The Times-Picayune 04-04-2026

HOLY WALK

Aline of people gatheroutside St. Mary’sAssumptionChurch in NewOrleans for the NineChurch Walk for Good Friday

Newarchbishopjoins thousandsincherished Good Friday traditiondatingtolate1800s

BY BOBWARREN Staff writer

Archbishop James Checchio spent his first Good Friday in New Orleans helping thousands of Catholics observe the traditional Nine Church Walk. Grabbing amegaphoneand introducing himselftoacrowd that already knew who he is, Checchio stood among athrong of peopleonJosephine Street outsideSt. Mary’sAssumption Church in the Irish Channel Friday morning, leading the group in prayer

“It’sabeautiful tradition, and I’m glad to be apart of it,” he said.

Checchio, who became archbishop in February with theretirement of longtime ArchbishopGregory Aymond, arrived at thehistoric St. Mary’sAssumption long after many of those who were makingthe Nine Church pilgrimage had arrived.

The tradition, which dates to the late 1800s in New Orleans, sees Catholics visiting nine churches on Good Friday.The Archdiocese of New Orleans listed 16 churches on its web-

ArchbishopJames Checchio uses amegaphone to share his thoughts and offer aprayertothose gathered outsideSt. Mary’sAssumption Church on Good Friday

site “where pilgrimsare invited” to visitand pray.The archdiocese’s newspaper,The Clarion Herald, said the tradition “is closelyassociated with an ancientRoman practice of visitingseven churchesonthe eve-

ning of Holy Thursday.”

“It’sbeen areal busymorning,” said Mike Boudreaux, achurch volunteer whostood at one of the entryways

ä See WALK, page 4A

Attacksrampupover Letlow’s DEIcomments

Cassidy, Fleming continue to criticize herpolicies

BY TYLER BRIDGES Staff writer

How does U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow square endorsing diversity,equity and inclusion policies as acollege presidential applicant in 2020 and her subsequent anti-DEI voting record in Congress? That’sthe question that confronted Letlow Friday in the face of continuing attacks from the man she is trying to

unseat, U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy,for her calls to expandDEI to hire morewomen andracial minorities on the faculty when she was applying in 2020 to be the next president of the Universityof Louisiana-Monroe. In news releases and avideo on Thursdayand Friday,Cassidy pointed to her comments to challenge her conservative credentials. “Julia is aliberal,” heconcluded. State Treasurer John Fleming, the

ä See ATTACKS, page 4A

Fightover drug costs bubbles up again

Lawmakerswantlower prices, butsay industry is blocking them

BY ALYSE PFEIL Staff writer

As Louisiana lawmakers search for waysto lower drug prices forpatients, they say their efforts to figure outwhat’scausing the problemare running into roadblocks from big players in the health care sector

State Sen. Adam Bass, R-Bossier City, said even after holding meetings over the past several months on the topic,drug manufacturers and pharmacy benefits managers still haven’tprovided important information about how drug prices are determined.

“Neither industry has been completelyforthcoming,” said Bass, whoisspearheading the effort. Now he and other lawmakers are pushing for legislationthat wouldforce those businesses to turn over internal information they say will help determinewhy drug costs are rising.

“What I’m trying to getto is alower cost fordrugs for theconsumer.I think both drug manufacturers and pharmacy benefit managershave culpability.”

SEN.ADAM BASS R-Bossier City

Twobills, oneaimedat drug manufacturersand another at pharmacy benefit managers, advanced outofa Senate committee Wednesday

“What I’m trying to get to is alower cost for drugs for the consumer,” Bass said in an interview.“Ithink both drug manufacturersand pharmacy benefit managers have culpability.”

But each side is pushing back and pointing fingers, saying the other is ultimately responsible forthe prices consumers pay

Arepresentative of PhRMA, anationaltrade group representing the pharmaceutical industry, said Wednesday the bill targeting them “will do nothing to lower costs forpatients” and “fails to address the core issues of patient affordability.” Lawmakersshould instead focuson“bringing accountability to insurers and PBMs.” PCMA, atrade group representing thecountry’slargest pharmacy benefit managers, said in astatement that the bill targeting their industry is a“bailout forBig Pharma.”

2U.S.aircraftdowned as warinIranescalates 1service member rescued,1 missing

BY SAMMEDNICK,KONSTANTIN TOROPINand SEUNG MINKIM Associated Press

WASHINGTON Iran shot down two U.S. militaryplanes in separate attacks Friday, with oneservice member rescued and at least one missing, in adramatic escalation sincethe war began nearly five weeks ago.

It was thefirst time U.S. aircraft have been downed in the conflict and camejust twodays after President Donald Trumpsaid in anational address thatthe U.S. has“beaten and

completely decimated Iran” and was “going to finish the job, and we’re going to finish it very fast.”

One fighter jet wasshot down in Iran, officials said. AU.S. crew member from that plane wasrescued, but asecond wasmissing, and aU.S military search-and-rescue operation wasunderway

Neither the White House nor Pentagon released public information about the downed planes. In abrief telephone interview with NBC News, Trumpdeclined to discuss thesearchand-rescue efforts but said what happened would not affect negotiations with Iran.

ä See AIRCRAFT, page 5A

5.8 quake rattles

Afghanistan, Pakistan

KABUL, Afghanistan

An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.8 rattled parts of northern and eastern Afghanistan and western Pakistan late Friday, killing at least eight people in Afghanistan, authorities said.

The region is highly seismically active. Friday’s earthquake had an epicenter in the Hindu Kush mountain range, about 90 miles east of the Afghan city of Kunduz, according to the Euro-Mediterranean Seismological Center and the U.S. Geological Survey

Hafizullah Basharat, a spokesman for the Kabul governor said eight people were killed and a child was injured when a house collapsed on the outskirts of the capital. He said all were members of the same family Kabul is roughly 180 miles southwest of the epicenter

There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries from areas closer to the epicenter The area is remote, and it can often take several hours before local authorities can relay information back to Kabul.

With the epicenter at a depth of over 180 kilometers, the quake jolted a wide swath of Afghanistan and Pakistan. In Pakistan, it was felt in the cities and towns of Islamabad, Peshawar, Chitral, Swat and Shangla, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries in Pakistan.

Sweden stops tanker suspected of oil spill

FRANKFURT, Germany

The Swedish Coast Guard said Friday it has boarded a tanker suspected of causing a 8-mile oil spill on the Baltic Sea, adding that the vessel is under European Union sanctions aimed at the “shadow fleet” transporting Russian oil. The spill was detected early Thursday east of Gotland island, and investigators identified the Flora 1 as the suspected source. The Coast Guard boarded the vessel early Friday and took it and its 24-member crew to anchorage near Ysted in southern Sweden.

“We act when we detect emissions. This is a result of our enhanced maritime surveillance that we are conducting as a result of the deteriorating security situation in the Baltic Sea region,” Daniel Stenling, deputy chief of operations, said in a statement. There were no immediate details on what caused the spill It was unclear under what country’s flag the vessel was traveling and its destination was unclear, the Coast Guard said. It departed the Russian port of Primorsk, where a major Russian oil export terminal is located, on Tuesday according to the MarineTraffic maritime data company

The EU had sanctioned the vessel, meaning transactions involving it are forbidden, for carrying Russian oil while “practicing irregular and high-risk shipping practices.” Unsafe practices can include turning off its automatic tracking system to hide where a vessel is going

N.J. state troopers rescue bear cub

UNIONTOWNSHIP,N.J State police troopers came to the rescue of a bear cub found in a ditch along the side of a major interstate highway in northern New Jersey Troopers from the Perryville station responded shortly before 1:40 p.m. Wednesday to milepost 12.2 on I-78 eastbound in Union Township. The animal was by itself, officials said The bear was soon safely secured and taken back to the state police barracks, where it was later turned over to staffers with the state’s Environmental Protection Department, who were caring for the animal.

It’s not clear how the cub ended up in the ditch or how long it had been there before it was spotted. Details on the bear’s condition were not available Friday

Prisoner release raises questions

Lack of information frustrates Cuba’s advocates

BY MILEXSY DURÁN and ANDREA RODRÍGUEZ Associated Press

HAVANA Katia Arias buzzed with hope on Friday morning as she gathered at the gates of a prison on the outskirts of Havana, waiting with other families for their loved ones to be freed in one of the biggest prison releases by the Cuban government in years.

When her 20-year-old son Emilio Alejandro Leyva walked out of the doors of the detention facility with dozens of other prisoners, bags and a small release document in hand, she wrapped her arms around her son, who was detained for a robbery, for the first time in years.

“It has been so difficult, but today God has given me so much joy,” said Arias, 43, breaking down in tears. “Today, I feel so happy. This is how all mothers who will have their children released today

should feel.”

The outpouring of joy from families comes the day after Cuba’s government said it was going to release 2,010 prisoners in what it said was “humanitarian gestures” ahead of Holy Week; it wasn’t immediately clear how many were released on Friday

The release comes as the Cuban government navigates extreme pressure and a crippling oil blockade by the Trump administration, which has openly expressed the desire for regime change and the release of those arrested for protesting.

It was unclear whether any of the prisoners released Friday are among the 1,214 people activist groups say are imprisoned for political reasons in Cuba. The government denies holding political prisoners.

On Friday, detainees in the La Lima prison on the rural outskirts

of Havana said they were woken up at 6 a.m. and heard their names called out. Hours later they were walking into the arms of loved ones awaiting them in front of blue prison gates. The majority of prisoners interviewed Friday by The Associated Press were not serving time for political charges, though it’s uncertain how many of those released were protesters — often charged with public disorder, contempt or terrorism. Many of the more than one thousand people the activist organization Prisoners Defended has registered as detained for political reasons were protesters from the 2021 mass demonstrations on the island, which were met with widespread arrests by the government. Sporadic protests have broken out in recent months as the island sinks into a deeper crisis. In one March incident, protesters burned the headquarters of the communist party in central Cuba, leading to five arrests. The lack of information over re-

Lebanon’s exiled Shiites face rising hostility

Airstrikes fuel increasing tensions, evictions

BY BASSEM MROUE Associated Press

BEIRUT When the Israel-Hezbollah war broke out in early March, Hussein Shuman

fled the heavy bombardment of the southern suburbs of Beirut, but he didn’t bother trying to rent an apartment elsewhere.

In areas deemed “safe” because the Lebanese militant group has no presence, he feels that Shiite Muslims like him are not welcome. Residents regard them with suspicion as potential Hezbollah members, and landlords charge exorbitant prices to rent to displaced families.

Instead, the 35-year-old, who works at a perfume company, headed to central Beirut where he set up a small tent where he has been staying, along with his wife, 7-year-old son and 5-year-old daughter

Shuman even rejected an offer from a friend who invited him to bring his family to the Christian mountain town of Zgharta. He preferred to remain in his tent, even though it has flooded twice in the past two weeks.

“By staying here I have my dignity and respect,” Shuman said, sitting on a chair near his tent as a barber gave him an openair haircut. “We will not stay in a place where we are going to be humiliated.”

In a country full of suspicion, the more than 1 million people — most of them Shiite displaced as a result of Israel’s

evacuation orders and airstrikes have limited options.

Some landlords in Christian areas refuse to rent to Shiites. Others demand inflated rents and deposits that few can afford. Fatima Zahra, 42, from Beirut’s southern suburbs, said she and her sister sold their finest jewelry to pay the $5,000 the landlord charged up front for two months’ rent In some Beirut neighborhoods, displaced people who can afford to pay high rents are only allowed to take the apartment after landlords inform the security agencies to check on whether the family has any links to Hezbollah.

Sectarian tensions are a sensitive issue in Lebanon because the country fought a 15-year civil war ending in 1990 that largely broke down along sectarian lines.

Social frictions have worsened since Israel’s targeted airstrikes killed Hezbollah officials or members of Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard in predominantly Christian, Sunni and Druze areas, raising fears among the hosts that Hezbollah members are mingling within the civilian population.

The Lebanese are deeply divided over Hezbollah’s wars with Israel, with many in the small nation blaming the Iranbacked group for dragging the country into a deadly conflict that has so far left more than 1,300 people dead and over 4,000 wounded. Hezbollah fired missiles into Israel two days after the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on Feb. 28, triggering the ongoing Middle East war

Descendants of Choctaw code talkers gather for marker unveiling

BY DAVID MORENO Fort Worth Report

Nuchi Nashoba grew up looking at a photograph of her great-grandfather Ben Carterby inside her grandmother’s Oklahoma home. But, she didn’t know much about the man in the frame other than that he was a World War I veteran.

It wasn’t until 1989 — when Nashoba was in her late 20s — that she learned a deep secret about her ancestor Carterby was one of the

Choctaw code talkers — a group of 19 Native American soldiers who used their language to transmit encrypted messages to the Allies during campaigns in northern France. The soldiers were sworn to secrecy and hid details of their service from families for decades. Over the past 20 years, Nashoba has led advocacy efforts to spotlight the group’s hidden legacy as president of the Choctaw Code Talkers Association. Now the soldiers’ contributions are recognized in

Fort Worth through a new plaque at the city’s Veterans Memorial Park.

The Choctaw Code Talker Historical Marker was unveiled during an April 1 ceremony hosted by the Oklahoma tribe, the Texas Historical Commission and the city’s parks and recreation department. Several descendants of the Native soldiers attended.

“Seeing the marker really brings me a lot of joy,” Nashoba said. “This is what preserves the history for generations to come.”

leases on Friday fueled frustration among human rights and opposition groups, who said the releases were a good sign, but fell short of real change.

“The government presents it as a humanitarian gesture toward prisoners, not as the release of political prisoners,” said Manuel Cuesta Morúa, leader of the Council for Democratic Transition in Cuba, the island’s main opposition platform. “By doing so, it mixes things up to avoid giving the impression that it recognizes political imprisonment in Cuba.”

The group has demanded a government amnesty law and says that people who were previously freed are often placed under house arrest or live under conditions where they can’t speak freely

The nongovernmental organization Justicia 11J wrote in a statement Friday that no partial release can be considered progress “as long as the criminalization of the exercise of fundamental rights persists.”

Pope Leo XIV marks

Good Friday, carries cross in procession

Pontiff is first to do so

in decades

BY COLLEEN BARRY and TRISHA THOMAS Associated Press

ROME Pope Leo XIV lifted a wooden cross and held it aloft from his waist at the start of the 14 stations of the Way of the Cross at the Colosseum on his first Good Friday as pontiff, marking the first time in decades that a pope has set out to carry the cross to every station.

“I think it will be an important sign because of what the pope represents a spiritual leader in the world today, and for this voice, that everyone wants to hear, that says Christ still suffers,” Leo told reporters this week outside of the papal retreat at Castel Gandolfo. “I carry all of this suffering in my prayer.”

Inside the Colosseum, Leo began the procession

flanked by two young people holding torches, and

followed by clergy At the first station, marking the moment Jesus was condemned to death, the meditation prepared especially for Leo’s first Good Friday underlined that those with authority will have to answer to God for how they exercise their power “The power to judge; the power to start or end a war; the power to instill violence or peace; the power to fuel the desire for revenge, or for reconciliation,” read the meditation written by Rev Francesco Patton, who was custodian of the Holy Land 2016-25, charged, among other things, with looking after sacred sites.

Thousands gathered outside the pagan monument, where the procession continued, following the stations as they were recited over loudspeakers.

They included Sister Pelenatita Kieoma Finau from Samoa and a member of the Missionary Sisters of the Society of Mary

Trump’sIranwar leaves Republicansadrift

Midterms could be achallenge

BY STEVE PEOPLES AP national politics writer

NEW YORK This is not the run-up to the midterm elections that Republicans wanted.

Ayear and ahalf after winning the White Houseby promising to lower costs and end wars, Donald Trump is awartime president overseeing surging energy costs and an escalating overseas conflict.

The war in Iran was largely unpopular even before an American fighter jet was shot down in Iran, adevelopment that dominated headlines on Friday and contradicted Trump’sclaim that Tehran’smilitary capabilities have been all but destroyed. One crewmember has been rescued.

Earlier in the week, the Republican president offered little clarity to anation eager for answers during aprimetime address from the White House, his first since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran more than amonth ago, simultaneously suggesting that the war was ending and expanding.

“Thanks to the progress we’ve made, Ican say tonight that we are on track to complete all of America’s military objectives shortly, very shortly,” Trump said.

“We’re going to hitthemextremely hard over the next twotothree weeks.”

Trump’scomments come roughly six months before voters across the nation begin to cast ballots in elections that will decide control of Congress and key governorships forTrump’sfinal two years in office. For now, Republicans, who control all branches of government in Washington, are bracing for apainful political backlash

“You’re looking at an ugly November,” warned veteran Republican pollster Neil Newhouse. “At apoint in time when we need every break possible to hold the House and Senate, our edge is being chipped away.”

Evolving politicallandscape

It’shard to overstate how dramatically the political

landscapehas shifted.

At this time last year, many Republican leaders believed there was apath to preserve their narrow House majority andeasily hold the Senate. Now they privately concedethat the House is all but lost and Democrats have arealistic shot at taking the Senate.

Republicans are also struggling to coalesce around aclear midterm message on Iran.

The Republican National Committeehas largely avoided the warintalking points issued to surrogates over thelast month. The leadersofthe party’scampaign committees responsiblefor the House and Senate declined interview requests.

Many vulnerable Republicancandidatessidestep the issue, unwilling to defendor challenge Trumppublicly

Thepresident remains deeply popular with Republican voters, and he has vocal supporters like Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina.

“That was the best speech Icould’ve hoped for,” he wrote on social media after Trump’saddress on Wednesday evening. Grahamsaid Trump“gave the American people aclear and coherent pathway forward.”

Trump made little effort to sell the conflicttoAmericansbefore theinitial attack. Five weeks later,atleast 13 U.S. service members have been killed and hundreds more injured. Thousands moretroops have converged on theregion,and thePentagon requested $200 billion in new funding.

The Strait of Hormuz, a keypassage fora fifth of the world’soil, remains closed. The average pricefor agallonofgasoline in the U.S. was $4.08 on Thursday, according to AAA, almosta full dollar higherthan on President Joe Biden’slastday in office.

On Wednesday,Trumpinsisted that gas prices would fall quickly once the war concluded but offeredno solution for reopeningthe StraitofHormuz. Instead, he invited skeptical U.S. allies to do it themselves. He insistedthatthe war would beworth it.

“This is atrue investment

in your grandchildrenand your grandchildren’sfuture,” Trump said. “When it’s allover,the United States will be safer,stronger,more prosperous and greater than it has ever been before.”

Former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, aGeorgia Republican whowas once among Trump’smost vocal allies in Congress, lashed out against his Iran policy

“I wanted so much for PresidentTrump to put AmericaFirst.That’swhat Ibelieved he would do. All Iheardfromhis speechtonight was WARWAR WAR,” shewrote on social media. “Nothing to lower thecost of living for Americans.”

About 6in10U.S. adults say theU.S. military action in Iran has“gone toofar,” according to AP-NORC polling from March. Roughly a third approve of howhe’s handling Iran overall.

Thepossibility of sending U.S. forces intoIran also appears politically unpalatable.

About6 in 10 adults are “strongly” or “somewhat” opposedtodeploying U.S. troops on the ground to fight Iran. That includes about half of Republicans. Only about 1in10favor deploying troops.

At thesame time, Trump’s approval ratings have remainedconsistently weak

About 4in10Americans approve of how he’shandling the presidency, roughly in line with how it’s been throughout his second term Republican strategist Ari Fleischer,asenior aide in former President George W. Bush’s administration, acknowledged that Trump hasnot receivedthe polling bump in this war that Bush got after invading Iraq. Bush, of course, worked to build public backing forthe Iraq Warbefore going in. Immediately after the2003 invasion, Bush’spopularity soared, as did the stock market Public sentimentand the economysoured only after the conflict stretched on. It ultimately spanned more thaneight years, spawning ageneration of anti-war Republicans —and sowing the seeds of Trump’s “America First”foreign policy

Trumpbudgetseeks more in defensespending, cuts elsewhere

WhiteHouse asking for$1.5T

BYLISA MASCARO and KEVIN FREKING Associated Press

WASHINGTON President Donald Trump has proposed boosting defense spendingto $1.5 trillioninhis 2027 budget released Friday,the largest such requestindecades, reflecting his emphasison U.S. military investments over domestic programs

The sizable increase for the Pentagon, some 44%, had been telegraphed by the Republicanpresident even before the the U.S.-led war against Iran. The president’s plan wouldalso reduce spending on non-defense programs by 10%.

“President Trump promised to reinvest in America’s national security infrastructure, to make sure our nation is safe in adangerous world,” wroteBudget Director Russell Vought.

The president’sannual budget is considered areflection of the administration’svalues and does not carrythe force of law.The massive document typically highlights an administration’spriorities, but Congress, which handles federal spending issues, is free to reject it and often does.

This year’sWhite House document is intended to provide aroadmap from the president to Congress as lawmakers build their own budgets and annual appropria-

tions bills to keep the government funded. Vought spoke to House GOP lawmakers on aprivatecall Thursday Trump, speaking ahead of an address to thenation this week about theIranwar, signaled the military is his priority,setting up aclash ahead in Congress

“We’re fightingwars. We can’ttake care of day care,” Trump said at aprivate White Houseevent Wednesday.

“It’s not possible forusto takecare of day care, Medicaid,Medicare —all these individual things,” he said. “They can do it on astate basis.You can’tdo it on afederal.”

Among the priorities the White House called for:

n Supporting the Trump administration’simmigration enforcement anddeportation operations by eliminating aspects of arefugee resettlement aid program, maintaining Immigration and CustomsEnforcement fundsatcurrentyear levels and drawingonlast’syear’s increases for theDepartment of Homeland Security funds to continue opening detentionfacilities, including100,000bedsfor adults and30,000 for families.

n A13% increase in funding for the Department of Justice to focus on violent criminalsand thepresident’spromise to stopwhat theWhite Housecalls migrant crime

n A$10 billion fundwithin the National Park Service for“constructionand beautification” projects in Washington, D.C.

ArtemisII’smoonbound astronauts captureEarth’s brilliantbluebeauty

NASA releases crew’s photos

BY MARCIA DUNN AP aerospace writer

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. The ArtemisIIastronauts have captured our blue planet’s brilliantbeautyasthey zoom evercloser to the moon

NASAreleased thecrew’s first downlinked images Friday,11/2 daysinto the first astronautmoonshotin morethan half acentury

The first photo taken by commander Reid Wiseman shows acurved slice of Earth in one of the capsule’swindows. The second shows the entire globe with the oceanstopped by swirling whitetendrils of clouds. Agreen aurora even glows,according to NASA.

“It’sgreat to think that withthe exception of our four friends, allofusare representedinthis image,” said NASA’s Lakiesha Hawkins,anexploration systems leader.She added themission was going well.

As of late Fridayafternoon,Wiseman andhis crew weremore than 110,000 milesfrom Earth and were quickly gaining on the moon with another 150,000 milestogo. They should reach their destination on Monday

The three Americans and oneCanadianwill swing around the moon in their Orion capsule, hang aUturn and then head straight back homewithout stopping. They fired Orion’s

main engine Thursday night that set them on their course. After Mission Control shifted the position of their capsule, the entire Earth complete with northern lights filled their windows. “It wasthe most spectacular moment, and it paused all four of us in our tracks,” Wiseman said in aTVinterview They’re thefirst lunar travelers since Apollo 17 in 1972.

n A$481 millionincrease in funding to enhance aviation safety and support an air traffic controller hiring surge. Cuts to domesticprograms

n Cancelsmore than $15 billion from the Biden-era bipartisaninfrastructure law,including funds for renewable energy projectsand cuts to the National Oceans and Atmospheric Association,orNOAA, grants.

n 19% cut in the Department of Agriculture,ending certain university grants, a 13% cut for the Department of Housing and Urban Development, andabout a12% decrease to theHealth andHumanServices department,including cutstoa low-income heating assistance program

The White Houseistouting cuts of what it calls “woke programs” that often direct federal investments toward low-income communities. Thebudgetused the word “woke” 34 times Forexample, the administration is looking to cut CommunityServicesBlock Grants, which funds activities such as financial and job counseling and helpingpeople obtain adequate housing. The administration saysits cuts wouldtarget grants “hijackedbyradicals” to promoteequity-building and green energy initiatives.

The presidentalsoseeks to cut $106 million in funding from theAgencyfor Healthcare Researchand Quality, which it says has “pushed radical gender ideologyonto children.”

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with aclicker in his hand shortly after 10 a.m., counting heads as they passed by.“I’m up to 524.” Volunteers with clickers were stationed at several other church entrances as well.

TheRev.Steve Benden,a Redemptorist priest at St. Mary’s Assumption, said3,000 or so showed up in 2025, and at least that many were expected thisyear.“We’ll have busloads of people coming,” he added.

Benden said St. Mary’s, which dates to 1858, is apopular stop on the Nine Church Walk becauseof itsproximity to thelong-closed St. AlphonsusChurch as well as the National Shrine of Blessed Father Francis Xavier Seelos, which is attachedtoSt. Mary’s. Benden said St. Alphonsus was historically “the Irish church,” and St. Mary’swas “the German church.”

The shrine, meanwhile, holds the remains of Seelos, aGerman Redemptorist pastor of St. Mary’s who died of yellow fever in 1867. He got the disease while caring for the sick,historical accountssay Pope John Paul II beatified Seelos in 2000; efforts to canonizeSeelos continue.

Another St. Mary’svolunteer, Stacey Shane Schott, asked Checchio if he’d had achance to discuss the push for Seelos’ sainthood with Pope Leo XIV during avisit tothe Vatican last month.

“Oh, he’sinterested,” Checchio responded. “(Henriette)DeLille, too.” DeLille, aFrench-speaking woman of African descent, grew up in the French Quarter and founded the Sisters of the Holy Family, which provided care and shelter fororphans. She died at 50 of tuberculosis in 1862.

The Sisters of the Holy Family are amongthose working to help DeLille gain sainthood. Pope Benedict XVI issued adecreein 2010 declaring DeLille “venerable, which put her astep closer in the lengthy journey toward canonization.

On hisfirst dayasarchbishop, Checchiojoined members of the Sisters of the Holy Family topray over DeLille’sgrave at St.Louis

ATTACKS

Continued from page1A

othermajorRepublican candidate in the race, has piled on withcriticisms of Letlow

“DEI is aMarxist concept that says everybody has to have equal outcomes regardless of their abilities or regardless of howhard they work or study,” Fleming said in an interview. “Socialism or Marxismhas never worked in any country.”

So far,Letlow has notedthatshe hasexpressed strong oppositionto DEI programs since she waselected to the House in 2021.She also noted that Cassidy supported bills passed by Congressthat included DEIprograms.

On Friday,The Times-Picayune |The Advocate requested an interview with Letlow to ask her to explain how she could call for creating a“division” of DEI at ULMonroe and then oppose those programs after joining the House the following year

“Early on, DEI was presented in higher educationasaway to encourage people to achieve the

No. 2Cemetery in NewOrleans.

Checchio said he was surprised andhappytosee so many people making theNineChurch Walk. The former bishop of theDioceseof Metuchen in New Jersey said it reminded him abit of aHoly Thursdaywalkinvolving threechurches in New Jersey “It’sgood to seethe whole town getintoit,”hesaidofNew Orleans. He also mentioned taking part in another New Orleans Holy Week tradition—feasting on gumbo z’herbes, aspecial recipe made withpork andgreens,atDooky Chase’sRestaurant.

“Wehad agreatmealthere,” he said. “Now today is aday of fasting and penance.”

American dream,” thecampaign responded in astatement from Letlow.“But Iquickly witnessed firsthand what it really was: another tool theradical left hijacked to divide people, push indoctrination, and build asystem that holds peopledown instead of lifting them up.”

The wrangling over DEIistakingplace six weeksbeforethe May 16 Republican primary where Republicans andno-partyvoters will choose among Fleming, Cassidy Letlow and Mark Spencer, apolitical unknown, to be their next senator

The party’s leadershipisclear on DEI.

PresidentDonald Trump, from theday he returnedtooffice, has sought to root outDEI policies at the nation’s universities.

Gov.Jeff Landry wrotethe U.S. Department of Education on Feb. 23 that“harmful diversity,equity and inclusion policies have no place in Louisiana.”

This backdrop explainswhy Cassidybegan slamming Letlow on DEI immediately after Fox News on Wednesday aired areport that contained videoofher promoting thebenefits of DEI when she was

oneofsix semifinalists to be ULMonroe’snext president in August 2020.

“I think it exposes her truecolors,” Cassidy said in avideorecorded on Thursday Letlow, whohas adoctoratefrom theUniversity of South Florida, wasthe university’sexecutive assistant to the president for externalaffairs and community outreach at thetime. Hercomments came three months after apolice officer in Minneapolis choked George Floyd to death, spurring a leftward move nationally in favor of DEI and so-called “woke” policies.

‘Strongand progressiveleader’

During the interview,Letlow called herself “astrong and progressiveleader” and saidULMonroe’snextpresident needed to providepowerfulsupport for DEIbecause the university didn’t have enough women andwomen of color on the faculty

“Wehave 8% African American faculty women on thiscampus,” she said. “That is not enough. That does not reflect our student population.”

She added, “Wedon’t have

enough women at the top. We don’thave enough women of color at the top. Iwould be committed to that. Ibelieve the president needstohave diversity on their senior council, just like you said. Youavoid groupthink when you havemore diverse voices at the table.”

PearsonCross, apolitical-science professoratUL-Monroe, saidcentral to Cassidy’sefforts is an attempt to neutralize or wrestle away from Letlow her chief campaign calling card: Trump’sendorsementofher on Jan. 17.

“Given the strident anti-DEI efforts by Trumpand Landry,being asupporter of DEI makes it seem like you’re terribly outofstep,” Cross said. “That’sapoint the Cassidy campaign is making. It’sevidence that Letlow is not one of us.”

Ed Chervenak, aUNO political scienceprofessor,saidCassidy’s tactics are clear

“He wants to reassure conservativevoters that he’sthe conservativecandidate in the race, not Letlow,” Chervenak said.

