The Times-Picayune 04-02-2026

NCAA GYMNASTICS No.2seed

TrumpvowsU.S.will‘finish thejob’

Presidentsayswar with Iran nearingcompletion

BY WILL WEISSERT,JON GAMBRELL and DAVID RISING Associated Press

WASHINGTON President Donald Trump said U.S.forces will finish the job” in Iran soon as “core strategic objectivesare nearing completion,” offering afull-throated defense of the war Wednesday night in his first national address since the conflict began more than amonth ago. Trump got awide audience and achance to articulate clear objectives for the war after weeks of changing goals and often contra-

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ä Trumplashes outatNATOover war. Page 6A ä Kidnappedreporter knownfor gutsy assignments Page 6A

dictory messages about whether he’swindingdownorready to escalatemilitary operations —even as Iran keptupits attacks on Israel and Persian Gulf neighbors and airstrikes pounded Tehran. But he spent much of his time repeating some of the samethings he saidinrecentweeks, while also

suggesting that the U.S. was close to meeting its major military objectives in Iran and his estimated timeline for concluding operations waswithin two to three weeks. He promised U.S. forces would continue to hit Iran very hard.

“For years, everyone has said that Iran cannot have nuclear weapons. Butinthe end, thoseare just words if you’renot willing to takeaction when the time comes,” Trumpsaid.

The president said, “Inthese past four weeks our armed forces

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LIFTOFF

ArtemisII, NASA’s firstlunar voyage in decades, rocketstowardthe moon

BY MARCIA DUNN AP aerospace writer

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. Four astronauts embarked ona highstakes flight around the moon Wednesday,humanity’sfirst lunar voyage in more than half acentury and the thrilling leadoff in NASA’s push toward alanding in two years.

Carrying three Americans and one Canadian, the 32-story rocket rose from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center,where tens of thousandsgathered to witness the dawn of this new era. Crowds also jammed the surrounding roads and beaches, reminiscent of the Apollo moonshots in the1960s and ’70s. It is NASA’s biggest step yettowardestablishinga permanent lunar presence.

“On this historic mission, you take with you the heart of this Artemis team, the daringspirit of the American people and our partners across the globe, and the hopes and dreams of anew generation,” said Charlie Blackwell-Thompson,the launch director.“Good luck, Godspeed Artemis II. Let’s go.” Artemis II set sail from the same Florida launch site that sent Apollo’sexplorers to the moon so long ago. The handful still alive cheered thisnext generation’sgrand adventure as the Space Launch System rocket thundered into the early evening sky,anearly full moon beckoning some 248,000 miles away Five minutes into the flight, Commander Reid Wiseman saw the team’starget: “We have abeautiful moonrise, we’re

ä See LIFTOFF, page 4A

Launch holdsspecial meaningfor N.O. students

BY POET WOLFE Staff writer

As launch time neared,dozens of spectators gatheredaround the two projector screens on classroom walls, watching as the engine ignited in an orangeglow and

the rocket rose on apillar of fire from the launchpad. Applauseerupted as it disappeared into thesky at 5:35 p.m. “Humanity’snext great voyage begins,” the broadcast declared. The massive rocket lifted off

Wednesday from KennedySpace Center in Florida, sending four NASA astronauts —three Americans and oneCanadian on a10-day journey around the moon and back. The mission, Artemis II, marks the

ä See STUDENTS, page 4A

UNOto seesome academic changes Programs

being eliminated,

revised

BY MARIEFAZIO Staff writer

After months of speculation about what the transition of the University of New Orleans to the LSU system would mean for faculty and students, LSU has revealed plans to modify or cutseveral academicprograms. The changes will affect programs in art, international studiesand education.

“Weare aligning our academic portfoliowith wherestudent demand is growing and wherecareer opportunities arestrongest, while continuing to honor the disciplines that define us.”

UNO PRESIDENT KATHy JOHNSON

The announced changes inc lude eliminating or changing five undergraduate programs and four graduate programs and are the first indication of academicshiftsas UNO becomes part of LSU. The transition, which becomes official July 1, was floated in hopes of stabilizing the university,which has struggled with lowenrollment and aglaring budget deficit.

LSU officialssaid the proposed changes were made after a“data-informed review of enrollment trends andprogramviability.” Some programs will be eliminated, while others will be renamedorrevamped as minors University officialssaidstudents enrolled in programs slated to end would be able to finish their degrees, and no faculty would be laid offbecause of the program shifts.

“These changes are not about reducing opportunity,rather,they areabout strengthening it,” UNO President KathyJohnson said in an email to faculty,staff and students.

“Weare aligning our academic portfolio with where student demand is growing andwhere career

ä See UNO, page 4A

Quadruple amputee

claims self-defense

LA PLATA Md. A quadruple

amputee professional cornhole player acted in self-defense when he shot and killed a passenger in his Tesla during a heated argument, his attorney said Wednesday

Dayton James Webber, 27, appeared in Charles County District Court via videoconference for the bail review Wednesday, where Judge Patrick Devine noted that he left Maryland after the March 22 shooting of 27-year-old Bradrick Michael Wells and ordered Webber to remain jailed without bail.

Webber, who was extradited from Virginia and is charged with first- and second-degree murder, hasn’t entered a plea yet and is due in court for a May 6 preliminary hearing. He also faces assault and firearm charges.

Defense attorney Andrew Jezic told the court that Webber acted in self-defense and that he anticipates “a lengthy trial” to prove it.

“The truth here is that he would have been a murder victim if he had not acted immediately in defense of his life,” Jezic said.

Taylor Swift sued over ‘Showgirl’ album cover LOS ANGELES A lawsuit says Taylor Swift’s “The Life of a Showgirl” stole the spotlight from the life of a real one.

Maren Wade says in the trademark infringement lawsuit

filed Monday in federal court in California that the branding of Swift’s 2025 album comes too close to her own trademark of “Confessions of a Showgirl.”

That was the name of a column she wrote on backstage Sin City life in the Las Vegas Weekly starting in 2014, which she turned into a live show that she took on a national tour

“Both share the same structure, the same dominant phrase, and the same overall commercial impression,” the lawsuit says. “Both are used in overlapping markets and are directed at the same consumers.”

Wade is described as a “singer, songwriter, comedian, and writer” in the lawsuit filed under her legal name, Maren Flagg, and her “Showgirl” brand encompasses performances, writing and digital media.

Rescuers give up hope for stranded whale

BERLIN Rescuers said Wednesday that they have given up hope for the humpback whale that has become stranded repeatedly off Germany’s Baltic Sea coast and now expect it to die in the inlet where it currently lies.

The whale swam into an inlet on the small island of Poel, near the port of Wismar on Tuesday and got stuck again. Last week, it was rescued from even shallower water at Timmendorfer Strand, a resort town around over 30 miles from its current location, with the help of an excavator, but it soon ran into trouble again.

In recent days, authorities have pursued a strategy of trying to give the exhausted mammal peace and quiet so that it can gather enough strength to swim away under its own steam, while sometimes approaching it with boats to motivate it to set off.

Burkard Baschek, the scientific director of the Ocean Museum Germany and the scientific coordinator of the rescue effort, said the whale was breathing at very irregular intervals on Wednesday and that drone photos showed little sign of activity in the sediment under the 39-49 foot animal. It barely reacted when approached.

The whale was a bit more active after rescuers left, “but it is not activity that gives us grounds for hope,” Baschek said at a televised news conference.

“We firmly believe that the animal will die there.” While the whale on two previous occasions was able to gather enough strength to free itself, it is now weaker and also faces falling water levels, “and the prospects that it will free itself are very small,” he said. “The approach of maximum rest and respect for nature demands at some point that we let it go.”

Court hears birthright citizenship case

Justices seem poised to reject Trump’s restrictions

BY MARK SHERMAN Associated Press

WASHINGTON The Supreme Court seemed poised Wednesday to reject President Donald Trump’s restrictions on birthright citizenship in a momentous case that was magnified by his unparalleled presence in the courtroom.

Conservative and liberal justices questioned whether Trump’s order declaring that children born to parents who are in the United States illegally or temporarily are not American citizens comports with either the Constitution or federal law

Arguments lasted more than two hours in a crowded courtroom that included not only Trump, the first sitting president to attend arguments at the nation’s highest court, but also Attorney General Pam Bondi and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and in seats reserved for the justices’ guests, actor Robert De Niro.

The case frames another test of Trump’s assertions of executive power that defy long-standing precedent for a court with a conservative majority and a robust view of presidential power, which has largely ruled in the Republican president’s favor

In the notable exceptions when the court has not, Trump has responded with starkly personal criticisms of the justices. A de-

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who is not.

Chief Justice John Roberts suggested that Sauer was relying on quirky exceptions to citizenship to make a broad argument about people who are in the country illegally “I’m not quite sure how you can get to that big group from such tiny and sort of idiosyncratic examples,” Roberts said. Justice Clarence Thomas sounded the most likely among the nine justices to side with Trump.

“How much of the debates around the 14th Amendment had anything to do with immigration?” Thomas asked, pointing out that the purpose of the amendment was to grant citizenship to Black people, including freed slaves.

The justices heard Trump’s appeal of a lower-court ruling from New Hampshire that struck down the citizenship restrictions, one of several courts that have blocked them. The restrictions have not taken effect anywhere in the country

nitive ruling is expected by early summer Trump, the media-savvy president, spent just over an hour inside a courtroom that prohibits cameras and all electronic devices for arguments made by the Republican administration’s top Supreme Court lawyer Solicitor General D. John Sauer. The president departed shortly after lawyer Cecillia Wang began her presentation in defense of broad birthright citizenship.

After court adjourned, Trump posted on Truth Social: “We are the only Country in the World STU-

PID enough to allow ‘Birthright’

Citizenship!” Actually, about three dozen countries, nearly all of them in the Americas, guarantee citizenship to children born on their territory Trump heard Sauer face one skeptical question after another Justices asked about the legal basis for the order and voiced more practical concerns.

“Is this happening in the delivery room?” Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson asked, drilling down into the logistics of how the government would actually figure out who is entitled to citizenship and

The birthright citizenship order, which Trump signed on the first day of his second term, is part of his Republican administration’s broad immigration crackdown. Birthright citizenship is the first Trump immigration-related policy to reach the court for a final ruling. The justices previously struck down global tariffs Trump had imposed under an emergency powers law that had never been used that way Trump reacted furiously to the late February tariffs decision, saying he was ashamed of the justices who ruled against him and calling them unpatriotic.

Protesters take to the streets in Jerusalem

Israel OKs death penalty for Palestinians convicted of murder

BY JULIA FRANKEL Associated Press

JERUSALEM Hundreds of protesters took to the streets across the embattled Palestinian territories on Tuesday, a day after Israel’s parliament passed a measure establishing the death penalty by hanging for Palestinians convicted of murdering Israelis. Palestinians young and old held sit-ins and marches in the Israelioccupied West Bank, the territory where the new law is most sweeping. The Fatah political party has called a general strike in the northern part of the West Bank for

Wednesday

The legislation orders West Bank military courts — which try only Palestinians to make the death penalty the default sentence for those convicted, except in special circumstances.

“Time is running out and silence is deadly,” read the signs carried by protesters in the central West Bank city of Nablus, which showed an animation of a prisoner wearing the Palestinian keffiyeh scarf next to a noose. “Stop the law to execute prisoners, before it’s too late.”

The bill passed its final vote in the Israeli parliament late Monday to cheers and applause. Itamar Ben-Gvir, the Israeli firebrand minister of national security who spearheaded the push for the legislation, described the law as long overdue and a sign of strength and national pride.

The law is set to take effect in 30 days but its implementation could be delayed by pending court proceedings at Israel’s highest tribunal.

The measure is not retroactive and won’t apply to current prisoners. Still, it signaled an extreme hardening of Israeli penal policy that elicited fear from the protesters for all Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails — emblems of national resistance.

“You are the symbol of struggle, You are the symbol of steadfastness,” the protesters in Nablus chanted, some holding up signs with the faces of friends and family currently in Israeli prisons.

Palestinian officials released statements saying the death penalty measure violated international law and asking other countries to intervene. Amnesty International has said that the use of the death

New DNA testing links unsolved death of Utah teen to Ted Bundy

17-year-old went missing from Salt Lake City in 1974

BY HANNAH SCHOENBAUM and REBECCA BOONE Associated Press

SALT LAKE CITY — New DNA testing has definitively linked the unsolved death of a Utah teenager in 1974 to the infamous serial killer Ted Bundy, the local sheriff’s office said Wednesday Laura Ann Aime, 17, went missing Halloween night 51 years ago after she left a party alone to go to a convenience store. About a month later, her body was found by hikers on the side of a highway in American Fork Canyon Aime was bound, beaten and without clothing. Authorities said the evidence indicated that she had likely been kept alive for several days after her abduction.

Investigators long suspected that Bundy was responsible — police said he verbally acknowledged his culpability leading up to his execution in Florida in 1989 — but the case remained open until they could be certain.

Bundy was one of the nation’s most pro-

lific serial killers, with at least 30 women and girls’ deaths linked to him in several states in the 1970s. His murders — which occurred in sorority houses, parks and elsewhere — set the nation on edge. Bundy’s arrest drew widespread fascination, in part because many considered him to be charming and handsome.

Investigators had carefully preserved the evidence from Aime’s case, and forensic investigators were able to analyze that evidence to select the portions that seemed most likely to have usable DNA samples Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason said.

The state crime lab got new technology in 2023 that allows investigators to extract DNA from samples even if they are small, degraded from age or contain DNA from multiple people, he said. That technology allowed them to identify a single male DNA profile, which they submitted to a national law enforcement database.

Bundy’s DNA was a match, Mason said.

Aime’s family described her as a free spirit who loved the outdoors and found joy in everything she did.

“Laura Aime is the quintessential daughter of Utah County,” Utah County Sheriff’s Sgt. Mike Reynolds said in a news conference earlier Wednesday.

“We felt the pain the family feels when she was taken. We felt the pain that you felt this whole entire time, and we’ve had the desire to deliver to you some type of healing, we can’t really say closure.”

penalty under the new measure could violate the right to life and the prohibition of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, as enshrined in international law

The Palestinian Foreign Ministry called for sanctions on Israel’s parliament and its suspension from international bodies.

“The law represents a critical turning point in the formalization of extrajudicial killings under a legal guise,” the statement said, adding that the ministry “stresses that this law, in its essence, constitutes an institutionalized policy of field executions based on discriminatory and racist standards.”

The bill’s passage was the culmination of a yearslong push by Israel’s far right to escalate punishment against Palestinians convicted of attacking Israelis.

GOPleaders announce plan to endshutdown

Johnson, Thune haveplanto fund DHS

BY KEVIN FREKING and STEPHEN GROVES Associated Press

WASHINGTON HouseSpeaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune announced aplan Wednesday to fully fund the Department of Homeland Security,moving past asplit between the two Republican leaders that resulted in Congress leaving Washington last week withouta fixtoa record-setting partial government shutdown.

They said in ajoint statement that “in thecoming days”Republicans in Congress will return to aSenate plan to fund most of the department through an agreement with Democratic senators, with the exception of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Border Patrol. Republicans would then try later to fund those agencies through party-line spending legislation. Neither outcome is guar-

anteed, and the strategy couldpotentiallystill face opposition from theGOP’s own ranks even though President Donald Trump has given his support “Weappreciateand share the President’sdetermination toonceand forall bring an endtothe Democrat DHS shutdown,” said Johnson, RBenton, and Thune, RS.D. The plan represents ado-overof what senators had in mind when they passed a bipartisan funding agreement through unanimous consentlastFriday.The Senate couldapprove similarlegislation as soon as Thursday morning through unanimousconsent, but even if that happens, it’s unclear howquickly the bill could move through the House. It will likelytake several months for Republicans to act on the second partofTrump’splanand pass budgeting legislation to fundICE and Border Pa-

trol House Republicans refused to go alongwith the Senateplan last week, instead changing the bill to fund all of DHS for 60 days

As aresult, the shutdown continued as lawmakers left for their home states and congressional districts for atwo-week recess. The DHSshutdown reached its 47th day on Wednesday Senate Democratic leader ChuckSchumersaidin astatement,“Republican divisionsderailed abipartisanagreement, making

Mullin rescinds restrictive

Move gives hope to disaster responseefforts

BY GABRIELA AOUN ANGUEIRA Associated Press

WASHINGTON Homeland

Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin on Wednesday rescinded arulethatDHS expenditures over $100,000 be personally approved by his office, ending awidely criticized policy implemented by his predecessor Kristi Noem that critics said put aparticular burden on the Federal Emergency Management Agency’sworkaiding disaster response and recovery

The decision marks the first major action by the newHomeland Security leader,sworn in last week,to change apolicy implemented by Noem, whom President Donald Trump fired in March.

Mullin’smove is expected to ease aspending bottleneck that lawmakers and states said delayed disaster response and recovery funds, though those impacts are unlikely to be widely felt until after the end of the DHSshutdown,now in its 46th day

ADHS spokespersonconfirmed that Mullin rescinded the rule Wednesday,telling The Associated Press the secretary “re-evaluated the contract processes to makesure DHS is serving the American taxpayer efficiently.” CBS News first reported Mullin’sdecision.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin’smoveis expected to ease aspending bottleneckthat lawmakers and states said delayed disaster response and recovery funds.

The spokesperson said Mullin’s action will streamline thecontracting process and allocate aid more efficiently

TheInternational Association of Emergency Managers praised Mullin’sdecision. “WeappreciateSecretary Mullin’s common-sense approach to this matter, and we look forward to working with him,” said Josh Morton, president of IAEM-USA. Noem issued adirective last June requiring that shepersonally approve any Department of Homeland Security expenditure over $100,000. Critics said the rule undermined FEMA in particular, an agency that routinely issues contracts and reimbursements well over that amountinits work preparing for and respond-

ing to natural and manmade disastersacross theU.S.

Thepolicy created “an untenable situationfor emergency managers,”Morton said, and abottleneck that alsohindered mitigation and preparedness programs, “putting Americans at increased risk fromdisasters.

Arecently released report by Democratic members of the SenateHomeland Securityand Governmental Affairs Committee found the approval rule haddelayed at least 1,000 FEMA contracts, grantsordisaster reimbursementsbySeptember

The policy came under scrutiny after news reports linked it to unstaffedcall centers and delays deploying FEMA Urban Searchand Rescue teams to Texas duringdeadly floods last July, and brought sharp rebuke from some state officials and lawmakers, especiallyRepublican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, whose state is still recovering from devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene in 2024.

“You’vefailedatFEMA,” Tillis toldNoem at aSenate hearing the day before she was fired.

About $2.2 billion in recoveryand mitigation dollars were in the DHS approval queue Wednesday, according to FEMA data seen by theAP.

“It’sgot agreat mission, andI think people at FEMA want to do their job,” Mullin toldlawmakers at hisMarch confirmation hearing, sparking cautious hope that he would ease thetumult experienced at the agency under Noem.

American familiespay the price for theirdysfunction.”

Theannouncementfrom theGOP leaders showed that for now,Thune and Johnson are on the same page. Their working relationshipexperienced a rupturelate last week when Johnson —atthe urging of many House Republicans— rejected Thune’splan.

Thetop Republicanshoping the path ahead will win over skeptical GOP colleagues,but themost conservative lawmakersare likely to seekfullfunding

for allofTrump’simmigration and deportation operations.

“Let’smake this simple: caving to Democrats and notpaying CBP andICE is agreeing to defund LawEnforcement and leaving our borders wide open again,” Rep.Scott Perry,R-Pa., posted on X. “If that’sthe vote,I’m aNO.”

It is uncertain whether Johnson could find enough support from the House to recall lawmakers back to Washington before their spring recess ends in midApril.

Meanwhile, the narrow budget package being preparedfor later this year is expected to fund ICEand BorderPatrolthrough the remainder of Trump’sterm, as aaway to try to ensure thoseagenciesare no longeratrisk fromDemocrats objecting to the president’s immigration enforcement agenda

Ea rl ie rWed ne sd ay, Trump weighed in on the shutdown, using asocial media post to seemingly call on Republicanstofund theimmigrationportions of DHS through abill that

would not require Democratic support. He said he wantedthe legislation on his desk by June 1. “Weare going to work as fast, andasfocused, as possible to replenish funding forour Border and ICE Agents, and the Radical Left Democrats won’tbe able to stop us,” Trump said. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries released a statement saying, “It’stime to payTSA agents, endthe airport chaos and fully fund every part of the Department of Homeland Security that does notrelate to Donald Trump’sviolent mass deportationmachine.” The vast majority of Homeland Security workerscontinue to report to workduring the shutdown, but many thousands have been going without pay Thatled to more TransportationSecurity Administrationagents calling outfrom work, causing frustrating security lines at someofthe nation’sbiggest airports. Those bottlenecksappeared to be clearing this week as agents began receiving backpay,per an executive orderfromTrump.

U.S. sanctionsare lifted on Venezuela’s acting president

BY REGINAGARCIA CANO and FATIMAHUSSEIN

Associated Press

WASHINGTON TheU.S on Wednesday liftedsanctions on Venezuela’sacting President Delcy Rodríguez, according to an Officeof Foreign Assets Control entryonthe Treasury Departmentwebsite.

Thenewly announced sanctions relief is thelatest U.S. recognition of Rodríguez as alegitimate authorityinVenezuela eversince the U.S. military captured herpredecessor,Nicolás Maduro, and his wife on Jan. 3inVenezuela’scapital, Caracas.

The pair have since been taken to New York to face drug trafficking charges andboth have pleaded not guilty.

The move allows Rodrígueztomorefreely work with U.S. companies and investors. Withoutexplicitly mentioning the sanctions targeting her, Rodríguez, in astatement, expressed hope for U.S.-Venezuela relations.

“Wevalue President Donald Trump’sdecision as a steptowardnormalizing and strengthening relations between ourcountries,” she said on her Telegram channelafter theTreasury’sannouncement.“We trust that this progress will allow for thelifting of current sanctions against ourcountry, enabling us to buildand guarantee an effective bilateral cooperation agenda forthe benefitofour people.”

Rodríguezand her broth-

er,Jorge Rodríguez, were hit with U.S. sanctions during Trump’s firstterm for their role in allegedly undermining Venezuelan democracy

The siblings —along with other members of Maduro’s inner circle —were added to the Treasury’slist in September 2018, months after Maduro won re-election in acontest widely considered asham because opposition politicians andparties were banned from participating.

“Maduro has given Delcy Eloina RodríguezGomez andJorge Jesus Rodríguez Gomez senior positions within theVenezuelan government to help him maintain power and solidify his authoritarian rule,” Treasury said in astatement at the time.

The current Trumpadministration,however, chose to work with Delcy Rodríguez,insteadofVenezuela’spolitical opposition,

after Maduro’souster.She has since led Venezuela’s cooperation withthe administration’sphased plan to turn the country around, pitching heroil-richnation to international investors and opening the nationupto private capital, international arbitration, and scrutiny Last month, the administration recognized her as the “sole Head of State” of Venezuela in an ongoing civil case in U.S. federal court. The U.S. haslifted sanctionsonmajor Venezuelan industries. In March, Treasury issued abroad authorization allowing the state-owned Petróleos de VenezuelaS.A., or PDVSA, to directly sell Venezuelan oiltoU.S.companiesand on global markets, amassive shift after Washington for years had largely blocked dealings withVenezuela’s government and its oil sector

headed right at it,” he said from the capsule. On board with him are pilot Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Canada’s Jeremy Hansen. It was the most diverse lunar crew ever with the first woman, person of color and non-U.S citizen riding in NASA’s new Orion capsule Tensions were high earlier in the day as hydrogen fuel started flowing into the rocket. Dangerous hydrogen leaks erupted during a countdown test earlier this year, forcing a lengthy flight delay

To NASA’s relief, no significant hydrogen leaks occurred. The launch team loaded more than 700,000 gallons of fuel into the 32-story Space Launch System rocket on the pad, a smooth operation that set the stage for the Artemis II crew to board.

NASA also had to deal with some issues beforehand but was able to resolve them and allow the launch to proceed without delay one of them related to commands not getting through to the rocket’s flighttermination system, which is needed to send a self-destruct signal in case the rocket veers off course and threatens populated areas. That issue was quickly resolved, according to NASA. It also had to troubleshoot one of the batteries in the capsule’s launch-abort system. Launch controllers scrambled to understand why the battery’s temperature was out of limit Ultimately, it didn’t prevent the launch from taking place. The astronauts will stick close to home for the first 25 hours of their 10-day test flight, checking out the capsule in orbit around Earth before firing the main engine that will propel them to the moon.

They won’t pause for a stopover or orbit the moon like Apollo 8’s first lunar visitors did so famously on Christmas Eve 1968, reading from Genesis. But they stand to become the most distant humans ever when their capsule zooms past the moon and continues another 4,000 miles beyond, before making a Uturn and tearing straight home to a splashdown in the Pacific.

Once settled in a high orbit around Earth, the astronauts plan to assume manual control and practice steering their capsule around the rocket’s detached upper stage, venturing within 33 feet. NASA wants to know how Orion handles in case the self-flying feature fails and the pilots need to take control.

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rst time anyone has traveled this far from Earth since 1972.

Like the rest of the nation, the audience at Nunez Community College in Chalmette anticipated the historic launch, huddled at classroom desks as the 10-minute countdown clock ticked A boy dressed in an astronaut suit placed a toy space helmet over his head as he proudly posed next to balloons shaped like rockets Popcorn popped in a machine and a celebratory frosted cake waited to be cut. For many in the room, the excitement ran deeper than the mission’s historic significance Nunez alums helped build the Space Launch System rocket that powered the mission.

The college offers Louisiana’s only aerospace technician program, created in partnership with Boeing and NASA to prepare students for careers at Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans East and other regional employers. Since the program started in 2018, more than 300 credentials have been awarded, according to Nunez Chancellor Tina Tinney

“It’s historic for our country, but it’s also historic for Nunez Community College, for graduates

UNO

Continued from page 1A

opportunities are strongest, while continuing to honor the disciplines that define us.” Johnson added that the university is in the process of developing programs in high-demand fields, including engineering management, hospitality and tourism management, data science and health care management. The following programs will be changed:

n Bachelor of Arts art history will be renamed B.A. studio art; art history will be offered as a minor

n B.A. film and theatre will be renamed B.A. film arts and the theater track will be discontinued; theatre arts will be offered as a

An amazing sight in store

Four days later into the lunar flyby the moon will appear to be the size of a basketball held at arm’s length. The astronauts will take turns peering through Orion’s windows with cameras. If the lighting is right, they should see features never before viewed through human eyes. They’ll also catch snippets of a total solar eclipse, donning eclipse glasses as the moon briefly blocks the sun from their perspective and the corona is revealed.

All of NASA’s moon plans — a surge in launches over the next several years leading to a sustainable moon base for astronauts assisted by robotic rovers and drones — hinge on Artemis II going well.

It’s been more than three years since Artemis I, the only other time NASA’s SLS rocket and Orion capsule have soared. With no one aboard, the Artemis I capsule lacked life-support equipment and other crew essentials like a water dispenser and toilet.

These systems are now making their space debut on Artemis II, ratcheting up the risk. That’s why NASA is waiting a full day before committing Wiseman and his crew to a four-day trip to the moon and

four-day journey back.

