The Advocate 03-27-2025

La. has new plan to compete for jobs

BY BLAKE PATERSON

writer

policy proposals, legislation or funding

ä See PLAN, page 7A

KINGPINS

Bowlers from all over roll into BR for national tournament

BY JAN RISHER Staff writer

They call it the “Robo Wrist.” David Willard explained the black and chrome mechanical exoskeletal brace he wore as he bowled in his 38th United States Bowling Congress Open Championships in downtown Baton Rouge’s Raising Cane’s River Center was a reflection of his career

“The funny thing is, that’s what I do for a living,” the bowler said. “I design orthopedic implants.”

Though few were as fancy as Willard’s, he was not alone in wearing a specially designed glove or brace to participate in the national bowling tournament. A variety of gloves and braces covered the arms and hands of bowlers up and down the pits fronting the 54 bowling lanes in the River Center, which

has been transformed into a giant bowling alley Willard and his daughter Heather Hurley, from Silver Lake, Indiana, were bowling near the center of the River Center bowling venue. They are two of 58,000 bowlers, from all 50 states and a dozen or so countries, competing in the 150-day tournament for an estimated prize fund between $6.5 million and $7.5 million.

The bowlers typically come in 3-5 day shifts, spending three to four nights in Baton Rouge for the competition that runs through July 28.

The River Center-turnedbowling-venue features 55 new synthetic lanes that were constructed on-site for the event (54 for the tournament), bleachers for spectators, souvenir shops, snack counters

Court rules sexual history of LSU student inadmissible

Two accused of raping Madison Brooks before she was killed by a car

BY MATT BRUCE Staff writer

An appeals court has decided Madison Brooks’ alleged sexual history can’t be used by defense attorneys in high-profile rape cases involving the late LSU student who died after being hit by a car

Attorneys for Casen John Carver and Desmond Carter two of the three men indicted on charges for allegedly raping Brooks, have sought to force witnesses to testify about a sexual encounter they claim the former LSU sophomore had with another man the night before she died Jan. 15, 2023.

Brooks

The defendants’ lawyers said it could be a key piece of evidence to undermine the state’s claims against the two men, who face mandatory life sentences if convicted of their respective rape charges.

In a 2-1 vote this week, the First Circuit Court of Appeal barred the defendants from using the sexual history as evidence.

“The fundamental right to present a defense does not require the trial court to admit irrelevant evidence or evidence with such little probative value that it is substantially outweighed by other legitimate considerations,” according to the ruling.

“One such consideration is the rape shield law The trial court has not yet ruled on the admissibility of the expert opinion that injuries to M.B. may be ‘suspicious for sexual assault’ and thus whether the origin of the injuries may implicate (exceptions).”

The appellate court ruling issued Tuesday granted state prosecutors’ appeal, reversing District Judge Gail Horne Ray’s previous ruling that made the evidence admissible. Ray is presiding over Carver and Carter’s rape cases in the 19th Judicial District Court.

Appellate judges Steven Miller and Hunter Greene sided with prosecutors, while Judge Beth Wolfe dissented.

“We are pleased with the court’s ruling that will prohibit defendants from

ä See COURT, page 7A

STAFF PHOTOS By HILARy SCHEINUK

Joe Hammond, left, gets a high-five from Heather Hurley as her father, David Willard, stands by during competition at the United States Bowling Congress Open Championships last week at the Raising Cane’s River Center

NATO: 4 missing U.S soldiers have died

WARSAW Poland NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said Wednesday that four U.S. soldiers who went missing while training in Lithuania have died, but that he did not yet know the details.

A U.S. official would say only that the four soldiers were involved in a training accident. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, would not comment on the status of the soldiers.

Lithuania’s military said later on X that the deaths were not yet confirmed and that a rescue operation was “intensively ongoing.”

“Four United States soldiers and one tracked vehicle have gone missing during an exercise at a training ground in Lithuania At the moment, there is no evidence or information confirming the death of the troops,” the Lithuanian Armed Forces said in the statement. Rutte said during a trip to Warsaw that he had received word of the deaths of the four soldiers while he was delivering a lecture, and that his thoughts were with their families and with the United States.

A statement from U.S. Army Europe and Africa public affairs in Wiesbaden, Germany said the soldiers were conducting scheduled tactical training at the time.

Niger’s junta leader is sworn in as president

NIAMEY,Niger Niger’s junta leader, Abdourahamane Tchiani, was sworn in Wednesday as the country’s president for a transition period of five years under a new charter that replaces the West African nation’s constitution.

Tchiani an army veteran, was also elevated to the country’s highest military rank of army general and signed a decree dissolving all political parties, cementing his grip on power since June 2023 when he led soldiers in a coup that deposed the country’s elected government.

The move defied attempts by the regional bloc to quicken the return to democracy after a 2023 coup

The five-year “flexible” transition period begins on Wednesday, according to Mahamane Roufai, the secretary general of the government He was speaking at a ceremony in the capital Niamey where the new transition charter recommended by a recent national conference was approved.

The new president would have been in power for about seven years by the end of the transition period in 2030, following similar patterns of prolonged stints in power in Africa’s junta-led countries, including Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso.

The transition charter also sets out a referendum as one of the conditions for setting up foreign military bases in Niger However, it noted that the president may authorize it through a decree in the event of an emergency

Dozens of Calif. chicks rescued from tree

Dozens of bird eggs and chicks were rescued from nests in a single wind-damaged eucalyptus tree that was dangerously close to collapsing in a California park. Now staff at the International Bird Rescue’s Los Angeles Wildlife Center have been working around the clock to care for the 47 eggs and 12 chicks, all doublecrested cormorants, in hopes that they will be able to be released back into the wild in a few months.

The tree at a park in Marina del Rey was flagged earlier this month after one of its trunks fell and crushed a trash bin enclosure, explained Nicole Mooradian, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches & Harbors. Its other trunk was showing signs of collapsing as well, threatening not only the birds but anyone on the nearby public walkway or in the parking lot next door

“It wasn’t a question of if this tree is going to fail, it was more of a when,” she said Monday “The cracks were growing wider by the day It was really bad.” For at least five hours on March 10, tree contractors meticulously removed each of the 20 nests and chopped off branches one at a time. Biologists on the ground put the eggs and hatchlings in egg cartons and boxes with heated blankets acting as temporary incubators

Palestinians protest Hamas in Gaza

BY SAMY MAGDY, FATMA KHALED and SARAH EL DEEB Associated Press

CAIRO Thousands of Palestinians marched between the wreckage of a heavily destroyed town in northern Gaza on Wednesday in the second day of antiwar protests, with many chanting against Hamas in a rare display of public anger against the militant group.

The protests, which centered mainly on Gaza’s north, appeared to be aimed generally against the war, with protesters calling for an end to 17 months of deadly fighting with Israel that has made life in Gaza insufferable.

But protesters also leveled unusually direct and public criticism of Hamas, which has quashed dissent violently in the past in Gaza, a territory it still rules months into the war with Israel.

In the town of Beit Lahiya, where a similar protest took place Tuesday, about 3,000 people demonstrated, with many chanting “the people want the fall of Hamas.” In the hard-hit Shijaiyah neighborhood of Gaza City, dozens of men chanted “Out, out out! Hamas get out!”

“Our children have been killed. Our houses have been destroyed,” said Abed Radwan, who said he joined the protest in Beit Lahiya “against the war, against Hamas, and the (Palestinian political) factions, against Israel and against the world’s silence.”

Ammar Hassan, who took part in a protest Tuesday, said it started as an antiwar protest with a few dozen people but swelled to more than 2,000, with people chanting against Hamas

“It’s the only party we can affect,” he said by phone “Protests won’t stop the (Israeli) occupation, but it can affect Hamas.”

The militant group has violently cracked down on previous protests This time no outright intervention was apparent, perhaps because Hamas is keeping a lower profile since Israel resumed its war against it.

Senior Hamas official Bassem Naim, in a post on Facebook, wrote that people had the right to protest but that their focus should be on the “criminal aggressor,” Israel.

Family elders from Beit Lahiya expressed support for the protests against Israel’s renewed offensive and its tightened blockade on all supplies into Gaza. Their statement said the community fully supports armed resistance against Israel.

“The protest was not about politics. It was about people’s lives,” said Mohammed Abu Saker, a father of three from the nearby town of Beit Hanoun, who joined a demonstration Tuesday

“We want to stop the killing and displacement, no matter the price. We can’t stop Israel from killing us, but we can press Hamas to give concessions,” he said.

A similar protest occurred in the heavily destroyed area of Jabaliya on Tuesday, according to witnesses.

One protester in Jabaliya, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retribution, said they joined the demonstration because “everyone failed us.”

They said they chanted against Israel, Hamas, the Western-backed Palestinian Authority and Arab mediators. They said there were no Hamas security forces at the protest but scuffles broke out between supporters and opponents of the group.

Later, they said they regretted participating because of Israeli media coverage, which emphasized the opposition to Hamas.

Erdogan accuses opposition of wrecking Turkey’s economy

BY ANDREW WILKS Associated Press

ISTANBUL — Turkey’s president on Wednesday accused the political opposition of “sinking the economy” during the country’s largest protests in more than a decade over the arrest of Istanbul’s mayor, the biggest challenger to Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s 22-year rule.

The opposition has called for a boycott of companies that it says support Erdogan’s government. The Turkish president accused the opposition of being “so desperate that they would throw the country and the nation into the fire.”

In his address to lawmakers with his Justice and Development Party, Erdogan added that “sabotage targeting the Turkish economy will be held accountable before the courts.”

Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu who was arrested a week ago, faces charges related to corruption and supporting terrorism within the Istanbul municipality alongside 90 other suspects.

Homeland Security Secretary Noem visits El Salvador prison

BY REBECCA SANTANA and ALEX BRANDON Associated Press

TECOLUCA, El Salvador U.S.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Wednesday visited the high-security El Salvador prison where Venezuelans who the Trump administration alleges are gang members have been held since their removal from the United States. The tour included two crowded cell blocks, the armory and an isolation unit.

Noem’s trip to the prison where inmates are packed into cells and never allowed outside — comes as the Trump administration seeks to show it is deporting people it describes as the “worst of the worst.”

The Trump administration is arguing in federal court that it was justified in sending the Venezuelans to El Salvador, while human rights activists say officials have sent them to a prison rife with human rights abuses. At the prison, Noem toured an area holding some of the Venezuelans accused of being gang members. In the sweltering building, the men in white T-shirts and shorts stared silently from their cell without making a sound.

When Noem exited the building, the men could be heard shouting an indiscernible chant.

In a cell block holding Salvadoran prisoners about a dozen were lined up by guards near the front of their cell and told to remove their T-shirts and face masks. The men were heavily tattooed, some bearing the letters MS, for the Mara Salvatrucha gang, on their chests.

After listening to Salvadoran officials, Noem turned her back to the cell and recorded a video message.

If an immigrant commits a crime, “this is one of the consequences you could face,” Noem said “First of all, do not come to our country illegally You will be removed and you will

be prosecuted But know that this facility is one of the tools in our toolkit that we will use if you commit crimes against the American people.”

In a post on X Wednesday, Homeland Security indicated it would continue working with El Salvador, saying that Noem was slated to discuss how the U.S. can “increase the number of deportation flights and removals of violent criminals from the U.S.” during her visit with President Nayib Bukele. Since taking office, Noem has frequently been front and center in efforts to highlight the immigration crackdown. She took part in immigration enforcement operations, rode horses with Border Patrol agents and was the face of a television campaign warning people in the country illegally to self-deport. Noem’s Wednesday visit is part of a three-day trip. She’ll also travel to Colombia and Mexico. The Venezuelans were removed from the U.S. this month after Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 and said the U.S. was being invaded by the Tren de Aragua gang. The Alien Enemies Act gives the president wartime powers and allows noncitizens to be deported without the opportunity to go before an immigration or federal court judge In a setback for the administration, an appeals court Wednesday kept in place an order barring the administration from deporting more Venezuelan immigrants to El Salvador under the Alien Enemies Act.

A central outstanding question about the deportees’ status is when and how they could ever be released from the prison, called the Terrorism Confinement Center, as they are not serving sentences. They no longer appear in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s online detainee locator and have not appeared before a judge in El Salvador.

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The government says the judiciary is free of political influence.

The evidence against Imamoglu has not been officially disclosed.

Many Turkish media outlets have reported that it is largely based on “secret witnesses.”

The use of such testimony has been seen in previous criminal cases against opposition politicians.

The head of the opposition Iyi Party Musavat Dervisoglu, questioned the evidence of corruption in Istanbul municipality “Dozens of inspectors have gone, 1,300 inspections have been

A court ordered him to be imprisoned Sunday A trial date has not been announced. Many consider the case against Imamoglu to be politically motivated.

made, nothing has come out of these inspections,” he told party lawmakers.

Also Wednesday, Istanbul’s municipal assembly voted for a proxy mayor to stand in for Imamoglu. His Republican People’s Party, or CHP, which has a majority in the assembly, selected Nuri Aslan, previously the deputy mayor

While the CHP has said it will no longer organize mass rallies at City Hall, students across Turkey continue protesting.

Demonstrations in Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir as well as smaller cities and towns, have been largely peaceful. Protesters demand Imamoglu’s release and an end to democratic backsliding.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By JEHAD ALSHRAFI

Palestinians attend an anti-war protest and against Hamas in a rare show of public anger against the militant group that rules the territory, in Beit Lahiya, northern Gaza Strip, on Wednesday.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By FRANCISCO SECO

Protesters shout slogans during a protest after Istanbul’s Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu was arrested and sent to prison, in Istanbul, Turkey on Tuesday.

Executive order on voting similar to La. law

Citizenship question has been added to registration forms

BY ALYSE PFEIL Staff writer

President Donald Trump on Tuesday signed an executive order that he said would require voters across the country to provide proof of citizenship before they can register to vote, which he argues will protect election integrity

The order has already drawn promises of legal challenges from critics who say Trump doesn’t have the authority to make the change, which they argue would unnecessarily block people from voting. But the policy is already in the process of being implemented in Louisiana.

Anyone registering to vote in Louisiana must include proof of U.S. citizenship when submitting a voter registration application. And Louisiana’s application forms must include the question “Are you a citizen of the United States of America?” Those rules took effect Jan. 1 as part of a law the legislature passed last year.

However, voters in Louisiana do not yet have to provide citizenship documentation to register to vote as the state is still developing new registration procedures. That will remain the case ahead of the May 3 election, officials said.

Trump’s order says that within 30 days the Election Assistance Commission, a bipartisan commission set up to help states comply with federal voting laws, must begin to update the national voter registration form with his new citizenship requirements. Under the president’s order, documentary proof of citizenship includes a passport, REAL ID-compliant identification, a military ID indicating citizenship status or a government-issued ID indicating citizenship status.

Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry said she backs Trump’s new policy,

and said it would help Loui-

siana implement its new law more quickly

“I believe this executive order respects the states’ constitutional authority to administer elections while requiring the federal government to give the states the tools they need to keep our elections safe and secure,” Landry said.

Landry spokesperson Joel Watson said the secretary of state is still analyzing how this will specifically impact” Louisiana’s implementation of its proof-of-citizenship voting law.

Trump’s order is an attempt to enact through executive order a policy Republicans have been trying to pass through Congress. For the past year, the GOP has tried to implement voter proof-ofcitizenship requirements as part of the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, or SAVE Act.

Pushback

Trump’s move quickly sparked rebuke from votingrights advocates

“This executive order pretending to ensure election integrity will actually prevent many Americans from voting,” Margaret Huang, president and CEO of the Southern Poverty Law Center, a civil-rights advocacy group, said in a statement

“The SPLC will fight this order with every tool that we have — to ensure the constitutional right to vote in this country is protected and accessible to every United States citizen,” said Huang.

Similarly, ACLU Voting Rights Project Director Sophia Lin Lakin said the directive “threatens to disenfranchise tens of millions of eligible voters.”

“We will do everything in our power to stop this unconstitutional attack on the right to vote,” said Lakin. “We will see President Trump in court.”

What else?

Trump’s lengthy order does more than impose citizenship documentation requirements.

It says the secretary of

homeland security and secretary of state must make databases that could help verify citizenship or immigration status available for state elections officials.

The Commissioner of Social Security must also make available “the Social Security Number Verification Service, the Death Master File, and any other federal databases containing relevant information” to state and local election officials.

“I thank President Trump for his recent executive order concerning the security of our elections,” Landry said. “By directing agencies under his purview to provide critical data regarding immigration, illegal noncitizen voting, and the Social Security Administration’s Death Index, our state will have the crucial tools it needs to further ensure that our voter rolls are accurate.”

Another section of the order says Department of Homeland Security must coordinate with the Department of Government Efficiency the controversial group led by Elon Musk that Trump has tasked with eliminating fraud and waste — to review each state’s voter registration lists and other records to make sure they comply with federal law And the U.S. attorney general should “prioritize enforcement of federal election integrity laws” in states that don’t share information about suspected election crimes with the federal government.

The attorney general must also enter into informationsharing agreements with state election officials to provide the U.S. Department of Justice “detailed information on all suspected violations of State and Federal election laws discovered by State officials.”

Another piece of the policy seeks to require that cast ballots be received by election day in order to be counted. Louisiana does not count absentee ballots received after election day, but 18 states and Puerto Rico do. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Gunman who killed 23 in racist attack at Texas Walmart offered plea

BY JAMIE STENGLE

Associated Press

The gunman who killed 23 people in a racist attack targeting Hispanic shoppers at a Walmart near the U.S.-Mexico border in 2019 would avoid the death penalty under a plea offer announced Tuesday, abruptly ending years of efforts by prosecutors to see that he face execution by lethal injection.

El Paso County District

Attorney James Montoya said during a news conference that his decision in the prosecution of Patrick Crusius, who drove across the state for one of the deadliest mass shootings in U.S. history and posted a racist screed just before opening fire, was driven by a majority of victims’ relatives who wanted the case behind them.

“This is about allowing the families of the 23 victims who lost their lives on that horrific day and the

22 wounded — to finally have resolution in our court system,” Montoya said in a statement.

“Now no one in this community will ever have to hear the perpetrator’s name ever again,” he added. “No more hearings. No more appeals. He will die in prison.”

But Montoya also acknowledged at the news conference that not all families agreed with the reversal by his office, which under previous leadership had committed to taking the case to trial and seeking the death penalty

Adria Gonzalez, a survivor who helped panicked shoppers toward exits, said she feels that not pursuing the death penalty is “a slap in the face for all the victims.” Under the offer, Montoya said, Crusius would plead guilty to capital murder and receive life in prison with no possibility of parole. The plea hearing and sentencing is set for April 21 Montoya

deal

said, and families will be able to give victim impact statements.

Mark Stevens, an attorney for Crusius, did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment.

Crusius, 26, was already sentenced to 90 consecutive life sentences at the federal level after pleading guilty in 2023 to hate crime charges. Under the Biden administration, federal prosecutors also took the death penalty off the table.

Montoya said he supports the death penalty and believes Crusius deserves it

But he said he met with the families of the victims and while some were willing to wait as long as it took for a death sentence, there was an overriding desire to conclude the process

“I’m just glad it’s over,” said Elise Hoffmann-Taus, whose father, Alexander Hoffmann was among those killed. “This is the outcome I wanted.”

BY MARK SHERMAN and LINDSAY WHITEHURST Associated Press

WASHINGTON The Trump administration on Wednesday asked the Supreme Court to allow it to cut hundreds of millions of dollars for teacher training.

A federal judge in Boston temporarily blocked the cuts, finding they were already affecting training programs aimed at addressing a nationwide teacher shortage. An appeals court turned away a plea from the administration to allow them to resume.

The government asked the high court to step in, arguing that the order is one of several issued by federal judges around the country wrongly forcing it to keep paying out millions in grant money

The Supreme Court called for a response to the appeal by Friday

It comes after U.S. District Judge Myong Joun issued a temporary restraining order sought by eight Democratic-led states that argued the cuts were likely driven by efforts from President Donald Trump’s administration to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion programs.

The Republican president signed an executive order calling for the dismantling of the Education Department, and his administration has started overhauling much of its work, including cutting dozens of contracts it dismissed as “woke” and wasteful.

“So long as there is no prompt appellate review of these orders, there is no end in sight for district-court fiscal micromanagement,” acting Solicitor General Sarah M. Harris wrote.

The Justice Department has filed four other emergency appeals of court rulings that blocked administration actions amid a wave of lawsuits that have slowed, at least for now, aspects of Trump’s agenda.

The Supreme Court has yet to rule on an appeal asking to narrow court orders that have imposed a nationwide hold on Trump’s desire to restrict birthright citizenship. An appeal to halt an order requiring the rehiring of thousands of federal workers is also pending.

The justices previously rejected a bid to freeze nearly $2 billion in foreign aid and did not immediately allow Trump’s firing to proceed of the head of a federal watchdog agency A later ruling

from a lower court, though, did force Office of Special Counsel head Hampton Dellinger from his job. The two education programs at issue — the Teacher Quality Partnership and Supporting Effective Educator Development provide more than $600 million in grants for teacher preparation programs, often in subject areas such as math, science and special education, the states have argued. They said data has shown the programs had led to increased teacher retention rates and ensured that educators remain in the profession beyond five years. The administration halted the programs without notice in February The administration argues the states could at least temporarily draw on their own funds to continue funding the programs. Joun, who was nominated by Democratic President Joe Biden, found that the cancellations probably violated a federal law that requires a clear explanation for such cost-cutting moves. The appellate panel that rejected the administration’s request for a stay also was made up of judges nominated by Democratic presidents.

in the elevated bleachers.

and waitresses delivering drinks to bowlers.

Along with the rest of a group of six bowlers from Indiana competing in the tournament, Hurley and Willard finished their third and final bowling match on a recent afternoon and were packing up their gear, including her 16-pound bowling ball and his 14-pounder

The father-daughter duo drove to Baton Rouge with friends and other family members for the week. Their stay has been primarily focused on bowling, not leaving a lot of time to do “touristy” things, but they were able to take a quick look at the Old State Capitol.

“The last time I was down here, we played the LSU Golf Course,” Willard said.

“We always try to treat it as a vacation.”

Now that they’ve wrapped up their tournament play, Hurley said she was looking forward to tasting the local food scene, with plans to take her husband to Ruth’s Chris for a big steak.

“I’m a foodie,” she said.

When asked about other Baton Rouge restaurants they’ve tried, a nearby bowler, also from Indiana, giggled.

“She tried Sonic for the first time,” Hurley said, pointing to her bowling friend, who sheepishly admitted she had tried a Sonic chili cheese dog.

Hurley competed with other bowlers in the 2025 Bowlers Journal Championships, a special side event that allows competitors to earn additional prize money, which is being held at All Star Lanes in Baton Rouge. The Bowlers Journal Championships run through July 27. Down on lanes 11 and 12

Bowlers won’t know if they’ve won until the tourna-

ment is done and all scores are tabulated and verified.

Official scores are usually announced within a couple of weeks of the tournament’s end. Winnings are sent out shortly thereafter, within three weeks to a month

“It’s kind of nice to get a check for $100 late in the summer,” said Robert Gifford of his winnings from previous years.

Gifford is from Ringsted, Iowa, a town of less than 400 people near the Minnesota border

He was bowling with Kent Hintze, from Estherville, Iowa, and other bowling friends Gifford and Hintze have bowled together for about 30 years and were wearing matching blackand-gold Baton Rougethemed bowling shirts for their tournament.

The two play together in an “always full” Thursday night league in Iowa.

“We’ve always had a waiting list for teams that want to get on it, which is good,”

Gifford said. “But when we come here, we never expect to bowl real good. We usually bowl on a regular wood lane where these are synthetic.”

How much of a difference does that make?

A lot — according to Gifford, especially since lanes are oiled between each match.

“Oil moves around more on these,” Gifford said.

“Balls don’t hug it much.”

All in all, Gifford said they enjoyed their time in Baton Rouge. He described the city as “easy to get around.”

“A lot of the people, they’re not rude or anything like that. We just enjoy it, especially the weather.”

Gifford said. “And the alligator’s good.”

Hintze smiled at the mention of alligator — but not being one for a lot of conversation, he only nodded in agreement.

Directly behind lanes 11 and 12, Renee Diekmann sat among dozens of spectators

Diekmann, also from northern Iowa, is the girlfriend of Hintze.

She quietly watched the play, occasionally leaning over to chat briefly with Hintze between his turns. She explained she and Hintze, along with Gifford and Loris Smith (also from Iowa), had tried fried alligator at Capital City Grill.

“They also have really good mimosas,” she said. She paused the conversation to clap politely when Hintze bowled a spare.

By the numbers

This year’s tournament marks the 121st edition of the event, and daily competitions run from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m. Bowlers compete in three events (team, doubles and singles) and in three skill-based divisions: Classified (tournament averages of 155 and below), Standard (averages of 156-175) and Regular (averages of 176 and above).

This is the tournament’s third trip to Baton Rouge and the River Center It was previously held in Baton Rouge in 2005 and 2012.

This year, the event is hosting 11,794 teams, the most at the Open Championships since the 2012 tournament. The 2005 event in Baton Rouge hosted 13,222 teams.

The Open Championships are always conducted in an arena or convention-center setting. The transformation of the River Center started in December and took just over two months to complete. The venue required enough wiring to cover 10 miles and hardware to build four two-bedroom houses.

At the end of the tournament, workers will take about eight days to return the River Center to its natural state.

All salvageable materials from the build will be donated to the local Habitat for Humanity ReStore.

STAFF PHOTOS By HILARy SCHEINUK

Deb Hammond bowls during competition last week at the Raising Cane’s River Center

Rodney Gifford, of Iowa, gets a fist bump during competition at the United States Bowling Congress Open Championships last week.

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Gabbard calls Signal chats ‘mistake’

Trump officials face grilling over leaked military plan

BY DAVID KLEPPER Associated Press

WASHINGTON Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard said Wednesday it was a “mistake” for national security officials to discuss sensitive military plans on a group text chain that also included a journalist — a leak that has roiled President Donald Trump’s national security leadership.

Speaking before the House Intelligence Committee, Gabbard said the conversation included “candid and sensitive” information about military strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen. But as she told senators during testimony on Tuesday, she said the texts did not contain any classified information.

“It was a mistake that a reporter was inadvertently added,” Gabbard said.

Wednesday’s hearing was called to discuss an updated report on national security threats facing the U.S. Instead, much of the focus was on the text chain, which included Gabbard, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Vice President JD Vance and other top officials.

Jeffrey Goldberg, the editorin-chief of The Atlantic, was also added, and on Wednesday his publication released more details from the chats, showing the level of detail they offered about the strikes.

Signal as “appropriate” and said questions over the Signal leak have overshadowed the military operation targeting the Houthis.

“What is most important is that the mission was a remarkable success,” he told lawmakers “That’s what did happen, not what possibly could have happened.”

The discussion at times grew heated as Ratcliffe and Democratic lawmakers spoke over one another At one point, Rep Jimmy Gomez, an Illinois Democrat, asked whether he knew whether Hegseth was drinking alcohol when he participated in the chat.

“I think that’s an offensive line of questioning,” Ratcliffe angrily replied. “The answer is no.” Ratcliffe and Gomez then began shouting over each other as Gomez sought to ask a follow-up question. “We want to know if his performance is compromised,” Gomez said.

Wednesday’s hearing was called to discuss the intelligence community’s annual report on threats to American national security

Democrats have demanded an investigation into the sloppy communication, saying it may have exposed sensitive military information that could have jeopardized the mission or put U.S service members at risk.

Text shows Hegseth’s attack plans against Houthis

BY TARA COPP Associated Press

WASHINGTON — The Atlantic on Wednesday released the entire Signal chat among senior national security officials, showing that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth provided the exact timings of warplane launches and when bombs would drop — before the men and women flying those attacks against Yemen’s Houthis this month on behalf of the United States were airborne.

The disclosure follows two intense days during which leaders of President Donald Trump’s intelligence and defense agencies have struggled to explain how details — that current and former U.S. officials have said would have been classified — wound up on an unclassified Signal chat that included Atlantic Editor-inChief Jeffrey Goldberg, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has said no classified information was posted to the Signal chat.

Sen. Roger Wicker RMiss., chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said he and Rhode Island Sen. Jack Reed, the committee’s top Democrat plan to send a letter to the Trump administration requesting an inspector general investigation into the use of Signal. They seek a classified briefing with a top administration official “who can speak to the facts” of the episode.

The chat was also notable for who it excluded: the only military attendee of the principals committee, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Adm. Christopher Grady is currently serving in that position in an acting capacity because Trump fired former chairman Gen. CQ Brown Jr in February. National security adviser Mike Waltz was authorized to decide whether to include the Joint Chiefs chairman in the principals committee discussion, “based on the policy relevance of attendees to the issues being considered, the need for secrecy on sensitive matters, staffing needs, and

The National Security Council has said it will investigate the matter which Trump on Tuesday downplayed as a “glitch.” Goldberg said he received the Signal invitation from Mike Waltz, Trump’s national security adviser,

who was in the group chat and has taken responsibility for the lapse.

Even though the texts contained detailed information on military actions, Gabbard, Ratcliffe and the White House have all said none of the information was classified — an assertion Democrats flatly rejected on Wednesday “You all know that’s a lie,” Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-Texas, told Ratcliffe and Gabbard, who said that any decisions to classify or declas-

sify military information falls to the secretary of defense.

