The Times-Picayune 02-11-2026

Moreno fireshomelessserviceshead

Investigation foundFieldsforciblykissedcityworker

BY SOPHIEKASAKOVE

Staff writer

Mayor Helena Moreno has fired amunicipal director nearly ayear after acity investigation found he forcibly kissed acity worker on the job.

Moreno terminated Nathaniel Fields, the director of the city’s

OfficeofHomelessServices, after her administration reviewed the Marchinvestigation. Under formerMayorLaToyaCantrell, Fieldswas suspended forthree daysinApril and thenpermitted to return to work After a“full review of the 2025 disciplinary incident and related reports, it has been determined that Mr.Fields does notmeet the conduct and professionalism standards set by the Mayor,” said Isis Casanova,a spokesperson for Moreno on Tuesday.“He will be released from his position as Director of (the Office of Homeless Services) and his at-will employmenthas been terminated.” Fields did notrespondtoare-

quest for comment.

Cantrell suspended Fields in April afterthe city’sinvestigation found that Fields had kissed a contract worker,Mary Bonney,on the night of Jan.6while they were working together to take homeless people to an emergency shelter during coldweather

The Cantrell administration then declined to renew itscontract with Civix, Bonney’semployer— ending Bonney’s employment withthe

Federalofficialsjoin forces to focusoncartels

David Courcelle,right,U.S.attorneyfor the EasternDistrict of Louisiana, talks Tuesday about thenew collaborative efforts that hisdepartment,along with policeand security departments from across the region, aretaking to disrupt trafficking of people, drugs and guns in Louisiana. At left is Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill.

BYJAMES FINN Staff writer

Anew law enforcementtaskforce aimed at disrupting traffickingof people, drugs and guns through Louisiana has yielded dozens of arrests and seizures of contraband tied to aMexican drug cartel, federal officials said Tuesday

More than adozen local, stateand federal agencies comprise the new Homeland Security Task Force, which stems from an executive order President Donald Trump issued last year directing federal agencies to investigate cross-border crime TheLouisiana task force, which

“Today’slaw enforcement operation announcements are, at theircore, about one thing: public safety.”

DAVID COURCELLE, U.S. attorneyfor the EasternDistrict of Louisiana

mirrors similar partnershipsthe executive order created across the country in recentmonths, is targeting organizations known for drug trafficking, money laundering and smuggling people acrossthe border,saidDavid Courcelle, the U.S. attorney for the EasternDistrictof

Louisiana. The announcement in anews conference Tuesday morningmarked Courcelle’sfirst majorinitiative as the New Orleans area’schief federal prosecutor since his January swearing-in.

By holding thenews conference at theU.S.Attorney’sOffice on Poydras Street,the veteran Jefferson Parish litigator, whohas littleprosecutorial experiencebut haspracticed in federal courtfor years, showcased the public-facing approach he is attempting to implement at theJustice Department’sNew Orleansoutpost.

ä See CARTELS, page 4A

homeless services office. Bonney and Council President JP Morrell alleged that the decision was retaliatory,but Cantrell administration officials said at the time that they would notrenew itsmonth-to-monthcontract with Civix because “the work (is) now complete.”

In astatement Tuesday,Bonney said Fields’ termination was “a win

ä See MORENO, page 6A

and BEN MYERS

BY BLAKEPATERSON

Staff writers

New Orleans City Council members expressed frustration Tuesday with the private utilities they regulate after last month’sseverewinter weather led to power outages and aspike in natural gas bills.

Appearing before the council’sutility committee Tuesday were electricity provider Entergy New Orleans andnatural gassupplierDelta Utilities.

NewOrleans waslargelysparedthe most severe conditions of January’swinter blasts, which caused widespread damage anddayslong power

Winter poweroutages,gas bills raiseconcerns ä See UTILITY, page 8A

giving $1Mtoher campaign

BY MARK BALLARD Staff writer

WASHINGTON Aftera year of tensionbetween U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.overvaccines, supporters of Kennedy’sMake America Healthy Again movementare backing U.S. Rep.Julia Letlow’s campaign to unseat Cassidy Tony Lyons, president of the Make America Healthy Again Center,which also runs apolitical action committee calledMAHAAction Inc., said this week that his group is donating $1 milliontohelpelect Letlow,the Republican fromthe Monroearea who now lives in Baton Rouge and is challenging the reelection of Cassidy,R-Baton

ä See LETLOW, page 8A

U.S.-Canada bridge brouhaha deepens

WASHINGTON The White House says President Donald Trump has the right to amend a permit for a new bridge between Canada and Michigan, prolonging the latest dispute between the U.S and its northern neighbor hours after its prime minister signaled there could be a detente.

The Gordie Howe International Bridge, which would connect Ontario and Michigan and would be a vital economic artery between the two countries, is scheduled to open this year. But Trump has now threatened to block the bridge from being opened, calling for Canada to agree to a litany of unspecified demands.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said earlier Tuesday he spoke with Trump and expressed confidence that the spat would be resolved But a White House official later Tuesday said the ownership structure of the bridge remains unacceptable for the U.S. president.

Flag at Stonewall monument removed

NEWYORK The Trump administration has stopped flying a rainbow flag at the Stonewall National Monument, angering activists who see the change as a symbolic swipe at the country’s first national monument to LGBTQ+ history

The multicolored flag, one of the world’s most well known emblems of LGBTQ+ rights, was quietly removed in recent days from a flagpole on the National Park Service-run site, which centers on a tiny park in Manhattan. It’s across the street from the Stonewall Inn, the gay bar where patrons’ rebellion against a police raid helped catalyze the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.

The park service said it’s complying with recent guidance that clarifies longstanding flag policies and applies them consistently. A Jan. 21 park service memo largely restricts the agency to flying the flags of the United States, the Department of the Interior and the POW/MIA flag.

LGBTQ+ rights activists including Ann Northrop don’t buy the explanation. “It’s just a disgusting slap in the face,” she said.

Passport revocations for child support to expand

WASHINGTON Parents who owe a significant amount of child support soon could lose their ability to travel internationally as the Trump administration expands and steps up enforcement of a 30-year-old law that allows the federal government to revoke American passports until payments are made, three U.S. officials told The Associated Press.

While passport revocations for unpaid child support of more than $2,500 have been permitted under 1996 federal legislation, the State Department had in the past acted only when someone applied to renew their travel document or sought other consular services. In other words, enforcement depended on the person approaching the department for assistance.

Starting soon, however the department will begin to revoke passports on its own initiative based on data shared with it by the Health and Human Services Department, according to the U.S. officials familiar with the plan.

Syria joins anti-Islamic State coalition

BEIRUT — The U.S.-led international coalition to fight the Islamic State group has welcomed Syria in the fight against the extremists, saying the priorities include the swift transfer of IS detainees to Iraq and third-country repatriation of families linked to IS held in two camps in Syria. The State Department also welcomed a recent ceasefire that ended fighting between Syrian government forces and the U.S.backed and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces that were a main force in the fight against IS in Syria.

Representatives from Syria — which officially joined the global coalition against IS in November during a historic visit by Syria’s President Ahmad al-Sharaa’s to Washington — attended a meeting on Monday of some officials from the 90-member coalition in Saudi Arabia.

ICE chief defends his officers’ actions

Officials pressed by Congress on protesters’ deaths

BY REBECCA SANTANA and LISA MASCARO Associated Press

WASHINGTON Todd Lyons, the acting head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, defended his agency’s officers before Congress on Tuesday, standing behind their tactics and saying they would not be intimidated as they carry out the president’s mass deportation plans.

Lyons was one of the three heads of agencies implementing President Donald Trump’s immigration agenda to testify in a hearing called after the shooting deaths of two Americans at the hands of federal officers. They faced fierce questioning from Democrats, and support from most Republicans, over how they are prosecuting immigration enforcement inside American cities.

“Let me send a message to anyone who thinks they can intimidate us. You will fail,” said Lyons, who blamed elected officials and protesters for escalating rhetoric that he said endangered his officers. Lyons, who at various points declined to comment directly on the killings of the two U.S. citizens, said his officers would not be deterred.

“We are only getting started,” he said in opening remarks. Trump’s immigration campaign has been heavily scrutinized in recent weeks, especially after the shooting deaths in Minneapolis The agencies have also faced criticism for a wave of policies that detractors say trample on the rights of both immigrants facing arrest and Americans protesting the enforcement actions. Tuesday’s testimony is unlikely to quell simmering tensions over the centerpiece policy of Trump’s second term Lyons, the acting ICE director, Rodney Scott, who heads U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and Joseph Edlow, who is the director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, spoke in front of the House Committee on Homeland Security in a hearing that lasted roughly three and a half hours.

This is the first time all three have appeared in Congress since the department received a huge infusion of money from Congress last summer and since immigration enforcement operations intensified across the country

Under Lyons’ leadership, ICE has undergone a massive hiring boom

and immigration officers have deployed in beefed-up enforcement operations designed to increase arrests and deportations.

The officials spoke at a time of falling public support for how their agencies are carrying out Trump’s immigration vision. Their testimony comes as Democratic lawmakers in Congress are demanding restraints on immigration officers before agreeing to fund the Department of Homeland Security The agency heads warned the country would be less safe if federal funds expire at the end of the week

Tuesday’s hearing was called after federal officers shot and killed Alex Pretti and Renee Good, which sparked outrage across the country and demands for accountability and reform. Lyons and Scott said standard operating procedures were being followed in investigations into the January shootings.

Tensions flared and the hearing sparked heated exchanges — the Democrats comparing the enforcement operations to Nazi Germany and questioning how the administration officials will be judged — the chairman at times gaveling the lawmakers back to order

Strike kills 2 cyclists in Gaza as death toll mounts

BY WAFAA SHURAFA and EDNA TARIGAN Associated Press

DEIRAL-BALAH,Gaza Strip An Israeli drone strike killed two Palestinians on bicycles Tuesday, hospital officials said, marking the latest deaths since an October ceasefire that hasn’t halted deadly attacks in the Gaza Strip.

Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital said the two men were hit near the ceasefire line that divides Gaza, with one half under Israeli military control. They were hit in eastern Deir al-Balah, the hospital said, adding that it also received the body of a woman who was killed by Israeli gunfire in central Maghazi refugee camp.

Israel’s military did not immediately respond to questions about either strike. It has previously said its forces respond to ceasefire violations or attacks on its soldiers.

Gaza’s Health Ministry on Tuesday reported 586 Palestinians had been killed since the start of the ceasefire, bringing the cumulative toll to 72,037 killed since the start of Israel’s offensive. The ministry, which is part of the Hamas-led government, maintains detailed casualty records that are seen as generally reliable by U.N. agencies and independent experts. But it does not give a breakdown of civilians and militants.

Deadly Israeli strikes have repeatedly disrupted the truce since it took effect on Oct. 10. The escalating Palestinian toll has prompted many in Gaza to say it feels like the war has continued unabated

Yet parts of the agreement outlined in last year’s ceasefire are moving forward.

After a chaotic first week, officials say more Palestinians are entering and leaving Gaza for Egypt via the reopened Ra-

By JEHAD ALSHRAFI

Palestinians carry the flag-draped bodies of two Hamas militants, Ahmed Sweilem, left, and Ibrahim Al-Za’anin, who were killed in an Israeli army strike, during their funeral Tuesday in Gaza City

fah crossing. Plans for an international peacekeeping force meant to provide security in Gaza are also beginning to take shape.

Indonesia — the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country — said Tuesday that its military had begun training personnel to serve in Gaza, specifically for reconstruction and humanitarian response. Its army chief of staff said between 5,000 and 8,000 troops were preparing to deploy Vahd Nabyl Achmad Mulachela, a spokesperson for Indonesia’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, said Indonesian troops would not take part in disarmament — one of the most contentious and unresolved elements of the peace plan.

Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto told the U.N. General Assembly in October that his country planned to contribute troops, even as details about the force’s role and mandate was unclear

Affidavit: FBI search relied on years-old fraud claims

FBI seizure in Ga. part of 2020 probe

BY KATE BRUMBACK, ERIC TUCKER and ALANNA DURKIN RICHER Associated Press

ATLANTA — The FBI relied on years-old claims of fraud, many of them thoroughly investigated, to obtain a search warrant to seize ballots from election offices in Fulton County, Georgia, according to an affidavit unsealed Tuesday that shows the investigation began with a referral from an administration official who tried to help President Donald Trump overturn his 2020 election loss.

The affidavit provides the first public justification for an FBI search last month that targeted a county Trump and his allies have long seen as central to their false claim that the 2020 election was stolen. It cites claims that for years have been made by people who assert widespread fraud in the contest even though audits, state officials, courts and Trump’s own former attorney general have all rejected the idea of widespread problems that could have altered the outcome.

The investigation was initiated by a referral from Kurt Olsen, who served as Trump’s 2020 campaign lawyer when it lost dozens of lawsuits challenging the election and now serves as an administration official overseeing the attempt to investigate Trump’s loss, according to the affidavit.

The search of the heavily Democratic county stirred immediate concerns among Democrats that Trump was marshaling the powers of the FBI and Justice Department to pursue retribution over his persistent claims of a stolen election and because of the unusual presence of Tulsi Gabbard, the country’s director of national intelligence.

The affidavit makes no mention of any evidence of foreign interference in the 2020 election even though the possibility of such meddling has been a longstanding conspiracy theory among Trump supporters who question the vote count.

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“Today’slaw enforcement operation announcements are, at their core, aboutone thing: public safety,” said Courcelle, who Trump nominated to the position last year

In total, thetaskforce’sNew Orleans-area operations netted 175 arrests,114 seized guns and the confiscation of 20 kilogramsof cocaine, plus various quantities of fentanyl,opioids and marijuana, officials said

An FBI official said the bulk of thedrugs, guns and human trafficking suspects seizedbythe task force so far have tiestothe Gulf Cartel, apowerful Mexican crime syndicate withroots along the country’s border with the U.S. Four humantrafficking victims were rescued, the official said.

TheFBI official, Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Tapp, of the New Orleans Field Office, declined to provide additional details of cartel operations the probe uncovered, citing ongoing investigations.

Prosecutors in the Lafayettebased U.S. Attorney’sOffice for the Western District of Louisianaannounced related criminal charges Tuesday. They indicted 11 people accused of distributing cocaine, fentanyl and methamphetamine on behalf of the Gulf Cartel —charges stemming from aprobe by acollection of law enforcement agencies also assembled under Trump’sHomeland Security Task Force directive, officials said.

Federal agencies have created versions of the that task force nationwide in responsetothe administration’sdirective. Even as the administration touts trafficking investigations as alaw enforcement priority,many agents who historically focused on uncovering such crimes —including within the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations, two agencies leading the task force’sinvestigative work have been reassigned to support theadministration’smass-deportation push.

General immigration enforcement is “not the priority” ofthe newtaskforce,said Matt Wright, acting special agentincharge of Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans.

“If there are crimes that are immigration-related that are connected to those criminal activities,

we willcertainly enforcethem,”

Wright said.

Federal and local officials have long used task forces to meld federal expertise and resources with local agencies’ manpower. Collaborations led by the feds can also direct funding to local agencies. In Louisiana, such partnerships have often focusedonintercepting drugs and other illicit goods along the Interstate10and Interstate12 corridors.

Agencies on the new Homeland Security Task Force include U.S. Homeland SecurityInvestigations,Immigration andCustoms Enforcement, the FBI, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Drug EnforcementAdministration, Louisiana StatePolice, the Louisiana Attorney General’sOfficeand others

The task force also marks the start of anew chapter for New Orleans’ U.S.Attorney’sOffice,

which has not had apresidentiallyappointed U.S.attorney since 2021. For years, theoffice’sleaders took arelatively quiet approach to publicrelations. Since his swearing-in, Courcelle hasdirected subordinatestoenliven theoffice’ssocial media presence and rampupprosecution numbers.

His news conference Tuesday marked thefirst by theU.S. Attorney’sOffice since lastAugust, whenthen-acting U.S.Attorney Michael Simpsonaddressedreporters and tookquestions about thecorruption indictment of thenMayor LaToyaCantrell.

Though Trump has been accused of overhauling the Justice Department to pursue his political aims, someNew Orleanstrialbar veteransviewed Tuesday’snews conference as asign thatCourcelle may hewtowardthe office’shistoric bread-and-butter: prosecuting complex criminal cases viewed as

punching abovethe office’sweight compared to other prosecutors’ offices across the country

“Mr.Courcelle is well-liked and well-respected in the legal community and can do alot to encourage this type of cooperation,” said Michael Magner,aveteran defense attorney andformer longtime federal prosecutor. “My sense is that the thrust of this initiative is to address the primary concern of thepublic,namelytostemviolent crime and drug trafficking, rather than to becomeembroiled in politics.”

By leading such partnerships, Magner said, the U.S.Attorney’s Office can help “mitigate rivalries amonglaw enforcement agencies with overlapping jurisdictions.”

The indictments secured by federal prosecutors in Lafayette, plus additional indictments returned in December in Shreveport, offer more details of the kinds of inves-

tigations HomelandSecurity Task Forceagents arepursuing. In the Lafayette case, prosecutors said FBI agents seized 25 pounds of meth, akilo of cocaine, 2,000 fentanyl pills andmorethan $150,000 in cash and gold from a“neighborhood-based gang” importing drugs from “Gulf Cartel sources.”

The indictment in Shreveport accusedfourpeople of trafficking fentanyl in NatchitochesParish. The prosecutors’ news release did notmention anytiestocartels in thatcase.

Both investigations were run by local and federal agents who collaborated under the Trumpadministration’sHomelandSecurity Task Force initiative. Officials did not specifyTuesday how long the New Orleans-focused task force would operate. Wright, the lead HSI agent, said the initiative will be “well-resourced and here forthe long haul.”

Landry names stateRep.Emerson chiefofstaff

Carencro legislator giving up senior position in House

BY TYLER BRIDGES Staff writer

State Rep. Julie Emerson is giving up her senior position in theHouse to takeon an even more importantrole as Gov.Jeff Landry’s chief of staff, the Governor’sOffice announced Tuesday Emerson, 37, will take over next week from Kyle Ruckert, whoisleaving to oversee an outside political group that’sworking for Landry’s reelection next year

“JulieEmerson is aproven leader with adeep understanding of Louisiana’s people, our State legislature, and the work that needsto be done to move Louisiana forward,” Landry said in a statement. “Her experience and commitment to conservative reform makes her the perfect person to help lead this administration as we continue fighting for a stronger,safer,and more prosperous Louisiana.”

At hirdterm Republican, Emerson has represented Carencro and surrounding towns north of Lafayette since 2016, spendingthe past two years as chair of the powerful Ways and Means Committee. Emerson was in the news most recently when she announcedlast month that she was dropping her bid to be Louisiana’snext senator Emerson said she didn’t see apath to victory once U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow,RBaton Rouge, joined the race

after receivingthe endorsement ofPresidentDonald Trump. Besides Letlow, stateTreasurerJohn Fleming is challenging the reelection of U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-Baton Rouge. During her six monthsas acandidate, Emerson campaigned as afresh-faced conservative. Emerson has less experience running an office than Ruckert,who was former U.S.Sen.DavidVitter’s chief of staff. But she has ample political experience —she works asapolitical consultant and knocked off aDemocratic incumbent in 2015 to win her House seat. Landryand HouseSpeaker Phillip DeVillier,R-Eunice, chose her to chairthe taxwriting committee inlate 2023.Inthat role, shehelped shepherd Landry’smajor tax package through the Legislature in 2024. That package reducedincome tax rates while raisingthe statesales tax for the next five years.

“Julie Emerson is a proven leader with a deep understandingof Louisiana’speople, our State legislature, and the work that needs to be done to move Louisiana forward.”

GOV. JEFF LANDRy

Emersonis thefirstwoman to chair afinance committee in theHouse. Also in 2024, Emerson sponsored legislation pushed by Landry that has created the closed primary system for federal elections beginning this year The threedayqualifying period in those elections begins on Wednesday In yet another measure in 2024, Emerson sponsored the legislation that repealed thecorporate franchise tax, which is alevyoncorporate assets.

In 2024,Emersonalso pushed through theHouse a measure that gives parents greater opportunities to use public dollars to pay for their children tostudy at private schools. Thebill setting

up the program, known as LA GATOR, was sponsored by Sen. Rick Edmonds, RBaton Rouge.

“The last two years have produced some of the boldest reformsLouisiana has ever seen —reforms that have led us to climb in education rankings, business friendliness, and economic growth,” Emerson said in astatement.

“I’m honored to have been apart of many of these reforms as alegislator,and I look forward to continuing to grow Louisiana as Governor Landry’schief of staff.”

Emerson’sHouseDistrict 39 likely will be vacantduring the upcoming legislative sessionsince it will take time to schedule aspecial election to replace.

In atext, Emerson said she will be “responsiveto anyone whoneedshelp in theinterim.” She believes that the district office will remain open Even with herdeparture, Republicans still hold a two-thirdsmajority in the House, as well as in the Senate.

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for me and any woman that has had to endure this,” and that she recently applied to get her old job back.

“I’m really glad that Helena did the right thing,” Bonney said. “This has been a brutal year Now I can get my life back.” After taking the reins at City Hall in January, Moreno kept Fields on, paying out his same salary of $174,947 a year. A Moreno spokesperson said then that the mayor, who signed an executive order on her first day to declare City Hall a harassment-free zone, wanted to review the investigation into the incident and one the City Council had asked the Office of Inspector General to complete before deciding Fields’ fate.

Morrell and Moreno, then council vice president, asked the inspector general to investigate how the city handled Bonney’s complaint and whether retaliation was a factor in the administration’s decision to end its arrangement with Bonney Michel’s investigation came after Bonney sent emails to the city’s Employee Relations Division alleging that Fields may have been involved in the city’s interview with her, which would violate the city’s policy that interviews

“The city of New Orleans remains fully committed to supporting our most vulnerable unhoused residents. The Office of Homeless Services will continue its work every day to connect individuals and families to shelter, housing, health care and critical support services.”

STATEMENT FROM MAyOR HELENA MORENO’S ADMINISTRATION

with people involved in such complaints be conducted separately The City Attorney’s Office denied that. Bonney also filed a criminal complaint with the New Orleans Police Department.

A spokesperson for Michel did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the status of the Inspector General’s Office report.

Cantrell hired Fields in 2023 to run the city’s newly created Office of Homeless Services which has a goal of finding permanent housing for everyone living on the streets of New Orleans. He entered the spotlight in 2024 as a spokesperson for the city’s ambitious, highprofile efforts last year, but took on a less public role after the allegations emerged. Fields and other officials nearly achieved their goal to house 1,500 people by 2025,

with 1,492 placed in subsidized units by the end of the year Fields’ office successfully cleared encampments that had long been a fixture of New Orleans’ downtown, though smaller encampments have popped up in neighborhoods and under highway overpasses.

The office is one of several city departments that has seen staffing cuts under Moreno’s fiscal plan. It is getting just $700,000 this year from the city’s general fund, down from $3.6 million in 2025. The city averted a potential loss of federal funds, which the city relies on to cover rent for formerly homeless people, after the Department of Housing and Urban Development backtracked on proposed cuts in January

Asked about its plan for the office moving forward, officials with Moreno’s administration said in a statement that the city continues to prioritize the office’s work.

“The city of New Orleans remains fully committed to supporting our most vulnerable unhoused residents,” officials said. “The Office of Homeless Services will continue its work every day to connect individuals and families to shelter, housing, health care and critical support services.”

Email Sophie Kasakove at sophie.kasakove@ theadvocate.com.

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Democratic legislator passes on U.S. Senate run

Carter won’t challenge Cassidy

BY TYLER BRIDGES Staff writer

State Sen. Gary Carter Jr is the latest prominent Louisiana Democrat to take a pass on running for the U.S. Senate this year With the three-day qualifying period for the race set to begin on Wednesday, it remains unclear whether a major Democrat will challenge U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy,

LETLOW

Continued from page 1A

Rouge.

The group plans to back Republican candidates who support Kennedy’s Make America Healthy Again agenda in the November congressional elections, Lyon said. Letlow is the first congressional candidate the group has endorsed.

“We found that there really are points of contact with her that are really going to be impressive to the MAHA movement as they get to know her better,” Lyon said at a Heritage Foundation event Monday, in which Kennedy had appeared. “One of them would be medical freedom, that she feels very strongly on.”

Letlow also agreed with the group’s position on serving healthy lunches at schools and other points, Lyons said.

“I proudly consider myself a MAHA mom and am committed to working with the Trump Administration to ensure children have access to a healthy lifestyle, starting with the foods they eat,” Letlow said in a statement Tuesday “My service in Congress is driven by a desire to create a better life for my children and future generations, and I will never back down from that fight.“

“Medical freedom” refers to a movement to reject government involvement in personal and family health choices, including support for nonpasteurized milk and beef tallow, removal of fluoride from drinking water and processed foods, and opposition to mandatory vaccinations.

Most medical experts, including Cassidy, who is a hepatologist, argue there are no serious, proven dangers to the shots, and broad vaccinations prevent the spread of deadly diseases.

Cassidy said Tuesday he was not angry at Kennedy that the MAHA Center was backing his opponent

“When you’ve got courage and you stick up for the things that matter, there’s going to be people who come after you,” Cassidy said. “MAHA preaches a lot of

Continued from page 1A

outages in northern Louisiana. But temperatures in the 20s and wind gusts above 40 mph were crippling enough to cause 9,400 outages in Gentilly, the Lower Garden District and along the lakefront, including at least a few that went on for hours.

The storm forced closures of local schools and government offices, but the conditions weren’t exactly unheard of in New Orleans: The city has now seen temperatures in the 20s in five of the last six years, and a minor tropical storm has sustained winds — not gusts — above 39 miles per hour

“Our customers should not have to worry that power is going to go out during a minor threat,” District A council member Aimee McCarron said.

Leroy Nix, an Entergy New Orleans vice president, said “wind speeds were very, very high for just a moment.”

“We didn’t see widespread outages and big, long durations. Our equipment is rated for this type of wind, but there’s more work to do on the system,” Nix said.

The largest of the recent outages, affecting 8,000 customers in the Lower Garden District, occurred when a year-old gasket, called an O-ring, at a nearby substation failed because of frigid

R-Baton Rouge.

U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow, R-Baton Rouge, and state Treasurer John Fleming have announced plans to try to defeat Cassidy in the Republican primary Carter said on Tuesday that he took a close look at running for the seat.

“The Democratic Party has a great opportunity, but the timing is just not right for me,” said Carter who represents the west bank of Orleans and Jefferson parishes and Plaquemines Parish. An attorney who owns a real estate title company, Carter, 51,

has served in the Legislature for a decade. Carter envisions the Republican candidates tearing themselves apart in the Senate primary That and the declining popularity of President Donald Trump create an opening for a Democrat who has a unifying message, he said.

“We can do so much if we can just set aside the politics,” Carter said. “The pendulum of politics swings back and forth. It’s swinging back (toward Democrats).”

Chasity Verret Martinez, a Democrat, on Saturday handily won a state House race anchored

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By ALEX BRANDON

President Donald Trump stands at the podium with Rep Julia Letlow, R-Baton Rouge, during the Congressional Ball in December Letlow, who has Trump’s endorsement in her run for the U.S Senate, has also picked up support from the Make America Healthy Again movement.

things. If you’re speaking about ultraprocessed food, I think that there has been a real positive emphasis upon needing to do something about ultraprocessed food.”

But Cassidy continued: “On things like vaccines, you can look at the measles outbreak in South Carolina, or the two children who died in West Texas, or the mother who lost her baby when exposed to someone who was unvaccinated. I’m pro-life To me, that’s so tragic. And so you can see our fundamental disagreement on that.”

Lyons said the endorsement of Letlow was the first in a plan to help congressional candidates, mostly Republicans, who support MAHA and Kennedy’s agenda in the November midterms, which

many believe could change control of the U.S. House and perhaps the Senate as well.

MAHA Action Inc., based in New York City, also has endorsed Iowa gubernatorial candidate Zach Lahn in what is turning out to be a crowded field.

Lyons’ group was behind the Mike Tyson television commercial during Sunday’s Super Bowl LX. The 30-second spot, during which Tyson recalled the death of his sister who battled obesity because of her diet, was paid for by wealthy supporters, he said. Lyons and his group raised money for Kennedy’s presidential campaign until the lawyer dropped out and joined forces with President Donald Trump.

in Iberville Parish that Trump had carried by 13 points in 2024.

Former Gov John Bel Edwards and state Sen. Jay Luneau, of Alexandria, said last year that they would bypass the Senate race. No Democrat, other than Edwards, has won a statewide election in Louisiana since then-U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu won reelection in 2008.

Winning this year’s Senate race, Carter said, “is not a kamikaze mission” for a Democrat. Three little-known Democrats have said they plan to run for the seat.

Long-simmering tensions

Cassidy has been walking a political tightrope when it comes to Kennedy and MAHA.

As chair of the influential Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committee, Cassidy, more than any other senator, was responsible for Kennedy getting confirmed.

The senator said he did so after Kennedy assured him he would not undermine the nation’s vaccination schedules.

Yet Kennedy and the agencies he controls reduced the required vaccinations for children to attend school, letting their parents decide many of the ones to take and replacing the vaccine advisers to the department’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention with a group that includes many vaccine skeptics.

Cassidy has criticized some of those actions, though he usually avoids naming Kennedy specifically

Cassidy is widely seen as vulnerable because of his vote to convict Trump on impeachment charges that the president incited the Jan. 6, 2021, storming of the U.S Capitol by his followers hoping to disrupt the certification of Joe Biden winning the 2020 presidential election.

Cassidy was censured by Louisiana Republicans in a state that overwhelmingly supports Trump. Letlow and his other major Republican

members said.

rival, state Treasurer John Fleming, have blasted him for the vote. Fleming, a former congressman who worked in the White House during Trump’s first term, is continuing the race and has also specifically criticized Cassidy for not fully backing Kennedy’s agenda. Trump endorsed Letlow in a Truth Social post Jan. 17, leading her to jump into the race soon after The Federal Election Commission is still processing disclosures from Letlow’s senate campaign. But in her U.S. House war chest, she had $2.4 million on hand at the end of 2025. Cassidy reported a $10.1 million balance. Other candidates began dropping out of the Senate race soon after Trump weighed in. State Sen. Blake Miguez, R-New Iberia and a self-described MAHA champion, and state Rep. Julie Emerson, R-Carencro, exited the race. Emerson was named Tuesday as Gov Jeff Landry’s chief of staff, and Miguez announced he’d run to replace Letlow in Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District. Candidates need to sign up and pay the fees for being on the ballot between Wednesday and Friday for the May 16 closed congressional primaries and the Nov 3 general election.

Email Mark Ballard at mballard@theadvocate.com.

temperatures according to Entergy

Asked by District B council member Lesli Harris if Orings should be expected to fail within a year Entergy’s metro reliability director, Dan Calamari, responded, “They should not.”

“We’re inspecting these and monitoring and making sure that we don’t have an issue,” Calamari said Meanwhile, wind gusts damaged a conductor along the lakefront and a shield wire in Gentilly McCarron noted that equipment failures caused 121,000 outages in the first nine months of 2025, accounting for nearly half of all outages, according to Entergy’s most recent reliability report.

Nix said that number is skewed because crews default to logging outages as equipment failures if the cause isn’t immediately obvious. He also said there had been fewer equipment failures in January 2026 than the same month last year

Delta Utilities reported having no significant disruptions to its service during the weather

But the blast of winter weather did spike natural gas prices, a cost that’s passed on directly to customers.

Delta Utilities leaders acknowledged customers’ frustrations with their bills while explaining that their rate structure hasn’t changed and that higher bills are instead a result of increased fuel prices.

City Council members urged the utility to do a better job at explaining charges to customers and at promoting its level billing program, which spreads out costs evenly throughout the year

“People are confused about the bill,” council Vice President Matthew Willard said. “One thing that I would ask of all of you is to just do a better job at conveying all of this.”

The cost of purchasing gas fluctuates based on the market and is adjusted on a monthly basis on customer bills. Between September 2025 and February 2026, fuel costs increased by 160%, the utility said. Those costs are passed directly to customers with zero markup or profit and are labeled on the bill as “Purchase Cost Adjustment.”

Delta Utilities CEO Timothy J. Poché said costs are expected to continue to rise through February’s billing cycle.

Delta attributed some of customers’ frustrations to the new billing regime.

For years, most Louisianans paid one utility bill that included gas and electric costs combined. That changed last summer when Delta, a portfolio company of the private equity firm Bernhard Capital Partners, bought the gas businesses owned by Entergy Louisiana and Entergy New Orleans.

In prior years, customers may not have noticed a winter spike in their utility bill because it was paired with a drop in electricity usage

from not using an air conditioner, officials noted.

Another reason customers may be seeing higherthan-usual utility bills is that they’re no longer enrolled in level billing. Customers who used the program under Entergy weren’t automatically enrolled with Delta. Instead, they were required to opt in.

That’s caused confusion for customers who have long relied on the program, council

“When we separated the bills, there was an assumption that this would be a smooth transition, and people would not see a change,” council President JP Morrell said. “I think there needs to be an aggressive effort on the part of Delta to say levelized billing is an option.”

Poché said they’re actively reaching out to customers who were previously enrolled to let them know that level billing is still an option. Jesse George, a policy director at the Alliance for Affordable Energy a consumer advocacy group, noted that gas prices are only expected to increase in the long run and urged the council to flex its regulatory muscle to “help people eliminate their dependence on natural gas.”

Local, state authorities team to combat child exploitation

BY MICHELLE HUNTER Staff writer

Technology advances in online gaming and social medial spaces have expanded the internet reach of children and teenagers.

But authorities warn it has also provided extraordinary access for predators, fueling an increase in the exploitation of youths online, ranging from sextortion to deepfake child pornography

“Through social media, gaming platforms and other online spaces, predators can enter a child’s bedroom without walking through a door,” Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley said. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill on Tuesday announced the creation of the Orleans Metro Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, a much-needed expansion of the state unit dedicated to investigating online exploitation.

“The members of this task force will conduct both proactive and reactive investigations to target and arrest individuals seeking to harm Louisiana’s children,” Murrill said.

In 2025, the state task force received 30,000 cybertips reporting online abuse of children, double what they received in 2024 This year, the group is already on track to take in 90,000 tips, according to Murrill

“This is an enormous problem,” she said.

The Orleans Metro ICAC will be headquartered at the Kenner Police Department and will include representatives from the sheriff’s offices of Jefferson, St. Charles, Plaquemines, St. John the Baptist and St.

STAFF PHOTO By MICHELLE HUNTER

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, center at the podium, stands flanked by state, local and federal law enforcement officials Tuesday as she announces the creation of the Orleans Metro Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, which will combat rising online child exploitation.

Bernard parishes, the New Orleans Police Department, Louisiana State Police, the Gretna Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations.

The state’s task force has been active since 2003. It started with just one investigator and one computer forensic specialist, according to Louisiana Bureau of Investigations Supervisory Special Agent Chris Masters.

But over time, the threats have evolved with technology Masters said his investigators are seeing an increased use of artificial intelligence to create sexually explicit photos out of typically innocent images.

Following an investigation by the Louisiana Bureau of Investigations, Darrell Devenny, 63, of Westwego, pleaded guilty in December after he was accused of sexually abusing a victim and creating deepfake child pornography Authorities have also seen an uptick in sextortion cases. Predators befriend a child or teen online before manipulating them into

sending revealing photos of themselves Those pictures are later used to extort money or more images, according to investigators.

“It’s very scary to (victims), and very threatening to them,” Murrill said.

“We’ve seen children commit suicide when they’ve been exposed to sextortion scams on the internet.”

