The Times-Picayune 04-03-2026

JAYJOHNSON TO THE MAJORS? LSU COACHHASN’T

Paneltaps firm to replaceleadpipes

BY BEN MYERS Staff writer

ASewerage &WaterBoard

panel on Thursday again chose CDM Smith to oversee the utility’s stalled effort to replace lead water pipes, nearly ayear afterthe same firm was tapped for the billion-dollar job only to be scuttled by abid protest. Though the S&WB’sfive-member

selection committeehas settled on thelocal engineering firm, the utility’sfull governing board must still sign off on the panel’schoice.

The board nextmeetsonApril 22.

Committee members said they wereimpressedbyCDM Smith’s work and references in other cities, includingChicago, Milwaukee and Newark.

“Weare committed to delivering aprogram that reflects the urgen-

cy of this challenge and the expec-

tations of the community. Together withSWBNO, we will work to buildahealthier futurefor every resident of New Orleans,” CDM Smith’schief marketing officer Julia Forgas, said in astatement. Pressure is mounting to get the stalled lead pipe overhaul up and running, since federal regulationsrequire all lead pipes to be replaced by 2037. The S&WB esti-

mates that as many as 85,000 lead pipes willneed to be replaced, though the actual number won’tbe known until the utilitycompletes a full inventory

The S&WB has already begun a limitednumber of replacements around schools and day care centers under aseparate contract, and it expects to ramp up thecitywide project within 18

months. That would leave adecade to complete aproject initially expected to take 13 years.

S&WB Executive Director Randy Hayman determinedinDecemberthathis agency hadviolated itsown procurement rulesthe first timeitsettled on CDMSmith, whichhesaid could jeopardize federal funding forthe project.

The second-place finisher in the initial bid, Community Infrastructure Partners, protested last year

TheRev.AjaniGibson, center,ofSt. PeterClaverCatholic Church, blesses the gumbo z’herbes cooking in thekitchen at Dooky Chase’sRestaurant on HolyThursdayinNew Orleans.Praying nexttohim are chefs Edgar‘Dook’Chase IV,right,and Zoe Chase. Holy Thursdayisthe dayChristians remember the last mealJesus Christ shared withhis followers,focusing on love, service, and preparing for Easter

Trump firesAG Bondi

BY ALANNA DURKIN RICHER, ERIC TUCKER, MICHAEL BALSAMO and MICHELLE L. PRICE Associated Press

Bondi

WASHINGTON President Donald Trump said Thursday that Pam Bondi is out as his attorney general, ending the contentious tenure of aloyalist who upended the Justice Department’scultureofindependence from the White House, oversaw large-scale firings of career employees and moved aggressively to investigate the Republican president’sperceived enemies.

Thedeparture followed months of scrutiny over the JusticeDepartment’s handling of files relatedtothe Jeffrey Epsteinsex traffickinginvestigation

ä See BONDI, page 8A

It’s

From bothyunty

of the kitchen to greet customers gathered for HolyThursdaylunchatDookyChase’s Restaurant.

BY AIDANMcCAHILL Staff writer

At theedge of asand arena, two Catahoula leopard dogs hang suspendedinmidair,legs cartoonishlychurning as they’re held by twosquatting men.It’sahot and dusty Saturdayafternoon at the Winnfield Fairgrounds in the third week of March.Bees, barefooted children and“hogdog” trainers from as far as France and Australia swarm the surrounding wooden bleachers.

Agateswings open and aferal hogtrots out. The men let go. The dogs, Goose and Max, hurl themselves with abandon.

Forfour minutes, the barks don’tstop as the canine duo plant themselves within 2feet of abeast twice their size, attempting to

keep it from moving, or at “bay.”

“Talk to me baby,talk to me!” yells their owner,Randy Dorrell, aritualized chant that seemsmore forhim than his dogs.

Several times, the hog lunges and bites, but like NFL cornerbacks, Goose and Max flip their hips andretreat to avoid the charge, then resumethe doubleteam pressure. When the hog attempts to break the bay,the dogs sink their teeth into the tough skin and briefly hold on. If the hog runs free fortoo long, or the dogs break eye contact, judgeswatching from above subtract points.

Goose is aseven-timeworld champion in hog baying and, despite being 9years old, still has themix of boldness,athleticism andfocus that haskepthim at the top of thesport sincehewas 10 months old.

But it’sday six of Uncle Earl’s Hog Dog Trials, and anything short of aperfect score of 10 in this elite

ä See DOGS, page 10A

Saharan dust storm turns Greek sky red

ATHENS Greece A powerful storm front that lashed Greece over the past 24 hours brought gale force winds and flooding that left one man dead and turned the sky over Crete a deep red.

The sky’s surreal red hues were reminiscent of apocalyptic scenes over Crete where the storm that hit the island with gale-force winds combined with a Saharan dust storm.

On the mainland, Greek media reports said a 55-year-old man died after becoming trapped under a car as he was swept by surging waters in the town of Nea Makri, some 16 miles northeast of the Greek capital Athens. Fire Department official Yiannis Tsingas told state radio that fire engines responded to some 500 calls for assistance including cutting felled trees, pumping water out of flooded homes and rescuing 33 people trapped by the high floodwaters.

German artist sentenced for Putin carnival display

MOSCOW A German artist who created carnival displays mocking Russian President Vladimir Putin was sentenced in absentia on Thursday to 81/2 years in prison by a court In Moscow Jacques Tilly was convicted on charges of spreading false information about the Russian military and insulting religious feelings.

Carnival parades in Germany are famed for their floats mocking a wide variety of domestic and global political figures, and Putin has frequently been a target Tilly, 62, has been designing and building floats for Düsseldorf’s Carnival parade — one of Germany’s best-known since 1984. In recent years, his designs have depicted Putin scrubbing himself in a bathtub filled with blood and painted in the colors of the Ukraine flag, while another featured a red-faced Putin biting into Ukraine, which was decorated with the words “Choke on it!”

Sunken Danish warship found after 225 years

COPENHAGEN, Denmark More than 200 years after being sunk by Adm. Horatio Nelson and the British fleet, a Danish warship has been discovered on the seabed of Copenhagen Harbor by marine archaeologists.

Working in thick sediment and almost zero visibility 49 feet beneath the waves, divers are in a race against time to unearth the 19th-century wreck of the Dannebroge before it becomes a construction site in a new housing district being built off the Danish coast.

Denmark’s Viking Ship Museum, which is leading the monthslong underwater excavations, announced its findings on Thursday, 225 years to the day since the Battle of Copenhagen in 1801.

“It’s a big part of the Danish national feeling,” said Morten Johansen, the museum’s head of maritime archaeology

World’s oldest known tortoise still alive

LONDON Reports on April

Fools’ Day of the death of the world’s oldest living land animal — a 193-year-old tortoise called Jonathan were greatly exaggerated. Jonathan is still kicking — albeit slowly on the island of St. Helena.

“It was a hoax,” Anne Dillon, head of communications on the island, told The Associated Press on Thursday “I can just assure you that he is very much alive.”

News of the Seychelles giant tortoise’s demise spread rapidly on social media on Wednesday

An account on X, falsely claiming to be by Joe Hollins, a veterinarian who had worked with the reptile on the island in the south Atlantic Ocean between Africa and Brazil, said he was heartbroken to announce the death of the “gentle giant” that “outlived empires, wars, and generations of humans.”

The post quickly accumulated nearly 2 million views through Thursday mostly an outpouring of condolences.

Trump says he’ll sign order to resume pay Homeland Security funding lapse likely to continue

BY KEVIN FREKING, JOEY CAPPELLETTI and COLLIN BINKLEY Associated Press

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said Thursday he will soon sign an order to pay all Department of Homeland Security employees who have gone without paychecks during the record-long partial government shutdown that has reached 48 days.

Despite that unilateral move announced in a social media post, the funding lapse for some DHS needs is likely to stretch into next week as the House contemplates passing a Senate plan it had previously rejected to fund the bulk of the agency, though not its immigration enforcement operations.

Trump used a similar maneuver to resume pay for the Transportation Security Administration after many employees had called out from work, resulting in long delays at airport security lines for travelers. Trump’s latest intervention is expected to apply to other non-law enforcement employees at the department, including many employees at the Federal Emer-

gency Management Agency, U.S Coast Guard and the agency responsible for coordinating federal cybersecurity efforts.

Trump said their families “have suffered far too long.”

“Nevertheless, help is on the way for our Brave and Patriotic Public Servants who have continued to work hard, and do their part to protect and defend our Country,” Trump said.

There was no legislative resolution Thursday after both the House and Senate met for just a few minutes in pro forma sessions. Nonetheless, the Republican leadership and Trump have coalesced around a plan to fully fund DHS as part of a two-step process. The agreement puts the congressional leaders on the same page for ending the impasse after they had pursued separate paths that resulted in Congress leaving Washington last week for its spring recess without a fix.

During the brief sessions, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., put aside the House plan to fund the entire department for 60 days. Then the House met briefly

without taking up the bipartisan Senate plan that had been worked out with Democrats, though Thune is looking toward eventual passage.

“I don’t know the particulars around what the House will do with it,” Thune told reporters. “My assumption is, at some point, hopefully, they’ll move it.”

Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Benton, and Thune, announced Wednesday that they would return to the Senate measure, which funds most of DHS with the exception of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Border Patrol. Republicans will try later to fund those agencies through party-line spending legislation that could take months to finish.

Neither outcome is guaranteed, and the strategy could potentially still face opposition from the GOP’s own ranks even though Trump has given his support.

Johnson’s embrace of the twotrack plan marks a sharp reversal from less than a week ago, when he derided it as a “joke” and said he was “quite convinced that it can’t be that every Senate Republican read the language of this bill.”

Artemis II’s moonbound toilet repaired overnight

BY MARCIA DUNN AP aerospace writer

CAPE CANAVERAL Fla. NASA’s moonbound astronauts have reason to celebrate, and not just because their launch went so well. Their toilet is now working.

The so-called lunar loo malfunctioned as soon as the Artemis II crew reached orbit Wednesday evening. Mission Control guided astronaut Christina Koch through some plumbing tricks to fix it.

The three Americans and one Canadian are on track to bust out of orbit around Earth on Thursday night and zoom to the moon for a lunar fly-around. It will be Mission Control’s first translunar injection since Apollo’s swan song in 1972.

Mission managers gave the “go” late Thursday afternoon for the engine firing. “We love those words, and we’re loving the view,” Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen said.

To set the mood, Mission Control’s wake-up music for the crew was “Green Light” by John Legend featuring André 3000 The song segued into the 3-2-1 of the astronauts’ thunderous liftoff, followed by a medley of greetings from NASA teams around the country

“We are ready to go, and that was awesome,” pilot Victor Glover said.

While awaiting their orbital departure, the astronauts savored the views of Earth from tens of thousands of miles high.

Koch told Mission Control that they can make out the entire coastlines of continents and even the South Pole, her old stomping ground.

“It is just absolutely phenomenal,” radioed Koch, who spent a year at an Antarctic research station before join-

ing NASA. Mission Control managed to bump up the Orion capsule’s cabin temperature. It was so cold earlier in the mission 65 degrees Fahrenheit — that the four astronauts had to dig into suitcases for long-sleeved clothes.

Commanded by Reid Wiseman, the mission is due to end with a Pacific splashdown on April 10. NASA is counting on the test flight to kickstart the entire Artemis program and lead to a moon landing by two astronauts in 2028.

Before that happens, Orion’s toilet may need some design tweaks.

Located in the floor with a door and curtain for privacy, the capsule’s lone toilet is based on an experimental commode that launched to the International Space Station in 2020. That station potty barely saw any use and has been out of order for years.

Known as the universal waste management system, the compact toilet uses air suction instead of water and gravity to remove waste, similar to earlier space toilets. It’s also designed to better accommodate female astronauts.

Koch and her crewmates had to resort to a bag and funnel system for urinating until she got the toilet working overnight. Any toilet even a fitful one is better than none if you ask any of the six surviving Apollo astronauts.

NASA’s Apollo capsules were too small to accommodate a toilet, so the all-male crews relied on bags to relieve themselves throughout the lunar journey

These so-called Apollo bags were repurposed during NASA’s later space shuttle flights; they served as backup whenever the shuttle toilet acted up.

After crash, Tiger Woods said he was talking to president

BY R.J RICO Associated Press

After crashing his SUV last week in Florida, Tiger Woods took out his phone and told a deputy, “I was just talking to the president,” according to body camera footage released Thursday showing Woods’ arrest on a DUI charge. The phone conversation was not captured on video, but Woods could be heard saying, “Thank you so much,” as he hung up and the deputy approached It wasn’t clear if Woods was referring to President Donald Trump, whose former daughter-in-law, Vanessa Trump, is dating Woods.

Shortly after the golfer’s March 27 arrest, Trump was asked about Woods and told reporters: “I feel so badly He’s got some difficulty Very close friend of mine. He’s an amazing person. Amazing man. But, some difficulty.”

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether Trump spoke to Woods after the crash. The footage also shows how Woods appeared to be astonished as he was handcuffed after failing a sobriety test and a video from the back of the patrol car shows the handcuffed golfer hiccupping, yawning and repeatedly appearing to nod off during the 15-minute ride.

Woods told authorities he was looking at his phone and changing the radio station when his speeding Land Rover clipped the back of a truck and rolled onto its side on a residential road on Jupiter Island No one was injured.

“I looked down at my phone, and all of a sudden — boom,” Woods told an officer as he knelt on a lawn, prior to his arrest. Body camera footage shows Martin County sheriff’s Deputy Tatiana Levenar then conducting a roadside sobriety test and telling Woods: “I do believe your normal faculties are impaired, and you’re under an unknown substance, so at this time you’re under arrest for DUI.”

“I’m being arrested?” Woods responded.

“Yes, sir,” Levenar said.

Bill wouldlet DAs seek newjudges in some cases

BY MEGHAN FRIEDMANN Staff writer

Louisiana district attorneys could soon be able to have new judges assigned to criminal cases when defendants opt not to have jury trials.

Abill that would make that change is the latest in aseries of proposals rankling defense advocates, who say the new rules wouldstack thedecks to favor prosecutors.

Proponents of the legislation, including stateAttorney General Liz Murrill, argue House Bill 381 is needed to keepdefendants from “judge shopping.”

But defense attorneys say it would give prosecutors the power to do exactly that.

The bill comes as lawmakers also consider proposals that aim to allow district attorneys to force jury trials, on the one hand, and make fewer misdemeanor defendants eligible forjurytrials, on the other HB381’ssponsor,Rep.

Josh Carlson, R-Lafayette, told the House Administration of Criminal Justice Committee

We dnesday that defendants shouldnot be able to keep their cases before favorable judges after waiving jury trials. He was quickly backed by Murrill, whosaid HB381 aims to “preventjudge shopping in criminal cases andmanipulation of the criminal justice system.”

If the bill passes, adefendant who waives his right to ajury trial would have his case randomly reassigned to another judge in the same court unlessthe district attorney waived the reassignment. The law would only apply to district courts with at least three criminal judges. Defense advocates challenged the notionthatthe changewould promote fairness,noting that criminal cases are already randomly assigned to judges. They also said the change would create extra work for the courts by putting cases before new judges unfamiliarwith the evidence presented.

For the state to have the power to decide whether a case tried by ajudge gets reassigned, “that is forum shopping, and that is forumshopping by thedistrict attorney,” saidSarah Whittington, advocacy director forthe American CivilLiberties Union of Louisiana.

KellyCarmena,who spoke on behalfofthe LouisianaAssociation of Criminal Defense Lawyers, said reassigning cases can take 30 to60days. She argued HB381 would cause delays and clog dockets. In aterse exchange withthe Administration of Criminal JusticeCommittee’schair,state Rep. DebbieVillio, Carmena said it would be difficult to advise aclientwhether to proceedwith ajudge trial without knowing who was handling the case.

“Sounds alot like forum shopping, too. But Ithink you made the case for why the bill’snecessary,” said Villio,aRepublican from Kenner

The two also sparred over whether the bill would affect many defendants, with Villio contending it was rarefor defendants to forego jury trials.

Villio’scommittee sent HB381 to thefull House in a9-3 vote.Three Democrats —Rep. Vanessa LaFleurofBaton Rouge, state Rep.Pat Moore of Monroe andRep.AlonzoKnox of NewOrleans—voted against the bill. This year,the Legislature is also considering Senate Bill 97 by stateSen. JayMorris,R-West Monroe, which would allow voters to decide whether district attorneys should needtoapprove when defendantsopt out of jury trials.That change would require aconstitutional amendment AndHouse Bill52, authored by Villio, would amendLouisiana lawso that defendants accusedof misdemeanors wouldonly be entitled to jury trials if the crime’spossible penaltyexceeded a$2,500 fine or 6months imprisonment. Currently, thethreshold penalty is a$1,000 fine or six months’ imprisonment. Under that bill, prosecutors could also agree to cap penalties in advance to avoid jury trials. Thefull House has yet to take up HB52, but the Senate passed SB97 in a26-11 vote. It,too, now needs approval from the AdministrationofCriminal Justice Committee.

Some claims against Justin Baldonitossed

BY LARRYNEUMEISTER Associated Press

NEW YORK Blake Lively’s sexual harassmentclaims against actor Justin Baldoni over their roles in the movie “It Ends With Us” were dismissed Thursday by afederal judge who left intact three claims, including retaliation, that will let ajury hear many of the allegations anyway

The written ruling by Judge Lewis J. Limanin Manhattan came after Lively sued Baldoni in December 2024. Atrialis scheduled for May18. Baldoni and production company Wayfarer Studios had countersued Lively and her husband, “Deadpool” actor Ryan Reynolds, accusing them of defamation and extortion. The judge dismissed Baldoni’sclaims last June. In his ruling,Liman determinedthat Livelywas

Globalstar eyed by Amazon

Purchase of Covington-based satellitetelecom wouldboost effort to rivalStarlink

BY RICH COLLINS Staff writer

Amazon is reportedlyin talkstobuy Covington-based satellite telecommunications companyGlobalstar, adeal that hasthe potential to reshape the northshore firm’s role in aspace arms race between twoofthe world’stech giants.

TheFinancial Times first reported Wednesday that Seattle-basedAmazon is negotiating apurchase of Globalstar for up to $9 billion as it seeks to build asatellitebusiness thatwill rival Starlink, a network of 10,000 satellites owned by ElonMusk’scompany SpaceX.

Amazon is owned by Jeff Bezos, whoalso hasa space company,Blue Origin.

Thedevelopment comesat atimeofsignificant growth for Globalstar,which operatesanetwork of satellites that power voicecommunications, data transmission and asset-tracking services for consumers, businesses and governments.

In 2022, Apple announced apartnership withGlobalstar,whose satellites power theiPhone’sEmergency SOS connectivity service. Apple has since invested morethan $1.5billion in the company.In 2023, former Qualcomm CEO Paul Jacobs,aSilicon Valley luminary,was named Globalstar’sCEO.

Overthe past 12 months, Globalstar’sstock price has

more than doubled. Following reports Wednesday of the potential saletoAmazon,its shares rose 12.3% in premarket trading.

Globalstar and Amazon did notrespond to requests for comment.

Tulane University economist PeterRicchiuti said the dealhas “longbeen rumored and makes sense.”

“Globalstar’scoverage covers theglobe,except formaybe afew penguins,”Ricchiuti said. “That’s avaluable and enviable position to be in.”

West Coasttonorthshore Globalstarhas been headquarteredinCovington since 2010, but it beganin theearly 1990s on the West Coastwhensemiconductor manufacturerQualcomm and defense contractor Loral partnered to create asatellite communications service.

The partners launched their first satellites in 1998, but high costs and slow adoption of satellitephone technology ledtoabankruptcy afew later.In2004, Denver-based private equity

firm Thermo Capital Partners purchased Globalstar’s assets and, afew years later, moved its headquarters to Covington to take advantage of loweroperating costs and Louisiana’sdigital interactive media incentivesand tax credits.

The move was celebrated amajor economicdevelopment win for the state.

Thermo’smanagingpartner,Jay Monroe, is aTulane graduate with ahistory of investing in and leading tech companies. He has served as Globalstar’schair since 2004 and wasCEO from 2005 until 2020.

For the next decade or so, Globalstar operated largely out of the spotlight, operating anetwork of low-orbit satellites that power connectivity forhikers, first responders, offshore energy workers and others without access to cell networks or standard phone service.

In 2022,Globalstarcaught theattention of thelarger tech, telecommunications and aerospace industries when it partnered withAp-

ple. The company’sstock value hasrisen265% sincelast March, when Jacobs joined House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-Jefferson, andother politiciansinCovington to celebrate the opening of anew satellite control center in Globalstar’s 66,000-square-foot office building near Interstate 12 and North Causeway Boulevard. At the time, the company said it hasabout 160 employees in Louisiana and 400 worldwide.

“Credit forall this goes to Jay Monroe,” Ricchiuti said.

“He has believed in the company andits stock through somevery dark times.”

Hurdlesstill to clear

According to industry experts, Amazon is pursuing Globalstar because it is trying to build anetwork of more than 3,000 satellites to rivalStarlink, whichhas roughly threetimesthat manyinoperation.

Amazon,sofar,has launchedmorethan200 satellites as it builds the network is has dubbed “Leo.” Globalstar has 180. Ricchiuti said the deal still has to clear several hurdles before it is finalized. Globalstar’srelationship with Apple, which owns 20% of the local company,could potentially complicate things. Whileit’stoo soon to say what thesalewould mean for Globalstar’slocal presence, it would spell the end of local ownership of yet another publicly traded company in astate that has lost a steadystream of them over the past 30 years. “If completed, another public company would be gone,” Ricchiuti said. “It’s now downtojust ahandful.”

an independent contractor ratherthanan employee. On thatbasis, he said she was not entitled to bring sexual harassment claims under Title VII ofthe Civil RightsAct of 1964. That law prohibits employment discrimination on variousgrounds, including gender As to retaliation, the judge said some evidence might enableajury to conclude that Baldoni’s productioncompany planned not onlytodamage Lively’sreputation but to destroy her career amidfear she’d fileadiscrimination claim. Lively alleges asmear campaign has been “devastating for her reputation and career,” the judge noted. In an analysis of the sexual harassment claims, the judge said Lively’sclaims hadtobeviewedinthe context of the movie they were working on.

CONFLICT IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Iran firesonIsrael andGulfneighbors

Trumpclaims threat from Tehran nearly eliminated

BY JON GAMBRELL, DAVID RISING andMIKE CORDER Associated Press

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates Iran fired more missiles at Israel and Gulf Arab states Thursday,demonstrating Tehran’scontinued ability to strike its neighbors even as U.S. President Donald Trump claimed the threat from the country was nearly eliminated.

Iran’s attacks on Gulf states alongwith its chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz have disrupted the world’s energy supplies with effects far beyond the Middle East. That has proved to be Iran’sgreatest strategic advantage in the war.Britain held acall with nearly three dozen countries about how to reopen the strait once the fighting is over Trump has insistedthe strait can be taken by force —but said it is notupto

the U.S. to do that. In an address to the American people Wednesday night,he encouraged countriesthat depend on oilfrom Hormuz to “build some delayed courage” and go “take it.”

Before the U.S. and Israel started the war on Feb. 28 with strikes on Iran, the waterway was open to traffic and 20% of all tradedoil passed through it Iran responded defiantly to Trump’sspeech, in which theAmerican president claimed U.S.militaryaction hadbeensodecisivethat “one of the most powerful countries” is “really no longer athreat.”

Aspokesman for Iran’s military,Lt. Col.Ebrahim Zolfaghari, insisted Thursday that Tehran maintains hidden stockpilesofarms, munitions and production facilities.

He said facilities targeted so farbyU.S. strikes are “insignificant.”

Just before Trump began his address —inwhichhe said U.S. “core strategic objectives are nearingcompletion” —explosions were

heard in Dubai as air defenses worked to intercept an Iranian missile barrage.

Lessthan ahalf-hour after thepresidentwas done, Israel said itsmilitarywas also working to intercept incoming missiles. Sirens sounded in Bahrain, hometothe U.S Navy’s5th Fleet, immediately after the speech.

Attacks continuedacross Iran on Thursday,with strikes reported in multiple cities.

Iran state media reported that strikes on the B1 bridge, whichwas still under construction, killed eight people and wounded 95. The outlet, citing authorities in Alborz province, saidthe victims had gathered under the bridge and along the riverbank forNatureDay,which Iranians celebrate by gathering outside.

In apost on Xthat included apicture of what appeared to be thesame bridge, Iran’s Foreign MinisterAbbasAraghchi wrote, “Strikingcivilian infrastructure only conveys the defeat and moral collapse of an enemy in disarray.”

More than 40 countries eyestrategytopress Iran

Summitdiscusses ways to facilitate reopeningofstrait

BY JILL LAWLESS Associated Press

LONDON Britain accused Iran on Thursday of holding the world’seconomy hostage as diplomats from more than 40 countries heldtalks on ways to press Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil route that has been choked offbythe U.S.-Israeli war against Iran.

The U.S. didn’t attend the virtual meeting, which came after U.S. President Donald Trump madeclear that he thinks securing the waterway is not America’sjob. Trumphas also disparaged America’sEuropean allies for failing to support the war and renewed his threats to pull the U.S. out of NATO.

U.K. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the talks, which focused on political and diplomatic rather than military means, showed “the strength of our international determination” to reopen the strait. The 41 countries represented camefromall continentsexcept Antarctica, areflection of the global tremors from awar thathas sparked shortages of fuel and fertilizer and higher pricesfor food farbeyond the Middle East.

“Wehave seen Iran hijack an international shipping route to hold the global economy hostage,” Cooper said at the start of the meeting. Cooper said “unsustainable” spikes in oiland food prices were“hitting households and businesses in every corner of the world.”

Shipping slowstotrickle Iranian attacks on commercial ships, and the threat of more,havehaltednearly alltraffic in the waterway that connectsthe Persian Gulf to the rest of the globe’s oceans, shutting acritical path forthe world’sflow of

oil and sending petroleum prices soaring.

There have been 23 direct attacks on commercial vesselsinthe Gulf since the warbegan on Feb.28, and 11 crew members have been killed, according to shipping data firm Lloyd’sList Intelligence.

Traffic through the strait hasslowedtoatrickle,with what remains dominated by sanctions-evading tankers carrying Iranianoil, Lloyd’s List Intelligencesaidina briefing Thursday.Itsaid amurky operation under which Iran vets whocan pass continuestooperate as Tehran maintainsits chokehold over thekey waterway

In atelevised addresson Wednesdaynight, Trump said countries that depend on oilflowing through theStrait of Hormuz “mustgrab it and cherish it” —because the U.S. would not.

No country appearswilling to try and open thestrait by force while fighting rages and Iran can target vessels with anti-ship missiles, drones, attack craft and mines

French President EmmanuelMacron saidopening the strait by forceis“unrealistic.”

The reopening of thestrait “can only be done in coordination with Iran,” through negotiations thatwould follow apotential ceasefire, Macron toldreporters Thursday during avisit to South Korea. France is pushing for an international mission involving European andnon-Europeannations to escort oil and gas tankers through the waterway after the most intense phase of the conflict is over.The British government said military planners from an unspecified number of countries will meet next week to plot ways to ensure security once the fighting ends, including potential mine-clearing work and “reassurance” forcommercial shipping. The U.K. hopes Thursday’smeeting will help isolate Tehran and weaken its desire to block shipping. Cooper said participants senior officialsfromcountries including France, Germany,Italy,Canada, Japan and the United Arab Emirates —discussed increasing diplomatic pressure over Iran’s“reckless” attacks and tightening economic screws to prevent Tehran profiting from control of the strait.

BY KONSTANTIN TOROPIN

Associated Press

WASHINGTON Defense Secretary

Pete Hegseth has asked the Army’stop uniformed officer to step down, the Pentagon saidThursday without giving areason for thedeparture as the United States wages awar against Iran.

Gen.RandyGeorge“will be retiring from his position as the 41stChief ofStaff of the Army effective immediately,” said Sean Parnell, the Pentagon’stop spokesperson. George has held the post of Army chief of staff, which typically runs forfour years, since August 2023 underthe Biden administration.

The ouster,reported earlier by CBSNews, is just the latest of more than adozen firings of top generals and admirals by Hegseth since he took office last year.Like manyofthose other firings, Pentagon officials are not offering areason for George’sdeparture, which comes nearly five weeks into U.S.Israeli attacks on Iran and with no clear timeline from President Donald Trumponwhen the war may end.

George is agraduate of West Point Military Academy andan infantry officer whoservedinthe first Gulf Waraswell as Iraq and

Afghanistan. He also served as DefenseSecretary LloydAustin’s topmilitary aide from 2021 to 2022 during the Biden administration beforetaking on top leadership roles in the Army.

George made it through the initial round of firings under the Trump administration in February2025, when Hegseth removed topmilitary leaders, including Adm. Lisa Franchetti,the Navy’s top uniformed officer,and Gen. Jim Slife, the No. 2leader at the Air Force. Trump also fired Gen. Charles “CQ” BrownJr. as chair of the Joint ChiefsofStaff.

Sincethen, morethan adozen othertop military generals and admirals have either retired early or been removed from their posts. Among these departures was George’sdeputy,Gen. James Mingus, who was in the post of vice chief of staff of the Armyfor less than two years when Trump suddenly nominated Lt. Gen. Christopher LaNeve for the position. LaNeve wasthen serving as Hegseth’stop military aide, having been pluckedfor that post from commanding theEighthArmyin South Korea after less than ayear in the job.

and failed effortstomeet Trump’s unwavering demands for criminal cases against his adversaries.As Trump’s ownfrustrations mounted, he began privately discussing firing Bondi, people familiar with the matter say

“Pam Bondi is aGreat American Patriotand aloyal friend, who faithfully served as my AttorneyGeneral over the past year,” Trump said in astatement. He added, “Welove Pam, and shewill be transitioning to amuch needed andimportant new job in the private sector,tobeannounced at a dateinthe near future.”

Trump named Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, one of his former personal lawyers, as the actingattorney general. Three peoplefamiliar with themattertold The Associated Press on Thursday that he has privately discussed Lee Zeldin, the head of the Environmental Protection Agency as apermanent pick.

In her own statement, Bondi called thejob “the honor of alifetime” and said she wouldbe working over the nextmonth to transition the position to Blanche.

Bondi came into office 14months ago,pledging that shewouldnot play politics withthe JusticeDepartment. But she quickly set out to do Trump’sbidding, heaping lavish praise at congressional hearings and White House events, firing prosecutorsdeemedinsufficiently loyal to the president andopening investigations into his political foes. Theintense turmoilcontributed to the resignations of hundredsofemployees, with the norm-breaking actions stirring concernthatthe department was being wieldedas atool to advance Trump’spersonal andpolitical interests.

“Pam Bondi oversaw an unprecedented weaponization of the Justice Department that brought our nation’srule of law to its knees,” saidSen. Adam Schiff, aCalifornia Democrat. Bondi rejected accusations that she politicized the Justice Department andsaid hermissionwas to restore the institution’scredibility after overreach by President Joe Biden’sDemocraticadministration, which included two federal criminal cases againstTrump. Bondi’s defendershavesaidshe worked to refocus the department

PIPES

Continued from page1A

because the selection committee wassupposed to includeanexpertinthe field

Thecity’sthen-Health Departmentdirector, Deputy Mayor JenniferAvegno, was tapped for that role and participated in the first scoring round.

But she was absent for two additionalrounds because of schedulingconflicts.Hayman agreed that her absence violated thesolicitation’s rules.

Hayman, who joined the S&WB in July,garnered criticism with his decision to start the process over since an arbitrator recommended upholdingthe first CDM Smith selection.

Elisa Speranza, amember of the Infrastructure AdvisoryBoard, which overseesaportion of S&WB’s funding, said in the board’s Dec. 11 meeting that it was “unprecedented” for the executive director to overrule the arbitrator,eventhough S&WB appeal procedures allow for it.

“This sets us back on a clear and proven public healththreat,”Speranza said at the meeting, addressing Hayman. Hayman replied that the Environmental Protection Agency could halt funding if it found irregularities in the procurement.

“I was very much concerned that it may be problematic that we did not follow ourown regulations,” he said.

This time around, the scoring panelwas composed entirely of S&WB employees, only one of whom —Felicia Bergeron, who is leading the project —served on the earlierpanel.

Community InfrastructurePartners,aboutique firm specializing in lead line replacement that has worked in Wisconsin and Rhode Island, again bid for the job with largely the same team of local subcontractors butfinished lastin

to better tackle illegalimmigration andviolent crime and brought much-needed change to an agency they believe unfairly targeted conservatives.

Protecting thepresident Bondi’spublic embrace of the president, however,marked a sharp departure fromher predecessors, who generally took pains to maintain an arm’s-length distance from the White Houseto protect the impartiality of investigations and prosecutions. Bondi postured herself as Trump’schief supporter and protector,praising and defending himincongressional hearings and placing abanner with his face on the exterior of JusticeDepartment headquarters.

She called for an end to the “weaponization” oflaw enforcement that she said occurred under the Biden administration, even though Biden’sattorney general, Merrick Garland, and Jack Smith, the special counsel who producedtwo cases against Trump, have said they

followed the facts, the evidence and the law in their decision-making.

Bondi’scritics, meanwhile, said she was the onewho hadpoliticized the agency

“You’ve turned thePeople’sDepartment of Justice into Trump’s instrument of revenge,” Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland, thetop Democrat on theHouse Judiciary committee,saidata February hearing.

Bondi delivered acombative performance but fewsubstantive answers at that hearing, as she angrily insultedher Democratic questioners with name-calling andpraisedTrump for theperformance of thestock market —“The Dowisupover 50,000 right now! and openly alignedherself as in sync witha president whom she painted as avictim of past impeachmentsand investigations.

Even Republicans began to challenge her,with theGOP-led House Oversight Committeelast month issuing asubpoenatoher to appear for aclosed-door interview about theEpstein files.

UnderBondi’sleadership, the department opened investigations into astring of Trumpfoes, including Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, NewYork Attorney General Letitia James, former FBI Director James Comey and former CIADirector John Brennan. The high-profileprosecutions of Comey and James were short-lived as they were quickly thrownout by a judge who ruledthatthe prosecutorwho brought thecaseswas illegally appointed.

