The Times-Picayune 04-08-2025

Security rampsupfor French QuarterFestival

Tourists walk throughadouble layerof barricades installed around JacksonSquare on Monday.

preparation for the French Quarter Festival, which runs ThursdaythroughSunday.

Cantrell

says plan includes consultants’ recommendations

BY SOPHIE KASAKOVE Staff writer

Bourbon Street closures, waterfilled bollards andextra New Orleans police officers are among the ramped-up security measures the citywill employ ahead of thisweekend’s French Quarter Festival, in line with recommendations from consultants hired to help thecity shore up itsdefenses.

New Orleans MayorLaToya Cantrell said Monday thather security plan incorporatessuggestions from ateam led by New York Police Chief William Bratton, whom the city commissioned after the deadly Jan.1attack on BourbonStreet to helpitpreventfuture similar situations.

The announcement comesdays ahead of the festival andasofficials have faced questions about their long-term plans to keep the French Quarter secure, asheightenedfederal security supportinplace for Super Bowl and Mardi Gras is not expectedtopersist through the busy

MayorLaToyaCantrell looks on as Collin Arnold, director of the city’sOffice of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, explains what security measures his department has taken this week

spring andsummer festival season.

“Wehave implemented additional measuresinterms of public safety, including enhanced security protocols, crowd managementservices andmedical services that you

will seeasyou movearound,” said Cantrell, whowas joinedbypublic safety leaders Monday.“We’rewelcoming, we’re open for business and

ä See SECURITY, page 3A

Stateaimstoban soda forSNAPrecipients

push to reshape food policyled by Health SecretaryRobert F. Kennedy

Jr Gov.Jeff Landryannouncedonsocial media last week that the state will request afederal waiver to prohibit the use of SNAPbenefits for soft drinks.

BY EMILY WOODRUFF Staff writer

The Louisiana Department of Health, which runs the state’sMedicaidprogramand scores of initiatives aimed at improving public health, may lose tens of millionsofdollars in funding due to federal program cuts initiated by the Trumpadministrationthrough its DepartmentofGovernmentEfficiency

According to DOGE’s public “wall of receipts,” whichbillionaire Elon Musk,who is leadingthe cost-cutting endeavor,has posted in an effort to show how he is reshaping federal spending, Louisianaisexpected to lose at least $128.5 million in federal funding overallthrough the efforts of DOGE, with the largest share attributed to the Health Department. DOGE’ssavings estimates have notalways proven reliable, however,and Health Departmentspokesperson Emma Herrock said internal projections suggest the losses will not exceed $86 million.

Newbills target

BY MEGHAN FRIEDMANN Staff writer

The Legislature could be in store formore conflict over hemp-THC products during the coming legislative session. Lawmakers have filed bills to raise taxes on them and to add criminal penalties forselling to underage customers.

Last year,abattle over how to regulate the products —and whether to ban them outright stretched into the final days of the session.

BY EMILYWOODRUFF

Staff writer

Louisiana is preparing to join anational effort bubblingup to bansoft drink purchases under SNAP, the federal food assistance program for lowincome residents, as part of alarger

“Louisiana will lead theway in the MAHA movement,” Landry posted, referringtoKennedy’sMake America Healthy Again initiative, thegrowing movement championed by Kennedy, head ofthe U.S. DepartmentofHealth and Human Services,that focuses on

personalchoice and nutrition-based health reformoverpublic health care programs. The soda ban is part of asweeping nutrition bill filed by stateSen. Patrick McMath, R-Covington, who also introduced separatelegislation this session to removefluoride from Louisiana’s drinking water Senate Bill 14 would also ban ultraprocessed ingredientsinpublic schools,such as thoseinshelf-stable

Nutritionlegislation also targetsschoolfood, seed oils ä See SODA, page 3A

STAFF PHOTO ByMICHAEL JOHNSON

Proposed legislation in Louisiana wouldban softdrink purchases fromthe federal foodassistanceprogram for lowincome residents

STAFF PHOTOSByCHRIS GRANGER

The barriers arein

BRIEFS FROM WIRE REPORTS

Myanmar’s earthquake death toll hits 3,600

BANGKOK Long-shot efforts to find survivors from Myanmar’s devastating March 28 earthquake were winding down Monday as rescue efforts were supplanted by increasing relief and recovery activity The death toll surpassed 3,600 and was still climbing.

A situation report issued late Monday by the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said more than 17.2 million people are living in affected areas, and need food, drinking water, health care, cash assistance and emergency shelter

In the capital, Naypyitaw people cleared debris and collected wood from their damaged houses under drizzling rain, and soldiers removed wreckage at some Buddhist monasteries.

Myanmar Fire Services Department said Monday that rescue teams had recovered 10 bodies from the rubble of a collapsed building in Mandalay Myanmar’s second biggest city

It said international rescuers from Singapore, Malaysia and India had returned to their countries after their work to find survivors was considered completed. The number of rescue teams operating in the residential areas of Naypyitaw has been steadily decreasing.

Judge dismisses former Miss. governor’s lawsuit

JACKSON, Miss. — A judge has dismissed a lawsuit by former Mississippi Gov Phil Bryant that claimed a local news outlet defamed him in public comments about its Pulitzer Prize-winning reporting on the misspending of $77 million in federal welfare funds.

The one-page ruling Friday by Madison County Circuit Court Judge Bradley Mills sided with lawyers for Mississippi Today, who had argued that the news outlet engaged in constitutionally protected speech.

“For the past 22 months, we’ve vigorously defended our Pulitzer Prize-winning reporting and our characterizations of Bryant’s role in the Mississippi welfare scandal,” Mississippi Today said in a statement on its website. “We are grateful today that the court, after careful deliberation, dismissed the case.” Bryant filed suit in 2023, weeks after Mississippi Today and one of its reporters, Anna Wolfe, won a Pulitzer Prize for her coverage of how welfare funds intended for poor Mississippians — some of the most impoverished people in the U.S. — were diverted to the rich and powerful.

Bishops end partnership with U.S., citing aid cuts

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops announced Monday that it is ending a half-century of partnerships with the federal government to serve refugees and children, saying the “heartbreaking” decision follows the Trump administration’s abrupt halt to funding for refugee resettlement. The break will inevitably result in fewer services than what Catholic agencies were able to offer in the past to the needy, the bishops said.

“As a national effort, we simply cannot sustain the work on our own at current levels or in current form,” said Archbishop Timothy Broglio, president of the USCCB. “We will work to identify alternative means of support for the people the federal government has already admitted to these programs. We ask your prayers for the many staff and refugees impacted.”

The decision means the bishops won’t be renewing existing agreements with the federal government, the bishops said. The announcement did not say how long current agreements were scheduled to last.

Catholic bishops sued President Donald Trump’s administration in February over its abrupt halt to the funding of aid provided to newly arrived refugees, saying they are owed millions already allocated by Congress to carry out resettlement aid under agreement with the federal government. But a federal judge ruled that he couldn’t order the government to pay money due on a contract, saying a contractual dispute belongs before the Court of Federal Claims. The bishops have appealed that ruling.

Trump threatens more tariffs on China

Global

BY CHRIS MEGERIAN and JOSH BOAK Associated Press

WASHINGTON — Undeterred by a panicked stock market,

President Donald Trump threatened additional tariffs on China on Monday, raising fresh concerns that his drive to rebalance the global economy could intensify a financially destructive trade war

Trump’s threat came after China said it would retaliate against U.S. tariffs he announced last week.

markets continue to shudder ä Stocks have manic day before slump.

“If China does not withdraw its 34% increase above their already long term trading abuses by tomorrow, April 8th, 2025, the United States will impose ADDITIONAL Tariffs on China of 50%, effective April 9th,”

Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Additionally, all talks with China concerning their requested meetings with us will be terminated!”

The U.S. president has shown few signs of backing down on tariffs despite the mounting pressure in the financial markets. His commitment to tariffs could have devastating effects for the global economy, even though Trump is banking that it will ultimately pay off with manufacturing jobs.

Asked Monday if he would consider a pause on his widespread tariffs,

Trump said, “We’re not looking at that.” The U.S. president said he was open to negotiations “if we can make a really fair deal and a good deal for the United States.” Trump added that it’s possible to have both negotiated settlements with other countries and permanent tariffs.

Even as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his country would take its tariffs against U.S. goods to zero, Trump was noncommittal about removing the new import taxes placed on an ally

The White House also said Monday that Trump would veto a Senate bill that would mandate congressional approval for new tariffs, a bet that the critical mass of Republican lawmakers will loyally back him despite the economic and political risks.

If Trump implements his

new taxes on imports from China, U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods would reach a combined 104%. The new taxes would be on top of the 20% tariffs announced as punishment for fentanyl trafficking and his separate 34% tariffs announced last week Not only could that increase prices for American consumers, it could also give China an incentive to flood other countries with cheaper goods and seek deeper relationships with other trading partners.

The Chinese Embassy in the U.S on Monday responded to Trump’s latest tariff threat by saying his bluster would not help him resolve any trade disputes.

“We have stressed more than once that pressuring or threatening China is not a right way to engage with us,” said Liu Pengyu, the embassy spokesperson.

“China will firmly safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.”

After sell-offs on the prior two days of trading, the Dow Jones Industrial Average on Monday fell 0.9%. The S&P 500 slumped 0.2%, and the Nasdaq composite was down 0.1%.

Tr ump fr equently bragged about stock market gains during his first term, and the threat of losses on Wall Street was viewed as a potential guardrail on risky economic policies in his second term. But that hasn’t been the case, and Trump has described days of financial pain as necessary

“I don’t mind going through it because I see a beautiful picture at the end,” he said.

Trump officials have frequently appeared on television to make the case for his policies, but none of their explanations have

calmed the markets. The only improvement came from a false report that top economic adviser Kevin Hassett said Trump was considering a pause on all tariffs except for China. Stock prices spiked before the White House denied it was true by calling the post “fake news.”

The Republican president has remained defiant despite fears that he could be pushing the U.S. toward a recession, insisting that his tariffs are necessary for rebuilding domestic manufacturing and resetting trade relationships with other countries.

But his aggressive push has scrambled U.S. economic policy Even though inflation remains elevated, Trump has called on the Federal Reserve to lower its benchmark interest rates that were increased to constrain price increases.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell warned Friday that the tariffs could increase inflation, and he said, “There’s a lot of waiting and seeing going on, including by us,” before any decisions would be made.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the European Union would focus on trade with other countries besides the United States, saying there are “vast opportunities” elsewhere. Trump said he spoke with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to start trade negotiations He complained on Truth Social “they have treated the U.S. very poorly on Trade” and “they don’t take our cars, but we take MILLIONS of theirs.”

Swollen rivers flooding towns in the South

BY BRUCE SCHREINER and KRISTIN M. HALL Associated Press

FRANKFORT, Ky. Days of unrelenting downpours swelled rivers to near record levels across Kentucky on Monday, submerging neighborhoods and threatening a famed bourbon distillery in the state capital.

Inundated rivers posed the latest threat from persistent storms that have killed at least 23 people — 10 in Tennessee since last week as they doused the region with heavy rain and spawned destructive tornadoes. Though the storms have finally moved on, the flood danger likewise remains high in several other states, including parts of Tennessee, Arkansas and Indiana

Cities ordered evacuations and rescue crews in inflatable boats checked on residents in Kentucky and Tennessee, while utilities shut off power and gas in a region stretching from Texas to Ohio. Floodwaters forced the closure of the

historic Buffalo Trace Distillery, close to the banks of the swollen Kentucky River near downtown Frankfort, Kentucky Salon owner Jessica Tuggle watched Monday as murky brown water approached her Frankfort business. She and her friends had moved her salon gear — styling chairs, hair products and electronics — up the hill to a nearby taproom.

“Everybody was just, ‘stop raining, stop raining,’ so we could get an idea of what the worst situation would be,” she said.

Officials diverted traffic and turned off utilities to businesses in Frankfort as the river crested just short of a record Monday More than 500 state roads across Kentucky were still closed Monday morning, Gov Andy Beshear said.

Ashley Welsh, her husband and four children along with their pets — had to leave their Frankfort home along the river Saturday evening, abandoning a lifetime of belongings to the floodwaters.

When she checked her house’s cameras Sunday morning, the water had risen to the second floor “My stuff was floating around in the living room. I was just heartbroken. Our life is up there,” Welsh said.

Twenty-three deaths have been reported since the storms began Wednesday Among the four confirmed killed in Kentucky, a 9-year-old boy in Kentucky was caught up in floodwaters while walking to catch his school bus. A 5-year-old boy in Arkansas died after a tree fell on his family’s home, police said. A 16-year-old volunteer Missouri firefighter died in a crash while seeking to rescue people caught in the storm.

Kentucky State Police said Monday they recovered the body of a McCracken County man swept away by floodwaters Sunday while trying to retrieve his boat. And Beshear on Monday reported the flood-related death of a Trigg County man.

The Arkansas Division of Emergency confirmed the

Roberts halts deadline for return of mistakenly deported Md. man

BY MARK SHERMAN Associated Press

WASHINGTON Chief Justice John Roberts agreed Monday to pause a midnight deadline for the Trump administration to return a Maryland man mistakenly deported to a notorious prison in El Salvador The temporary order comes hours after a Justice Department emergency appeal to the Supreme Court arguing U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis overstepped her authority when she ordered Kilmar Abrego Garcia returned to the United States.

The administration has conceded that Abrego Garcia should not have been sent to El Salvador because an immigration judge found he likely would face persecution by local gangs. But he is no longer in U.S. custody and the government has no way to get him back, the administration argued. Xinis gave the administration until just before midnight to “facilitate and effectuate” Abrego Garcia’s return.

“The district court’s in-

junction — which requires Abrego Garcia’s release from the custody of a foreign sovereign and return to the United States by midnight on Monday — is patently unlawful,” Solicitor General D. John Sauer wrote in court papers, casting the order as one in “a deluge of unlawful injunctions” judges have issued to slow President Donald Trump’s agenda. The Justice Department appeal was directed to Roberts because he handles appeals from Maryland.

death of a man found by the Sherwood Fire Department in a submerged vehicle.

Two men sitting in a golf cart, a father and son, were killed when a tree fell on them at a golf course in Columbus, Georgia, according to Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan.

The Kentucky River was cresting at Frankfort Lock at 48.27 feet on Monday

morning, just shy of the record of 48.5 feet set there on Dec. 10, 1978, according to CJ Padgett, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Louisville, Kentucky, office. Beshear said more than 1,000 people had no access to water and nearly 3,000 were under boil water advisories. He said at least 20 water systems were affected.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By MANUEL BALCE CENETA

President Donald Trump waves Sunday as he arrives on Marine One at the White House in Washington.

The total funding amount canceled should not exceed $86 million, but we will not have a final total until we receive and process all final invoices from contractors,” Herrock said in an email, adding that the department expects the total amount to be “much less” and more accurate projections are expected at the end of April.

The cuts come as the state department is navigating the Trump administration’s rapid-fire changes to federal funding and public health, and how it will affect the agency’s mission and programs.

The department is the state’s largest agency with an annual budget of around $20 billion.

Nearly 90% of its overall funding is used to administer Louisiana’s Medicaid program, which insures low-income residents and children and provides support for the elderly and people with disabilities. The rest of its budget is mostly used to support public health initiatives

SECURITY

Continued from page 1A

we are a safe city.”

The changes outlined Monday affect only the French Quarter Festival, which runs Thursday through Sunday in the Vieux Carre. The free outdoor celebration drew 950,000 people over four days last year, and generated $300 million for the city’s economy, said Kelly Schulz, of New Orleans and Co., the city’s sales and marketing organization.

Cantrell said her administration would announce other security measures in the lead-up to the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and the Essence Festival of Culture, which take place at the Fairgrounds and the Superdome, respectively

The city will also publicly release a final version of Bratton’s report after it finishes a review of all recommendations, the Mayor’s Office said Monday Aside from recommendations for major events, that report is expected to include strategies for police deployment and a plan to close off a large swath of Bourbon Street to cars nearly full time, among other tips.

To protect crowds attending the festival, Bourbon Street will have “extensive” closures, and getting there “will be difficult” by car, New Orleans Police Department Assistant Superintendent Hans Gauthier said. He urged people to take an alternate route Bourbon Street from Canal to Dumaine streets will be closed,

BILLS

Continued from page 1A

Ultimately, the Legislature did not pass a ban. But lawmakers did lower the legal single-serving size from 8 mg of THC to 5 mg of THC, make it illegal to sell the intoxicating products to people under 21 and limit how bars sell hemp products like THC seltzers. THC, the compound in marijuana that gets users high, is also found in hemp, another cannabis plant, though at much lower levels than in marijuana. But many hemp manufacturers sell products with concentrated THC levels.

So far this year’s proposed changes do not include an outright ban on such products. But two bills that would dramatically raise the consumable hemp tax are likely to

SODA

Continued from page 1A

breads, Little Debbie snacks and sports drinks that contain certain dyes. It would also require physicians to complete continuing education on nutrition and metabolic health, and mandate that restaurants clearly disclose if they cook with seed oils such as canola, soybean or corn oil.

“We’re constantly surrounded by poison,” McMath said in an interview “It’s why we’re by far and away the most unhealthy nation in the world and the most unhealthy state within that nation.”

Roughly 850,000 Louisiana residents — about 20% of the state’s population — receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. Nearly 390,000 of them are children.

The program launched as food stamps in the 1930s and was formalized in the 1960s to reduce hunger and support farmers. Today,

across the state.

Congress is considering deep cuts to Medicaid, which could deal a heavy blow to poor states like Louisiana. One in three Louisiana residents relies on the program, and House Republicans are looking at the possibility of slashing federal spending by $880 billion as part of efforts to offset the cost of extending President Donald Trump’s 2017 tax cuts. Democrats expect those cuts to fall heavily on federal Medicaid spending, though GOP leaders have said they aim to achieve cost savings through cutting waste rather than direct benefit reductions.

In addition to Medicaid, the Health Department oversees services like mental health care, nursing homes, vaccination programs and clean drinking water initiatives. It’s not clear how the cuts initiated by DOGE may impact those programs.

Department officials did not respond to questions about which programs or contracts may be affected.

During a March 25 budget hearing, department officials initially

said they expected a loss of $10 million based on “a series of emails that were slightly difficult to interpret” that they received the night before, according to Karen Stubbs, assistant secretary of the Office of Behavioral Health, who answered questions about the cuts during a state Senate Finance Committee meeting.

At that time, the cuts were predicted to mostly impact mental health and substance use programs. The DOGE cuts to Health Department programs and other Louisiana institutions are part of a broader push to trim federal spending. They do not include recent layoffs at the federal Department of Health and Human Services or freezes to other programs the Trump administration is evaluating, such as those administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s assistance programs for Louisiana farmers.

But through DOGE, the Trump administration has also identified cuts to contracts or programs at several other Louisiana entities.

According to the DOGE web-

site, the state Department of Agriculture and Forestry is set to lose $18.2 million, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette will lose $3 million, the Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center will lose $550,000, the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana will lose $258,655 and the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana will lose over $193,000.

The funding for UL was slated for the Grow Your Own program, which addresses teacher shortages and was expected to impact more than 69,000 students James Savage, UL spokesperson, said the university is appealing the decision. The Coushatta Tribe was using the now-canceled funds to support the local crawfish market during a difficult post-drought season in 2024. A second distribution planned for 2025 has now been called off.

“The cuts are hard to grasp,” Coushatta Tribe Secretary-Treasurer Kristian Poncho wrote in an email to federal officials.

At the Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center Executive Director Ameca Reali said the organization

with vehicles only allowed to cross at St. Peter Street. Royal Street from Conti to St Peter streets will also be closed, as will Decatur Street from Conti to St. Peter streets North Peters Street will also shut down from Conti to St. Louis streets. Around 180 NOPD officers will patrol the French Quarter during the event, Gauthier said.

In a first, he added, water-filled bollards will be used to block North Peters Street during French Quarter Festival instead of the typically used metal barriers, which are easier for people to move. Those bollards will also be used during Jazz Fest and Essence Fest, Cantrell said.

Gauthier also said officers would be monitoring surveillance cameras and deploying surveillance drones.

“We’re just using everything we can to make sure that the public is safe,” Gauthier said. Residents should avoid driving in the Quarter this weekend if possible. For those who do drive to the

was owed $275,000 as part of the first payment of a three-year grant. A federal judge in Massachusetts issued a temporary restraining order in late March, pausing the cuts, but the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has yet to confirm whether the funding will be restored.

“We are the only fair housing agency in Louisiana,” Reali said.

“When faced with housing discrimination, people in Louisiana may have no place to turn.” Programs at Tulane University — including its School of Medicine and Delta Regional Primate Center are listed as losing a combined $5.6 million. The university is appealing some of those cuts, spokesperson Michael Strecker said.

The 26 funding cancellations, which run through different federal agencies, are dated between Feb. 10 and March 23.

Half of the 26 are attributed to the Louisiana Department of Health or the Office of Public Health, which is run by the department.

Staff writer Jeff Adelson contributed to this report.

festival, the city will set up traffic checkpoints in various areas, said Collin Arnold, director of the city’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.

Cantrell said the city’s festival plans, namely “the deployment of barriers, mitigating and hardening areas” is aligned with Bratton’s recommendations, but added that the city is “listening to all of our partners, not just Bratton.”

As they conducted their review of the city’s security strategy in recent months, the consultants on Bratton’s team raised concerns about the NOPD’s ability to effectively gather the sort of intelligence that would prevent future attacks.

In emails released at the end of March, Bratton also identified a lack of coordination among the top leadership of the NOPD, the city’s Department of Homeland Security and Cantrell’s office as the city worked to prepare for Super Bowl LIX and Mardi Gras City leaders said in response that any kinks in the process were smoothed out later

Cantrell defended the city’s security preparations on Monday “What we have found is that what we’re doing, and what we’ve done, has been the right thing to do,” Cantrell said. “And we’re going to keep doing all those good things that have proved to be effective for our residents and for our visitors.”

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

face opposition from the industry

That tax now sits at 3%. House Bill 187 by state Rep. Bryan Fontenot, R-Thibodaux, would raise it to 15%, and House Bill 235 by state Rep. Michael Echols, R-Monroe, to 20%.

In a statement, Fontenot said the change would generate about $9 million in revenue at a time when the state faces serious budgetary challenges.

Lawmakers this session face two major budget obstacles. If they want to keep a $2,000 stipend for teachers that has been in place for two years, they must come up with $198 million. Meanwhile, if federal cuts come down the pike from the Trump administration, the state could have a bigger issue, since nearly half its spending comes from the federal government. Currently, the hemp tax goes toward early childhood education.

low-income residents get a preloaded debit card to use at grocery and convenience stores and farmers markets. It is administered at the federal level by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and locally through the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services. While Louisiana has not yet submitted its waiver the bill aligns the state with more than two dozen other states that have taken similar steps. Supporters argue that allowing sugary sodas to be purchased with taxpayer-funded benefits drives poor health outcomes and increases health care costs over time.

Soda and other sugary snacks have been a point of contention in the program for decades. In Louisiana, a previous attempt to restrict soda purchases through SNAP stalled last year The USDA has been reluctant to approve such waivers in the past because it’s hard to implement. Defining which beverages count as soda has proven difficult as beverage mak-

Fontenot’s bill would not change that.

Echols’ bill, however, would spread the revenue In addition to early childhood education, the tax would fund criminal justice initiatives, drug abuse treatment and hemp-THC product testing and regulation.

Echols estimated increasing the tax to 20% would generate at least $10 million more in revenue.

“I don’t think it has ever been appropriately taxed,” Echols said.

But Joe Gerrity, CEO of New Orleans-based Crescent Canna, which makes THC-infused seltzers, balked at the notion of such a tax hike.

“It’s excessive,” he said. “It only serves to make people pay more money at a time where many Americans are already tightening their belts.”

Retailers are responsible for

ers have moved to make healthier carbonated drinks, such as prebiotic sodas, carbonated water and energy drinks.

Anti-hunger groups have opposed earlier efforts, saying there’s limited evidence that such bans lead to better health outcomes. Banning sugary drinks is a “slippery slope” that opens the door to other banned foods, said Lindsay Hendrix, chief impact officer at Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana.

“It never feels good or dignified to have someone tell you what to do with how you’re feeding yourself or your family,” Hendrix said.

There is little research on whether removing soda from SNAP benefits makes people healthier, said Chen Zhen, a professor of food choice, obesity and health at the University of Georgia. Zhen said it’s possible that such restrictions could complicate access to food benefits or encourage them to reach for other less healthy choices.

“Would that restriction make

paying the tax on the hemp-THC products they sell.

Generally speaking, Gerrity said, constant changes to hemp laws discourage people from investing in what he believes should be a thriving industry

“We firmly believe that Louisiana should become a leader in this industry, and constant changes to the law make it nearly impossible for companies like mine to invest in this market,” he said.

Meanwhile, two bills by Rep. Laurie Schlegel, R-Metairie, would tighten the regulations placed on consumable hemp products last year

Though it is already illegal to sell hemp-THC products to people under age 21, House Bill 12 would add criminal penalties for doing so. If the bill passes, anyone who sells a hemp-THC product to an

the program so unfavorable that people stop enrolling?” said Zhen.

“How will people substitute?”