UndermineCassidy’s narrative

The Letlow campaign is seeking to undermine that narrative by re-

minding voters that Cassidyvoted to convict Trumponimpeachment chargesafter the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the Capitol, andbynoting that Cassidy,inAugust 2023, said Trump should drop out of the presidentialrace because he was facing criminal charges from four indictments. (Trump was convicted by ajury in NewYorkCity in May2024ofpaying hush money to porn star Stormy Daniels to hide asex scandal that threatened to derail his 2016 presidentialcampaign.)

TheLetlow campaign is also zeroing in on several bills where Cassidy joined someRepublicans in voting with Democrats to pass bills when President Joe Biden was in office. Tucked intothese sprawling bills were measures that promoted DEI.

“Cassidy,” Letlow said in her statement, “voted with Democrats to fund and expand the DEImachine. So the contrast in thisrace is simple:I fought it,and he helped bankroll it.”

There are three candidates in the May16Democraticprimary. They are Nick Albares, JamieDavis and Gary Crockett. None currently holds elected office.

“No, not at all. No, it’s war,”hesaid.

Separately,Iranian state media said aU.S. A-10 attack aircraft crashed in the Persian Gulf after being struck by Iranian defense forces.

AU.S. official who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss asensitive military situation said earlier that it was not clear if the aircraft crashed or was shot down or whether Iran was involved. Neither thestatus of the crew nor exactly where it went down was immediately known.

Those incidents cameas Iran fired on targets across the Middle East on Friday, keepingthe pressure on Israel and its Gulf Arab neighbors despite U.S. and Israeli insistence that Iran’smilitary capabilities have been all but destroyed.

Neither the White House nor the Pentagon released public information about the downed planes. But thePentagon notified the House Armed Services Committee that the status of asecond service member from the fighter jet was not known.

In an email from the Pentagon obtained by TheAssociated Press, meanwhile, the military said it received notification of “an aircraft being shot down” in the Mid-

DRUG

Continued from page1A

Thetwo businesses play different rolesinthe prescription drug supply chain and have conflicting interests. Pharmaceutical companies manufacture drugs. Pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs, administer drug benefits on behalf of health plans and negotiate with manufacturers for lower prices. PBMsalso determine which drugs ahealth plan covers.

What wouldthe billsdo?

Senate Bill 387 targets PBMs and would allow the commissioner of the Louisiana Department of Insurance to do annual audits. Those could include the amount of rebates PBMs get from drug manufacturers for offering their drugs to patients, how much PBMs reimburse pharmacies for the drugs they dispense, and historicaldata on the pharmacy claims they’ve handled.

The InsuranceDepartment would also be allowed to audit the books and records “of any entity ina pharmacy benefit manager’s corporate verticalstructure,” including affiliated pharmacies and insurance companies as well as businesses that purchase and distribute drugs.

“The regulator needs line of sight,” Bass said, adding that’s especially important when some of thedrug purchasingbusinesses are incorporated in other countries.

Senate Bill 401 deals with pharmaceutical companies. It would require drugmakers to disclose to Louisiana regulators costs for ato-bedetermined list of “critical” medicines. That includes production,research and development and marketing costs as well as the prices they charge buyers like wholesalers and pharmacies.

dle East,withoutproviding more details.

Iran’sattacksonGulf energyinfrastructureand its tight grip on the Strait of Hormuz, through which afifth of the world’soil and natural gas transits in peacetime, have roiled stock markets,sent oilprices skyrocketing, andthreatenedto raise the cost of manybasic goods, including food. Before word of therescue, social media footage showed American drones, aircraft and helicoptersflying over the mountainous region wherea TV channel affiliated with Iranian state

Pharmaceuticalcompanies would also have to notify regulatorswhenthe wholesale price of adrug increasesand explain why theprice went up.

Anew PrescriptionDrug Affordability Board would use that information to provide areport on drug prices it deems“excessively high.”

It wouldalso identify the top 25 drugs for each of three categories: costliest drugs in Louisiana,most frequently prescribeddrugs in thestate, and drugs with the highest year-over-year cost increases.

The board would also make policy recommendations on how to lower prices.

The legislation is meantto determine if drugs are “too costly for our constituents” and,ifso, why that’s the case, said Sen.KirkTalbot, R-River Ridge, the bill sponsor PhRMA opposed the measure.

“Itisinsurers andtheir PBMs that decide whata patient is expected to pay,” said Charise Richard,senior directorofstate policy at PhRMA.

TargetingPBMs

Senate Bill 387 expands regulators’ ability to audit PBMs,but it alsogoesfurther,imposing stricter regulations for those businesses.

Among the most controversial:Pharmacy benefit managers in Louisiana would only be able tomake money by charging their clients aflat administrative fee or by earning aflat-fee bonus from plans forreducing their prescription drug costs.

PBMs wouldbeprohibited from generating income that’stied to the priceofa drug orhow muchitreduces the priceofadrug through rebates from drug manufacturers. That provision drew pushback from the PBM trade group.

“PCMA supports efforts to bring transparency across the drug supply chain,” the group said in astatement.

television said earlier thatat leastone pilot bailedout of thefighter jet

An anchor urged residents to hand over any “enemypilot” to policeand promised areward.

It was thefirst time the U.S. has lostaircraft in Iranian territory during the conflict andcould mark a new level of pressureonthe U.S. military Throughout thewar,Iran has made aseries of claims about shooting down piloted enemy aircraft that turned out not to be true. Friday was the first time that Iran went on television urg-

“SB387 goes much further by enacting unprecedented restrictions on PBM tools designed to force Big Pharma to lower their prices.”

Philip Christofanelli, a senior director forPCMA, warned lawmakers on Wednesday thatthere could be “grave” consequences from such achange and consumer drug prices would go up.

He said that currently, PBMsapproach prospective health plan clientswithan offer to save theplan money on itsprescriptiondrug benefit, anditthengets paid by theplan based on how much it saves.

He explained the logic: “It will not cost you anything up front because we can be paid outofthe savings that we secure.Thataligns the incentivesbythe PBMtoobtain as much savings as possible andthe employerorthe clienttoenjoythe benefit of those savings.”

Christofanelli said pharmaceutical companies have been pushing for flat-fee PBM policiesnationally “They will profit when they take away the incentives that we have to force them to lower prices,” he said.

In an interview,Bass, thebillsponsor,saidPBMs shouldberequiredtocharge aflat fee.

“Oftentimes their negotiationisnot aboutwhat’s the leastexpensive drug in aclass for theconsumer,” Bass said.“It’swhat has the largestrebate, so they can keep that rebate.”

ing thepublic to look fora downed pilot Iranianstate media said in apostonthe social platform Xthatthe military shot down aU.S. F-15E Strike Eagle. The aircraft is avariation of the AirForce fighter jet thatcarries apilot and weapons system officer Alan Diehl, aformer investigatorfor the AirForce SafetyCenter,said the Strike Eagle has an emergencylocator beacon in a survival kit thatcan be set to activate automaticallyor manually

News about the downed

planescame after Iran attacked Kuwait’sMina alAhmadi oil refinery.The state-run Kuwait Petroleum Corp. said firefighters were working to control several blazes.

Kuwait also saidanIranian attack caused “material damage” to adesalination plant.

Such plantsare responsible formost of thedrinking water for Gulf states, andthey have become amajor target in the war.

Also sirens sounded in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia said it destroyedseveral Iranian drones, and Israel reported incoming missiles.

Authorities in the United Arab Emirates shut down a gasfieldafteramissile interception reportedly rained debrisonitand started afire. Activists reported strikes around Tehran and the central city of Isfahan, but it was not immediately clear what washit.

In Lebanon, where Israel has launched aground invasion in its fight with the pro-Iranian Hezbollah militant group, an Israelidrone strike on worshippers leaving Friday prayers near Beirut killedtwo people, according to the state-run National News Agency

More than 1,900 people have been killed in Iran sincethe warbegan on Feb. 28 with U.S. and Israeli strikes. In areview released Friday,the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data, aU.S.-based group, saidit

found that civiliancasualties were clusteredaround strikes on security and statelinked sites “rather than indiscriminate bombardment” of urban areas. More than twodozen people have died in Gulf states and the occupied West Bank, 19 have been reported dead in Israel and 13 U.S. service members have been killed. More than 1,300 people have been killedand more than1 million displaced in Lebanon. TenIsraeli soldiers have also died there. World leaders, meanwhile, have struggled to end Iran’s stranglehold on the waterway,whichhas had far-reaching consequences for the global economy and has proved to be its greatest strategic advantage in the war. The U.N. Security Council wasexpected to take up the matter Saturday Trump has vacillated on America’sroleinthe strait alternately threatening Iran if it does not open the strait and telling other nations to “go getyourown oil.”On Friday he said in apost on social media that, “With a little moretime, we can easily OPEN THE HORMUZ STRAIT, TAKE THE OIL, & MAKEAFORTUNE.”

Spot prices of Brent crude, the internationalstandard, were around $109, up more than 50% since the start of thewar,whenIranbegan restricting traffic through the strait.

Landmark commission staff opposes Frostop plan

Diner has

‘architectural distinctiveness,’ report says

BY JONAH MEADOWS Staff writer

A city staff of professional archi-

tects is recommending that regulators reject a request from the owners of Robert Fresh Market to demolish Ted’s Frostop in order to replace it with student housing for nearby Tulane University — a development that could complicate the project.

In a report issued Thursday, the

Historic Districts Landmark Commission staff said the 71-year-old diner should not be demolished, despite the building’s lack of landmark status, because it meets the “architectural distinctiveness and cultural significance” requirements for the designation.

“Its longstanding operation at this location since 1955, combined with its iconic signage and strong community associations, has established the site as a local landmark within the public realm,” it said. The commission is scheduled to consider the request from RCR Ventures, the Robert family’s real estate development firm, at its meeting Wednesday

The HDLC is not required to

follow the recommendation of its staff. Its decisions are not binding anyway and can be appealed to the City Council. Still a rejection of the demolition could override a denial is not binding But it could complicate the plan to build a three-story apartment building on South Claiborne Avenue between Calhoun and South Miro streets, as it would then require a City Council vote to overrule the commission.

Tulane officials first unveiled renderings of plans for a 39-unit housing complex on Monday. They show its façade incorporating Frostop’s distinctive neon signage and iconic 14-foot-tall rotating root beer mug. The metal mug, which remained

N.O. phasing in AI agents

311, 911 calls to be triaged

BY MISSY WILKINSON Staff writer

Within months, New Orleans’ 311 callers may reach an artificial-intelligence agent instead of a human operator

The AI agent has been trained on the last three years’ worth of 311 calls. It’s been programmed to sound “customer service-centric, polite,” said Karl Fasold, executive director of the Orleans Parish Communications District And it knows how to pronounce Tchoupitoulas.

“It won’t be able to generate tickets (for service requests). It will provide information. But 50% of our 311 calls are simply providing information,” said Fasold, who has a degree in computer science and served as the district’s director of technology before being appointed to its top role in 2023.

A bigger shift has already happened. Since 2023, AI agents have been answering and triaging certain 911 calls in New Orleans.

The communications district was among the first in the nation to adopt AI-assisted 911 call triaging. Carbyne, a company that makes software for emergency call centers, had recently upgraded the district’s legacy 911 system to a cloud-native 911 product and was working on an AI agent.

“I was intrigued by the idea,” said Fasold, whose staff often became overwhelmed with surges

Staff inside the Orleans Parish Communications District headquarters in New Orleans monitor emergency 911 and non-emergency 311 calls on Tuesday.

of calls. He worked with Carbyne to analyze where the spikes were coming from.

“We identified a repeated pattern coming from the data,” said Alex Dizengof, chief technology officer and co-founder of Carbyne. “The pattern was every morning and evening during rush hour, there would be an accident, and hundreds of callers called in about the same thing.”

The result was a long queue that buried critical 911 calls.

“If you’re calling about a heart attack, you go to the back of the queue,” Dizengof said “The

queue is blind. Call takers aren’t able to prioritize the calls.”

But AI agents could. The Carbyne system integrated the computer-aided dispatch system used by first responders, so AI agents “know where all the auto accident incidents are in New Orleans that are live at any given time,” Fasold said.

Anyone calling 911 within a 200-meter radius of a live auto accident is now immediately routed to the AI agent, who asks if the caller is reporting the wreck. If the answer is yes, the AI agent assures them everything’s being

handled. If the answer is no, callers are connected to a human.

“It has helped tremendously,” Fasold said “We figure we are getting two hours a day of call taker time back, at a minimum.”

For an agency that he estimates is about 40% short of full staffing due to fiscal uncertainty, every second counts, as it does for 911 callers in life-or-death situations.

In that respect, too, eliminating tedium can potentially be a lifesaver

“We as humans get tired of

ä See AGENTS, page 3B

Lawyer seeks new trial in staged-wrecks case

Personal injury attorney appealing her conviction

BY JAMES FINN Staff writer

upside down in the diner’s parking lot for six years after it was felled by Hurricane Katrina’s winds, became a symbol of New Orleans’ resilience and was returned to the top of its pole under new ownership in 2012.

RCR Ventures partner Matthieu Robert said the diner will

“Since the inception of this project, though it’s taken many forms, we have always included Ted’s Frostop as the anchor and part of the development,” Robert said. “We’ve

BY LARA NICHOLSON Staff writer

Terrytown residents have suffered hundreds of power outages over the past two years, and Entergy Louisiana took the blame for that during a recent state Senate committee hearing.

Entergy discussed the outages and its plans for improvement at a state Senate Commerce Committee hearing Wednesday with Sen. Patrick Connick, R-Marrero; Sen. Kirk Talbot, R-River Ridge; and eight other state lawmakers.

Utility officials said they’ve trimmed trees and vines and hardened neighborhood infrastructure, two steps that have already helped to mitigate the problem.

“We as a company acknowledged there was some unacceptability there, and we needed to address it,” said Jody Montelaro, Entergy’s vice president of public affairs.

Connick said the frequent disruptions have led to complaints from frustrated residents. He gave Entergy a copy of a neighborhood petition that said the Terrytown residents have experienced losses of food and medications, damage to appliances and generators and a loss of wages, in some cases.

Vanessa Motta, the New Orleans personal injury lawyer convicted last month of orchestrating a sprawling scheme to file bogus lawsuits in staged car crashes with big-rig trucks, is appealing her conviction and seeking a new trial, according to court records.

Motta, who was convicted March 20 after a three-week jury trial on wire fraud, conspiracy, obstruction and witness tampering for the yearslong insurance scheme, argued in new court filings that prosecutors made “repeated threats” during the trial to invoke the slaying of a federal witness, Cornelius Garrison.

Motta worked closely with Garrison but was not charged with his 2020 murder, though her fiancé and other associates face charges for his death.

“These errors substantially affected Ms. Motta’s rights, such that a new trial is warranted in the interest of justice,” Motta’s attorney, Sean Toomey, wrote in a Friday filing in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana.

The March jury also convicted a second attorney, Jason Giles, of

Jefferson Parish teachers will get merit pay after all

Some educators say they were unexpectedly denied boost

BY ELYSE CARMOSINO

dispute,” said a document outlining the agreement, which the board unanimously approved Wednesday The union agreed to dismiss its grievance once the money has been distributed, which must happen no later than the first pay period following the board’s May 6 meeting. About 950 teachers who were rated “highly effective” on their evaluations for the 2024-25 school

year expected to receive stipends in December Instead, they were left empty-handed after the district updated its policy so that teachers only qualified for the bonuses if they were deemed “exemplary,” the new top rating in Louisiana’s revised teacher evaluation standards.

As a result, only about 160 teachers received merit pay Dozens of teachers piled into the

“These power outages have caused harm to folks,” Connick said. “Now thankfully, y’all are making strides to fix it, but you still have the residual problems that they still complain to me about.”

The utility provides electricity for more than 1 million customers across 58 Louisiana parishes, including Jefferson Parish. Though it is regulated by the state Public Service Commission, Connick and other lawmakers asked Entergy, AT&T and the commission to testify after hearing multiple complaints from residents amid a series of outages in 2024 and 2025. Public Service Commissioner Davante Lewis, who represents parts of Jefferson Parish, and commission Executive Secretary Brandon Frey were also present. Entergy said the most common causes for outages were equipment failures and the growth of trees and vines. The utility company said

Jefferson schools win $50K award

Foundation recognizes outstanding instruction

BY ELYSE CARMOSINO Staff writer

Jefferson Parish Schools

earned national recognition

— and a $50,000 check — for work supporting teachers’ professional growth and improving student outcomes.

The school system won the 2026 District Award of Excellence for Educator Effectiveness from the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching, which recognizes school districts for promoting outstanding classroom instruction. Jefferson Parish was announced as the winner during NIET’s annual conference in New Orleans on Thursday morning

“It’s one thing to know we’re doing the right work, but it’s a really great feeling seeing it all come together and be acknowledged at this level,” Superintendent James Gray said in an interview “It shows we’re giving the necessary support at all levels.”

Lowell Milken, right, an education philanthropist and the founder of the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET), applauds James Gray, superintendent of Jefferson Parish Schools, and Laura Roussel, chief academic officer, as they are joined by staff with Jefferson Parish Schools during the surprise announcement that the district had received the 2026 District Award of Excellence for Educator Effectiveness, along with a $50,000 grand prize.

The honor was announced at the New Orleans Marriott on Thursday

NIET is a nonprofit that works with schools to make teachers more effective and improve their classroom practices. Jefferson Parish began partnering with the group in 2018 to develop teacher leadership teams, where high-performing “master teachers” mentor newer hires With NIET’s help, the district also

launched a local version of a state program that offers aspiring teachers a pathway to certification through paid apprenticeships

As a result, every school in the district now has a cadre of lead teachers who can coach their colleagues and help them improve their

craft, NIET founder Lowell Milken said Thursday, pointing to the school system’s academic improvements in recent years as one of the reasons it was recognized.

In 2024, Jefferson Parish earned its first B letter grade from the Louisiana Department of Education in

more than a decade, and in 2025, none of the district’s schools received an F grade a notable improvement over 2018, when 10 schools got failing grades.

Jefferson’s “focus on creating, building and sustaining these initiatives is particularly powerful to see as they do it at scale across their entire large system,” Milken said, adding that the district has proven its dedication to “providing every student with the education they need and deserve.”

School systems that work with NIET use the organization’s rubric for evaluating and giving feedback to teachers. Louisiana adopted the rubric as a statewide

standard this year Jefferson Parish joins two other Louisiana school districts recognized by NIET for their educator effectiveness throughout the award’s eight-year history DeSoto Parish won in 2019, and Ascension Parish did in 2022.

Laura Roussel, chief academic officer for Jefferson Parish schools, said the recognition shows the district has made strides in creating a more supportive culture for teachers and students.

Changing a school system’s culture “takes time, and it takes commitment,” she said, adding that Jefferson Parish schools are “doing it on a daily basis.”

Couple accused of having sex with 16-year-old

Investigators say duo met runaway girl on dating app

BY MICHELLE HUNTER Staff writer

The Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s Office filed charges against a couple accused of having sex with a 16-year-old runaway in Kenner, according to court records. Brandon Newton, 35, of

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fraud, conspiracy obstruction and witness tampering for a similar parallel scheme. A third defendant, Diamanike Stalbert, was acquitted of wire fraud but convicted of lying to federal agents after allegedly recruiting passengers for a single staged wreck.

Among other arguments, Motta’s motion for a new trial alleged that closing arguments by Giles’ attorney created “prejudicial” conditions for her with the jury, and that jurors were improperly instructed about how to weigh the witness tampering charge.

Legal experts say both Motta and Giles face potentially hefty prison terms — at least 10 years at sentencing, which U.S. District Judge Wendy Vitter has set for July Vitter ordered both attorneys jailed pending their sentencing hearings.

The marathon trial punctuated a sprawling federal probe dating back years. It featured a cinematic parade of prosecution witnesses, including several “slammers,” or drivers who packed cars with passengers and rammed them into moving 18-wheelers on New Orleans highways. Federal prosecutors alleged the slammers would then bring the passengers to injury attorneys Motta and Giles, who filed bogus lawsuits for big payouts Toomey argued during Motta’s trial that she was duped by Sean Alfortish, the disbarred attorney she was engaged to and with whom she has a young child. He argued she had been unaware that the accidents were staged Alfortish faces a separate August trial date. He is accused not only of orchestrating the fraud, but of conspiring to murder a key federal witness — Garrison, a prolific “slammer” who brought passengers to Motta and Alfortish so she could file bogus insurance claims on their behalf.

Kenner, and Rebecca Madere, 33, of Lutcher, were charged Thursday with felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile and indecent behavior with a juvenile. They were first arrested Dec 6, 2024, following an investigation by the Kenner Police Department. Officers were dispatched to Newton’s

Garrison was shot to death on his mother’s Gentilly doorstep in 2020. His slaying came days after he was indicted for his alleged role in the scheme and about a year after he began cooperating with federal agents.

Motta was not charged in Garrison’s death. But the murder cast a bloody specter over her trial, even as prosecutors and defense lawyers treaded carefully in addressing it — and sometimes clashed over how far they could go in retreading the details surrounding it

Garrison’s former defense attorney, FBI handler and one of his slammer protégés, Ryan Harris, all testified last month. Harris has pleaded guilty to helping Alfortish and another associate, Leon “Chunky” Parker, plot the slaying.

The thrust of Toomey’s argument in Friday’s filings was that federal prosecutors pledged not to invoke Garrison’s slaying before the trial, then later backtracked.

Toomey wrote that prosecutors had warned him against publishing audio to the jury of a 2023 statement by Harris in which Harris said the accidents were not staged.

Toomey wrote that prosecutors threatened to ask Harris on the witness stand about Motta’s alleged role in Garrison’s slaying if he played the audio. (Toomey did not end up playing the audio during the trial, and the killing was not discussed in detail during Harris’ testimony.)

“The government wielded this threat of introducing Ms. Motta’s alleged involvement in the murder as a strategic lever throughout trial, which crippled Ms. Motta’s ability to defend herself,” he wrote.

A spokesperson for the U.S Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Toomey’s claims.

In a second filing, Toomey said Motta plans to appeal her conviction to the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals.

Contact James Finn at jfinn@theadvocate.com.

Taylor Street home in Kenner that night regarding reports of a 16-year-old girl who was a runaway at the residence, according to authorities.

Madere answered the door when police knocked. Officers noted in their report that she was fully clothed. But officers found Newton and the girl

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walking out of a bathroom, both nude, authorities said. Investigators later learned that the victim met Madere and Newton on a Facebook dating app about a week earlier They continued chatting with the girl on social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat, authorities said.

Police allege Madere and Newton met up with the victim and had sex with her on two separate occasions, according to court records. The messages between the

always wanted to keep the signs.”

While its signage is protected as one of 34 signs that have been granted “classic sign status” under the city’s zoning code, the Ted’s Frostop building was built in 1955 after the Carrollton local historic district’s “period of significance” that runs 1840 to 1937.

Nonetheless, the building is a rare surviving example of drive-in commercial architecture of the mid-20th century and contributes to the area’s “broader cultural and visual character,” according to the HDLC staff report.

“Its longstanding operation at this location since 1955, combined with its iconic signage and strong community associations, has established the site as a local landmark within the public realm,” it said.

The building’s “Googie-influenced” architectural style complements the district’s historic character by showing a later layer of development showing the effects of car culture on commercial building styles, according to the report.

Robert emphasized that the project does not require any exceptions or variances from zoning code, as the site is already zoned commercial and would not require any special permissions He said city officials had already made the decision to effectively landmark the B-U-R-G-E-R-S and mug signs — but not the building.

“We’ve been really trying our best to follow the letter of the law and bring an additional asset to the neighborhood that revitalizes an important commercial corridor,” he said.

RCR Ventures has also requested the commission’s permission to demolish two other structures within the footprint of the proposed development — the former Mid City Pizza at 6307 Miro St and the drive-thru First Horizon Bank branch at 6309 S. Claiborne Ave.

Landmark commission staff had no objection to razing either one, though their report called for waiting until a new construction permit is ready before giving the green light to the demolition.

Unlike its other dormitories, Tulane would not own the new off-campus residential development.

Instead, RCR Ventures would retain ownership of the building and rent it out to the university under a long-term lease, which would incor-

three indicate that Newton and Madere gave the girl marijuana several times, according to authorities.

Officers who searched Newton’s house seized about 31 grams of marijuana and a gun, police said. They were arrested and booked with carnal knowledge of a juvenile, indecent behavior with a juvenile, contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile involving the performance of a sexually immoral act, according to court records.

Louisiana’s felony carnal knowledge law makes it illegal for a person over 17 to have sexual intercourse with a person who is older than 13 but younger than 17. Newton was released from jail Dec. 6, 2024, on a $91,000 bond. Madere was released Dec. 13, 2024, on a $44,000 bond. Both are scheduled to be arraigned May 29, court records said. Email Michelle Hunter at mhunter@theadvocate. com.

porate it into its student housing program “and also provide on-site security for residents, creating additional security for the neighborhood,” according to university officials.

The agreement between RCR and Tulane has yet to be finalized, according to the university’s announcement of the proposal. Tulane spokesperson Mike Strecker emphasized that the university itself would not be developing or demolishing anything as part of the development.

Leaders of the private university have been on a multiyear building spree as part of an initiative to require students to reside on its Uptown campus for three years. Starting last fall, all Tulane juniors who weren’t studying abroad have been required to live in dorms.

At its peak in the 1960s, the Frostop franchise included 350 locations around the country, with founder Ted Sternberg personally owning more than a dozen of them. Today, only nine locations survive, with only seven still operating out of their original buildings.

Developers hope to begin demolition in late summer with the aim of completing construction by the start of the 2027-28 school year

Ted’s Frostop will operate out of a food truck and its workers will be offered temporary jobs at Robert Fresh Market while the new dorm is being built, according to the terms of the developer’s proposed agreement with the university RCR Ventures, which purchased the diner’s business along with the land on which it sits, hopes to keep it in business for the long term, according to Robert, who noted the family’s grocery store has no shortage of food service experience.

“As we’ve seen elsewhere, the historic Ted’s Frostop franchise’s viability has been threatened by other market factors,” he said. “So we think giving it a new home can provide long-term viability.”

Email Jonah Meadows at jonah. meadows@theadvocate.com.

Statewidedrugbusts lead to more than adozen arrests

Narcoticsfound in ice creammachines, officialssay

BY CLAIRE TAYLOR Staff writer

Representatives of the Homeland Security Task Force provided details Thursday on five drug busts around the state that took 335 pounds of methamphetamine, 253 pounds of cocaineand 25 poundsof fentanyl off the streets. The drug busts were conducted

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mundane, repetitive work,”Dizengof said. “And if it is repetitive, critical work, this could also be dangerous.”

The 911 AI agent only answers car accident-related calls. It will never be used for real emergency calls,Fasold said.

Aron Culotta and Nick Mattei, both computer science professors at Tulane University and co-directors of its Center for CommunityEngaged Artificial Intelligence, noted that information technology has been used to reduce human contact since call centers gained traction in the 1980s —and that many people are now comfortable installing Ring cameras or interacting withAlexa.

“Squeamishnesshere might come from the fact that… your government is doing this,and not something that you bought and brought into your house,” Mattei said. “But for very well-contained applications, Ithink this can be a

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the Terrytown area saw at least 90 outages caused by vegetation issues alonein 2024 and 2025, impacting 1,400 customers in 2024 and 6,000 customers in 2025. Residents also experienced 160 planned outages during those twoyears for scheduled repairs and maintenance Those disruptions occurred on top of outages caused by major storms and other equipment failures, like when alarge breaker outage left 9,000 customers without powerinJune 2024, or when Hurricane Francine knocked out power for more than 2,500 customers three months later In response to complaints in 2025, Entergy saidthey replaced 20 poles, hard-

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board’sFebruary meetingto express outrageatthe policy change, which they said they had not been told about in advance. Board member Steven Guitterrez called thedistrict’s failuretonotify teachers “despicable,” and he and board member Ricky Johnson voted to give stipends to teachers who didn’treceive them.

District officials pushed back,saying their policy of awarding bonusestothe highest-scoringteachers had not changed. They also said thedistrict could not afford to give stipends to every teacher rated “highly effective,” which they estimated would cost more than $1 million.

The board voted in February to postpone adecision on the matter.Inaninterview Thursday,Guitterrez said the board ultimately agreed to pay the bonuses to the “highly effective” teachers to avoida potentiallawsuit, saying the union made a “really strong case” that the money needed to be paid out.

Union President Sandra Hauer said during the

THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2026

PICK 3:

betweenmid-Februaryand midMarch in Lafayette, Calcasieu Parish,Shreveport,Alexandria and Breaux Bridge,where illegal drugs were found in icecream machines

Theoperations, according to U.S. Attorney Zachary Kellerofthe Western District in Lafayette,led to the arrests of morethan adozen people.

Twodrugcartels, Jalisco Nueva Generacion Cartel and the Gulf Cartel,Keller said, are among those bringing drugs into Louisiana. There are others, he added.

“This is not asurge,” Keller said. “Thisisnot aspecial operation.”

powerful way to freeupgovernment resources. …Justbecause it’sAIdoesn’t meanit’sbad.”

There is little national policy governing AI useinemergency response,and no city policy that Culotta,MatteiorFasold are aware of.Callers to 911 and311 in Orleans Parishare notexplicitlytoldwhen they arespeaking to an AI system, though thevoice is obviouslynot human, and the communications district does not plantoannounce whenthe 311 AI agents golive.

During the Bourbon Street terrorist attack, an AI agent answered the first two 911 calls beforeroutingthemtoahuman. Forroughly 20 seconds,the incident was classifiedasahit-and-runcrash, Fasold said.

