The Advocate 02-21-2025

Landry proposes ‘standstill’ budget

Uncertainty about revenue clouds situation

BY MEGHAN FRIEDMANN and PATRICK WALL Staff writers

As President Donald Trump’s administration considers slashing federal funding, and as Louisiana waits to see if voters will approve a constitutional amendment to rewrite the tax code, uncertainty clouds the state’s financial situa-

tion as it prepares its budget for the next fiscal year

“We normally know how much we have to spend right now, and we don’t, and we won’t until May, said Taylor Barras, the commissioner of administration and Gov Jeff Landry’s top budget official.

Though it’s normal for the state’s revenue forecast to change through the spring, the added wild

Trump eyes cuts to staff in disaster recovery

Louisiana likely to see fallout in future funding

BY MIKE SMITH Staff writer

A reported plan by the Trump administration to cut staff at the federal office that oversees long-term disaster recovery money may hold major implications for Louisiana, which has received the highest level of such funding in the nation over the past couple decades.

The plan reported by The New York Times on Thursday could nearly eliminate the office that oversees that money, the Office of Community Planning and Development within the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Staff there would be cut by 84%, going from a team of 936 to 150. If the plan is enacted, it is unclear how the billions that flow through the office would be distributed and if there would be larger changes to

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cards could spell a tumultuous regular session for legislators, who must set the state budget by June.

But for now, Landry’s administration has proposed what it calls a “standstill” budget, keeping state spending as close to last year’s levels as possible. Total spending including state and federal funds — would hover around $45 billion, decreasing by about 1%.

State spending would decrease from about $23.3 billion to about $22.2 billion, according to official estimates.

In a video address released this week, Landry said the budget “continues the trend of decreasing the overall amount of money we spend” and is “a tremendous step forward for fiscal responsibility.”

The proposal does not mean agencies across the board would have the same amount of money to spend as last year Instead, some

agencies would see budget reductions, while others would see budget increases.

The state has only so much discretion in determining how to use what’s in its coffers. By law, it must fund certain obligations, such as contractual payments and pay raises for civil service work-

aftermath of multiple natural disasters.

‘Wrong place at the wrong time’

Plumber studying civil engineering killed in crossfire

BY AIDAN McCAHILL Staff writer

After working as a plumber for nearly a decade, Trevor Harrison had saved up enough money to study civil engineering and computer pipe design and drafting at ITI Technical College in Baton Rouge. With only a few days of classes left, the 27-year-old had high hopes for a career in technology or engineering.

“You walk into his room and there were electronics everywhere,” his mother Anna Harrison said. “His engineer brain was just constantly going.”

PROVIDED PHOTO

Trevor Harrison, 27, was an easygoing guy, and a ‘universal person that you wanted around your crowd,’ his mother said.

spokesperson, said someone was shooting at another person and a stray bullet hit Harrison.

“It could have happened to anybody.” said Travis Harrison, Trevor’s father “Anybody could have been there at the wrong place at the wrong time.”

Adored his Chevy truck

Trevor had spent the past year living at home and doing handyman work to help pay his tuition.

“He was just that perfect universal person that you wanted around your crowd,” his mother said. In many ways, his 12-year-old Chevy truck fit his easygoing personality

“Just a simple truck, but he loved that thing,” she said.

Unfortunately, her son’s life was abruptly cut short on the night of Feb. 15, while Harrison was in the Eden Park neighborhood doing plumbing work. At about 7:30 p.m. after getting supplies from a local store to finish the job, he unwittingly drove into a barrage of bullets as he arrived at the house. Three of the bullets struck his Chevrolet Silverado 1500 truck, including one that went through the driver’s side window, striking Harrison. He was pronounced dead on the scene. Baton Rouge police are investigating the circumstances of the shooting.

L’Jean McKneely a Baton Rouge Police Department

Now Trevor’s parents have been thrust into making funeral arrangements, while having difficult discussions with law enforcement, media and community leaders.

“Our brains are just scattered all over the place,” Travis Harrison said. “We’ve had our good moments, and we’ve had the

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Donald

BY ERIC TUCKER Associated Press

STAFF FILE PHOTO By DAVID GRUNFELD

Since 2021, Louisiana has been allocated $21 billion through the federal long-term disaster recovery program to help residents in the

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By J SCOTT APPLEWHITE Kash Patel was confirmed as director of the FBI by the Senate on Thursday.

Boat capsizes in Congo, killing 22

KINSHASA Congo A boat carrying people fleeing the ongoing rebel advance in eastern Congo has capsized, killing 22 people, authorities said Thursday

The boat was carrying people from Vitshumbi on the southern shore of Lake Edward towards Virunga National Park on the northern side of the lake when it capsized late Wednesday, said Delphin Malekani, the president of the local civil society in Kyavinonge.

The majority of victims were people fleeing the ongoing advance of Rwanda-backed M23 rebels. Authorities didn’t immediately say what caused the boat to capsize. There were eight survivors, officials said.

M23 is the most prominent of more than 100 armed groups vying for control of eastern Congo’s mineral wealth. The rebels are supported by about 4,000 troops from neighboring Rwanda, according to U.N. experts, and at times have vowed to march as far as Congo’s capital, Kinshasa, more than 1,000 miles away

This week, the rebels seized another provincial capital in Goma’s south, Bukavu, near Burundi. The region is rich in gold and coltan, a key mineral for the production of capacitors used in most consumer electronics such as laptops and smartphones.

Court drops charges for 3 in singer’s death

BUENOS AIRES,Argentina A court in Argentina dropped charges of criminal negligence against three of the five people indicted in connection with the death of Liam Payne, the former One Direction singer who fell from a third-floor hotel balcony in Buenos Aires last October, according to a ruling obtained by The Associated Press on Thursday In its decision issued Wednesday, the Argentine federal appeals court ordered the other two defendants in the case to remain in custody. They are facing prosecution on charges that they supplied the famed British boyband star with narcotics. The ruling drops charges against three key defendants: Rogelio Nores, an Argentine businessman with U.S. citizenship who had accompanied Payne during his trip in Buenos Aires; Gilda Martin, the manager of the CasaSur Hotel in the trendy neighborhood of Palermo where Payne died on Oct 16; and Esteban Grassi, the hotel’s main receptionist.

The charge of negligent homicide carries a sentence of one to five years in prison in Argentina.

A toxicology report from tests taken after an autopsy revealed that Payne, 31, had alcohol, cocaine and a prescription antidepressant in his system when he fell from the balcony Prosecutors argued that Nores had failed to comply with his duties of care by leaving Payne alone while inebriated. The court sided with defense attorneys who contended that Nores had no legal, moral or social duty to care for Payne. He also was outside the hotel at the time of his friend’s death.

Bull on the loose in rural Connecticut

KENT, Conn. — A Scottish Highland bull is the talk of the town in the rural hills of western Connecticut, where it has been roaming for over a month in the frigid winter weather after escaping from its confines.

Local residents have reported sporadic sightings, including a few over the past week, said Lee Sohl, the animal control officer in Kent. It was recently seen just over the town line in New Milford.

“People keep spotting it and they don’t know that people are looking for it,” Sohl said in a phone interview Thursday “If somebody calls me about a sighting, then I tell the owner and they’ve been doing their best. They run right out and try to get to it But it’s hard It’s hard in this weather, and it’s very scared.”

The owner, Jo Ann Joray, said there have been people out looking for the bull but they haven’t been able to catch it.

ASSOCIATED

to be a militant attack in Bat yam, central Israel.

No injuries reported in Israeli bus explosions

Authorities suspect militant attack

BY JOSEF FEDERMAN and OHAD ZWIGENBERG Associated Press

BAT YAM, Israel A series of explosions

Thursday on three parked buses has rattled central Israel in what authorities suspected was a militant attack. No injuries were reported

The explosions happened on a day when Israel was already grieving after Hamas returned the bodies of four hostages from Gaza as part of a ceasefire deal. The bus explosions were reminiscent of bombings during the Palestinian uprising of the 2000s, but such attacks are now rare.

Explosives were found on two other buses but did not detonate, police spokesman Asi Aharoni told Channel 13 TV

Israeli police said the five bombs were identical and equipped with timers, and said bomb squads were defusing the unexploded bombs.

Investigators in white coveralls searched for evidence inside the burnedout metal shells of the buses, which blew up in a parking lot in Bat Yam, a city outside Tel Aviv

The city’s mayor, Tzvika Brot, said it was a miracle no one was hurt. The buses had been parked after finishing their routes, he said.

The head of the bus company said they immediately ordered all bus drivers to stop and conduct a “thorough inspection.” They resumed their routes once they were found to be safe, Ofir Karni said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Ne-

Vatican says pope

‘improving slightly’

BY NICOLE WINFIELD Associated Press

ROME Pope Francis’ overall clinical condition is “improving slightly” and his heart is working well as he battles pneumonia, the Vatican said Thursday, as some of his cardinals cheered him on and insisted that the Catholic Church was very much alive and well even in his absence.

In a late update, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said Francis has no fever and that his key heart parameters “continue to be stable.”

The 88-year-old pope was admitted to the hospital on Feb. 14 after a case of bronchitis worsened; doctors later diagnosed the onset of pneumonia in both lungs on top of asthmatic bronchitis and prescribed “absolute rest.”

“If you really want him to rest, you have to hospitalize him,” quipped Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, the archbishop of Marseille, France, referring to Francis’ work ethic.

Aveline was speaking at a Vatican news conference about a Mediterranean youth peace initiative alongside his counterpart from Barcelona, Cardinal Juan Josè Omella. But given the limited amount of information about Francis’ condition, they were peppered with questions about the pope’s health and whether he might decide to resign if he doesn’t recover fully “Everything is possible,” Aveline said.

tanyahu’s office said he was receiving updates from his military secretary and following the events. The Shin Bet internal security agency was taking over the investigation, police said.

“We need to determine if a single suspect placed explosives on a number of buses, or if there were multiple suspects,” police spokesman Haim Sargrof told Israeli TV Sargrof said the explosives used Thursday matched explosives used in the West Bank, but he declined to elaborate.

Israel’s military has repeatedly carried out raids on suspected Palestinian militants in the West Bank since Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack sparked the devastating war in Gaza. As part of that crackdown, Israel has greatly restricted entry into Israel for Palestinians from the occupied territory

A group identifying itself as a branch of Hamas’ military wing the Qassam Brigades, from the northern West Bank city of Tulkarem, posted on the messaging app Telegram: “We will never forget to take vengeance for our martyrs as long as the occupation is on our lands.” The group did not appear to claim responsibility for the attack.

Tulkarem and two refugee camps in the city have been a focus of Israel’s broad military offensive in the West Bank since the ceasefire in Gaza took effect on Jan. 19. The Israeli military said early Friday it had imposed restrictions on Palestinian movement and sealed off parts of in the West Bank amid its ongoing security operations there.

Brot, the mayor of Bat Yam, urged residents to stick with their routines but also stay vigilant, telling Channel 13 TV that schools will be open Friday and public transport will be operating.

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People

Regardless, Omella insisted that the life of the church continued even with Francis in the hospital.

“Popes change, we bishops change, priests in parishes change, communities change. But the train continues being on the move,” Omella said.

Another cardinal, Gianfranco Ravasi, had commented earlier in the day on the possibility of resignation when asked if Francis might decide to follow in the footsteps of Pope Benedict XVI and step down if he becomes too ill. Benedict became the first pope in 600 years to retire when he concluded in 2013 that he didn’t have the physical strength to carry on the rigors of the globe-trotting papacy

“There is no question that if he (Francis) was in a situation where his ability to have direct contact (with people) as he likes to do was compromised, then I think he might decide to resign,” Ravasi was quoted as telling RTL 102.5 radio.

Francis has already confirmed that shortly after being elected pontiff he wrote a resignation letter in case medical problems impeded him from carrying out his duties. There is no provision in canon law for what to do if a pope becomes incapacitated.

News conference with U.S. envoy, Zelenskyy canceled

BY JUSTIN SPIKE Associated Press

KYIV, Ukraine A news conference that was planned to follow talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump’s Ukraine envoy was canceled Thursday as political tensions deepened between the two countries over how to end the almost threeyear war with Russia.

The event was originally supposed to include comments to the media by Zelenskyy and retired U.S. Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, but it was changed at the last minute to a simple photo opportunity where the two posed for journalists. They did not deliver statements or field questions as expected. The change was requested by the U.S. side, Ukrainian presidential spokesman Serhii Nikiforov said.

Kellogg’s trip to Kyiv coincided with recent feuding between Trump and Zelenskyy that has bruised their personal relations and cast further doubt on the future of U.S. support for Ukraine’s war effort.

Dozens of journalists gathered at Ukraine’s presidential office in Kyiv after being invited to take photos and observe a news conference with Zelenskyy and Kellogg As the meeting began, photographers and video journalists were allowed into a room where the two men shook hands before sitting across from each other at a table. Journalists were then informed that there would be no news conference with remarks by the leaders or questions from reporters. Nikiforov gave no reason for the sudden change except to say that it was in accordance with U.S. wishes.

The U.S. delegation made no comment. The White House did not respond to questions about why the news conference was called off.

The two men were due to speak about Trump’s efforts to end the war Zelenskyy had previously said he

looked forward to explaining what was happening in Ukraine and showing it to Kellogg.

Kellogg, one of the architects of a staunchly conservative policy book laying out an “America First” national security agenda, has long been Trump’s top adviser on defense issues. Writing on his Telegram channel, Zelenskyy said the meeting with Kellogg was a “good conversation, lots of details.” He said they discussed security guarantees for Ukraine and the return of Ukrainian prisoners from Russian custody “We can and must make peace reliable and lasting so that Russia can never return with war again,” he wrote. “Ukraine is ready for a strong, truly beneficial agreement with the President of the United States on investments and security.”

Zelenskyy and Trump have traded rebukes in recent days. The spat erupted after Russia and the U.S. agreed Tuesday to start working toward ending the war in Ukraine and improving their diplomatic and economic ties. With that, Trump abruptly reversed the three-year U.S. policy of isolating Russia. Zelenskyy was unhappy that a U.S. team opened the talks without inviting him or European governments that have backed Kyiv When Trump claimed Zelenskyy was deeply unpopular in Ukraine, the Ukrainian president said Trump was living in a Russian-made “disinformation space,” suggesting he had been duped by Putin. Trump also accused Zelenskyy of being “a dictator without elections” and suggested that Ukraine was to blame for the war. Due to the fighting, Ukraine has delayed elections that were scheduled for April 2024. Zelenskyy “retains a fairly high level of public trust” in Ukraine — about 57% according to a report released Wednesday by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology

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PRESS PHOTO By OHAD ZWIGENBERG

An Israeli police officer inspects the scene Thursday of one of a series of bus explosions in what authorities said appeared

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO

walk Wednesday in front

the main entrance of the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome, where Pope Francis has been hospitalized since Feb 14.

Senate set to stay up all night to pass GOP budget

BY LISA MASCARO and KEVIN FREKING Associated Press

WASHINGTON Senators are ready to stay up all night, having launched a budget

“vote-a-rama” late Thursday in a crucial, if dreaded, step toward unleashing a $340 billion package President Donald Trump’s team says it needs for mass deportations and security measures that top the Republican agenda If ever there was a time to watch Congress in action, this might be it. Or not. Senators will be voting in rapid fashion for hours on one amendment after another diving into intricate policy details, largely from Democrats trying to halt the package. The result will be a final push by the Republicans, expected in the early hours of the morning, to use their majority power to pass it on a party-line vote.

“What we’re doing today is jump-starting a process that will allow the Republican Party to meet President Trump’s immigration agenda,” Senate Budget Committee chair Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said while opening the debate.

Graham said Trump’s top immigration czar, Tom Homan, told senators that the administration’s deportation operations are “out of money” and need more funding from Congress to detain and deport immigrants.

With little power in the minority to stop the onslaught, Democrats will instead use the all-night debate to force GOP senators into potentially embarrassing votes including the first one, on blocking tax breaks to billionaires. It was turned back, on procedural grounds.

“This is going to be a long, drawn out fight,” warned Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer

“Days like today where we vote on amendments late into the night, go a long way in revealing where each party stands and who each party is fighting for,” the New York senator said. “Democrats are

glad to have this debate.”

The package that senators are pushing forward is what Republicans view as a downpayment on Trump’s agenda, part of a broader effort that will eventually include legislation to extend some $4.5 trillion in tax breaks and other priorities That’s being assembled by House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Benton, in a separate budget package that also seeks up to $2 trillion in reductions to health care and other programs.

Trump has preferred what he calls one “big, beautiful bill,” but the White House is open to the Senate’s strategy of working on the border package first, then turning to tax cuts later this year As voting began, the president posted a thank you to Senate Majority Leader John Thune “and the Republican Senate, for working so hard on funding the Trump Border Agenda.”

What’s in the package

The Republican Senate package would allow up to $175 billion to be spent on border security, including money for mass deportation operations and build-

ing the U.S.-Mexico border wall, in addition to a $150 billion boost to the Pentagon and about $20 billion for the Coast Guard.

But even if the Senate pushed the package to approval in the all-night session, there won’t be any money flowing just yet

The budget resolution is simply a framework that sends instructions to the various Senate committees — Homeland Security, Armed Services, Judiciary — to hammer out the details. Everything will eventually be assembled in another package, with another votea-rama, down the road.

Sen. John Barrasso, RWyo., the No 2-ranking Senate Republican, said GOP lawmakers are acting quickly to get the administration the resources they have requested and need to curb illegal border crossings.

“The budget will allow us to finish the wall. It also takes the steps we need toward more border agents,” Barrasso said. “It means more detention beds... It means more deportation flights.”

Republicans insist the whole thing will be paid for,

rather than piled onto debt, and they are considering various options with both spending cuts and new revenues.

The committees may decide to roll back the Biden administration’s methane emissions fee, which was approved by Democrats as part of climate change strategies in the Inflation Reduction Act, and hoping to draw new revenue from energy leases as they aim to spur domestic energy production.

Democrats ready for battle

First up from Democrats will be a vote to prevent tax breaks for billionaires, according to a person familiar with the planning and granted anonymity to discuss it Democrats argue that the GOP tax cuts approved in 2017 flowed to the wealthiest Americans, and extending them as Trump wants Congress to do later this year would extend the giveaway Schumer launched a strategy earlier this week to use this first budget debate to focus on both the implications of the tax policy and also

the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency, which is slashing across the federal government.

It’s a better approach for Democrats than arguing against tougher border security and deportations, which divides the party

Sen. Patty Murray, the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, said the single biggest driver of the national debt since 2001 has been a series of Republican-led tax cuts.

“And you’ll never guess what our Republican colleagues on the other side of the aisle are focused on right now, nothing to lower the cost of eggs, it’s actually more Republican tax cuts,” Murray said.

She called the budget plan a “road map for painful cuts to programs families count on each and every day, all so they can give billionaires more tax cuts.”

Congress racing itself

The budget resolution is setting up what’s called the reconciliation process, which

used to be rare, but is now the tool often used to pass big bills on party-line votes when one party has control of the White House and Congress, as Republicans do now But Republicans are arguing with themselves over how to proceed. The House is marching ahead on its “big, beautiful bill,” believing they have one chance to get it right. The Senate views its two-bill strategy as more practical, delivering on border security first, then turning to taxes later Budget rules allow for passage by a simple majority vote, which is key in the Senate where it typically takes 60 votes to break a filibuster on big items. During Trump’s first term, Republicans used the reconciliation process to pass GOP tax cuts in 2017. Democrats used reconciliation during the Biden presidency era to approve COVID-19 relief and the Inflation Reduction Act. Trump appears to be stirring the fi

Noticeisherebygiven pursuanttoArticle 7, Section 23 (C)ofthe Constitution and R.S. 47:1705(B) thatapublic hearing of the Town Of Madisonville of the Parish of St Tammany will be held at the regular meeting place, Town Hall Council Chambers,located at 209 Hwy22W., Madisonville,Louisiana, 70447 on Wednesday,April 9, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. to consider levying additional or increased millage rateswithout further voterapproval or adopting the adjusted millage rate after reassessmentand rolling forwardtorates not to exceed the prior year’s maximum. Theestimatedamountoftax revenues to be collectedfor General Alimonyinthe next tax year from the increased millage is $165200.76 and the amountofincrease in taxes attributable to the millage increase is $4631.91.

BY JOSEPH WILKINSON

New york Daily News (TNS)

An estimated 6,700 IRS workers were fired Thursday, in the middle of tax season as the agency prepares to deal with 140 million tax returns. The purge largely targeted newer “probationary” employees who have fewer protections than long-term workers, Reuters reported President Donald Trump and his top campaign donor Elon Musk, have taken a slash-and-burn approach to running the federal government since Trump took office one month ago. The duo promised to cut costs and have followed through by firing thousands of govern-

ment workers and offering buyouts to many more.

But Thursday’s move to can IRS employees, specifically tax collectors, will likely cost the government money, according to experts.

“For every $1 that the IRS spends on high-end enforcement activity the agency collects $12 in uncollected taxes,” Yale Law professor Natasha Sarin told NPR.

Instead, cutting back on IRS personnel will undercut the agency’s ability to investigate complicated tax schemes, often undertaken by some of the nation’s wealthiest citizens.

The cuts “will ensure that the IRS is not going after the wealthy and is only an agen-

cy that’s really focused on the low income. It’s a travesty,” University of Pittsburgh tax law professor Philip Hackney, a former IRS lawyer, told Reuters

While he was in office, former President Joe Biden made IRS funding a priority The agency added thousands of jobs during his four years in charge.

But even Trump’s former IRS commissioner, Chuck Rettig, criticized the decision.

“An underfunded IRS significantly benefits unidentified, noncompliant taxpayers at the direct expense of compliant taxpayers,” Rettig, who led the agency from 2018-2022, wrote on LinkedIn.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By J SCOTT APPLEWHITE

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., speaks Wednesday to reporters after meeting with Vice President JD Vance and fellow Republicans to discuss President Donald Trump’s agenda at a luncheon, at the Capitol in Washington.

Israel identifies remains of child hostages

One body Hamas returned said not to be their mother

BY MELANIE LIDMAN, MOHAMMAD JAHJOUH and WAFAA SHURAFA Associated Press

TEL AVIV, Israel Forensic scientists

identified the remains of two Israeli child hostages handed over by Hamas but another body said to be their mother was “an anonymous, unidentified body,” the Israeli military said Friday

The shock announcement regarding the mother, Shiri Bibas, came as a ceasefire that’s paused the fighting in the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip remains shaky over a month after it began. Recovering the bodies of the Bibas family had been a major issue for the Israeli public, drawing flag-waving crowds along highways on a rainy day to honor the processional carrying the remains.

Central Israel rattled separately by a series of explosions Thursday on three parked buses, and the military restricted Palestinian movement and sealed off parts of the occupied West Bank

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement the Israeli military would “carry out an intensive operation against centers of terrorism” in the West Bank after the bus blasts, raising the specter of a further escalation there

Hamas militants had turned over

four bodies Thursday One was identified as Oded Lifshitz, who was 83 when he was abducted during the Hamas attack that started the war on Oct. 7, 2023.

The remains of the young brothers, Ariel and Kfir Bibas, were identified by the National Institute of Forensic Medicine in collaboration with police and the family was notified, the Israeli military said in a statement. It said the boys were “brutally murdered” in captivity in November 2023, citing unspecified intelligence and forensics findings.

The identification process for the additional body determined it was not that of their mother Shiri Bibas or any other hostage, the Israeli military said.

“This is a violation of utmost severity by the Hamas terrorist organization, which is obligated under the agreement to return four deceased hostages,” the military said. “We demand that Hamas return Shiri home along with all our hostages.”

Hamas did not immediately respond to Israel’s announcement that the body was not of the boys’ mother.

Hamas has said that all four were killed along with their guards in Israeli airstrikes. But Netanyahu’s office said Thursday that Lifshitz was killed in captivity by the Islamic Jihad militant group The Israeli military statement also said the boys had been “murdered.”

Militants who handed over the bodies displayed four black coffins on a stage in the Gaza Strip surrounded by banners, including one

“On a certain level, it closes the small chance that we had thought about,” he said. “It is also closure that he will be buried back on the kibbutz. It’s a difficult day.”

K

fir Bibas, who at 9 months was the youngest hostage, was a redheaded infant with a toothless smile when militants stormed the family’s home on Oct. 7, 2023. His brother, Ariel, was 4. Video from that day showed a terrified Shiri swaddling the boys as militants led them into Gaza.

Her husband, Yarden Bibas, was taken separately and released this month.

depicting Netanyahu as a vampire.

On each coffin, a photo of one of the hostages was stapled to the side.

Large numbers of masked and armed militants looked on as the coffins were loaded onto Red Cross vehicles before being driven to Israeli forces. The military later held a small funeral ceremony, at the request of the families, before transferring the bodies to a laboratory in Israel for formal identification using DNA. In Tel Aviv where the bodies were transported, a double rainbow unfolded across the sky just before sunset. Thousands of people gathered at the city’s Hostage Square and recited traditional mourning

prayers. Some held orange balloons, in honor of the Bibas boys, and the crowd swelled after sundown as musicians performed subdued ballads, matching the nation’s grief.

“Our hearts — the hearts of an entire nation — lie in tatters,” Israeli

President Isaac Herzog said. “On behalf of the State of Israel, I bow my head and ask for forgiveness. Forgiveness for not protecting you on that terrible day Forgiveness for not bringing you home safely.”

Lifshitz’s family said after the handover that his remains had been officially identified. His son, Yizhar, told an Israeli TV station that it had brought some closure to the family

N.Y. prison guards charged in beating death

BY MICHAEL HILL and MICHAEL R. SISAK Associated Press

UTICA, N.Y Six New York prison guards have been indicted for second-degree murder in the beating death of an inmate who was handcuffed, while four corrections workers were charged with lesser crimes.

The beating of Robert Brooks by multiple officers at Marcy Correctional Facility in December was caught unintentionally on bodyworn cameras, triggering widespread outrage and calls for justice.

Some of the corrections officers appeared in a Utica court in handcuffs while a judge heard pleas and considered bond.

Prison guards Nicholas Anzalone, David Kingsley, Anthony Farina, Christopher Walrath and Mathew Galliher were among the people charged with second-degree murder, according to court documents. The name of the sixth person was redacted because they’ll appear in court at a different time All six were also charged with first-degree manslaughter, meaning prosecutors believe they are criminally liable for the conduct of others.

The special prosecutor, Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick, said Thursday that he’ll prove in court that the guards thought the body-worn cameras were off, raising concerns about a culture among guards in which a group beating of an

inmate could be carried out with an apparent “sense of normalcy.”