Each of the partnering law enforcement agencies will dedicate at least one staffer to these type of cybercrime investigations.

But authorities said parents must also stay vigilant and engaged in their children’s digital lives. Not to do so, Master said, would be like taking a small child to a playground and leaving them there alone.

“If you leave them (online) to play by themselves without you checking on what’s going on or monitoring what’s going on, they’re susceptible to a child predator talking to them.”

Email Michelle Hunter at mhunter@theadvocate. com.

BRIEFS FROM WIRE REPORTS

Stocks drift to a mixed finish as yields fall

NEW YORK Stocks drifted on Wall Street Tuesday following a mixed set of profit reports from big U.S. companies, as Hasbro jumped but Coca-Cola slipped. Hopes also built that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates later this year to boost the economy following a discouraging report on the strength of U.S. shoppers.

The S&P 500 fell 0.3% after briefly rising above its all-time high, which was set a couple weeks ago. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 52 points, or 0.1%, to its own record, while the Nasdaq composite fell 0.6%.

The action was stronger in the bond market, where Treasury yields fell after a report showed U.S. retailers made less money at the end of last year than economists expected. Shoppers spent roughly the same amount in December as they did in November, less than the modest growth that economists expected.

That could signal a loss of momentum for spending by U.S. households, which is the main engine of the economy It also came ahead of two more anticipated reports coming later in the week. On Wednesday, the U.S. government will give the latest monthly update on the unemployment rate, while a Friday report will show how bad inflation is for U.S. consumers.

Altogether the data should help the Federal Reserve decide what to do with interest rates.

Paramount sweetens offer for Warner Bros.

Paramount Skydance has sweetened its bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, adding a $2.8 billion “break fee” for Netflix and a payment to shareholders set to increase for every quarter after Jan. 1, 2027, that the transaction does not close.

However, it’s not clear the latest move will do much to sway Warner Bros. Discovery’s board, which has endorsed a rival bid from Netflix

The David Ellison-led company sent notice Tuesday of its revised offer to the Warner Bros Discovery board, adding that it was open to further negotiation.

“While we have tried to be as constructive as possible in formulating these solutions, several of these items would benefit from collaborative discussion to finalize,” the letter states.

“If granted a short window of engagement, we will work with you to refine these solutions to ensure they address any and all of your concerns.”

Paramount’s all-cash offer still stands at $30 a share. In addition to the termination payment and so-called “ticking fee” for shareholders of 25 cents per share which the company said would total about $650 million in cash value each quarter

Paramount also said it would “eliminate” Warner’s $1.5 billion financing cost associated with its debt exchange offer

Coca-Cola demand rises in fourth quarter

Coca-Cola saw stronger demand globally in the fourth quarter but its shares slipped on investors’ concerns about its tepid outlook.

Global unit case volumes grew 1% for the October-December period, led by the U.S., Japan and Brazil, the Atlanta beverage giant said Tuesday Unit case volumes also rose by 1% in North America, reversing several quarters of flat or declining sales.

But Coke’s fourth quarter net revenue was lower than expected, and the company said it expects its organic revenue to rise 4% to 5% in 2026. The company’s organic revenue grew 5% last year, and analysts were expecting close to that this year

Coca-Cola said it’s working to turn around weak demand in China, India and some markets in Europe. Government efforts to curb sugary drink consumption could also weigh on Coke’s sales this year

BUSINESS

NOLA.COM/BIZ

Louisiana Blue CEO to retire

Camerlinck says role was ‘a privilege’

BY TIMOTHY BOONE Staff writer

Bryan Camerlinck, who took over as president and CEO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana two years ago after the nonprofit company shelved plans for Elevance Health to buy the business, announced Tuesday he will retire.

Camerlinck has been with Blue Cross for 33 years, with the last decade in executive leadership roles. He will remain CEO through the end of the year to facilitate the leadership transition.

“It has been a privilege to lead

Louisiana Blue and serve the people of our state,” Camerlinck said in a statement. “I am incredibly proud of the progress our team has made strengthening our commitment to Louisiana, improving the experience for our customers and navigating significant industry challenges.”

hospitals, policyholders and elected officials.

He took over leadership of the company in May 2024, after former CEO Dr Steve Udvarhelyi retired. Udvarhelyi led a controversial and unsuccessful attempt to sell the Baton Rouge-based company to one of the nation’s largest insurers, Elevance Health. He stepped down three months after the sales plan was shelved in the face of opposition from doctors,

Camerlinck provided stability and a renewed focus on keeping Blue Cross local and independent in the aftermath of the sales attempt. He rebranded the company as Louisiana Blue.

“Bryan stepped into the CEO role with deep knowledge of the organization and a steady hand during a period of enormous change in health care,”

Prior to joining Blue Cross, Camerlinck spent more than 20 years as an executive at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City He began his career as an auditor with Ernst and Young, is a certified public accountant and holds a degree in accounting and pre-law from Kansas State University Plans are for the board of directors to launch a formal search for the next CEO.

Judy Miller, chair of the Louisiana Blue Board of Directors, said in a statement. Camerlinck joined Blue Cross in 2016 as chief financial officer and was promoted to the role of executive vice president and chief operating officer in 2021, where he had financial and operational responsibility for all lines of business at Blue Cross. He also had strategic oversight of the company’s business operations, information technology, data and analytics, sales, marketing and communications, and customer experience divisions.

Opposition grows in Congo over U.S. rare earth minerals deal

Activists say

agreement would create more conflict

BY SALEH MWANAMILONGO Associated Press

Opposition to a deal that would allow U.S. companies access to critical minerals in Congo is growing after Congo’s President Felix Tshisekedi returned from the U.S. minerals summit last week — with praises from U.S. President Donald Trump and U.S lawmakers. Tshisekedi has offered U.S. companies access to eastern Congo’s rich minerals — mostly untapped and estimated to be worth $24 trillion — as a bargaining chip for U.S. support to help fight off rebels and build critical infrastructure in the region where Rwandabacked rebels seized major cities last year

It comes as the Trump administration seeks to create a minerals trading bloc with its allies, in part to defend against China’s stranglehold on critical elements needed for everything from fighter jets to smartphones. China accounts for nearly 70% of the world’s rare earth mining and controls roughly 90% of global rare earths processing. It is also the most active player in Congo’s minerals sector

On the sidelines of the Feb. 4 Critical Minerals Ministerial in Washington, D.C., Tshisekedi led a Congolese delegation on strategic meetings with senior Trump administration officials and members of the Congress, mostly building on the strategic partnership agreement that both countries signed in December

“We are open for business and we are serious about doing business the right way,” Tshisekedi told members of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce during a meeting last week

Discussions with Congolese officials focused on reviewing a list of strategic assets submitted by Congo which will help determine investment opportunities for American companies, the U.S. State Department said last week.

The strategic partnership has been framed as securing supply chains for strategic minerals like cobalt, copper, lithium and coltan for the U.S. while Congo in return receives U.S. support for development of key infrastructure.

In Congo, however, analysts and residents say there are still no signs that U.S. involvement in the country’s minerals sector will help meet its most crucial need: permanent peace and stability particularly in the east where Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have seized territories a year ago.

The rebels also control vast territories rich in minerals, including the Rubaya coltan mine which produces around 15% of the world’s

coltan and where at least 200 miners died recently after a part of it collapsed.

American companies, meanwhile, have long avoided Congo due in part to high levels of insecurity and corruption, a void long filled by Chinese companies.

“The battle between China and the United States for access to and control of strategic minerals will intensify concretely on Congolese soil,” said Josaphat Musamba, doctoral researcher studying conflict and development at Belgium’s Ghent University

In the capital of Kinshasa, opposition is growing against the mineral partnerships both from public figures and the civil society leaders, some of whom have accused the Congolese government of underselling the country’s vast mineral wealth.

A group of lawyers and human rights activists in Congo has filed a lawsuit arguing that

the mineral partnership threatens Congo’s sovereignty

“We are assuming our responsibility as Congolese citizens to protect the sovereignty of our country and preserve our heritage for future generations,” said Jean-Marie Kalonji, one of the lawyers.

Within the opposition, there is also the fear that the deal will mainly benefit Tshisekedi. Moïse Katumbi, the main opposition leader, has raised concerns about how it could be implemented given the security situation in the mineral-rich east and has called for a national dialogue as a better approach to investors.

Archbishop Fulgence Muteba, who is president of the National Episcopal Conference of Congo, likened the strategic partnership to “selling off the minerals of an entire nation to save a regime or a political system.”

“This clearly amounts to sacrificing the development of the population and confiscating the happiness of future generations,” the Catholic bishop said in December

In the rebel-controlled territories, residents say they don’t see any major commitment by the U.S. to restoring peace and stability

“We think this agreement will generate more conflict instead of actually providing solutions because the actors are not sincere,” said Christopher Muyisa, a youth activist.

For Tshisekedi and his government, “the immediate gain is primarily political: strategic recognition from Washington,” said Yvon Muya, a research associate at Canada’s University of Ottawa.

New Target CEO reshapes leadership team in first big move

‘It’s the start of a new chapter,’ he says

BY ANNE D’INNOCENZIO AP retail writer

NEW YORK Target CEO Michael Fiddelke is reshuffling his leadership team and making other changes shortly after stepping into the top job at the retailer that has struggled operationally Rick Gomez, the 13-year Target veteran who oversees the chain’s vast inventory of merchandise, will leave the company And Jill Sando, the chief merchandising officer overseeing a handful of categories like apparel and home and

who has been with the company since 1997, will retire. Lisa Roath, who oversaw food, essentials and cosmetics, will take Fiddelke’s previous job as chief operating officer, the company said Tuesday Cara Sylvester, who had been chief guest experience officer, will become the company’s chief merchandising officer

The changes will allow Target to move with greater speed, Fiddelke said. “It’s the start of a new chapter for Target, and we’re moving

quickly to take action against our priorities that will drive growth within our business,” Fiddelke said in a release. Gomez and Sando will remain with the company for a short time to help with the transition, but the changes become effective Sunday. Also on Tuesday, the company reiterated its profit guidance. It is also increasing investment in store staffing at stores while eliminating about 500 jobs at distribution centers and regional offices, according to a memo sent to employees that Target shared with The Associated Press. The cuts make up just a tiny fraction of Target’s overall employee count of more than 400,000. It is the first substantial change

under Fiddelke, a 20-year company veteran who took over for Brian Cornell this month. The company’s decision to choose an insider surprised many industry analysts who believe the company needs new ideas as it tries to revive sales.

Target has struggled to find its footing as many Americans have cut back on spending. Customers have also complained of disheveled stores that are missing the budget-priced niche that long ago earned the retailer the nickname “Tarzhay.”

The company has also been buffeted by consumer boycotts and backlash after it scaled back its corporate diversity equity and inclusion initiatives.

Echols enters Republican primaryfor Houseseat

State representative eyes Letlow’s spot

BY TYLER BRIDGES Staff writer

State Rep. Michael Echols, of Monroe, announced Tuesday that he will compete for the congressional seat that U.S Rep. Julia Letlow,R-Baton Rouge, is vacating to run for the U.S. Senate.

“Weare at aturning point in our country,” Echols said in astatement. “President Trump needsmorebusinessme n andbuilders like him to cut off illegal immigration, protect our farmers and rural communities, and fix the greatest economy in the history of theworld that Joe Biden and his autopen tried to destroy.”

Echols becomes thefourth candidate to jump into the RepublicanParty primary for the 5th Congressional District. The three-day period to qualify for the race begins Wednesday

State Sen. Rick Edmonds, of Baton Rouge, and Misti Cordell, who is from Monroe and chairs the state Board of Regents, have already announced plans to run.

So hasstate Sen. Blake Miguez, of Erath, near New Iberia, who lives outside the district but is running with theendorsement of President Donald Trump and Clubfor Growth, apowerful Washington, D.C.-based conservative group. Miguez said in an interview Tuesday that he has ownedahouse in south

ELECTION 2026 5TH DISTRICT

Baton Rouge sincethe late 1990s and that his family, which operates an offshore oil and gas business based in New Iberia, has owned “a bulk facility” in Baton Rouge. He didnot specify the locations of thehouse or business.

Miguez alsonoted that he graduated from LSU as an undergraduateand obtained alaw degree from Southern University in Baton Rouge.

“For the peopleinCongressional District 5, what they should know is that if I’m fortunate enough to be elected —and when I’melected as their next congressperson—that I will make my Baton Rouge home my primary residence,” he said. “I want to live close to the people that Irepresent.”

The district includes East Baton Rouge, Livingston andthe Florida parishes and extends up the Mississippi Rivertonortheast Louisiana. Itwas designed to elect aRepublican State Rep. Dixon McMakin, R-BatonRouge, dropped out of therace Monday because of Trump’s endorsementofMiguez

Echols said Trump’sendorsement of Miguez does notdissuade him.

“I feel adamant that the person who runs and represents thecongressional district needs to live and work in thecongressionaldistrict,” he said in an interview Tuesday.“You shouldn’thave to cross three congressional districts to getto thepeople you’re supposed to be representing every day.”

Echols, who will be49on Wednesday,was first elected to theHouse in 2019 and hasa solid conservative

voting record. In an unusualmove, Gov JeffLandry backed Echols in December to be chosen as theleader of theHouse Republican Caucus. Echols defeated stateRep. John Illg,ofMetairie, in aclose race amongHouse Republicans. Governors have not traditionally sought to elect caucus chairs, but Landry said Echolswould help pushhis agenda through the Republican-controlled Legislature.

Echols said he won’tstep down as caucus chair duringthe upcominglegislative session, when he will alsobecampaigning for the congressional seat.

The Republican primary is on May 16. Unaffiliated voters can vote in theprimary. The top two finishers, if no candidate receives more than 50%, will competeinaJune 27 runoff.

With undergraduateand graduatedegrees from the UniversityofLouisiana at Monroe, Echols has worked for ahealth care group and as adeveloper of historic properties. He and his wife Christie, an architect, recently opened the Hotel Monroe in tworestored buildings in the city’sdowntown

Echols servedonthe MonroeCity Council for oneterm until his election to thestate House.

No prominent Democrats have announced plans to run for theseat.

Larry Davis,amember of the LivingstonRepublican ParishExecutive Committee, had announced plans to run for the 5th CongressionalDistrict but on Tuesday saidheplanstochallenge U.S. Rep. CleoFields,DBaton Rouge, as he runs for reelection in the 6thCongressional District Capitolbureaureporter Alyse Pfeilcontributedto this article.

BY MIKE BALSAMO, ERIC TUCKER, TY O’NEIL and ALANNADURKIN RICHER Associated Press

TUCSON, Ariz. Apersonhas been detained for questioning in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie,according to twopeoplefamiliarwiththe matter.

The people said the person was detained in an area south of Tucson on Tuesday.They did not immediately provide additional details.

The people were not authorized to discuss details of an ongoing investigation and spoke to AP on condition of anonymity.

Earlier Tuesday,the FBI released images of amasked personwitha handgun holstercaught on camera outside Guthrie’sfront door the

night she disappeared, offering the first major break in a case that has gripped the nation formore than aweek.

The person wearing abackpack and aski maskcan be seen in one of the videos tilting their head down and away from adoorbellcamera while nearing an archway at the home of themother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie

Thefootage shows the person holding aflashlight in theirmouth andtrying to cover the camera with agloved hand and part of aplant ripped from Nancy Guthrie’s yard

Thevideos —less than a combined minute in length —gave investigators and the public their first glimpse of who wasoutside Nancy Guthrie’s home just outside

Tucson, but the images did not show whathappened to herorhelpdetermine whether the 84-year-old is still alive.

FBI Director KashPatel said the “armed individual” appeared to “havetampered with the camera.” It was not entirely clear whether there wasagun in theholster

Thevideos were pulled fromdataon“back-end systems” after investigators spent days trying to find lost, corrupted or inaccessibleimages, Patel said.

“This will get the phone ringing for lots of potential leads,” said former FBI agent Katherine Schweit. “Even when youhaveapersonwho appears to be completely covered,they’re really not. You can seetheir girth, the shape of their face, potentially their eyes or mouth.”

Walz expectsMinn. operationtoend soon

BY STEVE KARNOWSKI Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS Gov.Tim Walz

said Tuesday that he expects the federal immigration crackdown in Minnesota will end in “days, not weeks and months,” based on his recent conversations with top Trump administration officials.

The Democratic governor said at a news conference that he spoke Monday with border czar TomHoman and with White House chief of staff Susie Wiles on Tuesday morning. Homan took over the Minnesota operation in late January after the second fatal shooting by federal officers and amidgrowing political backlash and questions about how the operation was being

run.

“We’re verymuchina trustbut verify mode,” Walz said. He added thatheexpected to hear more from the administration“in the next day or so” aboutthe future of what he said has been an “occupation” and a “retribution campaign” against the state.

WhileWalz said he’shopeful at the moment because “every indication I have is that this thing is winding up,” he added that things could change.

“It wouldbemyhopethatMr. Homan goes outbefore Friday and announces that this thing is done, and they’re bringing her down and they’rebringing her down in days,”

Walz said.“That would be my expectation.”

Officialswiththe Department of Homeland Security did not immediately reply to arequestfor comment on the governor’sremarks.

Walz said he has no reason not

to believe Homan’sstatement last week that 700 federal officers would leaveMinnesota immediately,but the governor added thatstill left 2,300 on Minnesota’sstreets. Homan at the time cited an “increase in unprecedented collaboration”resulting in the need for fewer federal officers in Minnesota, including help from jails thathold inmates who could be deported.

The governor also indicated that he expects thestate will get“cooperation on joint investigations”into the shooting deaths of Renee Good andAlexPretti by federal officers, but gave no details. That’s been a pointoffriction betweenfederal authorities andstate investigators, who complain that they have been frozen out of those cases so far with no access to evidence.

Walz called thenews conference primarily to denouncethe economic impact of theenforcementsurge

Democratssay offerfromWhite HouseonICE is ‘insufficient’

Homeland Security fundingset to expire

BY MARYCLARE JALONICK, KEVIN FREKING andSEUNG MINKIM Associated Press

WASHINGTON Congressional leaders said Tuesday that adeal was still possible with the White House on Homeland Security Department funding before it expires this weekend.But the two sides werestill far apart as Democrats demanded newrestrictions on President DonaldTrump’simmigration crackdown.

After federal agents fatally shot two protesters in Minneapolis last month, Democrats say U.S. Immigration andCustomsEnforcement needs to be “dramatically” reined

in and are prepared to let HomelandSecurity shutdown if their demands aren’tmet. On Tuesday, SenateDemocratic Leader Chuck Schumer andHouse Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said they had rejected aWhite Housecounteroffer that “included neither details norlegislative text” and doesnot address “the concerns Americans have about ICE’slawless conduct.”

“Wesimply want ICE to follow thesame standards that most law enforcementagencies across America alreadyfollow,” Schumer said Tuesday “Democratsawait the next answer from our Republican counterparts.”

TheDemocrats’ rejection of the Republican counteroffer comes as time is running short, with ashut-

down of theHomelandSecurity Department threatening to begin Saturday.Among the Democrats’ demands are arequirement for judicial warrants,better identification of DHS officers, new useof-force standards and astop to racial profiling.

Finding agreement on the charged, partisanissue of immigration enforcement will be exceedingly difficult. But even as lawmakers in both partieswere skeptical, aWhite House official said thatthe administration was having constructive talks with bothRepublicans and Democrats. Theofficial, granted anonymity to speak aboutongoing deliberations,stressed that Trumpwanted the government to remain open andfor Homeland Security services to be funded.

Lutnickadmitshemet with Epsteinlater than he previously claimed

BY STEPHENGROVES Associated Press

WASHINGTON Under questioningfrom Democrats on Tuesday, CommerceSecretary Howard Lutnick acknowledgedthathehad metwithJeffrey Epsteintwice after thelate financier’s2008 conviction forsoliciting prostitution from achild, reversing Lutnick’s previous claim that he had cut ties withhim after 2005.

Lutnick again downplayed his relationship with the disgraced financier,who was once his neighborinNew York City, as he was questioned by Democrats during asubcommittee hearing of the Senate Appropriations Committee. He described their contact as ahandful of emails and apair of meetings that were years apart.

“I didnot have anyrelationship with him. Ibarely had anything to do with him,” Lutnick told lawmakers.

But Lutnick is facing growing scrutiny,including calls for his resignation, from lawmakers afterthe release of case fileson Epstein contradicted Lutnick’s claims on apodcast last year that he had decided to “never be in the room”withEpsteinagainafter a

By The Associated Press

LONDON Keir Starmer fights another day

After indirect fallout from the Jeffrey Epsteinfilessparked adramaticday of crisis that threatened to topple him,the U.K. prime minister was saved by a pugnacious fightback and hesitationamong his rivals inside the governing Labour Party about theconsequences of aleadership coup. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband saidTuesday that Labour lawmakers had “looked over the precipice …and they didn’tlike what they saw.”

ASSOCIATEDPRESS PHOTO Commerce SecretaryHoward Lutnick listens during aFeb.2 event with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington.

2005 tour of Epstein’shome that disturbed Lutnick and his wife

The commerce secretary told senators Tuesdaythatheand his family actually hadlunch with Epstein on his private island in 2012 and he had another hour-long engagement at Epstein’shome in 2011. Lutnick, amember of President Donald Trump’sCabinet, is the highest-profileU.S.official to face bipartisan calls for his resignation amid revelations of his ties to Epstein. His acknowledgement comes as lawmakers are grasping for what accountability looks like amid the revelations contained in what’sknown as the Epstein files.

fornow

“Andtheythought theright thingwas to unitebehindKeir,” Miliband told the BBC. He might have added: For now Starmer’sauthorityoverhis center-left party has been battered by aftershocks from the publication of files related to Epstein —aman he never met and whose sexual misconduct hasn’t implicated him. But it wasStarmer’sdecision to appoint veteran Labour politician Peter Mandelson, afriend of Epstein, as U.K. ambassador to Washington in 2024 that has led manytoquestion the leader’s judgment and call for his resignation.

Parole denied formother

Baby died weighing less than 6poundsfrombeing fedcow’s milk

BY JOHN SIMERMAN

Staff writer

Asingle no vote from the state paroleboard Tuesday will mean years longer in prison for Tiffany Woods, whose infant son died during their Hurricane Katrina evacuation after she fed him organic cow’smilk rather than baby formula.

Woods wept in blueprison

scrubs as she recounted tiny Emmanuel’sdeath as she pleaded

City ramps up towing amid

Mardi Gras rush

Move comes as officialslookto

boostrevenue

BY JONI HESS Staff writer

New Orleans city crews towed more than 200 carsinthe first major weekend of Mardi Grasparades, a bid to boost revenue that irked some residents who said the parkingrules weren’tadvertised.

New Orleans Department of Public Works staffers towed vehicles illegally parked along Tchoupitoulas Street and within the stretch of neighborhoods from Napoleon Avenue to the French Quarter,commonly known as “the box,” said aspokesperson for Mayor Helena Moreno’s administration.

The tows come aweek after the department, at the request of the New Orleans Police Department,changed signage that restricted parking before and after parades from two hours to four hours, an effort to “support public safetyand parade operations,” Moreno’spress secretaryJonah Gilmore said.

That prohibits parking between 1p.m. Friday and 11:59 p.m.Sunday.

“The four-hour restriction is posted exclusively within the parade route formation and disbanding areas,” Gilmore said. “Outside of these designated areas, the remainder of the paraderoute remains subjecttothe standardtwo-hour parking restriction.”

But the change and the volume of cars towed set off awaveoffrustration by those impacted, who said the move was excessive andlacked adequate notice. In total, 207 cars were towed under aprovision in the city’s charter that makes parking during restricted hours and dates reflected on city signs atowable offense.

“No onetold us anything. If we knew,wecould’ve planned accordingly,” said Tara Francolini, owner of Italian-style deli Francolini’son Tchoupitoulas Street,who witnessed workers towing cars parked in front of her restaurant.

The heightened enforcementmeasurescomeasthe city is seekingto stave offa projected $222 million budget deficit this year,and they are expected to recoup about$7million City officials are also going after drivers who owe unpaid parking fees and fines.

City officials previously announced plans to hire 50 new parking enforcement officers to handle violations and attacka$100 million backlog of unpaid fines and fees.

The additional staffing willalso operate under the purviewofNOPD, instead of the Public Works Department, which has its own parking enforcement division. An NOPD spokesperson said Monday they expect the change to take place in

for an early release over avideo screen from the Louisiana Correctional Institutefor Women in St.Gabriel.

Convicted of second-degree murderin2008 over her son’sdeath in Shreveport,Woodswas serving an automaticlifesentenceuntil former Gov.JohnBel Edwards commuteditto 36 yearsin2023under a recommendation from thepardon board.

Thepartial mercymade Woods, 46, eligible for release in half that

time.

AndonTuesday,two of three members of aparole board panel backedfreedom forWoods,praising herfor reforming in prison, her support on the outside and a plantoreceive housing andservices from the Louisiana Parole Project.

Boardmember Carolyn Stapleton,however,said shecouldn’t countenance Woods’ release after hearing opposition from Caddo Parish District Attorney James Stewart’soffice andviewing pho-

tos of baby Emmanuel’stiny body

“You’vedone remarkable, wonderful things.But because of the condition of the child and the circumstances thatthe DA’s Office described, Iamnot going to be able to grant you parole today,” said Stapleton, aretired victim assistance director for the East BatonRouge Parish Sheriff’s Office.

“Andextreme law enforcement opposition.”

ACaddoParish judge convicted Woods and the baby’sfather,Em-

manuel Scott, from a2006 indictment. Under Louisiana’sunusually broad murderstatute, prosecutors needed only to prove the pair was negligent fornot taking the infant to the doctor before his death. LittleEmmanuel wasborn premature at just over three pounds andspent more than amonth in neonatal intensive care at Tulane MedicalCenter. He went home at 5pounds, about three weeks before the hurricane hit. The family evacuated to Shreveport, landing first at asports arena, then amotel

Saks FifthAvenueat CanalPlace to close

Luxury storehas been open since mid-1980s

BYJONAH MEADOWS Staff writer

Saks Fifth Avenue, the luxury department store that hasanchored Canal Place sincethe mid-1980s, will close in the coming months as its bankrupt parent company downsizes its footprint. Saks Global, whichfiledfor Chapter 11 bankruptcyprotection last month, announced Tuesdaythatitwillclose eight Saks FifthAvenue storesand oneNeiman Marcus around the country

TheCanal Place store will remain open until the end of April, accordingtoa statementfrom a companyspokesperson.

“As part of Saks Global’songoing evaluationofits physical footprint, we have made thede-

cision to close select Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus locations,including theSaks Fifth Avenue New Orleanslocation,based on anumberoffactors, including performance and lease economics,” it said.

According to companyofficials, the closures are the “first phase” of its reorganization as executives look to cutdown their portfolioand “focuson profitable locationswith the highest growthpotential.”

The announcement is ablow to retail on Canal Street, New Orleans’ historicshopping corridorthat has gradually seen the departure of departmentstores and high-end retailers over the pastseveral decades. In November,Adler’sannounced it is closingits luxury jewelry store down thestreet from Saks after more than 120 years in business.

It is unclear what the development means for Canal Place. Representatives for the malldid

BY DOUG MacCASH Staff writer

Last week, beloved former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, class of 2026. On Sunday,fanswill get achance to congratulate No. 9 when he rides atop acustomdecorated floatinthe Bacchus parade, according to float builder Barry Kern. Kern said the celebratory float he’sassembling forthe quarter-

FILE

GRUNFELD NewOrleans Saints quarterback DrewBrees reigned as King of Bacchus in 2010. Brees will ride againthisyear

tory in 2010. Breescompleted his career with the Black and Gold 10 yearslater,having cemented his stature as aNew Orleansicon Brees will join Bacchus’s2026 monarch comedian Patrick Warburton. The 32-float parade rolls on the standard Uptown route, startingonNapoleon Avenue at 5:15 p.m. Sunday.

Judgeallowspollution lawsuittocontinue

Groups allege

St.James steeredplantsto Black areas

BY ALEX LUBBEN Staff writer

Afederal judge on Mondaydenied St. James Parish’smotion to dismiss alawsuit that alleges it engaged in alongstanding practice of discriminationbysteering polluting petrochemical plants toward majority-Black areas.

In asharply worded 34page ruling delivered less than three weeks after oral arguments,Judge Carl Barbier allowed the case —broughtbyInclusive Louisiana, RISE St. James and MountTriumph Baptist Church —tomove forward to discovery,inwhich parish officials could be required to turn over internal records andsit for depositions. Barbier,who wasnominatedbyPresident Bill Clinton, found thatthe plaintiffs plausibly alleged adecadeslong pattern of racially discriminatoryland-use decisions tied to zoning, permitting and the parish’s2014 land use plan. He wrote that, if the allegations in the complaint are true,they“may very well representone of those rare cases in which ‘a clear pattern, unexplainable on grounds otherthan race’ providessufficient evidence of discriminatory intent.”

The ruling does not find that St.JamesParish violated the law,but rather that the plaintiffs’ claims aresufficientto proceed.

“This ruling affirms what we know in our hearts and our faith: God did not create our communities to be sacrificed,” saidSharon Lavigne, the founder of RISE St. James, a local environmental justice organization. “Our prayers, our ancestors and our fight for justice have been heard. We willkeep standing for life, dignity and the sacredness of this land.”

The lawsuit centers on a stretch of land in St. James Parish along the Mississippi River between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, part of an areathat envi-

St. James Parish residents Sharon Lavigne, of RISE St.James, Barbara Washington, of InclusiveLouisiana, and Gail LeBoeuf, of InclusiveLouisiana, sing during anewsconference outsidethe Hale Boggs Federal Building after oral argumentsinapollution case in NewOrleans on Jan. 28.

ronmentaladvocates refer to as “Cancer Alley.” The plaintiffs allege that petrochemicaland other polluting industrialfacilities have beenoverwhelmingly concentrated in themajority-Black 4thand 5th Parish Councildistricts Barbierallowedall of the plaintiff’s claimsto proceed, including constitutional claims under the13thand 14th Amendments, federalcivil-rights statutes and afederal law protecting religious land use.

“Plaintiffs have traced theparish’scurrent land use patterns directly to slavery and the plantation system,” Barbier wrote in his ruling During oral arguments on Jan. 28,anattorney for the parish, Dani Borel, argued that industrialsites are located where they are because those areas are zoned for suchuses and

provide access to the Mississippi River.The parish saidzoningdecisions were drivenprimarilybyeconomic factors, not race, andthe parish officials had to balance industrial development with residential growth.

“They couldn’tprotect everyone or there would be no industry,”Borel said.

Aspokesperson for St. James Parish did not respond to arequestfor comment on Monday.It wasnot immediatelyclear whether theparish would seek to appeal Barbier’s ruling.

Attorneys from the New York-based Center for Constitutional Rights and the Environmental Law Clinic at Tulane University, who are representing the plaintiffs,have argued that siting those facilities in thoseareas has disproportionately exposed residents to health

TOWING

risks, burdenedBlack churches and allowed industrial development on or near unmarked burial sites of formerly enslaved people

Majority-White areas, meanwhile, received zoningprotections andbuffer zones thatshieldedthem from similarimpacts, they say Thelawsuit seeks to stop new industrial development in majority-Black areas of the parish, and would requirechangestothe parish’sland-usepoliciesto preventfuture discrimination.

“This historic decision recognizes whatisatstake in this case: adiscriminatory land use system and public health emergency that originated in slavery,”saidAstha Sharma Pokharel, an attorney at the Center for Constitutional Rights representingthe plaintiffs. “Weare

ready to begin discovery, take testimony, and get therelief that our clients are entitled to —anend to the siting of toxic plants in their historic Black communities.”

Barbier had previously dismissedmuch of the lawsuit in 2023 on procedural grounds. The plaintiffs appealed, and theU.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit reversed that decision lastyear,reviving the case and allowing it to move forward Now,the caseisback in Barbier’s court. With themotion to dismiss denied, the parish must now formally answer the complaint, and the case will move intodiscovery, whereboth sides can seek documentsand testimony before any trial or summary judgment.

Email AlexLubbenat alex.lubben@theadvocate.

and at last arented house. Woodstold the parole board that thebaby was throwing up his formula “in largeamounts” and that she’d run out of vouchers forthe federal program to helplow-income, postpartum mothers and children known as WIC.

“I didn’tknow what to do Imadethe devastatingdecision to change my child’s milk.And he wastakinghis milk,” she said. “I thought he wasdoing better,but he wasn’tdoingbetter. Ididn’t knowhow to go aboutanythingbut survival mode.

“I knowhe’sgonebecause of me. Ididn’tmeantotake hislife.”

Woodshad supportfor her release from herfourliving children, one of whom testifiedfrom California.

“It is my belief that we all need her— herchildren,” Nie-John Woodssaid. “We all serve the sentence with ourmom.”

Leone Fitzgerald, director of victim assistance for the District Attorney’s Office in Caddo Parish, told thepanel they were “gettinga little tired of hearingabout”Hurricane Katrina as afactor in theinfant’s death

“It hadtobechaotic and stressfuland unprecedented,but it wasn’tareason for Ms. Woods to notfeed her baby,” Fitzgerald said She argued that the child left the NICU“thriving” but gained only 7ounces over 41 days in Woods’ careand weighed less than6pounds whenhedied at about 5 monthsold

“So, that’sunacceptable,” she said.

“No rational person could look at that …poor emaciated baby and not do something. Take him to the emergency room, take him to the doctor.Take him to a fire station …and drophim off where he would have a chance,” she said. “I think there were alot of options that these people chose not to take.”

Woodswas “not adisciplinary problem” and “low risk and lowneeds,” prison warden Kristen Thomas told theboard

“Her record over the past20years shows real accountability,growth,and rehabilitation,” said Andrew Hundley,executive director of the Louisiana Parole Project, in astatementafter Tuesday’s denial.

“Webelieve she poses no risk to public safety and should be given the chance to reunite with her family andapplythe education and skills sheacquired during herincarceration.”

Continuedfrom page1B

March.

At theend of January,the citychanged signage near parade formation routes to warn drivers that they had fourhours to clear outof thearea, not two hours, as is normally the case before parades. They were relying on a provisioninthe city code that letsthe citytow cars

parked in areaswhere posted signs prohibit them. If drivers had any other unpaid fines or fees,they must pay those fees on top of the towingfee to retrieve their cars from thecity’slot.

Aseparate provision in citycodemandates that drivers must leave aparade route two hours beforeaparade. Francolini saidresidents and businesses in the area are used to thetwo-hour timeframe thathas been the norm for years, andthatfourhours

before seemsexcessive. She said it cuts into the deli’slunch rush and that members of her staff and other businesses were hit, as well as afood delivery driver

NOPDspokespersonReese Harper said Tuesday that thefour-hour restrictionsapply onlytoparade formationareas, “which require additional time forfloatstaging, safety preparations andlogistical support prior to the parade.”

Allthreeboard members on the panel that voted on Woods’ application were appointed by Gov. Jeff Landry MemberDaniel“Danny” Barras endorsed her release, pointingtonumerous prison programs she’scompleted and alow-risk assessment. He described Woods as “a true first offender This is the first crime you ever committed.” Board memberJerrie LeDoux also voted for Woods’ release.

SAKS

Continuedfrom page1B

not immediately respond to arequest for comment.

Saks Globalannounced plans to close the Saks Fifth Avenue at Canal Place in NewOrleans.

Four of the stores slated for closureare in markets that already have another store ownedbySaksGlobal, also the parent company of Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman. Both brands wereacquiredunder theleadership of formerSaksCEO Richard Baker,who took on about $2.2billion of additional debt to financethe transaction. The company began defaulting with amissed interest payment due Dec.30. Saks Global CEOGeoffroy vanRaemdonck, the former Neiman Marcusexecutive who took over following the Jan. 13 bankruptcy filing said in astatement that the closures wouldreinforce the brands’ reputation as a luxurydestination “while positioning our company to make investmentsthaten-

ablelong-term growth and valuecreation.”

