’s 14 grams in a container of the same size. So how healthy is banana water, what does it taste like, and is it worth the hype? Here’s the deal.

bers researching programs in her spare time, trying to find a suitable fit. “This program was the most reasonable program ever,” Hurst said. Bronfin and Hurst participate in the accompanying Caregivers Support Group as well, where people whose loved ones have dementia can meet up and offer support and advice to another During a December support group meeting, she and other wives of people diagnosed with dementia described the emotional and financial hardships of the disease

Around 95,000 people aged 65 and older have Alzheimer’s in Louisiana, according to statistics from the Alzheimer’s Association. The Alzheimer’s Association’s study of 2020 statistics found Louisiana had the fifthhighest rate of Alzheimer’s dementia compared to other states in the country sitting at a rate of 12.4% for Alzheimer’s disease in people over 65. The same group estimated 252,000 family caregivers provide essential support to people living with

Manufacturer’s claims: “Our banana water has 205 mg of magnesium 50% of the daily value,” Smithson says of Banagua’s Original Banana which went on the market in July 2025. “And it’s especially hydrating — probably 2-3 bananas per can, which you can bring anywhere and you don’t have to worry about moldy bananas And just 50 calories — Naked’s coconut water has 60.” Woodstock’s 500ml can of banana water, which went on the market in March 2024,

dementia in the state.

For these family caregivers, the situation can feel helpless When asked about the available resources for dementia patients in the city and in the state, caregivers within the program described the situation as desperate. The waitlist for the Alzheimer’s Care and Enrichment program is more than a year long. Few programs like it exist across Louisiana.

Bronfin, a longtime early childhood education advocate, has continued to be outspoken about the challenges of dementia services in the state. She stressed the hidden costs of dementia care, which pile on top of the emotional toll of caring for loved ones suffering with the disease.

“I’m so lucky because I was able to retire and take care of my husband,” Bronfin said. “But people are trying to work or take care of kids, and have no help and no funding stream for help for their loved ones, unless they impoverish themselves to get someone into a nursing

has just 80 calories. “Our Woodstock Organic Banana Water stands out for its great taste and natural hydration,” Bruemmer says, “delivering 765mg of electrolytes — similar to many sports drinks — without any artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.”

Nutritionists’ take: “It’s probably a sequel to coconut water,” says Dr Thomas Sherman, a professor of pharmacology and physiology at Georgetown University Medical Center “It

home.”

Bronfin said instances of older spouses taking care of spouses who need help are not in line for funding streams.

“Frankly, it is to me, an abomination that there is no help,” Bronfin said.

Barbara Knill has been in the program several years for her 90-year-old husband, Ron, who was diagnosed about eight or so years ago. Although he started showing symptoms much earlier; she remembers having a conversation with nurses about the situation right after Hurri-

would appeal to people who are worried about animal wellness and saturated fat in their milk drinks or who are worried about too high sugar so this fits the bill But I question its effectiveness — these types of beverages offer such trivial amounts of electrolytes compared to what’s already in our food. And it’s expensive.”

Sherman says that, in the end, it comes down to the consumer’s intentions for choosing banana water

“If you’re buying it be-

cane Katrina. “It’s progressed, and you don’t even realize how long it is, because you just kind of go along with it. This is life,” Knill said. “You suddenly realize, ‘Oh, yeah, there was a different life then,’ You roll away with it because what else can you do? And you realize that there are still good times and you relish those.”

Their husbands, downstairs in one of the center’s rooms, were grouped around a white board with the rest of the program participants, playing a word game before

cause of the taste, and you want to support a plantbased beverage, and (because) it’s fairly low sugar, then fine,” he says. “But if you’re buying it because you’re interested in getting more potassium and magnesium and calcium with low sodium, then it’s silly because just eat plants, eat food, that’s going to supply hundreds of times more potassium and calcium and magnesium.”

Categorizing banana water as a sports drink is problematic, adds Vanessa King, a registered dietitian nutritionist specializing in supplements.

“Sports drinks replace electrolytes,” King says. “The problem with banana water is that while bananas are very high in potassium, the electrolyte that you predominantly lose when you exercise is sodium and it doesn’t provide sodium. I would not choose it over a sports drink.” King points out that “banana juice,” as she calls it, suffers from the same concerns as other juices: “It’s more concentrated sugar without the fiber you’d get from the fruit version.” But any amount of potassium, magnesium, vitamin A and C all key nutrients in banana water — is helpful, King says. “They’re all nutrients that are generally under-consumed by Americans. But bananas also have those nutrients!”

The taste: We found it sweet and tropical-tasting, slightly viscous but surprisingly refreshing. However, we didn’t go bananas for it.

listening to a Dolly Parton song.

Danny Bronfin helped pass around a yellow balloon for a quick game ahead of the group’s holiday party “In this world where access to everything for our loved one is such a battle, just because there are so few resources — to have a place where you just don’t have to fight — well, you have to fight to get in. But once you’re blessed to be in, you’re welcomed, and they’re accessible,” Brofin said “That is just so rare in this world.”

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU

The Louisiana Health section is focused on providing in-depth, personal accounts of health in the state.This section looks at medical innovations, health discoveries, state and national health statistics and reexamining tried and true methods on ways to live well.

Health editions will also profile people who are advancing health for the state of Louisiana. Do you have a health story? We want to hear from you.

Email margaret.delaney@ theadvocate.com to submit health questions, stories and more.

Jcollective little as many, and Cat naturally renewal, Free annual Mardi designed ab us how The abstinence; fresh shape includes post-challenge body af photos. health grounded over

Molly Kimball RD,CSSD

BY THENUMBERS

NEW CANCER CASESINTHE U.S. IN 2025

According to the AmericanCancer Society, more than 2million newcancer cases are estimated to have been diagnosedinthe U.S. in 2025, excluding nonmelanoma skin cancers.