Several Democrats on the panel said Hegseth should resign because of the leak.

“This is classified information.

It’s a weapon system, as well as a sequence of strikes, as well as details of the operations,” said Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, a Democrat from Illinois. “He needs to resign immediately.” Ratcliffe defended his use of

The report lists China, Russia, Iran and North Korea as strategic adversaries, and notes that drug cartels and transnational criminal organizations pose other threats to Americans.

The presentations from top Trump appointees reflect Trump’s foreign policy priorities, including a focus on combating the flow of fentanyl, illegal immigration and human trafficking, and are taking place as Trump attempts to work out a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine three years after Russia’s invasion.

and ensure that publishing the full texts would not cause harm In a response, Goldberg reported Wednesday Leavitt described some of the information as sensitive and said the White House would prefer it not be published. In the group chat, Hegseth posted multiple details about the impending strike, using military language and laying out when a “strike window” starts, where a “target terrorist” was located, the time elements around the attack and when various weapons and aircraft would be used in the strike. He mentioned that the U.S. was “currently clean” on operational security.”

“Godspeed to our Warriors,” he wrote.

discuss the matter publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity

One known vulnerability is that a malicious actor with access to a person’s phone, can link his or her device to the user’s Signal and es-

sentially monitor messages remotely in real time. Leavitt is one of three Trump administration officials who face a lawsuit from The Associated Press on First and Fifth Amendment grounds. The AP says the

other considerations,” the White House said in a Jan 20 memo.

The Pentagon said it would not comment on the issue, and it was not immediately clear why Grady, currently serving as the president’s top military adviser, would not be included in a discussion on military strikes.

Hegseth has refused to say whether he posted classified information onto Signal. He is traveling in the IndoPacific and to date has only scoffed at questions, saying he did not reveal “war plans.” Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and CIA Director John Ratcliffe told members of the Senate Intelligence Committee on Tuesday that it was up to Hegseth to determine whether the information he was posting was classified or not.

Specific texts revealed What was revealed was jaw-dropping in its specificity and includes the type of information that is kept under a very close hold to protect the operational security of a military strike. But Hegseth’s spokesman, Sean Parnell, said in a statement Wednesday that “there were no classified materials or war plans shared. The Secretary was merely updating the group on a plan that was underway.”

The Pentagon and White House have tried to deflect criticism by attacking Goldberg and The Atlantic. The magazine and Goldberg, however, repeatedly reached out to the White House before and after publication to gain additional context on the Signal chat

“1215et: F-18s LAUNCH (1st strike package)”

“1345: ‘Trigger Based’ F-18 1st Strike Window Starts (Target Terrorist is @ his Known Location so SHOULD BE ON TIME — also, Strike Drones Launch (MQ-9s)”

“1410: More F-18s LAUNCH (2nd strike package)”

“1415: Strike Drones on Target (THIS IS WHEN THE FIRST BOMBS WILL DEFINITELY DROP, pending earlier ‘Trigger Based’ targets)”

“1536 F-18 2nd Strike

Starts — also, first sea-based Tomahawks launched.”

“MORE TO FOLLOW (per timeline)”

“We are currently clean on OPSEC” — that is, operational security A strike package includes the personnel and weapons used in an attack, including Navy F-18 fighter aircraft. MQ-9s are armed drones Tomahawks are shiplaunched cruise missiles.

Goldberg has said he asked the White House if it opposed publication and that the White House responded that it would prefer he did not publish.

Encrypted but vulnerable Signal is a publicly available app that provides encrypted communications, but it can be hacked. It is not approved for carrying classified information. On March 14, one day before the strikes, the Defense Department cautioned personnel about the vulnerability of Signal, specifically that Russia was attempting to hack the app, according to a U.S. official who was not authorized to

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, flanked by FBI Director Kash Patel, left, and CIA Director John Ratcliffe, testifies as the House Intelligence Committee holds a hearing on worldwide threats on Wednesday.

estimates But state economic development leaders noted that some initiatives based on the broader plan are already underway

That includes the creation of a new division at LED called Louisiana Innovation, or “LA.IO” for short, which is overseeing a $50 million venture capital fund focused on boosting homegrown tech companies rather than recruiting new ones from out of state LA.IO is also developing the Louisiana Institute for Artificial Intelligence, which, as its first projects, will aim to equip 5,000 small businesses across the state with AI tools.

“We haven’t been waiting around for a plan,” said LED Secretary Susan Bourgeois, who added that her team has been “building the plane while flying it.”

Louisiana consistently lags behind its peers in key measures of a strong economy, like private sector employment, personal incomes and population growth, the report notes. While other states have balanced investment in both traditional and fast-growing sectors including life sciences and technology — Louisiana has focused on sectors like energy and process industries, causing the state’s economic fortunes to seesaw alongside cycles in those industries.

The report noted that residents are voting with their feet On balance, around 30,000 people have left Louisiana annually in recent years, and about 40% of those who leave have a bachelor’s degree or more.

adults.

Continued from page 1A

introducing overly prejudicial and irrelevant evidence at the trial,” East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore said after the appellate court ruling.

Joe Long, the Baton Rouge attorney representing Carver, noted the appeals court used the term “at this juncture” in its ruling. He took solace that the order excluding witness testimony about Brooks’ past sexual history could be reversed at some point.

“To me, it reads that when the judge (Ray) rules that the pathologist can testify about injuries suspicious of sexual assault, then the 412c evidence becomes relevant to show alternative source of injury,” Long said in a statement Wednesday “Until that time, it is premature because the judge hasn’t ruled that the pathologist can testify about a sexual assault.”

Carver, 20, Carter, 19, and 20-year-old Kaivon Deondre Washington were indicted on a charge of aggravated rape tied to a Jan. 15, 2023, interaction with Brooks. She had left Reggie’s a Tigerland bar that has since been shuttered — with the men following a night of excessive drinking.

According to a wrongful-death lawsuit filed by Brooks’ father, the 19-yearold LSU student consumed 24 shots and had a blood alcohol content of at least 0.282, more than three times the legal driving limit for

Landry has made reversing those trends a political priority In December, he touted the $10 billion investment of Meta into a data center near Monroe as a sign that parts of the tech sector are now seeing the state as a potential place for investment. Earlier this week, he announced at the White House with President Donald Trump that Hyundai would build a $5.8 billion steel mill in Ascension Parish. The LED report highlights seven

Sheriff’s deputies said Carver pulled his car into a residential driveway in the 900 block of Jennifer Jean Drive and parked there for 20 minutes. That’s where prosecutors alleged Carter and Washington sexually assaulted Brooks in the back seat of the car while Carver cheered them on from the front seat.

Afterward, the men dropped off Brooks in the Pelican Lakes development, deputies said. Minutes after she got out of the car, she was struck on Burbank Drive and killed by a passing vehicle driven by a Lyft driver

Meanwhile, attorneys for the three men have accused of raping Brooks argued the sex in Carver’s car was consensual, while prosecutors said Brooks was too intoxicated to give consent. Long filed the motion asking Ray to compel an LSU student to testify. According to the motion, text messages from Brooks’ cellphone in the 72 hours before her death showed she had sex with the man the day before she died Long contended that the student’s testimony could disprove allegations that Washington and Carter caused the sex-related injuries listed in Brooks’ autopsy report.

Louisiana rape shield laws generally prevent “reputation or opinion evidence” of a victim’s sexual behavior prior to the alleged crime from being used as evidence in criminal proceedings. There are exceptions to that rule, however, if the evidence can show some-

priority sectors that it argues are primed for growth and deserve special attention. Those include energy and process industries, logistics, aerospace and defense, agribusiness, professional services, life sciences and tech.

The report suggests several goals for measuring success, arguing that Louisiana should aim to have the highest wage growth among Southern peer states, maintain its status as having the top capital ex-

one other than the accused caused the victim’s injuries or was the source of DNA evidence, such as semen.

Such revelations are limited to sexual activity 72 hours or less before the alleged assault. And a judge has to hold a closed-door hearing to determine if an exception to the shield law applies. In order to make the sexual history evidence admissible, a judge has to deem it relevant and find that its evidentiary value outweighs the “danger and unfair prejudice” it poses to a victim.

Even after a judge makes those findings, the court must specify the evidence that can be offered at trial to narrowly limit how much a victim can be questioned or cross-examined about their sexual history

Attorneys initially made their arguments on Long’s motion during a July 2, 2024, hearing inside a locked courtroom closed to the public. After prosecutors appealed Ray’s decision, the First Circuit appeals court panel said she failed to specify what evidence could be offered and vacated her order on Nov 6, 2024.

and it offers some of the cheapest electricity in the region It also has a comprehensive mix of port, rail, highway and pipeline networks for commerce.

Still, Louisiana faces numerous challenges. It has a high rate of outmigration and ranks 50th among states for the rate of corporate research and development spending. Its transportation infrastructure is crumbling. Nearly half of renters are considered rent-burdened, meaning they spend more than 30% of their income on housing costs.

The strategic plan was commissioned by the Louisiana Economic Development Partnership Board, created last year by the state Legislature as part of a restructuring of LED. It includes 11 private-sector members as well as Bourgeois. The board voted to adopt the plan at a meeting Wednesday Bourgeois said the last time Louisiana unveiled a strategy for economic development was under former Gov. Bobby Jindal, with the so-called Blue Ocean approach, which focused on growth in new areas of business rather than expanding the state’s existing industries.

penditures per capita in the nation, and achieve population growth and migration into all regions, among other indicators. To be sure, Louisiana has numerous competitive advantages, the report notes. The state has a workforce specialized in energy, manufacturing and logistics, and its colleges are producing STEM graduates at a rate that’s on par with other nearby states. It has a high rate of entrepreneurship,

The parties had another closed-door hearing Jan. 13 on the defendants’ push to reveal Brooks’ sexual histo-

The latest strategic plan calls for a “whole-of-government” approach to economic development, with formalized collaboration between cabinet-level agencies. It also recommends LED launch a national communications campaign to convince businesses and “high-potential” talent to relocate or remain in Louisiana.

The next step will be to implement the plan and come up with more exact metrics to track its success, Bourgeois said.

ry Court records show Ray ruled in favor of the defense over the state’s objections. Prosecutors appealed her decision yet again,

to the

Circuit appeal and subsequent ruling this week.

Southern University Jaguarsprepare

Spring hassprungonthe Southern University campus in BatonRouge,and nowisthe perfect time to cheeronstudent-athleteswhile helping to setthe Jaguarsupfor successinthe future

Thehighly-anticipatedPelican Relays will take placeFridayApril 4and Saturday April5

On Friday,field events willbegin at noon and runningeventswillstart at 4p.m.OnSaturday, field events startat9:30a.m.and runningevents beginat1:30p.m

Each year,the PelicanRelaysdrawtop college andhighschoolathletesfromacrossthe region Apartfromcompetition,the PelicanRelaysserve as apremier scouting opportunityfor college coachesseeking promisingathletes. Theevent also celebrates Southern’s ownlegacy in track andfield,asthe Jaguarshaveproduced elite competitorsoverthe years, includingOlympic gold medalist hurdlerRodneyMilburn,sprinter Theron “Tee”Alexander;WalterJohnson,who made anamefor himself in the400mand relay events,and NorbertElliott,atalentedtriplejumper whoset recordsatSouthernand laterbecamea respected collegecoach

Thecontinuedsuccessof SouthernJaguarsathletes wouldnotbepossiblewithoutcontinuedsupportfrom alumni andcommunity members. Theperfect chance to demonstrate thatsupportwillbeduring the2025Jag-A-Thonon

Friday,March 28,from9a.m to 6p.m.This annual donor campaignisan opportunity forJag ua r Na ti on to invest in its student-athletesthrough financial contributions. Donorscan contribute in multiple ways on March28:

•In-person on thethird floorofthe A.W. MumfordFieldhouse

•Call225-771-2436

•Onlinevia www.gojagsports.comorthe QR code below

•MailtoSouthernUniversityAthletics P.O. Box10065,Baton Rouge, LA,70813

•Texttoaspecial numberthatwillbeavailableatwww.gojagsports. combeforethe event Visitwww.gojagsports comfor more information on Southern University or to purchase ticketsfor upcoming events

leading

First

STAFF PHOTO By CHRIS GRANGER

Susan Bourgeois, secretary of Louisiana Economic Development, said this is the first time Louisiana has unveiled a strategy for economic development since the administration of Bobby Jindal.

Landry stumps for Amendment 2

BY HALEY MILLER Staff writer

With three days left before a statewide vote on four amendments to the Louisiana Constitution, Gov Jeff Landry brought to Baton Rouge his statewide push to build support for one that is crucial to his agenda.

“Our opportunity, our moment in this state, is now, and it has been placed in your hands,” Landry said.

In a speech to the Rotary Club of Baton Rouge on Wednesday Landry urged voters to support Amendment 2, part of his larger effort to rewrite Louisiana’s tax laws. The pitch for the tax overhaul was the centerpiece of a wide-ranging speech in which he emphasized that Louisiana sits at an inflection point

If approved by voters Saturday, Amendment 2 would rewrite swathes of the part of the constitution that governs state taxes. It would lower the cap on the individual income tax rate from 4.75% to 3.75% with seniors able to double their income tax deduction put many tax exemptions in state law instead of the constitution, limit state spending increases and restructure government funds

designated for specific purposes, such as health and education, by altering some and eliminating others entirely

It would build into the state budget a temporary $2,000 teacher pay stipend approved by the Louisiana Legislature last year by liquidating three education trust funds.

“That amendment will lock in the reforms that will provide the

largest tax cut in the history of this state, and it will be accompanied by fiscal reforms that will benefit this state for a long, long time,” Landry said. Landry has campaigned for the passage of the amendment around the state. He’s made the case on radio shows, in newspaper editorials and in speeches to local groups. Notable advocacy organizations, including the Louisiana Federation of Teachers, the Louisiana

IN A LIGHT SPOT

Walkers and runners are silhouetted against the western sky as the afternoon sun begins to set along the Mississippi River levee in downtown Baton Rouge on March 20.

Police: Parkview Baptist student arrested after bomb threats

BR council member slams colleague

Failed safety tax vote sparks conflict

BY PATRICK SLOAN-TURNER Staff writer

CRIME BLOTTER staff reports

sity

prison on one count of communicating false information of a planned

on

Matthews plays on Parkview’s

Baptist School remained

for

the threats

The bomb threats were made through

and texts to a faculty member’s phone, with the first coming Monday morning After the initial threat, Baton Rouge sent a bomb squad to the school to do a sweep, but no suspicious packages or other evidence of a possible explosive were found.

