That’s a wrap for Carnival for 2026. The parades are over, the floats are back in storage, and the remaining stock of king cakes are on sale at bargain basement prices. This was the first Carnival season in New Orleans for the city’s new archbishop, James Checchio. He says he was impressed with all the traditions.

Cut 4 (11) “…they value here.”

A Rapides Parish woman is convicted in connection with a wildfire west of Glenmora nearly three years ago. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says Carrie Willis was negligent as she was burning household trash on her property.

Cut 6 (14) “…a pine plantation.”

Willis was sentenced to two years probation and has been ordered to pay almost ten-thousand dollars in fire suppression costs and restitution.

Louisiana has lost legendary civil rights leader and former president of Xavier University Dr. Norman C. Francis. He died early this morning at Ochsner Hospital. Francis led the only Catholic historically Black university in the country for almost 50 years and is credited with transforming Xavier into a standout institution for medical education. Francis also advised eight U.S. presidents and was a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Dr. Francis was 94 years old.

UL-Lafayette athletics is mourning the death of former basketball standout Bo Lamar, who died earlier this week in his hometown of Columbus, Ohio, at the age of 74. Kevin Foote covers Cajuns athletics for the Advocate.

Cut 9 (07)  “…mid major programs.”

Lamar starred for the team from 1969 to 1973, when it was known as the Southwestern Louisiana Bulldogs, and he was one of the best basketball players in the country.