Everyone is at risk of developing cancer, according to the society,althoughincidence increases greatly with age; 88% of people diagnosed with cancer in the USare 50 years or older, and 59% are 65 or older

The state averageinthe U.S. was 614 new cancer cases per 100,000 people Louisiana had 29,980 newcancercasesin 2025 at arate of 650.7 per100,000 —the 13th-highest rate of newcancercasesinthe country.

These states had the highest ratesofnew cancer cases in 2025:

n Maine had 11,080 newcancercasesata rate of 785.6 per 100,000; n West Virginia had 13,250 newcancercases at arate of 748.9 per 100,000; n NewHampshire had 10,290 newcancer cases at arate of 726.8 per100,000; n Florida had 171,960 newcancercasesata rate of 721.3 per 100,000;

NOTES

Continued from page1X

groundbreaking findings in NPJ Breast Cancer that shed new light on triple-negative breast cancer, one of the most aggressive forms of breast cancer

The research examined tumors from more than 250 Black and White womenacrossLouisiana.

The research found: n Race is not an intrinsic predictorofsurvival. Despite well-documented differences in canceroutcomes, this study found thatworse outcomes for Black women with TNBC aremore likely linked to later diagnosis and socioeconomic challenges to care rather than tumor biology alone. n Anew molecular subtypewas identified. Researchers discovered

n Vermont had 4,680 newcancer cases at a rateof 720.3 per 100,000;

n Delaware had 7,680 newcancer cases at a rateof 719.5 per 100,000;

n Pennsylvaniahad 90,240 newcancer cases at arateof 686.8 per 100,000; n RhodeIsland had 7,480 newcancer cases at arateof 667.1 per 100,000; n Wisconsin had 39,940 newcancer cases at arateof 666.6 per 100,000; n Montana had 7,560 newcancer cases at a rate of 661.3 per 100,000

These states had the lowest rates of new cancer cases in 2025: n Utah had 14,120 newcancer cases at a rateof 396.2 per 100,000;

n Texas had 150,870 newcancer cases at a rateof 473.6 per 100,000;

n Coloradohad 29,020 newcancer cases at arate of 482.6 per 100,000;

n Alaska had 3,670 newcancer cases at a rateof 493.4 per 100,000;

n California had 199,980 newcancer cases at arate of 504.2 per 100,000;

n Nevada had 17,540 newcancer cases at a rateof 528.2 per 100,000;

apreviously unrecognized group of TNBC tumorswith distinct biological features, potentially opening the door tonovel, targeted treatment strategies n Immune differences may hold the key to future therapies. Tumors from Black women showed higher levels of certain immune cells, particularly Bcells, which are associatedwith better responses to treatment andlonger survival. These findings suggest newopportunities for precision immunotherapy

LDH announces rural healthfunding program

Louisiana will receive over $208 million through the Rural Health TransformationProgram, established under President Donald Trump’sWorking Families Tax Cuts legislation.Louisiana’saward amount is among the highest in the

Newcancercases in 2025

AlcoholFreefor40 ChallengeDetails: RegisteratAlcoholFreeFor40.com bymidnightFeb.15.

OnFebruary19,OchsnerEatFit willhostkick-offeventsinsix citiesacrossLouisiana—New Orleans,BatonRouge,Covington, Lafayette,ShreveportandMonroe —whereparticipantscangettheir pre-challengelabsandmetrics. Then,just40dayslater,onApril2, werepeatthoseteststodeliver yourpost-challengemetrics.

Theestimated number of newcancercases,per 100,000, by statein2025. More than 700 650to699 550 to 599 Less than 550 600to649

Source:AmericanCancerSociety

n Kansas had 15,810 newcancer casesata rate of 528.9 per 100,000;

n NewMexico had 11,540 newcancercases at arate of 539.4 per 100,000;

n Arizona had 42,560 newcancercasesata rate of 553.3 per 100,000;

n North Dakota had 4,510 newcancercases at arate of 560.9 per 100,000

country, andamong the topthreein theSoutheast.

The LouisianaDepartment of Health willprovide resources, facilitate collaboration across agencies and reinforcestate policy changes needed to address pressing health care disparities, according to arelease from the department.

The program targets residents facing the greatest barriers those with chronic disease, behavioral health needs,perinatal risks or cancer disparities —while also investing in theproviders,workforce and infrastructure needs.

Julie Foster Hagan, executive directorfor theRural Health Transformation Program, will lead the implementation of thefunding.

Tulane professor named National Academyfellow Tulane University biomedical

Total newcasesare roundedtothe nearest 10 and do not include basal and squamous cell skin cancers and in situcarcinoma except urinarybladder. Cancerincidence rateswerecalculatedusing the American CancerSociety’s 2025 newcase estimatesand 2025 state populations from WorldPopulation Review

engineering professor J. Quincy Brown, aColumbia Heights native, has been named a2025 fellowofthe National AcademyofInventors for his groundbreaking work developing cutting-edge imaging technologies that will save lives by making cancer easiertodetect, understand and treat

“When Iwas growing up, Ialways dreamed of oneday becoming an ‘inventor,’but neverinmywildest dreams could Ihave imagined being counted amongthe National Academy of Inventors,”Brown said in astatement from Tulane.

In 2024,Brown’s Tulane-based project, MAGIC-SCAN, received national attention witha presidentialvisit and up to $23million in funding. The goal of MAGICSCAN is to give doctors theability to confirm —withinminutes after surgery —that they have removed all remnants of cancer from the

surgery site. Being named aNational AcademyofInventors Fellow is further recognition of the value of Brown’s work, as it is the highest professional distinction awarded solely to inventors.