The closuresannounced Tuesday will leave Saks Global with 25 remaining Saks Fifth Avenue Stores and 35 Neiman Marcus stores, as company officials announced plans to decide which to keep open based on “factors including performance and leaseeconomics.” Earlier this month, the

company closed amajority of itsSaks OFF 5th retail locations andall of its Last Callstores. Last month,luxuryfashion brand Chanel shut downits boutiquewithinthe Canal Place Saks after the department storeracked up about $136 million in unpaid bills. Email JonahMeadows at Jonah.Meadows@ theadvocate.com.

“You pose no risk to public safety.You have done an excellentjob of rehabilitation.Yourconducthas been verygood andplans for reentryare excellent,”she said.“Butatthistime, you needed aunanimousvote.” Woods would have been released in September had the boardgranted it, said FrancisAbbott,executive director of the Louisiana Board of Pardons &Committee on Parole.

She’llnow need to wait five years if she wantstoreapply. Woodsisdue to be released from prison without parole with credit for “good time” in 10 years. The boy’sfather continues to serve life.

acco.org in memory of

Ex-jail clerk pleads

BY MICHELLEHUNTER Staff writer

Aformer clerkwho worked at the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center in Gretna pleaded guilty to stealing more than $130,000 from the bond money paid in cash at the jail, according to authorities.

Anetra Parker,51, of Marrero, pleaded guilty to felony theft valued over $25,000 Monday, Jefferson ParishCourt records said. Judge DonaldRowan Jr., of the 24th Judicial District Court, sentenced Parkerto21/2 years in prison.

Parker had been an employee of the Sheriff’s Office for 19 years at the time of her arrest in September 2024, authorities said. She worked as a clerk at the jail, preparing cash depositsofthe moneypaidtocover inmates’ bail, the Sheriff’s Office said.

Investigators allege Parker was skimming money from those deposits between 2014 and 2024. She was accused of pocketing $130,830. Sheriff’s Office officialsdiscovered the thefts during an audit in 2024.

Parker was free on $25,000 bail when she entered her plea Monday.She was taken into custody to await transfer to the state Department of Public Safety and Corrections, court records said.

Email Michelle Hunter at mhunter@ theadvocate.com

Bertaut, Garrett

Birmingham, Sharon

Duplechin,Velma Gomez, Patricia Howard,Sheletha Jackson, Kim

Jordan,Charlotte

Lamy,Harold

La Nasa,Willie

Mahoney, Dorien

Melrose-Jarrow, Cherrie

O'Neal,Yolanda

Rosen, Carol Turner,Brenda

Uhle,Patricia

Watson, Darlene

EJefferson

Garden of Memories

Bertaut, Garrett

NewOrleans

Boyd Family

Turner,Brenda Charbonnet

Howard,Sheletha

Estelle JWilson

O'Neal,Yolanda

Greenwood

Lamy,Harold

Lake Lawn Metairie

Gomez, Patricia

La Nasa,Willie

Mahoney, Dorien

Rosen, Carol

Littlejohn FH

Melrose-Jarrow, Cherrie

St Tammany

Bagnell Son

Birmingham, Sharon West Bank

Birmingham, Sharon

In lieu of flowers, donationsmay be made to the Washington Parish Animal ShelterortoBest Friends Animal Society. Thefamilywould like to extendtheir sincere thanks to KiaColeman for hercompassionate care andsupport.

DavisMortuary

Jackson, Kim

Mothe

Duplechin,Velma

Uhle,Patricia Obituaries

GarrettRussell Bertaut, age 29, passedawayon February8,2026. Garrett was abeloved son, brother,grandson, nephew,cousin, andfriend whose presence brought warmthand lighttothose around him. Hiskindheart sense of humor,and gener‐ous spirit will be deeply missedbyall who knew and lovedhim.Heissur‐vived by hislovingparents AlBertaut,Jr. andDayna Bertaut;his siblings,Cole Bertaut,ConnorBertaut, Emma Bertaut, andEvan Bertaut;and hisgrand‐mother, M’Liss Bertaut. He alsoleavesbehindhis cherished auntsand un‐cles: BillyBertaut (Yvette), Alison Larriviere (Jerry), Michael Bertaut, andDavid Boudreaux Sr.(Dona); and his cousins: Ashley Stick‐man (George),Henry Stick‐man,Grace Stickman,Kris‐ten Bertaut, JacobLarriv‐iere, JarodLarriviere, Jack Larriviere, DavidBoudreaux Jr andLisa Boudreaux,along with manyextendedfamily members anddearfriends who will foreverholdhim intheir hearts.Garrett was precededindeath by his grandfather,Alvin Bertaut, Sr.,and hisgrandparents, LouiseBoudreaux andDud‐ley Boudreaux. Garrett graduated from St.Cather‐ine of Siena, BrotherMartin HighSchool,and Louisiana State University where he majored in construction management. In addition tohis construction man‐agement degree, he built uphis ownsuccessful landscaping business from a young age. He loved being outdoorsunder the sun, providinghis exper‐tisetohis clientsand mak‐ing alasting impact with eachpersonhevisited.He was ourheroatthe ageof 7 yearsold.Bythe graceof God,hedonated hisbone marrowtosavehis 2-yearold brother’slife. We will beeternally grateful to him.Asparents,wecould not have askedfor amore loving, giving,and patient son.Hewas always happy, bringingsmilesall around toevery familyvisit or so‐cialouting. He lovedhis siblingsand epitomized the qualitiesofhavingthe bestbig brotherfor allof them. He taught his younger siblings theart of hardand honest work and the importance of respect‐ing others.Hemade friends whereverhewent. Hewas loyaltohis family and friends, always willing tohelpanyonewho needed.Heaccomplished somuchinhis shorttime onearth andmadesuchan impactoneveryonehe touched.Garrett lovedlife, fromspendingtimewith familyand friendstosnow‐boarding, planning vaca‐tions,crawfish boils,bach‐elortrips,and hisinfamous LSU tailgatesfor his friends.Familyand friends are invitedtoattend Gar‐rett’sHomegoing Service onFriday, February 13, 2026 for 2PMatGardenofMem‐ories FuneralHome, 4900 Airline Dr., Metairie,LA 70001. Visitation begins at 11AM. Intermentwillfollow atGardenofMemories Cemetery. In lieu of flow‐ers,the familykindlyre‐questsdonations be made toAmericanChildhood Cancer Organization,www

SharonMae Bywater Mulhern Birmingham, known to family and friendsasSheri,was born on March 21, 1946, in NewOrleans, Louisiana She passed away on February 7, 2026, at theage of 79, at her daughter's home in Bogalusa, Louisiana, surrounded by family Sheri was raised in New Orleans and remained closely connected to the city throughout her life.She had alifelong love of animalsthat began with horsesinher youthand later extendedtodogs. In her later years, she was involved in dogrescue and showing and took greatprideinthe care of heranimals. Some of hermost cherishedtimeswere in Estes Park, Colorado, surrounded by the mountains and her youngfamily

She was awoman of strong faithand was guided throughout her life by her Catholic beliefs. Sheri was known forher outgoing personalityand her ability to connect easily with others. She truly never met astranger Sheri previouslyworked as ahostessatthe RiverviewRestaurant at theMarriottinNew Orleans, where she was well known forher warm and welcoming manner She enjoyed meeting people and making guests feelcomfortable

She willbedearly missed by and is survived by her husband of 38 years, Bill Birmingham; her children, Michael Shannon Mulhern (Kelley), Colleen Mulhern Kitchen (PhilipJr.), and Brenden BywaterMulhern Jr (Valerie); her grandchildren,John T. Lambert III(Taylor), KathleenLandry, Philip Kitchen III., Benjamin Kitchen (Elise), Brenden Mulhern Jr and Emily Mulhern; and her greatgrandchildren, Cade, Luke and Rhys Landry, Sarah and Charlotte Mulhern, and TheodoreKitchen. She is also survivedby her sister-in-law, Mary Odom (Steven), as wellas many cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Michael Francis Mulhern; her parents, Georgeand Nedra Bywater; her brother, GeorgeBywater (Dotsy); and her parents-inlaw, Hoyt and Irene Birmingham. Visitation willbeheldon Thursday,February 12, from9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.,followedbya funeralservicefrom 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at AnnunciationCatholic Church, located at 517 AveB,Bogalusa, Louisiana.

Sheriwill be rememberedfor herlove of family, herdevotion to her faith, and her lifelongaffection for animals. She will be missed by all whoknewher

Duplechin, VelmaD.

VelmaD.Duplechin en‐tered eternalreston Thursday,February5,2026, atthe ageof94. Beloved wifeofthe late Leroy“Tee‐nie”Duplechin,Jr. Daugh‐ter of thelateFreeman Doucetand LauraCantrelle Doucet. Daughter-in-lawof the late Maeand RoyDu‐plechin.MotherofDonna D.Chabert andthe late Danny Duplechinand Kerry Duplechin.Velma is sur‐vived by severalgrandand great-grandchildren. She is thesisterofRan‐dolph “Randy”(wife Glenda) Doucet andthe lateBernice D. Hargis, ThelmaD.Matherne, BerthaD.Lewis,Laura Mae Doucet, FreemanDoucet, Francis Doucet,Ernest Doucetand Richard Doucet. Velmaisalsosur‐vived by many nieces and nephews.Special apprecia‐tiontoVelma’s brother, Randolphand hiswife, GlendaS.Doucet, her niecesand nephews, Ran‐dalland wife DixieDoucet, Laurenand Carl Gegen‐heimer, Elizabethand daughter, KimStilger and Darnell Tierneyaswellas her specialfriends,Jan and husband GlennPercleand Bucky andhis wife Sally DufouraswellasHeart of Hospice fortheir love and caregiven to Velma. Family and friendsare invitedto attend theVisitationat Mothe FuneralHome, 2100 WestbankExpressway, Harvey, LouisianaonFri‐day,February13, 2026, be‐ginning at 8:30 a.m. until11 a.m.A FuneralMasswillbe heldatthe FuneralHome onFridayat11a.m.Inter‐mentwillbeinWestlawn MemorialParkCemetery, Gretna, Louisiana. Thefam‐ily invitesyou to share thoughts, fond memories and condolencesonlineat www.mothefunerals.com

Louise R. Rosato Mezzacapa; andher 18month-old brother, CarlJ Mezzacapa. Sheissurvivedbyher four children, Steve Gomez (Mary), SandraSturgis Deborah Gomez (Kenny Hall), andLisa Neff (Cleve); her13grandchildren, DanielleThompson,Ashley Gomez, Garret Gomez, Michael Gomez,Sean Sturgis, Ryan Sturgis, Amber Gardner, Heather Fennell, RickyClouatre,Jr., Jesse Clouatre, Preston Neff,ChristopherNeff, and Anna Neff;and her20great grandchildren. Sheisalso survived by hercousin, Diane Lovoy and family, andthe Timpafamily cousinsall of Alabama, her cousins, Amy andCindy, of NewYork, and herGennaro familycousinsinFlorida. Patricia was born in NewYorkonJuly2,1942. When she was ababyher familymoved to Birmingham, Alabama to runthe familygrocery store. When she wassix years old, herbabybrother,Carl, died from cancer whichdevastated herfamily. Patricia had to quit school andworkatthe grocery store so she could financially help herfamily. Sheeventuallygot her GED,and began along career with the IRS, where she retiredfrom in her60s. Patricia livedinKenner, Louisiana untilthe death of herhusbandin2019. Shethenmoved to Hurley, Mississippi to live with her daughter, Lisa, son-in-law, andgranddaughter Shewas an avidreader, enjoyed genealogy and watchingtelevision crime shows,and wasa fabulous Italian cook. Most of all, shecherishedspending time with herchildrenand grandchildren. Thefamilywould like to extendtheir gratitude to thestaff of Deaconess Hospice CareinBiloxi, for thecareand compassion they gave to Patricia and herfamily. Relativesand friends are invited to attendthe funeral service in the chapel of Lake Lawn MetairieFuneral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd.in NewOrleans,onSaturday, February 14, 2026, at 12:00PM. The visitation will be held at thefuneral home beginningat 11:00AM. The interment will follow thechapel service at Lake LawnPark. In lieu of flowers, please considera donation in Patricia'sbrother's memory, CarlMezzacapa, to St Jude Children'sResearch Hospital, www.stjude.org. To view andsignthe online guest book, please visit LakeLawnMetairie.com

4B ✦ Wednesday, February11, 2026 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune NewOrleans,LAtoPaul, Jr and thelateGeraldMae Petes Fernandez. In addi‐tiontoher father,survivors include herdevoted hus‐bandof37years,Devin Howard, Sr.; loving chil‐dren, DominiqueHoward, Devin,Jr. andbonusdaughter, Angelica Med‐ina;bonus-children, De‐JaNae Fernandez, DeJohn Fernandez,Aireion Brown and Princess Fernandez; cherished grandsons, Zaiden, Adrian andZayvion Howard, allofPennsylva‐nia;siblings, Antoinette Fernandez andBlaiseFer‐nandez; nephew,Ronald Smith,Jr. andniece, RachelleFernandez,all of New Orleans, LA.Sheletha was blessedaswellwith her Godfather, Clifton Weaver, Sr., as well as a hostofaunts, uncles, cousins,great-niecesand nephews,other relatives and friends. In addition to her mother,Shelethais alsoprecededindeath by her sister,Aireanne Fer‐nandez, maternal grand‐parents,Alton andFlo‐rence Petes, formerly of New Orleans, LA andpater‐nal grandparents Helen and Paul FernandezSr., formerlyofDonaldsonville, LA. Relativesand friends; Priestand Parishioners of St. DavidCatholicChurch; Family, Friendsand staff of XavierUniversityPrepara‐toryand St.Mary’sAcad‐emy High Schools, St David Catholic School;em‐ployees of West Jefferson HighSchool,CVS,United Healthcareand NewOr‐leans Hilton Riverside Hotel areinvited to attend the funeral. AMassof Christian burial honoring the life andlegacyofthe lateShelethaA.Fernandez HowardwillbeheldatSt. David Catholic Church 5617 St.ClaudeAvenue, New Orleans, LA 70117on Friday, February 13, 2026 at 10am, Father Pierre Jules, Celebrant.Interment Provi‐dence Memorial Park and Mausoleum,8200Airline Dr.,Metairie, LA 70003 Visitation9 am in the church. Please sign online guestbook at www.cha rbonnetfuneralhome.com. Charbonnet LabatGlapion, Directors (504)581-4411

Jackson, KimJenell

KimJenellJackson en‐

tered into eternalrestat Slidell Memorial Hospital onThursday, February 5, 2026, at theage of 63. She was anativeofHarvey, LA and aresidentofSlidell LA. Kimwas employed at CopelandofNew Orleans asa Head Cook andalsoas a Personal Care Attendant. Devoted mother of Danielle Jackson (Ronnie),Ranata Jackson (Donsha),Takelia Jackson (Terrence),Lakelia Jackson (Clifford), ErnesthaJackson (Noland), and Keland Jackson. Beloved daughter of the lateEdwardJackson and GussieLee Jackson. Loving sisterofEdwardJackson Brian Hooper,Glenda Turner, RobinJackson,Lisa Jackson andthe late Jackie Jackson.Niece of thelate Deborah Shorty.Aunt of the late Calvin Jackson. Kim is also survived by 10 grandchildren,5 great grandchildren,and ahost ofnieces, nephews, cousins, otherrelatives

andfriends.Relatives and friends of thefamilyalso pastors,officers, and members of FischerCom‐munity Church andall neighboring churches are invited to attend theCele‐bration of Life at Fischer Community Church,1737 L. B.LandryAvenue, New Or‐leans,LAonThursday, Feb‐ruary 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. BishopJames Nelson Brown, officiating. Visita‐tionwillbegin at 8:30 a.m. until servicetimeatthe church.Interment:Wood‐lawnParkMemorialCeme‐tery-Westwego,LA. ArrangementsbyDavis MortuaryService,230 Mon‐roe St.Gretna, LA.Toview and sign theguestbook, pleasegotowww.davismo rtuaryservice.com

Jordan, Charlotte Torrence

Charlotte Ann Torrence Jordan, anative of New Orleans,LAand resident of Houma, LA passedaway on Thursday, February 5, 2026,atthe ageof76.

Charlotte was adevoted wife, mother and Mawmaw. Shewas a proud graduate of the 1968 class of Archbishop Chapelle High School.She loved Saints football watching hummingbirds and cardinalsinher yard and anything with Mr. Bingle. Shewas also a Mardi Gras fanatic. She dearlyloved her grandchildren. Anyone that knew her knows she never met a stranger. She will be dearly missedbyall Sheissurvived by her husband Lawrence(Larry) Jordan Jr.of50years; son, Michael Jordan;daughter, KathleenJordan;grandchildren; BradMelancon Jr., ChristianMelancon, Emma Melancon,and BennettJordan;brothers, RayTorrence Jr (Connie), Keith Torrence (Debbie), BrianTorrence (Valerie); and multiple niecesand nephews.

Sheisprecededindeath by her parentsRay and Eunice Torrence. Visitationwillbeheldon ThursdayFebruary 12, 2026,atSamart Funeral HomeinGraystarting 9:00am until 11:00am, with afuneral service to follow starting at 11:00am. Online condolencescan be given at www.samartfu neralhome.com

Lamy,HaroldJ.

Harold J. Lamy,a de‐voted Christian, passed awaypeacefully sur‐rounded by hislovingfam‐ily on February 5, 2026, at the ageof95. Born on July 26, 1930, in NewOrleans, Louisiana,Haroldwas the middleson of John and Camille Lamy.Haroldat‐tendedOur Lady of Lour‐des grammarschool and St. Aloysius High School where he excelled academ‐ically, graduating firstin his classand earningthe title of "MostLikelytoSuc‐ceed." He laterattended

Loyola University,earning his undergraduateand law degrees with honors.Dur‐ing histimeatLoyola, Harolddemonstratedlead‐ershipaspresident of the BlueKey National Honor Society andthe Loyola Chapter of theNationalAs‐sociation of Catholic Col‐legeStudents. Afterlaw school,Haroldservedin the U.S. Army as part of the Judge Advocate General's program,spending18 monthsinKorea andearn‐ing theBronzeStarfor Meritorious Service. He re‐tired with therankofCap‐tain. Harold hada distin‐guished legalcareer,serv‐ing nearly 60 yearsasa trial lawyer at Barker Boudreaux,Lamyand Foley Law Firm.Healsoheld leadershiproles in the Louisiana TrialLawyers As‐sociation,the FederalBar Association,and the Louisiana StateBar Associ‐ation.Hewas appointedto the LouisianaSupreme Court's Professional Re‐sponsibilityCommittee where he served for10 years.A devout Catholic, Haroldwas deeply in‐volvedinhis faith commu‐nity. He wasa lifetime memberand leader in the Knights of Columbus,serv‐ing as Faithful Navigatorof the BienvilleAssembly and receiving theSt. Louis Medallion forhis serviceto St. DominicParish. He was alsoa GrandKnightofthe EquestrianOrder of the HolySepulchre of Jerusalem,receiving the SilverPalmofJerusalem for hisdedication. Harold was adevoted husband to Iraida Rivera Lamy for69 years anda loving father to five children,Howard, Daryl (Donna), Brenda, Brian andJennifer(Lau‐rence). He hadninegrand‐children, tengreat-grand‐children, numerous nieces and nephews, andissur‐vived by hisbrother,Ray‐mondLamy. He wasan avid fishermanand en‐joyed reading, writingand painting. Harold wasa sportsenthusiastand pas‐sionate aboutLSU andNew Orleans Saints football Harold'slifewas atesta‐menttofaith,family, and service.Hewillbedeeply missedbyall who knew him.Servicesare at 11:00 a.m on Wednesday, Febru‐ary 11, 2026, at St.Dominic Catholic Church,775 Harri‐son Ave. Intermentwillfol‐low at Greenwood Ceme‐tery. We invite youtoshare yourthoughts, fond memo‐ries, andcondolences on‐lineatwww.greenwoodfh com

La Nasa, Willie Mae Hundley

Willie Mae HundleyLa Nasa, 88, passedaway peacefully on January29, 2026, with her 3sons at her bedside.Willie was born in Kosciusko, Mississippion January23, 1938, to Joseph Floyd Hundley and Willie Myrtle Allen. She was preceded in deathbyher husband of 59 years, August JosephLaNasa, her parentsand brother,Ray DoyleAllen, and granddaughter, Vickie Lynn LaCombe, and is survived by her three sons, Robert Jeffrey La Combe,Alfred John La Nasa, and Philip JosephLaNasa (m.

Rachel), and grandchildren,Lucy,Jake, and Nina. Willie was agraduateof Warren Easton High School, class of 1955. She workedfor SouthCentral Bell and then as asecretary at theJones Walker law firm before marrying Augie in 1965. She became afull-time wife, mother, and homemaker butstill had time in theearly1970's to draw plans, contract, and decorate the5,000 squarefootfamily home. For thevastportion of Willie's life,she lovedto gardenand make floral arrangements(winning many blueribbons), entertain, cook(winning contests), travel, and make jewelry. Willie was thelife of thepartyand threwthe best partiesfor herfamily, friends for theirspecial occasions, and themany clubsthatshe belonged to. Willie was fun, creative, colorful, full of life,loving, caring,generous, compassionate, self-less, talented, and had atrue servant's heart. After Augie,her sons, and grandchildren, Willie's greatest joy in life was giving of her time and talents by volunteering formany charities and organizations. Hertop threewere: RonaldMcDonald House/Children's Oncology Services of Louisiana Willie was amember of the searchgroup fora Home Away FromHomefor temporary housing facilities forfamilies of cancer patients. She wasinstrumentalinacquiring theoriginal house on CanalStreetthat furnished support for families and chaired thesaleof tickets for theatricalpresentations for four years to raise money forthe House. She served on theBoardof Directorssince itsinception and on fundraising and public relationscommittees and was President from1983-85.

Louisiana Garden Club FederationWillie was a Life member; Prayer Request chairman 2011-13; Vendor chairman for five of thestate conventions; chairman of aproject "Green theCoast" sponsored by National Garden Clubs, Inc.,and served as chairman of thededication in City Park of that project in 2010. She wasamember of theStateConvention committee heldin JeffersonParish in April 2013. The Friends of City Park From1987-2014, Willie was asupporter of thechildren's program during

Christmas intheOaksand purchasing ornamentsfor thechildren. Shewas a volunteeratChristmas in theOaks until2014. Also, Willie wasa member of the Popp Society, which was. formed to restorethe Popp Fountain, anda memberof thecommittee "Popp for a Brick," afundraiserselling bricks to pavethe way. Willie was amember of theNational Garden Clubs/ NationalCouncil Of State Garden Clubs, Inc. Anyone whoknewWillie andher creativity would notbe surprisedthatshe wonits poetry contest (with over 800 poems submitted across America) in 1994 with herpoem "Wildflower, Oh Wildflower".In2002, Willie designeda Christmas Tree Ornamentthatwas presented to NationalGarden Clubs, Inc.,and wasplaced on theirtreein Washington, D.C. Shewas acharter member of The Pirate's AlleyFaulkner

Society from1991 to 2014, served on itsadvisory council, and wasa memberofthe first fundraising gala, "HappyBirthday, Mr. Faulkner". Willie hadnatural organizational and leadership skills. If she became involved in an organization, shesoon was leading a committeeorserving as an officer. She wasPresident of: NewOrleans Garden Society(1970-71); New OrleansWoman's Club (1976-78) (also philanthropicchairman (1972-73), Programchairman (197576), Tourchairman for the Tutankhamun exhibit at NOMA(1977), and served as chairman of the Education andService to theCommunity for several years); Ladies Leukemia League(1988-89) (also ChairmanofBlood Drive in Mobile Facility fortwo years. Life member.); GoodwillIndustries(198990); SocietyofLouisiana ArtistsinMetal(2003-06)

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publication "The Slammer");Lake Forest Garden Club (200709); The Federated Council of New Orleans Garden Clubs, for five years and past chairman of 15 of the 25 committees, served as Chairman of the dedication of the Native Plant Garden in City Park in 2010, Chairman of aBlue Star Memorial By-way Marker and the flagpole and American flag installation Director of "Sunken Gardens project, Habitat for Humanity Landscaping project, and "Seeds of Service" in New Orleans.

In addition to these Presidential roles, Willie served as Chairman for the: GentillyGarden Club (also Register and Treasurer); Japanese Garden Society of New Orleans (membership drive and sponsorship for the garden in the New Orleans Botanical Garden); Spina Bifida Association (Chairman, Louisiana/ National Fundraising Campaign and composed The Spina Bifida Creed which was accepted by the National Spina Bifida Association); and the New Orleans Opera Association (chairman of student subscription sales in (1976-77).

Willie was on the Board of Directors of Grace House of New Orleans and Lake Terrace Property Owners Association. She also served on the Membership Committee of The Institute of Human Understanding; was aCub Scout Den Mother during the 1970's; served many years with the studentsat Workers of Magnolia School (helped establish the greenhouse that is still growing); and was amemberfor many years of the Volunteers of America and chaired many of their fundraisers Willie gave of herself for so many years,and did so humbly, with great love, and never sought recognition. Her efforts, though, did not go unnoticed. Willie received many awards,including: Certificate of Appreciation with Key to the City from Mayor Moon Landrieu for hosting the U.S. Conference of Mayors in New Orleans (1972); Boy Scouts of America "Recognition for Unselfish, Devoted Leadership (1976); written up as a leader in the Orleans Guide newspaper (1977); chosen Woman of the Year by the Junior Membership of the New Orleans Woman's Club for outstanding, unselfish endeavors for the community with the mentally and physically handicapped, the aged, and for her civic and political work (1979); Certificate of Merit for serving on the Turf Committee for the Sugar Bowl Stadium; chosen Woman of the Year by the Junior Membership of the New Orleans Garden Society (1980); recognized with agavel and plaque by the Children's Oncology Service of Louisiana's Board of Directors for her unselfish work to the Ronald McDonaldHouse (1985); Honorary Member of the New OrleansSaints Wives; received aplaque/ gavel from Goodwill Industries Volunteer Service for unselfish dedication (1990); received the Federated Council of New Orleans Garden Club's "Woman of the Year Award" (1998); and was named into the Louisiana Garden Club Federation's "Circle of Roses" for outstanding leadership and work in the garden clubs of Louisiana (2013). She also received: aCertification of Appreciation for Outstanding Service from the Ladies Leukemia

League;a Certificate of Appreciation forco-chairing the volunteersat Christmasinthe Oaksin City Park(1989);the "Living and Giving"award from the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation of Louisiana; the St. Elizabeth'sGuild CommunityActivist Award "City Stars"; andthe award of "Ten Outstanding Persons"from the Institute of Human Understanding.

While happy to have been recognized forher work, Willie was especially honoredtohavereceived theNational ValleyForge Honor Certificateinrecognition of an outstanding contributioninthe category of Individual Achievement (1986), anational awardinrecognition of an outstanding contribution which strengthens an understanding and appreciation of the rights and responsibilitiesofcitizenshipina free society,and The Great Lady/Great Gentleman Award (2014), an award whose recipient is chosen by aSelection Committeecomposed of professional and business leadersinthe community and which honorsand recognizesoutstanding volunteer service by men and women in the Greater New Orleans area. Willie also was an active memberofsomany other charitable and community organizations and held numerous committeeleadership positions- literally too many to list.

Herfamily, and the many whoselives she touchedand made better, willmiss Willie and her livelyspirit and infectious personality andsmile.

AFuneral Mass will be celebratedatLakeLawn Metairie FuneralHome on Saturday, February28, 2026,at12PM. Visitation willbeheldfrom11AMuntil Mass begins. Interment willbeprivate. In lieuof flowers, the familyasks that you make donations to the Ronald McDonald House in her memory: RMHC of South Louisiana, Attn: Grace McIntosh, 210 State Street, Building 4, New Orleans,LA70118.

Dorien Mahoney was born on November 4th 1948 in Albany,NY. There are many factsabouther life,

butthe storyofwho she was as awife,a mom, a grandmother,a sister, a friend, anurse, amusician, and most of all, awoman of faith -issomething magicaland mysterious. She madethe most ordinary aspectsoflife seem imbuedwith asenseofsacredness.

Her faith was onethat wouldnot dare to judge.In that way, she very much encompassedthe true grace and mercy of Jesus.

Dorien always championedher husband, John Mahoney. Theirlovewas notamarriage to be endured, butthe trueloveof alifetime. Great is thy faithfulness, Dorien Mahoney. And we are all blessed because we gottoshare this timeline with you.

Dorien is survivedby her husband John Mahoney and their three children, and seven grandchildren: John and Annette Mahoney (parents of Ella, Linus, and Molly Mahoney), Ann Mahoney & Danny Kadar(parents of Rumseyand Teddi Kadar), DavidMahoney& Terri King (parents of Taylorand Ryker Mahoney), as wellas Tater thedog.

Avisitationwillbeheld at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home,located at 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. NewOrleans, on February 12, 2026, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Afuneral service willfollow in the Chapel at 12:00 pm. Interment willbe in Metairie Cemetery.

Condolences may be expressed at lakelawnmetairie.com

In lieu of flowers,donations in Dorien'shonor can be madetothe Michael J. Fox Foundationfor Parkinson'sResearch.

Melrose-Jarrow,Cherrie Denise

CherrieDeniseMelroseJarrow, born September5 1969, in NewOrleans, Louisiana,entered eternal restonTuesday,January 27, 2026. Shewas the beloved daughter of the lateCleveland Shepardand SylviaMae MelroseMar‐rero(Paul). Cherriewas precededindeath by sev‐erallovingfamilymembers and leaves to cherishher memoryher devotedhus‐band, Scot Jarrow;daugh‐ters,Monchel Melrose,

Brittney Melrose-Kelly (Ja‐maal), andJasmine Mel‐rose; grandchildren, Michael Melrose, Jai'Don Melrose,ConnorKelly, Timia Kelly,NolaRoseTay‐lor,and HazelChester;sib‐lings;extendedfamily; and manydearfriends.She will berememberedfor her outspoken nature,loyalty strength, intelligence,and her heartfor giving to oth‐ers.Cherrie lovedsinging, dancing,and living life fully,leaving lastingmem‐ories with allwho knew her.Serviceswillbeheld Thursday,February12, 2026, at Littlejohn Funeral Home, 2163 AubryStreet, New Orleans, LA 70119 Viewing will beginat9:00 a.m followed by serviceat 10:00 a.m. Repasttofollow.

YolandaO'Neal, entered eternal rest on Friday,Jan‐uary30, 2026. Shewas born onJuly20, 1965 in NewOr‐leans,Louisiana,toSilas O'Nealand BeaulahO'Neal, who raised herwithlove, strength, andunwavering support.She attended Martinezpre-school,St. Joseph, OurLadyofLour‐des,St. Mary's Academy, and John McDonogh High School.She finished her educational journeyatDel‐gadoCommunity College witha RespiratoryTechni‐cianDegree. Sheworkedas a RespiratoryTechnician and aCNA throughout her years of labor. Godblessed her with five wonderful children: MauriceWilliams, Michael Williams,Kayla Wright(Jasmine),Daniel O'Neal, andCasey O'Neal Fourgrandchildren:Ah‐myadStevenson,Ahmyriah Williams,Maurice Williams,and Cashtian Collins.Yolanda also leavestomourn her mother, BeaulahO'Neal; two sisters, Danette O'Neal and DeCarlas O'Neal;one brother,MarlonO'Neal (Jenny).One niece, seven nephews,and ahostof other relativesand friends. She wasprecededindeath byher father,Silas O'Neal; grandparents: AliceGreen, LesterGreen,Easter O'Neal, andGlenwood O' Neal,sons: Maurice

Williams andDaniel O'Neal; andnephewCaleb Johnson.Those who we takecomfort in knowing welcomedher with open arms. Though thepainof her loss is overwhelming, we find solace in themem‐ories sheleftbehind. ACel‐ebrationofLifeService for Yolanda O'Neal will be held onFriday, February 13, 2026 for 10:00 a.m. at Estelle J. Wilson FuneralHome, Inc., 2715 Danneel St NewOr‐leans,La. 70113. Bishop LesterLoveofficiating. Vis‐itation from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. servicetime. In‐terment:Providence MemorialParkCemetery, 8200 AirlineDr.,Metairie, LA70003. Arrangements by Estelle J. Wilson Funeral Home, Inc.,2715 Danneel Street,NOLA70113. Infor‐mation: (504) 895-4903. To sign online guestbook

please visitwww.estelle jwilsonfh.com

Why youneed dental insurance in retirement.

Many Americans are fortunate to have dental coveragefor their entire working life,through employer-provided benefits. When those benefits end with retirement, paying dental bills out-of-pocket can come as a shock,leading peopletoput offoreven go without care. Simplyput —without dental insurance, there may be an importantgap in your healthcarecoverage.

 Look forcoveragewithnodeductibles. Some plans mayrequire you to pay hundredsout of pocket before benefits are paid.

 Shop forcoveragewithnoannual maximumoncash benefits.Some plans

Medicare doesn’tpay for dental care.1

That’s right. As good as Medicare is,itwas never meanttocover everything. That means if youwant protection, youneed to purchase individual insurance.

Early detectioncan prevent small problemsfrom becomingexpensive ones

The best way to preventlarge dental bills is preventive care. TheAmerican Dental Association recommends checkupstwiceayear.

Previous dental work canwearout

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

Treatment is expensive especially theservicespeople over 50 often need

Consider these national average costsof treatment. $274for acheckup $299 for afilling $1,471 foracrown.3 Unexpected bills likethiscan be areal burden, especially if you’reonafixed income  Look forcoveragethat helps pay formajor services. Some plans maylimit thenumber of procedures —orpay forpreventive care only.

OUR VIEWS

Cost of ‘tough on crime’ approach beginning to show

Most difficult societal issues require solutions thatare morecomplexthanpolitical rhetoric wouldhaveusbelieve. Such is thecasewith crime and public safety.After the Legislature passed aseries of billsin2024 thatlengthened prisonsentencesand all but eliminatedopportunities for parole, among other “tough on crime” measures, the state is now seeinganincreasein thecost of locking people up

For its 2026-27 budget, thestate Department of Public Safety &Correctionssaysitneeds another $82 million in statefunds, an11% increase over its current budget. While inflationand overtime are part of the reason,state officials cannot deny that our burgeoningprisonpopulation is putting astrain on finances.

Figures show that the number of people in state custody increased bymore than 2,000 from the end of 2023, when state prisons held 28,093 inmates, to Nov.30, 2025, whenthatpopulation reached 30,119.

The Legislature must approvethe budget, and someofficials say the increase could be less than projected. But if any of ourstate leaders are having trouble understandingwhy these increases are necessary now,theyshouldtakea long hard look in the mirror

When Gov.Jeff Landry campaignedfor office in 2023, the state had seena spate of shocking crimes by juveniles and,though crime rates were on the way down, public perceptionwas that crime was out of control.

In such cases, the proper role of political leadersistolook closely at what policiesare working and try to reassure thepublic by supporting thosepolicies, not abandoningthem— even when they go against popular beliefs. Butvowingacrackdown on offenders, thegovernorand state legislators completely changedcourse from 2017 criminal justice reforms, known as the Justice Reinvestment Act, that were having an effect.