But with growing support from national figures, the issue is gaining momentum. Last week Kennedy told states to submit their waivers. While he does not have jurisdiction over SNAP, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins has indicated support for the movement.

In response to Landry’s announcement, Kennedy said he plans to visit Louisiana soon.

“I’m coming to see you, Jeff. You have been with MAHA from when it took pure courage!” he wrote on social media site X, formerly Twitter Kennedy was a guest of Landry’s at a legislative hearing in 2021, when Landry opposed then-Gov John Bel Edwards’ proposal to add the COVID-19 vaccine to Louisiana’s school immunization schedule. During testimony, Kennedy falsely claimed that the COVID-19 vaccine “is the deadliest vaccine ever made.” McMath acknowledged that his

underage person could face a fine of $1,000 to $2,000 or a one- to sixmonth prison sentence. Underage people in possession of such products would face fines of up to $100. Schlegel said she modeled the bill after the state’s criminal alcohol laws.

“Those guardrails weren’t put into place when the industry was getting set up,” she said.

The bill also would make distributing hemp-THC products outside of state regulations a crime comparable to drug dealing. Penalties would include one to 10 years in prison or a fine of up to $50,000. Schlegel has a second proposal, House Bill 36, that would add civil liability to illegally distributing hemp-THC products.

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

bill would take time and money to implement, especially for schools. But he said the market would adjust, pointing to other countries that have banned certain ingredients.

“They are huge adjustments,” said McMath. “But other countries have operated this way, and so it’s it is absolutely possible to do this.”

Hendrix noted that the school portion of the bill would be costly and “challenging” to roll out. McMath said that part of his rationale for the bill is to pressure food companies to negotiate with the Trump administration and Kennedy, giving them leverage to push for ingredient changes in ultraprocessed foods. He said his bill was crafted with input from Calley Means, a health care entrepreneur and adviser to Kennedy “What you’ll end up with is a patchwork of laws and regulations that will force the food companies to the table,” McMath said.

Email Emily Woodruff at ewoodruff@theadvocate.com.

STAFF PHOTO By CHRIS GRANGER

Patrick Sinitiere and Will Luxuch, of Center Staging, hang a French Quarter Festival banner near the riverfront as music stages, food booths and various security measures are installed in New Orleans on Monday

Justices allowTrump to deport underwartime law

andthe court “now rewards the government forits behavior.” Justice Amy Coney Barrettjoinedportionsofthe dissent.

BY MARK SHERMAN Associated Press

WASHINGTON The Supreme Court on Monday allowed the Trump administration to usean18th-century wartime law to deport Venezuelan migrants, but said they must get acourt hearing before they are taken from the United States.

In abitterly divided decision, the court said the administration must give Venezuelans who it claims are gang members “reasonable time” to go to court.

But the conservative majority said the legal challenges must take place in Texas, instead of aWashington courtroom.

In dissent, the three liberal justicessaidthe administration has sought to avoid judicial review in this case

Trump: U.S. will hold talks with Iran

BY AAMER MADHANI, TIA GOLDENBERG and ZEKE MILLER Associated Press

WASHINGTON President Donald Trump saidMonday the U.S. will hold direct talks with Iran about its nuclear program, while warning the Iranians they would be in “great danger” if the talks don’tsucceed in persuading them to abandon their nuclear weapons program. The president, in comments to reportersafter meeting with Israeli Prime MinisterBenjamin Netanyahu, said the talks will start Saturday.Heinsisted Tehran can’tget nuclear weapons

“We’re dealing with them directly andmaybeadeal is goingtobemade,” Trump said. He added that “doing a deal would be preferable to doing the obvious.”

Asked if he would commit to military action against Iran should his negotiators be unable to come to terms withTehran, Trump responded that “Iran is goingtobe in great danger,and Ihateto say it.”

“If the talks aren’tsuccessful,Ithink it’sgoing to be avery bad day for Iran,” Trump said.

Iran’smission at the United Nations had no immediate comment Monday Trump recently sent alet-

The justices acted on the administration’semergency appeal after the federal appeals court in Washington left in place an order temporarilyprohibiting deportationsofthe migrantsaccused of being gang membersunderthe rarely usedAlien EnemiesAct

“For all the rhetoric of the dissents,” the court wrote in an unsigned opinion,the high court order confirms “that thedetaineessubjecttoremovalordersunderthe AEA areentitledtonotice and an opportunity to challenge their removal.”

Thecase has become a flashpoint amid escalating tension between the White Houseand the federal courts.

Attorney GeneralPam Bondicalled thecourt’sruling “a landmarkvictory for the rule of law.”

“An activistjudge in Wash-

ington, D.C., does nothave the jurisdiction to seize control of President Trump’s authority to conductforeign policy and keep theAmerican people safe,” Bondi wroteinasocial media post.

Theoriginal orderblocking the deportations to El

tertoIran’ssupreme leader callingfor direct negotiationswiththe United States over its rapidly advancing nuclear program. But Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said late last month that Iran had rejected Trump’s entreaty while leavingopen the possibility of indirect negotiations withWashington.

But Trumphas consistently called on Iran,which is the chief sponsor of Hamasin Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon and Houthimilitants in Yemen, to abandonits nuclear program or face areckoning.

“If they don’tmakea deal, there will be bombing,” Trump told NBC Newsinlate March. “Itwill be bombing the likesofwhich they have neverseen before.”

Tehran’schief envoyto the U.N., AmbassadorAmir Saeid Iravani, has calledon membersofthe Security Councilinaseries of letters to condemn Trump’sthreats of bombing Iran.

Trumpduring hisfirst White House term withdrew theU.S.fromthe landmark nuclear accord withIran negotiated by Democratic President BarackObama’s administration.

Netanyahu saidhesupports Trump’sdiplomatic efforts to reach asettlement with Iran, adding that Israel and the U.S. share thesame goal of ensuring that Iran does not develop anuclear weapon.

The Israeli leader,known forhis hawkishviews on Iran andpastcalls formilitary pressure,said he would welcome adiplomatic agreement along the lines of Libya’s deal with the international communityin2003.

“I think thatwould be a good thing,” he said. “But whatever happens, we have to make sure that Iran does not have nuclear weapons.”

Trump said the talks would happen“at almostthe highest level,” but declined to say where thenegotiations would take place or who he was dispatching for the sensitive diplomacy

He announced plansfor thesurpriseengagement as Netanyahu madeahastily arranged visit to theWhite House —his second in just over twomonths —todiscuss the tariffs Trump has unleashed on countries aroundthe world, Iran’snuclear program and the IsraelHamas war

Appealscourt restores DOGE access to sensitiveinformation at agencies

By The Associated Press

BALTIMORE An appeals court on Monday cleared the way for billionaire Elon Musk’sDepartment of Government Efficiency to once again access people’sprivate data at three federal agencies, awin for the Trump administration as the underlying lawsuit plays out.

In asplit ruling, the threejudge panel blocked alower

court decision that halted DOGE accessatthe Education Department, the Treasury Department and the Office of PersonnelManagement. U.S. District Judge Deborah Boardman issued apreliminary injunction last month in federal courtin Baltimore,sayingthe government failed to adequately explain why DOGE needed the information to perform its job duties.

Led by the American Federation of Teachers, theplaintiffs allege the Trumpadministration violated federal privacylawswhenitgave DOGE accesstosystems withpersonal information on tens of millions of Americans without their consent, including people’sincome and asset information,Social Security numbers, birthdates, home addressesand marital and citizenship status.

Salvador was issuedbyU.S. DistrictJudge James E. Boasberg, the chief judge at the federal courthouse in Washington. President DonaldTrump invokedthe Alien Enemies Actfor the firsttimesince WorldWar II to justify the

deportation of hundreds of people underapresidential proclamation calling the Tren de Aragua gang an invading force. Attorneys from the American Civil Liberties Union filed the lawsuit on behalf of five Venezuelan nonciti-

zens who were being held in Texas, hours after the proclamation was made public and as immigration authorities were shepherding hundreds of migrants to waiting airplanes.

Boasberg imposed atemporary halt on deportations and also ordered planeloads of Venezuelan immigrants to return to the U.S. Thatdid not happen. The judge held ahearing last week over whetherthe government defied his order to turn the planesaround. The administrationhas invokeda “state secrets privilege” and refused to give Boasberg any additional information about the deportations. Trump andhis allieshave called for impeaching Boasberg. In arare statement, Chief Justice John Roberts said “impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision.” Associated Press writer Lindsay Whitehurst contributed to this report.

RFKJr. planstotellCDC to stop recommending fluoride in water

BY HANNAH SCHOENBAUM and MIKE STOBBE Associated Press

SALTLAKE CITY U.S. Health

Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.onMonday saidheplans to tell the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention soon to stop recommending fluoridation in communities nationwide.Kennedy also said he’sassembling atask force to focus on the issue. Also on Monday,the U.S. EnvironmentalProtection Agencyannounced it is reviewing“new scientific information”onpotential health risks of fluoride in drinking water Kennedy toldThe Associated Pressofhis plans after anewsconferenceinSalt Lake City. Utah last month became thefirst statetoban fluoride in public drinking water, pushingpastopposition from dentists andnational health organizations who warned the move would lead to medical problems that disproportionately affect low-incomecommunities RepublicanGov.Spencer

Coxsigned legislation barring cities and communities from deciding whether to add the cavity-preventing mineral to their water systems. Water systems across the state must shut down theirfluoridation systems by May 7. Kennedy praised Utah for emerging as “the leader in making America healthy again.”Hewas flanked by Utahlegislative leaders and thesponsor of the state’s fluoride law.“I’m very,very proud of this state for being the first state to ban it, and Ihope many more will,” he said.

EPAAdministrator Lee Zeldin, whoappeared with Kennedy at thenews conference, said his agency was launching arenewed examinationofscientific studies on the potential health risks of fluoride in drinking water to help inform any changes to the national standards.

“When this evaluationis completed,wewill have an updatedfoundationalscientific evaluation thatwill inform the agency’s future steps,”Zeldin said. “Sec-

retary Kennedy has long been at the forefront of this issue.His advocacy was instrumental in our decision to reviewfluoride exposure risks and we are committed to working alongside him, utilizingsound scienceas we advance our missionof protecting human health and the environment.” Fluoride strengthens teeth and reduces cavities by replacing minerals lost during normal wear and tear,according to the CDC. In 1950, federal officials endorsed water fluoridation to prevent tooth decay,and in 1962 set guidelines for how much should be added to water Kennedy,aformer environmental lawyer,has called fluoride a“dangerous neurotoxin” and said also it’s been associated with arthritis, bonebreaks, andthyroid disease. Somestudies have suggested such links might exist,usually at higher-thanrecommended fluoride levels, though some reviewers have questioned the quality of available evidence and saidnodefinitiveconclusions can be drawn.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By MARK SCHIEFELBEIN

President DonaldTrump, left, shakes handswith Israel’s PrimeMinister Benjamin Netanyahu Mondayasheleaves theWest Wing of the White House in Washington.

Israelistrikehitsnearcharity kitcheninGaza

Officialssay Palestinians were gathered at facility to getfood

BY WAFAA SHURAFA and SAMY MAGDY Associated Press

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip An Israeli strike on Monday hit next to acharity kitchen where Palestinianscrowded to receive cooked meals as food supplies dwindle under Israel’smonthlong blockade of the Gaza Strip, one of a string of attacks in the territory that killed more than 30 people, mostly women and children, hospital officials said.

Another strike hit amedia tent outside ahospital, killing two people, including a local reporter,and wounding sixother journalists,medics said. The Israeli military said the strike targeteda manwhomitidentified as a Hamas militant posing as a journalist.

Video footage showed people carrying the bodyof alittle girl, her face covered with blood, from the blast that witnesses said hit atent next to the charity kitchen

outside the southern city of Khan Younis. Six other people were killed, including two women, and at least 10 people werewounded, hospital officialssaid.

Thestrike hitaround noon as the kitchen was distributing meals to displaced people living in tent camps. Samah AbuJamiesaidher nephew was among those killed and heryoung daughterwas wounded as they waited with theirpots to collect mealsfor their families.

“They were going to get food. Itoldher,‘Daughter don’tgo’,” she said. “These were children, and they had nothing with them but apot. Is apot aweapon?”

There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military on the strike Charitykitchens havebeen drawing bigger crowds of Palestinians becauseother sources of food are running out.More than amonth ago, Israelicut offall food, fuel, medicineand other supplies for Gaza’spopulation of more than 2million people, forcing aidgroups to ration their stocks.

The World Food Program has warned that its supplies to keep kitchens going could be depleted by next week. It had to stop distributing

boxes of foodstaplesdirectly to families last week, spokesperson Abeer Etefa said Monday. The bakeries it ranhavealsoshutdownfor lack of flour,ending amain source of bread for hundreds of thousands of people.

Sinceit endedits ceasefire with Hamas last month, Israel hascarried outbombardments across Gaza, killing hundreds of people,and ground forces have carved out new military zones. Israel

says it is pressuring Hamas to free its remaining hostages, disarm andleave the territory.Under theceasefire deal, it had agreed to negotiate for the hostages’ release.

The heads of six U.N. agencies operating in Gaza said in ajoint statement Monday that theblockade has left Gaza’spopulation “trapped, bombed and starvedagain.”

They said Israeli claims that enough suppliesentered during theceasefire “are

far from the reality on the ground, andcommoditiesare running extremely low.”

“Weare witnessing acts of war in Gaza thatshow an utter disregard for humanlife,” they said. “Protect civilians. Facilitate aid. Releasehostages.Renew a ceasefire.”

The strike outside Nasser Hospital in KhanYounis about2 a.m. setthe media tent ablaze, killing Yousef al-Faqawi, areporter forthe

Palestine Todaynews website, and another man, according to hospital officials.

The military said the strike targeted Hassan Eslaiah, claiming he wasa Hamas militant who took part in the Oct. 7, 2023, attack on southern Israelthat ignited the war.Eslaiah was amongsix journalists who were wounded in the strike, according to the hospital. Eslaiah had occasionally contributedimages to The Associated Press and other international media outlets as afreelance journalist including on Oct. 7. The AP has not worked with him for over ayear Astrike that hit astreet in Gaza Citykilledanemergency room doctor,the GazaHealth Ministry said. Israel’scampaign has killed more than1,000 health workers and at least 173 journalists, according to the U.N. andthe Committeeto Protect Journalists. Hospitals in KhanYounis and the central town of Deir al-Balahsaidtheyreceived the bodies of 33 people, 19 of them women and children, from strikes overnight and into the day on Monday, including those from the kitchen and the media tent attack.

UkrainiancitymournschildrenkilledbyRussian missile

BY YEHOR KONOVALOV and ILLIA NOVIKOV Associated Press

KRYVYI RIH, Ukraine Anger and outrage gripped the hometown of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday as it held funerals for some of the 20 people,including nine children,killed by aRussian missile that tore through apartment buildings and blasted aplayground

More than 70 were wounded in the attack last Friday evening on Kryvyi Rih. The children were playing on swings and in asandboxin atree-lined park at the time. Bodies were strewn across the grass.

“Weare not asking for pity,” Oleksandr Vilkul, the head of the city administra-

tion, wrote on Telegram as Kryvyi Rih mourned. “We demand the world’soutrage.”

The U.N. Human Rights Office in Ukraine saiditwas the deadliest single verified strike harming children since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasioninFebruary 2022. It was also one of the deadliest attacks so far this year.

Ukrainehas consented to aceasefire proposed weeks ago by Washington.But Russia is still negotiating with theUnited States itsterms for accepting atruce in the more than three-year war

U.S. President Donald Trump has voiced frustrationwith Russian President Vladimir Putin over thecontinued fighting, and Ukrainian officials want him to

compel Putin to stop. Trump vowed duringhis election campaign last year to bring aswift end to the war

“We’retalking to Russia.We’d like themtostop,” Trump told reporters Sunday “I don’tlikethe bombing.”

Kremlin spokesman DmitryPeskov reaffirmed Mondaythat Putin supports a ceasefire proposedbyTrump but wants Russian conditions to be met.

“President Putin indeed backsthe ceasefire idea, but it’snecessary to first answer quitea few questions,” Peskov said.

In Kryvyi Rih, teacher Iryna Kholod, 59, remembered Arina and Radyslav, both 7 yearsold and killedinFriday’sstrike,asbeing “like little suns in theclassroom.”

Radyslav,she said, was proud to be part of aschool campaign collecting pet food forstray animals. “Heheld thebag like it was treasure. He wanted to help,”she told The Associated Press.

AfterFridayevening, “two desks in my classroom were emptyforever,” Kholod said, adding that she still hasunopened birthday giftsfor them.

“How do Itell parents to return their textbooks? How do Iteach withoutthem?” she asked.

BY RAJESH ROY Associated Press

NEWDELHI Indian police have arrested a24-year-old American Youtuber who visited an off-limits island in the Indian ocean and left an offeringofa Diet Coke can and acoconut in an attempt to make contact with an isolated tribe known for attacking intruders.

Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov,from Scottsdale, Arizona, was arrested on March 31, two days after he set foot on the restricted territory of North SentinelIs-

land —part of India’sAndaman and Nicobar Islands in abid to meet people from the reclusive Sentinelese tribe, police said. Alocal court last week sent Polyakovtoa14-day judicial custody and he is set to appear again in the court on April 17. The chargescarry apossible sentence of up to five years in prisonand a fine. Indian authorities said they had informed theU.S Embassy about the case Visitors arebanned from traveling within3miles of the island, whose population has beenisolated from the

rest of the world for thousands of years. The inhabitants use spearsand bows and arrows to hunt the animals thatroam the small, heavily forested island. Deeply suspiciousofoutsiders, they attack anyonewho lands onto their beaches. In 2018, an American missionary wholandedillegally on thebeach waskilledby NorthSentinel islanders who apparently shot him with arrowsand then buriedhis body on the beach. In 2006, theSentinelese had killed twofishermen who had accidentally landed on the shore

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTOByABDEL KAREEM HANA Palestinians inspect the site hit by an Israeli strikeonMonday in Deir al-Balah, GazaStrip.

apartment buildings in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine.

BRIEFS FROM STAFFAND WIRE REPORTS

Longtime Baton Rouge

toy store up for sale

Victoria’sToy Station, alongtime Government Street business,isupfor sale with a$1.2 million asking price.

The deal includes the business and the property at 5466 Government St.

DeeDee Culotta, thelongtime owner of Victoria’s, said she put the business up for sale because she wants to retire. The plan is forVictoria’stostay in business until abuyer can be found, aprocess she said she hopes is completedbefore the holiday season rolls around.

“We’ve had the store for 41 years, and we just feel like it’s time forustomove on,” she said. “We’re hoping someone buys the storesowecontinue to have a wonderful toy store for children in Baton Rouge.”

Beau Box, who has the listing for Victoria’s, said the offering gives thebuyer the opportunity to purchase abusiness and real estate on the busy Government Street corridor

Victoria’sToy Stationwas founded in 1984. It was originally located in the Catfish Town development downtown, before moving to Government Streetin1987. Tariffs, low oil prices squeeze some nations

Middle East stock markets

tumbled Monday as theystruggledwith the dual hit of the United States’ newtariffpolicy and asharp decline in oil prices, squeezing energy-producingnationsthat rely on those sales to power their economies and government spending.

Benchmark Brent crude is down by nearly 15% over the last fivedaysoftrading, with abarrel of oil costing just over$64. That’s downnearly 30% from ayear ago when abarrel cost over $90. That cost per barrel is far lower than the estimated break-even price for Saudi Arabia and most othercountries producingenergy in theMiddle East. That’scoupled with the new tariffs, which saw the Gulf Cooperation Council states of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar,Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates hit with 10% tariffs. Other Middle Eastern nations face higher tariffs, likeIraq at 39% and Syria at 41%.

“With these measures andthe expected retaliatory measures that could be adopted by other countries, the stability and predictability of internationaltrade could be undermined,” the accounting firm PwC said in an advisory to its Mideast clients.

Last week, OPEC+ members Algeria, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kuwait,Oman, Russia,Saudi Arabia and the UAE agreed to speed up the introduction of more oil into the market. This month marks the first oil production increase by the group since 2022.

Flood closes Buffalo

Trace Distillery

The historic Buffalo Trace Distillery has temporarily closed after deadly flooding ravaging Kentucky swept into its facilities,forcing the popular bourbon company to turn away the public and staff.

In astatement released Sunday, the Frankfort, Kentucky-based distillery said it would remain closed through Thursday but warned that date couldchange. It was not immediately known how much of Buffalo Trace’sinventory—ranging from barrels, bottlesorother items —may have been damaged. Aspokesperson for Buffalo Trace declined to comment further.

BuffaloTrace is farfromthe only distillery in Kentucky,the home of bourbon country,but it is one of the closest to the banks of the Kentucky River.Notably,the distillery has markersofseveral high-water marks from previous floods inside itsFrankfort buildings,with the most recentbeing the1978 flood.

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American, family-owned companythat has operated for more than 200 years. Its products include theholy grail forbourbon fanatics: Pappy VanWinkle 23-year-old, which can sell for tens of thousands of dollars on resale markets.

BUSINESS

NOLA.COM/BIZ

Stocks have manicday before slump

Trumpagain threatenstocrank tariffshigher

BY STAN CHOE,ELAINE KURTENBACH and DAVIDMcHUGH AP business writers

NEW YORK U.S. stocks careened througha manic Monday after President Donald Trump threatened to crank his tariffs higher, despite astunning display showing how dearly Wall Street wants him to do theopposite.

The S&P 500 closed lower after a dayfullofheart-racing reversals as battered financialmarketstry to figure out what Trump’sultimate goal isfor histrade war. If

it’stoget other countries to agree to tradedeals, he could lower his tariffs and avoid apossible recession. Butifit’storemake the economy and stickwithtariffs for the longhaul,stock prices mayneed to fall further

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell and the Nasdaq composite edged up.

All threeindexes started the day sharply lower,and the Dow plungedasmanyas1,700 points followingevenworse losses elsewhere in the world. But it suddenly surged to again of nearly

900 points in the late morning. The S&P500, meanwhile, went from aloss of 4.7% to aleap of 3.4%, which would have been its biggest jump in years.

The sudden rise followed afalse rumor that Trump was considering a90-day pauseonhis tariffs, one that aWhite House account on Xquickly labeledas“fake news.”

That arumorcould move trillions of dollars’ worth of investments shows how much investors are hoping to seesigns that Trump may let up on tariffs.

Stocks quickly turned back down, and shortlyafterward, Trump dug in further andsaidhe may raise tariffs moreagainst Chi-

na after the world’s second-largest economy retaliated last weekwith its own set of tariffs on U.S. products.

It’s aslapinthe face to Wall Street because it suggests Trump may not care how much pain he inflicts on the market. Many professional investorshad long thought that apresident who used to crow about records reached under his watch would pull back on policies if they sent the Dowreeling. Indexes nevertheless did keep swinging between lossesand gains Monday after Trump’slatest tariff threat, in part because hope still remains in markets that negotiations may still come.

bear market

hurt all economies involved.

BY STAN CHOE and ALEX VEIGA AP business writers

NEW YORK Wall Street could soon be in the clawsofanother bear market as theTrump administration’stariff blitzfuels fears that the added taxesonimportedgoods from aroundthe world will sink theglobaleconomy. The last bear market happenedin2022, but this decline feels more likethe sudden, turbulent bearmarket of 2020, when the benchmark S&P500 indextumbled34% in aonemonthperiod, the shortest bear market ever Abear market is aterm usedbyWall Street when an index suchasthe S&P 500 or the Dow JonesIndustrial Average hasfallen 20%ormorefroma recent high forasustainedperiod of time. Whyuse abear to refer to amarket slump? Bears hibernate, so they represent astock market that’sretreating. In contrast,Wall Street’s nicknamefor asurging marketisa bull market, because bulls charge.

TheS&P 500, Wall Street’smain barometer of health, closed lower Monday.It’snow 17.6% below the all-time high it setonFeb. 19.

Themostrecentbearmarketfor theS&P 500 ranfromJan. 3toOct. 12, 2022.

The tradewar has ratcheted up fear and uncertainty on Wall Street over how businesses and consumers will respond.

President Donald Trump followed through on tariff threats last week by declaring a 10% baseline taxonimports from all countries and higher tariff rates on dozensof nations thatrun trade surpluseswith the United States Global markets cratered thenext day,and the sell-offdeepened afterChina announced it would retaliate withtariffs equaltothe ones from the U.S. Tariffs cause economic pain in part because they’rea taxpaidbyimporters that often gets passed along to consumers, adding to inflationary pressure. They also provoke trading partners into retaliating, which can

Import taxes can also cause economic damage by complicating the decisions businesses have to make, including which suppliers to use, where to locate factories and what prices to charge.And that uncertainty can cause them to delay or cancel investments that help drive economic growth.

The tariffs come at atime when the U.S. economy is already showing signs of slowing. Markets are also worried that tariffs couldfuel inflation,whichrecentlyticked higher On average,bearmarkets havetaken 13 months to go from peak to trough and 27 monthstoget back to breakevensince World WarII. The S&P500 indexhas fallenanaverage of 33% during bear markets in that time. The biggest decline since 1945 occurred in the 2007-2009 bear market, when the S&P 500 fell 57%.

History shows that the faster an index enters into abear market, the shallowerthey tendtobe. Historically,stockshave taken 251 days to fall into abear market. Whenthe S&P 500 hasfallen20% at afaster clip, the index has averaged aloss of 28%.