“I am extremely humbled and honored by this, but moreimportantly,I am grateful to have been able to work alongside manybrilliant people along the way who have helpedbring these ideas and technologies to life,” Brown said. “I hope that the inventions that come out of our work are able to contribute meaningfully to society,which would be the ultimate honor.”

HealthNotes is an occasional listing of healthhappenings around Louisiana.Have something you’d liketoshare? Contact us at margaret. delaney@theadvocate.com.

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LOUISIANA

Book shelves nowoccupy the spacethat once was the sanctuaryfor the former First

church has beenhome toAudubon Regional Library’sClinton branch since 2023. The librarypreviously was locatedonLawyers’ Rowacross from the East Feliciana Parish Courthouse.

‘Fromaplace of worship to aplace of knowledge’

Former church nowthe Audubon

BY JOYHOLDEN Staffwriter

Nestled in the East Felicianawoods is ared brick church with white columns built in 1953. However,upon closer inspection, thisplace for worship is now aplace of knowledge, the Clinton branch of theAudubon Regional Library

Formerly the Clinton Presbyterian Church on 11023 Bank St., the Audubon Regional Library now is full of shelvesand booksinstead of pews and hymnals. Multiple panes of stunning stained glass linethe walls of the library,and original wood floorsand wooden trusses still evokeahallowed atmosphere. Original pendant lights emitasoft glow

But on Sundays, the doors are closed. Every other day patrons are free to walk in, use the computers use the internet, choose andcheck out books.

Repurposingsacredspace

Before inhabiting the former church, the Clinton branch had been located in Lawyers’ Rowsince 1917. Lawyers’ Rowisa stripofwhite,historical buildings behind the parish courthouse, and although theexterior of the former library was beautiful,

historical buildings as much as they can, as opposed to tearingsomething down and building something brandnew.Ithink it was good that we were able to update the space,” LeGette said.

Clinton Presbyterian Churchwas founded in 1855 but had moved into the building located on Bank Street in 1953. Astrong presence in the community at one time, membership and attendance dwindled over time.

In 2020, theClintonPresbyterian Church congregation wasdown to four members, and they were discussinghow to responsiblytake care of theirproperty and dispense with it Presbyterian minister Betsy Irvine was serving there at the time, and she helped them find asolution.

For most of my life, Ihaven’thesitated to hang things on the wall. My husband can verify that I’mnot good at waiting in most circumstances —and that applies to putting art on walls too. Even so, he hangs art faster than Ido.

While Idon’toverthink the process, Idolike to at least consider the possibilities of the biggerpicture —what goes where and with what. Meanwhile, my husband will just start willy-nilly hanging pictures on awall with what sometimes looks to me like little rhyme or reason.

Our different approaches to picture hanging have ledtomore than one, shall we say,conversation. Over the years, we’ve worked through the process. He haslearned the wisdom of consulting me before too many nails go in the wall, and Ihave learned the wisdom of letting some things go

Thebottom line, though, is that both of us like our surroundings to feel finishedand full of things we believe are beautiful. Afterour house fire in August, we were able to recover most of our art, thanks to the firefighters who recognized —without ever having met us —thatthe art on the walls mattered to us. They saved many of our treasures. Once the artwork was cleaned and sanitized, we were able to bring it to our rental as work continues on the rebuilding process of our home.

On the first daythe artwork arrived, I was notsurprisedthatmyhusband had hammer and nails in his hands and was getting the pictures up. We don’texpect to be here forvery long, but still the pictures are on the walls. For the first time, Igave him freerein to hang the pictures however and wherever he wanted. Their topsy-turviness is endearing and what adifference they’ve made. They brought afamiliarity that was almost unsettling at first. Still, the walls did their job and helpedhold our story Hanging the artwork during this tumultuousand uncertain time hasreminded me of another period of my life. Years ago, when Iwas young and living farfrom home, waiting on the next thingtobecome clear,Istopped hanging things on the wall. Not intentionally Not as adeclaration. Ijust… didn’tdoit. Pictures leaned against dressers. Art lived in closets.

After months of something nagging at me, Irealized it was the lack of art on the walls.

Even though Iwas ababy adult, Ihad neverbeen someone who didn’thang pictures on the walls.

Bare walls almost felt wrong —like I was pretending nottobewhere Iwas. Like Iwas refusing to admit that this place, however temporary it felt, was still my life.

Thefeeling begantobother me so much that Imentioned my unease to a friend. He asked why Ihadn’thung the pictures. IexplainedthatI didn’tknowhow much longer Iwould be there and didn’t knowifhanging them would be worth the effort.

From there, he asked asimple ques-

theinside was limited in space.

Aubrey LeGette, aClintonnative and the library branch manager,grew up going to the old location. While historic, the space wascramped and tight, he said.The new location,however,has plenty of room for more books, achildren’sroom and space for programming.

“In Clinton, people like to retain the

“Wedidn’twant it to be torn down andbecome ahousing development or turn into an insurancecompany. We wanted something that was somewhat in linewiththe mission of achurch,” Irvine said. Irvine and the church members started having conversationswith people in town, and several mentioned that thelibrary was atinyspace. The church and the library board met,and thechurch offered thebuilding and land to the Audubon Regional Library

“Wethought it wouldbeamarvelous space foralibrary.It’sclose to town.You canwalktoit. It’s big, it’s open. It haslovelypropertywithgrass and trees, so you couldhave aplayground,” Irvine said.

After getting the community in-

ASK THE EXPERTS

Firefly pollinator project underway in Jean Lafitte

LSU entomologist creates ideal habitat for larvae to increase population

BY JOY HOLDEN Staff writer

Chalmette native Christine Gam-

bino grew up on a rice farm in Mamou, where she used to see fireflies regularly She left the farm to attend LSU and graduated in 2016 with a degree in horticulture. Since then, she has been working in extension with the LSU AgCenter. She is stationed in the Entomology department at LSU where she is working toward her master’s degree.