The responsibility,Culotta said, falls on the public to demand transparency andaccountability

“AI can serve ourcommunities in abetter wayand help save lives,” Dizengofsaid. “But it hasto comewithproper controls, where ultimately ahuman makes the final decision aboutwhenand how AI will act.”

ened another 175 poles and trimmed 3miles of vegetation along power lines.The utility also addedanimal prevention measures and newtechnology like trip savers, which automatically detect and isolate temporary faults in power lineslike tree falls to prevent prolonged outages. Montelaro said Terrytown hasn’texperienced any new outages to his knowledge since Entergycrews completed thelatest round of tree trimming in February This year,Entergy plansto continue its work by hardening about 80morepoles, trimming morevegetation, conductingthree additional equipment inspections and addinganother trip saverto benefit roughly 1,100 Terrytown customers. Meanwhile, some Jefferson Parish officials say it’s good theutilityisbeing held to account. The council

board’smeetingWednesday that thestipendagreement between the two parties shows that “when we stay at the table, stayfocused on solutions, progress is possible.”

In an email to union members, Hauer expressedfrustrationthatthe unionhad to file agrievance to receive the bonuses, reiterating that thedistrictchanged the eligibility requirements after teacher evaluations had already been completed

“You don’tchange the scoringsystem after the game,” Hauer saidinaninterview Friday,adding that districtsalary documents for this school year were notfully updatedto reflect theeligibility change.

In astatement announcingthe news toteachers this week, Superintendent James Gray appeared to refutethe charge that thedistrict had changed theeligibilityrules withouttellingteachers, addingthat information had

This,hesaid, is what theHomeland Security Task Forceisdesigned to do, root it out.”

Onehundredkilograms of cocaine was discovered in atruck in Lafayette and 147kilogramsofmethamphetamine were foundinanother,Steven Hofer, special agent in chargewith the DrugEnforcementAgency, said during aTuesdaymorningnews conference in Lafayette.

“That’shundreds of thousands of

doses,”Hofer said. In the Shreveport area, federal prosecutors are pursuing charges against 10 people described as being part of transnational criminal organizations that allegedly trafficked large quantities of fentanyl, fentanyl analogues and methamphetamine through Houston to Shreveport. One person whobought and used drugs from Willie Baker,charged in the Shreveport case, has died, Keller said. Someofthe arrests stemmed from investigations. Others from routine traffic stops by Louisiana

State Police and local law enforcementagents, including abust with the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office,where 15 kilogramsofcocaine wasseizedonFeb.12, saidMatt Wright,special agentwithHomeland Security Investigations. Twoillegalimmigrants and one U.S. citizen werearrested, he said. State troopers are on Louisiana’s highways and interstates every day,stopping motorists fortraffic violations. They are trained to look beyond the traffic violation for things like drug trafficking, Louisiana State Police Superintendent Col. Robert Hodges said.

in August2024 pressed Entergy and the Public Service Commission for answers aboutfrequent outages in parish neighborhoods on bothsides of the Mississippi River

“Although we’re in the longest period we’ve had without it going out, we don’twanttoleave it up for chance,” said Jefferson ParishCouncil member TimothyKerner Jr., who representsTerrytown, in an interview.“Iwanttokeep the pressure on, because there’snoreason Terrytown should have ever gotten that way, andI wanttomakesure theyare not in thatposition again.”

Lewis, whose Public Service Commission district spans from Baton Rouge to New Orleans, saidatthe meeting thatTerrytown is among several neighborhoodsherepresents with “identical complaints,iden-

been circulating publicly “without full context

“Jefferson Parish Schools hasnot acted,and will not act, in waysthatare intendedtodisadvantage teachers, withhold informationorchange expectations unfairly,” Gray said. “That approachwould be inconsistent with ourvaluesand with howthis districthas been led.”

He thanked teachers for their continued dedication and said the districtwill continue to engage with employees on importantissues “professionally,respectfully and in good faith.”Headded that only educatorsrated “exemplary” will be eligible to receive the stipends moving forward.

He also asked teachers to “consider the district’sactions over time,” pointing to incremental pay raises in recent years that he said have cost the school system $18 million annually

tical circumstances and identical scenarios,” and that it can take significant time andresources to provide major infrastructure improvements to asingle neighborhood.

Lewis said that the commission has for the last year studied waystoevaluate and regulate grid reliabilityby ZIP code.

“It is an ongoing statewide

conversation,” Lewis said. “That’skind of whywe’re looking at those reliabilityrulesatthe distribution level, not only at the system level, so we canstart to addressitasa statewideissue and not just at the independent communities they pop up in here and there.” Entergy launcheda $233 million plan in November 2024 to harden Jefferson

Parish’spower grid within five yearsaspartofamuch larger,$2billion statewide grid hardening project. The project is fundedthrough utilitybill increases that will take place through 2029. In Jefferson Parish, the project will strengthen 200 miles of power lines and upgrade7,400utility polesso that they can withstand wind speeds up to 140 mph.

Aguilar, Jennifer Fernandez, Mark Morales,Alex Fernandez, Mark F.

Fernandez,

St Bernard

CharbonnetLabat

Morales,Alex

Obituaries

Aguilar, Jennifer

Jennifer Aguilar, 56,of Woodworth, LA,passed awayonMarch 29, 2026

BornonSeptember 19, 1969, in NewOrleans,Jen‐nifer wasthe beloved spouseofDarrylAguilar (marriedfor 31 years) and fantastic mother to her children: Christopher, Meredith, andWilliam Aguilar,and herbeloved bulldogs,Margieand Man‐ley.She is theloving daughterofJaniceDonn‐awayHeldand thelate RobertJosephHeldSr. and sistertoMelissa Held Oliver(John Oliver), Chris‐tineHeldHarper(Glenn Harper),and thelate RobertHeldJr. Jennifer is alsosurvivedbyher nieces and nephews: Libby, Sam, and Maddy Oliver and Marie,Michael,and Joseph Harper, andmanyloving cousins andfriends.Prior tobecominga mother,Jen‐nifer taught EnglishatSt. RitaofCasciaSchoolin Harahan,LA. Jennifer will berememberedfor her outgoing personality, humor,laughter, sharp mind, generosity,and being agreat role model for herchildren. Sheloved spendingtimewith her family, friends, andpets, going to theGulfCoast and traveling,gardening,and being in nature.Jennifer willbedeeply missed by all whoknewand loved her.A Memorial Service willbeheldonTuesday April 7, 2026, at Garden of MemoriesFuneral Home withvisitationstartingat 12:00 noon anda Memorial Massat2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, donationsmay be madetoCENLA Alliance for Animals at www.cenlaal lianceforanimals.comor OchsnerHealthatwww

Mark F. Fernandez, beloved husband,father, grandfather,professor, musician, andconsum‐mateNew Orleanian, passedawayonMarch 31 2026, at theage of 67,sur‐rounded by lovedones. His passing followed along battlewithbrain cancer.A nativeson of New Orleans, Marklived thekindoflife thiscitywas made for: full ofgood meals, good music, good stories, and even bet‐ter company. He waswitty, hilarious, andthe kind of man who couldholda room with astory like no‐bodyelse. He lovedMardi Grasand Jazz Fest with the devotionofa true New Or‐leanian,and foryears he and hiswifeDione hosted their belovedannual“Sun‐day Gras party, agather‐ing that friendsand family looked forwardtoevery year, where Mark couldre‐liablybefound orchestrat‐ing shotsinthe kitchen. Beyondthe dinner table and theparty,Markwas a musician. Aguitarist at heart,heplayedfor the purejoy of it at venues acrossthe city,including the Neutral Ground,the Maple Leaf, ChickieWah Wah,NOLABrewery,Sei‐ther’sSeafood,and many others. In recent yearshe found hishomeonSunday nightsatthe legendaryLe Bon TempsRoule on Maga‐zineStreet, playingweekly withthe BonTemps Boys under thedirection of Lo Faber.For thosewho knew Mark, seeing himonthat stage wasseeinghim in his element. He was equally at home in the classroom.Markreceived his B.A. andM.A.fromthe UniversityofNew Orleans and hisPh.D. from TheCol‐legeofWilliam andMaryin Virginia. He joined thefac‐ultyatLoyolaUniversity New Orleansin1992, where hespent over three decades as abeloved and award-winning professor ofhistory.Among hismany honors, he received Loy‐ola’shighest distinction

theDux Academicus award,was namedthe Pa‐triciaCarlinO’KeefeDistin‐guished ProfessorofHis‐tory, andreceivedthe Louisiana Historical Asso‐ciation’s Garney McGinty LifetimeService Awardin 2023. Hisscholarship,par‐ticularly "FromChaos to Continuity: Evolutionof Louisiana’s Judicial Sys‐tem,1712-1862,"earned the LouisianaLiterary Award from theLouisiana Library Association. In 2012, he wasnamed the Seventh AnnualWoody Guthrie Fellow by the WoodyGuthrie Foundation and BMIMusic Publishers, a recognitionthatspoke to the breadth of hiscuriosity and passionfor American culture andfolktradition In 2024, he wasawarded the EastmanResidency for the Arts andHumanities, anhonor he received while fighting theillness that would take hislife. Above all else,Markwas adored Adoredbyhis wife of 45 years,Dione,who washis partner in everysense of the word.Adoredbyhis son Wesley anddaughterin-lawKristen.And adored beyondmeasure by his grandchildren Logan, Mia, and Alexis,who knew him simplyasPawpaw. Mark is survivedbyhis wife,Dione Ezell Fernandez; hisson WesleyFernandez (Kris‐ten); hisgrandchildren Logan, Mia, andAlexis; his brother Barry Fernandez (Sarah);his sister Cindy Francis;and hisbeloved niecesand nephews. He is precededindeath by his parents,Fredric “Jimmy Fernandez andAntoinette HellmersFernandez;his brother-in-lawWilliam Francis;his belovedpets, Valentino andLucy; and his dear friend SteveSkon‐berg. In lieu of flowers, the familyasksthatdonations bemadeinmemoryof MarkFernandez to theLoy‐ola University NewOrleans History Department,where hespent over three decades doingthe work he loved

Morales, Alex

Alex Morales, aresident ofSt. Bernardand aretired commercial fisherman, passedawayonFriday, March 27, 2026. He was bornonJuly11,1937 to the lateAlexand Mildren Evans MoralesinDelacroix Island,where he resided

until HurricaneKatrina.Mr. Morales wasjoinedinHoly Matrimony to Isabel Lopez Morales.Their union of 69 years wasblessedwith two children,Pamela Morales (Michael)and Kevin Morales(Carol) Brother of CharlesMorales (Anna), Mary Louise Molero(Clifton),Joy Menesses(Denis),the late Daniel(Mary Frances) and EugeneMorales (Velma). Grandfather of Stephen Lopez (Michelle)and Brad Morales (Suzonne). Great grandfather of Stephen, III, Madelynn, Miaand Savan‐nah.Alsosurvivedbya hostofother loving rela‐tives andfriends.All arein‐vited to attend agraveside service honoring thelife and legacy of thelateAlex Morales, which will be held

at St.Bernard Catholic Church Cemetery,2805 Bayou Road,St. Bernard, LA70085 on Monday,April 6,2026 at 10 am.Please signthe online guestbook atwww.charbonnetfuner alhome.com. Finalarrange‐ments entrustedtoChar‐

Many Americans are fortunate to have dental

employer-provided

Simplyput —without

Whenyou’recomparing plans ...

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Medicare doesn’tpay for dental care.1

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

Early detectioncan prevent small problemsfrom becomingexpensive ones

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

Previous dental work canwearout

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

Treatment is expensive especially theservicespeople over 50 often need

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

BRIEFS FROM WIRE REPORTS

Wall Street closed but futures inch lower

U.S. futures were trading modestly lower early Friday following surprisingly strong jobs data from the federal government.

Equity markets are closed for Good Friday, but futures markets were trading into Friday morning, albeit quietly

Futures for S&P 500 dipped 0.3%, futures for the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.2% and Nasdaq futures were down 0.4%.

American employers added a surprisingly strong 178,000 new jobs last month, rebounding from a dismal February that saw 133,000 job losses. The unemployment rate dipped to 4.3% from 4.4%.

Energy markets were closed Friday following big price surges the day before on fears that the Iran war will drag on longer than expected U.S. benchmark crude rose 11.4% to $111.54 a barrel on Thursday The price of Brent crude, the international standard, jumped 7.8% to $109.03 per barrel.

U.S. President Donald Trump late Wednesday vowed the U.S. will continue to attack Iran and failed to offer a clear timetable for ending the conflict in the Middle East

Amazon to surcharge third-party sellers

NEW YORK Amazon is slapping a 3.5% fuel and logistics surcharge on third-party sellers using its platform starting later this month amid a spike in fuel prices since the war in Iran started.

The temporary charge is effective April 17 for many of the sellers who use Amazon’s fulfillment services, the online behemoth confirmed to The Associated Press in an email Thursday.

“Elevated costs in fuel and logistics have increased the cost of operating across the industry,” Amazon said in the emailed statement. The Seattle-based company said it has absorbed these increases so far but similar to other major carriers, when costs remain elevated, it implements temporary surcharges to partially recover these costs. It noted the charge is “meaningfully” lower than surcharges applied by other major carriers.

“We remain committed to our selling partners’ success and to maintaining broad selection and low prices for customers,” Amazon added.

Amazon’s fuel and logistics-related surcharge will apply to U.S and Canadian sellers using its Fulfillment by Amazon option. Starting May 2, the surcharge will take effect with sellers using the Buy with Prime and Multi-Channel Fulfillment options.

United Airlines raises checked bag fees

Most travelers flying with United Airlines will now pay $10 more to check their luggage beginning on Friday, as rising jet fuel costs driven by the war in the Middle East pushes another major U.S. carrier to increase fees.

Customers traveling in the United States, Mexico, Canada and Latin America will now pay $45 for their first piece of luggage and $55 for their second bag, according to United

“This is the first time in two years the airline has raised bag fees,” United said in a statement.

Some passengers will still receive a free first checked bag, including co-branded credit card holders, certain loyalty-tier members, active military personnel and travelers in premium cabins.

Customers who check bags less than 24 hours before departure will pay an additional $5. United joins JetBlue which raised checked baggage fees on Monday by up to $9 during peak travel periods, as the war in the Middle East continues to severely disrupt global oil supplies, particularly near the narrow Strait of Hormuz where a fifth of the world’s oil typically passes. That has caused crude prices to fluctuate wildly, which affects airlines’ operating costs because the fuel their aircraft rely on is refined from crude oil. JetBlue said charging more for optional services used by select customers helps keep base fares competitive. Like United, it will continue offering a free first checked bag to some customers.

U.S. adds 178K jobs in March

Companies rebound from weak February

BY PAUL WISEMAN and ANNE D’INNOCENZIO AP business writers

WASHINGTON American employers added a surprisingly strong 178,000 new jobs last month, rebounding from a dismal February And the unemployment rate dipped to 4.3%.

The Labor Department reported Friday that hiring marked a turnaround from the loss of 133,000 jobs in February The job gains were about three times what economists had forecast. But uncertainty surrounding the war with Iran — and

its impact on energy prices is clouding the outlook for the labor market.

The unemployment rate was down from 4.4% in February That is partly because the labor force those working and looking for work — dropped by 396,000 in March so fewer people were competing for jobs. In fact, the percentage of people in the labor force dropped to 61.9% last month, the lowest since November 2021

Health care companies added 76,400 jobs last month, boosted by the return of 31,000 Kaiser Permanente employees to work after the end of a strike in February Factories added 15,000 jobs last month but have still shed jobs for 14 of the

last 16 months. Construction companies added 26,000 jobs, probably partly because of warmer weather last month.

Average hourly wages were up 0.2% from February Compared to March 2025, they were up 3.5% — the smallest gain since May 2021 and one consistent with the Federal Reserve’s 2% annual inflation target.

Labor Department revisions shaved 7,000 jobs off combined January and February payrolls.

The U.S. job market has been in a slump over the past year Most economists say the impact of the war and higher energy prices was probably not fully reflected in the March jobs numbers.

It’s no yolk

Eggs for Easter cost much less in the U.S. than last year

BY DEE-ANN DURBIN AP business writer

U.S. egg prices have fallen 60% from last year’s record highs, making it easier for consumers to fill their Easter baskets and Passover Seder plates. Bird flu was to blame for elevated retail prices during the first five months of 2025, and the course of the highly contagious disease is a big reason why prices are much lower now. An outbreak forced farmers and commercial producers to slaughter entire broods of egg-laying hens, but ebbing cases in the second half of last year helped restore egg supplies, said Mark Jordan, the executive director of agricultural research firm LEAP Market Analytics.

The stubborn outbreak is still affecting U.S. poultry flocks, with the number of infected commercial flocks rising in March. But farmers have been rapidly replenishing flocks that died or had to be destroyed. Between July 2024 and July 2025, the number of egg-type chicks hatched in the U.S. rose 8%. It was the first sustained and substantial increase in the availability of specially-bred layer chicks since the bird flu outbreak began in 2022, Jordan said.

The Trump administration’s decision to import nearly 1 billion eggs last year also helped lower prices, Jordan said, although imports have since returned to more normal levels. The U.S. also exported fewer eggs last year to help boost domestic supplies

But what’s good for consumers isn’t necessarily good for farmers, who are finding it difficult to recoup their costs as egg prices plummet. They also may have to pay more for feed, including corn and soybean meal, because of the Iran war

“Farmers are no strangers to volatility It’s part of the business. But in recent months, many have been selling eggs at or below the cost of production,” said Emily Metz, the president and CEO of the America Egg Board, a trade group.

“The data is mostly backwardlooking, and likely does not incorporate any impact from the recent rise in energy prices, or other risks related to the war in Iran,” Thomas Simons, chief U.S. economist with the investment firm Jefferies, wrote in a commentary Diane Swonk, chief economist at the accounting firm KPMG, said that the economy is getting a lift from big tax refunds made possible by President Donald Trump’s 2025 tax cuts. “But those are now being eaten up by higher energy costs,” she said.

Last year employers added an average of just 9,700 jobs a month, the weakest hiring outside a recession since 2002.

BY THE NUMBERS

n $2.50 per dozen: Average U.S. price for a dozen eggs in February.

n $6.23 per dozen: Average U.S. price for a dozen eggs in March 2025, which was an all-time high.

n 315.8 million: Number of egg-laying hens in the U.S. as of March 1.That’s 8% higher than last year

n 45 million: Number of egglaying hens in Iowa, the top U.S. state for egg production.

n 205.7 million: Number of chickens and other birds in commercial and backyard flocks that died or were culled due to bird flu since February 2022.

n 5.22 million: Number of chickens and other birds that died or were culled because of bird flu in March 2026.That is more than double the number affected in March 2025.

n 657%: The percentage increase in U.S. imports of shell eggs in 2025 compared to the year before.

n $1.05: Average cost for farmers to produce a dozen eggs, not including labor and transportation, according to the American Egg Board. In late March, the national average wholesale price of eggs was $1.17 per dozen.

n 40,000: Number of real eggs that will be used for this year’s White House Easter Egg Roll.

Starbucks rolls out performance bonuses, tipping changes

BY MEGAN ULU-LANI BOYANTON

The Seattle Times (TNS)

Starbucks is extending its baristas the chance to earn $300 quarterly bonuses, on top of other changes meant to sweeten the retail employee experience. The Seattle-based coffee giant debuted its new incentive rewards program for hourly coffeehouse employees Thursday morning. The bonuses for baristas and shift supervisors will be based on performance. Employees could earn an extra $1,200 annually if their stores meet and exceed sales, operational and customer service goals, per the announcement. “This reward recognizes teams that work together to deliver ex-

cellence and is part of our commitment to shared success,” Chief Operating Officer Mike Grams and Chief Partner Officer Sara Kelly wrote in a letter to employees Thursday Starbucks said the program is “subject to collective bargaining as required by federal law” at the U.S. stores that belong to the union. Starbucks Workers United, the union representing thousands of baristas, said the news is “clearly a reaction to our organizing and demands for higher take-home pay for baristas.” Starbucks estimates 5% of U.S. stores are represented by the union. For nonunionized stores, the

change will take effect in July

That month, employees will also begin receiving tips from additional ordering and payment methods, such as credit and debit cards for mobile order and pay At present, workers can only get tips in cash or through Starbucks card payments used at point of sale and for drive-thru orders. Starbucks estimates the combination of bonuses and tipping alternatives could boost earnings for employees by 5%-8%.

However Workers United said: “It’s notable that these bonuses and tips will be largely out of baristas’ control, relying on customer tipping and store performance metrics as determined by Starbucks management.”

Other adjustments are part of the upcoming rollout. In August, the company will transition to weekly pay for all U.S. employees in response to feedback. Starbucks currently operates on a biweekly schedule. Starbucks will also begin hiring for a new position: coffeehouse coaches, described as “full-time members of management who, together with the coffeehouse leader, keep locations running smoothly” by the company It plans to fill 90% of retail leadership positions with internal candidates.

The company projects that its average total pay and benefits equate to over $30 per hour for hourly employees when they work 20 hours or more each week.

ANOTHERVIEW

Era-defining musicand its changing sounds

Whatever happened to songs that benchmarkhistoryand cultural change? For years, songwriters andmusicians gave us refrains that defined eras, from stirringhymns to evocative folk ballads and pop songs. But recently, thesoundtrack of public life hasbeen oddly muffled Buffalo Springfield got it right: “There’s something happening here.Whatitis ain’texactly clear” Era-defining songs often emerged during war and crisis. “Yankee Doodle” mocked British insults against the colonies. Francis Scott Key gave us anational anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” which introduced sacred phrases —from “dawn’searly light” and “twilight’slast gleaming” to “broad stripes and bright stars,” “rocket’sred glare,” “land of the free” and “home of the brave.” The “Battle Hymn of the Republic” wasa riveting Civil Warpoem celebrating survival of the union andthe common thread of prayer.“Dixie” became the anthemfor theConfederacy;itlived on for decades in paradesand high school gymnasiums, buteventually fadedasa relic of thepast. GeorgeM.Cohan’s“Over There” wasa rallyingcry in the First World War. “Happy Days Are Here Again” offered Americans aray of hope during the GreatDepression “God Bless America,” writtenbyIrvingBerlin andfamously sung by Kate Smith, linked prayerwithloveof countryduring World WarII. “Praise theLordand Pass the Ammunition” was aphrase first used by aNavychaplain to reduce the monotony of sailors continuously passingammunition to gunners on the USS New Orleans

The civil rights movement supplied powerfulsongs, many of whichoriginated in African American churches. The best known included “WeShall Overcome,” “Lift Every Voice and Sing” andSam Cooke’s“AChangeisGonna Come.”

The1960s birthed arich mixture of music basedon themes of societal change, relating to both therightsrevolution and theVietnam War. James Brown’s “SayItLoud— I’m Black and I’m Proud,” Bob Dylan’s“Blowin’inthe Wind” andPeteSeeger’s“Turn,Turn, Turn” are examples. Dion’s “Abraham, Martin and John” venerateddreams that were deferred by tragic assassinations

The Beatles’ “Revolution” warned us about thehigh cost of destruction and false prophets; theirhit “Blackbird” was about the long-delayed struggle forequality. Spanky and OurGang’s“GiveaDamn”focused onurban poverty. Popularsongs have made the case for genderequality, resilience and self-acceptance. ArethaFranklin’s“Respect,” Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way,”Helen Reddy’s“IAm Woman,” Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive,” Dolly Parton’s“9to5” andDiana Ross’ “I’m Coming Out” usedlyricstobreakstereotypes inways that wereentertaining andmotivating. After the tumult of the 1960s, Don McLean’seight-minute “American Pie” mourned the loss of national innocence. “Borninthe U.S.A.” was Bruce Springsteen’s odetoVietnam veterans. LeeGreenwood’s“God Bless the USA” caught thespirit of renewed patriotism during Ronald Reagan’spresidency Then came “WeAre the World” —aGrammy“record of the year”about poverty and hunger inAfrica that brought together the biggest names in music. Countryhits like Merle Haggard’s“Mama Tried” andToby Keith’s“Courtesyofthe Red, White and Blue”presented era-defining themes from patriotism and nationalism to rebellionand repentance.

Wikipedia lists 39 songs about Donald Trump. Demi Lovato’s “Commander in Chief,” released during thefinalweeks of the2020 election, was afull-throated attackonhis policies and values. “Fighter,” by Joe Kahn, portrayed Trump as an irrepressible leader who always “gets back up” even after an assassinationattempt.

To be sure, newer songs are taking on awide range of contemporary issues —preventable violence, abuse of power, digital anxiety and the implications ofAI. Jon Batiste’shighenergy “Freedom,” released in 2021, hasalreadybecomean anthemcelebrating Black lifeand culture. AndinJanuary, Springsteen’s“Streets of Minneapolis” becamethe foremost protestsongagainst the Trump administration’s immigration policies.

In time, new generations may elevate some of this decade’s songs to era-defining standards,muchasmygeneration did with the music of its own day Unfortunately,the gestation of landmark songs hasbecome increasingly difficult.

New music genres are more frequently looking inward than outward,and that works against creation of enduring anthems. While the digitalage has made musicmoreaccessible andimmediate,it’salsofragmentedaudiences,often alongpoliticaland ideological lines,disrupting appealsfor national unity and common purpose

As poet Heinrich Heine wrote, “Where wordsleaveoff, musicbegins.” Whatever the trends,let’shopemusic continuestocapture the temper of the times.

Ron Faucheux is anonpartisan politicalanalyst,pollster and writer based in Louisiana.

If TSAscreening is stretched, requirebagstobechecked

All theairline travelers are very frustrated with thedelays at the airport as they make their way through theTSA checkpoint

When considering theTSA screening, there are three specific activities. First,TSA personnel check your ID. Second, thetraveler walks through thebody scan. Both of these activities are usually completed very quickly

From my own experience, themajor delay is in screening thecarry-on items.

Ihave noticed when traveling that passengers are pushing thelimits of what is permitted for carry-on luggage. Each piece of luggage, purse

or briefcaseneeds to go through thescanning machine. This process takes the most time and delays the movementofthe line, causing significant delays. My recommendation is to require passengers to check luggage with the airline to speed up the screening of passengers. The airlines will need to control theamount of checked luggage to makesure there is sufficient space in the airplane’sstorage area. Iam old enough to remember when all luggage had to be checked with the airline.

BRIAN ALMON Metairie

Calif. motor-voterlaw hassafeguards to preventnoncitizensfromregistering

In responsetothe recent letter by Michael Gallagher regarding the California motor-voter Law,Ithink it is important that the law be clarified, as it was misrepresented in the post The law does indeed allow voters to be automatically registered tovote when making atransaction at the DMV

However,it’simportanttonote that the participant must meet certain criteria. Youmust be aU.S. citizen, aresident of California, mentally competent and you must not be serving astate or federal prison term. Youmust indicatethat you are eligible, and individuals holding an AB 60 license are not eligible to participateinthe motor-voter program and are thereforenot eligible to vote.

The AB60 license clearly states “Federal Limits Apply.” It is alicense issued to California residents who cannot provideproof of legal immigration status but meet certain requirements set by the California DMV. According to California public records, there have been zero noncitizens registered to vote. There are protocols in place to ensure these license holders are not enrolled in the voter registration program.They are not granted the right to vote. Ithink it’simportant that facts regarding this program be clarified, as this is exactly how misinformation is shared, heard, read andthen repeated by any willing believer

DEBBIEGRACE Baton Rouge

George Will’s column renewed hope that conservative viewsaren’trigid

Thank you, thank you, to George Will forthe truth he wrote about immigrants in his column on March 25. Ican even hear my dead husband thanking him,one whorefused to read his column. Thank you! He has strengthened my faith that there are conservatives who actually speak the truth. My only wish is that all Americans could see and read it.

Yes, we should be valuing these people whohave graced our shores instead of arresting them.Finally,someone has done the research that proves that they are giving morethan they are receiving, that they are helping us morethan they are harming us. But Iguess that old saying is true —nothing happens until it happens to you. So happy Will’smissing Jose caused him to do the research that he shared.

The only part of his column I disagree with is that he blamed President Joe Biden forthe great number that came into the country during his tenure. He should put the blamewhere it belongs —onour Congress. There is aneed foranimmigration policy that Congress refuses to create.

But Iamreally happy there isn’tone being created now.Can you imagine one created by this Congress?

MERLE

T. HARRIS NewOrleans

Julia Letlow needstodecideifTrump is allshe values

In her recent television ads, U.S. Rep.Julia Letlow characterizes herself as a“Trumpconservative.” While Iamnot aconservative, I am old enough to remember honorable men such as Ronald Reagan, John McCain and Orrin Hatch, who adhered to true conservative principles in their political lives.

Irarely agreed with them, but I

respected their consistent conservatism On theother hand, from his imposition of excessive tariffs to his militarization of our city streets, his dissing of NATO and threats to thesovereignty of Greenland, and far beyond, President Donald Trumphas taken the beliefsofthese men,flung them to the ground and

stomped on them.

Ihave yet to hear Letlow challenge any of the aforementioned actions of Trumporany of his other harebrained ideas. So, Irequest that in the future, your newspaper identifyLetlow as what she truly is: a Trumper,and only aTrumper

PETE WILLIAMS Metairie

LSU gym back to square one

BY SCOTT RABALAIS Staff writer

If there was one negative thought that crept into LSU coach Jay Clark’s mind Thursday night as his Tigers were nailing routine after routine in their NCAA gymnastics regional semifinal, it might have been this: Save a little for Saturday LSU thundered past its competition and into the NCAA Baton Rouge regional final at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center with a

stellar score of 198.375, the Tigers’ best mark this season, best-ever score in an NCAA regional and the program’s fourth-best score of all time

“I don’t care about score,” Clark said after the meet

Allow him to expand.

“I do believe it was our best performance (this season),” Clark said. “But our score doesn’t mean anything.

“We have to duplicate it Saturday Everyone is hungry for the same thing. This was just step one.”

The big video scoreboards are indeed wiped clean going into Saturday The fact that LSU practically

lapped the second-place team in its session — Clemson at 196.800 — and was more than a full point ahead of Stanford’s first-place score of 197.175 in Thursday’s first session doesn’t count for anything. LSU, Clemson, Stanford and Michigan which also advanced Thursday afternoon with Stanford are all starting at zero when the final begins at 5 p.m. The top two teams from this meet are the two that will advance to the eight-team NCAA championships on April 16 and 18 in Fort Worth, Texas.