Trump repeatedly praised and defendedBondi publicly but also showed flashes of impatience with his attorney general’sefforts to meet his demands to prosecute his rivals. In oneextraordinary social media post last year,Trumpcalled on Bondi to movequickly to prosecute his foes, including James and Comey,telling her, “Wecan’tdelay any longer,it’skilling our reputation and credibility.”

Bondi oversaw the exodus of thousands of career employees boththroughfirings and voluntary departures —including lawyers

whoprosecuted violent attacks on police at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021; environmental, civil rights and ethics enforcers; counterterrorism prosecutors; and others. Fumblingthe Epstein files She struggled to overcome early stumbles over theEpsteinfiles that angered conservativeseager for government bombshells about the case, which haslong fascinated conspiracy theorists. She herself had fedthe conspiracy theory machine with asuggestion in a2025 Fox News Channel interviewthat Epstein’s“client list” was sitting on her desk for review.The department later acknowledged that no such document exists.

Bondi was ridiculed over amove to hand out binders of Epstein files to conservative influencers at the White House, only for it to be later revealed that the documents included no new revelations. And despitepromisesthatmorefiles were going to become public,the Justice DepartmentinJulysaidno more wouldbereleased, prompting Congress to pass abill to force the agency to do so. Ultimately,the department said it hadcomplied with itsobligationsbyreleasing millions morerecords.

JessMichaels,anEpstein survivorwho traveled to theU.S.Capitollastyear to pressfor thefiles’ release, said she wasoptimistic when Bondi took officebut lost faith after Bondi distributed the binders at the White House.

“I think she had this opportunity to be ahero and to really do right by survivors of sexual violence andtrafficking, andshe chosenot to,” Michaels said by phone. “It is outrageous, the volumeofmiscalculation she has made.”

The Epstein files fumbles led to astunning public criticism from White House chief of staffSusie Wiles,aclose friend of Bondi’s, whotold Vanity Fair that the attorney general “completely whiffed.”

The Justice Department’s release of millions of pages of Epstein files did little to tamp down criticism, prompting aHouse committee, with the support of five Republicans, to subpoena Bondi to answer questions under oath.

Bondi, who defended Trump during his first impeachment trial, washis second choice to lead the Justice Department,picked forthe role after former Rep. Matt Gaetz of Floridawithdrewhis name from consideration amid scrutiny over sex trafficking allegations.

thescoring.The second-and third-place finishers were Mott MacDonald and Ardurra,respectively.

The details of the latest proposalshaven’t beenpublished, but Community Infrastructure Partners’ chief executive officer,Shawn Kerachsky,pointed out that his firm proposed aquicker replacementscheduleand cheaper cost than CDM Smith didthe last time, suggesting that was likely the case again

“Today,SWBNO knowingly chose to allow lead to poisonNew Orleanschildren for alonger period of time. They chose thestatusquo of inefficiency and outrageous cost over healthy children and lowerrates,”Kerachsky said in an email.

Representatives for Mott MacDonald andArdurra didnot immediatelyreturn calls.

Financialand legalhurdles

The utility estimates the project’s cost will exceed $1 billion, and the water board thus far has secured $152 million in state loans with the expectation that federal grantswill cover 49% of the repayments. The water board has not identified any other funding, and does not have enough revenue to issue bonds.CDM Smith will be tasked with coming up with afunding strategy

The federal grants stipu-

late that all lead service lines must be replaced,including on private property, but that could raise legal concernsifthe S&WB isn’t able to contact or get permission from property owners. Another legal hurdle could arise if the S&WB’s plan to replace private property for no chargeisdeemed adonation by apublic agency,which would violate the stateconstitution.

Twobills filed by state Sen. RoyceDuplessis, DNew Orleans, aimtoaddress the legalconcerns. One, Senate Bill 268, would allow local governing authoritiestopass ordinances allowing water utilities to accessprivate propertyfor the purpose of lead linereplacement, so long as they provide seven-day notice.

The other bill, Senate Bill 228, would amend thestate constitution to makeanexception for lead line replacement. That would requirea two-thirds voteofapproval in both the House and Senate, and majority approval by statewide voters.

SB268 cleared the Senate’s Committee on Local and Municipal Affairslast week and is pending avote by the full Senate. SB228 cleared that committee but failed to clear the full Senate when it came up for avote Tuesday

Email Ben Myers at bmyers@theadvocate.com.

atmosphere —even the smallest moments of weakness —means certain elimination.

Finally,the hog strikes Goose in the side and takes him to the ground. For a brief moment, the Catahoula loses eyecontact. He’sdinged 0.1 point, and Dorrell, throwing afistful of sand in frustration, decides to call it off. The old champion was hurt but not injured, Dorrell said after.Better to save his energyfor later,when he’ll have asecond chance with Blueman, another merlecolored teammate.

Populist roots

Just shy of an hour’sdrive north of Alexandria, Winnfield emergesfromthe Kisatchie National Forest’s piney woods. Out of that tiny timber town —where the population hasshrunk from 8,000 in the 1960s to fewer than 4,000 today— arose abrash, legendary brand of left-wing populism that dominated Louisiana politics for much of the 20th century.Winnfield is home to three Democratic Louisiana governors:brothers Huey and Earl K. Long, and Oscar K. Allen.

And while the Kingfish’s story is better known, his younger brother,“Uncle Earl,” has an almost equally legendary history,from orchestrating his own release from amental hospital to run for athird term as governor to hisaffairwithBourbon Street stripper Blaze Starr Cass Moss, a94-year-old Winnfield native who met EarlLong afew times as a teenduringhis political heyday,recalled the brothers as “almost city slickers.”

“They were far from farm boys,” he said.

Still, as aman of the people, Earl Long was known to appreciate ahog hunt —the old way,with baying dogs to track and stall,abulldog to catch, and aknife to finish. Around Winnfield, more than one person described the high-adrenaline relayas “the funnest thingyou can do with your pants on.”

In 1995, to mark Uncle Earl’s100th birthday,the townspeople put on an event for eachmonth of the year

For March, his old hunting partner Claude L. O’Bryan organized acompetition to both honor him and let people see how their dogs stacked up againsteach other in acontrolled environment.

“Weall kind of laughed at him,” then-Mayor Deano Thornton said of O’Bryan. “It turned out to be the biggest thing we ever had.” Now in its 31st year,Uncle Earl’sHog Dog Trials has grown into one of the largest dog trials in the world —“the granddaddy of ’em all,” as Slick Willy,alongtime competitor whose government name is Wayne Scott,put it. What started as aweekend has expanded to seven days, though with over 600 runs this year,Monday and Tuesdaystill saw dogs baying well after midnight —each perfect score earning another,longer round against a meaner hog.

Jake Loiacano, a42-yearold Beaumont, Texas, resident who has been attending since he was 12 and now runs the show,said during peak years, Uncle

Earl’sHog Dog Trials will bring 10,000 people over the course of the week. This year,heestimates about 4,000 attended.

While the stands never quite filledupSaturday, the surrounding fairgrounds were packed with RVs, food trucks and vendors hawking everything from patriotic hunting gearand dog collars to homeopathic pain-relief treatments. Over it all hung afaintbut unignorable smellofhog and dog, mixed with sound of hundreds of yapping Catahoulas, curs, hounds and terriers.

Chance Wroten, grilling bacon fora groupofeight outsideacluster of tents,said he hog hunts just about every weekend when it’s notturkey or deer season. He drove in from Liberty, Mississippi, nottocompete, but to hang with like-minded people.

“Wecame up here to cook drink beers,hang out and see ourpeople,” he said. Near thebleachers, JenniferLoftin,assistantdirector of the nearby Louisiana Political Museum and Hall of Fame, sells Earl Long memorabilia. She said the taxrevenue from the event helps support the town for the rest of the year

“Theybuy feedhere, they buy food here. Eventhe vendors out here, they all go to our Walmart,” she said.

‘The workingcanine’

Earlier in the day,about 9a.m., agroup of men in camouflage huddled together while Loiacanoblared the competitors’names over a microphone

“Rico and Blue —let’sgo boys!Igot 20 and 30 on Rico and Blue.Ineed30. Going once. Twice. Sold,” he said. “Piranha and Hand Grenade

Igot 50, Ineed 60!” It’s the start of the Calcutta auction, whereboth attendees and competitors buy in on dog teams. Categories across the week range from youth, amateur and pro for bothsingle- and double-dog teams. Anyone who picks a team that finishesfirst, second or third gets aslice of the pot.

Individual teams take home abiggershare if they win, and agood dog can be lucrative.

This year’s pursefor the pro double-dogteam was about$25,000, andover his career,Goose haswon Dorell more than $700,000.

Afterthe auction,Jay Bergeron, aprofessional rodeoannouncer who goes by Jaybird, gets the crowd started with aprayer from the press box.

“Thank youfor lettingboth feet hitthe floor this morning,”hesaid.“Iask that you take care of the working canine that’sdrawn us all here to Uncle Earl’s.”

It was Jaybird’s sixth straightday of announcing, andhewaxed fromreverence to Jesus, the troops and dogs over theloudspeaker

“The working canine,” he said, musing. “They start to mean more to youthansome of y’all’skids. Iknow cuz I’ve been around those kids.

Arevolving posse joined him in thebooth. There was Loiacano,Dorrell, Winn Parish Sheriff Joshua McCalister and Gregory “Snotty Graves,also helping run the show.Below thepress box lay the pig pen, where teenagers rounded up over 70 hogs.

Slick Willy,who lives north of Houstonand has competed about 10 timesa year since leaving the com-

petitive barbecue circuit in 2005, describes his dog’s training regimen as mostly hands-off.

“You got alittlepractice penatyourhouse,” he said. “As the dog gets better,you getabiggerpig, then abiggerpig.”

The only other challenge is finding outiftheycan perform under the pressure of hundreds of spectators.

“Therealityis, man, they’re either gonnadoit or not,” said Dorrell, adding that about90% of what it takes to winboils down to genetics. “Wehave about 40 to 50 years of breeding specifically for this.”

What folks in the hog dog worldactually breed for is a bit of an oxymoron, amix of “ignorance and concentration,” according to Graves. If they’re too smart, they’d never get close to ahog in the first place, he said

Thecompetitionsare popular in Texas and across the South, where feral hogs —aninvasive species first

brought to America by Spanish explorers —run rampant through agricultural fields. In Louisiana, they cause over $90 million in agricultural damage each year

Due to concerns over animalcruelty,hog baying is illegal in Floridaand many Northern states. Even in Louisiana, it’salegal gray area, though the laws specifically exemptUncle Earl’s from the vague provisions.

Fanssay thesport is no different than any rodeo event, adding that the hogs wouldotherwisebeshot and left for the buzzards. Instead, those at Uncle Earl’s —mostly trapped on farmland in northern Louisiana —are feddaily and receive vet care. The trade-off is afew minutes of pure terror While bites and injuries do occur for both animals, containment, rather than violence, is the point. Dogs get dingedfor being tooaggressive and are disqualifiedfor gnawing on ahog formore

than five seconds.

“It’snot an actofjustputting the dogs in there and expecting them to getrailroaded,” said Brandi Watts, one of the judges. Conversely,“if youdamagethe hog, you damage your stock,” she added.

Handlers andowners also face risk, routinely climbing up arena walls or hurdling pigs to avoidgetting their legs sweptout from under them.Beforenoon,ahog busted through agate, which swung open and smashed a young handler,Jake Robertson, between the eyes.He was knocked outcoldand rushed to ahospitalinan ambulance. Despite abroken nose, jaw and aconcussion,Robertsonsomehow returned before theday was over

“Ittakes alot more than that to throw me back, I reckon,”the 18-year-old from Downsville said. “My face was hurting, but Ihad a lot of fun.”

‘The hoggot up andleft’ By the endofthe weekend, Gooseand Blueman hadtied for fourth placeinthe professionaltwo-dog division —still enough to keep Goose ranked No. 1inthe world. After Sunday,Winnfield would again lose half its size. Ashort drive from the Fairgrounds, Earl Long’s grave sits where his home once stood, marked by a statue of the old governor midwave. There are rumors Starrregularly visited the grave. Debby Carpenter,79, has watched the statue from herporch across thestreet for years. She recalls families often laying out on blankets and picnicking there.

“Peopledon’t come out there like they used to,” she said. “I miss seeing the kids running up and down.” At the nearby political museum,you can press abutton and still summon Uncle Earl’svoice.

“The Times-Picayune had fell in aditch,” he says. “Now afella came along and it had ahog in there. He said you can judge aman by the company he keeps …and the hog got up and left.”

Trumpunveils 100% tariff on drugs

Ordertargets companiesthatdon’t reachdeals with administration

BY WYATTE GRANTHAM-PHILIPS Associated Press

NEW YORK President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday that couldslap longthreatened pharmaceutical tariffs of up to 100% on some patented drugs from companies that don’t reachdeals with hisadministration in the coming months.

Companies that have signeda “most favored nation” pricing deal

and are actively building facilities in the U.S. to onshore production of patented pharmaceuticals and their ingredients will have a0% tariff. Forthose that don’thave a pricing deal but arebuilding such projectsin the U.S.,a 20% tariff willapply butwill increase to 100% in fouryears.

Asenior administration official told reporters on apress call that companies still have months to negotiate before the 100% tariffs

kick in —120 days for bigger companies, and 180 days for everyone else. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity to preview the executive order before it was issued, did not identify any companies or drugs that were in jeopardy of getting hit with the increased tariffs but noted theadministration had already reached 17 pricing deals with major drugmakers, 13 of which have signed.

In theorder,Trump wrotethat

Pope revivesHolyThursday ritual of foot-washing priests

By The Associated Press

ROME Pope Leo XIV washed the feet of 12 priests in the traditional Holy Thursday ritual, restoring a tradition his predecessor had broken by including laypeopleand nonChristians in ceremonies at prisons, juvenile detention halls and centers for asylum-seekers.

The priests included 11 ordained by Leo last year,along with the Rev Renzo Chiesa, the director of the Rome Diocese’sprimary seminary Leo poured water from agolden pitcheroverthe priests’ feet before drying them with awhitecloth and bestowinga kiss, in what thepontiff

in his homily called a“gratuitous andhumble gesture” that demonstrates “thetrueomnipotence of God.”

“Indeed, throughthisact,Jesus purifies not onlyour imageofGod –from the idolatry and blasphemy that have distorted it –but also our imageofhumanity,”Leo saidin his homily inside the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, the officialecclesiastical seat of the pope as the bishopofRome.

“For we tendtoconsider ourselves powerful when we dominate, victorious when we destroy our equals,great when we arefeared,” said the pontiff, who has been out-

spokenagainst war.“In contrast, as true God and true man,Christ offers us the example of self-giving, serviceand love.”

The Holy Thursday foot-washing ceremony is ahallmarkofevery HolyWeek and recalls thefootwashing Jesus performed on his 12 apostlesatThe Last Supper together beforehewas crucified.

Francis revolutionized the ritual forthe Vaticanbyinsisting, from hisfirst HolyThursdayaspopein 2013, thatitincludewomen and people of otherfaithsamong the 12. Previously,popes performed theritual on Catholic men only at theRome basilica.

he deemed such actionsnecessary “to address the threatened impairmentofthe national securityposed by imports of pharmaceuticals andpharmaceutical ingredients.” It arrivedonthe first anniversary of Trump’ssocalled Liberation Day,whenthe president unveiled sweeping new importtaxesonnearly everycountryinthe world that sent the stock market reeling. Those “Liberation Day” tariffs were among the du-

ties the SupremeCourt overturned in February Some warned of consequences of thecomingtariffs announced Thursday.Stephen J. Ubl, CEO of pharmaceutical company trade group PhRMA, said taxes “on cutting-edge medicines will increase costs and could jeopardize billions in U.S. investments.” He pointed to America’salready large footprint in biopharmaceutical manufacturing and noted medicines sourced from other countries “overwhelmingly come from reliableU.S. allies.”

Pharmaceuticalsand microplasticscould be deemed contaminants

EPAproposalcould lead to limits for waterutilities

BY JENNIFER MCDERMOTT and ALISWENSON Associated Press

The EnvironmentalProtection Agencyproposed Thursday to includemicroplasticsand pharmaceuticals on alist of contaminants in drinkingwater forthe first time, astepthat could lead to newlimits on those substances for water utilities.

alence of microplastics in drinkingwater andinpeople’shearts, brains and testicles. Doctors and scientists are still assessing what it means in termsofhuman health threats, but say there’scause for concern. There is also growing worry aboutpharmaceutical drugs that get into the water supply because humans excrete them and conventional wastewater treatment plantsfailtoremove them.

By virtue of and inobedience to a Writ of SEIZURE AND SALEfromthe 24thJudicial DistrictCourt, ParishofJeffer‐son,State of Louisiana,inthe above num‐bered andenti‐tledcause dated February 14, 2025, Ihave seizedand will proceed to sell tothe highest bidderatpublic auction,atthe Jefferson Parish Sheriff'sOffice Complex,1233 WestbankEx‐pressway, Har‐vey,Louisiana 70058, on May 13, 2026 at 10 o'clock a.m. the following de‐scribed prop‐ertytowit: Onecertain condominium unit,being des‐ignatedasUnit f k hi

g 106 of Yorkshire Court Condominium, createdpur‐suant to thede‐claration creat‐ing Yorkshire Court Condominium, datedDecem‐ber 29,1980, recordedinthe conveyance recordsofthe clerkand recorderofthe ParishofJeffer‐son,State of Louisiana as COB 995; folio 906, together withits undi‐vided 1.1689% interestinand tothe common elementsof thecondo‐miniumasset forth in thedec‐larationon file and of record and subjectto andwithas‐sumption of all terms, covenants, con‐ditions,provi‐sions,restric‐tions and obligationsset forth in theDec‐larationasitex‐istsorasfrom timetotime amended in accordance with theterms ofthe declara‐tion. Said con‐dominiumbeing situatedon thefollowing described prop‐erty, to-wit:

Acertain piece orportion of ground,to‐getherwithall buildingsand i

g improvements thereon,and all ofthe rights, ways, privi‐leges,servi‐tudes,appurte‐nancesand advantages thereuntobe‐longing or in anywise apper‐taining,situated inthe Parish of Jefferson, State ofLouisiana,in thatpart thereof known asHessmar Farms

Subdivision, forminga part ofalargerpor‐tionofground, bounded by North Arnoult Road,Fat City Avenue (for‐merly 18th Street), Eden‐bornAvenue and West Es‐planade Avenue,desig‐nated as plots 239 and240 on a surveyby Walker& Avery, Inc.,dated November3, 1980, andac‐cording to which:

Plot 239 com‐mencesata dis‐tance of 210.00 feet from thein‐tersectionofFat City Avenue (for‐merly 18th Street)and North Arnoult Road; measures thence210.00 feet frontonNorth Arnoult Road, has adepth be‐tween equal and parallel linesof210.00

feet anda width inthe rear of 210.00 feet;and Plot 240 adjoins plot239 along its sideline nearerWestEs‐planade Av‐enue measures 210.00 feetfront on North Arnoult Road, has a depth of 210.00 feet betweenequal and parallel lines andwidth inthe rear of 210.00 feet

This sale is sub‐jecttoall supe‐riorsecurityin‐terests,mort‐gages,liens and privileges.

TERMS- Thefull purchaseprice isdue at the timeofthe sale

NOTE:All funds mustbe Cashier's Check, Certified Check, Money Order, or PersonalCheck withirrevocable BankLetterof Credit.

COREYJ.GIROIR

Attorney for Plaintiff

JOSEPH P. LOPINTO, III Sheriff Parish of Jefferson

TheNew Orleans Advocate: April3,2026, May8,2026 Apr3-may 8-2t

JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT

24THJUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT PARISH OF JEFFERSON STATEOF LOUISIANA NO:823-989

JPMORGAN CHASEBANK, NATIONAL AS‐SOCIATION VS MARTHA BEAT‐RIZTINOCO, DI‐VORCED WIFE OF/AND ALLAN TINOCO

By virtue of and inobedience to a Writ of SEIZURE AND SALEfromthe 24thJudicial DistrictCourt, ParishofJeffer‐son,State of Louisiana,inthe above num‐bered andenti‐tledcause, dated January 19, 2022, Ihave seizedand will proceed to sell tothe highest bidderatpublic auction,atthe Jefferson Parish Sheriff'sOffice Complex,1233 WestbankEx‐pressway, Har‐vey,Louisiana, 70058, on May 13, 2026 at 10 o'clock a.m. the following de‐scribed prop‐ertytowit: THAT CERTAIN PORTION OF GROUND, to‐getherwithall h b ildi

EPAAdministrator LeeZeldin said they are responding to Americans who have worried aboutplastics and pharmaceuticals in their drinkingwater The gesture also aims to hand a win to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s MAHA movement, which for months haspressured Zeldinto furthercrack down on environmental contaminants. The EPA’sContaminant CandidateList identifies contaminants in drinking water not regulated underthe Safe Drinking Water Act. The agency is publishing the draft of thesixthversionofthe list, which opens a60-day public comment period.Itexpects to finalize the list by mid-November

The EPAusesthe list to prioritize research, funding and regulatory decision making, but rarelymoves pollutants off the list to set limits for how much is allowed in public drinking water.The EPAsaid in Marchthatitwill notdevelop regulations forany of the nine pollutants fromthe list it most recently examined.

“It’s thebeginning of avery long process that routinelyends in nothing,” said Erik Olson,a senior attorney at the Natural Resources DefenseCouncil who works on drinking water protection

Still, some who areurging the government to do more to stop plasticpollution say theannouncement is agood start.

“Including it in thelist wouldbe the first step toward eventually regulating microplastics in public water supplies andhopefullythis is notthe last step,” saidJudith Enck, aformer EPAregionaladministrator who now heads up Beyond Plastics.

“I can’tthink of an issue that hitscloser to home for American familiesthanthe safety of their drinking water,” Zeldin said at EPA Headquarters. Studies have looked at the prev-

g thebuildings and improvements thereonand all the rights,ways, privileges, servitudes,ap‐purtenances andadvantages thereuntobe‐longing or in anywise apper‐taining,situated inthe Parish of Jefferson, State ofLouisiana,in thatpart thereof known asTIMBERLANE ESTATES andaccording toplanofsubdi‐visionofAlvin E. Hotard, CivilEn‐gineer, dated 2/12/1959, attached to Or‐dinance No 3986, dated 4/2/1959, regis‐tered under Entry No.147596 in Conveyance Book 473, folio 611, of Jefferson Parish, said piece or portion ofground is designated as LOT NUMBER 83, inSQUARENUM‐BER 4, bounded byTimberlane Drive, Fernwood Street, Colony Road, Wildwood Road, Fairfield Avenue andPa‐gent Place, which saidLot 83 forms thecor‐ner of Fairfield Avenue and Timberlane Driveand measures 122.51' fronton FairfieldAv‐enue,the same width in the

rear,bya depth and frontonTimber‐laneDrive of 120' between equal andparal‐lel lines.

This sale is sub‐jecttoall supe‐riorsecurityin‐terests,mort‐gages,liens and privileges.

TERMS- Thefull purchaseprice isdue at the timeofthe sale

NOTE:All funds mustbe Cashier's Check, Certified Check, Money Order, or PersonalCheck withirrevocable BankLetterof Credit.

HERSCHEL C. ADCOCK JR. Attorney for Plaintiff

JOSEPH P. LOPINTO, III Sheriff Parish of Jefferson

The New Orleans Advocate: April3,2026, May8,2026 Apr3-may 8-2t

Dr.Philip Landrigan, director of the GlobalObservatory on Planetary Health at Boston College, said that while theEPA is moving in therightdirection,ifthe United States doesnot rein in the accelerating growth in plasticproduction, which leadstoplasticpollution, it will make littledifference.

U.S. BANK TRUSTCOM‐PANY,NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOTINITS INDIVIDUAL CA‐PACITY BUT SOLELY AS IN‐DENTURE TRUSTEEOFCIM TRUST 2023-NR2 VS JOHN WILLIE CASON, JR. A/K/AJOHNW CASON, JR. A/K/AJOHN CASON, JR. ANDRICKEY KENNETH CASONA/K/A RICKEY K. CASONA/K/A RICKEY CASON, HEIRSOFJOHN W. CASON, SR ANDFANNIEK CASON

TERMS- Thefull purchaseprice isdue at the timeofthe sale

NOTE:All funds mustbe Cashier's Check, Certified Check, Money Order, or PersonalCheck withirrevocable BankLetterof Credit.

COREYJ.GIROIR

Attorney for Plaintiff

JOSEPH P. LOPINTO, III Sheriff Parish of Jefferson TheNew Orleans Advocate: April3,2026, May8,2026 Apr3-may 8-2t

Byvirtueofand inobedience to a Writ of SEIZURE AND SALEfromthe 24thJudicial DistrictCourt ParishofJeffer‐son,State of Louisiana,inthe above num‐bered andenti‐tledcause, dated February 24, 2025, Ihave seizedand will proceed to sell tothe highest bidderatpublic auction,atthe Jefferson Parish Sheriff'sOffice Complex,1233 WestbankEx‐pressway, Har‐vey,Louisiana, 70058, on May 13, 2026 at 10 o'clock a.m. the following de‐scribed prop‐i p p erty to wit: All that certain parceloflandin Jefferson Parish,State of LA, as more fully described in COB778 page 795 ID#0037194, being known and designated asLot 2-Aof Square No.12 MichelSubdivi‐sion(aportion offormerfarm no. 15 of Ames Farms Subdivision). This sale is sub‐jecttoall supe‐riorsecurityin‐terests,mort‐gages,liens and privileges.

Judge ends special ed oversight

BY MARIE FAZIO Staff writer

A federal judge has ended monitoring of special education in New Orleans schools, ruling that systemic failures raised by families more than a decade ago have been addressed even though many

problems remain.

U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey ended 11 years of federal oversight in an order Wednesday which came after the school district and state said they had met the requirements of a consent decree and should be released from monitoring. But Zainey also

acknowledged ongoing challenges for students with disabilities in the city’s charter schools, citing testimony from parents, students and advocates last year about issues they had experienced, such as not getting services they are legally entitled to.

“That individual problems at

Improvements made but problems remain SUNLIT

the local level may continue to arise in Orleans Parish does not ipso facto imply that Defendants are not in compliance with their obligations under federal law,” he wrote.

The monitoring stemmed from a 2010 lawsuit filed by the Southern Poverty Law Center on behalf of a group of students with disabilities who attended public schools in New Orleans. The group sued the state education department,

alleging that their children were turned away or denied services after most New Orleans schools were converted to charter schools after Hurricane Katrina. In a 2015 settlement, the parties agreed that the court would monitor the state Department of Education and Orleans Parish School Board to ensure schools followed the law The oversight included

STROLL

Sunlight filters through the trees in Jackson Square, making a hat a must as people make their way through the French Quarter on a recent clear, sunny day

BY JONI HESS Staff writer

Hours after a woman in New Orleans East became the latest victim to die in a hit-and-run car crash, New Orleans officials on Thursday lent their support to a plan aimed at eliminating crashes that have recently plagued some of the city’s busiest arteries. The plan, which Mayor Helena Moreno’s administration presented Thursday, seeks to improve safety for vehicle drivers,

BY LARA NICHOLSON Staff writer

A yearslong political fight over a $10 million, parish-funded project to build a brewpub in Gretna turned into a legal battle this week after the brewpub’s tenant, Port Orleans Brewing Co., filed a lawsuit against the parish and the economic development corporation overseeing construction of the brewpub. Port Orleans’ suit in the 24th Judicial District Court asks a judge to order Jefferson Parish and Jefferson Facilities Inc. to move forward with the installation of brewery equipment, which the company says parish officials have stalled, and award the company damages for lost profits due to the project’s delays. Filed Wednesday, the lawsuit states that JFI has “refused to order contractually-required equipment” that was supposed to be installed by May, and that as a result the brewpub won’t be able to open in time for Gretna Fest in October “Cost delays are now a certainty,” the lawsuit states. “And

because JFI won’t take a position or act in any way at all Port Orleans isn’t entirely certain why its landlord refuses to perform.” Andrew Lilly, an attorney and co-owner of Port Orleans, had sent JFI and the parish a notice of breach of contract in January for failing to install the brewpub equipment. According to the lawsuit, JFI has declined to move forward

BY BLAKE PATERSON Staff writer

The Regional Transit Authority plans to launch a survey later this month to better understand how it can improve bus service in New Orleans East, with the goal of implementing service changes next year It comes as the RTA finalizes its recommendations for improving bus service in Algiers, after launching

OVERSIGHT

regular audits by an independent monitor to ensure schools comply with special education law in enrollment, discipline, identifying students with disabilities and providing special education services.

Neil Ranu, a senior staff attorney with the Southern Poverty Law Center, said the organization was disappointed by the decision to end the consent judgment

“While we have seen some progress over the past 10 years, the school system still cannot guarantee that students with disabilities will receive the services they are entitled to under law,” he said, adding that the organization will “vigorously support” families’ efforts to ensure their children’s rights are protected.

Earlier this year, the board and the state asked the court to end the federal monitoring, which they argued was no longer necessary because schools had met agreed-upon special education standards for eight consecutive years.

In a statement Thursday, NOLA Public Schools Superintendent Fateama Fulmore cited steps the district has taken to improve outcomes for the roughly 16% of district students with disabilities. For instance, it created a new program that allows charter schools to share special education staffers and technology and an ombudsman position to act as a resource for families.

“We set out to build something that would last, and the court’s ruling confirms that we did exactly that,” Fulmore said. “Our work is not finished; it is ongoing and will continue to improve.”

Ted Beasley, a spokesperson for the Department of Education, said in a statement that the department is grateful for the judge’s order and the “acknowledgment of the years of work that led to this point.”

“While the consent judgment is ending,” the statement said, “we remain committed to supporting students with disabilities, working alongside families, and helping school systems meet their responsibilities under state and federal law.”

Systemic vs. individual failures

Filed on behalf of 10 New Orleans families, the initial lawsuit accused city’s charter schools of turning away students with disabilities, failing to properly identify and evaluate students who may have disabilities, improperly disciplining students with disabilities and often failing to provide them services required by law

At the time, there was “little to no oversight of New Orleans charter schools,” Ranu said.

The monitor found that local and state officials took required steps to address the issues. For example, the district centralized its enrollment system and required a district hearing before schools could suspend or expel students, which has greatly reduced the district’s expulsion rate. Since the consent judgment was put in place, the graduation rate for New Orleans students with disabilities has improved by 20 percentage points. (Statewide, the same rate grew by over 30 percentage points during that period.) New Orleans students with disabilities have made greater gains on state tests over the past two years than students with disabilities statewide or in similar districts, according to data compiled by New Schools for New Orleans.

The Southern Poverty Law Center and special education advocates have acknowledged the improvements, but they still strongly opposed the board and state Department of Education’s February 2025 request to end monitoring They pointed to ongoing special education issues at schools across the city, and raised concerns that schools could backslide without federal oversight. At a hearing in November parents complained about unfulfilled education plans legally binding documents that list the services students with disabilities should receive, such as speech or physical therapy Some said that school staffers mistreated their children, including a parent who said her child with autism was left in a closet and another who said her child was left in soiled clothes. Many said their complaints had gone unanswered.

In his order, Zainey described the parents’ testimony as “disturbing and potentially unlawful” but said the alleged incidents were not the same as the systemic failures described in the initial lawsuit.

“In sum, the court concurs with defendants that the time is now right to terminate the consent judgment,” he wrote.

Two booked in West Bank drive-by shootings

Married couple accused of violent spree on March 31

BY MICHELLE HUNTER Staff writer

Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office

detectives investigating a pair of drive-by shootings on the West Bank arrested a married couple in the case, according to authorities.

Steve Bell, 24, and his wife, Joycelyn Eskano, 38, were booked Wednesday with aggravated second-degree battery, assault by drive-by shooting and two counts of aggravated criminal damage to property, said Sgt. Brandon Veal, spokesperson for the department.

The violent spree was reported on the night of March 31 and started at a home in the 2700 block of Creole Court in Marrero, Veal said. The couple had been engaged in

an ongoing feud with the 39-yearold father of Eskano’s child, according to Veal. They are accused of opening fire on the house and wounding the man, grazing his head with a bullet, Veal said.

About 13 minutes later, the couple relocated to the 3800 block of Chinkapin Street in Harvey where Bell’s relatives live, according to Veal. Bell was angry with the relatives and had decided to shoot at their house as well, authorities said.

But Bell mistakenly shot up the wrong house, according to Veal He fired at a residence that looked similar to his relatives’. No one was injured in that shooting, officials said.

Bell and Eskano were taken into custody in Westwego. Both were being held without bail Thursday at the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center in Gretna.

Email Michelle Hunter at mhunter@theadvocate.com.

Alleged package thief may be tied to theft ring

Police ask Kenner residents to review camera footage

BY MICHELLE HUNTER Staff writer

A West Bank man accused of stealing a package from a home in Kenner is believed to be part of a larger scheme that involves more than 50 possible victims around Jefferson Parish, according to authorities.

Kenner police on Tuesday arrested James Nelson, 36, of unincorporated Gretna, and booked him with one count of mail theft

After recovering evidence from his home, detectives with the Kenner Police Department, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Major Crimes Task Force are investigating Nelson’s alleged involvement in a broad mail theft

BREWPUB

Continued from page 1B

with the brewery equipment installation or to record the brewpub lease as they wait for an outside attorney to review the lease agreements, which were approved in October 2023 and later amended to include additional protections for the parish in April last year

The lawsuit also accuses two Jefferson Parish Council members, Jennifer Van Vrancken and Timothy Kerner Jr., of directing JFI leaders to delay the project’s completion for political reasons.

Van Vrancken, an at-large council member, and Kerner, who represents Gretna, have been outspoken critics of the brewpub project, along with parish Inspector General Kim Chatelain, because they say it lacks public benefit and unfairly benefits Port Orleans They’ve argued that the leases should be canceled so the building can be repurposed as a children’s museum or another use.

Kerner said in a statement Thursday that he was “shocked and disappointed” in Port Orleans and disagrees with “many, if not all of the allegations” after a preliminary review of the pleading.

“The Parish, Jefferson Facilities Inc., and the City of Gretna were in the middle of bringing all stakeholders together in an attempt to try and resolve their differences,” Kerner said. “If this was their way of forcing a negotiation, we believe it was an irresponsible and premature action and shows bad faith.”