Gambino and Aaron Ashbrook, another LSU AgCenter entomologist, have been working with the small town of Jean Lafitte, which is located on Bayou Barataria 23 miles south of New Orleans, to restore the firefly population.

How did this fireflies project come about?

The then mayor of Jean Lafitte, Tim Kerner Jr., reached out to me and Aaron as extension personnel within the department. We’ve had a few pollinator projects in our back pocket now In the Wetland Trace, where (Kerner was) growing up, he used to see fireflies all the time, and he had some other city folk around to talk to us about the historic fireflies that were in the area. We were wondering if we could try to get them back because it’s such a loss to their community to have that gone. What actions did your team take?

We surveyed the site for fireflies to see if they even had a baseline population, and we went back multiple times. Sadly, we came up short in that there was no evidence. But there is still a chance. They could be where we didn’t sample. Then we did research on fireflies,

KNOWLEDGE

Continued from page 1y

volved and going through the proper channels, the exchange was made, and the church even donated money for repairs and renovations. The church had one stipulation — that a small room be set aside for church history and church objects. Today that small room also functions as an office, but it has a large display case of church photographs, old Bibles and church artifacts

“I’ve always been interested, ever since I graduated from seminary many years ago, in how churches can share space, and how we can make sacred space also community space. It brings me joy to reuse things responsibly, and it’s a win-win for everybody involved,” Irvine said The library just recently celebrated two years in the location, having opened Dec. 27, 2023.

Preserving the unique beauty of the space was a priority both for the church and for the library Trevor Collings, library director of Audubon Regional Library, has been there for three years and oversaw the renovation. He is proud that the

because neither me nor Aaron are experts in fireflies. We have those academic resources at our disposal to be able to find out ways to restore their habitat. We really focused on restoring the habitat for the fireflies to come back.

One of the biggest issues with fireflies is what I call the Triple P — people, pesticides and population. People are moving into the area and shining their lights, which disrupt the firefly mating patterns, and building houses where the fireflies historically lived. Then, pesticides are impacting them just like they’re impacting our honeybee population. There’s lots of correlations between the two. And their populations are declining because our populations are increasing in the area.

And also in Jean Lafitte, Hurricane Ida came through the area and completely disrupted their whole way of life. We’re also thinking that the wetland area was flooded by this hurricane and could have drawn all the larvae back into the swamp.

How did you create the habitat for the food that the fireflies eat?

Q&A WITH CHRISTINE GAMBINO ENTOMOLOGIST

Firefly larvae are voracious predators. They actually inject a neurotoxin into their prey that paralyzes them so then they can eat them while they’re still alive. The larvae live in leaf litter areas and areas where there are slugs, snails and all sorts of little insects running around for them to paralyze and eat.

architectural integrity of the church was maintained through the transition

In fact, the library was featured in Library Journal‘s 2024 architectural showcase for renovations of small libraries.

Two reminders of the sacred purpose of the building hang above the circulation desk two Art Nouveau stained glass windows that portray angels and a woman clutching a stone cross among the waves. These windows were gifts from St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church in New Orleans.

Sanctuary of knowledge

“I think we were able to retain the history but modernize it and create a space that is good for the public,” Collings said. “It’s not a place of worship anymore, but it is a place of knowledge, and I think that’s still honoring the intent.”

Audubon Regional Library is a two-parish library system which includes East Feliciana and St. Helena Parish. Both parishes understood the importance of a library to their communities and partnered together to offer library services for all The three branches are in Clinton, Jackson and Greensburg.

The first step we took was to get the community to gather up all the leaf litter that they could and distribute it in specific sites around the Wetland Trace that me and Aaron deemed were less likely to be impacted by floods, yet close enough

“I like creating spaces and places that people will be able to use for years to come to help themselves grow and move forward in whatever way they choose. So this is one of my favorite aspects of librarianship,” Collings said.

The Clinton branch has recently made some improvements that will open up more opportunities for the community — a new fence, parking lot, playground, sidewalks and a covered outdoor area Collings and LeGette say the playground ribbon cutting should happen at some time in the next couple of months.

“It seems to have been a popular thing to do. People are very eager for it to open up,” said LeGette. Collings is looking forward to expanding outdoor programming like movie nights and nature story time. He noted that children’s librarianship is important because it can make a difference in someone’s reading habits and intellect

“However you want to define the problems in the world, in small ways, not always huge ways, libraries are always part of the solution,” Collings said. “I’ve never in my life had trouble going to sleep at night from working in a public library.”

to the area where we planted all the native plants. So when the females are flying around, they’ll be like, “Oh my gosh, this is such a great place to have my babies.”

We established those about seven months ago during the springtime.

RISHER

Continued from page 1y

tion.

“How long would you need to live somewhere,” he said, “to have the mindset that you’d hang things on the wall?”

I thought for a moment and said, “Two years.” He nodded. Then he said something that has stuck with me

“Well then, since you don’t know how long you’re going to live there, assume that it’s two years,” he said, “and hang the pictures.”

So, I did.

And the relief was incredible. The walls didn’t just change the room. They changed me. Hanging the pictures felt like stepping back into myself — like reclaiming a way of living I’d temporarily misplaced. It wasn’t really about commitment to the place. It was more about staying in relationship with my own life.

Right now, in a rental house filled with rental furniture, 67

They got those delivered, and the community worked so hard. We planted them around a 1,500-squarefoot area that serpentines along their little bayou, which already has some established native trees in the area. They’re old growth trees that hopefully will support the mating of the lady fireflies.