Robert Brooks Jr., the victim’s son, said after witnessing court proceedings that those system issues must be rooted out, and higher authorities held accountable.

“These men killed my father it was on video. The whole world got to see it. Waiting a month for these charges has been incredibly hard. But these men must be prosecuted and convicted of the crimes they made,” the younger Brooks said.

After some of the corrections officers were released, one man said, “This is not justice, judge — These people killed a Black man,” as he left the courtroom. One woman was removed after

shouting “murder, murder.”

Body-camera video shows officers pummeling Brooks, whose hands are cuffed behind his back. Officers strike him in the chest with a shoe and lift him by the neck and drop him. The video recorded on the night of Dec. 9 has no sound, but the guards meting out the punishment and watching it appear unconcerned. Brooks, 43, died the next day

An autopsy report issued by the county medical examiner’s office in January concluded that Brooks’ death was caused by compression of the neck and multiple blunt impact injuries and that the manner of death was determined to be a homicide, according to Brooks’ family attorneys.

BY ANTHONY IZAGUIRRE, JAKE OFFENHARTZ and JENNIFER PELTZ Associated Press

NEW YORK Gov Kathy Ho-

chul won’t immediately remove New York City Mayor Eric Adams from office, but will instead push for increased oversight of City Hall as he faces intense scrutiny over his bribery case and his relationship with the Trump administration.

Hochul announced Thursday that she has, for now, decided against using her

authority to remove Adams over concerns that such a move could result in “disruption and chaos” and would ultimately be undemocratic

“New York is facing a grave threat from Washington,” she said at a news conference in Manhattan. “The Trump administration is already trying to use the legal jeopardy facing our mayor

as leverage to squeeze and punish our city.”

The decision came after she solicited opinions this week from a roster of New York political figures over questions about whether Adams could independently govern following the Justice Department’s move to drop his federal corruption case so he could help with Republican President Donald Trump’s immigration agenda.

Rather than remove Adams, Hochul said she plans to propose legislation that would require City Hall to

operate within new guardrails meant to “reestablish trust.”

The proposals include establishing a new deputy inspector general focused on New York City; creating a mechanism for the city’s comptroller, public advocate and council speaker to launch lawsuits against the federal government; and providing more money for the state comptroller to increase oversight of the city.

The measures, if approved, would be “subject to renewal” in the future, Hochul said.

Relatives in Israel have clung to hope, marking the boys’ birthdays. A cousin of Shiri Bibas who lives in Buenos Aires, told the local Radio Con Vos station she has been reliving the trauma of the abduction Romina Miasnik said she hoped her loved ones “can become a symbol of something new of coexistence, of hatred no longer having a place.”

Supporters throughout Israel have worn orange — a reference to the two boys’ hair color and a popular children’s song was written in their honor Like the Bibas family, Oded Lifshitz was abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz, along with his wife, Yocheved, who was freed early in the war as an apparent humanitarian gesture.

Hamas-led militants abducted 251 hostages, including about 30 children, in the Oct. 7 attack, in which they also killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians.

McConnell won’t seek reelection in 2026

BY BRUCE SCHREINER and KEVIN FREKING Associated Press

WASHINGTON Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell announced on Thursday that he won’t seek reelection next year ending a decadeslong tenure as a power broker who championed conservative causes but ultimately ceded ground to the fierce GOP populism of President Donald Trump.

McConnell, the longest-serving Senate party leader in U.S. history, chose his 83rd birthday to share his decision not to run for another term in Kentucky and to retire when his current term ends. He informed The Associated Press of his decision before he addressed colleagues in a speech on the Senate floor

“Seven times, my fellow Kentuckians have sent me to the Senate,” McConnell said, as aides lined the back chamber and senators listened from seats.

“Every day in between I’ve been humbled by the trust they’ve placed in me to do their business right here.

Representing our commonwealth has been the honor of a lifetime I will not seek this honor an eighth time. My current term in the Senate will be my last.”

His announcement begins the epilogue of a storied

career as a master strategist, one in which he helped forge a conservative Supreme Court and steered the Senate through tax cuts, presidential impeachment trials and fierce political fights. Yet with his powerful perch atop committees, and nearly two years remaining in his term, McConnell vowed to complete his work on several remaining fronts.

“I have some unfinished business to attend to,” he said. McConnell walked gingerly to the podium, sporting a walking boot. Senators from both sides of the political aisle seemed to listen most intently as he told themthatwhilethereareany number of reasons for pessimism, the strength of the Senate is not one of them.

“The Senate is still equipped for work of great consequence,” he told them. As he concluded, Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., motioned for the audience of senators, staff and Capitol visitors be allowed to applaud, which is usually not allowed under Senate rules. McConnell, first elected in 1984, intends to serve until his term ends in January 2027. The Kentuckian has dealt with a series of medical episodes in recent years, including injuries sustained from falls and times when his face briefly froze while he was speaking.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By OHAD ZWIGENBERG

Police officers salute as a convoy carrying the coffins of Israeli hostages, including two children, arrives Thursday at the Abu Kabir Forensic Institute in Tel Aviv, Israel. The bodies were handed over by Palestinian militant groups in Gaza.

Snowy roads lead to hundreds of crashes in Va., N.C.

BY BEN FINLEY, MAKIYA SEMINERA and SARAH BRUMFIELD Associated Press

NORFOLK, Va. Roads in Virginia and North Carolina remained treacherous Thursday as unusually heavy snow led to hundreds of accidents, including crashes on an interstate that involved more than 50 vehicles. Meanwhile, a polar vortex sent temperatures plunging from the Northern Great Plains all the way to Louisiana.

Two separate collisions stopped traffic on Interstate 40 in Orange County, North Carolina, on Wednesday afternoon and the stopped vehicles were struck from behind, including a tractor trailer that hit a passenger vehicle, causing a fatality, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. A total of 53 vehicles were involved in 12 crashes in the area, the highway patrol said. The driver of the tractor trailer was charged with misdemeanor death by motor vehicle and exceeding a safe speed for conditions.

The highway patrol responded to nearly 1,200 collisions statewide on Wednesday, according to Sgt. Christopher Knox. Crashes on Wednesday also closed portions of Interstate 95 and I-85 near Raleigh, North Carolina.

Virginia State Police reported early Thursday that there had been well over 800 crashes statewide since heavy snow pounded parts of the mid-Atlantic on Wednesday At least 45 crashes involved injuries but no fatalities.

Emergency workers in Suffolk, Virginia, rescued two people from an SUV that crashed into water on Wednesday afternoon, according to the city’s Department of Fire & Rescue. Photos the department posted on social media showed res-

cuers stretching a ladder to the vehicle’s roof and helping one person clinging to the roof rails crawl across the ladder to land. Wednesday’s snowfall in Norfolk, Virginia, ranked as the eighth-highest, one-day snowfall total the coastal city has ever recorded, Weather Prediction Center meteorologist Scott Kleebauer said. Norfolk officially recorded about 10.2 inches of snow, he said. High snowfall isn’t unprecedented, he said, but it’s “certainly rare.”

“This is probably one of those one-in-10-years type storm,” Kleebauer said.

Children in the city of 230,000 on the Chesapeake Bay used boogie boards to sled down a small hill, while some adults cleared off cars with leaf blowers. Many roadways were still covered in slush, if not snow, while authorities urged everyone to stay off the roads to give plows time to come through. Mary Stokes, whose family owns a small environmental consulting firm, said employees weren’t able to go

Judge: White House flouting aid freeze order

BY ELLEN KNICKMEYER and LINDSAY WHITEHURST Associated Press

WASHINGTON The Trump administration has kept withholding foreign aid despite a court order and must at least temporarily restore the funding to programs worldwide, a federal judge said Thursday Judge Amir H. Ali declined a request by nonprofit groups doing business with the U.S. Agency for International Development to find Trump administration officials in contempt of his

order, however

The Washington, D.C., district court judge said administration officials had used his Feb. 13 order to temporarily lift the freeze on foreign aid to instead “come up with a new, post-hoc rationalization for the en masse suspension” of funding. Despite the judge’s order to the contrary USAID Deputy Secretary Pete Marocco, a Trump appointee, and other top officials had “continued their blanket suspension of funds,” Ali said. The ruling comes in a lawsuit by the nonprofit groups

challenging the Trump administration’s month-old cutoff of foreign assistance through USAID and the State Department, which shut down $60 billion in annual aid and development programs overseas almost overnight. Even after Ali’s order, USAID staffers and contractors say the State Department and USAID still have not restored payments even on hundreds of millions of dollars already owed by the government Marocco and other administration officials defended the nonpayment in written

Guterres to propose U.N. take over funding for Haiti mission

mission.

arguments to the judge this week. They contended that they could lawfully stop or terminate payments under thousands of contracts without violating the judge’s order The Trump administration says it is now doing a program-by-program review of all State Department and USAID foreign assistance programs to see which ones meet the Trump administration’s agenda.

out into the field to conduct mold testing and other types of work to help homeowners and businesses stay compliant with environmental laws.

“We’re obviously not going to make them take a vacation day when they physically can’t come to work,” Stokes said while clearing off her SUV “But we’re not making any money It can definitely be a financial hit.”

Jared Brooks, a surgeon at a local hospital, predicted that schools wouldn’t reopen in Norfolk until at least Monday The temperature wasn’t expected to rise above freezing on Thursday

“People aren’t used to driving in these kinds of conditions,” Brooks said while shoveling the sidewalk outside of his house. “And they just don’t slow down appropriately. And they get kind of crazy People just need to stay home and not even try to drive unless they have to.”

Schools were closed or relying on remote learning throughout large parts of Virginia and North Carolina, while several thousand electric customers were

without power Thursday morning. About 1,800 flights were canceled or delayed on Thursday across the U.S., including about 250 flights in and out of Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina, according to the flight-tracking site FlightAware.com. Meanwhile, an arctic air mass was bringing widespread, record-breaking cold to the central United States, and forecasters expected some locations in the Plains and Lower Mississippi Valley to experience their coldest temperatures on record this late in the season, according to the Weather Prediction Center In Detroit, crews are fixing a large water main break that left dozens of people without power and heat amid temperatures well below freezing. Frigid temperatures broke daily cold records Thursday across 45 weather stations ranging from North Dakota to Louisiana, Kleebauer said. Parts of Texas also broke daily cold records set in 2021 when a deadly winter storm caused the state’s power grid to mostly collapse.

BY DÁNICA COTO

Associated Press

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — U.N

Secretary-General António

Guterres said he would request that the United Nations assumes funding for the structural and logistical expenses of a multinational force in Haiti that is struggling to fight violent gangs.

Guterres made the announcement late Wednesday in Barbados, where leaders of a 15-member Caribbean trade bloc known as Caricom gathered for a three-day conference to tackle regional issues, including gang violence in Haiti.

“If the Security Council will accept this proposal, we will have the conditions to finally have an effective force to defeat the gangs in Haiti and create the conditions for democracy to thrive,” Guterres said. He added that the salaries for the multinational force would be paid through an already existing trust fund.

Dujarric added that Guterres has not changed his stance on considering a U.N. peacekeeping mission as a last resort

U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said the proposed support would include logistics and nonlethal equipment, adding that he expects a detailed plan to be submitted by the end of February “It will not be a peacekeeping mission. The structure would very likely stay the same,” he said of the current

The current U.N.-backed mission is led by a contingent of around 800 Kenyan police joined by soldiers and police from countries including Jamaica, Guatemala and El Salvador who are working alongside Haiti’s National Police.

Last year Haiti and the U.S. warned that the mission that began in June lacks personnel and resources and called for a U.N. peacekeeping mission to replace the current one.

THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT PHOTO By BILLy SCHUERMAN Snow covers a truck Thursday in Norfolk, Va

Several federal teacher-training grants cut

Programs worth $23M in Louisiana

BY PATRICK WALL Staff writer

The Trump administration has cut off federal funding to several teacher-training programs in Louisiana, dealing a blow to efforts to reduce shortages and increase diversity in Louisiana’s educator workforce.

This month, the U.S. Department of Education terminated over $600 million in grants previously awarded to universities and nonprofits across the country for the purpose of recruiting and training teachers.

Part of President Donald Trump’s sweeping crackdown on diversity initiatives, the agency said that grant-funded programs had trained teachers on “divisive ideologies” related to race and used race-based recruitment strategies.

At least three cancelled grants worth over $23 million had gone to several Louisiana universities, including Tulane, Xavier and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and a national nonprofit working in Louisiana. The grants helped fund programs that aimed to prepare hundreds of teachers to work in local public schools and attract more people of color to the profession — a goal long shared by Louisiana policymakers and reiterated last year by a state task force

The Tulane-led grant, which

DISASTER

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the process. There are also concerns related to the oversight role the office plays in limiting fraud and abuse among entities that receive the funding, officially known as Community Development Block Grants — Disaster Recovery.

While Louisianans may not be familiar with the office itself, the money it oversees has featured heavily in the state’s disaster recovery Louisiana has been allocated $21 billion through the program since 2001, according to the Washington-based Bipartisan Policy Center, which tracks those allocations.

Separate from aid provided through FEMA, the grants help communities rebuild their housing, infrastructure and economies following major disasters. Amounts are appropriated by Congress, then allocated and distributed by HUD based on plans provided by

started in 2022 and is worth more than $10 million over three years, sought to develop a pipeline of diverse, well-trained teachers for New Orleans schools by recruiting local high schoolers, college students and classroom aides.

The program helps pay for them to earn degrees and gain classroom experience.

Jahquille Ross, chief of talent at New Schools for New Orleans, a nonprofit that helps run the program, said a major focus is nurturing homegrown educators with backgrounds similar to their students.

“Those are the people who are staying and who are invested in our children’s future,” he said.

Last week, a U.S. Education Department official notified the program’s administrators that their grant was being terminated. The official said the grant had been used to promote diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, and “other initiatives that unlawfully discriminate” based on race or other factors, according to a Feb. 10 letter obtained by The Times-Picayune and The Advocate.

Michael Strecker, a Tulane spokesperson, said the university would appeal the agency’s decision. He added that Tulane remains “steadfast in our mission to improve schools and address the teacher shortage by preparing highly skilled teachers and school leaders.”

The U.S. Department of Education press office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

the states themselves.

The money is intended to cover “unmet needs” that insurance and FEMA do not supplying a vital lifeline as communities seek to bring residents back after disasters. While the process of approving and distributing the money has been seen as overly politicized, unpredictable and slow, cutting staff could introduce further uncertainty those familiar with the program say.

The Times quoted a HUD spokesperson as saying the department is “carrying out President Trump’s broader efforts to restructure and streamline the federal government to serve the American people at the highest standard.”

‘Unclear at this time’

Louisiana’s Office of Community Development has overseen planning and distribution of the funds after they arrive from Washington. It issued a statement Thursday saying it “is actively seeking more information regarding possible staffing changes at HUD.”

“Any potential impact on our

the 70802 and 70805 ZIP codes.

Shifting stances on diversity

Boosting teacher diversity has traditionally been a nonpartisan policy goal driven by research showing that some students’ test scores and attendance improve when they are taught by teachers of color

In Louisiana, where about only about 30% of public-school teachers are people of color compared with 60% of students, the state Education Department has made it a priority to develop a diverse teaching workforce. And last year a task force of state legislators, policymakers and education groups issued a report promoting recruitment programs “designed to attract and support aspiring teachers, particularly candidates of color.”

But the Trump administration has recently attacked federally supported efforts to promote diversity On his first day in office, the president ordered federal agencies to end all DEI programs.

And on Feb. 14, the U.S. Education Department gave schools and universities two weeks to stop factoring race into decisions involving employees or students, including in admissions, hiring and training.

The notice said schools have “toxically indoctrinated students” by teaching that racism is embedded in the country’s institutions, and universities discriminated against White and Asian students by using “repugnant race-based preferences” in admissions.

On Wednesday, Louisiana’s Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley issued a memo affirming

agency and the Louisiana citizens we serve is unclear at this time,” it said.

The longtime head of that office until January 2024, Pat Forbes, said he was concerned cuts could further delay the process of distributing the funding as well as reduce oversight nationally

“What this does is effectively reduce the number of people who are looking out for fraud, waste and abuse,” Forbes said. “This clears the path for that across the country, everywhere that we have these grants.”

He noted a recent allocation to Louisiana of $118 million related to Hurricane Francine, which is yet to be paid out, and questioned whether that would be delayed.

“In a process that already takes too long to get assistance after a disaster, this is going to make that process even longer,” he said.

U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-Baton Rouge, noted in a brief statement that the Trump White House has said the cuts won’t affect disaster recovery.

U.S. Rep. Troy Carter, D-New

the federal guidance, adding that Louisiana schools should promote “meritocracy of student achievement.” He also thanked Gov. Jeff Landry, a Republican closely aligned with Trump, for helping the state education department stop “inherently divisive concepts” like DEI from “infiltrating” Louisiana schools.

It is unclear whether Louisiana education officials will continue to promote teacher diversity Brumley did not address the issue in his memo, and a state Education Department spokesperson did not respond when asked whether establishing a diverse teacher workforce remains an agency goal.

Loss of funding

The abrupt termination of the training grants sent shockwaves through the education world.

The cuts targeted two federal programs: the Teacher Quality Partnerships program, which Congress allocated $70 million last year, and Supporting Effective Educator Development, or SEED grants, which got $80 million. The grants support traditional teachereducation programs at colleges, as well as alternative pathways that help aspiring teachers earn degrees while working in schools.

Cheryl Holcomb-McCoy, president of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, said scrapping the grants would have “dire consequences” for efforts to train high-quality teachers.

“Eliminating funding for this vital work threatens student success, weakens community educa-

Orleans, meanwhile, called the plan “deeply alarming and shortsighted.”

“In Louisiana, we know all too well the devastating impact of hurricanes and flooding,” he said in a statement. “This office has played a critical role in our state’s recovery from disaster Cutting it to the bone will leave our communities vulnerable and unprepared for future catastrophes.”

The two other members of the New Orleans area’s congressional delegation — U.S. Sen. John Kennedy, R-Madisonville, and U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise, R-Jefferson did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

‘People will just leave’

The program has proved key in rebuilding after disasters ranging from hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Laura and Ida to the 2016 flooding in the Baton Rouge area, among others. It has prioritized low- and middle-income families without the wherewithal to rebuild on their own.

While certainly not without its

tion systems, and undermines the nation’s long-term educational progress,” she said in a statement.

One of the terminated grants provided $3 million to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette to help schools in the Acadiana region “create new pathways for aspiring teachers, especially those from underrepresented communities,” according to a university press release last November The university planned to partner with several school districts and a community college.

A $9.9 million grant went to Reach University a Californiabased nonprofit university that helps school paraprofessionals, or classroom aides, earn teaching degrees while continuing to work full-time. Reach, which is partnering with Delgado Community College, was using the grant to help 80 school employees in Jefferson Parish become teachers.

Reach University President Joe E. Ross said he rejected the suggestion in the grant termination letter that the program discriminated against anyone.

“We fling open our doors” to any school staffers who want to become teachers, Ross said in a statement, adding that the program “is a merit-based, discrimination-free application of federal funds.” Ross said the university will appeal the grant cancellation while continuing “to support every school employee in completing their apprenticeship degree with Reach.”

Email Patrick Wall at patrick. wall@theadvocate.com.

flaws over the years, the money fills a gap that states would otherwise struggle to address, said Andy Winkler, director of the housing and infrastructure project at the Bipartisan Policy Center If handing states a more direct role is the ultimate outcome, that may speed the process, but present practical problems, particularly concerning oversight, he said. While Louisiana has long experience in dealing with such funding, other states do not and may struggle to handle the process on their own.

Regardless, it may be a heavy burden for any state to manage properly Winkler said there was much at stake when it comes to a true recovery from disaster a situation Louisianans know all too well.

“If you’re waiting even longer than CDBG-DR takes for your home to be rebuilt, or roads and bridges, people will just leave,” said Winkler “And they won’t come back.”

Staff Writer Alex Lubben contributed to this report.

worst moments of our life.”

Amid the chaos and grief, the Harrisons say they want to channel their anger over their son’s death into helping others avoid a similar loss of a family member

“I don’t want another family to go through what we went through,” Travis Harrison said. “Something has to change.” Eden Park, the area where Trevor was killed, encompasses both

It’s the same area Trevor’s father used to bike through, and his uncle, a former cross-country star at Redemptorist High School, would run. Now this section of Baton Rouge accounts for the majority of the city’s homicides, according to East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney’s Office. “If I would have known where he was working, I would have tied my son down with a chain and never let him work there,” his father said.

The Harrisons are calling for stricter gun violence penalties,

and also want to see stronger efforts to address what they think is a growing presence of gangs in the city They plan to meet with Mayor Sid Edwards, District Attorney Hillar Moore, and hopefully Gov Jeff Landry to discuss these issues.

“The good people in these communities are scared for their own life,” Travis Harrison said.

While law enforcement has been hesitant to acknowledge the presence of sophisticated organized crime in the city, officials do point to loosely organized groups — and the related squabbles between

them as the fundamental cause of homicides in the city

A gifted artist, Trevor had spent the past year passing his talent on to his 9-year-old sister, Travis Harrison said.

“They didn’t get that close brotherly-sisterly bond until last year when he moved in,” his father said. “He had so much patience, when he came to work with her Everyday when she’d come home from school she’d go and run in her brother’s room and go and hug him.”

The Harrisons say the sting of their son’s loss has been partially

alleviated by an outpouring of support from family, friends and complete strangers.

“They’ve just showered us with gifts and love. I don’t even know how to explain it, how grateful we are,” Travis Harrison said. Trevor Harrison’s funeral mass will be held Friday at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Baton Rouge. Before the mass, a visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

“That love that’s pouring in, it’s keeping that hatred out It’s helping us know it’s going to be OK,” Travis Harrison said.

Nearly 200 Venezuelan migrants flown home from Guantanamo Bay

BY MORGAN LEE and REGINA GARCIA CANO Associated Press

CARACAS, Venezuela

Nearly 200

Venezuelan immigrants to the U.S. were returned to their home country after being detained at Guantanamo Bay, in a flurry of flights that forged an unprecedented pathway for U.S. deportations.

U.S. and Venezuelan authorities confirmed the deportations that relied on a stopover in Honduras, where 177 Venezuelans exited a U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement flight and boarded a Venezuelan plane bound for Caracas

The government of President Nicolás Maduro said it had “requested the repatriation of a group” of Venezuelans “who were unjustly taken” to the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo Bay Cuba. With the request accepted, an aircraft with the state-owned airline Conviasa picked up the migrants from Hon-

duras. ICE confirmed the transfer of 177 “Venezuelan illegal aliens.”

The administration of President Donald Trump has placed a high priority on deporting people who have exhausted all legal appeals to stay in the U.S. Nearly 1.5 million had final removal orders as of Nov 24, according to ICE figures, including more than 22,000 Venezuelans.

In a court filing Thursday federal immigration and military authorities said that “Venezuela has historically resisted accepting repatriation of its citizens but has recently begun accepting removals following highlevel political discussions and an investment of significant resources.”

Last week, two Venezuelan flights carried 190 immigrants directly from the U.S. to Venezuela in a rare moment of coordination between the two countries that may be giving way to regular exchanges.

Thursday’s court filing by U.S.

Justice Department attorneys provides the most thorough official ac-

counting to date about who is being held at the isolated Guantanamo Bay military complex and why noting that detainees as of Wednesday were Venezuelans with final orders of deportation.

More immigrant transfer flights arrived at Guantanamo Bay on Thursday in planes departing from Texas and Louisiana, said Thomas Cartwright of Witness at the Border, an advocacy group that tracks deportation flights.

Trump in January said he wanted to expand immigrant detention facilities at Guantanamo to hold as many as 30,000 people, although the current capacity at Guantanamo’s low-security migrant operations center is roughly 2,500.

The naval base is best known for housing suspects taken in after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, but it also has been used for holding people caught trying to illegally reach the U.S by boat and to coordinate the resettlement of immigrants in the U.S.

White House ends protections from deportation for Haitians

Move affects about half a million people

BY REBECCA SANTANA Associated Press

WASHINGTON The Trump administration is throwing out protections for roughly half a million Haitians that had shielded them from deportation. The decision announced Thursday means they would lose their work permits and could be eligible to be removed from the country by August of this year

The decision is part of a sweeping effort by the Trump administration to make good on campaign promises to carry out mass deportations and specifically scale back the use of the Temporary Protected Status designation that was greatly expanded under the Biden administration to cover roughly 1 million immigrants. The Department of Homeland

Security in a news release said they were vacating a decision by the Biden administration to renew Temporary Protected Status for Haitians. That status gives people legal authority to be in the country but doesn’t provide a long-term path to citizenship. They are reliant on the government renewing their status when it expires. Critics, including Republicans and the Trump administration, have said that over time the renewal of the protection status becomes automatic, regardless of what is happening in the person’s home country

“For decades the TPS system has been exploited and abused. For example, Haiti has been designated for TPS since 2010. The data shows each extension of the country’s TPS designation allowed more Haitian nationals, even those who entered the U.S. illegally to qualify for legal protected status,” Homeland Security said in a statement announcing the change.

U.K. official challenges Lavrov at G20 meet

Foreign secretary questions Russia’s ‘appetite’ for peace

BY MOGOMOTSI MAGOME, MICHELLE GUMEDE and GERALD IMRAY Associated Press

JOHANNESBURG U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy said he saw no appetite for peace from Russia in Ukraine after listening to a speech by Russia’s top diplomat at a tense Group of 20 meeting in South Africa on Thursday

Lammy was speaking to reporters after Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov addressed other senior diplomats in a closed-door session at the G20 foreign ministers meeting in Johannesburg

“I have to say when I listened to what the Russians and what Lavrov have just said in the chamber this afternoon, I don’t see an appetite to really get to that peace,” Lammy said.

Lammy said Lavrov left his seat

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their plan to the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget.

In an interview, Barras said several one-time educational expenses from last year stayed in the budget. Those included high-dose tutoring and differential teacher pay

But roughly $7 million allotted to domestic violence shelters did not make the cut, upsetting state Rep Denise Marcelle, D-Baton Rouge.

“I certainly want to make sure that we’re not going backwards in that area,” she said during the meeting, adding that women seeking shelter do not care whether the $7 million was considered a one-

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Alaska, were the lone Republican holdouts.