“There’s always been a lot riding on this mission,” NASA’s Lori Glaze said ahead of launch. But the teams are even more “energized” now that the space agency is finally accelerating the lunar launch pace and laser-focusing on surface operations seismic changes announced recently by new administrator Jared Isaacman.

A fresh beginning

With half the world’s population not yet born when NASA’s 12 moonwalkers left their boot prints in the gray lunar dust, Artemis offers a fresh beginning, NASA’s science mission chief Nicky Fox said earlier this week.

“There are a lot of people who don’t remember Apollo There are generations who weren’t alive when Apollo launched. This is their Apollo,” said Fox, who was 4 when Apollo 17 closed out the era. NASA is in it for the long haul this time. Unlike Apollo, which focused on fast flags and footprints in a breakneck race against the Soviet Union, Artemis is striving for a sustainable moon base elaborate enough to satisfy even the most hardcore science fiction fans. But make no mistake: Isaacman and

the Trump administration want the next boot prints to be made by Americans, not the Chinese. Until Isaacman’s program makeover, Artemis III was crawling toward a moon landing no sooner than 2029. The billionaire spacewalker slid in a new Artemis III for 2027 so astronauts could practice docking their Orion capsule with a lunar lander in orbit around Earth. Astronauts’ momentous landing near the moon’s south pole shifted to Artemis IV in 2028 two years before an anticipated Chinese crew’s arrival.

Like Apollo 13 astronauts’ only moon landing miss — Artemis II will use a free-return, lunar flyby trajectory to get home with gravity’s tug and a minimum of gas. The gravity of both the moon and Earth will provide much if not most of the oomph to keep Orion on its out-andback, figure-eight loop.

Inherent dangers

The danger is right up there for Artemis II NASA has refused to release its risk assessment for the mission. Managers contend it’s better than 50-50 — the usual odds for a new rocket — but how much more is murky

The SLS rocket leaked flamma-

A crowd reacts to the Artemis II launch at Nunez Community College

that have had this opportunity,” Tinney said. “We’re part of their story now.”

Standing 322 feet tall, the SLS rocket is the only one that can send the Orion spacecraft, astronauts and cargo directly to the moon in a single launch, according to NASA.

Nearly 90% of the rocket — in-

minor

n B.A. international studies program will be discontinued; international studies will be offered as a minor

n Bachelor of Science elementary education and special education (grades 1-5) will be cut.

n B.S. mathematics will become a new B.S. in data science program.

n Master of Arts in teaching elementary education & special education (grades 1-5) will be cut.

n M.A.T. secondary education & special education (grades 6-12) will be cut.

n Select theater-related tracks and concentrations from Masters of Fine Art film & theatre will be discontinued and degree will be renamed.

n M.S. in tax accounting will be cut.

cluding the orange core, which provides much of the power — was constructed at Michoud.

Nicknamed “America’s Rocket Factory” by NASA, Michoud links New Orleans to the nation’s space legacy and serves as an economic anchor in an area that has long struggled to diversify in technolo-

Transition underway

The planned academic changes come as UNO prepares to revert to the LSU system, which governed UNO from its founding in 1958 until 2011. Last year, state legislators approved the shift, which was backed by the Board of Regents.

At public transition committee meetings this academic year, the LSU Board of Supervisors said the university was refocusing on key areas they see as connected to growing regional industries, such as health care, engineering, and tourism and hospitality Among other things, the transition committee suggested building an on-campus hotel and culinary institute where students could get on-hand hospitality experience.

LSU President Wade Rousse

gy and manufacturing since Hurricane Katrina. For more than a decade, Boeing, the lead contractor of the project, has built key components of the SLS rockets there, including the version used in Artemis I, which traveled 280,000 miles into space without a crew in 2022.

Mayor Helena Moreno said

hinted cuts were coming in February when he said there would be an “honest evaluation” of programs and possible cuts to ones that don’t attract students or prepare them for available jobs in the region.

UNO Senate Faculty President Christopher Summa said in a statement that program directors or faculty were consulted over changes in recent weeks.

“Our academic programs should be preserved wherever possible to best serve our students,” the statement said, “and we continue to hope that all our current programs will be allowed the chance to flourish during this transitional time of reintegration into the LSU System.”

Summa said many of the programs that would be changed had been flagged by the Board of Regents on its “low-completer” list of degrees for fewer graduates and

ble hydrogen fuel during ground tests, a recurring problem that engineers still do not completely understand. The hydrogen leaks and unrelated helium blockages stalled the flight for two months, coming on top of years of vexing delays and cost overruns. Both problems also thwarted Artemis I, whose capsule returned with excessive heat shield damage. To NASA’s relief Wednesday’s countdown was leak-free.

Beating the Soviet Union to the moon made the huge risks acceptable for Apollo, said Charlie Duke, one of only four surviving moonwalkers.

“I’m cheering you on,” Duke said in a note to Wiseman and his crew before their flight.

During a weekend news conference, Koch stressed how humanity’s path to Mars goes through the moon, the proving ground for points beyond.

“It is our strong hope that this mission is the start of an era where everyone, every person on Earth, can look at the moon and think of it as also a destination,” she said. Added Glover: “It’s the story of humanity Not Black history, not women’s history, but that it becomes human history.”

Wednesday’s mission serves as “a reminder that big things are possible in New Orleans and when we’re all in, the sky, and even the moon, is the limit.”

“The team at Michoud is once again showing the level of innovation possible right here in New Orleans,” Moreno said in a statement

Beyond city and school leaders, the launch left the Chalmette students inspired about their own career paths. Rachel Madron, who joined the aerospace technician program last year and hopes to one day build rockets for NASA, sat in the front row during the launch.

“They showed how much they wanted to do it,” she said. “And they got it done.”

low enrollment.

“While several programs have been implementing enhancement plans to address these issues,” Summa said, “it seems that there is increased pressure coming from the Board of Regents to act more decisively at this time.”

Notably, the M.F.A. in Fine Arts and the M.A. in Romance Languages, which had both been flagged by the Board of Regents for low enrollment, were not listed among programs that would be cut or modified.

“In higher education throughout the country, institutions are adapting to changing student interests and evolving workforce demands,” Johnson said “This work ensures that LSU New Orleans is positioned to offer programs that are strong, sustainable and aligned with opportunity.”

BY HALEY MILLER Staff writer

Weeks after journalists filed a lawsuit against LSU seeking records on how much it was paying athletes through revenue sharing, Louisiana lawmakers advanced a bill Wednesday that would carve out an exemption to public records law and make those payments — as well as amounts allocated to individual sports confidential.

“These are safety protections when it comes to the student athlete,” Rep. Tehmi Chassion, D-Lafayette, who authored the bill, said.

Revenue sharing refers to funds paid to athletes directly out of athletic department budgets.

The original bill, filed in late February, sought to make contracts with college athletes through a university’s revenue sharing program private.

But amendments added Wednesday went a step further, clarifying

2026 LEGISLATURE

that dollar amounts and percentages of the pool of money allocated to specific athletes and individual sports would not be public record.

Legislators raised questions about the proposed law obfuscating how public funds are spent.

“This is really broad,” Rep. Beryl Amedee, R-Houma, said. “And I’m concerned that we’re expanding confidentiality so much that we’re losing necessary transparency.”

Separate from name image and likeness deals, revenue sharing payments are public dollars, First Amendment expert and attorney Scott Sternberg said. Sternberg is representing the journalists suing for the records.

Sternberg also represents The Advocate | The Times-Picayune in some legal matters. The news-

paper is not a party to the lawsuit filed against LSU.

Following the House v. NCAA settlement in 2025 that allowed schools to pay athletes directly, Louisiana passed a law that raised the state tax on online sports betting to 21.5% and funneled a quarter of those proceeds to subsidize public universities’ athletics programs.

“We’re effectively saying, ‘Sorry we know you passed this tax but we’re not going to let you see where the revenue goes,’” Sternberg said. “In no other instance would that be OK.”

Chassion argued the exemption to public records law would protect student athletes from harassment. While presenting the amendments to the House Education Committee on Wednesday, he frequently referenced his daughter, a walk-on guard for the University of Connecticut women’s basketball in 2020-21.

“If my daughter happened to have made $50,000 from Insomnia Cookies as a member of the UConn women’s basketball team, I don’t want anyone knowing what she makes,” Chassion said. “It shouldn’t be public information.”

As the bill heads to the floor, the 19th Judicial District Court will also hear a case concerning whether LSU’s revenue sharing payments belong to the public record.

Journalists Piper Hutchinson, of the Louisiana Illuminator; Todd Horne, of Tiger Rag; and Chris Nakamoto, of WAFB, represented by Sternberg, filed a suit in March against LSU arguing the payments are “textbook public documents.”

“These revenue-sharing payments are made from funds comprised of Louisiana public dollars appropriated to and controlled by LSU,” the petition said. “They represent an expenditure of public funds by a public body and are

quintessential public records.”

Reached for this story, LSU spokesperson Meg Sunstrom said the university cannot comment on pending litigation but referenced its comment when the suit was filed.

“LSU has not been served with the lawsuit but believes the records are exempt from public disclosure for various reasons,” the statement said. “Releasing this information puts LSU at a competitive disadvantage on the field and runs contrary to the privacy interest of our student athletes.”

The term “competitive disadvantage” was not used in the House Education Committee meeting Wednesday, with legislators instead emphasizing the point of athlete safety Sternberg said that concern does not apply to other public salaries.

“The salary of every public employee in the state of Louisiana is a public record,” Sternberg said.

have delivered swift, decisive, overwhelming victories on the battlefield” and slammed previous decades of U.S. policy, saying previous presidents “made mistakes, and I am correcting them.”

“The situation has been going on for 47 years and should’ve been handled long before I arrived in office,” he said.

Trump also acknowledged rising oil prices and volatile financial markets, but insisted those would be temporary.

Polling, meanwhile, shows many Americans feel the U.S. military has gone too far in Iran — even as more American troops move into the region for a possible ground offensive. Trump opted not to deliver such an address closer to when the U.S. and Israel first launched attacks, and questions remain about whether it is now too late for what he says to break through.

Iranian missile fire targeted Dubai in the United Arab Emirates and Israel just before Trump’s speech.

The president, in comments during an Easter lunch on Wednesday afternoon, said of Iran: “We could just take their oil. But you know, I’m not sure that the people in our country have the patience to do that which is unfortunate.”

“Yeah, they want to see it end. If we stayed there, I prefer just to take the oil,” Trump said. “We could do it so easily I would prefer that. But people in the country sort of say: ‘Just win. You’re winning so big. Just win. Come home.’ And I’m OK with that, too, because we have a lot of oil between Venezuela and our oil.”

The media was not permitted to watch the president’s remarks at the lunch, but the White House uploaded video of the speech online before taking it down The White House did not return requests for comment from

The Associated Press on the video and why it was taken down.

In a social media post earlier Wednesday Trump maintained a belligerent tone, demanding that Iran stop blocking the Strait of Hormuz — the waterway vital to global oil supplies or the U.S. would bomb the Islamic Republic “back to the Stone Ages.” The president has also said the U.S. “will not have anything to do with” ensuring the security of ships passing through Hormuz, an apparent backtrack from a previous threat to attack Iran’s power grid if it didn’t open the strait by Monday

In the same Easter lunch, the president reiterated some of his complaints about NATO allies for their reluctance to get involved in securing the Strait of Hormuz while suggesting that China, Japan and South Korea could also step up to reopen the waterway

“Let South Korea, you know, we only have 45,000 soldiers in harm’s way over there, right next to a nuclear force — let South Korea do it,” Trump said of efforts to reopen the strait. “Let Japan do it They get 90% of their oil from the strait. Let China do it.”

In another morning social media post, Trump wrote

that “Iran’s New Regime President” wanted a ceasefire. It wasn’t clear to whom the U.S. president was referring since Iran still has the same president. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmail Baghaei, called Trump’s claim “false and baseless,” according to a report on Iranian state television.

Speaking earlier to Al Jazeera, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi signaled Tehran’s willingness to keep fighting. “You cannot speak to the people of Iran in the language of threats and deadlines,” he said. “We do not set any deadline for defending ourselves.”

Hours before Trump’s address, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian posted a lengthy letter in English on his X account appealing to U.S. citizens and stressing that his country had pursued negotiations before the U.S. withdrew from that path “Exactly which of the American people’s interests are truly being served by this war?” he wrote.

Grip on Strait of Hormuz

Since the war began on Feb. 28, Trump has offered shifting objectives and repeatedly has said it could be over soon while also threatening to widen the conflict.

Thousands of additional U.S. troops are heading to the Middle East, and speculation abounds about why Trump has also threatened to attack Iran’s Kharg Island oil export hub. And the U.S. could decide to send in mili-

tary forces to secure Iran’s uranium stockpile — a complex and risky operation, fraught with radiation and chemical dangers, experts and former government officials say

Adding to the confusion is what role Israel — which has been bombing Iran alongside the U.S. — might play in any of these scenarios.

Trump has been under growing pressure to end the war that has been pushing up the cost of gasoline, food and other goods. The price of Brent crude, the international standard, is up more than 40% since the start of the war

Where diplomacy stands

The U.S. has presented Iran with a 15-point plan aimed at bringing about a ceasefire, including a demand for the strait to be reopened and for its nuclear program to be rolled back. Iran insists its nuclear program is peaceful. And in a report last week by Iranian state TV’s English-language

broadcaster, an anonymous official was quoted as saying Iran had its own demands to end the fighting, including retaining sovereignty over the strait.

In the interview with Al Jazeera, Araghchi acknowledged receiving direct messages from U.S. Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff. He insisted, however, that there were no direct negotiations and said Iran has no faith that talks with the U.S. could yield any results, saying “the trust level is at zero.”

He warned against any U.S. attempt to launch a ground offensive, saying “we are waiting for them.” In a deal ostensibly to give diplomacy a chance, U.S. officials have given “clear assurances” that Araghchi and Iran’s Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf won’t be targeted, according to three officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because they’re not authorized to speak publicly about the matter

CONFLICT IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Trans-Atlantic rift widens over war

Trumplashesout at NATO allies

BY JILL LAWLESS and JAMEY KEATEN Associated Press

LONDON U.S. President

Donald Trump says he’s strongly considering pulling the United States out of NATO, ratchetingup his criticism of European allies and exposing awider rift in the trans-Atlantic alliance this time overthe Iran war

While Trump’stalkofa possible NATO pullout dates back years, the comments to The Telegraph newspaper in the U.K., published Wednesday,were among the clearest and most disparaging yet —suggesting thatthe fracture has deepened perhaps to apoint of no return.

Asked whether he would reconsider U.S. membership in the allianceafter the conflict in the Middle East ends, Trump replied: “Oh yes, I would say (it’s) beyond reconsideration.”

Congress passed legislation in 2023 that would prevent any president from pulling out of NATO without its approval. The Trump administration, during his first term, had insisted the president had such authority on his own. It’sunclearwhether Trump would challengein any way the new law,which is the first of its kind and with the NATO provision specifically championed at the time by Trump’ssecretary of state, Marco Rubio, who was aFlorida senatorat the time.

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that his government was “fully committed to NATO” and called it “the single most effective military alliance the world has ever seen.”

U.S. Sen. Mitch McCon-

Street in London on Wednesday

nell, aKentucky Republican, and Sen.Chris Coons, aDelaware Democrat,saidina jointstatement that “NATO is the most successful military alliance in history” and stressed that the Senate “will continue to support the alliance for thepeace and protectionitprovides” the UnitedStates, Europe and the world.

Many European leaders have felt political pressure over thewar,whichfaces opposition in their countries and has sent petroleum prices soaring as Iranhas effectively shutthe Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway between Iran and Oman through whichabout onefifth of the world’soil passes.

“Whatever the pressure on me and others, whatever the noise, Iamgoing to act in theBritish national interest in allthe decisionsI make,”

StarmersaidWednesday

TheU.K.isworkingon plans that could help assuage Trump, and Starmer said military plannerswill work on apostwar security planfor thestrait.

On Thursday,British Foreign Secretary Yvette Coo-

perwill host avirtual meeting of 35 countries that have signeduptohelp ensure security forshipping in the strait —after the fighting ends.

Iulia-Sabina Joja, asenior fellow at theMiddle East Institute, alludedtoTrump’s exhortation on Tuesday for allies to “go get your own oil” —inasocial media post insisting it wasn’tAmerica’s job to secure the strait

“The Europeans are not keen to go into an active warfare situation, to so-called ‘get’their energy out of the strait,” said Joba, aformer deputy project manager at NATO Allied Command Transformation in Virginia. Long-simmering tensions within the alliancehavebubbled up again over the war

As energy prices have spiked, Trumphas been desperate to getcountries to send their ships to theStrait of Hormuz. He hascalled NATO allies “cowards.”

Since his first term,Trump has urged theallies to assume greater responsibility for their own security and spend more on defense. He has argued that the U.S. has

done morefor them than the other way around.

AU.S.pullout would essentially spell the endof NATO,which flourished for decades underAmerican leadership.

Speaking Tuesday on Fox News, U.S.Secretary of State Marco Rubio said: “I do think, unfortunately,we aregoing to have to reexamine whether or not this alliance that has served this country well for awhile is still serving that purpose.”

Rubio raised questions withinterviewer Sean Hannity about whether NATO has “become aoneway street whereAmerica is simply in aposition to defend Europe —but when we need thehelpofour allies, they’regoing to deny us basingrightsand they’re going to deny us overflight.”

Thecriticism from Rubio could raise concernsinthe alliance about whether the U.S. under Trump may no longerconsider NATO as worththe time, moneyand personnel that Washington has invested in it

Theverymentionofa pullout could weaken the alliance’sdeterrence, particularly with Russia: It relies on ensuring that Russian President Vladimir Putinbelieves NATO will retaliate if he decides to oneday expand Moscow’swar in Ukraine.

NATO is built on Article5 of its founding treaty,which pledges that an attack on any one member will be met with aresponse fromthem all.

As the Iranwar has spread,missiles anddrones have been fired toward NATO memberTurkey and aBritish militarybase on Cyprus, fueling speculation about what might prompt NATO to triggerits collective securityguarantee and come to their rescue.

BY SAMYAKULLAB Associated Press

BAGHDAD American freelance journalist Shelly Kittleson often worked without formal assignmentsfromeditors and on ashoestring budget, taking shared taxis to lawless corners of Iraq where militia rule outweighs governmentcontrol.

Kittleson, 49, has lived abroad for years, using Rome as her base fora timeand building a respected journalism career across the Middle East.

ing Al-Monitor,aregional newssite.

Deeply curious and selfdirected, she often embedded herselfinlocal communities, sometimesstaying with families rather than in hotels.

On Tuesday, shevanished after being forced into a carbytwo menatabusy Baghdad intersection, surveillancecamera footage showed.

“She is agreat reporter and always wants to go to areas where no onewants to go,” saidPatrizio Nissirio, aformer editor at Italian news agency ANSA, who has known Kittleson since2011, when she workedasa translator for the agency

“I said to her,‘Youdon’t need to be in awar zone to do good journalism,’ and she told me,‘Ithink my work is worth something when Iaminthose areas,’” Nissirio said.

Friendsand fellow journalists describe Kittleson as adetermined, gutsy reporter whospent over adecade reporting from Iraq, Syria and the wider Middle East for avariety of news outlets, includ-

Herindependencemeant frequently workingalone, traveling long distances and carrying heavy belongings with her at all times,while operating without the backing of alarger news organization that might have offered some protection.

The Wisconsin native is kind andspiritual, friends say,and she embraced Islam

She left Wisconsin in 1995, when she was 19, and headed first to Italy, where she went to school and worked as ananny, according to her mother, Barb Kittleson. She spent about 10 years in Italy before eventually settling in Iraq, she added. In recent weeks, Iraq has been caught in thecrossfire of the Iran warasthe only country facing strikes from both sides. Iranianbacked militias in Iraq have launched regular attacks on American facilities there since the start of the fighting.

Kittleson’smothersaid she hasnot seen herdaughterinpersonsince2002, but they exchanged emails acouple of times aweek, including on Monday, when her daughter sent her a couple of pictures.

S&WB power complex hits roadblock

Expected grant payout delayed

BY BEN MYERS Staff writer

After state lawmakers stripped funding for critical Sewerage & Water Board power upgrades in 2024, Gov Jeff Landry and the New Orleans City Council came up with a solution The Landry administration slated the S&WB project for a $20.5 million federal grant, and the council scraped together a required local match.

The S&WB is still waiting on the grant money a year and a half later, and Mayor

Helena Moreno’s administration which is trying to contain a City Hall financial crisis, has demanded the return of $14 million in city matching funds. For the moment, that leaves the S&WB with no way to pay for the final phases of its highly touted, $350 million power complex.

Although the complex is already supplying modern power to drainage pumps from a new electrical substation, the unfunded phase would connect the substation to potable water pumps and build a central operations center so that key personnel are all under one roof during severe weather

using an outdated electric frequency which makes the areas they serve more vulnerable to boil-water advisories.

The grant was supposed to come from a $249 million allotment to the state from the Grid Resilience Innovation Partnership, a $10.5 billion federal Department of Energy initiative funded by the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law The power complex was among 13 statewide projects slated for funding in October 2024, and the S&WB expected to receive the money by mid2025.

Currently, some of the drinking water pumps around the Carrollton Water Treatment Plant are stuck

FOOL TIME

2 N.O. TV stations may see layoffs

Consolidation likely in markets with competing broadcasters

BY STEPHANIE RIEGEL Staff writer

Local New Orleans television stations WWL Louisiana and WGNO-TV are bracing for changes, and potentially layoffs, as a result of the merger of broadcast giants Nexstar and TEGNA, which own the two local stations as well as hundreds of others across the U.S. Though a federal judge on Friday temporarily blocked the two companies from combining their operations, the Federal Communications Commission has approved the $6.2 billion deal that was first announced last summer

And despite the legal roadblock, employees at WWL and WGNO who were not authorized to discuss the merger publicly said planning is underway for the combination. In a town hall meeting on March 26 with all of the employees of the combining companies, Nexstar CEO Perry Sook said layoffs are coming as Nexstar looks to become more efficient given all the competitive pressures that are out there,” according to a recording of the meeting. “There will be some job reductions as

“It is our understanding that federal review and approval of this grant was slowed due to a number of factors at the federal administration level, including a DOE reorganization,” Labat said. At least one other recipient,

It isn’t clear why the S&WB has not received its portion, or when it might expect to. The Louisiana Department of Energy and Conservation, which administers the grant, did not respond to repeated questions. S&WB spokesperson Ceara Labat said in an email that utility officials are hopeful the grant will become available “as soon as this summer.”

N.O. strip club zoning rules to remain

Planners drop proposal to study new restrictions

BY SOPHIE KASAKOVE Staff writer

The City Planning Commission dropped plans to study the regulations that govern New Orleans strip clubs, ending months of uncertainty around whether, and how, the City

Council might change those rules amid blowback from workers in the industry

In a letter last month, City Council member Freddie King, whose district includes the French Quarter withdrew an earlier request to the commission to conduct the study on strip club regulations. That study request was originally part of a motion that would have restricted new clubs from opening unless they met certain requirements set by the council.

“This letter serves as our formal withdrawal,” King wrote. King’s letter did not explain his rationale for the reversal. He did not respond to a request for comment. The letter which was first reported by Verite News, is the latest in a series of reversals on the issue since January, when the council unanimously voted to create a temporary zoning district — which could last up to two years — requiring new clubs to obtain conditional use

BY MICHELLE HUNTER Staff writer

Authorities have identified the man shot and wounded by a Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office detective Tuesday morning after he allegedly pulled a gun on deputies while they were trying to detain suspects in a Metairie narcotics investigation. Trenton Broussard, of Metairie, remained hospitalized in critical condition Wednes-

permits, which hinge on council approval.

Less than three weeks later, the council rescinded the ban on new clubs, which had drawn backlash from industry workers. At that point, King said he had rescinded the rules after speaking with people who would be affected by the changes. Instead, the new motion directed the planning commission to study whether new clubs

day according to Capt. Jason Rivarde, spokesperson

Defense wants BR judge back in rape case

Recusal of justice being appealed to state Supreme Court

BY QUINN COFFMAN Staff writer

One of the men accused of raping LSU sophomore Madison Brooks is seeking reinstatement of the judge who was removed from the case because of texts suggesting a friendship with the defendant’s family

The ruling comes about three years after Brooks

died following a night of heavy drinking in Tigerland. Police said she was raped in a vehicle before being dropped off in a subdivision and fatally hit by a car Judge Gail Horne Ray, who had presided over the case for nearly three years, was recused by another Baton Rouge judge in November to “safeguard public confidence” in the judicial process of Brooks’ case.

The main issue for Judge Brad Myers, who removed Ray from the case, were texts between the defendant, Casen John Carver, 21, and his family In the texts, Carver suggests Ray is a

friend to the family and has a family member who’ve been accused of similar crimes, so is sympathetic to him.

A text from Carver to his father in February 2023 said: “And the judge we are getting, I think u know about but we are friends with her and she is really good for our case. Her son was accused of rape a while back so she knows to help us.”

Myers, however, rejected arguments that Ray showed any bias toward Carver or other defendants during pretrial motions and said in his ruling that his decision was made to avoid the

appearance of an improper conflict of interest.

On March 19, a panel of 1st Circuit appellate judges agreed with Myers and upheld the recusal.

Now, Joe Long, one of Carver’s attorneys, has asked the state Supreme Court to weigh in on his attempt to have Ray return to the bench for this case.

In his writ, Long argues both that the request for Ray’s recusal was not timely and that neither actual bias nor the potential for bias was proved by prosecutors.

He noted that the case law cited in Ray’s recusal concerns the removal of a judge

whose brother was a detective involved in the defendant’s case and who would testify at the trial.

“The recusal of (Ray) in this case, where no court has articulated a substantial or objective basis for recusal, and where no substantial or objective basis exists, would open the flood gates of arbitrary recusal motions based only on unsubstantiated allegations of impropriety,” Long’s argument to the state Supreme Court states.

Carver, of Denham Springs, was one of four men in the vehicle with Brooks when prosecutors allege she was sexually as-

FOOLS’ GOLD

MERGER

Continued from page 1B

we get deeper into the integration process and eliminate redundant positions,” Sook said “I fully understand how that message lands. Unfortunately, it is unavoidable if we are to survive, let alone succeed.”

Sook did not discuss New Orleans or any other individual markets. He also didn’t say whether the job cuts would target on-air talent, which is associated with individual stations brands, or back-office employees. But close watchers of the industry say both are likely “I suspect when TEGNA and Nexstar converge and they will eventually converge — they will have some consolidation of reporters and even assignment editors,” said Al Tompkins, a retired broadcast executive and senior faculty member at the Poynter Institute, who now teaches journalism courses at Syracuse University “They probably will not share anchors because those are the outward faces of a station.” Station managers at WWL and WGNO did not return calls seeking comment. Nexstar and TEGNA officials have not discussed specific plans for New Orleans.

Economies of scale

The merger approved by the FCC on March 19, will give Dallas-based Nexstar, already the largest owner of TV stations in the country, a total of 228 stations in 44 states, enabling it to reach 80% of U.S. TV households.