Weed killer makerasksSupreme Courttoblock warninglawsuits

Claims areRoundup couldcasecancer

BY DAVID A. LIEB Associated Press

JEFFERSON CITY,Mo. Global agrochemical manufacturerBayer has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to decide whetherfederallaw preempts thousands of statelawsuits alleging it failed to warnpeople that itspopular weed killer could causecancer. Bayer’snew request to thenation’s highest court comes as it is simultaneously pursing legislation in several states seeking to erect alegal shieldagainst lawsuitstargeting Roundup, acommonly used

weed killerfor both farms and homes.Bayer disputes the cancer claims but hasset aside$16 billion to settle cases and asserted Monday that thefuture of American agriculture is at stake.

In acourt filing Friday, Bayer urgedthe Supreme Court to take up aMissouri case that awarded $1.25million to aman whodeveloped non-Hodgkin’slymphoma aftersprayingRoundup on a community garden in St. Louis The federally approved labelfor Roundup includesnowarning of cancer. Bayercontends federal pesticide lawspreempt states from adopting additional labeling for products and thus prohibits failure-to-warn lawsuits brought under statelaws.

TheSupremeCourt in 2022 declinedtohear asimilar claim from Bayerina California case that awarded more than $86million to amarried couple.

ButGermany-basedBayer, whichacquiredRoundup maker Monsanto in 2018, contends the Supreme Court should intervene now because lower courts have issued conflicting rulings. The 3rd U.S Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in Bayer’sfavor last year,while the 9thand 11th Circuits have ruled against its stance.

An attorney representingthe St Louis gardener said Bayer is “really grasping at straws.”

“The reality is they don’twant to put the warning on it because they’re afraid” that if people “real-

ize it’sunsafe, it will reduce sales,” said attorney JimOnder, whose firmhas more than 20,000 clients with failure-to-warn claims regarding Roundup.

Bayerfaces about181,000 Roundup claims, mostly from residential users. Because of that, Bayer stopped using thekey ingredient glyphosate in Roundup sold for home use. But glyphosate remains in agricultural products. It’sdesigned to be used with genetically modifiedseedsthatcan resist theweed killer’sdeadly effect, thus allowing farmers to producemore while conserving thesoilbytilling it less Monsanto’sLuling plant is the largest U.S. producer of glyphosate.

James Lambworks on the floor at the Newyork Stock ExchangeinNew york on Monday

Colleges say some international students’ visas being revoked

BY ANNIE MA AP education writer

WASHINGTON Colleges around the country are reporting some of their international students’ visas are being revoked unexpectedly expressing alarm over what appears to be a new level of government scrutiny

Visas can be canceled for a number of reasons, but college leaders say the government has been quietly terminating students’ legal residency status with little notice to students or schools That marks a shift from past practice and leaves students vulnerable to detention and deportation.

The list of colleges that have discovered students have had their legal status terminated includes Harvard, Stanford, Michigan, UCLA and Ohio State University.

The Trump administration has targeted students who had been involved with pro-Palestinian activism or speech, with a few highprofile detentions of students including Mahmoud Khalil, a green card holder who was a leader of protests at Columbia University.

But more schools are seeing visas stripped from students with no known connection to protests. In some cases, past infractions such as traffic violations have been cited Some colleges say the reasons remain unclear to them — and they are seeking answers.

“What you’re seeing happening with international students is really a piece of the much greater scrutiny that the Trump adminis-

tration is bringing to bear on immigrants of all different categories,” said Michelle Mittelstadt, director of public affairs at the Migration Policy Institute.

Many college officials and students have only found out about the changes when they have checked a federal database and seen changes to an individual’s immigration status.

Students in other countries must meet a series of requirements to obtain a student visa, usually an F-1 After gaining admission to a school in the U.S., students go through an application and interview process at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad

Students on an F-1 visa must show they have enough financial support for their course of study in the U.S They have to remain in good standing with their academic program and are generally limited in their ability to work off-campus during their academic program.

Entry visas are managed by the State Department. Once they’re in the U.S international students’ legal status is overseen by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program under the Department of Homeland Security.

Leaders at many colleges learned the legal status of some of their international students had been terminated when they checked a database managed by Homeland Security In the past, college officials say, visas typically were revoked after schools updated the government when students fell out of status.

Colleges

Historically, students who had their visas revoked were allowed to keep their legal residency status and complete their studies.

The lack of a valid visa only limited their ability to leave the U.S. and return something they could reapply for with the State Department. But if a student has lost residency status, they must leave immediately or risk detention by immigration authorities.

Higher education leaders worry the arrests and revocations could have a chilling effect on international education in the United States.

The lack of clarity of what is leading to revocations can create a sense of fear among students, said Sarah Spreitzer, vice president of government relations at the American Council on Education.

“The very public actions that are being taken by ICE and the Department of Homeland Security around some of these students, where they are removing these students from their homes or from their streets, that’s not usually done unless there is a security issue when a student

visa is revoked,” she said “The threat of this very quick removal is something that’s new.”

In messages to their campuses, colleges have said they are asking the federal government for answers on what led to the terminations. Others have re-emphasized travel precautions to students, recommending they carry their passport and other immigration documents with them.

College leaders spoke of a growing sense of uncertainty and anxiety

“These are unprecedented times, and our normal guiding principles for living in a democratic society are being challenged,” University of Massachusetts Boston Chancellor Marcelo Suárez-Orozco wrote in an email. “With the rate and depth of changes occurring, we must be thoughtful in how we best prepare, protect, and respond.”

Suárez-Orozco said the legal residency status had been canceled for two students and “five other members of our university community including recent graduates participating in training programs.”

Jay North, TV’s Dennis the Menace, dies at 73

by The Associated Press

LAKE BUTLER,Fla. Jay North, who starred as the towheaded mischief maker on TV’s “Dennis the Menace” for four seasons starting in 1959, has died. He was 73. North died Sunday at his home in Lake Butler, Florida, after battling colon cancer, said Laurie Jacobson, a longtime friend, and Bonnie Vent, who was his booking agent.

“He had a heart as big as a mountain, loved his friends deeply He called us frequently and ended every conversation with ‘I love you with all my heart,’” Jacobson wrote in a tribute on Facebook.

North was 6 when he was cast as the smiling troublemaker in the CBS sitcom adaptation of Hank Ketcham’s popular comic strip that took place in an idyllic American suburb.

Often wearing a striped shirt and overalls, Dennis’ mischievous antics frequently frustrated his retired next-door neighbor George Wilson, played by Joseph Kearns. After Kearns died, Gale Gordon played Wilson’s brother Dennis’ patient parents were played by Herbert Anderson and Gloria Henry The show ran on Sunday nights until it was canceled in 1963. After that it was a fixture for decades in syndication. North is survived by his third wife, Cindy and three stepdaughters.

By The Associated Press

WASHINGTON

The Trump administration is having early discussions about a grand military parade in the nation’s capital this summer, something that is a long-held

dream of President Donald Trump. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said Monday that the administration had reached out to the city about holding a parade on June 14 that would stretch from Arlington, Vir-

ginia, where the Pentagon and Arlington National Cemetery are located, across the Potomac River and into Washington, D.C. The Army is in early discussions about potentially adding a parade to the Ar-

my’s 250th birthday festival, which is being held June 14, according to a defense official who spoke on condition of anonymity because the discussions are ongoing and no decisions have been made.

June 14 is also Trump’s 79th birthday The White House in a statement said that “no military parade has been scheduled.”

The Army birthday festival, which has been in the

planning stages for about two years, is to include an array of activities and displays on the National Mall, including Army Stryker armored vehicles, Humvees, helicopters and other equipment.

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By TED SHAFFREy

around the country are reporting some of their international students’ visas are being revoked unexpectedly, expressing alarm over what appears to be a new level of government scrutiny.

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APRIL2025

Findingjoy in disc golf with peoplewho love thegame

Last fall, at the Solomon Episcopal Conference Center on a women’sretreat, Inoticed two young men playing disc golf on the center’s18-hole course, situated around its lake and grounds. They were eagertotell me all about it and show me how to best throw the disc into the basket.

Andrew Meister and Kyle Granat’senthusiasm for disc golf, paired with their kindness and willingness to share the game with acomplete stranger touched me. They were not only game but excited for us to meet months later for afull round of disc golf.

Meister is alicensed practical nurse and lives in Ponchatoula. Granat is aphysical therapist who lives in Amite, but they are both practiced teachers as they teach anew person to playdisc golf every couple of months.

“It’sextremely rewarding to teach someone about something you enjoy,” Granat said months later when we met againatthe same spot. He describes disc golf as a community-driven “accessible sport that you can get into for a very low amount of money.Historically,there has been alot of support for people meeting new people.”

To play around at most places, the cost is free in some parks or around $5 to $10 in other,more tended courses. That chilly afternoon of disc golf taught me plenty First, disc golfing is notas easy as it looks.

Meister and Granat have developed skills. They playdisc golf together nearly every week and travel throughout the region and neighboring states to play tournaments. They’ve been friends as far back as both can remember,meeting when Meister was born and Granat was1 “Disc golf has brought us closer as friends becausewedo trust each other,” Granat said. They often do well in the tournaments —most recently winning the 18th annual New Orleans Doubles Championship in November

They also have all the gear, including hundreds of discs (which Igrew up calling Frisbees) and ahandy-dandy rolling cart. For the uninitiated, discgolf works like regular golf —pars, birdies, bogeys and eagles. There are fairways, hazards and tees. The course at Solomon is well-designed and beautiful, offering avariety of terrain and challenges. They shared with me dgcoursereview.com, an easy-to-navigate website that lists courses, and they told me about an app call UDisc, another sourceof disc golf information.

Meister’sgirlfriend, Andee Poche, joined our disc golfing foursome. She cheered Meister on as he birdied five holes, parred eight holes and bogeyed five holes. He finished the round even at 57. Granat was two strokes behind him. They say they’re generally nip and tuck on their scoring.

Keeping up with my score required more serious calculations.Itook nearly twice the number of throws that Meister and Granat took, 110. The next day,Icould barely lift my Yeti filled with sparkling water —my arm was so sore. Even so, Iget the attractionof the sport.

Audit: Ex-officialsgiven perks

St.Bernard vehiclestipends scrutinized

BY JOSEPH CRANNEY Staff writer

Aformerpresident of St.Bernard Parish and his top deputyimproperly accepted $30,000 in vehiclestipendsfromthe parish,even though both drove parish-provided

vehicles, accordingtothe Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office. Guy McInnis, the parish’schief executive from 2016-24, and his former Chief Administrative Officer Ronald Alonzo pocketed that money in apotential violation of Louisiana law,auditors wrote in a 31-page report thatflags arange of arrangements McInnisalso appeared to skirt state gift prohibitions when he accepted anew ChevroletSilverado in December 2023 from Principal Engineering, identifiedbyauditors as a“longtime parish vendor.”

Principal Engineering later gave McInnis ajob at itsCovingtonbased firm on the day after he left office in January 2024, auditors wrote. It’sunclear what position McInnis holds or how muchhe’s paid. In response to auditors, McInnis agreed to reimburse the parish for aportion of his vehicle stipends and fuel purchases. Alonzo disputed the auditors’ findings and said he used agovernment vehicle only during aperiod whenhis personal vehicle wasbroken down or in the shop.

McInnis left office after he was term limited. St. Bernard voters electedLouis Pomes,the parish’s former public works chief, as his replacementinNovember 2023. Alonzo retired in June 2023. Auditors didn’tshare whether or not they believed the violations warranted criminal charges. The report cites violations to state laws prohibiting misappropriation of funds anddonations of public property,which couldcarry civil penalties.

N.O. OFFICE MARKET DOINGWELL

Study findsoccupancy is up as costsrise

BY STEPHANIE RIEGEL Staff writer

Five yearsafter the coronavirus pandemic changed working habits and led to shrinking corporate offices, many big U.S. cities are still struggling to fill theirskyscrapers. But NewOrleans’ downtown office tow-

ers are performing relatively well, accordingtoanew report,evenasbrokers and landlords worry that rising costs forrenters could be ahead. Occupancy rates in downtown office buildings stood at 79% as of the endof 2024, holding steadywiththe year earlier period, according to the Greater New Orleans Office Market Report issued by CorporateRealty.Ifthe long-vacant 1515 Poydras, a29-story tower whose owners are contemplating arenovation to apartments, is removed from the mix, the occupancy ratejumps to nearly 84%.

Prior to the pandemic, downtown occupancy rates averaged 87%.

Average lease rates downtownalso held steadylast year at about $20 persquare foot and have remainedvirtually unchanged since 2018.

“What you’re seeing in New York, Chicago andother big cities isn’twhatwe’reseeinghere,” said Corporate Realty’s Austin Lavin, the broker who prepared the report. “Wehaven’t hadabust because we haven’t had aboom. It’s pretty steady.”

City lackssound fiscal policies,reportfinds

Cantrell administration defendsefforts

BY BENMYERS Staff writer

New Orleans officials don’thave along-term plan forthe city’s fi-

nances or safeguardsfor the city’s reserves, leaving municipal budgets vulnerable at an “inflection point” in thecity’s history,according to anew report from the Bureau of Governmental Research.

Thenonpartisan publicpolicy group also said city officialsdo littletotell the public about how they will spend reserve funding. Thereportalsoquestionsspend-

BY JOSIE ABUGOV Staff writer

ABaton Rouge judge has dismissed asecond challenge to Entergy’splantopower Meta’s $10 billion artificialintelligence data center in northeast Louisiana, ruling that the tech giant does not need to cometothe table as aparty in the proposal before state regulators. Agroup of environmental and consumer nonprofits had argued that key information aboutjob creation andsustainability was absent from Entergy’sproposaland could only be addressedifMetajoins the proceedings.But administrative law Judge Melanie Verzwyvelt sidedwithEntergy on Friday arguing that there is not enough justification or legal precedent for Meta —and subsidiary company Laidley LLC —tojoin the process. Whether Entergy’srequest to power thedata center with three new gas plants is in the public interest will have to be proven when state utility regulators at the Public Service Commissionissue afinal ruling on the application.

ing forecasts that failed to identify a$42 million deficit in the New OrleansPolice Department’spersonnel budget, agap that BGRsaid appears likely to persist this year, although Mayor LaToyaCantrell’s administration saidthat won’t be clear until the end of June. Awindfall of federal pandemic aid totaling nearly $400 million is nearly spent, leaving precious little forthe city’srainy-day fund, BGRsaid.

The report projected reserves coulddip to $117 million this year, about athird of what they were after federal pandemic aid poured in andnot enough to covertwo months of expenses, as recommended by municipalfinance experts.

Verzwyvelt also wrote that the advocacy groups still hadother avenuestotry to obtain informationfromMeta, such as subpoenas or depositions. “The commissionhas multiple regulatory remedies at itsdisposals, and sincewebelieve thatthe commission has the tools necessary to take whatever action it deems appropriate underthe circumstances,Laidley and Meta arenot necessary parties to this proceeding,” Verzwyvelt wrote in her decision. Followinga Marchhearing on the case, Logan Burke, the executive director of the Alliance for Affordable Energy,which has intervened in the case, said the advocacy groupwould likely pursue depositions to unearth more information. Entergy wantstobuild three gas-fired power plants at acost of morethan $3 billion to powerMeta’s4 million-square-foot Richland Parish data center project, whichwould be the company’s largest.

JanRisher

LOUISIANA AT LARGE

STAFF PHOTO By CHRIS GRANGER

Office chairsare scatteredinanempty office in downtown NewOrleans withsweeping views of the Mississippi River in March.

Groupchallengesstate lawdesignedtoprotect teenson social media

BY MATT BRUCE Staff writer

Alooming state law could mean Louisiana teenagers willsoon be forcedtoprove their ageand get their parents’ permission before they can log onto popular social media apps like Facebook, TikTok and Instagram But alegal battle is underwayto block the restrictions, whichwere slated to take effect this summer.

State lawmakers enacted the Secure Online Child Interaction andAge Limitation Actin2023. The bill invokes an age-verification mandate upon social media companies with morethan5 million account holders worldwide. That means major online players like X, YouTube and Reddit have to make “commercially reasonable efforts” to confirm the ages of users across the state who are suspected of being 16 or younger Those underage users will need parental consent to create aprofile or log onto social media sites in Louisiana.

The law was originally set to take effect in July 2024. But another billthat passed during last year’s legislative sessionamended the reforms and pushed the date for enforcement to begin.The changes are now set to take effect July 1. Now,the start could be further delayed as legaldrama plays out in court.

Netchoice, asocial media trade association based in the nation’s capital, has challenged the law in federal court. In apetition filed March 18 in the U.S. Middle District Court of Louisiana, the online free-speechadvocacy group is asking afederal judge to strike downthe loomingstate lawbefore it takes effect and eventually grant apermanent injunction.

Netchoice argues that restricting minors’ access to protected online speech is unconstitutional and saysthe age-verification requirement is aFirst Amendment violationbecause it forces users to give up too much personal information just to gain access. Their lawsuit also contends Louisiana lawmakers failed to clearly define which social media companies are subject to the regulatory demands.

Thegroup hasfiledits petition on behalf of 38 social media platforms that are part of its trade association.Among them are titans of the digital world like X, the companyformerlyknown as Twitter, Snapchat,Google,Lyft and Meta, the conglomerate that owns Facebook and Instagram.

“Ifthe governmentisconcerned about minors accessingsocial mediawebsites duetoparticular purported risks or harms ofdoing so, it makes no sense to allow minors to be exposed to suchalleged harms so long as that exposure occurs on websites that have less than five million accountholders, or so long as they have asingle parent’sconsent,” Netchoice’s lawsuit states.

Free speech vs childprotections

Louisiana joins about adozen other states that have soughtto tighten the reins on socialmedia companies with lawsthatforce themtoinvokemore-rigorous regulations for underageusers, according to alist compiled by the Age Verification Providers Association.

In addition to the age-verification and parental consent provisions,Louisiana’slaw intends to restrict targeted marketing aimed at minors. Sites’ algorithms would notbeallowed to use any of ateen’spersonal data —other than their age and location —in determining what ads to display on their feeds.

Adult users on the social media sites will also be prohibited from sending direct messages to teens unless they’re already connected on the platforms. In addition,social media companies must give parents and guardians tools to monitor and supervise their kids’ onlineactivity

The Louisiana Department of Justice’sPublicProtection Division can impose administrative fines up to $2,500 on socialmedia companies that violate the law And Attorney General Liz Murrill’soffice candoleout civil penalties up to $10,000 for sites with over amillion account holders that violate the target marketing restrictions.

The lawsuit names Murrill and Mike Dupree, director of the division, as defendants. According to federal court records, Netchoice and attorneys forthe two state agencies reached acase management schedule for discovery and

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expertreports that extends to Dec. 19. Louisiana officials have agreed to delay enforcement of the newlaw until then, according to the joint order between the plaintiffand defendants.

Netchoice has challenged similar lawsinother states. In its recentfiling here, the plaintiff arguedLouisiana’slaw is too broad, redundant and vaguelydefines which social mediasites have to comply with theregulatorymandates.

“The state cannot demonstrate what purported problemthisprovision responds to, how theprovisionisnecessary to solve the problem, or why the existing and plentiful choices of private tools available to parents areinsufficient to address any purported problem,” their lawsuit stresses.

The Housebill cited an American Academy of Pediatricsstudy that indicated the quest forlikes and clicks can contribute to poor mental and physicalhealth in teens, causes cyberbullying, depression, body-image issues, eatingdisordersand leads tohigher rates of suicide. Legislators said the law would help stave off the detrimentalimpacts of social media

“Technological advances over thepast ten years and the advent of social media have opened the door to children for learning and exposure to cultures andinterests worldwide,”the bill states.

“Unfortunately,datashows that over that same ten-year period, American teenagers, ages twelve through fifteen, who use social media over three hourseach day faced twice the risk of having negative mentalhealth outcomes, includingdepression and anxiety symptoms.”

Most majorplatforms likeTikTokand Facebook ban users under the age of 13 and take measures to verify teens’ birth dates. Instagramand YouTube require parental consent for certain features for subscribers underthe age of 18.

Critics say theverifications aren’trobustenough and teens manage to easily circumvent the age restrictions. According to aUniversityofCalifornia-San Francisco study publishedinJanuary,nearly 70% of early adolescentsbetween the ages of 11 and 15 reported having an account on at least one social media platform andmanyhad multiple accounts About 64% of children underthe age of 13 were on socialmedia, the study revealed

“The children of Louisiana deserve better,and since the federal government has failed to take the necessary action to stop data sharing, selling and targeted advertising,itisincumbent upon Louisiana to protect our children and hold the major social media platforms accountable,” theLouisiana measure states.

Ensuring that thelaw stands couldbearigorous battle. Federal judges have found that restrictions imposed by other states createtoo great aburden on young people’sonline speech andare often “hopelesslyvague.”Critics say state legislators also fail to specify how the socialmedia companiescan comply with the laws.

“Inmostcaseswherethese social media laws havebeen adopted, they have been enjoined by the courts and are notgoing into effect,” saidBob Corn-Revere, chief counsel for the Foundation of Individual Rights and Expression, aPhiladelphia-basedfreedom-ofspeech advocacy organization

The civil liberties nonprofit has fought to block social media restrictionsacross the country and convinced ajudge to shut down provisions ofaTexas law in February.Corn-Revere, alongtime FirstAmendment attorney, pointed to similarinjunctions in California, Ohio, Indianaand Mississippi.

On March 31, afederal judge ruled that Arkansas’ social media safetylaw was unconstitutional and granted apermanent injunction. Thatcasestemmed from aconstitutional challenge NetchoicefiledinJune 2023, about twomonths before Arkansas’ protections were set to start. The law neverwent intoeffect.

“At some point, states are going to realize that drafting unconstitutional laws can be very expensive,” Corn-Revere said.

“Because when states lose these constitutional battles, they endup paying the legal fees of the people challenging them. So violating the Constitution isn’tcheap.”

EmailMatt Bruce at matt bruce@theadvocate.com.

The experience was such agreat reminder of the goodness of being outside and the kindnesspeople have within them. These two young men went to great lengths to try to teach me avariety of techniques to help me do my best and enjoy the experience.

Someinstructions were technical.

“Whenever you’re throwing, you don’twant to have, uh, wear gloves ’causeit’ll messupthe integrity or thegrip of your disc,” Meister said. “And it might slip

ENTERGY

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In January,Meta founderand CEO Mark Zuckerberg touted the Louisiana project in aFacebook post as acentralcomponent of the company’sAIexpansion.

“Topower this, Metaisbuilding a2GW+datacenter that is so large it would cover asignificant portionofManhattan,” Zuckerberg wrote. The tech billionaire said it will bring around half of this expected generation online in 2025. The electricitydemands Zuckerberg describes aresteep —the amount to power around 2millionhomes.

Alawyer representing the advocacy groups in aMarch hearing arguedthatEntergy’sproposal lackskey information, including an analysis supporting Meta’s claims that thedata centerwill provide 300 to 500 jobs, details of thetech company’ssustainability commitments andanexplanation of its need for “urgent” power

Skepticsofthe project are broadly concerned about alack of public information —suchasthe actual contract between Entergy and Meta —that ensures average ratepayers will notbeforced to cover the costs of the facility

Partly for that reason, Ari Peskoe, thedirector of the electricity law initiative at Harvard Law School, said the case is “possibly the worst deal forratepayers in the country withregard to these data centers.” Peskoe, who is not affiliated with the case, questionedwhetherratepayers

OFFICES

Continuedfrom page 1B

Still, Lavin said thesteadiness of prices and tenantsisdue in part to alarger trend. New Orleans has a smallerofficemarket than it had 15 years ago as developers converted olderpropertiestohotelsorapartments. No new buildings have been constructed during that time

What’smore, inflation, high interest rates and skyrocketing insurance premiums are driving up the cost to own and operate office buildings. As aresult, the CorporateRealty report predicts that leaserates will increase significantly thisyear perhaps as much as 20%.

“The costfor everything is going up so you’re going to seelandlords passing those costs down to thetenants,”Lavin said.

‘Turmoil on thepolitical front’

Takenasa whole, thereportdeliversamixed bag of trends and predictions for thelocal real estate market.

For one, themarket forces at play in much of thecountry are beginning to catch up with New Orleans, foretelling trouble forsome of the “newer,” or class A, officetowers thatline Poydras Street in the Cen-

AUDIT

Continuedfrom page 1B

Italsocites potential malfeasanceinoffice, acriminalviolation that carriesuptofive years in prison or fines up to $5,000.

Acopyofthe auditors’report,per policy,was delivered to theoffices of theLouisianaattorneygeneral and the district attorney for the 34th Judicial District.

McInnis and Alonzo didn’treturn messages seeking commentMonday HenryDiFranco, Principal Engineering’spresident, said that the truck for McInnis wasn’ta gift because it belongs to the company andisusedfor the company’sbusiness.

McInnis remains afull-time employee, DiFranco said, while declining to answer other questionsabout McInnis’ employment

“All information regarding the company truck issue has been given to theLABoardofEthics for

out early or it might slip out late, and it could be adisaster.” Other bits wereabout new techniques. “I’m abouttothrow anew shot, aforehand roller,and Kyle is going to explain what that is,” Meister said. He went on to show me how to hold the disc vertically,and put it at acertain angle and toss it onto theground to makeit roll forward, ideally toward the basket.Hedid it and the move produced the exact results he had explained. Itried the samemove. It did not go as planned. My marginally successful resultswith the forehand roller

would ultimately be on the hook for some of the costs.