A Trump loyalist who has fiercely criticized the agency he will now lead, Patel will inherit an FBI gripped by turmoil as the Justice Department over the past month has forced out a group of senior bureau officials and made a highly unusual demand for the names of thousands of agents who participated in investigations related to the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol. Patel has spoken of his desire to implement major changes at the FBI, including a reduced footprint in Washington and a renewed emphasis on the bureau’s traditional crime-fighting duties rather than the intelligence-gathering work that has come to define its mandate over the past two decades as national security threats have proliferated

But he’s also echoed Trump’s stated desire for reprisal, raising alarm among Democrats for saying before he was nominated that he would “come after” anti-Trump “conspirators” in the federal government and the media. In a statement posted after the vote on the social media platform X, Patel wrote that he was honored to be confirmed as the ninth direc-

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, center arrives at the opening session of the G20 foreign ministers meeting in Johannesburg South Africa on Thursday.

in the meeting room when it was Lammy’s turn to speak. No details of Lavrov’s speech were released. The two-day G20 gathering on Thursday and Friday comes days

time expense.

Landry wants to put $93.5 million toward his signature education initiative: a scholarship program to cover the cost of private school tuition and other approved education expenses, like tutoring and textbooks.

The amount is more than double what the state spends on its existing school voucher program, which pays for low-income students to attend private schools. The new LA GATOR scholarship program, which launches this year, will replace school vouchers and eventually will be available to all families regardless of financial need.

About half of the $93.5 million would come from phasing out the voucher program. The other $50 million is a new expense.

tor of the FBI, an institution he said had a “storied legacy.”

“The American people deserve an FBI that is transparent, accountable, and committed to justice. The politicization of our justice system has eroded public trust — but that ends today,” he wrote. He said his mission as director was to “let good cops be cops and rebuild trust in the FBI.”

Republicans angry over what they see as law enforcement bias against conservatives during the administration President Joe Biden, a Democrat, as well as criminal investigations into Trump, have rallied behind Patel as the right person for the job.

“Mr Patel wants to make the FBI accountable once again — get back the reputation that the FBI has had historically for law enforcement,”

Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa,

chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said this week before Patel was confirmed. “He wants to hold the FBI accountable to Congress, to the president and, most importantly, to the people they serve — the American taxpayer.”

Democrats complained about Patel’s lack of management experience compared with previous FBI directors and they highlighted incendiary past statements that they said called his judgment into question

“I am absolutely sure of this one thing: This vote will haunt any-

after landmark bilateral talks between the United States and Russia over ending the war in Ukraine. Those talks sidelined Washington’s European allies and Ukraine, who

The potentially huge cost of universal scholarships was a major sticking point last year when Landry was urging wary lawmakers to establish the program. They landed on a compromise: The program would expand over time until all families were eligible, but the number of scholarships would depend on how much money the Legislature allocates.

Landry’s proposal would pay for just over 11,000 students to receive scholarships next school year Just under 6,000 of the grants would go to students who currently receive vouchers, leaving about 5,300 scholarships for everyone else. Students who attended public school this year, are entering kindergarten this fall or whose families earn up to 250% of the federal

one who votes for him. They will rue the day they did it,” said Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a Connecticut Democrat. He added: “To my Republican colleagues, think about what you will tell your constituents” and family “about why you voted for this person who will so completely and utterly disgrace this office and do such grave damage to our nation’s justice system.”

About a half-dozen Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee gathered outside FBI headquarters earlier Thursday in a last-ditch plea to derail his confirmation.

“This is someone we cannot trust,” said Sen. Adam Schiff of California. “This is someone who lacks the character to do this job, someone who lacks the integrity to do this job. We know that, our Republican colleagues know that.”

Patel’s eyebrow-raising remarks on hundreds of podcasts and in other interviews over the past four years include referring to law enforcement officials who investigated Trump as “criminal gangsters,” saying some Jan. 6 rioters were “political prisoners” and opining that FBI headquarters should be shut down and turned into a museum for the so-called deep state.

At his Senate hearing in January, Patel said Democrats were taking some of his comments out of context or misunderstanding the broader

weren’t involved.

U.S. President Donald Trump has further upended the West’s position by criticizing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and falsely blaming Ukraine for the full-scale invasion by Russia.

The war’s third anniversary is next week.

“At the moment, we’ve had talks effectively about talks,” Lammy said. “We’ve not got anywhere near a negotiated settlement.”

In his own speech, which was released by the U.K. Foreign Office, Lammy criticized Russia for what he called “Tsarist imperialism.”

“You know, mature countries learn from their colonial failures and their wars, and Europeans have had much to learn over the generations and the centuries,” Lammy said, according to the transcript from the U.K. Foreign Office. “But I’m afraid to say that Russia has learned nothing.”

“I was hoping to hear some sympathy for the innocent victims of the aggression. I was hoping to hear some readiness to seek a du-

poverty line, roughly $78,000 for a family of four, are eligible for the scholarships — a group numbering in the hundreds of thousands. However, priority will be given to current voucher recipients, children from low-income families and students with disabilities. Still, it is likely that many more families will apply than the available 5,300 scholarships for non-voucher students. Just how many will start to become clear after March 1, when the application system opens. Meanwhile, whether a $2,000 teacher pay raise included in the budget last year becomes permanent depends upon the outcome of the March 29 election, when voters will decide on Amendment 2, a complex amendment that would change the constitution.

point he was trying to make. He also denied the idea that a list in a book he authored of government officials who he said were part of a “deep state” amounted to an “enemies list,” calling that a “total mischaracterization.”

“I have no interest, no desire and will not, if confirmed, go backwards,” Patel said as he vowed that there would be “no politicization at the FBI” and “no retributive actions taken.”

He said at the hearing that “the only thing that will matter if I’m confirmed” is a “de-weaponized, depoliticized system of law enforcement completely devoted to rigorous obedience to the Constitution and a singular standard of justice.”

Patel was selected in November to replace Christopher Wray, who was picked by Trump in 2017 and who resigned at the conclusion of the Biden administration to make way for his chosen successor Wray infuriated Trump throughout his tenure, including after FBI agents searched his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida in August 2022 for classified documents in one of two federal investigations that resulted in indictments against Trump that were dismissed after his election win.

FBI directors are given 10-year terms as a way to insulate them from political influence and keep them from becoming beholden to a particular president or adminis-

rable peace. What I heard was the logic of imperialism dressed up as a realpolitik, and I say to you all, we should not be surprised, but neither should we be fooled.”

Lammy referred to Lavrov’s speech as “the Russian gentleman’s tired fabrications.”

Tensions at the meeting were underlined when a photo opportunity for the foreign ministers to pose together for pictures was canceled with no reason given.

The United Kingdom, France, Germany and the European Union have all pledged continued support for Ukraine and were expected to reinforce that position at the G20 meeting.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who led those talks with Lavrov in Saudi Arabia this week, was a high-profile absentee from the meeting. Rubio boycotted amid U.S. tensions with host South Africa over some of its policies, which the Trump administration has labeled anti-American. The U.S was represented by Dana Brown, its acting ambassador to South Africa.

That amendment would fund the pay raises by paying down $2 billion in teacher retirement debt. It would also make a $1,000 raise for school support personnel permanent. The amendment goes beyond teacher pay raises. It would make it more difficult to create new tax breaks down the line, take most property tax exemptions out of the constitution and give legislators control over them and cap annual spending.

The homestead exemption and sales tax exemptions for groceries, residential utilities and prescription drugs would stay in the constitution.

Email Meghan Friedmann at meghan.friedmann@ theadvocate.com.

tration. But Trump fired the FBI director he inherited, James Comey after Comey had spent over three years on the job and replaced Wray after more than seven years in the position.

Since Wray’s resignation, the FBI has been led by interim leaders, who have clashed with the Justice Department over its demands for details about the agents who investigated the Capitol riot a move seen as a possible prelude to broader firings. Patel denied having any knowledge of discussions about potential firings, but a letter from Durbin last week that cited information that he said had come from insiders suggested that Patel may have been covertly involved in that process.

Trump has said that he expects some of those agents will be fired. Patel is a former federal defender and Justice Department counterterrorism prosecutor He attracted Trump’s attention during the president’s first term when, as a staffer on the Republican-led House Intelligence Committee, Patel helped produce a memo that showcased surveillance-related errors during the FBI’s investigation into ties between Russia and Trump’s 2016 campaign.

Patel later joined Trump’s administration, both as a counterterrorism official at the National Security Council and as chief of staff to the defense secretary

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By JEROME DELAy

Judge: BR official can keep cabana

Neighbors claimed structure flooded their property

BY MATT BRUCE Staff writer

The pool cabana in East Baton Rouge Metro Council member

Cleve Dunn Jr.’s backyard won’t be getting torn down anytime soon despite a neighbor’s yearslong court battle striving for that result. In a court order Thursday, 19th Judicial District Judge Beau Higginbotham ruled in Dunn’s favor in the suit lodged by his former nextdoor neighbor Higginbotham denied a request from Donna and Eugene Joseph Michellis to reinstate a judgment he made in 2023, when he awarded the plaintiffs nearly $58,000 in damages and ordered Dunn to remove the “cabana-like structure” near his swimming pool.

BY JAN RISHER Staff writer

The 1st Circuit Court of Appeal nullified that order on Sept. 3, 2024, determining Higginbotham should have granted Dunn’s attorney a legislative continuance to delay the March 23, 2023, hearing at which he heard arguments and rendered his ruling from the bench.

On Thursday, Higginbotham said he had no authority to overrule the appellate court’s decision, despite a subsequent Louisiana Supreme Court ruling declaring the state’s

legislative continuance law at the time was unconstitutional. The dispute goes back to October 2020, when Dunn widened his driveway and had the pool cabana built within inches of the Michellises’ property in their Sherwood Manor neighborhood. About a year later, he added a fence built on the neighbor’s side of the property line, the couple alleged in their December 2021 lawsuit against Dunn and his wife. The plaintiffs indicated they took legal action after the Dunns

refused amicably to remove the fence and cabana. Court records indicate the couple made the home improvements without getting permits or approval from cityparish inspectors.

Higginbotham ruled the cabana, fence and driveway breached building codes after the Michellises testified that runoff from the pool structure spilled onto their property, causing their home to flood on multiple occasions.

WALKS WONDERS

Donning protective footwear, a dog and its owner walk

into the metro area in Baton Rouge on Wednesday

executive leaves post at university

executives reporting to LSU President William Tate IV according to a university organizational chart. She did not respond to

BY CHRISTOPHER CARTWRIGHT Staff writer

Another top LSU executive is leaving the university Executive vice chief administrative berly J. Lewis resig day a spokesperson lege confirmed. The move follows recently announced ignation of LSU’s torney, Winston DeCuir Jr., who plans to step March 1. And it comes the university faces lawsuit brought by professor Ken Levy last month was suspended from teaching.

“As always, we appreciate

department collected more $10 billion in sales, income and other taxes. Lewis is an LSU alumna, having earned degrees in political science and public administration, before she graduated from the univerlaw school in 1998. According to her biography, Lewis also previously worked as

HALEY

STAFF PHOTO By HILARy SCHEINUK

ä See CABANA, page 2B

19 parades kick off start of first Carnival weekend

BY ARTHUR HARDY Contributing writer

Although some Carnival parades have already taken place, the official parading schedule begins Friday With 19 krewes rolling this weekend, there are actually more parades in the next three days than on the weekend that precedes Fat Tuesday with 15. As a group, the first weekend parades really don’t get the publicity or critical acclaim they deserve. And while none rivals the size of Endymion or Bacchus or the grandeur and tradition of Rex, each krewe makes its own contribution to Carnival.

In New Orleans, the Krewe of Oshun kicks it all off from Magazine Street and Napoleon Avenue at 5:30 p.m. Friday with a 16-float parade entitled “Children’s Literature.” This club throws krewe signature fans Next up is the Krewe of Cleopatra with its largest membership ever 2,800 women. Because of problems with their large floats making the turn from Jefferson Avenue to Magazine Street, the parade has moved its starting point to Napoleon and Tchoupitoulas. You’ll see new tandem floats and can expect to catch decorated beverage glasses and metal cups. Don’t look for the Krewe of ALLA, which for years has been the third parade of a triple header on Friday They have moved to Wednesday and will follow Druids in the spot formerly occupied by the Krewe of Nyx.

In Jefferson Parish, where Family Gras opens, the Krewe of Excalibur presents one of Metairie’s prettiest parades at 7 p.m. Friday The krewe of 250 riders introduc-

PREMIUMS

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Commissioners to approve a new contract that would see annual premiums jump from about $112,000 to $233,000. After some tense questioning, the board ordered staff to go back to the drawing board to see if they can find a less expensive contract.

“We’re gonna shop,” CATS CEO Theo Richards said.

“The one thing we want to focus on is getting the most bang for our buck and being responsible with the dollars that we have been entrusted with.”

Though management emphasized the buses themselves are still covered, the lapse could leave CATS vulnerable to third-party injury claims.

Stanley Smalls, senior organizer for the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1546, which represents unionized CATS workers, said the fact

es a new throw — 3,000 decorated plastic eggs — most of which contain a plush baby dragon inside. The captain is the costume maker, so enjoy the elaborate collars worn by the royalty

On the northshore, Mandeville’s only parade Eve rolls at 7 p.m. with some 725 women aboard 34 floats

The riders throw many apple signature items. This year’s theme is “Eve Makes a Splash.”

Saturday is the busiest day of the entire parade season with nine major processions in a four-parish area. St. Bernard Parish’s only parade, the Knights of Nemesis, rolls at 1 p.m. up and down Judge Perez Drive with a 15-float parade and some 300 members who toss krewe signature T-shirts

On the Uptown parade route, one can plop down a lawn chair and see six backto-back parades with a total of 124 floats. The Krewe of Pontchartrain celebrates its 50th anniversary starting at 11 a.m. at Napoleon and Tchoupitoulas with a 16-float parade that proves you don’t have to be super in size to put on a super procession. An oversized plush super grouper will be the hottest KOP throw

The military-inspired Legion of Mars follows with an 18-float parade titled “United in Service.” The 500 men and women aboard the floats honor the Armed Forces and first responders

Next up is the 90th anniversary Krewe of Choctaw parade, with 18 floats and 325 men, women and children. Plush tomahawks and cut-out doubloons will be Choctaw’s most treasured throws

The Krewe of Freret follows with 1,000 co-ed rid-

that the insurance had been allowed to lapse was “embarrassing” and a “tragedy” that epitomizes financial mismanagement.

The union has repeatedly clashed with management in recent months as it pushes for higher wages in their new labor contract. In January, union members voted to authorize a strike, though one has not been officially scheduled.

“It’s in line with everything we’ve been saying about how irresponsible they are as leaders,” Smalls said “It further supports the incompetence at CATS, that you had ample time to correct this problem.”

Limited options

The quandary at CATS emerges amid a brewing insurance crisis in Louisiana, where rates are often steeper than in other Southern states and the rest of the country

In an executive summary to the board, CATS risk management director Ravena

ers and an emphasis on locally made, environmentally friendly throws. Local singing legend Irma Thomas will be honored as guest grand marshal.

Check out the automated Trombone Shorty float. Starting at Jefferson and Magazine at about 5:30 p.m., the Spartan Society presents a 23-float parade that includes the women’s group, Mystical Order of the Phoenix. You’ll see flambeaux and a muledrawn king’s float in the parade, titled “Love Makes the World Go ‘Round.”

The Krewe of Pygmalion follows Sparta with its silver anniversary parade that features 823 co-ed riders. Check out the new float for the captain and try to catch the various pig-inspired items.

In Metairie, Jefferson Parish’s largest parade, the MadHatters, holds forth with 39 floats and 800 riders. Local musicians and media celebrities will be featured. Throws include MadHatter hats and lighted scepters.

In St. Tammany Parish, Covington’s only night parade, the Krewe of Olympia, rolls with 450 men on 27 floats and honors local military wounded warriors at the ball and as guests in the parade with its theme, “Northshore’s Best.”

At 11:30 Sunday morning the 1,400-member Femme Fatale’s 11th annual parade features 38 floats and a wide selection of logo throws, rolling Uptown in New Orleans

The Krewe of Carrollton, the weekend’s oldest parade, follows with 650 men aboard 24 floats. Krewe-emblemed throws include decorated shrimp boots. Many locals still refer to this parade day on the Carnival calendar as “Carrollton Sunday.”

Budwine wrote that because of “market challenges,” only three carriers responded to the company’s search for new policies.

The policies proposed Tuesday would be retroactive, backdated to the insurance lapse that began Feb. 1.

Budwine said the coverage includes general liability, police professional, directors and officers and crime.

Bus liability, health insurance and workers’ compensation were never a part of the lapse, Richards added, meaning employees are covered in those areas.

He said the board gave management approximately a week to shop around for new carriers, and commissioners will call a special session to make a final decision.

“I appreciate the feedback that we’ve received on the matter, and we’ll double back and be more prepared to answer some questions that you had during open session,” Richards said.

AWARD

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Rouge, Lafayette and New Orleans. They are also part of Superior’s Steakhouse and Superior Seafood & Oyster Bar Bob Kirchoff says he owes a lot of success to his wife and a bar in Monterrey, Mexico, where he learned how to make the margarita that Superior Grill serves in all of its locations today

“Much of my success goes to my wife, Cheryl. She allowed me to do all that work for all those years,” he said.

The Kirchoffs are grateful and humbled by the honor

The Epicurean Society will honor the Kirchoffs at 6 p.m. June 19 at the annual award presentation and five-

CABANA

Continued from page 1B

Both Dunn and his attorney, state Rep. Edmond Jordan, were absent from the March 2023 hearing where Higginbotham made his ruling. Days prior, the judge denied Jordan’s request for continuance citing his duties as a state legislator State law at the time allowed attorney-lawmakers to petition for postponements in cases they handled, if the proceedings interfered with their legislative duties.

The state Supreme Court struck down that law Oct. 24, 2024, determining it gave legislators too much latitude in setting judicial calendars and “usurped the

course dinner at L’Auberge Casino Event Center Each course is paired with specially selected fine wine.

The award recognizes a person or family from the Baton Rouge area who has dedicated their life and work to service, expanding the culinary landscape and philanthropy in the region and throughout Louisiana It is named in honor of its first recipient. Past honorees include Luci and Wayne Stabiler the Saurage family of Community Coffee, the Pizzolato family of Tony’s Seafood and more. Tickets for the award dinner are $200 a person, while tables of 10 are $2,000, available for purchase at www.bresbr.org/ events-calendar All proceeds fund local charities and programs focusing on

courts’ power.” The Legislature subsequently enacted a replacement measure that retooled the old statute and removed many of the unconstitutional elements.

The Michellises’ attorney, Charlotte McDaniel, sought to convince Higginbotham the Supreme Court decision, which came in a Caddo Parish case, should take precedence to the 1st Circuit’s reversal and ought to be applied to cases statewide. But Jordan countered that the judgment declaring the state law unconstitutional never said it should be applied retroactively Higginbotham said it remains “in limbo” how the lower courts should apply last year’s Supreme Court ruling in other legal battles, but he noted the Louisiana

Krewe of Artemis Friday, Feb 21 • 7 p.m.

childhood health, nutrition and education. In 2025, the Epicurean Society will also host: n Crawfête from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. March 23, at Perkins Rowe n Fête Rouge from 7 p.m to 10 p.m Aug. 22, at L’Auberge Casino. The Baton Rouge Epicurean Society‘s mission is to enrich the culinary culture for the capital-area community while raising funds for childhood nutrition and health initiatives, educational programs and scholarships. It is a 501(c)(3), and membership includes culinary professionals in the capital area including chefs, restaurateurs, caterers, food suppliers and wine and spirit purveyors.

Email Jan Risher at jan. risher@theadvocate.com.

Attorney General’s Office was not put on enough notice to defend such a constitutional challenge at Thursday’s hearing. The judge set the next court date for April 1. His ruling means the reversal order stands, which tossed out Higginbotham’s original order and sent the case back to the trial level. McDaniel said she can file an expedited writ with the Louisiana Supreme Court, asking justices to review Higginbotham’s Thursday decision. Or the plaintiffs can take the longer approach and file a motion at the trial court level that seeks to get last year’s Supreme Court decision applied retroactively to cases when it can be shown that legislative continuances were overused.

STAFF PHOTO By JAN RISHER

Gino Marino, far left, and yvette Bonanno, far right, of the Baton Rouge Epicurean Society, stand with Bob and Cheryl Kirchoff of Superior Grill. The Kirchoffs are the 2025 recipients of the Grace ‘Mama’ Marino Lifetime Achievement Award

Applications for jobless benefits tick up

Slightly more Americans applied for jobless benefits last week, but layoffs remained in the same recent healthy range. The number of Americans filing for jobless benefits rose by 5,000 to 219,000 for the week ending Saturday, the Labor Department said Thursday Analysts projected that 215,000 new applications would be filed

The four-week average fell by 1,000 to 215,250.

Some analysts say they expect layoffs ordered by the Department of Government Efficiency to show up in the report in the coming weeks

The total number of Americans receiving unemployment benefits for the week of Feb. 8 rose to 1.87 million, an increase of 24,000 from the previous week.

30-year mortgage rate slips to 8-week low

The average rate on a 30-year mortgage in the U.S. eased for the fifth week in a row to its lowest level since late December, a welcome boost for prospective homebuyers in what’s traditionally the busiest time of the year for home sales.

The average rate fell to 6.85% from 6.87% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday A year ago, it averaged 6.9%.

Borrowing costs on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, popular with homeowners seeking to refinance their home loan to a lower rate, also eased this week. The average rate fell to 6.04% from 6.09% last week

Rising home prices and elevated mortgage rates, which can add hundreds of dollars a month in costs for borrowers, have kept many prospective home shoppers on the sidelines, especially first-time buyers who don’t have equity from an existing home to put toward a new home purchase.

Stellantis pauses work on Jeep Compass

Stellantis NV said Thursday it has paused work at its Brampton Assembly Plant in Ontario as the automaker reevaluates plans for its next-generation electrified Jeep Compass SUV that was scheduled to start production there early next year

The carmaker said all work on the future compact crossover, which has included retooling and other preparations at Brampton, had halted immediately It was not immediately clear if any temporary layoffs were underway, and the company did not specify how long the work pause would last Stellantis is reassessing its strategies and product plans following the departure of CEO Carlos Tavares late last year, other leadership shakeups and uncertainty around President Donald Trump’s efforts to stop EV policy support and implement tariffs on goods coming from Canada and Mexico Ford has delayed the launch of next-generation gas and hybrid F-150 pickups, according to AutoForecast Solutions, which tracks vehicle production and launches It had the vehicle set to begin production in calendar year 2027 but has moved to 2028.

Wall Street pulls back from highs

Treasury yields edge lower

BY STAN CHOE Associated Press

NEW YORK — A sharp slide for

Walmart on Thursday helped pull

Wall Street off its record.

The S&P 500 slipped 0.4% for its first drop after setting all-time highs in each of the last two days

The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 450 points, or 1%, and the Nasdaq composite sank 0.5%.

Walmart drove the market lower after falling 6.5%, even though the retailer reported stronger profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected Palantir Technologies was an-

other weight on the market. It fell 5.2% to follow its 10.1% drop from the day before, after U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said he wants to cut $50 billion in spending next year The software company got 55% of its $2.9 billion in revenue last year from government customers.

They helped offset an 8.5% jump for Baxter International, which reported better profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected. It credited strength for its pharmaceuticals business, as well as for its medical products and therapies.

Burger chain Shake Shack rallied 11.1% after likewise reporting a stronger profit than expected

CEO Rob Lynch said sales trends remained solid during the quarter Chinese e-commerce giant Ali-

baba saw its stock that trades in the United States climb 8.1% after reporting stronger profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected. It also talked up its artificial-intelligence developments. In the bond market, Treasury yields edged lower after a report showed more U.S. workers applied for unemployment benefits last week than economists expected. It’s an indication the pace of layoffs could be worsening, but the number still remains relatively low compared with history

A separate report said manufacturing in the mid-Atlantic region is still growing, but not as strongly as economists expected.

Such numbers are likely to keep the Federal Reserve on hold when it comes to interest rates. Last month, the Fed refrained from cutting its main interest rate for the first time at a policy meeting since it began doing so in September While lower rates can boost the economy and prices for investments, they can also give inflation more fuel And Fed officials were discussing at their last meeting how Trump’s proposed tariffs and mass deportations of migrants, as well as strong consumer spending, could push inflation higher this year

The yield on the 10-year

Walmart had strong sales, profits

Company gives measured guidance for 2025

BY ANNE D’INNOCENZIO AP Retail Writer

NEW YORK Walmart delivered another year of strong sales and profits as its competitive prices became a strong magnet for inflation-weary shoppers. Yet uncertainty about the state of the American consumer and the potential impact of tariffs have seeped into expectations for 2025.

The financial outlook from nation’s largest retailer which has thrived amid stubborn inflation, delivered a jolt across the retail sector Walmart sees per share profit over the next year coming inasmuch as 27 cents below analyst projections. Its sales outlook was also mild, potentially a reflection of challenges ahead as consumers pull back on spending and President Donald Trump’s tariffs on China and other countries threaten the low-price model that is the core of Walmart’s success.

Walmart’s Chief Financial Officer John David Rainey said shoppers remain resilient while cautious, but there is no apparent change in behavior related to tariffs. There is more uncertainty about what lies ahead, and Rainey said Walmart’s measured guidance reflects that.

“We are one month into the year, and there’s a lot that we don’t know,” Rainey said, citing the new tariff increases.

Walmart did not incorporate tariffs into its financial outlook, but Rainey acknowledged that the company’s isn’t immune to their impact.

“We’re going to work really hard to keep prices low for our members and customers,” Rainey said. “We will do the things that we can.” That means being nimble with sourc-

for 2025.

ing. Walmart, for example, is exploring new sourcing for microwave ovens given increased tariffs on aluminum and steel. But Rainey said some goods may have price increases. Tariffs in the headlines have fueled concern and some more shopper retrenchment in Walmart’s Mexico business, Rainey said.

Walmart has built in hedges against some tariff threats. Two-thirds of Walmart’s merchandise is sourced in the U.S., with groceries driving much of that. Groceries account for roughly 60%, of Walmart’s U.S. business. Still, Walmart shares took a hit, and other

big retailers fell, too.

Walmart is among the first major U.S. retailers to report financial results, and the numbers can provide a hint as to the mood of the American shopper Over the past year Americans have focused increasingly on necessities rather than big TVs, furniture or appliances. They’ve become much more discerning because of higher costs for credit as well as for groceries.

Walmart has flourished in that environment. It’s gained market share, notably among households with incomes over $100,000. Walmart’s online offerings and paid membership, Walmart+, have also drawn wealthier customers.