The act had passed with strong support from both Democratsand cost-conscious Republicans. It was basedonresearch on what actually affects crime rates, and aimedto reducesentences for nonviolent offenders anduse the savings to invest in rehabilitation programs. In theinterveningyears, Louisiana’sprison population declined. And crime ratesstarted their decline in 2023 in most major cities in our state.

Yetin2024, one of the governor’sfirst actions was to call aspecial session to pass asweeping slate of bills that undid those reforms.

We support strong penalties for violent offenders and understand whypolls showed the governor’sapproach was popular with voters. But as the costs of criminal detentionmount, Louisiana is left with some stark questions: Does the state with the nation’shighest incarceration ratereally need to spend even more money on prisons? Or would we rather ourtax dollars go to schools, hospitals and economic development opportunities? Thoseare decisions we aremakingevery time we choose sound bites over soundpublic policy. YOUR VIEWS

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

LookingatAmerican values vs.partisanship

Just by reading theheadline, “American Values vs. Partisanship,”you have already dug in and decided what this letter is about and how to react to it Why? Because we all have strong opinions and beliefs, particularly regardingpolitics.

Ultimately,what we really care about is preserving our own selfidentity.You know,those layers and layers of ideas and beliefs we call our own. The ones that make you, you. When presented with ideas and information that challenge our sense of self, we push back fiercely.Wemust preserve our sense of who we are at all costs, even if that means denying the obvious. We all do this.Just ask your spouse, friend or family member Here is one example: On Jan. 21, The Associated Press reported that it had received an internal memo from Immigration and CustomsEnforcement stating immigration officers could forcibly enter people’shomes without ajudicial warrant

Is this policy agood thing or abad thing?Your reply may largely depend on how you self-identify.Many people’sself-identities align with a political party; therefore, their beliefs depend on their party’sbeliefs.

Forcibly entering homes without judicial warrantsclearly violates the FourthAmendment of theUnited States Constitution; we would be hardpressed to find aconstitutional lawyer who would say otherwise. When partisanship is so closely aligned with one’sself-identity that nothing else matters, we are leftwith acountry ruled by afew influential people.

They tell us what to believe, and we will believe it, whatever it is, even if it meansdestroying our American values and betraying the Greatest Generation who fought in World WarII precisely to defend against this kind of insidious erosion of our freedoms.

CRAIGKRAEMAR NewOrleans

OldMardi Gras beads canserve anew purpose

When you are ready to recycle those Mardi Gras beads, don’tforget St. Michael’sSpecial School, at 1522 Chippewa St New Orleans. The Joy ActivityCenter,anadult program,has students bundle them up and put them back into use while keeping them out of storm drains and landfills. The studentsdoall the work of

collecting, sorting and bundling them They then make them available to the community for asmall donation to the school. So don’tlet those beads collect dust in your attic. Bring them to Saint Michael’s, and who knows? Perhaps you’ll catch them again next year AUDREY CERISE River Ridge

Regarding the recent article about our ongoing storm drain issues, the pictures indicate what we can do while we waitand hope forfunding to clean them. We can all help by clearing the grates of debris, leaves and trash regularly In the meantime, do not throw doggie poop bags in the drains (do Ireally have to say this?!). Do not blow leaves and grass cuttings out into the street. In fact, if there isn’tone now,there should be acity ordinance against this practice. Clear your drainage grates. Do it foryour neighbor,while you are at it. If enough of us do it, we can actually makeadifference.

ADOLPH LOPEZ NewOrleans

Regarding the Jan. 24 article in the paper,itisludicrous to me that Mayor Helena Moreno has four or five people (deputy mayors, city attorney) with ahigher salary than hers. I’mnot saying that they should make less, but wouldn’tone think that a mayor of abig city should make morethan the people that he or she appointed? Just curious about who or what ordinances determined this? Am Ithe only one with this opinion?

MIKEAVOCATO Lacombe

An unsung local hero passed away recently.His namewas McClendon “Mac” DeVaughn. The 30,000 people who run in the Crescent City Classic this April, as well as the entirecityofNew Orleans,owe Mac adebt of gratitude, because if not for him, the CCC race wouldn’texist. He created it and grew it from 900 runners to acombination of 30,000 serious runners, part-timejoggers, walkersand everyone and everything in between —not to mention the financial benefit to New Orleans. He spent countless hours working for nonprofits such as Save Our Cemeteries. And more importantly,hewas just avery nice person who cared about NewOrleans. Hopefully,this year’srace will give Mac the recognition he deserves.

fieldneeds

Arecent letter to the editor about Irvin Mayfield talksabout giving him asecond chance. Hasherepaid the money he stole from the library? Until he does, don’tthink he has earned

STEVENLANE NewOrleans

asecond chance. Can’tremember theamount,but it was huge forthe library

ANNE VIGUERIE Metairie

The Jan. 28 edition wasthe best all-around edition of the paper I have read as an on-again, off-again subscriber for25years (currently on again). Every section and every article spoke to me or clearly spoke to others. Excellent, excellent job. Notsure what might be the explanation, but great job and keep it up. Irespect your paper and the challenges of all papers. Newspapers are the news.

BRADFORD POWERS NewOrleans

Youdidn’thavetounderstand

BadBunny to love theshow

Idon’t read or speak much Spanish, so I’m one of 250 million Americans who don’tspeakthe nation’ssecond-mostcommon language. Depending on which report you believe, more than 50 million people in this country do.

Ilistened andwatched as Bad Bunnyperformed an extraordinary NFL Super Bowl halftime showSunday night. Precisionexecution.Inless than 33 minutes from the lastplay of the first half to the start of the second half, Bunnyand histeam setupand broke down amultiple-scene visual production that lasted only 13 minutes. But, boy, did he pack in alot.

Joining him were worldwidesuperstars Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin, whoperformed. Isaw celebrity entertainers who popped up in one scene or another,including Cardi B,PedroPascal, Young Miko and Jessica Alba.

Iwas amazed and thrilled.Sowas CBS nationalcorrespondent David Begnaud Begnaud, aproud, born-and-bred Louisiana Cajun, told me on WBOK 1230

AM Monday morning that he’saregular guy who watches the Super Bowl on television like millions of others. But he was there, at his first Super Bowl. “I was like akid in acandy store. I got to watchvery little of the game. Ihad adream ticket,got lucky and had the best time.”

Instead of beingone of the135 million watching on NBC, he was one of the nearly 71,000 who were in thestadium. Begnaud missedthe chanceto be apart of the most-watched halftime show ever There’sareason for that viewership. And it wasn’tthe teams.

Bad Bunny is aworldwidesuperstar

Born BenitoAntonio Martínez Ocasio in San Juan, Puerto Rico, he’satalented dancer,rapper,singer and songwriter who hasset the music industry on firewith reggaeton, popand Latin trap music. Youdon’thave to knowthe

words to lovethe music.

Other than thenames of countries andpeople Irecognized when Bad Bunnysangthem, Iunderstood only three words he said: “God Bless America.”

That was alright with me.

As Begnaudwatched the halftime performance, atear dripped from his lefteye. His partner posted it on X. I sawit, prompting me to call him

“I gotemotional because thepeople of Puerto Ricohave been treated like second-class citizens for decades. That’s not my opinion. That’s afact,” he said. Begnaudtold me he teared up because hesaw anative Puerto Rican representing his island home, where Puerto Ricans were forced to fight duringthe Spanish-American War, only to be told they cannot be citizens.“Iwas so proud to see (Puerto Ricans), him andwhat they represent on this big stage.”

LikeBegnaud, Ifelt the halftime show was along overdue welcome, and an opportunity for Bad Bunny,Puerto Ricansand other Latinos to be them-

selves. When Kendrick Lamar,aBlack superstar rapper,singer and songwriter, performed at the Super Bowl, he sang and spoke English and Ihardly understood athing he said.

People criticized his performance, too.

Imade time to dig in, to read his words, to understand nuances and symbols. His wasn’taperformance for folks like me to grasp immediately.But like watching Bad Bunny on Sunday,it was achance to learnmoreabout what makes America great. Really great.

For thosewho missed aprimepoint with all the controversy,criticism and debate, this was an NFL business decision. The pro football league pissed off some people who didn’twatch Bad Bunny or watched somethingelse. But theleague gained viewership and fans who weren’tdown with the NFL.

Why do you thinkthe NFL is expanding thenumber of games played abroad to NINE next season? The New OrleansSaints will play theCleveland Browns in Paris. Three games will be played in London. Other games will be played in Melbourne, Australia, Germany—and Spain, Brazil and Mexico City, The NFL might want tobelike, or better than, the World Cup.

About 500 million or more people in theworld speak Spanish as their native language, and millionsmore also speak thelanguage. More than 55% of the World Cup’sviewers prefer watching a broadcast in Spanish.

“The message was inclusion,”Begnaud said. “Louisiana is amelting pot of various cultures. If we’re going to celebrate the Cajuns and the Creoles and everything we have in Louisiana, why would we not celebrate aguy who got on stage, as proud as he was, to be Puerto Rican AND to be aU.S. citizen. Iloved the show,and Idon’tspeak Spanish either.”

Don’tbeafraid. Let’scelebrate our individual backgrounds, cultures and experiences and our collective gumbo of cultures that make up Louisianaand theUnited States.

Email Will Sutton at wsutton@theadvocate.com.

In his groundbreaking book, “Private Truths, Public Lies,” political scientist Timur Kuran attacks avexing question: How can official orthodoxies persist for so long even when fewpeople believe them? Iread that book hungrily during the “Great Awokening,” trying to understand why so many institutions quickly abandoned their liberal commitments for radical social justice politics —and reread it as the Trump administration sought to impose its own brand of public truth on issues such as free speech.

George Orwell was on to it almost 80 years ago —the problem of belowreplacement level birth rates. In a short bookwritten for theBritain in Pictures series in 1947, written just as Britain was emerging from wartime rigors into an uncharted postwarfuture, Orwell noted that despiteanupward blip in birth rates during thewar, “the generalcurve is downward. The position is not quite so dangerous as it is sometimes said to be, butcan only be put right if the curve notonly rises sharply but does so within ten or at most twenty years.”

“Otherwise,” he went on,forebodingly,“the population will not only fall, but, what is worse, will consist predominantly of middle-aged people. If that point is reached, the decline may never be retrievable.” Orwell did not live to see it —hedied at the age of 46 in 1950 —but thedanger was averted. Postwar birthrates rose in Britain and parts of Europe, though not so robustly as in the United States, where the baby boom peaked in 1957 and petered out after the introduction of the birth control pill in 1962. The peak U.S. fertility rate, or the projection of how many children the median woman would have if current birth rates continued, hovered above 3.5 and then plunged to 1.74 in thebicentennial year of 1976, justabout the same as 2025’s1.79.

nations’ under-70 populations set to fall by 20% in the next decade, not only in economically stagnant Britain and France, wherebirths are tilted toward immigrants, but also in rapidly growing, low-immigration Poland. Birth rates have dropped below replacement rates since 2000 in most of Latin America, largely because of lower-incomemothershaving fewer children China, despite the repeal of itsonechild policy in 2015, saw its fertility rate plunge to 0.9 in 2025. If births continued at current numbers, thelowest evidently since the 18th century,China’s population would shrink by more than half, from 1.4 billion to 625 million. Elsewhere in East Asia, the latest birth rates have fallen to 0.8 in Taiwan and Thailand, andeven lower in South Korea. Koreanshave shown the determination to maintain their culture, includingtheiralphabet and independence, in aneighborhood with many more Japanese andChinese. They have risen from abject poverty to becomeworldclass exporters since the1953 armistice.But they may be at risk of disappearing:Atcurrent birthrates, every 100 South Koreans today will have only six great-grandchildren.

What is behind this worldwide trend?

nomically developed countries.

It’snot difficult to see why.Young women increasingly tilt left politically and also tend to marry less often, hold jobsoutside thehome, say they don’t want children, and travel more frequently

These behaviors correlate with childlessness or with delaying childbearing, which often results in fewer births than desired.

The gap reflects “systematic differences in family formation between conservatives and liberals,” analyst ZacharyDonnini wrote. Beforethe Great Recession, this was masked by high birthrates among Black women who were heavily Democratic. But Black (and Hispanic) birthrates fell sharply after 2007.

At thesame time, the gap in political and cultural attitudes between young men andwomen has grown wider,on campus (where young men are increasingly outnumbered) and off, and both marriage and premarital sex rates have declined.

Fertility rates remainedlow in the 1980s, then rose and occasionally reached thereplacementrateof2.1 in the high-immigration 1990s through the Great Recession of 2007. The latest rate was an uptick from the1.6 levels of the COVID-19-affected 2020-24 period, leaving the U.S. with something similartothe dilemma Orwell warned Britons against. And it’snot just the U.S.Plunging birth rates are aworldwidephenomenon. Europe’sfertility rates havebeen well below replacement for years, with

LETTERS TO THEEDITORARE

At least one thing is clear about what is happening in America —and how it’s different from previous periods. It’s that childbearing has increasingly becomeapartisan activity

As the Institute for Family Studies’ LymanStone pointed out, American conservatives and progressives each had afertility rate of 2.7 in 1980, well abovereplacement level. In the 2020s, conservatives’ fertility rate has dropped marginally to about 2.4, still abovereplacement level. But theprogressives’ ratehas fallen to 1.8, below replacement level, and generally tracks thepatternineco-

Extrapolate those trends outward, and you see something like the picture revealed in the Census Bureau’s recently released 2026 estimates of states’ populations. They showed two-thirdsofthe national population increase occurring in safe red 2024 states, 21% in the seven seriously contested purple states, and only 11% in thesafe blue states.

Similarly,since children tend to share their parents’ political views, Wall Street Journal contributor Louise Perry wrote, we can “expect the partisan fertility gap to usher in aU.S. that is moreconservative. In fact, thewhole of the developed world is on track to becomemore conservative.”That’s a trend that Orwell, aproud socialist, might well have found even more dangerous than it’ssometimes said to be. Michael Barone is on X, @MichaelBarone

That proved to be excellent preparation for what happened recently.Ajury on Jan. 30 awarded $2 millionindamages to awoman who sued her psychologist and plastic surgeon for their role in a“gender-affirming” mastectomy she got whenshe was16. This verdict does not necessarily implicate all such surgeries. The verdict puts practitioners on notice that there are risks to mindlessly affirming.

Recently,the American Society of Plastic Surgeons issued aposition paper recommending waiting until age 19 to perform transitionsurgeries, saying “there is insufficient evidence demonstrating afavorable risk-benefit ratio for the pathway of gender-related endocrine and surgical interventions in children and adolescents.”Though ASPS policy has been evolving toward caution for some time, this seems to raise questions, not just about surgery for minors but hormone treatments.

Shortly after the guidance cameout, the American Medical Association released astatement taking amore cautious stance than its previous recommendations, saying “surgical interventions in minors should be generally deferredtoadulthood.” These might seem like small shifts. But as Kurannotes, whenpublic orthodoxy differs widely from private opinion, orthodoxies areprone to a“preference cascade” where public opinion snowballs. Medical association support hasbeen one of the strongest arguments offered by proponents of pediatric medical transition. Nowthat support seems to be weakening, opening up space for more doubt. Each skeptical voice makes it more likely that further doubts will be raised, triggering arapid shift to anew equilibrium.Ifyou’ve wondered how communism collapsed, that’show And if you’ve wondered why communist regimes are so oppressive, that’salso your answer When you are the custodian of afragile orthodoxy,you cannot afford to allow ahint of dissent. If you have followed the gender wars, youunderstand the parallel I’m drawing. Starting around 2015, an orthodoxy on transgender issues crystallized, seemingly outofnowhere. Transgender women were women, full stop, and it was transphobic to suggest that some spaces such as locker rooms, prisons or sports —should be reserved for biological females. The prevailing view wasthat gender-dysphoric kids “knewwho they were,” and denying them medicalinterventions to realize their true selves riskeddriving them to suicide. Boilerplate assertions that pediatric medical transition was “evidence-based,” “medically necessary” and even “lifesaving” began appearing everywhere, including journalistic style guides.

It is now clear that the evidence for these assertions wasweak, and it’snot clear why so many medical associations offered such strong endorsements with so little to back them up. But once issued, they all reinforced each other —questions about one could be quelled by pointing to all the others, and who hasany right to question our most eminent medical professionals?

Well, anyone has the right, but that orthodoxy was vigorously protected by freelance thought police who answered even the mildest query with accusations of transphobia. Those accusations could have real costs, like your joboryour friends. This manufactured consensus looked invincible, until it wasn’t.

Now,awhopping malpractice verdictand the shifting stance of the medical societies make it increasingly risky for doctors not to question these interventions. With more of these suits in the offing, malpractice insurers will ask that same question. If they don’tlike the answers, that mayultimately mean the end not just of surgeries for minors, but of hormones and puberty blockers, even in states where they are legal. If that happens, opponents of those interventions will no doubt cheer. Though Ihave questions about whether pediatric medical transition works, Iwon’t.

For one thing, I’m not opposed to pediatric transition. Isimply believe we need better evidence before making it standard medical practice. For another,asI’ve stressed in this columnbefore, a courtroom is the worst place to resolve questions that should have been answered long before. Juries and judges are now handling these questions because so many institutions failed to do their job. And many people will pay aprice for that, most of all the ones whose bodies will neverbethe same Megan McArdle is on X, @asymmetricinfo.

Another DenseFog Advisoryhas been issued by the National Weather Service for parts of SoutheastLouisiana due to visibility of halfofa mile or less caused by fog.Otherwise, expect amostly cloudymorning to become amostly sunnytopartly cloudy, warm, humidand breezyafternoon. Temperatureswill rise to the mid- to upper 70s. There is a20% chance of rain, so afew scattered showers are possible.Expect more patchyfog starting late tonight and in the morning,but afternoon temperatureswill be lowerthan today

DEATHS continued from Carol Lise is already deeply missed by her daughters, Beth Murov (Ellis) and Edie Bender (Ralph); her grandchildren, Caroline Crosby (Tac), MaitlandDeGenova (Alex), Becca Haymonds(Alex); Jeffrey Bender(Chelsea), and AshleyBender (Aaron Anderson); and her greatgrandchildren, Kate and TacCrosby, EliBender, and Gideon and Kaplan Anderson, as well as many loyal friends.She is predeceased by her beloved IrvingRosen, to whom she was marriedfor nearly 60 years; herparents, who she losttoo early; and her grandson,Eli Murov. The family wouldliketothank CorrineConerly forover 50 years of friendship and service. We wouldalsolike to extend our deepest gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and caregivers who treatedand cared for CarolLiseinher final days: the medical and support staffatTouro Infirmary, the team at Passages Hospice, and the wonderful women(MeMe Canizales, Jean Selders, Lee King, DeMayo Gomez, Latoya Turner,and Mrs. M. Howard) who kept her company and made sure she was never alone or in pain.

Carol Lise was adored by everyone who knew her. She believed life was for living, and she lived it to the fullest. The consummate hostess, she regularly hosted friendsand family to celebrate any and every occasion. It was a treat to attend one of her countlessdinner parties, surrounded by people she cared about and ameal sheexecuted with the grace and skill of Julia Child (who she met many years ago). She believed in making guests feel welcome and at home at her table. She loved aparty andwas often one of the first to join and last to leave adance floor. Dining out at New Orleans' culinary institutions was one of her favorite pastimes. Many an evening was spent at Galatoire's, where she would have adry Beefeater martini (up,with atwist) delivered as she was seated at her table, with fried eggplant, soufflé potatoes, anda gouté not far behind. She could often be seen lunching at Pascal'sManale, having turtle soup at Commander's Palace, or having oysters with brie at Clancy's, and alwayswith acocktail and smiling group of friends and family. She loved to travel and visited five continents dozens of countries, and nearly every state during her lifetime. She was curious about the world and imparted that curiosity and love of travel to her daughters and grandchildren. She was especially enamored with Paris, where she and Irving took each of their granddaughters at ayoung age. She loved New York, particularly the theatre and fine dining. She traveled internationally well into her eighties and never lost her drive to see and experience the world outside of New Orleans.

Carol Lise was aforce She had adetermination that she paired with exceptional generosity to support many causes and organizations across New Orleans, including the Vieux Carre Commission Foundation, the Historic New Orleans Collection, the Touro Infirmary Foundation, Tulane University, and Isidore Newman School, among many,many others.

Amemorialservice will be held in the chapel at Temple Sinai, 6227 Saint Charles Ave. in New Orleans,onThursday, February 12, 2026, at 11:00AM, with visitation to begin at 10:30AM. The memorial service is both in -personand online viathe Temple SinaiLivestream at https://templesinainola.co m/worship/livestream/ Aprivate burialwas held at Hebrew Rest Cemetery No. III. The family requests that those wishing to honor Carol Lise's memorymake adonationtoThe Irving L. Rosen MD Scholarship Endowed Fund at Tulane Medical School,P.O.Box 669394, Dallas,TX752669394,orbygoing to giving.tulane.edu

To view and signthe online guest book, please visit LakeLawnMetairie com

Brenda J. Turner passed awayonFebruary3,2026 atthe ageof78. Brenda is survivedbyher daughter Yolanda (Kamell),and son ElmoreJr.,(Latoshia), five grandchildren:ElmoreIII, Makai,Monet,Kendralle and Kendall. Also survived bya host of otherrelatives and friends. Preceded in death by herhusband El‐moreTurner, Sr daughter Shalonda, threesisters:Or‐leia, Juanita, Dorothy, and one brotherJune.Family and friendsare invitedto attend theCelebration of LifeService on Friday,Feb‐ruary 13, 2026, for10:00 a.m.atThe Boyd Family Fu‐neral Home,5001 Chef Menteur Hwy.,New Or‐leans,LA70126. Visitation willbegin at 9:00 a.m. BishopSeanT.Elder,offici‐ating.Interment will follow atProvidenceMemorial Park, 8200 AirlineDr., Metairie, LA.Guestbook Online: www.anewtraditi onbegins.com(504)2820600. Linear BrooksBoyd and DonavinD.BoydOwn‐ers/FuneralDirectors

in deathbyher brother, Capt. George A(Buddy) MillerJr. Patricia wasthe lovingwifeofthe late Henry VincentUhleJr. To‐gethertheyhad twochil‐dren, ason,Michael An‐thony Uhle (deceased) at 6 monthsofage andher de‐voted daughter andcare‐giver,PamelaU.Galle along with thelovingsup‐portofher son-in-law Steve R. Gallealong with her belovedgrandson DustinM.Galle who brought hersomuch laughterand joy. Shewas alsoprecededindeath by her grandson,Steve (Chip)

lived aliferooted in compassion,faith, andfamily, serving others as asocial workerwith aspecial devotion to children. Funeral serviceswill be held Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Dennis Funeral Home, 1812 Louisiana Ave New Orleans, LA 70115. Intermentwill follow at RestlawnCemetery,3540 US-90 W, Westwego,LA 70094.

SPORTS

Cade Arrambide looks to the

Southeastern Louisiana on April 29 at Alex

LSU is hoping for a big year from Arrambide, who is the only catcher on the roster with SEC experience.

Five areas LSU needs to excel in for repeat shot at national title

BY KOKI RILEY Staff writer

LSU baseball heads into the season as the reigning national champions and the No. 1 or 2 team in every national preseason poll.

So what possibly could go wrong?

Since this is baseball, the answer is everything. And with the start of another season just around the corner there are plenty of things LSU will need to overcome, or avoid, to repeat last season’s success Here are five keys for LSU to return to Omaha and win a third championship in four years.

Catcher

LSU entered last season with a similar question mark. After losing three catchers with starting experience, how would the Tigers fare behind the plate while relying on an Indiana State transfer with little catching experience, a freshman, a juniorcollege transfer and a Dayton transfer?

Everything worked out in 2025. Luis Hernandez didn’t hit for the same power he showed at Indiana State, but his solid defense proved to be invaluable during the national title run. But Hernandez is off to professional baseball, and LSU will turn to a new starter behind the plate. The job is now sopho-

more Cade Arrambide’s, and the hope is that his experience starting midweek games and occasionally filling in for Hernandez in SEC play last season can translate into strong results this season. LSU has a lot riding on Arrambide. He was the top high school catcher who wasn’t selected in the 2024 draft and has the potential to be a middle-of-the-order bat. Last year, Arrambide was a raw freshman. This season, the Tigers need a strong defensive backstop who contributes more with the bat than he did a year ago After Arrambide, LSU has one less backup behind the plate this season. Freshman Omar Serna is the No. 2, but he is raw Eddie Yamin returns after redshirting last year as a transfer from Dayton.

Power

For the first time in coach Jay Johnson’s tenure, LSU will enter the year without a hitter who’s expected to blast at least 20 home runs.

ä See OMAHA, page 3C

BY ROD WALKER Staff writer

Dejounte Murray sat on the bench Monday night cheering on his teammates as the Pelicans rolled to an easy victory over the Sacramento Kings.

How much longer before he can join them on the court in games remains to be seen.

“No timeline yet,” interim coach James Borrego. “I think we’ll have a better idea after the (AllStar) break.”

For now, Borrego said he is pleased just to have Murray back in the building.

Murray, just more than a year removed from tearing his Achilles, is back in New Orleans and at the team’s practice facility after rehabbing the injury He was limited in practice Sunday and Tuesday

“It’s great to have him back on the court,” Borrego said. “That will ramp up over the next couple of days. We’ll get into the All-Star break and see where we go from there.”

Murray played in 31 games for the Pelicans last season, his first with the team after being acquired in a trade with the Atlanta Hawks. He fractured his left hand in the season opener and missed the next 17 games. He played in 30 more games before the seasonending injury against the Boston Celtics in the Smoothie King Center

“We’d love to have him back on the court,” teammate Trey Murphy said. “But his presence here has been great.” Rookie point guard Jeremiah Fears hasn’t played a game with Murray yet, but he also is glad to see him back at practice.

“It’s been great so far,” Fears said. “He’s been by our side talking to us and asking us questions and motivating us. Just continuing to encourage confidence.”

Murray averaged 17.5 points and 7.4 assists in his 31 games last season. His best game came against the Utah Jazz when he scored 26 points to go with 11 assists and nine rebounds. It’s unclear where Murray will fit into the rotation if he returns this

BY MATTHEW PARAS Staff writer

If Derek Carr comes out of retirement this offseason, as is a reported possibility, the New Orleans Saints still control his rights. That means if another team wants Carr, the Saints and that team would have to work out a trade for the quarterback as long as he’s under contract. This isn’t entirely new territory for the black and gold. The Saints did the same with their former coach just three years ago when they traded Sean Payton to the Denver Broncos.

Will a repeat scenario unfold with Carr? It’s too early to say But with Carr reportedly healthy from the shoulder injury that caused him to step away, let’s tackle some key questions in the event the former starting quarterback wants to play again. Fits for Carr

There could be somewhere between six and eight teams in the market for a new starting quarterback, but not all of those would be suitors for Carr

As much as the 34-year-old seemingly would love to rejoin the Las Vegas Raiders, Carr’s former team is lined up to take Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick in the draft. Cross them off the list. Others, such as the Cleveland Browns and Miami Dolphins, might not

have the right situation to entice Carr to get off the couch. Here are three teams that make sense: Minnesota Vikings: Carr did well in a similar offense under Klint Kubiak, and Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell has a reputation for being a quarterback whisperer That whispering didn’t exactly go as

LSU women have a shot at scoring marks

BY REED DARCEY Staff writer

The LSU women’s basketball team is threatening to break a 35-year-old NCAA scoring record and shatter a 40-year-old SEC record by the end of the season. The No. 6 Tigers (22-3, 8-3 SEC) are approaching the stretch run of their SEC slate, and they’re still scoring 96.6 points per game. That average leads the country, and it’s only a tenth of a point shy of the highest mark in Division I history which Providence set when it scored 96.7 ppg in 199091. It’s also well ahead of the SEC’s top all-time scoring average. Georgia has held that record (89.2 ppg) since 1985-86. A red-hot start to the season is buoying LSU’s eye-popping scoring average. A productive string of league matchups has kept it stabilized. The Tigers are scoring 82.1 ppg in SEC play which ranks second in the conference. They’ve hit the 90-point threshold four times, and they’ve climbed over the 100-point mark once when they throttled No. 23 Alabama 103-63 on Feb. 1. In their 14 nonconference games, the Tigers scored 108 ppg. They hit the century mark in each of their first eight contests, setting an NCAA record in the process

5

Campbell talks injury, Super Bowl woes

BY KYLE HIGHTOWER

AP sportswriter

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. New England

Patriots left tackle Will Campbell revealed Tuesday that a torn ligament in his knee sent him to injured reserve for four games late in the regular season.

Campbell, a former standout at LSU, had a disastrous performance in the the Super Bowl, giving up a pair of sacks on quarterback Drake Maye as the Seattle Seahawks sent several blitzes to his side of the line. According to Next Gen Stats, Campbell allowed 14 pressures, the most allowed by any NFL player in a game this season.

“It obviously wasn’t 100%,” Campbell said about his knee. “I mean, I don’t think when you tear a ligament in your knee, it’s not going to be how it was before, but I was healthy enough to go. I’m not going to say that it held me back, but it wasn’t the same as it was before, obviously.” Campbell was carted off the field in the second half of the Patriots’ 26-20 win at Cincinnati in Week 12

That ended the 2025 fourth overall draft pick’s string of 12 straight starts as Maye’s blindside protector But he started the season finale and all four playoff games. He said he understands the criticism he received for his Super Bowl performance.

“It comes with the job when you don’t perform,” Campbell said “Obviously, I was picked high, paid a lot, so people expect a certain thing, and I expect more myself. So, whenever I don’t perform obviously it sucks, but it doesn’t suck for anyone more than it sucks for me.”

Patriots coach Mike Vrabel said he’s confident Campbell will grow from this season and doesn’t plan to move him to another position.

“He’s 22 years old. He’s our left tackle. He’ll get better He’ll get

stronger,” Vrabel said. “We aren’t moving Will to guard, center, tight end or anywhere else.”

Maye, who has developed a close friendship with Campbell off the field, said he believes his future is bright.

“The expectations of a first-round pick, I think he’s dealt with so much this year,” Maye said. “It’s going to be great for him in the future. He’s going to be a great player in this league, he already is a great player in this league. I love Will. I look forward to playing with him for a long time.”

Maye also said he doesn’t plan to have any surgical procedures on his throwing shoulder this offsea-

son, after he received a pain-relieving injection before the 29-13 Super Bowl loss.

“Just get some time off. Time’s the best healer Definitely just need time off,” Maye said “Nothing that needs anything to be done. Just some time away and time to get some rest and time away from football.”

The Patriots returned to the team facility to have meetings with the coaching staff and pack up their lockers before heading out for the offseason.

Despite the long playoff run, Maye said he doesn’t think he put any extra stress on his arm this season.

“I think it’s a case of having one hit in the AFC championship game that was just kind of unfortunate,” Maye said. “Unfortunate timing, the two weeks (before the Super Bowl) was great to have off to have a chance to be out there for my guys. You can’t blame things on injuries. Things happen like this all the time in the league. You can’t (blame) it on one little thing, the shoulder I was feeling like I was able to make throws in the game and was myself.” Maye threw two touchdown passes but was sacked six times, had two interceptions and lost a fumble that Seattle turned into a touchdown.

Seahawks ‘Dark Side’ defense a worthy successor

Seattle has shown that defense can still dominate in the NFL

BY ARNIE STAPLETON AP pro football writer

Undeterred by all the rules favoring the offense and quarterbacks bringing more athleticism than ever to the field, the Seattle Seahawks verified that defense can still dominate the NFL in 2026. Seattle’s Mike Macdonald became the first head coach to win a Super Bowl as his team’s primary defensive play caller when the Seahawks topped the New England Patriots 29-13 on Sunday, a triumph fueled by their “Dark Side” defense — the worthy successor to the “Legion of Boom” that brought home their first Lombardi Trophy 12 years earlier

It may not be a one-off, either

Three teams shifted toward defensive-minded leadership this coaching cycle with a trio of defensive coordinators getting head coaching jobs. The Tennessee Titans hired former 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, who used to coach the New York Jets. The Miami Dolphins hired Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley and the Baltimore Ravens turned to Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter Macdonald, 38, who served as the Ravens’ defensive coordinator for two years before replacing Pete Carroll in Seattle two years ago, is the first head coach with primarily defensive roots to lift the Lombardi Trophy since Bill Belichick following the 2018 season. Macdonald’s defense dominated the Super Bowl from the start and

Bowl against

Santa Clara, Calif.

held the Patriots out of the end zone until the fourth quarter The Seahawks sacked Drake Maye six times and forced him into a pair of costly turnovers they turned into 14 points. They had three takeaways overall.

Seattle’s defense made sure it didn’t matter that Sam Darnold only threw for one touchdown and couldn’t do much in the red zone.

“It’s insane man,” Seattle linebacker Ernest Jones said. “I’ve never been around a bunch of guys where literally nobody thought it was a Super Bowl. It was just our next game and that’s how we approached it. And defensively, we came out and said it early in the year: To win the Super Bowl, it was going to be on our backs, so like I said, I’ll be damned if we get one game away and this defense doesn’t show up like we’re supposed to.”

In the lead-up to the Super Bowl, NBC analyst Cris Collinsworth had high praise for Patriots of-

fensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, who stewarded Maye into an MVP-worthy season and helped him navigate a 10-7 win at snowy Denver in the AFC championship despite throwing for just 86 yards. This was McDaniels’ 10th Super Bowl as an assistant and it turned out to be his worst. He never took the pressure off Maye, who had a painkilling injection in his throwing shoulder before the game and was hounded relentlessly throughout. Maye conquered three top-5 defenses on his way to the Super Bowl in his second season, but he wasn’t up to the task against the Seahawks, who sported the NFL’s top-ranked scoring defense.

“We got to be better with the football and make better decisions and I got to make better throws when the game goes like that,” Maye said. “I got to make some throws to help us move the football.”

Verlander returns to Tigers with one-year contract

LAKELAND,Fla.— For his 21st season in the majors, Justin Verlander is going back to the very beginning of his career Verlander returned to the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday, agreeing to a $13 million, one-year contract with his first big league team. The three-time Cy Young Award winner joins an improved rotation fronted by Tarik Skubal and Framber Valdez, who also signed with Detroit in free agency Verlander, 42, went 183-114 with a 3.49 ERA while spending his first 13 seasons in Detroit. He won his first Cy Young Award and was AL MVP when he had a 24-5 record and a 2.40 ERA in 2011.

Verlander was traded to Houston in August 2017 and helped the Astros win the World Series that same year and again in 2022.

Mets shortstop Lindor to visit hand specialist

PORT ST LUCIE, Fla. — New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor is being evaluated for a stress reaction in his left hand.

Lindor experienced some soreness in the area around his left hand and wrist over the past couple days. David Stearns, the president of baseball operations for New York, said Lindor is going to visit a hand specialist on Wednesday to check his hamate bone.

“It is possible this will result in hamate surgery If it does, that’s a six-week recovery, which puts us right at opening day,” Stearns said. Lindor, 32, hit 267 with 31 homers, 86 RBIs and 31 steals in 160 games with New York last year. The fivetime All-Star was left off Puerto Rico’s roster for the World Baseball Classic over insurance coverage

LeBron will no longer qualify for All-NBA honors

LOS ANGELES LeBron James sat out of the Los Angeles Lakers’ game against the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday night due to left foot arthritis, a decision that will prevent him from qualifying for consideration for his 22nd straight appearance on an AllNBA team.

James has been on one of the three All-NBA postseason teams in each of his last 21 seasons, but the Spurs game was the 18th he has missed this season. Players must play in at least 65 games to be considered for end-of-season awards under the NBA’s current rules.

James was selected for the AllStar Game this weekend. So was his teammate Luka Doncic, who was the leading vote-getter

And McDaniels needed to adjust way quicker than he did. Through three quarters, the Patriots had nine punts, five three-and-outs and just 78 yards of offense.