We scheduled a day with the town of Jean Lafitte to plant all these plants and we had around 30 volunteers come out The trail maintenance guard, Joe Horne, put fire ant bait out on all of the anthills because fire ants are a very big predator of firefly larvae. Tim Kerner Jr who won the race for district councilman, was replaced by Mayor Yvette Crain. We have a really good working relationship with her Is your working relationship with Jean Lafitte going to continue?

That is the plan. Me and Aaron will take another trip out there probably in the middle of January Tim Kerner Sr and Jennifer van Bracken, the council member at large of the area, came and supported us as well. They were instrumental in really making this happen and coordinating with the leaf litter folks.

It’s our plan to keep close in touch. Aaron and I got a grant for this through the LSU Student Sustainability Fund, and we were able to hire a student worker, Briana Carpenter, to work on this grant with us. Is the Jean Lafitte fireflies project something that can be expanded to other areas? We’re looking to do a project just the same at Burden Botanical Gardens in Baton Rouge, and Briana will take the lead on growing the plants out and surveying the area. In surveying for insects and for fireflies in Jean Lafitte and at Burden, we can compare the two and maybe learn from them.

If there were fireflies in the area, hopefully they would go and have their babies there. Then we worked with a native landscaper’s plant nursery, Sweet Fern Landscapes, and she grew out a long list of plants for us. Her nursery worked with Jean Lafitte to get them transported from St Francisville.

pictures hang on the walls. (Yes, middle schoolers, it really is 67 pictures.)

My husband and I have taken turns reminding each other that this rental isn’t just a placeholder — it is where we are now If the fire has taught us anything, it is that we can’t wait for certainty

Certainty is an illusion. My husband knows instinctively what my wobbly season helped me relearn: You don’t postpone living just because the future hasn’t checked in yet. Looking back, that bare-wall season tells me something important. It wasn’t evidence that I’m cautious or hesitant by nature, because I am not. It was proof of how disorienting that time felt — a moment when my internal compass wavered. For most of us, it’s the small departures from our usual habits that tell the biggest truths. And now, whether it’s a house, a season or a temporary address, I don’t hesitate. I don’t need certainty to hang the pictures. I just need a wall.

THERE’S GOOD NEWS, TOO

These are stories of global progress, compiled by the media group Fix the News and shared in partnership with The Advocate/The Times-Picayune.

GLOBAL POVERTY

The Quarterly Journal of Economics, edited by the Department of Economics at Harvard, published an article from economist Amory Gethin about the role of education in the reduction of global poverty. Gethin introduces a “distributional growth accounting” method to measure how education has driven global economic growth and poverty reduction from 1980 to 2019. He found that “education can account for about 45% of global economic growth and 60% of pretax income growth among the world’s poorest 20%” during that time frame. His research emphasizes that schooling has played a major role in the reduction of global poverty, along with its importance for growth in the future.

PROSTATE CANCER

Prostate cancer, one of the most common cancers affecting men, may have a new and improved treatment, according to a study by scientists from Flinders University in Australia and South China University of Technology.The international study, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that two enzymes, PDIA1 and

PDIA5, play a role in helping prostate cancer cells grow, survive and resist treatment. Blocking these enzymes destabilizes the androgen receptor (a key driver of the disease), causing cancer cell death and tumor shrinkage in laboratory and animal models. This discovery reveals a new vulnerability in prostate cancer and suggests that targeting these enzymes could improve therapies, though safer drugs need development before clinical use.

AUSTRALIAN WHALES

Eastern Australian humpback whales have rebounded dramatically, with a new estimate suggesting at least

50,000 individuals in 2024, surpassing their numbers before commercial whaling began.According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, scientists say the recovery from a low of around 150 whales in the 1960s is “remarkable,” with the population likely near or even above historical levels.The estimate comes from decades of sightings and photographs collected by researchers and citizen scientists. Experts aren’t sure why this population has rebounded so successfully compared to others, but factors like long coastline habitats for mothers and calves and less food competition may help.

Numbers are expected to plateau as the whales reach the maximum population size that the environment can sustain.

STUDY THE BRAIN

One of the world’s fastest supercomputers has helped researchers to create one of the most detailed virtual brain simulations ever, according to the Allen Institute The researchers digitally replicated the entire cortex of a mouse with nearly 10 million neurons and 26 billion synapses. Powered by the Japanese Fugaku supercomputer which performs quadrillions of calculations per second, the simulation models brain

structure and activity at a biophysical level, capturing how neurons fire, transmit signals and interact. This virtual cortex lets scientists conduct “experiments” that were previously only possible with real brain tissue — enabling them to explore disease progression (like Alzheimer’s or epilepsy), understand brain waves and test hypotheses about neural processes in unprecedented detail.

MIDWIVES IN UGANDA

In Uganda, midwives are intensifying their efforts to prevent and treat postpartum hemorrhage through enhanced training, tools and supplies. Globally, the leading cause of death for pregnant women is obstetric hemorrhage (severe bleeding),

Sespecially after childbirth.With help from the United Nations Population Fund, facilities like the Kawempe National Referral Hospital are training their health workers to use calibrated drapes, massaging techniques, tranexamic acid and IV fluids to quickly stop severe bleeding after childbirth, saving lives.Along with the UNFPA, the Ministry of Health, National Midwives Association of Uganda and partners are rolling out updated protocols and training materials to strengthen frontline responses.

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.”

HelpingSmall Businesses Thrive

herri Utleyand MaryAlvarez,two longtime friends, put together asmall church fundraiser in Ascension Parish, Louisiana. On thetable were candles, handpoured, carefullycrafted, and scented to sparkmemories. Theevent confirmed whattheysuspected: People loved theplayful designs and nostalgic scents. It wasthe beginning of Blessed BayouCandles, acompanyrooted in faith, friendship, and thesimple desiretobring joy.