In itsfilings, Entergy states that Meta is paying forthe full annual revenue of the generatorsfor 15 years and that the tech company “will contribute a large percentage of the costs that would otherwise be borne by all of (Entergy’s) customers.”

The life of one such plant can exceed 30 years, advocates have noted.

During the hearing on whether Meta needed to join the case, Entergy stressedthatthe issue before regulators is not about approvinga data center,but approving electricity generation, said Skylar Rosenbloom, alawyerrepresenting the utility Dana Shelton, alawyer for the Public Service Commission staff, argued that the advocacy groups were using the case to advance their campaignfor renewable energysources. The groups had filed aprevious unsuccessful motion arguing that Entergy didn’t show that the three fossil fuelpowered plants were the most cost-effective option.

“(The Alliancefor Affordable Energy) does seem to also want to advance clean energy technologies and advance those technologies over fossil fuel resources,”

Sheltonsaidtothe judge during the March hearing. “That is an agenda, your honor,that is not consistent withthe majorityof Louisiana’selectorate.”

‘Disincentive’

Theday before the judge’sruling, Entergy CEO Phillip May submitted aletter to regulators

tralBusiness District.

Nearly half of those along Poydras were financed with arisky and unforgiving type of loan called acollateralized mortgage-backed security.Most of those loans are coming due this year or in early 2026.

Lastyear, the EnergyCentreat 1100 Poydras became oneofthe first local casualties of whatsome have said is apotential ticking time bomb forcommercial properties.

The39-story building, which is nearly 88% occupied, was placed in receivership andtransferredto newowners, after its Californiabased ownersdefaulted on more than$56 million in debt.

Corporate Realty President Mike Siegel predicted that two or three buildings will change hands this year,whether through sale or foreclosure, with more transfers coming in 2026.

Paying forpremium

Meanwhile, both the downtown andsuburbancommercial office marketsremainrelatively inexpensive comparedtoother areas of the country,and tenants are expanding in parts of Jeffersonand St. Tammany parishes.

The only newly constructed office building in themetro arealast year,River Chase II in Covington,

their review,” DiFranco saidinan email.

In their report, state auditors noted thatMcInnis used his own money to pay for some upgrades to the truck, though auditors didn’tconclude oneway or another whether that was evidencethatthe truck belongedtohim. Principal Engineering is thevehicle’sregistered owner,auditors said.

“Mr. McInnis appears to have received something of valuefrom aParishvendor in violation of the state’sethicslaw,” auditors wrote, adding that they recommended the LouisianaBoardofEthicsreview the matter The audit flaggedtwo otherarrangements overseen by McInnis. Between 2022-23, the parish waived $47,000 in rent for use of parish-ownedbuildings andother property,including at least $38,000 authorized by McInnis personally, according to the audit.

McInnis said he offered organizations discounts on rent to helpraise theparishsomemoney Theparish also spent $8,000 in

were much of my efforts with the whole of disc golf. In the giant open fairway where the twoofthem did their balletdance style steps to release the disc, it would fly nearly the full length of afootball field. Meanwhile, Iwould throw my heart out, making asuccession of first downs.

Even still, Ikept moving it downthe field.

Watching these twodotheir thing and try their best to share their joy with me was incredibly wonderful. Overall, the experience leftmewith alot of hope.

Email Jan Risheratjan.risher@ theadvocate.com.

stressingthe significanceof the “world-class data center” in Richland Parish, whichhas been toutedasa win for along-struggling area of the state.

Maysaidthere is no rule or policy mandating its customers to join the application to regulators.

“In (Entergy’s) experience, sucha requirement is unprecedented and would create adisincentive for new industry to select Louisiana as aplace to make investment,” May wrote.

May attached an April 2letter from Meta supporting Entergy’s application and the benefits the company will bring to Louisiana.

In the letter signed by Paul Kelly,the company representative said thedatacenterwillsupport 500 operational jobs and up to 5,000 constructionworkers,adding that efforts would be made to hire locally

Meta is also promising $200 millionininfrastructure improvements and says it is matching all data center electricity use with clean andrenewableenergy, the letter states.

“Because we are working diligently to construct the project forimmediateuse, it is important that(Entergy) received timely approval,” Kelly wrote. “Weare growing more andmoreconfident that (Entergy) will ultimately receive the necessary approvals to keep our project on track.”

The letter also echoed Entergy’sarguments on the need for urgent power,saying that without commitments on infrastructure “Meta would have beenforced to select another location outside Louisiana for the project.”

is almost fully occupiedwith lease rates of nearly $30 per square foot, the highest in the area.

“This signals that businesses are willing to paya premium for modern, well-located office space,” the report states.

In Jefferson Parish, office towers in East Metairie —the Galleria, Heritage Plaza and the three Lakeway Center buildings —saw lease rates of $25 per square foot and occupancyrates of 82%, some of the highest in the market.

Older office buildings, both those along North CausewayBoulevard and near Kenner,also performed well, especially if they have recently been renovated.

The reportnotesthatoccupancy in Riverside Park, acomplex of two mid-risesnear Power Boulevard, rose to nearly 99% after Benson Capital Partners, controlled by Saints and Pelicans ownerGayle Benson, purchased and renovated the 45-year-old complex. Corporate Realty is also owned by Benson.

“Bensoninvested heavily in fixing it up,” Lavin said. “Tenants are responding, paying apremium and signing new leases for office space that represents agood value.”

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

taxpayer moneytoplaceanarticle regardingMcInnis’ tenure in alocal magazine,according to the audit. McInnis said he didn’tauthorize that spending and believed he was conducting anews interview withthe magazine,withwhichthe parish had placed apaid advertisement.

Ballard,Cecile

Brown, Pamela Derbigny,Kenneth

Estade,Marguerite

Lee, Edward Martin,Norma Moser, Everleigh Ponthieux, Rose

Estade,Marguerite

Ballard,Cecile

Martin,Norma

Ponthieux, Rose

Cecile LeBesque Grace Ballard was born in New Orleans on October 14, 1944, and died peacefully on April 3, 2025, at home surrounded by her family. She was adaughter of Helen Meyers Grace and William FrancisGrace, and sister to Helen Josephine "Joey" Grace McCloskey, William "Bill" Francis Grace, Jr. and Elizabeth Grace Hoefer. Cecile attended Louise S. McGehee School and Louisiana State University. It was during her third year of college that she met her future husband, Westervelt "Westy" T. Ballard. Cecile and Westy were marriedin April 1965 and immediately started afamily. In their early years together, Westywas serving in the Navy,and they were stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii. They enjoyed three magical years on the island, filled with joy,adventure, and friendship, and they considered themselves incredibly fortunate to have made such lasting memories and dear friends duringtheir time in Hawaii. After the Navy, Cecile and Westy returned to New Orleans, which they would call home for the next 60 years. Each August, Cecile and her family would retreat to their beloved family home in Highlands, NorthCarolina. There, she delighted in regular hikes to local rockslides, teaching her children card games utilizing matchsticks as their bankrolls, watching her children tumble down their gentle sloping frontlawn inside truck inner tubes, picking blackberries on their farm. These summer months were filled with laughter, connection, and joy cherished time spent with family, visiting with friends from New Orleans, and new friendships formed in the heart of the mountains. Over the years,Cecile gave her time to manynon-profit organizations. As a member of Trinity Episcopal Church, she was aformer President of the WOTC and served on the Chapel Guild. She was a sustaining member of the Junior League of New Orleansand the Garden Study Club. Alifelong lover of antiques, furniture, and art, Cecileadored being part of H&H Estate Sales and always enjoyed working at Neal Auction Company during auction previews. She would often joke thatany money she earned was immediately "reinvested" —going right back to H&H or Neal —becauseshe inevitably discovered atreasure she simply couldn't resist. She looked forwardtoher weekly bridgegames with her wonderful group of friends, even thoughshe often lamented (with a smile) that she usually lost adollar. More than anything, however, Cecile was passionate about her family. Affectionately known as "Ga" by her nine grandchildren, she felt truly blessed. h f l f h

Shefeltfortunate to have fourofthem in New Orleansand equally treasured hervisits to those livinginHouston, Texas, and Grosse Pointe, Michigan. Cecile always looked forwardtoextended family gatherings at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Shedelighted in qualitytime with her11 nieces and nephews and she and Westy frequently hosted their children's friends in NewOrleans. Whether during Mardi Gras, longSundaybarbecues or leisurely afternoons spentsitting on the front porch, sheloved nothing more than sharing storiesand laughterwith those she lovedmost People often remarked upon Cecile's elegant and gracious nature. Butperhaps her most beautiful giftwas hercapacity for empathyand kindness. Shemade everyone feel welcome, heard, and special.Cecile is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, Westy Ballard;her children,EleanorBallard, HelenBallard LeBourgeois (Charles),Katherine"Kate Ballard Werner(John), Westervelt "Westy" Terhune Ballard, Jr (Francine), and nine grandchildren, William "Liam Patrick Walsh, Eleanor Cecile Walsh, Nicholas Westervelt Walsh, Charles "Clay"Claiborne LeBourgeois,III, Caroline Nina" Grace LeBourgeois, John "Jack" Donelson Werner, Jr., Thomas WesterveltWerner,Sloane IsabelBallardand Katherine WindsorBallard. Relativesand friends are invited to join us at the funeralservice onFriday April 11, 2025, at 1:00pm at TrinityEpiscopal Church, 1329Jackson Avenue. In lieu of flowers,for those so desiring, the familysuggests donations in Cecile's memory tothe American DiabetesAssociation, www.diabetes.org, or a charity of your choice. The family invitesyou to share your memoriesand condolences online at www.lakel awnmetairie.com.

Pamela "Pam" Brown, 80, of Waveland, Mississippi, passedaway on Thursday, April 3, 2025. Pamwas born on March 17, 1945inNew Orleans, Louisiana to Joseph and MariettaAlloy. Shewas a longtime memberofSt. ClareCatholic Churchin Waveland, Mississippi. Pam was quite the presence,truly apersonality that wouldfillthe room. ShelovedMardiGras, sewing, visiting the beach, visiting the mountains and hiking, and travelingto Helen, Georgia. Pam loved and supportedthe U.S. ArmedForces, the Boy Scouts, and Girl Scouts, even volunteering with the localscouting programs. Shealsoloved gardening and flowers so much that she owneda florist during herlife, creating beautiful arrangements for many events,including weddings and Mardi Gras Kingsand Queens.

Pam was preceded in death by her three children, Lynley Brown, Louis Reese, and Leigh Reese; her parents, Joseph and MariettaAlloy; and sister, Marietta "Christine Westbrook. Sheissurvived by her loving husband of 42 years, Paul Brown; sevengrandchildren, Kaleb Brown (Gabrielle), Sean Brown (Sara), Taylor Brown (Maria Christina),Chad Burch(Kelly),Michaela Reese, Maximus Reese, and MayleeReese;six great-grandchildren, Ainsley, Addilynn, Kinsleigh, Emersyn, James, and Savannah; and numerous niecesand nephews. Visitation and Mass of ChristianBurialwilltake placeonThursday, April 10, 2025atSt. Clare Catholic Church,visitation at 10:30a.m. with mass to follow at11:00a.m. Entombment will take place on Friday, April11, 2025at10:00a.m. at GreenwoodCemetery & Mausoleum in New Orleans, Louisiana Viewand signonline tribute at bslef.com Edmond Fahey Funeral Home is honoredtoserve thefamilyofPam Brown

Kenneth Anthony Derbigny passed away at his home in Houston, Texas after abrief illness on February 23 at 73 years of age. Born November 15, 1952, in NewOrleans, Louisiana, Kenneth was theeighthofnine children born to theunionofArthur PeterDerbigny and Alma Rixner Derbigny, bothof whom predeceased himby many years. Kennethattended Corpus Christi Elementary School and was aproud graduateof St.Augustine High School He went on to matriculate at theUniversityof Pennsylvania and thereafter pursuedseveral other noteworthy career paths, includinga stint at theGemological Institute of America in pursuitof certificationasa licensed gemologist,followedbya tour of duty in the United States Navy, from which he received an honorable discharge. Subsequently,he chose to settle in Houston where, under theguidance of his brother Roland, alicensedcivil engineer, he beganworking as acommercial/industrial project inspectorwith theFugro Company,a multi-national geodataservices company based in theNetherlands. Affectionately known within thefamily as "Brown", Kenneth was an intensely independent,privateand single minded individual in lifelong pursuit of his dreams and ambitions. Unafraid to follow thepath these interests ledhim, he traveled widely in the United States, testing the waters in such placesas Las Vegas, Philadelphia and LosAngeles. Throughout his life, Kenneth was agoodand faithful friend who was part of astalwart group of friends dating back to his high schoolyears who contributed mightilytothe laudedsocial cohesion and dynamism of the St Augustine High School of his era. Kennethissurvivedbyhis wife and faithful companion, Teenia Ross. He is also survived by his olderbrother Darryl (Sabrina, Dorothy), younger brother Bruce (Bonnie),along withnumerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family. He was predeceased by hisbeloved siblings Constance (Connie) Martin (Douglas), Brenda Soublet(Louis), Blaine Derbigny (Elsie), Linda Coleman (Clarence), Brent Derbigny (Mamie) and Roland Derbigny (Sheila). While his loss willbe deeply felt, he leaves behind treasured memories of thewonderful and precioustimeswewere blessed and privilegedto enjoy in his company.He willbesorelymissed. Per his final wishes, interment willtakeplace in aprivate ceremony in Houston without traditional trappings of obsequies.

Marguerite H. Estade enteredintoeternal rest on Friday,March 28,2025 at theage of 87.She leaves to cherishher memories her belovedhusband,Oscar L. Estade;her loving children, Cheryl Estade-Simon (Barry), Monica E. Mitchell (Anthony), Lisa M. Estade Angela E. King (Ricky) and MichaelS.Estade(Tonja); threegranddaughters, An‐gelique Estade,Caitlin Simonand AnaliseKittles; fivegrandsons,Ramon and Nicholas Estade,Khaiand Nicholas Mitchell andZion King.She wasprecededin deathbyher son, Anthony Estade;maternalparents John andOralieDumas Harry.She is also survived by twosisters,MaryLinda Ricard (Leroy)and Lois Harry Blue anda host of devotedrelatives and friends. Relativesand friendsofthe family, priest andparishionersofSt. Martin De Porres, arein‐vitedtoattend theCele‐brationofLifeMasson Wednesday, April9,2025at St.MartindePorres, 5621 ElysianFieldsAve., NewOr‐leans, LA 70122 at 11:00am. Visitation begins at 9:00

am with Fr.Francis Offiaas

Officiant. TheMasscan be livestreamed by visiting www.facebook.com/D.W RhodesFuneralHome/live IntermenttofollowatMt. Olivet Cemetery 4000Nor‐manMayer Ave,New Or‐leans, LA 70122. Arrange‐mentsbyD.W.RhodesFu‐neralHome, 3933 Washing‐tonAvenue,New Orleans, LA 70125. Please visitwww rhodesfuneral.comtosign theguestbook

Lee, Edward 'Donald'

Edward "Donald" Lee Jr. passed away peacefully at hishome on Thursday April3,2025 at theage of 78. Loving fatherofEdward "Donnie" (Rachel) and PatriciaLee. Proud grandfather of Shaine(Alexis) Brooke(Drew), Cassidyand Kaleah along with6 great grandchildren. He is also survivedbyhis former wife Thelma LevronLee.Donald was born in NewOrleans on September 20, 1946 and is proceeded in death by his parents Edward Lee Sr., MaureenMitchell and aunt, Lily Mae Lee.Donald is survivedbyhis siblings Mark, Katie and Anitaand proceeded in death by Steve, Ricky, Roband Nancy.He was theproud owner of Lee's Contracting Service and previously alongtime employeeofSteudlein ConstructionCo. and Star Paint Co.Heenjoyed his time out on theboat trawling with his sonand spending timewithhis grandchildren. Relatives and friends are invited to attend avisitation and serviceonApril 11,2025 at St.Bernard CatholicChurch, 2805 Bayou Rd,St. Bernard La. 70085, visitationfrom 10:00 -11:30, service to follow. Burial at St.Bernard CatholicCemetary.

NormaJeanFultonMar‐tin, 92,ofCovington,LA passedawayonApril 4, 2025 at home andinthe care of herlovingfamily. Normawas born in Chris‐man, Illinois on July 26, 1932. Normaissurvivedby twodaughters,MaryAnn Martin Leeand SusanMar‐tinPrice andson-in-law Thomas JessePrice.Also survivingare grandchil‐dren,Matthew Leeand MindyGremillion, Joshua andMichelle Lee, Jennifer LeeWatson, andJohn Galanteand MikaylaDunne as well as many greatgrandchildren. Normawas preceded in deathbyher husband of 73 years, Harold Victor Martin;her parents, WebsterMaxwell Fulton andMeryl Mildred Witt; andher siblings, MaryellenFultonJohnson Craigand brothers-in-law Robert WilliamJohnson andJohnWilliam Craig, andWanda Maxine Fulton McKnight andbrother-inlaw, JamesMcKnight;her son, RichardMorganMar‐tinand son-in-law,Christo‐pher Harry Lee, andgrand‐son-in-law,David Watson Normagraduated from Chrisman High School in 1951 where shewas awardedthe Activity Awardfor participatingin themostextra-curricular activities throughout her high school years. Shewas also theCarnivalQueen, thepresident of hersenior class, andthe president of theStudent Council. She marriedHaroldsoon after shegraduated andset up residenceinRockville, Indi‐anafor ashort time before moving to theMississippi Gulf Coast. Shealsolived fora shorttimeinMissouri andGeorgia.Norma loved flowersand gardeningand worked in alandscape nursery which wasconve‐nientlylocated next door to herhouse in Long Beach, Mississippi.She served as thePTA presi‐dent while herchildren were in gradeschool and wasa member of Chris‐manUnitedMethodist Church.She andher family movedtoCovington, Louisianain1967 where shelived therestofher life.She wasanavidfan of

theLSU Tigers andthe New OrleansSaintsand espe‐cially likedtowatch women’sbasketball. Normahad such akindheartand spenther life making this worlda more beautifulplace.Inaddition to gardening, sheloved to help others.She worked fora while as anurse’s aide at Pleasant Meadows Senior Living andNursing Home in Chrisman,IL. Mostly,she wasthe per‐fect mother andgranny. Herchildren’sfriends were always welcomed in her home andtreated as fam‐ily. Hergrandchildren took everyopportunitytovisit herand enjoyher “granny loving.” Norma’slifewas a testamenttogoodwill to‐ward others,kindness, and devotion to familyand friends. Shewillbemissed by allwho knew andloved her. In lieu of flowers, con‐tributions in memory of Normamay be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital,www.stjude.org. Allfuneral services arepri‐vate.E.J.FieldingFuneral Home hasbeen entrusted with funeralarrangements. The Martin familyinvites youtoshare thoughts fondestmemories, and condolencesonlineatE.J Fielding FuneralHome GuestBook at www.ejfield ingfh.com.

Everleigh MaeMoser passedaway on April 1, 2025 at the age of 22 months. Everleigh was born on May12, 2023 to DonnyWilliam Moserand Maddie Elizabeth Nixon of JeffersonCity, TN.

Everleigh laughedwith hersiblings and loved snugglingwith hermommy and daddy. Shealways waved at everystranger whoeither smiled or waved back. Shenurtured herstuffedanimals by patting theirbacks, covering them with ablankyand kissing them. If she thoughtyou were sad, she wouldrub yourback, lay on you,orgive you her toys. From averyyoung age sheknewtobegentle with animals and howto showthemlove. Shewas empathetic,affectionate, funny, adventurous, curious, smartand lovedevery kindoffood. She was an extremely joyous baby- a free spirit wholoved to run around in thegrass. She lovedtopaint.

Everleigh MaeMoseris survived by hermother, Madeleine Elizabeth Nixon, herfather DonnyWilliam Moser. Sister of Lucas William Kaden Moser and Aaliyah Maria Moser. Grandchild of Cindy Moser

(partner, ChuckBriley), April Nixon (partner,Kevin Elkhatib), and Andrew Nixon.Great granddaughterofStanleyJohnson (wife, Donna), Cheryl Bassie, Mike Nixon and KathleenBernard-Nixon Great great granddaughter of Jeanne Bernard. Cousin of MasonMcIntyre. Niece of BrittanyBoone, William Rice,AleaRice, Andrew Nixon Jr,and Emma Nixon

Everleigh wasanangel whotouchedmanylives andwas ablessing to all whowereluckyenoughto know her. Everleigh'spurpose whileonearth was to make others around her happy. Everleigh'spurpose will last beyondher years as familyand friends will useher life as inspiration in their ownpersonal life journeys.

Rose S. Ponthieux, age 87, of Terrytown, Louisiana, passedawaypeacefullyon Saturday,April 5, 2025 in herhome. Sheispreceded in deathbyher beloved husband,PaulFrank Pon‐thieux andissurvivedby herchildren, Mary Ann Fontenot (Scott),David Ponthieux(Stephanie), WilliamPonthieux (Nikkie) andPamelaPonthieux (Erik);fourgrandchildren AidanPonthieux,Crystal Fontenot (Mark),Joseph Fontenot (Alicia) andTay‐lorDavid (Amie); five great-grandchildren, Noah andMathewKoppe,Lily, Alylaand Michael Fontenot.She is also sur‐vivedbyher brother, Henry Joseph SimoneauxJr. Also precedingher in deathis herlovingmotherand fa‐ther,Henry andLarochina “Lorena” Arsena Si‐moneauxSr. andsister, Evelyn MarieSiemssen. Sheretired from Christ the King School in Terrytown, LAafter 21 yearsofdedi‐catedservice andwas a devout member of Christ theKingCatholicChurch Relativesand friendsofthe familyare invitedtoattend thevisitationatChristthe King Catholic Church,535 DeerfieldRoad, Terrytown, LA on Wednesday, April9, 2025 from 10 AM to 12 Noon.A FuneralMasswill follow.Interment Westlawn Memorial Park in Gretna MotheFuneralHomeisas‐sistingthe familyduring this difficult time.Family andfriends areinvited to sharecondolences and memories by visiting: www.mothefunerals.com

Derbigny, Kenneth Anthony

Moser, Everleigh Mae

Ballard,Cecile LeBesque Grace

Brown, Pamela 'Pam'

Martin,Norma Jean Fulton

Estade,MargueriteH

Ponthieux, Rose S.

OUR VIEWS

Congress should work to protectLa. farmers

Amid the furor over the Trump administration’stariff proposals that went into effect last week, other,more direct economicmoves received less attention butcould also have abig impact in Louisiana.

At the end of last month, the USDA frozepaymentsmadethrough the Environmental Quality Incentives Program andthe Conservation Steward Program, programs that assistedfarmerswho wanted to upgrade their operations by improving sustainability.Farmerscould use the money to improve theirwaterretentionand slow soil erosion, among other things.

The Trump administration stoppedall payments under the programs, ostensibly as away of ensuring that the money was not being used for DEI programs or otherinitiatives with which it disagrees. Administration officials havesaid they want to make sure themoney spent is actually helpingfarmers.

The programs may not have generatedalot of headlines, but they were popular:In2023, for instance, more than 3,700 Louisiana agriculture producers applied for grants underthe two programs,according to reporting by StephenMarcantel for this newspaper.Only afraction— 825 of those applications weresuccessful,but those provided more than $50 milliontolocalfarmsto make improvements.

Between 2025 and 2031,the programs were expected to send more than$360 milliontoLouisianaproducers.

Some farmers aroundthe country wereleft having already completed the upgradesand awaiting reimbursementsthatare nowuncertain Thosefreezes came on top of the suspension of other programs that providedfunding to local foodbanks and school systems to enable them to buy locally grown food fordistribution to the hungry or to students. Those programs sent about $1 billion per year to farms around the nation, includingmillionstoLouisiana food banks andschools.

And as of early December,the state hadspent about $3.4 million gettinglocally grown foodinto schools in the current fiscalyear

The program stops come as farmersinLouisiana and the United States arecontendingwith the cuts to the U.S. Agency forInternational Development, or USAID, whichpurchasedmillions of dollars’ worth of Americanfarm produce every year to send to othercountries as part of theUnitedStates’ goodwill programs Louisiana farmers havehad aroughcoupleof years. Heavy rains in 2022killedsomecrops, drought hammered manyothers the next year Low commodity prices and high costs for diesel andfertilizer have ramped up the uncertainty for many farmers.

Ask farmers and they will tell youthatarobust domestic agricultural industry is necessary to make sure Americans are fed. It’salso akey element of national security Rapid and haphazard cuts to the programs that many producers have come torely on do nothing to improve either worthy aim. We urge our congressional delegation,especially its Republican leadership, to work diligently with the administration to make sure Louisiana farmersare able to keep harvesting.