It comes as local TV stations have seen revenues fall as viewers increasingly get their news and entertainment from other sources.

The average number of viewers tuned into ABC, CBS and NBC affiliates for the evening news declined from more than 4 million in 2016 to just over 3 million in 2022, according to the Pew Research Center

By merging, local broadcasters are able to reduce their expenses while expanding their reach.

“Local stations today need more muscle to negotiate with the networks and also with the cable companies,” Tompkins said. “They also need economies of scale for everything from their business offices to sales to commercial placement.”

A decades-long run

WWL-TV’s legacy and standing in the local community over its 69-year history mean that any change in ownership draws attention, even beyond what any merger may mean nationally, according to Dominic Massa, executive vice president and chief operating officer at WYES-TV and a former executive producer at WWL who has written books on New Orleans television and radio history

The station signed on in 1957 from its studios at 1024 N. Rampart St. on the edge of the French Quarter, and for much of that history, it was locally owned — first by Loyola University and then by its employees.

“As a result, for some 40 years, it was the dominant local station with newscasts that were the highest-ranked in the country,”

Massa said

Those ratings have slipped in recent years amid broader shake-ups in the market, including changes in the size of the New Orleans market overall. In the 1990s, the station was in the top 40 markets in the U.S. based on population. In 2025, it had fallen to No. 50.

WGNO signed on as an inde-

pendent station that aired movies and classic sitcoms until the early 1990s, when it launched its newsroom and became an ABC affiliate. While it is unclear what the merger will mean to the station’s newscasts and on-air talent, Nexstar officials have said they plan to consolidate office and broadcast space in markets where they own more than one station.

According to court documents, Nexstar’s chief financial officer discussed “facilities consolidation” during a recent call with investors, saying that “where TEGNA owns their station and Nexstar owns its station, we can move these groups together and execute on the sale of one of the properties.”

WWL’s studios are located in the French Quarter, taking take up much of a full city block bounded by North Rampart, St. Phillip, Burgundy and Ursulines streets. Though it has sold off some of the houses on the block that once served as offices and makeshift recording studios in recent years, the station is still a significant asset on some of the most valuable property in the city. WGNO is located in leased office space in the Galleria, the class A high-rise near the intersection of Causeway Boulevard and Interstate 10 in Metairie. An employee with WGNO who was not authorized to speak publicly said Nexstar representatives toured the Metairie studio earlier this year before the deal was finalized, to assess needs for office and studio space and to take measurements. What now?

Nexstar, which got its start owning small radio stations in the early 2000s, owned 200 stations across the country before the merger. In addition to WGNO, the local ABC affiliate, and WNOL, it

owns WGMB and WVLA in Baton Rouge, and KLFY in Lafayette as well as stations in Alexandria, Monroe and Shreveport.

TEGNA owned WWL and its low-power sister station, WUPLTV, before the merger Under the terms of the deal, it is required to sell WUPL.

The merger was challenged earlier this month by DirecTV, which argued the deal violates federal antitrust laws. U.S. District Judge Troy Nunley of the Eastern District of California agreed and ordered the companies to pause their integration for 14 days.

A hearing to determine next steps is scheduled for Wednesday Separately, nine state attorneys general have also sued to block the deal in a California state court.

While the challenges and Nunley’s ruling complicate the merger, Tompkins said it is unlikely to derail the deal, given the Trump administration’s support for it and the uphill battle that local TV news stations face for viewers and advertisers amid greater consolidation and competition.

“From an economic, journalistic and public service perspective, I have concerns,” he said. “But I doubt it will fall apart, despite the challenges. It’s not 1960, where you have three local stations.”

In his town hall meeting last week with employees, Sook said he does not expect the court challenges to stop the deal, which he has characterized as critical to the future of both stations.

“I am reminded of that saying if you don’t like change, you’re going to like irrelevance even less,” he said. “We must adapt and evolve or we will fail.”

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

saulted. He faces charges of first- and third-degree rape and a charge of video voyeurism. Should he be found guilty of first-degree rape, Carver is subject to a mandatory life sentence. Carver and two other defendants are accused in Brooks’ rape, but not her death. Prosecutors originally sought Ray’s recusal after Carver asked for a bench trial, rather than a jury trial. It is how scheduled for August before Judge Fred Crifasi.

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

Continued from page 1B

the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, is also still waiting on its $7 million award for a New Iberia research facility University spokesperson Eric Maron said the Trump administration issued new guidance “reflecting revised federal priorities” after taking office last year that required changes to its grant application.

The statewide grants to the S&WB, the university and others were announced three months before the second Trump administration took office.

The delayed grant comes while the S&WB juggles funding shortfalls for other critical infrastructure as well.

The utility says it needs more than $700 million for urgent repairs to its water distribution network, which has suffered a series of ruptures this year that flooded neighborhoods. And the S&WB says it has almost no money to clean out catch basins and repair small drainage pipes, increasing flood risk.

The S&WB is now preparing a funding push for $50 million in improvements to the East Bank water treatment plant, which hasn’t been upgraded in nearly 70 years. That includes a request for $7.5 million in state capital funds, which the Moreno administration is supporting.

The power complex has long been considered as one of the city’s most important infrastructure projects, since the S&WB previously relied on creaky in-house power sources to keep drainage pumps running during heavy rainfall. Landry’s 2024 task force on S&WB reforms identified it as a priority Lawmakers appeared ready to support the S&WB’s request for $29 million in state capital funds that year but changed course after Mayor LaToya Cantrell criticized other S&WB reform laws. Cantrell also initially resisted applying for the grant, since, in her view the local match was too burdensome, though she relented after the council found $14 million.

But the S&WB has now returned the $14 million at the request of Chief Administrative Officer Joe Giarrusso, who had led the council’s effort to find it in the first place while serving as the District A council member

S&WB Executive Director Randy Hayman told Giarrusso in a March 13 letter he is concerned about remaining eligible for the grant without a local match, and asked for an agreement to return the money when needed.

In an interview, Giarrusso said he expects to replenish the local match with other funding, potentially from an upcoming bond sale, but stopped short of a guarantee.

“We don’t want to submarine the project, but it’s hard to make a commitment when they don’t have the state funds yet,” Giarrusso said.

The $14 million in returned cash is on top of $29.5 million the S&WB has already agreed to pay the city this year as reimbursements for water infrastructure projects.

That’s about one-third of what the S&WB owes for that work, and the Moreno administration is pressing for quicker repayments.

The S&WB payments are among a smattering of one-time revenue sources the administration is cobbling together to balance the city’s $800 million operating budget, and to keep the general fund afloat while making repayments on a $125 million emergency loan taken out last year when the city nearly ran out of cash to pay employees.

Although the Moreno administration is lobbying for the S&WB’s capital outlay requests, relations between the nascent administration and S&WB have been somewhat tense since Moreno took office on Jan. 12. Moreno was sharply critical of the S&WB, and Hayman specifically, after the recent water main breaks. Hayman, meanwhile, says the city is wrongly holding $3.3 million in traffic camera revenue the S&WB needs for the catch basins.

Email Ben Myers at bmyers@ theadvocate.com.

Reese’s products to revert to classic recipes

Hershey said Wednesday it will use classic recipes for all Reese’s products starting next year a change that comes after the grandson of Reese’s founder criticized the company for shifting to cheaper ingredients.

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups have always been made with real milk chocolate or dark chocolate and peanut butter But a small portion of Hershey’s and Reese’s products, like mini Easter eggs, are now made with a coating that contains less chocolate Hershey said that in 2027, it will shift those products to “their classic milk chocolate and dark chocolate recipes.”

The Hershey, Pennsylvaniabased company said it will also be making other changes to its sweets portfolio next year, including transitioning to natural colors and enhancing Kit-Kat’s recipe to make it creamier The company said it plans to increase its research and development funding by 25% next year.

Software firm Oracle lays off thousands

Software giant Oracle on Tuesday started laying off workers as it looks to rein in costs and double down on artificial intelligence On LinkedIn, Oracle employees, including software engineers, account executives and program managers, shared publicly that they were affected by a mass layoff at the company and were looking for new jobs Oracle was founded in California, but moved its headquarters to Austin, Texas, in 2020.

The company, which sells software and other services to help businesses manage and store data, hasn’t said publicly how many jobs were cut. CNBC, citing people familiar with the matter reported that Oracle was slashing thousands of workers As of May 2025, Oracle had 162,000 workers.

Oracle has offices throughout the world, including in California in Irvine, Santa Monica, Redwood City and Santa Clara. It’s unclear if the mass layoff also affected workers in California Oracle declined to comment.

The company is the latest tech firm to shed workers as it focuses more heavily on AI. Meta, Block, Amazon, Salesforce and other tech giants have continued to lay off their workers even as they hire for other roles and spend billions of dollars on AI data centers and products

Retail sales rose in February before war

NEWYORK — Shoppers increased their spending in February before gasoline prices spiked because of the attacks on Iran by the U.S. and Israel Retail sales rose a better-thanexpected 0.6% in February from a revised 0.1% decline in January, the Commerce Department said Wednesday Retail analysts say it was a strong showing given that inflation has rattled American households, but that the war in Iran may have dented the psyche of consumers with spending on gasoline racing higher over the past five weeks.

“While the overall numbers are good and suggest a continued trajectory of reasonable expansion for retail, they do not reflect the problems that have arisen since the start of the Iran conflict,” wrote Neil Saunders, managing director of GlobalData “Since the start of March our own numbers show that consumer sentiment has soured and that rising gas prices are starting to spook consumers.”

This week the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline eclipsed $4, the first time it’s done so since 2022, and it jumped another 4 cents overnight to $4.06, according to motor club AAA.

SpaceX takes step to go public

Company files preliminary paperwork to sell shares

BY BERNARD CONDON and KEN SWEET AP business writers

NEW YORK Elon Musk’s space exploration company has filed preliminary paperwork to sell shares to the public according to two sources familiar with the filing, a blockbuster offering that would likely rank as the biggest ever and could make its founder the world’s first trillionaire. A SpaceX IPO promises to be one

of the biggest Wall Street events of the year, with several investment banks lining up to help raise tens of billions to fund Musk’s ambitions to set up a base on the moon, put data centers the size of several football fields in orbit and possibly one day send a man to Mars.

The sources spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk publicly about the confidential registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

SpaceX did not respond immediately to a request for comment.

Exactly how much SpaceX plans to raise has not been disclosed but the figure is reportedly as much as $75 billion. At that level, the of-

fering would easily eclipse the $29 billion that Saudi Aramco raised in its 2019 IPO. The offering, coming possibly in June, could value all the shares of SpaceX at $1.5 trillion, nearly double what the company was valued in December when some minority owners sold their stakes, according to research firm Pitchbook, before an acquisition that increased its size.

Musk owns 42% of the SpaceX now according to Pitchbook, though that figure will change with the IPO when new owners are issued shares. In any case, he is likely to pierce the trillion dollar mark because he is already close, with a net worth estimated by Forbes

magazine at $823 billion.

In addition to making reusable rockets to hurl astronauts and hardware into orbit, SpaceX owns Starlink, the world’s largest satellite communications company The company also recently brought under its roof two other Musk businesses, social media platform X, formerly Twitter, and artificial intelligence business, xAI, in a controversial transaction because both the seller and the buyer were controlled by him.

SpaceX has become the biggest commercial launch company in its industry, responsible for sending payloads into orbit for customers across the globe, but has also benefited from big taxpayer spending.

EU warns oil, gas prices won’t immediately return to normal

BY MENELAOS HADJICOSTIS Associated Press

NICOSIA, Cyprus Skyrocketing oil and gas prices in Europe as a result of the ongoing Iran war won’t return to normal levels any time soon, even if peace is declared tomorrow, the European Union’s energy commissioner warned Tuesday

Commissioner Dan Jørgensen said although there are no immediate oil and gas supply shortages in the 27-member bloc, there’s pressure on diesel and jet fuel supply as well as “increasing constraints” in global gas markets that are resulting in higher electricity prices.

“What I find extremely important is to state as clearly as I can, that even if that peace is here tomorrow, still we will not go back to normal in a foreseeable future,”

Jørgensen told a news conference after a meeting of EU energy ministers.

He said the EU’s executive arm is preparing a string of measures designed to help families and businesses weather the huge spike in oil prices that have resulted

in about a 70% price hike for gas and 60% for oil in Europe. Since the start of the war, the EU’s bill for imported fossil fuels has jumped by 14 billion euros, according to Jørgensen.

Closely coordinated action between all EU members is necessary to “avoid fragmented national responses and disruptive signals to the markets,” he said.

The “toolbox” of measures now in the works will be unveiled “quite soon” and will include ways to make it easier for states to decouple gas prices from electricity prices, the commissioner said. He added that a tax cut on electricity, as suggested by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is also being weighed.

Jørgensen said although he doesn’t foresee a repeat of the 2022 natural gas crisis where companies reaped huge profits from a massive gas price hike, a one-time “windfall tax” on such companies “is a possibility.”

There are now “good opportunities” for member states to financially support vulnerable groups or industries now under “extraordinary stress” and that the Commission

would make “these possibilities even simpler and wider,” said Jørgensen.

Jørgensen also encouraged EU members to consider the International Energy Agency’s 10-point plan which includes work from home, reduced highway speeds, encouraging public transport and increasing car sharing.

He said the EU stands by its ban on Russian gas purchases, which is meant to reduce dependence on Russian gas and choke off funding for Russia’s war in Ukraine. Reliance on Russian gas dropped from 45% before the war to 10% now and will be reduced to zero once imports from other suppliers ramp up, especially from the U.S. The EU is looking at new energy sources from Azerbaijan, Algeria and Canada as well as smaller producers around the world. The commissioner warned the EU should never “repeat the mistakes of the past allowing Putin to weaponize energy against us and blackmail member states.” He added that “it would be totally unacceptable” for the EU to continue buying energy that would “indirectly help finance the terrible war that Putin is conducting in Ukraine.”

Stocks rally as oil prices ease on hopes for end to war

BY STAN CHOE Associated Press

dent

that it has “the necessary will to end the war” as long as certain requirements are met, including “guarantees to prevent a recurrence of aggression.” The worry on Wall Street has been that the war may last a long time and keep oil and natural gas from the Persian Gulf out of global markets, which could create a brutal blast of inflation. But hope has been quick to reverse to doubt on Wall Street, triggering manic swings back and forth for financial markets since the war with Iran began. Trump has also made statements that lifted markets, only to see the gains

quickly disappear after increasing his military threats.

Shortly before Wall Street began trading on Wednesday, Trump claimed in a post on his social media network that Iran “has just asked the United States of America for a CEASEFIRE!” “We will consider when Hormuz Strait is open, free, and clear Until then, we are blasting Iran into oblivion or as they say back to the Stone Ages!!!”

But Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmail Baghaei, quickly called that claim “false and baseless,” according to a report on Iranian state television.

Alfred Singleton, N.O. chef,diesat46

Co-owner brought Café Sbisaback to former glory

BY IAN McNULTY Staff writer

ANew Orleans chef who brought aprominent French Quarter restaurant back to its former glory and inspired many along the way hasdied.

Alfred Singleton, executive chef and co-owner of Café Sbisa, died Friday from ahealth-relatedissue at Ochsner Medical Center in Gretna, his business partnerCraig Napoliconfirmed. Singleton was 46. “His passion,creativity,and dedication shaped not only our menu, but our identity,” amessage on the restaurant’ssocial media accounts reads. “He built more than akitchen —hebuilt afamily.”

Café Sbisa, at 1011 Decatur St., will remain open, Napoli said.

The restaurant is in adeeply historic French Quarter building dating to 1820 thathas been arestaurant in one form or another since1899.

Singleton started workingatCafé Sbisa as aprepcook in 2000, when Napoli and his family ran it. He swiftly rose to become chef before Hurricane Katrina shut it down in 2005. In the years after Katrina, the restaurant was mired in on-again, off-again limbo with a succession of different operators.

In themeantime,Singleton went on to become executive chef at Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse.

Then, in 2016, hebrought abusiness proposal to reopen Café Sbisa to hisformer boss, Napoli. Today,

Napolisaiditwas theprospect of working with Singleton againthat convinced him to getback intothe business.

“He hadthat love of food, and he had the personalitythat brought out the best in people,” Napoli said. “He had great respect from everyone whoworkedwithhim,everyonewho met him. He was morethan achef.”

The partnership madeCafé Sbisa one of the few Black-owned restaurants in thetourist hubofthe French Quarter,and oneofonlya handful of upscale restaurantsin the citywith aBlack chef at the helm as co-owner.Itwas adistinction Singleton viewed as amandate to lead by example, and he embraced his role as mentor to up-andcoming chefs.

“Tobefromthe city,tobeanAfrican American chef in this position, to know what Icame up through, I’m still baffled sometimes that I’m

here,” he said in a2021 interview “ButI’m in this position for areason. It’sthe people Isurrounded myself with, the people Idevelop relationships with.”

Singleton’srole at Café Sbisa came after alifetime in the business.

Anative of the Lower 9th Ward, his family once rana plate lunch and po-boy joint called Ross Restaurant on Johnson Street. His first restaurant experiencewas there, peelingshrimp forpo-boys and helping around the kitchen after school.

“Foodiswho we are,” Singleton said in a2021 interview. “We celebrate food in this city.Food is family,food is us and there’sjust so much in Creole food to celebrate.”

Funeralarrangements arepending.

Email Ian McNultyatimcnulty@ theadvocate.com.

Bill wouldexpandprotections foreducators

La.students whoattackteachers wouldbeexpelled

BY ELYSE CARMOSINO Staff writer

Louisiana students found guilty of intentionally injuring public schoolteachers or staffers wouldbe automatically expelled under aproposed law that advocates say will expand protections for educators.

House Bill 283 by Rep. Candace Newell, D-New Orleans, requires that students found guilty ofassaulting school employees either on or off campusbeexpelled forat least two semesters and placed in an alternative educational setting while undergoing anger management classes. The “Teacher’sShieldAct” also would ban expelled students from attending the school where the employee they attacked works Under existing state law,students who are suspended for assaulting aschool employee can be placed back in theschool where theincident happened if the district does

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should be limited going forward and to reporttothe council. The timeline for the study was unclear Under the existing rules, strip clubs are permitted toopen on Bourbon Streetaslong as their

SHOOTING

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detectives were working on an investigation just beforenoonTuesday in the 2500 block of Pasadena Avenue, near Gonzales’ home, according to officials. At some point, authorities said, investigators tried to detain Gonzales, who was in a white car

That’swhen Broussard jogged over to the scuffleand pulled out a handgun with an extended magazine, according to Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joseph Lopinto.

“From everything I’ve seen,it looks like he literally tried to am-

not have analternativeschool to send the studentto.

Thenew law also clarifies that employees, who can take up to a year of sick leave if theyare injured in an assault while on thejob, canuse that timefor medical and psychological treatmentand physical rehabilitation The House Education Committee voted unanimously Tuesday to advance thebill.

There is limited data on physical attacks against educators,but research suggests such incidents are relativelyrare. One study that surveyed more than 1,600 Texas middle and highschool teachers between 2016 and 2019 found that between 5% and 8% reported being physically assaulted by students In Louisiana, teachers union leaders and others say that students who assault educators shouldface tougher consequences. Proponents of the legislation say that automatically expelling studentswho physically attack teachers will make schools safer and give school employees peaceofmind knowing they won’t encounter theirattackers.

Former Jefferson Parishteacher

buildingpermits andbusiness licenses are in order Dancers havecomeout in force to City Hall multipletimes in recent months to voice opposition to attempts to cap clubs, arguing that restrictions would limit job options forentertainers.

Mostrecently,dancers shared concerns with the planning commission at its March 10 meeting,

bush our detectives that were on theground,” Lopinto said Tuesday

One of the detectives reached for his own gun andshot Broussard several times, according to the Sheriff’sOffice. Broussard was takento UniversityMedical Center in New Orleans. Video froma bystanderrecorded on acellphone appears to show detectives on theground struggling with someone behind awhite car’s open driver’sside door.Aman is then seen running up to thecar and takingout agun beforeheishit by gunfire. Authorities have confirmedGonzaleswas theman detectives were initially trying to detain. TheSheriff’s Office didnot say whether

Nikita Drummond Clarktestified Tuesday about an incident last year in which an angry student repeatedly slammedadoor intoher,injuring herrotator cuff andrequiringher to undergo surgery.Clark said she retired early,still suffering from chronic pain andunable to move on from the trauma the incident caused.

“It was just unbearable for me,” she told lawmakers. “I’d never been afraid of students before until this incident.”

Darrinisha Gray,anattorneyfor St.Charles Parish public schools, raised some logistical concerns aboutthe bill. She said many rural districts don’thave alternative campuses to move expelledstudents to,adding thata statewide bus drivershortage would make it difficult to send those students out of district. She also expressedconcern over what she described as thebill’s broad definitions of psychological treatment for teachers, saying it could lead to staffing vacancies if employees use the policytotake extended sick leave.

“Wejust ask that you consider

before thecommission voted to defer theissue.

“Bylimiting the number of clubs that are available,you are limiting the numberofclubs that are available for dancers to choose where to work,and when youlimit choice for people, you limit their safety,” said JessieColburn, who hasworkedas adancer on BourbonStreet for several years.

Gonzales was the original target of the narcotics investigation or how he first came into contact with detectives on Pasadena Avenue. Rivarde said adetective suffered hand and shoulderinjuries during thestruggle with Gonzales. The hand injury required stitches Investigators are working to determine what connection, if any, Broussardhas to Gonzalesand the narcotics investigation. No other details wereavailable on Wednesday Athird personwas also detained at the scene, but he was released without charges, according to Rivarde. Gonzales was being held Wednesday at the Jefferson Parish Correc-

some of these constraints and reconfigure the bill so that it can be more accommodating” for school districts, she said.

Newell told the committeeshe’s open to working withadvocates to revise the bill.

The proposal comes as more Republican-led states are cracking down on student misbehavior, which data showsincreased during the pandemic. West Virginia passed alaw in 2025 allowing disruptive students to be removedfromclass immediately, and Texas lawmakers approved a“Teacher’s Bill of Rights” last year that expanded mandatory out-of-school suspensions, including forstudents as young as third grade. In Louisiana,state Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley has called forareturn to “law and order” in classrooms,saying in a 2024 memo that doing so would promote better learning. Critics arguethat harshdisciplinaryaction doesn’taddress theunderlying causes of student misbehaviorand often disproportionately impacts students of color and those with disabilities.

“I’m glad theyreversedtheir decision,” Colburn said. Butshe said she knowssimilar restrictions could come back on the table in the future. In 2016, dancers organized in oppositiontoanearlier attempt to cap the number of clubs on thestreet. Those measures largely failed, but statecode enforcement raids in 2018 resulted in some clubs shuttering.

tional CenterinGretna.Bailwas set at $31,000.

Email Michelle Hunter at mhunter@theadvocate.com.

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Unofficial notification, keep your tickets

Patricia Gibson, Pamela Graham,Barbara JonesJr.,Joseph Sullen, Cherryl NewOrleans Charbonnet

Cash,Demaurice CraytonIII, Ernest JacobSchoen Gibson, Pamela

Majestic Mortuary Coleman,Gail River Parish

PatrickH Sanders

BarnesSr.,Walter St Tammany Honaker Graham,Barbara West Bank

Robinson FH Dixon, Patricia JonesJr.,Joseph Sullen, Cherryl

Obituaries

Barnes Sr., Walter Earl

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 husbandofDeloris 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.Gilbert L., 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 resident of Marrero, LA,

age63. 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, employee of CommonGround Health Clinic, D.O.T.D.,faculty,staff and students of Edna Karr Schooland Thomas Jeffer‐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 invitedtoattendFu‐neral Services at 10:00am 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 Final arrangements en‐trusted to PatrickH Sanders FuneralHome& Funeral Directors, LLC, 605 MainStreet,Laplace,LA 70068, 985-359-1919. “Pro‐vidingCare& Comfortis Our HighestMission.”

Cash,Demaurice L.

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.

Mrs. Gail MarieColeman departed this earthlylifein New Orleans, Louisiana, On Saturday, March21, 2026

She leaves to cherishher preciousmemoriesher husband of nearly 50 years and 9monthsDon Joseph Coleman,Sr.;her loving son,Rennard Coleman; Her daughterRockell Clarkher three grandchildren, Ter‐rance Butler,Donshana Track,and DonJoseph Coleman III; andher two great-grandchildren,Ter‐rance Butler Jr.and Alani Coleman.She is also lov‐ingly remembered by her goddaughter,Tonya Clark, along with ahostofnieces, nephews,other relatives, and dear friends. Gail was proceeded in deathbyher parents,Henry andAmy Clark;her twosons, Donnel and DonColeman,Jr. her foursisters,Gwendolyn, Lois, CassandraClark,and SylviaWilson; andher five brothers, Edward,Edwin Jones,Gerald, Donald,and RonaldClark,And HerGod‐son Brad Martin.Funeral Servicesfor Mrs. Gail Marie Colemanwillbeheld at10AMonSaturday, April 4,2026 at Second Zion Travelers BaptistChurch, 3719 Laurel St.New Or‐leans,LA70115. Visitation willbegin at 9AM. Inter‐mentwillbeinProvidence MemorialPark. Profes‐sionalarrangementsen‐trusted to Majestic Mortu‐ary Services (504) 523-5872.

Ernest

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 Nixon Jones. Beloved FatherofCherelleDo‐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.

Dixon, Patricia AnnBankston

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 and Taylor Tate andthe lateVernonC.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

Pamela 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.Pamelaattended St 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:Sienna Smith, Amaia JoySmith,and Chia Smith.She waspreceded indeath by herfather, Henry Earl Gibson,Jr.,her sister, Ramona Thea Gib‐son,and hernephew, Payne Gibson

BarbaraGriffisGraham, 81, of Slidell, Louisiana, passedawayonMonday, March 30, 2026, at Lake‐viewRegionalHospital. Barbara wasbornSeptem‐ber 13, 1944, in Columbia Mississippi.She attended WarrenEaston, Classof 1958 andultimatelyearned her GEDin1967. Barbara supported herhusband, James Graham,throughout his 20 +yearNaval Career traveling throughout the world as sheraisedtheir two kids (Sandy &Jim.She alsovolunteered as an Om‐budsman,inschools, was a Girl Scoutleaderand Cub ScoutsDen MominCub Scouts. Shewas thedri‐vingforce behind herfam‐ily’s success. Herbeliefin Faith,Family, andCountry was evidentinall shedid She hada creative side producing countrycrafts, decorations,and floral arrangementsthatbene‐fitedher church andcom‐munity.She helped to or‐ganizeTRBC’sJoy Seekers and served as theirtrea‐surer formanyyears.Bar‐barawas afoundingmem‐ber of Thompson Road Baptist Church where she attendedfor over 18 years. She lovedtocook and madethe best PeachCob‐bler! Barbarawas awon‐derfulwife, mother,and friendtoall who knew her. Barbara wasprecededin death by herhusband, James A. Graham;her son, James Alan Graham;and her grandson,Devon Till‐man.She is survived by her daughter, Sandra Tillman (Ken);grandsons,Kyle Lovett, andConnorTill‐man;her sister,Mary Griffis; herbrother,Bob Griffis; andmanyother rel‐atives. Relativesand friends of thefamilyare in‐vited to attend theFuneral ServiceatHonaker Funeral Home, 1751 GauseBlvd. West(IN FOREST LAWN CEMETERY),Slidell, LA.on Tuesday,April 7, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. Rev. Randy Boyet,officiating. Visita‐tionatthe funeralhomeon Tuesday after 9:00 A.M. until funeraltime. Inter‐menttofollowinFOREST LAWNCEMETERY. Please visit www.honakerforestla wn.comtosignguestbook ArrangementsbyHonaker FuneralHome, Inc.,Slidell LA.