Theircandleswould eventuallytravelfar beyond Louisianato Oregon, NewJersey, Denmark, Mexico, and even Scotland, after thetwo women appliedtothe Shell LiveWire program, a businessaccelerator forentrepreneurs. Theprogram gavethem morethan training;itoffered community, coaching,and practical lessons on finance,marketing,and contingencyplanning.

“Wedidn’t even have ducks yet, but theShell LiveWire Programtaughtushow to line them up.”

FAITH & VALUES

New pipe organ signals rebirth for church

Episcopal parish grows after fire, flood and ‘plague’

BY KATHRYN POST and ADELLE M. BANKS Contributing writers

The organ arrived from Utah on a warm August morning Greeted by holy water, incense and slide whistles, it came in a 53-foot-long truck that was double-parked on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.

The Church of the Epiphany’s priests clambered up on the truck’s loading dock, tossed on stoles and blessed the long-awaited instrument. Their prayers were punctuated by the sound of confetti cannons shot off by about 30 parishioners.

Then, for hours, children, adults and elders into their 90s hoisted pipes and boxes up flights of stairs to the church’s second-floor sanctuary The biggest spectacle was the entrance of the 600-pound organ console, which parishioners and organ builders spent over 30 minutes wrangling up an external staircase.

“What has been the most beautiful part of this organ is the way it has brought our entire community together,” Denise Cruz, a vestry member, speech pathologist and mother of two, told RNS. “It was all hands on deck.”

Even with reports of declining worship attendance in the U.S. — and an overall reduction in the numbers of professional organists — some churches are investing in new versions of the age-old instrument to fill their sanctuaries with music and possibly attract community members to come inside. The new organ on East 74th Street joins others in New York City, where special concert series introduced new instruments at Trinity Church in September and at St. Thomas Church in 2018.

To the Rev Matthew DaytonWelch, the new, handcrafted organ at Church of the Epiphany represents more than a commitment to quality music; it’s emblematic of the final phase of a multiyear, $70 million effort to relocate and rebuild the Episcopal congregation, an investment in community as much as sound. The organ costs totaled $2.5 million. “So many churches make dif-

ficult decisions because they’re shrinking and they’re consolidating and they’re trying to survive. And that wasn’t the case here,” Dayton-Welch, the church’s rector told RNS. “This was the church that was healthy, but it was still willing to risk everything it had in order to create an even better platform in a city where churches don’t get up and move.”

In 2018, space constraints led the nearly 200-year-old Episcopal parish to consider moving from its location at the time, on York Avenue. The congregation set its eyes on the former Jan Hus Presbyterian Church, a larger space just one block west that needed a remodel. But, as Dayton-Welch put it, “crossing First Avenue, for us, we might as well have been crossing the Red Sea.”

The church’s then-rector, the Rev Jennifer Anne Reddall, was elected bishop of Arizona, propelling Church of the Epiphany into an unexpected rector search. Then, a 2020 excavation of the new property revealed that it sat over a natural creek, and the threat of flooding required a redesigned

building foundation.

“We had things flood in the basement of the church,” said Christian Vanderbrouk, who has attended Epiphany for about a decade.

Located in the middle of a medical hub, the church’s community was also hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Congregants recall refrigerated morgue trucks circling the neighborhood. And in 2021, hot steel beam rafters didn’t cool as expected, briefly setting the church ablaze.

“You had a flood, a fire and a plague,” said Dayton-Welch, who arrived at the church in 2023, by which time the church had officially moved to its current location on East 74th Street.

Meanwhile, Church of the Epiphany contracted with Bigelow & Co. Organ Builders in American Fork, Utah, in 2020 to design a new organ for the new space. Bigelow founder Michael Bigelow is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his workshop is in an old LDS church building whose tall ceilings allow for organ assembly In April, RNS visited Bigelow’s

workshop, where builders were completing the trackers, the mechanical linkages that pull open the valves releasing air into the correct pipe. Like most of Bigelow’s organs, the Epiphany organ uses mechanical tracker action in contrast to electric-action pipe organs, where pressing a key sends an electric signal to open the valve under the corresponding pipe.

Initially the organ’s sound had a German flair, focused on volume and power, but church leaders’ feedback led the builders to swap some of the neo-Baroque style stops in favor of producing a more expressive, versatile sound.

“That decision was made basically to better serve the Anglican style of liturgy,” said Conner Kunz, an experienced woodworker and member of the Bigelow team. He said Bigelow added a Flute Celeste stop, creating an “ethereal, sort of wavy, shimmery effect” that is “less boisterous than our shrieky little harmonic pipes that are sort of traditional in the neo-Baroque style.”

Builders were also completing an initial phase of voicing the pipes, cutting the ends, adjusting the openings and nicking the edges to shape the sound. David Chamberlin, the tonal director and vice president of Bigelow, is also an organist, with a master’s degree in organ performance. He oversaw the voicing, blowing on each pipe to test the sound quality

“We want to do something that will create, uplift, enrich, spiritually, the lives of our listeners,” he said. By late summer, the organ had been disassembled and loaded into tractor-trailers. To prepare for its arrival, the church building underwent a litany of preparations.

A team of engineers and HVAC workers reset electrical lines, adjusted the temperature and humidity, and excavated holes in the 140-year-old brick wall to create pathways for the air system “so the organ’s lungs can breathe,” Dayton-Welch explained.

He said that, typically, you build an instrument after a room, but the construction of the new location created an opportunity for both to be designed in tandem. “The room is part of the organ, the room is part of the instrument,” he said.

Church of the Epiphany leaders envision the organ not solely as a source of music for their sanctuary but as a tool to bring people in

— and not solely for Sunday morning worship, where 60 to 80 people gather each week. They are hoping to build on already developed relationships, with decades-long members going to dinner with young couples who are newly attending, and the church continuing its Wednesday night dinner program that feeds housing-insecure neighbors, college students and others needing a meal.