BY JOSH BOAK Associated Press

WASHINGTON Hoping to head off a potential trade conflict, a top European Union official stressed the importance of active engagement and fairness in trade during a fourhour meeting with Trump administration officials.

“The top objective as it was presented to us yesterday by our American partners is reciprocity,” Maroš Šefcovic, the European commissioner for trade and economic security, told reporters at a Thursday briefing.

Šefcovic met on Wednesday with Commerce Secretary Howard

Lutnick, White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett and Jamieson Greer, President Donald Trump’s nominee to be the U.S. trade representative. Trump has thrown the decadeslong partnership between the U.S. and Europe into turmoil by pledging to charge higher taxes on imports from Europe that he says would match the tariffs faced by American products.

But Trump’s plan for fair tariffs would also include the value added tax — which is akin to a sales tax — charged in Europe that could drastically push up import taxes and potentially trigger a broader trade conflict if the EU imposed

retaliatory measures. A broader trade war risks both an economic slowdown and higher inflation that could create financial challenges for millions of families and potentially hurt political support for Trump, as voters in 2024’s election specifically wanted him to lower price pressures.

Trump has also proposed separate sectoral tariffs on autos, pharmaceutical drugs and computer chips, in addition to having already imposed 25% steel and aluminum tariffs with no avenues to provide exceptions or exemptions.

The U.S. president also has tariffs ready on Mexico and Canada over his claims that more should be done

on illegal immigration and drug smuggling, though he suspended those tariffs for 30 days for ongoing talks The import taxes that could potentially harm the U.S. auto sector and other industries could potentially begin in March.

At Thursday’s White House news briefing, Hassett said that a Mexican delegation had talks with Lutnick and him about resolving the issues. “We want trade to be fair,” Hassett said.

The EU official tried in his conversation with White House officials to equate the value added tax as similar to a sales tax as its paid by the final consumer, but he said that the issue had not been resolved

Humberto Alfonso Arriaga, Jr. was born March 14, 1961, and passed away in the early morning hours of February 13, 2025, surrounded by family. He is preceded in death by his parents Humberto "Bert" Arriaga, Sr. and Perla Arriaga, and grandson Derrick Dakota Dickinson.

Left to cherish his memory is his sister Lydia Arriaga, daughter Alexandria Perogordo and wife Jen Marsalis of Shreveport, LA, son Robert Arriaga and wife Sam of Ethel, LA, nephew Cory Gerber, grandsons Logan and Luke Dickinson, special extended familyRina and Rene Jule of Baton Rouge, LA, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Visitation will be at 9am March 24, 2025, at Our Lady of Mercy CatholicChurch located at 445 Marquette Ave, Baton Rouge, LA. Services will follow at 10am with aCelebration of Life and lunch afterwards.

Betty Harvey Bagent passed away on Monday, February 17, 2025. She was born in St. Francisville, LA, on July 6, 1941, and wasa resident of Baton Rouge, LA. Betty is survived by her beloved husband of 62 years, Jack Louis Bagent, two daughters,Sherri Bagent Casey (Richard) and Michelle Bagent Coleman (Hugh), and one son, Michael Brian Bagent (Shannon). She is also survived by nine grandchildren: RachelEastman (Luccas), Austin Casey, Eleanor Casey, Jennifer Casey, Sean Bagent (Kalie), Ian Bagent (Sarah), Erin Bagent, TaylorColeman and Hope Coleman; four great-grandchildren: Declan Bagent, Chester Bagent, Jack Eastman, and Ava Bagent; and one sister, Virginia Pearl Harvey Gross. Betty was agraduate of LSU with adegree in education, and she taught at Redemptorist High School. She was preceded in death by her parents, Fletcher Ford Harvey and Lillian Leota Richardson Harvey; asister, Mary Lillian Harvey Gross; and her grandson, Andrew Bagent. Visitation will be on Friday, February 21, 2025, from 911 am with religious service to follow at 11 am at Rabenhorst Funeral Home

lian Harvey Gross; and her grandson, AndrewBagent Visitation will be on Friday, February21, 2025, from 911 am with religious service to follow at 11 amat RabenhorstFuneralHome, 825 Government St, Baton Rouge. Serviceswill be conductedbyJeff Dayand Betsy Irvine. Burial willimmediately follow atStar Hill Cemetery in St. Francisville.Pallbearerswill be Brian Bagent, Rick Casey, Hugh Coleman, Sean Bagent, Ian Bagent and Austin Casey.

Beattie, Eleanor Cecelia DeLaughter Eleanor Cecelia DeLaughter Beattie, died Monday, February 17, 2025. Daughter of Rev. James H. DeLaughter and Bertha L Bunch DeLaughter(both deceased). Eleanor was born in New Orleans, LA September 29, 1946, then was reared in Denham Springs. She wasthe wife of Richard J. "Dickie" Beattie from 1962 until April26, 2010 when Dickie passed The childrenoftheirunion are Linda Kaye Beattie May, Dicksie Dianne Beattie Ramey, Richard JBeattie Jr (deceased), and Joanna Eleanor Beattie. Eleanor was MeMe to Rana Dianne H. Beaverly, Amanda Marie H. Sattler, Ashton Elizabeth M. Abbott, RachelMachellBeattie, Richard J. Beattie III (deceased), Dicksie Eleanor B. Guillory, Jacob Douglas Beattie, Beau Braud, and Adalyn, Harper, and Saidie Kate Miller. She wasGreat MeMe to JordanWeston Coleman, Alana Noelle Smith, Dameon Toye Smith, Jada Afaya Benjamin (deceased), Beau Braud, Adalyn, Harper, and Saidie Kate Miller, Carter Wes Glibmeyer, and Jewell Marie Guillory; and Great Great MeMe to Jeshiah and Jayce Coleman. Cousin Kaye Bankston Jackson has always been an integral partofEleanor's life as have Kaye's husband, JamesE."Jack"Jackson (deceased) and theirson JamesE."Peck" Jackson and David W. Jackson and their families. Please,instead of flowers, give agift to the Salvation Army.

Biletnikoff, Robert Frances 'Bob'

Robert Bob" Frances Biletnikoff, bornonOctober 30, 1939, in Erie,Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully while surrounded by his loving family, on February14, 2025. Bob was aproud UnitedStates Air Force veteran who waspatriotic to his core and lovedserving hiscountry. While stationed in Japan andthe U.S., he made lifelong friends that he remainedincontact with throughout his lifetime. His family was truly hisgreatest treasure and pride and joy. He cherishedevery moment spent with them. Barbara, his wife of 60 years, was the love of his life and center of hisworld. Bob, affectionatelyknown as "the Bobster"bymany who knew him, had the incredible knack of making every person feelspecial. He and Barbara's house was always agathering place for family and friends; all were welcomed and felt at home. His adult children and their friends have always cherished their parents'"opendoor policy," and theirfriends still walk through the door and visit frequently. "Bobster" captivated everyone in the room with hisability for storytelling about his lifetime adventureswhile leaving us all smiling. Bob had adeep appreciation for history and wasknown for his love of classic movies. Music brought him great joy, and he loved to sing along to any song he knew, especially by NeilDiamond. He was knownfor his creative spiritand artistic talents, expressed through various art forms, including acomic strip called"Skool Daze" that he co-created with hisAir Force buddy, Dave Wargo. He was an avidsports lover; LSU and the New Orleans Saints will be missing one of their biggest fans/ "coaches."Many precious timeswere spent watching sports and cooking with family and friends on any givenweekend over the course of hislife.Bob was alifelong parishioner of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church and proudly served as the Home and School Association's president duringhis children'searly education years there.Over many

of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church and proudly served as the Home and SchoolAssociation's president during his children's early education years there. Over many years, he was significantly involved in his children's interests, including coaching football, baseball, and basketball teams. He instilled enduring Christian values and prided himself in teaching love of the game and competitiveness in the young peoplehe mentored. Many still refer to him as "Coach Bob," even 50 years later. Other treasured memories with his sons also included leadership in "Y"-Indian Guides, Cub Scouts, and Webelos organizations. Bob impacted notonly his own children but countless others throughout his life. He will be remembered by all those who knew and loved him by his jovial, infectious laugh and as someone that always brought asmile to your face. He is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara Humble Biletnikoff, and his children Patrick and wife Therese, Mark, Brian and wife Pamela, Elisabeth Biletnikoff-Lowe and husband Matthew Lowe, Matthew and fiancé Kristy Dibble. His grandchildren, Carson DiBenedetto, Bradley, Alek and Forrest Biletnikoff. His brother, Mark Biletnikoff, of Erie, Pennsylvania and numerous nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly. Bob was preceded in deathby his parents, Mark and Mildred Biletnikoff, and sisterin-law Carol Biletnikoff all of Erie, Pennsylvania.Mike Humble, Cliff Humble, Tommy Nolan, Matthew Lowe, Mac Duncan, and Carson DiBenedetto will serve as pallbearers. The family would like to extend their deepest gratitudefor the compassionate and dignified care that the entire ICU team at The Baton Rouge General-Bluebonnet provided over thelast several weeks of his life. Similarly, we would like to thank Bob's VA aides, specifically Kim Robinson, Samantha Miranda, and Caprice Bivens fortheir conscientious care, loving attitude, and listening ears while caring for Bob. Visitation will be held at Greenoaks Funeral Home at 9595 FloridaBlvd Baton Rouge, LA on Sunday, February 23rd from 4:00pm -6:00pm; Holy Rosary will be recited at 5:45pm. A memorial Mass will be held at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Baton Rouge, LA on Monday, February 24, 2025, at 10:30am withvisitationat the church prior to Mass from 9:30am-10:30am. Fr. Miles Walsh will celebrate the Mass. Inurnment with close family and friends will take place at alater date. To view and signthe online guestbook, please visit www.greenoaksfuner als.com

Eackles, Herbert Services for Herbert Eackles will be held Satur‐day February 22, 2025 at Morning Star Full Gospel Baptist Church 2267 Balis Dr. A public visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m until 2:00 p.m. with religious ser‐vices beginning at 2:00 p.m Interment: Private Professional services en‐trusted to Charles Mackey Funeral Home

Come to Me all you who are weary and heavybur-

dened and Iwill give you rest... Matthew II Charles Jules "Bubbie" Gills, Jr. was the eldest son of Mattie Sue Meyer and Charles Jules Gills, Sr. He was born on April 1, 1947, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he lived until his passing on February 11, 2025, at the age of 77. Bubbie was amultifaceted individual, accomplished in various fields, including horsemanship, leather craftsmanship,big rig driving, and master mechanics (gas and diesel). He was also askilled carpenter. Well-versed in history, he read the entire world encyclopedia at an early age and could engage in meaningful conversations on a wide range of topics. Bubbie was truly awealthof knowledge and traveled extensively around the world.Ananimal lover and atrue outdoorsman, Bubbie enjoyed riding his motorcycle and fishing. AFuneral Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, located at 1143 S. 11th Street,onSaturday, February 22, 2025, at 8:00 AM, celebrated by Father Henry Ihuoma. He is survived by his stepdaughter, Ashley Crosby; his grandchildren, Liam, Katie and Lucy Tarver; four sisters: Peggy (Robert) Porche of Stockton, NJ;Linda Gills Beshears; Debra (Curtis) Johnson of Austin, TX; and Mona (Damian) Collins of Erwinville, LA. He is also survived by his brother, Terry (Marie) Gills, Sr., as well as ahost of nieces, nephews, and greats. Bubbiewas predeceased by his loving parents, asister, Beverly Gills Rice, and a brother-in-law, Eric Paul Beshears. Throughout his lifetime, Bubbie meant different things to different people, and we were all blessed to haveexperienced apiece of him. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to his neighbor Ruby and Bubbie's angel without wings, Louis "Pie" Dilworth, for their unwavering friendship. In lieuof flowers, please consider donating in Bubbie's name to St.Francis Xavier Catholic Church.

Jamerica Neecie Givens passed away peacefully at her residence in Grosse Tete, LA at theage of 54. Visitation on Saturday, February 22, 2025, 9:00 AM until Religious Service at 11:00 AM, Rosehill Baptist Church, 14470 LA-77, Rosedale, LA,70772, Rev. Adrian Pryer, Pastor. Interment at Hartzell United Methodist Church cemetery. Survived by: maternal grandmother; Mildred Butler Harris, sister; Freda Pryer, twobrothers; Jeffery Givens, and Charlie Jack, other relatives and friends. Preceded in deathby: parents; Pearl Faye Harris Beckwood and James Bernard Blanchard,paternal grandparents; Everleana and Samuel Blanchard,and asister; Sheryl Brown.

Carla Coleman Gray August 18, 1981 -February 8, 2025

Carla aloving wife, mother, daughter, and sister entered into eternal rest on Saturday, February 8, 2025 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana at the age 43. Viewing &visitation will be Saturday, February 22, 2025 9:00am to 11:00am at Hall Davis &Sons 9348 Scenic Hwy. Baton Rouge, LA 70807. Religiousservice will be for close family and friends. Funeral services Entrusted to Hall Davis & Sons Funeral Services. http://www.halldavisan dson.com/

Entered into eternal rest on February 3, 2025 at the age of 78. Survived by his wife, Benita Gray; son, Corey; daughters, Courtney, Carmen(deceased), Christian, Toi; sister, Brenda Gray; brother, Maxie Gray; 7grandchildren.Preceded in death by his parents, Wilbert and Elva Gray. Visitation Thursday, February 20, 2025, Hall's Celebration Center, 9348 Scenic Highway, Baton Rouge, LA., 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Visitation continues, Friday, February 21, 2025, Living Faith Christian Center, 6375 Winbourne Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA., 9:00 am until religious service at 11:00 am. Bishop RaymondJohnson.Interment Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church Cemetery, Maringouin, LA. Funeral Service Entrusted to Hall Davis and Son. www.halldavisandson.com

Gary Joseph Guidry, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother, passed away on February 11, 2025, at the age of 74 at his home in Denham Springs, Louisiana, surrounded by his family. Born in Raceland, Louisianain1951, Gary's life was an inspiring story of devotion and love. He leaves behind alegacy of cherished memories and enduring love. Gary was immensely proud of his 50year career as aMaster Captain andPilot on towboats navigating the Mighty Mississippi River and inlandwaterways. He retired from Golding Barge Lines in 2017 but continued 'tripping' for several years because the river was in his blood, and it frequently called him back. He was equally proud of his family and loved spendingtime with them. Many evenings, you couldhear laughter and stories emanating from the Guidry household over games of Bourré or poker. An avid LSU fan, he loved hosting game days and was renowned for hisbeloved Paw-Paw's gumbo. His Cajun stories and adventures from his early childhood and life growing up on Bayou LafourcheinLockport, Louisiana never got old. Gary is survived by his devoted wife of 36 years, Jean Kennison Guidry. His memory will forever be cherished by his two daughters, Dana Schiele (and husband Max), Lana LeBlanc (and husband Ron); and son, Neil Hoover (and wife Paula). Gary was aproudgrandfather to seven grandchildren,Alan Schiele (and wife Delcie), Brennan LeBlanc (and wife Kristine), Blake LeBlanc (and wife Chloe),

LeBlanc (engaged to Jordan), Sadie Hoover, Lacie Hoover, and Mollie Hoover. He was also adored by his two great-grandchildren Jude and Nash Schiele. The family is looking forward to celebrating Brennan and Kristine's new addition in May andthe upcoming wedding of Bryceand Jordan in October 2025. Gary is also survived by his loving siblings, who played a significant role in his life, two brothers, Ed Guidry (and partner Gail), and Tommy Guidry (and wife Mel); and his sister Donna St. Pierre. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Doris Guidry; and brother, Alan Guidry. Gary's legacy of love, laughter, and dedication to both hisfamily and his career will be fondly remembered by all who knew him. Visitation will be held at Resthaven Funeral Home (11817 Jefferson Hwy, Baton Rouge, LA 70816) on Saturday, February 22nd, at 9:30

Gray, Carla Coleman

Guidry, Gary Joseph

Gray, Clarence 'Nacky Billy'

Givens, Jamerica 'Neecie'

Bagent, Betty Harvey

Gills Jr., Charles Jules 'Bubbie'

Resthaven Funeral Home (11817Jefferson Hwy, Baton Rouge, LA 70816) on Saturday,February 22nd, at 9:30 AM, followed by a Celebration of Life at 10:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Heart of Hospice (10528 Kentshire Ct., Baton Rouge, LA 70810) or to acharitable organization of your choice.

Howard, Cheryl Gay

Cheryl Gay Henry Howard passed away on Monday, February 10, 2025. She is survived by her husband, Keith Howard; mother, Barbara Henry; and sisters, Sharon Henry Kemp, Charmaine Henry Carrell, Terry Henry Young, and Dawn C. Henry. Funeral services willbe held on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Charity Christian Center Church, 871 O'Neal Lane, Baton Rouge LA 70816. Viewing from 10:00 to 11:00am, with the funeral service followingat 11:00am.

Anative of Lottie &resident of Port Allen, La. passed awayThursday, February 13, 2025 at the age of 69. Visitation services Friday, February 21, 2025 at A. Wesley's Funeral Home in Maringouin, La 10810 Ventress Dr , Maringouin, La., from 2pm to 7pm. Religious services Saturday,February 22, 2025 at Sweet Home Baptist Church, 10300 Church St., Maringouin, La. at 10 am. Conducted by Pastor Rod Scott. Jennice cherish her memories to her three loving children, Michael D. Anderson, Kimberly R. Rousseau and Reginald P. Rousseau. We invite staff of Ollie StelleBurden Manor and Our Lady of the Lake Hospital to attend or visit. Professionalservices entrusted to A. Wesley's Funeral Home Maringouin, La.

Richard Jean

Richard Jean LeBlanc passed awayonMonday, February 17, 2025, after a long illness. He was born October 11, 1943 in Donaldsonville, Louisiana and got the nickname "Johnnie" from his older sister, who always wanted alittle brother named Johnnie. He was also given the name "Rumble" by close friends in high school and college. He attended the University of Southwestern Louisiana, was afounding member of the university's Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity chapter, and earned a degree in Architecture. After college, he married Marie Suzanne Rials and moved to Jonesboro, Arkansas. The family moved to Shreveport, Louisiana shortly after,

Richard Jean LeBlanc passed away on Monday, February 17, 2025, after a long illness. He was born October 11, 1943 in Donaldsonville, Louisiana andgot the nickname "Johnnie" from his oldersister, who always wanted alittle brother namedJohnnie.He was also given the name "Rumble" by close friends in high school and college. He attended the University of Southwestern Louisiana, was afounding memberofthe university's Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity chapter, and earneda degree in Architecture.After college, he married Marie Suzanne Rialsand movedtoJonesboro, Arkansas. The family movedtoShreveport Louisiana shortly after, where he lived the remainder of his life. He was an award-winning and respected architect, leaving alasting impact on Shreveport including the historic renovation of the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, the Feist-WeillerCancer Center, the Shreveport Festival Plaza, Christ the King Catholic Church, andhis family's iconic home. He servedonthe school board for St. John Berchmans, held various leadership rolesinthe Shreveport chapterofthe American Institute of Architects (AIA), including president, and servedonthe Louisiana State Board of Architectural Examiners, eventually becoming its president. He also contributedtothe National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) and served on the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum Board.

He was precededin death by his parents, Jean Baptiste LeBlanc and Gladys Berniard LeBlanc and oldersister, Mary-Elizabeth LeBlanc Hebert. He is survived by his wife, Suzanne Rials LeBlanc; son, Richard Jean LeBlanc, Jr.and spouse, KarenSiberLeBlanc; son, Scott Michael LeBlanc and spouse,JenniferMcIntyre LeBlanc; and daughter, Yvette LeBlanc Lucas and spouse,Ray Frank Lucas, III. Richardwas blessed with five granddaughters: Allison Kay LeBlanc, Mia Catherine Lucas, Katherine Elizabeth LeBlanc, Meghan Carroll Lucas, and Natalie Marie LeBlanc who (along with the entire family of nieces and nephews and a close circle of friends) lovingly called him "Big Daddy." Richard enjoyed coaching his son'syouth football teams, playing golf, duck hunting and offshore fishing. He was mischievous, funny, and kind-hearted, with apassion forlife, good food, and drink. Visitation and Rosary will be held at Osborn Funeral Home, 3631 Southern Ave., Shreveport, Louisiana on Sunday, February 23, 2025, from 3:00 until 5:00 pm. Afuneral mass will be held at the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, 947 Jordan St., Shreveport, Louisiana at 10:00 a m., Monday, February 24, 2025, officiatedbyRev. Duane C. Trombetta. Aprivate familyburial will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Willis Knighton CancerCenter in Shreveport, Louisiana

Anative of Morganza & resident of Ventress, La. passed away peacefully on February 14,2025 at the age of 81. Amemorial mass will be held February 22, 2025 at St. Mary Catholic Church at 10am. Interment of cremains will follow at St. Ann Catholic Church in aPrivate service. Professional services Entrusted to A. Wesley's Funeral Home in Maringouin, La.

Bonnie Stokeld Marshall born in Glenmora, LA on February 28, 1936, passed away February 17, 2025. She is amember of Zoar Baptist Church in Baton Rouge. She is survived by her children, Mitchell Marshall (Paige) and Stephanie Mayberry (CW). Grandchildren Jeffery Brice, Micah Brice, Ben Brice, Patricia Cotton (Justin), John Marshall Jr., Francesca Marshall and Mason Marshall and great grandsons Silas and Hudson. Also survived by siblings Jack Stokeld,Jerry Stokeld,three nieces, three great nieces, and two great great nieces and a great great nephew. Preceded in death by, husband John J. Marshall, sister Jeannine Smith, in-laws Odell Smith, Betty Stokeld, and June Stokeld, niece Dianne Davis, nephew Marc Stokeld and parentsThelma and C.R. (Jack) Stokeld. Pallbearers are Owen Crowder, Jeffery Brice, Travis Berryman, Justin Cotton, John Marshall Jr. and Jeff Smith. Honorary pallbearer JB Crowder. A graveside service will be held on Friday, February 21, 2025 at 12:00PM at Roselawn Cemetery in Glenmora, LA.

Mary P "Dear" Mattire

Baptist Church on Satur‐day, February 22, 2025, at 8:00 am until Celebration of Life Service at 9:30 am con‐

ducted by Rev. Floyd Matthews, interment at Southern Memorial Gar‐dens. Survivors include her children, Vallery Mattire, Dunwoody, Georgia, Gilbert F Mattire (Gail), Baton Rouge and Rev Phyllis Mattire Perry, Atlanta, Georgia; grandchildren Christopher "Chris" Mat‐tire, Houston, Texas; Dr Demesha Perry, Atlanta, Georgia; Ashley Mattire Jefferson (Joshua), Arling‐ton, Virginia; and Johnathan Mattire, Baton Rouge; daughter-in-law, Drehr Mattire, Houston; sister, Charity Steptoe, Springfield, Maryland; pre‐ceded in death by her hus‐band, John Mattire Sr ; son, John Mattire, Jr.; par‐ents. and six siblings Arrangements entrusted to Miller & Daughter Mortu‐ary

Aldrich C.

Aldrich C. "Tigre" Mc‐Castle entered into eternal rest at his residence in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 He was a 57-year old native of Baton Rouge and a Baker High School gradu‐ate Visitation at Mount Bethel Baptist Church on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at 8:00 am until Celebration of Life Service at 10:00 am conducted by Pastor Timo‐thy Smith; interment at Southern Memoral Gar‐dens. Survivors include his mother, Nettie T McCastle Baton Rouge; brothers, Warren McCastle, Baton Rouge and Thaddeus Mc‐Castle(Rev Belinda), Fayet‐teville, Georgia; other rela‐tives and friends Arrange‐ments entrusted to Miller & Daughter Mortuary.

Joan Stewart

companion Molly, cocker spaniel. Mom attended the University of South Carolina. Family was themost importantthingtoher; she loved to entertain and make people feel welcomed into her home. Mom/Mimi will be missed by all her loved ones who are left behind. Mom, we will see you again alongside ourLord andsavior Jesus Christ, yourloving family! In lieu of flowers, please donate in Mom's name: Joan S. McQuiddy, to St. Jude's Children's Research, PO Box 1000 Dept. 142 Memphis, TN 38148. Visitation will be held at St. John's at 15208 Hwy 73, Prairieville, LA, on Saturday, March1,2025, from 9:30 a.m. until aMemorial Mass beginning 11:00 a.m.

ceased) (Faye Raye). He will be missed by all who knew him but mostly by his lovingwife, children and grandchildren:Elizabeth Chapman Cook, William Clayton Joseph Cook, Jessica MayMunson, Jackson Richard Munson, and Mitchel JohnMunson. When the golden gates of heaven open St. Peter will surely say to Rick, "Welcome home, my good and faithful servant." AMass of Christian burial will be held at St. Joseph Cathedral, Baton Rouge, Louisiana on Friday February 21. Visitation at the Cathedral from 1:001:30pm, eulogy at 1:30 and Mass of Christian burial at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, adonation may be made to the Sacred Heart in Walls, Mississippi, Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research,orHospice of Baton Rouge.

9am to 11am

conducted by Rev. Donald Patterson.Paulette "Paula" Pasos was born on December 28, 1960 to her parents Dorothy and Clifton Collor. Paulette leaves her memories to the love of her life herhusband Liberato Pasos, herthree children Kanhawaini, Slattrict, andJoshua. Shewas preceded in death by her parents Dorothy and Clifton Collor, two siblings: Ivory andBetty Collor, 2 grandsons: Jaden Chisolm and Joshua Collor, and a nephew Andre Brown Jr.