Once again, political maneuvering derailed an effort by the East Baton Rouge Parish Metro Council to push forward what some call crucial millage rate increases that would have boosted firefighter pay and bolstered police funding. Despite two previous failures, many council members were confident the vote would finally pass — until Democratic council

member Dar ryl Hurst District 5, swing vote, stunned some colleagues refusing back the m sure at Wedn day nig ht meeting.

“I’m appalled ens*** to not publican council member Aaron Moak, of District 4 in an interview following the meeting. Hurst abstained from approving the measure that would have

forward rates, addestimated in fundfire proand firefightdistricts police taxdistrict. council’s four Anthony Cleve Dunn P. Harris (District 7) and Carolyn Coleman (District 10) all voted to roll the rates forward, as did Republican members Rowdy Gaudet (District 3) and Jen Racca (District 12).

The measure needed eight votes to pass. When property values go up during an assessment year, local taxing authorities have the option to roll back or roll forward property tax rates, known as millages. Rolling forward keeps the current tax rate, but because property values have increased, keeping the same rate translates into a property tax increase for most home and business owners. East Baton Rouge Parish has multiple millages that support various services.

BY MATT BRUCE Staff writer

STAFF PHOTO By HILARy SCHEINUK

Ex-DeRidder mayor wants judges booted

Attorney alleges bias in sex crimes case

BY JOHN SIMERMAN Staff writer

A pair of judges in western Louisiana has rebuffed an attempt to boot them off the case of Misty Roberts, the former mayor of DeRidder who stepped down just days before her arrest last summer for allegedly having sex with a teen.

Roberts, 42, is accused of sex with a 16-year-old boy and furnishing minors with alcohol. Louisiana State Police said her purported victim and another teen told detectives about it.

Roberts has pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging her with felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, a misdemeanor.

Her case highlights some of the ethical pitfalls faced by jurists in smaller communities, where personal ties can blur perceptions of bias.

Roberts’ lawyer filed a motion earlier this year seeking to recuse both judges of the 36th Judicial District, in Beauregard Parish.

One of Roberts’ attorneys, Adam Johnson argued that Judges Martha O’Neal and C. Kerry Anderson each are too biased to fairly handle the case.

Johnson accused both judges of

CONFLICT

Continued from page 1B

Hurst, who has recently been vocal about a need to raise wages for all city-parish workers, said because Mayor-President Sid Edwards’ “Thrive! East Baton Rouge” tax rededication plan has not yet been written, he felt the council needed to have a “clear path forward for the impact that we’re going to make on the taxpayers” before he could vote yes.

“I think we need to finish step one before we go to step 10,” Hurst said. “Under the right terms I’d be for it, but under the current terms there’s uncertainty.” Moak, a former firefighter, said he was under the impression Hurst supported the measure and was frustrated to see him abstain.

“He told the fire chief that he was on board I don’t know what changed. I don’t care what changed. I think he’s playing a political game, and he’s fixing to want something, and that’s just my opinion, and I’ll

SHOOTING

Continued from page 1B

Williams sprayed bullets at Dunn and shot him several times in the face, head and neck at close range. Coleman shot Thomas twice in the back. The wounded pair lay dying on the pool deck as Coleman and Williams snatched the weapons and fled.

Assistant District Attorneys Morgan Johnson and Lauren Tracy are arguing the state’s case. Prosecutors told jurors surveillance cameras showed the group of gunmen storm the gathering and Williams confront Dunn and Thomas as they relaxed in poolside reclining loungers.

“This was an ambush It was a stickup,” Johnson said, during her opening statement. “David was the leader of that group We wouldn’t be here if David hadn’t made the decision to go to that gate. We wouldn’t be here if David didn’t empower his 15-year-old brother to come with him and be his backup.”

A jury found Coleman guilty of the three murder charges last August, and District Judge Fred Crifasi sentenced him to triple life on Dec. 4, 2024.

Attorneys spent Monday and Tuesday selecting a jury of nine women and six men for Williams’ trial He is represented by Baton Rouge defense attorneys Brady

LANDRY

Continued from page 1B

Association of Educators, the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry and the Pelican Institute for Public Policy, have endorsed the amendment But the amendment faces opposition from both groups on the left and the right. Some conservatives argue that the changes would make it easier to remove tax breaks for churches, while some on the left have said spend-

authorizing more onerous bond conditions for Roberts. O’Neal, the presiding judge, then emailed the new terms to Roberts’ ex-husband, Duncan Clanton, on the sly, Johnson alleged.

O’Neal also oversees their child custody case, and Clanton soon sought to modify the arrangement. As a result, Roberts’ attorneys alleged, $2,700 in monthly child support payments ended.

She said it wasn’t any personal interest that led her to forward Roberts’ new bond conditions to the defendant’s ex-husband.

Johnson also claimed last year, O’Neal “voiced her frustrations with having to field numerous calls on this case and indicated that she wanted the calls to stop.”

He accused both judges of “demonstrating bias, demonstrating a failure to be impartial, and demonstrating an inability to tune out the public.”

Roberts’ lawyers also claimed the judges are stonewalling a request for records of their outside communications about the case.

They want the Louisiana Supreme Court to appoint an ad hoc judge to hear the recusal motion.

But in an unusual joint retort dated Feb. 19, O’Neal and Anderson both rejected the recusal demand out of hand, refusing to farm out a ruling over their alleged bias.

O’Neal dismissed the recusal bid as “inappropriate” and “misplaced,” saying there was nothing to justify her stepping off the case.

state that for the record,” Moak said. “But it’s very disheartening. He’s not just playing with the fire department’s funding. He’s playing with the constituents.”

Hurst declined to respond to Moak’s comments other than to reiterate his stance on the millage as the council awaits the mayor’s tax proposal.

Though Dunn added it to Wednesday’s agenda, it was Moak who put the measure before his colleagues back in January for the second attempt at passing it. The council member — whose district is home to Central — said he was unsure if he’d try for a fourth vote at a future meeting but added he will “vote for the fire departments and emergency service agencies” every time.

Before the vote, Baton Rouge Firefighters Association President Jake Morgan told the council the department needs these millage rates to roll forward in order for BRFD to keep up with surging costs. But immediately after the item failed, Morgan said it looked like politics once again were at play

Skinner III and Christopher Washington.

Skinner began the defense’s case by casting aspersions on the two male victims. He told jurors Dunn and Thomas were known to tote guns of all kinds wherever they went. And he repeatedly reminded them that Thomas’ nickname was “Murda.”

Prosecutors acknowledged Thomas managed to fire a single round away from the direction of the pool after Coleman began shooting him. But witnesses said neither he nor Dunn ever brandished or threatened anyone with their firearms before the shooting, according to the district attorneys.

Skinner, however, refuted the state’s notion that it was an “ambush” and argued Williams justifiably began shooting at Dunn in self-defense after Thomas fired the first shot.

“It was a gunfight. They lost,” he said.

Skinner went on to argue that Williams was allowed to be in the public pool, he legally possessed his gun and had the right to “protect his life when it is in imminent danger.” He suggested Dunn and Thomas caused the chain of events that led to the child’s death.

“If you want to talk about felony murder let’s talk about two guys who brought assault rifles to a Memorial Day cookout and chose to let a shot go,” he said. “And soon as one shot goes off when there are guns,

ing caps would make it harder to fund education, transportation and other programs addressing residents’ needs.

In response to criticism over tax breaks, Landry said the amendment would preserve the homestead exemption and the exemption for religious organizations.

“Now I just signed the bill to put the Ten Commandments in school,” he said “You think I would do anything to harm our religious organizations in the state?”

In his speech, Landry called

O’Neal said she only did it “to ensure compliance with the conditions required of the children’s mother, Ms. Roberts.”

Roberts’ lawyers also claimed Anderson and Clanton are friends, as well as being related by marriage.

Anderson, who had signed Roberts’ arrest warrant after the indictment, has admitted as much. He acknowledged his wife and Clanton are third cousins; that he’s duck-hunted twice with Clanton, in 2018 and again in 2022; and that Clanton is his insurance agent and a fellow Rotary Club member

But the judge said in his response that their relationship “seems irrelevant to this matter.”

“It is true that Judge Anderson would consider Mr Clanton as a friend in the general use of that word,” Anderson wrote. “Judge Anderson would consider the same to be true of the defendant and former mayor, Ms. Misty Roberts.”

Anderson found no reason to step away from the case under Louisiana law nor to refer the recusal motion for another judge to hear Roberts’ attorneys recently appealed those rulings to the Louisiana 3rd Circuit Court of Appeal.

“It’s disheartening that some of these council members are playing games with public safety,” he said. “The fire service in this parish desperately needs these roll forwards to pass so we can continue to provide uninterrupted service. If our fire departments don’t have funding, then we cannot properly protect the citizens.”

Moak said missing out on these funds will affect departments’ abilities to maintain their public protections ratings, which will, in turn, hurt residents when rating dips raise homeowner insurance rates. While Hurst did not vote against Wednesday’s measure, he was the only member of the 12-person council to abstain, something Moak took even greater issue with.

“You want to sit there and not even vote and just abstain? I think it’s ridiculous that you can’t make a decision on something important like that to your constituents,” Moak said about Hurst. “But I do commend the rest of my colleagues that voted either yes or no. I commend them for at least making a damn vote.”

what happens? Other shots go off.

“So we know who’s responsible for the death of Ja’Tyra Brown. They just didn’t live to (take blame).”

Officials said the errant 9 mm bullet that struck Brown went through her torso. Her parents snatched her out of the water and rushed her to Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in their car The girl later died at the children’s hospital.

“No parent should be put through that,” said Johnson, the lead prosecutor “But David Williams wasn’t thinking about anybody else in that pool area when he and his little brother came in and ambushed those guys. That pool was full; they didn’t care.

“Life is cheap. It was worth two assault rifles,” she added.

Christopher Alton Stovall, 26, and his younger brother, Darrell Edwards, who was 15 at the time, were arrested as principals to the killings. Investigators said they were among the group that stormed into the pool area with Williams and Coleman during the shooting.

Prosecutors sought to have Stovall and Edwards indicted on three counts of second-degree murder, but a grand jury could not agree on the charges. The panel set aside the indictments in October 2021 and left them open for prosecutors to bring new charges in the future, court records show

the election a defining moment for Louisiana He said it’s an opportunity for the state to escape its boom and bust cycles, if the people will permit the legislature and Landry himself to “continue the success.” “I know y’all are not used to so much good news. Y’all are like shocked,” Landry said. “That’s the problem we have in this state. We got a group of people out there — they just don’t know how to win.”

Email Haley Miller at haley miller@theadvocate.com.

State law sets out specific grounds for recusing a jurist. Among them: When the judge is “biased, prejudiced, or interested in the cause or its outcome or biased or prejudiced toward or against the parties or the parties’ attorneys or any witness to such an extent that the judge would be unable to conduct fair and impartial proceedings.”

Judges are supposed to recuse themselves or refer the motion to another judge, unless they find no grounds for the motion, or determine it came too late.

Clare Roubion, an attorney who often represents judges accused of misconduct, said it was notable that O’Neal and Anderson addressed the allegations of bias in their responses, when they could have tossed the recusal motion as untimely

The bar is “quite high” for finding that a judge has a personal interest in a case, Roubion said. It typically requires “direct financial interest, familial relationships within specific degrees, or demonstrable bias that would prevent impartiality.”

Roubion said it was “not unusual for judges in small judicial districts to face these challenging situations where interconnections exist.” It can get tricky in districts like the one in Beauregard Parish, with only one or two judges on the bench.

“These professionals often face

BLOTTER

Continued from page 1B

A second threat was made that evening from the same source.

Zachary police chief ended traffic-stop bingo

Zachary Police Chief Darryl Lawrence took to social media on Tuesday to dispel rumors that his department has a quota system for traffic stops. He did, however, confirm that two years ago multiple shifts of traffic officers competed in a traffic-stop bingo game.

“Today, I would like to ensure the residents of Zachary and anyone who travels within the City limits of Zachary, that the Zachary Police Department does NOT have a quota system and is NOT breaking any Louisiana laws,” Lawrence said in a Facebook post.

Quotas, or set amounts of traffic stops or arrests that officers are required to reach during a shift, are illegal under state law Lawrence said that once he was made aware of the bingo practice, he acted to stop it.

“Two years ago, some officers created a Bingo game as a competition between shifts, it must be noted that the officers did not receive any incentives or awards for this game. This game was not created or approved by the Administration of The Zachary Police Department,” he said. “Once I was made aware of this game, I immediately informed all Supervisors and officers that this kind of activity could threaten our relationship with Zachary Residents and the Public.”

Lawrence said his officers work within the boundaries of Louisiana law and that residents should be cautious of information shared on social media.

NBA YoungBoy released to facility in Arizona

Baton Rouge rapper NBA YoungBoy has been released from a federal prison in Alabama and transferred to a residential reentry management office in Phoenix. Management offices operate halfway houses and manage detainees as they prepare for supervised home confinement or release.

The 25-year-old rapper’s full release date is now April 26, according to prison records.

YoungBoy whose legal name is Kentrell Gaulden, has been in and out of jail, with stints of house arrest, since he was arrested in 2020 for federal gun possession charges while filming a music video in Baton Rouge. His latest term in jail was being served at a medium-security federal prison in Talladega, Alabama, before he was transferred to Phoenix.

Gaulden was sentenced to serve 23 months behind bars after pleading guilty in December to possession of a firearm while a felon His case had been transferred to a Utah district court, and Gaulden had been awaiting trial while on house arrest there. As part of the same plea, Gaulden agreed to serve five years of probation following his release, with credit for time already served YoungBoy was given credit for time served dating back to May 2024. It is unclear whether Gaulden

unique challenges navigating community relationships. They frequently attend the same civic functions, belong to the same organizations, and may have known many defendants, victims, and attorneys for decades in personal capacities,” Roubion said.

“This creates a practical reality where complete social separation is virtually impossible without isolating judges from their communities entirely which is why courts generally apply recusal standards with consideration for these practical realities.”

Johnson and co-counsel Todd Clemons said in a statement they continue seeking records of communication by the two judges about the case against Roberts, but have been denied so far

“Imagine how anyone would feel if they learned that the judge handling their case had direct, undisclosed communication with their ex-spouse about the proceedings,” according to the statement. “This is precisely why the recusal process exists — so that judges who are too closely involved in a case can step aside.”

While Roberts’ attorneys asked the appeals court to take a different view, the case against Roberts moved forward this week with a discovery hearing presided over by O’Neal.

Roberts is scheduled to stand trial May 19.

is now serving his term in home confinement or at a short-term facility managed by RRM Phoenix.

According to DJ Akademics, a rap internet personality and podcaster who allegedly spoke with a member of YoungBoy’s label, Gaulden is now with his family and is expected to be released in a month.

Gaulden’s attorney could not be reached Tuesday for comment.