Van Vrancken called the lawsuit “insulting” and said it proves her point that this project is bad for the parish and should be paused.

PLAN

Continued from page 1B

pedestrians and bicyclists. It calls for 66 miles of roads across New Orleans to receive $171 million worth of improvements such as curb extensions and speed cushions. The plan has yet to be funded Officials said distracted driving, speeding, poor lighting and other issues contributed to more than 8,000 serious traffic crashes in New Orleans over the last two years. One of them, early Thursday morning, happened as a driver mowed down a woman who was walking across Chef Menteur Highway according to the New Orleans Police Department. The crash shut down the eastern foot of the Danziger Bridge for at least two hours.

“If we’re not addressing the problem, then we’re sort of continuing the problem for the next generation,” said Department of Public Works Engineer Jennifer Ruley to the City Council’s Transportation Committee later

ring, police said.

The investigation started Monday evening when a resident in Kenner reported that she had doorbell camera footage of an unknown man stealing a package from her porch in the Avant Garde community, located in the 600 block of West Esplanade Avenue, authorities said.

The theft occurred about 4 p.m. on March 25. Kenner police investigators used the video and the department’s automated licenseplate recognition cameras to identify a suspect vehicle, according to police.

The vehicle was registered to a home in the 1400 block of Drake Lane. Kenner police said its owner is wanted by JPSO for simple burglary, though they did not disclose the owner’s name.

Officers executed a warrant at the Drake Lane address Wednesday As they entered the front door, Nelson, a resident of the

house, scrambled out of a secondfloor window, according to officials. He was caught and taken into custody

Police searched the house and discovered merchandise that is believed to have been stolen after it was delivered to residents’ homes, according to authorities. Officers also recovered several pieces of mail, identification cards, credit cards, credit card applications, birth certificates and vehicle titles.

Ledgers found inside the home listed victims’ names and personal information, including birth dates and Social Security numbers, Kenner police said.

Investigators suspect the mail, property and personal identifying information were stolen from more than 50 victims across Kenner, according to police.

Authorities are asking Kenner residents, as well as possible victims, to review their home surveillance systems for any possible sus-

By JEDCO

A yearslong political fight over a $10 million, parish-funded project to build a brewpub in Gretna turned into a legal battle this week after the brewpub’s tenant, Port Orleans Brewing Co., filed a lawsuit against the parish and the economic development corporation overseeing construction of the brewpub

“All of this could’ve been avoided if we had just listened to the Inspector General’s guidance. Instead this one-sided deal and these leases were rammed through with no regard for proper oversight and review,” Van Vrancken said in a statement. “Yet again, they’re now trying to ‘put the rush on’ to buy the brewing equipment. The time to stop and do what is right for our tax payers is now.”

Jefferson Parish allocated $10.3 million in funds made available through the American Rescue Plan Act to JFI so it could build a 20,000-square-foot brewery and Avo Taco restaurant in downtown Gretna alongside an adjacent, state-funded parking garage and green space. The complex altogether is estimated to cost $34.2 million, according to the 2025-26 capital outlay request.

JFI contracted Trapolin-Peer

that morning. “Let’s figure it out. We’ve got an action plan. How can we make changes today?”

“It’s desperately needed in the city of New Orleans,” council Vice President Matthew Willard said about the initiative.

City officials launched the plan more than a year ago, armed with a $750,000 federal grant to study safety improvements. Last year, the city’s Department of Public Works, Office of Resilience and Sustainability and Department of Health launched a survey to gather community input to incorporate into the plan.

Officials found that in 2025, there were 4,126 crashes across the city led to injury, though that was a 14% decrease from the previous year said NOPD Captain Anthony Micheu, who joined Ruley at the council meeting.

In 2025, there were 53 fatal vehicle crashes, another 14% decrease from 2024. Micheu credited the declines to police’s more frequent intoxication checks, educational campaigns and targeted enforcement in high-risk areas.

There were also 24 fatal crashes involving pedestrians in 2025, a

Architects to design the facility and Landis Construction to build it. The building is about 70% complete, and construction must be substantially completed by July, according to the lawsuit. Supporters of the project say that it will serve as an economic driver for the West Bank, attract new businesses and provide spaces for public use. Others have said it’s too late to change course on the project, and that doing so could result in costly legal action from its contractors and force the building to sit idle while those battles play out in court.

The project went into limbo earlier this year after parish officials found out that the brewpub project could not act as the local match for the parking garage as had been originally intended.

However Rep. Vincent Cox, RGretna, and other state leaders

20% decrease from 2024 Many of those cases involved people trying to cross highways, distracted drivers or speeding.

Micheu said police are “doing our due diligence” to determine who killed the woman along Chef Menteur on Thursday They have not released her name.

The plan to curb crashes would target roads in various neighborhoods, including Broad Street, Chef Menteur Highway and North Claiborne Avenue. The streets would receive separated intersections between pedestrians and drivers, more lighting and more signalization. Less than 20% of the city’s signalized intersections have pedestrian signals, officials said. To curtail speeding, the city would establish traffic calming measures, like speed bumps. They would also reduce speed limits on major thoroughfares.

City leaders say they need $171 million to bring the proposed improvements to reality, and have no planned date for the start of any construction. The city is pinching pennies to stave off a potential $222 million deficit.

pect descriptions or information. Nelson and the suspect vehicle, a black 2012 Nissan Rogue, were in the Chateau Estates and Holly Heights neighborhoods on the afternoon of March 25, according to Kenner police.

Anyone with information can call the Kenner Police Department at (504) 712-2200 or their law enforcement agency to report the details. In addition to mail theft, Nelson was booked with being a principal to simple burglary, resisting an officer and violation of probation

He was being held Thursday at the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center in Gretna.

Bail was set at $30,500 on the counts related to the thefts and burglary, but Nelson was being held without bail for the probation violation. Additional charges are likely police said.

Email Michelle Hunter at mhunter@theadvocate.com.

said they’ll seek an exemption to the local match rule during the current legislative session so that the parking garage can move forward. Construction was also delayed in February by a lawsuit from former Gretna Police Chief Arthur Lawson, who sued JFI and the parish in an unsuccessful attempt to be reinstated onto the JFI board after the Parish Council voted to replace him at Kerner’s recommendation.

Port Orleans’ lawsuit argues that its contract was never contingent upon the parking garage and should never have been impacted. It also says that the JFI board has met at least twice since Lawson’s lawsuit was resolved and still hasn’t moved forward on the brewpub equipment or recording of the lease.

A spokesperson for Jefferson Parish declined to comment on the lawsuit. Neither Van Vrancken nor attorneys for JFI immediately responded to a request for comment Thursday Opposition to the brewpub began in October 2024 when Inspector General Kim Chatelain issued a 35-page letter criticizing the brewpub project, after the council had already approved the Port Orleans lease and the allocation of funds. In a July 2025 report, Chatelain said that the parish should cancel its leases and start the procurement process over Van Vrancken has attempted several times to pause the brewpub, and has criticized the project both on social media and at local civic association meetings.

Lara Nicholson writes about Jefferson Parish for The Advocate | Times-Picayune. Email her at lnicholson@ theadvocate.com.

Ruley said the city is urging the state to put up money for 19 miles of roads in the plan that fall under its jurisdiction. Those include Hayne Boulevard and Elysian Fields Avenue, among others. Council members also urged drivers to slow down and avoid crashes.

“I’m putting out a warning to the people that are speeding that it’s costing lives,” said council member Eugene Green. “We had to lose so many people in our city to people who hit others and run. Stay around and take responsibility, but also help those people,” he said.

BRIEFS FROM WIRE REPORTS

Long-term mortgage rate highest in months

The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate climbed for the fifth straight week, reaching its highest level in nearly seven months, another setback for home shoppers in the midst of the spring homebuying season.

The benchmark 30-year fixed rate mortgage rate rose to 6.46% from 6.38% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday One year ago, the rate averaged 6.64%.

The last time the average rate was higher was Sept. 4, when it was at 6.5%.

Meanwhile borrowing costs on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, popular with homeowners refinancing their home loans, also rose this week. That average rate rose to 5.77% from 5.75% last week. A year ago, it was at 5.82%, Freddie Mac said.

The U.S. housing market has been in a slump since 2022, when mortgage rates began to climb from pandemic-era lows.

Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes were essentially flat last year, stuck at a 30-year low They have remained sluggish so far this year, declining in January and February versus a year earlier

Mortgage applications fell 10.4% last week from the previous week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association Much of the decline stemmed from fewer applications for mortgage refinancing loans.

Tesla sales rise after brutal year of boycotts

NEW YORK — Sales of Tesla vehicles rose in the past three months in a possible sign recovery is afoot after a brutal year of boycotts over Elon Musk’s politics but still fell short of expectations.

The company Thursday said sales rose 6% to 358,023, the first time in three years it posted a first-quarter increase from the year-earlier period.

The sales in the three months through March were 6% lower than the 381,000 that financial analysts had expected, according to a survey by researcher FactSet. They were also way off their first-quarter peak going back to 2023. The company sold 423,000 vehicles in the first three months of that year, nearly a fifth higher Chinese maker BYD recently reported it had made 2.26 million electric vehicles last year versus Tesla’s 1.64 million to become the new record holder White House wants to cut CFPB by two-thirds

NEW YORK The Trump administration has scaled back its plans to dismantle the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, laying out a plan for an agency that would be significantly smaller than it was under President Joe Biden but still bigger than the one President Donald Trump envisioned right after he took office.

Under the new plan, the bureau’s headcount would be reduced from 1,700 authorized employees before Trump’s second term to roughly 550 staffers. The administration originally intended to shrink staff to around 200 employees.

The plan is opposed by the CFPB’s employee union and would likely require the approval of a federal judge. The new plan for the bureau was laid out in a memo and court documents this week in a lawsuit between the CFPB’s employee union and Russell Vought, Trump’s budget director and acting director of the CFPB.

Congress cut the CFPB’s operational budget by a little less than half in the One Big Beautiful Bill signed by Trump last year

The proposed cuts at the CFPB would be broad-based if implemented Roughly five out of six positions in the bureau’s supervision division, the part of the bureau that oversees bank’s compliance with federal banking and consumer protection laws, would be eliminated. Enforcement staff would drop by roughly four-fifths as well.

Stocks recover from early losses

BY DAMIAN J. TROISE Associated Press

NEW YORK — Stocks shook off an early stumble to finish with slim gains on Wall Street Thursday and close out their first winning week since the start of the Iran war

The early decline for stocks was driven by a surge in oil prices following a national address late Wednesday from President Donald Trump. He vowed the U.S. will continue to attack Iran and failed to offer a clear timetable for end-

ing the conflict in the Middle East. Oil prices eased slightly during the day, but still remain elevated well above $100 per barrel.

Crude oil prices have been the main force behind the sharp swings for stocks globally Shipping traffic has been severely curtailed in the Strait of Hormuz, where a fifth of the world’s traded oil passes through during peacetime.

The U.S. only relies on the Persian Gulf for a fraction of the oil it imports, but a disruption anywhere affects prices everywhere.

Airlines and other travel-related companies were among the biggest losers Thursday. United Airlines fell 3% and Carnival shed 3.5%.

Several big technology stocks gained ground to help counter losses elsewhere in the market. Intel jumped 4.9% and Advanced Micro Devices rose 3.5%. Treasury yields remained relatively steady in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury fell to to 4.30% from 4.32%.

Wall Street is worried that higher energy prices are adding to

already stubbornly high inflation. Rising fuel prices take a bigger chunk out of consumers’ wallets in several ways. Directly, gasoline prices in the U.S. have surged 36% from a month ago to average $4.08 per gallon, according to AAA. Indirectly, rising fuel prices tend to make a wide range of services and goods more expensive. Flights become more expensive as airlines raise ticket prices to offset rising fuel costs. Consumer goods become more expensive as shipping and transportation costs rise.

McDonald’s tries simpler approach with new McValue menu

BY DEE-ANN DURBIN Associated Press

After two years of tweaks to its value menu, McDonald’s has a new strategy: keep it simple.

The fast-food giant’s budgetfocused McValue menu will have 10 items that each cost under $3 starting April 21. The breakfast items include hash browns or a Sausage McMuffin. A small order of fries or a McDouble burger are among the options the rest of the day

Some of the items already cost less than $3 in some parts of the U.S., but others don’t. The standardized selection will replace McDonald’s current McValue menu, which lets customers choose from a limited array of $1 items if they purchase a regularpriced item.

The shift to simpler value menu messaging and more flexibility follows similar by moves by rivals of McDonald’s. In January, Taco Bell launched a Luxe Value Menu, which also features 10 items that cost $3 or less.

Panera Bread introduced its first value menu in February, with 10 items priced at $4.99 each.

Wendy’s revamped its Biggie Deals value menu in January It now features $4 Biggie Bites, a $6 Biggie Bag and an $8 Biggie Bundle. KFC recently added $5 bowls to its U.S. menu.

Value menus are designed to offer customers more affordable options, even as fast-food companies also bring out higher-priced items like McDonald’s Big Arch burger or Burger King’s limitedtime Peppercorn BLT Whopper

Chains have emphasized value for several years to win back customers who were frustrated by food price inflation. Historically, prices for food away from home rise 3.5% per year but in 2023 they rose 7%, in 2024 they rose 4% and in 2025 they rose 3.8%, according to government figures.

“In all retail, including quickserve restaurants, ‘value’ has become a promotional expectation,” said Roger Beahm, an emeritus professor of marketing at Wake Forest University’s

School of Business.

In June 2024, McDonald’s introduced a $5 Meal Deal; it will add a $4 Breakfast Meal Deal on April 21. It debuted the McValue menu in January 2025, and last fall it brought out Extra Value Meals, which promise a 15% discount for a bundled meal compared to buying items individually “Value matters more than ever to our customers, and we take that responsibility seriously,”

Alyssa Buetikofer the chief marketing and customer experience officer for McDonald’s USA, told The Associated Press.

Buetikofer said McDonald’s has improved customers’ perceptions of value and affordability since 2024. But the company decided to revamp its McValue menu after customers said they wanted more flexibility and better value in the morning. Half of the items on the under-$3 menu are breakfast items.

Scott Rodrick, a McDonald’s franchisee in California, praised the new strategy He thinks ordering will go more smoothly be-

cause customers will have fewer questions about the deals.

“The value proposition is super clear no deep explanation or mental gymnastics needed to understand where value is on my menu board,” Rodrick said.

Rodrick said the changes received broad support from franchisees and most U.S. stores will be offering them. Around 95% of McDonald’s U.S. stores are owned and operated by franchisees, who set their own pricing.

Fast food’s juggling act — investing in value through promotions and discounts while raising prices on some premium items appears to be paying off, according to Revenue Management Solutions, a restaurant consulting company

But the term “value” is at risk of overuse, Beahm said. Over time, the surprise-and-delight of a deal loses its appeal, and customers forget what they used to pay for certain products, he said. “If everything is always positioned as a value, then can anything really be a value?” Beahm said.

Company backed by Trump sons looks to sell drone interceptors

BY BERNARD CONDON Associated Press

NEWYORK — A drone maker backed by President Donald Trump’s two oldest sons is trying to sell to Gulf countries while they are under attack by Iran and dependent on the U.S. military led by their father

The sales drive by Florida-based Powerus which announced a deal last month to bring aboard Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr — positions the company to potentially benefit from a war that their father began

“These countries are under enormous pressure to buy from the sons of the president so he will do what they want,” said Richard Painter, a former chief White House ethics lawyer under President George W.

Bush

“This is going to be the first family of a president to make a lot of money off war a war he didn’t get the consent of Congress for.”

Powerus co-founder Brett Velicovich told The Associated Press that the company is making sales pitches that include drone demonstrations in several Gulf countries to show how its defensive drone interceptors could help them ward off Iranian attacks.

“Our team is doing many demos across the Middle East right now for our interceptors,” Velicovich said in an text exchange. “We have very incredible tech that can save lives.”

He declined to name the countries or give more details.

The Trump brothers’ deal with Powerus could give them sizable

equity stakes. Their father, as commander in chief, launched the strikes with Israel against Iran over a month ago that began the war, the impetus for why these Gulf countries now need protection.

Powerus denied there were any conflicts when the Trump brothers’ stake was first announced. Velicovich emphasized its determination to help the U.S catch up with Chinese and Russian drone makers and beat them.

“We are at war, my friend, we are in an arms race and America will lose if we don’t build fast,” said Velicovich, an Army veteran who had come under fire from the same Russian drones now being used by Iran. He added, “We should be thankful anyone is trying to invest in American manufacturing now

That idea transcends politics.”

The president’s oldest sons have expanded their business interests beyond hotels and golf courses since their father took office again.

This latest Trump venture has its sights on $1.1 billion set aside by the Pentagon to build up a U.S. manufacturing base for armed drones to fill a hole left when the Trump administration banned such imports from China. The Trump Organization, where the two sons are executives, didn’t respond to a request for comment, but has dismissed claims of conflicts of interest in the past. The sons have said they didn’t get credit for their restraint in expanding their businesses in their father’s first term so have decided not to hold back much this time.

61 Lake Forest-Village de L’Est, the 62 MorrisonBullard, the 66 Hayne Loop,the 67 Michoud Loop and the 68 Little Woods Loop. The solutions must be “resource neutral,” Hankins added, because the agency has a fixed number of vehicles

The goalistoimplement the New Orleans East changes in the fall of 2027, Hankins said.

Among the biggest concerns in Algiers, Hankins said, was access to grocery stores, with riders saying they didn’twant to have to take two different buses. “Wecan’tbuy ice cream, right? Because it will melt by the time we get home,” Hankins said, referring to some of the feedback.

Hankins said they hope to implement the Algiers service changes later this summer,adding it should make it easier for West Bank riders to make groceries.

District Ecouncil member Jason Hughes, who represents New Orleans East and the Lower 9th Ward, said he was happy to hear that the RTAwill be listening to the community’sneeds, notinga high level of dissatisfaction among his constituents with current service levels.

“Respectfully, theRTA is probably more unpopular in District Ethan the Sewerage &WaterBoard,” Hughes said. “I certainly look forward to working with you all on this.” Hughes also highlighted pedestrian safety at the RTA’sNew Orleans East Hub at the intersection of Read and Lake Forest boulevards.

“I literally see people darting through traffic,” Hughes said. “I pray nobody gets struck,but it’s dangerous.”

Hankins said that the agency has funding to build at least two new transit hubs and said that NewOrleans East is on her radar

The service changes arethe agency’s latest attempttobetter service the city’sfarther-flung neighborhoods. The RTA is also seeking $120 million in Federal Transit Administration grants to help fund aspeedier bus line connecting New Orleans East to Algiers. If funding is approved, buses on the new route would run every 15 minutes, and the changes couldbefinal by 2029, agency officials have said. Email Blake Paterson at bpaterson@ theadvocate.com or send him an encrypted message on Signal at blakepaterson.504

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DemauriceL.Cashde‐partedthislifeonWednes‐day,March 18, 2026. She was born on March17, 1966 tothe late Robert L. and EdnaMae Taylor Harris Cash. Demauriceleavesto cherish precious memo‐ries, fiance'PrinceM.Gar‐ner;beloved children,Juan (Cortina),DemishiaEdna and Denzel Mikael Cash; grandchildren,TyjaBrown Juaniesha,Juana,Chuana, Cielo,Chulaand Harrell Cash; siblings,Linda (Har‐ris)Washington, Gloria Robert(Lisa), Pamela,Dar‐lene, Trena, Robert and Kenyetta Cash,Bridgett (Curt)Mosleyand Tameka (Frank) Owens; Godchild Jo’QuellThomas, as well as a host of otherrelatives and friends. In addition to her parents, Demauriceis alsoprecededindeath by her son, Harold H. Cash and sisters, Veronica Tem‐ple andDebra Cash Bailey All areinvited to attend the funeral.A Homegoing cele‐bration honoring thelifeof the late DeMaurice“Weicy” Cashwillbeheldinthe ChapelofCharbonnet Labat GlapionFuneral Home, 1615 St.Philip Street,New Orleans, LA 70116 on Saturday,April 4, 2026 at 10 am,BishopRon‐nie London,Officiating. In‐terment Holt Cemetery Visitation9 am in the chapel. Please sign online guestbook at www.cha rbonnetfuneralhome.com. Charbonnet LabatGlapion Directors (504)581 4411.

Coleman, Gail Marie

Clark; hertwo sons,Donnel andDon Coleman, Jr.her four sisters, Gwendolyn, Lois,Cassandra Clark, and Sylvia Wilson;and her five brothers,Edward, Edwin Jones, Gerald,Donald, and Ronald Clark, AndHer God‐sonBradMartin. Funeral Services forMrs.Gail MarieColeman will be held at 10AMonSaturday, April 4, 2026 at Second Zion TravelersBaptist Church, 3719 Laurel St.New Or‐leans, LA 70115. Visitation will beginat9AM.Inter‐ment will be in Providence Memorial Park.Profes‐sional arrangements en‐trustedtoMajesticMortu‐aryServices(504) 523-5872.

CraytonIII, Ernest 'Bummer'

Ernest "Bummer" Cray‐ton,III, departed this life after abrief illnessonSun‐day,March 29, 2026 at the age of 65. Belovedhusband ofKaren Broadnax Cray‐ton.Devoted sonofErnest Crayton,Jr. andthe late Celia NixonJones.Beloved FatherofCherelle Do‐minique Crayton. Stepfa‐therofJabariMuhammad. Grandfather of Khaalidah, Anwarand EliasMuham‐mad.Beloved brotherof Debra andReginaldCray‐ton (Lisa),the late Troylyn Jefferson.Relatives and friends;Pastorand mem‐bersofFirst AgapeBC; em‐ployees of NewOrleans Po‐liceDepartmentand United StatesPostalService are invited to attend the memorial. AServiceshon‐oring thelifeand legacy of the late Ernest Crayton, III willbeheldatFirst Agape Baptist Church,3219 Thalia Street,New Orleans, LA 70125 on Saturday,April 4, 2026 at 12 noon,Pastor EddieMichael Payne, Offi‐ciating.Pleasesignonline guestbook at www.cha rbonnetfuneralhome.com. Charbonnet LabatGlapion, Directors (504)581 4411.

late Vernon C. Lewis. Great grandmother of Anyla’ Car‐vajal,Malaniand Ty’Lan Lewis andZoraO’Neal. Mrs.Dixon is also survived byher nieces,nephews, cousins,other relatives and devotedfriends.Rela‐tives andfriends of the familyare invitedtoattend the funeralservice on Sat‐urday,April 4, 2026 at Household of FaithFamily Worship Center,9300 I-10 Service Road,New Orleans LA. 70127. Thevisitation willbegin at 9a.m.fol‐lowed by a10a.m.service officiated by Bishop An‐toine Barriere.Funeral planningentrusted to RobinsonFamilyFuneral Home. Foronlinecondo‐lences, please visitwww robinsonfamilyfuneralho me.com

Gibson,PamelaMarisa

Tulloch,Andrew PatrickH Sanders

Barnes Sr., Walter St Tammany

EJ Fielding

Giordano, Gary Larose,Lance West Bank

DavisMortuary

Phoenix, Doris Thompson, Fredrica Robinson FH Dixon, Patricia JonesJr.,Joseph Sullen, Cherryl

Walter Earl Barnes,Sr. was called home to be with the Lord on Wednesday March 18, 2026, at Ochsner Medical Center Jefferson Highway.Hewas thede‐voted husband of Deloris Craft Barnes for43years Walterwas alovingand devoted father to Nigeal Walter, Jr.(LaShanda), Keron Barnes,EricMc‐Calpinand thecaringand devoted grandfatherof NyJae Barnes.Walterwas bornonAugust16, 1962, to the late Rev. Dr.GilbertL Sr.,and Jannie Odoms Barnes. He wasthe brother ofShirley,Gilbert E. (Rave‐lynn),Barbara Barnes SharonB.(Estus) Walker and Detrice(Don) Mitchell and thelateHardy Barnes and DorisElaineB.Haten Son-in-lawofthe late Wal‐lace, Sr., andJosie Stamps Craft.Brother-in-law: Wal‐lace, Jr., Keron(Selrahc) Craft,ErnestO'Quinn and the late LeonardCraft,Sr. Godfather of Fredreka Fra‐zier, andNolan Neely. Uncle of thelateReginald Barnes. Also survived by a hostofaunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.A native of Carlisle, MS anda longtime residentofMarrero,LA, age 63. IllustriousWalterE Barnes, Sr 32ndDegree, was adistinguished and devoted member of the Masonic Community.He servedasPastGrand Trea‐surer of theUnitedMost Worship King George Lodge of theState of Louisiana andasPastWor‐shipMasterofGood Luck Lodge No.17. Hiscommit‐menttothe craft extended acrossseveral esteemed bodies, includingMoses Royal Arch ChapterNo. 2, Judas CommanderyNo. 2, AlmaGrand Consistory and St. John No.5 Temple of the Ancient Arabic Orderofthe Noblesofthe Mystic Shrine. IllustriousBarnes was knownfor hisleader‐ship, dedication,and un‐waveringservice,leaving a lasting legacy within the fraternityand allwho had the honorofknowing him. Relatives andfriends of the family, also Pastors, Offi‐cersand MembersofRock ofAgesMissionaryBaptist Church andall neighboring churches,employeeof CommonGround Health Clinic, D.O.T.D.,faculty,staff and students of Edna Karr School andThomasJeffer‐son Academyfor Advanced Studies,members of UnitedMostWorshipful KingGeorgeGrand Lodge ofthe StateofLouisiana, Good LodgeNo.17, Moses Royal Arch ChapterNo. 2., Judas CommanderyNo. 2, St. John No.5 Temple of Ancient Arabic Orderofthe Noblesofthe Mystic Shrine, Queen Vashti Grand Chapter of theOrder of Eastern Stars, former em‐ployees of Avondale and Bollinger (Gretna) Shipyard are invitedtoattend Fu‐neral Services at 10:00 am onSaturday, April4,2025 atRockofAgesMissionary Baptist Church,6533 Acre Rd.,Marrero,LA. Pastor TerrenceA.RansonOffici‐ating.Visitationwillbegin at8:00amuntil thetimeof Service at theabovenamed Church.Masonic Rites andRitualwillbegin at9:15am. Interment Woodlawn Memorial Park Cemetery,Westwego, LA

Hobson BrownFH Dixon, Patricia AnnBankston

Mrs. Gail MarieColeman departed this earthlylifein NewOrleans,Louisiana,On Saturday,March 21, 2026

Sheleavestocherish her precious memories her husband of nearly 50 years and9months DonJoseph Coleman, Sr.; herloving son, RennardColeman;Her daughter RockellClark her threegrandchildren,Ter‐ranceButler, Donshana Track, andDon Joseph ColemanIII; andher two great-grandchildren, Ter‐ranceButlerJr. andAlani Coleman. Sheisalsolov‐inglyrememberedbyher goddaughter,Tonya Clark, alongwitha host of nieces, nephews, otherrelatives anddearfriends.Gailwas proceeded in deathbyher parents, Henryand Amy

Patricia AnnBankston Dixon,ofNew OrleansLA, departedthislifeon Wednesday,March 11 2026, at theage of 77 Daughterofthe late Robert Bankstonand thelate RosemaryBrown. Devoted wifeofthe late Herman R. Dixon.Beloved mother of SonitaDixon Rochon (Al‐bert),and TandiS.Dixon SisterofLarry andJudy Bankston, GilbertMorgan Jr.,and thelateRogers and RobertBankston. Loving grandmother of Thomas Lewis,LaurenDixon,Trevor andTaylorTateand the

Marisa Gibson bornJanuary 9, 1957, en‐tered into eternalreston March 27, 2026. AMemorial Service will be held Satur‐day,April 4, 2026, at Jacob Schoenand SonFuneral Homebeginning at 11:00 a.m.PamelaattendedSt. JoanofArc Catholic School,St. Mary's Domini‐can High School,and the UniversityofNew Orleans. She shared rich relation‐ships with many of her coworkers at hervarious placesofwork, which in‐cludedOchsner Hospital, MaisonBlanche,Dillards, HomeDepot,and various schoolsinbothOrleans and JeffersonParishes. Pamelaisissurvivedby her mother JanellaSaul Gibson, sixsiblings: Henry GibsonIII, StephenGibson (Michelle), CharletonGib‐son,RimaMcQuarter (Reg‐gie), Damien Gibson,Leila Lewis (Kerry), nine nieces and nephews: Brandon Gibson, Deontria Gibson MadissonGibson, Kayla Lewis,AlexisMcQuarter Dominique Gibson,Kerry Lewis,Jr.,Grayson Gibson and Kyle Lewis, andthree great nieces:SiennaSmith, Amaia JoySmith,and Chia Smith.She waspreceded indeath by herfather, Henry Earl Gibson,Jr.,her sister, Ramona Thea Gib‐son,and hernephew, Payne Gibson

Gary Anthony Giordano was born in New Orleans, LA on December 13, 1956, to aproud Sicilian Orleanian family. He leftus from the comfort of his home on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at the age of 69.After awonderful and habitually productive day with his wife Susan, his heart tragically stopped.

Gary is survived by his wife and best friend, Susan Maurin Giordano; his children, JessicaGiordano (Katie Rehani), Julia Giordano (Nicholas Dischler, III),and Angela Fleury (Robert Fleury); and his grandchildren, Lily and Liam Fleury.

He is also survived by his parents, Benedetto "Benny" Giordano and Rose VinterellaGiordano; his siblings, Kim Campbell, Karen Nepute, and Kris Medieros; and his numerous cousins, in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

Dedicated to family, Gary adored living lifewith Susan; taughthis daughters to be independent, strong, and ambitious women; was the goofiest Poppa Ghis grandchildren could have asked for; regularly visited and cared for his parents; and served as adependable resource for his nieces and nephews. Gary built deep, lifelong friendships filled with strong bonds, laughter, andadventure. He loved gathering with those closest to him to share good jokes, music, food, drinks, vacations, and (cheating at) card games. Throughout his 40+ years as an engineer for Texaco and Chevron, Gary beamed with excitement over his individual accomplishments along with his mentorship of andadvocacy for his associates. Gary, his boisterous voice, and his vivacious laugh will be missed by all who knew and loved him

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Gary Giordano maybemade to the *Freedom from Religion Foundation

*ACLU

*Northshore Humane Society Family and friends are invited to celebrate Gary's life at EJ Fielding Funeral Home, 2260 W21st Avenue, Covington, LA 70433, on Saturday, April 4, 2026. The family willwelcome guests from 9:00-11:00AM, with a Celebration of Life beginning at 11:00AM. You are invited to share thoughts and fondest memories at www.ejfieldingfh.com.

JonesJr.,Joseph Edward 'Brylcreem'

Joseph Edward "Bryl‐creem"Jones Jr., of Oakville, LA,departed this lifepeacefullyonSunday, March 22, 2026atOchsner HospitalWestbankCam‐pus surrounded by hislov‐ing family. He was98years old andwas born at Char‐ity Hospital in NewOrleans onOctober,17, 1927 to the lateBelma andJosephEd‐wardJones Sr.Heissur‐vived by hischildren, Cas‐sandra, Darleneand Kevin Sullen, Joanna Modacure Ratleyand ZacharyJones, 11grandchildren,7 great grandchildren,several nieces, nephews, cousin other relativesand de‐voted friends. He was pre‐deceasedbyislovingwife FlorenceSullenJones,his parents,and hischildren, Florence, Patricia and Cherryl Sullenand Adeline Taylor. Relativesand friends of thefamily, offi‐cersand membersof OakvilleB.C.(Bishop Wil‐fretJohnson), St.Peter B.C. (Dr.Darnell Smith),and all neighboring churches,em‐ployees of Barriere Con‐struction,Jefferson Parish Schools andInspiration House Care ProvidersInc are invitedtoattendthe Celebration of Life Service onSaturday, April4,2026 atRobinsonFamilyFuneral Home, 9611 LA-23, Belle Chasse LA 70037.The visi‐tationwillbegin at 8:30 a.m.followedbya 10 a.m. service.PastorJohnPowell ofAnointedWordMin‐istries will officiateand in‐terment will follow in OakvilleCemetery. Foron‐linecondolences,please visit www.robinsonfamilyf uneralhome.com.

Kelley, Helen

HelenKelley, age81, of NewOrleans,Louisiana, passedawaypeacefully on March18, 2026. Shewas born March4,1945, in Woodville, Mississippi,to thelateOra Earls-Carter Helenwas afaithfulmem‐berofFriendshipBaptist Church anda devotedwife, mother,grandmother great-grandmother, sister, andfriend. Shewas acos‐metologist andco-owner of Lady Fair beauty salon with hersisterfor over 50 years. Sheleavestocher‐ishher memory herchil‐dren,Leondra (Connie) Kel‐leyand Thoris Kelley; grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, hersister BessieThomas, uncle Pren‐tist Earls, anda host of rel‐atives andfriends.Rela‐tivesand friendsare in‐vitedtoattend theFuneral ServiceonSaturday, April 4, 2026 at 11:00 am at Friendship BaptistChurch, 3125 Hollygrove St New Orleans, LA 70118. Visita‐tion will beginat10:00 am IntermentwillbeinProvi‐denceMemorialPark. Pro‐fessionalarrangements entrustedtoMajesticMor‐tuary(504) 523-5872.

Lance Larose, at the age of 73, passed away on Friday, March27, 2026.He was bornonJune 26, 1952, in New Orleans,Louisiana. He is survived by his lovingwifeof50years, Maureen Fitzpatrick Larose; his children, Katharine Larose (Marty Yoo) and Alicia Hampton (Kurt Hampton); grandchildren, Josephand Benjamin Hampton; and siblings, Deborah LaroseFarge (Wally Farge)and Gisele Larose(CurtCorbi). He is also survivedbya host of niecesand nephews and wonderful lifelong friends. He was precededin death by his parents, AudreyGarner Laroseand Alvin Larose. Lance proudlygraduated as partofBrother Martin'sfirst graduating class in 1970.Hespent most of his careerinthe constructionindustry. A lifelong New Orleanian through and through, Lance's relationship with the Saints was nothing shortofpassionate.When the Saints wereup, he was up. Whenyou couplea Saints victory with the legendary Sunday Larose family spaghetti and meatballsdinner,you could pretty much guarantee he'd be walking on airall week. Family was the heartbeatof Lance's world. Nothing brought him more joythan spending time with histwo grandsons, who were the light of his life. Lance will foreverbesmilingdown upon us, enjoying endless chickenwingsfrom LakeviewHarbor and yellingatthe NFL refs from the best seat in the house In lieuofflowers, contributionsinmemory of Lance may be madetoThe National Multiple Sclerosis Society, https://donate.nat ionalmssociety.org/

Relatives and friends are invitedtoattend the funeral services at E.J. Fielding Funeral Home, 2260 W21st Avenue, Covington, LA 70433, on Monday, April 6, 2026, at 2:30 PM with visitation beginning at 12:30 PM until servicetime.Interment willtakeplace at alater date. E.J. Fielding Funeral Home has been entrusted with funeral arrangements. The family invites youtoshare thoughts, fond memories,and condolences by signing an online guestbookat www.ejfieldingfh.com.