James Edward

Joan Stewart McQuiddy PRAIRIEVILLE, La. -A wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend to many lost her battle to Parkinson's at the age of 76. Mom was a home maker and loved by friends and family who passed away comfortably on February 11, 2025. She is survived by her two sons Craig Robertson McQuiddy, Jr. and Collin Stewart McQuiddy. Mimi is also survived by her two grandchildren Hannah Grace McQuiddy and Parker Austin McQuiddy. Mrs. McQuiddy also has one surviving brother, William RStewart, and finally her beloved companion Molly, cocker spaniel. Mom attended the University of SouthCarolina. Family was the most important thing to her; she

Richard Edward Munson, Rick, born August 1, 1941, in Houma, Louisiana went to his heavenly reward on February 19, 2025. Rick passed away peacefully at his home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Abrilliant, loving man, with a great sense of humor, and simple wants, the only prideful part of him was being thefather of Allison Munson Cook (Dr. Clay Cook) and John Richard Munson (Michele May). He loved Allison and John truly without measure and they werehis pride and joy. Rick lived hislife modeling thewords of theOur Father first instilled in him by the Sisters at HolySavior in Lockport, Louisiana. To hear Rick say the Our Father wasa thingofbeauty. Rick grew up in Matthews, Louisianaon the South Coast Plantation where his father worked as asugar chemist. Rickmarried his highschool sweetheart, Geri Claudet (Geraldine Rita) on August 22, 1963. Thetwo started their married life by being sent to Germany, Rick as asecond lieutenant in the Chemical Corp of the Army. While there he was sent to Oberammergau,to attend anuclear weapons school with members from other nations. Rickplaced first in theclass and was invited to teach the class of arriving cadets the following session. Rickmade his mark in the world after attending LSU andearning adegree in Chemistry and an MBA. When he was thirty-nine years old, he sat up in bed in themiddle of the night sayingheknew the answer. The answer was a new process to filter completion fluid on offshore oil rigs. The process was patented and is used all over the world today. Rick felt accomplished but never prideful over his invention. He simply felt he used the talent and intellect God blessed him with. Rick was also an accomplished athlete, having been quarterback of his Holy Savior high school football team, atennis player, and avid golfer. His loyal golf buddies were Jim Crane, Dr. Loren Scott, Bill Hyde, Curtis Baham, and Dr. Henry Manning. Rick's parents were Clyde Francis Munson andAnnabel Cocke Munson (both deceased). Rick's siblings are Katharine Munson Smith (Byron, deceased) and Clyde Francis Munson (deceased) (Faye Raye). He will be missed by all who knew him but mostly by his lovingwife, children and grandchildren:Eliza-

James Edward Robinson was born on October1, 1962, in Plaquemine, La, to the union of the late James Robinson,Sr., and Edith Mae Jackson Robinson. He was granted his angel's wings when God descended from the Heavens at approximately 11:30 AM on Monday February 10, 2025 from hisearthly labor into eternal rest. He

daughter Jamie Lynn Williams Baton Rouge, LA. Three grandchildren Jaiden and Jorden Williams and Javon Pierson. Ahost of uncles, aunts, supportive nieces, nephews, cousinsand special friends.

will see you again alongside our Lord and savior Jesus Christ,your loving family! In lieuofflowers, please donate in Mom's name: Joan S. McQuiddy, to St.Jude's Children's Research, PO Box 1000 Dept. 142 Memphis, TN 38148. Visitation will be held at St. John's at 15208 Hwy 73, Prairieville, LA,onSaturday, March 1, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. until aMemorial Mass beginning 11:00 a.m.

entered eternal rest at The Crossing at Clarity Hospice on Friday, February 7, 2025 She was a 94-year-old na‐tive of Woodville, Missis‐sippi and a resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana Visitation at Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church on Satur‐day, February 22, 2025, at 8:00 am until Celebration of Life Service at 9:30 am con‐ducted by Rev. Floyd Matthews, interment at Souther dens Su children, Dunwood F. Mat Rouge and Rev. Phyllis Mattire Perry, Atlanta, Ge ren, Ch Mat‐ti Dr. De anta, Georgia; Ashley Mattire Jefferson (Joshua), Arling‐ton, Virginia; and Johnathan Mattire, Baton Rouge; d ghter-in-law, Drehr Houston; sister, Steptoe, Springfield, Maryland; pre‐ceded in death by her hus‐band John Mattire Sr.; son, John Mattire, Jr.; par‐ents and six siblings. Arrangements entrusted to Miller & Daughter Mortu‐ary.

heaven open St. Peter will surely say to Rick, "Welcome home, my good and faithful servant." AMass of Christian burial will be held at St. Joseph Cathedral, Baton Rouge, Louisiana on Friday February 21. Visitation at the Cathedral from 1:001:30pm, eulogy at 1:30 and Mass of Christian burial at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, adonation may be made to the Sacred Heart in Walls, Mississippi, Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research,orHospice of Baton Rouge.

Tina Robinson,maternal and paternal grandparents.

Lecoq, Delores 'Dee'

Munson, Richard Edward

Pasos, Paulette

McCastle,

'Tigre

Marshall, Bonnie Stokeld

Jones, Jennice Marie 'Janet Jennifer'

Robinson,

McQuiddy,

Mattire, Mary P. 'Dear'

LeBlanc,

OPINION

It’s time to rethink how we talk about vaccines

The public health community did a remarkable job during the worst days of the COVID-19 pandemic, but there are aspects of our response that could’ve been better, starting first and foremost with public health communication.

Public health officials responded to the pandemic at the population level but overlooked that individuals make up the population.

We made declarations from a distance and assumed everyone would fall in line When we realized fear and history and, yes, even politics, were at play leading to vaccine hesitancy we only doubled down on our messaging.

It’s time for a reset.

Vaccines are typically discussed in absolute yes or no terms But very little in public health is ever absolute. We in the public health community need to provide up-to-date scientific research and the best available information along with a clear risk analysis.

In the early 20th century, a polio diagnosis was a devastating blow to children and their families, often leading to a lifetime of pain, paralysis and breathing difficulties — even death. There is no cure for polio

and it’s highly contagious. According to physician and virologist Dr Paul Offit, Americans’ fear of this disease was second only to the atomic bomb.

We no longer fear polio. The vaccine for poliomyelitis has made this debilitating disease almost entirely a thing of the past, so much so that hardly anyone alive remembers the dread that polio provoked. And we keep that risk low only due to continued widespread vaccination.

There were issues with the initial polio vaccine. Vaccines manufactured by one individual laboratory were not safe, which directly led to many of the regulatory processes that now ensure vaccines are both safe and effective.

We hope we don’t have to relearn the lessons we learned decades ago. Polio cases peaked at nearly 58,000 cases in the United States in 1955, the year the polio vaccine was discovered. Polio vaccination mandates for school children were implemented in the ensuing years. The vaccine regime has been so successful that in 2024 there were only 672 polio cases reported across 39 countries.

Even with strict safety regulations (which were followed for COVID-19 vac-

Proper dental health is a key foundation to children’s health

Nothing captures innocent joy like a child’s smile. As a dentist and a new dad, this is especially true for me.

Yet far too many young smiles are put at risk every day because the importance of oral health to overall health remains overlooked within our health system and the barriers to care faced by our underserved communities remain overwhelming for so many February marks National Children’s Dental Health Month, but the conversation shouldn’t be tied to a holiday We must examine why such a critical aspect of a child’s healthy future is so often overlooked and how we can make sure all Louisiana children get the dental care they need to thrive.

First, let’s acknowledge that simply having insurance coverage does not ensure access. I see the systemic barriers to access firsthand in my work as the dental director for DentaQuest, one of the organizations managing the state’s Medicaid dental program

Many different things contribute to difficulty accessing oral health care, but all demonstrate how social determinants of health drive oral health disparities. From living in a dental desert — nearly every parish is designated as a federal dental health professional shortage area — to difficulty finding culturally competent care or transportation challenges, food insecurity and poor nutrition, lowerincome families and communities of color face significant barriers to oral health care

But we can address the gap between having benefits and using benefits by focusing on two key areas: education and access.

Many parents assume that because baby teeth are temporary, they don’t need to worry about the dentist yet, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. While we may lose our baby teeth, we do not lose the elements that make our mouths ripe for cavities: bacteria, dietary habits, hygiene habits, and even underlying medical conditions.

Experts agree children should see a dentist as soon as their first tooth comes in. This is so families can establish relationships with their primary dentist, dental professionals can ensure a child’s mouth is structurally healthy,

and children can make positive associations with the dental office. It is also a chance for families to learn healthy hygiene and nutrition practices, hopefully reducing the need for restorative dental services in the near future. Cavities are one of the most common chronic diseases among children in the United States. Data from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that by age 9, half of American children have had a cavity in at least one of their teeth. The CDC also highlights that 34 million school hours are lost due to emergency dental care needs, which can be far less risky with regular dental care. Poor oral health, including cavities and gum disease, impacts nutrition, school attendance, selfesteem, and many other aspects of a person’s well-being.

The good news is, there are things we can do in Louisiana to improve access for those who need it most. For one, we can meet people where they are. This means taking advantage of existing innovations such as teledentistry and mobile dentistry, methods that have proved extremely popular and successful in overcoming barriers to oral care. EXCELth community health center in New Orleans, for example, is rebuilding its mobile dental unit to bring oral health care to more people in Orleans and surrounding parishes.

Other programs go beyond traditional care. DentaQuest’s case management program, for example, works with Medicaid-enrolled families and individuals to help them find a dental home (a dental version of a primary care provider) and connects them with additional resources to overcome other access barriers. That may include identifying transportation options or helping the family find a provider who can competently care for a child with disabilities. There’s no question that social determinants of health, including oral health, can change the trajectory of a child’s life. So, as we look to build a healthy future for all Louisianans, we must ensure that oral health is not left behind

Damien Cuffie is the Louisiana dental director for DentaQuest

cines), a wide variety of factors can make a specific vaccine a risk factor for a particular individual. The factors vary from vaccine to vaccine but could include a weakened immune system or a history of allergy to some vaccine components.

The critical issue is risk and weighing your risk of contracting a disease against the potential risks of a vaccine.

In the vast majority of cases, the risk of disease and the consequences resulting from disease — far outweighs any potential danger from a vaccine. But we need to listen to and address concerns rather than dismissing them.

Another way we have fallen short in communicating about vaccines is by neglecting to correct the belief that a vaccine prevents disease entirely Vaccines imitate disease and trigger antibodies to fend off disease.

Having antibodies of a virus gives the body a valuable tool to fight disease-causing microbes. In the best case, you will not get sick at all. But if you do, the vaccine will keep you from getting as sick as you ordinarily would have and will help you to recover faster

Finally we need to do a better job of explaining what herd immunity is — and what it’s not.

Herd immunity means that a large enough percentage of a given population

has adequate immunity to a disease to protect those who don’t have immunity

The percentage of the population needed to achieve herd immunity varies depending on the infectiousness of a disease. For instance, 95% of the population needs to be immune to measles to protect the other 5%. For polio, an 80% immunity protects the other 20%.

Achieving herd immunity against a disease like COVID-19 or influenza is very difficult with vaccines and nearly impossible without vaccines because both of these viruses change or mutate frequently That’s why there’s an annual flu vaccine and why the COVID-19 vaccine has been updated multiple times to address currently circulating strains. A well-vaccinated community protects everyone, including those who can’t get vaccinated. We need to actively listen and respond to those who are hesitant, and provide clear, easy-to-understand information that will allow them to make informed decisions.

Thomas A. LaVeist is the dean and Weatherhead Presidential Chair and Pierre Buekens is the former dean and W.H. Watkins Professor at the Tulane University Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine.

New Orleans’ love for people, life should fuel its care for all

There is no city that celebrates life like New Orleans does.

A lot of people only think of “Girls Gone Wild” or Bourbon Street when they think of New Orleans. Others recall images of Mardi Gras parades This year they’ll think of the Super Bowl.

But what makes the city truly great — and unique — is its unflagging love for the people who live and visit there. When I first moved to New Orleans while playing for the Saints, people from the neighborhood dropped homemade food off on our porch for weeks. They embraced us as family We quickly learned an old saying that in our experience holds true:“You can leave New Orleans, but New Orleans never leaves you.”

We met a couple at church who happened to have the same baby stroller we did, and we’re still good friends to this day When I flew back from an away game, the fans greeted the team at the airport even when we landed in the rain at two o’clock in the morning, whether we had won or lost.

There aren’t many gated communities in New Orleans, either Everybody lives next to everybody else, for better and for worse. This cuts across political divides, social divides and economic disparities. In a visual emblematic of a culture with such vivid contrasts, I once even saw a pregnancy center that shared a parking lot with a Planned Parenthood; a striking picture of life and death.

This sense of life and warmth comes despite obvious, deeply entrenched social and political problems: New Orleans struggles with crime. It also struggles with poverty Marriage rates are slowing, and many families are broken.

A history of discriminatory policies and practices looms ominously in the shadows of the welcoming smiles, unparalleled cuisine and jubilant celebrations.

While it’s situated in a state with some of the strongest pro-life laws in the nation, it’s also a city where mothers face frighteningly high levels of maternal mortality and low levels of economic opportunity

They need more of New Orleans’ characteristic warmth and willingness to help. Frankly,

New Orleans needs help providing it to them. That support must come through policy — but it must also come from us, our families, our churches. In New Orleans, we see profound resilience. You look around the street in New Orleans and everywhere there are unlikely alliances coming together in real, durable human joy You see families, churches and neighborhoods already engaged in the support and uplift of the most vulnerable among them. You see a whole city that in the wake of catastrophe or terrorism intentionally sets aside differences, grievances and sorrows to celebrate together every year You see a city that in the spirit of her native daughter Ruby Bridges continues to overcome.

If we want to honor and protect life, we must embrace and support all of its facets. We can do justice for the marginalized. We can compassionately feed our neighbors. We can be courageous voices for the voiceless. We can be both witness and friend to the would-be mothers, fathers, husbands and wives in our lives. We can be or become the family that vulnerable mothers need and rely on to choose life for their children.

In a profound way, New Orleans taught me the importance of people over possessions. When much has been lost, one learns to hold tightly to relationships and loosely to the things. As my barber explains, “Things can be replaced. People can’t.” Through their words and deeds, my friends in New Orleans showed me that life matters. From womb to tomb this sentiment represents the very best of our movement. So if you became one of the over 120 million viewers who watched the Super Bowl this year, I hope you enjoyed the game. But remember that the only reason football games are worth watching — and crawfish boils are worth having — is that human life is always, and always has been, worth determined and joyful communal uplift and celebration.

Benjamin Watson is a former Super Bowl champion and author of “The New Fight for Life: Roe, Race, and a Pro-Life Commitment to Justice.”

COMMENTARY

ROOM FOR DEBATE WAR IN UKRAINE

President Donald Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin last week and vowed to begin talks to end the war in Ukraine.The news alarmed European leaders, who appear to be cut out of the negotiations.They see worrying signs that the Trump administration is not on the same page about the threat Russia poses. Ukraine’s leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy says his country won’t accept any deal about its future without being included in talks. Is the Trump administration pursuing a path that will lead to peace or is it playing a dangerous game by ignoring history? Here are two perspectives:

Spurious U.S. ‘realism’ about Ukraine flirts with catastrophe

“The Czechs,” murmured Chamberlain. He had lit a cigar and pushed back his chair “We have rather forgotten about the Czechs.” — “Munich,” by Robert Harris

In Robert Harris’s meticulously researched novel about 1938, the leaders of four nations Germany, Italy, France, Britain — settled the fate of a fifth, Czechoslovakia. “Realism” dictated its dismemberment.

A Czech official: “The Germans will be able to cut our country in half within a day.” British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain’s aide: “I am not responsible for the realities of geography.

Ninety percent of your country will remain intact and you will not be invaded.”

In 1938, in Munich, four nations worked their wills at another’s expense. Trump told Ukraine about the call with Putin, and European leaders learned about it afterward.

Putin is waging what Johns Hopkins scholar Hal Brands calls (in his new book, “The Eurasian Century”) “a quasigenocidal war.” But a revanchist and expansionist Russia worries Europeans more than it worries Donald Trump.

Last week in Munich, a city closer to Ukraine than Washington is to Atlanta, Vice President JD Vance told Europeans that the principal security threat they face is insufficient free speech, exemplified particularly by the refusal of other German political parties to govern in coalition with Alternative for Germany, a fascist-adjacent party sympathetic to Ukraine’s would-be executioner, Vladimir Putin. Vance spoke two days after President Donald Trump’s 90-minute phone conversation with Putin. The day of that call, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared it “unrealistic” to hope for peace negotiations through which Ukraine regains pre2014 territories (before Russia’s seizure of Crimea) or gains NATO membership

Perhaps those two outcomes are unattainable. But Kaja Kallas, Estonia’s former prime minister and the European Union’s foreign policy chief, tartly questioned the realism of giving the Russians “everything that they want even before the negotiations have been started.”

Konstantin Malofeyev, a “tycoon who runs several Russian volunteer units fighting in Ukraine” (per the Financial Times), says of the E.U. and Ukraine: “Their opinion doesn’t matter anymore Ukraine is just the pretext for a grand dialogue between two great countries.”

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ARE WELCOME.

writer’s city of

published. Letters are not to

“Look,” he said on Feb. 3 regarding Europe, “we have an ocean in between. They don’t. It’s more important for them than it is for us.” But the ocean was there in 1941. And someone should explain to Trump the acronym “ICBM.”

Vance, who has said “I don’t really care what happens to Ukraine,” might someday care.

Hours before Chamberlain signed the Munich agreement an aide told him (per Harris) that Hitler “plans a war of conquest to gain living space for the German people.” Hitler had said so. Chamberlain: “You need to learn a few lessons in political reality.” Realities such as the reluctance of democratic publics to face unpleasant realities Particularly for the benefit of (as Chamberlain had described the Czechs) people in “a far away country,” “of whom we know nothing.” We know Putin’s thinking about who should be Russians, and what Russia should be. He has told us.

Trump says he does not care “much about anything” other than “peace.”

“Peace for our time,” Chamberlain said triumphantly when he landed in London from Munich. Peace lasted 336 days, until Sept. 1, 1939, the first of the European war’s 2,077 days. The road to war in 1939 was paved with spurious “realisms.” Today, the road to a wider war is being paved by U.S. leaders’ ignorance of history, and by nonsense from people who are paid to make sense of things.

Email George Will at georgewill@washpost.com.

History teaches there is no substitute for victory

In his 1951 farewell address to Congress and the American public (known as the “old soldiers never die, they just fade away” speech), Army General Douglas MacArthur said something the Trump administration should recall as it seeks to end the war between Russia and Ukraine: “... once war is forced upon us, there is no other alternative than to apply every available means to bring it to a swift end. War’s very object is victory, not prolonged indecision. In war there is no substitute for victory.”

While MacArthur was referring to wars engaged in by the U.S., his philosophy could also be applied to the war between Russia and Ukraine.

cessions before talks formally begin. And to exclude Ukraine, the victim of the invasion, at least in initial talks, is like allowing an opponent in poker to have an extra ace.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth appeared to let the cat out of the bag when he wrongly stated even before peace negotiations begin that Ukraine should not expect to regain territory lost to Vladimir Putin’s invasion of the sovereign nation. Putin has said he won’t give an inch of Ukrainian land he has seized. European leaders have expressed alarm that they have not been consulted or included in negotiations, even while President Donald Trump wants them to “do more” when it comes to helping Ukraine while simultaneously assisting in ending the war Has everyone forgotten what Neville Chamberlain told Adolf Hitler at their 1938 meeting in Munich? Chamberlain delighted the cunning Hitler, saying the fuhrer could keep the Sudetenland (now the Czech Republic) he had invaded, thinking that would satisfy his ravenous territorial yearnings and bring “peace for our time.”

World War II came in large part because Hitler regarded the West as weak, preferring an illusory “peace” rather than his defeat. When negotiating, especially with an evil adversary — Nazi Germany then and Russia’s Vladimir Putin now — the worst strategy is to make con-

President Donald Trump promised to end the war on his first day in office, which seemed presumptuous, as well as impossible. It’s now approaching his 30th day in office and the fighting continues. Being a successful negotiator in business is one thing, as Trump thinks he has been. Doesn’t he immodestly say that about himself? On the world stage it is quite different and more dangerous because lives are in danger, not just in Ukraine, but in other countries should Putin diagnose the West as lacking resolve and effectively giving him, as he might see it, a green light to invade other sovereign states in pursuit of his stated goal of “re-claiming” Russian territory lost following the collapse of the Soviet Union. Wall Street Journal columnist William McGurn is right when he asks “Will Ukraine be Trump’s Vietnam?

Consider the 1973 Paris Peace Accords. (National Security Adviser Henry) Kissinger won a Nobel Prize, but Saigon fell.” If victory is not the goal, what else is there? General MacArthur characterized anything short of victory as “prolonged indecision.” That lane only invites the spread of evil and harm to other nations if Ukraine’s “allies” refuse to stand in the gap, or don’t contribute enough to Kiev’s protection. If the Trump administration is not cautioned by what happened in 1938 when an evil monster was allowed to have his way with one state before invading others and launching the Holocaust, perhaps it needs another reminder of what occurred in 1973. Accommodating evil never ends well. Email Cal Thomas at tcaeditorstribpub.com.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By OLEG PETRASIUK

Ukrainian servicemen fire an MRLS BM-21 ‘Grad’ towards Russian army positions near Chasiv yar, Donetsk region, Ukraine, on Saturday

George Will

Cal Thomas

James Edward Robinson was born on October1, 1962, in Plaquemine, La, to the union of the late James Robinson, Sr., and Edith Mae Jackson Robinson.He was granted his angel's wings when God descended from the Heavens at approximately 11:30 AM on Monday February 10, 2025 from his earthly labor into eternal rest. He was affectionately known by family and friends as "TaNut" James leaves to cherish his precious memory three devoted sisters: Sheila Chaney (Chester), Trina (Fredrick)McCoy Plaquemine, LA, and Denise Bass, Baton Rouge, LA, daughter Jamie Lynn Williams Baton Rouge, LA. Three grandchildren Jaiden and Jorden Williams and Javon Pierson. Ahost of uncles, aunts, supportive nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends. James was preceded in death by his parents James and Edith Jackson Robinson, son Shelby Williams, brother Lawrence Jackson, sister Tina Robinson, maternal and paternal grandparents. Visitation is Friday February 21, 2025 at Roscoe Mortuary 1-4 PM. Religious Service is Saturday February 22, 2025 at the Greater St. Mary Baptist Church Plaquemine at 12 Noon. Pastor Geoffrey O Sykes, I. Interment in Grace Memorial Park

A native and resident of Paulina. Leo affectionately known as "Mink", passed away peacefully on Sun‐day, February 16, 2025. He was 67. Visiting on Satur‐day, February 22, 2025 at The Kingdom Hall of Jeho‐vah's Witnesses, 500 Colony Drive, in Laplace from 10:30 a.m until Ser‐vices at Noon, conducted by Elder Milton Douglas and Elder Amos Johnson Interment in Antioch Bap‐tist Church Cemetery in Paulina. Survived by his wife, Hilda Batiste Robin‐son Sisters Yvonne (Ray‐mond) Joseph, Joycelyn (Freddie) Howard Joann Lewis and Sharone (Derick) Smith Brothers, James (Cynthia) Robinson, Wayne (Catherine) Robinson, Larry Robinson Leo Robin‐son, III, and Lloyd and John Robinson Sisters-in-law Debra Riley, Katie Kirklin and Charlotte Batiste Brothers-in-law, Wayne Batiste Rosevelt (Cheryl) Batiste, and Roman (Keisha) Batiste. Also sur‐vived by numerous nieces nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends Pre‐ceded in death by his par‐ents, Leo Robinson Sr and Louvina Bourgeois Robin‐son Brothers, Gary Scott Ronnie Ennis, Leon Robind‐son Kenneth Robindon Tracey Clayton and Leonard Clayton. Brazier Watson Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Visit us at www brazier watson.com to sign our guestbook

A native and resident of Paulina. Leo affectionately known as "Mink", passed away peacefully on Sun‐day, February 16, 2025. He was 67. Visiting on Satur‐day, February 22, 2025 at The Kingdom Hall of Jeho‐vah's Witnesses, 500 Colony Drive, in Laplace from 10:30 a.m until Ser‐vices at Noon, conducted by Elder Milton Douglas and Elder Amos Johnson. Interment in Antioch Bap‐tist Church Cemetery in Paulina. Survived by his wife Hilda Batiste Robin‐son. Sisters, Yvonne (Ray‐mond) Joseph Joycelyn (Freddie) Howard, Joann Lewis and Sharone (Derick) Smith. Brothers, James (Cynthia) Robinson Wayne (Catherine) Robinson, Larry Robinson Leo Robin‐son, III, and Lloyd and John Robinson. Sisters-in-law, Debra Riley, Katie Kirklin and Charlotte Batiste Brothers-in-law, Wayne Batiste, Rosevelt (Cheryl) Batiste, and Roman (Keisha) Batiste Also sur‐vived by numerous nieces nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Pre‐ceded in death by his par‐ents, Leo Robinson, Sr. and Louvina Bourgeois Robin‐son. Brothers, Gary Scott, Ronnie Ennis, Leon Robind‐son, Kenneth Robindon, Tracey Clayton and Leonard Clayton Brazier Watson Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Visit us at www brazier watson com to sign our guestbook Stephen Sr., Leo

St. Cyr, Karvell Services from Karvell St Cyr will be held Saturday February 22, 2025 at New Canaan Baptist Church, 2160 Highland Rd A public visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m with religious services be‐ginning at 10:00 a.m Inter‐ment: Private. Professional services entrusted to Charles Mackey Funeral Home.

Brittany Renee’ Southall departed this life on Friday, February 14, 2025, at her residence in Thibodaux, LA. She was 35, a native of Thibodaux LA Visitation on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Morning Star Bap‐tist Church, 101 Brule Guil‐lot Rd. Thibodaux, LA from 9:00 am to religious ser‐vices at 11:00 am. Inter‐ment in St. Peter Baptist Church Cemetery Survived by her parents, Carl and Mary Southall; 2 brothers, Ryan Southall and Dalwin Fleming; a host of aunts, uncles other relatives and friends Preceded in death by her maternal grand‐mother, Vera Williams and paternal grandparents An‐drew and Thelma Southall Arrangements by Williams & Southall Funeral Home, 1204 Cleveland St., Thibo‐daux, LA 70301, (985) 4472513. To sign the guest book or offer condolences visit our website at www williamsandsouthallfune ralhome.com

Leo Stephen Sr., aresident of Baton Rougeand native of Garland,LA, died February 3, 2025, at the age of 82. Visiting at Shiloh Baptist Church from 9a.m. Saturday, February 22nd, until religious service at 11 a.m. Survived by his wife, Vera, (6) children, (11) grandchildren, (2) greatgrandchildren.

Funeral Services for Gloria Bell Taylor will be held at Second Baptist Church (Reverend Leo D. Cyrus, Sr., Pastor) located at 914 NorthAcadian Thruway West,Baton Rouge, Louisiana on February 22, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. Wright, Debra Pitts Funeral services for Debra Pitts Wright will be held Saturday February 22 2025 at Promised Land Baptist Church 7234 Plank Rd. A public visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m until 10:00 a.m with religious services beginning at 10:00 a.m Interment: Winnfield Memorial Park Profes‐sional services entrusted to Charles Mackey Funeral Home.