Joseph Edward "Bryl‐creem"Jones Jr., of Oakville, LA,departedthis

ward JonesSr. He is sur‐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 waspre‐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 Schoolsand Inspiration House Care ProvidersInc are invitedtoattendthe Celebration of Life Service onSaturday, April4,2026 atRobinsonFamilyFuneral Home, 9611 LA-23, Belle Chasse LA 70037. Thevisi‐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.

SullenJones andJoseph EdwardJones Jr.She is 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.

Howcan La. combat political corruption?

The guilty plea in federal courtonTuesdayby Jack Montoucet, former headofthe Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, marks a sad end to the political careerofaone-timealligator farmer turned state politician. But it is also afamiliar story to us in Louisiana. Far toomany of our state and local officials leave office amid scandals that sometimes land them behind bars In Montoucet’scase, it was abriberyscheme that involved takingkickbacks for giving acompany alucrative contract to runonline education andother courses for LDWF.Hepleadedguilty in U.S.DistrictCourt in Lafayette to one count of conspiracy and faces up to five years in prison Montoucet, whowas appointedbyGov.John Bel Edwards in 2017, abruptly resigned from his position in April 2023 when this newspaper uncovered through apublic recordsrequest that he was the sole signer of the contract. He was months away from retirement asLDWF secretary,where he earned about $125,000 ayear, when the scheme came tolight.

Court records showed that the company was to give Montoucet money afterretirement and an all-terrain vehicle valued at around $14,000in return for his help.

All of this leads us, once again, to wonderwhy so many Louisiana politicians forgetwho it is they are elected to serve.

Of all the states, Louisiana has always ranked among the highest for public corruption. We sometimes joke about howmany ofour former governors and mayors endedupservingtime butthe truth is that corruption steals ourtax dollars, keeps ourstate from attracting businesses and saps voter confidence that those in government areservingthe public interest instead of theirown.

We note with sadness thatinour cities, former New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell and former Lafayette Mayor Josh Guillory areunderindictment,and atop aide of former BatonRouge Mayor Sharon Weston Broome is facing charges in akickback scheme. While these caseshave to go through the court systemand all partiesare innocentuntilprovenguilty, it is distressing that these charges exist at all.

There should be clear,bright linesthatpoliticians cannot cross. We knowthereare many good public servants who truly work everyday to make our state better.Itistheywho should be insisting thatour laws and customs reinforce transparency, accountability and integrity

But that is not alwaysthe case.Too often, our politicians vote to gutpublic records laws or pushthrough projectswithout public debate. And, as revealed in arecent WWNOreport,they are increasingly being askedbyLouisiana Economic Development to sign nondisclosure agreements about upcoming projects.

Such practices open thedoor forbad actorsand inviteevengoodpeopletotolerate behavior that would be condemned in the light of day.

If we ask ourselves how wecan remake our politics so that corruption isn’tsotempting,part of the answer has to be valuing sunlight, and shunning secrecy,ingovernment.

LETTERSTOTHE EDITOR ARE

WELCOME. HERE AREOUR

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

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

TO SEND US A LETTER, SCANHERE OUR VIEWS

Only in New Orleanscan garbage collection consistently dominate the headlines. The issue now is whether themonthly trash pickup fee should be increased from $24.

Mayor Helena Moreno said on WWL radio that the fee in New Orleans is “out of whack.” She points to other parishes,such as Jefferson Parish,where the monthly trash collection fee matches theactual cost of trash collection. What she fails to address, however,iswhy the$25 per month Jefferson Parishresidents pay

So typical of our local media to ignore the many thousands of people who attended the St. Patrick’sDay parade and the other hundreds of riders without incident.

We all had agreat timeatthe parade we have enjoyed for decades. So what, there are afew stupid people out there who made fools of themselves?

Yougot aChris Rosepiece in the Livingsection recently,and thank you very much,but you missed abig one.

OneChris pic and one byline plus 29 column inches of wonderful Chris Roseprose.

Eighty-one square inches of photos featuring asculpture of Ignatius Reilly,but not an iotaofink about the artist. Remember the recent sculpture haul found in alocal junkyard? Bill Ludwig originals. Guess who created the Reilly in bronze? Life-size. Andthe war memorial bronze in front of the Dome?

for twice-weekly trash pickup covers thefull cost of that service, whereas the$24 per month New Orleans residentspay does not come close to covering once-weekly pickup and recycling.

Until the mayor addresses the real issue of why trash collection costs are so much moreinNew Orleans than in other parishes, she will never get public support for an increase in themonthly fee.

ROBERT BAUDOUIN NewOrleans

Shameonthe local media formaking those idiots thefocal point of the parade. Butweall knowour media thrives on race, racism and other types of people who may be offended by just afew people when everyone else had ablast. It is all so sad and predictable.

BRYANHALE Metairie

Yes. Bill Ludwig. Atreasure on your pages withnoattribution. (But that’s kind of the way it is with sculptors. Paintersget their due;their names are easy to see, in paint, on the front of their 2D renderings.)

Years ago, Ludwig moved his studio and foundry from New Orleans to Albany,where he created his bronze works and frequently hosted “feeds” for friends. He was brilliant, agreat cook and atier-one artist. Andnot one bit of identification on your pages. Now you know MARGARETHAWKINS Ponchatoula

BlamingKamalaHarrisfor what ICEhas doneisabsurd

Supporters of the MAGA movement turn into contortionistswhen it comes to defending thepolicies and actions of the Trump administration.

Blaming Kamala Harris for the deaths of twoMinneapolis American citizens who wereexercising their First Amendment rights, as arecent letter writer did, is as ludicrous as it would be to blame everyone who vot-

ed for Donald Trump for these tragic murders. The lack of border control during the Bidenpresidencywas misguided and amistake. The immoral and at times illegal actions of the ICE agents areaperfect example of the remedy being much worse than the disease

MARK WEBER NewOrleans

Columnistdoesn’t acknowledgea progressiveChristianity

Iwould like to respond to Cal Thomas’ columnonTexas Senate candidate James Talarico. It seems his first blind spot is that progressive Christians don’t adhere to the fundamental beliefs as he does. We do. Although how we apply those beliefs is radically different in the way we approach the world. He speaks of Talarico as afalse prophet. I wrote to apastor friend concerning this accusation. These are his words, with his permission, that Iwant to share as I agree with him. “I take seriously that Jesus said to be aware of false prophets. The problem is having aright doctrine about the resurrection, or belief in the reliability of scripture, doesn’tgive you afree pass from becoming afalse prophet. There are people on the conservative side who have afew of these key doctrines in place, but the fruit of their lives, and their political teachings, end up being bigoted, violent, racist and self-righteous. On the conservative side, there are people who are lying about other people, bearing false witness against their neighbors. Take alook at the tone of so many political conservatives, including those expressly claiming faith, and compare it to the fruits of the spirit or James 3:17-18. On top of that, there’s issues where the scripture is not razorsharp, where both progressives and conservatives act as if the basic tenets of the Democratic and Republican parties are gospel truth. The progressives are actually muchmore humble about this. Conservatives are looking at Republican Party teachings as if they have the weight of scripture, even to the point of writing people out of the kingdom of Godbecause they’re not Republican. Don’ttry that on Jesus.” RHONDAROUYER Mandeville

Name doctorsinvolved in slammerscheme

The names of the physicians who treated the staged truck wrecks should be submitted to the Louisiana Board of Medical Examiners for review Someone had to document these fake injuries for insurance claims. Iwould bet the lawyers used the same doctors who would be friendly to their clients claimed injuries. Everyone involved in this scam should be held accountable. MARYHARRIS NewOrleans

In hiring Will Wade again, LSUwades into amorass

LSU’srehiring of Will Wade,the basketball coach it fired just four years ago due to flagrant cheating,raises obvious and problematic questions. Before indulging emotional responses to those questions,let’s usesome factsand logic.

Quin Hillyer

The LSU administration andsome fans seem to think the only thing that really matters is that Wade winsgames. Many say his transgressions, largely revolvingaround illicit payments to players, are immaterial now that the SupremeCourt has ushered in theage of “name, imageand likeness” which allows massive money to flow legally throughout the sport.

Hmmm Let’sdoathought experiment. Think of another sportscheating scandal, even arelatively small one, perhaps the New England Patriots’ 2007 “Spygate” practicesinvolving secret videotaping of opposing coaches signals. There’s no doubtsuch filming could give the Patriots acompetitive advantage against opponents byletting the Pats know the opposing play calls in advance.

Now imagine that the league later changed the rules, with theideathat technology is so ubiquitousnow that every team has access,somehow or other,toopposing signals. The question is,would this rule change makethe Patriots’ cheating OK retroactively?

Logic says there’s onlyone acceptable answer: Of course not.Ifit was cheating back then, thus givinganunfair advantage, the cheating cannot be erased. It’snot the contentofthe rule that determines the wrongness; it is the very existence of the rule. If even asingle team obeyed the rule, thus suffering acompetitive disadvantage against others that brokeit, then the rule-breaking was wrong.

Likewise, dealing marijuanafor major,illegal profitin1980 is no less wrong in retrospectjust because many jurisdictions now legalize marijuana. The creation of an illicit and oftenviolent underworld was harmful tosociety and surelycost lives. Current legality doesn’tretroactively expungethe sin Now,consider just how corruptly Wade acted. His violationswere exposed in not just an NCAArulesprobe but an FBI criminal investigation that earned 10 convictions, includinga sentence for the very crook Wade used as amiddleman. Wade was recorded speaking of having made “f****** a strong-ass offer” to arecruit.Separately, his text messagesspoke of payoffs to aplayer’s fiancée to keepher quietabout payments to herbeau.

The NCAA committee’sletter to LSU at thetime also said Wade approved of an assistantcoach paying arecruit $300,000, providing an apartment and car for therecruit’scousin, ascholarship for the recruit’sfriend and more. It said other evidence shows that Wade, through ajoint account with his wife, paid akey “influencer” to steer aplayer to LSU. ThenWade spent morethan two years impeding the investigation into hismisbehavior and never turned over more than half of the records required. TheNCAA wrote that a“number ofother”violations werecredibly alleged,but it couldn’t“substantiate fully”those charges specifically because of Wade’s roadblocks.

TheNCAA’s probe concluded that other programs, not to mention their school communities, were seriously harmed.Wade’s“intentional” or “reckless” conduct, said the report, “provided substantial or extensive recruiting or competitive advantages,” that “involved unethical or dishonest conductwhichseriously undermined or threatened the integrity” of the sport Just how intentional, and just how brazen? Well, the massive scheme involvingthe assistant coach’s$300,000 plus benefits to family and friends occurred,according to the report, in 2020 after theprior taperecording was public and Wade knew he was under

scrutiny Yet, apparently,hekept on cheating. In response, Sports Illustrated’sPat Forde wroteascathing column detailing copious “collateral damage” caused by Wade and rightly lambastingLSU’s “rock-bottom depths of athletic accountability.”

Belatedly,then-universitypresident William Tate and athletic director Scott Woodward wrote in an open letter that “Our responsibilitytoprotect and promote theintegrityand well-being of our entire institution and our studentathletes will always be paramount.”

Apparently,the new regimeatLSU doesn’tbelieve integrity is paramount anymore, or that it even matters.

The great scholar and essayist on “The Idea of aUniversity,”St. John Henry Newman, wrote of the importance of “the ethical character,which thecultivated intellect will form.” Someofusactually believe integrity and ethics should remain an inherent part of education, especially “higher education.” Otherwise, it’snot really education; it’sjust atwisted form of training. By hiring thevery coach it previously fired for massive cheating, Louisiana’s flagship university makes a mockeryofeducational ideals.

Email QuinHillyer at quin.hillyer@ theadvocate.com

Lessonsfor Iran from theVietnam War

We Americans areanimpatient lot. If we must engage in warfare, we would prefer it be wrapped up in weeks, not months, and certainly not years like World WarII, Korea and Vietnam. In those wars we had thedraft, so more Americans were engagedin fighting and watching their progress, or lack thereof.

Today,while recruiting numbers have increasedinour all-volunteer military,the taste for war among the public has declined. One of President Donald Trump’spositions that attracted voters was his promise to end wars, not start new ones.

Puttingatimeline on when awar will endisdangerous because if theprediction fails to come true it erodes public support, which is already low for this conflict.

take. By 1973, 60% of Americansbelieved the U.S.entrywas amistake

By September 1970, 55% of the public supported bringing all troops home by theend of 1971.

Telling truths about war

“A primary purpose of the First Amendment is to enable the press to publish what it will andthe public to read whatitchooses, free of anyofficial proscription,” wrote Federal District Judge Paul L. Friedman. Friedman wasexplaining his decision to overturn an egregious administration policythat effectively barred independent reporters from working inside the Pentagon. But his words have afar larger meaning whenAmerica is engaged in ahighly unpopular war that has alreadykilled 13 U.S. soldiers, wounded 200 more and blastedthe budgets of working families through skyrocketing fuel prices. In the latest Reuters poll, only 37% approve of the war and 59% disapprove, including 1in5 Republicans. Disillusioneddefectors from MAGA Nation accuse President Donald Trump of breaking his campaign promise to avoid new conflicts. Asenior intelligence official, Joe Kent, resignedinprotest, saying “Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation.”

The administration has reacted furiously by intensifying attacks on its critics. The restrictive Pentagon rules are part of awide-ranging effort by Trump and his toadies to undermine press scrutiny in the name of national security

Trump has denounced news organizations as “Highly Unpatriotic” forquestioning his conduct of the war, and even suggested that they “should be brought up on Charges for TREASON forthe dissemination of false information!”

Brendan Carr,chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, has warnedbroadcast television networks that “hoaxes and news distortions” could lead to the revocationoflicenses for local stations —anempty threat, but one that Trump said he was “so thrilled to see.”

They have it exactly wrong. In time of war, national security requires more scrutiny of official actions, not less. Demanding accountability is an act of profound patriotism, an affirmationofthe nation’shighest values.

“Those who drafted the First Amendment believed that the nation’ssecurity requiresa free press and an informed people andthat such security is endangered by governmentalsuppression of political speech,” wrote Friedman. “That principle has preserved the nation’ssecurity for almost 250 years. It must not be abandoned now.”

The press’ role in examining the administration’swar effort is even more vital because Trump has such atenuous connection to reality Underthe headline, “Trump Is Hiding the Truth About the WarinIran,” The New York Timeseditorial board writes: “From his first announcement of the attack on Iran on Feb. 28, President Trump has issued astream of falsehoods about the war.”

Those falsehoods started last summer, when Trump boasted that American attacks had“obliterated” Iran’sability to build nuclear weapons. That was clearly untrue —afact Trump tacitly admits now,since he’sordered new raids against Iran’sbomb-making operations.

Trump lied again 12 days into the war when he proclaimed, “We’ve won. Let me tell you, we’ve won.”

Cal Thomas

Granted, any candidate runningfor president can change his position once in office should circumstances change as they sometimes do. This is what happened to George W. Bush after 9/11, though that warwentonfar toolong and while Osama bin Laden,the architect behind the terrorist attack,was eventually killed in 2011 duringthe Obama administration, thevirus thatis fanatical Islam willcontinuetospread if it is not stopped.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has claimed the Iran war is expected to last “weeks, not months.” ButYemen’sHouthis, one of Iran’s proxies, launched an attack on Israel last week, their first sincethe Iran war began.

Anew Pew Research Center poll finds “Weeks intothe U.S. military campaign against Iran, majorities of Americans say striking that country was the wrong decision and disapprove of President Donald Trump’s handling of the conflict.” Here’s the key takeaway from the poll: “About six-in-10 Americans (61%) disapprove ofTrump’shandling of the conflict, while 37% approve.” My generation used to talk about “the lessons of Vietnam.” Public opinion on that war was strongly favorable at thebeginning, but declined rapidly as American forces got bogged down and theenemypersevered. What were then called “hawks” initially supported the war Only 26% were “doves.”In1966, roughly 47% of Americanswanted to increase the fighting and believed in the dominotheory,that if Vietnam fell to the communists,surrounding nations would,too.

By January 1969, as Americanswere dying in much larger numbers and Americans sawbody bags on their TV screens increase, 52% of Americans felt that entering thewar was amis-

Vietnam remains acommunist country, but signs of capitalism are more visible than before thewar began.

Members of theTrumpadministration should stop predicting when the Iran Warwill end and explain the goal of the religiously fanatical regime that appears to remain in control of the country despitethe killing of many of its leaders and thedestruction of its Navy,Air Force andother critical targets.

Coupled with high gas prices and the dysfunctional Congress that won’t, or can’t, end the partial government shutdown that is frustrating travelers who must wait four or more hours at some major airports, this does not bode well for Republicans hoping to hold on to much less increase —their Senateand House majorities. President Trumpneeds to clearly explain why the Iranian ruling regime must be completely destroyed or they will eventually develop nuclear weapons and the missiles to deliver them, not only on Israel but also on the United States.

Email Cal Thomasattcaeditors@ tribpub.com

He hasfalselyaccused theU.S.media of advancing fake videos that depict American defeats when, in fact, themedia hasactivelydebunked many of those fakes. Andheblamed Iran for amissile strike thatkilledmore than 100 schoolchildren in thecityofMinab whenhis own intelligence team nowadmitsthatAmericanswereatfault Trump has always trafficked in untruths, notes the Times, but “lying about war is uniquely corrosive. When apresident signals that the truth does not matter in wartime, he encourages his cabinet and his generals to mislead the country and one another about how the war is going. He creates a culture in which deadly mistakes and even war crimes can become more common. He makesit harder to win by hiding the realities of conflict and by making allies wary of joining the fight. Ultimately,heundermines Americanvaluesand interests.”

Another way the White House is “hiding the realities of conflict” is through ablizzard of memes on social media that use cultural figureslike SpongeBob SquarePants and video games like Call of Duty to glorify the destructioncausedby American munitions.

There is no mention of cost —inbodiesexploding on the ground or gas prices exploding at the pump. Just amindless magnificationof carnage and calamity,amplified by ear-pounding soundtracks.

“The White House’sIran videos espouse no ideals beyond domination and power,” writesthe Times’ TV critic, James Poniewozik. “There is little sense in them of the war’spurpose, besides to be won.” It takes truth-tellers like Judge Friedman to insist that our national ideals are far more potent than our missiles, and always have been.

Email Steven V. Roberts at stevecokie@gmail. com.

the southeast at 15 mph So, partly to mostly cloudy, warm, humid and breezy conditions continue todayand willbewithusthrough Friday.

State’sdrillingrevenue risesby$47 million

BY MARK BALLARD Staff writer

WASHINGTON— Louisiana expects to receive this week an annual check from the federalgovernment for offshore oil production that’ll be about $47 million more than last year,tobeused to helprestore the coast and protect against hurricanes.

The U.S. Department of Interior announced arecord$460.9 million distribution of energyrevenue from federal waters to be split between Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi and Alabama. That’supfrom $375 million last year

Louisiana is receiving atotal of $203.7 million, which is up from $156 million from last year’s share of dollars the federal government allots under the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006, according to the department. Thereason is HouseMajority

Leader Steve Scalise, R-Jefferson, inserted wordingthat raised the GOMESAannualrevenue sharing cap inlast summer’sOne Big BeautifulBill Act,which provided tax cuts andother items on President Donald Trump’sdomestic policy agenda.

“Louisiana dedicates these millions of new dollars from offshore energy exploration and production directlytocoastal restorationand hurricaneprotection efforts, helpingtoprotect the lives and livelihoods of those in southeast Louisiana whowork each and everyday to bring this energytomarket for thebenefitoffamilies and small businesses all acrossAmerica,”

Scalise said GOMESA requires the federal government to share aportion of its proceeds from energy production in federal waters with the four statesthatprovide theoil companies bases of operations for their

offshore activities. That share is calculated by aformula butcan’t exceed alegally setamount. The rest of money goes into the U.S. treasury

“By returning offshore revenues to theGulf region, we are supporting the infrastructure, restoration work andlocal economies that make continuedproduction possible,” Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum said in astatement. Most of Louisiana’s portionis headed to thestate via theCoastal Protection and Restoration Authority.But aportion is given to coastal parishes. Forinstance, PlaqueminesParish will receive $3.9 million; St. Charles,$1.4 million; Orleans, $2.9 million; Jefferson, $3.3million; and Lafourche, $1.7 million, according to the Interior Department.

TheCoastal Protection andRestoration Authority was expecting moremoney this year because the

capwas raisedand theGOMESA revenuesdue the four states routinely exceeds the legal cap, said Michael Hare, thestate agency’s executive director Without acap, thestateswould receive more moneyparticularly since theTrumpadministration is pushing for more energy production Hare said the money will be sent to shore up the state’sportion of various coastal protection projects.

For instance, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is in the permitting stage of building a flood gate in Lac Des Allemands and strengthening levees to reduce storm surge flooding for portions of sixparishes. Just which projectsget money depends on which need the money the most now as determined by cash flow,timing andconstruction needs.

“It’sthe most optimal way to use those dollars right here, right

now,” he said.

While the federal government provides most of the money for the pumps, levees and other infrastructure that protects communities from hurricanesand floods, state andlocal governments also must put up aportion —adifficult ask for projects that often cost hundreds of millions of dollars. The GOMESA dollars, which are not governed by the Legislature, can be used to help cover the state and parish portions and thereby allow the projects to continue.

“GOMESA is really the investment in our long-term future in protecting our coast and maintaining thatbalance between aworking energy coast and athriving ecosystemand protectedcommunities that can continue to live here along the Gulf Coast,” Hare said. Email Mark Ballardat mballard@theadvocate.com.

JuliaLetlowunder attack over past DEIcomments

Cassidy, Fleming raise campaignissue

BY TYLER BRIDGES Staff writer

U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidywent on the offensive againWednesdayagainst challenger U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow after Fox News reported that Letlow called for greater diversity, equity and inclusion efforts bythe University of Louisiana at Monroe when she applied to be president there six years ago.

Cassidy,R-BatonRouge, has been saying for weeks that Letlow favored so-called DEI policies in recruiting and hiring when she held senior staff positions at the university —policies that enrage conservatives, including President Donald Trump, who has endorsed Letlow,R-Baton Rouge. Fox’snews report— which was picked up by other news outlets— gave political oxygen on the issue for Cassidy and stateTreasurer John Fleming, the other major Republican in the Senaterace. Letlow hassaidshe consistently votes against DEI initiatives in

Letlow

Fleming Cassidy

Congress Fox News cited an August2020 videotape where Letlow, interviewing to be UL-Monroe’spresident, wasasked whether shewould support hiringacertain percentage of female faculty ata university where a majority of the studentswere female. Letlow responded that she would createastrategic plan “to address those concerns thatyou just raised, and those metricsand those numbers, because they are shameful, truly,and Ibelievethathaving that strong (DEI) division, having thatleadership, if you have aperson around the table that is cognizant and fighting for diversity, equityand inclusion be-

fore any decision is madefor the university, then that’show you change. That’s how you recruit morefaculty.”

Cassidy pouncedimmediately after Fox News aired itsreport, calling her ahypocrite.

Cassidy noted that Letlow has expressedstrong oppositionto DEI policies since she entered the House in 2021.

“She was full-throatedly advocating foritwhile going forthe position as university president,” Cassidy saidinaninterview.“Then she said she totally opposed it There’salot that is of concern to voters. She hasacredibilityproblem.” Flemingagreed.

“Ifshe was sincere,itwould be very difficult to believe,just because she’snow aRepublican congresswoman,she’sdone a180 degree,” Fleming said in an interview

“If she wasinsincere in saying she was for DEItoget ajob,she was dishonest. Either way,the statements she madedisqualify herfrom being elected to the U.S Senateasapro-Trump, MAGA Republican.”

Letlow,who wasexecutive assistant to the president for external affairs and community outreach at UL-Monroe in 2020, wasone of six semifinalists but wasn’tchosen as president. At the time, universities were pushing to create more diverse student bodies and faculty ranks.

Letlow was elected to the5th Congressional District seat in 2021 after her husband, Luke,won the seat in December 2020 and then died from COVID-19.

On March 21, areporter from Fox44-TV in Baton Rouge asked Letlow aboutCassidy callingher pro-DEI and“woke.”

“That’sabsolutely false,” she replied. “I saw it firsthand when Iworked at the university.DEI waspresented to us as something thatwould help people achieve the American dream. When Iquickly witnessed that it was hijacked by theradical left andturned into indoctrination and actually holding people down, Ispent the past five years in Congress fighting against it.”

Letlow campaign officials did notmakeher available for an interview on Wednesday

Instead, they released astatement saying Trump has endorsed her “because he knows she will continuefighting forhis agenda and never back down from the issuesthatmatter to Louisianavoters.” The brouhaha over DEIcomes six weeks before Republican and no-party voters will choose whether to support Cassidy,Letlow,Fleming or little-knownMark Spencer in the May 16 Republican Party primary ThreeDemocratswill also face offinthe Democratic Party primary on May 16, GaryCrockett, Nick Albares and Jamie Davis. Since the Senate racebeganin earnest with Trump’sendorsement of LetlowonJan.17, attention has focused on the Republican candidates, withpolitical pros saying Cassidy faces an uphill battle to win athirdsix-year term in the Senate in thefaceofthe president’sopposition. No onecan sayfor sure which two of the three Republican candidates will finish first and second in the May 16 primary and advance to the June 27 Republican runoff.

SPORTS

No guarantees

Gymnastics regionals no longer cakewalk for powers such as LSU

BY SCOTT RABALAIS

Staff writer

For a long time in college gymnastics, advancing from NCAA regional competition to nationals was practically a given for the nation’s top teams.

Not anymore.

LSU is the No. 2 national seed and hosting an NCAA regional at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center for the first time in seven years. That means the Tigers are a huge favorite to be one of the two teams that makes it through this weekend to Fort Worth, Texas, and the NCAA championships in two weeks.

But it is hardly a given.

Since the current NCAA regional format was installed in 2019, upsets have been frequent. That included LSU in 2022, when the Tigers didn’t even reach the regional final.

LSU is on a streak of three straight NCAA championship performances since then, including the 2024 national championship. But LSU coach Jay Clark doesn’t take this round of the NCAA competition for granted.

“Getting out of the round of 16 (regional final) to the round of eight (NCAA nationals) is the equivalent of the old Super Six,” Clark said. “We’ve trimmed the numbers at the top and there are more good teams.”

Very good teams such as No. 7-seeded Stanford, No. 10 Michigan and No. 15 Clemson, the ACC champion, in LSU’s regional. And talented but lurking teams such as Auburn and North Carolina.