McDaniels never protected his young QB by calling for more handoffs or quick screens, even though rookie left tackle Will Campbell — the fourth overall pick out of LSU in last year’s NFL draft — allowed a whopping 14 pressures in the Super Bowl.

Given how the Super Bowl played out, there are two other former Broncos head coaches who probably deserve another shot at being a head coach before McDaniels: Vic Fangio and Vance Joseph. Fangio, Philadelphia’s defensive coordinator, helped the Eagles win last year’s Super Bowl by throttling Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22. Joseph, Denver’s defensive coordinator, has seen his stock rise by leading a unit that’s collected an NFL-high 141 sacks over the last two years, including the playoffs. He interviewed with the Raiders, Cardinals, Titans, Falcons, Ravens and Giants this cycle but didn’t get that coveted second chance this year

Other defensive play-callers who might find their phones ringing a year from now, especially if another Super Bowl is dominated by defense like this one was, include Chris Shula of the Rams, Brian Flores of the Vikings and Anthony Campanile of the Jaguars.

Seattle’s dominance Sunday raised the question about where the “Dark Side” ranks among alltime great defenses. Right next to the “Legion of Boom,” maybe?

“I know we’re the best defense this year,” said Seattle cornerback Devon Witherspoon, “and that’s all that matters.”

Indiana plans for statue of former coach Knight

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Indiana plans to build a bronze statue of longtime coach Bob Knight inside Assembly Hall, where he led the Hoosiers to national championships in 1976, 1981 and 1987.

The announcement came Monday night while the Hoosiers were playing Oregon in a Big Ten game — and on the same night the school celebrated the 1975-76 team that remains the last undefeated national champ in Division I men’s basketball.

Officials say Knight’s statue will be placed next to one honoring the 1975-76 title team and will be funded by a longtime basketball donor who wants to remain anonymous. Knight died in October 2023 and still ranks sixth among all coaches in victories.

Super Bowl, halftime show views fall short of records Sunday night’s Super Bowl and Bad Bunny fell short of setting records for most watched U.S. broadcast and halftime show Seattle’s 29-13 victory over New England averaged 124.9 million viewers on NBC, Peacock, Telemundo, NBC Sports Digital, and NFL+, according to Nielsen’s Big Data + Panel rating system. That fell short of the 127.7 million U.S. viewers that tuned in for Philadelphia’s 40-22 victory over Kansas City last year on Fox. Bad Bunny’s halftime show averaged 128.2 million viewers from 8:15-8:30 p.m. Eastern. That would make it the fourth-most watched halftime behind Kendrick Lamar (133.5

(133.4

and Usher (129.3

Kubiak readytorebuild Raidersascoach

BY DAVID SCHOEN Las VegasReview-Journal (TNS)

LAS VEGAS TheLas VegasRaiders introduced Klint Kubiak as their new head coach Tuesday

Kubiak, who turns 39 next week, was the offensive coordinator for theSeattle Seahawks and is coming off a29-13 Super Bowlvictory over the New England Patriots on Sunday.Healso served as the Saints offensive coordinator in 2024.

Kubiak spoke with the media at the Raiders’practicefacility in Henderson and was asked a wide rangeofquestions, from the makeup of his coaching staff to potentially selecting Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1pick in the NFL draft

Kubiak —whose father,Gary, won the Super Bowl in 2016 with theDenver Broncos —also was asked about being the first fatherson coaches in NFL history to win aSuper Bowl.

“Is that areal stat? Is that areal deal?” he asked.

Yesitis. Kubiak alsosaid he had acup of coffee with star defensiveend Maxx Crosby on Tuesday morning and is lookingforward to continuing those conversations.

“Wewant him to be part of our success going forward,” Kubiak said.

Kubiak said he had alist ofcandidates for hisassistantsand is

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sixth-rounder Will Howard, but that’salot of faith to put in a24-year-old for ateam thatwants to competenow.Anotherfactor to consider is that the Pittsburgh frontoffice and coaching staff have ties to the Saints, which may make it easier to hammer out adeal.

New York Jets: Before Carr signed with the Saints in 2023, he closely looked at the Jets—who endedup trading for Rodgers. Three years later,the Jets(again) desperately need to find competentplay at the position.

Coach Aaron Glenn’s tenure depends on it, as he might be entering his second season already on the hot seat.

Potentialcompensation

The Saints received a 2023 first-roundpick and a2024second-round pick whenthey traded Payton to the Denver Broncos. Don’thold yourbreath on

OMAHA

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In 2022, Dylan Crewshit 22 homers. The 2023 championship season saw Tommy White hit 24 bombs. White and Jared Jones had more than 20 homers thenext year,and Jones passedthe mark again in 2025.

Identifying the next 20plus homerbat is difficult.

LSU’sonly returning hitter who blasted more than 10 homers is junior shortstop Steven Milam. Juniorright

fielderJake Brownhas pullside power,but he only hit eight balls over the fence a yearago. Returning starters in sophomore center fielder Derek Curiel and senior left

fielderChris Stanfieldcombined to hit just eight homers. Curiel hit seven of them. Some of the new faces could pick up some slack, but High Point transfer

Brayden Simpson is the only one who has eclipsed the 20 home run mark, and that came at amuch lower level. Oregon State transfer

Trent Caraway hit six home runs in the NCAA Tournament, but his inconsistent play held him to just 12 all of last season.Grand CanyontransferZachYorkeis that schoo’sall-time home runs leader in Division I, but his strongest attribute is getting on base, not hitting balls over the fence.

It’snot impossible that one of these names, or even Arrambide, eclipses 20 home runs and becomes the feared

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTOByIAN MAULE

Las VegasRaiders newhead coach Klint Kubiak speaks during an introductorynewsconferenceatthe team’s trainingfacility on TuesdayinHenderson, Nev.

collaborating with generalmanager JohnSpytek on building his staff.

“We’re trying to put together a great staff of teachers. Ithink if we can puttogether agreat staff

such apackage for Carr Even though quarterbacks can fetch apremium, New Orleans likely wouldn’twant to be stuck with Carr’scontract inthe event he unretires —especially after Tyler Shough’s emergence. And even with alessthan-enticing free agent class, it’shard to see any team giving up the farm foraplayer who hasn’t played in ayear and is coming off aserious injury There have been examples of players fetching compensationafter taking time away. But the returns rarely have yielded the kind of premium the Saints received for Payton.

With that in mind,here aresome templates to get a deal done:

2008,Brett Favre to the New York Jets:After Favre retired andthen unretired that same offseason, the Green Bay Packers sent himto NewYork for aconditional fourth-rounder that eventually became athirdround pick.

Beyond the differences in on-field credentials, Favre hadn’ttaken ayear off

middle-of-the-orderpower bat the Tigers have relied on for years. Butfor the first time under Johnson, LSU heads into aseason without an obvious power threat in its lineup.

Health

Health obviously plays a big role in any team’ssuccess throughout agiven year.But forLSU, ahealthy roster will be alittle more important this season LSU has fewer players on its roster this season.Johnson’steam is still deep with pitching —the Tigers have an extra pitcher in 2026 but their pool of position players has shrunkfrom 21 to 18.

This means theTigers can ill afford to lose players such as Brown, Curiel or Milam They don’thave thesame depthastheydid ayear ago with TannerReaves,Ashton Larson and Josh Pearson comingoff of thebench LSU has beenrelatively fortunatewithinjuries over the past two years. Redshirt juniorright-hander Gavin Guidryand redshirt sophomore right-hander Deven Sheerin were the only potential contributors who missed extensive timelast season. In 2024, LSU didn’t have Chase Shores for the whole year.Italso didn’t have redshirt junior righthanderJaden Noot for most of the season and was without Christian Little in the Chapel Hill Regional.

That runofgood luck will need to continue for theTigers in 2026, especially on

and get the players up to date on these playbooks …and let the results speakfor themselves,”Kubiak said.

Raiders running backAshton Jeantyfellshort of expectations

like Carr and there was at leastone more team (the Tampa Bay Buccaneers) interested in Favre’sservices.

2013, Carson Palmer to the ArizonaCardinals: Palmer fetched afirst-rounder and more fromthe Raiders after “retiring” as amember of the Cincinnati Bengals in 2011. But the more comparable deal might be the trade that happened two years later,when the Raiderssent the 33-year-old Palmer to the Cardinals for aswap of sixth-round and seventh-round selections, plus aconditional seventh-round pick that was met. Though Palmer wasn’tretired when he went to Arizona, he was near Carr’sage. Carrturns 35 in March.

2017, Marshawn Lynchtothe Raiders: After retiring in 2015, the Raidersacquired Lynch and a2018 sixthround pick from the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for a2018 fifth-round pick. Lynch wasn’taquarterback, but the deal is an example of alate-round pick swap that worked for both sides.

the positionplayerfront.

The only player LSUhas out to start this year is freshman left-hander Jonah Aase, who is expected to miss the season while recovering from Tommy Johnsurgery

Left-handedpitching

LSUlost asolid group of left-handers after Kade Anderson andConnerWare were drafted and Dalton Beck ran outofeligibility. The Tigers brought back only two left-handers in sophomore Cooper Williams and redshirt junior DJ Primeaux Williams is poised to earn arotation spot and Primeaux’srole in the bullpen has grown, but LSU needed more options. So Johnsonwenttowork over the summer,adding North Dakota State transfer Danny Lachenmayer,Oregon transfer Santiago Garcia andjunior-collegetransfer Ethan Plog

The threenew leftiesare notthe same styleofpitcher, which helps Johnson match up against opposing lineups. Lachenmayer reliesona sharp curveball and ahighrelease pointtofoolhitters Garcia has amore traditional delivery and strong breaking pitches. Plog has alow arm slot and afastball with sharp arm-side movement (darting inside to lefthanded hitters andaway from righties).

LSUwill need at least one or two of thesenew arms to emergeasreliable relievers. Plog, despite posting an ERA over five at Iowa West-

as arookieworking behind an offensive line thatstruggled from the start. Kubiak was asked about Jeanty and noted he sawthe firstround pick play several times at BoiseState.

2020, Rob Gronkowski to the Tampa BayBuccaneers: Gronkowski netted a fourth-round pick when the Patriots sent him and a seventh-round pick to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020 —ayear after Gronkowski had retired Those werealsorare circumstances, as the tight end unretired to reunite with TomBrady 2022, Matt Ryan to the Indianapolis Colts: Like the Favre deal, this one maybemore optimistic. Ryan, unlike Carr,was still active. But the reason this should be mentioned is that Ryan was about to turn37atthe time, and the Colts were still willing to pay up in an attempt to solve their quarterback problem. Ryan’stenurewith the Colts didn’tworkout, but perhaps another team will be as aggressive. In Indianapolis’ case, the Colts werecomfortable parting ways with athird-round pick after getting back an even better haul for Carson Wentz weeks earlier

Email Matthew Parasat matt.paras@theadvocate.com

ernCommunity College, has looked sharp during the preseason. Garcia has had command issues, but he dominated hitterslastsummerinthe Cape Cod League. Lachenmayer owned a2.37 ERA and pitched well in the NCAA Tournament last year. Transfer bats

LSU will rely heavily on a handful of transfers to produce in thelineup.

“I’mveryexcited about his skill setand what he brings.I’m very excited about his talent,” Kubiak said.

Kubiak said he is in the process of identifying candidates for his defensive coordinator.Henoted he is more focused on establishing aphysical styleofplayand wants adefensive coordinator whocoaches effort.

He alsowas asked about Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza and whetherthat played arole in taking the head coach job with the Raiders, who own the No. 1pick in the NFL draft.

Kubiak did not reference Mendozabynameand said they have “a lot of tape to watch” before determining whothe team will select.

“The resources the Raiders have, having cap space, having the first pick, those all go into the decision,” he said.

Kubiak said he had theoption to stay in Seattle as the offensive coordinator but called theopportunitytojoin theRaiders organization a“no-brainer.”

“Themain thing is this is no ordinary job. This is the silver and black,” he said. Spytek joked that Kubiak will get the day off Wednesday to celebrate the Seahawks’Super Bowl victory.

“He’sgoing to take aone-day hiatus, be in aparade andget back to work on Thursday,” Spytek said.

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season. The Pelicans are just 15-40 heading into Wednesday’sgame against theMiami Heat, but they are6-5 sincethe starting lineup of Zion Williamson, Murphy,Herb Jones, Saddiq Bey and Derik Queen emerged. Jones hasbeen handling mostofthe point guard duties when playing with the starting five. Murray hasn’ttalked

Yorke,Caraway,Simpson andKansas State transfer Seth Dardar were all brought in to fill holes around the infield and at designated hitter after Michael Braswell, Jared Jones, EthanFreyand Daniel Dickinson all moved on to professional baseball.

LSU’slatest transfers were accomplishedhitters at their previous stops, but questions remain about how

with themedia sincemediaday,but he is expected to speak after the All-Star break.

“It’sjust great having him outthere,” Borrego said. “I’m so proud of him. What adevastating injury But the wayhe’shandled it, the wayhe’sattacked it, he deserves aton of credit. He and his team and our team.The entire performanceteamdeserve aton of credit.You can feel his presence, his leadership, hisconfidence. It’s amassive boost to this organization.”

each newcomer will fare in the SEC. Dickinson, who transferred in from Utah Valley,had to answer the same questionmark, andit worked out. But Johnsonistaking morerolls of thedicethis year with an array of transferbats from non-SEC schools.

Email Koki Rileyatkoki riley@theadvocate.com.

MI LA N CO RT IN A OL YM PI CS

Bilka, U.S. rout Canada

youthful Team USA sweeps GroupA in preliminaryround

BY JOHNWAWROW Associated Press

MALININ LEADSAFTER NEARPERFECT SHORT PROGRAM: Ilia

Malinin playfully threwa couple of jabs at aTVcamera while skating off the ice Tuesdaynight, the pressure of his first Olympics having seemingly vanished following ateam gold medal and anear-perfect shortprogram to begin the men’scompetition.

The American wunderkind, pictured above,landed apair of quadruple jumps, another jaw-dropping backflip and his signature “raspberry twist” for 108.16 points to takea five-point leadoveryuma Kagiyama of Japan intothe decisivefree skate Friday.

SHIFFRIN OUT OF THE MEDALS

AGAIN: Makethat sevenstraight races without amedal for Mikaela Shiffrin at the Winter Olympics.

The American skiing standout was given the ideal platformtowin the newteamcombined event after partner Breezy Johnson led the opening downhill leg on Tuesday. Shiffrin was the last racer out in the slalom and had the 15th-fastest time dropping the U.S. to fourth place. Ariane Raedler and Katharina Huber of Austria wongold, while Americans Paula Moltzan and Jacqueline Wiles took bronze.

KLAEBONEARS GOLD MEDAL

RECORD: Don’t be surprised if Johannes Høsflot Klæbo soon holds the all-time record for gold medals at the Winter Games.The Norwegian cross-countrystar powered to his second straightOlympic gold and seventh of his career by winning the men’ssprint. He was acomfortable 0.8seconds ahead of Ben Ogden of theUnited States.

Klæbo movedtoone gold behind three compatriots, all of whom retired with arecord-tying eight.

SWEDISH SIBLINGS WIN

CURLING’S MIXED DOUBLES: Sweden’sIsabella and Rasmus Wranå wongold in mixed doubles curling by beating U.S. pair Cory Thiesse and KoreyDropkin. Atwo-point playbyIsabella off the final rock of atight match sealeda 6-5 win for the duo.

The Americans wona first medal in Olympic mixed doubles, andThiesse became the first American woman to capture amedal in curling

TAUBITZ ADDS TO GERMAN DOMINANCE IN LUGE: Goldin women’ssingles lugewenttoGermany —again. Julia Taubitz became the 13th winner from Germanyin17 editions, finishing nearly afull second ahead of Elina Bota of Latvia after four runs over twodays.Ashley Farquharson took bronze, the third singles medal everfor USA Lugeat the Olympics and matching the best finish by an American women’sslider An Olympic gold completes Taubitz’s resume.

MILAN HannahBilka scored twice, and the United States’ youthand speedoverwhelmed a Canadian women’shockey team missingits captainina 5-0win at the Milan Cortina Games on Tuesday

Thelopsidedvictoryclinched first place for the U.S. in Group Aentering thequarterfinals and continued confirming why the Americans entered thetournament as favorites. Team USA sweptall four preliminary-round games by acombined score of 20-1 and brought back memories of how aCanadian team in its prime rolled to winning gold at the 2022 Beijing Games.

The tableshave sinceturned, anditwas evident on the scoresheet from aroster that featuresseven players still in college

The University of Wisconsin’s Caroline Harvey hadagoal and two assists, with Badger teammatesLaila Edwards and Kristen Simms alsoscoring. The goal was Edwards’ first in her Olympic debut in being the first Black woman to representthe U.S. University of Minnesota captain AbbeyMurphy set up three goals.

Aerin Frankel stopped 20 shots forher third winand second shutout in her first Olympic tournament. And even 36-year-old captainHilary Knight added an assist —the 32nd Olympic point of her career to tie Jenny Potter for most byaU.S. women’shockey player

preliminaryround

Canada, meantime, opened tentatively,and then ranintopenalty problemsminus its longtime leader,Marie-Philip Poulin.

Poulin was ruled out about five hoursbeforepuckdrop, and a day after she limpedoff with an apparent lower-body injury in thefirst period of a5-1 win over Czechia. The 34-year-old Poulin is considered day to day,though it’sunclear when the player nicknamed “Captain Clutch” will be available for Canada’sclosing game of the preliminary round against Finland on Thursday AndPoulin’savailabilityisuncertain for Saturday,when Canada is scheduledtoplayits quarterfinal game. The U.S. will open thequarter-

finals against host nation Italy, which went2-2 in clinching the thirdand finalGroup Bplayoff spot. The Americans are two-time Olympic gold medalists. Whatever “O, Canada”buzz there was amidalarge Maple Leaf flag-wavingcapacity crowd quickly dampened on adrizzly day outside the11,600-seat Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. And thesoundtrack instead became the sound of the U.S.goal song, Lynyrd Skynyrd’s“Free Bird.” Harvey opened the scoring 3:45 in by driving in from the left point and snapping ashot beating AnnRenee Desbiens. The Americans’ speed and quick-strike ability were evident on their next goal when Murphy

chased down Harvey’spass in the right corner.Murphy immediatelyspun andsentano-look pass Bilka converted by driving to the net. Simms made it 3-0byjamming the puck over the line 72 seconds into thesecondperiodand Murphy set up Bilka for another onetimer somesix minutes later Desbiens allowed five goals on 27 shots and was pulled after Edwards scored with 8:07 left. She was replaced by Emerance Maschmeyer,who finished with five saves. The U.S. has now defeated Canada in seven straight meetings, dating to thepreliminary round and gold-medal gameofthe world championships in April.

Eagerlyawaitingthe next miraclemoment

The Olympics are back.

My Olympic flag is up, flutteringonmyfront porch in the unseasonablywarm February breeze

My sleep hours are down. I nodded off while writing this.

Iblamethe Games. Happily Andthe seven-hourtime difference between here and Italy

Iwas fortunate enough to attend the1996 Atlanta Olympics and cover the2024 Paris Olympics. Ididn’t want to missanything either time. I still feel that way I’ve always held aspecialawe for Olympic athletes. Yes, more of them are millionaires now, like the NHL players who will start competing Wednesday. But mostofthem are sacrificingand scraping by for the sake of their dreams. For thechance to put it all out there. Forthe opportunity to call themselves Olympians forever

“I mademyfirst Olympics in 1976,” former U.S. men’sgymnast BartConner,now agymnastics broadcaster,said. He was here lastweek at the premiere of thedocumentary on former LSUcoach D-D Breaux.

“I ended up placing 46th. I didn’tmedal and Iwasn’tacontender.But Idoremember my coach told me at that moment, ‘For the rest of your life, people will refer to you as an Olympian.’”

U.S. gold medalist Breezy Johnson speeds down the course during the downhill portion of the women’s team combined event on Tuesday in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy

Conner endured theU.S. boycottofthe 1980 Moscow Olympics and returnedin1984 to win twogold medals.But that first experience taught him everything.

“Winning doesn’talways mean being first,” said U.S. speed skating legend Bonnie Blair who went from short-track dominance at the 1985 National SportsFestival in Baton Rouge to five golds over three Olympics. “Winning meansyou’re doing better than you’ve ever done before.”

Sometimes, the Olympics mean falling. Literally.Like Lindsey Vonn on Sunday in the women’sdownhill. There has been criticism of her and U.S.

skiing officials foreven trying to ski on atorn ACL, but it was her choice. And danger is always lurking behind the next gate in skiing.

“Towin,” three-timeFrench skiing goldmedalist Jean-Claude Killy said, “you have to risk loss.”

Sometimes the losses are what makethe measure of an athlete.

LSUgreat Lolo Jones was the best in the world when she hit thesecond-to-last hurdle in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, fell and finished off the podium.She came back in London in 2012 and the2014 Sochi Winter Olympics as well as abobsledder Jones never got an Olympic

OLYMPICS BROADCASTHIGHLIGHTS

medal slipped around her neck. But she’sone of about 140 athletes to have competed in the Summer and Winter Games,an exceptionally exclusive club. Would she have ever madethe Winter Olympics attempt if she’d won gold?

“There’salways apoint where you get knocked down,” Jones once said. “But Idraw on what I’ve learned on the track: If you work hard, things will workout.”

Perhaps in the mostunexpected ways. In one of the greatest sports upsets ever,the U.S. hockey team beat the Soviet Union in the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics. Idon’tlove getting older,but I love that Iwas alive to witness the Miracle on Ice.

Here in Baton Rouge, that amazing momenthad apeculiar footnote. The gamewas tapedelayed to be showninprime time. No internet. No social media blasts. Maybe aradio report mostofusmissed. But ex-WBRZ sportscaster Andy Leopold (ABC televised the Olympics then) blurted out on anews break between periods that the U.S. had won.

Wherever you may be, Andy, please know there are people here whostill hate you fordoing that. But really,it’sOK. The Olympics are back, and we’re all eagerly awaiting the next amazing moment.

Do Ibelieve in miracles? Every time. Every single time.

Brees’ sons part of California team that will play Newman

BY CHRISTOPHER DABE Staff writer

Drew Brees played his

finalgame forthe New Orleans Saints at the end of the 2020 season —before the oldest of his four children reached high school age.

Now in 2026, with oldest son Baylen ready to be a senior in the fall, the Brees family will make areturn to New Orleans for ahigh school football game against Newman.

Newman and Santa Fe Christian, of Solana Beach, California, will face each other Thursday,Sept. 10,atNewman’sMichael Lupin Field in the first of twomeetings between the schools. The teams will play asecond game in 2027 in California, Newman coach Aaron Vice said

“They kind of reached out to us about it,” Vice said about scheduling theWeek 2 football game.

Baylen, primarily awide receiver,played on the Santa Fe Christian varsity team lastseason.Hecaught two touchdownpasseslast season. Bowen, asophomore this fall, played receiver on junior varsity last season. Callen will be afreshman in the fall.

TheBrees childrenattended Newman duringthe football seasons when their father played quarterback for the Saints.

Santa Fe Christian is com-

STAFF FILEPHOTO By BRETTDUKE

Retired Saints quarterback Drew Brees makes his wayoff the field after being inducted into the Saints Hall of Fame on Sept. 17, 2024, in the Caesars Superdome. Brees’ sons, Baylen and Bowen, arepartofthe Santa Fe (Calif.) Christian teamthatwill takeonNewmanonSept. 10 in NewOrleans.

ing offa 13-1 season with 6-foot-3 quarterback Dax Labrum, asenior this fall, setting school passing records with 3,106 yards and 36 touchdowns—all withDrew Brees as his position coach for the past two seasons.

“He’sawesome,” Santa Fe Christian coach Jon Wallace said aboutBrees as acoach.

“For someone with his pedigree and experience, it takes alot of humility to come back towhathigh school football is.”

The Brees children attended Santa FeChristian during thefootballoffseasonduringDrew’splayingdays Newman will open the season against two out-of-state opponents—the first one in Week 1onthe road against St.John School in Houston

Vice coached at St. John beforehereturned home to Louisiana and coached at U-High before his arrival at Newman in 2025.

Other nondistrict games are Week 3against East Jefferson at home, Week 4at Willow,Week 6against Bonnabel at Joe YenniStadium and Week 6against Morris Jeff at home.

District games are Week 7at HoumaChristian, followed by home games Week 8against Fisher and Week 9against Country Day and Week 10 at Covenant Christian.

Newman is coming off a7-3 seasonthatincluded three lossesagainst three teams that won state championships when theseason ended: St. Charles, Riverside and Catholic-New Iberia.

Karr coachBrown getting addedroleinschoolsystem

BY CHRISTOPHER DABE Staff writer

Edna Karr High School hasenjoyed plenty of football success with Brice Brownasthe coach.

Brown

Now,after winning a sixth state championship in the past 10 seasons, Brown will carry an expanded role within the InspireNOLA Charter Schools system while continuing to lead the Karr program.

InspireNOLA on Tuesday announced Brown as the executive director of football operations for the school system, arole in which he will provide strategic support to the coaching staffs

LSU

Continued from page1C

LSU didn’tplay adifficult nonconference schedule. It did beat No. 11 Duke on the road in December, but according to WarrenNolan.com, 275teams hadan overall tougher prelude to league play than coach Kim Mulkey’sTigers.

Still, LSU has won four of the seven games it’splayed against teams rankedinthe latest edition of the AP Top 25 Poll, and it will face three more of those opponents before the regular season ends March1.AsofMonday,only 11 teams have moreQuad 1 wins. The Tigers also could wind up breaking the Division I total points record, though they’d probably have to reach both the SEC Tournament title game and the Final Four to do so.

Iowa set that one whenit tallied 3,548 points across39 games in 2023-24(91 ppg).

LSU will enter its clash with No. 3South Carolina on Saturday (7:30 p.m.,ABC) with 2,415 points. If the Tigers play 14 more games including the showdown with the Gamecocks, then they’d need to average only 80.9 ppg in those matchups to breakthe record. LSU’spursuit of those re-

at McDonogh 35 and Eleanor McMain high schools

“Brice Brown exemplifies whatitmeans to leadwith vision, discipline and purpose,” InspireNOLA CEO Jamar McKneely said in a release. “His success goes beyond championships. He builds strongcultures,develops young men and understands how athletics can reinforce academic excellence andcharacter development.”

With Brownascoach, the Cougars have posted arecord of 118-14 since 2016, including a46-2recordin districtgames alongwith six state championships. Karr haswon the past two state titles while amassing a 27-game winningstreak After theseason,25seniors signed with colleges duringthe earlyand tradi-

tional signing dayperiods. Additionally,Karr had 31 former playersonDivision Icollege rosters during the season.

“I’m honored to take on this expanded role while continuing to lead the Edna Karr program,”Brown said.“This opportunity is about building systems thatsupportcoaches,elevate student-athletes andensureour programs reflect the values and standards of InspireNOLA.”

McDonogh35and McMain will enter theseason withnew coaches.Frank Daggs left his position after McDonogh 35 reached the playoffs in all six seasons he served as coach.

Announcements about thosepositions are expected in the comingdays, an InspireNOLA spokesperson said.

UNOhas newcoach andoverhauledroster

BY SPENCER URQUHART Staff writer

UNO is looking to return to an NCAA regionalfor the first time since 2008, and there have been plenty of changes made heading into the season in an effort to reach that goal.

After comingupshort in the Southland Conference championship series last year,UNO found itself looking for anew coach and needing to replace several players.

UNO hired Andrew Gipson as coach in June, and he was tasked with rebuilding the Privateers’ roster after BlakeDean stepped down With just 12 playersreturning, Gipson and his staffadded34players to UNO’s roster, amix of transfer portaladditions from avariety of colleges and an incoming freshman class with multiple players from New Orleans.

Twelve of UNO’s 46 players were added to the NCAA’s designated studentathletelist, which wasput in placetokeeproster spots forplayers thatwould’ve otherwise been cut by the new 34-player roster limit.

“Guys that were everyday players agreed tobeon that(designated studentathlete) list so thatwecould expandour roster andinject some competition into this thing,”Gipson said. “It’s over what everyone thinks is the (new) limit, but it’sperfectly legal.”

Senior infieldersCollin Loupe and Jake D’Altrui areamong thetop returnees and will split time at third base. FIU transfer Kareh Valentin is theprojected starter at shortstop,with junior college transferEvan Rogers at second base.

Junior collegetransfer Miles Curley is expected play first base and desig-

PROVIDED PHOTO

AndrewGipson is in his first season at UNO after previouslycoaching at Belhavenand Southeastern.

UNOSCHEDULE

Feb. 13-15 at GeorgiaState;Feb.18 at Southern; Feb. 20 vs.Alabama A&M; Feb. 21 vs.Northern Kentucky; Feb. 22 vs.UL-Monroe;Feb. 24 vs.Tulane;Feb. 25 vs.Southern; Feb. 27-March 1vs. StephenF Austin; March 3vs. JacksonState; March 6-8atUTRGV; March 10 vs Mississippi Valley State;March 13-15 vs.UIW;March 17 at Tulane; March 18 at UL-Monroe;March 20-22 at NorthwesternState;March 24 at JacksonState; March 27-29 at Southeastern; March 31 at South Alabama; April 2-4vs. McNeese; April 7atSouthern Miss; April 10-

nated hitterasa middleof-the-order bat along with 6-foot-2 junior college transferKadenIrving, whowas once committedtoOle Miss.

“Kareh is asuper-athletic defensive middle infielder,” Gipsonsaid. “MilesCurley’s approach is offthe charts. He’sgot power and has a really good way of walking through at-bats.(Curleyand Irving) will be ouranchors in the middle of the order.” UL transfer Carson Hepworth is expected to be the starting centerfielderas astrong defensive player with speed. Junior college transferOwenSmith is set to start in right field. Collin Husser is areturning starter expected to see time in the outfield along with NAIA transferKruise Newman. Irving andjunior college transfer Dylan Biddick will also be in the

outfield mix, andAdrian Dominguez returns after thriving as apinchhitter last season. “I feel like ourentire team meshed really quickly,” Loupe said. “I feel like this year’slineup compares well with last year’sifnot maybe even better.We’ve got alot of depth.” Karson Evans returns as the starting catcher but will also pitch. Delgado transfer Josh Hoffmann,a John Curtis alum, is among those vying fortimebehind the plate. The current favorites to lead UNO’spitching staff as weekend starters are junior college transfers Reid Leonard and Bryson Goff. Returning seniorMatthew Bienvenu is also in linefor weekend starts. UL transfer RileyMarcotte will startthe year as atop relief pitcher.Other top relievers include Skylar Jones, UABtransfer Brock Hilland Belhaventransfer Lane Alack.

Gipson previously served as head coach at hisalma mater DivisionIII Belhaven and has Southland Conference coaching experienceasanassistant at Southeastern Louisiana. Former UNO baseball great Johnny Giavotella has returned to theprogram as general manager UNO’s coaching staffis made up of Mike Mendoza, Spencer Drake, Connor Manola, Lance Lauve and Joe Craighead, all in their first season with program “(The team)just has away of communicating witheach other that Ithink is valuable,” Gipsonsaid. “They’re nottoo tight, they’re not too loose. There’saworkman-like mentalityinthe groupthat Iadmire, and Ithink that comes from them watching my assistant (coaches).”

cords illustrates the fact that it’senjoying its best offensive season sinceMulkey’s tenure began in 2021. Thenumbers look impressive no matter how theyare sliced.According to Her Hoop Stats,the Tigers are scoring 108.3 pointsper 100 possessions in SEC play, which would be theirhighest rateofthe last fiveyears. LSUhas scored at that high of aclip even though its top bucket-getter,star junior Mikaylah Williams, is notchingonly13.9 ppg in league play.FourTigers are scoring more than 10 ppg, andeight are scoring more than five ppg.

That balanced scoring helped LSU split itshomeand-home serieswith No. 4 Texas. That’sone of thekey reasons why it’s entrenched as an NCAATournament No. 2seed in most bracket projections ahead of the last five gamesofthe regular season. The Tigers still can push fortheir firstNo. 1seed since 2006, but they’llneed to first knock off South Carolina on Saturday to preserve what’sleft of those hopes. The Gamecocks have beaten LSU17straight times. Fiveofthose wins have come since Mulkey moved to Baton Rouge.

Hall on defensive coordinator: His passion ‘is hard to match’

BY GUERRY SMITH Contributing writer

Tulane’s Tayler Polk will be one of the youngest, if not the youngest, defensive coordinators in college football next season, but his promotion from linebackers coach was a no-brainer for new coach Will Hall Polk, who turned 31 in January, exudes energy Before getting the Green Wave’s coordinator gig, he was considered a lock to follow Jon Sumrall to Florida after spending four years with him at Troy and Tulane.

“The one thing I know with defensive coordinators is the great ones get their guys to play like their hair’s on fire,” Hall said. “Tayler’s players will play so hard for him. Whatever he doesn’t know because of youth and experience, he will learn and get better every day His passion with players is hard to match.” Polk, from Brandon, Mississippi, made 97 tackles at Ole Miss from 2014-2017. After serving as a graduate assistant for the Rebels for two years, he worked with the linebackers at Central Arkansas before reuniting with Sumrall, who was on the Rebels’ staff when he was a G.A.

Picking a youthful coordinator is nothing new for Hall He said Austin Armstrong, his first defensive coordinator as Southern Miss coach, was the youngest in the country in 2021. Armstrong, who graduated from college in 2014 is entering his second year with Willie Fritz and Houston.

Hall hired Scott Symons as defensive coordinator at West Georgia in 2014 six years after he graduated from college Symons is entering his fifth season in the same role at SMU.

Injury updates

Hall offered a positive report on redshirt junior linebacker Dickson Agu who was leading the team with 36 tackles when he suffered a season-ending ACL tear in game No. 5 at Tulsa.

“He’s doing well,” Hall said.

“He’s not been cleared for everything yet, but he’s progressing the way we hoped he would progress, and we expect him to have a really good ’26 season.”

Redshirt junior safety Jack Tchienchou is not quite as far along after

getting what Hall termed “a lot of lower extremity injuries” in Tulane’s College Football Playoff loss to Ole Miss. Tchienchou made a team-best 83 tackles.

“He’s progressing,” Hall said.

“He’ll get cleared later in the summer.”

Tailoring the offense

What will Hall’s offense look like in 2026?

He said it depended on which quarterback wins the job because he will tailor the game plan to the skill set of the starter the same way he did as Tulane’s offensive coordinator in 2019-2020.

Justin McMillan set the school record with 12 touchdowns rushing in 2019 (broken by Jake Retzlaff this past season), gaining 745 yards on 169 carries and throwing 314 times for 2,444 yards.

Michael Pratt ran for only 229 yards (but with eight touchdowns), throwing for 20 scores in 10 starts as a freshman in 2020.

“When we had McMillan, we really ran it,” Hall said. “We didn’t run Pratt quite as much. From a passing standpoint, Tulane fans will probably recognize a lot of Sean Payton’s Saints teams. In the run game, it will look like it did with Pratt or look like it did with McMillan based on which quarterback is in the game.”

Houston transfer Zeon Chriss-Gremillion rushed 99 (non-sack) times in 2024 after gaining 492 yards on 73

carries at UL in 2023.

Holdover Kadin Semonza, the only other experienced quarterback on the roster rushed just 21 times (discounting sacks) as a starter at Ball State in 2024.

D-line depth

Hall remains bullish on the defensive front even with the exodus of starters Harvey Dyson (North Carolina State), Santana Hopper (Colorado), Tre’von McAlpine (Kansas) plus reserves Jordan Norman (Tennessee) and Eliyt Nairne (Pittsburgh).