Robinson, James Edward

Robinson Jr., Leo 'Mink'

Southall, Brittany Renee’

Taylor, Gloria Bell

THEADVOCATE.COM | Frida

Saints tap Nussmeier as OC

Moore’s longtime colleague has NFL, college experience and Louisiana ties

BY LUKE JOHNSON Staff writer

For almost as long as Kellen Moore was a candidate to be the next head coach of the New Orleans Saints, Doug Nussmeier was considered a favorite to join his staff as the offensive coordinator

That move will soon become official, ac-

cording to a league source, with Nussmeier filling out the last remaining spot on the Saints’ offensive coaching staff. NFL Media was the first to report the hire.

The 54-year-old Nussmeier comes to the Saints from the Philadelphia Eagles, where he served as the quarterbacks coach under Moore last season. Before their shared time in Philadelphia, Nussmeier also worked un-

der Moore with the Los Angeles Chargers (2023) and the Dallas Cowboys (2019-22). Moore has already said he intends to call the offensive plays as head coach, meaning Nussmeier’s job should center around building out the offense and creating the game plan every week.

BY KOKI RILEY Staff writer

Jay Johnson took his time filling out his

first lineup card before the season started

He wanted to be patient. LSU has a deep pool of positional players, and he believed that getting a full picture of what they were capable of before slotting guys into certain spots in the lineup was necessary

“I didn’t want my brain to go somewhere that wasn’t the most productive,” LSU’s baseball coach said in his last news conference before the start of the season. “And I actually feel like by doing that on the position player side, for sure, I feel like I have much better feel for this team this year than last year.”

Johnson acknowledged that “might sound crazy.” LSU had more returning players heading into last year than this year Twelve players who played in a game last season return to the 2025 team, as opposed to the 21 who played on the national championshipwinning team and came back in 2024.

But, by the time the last season began, and especially once the Tigers reached Southeastern Conference play, Johnson had trouble figuring out what his best team should look like, regardless of the matchup

“I think I maybe tried to force some things last year that I don’t want to say guys weren’t ready for,” Johnson said, “but like

REED DARCEY Staff writer

BY SCOTT RABALAIS Staff writer

LSU went to the final rotation this past Friday night against No. 1-ranked Oklahoma trailing in the meet by a scant 0.075 points. By the time the Tigers got to the fourth spot in their floor rotation, sophomore Amari Drayton’s spot, LSU was in position to pull off the comeback.

LSU at Kentucky 6 P.M.FRIDAy SECN

Drayton put them there. A dazzling routine that drew a 10.0 score from one judge and got a 9.95 overall, a season- and career-high mark, gave Aleah Finnegan in the next spot the opportunity to clinch the emotional victory with a 9.80 Haleigh Bryant got another 9.95 in the anchor spot, tying Drayton, LSU freshman

Kailin Chio and two OU gymnasts for first place, but the Tigers didn’t need her score to win the dual meet. That LSU had that luxury was in large part thanks to Drayton, a sophomore from Spring, Texas, just outside Houston who embodies both the present flair and future greatness of the LSU program when seniors like Bryant and Finnegan depart the

STAFF PHOTO By HILARy SCHEINUK

coach Jay Johnson walks on the field on opening day before first

STAFF PHOTO By HILARy SCHEINUK

Turner vie for the rebound on

at the PMAC.

5

SOCCER

8:05 a.m. Al-Ahli at Damac FS2

10:45 a.m.Al-Ettifaq at All-Nassr FS2

2 p.m. Brentford FC at Leicester City USA WOMEN’S SOCCER

2:10

‘We’re

embracing this journey together’

Pels look to make most of second half of difficult season

BY ROD WALKER Staff writer

The hole is way too deep to climb out of.

The New Orleans Pelicans, with a 13-42 record, are much closer to a chance at drafting Duke sensation Cooper Flagg than they are to sniffing a play-in spot.

But that doesn’t mean the Pelicans, fresh off the All-Star break, aren’t looking forward to the final stretch of the season that begins Friday night on the road against the Dallas Mavericks

“Our guys have been incredible all season,” said Pelicans coach Willie Green. “I know the results aren’t there. They know the results aren’t there. But they are steady every day taking care of the opportunities in front of them.”

The Pelicans hope to pick up where they left off before the break In their last game, they pulled out a gutsy overtime victory over the Sacramento Kings, thanks in part to a 43-point effort from CJ McCollum and some major contributions from Trey Murphy, Jose Alvarado and role players like Jeremiah Robinson-Earl. That win snapped a 10-game losing streak, one of several lengthy losing streaks this season.

“It’s tough, it’s really tough,” Zion Williamson said about the struggles. “I mean, we had a lot of things not really go our way But all you can do is make the most of the situation you’re in at the mo-

ment.”

The moment finds the Pelicans with the second worst record in the NBA. They are on pace to win just 20 games, which would be the second worst record in franchise history Teams in this situation usually focus more on player development. But because of all the injuries the Pelicans have faced, they’ve been in player development mode all season.

“Unfortunately for us, the injuries have brought about player development in a way that we never would’ve wanted them to,” said David Griffin, the Pelicans execu-

tive vice president of basketball operations. ”So to some degree, we just need to keep doing what we’re doing. We need everybody to continue to grow in the way that they are. As we’re going through what we are, the turmoil will reveal some very positive things.”

The biggest positive so far this season has been the growth of Trey Murphy who has blossomed into a star Murphy’s emergence made the trade of Brandon Ingram much easier for the Pelicans to make.

“There’s actually several players along the lines of Trey

that have shown incredible growth,” Griffin said. “I think what makes Trey’s explosion as a player so significant to us is it happened at the time where we really needed to know what he was capable of. The injuries may have provided the opportunity to show us that.”

The same goes for rookie center Yves Missi, the first-round draft pick who became a promising starter sooner than anyone expected.

“One of the things that excites us the most coming down the stretch is that we get to lean into some of that growth that’s already taken place,” Griffin said.

In addition, the Pelicans now get to see how their two newest pieces (Bruce Brown and Kelly Olynyk) will fit. Brown and Olynyk were acquired in the Ingram trade. Brown has played in two games for the Pelicans, while Olynyk has yet to make his debut.

“We’re really excited about both of these players from the standpoint of what they offer us moving forward,” Griffin said.

“This is not viewed as a short term situation with either player in our minds and we hope as the season unfolds, they grow to feel the same about us.”

There are just 27 games remaining in what has been a disappointing season, especially on the heels of winning 49 games a year ago. Despite the woes, Green expects his team to continue to compete until the end.

“Everybody has stayed together and continued to work,” Green said. “We’re embracing this journey together.

LSU to back McMahon with more funding

BY SCOTT RABALAIS Staff writer

Amid speculation about Matt McMahon’s future as LSU’s men’s basketball coach near the end of a difficult third season with the program, the school is committed to coming up with more NIL funding to help with roster building going forward, a source familiar with the situation said. That would appear to significantly increase the likelihood that McMahon will return for a fourth season in 2025-26, but the source would not speculate on that.

LSU’s men’s basketball program is reportedly one of the least-funded programs in the Southeast-

LSU

of the season, the Tigers bounced back two days later with an ugly win over Texas A&M. They then rattled off four straight victories before dropping a road contest against No. 2 Texas on Sunday and defeating Georgia on Thursday without Aneesah Morrow, the star senior who missed a game for the first time in her career

An LSU spokesperson said Thursday that Morrow was battling foot soreness and that the team does not expect her to sit more than one contest. Without her, the Tigers may have struggled to find efficient offense, but they still controlled the glass and earned trips to the stripe. LSU grabbed five more offensive rebounds and took 14 more free throws than Georgia, a pair of advantages it used to pick up a win on a night in which

ern Conference in terms of NIL money that helps coaches attract top-shelf high school and transfer talent.

A report Monday on the website

On3.com said LSU was backing McMahon and making growing the NIL budget for men’s basketball a priority That report went on to say that LSU and South Carolina are the least well-funded SEC programs in terms of NIL.

LSU improved to 14-12 overall with Tuesday’s 81-67 victory over South Carolina, still tied for 14th in the SEC with Oklahoma at 3-10. South Carolina is last at 1016 and 0-13 in the SEC, the only program in the 16-team league with an overall losing record.

Asked Monday about the On3. com report, McMahon said that

its offense converted only 38% of its field-goal tries through three quarters of play Jersey Wolfenbarger a 6-foot5 junior who started the game in place of Morrow, finished with 16 points and 12 rebounds after hitting eight of the 12 free throws she earned Flau’jae Johnson added 21 points on 8-of-20 shoot-

he is grateful for the support he has already received from the athletic department and is most focused on coaching this team to a successful close to the regular season.

The Tigers have five regularseason games remaining, all against ranked opponents, starting with a home date Saturday against No. 2 Florida (5 p.m., SEC Network).

McMahon, 46, is in his third season at LSU and 10th season as a collegiate head coach overall. He is 45-47 with the Tigers and 14-35 in Southeastern Conference play He went 154-67 in seven seasons at Murray State, including a 31-3 mark in 2021-22 before taking the LSU job.

McMahon took over at LSU

ing, Smith scored 11 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, Williams chipped in 12 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists, and Gilbert helped the Tiger reserves scrounge together 16 points — enough to beat the Bulldogs.

Georgia guard Trinity Turner scored a game-high 28 points on 12-of-26 shooting, but no other contributor scored more than 12. LSU could’ve taken control in the first half, but a couple scoring droughts bogged down its offense.

The Tigers missed nine of the fi nal 10 shots they took in the first quarter before coming up empty on nine consecutive field goals through a four-minute stretch of the second. LSU led only 37-30 at halftime. The Tigers then took 12 trips to the free-throw line in the third quarter, a frame that Johnson punctuated by draining a 3-pointer at the buzzer from a few feet inside the halfcourt line. With that shot, LSU widened its lead to 13. Then that quick fourth-quarter

Wembanyama expected to miss rest of season

San Antonio star Victor Wembanyama’s season is likely over after he was diagnosed with a blood clot in his right shoulder, a condition that will sideline one of the league’s brightest stars.

Wembanyama is beginning treatment immediately and the Spurs are working under the expectation that the 7-foot-3 center from France will fully recover said a person with knowledge of the situation who spoke to The Associated Press. Wembanyama’s condition — deep vein thrombosis — was diagnosed this week after he returned from the All-Star Game, the Spurs said Thursday It is almost always treated with blood-thinning medication, and players in contact sports such as basketball have long been advised to avoid playing while using such medication because of the heightened chance of bleeding.

Texas coach Sarkisian gets raise, extension

The University of Texas System Board of Regents approved a raise and contract extension for football coach Steve Sarkisian on Thursday after the Longhorns advanced to the College Football Playoff semifinals for the second consecutive season

The new deal extends Sarkisian’s contract by one year through the 2031 season. It raises his salary this year from $10.4 million to $10.8 million. Annual raises will push his salary to $12.3 million by the final year

The regents also approved raises and one-year contract extensions for special teams coordinator Jeff Banks and linebackers coach Johnny Nansen. Banks is extended to 2027 when he will earn $1.3 million. Nansen was extended to 2026, when he will earn $1.2 million.

Mavericks star Davis out at least two more weeks

Newly traded Anthony Davis was dominant in the first half of his only game with the Mavericks against Houston on Feb. 8, but pulled up lame late in the third quarter of Dallas’ 116-105 victory

The 10-time All-Star had missed his last two games with the Lakers because of an abdominal injury before the seismic trade that sent fellow superstar Luka Doncic to Los Angeles. Davis then sat the first two games he could have played for Dallas before suiting up against the Rockets.

The groin injury only intensified criticism of Dallas general manager Nico Harrison over a trade that infuriated many Mavericks fans. Doncic was out the last five-plus weeks of his Dallas career with a calf injury that has plagued the 25-year-old the past few seasons, but the 31-year-old Davis has a much longer history of injuries.

after Will Wade was fired in March 2021 following the school receiving a notice of allegations from the NCAA detailing significant misconduct. Most of Wade’s tenure at LSU was shrouded by a nation-wide federal investigation into college basketball improprieties that became public in September 2017.

At one point after Wade’s departure, LSU’s roster had zero players on it. McMahon put together a team for the 2022-23 season that included 15 players, but those Tigers were only able to go 14-19 and 2-16 in SEC play

In 2023-24, McMahon’s second team went 17-16 but a respectable 9-9 in SEC play. LSU received an NIT bid but lost in the first round.

burst of scoring ended any hope Georgia may have had of threatening an upset.

LSU has lost back-to-back games only twice under coach Kim Mulkey

On Thursday, Mulkey moved point guard Shayeann Day-Wilson out of the Tigers’ starting lineup in favor of Last-Tear Poa, the senior who fell outside the rotation for a few recent games, then earned her way back in by the time LSU traveled to Texas. She logged 26 minutes against the Longhorns and 11 against Georgia. The Tigers have only three games left in their regular season, each of which will be a Quad 1 matchup. First up is a road contest against No. 14 Kentucky that will tip off at 3 p.m. Sunday on ESPN.

Email Reed Darcey at reed. darcey@theadvocate.com. For more LSU sports updates, sign up for our newsletter at theadvocate.com/lsunewsletter

Police detain man who caused Raducanu distress

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Dubai police detained a man who caused Emma Raducanu distress by exhibiting fixated behavior” toward the British star at a tennis tournament.

The 22-year-old Raducanu had been approached by the man at the Dubai Championships where he left her a note, took her photograph, and engaged in behavior that caused her distress, the government of Dubai’s media office said Thursday

The 2021 U.S. Open champion saw the man in the stands during her second-round match against Karolina Muchova on Tuesday night. At one point she was in tears and stood behind the umpire’s chair

Longhorns hoops coach Schaefer gets extension

AUSTIN, Texas The University of Texas System Board of Regents approved a three-year contract extension for women’s basketball coach Vic Schaefer through the 2029-2030 season on Thursday Schaefer, 63, is in his fifth season at Texas and has led the Longhorns to three Elite Eight finishes. Texas (26-2) is ranked No. 2 and tied for first in the Southeastern Conference as the Longhorns contend to be one of the four No. 1 seeds in the NCAA Tournament.

Schaefer’s current annual base salary of $2.3 million remains the same through the 2026-27 season, then goes up $100,000 each year of the extension to $2.6 million by 2030. Schaefer is 135-34 at Texas. He also led Mississippi State to the Final Four in 2017 and 2018.

PHOTO By HILARy SCHEINUK

STAFF PHOTO By SOPHIA GERMER

New Orleans Pelicans guards CJ McCollum left, and Trey Murphy celebrate after McCollum scored against the Sacramento Kings during overtime on Feb 13 at the Smoothie King Center

LSU softball schedule eases with chilly conditions ahead

BY JIM KLEINPETER

Contributing writer

The schedule doesn’t look as tough this weekend for LSU softball, but the No. 6 Tigers will be fighting an additional opponent that doesn’t show up on the schedule.

The recent polar vortex will drop temperatures significantly for the LSU Invitational beginning Friday with a 3:30 p.m. game against Penn State, followed by a 6 p.m. contest versus Southern Miss. LSU plays Southern miss and Nicholls State on Saturday and wraps it up with another game against Nicholls on Sunday Windy and cold conditions hit the campus Wednesday and LSU coach Beth Torina said it was all part of her young team’s conditioning

“There’s no such thing as cold weather, just a lack of preparation,” Torina said.

“That’s what we say around here from a person who hates the cold as much as anyone.

“(We’ll be) hitting outside for practice the next couple

LSU

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I wanted them to be able to do something so bad when it wasn’t going to happen.”

The lineup, though talented, was overly reliant on home runs and skewed more right-handed than Johnson would’ve preferred. Younger players thrusted into larger roles couldn’t fill the void left behind by Dylan Crews, Tre Morgan and company. LSU was versatile on the mound with nine lefthanders, but many of them struggled while the staff as a whole had trouble consistently throwing strikes. They lacked reliable arms outside of Luke Holman, Gage Jump and Griffin Herring and were missing a third starting pitcher

The Tigers eventually pulled it together in time to make the SEC tournament championship game and be two outs away from advancing to a super regional. But their uneven play from start to finish was a factor in why 14 players decided to enter the transfer portal.

“Some guys that were here didn’t need to be here because they couldn’t understand that at a place like this, it’s not about you,” Johnson said at the LSU First Pitch Banquet in January, “it’s

SAINTS

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ä Penn State at LSU. 3:30 P.M.FRIDAy SECN+

of days; we’re not shying away from it, not even making it a thing. We’re going to have a million different conditions (all season) whether it be heat, delay games, there’s no easy road. We’re continuing to ask them to perform in whatever conditions there are.”

So far, so good for a team full of inexperience with some upperclassmen sprinkled in The Tigers are off to a 10-0 start for the third consecutive season, wading through four wins against ranked opponents last weekend in milder conditions.

Torina said she likes the way her team has responded to the challenges with a growing maturity

“Toughness has been their whole goal, be a little tougher,” Torina said. “Be tougher in every at-bat, every moment. Holding each other accountable is another way to be tough. They’re finding different ways to be competitive at all times.

“(Last weekend) was a

ON DECK

WHO: Omaha (1-3) at LSU (4-0)

WHEN: 4 p.m., Friday WHERE: Alex Box Stadium ONLINE: SEC Network+ RADIO: WDGL-FM, 98.1 (Baton Rouge); WWL-AM, 870 (New Orleans); KLWB-FM, 103.7 (Lafayette)

RANKINGS: LSU is No. 3 by D1Baseball; Omaha is unranked

PROBABLE STARTERS: LSU — LHP Kade Anderson (1-0, 0.00 ERA); Omaha — RHP Brayden Curtis (0-0, 11.25)

PREGAME UPDATES: theadvocate.com/lsu ON X (FORMERLY TWITTER): @KokiRiley

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Anderson threw a five-inning shutout in his first start of the year against Purdue Fort Wayne. He surrendered just four hits and had eight strikeouts. Omaha earned its first win of the season on Tuesday over Nicholls State after getting swept by Tulane to start the year Koki Riley

about something much bigger than yourself.

“Once we kind of moved the wrong guys off the bus, then we started to get the right guys on the bus.”

Getting “the right guys” meant raiding the transfer portal for more depth and versatility on offense, while adding more than a handful of strike throwers to a pitching staff that lost 12 of its top

This will be Nussmeier’s first time serving as an offensive coordinator at the NFL level, though he does have significant experience coordinating offenses at major college football programs, such as Alabama, Florida and Michigan. Nussmeier is a former Saints quarterback himself — the team selected him in the fourth round out of the University of Idaho in 1994. He appeared in five games with the Saints and spent some time with both the Colts and Broncos before finishing his playing career in the CFL.

great test. Everyone is excited we stood up to the test. They’re feeling good about themselves. We’re keeping them grounded and working making sure they’re getting better every day.”

LSU isn’t the power hitting team of past seasons. The Tigers have six homers, three each by Maci Bergeron and Tori Edwards. But they’re playing aggressively on the bases and have nine steals in 11 attempts with a .377 team batting average.

Senior third baseman and leadoff hitter Danieca Coffey triggers the offense with a .536 average and a .632 onbase percentage. The pitching staff looks deeper with junior All-American Sydney Berzon and freshman sensation Jayden Heavener, but Tatum Clopton, Ashley Vallejo and Emilee Casanova have all thrown shutouts in limited action.

“There’s a special feel with this team,” said Clopton, who joined the team last season but sat out two full seasons to recover from a shoulder in-

14 arms in terms of innings.

Johnson also brought back 12 players — 13 including redshirt sophomore righthander Chase Shores who was out for all of 2024 due to Tommy John surgery He also added 10 freshmen, a class he feels better about than any incoming group he’s had at LSU before.

Derek Curiel was an outfielder Johnson had been recruiting since he was in seventh grade. Left-hander

Cooper Williams was committed to Texas A&M before flipping his pledge over the summer to LSU. These were high school players Johnson and his staff targeted and recruited, not prospects they inherited from the previous regime.

“I think we recruited better And there’s several reasons for that I could talk for a long time about that,” Johnson said. “... We had the full runway with this class, like full runway from start to finish.”

As a result of Johnson’s offseason work, LSU’s lineup can match up better against left-handed and right-handed pitching. The Tigers have been more patient at the plate and are faster than they were last year, utilizing that attribute on the basepaths this past weekend.

They can score runs in more ways than one, and their improved depth has

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floor after this season.

“I’ve never gotten a 10 in my life,” Drayton said. “I was so excited (for the one judge’s score). Having the potential to get a perfect score makes me want to work harder, work in and out of the gym every day to stay with the same mindset.”

LSU coach Jay Clark has frequently sung Drayton’s praises in her two years with the team, her talent as well as her positive attitude. She was also the Tigers’ alternate Friday on balance beam but isn’t training now for uneven bars because of a shoulder problem.

“She’s explosive,” Clark said. “She’s expressive. She shows her routines well. Everything she does is big and has tremendous amplitude.

“Then you’ve got that personality She’s got this infectious laugh and smile. I can see her continuing to grow and be a fan favorite. She’s got it all. She’s a total package.”

Drayton will try to help the No 3-ranked Tigers come home with a victory from No. 9 Kentucky on Friday night in Lexington. First vault is set for 6 p.m. on the SEC Network.

son average will improve as that score will be counted along with LSU’s 197.650 in the Sprouts Collegiate Quad meet in Oklahoma City and its 197.300 last time on the road in a win at Alabama.

Thewholeprospectsounds easier than it has historically been for the Tigers. LSU hasn’twonatKentuckysince 2017 including a 197.175196.575 loss there in two years ago.

jury “How we’ve opened the season and how young and energetic It’s a unique feel. I’m excited for whatever comes our way and how we respond to it.”

All three teams have losing records as a result of tough competition. Penn State (37) has losses to No. 11 Duke and No. 17 Mississippi State. Third baseman Brooke Klosowicz is batting 429 with two homers and nine RBIs.

The top pitcher is Mady Volpe with a 1-2 record and a 1.84 earned run average Southern Miss (2-7) has a win over Ole Miss with losses to Kentucky, Northwestern and Arkansas.

Right fielder Hannah Christian leads the Goden Eagles with a .308 average. Their staff is led by Kayla Giardina and Jana Lee. Nicholls State (3-6) is coming off a loss to No. 5 Tennessee. Catcher Riley Rutherford is hitting .406 and freshman shortstop Ally Mooneyham is batting .417. Averi Paden is the Colonels’ top pitcher at 1-2 with a 3.75 ERA.

also allowed Johnson to hone in on further developing each player within their role on the team.

“There’s the depth to be able to look ahead and go like, ‘This will work for this player,’ “ Johnson said, “We were kind of locked into ‘You better hit the ball over the fence’ (last year), and it just, it wasn’t my style of a team.”

Meanwhile, the pitching staff has thrown a plethora of strikes. The Tigers only walked two batters last weekend as opposed to last year when they surrendered 22 walks in their opening three games.

LSU’s depth on the mound was something that stood out to junior first baseman Jared Jones throughout the preseason.

“I think the biggest difference from this year’s team and last year’s team is on the mound,” Jones told The Advocate. “I don’t think it’s even close.”

When Johnson decided his lineup for Friday’s season opener, he said it came together more easily than it ever has before.

He isn’t sure if that’s a good thing or not, but it’s hard to imagine a coach who isn’t confident in his team saying such a thing.

“I will say, I really like going to the field every day with this team,” Johnson said.

While his playing career took him out of Louisiana decades ago, Nussmeier has maintained a strong connection to the state. He married a Louisiana native, Christi Nussmeier, who is a former member of the Saints dance team. And his son, Garrett Nussmeier, is LSU’s starting quarterback. Nussmeier is the final piece of the offensive staff assembled by Moore. He joins three coaches he’s worked with in the past (offensive line coach Brendan Nugent, tight ends coach Chase Haslett and quarterbacks coach Scott Tolzien) as well as two coaches with prior Saints ties (running backs coach Joel Thomas, receivers coach Keith Williams)

It’s been a controversial, or at least confusing, week for LSU.

Despite beating No. 1 Oklahoma in the program’s first No. 1 versus No. 2 showdown since 2021, an achievement that would boost a team to the top rung in most sports, the Tigers instead slipped to No. 3 in this week’s national rankings. The reason: NQS: National Qualifying Score. At this point in the season, women’s collegiate teams are ranked taking only their top six scores (including a minimum of three road scores) into account, eliminating the top score and averaging the other five. On that basis, LSU’s season average actually improved from 197.400 to 197.420, but the Tigers still dropped a spot behind UCLA (197.455), which shot up from No. 5.

Part of the mathematics dragging down LSU’s NQS is the Tigers’ worst performance of the season, a 196.600 on Jan. 24 in a loss at Arkansas. If LSU can post anything better than a 196.600 at Kentucky, the Tigers’ sea-

Clark said Monday he doesn’t care that LSU dropped, at least for now to No. 3 A more-immediate goal is trying to win a piece of the program’s first regular-season title since 2018. The win over OU lifted the Tigers (7-2 overall) into a first-place tie with the Sooners (10-1), both at 4-1. Clark said he has tried to depressurize his team as much as possible, trying to help them forget (if possible) that they need to win their last three SEC meets at UK, against Georgia and at Auburn to insure they capture at least a piece of the SEC regular-season title.

“They know enough to know,” Clark said. “They’re not oblivious to these things, or that there’s a regular-season championship that we’re competing for Internally we’re trying to de-emphasize it as much as possible. We have to be process-based and performance-based compared to outcome and perception.

“We’ve got to stay focused on the task at hand. We’ve got to take the next step as a team and get better.”

Every road meet is a challenge, but Drayton said she knows the plan the Tigers need to have.

“We need to adjust to their equipment and their environment as quickly as we can,” Drayton said.

STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

LSU third baseman Danieca Coffey scores against Charlotte on Feb 7 at Tiger Park. Coffey leads the Tigers offense with a .536 average and .632 on-base percentage.

THE VARSITY ZONE

Balanced East Ascension KOs Northwood

Spartans start fast to subdue Shreveport team

BY WILLIAM WEATHERS

Contributing writer

Northwood of Shreveport was a lower-seeded team that got East Ascension’s attention

But the No. 11 Spartans continued a late-season surge Thursday with balanced scoring for a 54-40 victory over the No. 22 Falcons in the opening round

of the Division I nonselect playoffs in Gonzales.

“We don’t overlook any team,” EA sophomore guard Brielle Betts said. “No team’s good enough to do that. We had to make sure we were ready to play.” East Ascension (21-5) advances to regional play on Monday at No. 6 Natchitoches Central, a 59-43 winner over New Iberia. The Spartans won for the 10th time in their past 12 games while also stopping the Fal-

cons’ nine-game winning streak.

They did so with a lineup that produced four doubledigit scorers led by Betts’ 13 points, including a pair of first-quarter 3-pointers. Sophomore Reagan Mitchell overcame early foul trouble to finish with 11, while senior forward Kennedy Mitchell and senior reserve guard Kendra Landry had 10 each.