The Tigers will have to navigate them all to get to back to Fort Worth — now the traditional host of the NCAA women’s

At Pete Maravich Assembly Center

First round Wednesday Nebraska 195.600,Air Force 194.475

Second round

Thursday

Top two teams advance

Session I, No. 7 Stanford, No. 10 Michigan, North Carolina, Utah State, 1 p.m.

Session II, No. 2 LSU, No. 15 Clemson, Auburn, Nebraska, 7 p.m.

Regional final

Saturday

Top two teams advance to nationals TBD, 5 p.m ä See LSU GYM, page 4C

LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier drops back to pass against Alabama on Nov. 8 at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa,

Nussmeier, is the offensive coordinator of the

Would Saints pick a QB for 4th draft in a row?

BY LUKE JOHNSON Staff writer

BY WILLIAM WEATHERS

Contributing

After Alix Franklin singled to lead off LSU’s fourth inning in Saturday’s game against No 5 Oklahoma, Tigers hitting coach Bryce Neal had advice for Kylee Edwards before her plate appearance.

“He said I was having really good at-bats, just sell out for a big swing,” Edwards said. “He said it didn’t matter if it makes you look silly It worked out in my favor.”

Th e

Sooners weren’t laughing about what followed. Edwards got ahead in the count against Oklahoma pitcher Allyssa Parker, then sent a 1-0 offering over the center-field fence for a 3-0 lead that combined with Jayden Heavener’s completegame, two-hit effort helped the Tigers secure a 3-1 victory

“That was like a dream come true,” Edwards said “I think last year I hit one home run in the SEC. I wanted to bring that power to the SEC. Oklahoma has some of the best pitchers in our game.”

Edwards, a junior, has been celebrated for her work at shortstop but yearned to show off the kind of power that would make her a

BY ROD WALKER Staff writer

The emotional high the New Orleans Pelicans were on this time two weeks ago has faded. The Pelicans’ five-game home winning streak and their 10-5 record since the All-Star break don’t feel quite as promising now as it did then.

That’s what happens when such a solid run is followed by a five-game losing streak the Pelicans will take into their upcoming west coast trip The Pelicans play the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday followed by a Friday night game against the Sacramento Kings.

They’ll be looking to remove the bitter taste of their current skid that was capped by Sunday’s 134-102 home loss to the Houston Rockets.

“We’ve always responded,” Pelicans interim coach James Borrego. “We’ve had our moments where we haven’t been our best. I think the biggest thing right now is responding to it and finishing the season out in a competitive fashion, which is what we’ve done for the bulk of this stretch.

“Over the last 70 games, this group has responded and played with competitive spirit and fought every night. I didn’t see that for 48 minutes in the last game.”

The 32-point loss to the Rockets is tied for the worst loss of the season. The Pels (25-51) also lost by 32 points to the Boston Celtics in the third game of the season.

Now there are just six games remaining, and the Pelicans will miss the playoffs for the second straight season. It’s also the first time in franchise history the Pelicans have lost 50 or more games in back-to-back seasons, but Borrego’s message to his team has been to run through the finish line.

COLLEGE BASEBALL

4p.m. FloridaSt. at Virginia ACC

6p.m. Arkansas at Auburn ESPN

6p.m. Texas at South Carolina SECN

7p.m. Louisville at Duke ACC MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL

6p.m. NIT: NewMexicovs.TulsaESPN

7p.m. Crown: Stanford vs.W.Virginia FS1

8:30 p.m. NIT: Illinois State vs.AuburnESPN

9:30 p.m. Crown: Rutgers vs.Creighton FS1

LSUhoping Moorecan return for A&Mseries

BY KOKI RILEY Staff writer

LSU pitcher CooperMoore

is progressing in his recovery fromtriceps soreness, and the hope is that he’llreturn to the mound when LSU hosts Texas A&M in two weekends,coach Jay Johnson said Wednesday Moore, ajunior right-hander, suffered the injury duringhis start on March 20 against Oklahoma, and Johnson ruled him out for three weeks because of the ailment. His projected return againstthe Aggies in two weeks would fit into Johnson’stimetable

“There will be aprogression in coming back, it’snot goingback to five innings… rightout the chute,” Johnson said. “But anything we canget out of himwill be valuable

“He’snot going this weekend on the trip (toface Tennessee). He’snot going to pitch this weekend. Ithink next weekend we’ll see, but that would be astretch But Ihopewehave him available in somecapacity the following weekend.”

Along with Moore, LSU did not have starting catcher CadeArrambide against Kentucky last weekend or Louisiana Tech on March 24. And althoughJohnson at one point said Arrambide wasn’tinjured, he wasn’thealthy last week either.

Arrambide fouled aballoff his leg the week before, and, as Johnson described,“it looked like agorilla took abite out of his leg.” The ailment wasn’tenough to make him unavailable. He could have pinchhit,and may have beenable to play behind the plate last weekend before reaggravating the injury the day before the series started.

Instead of forcing theissue, Johnson wanted himtorest last week and not catch against Kentucky,ateam notorious forplaying small ball and forcing catchers to move around alot.

his cap whilewalking off the field during agame against NortheasternonFeb.28atAlex Box Stadium.

Skenes

BY JOE REEDY

BROADCASTHIGHLIGHTS

COLLEGE SOFTBALL

4p.m. WisconsinatPurdue BTN GOLF

12:30 p.m. Augusta Women’sAmateur Golf

3p.m. PGATour:TexasOpen Golf

6p.m. LPGA Tour:Aramco Champ. Golf HORSE RACING

Noon America’s Dayatthe Races FS2

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL

1p.m. Minnesota at Kansas City MLB 8:30 p.m. N.y. Mets at SanFrancisco MLB

6p.m.Minnesota at Detroit PRIME

8:30 p.m.L.A.Lakers at OklahomaCityPRIME

9p.m. NewOrleans at Portland GCSEN WOMEN’S SOCCER

11:40 a.m. RealMadridatBarcelona CBSSN 2p.m.WolfsburgatLyonnesCBSSN TENNIS

10 a.m. WTA: Charleston earlyrounds Tennis

4a.m.ATP: Bucharest, Marrakech *Tennis *Friday

LSUtakes down Southern aftertwo weatherdelays

BY KOKI RILEY Staff writer

There was nothingconventional about Tuesday night’sbaseball gameatAlex Box Stadium.

On thesurface,therewasn’t much surprise. LSUbaseball beat Southern 16-6 in seven innings, blasting fourhome runs and pulling away from the Jaguars by the fourth inning to eventually invoke the10-runmercy rule.

Butthe finalscore only told a part ofthe story.Therewere also two weather delays, aSportsCenter Top-10-worthy catch from Jaguars center fielder Jacoby Radcliffe and an early five-run lead for Southern.

“That was agood hurdle for us to getover,”LSU coach Jay Johnson said. “We’ve been alittle better. not really the way Iwould’ve loved to have drawn up thegame.”

Despite Radcliffe’sbest efforts andSouthern’shot start, LSU’s dominant showing at the plate overcameall of it

TheTigersscored four runs in thethird inning, seven in the fourthand four in the fifth.Sophomore Derek Curiel kick-started theoffense with agrand slam in the thirdthat cut Southern’slead to one, andjunior StevenMilam andsophomore John Pearson bothhomered in the fourthtohelp hand LSUa 12-6 lead.

“Coaching for along time, I’ve seen thismoviebefore, if that makes sense,” Johnson said.“Really believe when you have good players, if they’re not hitting, they will comearound.”

Milam’sblasttiedthe game at 6-6, butmoments later,itwas followed by aweather delay that pausedthe game for onehour and 13 minutes. Theholdup came after the 30-minuterain delay that pushed back Tuesday’sstart time to 7p.m

“This one was pretty simple,” Johnson said,referring to the second weatherdelay that halted

To

l2

tals30 16 13 15 Southern0330000—662 LSU014740x— 16132 E—White (2), Stewart (1), Stanfield (2), Pearson (4). DP —Southern1,LSU 1. LOB —Southern9,LSU 6. 2B —Bradley (3). 3B —Dardar (1). HR —Curiel (3), Pearson(5) Milam 2(3).SF—Yorke(4).SB— Radcliffe (3),Serna (1), Curiel, Yorke(3).CS—White (16) SouthernIPHRERBBSO Prosper 33 54 11 Lebron, L, 0-2 1 3 45 510 Bagby 1/2 22 220 Blackwood 3 14 431 Tolbert12 3 20 002 LSUIPHRERBBSO Noot 1 3 33 310 Plog 2 3 22 021 Benge 11 10 03 Lachenmyr, W, 1-0 10 00 01 Ricken 11 3 00 010 Primeaux 3 00 001 Paz1 00 021 WP —Blackwood (1), Paz(3).HBP —by Prosper (Stanfield),byRicken (Bradley), by Ricken (Gregory),byPrimeaux(Hunter), by Tolbert(Harden) Umpires —HP: Zachary Edgens;1B: Jeff Beaman 2B:JeremyHayes 3B: Jeff Head. T—3:13 A—10,339 (paid)

the game in the fourth inning. “It’s like ‘Hey,there’s thisone lightning band, quick cell of weather, and then we’re going to be going at this time.’ ” Milamwent 3for 4and also homered in the second inning. LSU freshman OmarSerna had three hits. Pearson and fifth-year senior Seth Dardar recorded two hits apiece, including aDardar triple. Southern pitching, meanwhile, walked seven batters and theJaguars’ first three relievers —righthander AlexavierLebron, lefthanderNoahBagby andrighthander Rupert Blackwood —combined to surrender 11 earned runs in 11/3 innings.

Radcliffe’sleaping grab, which robbed at least adouble and an RBIfromjuniorJakeBrown, came in the fifthinning. Southern (10-17) still allowed four runs on three hitsand three walks in the inning despite his heroics with the glove.

“It’s probablyjust (about) more guys playing closer to theircapability at one time,” Johnson said when asked about howthe offense hastaken astep forward over the past three games. “I hope that’sa sign of good things to come. We’ve been working really hard.”

LSU (20-10) needed that offensive outburst to blow past Southern after trailing 6-1 headinginto the bottomofthe third inning. TheJaguars took a3-0 lead in the second on atwo-run single from Radcliffe and arunscoring single from right fielder Ryan Hunter, and then added three more in the third on amassive mistake by LSU left fielder Chris Stanfield.

With two outs andthe bases loaded,Stanfield couldn’tcatch aroutine line drive smacked by thirdbaseman Kenyon Hughes. Insteadofthe inning coming to aclose,the ball skippedoff Stanfield’s glove and rolled to the warning track, clearing the bases and giving Southern its largest lead of the night.

“Stanfield’sdonesomuch for this program,”Milam said. “We pickedhim up. He’spicked us up multiple times.”

LSU hits theroad for itsnext matchup against Tennessee on Friday,the first gameofathreegame series. The first pitch from Knoxville,Tennessee, is set for 4:30 p.m., and the gamewill be available to watch on the SEC Network. Southern resumes Southwestern Athletic Conference play against Bethune-Cookman on Friday.The first pitch from LeeHines Field is 6p.m.

LSU signee Denton posts 5under in Augusta event EVANS, Ga. LSUsigneeRaeganDenton hada stellardebut Wednesdayinthe Augusta National Women’s Amateur The18-year-old Australian fired abogey-free 5-under 67, putting her two off the lead in atie for sixth place at Champions Retreat Golf Club. ColombianMaria Jose Marin of Arkansas, the 2025 NCAA champion,and SouthKorea’sSoomin Oh weretied for first at 7-under 65.

LSU sophomore Rocio Tejedo, competing in the event for a third time, started well at 2under through six holes. But she faded to a4-over 76 with six bogeys over her final12holes,putting herina tie for59th place. The top 30 players and ties after Thursday’ssecond round advance to Saturday’s final round.

LSU women’sassistant to make$370K annually

LSUsignednew women’s basketball assistant coach Gabe Lazo to atwo-year deal worth $740,000, according to acopy of his term sheet obtained by The Advocate. Lazo, aformerTennessee assistant, is stepping into the role left behind by Gary Redus— the ex-LSU assistant who’snow thehead coach at Rutgers.Redus earned $305,000 annually in histime with the Tigers, and now Lazo will pocket a$370,000 base salary annually —the same amount he earned when he was working for the Lady Vols.

Thetermsheet runs from Wednesday through the 2027-28 season.

Coach KimMulkey announced thatshe hadhiredLazoonTuesday —just four days after he resigned from his job at Tennessee.

LSU freshman Gilhool to enter transferportal

LSU freshman Matt Gilhool will enterthe transferportal, he announced on Instagram on Wednesday

The 6-foot-11, 213-pound freshman didn’tappear in agamethis season and is the secondfreshman on the team to decide to leave. Gilhool,aPhiladelphia native,was the No.109-ranked high school player in the country in 2025.

Theannouncement comestwo days afterWill Wade’s introductory newsconference on Monday Gilhool committed to LSU when former coach Matt McMahon led the program.Hepickedthe Tigers over offers from Georgia Tech, Georgia, Iowa, Miami, Maryland, Mississippi State and others. He is the fifth player to announce he will enter the transfer portal, joining Dedan Thomas, Ron Zipper andMazi Mosley,and Jalen Reed

Izzo said he seriously mulledtaking Suns job

Michigan State basketball coach TomIzzo said he considered coaching the Phoenix Suns afterdiscussing thepossibility last year with one of hisformer players, MatIshbia, who owns the NBA team.

“Wetalked seriously about it,” Izzo said Wednesday on “The Dan Patrick Show”during avirtual interview from his office.

The71-year-old Hall of Fame coach chose to lead the Spartans for a31st season and extended his record of reaching 28 consecutive NCAA Tournaments. They wereeliminated by Connecticut in the Sweet 16. Ishiba, awalk-on guard on Izzo’s nationalchampionship team in 2000, hired former Michigan State video coordinator Jordan Ott to coach the Suns instead.

Kansas basketball coach

Selftoreturnnextseason

The

ner allowed

Cy Young

run in five innings and struckout five in the Pirates’ 8-3 win over the CincinnatiReds “I’m prettyinsulated froma lot of stuff that’sout there. The stuff that Idosee or hear,Idon’treally care anyway because it doesn’t have anything to do with the play. I’m just thinking about getting back to execution and execut-

ing my pitches,” Skenes said. “Nothingmatters except for the game and thepitches.”

Skenes walked Cincinnati’sTJ Friedl, then retired eightstraight, including three strikeouts. He walkedFriedl twice in three innings before Elly De La Cruz singled for the Reds’ first hit. Twobatterslater,Nathaniel Lowe doubled in De La Cruz,ending Skenes’ 31-inning scoreless streak against Cincinnati. Skenes’ scorelessrun was the fourth-longest by aPiratespitcher againstanopponentsince 1961

Vernon Law holds the mark, blanking the Mets for 40 innings during 1965-66. The right-handerretired four of the last five batters he faced and departedafterthrowing 77 pitches, including 51 strikes.

“Definitelyprogress. Nice to get somevolumeand be out there for more than two-thirds,” said Skenes, whoimprovedto5-0 witha 0.53 ERAinsix career starts against the Reds.Hehas 45 strikeouts andonly four walks while holding Cincinnati to a.197 batting average. Further helping Skenes,the Pirates gave strong runsupport, scoringthree in the first on Oneil Cruz’shomer to right. “With Skenes on themound, you hatetogivethem anything early

becauseyou know you’re going to have to fight to get anything you can get,” Reds manager Terry Francona said.

ManagerDon Kellysaidhewanted to avoid overworking Skenes early,especially after his37-pitch, two-thirds-inning start in the Mets’ opening daywin on Thursday Skenes allowed five runs, tying a career high,with twowalks anda strikeout in the 11-7 loss.

“When you’regoing offone outing and37pitches,wehad targeted 80 for him,” Kelly said.“It was something that we need Paul for the long haul, and he did agreat job getting through five.Aswego, he’s going to be throwing more than five (innings) and77(pitches).”

Kansas basketball coach Bill Self is returning fora24th season with the Jayhawks. The program released astatement fromSelf on Wednesday confirming his return for another year with theprogram he has led to 21 regular-season conference championships, four Final Fours and apair of national championships The 63-year-old Self hasa record of 840-272, not including the 15 wins thatwerevacated by the NCAA, putting him 12th on the career list. He passed Phog Allen as the winningest coach at Kansas with a77-69 winover Michigan State on Nov. 12, 2024. Kansas’ season endedMarch 22 against St. John’sinthe second round of the NCAA Tournament.

Gainey wants to unite fans at NC State

BY BOB SUTTON Associated Press

RALEIGH, N.C. — Justin Gainey

vowed Wednesday to bring toughness and stability back to NC State after his alma mater suddenly had a coaching vacancy for the second year in a row

The former Wolfpack guard said he can be a bridge to different eras of the program as he becomes a head coach for the first time.

“I’m humbled.

I’m grateful and I’m ready,” Gainey said as he was formally introduced. “It’s a surreal moment for me.

It’s like a dream come true that hasn’t fully set in.”

But it was really a reintroduction billed as a homecoming celebration — to a player who was a staple in the NC State lineup for four seasons from 1996-2000.

“It’s time for us to have that home feel that we deserve,” Gainey said.

The hiring comes less than a week after Will Wade’s agent informed NC State officials that he was leaving following one season to return to LSU. NC State athletic director Boo Corrigan was tasked with finding the next coach, but Gainey had been involved in the interview process last year, so much of the vetting had taken place.

Corrigan seemed relieved to have someone on board with Wolfpack ties.

“Welcome home,” he said

Many of the boosters who attended what was billed as a “closed event” but had elements of a pep rally were pleased that one of their own would occupy the coaching position.

“It’s a full-circle moment to say a former player became coach,” said TJ Warren, a former NC State and NBA player who attended the formal introduction.

Without directly addressing Wade’s abrupt departure and the hurt feelings associated with that, Corrigan said Gainey’s arrival should be celebrated as a sign of “the right moral compass for this fan base, who understands what NC State is all about.”

While Wade’s introduction in March 2025 came with plenty of bravado, Gainey was more grounded — perhaps in line with how he played when he was in a Wolfpack uniform.

“I’m going to bring that toughness,” he said Gainey, 49, spent the past four seasons as associate head coach under Rick Barnes at Tennessee.

He’ll leave behind the rigors of the Southeastern Conference to compete amid the traditionrich area of North Carolina that includes Atlantic Coast Conference neighbors Duke and North Carolina.

“I understand what being on Tobacco Road is all about,” Gainey said.

Gainey, an in-state product of a Greensboro Day School program that regularly churns out Division I players, said he’ll make in-state recruiting a priority and branch out from there He said tapping into the transfer portal will be part of the process in building a roster, but he stressed a no-exceptions philosophy of examining the character of any players he signs.

And, of course, success on the court will be among the goals.

“We’re in this to win championships,” Gainey said.

NC State went 20-14 under Wade, reaching the NCAA Tournament’s First Four before a second loss of the season to Texas for its eighth defeat in the final 10 games.

A digital sign outside Greenfield Central High School in Greenfield, Ind., congratulates the UConn men’s college basketball team and Greenfield graduate Braylon Mullins on Monday after the Huskies’ Elite Eight win over Duke in the NCAA Tournament.

Talk of the town

Miracle

shot

has Mullins’ hometown eager for a Final Four reunion with the UConn star

BY MICHAEL MAROT AP sportswriter

GREENFIELD, Ind. — UConn guard

Braylon Mullins might be the talk of college basketball this week. He is still just a small-town Indiana guy at heart. Here in his hometown of Greenfield, the streets carry common names such as Main and State American flags and stone buildings dot the town square and those who put this usually low-key 25,000-person city on the map — there aren’t many — are revered like family

So naturally in a state that treats basketball like a religion and the sport’s biggest stars like royalty, nobody casts a bigger shadow in this community now than the slender 6-foot-6, 196-pound, 19-year-old freshman who changed Final Four weekend with one brilliant shining moment Sunday afternoon

Mullins’ 35-foot game-winning 3-pointer with 0.4 seconds left didn’t just make him an instant celebrity or send the Huskies to their third Final Four in four years. In a community full of fans who typically root for Indiana, Purdue, Notre Dame or Butler, Mullins has suddenly turned Greenfield, Indiana, into a haven of UConn fans.

“We knew he was good, but for him to go and play all the minutes he has and to perform as well as he has at UConn after being injured the first portion of the year, that’s great,” Greenfield-Central High School athletic director Jared Manning said. “But to do it and have that moment that’s going to live on forever, in maybe the biggest game of his life to this point on national television, we couldn’t have dreamed this up.”

Now comes the tougher job for Mullins — fulfilling the dozens of ticket requests for family, friends and towns folk.

“I think everybody is excited to be the supporting edge for me,” he said Tuesday “I am just trying to get as many tickets as I can for everybody, I get to see everybody at the game and after the game. It is going to be different. I am so happy I get to go back home.”

A star is born

Mullins seemed destined for this type of fame when he started turning heads in middle school though that’s anything but the norm in this city, just a 37-minute drive from Lucas Oil Stadium where the East Region champion Huskies (33-5) will face South Region champion Illinois (28-8) on Saturday for a trip to the national championship game.

Ask workers and customers at the local coffee counter to name the city’s best athletes and former Major League Baseball pitcher

The

MEN’S FINAL FOUR

ä Illinois vs. UConn.

5:09 P.M. SATURDAy,TBS,TNT,TRUTV ä Michigan vs.Arizona.

7:39 P.M. SATURDAy TBS TNT TRUTV

Kyle Gibson and pitcher Drey Jamison, who is in the Arizona Diamondbacks organization, are often recited. The actual title probably belongs to Jaycie Phelps, who was part of the 1996 Olympic champion gymnastics team dubbed “The Magnificent Seven.”

Mullins is now part of that list, regardless of whether he leaves Indianapolis with a national championship.

Indiana is rife with high school basketball lore and seemingly every school, large or small, owns a chapter in that book. GreenfieldCentral has been a rare exception: Neither the boys nor the girls teams have won a state title, and the boys team hasn’t won a sectional championship since 1998 despite featuring Mullins for three seasons.

How tough was it? When Luke Meredith took over as coach in 2019-20, he inherited a team that went 4-20 the previous year amid four straight losing seasons. Meredith left as the winningest coach in school history (109-37) following the 2024-25 season, success that came in large part because of Mullins and his family Josh, the father, was a former college player at IUPUI now known as IU-Indianapolis, and served as an assistant for Meredith. Mullins’ younger twin brothers, Cole and Clay, also played and are expected to play at a nearby Division III school next season. It didn’t take long for coaches and fans to realize the oldest brother, Braylon, was different He personified Meredith’s motto — “juice, compete, standard” — by scoring 16.9 points as a sophomore and 25.0 as a junior before averaging 32.9 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists and 4.2 steals as a senior

He broke the school’s single-game scoring record twice in his final prep season, scoring 51 and later 52 points. He wound up as the school’s scoring leader (2,158 points) and became the first player in school history to win the prestigious IndyStar Indiana Mr Basketball Award winner as well as becoming the program’s first McDonald’s AllAmerican. So when Mullins made that incredible shot Sunday nobody in Greenfield was surprised.

“We’ve watched him play basketball since he was in middle school,” Mayor Guy Titus said. “We saw that shot many times here at Greenfield-Central when he was growing up, when he was playing varsity ball here. But to see it on national TV with like everybody comparing it to the Christian Laettner thing — I’m old enough to remember that. It was one of those magical moments.”

Unifying a town

The Final Four on Saturday will not be the first time Mullins has played close to home since heading to Storrs.

In February, a large contingent of city residents made the short drive into Indianapolis to one of Indiana’s most revered basketball cathedrals, Hinkle Fieldhouse. The hometown hero responded well, scoring 13 of his 15 points in the first half of an 80-70 victory over Butler

Another little exodus could happen again: Manning said he anticipated having discussions this week about whether the school would cancel classes, offer bus rides or both for fans to attend UConn’s open practice on Friday, which is scheduled to be held at noon. Even if not, Greenfield faithful are expected to go and cheer their new favorite son.

“When he calls home and asks his dad about this or that, it just reminds he’s still a young man who is just like every other college kid,” said Chuck McMichael, deputy chief of the Greenfield Police Department.

SOFTBALL

Continued from page 1C

complete player. With four homers in her last five games, including three against Oklahoma, Edwards believes she’s reached that standard with No. 20 LSU (23-12, 4-8 in SEC) visiting Missouri (20-18, 4-5) this weekend.

The three-game series begins at 6 p.m. Thursday at Mizzou Soft-

ball Stadium, continues at 3 p.m. Friday and concludes at 2:30 p.m Saturday “That’s something I took to heart and really worked on,” Edwards said. “I’m finally becoming a fullrounded player, which has always been a dream of mine. I’ve been told I was too small to hit home runs, that I’m not a power hitter It doesn’t matter about the size. Just put a good barrel on the ball and the ball’s going to fly.” The 5-foot-6 Edwards jumped

from five to nine home runs in her second season at Mississippi State in 2025. She had a career-best .290 average with 37 RBIs and stole seven bases as a sophomore before opting to transfer to LSU after the season. “I told myself that I was going to go on all of my visits and experience this opportunity,” Edwards said. “I came here and that all changed I committed the day I was here and had to cancel all of my other visits. It’s been awesome.”

Edwards has given LSU a veteran presence at shortstop and has turned in her share of highlightreel plays. After a slow start at the plate, she’s given the Tigers an emerging force on offense. She didn’t homer in her first 18 games, and after hitting one against Memphis, she went another nine games without a homer until her recent torrid stretch. Edwards, who has batted .455 in her last five games, has raised her average to .306 — the third-best

Auriemma enters Final Four with his 9th unbeaten team

BY STEPHEN HAWKINS Associated Press

Geno Auriemma is taking an undefeated UConn team into the women’s Final Four for the ninth time.

This group, while extremely talented like the rest, is a bit different than the previous ones for the coach.

Auriemma recalls those earlier teams with AP Player of the Year winners Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi, Tina Charles, Maya Moore and Breanna Stewart as having “that kind of swagger trash-talking kind of mentality” when wondering why people were surprised that they hadn’t lost any games.

“We don’t walk around with that attitude,” Auriemma said.

“That’s why I think, for me, I just keep my fingers crossed because it’s not the kind of team that I’ve had in the past that has gone this far undefeated It’s not

“They don’t have that kind of mentality off the court, on the court.”

The NCAA’s winningest men’s or women’s coach with 1,288 victories and 12 national championships instead calls them “just a bunch of really nice kids that play hard for each other.” They are an unbeaten bunch with their own AP All-America teammates Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong going for their second national title, along with Big East Conference top freshman Blanca Quiñonez. They have a 54-game winning streak that began with three-time All-America guard and WNBA top overall pick Paige Bueckers during the Huskies’ championship run last year, and could give Auriemma only his second 40-0 record in 41 seasons.

“What we’ve done the last (38) games was all in preparation for moments like this,” said Fudd, the fifth-year star guard seen all over TV commercials and social media during March Madness. ”So when it comes down to it, we have full confidence in ourselves, in each other We know the coaches feel the same.” UConn (38-0) is in its record 25th Final Four since the women’s NCAA Tournament debuted 44 years ago.