Gaulden’s weapons case in Baton Rouge dates back to Sept. 28, 2020, when a “reliable source” reported that members of the Never Broke Again and “Bottom Boy Guerrillas” street crews were congregated at an abandoned lot in the 3800 block of Chippewa Street.

The complainant tipped off the BRPD’s now-disbanded Street Crimes Unit, telling them several men on scene were walking down the street brandishing “uzis,” pistols and long rifles, according to court documents. Police arrived and detained 16 people.

BR fire tech allegedly crashed truck on drugs

A Baton Rouge Fire Department employee is wanted by police after allegedly crashing a parish-owned truck into another vehicle in December while under the influence of opioids.

Bart Perkins, 56, of Pride, is being sought by the Central Police Department on counts of careless operation of a vehicle and operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Perkins is a fire apparatus technician for the Baton Rouge Fire Department, a warrant for his arrest shows. On the afternoon of Dec. 5, Perkins was driving his work pickup truck when he rearended another vehicle as it came to a stop in the 9500 block of Hooper Road in Central, according to the warrant.

The driver of the second vehicle told police he could see through his rearview mirror that Perkins’ head was down just before the truck rear-ended him.

Perkins was unconscious when medical personnel arrived, and was revived when paramedics administered a dose of Narcan, a medicine used in emergencies to rapidly reverse the effects of an opiate overdose, the warrant states. First responders also noticed that Perkins’ breathing at the scene was labored and his pupils were pinpoint.

Perkins took a urine toxicology test at a hospital following the crash, which showed he had opiates in his system. Central police put out a search warrant to obtain that test, Assistant Chief Cliff Ivey said, which made them seek Perkins’ arrest. The Fire Department has put Perkins on administrative leave pending the ongoing investigation.

LOTTERY

TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 2025

PICK 3: 5-6-7

PICK 4: 7-0-7-0

PICK 5: 8-0-9-3-9

MEGA MILLIONS:

1-5-17-39-62

MEGA BALL:

Roberts

Obituaries

Brooks, Gloria

An angel has been called home to rest. Gloria Young Brooks, adevoted spouse, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, soror, and friend answered God's call on March 18, 2025, at the age of 78.

Born on August 16, 1946, in New Roads, Louisiana, Gloria was the beloved daughter of the late Willie Young Sr. and Louella Young (Johnson). Her family moved to the Baton Rouge area during her childhood, acommunity that would serve as her lifelong home. Gloria excelled academically at Capitol Senior High School, where she graduated as valedictorian of the Class of 1965. She then continued her education at Southern University in Baton Rouge, earning aBachelor's degree in Accounting in 1969. This accomplishment marked the beginning of an exemplary 35 year career as an agent with the Internal Revenue Service.

On January 1, 1966, Gloria married James Brooks Jr. (deceased),and together they established aloving home in Baton Rouge before later residing in Baker, Louisiana.Their 55year partnership was marked by enduring love and companionship, spanning countless cherished memories until James's passing in September 2021.

Gloria was not onlya devoted caregiver to her husband and children but also actively engaged in her community. She was a proud member of the CHS 65 Civic and Social Club and was initiated into the graduate chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. However, her true home away from home was Greater King David Baptist Church, where she worshiped under the pastoral guidance of Reverend Dr. John E. Montgomery, II. Left to cherish Gloria's remarkable legacy are her two children, Charlene Evette Brooks-Lockett (Lewis) of Harvest, Alabama, and Dr. Derrick D. Brooks Sr. (Vinette) of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.She is also survived by five grandchildren: Anthony D. Pigott II of Harvest, Alabama; Kirstin Brooks Arellano (Irvin)ofSeattle, Washington; and Kennedi L. Brooks, Derrick D. Brooks Jr., and Victoria M. Brooks, all of Baton Rouge. Additionally, Gloria leaves behind one great-grandchild, Isabella G. Arellano of Seattle, Washington, and her beloved sister, Gwendolyn Young Peters (Ernest) of Amite, Louisiana

In addition to her late parents, (Willie and Louella Young) and husband (James), Gloria was preceded death by her sisters, Helen Fisher Humble (George) and Dorothy Fisher, as well as her brother, Willie Young Jr., all of Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Visitation Thursday, March 27, 2025, Hall's Celebration Center, 9348 Scenic Highway,Baton Rouge, LA. 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

Visitation continue Friday, March 28, 2025, Greater King David Baptist Church, 222 Blount Rd, Baton Rouge, LA., 9:00 am until religious service begins at 10:00am.

Entombment Heavenly Gates Mausoleum, 10633 Veterans Memorial Boulevard, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Homegoing arrangements have been Entrusted to HallDavis &Son Funeral Services.

parents, (Willie and Louella Young) and husband (James), Gloria was precededdeath by her sisters, Helen Fisher Humble (George) and Dorothy Fisher, as well as her brother, Willie Young Jr.,all of Baton Rouge,Louisiana.

Visitation Thursday, March 27, 2025, Hall'sCelebration Center, 9348 Scenic Highway, Baton Rouge,LA., 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

Visitation continue Friday, March 28, 2025, GreaterKing DavidBaptist Church, 222 Blount Rd, Baton Rouge, LA., 9:00 am until religious service begins at 10:00 am.

Entombment Heavenly Gates Mausoleum, 10633 Veterans MemorialBoulevard, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Homegoing arrangements have beenEntrusted to Hall Davis &Son Funeral Services.

Gloria Young Brooks will be deeply missed, yetshe will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Antonio Miguel

Antonio Tony" Carrillo of Baton Rouge, passed away Monday, March 24, 2025 at the age of 88. He is survived by his wife of over 64 years, MariaElena Carrillo; children, Antonio Carrillo (Suzanne), Elena Jones(Greg), Juan Carrillo (Joanne), and Ana Luck (Brent); grandchildren, Christina Jones Young (Andrew), Ian Carrillo (Caroline), Ethan Jones, Adam Carrillo (Oakleigh), Tanner Lewis (Hali), Tony Carrillo, Conner Lewis, Cameron Lewis, Clare Carrillo,Victoria Lewis, Ryan Luck,Alex Luck, and Liz Luck;greatgrandchild, Addison Young; brother, Alberto Carrillo (Patricia), andsister-in-law Vickie Carrillo. Tony is preceded in death by hissister Alina Lapinski (Phil), and his brother Andres Carrillo. Tony was born in Havana,Cuba, graduated from Georgia Tech with adegree in Chemical Engineering, and immigratedtothe USA in 1960. After32years with Freeport-McMoran, he retired and spent his time with Maria travelingthe world, visiting family, and dedicating his time to volunteering at St. Jude, Our Lady of the Lake Hospital, and Mission to Mexico Special thanks to allthe caregivers during Tony's last days. In lieu of flowers, please donate to St Vincent de Paul Baton Rouge. Services will be held on March 29 at St. Jude Catholic Church: Visitation 9AM-10AM, Rosary 10AM10:30AM, and Mass at 11AM.

Chaney, Wilson R.

for 59 1/2 years. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife Marilyn and sons Wilson R. "Trey" Chaney III and Troy Donovan Chaney (Gertrude) and grandson Troy "Donovan" Chaney Jr., sisters Trudy LeBlanc and Patricia Murphy, nieces, nephews, and adopted daughter Charlotte Fabre. For full obituary please visit Rabenhorst.com

Mary Lane

Mary Lane Day, 79, peacefully passed away on Sunday, March 16, 2025. A former resident of Baton Rouge, Gibsland, Arcadia, Athens, and Rougon, LA, and Everettand Edmonds WA. Retiree of LA Group Benefits. She is survived by her daughter, Kelly Day of Ruston, brother, Rev.Jeff Day of Baton Rouge, three grandchildren, Alex Useman of Lynnwood, WA, Emily Useman of Baton Rouge, William Useman of Los Angeles, CA,nephew, Forrest Day and wife, Valerie, great niece, Caitlyn Benard and husband,Roman, of Lexington KY, and best friend,Dean Moberly of Baton Rouge. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 28that5:006:00 pm at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Arcadia, LA

Funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 29th at 11:00 am at Gibsland First Baptist Church with Rev Jeff Day and Rev. Orvell Bryant officiating. Buriel will follow at Gibsland cemetery. Family and friends are invited to attend.

Mildred ElizabethHenson Evans passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at the age of 85. She was anative of Isola, MS, and aresident of Baton Rouge, LA.Mildred completed high school in only three years. Following graduation, she went to work at aphone company as an operator. Shortly after theKorean Conflict, she married the love of her life, James. They moved to Baton Rouge where she raised their family. She retired as the manager for Parker Mead Real Estate after over 20 years of service. Mildred enjoyed sewing, playing the piano,and spending timewith friends at the Sherwood Forest Country Club.Above all, she cherished the time she spent with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mildred is survived by her daughter, Diane Gaffney (Steve); grandchildren, Jonathan Gaffney (Jordan), Austin Gaffney (Melissa), Nicholas Ysidron (Bridget), and Cameron Ysidron (Emily); great-grandchildren, Gavin, June, Gabriel, Myles, and Lily Gaffney, and James Oliver Ysidron; brother, Paul Henson; sonin-law, David Furlow; special friend of the family, Earline Lee; and ahost of other family members. Mildred is preceded in death by her husband,James H. Evans; daughter, Patricia Lynn Furlow; parents, Ralph and Mamie Henson; and sisters, Alice Johnson and Sylvia Burns. Visitation will be at St.Jude Catholic Church, 9150 Highland Rd., Baton Rouge, LA, on March 28, 2025, from 9am until the Mass of Christian Burial at 10am. Burial will immediately follow at Greenoaks Memorial Park. Family and friends are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.greenoaksfunerals.c om

10am. Burial will immediately follow at Greenoaks Memorial

Mr. Jerry Gilbert departed this life on Monday March 17, 2025 Visitationat Roscoe Mortuary Plaquemine on Thursday March 27, 2025 from 5to7 pm Funeral service Friday at Revelation of Truth 32060 Dorcy Rd. Dorseyville La 70788 at 11a.m He is survived by his wife Renee Mims Gilbert 4 daughters Gisele Julien, Jerrie and Jeneicea Gilbert and Keisha G. Hall 1brother Eddie Gilbert, Sr Arrangement entrusted to Roscoe Mortuary

Haile, Ruth Ruth Haile entered into eternal rest at her resi‐dence in Baker, Louisiana on March 18, 2025. She was an 82-year old former resi‐dent of Hardwood Commu‐nity. Viewing on Friday, March 28, at Rosedown Baptist Church, 12907 Hwy 10, St. Francisville at 10:00 am until Celebration of Life Service at 11:00 am con‐ducted by Rev Lafayette Veal, Jr. She is survived by her siblings, Ruby (her twin) Richard, Johnny Ray David and Audrey Haile; other relatives and friends Arrangements entrusted to Miller & Daughter Mortu‐ary

Lawson Cole Heidings‐felder, lovingly known by his family as “HD”, unex‐pectedly passed away on Friday, March 21, 2025, at his home in Port Allen at the age of 23. He was a beloved son, brother, grandson and friend and a lifelong resident of Port Allen Lawson was a heavy equipment operator and was always eager to learn He was a history buff and had a strong passion for American history He loved the outdoors – especially shooting guns and riding 4wheelers Lawson loved singing and cooking at home in his spare time. His caring thoughtful person‐ality will be dearly missed by all who loved him Law‐son is survived by his par‐ents, Dana and Shonda Heidingsfelder Rowell; brother and sister-in-law Logan and Lindsey Four‐roux Heidingsfelder; sister, Linden Heidingsfelder; pa‐ternal grandparents, Hessler Sr. and Pamela Rowell; uncle and aunt, Hessler “Buddy” Jr and Leah Rowell; cousin, Victo‐ria “Tori” Carvalho; family friend, Kevin LaCombe; and many other friends and family members. Lawson was preceded in death by maternal grandmother Ju‐dith “Judy” Heidingsfelder Visitation will be at Wilbert Funeral Home in Port Allen on Friday, March 28, from 4 to 8 p.m., and again at Holy Family Catholic Church on Saturday, March 29, from 8:30 am until Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am, celebrated by Rev Jerry Martin Entombment will follow in St John the Bap‐tist Catholic Church Mau‐soleum in Brusly. Although Lawson’s time on earth was far too short, the last‐ing impact and memories he made will be forever cherished Pallbearers will be Logan Heidingsfelder, Kevi Moor Loga D’Am stal ries ices

and Devon

Hulin Jr., Timothy 'Timmy'

Timothy "Timmy" Fahy Hulin, Jr., born on November 18, 1950, passed away on March 24, 2025, at the age of 74. Timmy was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He graduated high school from Catholic High School, and wentontoearn a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from LSU of Baton Rouge. He was amember of the Army Reserves, as well as LATA and IPT. Timmy spentmost of his life as aSales Tax Consultant. He always enjoyed fishing, golf, spendingtime with family, spending time at his camp with family, and following LSU athletics. Timmy is survived by his wife of 41 years, Peggy Hulin; mother, Beverly Hulin; daughters, Jennifer Crawford (Chris), Jamie Ellis (Josh), Jodi Chambers (Rob), Julie Goyne (Heath), and Jeannette Cole (Scott); sister, Cindy Truitt; brothers, Steven Hulin,Michael Hulin (Diane); grandchildren, Deanna Oliver, Avery Chambers, Trae Long, Lynleigh Ellis, Jackson Chambers, Mariann Long, Rebekah Crawford, Luke Crawford, andJessica Cupp (Logan); aunts, Nancy Marchand (Ray), Sandra Fauver, andPatti Gauthier; and sister-in-law, Judy Devalcourt. He is preceded in death by his father, Timothy Hulin, Sr.; and daughter, Jill Hulin. Visitation will take place at Resthaven Funeral Home on Friday, March 28, 2025, beginning at 9:00 AM until services at 11:00 AM, officiated by Pastor Chris Crawford. Burial to follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave apersonal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonroug e.com.