“I’ve been emphasizing that a lot,” EA veteran coach

Bookend victory

BY ROBIN FAMBROUGH Staff writer

More than anything, Prairieville High School wanted to keep it close, but there was no question who seized the momentum once the game began.

Eighth-seeded Denham Springs raced out to an 11-0 lead less than four minutes into the game and ran away with a 71-39 victory over No. 25 Prairieville in Division I nonselect girls basketball playoff action Thursday night.

“We scored around 70 points again tonight and did a good job of holding them under 40,” DSHS coach Rudy Smith said. “We want to put together four quarters and this is where we want to be.

“This group has come together There’s a lot of team camaraderie and it wasn’t that way in the beginning. They play for each other.” That camaraderie translated into balance and a bookend effort. The Yellow Jackets outscored District

5-5A rival Prairieville 23-7 in the first quarter and 21-8 in the fourth quarter Denham Springs will host No. 9 Slidell (24-6) in a regionalround game at 6 p.m Monday in the Jacket Gym. Prai Nelson had 17 points and nine rebounds for the winners. Freshman Zariah Semere added 13, while Taylor Smith and Kennedi Lindsey each had 12 for the Yellow Jackets.

outscored Denham Springs 13-12 in the third quarter

Three 3-pointers in that quarter by Sheets helped Prairieville get within 16 points.

Dennis Chandler, who’s in his 27th season at the school.

“This is physically one of the better teams I’ve had. We’re just a little inconsistent. If we can maintain some consistency who knows?”

Betts supplied both of her 3-pointers in the first three minutes of the game to help EA take a 12-4 lead before finishing with a 14-7 firstquarter lead.

Northwood (18-10), the District 1-4A champion, went on an 8-2 run over the first three minutes of the second quarter with reserve Alyssa Brewer scoring in-

side on consecutive baskets, drawing the visitors to within 16-15 at the 4:54 mark. The game was tied for the only time at 20-all with 2:44 to go before halftime on another putback from Brewer when a layup from EA’s Reagan Mitchell’s sparked a 7-0 run.

That surge included Kennedy Mitchell’s short jumper on an assist from Betts inside Northwood’s 2-3 zone and Aaliyah Taylor’s 3-pointer from the corner to make it 27-20.

EA, which shot 48% in the first half, created some dis-

tance over the first five minutes out of the locker room with an 11-1 run for a 38-23 advantage. The Spartans’ lead first reached double digits (34-23) on Taylor’s basket following an assist from senior Kendall Okure. Leading scorer Jaila Marshall, who scored a gamehigh 19, brought Northwood within 38-28 with five straight points and added 3-pointer that reduced EA’s lead to 41-35 with 30 seconds showing. “I was pleased with the effort and that’s the biggest thing,” Chandler said.

Brusly wins 12th in a row, advances past BC

“It

Staff report

Brusly High School carried the momentum from its win streak to close the regular season into the playoffs. The No. 13-seeded Panthers forced nearly 30 Beau Chene turnovers en route to a 4329 win in the first round of the Division II nonselect bracket on Thursday night in Brusly. The win was Brusly’s 12th straight victory Brusly senior Alaiah Jarrell led the way with a game-high 21 points Yazmine Williams added 11. Victoria Noel paced No. 20 Beau Chene (15-14) with 14 points. Kaylei Brown added six points. “It was an ugly win, but at this point, you have to take the wins how they come,” Brusly coach Shawn Bradford said. “Hopefully, we can go to the drawing board, fix it and be ready for the next round.”

SHAWN

Beau Chene’s largest lead came in the first quarter at 9-7 It was short-lived after Jarrell hit a 3-pointer that put Brusly (19-14) ahead 10-9 heading into the second quarter

Brusly forced 10 Beau Chene turnovers in the second quarter alone and won the period 13-5 to grab a 2314 lead at halftime.

Back-to-back baskets from Williams and Jarrell to start the third quarter capped a quick 8-0 run from the break that extended Brusly’s lead to 31-14.

The Gators responded with an 8-0 run, aided by multiple Brusly turnovers,

that trimmed the deficit to 31-22 heading into the fourth quarter Brusly opened the final quarter with an 8-0 run that iced the game.

“Aggression, homecourt advantage, and all that stuff play a part. But for the most part, we weren’t as aggressive as we needed to be,” Beau Chene coach Raven Arceneaux said. “Our energy got low in the second quarter The pressure came and we deviated from the game plan.”

Brusly struggled from the free-throw line, connecting on only 7 of 21 (33%). Beau Chene also struggled from the line, making 4 of its 13 attempts (31%).

Brusly will travel to face No. 4 Iowa in the second round on Monday Iowa earned a first-round bye.

“We have to take care of the basketball,” Bradford said. “We know Iowa’s gym is going to be rocking. We have to be able to execute on offense because I know they’ll put pressure on us. We have to be ready for the moment.”

Cailyn Sheets scored a game-high 18 points on six 3-pointers for Prairieville (15-10). Marley Gatlin added 17.

Smith scored on a layup 10 seconds into the game to set the tone Semere, a freshman, then scored in transition on a euro-step move to the basket.

Semere scored seven points in a row, giving the Yellow Jackets a 9-0 lead with 5:40 left in the first quarter Lindsey added free throws at the 4:40 mark “The game came to me,” Semere said. “It was important for us to start fast. I needed to make plays for my team.” The Hurricanes (15-10)

Denham Springs called a timeout with 1:59 remaining. The teams traded turnovers before a layup by Nelson shifted the momentum back to Denham Springs

It was the second time in a week that the teams played each other, something Prairieville coach Chase Delrie said was ultimately an advantage for Denham Springs

“When we went down 23-7 in the first quarter, that took away a lot of what we hoped to do,” Delrie said. “They shot the ball so well to start the game. And they were focused on defense.”

Email Robin Fambrough at rfambrough@ theadvocate.com

No. 6 South Carolina routs Arkansas

BY PETE IACOBELLI

13,

Smith 12, Kennedi Lindsey 12, Marlee Johson 6, Kelijah Henry 5, Kynlee Jouset 5, Kimber King

3-POINT GOALS: Prairieville 6 (Sheets); Denham Springs 9 (Smith 2, Johnson 2, Henry, Jouset, Semere, Lindsey, Nelson) Records: Denham Springs 22-9; Dutchtown 15-10 Episcopal 63, Fisher 24 Fisher 10 5 7 2 -24 Episcopal 19 13 18 13 -63

SCORING: EPISCOPAL: C. Watson 40, E. Bourgeois 18, H. Dunn 2, A. Ali 2, M. Falcon 1; FISHER: Cierra C. 6, Rylan C. 6, Ihaila L. 6, Malia O. 2, Gracie C. 2

3-POINT GOALS: Episcopal: 5 (Watson 4, Bourgeois 1); Fisher: 2 (Cierra 1, Ihailia 1) GEO Next 47, Slaughter Charter 31 Slaughter Charter 1 9 7 14 -31 GEO Next 6 6 14 21 -47

SCORING: SCC: Tia Perry 10, Kirsten Wade 9, Alayni Clarkston 5, Kaliyah McCray 5, Trinity Robinson 2; GNG: Ivoryana Powell 20, Kimberly Jack 12, Rylee Jones 8, Shamya Woods 4, Sur’Myricle Jackson 2, Kennidi Simmons 1

3-POINT GOALS: SCC 1 (Wade)

Ready or not boys playoffs begin next week

Are you ready for a second season of high school basketball?

More importantly, are the area’s top teams ready to take the next step into the boys basketball playoffs? The question sounds odd when you consider the area teams’ high power ratings. But remember, Division I select Liberty was Baton Rouge’s only LHSAA champion in 2024. Madison Prep (Division II select) and University (Division III select) were runners-up. Far be it from me to cast doubt

on a distinguished group of top 2025 teams beginning their playoff quests next week. Despite Baton Rouge’s rich tradition, others will do it and I understand the rationale. Parity is no longer a word coaches throw out to make a point. It’s a reality these days with the number of competitive teams throughout the state growing each year

As long as regular-season games are played we can scrutinize power ratings, winning streaks and statistics. The harsh reality is the stay-alive grind starts soon. The playoff pairings will be released Tuesday Records don’t matter An unde-

feated team or a sub-.500 team share a common reality — a loss ends their season. Statewide and national rankings don’t matter It comes down to who the better team is each time two teams step onto the floor There is something to prove in each game. There will be upsets. There will be lopsided wins. And it’s time to embrace all that — along with the teams ready to ride a wave they hope will end March 10-15 in Lake Charles at the LHSAA tourney Baton Rouge’s base of strength again lies with its Class 5A schools who compete in Division I. On the select side, Central moved to No. 1 in the LHSAA’s

McIlroy, Lowry set to return to Zurich Classic

BY JEFF DUNCAN Staff writer

Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry will return to defend their crown at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, tournament officials announced Thursday

The presence of McIlroy and Lowry helped the tournament attract record crowds and unprecedented media attention last year.

McIlroy is currently ranked third in the world, while Lowry is 19th.

The 2025 Zurich Classic will be played April 24-27 at the TPC of Louisiana in Avondale.

“Rory and Shane seemed to truly enjoy their experience in New Orleans, and it showed in their play,” said Steve Worthy, CEO of the Fore!Kids Foundation, which operates the tournament for the PGA Tour

“Their history with team golf couldn’t have hurt, and we are excited to have them back in a Ryder Cup year.”

McIlroy and Lowry

teamed to win the 2024 Zurich Classic on the first extra hole rallying down the stretch to force a playoff with runners-up Chad Ramey and Martin Trainer

The win marked McIlroy’s 25th PGA Tour victory and Lowry’s first win since his 2022 BMW PGA Championship on the DP World Tour

Both players have started the 2025 season on a high note, as McIlroy won the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am by two strokes over Lowry, who finished a solo second.

McIlroy is coming off a highly successful 2024 season in which he won four times and finished second four other times, while earning his sixth DP World Tour Order of Mer-

it. He posted seven top 10 finishes on the PGA Tour and eight on the DP World Tour, while finishing tied for fifth in the 2024 Olympic golf competition in Paris.

Since joining the PGA Tour in 2010, McIlroy has won 27 times and added 11 victories on the DP World Tour His résumé includes wins at the Tour Championship (three times), DP World Championship (three times), The Open Championship (twice), U.S. Open, PGA Championship and The Players Championship. He has finished in the top 10 at the Masters seven times in the last 10 years and has been named PGA Tour Player of the Year three times. Lowry, meanwhile, enjoyed one of his best years on the PGA Tour in 2024. In

addition to his Zurich Classic victory, he posted six top 10 finishes on the PGA Tour, including a solo sixth in the PGA Championship and a tie for sixth in The Open Championship. He also posted three top 10 finishes on the DP World Tour last year, including a tie for third in the DP World Championship that McIlroy won. Lowry won The Open Championship in 2019 at Royal Portrush in his native Ireland, firing a course-record 63 in the third round to win by six shots over Tommy Fleetwood. He has won six other titles, four on the DP World Tour and the WGCBridgestone Invitational in 2015 that earned him his PGA Tour card.

Email Jeff Duncan at jduncan@theadvocate.com.

PGA Tour moves closer to Saudi LIV Golf deal

BY DOUG FERGUSON AP golf writer

Tiger Woods joined PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan and player director Adam Scott in a second White House meeting

Thursday with President Donald Trump, another sign the sport is moving rapidly toward ending the division brought on by Saudi-funded LIV Golf.

Yasir Al-Rumayyan governor of the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia and the financial muscle behind the rival league, also was part of the meeting.

“Thanks to the leadership of President Trump, we have initiated a discussion about the reunification of golf,” the PGA Tour said in a statement signed by Monahan, Woods and Scott.

The tour said it would share more details when appropriate, adding: “We are committed to moving as quickly as possible.”

“We share a passion for the game and the importance of

reunification,” the statement said. “Most importantly we all want the best players in the world playing together more often and are committed to doing all we can to deliver that outcome for our fans.”

Trump said later at a Black History Month reception, where he acknowledged the presence of Woods, Scott and Monahan, “We had some interesting discussions.” Woods entered the room with Trump and went on stage with him wearing the Presidential Medal of Freedom he received from Trump in 2019. Trump prodded him to speak and those in attendance began to chant, “Tiger Tiger.”

It was the second time in just over two weeks that PGA Tour leadership — Woods and Scott are on the board met at the White House. Woods had to leave before the Feb. 4 meeting because his mother died in Florida. He played golf with Trump on Feb. 9. Woods had said during the

CBS broadcast of the final round at the Genesis Invitational that “we have another meeting coming up.”

“I think that things are going to heal quickly,” Woods, the tournament host, said on the Sunday broadcast.

“We’re going to get this game going in the right direction. It’s been heading in the wrong direction for a number of years and the fans want all of us to play together, all the top players playing together, and we’re going to make that happen.”

LIV Golf launched in June 2022 and lured away several top names Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm over the next few years with signing bonuses reported to top $100 million in some cases. The PGA Tour, PIF and the European tour (commercially known as the DP World Tour) signed an agreement in June 2023, but it expired at the end of the year as the Justice Department raised antitrust concerns.

nonselect power ratings this week. Liberty is No. 1 on the select side. And there are seconds with Zachary (No. 2 nonselect) and Catholic High (No. 2 select). And it’s not just District 4-5A teams. Two 5-5A teams, No. 3 Denham Springs and No. 5 East Ascension, are notable on the nonselect side.

Brusly (No. 4, Division II) and two sixth-rated teams, Donaldsonville (Div III) and East Iberville (Div IV) are other nonselect notables.

The select side also includes No. 2 Dunham (Div III), Southern Lab (third, Div IV) and Madison Prep (fifth, Div II).

Not to be forgotten is Family Christian, fourth in Class B, which has combined select/nonselect schools. Yes, power ratings offer nice fodder to write about. But they’re only numbers. Baton Rouge teams could win multiple titles. Or it could be another year like 2024. Nothing is guaranteed. Next week when the rubber meets the hardwood, “Game On” takes on new meaning. Moving on to the next round is all that matters. Playoffs, here we come. Email Robin Fambrough at rfambrough@theadvocate.com

Southern football legend Wallace dies

BY RASHAD MILLIGAN Staff writer

The Southern University football community is grieving the death of one of its own Thursday Sean Wallace, the program Hall of Fame player, current safeties coach for the team and former acting head coach for the program in 2023, died after battling pancreatic cancer

He was 52.

“It is with sadness in my heart, my family, and my friends to let you know that my brother Mr Sean Wallace has passed,” Antoinette Wallace, his sister, said on Facebook. “I will let everybody know when the arrangements will be made. Thank you in advance for all the comfort, thoughts and prayers.”

Wallace went public about his fight with stage four pancreatic cancer in 2023.

His wife, Venio, and three children — Tonyatta, Sadijah and Abraham all attended the 2023 Bayou Classic wearing shirts that read “#SeanStrong.” In that game, Wallace was the acting head coach for the Jaguars because the program parted ways with former head coach Eric Dooley a week before the historic rivalry Southern won the affair 27-22.

The loss led to Grambling firing its former head coach, Hue Jackson, as well.

The Classic was always a big deal for Wallace in the Superdome because he was born and raised on the West Bank. He played in games there in the 1990s.

“Every time I showed up, I showed out,” Wallace previously told The Advocate “All four of them.”

Wallace said he returned an interception 94 yards for a touchdown in the 1991 Bayou Classic. As a player, he was a team stand out on Pete Richardson’s No. 1 defense in the country as Richardson’s first-year squad won the 1993 SWAC

and Black College National Championships.

After earning Bayou Classic MVP All-SWAC, SWAC Defensive Player of the Year and two-time Sheridan Black College All-American honors, he played one year in the NFL with the Arizona Cardinals before enjoying a successful career in ministry and business. He finished his degree at Southern 25 years after leaving the university once all of his kids graduated from college In 2011, he was inducted into the Southern Athletic Hall of Fame.

Wallace didn’t miss coaching a game in 2023, the year of his diagnosis and announcement of the diagnosis.

“I’m going to live, so I might as well work and do my job,” he said. “Be an example to the young men. Life may throw

you a curveball and you might get knocked down, but you’ve got to get back up. It’s just like football. A play may not work, but you’ve got to go to the next play.”

The assistant coach said showing up to games through his condition and chemotherapy was some of his “toughest challenges” in his life, but the atmosphere always brought him back up.

“When I stepped on that football field and saw the Human Jukebox come out, it was unbelievable how much energy I got,” he said.

In his final Bayou Classic this past November, Wallace and the Jaguars came out victorious again in a 2414 win.

Email Rashad Milligan at rashad.milligan@ theadvocate.com.

STAFF FILE PHOTO By BRETT DUKE

Rory McIlroy, left, and Shane Lowry make their way off the 10th green during the second round of the Zurich Classic at TPC Louisiana in Avondale on April 26.

PHOTO By JOHN OUBRE

Sean Wallace, then Southern’s acting head coach, speaks during a news conference announcing Southern coaching changes on Nov. 15, 2023, at the A.W Mumford Field House.

Robin Fambrough

Legacy Bowl founders making coach Robinson proud

James “Shack” Harris and Doug Williams both starred at quarterback at Grambling playing for the late, great Eddie Robinson Harris and Williams could both tell you one story after another about the many lessons Robinson taught them on and off the field — to transform them from boys to men. The lessons Robinson instilled in them, they are now trying to instill in others.

And because of that, they both know Robinson would be smiling his big ole smile if he was still around to see the work his two former quarterbacks are doing this week in New Orleans.

For the fourth year in a row, Harris and Williams are spearheading the Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl, a showcase of some of the best draft-eligible players from Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

“We hate the fact that coach Rob is not here to see this,” Harris said. “This is his type of thing. He believed in his players getting an education and he believed in their future. There’s not a greater leader and mentor than Eddie Robinson.”

The game is set for Saturday at 3 p.m. at Tulane’s Yulman Stadium.

ä HBCU Legacy Bowl, 3 P.M.SATURDAy NFL NETWORK

Team Robinson will consist of players from schools in the Southwestern Athletic Conference and the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. Team Gaither, named after legendary Florida A&M coach Jake Gaither, is comprised of players from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association.

“When you talk about HBCUs, it’s not just about Grambling for me,” Williams said “It’s about all of them. You want to see all these kids get an opportunity to perform and hopefully an opportunity to play.”

In addition to the game, there was an HBCU combine held Monday at the Saints’ training facility. All 32 NFL teams had scouts in attendance at the combine, held one week before the NFL combine in Indianapolis.

“These guys aren’t going to Indy,” Williams said. “So this is their opportunity to get seen.

For many players, Saturday will be the last time they ever put on shoulder pads. It’s why the Legacy Bowl is about much more than the actual game. A career fair was held on Thursday and continues Friday to give students an opportunity to inter-

STAFF FILE PHOTO By BRETT DUKE

Doug Williams, former Grambling football coach and NFL quarterback, chats with people before the start of the HBCU Legacy Bowl on Feb 19, 2022, at yulman Stadium. Williams and former teammate James Harris are spearheading the Legacy Bowl for the fourth consecutive year

view for jobs. Many are hired on the spot.

“When you look at it realistically every player is not going to get a chance to play in the National Football League,” Williams said. “But they do have a chance to interview for a job and I think that in itself sets the stage for the whole week.”

Williams and Harris understand that life is bigger than just football. Their former college coach

made sure they understood that. Because of those lessons, the Legacy Bowl is important to them. Neither of them have to be doing the work they’re doing this week. They’ve already left their mark. Williams, 69, became the first Black quarterback to start a Super Bowl and the first one to win it. He also was named the game’s Most Valuable Player Harris, 77, became the first Black quarterback to win an NFL play-

SCOREBOARD

7 p.m. UL at Southern Miss, 7 p.m. Men’s national scores EAST Albany (NY) 79, Maine 68 Binghamton 79, New Hampshire 60 Coll. of Charleston 73, Northeastern 62 Drexel 78, Delaware 74 Mass.-Lowell 98, UMBC 79 Mercyhurst 65, Fairleigh Dickinson 60 Monmouth (NJ) 68, Hofstra 62 St. Francis (Pa.) 81, Le Moyne 76, OT Vermont 59, Bryant 55 Wagner 63, Stonehill 57 SOUTH Appalachian St. 79, Georgia Southern 74, OT Austin Peay 92, Queens (NC) 78 Elon 69, Towson 63 Florida Gulf Coast 83, Stetson 80 James Madison 83, Georgia St. 63 Kennesaw St. 83, UTEP 73 Marshall 81, Old Dominion 77 NC A&T 53, Campbell 50 New Mexico St. 61, Jacksonville St. 52 Radford 77, UNC-Asheville 53 MIDWEST Bellarmine 80, E. Kentucky 74 Northwestern 70, Ohio St. 49 FAR WEST CCSU 81, Chicago St. 75 Women’s state schedule Wednesday’s games Texas State 69, UL 58 Tulsa 73, Tulane 54 Thursday’s games UTRGV 67, McNeese 44

Southeastern 65, Northwestern State 58 UL-Monroe 84, Troy 73 Texas A&M-Corpus Christi 59, Nicholls 44 Texas A&M-Corpus Christi 59, UNO 44 LSU 79, Georgia 63 Friday’s games None scheduled. Women’s national scores EAST Albany (NY) 56, Maine 40 Bryant 61, Vermont 53 CCSU 62, Chicago St. 61 Fairfield 72, Rider 46 Fairleigh Dickinson 65, Le Moyne 46 Manhattan 68, Iona 65 Marist 69, Canisius 62, OT New Hampshire 65, Binghamton 38 North Carolina 68, Syracuse 58 Sacred Heart 74, Merrimack 48 Siena 66, Niagara 64 St. Francis (Pa.) 70, Mercyhurst 69 St. Peter’s 70, Mount St. Mary’s 54 Stonehill 77, Wagner 64 UMBC 53, Mass.-Lowell 51 SOUTH Alabama A&M 70, Florida A&M 67 Austin Peay 66, Queens (NC) 57 Bellarmine 78, Jacksonville 73 Bethune-Cookman 56, Alabama St. 53 California 76, Virginia 70 Davidson 66, George Mason 50 E. Kentucky 71, North Florida 58 Florida St. 69, Pittsburgh 55 Fort Wayne 69, N. Kentucky 57 Furman 72, Mercer 70 Lipscomb 61, North Alabama 58 Louisville 70, Duke 62 Middle Tennessee 55, Louisiana Tech 46 NC State 83, Georgia Tech 68 Notre Dame 82, Miami 42 Old Dominion 95, Arkansas St. 88 SIU-Edwardsville 83, Morehead St. 75 Samford 62, Wofford 54 South Carolina 95, Arkansas 55 Stetson 68, West Georgia 58 Tennessee 88, Alabama 80 Tennessee Tech 70, UT Martin 55 Texas Rio Grande Valley 67,

off game about a decade and a half before that. They know Robinson wouldn’t have been satisfied with them stopping with those accolades though.

“Coach Rob would probably say ‘Hell, you ain’t worth a damn,’” Williams said. “You have to help somebody who helped you. If we don’t help these young guys, who is going to help them? We’ve got an opportunity to do what we’re doing and to keep doing what we’re doing.”

South Carolina State coach Chennis Berry, one of the coaches for Team Gaither, has been a part of the Legacy Bowl since its inception. He appreciates the work the two guys who made it all happen have done.

“I don’t know if the players understand how big it is,” Berry said. “You are talking about legends. You are talking about Doug Williams and Shack. You’re talking about the cream of the crop. All these guys strive to be like those guys are who have already paved the way They need to understand that the opportunity of a lifetime only lasts the lifetime of the opportunity The opportunity is now for these young men, so we are thankful to Doug and Shack.” Coach Robinson would most certainly be proud, too.

Email Rod Walker at rwalker@ theadvocate.com.

p.m.

Little Rock at Nicholls, 2 p.m. LMU at Tulane, 2 p.m.

Omaha at LSU, 4 p.m.

Grambling vs. Alabama State, 4 p.m.

Louisiana Tech at Southern Miss, 6 p.m.

Oakland at McNeese State, 6 p.m.

Nebraska at UL, 6 p.m.

Northwestern State at Troy, 6 p.m.

Houston Christian at UL-Monroe, 6 p.m.

Boston College at UNO, 6:30 p.m.

Saturday’s games

Grambling vs. Alabama A&M, noon

Boston College at UNO, 1 p.m.

Little Rock at Nicholls, 1 p.m. (DH)

Oakland at McNeese State, 1 p.m.

Northwestern State at Troy, 1 p.m.

Loyola Marymount at Tulane, 2 p.m. Alcorn at Southeastern, 2 p.m.

Louisiana Tech at Southern Miss, 2 p.m.

Nebraska at UL, 2 p.m.

Omaha at LSU, 2 p.m.

Houston Christian at UL-Monroe, 6 p.m.

Southern vs. Florida

Rod Walker

READY TO ROLL

The Krewe of Artemis leads off the weekend’s revelry, parading through downtown starting at 7 p.m. Friday. Following that, it’s Krewe Mystique de la Capitale at 2 p.m. Saturday and Orion at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, also downtown. The Mid City Gras Parade rolls at 1 p.m. Sunday down North Boulevard. downtownbr.org

THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND

4 places to watch Spanish Town Parade

BY LAUREN CHERAMIE

Staff writer

Come Saturday, March 1, downtown Baton Rouge will be covered in pink. The Spanish Town parade is coming!

Starting at noon, the parade will roll on Fourth Street and Spanish Town Road, to Ninth, North, Fourth, Main, Ninth, Laurel, Fourth, Florida, Seventh to Convention streets and River Road, ending at North Street.

If you’ll be participating in the revelry, arrive early, bring a chair and have fun. Here are four places to watch the flamingo-filled procession:

Capitol Park Museum

Join the Friends of Capitol Park Museum for its 11th annual Spanish Town parade party at 9 a.m. at 660 N. Fourth St., Baton Rouge. The family-friendly Mardi Gras event will include prime front-street viewing, indoor restrooms, a food and drink bar, face painting, activities and more. Ticket prices vary depending on age, available for purchase at eventbrite.com. All proceeds from the event support the Capitol Park Museum’s educational programs, public offerings and volunteer efforts.

Spanish Town Road

Anywhere along Spanish Town Road makes for a great spot. Walk around the neighborhood before the parade to see what makes the place special. The houses are sure to be decked out in all things pink and flamingo

St. Joseph Cathedral

Catch the parade at the cathedral and purchase a po-boy from the Knights of Columbus at 401 Main St River Road, North Street

To witness the aftermath of the chaos, watch the parade at your preferred spot and then make your way to the end of the parade at the corner of River Road and North Street. While the riders may not have any throws left, it may be fun to watch.