If LSU wants to make it to nationals for the fourth straight year and 35th time overall, the Tigers must finish first or second. The same for the other three teams on the floor

BY KOKI RILEY Staff writer

KNOXVILLE,

Freshman Omar Serna became a regular hitting toward the top of

BY LUKE JOHNSON Staff writer

The first year of defensive coordinator Brandon Staley’s scheme unlocked some of the New Orleans Saints edge defenders. Chase Young had a career year despite missing the first five games with a calf injury Cam Jordan turned back the clock by posting his first double-digit sack campaign since 2021. Carl Granderson exceeded his 2024 sack total despite playing 170 fewer pass-rush snaps. All of those players had been 4-3 defensive ends before Staley arrived, but all delivered quality snaps as standup edge rushers in Staley’s 3-4 scheme. Now the question is, what could Staley draw up ä

BY EDDIE PELLS

Arizona’s Lloyd agrees to extension

BY AARON BEARD AP Basketball Writer

INDIANAPOLIS Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd said Friday he’s remaining with the Wildcats after being mentioned as a potential candidate to fill the coaching vacancy at blueblood program North Carolina.

“I’m happy to announce I’m staying at Arizona,” Lloyd said during his pre-practice news conference at the Final Four. “We’ve been able to get some things done the past couple days.”

The school also announced it had reached an extension with Lloyd through the 2030-31 season, though it didn’t release financial terms. Lloyd had previously been under contract through the 2029-30 season worth an average of nearly $5.5 million in base and supplemental pay for the coming seasons, along with a buyout that dropped from $11 million to $9 million on Wednesday Lloyd, 51, had been considered a top potential target for the Tar Heels, who fired Hubert Davis on March 24 after five seasons. He had deflected questions about the UNC opening as the Wildcats (362) kept advancing in the NCAA Tournament to their first Final Four since 2001 including as recently as Thursday in Indianapolis Lloyd praised UNC as “a firstclass organization” and said he appreciated “the way they’ve handled this.”

“Arizona basketball, you guys know what it means to me, and when I say it’s a special place, that always comes from the bottom of my heart,” Lloyd said.

“I didn’t want to make this entire Final Four about that because I’m just a small part of something much bigger. But on that same note, I’d also like to let you know that North Carolina is an amazing place. I mean, it’s a 1 of 1. It’s an honor to even be considered for that job.”

Lloyd’s comments came a day before the Wildcats were set to face Michigan in Saturday night’s national semifinals in a matchup of the two No. 1 seeds in Indianapolis.

Wolverines coach Dusty May has also been mentioned as a possible UNC candidate, but said Friday he’ll “never respond to any job speculation.”

“I think it’s well documented how happy I am at Michigan,” May said. “Obviously my private life, my personal life, my family, their happiness is very important. Yeah, I love it at Michigan, but you’ll never hear me comment on any other job unless Michigan lets me go and then I’ll comment on every job.”

Indianapolis.

Western Kentucky head coach Rick Stansbury

Atlantic on Jan. 28, 2023, in Boca

Wade adds ex-SEC coach

Stansbury previously coached Miss. State for 14 seasons

BY TOYLOY BROWN III Staff writer

Will Wade has made his first coaching staff decision since returning to LSU. He is adding former Mississippi State head coach Rick Stansbury as his associate head coach, according to CBS Sports. He most recently was an assistant on Penny Hardaway’s staff at Memphis from 2023-25. Previous LSU associate head coach David Patrick will not be retained. He will have the same position at Arizona State, he told The Advocate Stansbury, 66, has a wealth of experience in the Southeastern Conference. He coached at Mississippi State for 14 seasons starting in 1998. He is the alltime winningest coach in the program’s history, accumulating a 293-166 record. In 2004, he was The Associated Press SEC Coach

of the Year

His 293 wins with the Bulldogs rank 11th in SEC men’s basketball history Stansbury led the Bulldogs to six NCAA Tournament appearances and 10 seasons of at least 20 wins. They won the SEC Tournament twice (2002 and 2009) and an SEC regular-season title in 2004.

Wade is in the early stages of formulating his team and staff since returning to LSU after being fired in 2022. He said at his introductory news conference on Monday that he’ll have a few assistant coaches hired by next week ahead of the transfer portal window opening on Tuesday, and he doesn’t plan on having a large coaching staff.

“Staffs have gotten so big now,” he said. “We’re not going to have the biggest staff in the world. I don’t want to have 100 people running around and walking on top of each other. But we’re going to have our shell recruiting staff in place here in hopefully by the first of next week.”

Stansbury also was the head coach at Western Kentucky (2016-23). He led that program to

a 139-89 record overall and one Conference USA regular-season title (2021). WKU didn’t reach the NCAA Tournament during Stansbury’s tenure. He also was an assistant at Texas A&M (2014-16).

Patrick leaves LSU after six seasons across two stints. He was on former coach Matt McMahon’s staff for the past two years, and his first time coaching in Baton Rouge was from 2012-16 under coach Johnny Jones With his move to Arizona State, he’ll reunite with coach Randy Bennett, for whom he was an assistant coach from 2006-10 at Saint Mary’s.

The Melbourne, Australia, native was instrumental in bringing Australian prospects to LSU. He recruited Ben Simmons to the Tigers in 2015, and during the 2025 offseason, he recruited Portland transfer and Australian guard Max Mackinnon, who led the team in scoring (15.7).

Patrick joins Jalen CourtneyWilliams as another assistant coach from last season who won’t remain at LSU. Courtney-Williams will join the staff of Butler in the Big East.

Rowell, 9, to make state golf history

BY SCOTT RABALAIS Staff writer

When Greer Rowell was barely a toddler, his dad Brian would have to sneak out of the house to go play golf.

“If he saw me leaving,” Brian Rowell said, “he’d throw a fit and I’d have to take him.”

On Sunday, Greer Rowell is the one taking his dad, his mom Britney and their entire family from their home in Broussard to Augusta National Golf Club to watch him play golf That’s where the 9-year-old will compete in the annual Drive, Chip & Putt national finals on the eve of Masters week Brian Rowell, a former professional golfer, attended the Masters back in the 1990s when he was in college.

“I said I wouldn’t go back until I played in it,” said Rowell, who played on mini tours alongside Lafayette native Ted Scott, Scottie Scheffler’s caddie “But this is the next best thing.”

A total of 80 finalists — 40 boys and 40 girls — will compete in four age groups on each side from ages 7-15. They will hit drives on the practice facility otherwise reserved for Masters competitors, chip on a nearby practice green and putt on Augusta National’s 18th green.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Greer Rowell of Broussard is all smiles after qualifying for the 2026 Drive, Chip & Putt national finals last year in a regional in Frisco, Texas.

“Chipping,” Greer said, “is my best thing.”

Greer is making a bit of history with his appearance in the event. He is the first boy ever from Louisiana to qualify and also the youngest participant from the state. The previous four participants, most recently Evelynn Artieta of Denham Springs in 2024, were all in the girls’ competition, ranging in ages from 10-15.

It’s a long road to get to Augusta for Sunday’s finalists.

Greer started with a local qualifier at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, then went to Mississippi for a

sub-regional and finally a regional qualifier in Frisco, Texas. Only the winner in each age group at the regional level moved on to Augusta “Over 20,000 kids competed,” Brian Rowell said, “and he’s one of the 80.” The Rowells play out of Le Triomphe Golf & Country Club just south of Lafayette, where there’s a watch party planned for Greer on Sunday morning.

The Drive, Chip & Putt finals will be televised on the Golf Channel starting at 7 a.m. Live leaderboards are available at DriveChipandPutt.com.

Four players hit homers for LSU softball in win

The No. 20 LSU softball team erased a three-run deficit in the first inning to rout Missouri 16-4 on Friday in Columbia, Missouri. Missouri (20-20, 4-7 SEC) scored three runs off of LSU starter Cece Cellura in the first inning, but LSU (25-12, 6-8) scored at least one run in the next six innings.

Jalia Lassiter Kylee Edwards, Alix Franklin and Tori Edwards all homered for LSU. Sierra Daniel and Kylee Edwards each had four hits to pace LSU’s 15-hit attack Lassiter Daniel and Tori Edwards scored three runs apiece. Cellura settled down after the first inning to pick up the complete-game victory She allowed five hits, four earned runs, two walks and struck out two during her seven innings of work.

Lakers’ Doncic to miss rest of regular season

LOS ANGELES Luka Doncic will miss the rest of the Los Angeles Lakers’ regular season with a Grade 2 strain of his left hamstring, the team announced Friday Doncic is the NBA’s top scorer and the driving force behind the Lakers’ surge into the third spot in the Western Conference standings, but he injured his leg during Los Angeles’ blowout loss to Oklahoma City on Thursday An MRI exam revealed the severity of the strain.

Grade 2 hamstring strains sometimes require several weeks of recovery, but Doncic also has prior experience with hamstring issues. He missed four games right before the All-Star break with another left hamstring strain, but returned to the lineup after the break.

Edge rusher Walker, Jaguars agree to 4-year, $110M deal

Edge rusher Travon Walker and the Jacksonville Jaguars agreed Friday on a four-year $110 million contract extension, his representatives said.

Elite Loyalty Sports said the deal includes $50 million fully guaranteed at signing and up to $77 million in potential guarantees.

Walker, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, is entering the fifth and final year of his rookie contract and had been scheduled to make $15 million guaranteed in 2026. Walker has 27½ sacks over four seasons. He has 200 tackles including 36 for a loss, while playing in 63 games. He has yet to make a Pro Bowl and selecting him ahead of Detroit star Aidan Hutchinson appears to be a glaring mistake for the franchise.

TCU, coach Dykes agree to contract extension FORT WORTH, Texas TCU and coach Sonny Dykes have agreed to a contract extension after back-to-back 9-4 seasons, the school said Friday The private Big 12 school does not disclose contract terms, but his previously extended deal went through the 2028 season. This multiyear agreement would take Dykes at least a couple of years past that. Dykes is 36-17 in his four seasons with the Horned Frogs, who set a school record for wins while going 13-2 and making the four-team College Football Playoff at the end of his 2022 debut season after replacing longtime coach Gary Patterson. Dykes originally got a six-year contract, which was extended after that first season when they finished No. 3 in the final AP Top 25 college football poll.

Cubs pitcher Horton exits against Guardians CLEVELAND Chicago Cubs pitcher Cade Horton was taken out of Friday’s game against the Cleveland Guardians due to right forearm discomfort.

The right-hander looked toward the Cubs’ dugout after throwing a 93.8 mph fastball to Bo Naylor low in the strike zone for a called strike. Manager Craig Counsell and a trainer came out and talked to Horton briefly before he came out of the game. Horton threw 17 pitches, including eight strikes. He retired the Guardians in order in the first and walked Kyle Manzardo to lead off the second.

Horton, the eighth overall pick in the 2022 amateur draft, did not pitch in the postseason for the Cubs last season due to a right rib fracture.

NCAA TOURNAMENT

Illinois throws out book on past matchups with UConn

BY MICHAEL MAROT Associated Press

INDIANAPOLIS Illinois

coach Brad Underwood

doesn’t need any reminders about what happened the past two times his team faced UConn.

He can just plug in the game tapes, rewind them and watch them again. Back in November, the Huskies led wire-to-wire in a 74-61 victory Two years ago in the Elite Eight, UConn used a 30-0 run en route to a 77-52 victory on the way to a second straight national championship.

There’s nothing the Fighting Illini can do to change those results now, but they do believe they can change the course of this series Saturday when they face UConn in their first Final Four clash in more than two decades.

“I’ve said all along, you just have to keep knocking on the door and our opportunities were going to come,” Underwood said in Indianapolis when asked about the impact of the 2024 postseason loss “We learned a lot from that game. I thought that team was a Final Four team that just happened to play a damn good basketball team in the Elite Eight, so we didn’t get there. But I think we grew from that from the standpoint of understanding how hard it is, what that looks like.”

Underwood took those lessons, revised his plan and started plotting how to get the Fighting Illini (28-8) to their first Final Four since 2005. Now, after 39 seasons in the coaching ranks, Under-

By

Illinois coach Brad Underwood waves

wood has finally made it here in March Madness for the first time. For Illinois, it’s a new experience, too. The Illini last reached the national semifinals during their 2005 runner-up finish. The obstacle again will be getting past UConn (33-5).

But this looks like a very different matchup than this season’s previous meeting with two more physical, more balanced and more experienced teams squaring off.

Huskies coach Dan Hurley has built his reputation on tough players eager to the dirty work, and this group is more of the same.

Center Tarris Reed earned the East Region’s Most Outstanding Player award by scoring 21.7 points and

ä MEN’S FINAL FOUR No. 3 Illinois vs. No. 2 UConn, 5:09 P.M. SATURDAy TBS

grabbing 13.5 rebounds in

tourney wins over Furman, UCLA, Michigan State and Duke— including 31 points and 27 rebounds in Round 1.

Huskies forward Alex Karaban already holds school records for most games played (149), most wins (125), most starts (148) and most 3-pointers (288) and now needs two more tourney wins to push his March Madness career mark to 19-1. That would send him past Hurley’s brother Bobby for second all-time in NCAA tourney wins.

“Defense and rebounding, that’s really been our calling card,” Karaban said as he chases a rare third title.

“Every time we’ve had success or won championships, that’s what our calling card has been.”

And, of course, UConn would not be playing at Lucas Oil Stadium without a remarkable 19-point rally and Brayton Mullins’ miraculous 35-foot 3-pointer to beat top-seeded Duke 73-72 last Sunday Mullins is now playing just 37 minutes away from his hometown of Greenfield, Indiana.

Hurley, too, is chasing milestones.

He needs one victory for career win No. 350, two for his 200th win at UConn, giving him his third national title in four years and the Huskies their seventh crown since 1999.

Just don’t be fooled by what happened in November

Arizona, Michigan face off in matchup of titans

BY EDDIE PELLS Associated Press

INDIANAPOLIS More than 24 hours before the first shot flew at a Final Four that really feels like a fiveteam affair Arizona already had a win.

The Wildcats kept their coach from bolting to that fifth team — North Carolina.

Tommy Lloyd dropped the news of the contract extension that will keep him in Tucson through 2031 at Friday’s news conference in advance of a titanic matchup against Michigan.

The meandering coaching search at one of the country’s most storied programs has shared headlines with Saturday’s muchanticipated national semifinal that happens to feature two of Carolina’s reported coaching targets.

Like Lloyd, Michigan coach Dusty May has spent most of this tournament batting down speculation that he might be the replacement for Hubert Davis, who was fired after the Tar Heels blew a 19-point lead in a loss to VCU in the first round last month.

Not surprisingly, May was asked about it again the day before the big game.

“Yeah, I love it at Michigan, but you’ll never hear me comment on any other job unless Michigan lets me go, and then I’ll comment on every job,” he said.

It’s no big surprise that these coaches are among the hottest commodities in hoops. Just look at the teams they brought to Indy There are no fewer than nine potential NBA stars

sprinkled across the two rosters.

“It’s the Final Four for a reason. It’s the best teams, the best four,” Arizona freshman Brayden Burries said. “UConn, Illinois, they’re great teams. If we do win Saturday, we know we have a great shot at it. But no, we’re not thinking about that now.”

Depending on which mock draft you check, Arizona’s top NBA pick will either be Koa Peat (14 points, 5.5 rebounds) or Burries, a 16-point-a-game, McDonalds All-American who is shooting 68% from the 3-point line in the tourney It’s a striking stat for a team that attempted the third-lowest percentage of 3s in the country, if only because of all the tall talent it has across the court.

“We’re doubling down on what we’re good at, and

we’re believing in coach Lloyd,” said Arizona guard Jaden Bradley, , a senior who has spent three years in Tucson after transferring from Alabama. “I like to get in the paint and get fouled. And when teams take that away, we’re capable from 3 and we can knock those down, as well.” Michigan’s best NBA prospect is Yaxel Lendeborg, who has scored 25, 23 and 27 in three straight blowout wins. Lendeborg came to Michigan last offseason from UAB. Michigan’s four top scorers — Lendeborg, Morez Johnson, Aday Mara and Elliot Cadeau — played at different colleges last season. As this Final Four is showing, it’s not just the players whose every move is under a microscope.

“I didn’t want to make this entire Final Four about that (contract extension)because I’m just a small part of something much bigger,” Lloyd said.

South Carolina smothers UConn to advance to title game

BY DOUG FEINBERG AP Basketball Writer

PHOENIX Ta’Niya Latson

scored 16 points, Agot Makeer added 14 and South Carolina played stifling defense to beat UConn 62-48 on Friday night, ending the Huskies’ 54-game winning streak and advancing to the women’s NCAA Tournament championship game. The Gamecocks will face the winner of the TexasUCLA semifinal on Sunday for the title. South Carolina (36-3) will be looking to win its fourth national championship. Their other three have

come in the past decade UConn (38-1) entered the Final Four undefeated for the ninth time in school history and for the third straight time left without a title. The Huskies also lost in the 2017 and 2018 national semifinals.

This was the fewest points UConn had scored since putting up 49 points in a national championship game loss to the Gamecocks in 2022 “Coach was pretty mad going into the half,” Latson said of coach Dawn Staley “She was yelling Meet the moment! Meet the moment!’ We couldn’t be scared to play on this stage, especially

to that for their name, image, likeness.”

against UConn. I mean, they were undefeated.”

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

The teams came into the game as the second- and third-leading scoring teams in the nation, both averaging over 87 points per game. This was a defensive battle.

Leading 46-44 a few minutes into the third quarter, South Carolina scored five

straight points, capped by Makeer’s 3-pointer to extend the advantage to seven.

Sarah Strong hit a 3-pointer to get the Huskies back within 51-47 with 4:39 left.

The Huskies didn’t score again until Strong hit a free throw with 30.8 seconds left, after South Carolina had scored 11 straight points.

South Carolina clamped down on UConn’s two stars. Strong, the AP Player of the Year, had 12 points and 12 rebounds, but went 4 for 16 from the field. Azzi Fudd had just eight points for the Huskies, making only 3 of 15 shots.

in the NBA soon.

Continued from page 1C

get drafted, the way a player might if he was looking to go to the NBA.

The topic is still so fresh that the NCAA announced just this week it was considering changing rules to bar athletes who enter and stay in a pro sports draft from coming back and competing in college, as happened in two instances earlier this season.

All of that is further jumbled by the fact that many of these players probably will make more in college than they would at their “pro” jobs whether it be basketball, finance or coaching — thanks to the influx of name, image and likeness payments that permeate college sports.

“The way I would describe it is it’s a middle ground, between what college athletics used to be about, which was not paying, to now, where you’re paying student-athletes,” Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel said.

“But in a way, we’ve always paid student-athletes. We’ve given them a scholarship. We’ve given them something of value. Now the only difference is, we’re adding cash

That cash has widened the recruiting pipeline to Europe and other points overseas.

Nobody has exploited it better this season than the Illini, whose “Balkan Bloc” including twins Tomislav and Zvonimir Ivisic and David Mirkovic accounts for 36% of both their scoring and minutes.

Illinois’ key recruiter in Europe, Geoff Alexander, explained that a European “pro” who comes to the U.S. for college is something much different than a player with NBA experience.

“In Europe and around the world, they don’t have high school basketball,” Alexander said. “They go to these clubs as youths and find their path. That’s like their high school. So anyone who wants to pigeonhole these guys into all this discussion about college eligibility, it’s apples and oranges.”

The eligibility discussion concerns an NCAA proposal that came out this week to tweak the rules about who can play and who can’t. It was partly a reaction to two players, Alabama’s Charles Bediako and Baylor’s James Nnaji, who each played in college this season after entering the 2023 NBA Draft.

Bediako’s case drew head-

lines because he actually played three years in the NBA’s developmental G League. He sued the NCAA after it denied Alabama’s request to allow him to return to college this season, arguing he remained within his five-year eligibility window One judge issued a temporary-restraining order that allowed Bediako to play That lasted five games until new rulings barred him again.

Looming next could be the case of 22-year-old Amari Bailey, a former UCLA star who played 10 games in the NBA with the Charlotte Hornets. He has hired a lawyer and is seeking a return, telling ESPN, “Right now I’d be a senior in college. I’m not trying to be 27 years old playing college athletics.”

Neither are the European transplants, though many certainly do play against players 27 and older in the overseas leagues before they arrive in the U.S. college system.

“If you’ve played in the EuroLeague, you are not a freshman,” Michigan coach Dusty May said, in reference to Arizona freshman Ivan Kharchenkov, who has played at different levels for a club team in Munich since he was 12 and could end up

Another Arizona starter, Motiejus Krivas, is from Lithuania. Illinois coach Brad Un-

derwood acknowledges that no matter where the players come from, the business model of college sports has changed.

“I’d argue that in today’s world, all these kids are finding opportunities that allow them to receive compensation,” he said. NCAA

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By GENE J. PUSKAR

PittsburghPirates rookeKonnor GriffinhitsanRBI doubleinhis first major-league at-bat duringa game against the Baltimore Orioles in Pittsburgh on Friday

TeenagerGriffinaddsto thePirates’ talent surge

Pittsburgh rookie shortstopdoubles during his firstat-bat in MLB

BY WILL GRAVES AP sportswriter

PITTSBURGH Konnor Griffin enduredplentyofemotionswhen the 19-year-oldshortstoplearned the Pittsburgh Pirateswere callinghim up to themajors just a week into the season.

Shock was not one of them.

“I’m ready for this,” Griffin said Friday,just hours before making hismajor-league debut against Baltimore at PNC Park.

He certainly looked ready,delivering an RBI double off Baltimore’sKyle Bradish in his first at-bat to help the Pirates to a5-4 victory

ThePirates arebetting more big moments are on the wayafter making Griffin the first position player to arrive in the majors before his20th birthdaysince Juan Soto did it with Washingtonin 2018.

Just 628 days after Pittsburgh selected him with the ninth pick in the2024amateur draft, the athleticand mustachioed6-foot-3 Griffin found aNo. 6jerseyhanging in his locker at PNC Park and

BASEBALL

Continued from page1C

call abalanced attack player that can take advantage of situations (where) their bats are no different, whether there’snobody on base or there is somebody on base. And Derek fitsthat. He’sthe perfectexample of abalanced attack player.” Up until the eighth, LSUhad been lifeless.Volunteers righthanded starter Landon Mack retired 14 consecutive batters from the third inning until theend of theseventh,when he exited for left-hander BrandonArvidson, who started the eighth.

But Arvidson struggled, loading the bases with three consecutive walks. Aline out and a strikeout nearly got Tennessee out of the jam, but then Curiel left the yard against right-hander Bo Rhudy.The slam was Curiel’ssecond in as many days and the third consecutive game he’s homered in.

“(Rhudy) has aride (fastball), meaning the ball carries upwards,” Curiel said. “I’m always trying to hit aline drive, alow line drive, but with aguy with aride heater —especiallyatasmaller ballpark likethis —Iwas actually trying to hit aflyballbecause I knew his fastball was probably going to get alittle bit above my barrel, and that’skind of what I wanted.

“I wanted to see the ball deep. Ididn’twant to be out in frontof it. And Iwanted to hitabackside homer,and that’swhat Idid.”

Junior Jake Brown’ssolo homer in the third inningwas the Tigers’ last hit before theCuriel blast. LSU also loaded thebases with two outs in the secondbut squandered the opportunityafter Stanfield poppedout to the shortstop.

TheTigers’ troublesagainst Mack, who had10strikeouts, reminded Johnson why he wanted the Rutgers transfer out of the

his name penciled in the seventh spotinthe lineup against the Orioles On the surface, it seemsfast

The reality is thatGriffin checked every box quickly while sprintingthrough the Pirates’ system

Thefinalsteps came over the last week when he hit .438 in ahandful of games for Triple-A Indianapolis.

Pittsburgh manager Don Kelly felt Griffin was “pressing” near the end of spring training, when he smashedthree homers but alsohit just .171. The club made Griffin one ofthe last cuts before the opening-day roster wasset

Yetrather than sulk,heheaded to Triple-A,made acouple of adjustments andsaw immediate results.

“Hejust went right down and hit his stride and was able toreset in acoupleofdays,” Kelly said. “Which again, for anybody, is really impressive, especially fora 19-year-old kid whosehopes anddreams were to make the big leagues.”

Griffin racedthrough thelower levels of the minors lastyear, hitting 21 homers, driving in 94 runs and stealing 65 baseswhile showcasingthe range to play one of the game’smostdemanding defensive positions.

Yetit’snot justthe tangible onfield things that won the organization over.Griffin has long carriedhimself withthe maturity of

someonefar older.Hemarried his high school sweetheart,Dendy, over the winter.And shewas the first one he toldafter Indianapolis manager Eric Pattersoncalled Griffin to his hotel room in Columbus early Thursday to tell him he was heading to TheShow.

The next 24 hours were ablur Finally,just after noon Friday, Griffinwas able to relax. He trotted outtoshortstop andtook grounders.

“Today is the first day of carving out alegacy that Iwant to build,” he said. “And I’m readyto do that andtry to be right up there with those top guys.”

Griffinisthe latestina string of high-profile arrivals in Pittsburgh, from reigning NL Cy Young Awardwinner Paul Skenes to rookie right-hander Bubba Chandler to catcher Henry Davis. The future that’sbeen talked about since general manager Ben Cherington was hired in late 2019 is finally arriving. And perhaps it’stelling of how far the club hascome that Griffin is joining a rosterthathas undergone asignificant upgrade in recent months with theadditions of All-Star second baseman Brandon Lowe, All-Star first baseman/outfielder Ryan O’Hearn andveteran designated hitter Marcell Ozuna.

“This team is loaded,”Griffin said. “I get to come in here and just be apiece of this puzzle.”

TWOLSU INFIELDERS MISSTENNESSEE GAME

LSU junior infielder Trent Caraway has an illnessand senior infielder Brayden Simpson is dealingwith ahand injury,which is whythey weren’t available Fridaynight against Tennessee, LSU coachJay Johnson said.

MacIntyrebuilds4-shot lead in theTexas Open

TheAssociated Press

SAN ANTONIO Robert MacIntyre added the Valero Texas Open this year to be sharp for theMasters,and he looked every bitofthatFridaywithfour birdies in his last five holes for an 8-under 64 and afour-shot lead over Ryder Cup teammate Ludvig Aberg. MacIntyrefeltcomfortable with his swing from start, taking advantage of aback nine that included ahybrid that rolled out to 8feet for eagle on the par-5 14th. What made the difference was his finish, with all four of theScot’sbirdies from 10 feet or closer He was in the same group as Aberg, whose 67 included holing out with awedge from 120 yards for eagle on the par-4 sixth. The Swede’sonly disappointing was missing the fairway on his final hole at No. 9and three-putting from 100 feet.

MacIntyre, aformer McNeese State golfer, was at 14-under 130.

“I didn’tplay last year,just went straight into Augusta. This was an adjustment for that reason,” MacIntyre said. “I wanted to be sharp —orsharper —going intoAugusta.”

The Texas Open is the last chance for so many others to get into the Masters with awin, thoughMacIntyre is starting to make those odds seem alittle bit longer Tony Finau, who hasn’tmissed the Masters since 2017, was one shot out of the lead going into the second round when he had three bogeys in six holes at the start. He had to rally for a69, which included a35-foot eagle putt on the par-5 18th. That put him five shots behind, along with Kevin Roy,Bud Cauley and Thorbjorn Olesen.

“It was nice to make an eagle on the last,” Finau said. “I hit a really good drive, pushedmy second shot alittle, got lucky, covered the water and was able to rollthat one in. Sometimes those are the small little breaks that you need to be towards the top of the leaderboard.”

hits onto the

MarkHubbard,who ledafter 18 holes with a65, followed that with a77tomake the cut on the number at 2-under 142. He went from oneshot ahead to 12 shots behind.

Aberg said he has moved on from his rough back nine that cost him at The Players Championship two weeks ago. He has another chance over the final 36 holes at the TPC San Antonio, and that’sall that mattered to him.

“I feelgreat.IfeellikeI’ve been playing good golf,” Aberg said. “For me, golf is about putting yourself in situations where you can win tournaments. Ifeel like Ihaven’treally done that very well the last 12 months or so, but starting to see it now which has been really nice. So I’m looking forward to one more shot at it this week.”

MacIntyre is trying to become the third straight left-handed player to win the Texas Open, following Brian Harman last year and Akshay Bhatia in 2024.

(1). LSUIPH RERBBSO Evans 52 63 32 6

Lachenmayer 3 00 00 1 Rizy 2 3 11 12 2 Garcia (W,1-0) 1 00 01 1

Sheerin (S,2)2 21 11 4 TennesseeIPH RERBBSO

Brian deBrauwere2B: Eric Goshay3B: Mayhue Edwards Start —5:32 p.m. Time —3:01 Attendance —7195

transfer portal this past summer.

“They beatusfor him,” Johnson said. “He came on avisit during the superregional,and we have aprettygood record of landing commitsinvisitstothe super regionals at Alex Box, but we didn’t get this one.”

LSU sophomore right-hander CasanEvans threw theball better than he didaweek ago, allowing threeearned runs in 52/3 innings.

He gave up asolohomer in the third inning and left acurveball up in the zone in thefourththat Reese Chapmandeposited over theright-center wallfor atworun shot Evansalsoshowed much better control, walking only two batters. He exited thegame with LSU trailing 3-1.

“It’sacool place to play at, but they make it tough when they pack the stands and everybody feelslikethey’reright on topof you,” Evans said. “But they put some good swings on the ball, credit to them. They’re areally good team.” Afterthe Tigers gave up arun

Both players were ruled out on the SEC availability reportbefore the game.Carawaymade the trip to Knoxville butwas not at the ballpark. Simpson did not join the team on the flight to Tennessee Johnson hopesthat Carawayis available to playatsome point in the series

“I don’tknowifit’sfood poisoning or something …he wasn’table to practice yesterday, and he wasn’table to come to the game tonight,”Johnson said. “Trainers have been doing agood jobwith him, tryingtokeep him hydrated, makingsure he has his medicine, but he didn’t feel good enough to come.”