Martin,Zelma Turl

ZelmaTurlMartin. Zelma Martin wasthe beloved daughter of the lateAudreyHarrisand the lateWillieTurlbornJuly18, 1946. Zelmawas born and raisedinthe Lower9th Wardwhere sheresided until beingdisplaced by Hurricane Katrina, she thenrelocated to Baton Rouge,LAwhere herhealth began to failbut shetried tostaystronguntil God calledher home.Zelma Martindepartedthislifeon Monday, March23, 2026 She leaves to cherishher memoryher daughters Demetri Bradley(Troy)of Summerville, St.Carolina Michelle Alexander (MichaelSr,)ofAustin, Texas andTiffanyYoung of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. One sister PaulaHampton. GranddaughtersArianne Young,Chardonnay Nicholas, JasmineGreen, Grandsons MichaelAlexan‐der Jr., TylerMenvilleand Tyron Menville,great grand daughters Evani, Demarii, Charm andCartier,great grandsonXzayvier, Karson, godchildKelly Howard and a host of aunts, uncles, nephews,nieces, cousins and friends. Sheisnow re‐unitedinpeace with her motherAudreyHarris, fa‐therWillieTurl, brotherAl‐bertHarris, sistersMarlene Bryantand Shelia Harris, niecesAliciaBryantand Laura Bryant,nephewAn‐toine Harris andbrotherin-lawJosephHampton. Relatives andfriends are invited to attend thefu‐neral serviceonSaturday, April 4, 2026, at St.James Methodist Church,1925 Ur‐sulines Avenue beginning at10am. Church visitation 9 am until servicetime. ProfessionalService En‐trusted to:LittlejohnFu‐neral Home,2163 Aubry Street,Cal K. Johnson, Manager-FuneralDirector, Info:504-940-0045.

In Loving Memory of SylviaCarolYuratich McNabb, December 21, 1935 —February 2, 2026. Sylvia, awoman of rare beauty both inside and out,passed away peacefully on February 2, 2026, at St.Anthony's Gardens in Covington, Louisiana, at theage of 90. Thoughshe livednine decades, she possessed ayouthful spirit and azest forlifethat meant she truly never acted old.

Aproud native of Buras and aresident of Plaquemines Parishfor most of herlife,she kept the"good oledays" alive forher family,sharing her heritage throughcolorful

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sayingsand aquick wit. To her, there was no greater sound than laughter, and she was always readyto hear agoodjoke or story. Her kitchen and garden were her sanctuaries, where she spent many hours. She possessed theadventurous soul of aforager, finding joyinthe wild beauty of the outdoors whilehunting for mushrooms or gathering thistles. She trulyloved the abundance of southern Louisiana and all it had to offer. She was defined by a selfless, givingheart and a deep devotiontoher family.She is now reunited with her one true love,her husband, Glynn, with whom she shared alifetime of cherished memories Adevoted mother to her threechildren, she leaves behind alegacy of kindness, resilience,and the reminder to stay youngat heart She is survivedbyher threechildren, Glenna Thea Bryant, Patrick Shane McNabb, and Deborah Ann Stockstill,numerous grandchildrenand greatgrandchildrenand many dear friends who will miss her kind and generous spirit. In accordance with her wishes, she has been cremated,and thefamily held aprivate ceremony to honor herremarkable life

FeltonEugeneMorris, Sr. departedthis life on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at theage of 77. He was born on Saturday, February 26, 1949, in BelleAlliance, Louisiana, to thelate VersieMorris, Sr.and Enola Mitchell Morris. Father of Felton Eugene Morris, Jr.ofGonzales, LA and TroyLynn Morris Cossé of Katy, TX; GrandfatherofAaron and AlexisCossé of Katy,TX; Brother of thelate Ronald Morris, Sr. (late Carolyn), Versie Morris, Jr.(Mary), RalphMorris, Sr.(Pamela

S.), Glenda M. Foley and Vanessa Morris; Nephew andGodson of Charles Mitchell of Donaldsonville, LA anda host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives andfriends Relativesand friends of thefamily, priests and parishioners of St.Peter Claver Catholic Church,also pastors, officersand members of St.Thomas M.B.C., The Church Without Walls in Houston, TX and employeesofLoyola University FacilitiesStaff, Gertrude Geddes Willis Funeral Home Staff andJo Ellen Smith Convalescent Center Staff are all invited to attendThe Celebration of Life on Saturday, April 4, 2026 at 11:30 am, at D.W Rhodes, 3933 Washington Avenue, NewOrleans,LA 70125. The service will be livestreamed by visiting www. fac eb ook.com / D.W.RhodesFuneralHome/ live. Visitation will be held from10:30 am until11:30 am. Interment: St.Vincent Cemetery #2, 1950 Soniat Street,New Orleans, LA 70115. Arrangements entrustedtoD.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Avenue, New Orleans, LA. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook, share memories and condolences with thefamily. A visitation will be held from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM on 2026-04-04 at D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Avenue.

Afuneral service will be held from11:30 AM to 12:30 PM on 2026-04-04 at D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Avenue.

Whimzey and JessieGreen

Belovedwife of thelate Samuel Ordu.Together they raisedtwo children, NiaraOrduand Ahmad (Cecilia) Ordu,and were blessed with grandchildren,Samara Campbell, Nasiah Ordu,Jacari LaFrance,and Jaira Ordu Sheleaves to cherish hermemory herparents, siblings, extendedfamily, andahostofrelativesand friends. Sheisprecededin death by herhusband, Samuel andother beloved familymembers. Relativesand friends of thefamilyare invited to attend aFuneral Service on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at UpperRoomCathedral COGIC, 72 Westbank Expressway, Gretna, LA, at 10:00 am. Visitation begins at 9:00 am. Interment: ProvidenceMemorialPark Cemetery.Arrangements entrusted to Dennis Funeral Home, 1812 Louisiana Avenue. Please visit www.dennismortuary service.com to sign theonline guestbook.

Doris“TinnyB”Phoenix passedawayonWednes‐day,March 25, 2026, at the age of 85. Shewas alife‐longresidentofNew Or‐leans,LA. Doriswas a graduateofL.B.Landry HighSchool Classof1959, and shecontinued her studies at St.Mary’sDo‐minican College, and SouthernUniversityatNew Orleans.Doris retiredin 2002 as aparaprofessional withthe OrleansParish School Board, andin2005 she retiredfromthe New Orleans Fair Grounds. She was adevoted member of SecondBaptist Church where shewas achoir memberand former Youth Choir Director.Daughterof the late FrankPhoenix and Mildred Williams Phoenix. Granddaughter of thelate John, Sr.and Rosella Phoenix,Sidneyand Stella Corretta Williams.Sisterof JacquelinePhoenix Arnold, ManuelL.Phoenix of Athens,Greece, andthe

OPINION

NOLA.COM/opinions

By hobbling FEMA,White Houserisks next Katrina

The Federal Emergency Management Agency helps Americans prepare for and recoverfrom disasters when statesand localitiesare unable to cover the financial and operational burdens.

But as disasters have become more frequent and severe, the Trump administration has been working to dismantle the agency and its resources, arguing that states should assume more responsibility.Through personnel cuts, elimination or alteration of grantprograms and new formulas that will restrict aid in thefuture, President Donald Trump’scampaign to make FEMA “go away” is setting the U.S. up for another catastrophe at the level of Hurricane Katrina. The strategy to dismantle FEMA has been multipronged. For starters, the administration is actively curtailing recovery and mitigation funding, with the most immediate impact felt in the restriction of federal disaster money.First, the administration dis-

mantled apopular grant program that paidfor disaster mitigation projects. Then it attached conditions to FEMA’s grants requiring state and local recipients to confirm they hadhelped enforce federal immigration law or risk losing all federal funds administered by theDepartment of Homeland Security

Both movesare currently being challengedin court because Congress appropriated the money and the executive branch cannot arbitrarily change the conditions.

Even with aid in place, the administration has made it more difficultfor FEMA to do its job.

So far,Trump has cutmore than 2,000 positions at FEMA through layoffs or early retirements. The number of peoplewho have been let go also includes the agency’s leadership. Acting administrator Cameron Hamilton was firedin early May after testifying before Congressthatthe agency should not be eliminated,and David Richardson stepped down in Novem-

berafter various controversies, including his response to the July Texasfloods. At the beginning of 2026, DHS announced more potential layoffs, with theagencyset to cancel multiyear contracts. A massive winterstorm that hit the Midwest, Northeast andSouthern states ledtoatemporary pause in the layoffs, but discussions on contract cancellations within the agency have nowresumed If that wasn’tenough, new recommendations to reshapethe agency would result in the loss of more than 12,000 positions. These recommendations come froma January 2025 executive order that created the FEMA Review Council.

Per the order,the council’spurpose is to determine whether the agency needs“improvements or structural changes.”But Trump andhis now-former DHSSecretary Kristi Noem both stated earlyonthatthe real purpose was to “eliminate” FEMA, andNoem’s replacement, Markwayne Mullin, is notlikely to go against the president’swishes.

The council’sjourney has been a

Statecan’t afford to ignore warningsigns of seniors

When AI-assisted conversational tools were quietly deployed across multiple senior-serving environmentsinmetro New Orleans —including two senior housing communities, an additional elder site and dozens of low-income older adults living independently —the truth surfaced faster andclearer than anyone expected.

Seniors across Louisianaare deteriorating quietly,and the state ispaying amassive financial penalty forpretendingnot to see it. Over just 64 days, older adults produced hundreds of real-timeemotional, behavioral and stability-related signals revealing what no stateagency, Medicaid program or public health systemiscurrently tracking:Louisiana has almost no meaningful visibility intothe day-to-daywell-being of its aging population. The technology detected early decline. Seniors lived the struggle daily.Louisiana’soversightsystems missed it entirely.And that absence of visibility is not neutral —itis costing the statemillions every year. Across three different senior environments, older adults revealed apattern of distress that nevershowsupinformal documentation. Seniorsdescribed persistent loneliness that directly predicts hospitalization risk, food insecuritythatnever reaches case files and addiction struggles that remain hidden until crisis.

warningsigns that modern toolscan detect days or weeks in advance.

The state’saging and Medicaid systems still rely heavily on paperwork, outdated incident reports, occasional wellness checks, overburdened staff, stretched caregivers and residents self-reporting issues.

The AI-assisted tools did what thesystem could not; they provided continuous distress trendlines, early frustration markers,food insecurity spikes, relapserisk signals, trauma-activation patterns, navigation confusion, emotional instability indicators and multiple early de-escalation moments. They produced real-time insights without adding tasks to staff already carrying unsustainable workloads.

real roller coaster.Its recommendations were due on Nov.16. According to The NewYork Times, that deadline wasapparentlyextendedbecause thedraft report’scontentdid notmeet the administration’s approval. Noem was allegedly so unhappy that she was in the process of cutting the 100-page report down to 20 pages. But the real twistcame in December. The council was settovote on therecommendations when everything was unceremoniously canceled after CNN publishedan exclusive detailing thecontents of aleaked draft

The main issue withTrump’s strategy is that shifting disaster costs to the states doesn’taccount for whethertheycan actually afford them. The National Association of Countieshas found that current FEMA reimbursement delays haveled local governments to eitherimplement austerity measures or seek temporary funding through loans or bond issuance. Eliminating aidentirely would hurt thesecommunities, especially ruralareas that lack the funding or staffing to maintainthe

operational capacity thefederal government once provided. Thankfully,FEMA hasbroad support in Congress,and there are efforts to keep it alive.The FEMA Act of 2025, bipartisan legislation advanced in theHouse, seekstoprotect theagency’sindependencewhile addressing some of itsmostcommon criticisms, like adifficult grant application process andcash-aid disbursementsthatare often slowand time-consuming. Abipartisan group of senatorsisalso gathering support fora plantorestructure FEMA Butunless these bipartisan efforts in Congress can rescue FEMA,Trump may gethis way andmakethe agency “go away.” By crippling FEMA’s capacity and shifting disaster costs to states, theadministration’s “federalretreat” risks acatastrophic failure in disaster response —one that would have been easytopredict. Matt Sedlar is aclimate analyst at the Center forEconomicand Policy Research,a think tank basedinWashington.

Discretionisimportant in economic developmentdeals

As an education leader, Iviewthe economic landscape of Louisiana not just through spreadsheets, but through thefutureofour students. Iamproud that ourstate is finally succeeding in securing development projectsthat are landing in communitiesacross our region.

If this much need emerged from asmall sample of just over 60 older adults, the statewide implications are staggering. Louisiana has thousands of seniors in subsidized housing, tensofthousands on Medicaid waivers,hundreds of senior-living sites and countless older adults aging aloneacross ruralparishes.

Behavioral health needsgounreported every day

In many cases, the earliest signsof mental health decline wentcompletely undetected. Frontline workers are overwhelmed, understaffed andtrying to do the impossible without real-time visibility They were not negligent; they were abandoned by outdated processes. Meanwhile, the consequences of these missed signals show up unmistakably in emergency rooms, psychiatric admissions, EMS transports, long-term care placements, Adult Protective Services investigations and evencoronerreports. Louisiana isn’tpreventingcrises. Louisianaispaying for them.

If policymakers in Baton Rouge want to understand why Medicaid costscontinue to spiral, the explanation is painfully straightforward: The state waitsfor seniors to break, then spendspremiumdollars on avoidable emergencies.

Asingle fall can cost $15,000 to$40,000. Apsychiatricstay can run$6,000 to $12,000. Detoxepisodes exceed $4,500. Avoidable hospitalizationscommonly range from $18,000 to $32,000. These are notrare outliers. They are the predictable and expensive result of missingearly

The state has no real-time distress monitoring system of any kind. If two months of data revealed hundreds of warning signs, the true statewide volumelikely reaches tens of thousands every quarter

This is notmerely abehavioral health challenge or ahousing concern. It is a statewide public healthemergency that Louisiana has never measured, managed or prepared for Louisiana now faces achoice: Continue pouringmillions into preventable crises or act decisively by adopting real-time distress monitoring, detecting emotional declinebefore crisis, preventing avoidable emergencies, modernizing oversight and bringing visibilitytoaging services

If Louisiana wants to protect seniors and reduce costs, real-time monitoring cannot remain optional. Hospitals have ICU monitors, airplanes have control systems and cars havedashboard indicators. Louisiana seniors currently have nothing. That must change.

Real-time insight into senior well-being is notaluxury —itisinfrastructure. Overdue, essential andunavoidable. The price of ignorance is too high. AndLouisiana has alreadypaid enough.

Eno Edetisthe founder of MyBestFriend, Inc

For that reason,I believe we must reconsider the pushback against the“secret”negotiations and nondisclosure agreements, or NDAs, utilized by Louisiana Economic Development. The result of these standard businesspractices hasbeen amassive investment wave, reportedly as large as $76 billion. While residents have valid questionsabout environmental impacts— questionsthat must be understood,answered and addressed by regulators— attacking the negotiation processitself is dangerously shortsighted. How quickly some may forget that our state has added jobs and population at the slowest rate in the South over the lastdecade. Economic stagnation is not aneutral position; it is adecline

In central Louisiana —and Ibelieve it’s probably true for most areas of the state —wewant economic growth to arrive as quickly as possible.IfLouisiana wishes to reverse its sluggish trends and stem itspopulationout-migration, we must accept ahardreality: In high-stakes economic development, discretion is not aconspiracy —itisa competitive necessity As an educator,Isee the human cost of this stagnation annually.Weinvest deeply in our students, equipping them with skills and degrees, only to watch many of them export thattalentacross state lines in pursuit of better opportunity. This “braindrain” is adirect result of aprevious failuretocompete aggressively Corporations demand confidentialityduring site selectiontoprotect tradesecrets, prevent stock volatility and avoid speculative land inflation. If Louisiana unilaterally demands full transparency beforeadeal is signed, we aren’tchanging the game;weare forfeiting it. Companies will simply take their billions —and thehigh-paying jobs that

accompany them—toTexas,Alabama or Tennessee. These competitorstates understand thatsilenceisoften the keytosecuring newcareers for their residents.

We believe in, andactively defend, the value of sunshine laws. However the recentarguments made about LED suggesteda binary choice: total transparencyortotal secrecy.This is afalse narrative

Current laws areworking to provide public commentand input at the appropriate time We believe thatour state and local leadershaveagoodtrack record of seeking to secure investments with discretion, andthenproviding ample time for environmentaldue diligence before permits areissued. This distinction is keyfor an economy that is on the precipiceofmuch-neededjob gains.

We have long lamentedour lack of growth andthe loss of our brightest talent.

Now,facing a$76 billionpipeline of opportunity spanning from north to centraltosouth Louisiana, we are debating the opticsofmeetings rather thanthe value of results. Louisiana faces achoice: Do we want to seesustained levels of job growth thatattract andretain people? On behalf of ournonpartisan policy organization, we support LED’saggressive approach to jobcreation to secure this lifeline forour state. If anything, it’s long overdue.

Heather Spillers Poole is the chancellorofCentral Louisiana Technical Community College and immediate past chairofLeaders fora Better Louisiana.

COMMENTARY

ISSUE OF THE WEEK THEMIDTERMS

With the midtermelectionsonthe horizon, both parties are tryingtogaugethe mood of voters.While Republicans worry many are fed up with the policies of President DonaldTrump,there are pitfalls forDemocrats as well.Trumphas been skilled at highlighting areas wherethe opposing party is out of step with the majority of Americans.With Trumpnot on the ballot, what will be animating voters as theygotothe polls and what messages will help turnout voters? Here are twoperspectives.

Theidea-free

gladiatorial season,or, themidterms

NOMINEE, n. Amodest gentleman shrinking from the distinction of private life and diligently seeking the honorable obscurity of public office. —Ambrose Bierce, “The Devil’sDictionary” Candidates in this year’selections will soon be bouncing around like corn being popped. By November,the nation might long for arebirth of political reticence. In 1876, although Rutherford B. Hayes was Ohio’sgovernor and the Republicans’ presidential nominee, he doubted eventhe propriety of attending Ohio Day at the Philadelphia celebration of the nation’scentennial.Fifteen decadeslater,ambition is no longer demure. But what arecandidates ambitious to do? As politics has become more tribal, it has becomemore gladiatorial, and the satisfactionsofcatharsis —the expression of animosities —have supplanted expectationsofagendas for governing.

withouthim on the ballots in 2026, will hisvoters bestir themselves?

Trump, himself ahighly caffeinated creature, has been caffeine for the electorate: astimulant, who in 2024 upended the axiom that higher voter turnout is better for Democrats. Lastspring, David Shor,adata scientist, calculated that if more people had voted, Kamala Harris would have fared even worse. Trumpwould have won the popular votebyalmost five points instead of 1.4 points.

Democratsbewarned— Trumpknows theweakspots

George Will

Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan,aliberal with aconservative disposition (he thought conservatism is adisposition), once said, “Liberals are people who would like to see things improved, and conservatives are people whowould like to see things not worsened.” Today,many voters at both ends of theideological spectrum primarily want thesamething: to see the other side lose. Theoretically, people vote, then the resultshave consequences. Actually,today,voting is its own consequence: catharsis.

In this era of presidential dominance, voters thinking (if they do) about midterm congressional elections might wonder, what’sthe point? Adam J. White of the American Enterprise Institute writes that presidents use Congress inertia to justify their own assertiveness, “butthis gets the situation backwards. Thedefining fact of our era is: Congress won’tact, becausePresidents will.”

Today’spresidential dominance serves Republicans because their party’s raison d’être is nothing but subservience to thepresident. The Economic Innovation Group’sSarahEckhardt, Connor O’Brien and Ben Glasner reportthat in 2024 Trump received alarger portion of the vote than in 2020 in 90% of counties. But

Trump,however,will never again be on aballot. So, what is the foreseeable political residue of Trump, who, in his Louis XIV (“L’Etat, c’est moi”)mood, has said, accurately,“IamMAGA”?

AEI’sTimothy P. Carney has examined Pennsylvania and discerned arealignment —the working class becoming more Republican, upper-middle-class suburbanites becomemore Democratic —that is notsymmetrical:

TheDemocrats’ gains are largely from former Republicans switching parties out of disgustwithTrump.The Republicans’ gainsinclude many former blue-collar Democrats, but “more disaffected nonvoters coming out of political inactivity tovote for aonce-in-a-lifetime candidate.” Hence theasymmetry:

“Many of those former Republican voters are now firmly country club Democrats, while many of those working-class voters neverquitebecame Republicans —they weresimply Trumpvoters.”

Thus, whenTrumpdisappears, “the countryclub will still be very Democratic but the working-class Whites will go back to being missing Whitevoters.”

Now,never underestimate the Democrats’ ability to make asow’sear out of a silk purse. As an Israeli diplomat once said of the Palestinians, they never missanopportunity to miss an opportunity.Ifmany Democratic candidates try to pumpup deflatedhysterias —democracy is dying, the planet is frying —they can make themselves resemble a(to recycle a phrase) basket of deplorables. Failure is achoice.

Email George Will at georgewill@washpost.com.

Sure, the“No Kings” marches drew millionsrightly protesting Donald Trump’sassaultsonour democratic institutions. ButDemocrats must dig deeper and ask how Trumpcould actually win another term after trying to overturn the 2020 election results with aviolent attack on the Capitol. It wasn’tasthough most Americansadored him. Gallup’s approval rating for Trumponelection eve was asad 46%.

Trumpcarried the 2024 vote by playing theDemocrats on three issues that aggravate evenmoderate Americans. They are open borders, thedemonization of law enforcement and racial, ethnic and other preferences embodied in theDEI (diversity,equity and inclusion) movementbeing adopted by companies, schools and government agencies.

Trumpweaponized the mostinflammatorystatements coming from the fringe left. With themidterms on the horizon, he’sdoing it again with bait meantto provoke Democratsinto taking radical positions.

It helped them little that in 2024, Joe Biden had, in fact,secured the border Buthewaited until theend of his term after tolerating caravans of migrants surging intothe U.S. The U.S.-Mexico border had just seen arecord million migrant encounters in one year.The hesitancy left the strong impression that Biden acted only under political pressure. On immigration, Trumpseems intent on antagonizing Democrats with military-stylespectacles of migrants being roughed up, including many whoare fully documented. Gone wasthe sensible plan to deport those convicted of crimes and deal with otherwise law-abiding workers lacking papers in amore humanemanner Andsowhat did Democrats do? They voted towithhold funding forthe Immigration and CustomsEnforcement agency until certain reforms were made. ICE enforces immigration law inside the U.S. Denying it the money to operate sounds alot like “defunding thepolice,” aslogan that cost Democrats seats in Congress and perhaps thepresidency While Republicans are in power,the desired changes won’tbemade. But as

long as Democrats cater to their radicals, they won’t winenough races to take that power away.Meanwhile, Trump has shrewdly downshifted on the ICE excesses in the cities, letting them fade from the news. As forracial and ethnic preferences, Trumphas crusaded against DEI. White males especially resent them, not without reason, and many others consider DEIincompatible with amerit-based democracy Biden wentoverboard on making race abasis forhires. His low point wasannouncing early on that his next Supreme Court nominee would be ablack woman.When the timecame, he named Ketanji BrownJackson.

Thing is, Jackson was asuperbly qualified candidate —magna cum laude from Harvard, clerkships fortwo federal judges and one supremecourt justice, service on both atrial court and appellate court, plus experience in private practice. By announcing that his choice had to be aBlack woman, Biden excluded Whites, Latinos, Asians and all men from acandidate pool in which Browncould wellhave prevailed on her own merits. Trumpgoads the left’sidentity-mongers to double-downonracial arguments —and entertained the racist right —by demonizing individual Blacks, notably individual Black women Social media flamethrowers will push Democrats to take positions hostile to moderate voters. Remember,partisans, their reward is getting attention. Your reward should be winning elections.

To recap: Trumpwould not have won in 2024 had Democrats not helped him He exploited their refusal to secure the border earlier,fixation on identity (above all, that inexplicable obsession on transgender issues) and hostility toward law enforcement. That put Trumpover the top despite aclose popular vote and weak Democratic opponent.

Democrats, Trumpknowsyour vulnerabilities. He’salready exploiting them to survive the midterms, which, without, he’sbasically toast.

Froma Harrop is on X, @FromaHarrop. Email her at fharrop@gmail.com.

Therainfall we experienced yesterday, we’ll seetoalesserextent today. Expect apartlytomostly cloudy, warm, humid and breezy daytoday.Temperatures this afternoon will again be above average, rising to the lowtomid-80s.Winds will be southeasterly at 15 mph. Dewpointswill be high,sohumiditywill be too. Rain chances, especiallycompared to yesterday, will be lowat20%,sowe’re only expecting isolated showers.A cold front will help bring highrain chances tomorrowand lowertemperatures Sunday.

late RichardPhoenix,and Preston Phoenix. Sister in law of Willie Arnold,Sr., Evgenia PhoenixofAthens, Greece, Sharon Phoenixof Las Vegas, NV,and thelate Elouise Bergeron Phoenix. AuntofDasha,Willie, Jr and WhitneyArnold, Per‐nell, Richard, andDion Bergeron, Monica Bergeron Pichon(Larry), Valerie BergeronVedor,and the lateMarkBergeron. Great auntofMarkeisha Emery, Marze Meadors, and Phoenyx Arnold.Great great aunt of Marlee Keller and MadysonEmery also survivedbya host of cousins,other relatives and friends. Specialthanks tothe staff of Ochsner Medical Center,Guardian Angel Hospice(Mariaand Sheryl),Viola Walker,Irma Clark,and RichardBerg‐eron. Relativesand friends ofthe family, also pastors, officers,and membersof SecondBaptist Church, SecondNazareneBaptist Church, Asbury United Methodist Church,and all neighboring churches are invited to attend theCele‐bration of Life at Second Baptist Church 2836 Sullen Place NewOrleans,LAon Saturday, April4,2026, at 10:00a.m. Pastor Andre Siglerofficiating. Viewing willbeheldfrom8:30a.m until servicetimeatthe above namedchurch.In‐terment:WestlawnCeme‐tery-Gretna,LA. Arrange‐ments by DavisMortuary Service,230 Monroe St Gretna, LA.Toviewand signthe guestbook please gotodavismortuaryser‐vice.com.

DEATHS continued from family. AnativeofNew Or‐leans,hewas educated at Our Lady of Lourdesand was agraduateofJohnF Kennedy Senior High School.Hewentontoearn anAssociateDegreeinAc‐countingfromPhillipsCol‐lege. Formanyyears, Charles wasa familiar and welcoming presence as a Bellman at theHyatt Re‐gency Hotel. FollowingHur‐ricaneKatrina in 2005 Charles relocated to Texas, where he builta distin‐guished 18-yearcareerasa LeadProcessor forSLB Precededindeath by his parents,Dorothy Taylor Robertson andCharles AlexRobertson,Sr.,and his brother,Stephen Taylor His memory will be cher‐ished by hisformerwife, Tanya Newman;his sib‐lings,Ricky Taylor (Donna), Jocelyn Johnson(Ernest), and Insygleton Taylor (Shauntae’);his godchil‐dren, nieces,nephews, aunts, uncles,cousins and friends.Familyand friends are invitedtoattend The Celebration of Life Service onSaturday, April4,2026 Visitation: 10:00 a.m. Ser‐vice: 11:00a.m.atthe UpperRoom BibleChurch, 8600 Lake Forest Blvd., New Orleans,LA70127.Inter‐ment will follow at Provi‐dence Memorial Park and Mausoleum,8200 Airline Drive,Metairie, LA 70003 Guestbook Online:www anewtraditionbegins.com (504)282-0600. Linear BrooksBoydand Donavin D.BoydOwners/FuneralDi‐rectors

RobertsonJr.,Charles Alex 'Bobboe'

CharlesAlexRobertson, Jr.,affectionatelyknown as “Bobboe”, peacefully en‐tered eternalrestonMarch 22, 2026. Born on July 12, 1964, Charleswas aman of deep faith, dedication,and unwavering love for his

Sullen, CherrylAnn Che'

CherrylAnn (Che') Sullendepartedthislifeon Friday, March20, 2026 at WestJefferson Medical CenterinMarrero,LA. She was 66 yearsold anda res‐ident of Marrero. Shewas bornonJuly7,1959 at Charity Hospital in NewOr‐leans to thelateFlorence SullenJones andJoseph

Edward JonesJr. Sheis survivedbyher siblings Cassandra,Darlene and Kevin Sullen, Joanna ModacureRackley and Zachary Jones, 10 nieces,8 nephews,several cousins, other relativesand de‐voted friends. Shewas pre‐deceasedbyher parents and hersisters Patricia and Florence Sullenand Adeline Taylor anda nephewRoderickSullen. Relatives andfriends of the family, officers andmem‐bersofOakvilleMissionary B.C.(Bishop WilfretJohn‐son), andGreater St.Peter B.C.(Dr.Darnell SmithSr.) and allneighboring churches areinvited to at‐tendthe CelebrationofLife Service on Saturday,April 4,2026 at Robinson Family FuneralHome, 9611 LA-23, Belle Chasse LA 70037. The visitationwillbegin at 8:30 a.m.followedbya 10 a.m. service.PastorJohnPowell ofAnointedWordMin‐istries will officiateand in‐terment will follow in OakvilleCemetery. Foron‐linecondolences,please visit www.robinsonfamilyf uneralhome.com.

Fredrica K. Thompson, affectionately knownas Drica”,unexpectedlyde‐partedthislifeinanauto‐mobile accident on Sun‐day,March 22, 2026, at the age of 35. Shewas anative ofNew Orleans, LA anda residentofKenner, LA Fredricawas aproud 2008 graduateofJohnEhret HighSchool,where she was adedicated member ofthe basketball team Known forher vibrant spiritand warm personal‐ity,she wasloved by her teammates,classmates, and allwho hadthe plea‐sureofknowing her. Driven byher passiontohelpoth‐ers,Drica became apara‐medicwithAcadian Ambu‐

lanceService in June of 2014. In Octoberof2017, she gained employment withNew OrleansEMS,be‐forereturning to Acadian Ambulance Service, where she remained until her passing.Throughouther career,she touchedcount‐lesslives andwas deeply respected andloved by her coworkers.Fredrica’s laughter, strength,and lovewillforever remain in the hearts of thosewhose lives shetouched.Loving wifeofJanikaSumas Proud mother of Zoey and ZeyaSumas-Thompson. Devoted daughter of Fredric Thompson and Cathy Bunch. Granddaugh‐ter of Dora Wilson,Jacque‐lyn JenkinsAutin,and the lateRichard Flower,and Williams Palmer.Beloved sisterCedricWilsonand Jacquelyn Thompson Niece of CarolynBatiste Christopher Wilson, Michael (Donna K.)Wilson, Thomas(Joyce) Wilson, CourtneyWilson, Terrie Wilson,Lynette Martinez, Johnathan Jenkins, Charles Butler, Jr., Willie Butler,Sr., RubyLove, andDonna Thompson. Also cherishing her memories areher inlawsTranell Johnson, Her‐bertSumas,and ahostof cousins,friends,class‐mates,teammates,and coworkers.Relatives and friends of thefamily, also pastors,officers,and members of Gaza Mission‐ary BaptistChurch andall neighboring churches; members of John Ehret HighSchool Classof2008; employees of AcadianAm‐bulance Serviceand New Orleans EMSare invitedto attendthe Celebrationof LifeatGazaMissionary Baptist Church,7258 Ran‐som Street,New Orleans, LAonSaturday, April4, 2026, at 10:00a.m. Visita‐tionwillbegin at 9:00a.m. until servicetimeatthe church.Interment:Wood‐lawnParkMemorialCeme‐tery-Westwego, LA Arrangements by DavisMortu‐ary Service, 230 Monroe St Gretna, LA To view and signthe guestbook,please gotowww.davismortua ryservice.com

AndrewCharlesFrancis Tulloch transitionedfrom this earthly life on Thursday, February 28, 2026. He leaves to cherish hismemory his brothers, David, Matthew, and Tony; hissistersGinaand Erica; hisstepmotherDoreen; his uncle'sHugh,Anthony and Michael; Hisaunts Leonie, Marjorie andAnn-Marie, UncleofLisa' Marie Taylor,Emily, Rhea, Ella, Emmy, Norah,Hannah, Joshua andDaniel andaof host of cousins, loved ones, and friends.

HomegoingCelebration will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at 10:00am at Milesville Memorial Church of God in Christ,129 Apple St,Laplace, LA 70068, Bishop Ronald Frank officiating.Interment at St.John Memorial Gardens2205 W. Airline Hwy.LaPlace,LA. Therepast to follow at Brown'sVenue 135 Belle TerreBlvd Laplace, LA 70068

Professional Services entrusted to the caring staff Hobson BrownFuneral Home 134 Daisy St Garyville, LA 70051 985-535-2516

Washington,Verlean Kelly DantzlerKirkland

Home.She wasbornAu‐gust31, 1951 to thelate JosephReaux andBeatrice Kelly.Verlean attended Booker T. Washington High School.She wasa cook at UniversityHospital, where she retiredfrom. Shewas baptizedatanearly age, at the GreaterEbenezerBap‐tistChurch,under thelead‐ershipofthe late Rev. Sid‐ney Briscoeand remained under theleadershipofthe late, Rev. Dr.Richard A. Keller, andnow underthe leadershipofRev.Corey A. Cooper, Sr.She waspresi‐dentofthe UsherBoard and over thePastorAide Committee formanyyears until herhealthfailed. She leavestocherish hermem‐ory herstepdaughter, Karen Washington;two grandsons,Blake Moliere and Harvey Wells; five sis‐ters: JoyceBriggs,Viola Brown, Janice Cojoe, (Larry), JosieRamsey, and Cynthia Scott; onebrother: JosephHoward(Linda); two devotednieces, An‐gelaBaptisteand Phedre' Mitchell; adevoted cousin, MaryBarre;three Godchil‐drenKayla Clayton, Rose Hawthorne,TanikaSpencer and thelateKeishaBap‐tiste;two grandchildren, and ahostofnieces, nephews,cousins,and friends.The familywel‐comes thestaff andresi‐dents of Covenant Nursing Home, andpastors,offi‐cersand membersof Greater Ebenezer Baptist Church,Mount Hermon Baptist Church,Second Baptist 6thDistrictBaptist Church,and Tabernacle of ChristBaptist Church to the service. TheService willbeheldSaturday, April 4,2026 at 10:00 a.m. Visita‐tion: 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., atthe GreaterEbenezer Baptist Church,2100 St RochAvenue,New Orleans, LA70117. Entombment ProvidenceMemorialPark. Funeralarrangementsen‐trusted to Littlejohn Fu‐neral Home,Info: (504) 9400045.