Email Lauren Cheramie at lauren.cheramie@ theadvocate.com.

PHOTOS + FLOWERS

The Baton Rouge Garden Club and the Louisiana Photographic Society team up for “Picture This! A Tablescapes Event” from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Baton Rouge Garden Center The show will feature both photography and floral design. $5 admission goes to a scholarship fund.

COSMIC ADVENTURE

Lightwire Theater’s “Moon Mouse: A Space Odyssey” will be presented at the Manship Theatre at 2 p.m. Sunday. Marvin the mouse takes a trip to the surface of the moon on his homemade rocket in this family story about celebrating differences. $31. manshiptheatre.org

Staff report

ODE TO IRELAND

Traveling dance production jigging through La. next week

through

including a Thursday

next

mance at the Raising Cane’s River Center Performing Arts Theater in Baton Rouge. The show is presented by Pace Live.

“The show is basically a story It’s like the timeline of Ireland,” lead performer Cian Walsh 25, said last week. “We tell that story through the Irish music and dance, from Ireland’s creation and the Vikings coming over, through the tumultuous times of the famine and the Easter Rising right up to modern-day Ireland.”

ä See IRELAND, page 2D

‘A TASTE OF IRELAND’ n 7:30 p.m.Thursday: Raising Cane’s River Center Performing Arts Theater, Baton Rouge ● $30.45 and up ● raisingcanesrivercenter.com/eventstickets/ n 7:30 p.m. Monday: Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center,Alexandria n 7:30 p.m.Tuesday: Strand Theatre, Shreveport n 7 p.m.Wednesday: Lake Charles Event Center n 7:30 p.m. Feb 28: Jefferson Performing Arts Center Metairie ● atasteofirelandshow.com/

The Baton Rouge Mardi Gras Festival is returning for its 12th year, and once again, it’s a two-part celebration

A pre-party will take place from 7 p.m. to midnight on Thursday at Henry Turner Jr.’s Listening Room, 2733 North St. The main festival will run from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, March 1, at North Boulevard Town Square, 222 North Blvd

The pre-party will offer a sneak peek of some of the talent scheduled to play on the Town Stage on Saturday Admission is $30 and includes a buffet and no-host bar Performers expected to appear are Henry Turner Jr & Flavor and the Listening Room All-Stars. The main event features continuous live music, a vendor’s village and a food court. It’s family-friendly and free to the public. There’s lawn seating so bring chairs organizers say

This year’s festival lineup on the Town Lawn Stage will include blues, soul, R&B, reggae, gospel, jazz, pop/rock, spoken word, comedy and Mardi Gras Indians. Scheduled to appear are Henry Turner Jr & Flavor; the Listening Room All-Stars including Ervin “Maestro” Foster Kevin White, Kelton ‘Nspire Harper, King Solomon and comedian Eddie “Cool” Deemer; the Phoenix Rouge Dance Troupe; Big Queen Tanya Sylvas; Wyanda Paul and John “The Boss Man” Hall. Screenings of “We’re Going Down to the Mardi Gras: The Making of Henry Turner Jr.’s Mardi Gras Festival” will be shown at 2 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. at the River Center Branch Library, 250 North Blvd. right next to the festival grounds. The 44-minute documentary is narrated by Turner and was produced by Michele Barnes for her Rebirth Shield Film Productions For more information, including VIP packages with covered seat-

and

or call (225) 802-9681. The event is presented by Henry Turner Jr.’s Listening Room Museum Foundation, a 501(c)(3)

and drink

go

STAFF FILE PHOTO By JAVIER GALLEGOS

Anywhere along Spanish Town Road makes for a great spot to watch the Krewe of Spanish Town Parade.

‘A Taste of Ireland’ lead performers Julia O’Rourke left, and Cian Walsh demonstrate a lift during a trip to Baton Rouge on Feb 12. STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL DUNLAP

By The Associated Press

Today is Friday, Feb. 21, the 52nd day of 2025. There are 313 days left in the year

Today in history

On Feb 21, 1965, civil rights activist Malcolm X, 39, was shot to death inside Harlem’s Audubon Ballroom in New York. Three men identified as members of the Nation of Islam were convicted of murder and imprisoned; all were eventually paroled. (The convictions of two of the men were dismissed in November 2021, when prosecutors said new evidence had undermined the case against them.)

On this date:

In 1885, President Chester Arthur dedicated the Washington Monument.

In 1911, composer Gustav Mahler, despite a fever, conducted the New York Philharmonic at Carnegie Hall in what turned out to be his final concert (He died the following May.)In 1916, the Battle of Verdun, the longest battle of World War I, began in northeastern France.

In 1972, President Richard M. Nixon began a historic visit to China, where he met with Chinese leader Mao Zedong.

In 1973, Israeli fighter planes shot down Libyan Arab Airlines

FRIDAY

SHANE MADERE: The Colonel’s Club, 6 p.m

HISTORICAL HAPPY HOUR FEATUR-

ING KASEY BALL: West Baton Rouge Museum, Port Allen, 6 p.m.

ORIGINAL MUSIC GATHERING: La Divina Italian Café, 6 p.m.

CAITLYN RENEE: Galvez Seafood Prairieville, 6 p.m.

CHRIS ALLEN & DAKOTA CIVELLO: Rio Cantina, Brusly 6 p.m.

KAITLYN WALLACE & PARKER LEWIS: Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, 6 p.m.

KYBALION: Pedro’s Siegen, 6 p.m.

MELISSA SINGS: Pizza Art Wine, 6 p.m.

MIKE ESNEAULT: Stab’s Restaurant, 6 p.m.

ROCKIN’ ROUGE: T’Quilas, Zachary

6 p.m.

RUSTY YATES DUO: Sullivan’s Steakhouse, 6 p.m.

ZACHARY MCLAIN: Crowne Plaza, 6 p.m.

GARRETT REMSON: Le Chien Brewing Co., Denham Springs, 6:30 p.m.

STONE SOBER: El Paso, Denham Springs, 6:30 p.m.

THE LEE SERIO BAND: T’Quilas, Denham Springs, 6:30 p.m.

JOEY HOLAWAY: 18 Steak at L’Auberge,

7 p.m.

BACKLIT STEREO: On The Half Shell Prairieville, 7 p.m.

CYNDER ROAD DUO: Bin 77, 7 p.m.

HENRY TURNER JR. & ALL-STARS: Henry Turner Jr.’s Listening Room, 8 p.m.

SAMANTHA FISH: L’Auberge Event Center, 8 p.m.

2 DOMESTIC 1 IMPORT: O’Haras Irish Pub, 8 p.m.

ISSY/THE BLOOMIES: Brickyard South, 8 p.m.

KRISTIN DIABLE/MARY BROUSSARD: Red Dragon Listening Room, 8 p.m.

FAVORITE FRIEND/RAMBLE PREAM-

BLE/FIZZY: Mid City Ballroom, 8 p.m.

THE BAND LOUISIANA: Icehouse Tap Room, 8 p.m.

THE COVERLY BROTHERS: Phil Brady’s

8:30 p.m.

PETTY BETTY: The Edge Bar at L’Auberge, 9 p.m.

BRENT COBB: The Texas Club, 9 p.m.

CORNERPOCKET: Churchill’s, 9 p.m.

HONKY TONK PLAYBOYS: Southern Rhythm, Denham Springs, 9 p.m.

JOEL COOPER & SCOTT JORDAN: Fat Cat Saloon, Prairieville, 9 p.m.

Flight 114 over the Sinai Desert, killing all but five of the 113 people on board

In 1975, former Attorney General John N Mitchell, former White House Chief of Staff H.R. Haldeman, and former White House Domestic Affairs Adviser

John D Ehrlichman were sentenced to 21/2 to 8 years in prison for their roles in the Watergate cover-up. (Each ended up serving less than two years.)

In 1992, Kristi Yamaguchi of the United States won the gold medal in women’s figure skating at the Albertville Winter Olympics; Midori Ito of Japan won the silver, Nancy Kerrigan of the U.S. the bronze Today’s birthdays: Film and music executive David Geffen is 82. Actor Tyne Daly is 79. Actor Anthony Daniels is 79. Actor William Petersen is 72. Actor Kelsey Grammer is 70. Country musician Mary Chapin Carpenter is 67. Baseball Hall of Famer Alan Trammell is 67. Actor William Baldwin is 62. Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona is 61. Actor Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor is 56. Musician Rhiannon Giddens is 48. Actor Tituss Burgess is 46. Actor Jennifer Love Hewitt is 46. Filmmaker-comedian Jordan Peele is 46. Singer Charlotte Church is 39.

IRELAND

Continued from page 1D

As opposed to traditional Irish dance in which performers keep their arms stiff and to their sides, the audience will see the loosearms style of dance This more relaxed variation caught on during the height of popularity for Michael Flatley and his “Riverdance” productions.

“There’s a lot of history and there’s a lot of culture in the sport,” according to Julia O’Rourke, 25, another lead performer ‘We try to really maintain a lot of the traditional aspects in the show as well, just besides loose arms, just to keep it a little bit more fun for the audience.”

There are many theories on why stiff arms were a constant in earlier Irish dancing, the most likely being that 18th-century dance teachers thought the style to be more dignified.

The two-act show lasts about an hour and 40 minutes and includes 14 dancing and musical numbers. In each number, the performers play a different character

“So, there is a lot of acting involved, I would say especially with the leads,” O’Rourke said, in discussing the walk through history that is “Taste of Ireland. “We have a little happier second half, but the beginning of Ireland was

SHOWS TO WATCH

CHRIS PRYOR & THE MAIN EVENT: Fred’s on the River, Prairieville, 9 p.m.

KENDALL SHAFFER: Moonlight Inn, French Settlement, 9 p.m.

SCOTT RIGGS: Jack’s Place, Port Allen, 9 p.m.

THE DUPONT BROTHERS: The Vineyard, 9 p.m.

WHISKEY BENT: Swamp Chicken Daiquiris, St. Amant, 9 p.m.

SATURDAY

FLORIDA STREET BLOWHARDS: Em & Lizzie’s Gift Shop, Slaughter, 2 p.m.

OPEN JAM SESSION: The Smokey Pit, 4 p.m.

RUSTY YATES: The Colonel’s Club, 5 p.m.

BRITTON MAJOR: Sullivan’s Steakhouse, 5:30 p.m.

CONNER UNDERWOOD: The Colonel’s Club, 5:30 p.m.

DON POURCIAU & KONSPIRACY:

Pedro’s Siegen, 6 p.m.

PAPO Y SON MANDAO: Pedros

Juban, 6 p.m.

PERIQUE: Pizza Art Wine, 6 p.m.

THE ROUX TONES: T’Quilas, Zachary

6 p.m

UNITED WE JAM: T’Quilas, Denham Springs, 6 p.m.

BARRETT MORGAN: Le Chien Brew-

ing Co., Denham Springs, 6:30 p.m.

THE LONGNECK SOCIETY: El Paso, Denham Springs, 6:30 p.m.

MATT TORTORICH: 18 Steak at L’Auberge, 7 p.m.

CAM PYLE: Bin 77, 7 p.m.

JOVIN WEBB: On The Half Shell, Prairieville, 7 p.m.

ACOUSTIC NIGHT W/HENRY TURNER

JR.: Henry Turner Jr.’s Listening Room, 8 p.m.

BUCKCHERRY: L’Auberge Event Center, 8 p.m.

MINK KONTROL/SUNSCAPE/DREW

FRANK: Mid City Ballroom, 8 p.m.

A NIGHT HONORING STEVE JUDICE: Red Dragon Listening Room, 8 p.m.

RIVER RAIN: Chuck’s Fishbowl, Addis, 8 p.m.

UNSELFISH LOVERS OF THE BLUES: Phil Brady’s, 8 p.m.

LETTERS IN RED: The Edge Bar at L’Auberge, 9 p.m.

RUSTY YATES: The Colonel’s Club, 9 p.m.

20 BELOW ZERO: Churchill’s, 9 p.m.

CONFIDENTIAL: Southern Rhythm, Denham Springs, 9 p.m.

JOEL COOPER & SCOTT JORDAN: The Vineyard, 9 p.m.

SUBFLUENCE: Icehouse Tap Room, 9 p.m. NIGHT HOG: Brickyard South,

a little rough.”

“The first half is definitely a lot darker. The two leads are battling against each other and it’s that kind of conflict and tension in the first half,” Walsh agreed.

“But then in the second half it gets lighter and the audience is definitely jumping and dancing on their feet by the finale.”

Two risers at the rear of the stage provide more dancing and jumping options for the actors.

Having both begun dancing at an early age O’Rourke at 5 in Malverne, New York, and Walsh at 6 in Riverstick, County Cork, Ireland the pair have experienced their share of injuries.

“Oh, we just might be here a while,” said O’Rourke. “… I had a back injury that took me out for a year but this was like in my competition days. Recently, on my first Christmas tour, I tore my hamstring. That was kind of rough. Ankle sprains, I mean, that happens probably like every couple weeks. I’ve broken all bones in my foot.”

Walsh has gone through knee issues and partly attributes those to dancing on stages that kind of feel like concrete under their feet.

“You’ll get your shin splints and then different things like that. You could be as fit as possible, but still the conditions, things happen,” Walsh said. “The intensity of the show and especially if you have like a couple of weeks off at home

9:30 p.m.

TITANIUM RAIN: Good Times Bar, Denham Springs, 9:30 p.m. THE AWEN TRIO: Hayride Scandal, 10 p.m.

SUNDAY BRITTANY JENKINS: Galvez Seafood, Prairieville, 10:30 a.m.

JUSTIN BURDETTE TRIO: Superior Grill MidCity, 11 a.m.

ROBERT CALMES: Cocha, 11 a.m.

FLORIDA STREET BLOWHARDS: Jubans, 11 a.m.

WILLIE STONEMORE: On The Half Shell, Prairieville, 11 a.m.

ERIC GAUTREAUX: Red Stick Social, noon

JOEL COOPER: Locals, Central, noon

MOM AND DAD: Icehouse Tap Room, 3 p.m.

RIVER RAIN: Fred’s on the River, Prairieville, 3 p.m.

OPEN MIC JAM: Fat Cat Saloon, Prairieville, 7 p.m.

MUSCLE/WHITEMOTH/NECROMIRE/

DEVOTOUS: Mid City Ballroom, 8 p.m.

MONDAY

VICTOR, SKIP & CARRIE: Phil Brady’s, 6 p.m.

MIKE ESNEAULT: Stab’s Restaurant, 6 p.m.

NICK PERKINS: El Paso, Denham Springs, 6 p.m.

TUESDAY

JEFF BAJON PROJECT: Superior Grill

MidCity, 6 p.m.

RUSTY YATES: The Colonel’s Club, 6 p.m.

STEVE GUSTAFSON: Stab’s Restaurant, 6 p.m.

EDDIE SMITH: On The Half Shell, Prairieville, 6:30 p.m.

PONY BRADSHAW TRIO: Red Dragon Listening Room, 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY

CHRIS LEBLANC: Mason’s Grill, 5:30 p.m.

KENDALL SHAFFER: Galvez Seafood, Prairieville, 5:30 p.m.

BO BURKES: Rio Cantina, Brusly, 6 p.m.

KIRK HOLDER: Bin 77, 6:30 p.m.

SONGWRITERS OPEN MIC W/ HEATH

RANSONNET: Coop’s on 621, Gonzales, 7 p.m.

where if you’ve been touring for six months and then you’re home for two or three weeks, you kind of want to chill out as well.” Returning to the show after for instance, a two-week break, makes injuries more likely during the first couple of weeks or so, he said.

“You definitely have to look after yourself or else, from personal experience, you definitely will get injured and then it’s a long way back from there,” said Walsh.

The current tour puts the troupe on the road for four months, traveling by bus from city to city Walsh won’t have time to return home to Ireland during the brief pauses in the schedule, while O’Rourke, living in the States, may make a quick trip home at Easter

When asked about any stories from the road that were shareable, they burst into laughter.

“Yeah. I mean, we all, like, especially on a long tour like this, we all get super close. I mean, we’re basically living with each other,” O’Rourke said.

“If you’re living with a cast of 20 people like that, you’re going to have tensions brew up, there’s gonna be different things like that,” Walsh added. “But, we’ve got a really good cast. Everyone’s like one big family.”

Email Judy Bergeron at jbergeron@theadvocate.com.

ANDY PIZZO TRIO: Hayride Scandal, 7:30 p.m.

DIXIE ROSE’S ACOUSTIC CIRCLE: Teddy’s Juke Joint, Zachary, 8 p.m.

OPEN MIC JAM: Brickyard South, 8 p.m.

BRITTON MAJOR: Wicked Daiquiris, Denham Springs, 8 p.m.

THURSDAY

RUSTY YATES: The Colonel’s Club, 5 p.m.

DUSTIN LEE GUEDRY: Don’s Seafood, Gonzales, 5:30 p.m.

KYBALION: El Paso, Sherwood, 6 p.m.

OPEN MIC W/AMANDA JO HESS: Istrouma Brewing, St. Gabriel, 6 p.m.

THE STARDUST BOYS: The Brakes Bar, 6 p.m.

BRANDON RINGO: T’Quilas, Denham Springs, 6 p.m.

BRENT ARMSTRONG: T’Quilas, Zachary, 6 p.m.

CLAY PARKER & JODI JAMES: La Divina Italian Café, 6 p.m.

DON POURCIAU & KONSPIRACY: Pedros Juban, 6 p.m.

RALPH DAIGLE: El Paso, Gonzales, 6 p.m.

THE ROUX TONES: Pedro’s Siegen, 6 p.m.

JOSIE OLIVA: On The Half Shell, Prairieville, 6:30 p.m. PEYTON FALGOUST: Bin 77, 6:30 p.m.

THE BISHOP ELLIS TRIO: Hayride Scandal, 7 p.m.

BACKSTREET: Swamp Chicken Daiquiris, St. Amant, 7 p.m.

BR MARDI GRAS FEST PRE-PARTY: Henry Turner Jr.’s Listening Room, 7 p.m.

JOSH MELOY/TRENTON FLETCHER: The Texas Club, 8 p.m.

BLUES JAM: Phil Brady’s, 9 p.m.

BRITTON MAJOR: Churchill’s, 9 p.m.

HEATH RANSONNET: The Vineyard, 9 p.m. OUTLYING

FRIDAY

WILL WESLEY: Sarita’s Grill & Cantina, Maurepas, 6:30 p.m.

Compiled by Marchaund Jones. Want your venue’s music listed? Email info/photos to showstowatch@theadvocate. com. The deadline is noon FRIDAY for the following Friday’s paper

STAFF FILE PHOTO By SOPHIA GERMER Blues guitarist and vocalist Samantha Fish, seen here at 2023’s Jazz Fest, will play L’Auberge Event Center at 8 p.m. Friday. Tickets start at $25.

FRIDAY KREWE OF ARTEMIS PARADE:

7 p.m., from the Raising Cane’s Riv River Road, to Thir ish Town R Ninth, Laur to Convention, and back to the Riv

first and only w ing krewe in Artemis w https://kr

FRIDAY NIGHT LE

7:30 p.m.-8: Highland tory, 13800 Highland R Skygazing tips, nomena, sp famous ev For ages 14 and https://hrpo.lsu.edu/. Also evening sky vi 10 p.m. Satur

FRIDAY-S “CRACKED CLASSICS: THE NIFTY FIFTIES NUTCRACKER”:

AROUND BATON ROUGE

7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, HopKins Black Box Theatre, 137 Coates Hall, LSU. Free admission but donations accepted.

SATURDAY

RED STICK FARMERS MARKET:

8 a.m. to noon, Fifth and Main streets, downtown. Farmfresh produce, goods, cooking demonstrations. breada.org FAMILY HOUR 10 a.m., Irene W Planetarium at the Art & Science Museum, 100 S River Road. L stars and con local nighttime sky an all-ages sho

GREATER BAT EL RAILROADERS:

2 p.m., Republic of W Historical Museum, 3406 lege St., Jackson. E of all sizes will be five different la mission and brrailroaders.com.

KREWE MYSTIQUE D CAPITALE PARADE the Raising (see accomp oldest parading kr Rouge, Mystique has been r ing since 1977. https://krewemystique.com/.

KREWE OF ASCENSION

MAMBO: 2 p.m., starting on Irma Boulevard, to Cornerview Road, Burnside Avenue and ending at La. 30 (see accompanying map). This year’s theme: “Parading Through the Decades.”

THURSDAY

KREWE OF ORION: 6:30 p.m from the Raising Cane’s River ing map). https://kreweoforion. com/. BOOTS AND BLING AFFAIR: 7 p.m., F.G. Clark Activity Center, Southern University Host by the Southern Ag Center; proceeds will be used for scholarships. Live music and heavy hors d’oeuvres. Western attire. $40, general admission; $250, per table. https://foundation.sus.edu/ boots-and-bling/.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY

BASF’S KIDS’ LAB: 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday and 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Sunday, Louisiana Art & Science Museum, 100 S. River Road. Explore the science of chemistry during 45-minute handson workshops for scientists ages 6-12 and their accompanying adults. lasm.org.

Lightwire Theater and Man ship presentation. Marvin the mouse takes a trip to the surface of the moon on his homemade rocket in this family story about celebrating differences. $31. manshiptheatre.org.

TUESDAY

“KEEP TIGER TOWN BEAUTIFUL”: 6:30 p.m., LSU Hilltop

and Hilltop members; $15, nonmembers; free, Hiiltop Magnolia Level members. https://www.lsu.edu/hilltop/.

FLEX AND FLOW YOGA: 6:30 p.m., Jolie Pearl Oyster Bar, 315 North Blvd. Rotating instructors and a variety of techniques. Free.

TRIVIA NIGHT: 6:30 p.m., Burgersmith, 18303 Perkins Road. Collect your team and jockey for first place. loom. ly/y-CKtQ4.

WEDNESDAY

TRIVIA NIGHT: 6:30 p.m., Burgersmith, 27350 Crossing Circle, Suite 150, Denham Springs. Collect your team and jockey for first place. loom.ly/y-CKtQ4.

“BLADE RUNNER (1982)”: 7:30 p.m., Manship Theatre, 100 Lafayette St. Deckard is forced by the police boss to continue his old job as Replicant Hunter. Starring Harrison

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) Let your personality shine. Engage in chatter and enjoy the company of those who spark your imagination, but don't feel obligated to buy anyone's love. Say no to temptation.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) Take care of tasks you've let slip. Call an expert and get the lowdown on how to deal with matters that are holding you back. Sign up for something that offers insight into where you want to be.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Put muscle behind your plans and rearrange your residence to make room for developing projects. Be secretive about your plans; when the time is right, you'll blow everyone's socks off with what you reveal.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) Take a realistic look at your lifestyle and the lessons you've learned. Today is not a day for daring ventures — tread carefully, especially when in groups.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) Push yourself; you can accomplish plenty if you are quick to respond and eager to implement your desires. Satisfaction comes from doing the best you can.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) Learn from change. Observation will help you decipher whether following or leading the way is in your best interest Keep your thoughts to yourself until you have a thorough plan in place.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Embrace life and attend events that help you put

situations in perspective. Take your time and refuse to let insecurity result from criticism or bullying.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Gather information, test your faculties and map out a plan. Travel, group participation and events that bring you in contact with people you'd like to get to know better will lead to interesting prospects.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) Communication is the path to understanding and moving forward. Test your imagination and creative strengths, and discover a pastime that brings you peace and joy.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) A friendly demeanor will help ward off anyone trying to pick a fight or take advantage of you. Keep active. It's up to you to invest in yourself and build opportunities.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) You'll have many unique ideas. Apply your skills to manifest what you want and attract support. Use pent-up energy by participating in physical activities.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Take time to reflect. Get your thoughts in order before making a big decision Be open and receptive to what others say while following the path that suits your needs and budget.

The horoscope, an entertainment feature, is not based on scientific fact © 2025 by NEA Inc., dist.

By Andrews McMeel Syndication

FAMILY CIrCUS

Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

TODAy'S CLUE: K EQUALS F

CeLebrItY CIpher

For better or For WorSe peAnUtS

And erneSt

SALLY Forth

beetLe bAILeY

Mother GooSe And GrIMM

SherMAn’S LAGoon dooneSbUrY

bIG nAte

Sudoku

InstructIons: Sudoku is a number-placing puzzle based on a 9x9 grid with several given numbers. The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once. The difficulty level of the Sudoku increases from Monday to Sunday.

Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer

THe wiZard oF id

BLondie

BaBY BLueS

Hi and LoiS

CurTiS

BY PHILLIP ALDER

Benjamin Franklin said, “If a man could have half of his wishes, he would double his troubles.”

Atthebridgetable,sometimesadouble can increase an opponent’s troubles. In this deal, if East does not double North’s five-diamondBlackwoodreply,Westwill lead the club queen against six spades. But if East doubles, West will start with the diamond four. What should South do in each case?

When North responded with a threespade game-invitational limit raise, South launched Blackwood. This was a theoretical error because he had two immediate heart losers. If North had shown no aces, South would not have knownwhattodo.Southshouldhavecontrol-bid (cue-bid) four clubs, showing a first-roundcontrolthereandexpressing slaminterest.Then,whenNorthcontrolbidfourhearts,Southcouldhavejumped straight to six spades.

After a club lead, South wins, draws trumps, and runs the heart jack. The finesse loses, but declarer has 12 tricks. When West leads a diamond, though, South must be careful. There will be a tendency to assume that the heart finesse is winning, but that line leads to trouble. Declarer should play low from the board and capture East’s diamond queen with his ace, draw trumps, and play three rounds of clubs, ruffing the last in his hand. Then South casts adrift with his last diamond.

Eastwins,butisendplayed.Ifheshifts to a heart, it is into dummy’s ace-queen. Orifheleadsaminor-suitcard,declarer sluffs a heart and ruffs on the board. © 2025 by NEA Inc., dist. By Andrews McMeel Syndication

Each Wuzzle is a word riddle which creates a disguised word, phrase, name, place, saying, etc.

Previous

InstRuctIons:

toDAY’s WoRD BAccHAnALIA: bak-ih-NALE-yuh: A drunken revelry.

Average mark 18 words

Time limit 35 minutes

Can you find 29 or more words in BACCHANALIA?

YEstERDAY’s WoRD — AButtInG

Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer today’s thought “Whoever digs a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolls a stone, it will return on him.” Proverbs 26:27

loCKhorNs

Troublemakers make

G.E. Dean

marmaduKe

Bizarro

hagar the horriBle

Pearls Before swiNe

garfield

B.C.

PiCKles