Sumrall talked repeatedly about the Wave’s outstanding depth on the line, and Hall believes redshirt freshmen Nik Alston, Josh Lewis and PaLanding Drammeh are ready to step up. The Wave returns key backups Gerrod Henderson Jah’rie Garner Derrick Shepard and Warren Roberts and added Ed Smith (South Alabama), Rashad Sterling (Houston) and Jordan Mcallister (New Hampshire) from the transfer portal.

“We lost some high-end players at D-line, but we have so many returning that played,” Hall said. “We like where we are. There’s so much competition.”

Lagniappe

The first spring practice will be March 9. The Wave will take a week off for spring break near the end of the month. The spring game will be April 18. Pro Day will be March 24 at the Saints’ indoor facility

Rasmussen’s ascent no overnight success story for Green Wave

BY GUERRY SMITH Contributing writer

Leaning sideways, Luke Rasmussen sank a 3-pointer 24 seconds after entering Tulane’s Jan. 23 game against Charlotte midway through the second half.

There is no telling what happens if he misses that shot in his second game since Dec. 13, but he believes he would have earned his new role anyway His second and last shot against the 49ers was pure before he played a team-high 39 minutes against South Florida five days later in his first career start.

“When one thing goes right, you’ve just gotta compound successes and build off of that,” he said “I saw it coming, honestly. I just did a great job all summer and fall.”

It is exceedingly rare for a player to go from a bench warmer to entrenched starter this late in a season, but the 6-foot-8 Rasmussen has done it in his second year at Tulane. He helped the Wave snap a five-game losing streak with two blocked shots and two steals at Memphis. He had three steals and five rebounds in 32 minutes against Wichita State on Sunday, keeping Tulane close in a game it lost because of woeful offense.

If the Wave (13-10, 4-6 American Conference) ends a fourgame home skid against Temple (15-8, 7-3) on Wednesday night (6:30 p.m., ESPN+), Rasmussen figures to be a significant factor

“He’s doing a really nice job, especially defensively,” Tulane coach Ron Hunter said. “He really gives us a boost. His aggressiveness has been contagious. He gets his hands on a lot of balls. He’s helped us in a lot of ways, and we needed him.”

Rasmussen’s emergence feels like it came out of nowhere, but he sees it as the culmination of hard work. He was 5-5 and weighed only 90 pounds when he started high school, getting cut from his freshman team in favor of current Tulane basketball manager Ryan Rodack. He grew a few inches each year from there, and he was about 6-2 as a reclassified junior 6-5 as a senior and 6-7 by the time he reached Lafayette College. With the growth spurt affect-

SCOREBOARD

0, Missi 3-3 1-3 7, Fears 8-14 2-2 20, Hawkins 2-3 0-0 6, McGowens 3-7 0-0 8. Totals 47-87 10-16 120. Sacramento 26 20 21 27 — 94 New Orleans 31 30 31 28 120 3-Point Goals—Sacramento 4-31 (McDermott 1-4, Clifford 1-6, Westbrook 1-6, Plowden 1-7, Eubanks 0-1, Raynaud 0-1, DeRozan 0-2 Carter 0-4), New Orleans 16-39 (Murphy III 5-11, Hawkins 2-3, Matkovic 2-3, McGowens 2-3, Fears 2-4, Jones 2-9, Bey 1-5, Queen 0-1) Fouled Out—None. Rebounds Sacramento 50 (Raynaud 19), New Orleans 39 (Matkovic 9). Assists—Sacramento 19 (Clifford 6), New Orleans 30 (Murphy III 7) Total Fouls Sacramento 13, New Orleans 18. A—16,633 (16,867) College softball

Wednesday’s game Louisiana Tech at Southeastern, 5 p.m. Thursday’s games LSU vs. Nebraska at Clearwater, Fla., 10 a.m. LSU vs. Oklahoma State at Clearwater, Fla., 2 p.m. College basketball Men’s state schedule Monday’s games Northwestern State 70, Lamar 68 Southeastern 74, Incarnate Word 62 McNeese 73, Houston Christian 69 Southern 69, Alabama State 68 Texas-Rio Grande Valley 92, Nicholls 72 Alabama A&M 66, Grambling 58 UNO 84, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi 78 Tuesday’s game Arkansas at LSU, n Wednesday’s games Temple at Tulane, 6:30 p.m. UL-Monroe at Arkansas

92, IU Indianapolis 88 Purdue 80, Nebraska 77, OT SOUTHWEST BYU 99, Baylor 94 SMU 89, Notre Dame 81 Women’s state schedule Tuesday’s game East Carolina 65, Tulane 61 Thursday’s games UL-Monroe at Southern Miss, 5 p.m. Nicholls at Houston Christian, 6 p.m. Southern at Texas Southern, 6 p.m. UNO at UIW, 6 p.m. UL at Troy, 6 p.m. Grambling at Prairie View, 6 p.m. Southeastern at East Texas A&M,

ing his coordination, he averaged only 2.5 points as a freshman while serving as a defensive specialist at Lafayette.

“My whole life I was a shooter,” he said. “That’s all I did, and my freshman year I couldn’t make a shot. I fit a defensive role because my basketball I.Q. was going to keep me on the court.

Continued practice allowed him to get comfortable in his tall frame, but he did not play at all last year after transferring to Tulane. His only action in the first 19 games this season came in garbage time against Utah State, UC San Diego and TexasSan Antonio, but he never felt like trash.

“I was fully confident,” he said. “I thought I was one of the key contributors in the summer I just had to be patient and buckle down and work and good things would come.”

Rasmussen scored 11 points with three steals and two blocked shots against South Florida, leaving the court for only one brief stretch in the first half. He appears set to play a key role the rest of the way as Tulane tries to turn it around after losing six of its past seven.

Rasmussen loves Hunter’s matchup defense, which allows him to go over and rip the ball out of a big man’s hands and jump into passing lanes without being tied to one guy

“It’s been awesome,” he said.

“I’m having a great time playing. Taking that big a role can be a lot on your body, so I’m thankful to have a good strength coach and a good trainer I’m been working with them a bunch just to make sure my body doesn’t tumble over itself.”

The tumble has come in the American standings. Rasmussen said he lives to win, and Tulane is 1-3 since his insertion into the lineup. After hitting three of his first four 3-point attempts in that stretch, he missed seven of eight, but he remains confident in his shot.

“The results have not been what we wanted,” he said. “Compared to the beginning of the year, the energy has definitely dwindled a little bit. We need to do a better job of getting downhill, playing off two feet and looking to create. The American is wide open.”

def. Magdalena Frech,

6-3, 6-4. Maria Sakkari, Greece, def. Jasmine Paolini (6), Italy, 6-4, 6-2. Jelena Ostapenko, Latvia, def. Ekaterina Alexandrova (8), Russia, 6-4, 6-2. Elisabetta Cocciaretto, Italy, def. Coco Gauff (4), United States, 6-4, 6-2. Victoria Mboko (10), Canada, def. Vera Zvonareva, Russia, 6-4, 6-4. Varvara Gracheva, Russia, def. Linda Noskova (9), Czechia, 6-2, 2-6, 7-5. Elina Svitolina (7), Ukraine, def. Dayana Yastremska, Ukraine, 6-1, 6-4. Iga Swiatek (1), Poland, def. Janice Tjen, Indonesia, 6-0, 6-3. Karolina Muchova (14), Czechia, def. Tereza Valentova, Czechia, 6-1, 6-4. Camila Osorio, Colombia, def. Katerina Siniakova, Czechia, 6-2, 5-7, 6-3. Elena Rybakina (2), Kazakhstan, def. Wang Xinyu, China, 6-2, 6-4. Zheng Qinwen, China, def. Alycia Parks, United States, 7-6 (4), 3-6, 6-2. Anna Kalinskaya, Russia, def. Emma Navarro (12), United States, 7-5, 2-6, 6-2.

ATP World Tour Dallas Open Tuesday At Styslinger/Altec Tennis Complex, Dallas Purse: $2,833,335 Surface: Hardcourt indoor Men’s Singles Round of 32 Marin Cilic, Croatia, def. Learner Tien (6), United States, 7-5, 7-6 (4).

End of reign

Here areIan McNulty’s favorite king cakes forMardi Gras 2026

Getthemwhile youcan.

BY IAN McNULTY

Staff writer

Well, it happened again, as quick as the flick of a doublooninthe air

CARNIVAL 2026 FORMORE, NOLA.COM

One minute, Carnival has arrived anew,each dayanotherchanceto eat king cake. Now those days are running down to the last few.That means every king cake decision is freighted with extra importance in the finale of this year’sshorter season

As usual, I’ve been toggling between oldfavoritesand newadditions. These have topped my list. so far,that is; there are still afew more days to go

Traditional kingcake Nolita, 3201 OrleansAve

On the morningofthe Epiphany,I wasin line outside Nolita when baker MarthaGilreath opened thedoor for the daytostart king cake season. The choice of whereI’d startthe season wasnot random. Nolita makes aking cake that dials in to the style that first defined king cake for generationsofNew Orleanians, the old McKenzie’splain ring.

This one has been recast just abit. There is agentle twist of citrus with orangeblossom water and satsuma zest. There’satop layer of brown butter,amping up the richness, under extra-crunchy sugar.

But in texture and form, it fitsthe flavor memories that endure from the days when king cake was asimple pleasure and shows why,even next to evermore creative renditions, the classic still satisfies Get them at Nolita and King Cake Hub (3300 Gravier St.) and King Cake Headquarters (Central City BBQ, 1201 S. RampartSt., and Las Cruces Tex-Mex, 2935 Airline Drive).

STAFFPHOTO By IAN McNULTy King cakefrom local bakeshop Nolita follows the classic formand adds abit of citrus to brighten the flavors.

Galette des rois

Celtica French Bakery,218 Robert E. LeeBlvd. Tradition means different things in the king cake world, and that can mean Frenchtradition,asinthe galette des rois. Baker Dominique Rizzoearned areputation for the king cakes of his French homeland many years agoat his Uptown bakery (La Boulangerie, which is now part of the Link Restaurant Group and makes its own fine king cakes). Now, the place to find Rizzo’scake is his Lakeview bakery Celtica. This delicatelyflaky galetteisregal, burnished and gleaming, andabitegives a cascade of crunchy crust, layer after layer,withalmond paste coursing between. Get them whole or by theslice at Celtica.

Figking cake

Honey &Smoke, 3301Bienville St.

Anew addition this year from this Greek/ Jewish restaurant is afig-lover’sdream. The cake starts as atraditionalring of brioche with agenerous seam of fig cream cheese within. It adds lemon fig glazeand fig icing, and even the interior texture is reminiscentofripefruit. It’s adense cake but also lip-smacking,and just the slightest bit sticky from fig syrup throughout. There’sahoneycomb brittle to sprinkle on top and the plastic baby has amati

ä See KING CAKES, page 2D

BY IAN McNULTY Staff writer

Whenyou’re looking for ameal alongFreret Street, theUptown restaurant row has variety of options, from tacos and smash burgerstobagels, deep dish pizza, oysters,gumbo,pho andspecialty hot dogs.

But during Carnival, one common thread emerges as normal businesssuddenly shiftstowhat manyhere call “crazy busy.”

“Lundi Gras has always been the busiestday of the year for us, and it’s only gotten crazier,and it’sgreat,” said Adam Biderman, owner of The Company Burger (4600 Freret St.),who has seen 14 Carnival seasons play out since opening in 2011.

“From Muses Thursday through the weekend, it’s just gameon.”

It’sthe sameupand down Freret

Street

When parades are rolling, Freret Street essentiallybecomes Uptown’s Mardi Gras food court

People stop off beforeparades and after parades too, bringing the

When paradesroll, abuzzing restaurant rowbecomesUptown’sCarnivalfoodcourt

tas, Mardi Gras weekend is so busy that Bacchus Sunday now eclipses even CincodeMayofor business said chef Fredo Nogueira.

Flipside to ‘the box’

Freret’sCarnival experience is anotherway thatMardi Gras transforms the normal rhythmsof New Orleanslife, andit’sthe flipside to the lull seen by restaurants in “thebox,” that area hemmed in by parade routes forlong periods of time.

ChalkituptoFreret’slocation. The stripsitsnine blocksfrom St CharlesAvenue;it’sonthe way to the paraderoute formany, but far enough to getsomebreathing room. The assortment of casual options is another factor, with more than30restaurants, bars and cafes lining the eight-block stretch between Jeffersonand Napoleon avenues.

partyfrom theroutetoFreret, bar hopping and packing restaurants through theday At Vals (4632 FreretSt.), apatio restaurant for tacos and margari-

At DatDog (5030 Freret St.), operations director James Gillum watches the Carnival-time flow of people like migratorypatterns

ä See FRERET, page 2D

WHERETOEAT ANDDRINK | FRERET STREET

BY IANMcNULTY Staff writer

The Freret Street restaurant rowpacksa great deal of different flavors and concepts into an eight-block stretchfromJeffersonAvenue to Napoleon Avenue. The options are always in flux.Here’sour updated guide for 2026. We’llgoblock by block,starting with aspur on Jena Street, just afew steps fromFreret proper that is part of the row n BEARCAT CAFÉ, 2521 JENA ST.: Very popular breakfast and lunch spot, mixing the

healthy(“good cat”) and indulgent (“bad cat”). Steps off Freret Street.

n CAFÉ CONMIGO,2511 JENA

ST.: Newly opened Cuban café for killer coffee, sandwiches, pasties and cocktails, with quick counter service.Steps off Freret.

n HIGH HATCAFÉ, 4500 FRERET

popular spotfor studying or games; trythe coffee cubes.

n PIGEON& WHALE, 4525 FRERET ST.: Gorgeous oyster bar(and Negroni specialist) and upscaleseafood from otherwaters (related to the Husky, and has asimilar sense of style).

fo test Vi m/

ST.: Alittle bit Southern (pimento cheese), alot New Orleans (gumbo), amodern café with an old soul and a fresh edge.

n THE HUSKY,4510 FRERET ST.: Agleaming lounge meets stylishrustic lodgeataseductive barand restaurant for steaks, burgers and martinis

n ROOK CAFÉ, 4516 FRERET

ST.: Quirky coffee shop and

n SWEET &BOOZY,4525 FRERET ST.: Ice cream shop with booze-infused flavors next to theall-agesvarieties.

n THE COMPANYBURGER,4600 FRERET ST.: Before the smash burger craze, this spot set a new standardfor slim, griddlecooked, double-stacked patties; check out the mayo bar.

n VALS,4632 FRERET ST.: Tacos

ä See WHERE, page 2D

By The Associated Press

Today is Wednesday, Feb. 11, the 42nd day of 2026. There are 323 days left in the year

Today in history:

On Feb. 11, 1990, South African anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela was freed after 27 years in prison. (Mandela would be elected president of South Africa four years later.)

Also on this date: In 1847, American inventor Thomas Alva Edison was born in Milan, Ohio. In 1945, U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Soviet leader Josef Stalin signed the Yalta Agreement, in which Stalin agreed to declare war against Imperial Japan

following Nazi Germany’s capitulation In 1990, in one of the biggest upsets in boxing history, underdog Buster Douglas knocked out the previously undefeated heavyweight champion Mike Tyson at Japan’s Tokyo Dome. In 2012, on the eve of the Grammy Awards, superstar singer Whitney Houston was found dead after she drowned in a hotel room bathtub in Beverly Hills, California; she was 48. The official coroner’s report listed heart disease and cocaine as contributing factors in her death. In 2013, during a routine morning meeting of Vatican cardinals, Pope Benedict XVI announced he would resign as pope effective

Feb. 28; it was the first papal resignation in nearly 600 years. In 2020, the World Health Organization gave the official name of COVID-19 to the disease caused by the coronavirus that had emerged in China and was unleashing a worldwide pandemic.

Today’s birthdays: Actor Tina Louise is 92. Former Florida Gov Jeb Bush is 73. Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin is 64. Musician Sheryl Crow is 64. Former Alaska Gov Sarah Palin is 62. Actor Jennifer Aniston is 57. Actor Damian Lewis is 55. Surfer Kelly Slater is 54. Singer-actor Brandy is 47. Singer Kelly Rowland is 45. Actor Natalie Dormer is 44. Actor Taylor Lautner is 34. Singer-songwriter Khalid is 28.

FRERET

from page 1D

through the family-friendly beer garden.

“The college kids come down out of their dorms and walk right down for it,” he said. “People park nearby and tow the kids down the (Napoleon Avenue neutral ground) path in wagons Everyone’s stopping off. It’s the family’s heading home early and they need something to eat, and then the students going back out after parades and getting something to tide them over.”

Mornings, martinis

It all starts early on Freret and goes late.

The final Carnival weekend is the busiest time of year at Humble Bagel (4716 Freret St.), with people starting the day with a bagel or getting bagged dozens for the parade route.

“Morning means something different for college kids than it does for other people,” said owner Casey Mackintosh. “Their mornings are later So just when you think the rush is done, here comes a group of 20 or 30 people It’s students with their friends in town and they’re showing them around.”

Quick, casual eats are a natural fit for Carnival. But along Freret Street, more upscale restaurants feel the change too. At the Husky (4510 Freret

WHERE

Continued from page 1D

and first-rate cocktails across the lush patio or inside (yes, there’s an inside).

n FRERET FAIRE AT ROUSES, 4645 FRERET ST.: The in-house restaurant (and bar!) at the grocery store, for breakfast plates and lunch sandwiches.

n MOJO COFFEE HOUSE, 4700 FRERET ST.: Coffee house and study spot for breakfast burritos, mocktails, lemonades and, of course, caffeine.

n PITA PARADISE, 4701 FRERET ST.: Shawarma and Middle Eastern standards in a fastcasual setting.

n CHI CHI’S, 4714 FRERET ST.: Korean fried chicken (wings and sandwiches), sushi sandwiches and beer in a pint-sized shop.

n HUMBLE BAGEL, 4716 FRERET ST.: A taste of the classic Northeast-style bagel shop, with fresh orange juice by the mason jar.

n BAYA BAR, 4719 FRERET ST.: A juice and smoothie bar (with a specialty in acai) from a small chain

n SUCRE, 4711 FRERET ST.: A small, petit four-sized outpost of the New Orleans-based sweets emporium for macarons, ice cream and coffee

n THE MIDWAY, 4725 FRERET

St.), known for martinis, beef Wellington and its lush

“Gatsby mountain lodge” design, dinner reservations were running a bit below normal on most parade nights.

But based on the experience of last year, the Husky’s first Mardi Gras, proprietor John Michael Rowland expects walk-ins to fill the wood-trimmed booths and line the bar as these evenings proceed.

Across the street at his seafood restaurant Pigeon & Whale (4525 Freret St.), walk-ins typically pack the bar for impromptu oysters and cocktails on the way to the parades or as people wait for post-parade traffic to die down

A wild ride

While busy is the rule on Freret at Carnival, restaurants also have to roll with the unpredictable. Cold and rain can put a damper on business, but sometimes the same weather can bring more people for an indoor respite.

A stalled float or long delay in a parade can prompt a customer surge. New operators learn quickly that they can be in for a wild ride.

Last year was the first for Chi Chi’s (4714 Freret St.), which has an avid following for Korean fried chicken wings, sushi sandwiches and beer towers.

“We were crazy busy when we usually aren’t, and then the normal times we’re busy everyone was at the parades,” said co-owner Ad-

ST.: Deep dish and thin crust pizza with excellent meatballs (on the pies, or on their own) and a strong bar.

n CURE, 4905 FRERET ST.: The first anchor of Freret’s new restaurant row remains the avatar for upscale craft cocktail culture in New Orleans; the short food menu is fancy and delicious.

n SUNNIE’S, 4917 FRERET ST.: Casual restaurant and bar with poolside lounge with retro styling, like a mini vacation on Freret.

n BREEZY’S AT GASA GASA, 4920 FRERET ST.: The verdant patio bar is attached to the indie music venue, with periodic food pop-ups.

n CINNAHOLIC, 4921 FRERET ST.: Local franchise for the local chain of vegan bakeries with a cinnamon roll specialty

n DOMINO’S PIZZA, 4938 FRERET ST.: The pizza giant was here before Hurricane Katrina; it’s here still and at Carnival time is frantically busy supplying parade route vendors

n CHIPOTLE, 5001 FRERET ST.: National chain fast-casual, Mexican-style burritos and bowls.

n CAVA, 5001 B FRERET ST.: Sadly not a Spanish sparkling wine bar, but a national chain fast-casual concept for Mediterranean-inspired bowls and wraps.

KING CAKES

Continued from page 1D

Greek evil eye charm attached. I’m keeping this charm close for the rest of Mardi Gras.

Pre-order the cake via smokesmokehoneyhoney.com. If luck is with you, you might find it by the slice at the cafe.

Vieux Carre king cake

Ayu Bakehouse, 801 Frenchmen St., and Cure, 4905 Freret St.

It’s hard for me to bypass Ayu’s take on the traditional king cake, the oh-so-flaky Croissant City Classic. But curiosity over the bakery’s collaboration with Uptown cocktail lounge Cure lured me to their new Vieux Carre king cake.

It takes inspiration from the classic cocktail of the same name, and, like the drink, this king cake is layered and balanced between bitter herbals, dark fruit-jam and mellow sweetness. Even the pastry lattice work on top evokes the etching on a rocks glass, and a cocktail cherry stands in for the baby

Preorder whole cakes for pick up at Ayu (ayubakehouse.com) or at Cure (instagram.com/curenola), and get cake by the slice at Cure.

Dubai chocolate king cake

NOCCA, at King Cake Hub, 3300 Gravier St.

High school students at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts make king cakes each season as part of their curriculum, and this program has been growing in capacity and creativity. Alongside a series of limited-edition king cakes that cycled through production this year, the Dubai chocolate rendition has been a steady hit all season.

within. The custard of crème brulee is piped into pools around the ring, topped with the crackling crust of sugar, with a browned cream flavor and a hint of vanilla.

Just Eat Me Sweets (aka JEMS) is the bakery that Avery Grundmeyer opened two years ago — at age 21 — in Old Metairie. It’s a bit hidden, in the new development that’s also home to Italian restaurant TANA, but it’s a find for a wonderful new king cake. Get them at the shop or at King Cake Hub.

Ponchatoula king cake

Maurice French Pastries, 3501 Hessmer Ave

olfo Garcia Jr “Just when I figured we were done for the night, I looked outside and there’s like 3,000 kids walking down the street just looking for somewhere to eat.”

No sleep till Fat Tuesday

This year, Chi Chi’s is preparing better for the uneven pace. It’s also one on the short list of Freret restaurants staying open on Fat Tuesday itself.

Another is the Midway pizzeria (4725 Freret St.).

There’s a slow start on Fat Tuesday, said owner Steve Watson, when people begin trickling back to Uptown neighborhoods from downtown. That trickle turns into a torrent, especially for takeout orders as people head home for the sofa. Beer sales go up for people dining in, salad sales plummet.

“You’re definitely not chopping as much romaine as you’d like,” Watson said. Eventually, inevitably, the Midway will run out of key ingredients, and that will be the end of Mardi Gras for the restaurant.

“Everyone’s exhausted by the end, but it’s fun, Mardi Gras comes to us,” Watson said.

Dat Dog is also open on Mardi Gras Day and Gillum says people keep streaming through from opening until closing, a variable time on Fat Tuesday based on whenever demand dies down.

“It’s not just a great day for sales,” said Gillum “It’s a great day for tips; people are very generous.”

n DP DOUGH, 5010 FRERET ST.: Late-night calzones and wings, mostly takeout, from a chain with a focus on locations near colleges.

n MR. TEQUILA, 5018 FRERET ST.: The three Gonzales brothers, natives of Mexico, serve a broad menu of taqueria standards, with margaritas on draft, including a “familysized” version for the table.

n BUB’S BURGERS, 5031 FRERET ST.: The shed-sized space that launched other concepts is the Uptown outpost for the grab-and-go version of the popular smash burger joint.

n IMPERIAL WOODPECKER, 5033 FRERET ST.: A fresh take on the New Orleans sno-ball shop (seasonal hours)

n GOOD BIRD, 5041 FRERET ST.: Rotisserie chicken for sandwiches, salads and bowls, plus smoothies.

n DAT DOG, 5030 FRERET ST.: A colorful, all-ages beer garden vibe for hot dogs and sausages with burgers, chicken sandwiches, loaded fries and drinks.

n MINT MODERN VIETNAMESE, 5100 MAGAZINE ST.: Pho, spring rolls and other noodle shop standards mixed with few fusion twists, like the kimchi burger and chicken with green waffles; boba teas are popular at the bar.

n STARBUCKS 5335 FRERET ST.: The coffee giant stands as a bookend to the restaurant row

It braids the Dubai chocolate trend into king cake form, swirling the brioche with a mix of rich, deep chocolate and pistachio, laced with shredded phyllo for a pastrylike crunch. The wavy exterior has a crisp crunch, giving way to the chocolatey interior

Preorder for pickup at the school via noccamarketplace.com or get them at King Cake Hub, the school’s distribution partner

Crème brulee king cake

Just Eat Me Sweets, 2929 Metairie Road

How a king cake sounds usually isn’t high on the list of how we assess them. But tapping the top of a crème brulee is part of the pleasure of the classic dessert, and so it is for this king cake rendition too.

Drum the icing a bit with the knife and you hear that gratifying click of the candied, caramelized sugar The cake is dense, with a restrained marbling of cinnamon

This is a showboat of a king cake, a tandem float-sized extravagance that can be the centerpiece of a parade party spread. The Ponchatoula just keeps layering on flavor and richness with Bavarian cream, whipped cream, Chantilly cream, toasted almonds,

gerly get it to the party in its full fluffy glory

Praline king cake

Loretta’s Authentic Pralines, 2101 N. Rampart St.; and the French Market, 1100 N. Peters St. Pralines are the thing at Loretta’s, and naturally that is the unifying idea for the king cake at this long-running Marigny bakery There’s praline icing over the top, and then a thick seam of crushed praline filling running just underneath that. The cake itself has a dense, coffee-inviting texture. Loretta’s ships whole cakes nationally, and sells whole cakes and slices at both the main bakery and its French Market stand.

TheAmerican RedCross ofLouisiana is hereall year.

RedCross in Louisiana serves4.65millionresidentsacrossall64parishesandextendshopeto communitiesacrossthenationandaroundtheworld.Whenyousupportyour localRedCross,youmakeadirectimpactinyourcommunity Poweredbygenerosity. TheRedCrossisnotagovernmentagency.Wearea501(c)(3) nonprofitthatreliesonthepowerofvolunteersandthegenerosity ofdonorstocarryoutourhumanitarianmission. RedCrosssupportersprovideabeaconofhope.Fromhelping duringdisasters,toprovidinglifesavingtrainingandsupporting militarycommunities,theRedCrossistherewhenhelpcan’twait.

n CentenarySalute

As scripted on the coverofthe ball program, “The Young MenIllinois Club Celebrates Its Centennial Anniversary of Excellence!” served as an announcement of the gala excitement in the Ernest N.Morial Convention Center that shone aspotlight on Crescent City trailblazers and trendsetters. Cardell Ross Jr is the club’spresident and Dr Cornel T. Rogers,William D.Aaron Jr Michael C.Walcott Sr., Ravi J. Bates, Lawrence R. Robinson,AnthonyM.Faciane Sr., Mario R.Anderson, Magistrate Marion D. Floyd, Kevin M. Bart, BryanD.Jourdain,and Ronald C.Vigee are the officers. Forty-five more men complete the membership. The feminine focus turned to the centennial queen, Miss Sydney Carol Mason,daughter of Judgeand Mrs. Omar Khalid Mason. Her mother also answers to Carla BringierMason. Sydney succeeded Miss AvaRose Robertson,daughter of Dr.and Mrs. Corey AnthonyRobertson,the 2025 monarch. The first maid to queen Sydney was Miss Addison Morgan Roussell, daughter of Mr.and Mrs.Adam August Roussell (Keesha Roussell).

Front Row: Adrienne Rogers, Freya Banks, Marigny Williams. Back row: Amari

Centeno

Seated: Chloe Green, Amelia Doucette,SkylarPappion. Standing: Carlie Garrison, RileyVidal, Lila Walcott

The court debutantes were Misses Naomi Marie Bouie, Sidney Isabelle Davis, Bailey McKenzie Hall, Kaley Janell Hill,Talyn Rene Hinds, McKenzie Elizabeth Jordan,Alexis Marie Lewis, Baileigh Cy McFadden,Kennedy Ann-Marie Miller,Alanna Thibodeaux Mogilles, KylahD’Laci Prevost, Shayde Harmoni Randolph, Brianna Monaé Raphael,AvaCoryn Sallier and Jasmine Mariah Williams. Tenprincesses also graced the court: Misses FreyaElizabethBanks,Amari

Zane Rousseau, Amara Mason-Folse, Brooke Robinson, Christopher Ross

AvaCoryn Sallier,ShaydeRandolph, Jasmine Williams, Kylah Prevost, Alanna Mogilles

McKenzie Centeno,Amelia Rose

Doucette, Carlie Nikol Garrison, Chloe Charlie Green, Skylar Victoria Pappion, Adrienne NicoleRogers, Riley Marie Vidal,Lila Egleé Walcott and Marigny Jolie Williams. Completing the 2026 court were pages Amara CécileJosephine Mason-Folse, Brooke Simone Robinson, Christopher Jules Ross and Zane Amir Rousseau. President Ross extended a special message to theparents of the 2026 courtmembers, stating his sincerest“appreciation for your support, interest and cooperation.”

Prior to theball, her majesty Sydney added her own words of appreciation, gratitude and excitement. Her thrill at being chosen to reign was majestically manifested.

During the course of the ball, Clark Knighten and the Black Cat Productions played a medley of songs as each debutante was presented. Important women of the past, such as Leah Chase, Dorothy Mae Taylor, Sybil Morial and Henriette DeLille, were recognized. Furthertributewas paid to 50 pastqueens, who were introduced by each decade; to SandraRhodes Duncan –the

n Sydney’sCelebration

Less than aweek before the “breathtaking and overwhelming” experience of being the queen, atribute for which she will be eternally grateful, Sydney Mason was honored byher parentsataparty to recognize her then status as queen-elect Judge and Mrs. Omar K. Mason requested the pleasure of one’s company at the Debutante Party to honor Sydney Carol Mason at the historic Gallier Hall was the gist of theinvitation Black-tie attire was requested. Additional chromatics occurred within the blue theme, in different shades, which permeated theparty.Aballoon assemblageindark blue encased “SYDNEY” in bright white lights. Blue scarves were tied on aisle chairs in the presentation room. To initiatethe formalities, T. Scott and Reagan G. Sidney gave opening remarks and the Rev Kingsley Ogbuji,SSJ, the invocation The welcome came from YMIC president Cardell Ross Jr and thepresentation of officers and members was by MarionD Floyd. Subsequent presentations were of the honoree’sfamily,reigning queen Ava Rose Robertson,and, the2026 court by club director of social affairs Lawrence Robinson Of course, thehigh point was the presentation of the honoree, Sydney Mason, who wore an ivory ball gown with crystal and pearl embellishment and asweeping full skirt.Several proclamations were addressed to her before

Nell Nolan SOCIETY

Contact: nnolan@theadvocate.com

PHOTOSByJEFFSTROUT

1963 YMI monarch and recipient of abouquet of yellow roses –who was presentedtothe reigning Sydney; and to distinguished guests from other Carnival organizations. Special seating was reservedfor the OriginalIllinois Club, the Krewe of NOMTOC (New Orleans’MostTalked of Club),Zulu and Femme Fatale. Her majesty satupon a golden throne-bench, which wasflanked by whitepotsfilled withlarge green ferns and, on pedestals,golden urns containing red roses and other flowers. Agoldcurtained backdrop with touches of red; ceiling swags of gold; chandeliers; and, for the court, small benches enveloped in gold fabric and fastened witha bejeweled pin, added elegance. Her majesty was thecentennial cynosure in an opalescent whiteball gown, which had asweetheart neckline, afloral lace bodice, alayered tulle and satin skirt,and subtle sequins and beadwork scattered throughout the lace. The mantle, which was custom madefor the Mason legacy of YMI queens —Sydney’ssister, Jade Carol Mason ruled in 2024 —was atriangular expanse of white and

bordered in gold. Royal mother Carla donned aLucci Lu gownindusty pink. Throughout the evening, YMIC members and their guests delighted in the 100-year celebration as they both reminisced about the past and looked forward to the next century.Capping the gallivanting wasthe Queen’sBreakfast following the ball forwhich DJ Red rallied folks to the floor Afew final words came from the monarch Sydney,who was brought out during the ball in complete darkness. Concurrently,the narrator described how proud YMIC’sfounder would have been of the club’scentennial queen. “That’s me,” realized Sydney before being spotlighted and applauded by her scores of subjects. Then the reign came.

thetoast by her father and her own remarks. Always special, the father-daughter waltz struck asentimental note. Momentslater,the 2026 court’swaltz took place and concluding remarks ensued. Amongthe many features were thepartygifts of caps and asymbolic “diamond” parure to honor the club’s century and the queen; charcuterie by Chic NOLA; and the stunning ceremonial chargersthat bedecked the tables in Gallier Hall’sBlue Room, where guests dined and danced afterward. The plates were rimmed in gold filigree and had adecorative “S” in the center.Blue and white hydrangeas were arranged as several of the centerpieces. Even thecake had shades of blue in the icing.

Compliments and thanks were many and effusive to the proud parents and to Sydney,for whom this party would hold dear memories. Herroyal moment awaited.

n La VieenRose

“A Debutante Party Honoring Addison Morgan Roussell” headed theprogram for her galaeveningatMessina’sat theTerminal. It was given by her parents. Mr.and Mrs.Adam August Roussell, and planned by TenishiaKeller of Chocolate Bunnie Events. At that point, the honoree was the YMIC’s first maid-elect.Black tie was the formal dress. Addison’sclassic white ball gown wasbyDaVinci from the Zeia Couture Collection. It was heavily embellished with delicate beading of pearls, crystals and sequins. Her mother, Keesha,chose a rose, one-shoulder satin gown by MacDuggal. Theentire 2026 YMIC court wore pastelshadesofpink, the honoree’sfavorite color,and the party’spalette. Memorable Events Décor and Insight Nola provided the décor.The tables were centered with arrangements by Tamara Wyre

of Bougie Blooms NOLA that combined seasonal flowers in hues of pink with cream and plum accents. Special features included apoetry reading by Jericho Brown, thewinner of the 2020 Pulitzer Prize for Poetry; an art gallery showcasingsix paintings by

Leon West; late-evening beignets; and afourtiered cake with edible flowers by Swiss Confectionery Gina Swanson, news anchor with WDSU, was the mistress of ceremonies for the presentation that included music by Clark Knighten;proclamations from elected officials and apapal blessing from Pope Leo XIV;afather-daughter waltz to “Lovely Day”; and the subsequent court waltz. The disc jockey DJ Vintage and the band Love Your Own Noise kept the music going well into the

andNola Lolas initiated afun and ever so lively second line.

AQuARIus (Jan 20-Feb. 19) Your energy requires direction. Once you grasp what's most important to you, nothing will stop you from reaching your objective. Don't stop when the sky's the limit.

PIscEs (Feb. 20-March 20) Look, assess and follow through, and the returns will far exceed the stress. The personal growth you gain will take you far beyond your expectations.

ARIEs (March 21-April 19) Put your energy where it will do some good and be uplifting for you and the people you help. Volunteering your time or services will change how you feel about and manage your finances.

tAuRus (April 20-May 20) Discipline will help eliminate regret and failure. Pay attention to how you present yourself to others mentally, physically and emotionally. It's essential that you are true to yourself and to those you care about.