VerleanKelly Dantzler KirklandWashington, de‐partedthislifeonMarch 25, 2026 at theage of 74, at theCovenantNursing

From LSU to the majors?

Tigers’ Johnson hasn’t totally ruled out one day becoming MLB manager

BY KOKI RILEY Staff writer

Jay Johnson answered the question immediately, and then he paused.

Right now, he has no interest in becoming a Major League Baseball manager

He didn’t need to hesitate to reach that conclusion. But his thoughts on his future as it relates to the subject — whether he’d leave college for pro ball and follow in

Tony Vitello’s footsteps — needed some extra thought.

“That’s at this time. Again, I haven’t been,” he said before taking a moment. “I haven’t been offered an MLB job, is what I’ll say.”

Never during his conversation with reporters on Wednesday did Johnson rule out the possibility of a jump to the major leagues. Before Vitello, who left Tennessee which faces LSU for a three-game

FILE

By SOPHIA GERMER Tulane quarterback Kadin Semonza runs with he ball during a scrimmage on Aug. 16 at yulman

series in Knoxville, Tennessee, beginning on Friday (4:30 p.m., SEC Network) — for the San Francisco Giants last fall, no college coach had made the leap to becoming an MLB manager without any experience coaching or playing in pro baseball. If Johnson decided to leave college for the big leagues, he’d be following the same path as Vitello.

RB Berry embracing

BY REED DARCEY Staff writer

Harlem Berry couldn’t feel the speed. He was, though, close enough to see it back in September, when he watched from the sideline as coach Lane Kiffin’s fast-paced offense started to wear down the LSU defense.

Berry remembers that Ole Miss’ tempo forced linebacker Whit Weeks to vomit through his facemask and onto the field between plays. That clip circulated online not long after the Rebels beat the Tigers last season, and it popped back into Berry’s head last week, when LSU kicked off its first spring practice under Kiffin.

“This is a real fast offense,” he said Thursday It didn’t take long for Berry — a sophomore running back from New Orleans and former five-star recruit — to learn that lesson. He’s one of a handful of incumbent offensive players who decided to return to LSU through the coaching change that ended Brian Kelly’s tenure and started Kiffin’s.

So far, Kiffin has led the Tigers through five spring practices. He’s using the time to implement changes both stylistic and schematic none bigger, perhaps, than the speed at which the offense is supposed to operate.

No FBS team ran more plays in 2025 than Ole Miss, which finished the season ranked second nationally in total offense and 10th in scoring. LSU, on the other hand, ranked near the bottom of the FBS in all three of those categories. That’s one of the reasons Kiffin landed the job.

See JOHNSON, page 3C ä See SPRING, page 4C

Annual 10K race, celebration set Saturday

BY SPENCER URQUHART Staff writer

The Crescent City Classic 10K is in its 48th year, and there are over 20,000 participants set to run or walk 6.2 miles through the streets of New Orleans on Saturday

The number of signups for this year’s New Orleans-based road race was at 18,000 as of Wednesday, with the expectation being that the race will reach its participant limit More than 18,000 people signed up for a sold-out Classic last year

Coach raves about Semonza, Chriss-Gremillion

BY GUERRY SMITH

Contributing writer

Midway through spring practice, Tulane football coach Will Hall doubled down on his early endorsement of his quarterbacks.

Neither Kadin Semonza nor Zeon Chriss-Gremillion took a meaningful snap last season, but one or both will be charged with trying to lead

the Green Wave to its fifth consecutive American Conference championship game next fall.

“I’ll make a decision (on a starter) when we need to for our team, but the thing I know right now is those two guys can win games in this league,” Hall said. “I really believe that with all my heart. The level they are playing at, that’s the biggest positive in our program right now Those guys can play.” Semonza and Chriss-Gremillion each threw multiple touchdown passes in extended red zone work at the Saints indoor practice facility on Tuesday As the lone Tulane’s Hall confident

The number of starting corrals has increased this year with the expectation of more runners. The race has continued to bounce back after shifting to a virtual model in 2020 because of COVID-19.

“The numbers are up significantly which is always a good thing,” race director Eric Stuart said. “The race is growing. We got zapped during COVID, got the sails knocked out of us. People have been with us, and it’s come back significantly each year.”

The race begins at Poydras Street near the Caesars Superdome before heading through the French Quarter up Esplanade Avenue and finishing at City Park. Spectators traditionally gather along the route to cheer on participants.

A course change has been considered because of this year’s increased participation. More oncourse entertainment is expected.

“(Increased participation) is

19.

going to make us have to adjust things even more next year if we want to go higher, but it’s a good problem,” Stuart said. “There will be more dance groups and DJs (along the course).” The Classic used to pay elite runners to participate, but that’s no longer the case because of increased appearance fees The focus has instead shifted to increasing local participation. The Classic’s motto, “A Race For All Y’all,” encourages participants to either run or walk the 6.2-mile course as they please.

“We didn’t think (bringing in elite runners) was a draw for the race,” Stuart said. “If you have local people coming in and having great times and enjoying themselves, it’s a better experience for everybody.” Local running clubs such as the New Orleans-based Power Milers feature some of this year’s top local participants such as Bryant White, a New Orleans native who’s a physical education teacher at Immaculate Conception School in

5

6

UConn, South Carolina meet again

BY DOUG FEINBERG AP basketball writer

PHOENIX Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma have met on women’s basketball’s biggest stage the past few years with a national championship on the line.

Now they’ll play a game earlier as South Carolina and UConn tip off in the Final Four on Friday. UCLA and Texas play in the second national semifinal game of March Madness.

The Huskies and Gamecocks played last season for the title and UConn came away with an 82-59 rout for the school’s 12th national championship UConn also beat South Carolina during the 2024-25 regular season.

“This is a different South Carolina team than the one we played last year,” Auriemma said. “Our two wins against them last year don’t really mean anything going into tomorrow The way (the championship game) was played has no bearing on tomorrow They have added some really key pieces I think they’re a much better team than they were last year.”

The Gamecocks also feel last season’s games are in the past and don’t have much bearing on Friday’s rematch. The two teams didn’t play during the regular season for the first time in more than a decade.

“I just remember getting beat by 20, honestly,” South Carolina guard Raven Johnson said. “We got new players in This is their first time experiencing the Final Four I think Coach Staley, the other coaches, are doing a good job of keeping the main thing the main thing and keeping us ready when the moment is here.”

UConn has continued winning since the championship game, going 38-0 this season so far. They enter the Final Four undefeated for the ninth time and are riding a 54-game winning streak. Sensational sophomore Sarah Strong, who was honored as the AP Player of the Year on Thursday, is a big reason why

South Carolina coach Dawn Staley celebrates cutting down the net after South Carolina beat TCU in the Elite Eight on Monday in Sacramento, Calif.

Last ride for Fudd

Azzi Fudd is trying not to think about how her UConn career will end this weekend either with another championship or a loss. She’s focused on staying in the moment.

The All-America guard will be a potential lottery pick in the WNBA draft in a few weeks.

“I feel like I’ve been kind of in denial thinking about how this is my last weekend I know, but I haven’t really accepted that yet,” said Fudd, who was the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four last year. “I’m really just trying to enjoy every single moment.

I’m trying not to think about that. I mean, I feel like this program has left such an impact on me, I can’t even begin. I don’t know I don’t

ä UConn vs South Carolina. 6 P.M.FRIDAy,ESPN

know I have no idea (smiling).” Fudd has been healthy this season and has been one of the faces of the tournament. She’s averaging 17.5 points while shooting 48.5% from the field, 45.5% from the 3-point line and 95.5% from the foul line.

“If we win tomorrow and if we win Sunday, Azzi will be crowned one of the greatest of all time. If we don’t win tomorrow and we don’t even get a chance to play on Sunday, she’s going to feel like this was a disappointing year for her,” Auriemma said. “I try to make it that it’s November don’t think about January Hey, it’s January,

don’t think about March. Let’s just enjoy what we’ve got right now.”

For the Hall of Fame coach, getting to the Final Four was all that Fudd had to really do

“Once we won, once we beat Notre Dame to get here, to me Azzi’s job was done,” he said. “What happens here the next game, that’s all just bonus. ’Cause getting here is the hard part, you know?”

Not playing like freshmen

UConn’s Blanca Quinonez and South Carolina’s Agot Makeer have raised their play in the NCAA Tournament. Quinonez is averaging 17.3 points in the NCAAs — second to Strong. She also averaging 4.8 rebounds, 2.5 steals and 1.3 blocks. Auriemma has been impressed with her confidence.

“Her belief in herself I think is one of the things that separates her I think a lot of kids today, they don’t necessarily have that belief. They don’t necessarily have that level of confidence,” Auriemma said. “They walk around like they do, but they really don’t. Hers is real. I think it’s infectious, you know?”

Staley sees similar characteristics in Makeer, who had a careerhigh 18 points in the Elite Eight win over TCU.

“For us, Gotti thinks highly of herself and her talents, which she should,” Staley said. ‘I think that is the thing that propelled her to play like she’s playing, is she thinks very highly of herself.”

Both Quinonez and Makeer missed time this season with injuries. UConn’s young star had shoulder issues and Makeer had ankle problems and a concussion. Now they are healthy and playing well.

“I feel like my mindset changed. Starting in the SEC Tournament, I just started approaching games differently,” Makeer said. “And I feel like it wasn’t just one-dimensional thinking. I just wanted to go and do whatever I can to get the team to win. So just in this tournament, I’ve just thought whatever I can do to get this team a win is what I need to do.”

UCLA and Texas get Final Four rematch

BY JOHN MARSHALL

AP sportswriter

PHOENIX UCLA’s bid to play for a first NCAA championship came to a harsh end with a blowout loss to eventual national champion UConn in the women’s Final Four

The Bruins are back, along with the rest of last year’s Final Four teams, and hope to have better luck in the desert.

Standing in the way is Texas, the only team to be the beat them in what was otherwise a dominating season.

“For us, it’s just coming out ready to go,” UCLA guard Gabriela Jaquez said on Thursday “The main thing is being ready to play, coming out to get every loose ball, play as a team, just playing like we know how to play.”

The Bruins (35-1) spent most of the season pushing around opponents, winning by an average of 20.9 points per game fifth nationally — on their way to a school record for wins.

The Longhorns (35-3) became the bully when the teams met Nov 26 at the Players Era Championship in Las Vegas.

Texas’ physical guards harried the Bruins into a string of turnovers to lead by 20 at halftime and staved off UCLA’s late charge to win 76-65. UCLA also had a hard time getting the ball to All-American center Lauren Betts, who had a season-low eight points on just eight shots.

“Coming out with a certain level of aggression is important and I’m going to make sure I do that,” Betts said.

UCLA rebounded to beat Duke by 30 the next day, kicking off a school-record streak of 28 straight wins that included four double-digit

ä UCLA vs Texas. 8:30 P.M.FRIDAy ESPN

wins in the NCAA Tournament.

The Longhorns kept rolling, opening the season with 18 straight wins before consecutive setbacks at No. 5 LSU and No 4 South Carolina. The losses frustrated Texas coach Vic Schaefer, but his irritation peaked a month later with a 16-point loss at Vanderbilt that had him saying his team was “soft” and “had no heart.”

The Longhorns responded by dominating every team they went against after that, winning 12 straight games by an average of 26.5 points per game That included a 17-point win over South Carolina in the SEC tournament title game and four straight NCAA Tournament blowouts in which they allowed an average of 49.4 points per game.

Texas, in the Final Four for the fifth time, is seeking its first national championship since going undefeated in 1986.

“Right now they’re playing as good as any team I’ve ever had,” said Schaefer, in his fifth season as Texas’ coach.

Limiting turnovers

A huge key in Friday’s second Final Four game will be whether UCLA can handle Texas’ pressure.

The Longhorns hounded the Bruins into 20 turnovers, converting those into 18 points.

UCLA had similar problems taking care of the call against Duke in the Elite Eight, turning it over 12 times to trail at halftime for the second time this season. The Bruins rallied from the eight-point deficit to win 70-58 but finished with 18 turnovers.

practice on

Theegala, Rai to return to Zurich Classic tournament

The team of Sahith Theegala and Aaron Rai is returning to the Zurich Classic, tournament officials announced Thursday

This will be the fifth consecutive year that Theegala and Rai have competed at the event, which will be played at TPC of Louisiana April 23-26. It’s the second consecutive year Theegala and Rai have teamed together They finished in a tie for 18th in last year’s Zurich.

Theegala has been on a hot streak of late. He has recorded four top 10 finishes in his last four tournaments, including a tie for sixth in the Arnold Palmer Invitational and a tie for 10th at the Houston Open. He currently ranks 19th in FedExCup points and No. 71 in the World Golf Rankings.

Mickelson cites injury, pulls out of Masters

AUGUSTA,Ga.— Three-time champion Phil Mickelson withdrew from the Masters on Thursday, citing a personal health matter with his family that kept him out of all but one of the five LIV Golf events this year

“Unfortunately I will not play in the Masters Tournament next week and will be out for an extended period of time as my family continues to navigate a personal health matter,” Mickelson posted on social media.

Tiger Woods said Tuesday he was taking an indefinite leave to seek treatment after his arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence in a Feb. 27 crash in Florida. It will be the first time neither Woods nor Mickelson will be at the Masters since 1994.

UConn’s Strong named AP Player of the Year

PHOENIX Sarah Strong of UConn was named The Associated Press women’s basketball Player of the Year on Thursday after leading the Huskies to an undefeated season, setting the stage for a run to the Final Four Strong became just the fifth player to win the award in her sophomore year, joining Oklahoma’s Courtney Paris (2007), UConn stars Maya Moore (2009) and Breanna Stewart (2014), and USC’s JuJu Watkins, who won it last year The AP started giving out the award in 1995. It’s the 13th time that a Huskies player has won the award with Paige Bueckers being the last to do it before Strong in 2021. Strong received 25 votes from a national media panel.

Vanderbilt’s Ralph named AP Coach of the Year

PHOENIX Shea Ralph of Vanderbilt was named The Associated Press women’s basketball Coach of the Year on Thursday after turning the Commodores into one of the top teams in the nation.

Ralph led a team that returned just one starter to the most successful season in school history

The team went 29-5, with 13 of those wins coming in the regular season against a rugged Southeastern Conference schedule The Commodores finished tied for second in the conference, which matched the best finish in program history They earned a 2-seed in the NCAA Tournament and reached the Sweet 16. Ralph received 23 votes from the 31-member national media panel that votes on the AP Top 25 each week.

LSU signee remains on amateur leaderboard

Friday

The Longhorns have big, physical guards who put constant pressure on ballhandlers, a big reason they force 22 turnovers per game. All-American impact

Another key will be the performance of the teams’ two first-team AP All-Americans. Betts had a dominating season, averaging 18.5 points and 7.6 rebounds while shooting 60.1% from the field to be named an All-American for the second straight season a year after becoming the program’s first women’s All-American.

She’s the fourth player in NCAA history with at least 600 points, 300 rebounds, 100 assists and 70 blocks in a season. Texas junior Madison Booker has the size of a forward at 6-foot-1, but the skills of a guard, making her a brutal matchup for any opposing team. Booker averaged 19.3 points on 51.6% shooting, 6.1 rebounds, 3.8 assists and led the team with 83 steals. She’s the only player in women’s NCAA history with at least 1,500 points, 900 assists, 600 rebounds and 350 steals.

LSU signee Raegan Denton scrapped her way to an even-par 72 on Thursday, keeping her high on the leaderboard going into Saturday’s final round of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur The Australian is at 5 under 139, in a tie for sixth place after two days at Champions Retreat Golf Club in Evans, Georgia, just outside Augusta. The top 30 and ties from the 72-player field advanced to Saturday’s final round at Augusta National Golf Club. Denton is six strokes back of Asterisk Talley, who finished as runner-up last year LSU sophomore Rocio Tejedo

Wade was ‘big personality’ LSU needed

BY TOYLOY BROWN III

Staff writer

“What guys are out there?”

That was the question LSU athletic director Verge Ausberry posed to Heath Schroyer, the newly hired senior deputy athletic director Ausberry told reporters Monday that he wanted to lean on Schroyer’s basketball expertise to help decide on what avenue they should take with the men’s program Before Schroyer left his position as athletic director of McNeese State, he coached college basketball for 12 years at four schools. The next stage of the conversation centered on the need to rejuvenate the fan base Ausberry said “apathy” had seeped in after a fourth consecutive season of missing the NCAA Tournament and a third bottom-two

finish in the Southeastern Conference in four years.

The only person the athletic department and the board of supervisors knew would energize people was former coach Will Wade. “He fits what LSU is, he always did, I always felt it,” Ausberry said. “I thought Will would be the one that brings energy back when he left here. Look at LSU basketball as a whole. You don’t see many banners. You look at the Dale Brown era. We had some hit and misses there. You know, John Brady went to a Final Four But really, it wasn’t a rich basketball history That’s the culture we’re trying to change here.

Hours before LSU’s new coach exited the plane that flew him from Raleigh, North Carolina, where he coached at North Carolina State for a season, to Baton Rouge on March 26,

the thrill that came from his return captured the intrigue of sports fans nationally and intensified the excitement of the LSU faithful.

Wade, who replaced Matt McMahon, built a reputation as a consistent winner during his run as LSU coach from 2017-22. He led the program to three NCAA Tournament berths in five seasons, an overall record of 105-51, a Sweet 16 appearance and an SEC regular-season title in 2019.

Wade, who was fired by LSU for cause in 2022 after an NCAA investigation, also displayed a bravado that resonated with the sensibilities of LSU supporters. “It takes a big personality to coach

in the SEC, and especially under the spotlight of LSU,” Ausberry said at the news conference. “We want coaches who embrace the expectations and want them. Will is here for the challenge.”

What also made Wade the perfect hire in the eyes of Ausberry, Schroyer and LSU president Wade Rousse was the built-in familiarity All three have a relationship with the Tigers’ coach.

Ausberry was a senior administrator in LSU’s athletic department during the entirety of Wade’s first stint. Rousse and Schroyer hired Wade at McNeese in 2023. They all preached how those tight connections breed alignment, which led to strong results at McNeese.

“The way I look at this is what we had at McNeese, we did it on a regional scale,” Wade said. “We can

take that same formula with more resources and more support just because of the financial aspect of it all and move that to LSU, and we can make us a national force.”

With the Cowboys (2023-25), Wade led them to the regular season and Southland Conference Tournament championships to earn an NCAA Tournament berth in each of his two seasons there. In his single season with NC State, the team went 20-14 and 10-8 in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Wade has had six 20-win campaigns in his past seven seasons.

While the success speaks for itself, Schroyer doesn’t want one other factor to be forgotten in why he has confidence in Wade That’s his character.

“Will Wade treats people that can’t help him better than anybody I’ve ever been around with his stature,” Schroyer said.

BY WILL GRAVES AP sportwriter

PITTSBURGH The Konnor Griffin Era will begin on Friday in Pittsburgh.

A person familiar with the decision has told The Associated Press that the Pirates are calling up the 19-year-old shortstop, the consensus choice as the top prospect in baseball, before Friday’s home opener against the Baltimore Orioles.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the roster move was not yet official.

The club tipped its hand on Thursday, featuring Griffin on various social media platforms, including an Instagram post featuring pictures of Griffin at PNC Park and included the caption “KG has arrived in Pittsburgh.”

The Pirates also created room for Griffin on the roster early Thursday evening, optioning outfielder Billy Cook to Triple-A Indianapolis. Grif-

JOHNSON

Continued from page 1C

“It’s what made the Tony Vitello hire such a shock to people,” ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan said. “The Giants didn’t just hire a college coach. They hired a college coach who had no experience in professional baseball.

“And around the industry, there were a lot of people who looked at it and said, ‘Boy that’s very interesting. That’s a little bit risky They must think that this is a special type of leader,’ and, well, we’re about to find out.”

The start of Vitello’s tenure in San Francisco has had its ups and downs.

The Giants were 2-4 before their game Thursday night against the New York Mets They were swept by the New York Yankees in their opening series, held to one run in three games before bouncing back with two wins over the San Diego Padres on the road.

And much like his time in Tennessee, Vitello has had his share of soundbites since he arrived in the big leagues.

“I can’t talk down to guys anymore, they’re my age,” Vitello quipped during an ingame interview on Fox. “Or it feels like they’re close to it.” San Francisco has 155 games left to play this season. A few games in April and March don’t mean a whole lot in the bigger picture. However, Vitello’s experiment is something Johnson will keep an eye on.

“I think it’s cool. I think it’s awesome,” Johnson said “I’m following it closely That was my team. I’m from northern California anyway

“I’m very interested to see how it goes.”

Vitello’s success, or lack thereof, won’t necessarily determine Johnson’s chances of becoming a major league manager someday Johnson’s résumé is arguably stronger than Vitello’s, with two national championships in three years and having developed a trio of topthree MLB draft picks over the past three seasons. And even if Vitello’s hiring was unique, it followed an offseason trend of MLB teams taking high-risk bets on new

fin is expected to address reporters on Friday morning at the ballpark where the club hopes Griffin can be a lineup fixture for years to come and the team’s most consequential position player since former centerfielder Andrew McCutchen, who won the 2013 NL MVP and helped guide Pittsburgh to three straight playoff berths from 2013-15.

The question when the season started last week wasn’t if Griffin would make his big-league debut this year, but when. The answer turned out to be “not very long” after Griffin hit 438 (7 for 16) with three doubles, an RBI and three stolen bases at Triple-A Indianapolis.

The 6-foot-3 Griffin, taken with the ninth overall pick in the 2024 first-year player draft, has rocketed through Pittsburgh’s farm system. He batted 333 with 21 home runs, 94 RBIs and 65 stolen bases in 122 combined games between Single-A and Double-A in 2025. Griffin earned an invitation to

ON DECK

Pittsburgh’s big-league camp and was among the last cuts before the opening day roster was set While he showcased his power by smashing three home runs during Grapefruit League play the most by a teen-

ager in spring training in at least two decades — he also struck out more than a dozen times.

The Pirates broke camp with Jared Triolo at shortstop and Nick Gonzales at third. The addition of Griffin

likely means Triolo — a Gold Glove winner as a utility player — will head to third.

While Pittsburgh has been in talks with Griffin about a lengthy contract extension that would in essence buy out his arbitration years in advance, the person told the AP the decision to call him up was not dependent on an agreement being reached. The person said Griffin is coming to Pittsburgh because he’s the franchise’s best option at short.

WHO: LSU (20-10, 4-5 SEC) at Tennessee (19-10, 3-6)

WHEN: 4:30 p.m. Friday

WHERE: Lindsey Nelson Stadium

ONLINE/TV: SEC Network

RADIO: WDGL-FM, 98.1 (Baton Rouge); WWL-AM, 870 (New Orleans); KLWB-FM, 103.7 (Lafayette)

RANKINGS: LSU and Tennessee are not ranked by D1Baseball

PROBABLE STARTERS: LSU — RHP Casan Evans (2-1, 5.00 ERA); Tennessee — RHP Landon Mack (3-2, 3.89)

PREGAME UPDATES: theadvocate.com/lsu

ON X: @KokiRiley

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: LSU has trailed by at least five runs in its past two games The Tigers were down 7-0 to Kentucky before coming back to win 17-10, and they trailed Southern 6-1 on Tuesday before blowing out the Jaguars, 16-6. Tennessee took down Austin Peay on Tuesday, 13-4, bouncing back from a series of crushing defeats to Vanderbilt.The Volunteers got walked off three times in the series sweep.

Koki Riley

managers.

A week before Thanksgiving, the Washington Nationals hired Blake Butera a 33-year-old Metairie native — as their new manager His appointment made him the youngest manager in the big leagues since 1972.

Craig Stammen, an MLB relief pitcher who retired as a player in 2023, was hired in November as the Padres’ manager despite having minimal coaching experience.

“I don’t know this to be true. And frankly, I’m a little hesitant to say it,” Passan said. “But when the Giants hired Tony Vitello, the first thing I thought to myself was, ‘Boy, the (Los Angeles) Dodgers and their dominance are making organizations look at every single possibility of getting (an) edge or value, or one up.’ Because winning in a universe where they exist, you have to take risks.

“If we’re not going to be able to outspend them, and they’ve shown an incredible ability to develop players, where are some areas that we might be able to get a little bit of an extra edge?” In some respects, Vitello is a trailblazer for Johnson and elite college coaches like him. But he’s also not the first coach to have managed at both the collegiate and MLB levels.

Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy was the coach at Arizona State from 1994-2009 and led the Sun

Devils to four College World Series appearances. Bobby Winkles won three national championships at ASU before managing the California Angels and Oakland Athletics in the 1970s. Dick Howser was the coach at Florida State for one year before becoming the manager of the Yankees and a World Series-winning manager for the Kansas City Royals in the 1980s.

And contractually, if an MLB team ever wanted to hire Johnson, the club wouldn’t need to buy out his contract at LSU. Johnson’s new deal, which he signed in July, includes a $7 million buyout if another college were to hire him before August. There is no mention of MLB nor pro baseball in that section of the contract.

“That’s all they’re looking for: Who’s a winner?” Passan said “And if you’ve won at LSU, if you’ve won national championships, and if you’ve won SEC titles, and if you’ve won these glossy items that say a lot about your skills, then chances are an opportunity is going to come along at some point.”

None of this means that Johnson’s departure for the Chicago White Sox, Philadelphia Phillies or Seattle Mariners is a formality Along with stating he wants LSU to be “the best program in the country forever,” he was quick to point out some major differences between pro and college baseball.

“It’s a completely different

game, though; it’s a different world,” Johnson said. “If people think college football and the NFL are different, like (MLB) and (college) and what goes on, it’s the moon.”

MLB, in Johnson’s estimation, is geared toward rewarding individual success more than team success. Given the competition for sparse jobs among players and the game being players’ livelihoods, Johnson would prefer to work in a league where it would be easier to promote a culture that is about the team first.

He also said he believes that MLB front offices, which are generally run by Ivy League graduates who are well-versed in baseball analytics, piece together the lineup each day instead of the manager That dynamic is something he probably wouldn’t be a fan of.

“You can ask Jake Brown how coach Johnson would feel if somebody was telling him what lineup we were doing,” Johnson said.

But the college game is still, at least arguably, closer to MLB now than ever before Like in MLB, money has become a prominent

factor in college baseball. The transfer portal and NIL have made it more difficult to cultivate the kind of teamfirst environment that Johnson has tried to promote.

“I bet, and I don’t know this to be true, but if you ask coach Vitello,” Johnson said on the Mik’d Up podcast with Mikie Mahtook and Jared Mitchell on Wednesday, “all of the volatility (in college sports), all of that probably (played a factor) in him deciding to go (to MLB).”

College players have become more prominent in the MLB draft. Paul Skenes, Dylan Crews and Kade Anderson are just a handful of college stars who have seen their stocks rise because of their collegiate success.

“I think the hiring of a college coach to be a bigleague manager is part of a larger evolution in the relationship between college baseball and Major League Baseball,” MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said in an interview with KNBR, a local sports radio station in San Francisco. “The college programs, many of them, are really high quality They produce players that we draft in

increasing numbers every year “So I don’t think there’s anything unusual about the development that somebody who has been tremendously successful at the college level would get a major league job.”

Johnson and Vitello have exchanged words since the latter coach left for San Francisco. Johnson first congratulated him on getting the job and complimented him on the work he did at Tennessee. Vitello eventually responded, saying “something to the effect of, ‘I’m not going to miss seeing you for a while,’ ” before Johnson came back with a witty observation.

“I was like, well, you just traded us for the Dodgers.” But the only trade stuck in LSU fans’ minds is whether Johnson would deal the Tigers in for a shot at becoming an MLB manager For now, he says he has no interest The circumstances around him, however, are built to test his patience.

“We’ll see. Things change,” Johnson said. “But, right now, this is where I’m happy.”

“It’sour job to set the tempo,”

Kiffin said Tuesday.“We get hired as coaches not justtodrawup plays. We’ve got to set the tempo by the way that we work, by the standards that we have, by the habits that we develop.

“Weshow them. And then Ibelieve that trickles down.”

Take the rushing attack, for example. LSU couldn’t control the pace of its games last year in large part because it struggledto runthe ball. More than 120FBS teams rushed for more yards per game in 2025 than the Tigers did. Their top two ballcarriers finishedwith only 505 and 491 yards on the ground.

Both of those runners —junior Caden Durham and Berry— decided to return to LSU. Kiffin andhis staff needed to add depthbehind them, so they signed four transfer running backs: Dillin Jones from

RACE

Continued from page1C

Marrero. White finished second in last year’sClassic with atime of 31 minutes, 33 secondsand is hoping

TULANE

Continued from page1C

experienced quarterbacks on the roster,they are trying to validate the staff’s decision not to bring in anyone else from the transfer portal.

Semonza didn’tplay last year after former coachJon Sumrall picked up Brendan Sullivan in the since-discontinuedlate portal periodfollowing spring practiceand added Jake Retzlaff in late July Chriss-Gremillion threw 21 passes in mop-up duty for Houston afterlosingacompetition with Conner Weigman for the starting job. Hall trusted their bodyofwork before 2025. Semonza,who transferred to Tulane last season,threw for 2,904 yards and 25 touchdowns at Ball State in 2024

Wisconsin, Raycine Guillory from Utah, Stacy Gagefrom UCF and Rod Gainey from Charlotte. None of them have played in Kiffin’ssystem before, so they’re all usingspring practices to acclimate themselves to its faster pace.

KevinSmith —the running backs coach whofollowed Kiffin from Ole MisstoLSU —wants themtoworkwith asense of urgency.Inportions of practice open to reporters, he’srun through drills himself,tucking aball and crashing through aset of tackling dummies.

That hands-on approach is new forsomeLSU players— butnot forstaredgerusher Princewill Umanmielen, who’sone of four newTigerswho played forKiffin at Ole Miss.

“I’ve justbeen trying to tell the guys on theoffensive side that they better buckle up,”Umanmielen said, “because it’s goingto be alot of fun for sure, especially watching from thesideline as adefensive player.”

Before LSU’s new-look offense

to cross thefinish line in first this year.

“I’mpretty confident,”White said. “Training is going really good. This is arace Iwould like to win.”

White has participated in the Classic everyyearsince2022.

The 27-year-old was adistance

“Kadin’sjust been aplaymaker from high school allthe way through Ball State,”Hall said. “He knows where the ball’ssupposedto go in the pocket,but he’sareally quick-footedguy.He’snot aspeed guy,but he can make guys miss. He would be apoint guard if he played basketball. He wasprobably areally good soccer player when he was young.”

Chriss-Gremillion, who arrived this January,went 4-3 as astarter for UL in 2023. Playing behind a porous line at Houston in 2024, he still completed completed 15 of 18 passes for 141 yards in awin against TCU while rushing for 97 yards on11carries. He went11 of 11 for 103 yards in avictory against Kansas State, also gaining 75 yards on 22 carries.

He is one of the fastest players on theteam at any position. “Heisa100-meter guy,” Hall

can play at Kiffin’spreferredpace, it needstofigure outhow to run the ball, and beforeitcan figureout howtorun the ball, it needstoset afirst-team offensive line. The Tigers are expected to hold position battles at both their guard spots and at right tackle in preseason camp. On Thursday,inthe 20 minutes of practice open to reporters, LSU hadMaryland transfer AliouBah and Ole Miss transfer Devin Harper at the guard spots in aquick red zonedrill. Returning sophomore Weston Davis was at right tackle. Berry and Durham are expected to form a1-2 punchatrunning back.They’re still alongway away from solidifying their roles in Kiffin’soffense.

But what they do knownow is that things are changing —and thatthey need to condition themselves before they can make the adjustment.

“This is different,” Berry said, “but we embrace it, andwe’re working. We’re just trying to get in the best shape we can.”

runneratSoutheastern Louisiana and has been apartofthe Power Milers club since 2016.

“I hadnoidea how big this race was (in 2022),” White said. “The atmosphere is great.”

Covington native Evan Pardo, adistancerunner at UNO, was the Classic’stop finisher last year

said. “He can fly.Hehas alive arm and madesome good throws. They really support each other They complement each other,and it’sfun watching themcompete.”

The 5-foot-11 Semonzalikes to throwonthe run, getting out of the pocket while keepinghis eyes downfield, as he did on a scrambling touchdown pass to GarrettMmahat{/a} on Tuesday

“It’ssuper important,” Semonza said. “Being ashorter guy like me, you have to do everything you can to make those plays. You lookatguysinthe NFL like Kyler Murray or Baker Mayfield, alot of those highlights theyare making are off-platform throws.”

The talent around the quarterbacks should help them. Semonza raved aboutthe versatility of running backs Maurice Turner and Jaylin Lucas,who figure to excel in Hall’soffense as dual

with atimeof31:10. NewOrleansresident Kir Selert was the top female finisher with atime of 36:07.

Apostrace festival in City Park will include live music from New Orleans-basedband Flow Tribe. Awards will be given out on stage to the Classic’s top finishers,and

running/receiving threats. Transfers DJ Dugar (OklahomaState) and Johnnie Daniels (Mississippi State) have flashed, too, and JamauriMcClure (shoulder surgery) will be back forpreseason practice after rushing for 490 yards in the Wave’sfinal fivegames last year Chriss-Gremillion was limited to stationarypassing in thefirst two weeks of spring practice because of ahamstring injury —an impediment Hall labeled ablessingindisguise as he workedon his accuracy.Atfull strength this week, he has demonstrated alive arm.