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

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

OPINION

YOUR VIEWS

RFKJr. challenginganFDA system that needsfixing

Iamanindependent documentary filmmaker and alaw student at LSU. I have been heavily involved in regulatory matters with the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine and have seen firsthand how theFDA’s regulatoryframeworkoften favors industry interests over consumer safety and transparency Oneglaring issue is how FDA regulations are often developed under a private corporation’sumbrella rather than through public rule-making. When Ichallenged this practice, astate regulator in Indianaadmitted, “It’s just easier.” Worse, public regulators claim their private corporation “owns” these regulations and even copyrightsthem. The FDA-CVM refuses to provide them through FOIA or publish them in its public reading room, yet they are considered “Generally Recognized As Safe” and adopted intostate laws. When Ichallenged federal and state regulatorstostop makingregulations

in private, FDA responded by creating two internal processes that accomplish thesame thing. These processes allow regulations tobedeemed GRAS, making them exempt from meaningful review,especially public oversight. Why are stateand federal regulators so determined to operate in secrecy? Well, one example is the FDAopenly allowing pet food to contain “animals that have died other than by slaughter.” Years ago, aproductlabeled organic beef turned out to be euthanized horse meat tainted with pentobarbital. No one knew until animals eating the food died. Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’schallenge to theFDA’s GRAS system is acrucial step toward fixing this broken process. The American public deserves aregulatory process that prioritizes transparency and safety over industry self-policing.

KOHL HARRINGTON Baton Rouge

BlackMasking Indiansdeservedbiggerspotlight

Sunday,March 16 in New Orleans sparkled. Thousands of people were out to see theglory and creativityof theBlack Masking Indians in New Orleans’ Super Sunday.The next Monday’spaper,however,had front-page coverage of rescheduled Mardi Gras parades, followed by afull-page photo reporting of those parades in Metairie. In contrast, thefront page of the Metro section had two photographs of the Indians.

What gives? Constant use of images of Black Masking Indians happens in promoting the city.The streetswere filled withappreciative audiences of all races, ages and stripes. Butone of themost creative and beautiful events of our city was almost ignored by the paper

Brian Almon’s letter to the editor,on “Church parishes should not be responsible for abuse settlement” is spot on. I will add the following.

Dedicated Catholic parishioners who have contributed totheir church in the past and presently should not be financially responsible for thesins of the

This is at atime when national outlets are reporting that historic recognitionr of our nation’smilitary veterans who are other than White and male—NativeAmerican, Black, Hispanic and women —has been removed from the Department of Defense’swebsite completely.This erasure is an attempt to elevate White men as the sole actors in our history It is my desire as a40-plus-year subscriber to The Times-Picayune that the paper will report on these dangerous actions, as well as give better coverage of our city’sbest and brightest cultural achievements. Ourdiverse and talented community deserves support and recognition.

ECHOOLANDER NewOrleans

Catholic hierarchy Also, closing and selling self-sustaining churches is not the answer.The hierarchy is very mistaken if it thinks that all these factors are not affecting participation and finances.

GARYDAMARE Marrero

In response to the recent commentary defending the LNG export industry in Louisiana, it is critical to address this issue’s misinformation and one-sided portrayal. Advocates forthe industry are attacking people across the Gulf whoare focused on simply fighting forour right to clean air, clean water and asustainable future —just like anyone else would if you werethreatened by massive, polluting LNGexport facilities. Lake Charles and the Gulf South residents deserve a fact-based discussion about the industry’sactual economic and environmental costs.

When you look at the facts, you’ll see that the costs of LNG exports aren’tworth it. Unchecked LNG exports are increasing financial burdens on American households and businesses rather than bringing widespread prosperity

The commentary dismisses local activists as “paid” operatives, ignoring the genuine concerns of people living with the consequences of industrial expansion. Other community leaders and I are advocating fortransparency, accountability and aseat at the table forthose mostimpacted. We are fighting forour families and our communities. To ensure an open and fact-based dialogue, I plan to organize debates and town hall meetings with mayoral and city council candidates to speak directly about these issues. These public forumswill provide aplatform forcommunity members to voice their concerns, hear directly from policymakers, and engage in meaningful discussions about the future of Lake Charles.

Discrediting local activists and dismissing valid concerns does a disservice to the community.The people of Lake Charles deserve an honest conversation about the economic, health, and environmental implications of LNG expansion not industry propaganda designed to silence opposition. The fight for clean air,fair energy prices, and public health is not extremism; it is anecessity

ROISHETTAOZANE founder/CEO,Vessel ProjectofLouisiana

Don’tmesswiththe libraries

Don’tmesswith libraries.

At least, not if you wanttowin at the polls in Louisiana.

That’sone of the takeaways from the March 29 election, which most notably saw the stern defeat of four constitutional amendments that were heartily endorsed by Gov.Jeff Landry

There has been plenty of Monday morning quarterbacking about the reasons behind the amendments’ flaccid performance before voters who had previously seemed to be largely in lockstep with Landry andhis allies on this one.

That’sright, voters in the parish once proudly known as “St. Slammany” shut the door on more funding for criminaljustice at the same time that they were making sure library doors stayed open.

But beyond the amendments, votersinmany parishes faced dozens of other races andpropositions. Anda look at how they fared lendsitself to a fewquick conclusions.Caveatsgalore —these issues wereintensely local, turnout will change, etc., etc. —the results may teach us athingortwo about voters’ overallmood.

That brings me back to buildings filled with books.

Libraries flexedatthe polls on March 29,going 3-for-4inparishes spread across the state. Mostnotable was theresultinSt. Tammany,one ofthe parishes where controversies over book content have flared in recent years. There, the parish’straditionally conservative electorate approved the library’s4.35-mill, 15-year renewal in a comfortable 55-45win.

That win is evenmore impressive given what St. Tammany voters did on the same ballot. They rejected the rededication of a2%sales taxto allow thefunds to be spent to supportthe district attorney and the judges.

Elsewhere, library taxes in Ouachita andIberia parishes also passed. The lone loss came in West Baton Rouge, where voters rejected alibrary tax renewal alongwith everything else on their ballot

In other words, library voters aroundthe stateshouted rather than whispered: Hands off thelibrary’s money!

Thesecondtakeaway is that many Louisianans like backing the blue, but notwith their green. In two significant examples, voters rejected taxes that would have supportedtheirlocal sheriff’s office. The biggestofthosewas in Tangipahoa, where first-term Sheriff Gerald Sticker proposed repealing the current 11-mill property tax —which won’texpire until2031 —and replacing it withathreequarter centsales tax.

Thenew tax would have brought in significantly morethan thecurrent property tax: almost $25 million vs. $8 million —but Sticker argued thatitwas needed to upgrade deputypay,improve equipment and shorten response times “We’vehad the same number of deputies on the street for the last 20 years,” hesaid. “The parish has grown by 30%.” Voters didn’tbuy it,and themeasure failed 53-47. He wasn’tthe only sheriff to taste defeat. In northern Louisiana, Jackson Parishvotersrejected atax from Sher-

iff Andy Brown, who sought to extend an existing 9.23-mill property tax for 10 years. With almost 25% voter turnout, 61% of the parish’svoters said no. It wasn’tall bad for sheriffs, though. VotersinSt. James Parish easily approved a12.5-mill tax renewal to support thesheriff’s office.

That brings me to my final lesson from March 29: Taxes need an expiration date.

Sticker’stax in Tangipahoa Parish may have been doomed in part because he sought to replace a10-year property millagewith aperpetual sales tax.Residents in some municipalities would be paying sales tax near 12% under the plan, and there was no mechanism for them to go back to thepolls in 10 years or so and reevaluate.

Sticker wasn’tthe only one who tried this move. Twofire districtsinCaddo Parishalso saw perpetual sales taxes fail at theballot box, even as votersin that parish approved 10-year school tax renewals. Butlike theother lessons, there was an exception: New Iberia voters approved aquarter-cent sales tax with no sunset

Ithink it’s fair to say Louisianans don’tlike taxes, but they really hate them when they never end.

Sticker said he’slistening, but won’t give up. He plans to get back out in the community and meet with Tangipahoa residentstofind out what they will approve. He has no choice —his agency is “behind the 8-ball” and simply needs morerevenue. He just shouldn’ttry to get it from thelibrary Faimon A. RobertsIII can be reached at froberts@theadvocate.com.

Lord, liberate us from President Donald Trump’s“Liberation Day,”as Trump has christened last Wednesday Trump has already “liberated”his country from theinconvenience of due process or expectationsofcivil rights. But his freedom crusade escalated April 2, when he also “liberated” America from affordable cars, astable economy andits closest allies.

Trump unleashed anew round of globaltrade wars. Days before announcing sweeping, once-in-a-century tariffs, even the White House apparently didn’tknow what they would cover.) Separately,hehas singled out worldwide automobile importsfor tariffs —first on finished vehicles and then on auto parts. The auto tariffs alonecould becatastrophic. They willraisepricesfor consumers, to the tune of 13.5%(an average of $6,400 for each new car), the Yale Budget Lab estimates. Trump told NBC News that he was indifferent to —perhaps even rooting for —sharp hikes.

“I couldn’tcare less, because if the prices on foreign cars go up, they’re going to buy American cars,” Trump said. “I hope they raise their prices, because if they do, people are gonnabuy American-made cars.”

It’sanodd political message from a guy who promised to lower thecost of living. And, if he thinks his tariffs will only raise prices of foreigncars, he’s dead wrong —for at least tworeasons.

First, many of the parts that go into “American-made” cars comefrom abroad (electrical components from Asia, engines from Germany,steel from Canada, steering wheels from Mexico, etc.). This means costswill rise for U.S. auto plants’ inputs. Some of those costs willbepassed alongto American consumers. Some might also be absorbed by automakers themselves, which could in turn mean less investment and fewer manufacturing jobs.

Second, when foreign product prices go up, domestic producers typically raise their prices, too. That’sbecause they face less competition(which is usually the explicit point of tariffs). For example, after Trump raised import taxes on foreign-madewashing machines in 2018, domestically produced washing machines got much more expensive as well New cars aren’tthe only productsexpected to grow more expensive if higher auto tariffs persist. Prices for used vehicles will likely rise, too. So will

auto insurance since it will cost more to repair or replace cars damaged in accidents. There’ssome evidence that auto loanscould also get costlier

Trumpand his economic advisers crow that his tariff agenda will bring in eye-poppingamounts of revenue —upward of$6trillionover thenext decade,claims WhiteHouse aide Peter Navarro. This number seems impossible since it assumes consumers will continuespending as much as they do now (which they likely won’tonce confronted with higher prices).

But if it were correct, this would represent the largest tax hike on Americanssince World WarII. It would also be aregressive tax since lower-income households disproportionately bear tariff costs. In other words, poor peoplewill suffer mostfrom Trump’s supposed liberation agenda. Already, American consumers of all income classes (andpolitical persuasions) are souring on the Trump economy

The University of Michigan’slatest consumer sentiment survey data were ugly,and reflected rising risks of “stagflation,”asmycolleague Heather Long noted.Two-thirds of consumers expect unemployment to rise in the yearahead.That’sthe highest reading since 2009 (when, you may recall, the country was in the depths of aglobal

financial crisis)

This is despite thefact that Trumpinherited an economythat was the envy of the world. The United States outpaced its peers on growth and hiring, and appeared to be wrestling inflation under control. Now,Trump’seconomic policies are not only sabotagingthat progress; they’re dragging down the global economy, too. Butthere do appear to be somewinners.

Not long ago, China seemed on the verge of itsown economic self-destruction. The WhiteHouse’smistakes have since given thecountry asecond wind. Beijinghas begun recruiting disaffected and discarded American scientists, who have historically been theU.S. economy’sgolden goose. And, China announced aregional trade pact with South Korea and Japan, forged in responsetoTrump’stariffs.

In just over two months, Trumphas driven two of our most important economic and military allies intoChina’s arms. In fact, Sunday marked thetrio’s first economic dialogue in five years. Meanwhile, Europe and Canada are banding together against the United States as well.

This Trump-style “liberation” is gettingawfully expensive —and lonely Email Catherine Rampell at crampell@ washpost.com.

The White House Correspondents’ Association abruptly canceled the performance of comedian Amber Ruffin, originally scheduled for the organization’sApril 26 annual dinner.Oncea celebrity-filled pageant of Washington journalists and politicians, the dinner has struggled to find equilibrium and meaning since the first election of President Donald Trump in 2016. Trump, the target of years of overwhelmingly hostile coverage from many of the dinner’sattendees, has never attended the event as president and does not plan to go this year

Ruffin had promised to make the dinner a Trump-hating extravaganza. In an interview with CNN on Feb. 28, she said she did notwant Trump to attend. “No one wants that,” Ruffin said. “I don’tknow that anyone’slooking forward to being in the same room as him.”

Ruffin also said that whenshe talked to other show business types, they advised her, “You have to make fun of everybody.You can’tjust make fun of the people you disagreewith. You have to spread it out evenly.” Ruffin said she considered their words but decided “I’m notgoing to do that.”

That was OK with the WHCA, or at leastitwas OK with it in February.When the organization’s president, Eugene Daniels, who has recently becomeanMSNBC host, chose Ruffin for the job, he said her “unique talents are the ideal fit for this current political and cultural climate.” Ruffin was at the “top of my list,” Daniels said. Clearly something happened between Feb. 4, whenDaniels issued that statement, and March 29, when the WHCA announced thatRuffin would no longerperform.

Recently,Ruffin appeared on apodcast produced by the anti-Trump publication Daily Beast. She wasasked if she knows which, if any, Trump administration officials might attend the dinner.She said she did not really care, because she cared about more important things, like that the Trump administration is “kind of abunchof murderers.”

Taylor Budowich, asenior White House official, saw Ruffin’scomments and posteda response: “This year’sWhite House Correspondents’ Association dinner will be hostedbya second-rate comedian who is previewing the event by calling this administration ‘murderers’ who want to ‘feel like human beings, but they shouldn’tget to feel that way,because you’re not.’ What kind of responsible, sensible journalist would attend something like this? More importantly,what kind of company would sponsor such ahate-filled and violence-inspiring event?”

The next day,Daniels sent anote to WHCA members. Ruffin was out, and the dinneritself was being re-thought. “As afirst step, Iwanted to share that the WHCA board has unanimously decided we are no longer featuring acomedic performance this year.Atthis consequential moment for journalism, Iwant to ensure the focus is not on the politics of division but entirely on awarding our colleagues for their outstanding work and providing scholarship and mentorship to the next generation of journalists.”

The incident was obviously the latest in the dinner’s, and the media’s, very troubledrelationship with Trump. But more specifically,these particular events threatened many journalists’ cherished view that their reporting is fair

When Daniels first announced the Ruffin hire on Feb. 4, in addition to saying she was the “ideal fit,” he also said that her perspective “will fit right in with the dinner’stradition of honoring the freedom of the press while roasting the most powerful people on all sides of the aisle and the journalists who cover them.”

Then Ruffin camealong and said —publicly, definitively and on multiple occasions —that she would noteven pretend to be fair and balanced. With that, Ruffin took abig swing at the media’ssacred notion that it does its job fairly and without political bias. If the WHCA kept her on the program, it would be giving Trump one more data point for his very long andvery persuasive case that the media is biased against him. Better to cut her loose and hang on,however tenuously,tothe self-image of an impartial press. What will happen now? Well, at least the dinner won’thave acomedian, which, givensome performances in the past, might be agood thing. But the event will raise afundamentalquestion for the media: Why are we doing this? Long before Trump, there were critics who advocated ending the dinner,calling it an unseemly and borderline-appropriate Washington ritual. That was true —perhaps especially so —ata time whenjournalists mostly loved the president, like the Obama years. Then the dinner wasa train wreckfor the four years of Trump’sfirst administration. Nowitpromises to be more of the same. Why go through it?

Email York at byork@washingtonexaminer.com.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO

President Donald Trumparrives on Air Force OneatMiami International Airporton Thursday.

Byron York

Catherine Rampell

Faimon Roberts

NewOrleans Forecast

POLICIES

Continued from page1B

“The city can choose to let this downward trend continue and revert to the tenuous position of having little or no financial cushion,” the report stated “Or the City administration and City Council can seize this opportunity to improve the City’slong-term financial health.” Thereport finds faultwith Cantrell’sadministration and the City Council, which work together to decide how the city will spend its budget —topping$1.8 billion this year —after aseries of public hearings each fall. Later budget amendments are often voted on at public meetings.

Administration officials told BGR that areserve spending policy is being developed, and said Monday that the citycould stand to increase its financialreserves.

But “the reality is that fund balancepolicy and multiyear financial planning must be balanced with the real necessity of meeting the needs of the community without overburdening taxpayers,” the Cantrell administration said in astatement.

District ACity Council member Joe Giarrusso, who chairsthe budget committee, disputed some of the report’sconclusions Officialshavepublicly discussed how to spend pandemic cash, and auditsof city spending —filled with detail about spending decisions —are public records, he said.

“I take issue with the idea that this is so hard to see and nobody knew about it because it’sbeendiscussed publicly numerous times,” Giarrusso said.

Budget problems

In the 30-page report, BGR highlighted various concerns over thecity’s fiscal long-term management

Although the Cantrell administration created anew emergency fund with $100 million from thefederal pandemic windfall, there are no formal policies for spending or replenishing thosefunds,the nonprofit said.

As the city has spent down reserves over the past three years, it has begun using some of that moneyfor costs that occur every year, creatingwhat BGR said is astructurally imbalanced budget.

The administrationshould develop five-year spending plans that can be reviewed and adjusted with City Council input, the report said.

The nonprofit also said thatCity Hall’spolicy of restricting5%ofits general fund revenue foremergencies— athreshold thatcan be exceededonly by atwothirds vote of the council— is far below the minimum 17%, or two months of expenses,thatisrecommended by the Government Finance OfficersAssociation. Andthat17% threshold shouldprobablybehigher foradisaster-pronecity likeNew Orleans that relies heavily on volatile tourism revenue, the report said.

The Cantrelladministration noted arange of priorities it hasdedicated pandemic aid toward,including employee raises, modernized technology for criminal justice agencies and infrastructure upgrades ahead of this year’s Super Bowl.

“These investmentsbring real and essentialbenefits to New Orleans by reducing crime, creatingeconomic opportunity and enhancing quality of life,”the administrationsaid.

Giarrusso also said the council, the administration and community advocates have had healthy debates about how much of the pandemic windfall should be spent and how much should be kept in reserve. He also saidthe city should keep enough cash on hand to maintain strong credit rat-

ings

“There’sbalance between making sure the cityisin ahealthy financialplace whileatthe same time not hoarding cashunnecessarily,” he said.

Giarrusso saidthe lack of set-in-stonepolicies for the rainy dayfund affords officials needed flexibility to act fast in caseofasudden disaster,such as ahurricane.

Con

flicting information

The report also said that the councilinrecentyears hasamendedbudget proposals to add reservespending with little notice, and theadministration’s budget documenthas excluded clear information about the availabilityofreserve funds.

BGR also knocked the Cantrell administration for making contradictoryrecent statementsabout the state of thecity’s finances after Cantrell abandoned a now-dead $90 million settlement payout to the Orleans Parish School Board.

Ear lie rt his ye ar, Cantrell’sChiefFinancial Officer Romy Samuel said Cantrell couldnot honor the deal because “financial instability is imminent” at City Hall, citing Trump administration budget cuts and ahost of other factors.

But in March, Chief Administrative Officer GilbertMontaño saidSamuel’s statementswere regrettable and misleading.

“Having these conflicting internal assessments of whether the City has a major financialproblem is itselfamajor problem,”

BGRCEO Rebecca Mowbray said in astatement “How can the City make effective budgetdecisions if policymakers cannot agree on what the underlying data are telling them?” In its statement,that administration said it “would like to assure the public that theCityisonasolid financial footing.”

Email BenMyers at bmyers@theadvocate.com.

SPORTS

SWAMPKINGS

BY EDDIE PELLS AP national writer

AUGUSTA, Ga. The rain pelting onto my brand-new sneakers Monday as Iwalked from the media building from the media parking lot was an unworthy start to my 18th Masters tournament. Alittle morerespect, please, for such amilestone.

Clayton ran at him, Sharp droppedthe balland —unable to pick it up lest he get called fortraveling —watched it bounce there while theclock ticked to zero.

Will Richard had 18 points to keep the Gators (36-4) in it,and they won their

SAN ANTONIO Florida and Walter Clayton somehow overcame Houston’s spiritcrushing defense Mondaynight to will out a65-63 victoryinanNCAA title-game thriller not decideduntil Clayton’sown defense stopped the Cougars from taking agame-winning shot at thebuzzer Clayton finished with 11 points, allin the second half, but what he’ll be remembered for mostwas getting Houston’s Emanuel Sharptostop in the middle of his motion as he tried to go up for the game-winning 3inthe final seconds.

thirdoverall title and first since 2007. The Cougars(35-5)and coachKelvinSampson were deniedtheir first championship.

TheGators trailedbyasmany as 12 points in the second half, making it the third-biggest comeback in championship gamehistory

The Gators’ last lead was 8-6 before they went back up 64-63 on apair of free throws by Alijah Martin with 43 seconds left.

BY JIM KLEINPETER

Contributing writer

The No. 5LSU softball team is coming off amissed opportunity for asweep against No. 24 Alabama but can consoleitself with the idea that it won the series. As the Tigers move into the second half of the schedule, winning aseries willbecause for larger celebrations. The schedulegetsdecidedly tougher movingforward. After anonconference game against Louisiana Tech at 6p.m. Wednesday atTiger Park, the Tigers visit No. 4Texas A&M and No. 1Texas on back-tobackweekends. LSU returns home to face No.3 Floridaand finishes the regular season at No. 12 Arkansas.

“It’salways good to winthe series, especially when you’re playing ateam in the Top25, a team like Alabama,”LSU coach Beth Torina said tersely after Sunday’s game.“Ithought we hadanopportunity to win this game.”

Torina limited hercomments, but it was clear herteam’stendency to not play its best ball on Sundays is aconcern. LSU has lostfour consecutive Sunday games over the last three weeks, including adoubleheader loss to SouthCarolina, with opportunities to sweep. LSU is fighting for one of the topeight national seeds that

Thee are so manymemories since my first Masters way back in 2002. So hard to choose. But here’sone per hole from what hopefully will be a drier Augusta National Golf Club the rest of the week: No. 1, Par4: In 2016, Arnold Palmer attended his last Masters. Too frail to hit aceremonial tee shot, he sat in achair on the first tee as Jack Nicklaus and GaryPlayer teed off. Nicklaus had to wipe away atear.Hewasn’talone. Arnie died that September No. 2, Par5: Younever know what celebrity you’ll see at Augusta. In 2018, my son Nick got up the nerve to speak to actor John Hammalong the second fairway.Hamm’sfriendliness madeabig impression on us. All most people really wantisfor you to be kind to them No. 3, Par4: Playing to the tiny third green is like trying to stop aball on your roof.Inthe final round in 2022, Scottie Scheffler missed short and leftand below the green but hit adart of apitch shot right in the hole for birdie. Cameron Smith —one stroke back, his ball about afoot away from Scheffler’spitch mark—hit about 20 feet long, madebogey,fell behind by three and finished five back of Scheffler No. 4, Par3: Another spot foracelebrity sighting: Joe Montana by the tee here acouple of years ago on a motorized scooter,I suppose after a recent surgery.How he navigated the hills and tree roots to get there, I’ll never know No. 5, Par4: Before they added 40 yards to No. 5in2019, the tee was right behind the fourth green. In 2014, Adam Scott was about to drive on 5when Rory McIlroy’stee shot on 4airmailed the green, nearly coldcocked Scott and dove into ahuge bush. Maybe that’swhy they made No.5longer No. 6, Par3: Aforecaddie wasabout to dumpFreddie Couples’ divot into atrash can next to the tee when apatron asked whether he could have it. The man immediately marched off, cradling the divot like ababy bird. I wonder whether he points to atiny patch in his yard and tells people, “You see that grass there? That’s from Augusta.” No. 7, Par4: Another Palmer memory.

This time ayear ago, theNew Orleans Pelicans werethe best road team in the NBA. Their 28-14 record away from the Smoothie King Center waseven better than the road record of the Boston Celtics, the team that finished with the best overall record in the league and went on to win theNBA championship. Fast forward to now,and the Pelicans are one of the worst road teams in the NBA. (Well, actually they are one of the worst teams in theNBA, period).

The Pelicans packed their bags for one last road trip Monday

They’ll play the BrooklynNets on Tuesday at Barclays Center, andthen the Milwaukee Bucks on ThursdayatFiserv Forum

from postseason play.The Bucks are still jockeying for playoff position and likely will have Giannis Antetokounmpo back after he missed Sunday’sgame in the Smoothie King Center

The Pelicans, 7-32 on the road this season,will need to winone of those to avoid tying the mark for the worst road recordinfranchise history.The 2004-05 team finished 7-34 in games played away from what was then called New OrleansArena. This will be just thethird time in franchise history thePelicans (formerly theHornets) won’t reach double-digit road wins. The 2015-16 team team went 9-32 on the road. The Pelicans’ bestchance of gettingone more road victory comes Tuesday against theNets (32-50), who have been eliminated

The road woes didn’tseem like they’d be like this when the season started. The Pelicans won their first road game of theseason, erasing a16-point deficit and beating thePortland Trail Blazers when Brandon Ingram buried a game-winning jumper with 4.9 seconds left Butthen thingswent south. The Pelicanslost their next 15 road games. They ended their skid withawin over the Washington Wizards, one of just three teams in theNBA with arecord worse than the Pelicans. The next

Scott Rabalais

STAFF

PHOTO By DAVID GRUNFELD

Pelicans head coachWillie Green, left,talks with guard ElfridPayton during the first halfagainst the Milwaukee Bucks at the Smoothie King Center on Sunday

Rod Walker

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By ERIC GAy

Florida’sWillRichard drives to the basket as Houston’sL.J.Cryer defendsduring the first half in thenational championshipatthe FinalFour of theNCAA Tournament on Monday in San Antonio.