Jackson Sr., Anthony 'Duke' 'Nutso'

Anthony “Duke” “Nutso Jackson, Sr. departed this life on Monday March 17 2025, at his residence in Baton Rouge LA He was 44, a native of Orlando, FL and resident of Baton Rouge, LA. Funeral service on Friday, March 28, 2025, at Williams and Southall Funeral Home at 1:00 pm Interment private Arrangements by Williams & Southall Funeral Home 5414 Hwy. 1, Napoleonville, LA (985) 369-7231. To sign the guest book or offer condolences, visit our web‐site at www williamsand southallfuneralhome.com

Isiah 26:3 We Miss You So Much! Loved you then, love you now, love you forever, but God loved you more! Husband (Clarence); Daughters (Chandrika, and Sheena); Grandchildren (Andrew, Asia, Marlon, and Lori)

native of Baton Rouge, passed away peacefully March 21, 2025, at his home in Central, surrounded by his loving family. He was 77 years old. He was aU.S. Navy veteran andwas aretired project manager. Al was a devoted member of St. Isidore Catholic Church where he served as aEucharistic Minister, was a member of the hospital visitation team and wason various church committees. He wasa man of strong faith.Alwas an avid golfer, andenjoyed fishing and carpentry work. He also volunteered on several BREC committees, including the zoo committee. He and his wife loved to take road trips and couldn't wait for their next adventure together. Al is survived by his wife, Marty Jarreau of Central, LA; daughter, Darlene Marcello of Mandeville, LA ;son, BrentJarreau of Central, LA; grandsons, Sam Marcello of Austin, TX and Jackson Jarreau of Mandeville, LA ;sisters, Gayle Templet (Baton Rouge, LA), Linda Doiron (Denham Springs, LA), Gloria Hoggatt (Baton Rouge, LA), and Sherrilyn O'Neal (Baton Rouge, LA); brother, Carlos Lopez (Port Allen, LA); Sister-in-law, Fran Jarreau (Gonzales, LA) and Numerousnieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, Leroy Jarreau, Sr.; Mother, Nora B. Borne; and brother, Leroy Jarreau, Jr.

Avisitation will be held on March 28, 2025 at 9AM St. Isidore Catholic Church, with amemorial mass beginning at 11AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: St. Isidore Catholic Church, Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank, Upper Room Ministries, P.O. Box 340004, Nashville, TN 37203-0004, or the charity of yourchoice. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to those who provided compassionate care and support during Al's final days: Chae, an amazing caregiver andfriend, and the staff at Heart of Hospice who offered invaluable guidance and support. Their love, patience, and commitment made aprofound difference in Al's journey, andtheir kindness will never be forgotten

It is with aheavy heart that we announce the passing of Wilson R. Chaney, Jr.Born in Baton Rouge, LA 1/3/1937, he entered his eternal home with our HeavenlyFather on 3/20/2025 Wilson was married to the love of his life Marilyn FreminChaney for 59 1/2 years. Those left to cherish his memoryare his wife Marilyn and sons Wilson R. Trey" ChaneyIII and Troy DonovanChaney (Gertrude) and grandson Troy "Donovan" ChaneyJr., sisters Trudy LeBlanc and Patricia Murphy,nieces, nephews, and adopted daughter Charlotte Fabre. For full obituaryplease visit Rabenhorst.com See more DEATHS page IN LOVING MEMORY OF Sandra (Red) Washington Mar 06, 1956 -Mar 27, 2024 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

Ghoram, Wiilie

Day,

Scivicque, Cody Seale Funeral Home, 1720 S. Range Avenue in Denham Springs, at 2 p.m

Jarreau, Alfred A. 'Al'

Alfred A. "Al" Jarreau,a

Carrillo,

Evans, Mildred Elizabeth Henson

Heidingsfelder, Lawson Cole

The news that auto giant Hyundai is bringing a new steel plant to the west bank of Ascension Parish is undoubtedly an economic boon, not just for the River Parishes and the Baton Rouge region but for the entire state.

The $5.8 billion project will occupy approximately 1,700 acres in Donaldsonville and is projected to provide around 1,300 jobs with an average salary of $95,000. Construction of the mill is expected to begin next year with production beginning around 2030, company officials said.

The new plant will supply car parts for Hyundai and Kia manufacturers in Alabama and Georgia, respectively It may also produce parts for other auto manufacturers.

Importantly, the plant will use what is known as an “electric-arc furnace,” which is designed to emit less carbon than traditional coke-fueled furnaces. Power for the plant will be generated and provided by Entergy, which said its current generating capacity will be sufficient.

The plant is part of a $21 billion investment Hyundai, based in Seoul South Korea, is making in the United States. Company Chair Euisun Chung called the Louisiana facility a “key part” of the company’s plans.

The eye-popping numbers are certainly welcome, and were quickly seized upon by politicians of all stripes.

President Donald Trump and Gov Jeff Landry attended the announcement on Monday, as did U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, of Benton. The three Republicans touted the project as a sign that things are turning around under the “America First” agenda.

Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Troy Carter a New Orleans Democrat, argued that it was the Inflation Reduction Act, passed during the Biden administration and signed by the former president, that made the incentives for the project available.

There is plenty of credit to go around Certainly, this is a win for Landry’s economic development team, led by Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois, who joined the governor on a trip to South Korea last year to help land the deal and put together a compelling incentive package. The plant is the second major project, along with the planned AI data center in Richland Parish, that is helping turn the narrative on the state’s prospects.

Now the hard work of follow-through begins.

State economic development officials must stay engaged to make sure the company meets the rosy job and salary predictions tossed around at Monday’s triumphant announcement.

Perhaps more importantly, environmental regulators must be vigilant in making sure the company respects the surrounding communities and the people who live there. Residents of the River Parishes do not need to be reminded of the high number of polluting industries concentrated in their part of the state, and it is up to us to ensure that the Hyundai plant lives up to its low-carbon claims. We hope this development signals a pivot to cleaner processes

The project is important for the state. If it is downsized, abandoned or fails to live up to its commitments, it’s Louisiana residents who will bear the brunt. And that would quickly turn this victory hollow

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ARE WELCOME. HERE ARE OUR GUIDELINES: Letters are published identifying name, occupation and/or title and the writer’s city of residence The Advocate | The Times-Picayune require a street address and phone 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.

Community grieves tragedy that invaded healing space

Our hospitals and clinics have always stood as a beacon of hope and healing. On March 19, that sanctity was broken when we lost a member of our work family at Our Lady of the Lake to a tragic act of domestic violence. When a member of our team is hurt, we all hurt, and this loss is felt across our health system. Our prayers are with her family and friends during this difficult time. Violence in public spaces, including health care facilities, is a national epidemic to which we’re not immune. It’s unacceptable, and we will not tolerate acts of violence in or near our facilities. Our mission is to provide a healing environment for all we serve, both patients and team members.

I want to assure our community that your safety and security on our campus is a top priority Last year we created a systemwide task force to evaluate and operationalize opportunities for enhanced safety and security measures. If you have visited one of our campuses, you may have noticed an increased security presence

and protocols over the past several months. While we have taken these important steps, we will continue to do more to preserve our healing environment.

Safety is everyone’s responsibility, and I strongly encourage you to say something if you see something. If you or someone you know needs domestic support and safeguarding, both local and national resources are available by calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-SAFE (7233) or texting “START” to 88788.

I want to express my sincere gratitude to our security team and first responders for their immediate and heroic response. They ran toward danger to render aid and protect team members, patients and guests. That’s our spirit of healing in action. Thank you for continuing to entrust us with your care.

E.J KUIPER president and chief executive officer, Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System

Politicians should pick up old campaign signs that just become unsightly litter

a way out of this deficit hole

For many, many years, I have heard people complain about fraud and waste at all levels of government. Very little has been done about it, leaving our children and grandchildren to a massive indebtedness not of their creation. Today, we see an attempt to correct this ongoing problem meeting great resistance. The Congressional Budget Office, which has leaders from both parties, is charged with oversight of all agency spending. The CBO puts out some eye-popping information that could help us make critical decisions about our economic future. It confirms our current budget deficit is $36 trillion and growing with each passing year This means that our personal indebtedness is over $102,000 per person. The current interest paid on debt for 2025 is projected to be $960 million or 16% of our total budget. The CBO predictions over the next 10 years are even more dire if we continue government spending at current levels. The prediction for the federal debt over the next ten years will be over $50 trillion, $13.8 trillion in interest payments, or over $200,000 in indebtedness for our children and grandchildren. The CBO offers the following ways to reduce the federal debt: raise taxes, cut spending or grow the economy I put it to you: What should we do?

TO SEND US A LETTER, SCAN HERE

Politicians need to remove their signs after their campaigns are over At this point, the yard signs on publicly owned land are just another form of litter Louisiana has had a lot of local elections recently, and with that comes the advertising. I live in Louisiana Senate District 14, which recently had an election between three different Democratic candidates. That election was weeks ago, and I still see advertisements for this campaign on street corners. Even with the Baton Rouge mayoral elections, there are Sid Edwards and Sharon Weston Broome advertisements everywhere. It seems tragic to me that campaigns on improving the city will carelessly litter the same place they claim to represent. If you truly loved a place, you wouldn’t litter it with your face. There needs to be a bigger effort for any campaigns on any level, from local

to state to federal, to clean up after the campaign. It seems to be hypocritical of a politician to leave the litter to their constituents. It makes me feel like the politicians believe they are better than me, leaving me their trash to clean up.

Of course, this isn’t even taking into consideration if the yard sign doesn’t stay in one place, as sometimes it’ll be picked up by a wind gust or a thunderstorm; they’ll end up in our ecosystems. The politicians would be trashing the planet. This doesn’t even have to just apply to politicians. If you use yard signs to campaign for something that is limited time, you should remove the signs as soon as you can after the event. Make sure you keep track of where you put all your signs, so clean up can be easier

DREW SARHAN Baton Rouge

JESSIE LEBLANC

Port Allen

EBR library leadership shows how it’s done

When starting a new leadership role, it is a good idea to first listen to those who are doing a fine job in their units. I was surprised to see a photo on the Feb. 26 front page of our new East Baton Rouge mayorpresident at the podium next to a photo of the EBR parish library director taking notes. In the 25 years I’ve lived in Baton Rouge, I’ve found our libraries to be run better than most aspects of parish government. Our new mayor is the person who should be taking notes.

JOE GIAME Baton Rouge

COMMENTARY

Don’t gut N.O. levee board reforms

State legislators should make clear to Gov Jeff Landry and his unofficial adviser Shane Guidry that changes to the basic organizational set-up of New Orleans area levee boards are unwelcome. And if Guidry is going to smear current and recent levee board commissioners as “scammers who are just out for themselves,” he should put up or shut up. To cast aspersions without any specifics is to commit calumny of the first degree.

at Guidry’s plans to have levee board police fight crime in the surrounding neighborhoods instead of focusing entirely on protecting the city’s anti-flood infrastructure.

By ordinary standards, the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-East and its sister levee board, the Flood Protection AuthorityWest, are model agencies in terms of structure and oversight. Consolidated from 10 patronage-heavy, ineffective levee boards in the immediate wake of 2005’s Hurricane Katrina, the two regional flood protection authorities are designed to depoliticize the operations while stocking the board with people with relevant expertise, such as in hydrology or engineering.

The state’s citizens approved the new structure by an 81% vote, with 94% voting in favor in Orleans Parish. Board members are nominated by an independent committee created in concert with the aims of that statewide referendum. The board is supposed to hire the agency’s director, who by statute must have a “minimum of ten years senior executive experience in business, engineering or hydrology, or in the performance of public works functions, related to flood and drainage control.”

Landry, however, seems to have delegated de facto authority over the levee board that oversees flood protection on the Mississippi River’s east bank to Guidry, a New Orleans area businessman. In December Guidry and his hand-picked board president, Roy Carubba, effectively ran off former director Kelli Chandler when she balked

ROLE REVERSAL

Now, Guidry and Landry want to eliminate the independent nominating committees and perhaps even eliminate the position of director itself. In essence, they would undo the essential facets of the postKatrina reforms that have been praised by a host of the state’s well-known, nonpartisan “good government” groups and research outlets.

I reached out to Guidry via text message for comment, but received no reply Suffice it to say that Guidry’s various initiatives have caused abundant turmoil. Four of the nine members of the levee board have resigned in protest against Guidry’s interventions, leaving it one short of the number of members required to lawfully approve any infrastructure projects What Guidry and Landry are doing here is the actual reversal of good government.

Start with the history The multiple levee boards that existed before Katrina were fonts of not-necessarilydefensible patronage — fiefdoms of political power with the Orleans Levee Board particularly flush with resources such as massive real estate holdings, the Lakefront Airport and two marinas. And while the overwhelming fault for the Katrina floodwall failures lies with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the levee boards weren’t exactly diligent in ensuring that the Corps’ work was up to snuff.

“It wasn’t that they did things that were wrong, per se, as much as that their focus was elsewhere,” said John Barry the noted author who served for six years on the post-Katrina levee board. Indeed, Jay Lapeyre, who spent 17

Louisiana’s deep into crawfish season and loving it, but it looks like this guy is in deep trouble and needs some help! What can he possibly say to get outta this predicament?! Be witty, funny, crazy, absurd or snarky — just try to keep it clean. There’s no limit on the number of entries. The winning punchline will be lettered into the word balloon and run on Monday in print and online In addition, the winner will receive a signed print of the cartoon along with a winner’s T-shirt! To enter, email entries to cartooncontest@theadvocate com. All entries must include a name home address and phone number Cell numbers are best.The deadline for all entries is midnight on Thursday.

Trump

President Donald Trump and the GOP have called themselves the party of free speech. But since taking office, the president has been tightening up his definition of freedom like a hangman’s noose

We could hear it in the White House’s Orwellian decision in February to revoke the Associated Press’ long-held access to the White House, barring it from a news event in the Oval Office because the international news agency would not align its editorial standards with Trump’s executive order renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America

This is how White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt explained the decision to banish the AP: “We have said we are going to hold lies accountable. And it is a fact that the body off the coast is called the Gulf of America, and I’m not sure why news outlets don’t want to call it that.”

Well, maybe she could have asked AP is a global news organization that reasonably does not want to stir global confusion over the name change.

In January, Trump issued an executive order that renamed the “area formerly known as the Gulf of Mexico ” Some digital maps complied with the order. “People using Maps in the U.S will see ‘Gulf of America,’ and people in Mexico will see ‘Gulf of Mexico,’ “ Google said in a blog post “Everyone else will see both names.” Cool. Everybody happy? Not quite. It is “alarming,” said AP, that Team Trump would punish AP for its independent journalism. Consider its actions against students protesting Israel’s war in Gaza. Shortly

years heading the reformist nominating committee that the governor now wants to shunt aside, said that in checking board minutes from pre-Katrina days, sometimes “they literally spent no time talking about flood protection.”

Hence the post-Katrina constitutional amendment and statutory changes that created the current, much more professionalized system. Result: Several instances where the board’s expertise won the day in fixing construction oversights, such as the discovery of materials in 2023 that were rusting and corroding in the new pumps that drain the outfall canals.

Landry and Guidry could upend all that.

Guidry’s insistence on neighborhood policing harkens back to a time when the levee board actually owned the land now consisting of the neighborhoods he wants to police. But why is that the job of the levee board at all? And why would he want the head of the levee board’s police force effectively to take operational control of most of the functions that the departed director, with expertise applicable to flood control, is supposed to do?

Again, this is supposed to be a floodavoidance agency, not a general civic service provider or, Lord forbid, the equivalent of a mini-protection racket.

“Maintenance of a levee system requires constant investment,” Barry, the former board member, told me. “You need to maintain the locks and gates; you need to have people who are properly trained. If you start focusing your eyes elsewhere, then you make a mistake or you miss things. It’s potentially very dangerous.”