“I feel good,” he said. “I feel free, loose. That’sone of the thing coach (Hall) wanted us to do.Whenyou go outthere and don’tworry about making mistakes, you play free and loose, full speed. Ifeel free to do what I’msupposed to do,just

acostume contest followsthe awards ceremony

“(The postrace festival) has grown, too,” Stuart said. “More food options, drink options. Got a bigger charity village than we’ve ever had before, which is what we really wanttogrow.We’re really happy.”

making apass or making a20-yard run to move the chains.”

In his last year of college football, he wants to enjoy every moment. “I’m out there having fun,” he said. “Just getting achance and the privilege to play with the Tulane guys, I’m trying to make the best of it.”

Lagniappe

Semonzaand Chriss-Gremillion did not get achancetoduplicate theirTuesdayperformances in an 11-on-11drill at Yulman Stadium on Thursday because the defense dominatedthe line of scrimmage, harassing them repeatedly.…Hall listed promisingtruefreshmanTrace Johnson as thirdinthe pecking order at quarterback, with walk-on Dagan Brunofourth, ahead of redshirt freshmen Jay Beamon and Cade Scott.

SCOREBOARD

0-0) at Texas (Gore 1-0), 3:05 p.m. Chicago Cubs (Horton 1-0) at Cleveland (Cantillo 0-0), 3:10 p.m. Tampa Bay (Boyle 0-0) at Minnesota (Ober 0-0), 3:10 p.m. Baltimore (Bradish 0-0) at Pittsburgh (Keller 0-0), 3:noon Milwaukee (Patrick 0-0) at Kansas City (Wacha 0-0), 6:45 p.m. Seattle (Woo 0-0) at L.A. Angels (Detmers 0-0), 8:38 p.m. Houston (Javier 0-0) at Athletics (Springs 0-0), 8:40 p.m.

College baseball

State scores, schedule Tuesday’s games McNeese 10, UL 7 UNO 2, South Alabama 1 Southeastern 5, Southern Miss 1 Tulane 6, Nicholls 2 LSU 16, Southern 6 (7 inn.)

Wednesday’s games None scheduled.

Thursday’s games Southeastern 9, Incarnate Word 3 UL 5, James Madison 4 Tulane 4, Wichita State 2 McNeese at UNO, n Nicholls at Houston Christian, n Friday’s games Southeastern at Incarnate Word, 2:05 p.m.

UL at James Madison, 4 p.m. LSU at Tennessee, 4:30 p.m. Bethune-Cookman at Southern, 6 p.m. Tulane at Wichita State, 6:05 p.m.

McNeese at UNO, 6:30 p.m. Nicholls at Houston Christian, 6:30 p.m.

College softball

State scores, schedule Tuesday’s games None scheduled. Wednesday’s games None scheduled. Thursday’s games

Troy 5, UL 4 Southeastern 4, McNeese 0 Nicholls 9, East Texas A&M 1 Nicholls 8, East Texas A&M 0, 2nd game

LSU 9, Missouri 1 Friday’s games East Texas A&M at Nicholls, noon Southern at Texas Southern (DH), 1 p.m.

Southeastern at McNeese, 1 p.m.

LSU at Missouri, 3 p.m. Troy at UL, 6 p.m.

College basketball

NCAA Men’s Tournament

National semifinals At Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis Saturday UConn vs. Illinois, 5:09 p.m. Arizona vs. Michigan, 7:49 p.m. National championship Monday Semifinals winners, 7:30 p.m. Men’s NIT

Semifinals Thursday’s games At Hinkle Fieldhouse, Indianapolis Tulsa 74, New Mexico 69 Auburn vs. Illinois St., n

ship Sunday’s

John Curtis saw its top pitcher return to form

BY SPENCER URQUHART Staff writer

John Curtis pitcher Makyla Escude has dealt with a back injury this season but wasn’t affected by it Thursday against St. Charles.

Escude got the start in the circle for Curtis in a matchup of teams that reached the state finals last season in their divisions. She pitched all seven innings on Thursday, holding St. Charles scoreless in a 6-0 win at Curtis.

Escude allowed just two hits and two walks in Thursday’s complete-game effort. Curtis (14-10) has now won its past three games after a one-run loss to Chapelle to conclude district play

“(Escude) pitched her butt off today,” Curtis coach Jerry Godfrey said. “She had a very good day We’re going to be tough to beat when we can do that.”

This year has presented its share of challenges for Escude, who was the top pitcher last season for the reigning Division I select state champion Curits. Now a junior, Escude showed off her capabilities against St. Charles and recorded nine strikeouts.

“Everything was working good (against St. Charles),” Escude said. “(The changeup) is usually the pitch I go to the most. I’m bouncing back (from injury) and, I’m just going to keep working and getting better.”

gave Escude a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the second

A’Shyree Raymo scored the first run on an infield single by Leigh Carter Gabby Fabacher drove in two more runs after a hit went past the St. Charles second baseman into right center The ball went deep enough for a triple, scoring both Layla Alongi and Carter to put Curtis up by three. Curtis scored another run in the bottom of third after Ramo grounded out to third base, driving in Kynadi Torregano. Fabacher had a team-high four hits for Curtis, going 4 for 4 at the plate. The Patriots finished with 11 hits.

St. Charles senior pitcher Riley Perilloux threw all six innings, allowing four earned runs. The last two Curtis runs in the bottom of the sixth were unearned after the Comets committed a pair of infield errors. “We didn’t make enough adjustments at the plate to get any runs around, but I’m proud of the way that we competed,” St. Charles coach Zach Weber said. “When the playoffs come around, hopefully we’re playing our best ball.” Curtis will travel to face Doyle in its next matchup on Tuesday St. Charles (17-9) will be back at home for its next game on Monday against Lutcher

Fourmaux, bottom of order deliver in Rummel victory

BY CHRISTOPHER DABE Staff writer

Tyler Fourmaux saw a fastball on the outer half of the plate and didn’t miss it. With runners in scoring position, the No. 7 hitter in Rummel’s lineup drove it the other way for a two-run single, extending his team’s lead. He wasn’t the only hitter in the bottom third of the order to deliver as Nos. 8 and 9 hitters Ben Heard and Jack Hurd each singled home a run in Rummel’s 6-2 victory over Holy Cross on Wednesday at Kirsch-Rooney Stadium.

“People usually look down at the bottom of the lineup,” Fourmaux said. “But it’s fun when you can come through in the big moment.”

Fourmaux’s RBI single carried added significance given his early struggles. Rummel coach Frank Cazeaux said the first-year varsity starting first baseman had trouble shifting his weight properly on fastballs early in the year

“He’s a big, strong kid,” Cazeaux said. “Stand tall and drive the ball. That’s what he’s doing.” The four-run fifth included two walks and a fielding error on what would have been a sure double play to end the inning with the score tied at 2-2.

Fourmaux’s chance came after one run scored on the error, and another scored when Brody Giglio hit into a fielder’s choice for

the second out.

“He’d been throwing me outside all game,” Fourmaux said of the Holy Cross pitcher “I was just looking to go the other way with it.” The left-handed hitting junior did just that, driving the ball to left field as two runs scored.

“I’ve had a lot of those clutch moments I could have had,” Fourmaux said. “It feels really good to finally capitalize.”

Rummel pitcher Owen Nugent welcomed the run support. The junior right-hander struck out six and walked two as he scattered seven hits.

“As you see, he hit the ball in the oppo gap, what we work on every day at practice,” Nugent said. “It paid off.”

Heard and Hurd drove in their runs in the second inning, after Bryce Hingle and Giglio reached on a pair of infield singles. The next inning, Hurd, a Delgado commitment, one-hopped a throw home from center field to get the third out.

The Rummel lineup includes freshman Beau Stevens and senior Joel Morange—both drew two walks against Holy Cross— and Northwestern State signee Ian Smith at shortstop.

Production from the bottom of the order could be vital as Rummel (22-6, 8-2 District 9-5A, tied with Jesuit in the loss column) contends for the Catholic League title.

“That’s always important,” Cazeaux said. “We get 7-8-9 to hit, that’s a feather in our cap.”

Michigan-Arizona matchup top

BY LARRY LAGE AP sportswriter

ANN ARBOR, Mich. A March Madness masterpiece might be on tap.

Get your popcorn, kick up your feet and get ready for what shapes up to be an epic showdown in the Final Four nightcap on Saturday night.

Michigan and Arizona, topseeded teams in the NCAA Tournament after being at or near the top of the AP Top 25 all season, will face off with a spot in the championship game on Monday night at stake.

The nation’s top two teams in KenPom rankings will be on the same court at the Final Four for just the second time since 2015.

Michigan was favored on Thursday by 1 1/2 points against Arizona and was a slight favorite over the Wildcats to win the national title, according to BetMGM Sportsbook. Connecticut and Illinois will meet in the first game Saturday night in Indianapolis.

The Wolverines and Wildcats, who are a combined 71-5, are not used to playing in closely contested games Since the tournament’s expansion to 64 teams in 1985, this is the first Final Four matchup with teams that won each of their four previous games by double digits.

And as the point spread suggests, the game looks like it will be up for grabs.

Michigan averages 87.7 points, barely a point more than Arizona scores per game. The Wildcats allow 68.8 points a game, eighttenths of a point less than the Wolverines give up a game. Here’s a look at some of the matchups:

Balanced offenses

Michigan opened the season scoring 69 points in the first half of a 121-78 win over Oakland and didn’t cool off

The Wolverines are the first team to score 90-plus points in four double-digit wins in the NCAA Tournament They have scored 381 points entering the Final Four, trailing just Kentucky’s 388 points in 1993 and Oklahoma’s 387 in 1988.

Will Tschetter provides depth in the frontcourt and is one of two holdovers, along with starting guard

Nimari Burnett, from Howard’s final season.

Intangibles abound

Michigan star Yaxel Lendeborg, an Associated Press All-America player, has 20plus points in three straight games, including a 27-point performance against Tennessee in the regional final.

Five of his teammates are scoring in double figures and a sixth is averaging 9.5 points on a pass-happy team. Arizona, likewise, is very balanced offensively Brayden Burries and Jaden Bradley, honorable mention AP All-America players, combine to average nearly 30 points a game as part of a starting lineup with five double-digit scorers. Seven players in the regular rotation have scored at least 20 in a game, and eight players have shared or led the team in scoring in a game this season.

The Wildcats ranked No 4 nationally in paint points during the regular season at 42.7 per game and were 360th of 365 Division I teams by attempting just 16 3-pointers per game, seven fewer than the average team.

Pounding the ball inside also helps them get to the line. Arizona is shooting 18plus more free throws than opponents in the tournament.

Tall, disciplined defense

Arizona’s size has been an advantage all season, but Michigan also has length in the frontcourt.

The Wildcats’ defense is anchored by 7-foot-2 Motiejus Krivas, an adept shot blocker, and he will likely square off with 7-foot-3 center Aday Mara. Arizona also has 6-8 freshman Koa Peat and 6-8,

250-pound reserve Tobe Awaka to create problems for opponents. The Wildcats’ guards are big and agile, able to play aggressively up top because of the size behind them.

Coach Tommy Lloyd wants the Wildcats to play tough defense without fouling — something they’ve succeeded at, making more free throws than opposing teams have attempted.

Michigan turns defense into offense, pressuring the ball all over the court to cause turnovers and trigger its fast break.

Mara has 100 blocks, setting a single-season record, and the team has blocked at least eight shots in each of its four games in March Madness. Morez Johnson, a 6-9 forward, and Lendeborg have combined to block 70 shots to give the team three players to protect the rim.

The Wolverines also throw an array of traps at teams forcing turnovers that allow them to turn up the tempo.

Coaches rising stars

Both coaches might be high on North Carolina’s wish list to replace fired coach Hubert Davis.

Lloyd spent 21 years as an assistant at Gonzaga, helping coach Mark Few turn the Zags from a mid-major from eastern Washington no one had heard of into a national powerhouse. He has been excellent at making adjustments, allowing the Wildcats to turn close games at halftime into lopsided wins as they did by overcoming a seven-point halftime deficit to beat Purdue 79-64 in the Elite Eight.

Michigan coach Dusty

May had made the most of the transfer portal, plucking players out of it in each of his two years to remarkably rebuild a program that lost a school-record 24 games two years ago before firing former Fab Five player Juwan Howard.

May’s staff looks for players who like to pass, believing it’s an unselfish characteristic that paves the way to be a good teammate. The former student manager at Indiana under Bob Knight is making his second trip to the Final Four as a head coach, following Florida Atlantic’s improbable run in 2023.

Deep benches

Awaka and sharpshooter Anthony Dell’Orso were starters last season, but shifted to bench roles with the influx of talent on the roster Awaka makes the most of his 21 minutes per game by grabbing rebounds and providing a physical presence. He leads Arizona with 9.1 rebounds per game and his of-

fensive rebounding percentage of 20% leads the nation. Dell’Orso had some midseason struggles, but regained his shooting touch late in the season, providing a huge lift when he enters the game.

Freshman Dwayne Aristode is one of the most athletic players on the team and can score in bunches as he did when he made 6 of 9 3-pointers in an 18-points performance against Northern Arizona.

Trey McKenney, a freshman guard, nearly averages double figures as Michigan’s top player off the bench.

If Elliot Cadeau’s allergic reaction limits his playing time, McKenney or senior Roddy Gayle would see more action Gayle, who is in his second season with the Wolverines after two years at Ohio State, averages seven-plus points a game.

May said Cadeau, who averages 10.2 points and 5.8 assists, is “fine” after being driven to Indianapolis by a Michigan staffer

BY MICHAEL MAROT AP sportswriter

The Wildcats seem to play better when there’s more at stake or in the face of adversity Arizona opened the season with a six-point win over reigning national champion Florida and took down a gauntlet of ranked opponents the rest of the season. Bradley has been a superb point guard in his third season at Arizona, orchestrating the offense while making big plays at the big moments. He’s had a knack for taking over in tight games and hit a difficult game-winning jumper at the buzzer in Arizona’s win over Iowa State in the Big 12 Tournament semifinals.

Lendeborg seems to be getting better every game and the point forward has a chance to cap his remarkable story, which includes playing just 11 games of high school basketball and validating his mother’s belief that he could be a college basketball player The Wolverines have been relatively relaxed and loose all season, dancing together to pop songs when they

INDIANAPOLIS — Everywhere UConn guard Braylon Mullins looked Sunday night and Monday, he saw the same thing — another replay of his heroic 35foot, gamewi nn in g 3-pointer to beat Duke. He couldn’t avoid it. Eventually, though, the freshman guard decided he needed to turn off the television, tune out the chatter and move on.

“The first day, it was countless,” Mullins said Thursday when asked how many times he’d seen the replay “I was like every scroll on the feed. But it’s just after the first day, I was like ‘Hey, you’ve got to scroll past it. You’ve got to move on, flip the page.’ ” Of course, just because Mullins — and the Huskies — want to leave that memorable moment in the past doesn’t mean others will, as they found out in Indianapolis. On the first day of Final Four weekend at Lucas Oil Stadium, Mullins’ interviews

with national television and radio outlets ran long, delaying his arrival to the locker room. When he finally made it, a horde of reporters swarmed his locker and, naturally the topic turned to the shot that sent UConn to its third Final Four in four years.

“It’s insane just knowing that shot’s going to be played every March Madness and I’m a part of that moment,” he said. “That’s something I can cherish.”

Banner time

Dan Hurley made one thing perfectly clear: UConn doesn’t intend to settle for anything less than leaving Indianapolis with another title

In his first seven seasons with the Huskies, he already won back-to-back championships in 2023 and 2024. The run ended with a 77-75 second-round loss to eventual national champ Florida last season, but now UConn is back looking for the school’s seventh title the first coming in 1999.

“Everyone that comes to the Final Four gets a beautiful watch, but only one group is going to get a ring,” the coach said. “So get off social media,

stop injecting the dopamine into your arm and get serious about the preparation and the practice because we don’t hang banners for Final Fours at UConn. We hang national championship banners. If you want to hang a banner, you’ve got to get your eyes off social media, get your face out of the phone and get locked in on Illinois.”

No distractions

Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd said Thursday he isn’t focusing on anything beyond his team’s goal of winning a national championship. That includes questions about him as a potential candidate to fill the coaching vacancy at blueblood program North Carolina.

“Listen, I’ve got my full focus on this team,” Lloyd said.” Nothing is distracting me. That’s just how I’ve decided to approach it.”

UNC fired Hubert Davis on March 24 after five seasons, leaving the job vacant for nearly 10 days.

“I’m a simple guy I am kind of just one thing at a time,” Lloyd said. “I’m not a multitasker You can ask my wife. I’m 100% locked in on Arizona basketball right now, and I’m excited to see what this team can do.”

ON YOUR MARK.GET SET. RUN! (ORSTROLL)

Crescent City Classicmarks 48th running

Runners finish the 47th Crescent City Classic in NewOrleans in 2025.

In N.O.,The Lumineers endtourin a‘NewYork State of Mind’

BY KEITHSPERA Staff writer

Late in The Lumineers’ concert at theSmoothie King Center,singer/guitarist Wesley Schultz memorialized his younger brother.Samuel Schultz diedofanapparent heart attack at age 39 in May 2025 in Denver while Wesley was on tour in England.

As The Lumineers’March 26 NewOrleans show wound down, Schultz spoke at length about how fans have helped carry him through his grief on the tour.Heextolled the healing power of music. And then he demonstrated it. When he and Samuel were kids, he said, Billy Joel cassettes were often on the car stereo during family road trips. And so Schultz —wearinga vintage Joel T-shirtbeneath his white jacket—led his band in acover of Joel’s“NewYork State of Mind.”

At first glance, Joel’ssolidly constructed pop-rock rumination on the Big Apple would seem to have little in common with The Lumineers’largely acoustic folk-rock, which typicallytravels thesame sonic terrain as Mumford &Sonsand the Head and the Heart. But given the musicians’ ability to largely replicate Joel’soriginal arrangement— with Lauren Jacobson’sviolin substituting for asaxophone —and the context provided by Schultz, it worked. It was, in fact, an unexpected highlight of the two-hour show

The Lumineers singer/guitarist

WesleySchultz makes his way through the audience during a concertatthe Smoothie King Center on March26.

CircleBar memories

The only official members of The Lumineers are Schultz and drummer/keyboardist Jeremiah Fraites, childhood neighbors in New Jersey who foundsuccessafter moving to Denver.Last year they celebrated 20 years as musical partners. Onstage, they surround themselves withfive supporting musicians, most of

See LUMINEERS, page 2D

BY KEITH SPERA Staff writer

When talking about 10-kilometer road races, a “good time” usually refers to how quickly arunner finishes the race. For men, that’s 45 minutes or under.For women, 55 minutes or less. But when it comes to the LCMCHealthCrescentCity

Classic, a“good time” more likely refers to theoverall experience. With manyrunners in costume and apostrace party featuringFlow Tribe, food and beer,a general sense of merriment prevails. On theSaturday before Easter,nearly 20,000 runners, joggers and walkers will embark fromthe

Afamilybusiness

Eric Stuart moved to Louisiana from Schenectady, New York, to run track at

CaesarsSuperdome along a10-kilometer— that’s 6.2 miles—coursethrough theFrenchQuarter andup Esplanade Avenue to City Park. Many will sport decidedly nontraditionalrunning gear: full-body Easter bunny costumes, butterflywings, formal attire, whatever Ahead of Saturday’s48th running of the Crescent City Classic, here are 10 things youmight notknowabout NewOrleans’ signature road race crossed with aCarnival parade.

THINK OUTSIDE

BY DOUG MacCASH Staff writer

It lookslikeascene from afantasy movie or astorybook about aLouisiana swamp settlement, string lights glowing and melodic sounds echoingoff surreal structures madefrom theremnants of aCreolecottage. But The Music Box Village is, indeed, areal place in the Bywater,and itsfuture is being reimagined with anew slate of programming. It’satough time for art-oriented nonprofit organizations, with reduced government funding opportunitiesand heightenedcompetition for grants. NewOrleans’ most bohemianmusicvenue has certainly felt the pinch.

But, with regular daytime hours on weekends, artmarkets, new partnerships and aschedule of concerts —including George PorterJr.,the Headhuntersand People Museum —the Music Box Village’s management hopes to achieve long-term sustainability. Over the past few months, theorganization had to shedits oldskin and reimagineditselfanew, said Music Box operations manager

Presenting concerts is only part of the picture in 2026, she said. The Music Box also aims to focus on children’sart programming. The Music Box hasentered apartnership with asummer camp called “CampXCamp,” which will present an 11-week session for kids 6to12 yearsold. Teachersfrom

will also conductart workshops for the public that will last past the camp.The Music Boxwill also be the site of

By The Associated Press

Today is Friday, April 3, the 93rd day of 2026. There are 272 days left in the year

Today in history: On April 3, 1996, Theodore Kaczynski, the Harvard-educated mathematician known as the Unabomber, was arrested at a remote Montana cabin by FBI agents. From his off-the-grid location, Kaczynski waged a 17-year bombing campaign that killed three people and injured 23 others, permanently maiming several of his victims. (He died in prison on June 10, 2023, at age 81.)

Also on this date:

In 1860, the first Pony Express mail delivery rides began, one heading west from St. Joseph, Missouri, and one heading east from Sacramento, California.

In 1882, outlaw Jesse James was shot and killed in St. Joseph, Missouri, by Robert Ford, a member of James’ gang.

In 1944, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Smith v. Allwright, struck down a Democratic Party of Texas rule that allowed only White voters to participate in Democratic primaries.

In 1948, President Harry S Truman signed into law the Marshall Plan, designed to help European allies rebuild after World War II and resist communism.

In 1968, civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr delivered what was to be his final speech, telling a rally of striking sanitation workers in Memphis, Tennessee, “I’ve been to the mountaintop. I’ve seen the Prom-

ised Land I may not get there with you But I want you to know tonight that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land!” (The following day, King was killed by an assassin’s bullet at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis.)

In 1973, the first handheld portable telephone was demonstrated for reporters on a New York City street corner as Motorola executive Martin Cooper called Bell Labs engineer Joel S. Engel, who led the team that developed the design for the first cellular telephone system.

In 2009, a gunman opened fire on a room where immigrants were taking a U.S. citizenship exam in Binghamton, New York, killing 13 people before taking his own life.

In 2022, shooters opened fire in California’s capital city of Sacramento, killing six people and wounding 12 as bars closed for the night in the city’s downtown. (Three suspects were arrested in connection with the shootings; one died in jail in 2024.)

Today’s birthdays: Actor Marsha Mason is 84. Singer Wayne Newton is 84. Singer Tony Orlando is 82. Singer-songwriter Richard Thompson is 77. Actor Alec Baldwin is 68. Actor David Hyde Pierce is 67. Actor-comedian Eddie Murphy is 65. Celebrity chef Cat Cora is 59. Olympic skiing gold medalist Picabo Street is 55. Actor Jennie Garth is 54. Actor Adam Scott is 53. Football Hall of Famer Jared Allen is 44. Actor Cobie Smulders is 44. Singer Leona Lewis is 41. Actor-comedian Rachel Bloom is 39.

LUMINEERS

Continued from page 1D

whom have been with them for a decade or more — long enough to forge a band identity

The Automatic World Tour has included stadium stops in the band’s strongest markets. New Orleans isn’t one of those markets. The Smoothie King Center wasn’t full, with part of the upper level hidden behind black curtains.

But The Lumineers have come a long way since their first New Orleans gig years ago at the Circle Bar, a hole-in-the-wall tucked along what is now Harmony Circle.

“It couldn’t have been hotter,” Schultz recalled of that long-ago night. But by playing the Circle Bar, he and Fraites thought, “This is it! We’ve made it.” The Smoothie King Center house lights went down to start the show right after a recording of “Turn the Page,” Bob Seger’s early-’70s look at road life, blared from the PA system. It’s a life The Lumineers know well. They arrived in New Orleans after more than a year of globetrotting. The New Orleans date concluded the American leg of the Automatic World Tour, but more dates in Central and South America, Europe and Canada loom through the summer

The two dozen-plus songs in the setlist spanned all five Lumineers studio albums. They went to work with “Same Old Song.” Acoustic guitar, bass, violin, accordion and a tambourine/kickdrum combo populated “Flowers In Your Hair.” “Angela” instigated the first of many singalongs. Schultz offered a lengthy explanation of the song “A*****e.” He is an understated frontman prone to measured movements and banter But there was constant motion around him. Crew members swarmed to rearrange the placement and mix of the instruments after every song as the musicians alternated between the main stage and an anchor-shaped runway that jutted out onto the floor All that movement sometimes made sustaining momentum between songs a challenge. Schultz even stayed composed as he strolled the perimeter of

Runners finish the 47th Crescent City Classic in New Orleans in 2025.

CCC

Continued from page 1D

LSU. He met his future wife, Terry, at LSU and ended up with her in New Orleans.

He got involved in the local running community and volunteered at various races, including the Crescent City Classic. When it went up for sale, he and his brother-in-law, Ricky Thomas, president of longtime race sponsor Blue Runner Foods, took it over They debuted a revamped CCC in 2013.

The Crescent City Classic Foundation, the nonprofit that produces the Classic and several other races, has three full-time employees. Eric Stuart is the race director Terry Stuart handles registration and customer service. Their daughter-in-law, Kristen Stuart, is director of operations.

Working with her in-laws “could have been really bad,” Kristen Stuart said, laughing. “But it’s been really great.”

Runners get corralled

Once upon a time, everyone started in a big group, regardless of ability or ambition. “It was mass chaos,” Kristen Stuart said.

Now participants are assigned to different “corrals” based on their estimated finish time and take off at timed intervals.

world University of New Orleans student Evan Pardo crossed the finish line ahead of the other 18,221 runners/walkers/joggers in 2025.

Remembering the founder Mac DeVaughn launched the race in 1979. A native of Tampa, Florida, he got into running while working in insurance in Atlanta. In the mid1970s, he moved to New Orleans and opened a Phidippides branch on Magazine Street, selling shoes, shorts and other running gear It became an informal headquarters for the local running community

His wife at the time worked for Hibernia National Bank. DeVaughn convinced Hibernia to put up $100,000 to fund the first Crescent City Classic in 1979. Around 900 runners showed up.

The race grew exponentially before DeVaughn sold it in the mid1990s. He died in January at age 82.

Kristen Stuart attended Mount Carmel High School with members of DeVaughn’s family She met him when he spoke at the 40th anniversary Classic’s pre-race expo.

“It was incredible to hear his side of things he made this happen,” she said. “It was cool to see his face light up when he saw all the people at the expo. Everybody was shaking his hand. We feel his loss.”

“If you don’t have a good afterparty, is New Orleans gonna show up? It’s kind of required at this point.”

Medical help

Now in its third year as the title sponsor, LCMC Health stages medical personnel along the race course and staffs a medical tent at the finish line.

“We’re there to provide any and all support that people need along the route and once they get to the finish line,” LCMC Health Chief Wellness Officer Kristen Gradney said And that runner in medical scrubs next to you might actually be a doctor several hundred LCMC employees participate in the race itself.

Nonprofits benefit

the arena floor, calmly reaching out to fans’ outstretched hands while singing “Brightside.” Meanwhile, Stelth Ulvan, the band’s barefoot, hyper-animated multi-instrumentalist, was a show unto himself.

When he wasn’t collapsing onto his back while strumming a mandolin during “Gloria” or sustaining a long handstand atop — or somersaulting off — a piano, he was exhorting the audience to have as much fun as he was. Ulvan, too, made a lap around the arena floor, lingering among the fans in the standing-room-only pit area before climbing back onto the stage.

Husband and wife duo Michael Trent and Cary Ann Hearst of opening act Shovels & Rope returned to add their voices to The Lumineers’ “Gale Song.” The Lumineers themselves, joined en masse by the audience, provided the harmonies for the hit “Ho Hey.”

They fired off confetti cannons mid-show during “Sleep On the Floor.” The big tom-tom drums of “Where We Are” gave way to the moody “Salt and the Sea,” which Schultz dug into.

The musicians detoured into the Rolling Stones’ “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” to usher in their own “Leader of the Landslide.” A kick drum propelled “Slow It Down.”

Schultz sat alongside Fraites on a white piano’s bench for the “Automatic” title track, reaffirming the partnership at the core of the band. Fraites, in his trademark suspenders and hat, stayed at the keys for the subsequent “Ophelia.”

During “Big Parade,” Schultz introduced the other musicians as they each took a turn singing a couple lines. “Cleopatra” came with Egyptian-themed decor on the stage screen.

Following a final “Stubborn Love,” Schultz and company spent a long time embracing one another

Maybe they were acknowledging the end of another long leg of the tour. Or maybe they were acknowledging that the healing power of music often extends to the people who make it

Email Keith Spera at kspera@ theadvocate.com

Serious runners are grouped so they get a clean, fast start. Less serious participants, such as those pushing or pulling wagons, strollers, beer kegs on wheels and other “rolling objects,” start at the back of the pack.

“We’re a nice hodgepodge of athletes and people just out there for a second-line or a good time,” Stuart said. “We really lean into that. It’s not all just fast endurance runners. It’s an array.”

First New Orleans winner

The first 46 Crescent City Classics were won by runners who traveled to New Orleans, Stuart said. Many of those winners were part of the Crescent City Classic’s elite runners’ program, in which the race flew in professionals from the international runners’ circuit to build the event’s prestige.

But post-pandemic budget cuts forced the CCC, like other races around the country, to suspend its elite runners’ program.

Without having to compete with elite runners from around the

MUSIC BOX

Continued from page 1D

for families. She describes it as a “third space” that is neither commercial nor affiliated with a traditional institution.

The Music Box has never been a traditional institution. When the outdoor installation first popped up in 2011, it was so unique that it was difficult to describe. A group of artists led by Delaney Martin, Taylor Shepherd, Jay Pennington and celebrated New York-based street artist Swoon used the wreckage of a demolished Creole cottage on Piety Street to create a cluster of small structures that doubled as ingenious musical instruments.

The collection of sound-producing architecture was used to produce surrealist concerts unlike anything the Crescent City had ever seen. In 2016, the village was moved permanently to a former metal fabricating shop near the Industrial Canal in the Bywater neighborhood. A wall made of salvaged sheet metal was erected around the 16 musical structures.

Seating includes everything from cafe tables to platforms perched in trees and even wooden stumps.

Over the years, a constellation of musicians have performed in the enchanting environment, including Norah Jones, Peaches, Wilco, Sol-

Different routes Originally, the race started at Jackson Square and went up Prytania Street to Audubon Park. In 2013, Eric Stuart and Ricky Thomas moved the starting point out of the Quarter to ease congestion and parking. They also changed the course to take runners up Esplanade Avenue to City Park. By then, the race had already moved to Easter Saturday The organizers are very much committed to keeping it on that date.

“We don’t ever want to compete” with other major springtime events in New Orleans, Kristen Stuart said. “There’s no reason to have two huge events on the same weekend.”

All about the after party

During last year’s post-race party in City Park, 18,000 Michelob Ultras were poured. That’s not the case at other races around the country

“While they’re amazing they’re not the same vibe,” Stuart said.

“Usually, you’ll get like an orange or banana and they’ll send you on your way We have to kick people out of our after-party at 2 p.m. after live music and red beans and Michelob Ultra.

ange Knowles, Thurston Moore, the Preservation Hall Brass Band, Big Freedia and Tank and the Bangas.

By the early 2020s, the Music Box had matured, the novelty began to fade, and the founders moved on. Near the end of the 2023 season, the new management canceled its remaining events, and the Music Box seemed to be on the ropes.

Last year, the venue ended its season early due to a lack of funds and started opening only for concerts and event rentals. But there’s reason for optimism. Malbrough said the operation had fallen into debt, but if the reinvigorated 2026 season succeeds, the venue should be able to gradually wash away the red ink as it covers the annual expenses of a modest $150,000, more or less.

“To be in art and to hold space for art is a constant fight,” Malbrough said.

The Music Box is located at 4557

N. Rampart St. Hours are 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Admission is adults $15, $7 for children. Admission to Friday night concerts varies, averaging $20.

THE MUSIC BOX VILLAGE SPRING 2026

CONCERT SCHEDULE

n April 3 — Sub-Division and Sage Against the Machine tribute bands, 6 p.m.-10 p.m.

Eric Stuart and Ricky Thomas instituted a philanthropic element to the race. The nonprofit Crescent City Classic Foundation’s “Run For It” program enlists teams of runners who commit to raising at least $200 and, in return, receive various perks. That money is then distributed to New Orleans-based nonprofits. In 2025, it was more than $800,000. Since 2012, the CCC has raised nearly $9 million for nonprofits. Locals show out

About 88% of the people who will take to the streets on Saturday are local to the area. Race organizers would like to see more out-of-towners participate.

“We want people to come into town,” Stuart said. “We want to make sure we’re helping out the city economically

“But on the other hand, I’m proud as a local that we get everyone and their grandma at the race, and they’re all from here.”

Costumes gone wild

One group of runners who call themselves the Classics are now on their fourth generation. They wear top hats, tuxedo jackets and running shorts.

By Crescent City Classic standards, that’s conservative. Firefighters have done the race in full gear Fairies abound Beyond the inevitable bunnies, racers costumed as Peeps and other Easter-associated treats.

And there are more Speedos on the streets than you might expect.

“I’ve seen people that need to put more clothes on,” Stuart said. “But I appreciate the confidence.”

n April 5 — Pat “PJ” Smith and J.Mix, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 a.m. n April 10 Amigos do Samba and Kumasi Afrobeat Orchestra, 6 p.m.-10 p.m. n April 19 — MBV Art Market, noon to 5 p.m. n April 23 People Museum “Dusk” Album release featuring Sabine McCalla with special guests Ocean Boyfriend and Laura Fischer, doors open at 7 p.m., concert at 8 p.m. n April 24 — Gabrielle Cavassa with special guests James McClaskey doors open at 6:30 p.m., concert at 7:30 p.m. n April 25 Headhunters 3rd annual Bembé Celebration featuring Gitkin, Herlin Riley and DJ C’est Funk, doors open at 7 p.m., concert at 8 p.m. n April 29 — Sworn To The Drum: Weedie Day Fest, details TBA. n April 30 — Well Kept Secret presents: Kristin Diable, Loose Cattle and the Andrew Duhon Quartet, doors open at 6 p.m., show at 7 p.m. n May 1 — George Porter Jr. and Runnin’ Pardners and Joe Marcinek Band, doors open at 7 p.m., concert at 8 p.m. n May 2 Helen Gillet with Terrence Houston, Aurora Nealand’s Monocle and Lyrical Cock, doors open at 7 p.m., concert at 8 p.m. Email Doug MacCash at dmaccash@theadvocate.com.