Part of a quartet of all No. 1 seeds in Phoenix, and the same four teams as last year, its semifinal Friday will be against South Carolina (35-3) in a rematch of last year’s national championship game.

Staying unbeaten this season These Huskies are winning by an NCAA-best average margin of 37.8 points a game, with a 72-69 win over Sweet 16 team Michigan in November their only game decided by fewer than 13 points. They have set NCAA single-season records with their 890 assists (23.4 per game) and 597 steals (15.7 per game), and also are tops nationally in scoring defense (50.1 ppg) and field goal shooting both on offense (52%) and defense (33.4%).

Sophomore standout forward Strong averages 18.6 points, 7.6 rebounds and 3.9 assists. Fudd, the most outstanding player in last year’s Final Four after coming back from a torn ACL that limited her to two games during the 2023-24 season, is at a career-best 17.5 points per game.

WOMEN’S

mark on the team — and is tied for the team lead in homers (six) with first baseman Tori Edwards and slugging percentage (.561) with outfielder Jalia Lassiter. “I’ve felt like my whole life I’ve been pretty small compared to the majority of girls on my team,” said Edwards, who has turned 25 career double plays defensively “Me being a power hitter was really never a question until I got to college. I’ve just got a thing that works for me.”

Golding responds to Dabo’s tampering accusations

BY MAURA CAREY AP sportswriter

Two months after Clemson coach Dabo Swinney publicly accused Pete Golding of tampering in a 20-minute rant, the Ole Miss coach recounted the acquisition of linebacker Luke Ferrelli from his perspective.

“There’s two sides to every story,” Golding said Tuesday Ferrelli, a freshman linebacker from Cal landed with Clemson via the transfer portal in early January He began classes and team meetings Then, 20 days later, Ferrell transferred to Ole Miss.

“He came on an official visit prior to the Fiesta Bowl, and I told him, ‘Hey, I want you to be our green-dot Mike, but right now, we’ve got a green-dot Mike. And that spot’s not going to be available

until, you know we have one available,’ ” Golding recalled. That job belonged to TJ Dottery, a junior linebacker whose helmet featured a small green dot on the back, signifying he was the chosen one with a direct communicator in his helmet where he could listen to coaches on the sideline or in the booth. It was Dottery’s job to then communicate with the defense.

That job became available weeks later when the linebacker followed coach Lane Kiffin to LSU.

“I said, ‘But right now there ain’t a spot available. So, if that spot becomes available, it’s yours,’ ” Golding continued. “It’s a kid that wanted to be here, that we wanted to be here, that at the end of it, came open, and he’s here, and we’re happy to have him.”

Swinney, who compared the situation to “having an affair on your

honeymoon,” said he forwarded evidence to the NCAA.

“If you tamper with my players, I’m going to turn you in. It’s just that simple,” Swinney said. “I’m not out to get anybody fired, but there has to be accountability and consequences for this type of behavior and total disregard for the rules.”

NCAA vice president of enforcement Jon Duncan said in a statement at the time that the association “will investigate any credible allegations of tampering and expect full cooperation from all involved as required by NCAA rules.”

Two months later no ruling has been made to suggest tampering was found.

“I’m not going to sit up here and use the podium as a grandstand,” Golding said. “That’s why we have a compliance office.”

LSU GYM

Continued from page 1C

finals, the college gymnastics equivalent of Omaha in college baseball.

LSU begins its road to Fort Worth at 7 p.m. Thursday in Session II of the regional against Clemson, Auburn and Nebraska. Session I will be at 1 p.m. and includes Stanford, Michigan, North Carolina and Utah State.

The top two teams from Thursday’s sessions advance to Saturday’s regional final, set for 5 p.m. Individual regional champions in the all-around and on vault, bars, beam and floor also will be determined Thursday

The top two teams Saturday, plus the top two unattached individuals in each event from Thursday, go to nationals.

“Regionals used to be an afterthought,” Clark said. “But we’re prepared for it.”

LSU enters NCAA competition coming off a third-place finish in the Southeastern Conference championships behind NCAA No 3 seed Florida and No. 1 Oklahoma.

Kailin Chio continued her stellar sophomore season for LSU, winning the SEC all-around title as well as the vault championship Fellow sophomore Kaliya Lincoln shared the SEC floor title despite having an ulnar nerve issue in her elbow that led to pre-meet numbness in her hand, making her questionable to compete.

Clark said the Tigers dealt with a rampant stomach bug at SECs but that illness and concerns about Lincoln’s elbow seem to be behind the Tigers. Clark wants his gymnasts to be free and focused for the tough task of performing at a high level twice in three days.

“Our confidence should be brimming,” Clark said. “Just go attack. Compete free and fearless. Enjoy it. This is what you’ve worked for This is the whole goal to get to this

SAINTS

Continued from page 1C

consecutive year using a top150 pick to select a quarterback. Shough was so impressive that he finished second in The Associated Press Offensive Rookie of the Year voting despite starting only nine games. There is no doubt that Shough will be the starting quarterback when the 2026 season begins, and if he performs anything like he did as a rookie, he likely will hold onto that position for some time. Spencer Rattler should be in line to remain his primary backup after he played solidly while starting the first eight games of the 2025 season. While Rattler put up an abysmal 1-13 record as a starter in his first two seasons, he’s shown flashes of NFL starter ability and is more than a competent backup.

New Orleans also recently signed free agent Zach Wilson. The former No. 2 overall pick never has put it together as a professional, and the Saints now represent his fourth team. But Wilson is still just 26 years old and is an intriguing talent to try and develop in the No. 3 spot.

There is not much incentive for the Saints to add another young player to the mix. But, hey, never say never While it’s safe to assume New Orleans won’t use one of its premier draft assets on another quarterback, that doesn’t mean the Saints wouldn’t pull the trigger on a late-round selection if they really like someone.

Let’s take a look at some possibilities.

March 13 at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center

point, to mix it up with the best teams and see where we land.”

LSU assistant coach Haleigh Bryant was one of those LSU gymnasts trying to maintain a high level in last year’s regional at Penn State.

“You try not to let the moment be bigger than it needs to be,” Bryant said.

She added that being at home

“should make for a more comfortable environment, but you can’t take it for granted that we’re going to walk through this thing. Hopefully it plays out as an advantage

In case of a fall

LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier 6-foot-1, 205 pounds: The former Tigers quarterback likely wouldn’t be on this list if it wasn’t for the family connection, but that’s not something to write off. Not only is Nussmeier’s father, Doug, the offensive coordinator, but several members of the Saints coaching staff have worked with the elder Nussmeier for years and have watched Garrett grow up. There is intimate familiarity here.

This wouldn’t have seemed that far-fetched after the 2024 college football season, but Nussmeier endured a difficult and injury-plagued senior season in Baton Rouge, watching his draft stock fall in the process. But, at both the Senior Bowl (where he won MVP) and his recent pro day, Nussmeier appeared to put some of the injury concerns behind him with impressive performances.

His stock is therefore back on the rise, most likely putting him out of the Saints’ range. But if he does end up falling to Day 3 would it really be a surprise to see the Saints take a swing?

And this wouldn’t just be about the family connection: At his best, Nussmeier’s ability to play with anticipation would fit nicely with head coach Kellen Moore’s offense.

Athletes to develop

Arkansas QB Taylen Green, 6-6, 227: There aren’t many athletes like Green at this position. He’s built like an NBA wing, and he put on a dazzling show at the NFL combine, where he ran a 4.36-second 40-yard dash and recorded a 43inch vertical leap. He needs time to develop as a

for us.”

Chio and Lincoln, along with fellow All-America teammate Konnor McClain, won’t be the only top gymnasts in this weekend’s regional. Stanford is led by its own super sophomore in Anna Roberts, ranked fifth nationally as an allarounder and tied for third in the country with three perfect 10s this season. Air Force’s Maggie Slife is a two-time first-team All-American this season in the all-around and on bars. And Clemson’s Brie Clark is

passer his raw ability is evident, but there isn’t much polish. Green threw 35 interceptions in his college career, and his completion percentage hovered around 60% every year Time is something the Saints can afford, especially if they envision a way to use Green’s talent in other ways — something this organization has done in the past. It would be unfair to Green to suggest a Taysom Hill-like role, because there is a lot more that goes into it than physical ability But a small package of plays that evolves as Green develops seems reasonable.

Georgia Tech QB Haynes King, 6-2, 212: Since we’re on the Hill train, King is the one player who has most often drawn that comparison in this year’s draft class.

As a pure quarterback, King is not much of a prospect — like Green, he threw a lot of interceptions (34) in college, and his accuracy as a passer leaves plenty to be desired. But, like Green, he is an exceptional athlete.

King plays with a tough mentality and he has proven himself as a physical runner He racked up 36 touchdowns and more than 2,300 yards rushing in his final three seasons at Georgia Tech. He is solidly built and he impressed at the combine with a 4.47-second 40-yard dash.

Late-round flier

Baylor QB Sawyer Robertson, 6-4, 216: If the Saints are looking to roll the dice on a Day 3 quarterback prospect, Robertson checks some boxes. He has NFL size, functional mobility (4.64-second 40-yard dash) and was productive in two years as a starter, throwing for 6,700 yards and 59 touchdowns during his last two seasons.

a first-team All-American on floor, winning the ACC individual title in that event. As with the other three NCAA regionals, the competition in Baton Rouge will be shown on a streaming only basis on ESPN+. Nebraska 195.600, Air Force 194.475

Slife swept all five event titles, but Nebraska had the better team overall as it won the regional first-round meet at the PMAC on

PELICANS

Continued from page 1C

“Win games, compete and just play our brand of basketball,” forward Trey Murphy said.

Murphy has missed the past three games with an ankle injury, but Borrego said “he’s definitely in the mix” to return Thursday or Friday

Borrego said Monday that he hasn’t had any discussions with executive vice president of basketball operations Joe Dumars to shut any star players down for these last six games of the season.

“Six games is still a lot of basketball to continue to build habits and get better,” Borrego said

“Young guys and vets, finishing strong. You don’t want to go into the offseason on the down swing. You want to keep the spirit uplifted and the momentum in the right direction, which is what we have done.” Well, at least until the previous five games when they lost to four of the top teams in the Eastern Conference (Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons and Toronto Raptors) and then the Rockets.

Wednesday Slife posted scores of 9.90 on vault, bars and floor, and a 9.85 on beam for an all-around score of 39.550 But the Falcons had to count a fall on bars from Anna Kristianson (8.825) and was never able to catch the more consistent Cornhuskers.

Nebraska didn’t have to count worse than a 9.725 in any event.

“We did a great job of adapting,” Nebraska coach Heather Brink said. “When things didn’t go well, we were able to get back to our normal.”

Air Force coach Jennifer Lyerly Green, a former LSU gymnast, said aside from Slife, her team was “a little out of place” from warmups on.

“It’s sports,” Green said. “It just wasn’t our day.”

The losses to the Knicks, Pistons and Raptors all came on the road.

“The road trip was a tough road trip,” Borrego said. “Some winnable games there. But now it’s about finishing strong. It’s our job. We’ve got to finish strong. Do your job and be competitive and bring it every single day. That’s the job of a professional.”

Borrego wasn’t pleased in how his second unit played in Sunday’s loss to the Rockets. The Pelicans got outscored 39-18 in the second quarter of that one When asked what went wrong in that quarter, Borrego was blunt.

“I subbed,” he said.

But Borrego liked the way his team responded at Tuesday’s practice. The energy was high and the practice was competitive.

“The goal is now to respond in Portland,” Borrego said. “There is no doubt this group will respond and have a great effort on Thursday night. They don’t want this to end. That’s when you know you’re going in the right direction.

“This group really cares about each other Nobody wants to see the season come to an end. Now we have to do our part to make sure this doesn’t happen next season.”

Pelicans forward Trey Murphy, left, and guard Jeremiah Fears play defense as Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell passes at the Smoothie King Center on March 21.

STAFF PHOTO By CHRISTOPHER DABE

John Curtis baseballplayerKolston Martinezand his mom, Bridget, pose after agameagainst BrotherMartin on TuesdayatMaestri Field. Martinez had the game-winning hit and pitched 223 innings of scoreless relief to leadthe Patriots to an 8-7 victory.

‘She’s afighter’

With cancer-strickenmom watching,Curtis’ Martinez delivers in clutch

BY CHRISTOPHER DABE Staff writer

Kolston Martinez fouled off three straight pitches withthe count full and two outs in the top of the ninth inning.

The next pitch was afastball on the inner halfofthe plate,a perfect spot for the John Curtis senior, who ripped an RBI singlepast the diving third baseman to give his team the lead.

Watching from the first-base stands at Maestri Fieldwas his mother,Bridget, one week after hersecondchemotherapytreatment.

“He’salways been that kid that you can rely on in that tough moment,” she said. “It was nothing forhim to be called in from the outfield to come in and finish abig game.”

Kolston did just that Tuesday moving from left field to the mound for 22/3 innings of scoreless relief as he drove in the winning runfor an 8-7 victory over Brother Martin.

Martinez ended the game witha strikeout, pumping his arm as he stomped toward his teammates

Tulane short on pitching forseriesat WichitaSt.

BY GUERRYSMITH

Contributing writer

Short-handedonpitching, Tulane heads to WichitaStatefor an Easter weekend series that will go a long way in determining its American Conference standing.

The GreenWave(15-15, 2-4) will be without its most consistent starter,Jack Frankel (1-1, 4.45 ERA) for the second consecutive weekend. Flame-throwing reliever Aiden Rath, who was gearing up to return from elbow issuesafter pitching only once this season, also is unavailable for the foreseeable future.

“We’re in atough place physically with some things we’re trying to get through,” coach JayUhlman said. “Wehave alot of innings and not alot of arms and bodies to do it right now.We’re alittle bitofa M.A.S.H. unit.”

Frankel’sabsence for an unspecified injury leavesTulanewith question marks throughout its rotation for the Thursday-throughSaturday series. Normalopeninggame starter Trey Cehajic has an ERA of 8.49 and has given up 13 earned runs over 92/3 inningsintwo league games.

Frankel’sreplacementlast Saturday —J.D. Rodriguez —recordedthree outswhile walking four and allowing two hits before departing.

Sunday starter Jake Toporek fared slightly better,making it into thething inning but giving up five hits with two walks.

Wichita State(20-10, 4-2) is tied for first in the American after two weeks but has the second-worst RPI(167), ahead of only Tulane (187) after feasting on anonconference schedule that included seriesagainst Northern Colorado, Omaha, West Georgiaand Butler Shortstop Kaikea Harrison, who

streaming out of the first-basedugout. He excitedly threw his glove in their direction

During the team’spostgame huddle in shallowright field, coach

Jeff Curtisembraced Martinez with ahug,knowing all that he and hisfamily have enduredinrecent months.

“He’sbeen through alot personally off the field,and he hasn’twavered on the field,” Curtis said.

“Hegot upthere, pitchedsome tough outs and came up huge, probablyinthe biggestat-bat of the season.”

Martinez hasplayed theentire season with the weight of his mother’s cancer diagnosis on his mind.

After battling breast cancer a decadeago,Bridget underwent surgery for uterine cancer in July

When the disease spread to her coloninDecember,she faced another operationinJanuary.She beganchemotherapy last week, with treatments scheduled everythree weeks for abouta year

“She’sa fighter,” Martinez said.

“I’ve known my whole life she’s a fighter.We’llget through this. We alwaysdo.”

Tuesday’sgame wasMartinez’s

first since he shaved his mom’s head on Saturday,then sat in the same chair and hadhis own head shaved in support

“Itwas averyemotional moment to see him do that, because he does like his hair,” Bridget said, laughing as she described his “baseball hair,” the kind that flows just right from under thecap.

Martinez splitshis time between tending to his mom and playing the sport he loves most.

“Baseball, withall this, probably is the best thing for me because it keepsmymind offmymom,” he said.“My teammates, I’malways with them.

“The boys always keep me right, always keep me going.”

Martinez hasbeen playing sports for as long as he can remember,always with hismom in thestands. He startedattending Curtis in eighthgrade, putting him at his mom’salma mater

On Tuesday, with thegameonthe line,hedid for his teammates what he always does for his mom —he showed up when it mattered most

ContactChristopher Dabe at cdabe@theadvocate.com

STAFF FILE PHOTO By SOPHIAGERMER

Tulane pitcherJ.D.Rodriguez throws against UNOonMarch 25, 2025, at Maestri Field. Rodriguez could startinplace of injured pitcher Jack Frankel during the Green Wave’s series at Wichita State.

ä Tulane at Wichita State. 6:05P.M.THURSDAy,ESPN+

hadthree hits onTuesdayagainst Nicholls State,islooking forward to thechallenge

“It puts achip onour shoulder that we’ve been kind of counted outwith the start we had,” he said.

“If you look at lastyear,wehad the exact same start. We won two against WichitaState (as they did against Memphis thisseason), lost three onthe road (toSouthFlorida,which they replicated at UAB last weekend) andended up in the championship (of the conference tournament). We’vejust gotto keep going.”

Rapid riser

Look for junior college transfer

LuisPablo Navarro to play acrucial role for Tulane on the mound, most likely on Saturday Starting for the first time this season,heretiredall nine batters he faces against Nicholls while throwing37pitches.

“(Navarro’s) definitely in the conversation for sure,” Uhlman said.

“When he’s out there, our guysfeel good. If he can get out there and give us agood start, call him an opener,that’sverypossible.” Navarro was not even undercon-

BY CHRISTOPHER DABE Staff writer

Country Dayjunior Kellen

Brewer is the Class 2A boys basketball outstanding player for 2026 as selected by the Louisiana SportsWriters Association.

Joining Brewer with all-state honorsisCountry Daysenior Herm Dyson as asecond-team selection. Brewerand Dyson received first- andsecond-team selections for the second year in arow by leading the Cajuns to asecondconsecutive LHSAA Division III select state championship.

The6-foot-6 Brewer averaged 20.1 points per game with more than six rebounds, three steals and nearly twoblocked shots per contest as Country Daydefeated Calvary Baptist in the state final for thesecond year in arow Brewer’sfather,Corey,isan assistantcoach withthe New Orleans Pelicans, aformer pro-

fessional basketball player and a lottery selection out of Florida in the 2007 NBADraft.

Reigning Louisiana Miss Basketball Caroline Bradley of Oak Grove is thegirls outstanding player in 2A. The 6-5 junior averaged 27 points per game with morethan 17 rebounds,five blocked shots and 2.4 assists. The two coach of the year winners ended titledroughts for their schools with Shawn Davis guiding the Ferriday boys to their firsttitle since1989(DivisionIV nonselect). He wasa standout player on the first of the Trojans’ back-to-back state championship teams under his father,Robert Cade, in 1988. Jake Bourgeois led the French Settlement girls to its first crown since 1964 (Division III nonselect) with a44-36 win over Westlake.

Contact ChristopherDabe at cdabe@theadvocate.com

sideration in fall practice, failing to pitch in the intrasquad world series that endedit. Instead of sulking, he worked on his stuff during winter break.

“My dad kept pushing me to not take this in anegative way,”he said. “I kept that state of mind and said I’m going to getmyopportunityand I’m going to show outfor theteam.”

He needed awhile to earn the coaches’ trust,but in March he allowed two hitsin92/3 innings with 15 strikeouts over sixappearances. His fastball velocity,which Uhlman said was as low as 82 mph in the fall, reached ahigh of 92 against Nicholls. “He was challenged, andI’m proud of him,” Uhlman said. “He’s rubbed it on fourface in agood way,arespectful way.You don’t do it withnegativebodylanguage and pouting. Youdoitwith I’m going to show you, and all he’sdone is show us.” Lagniappe

First pitchonThursdayand Friday is 6:05 p.m. Saturday’s finale will start at 1:05 p.m.…Jason Wachs has reached base in 57 consecutive games dating to lastyear …WichitaStateis4-6 againstopponentswith winning records and 15-4 against sub.-.500teams

Woodsturns down RyderCup captaincy

marital affairs, andhis agentsaid he sought treatment at another inpatient clinic after his 2017 DUI arrest.

BY DOUG FERGUSON AP golf writer

Tiger Woodsformally turned down theRyderCup captaincy Wednesday as he steps away from golf activities, and aFlorida judgeapproved his motionto leave the country to seek treatment. The developments come one day after Woodsentered anot guilty plea to suspicion of driving under the influence when his SUV clipped the back of atrailer and flipped on its side last week on a residential road near his home on Jupiter Island, Florida. Woods postedastatement Tuesday night saying that he was stepping away indefinitely “to seek treatment and focus on my health.”

AmotionfiledWednesdayby his attorney,Douglas Duncan, asked ajudge that Woods be allowed to travel outside the country to begin “comprehensive inpatient treatment.”

Duncan said the recommendation from Woods’ doctor was basedonthe golfer’s“complex clinical presentation and the urgent need foralevel of care that cannotsafely or effectively be done within the United States as his privacy hasbeenrepeatedly compromised.

“Ongoing medical scrutiny and public exposure create significantbarriers to his careand would result in setbacks and an inability to fully engage in treatment.”

Martin County Court Judge DarrenSteele approvedthe motion,which did not say where the inpatient treatmentfacilitywas located.

Woods sought treatment at an inpatient facility in aMississippi clinic in January 2010 after he wascaught in aseries of extra-

“I’m committedtotaking the timeneeded to return in ahealthier,stronger,and more focused place, both personally and professionally,” Woodssaidinhis statement.

The Ryder Cup decision by the PGAofAmerica was not asurprise given the last five chaotic days involving Woods dating to his Friday arrest.

“The PGAofAmerica stands in full support of Tiger Woods as he steps away to focus on his health and well-being,” the statement said. “Wecommend Tiger for prioritizing hislong-term health and deeply respect the courage it takes to make such apersonal decision.”

It said Woods “has shared with us” that he will not be captain.

Woods also turneddown an offer to be RyderCup captain last time, waiting until the early summer of 2024 to tell the PGA of America thathedid nothavethe time. That ledtoKeegan Bradley being selected just over ayearbeforethe 2025 matches on New York’sLong Island, which Europewon

The Associated Press reported in February that the PGAof America set asoft deadline for the end of March for Woods to decide so the process would not drag on.

The PGAofAmerica said in its statement that it would share further updates “when appropriate.”

The AP reported Saturday that the Ryder Cup committee had a plan in place should it not work outwith Woods—a short list of as manyasfour candidates. Whatever discussions and interviews take place likely would wait until after the Masters.

Threeplayers on the Ryder Cup committee —Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth and Bradley —are playing in the Masters, the first major of the year

BY GRETCHEN McKAY

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (TNS)

Recipes, ä KeyLime Pie ä Curried Chicken Hand Pies 2D

Spring into color andtaste with GreenGoddess Dip, Truffled DeviledEggsand PennePasta

Passover and Easter are both on thecalendar this week. These holidays are significant religious celebrations that call for cooking and eatingwith friends and family.Because of these rites of spring grocery store shelves are stocked with everything from matzah (unleavened bread) to egg decorating kits. April in Louisianabrings with it seasonal producelike radishes, carrots, springonions, leeks and leafy greens. As Iperused the shelves, trying to decide what to cook foracelebration of spring at ourhouse, I sawthat the producedepartment had watermelon radishes. These radishes are acooler weather

crop and can be hard to find in summer.They contain avibrant pink color and mild flavor that is less bitter than “regular” small, red-skinnedradishes. Iput acouple of thewatermelon radishes in my basket, along with fresh carrots, cucumbers and tomatoes.Once home, Idecided to makeacrisp crudite plate full of fresh spring vegetables servedwithasimple homemade green goddess dip —a delightful spring appetizer that can be served as part of any holidaymeal. Eggs area symbolofrebirth and renewal, and as such, aperfect choice for Passoverand Easter meals.This year,Imade truffled devil eggs. This recipe sounds fancy,but it is quiteeasy.

Simply mix the yolks of hard boiled eggs with mayonnaise, abit of Dijon mustard and truffleoil to makeatangy rich filling for the egg whites. This is ano-fail use of eggs this holiday season with plentytoshare at acommunal table.

My college-aged daughter Olivia sent me aphotoofabig bowl of pasta, vegetables with acream sauce and said, “Let’smake this during spring break.” Ilove when my kids crave and askfor meals at home. To satisfy this dinner request,I madea dish with penne pasta, chicken sausage, roasted asparagus and tomatoes.Tobind thepasta and vegetables, drizzle acreamy Alfredo saucemade with freshly

ä See SPRING, page 2D

Everyone has different ideas when it comes to the best foods, but one simple truth goes unchallenged: Sweet or savory,served by the slice or folded into asingle-serving turnover,everyone loves pie. And the best part is you don’t even need to be celebrating something special to enjoy it. While a homemade pastry crust can give some cooks pause, there are some tricks to make it easier First, start with very cold butter.Then, be careful not to overwork the dough with your fingers (overworking it will makethe crust tough) and don’tforget to let the dough rest in the fridge forabit before rolling so it’s relaxed when it hits the oven. Otherwise, you won’t achieve those flaky layers that make pie such adelight. Agraham cracker crust is even easier.You need just three ingredients and afork to stir it together Because it can be so hard to makeupyour mind when it comes to pie, we have tworecipes to choose from: asavory, grab-and-go chicken curry hand pie madewith apastry crust, and atart-sweet key limepie that marries acreamy, citrusy filling with arich and buttery graham cracker crust. The hand pie can be served either hot from the oven or at room temperature with an optional yogurt- or chutney-based dipping sauce. The key lime pie should be refrigerated for at least three hours to ensure it’sproperly set before slicing. Celebrationornot, enjoythese 2easy-to-make pies, onesweet and theother savory

Adoboand otherFilipinocuisine highlights complexities of vinegar

SONO MOTOYAMA

BY

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (TNS)

Elected “ingredient of the year” by TheNew York Times, vinegar can have manyuses andpersonalities

plantations, and sugarcane remains an economically significant crop in the country Cane vinegar is the mostcommon type used. For their condiment or

By The Associated Press

Today is Thursday, April 2, the 92nd day of 2026. There are 273 days left in the year

Today in history: On April 2, 2005, John Paul II, the Polish pope born Karol Józef Wojtyła, died in his Vatican apartment at age 84. The first non-Italian pope in over 450 years, John Paul II became one of the most influential leaders of the late 20th and early 21st centuries while

playing a crucial role in the fall of communism in Europe and the former Soviet Union.

Also on this date: In 1792, Congress passed the Coinage Act, which authorized establishment of the U.S. Mint.

In 1865, Confederate President Jefferson Davis and most of his Cabinet fled the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia, after Union troops broke through Confederate lines in the Third Battle of Petersburg.

Traditional Chicken Adobo sa Gata Serves 4-6. Recipe is by Kimberley Ashlee Haugh.

2-2½ pounds chicken (bone-in thighs, drumsticks or mixed)

1 whole head garlic, cloves smashed

¼ cup soy sauce

1⁄3 cup cane vinegar (or white vinegar), divided

1 or 2 tablespoons neutral oil

2 or 3 dried bay leaves

1½ teaspoons whole black peppercorns, lightly crushed ½ cup water

1 cup coconut milk (first press, if available) OPTIONAL (REGIONAL):

2 or 3 Thai chiles (common in the Bicol region)

1 small onion, sliced (not always traditional but common in home kitchens)

1. Combine chicken, garlic, soy sauce and half the vinegar Marinate 30 minutes to 2 hours (or cook immediately — both are authentic).