Unless the whole state wants to pay again for flooding in 80% of New Orleans, both directly and through higher insurance premiums, it’s a danger nobody should accept.

Quin Hillyer can be reached at quin. hillyer@TheAdvocate.com.

after Trump took office, the White House issued a fact sheet reiterating Trump’s promise of a crackdown: “To all the resident aliens who joined in the pro-jihadist protests, we put you on notice: come 2025, we will find you, and we will deport you. I will also quickly cancel the student visas of all Hamas sympathizers on college campuses, which have been infested with radicalism like never before.”

On March 4, Trump threatened on social media to deny federal funding to any university that permitted “illegal protests” and vowed to arrest and/or deport so-called “agitators.”

On March 8, immigration agents arrested Mahmoud Khalil, a legal permanent resident of the United States who has been a leader of the Gaza war protests at Columbia University Immigration officials aim to deport him. In mid-March the administration told Columbia that the federal government would cancel $400 million in funding to the university unless it overhauled its admissions policies and disciplinary rules. It was a stunning move that some legal scholars call unconstitutional, and that many in academia have termed an existential threat to academic freedom, but the immense leverage Trump is bringing to bear may force Columbia to bend to his wishes.

As Politico reported, 60 colleges are being investigated by the Trump administration for allegations of campus antisemitism, 45 for diversity programs, seven for race-based scholarships and related programs, and a handful of others for transgender participation in athletics.

Experts have only themselves to blame for the distrust of institutions

Now they tell us.

“We were badly misled about the event that changed our lives.” So reads the headline on Princeton professor Zeynep Tufekci’s March 16 article in The New York Times. The event was, of course, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the bad misleading came from scientists who purposefully discredited the now widely accepted theory that the virus originated from a leak in the Wuhan Institute of Virology Perhaps not entirely coincidentally, the Times article appeared one day short of five years from the publication in Nature Medicine of an article by five scientists, led by Kristian Andersen, titled “The proximal origin of SARS-CoV-2.” “We do not believe,” the article states, “that any type of laboratory-based scenario is plausible.”

This was a deliberate lie. In April 2020, Anthony Fauci, then the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told his boss, then-National Institutes of Health Director Francis Collins, that he hoped “proximal origin” would put down “the very dangerous conspiracy theory” that the virus originated from a lab leak. The next day Fauci recommended the paper to reporters as the product of a “group of highly qualified evolutionary virologists” without mentioning that he had commissioned it and dictated its conclusion. The paper “misled me and many others into thinking a lab leak was implausible,” writes science writer Matt Ridley, who was a voting member of Britain’s House of Lords in 2020. Ridley later co-authored the book “Viral” with Alina Chan, arguing for the likelihood of the lab leak origin.

So it’s not surprising that the theory that COVID-19 spread from a lab leak was dismissed as a “fringe theory” by The Washington Post or that the Times mocked former Trump health official Robert Redfield for believing it. Nor that such outlets have shown little interest in the fact that the lab leak theory was accepted early on by the FBI and by the Biden administration Energy Department by early 2023.

Why the frantic opposition to the lab leak theory? “Orange man bad” is one explanation: President Donald Trump seemed open to it, which was enough to convince many people and probably most journalists that it must be nonsense In retrospect, it is hard to avoid the conclusion that Fauci, who proclaimed, “I represent science,” purposefully lied and dissembled to conceal the funding of “gain of function” research (that makes viruses more deadly) at Wuhan.

The publication of Tufekci’s article in the Times signals a change in the wind of elite opinion. So does the publication in the Times last October of reporter Nicholas Confessore’s deeply reported account of diversity, equity and inclusion programs at the University of Michigan, aptly subtitled “What Went Wrong?”

In a contentious speech to his new Justice Department, he suggested actions of the mainstream news media should be considered illegal and subject to investigation.

“I believe that CNN and MS-DNC, who literally write 97.6% bad about me, are political arms of the Democrat Party and in my opinion, they’re really corrupt and they’re illegal, what they do is illegal,” the president said during a contentious speech at the Department of Justice.

Is he serious? One must always raise that question with Trump, given his bombastic oratorical style. It’s best described as a stream-of-consciousness that whipsaws from dystopian warnings to light-hearted storytelling and back to veiled threats. He calls it “the weave.”

“You make a speech, and my speeches last a long time because of the weave, you know, I mean, I weave stories into it,” Trump explained to podcaster Joe Rogan.

“If you don’t if you just read a teleprompter, nobody’s going to be very excited. You’ve got to weave it out. So you but you always have to as you say, you always have to get right back to work. Otherwise, it’s no good. But the weave is very, very important. Very few weavers around. But it’s a big strain on your you know it’s a big it’s a lot of work. It’s a lot of work.”

Actually, for a man who clearly enjoys the sound of his own voice, it doesn’t seem like a lot of work. But make no mistake, the real work Trump is about is making sure he gets to police what the rest of us get to say Email Clarence Page at clarence47page@gmail.com.

Confessore documented how the University of Michigan’s DEI programs, the largest and most generously funded at any university, increased rather than decreased racial tensions. Their premise was that systemic White racism was ineradicable and must be fought with indoctrination sessions and racial quotas and preferences. Give the Times credit for publishing Confessore’s article less than a month before the election.

The commitment of major corporations to DEI proved no more sincere than former Soviet bureaucrats’ faith in Marxism-Leninism. The second Trump administration’s efforts to ban DEI in federal agencies have been matched by the abolition of DEI in large corporations.

On DEI, as on COVID-19, it turns out that the experts and the elites were lying and that the people labeled “conspiracy theorists” by the Times were often telling the truth. “This type of thing is exactly why so many on both the left and right are content with burning it all down,” reflected Sean Trende, no Trump fan. “’Gosh, why don’t people trust the experts?”’

One answer is that the experts and the elites have shown miserable judgment. The elites took the death of a suspected convenience store robber in Ferguson, Missouri, in August 2014 and the death of an arrested fentanyl user in Minneapolis in May 2020 as indications that the nation, in which nearly 53% of voters had elected a Black man president in 2008, was infected with systemic racism in need of constant DEI chastisement.

The experts’ dishonest responses and insupportable remedies to the pandemic were applauded by almost all academic and journalistic voices and imposed by government officials with no thought to their costs. This culminated in June 2020 when the experts and elites agreed that pandemic restrictions should, in view of America’s ingrained racism, not apply to massive Black Lives Matter protests.

Now we hear complaints, some of them plausible, that Trump and Elon Musk are destroying institutions possessed of expert wisdom and elite credentials. It’s understandable, given recent history, that many Americans are putting little stock in those complaints.

Michael Barone is on X, @MichaelBarone.

published. Letters are not

Clarence Page

Michael Barone

Quin Hillyer

Baton Rouge Weather

McCauley, Gwendolyn Kent 'Gwen'

Alfred A. "Al" Jarreau, a native of Baton Rouge, passed away peacefully March 21, 2025, at his home in Central, surrounded by his loving family. He was 77 years old. He was aU.S. Navy veteran and was aretired project manager. Al was a devoted member of St. Isidore CatholicChurch where he served as aEucharistic Minister, was a member of the hospital visitation team and was on various church committees. He was aman of strong faith. Al was an avid golfer, and enjoyed fishing and carpentry work. He also volunteered on several BREC committees, including the zoo committee. He and his wife loved to take road trips and couldn't wait for their next adventure together. Al is survived by his wife, Marty Jarreau of Central, LA; daughter, Darlene Marcello of Mandeville,LA ;son, Brent Jarreau of Central, LA; grandsons, Sam Marcello of Austin, TX and Jackson Jarreau of Mandeville, LA ;sisters, Gayle Templet (Baton Rouge, LA), Linda Doiron (Denham Springs, LA), Gloria Hoggatt (Baton Rouge, LA), and Sherrilyn O'Neal (Baton Rouge, LA); brother, Carlos Lopez (Port Allen, LA); Sister-in-law, Fran Jarreau (Gonzales, LA) and Numerous nieces and nephews.

Gwendolyn Kent Mc‐

He is preceded in death by his father, Leroy Jarreau, Sr.; Mother, Nora B. Borne; and brother, Leroy Jarreau, Jr.

Avisitation will be held on March 28, 2025 at 9AM St. Isidore CatholicChurch, with amemorial mass beginning at 11AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: St. Isidore CatholicChurch, Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank, Upper Room Ministries, P.O. Box 340004, Nashville, TN 37203-0004,or the charity of your choice.

The family would liketo express their sincere gratitude to those who provided compassionate care and support during Al'sfinal days: Chae, an amazing caregiver and friend, and thestaff at Heart of Hospice who offered invaluable guidance and support. Their love, patience, and commitment made aprofound difference in Al's journey, and their kindness will never be forgotten.

Jupiter, Carolyn Marie

Carolyn Marie Jupiter a native and resident of Napoleonville passed away on March 21, 2025 at the age of 67. Visiting 10am on Friday, March 28, 2025 at Bright Morning Star BC 511 Assumption St, Napoleonville until religious services at 12noon, con‐ducted by Rev Cleveland Washington, Pastor Inter‐ment in the church ceme‐tery. Please visit www dembyandson com to sign the guestbook

Matthews, Jeremy Dewayne 'Dude'

Jeremy Dewayne "Dude" Matthews, 36, of Ethel, Louisiana. Passed on March 13, 2025. He is survived by his parents, Debra and Jimmie Robinson; sisters, Kiley and Andrea Matthews; brothers, Jimmie (Ebony)Robinson Jr., Leonard Hampton, and Reginald Robinson; and daughters, Kaliyah and AmirieReed. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.Hewas preceded in death by his grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Visitation: Thursday, March 27, 2025, 6-8p.m., Richardson Funeral Home, Clinton, LA. Final viewing &graveside service: Friday, March 28, 2025, 10-11 a.m., F.T.

Matthews, Jeremy Dewayne 'Dude'

Jeremy Dewayne "Dude" Matthews, 36, of Ethel, Louisiana. Passedon March 13, 2025. He is survived by his parents, Debra and Jimmie Robinson; sisters, Kileyand Andrea Matthews; brothers, Jimmie (Ebony) Robinson Jr., Leonard Hampton, and Reginald Robinson; and daughters, Kaliyahand Amirie Reed. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Visitation: Thursday, March 27, 2025, 6-8p.m., Richardson Funeral Home, Clinton, LA. Final viewing &graveside service: Friday, March 28, 2025, 10-11 a.m.,F.T. Missionary Baptist Church, Jackson, LA.

McCauley, Gwendolyn Kent 'Gwen'

Gwendolyn Kent Mc‐Cauley, “Gwen”, 74, a resi‐dent of Jackson, LA, died on Monday, March 24, 2025 She was a State Farm In‐surance Agent for over 36 years There will be a visi‐tation at Charlet Funeral Home, Inc in Zachary LA on Thursday, March 27, 2025 from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm and then on Friday, March 28, 2025 from 10:00 am until funeral services at 11:00 am, conducted by William Free. Burial will be in Jackson Cemetery She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Thomas O’Neal McCauley “Neal”; one daughter, Kristi McCauley Bigner and husband Der‐rick Bigner Jr. of Ethel, LA; one son Bryan McCauley and wife Patsy McCauley of Kentwood LA; five grandchildren: Ariana Bigner Howell, Braelon Bigner, Chelsea McCauley Baird, Ashley McCauley Bourgeois, and Elizabeth Henry; and seven greatgrandchildren: Sofia How‐ell, Sybel Howell, John Aubrey Howell, Emma Baird, Landri Baird, Natalie Bourgeois, and Isaac Henry She was preceded in death by her father, Ju‐lian D. Kent, Sr., mother, Lois Ricks Kent, sister Mary Jane Kent and brother Ju‐lian D. Kent Jr Pallbearers will be Bryan McCauley Derrick Bigner Jr., Chip Kent, Al Brown, Larry Pe‐ters, Frank McCauley, III, and Eddie Peters. She was a graduate of Jackson High School and The American College. She was a CLU (Chartered Life Under‐writer) and a State Farm Select Agent She received the Legion of Honor Bronze Tablet, the Silver Scroll, the Golden Triangle and the Crystal Excellence She was a member of the Church of Christ in Jack‐son LA She enjoyed cook‐ing, sewing, spending time with her family, putting puzzles together and trav‐eling Share sympathies, memories and condo‐lences at www CharletFune

Cauley, “Gwen”, 74, a resi‐dent of Jackson, LA, died on Monday, March 24, 2025. She was a State Farm In‐surance Agent for over 36 years. There will be a visi‐tation at Charlet Funeral Home, Inc. in Zachary, LA on Thursday, March 27, 2025 from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm and then on Friday March 28, 2025 from 10:00 am until funeral services at 11:00 am, conducted by William Free. Burial will be in Jackson Cemetery. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Thomas O’Neal McCauley “Neal”; one daughter, Kristi McCauley Bigner and husband Der‐rick Bigner Jr of Ethel LA; one son, Bryan McCauley and wife Patsy McCauley of Kentwood, LA; five grandchildren: Ariana Bigner Howell, Braelon Bigner, Chelsea McCauley Baird, Ashley McCauley Bourgeois, and Elizabeth Henry; and seven greatgrandchildren: Sofia How‐ell, Sybel Howell, John Aubrey Howell, Emma Baird, Landri Baird Natalie Bourgeois, and Isaac Henry. She was preceded in death by her father Ju‐lian D Kent, Sr., mother, Lois Ricks Kent, sister Mary Jane Kent, and brother Ju‐lian D Kent Jr. Pallbearers will be Bryan McCauley, Derrick Bigner Jr Chip Kent, Al Brown, Larry Pe‐ters Frank McCauley, III, and Eddie Peters. She was a graduate of Jackson High School and The American College She was a CLU (Chartered Life Under‐writer), and a State Farm Select Agent. She received the Legion of Honor Bronze Tablet the Silver Scroll the Golden Triangle, and the Crystal Excellence. She was a member of the Church of Christ in Jack‐son, LA. She enjoyed cook‐ing, sewing, spending time with her family putting puzzles together, and trav‐eling. Share sympathies memories, and condo‐lences at www CharletFune ralHome.com

Jr., Louis

Louis Patrick, Jr. de‐parted this life on Monday, March 3 2025, at Thibo‐daux Regional Medical Center He was 72, a native and resident of Napoleonville LA Visita‐tion on Friday, March 28, 2025, at Williams and Southall Funeral Home from 9:00 am to religious services at 11:00 am. Cre‐mation to follow. Arrange‐ments by Williams & Southall Funeral Home, 5414 Hwy. 1 Napoleonville LA, (985) 369-7231. To sign the guest book or offer condolences, visit our web‐site at www williamsand southallfuneralhome.com

Coralie Dolese

Coralie Dolese Savoie passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 21, 2025, at the age of 89 in BatonRouge, Louisiana. She was adevoted wife for 69 years to Judge Felix H. Savoie, Jr. She was the beloved mother of seven children: Dr. Felix H. "Buddy" Savoie, III, MD (Amy), Dr. Robert A. "Bobby" Savoie (Lori), Dr. Michael J.