ARIEs (March 21-April 19) Takeacloser look at your personal relationships and what you can do to nurture andprotect what matters most to you. Change requires thought, energyand thesupport of those closesttoyou

tAuRus (April20-May 20) Youmay crave change,but youmust consider theconsequences.Your emotions will skew your perception, causing youtomake bad decisions. Personal growth andselfimprovement are called for.

GEMInI (May 21-June 20) Concentrate on honing your skills andconnectingwith people who have as much to contribute as you. Speak up and carry out your plans. Positive thoughts and actions will pay off.

cAncER (June 21-July 22) Social events won't disappoint.Get outand strut your stuff,and you'llattract attention.Partnerships are on the rise andwill have an impact on howand where youlive.

LEo (July 23-Aug. 22) Takebetter care of yourself, your reputation andyourrelationships. Avoid participatingingossip or revealingsecrets that aren't yours to disclose. Choose to keep busy andstay outofother people's business.

VIRGo (Aug. 23-sept.22) An unexpected change or encounter will change your plans. Keep the momentumflowing, makenew acquaintances anddoyour best to stick to your budget.

LIBRA(sept. 23-oct.23) Look at thebig picture, but keep your plans simple, affordable and realistic. Theaim is to avoid costly mistakeswhile reach-

ing thefinish line on timeand without regret or stress.

scoRPIo (oct. 24-nov. 22) Dodgeany unnecessary conflicts by maintaining acool, calm andpositiveattitude.Not reacting to emotional meddling will require discipline anda smart choice of words. Choose love over hate.

sAGIttARIus(nov. 23-Dec. 21) An opportunitytoenhanceyourlifestyle maytempt you, but youmust weigh the prosand consbefore youmakeacommitment. When it comes to aresidential move or home improvements, hiddencosts are likely. Play it safe.

cAPRIcoRn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Keep your eyes open and your mind alert, and protect your physical well-being. Stick close to home,get your facts straight andtakeononly what youknowyou can handle

AQuARIus(Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Pay attention to moneymanagement. Takeapass on offers that sound too good to be true. Upgrade your resume or qualifications to ensure youcan maintain your status quo

PIscEs (Feb. 20-March 20) Kickloose, socialize andhavefun. Love is in the starsand can impact how or where youlive. Apositivechange is heading your way. Don't skip abeat; prepare to launch.

Thehoroscope, an entertainment feature, is not based on scientific fact. ©2026 by nEa, inc., dist. By andrews mcmeel syndication

Sudoku

InstructIons: sudoku is anumber-placing puzzle based on a9x9 grid with several given numbers. The object is to place the numbers 1to9inthe empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once. The difficulty level of the sudoku increases from monday to sunday.

Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer

Bridge

By PHILLIP ALDER

Ronaldinho, aBrazilian soccer star, said, “The hardest opponents for me are the defenders who are tough in the way they play —where you can’tsee away through.”

Declarer at the bridge table is trying to see away through the best thatthe opponents can do to try to stop him from makinghis contract.However, occasionally he can call on hisopponents for help

In this deal, South is in fourhearts. Westleads the diamondthree. East wins with hisking, cashes thediamond ace and shiftstoalow club. How should declarer continue?

After South opened one no-trump, North used afour-level Texas transfer to get hispartner to play in fourhearts. This allowed the opening lead to come around to the strong hand, rather than through it

ProbablySouth’s first thought is to takethe finesses in each blacksuit. But there is asafer plan. What did West lead fromindiamonds?

It wassurely from queen-thirdor queen-fourth. If so, when declarer ruffs adiamond on the board, he either establisheshis diamond jack as atrick or sets up an endplay.

South, after winning the third trick with hisclub ace, should ruff adiamond high on the board and draw trumps ending in his hand. Then he leadsthe diamond jack. Yes,Westcoverswith his queen,but declarer calmly discards a black-suit card from the dummy. If Westreturns aspade, South takes two spades,six hearts and two clubs. If Westleadsbackaclub,declarerwinsone spade, sixheartsand threeclubs.South’s opponent comes to his rescue. ©2026 by nEa, inc.,dist. By andrews mcmeel syndication

Each Wuzzle is aword riddle which creates adisguised word, phrase, name, place, saying, etc. For example: nOOn gOOD =gOOD aFTErnOOn

Previous answers:

InstRuctIons: 1. Words mustbeoffourormoreletters. 2. Words that acquire four letters by the additionof“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,

or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed. toDAy’s WoRD ADMonIsH: ad-MON-ish: To express warning or disapproval

dIrectIons: make a2-to 7-letterword from theletters in each row. add pointsof each word, using scoring directions at right. Finally, 7-letterwords get 50-point bonus. “Blanks” used as any letter have no point value. all the words are in theOfficial sCraBBlE® players Dictionary, 5thEdition.

Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer ken ken

InstructIons: 1 -Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1thorugh 4(easy) or 1through 6 (challenging) without repeating. 2 -The numbers within theheavily outlined boxes, called cages, must combine using thegiven operation (in any order) to producethe target numbers in the top-left corners. 3 -Freebies: Fill in the single-box cages with the number in the top-left corner.

Formoreinformationontournaments and clubs,email naspa –north american sCraBBlE playersassociation: info@scrabbleplayers.org.Visit ourwebsite:www.scrabbleplayers.org. For puzzleinquiries contact scrgrams@gmail.com. Hasbro andits logo sCraBBlE associated logo,the design of thedistinctive sCraBBlE brand gamecard, and the distinctive letter tile designs are trademarksofHasbrointhe United states and Canada. ©2021 Hasbro.all rights reserved.DistributedbyTribune Content agency, llC.

Well

HErEisa plEasanTliTTlE gamE that will give

the number of lettersis6ormore,

left

10563 N.

/ Grove26,

Cerniglia,

Cerniglia EnterprisesLLC Notice

theAmeri‐cans with

Act:

cessible to people with disabilities. Should you

furtherassistance, please contactthe Front Desk in theMainLobby or theADA Administra‐tor: (504) 658-4020 (voice), 711 LA RelaySer‐vice,ore-mailemhurst@ nola.gov.Pleasebead‐visedthere is

areotherwise per‐mitted ZONING DOCKET NO.6/26

Said ordinancemay be seen in full in theOffice of theClerk of Council,

y y J.J. Krebs& Sons,Inc., C.E. & S.,dated Octo‐ber16, 1984, resurveyed De‐cember 21, 1984 to show improve‐mentsdesig‐natedas3825 SueKer Drive.

This sale is sub‐ject to all supe‐rior security in‐terests, mort‐gages, liensand privileges.

TERMS- Thefull purchase price is dueatthe time of thesale.

NOTE:All funds must be Cashier'sCheck Certified Check, MoneyOrder,or Personal Check with irrevocable Bank Letterof Credit

DENNISWIG‐

GINS,JR. Attorney for Plaintiff

JOSEPH P.

LOPINTO, III

Sheriff Parish of Jefferson

TheNew Orleans Advocate: April3,2026, May8,2026

Apr3-may 8-2t

fornia Avenue and35th (lateWestEs‐planade) Street andmeasures thence 51 feet fronton California Av‐enue,the same in width in the rear,bya depth of 120feetbe‐tween equaland paral‐lellines;subject to restrictions, servitudes rights-of-way and outstanding mineralrights of record affect‐ingthe prop‐erty

Theimprove‐mentsthereon bear theMunici‐pal No.3509 Cal‐iforniaAvenue, Kenner LA 70065.

This sale is sub‐ject to allsupe‐rior security in‐terests, mort‐gages, liensand privileges.

TERMS- Thefull purchase price is dueatthe time of thesale.

NOTE:All funds must be Cashier'sCheck, Certified Check, MoneyOrder,or Personal Check with irrevocable Bank Letterof Credit

BRIGHAMJ LUNDBERG Attorney for Plaintiff

JOSEPH P. LOPINTO, III

Sheriff Parish of Jefferson

TheNew Orleans Advocate: April3,2026, May8,2026

Apr3-may 8-2t

JENNIFERAM‐MARI BLACK

By virtue of and in obedienceto aWritof SEIZUREAND

SALE from the 24thJudicial District Court, Parish of Jeffer‐son, Stateof Louisiana, in the abovenum‐beredand enti‐tled cause, datedJuly3, 2025, Ihave seized andwill proceed to sell to thehighest bidder at public auction, at the JeffersonParish Sheriff'sOffice Complex, 1233 Westbank Ex‐pressway,Har‐vey, Louisiana, 70058, on May 13, 2026 at 10 o'clocka.m.the followingde‐scribedprop‐erty to wit:

ACERTAIN LOT OF GROUND,to‐gether with all thebuildings andimprove‐ments thereon, andall of therights, ways,privi‐leges, servi‐tudes, appurte‐nances and advantages thereuntobe‐longingorin anywiseapper‐taining, situated in thePARISH OF JEFFERSON, STATEOF LOUISIANA, in that part thereofknown as GREENLAWN TERRACESUBDI‐VISION,in SQUARE NO.144, bounded by California Av‐enue,35th(late West Es‐planade), Arkansas Av‐enue and36th (late Eighteenth) Street,desig‐natedasLOT "G", allasmore fully shownon survey by Sterling Mandle, Land Surveyor, datedMarch 7, 1973, acopy which is an‐nexedto actdated May3 1973, recorded on May9,1973, registered in COB788, folio 958, which said lot commences at a distance of 211 feet from the corner of Cali‐

thence fifty-six feet frontonFig Street, by adepth be‐tween equal andparallel linesofone hundred and eightand sixty-sevenonehundredths feet

This sale is sub‐ject to allsupe‐rior securityin‐terests, mort‐gages, liensand privileges

TERMS- Thefull purchase price is dueatthe time of thesale.

NOTE:All funds must be Cashier'sCheck, Certified Check, MoneyOrder,or Personal Check with irrevocable Bank Letterof Credit

LGRAHAM ARCENEAUX Attorney for Plaintiff

JOSEPH P. LOPINTO, III Sheriff Parish of Jefferson TheNew Orleans Advocate: April3,2026, May8,2026 Apr3-may 8-2t

more fully shownonplat of survey by A. W. J. Bisso,C.E.&S., datedMay 15, 1955, annexed to actofHarold R. Ainsworth, Notary Public,dated June 17, 1955, registeredin COB382, folio 244; subjectto restrictions, servitudes rights-of-way andoutstanding mineralrights of record affect‐ingthe property

Theimprove‐mentsthereon bear Municipal No.2141 Kansas Avenue,Kenner, Louisiana70062.

This sale is sub‐ject to allsupe‐rior security in‐terests, mort‐gages, liensand privileges

TERMS- Thefull purchase price is dueatthe time of the sale

NOTE:All funds must be Cashier'sCheck Certified Check, MoneyOrder,or Personal Check with irrevocable Bank Letterof Credit

BRIGHAMJ LUNDBERG

JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT 24THJUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT PARISH OF JEFFERSON STATEOF LOUISIANA NO:867-509 BOKF,N.A VERSUS AMYB.CHAM‐PAGNEA/K/A AMYBATEMAN WIFE OF/AND DAVIDCHAM‐PAGNE

By virtue of and in obedienceto aWritof SEIZUREAND

SALE from the 24thJudicial District Court, Parish of Jeffer‐son, Stateof Louisiana, in the abovenum‐beredand enti‐tled cause, datedSeptem‐ber22, 2026, I have seized and will proceed to sell to thehigh‐estbidderat public auction, at theJefferson Parish Sheriff's Office Complex, 1233 Westbank Expressway, Harvey, Louisiana, 70058, on May 13, 2026 at 10 o'clocka.m.the followingde‐scribedprop‐erty to wit:

ACERTAIN LOT OF GROUND,to‐gether with all thebuildings an improvements thereon, situ‐ated in the Parish of Jeffer‐son, Stateof Louisiana, in Square Number Seventeen -A, of BeverlyKnoll Suburb, bounded by Fig Street,BathAv‐enue ColapissaStreet andBorden Tract, desig‐natedbythe Number Sixon a survey made by Adle Orr, Jr CivilEngineer, datedDecem‐ber18, 1950, and accordingto which said lotcom‐mences at adis‐tanceofone hundred and eightfourfeet from thecorner of Bath Avenue an FigStreet andmeasures

JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT 24THJUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT PARISH OF JEFFERSON STATEOF LOUISIANA NO:870-320 NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC VERSUS DAVIDW.LOVE‐LESS,ROBERTJ LOVELESS, JOSHUA S. LOVE‐LESS AND JORDAN S. LOVELESS By virtue of and in obedienceto aWritof SEIZUREAND SALE from the 24thJudicial District Court, Parish of Jeffer‐son, Stateof Louisiana, in the abovenum‐beredand enti‐tled cause, datedNovem‐ber14, 2025, I have seized and will proceed to sell to thehigh‐estbidderat public auction, at theJefferson Parish Sheriff's Office Complex, 1233 Westbank Expressway, Harvey, Louisiana, 70058, on May 13,2026 at 10 o'clocka.m.the followingde‐scribedprop‐erty to wit:

That portionof ground together with allthe buildingsand improvements thereon belongingorin anywiseapper‐taining,situated in theParishof Jefferson,State of Louisiana, in that Part thereofknown as Highway Park,inPlot474, bounded by Kansas,lowa, Thirdand Fourth Streets. Said portionof ground is com‐posedofLot Nos. 45 and46, accordingto plan of subdivi‐sion of Highway Park by A. D Dusenbury, C. E., datedDecem‐ber5,1925, filed forrecordin Plan Book 9, folio 11 Parish of Jeffer‐son, according towhich plan said Lot46be‐gins at adis‐tanceof50 feet from the corner of Kansas and Fourth Streets andsaidportion measures thence 50 feet fronton Kansas Street, same width in therear, by a depth of 120 feet between equal andparallel lines: allas

Attorney for Plaintiff

JOSEPH P. LOPINTO, III

Sheriff Parish of Jefferson

TheNew Orleans Advocate: April3,2026, May8,2026 Apr3-may 8-2t

JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT

24THJUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT PARISH OF JEFFERSON STATEOF LOUISIANA NO:869-470

U.S. BANK TRUSTCOM‐PANY,NATIONAL ASSOCATION AS TRUSTEE, SUCCESSORIN INTEREST TO U.S. BANK NA‐TIONAL ASSOCI‐ATION, AS TRUSTEEFOR CREDIT SUISSE FIRSTBOSTON MORTGAGE SE‐CURITIES CORP., HOME EQUITY ASSET TRUST2003-7, HOME EQUITY PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2003-7 VERSUS ERIC WILSON JR.AND BROC‐TONKEITH WIL‐SONA/K/A BROCTONK WILSON A/K/ABROCTON WILSON,HEIRS OF STEPHANIE SCOTTWILSON HALL

By virtue of and in obedienceto aWritof SEIZUREAND SALE from the 24thJudicial District Court, Parish of Jeffer‐son, Stateof Louisiana, in the abovenum‐beredand enti‐tled cause, datedOctober 17, 2025, Ihave seized andwill proceed to sell to thehighest bidder at public auction, at the JeffersonParish Sheriff'sOffice Complex, 1233 Westbank Ex‐pressway,Har‐vey, Louisiana, 70058, on May 13, 2026 at 10 o'clocka.m.the followingde‐scribedprop‐erty to wit: Onecertain lot of ground,to‐gether with all rights,ways, privileges, servitudes, appurtenances andadvantages thereuntobe‐longingorin anywiseapper‐taining, situated in the Parish of Jeffer‐son, Stateof

Louisiana, to wit: In that part thereofknown as Woodmere Subdivision, SectionNumber Two, in accordance with thesubdi‐vision plan by J. J. Krebs& Sons, Inc.,C.E., dated May5, 1975 approved by theJefferson Parish Council on June 12, 1975 under ordinance no.12053, regis‐teredinCOB 839, folio 588, which said lotis designated as follows: Lot906, in Square Xis bounded by East Sun‐nymeadeDrive, Deerpark Drive, West Sunnymeade Drive, (side) and Sunnymeade Court(side), Lot 906 measures 65 feet frontonEast SunnyMeade Drive, same width in the rear by adepth of 100 feet between equal andparallel lines. Lot906 commences at a distance of 320 feet from thecornerof East Sun‐nymeadeDrive andDeerpark Drive.

This sale is sub‐ject to allsupe‐rior security in‐terests, mort‐gages, liensand privileges

TERMS- Thefull purchase price is dueatthe time of thesale.

NOTE:All funds must be Cashier'sCheck, Certified Check, MoneyOrder,or Personal Check with irrevocable Bank Letterof Credit

DENNIS WIG‐GINS,JR. Attorney for Plaintiff

JOSEPH P. LOPINTO, III Sheriff Parish of Jefferson TheNew Orleans Advocate: April3,2026, May8,2026 Apr3-may 8-2t

JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT

24THJUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT PARISH OF JEFFERSON STATEOF LOUISIANA NO:871-013

STANDARD MORTGAGE CORPORATION VERSUS TACARRA MICHELLE VES‐SEL

By virtue of and in obedienceto aWritof SEIZUREAND SALE from the 24thJudicial District Court, Parish of Jeffer‐son, Stateof Louisiana, in the abovenum‐beredand enti‐tled cause, datedDecem‐ber9,2025, I have seized and will proceed to sell to thehigh‐estbidderat public auction, at theJefferson Parish Sheriff's Office Complex, 1233 Westbank Expressway, Harvey, Louisiana, 70058, on May 13, 2026 at 10 o'clocka.m.the followingde‐scribedprop‐erty to wit: ACERTAIN POR‐TION OF GROUND,to‐gether with all thebuildings and improvements thereon, andall therights, ways privileges, servitudes,ap‐purtenances andadvantages thereuntobe‐

longing, or in anywiseapper‐taining, situated in the PARISH OF JEF‐FERSON,STATE OF LOUISIANA, in that part knownas BEECHGROVE SUBDIVISION, lo‐catedin SQUARE A, in an area bounded by East ClaibornePark‐way, Beech‐groveBoule‐vard,North Chante Court andBayou St James, desig‐natedasLOT 3 anddescribed as follows: Commence from theinter‐sectionofthe southerlyright of waylineof East Claiborne Parkwayand thewesterly rightofway line of Beechgrove Boulevardand go in a westerly direc‐tion alongthe southerlyright of wayline of East Claiborne Parkwaya distance of 108.83' to the pointofbegin‐ning.Thencego South2322'27" West a distance of 98.00';thence go in awesterly directionalong acurve turning to theleft with aradiusof 3,008.35',anarc length of 50.36', achord of 50.36' bearingNorth 6706'19" West thence go North 2224'54" East a distance of 98.00' to the southerly rightofway line of East Clai‐borneParkway; thencegoinan easterly direc‐tion along thesoutherly rightofway line of East Clai‐borneParkway on acurve turn‐ingtothe rightwitha ra‐dius of 3,106.35', an arclengthof 52.00',and a chordof52.00' bearing of South 6706'19" East to thepoint of be‐ginning. Allas shownona sur‐veyby DufreneSurvey‐ing& Engineer‐ingInc.dated June 23, 2015, last revised March7, 2016 andhaving an area of 5,015 Square Feet

This sale is sub‐ject to allsupe‐rior security in‐terests, mort‐gages, liensand privileges.

TERMS- Thefull purchase price is dueatthe time of thesale.

NOTE:All funds must be Cashier'sCheck, Certified Check, MoneyOrder,or Personal Check with irrevocable Bank Letterof Credit

FOERSTNERG MEYER Attorney for Plaintiff

JOSEPH P. LOPINTO, III Sheriff Parish of Jefferson

TheNew Orleans Advocate: April3,2026, May8,2026 Apr3-may 8-2t

JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT

24THJUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT PARISH OF JEFFERSON STATEOF LOUISIANA NO:872-474

FINANCEOF AMERICARE‐VERSELLC VERSUS THEUNOPENED SUCCESSION OF ANDUNKNOWN HEIRSOFMARIA E. LUNA A/K/AMARIA E. LUNA A/K/A MARIALUNA

By virtue of and in obedienceto aWritof SEIZUREAND SALE from the 24thJudicial District Court, Parish of Jeffer‐son, Stateof Louisiana, in the abovenum‐beredand enti‐tled cause, datedFebruary 10, 2026, Ihave seized andwill proceed to sell to thehighest bidder at public auction, at the JeffersonParish Sheriff'sOffice Complex, 1233 Westbank Ex‐pressway,Har‐vey, Louisiana, 70058, on May 13, 2026 at 10 o'clocka.m.the followingde‐scribedprop‐erty to wit: Onecertain lot of ground,to‐gether with all thebuildings andimprove‐mentsthereon, andall the rights,ways, privileges, servitudes,ap‐purtenances andadvantages thereuntobe‐longingorin anywiseapper‐taining, situated in theCityof Kenner,Parish of Jefferson, Stateof Louisiana, in that part thereofknown as GreaterHolly Heights Subdivision, Section3,in Square “T”, bounded by CameronCourt, Presidential Drive, Sessions Lane andChateau (lateCascade) Boulevard, whichsaidlot of ground is designated as lotnumber26 andcommences at adistanceof 300 feet from the corner of CameronCourt andCascade Boulevard, and measures 50 feet frontopn CameronCourt, thesamewidth in therear, by a depthof100 feet between equal andparallel lines. Allinac‐cordance with a sketch of survey by Gilbert, Kelly and Couturie,Inc EverettV.Trei‐gle, Jr Land Surveyor,dated July 20, 2004, for reference.

This sale is sub‐ject to allsupe‐rior security in‐terests, mort‐gages, liensand privileges.

TERMS- Thefull purchase price is dueatthe time of thesale.

NOTE:All funds must be Cashier'sCheck, Certified Check, MoneyOrder,or Personal Check with irrevocable Bank Letter of Credit DENNISWIG‐GINS,JR. Attorney for Plaintiff

JOSEPH P. LOPINTO, III Sheriff Parish of Jefferson

TheNew Orleans Advocate: April3,2026, May8,2026 Apr3-may 8-2t

JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT 24THJUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT PARISH OF JEFFERSON STATEOF LOUISIANA NO:872-304 PHHMORTGAGE CORPORATION VERSUS DULCY LIUZZA REED A/K/A DULCY L. REED A/K/ADULCY REED AND SUSAN LIUZZA KAPLAN A/K/ASUSAN L. KAPLAN A/K/A

SUSANKAPLAN, HEIRSOF ALICEP.LIUZZA A/K/AALICELI‐UZZA

By virtue of and in obedienceto aWritof SEIZUREAND SALE from the 24thJudicial District Court, Parish of Jeffer‐son, Stateof Louisiana, in the abovenum‐beredand enti‐tled cause, datedFebruary 6, 2026, Ihave seized andwill proceed to sell to thehighest bidder at public auction, at the JeffersonParish Sheriff'sOffice Complex, 1233 Westbank Ex‐pressway,Har‐vey, Louisiana, 70058, on May 13, 2026 at 10 o'clocka.m.the followingde‐scribedprop‐erty to wit: Onecertain lot of ground,to‐gether with all thebuildings andimprove‐mentsthereon andall the rights,ways, privileges, servitudes,ap‐purtenances andadvantages thereuntobe‐longingorin anywiseapper‐taining, situated in theParishof Jefferson, Stateof Louisiana, in that part thereofknown as Ponchartrain ShoresSubdivi‐sion,in Square 66 bounded by Lake Vista Drive, Murphy Drive, Sonfield Street,and Belle Drive, desig‐natedaslot no 10, on survey by J. J. Krebs& Sons,Inc., Sur‐veyors datedSeptem‐ber19, 1975 a copy of whichis annexedtothe vendor’s setof purchase and according theretosaidlot commencesat a distance of 86.75 feet from thecornerof Lake Vistaand Murphy Drive andmeasures thence 70 feet fronton Lake Vista Drive, same width in the rear by adepth of 137.57 feet between equal and parallel lines.

This sale is sub‐ject to allsupe‐rior security in‐terests, mort‐gages, liensand privileges.

TERMS- Thefull purchase price is dueatthe time of thesale.

NOTE:All funds must be Cashier'sCheck, Certified Check, MoneyOrder,or Personal Check with irrevocable Bank Letter of Credit

DENNISWIG‐GINS,JR. Attorney for Plaintiff

JOSEPH P. LOPINTO, III Sheriff Parish of Jefferson

TheNew Orleans Advocate: April3,2026, May8,2026 Apr3-may 8-2t

JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT

24THJUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT PARISH OF JEFFERSON STATEOF LOUISIANA NO:873-174 NEWREZ LLC VERSUS KELLYA.FRAN‐CISA/K/A KELLY FRANCIS By virtue of and in obedienceto aWritof SEIZUREAND SALE from the 24thJudicial District Court,

Parish of Jeffer‐son, Stateof Louisiana, in the abovenum‐beredand enti‐tled cause, datedMarch 2, 2026, Ihave seized andwill proceed to sell to thehighest bidder at public auction, at the JeffersonParish Sheriff'sOffice Complex, 1233 Westbank Ex‐pressway,Har‐vey, Louisiana, 70058, on May 13, 2026 at 10 o'clocka.m.the followingde‐scribedprop‐erty to wit:

Onecertain lot or parcel of ground,to‐gether with all thebuildings andimprove‐ments thereonand all therights, ways, privileges servitudes,ap‐purtenances and advantages thereuntobe‐longingorin anywiseapper‐taining, situated in theState of Louisiana, Parish of Jeffer‐son, in Terry‐town Subdivi‐sion No.6, per plat by Adloe Orr, Jr.and Associ‐ates,C.E dated May4,1960, ap‐proved by the JeffersonParish Councilunder ordinanceno. 4787, adopted November 3, 1960, registered in COB 520, folio 390, Parish of Jeffer‐son, Louisiana on December 5, 1960, andin plan book 41, folio 21, of‐fice of theclerk of court, Parish of Jefferson, Louisiana, and according to whichplan said property is more particu‐larlydescribed as follows, towit: Lot23, Square 97, whichsaid square is bounded by GoucherStreet GrapeStreet, GrinellPlace andGraham Drive. Lot23 commences at a distance of 130 feet from thecornerof GoucherStreet andGraham Street andmea‐suresthence60 feet front on Goucher Street,same width in the rear,bya depth of 110 feet be‐tween equal and parallel lines andaccording to survey made by R.L. Schu‐mann, dated July 28, 1978. This sale is sub‐ject to allsupe‐rior security in‐terests, mort‐gages, liensand privileges. TERMS- Thefull purchase price is dueatthe time of thesale.

NOTE:All funds must be Cashier'sCheck, Certified Check, MoneyOrder,or Personal Check with irrevocable Bank Letter of Credit

COREYJ.GIROIR Attorney for Plaintiff

JOSEPH P. LOPINTO, III Sheriff Parish of Jefferson TheNew Orleans Advocate: April3,2026, May8,2026 Apr3-may 8-2t

JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT 24THJUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT PARISH OF JEFFERSON STATEOF LOUISIANA NO:872-987 AMERISAVE MORTGAGE

CORPORATION VERSUS KHIR T. ABDEL

JABAR(A/K/A

KHIR ABDEL JABAR, KHIR T. ABDELJABAR)

By virtue of and in obedienceto aWritof SEIZUREAND

SALE from the 24thJudicial District Court, Parish of Jeffer‐son, Stateof Louisiana, in the abovenum‐beredand enti‐tled cause, datedMarch 4, 2026, Ihave seized andwill proceed to sell to thehighest bidder at public auction, at the JeffersonParish Sheriff'sOffice Complex, 1233 Westbank Ex‐pressway,Har‐vey, Louisiana, 70058, on May 13, 2026 at 10 o'clocka.m.the followingde‐scribedprop‐erty to wit:

ACERTAIN LOT OF GROUND,TO‐GETHER WITH ALLTHE BUILD‐INGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON, AND ALLTHE RIGHTS WAYS,PRIVI‐LEGES, SERVITUDES, APPURTE‐NANCES AND ADVANTAGES THEREUNTOBE‐LONGING OR IN ANYWISE APPERTAINING, SITUATED IN THEPARISHOF JEFFERSON STATEOF LOUISIANA, IN THAT PART THEREOF KNOWNAS STONEBRIDGE, THERESUBDIVI‐SION APPROVED BY ORDINANCE NO.15014, RECORDED IN COB1019, FOLIO 674, JANUARY, 1982. ALLAS MORE FULLY SHOWNON PLAN OF RESUBDIVI‐SION PREPARED BY J. J. KREBS& SONS,INC., DATEDAUGUST 31, 1981. LOT 282, SQUARE 11, SECTION2 WHICHSQUARE IS BOUNDEDBY LAKE LOUISE DRIVE, LAKE LYNN DRIVE, LAKE FRANCES DRIVEAND LAKE KRISTENDRIVE

This sale is sub‐ject to allsupe‐rior security in‐terests, mort‐gages, liensand privileges.

TERMS- Thefull purchaseprice is dueatthe time of thesale.

NOTE:All funds must be Cashier'sCheck Certified Check, MoneyOrder,or Personal Check with irrevocable Bank Letterof Credit

WILLIAMS TEBBE Attorney for Plaintiff

JOSEPH P. LOPINTO, III Sheriff Parish of Jefferson

TheNew Orleans Advocate: April3,2026, May8,2026 Apr3-may 8-2t

District Court, Parish of Jeffer‐son, Stateof Louisiana, in the abovenum‐beredand enti‐tled cause, datedMarch 2, 2026, Ihave seized andwill proceedtosell to thehighest bidder at public auction, at the JeffersonParish Sheriff'sOffice Complex, 1233 Westbank Ex‐pressway,Har‐vey, Louisiana, 70058, on May 13, 2026 at 10 o'clocka.m.the followingde‐scribedprop‐erty to wit:

Onecertain lot of ground,to‐gether with all thebuildings andimprove‐mentsthereon allrights, ways, privileges servitudes,ap‐purtenances andadvantages thereunto belongingorin anywiseapper‐taining, situated in theParishof Jefferson, State of Louisiana, in that part thereonfor‐merlyknown as BrooklynPas‐tures, new forming part of Garden Park Subdivi‐sion,saidlot is designated by thenumberten (10) of blocknumber fifteen(15) which blockis bounded by Ver‐nonStreet, Beauregard Drive, Holly Driveand the rightofway of theNew Or‐leansLower CoastRailroad. Lot numberten (10) begins at adis‐tanceoffour hundred fifty (450’)feetfrom thecorner of Vernon Street andHolly Drive andmeasures fifty(50’) feet frontonHolly Drive, fifty-eightand 68/100 (58.68’) feet in width in therearalong theright of way of the NewOrleans LowerCoast Railroad,by a depth on the line of lotnum‐bernine(9) of twohundred twenty-seven and23/100 (227.23’)feet anda depthon thelineoflot number11of onehundred ninety-six and 08/100 (196.08’) feet;all as per plan of a portionofGar‐denParkSubdi‐vision by Hotard & Webb,Civil Engineers, datedMarch 1, 1950, acopy of which is at‐tached to an act before Clayton A. Hotard,No‐tary Public,dated February 17, 1950.

This sale is sub‐ject to allsupe‐rior security in‐terests, mort‐gages, liensand privileges.

TERMS- Thefull purchase price is dueatthe time of thesale.

NOTE:All funds must be Cashier'sCheck, Certified Check, MoneyOrder,or Personal Check withirrevocable Bank Letter of Credit

COREYJ.GIROIR Attorney for Plaintiff

JOSEPH P. LOPINTO, III

Sheriff Parish of Jefferson

TheNew Orleans Advocate: April3,2026, May8,2026 Apr3-may 8-2t

DISTRICT COURT PARISH OF JEFFERSON STATEOF LOUISIANA

NO:864-757

NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC VERSUS PRINCILLADO‐NATE A/K/A

PRINCILLA HAMPTONDO‐NATE A/K/A

PRINCILLAH DONATE A/K/A

PRINCILLA THORNTON A/K/APRIN‐CILLAEPHER‐SONAND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

By virtue of and in obedienceto aWritofFIERI FACIAS from the 24thJudicial District Court, Parish of Jeffer‐son, Stateof Louisiana, in the abovenum‐beredand enti‐tled cause, datedJanuary 15, 2026, Ihave seized andwill proceedtosell to thehighest bidder at public auction, at the Jefferson Parish Sheriff'sOffice Complex, 1233 Westbank Ex‐pressway,Har‐vey, Louisiana, 70058, on April 8, 2026 at 10 o'clocka.m.the followingde‐scribedprop‐erty to wit:

That certain pieceorportion of ground,to‐gether with all thebuildings and improvements thereonand all therights, ways, privileges, servitudes,ad‐vantages andappurte‐nances there‐untobelonging or in anywise appertaining, situated in the Stateof Louisiana, Parish of Jeffer‐son, in that part thereofknown as Esprit at StonebridgeEx‐tension, being a resubdivisionof ParcelsFF-11D1, FF-12, Square A, Lot1-A,and Square B, Lot1A, Lake Timber‐lane Estates, in accordance with plan of resubdivisionby Richmond W. Krebs, Profes‐sional Land Sur‐veying L.S., dated February 8, 1999, revised March26, 1999, andfurther re‐visedApril 6, 1999, approved by the Jefferson Parish Councilunder ordinanceno. 20663 on May5 1999 andregistered in theoffice of theclerk of courtfor the Parish of Jeffer‐sonunder instrument no 99-31327, in COB 3008, folio 267 andaccording to which the said lot in more particu‐larlydescribed as follows: Lot1-A1of Square Awhich square is bounded by Lake Lynn Drive, Manhattan Boulevard, Lake Salvador Drive (side) and160 foot TrappCanal RightofWay (side) andmeasures a totalof90.66 feet fronton Lake Lynn Drive, hasa width in therear of 80 feet,has a depthonthe TrappCanal RightofWay side of 111.48 feet anda depthalong the Manhattan Boulevardside of 70.56feet. All in accordance with survey by John‐sonProfes‐sional Land Sur‐veyors,Inc., datedMarch 16, 1999, resurveyed April 8, 1999 to locate forms, resur‐veyedApril 9, 1999 to locate slab resurveyed Oc‐

y tober10, 2000. Lot1-A2: That certain pieceorportion of ground,to‐gether with all thebuildings improvements thereonand all therights, ways, privileges, servitudes,ad‐vantages and appurtenances thereuntobe‐longingorin anywiseapper‐taining, situated in theState of Louisiana, Parish of Jeffer‐son, in that part thereofknown as Esprit at Stonebridge Extension, being aresubdivision of ParcelsFF11D-1,FF-12, Square A, Lot1A, and Square B, Lot1A, Lake Timber‐lane Estates, in accordance with theplanof resubdivison by Richmond W. Krebs, Profes‐sional Land Sur‐veying,L.S., dated February 8, 1999, revised March26, 1999, andfurther re‐visedApril 6, 1999, approved by the JeffersonParish Councilunder ordinanceno. 20663 on May5, 1999 andregistered in theoffice of theclerk of courtfor the Parish of Jeffer‐sonunder instrument no 99-31327, in COB 3008, folio 267, andaccording to which said lotis more particu‐larlydescribed as follows: Lot 1-A2,SquareA, which square is bounded by Lake Lynn Drive, Manhat‐tanBoulevard, Lake Timber‐lane Estates, Section1,Lake Arrowhead Driveand Lake Salvador Drive (side),and said lotforms acor‐nerof Manhattan Boulevardand Lake Lynn Drive, andmeasures as perthatsur‐veyby Richmond W. Krebs, Profes‐sional Land Sur‐veying,L.S datedJuly26, 2004. Said lot contains ap‐proximately 8,043.84 square feet,moreor less.