GEMInI (May 21-June 20) Proceed with caution. Your words and actions will have an impact on those on the receiving end. Be kind, not cutting, and you'll gain respect and the support you need to reach your objective.

cAncER (June 21-July 22) Pay attention to your needs. Learn from past mistakes; avoid being neglectful of symptoms you shouldn't ignore. Self-improvement will boost your confidence and reputation.

LEo (July 23-Aug. 22) Put more energy into relationships that complement

your attributes and encourage you to do your best. Refuse to let the changes going on around you upset your plans or discourage you from sharing your beliefs.

VIRGo (Aug. 23-sept. 22) Unusual people, places and pastimes will attract your attention. Embrace what and who comes your way with an open heart, eyes and ears. What you discover will broaden your awareness and purpose.

LIBRA (sept. 23-oct. 23) Let your imagination lead the way. It's up to you to take the initiative and turn your dream into a reality. Seize the moment, act on instinct and trust your gut.

scoRPIo (oct. 24-nov. 22) You will experience big setbacks if you let anger get in the way of your talent, charm and ability to put your magic to work for you. Stop talking and start moving forward.

sAGIttARIus (nov. 23-Dec. 21) Set a plan and budget in place and move forward with vigor. Time is precious, and if you channel it correctly, what you end up with will exceed your expectations.

cAPRIcoRn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Be direct, ask questions and bypass anyone who cannot give you a straight answer. Put your plan in place and trust your instincts, knowledge and experience to carry you forward.

The horoscope, an entertainment feature, is not based on scientific fact. © 2026 by nEa, inc., dist. By andrews mcmeel syndication

Sudoku

InstructIons: sudoku is anumber-placing puzzle based on a9x9 grid with several given numbers. Theobject is to place the numbers 1to9 in the empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once. Thedifficulty level of thesudoku increases from monday to sunday.

Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer

Bridge

By PHILLIP ALDER

When an average golfer gets abirdie (one under par),itisanticipated that he willmakeamessofthenexthole.Butnot apro. However, what do you think is the worst score by apro immediately after making aholeinone?

In golf, you try to place your ball well foryour next shot.This also applies in bridge. Are your cards meshing well or badly with partner’s hand?

Look only at the North hand. South opens one heart, North raises to two hearts, and South rebids twospades. What shouldNorth do now?

Beforeyouanswerthatquestion,what does South’s two-spaderebidshow?

Itindicatesahandtoostrongtopassout two hearts, but tooweak to jump to four hearts. He is showing four spadesand ahand with six losers (here, one spade, oneheart,threediamondsandoneclub).

Southisasking North to look in particular at hisholdings in the majors. North has auseful spade queen, four trumps (a nine-cardfit is much better than an eight-carder) and an ace. Yes, he has only seven high-card points and 4-3-3-3 distribution, but sincehis hand has those threepluses, he should jump to four hearts.

Agreed, on abad day, declarer will lose three diamonds and one heart, but the odds make thisgame worth bidding, and it succeeds here.

AfewyearsagoinAustralia,ataEuropean tour event (yes, in Australia), one golferhadaholeinone.Onthenexthole, apar four withnowater, he had an 11. ©2026 by nEa,inc dist. By andrews mcmeel syndication

Each Wuzzle is awordriddlewhich creates adisguised word, phrase, name, place, saying, etc. For example: nOOn gOOD =gOOD aFTErnOOn

Previous answers:

word game

InstRuctIons: 1. Words must be of fourormore letters. 2. Words that acquire fourletters 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 wordsare not allowed toDAy’s WoRD IGnoMInIous: ig-nuh-MIN-ee-us: Deserving of shame; despicable.

Average mark22words Time limit 45 minutes Can you find 31 or morewords in IGNOMINIOUS?

yEstERDAy’s WoRD —BoutIQuEs

suet suit suite

etui site squib stub

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.

ken ken

InstructIons: 1 Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 thorugh 4 (easy) or 1 through 6 (challenging) without repeating. 2 The numbers within the heavily outlined boxes, called cages, must combine using the given operation (in any order) to produce the target numbers in the top-left corners. 3 Freebies: Fill in the single-box cages with the number in the top-left corner. HErE is a

Well

Puzzle Answer

Engineers, Col‐legeofEngineeringat the University of NewOr‐leans,School of Science and EngineeringatTu‐laneUniversity, College ofEngineeringatSouth‐ern

andAgri‐culturaland Mechanical College,College of Engi‐neeringatLouisiana State University Louisiana Engineering Society,AmericanSoci‐ety of CivilEngineers, and CoastalProtection and RestorationAuthor‐ity (CPRA) CurrentVacancies: TheNominatingCommit‐tee is acceptingapplica‐tions for2 positionson the SLFPA-EBoard of Commissioners:

1. A resident who resides in JeffersonParish within the territorialjurisdiction ofthe authority(east bankofJefferson Parish) tocompletea term from July2,2024 –July1,2027.

2. A resident who resides OUTSIDE of theterritorial jurisdictionofthe au‐thority (outside of the eastbankofJefferson and Orleans, andoutside ofSt. BernardParish) to completea term from July2,2024 –July1,2027. Qualifications: Four membersofthe board shallbeanengi‐neer or aprofessionalin a related fieldsuchas geotechnical, hydrologi‐cal,orenvironmental sci‐ence. Of thefourmem‐bers, onemembershall bea civilengineer Threemembers of the

boardshall be aprofes‐sional, with 10 yearsof experience, in adisci‐pline otherthananengi‐neer or aprofessionalin a related fieldsuchas geotechnical, hydrologi‐cal,orenvironmental sci‐ence. Twomembers shallbeat large Once anew member is appointed, thecomposi‐tion of theBoard must meet theresidency and occupational qualifica‐tionsdefinedabove

HowtoApply: If youare interested in serving on theBoard of Commissioners forthe Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Author‐ity-EastBank(SLFPA-E) applicationsare being acceptedfor theposition below.Pleasegotowww floodauthority.orgtore‐viewthe position andthe board requirements to ensureeligibility Interested applicants can download an appli‐cationfromthe

Amendmentstothe Clean WaterAct andcor‐respondingFederal Regu‐lations In accordance with LDEQ’srules andregula‐tions forthe CWSRFpro‐gramasauthorizedby PublicLaw 100-4and ad‐ministeredaccording to Act 349 of the1986 Regu‐lar Sessionofthe Louisiana Legislature, as amended by Act296 of the 2010 RegularSession ofthe LouisianaLegisla‐ture, LDEQ hasdeter‐mined that therewillbe noadverse environmen‐tal impactsfromthe pro‐posed action andhas is‐sueda Categorical Exclu‐sion. Acopyofthe Cate‐gorical Exclusionmay be viewedatthe City Hall and mayalsobeac‐cessedonLDEQ’sElec‐tronicDataManagement System(EDMS)at https://edms.deq louisiana.gov/app/doc/ view?doc=15099497& ob=yes&child=yes.The AgencyInterest(AI) numberfor this projectis 19066. Thecomment period for thisdocumentwillexpire onFebruary22, 2026 Pleasedirectall com‐ments to: WilliamBarlett, P.E. Office of Environmental Assessment LA Department of Envi‐ronmental Quality P.O. Box4314 BatonRouge,LA708214314 No action will be taken byLDEQuntil thecom‐mentperiodhas con‐cluded. 177154-feb11-1t $57.76 PUBLIC NOTICE THIS NOTICE BY PUBLICA‐TION IS NOTIFICATION THAT YOUR RIGHTS OR INTEREST IN THEFOL‐LOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY LOCATEDIN THEPARISHOFJEFFER‐

rected to me by the Honorable JudgesofCivil DistrictCourt for theParishof Orleans,inthe above entitled cause,I will pro‐ceed to sell by publicauction, onthe ground floorofthe Civil DistrictCourt Building, 421 LoyolaAvenue, inthe FirstDis‐trict of theCity onMarch 19 2026, at 12:00 o'clock noon, the following described prop‐ertytowit: THAT PORTION OFGROUND, to‐getherwithall the buildings and improve‐ments thereon, and allthe rights, ways, privi‐leges,servi‐tudes,appurte‐nancesand ad‐vantagesthere‐untobelonging or in anywise appertaining situated in the ParishofOr‐leans,State of Louisiana,inthe Fifth District of the CityofNew Or‐leans,desig‐nated as Lot24 A of Square No 159 (SquareNo. 150 by title) accord‐ing to asurvey byGilbert,Kelly & Couturie,Sur‐veyors, dated October 18 1969. Square 159 is bounded by Homer Belleville,New‐tonand Elmira

Building

DAuditorium,1610 Rev.Richard WilsonDrive, Kenner

Louisiana, at which time thebids will be publicly read. There will be an optional pre-bid meetingonFebruary 23, 2026 at 10:00am to be held at CityofKennerBuildingD Auditorium, 1610 Rev.Richard WilsonDrive, Kenner,LA70062. Site visits will be held simultaneously at each location above on February 23, 2026 from11:00-11:45am.All interested bidders are encouraged to attend CITY OF KENNER

/s/ElizabethHerring Chief Financial Officer

Advertisement: The Advocate February 11, 2026 February 18, 2026

INVITATION TO BID

SealedBid No. 26-6947

February 11, 2026 Lead Safe Hazard Reduction Packet #2 Sealed Bid No. 26-6947

The City of Kenner (alsoreferenced as “Kenner”and “Owner”) will receive sealed bids for: Lead Safe HazardReduction in homeslocated at: 646 Webster Street 650 Webster Street 312 TaylorStreet

Bidders may also obtain copies of thebid documentsand submit bids electronically by visiting www.centralauctionhouse.com

Sealed bids may also be received by mail or in-personuntil March 5, 2026 at 9:45am,bythe CityofKennerinthe Finance Department located at: 1610 ReverendRichard WilsonDrive BuildingD Kenner,Louisiana 70062

All interested parties areinvited to attend theBid Opening on the same day at 10:00 a.m.inthe CityofKenner,Building DAuditorium, 1610 Rev.Richard Wilson Drive, Kenner Louisiana, at which time thebids will be publicly read.There will be an optional pre-bid meetingonFebruary 23, 2026 at 10:00am to be held at CityofKenner BuildingD Auditorium 1610 Rev.Richard Wilson Drive, Kenner,LA70062. Site visits will be held simultaneously at each location aboveon February 24, 2026 from11:00-11:45am. All interestedbidders are encouraged to attend CITY OF KENNER

/s/Elizabeth Herring Chief Financial Officer

Advertisement: The Advocate February 11, 2026 February 18, 2026

INVITATION TO BID Sealed Bid No. 26-6948

February 11, 2026

Lead Safe HazardReductionPacket #3

Sealed Bid No. 26-6948

The City of Kenner (alsoreferenced as “Kenner” and “Owner”) will receive sealed bidsfor: Lead Safe Hazard Reduction in homes locatedat: 723 ColemanStreet 311 Morey

Bidders may also obtain copies of thebid documentsand submit bids electronically by visitingwww.centralauctionhouse.com

Sealed bids may also be received by mail or in-personuntil March 5, 2026 at 9:45am,bythe CityofKenner in theFinance Department located at: 1610 ReverendRichard WilsonDrive Building D Kenner,Louisiana 70062

All interested parties areinvited to attend theBid Opening on the same day at 10:00 a.m.inthe CityofKenner,Building

DAuditorium, 1610 Rev. Richard WilsonDrive, Kenner Louisiana, at which time thebidswill be publicly read.There will be an optional pre-bid meetingonFebruary23, 2026 at 10:00am to be held at CityofKennerBuilding DAuditorium, 1610 Rev.RichardWilsonDrive, Kenner,LA70062. Site visits will be held simultaneouslyateach location above on February 25, 2026 from11:00-11:45am. All interestedbidders are encouraged to attend.

Streets, andLot 24A commences at a distanceof110 feet from the cornerofHomer and Belleville Streetsand measures thence 40 feet front on Homer Street with a width in the rearof30feet bya depth on thesideline nearerElmira Street of 128 feet,10inches and 5lines (128’10’’5’’’) with a first depth on the opposite side lineof96feet,7 inchesand 4 lines (96’7"4'’’) title,96feet,7 inches and5 lines (96'7"5'") ac‐tual; thence 10 feet parallel to Homer Street running toward Elmira Street anda fur‐therdepth to the rear line of 32feet,3 inches and 0lines (32'3"0’’’).Lot 24 A is composedofall oforiginalLot 24and therear 10feet of origi‐nal Lots 1, 2and 3

Improvements bear Municipal Nos.815 17 Homer Street

AppointedNo‐taryKeith A. Doley

TERMS- 100% CASHATTHE MOMENTOFAD‐JUDICATION

Advertisement: TheAdvocate February11, 2026 February18, 2026

February11, 2026

CITY OF KENNER

/s/Elizabeth Herring Chief Financial Officer

INVITATION TO BID SealedBid No. 26-6949

Lead Safe HazardReduction Packet #4

Sealed Bid No. 26-6949

The CityofKenner(alsoreferenced as “Kenner” and “Owner”) will receive sealed bids for: Lead Safe Hazard Reduction in homes located at: 3138 Augusta Street 3030 Acron Street 508 John Hopkins

Biddersmay alsoobtain copies of thebid documents and submit bids electronically by visitingwww.centralauctionhouse.com.

Sealed bids may alsobereceived by mailorin-personuntil March 5, 2026 at 9:45am,bythe CityofKenner in theFinance Department located at: 1610 ReverendRichard Wilson Drive Building D Kenner,Louisiana 70062

All interestedparties areinvited to attend theBid Opening on thesame day at 10:00 a.m.inthe City of Kenner,Building DAuditorium, 1610 Rev.RichardWilson Drive, Kenner Louisiana, at which time thebidswill be publicly read.There will be an optional pre-bid meetingonFebruary 23, 2026 at 10:00am to be held at CityofKennerBuilding DAuditorium 1610 Rev.RichardWilsonDrive, Kenner,LA70062. Site visits will be held simultaneouslyateach location above on February26, 2026 from11:00-11:45am. Allinterested bidders are encouraged to attend.

CITY OF KENNER

/s/Elizabeth Herring Chief Financial Officer

Advertisement: The Advocate February11, 2026 February18, 2026

NOTICE

TheKennerPlanning andZoning Commission will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, in the Council Chambers, HeritageHall, 303 Williams Boulevard, Kenner,JeffersonParish,Louisiana, at sixo’clock (6:00) p.m

The applicantpremises affected,and the nature of thecases

are as follows:

Case PUD-1-26 –ANORDINANCE AMENDINGORDINANCE 11,044 ADOPTED MARCH3,2016 TO ALLOWFOR THE ADDITION OF AN OFFICE SPACE AND ALLOWINGFOR A CONTRACTOR’S OFFICE, SHOP,AND STORAGE YARD ON LOT 31B1, SQUARE159, KENNER HEIGHTS SUBDIVISION,KENNER, JEFFERSON PARISH, LOUISIANA AS SHOWN ON ASURVEY BY GILBERT, KELLY& COUTURIE, INC DATEDOCTOBER 3, 2015 AND SITE PLAN BY CONTEMPORARYENGINEERING SERVICES, INC.DATED DECEMBER 31, 2025, WHICHPROPERTY IS OWNED BY JAMES MOHAMAD.

/s/RobertPastor/s/ Christopher Sliwinski

Kenner Planning CommissionPlanning Director

PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF KENNER FY 2026-2027 ANNUAL ACTION PLANNINGSCHEDULE

TheCity of Kenner is announcing theplanning schedule for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 AnnualActionPlan (AAP) for the use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)funds from theU.S. Department of Housing andUrban Development (HUD). TheAnnual Action Plan is aconcise summary of the actions, activities, andthe specificfederal and non-federal resources that will be used each year to address thepriority needsand specificgoals identified by the Consolidated Plan. The AAP mustbesubmitted to HUD by August16, 2025. The CityofKenner encourages thepublic to participate in the developmentofCommunity Development Block Grant(CDBG) plansand programs, as well as to comment on theCity’spast performanceinits useofCDBG funds. The CityofKenner will hostinpersonpublic hearingsonthe following dates and times to receive input forthe AAP forFiscal Year 2026-2027. Themeetings will also be available by videoconference. PLANNING SCHEDULE** **Dates andtimesare subject to change based upon the release of the annual funding allocationsbyHUD**

Note:The pay‐mentmustbe Cash, Cashier's Check,Certified Check or Money Order.NoPer‐sonal Checks FACE MASKS AND TEMPERA‐TURECHECKS AREREQUIRED UPONENTERING BUILDING.

SusanHutson Sheriff, Parish of Or‐leans

BD 1

BREAZEALE, SACHSE &WIL‐SON,L.L.P.504 584 5471 WESLEY M. PLAISANCE TheN.O.Advo‐cateDate (s): 2/11/2026 & 3/18/2026 FEB11-MAR182T $129

CO UR TF OR P AR IS HO F OR LE AN S Case No: 2023-13006

By virtue of a WritofFieri Fa‐ciasdirectedto mebythe Hon‐orableJudgesof Civil District Court forthe ParishofOr‐leans,inthe above entitled cause,I will pro‐ceed to sell by publicauction, onthe ground floor of theCivil DistrictCourt Building, 421 LoyolaAvenue, inthe FirstDis‐trict of theCity onFebruary12, 2026, at 12:00 o'clock noon, the following described prop‐ertytowit: THAT CERTAIN PORTION OF GROUND, to‐getherwithall the buildings and improve‐ments thereon, andall ofthe rights, ways, privi‐leges,servi‐tudes,appurte‐nancesand ad‐vantages thereuntobe‐longing or in anywise apper‐taining,situated inthe SEVENTH DISTRICTofthe City of NewOrleans, inSQUARENO 205, bounded by GREEN,BIRCH GENERAL OGDEN and EAGLESTREETS, which portionof ground,asim‐proved, mea‐f fi

p suresforty five feet(45')front on EagleStreetby a depthofone hundred twenty feet( 120')be‐tween equal and parallel lines

Said portionof ground com‐mencesat a point ninety feetthree Inches (90'3") fromthe comer of Eagleand Birch Streets,and is composedofall ofLot No.7 and fourteen feet, eleveninches( 14'11")taken fromLot No.6 assameadjoins Lot No.7,with thatportion of Lot No,6 measuringfour‐teen feet, elevenInches (14'1l ") front onEagle Street, bya depth of one hundredand twentyfee (120')between equal andparal‐lel lines. Said Lot No.7 mea‐sures thirty feet,one inch (30'1")front on Eagle Street,by a depth be‐tween equal and parallel lines of one hundredand twentyfeet (120'). LotNo. 7 beginsninety feet, three inches(90' 3") fromthe corner of Eagle and Birch Streets

Andaccording to asurveyby

y y Gilbert, Kelly & Couturie, Inc. Surveying and Engineering, dated March5,1975 the property is designated, sit‐uated andmea‐sures as set forth above, a copyof whichisan‐nexed to an act dated March25, 1975.

Improvements thereonbear the Municipal No. 1616 Eagle Street,New Or‐leans, Louisiana.

WRIT AMOUNT: $173,506.49

Seized in the above suit TERMS -CASH. Thepurchaser atthe moment ofadjudication tomakea de‐posit of tenper‐centofthe pur‐chase price, and the balance withinthirty daysthereafter Note: Thepay‐mentmustbe Cash, Cashier's Check,Certified Check or Money Order.NoPer‐sonal Checks FACE MASKS AND TEMPERA‐TURECHECKS AREREQUIRED UPONENTERING BUILDING. SusanHutson Sheriff, Parish of Or‐leans GH 31 NEWMAN, MATHIS,BRADY &SPEDALE,

APLC 504 837 9040 WAYNEA.MAIO‐RANA

TheN.O.Advo‐

cateDate (s): 1/7/2026 & 2/11/2026

JAN7-FEB 11-2T $150

trictofthe City onFebruary12, 2026, at 12:00 o'clock noon, the following described prop‐ertytowit: IN GLOBO: THAT PORTION OF GROUND, TO‐GETHERWITH ALL THEBUILD‐INGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON, AND ALL RIGHTS, WAYS, PRIVI‐LEGES,SERVI‐TUDES, APPURTE‐NANCES AND ADVANTAGES THEREUNTOBE‐LONGING OR IN ANYWISE APPERTAINING SITUATED IN THE SECOND DISTRICTOF NEW ORLEANS, IN SQUARE NO.238, BOUNDED BY ST ANN, N. ROMAN AND N. PRIEUR STREETSAND ORLEANS AVENUE,DESIG‐NATED BY THE LETTER“A” ON A PLANOFSUR‐VEY MADE BY GILBERT ANDKELLY,SUR‐VEYORS, DATED SEPTEMBER 26 1951, ANDAC‐CORDING TO WHICH SAID LOTCOM‐MENCESATA DISTANCEOF34 FEET,4

City of Harahan 6437 Jefferson Hwy Harahan, LA 70123 (504)

6441 Jefferson Hwy Harahan, LA 70123 (504) 737-9763

CITY OF HARAHAN LEGALS

SecondedbyCouncilman

for the vote, the vote was as follows: YEAS: Asbill, Budde, Chatelain, Johnston, Ricks NAYS: None ABSENT:None ABSTAIN: None MOTION PASSES

Approval of the Minutes of the Planning and Zoning Meeting on December 3,

ABSENT:None ABSTAIN: None MOTION PASSES/RESOLUTION PASSES

ORDINANCES FOR APPROVAL PROPOSED ORDINANCE2025-16

Ricks NAYS: None

The following Ordinance was proposedbyCouncilman Ricks and seconded by Councilman Asbill. An ordinance amending Ordinance No. 1923 to reduce the setback requirement from45feet to 40 feet and to otherwise provide withrespect thereto.

Mayor Baudier opened thepublic hearing.Noone spoke.

Mayor Baudier closed thepublic hearing

Council Discussion No discussion Councilman Asbill made amotion to approve Proposed

Ordinance 2025-16. Seconded by Councilman Ricks

Mayor Baudier then called forthe vote, thevotewas as follows: YEAS: Asbill, Budde, Chatelain,Johnston, Ricks

NAYS: None

ABSENT:None

ABSTAIN: None MOTION PASSES/ORDINANCE PASSED

PROPOSED ORDINANCENO. 2025-21

The following Ordinance was proposed by Councilman Budde and secondedbyCouncilman Asbill.

An Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 2018, theannual

Budget of Revenuesand Expenditures forthe Fiscal Year

ending December 31, 2025, forthe Capital Project Fund, of the City of Harahan,Louisiana. (Speed Trailer –Police

Department)

Mayor Baudier opened thepublic hearing.Noone spoke.

Mayor Baudier closed thepublic hearing

Council Discussion 1. Jason Asbill

Councilman Buddemade amotion to amendProposed Ordinance 2025-21, Line 6bychanging theOrdinance No 2018 to 2036 and by changingthe year on line7from2025 to 2026.

Mayor Baudier opened thepublic hearing.Noone spoke.

Mayor Baudier closed thepublic hearing Second by Councilman Chatelain

Mayor Baudier then called forthe vote, thevotewas as follows: YEAS: Asbill, Budde, Chatelain,Johnston, Ricks

NAYS: None

ABSENT:None

ABSTAIN: None MOTION PASSES/ORDINANCE AMENDED

Mayor Baudier then called forthe vote, on Proposed Ordinance 2025-21 as amended, thevote was as follows: YEAS: Asbill, Budde, Chatelain,Johnston, Ricks NAYS: None

ABSENT:None ABSTAIN: None

MOTION PASSES/ORDINANCE PASSES

PROPOSED ORDINANCENO. 2025-22

The following Ordinance was proposed by Councilman Asbill and seconded by Councilman Ricks An Ordinance Amending Chapter 34 of theCode of Ordinances of theCity of Harahan,Louisiana, Relating to Fire Preventionand Protection,toAdd aNew Article III (§§ 34-17 Through 34-22) Establishing aNon-Emergency Lift-Assist Service Fee forPrivate Residential CareFacilities; And Providingfor Billing,Enforcement, and BusinessLicense Renewal. Mayor Baudier opened thepublic hearing.Noone spoke.

Mayor Baudier closed thepublic hearing

Council Discussion 1. Jason Asbill

Councilman Asbill made amotion to amendProposed Ordinance 2025-22, Line 73 by changingthe service fee amount from $250.00 to $150.00.

Mayor Baudier opened thepublic hearing.Noone spoke.

Mayor Baudier closed thepublic hearing

Second by Councilman Chatelain

Mayor Baudier then called forthe vote, thevote was as

YEAS: Asbill, Budde, Chatelain,Johnston, Ricks NAYS: None

YEAS: Asbill, Budde, Chatelain,Johnston, Ricks NAYS: None

ABSENT:None

ABSTAIN: None

MOTION PASSES/ORDINANCE PASSED

PROPOSEDORDINANCENO. 2025-24

Thefollowing Ordinance was proposed by Councilman Asbill

andsecondedbyCouncilman Ricks An Ordinance amending Section 46-2 of the Code of Ordinances of theCity of Harahan relating to garage, rummage, yard, craft, and boutiquesales, and providing for permit fees and related matters

MayorBaudier opened thepublic hearing. No one spoke.

MayorBaudier closed thepublic hearing.

Council Discussion 1. Jason Asbill 2. Tommy Budde 3. Jason Asbill 4. Tommy Budde

MayorBaudier then called forthe vote on Proposed Ordinance 2025-23 as amended, thevote was as follows:

YEAS: Asbill, Budde, Chatelain,Johnston, Ricks NAYS: None

ABSENT:None

ABSTAIN: None MOTION PASSES/ORDINANCE PASSED

ORDINANCEFOR INTRODUCTION (FIRST READING) None

OLD BUSINESS None NEW BUSINESS 1. Monthly Financials –Brief councildiscussion 2. Nominations forthe employee representative forthe Harahan Municipal Fire andPolice Civil Service Board wereopen fromJuly 1, 2025, to July 15, 2025. There were no new nominations. Kevin Durr retained his position of representativebyacclamation. Please place this item on the councilagenda forapproval. Thankyou for your attention to this matter Motion by Councilman Asbill to approve. SecondbyCouncilman Chatelain Mayor Baudier then called forthe vote, thevotewas as follows:YEAS: Asbill, Budde, Chatelain,Johnston, Ricks NAYS: None

ABSENT:None ABSTAIN: None MOTION PASSES/NOMINATION ACCEPTED

3. Notice is herebygiven that at its meeting to be held on Thursday,February26, 2026 at 6:30 p.m at itsregular meeting place, theCouncil Meeting Chambers, 6437 Jefferson Hwy.,Harahan,Louisiana, theCityCouncilof theCity of Harahan, State of Louisiana, plans to consider adopting aresolution ordering andcalling an election to be held in theCity of Harahan,State of Louisiana, to authorize thelevy of an ad valorem tax therein.

MayorBaudier opened thepublic hearing. No one spoke.

MayorBaudier closed thepublic hearing.

Council Discussion 1. Jason Asbill 2. Tommy Budde

MayorBaudier then called forthe vote, thevote was as follows: YEAS: Asbill, Budde, Chatelain,Johnston, Ricks

NAYS: None

ABSENT:None

ABSTAIN: None

PASSES/NOTICEGIVEN

MOTION

Councilman Asbill informedthem avote was not needed.

4. TheSt. RitaSchool Homeand SchoolAssociation would like to hostasip andstroll eventinImperial Woods on SaturdayApril 18. This event would be for St. RitaSchool parents. It would take place from7-10:00pm. It will take place at threehouses in Imperial Woods. The group would startat7413 StoneleighDrive, then walk to 7500 Ashborne Drive, and end at 75 Donelon Drive. We are aware that we will likely need apolice detail to stay with the group forthe time of theevent.Pleaselet us know if there is anything else we need to do in ordertoget this approved.

-SRS Homeand School Association

MayorBaudier opened thepublic hearing. No one spoke.

MayorBaudier closed thepublic hearing.

Council Discussion

1. Tommy Budde

2. Eric Chatelain

3. Jason Asbill

4. Eric Chatelain

5. Tommy Budde

6. Eric Chatelain

MotionbyCouncilman Chatelain to approve.

Second by Councilman Asbill.

MayorBaudier then called forthe vote, thevote was as follows: YEAS: Asbill, Budde, Chatelain,Johnston, Ricks

NAYS: None

ABSENT:None

ABSTAIN: None

MOTION PASSES/PERMISSION GRANTED

ADDRESSTHE COUNCIL

1. RhondaBagby

2. Spike Kittock

SECRETARY’S REPORT Secretary’sreport forDecember 2025 Total revenues

$1,085,427.24

REPORTS

Police Chief Lepre did not have thestats but will postthem online once available. Chief St. Cyr –absentCouncilman Asbill no report.

Councilman Buddenoreport. Councilman Chatelain no report. Councilman Johnstonspoke. Councilman Ricks no report. MayorBaudier spoke.

PAYBILLS Bills paid in December 2025 Total expenditures $511,600.72

EXECUTIVE SESSION None

ADJOURN Motion by Councilman Asbill and seconded by Councilman

Chatelain to adjourn themeeting at 7:31PM.

MayorBaudier called forthe vote, thevotewas as follows:

YEAS: Asbill, Budde, Chatelain,Johnston, Ricks NAYS: None

ABSENT:None

ABSTAIN: None MOTION PASSES/MEETING ADJOURNED

A. Thefollowing matter involvingpending litigationmay be considered(Court, Case Number,Parties): 1. Wood Materials LLC,WoodResources LLC v. Cityof Harahan, 24th JDC, Case761-783, Div: “K”

2. Melanie Seeling v. CityofHarahan, et al, No C-734196 19thJDC, Div ?, Case 734-196

3. Adamsv.City of Harahan, US District Courtfor the Eastern District of Louisiana, Section H, Div1,Civil Action Number20-2794

4. B&M Properties LLC v. CityofHarahan, et al, 24th JDC, Case854-700, Div: “G”

5. 1600 HickoryAve LLC v. City of Harahan, et al, 24th JDC,Case 866-373, Div: “G”

B. The following matter involvingprospective litigationfor which formalwritten demandhas been made, may be considered C. The following matters involvingdiscussion of the character,professionalcompetence, or physical or mentalhealthof: Name:

Submitted by: Carrie Heustis Carrie Heustis, City Clerk (Electronically Signed)

NO 1904 06 ST.ANN STREET, NEWORLEANS, LOUISIANA 70116 PARCEL 2 THAT PORTION OFGROUND, TO‐GETHERWIH ALL THEBUILD‐INGS IMPROVE‐MENTS THEREON, AND ALL RIGHTS WAYS, PRIVI‐LEGES,SERVI‐TUDES, APPUR‐TENANCESAND ADVANTAGES THEREUNTOBE‐LONGING OR IN ANYWISE AP‐PERTAINING, SITUATED IN THESECOND DISTRICTOF THE CITY OF NEW ORLEANS, DESIGNATEDBY THE LETTER “B”INTHE SQUARE BOUNDEDBYST. ANN, ROMAN, ORLEANS AND PRIEUR STREETS, ON ASKETCH DRAWNBY

CITY OF HARAHAN LEGALS

GEORGE DE ARMAS,DATED AUGUST3,1891, ANNEXEDTO THEINVENTORY TAKEN BY J.F. MEUNIER,N.P., ONJULY27, 1891, ACCORD‐INGTO WHICHSKETCH, SAIDLOT MEA‐SURES IN AMER‐ICANMEASURE, 31FEET, 4 INCHES FRONTONST. ANN STREET,60 FEET,8 INCHES DEPTH AND FRONON ROMAN STREET (OF WHICHIS FORMS THE CORNER),32 FEET ON AFIRST DEPTH ON THE LINESOFAN ALLEY, THENCE 3 FEET ON AN OBLIQUE LINE RUNNING TO‐WARDS LOT “A”, THEN ASEC‐OND DEPTHOF 26FEET, 1INCH TO THEREAR

LINE, WHICH HAS A WIDTHOF32 FEET,10INCHES; TOGETHERWITH THE USEIN COMMONWITH LOT “A” OF AN ALLEY3 FEET WIDE OPENING ON ST ANN STREET ALL AS FMORE FULLY SHOWNON PLANOFSUR‐VEY MADE BY JOHNE WALKER, LAND SURVEYOR, DATED JULY 5, 1974, A COPYOFWHICH IS ANNEXEDTO ACT BEFORE SIDNEYI.GOLD‐MAN N.P.,DATED FEB‐RUARY 7, 1975, AND ACCORD‐INGTOWHICH THE SAID LOT OF GROUND IS SIT‐UATED IN SQUARENO. 238. THEIMPROVE‐MENTS

THEREONBEAR THE MUNICIPAL NO. 1900 02 ST ANN STREET, NEWORLEANS, LOUISIANA 701216 WRIT AMOUNT: $7,260.00

Seized in the above suit, TERMS -CASH. Thepurchaser atthe moment ofadjudication tomakea de‐posit of tenper‐centofthe pur‐chase price, and the balance withinthirty daysthereafter. Note: Thepay‐mentmustbe Cash, Cashier's Check,Certified Check or Money Order.NoPer‐sonal Checks FACE MASKS AND TEMPERA‐TURECHECKS AREREQUIRED UPONENTERING BUILDING.