VINEGAR

Continued from page 1D

sauce, soy sauce, garlic, peppercorns, onion and chiles are also common components. Personal condiments are used to adapt all types of dishes but especially seafood. They can be a dipping sauce for crab, for instance, or fried fish or pork.

‘The original fusion cuisine’ Filipino cooking integrates influences from Chinese, Spanish, Indo-Malay and American cultures. However adobo considered the unofficial Filipino national dish, is uniquely Filipino and has indigenous roots. Although

2. Heat oil in a heavy pot over medium heat.

3. Remove chicken from marinade and brown on all sides. Add garlic from marinade and saute until fragrant. Pour in marinade remaining vinegar, bay leaves, peppercorns and water

4. Do not stir for the first 5 minutes — this allows the vinegar to mellow Simmer uncovered 20-25 minutes until chicken is tender and sauce reduces.

5. Lower heat and stir in coconut milk. Simmer gently 10-15 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the chicken. Taste and adjust saltiness with a splash of soy or water not sugar Optional: Let oil slightly separate for a richer, traditional finish.

6. Remove bay leaves before serving

the name comes from the Spanish world adobar meaning “to marinate,” the dish — chicken or pork braised in vinegar predates the arrival of Spanish colonizers. With cooking, vinegar’s sharpness mellows.

Cane vinegar is most commonly used for adobo, as well as for a dish called paksiw, fish or pork cooked in a sour and savory broth containing vinegar Coconut vinegar — which can be made from fermented coconut juice, sap or blossoms is used often in the southern Philippines.

Cane or coconut vinegar is used to make a Filipino ceviche, called kinilaw; fish is “cooked” in vinegar rather than Latin-style citrus. It is often mixed with calamansi, ginger, chile and coconut milk.

Truffled Deviled Eggs

Serves 12. Recipe adapted from Rommel’s Catering

or

PHOTO By LIZ FAUL Truffled Deviled Eggs

1. Depending on the size of the pot, you may need to boil the eggs in batches. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. When the water boils, carefully add the eggs in a single layer Let the eggs boil gently for 12 minutes to avoid cracking. This sets the yolks and provides a creamy texture.

2. While the eggs are boiling,

SPRING

Continued from page 1D

In 1917, President Woodrow Wilson asked Congress to declare war against Germany, saying, “The world must be made safe for democracy.” (Congress declared war four days later.)

In 1992, mob boss John Gotti was convicted in New York of murder and racketeering; he was later sentenced to life in prison without parole. (Gotti died in prison in 2002.)

In 2007, in its first case on climate change, the U.S. Supreme

Makes 1 pie. Recipe is by Gretchen

Court, in Massachusetts v. Environmental Protection Agency ruled 5-4 that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases were air pollutants under the Clean Air Act.

In 2014, a soldier opened fire on fellow service members at Fort Hood in Texas, killing three people and wounding 16 others before taking his own life. (More than a dozen people were killed at the same base in a 2009 attack by an Army major and psychiatrist who was sentenced to death in

2013 for the shootings.)

prepare an ice bath by adding ice and water to a large bowl. Once the eggs are finished boiling, remove them with a large slotted spoon and transfer the eggs to the ice bath. Let them sit in the ice for about 15 minutes Then peel the eggs.

3. Slice the hard boiled eggs in half and carefully remove the yolks into the bowl of a food processor Add the mayonnaise, mustard, truffle oil, salt and pepper to the bowl. Blend the egg yolk mixture together until creamy and smooth.

4. Fill the holes in the egg whites with the truffled egg yolk mixture Garnish each egg with fresh thyme leaves, chives or parsley

dess recipe is easy and better than the store-bought alternative. Likewise, an Alfredo

with a curdled texture. Alfredo sauce has a decadent amount of heavy cream and butter that gives this one dish meal a flavor boost worthy of sharing this holiday weekend.

end up waiting longer for it to cool to room

than it takes to mix and bake it. It can be topped with homemade or canned whipped cream.

FOR CRUST:

9 graham crackers, crushed into crumbs (about 1½ cups)

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled

3 tablespoons sugar

½ teaspoon salt FOR FILLING:

½ cup lime juice

1 tablespoon grated lime zest, plus more for garnish

1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

3 large egg yolks FOR TOPPING: Homemade or canned whipped cream Fresh lime zest

1. Preheat oven to 375 F.

2. Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar and salt in a medium bowl; mix well.

3. Press into a 9-inch glass pie plate, and bake until lightly browned, about 12 minutes. Remove from oven and transfer to a wire rack until completely cooled.

4. Reduce oven to 325 F.

5. Prepare filling: In a medium bowl, gently whisk together con-

densed milk, egg yolks, lime juice and zest. Pour into the prepared, cooled crust. 6. Return pie to oven, and bake until the center is set but still quivers when the pan is nudged, 15-17

minutes. Let cool completely on a wire rack.

7. Spoon whipped cream over cooled pie or pipe it around the edges. Garnish with lime zest and cut into slices.

Curried Chicken Hand Pies

Makes 6 hand pies. Recipe is by Gretchen McKay, Post-Gazette. Hand pies are a great option for a desk lunch and a casual dinner because they’re fun to eat and can be customized with any filling — often leftovers. These are packed with a (slightly) spicy chicken curry made with boneless, skinless chicken thigh. For perfect circles, start with dough balls patted into a smooth-edged round, and move the dough, not your rolling pin. It also helps to use an upside-down bowl as a guide.

all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)

large potato, peeled and cut into small chunks

1 cup chicken stock Generous pinch of salt Egg wash, for glazing hand pies

1. Prepare crust: In a food processor, pulse flour and salt. Add butter a couple of pieces at a time, pulsing until mixture resembles

coarse meal, with a few pea-size pieces remaining.

2. Add water, pulsing until dough is crumbly but holds together when squeezed. If necessary add up to 2 tablespoons water; I added an additional ½ tablespoon.

3. Divide dough into 2 disks, wrap each in plastic and refrigerate at least 1 hour (or up to 2 days).

4. While dough is chilling, prepare filling. In a large pan, heat oil until sizzling. Add onions and fry over medium heat for 10 minutes, or until slightly browned.

5. Add garlic, ginger and carrot, and cook for 1 or 2 minutes while stirring. Add garam masala, cumin, turmeric and coriander, followed by flour and stir to combine. Cook until the spices start to smell aromatic, about 1 minute.

6. Add cubed chicken thigh and potatoes, and stir well to coat the chicken with the spice mixture. Gradually add chicken stock and a pinch of salt. Bring to simmer and cover with a lid, let it cook for 15 minutes. Remove from stove and allow to cool.

7. When ready to make pies, di-

vide chilled dough into 6 equal, smaller pieces. Shape each piece into a ball.

8. Preheat oven to 375 F.

9. Working with 1 piece of dough at a time, roll each ball into a 4or 5-inch disc that’s about ½ inch thick. (For a perfect circle, it helps to use a bowl as a guide.) Brush the bottom crust with an egg wash before adding filling.

10. Spoon about ¼ cup of filling on half of the dough circle, and use a pastry brush to dampen the edges with water

11. Fold dough over to create a half circle, and press edges together firmly with a fork that’s been dipped into flour (to keep from sticking) or crimp by hand to prevent leakage. Cut 1 or 2 openings in the top with a butter knife to allow steam to escape.

12. Brush tops with beaten egg, and bake pies in a preheated oven for around 20 minutes, or until golden brown and the pastry is cooked underneath.

13. Remove to a cooling rack and allow to cool slightly before serving.

Penne Pasta with Italian Sausage, Roasted Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes

Serves 4-6. Recipe is by Liz Faul.

ALFREDO SAUCE:

1. For the Alfredo sauce: In a sauce pan, over low heat, melt the butter while stirring slowly. Then add the minced garlic and stir Pour in the heavy cream and stir the butter, garlic and cream together over medium-low heat. Be careful not to overheat and curdle the sauce. Stir in the lemon juice. Then add the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt, pepper and a pinch of nutmeg.

2. In a large pot of boiling water, cook the penne pasta according to package directions, usually about 8 minutes. Then drain into a colander

4. Meanwhile, add olive oil to a pan and heat to medium heat; add the sliced sausage and sauté the sausage until it’s browned on both sides. This will take about 15 minutes. If the sausage renders a lot of fat, consider transferring the cooked sausage to a plate that is lined with a paper towel to absorb some of the fat before adding it to the pasta.

5. In a large pasta bowl, add the cooked pasta, cooked sausage, roasted vegetables and stir together Then pour the prepared Alfredo sauce over the pasta dish. With two large spoons, stir so the sauce evenly coats the pasta, sausage and vegetable. Garnish with the chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.

3. Preheat the oven to 400 F, then prepare baking sheet with parchment paper Snap the hard woody ends of the asparagus and cut each stalk into thirds. Cut each cherry tomato in half. Spread the asparagus and cherry tomatoes evenly on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle the vegetables with olive oil, salt and pepper Place the baking tray with asparagus and tomatoes in the oven and bake them for about 20 minutes.

Green Goddess Dressing

ARIES (March 21-April 19) Calm down, think matters through and refuse to agree to something you know little about. Research is necessary before you trust someone to act or speak on your behalf.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Change only what's necessary, regardless of the temptations and weak moments that leave you vulnerable. Avoid taking on more than you can handle. Avoid indulgence.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) It's time to hit the reset button and get back on track. Whether you've neglected yourself or your responsibilities, you can turn things around with smart choices and responsible actions.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) An open discussion will mend a misunderstanding or encourage you and those you talk with to have a concise view of what's possible. Refuse to let negativity lead the way.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) Consider changing direction. Discover what's available and start the process to reinvent or restructure your life to suit your needs. Don't limit yourself when it's up to you to march forward with enthusiasm.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Education will change your life for the better. Check out courses, skills and pastimes that you may be able to turn into a profit.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Letting go is essential; wasting time on things you cannot change will help no one. Make

your initiative crystal clear, and open doors that lead to a healthy, efficient lifestyle.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) Stand up and be counted, and you'll expand your interests and friendships. Refuse to adopt someone else's dream over your own. Know when to give it your wall and when to exercise restraint.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) You can extend a helping hand, but you should be wary of people trying to take advantage of your generosity. Put your energy into home improvement, earning your living and managing your finances.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Partnerships that keep you on track and accountable are the backbone to your survival and success. Refuse to let emotional situations lead to poor choices.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) It's all about how you handle your responsibilities, money and contracts today. Refuse to be a follower. Show diversity and discipline, and deliver what you promise, and rewards will follow.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) Explore the possibilities. Stand up and be counted. Use the power of your voice to make a difference. Don't sit alone when feedback is what you need to move forward.

The horoscope, an entertainment feature, is not based on scientific fact. © 2026 by nEa, inc., dist. By andrews mcmeel syndication

Sudoku

InstructIons: sudoku is anumber-placing puzzle based on a9x9 grid with several given numbers. Theobject is to place the numbers 1to9 in the empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once. Thedifficulty level of thesudoku increases from monday to sunday.

Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer

Bridge

BY PHILLIP ALDER

George Bernard Shaw said, “I never resist temptation, because Ihave found that things that are bad for me do not tempt me.”

At the bridge table, though, it can be difficult to recognize bids and plays thatwill prove to be bad for you. In this deal, forexample, defending against a contract of four spades, West leads the club ace: three, two, eight.What should he do next?

The auction was straightforward. North made athree-spade game-invitational limit raise, showing10-12 support points (high-card points plus shortage points, not thathehad any of those here) and eight losers (onespade, one heart, three diamonds and three clubs).South had an easy raise to game.

One of themost irresistible temptations fora defender is to casha winner. Here,less experienced players would take the club king at trick two, then look around for inspiration. But declarer would be in clover, losingonlytwo clubs and one heart

Instead,Westshouldtrusthispartner’s trick-one signal. Eastdropped the two, hislowest card being discouraging. (If you and yourpartner use upside-down signals,Eastshouldplaythenineattrick one.)Thisdenies thequeen (unlesshe has exactly queen-two-doubleton, which is veryunlikely). So West shouldshift at trick two, hoping his partner can get on lead early enough to pushaclubthrough South.

Here, any lead other than aspade at trick two defeats the contract, assuming Eastleadsaclubwhenhegetsinwithhis heartace.

©2026 by nEa,inc., dist. By andrews mcmeel syndication

Each Wuzzle is awordriddlewhich creates adisguised word, phrase, name, place, saying, etc. For example: nOOn gOOD =gOOD aFTErnOOn

Previous answers:

word game

InstRuctIons: 1. Words must be of fourormore letters. 2. Words that acquire fourletters by the addition of “s,”such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed.3 additional words made by adding a“d” or an “s” may not be used. 4. proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit wordsare not allowed toDAY’s WoRD MEDIAn: MEE-dee-in: Avalue forwhich there is an equal number of values above and below.

Average mark20words Timelimit 30 minutes

Can you find 27 or morewords in MEDIAN?

YEstERDAY’s WoRD —IncIsIVEnEss

nine nisei cense scene seen seine sense seven sieve since sine vein vice vine vise envies even evince

dIrectIons: make a 2- to 7-letter word from the letters in each row. add points of each word, using scoring directions at right. Finally, 7-letter words get 50-point bonus. “Blanks” used as any letter have no point value. all the words are in the Official sCraBBlE® players Dictionary, 5th Edition.

Puzzle Answer ken ken

InstructIons: 1 Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 thorugh 4 (easy) or 1 through 6 (challenging) without repeating. 2 The numbers within the heavily outlined boxes, called cages, must combine using the given operation (in any order) to produce the target numbers in the top-left corners. 3 Freebies: Fill in the single-box cages with the number in the top-left corner. HErE is a

WiShinG Well

sion, andaccording to a planofsaidsubdivision byB.L.Carter, C.E.,dated January 5, 1979, revised April 9, 1979, andDecem‐ber 5, 1979, recorded in COB 767, folio 61 of the ConveyanceRecords of Orleans Parish Louisiana,saidlot is des‐ignated as LotNo. 37, in SquareB,SquareB is bounded by LouisPrima Drive West,Louis Prima Drive East,and lake For‐est Boulevard. According tothe aforesaid plan saidlot hasthe following location, situationand

/nolalibrary @nolalibrary

Main Library

219 Loyola Avenue (504) 596-2570

Algiers Regional Library

3014 Holiday Drive (504) 596-2641

Alvar Library 913 AlvarStreet (504) 596-2667

Central City Library

2020 Jackson Avenue,Suite 139 (504) 596-3110

Children’s ResourceCenterLibrary 913 Napoleon Avenue (504) 596-2628

Desire /FloridaSatelliteLocation 3250 Industry Street

East New Orleans Regional Library 5641 Read Boulevard (504) 596-0200

Cita Dennis Hubbell Library 725 Pelican Avenue (504) 596-3113

Rosa F. Keller Library and Community Center

4300 South Broad Avenue (504) 596-2660

Dr.Martin Luther King, Jr.Library 1611 Fats Domino Avenue (504) 596-2695

Milton H. Latter Memorial Library 5120 Saint Charles Avenue (504) 596-2625

Norman Mayer Library 3001 GentillyBoulevard (504) 596-3100

Mid-City Library 4140 CanalStreet (504) 596-2654

Nora Navra Library 1902 Saint Bernard Avenue (504) 596-3118

Nix Library 1401 SouthCarrollton Avenue (504) 596-2630

REACH Center

2022 St.Bernard Avenue,Building C (504) 256-6983

Robert E. Smith Library 6301 Canal Boulevard (504) 596-2638

EARLY LITERACY EVENTS

The NewOrleans Public offers storytimes for children birth to age 5and playt ages2–5atall of our Visitnolalibrary.org/early-literacy more information

AROUND THEWOR IN 80 BOOKS

Celebrate International Book Day with atrip around world. Explore different cultures through storytim activities. For children their families.

Thursday,April 2 from 10:30am –11:30a Rosa F. Keller Library &Community Center

MUSIC ANDMOVEM

Dance,wiggle,and stre music and movement to eracy skills. This program children ages 2–5and

Friday, April 10 from 4pm –4:30pm NoraNavraLibrary

LPOMUSICAL STOR

LPO’sMusical Story Hour amusician fromthe Lo harmonicOrchestra who alongside the reading children’s book. This mo Alan Tolbertwill accom of Dr.Seuss’s Oh, The Pla

Saturday, April 11 from 10:30am –11am Milton H. Latter Memor

BLUE HOUSE MUSIC

Explore natural connectio language and music throug and storytelling during early literacy worksho

Saturday,April 11 from10:30am –11am

Dr.Martin Luther King, Jr.Library

Books &Breakfast

with Kids Author

Vaunda Micheaux Nelson and Civil Rightspioneer

Dr.Leona Tate

Meet picture book author Vaunda Nelson and Civil Rightspioneer Dr.Leona Tate for abook talk & signing, plus lightbreakfast. Families will receive their own copy of SmallShoes, GreatStrides.

Saturday, April 18 from 10:30am –12pm Rosa F. Keller Library &Community Center

Register at nolalibrary.co/vaunda-nelson to help us plan supplies.

FRENCH AND KREYÒL KONEKSYON FORSUCCESS

Free French and Haitian Kreyòl classes for children and teenagers. Koufranse ak kreyòl ayisyèngratis pou timoun ak jèn jan.

Register at nolalibrary.co/kreyol.

Saturday,April 4

from 10:30am –11:30am Algiers Regional Library

COMMUNITY ARTMAKING BY WHOLE VILLAGEART THERAPY

Makeart and enjoy community at this event where all are welcome.Drop-in between 12 pm and 4pm. All art materials are provided.

Saturday,April 11 from 12pm–4pm Nora Navra Library

CATURDAY

CATMEET& GREETBYLOUISIANASPCA WITH THEMED CRAFTS

Louisiana SPCAcats andkittensare headed to the Library. Kids and families can meet these fluffyvisitors, craft toys to go back with them to the shelter, and leave with an animal themed book.

Saturday,April11 from 2pm –3:30pm Cita Dennis Hubbell Library

DIVERSIÓNBILINGÜE EN FAMILIA /BILINGUAL

FAMILYFUN TIME

Tiempo para pasar juntos en familia. Actividades gratuitas queincluyen merienda ylibrosderegalo

Hang out time for Spanish-speaking/ bilingual families with free activities, snacks, and books.

Register at nolalibrary.co/diversion-bilingue to help us plan supplies.

THEME: Día de Juegos /Game Day

Wednesday,April 15 from5pm –6:30pm Central City Library

STEAMCLUB HOMESCHOOLEDITION

Amorning edition of the Library’s STEAM club,specially forhomeschool families. The HomeschoolEditionwill be longer and highlight resources for Homeschool families on the themeof the session.

Register at nolalibrary.co/steam-homeschool.

Wednesday,April 29

from 10:30am –12:00pm Rosa F. Keller Library &Community Center

TEEN&TWEEN EVENTS

TEEN VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION

Interested in volunteering at theLibrary? Volunteering for the first time in awhile? Our monthly virtual orientation session shares everything you need to know Register at nolalibrary.co/orientation.

Monday,April 6 from 4:30pm –5:30pm

TEEN VOLUNTEER DAY

Serve your community,becreative,socialize,and earn service-learning hours. Teen Volunteer Day is opentoteens ages 14 –18.

Register at nolalibrary.co/teen-volunteer-day

Tuesday,April 7from4pm –6pm Mid-City Library

Tuesday,April 14 from4pm –6pm MiltonH.Latter Memorial Library

Wednesday,April 15 from 4pm –6pm Rosa F. Keller Library &CommunityCenter

Tuesday,April 28 from 4pm –6pm Algiers Regional Library

EXPRESSYOURSELF! MONTHLY TRANS& QUEER TEEN HANGOUT WITH THENEW ORLEANS PRIDECENTER

Enjoy games, activities, and pizza each monthatthis drop-in eventfor teens ages 11 -18. This month’stheme is Blackout &Bloom: Celebrating the Earth & Poetry.April is atime to honor the Earth and celebrate influential poets such as Maya Angelou, Edgar Allan Poe, Pablo Neruda, Nikki Giovanni, and E.E. Cummings. Let’sreconnect with our creativity by upcycling these masters’worksinto our ownliterary pieces through Blackout Poetry bookmark making.

Registeratnolalibrary.co/express-yourself to help us plan supplies.

Thursday,April 9 from 4:30pm –5:30pm Main Library

TEEN DROP-IN

Hang out, playgames, makeart, learn a new hobby,orexplorenew tech at this programfor teens ages 11 –18.

Register at nolalibrary.co/teen-drop-in to help us plan supplies.

THEME: Shadow Puppet Animation Workshop With NOCCAInstructor Zoe Zollinger

Thursday,April 16 from 4:30pm –6:30pm Robert E. Smith Library

THEME: DIY Seed Bombs Tuesday,April 21 from 4pm– 5pm Mid-City Library

ROBOTICS WORKSHOP FORTWEENS WITH JESUITROBOTICS

Design and programrobots to create a new and exciting city.Open to tweens ages 9– 12.

Register at nolalibrary.co/robotics.

Saturday,April 25 from 2pm –4pm Robert E. Smith Library

SWEETNEW ORLEANS CLASSICSFOR TWEENS WITH DELGADO CULINARYARTSCHEF TASHEENABUTLER

Craft two iconic New Orleans desserts. Master the buttery crunchofclassic pralinesand the dramaticflairof flaming bananas fosterinthisfun, hands-on class.

Register at nolalibrary.co/sweet-classics

Saturday,April 25 from 10:30am –12pm Rosa F. Keller Library &Community Center

ADULT EVENTS

BRINGINGBIRDS INTO YOUR BACKYARD

WITH MASTER GARDENER

MARIEANNE ARATA

Learn how to attract native and migrating birdsinto your yard.Growshrubs for nesting, and use seeds,flowers,and berries to keep the birds coming back for more

Thursday,April 2 from 1pm –2pm Nora Navra Library

GETMOREOUT OF YOUR LIBRARYCARD:

MUSIC AND MEDIA

Movies, music, magazines,and media education are all available free from your Library! Learnhow you can accessmedia resources using your Library card.

Tuesday,April 7 from 2pm –3pm Nix Library

Wednesday,April 29 from 10:30am –11:30am Mid-City Library

POETRY NIGHT AT LATTER LIBRARYREADINGS FROM RENEWED

Celebrate National Poetry Month with readings from local poets published in the New Orleans Public Library’sown anthology, RENEWED

Wednesday,April 8

from 5:30pm –6:30pm

Milton H. Latter Memorial Library

FINANCIALLITERACY

PRESENTATION WITH ONPATHFOUNDATION

Build long-term financial stability in real-world, accessible ways. Leave this sessionempowered with foundational moneyskills, including budgeting, credit awareness, and financial goal-setting.

Register at nolalibrary.co/onpath.

Wednesday,April 8 from 5:30pm –6:45pm

Rosa F. Keller Library &Community Center

WRITINGODES

WITH LOUISIANAPOETLAUREATE GINA FERRARA

Odes arepoems of celebrationand close attention often written to praise something or someone,including everyday objects. In thisworkshop,we’ll examine famous odes and write ones of our own. Funding for this Louisiana Poet Laureateprogram has been provided by the State of Louisiana and administered by the Louisiana Endowment for theHumanities.

Monday, April 13 from 2pm –3pm Nora Navra Library

DIGITALSKILLSCLASSES AT THECITYOFNEW ORLEANS

BOOSTYOUR SKILLSFOR SUCCESS

The Information, Technology and Innovation (ITI) department providesinternet instruction on basic skills for jobseeking, connecting with friends and family, improving job performance,and more.

Register at nolalibrary.co/digital-skills.

Tuesday,April 21 from1pm –3:30pm Thursday, April 23 from 1pm –3:30pm Tuesday,April 28 from 1pm– 3:30pm City Hall (1300 Perdido Street)

EarthDayReminder: RecycleYourGlass at theLibrary WITH GLASSROOTS

Bring your clean glass to recycleit. Glass is turned into sand and cullet for coastal restoration, disaster relief,eco-construction, and more. Glass is only accepted during program hours.

3rd Mondays at Mid-CityLibrary from 4:30pm –6:30pm

3rd Tuesdays at Alvar Library from 4:30pm –6:30pm

3rd Wednesdays at East New Orleans Regional Library from 4:30pm –6:30pm

3rd Thursdays at Algiers Regional Library from 10:30am–12:30pm

3rd Fridays at MiltonH.Latter MemorialLibrary from 10:30am–12:30pm

If locations are closed, pleasedonot drop off glass. To find out if alocationisclosed, visit events.nolalibrary.org.

AUTHOR NIGHT AT HUBBELL LIBRARY: NED RANDOLPH

Using the case study of South Louisiana, Muddy Thinking in the Mississippi River Delta askshow aplace uniquely vulnerable to sea level rise becameone of the nation’s most promiscuous producers and consumers of fossil fuels.

Tuesday,April 21 from 6:30pm –7:30pm Cita Dennis Hubbell Library

DOCUMENTARY SCREENING: EARTHDAYS

Spend Earth Day learning more about the origins of the modern environmental movement by watching Director Robert Stone’s Earth Days with us.

Wednesday,April 22 from 4:30pm–6:30pm Algiers Regional Library

April 2, 2026

Highlights for a boozy tour of Bourbon Street page 4

Johnny Sketch & the

set at Tip’s on Sunday page 10

don’tmiss don’tmiss don’t miss

Easter weekend always meanshittingthe pavement aroundNew Orleans for theannual 10K route from the Caesars Superdome, throughdowntownand the French Quarter and up Esplanade Avenue to City Park.More than 18,000 runners, walkers, strollers andmore have signed up for the race, and officials anticipate another sold-out year. An accompanying free fitness expo will be Thursday and Friday at theHyattRegency on Loyola Avenue. The race starts at 8a.m.Saturday; entry is $75. ccc10k.com.

making spacevi

crescent city classic evenings with enrique jammin’ on julia

Art, culture and music meld on Wednesdays through April at the New OrleansBotanical Gardens in City Park for this free-for-Louisianians program featuringlocal entertainers set against the verdant backdrop of the gardens. Andthe artof Enrique Alferez isa bonus. This week’sevent,starting at 5p.m. at 5Victory Ave., features Cristina Kaminis. neworleanscitypark.org.

Nine local choreographersfeature new works in this salon series at 8p.m.

Friday and Saturday at StudioA,920 Terpsichore St. “TheMemory Lingers,” an installmentcreated by Maya Taylor two yearsago, celebrates dance and dancers in unique spaces. More than 50 professional dancerswillbringthe concepts to life in thehourlongprogram that features avariety of styles from “vogueing” to ballet. Tickets start at $35. simpletix.com.

ABOUTLAGNIAPPE

The Lagniappe section is published each ThursdaybyThe Times-Picayune |The New Orleans Advocate. All inquiries about Lagniappe should be directed to theeditor.

LAGNIAPPE EDITOR: Lauren Walck, lauren.walck@theadvocate.com

COVER DESIGN: Andrea Daniel

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Victor Andrews, Kasey Bubnash, Dean M. Shapiro, Keith Spera

GETLISTEDIN LAGNIAPPE

Submitevents to Lagniappe at leasttwo weeks in advance by sending an email to events@ theadvocate.com.