KokiRiley

in theseventh inning on three walks and asingle, Johnson turned to redshirt sophomore right-hander Deven Sheerin after they took a6-4 lead. Sheerin tossed two inningstocloseout thegame; theonlyrun he surrendered was asolohomer in the ninth. “I don’tthinkitwas (choosing) Deven over (Zac Cowan), because we’re going to need both of them throughout the course of the series,”Johnson said. “I likedittonight basedon somethings we’d seen early in the game.” LSU and Tennessee face off again Saturday.The first pitch is set for 5p.m., and the game will be available to watch on ESPN2.

Saturday. That said, based on how they performed Thursday should have theTigers in theirbestpossible headspace, to Clark’sway of thinking.

“They ought to be superbly confident going into Saturday,” he said. No one has areason to be more confident than LSU sophomore Kailin Chio.

Sheaddedanother brilliant chapter Thursday to her amazing story this season.She bookended her night with perfect 10s on vault andfloor to give her1110.0 scores this season and 12 forher career She also won the regionalallaround title (39.825) andshared first place on uneven bars with teammates Ashley Cowan and Konnor McClain (9.95). Chio now has 37 individual wins and 60 forher career,just two back of LSUgreats Ashleigh Gnat andJenniferWood in ninth place in school history

“Kailin,” teammate Amari Drayton said, “is adifferent breed.”

Drayton also played abig part in LSU’ssuperb night, posting two of the Tigers’ eight scores of 9.95 or better (beam,floor). Onlyone of LSU’s 24 scoresdipped below 9.85 and theTigers did nothave to count it. The Tigers aren’tthe only team thatcan count great scores from

Thursday.Stanford’sAna Barbosu andAlana Walkertiedfor first on floor in thefirst session (9.95), and teammate Taralyn Nguyenwas first on vault with the samescore. Barbosu

gusty winds, small hail and aslight risk of an isolated tornado. Theworst of the rain and thunderstorms will most likely arriveinthe late afternoon and evening.Until then, expect some partlytomostlycloudy, warm, humid and breezy conditions with scattered showers.Temperatures willrise intothe lowtomid80s with windssoutheasterly at 15 mph.Expect rainand storms tonight through Sunday morning.

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By MIKE STEWART

Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton protects theballagainst Alabama duringthe SoutheasternConferencechampionship on Dec. 6inAtlanta.

SECAD talksfutureof conference titlegames

BY MAURA CAREY Associated Press

Three months after Alabama narrowly squeaked into theCollege Football Playoff despite a Southeastern Conference title game loss, athletic director Greg Byrne is calling for an end to the 34-year tradition.

“I think the ship has sailed. It’s run its course,” Byrne said in a recent interview with USA Today Alabama lost to Georgia 28-7 in theSEC championship gamein its poorest showing since aWeek 1setback against Florida State. With a10-3 record, the Crimson Tide left Mercedes-Benz Stadium with the impressionthat their last game of the seasoncouldhave already been played.

“It’sagreat event,” Byrne said.

“I don’tlike theidea of it going away,but Ithink it’srealitywith an expanded playoff.” Expansion is likely coming, but the College Football Playoff will stay at 12 teams for the upcoming season.

Last year,the selection committeeturned to Alabama’s regularseason success as evidence that the Tide was aplayoff-worthy team. Alabama was rankedNo. 9 and knocked off Oklahoma in the first round before losing in the second round to Indiana in the Rose Bowl.

Byrne’sopinion isn’tnecessarily an unpopular one. Texas athletic

director ChrisDel Conte suggested moving the playoffs up to the week of conference championship games. Lane Kiffin called the game “a prettybig risk” in 2024 while sayingthat coaches didn’t want to play in it.

Georgia coach Kirby Smart, who has led his team to an SEC title game victory in three of the past four seasons, saidhecan see both sides of the argument.

“I’d want to know the parameters of itbefore we did anything,”Smart saidThursdayin an interview withOn3.“Where we areright now with12teams Idon’tnecessarilyagree that it needs to quit being played. But if it gets to 16 or 24 andwe’vegot to move the end of the season up and we’ve got to geteverything done by the second week of January,then I’d say it probably has to go.”

Smart went on to say that the most important thing is that somethingisgained from theremoval of the game, whether that’sanexpedited timelineoranexpanded playoff.

Butregardless of its future, beingafour-time SEC championis one of hisproudest accomplishments.

“I willnever apologizefor winning an SEC title,” Smart said. “I thinkit’sthe hardest thing to do in sports, winningthe dang SECtitle in almost any sport, because our conference is so hard.”

Duke freshman forwardBoozeris AP men’snationalplayerofthe year

BY AARON BEARD

Associated Press

Cameron Boozer was at the center of everything for Duke this season.

The6-foot-9, 250-poundforward provedtough enough to score through physical play.Rangy enough to space the floor and shootfrom outside. Deft enough as apasser to find teammates, whether againstconstant double teams coming for him as the top name on everyscouting report or while running the entire offense from up top

“You just wanttoaffect winning in whatever way youcan,” Boozer said.

The high-end NBA prospect did thatall season for ateam thatwon 35 games, reached No. 1inthe AP Top25poll, claimed the top overallseed for MarchMadness and reached the NCAA Tournament’s Elite Eight. Now he’sThe Associated Press men’scollege basketball national player of the year, only thefifth freshmantoearn the honor and the second in arow for aDuke programthatkeepsadding to thelongest list of winners in the country

“It just goes to showmore about what ourteam hasdone, justbecause Ithink that really helps awards like this, having great team success,”Boozer told the AP.“It’sreally just not me.”

Boozer,named unanimous firstteam AP all-American last month, received 59 of 61 votes from AP Top25voters in results released Friday.BYU freshman AJ Dybantsa,another potential top NBA pick, received theother twovotes after averaging anational-best 25.5 points per game.

Ashort list

Boozer,son of Dukeand longtime NBA player Carlos Boozer, averaged 22.5 points (ninthinDivision I) and 10.2 rebounds (12th) while finishing tied for the national lead with 22 double-doubles. He also averaged 4.1 assists while posting efficientshootingnumbers at 55.6% overalland 39.1% from 3-point range. He joins fellow Blue Devils star Cooper Flagg(2025), anoth-

er Dukeplayer in Zion Williamson(2019), Kentucky’sAnthony Davis (2012) andTexas star Kevin Durant (2007) as freshmen to win the AP award. Each went No. 1orNo. 2inthe NBA draft that year

“I’m verygrateful just that I’m even in those(NBA) conversations,” Boozer said. “I think alot of people dream of being where I am. Sometimes you’ve got to take astep back andjust remember that once upon atime, you were akid dreamingtobehere. So I thinkit’svery special.”

His coaches think the same of him

“We’ve been fortunate enough the last two years to have two of thebest freshmen to ever play in college basketball back to back,” Duke associate head coach and former Blue Devils player Chris Carrawell said. “And Cam is right up there.”

Boozer is Duke’sninthAPwinner,each coming from adifferent player. UCLAisthe next closest with fivewinners, though that included Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1967 and 1969) and Bill Walton (1972 and 1973) as two-time selections. UCLA,Ohio State andDukerivalNorth Carolina are the only other programs with as many as three differentplayers to winthe award.

Big-game successes Boozer arrivedatDuke along-

side twin brother Cayden after thetwo ledMiami’s Columbus High to four straight state championships. By late February, the Blue Devils were starting a four-week reign atop the AP Top 25 that would carry to March Madness. Boozer —who said he looksatwinning as askill —routinely posted top performances in Duke’sbiggest games, including during aruggednonconference slate. He matched aseason high with 35 points in aNovember win againstArkansas. He followed with 29 points against defending national championFlorida He also had big performances at MichiganState (18 points, 15 rebounds) and flirted with atripledouble (18 points, 10 rebounds, sevenassists) in aFebruary win against Michigan. Along the way,hepushed through bumps and shoves. He closed Sunday’sseason-ending loss to UConn with 27 points and his right eye swollen from afirsthalf blow “There’snoagenda other than figuring out away to win,” Wolverines coach Dusty May said. “I’ve seen him play anumber of times this year where there’ssix guys in the paint, and it’snot as if he’sjumping 40, 50 inches off the floor.His desire to rebound the ball, to set

to hisadvantages,

Ican recall.”

ARIEs (March21-April 19) Focus less on what others are up to and more on what youcan achieve behind closed doors. Secrecy will ensure less interference, encouraging you to finish what you start.

tAuRus (April 20-May 20) Demonstrations may backfireifyou are too aggressive. Alittlecharm will go along way if you want to get ahead. Be open and complimentary andgodirectly to the source, and progress will occur.

GEMInI (May21-June 20) Keep an open mind and be quick to help others. The best solutions result when you work alongside those in need instead of doing things for them.

cAncER (June 21-July 22) Take partin communityorwork-relatedeventsthat help you understandyourassociates better. Mixing business with pleasure will offer insight into howyou can be more efficientand effective in life.

LEo (July 23-Aug. 22) If you are impatient or pursue emotional talks with someone close to you, situations arelikely to turn sour. Yourbestpath forward is to fulfill your promises without making abig deal out of it.

VIRGo(Aug. 23-sept. 22) Don't put yourselfinavulnerableposition regarding crowds and the potential risk of illness or injury. Personal relationships are on the rise, and romance is in the stars.

LIBRA (sept. 23-oct. 23) Deep-six the bells andwhistles,and navigate your waytoward ahealthier and more profitable lifestyle. It's all the add-ons that

are holdingyou back and causing debt stress.

scoRPIo (oct.24-nov.22) Jump in, do your part andconnect with people who share your beliefs. Set yourself up for success, and you'll gain followers and mark apath forward that leads to partnerships anda positive lifestyle change.

sAGIttARIus(nov. 23-Dec. 21) Honor your promises, finish whatyou start and let your actions speak foryou. Think twice and choose to do something nice. Don't be tempted by gimmicksoffering impossible results.

cAPRIcoRn (Dec. 22-Jan.19) Trust your instincts. Be aleader, nota follower; concentrate on home, family, love and personal satisfaction. Take the initiative to embrace the lifestyle that makes you happy.

AQuARIus (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Takeprecautions when in crowded situations You'll accomplish the most if you focus on home improvements or establishing space to make your chores andprojects easier to carry out.

PIscEs (Feb. 20-March20) Sit tight, watch and examine what unfolds around you. Knowledge will help youdealwithwhatever situationyou face. Socialevents will change your perspective regarding your next move.

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-placingpuzzle basedona9x9 grid with several given numbers The objectistoplace the numbers 1to9inthe empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once.The difficulty levelofthe sudoku increasesfrommonday to sunday.

Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer

Bridge

By PHILLIPALDER

SamLevenson, ahumorist and author who died in 1980, said, “It’s so simpleto be wise. Just think of something stupid to say,thensay the opposite.”

That seems to recommend an unnecessary step. Why notjust thinkofsomethingwise? Let’s trytofindthe simple linetomake six hearts in today’s deal after West leadsthe spade queen to South’s ace. Whatshould declarer do?

Note North’s two-heart rebid. This is preferabletooneno-trumpwithnospade stopper. Thosethree strong hearts will usually be as good as four low. Then South immediately wonders about a slam, but is nervousabout two immediate club losers. He rebids two spades, knowing hispartner will treat this as a game-try.And when Northcontinues with two no-trump, guaranteeing at least one club stopper, South jumps to what he hopeshecan make.

Declarer has two losers, one in each black suit. He might playtoestablish dummy’s diamond suit, but that would failhere.Themuchsimplerlineistogain an extra trick by ruffing aloser in the shorter trump hand. At trick two, South leadsaclub. Let’s suppose East takes dummy’s queen with hisace andreturnshis secondspade.

Declarer wins withhis king, plays a club to dummy’s king, takes the heart

wuzzles

ace, leads the heart seven to his queen, and cashes the club jack, discarding dummy’s remaining spade.ThenSouth ruffs his last spade with dummy’s heart king, returns to his hand with adiamond, draws trumps, and claims 12 tricks: two spades, five hearts, two diamonds, two clubs and thatspade ruff. ©2026 by nEa, inc., dist. By andrews mcmeel syndication

Each Wuzzle is aword riddle which creates adisguised word, phrase, name, place, saying, etc. Forexample: nOOn gOOD =gOOD aFTErnOOn

Previous answers:

word game

InstRuctIons: 1. Words mustbeoffour or moreletters. 2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed. 3. additional wordsmade by adding a“d” or an “s” may not be used. 4. proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.

toDAy’s WoRD uncLEAR: un-KLEER: Difficult to understand.

Average mark 29 words

Time limit 50 minutes

Can you find 42 or more words in UNCLEAR?

yEstERDAy’s WoRD —ADMonIsH

Puzzle Answer today’s thought

that being often reproved hardens hisneck,shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.” Proverbs 29:1

dIrectIons: make a2-to 7-letterword from the letters in each row. add points of each word, using scoring directions at right. Finally, 7-letterwords get 50-point bonus. “Blanks” used as any letter have no point value. allthe words are in the Official sCraBBlE® players Dictionary, 5thEdition.

ken

InstructIons: 1 -Each row and each column must contain the numbers1thorugh 4(easy) or 1through 6 (challenging) without repeating. 2 -The numberswithin the heavily outlined boxes, called cages, must combine using thegiven 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.

HErEisa plEasanT liTTlEgamEthat

Puzzle Answer

Anyone knowingthe whereabouts of Karl Roy, registered agentof UrbanPropertyInvestments please contactAttorney KeithA.Doley 504943-7071. 183325-Apr4-6,3t $97

Anyone knowingthe whereabouts of LindaLodriguss or herheirs please contactDavid Fos, attorney at either 504.343-3725 or dsfoslaw@outlook.com 183023-April4-5,2t $91

Anyone knowingthe whereabouts of ShawnM.Toups,pleasecontact attorney Danielle Hufftat504-4819652. 183312-Apr4-6,3t $60 Anyone

thewhereabouts of theheir(s) of Carl Scarkino,Jr. and/or theheir(s) of Lola M. Scarkino please contactAttorney Erin A. Fisher at 504-304-4944. 183320-Apr 4-6, 3t $109

Anyone knowingorhaving informationregarding the whereabouts of SARAHLAZOW,any of herrelatives,friends,heirs successors,administratorsor

202, Metairie,LA70001at(504) 399-1717 or payton@paytonhodgeslaw.com. 183128-Apr4-6,3t $205

Anyone knowingthe whereabouts of Sherri Magee, please contact Trendell M. Shorty,Curator AdHoc/Attorney,650 PoydrasStreet Suite2515, NewOrleans,LA70130, (504) 207-1370; regardingJackson Juan v. Magee, Sherri,SuitNo. 202507840, CivilDistrictCourt forthe Parish of Orleans. 183222-Apr4-6,3t $145

Anyone knowingthe whereabouts of SybilAnn Kinchenpleasecontact Attorney KeithA.Doley 504-9437071. 183322-Apr4-6,3t $85

Anyone knowingthe whereabouts of theheirs andestates of Clinzie Banks, Sr and/or Mary B. Banksand JamesMazzuto,the registered agentofMakeItRight -New Orleans, HousingLLC please contact Attorney Kimberly Doley504-9437071. 183326-Apr4-6,3t $133

Condo: CottonMill Complex, 920 PoeyfarreSt. 1BR/1BA$225k.Mike 985-232-2280 mdangelo200@gmail.com

ACREAGE Hwy60, (Plainview)Bogalusa LA 117+ Acres. Cleared& Fenced.No restrictions.FarmorHomestead Call Dean forappt 985-515-0512.

Anyone knowingthe whereabouts of theheirs of Claude A. Pierre please contactattorney Danielle Hufft at 504-481-9652. 183025-April4-6,3t $60 Anyone

Anyone knowingthe whereabouts of theheirs of AnnieJames Mack please contactAttorney KeithA Doley504-943-7071. 182966-Apr4-6,3t $85

Anyone knowingthe whereabouts of theheirs of PaulaA.Trumbach, please contactattorney Danielle Hufft at 504-481-9652. 183311-Apr4-6,3t $60

Anyone whoknows theexistence or whereabouts of ShekebaBalland theirheirs.Pleasecontact Atty ChristopherH.Kingat504-812-7884. 183091-April4-6,3t $85

4-6, 3t $97

PUBLIC NOTICE

SupremeCourt,State of NY CountyofKings IndexNo. 553883/2025

SON, LOUISIANAMAY BE TERMINATED BY OPERA‐TION OF LAWIFYOU DO NOTTAKEFURTHER AC‐TION IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW: TaxBill0450000468 JeffersonParishInspec‐tion andCodeEnforce‐ment;Jefferson

TO THE ABOVE-DESCRIBEDPROP‐ERTY HASBEEN SOLD FORFAILURE TO PAY TAXES. YOUHAVEBEEN IDENTIFIED AS APERSON WHOMAY HAVE AN IN‐TEREST IN THIS PROP‐ERTY YOUR INTEREST

plaint seeksexoneration from or limitation of lia‐bility areadmonishedto file theirrespective claims,asprovided in Rule F, includingpara‐graphs (4)and (5) thereof, of theSupple‐mental Rulesfor Certain AdmiraltyorMaritime Claims of theFederal RulesofCivil Procedure, with theClerk of this Courtatthe United States CourtHouse,500 PoydrasStreet,Room C151, NewOrleans Louisiana, 70130, and must servea copy thereofonattorneys for Limitation Petitioners, Messrs. Pusateri,John‐ston,Guillot& Green‐baum,LLC,1100 Poydras Street,Suite 2250, New Orleans, Louisiana70163, on or before the20thday of April, 2026, or be per‐manently defaulted If anyclaimantdesires to contesteitherthe right to exonerationfromor theright to limitation of liability, he shall file and serveonthe attorneys forLimitationPetitioners an answer to thecom‐plaint on or beforethe aforesaid date unless his claimhas included an answer,sodesignated, or be defaulted

JODIAN ANTOINNETTE CRAIG Plaintiff Against JAMESEARLFINISTER Defendant SummonswithNoticein ACTION FORA DIVORCE. BasisofVenue:Plf.Res To theabove namedDef Youare hereby sum‐monedtoserve notice of appearance on Plaintiff’s Attorney within 30 days after serviceiscomplete, andincaseyou failto appear,judgment will be takenagainst youbyde‐faultfor thereliefde‐manded in thecom‐plaint.Natureofthisac‐tion:Dissolvethe mar‐riageongroundsofIrre‐trievableBreakdown of Relationship foratLeast SixMonths. Relief sought Judgment of Divorcein favorofPlaintiff. Ancil‐lary relief sought either partymay resume useof aprior surname: Plaintiff mayresumeuse of maiden nameCRAIG and such otherfurther relief as thecourt maydeem just andproper. NOTICE OF AUTOMATICORDERS: (DRLsec.236-part B, sec 2).Bothparties to this action arebound by cer‐tain AutomaticOrders, which shallremaininfull forceand effect during thependencyofthisac‐tion,unlessterminated, modified,oramended by furtherorder of theCourt upon motion of either of theparties oruponwrit‐tenagreement between theparties.A complete copy of theAutomatic Orders is availableatthe Courtclerk’s office,Mat‐rimonial Part of the SupremeCourt 360 AdamsStreet,Brooklyn, NY 11201. NOTICE OF HEALTH COVERAGE PUR‐SUANTTODRL 255 (1). PLEASE BE ADVISEDthat once thejudgmentofdi‐vorceissignedinthisac‐tion,bothparties must be awarethatheorshe will no longer be covered by theother party’s health insuranceplan andthateachparty shall be responsiblefor hisor herown health insurance coverage andmay be en‐titled to purchase health insuranceonhis or her ownthrough aCOBRA option,ifavailable.NO‐TICE OF GUIDELINEMAIN‐TENANCE(s.5678/A. 7645,

PETAL POWER

Hibiscus grower begansmall,and now wins prizes forhybrid flowers’ beauty PLUS: Ahibiscusgrowers’guide

INSIDE SOURCES: Adding an air of soft elegance with curtains Page 7

ONE IN AMILLION: Old Metairie home blends styles for an inviting appeal Page 4

HOME | DESIGN | GARDEN | REAL ESTATE

ONEINAMILLION

Inviting Old Metairie home blends styles. PAGE 4

INSIDE SOURCES

Whattoknowabout windowcoverings. PAGE 7

GREENTHUMB

Howtofight common tomato plant pests. PAGE 8

GARDEN ADVICE

Keep the blossoms on young citrus trees. PAGE 9

INSIDE INFO

Home and garden happenings. PAGE 11

COVERSTORY

Hibiscus grower’s hybrids winning awards. PAGE 12

Find affordable furniture thatisbuilttolast. PAGE 16 REAL ESTATE TRANSFERS

Recent transactions in the metroarea. PAGE 17

The InsideOut home and garden section is published every SaturdaybyThe Times-Picayune. Questions about InsideOut should be directed to the editor

INSIDEOUT EDITOR:

Lauren Walck, lauren.walck@theadvocate.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:

Victor Andrews, Jyl Benson, Dan Gill

COVERDESIGN: Andrea Daniel COVERPHOTO: Jeff Strout

TO BE FEATURED: Send information and photos to insideout@theadvocate.com

InsideOut’smission is to give readers peeks inside themany different waysthat peoplein theNew Orleans area live. We profilespaces that are opulent, or just offbeat; sophisticated or simple; functional or light-hearted;historicorbrand-spanking new. Andanything in between. Please help us by sending information andJPEGphotos of your home, or specific spaces inside it,toinsideout@theadvocate.com. We love gardens and outdoor spaces, too. Andwe’re waitingtohear from you.

7463 DominicanStreet •Uptown$1,265,000

Beautifully appointedColonialRevival Home on aCorner Double Lot, 60X105!2 Blks to St CharlesAve &Str-car &4 Blks to AudubonPk/Zoo. Steps to Restaurants, Coffee Shops,Clothing& JewelryStoresonMaple St 4-5Bds,3.5Bas, 4,301SF, Home Office,ExerciseRm! Refreshing Saltwater Poolw/Spa,Outdoor BrickPizza Oven &Fireplace.Gated parking CharlotteDorion• 504-237-8615 Chris Dorion •504-451-4274 BerkshireHathawayHSPreferred,REALTORS504-799-1702

900Bartholomew Street, Unit 308• Bywater$485,000

Stunning 3-bedroom, 3-bath corner residencewithwindows,natural light,and sweeping views. Twoprivate balconies, open kitchenwith gas range, andprimary suite. Twoen-suitebedrooms. In-unitlaundry, storage, andtwo deeded parking spaces.Amenities includepool, fitness center,security,and Bywaterlocationneardining, parks, andriver access Adrienne LaBauve• 504-344-0877 Kasi Champagne• 504-715-0115 LaBauveGroup /eXp Realty 504-513-3109 X165

900Bartholomew Street,Unit420 •Bywater $279,000

Modern 2019 condowithbalcony overlookingpool, bright living space, andopenkitchen with gasrange,quartzcounters, andbar.Spacious onebedroom with walk-inclosetand en suitebathplusguest half bath. Garage parking andresort-styleamenities.Bywater location withSTR licensepotential,neardining,parks,and theFrenchQuarter Adrienne LaBauve•504-344-0877KasiChampagne •504-715-0115 LaBauveGroup /eXp Realty 504-513-3109 X165

321LakeDavid Drive•Picayune, MS $450,000 Peaceful luxury at Lake David! This all-brick3Bd, 2.5Ba, 3,335SqFthome offersstunning lake views, vaulted ceilings, fireplace, wetbar,and high-end kitchenwithdoubleovens andgranite island.Private primarysuite withspa bath.Sunroomandpergoladeckoverlook2.7acres,dock,boat-readycarport, attached/detached garages, generator—near Picayune withlow taxes. HerbertDubuisson •228-216-8456ChipGardner •504-236-3891 COMPASS •228-467-1602www.chip-herbert.com

3917 CypressStreet •Metairie$225,000

Raised cottagewithoriginalwood floors.3 bedrooms,2baths plus 2living areas. Lots of characterw/built-ins throughout In 2025 aFortified Roof &aNew A/Cwereinstalled! Refrigerator &range oven remain. Long driveway along thesideofthe home leadstoashedthatneeds some TLC. Make this home yoursormakeitagreat investment property WendyHinyub504-559-4808 Keller WililamsRealty455-0100Metairie504-455-0100

Two seating areas are easily achieved in the comfortable space of the living room.

Old Metairie home boasts pool, large lot and inviting appeal

BY VICTOR ANDREWS Staff writer

Oakridge Park in Old Metairie is a stately collection of homes on a rounding street heavily shaded with large trees.

The architecture in this enclave is an interesting assemblage of styles, ranging from quintessential antebellum to Georgian, Spanish mission to gentrified Acadian, French provincial to influences of art deco design and more. And it all works harmoniously to create a neighborhood that is organically pleasing.

The home at 123 E. Oakridge Park certainly fits in, yet holds a presence as a structure with unique style, classic lines and inviting appeal.

ABOVE: Marble counters, a central island and twin peninsulas with seating are included in the spacious kitchen. LEFT: The downstairs powder room.

ONEINAMILLION

With five bedrooms and five full baths in more than 6,000 square feet, the home is listed at just under $2.5 million and has been on the market only a matter of days.

Built on a wide, 75-foot lot, the 1985 home is set back from the curb and features a wrought iron-accented double gallery with large windows and glistening lead glass doors with sidelights and fanlight

The doors lead into a marblefloored foyer that opens to the upper floor An upper gallery, with more wrought iron, is capped with view from atop.

To the left, an office with

built-in shelves and cabinetry features views of the front lawn through a pair of floorlength windows. A short hall leads to a fanciful half-bath, which is also accessible from the main living room.

Across the foyer, the formal dining room is an intimate space for culinary celebrations that also has a pair of floorlength windows.

The foyer also opens to the home’s expansive living room with the stairway at one end balanced by the fireplace and display cabinetry at the other end. With ample room for two seating areas, the room is a

grand space to entertain, with elaborate ceiling details and a wall of glass doors opening on the back porch area.

A short hall behind the stairs features a wet bar and storage and leads into the home’s kitchen, breakfast room and den. The centrally located kitchen, with marble counters and professional-grade appliances, holds a prep island with sink. Two peninsulas of counter space separate the culinary space from the other two

areas. Each has seating capacity for prime spots for casual dining or conversation.

The breakfast room enjoys a bayed wall of windows and sits next to the formal dining room, doubling the dining space for larger gatherings if needed.

The den at the back is a tranquil space lined with shelves for objets d’art or literature, all brightened with natural light from the back wall of windows. A side door also leads to the patio. A powder

Set back on a wide lot, this Old Metairie home has luxurious elements with five bedrooms, five full baths and a backyard oasis.

room is located just off a hallway

On the other side of the house is the primary suite, a gracious wing that includes the sleeping chamber with a vaulted ceiling and a trio of French doors leading to the patio area. The primary bath conjures images of European spas, tiled in marble and outfitted with a large soaking tub, standing glass shower, bidet, multiple

A glass wall looks out on the backyard from the

APPEAL

Continued from page 5

vanities and makeup stations, plus two walk-in closets.

Up the stairs are additional bedrooms and baths, plus more. One of the larger bedrooms is an en suite while a pair of similarly sized rooms share a bath near the back stairs. One of the bedroom enjoys access to the gallery on the front of the house.

Just off the opening overlooking the foyer is a fifth bedroom that has access to a hall bath. There is also a laundry room and a large lounge for media viewing or casual family time.

The third floor is a cavernous bonus space with built-in shelves, a wall of mirrors perfect for exercise or dance practice, plus a full bath.

Entertain al fresco with ease in the backyard that features covered and uncovered patio space in a mix of textures from slatelike surfaces to brick. The large pool takes center stage with a wide apron to hold multiple patio sets for outdoor enjoyment. A pet area boasts turf in a checkerboard design.

a

Swim, sun, sip and snack in the convenience of home at the backyard oasis that is an al fresco wonderland of entertaining possibilities.

The home also has a wholehouse water filtration system, security cameras and motion lighting, a generator and electric gated access and covered parking.

Fideaux can frolic on this special pet-designed area featuring turf for easy maintenance.

The home is listed by Shaun McCarthy, of McCarthy Group Realtors, (504) 322-7337.

One in a Million is an occasional series featuring upscale homes for sale in the metro area.

INSIDESOURCES

RAISING THE BAR

Formal curtains and draperies are still a staple in New Orleans homes

BY JYL BENSON Contributing writer

As our lifestyles become increasingly casual, many homeowners are doing away with draperies in favor of blinds, shades or banishing window coverings altogether. That said, there is no denying the elegance and drama imparted by the framing effect of beautifully fashioned draperies crafted of fine fabric. Given the impact of European culture on New Orleans’ singular identity and customs, it is unlikely that formal draperies will ever completely disappear from our homes. With this in mind, a conversation with Neil Peyroux, owner of Peyroux’s Custom Curtains, was in order Peyroux founded his business in 1999 with two seamstresses as a workroom for interior designers and retailers.

We spoke to Peyroux recently about guidelines and trends in window coverings. This interview has been edited for length and clarity

What should be taken into consideration when choosing window coverings? What are some rules of thumb for deciding which drapery to use? First, they must decide whether to go with shades or curtains. There may not be enough room for curtains. The window may be in a hallway, behind a sofa or behind a bed. In such a case, shades are the way to go. Clients always ask if it would be correct to put linen or cotton curtains in formal spaces. The answer is a resounding “yes!” and silk can go in casual spaces.

Fully operational curtains or just stationary panels?

As for rod width, it varies depending on the space. I usually prefer to go 2 to 6 inches past the window frame on each side, depending on the space you have to work with. The more you extend past the window frame, the wider the panel you will need.

Regarding puddling drapes on the floor, I usually suggest a slight break of an inch to 11/2 inches.

About window dressings, what is currently in style?

destroyed by sunlight within a year Tinting windows is an option. There are tints available that can block 95% of the UV rays, which is what directly breaks down the fabric. ... Air conditioning and heating vents located close to draperies are also culprits. Purchasing vent cover deflectors can help minimize damage and extend the life of curtains.

Can proper draperies help homeowners conserve on utilities?

PEYROUX’S CUSTOM CURTAINS

2929 Jefferson Highway, Jefferson (504) 267-4496

Within four months, the business’s physical size had doubled, and six seamstresses were employed there.