2

BROADCAST HIGHLIGHTS

McMahon shakes up staff, hires a GM

BY TOYLOY BROWN III Staff writer

The LSU men’s basketball program is bringing in some new leadership in the form of a former player with experience in an NBA front office.

The Tigers have hired Ronald Dupree, 44, to become the program’s first general manager

A six-year NBA veteran, Dupree previously had worked on the college level as an assistant coach at LSU and Nevada. Most recently, he has worked in the front office of the Milwaukee Bucks. Since 2021, Dupree has served as the director of global scouting for the Bucks. He had worked as a scout for the organization prior to his promotion.

A Biloxi, Mississippi, native, Dupree averaged 13.4 points 7.0 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game with the Tigers from 1999-2003 under coach John Brady He was an All-SEC second-team member in both his junior and senior seasons. As a sophomore, he led the SEC in scoring by averaging 17.3 points per game and was second in rebounding with 8.8 rebounds per night. He ended his college career eighth all-time on LSU’s career scoring and sixth in total rebounds.

Dupree’s six years in the NBA were split among the Detroit Pistons, Chicago Bulls, Minnesota Timberwolves, Seattle SuperSonics and Toronto Raptors. He ended his playing career with the Hapoel Jerusalem team of the Israeli Basketball Super League

Shuffling assistants

The LSU men’s basketball program has made an addition to head coach Matt McMahon’s coaching staff.

Indiana basketball associate head coach Yasir Rosemond is the newest assistant coach at LSU. He spent the last four seasons with the Hoosiers and has about 20 years of collegiate coaching experience. “I am really excited to welcome

Yasir Rosemond to our coaching staff,” McMahon said in a release.

“He is a talented coach, proven developer of players, and a terrific recruiter Yasir has recruited and coached multiple NBA players throughout his successful career.” LSU assistant coaches Tim Kaine and Ronrico White who both were with McMahon at Murray State, will not remain on the coaching staff for the 2025-26 season. Rosemond was an assistant in the Southeastern Conference at

Georgia in 2014 and at Alabama in 2017. Last offseason, he helped Indiana bring in the second-ranked transfer portal class, according to 247Sports.

One of those commitments was Oumar Ballo who was a twotime all-conference player at Arizona before averaging 13.0 points, 9.1 rebounds and 1.3 blocks for the Hoosiers, where he was a Big Ten honorable mention.

Rosemond, 47, helped Indiana improve by nine wins in his first season and become the toprated defense in the Big Ten, according to KenPom (22nd nationally). That season in 202122, he coached All-American Trayce Jackson-Davis, who is on the Golden State Warriors after being drafted 57th overall two seasons ago.

Other NBA players he coached at Indiana were Kel’el Ware, the 15th pick for the Miami Heat last season, and the Philadelphia 76ers’ Jalen Hood-Schifino, who was the Los Angeles Lakers’ 17th pick in 2023.

During the 2023-24 season, Indiana attracted five-star freshman Mackenzie Mgbako, who was the coBig Ten Freshman of the Year

Rosemond’s first college job was in 2003 at Redlands Community College in Oklahoma, where his team reached the national junior college championship game. He became an assistant coach at his alma mater, Oregon, in 2007 and in his time coached three NBA draft picks — Aaron Brooks, and Malik and Maarty Leunen Rosemond’s coaching stops also include Seattle University and Samford.

LSU gym learns path in NCAA championships

BY SCOTT RABALAIS Staff writer

The LSU gymnastics team will be a prime-time player in next week’s NCAA championships semifinals.

The No. 1-seeded Tigers will be in the evening session starting at 8 p.m. April 17 at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas, along with No. 4 Utah, No. 5 UCLA and No. 8 Michigan State.

The other semifinal will be an allSoutheastern Conference affair at 3:30 p.m. with No. 2 Oklahoma, No. 3 Florida, No 7 Missouri and No 11 Alabama.

Both semifinals will be on ESPN2. The top two teams from each session advance to the national championship meet at 3 p.m. April 19 on ABC.

Two teams from each of four regionals advanced to the eightteam championship round. LSU and Michigan State were the survivors from last week’s regional at Penn State.

NCAA championships at Fort Worth, Texas April 17 Session I, 3:30 p.m. Alabama, Florida, Missouri, Oklahoma Session II, 8 p.m. LSU, Michigan State, UCLA, Utah April 19 National championship final (top two from each session advance)

Blue Jays, 1B Guerrero agree to $500M contract

Vladimir Guerrero Jr and the Toronto Blue Jays agreed to a $500 million, 14-year contract that starts in 2026, a deal that removes what would have been the biggest star from next offseason’s freeagent market. Guerrero’s deal does not include any deferred money Guerrero gets the third-largest contract in total dollars behind outfielder Juan Soto’s $765 million, 15-year contract with the New York Mets that started this season, and two-way star Shohei Ohtani’s $700 million, 10-year agreement with the Los Angeles Dodgers that began last year and is heavily deferred.

Guerrero is a .277 career hitter with 160 homers and 511 RBIs. He’s batting .256 with no homers and four RBIs in the first 10 games this season.

Cardinals put red-hot catcher Herrera on IL

St. Louis Cardinals catcher Iván Herrera was placed on the 10-day injured list on Monday because of a bone bruise in his left knee. Pedro Pages is expected to get the bulk of the action behind the plate with Herrera out. Catcher Yohel Pozo was brought up from Triple-A Memphis, and he was in the starting lineup for the Cardinals’ game at Pittsburgh on Monday

The 24-year-old Herrera got hurt Sunday in the opener of a doubleheader at Boston. He is expected to be sidelined for four weeks. Herrera was off to a hot start in his first season as a full-time starter batting 381 with four homers and 11 RBIs in seven games.

Dodgers southpaw Snell believes he’ll miss 2 weeks Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Blake Snell expects to be out for two weeks while he recovers from shoulder inflammation.

Snell, who agreed to a $182 million, five-year contract with Los Angeles in November, said the shoulder issue has been lingering for three weeks. The two-time Cy Young Award winner had an MRI that came back clean, and he was placed on the 10-day IL on Sunday

“I thought I could pitch through it,” Snell said. “But when I got to Philly, played long toss, catch, tried to throw it, I just couldn’t. It’s inflammation.”

Dodgers left-hander Clayton Kershaw had a bullpen session on Monday as he nurses a left toe injury

The three-time Cy Young Award winner hasn’t pitched since Aug. 30.

Commanders add former WR Welker to front office

Though a traditional power, Alabama is the only team at nationals to qualify as a surprise.

The Crimson Tide posted a season-high 197.675 in a regional at Tuscaloosa to finish just behind Florida (197.700) and just ahead of California (197.575), last year’s runner-up to LSU.

Oklahoma won a regional in Seattle, advancing with Missouri on a score of 198.450, the highest of the regional round (Missouri was at 197.425). The Sooners are seeking to atone for their surprising flameout in last year’s national semifinals.

The Tigers, coming off their first-ever NCAA championship in 2024, qualified for nationals for the 34th time in program history, going 198.100 to win their regional semifinal and 198.050 to win the final. Michigan State (198.000) advanced for the first time since 1988.

during

attempt

Utah won a regional on its home floor in Salt Lake City with a 197.825, advancing to nationals for the 49th time alongside UCLA (197.625).

The pedigrees of the teams in Fort Worth are strong. The only ones without a national championship banner are Missouri and Michigan State.

Wes Welker is joining the Washington Commanders as a personnel analyst for the front office and coaching staff, according to a person familiar with the move. Welker, a two-time All-Pro wide receiver during his playing days, has coached for Houston, San Francisco and Miami since retiring from the NFL. He was an offensive assistant for the Texans in 2017-18, and coached receivers for the 49ers from 2019-21 and the Dolphins from 2022-24. The 43-year-old joins the Commanders after they acquired receiver Deebo Samuel from the Niners to pair him and Terry McLaurin as options for standout quarterback Jayden Daniels in his second pro season. Washington now has legitimate contending aspirations after surprisingly reaching the NFC championship game in Daniels’ rookie year

BY WILSON ALEXANDER Staff writer

LSU gymnast Olivia Dunne objected to a potential landmark settlement in college sports raising her issues Monday during an approval hearing.

Dunne — who has become one of the most well-known athletes in the name, image and likeness era — opposed the distribution of back-pay damages, which mostly would go to men. Reading a prepared speech over Zoom to Northern District of California judge Claudia Wilken, Dunne said female athletes, including herself, will not receive enough money in the House v. NCAA settlement to match their value. She cited her own back-pay

projection, saying it was significantly lower than her actual NIL earnings.

The proposed settlement of three federal antitrust lawsuits would offer $2.8 billion to athletes who could not earn NIL money before NCAA rules changed in 2021 Most of the damages (90%) would be given to former power-conference football and men’s basketball players because of the revenue generated by their sports. The settlement also would set up a new system that lets schools pay their athletes.

“This settlement uses old logic to calculate modern value,” Dunne said. “It takes a narrow snapshot of a still maturing market and freezes it ignoring the trajectory we were on.”

Dunne claimed she is “the highest-earning female athlete since the NIL rules changed,” though she did not specify how much she has made She has millions of fol-

lowers across her social-media platforms and has signed numerous endorsement deals while competing for LSU since the 2021 season. Dunne said all of the NIL projections about her have “underestimated” her real earnings.

“This settlement doesn’t come close to recognizing the value I lost,” Dunne said.

Dunne noted the website that athletes use to opt into the settlement did not initially work. Later, she had to opt-in to view how much money she would receive, a decision she did not yet want to make. Dunne said “that wasn’t meaningful consent” and believed the process lacked transparency When she got her projected number, which she did not disclose, Dunne said it was much less than her worth. She submitted NIL data in an effort to object to the estimate, but she said she did

not hear back from the administrator overseeing the system.

“This entire process defines athlete value based on the sport you played in and how much revenue your team brought in,” Dunne said “But NIL is about more than wins and revenue.”

In response, Wilken said if the settlement is approved, Dunne’s questions can be answered by reaching out to the plaintiff attorneys and the administrator of the back payments. Wilken gave a similar response to another athlete who objected to how the estimates were calculated. Later, Wilken said the formula “seemed reasonable.” Wilken said she would not rule from the bench Monday A final decision is expected in the coming weeks.

“Your honor, I ask the settlement not be approved as it stands,” Dunne said. “We deserve more than an estimate. We deserve to be compensated at the value we deserve.”

Cavaliers guard Mitchell to sit with ankle sprain

Donovan Mitchell will miss the Cleveland Cavaliers’ game against the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday night after the All-Star guard sprained his left ankle during the second half of Sunday’s game against Sacramento. Mitchell stepped on the foot of Sacramento’s Keon Ellis near midcourt before losing his balance and rolling his left ankle. The 6-foot-3 guard was writhing in pain while being looked at by trainers before limping to the locker room. Mitchell eventually returned after missing nearly seven minutes of game action. He played the final 15:02 of the Cavaliers’ 120-113 loss. He was limping around the locker room after the game. Mitchell leads the Cavaliers in scoring, averaging 24 points per game, despite playing fewer than 32 minutes a game.

STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

LSU gymnast Haleigh Bryant makes her approach on the vault table

her

in the vault on February 28 at the Raising Cane’s River Center in Baton Rouge.

Dunne

STAFF PHOTO By HILARy SCHEINUK

LSU head coach Matt McMahon, right, listens while coaching against South Carolina on Feb 18 at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center McMahon has hired Ronald Dupree as the team’s general manager

Del Rosario enters portal after two LSU seasons

BY REED DARCEY Staff writer

The LSU women’s basketball team is losing one of its sophomores to the transfer portal. A source confirmed Monday that Aalyah Del Rosario — a 6-foot-6 center who signed with the Tigers as part of their top-ranked 2023 freshman class — is now looking for a place to play her junior season. Del Rosario was the seventh-best recruit in her signing class, according to ESPN. But she never found her footing across the two years she spent at LSU. As a freshman, the native of the Dominican Republic appeared in all 37 games the Tigers played after a season-ending injury to starter Sa’Myah Smith thrust Del Rosario into a key role off of the bench. She ended up logging around 11 minutes per game that year Then Del Rosario’s playing time dwindled once her sophomore season began.

Smith returned to the floor, and transfer forward Jersey Wolfenbarger earned a role as LSU’s top reserve post player Her emergence left little room inside coach Kim Mulkey’s rotation for Del Rosario, the former top recruit who saw at least 10 minutes of run in only three games against South-

LSU women land coveted forward on second try

BY REED DARCEY Staff writer

The LSU women’s basketball team missed out on one of the nation’s top recruits when she was weighing offers in high school.

But Kim Mulkey and her staff landed her with a second swing in the transfer portal

On Monday, Kate Koval — a 6-foot-5 forward and a former topfive national recruit from the 2024 freshman class announced that she had committed to the Tigers, becoming their first transfer addition of the 2025 cycle. She spent her freshman season at Notre Dame, then entered the transfer portal on April 1 in search of a place where she could play her sophomore year

“Having recruited (Koval) out of high school,” Mulkey said in a statement, “we are very aligned in our vision for her personal development and the impact she can have on our program Tiger fans will love the skill, physicality and passion that Kate will bring with her to Baton Rouge.”

Koval was the fifth-best recruit in the country, according to ESPN, before she began her collegiate career The only two post players in her class who were slotted above her in those rankings were UConn forward Sarah Strong and South Carolina forward Joyce Edwards. Both played key roles on teams that reached this season’s national title game.

Like both Strong and Edwards, Koval considered LSU as a high school prospect. In September 2023, she took an official visit the

weekend of the LSU football home opener against Grambling. She ultimately chose the Fighting Irish.

This season, the Ukrainian forward appeared in 32 games and started 10. While playing 18 minutes per contest, she averaged 5.3 points 4.7 rebounds and 1.7 blocks, which were tied for the fourthhighest rate among Division I freshmen.

In ACC play, Koval scored in double figures three times. She also tallied six points, 10 rebounds and seven blocks across three women’s NCAA Tournament games.

She can carve out a significant role on an LSU team that must replace both Aneesah Morrow and Sa’Myah Smith, its two frontcourt starters. Morrow exhausted her eligibility, and Smith decided to enter her name into the transfer portal.

So far, LSU has lost Smith, senior point guard Last-Tear Poa and sophomore center Aalyah Del Rosario to the portal. Two other contributors (Morrow and point guard Shayeann Day-Wilson) have run out of eligibility.

The Tigers now have signed four freshmen and one transfer so far to help them replace the talent they’re losing LSU’s incoming freshman class, a group of three guards and a forward, is the No. 1 haul in the country

The transfer portal is open until April 23.

Koval — a native of Kyiv, Ukraine, who moved to New York in 2021 to pursue college basketball has three more years of eligibility

Continued from page 1C

road win came against the Philadelphia 76ers in a game Zion Williamson missed after being suspended for being late for a flight There was a road win against the Chicago Bulls, one of four teams the Pels swept this season along with the 76ers, Wizards and Utah Jazz. Williamson recorded his first career triple-double in a win over the Phoenix Suns at PHX Arena. Those were the road wins

against teams that are mediocre at best. The Pelicans have just one road win this season against a team that currently has a winning record. That was the last time they’ve won a road game, stunning the Minnesota Timberwolves 119-115 on March 19. Williamson scored 29 points, dished out eight assists and had five rebounds that night.

That was Williamson’s last game of the season. He had a lower back contusion after taking a fall that night, and a week later he was shut down for the

cuse. Both were top-75 prospects, according to ESPN. Del Rosario was a more highly rated recruit, and because she too is in search of a new home, Mikaylah Williams is now the only player from that class still on the roster

But LSU has reinforcements on the way In November, it signed another No. 1 freshman class with four recruits — forward Grace Knox, and guards ZaKiyah Johnson, Divine Bourrage and Bella Hines — slotted inside the top 30 of ESPN’s 2025 recruiting rankings. And on Monday, the Tigers signed 6-5 Notre Dame transfer forward Kate Koval, a top-five recruit from the 2024 freshman class. That group of additions will try to help the Tigers climb back over the Elite Eight hump next season. Wolfenbarger is the only incumbent frontcourt player who can return to LSU for that run. Smith entered the portal March 31. Three LSU players have decided to transfer out: Del Rosario, Smith and veteran point guard Last-Tear Poa.

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

UConn guard Azzi Fudd drives to the basket against South Carolina forward Chloe Kitts during the second half of the national championship game at the Final Four of the women’s NCAA Tournament Sunday in Tampa, Fla.

NCAA women’s hoops looking for next star

BY DOUG FEINBERG AP basketball writer

TAMPA,Fla.— Women’s college basketball has been on the rise these last few years, riding the wave of iconic players like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Paige Bueckers and JuJu Watkins.

Now, with Clark and Reese in the WNBA, Bueckers headed to the league and Watkins sidelined for the foreseeable future with an ACL injury, it raises the question of who will pick up the torch and continue that momentum.

There may be no clear candidate to become the face of the game, though there’s no shortage of talented players, including UCLA’s Lauren Betts, UConn freshman Sarah Strong and South Carolina freshman Joyce Edwards. And there are more looming on the horizon, like high school sensation Aaliyah Chavez will be making her collegiate debut at Oklahoma next season.

The ratings for the women’s NCAA Tournament leading into the title game Sunday didn’t match last year’s record numbers, though they were better than nearly every other year in NCAA history

“It’s a great sign that without Caitlin we’re still certainly on the ascent,” ESPN analyst Rebecca

remainder of the season. CJ McCollum was shut down, too, leaving the injury-riddled Pelicans with a skeleton crew for the final stretch. Willie Green’s starting lineup for Sunday night’s home loss to the Bucks had Elfrid Payton, Bruce Brown, Antonio Reeves, Keion Brooks and Yves Missi. It was the 44th different starting lineup Green has used this season, which tells you all you need to know about just how much the injury bug has bitten. “These are great opportunities,” Green said. “This is going to pay

“I’m excited for what our team will look like next year. I am, because I do think they’ll be talented enough to get here, especially with getting in the transfer portal and getting some experienced pieces that can help with this young group.”

DAWN STALEy South Carolina coach

Lobo said. “Hopefully, that’s the same even without the star power next year of Paige Bueckers and JuJu. The game is at place where it can still grow.”

The talent pool continues to get stronger, as was evident in the title game performances by Strong (24 points and 15 rebounds) and Edwards (10 points, five rebounds). As expected, both impacted the game though UConn came away with its 12th national championship, ending a nine-year drought with an 82-59 victory over South Carolina.

“Runs like this make you still feel relevant, you still have an impact. Kids still respond,” Huskies coach Geno Auriemma said. “Our coaching staff is really, really good at what they do. And I’m fortunate enough to coach great kids who want to win for each other.”

Even though UConn was back on top at the end, more teams showed this season they could compete with the best. UCLA, which held the No 1 spot in the AP poll for 14 weeks, had no seniors

off for some of these guys in the long run. This sucks not to win the game. They step on the floor because they are all competitors and they all want to win. These are growing pains for some of our young guys.” All five starters produced in Sunday’s loss to Milwaukee. Reeves scored a game-high 23 points. Brown scored 14 of his 16 points in the first half and had nine assists. Missi recorded his 14th doubledouble (18 points, 12 rebounds) and became the first rookie since

on its team and coming off its first NCAA Final Four ever, could go a step further next season.

South Carolina will be back too with a young nucleus led by Edwards and MiLaysia Fulwiley

“I’m excited for what our team will look like next year,” South Carolina coach Dawn Staley said. “I am, because I do think they’ll be talented enough to get here, especially with getting in the transfer portal and getting some experienced pieces that can help with this young group.”

Women’s basketball, like other college sports, has changed the last few years with the transfer portal. There are over 1,200 players currently in the portal, a person with access to it shared with The Associated Press.

Where some of those impact players — Olivia Miles, Cotie McMahon and Ta’Niya Latson — end up could not only shape which teams rise up to challenge UConn and South Carolina next season, but also which player separates herself from the rest.

Blake Griffin in the 2010-11 season to reach 250 or more offensive rebounds in a season. Payton finished with 10 assists. And Brooks had his first career double-double, finishing with 13 points and 12 rebounds. A similar

eastern Conference opponents in 2025. Four recruits comprised the Ti-

STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

Clark in

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By CHUCK BURTON California guard Kayla Williams, left drives against Notre Dame forward Kate Koval during a game in the quarterfinals of the ACC Tournament in Greensboro, N.C., on March 7.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By JOHN RAOUX

Tiger’s foundation, Masters partner on Augusta projects

BY SCOTT RABALAIS Staff writer

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Yet another injury this time an Achilles tendon rupture, is keeping five-time Masters champion Tiger Woods out of this year’s tournament.

But Woods’ presence is still being felt here. Masters and Augusta National Golf Club chairman Fred Ridley announced Monday that the club and Woods’ TGR Foundation are teaming up for a STEAM learning facility in Augusta, and that he is designing a new short course adjacent to the city’s beloved Augusta Municipal Golf Course

Woods’ short course will be known as The Loop at The Patch, the latter being the nickname locals have for Augusta Municipal. The main course, long a gathering place for Augusta National caddies who worked the Masters, is being redesigned as well and will reopen before the 2026 Masters.

Augusta National is helping foot the bill for all three projects. Woods reportedly will not attend Tuesday’s Champions Dinner at Augusta National.

Champions Dinner

90 YEARS AGO

Trailing Craig Wood by three shots in 1935, Gene Sarazen came to the par-5 15th hole and faced a 235-yard second shot over a creek fronting the green (the pond wasn’t created until 1949) As Sarazen debated what club to hit with his caddie, John “Stovepipe” Gordon, playing partner Walter Hagen badgered him to hurry up because he had a dinner date. Sarazen finally chose a 4-wood, hitting a shot that landed just short of the green, then bounced on and into the hole for a double-eagle 2. Sarazen beat Wood the next day in a 36-hole playoff. No one has made a double eagle on 15 since.

Scott Rabalais

ters, withdrew Monday citing an injury Singh, 62, had started 31 consecutive Masters since 1994.

Rainy days and Mondays

Persistent rain and the threat of lightning drove players and patrons off the course early Monday afternoon, with well more than an inch of rain expected to have fallen throughout the day Fans who purchased Monday practice-round tickets will be sent refunds in May and given the opportunity to purchase Monday practice-round tickets in 2026.

The weather forecast for the rest of the week is mostly better, with temperatures in the 60s and 70s but a chance of rain Friday Langer’s last

Højgaard twins set to play in Zurich

BY JEFF DUNCAN Staff writer

Rasmus and Nicolai Højgaard, a pair of top 100-ranked twins from Denmark, will compete in this year’s Zurich Classic, tournament officials announced Monday

Rasmus Højgaard is ranked No. 55 in the latest World Golf Rankings, while Nicolai Højgaard is ranked No. 88. They are the first set of twins to play together in The Masters. This year’s Zurich Classic will be played April 24-27 at TPC of Louisiana in Avondale. The tournament previously has received commitments from top-20 players Rory McIlroy (No. 2), Collin Morikawa (No 4), Shane Lowry (No. 13) and Billy Horschel (No 20).

“Both the brothers have international experience in team play,” said Steve Worthy, the CEO of the Fore!Kids Foundation, which operates the tournament for the PGA Tour “That should serve them well, and I’m sure it has to be a special experience to get to partner with your brother in a team setting. We are excited to have the Højgaard twins back in New Orleans together.” The Højgaard brothers teamed at last year’s Zurich Classic but missed the cut by three strokes with a two-round score of 5-under 139.

The Højgaards are the first brothers in the history of the DP World Tour to win titles on consecutive weeks. They also became the first twins to compete in British Open in 2023. Rasmus has won five international titles, including the European Masters in 2021. He earned his PGA Tour card after winning last year’s Irish Open to finish in the top 10 of the DP World Tour Playing parttime on the PGA Tour in 2022, he scored two top 10 finishes, with a sixth in the Corales Puntacana Championship and a tie for 10th in the Scottish Open.

A week after Rasmus’ third European victory, his brother Nicolai took his own first title at the Italian Open. A last-minute wild-card entry, Nicolai birdied the final hole to finish one stroke ahead of Tommy Fleetwood. On last year’s PGA Tour, Nicolai placed second in the Farmers Insurance Open. The season before, he posted a second at the Corales Puntacana Championship and a tie for sixth at the Scottish Open.

Nicolai and Rasmus Højgaard excelled as amateurs, with Nicolai reaching No. 5 in the World Amateur Golf Rankings. The brothers turned professional in 2019 after leading Denmark to that country’s first Eisenhower Trophy in the World Amateur Team Championship.

RABALAIS

Continued from page 1C

LSU SOFTBALL

Continued from page 1C

would give the Tigers the right to host a super regional in the NCAA Tournament. The Tigers (34-5, 8-4 SEC) are in fourth place in the SEC behind Texas (10-2), Oklahoma (93) and Texas A&M (8-3). They have the nation’s No 4 RPI and No. 16 strength of schedule, the latter of which will improve in the next three weeks.