ON THECOVER

Three parades areset for the French Quarter on Sunday in celebration of Easter.Photo by Scott Threlkeld. Story by Victor AndrewsonPage 6.

Stroll through the Warehouse District from 5p.m. to 9p.m. Saturday for “a Spring art walk +music festival hybrid event” coordinated by the ArtsDistrict New Orleans around many of the new installations and openings at galleries in the 300 to 600 blocks of Julia Street, as well as in the immediate surrounding area, and the Contemporary Arts Center and the Ogden Museum. arttsdistrictneworleans.com.

norman rockwell dinner nner

OneofAmerica’smost recognized and popular visual artists is the subject of the next Dinner With ACurator at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at The National WWIIMuseum. Chrissy Gregg, associate vice president of education at the museum, will discuss Rockwell’simpact on patriotism and the art world. The event features athree-course, themed dinner.Tickets start at $77. nationalww2museum.org.

shopping shopping shopping

Uptown kitchen shop expands into new space

(Inside owner’s home)

BY KASEY BUBNASH Staff writer

A lot of people started working from home in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, but for Betsy Lindell, that was always the plan. It’s just that she had to move an entire kitchen supply store into her house to do it.

Seasoned, a secondhand cookware store that deals in restored 20th-century cast-iron skillets, vintage Pyrex and the rolling pins somebody’s late grandma left behind, has had several different homes over the course of its 11-year life span. With the store’s latest move to 3814 Dryades St., 75% of them have been on the same city block in the Milan neighborhood.

The newest location also just happens to be inside Lindell’s home.

“I wanted the store here and envisioned the store in this space,” Lindell said recently as she wandered through the renovated space. “It’s definitely a dream for me — a dream realized.”

When Lindell’s sister first opened Seasoned in 2014, it was below a barber shop in a multi-use building on North Broad Street in Mid-City.

A professional cook and then-new mom, Lindell’s sister hit estate and garage sales in search of supplies for the kitchen and parenthood. She found more than she could have imagined, realizing that New Orleans and its surrounding suburbs have an incredible wealth of high-quality cookware, much of it passed down for generations, with nowhere to go.

But Lindell said her sister wanted the store to feel approachable, carrying

stock pots, cake pans, wooden spoons and other supplies that people wouldn’t be afraid to use.

“It wasn’t just an antique store,” Lindell said. “It was always meant to be a supply shop.”

Lindell took over when her sister left New Orleans, and Seasoned moved into the building that houses Mosquito Supper Club, 3824 Dryades St This was back when Mosquito Supper Club was just starting off, she said, and the nowrenowned restaurant, store and Levee Baking Co. all shared the space.

As all three businesses grew, Seasoned found a new rental right next door in a tiny shop on the corner of Dryades and General Taylor Street. It was so small that Lindell wasn’t sure it would work at first, but she added shelving and tables, covering nearly every available surface with plates and bowls and appliances. Pots and pans hung from the ceiling and cookie cutters and measuring cups were stuffed into drawers.

That’s where Seasoned remained until this February.

Still, plans for a slightly larger, slightly elevated spot for the store have been in motion for the past six years, ever since Lindell bought the multifamily house on the opposite side of Mosquito Supper Club. It was a fixer-upper when Lindell got her hands on it, and she always envisioned putting the store in the ground-floor unit the old-fashioned way

One of the first things she did after purchasing the house was to install a commercial doorway

“This is just a little bit bigger, but it does feel more expansive. The idea in this space was that we would create walkways where people didn’t feel like they would knock something over or something was falling on them,” Lindell said, laughing.

Colorful open shelving and sturdy wooden tables are strategically placed throughout the store, all holding countless timeless treasures.

She also hopes there will be more room for the business to grow in this space, with plans to expand the shop’s online sales and potential for small cooking classes or demonstrations. She’s still mulling over the possibilities

with her customers and employees. “Every person that’s worked here has added something to the vision,” she said. “It’s very much a shared vision now that is part of the community, and

Betsy Lindell finally realized her vision when she moved her growing shop Seasoned into her home on Dryades Street in New Orleans.

By CHRIS GRANGER

I’m informed by how people want the store to be.”

Email Kasey Bubnash at kasey. bubnash@theadvocate.com.

shiftintoneutrals

food food food

BO OZ E CR UIS E

A TOUR OF 5 INFAMOUS BOURBON STREET DRINKS

BY KASEY BUBNASH Staff writer

Wol

fing down a Lucky Dog on the corner of Bourbon and Toulouse streets. Stumbling up to the darkened Laffite’s Blacksmith Shop in search of one last frozen drink Sipping a hurricane in the Pat O’Brien’s courtyard between drags of a Capri Slim bummed off a group of tourists.

No, these aren’t the blurry memories from my first visit to New Orleans, though they do resemble them. This is research, damn it, and I did it for you.

If you, like me, are over the age of 30 and therefore avoid sugary drinks like the plague, then we both know it can feel like a burden when friends and family in town for Jazz Fest or the holidays excitedly announce that they want “at least one night on Bourbon Street, just to see it” or “just one daiquiri” because “when in Rome, right?”

So if you’re tired of explaining, guiding and Googling for your visitors, allow me to do the work for you

Guided by Louisiana native and breaking news editor Julia Guilbeau, I hit the iconic thoroughfare just before sunset on March 12 to try five of the Crescent City’s most infamous drinks.

I set out to compare their prices, flavors and abilities of intoxication, if you will, while Julia offered captivating local Cajun factoids like “the daiquiri shop by my house doesn’t have electric lemonade” and “my tummy hurts.”

Spoiler alert: The drinks were all just as sweet as they look and cost more than $13 after tax. But, hey, they got the job done. More than done, really. They clocked overtime.

rice? Apparently, an Absinthe Frappe ($15.60).

I’d never heard of this drink until I started planning this very important news article, but when the internet told me it was a must-try, I had to admit I was envisioning some kind of frozen drink/coffee crossover

This was none of that, though it was served ice cold on the rocks by a roaring fire at the centuries-old Old Absinthe House, where the drink was supposedly invented in 1874.

So what’s in an absinthe frappe?

Recipes for famed cocktail generally include absinthe, simple syrup, ice and chilled club soda — shaken. Appar-

ABOVE: Like so many tourists before her, Kasey Bubnash walks along Bourbon Street with a Hand Grenade.

STAFF PHOTO By JULIA GUILBEAU

LEFT: Julia Guilbeau enjoys a Hurricane in the Pat O’Brien’s courtyard.

STAFF PHOTO By KASEy BUBNASH

ently, there’s some kind of scientific interaction between the absinthe, soda and ice that gives the drink its creamy texture.

Unfortunately, I’m not a licorice person and neither is Julia. Absinthe aficionados out there will probably say it’s a different flavor profile entirely, that absinthe isn’t distilled with licorice root but rather with herbs like anise seed, wormwood and fennel, blah blah blah. But Julia and I both agree that fennel, licorice and the absinthe frappe all taste pretty much the same.

Still, a few sips in, as we grew accustomed to the drink’s unusual color,

flavor and texture, we grew to appreciate what Julia aptly described as its “medicinal” quality

It certainly wasn’t my favorite drink of the night, but it has the most spirit. It’s unlike anything else you’ll have on Bourbon.

Rue Bourbon Daiquiri

Fat Tuesday, 418 Bourbon St.

To Julia, who was raised among the drive-thru daiquiri and crawfish shops of Lafayette, frozen drinks are second nature, as customary as water. And she has strong feelings about the vast breadth of flavor options.

Julia informs me there’s some kind of rivalry in the South among fans of the hypnotic chill and electric lemonade daiquiris. She’s team lemonade.

So, faced with the many churning slushy machines at Fat Tuesday, we decided to split a small electric lemonade ($14.43) and take it to go.

Served in a humble Styrofoam cup with two straws, the drink isn’t much to look at. But it’s the perfect partner for perusing the streets of the French Quarter on a hot summer day. Featuring rum with blue raspberry and lemonade flavoring, the daiquiri reminded me of a Taco Bell Baja Blast in both color and flavor, minus a little bit of the Baja and a little more blast.

Julia was right — it was delicious. And it paired perfectly with a Lucky Dog, which we enjoyed buzzed on the street outside Tropical Isle as God intended.

Rue Bourbon Hand Grenade

Tropical Isle, 610 Bourbon St.

Advertised as New Orleans’ most powerful drink and served in a cup with a menacing stare and jarring

food food food

color, Tropical Isle’s Hand Grenade ($14) scared me the most. Even its name is a reference to war

But it turns out there was nothing to fear

The bartender at Tropical Isle pumped the drink through a soda gun straight into its iconic cup over crushed ice. You can get it frozen or on the rocks, and in need of a warm-up after the daiquiri, we took it on the rocks. The finishing touches were two extra-long straws and what I thought was a lime wedge. It turned out to be another mini grenade.

While the full recipe is a secret, the Hand Grenade contains some mixture of liqueurs and melon flavoring and was definitely among the sweetest drinks we tried. My hands were sticky later when I tossed the empty cup into a trash can.

The drink had a distinct watermelon flavor, and Julia and I were both shocked to find that I could hardly taste the alcohol — Hand Grenades are, after all, rumored to contain as many as four shots. But, oh boy, did we feel it.

Pat O’Brien’s, 624 Bourbon St.

Three drinks deep and the plot was admittedly getting a little lost. By this point, the sun was setting, the air was cool and the night was young.

Could there be any better time to stumble into the courtyard at Pat O’Brien’s?

We were promptly seated and served a beautiful, tall, red Hurricane ($13.50), topped with maraschino cherries and a slice of orange. At the center of the courtyard, a waiter was helping a tourist light the flaming water fountain, and a group of women nearby graciously gifted us a cigarette.

Maybe it was the delightful atmosphere or the warm, fuzzy feeling setting in from the drinks prior, but this was my favorite stop of the night.

Featuring rum, fruit juice and grenadine, the Hurricane was nearly as

sweet as the Hand Brenade, but the sour citrus cut through the sugar, helping it go down easy A little too easy

Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar, 941 Bourbon St.

Stomach aches and stupor had fully set in by the time we made it to the other end of Bourbon Street and the darkened door of Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, but we felt we had to do our newspaper proud and finish strong.

I drank a lot of liquid Motrin as a kid and, to me, the Purple Drank ($19.76) tastes exactly like grape-flavored medicine. But given the name and its Styrofoam vessel, I imagine that’s kind of the point.

This recipe is another closely guarded secret, but owner Joe Licciardi has previously hinted that it contains a mixture of Everclear and bourbon.

Julia loved it, likening the flavor to that of a delicious purple Skittle. A boozy Skittle that costs nearly $20. No matter what you’re sipping on, nothing beats sitting outside the historic Lafitte’s, watching the sun set and enjoying the quiet side of Bourbon. The hangovers the next morning were serious, but the fun was worth it.

events events events

HOPTOTHE FRENCH QUARTER

FOREASTERPARADES

Bun-anza -anz on temps

BY VICTORANDREWS Staff writer

The Crescent City experiences asort of resurrection from theausterity of Lent following the bacchanalian festivities of Carnival.

But this is New Orleansand we have to promenade, poseand perambulate somewhere on Easterweekend.Most Christian churches will be holding special services (some at sunrise), and brunches will be plentifuland potent at various locations throughout thegreater metro area.

For those who need aparade fix, however,there are three optionsonSunday in the FrenchQuarteralone, each with aunique flavor and spirit. Expect to see more hats and headgear than at Royal Ascot, ranging from couture tocomedic.

Riders greet the crowd in the 2019 GayEaster Parade, clockwise from above,the 2024 French Quarter Easter Parade and the 2023 HistoricFrench Quarter Easter Parade, all in the French Quarter

GAYEASTERPARADE

Starts at 4p.m. Armstrong Park, corner of North Rampartand St. Ann streets; gayeasterparade.com

A fixture in the French Quarter since 2000, this parade sponsored by Ambush Magazine marks its25th annual roll through thestreets.

Billed as “a fun way to showcase the fashion and creativity of the entire LGBT community,” parade participants boast an array of attire

andensembles, ranging from spring sartorial splendor to camp costumes. The rolling celebration will feature carriages, convertibles and walkinggroups celebrating the “joie de vivre” of the holiday.

Serving asgrand marshals for the parade will be Jeffrey Palmquist

and Felicia Phillips, both French Quarter residents and title holders in gay Carnival and Southern Decadence.

The parade raises funds for Food forFriends.

For information, visit gayeasterparade.com

GAYEASTER PARADE

4p.m., Sunday, April 5

bunarchy

Abenefitfor the LouisianaSPCA, this adult beverage hunt (read bar crawl) starts at 6p.m. Saturday from Marie’sBar,2483 Burgundy St., in the Marigny.Besuretowear acostume. facebook. com/nolabunarchy.

FRENCH QUARTEREASTERPARADE

Starts at 11 a.m., Omni RoyalOrleansHotel,corner of Royaland St. Louisstreets; fqeasterparade.com.

The 41st annual parade, which pays homage tolegendary entertainer Chris Owens, includes ahat contest, live auction and Champagne brunch to follow

The fun starts at 11 a.m. at the OmniRoyal OrleansHotel at the corner of Royal and St. Louis streets. The contest and auction will get thecrowd going before they roll at 1p.m.

Followingthe parade, which returns to thehotel, the YatPack provides entertainment with abubbly brunch.

Andwhile it used to workits way down Bourbon Street,where Owens’ famous club resided, it now crosses thethoroughfare on itsroute through theFrench Quarter.Organizers are sponsoring “Adopting ACop” to defray the costs of securityalong the route.

HISTORIC FRENCH QUARTEREASTERPARADE

Starts at 9:45 a.m., Muriel’s, corner of Chartresand St. Ann streets

Riders dressed in spring finery will hop on acaravan of horse-drawn carriages and convertible automobiles and head through the Vieux Carre, handing out plush toysand candy-filled eggs.

The parade is the oldest Easter promenade in the city Established seven decades ago by GermainWells, the flamboyant stepdaughter of the founder of Arnaud’s Restaurant.

Arrival at St. Louis Cathedral is expected about 10:45 a.m. forthe 11 a.m. Mass. After church, the participants will head out to Jackson Square forastroll (and a bit of voguing).

stages stages stages

shesaid He said,

Broadway’s ‘Six’ leadslocal theater this week,from ‘LittleWomen’ to ‘Irish Curse’

HaileyAlexis LewisisAnna of Cleves in ‘Six,’coming to the Saenger Theatre.

PROVIDED PHOTOByJOANMARCUS

Victor Andrews

The focus for theatrical endeavors this week takes on a decided gender-specific tone as shows look at a monarch’swives, the struggle of aquartet of sisters duringthe Civil Warand the “curse” affecting Irishmen when the curtains go up on theaters around the New Orleans area

Spring has most definitely sprung.

‘Six’

Music, costumes, lasers, lights and six pop princesses (well, queens) will be belting out their side of the story of one of the most memorable tales of matrimony and monarchy

History classes were never like this. Until now

“Six” gives the ex-wives of England’s King Henry VIII achancetotell their story,withsome crazybeats andstaging in a“history remix” that’sstill running on Broadway.This marksthe Tony-winning show’ssecondcruise to the Crescent City.

The queens, from Catherine of Aragon to Katherine Parr (and Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anna of Cleves and Catherine Howardinbetween), suffered avarietyoffates: divorced,

beheaded, died, divorced,beheaded and survived —inthatorder.

The show clips alongatapace that rivalsHenry’sattention span andcovers alot of territory with each of the queens telling their story in aunique song and style. Theconcert-style production, which includes the band on stage, packs alot of information in acompact form.

The show is at 7:30 p.m. April14-18, 2p.m.April 18, 1p.m. and6:30 p.m. April 19, and is suitable for ages 10 and up. Tickets start at $39. Visit saengernola.com.

‘LittleWomen’

The March sisters of Concord,Massachusetts, have been celebrated in avariety of motion pictures andplays since Louisa MayAlcott brought the Civil War-era family to life just after the war.

The 2005 Broadway version, which featured Sutton Foster andMaureen McGovern, made the jump to England in 2010.

It was there that Laura Waringer starred in the show.

Now Dr.Waringer, she is director of the Performing Arts at Tulane Universi-

moment,” said Waringer. “Theyhave brought theirown insights, humor, vulnerabilityand creativitytothese characters, affirming just howtimeless this storytruly is.”

Taking rolesare Eliza Mullins, Josie Pines, Kayla Rutner,LenaHanson, HadleyMagaziner, SachaCodron, Garrin Mesa,Luke Boucvalt, CiciGiebutowski, Grace Gilchrist,NoraFeinberg and Allie Small, withBeverly Traskand JeffreyGunshol.

Performances areat7:30 p.m. April 15-20, exceptApril 18, witha 2p.m. matineeApril 20 in Lupin Theatre, 69 Newcomb Circle, on theUptown campus. Tickets startat$10. Visit purplepass com/tulanetd.

‘The IrishCurse’

ty production of “Little Women,” which opensApril 15 with acast of students andfaculty.

“Returning to this story now as a director working with my extraordinary students feelslike afull-circle

The oldadage aboutcertainaspects of male anatomy gets anight to shine in thecomedyproduction plannedfor Cutting Edge Center of theArtsinSlidell.

In “The Irish Curse,” asupport group of Irish-American men meet in achurch basement to talkabout theirindividual insecuritiesand “shortcomings.”The showis filledwithlots of laughs, adult

themes and strong language.

Billed as a “revealing portrait of how men, and society, define masculinity,” the 2005 show “dares to pose the fundamental question that has been on the minds of men since the beginning of time: ‘Do I measure up to the next guy?’”

Taking roles in the production are Martin Booda, Rob Reidenaur, Ronald Brister, Michael Tanner and Gary Gilmore.

The show is at 8 p.m Fridays and Saturdays, April 10-18 at 767 Robert Blvd. Tickets start at $30. Visit cuttingedgetheater.com.

In production

“BASTARD NATION: DECOLONIZING LOVE AND FAMILY”: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; New Marigny Theatre, 2301 Marais St. Final installment of reproductive health by local playwright Anita Vatshell (a registered nurse) looks at the death of family

matriarch and the secrets revealed to the siblings through her will. Tickets are $25. newmarignytheatre.com.

“A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE”: 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday; Big Couch, 1045

Desire St. The fragile world of Blanche DuBois takes an unintended excursion away from reality in Tennessee Williams’ classic by the Irene Collective, held in conjunction with the Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival. Tickets start at $25. streetcarnola. net.

“SWAN LAKE”: 7 p.m. Thursday; Jefferson Performing Arts Center, 6400 Airline Drive, Metairie. International Ballet Stars bring their production of Tchaikovsky’s classic with new hand-painted sets and more than 200 costumes. Tickets start at $35. jeffersonpac.com.

Email Victor Andrews at vandrews@ theadvocate.com.

music music music

Keith Spera SOUND CHECK

NEWEDITION

FRIDAY,SMOOTHIE KING CENTER

Emerging from ahardscrabble section of Boston in theearly 1980s, New Edition was essentially anew edition of the Jackson 5. Armed with broad smiles, crisp choreography and hook-laden earworms such as “Mr.Telephone Man” and “Candy Girl,” New Edition sold millions of records. Bell Biv DeVoe and other spinoff projects resulted in even more hits.

Bobby Brown, the bad boy of the bunch, was eventually booted out. He went on to dial up“Every Little Step,” “My Prerogative” and other solo hits even as his chaotic, tabloid-chronicled personal life took atoll.

Beset by bad business decisions and ego-driven infighting, New Edition eventually ceased to be. The principalsofthe group —Brown, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, Ronnie DeVoe, RalphTresvant and Johnny Gill, whojoined after Brown’sinitial departure

OTHERNOTEWORTHYSHOWS

THURSDAY

Acoupleofmarquee touringacts, oneofthemR&B andthe other onerock, headlineconcertsin NewOrleans this week.

reunited in various configurations over theyears, only for disputes to splinter them once again.

The reunited New Edition finally achieved some stability with 2022’ssuccessful “Culture” tour and awell-received show that summer at the Essence Festival of Culture at the Caesars Superdome.

The“New Edition WayTour,”

Zydeco accordionist Sean Ardoin is at Chickie WahWah. Tickets are $15 plusfees. Meanwhile, LeroyThomas&the ZydecoRoadrunners do the weekly “Zydeco Night”atRock ’N’Bowl. Tickets are $17.

SATURDAY

At Snug Harbor JazzBistro,pianist and composer Lawrence Sieberth leads atribute to Charlie Gabriel,the 90-something saxophonist who backed Aretha Franklin andhas beenastaple of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band foryears. Sieberth will be joined by Louis Ford on clarinet/ saxophone, Mark Brooks on bass, JohnnyVidacovich on drumsand special guest Charlie Gabriel

stopping in New OrleansonFriday,feels like apretty solid night at Essence. In addition to headliner New Edition, the bill features BoyzIIMen —who delivered a fun show in thewee hours at last summer’sEssence —and Toni Braxton. The Smoothie King Center will befull. At press time, only ahandful of tickets remained, starting at $103.

ZZ TOP

MONDAY,SAENGER THEATRE

Texas singer-songwriter Robert Earl Keenwrote an anthem called “The Road GoesOnForever” forhimself, but could have written it forhis fellow Texans in ZZ Top. The li’l ol’ band from Texas was blazing apath on the road long before the “live” half of the 1975 album “Fandango” wasrecorded at the Warehouse, the gritty brick concert hall alongside the Mississippi River in New Orleans that wasafavorite concert stop back in the day ZZ Tophasn’treally stopped touring since then. Not even the death of co-founding bassist Dusty Hill in 2021 could stop the Top. His bass tech, Elwood Francis, stepped up in his place alongside singer/guitarist Billy FGibbons and drummer Frank Beard. During abreak in the band’s“Dos Amigos Tour” with Dwight Yoakam, Gibbons, Beard and Francis will detour to New Orleans fortheir own show at the Saenger Theatre. They’d originally booked twonights but will now only play on Monday.Lots of tickets remain, starting at $48.

7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

SUNDAY

JohnnySketch &the Dirty Notes,the hybrid New Orleans rock/funk/jazz ensemble, is at Tipitina’s for ashow starting at 8p.m. Tickets are $15 plus fees.

From 2p.m. to 7p.m., the outdoor Broadside hosts “That’sMyNeighbor,” abenefitfor the local migrant support group Union Migrante. Scheduled performers include Bra’sBand Brass Band, Hans Williams, Kaye the Beast,Anna Moss, Ocie Crowe,Noa Jamir and DJ ET Deaux.The event also includes speakers/activists, raffles and kids’ activities, including an Easter egg hunt and face painting.

The punk “band” called Sick Thoughts is the artistic outlet of Drew Owen. Since his teen years, Owen has cranked out raw,caustic songs via low-budget, lo-fi recordings on independent labels around the globe. Originally from Pennsylvania, Owen lived in Baltimore before moving to NewOrleans. Before departing for aEuropean tour,Sick Thoughts plays ashow at 3p.m. Sunday at Euclid Records, 3301 Chartres St., in the Bywater.

music music music

STANTON MOORE: THE MUSIC OF ALLEN TOUSSAINT featuring CYRIL NEVILLE and NICHOLAS PAYTON

SATURDAY, NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & BLUES MARKET

Drummer Stanton Moore was born and raised in New Orleans, so he was steeped in the city’s distinctive rhythms since birth. He is the only New Orleans native in Galactic, the contemporary funkand-more band he co-founded more than 20 years ago

Beyond his Galactic duties, Moore has played on albums by everyone from Irma Thomas to hard rock ensemble Corrosion of Conformity. His solo album projects include the 2017 release “With You In Mind: The Songs of Allen Toussaint,” a tribute to — and reimagination of — songs by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame pianist, producer and songwriter

On Saturday at the New Orleans Jazz & Blues Market on Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard, Moore will lead a tribute to Toussaint He’ll be joined by Cyril Neville, the legendary Neville Brothers percussionist and singer who, as a member of the Meters, worked with Toussaint The special guests also include Nicholas Payton, the genre-defying trumpeter and multi-instrumentalist.

Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $36.

Email Keith Spera at kspera@theadvocate.com.

wednesday at the square

Flow Tribe featuring Alfred Banks and Zita headline from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Lafayette Square on St. Charles Avenue across from Gallier Hall.

There’s also food and beverages for sale benefiting the Young Leadership Council and its community projects. ylcwats.com.

Chamber ensemble to perform classical wind, string pieces

BY DEAN M. SHAPIRO Contributing writer

A dozen of the city’s classically proficient wind and string musicians will perform Wednesday under the baton of maestro Joel Bein, playing four works by European composers representing musical eras ranging from the 17th through the 20th centuries.

“Step into the lush and sonorous texture of chamber winds,” reads the announcement for the New Orleans Chamber Players concert at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the New Marigny Theatre.

The works include three movements of Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Cello Suite No. 1 on Bassoon,” Carl Maria von Weber’s “Concertino for Oboe and Winds,” Charles Gounod’s “Petite Symphonie” and George Enescu’s “Dixtuor for Winds” Movement No. 2.”

A trumpeter with a master’s degree in wind conducting from the University of Michigan, Bein founded the New Orleans Chamber Players in 2018, and one of the ensemble’s first concerts, titled “Flowing Winds,” was staged that year to a sold-out audience on the lawn of Longue Vue House and Gardens.

“My background is in winds,” Bein said “I fell in love with the sonority and resonance of chamber winds in particular There’s this sort of niche repertoire of masterpieces from the great composers to more contemporary masterpieces.

‘SINGING WINDS’

WHAT: New Orleans Chamber Players, conducted by Joel Bein, performs the works of four European composers WHEN: 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Wednesday. Doors open at 7 p.m.

WHERE: New Marigny Theatre, 2301

Marais St., New Orleans TICKETS: $15-$20

INFO: neworleanschamberplayers.org; info@churchoftheartsandsciences.org

said that his presence directing the musicians lends a “personal touch” to their performances

“We can beautifully connect with the composers’ intentions with this music and then add in our own life experiences. That’s what I think music is about — it’s expressing the human experience beyond just the notes on the page,” Bein said. “What’s a lamentation or a sadness that I’ve experienced that I can generate and draw from in my own experience? Hopefully, I can convey something that’s meaningful and beautiful through my conducting that collaborates with the musicians to create something that wouldn’t otherwise exist.”

“It’s very intimate to conduct from that size. It’s just large enough where a conductor can bring value but still small enough — eight to 12 musicians — for a collaborative, two-way conversation.”

Although chamber ensembles often perform without a conductor, Bein

Soloists for the performance are Maya Stone on bassoon and Virginia McDowell on oboe. Other performers include Ji Weon Ryu and Erin O’Shea on flutes, Roy Park and Bixby Kennedy on clarinets, Josiah Bullach and Max Paulus on French horns, Casey Kearney on oboe and English horn, Abigail Walker on bassoon, Jeanne Jaubert on cello and Russell Thompson on bass.

“This is an incredible group of musicians,” said Bein, who noted that he has worked with about most of them in past performances. “I’m very excited to be working with them all because there is so much talent among them.”

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