After sustaining no damage from Hurricane Katrina, Peyroux reopened his business within three weeks. In February 2006, he opened his Jefferson Highway retail location, which continues to serve interior designers and homeowners with both custom and readymade draperies.

Sometimes clients just want curtains to soften up a room. There may already be a shade or shutter in the window, in which case panels can be put up that appear to close but don’t. How should one measure for drapes?

I prefer curtains just below the crown molding, or the ceiling if there is no crown molding. The length measurement would be from the floor to the bottom of the crown/ceilings (for ceilings 11 feet or less in height). For higher ceilings, I generally advise mounting the rod halfway between the top of the window and the ceiling.

White linen and silk are always popular, but lately I have noticed clients choosing more color across all fabrics. Tape trims in a variety of designs, sewn to the leading edges of curtains, are also in high demand. Tassel trims have always been popular, especially in formal areas. French return rods in a variety of finishes are in high demand.

How should one care for their drapes? Curtains get dirty and dusty Vacuuming curtains a few times a year will help. If they need to be cleaned, I suggest having them cleaned on-site while they are hanging. How long can one expect draperies to last?

The lifetime of curtains may vary depending on fabric, sun exposure, and how they are lined I’ve seen 30-year-old curtains still in great condition, but I have also seen curtains

Most definitely. Heavily lined and/or blackout curtains can help in winter and summer. Keeping curtains closed when the sun is at full wrath during

Neil Peyroux’s drapery business has grown since he founded it with two seamstresses in 1999.

PROVIDED PHOTO By

PEyROUX’S CUSTOM CURTAINS

the day helps keep the heat out and puts less strain on your cooling system. In the winter, especially if your windows are older and drafty, closing the drapes will help to keep your house warm.

Curtains will help protect your wood floors and furniture, rugs and artwork from sun damage. Interlining drapes helps with sound and temperature insulation. It also lends body. A curtain may look flat without it.

Jyl Benson writes about homes and gardens. Email her at jylbenson@gmail.com

4bdrms-Formal Rms-

GREENTHUMB

GARDEN TIPS

VEGGIES TO PLANT: Vegetablesto plant from seeds or transplants in April include cantaloupe,collards, corn,cucumber,cucuzza, cushaw, honeydew, lima beans, luffa, Malabar spinach, mirliton (plantsprouted fruit), okra, pumpkin, snapbeans, Southern peas, squashes, sweetpotato(plant rooted cuttings), Swiss chard and watermelon. Plant transplants of tomato, peppers and eggplant.

LILIES TO KEEP: After potted Easter lilies finish blooming,you mayplant them in your garden. Choose a location that gets morningsun and some shade in the afternoon.They will bloom every year for manyyearswith the clump getting larger and more beautiful overtime.

PRUNE PRUDENTLY: If needed, prune spring floweringshrubswhen they finish blooming.Haveadefinite purpose in mind before youbeginto prune, and prune carefully to achieve your objective.

WEED WATCH: Be sure to pull up and dispose of cool season annual weeds such as annual bluegrass, henbit, bedstrawand chickweed growing in bedsnow.These weeds arecurrently setting thousands of seeds that will plague younext winter andspring ifnot removednow.Inlawns, mow back the weeds regularlytoreduce flowering and setting seedsorapplya lawn weed killer.

SHADYCUSTOMERS: Plant caladium tubers or started plants in the garden this month through July.Caladiums areexcellent for shadyareasand combine beautifully with othershadeloving plants likeferns,begonias, torenia, liriope, impatiens, hostaand coleus.

Vigilence on thevine

Actnow to planttomatotransplants forsummerharvest.Beready forpests,too.

Dan Gill GREEN THUMB

One of the special joys of home vegetablegardening is harvesting vine-ripened tomatoes. Many gardeners have planted their tomatoes by now.It’snot too late to plant tomato transplants if you have not already done so, but you need to get them into the ground in the next couple of weeks for best production.

Tomatoes seem to have more than their share of pest problems, but most of us end up getting a decent crop anyway There are some problems, however,that are especially tragic. These are the problems that can destroy plants before you get your harvest.

GREENTHUMB

Enjoy young satsuma blossoms, but trim the fruit

BY DAN GILL

Contributing writer

My satsuma tree has been in the ground since last July. It has new leaf growth this spring and is budding nicely. Would you recommend pruning off the flower buds and young fruit at some point this year so that the tree energy goes to further establishing roots and growth? — Mike

Feel free to allow your young satsuma tree to bloom and enjoy the fragrance. However, if the tree sets any fruit, remove the small green fruit as soon as you see them This allows the tree to put its limited resources into getting established growing roots, stems and leaves.

You may allow the tree to set what fruit it will next spring and every spring thereafter. But be aware that establishing citrus trees often fail to set crops or produce erratically the first three to five years after planting.

I plant tulips every year with success. I decided to keep my bulbs this year after they finished blooming. I dried them out and cleaned them off and they are now in my fridge. I have recently learned that, here in south Louisiana, tulip bulbs do not rebloom. So, my question: Did I waste my time, and should I throw them all out? — Michelle

Unfortunately, tulip bulbs do not rebloom well for us here in the Deep South. They need a long, mild spring/early summer to properly mature their bulbs, and they do not get that here (we are already hitting the 80s). As a result, we discard the bulbs after they finish blooming. One of the most lavish displays of tulips is at New Orleans City Park each spring. Park staff plant new bulbs each year

If you do want to try to rebloom them, it is critical not to dig them up until the foliage has turned yellow. Store the bulbs at room temperature until November In early to midNovember, refrigerate them

Citrus trees are blooming

Tulips need a long, mild spring/ early summer to properly mature their bulbs, and do not rebloom well in the Deep South’s prolonged warm season.

hanging basket plants from late winter/early spring to late spring/early summer So, you can enjoy them from the time they arrive at the nurseries beginning in February all the way through late May early June.

Many gardeners consider it well worth the investment to enjoy these incredibly beautiful plants for three months or so. The later in the season the plants are purchased, the less bang for your buck. So, buy them as soon as you see them in the nurseries in early

spring. Place them in a location that is shaded most of the day, although morning sun is fine. They do not like to get too dry between waterings, so water whenever the soil surface begins to feel dry

Dan Gill is a retired consumer horticulture specialist with the LSU AgCenter. He hosts the “Garden Show” on WWL-AM Saturdays at 9 a.m. Email gardening questions to gnogardening@agcenter.lsu. edu.

and then plant them in late December or early January.

Be prepared to be disappointed for all the work, but you may get a few flowers. I grew the most gorgeous fuchsias

when I lived in the San Francisco Bay Area, but years ago, I was told that we couldn’t grow them here because it’s too hot. I just couldn’t resist buying one two days ago in a hanging basket.What should I expect? — Denise Summer heat is indeed the main limiting factor when it comes to growing fuchsias here. Once daytime highs start staying in the upper 80s, and certainly as they hit the 90s with nighttime lows staying in the 70s, the plants lose steam and languish. Generally, they die sometime during the summer from various fungal infections.

They do, however, make attractive container plants or

TOMATO

Continued from page 8

Diseases

Bacterial wilt is certainly one of these. Once the bacterium gets into the tomato plant (from the soil or insects), it multiplies rapidly and moves into the vascular system clogging up the vessels. This prevents the plant from moving water from the roots into the upper plant. The tomato plant suddenly wilts, and watering will not revive it.

There are no treatments for bacterial wilt. Infected plants should be quickly removed and disposed of. Future plantings should be made in a different location.

Blossom end rot is a common problem of tomato fruit. This physiological disease is caused by a calcium imbalance in the fruit — not a pathogenic organism. Affected tomato fruits have a round, dark brown, dry and sunken area at the bottom of the fruit right around where the blossom fell off.

Plants subjected to wide fluctuations in soil moisture are prone to this problem. Plants in containers are especially vulnerable as the soil in the pots dries out so fast. Excessive phosphorous can interfere with calcium uptake, so

TNS FILE PHOTO

Blossom end rot is a common problem in which affected tomato fruits have a round, dark brown, dry and sunken area at the bottom, right around where the blossom fell off.

be cautious about using fertilizers high in phosphorus (the middle number in the analysis). A calcium deficiency in the soil will cause blossom end rot, although other factors, like moisture fluctuation in the soil are more common causes. Have your soil tested through the LSU AgCenter before adding any calcium to the soil.

To deal with a current problem, treat plants with a product labeled to control blossom end rot in tomatoes. These products, available at local nurseries and garden centers, contain calcium in a rapidly available form and are sprayed onto the plants.

Fungal diseases are very active in late spring and early summer A wide variety of diseases attack tomato foli-

GREENTHUMB

The tomato hornworm is a voracious leaf feeder, and once it gets large, it can almost strip a bush of leaves in a few days.

age. With rainy weather, early blight, late blight and various fungal leaf spots will show up (avoid wetting the foliage of tomatoes and other vegetables when you water to reduce foliar diseases).

When it comes to disease control, early intervention is critical. If you wait until almost all of the foliage is infected, spraying at that point will do little good.

To manage diseases, spray preventively or at the very first sign of symptoms. Then, continue to spray regularly to maintain protection. Neem oil and copper fungicides are good options for organic gardeners. Chlorothalonil controls a wide variety of fungal diseases that attack the leaves and fruit.

Buckeye rot is a fungal disease that attacks the fruit around Mother’s Day. Look for brownish, discolored areas on sides or toward the bottom of the fruit. The lowest fruits are the most vulnerable. Keep plants mulched to prevent the fungus from splashing from the soil to the fruit. Promptly remove and dispose of any infected fruit. Spray plants regularly with chlorothalonil if the severity of the situation warrants it.

There are various viruses that attack tomatoes. Symptoms often occur in the upper parts of the plant. Viruses frequently cause the foliage to be twisted and deformed, and you may see mottling of yellow, light green and dark green in the leaves (a symptom called mosaic).

There are no treatments for viral infected plants. Infected plants should be immediately removed and discarded to reduce the chances the disease will be spread by insects to plants that are still healthy

Insects

Caterpillars are very active right now. The tomato fruit worm is a green or brown caterpillar that will feed on the fruit of tomatoes. They often chew round holes in the top of the fruit. During summer these wounds can quickly become infected with fungi leading to the rotting of the fruit. Fruit cracks around the stem can also lead to rotting.

Inspect your tomatoes frequently, and any that show a crack or hole should be harvested, rinsed, dried and ripened on the kitchen counter indoors. Indeed, gardeners sometimes harvest tomatoes in the pink stage and ripen them indoors out of harm’s way (quality is still very good). The tomato hornworm is a large, green caterpillar with a red horn on its rear It is a voracious leaf feeder. Once this caterpillar gets large, it can almost strip a bush of leaves in a few days.

Control caterpillars with weekly applications of the organic insecticides BT (just controls caterpillars) or spinosad (controls a variety of insects in addition to caterpillars, including thrips and leaf miners). Permethrin and carbaryl are popular conventional insecticides for controlling caterpillars and other insects.

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There are other insects that attack tomatoes, notably stink bugs and leaf-footed bugs They attack the fruit and cause it to have yellow spots. These insects are tough to control, but regular applications of permethrin or bifenthrin will help minimize the damage.

Diagnosing vegetable pest problems can be difficult. For help, contact the LSU AgCenter Extension office in your parish.

You should also check out the following LSU AgCenter online publications: LSU AgCenter Disease Management in the Home Vegetable Garden, LSU AgCenter Insect Management in the Home Vegetable Garden and LSU AgCenter Tomatoes.

Irisopenhouse at City Park

The Greater New Orleans Iris Societywill host an open house from 10 a.m. to 4p.m. Saturday at Island Iris Nursery with more than 500 cultivarsofLouisiana irises on display.

The facility is behind the New Orleans Police Department Stables in City Park at the intersection of Harrison Avenue and Magnolia Drive.

For information, visit louisianairisgnois.com.

Botanical Garden hosts spring show

The Spring Garden Show,the annual seasonal sensation at City Park, will be from 9a.m. to 5p.m. April 11 in the Botanical Garden.

Organizers said the show will include more than 50 vendors with plants and garden paraphernalia, cooking demonstrations, and park personnel, specialists and Master Gardeners on hand to answer questions

Enter on Victory Avenue, either through the Pavilion of the TwoSisters or the Oscar J. Tolmas Visitor Center.Speakers will be in the Garden Study Center.

The event is rain or shine. Tickets start at $15 andcan be purchased in advance. Visitneworelanscitypark.org.

Plant sale,seminars set on the northshore

The St. Tammany Master Gardener Association will host aspring plant sale April 24-25 at the St. Tammany ParishFairgrounds in Covington.

The sale will feature more than 60 plant and garden art booths, food trucks, children’s activities and two daysofseminars. Cooking demonstrations and educational exhibits will be included.

Presentations will include:

n Understanding understory plantings

n Louisiana Super Plants 2026

n Preventing plant diseasesin home gardens

n Backyard citrus care

See over 500 cultivarsof Louisiana irises when the Greater NewOrleans Iris Society holds an open house Saturdayat Island Iris NurseryinCity Park.

n Fertilizersand soiltesting

n Gardening with roses

n Container gardening

Entry is $5 at the gate at 1301 N. Florida St.Visit stmastergardener.org.

Orleans residents can get freewood chips

The city will be distributing free wood chips to Orleans Parish residents from 8a.m. to noon every Saturdaythrough May 30 at 1Green ParadeLane.

The Department of Parks and Parkways,which generates the chips from routine tree-trimming operations,iscontinuing its efforts to divert green waste from local landfills and promote sustainablepractices.

This initiative supports the city’s broader sustainability goals while providing apractical benefit to residents.

INSIDEINFO

n Chipsare available on a first-come, first-servedbasis.

n Residents must bring their own loading supplies, including shovels,gloves,bags, containers andany othernecessary equipment

n Staff will not be able to assist with loading.

For information,followthe department on Instagramor Facebook.

Volunteer projects abound at CityPark

Avariety of cleanup days andinitiatives are on tap at City Park to improve and maintain theextensive urban greenspace. Thosecoming up include:

n Super Saturday: 9a.m. Saturday.Pan American Stadium. Monthly community volunteeringeffortthatincludes apruningprojectatPan American Stadium

n Litter Cleanup Krewe: 9a.m. Tuesday.Volunteer Center,1031 Harrison Ave.

n Big LakeNative Plant Trail Restoration Project: 9a.m. Friday.Big Lake Native Trail near 7FriedrichsAve.

Register for the programs andfind out aboutwhattobring at friendsofcitypark.volunteerhub.com.

Have ahome and garden event coming up? Send it to events@theadvocate.com.

COVER STORy

Growing passion

New Orleans hibiscus grower pursues the perfect blossom

BY JYL BENSON Contributing writer

Sandra Barr started growing hibiscuses in 1990 after failing with roses and camellias.

“I started collecting gardenvariety hibiscus,” said Barr, secretary of the New Orleans Chapter of the American Hibiscus Society and a retired medical malpractice paralegal. “They were relatively easy and beautiful with varieties like Jane Cowl, Anderson Double Yellow-Red, Crown of Bohemia and Elephant Ear I would have to drive to Texas to get different varieties of plants.

ABOVE: Sandra Barr works in her greenhouse.

PHOTO

By JEFF

STROUT

LEFT: Barr came in second nationally last year for her hibiscus hybrid, Muddy Voodoo.

PROVIDED PHOTO By SANDRA BARR

“But I became a real snob tropical collector when I met Father (Robert) Gerlich, and he exposed me to his collection of singles and doubles. They were like nothing I had ever seen before. Father Gerlich started the New Orleans chapter of the AHS in 1991. My late husband, Wallace, and I were charter members.

“Our first show was at Mount Carmel Academy. We set out 1,000 plants that we bought with borrowed money At 3 in the afternoon, we were looking at a floor littered with nothing but leaves. We were sold out. Now we just keep growing every year.”

ä See HIBISCUS, page 14

ABOVE: Crinkly petals and variegated blossoms set this pink and fuschia hibiscus, called Fabulous, apart in Barr’s garden.

LEFT: A hibiscus bud begins to unfurl. Sandra Barr points out that no matter how hard the grower works on a plant, if it doesn’t bloom on the day of the show, it has no chance to win.

ABOVE: Potted hibiscuses are lined up in Sandra Barr’s greenhouse in Metairie.

CENTER: A Jungle Fire hibiscus shows off its orange, pink and yellow hues in Barr’s garden.

LEFT: Sandra Barr waters these hibiscuses with irrigation pipes going to each pot.

Hibiscus lovers packed nursery during its one-day open house

BY JYL BENSON

Contributing writer

Once a year, Dupont Nursery, the Iberville Parish home of Cajun Hibiscus, opens the greenhouses at the wholesaleonly site in Plaquemine to starry-eyed members of the four Louisiana chapters of the American Hibiscus Society as well as chapters from Texas and Florida.

The event is by invitation only On this day, a 1-gallon plant can be scooped up for $15.

Cajun Hibiscus is a wildly popular line of showy, Technicolor, often dinner plate-sized varieties of persnickety hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) plants. Some “double varieties” are lush with petals and as densely ruffled as a debutante’s gown.

Other, single blooms sport stamens jutting so prominently forth they stain the shirtsleeves of passersby before the blooms come into focus.

Reflecting their provenance, many of the plants with realitydefying blooms have names tied to Louisiana culture — Cajun Masquerade, Bayou Goula, Cajun Two Step, Voodoo Queen and Creole Lady Others are sentimentally named, like A Mother’s Dream, A Mother’s Love and Remembering Colbert.

her from New Orleans inquired whether bringing one garden wagon for them to share would be enough, Goss laughed and responded, “Oh, hell no! You need your own!”

Goss knew what she was talking about.

“My friend pretty much needed a semi to haul all the plants she bought. We packed my car and had to enlist someone else to put some of the overflow in their car.

“For a hibiscus enthusiast, this is like going to Mecca.”

A niche operation

Others still are mysterious: Heart of Darkness, Cosmic Dancer, Hearts Aflame, Imperial Dragon and Into the Night.

‘I’ve been living for this’

On a recent February morning, 200 otherwise mildmannered garden enthusiasts clustered at the gate, awaiting the stroke of 9 a.m., when the greenhouses would open and they could flood the pathways, dragging carts and racks and clutching lists of plants and maps of the plants’ locations.

HIBISCUS

Continued from page 12

WHEN: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.April 12 WHERE: Bonnabel High School cafeteria, 2801 Bruin Drive, Kenner

ADMISSION: Free and open to the public

At one point, Barr’s husband was vice president of the chapter, and the couple had over 300 hibiscus in their collection. Wallace Barr died in 2017. Now Sanda Barr has pared the collection down to 150, and she routinely enters her own hybridized plants in local and national competitions. Last year, she came in second for the coveted title of Seeding of the Year bestowed by the American Hibiscus Society for Muddy Voodoo, one of her seedling hybrids.

In 2025, the New Orleans Chapter of the National Hibiscus Society hosted the American Hibiscus Society for its annual convention.

“I’ve been living for this since I received the invitation,” said Susan Goss, a retired chef from New Orleans who left home at 6:30 that morning to make the opening bell.

Pulling a wagon behind her, she was on the hunt for Cajun Paprika, Spotted Imp, Tarantella and Big Poppa hibiscuses.

“I showed up with a carefully curated list, and it went out the window,” Goss said. “I was waylaid by so much beauty I kind of lost my mind.”

When a friend attending with

United by the love of hibiscus

The local chapter now stands at 93 members, ranging in age from teens to retirees, who meet monthly on a Sunday at the East

Cajun Hibiscus was founded in 1995 by the late Bobby Dupont, a retired florist, under the umbrella of his son Robbie Dupont’s wholesale nursery in Plaquemine. The small community is across the Mississippi River from greater Baton Rouge.

Dupont Nursery was known as a niche operation that grew rare and unusual bedding plants alongside common varieties. Over the years, it has grown to 11 greenhouses with 500,000 square feet of growing area.

A chance meeting brought Bobby Dupont together with the Rev. Robert Gerlich, a Jesuit priest, professor of history at Loyola University in New Orleans, an avid hibiscus breed-

er and president of the New Orleans Chapter of the American Hibiscus Society. Gerlich remains a star in the hibiscus breeding world, drawing fans when he attends gatherings of the flower’s fanciers.

The men merged their considerable skills and began propagating the thrilling blooms that have brought the Cajun Hibiscus series numerous American Hibiscus Society awards, including the prestigious Hibiscus of the Year for Black Dragon in 2005, Big Poppa in 2024 and Koki last year They consistently place in the top four nationally each year, and collectors from around the world seek out the brand’s exotic blooms.

Bobby Dupont died in 2017. Today his son, Robbie Dupont, continues to grow the Cajun Hibiscus brand along with Gerlich, who is now based out of Boston.

Sandra Barr, a charter member of the New Orleans Chapter of the American Hibiscus Society and the chapter’s current secretary, estimates that “99% of the plants that Cajun Hibiscus sells were hybridized by Father Gerlich.”

“He travels to the nursery several times a year to personally pollinate the blooms by hand,” Barr said, “which results in new cultivars.”

in single bold colors, some

like these, with stunning, multiple colors and unusual petals

Bank Regional Library, 4747 Napoleon Ave., in Metairie. Annual dues are $35, with $25 of that going directly to the national chapter. Each meeting includes lunch, a hibiscus raffle, opportunities to buy from

members to support the chapter, speakers and expert advice.

“We have a summer ice cream social and a Christmas party,” said

Barr cultivated this cross between Texas Sands of Time and Veronique Demailly No. 14.

HIBISCUS

Continued from page 14

Barr, who lives in Metairie. “Members get a lot for their annual $35 fee, but some still join just to be able to go to the annual one-day open house at Cajun Hibiscus that is only open to members.”

For the local chapter’s upcoming annual Hibiscus Show and Sale on April 12, anyone — member or not — can enter a bloom in the competition from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. for consideration in one of the four Best of Show categories..

The weekend of the sale is a busy one Bloom entries are judged on Sunday morning and placed on display, ready when the public enters on Sunday at 1 p.m.

Several experts in hibiscus care and propagation will be on hand to answer questions Dupont Nursery in Plaquemine will supply more than 1,200 of its famous, robust and colorful Cajun Hibiscus plants for sale in 1-gallon pots, 10-inch pots and hanging baskets.

Members eager to take part

“The day before the event, our members come to the venue to help set up for the show and receive the Dupont Nursery 18-wheeler containing 1,200 or more plants for the sale,” Barr said. “Members have first dibs on purchasing plants ahead of Sunday’s crowd.”

Dupont’s special granular, time-release fertilizer, specifically formulated for hibiscus plants, will also be for sale, as will plastic 10inch terra cotta-colored pots ideal for transplanting new one-gallon specimens.

In addition to ribbons for their categories, this year’s overall Best of Show winners will receive sculptural hibiscus trophies designed and crafted by celebrated artist Louis Colmenares.

“But remember,” Bar advised, “it is all about the day I could have the most magnificent seedling, but if it doesn’t bloom on the day of the show, no one will know about it. A lot of it is chance.”

Jyl Benson writes about homes and gardens. Email her at jylbenson@gmail. com.

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT GROWING HIBISCUSES

Those big, showy, heart-stopping blooms do not come from set-it-andforget-it plants. They give a lot, but they take a lot, too.

They are heavy bloomers, heavy feeders, and prone to breaking your heart even when you do everything “right.” For success with tropical hibiscus, ensure at least six hours of full sun daily, maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging, and fertilize every two to three weeks. These tropical plants thrive on highpotassium, low-phosphorus fertilizer and well-draining soil, and benefit from regular pruning to encourage bushiness.

Here are some considerations for best results.

Sun

At least six hours of direct sun is needed for optimal blooming. That said, the optimal temperature for a healthy, robust plant is the same as the one at which a person is comfortable. Placing your hibiscus in the scorching sun in the dead heat of summer will tend to burn its foliage and suppress blooms, the opposite of what you want During the dead heat of a dry summer, it will be necessary to place hibiscus under a shade cloth or beneath a tree to shield them from the heat when temperatures rise above 98 degrees.

Soil

A newly purchased 1-gallon hibiscus should be repotted from its nursery pot. A 10-inch plastic pot with several drainage holes is the ideal vessel for this. The proper soil composition is vital to growing a healthy plant Loose, porous soil that allows water to flow freely prevents root rot. A light commercial mixture formulated especially for pots, mixed with perlite and soil conditioner, is ideal. Hibiscus roots do not thrive in a heavy, clay-based mixture. Their oxygen supply becomes trapped in the heavy soil, leading to root rot.

Water

Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during hot weather, but ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot. Overwatering can cause flower buds to drop before opening, so can underwatering.

Pests

Pests absolutely love tropical hibiscus. Think Thanksgiving dinner. Regularly inspect the undersides of leaves for mites and whiteflies,

especially when you notice yellowing foliage. Clear leaves and debris from the base of the plant. Keep plants healthy, hydrated, and fertilized, as stressed plants are more vulnerable to pests. Ensure proper spacing between plants to maximize air circulation and potentially limit pest mobility When treating with sprays, do so in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid leaf burn.

Mealybugs are virulent in hot, dry months and must be treated aggressively and consistently to prevent plant loss. Spider mites and aphids are also quickly invasive insects.

Depending on your ideology, pests can be addressed in several ways:

1. Encourage or introduce ladybugs and green lacewings to feed on aphids and mites.

2. Wait until pests show up and hit them with a garden hose at full blast, hoping to blast them away.

3. Take a proactive approach and spray with neem oil, insecticidal soap, or a mixture of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water with dish soap to control aphids, whiteflies and spider mites. Take care to fully coat both sides of all leaves.

4. Use a chemical spray, such as Bio Advanced 3-in-1, both as a prophylactic measure and to treat an infestation.

5. Larger pests like caterpillars or scale should be removed manually and infested branches should be pruned away and disposed of in a sealed plastic bag.

6. Yellow sticky traps can be placed in the soil to trap flying insects like whiteflies and fungus gnats.

7. Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove mealybugs.

8. For severe infestations, a systemic root drench may be more effective than sprays.

Fertilizers

Fertilizers contain nitrogen, phos-

Gardening supplies are laid out for work in Sandra Barr’s garden in Metairie.

phorus and potassium. Their values are expressed in numbers on the fertilizer container, such as 20-20-20 or 10-4-8 (or whatever). Nitrogen is the component that causes the production of a full bush with robust green foliage. The middle number, phosphorus, is important for root development, but it does not leach out of the soil and remains available, sometimes to the detriment of the plant. It tends to bind or lock up certain minerals, so it is essential to choose a hibiscus fertilizer with a low middle number/phosphorus ratio. Potassium is key to hibiscus success. It is represented by the third number in the fertilizer ratio. Potassium promotes budding and successful blooms. It enhances color and quality Hibiscus needs all three components in the proper amount, along with minerals, such as magnesium and trace elements that will be present in high-quality fertilizers.

Growers have a choice of watersoluble fertilizer or time-release formulas. The decision may be determined by the size of the collection. Water-soluble is ideal for a limited number of plants, whereas granular time-release formulas may work better when the grower has hundreds of plants and does not have an injector delivery system but, rather, is making applications by hand. With an injector connected to a drip system, the water-soluble fertilizer can be delivered to each pot or ground planted hibiscus.

Pruning

Prune young plants to encourage branching. For older plants, prune in late February or during active growth to maintain shape and encourage more flowers. If the plant becomes too tall, prune it back to encourage a fuller, healthier plant.

— Jyl Benson

INSIDESTORY

You can find quality furniture that is still affordable

BY ADITHI RAMAKRISHNAN AP science writer

NEW YORK Furniture is one of the biggest hurdles during a move, because good dressers and couches are bulky and expensive.

During a stressful time, it makes sense to crave something cheap delivered straight to your door That’s where fast furniture comes in.

These are simple pieces made with a mishmash of plastics, fiberboard and chipboard that aren’t built to last. They can typically be ordered online, are

mass-produced and ship unassembled in a flat-packed box.

They get the job done, but once thrown out, their ingredients generally can’t be recycled and don’t break down well.

“It’s of little emotional value, it’s fleeting, and it is not going to accompany you through your life’s journey,” said furniture and design expert Deana McDonagh with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Americans dumped over 12 million tons of furniture in 2018, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, and 80% of it ended up in landfills.

Moving is chaotic, and fast furniture is a sensible solution. But there are ways to decorate your home that are just as cheap and may furnish other parts of your life.

Groups can help save money

When Heather Strong moved to her own place in the Los Angeles area, newly single, she felt like she was starting over Many of her well-loved furniture pieces, like her favorite pan rack, stayed with her ex in the home she’d left.

If finances permit, it’s never too early to start thinking about buying high-quality furniture.

TheRendonCondominiums. GrandLivinginEsplanade Ridge-Now available forpurchase! Over50% sold.Only13residencesremain forpurchase. Completelyrestoredin2019, this c.1906Beaux Arts school building wasconverted to avariety of oneand twobedroom unitswithonsiteparking andapool. Unitsoffer thoughtfully designed living spaces, soaringceilings,oversized windows, reclaimedhardwoodand concrete floors,and modern kitchensand baths. Locatedinthe heartofMid-City, near theFairGrounds, BayouStJohn, Esplanade Ave. Restaurantsand City Park.Get your spot in time forthe Spring Festivals! Priced from $190,900to$454,900

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That’s when she discovered the Buy Nothing Project: an app and network of local Facebook groups where people gave and got things for free. A year and a half later, Strong has furnished her home with dining room chairs, wood furniture and bedding from her neighbors.

“I’ve had the chance to explore different areas of my own community and venture out a little. And I’ve made some friends,” said Strong, a business owner

Buy Nothing’s co-founder Liesl Clark recommends asking your neighbors before ordering that unassembled coffee table. Comb through neighborhood Facebook and Nextdoor groups, check gifting sites like Freecycle and see if a friend of a friend knows anyone getting rid of their furniture. Or, look on curbs and front stoops for nice pieces that others have left behind.

“You will get so much more satisfaction. You’ll save funds that you can then perhaps spend more locally,” Clark said.