TERMS- Thefull purchase price is dueatthe time of thesale.

NOTE:All funds must be Cashier'sCheck, Certified Check, MoneyOrder,or Personal Check with Bank Letter of Credit

COREYJ.GIROIR Attorney for Plaintiff

JOSEPH P. LOPINTO, III Sheriff Parish of Jefferson TheNew Orleans Advocate: February 27, 2026, April3,2026 Feb27-apr3-3t

District Court, Parish of Jeffer‐son, Stateof Louisiana, in the abovenum‐beredand enti‐tled cause, datedAugust1, 2025, Ihave seized andwill proceed to sell to thehighest bidder at public auction, at the JeffersonParish Sheriff'sOffice Complex, 1233 Westbank Ex‐pressway,Har‐vey, Louisiana, 70058, on April 8, 2026 at 10 o'clocka.m.the followingde‐scribedprop‐erty to wit: Acertain piece or portionof ground with all thebuildings andimprove‐mentsthereon andall of the rights,ways, privileges, servitudes,ap‐purtenances andadvantages thereuntobe‐longingorin anywiseapper‐taining, situated in theState of Louisiana, in that Parish of Jefferson, in TerrytownSub‐division,Section 3, beingpartof Oakdale Subdivision, Section"B" FirstWard, allin accordance with thesurvey of AdloeOrr, Jr.and Associ‐ates,C.E., dated October9,1959, approved by the JeffersonParish Councilunder ord. no.4545, adoptedApril 21, 1960, regis‐teredinCOB 510, folio 492, Parish of Jefferson, LA,on July 20, 1960, andinplan book 39, folio 66, office of theclerk of courtofJeffer‐son,LA, which said property is more fully de‐scribedas follows, to-wit:

Lotno. 25 in square no.57, bounded by FriedricaStreet, Farmington Placeand Heritage Av‐enue,which said lotcom‐mences at adis‐tanceof113 feet from thecorner of Friedrica Street and Farmington Placeand mea‐suresthence65 feet fronton FriedricaStreet, by adepth alongthe side line nearer Farmington Placeof78.66 feet,by adepth alongthe oppo‐site side line of 110 feet,by a width in the rear of 72.35 feet,all in accordance with thesurvey of AdloeOrr, Jr &Associates, C.E., datedMarch 19, 1962.

TERMS- Thefull purchase price is dueatthe time of thesale.

NOTE:All funds must be Cashier'sCheck Certified Check, MoneyOrder,or Personal Check with Bank Letter of Credit

COREYJ.GIROIR

Attorney for Plaintiff

SERVICING, LLC VERSUS EVANSA.USSIN, JR

By virtue of and in obedienceto aWritof SEIZUREAND SALE from the 24thJudicial District Court, Parish of Jeffer‐son, Stateof Louisiana, in the abovenum‐beredand enti‐tled cause, datedOctober 14, 2025, Ihave seized andwill proceed to sell to thehighest bidder at public auction, at the JeffersonParish Sheriff'sOffice Complex, 1233 Westbank Ex‐pressway,Har‐vey, Louisiana, 70058, on April 8, 2026 at 10 o'clocka.m.the followingde‐scribedprop‐erty to wit:

ACERTAIN PIECEORPOR‐TION OF GROUND,situ‐ated in the Parish of Jeffer‐son, Stateof Louisianain that part known as TIMBERLANE VILLAGEPHASE II and designated as LOT4C, SQUARE Jall in accor‐dancewiththe plansofsubdi‐vision made by J.J. Krebs& Sons, Inc.,certified by John F. Marshall, surveyor,dated November 11, 1982 approved in Ordinance No.15453 by the JeffersonParish Councilon March9,1983 registered in COB1044, folio 774 as revised by plansof subdivision made by J.J. Krebs& Sons, Inc. certified by John F. Marshall, Surveyor datedJune 7, 1983 and recorded in Map Book 115, Page 2 approved in Or‐dinance No.15637 by the JeffersonParish CouncilonJuly 27, 1983 regis‐teredinCOB 1054, folio 595. To‐gether with all thebuildings andimprove‐mentsthereon andall of the rights,ways, privileges, servitudes,ap‐purtenances andadvantages thereunto belongingorin anywiseapper‐taining, TERMS- Thefull purchase price is dueatthe time of thesale.

By virtue of and in obedienceto aWritof SEIZUREAND SALE from the 24thJudicial District Court, Parish of Jeffer‐son, Stateof Louisiana, in the abovenum‐beredand enti‐tled cause, datedJanuary 14, 2026, Ihave seized andwill proceed to sell to thehighest bidder at public auction, at the JeffersonParish Sheriff'sOffice Complex, 1233 Westbank Ex‐pressway,Har‐vey, Louisiana, 70058, on April 8, 2026 at 10 o'clocka.m.the followingde‐scribedprop‐erty to wit:

That portionof ground,situ‐ated in the Parish of Jeffer‐son, Stateof Louisiana, in that part thereof knownas Pontchartrain Shores Subdivi‐sion,and,ac‐cordingtoa plat of subdivision datedOctober 30, 1956, made by J.L. Foncu‐berta, surveyor, copy of whichison file in Plan Book 31, folio 60, in the office of Clerkof Court, Parish of Jefferson, which plat wasap‐proved by Policy Jury by Ordi‐nanceNo. 3433, said Portionof ground is desig‐natedand mea‐suresasfol‐lows:

Corporation, a copy of whichis annexedtothe ActofSale datedJuly19, 1991 which is registered in COB2351, folio 182, andwhich is filedfor record under EntryNo. 9132187 in the Conveyance RecordsofJef‐ferson Parish, Louisiana, ac‐cordingto whichplatthe abovede‐scribedprop‐erty hasthe same measure‐mentsasstated above. Allas more fully shownonsur‐veybyGilbert Kelly &Cou‐turie, Inc.,dated May10, 2010 copy of whichis annexedtothe Cash Sale dated May18, 2010 which is filedfor record under EntryNo 11019375 in the Conveyance RecordsofJef‐ferson Parish Louisiana.

ber24, 2025, I have seized and will proceed to sell to thehigh‐estbidderat public auction, at theJefferson Parish Sheriff's Office Complex, 1233 Westbank Expressway, Harvey, Louisiana, 70058, on April 8, 2026 at 10 o'clocka.m.the followingde‐scribedprop‐erty to wit:

STATEOF LOUISIANA NO:867-201 MOVEMENT MORTGAGE,LLC VERSUS PHILLIP CAMERONHAR‐RISA/K/A PHILLIP C. HAR‐RISA/K/A PHILLIP HARRIS ANDLACEY AN‐

JOSEPH P. LOPINTO, III Sheriff Parish of Jefferson TheNew Orleans Advocate: February 27, 2026, April3,2026 Feb27-apr3-3t

NOTE:All funds must be Cashier'sCheck, Certified Check, MoneyOrder,or Personal Check with Bank Letter of Credit KATE SOTO‐LONGO Attorney for Plaintiff JOSEPH P. LOPINTO, III Sheriff Parish of Jefferson TheNew Orleans Advocate: February 27, 2026, April3,2026 Feb27-apr3-3t

Lots Nos. 5, 6, and7 of Square 74, Pontchar‐trainShores, bounded by West EsplanadeAv‐enue,Conlin Street,Murphy Drive, and Transcontinen‐talDrive.Said lots adjoin each other. LotNo. 5 commences 171.29 feet ac‐tual measure‐ment, 171.20’ title measurement, from thecorner of Murphy Drive andConlin Street and measures 50 feet fronton Conlin Street, same width in therear, by a depth of 137.57 feet between equaland paral‐lellines.Lot No 6measures50 feet fronton Conlin Street,same width in the rear,bya depth of 135.57 feet between equal andparallel lines. LotNo. 7 measures 60 feet fronton Conlin Street same width in therear,bya depthof137.57 feet between equaland paral‐lellines

Theabove de‐scribedprop‐erty is shownon theplatofsur‐veydated De‐cember 3, 1984 by R.P. Fon‐cuberta, Jr., sur‐veyor, acopyof whichisan‐nexedtothe Act of Sale datedDecem‐ber13, 1984 whichisregis‐teredinthe of‐fice of theClerk of Court, Parish of Jeffer‐son, in COB 1158, folio 36, andwhich is filedfor record under Entry No.84-59190, ac‐cordingto whichthe above describedprop‐erty hasthe same location and measurements as stated above.

Theabove de‐scribedprop‐erty also is shownonthe plat of survey datedJune 19, 1991 by R.P. R Foncuberta,Jr. registered pro‐fessionalland surveyor,of BFM

Together with anyand allpre‐sent andfuture buildings, con‐structions,com‐ponent parts, improve‐ments, attach‐ments, appurte‐nances, fix‐tures, rights ways,privi‐leges, advantages, batture, and batturerights, servitudes and easementsof everytypeand description nowand/orin thefuturerelat‐ingtothe Prop‐erty,and any andall items and fixtures at‐tached to and/or forming integral or com‐ponent partsof thePropertyin accordance with the LouisianaCivil Code This property or itsaddressis commonly knownas4420 Conlin Street, Metairie,LA 70006.

TERMS- Thefull purchase price is dueatthe time of thesale.

NOTE:All funds must be Cashier'sCheck, Certified Check, MoneyOrder,or Personal Check with Bank Letter of Credit

KREIGA BREAUX Attorney for Plaintiff

JOSEPH P. LOPINTO, III Sheriff Parish of Jefferson TheNew Orleans Advocate: February 27, 2026, April3,2026 Feb27-apr3-3t

JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT

24THJUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT PARISH OF JEFFERSON STATEOF LOUISIANA NO:870-567

U.S. BANK TRUSTNA‐TIONAL ASSOCI‐ATIONAS TRUSTEEFOR LB-DWELLING SERIES VI TRUST VERSUS DONALD RICHARDBLAIS JR. A/K/ADON‐ALDR.BLAIS,JR. ANDARLENE BRUCEBLAIS A/K/AARLENE BLAIS By virtue of and in obedienceto aWritof SEIZUREAND SALE from the

ACERTAIN PIECEORPOR‐TION OF GROUND,to‐gether with all thebuildings and improvements thereon, andall of therights, ways,privi‐leges, servi‐tudes, appurtenances andadvantages thereuntobe‐longingorin anywiseapper‐taining, situated in the PARISH OF JEF‐FERSON,STATE OF LOUISIANA, in that part thereof knownasTER‐RYTOWN SUBDI‐VISION NO.2-A, beingpartof OakdaleSubdi‐vision Section"B", FirstWard, allin accordance with thesurvey of AdloeOrr, Jr & Associates,C.E., datedJune 3, 1959, revised September16, 1959, andSep‐tember 18, 1959, ap‐proved by Ordi‐nanceNo. 4706, JeffersonParish Council, which said Ordinanceis registered in COB514, folio 343, andthe Act of Dedication is registered in COB514, folio 343, said plan beingfurther registered in MapBook40, page 31, whichsaid property is more fully de‐scribedasfol‐lows,LOT NO 23, in SQUARE NO 8, bounded by AmapolaCircle, Athena Avenue Apollo Street, andAdonisWay whichsaidlot commences at a distance of 162 feet from the comerofAmap‐ola Circle and Athena Avenue, andmeasures thence 60 feet frontonAmap‐olaCircle, the same width in therear, by a depth of 110 feet between equaland paral‐lellines,all in accordance with thesurvey of AdloeOrr, Jr &Associates C.E.,dated Janu‐ary25, 1962.

TERMS- Thefull purchase price is dueatthe time of thesale.

NOTE:All funds must be Cashier'sCheck, Certified Check, MoneyOrder,or Personal Check with Bank Letter of Credit KATE SOTO‐LONGO Attorney for Plaintiff

JOSEPH P. LOPINTO, III Sheriff Parish of Jefferson TheNew Orleans Advocate: February 27, 2026, April3,2026 Feb27-apr3-3t

feet fronton

LLC VERSUS MICHAELAN‐THONYROGERS ANDPAULA RICKSONBUT‐LER

By virtue of and in obedienceto aWritof SEIZUREAND

SALE from the 24thJudicial District Court, Parish of Jeffer‐son, Stateof Louisiana, in the abovenum‐beredand enti‐tled cause, datedMarch 5, 2026, Ihave seized andwill proceed to sell to thehighest bidder at public auction, at the JeffersonParish Sheriff'sOffice Complex, 1233 Westbank Ex‐pressway,Har‐vey, Louisiana, 70058, on May 13, 2026 at 10 o'clocka.m.the followingde‐scribedprop‐erty to wit: THAT CERTAIN PIECEORPOR‐TION OF GROUND,to‐gether with all thebuildings andimprove‐mentsthereon, andall the rights,ways, privileges, servitudes, appurtenances andadvantages thereuntobe‐longingorin anywiseapper‐taining, situated in the Stateof Louisiana, in the Parish of Jeffer‐son, in that part thereof knownasClai‐borneGardens Subdivision, said portion beingdesig‐natedasLot 19 of Square 104. Ac‐cordingto a plan by Rene A. Harris,C.E datedJuly7, 1970, Square 104 is bounded by East Clai‐borneParkway East ClarkLane, West Krueger and Stilwell Lane Lot19com‐mences at adis‐tanceof124.08 feet from the comerof Stilwell Lane andEastClai‐borneParkway andmeasures thence 66 feet frontonEast Claiborne Park‐way, with a width in the rear of 45.32 feet,bya depth on thesideline closer to East ClarkLaneof 105 feet,and a depth on the opposite side‐line of 104.74 feet.The im‐provements thereonbear theMunicipal Number 9433 East Claiborne Parkway, West‐wego, Louisiana 70094. Beingthe same property acquired by Michael AnthonyRogers andPaula Rick‐sonButlerfrom Succession of Ella Baker Gros a/k/a Ella Baker Groom,a/k/a Ella BakerKey by actdated April27, 2018, duly registered in theconveyance recordsofJef‐ferson Parish, Louisiana. THIS ACTISFURTHER MADE,EXE‐CUTEDAND AC‐CEPTED SUB‐JECT TO THE FOLLOWING: 1. Restrictions as containedinan actbefore RichardC Brown, N.P., datedMay 4, 1966, registered in COB639 folio 520, and Amendmentto Restrictions by actbefore C.J. Champagne, N.P.,dated Sep‐tember 23, 1969, registered in COB706 folio 881, on November 3, 1969, Jefferson Parish, Louisiana. 2. Theutility servi‐tude of five (5`) feet across the entire rear width of the

subjectlot as shownonthe plan by Rene A. Harris,C.E datedJuly7, 1970. Therefer‐ence to or enu‐meration of which shallnot servetointer‐rupt or revive prescription thereon, recog‐nize the validity thereof. or acknowledge, ratify or confirm same

This sale is sub‐ject to all supe‐rior security in‐terests, mort‐gages, liensand privileges.

TERMS- Thefull purchase price is dueatthe time of thesale.

NOTE: Allfunds must be Cashier's Check, Certified Check, Money Order, or Personal Check with irrevocable Bank Letterof Credit CANDACEA COURTEAU Attorney for Plaintiff

JOSEPH P. LOPINTO, III Sheriff Parish of Jefferson

TheNew Orleans Advocate: April3,2026, May8,2026 Apr3-may 8-2t

JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT

24THJUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT PARISH OF JEFFERSON STATEOF LOUISIANA NO:871-263

perthe afore‐said plan of subdivision.

TERMS- The full purchase price is dueatthe time of thesale.

NOTE: Allfunds must be Cashier'sCheck, Certified Check, MoneyOrder,or Personal Check with Bank Letter of Credit

L. GRAHAM ARCENEAUX Attorney for Plaintiff

JOSEPH P. LOPINTO, III Sheriff Parish of Jefferson

The New Orleans Advocate: February 27 2026, April3,2026 Feb27-apr3-3t

JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT

24THJUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT PARISH OF JEFFERSON STATEOF LOUISIANA NO:873-276

BANK OF AMER‐ICA, N.A. VERSUS RA'SHEEKAK BURRAS HOLMES (A/K/A RA'SHEEKAK BURRAS, RA'SHEEKAK HOLMES)

SugarloafDrive same width in therear, by a depthof120 feet between equaland paral‐lellines

This sale is sub‐jecttoall supe‐rior security in‐terests, mort‐gages, liensand privileges

TERMS- Thefull purchase price is dueatthe time of thesale.

NOTE:All funds must be Cashier'sCheck Certified Check, MoneyOrder,or Personal Check with irrevocable Bank Letter of Credit

EMILYA MUELLER Attorney for Plaintiff

JOSEPH P. LOPINTO, III

Sheriff Parish of Jefferson

TheNew Orleans Advocate: April3,2026, May8,2026 Apr3-may 8-2t

JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT

24THJUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT PARISH OF JEFFERSON STATEOF LOUISIANA NO:849-046

438, in Square C, bounded by Randolph Street,Gaise Street,EdenRoc Driveand Richard Street,desig‐natedasLot 12, which formsthe corner of RichardStreet andRandolph Street,Gaise Street,EdenRoc Driveand

RichardStreet designatedas Lot12which formsthe cor‐nerofRichard Street andRan‐dolphStreet measures 60 feet fronton Randolph Street,and the same widthin therear, by a depthof114.14 feet between equaland paral‐lellines

TERMS- Thefull purchase price is dueatthe time of thesale.

NOTE:All funds must be Cashier'sCheck, Certified Check, MoneyOrder,or Personal Check with Bank Letter of Credit

DENNISWIG‐GINS,JR. Attorney for Plaintiff

JOSEPH P. LOPINTO, III

Sheriff Parish of Jefferson

Fourth Street, designated as LOTNO. 30, allin accordingwith thesurveyof AdloeOrr, Jr.& Associates,C.E dated4/1/1963; approved by the JeffersonParish Councilunder Ord. No.6076, adopted 5/23/1963, which said lot commencesat a distance of 453' from thecorner of Dogwood Driveand Third Street,the same measures thence 52 frontonDog‐wood Drive, same in widthin therear, by a depthalong the side line nearer Thad Street of 9935, by adepth alongthe oppo‐site side line of 98.791. Allin accordance with thesurvey of AdleeOrr, Jr &Associates, C.E. dated 4/29/1964.

Forinformation purposes only: Theimprove‐mentsthereon bear theMunici‐palNo. 1437 Dogwood Drive, Harvey, Louisiana70058.

TERMS- Thefull purchase price is dueatthe time of thesale.

MAND TBANK VERSUS CHENEY O. HEINIEMI AND TRACEY RICHARDSON By virtue of and in obedienceto aWritof SEIZUREAND SALE from the 24thJudicial District Court, Parish of Jeffer‐son, Stateof Louisiana,inthe abovenum‐beredand enti‐tled cause, datedDecem‐ber17, 2025, I have seized and will proceed to sell to thehigh‐estbidderat public auction, at theJefferson Parish Sheriff's Office Complex, 1233 Westbank Expressway, Harvey, Louisiana 70058, on April 8, 2026 at10 o'clocka.m.the followingde‐scribedprop‐erty to wit: ONECERTAIN PORTIONOF GROUND,to‐gether with all thebuildings and improvements thereon, situ‐ated in the Stateof Louisiana Parish of Jeffer‐son, in that part thereof knownas Southwood West Subdivi‐sion,Section B, accordingto a plan of subdivision by J.J. Krebs& Sons,Inc., C.E. & S.,dated July 10, 1974, revised December16, 1974, approved by theJefferson Parish Council on February 6, 1975 by Ordinance No.11923, regis‐teredinInstru‐ment No 669400, Parish of Jefferson, andmorefully describedas follows, to-wit: Lot31ofSquare E, which square is bounded by SugarpineDrive Mt.LaurelDrive, theeastern perimeterof Southwood West Subdivi‐sion andBelle Chasse Highway andsaidlot is locatedand measures allas

By virtue of and in obedienceto aWritof SEIZUREAND SALE from the 24thJudicial District Court, Parish of Jeffer‐son, Stateof Louisiana,inthe abovenum‐beredand enti‐tled cause, datedFebruary 27, 2026, Ihave seized andwill proceed to sell to thehighest bidder at public auction,atthe JeffersonParish Sheriff'sOffice Complex, 1233 Westbank Ex‐pressway,Har‐vey, Louisiana, 70058, on May 13, 2026 at 10 o'clocka.m.the followingde‐scribedprop‐erty to wit:

THATPORTION OF GROUND,to‐gether with all thebuildings andimprove‐ments thereon, andall therights, ways, privileges, servitudes,ap‐purtenances and advantages thereuntobe‐longingorin anywise apper‐taining, situated in theState of Louisiana Parish of Jeffer‐son, in that part thereofknown as TIMBERLANE VILLAGE, PHASE#1, as perplanofre‐subdivisionreg‐isteredinCOB 1021, folio157, and accordingto which is desig‐natedasfol‐lows:

LotNo. 5, Square "G"all as more fully shownonsur‐veymadebyJ.J, Krebsand Son, Inc.,dated March1,1983, resurveyed March10, 1983.

CITIGROUP MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2021-A VS EVELYN JORDAN

By virtue of and in obedienceto aWritof SEIZUREAND SALE from the 24thJudicial District Court, Parish of Jeffer‐son, Stateof Louisiana, in the abovenum‐beredand enti‐tled cause, datedJanuary 4, 2024, Ihave seized andwill proceedtosell to thehighest bidder at public auction, at the JeffersonParish Sheriff'sOffice Complex, 1233 Westbank Ex‐pressway,Har‐vey, Louisiana, 70058, on April 8, 2026 at 10 o'clocka.m.the followingde‐scribedprop‐erty to wit:

TheNew Orleans Advocate: February 27, 2026, April3,2026 Feb27-apr3-3t

JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT 24THJUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT PARISH OF JEFFERSON STATEOF LOUISIANA NO:862-954

NOTE:All funds must be Cashier'sCheck Certified Check, MoneyOrder,or Personal Check with Bank Letter of Credit BRIGHAMJ LUNDBERG Attorney for Plaintiff JOSEPH P. LOPINTO, III Sheriff Parish of Jefferson

TheNew Orleans Advocate: February 27, 2026, April3,2026 Feb27-apr3-3t

beingresubdivi‐sion of original Lots No.H-321D, H-321-Eand H321-FofLower Estelle Planta‐tion,delineated on survey made by J. J. Krebs& Sons Inc.,April 14, 1967, approved by theJefferson Parish Council on June 29, 1967, Ordi‐nance18328, a copy of which is annexedtoAct of Dedication and Acceptance of StreetsinAmes GardensSubdi‐vision,passed before Neville M. Landry,N.P datedJuly18, 1967, andregis‐teredunder CourtDocument Entry 403,515 of Jef‐ferson Parish Louisianaon September7 1967, said lot being designated as LOT10of SQUARE E, and is more particu‐larlydescribed as follows, to-wit: LOT10of SQUARE "E", AMES GARDENS SUBDIVISION, said square bounded by JoyAnn (for‐merlyChrysan‐themum}Drive, Geranium Drive, DoloresDrive andEast Ames Boule‐vard.SaidLot 10 commencesat a distance of 403 feet from the intersection of Geranium Drive andJoy Ann (formerly Chrysanthe‐mum) Drive, fronts thence 50 feet on JoyAnn (for‐merlyChrysan‐themum)Drive same width in therear, by adepth of 100 feet be‐tween equal andparallel lines.

Allinaccor‐dancewiththe survey of Gilbert, Kelly & Couturie Sur‐veying Inc. dated January 17, 1989, said lotis situatedand designatedas hereinabove set forthand said square is bounded by SugarloafDrive, AspenDrive Parcel "L"and Parcel F-1 side,and com‐mences at adis‐tanceof245 feet from thecorner of Sugarloaf Drive and Aspen Drive, andmea‐suresthence60

That portionof ground,to‐gether with all thebuildings andimprove‐mentsthereon and allofthe rights, ways,privi‐leges, servi‐tudes, appurte‐nances andad‐vantages thereuntobe‐longingorin anywise, apper‐taining, situated in theParishof Jefferson, Stateof Louisiana, in that part thereofknown as Eden Roc Subdivision, beinga portionofFarm LotB-31ofSec‐tion DofAmes Farms, shown on plan of J.W.T. Septehen,C &M #.,dated July 27, 1918, acopy of which plan is annexedtoan act passedbefore A.D. Notary Pub‐lic, of theParish of Orleans, on August 10, 1918, and acopyofwhich is also on file in theOffice of the ClerkofCourt forthe Parish of Jefferson, and also according to survey by J.J. Krebs& Sons, datedNovem‐ber10, 1959, revised February 29, 1960, approved by Ordinance No.4794 adoptedbythe JeffersonParish CouncilonNo‐vember 10, 1960, registered in COB520, folio

DATA MORT‐GAGE INC.,DBA ESSEXMORT‐GAGE VERSUS FATEMAHBICK‐SLER A/K/A FATEMAHAB‐DALLAH MO‐HAMMADBICK‐SLER AND RONALD E. BICK‐SLER By virtue of and in obedienceto aWritof SEIZUREAND SALE from the 24thJudicial District Court, Parish of Jeffer‐son, Stateof Louisiana, in the abovenum‐beredand enti‐tled cause, datedMarch 26, 2025, Ihave seized andwill proceedtosell to thehighest bidder at public auction, at the JeffersonParish Sheriff'sOffice Complex, 1233 Westbank Ex‐pressway,Har‐vey, Louisiana, 70058, on April 8,2026 at 10 o'clocka.m.the followingde‐scribedprop‐erty to wit: THAT CERTAIN PORTIONOF GROUND,to‐gether with all thebuildings and improvements thereonand all therights, ways, privileges, servitudes,ap‐purtenances andadvantages thereuntobe‐longingorin anywiseapper‐taining, situated in the PARISH OF JEF‐FERSON,STATE OF LOUISIANAin MAPLEWOOD PARK SUBDIVISION, SECTION"D", beingpart of theoriginal GargerePlanta‐tion,in Township 14 South, Range24 East,Westof theMississippi River, in SQUARE NO 8, bounded by Dogwood Drive, ThirdStreet, Maplewood Drive, and

JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT 24THJUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT PARISH OF JEFFERSON STATEOF LOUISIANA NO:871-179 STANDARD MORTGAGE CORPORATION VERSUS RASHARDN SMITHAND TRAECHELLE D. WILLIAMS

This sale is sub‐ject to allsupe‐rior security in‐terests, mort‐gages, liensand privileges.

TERMS -The full purchase price is dueatthe time of thesale.

NOTE:All funds must be Cashier'sCheck, Certified Check, MoneyOrder,or Personal Check with irrevocable Bank Letterof Credit FOERSTNERG MEYER Attorney for Plaintiff

SALE from the 24thJudicial District Court, Parish of Jeffer‐son, Stateof Louisiana, in the abovenum‐beredand enti‐tled cause, datedJune 13, 2024, Ihave seized andwill proceed to sell to thehighest bidder at public auction, at the JeffersonParish Sheriff'sOffice Complex, 1233 Westbank Ex‐pressway,Har‐vey, Louisiana, 70058, on May 13, 2026 at 10 o'clocka.m.the followingde‐scribedprop‐erty to wit: THAT CERTAIN LOTOFGROUND, together with allimprove‐mentsthereon, all rights,ways, servitudes,and privilegesthere‐untobelonging, lyingand situ‐ated in the Stateof Louisiana, Parish of Jeffer‐soninthatsub‐division known as St.Mary Subdivision, lo‐catedand des‐ignatedwith a plan of resubdi‐vision by Michael W. Flores,dated May20, 1985 ap‐proved by the JeffersonParish counselunder OrdinanceNum‐ber16513, filed in COB1313, folio 60, desig‐natedasLot 10, of Square C, bounded by SantaMaria Drive, 10th Street,Cande‐lightDrive, (side) and theMayronne CanalRight of Way. Lot10 measures 62 feet fronton SantaMaria Drive, 62.01 feet in therear, by depthsof94.55 feet alongthe southernlymost sideline and 93.29 feet along thenorthernly‐most sideline Allasmorefully shownon survey by J.J. Krebs& Sons, Inc.,dated May 16, 1991.

This sale is sub‐ject to allsupe‐rior security in‐terests, mort‐gages, liensand privileges.

TERMS- Thefull purchase price is dueatthe time of thesale.

tled cause, Feb‐ruary2019, 2025, Ihave seized andwill proceed to sell to thehighest bidder at public auction, at the JeffersonParish Sheriff'sOffice Complex, 1233 Westbank Ex‐pressway,Har‐vey, Louisiana, 70058, on May 13, 2026 at 10 o'clocka.m.the followingde‐scribedprop‐erty to wit:

That certainlot of ground,to‐gether with all thebuildings andimprove‐mentsthereon andall of the rights,ways, privileges, servitudes,ap‐purtenances andadvantages thereuntobe‐longingorin anywiseapper‐taining, situated in theParishof Jefferson, Stateof Louisiana, in that part thereofknown as Terrytown Subdivision,No. 8, in Square No.140, bounded by MatadorDrive, Guardian Av‐enue,and Mys‐ticAvenue, designated as Lot10-Aonsur‐veybyGilbert Kelly &Cou‐turie, Inc.,Sur‐veying & Engineering, datedMarch 5, 1974, acopyof which is an‐nexedtoanact of sale before ManuelI Fisher,N.P datedMarch 20, 1974, andac‐cordingtosaid survey, said Lot10-A commencesat a distance of 545.17 feet from thecornerof Matador Driveand Guardian Drive, andmeasures thence 60 feet frontonMata‐dorDrive same width in therear, by a depth of 115 feet,between equaland paral‐lellines

This sale is sub‐ject to allsupe‐rior security in‐terests, mort‐gages, liensand privileges.

TERMS- Thefull purchase price is dueatthe time of thesale.

By virtue of and in obedienceto aWritof SEIZUREAND SALE from the 24thJudicial District Court, Parish of Jeffer‐son, Stateof Louisiana, in the abovenum‐beredand enti‐tled cause, datedJanuary 12, 2026, Ihave seized andwill proceedtosell to thehighest bidder at public auction, at the JeffersonParish Sheriff'sOffice Complex, 1233 Westbank Ex‐pressway,Har‐vey, Louisiana, 70058, on May 13, 2026 at 10 o'clocka.m.the followingde‐scribedprop‐erty to wit: THAT CERTAIN PIECEORPOR‐TION OF GROUND,to‐gether with all thebuildings andimprove‐mentsthereon, andall rights ways,privi‐leges, servi‐tudes, appurtenances andadvantages thereuntobe‐longingorin anywiseapper‐taining, situated in the Parish of Jeffer‐son, Stateof Louisiana, in that part thereofknown as AMES GARDENS SUBDIVISION,

JOSEPH P. LOPINTO, III Sheriff Parish of Jefferson TheNew Orleans Advocate: April3,2026, May8,2026 Apr3-may 8-2t

JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT

24THJUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT PARISH OF JEFFERSON STATEOF LOUISIANA NO:854-971

NOTE:All funds must be Cashier'sCheck, Certified Check, MoneyOrder,or Personal Check with irrevocable Bank Letter of Credit

EMILYA MUELLER Attorney for Plaintiff

JOSEPH P. LOPINTO, III Sheriff Parish of Jefferson

TheNew Orleans Advocate: April3,2026, May8,2026 Apr3-may 8-2t

JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT

NOTE:All funds must be Cashier'sCheck Certified Check, MoneyOrder,or Personal Check with irrevocable Bank Letter of Credit

COREYJ.GIROIR Attorney for Plaintiff

JOSEPH P. LOPINTO, III Sheriff Parish of Jefferson TheNew Orleans Advocate: April3,2026, May8,2026 Apr3-may 8-2t

WELLSFARGO BANK,N.A,AS TRUSTEE, ON BEHALF OF THE HOLDERSOF THEASSET BACKED SECURI‐TIES CORPORA‐TION HOME EQ‐UITY LOAN TRUST, SERIES AMQ2007-HE2 ASSETBACKED PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES AMQ 2007-HE2 VS CARLOS RUS‐SELL ANDDE‐SHANON COBB RUSSELL (A/K/A DESHANON COBB, DESHANON RUS‐SELL) By virtue of and in obedienceto aWritof SEIZUREAND

24THJUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT PARISH OF JEFFERSON STATEOF LOUISIANA NO:861-817 NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC VS PATRICKJ URCIAA/K/A PATRICKURCIA By virtue of and in obedienceto aWritof SEIZUREAND SALE from the 24thJudicial District Court, Parish of Jeffer‐son, Stateof Louisiana, in the abovenum‐beredand enti‐Seemore CLASSIFIEDS page

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