“What we’re trying to do is meet the needs of our community by creating a place of belonging,” Dayton-Welch said. “And our hope is that the music program facilitates that.”

Alex Nguyen, who began as Epiphany’s new director of music in September, envisions using nontraditional ways to introduce the organ to the community, such as hosting jazz ensembles or multimedia events.

“Of course we will have recitals, but I think we’d like to try some different things, unconventional pairings with the organ, doing things with the kids to help create that interest,” he said.

Cruz, who lives near Epiphany and was first inspired to attend in 2023, after a hospitalization, said the church has “felt like home” since day one. Anticipating the organ, she said, has been part of what’s drawn the congregation together, and she compared the instrument’s arrival to a birth.

“The organ has almost breathed a new sense of life or purpose, and we get to share now this musical ministry with our community,” she said.

Andrew Gingery, vice president of Associated Pipe Organ Builders of America, a trade organization, said some churches — often Catholic, Episcopal, Lutheran or Presbyterian continue to appreciate pipe organs. And highquality organ building companies are “all very busy right now,” since the end of the height of the pandemic.

“There are still churches with means, and they want to have good music,” said Gingery, who is also executive vice president of C.B. Fisk, a pipe organ builder based in Gloucester, Massachusetts, which is developing an organ for the St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral in New York for 2027 “That’s one of the things that makes them an active church. Frankly, you put on a good show and people are likely to come.”

Firewood banks offer heat, hope to rural homes in need

BY BENNET GOLDSTEIN Wisconsin Watch

When Denny Blodgett learned his northwest Wisconsin county intended to burn wood harvested during a road-widening project near his home, he thought it would be unthinkable for that fuel to go to waste.

As Blodgett recalls, he offered some of the harvested wood to an elderly man from his church, and word spread around his community of Danbury that he had firewood to give.

“And pretty soon, we’re helping 125 families,” said Blodgett, who founded Interfaith Caregiver’s Heat-A-Home program

That was three decades ago.

Last year, volunteers delivered nearly 200 loads of split wood to local households. And as the cost of living increases amid federal cuts to social safety net programs, struggling families increasingly face a winter of tough choices as they try to meet their basic needs.

Food, medicine or heat?

Interfaith is one of about 250 known firewood banks across the country that seek to ameliorate the demand for energy assistance. There isn’t a clear definition for firewood banks, which have been around since at least the 1970s, but have roots in Native traditions since time immemorial. They can take the informal form of Good Samaritans delivering logs to neighbors to large take-what-you-need distribution sites operated by cities or Indigenous tribes.

But the common denominator to these networks is their low- or no-cost service to people who lack the means to purchase alternative forms of heat or to process their own firewood. Often, both factors stem from the same issue, such as illness or aging.

The U.S. Census Bureau estimated as of 2020 that 2.3 million households in the United States rely on

firewood as their primary source of heating fuel.

Tree rich, fuel poor

But one of the great paradoxes of what researchers term “fuel poverty” is that those struggling to keep their homes warm in rural, often heavily forested areas lack ready access to wood.

“I’ve got 20 acres of oak and hardwood here and a chainsaw and a log splitter, but I’m pretty much unable to really do much with it,” said Danbury resident Peter Brask, 78, who struggles with neuropathy “I just still feel embarrassed asking for help because I’ve been so self-sufficient all my life.”

Last year’s wood delivery from Interfaith was a “lifesaver” for getting through the winter, the retired IBM software specialist said. Blodgett, a former U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel, purchases and accepts donated wood, delivered to a yard adjacent to his home. A processor cuts “cattywampus” piles of timber into smaller pieces, and volunteers split them into burnable portions. The wood dries until it’s seasoned. The less moisture in a log, the cleaner and more efficiently it burns.

Interfaith purchased two trailers a few years ago with money the group obtained from the Alliance for Green Heat, a nonprofit that advocates for the use of modern wood-burning heating systems.

Buoyed with money from the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, it has issued more than $2 million in grants to firewood banks that help them purchase safety equipment, chainsaws and wood splitters, as well as smoke detectors for wood recipients.

Overlooking a renewable resource like wood at the potential cost to human health is unthinkable, said the organization’s founder John Ackerly especially when so much potential firewood

ends up in landfills — the “scraggly stuff” that lumber mills can’t offload. The U.S Environmental Protection Agency calculated 12.2 million tons of wood ended up as municipal solid waste in 2018.

“Usually, firewood is not a very profitable thing to sell, very laborintensive and very heavy,” Ackerly said.

Another opportunity presented by firewood banks is providing a local outlet that avoids spreading wood infested with invasive species Banks also avert the dumping of wood sourced from storm-damaged trees, exacerbated by climate change-magnified severe weather — winds and snow

“We’re losing our power our electricity in these storms all the time,” said Jessica Leahy, a University of Maine professor, who co-authored a guide to starting community wood banks. “It would be great to have everybody in the most carbon-neutral heating source for their house. That sounds great, but there are people burning their kitchen cabinets in order to stay warm.”

Shifting priorities

The Alliance for Green Heat has issued grants with federal dollars for four years.

But this grant cycle, the Trump administration is changing the program’s focus, pushing for increased timber harvests on federal lands in the name of national economic security

So this year, firewood banks seeking grants must source wood from actively managed federal forests, a potential problem for the 10 states that lack them.

The Alliance has rebranded.

“Before, we really touted the program as serving ‘low-income populations’ with a ‘renewable, low-carbon fuel,’” Ackerly said. “We had to remove that language, but we were able to keep doing what we had been doing the same way.”