Pre-loved character

Maddie Fischer has furnished most of her Brooklyn apartment with pre-loved pieces. She found one of her living room chairs in a trash bag on the street and nabbed her kitchen table for free in a move-out giveaway, recruiting her sister and friends to carry it down four flights of stairs.

“I don’t mind when things look like they’ve had a little bit of wear and tear,” said Fischer,

a social media manager “I think it gives them more character.”

If you can’t find the item you want on the curb, shop secondhand. Try neighborhood thrift stores or sift through sites like eBay, Vinted and Gumtree. There are also furniture rental websites to source quality items for a short time, but can be pricey

If finances permit, it’s never too early to start thinking about buying high-quality furniture. Dressers and tables made of wood and other natural materials are more unique and give the home a personal touch. Plus, they last longer and don’t need to be replaced as often.

A deliberate approach

Decorating an empty home all at once can rack up a hefty price tag. So McDonagh, the furniture expert, recommended buying one nice piece of furniture every year. “If you’re doing it for your future self, take your time,” McDonagh said. Buy modular pieces like shelves and storage that stack onto each other and are adjustable based on space constraints. Over time, your home will fill with durable items that also feel homey

In the meantime, make do with what you have. A stack of books or boxes can function as a makeshift chair while a sturdier piece is on the way,

McDonagh said. Outdoor furniture can work surprisingly well indoors too, since the fabrics protect well against scratches and stains.

Despite the name, fast furniture can last many years if we take care of it. With creativity and a bit of TLC, it doesn’t have to be replaced as frequently.

“I don’t believe that any furniture is inherently fast. It’s our decision as consumers whether it’s fast or not,” said Katryn Furmston, a fast furniture expert with Nottingham Trent University in England.

Cheap, but smart

Maybe you don’t want to carry a desk up five flights of stairs. Or the thought of sitting on a used couch icks you out.

If you have to purchase fiberboard furniture, avoid buying from too-good-to-be-true websites that’ll leave you with missing parts or a slanted desk. When the piece arrives, treat it well. Cover scratches with a tablecloth or rotate it to face another direction.

When it’s time to move away, keep a photo of the product handy to show to friends or co-workers. Give it a second life by selling in a community group or gifting to a neighbor Do your part to keep the piece in use for as long as possible. Associated Press journalist Kiki Sideris contributed to this report.

NEW ORLEANS

n TRANSFERS FOR MARCH 18-22

DISTRICT 1

CARONDELET ST. 845: $1,500,000, Carondelet Restaurant LLC to Bearcat Enterprises LLC.

JULIA ST. 1001: $1,325,000, Cajun Nana 1001 Julia #14E LLC to Prasanth Patcha.

MELPOMENE ST. 1410-12-14-16: $700,000, Austin Shan Barbin to Jennifer Hernandez.

ST. CHARLES AVE. 701: $395,000, John Lawrence and Lilie Renae Rainey Doleac Living Trust to Clinton Melvin Padgett Jr.

THALIA ST. 4137: $7,725, City of New Orleans to Marisa Williams and Taylor Williams.

DISTRICT 2

ARGONNE BLVD. 5925: $315,000, Argonne Tennis Park LLC to Brian Lee Guillot and Lacey Michelle Balancer Guillot.

BAYOU ROAD 1933, 1935-A-B: $480,000, Ellen Frances Olsztynski to Michael Patrick Daly.

BRAGG ST. 122: $325,000, Rianne Banks Egana to JG2 Properties LLC.

CANAL BLVD. 6465: $560,000, Kelly Mae McArdle Millet and Matthew W. Millet to Courtney Caroline Haley Martin and Harrison Denegre Martin.

CONTI ST. 2031-2033: $485,000, Wells One Investments LLC to Asher Meyers.

DECATUR ST. 1201, UNIT D: $496,000, Leighann Leverenz Nunnally and Nicholas P. Nunnally to Rachel E. McGuire and Robert E. McGuire.

MEMPHIS ST. 5818: $539,000, Alexis Pennock Sullivan to Yolanda Jackson.

MILNE ST. 7038: $357,000, Cascade Funding Mortgage Trust AB2 to Nicholas Stokes.

N. ALEXANDER ST. 718: $546,000, Johnette Hassel and Mark Benard to Marcelle Therese Bienvenu Castedo and Paul Eduardo Castedo.

ROYAL ST. 1018: $100, Degerolamo Properties LLC to Royce A. Ramsay and Susan Napier Ramsay.

ROYAL ST. 823: donation, no value stated, Mary Ann Vial Lemmon to Harry T. Lemmon

ST. ANN ST. 3110: $131,000, Liam Obrien Designs LLC to Thomas Michael Fahl.

WEST END BLVD. 6375: $747,875, Barrett G. Ford and Maerin J. Laskey Ford to Jude Austin and Lindsey Fileccia Austin

REALESTATETRANSFERS

DISTRICT 3

ALABO ST. 1801: $6,692, City of New Orleans to Ileanna Lecor Calcano Rosario and Yonneiker Armando Vivas Infantes.

ALMONASTER AVE. 2608: $6,455, City of New Orleans to Bayou Ivy Investments LLC

ANNETTE ST. 4730: $6,870, City of New Orleans to Michael J. Phillips Jr.

ARTS ST. 2105-2107: $265,000, Snezana Randjelovic Brown to Matthew Boyd Steffens and Meghan L. Tallent Bennis Steffens.

ASHLAND DRIVE 13031: $6,720, City of New Orleans to Mark Stephen Paul.

BANCROFT AVE. 5351: $275,000, Sam Mickal Solomon to 5352 Bancroft LLC.

BASS ST. 8020: $63,500, Gerald Cowart III to Aristeo Garcia Construction LLC.

BUNKERHILL ROAD 7001: $6,865,

City of New Orleans to Kenneth Carl Vogt.

CAMPUS BLVD. 6128: $314,000, Yolanda Carol Lewis to Kevin Matthew Stanton and Melanie Geason Stanton.

CHADBOURNE DRIVE 7300: $6,220, City of New Orleans to Dionne Lynette Cockerham and Justin Carnell Cockerham.

CHARBONNET ST. 1016: $6,600, City of New Orleans to Jabanda Akia Hinton Thornton and Philip Thornton.

CHARLENE DRIVE 4725: $180,000, Crystal Cook Brown, Cassandra C. Waddell and Darryl Cook to Traemel Day.

CHERBOURG ST. 13151: $77,000, Lashawn Maria Kennedy and Lynette H. Wallace to Ryan Nguyen and Thao Tory Nguyen.

CLOUET ST. 3114-3116: $320,000, Count Entertainment LLC to John Edward Smart Jr.

CONGRESS ST. 1625: donation, no value stated, Sidney Williams Sr to Rachele Williams.

CURRAN BL 8701: $7,115, City of New Orleans to Donna Lynn Smith.

CURRAN ROAD 6620: $6,220, City of New Orleans to Percy Dunbar.

DAUPHINE ST. 4908: $7,740, City of New Orleans to Alfredo Perez and Bette Jeane Perez.

DEERS ST. 3220: $6,595, City of New Orleans to Hauser George Reboul III.

DELERY ST. 1916: $6,345, City of New Orleans to Shellisa Angelina Moore Jenkins.

DOROTHEA ST. 6021: $6,595, City of New Orleans to Delisa S. Lloyd and Terry Lloyd Sr.

DOWNMAN ROAD 7343: $6,345, City of New Orleans to J. Paul Management LLC.

E. LAVERNE ST. 6953: $87,000, Park Place Securities Inc. Asset Backed Pass Through Certificates Series 2005-WCWL to Cyrena Brown LLC.

EASTERN ST. 4916-4918: donation, no value stated, Qasim Abdul Aziz Davis to Qasim and Tiye revocable trust.

EDGEFIELD DRIVE 7000: $220,000, Courteney Christopher Boyd and Sophia White Boyd to Courtney Stevenson.

ELAVERNE ST. 6912: $6,725, City of New Orleans to Truda F. Hickmam and Zithembe Maggelias.

ELYSIAN FIELDS AVE. 5173: $225,000, Mill City Mortgage Loan Trust 2017-3 to Kienna R. Conrad.

ESPLANADE AVE. 723: $10 and other valuable consideration, Hsiu Tao Lee Ho and Shang Tcheng Ho to Khristina Harrell Serena and Thomas E. Serena.

EXPEDITION DRIVE 7530: $6,600, City of New Orleans to Maxie Jefferson Ratcliff.

FRANCES ST. 47503: $6,220, City

ä See ORLEANS, page 18

REALESTATETRANSFERS

ORLEANS

Continued from page 17

of New Orleans to Chenell Taylor Dupart.

FRANCIS DRIVE 4527: $6,600, City of New Orleans to Kenyattor King.

FRANCIS DRIVE 4561: $7,605, City of New Orleans to William Deno Zhamyron.

GALLIER ST. 2300: $45,198, City of New Orleans to Melvin Ellis IV.

GORDON ST. 1629: $6,022, City of New Orleans to KWC Construction LLC.

HORSESHOE BEND 161: $6,615, City of New Orleans to Phat Kim Quach Tran.

JOURDAN AVE. 2527: $6,600, City of New Orleans to Adams Realty LLC.

JOURDAN AVE. 2535: $6,220, City of New Orleans to Adams Realty LLC.

KNIGHT DRIVE 4419: $110,000, Mary C. Perez to J&E Properties LLC.

LAKE BREEZE DRIVE 24: $152,000, Alan M. Jones to JP3 Investments LLC.

LAKE WILLOW DRIVE 6906:

$267,500, Benjamin Tran to Ashon M. Converse Jenkins and Trevan Jenkins.

LAVENDER ST. 2567: $175,000, Corey A. Rowan to Jaymi Ann Kent.

LESSEPS ST. 1337: $6,425, City of New Orleans to Aaron Richard Collier and Kristen Henderson Collier.

LIZARDI ST. 1426: $6,655, City of New Orleans to Devin Dominic Murthil.

LIZARDI ST. 2023: $6,600, City of New Orleans to Amanda Jean Gray and Timothy Paul Gray

LOUIS PRIMA DRIVE W. 5872:

$220,000, Anita Carlisle Coffey to Deaundra Earls.

LUCERNE ST. 7726: $6,213, City of New Orleans to Donald Raymond Lamotte.

MANDEVILLE ST. 6025-6027: $260,000, Christopher Davis and Lauren Williamson Davis to Carlos Espinal Robles and Melva Robles.

MAJESTIC OAKS DRIVE 55562: $6,744, City of New Orleans to 3R Winslow Enterprise LLC.

MARIGNY ST. 538-540: $363,000, Donald T. Dubay to Ryan D. Harner.

MARIGNY ST. 2931-33: $65,000, Vernon Martin to Elle Housing LLC.

MARK TWAIN DRIVE 4537: $6,950, City of New Orleans to Edward R. Gray Jr..

MENDEZ ST. 5001: $19,643, City of New Orleans to David L. Garrett and Lourdes T. Archbold Garrett.

MICHOUD BOULEVARD 5027:

$90,000, Van Quoc Tran to Cynthia Nguyen and Richard Nguyen.

MITHRA ST. 4736: $6,345, City of New Orleans to Robert P. Smith.

MONTEGUT ST. 2417: $7,600,

Lauren Enterprises LLC.

N. JOHNSON ST. 2069: $9,075, City of New Orleans to Joda Investments LLC.

N. MIRO ST. 4135: $6,220, City of New Orleans to Weyams LLC.

N. RAMPART ST. 5463: $6,600, City of New Orleans to Sankofa Community Development Corp..

N. ROCHEBLAVE ST. 2768: $6,370, City of New Orleans to Antoine Edwards.

N. ROMAN ST. 5320: $6,470, City of New Orleans to Janice Mae Reed.

N. VILLERE ST. 2613: $90,000, Senoli LLC to G4 Legacy LLC.

OLD SPANISH TRAIL 20201: $126,700, Calvin Kaufmann and Sandra C. Kaufmann to Annalethu T. Nguyen and Billy T Ngyuyen.

PAUGER ST. 2526: $30,000, Ashley Leufroy Jr., Deborah Ewers, Donalvn Lott and Donnetta Sigur to Shineloud LLC.

PAUGER ST. 3020: $9,325, City of New Orleans to Nicholas Edward Caldwell.

PAUGER ST. 3106: $25,000, Star of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church to Christopher James Senac and Sarah Elizabeth Reel

Chevon Washington and Corey Washington.

PINEBROOK DRIVE 7181: $6,220, City of New Orleans to Eugene S. Wright.

SALEM DRIVE 7010: $6,615, City of New Orleans to Top Hat Safety Solutions LLC.

ST. CLAUDE AVE. 2827: $272,500, Debora Arnold Songy to Margaret Jensen Shots.

ST. FERDINAND ST. 816: $1,500,000, Richard Sherman to Shelley Brennan Britto.

S. CORONET COURT 7701: $6,740, City of New Orleans to Lynette W. Owens.

STRAND COURT 1410: $6,220, City of New Orleans to Donald Paul Lymous.

TRICOU ST. 819: $6,220, City of New Orleans to Clifford Benjamin Huotari.

TUPELO ST. 2613: $6,220, City of New Orleans to Alexis Nicole Barnes.

URQUHART ST. 5500: $6,425, City of New Orleans to Naurine Vaiton White.

VERBENA ST. 2754: $17,632, City of New Orleans to Jabari Akobi Jones.

WALES ST. 6123: $6,220, City of New Orleans to Mikel Oneal Wilson II.

WEAVER AVE. 7340: $6,345, City of New Orleans to Cheryl Marie McGinnis.

WERNER DRIVE 4615: $6,720, City of New Orleans to Barron Thomas Coleman.

WICKFIELD DRIVE 1900: $191,000, Earl J. Perkins and Jacqueline M. Perkins to Kyra Scoby Hamilton. WINGATE DRIVE 5305: $100,000, PCOF Properties LLC to Aghdas Ostadali Kashi.

YORKTOWN DRIVE 7123: $7,095, City of New Orleans to Rodney Deon Arceneaux.

DISTRICT 4

CAMP ST. 2019: $225,000, Hi Mark Holdings LLC to Lindsay Williams Smith and Trevor Smith.

FOURTH ST. 3716-18: $20,000, Daryl Elizabeth Wells to Happy Lyons LLC.

HARMONY ST. 1507: $1,400,000, Amanda Patterson Riso and James Louis Riso to Mary Lombardino Gladney and William W Gladney Jr.

PHILIP ST. 1900: donation, no value stated, Jarin Rolan Jackson to Ana Flora Arounian Jackson.

PHILLIP ST. 2808-10: $500,000, 2812 Philip LLC to Recruit Finance LLC.

PHILLIP ST. 2812-14: $400,000, 2812 Philip LLC to Recruit Finance LLC.

ST. CHARLES AVE. 3101: $345,000, Timothy Raymond Reid to Chemmale Jayakrishnan and Ganga Menon Jayakrishnan.

SECOND ST. 2027: $225,000, Cynthia V. Jones Schnyder, Donnaka Marie Schnyder and John Donald Schnyder Jr. to JP Innovations LLC.

SEVENTH ST. 2214: $6,300, City of New Orleans to HX3 LLC.

S. MIRO ST. 2536: $6,345, City of New Orleans to Lance G. Broussard and Robert L. Stevenson III.

S. ROMAN ST. 2328: $6,600, City of New Orleans to Daniel Uri Karpati.

THIRD ST. 2109: $7,599, City of New Orleans to Gregory J. White.

THIRD ST. 2113: $7,599, City of New Orleans to Gregory J. White.

DISTRICT 5

ARBOR LANE 14: $710,000, Derylyn Washington Lovince and Thomas A. Lovince to Joshua Vidrine and Kaitlin Vidrine.

BEHRMAN HW 2482: $6,845, City of New Orleans to Joseph Llewelyn White and Temeka Bickham White.

DE ARMAS ST. 1427-1429: $80,000, Succession of Katherine Kelly Smith to 3334 & 3336 De Armas LLC.

ETON ST. 2568: $180,000, Jackie Phillips Waguespack and Lynn Hart Ridolfo to Amy Beth Waguespack.

GALLINGHOUSE ST. 2638: $200,000, Joshua David Brumfield to Uchenna Ogbozor and Uzoamaka Ogbozor Ogbozor.

HOLIDAY DRIVE 2147: $275,000, Nyx Investments LLC to Lauren Milburn and Michael Milburn II.

HOLIDAY DRIVE 2336: $299,900, George A. Williams III and Suzette Bergeron Williams to Lashon Chanel Young.

LANG ST. 615: $10,038.86, City of New Orleans to Dark Roux Properties LLC.

MIMOSA COURT 3576: $270,000, Belinda Smith Knowles and William O. Knowles Sr. to Danielle Joseph Aaron and Wendell L. Aaron.

SOMERSET DRIVE 2501: $229,000, Baldwin Construction LLC to Taylor Alyse Aucoin.

STANTON ROAD 1601: donation, no value stated, Wat Wimuttayaram Buddhist Meditation Center of Louisiana LLC to Wat Wimuttayaram Buddhist Temple of Louisiana Inc.

SULLEN PLACE 3135: $7,795, City of New Orleans to Jonquil Relyveld.

TIMBERWOLF LANE 3440: donation, no value stated, The Thi

REALESTATETRANSFERS

Pham Nguyen to Huyen Hoang Thi Nguyen Tran.

TOPIC DRIVE 1600: $155,000, Emily Grace Vicknair and Sarah Vicknair Brown to Jose Rodriguez Munoz.

VALLETTE ST. 820: $6,020, City of New Orleans to Ernest Jimmy Smith III, Ernest Jimmy Smith Jr. and Kaylan Blayne Dandridge.

WAGNER ST. 1708: $7,561.50, City of New Orleans to Wagner Street LLC.

WAGNER ST. 707: $7,095, City of New Orleans to Darryl Bryant. WESTPARK COURT 122: $5,300, Cynthia Ann Davis to Hernan Asuncion Adames Gonzalez.

DISTRICT 6

AMELIA ST. 1125: $475,000, Grant Richard Muenter to Stephen Paul Arceneaux

ANNUNCIATION ST. 3801-3803, PENISTON ST. 600: $800,001, Paul Michael Teall and Rebecca Rose Drevers Teall to Balminder Singh Mangat and Raghubir Kaur Mangat.

ARABELLA ST. 907: $100 and other good and valuable consideration, T. Kennedy Helm III irrevocable trust to Elizabeth J. Rubenstein revocable trust.

AUDUBON BLVD. 171: $1,000,000, Daniel Patrick Morin and Serena Ruth Morin to Fangfang Hao and Jin Sun.

AUDUBON ST. 2100-02: $232,500, Elizabeth Barkdull Schneidau testamentary trust to Audubon Street Investments LLC.

AUDUBON COURT 3405-07: $6,600, City of New Orleans to 2500 Pecan LLC.

CALHOUN ST. 3241-3243: $305,500, Brandi Becnel Johnson, Evelyn

Waguespack Becnel, Melody Renee Becnel M to Andrea Garces.

CHESTNUT ST. 5218: $365,000, Wade Hampton Hiers and William D. Baldwin to Calvin Weber Martinez and Carson Martinez Weber.

COLAPISSA ST. 7115: $6,220, City of New Orleans to Majesty Smith and Melvin James Smith Jr.

CONSTANCE ST. 6132: $100 and other good and valuable consideration, Anna Casse Hoa Leblanc Mulder and Theodorus Johannes Mulder to Calais Hurst Waring.

DUFOSSAT ST. 1121: $100 and other valuable consideration, Marengo Investments LLC to Ryan Kostal and Tyler Moore Kostal.

DUFOSSAT ST. 1633: $2,000,000, Douglas Plymale to Chi N. Bergeron and Mark Bergeron.

MAGNOLIA ST. 3442: $6,675, City of New Orleans to Alexander Salazar and Chelsea Descenna Salazar.

MELPOMENE ST. 1410-12-14-16:

$700,000, Austin Shan Barbin to Jennifer Hernandez.

NASHVILLE AVE. 2500-02:

$385,000, Ernest N. Mipro and Nancy Schindler Mipro to Kelley Property Management LLC.

OCTAVIA ST. 1907: $1,575,000, Pamela Bonura Wakeman to Caroline Jacobs Ellinghausen and Edwin August Friedrich Ellinghausen IV.

OCTAVIA ST. 2405: $760,000, Charles Collins and Elizabeth Kuebel Collins to Branden Lewis and Henna Silvennoinen Lewis.

PERRIER ST. 3900: $1,220,000, Elizabeth S. Brodt and Stephen R. Brodt to Elizabeth Hood and Hunter Hood.

ST. CHARLES AVE. 4239, UNIT M:

$230,000, Deanna Grant to Point Holding Co. LLC.

ST. CHARLES AVE. 4626:

$2,300,000, Christine Marie Vreeland Turgeon and Michael Turgeon to David L. Stander and Shannon Barrios Stander.

SONIAT ST. 2305-05 1/2-07-07 1/2:

$570,000, Elizabeth Mitchell Stern and Jason A. Stern to Dahlia Gonzalez.

S. JOHNSON ST. 5819-21: $373,000, Susan C. Fuzzard Booker to Gwendolyn A. Bordenave

S. MIRO ST. 3519: $8,650, City of New Orleans to Michael Parkerson Cossaboom and Rebekah Marie Myers Cossaboom.

STATE ST. 608: $100, Samuel Parkerson McEnery to Emily H. Saer and William Hayes Saer.

TOLEDANO ST. 3008: $8,125, City of New Orleans to Community Investment Trust No 7002.

VALENCE ST. 1317-19: $625,000, Catholic Community Foundation Archdiocese of New Orleans to Stephanie Gabriella Colden.

DISTRICT 7

ADAMS ST. 322: $425,000, Christopher Allen to Celeste Blackwell Allen.

APRICOT ST. 9221: $6,595, City of New Orleans to J&Co. Development Group LLC.

BELFAST ST. 8816: $6,486, City of New Orleans to A Way of Life LLC.

BELLAIRE DRIVE 6541: $389,500, Maureen Anne Davis to Jordan Lee Willis and Makayla E. Barber.

BREAKWATER DRIVE 7932: $270,500, Elizabeth Erin McCune Phillips, James W. McCune III ä See ORLEANS, page 20

REALESTATETRANSFERS

ORLEANS

Continued from page 19

and Marcia Chassaniol McCune to Michael J. Carlson and Trisha Voltz Carlson.

BURDETTE ST. 1116: $495,000, Ann Tran Kodsi and Thierry Kodsi to Adam Joseph Suter and Michelle Harris Suter.

BURDETTE ST. 1218-20: $140,000, Nola Buys Houses LLC to 1218 Burdette LLC.

COLAPISSA ST. 8930: $6,560, City of New Orleans to Team Wiltz Properties LLC.

COLAPISSA ST. 9123: $6,825, City of New Orleans to Khalia Crump

COLAPISSA ST. 9204: $6,795, City of New Orleans to 9204 Colapissa LLC.

COLAPISSA ST. 9412: $6,455, City of New Orleans to Joyce W.

Hamilton.

EDINBURGH ST. 8730: $6,615, City of New Orleans to Quattro Properties LLC.

FIG ST. 9224: $7,100, City of New Orleans to Rannie Mushattt III and Victoria Jackson Mushatt.

FIG ST. 9310: $6,495, City of New Orleans to Fully Charged LLC.

FORSHEY ST. 8615: $6,441, City of New Orleans to Lishunda Franklin.

FORSHEY ST. 9236: $6,595, City of New Orleans to Tondadelia Pierre.

FORSHEY ST. 9305: $7,115, City of New Orleans to Ronald G. Evans.

FRERET ST. 8301, 8305: $320,000, Charles A. Zambito and Susan J. Fischer Zambito to Marc T. Dunn.

GENERAL OGDEN ST. 4237: $120,000, Cajun Flamingo LLC to Isaiah Margulies.

GENERAL OGDEN ST. 3716: $15,250, City of New Orleans to

Blkman Reliabuild Solutions LLC.

HAMILTON ST. 2735: $6,075, City of New Orleans to Benton Joseph Simmons Jr

HAY PLACE 300: donation, no value stated, Marie Virgadamo Porrovecchio to Anthony Joseph Porrovecchio, Michelle Porrovecchio Eastwold and Sandra Porrovecchio Bourgeois.

HOLLY GROVE ST. 2430: $250,000, Steven D. Pierre to Corrin John Jackson.

LAKE MARINA DRIVE 300: $349,900, Catherine E. Rockwell to Derrell Plaisance.

LEONIDAS ST. 1428: $185,000, Timothy James Jennings to Terrence E. Tyler and Terrence G. Tyler.

MARCIA AVE. 5542: $10, Jillian Rains Hayden and Matthew Thomas Hayden to Benjamin Bouslog and Mallory Bouslog.

NELSON ST. 8009-13: $410,000, Doris Green and Ernest Green III to Melissa Jenkins.

OAK ST. 7707: $489,000, Jocelyn D. Carlin to Camile Nicole Deppe and Christopher Scott Deppe.

PRITCHARD PLACE 9218:

$6,615, City of New Orleans to Courtney Mills Arvie and Sean Edward Dunn.

S. CARROLLTON AVE. 801: $387,000, Carriere Properties LLC to JC Riverbend Properties LLC.

S. CARROLLTON AVE. 920:

$190,000, Dawn Gravolet to Daniel Martin Keiffer and Dielesy Rodriguez Keiffer.

SPRUCE ST. 8437-39: $390,000, Shebli Brothers Realty LLC to Khaled Amjad Darassi.

EAST JEFFERSON

n TRANSFERS FOR MARCH 20-27

HARAHAN

HICKORY AVE. 534: Gary Acosta to Lobell Properties LLC, $65,000.

MACQUE ST. 200: John T. II Barnes to Total Maintenance Service of South Inc., $310,000.

ROSELAND PARKWAY 833: Richard A. Bergez Sr. to Samantha Russo, $230,000.

WINDSOR DRIVE 7500: Vignesh Krishnan to Margaret F.L. Tauchar, $740,000.

JEFFERSON

DAQUIN ST. 3403: Edgar T. Lane to Charles R. Lane, donation, no value stated.

HARDING ST. 217: Harding Road 217 LLC to Daniel A. Foret, $262,500.

HARDING ST. 232: Rebecca N. Leblanc to Samantha Kendricks, $220,000.

NEWMAN AVE. 409: Kevin A. Hite to Catherine O.O. Owolabi, $170,000.

KENNER

ARKANSAS AVE. 3218: William H. Schwertz to Guadalupe Garcia, $110,000.

DELAWARE AVE. 3916: Nicolas Chaiban to Aguilar Rentals LLC, $380,000.

GRANDLAKE BLVD. 3305: Melissa W. Cripple to Cardon Real Estate Holdings No 1. LLC, $218,400.

IOWA AVE. 2216: Heather S. Arbuckle to Marcela C. Aguirre, $170,000.

KANSAS AVE. 3101: Joy N Heim to Vitalie Caus, $258,000.

LOIRE DRIVE 4124B: Lisa L. Stromeyer to Baris Alan, $173,500.

LOIRE DRIVE 4141: Four Thousand One Hundred Forty One Loire St LLC to Shazia I A. Faheem, $240,000.

LUCAYA DRIVE 48: Christopher D Wheat to Parveen Holdings LLC, $255,000.

MASSACHUSETTS AVE. 3405: Maria C.M. Ortiz to Luis G. Ortiz, donation, no value stated.

MINNESOTA AVE. 1005: Michael J. Mejia to Jeralyn C. Joseph, $335,000.

MINOR ST. 1210: Aaron J. Hurd to KH Flip LLC, $94,000.

RUE ST. LOUIS 10: Josie T. Bavido to Melinda Mabile, $275,000.

WEST ESPLANADE AVE. 1500: Patricia P. Tull to John Rice, $110,177.

METAIRIE

ARLENE ST. 5701: Gv Trust 2025 1. to Carlos Chavez, $130,000.

AVRON BLVD. 4800: J Share to Jeffery T. Crownover, $582,500.

BEAULIEU ST. 3013: Salvador J. Iannazzo Jr. to Reine Iannazzo, $400,000.

BLANCHE ST. 705: JNG Construction LLC to Christopher Decesare, $459,000.

BOUTALL ST. 6516: Thomas M. Smith to Cesia Reyes, $280,000.

CANAL ST. 600: Rhonda H. Chapman to Six Hundred Canal Street Metairie LLC, $270,000.

CANBERRA COURT 27: Secretary of Veterans Affairs to Farah D Galvez, $158,500.

FOCIS ST. 601: Daniel Murphy to Universal Home Restorations LLC, $295,000.

GARY MIKEL AVE. 4705: Gregory F. Rouchell to Danny Cheung, $464,000.

HARING COURT 5112: Benjamin Russell to Shelby Cole, $615,000.

HIGHLAND AVE. 1717: Clementine R. Mclendon to Sheffield Capital Solutions LLC, $175,000.

HOUMA BLVD. 3805, UNIT C, BUILDING 3: Gordon Tschantz to Hampton George H. Testamentary Trust, $71,000.

ITHACA ST. 4504: Patricia C.S. Blackburn to Michael L. Graham, $522,000.

LIVE OAK ST. 1013: Ronnie J. Cousans to Debra T. Mcintyre, $755,000.

LYNETTE DRIVE 624: Rebecca B. Kissinger to Francisco Andino, $125,000.

MADISON ST. 1700: Louis Roussel to Howard III Marshall, $215,000. MANSON AVE. 2500: Penny Expensive Properties LLC to JIL Investors LLC, $92,000.

REALESTATETRANSFERS

WEST JEFFERSON

n TRANSFERS FOR MARCH 20-27 AVONDALE

FEDERAL DRIVE 404: Reynaldo E. Peralta to Rose Meads, $150,000.

JEANNE DRIVE 129: Marie W. Hodges to King JC Properties LLC, $108,500.

LANDSDOWNE DRIVE 4168: DSLD LLC to Kayla Green, $291,600.

PAT DRIVE 465: Christopher R. Murillo to Antonio J. Barrera, $104,266.

RETREAT DRIVE 3805: DSLD LLC to Shalacia Leflore, $262,990.

RINGROSE COURT 3716: DSLD LLC to Gerson J. Mena, $299,793.