First baseman Tori Edwards is especially happy to return to her home state. The redshirt freshman from Flower Mound, Texas near Dallas, hit her team-best 14th home run in Sunday’s loss. She had three hits to raise her batting average to .434, and is tied for second in homers in the SEC and ranked fourth with 53 RBIs.

“I’m excited. These are two places I spent a lot of time around in travel ball and living, being from Texas,” Edwards said of the looming road trip. “Back to my home state. I know it’s going to be a dogfight. Those are two really competitive programs. It’s going to be good softball.”

The meal will feature Scheffler’s down-home favorites, including cheeseburger sliders, his father’s recipe for meatball and ravioli bites Texas-style chili, and ribeyes or redfish.

Former champ withdraws

Vijay Singh, who won the 2000 Mas-

Reigning Masters champion Scottie Scheffler recently revealed the menu for the exclusive Champions Dinner, which is attended by only past champions and the current club chairman.

Two-time Masters champion Bernhard Langer (1985, 1993) is playing in his 41st and final Masters. The 67-year-old German was supposed to bid farewell in 2024, but an Achilles tendon tear while playing pickleball kept him out of last year’s Masters.

“It’s time to quit,” Langer said. “I’m just not competitive on this course anymore. I’m hitting hybrids where the other kids are hitting 9-irons and 8-irons, maybe even wedges.”

First, the Tigers have to take on a formidable in-state program. Louisiana Tech (23-15, 10-5) trails only Liberty in the Conference USA standings. Shortstop Nicole Hammoude leads the way with a 398 batting average, six homers and 32 RBIs. Leadoff hitter and left fielder Elena Heng is batting .365 with 11 stolen bases, and first baseman Reagan Marchant is the top power hitter with 10 homers and 28 RBIs while batting .309. Tech’s top pitcher is Allie Floyd with a 17-7 record, 2.71 ERA and 11 complete games. She has struck out 140 batters in 142 innings pitched.

Edwards said she isn’t concerned about the LSU’s issues on Sunday and that the team showed fight even in defeat.

“(If we have an identity) we’re dogs, we’re competitors,” Edwards said “We have energy. We’re going out there to fight, and you’re going to have to play your best game to beat us.”

Arnie’s last Masters was 2004. As I was walking past the seventh green, a ball rattled out of a tree. Word quickly spread: “It’s Arnie’s ball! It’s Arnie’s ball!” Palmer asked for a ruling because of a muddy ball. He marked the spot with a tee, turning to the crowd saying, “That’s a Pennzoil, tee, folks.” The King of endorsements. No. 8, Par 5: One year Phil Mickelson was in contention and I got a wild idea to follow him all the way around and write a column on his charge. I gave up the chase here, gasping on this steeply uphill par-5.

No. 9, Par 4: When Tiger Woods was dating skier Lindsay Vonn, she came out to watch him putt on 9. A bunch of photographers were aimed down the nearby 18th, but when they saw Vonn in her big sun hat and huge knee brace, they whipped around their $10,000 lenses and began snapping shots of her Practically ignored Tiger No. 10, Par 4: This hole is famous for the place where in 2012 Bubba Watson hooked a wedge from 164 yards about 50 yards around a 100-foot tall magnolia onto the green to beat Louis Oosthuizen in a playoff. Fans go down there looking for a plaque. No plaque. Augusta doesn’t do plaques. No. 11, Par 4: At the tee in 2012, I asked a gallery marshal, “Everyone behaving today?” He replied, “Everyone but the guy who ran under the rope on 10, jumped in a bunker and started making a sand angel.” That sort of thing is, ahem, frowned upon at The National. They’ll lock you in a room and throw away the room. No. 12, Par 3: I have a photo of me and my father at that 2004 Masters right here, in the heart of Amen Corner My dad, who made me love this crazy game, died in 2022. You can’t buy a memory like that. No. 13, Par 5: The media enters a

lottery to play here the day after the tournament. My number came up in 2021. This is the only hole I parred. The rest, well, I don’t want to describe the horror But I’ll tell you about 13. Want to see the schematic drawing of my shots? No. 14, Par 4: How fast are Augusta National’s greens? I watched former LSU golfer David Toms hit his second shot here onto the green atop a huge mound that looks like it hides a buried elephant. As he walked up, a gust of wind blew his ball back down the fairway Wedge. Bogey

No. 15, Par 5: Tiger putting for eagle. The marshals allowed the crowd, including myself, to stand in the crosswalk as he putted. There must have been 7,000 people ringing that green all the way over to 16. He missed, and the collective groan probably registered on the Richter scale.

No. 16, Par 3: Former University High golfer Patrick Reed won the 2018 Masters, but let’s say he hasn’t been the most beloved green jacket recipient. The next year I was watching him next to two guys. “Who’s that?” one asked. “Oh, that’s just Patrick Reed,” the other said. “Let’s go find someone else.” I said, “He can hear you.” They didn’t stop. No. 17, Par 4: President Eisenhower, an Augusta National member with the power to order airstrikes, lobbied for years to cut down a tree here that snared many of his tee shots. He never succeeded. Mother Nature did. It split the tree with an ice storm in 2014, prompting its removal.

No. 18, Par 4: After Mickelson won his first Masters in 2004, ending an 0-for-46 streak in the majors, he hugged one of his daughters behind the 18th green and exclaimed, “Daddy won! Can you believe it?” After all that time, even Phil needed to be convinced.

For more LSU sports updates, sign up for our newsletter at theadvocate.com/lsunewsletter

STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

LSU shortstop Danieca Coffey races to second in the first inning of the game against Alabama on Saturday at Tiger Park.

STAFF FILE PHOTO By SOPHIA GERMER Nicolai Hojgaard hits the ball during the first round of the Zurich Classic at TPC Louisiana on April 20, 2023, in Avondale.

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By DAVID J PHILLIP

Tiger Woods reacts as he wins the Masters golf tournament at Augusta National in Augusta, Ga.

THEVARSITYZONE

Newman hiresU-High’sVice

BY CHRISTOPHER DABE Staff writer

Aaron Vice has been hired by Newman to coach football.

Vice, 41, spent the pastthree seasons at UniversityHighinBaton Rougeasthe offensive coordinator,and he was agraduateassistant coach while at LSU.

Other coaching stops included stints at Central-Baton Rouge and at Denham Springs. But most important might have been the two schools he coachedat while he lived in Houston –atSt. John’sSchool for fiveseasonsand The Kinkaid School for one.

Both schools, like Newman, are independent private schools that offer aK-through-12 curriculum.

“I’m abig believer in Kthrough-12 schools and the relationships that you build,” Vice said “How cool is it that your junior quarterback’ssister might be in your third-grade P.E. class. That’s notnormal.That’show youbuild those relationships and that foundation of trust.

“It’snot all about football —it’s about the whole student and the whole experience.That’swhy independent schools and the Newmans of the world are very different. And that’swhy I’m interested in the job.”

Newman selected Vice from among four finalists and56total candidates who submitted materials, the school said Monday in a letter to Newman families that announced the hire.

Newman hired Vice afteranational search that included help from The Finney Search Group, the lettersaid. The search “engaged directly with more than 30 candidates from neighboring states, as wellasOhio, Virginia, North and South Carolina, Florida andNew England,” theletter said. Vice will replace former coach Nelson Stewart, who accepted a headcoaching position at Westminster SchoolinGeorgia. Stewart will leave Newman, his alma mater,whenthe school year ends. Vice willbegin hisnew jobMay 1. Vice and Stewarthave afriend-

ship thatdates to the early 2010s, when Vice was agraduateassistant for two seasons at LSU. It was Stewart who called Vice and asked if he would be interested in thejob soon after Stewart toldthe school he hadacceptedanother coaching job.

Vice said he andStewart have similar approaches to coaching offense.

“It’samultiple approach,” Vice said. “We’renot afraid to use the tight end. We’renot scared to throwitifwegot to throwit. We’re not scared to run it if we got to run it.It’sthe sameplays with different presentation and finding what

fits our kids.” Vice was aheadcoach earlyin hiscareer at now-defunct alma mater Redemptorist, where his team went 4-7 in his lone season in 2011. That provedtobealearning experience, he said.

Vice, who attended LSU as an undergraduate, enrolledback at LSUafter the 2011 season to get his mater’sdegreeand became a graduate assistant formore than a year –first hiredbythe late Steve Kragthorpe when he coached quarterbacks.

Vice went from LSU to Denham Springs for twoyears. He moved to Houston to coach at St. John’s andthenKinkaid. He returnedto Louisiana to coach for two seasons at Centralunder hisformerhigh school coach, Sid Edwards –now the BatonRouge mayor Vice hasspent thepastthreeseasons at U-High, where he also has servedasthe bowling head coach. His bowlingteam will compete this week at the LHSAA Division II state tournament on Thursday in Gonzales.

Askedifhemight bring abowlingprogram to Newman, Vice deadpannedthatitwas “not part of the discussion.”

“This is adestinationjob,” Vice said. “It’snot a, I’mcoming here for three years to get another job. It’swhere you want to be. There’s areason why there’s been,maybe I’m thefourth football coach, or maybethe fifth, football coach in 40-something years. It’spretty incredible.”

NewShawhoops coachsetssightsontitle

BY SPENCERURQUHART

Staff writer

Shaw was searching foranew basketball coach after nearly winning astate championship, and the Eagles found their man in longtime New Orleans area coach Mitchell Johnson.

Fresh off astate championship with St. Augustine, Johnson was introduced as the new Shaw boys head coachMonday at the school. Johnson replaces Wesley Laurendine, who left Shawtobecome the Brother Martin basketball coach. Johnson returned to St.Augustine this season as an assistant coach on former St. Augustine teammate Wade Mason’sstaff. He previously had served as the Purple Knights head coach for seven seasons.

“I wanted toget back to beingahead coach,” Johnsonsaid.

“I knew there was avacancy (at Shaw),and Iwas familiar with some of the players and parents already.Ifelt it was agreat opportunity.I was very grateful for (Mason)tobring me back, but I felt it wastime formetobecome ahead coach again.”

Johnson had head coaching success at St. Augustine before resigning in 2020.Hecompiled a 212-52 record at his almamater, which included apair of state championshipappearances and seven district titles.

Previous schools that Johnson has coached at include Hannan, McDonogh 35, East Jefferson, Walter Cohenand Pearl River Community College.

“From the jump, (Johnson) was one of ourtop coaches that we re-

ally hada great feel for,”Shaw principalNicholasMarchesesaid.

“He spoke about accountability, discipline, structure. In thesecond interview,itbecame clear that he was thegood fit that we needed here at Shaw.”

Shaw finished with a30-3 record during the 2024-25 season and was the No. 1seed in theDivision II select playoffs. Shawlost 59-55 to Hannan in thestate championship game.

Several Shaw playersfrom last year’steam areset to return, including first-team All-MetroselectionTriston Naquin. The 6-foot-6 Naquin averaged 12.5 points, 9.3 rebounds and 4.2 steals per game this season. Other key players returning for Shawincludesophomore Allen Shawand talented freshman ChristianClair

“We’ve hada greatsituation the past few years,” Marchese said. “Wefeel like with coach Johnson, therewon’t be adrop-offinany way.”

Johnson said he is ready forthe taskathand.

“I think I’m built for the challenge,” he said. “I’m going to do whatever Ican do to get that championship here.”

Shaw’slast state basketball championship was in 1997. Shaw snapped a37-year football state title droughtlastseason under longtime coach Hank Tierney

“I’m familiar with the history (at Shaw) and coach Hank Tierney,” Johnson said.

“All theathletes areheldaccountable. Shaw has agreat, rich tradition. Ihopethatthe discipline partcan help get them over the hump.”

Ex-coach has fond memories of days with GreenWave

BY GUERRYSMITH

Contributing writer

Former Tulane baseball coach

David Pierce went 0-3 in his return to Turchin Stadium with Rice over the weekend, but he has fond memories of his twoyears in New Orleans.

The Green Wave earned its only two at-large bids to regionals in the past 17 seasons (2015, 2016) and captured aregular-season conference championship for the only time in the past 20 years (2016) before he leftfor Texas.

“Wehad ablast,”Piercesaid.

“Those two years were unbelievable. We learned how to win, but we also had alot of fun.”

Pierce and his staff maximized the potential of ahighly rated Rick Jones-era 2014 signing class that was in its second year.Led by catcher Jake Rogers andshortstop

Stephen Alemais,the Wave was aNo. 3seed in the Baton Rouge regional in 2015 and aNo. 2seed in the Oxford, Mississippi regionalin2016. Rogers’ two-out, two-run homer in the top of the ninth inning eliminated host Ole Miss in Tulane’s mostdramatic moment since reaching its second College World Series in 2005.

The Wave also outscored LSU 11-2 while sweeping home-andhomegames from LSU in 2016. Tulane’sERA of 3.28 and 3.24 in those two seasons still rank as its lowest in any year since 1980. Pierce inherited amuch different situation as an in-season replacement at Rice, which is last in the American Athletic Conference with a6.63 ERA. Tulane swept the series 7-5, 10-3 and 6-5, putting a damper on his weekend but not his feelings about the Wave.

“I love this place,” Pierce said after Friday’sopening loss. “It’sgood to see people around here that spent acouple of years with me.” League honor

Michael Lombardi was named AAC pitcher of the weekafter going 2-0 and earning asave as Tulane (21-1, 5-4) rebounded from afive-game skid to winfour in arow Lombardiallowednoruns with no walks andnine strikeouts in four innings over threeappearances. He pitched thefirst twoinnings against Northwestern State, recorded two outs withthe tying run on second base to preserve Friday night’swin againstRice and returned Saturday night to strike out three in the top of the ninth. The Wave then wononMatthias Haas’swalk-off homer Lombardi (2-0), wholowered his ERAto0.50,leads the AAC with eight saves and is tied for fifth nationally. He alsohas scored a team-high 28 runs with 22 RBIsas an every-day player

BY DARRELL WILLIAMS Contributing writer

After Newman fell behind Country Day by two runs in thefirst inning of the teams’ District 10-2A softball game on Monday at the JPRD complex, Greenies coach Robin Christian told her players to be more patient at the plate.

Highlighted by junior first baseman Alyse Dulitz’sthree-run homer,Newman broke lose for10runs in the top of the fourth on the way to a14-3 victory in agame shortened to five innings because of the 10-run lead rule.

The win gives the Greenies (107, 3-0) first place in 10-2A with two district games to play.Longtime rival Country Day(10-3, 2-1) entered on an eight-game winning streak.

“In the first inning,wewere a

little anxious, and we were kind of outonour frontfoot,”Christian said. “I told them that for the next few innings, make sure you had astrikecalled on you (before swinging), and that kind of settled them down.

“When you face anew pitcher, you have to see (pitches) afew times before youcan really drive it.”

Newman scored two runs in the second and two in thethird to take a4-2 lead.

Greenies sophomore righthander MarynHuber allowed a run in the bottomofthe third on back-to-back doubles by Country Day pitcher Addie Richardson andcatcher AlayaBoddon that brought the Cajuns to within one run of thelead

That’swhenNewman broke loose. Madison Able linedashot

off the third-base bag for adouble that brought in Brett Beasley and Dulitz.

Adouble to center by Huber scored twomore runs, and a throwingerror to second base thatwent into center field allowed two more to score for a10-3 lead. Then, withtwo out,Sydney Able, Madison’ssister, andBeasley walked. Dulitzthen slammed the ball over the fence in right-center field in an inning when Newman batted around.

“Alyse had hit one over the fenceoncethisseason,”Chrisitian said. “Sydneyand Brett walking madeiteven bigger.”

Newman scored an insurance run when Maddison Able walked andFelicity Drakedoubledoff the fence in center field.

Christian said the win was not only big in relation to therace for

CLASS5AALL-STATE BASKETBALL TEAMS

the2Atitle but also for the state playoffs. Country Day entered the gameatNo. 11 in the power rankings, with Newman at No. 18. “We’llget alot of powerpoints with this winbecauseofhow manygames (the Cajuns) have won,” shesaid. “We’re trying to get to the No. 16 spot so that we can host aplayoff game, which we haven’tdone.

“Our record is around .500, but we’ve played some tough opponents. They hit the ball hard to us, and now we’re used to it. We have swung thebats well this season.”

Thewin is thestart to abusy week. Newman will play anondistrict game at 4:30 Tuesday vs. Ben Franklin before going against 102A foes SouthPlaquemines andSt. Mary’stoend district play CountryDay will play at South Plaquemines at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday

He is the first Tulane player to get aweekly honor since Jackson Linn and ChandlerWelch swept the hitter and pitcher awards in May Sunday solution

The Wave may have found its third weekend starter after searching for areliable option all season.

Will Clements (1-1, 4.56) doubled his career high for strikeouts at Tulane with 10 in 41/3 innings during Saturdaynight’sfinale,allowing twohits and one run.

“The slider felt really good,” he said. “I felt like me and(pitching) coach (Anthony) Izziowere just on the samepage. He was almost like in my head. Iwould think this is thepitch Iwant, then he would call it.”

The Wave’sprevious five seriesfinale starters had not madeitpast thethird inning,includingtwice when they did not record an out. Clements started nine times last season, but control problems(20 walks, 10 hitbatters, eight wild pitches in 34 innings) forced him out of the rotation. He walked none against Rice and has thrownonly twowild pitches all year Lagniappe

Tulane hosts Southeastern Louisiana (25-7) at 6:30 p.m.onTuesday

The Wave won the first meeting 5-3 on Feb. 19 in Hammond. …The last time Tulane had morethanthe 20 hits itspounded outinSaturday’s doubleheader opener was April 11, 2009 at CentralFlorida,when it had 23. The last timeithad more than 20 hitsathomewas March12, 2008 against Northwestern State (also 23). …The Wave is tied for 10th nationally with 76 doubles and is tied for16th with 29 double plays. …Tulane pitchers issued onewalkin18innings on Saturday

PROVIDED PHOTO

University High offensivecoordinator Aaron Vice, right, poses with quarterbackEmile Picarella.

Questions linger after 23andMe

files for bankruptcy

BY AVERYNEWMARK

Atlanta Journal-Constitution (TNS)

ATLANTA— Afew years ago, mailing off atube of saliva to 23andMe felt like the future. Youcould learn about your ancestry, your genetic risk forheart disease or diabetes andmaybe even connectwith long-lost relatives.

But now the genetic testing company has filed for bankruptcy,raising serious questions aboutwhathappens to your most personal information —your DNA —ifthe companyissold.

Emalyn Cork, ageneticcounseloratEmory Healthcareand instructor at Emory School of Medicine, isn’tsurprised by the headlines.

“This is something clinicalgeneticshas been screaming about for years,”she said in an interview with The Atlanta JournalConstitution. “It was never really about the reports people got back —itwas always about the data. People were essentially selling their genetic data for $100,and what they gotin return was,tome, not valuable. It’snot medically actionable.”

MARCUS BRANDT

DPA/TNS PHOTO By

Cybersecurity experts are warning that genetic and biological data of 23andMe users could end up in the hands of athird party they did not authorizetoaccesssuch information

What happenstothe data?

Cork, whoworks in clinical genetics, stressed that 23andMe’s reports are like comparing asmartwatchtoahospital monitor. The data can be interesting, maybe even helpful, but it’snothing compared to clinical-grade testing.

So what happens to the data 23andMe has collected from more than 15 million users? Unlike health care providers, the company isn’tbound by HIPAA, thefederal law that protects your medical privacy Instead, only limited federal protections apply —most notably,the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, which prevents employersand health insurers from discriminating based on your DNA. But even GINA has its gaps For instance, it doesn’tcover individuals in the military,and it doesn’t apply to long-term care or disabilityinsurance.

“There’sjust not enough federal protection,” Cork said.“Legally,anew buyer could access anduse your data in ways we may not fully understand for years.” Worried aboutDNA data?

Experts are urging users to take actionnow.Ifyou’ve used 23andMe andare concerned aboutwhereyourdata might end up,here’show to protect yourself,accordingtoCalifornia’s Attorney General.

n Delete your data: Log into your 23andMeaccount,goto “Settings,” scroll to the bottomto “23andMe Data,” and click“Permanently Delete Data.” Follow theemail confirmation steps.

n Destroyyour sample: If you originally opted to let 23andMe store your saliva sample, you can change that in your account

LIVING

WILD GAME

BY DOUG MacCASH Staff writer

The Xbox gaming companypreviewed therelease of anew actionadventurecalled South of Midnight last week,with apublicity stunt that mergedactual and digital realityinthe midstofa Louisiana swamp.

According to Xbox vice presidentofgames marketing Aaron Greenberg, “the location was chosen forits haunting resemblance to the game’sSouthern-inspired setting.” GNO, Inc., aNew Orleans business booster organization, had helped Xbox scout for the site in the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park.

Thepreview was avery meta experience. Reporters boarded a Jean Lafitte Swamp Tour pontoon boat for acruisealong acypresslined logging canal, surrounded by respectablylarge,real-livealligators that lounged on the banks. Eventually,anunusual sight arose in the distance.

New Orleans artist Keith Greco had been hired tocarve an enor-

on an old power boat.

Watchout forthe haints

Onceaboardthe great, floating, reptilian rec room, Xbox business program manager Chris Douglas used awireless controller gizmo bristling with various joysticks and buttons to activate the game, outlining theplot, introducing thecharacters and demonstrating the unique action features of South of Midnight on wall-mounted videoscreens.

mousalligator from plastic foam, whichwas anchored in thedark water —imagine if the Bacchagator from the Bacchus parade escaped and returned to thewild. The head of the Xbox gator was so large that it doubled as asort of floating man cave. As the boat docked, reportersstepped gingerly from the bow through the gaping jaws, beneathstalactite teeth, into theinterior— which wasfurnished with thesortofsun-faded, vinyl seatsand benches you might see

The setting of the game is a dystopian, post-hurricaneswampscape, inhabited by humans, such as the heroine Hazel, on aquest to findher motherwho wentmissing during the storm.Hazel’ssidekick is ahandmade ragdoll with voodoo-ish, metaphysical powers. The imaginary SouthofMidnightworld is also infested with malevolent ghoulish “haints” that must be fended offatevery turn —haints explode into glowing red embers and black soot when properly stabbed by Hazel’smagical spindles.

2-minute TV shows have takenover China.Can they take over theworld?

BY STEPHANIEYANG Los Angeles Times (TNS)

TAIPEI, Taiwan

has adaughter!” The series pilot for “Breaking the Ice” has all the hallmarks of adramatic, and cheesy,saga of deceptionand betrayal— allin 132seconds, theperfect length forthe TikTok and Reels generation (the many mini episodesof “Ice”

isodes on the ReelShort app.

STAFFPHOTOSByBRETT DUKE

A40-foot sculpture of Two-Toed Tom, featured in the newvideo game release South of Midnight, floats along a bayouinMarrero.

Two-Toed Tommakes his appearance in the game South of Midnight.

‘Micro dramas’ (90-second episodes, cheesy plots, lots of romance) arecatchingonworldwide. | LOS

Aggressive tippers overlook therules

Dear Miss Manners: Iwork as an usher at apopular field house that hosts alarge number of sporting and entertainment events (concerts, comedy shows, etc.). One of the rules is that we are not allowedtoaccept tips. On occasion, aguest will offer atip, usually for something Ihave done above and beyond simply helping them find their seat. In those instances, Ipolitely thank them for their kindness butlet themknow that it is against the policy of the venue. Most of the time that is sufficient, but on occasion, apatron will insist that Itake the money, frequently commenting that “No one will know.”

Iamnot sure what to say when they continue to push. Icertainly do not wish to be rude (and Ido sincerelyappreciate their generosity), but neitherdoIwant to violate therules and accept the money.What do you recommend Isay to people who demandthat Iaccept atip?

Gentle reader: No doubtsuch

peoplethink they are conferring abenevolence on you in advisingyou to defy your employer sneakily.And they are unlikely to imagine any reason for refusing money other than the fear of gettingcaught. As Miss Manners has observed,the tipping system bringsout the worst in everyone. Well, not everyone; not you. Theresponse to “No one will know” should be aregretfullittle smile and the comment, “ButI would know.”

Dear Miss Manners: What is your opinion of sprinkle parties?

Gentle reader: That much as she appreciates toningdown the usual shower,Miss Manners finds the name unfortunately vivid in connection with babies.

Send questions to Miss Manners at herwebsite, www. missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@ gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City,MO64106.

Trythese handy uses forkitchen tools

Dear Heloise: For years, I’vebeen using various kitchen tools to help me in the kitchen and do jobs that they weren’toriginally designed for.Ithought I’d share some of these with you and your readers:

n Iuse atea strainer filled with herbs and spices to flavor soups and stews. Youjust have to remove the strainer before serving. Youcan also fill astrainer with powdered sugar and use it to sprinkle sugar over pastries such as cakes and muffins.