Susan Hutson Sheriff, Parish of Or‐leans GH 1 CITY OF NEW ORLEANS 504 658 4346 DEISHA LA‐GARDE

TheN.O.Advo‐cateDate (s): 1/7/2026 & 2/11/2026 JAN7-FEB 11-2T $190 1434 CAFFINAVENUE, CITYOFNEW ORLEANS,IN THE MATTER EN‐TITLED: PHH MORTGAGE CORPORATION VERSUS WEL‐DON THADDEUS ANTOINE AND EUNICEWALTON ANTOINE (F/K/A EUNICEWAL‐TON)

CI VI L DI ST RI CT CO UR TF OR PA RI SH OF OR LE AN S Case No: 2025-10377 By virtue of a WritofSeizure and Sale di‐rectedtomeby the Honorable JudgesofCivil DistrictCourt for theParishof Orleans,inthe above entitled cause,I will pro‐ceed to sell by publicauction on the ground fl f h i il

g floor of theCivil DistrictCourt Building, 421 LoyolaAvenue inthe FirstDis‐trict of theCity onMarch 19, 2026, at 12:00 o'clock noon the following described prop‐ertytowit: 1434 FATS DOMINOAV A/K/A 1434 CAF‐FIN AV NEWOR‐LEANS,LA70117 LOT: H, SQUARE: 577 THIRDMUNICI‐PAL DISTRICT ACQMIN: 1373699 WRIT AMOUNT: $129,352.06

Seized in the above suit, TERMS -CASH. Thepurchaser

$68,370.97 zedinthe bove suit, ERMS -CASH. epurchaser tthe moment fadjudication omakea de‐osit of tenper‐entofthe pur‐hase price, and he balance hinthirty aysthereafter ote: Thepay‐entmustbe ash, Cashier's heck,Certified heck or Money rder.NoPer‐onal Checks CE MASKS ND TEMPERA‐URECHECKS EREQUIRED PONENTERING UILDING. sanHutson eriff, rish of Or‐ns 20 WHITLOWLAW RM,LLC

SHARON S. WHITLOW TheN.O.Advo‐cateDate (s): 2/11/2026 & 3/18/2026 FEB11-MAR182T $89

ORLEANS, IN THE MATTER EN‐TITLED: DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUSTCOM‐PANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR AMERIQUEST MORTGAGE SE‐CURITIESINC., ASSET-BACKED PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-R5 VERSUS THE UNOPENED SUCCESSION OF AND UNKNOWN HEIRS OF GLO‐RIA M. JASON A/K/A GLORIA M. JASON A/K/A GLORIAJASON AND WAYNE ROBINSON

S Case No: 2025-5869

By virtue of a WritofSeizure and Sale di‐rectedtomeby the Honorable JudgesofCivil DistrictCourt for theParishof Orleans,inthe above entitled cause,I will pro‐ceed to sell by publicauction onthe ground floor of theCivil DistrictCourt Building, 421 LoyolaAvenue, in theFirst Dis‐

trictofthe City onMarch 19 2026, at 12:00 o'clock noon, the following described prop‐ertytowit: 4711 SHALIMAR DRNEW OR‐LEANS,LA70126 LOT2 -SQUARE K THIRD MUNICI‐PAL DISTRICT ACQMIN:200519136 WRIT AMOUNT: $58,196.34

Seized in the above suit TERMS -CASH. Thepurchaser atthe moment ofadjudication tomakea de‐posit of ten per‐f h p p cent of thepur‐chase price, and the balance withinthirty daysthereafter Note: Thepay‐mentmustbe Cash, Cashier's Check,Certified Check or Money Order.NoPer‐sonal Checks FACE MASKS AND TEMPERA‐TURECHECKS AREREQUIRED UPONENTERING BUILDING. SusanHutson Sheriff, Parish of Or‐leans RB 13 LAWOFFICESOF HERSCHELC ADCOCK,JR.,

LLC(225) 7560373

TheN.O.Advo‐cateDate (s): 2/11/2026 & 3/18/2026

FEB11-MAR182T $97

PUBLIC NOTICESALE BY SHERIFF JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT

THAT CERTAIN PORTION OF GROUNDBEAR‐INGMUNICIPAL NUMBERS 2309 FRERETSTREET, CITY

andworkmanship. Assemblies, sub-assemblies, and

shall be standard and interchangeable throughout theentirequantityofunitsas specified in this request. The supplier shall be responsible as thesingle pointof contact forwarrantyand workmanship

The entirespecificationsand requirements of thedesired sweeper areincluded in theRFP documentsfound at https://lamats.easibuy.com. Registrationisrequired to access thedocuments. Alternative specifications will not be approved in advance of proposal submissions,but will be reviewed,evaluated,and consideredafter submission to determine substantial compliance withthe desired specifications. Proposerswill complete therequired RFP documentsand will submit aproposal in therequiredformafter registeringonthe LACPC bid platform –https:// lamats.easibuy.com. Returnofcompletedproposals is online only at https:// lamats.easibuy.com and are due by 2:00 pm on February 18, 2026. For assistance to download,complete and upload theProposal Form, contact theElectronic Administrator,PaulHolmes,lacpc@lamats.net.

Proposals shall include competitive pricingthat may be acceptedafterinitial review andevaluation.Ifmore than one make, brand andmodel arefound to be substantially equal in specifications and price, then a Reverse Auction under LA R.S. 38:1271 may be scheduled within one week of thesubmission of proposals. Any price offeringmay be rejected that is found not to be competitive regionally or nationally.All rights arereserved to cancel this solicitation at

up to thequalification of productand acceptance of pricing and entering

contractofsale.

Publish: February4,February11, 2026. New OrleansAdvocate

COMMISSION ON LAWENFORCEMENT –FUND 4411

Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement 141,293

LLE GRANT 141,293

FEDERAL GRANTS

FEDERAL DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY –FUND 4115

Total Federal Department of Emergency 91,596,335

ENVIRONMENTALPROTECTION AGENCY –FUND 4132

Total Environmental Protection Agency 31,413,294

FEDERAL DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY –FUND 4136

Total Federal Department of Homeland Security 4,475,962

FEDERAL DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY –FUND 4140

Total Federal Department of Energy 381,470

FEDERAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE– FUND 4143

Total Federal Department of Agriculture398,500

FEDERAL DEPARTMENTOF COMMERCE –FUND 4144

Total Federal Department of Commerce 1,378,606

FEDERAL DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES –FUND 4145

Total Federal Department of Health and Human Services 29,895,878

FEDERAL DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE –FUND 4147

Total Federal Department of Justice 7,575,138

FEDERAL DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION –4149

Total Federal Department of Transportation 751,631

FEDERAL TREASURYDEPARTMENT –FUND 4150

Total Treasury Department 102,563,612

DELTA REGIONAL AUTHORITY –FUND 4416

Total Delta Regional Authority 110,000

TOTAL FEDERAL GRANTS 270,540,426 STATEAND LOCAL FOUNDATION GRANTS STATEDEPARTMENT OF LABOR –FUND 4130

Total State Department of Labor 13,848,958

LOUISIANA OFFICE OF COMMUNITYDEVELOPMENT –FUND 4401

Total Louisiana Office of Community Development 33,280,854

LOUISIANA

Total Environmental Improvement 691,307

FUND 5108

HOUSING AND ENVIRONMENT IMPROVEMENT –FUND 5110

Total Housing and Environment Improvement 10,764,478

INDIGENT DEFENDER –FUND 5112

Total Indigent Defender 1,000,000

MAYOR’SOFFICE OF TOURISM AND ARTS –FUND 5115

Total Mayor’sOffice of Tourism and Arts 291,679

MISCELLANEOUS DONATIONS –FUND 5116

Total Miscellaneous Donations 179,760

MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT COMMISSION –FUND 5117

Total Music and Entertainment Commission 310,000

NEW ORLEANS FILM COMMISSIONTRUST –FUND 5118

Total N.O. Film Commission Trust 152,500

NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSING IMPROVEMENT –FUND 5121

Total NeighborhoodHousing Improvement 1,208,863

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FUND –FUND 5122

Total EconomicDevelopment Fund 106,090

PLANT ATREECAMPAIGN–FUND 5123

Total Plant ATreeCampaign 400,000

SEX OFFENDER PROPRIETARY– FUND 5124

Total Sex Offender Proprietary 110,000

UTILITIES FUND –FUND 5126

Total Utilities Fund 423,000

ROAD PAVING AND RESTORATION –FUND 5127

Total Road Paving and Restoration 423,399

FRENCH QUARTER DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT –FUND 5128

Total

$140,329,083

CONSOLIDATED TOTAL, ALL GOVERNMENTALFUNDS

$1,592,417,236

ADOPTED BY THECOUNCILOFTHE CITYOFNEW ORLEANS DECEMBER 1, 2025 JP MORRELL PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL

DELIVERED TO THE MAYOR ON DECEMBER 3, 2025

DISAPPROVED: DECEMBER 10, 2025

MAYOR RETURNED BY THEMAYOR ON DECEMBER 12, 2025 AT 3:25 P.M.

LORA W. JOHNSON

CLERK OF COUNCIL

ROLL CALL VOTE:

YEAS: Giarrusso,Green, Harris, King, Moreno, Morrell, Thomas -7

NAYS: 0 ABSENT: 0 RECUSED: 0 THIS IS TO CERTIFYTHATTHE ABOVE ORDINANCE VETOED BY THE MAYOR WASRETURNED TO THECLERK OF COUNCIL ANDATTHE COUNCIL’S NEXT REGULARMEETING OF DECEMBER 18, 2025, THE COUNCIL VOTED 7YEAS AND0 NAYS TO OVERRULE THEMAYOR’S VETO. ORDINANCE (AS AMENDED)

CITYOFNEW ORLEANS

CITYHALL: October 1, 2025

CALENDAR NO.35,254

NO.30531 MAYOR COUNCILSERIES

BY:COUNCILMEMBERSGIARRUSSO (BYREQUEST),MORRELL, MORENO, HARRIS, KING, GREEN,AND THOMAS

AN ORDINANCE providing an Operating Budget of Expenditures for the City of New Orleans for the Year 2026 in accordance with Sections 3-115, 4-206(1)(f), and 6-102(3) of the HomeRuleCharter of the City of New Orleans; and otherwise to provide with respect thereto. SECTION 1. THE COUNCILOFTHE CITYOFNEW ORLEANSHEREBY ORDAINS, That the following is an Operating Budget of Expenditures for the Year 2026:

TOTAL LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION 8,581,838

LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES –FUND 4405 HEALTH DEPARTMENT

100-PERSONAL SERVICES 664,866

200-OTHER OPERATING255,590 TOTAL 920,456 TOTAL DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES 920,456 LOUISIANA HIGHWAY SAFETYCOMMISSION –FUND 4408 POLICE DEPARTMENT 100-PERSONAL SERVICES 407,304 TOTAL 407,304 HEALTH DEPARTMENT 100-PERSONAL SERVICES 83,933

LOUISIANA HIGHWAYSAFETYCOMMISSION 499,284

DEPARTMENT OF CULTURE RECREATION AND TOURISM –FUND 4409

MILITARYDEPARTMENT –FUND 4412

TOTAL 379,243

TOTAL ENVIRONMENTALPROTECTION AGENCY 31,413,294 FEDERAL DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY –FUND 4136 OFFICE OF THE MAYOR 100-PERSONAL SERVICES 2,165,194

200-OTHER OPERATING2,236,764

TOTAL 4,401,958

HEALTH DEPARTMENT

200-OTHER OPERATING 74,004

TOTAL 74,004

TOTAL FEDERAL DEPARTMENT OFHOMELAND SECURITY4,475,962

FEDERAL DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY –FUND 4140

OFFICE OF THE MAYOR

200-OTHER OPERATING 381,470 TOTAL 381,470 TOTAL FEDERAL DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY 381,470 FEDERAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE –FUND 4143

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE –FUND 4144

200-OTHER

200-OTHER

TOTAL 2,500,000

WORKFORCEINVESTMENT

200-OTHER

DELTA REGIONAL AUTHORITY –FUND 4416

WORKFORCEINVESTMENT

100-PERSONAL SERVICES 90,000

200-OTHER OPERATING 20,000

TOTAL 110,000

TOTAL DELTA REGIONAL AUTHORITY 110,000

TOTAL FEDERAL FUNDS 270,540,426

SPECIAL REVENUES AND TRUST FUNDS

JOE BARTHOLOMEW GOLF COURSE –FUND 1143

PARKS ANDPARKWAYS

100-PERSONAL SERVICES 476,631

200-OTHER OPERATING 728,028

TOTAL 1,204,659

TOTAL JOE BARTHOLOMEW GOLF COURSE 1,204,529

NEW ORLEANS RECREATION –FUND 1144

MISCELLANEOUS

200-OTHER OPERATING 1,588,429 TOTAL 1,588,429

NEW ORLEANS RECREATION 1,588,429 OFFICE OF POLICE SECONDARYEMPLOYMENT –FUND 1145 OFFICEOFPOLICE SECONDARYEMPLOYMENT

CORONER’SOFFICE

200-OTHER

200- OTHER OPERATING 450,000

HEALTH DEPARTMENT

HOUSING AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT –FUND

200-OTHER OPERATING 128,700 TOTAL 388,902

CHIEFADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE

100-PERSONAL SERVICES 456,114

200-OTHER OPERATING 1,110,000 TOTAL 1,566,114 LAWDEPARTMENT

OFFICIAL PROCEEDI NGS OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW ORLEANS REGULAR SESSION

CITY HALL: DECEMBER 1, 2025

The Council of the City of New Orleans met this day in Regular Session,

at 10:08 A.M., in the Council Chamber,City Hall, Council President, JP Morrell, presiding. On calling theroll, the following members answered to their names:

PRESENT: MORENO (VICE PRESIDENT) MORRELL (PRESIDENT) GIARRUSSO HARRIS KING GREEN THOMAS SEVEN MEMBERS PRESENT,CONSTITUTING AQUORUM.

ROLL CALL

LORA W. JOHNSON

CLERK OF COUNCIL

INVOCATION

BISHOP BRANDON BOUTIN

UNITED FELLOWSHIP FULL GOSPELBAPTIST CHURCH

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

FREDDIE KING III

COUNCILMEMBER DISTRICT “C”

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES

November 6, 2025, November 13, 2025 (Special), November 19, 2025 (Special), November 20, 2025 and November 25, 2025 (Special).

APPROVED.

ORDINANCES ON FINAL PASSAGE

CALENDAR NO. 35,253 –BY: COUNCILMEMBERGIARRUSSO (BY

REQUEST) -ANORDINANCE providing an Operating Budget of Revenues for the City of NewOrleans for the Year 2026 in accordance with Sections 3-116, 4-206(1)(f),and 6-102 of the Home Rule Charter of the City of New Orleans; and otherwise to provide with respect thereto.

ROLL CALL:

YEAS: Giarrusso, Green, Harris, King, Moreno, Morrell, Thomas -7

NAYS: 0

ABSENT:0

RECUSED: 0 AND THE ORDINANCE, AS AMENDED, WASADOPTED

CALENDAR NO.

35,254- BY:COUNCILMEMBER GIARRUSSO (BY REQUEST) -ANORDINANCE providing an Operating Budget of Expenditures for the City of New Orleans for the Year 2026 in accordance with Sections 3-115, 4-206(1)(f), and 6-102(3) of the Home Rule Charter of the City of New Orleans; and otherwise to provide with respect thereto.

ROLL CALL: YEAS: Giarrusso, Green, Harris, King, Moreno, Morrell, Thomas -7

NAYS: 0 ABSENT:0

RECUSED: 0 AND THE ORDINANCE, AS AMENDED,WAS ADOPTED.

CALENDAR NO. 35,255 -BY: COUNCILMEMBERGIARRUSSO (BY REQUEST) -ANORDINANCE providing aCapital Budget for the year 2026 in accordance with the provisions of Section 3-117 and 4-206 (1) (f) of the City Charter; and otherwise to provide with respect thereto.

ROLL CALL:

YEAS: Giarrusso, Green, Harris, King, Moreno, Morrell, Thomas -7

NAYS: 0

ABSENT:0

RECUSED: 0 AND THE ORDINANCE WASADOPTED.

CALENDAR NO. 35,256 -BY: COUNCILMEMBERGIARRUSSO (BY REQUEST) -ANORDINANCErelative to the levy of ad valorem taxes upon the assessed value of all property,real, personal, and mixed, subject to taxation in the City of New Orleans andrelative to the levy of ad valorem taxes on property located in special development and security districts in the City of New Orleans for the year 2026, to levy millage rates for the year 2026, and to reallocate the tax receipts for astate millage; and otherwise to provide with respect thereto.

ROLL CALL:

YEAS: Giarrusso, Green, Harris, King, Moreno, Thomas -6

NAYS: 0 ABSENT:Morrell -1

RECUSED: 0 AND THE ORDINANCE WASADOPTED

CALENDAR NO.35,257 -BY: COUNCILMEMBERGIARRUSSO (BY REQUEST) -ANORDINANCE relative to the levy of fees on property located in special security and improvement taxing districts in the City of New Orleans forthe year 2026; and otherwise to provide with respect thereto.

ROLL CALL:

YEAS: Giarrusso, Green, Harris, King, Moreno, Thomas -6

NAYS: 0

ABSENT:Morrell -1

RECUSED: 0 AND THE ORDINANCE, AS AMENDED,WAS ADOPTED. CALENDAR NO. 35,258 -BY: COUNCILMEMBERGIARRUSSO (BY REQUEST) -ANORDINANCE to amend and reordain Section 2-1103 of the Code of the City of New Orleans, setting fees for notarial services and related costs; andotherwise to provide with respect thereto

ROLLCALL: YEAS: Giarrusso, Green, Harris, King, Moreno, Morrell, Thomas -7

NAYS: 0

ABSENT:0

RECUSED: 0 AND THE ORDINANCE WASADOPTED

CALENDAR NO. 35,259 -BY: COUNCILMEMBERGIARRUSSO (BY REQUEST) -ANORDINANCE to adopt the New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Foundation’s“Tourismand CulturalEconomy Program, “Proposed Grant Scoring Matrix,” and budget for the year 2026, to be administered by New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Foundation to: (1) provide services and financial support to the culture-bearers and cultural economy of New Orleans, including, without limitation, the people, enterprises, and communities that transform cultural skills, knowledge, and ideas into economically productive goods, services, and places, and (2) enhance tourism in New Orleans by strengthening the cultural economy,whichattracts tourists to New Orleans, supporting events and festivals, for the year 2026; and to provide otherwise with respect thereto.

ROLL CALL:

YEAS: Giarrusso, Green, Harris, King, Moreno, Morrell, Thomas -7

NAYS: 0

ABSENT:0

RECUSED: 0 AND THE ORDINANCE, AS AMENDED, WASADOPTED MOTIONS/RESOLUTIONS (LYING OVER)

NO. M-25-514

CITY HALL: October 1, 2025

BY:COUNCILMEMBER GIARRUSSO (BY REQUEST)

SECONDED BY:COUNCILMEMBERGREEN

WHEREAS,SECTION 6-104 (3) of the HomeRule Charter of the City of New Orleans requires that a five-year capital program be prepared and submitted to the Council; and WHEREAS, Ordinance Calendar No. sets forth aCapital Budget for 2026, covering the first year of the five-year program; and WHEREAS, the remaining four years, 2027-2030, of the

1, 2025 THE FOREGOINGMOTION WASREAD

ON THE ADOPTION THEREOF,AND RESULTED AS FOLLOWS:

YEAS: Giarrusso,Green, Harris, King, Moreno, Morrell, Thomas -7

NAYS: 0 ABSENT: 0 RECUSED: 0 AND THE MOTION WASADOPTED. NO.M-25-515

CITYHALL: October 1, 2025 BY:COUNCILMEMBER GIARRUSSO (BYREQUEST)

SECONDED BY:COUNCILMEMBER GREEN

BE IT MOVED BY THECOUNCIL OF THECITY OF NEWORLEANS, That the Operating Budget of the New Orleans AviationBoardfor the year 2026, as herein below specified, be, and the same is hereby approved: NEWORLEANSAVIATIONBOARD OPERATING BUDGET FOR THEYEAR 2026 ANTICIPATED REVENUES Airline Terminal Rental and Use Fees

Landing Fees

BE IT FURTHERMOVED, That saidbudget may,fromtimetotime, be amended by the New Orleans Aviation Board, with the approval of the Chief Administrative Officer,provided that such amendment shall not have the effect of increasing or decreasing the total amount budgeted, as herein approved. DECEMBER 1, 2025 THE FOREGOINGMOTION WASREAD IN FULL, THEROLL WAS CALLED ON THE ADOPTION THEREOF,AND RESULTED AS FOLLOWS:

YEAS: Giarrusso,Green, King, Moreno, Morrell, Thomas -6

NAYS: 0 ABSENT: Harris -1 AND THE MOTION WASADOPTED.

NO.M-25-516

CITYHALL: October 1, 2025

BY:COUNCILMEMBER GIARRUSSO (BYREQUEST)

SECONDED BY:COUNCILMEMBER MORRELL

BE IT MOVED BY THECOUNCIL OF THECITY OF NEWORLEANS, That the Operating Budget of the Delgado-Albania Plantation Commission for the year 2026, as herein below specified, be, and the same is hereby approved: DELGADO-ALBANIA PLANTATIONCOMMISSION

OPERATING BUDGET FOR THEYEAR 2025

ANTICIPATED REVENUES Interest Income

TOTAL REVENUES

$37,000

$37,000 ANTICIPATED EXPENDITURES

BE IT FURTHERMOVED, That saidbudget may from timetotime, be amended by the Delgado-Albania Plantation Commission, with the approval of the Chief Administrative Officer,provided that such amendment shall not have the effect of increasing or decreasing the total amount budgeted, as herein approved. DECEMBER 1, 2025 THE FOREGOINGMOTION WASREAD IN FULL, THEROLL WAS CALLED ON THE ADOPTION THEREOF,AND RESULTED AS FOLLOWS:

YEAS: Giarrusso,Green, Harris, King, Moreno, Morrell, Thomas -7

NAYS: 0 ABSENT: 0 AND THE MOTION WASADOPTED.

NO.M-25-517

CITYHALL: October 1, 2025

BY:COUNCILMEMBER GIARRUSSO (BYREQUEST)

SECONDED BY:COUNCILMEMBER GREEN

BE IT MOVED BY THECOUNCIL OF THECITY OF NEWORLEANS, That the Operating Budget of the French MarketCorporation for the year 2026, as herein below specified, be, and the same is hereby approved: FRENCHMARKET CORPORATION OPERATING BUDGET FOR THEYEAR 2026 ANTICIPATED REVENUES

MOVED, Thatsaidbudgetmay,fromtime to time,be amended by the NewOrleansMunicipalYachtHarbor Management Corporation,with the approvalofthe ChiefAdministrative Officer, provided thatsuchamendment shall

AS

YEAS: Giarrusso, Green,Harris, King, Morrell, Thomas-6 NAYS: 0 ABSENT:Moreno-1 AND THE MOTION WASADOPTED. NO. M-25-519 CITY HALL: October1,2025 BY:COUNCILMEMBERGIARRUSSO (BY

6,115,400

$25,963,458

IT FURTHER MOVED, Thatsaidbudgetmay,fromtime to time,be amended by the NewOrleansBuilding Corporation,with the approvalof the ChiefAdministrative Officer,provided thatsuchamendment shall not have the effect of increasing or decreasing the totalamount budgeted, as herein approved. DECEMBER 1, 2025

THE FOREGOING MOTION WASREAD IN FULL, THE ROLLWAS CALLEDONTHE ADOPTION THEREOF,AND RESULTED AS FOLLOWS: YEAS: Green,Harris, King, Moreno, Thomas-5 NAYS: 0

ABSENT:Giarrusso, Morrell-2 AND THE MOTION WASADOPTED. NO. M-25-521

CITY HALL: October1,2025

BY:COUNCILMEMBERGIARRUSSO (BY REQUEST)

SECONDED BY:COUNCILMEMBERGREEN

BE IT MOVED BY THE COUNCILOFTHE CITY OF NEWORLEANS, That the Council authorizes the Clerk of Council stafftomake anynecessary technical,typographical,mathematical,and/or structuraladjustments to anyordinances, motions, andamendments relatedtothe adoption of the 2026 budget. This motion allows for the assurance of accuracy andthe elimination of errors.

DECEMBER 1, 2025

THE FOREGOING MOTION WASREAD IN FULL, THE ROLLWAS CALLEDONTHE ADOPTION THEREOF,AND RESULTED AS FOLLOWS:

YEAS: Giarrusso, Green,Harris, King, Moreno, Morrell, Thomas-7

NAYS: 0

ABSENT:0 AND THE MOTION WASADOPTED. MOTION/RESOLUTION NO. M-25-593

BY:COUNCILMEMBERHARRIS

SECONDED BY:COUNCILMEMBERGIARRUSSO

WHEREAS, The City Council received the annualreport of the Housing Trust Fund Advisory Committee, setting forth the proposed budget and implementation plan for the NewOrleansHousing Trust Fund, on October 9, 2025; and WHEREAS, UnderCity Code Section 70-415.342(d)(2), the proposed budget andimplementation plan shall be subject to review andapproval of the City Council, andthe Council mayalterormodify the proposed budget by amajority vote of allcouncilmembers; and WHEREAS, The Council desired to alterthe proposed budget andto direct the HousingTrust Fund Advisory Committeetoconsiderthese alterations andresubmit the proposed budget; and WHEREAS, The Housing Trust Fund Advisory Committeeconsidered these alterations at their meeting of November12, 2025, voted to amend their previous budget, andtransmitted said amended budget to the Council at its meeting of November20, 2025; NOW THEREFORE BE IT MOVED BY THE COUNCILOFTHE CITY OF NEWORLEANS, That the budget andimplementation plan of the Housing Trust Fund Advisory Committeefor the Housing Trust Fund, as modified by the Housing Trust Fund Advisory Committeeinits report received on November20, 2025, is hereby approvedpursuant to NewOrleansCity Code Sec. 70-415.342 BE IT FURTHER MOVED, Thatthe Clerk of Council shall provide acopy of this motion to the Housing Trust Fund Advisory Committeethrough its co-chairs, MaxwellCiardullo andAndreaneciaMorris. THE FOREGOING MOTION WASREADINFULL, THE ROLLWAS CALLEDONTHE ADOPTION THEREOF,AND RESULTED AS FOLLOWS: YEAS: Giarrusso, Green,Harris, King, Moreno, Morrell, Thomas- 7 NAYS: 0 ABSENT:0 RECUSED: 0 AND THE MOTION WASADOPTED. ORDINANCE ON FIRST READING CAL. NO. 35,319 -BY: COUNCILMEMBER HARRIS -ANORDINANCE to grant an Affordable Housing PlannedDevelopment in an HU-RD2 Historic UrbanTwo-Family Residential District, on Square 439, Lots 3, 4, andSor20-21, in the Fourth MunicipalDistrict, bounded by Washington Avenue,South Johnson Street,South Prieur Street,and Toledano Street (Municipal Address: 3308 Washington Avenue); andotherwise to provide with respect thereto. (ZONING DOCKET NUMBER 45/25) THE FOREGOING ORDINANCE WASLAID OVER AS REQUIRED BY LAW. Therebeing no furtherbusiness, on motion of CouncilmemberHarris, seconded by CouncilmemberGreen,and without objection, the Council meeting adjournedat1:38P.M.

LORAW.JOHNSON CLERK OF COUNCIL NRM/jmr NOCP 8877

177067-616451-feb11-1t

$831.60

AREREQUIRED UPONENTERING BUILDING.

SusanHutson Sheriff, Parish of Or‐leans GH 18 JACKSON& MCPHERSON, L.L.C. 504-5819444

TheN.O.Advo‐cateDate (s): 1/7/2026& 2/11/2026

JAN7-FEB 11-2T $95

PUBLIC NOTICESALE BY SHERIFF JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT

THAT CERTAIN PORTION OF GROUNDBEAR‐INGMUNICIPAL NUMBER 3710 NAPOLEONAVE, CITYOFNEW ORLEANS, IN THE MATTEREN‐TITLED: LOAN‐DEPOT.COM,LLC VERSUSJAMES THOMASREDUS, JR. A/K/A JAMEST.REDUS, JR. A/K/AJAMES REDUS,JR.

CI VI L DI ST RI CT CO UR TF OR PA RI SH OF OR LE AN S Case No: 2025-8312

By virtue of a WritofSeizure and Sale di‐rectedtomeby the Honorable JudgesofCivil DistrictCourt for theParishof Orleans,inthe above entitled cause,I will pro‐ceed to sell by publicauction, onthe ground floorofthe Civil DistrictCourt Building, 421 LoyolaAvenue, inthe FirstDis‐trict of theCity onFebruary12, 2026, at 12:00 o'clock noon the following described prop‐ertytowit: 3710 NAPOLEON AVNEW OR‐LEANS,LA70125 LOT9 -SQUARE 778 6THMUNICIPAL

Seized in the abovesuit,

TERMS- CASH The purchaser atthe moment ofadjudication tomakea de‐posit of tenper‐centofthe pur‐chase price, and the balance withinthirty daysthereafter Note: Thepay‐mentmustbe Cash, Cashier's Check,Certified Check or Money Order.NoPer‐sonal Checks FACE MASKS AND TEMPERA‐TURECHECKS AREREQUIRED UPONENTERING BUILDING.

SusanHutson Sheriff, Parish of Or‐leans RB 24 LAWOFFICESOF HERSCHELC ADCOCK, JR LLC 225-7560373

TheN.O.Advo‐cateDate (s): 1/7/2026 & 2/11/2026

JAN7-FEB 11-2T $93

PUBLIC NOTICESALE BY SHERIFF JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT THAT CERTAIN PORTION OF GROUNDBEAR‐INGMUNICIPAL NUMBER 4858 GABRIEL DRIVE, THISCITY, IN THE MATTER ENTI‐TLED: RICHARD MARGOLIN VER‐SUS LAUREN WHITNEY STAFFORD,INDI‐VIDUALLYAND AS INDEPENDENT ADMINISTRA‐TRIX OF THE SUCCESSION OF GENEBEARD STAFFORD, ET AL

CI VI L DI ST RI CT CO UR TF OR PA RI SH OF OR LE AN S Case No: 2022-5504

By virtue of a Court Orderdi‐rectedtomeby the Honorable JudgesofCivil DistrictCourt for theParishof Orleans,inthe above entitled cause,I will pro‐ceed to sell by publicauction h d

p on theground floor of theCivil DistrictCourt Building, 421 LoyolaAvenue, inthe FirstDis‐trict of theCity onMarch 19 2026, at 12:00 o'clock noon the following described prop‐ertytowit: THAT CERTAIN PIECE OR POR‐TIONOF GROUND, to‐getherwithall the buildings and improvements thereon, andall the rights,ways, privileges, servitudes,ap‐purtenances and advantages thereuntobe‐longing or in anywise apper‐taining,situated inthe Staleof Louisiana, in theParishof Orleans,inthe THIRD DISTRICT OFthe City of New Orleans, in EVANGELINE OAKS SUBDIVI‐SION, SECTION 8",inSQUARE NO. 16 thereof, bounded by Gabriel Drive. Hammond Street,New Or‐leans Sewerage & WaterBoard Tact, Cerise Av‐enue andDwyer Road,desig‐nated as LOT NO. 368, allin accordance with thesurvey ofAdloe Orr, Jr., & Associates, C. E., datedJuly6, 1961, redated November18, 196S,a copy of which is an‐nexed to an actbefore PhilipE.James Jr.,NotaryPub‐lic,dated No‐vember18, 1965, recordedin COB670, folio 116, which said Jot commences ata distance of 428.67 feet from the corner of GabrielDrive and Hammond Street,and measure thence 60feet fronton Gabriel Drive, the same in width in the rear,by a depth of 9I feet between equal and parallel lines

Forinforma‐tionalpurposes only. Theimprove‐ments thereon bear lite Munici‐

palNo. 48S8 Gabriel Dr New Orleans,LA 70127. Thepropertyis assessedunder Bill No.39W947008. Seized in the above suit

TERMS -CASH. Thepurchaser atthe moment ofadjudication tomakea de‐posit of tenper‐centofthe pur‐chase price, and the balance withinthirty daysthereafter.

Note: Thepay‐mentmustbe Cash, Cashier's Check,Certified Check or Money Order.NoPer‐sonal Checks FACE MASKS AND TEMPERA‐TURECHECKS AREREQUIRED UPONENTERING BUILDING.

SusanHutson Sheriff, Parish of Or‐leans

BD 10

JAMESE USCHOLD,PLC 504 528 9500

TheN.O.Advo‐

cateDate (s): 2/11/2026 & 3/18/2026

FEB11-MAR182T $98

PUBLIC NOTICESALE BY SHERIFF JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT

THAT CERTAIN PORTION OF GROUNDBEAR‐INGMUNICIPAL NUMBERS5109 EASTERN STREET,CITYOF NEW ORLEANS, IN THE MATTER EN‐TITLED: PNC BANK, NA‐TIONALASSOCI‐ATION VERSUS JOHNPAULEUR‐TON

CI VI L DI ST RI CT CO UR TF OR PA RI SH OF OR LE AN S Case No: 2025-8784

By virtue of a WritofSeizure and Sale di‐rectedtomeby the Honorable JudgesofCivil DistrictCourt for theParishof Orleans,inthe aboveentitled

cause, Iwillpro‐ceed to sell by publicauction, onthe ground floor of theCivil DistrictCourt Building, 421 LoyolaAvenue, inthe FirstDis‐trict of theCity onFebruary12, 2026, at 12:00 o'clock noon the following described prop‐ertytowit:

5109 EASTERN STNEW OR‐LEANS,LA70122 LOT: 3AND 4, SQUARE: 75 THIRDMUNICI‐PAL DISTRICT ACQMIN:20214433 GENTILLY TER‐RACESUBDIVI‐SION WRIT AMOUNT: $150,320.31

Seized in the above suit, TERMS -CASH. Thepurchaser atthe moment ofadjudication tomakea de‐posit of tenper‐centofthe pur‐chase price, and the balance withinthirty daysthereafter. Note: Thepay‐mentmustbe Cash, Cashier's Check,Certified Check or Money Order.NoPer‐sonal Checks FACE MASKS AND TEMPERA‐TURECHECKS AREREQUIRED UPONENTERING BUILDING.

SusanHutson Sheriff, Parish of Or‐leans

GH 21 JACKSON& MCPHERSON, L.L.C. 504-5819444 KATE SOTO‐LONGO

TheN.O.Advo‐cateDate (s): 1/7/2026 & 2/11/2026 JAN7-FEB 11-2T $89

PUBLIC NOTICESALE BY SHERIFF JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT THAT CERTAIN PORTION OF GROUNDBEAR‐INGMUNICIPAL NUMBERS1378 HARRISONAV‐ENUE, CITY OF NEW ORLEANS, IN THEMATTEREN‐

TITLED:FREE‐DOM MORT‐GAGECORPORA‐TIONVERSUS MARGARET ROSE MACKAY A/K/A

MARGARETR MACKAYA/K/A MARGARET MACKAY

CI VI L DI ST RI CT CO UR TF OR PA RI SH OF OR LE AN S Case No: 2025-8476

By virtue of a WritofSeizure and Sale di‐rectedtomeby the Honorable JudgesofCivil DistrictCourt for theParishof Orleans,inthe above entitled cause,I will pro‐ceed to sell by publicauction onthe ground floor of theCivil DistrictCourt Building, 421 LoyolaAvenue, inthe FirstDis‐trict of theCity onMarch 19, 2026, at 12:00 o'clock noon, the following described prop‐ertytowit: ACERTAIN LOT OFGROUND, to‐getherwithall the buildings and improve‐ments thereon, and allthe rights ways, privi‐leges,servi‐tudes,appurte‐nancesand ad‐vantagesthere‐untobelonging or in anywise appertaining, situated in the Third District of the City of New Orleans,in Square No.2873 bounded by Pelopidas,Ju‐monville, Sen‐ate andAlfred Streets,desig‐nated by theNo. 15 on asurvey drawn by J.J. Krebs &Sons, Surveyors datedJanuary 25, 1954, an‐nexed to an actpassedbe‐foreJeromeMe‐unier,according towhich said lot commences ata distance of thirty twofeet fromthe comer ofJumonville Streetand mea‐sures thirty two feetfront on Pelopidas Street,same width in the rear, by adepth of onehundred

andthirteen feet,six inches,between equal andparal‐lel lines. Allas morefully shown on sur‐vey by Dufrene Surveying& En‐gineering, Inc., dated June 13 1996, acopyof which is an‐nexed to aprior act, except that Pelopidas Street isnow known asHarrisonAv‐enue andthe depth of 113.50 feet between equal and parallel lines ("Prop‐erty").

WRIT AMOUNT: $86,260.81

Seized in the above suit, TERMS -CASH. Thepurchaser at themoment

of adjudication tomakea de‐posit of tenper‐centofthe pur‐chase price, and the balance withinthirty daysthereafter Note: Thepay‐mentmustbe Cash, Cashier's Check,Certified Check or Money Order.NoPer‐sonal Checks FACE MASKS AND TEMPERA‐TURECHECKS AREREQUIRED UPONENTERING BUILDING.

SusanHutson Sheriff, Parish of Or‐leans GH 8

HALLIDAY WATKINS& MANNP.C.AT‐TORNEYS AT LAW ELIZABETHC

N.O.

cateDate (s): 2/11/2026 & 3/18/2026 FEB11-MAR182T $129

in the evening (8:00p.m.), in accordance with the provisions of R.S 18:541. Registered voters in each of the following precincts who are residents of the District shall be eligible to vote on said proposition: POLLING PLACES WARD PRECINCT LOCATION 14 5(partial), 6 (partial), 8 Benjamin Franklin Elementary School 1116 Jefferson Avenue The estimatedcost of this election, as determined by the

PUBLICATION DATES: January 28, February 4, 11 and18, 2026 NOCP 8866

175361-610811-jan28-feb4-11-18-3t $401.96

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