Researchers who mapped wood banks across the U.S. identified a second in Wisconsin — the Bear Ridge Firewood Bank, sponsored by the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians — and a handful in other Midwestern states, including Indiana, Michigan and Minnesota.

Clarisse Hart director of outreach and education at Harvard Forest in Petersham, Massachusetts, and one of the researchers — said firewood banks often go by different names depending on the region: firewood assistance program, firewood for elders, firewood ministry, wood pantry and charity cut, to name a few

Other exchanges happen behind the scenes, she said, often on private, community social media pages — making banks harder to identify Often, the operations depend on the commitment of volunteers.

“A lot of people want to give back, but they don’t know what to do,” said Ed Hultgren, who started an Ozark, Missouri, wood bank in 2009. “It doesn’t have to be wood ministry You find a gap in your area and see if there’s something you can do to fill it.”

Wayne Kinning, a retired surgeon who volunteers with his Fenton, Michigan, Knights of Columbus council, is one of a dozen or so men from St. John the Evangelist parish who cut, split and sell low-cost firewood. The proceeds support local charities.

“We donate all our time and even our chainsaws,” he said. “That, of course, then gives a person a sense of meaning in their day and a sense of worth in their giving.”

Year-round work

Among Blodgett’s helpers at Interfaith’s program in northwest Wisconsin are a snowmobile club, several churches and a Jewish summer camp. One dedicated volunteer — Wendy Truhler, 74, of Danbury has assisted Blodgett for nearly two decades, since her spouse died.

“Listen I helped my husband split for 30 years. I know how to lift and work a splitter and this and that,” she told Blodgett when she started. “I would rather be outside than glued to a little 12inch computer screen.”

SUNDAY, JANUArY 18, 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 — LABorious: luh-BORee-us: Requiring sustained effort; arduous.

Average mark 38 words Time limit 60 minutes Can you find 51 or more words in LABORIOUS?

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

Good bidding, maybe

South in today’s deal was Chinese World Champion Jack Zhao, who has lived in Boca Raton, Florida, for many years

The auction at the table is unknown to us, mainly because Zhao refuses to disclose it. We offer the possible auction above, where South’s two-club cue bid created a game force. The reason for West’s spade lead, rather than a high club, is also unknown to us, perhaps for the same reason. Zhao won the opening spade lead in hand with the king to lead a diamond. West rose with his ace and led another spade to dummy’s ace. Zhao led a heart to his 10, winning the trick, and led his remaining diamond. West played the jack and Zhao made the excellent decision to play low from dummy!

Should East overtake to give West a diamond ruff, Zhao would discard a spade from hand and eventually discard two more black losers on good diamonds in dummy West’s jack won the trick, and he shifted to the king of clubs. Zhao won with his ace, cashed the king of hearts, and led a heart to dummy’s ace. This drew the trumps and Zhao

led the queen of diamonds for a ruffing finesse. East covered and Zhao ruffed with his last trump. The queen of spades was an entry and dummy took two diamond tricks to give Zhao his contract. Very nicely played!

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

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Engage in events that excite you. Participation will lead to interesting conversations, potential opportunities and a rush of ideas. A new look, style or pastimewillgiveyouapositivepush in the right direction.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) You are on the right path, so don’t let anyone convince you otherwise. Stick close to home, work hard to get your house in order and prepare for new beginnings. What you achieve will put your mind at ease.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) Engage in outings that free your mind. A change of atmosphere, people and

places will renew your perspective. Participate in events that address yourconcernsorhelpyoumeetyour expectations.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) You’ll gain the most if you play catch-up and focus on unfinished business. Seek professional changes that make your life more fulfilling. Sometimes it’s not the money that matters, but peace of mind.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) A positive change is heading your way Take a leap of faith, trust your instincts and make whatever move feels right. An opportunity will lead to fulfillment and happiness.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) A change is overdue, and the best place to begin is with you. Start by assessing how you present yourself physically, and update your look to reflect how you feel and the direction you want to head in.

SUBJECT: FIVE-LETTER

GEOGRAPHY

Provide the five-letter answer (e.g., Country shaped like a boot. Answer: Italy.)

The capital city of Egypt.

“The City of Light.”

The 38th parallel divides this peninsula into two countries.

Islam’s holiest city

Honshu is its largest island.

cess.Enjoythecompanyofsomeone you love and let romance grow VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Sign up for something that interests you. What you discover about yourself and the people you meet will give you the hope and desire necessary to launch something you want to pursue.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) Be open to new ideas and concepts. Using your skills uniquely will open a window of opportunity that can change your perspective or direction. Positive feedback will promote greater confidence and prospects.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) Partnerships are on the rise and personal relationships will be crucial to your suc-

Take this Super Quiz to a Ph.D. Score 1 point for each correct answer on the Freshman Level, 2 points on the graduate Level and 3 points on the Ph.D. Level.

people confuse you or muddy how you think or feel about the choices you make. Do what makes you feel alive.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Pay attention to how you present yourself to others. Dress the part and finish what you start, and you will attract the right crowd. Trust only what’s tangible and dismiss what wastes your time. wuzzLes

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct 23) Indecisiveness will weigh you down and cast shadows on what you should be doing. Shake off negativity and replenish yourself with innovation and imagination.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) Be patient. Listen, learn and revisit and refashion old ideas. Refuse to let negative

The horoscope, an entertainment feature, is not based on scientific fact. © 2026 by NEA, inc., dist. By Andrews McMeel Syndication

1. Cairo. 2. Paris. 3. Korea. 4. Mecca. 5. Japan. 6. Dover. 7. Haiti. 8. Malta. 9. Volga. 10.Hanoi. 11. Kabul.12. Osaka. 13.Crete. 14. Tibet. 15. Incas.

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: Want to knowthe key to along-lasting relationship?Don't go withyour loved one to IKEA. —JuanWilliams