ALLIGATOR

Continuedfrom page1D

Two-Toed Tom

Butnever mind the haints,the real menace is araging, albino mega-alligator,solarge that agrove of trees has sprouted on its back. As Douglas explained, because of the deprivation it suffered as a young gator,the monster’s hunger is insatiable. Theremay be some metaphorinthat, butit’shard to put your finger on it

Tomfestival. It’s saidthat Two-Toed Tom, whose folkloric range stretched from Alabama into Florida —and now Louisiana —acquired his nicknameby losing three digitsinasteel trap

Back to reality

Laffite SwampTourpontoon boat

captain Louis Hatty had earlier explainedthat alligators can live through the loss of limbs and tails. Because, he said, when they are traumatized, their blood pressure drops, preventing lethalblood loss.

wilderness location harmonized marvelously with the invented world of South of Midnight. It was somehow charming to swat an actual mosquito while exploring avirtual swamp, whileseated insidean artificial alligator.And it wasmagical to see asmallflesh-and-blood gator swim harmlessly past, after watching amonster gator create mayhem on avideo screen.

n Iuse an old potatomasher to separate ground beef andsausage while it’scooking.

n Iuse an egg slicer to cut small, firm tomatoes, eggsand strawberries n Iuse amilkfrother to mix

By The Associated Press

other small batches of things. I recently mixed whipping cream with my frother to add on top of apudding that I made n Itenderize chicken andmeat bywrapping it in cling wrap, then using my metalrolling pin to pound themeat n I’ve known anumber of peoplewho use apastry slicer to blend or chop up eggs for an egg salad, or to chop up potatoestomake hash browns n Afriend of mine gave me this hint: Take acast-ironskillet,turn it upside down so that theflat bottom is right side up, and place it in the oventhis waytocook afrozenpizza. —D.F., in Pennsylvania Send ahint to heloise@heloise. com.

TODAYINHISTORY

30 years in prison.

Today is Tuesday,April 8, the 98th day of 2025. There are 267 days left in the year

Todayinhistory: On April 8, 1974, Hank Aaron of the Atlanta Braves hit his 715th career home run in agame against the Los Angeles Dodgers, breaking Babe Ruth’shomerun record that had stood since 1935

On this date:

In 1820, the Venus de Milo statue, likely dating to the 2nd century B.C., was discovered by afarmer on the Greek islandof Milos In 1864, the U.S. Senate passed, 38-6, the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution abolishing slavery.(The House of Representatives passed it in January 1865; the amendment was ratified and adopted in December 1865.)

In 1911, an explosion at the Banner Coal Mine in Littleton, Alabama, claimed the lives of 128 men, most of them convicts leased out from prisons In 1913, the 17th Amendment to the Constitution was ratified, providing for election of U.S senatorsbystate residents as opposed to state legislatures. In 1962, Cuba announced that 1,200 Cuban exiles tried for their roles in the failed Bay of Pigs invasion were convicted of treason and sentenced to

DNA

Continued from page1D

settings under “Preferences.”

n Revokeresearch permissions: If you previously allowedyour data to be used in third-party research, go to the “Research and Product Consents” section of your settings and withdraw consent.

“If you’re concerned, delete it,” Cork said. “They say it’spermanently removed. We havetotake them at their word —but it’sthe safeststep you can take.”

In 1990, Ryan White, theteenager whose battle with AIDS drewnational attention and led to greater understanding and destigmatization of those suffering from thedisease, died in Indianapolis at age 18.

In 1992, tennis great Arthur Ashe announced ata New York news conference that he had AIDS, havingcontracted HIV from ablood transfusion in 1983.

In 2010, PresidentBarack Obama and RussianPresident Dmitry Medvedev signed the New START nuclear arms reduction treaty in Prague.

In 2020, a76-day lockdown was lifted in the Chinesecity of Wuhan, where the global COVID-19 pandemic began.

Today’sbirthdays: Journalist Seymour Hersh is 88. Songwriterproducer Leon Huffis83. Rock musician Steve Howe (Yes)is 78. Sports broadcaster Jim Lampleyis76. Sen. Ron Johnson, a Republican from Wisconsin, is 70. Author Barbara Kingsolver is 70. Actor John Schneider is 65. Guitarist Izzy Stradlin (Guns N’ Roses) is 63. Singer Julian Lennon is 62. Actor Dean Norris is 62. Actor Robin Wright is 59. Actor PatriciaArquette is 57. Actor TaylorKitsch is 44. Boxer GennadyGolovkin is 43. NFL wide receiver CeeDee Lamb is 26. Actor Skai Jackson is 23.

If you’re still interestedin learning about your health through genetics,Corkrecommends skippingthe gimmicks and lookingtoclinical-grade labs like Invitae or Color Genomics. “They’reconsidered HIPAAcovered agencies, and the tests are more accurate,” she said. “It might cost alittle more up front, but your privacy is far better protected.”

Cork’sfinal note: “YourDNA is the most personal data you have. It’s worth more thana hundred bucks —and it deserves to be protected like it.

As it turns out, the game’s Godzilla-sized villain was inspired by alegendaryalligator called Two-Toed Tomthatissaidtohave gobbled up livestock in the 1920s. According to lore, Two-Toed Tom survived being shot and even dynamited. Sincethe late 1980s, Esto, Florida, has hosted aTwo-Toed

TV SHOWS

Continuedfrom page1D

The shows, known as micro dramas or vertical dramas, are reminiscent of soap operas or telenovelas, but they’re typically divided into 50-100 tiny chapters. Users canunlock newepisodesbywatching ads, paying per clip or signing up for unlimited viewing. Swicegood, for example, pays a$200 annual fee to ReelShortfor continuous access to the stuff of romance novels: windswept hair,smoldering stares, glittery ingenues and adorable children who may ask: “Are you really mydaddy?” Her husband likes to teaseher forwatchingher “dirty little shows,”with their outlandish and corny plot lines.But Swicegood believes theyare filling avoid among the streaming networks. “I don’tfeel like (the streamers) are coming outwithanythingthatappeals to the demographic I’m in,” Swicegood said.

“Instead of sitting down and trying another show about someonesolving acrime,I canpullup ReelShorts andjust watch two people fall in love.”

Short, vertical videos

Micro dramas emerged in China just as watching short, vertical videos on smartphones became acornerstone of everyday life.

According to DataEye, adigital researchfirm based in Shenzhen, revenue from microdramas reached$6.9billioninChina last year,surpassing domestic box officesales for thefirst time. Sensor Tower,amarket intelligence firm that tracks mobile app data, reports that short-drama apps outsideChina made $1.2billion in 2024, with 60% of that coming from theU.S.

By comparison, the U.S. boxoffice revenue was about $8.75 billion in 2024.

For now,the U.S. micro drama market is dominated by Silicon Valley-based ReelShort, which has outpacedmorethan 40 international rivalapps in mobile downloads and revenue, according to areport last year from Sensor Tower

Fiveyears ago, another U.S. company,Quibi, famously launched by MegWhitmanand Jeffrey Katzenburg, tried to remakethe business of short-form video, but the effort shut downfewer than seven monthsafter its launch. Investors were told that the service failed to attract viewers willing to pay to watch itsshows. Will this wave of new platforms be able to reconfigure theglobal entertainment industry as it struggles with streaming wars, rising production costs and asluggish return to theaters?

‘I’ve traveled throughtime!’

Afuneralfor ayoung woman whowas destinedtobemarried off to adivorced pig farmer,ahor-

Aboard the boat,Hatty displayed apatch of hide that had been taken fromthe back of alargealligator

The knobby scales wereashard as bone. Hatty —who had adistinct Cajunaccent —said that whenhe was achild, his father had used similaralligator hide to make his baseball catcher’sgear.Imagine.

In ways, the reality of thewetland

rified crowd that watches her rise from thedead —and aterrifying realization ‘I’ve traveled throughtime!’

The first episodeof“IBecame a Stepmother in the 1980s” got Selina Huang hooked on microdramas. Their popularity surgedduring the pandemic,and Huang, a20-yearold college student in Xi’an, China, became obsessed with the short mobile shows during aholiday break with her family.“The way theycould quickly stir up emotions madeussoexcited that we just couldn’tstop,” she said. “It was like awhole new world forus.”

Their brevityalso meant that she could fit ashow in during meal time or between classes once she returnedtoschool —though, at times,starting aseries before bed would lead to an unintendedallnighter

She said she spends about $1.40 to $2.75 to access afull show when she’stoo impatient to waitthrough ads and estimates she’swatched morethan 100 titles.

Cheapertoproduce

JoyceYen,aproducer andformer screenwriter in China, moved into the micro drama industry in 2022. Compared to atraditional television or streaming show, vertical dramas are significantly cheaper to produce, he said. Aseriesofabout 20 or 30 episodes, each about half an hour long, could cost upwards of $8 million. Amicro drama series could be shot for as little as $14,000, though he said the average is closer to $110,000.

Cassandra Yang, founder of a Chinesemicro drama content distribution andlicensing company calledRisingJoy,pointsout that micro dramas can make aprofit within one or two months, comparedtomovies made forthe big screen.

“It is avery exciting signal for us compared withthe traditional film andthe traditional TV series, because it has moreflexibility and more imagination,”saidYang, who wasthe head of contentatTurner Broadcasting System in Chinabefore it closed in 2019.

Lookingtoexpand

For now, mostmicro dramas that RisingJoy distributes are madein China, where the nascent industry is the most mature.But eventually, Yang believes,localizing production will be necessary to better expand in promising markets including Japan, Korea and Singapore.

In the meantime, the U.S. is one of the fastest growing markets for micro dramas,along with Indonesia, Brazil, India and Mexico.

“I think every region has great potential,” Yang said. “But Ihave to say,everyone wants in on the U.S.market, because theROI is better.” ReelShort CEO Joey Jiasays thegreatestadvantageofmicro

Based on the brief viewing, South of Midnight is adream of dangerand heroism with plentiful mud, corrugated sheet metal, sunken cars, occasional advertisements forbygone roadside attractions, strange superstition and cursing. It isn’texactly authentic, but it mostly avoids becoming the cliché-ridden pastiche we in the Deep South might have feared.

Email Doug MacCashat dmaccash@theadvocate.com.

dramas is the abilitytoconstantly adapt based on how audiences respond to the platform’scontent. He founded the studio seven years ago, but it took awhile to figure out what worked. The company pivoted from mobile gaming to interactive stories to mini dramas. Back then, he said the app’sretention rate was near single digits, and80% of dramasfailed to gain an audience. Producing many variations of similarstory structurestosee which ones succeeded ledthe company to acontent library that is filled with titles like “The Double Life of My Billionaire Husband” (451.2 million views), “Playing by the Billionaire’sRules” (26 million views) and “Baby Trapped by the Billionaire” (32.9 million views).

“Weknow which story can make more money andwhichstory has problems,”Jia said. “That’sthe missing portion for traditional Hollywood.Theydon’t have a feedback loop.”

Speedy evolutions?

Jia estimates thatReelShort released almost 200 titles last year,and aims to doublethatthis year.InSeptember,the company opened astudio in Los Angeles. He said that while he believes some content —suchasfranchisesthat rely heavily on afictional world or characters like Star Wars or James Bond —isill-suited formicro dramas,hehopes to expand into other genreslike science fictionorreality TV

“The biggest question is, ‘How fast can the micro dramaevolve?’ he asked. “I still see the short drama as ababythatgrew up very fast.”

What aboutplus-sizedheroines?

Katherine Ford, a47-year-old grade school teacher in Kernersville,North Carolina, would eventually like to see ReelShorts expand its content as well. After she ran out of English titles, she started watching Asian micro dramas, which she said generally have better acting, writing andproductionvalues. Shehopes that in the next six months they can branchout more, to period dramas or old Westerns or stories featuring plus-sized women. For now,she’spaying $5 aweek to replayher favorites dozens of times,including “Playing by the Billionaire’sRules,” “The Double Life of My Billionaire Husband” and “Baby Trapped by the Billionaire.” Ford’sfamily also subscribes to Netflix, Disney+ and Peacock. But if it came downtochoosing one, Ford doesn’tknow if she could give up ReelShort. “I know it’snot everybody’scup of tea, but it’smy guilty pleasure watch and Ienjoy it, even though it’ssometimes really cheesy.”

Los Angeles Times special correspondent Xin-yun Wu in Taipei contributed to this report.

Judith Martin MISS MANNERS

Hints from Heloise

STAFFPHOTO By BRETT DUKE

Chris Douglas, business program manager at Xbox Game Camp,makes hisway off the Two-Toed Tomalligator sculpture in Marrero.

ARIEs (March 21-April 19) A change of attitude or to how you deal with institutions, money and superiors looks promising. Personal improvements will boost your confidence.

tAuRus (April 20-Ma y 20) If you want change, stop pontificating and start making things happen. Take control and be proud of who you are and what you achieve. Reject what isn't right for you and do your own thing.

GEMInI (May 21-June 20) Be careful what you promise or sign up for. If you want to help make a difference, contribute your energy, not your money. Make choices based on facts, not on your emotions.

cAncER (June 21-July 22) Take a moment to observe, wait, watch and evaluate. Timing is essential to get the highest return from your effort. Keep the conversation going and the momentum flowing.

LEo (July 23-Aug 22) A last-minute change will cost you. Don't jeopardize your position. Work quietly behind the scenes; don't take a risk until you are prepared to go the distance.

VIRGo (Aug. 23-sept. 22) Keep moving forward. A change will pump you up and encourage you to meet new people and engage in events and pursuits that grab your attention. Life is about living.

LIBRA (sept. 23-oct. 23) Being aware and prepared to counter anything that might have a negative impact on your

dreams will make it easier to turn your intentions into a reality. A passionate presentation will pay off scoRPIo (oct. 24-nov. 22) Get out into the field and see what's happening firsthand. Mingle, participate and actively contribute to whatever group, event or institution is suitable to help you have a positive impact and make a difference.

sAGIttARIus (nov. 23-Dec. 21) You may want to keep your plans to yourself. Being too open will allow someone to take advantage of you. A networking event will lead to a valuable opportunity.

cAPRIcoRn (Dec. 22-Jan 19) Positive change stemming from collaboration will be your calling card. Mix business with pleasure, and you'll create a path to victory.

AQuARIus (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Prioritize partnerships and diversity. Declutter your space, sell off what you no longer use and ease financial stress. It's up to you to find solutions.

PIscEs (Feb. 20-March 20) Refrain from making uninformed decisions. Don't let your ego or emotions lead you down a slippery slope. Network, and you'll meet someone with valuable input

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: y EQuALs K

CeLebrItY CIpher

For better or For WorSe

FrAnK And erneSt

SALLY Forth

beetLe bAILeY

Mother GooSe And GrIMM

SherMAn’S LAGoon

dooneSbUrY

bIG nAte

Sudoku

InstructIons: sudoku is anumber-placing puzzle based on a9x9 grid with several given numbers. Theobject is to place the numbers 1to9 in the empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once. Thedifficulty level of thesudoku increases from monday to sunday.

Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer

THewiZard oF id

BLondie

BaBY BLueS

Hi and LoiS

CurTiS

By PHILLIP ALDER Bridge

Virginia Gildersleeve was the only American woman at the 1945 San FranciscoconferencethatcreatedtheUnited Nations. She said, “Theabilitytothink straight, some knowledge of the past, some vision of the future, someskill to do useful service, some urge to fitthat service into the well-being of the community—thesearethemostvitalthings education musttry to produce.”

At thebridge table, it is important to thinkstraight,torememberthepastbids and plays, and to havesome idea of what you plan to do. In this deal, how should Southplayintwospades?Westleadsthe club ace, cashes the club king, and plays another club.

South, with five top losers (twohearts, one diamond and two clubs), needs to find the spade queen to get home.

Declarer mustremember that neither opponentcould openthe bidding. And Southhasalreadyseensevenpointsfrom West. However, before guessing how to play the trump suit, declarer should explore for more data. He should play on the red suitstolearn whoholds those honors.Thenhewillbesuretoknowwho has the spade queen At trick four,South leads aheart. Let’s assumeEasttakesthattrickandshiftsto

alow diamond. Declarer wins with his king and plays another heart. East wins andcasheshisdiamondace.Whohasthe spade queen?

Since East has produced 11 points, it must be West.

Remember thepasses as well as the bids,and count those high-cardpoints. ©2025 by nEa,inc., dist. By andrews mcmeel syndication

Each Wuzzle is awordriddlewhich creates adisguised word, phrase, name, place, saying, etc. For example: nOOn gOOD =gOOD aFTErnOOn

Previous answers:

word game

InstRuctIons: 1. Words must be of fourormore letters. 2. Words that acquire fourletters by the addition of “s,”such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed.3 additional words made by adding a“d” or an “s” may not be used. 4. proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit wordsare not allowed toDAy’s WoRD LEuKEMIA: loo-KEE-me-uh: An acute disease characterized by an abnormal increase in white blood cells

Average mark19words

Time limit 25 minutes

Can you find 24 or morewords in LEUKEMIA?

yEstERDAy’s WoRD —ADJuVAnts

aunt avast data daunt dust jaunt java junta just vast vaunt tuna sand sauna stand stud stun

loCKhorNs

marmaduKe

Bizarro

hagar the horriBle

Pearls Before swiNe

garfield

B.C.

PiCKles

hidato

mallard fillmore

dIrectIons: make a 2- to 7-letter word from the letters in each row. add points of each word, using scoring directions at right. Finally, 7-letter words get 50-point bonus. “Blanks” used as any letter have no point value. all the words are in the Official sCraBBlE® players Dictionary, 5th Edition.

Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer

ken ken

InstructIons: 1 Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 thorugh 4 (easy) or 1 through 6 (challenging) without repeating. 2 The numbers within the heavily outlined boxes, called cages, must combine using the given operation (in any order) to produce the target numbers in the top-left corners. 3 Freebies: Fill in the single-box cages with the number in the top-left corner. HErE is a

WiShinG Well

Scrabble GramS

Get fuzzy

jump Start

roSe iS roSe

animal crackerS

DuStin

Drabble

Wallace the brave

breWSter rockit

luann

Proposalswillbere‐ceived until2:00PMon April18, 2025 by thePur‐chasingDepartmentof DelgadoCommunity Col‐lege andthereafter pub‐liclyopenedfor thepro‐curement of Welding EquipmentConsumables Additional information maybeobtained by con‐tactingthe Purchasing

NewOrleans,LA70119 (504) 762-3028 or email: aharri@dcc.eduorpur‐chasingdept@dcc.edu BidDocuments andAd‐dendamay be down‐loaded from:https:// wwwcfprd.doa.louisiana. gov/osp/lapac/dspBid cfm?search=departm ent&term=39Evidenceof authoritytosubmitbid shallberequiredinac‐cordance with R.S. 38:2212 (A)(1) (c)and/or R.S. 39:1954 (C)(2) (d). AA/EEO 135616-apr8-1t $35.34 CapitolAccessRoad, 4th Floor,EastWingRoom S447, Headquarters Ad‐ministration Building BatonRouge,LA70802, Telephonenumber (225/379-1444) on date(s) shownbelow,until 10:00 A.M. No bids will be ac‐ceptedafter this hour.At 10:00 A.M. of the same dayand date,theywill be publicly opened and read in Headquarters Ad‐ministration Building,4th Floor,EastWingS-447. Evidence of authorityto submit thebid shallbe required

with R.S. 38:2212 (A)(1)(c) and/or R.S. 39:1594 (C)(2) (D). BIDS TO BE OPENED April 25,

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE TO BIDDERS SP#9939

Sealed bids will be re‐ceived by theProcure‐ment Sectionofthe Divi‐sion of Administration 1201 N. 3rd. St 2nd. Floor,Suite 2-160, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, at 10:00A.M.for thefollow‐ing: RFxNo. 3000024488, EMER AMBULANCEAND EMS SHELTERSUPPORT -LDH 4/22/25 RFxNo. 3000024487, EmergencyPotable WaterTankerand Trans‐portationServices, 4/24/25

Bidproposalforms,in‐formation andspecifica‐tionsmay be obtained by accessingthe bidnum‐berinLaPac at www.doa Louisiana.gov/ospor from theprocurement sectionlistedabove.No bids will be received after thedateand hour specified.The rightisre‐served to reject anyand allbidsand to waiveany informalities. TomKetterer Director of State Procurement FAX(225) 342-8688 135532-apr7-1t $13.20

ingdept@dcc.edu BidDocuments andAd‐dendamay be down‐loaded from: https:// wwwcfprd.doa.louisiana. gov/osp/lapac/dspBid cfm?search=departm ent&term=39 Evidence of authoritytosubmitbid shallberequiredinac‐cordance with R.S. 38:2212 (A)(1) (c)and/or R.S. 39:1954 (C)(2) (d). AA/EEO 135585 April8,1t $35.62

FORBID (IFB) #2025-014

ProjectDescription: The Regional TransitAuthor‐ityofNew Orleansin‐vitesqualified vendorsto furnishand installBay DoorsPreventativeMain‐tenance/ Repair per specificationslistedin IFB2025-014. Howtoobtaina copy of theIFB: Specifications andfurther information concerning theIFB may be obtained April1,2025, from theRTA’s Procure‐ware websiteathttps:// norta.procureware.com/ home.You will be re‐quired to firstregisteron this website. TheIFB can also be obtained at Re‐gional TransitAuthority’s websiteathttp://www norta.comand at 2817 CanalStreet,New Or‐leans, LA 70119 Responding to IFB: Bids shallbesubmitted thru theRTA’s Procureware websiteonorbefore2:00 P.M.,Tuesday,April 29, 2025. Anyquestions or furtherinformation con‐cerningthisIFB maybe submittedthrough https://norta. procureware.com/home beginningonTuesday April1,2025. Only written questionssubmitted throughhttps:// procureware.com/home h ll b id ffi i l

p shall beconsider official Allanswers to questions shallbebyformalad‐dendapostedtothe websiteunder IFB2025014. ABid Opening will be held in theRTA Board Room on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at 2:00 PM.Any questionsorfurther in‐formationconcerningthe IFBmay be submittedVia https://norta. procureware.com/home beginningonApril 1, 2025. RTAinaccordancewith 49 Code of FederalRegu‐lations(CFR) Part 26 has an obligationtoensure nondiscriminationofDis‐advantaged Business En‐terprises(DBEs) andto comply with allfederal stateand localregula‐tionsrelativetoutiliza‐tion of DBEs on publicly funded projects.The RTA is committedtoutiliza‐tion of DBEs on allfeder‐ally funded projects to‐ward attainment of the agency's established overallgoalof32% No goalhas been estab‐lished forthisproject Notice to allofferors is hereby provided that in accordance with allap‐plicable federal, state andlocal laws theRTA will ensure that DBEs are afforded full opportunity to submit offers andre‐sponsestothissolicita‐tion andtoparticipate in anycontractconsum‐matedpursuanttothis advertisement. Addition‐ally,noofferor will be discriminatedagainst on thebasisofage,sex race,color,religion, na‐tional origin,ethnicity or disability As such,award of the contract will be condi‐tioned on meetingthe re‐quirements of thefed‐eral,state andlocal laws forEqual Opportunity in‐cludingcompliancewith thepoliciesofDBE Pro‐gram TheRTA reserves the righttoacceptorreject anyand allproposals submitted.

PUBLIC NOTICE In accordance with the WorkforceInnovation andOpportunity Act guidelines,Jefferson Parish WorkforceDevel‐opment Boardispublish‐ingthisnoticefor Public Commentand review for itsRegionalPlanand LocalPlan TheRegional/LocalPlan

tory Partsper specifica‐tionsinIFB 2025-013, Howtoobtain acopyof theIFB: Specifications andfurther information concerning theIFB may be obtained March28, 2025, from theRTA’s Pro‐cureware websiteat https://norta. procureware.com/home If youare notalready registered,you will be re‐quired to firstregisteron this website. TheIFB can also be obtained at Re‐gional TransitAuthority’s websiteathttp://www norta.comand at 2817 CanalStreet,New Or‐leans, LA 70119. Responding to IFB:Bids shallbesubmitted thru theRTA’s Procureware websiteonorbefore April28, 2025, 2:00 PM ABid Opening will be held in theRTA Board‐room on Monday,April 28, 2025, at 2:00 PM.Any questionsorfurther in‐formationconcerningthe IFBmay be submittedVia https://norta. procureware.com/home beginningonMarch 28, 2025. RTAinaccordancewith 49 Code of FederalRegu‐lations(CFR) Part 26 has an obligationtoensure nondiscriminationofDis‐advantaged Business En‐terprises(DBEs)and to comply with allfederal stateand localregula‐tionsrelativetoutiliza‐tion of DBEs on publicly funded projects.The RTA is committed to utiliza‐tion of DBEs on allfeder‐

The Lakefront Management Authority’s2025 –2026 Fiscal Year Operating andCapital ProjectsBudgets have been approved by the LMA Boardof Commissioners at the March 27, 2025, BoardMeeting. The budget is available for viewing between the hours of 8:00 am to 4:30

Monday through Friday at 6001 Stars and Stripes Blvd, Ste. 219, New Orleans, LA 70126.

MOTION: VII-04-03272025

RESOLUTION: VII-04-03272025 BY:COMMISSIONER RODGERS SECOND BY:COMMISSIONER

public participationin permittingactivitiescan

Youmay requestcopies fromLDEQRecords Man‐agement by

Public

quest Form (available

a

https://deq.louisiana gov/assets/docs/ general/publicrecordsre questform.pdf) to Records Management at P.O.Box 4303, Baton Rouge,LA70821-4303 or by fillingout theonline PublicRecords Request Form (https://edms.deq. louisiana.gov/edmsv2/ create-my-request)