RUTH DRIVE 504: Stacy Michel to Leslie M.M. Doyle, $145,000.

BRIDGE CITY

OAK AVE. 749: Edward Kraemer to Kim B. Kraemer, $45,000.

WAYNE AVE. 900: Stanley White to Carlane Nagin, $131,000.

GRAND ISLE

COLLINS LANE 136: Kasey C. Kirkley to Greenlee Holdings LLC, $355,000.

LA. 1 1702: Coastal Platinum Investments LLC to LJH L.T.D., $350,000.

LA. 1 2812: Barrois Grand Isle LLC

EAST

Continued from page 20

MERCURY AVE. 1201: Quinlivan Homes LLC to Mackenzie G. Melerine, $249,000.

N. LABARRE ROAD 512: Charles R. Degatur to Julie Montalbano, $475,000.

N. LABARRE ROAD 3536: Great Southern Real Estate Development LLC to Thomas J. Dhemecourt Sr., $980,000.

N. TURNBALL DRIVE 3001: Kay C. Boshart to Carlos E.M. Gavidia, $238,000.

OLD METAIRIE PLACE 932: Stacey L. Johnson to John M. Theriot, $355,000.

PAPWORTH ST. 259: BCK Papworth Property LLC to Copal Inc., $195,000.

to Pophope LLC, $565,000.

LAFOURCHE AVE. 309: Marion C. Savage to Anns Nest LLC Lynn, $780,000.

OAK LANE 208: STB Properties LLC to Denise M. Bihm, $100,000.

TOURO LANE 106: Craig Pizani to Elizabeth L. Carline, $163,000.

GRETNA

PRATT ST. 1611-11: Yvonne B. Vancourt to Darien Vancourt, donation, no value stated.

FAIRFAX DRIVE 913: Brenda K. Mckoin to Minh Chau LLC Tien, $190,000.

GUARDIAN AVENUE 816: Justin Pyke to Marguareth J. Jean, $210,000.

HICKORY ST. 704: Gregory J. West to J Teachworth, $328,000.

LASALLE AVE. 2148: Wallace P. III Vogel to Anthony Sayles, $285,000.

MAPLE ST. 9: Alaina Becnel to Bridget A. Williams, $175,000.

MARLENE DRIVE 826: Maritza V Rodriguez to Derrick M. Scott, $475,000.

STUMPF BLVD. 1927: Liliana Cosenza to Dania Banegas, $149,900.

SUGARPINE DRIVE 444: Phuong

A.P.N. Trang to Lin T.K. I Ku, $190,000.

WESTBANK EXPRESSWAY 916: RMV LLC to Mansour O. Yatak, $150,000.

HARVEY

2115 OAKMERE DRIVE 2114: Roman Catholic Church of Archdiocese of New Orleans to Laureate Academy Inc., $1,700,000.

LOUISE ST. 3420: Eva C. Eymard to Tonya M. Plaisance, donation, no value stated.

MACARTHUR BLVD. 1149: Blue Sky Development LLC to I&U Investment LLC, $110,000.

MANHATTAN BLVD. U132 2912: Steven J. Rotolo to Avanti Holdings LLC, $80,000.

MISSILE ST. 2132: Thelma M. Berry to Michael Singleton, $310,000.

PAILET AVE. 525: Taffie M. Autry to Monique Y. Cooper, $200,000.

POST DRIVE 4065: First Equity Funding LP Inc. to Noe Carcamo, $110,000.

LAFITTE

JEAN LAFITTE BLVD. 4666: Jenna C. Becnel to Roylynn Adam, $162,000.

MARRERO

AUGUST AVE. 5116: Kathleen G. Tamburo to Antoinette P. Michel, $75,000.

AVE. A 1407: Nanette Rodriguez to Victoria N. Oswald, $170,000.

AVE. A 603: Tuynh Q. Pham to Bon Builders LLC, $40,000.

AVE. I 422: Chin D. Pham to My

T.T.T. Huynh, donation, no value stated.

BALD EAGLE PARK 4560: Exequiel C. Romero to Jorge A. Cortes, $75,000.

DOVE AVE. 2805: Lynn M.C. Juneau to Royce A. Goodson, $106,000.

FARRINGTON DRIVE 1305: Phuonganh S. Pham to RCPH LLC, $180,000.

FARRINGTON DRIVE 601: Olivia B. Althage to D.N. Laforest, $270,000.

HAYDEL DRIVE 1632: Carrington Mortgage Services LLC to William Verrett, $122,000.

JENNIFER COURT 3200: Lisa A.D.P. Kelly to J Yanez, $235,000.

JUTLAND DRIVE 1637: T&K Real Estate Investment LLC to Jason E. Soler, $232,500.

LEO ST. 4517: Brandon Burke to Tyler L. Delaney, $266,500.

MANSFIELD AVE. 1500: Charles Mitchell to Maria A. D. Martinez, $106,000.

MARTIN DRIVE 1256: Evelyn Jenkins to One Thousand Two Hundred Fifty Six Martin LLC, donation, no value stated.

OAK BAYOU AVE. 5165: B.L. Frank to Anthony J. Mike Jr., $235,000.

SAUVAGE AVE. 2248: Timothy J. Oconnor Sr. to DD Preferred Properties LLC, $80,000.

SAVANNAH LANE 5228: Mandy R.M. Chiasson to Alyson T.F. Turk, $265,000.

VILLAGE COURT 2755: Troy H.

Reilly Sr. to Mandy R.M. Chiasson, $325,000.

TERRYTOWN

CRANBERRY DRIVE 417: Luis M. Maradiaga to Guadalupe Y.M. Aguilar, donation, no value stated.

HOLMES BLVD. 321: Horton Inc. Gulf Coast D.R. to Earnest J. Wilkerson Jr., $287,900.

HOLMES BLVD. 425: Horton Inc. Gulf Coast D.R. to Yoandry F. Castillo, $277,900.

N. MARLIN COURT 532: Secretary of Veterans Affairs to Elegant Houses LLC, $127,000.

S. GLENCOVE LANE 2136: Tyjuan V Carter to Assurance Financial Group LLC, $160,000.

W. MARLIN COURT 653: Chau M. La to Trang T.D. Nguyen, $259,000.

WESTWEGO

AVE. H 756: Larry J. Warino to Regina Dyer, $283,000.

DANDELION DRIVE 816: Vanessa T. Nguyen to Brandon Bourgeois, $319,000.

KENNEY DRIVE 1335: Daniel J. Rodriguez to Quang Nguyen, $90,000.

WILLSWOOD LANE 124: Earnest J. Wilkerson Jr. to Connie L. Zhang, $600,000.

YEW DRIVE 467: Roxanne M. Antin to Craig M. Braud, donation, no value stated.

PASADENA AVE. 1524: La Bmmg 2024 LLC to Robert Spampneto, $343,000.

PURDUE DRIVE 4605: Rose M. Kearney to New Orleans Property Ventures Inc., $178,223.

SCOFIELD ST. 3713: Shelby Cole to Richard Senac, $420,000.

SENA DRIVE 417: Gayle M. Brehm to Hayley A. Grimaldo, $330,000.

SENA DRIVE 813: AVD LLC to Kelvin A. Banks Jr., $1,180,000.

TAFT PARK 4809: Elizabeth A.P. Dobard to Rcph LLC, $300,000.

TRANSCONTINENTAL DRIVE 1501: Salvatore Bonomo to Lynette M. C. Nasthas, $1,055,000.

TRANSCONTINENTAL DRIVE 2817: Ulan Amanbekov to Robert B. Robicheaux Jr., $212,000.

VEGAS DRIVE 1400: Jean A. Keim to Cindy M. Melancon, $234,000.

WANDA LYNN DRIVE 3717: Kiet V Nguyen to Hanin H. Fakih, $350,000.

WHITNEY PLACE U326 2724: Kenneth Moore to Kenneth Moore, donation, no value stated.

RIVER RIDGE

CARTHAGE ST. 10521: Nancy S. Godoy to John Sanchez, $143,000.

HESTER AVE. 620: Company 51 LLC to Britney Hymel, $255,000.

RENSU DRIVE 9001: Kade Wise to Albert Bowes, $275,001.

ST. TAMMANy

n TRANSFERS FOR MARCH 9-13

ABITA SPRINGS

ALLEN ROAD 73367: Down The Stretch LLC to Abraham Tale Toc and Melissa Flores-Tale, $125,000.

BOSSIER CITY SUBDIVISION, LOTS 7A, 8A, SQUARE 17: Doucet Properties 3 LLC to Linda C. Cousin, $510,150.

CHOCTAW DRIVE 425: Michael J. Ertz Jr. to Sarah K. Ertz, donation, no value stated.

JARRELL ROAD 23165: Adam T. Landrum to Andrew T. Easley and Julie Easley, $695,000.

MONEY HILL PLANTATION SUBDIVISION, PHASE 7A, LOT 399: Laura M. Harrison and Paul E. Harrison to Joseph Caldarera and Tiffanie W. Caldarera, $275,000.

NEAR ABITA SPRINGS, PORTION

OF GROUND: James P. Shields and Laurie L. Shields to Collin Badinger and Kaia Kudlas, $280,000.

RAVINE ST. 70354: Lena A. Hooper to 70482 10th St LLC, $125,000.

SOUTH ABITA SPRINGS SUBDIVISION, LOTS 34, 36, 38, SQUARE 68:

Michael S. McNulty and Louisa P. McNulty to Fourth and Inches Property LLC, donation, no value stated.

COVINGTON

14TH AVE. 224: Christopher J. Brooks and Katherine E. Brooks to Whitney Brown and Rachel Brown, $730,000.

ARISTOCRAT COURT 1516: Succession of Donald K. Hunt Sr. and Susette T. Hunt to Weston L. Mitchell and Olivia A. Mitchell, $575,000.

AVE. LACROIX 1341: GMI Construction Inc. to Ryan Gould and Samantha P. Gould, $593,000.

BEECHWOOD GARDENS LANE 20: Kyle D. Schonekas to Reagan T Charleston Thomas, $999,000.

CALDEN COURT 19673: DSLD Homes LLC to Andrew Eikel, $290,454.

CALDEN COURT 19718: DSLD Homes LLC to Charles L. Pocorello and Kinsey Pocorello, $293,449.

CYPRESS POINT DRIVE 4256: Three In One Construction Co. LLC to David Sebold, $628,420. DIVISION OF NEW COVINGTON

SUBDIVISION, LOT 7A, SQUARE 2313: Ross P. Plescia to CMC9 Investments LLC, $130,000.

FOURTH ST. 70344: Juneaux LLC to Hawk Investments LLC, $200,000.

GINA DENNEY LANE, LOT A: Jamie A. Adams and Stacey L. Adams to Chase Hymel, $41,250.

GINA DENNEY LANE, LOT B: Jamie A. Adams and Stacey L. Adams to Madison G. Hymel and Brenda C. Simpson, $41,250.

HELENBIRG ROAD 19399: Wayne & Sally Lam Rentals LLC to Slimming Holdings LLC, $1,050,000.

MANOR ST. 72323: Robert E. Stamper and Lauren A. Thorp Stamper to Kenneth R. Elliott, $220,000.

MARK DRIVE 301: Nicholas DeLisi and Stephanie N. DeLisi to Charles L. Davis and Karen T Molinario, $300,000.

MILITARY ROAD 73527: 73527 Military Road LLC to Thomas Terral and Margaret Terral, $770,000.

MILLION DOLLAR ROAD 16556: Succession of Hernando Diaz to Michael Lane and Amie Havens Lane, $450,000.

TAMMANY

Continued from page 21

N. TAYLOR ST. 1107: Veronica S. Fabre to Timothy M. Thompson Jr. and Jessica M. Thompson, $120,000.

NEAR COVINGTON, LOTS 1-5: Resource Bank to Amor Fati LLC, $400,000.

NEAR COVINGTON, PORTION OF GROUND: Resource Bank to Vicknair Builders LLC, $10 and other valuable consideration.

NORTH END SUBDIVISION, LOTS 29, 30, SQUARE O: James C. Taylor Jr. to Frank L. Temple Jr. and Emeli A. Temple, $15,000.

PALM BLVD. 20152: James D. Stilwell to Aidan Schellinger and Sarah Phillips, $230,000.

PARMA CIRCLE 12529: Melissa Courouleau to Lindsey R Lacoste, $266,000.

RIVER HEIGHTS SUBDIVISION, PHASE 3, LOT 41: Deborah-Lee Sewart to Michael H. Tindal, donation, no value stated.

S. LAKESHORE DRIVE 14271: Charles Simmons and Christy Simmons Living Trust to Steve E. Alfonso Jr. and Amy R. Alfonso, $460,000.

SHADOW BEND DRIVE 21339: DSLD Homes LLC to Chad Morris and Sabrina Darby, $313,151.

TAMMANY TERRACE SUBDIVISION, LOT 121A, SQUARE 8: Nicholas W. Lagalante to Nova Contracting LLC, $60,000.

TOWN OF COVINGTON, LOT 4, SQUARE 58: Patricia Dutsch Daret to Pablo Percy Pena, $130,000.

TWIN RIVER LANE 6013: Erica Hamer and Kory C. Hamer to Donald Hartman Jr., $750,000. W. 16TH AVE. 819: Andrew M. Lifsey to Drexel Developments LLC, $409,000.

W. 20TH AVE. 312: Bonnie N. Diecidue to Matthew P. Pellerin and Trey B. Perrin, $285,000.

WILKINSON OAKS SUBDIVISION, PHASE 2, LOT 28: Ann W. Haveman to Angela C. Buck, $310,000.

WILLOW BEND SUBDIVISION, PHASE 2, LOT 39: Kyle M. Lawson and Michelle A. Lawson to Douglas A. Pacas and Deborah A. Pacas, $680,000.

ZACHERY COURT 1461: DSLD Homes LLC to Steven Haas Jr. and Melinda F. Haas, $393,955. FOLSOM

MIMOSA COURT 13319: Glendalyn M. Kennedy to Harvey Mabile Jr. and Sherri Mabile, $400,000.

NEAR FOLSOM, PORTION OF GROUND: Johnny F. Smith testamentary trust to M. J. Falgoust Inc., $100 and other good and valuable consideration

REALESTATETRANSFERS

NEAR FOLSOM, PORTION OF GROUND: Blake A. Pike to Laurie Esquinance, donation, no value stated.

NEAR FOLSOM, PORTION OF GROUND: Elizabeth Pennington to Orion Ranch Properties LLC, $295,000.

LACOMBE

EUNIO WAY 30504: D.R. Horton Inc.-Gulf Coast to Grayson E. Cureau, $279,900.

FAIRFAX DRIVE 60861: DSLD Homes LLC to Dee Anne Strob, $314,119

LACOMBE HARBOR LANE 59122: Succession of Elizabeth J. Cain Brouphy and Harold E. Brouphy Jr. to Carl F. Ernst and Linda B. Ernst, $125,000.

PINE BAY LANE 59158: Craig E. Loewe Jr. to Barbara J. Loewe, donation, no value stated.

PINE GROVE SUBDIVISION, LOT 47: Ronald J. Weatherhead Jr. and Brittany Weatherhead to Michael Domingue and Pamela Domingue, $209,020.

PINE RIDGE ROAD 59472: Succession of James C. Matthews Sr. and Shirley Mae Matthews to Eugenio N. Avila, $80,000.

TRANQUILITY ROAD 59478: Weigel Investments LLC to Cole D Gordon, $299,000.

MADISONVILLE

BEDICO PARKWAY 540: Leon E. Jenkins II to Constantino Rodriguez and Stephanie B. Rodriguez, $175,000.

ENGLISH OAK DRIVE 576: Karina L. Davis to Kelly R. Davis Jr., donation, no value stated.

MADISONVILLE OAKS SUBDIVISION, PHASE 1, LOT 14: William R. Findley Sr. and Catherine F. Findley to Kim M. Bordlee, $36,000.

NEAR MADISONVILLE, LOT 9: Selah Builders LLC to Live Oaks Holdings of Madisonville LLC, $450,000

NEAR MADISONVILLE, PORTION OF GROUND: Lowell E. Graham Jr. to Tyler B. Graham, donation, no value stated.

NEAR MADISONVILLE, PORTION OF GROUND: Kelli H. Mueller to Michael A. Swanner Jr., $365,000.

OAK BEND 4054: GMI Construction Inc. to Brian D. Murray Jr. and Victoria J. Murray, $596,000.

RING NECK DRIVE 7057: Benjamin J. Condon and Whitney F. Condon to Robert K. Lindsey and Bobbie H. Lindsey, $389,900.

RUE CHARLOTTE 383: Patrick Leonard to Ernest CelestieGiordano and Jillian C. Giordano, $900,000.

SHADY LANE 712: DB Investments LLC to Candace N. Quinn, $380,000. SPIKE DRIVE 71572: DSLD Homes LLC to Bailey D. Levine, $208,223.

MANDEVILLE

AZALEA DRIVE 390: Gabriel C. Wood and Adrienne S. Wood to Leah R. Sullivan, $400,000.

BEAU CHENE DRIVE 776: Alton J. Thibodeaux and Jean G. Thibodeaux to Charles Montgomery III and Jennifer B. Montgomery, $675,000.

BON TEMPS VILLAGE SUBDIVISION, PHASE 2, LOT 27: Barre Properties LLC to Great Destinations LLC, $230,000.

BRIDALWOOD DRIVE 471: John F. Hills and Winifred Delery Hills to Joshua K. Walls and Brooke C. Walls, $689,500.

BROOKWOOD DRIVE 7211: Stephanie G. Schedler to Carson Flores and Leanne Johnson, $640,000.

CINDY LOU PLACE 243: Golden Shores Realty LLC to Gregory Dennie, $335,000.

CITY OF MANDEVILLE, LOT C2A, SQUARE 89: James B. Kilfeather and Cathleen A. Kilfeather to Kimberly A. Cook, $724,900.

COURS CARSON STREET, PORTION OF GROUND: Frank E. Gerarve III to Rhonda McNeely, donation, no value stated.

DUPARD ST. 1930: Blake J. Naquin to William Bates, $215,000.

E. CAUSEWAY APPROACH 3190: Seven Oak Square LLC to Praevia LLC, $2,933,409.

FOY ST. 1017: Beau A. Brylski to Kimberly M. Goncalves, $350,000.

GREENLEAVES VILLAGE SUBDIVISION, PHASE 1, LOT 1A2: Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to Samuel C. Whittington, $10 and other good and valuable considerations.

JACKSON AVE. 315: Michael J. Cross to Bethany Tonguis, $500,000.

MANDEVILLE ANNEX SUBDIVISION, LOT 31A, SQUARE 35: David S. Derbes Sr. to Clean Finish Painting LLC, $32,000.

MORNINGSIDE DRIVE 307: David K. Lewandowski and Hope O. Lewandowski to Nathan Welch and Sima Welch, $775,000.

ORLEANS ST. 2247: MG Haggar LLC to Julio J. Ordonez Maradiaga and Victoria E. Cajina Maradiaga, $350,000.

PLANTATION BLVD. 665: Steve E. Alfonso Jr. and Amy R. Alfonso to Brenton L. Addison, $385,000.

RUE BAYONNE 1148: Anthony Revocable Trust to Corey N. Freeman and Natalie Ward Freeman, $475,000.

RUE CHINON 1071: Keith G. Cucullu and Amy T. Cucullu to Constance T. Henry Sheppard and Reed S. Sheppard, $572,500.

S. COURT VILLA DRIVE 20: Mary M. McKay to McKay Family Trust, donation, no value stated.

SANDALWOOD DRIVE 340: Omozele J. Ajibade to Anthony J. Vitrano

and Chantell M. Vitrano, $695,000.

TRINITY DRIVE 2052: Succession of Dean H. Pack to Shaw Investments LLC, $150,000.

W. MAGNOLIA RIDGE DRIVE 714: Dickson Developments LLC to Greg A. Igleharte Jr. and Igleharte, $398,000.

PEARL RIVER

MCCARTHY LANE 0: Yvonne D. Walker to JDM Enterprises LLC, $20,000.

SMITH ROAD 65028: Marcotte Investment LLC to Wilton J. Smith Jr., $319,900.

SLIDELL

ANDREW COURT 103: Alan Hence to Eric C. Starks, $295,000.

CANAL ROAD 28548: Victoria A. Mangus to James A. Jernigan, donation, no value stated.

CHEZ CHERIE CONDOMINIUM, UNIT C: Doyle Smith and Nancy Smith to Smith Family revocable trust, $10 and other good and valuable consideration.

COTTON GRASS DRIVE 4760: D. R. Horton Inc. — Gulf Coast to Christopher R. Griffith and Sierra T Griffith, $209,900.

CROSS GATES BLVD. 511: William L. Carbrey Jr. and Marguerite C Carbrey to Ian M. Cochran and Madeline N. Bell, $325,000.

CROSS GATES BLVD. 543: RJL Management LLC to Jacob L. Hayden and Meagan W. Hayden, $300,000.

DRIFTWOOD CIRCLE 209: Weston L. Mitchell and Olivia A. Mitchell to Janice Windham, $244,900.

DUNCAN ST. 3222: Secretary of Veteran Affairs to Lois O. Carollo, $66,200.

FIFTH ST. 343: Plenus Property Management LLC to Courtney G. Hoover and Vernon R. Hoover III, $95,000.

FORNEA GLEN WAY 5448: D. R. Horton Inc.-Gulf Coast to Gustavia A. Hayes, $249,900.

FORNEA GLEN WAY 5473: D. R. Horton Inc.-Gulf Coast to Cesar A. Corujo-Perez, $225,990.

GARDEN DRIVE 35478, 35500: Jerr Properties LLC to James D. Comeaux, $2,483,991.

HICKORY ST. 1531: Melissa K. Hargrove to Rachel A. Walters, $90,000.

HOLMES DRIVE 211: Gulf Coast Bank and Trust to Iasia Y. Ross, $235,000.

INDIAN VILLAGE ROAD 356: Michael J. Cosse to Caitlynne A. Quigg-Whitten, $182,000.

LAFITTE DRIVE 115: Charles D Primm to Joseph Ribando III and Frank J. Milazzo, $97,000.

LAKE ERIE DRIVE 313: Lance E. Tamburo Sr. to Eric S. Stivers and Samantha R. Stivers, $219,000.

LAKESHORE VILLAGE DRIVE 693: Christopher T. Nguyen to Stephen

E. Benson and Nancy L. Benson, $320,000.

LAKEVIEW DRIVE 224: Rodney J. Gillespie to Justin C. Alonzo, $190,000.

LARK ST. 173: Succession of Joseph A. Mascaro Sr. to Eva L. Douglas Eschette, $187,500.

LEFLEUR DRIVE 109: Timothy D Iwanczyk to Alexander J. Iungerich and Juliane C. Iungerich, $375,000.

LINCOLN ROAD 39463: Kathleen R. Gagliano to Christopher M. Collongues and Samantha B. Collongues, $280,000.

MADISON LANE 800: Lakeview Loan Servicing LLC to Ryan J. Smith and Crysta J. Smith, $200,000.

MARAIS RIVER DRIVE 4706: D. R. Horton Inc.-Gulf Coast to Jarfus Jones Jr., $224,900.

MARINA DRIVE 584: Clayton A. Adams to George Kernan, $100,000.

OLD RIVER ROAD 2014: Mark P. Moss and Sarah B. Moss to Joseph T. Monaghan IV and Emily M. Monaghan, no value stated.

OZONE WOODS SUBDIVISION, LOTS 1, 2, SQUARE 53: Silessi Construction LLC to CC Dauphine, $52,000.

PELICAN COURT 303: Jeffery A. Cocran and Gina P. Cocran to Mark Moss and Sarah A. Moss, $440,000. PELICAN ST. 2010: Janis Y. Forar and succession of Larry G. Forar to BKMR Enterprises LA LLC, $137,500.

PINE TREE ST. 796: Victor V. La to Angela Le and Vincent La, donation, no value stated.

PONTCHARTRAIN DRIVE 4957: Succession of Dorothy F. Rotolo, Linda Garrard and others to Frederick Cureau, $50,000.

PORTSMOUTH DRIVE 511: ZCE Three LLC to Timothy K. Bell and Samantha Bell, $233,000.

ROYAL PALM DRIVE 1408: Russell Munster III to Charles Neuman, $350,000.

RUE LEMANS 1608, UNIT 1: LeaAnne M. Sunell Contreras and Saul Contreras to Larry Sewell, $200,000.

SPARTAN DRIVE 503: Michael E Stokes to Mansions On Spartan LLc, $100,000.

SPILLWAY MANOR DRIVE 5160: D R. Horton Inc.-Gulf Coast to Claire A. Campbell, $273,900.

SUMMERTREE DRIVE 2143: Annod LLC to Doris J. Chester, $298,000. WESTMINSTER DRIVE 105: Lakeview Loan Servicing LLC to Secretary of Veterans Affairs, $205,000.

SUN/BUSH

BUSHWOOD ESTATES, LOT 7-I: Jack A. Hutchinson Jr. to Sharon L. Benfatti, donation, no value stated.

SWEET DREAMS LANE 25655: Richard J. Pavone to Kayla Mendow, $75,000.

Afterlossand changes, feelinglostinthe pew

DearAnnie: My questionis: Can Istill keep going to my church or is it time to cut ties? This is complicated because my husband was apastor and Iappreciated him greatly as apreacher. He took early retirement, but we stayed in the same town because Ihad agood job and we needed my income and insurance until Icould retire.

Unfortunately,myhusband —who was 15 yearsolderthan me —began developingdementia. We’d planned to move to the university town in our state where Iattended college and where three of our five children also graduated. One sonand his family live there, and aworldclass medical center and an

internationalairport arealso nearby.There was asame-denomination church in town with awonderful husband/wife team of pastors,and we were happy there. Thesewere all good reasons to move.

My husband could still sing in thechoir and attend church with understanding, and Ibelieve that contact with people helped slow the progression of his dementia. Then the pandemic hit, and we watched church online for about ayear and a half. After several falls, my husband moved into memory care, contracted COVID-19 and died 31/2 years ago.

Soon after his death, the church reopened and the pastors retired —ahugeloss for many of us, but especially me because we knew each other well.

An interimpastorfollowed and, frankly,was kind of adi-

saster.Hewas eventually asked to leave for anumber of reasons, which was arelief. In our denomination, achurch hires an interim but also forms asearch committeetofind anew pastor

It has now been almost two years since the previous pastors retired, and I’m having such a hard time withthe snail’space of the search. (Forperspective, it’sordinarily between ayear and 18 months for the search to conclude.)Someofthe changes the interim pastor introduced remain, and Istill struggle to accept thembecause Iassociate themwith thatdifficult time.

Our church is “open toall, closed to none,” and members can add preferred pronouns to their nametags if theywish. In case it sounds like I’munable to accept LGTBQ+ people, I’mnot My granddaughter is married to awoman; Iwas supportive and attended the wedding. I

TODAYINHISTORY

have aclose relative whoisnonbinary whom Isupport and love always. Farmore difficultare the issues Imentioned above.

The truth is that Ijustdon’t want to go to church anymore, and thatmakes me feel guilty —because of my husband, my faithand my belief that you should show up in case others might need you. At the same time,I feel like one of theold ladies in the church that just can’tget withitand can’t keep in step.

This is along letter,I know, but I’ve kept it as short as Ican, leaving out many details but including what Ithinkisneeded for you to consider my question. —ShouldIStayorShould IGo?

DearShould IStayorShould IGo: A lot has changed foryou in the last few years —yourhusband’s illness, the isolation of thepandemic, thenhis death andthe loss of the pastors who once

made church feel like home. It’s no wonder youfeel disconnected

Faith andachurch building are notthe samething. Your faithcan remainstrongevenif theplace that once nourished it no longerdoes. Staying with thesame church outofguilt is unlikely to bring youthe peace you’re looking for.

Give yourselfpermission to explore. Visitother churches in your denomination to see if there’sabetter fit, or simply takesome time to reflect on whatkind of community would support youbest in this season of life.You’re notbetraying your husband’slegacy or abandoning your beliefs by seeking a place where you feel trulyspiritually at peace.

Send your questions forAnnie Lane to dearannie@creators. com.

By The Associated Press

Today is Saturday,April 4, the 94th day of 2026. There are 271 days left in the year.

Todayinhistory:

On April 4, 1968, civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., 39, was shot and killed while standing on abalcony at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. King’sdeath triggered awave of unrest in cities acrossthe United States that killed 43 people and injured more than 3,000.

Also on this date:

In 1841, President William Henry Harrison succumbed to pneumonia one month after his inauguration, becoming the first U.S. chief executive to die in office; Harrison’svice president, John Tyler,was swornin as president two days later.

In 1949, 12 nations, including the United States, signed the North Atlantic Treaty in Washington, D.C., establishing NATO.

In 1973, the twin towers of New York’sWorld Trade Center were officially dedicated.

In 1975, Bill Gates and Paul Allen founded Microsoft in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

In 2012,a federaljudge sentencedfive former New Orleans police officers to prison for thedeadlyDanzigerBridge shootings in the chaotic days followingHurricane Katrina. (The verdicts in the case were later set asidebythe judge, whocited prosecutorial misconduct;the officers pleaded guilty in 2016 toreduced charges.)

In 2023, Donald Trump surrenderedataManhattancourthouse and pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from hush-money payments made on his behalf during his 2016 campaign to bury allegations thathehad extramarital sexual encounters. He was convicted in May 2024 on all 34 countsbut didn’treceive any punishment and is appealing the verdict

Today’sbirthdays: Recording executive Clive Davis is 94. Golf Hall of Famer JoAnne Carner is 87. Actor Craig T. Nelson is 82. Actor Christine Lahti is 76. Football Hall of Famer John Hannah is 75. TV writerproducer David E. Kelleyis70. TV host-comic Graham Norton is 63. Actor David Cross is 62. ActorRobertDowneyJr. is 61. Singer Jill Scottis54. Magician

David Blaine is 53. Baseball Hall of Famer Scott Rolen is 51. Hockey Hall of Famer Roberto Luongo is 47. Actor Natasha Lyonne is 47. Actor-comedian Eric André is 43. Actor-singer Jamie Lynn Spears is 35.