Coralie Dolese Savoie passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 21, 2025, at the age of 89 in BatonRouge, Louisiana. She was adevoted wife for 69 years to Judge Felix H. Savoie, Jr. She was the beloved mother of seven children: Dr. Felix H. "Buddy" Savoie, III, MD (Amy), Dr. Robert A. "Bobby" Savoie (Lori), Dr. Michael J. Savoie (Rena), Mr. Thomas J. "Tommy" Savoie (Paula), Mr. Matthew C. Savoie (Jennifer), Dr. Luke B. Savoie, and Ms. Melissa M.M. Savoie, Esq.She had 23 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, Dr. Robert and Mrs. Edrye Simmons Dolese, in-laws Mr. Felix H. Savoie, Sr. and Mrs. Winnie Hebert Savoie; her siblings, Robert Dolese and his wife Martha, sister Audrey Dolese Calecas and her husband Dr. Raymond Calecas, brother-in-law Ridley Gros, children Luke Savoie and Melissa Savoie, and grandson Matthew F. Savoie. She is survived by her sister, Kathleen Dolese Gros, and her husband, Judge Felix H. Savoie, Jr. She was born and raised in Thibodaux, Louisiana, graduated from Thibodaux High School and attended LSU before marrying Felix Savoie. Coralie was sweet, caring, humble, and always happy. She could always find thegood in any situation. She loved LSU sports, going to the beach, gardening, music, traveling, and playing tennis in her younger years. But most of all, she loved spending timewith her family. She was adevout Catholic and lived as a child of God in every aspect of her life. Visitation will be held at Our Ladyof Mercy Catholic Church, 445 Marquette Ave, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on March 29, 2025, at 10:00 AM, followed by afuneral mass at 11:00 AM.

Schexnaydre, Agnes Martine

Agnes Martine Schexnaydre, 91, passed away peacefully on March 20, 2025. Born December 9, 1933, she was the sixth daughter of Charles A. and Lillian Landry Martine and

Agnes Martine Schexnaydre, 91, passed away peacefully on March 20, 2025. Born December 9, 1933, shewas the sixth daughter of Charles A. and Lillian Landry Martine and was the devoted wife of the late Nolte Schexnaydre. Family and friends are invited to avisitation on Friday March 28, 2025 at St. Anthony of PaduaCatholic Church in Darrow, LA from 10:00 am until aMass of Christian Burial at 12:00 PM. Internment immediately following at Ascension of OurLord Mausoleum, Donaldsonville, LA. Agnes is survived by her nieces; Dee Dee Nettles (Ronald), Mary Noel (Steven), Anne Bergeron (Barry) andnephews; Charles, Rod (Mara Lee Morgan), Peter, John (Betsy), David (Jada Kerek) Roques; as well as 19 great and 36 great great nieces and nephews. Sheisalso survived by herbrother-inlaw James Coerver and sisters-in-law IoneSchexnaydre Leblanc, Carmen "Lady" Schexnaydre and Frankie Schexnaydre. She is preceded in death by her five sisters, Marion Roques (Maurice), Rose Mary Coerver, Marie Teresa Martine, Frances Lucille Martine, Clementine Adele Martine, niece Christine Roques Matassa and great nephew Ned Roques. Agnes was adevout member of St. AnthonyofPadua Catholic Church performing variousroles of service in the parish.Education was her calling. Agraduate of Redemptorist High School, Agnes earned her bachelor's degree from Southeastern Louisiana University and her master's degree from LSU. She dedicated 30 years to teaching in East Baton Rouge parish before embarking on asecondcareer as librarian at St. Theresa of Avila Catholic School. She was devoted to her family, eagerly entertaining or providingchildcare for numerousgreat- and great-great-nieces and nephews, cooking Sunday lunch for the extended family eachweek for over 50 years, and savoring even thesimplest moments with Nolte. Hers was alife well lived—an enduring example of faith love, and family. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to St. Anthony of PaduaCatholic Church or St. Theresa of Avila Catholic Church food bank or school.

James Thomas Stewart entered into eternal rest at Baton Rouge General Med‐ical Center- Bluebonnet on March 17, 2025. He was a 97-year old native of Cor‐ner Louisiana. Visiting at Wesley United Methodist Church on Friday, March 28, 2025 at 9:00 am until Celebration of Life Service at 11:00:am; interment at Louisiana National Ceme‐tery. Survivors include his children Jerome Hinyard (Emily), Zachary, Louisiana; Rose Beal, Janice Hall, and Jocelyn Stewart all of Baton Rouge; and Sh‐eryl Norwood Baker Louisiana; one sister, Thelma Scott, Sacramento California; six grandchil‐dren; five great-grandchil‐dren; a host of other rela‐tives and friends; preceded in death by his wife, Mil‐dred H. Stewart; parents; and three brothers Arrangements entrusted to Miller & Daughter Mortu‐ary

Ozone

DEATHS continued from

Savoie, Coralie Dolese

Schexnaydre, Agnes

Martine

Stewart, James Thomas

Patrick

Webb Jr., Joseph R.

Joseph R. Webb Jr's (Joey) life will be celebrated on April 12, 2025, 10:00 am at Winnfield Funeral Home. He was extremely loved by Joseph R. Webb Sr., deceased father and Marva Garner, deceased mother. He will be extremely missed by his only child Kiara Webb.

Savoie,

ARMED AND READY

O-lineman Campbell dismisses arm-length criticism

BY WILSON ALEXANDER Staff writer

Last month, Will Campbell went through a series of bodily measurements at the NFL scouting combine. One of them was for the length of his arms, a factor in the evaluation of an offensive lineman, and Campbell came in at 32 inches, supporting an idea that teams may want to move him from left tackle to guard.

Campbell didn’t believe the measurement, so he had his arms looked at again Wednesday during LSU’s pro day. This

time, they were 33 inches.

Have they magically grown? Campbell, who did not work out Wednesday, said the number at the combine was wrong.

“I knew my arms were 33 inches,”

Campbell said. “Height, weight, wingspan, arm length everybody was kind of deducted at the combine. That’s why I measured in again today, even though I didn’t do anything, because I knew that’s not right.”

The rest of Campbell’s measurements Wednesday were consistent with what was recorded at the combine. He was listed just under 6-foot-6 and 317 pounds

with 91/2-inch hands and a 771/4-inch wingspan. His wingspan at the combine was reportedly 773/8 inches.

“There were a lot of people at the combine who had messed up measurements,”

Campbell said. “That’s why you don’t see too much about it other than media people because nobody really bought into it. Quite frankly, nobody really cares.”

Although Campbell is considered a potential top-10 pick in the NFL draft next month, the length of his arms has been scrutinized throughout the pre-draft

ä See CAMPBELL, page 3C

LSU pitchers walking a fine line in SEC

BY KOKI RILEY Staff writer

A saying in baseball is: “Let them hit it.”

Zurich looks to build off 2024 success

BY JEFF DUNCAN Sports writer

Zurich Classic officials have a good problem on their hands: How do they top last year’s tournament, which, by all accounts, was the best in the event’s history?

Bringing back wildly popular reigning champions Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry is a good place to start. Adding Collin Morikawa and Kurt Kitayama to this year’s field won’t hurt, either The commitments of Morikawa, the world’s No. 4-ranked player, and Kitayama were announced by tournament officials at the Zurich Classic’s annual media day news conference Wednesday “Last year was a record year for us, we had so many positive things happen for us,” said tournament director Steve Worthy, the CEO of the Fore!Kids Foundation, which operates the tournament for the PGA Tour “We’re in a great place for another big event this year, and the field, as usual, is coming together well. We continue to focus on having the best players in the world here.”

Buoyed by idyllic weather and the exploits of McIlroy and Lowry, the 2024 Zurich set records for attendance, media coverage and proceeds. More than 116,000 fans attended the four-day tournament, and TV viewership for the CBS and Golf Channel broadcasts increased 30% from the previous year

The presence of McIlroy and Lowry at the April 24-27 tournament should ensure another strong event. McIlroy is ranked No. 2 in the latest World Golf Rankings after his playoff victory at The Players Championship in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. He also won the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am earlier this year Lowry, meanwhile, has ascended to No. 12 in the world rankings after top10 finishes in the Valspar Championship and Arnold Palmer Invitational and 12th-place finish at The Players Championship.

“It’s massive to have them back,” Worthy said. “Both of them are in good form and playing well. Rory moves the needle as much as anyone in golf.” Morikawa has posted two seconds and a tie for 10th in five tournaments this year He won the 2020 PGA Championship and the 2021 Open Championship. He and Kitayama teamed to finish tied for 23rd at last year’s Zurich.

BY SCOTT RABALAIS Staff writer

Kailin Chio may not have been the first freshman everyone was talking about in the Southeastern Conference before the season started, but that’s exactly how it ended up. The LSU standout earned SEC Freshman of the Year honors as well as a place on the All-SEC team Wednesday She was joined on the All-SEC squad by teammates Haleigh Bryant, Aleah Finnegan and Konnor McClain. A native of Henderson, Nevada, Chio was named SEC Freshman of the Week a record nine times during the Tigers’ 11-week regular season. In the final individual rankings heading into NCAA competition next week, Chio is ranked No. 2 nationally on vault No. 6 on balance beam and No. 5 as an allarounder Chio competed as an all-arounder in every meet for the Tigers this season, including at the SEC championships

The lack of command is the leading issue with LSU’s staff as conference play continues this weekend when the Tigers host Mississippi State for a threegame series beginning Thursday at Alex Box Stadium (7 p.m., SEC Network).

“We look at everything in terms of strikes,” LSU coach Jay Johnson said. “There’s a premi-

There’s a lot of truth in that line of thinking. From a pitcher’s perspective, forcing a hitter to put the ball in play and earn his way on base, instead of walking the batter, is logical But LSU baseball’s biggest issue through 26 games has been limiting free bases. The Tigers are tied for fourth in the SEC in walks. They haven’t hit many batters, but they’re also tied for first in the conference in wild pitches.

um on strike one, there’s a premium on two (strikes) out of the first three (pitches), and there’s a premium on executing the strike to finish the hitter, whether that’s a strikeout or weak contact.” Free passes haven’t been an issue for sophomore left-hander Kade Anderson, freshman righthander Casan Evans or junior right-hander Zac Cowan. As the competition has improved, they’ve elevated with it. But that hasn’t been the case for many LSU pitchers through two weekends of SEC play Pitchers other than Cowan

Anderson and Evans walked nine batters in 121/3 innings last weekend against Texas. Against Missouri the week before they walked 11 hitters.

“I’m optimistic that the best is yet to come for those guys,” Johnson said Saturday

The walks have created more traffic on the bases, leading to bigger innings and more runs on the board. But throwing strikes won’t solve every issue LSU has. It also needs to limit big hits and big innings, a problem it faced

“Collin and Kurt posted some very low scores in the best ball format last year,” Worthy said. “Clearly they are comfortable with each other, and we are excited to have them repeat as partners.”

Commitments from more top players are expected to be announced in the days and weeks ahead as tournament week approaches, Worthy said. The tournament’s recent success and popularity have forced one major logistical change: Satellite parking for the event has been moved from the John A. Alario Event Center to nearby NOLA Motor Sports Park. The move

SEC gymnastics awards

All-SEC team

Haleigh Bryant, LSU Kailin Chio, LSU Aleah Finnegan, LSU Konnor McClain, LSU Gabby Gladieux, Alabama Lilly Hudson, Alabama Joscelyn Roberson Arkansas Selena Harris-Miranda, Florida Leanne Wong, Florida Lily Smith, Georgia Hailey Davis, Kentucky Isabella Magnelli, Kentucky Amari Celestine, Missouri Helen Hu Missouri Jocelyn Moore, Missouri Mara Titarsolej,

STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

STAFF FILE PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

LSU gymnast Kailin Chio starts her routine on the floor in the SEC meet against Missouri on Jan. 31 at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center On Wednesday, she was named SEC Freshman of the year

Skenes gets first opening-day start

Most MLB teams set to debut in 2025 on Thursday

BY RONALD BLUM AP baseball writer

NEW YORK Juan Soto, Blake

Snell and Clay Holmes debut for new teams, Paul Skenes makes his first opening-day start at age 22 and Sandy Alcántara returns from Tommy John surgery A week after the reigning champion Los Angeles Dodgers swept an opening two-game series over the Chicago Cubs in Tokyo, 26 other teams get underway Thursday on opening day in the U.S and Canada.

One day later the Rays and Rockies become the final clubs to take the field, given extra time while Tampa Bay moved into the New York Yankees’ Steinbrenner Field, its temporary home this season after Hurricane Milton destroyed Tropicana Field’s roof.

With Oakland stripped from its name, the cityless Athletics start the first of at least three years at a makeshift minor league home in Sacramento when they host the Cubs on Monday But first, the A’s start at Seattle with Luis Severino on the mound after he agreed to a team-record $67 million, threeyear contract.

Across the majors, Miami’s Clayton McCullough makes his major league managing debut and Cincinnati’s Terry Francona and Will Venable of the Chicago White Sox start tenures with new teams.

Banged-up Yankees open

Action begins in the Bronx when Carlos Rodón makes his first opening-day start for the reigning AL champion New York Yankees, who are without three-fifths of their starting rotation after injuries to Gerrit Cole, Luis Gil and Clarke Schmidt. In addition, Giancarlo Stanton and DJ LeMahieu are hurt.

Freddy Peralta pitches for Milwaukee, which could see former closer Devin Williams for the first time since he buckled in the ninth inning of NL Wild Card Series Game 3, when he allowed a go-ahead, three-run homer to the Mets’ Pete Alonso.

$765 million reasons

Soto signed a record $765 million, 15-year contract to leave the Yankees and join the Mets, who totaled $1.36 billion in payroll and luxury tax over four years under owner Steve Cohen but remain without a title since 1986. New York is 41-22 in openers, at .651 the best winning percentage of any franchise. After losing their first eight, the Mets have won 41 of their last 55.

Holmes left the Yankees for a $38 million, three-year deal with the Mets and will make his first start since 2018 with Pittsburgh. Framber Valdez will be on the mound for the Astros.

Raising the flag

After winning their second title in a five-year span and eighth overall, the Dodgers lift the World Series flag above Chavez Ravine before their home opener against

LSU GYM

Continued from page 1C

suffered in December, Bryant won her second straight SEC allaround title this past weekend as well as a share of the SEC beam title with Finnegan, giving Bryant a school record-tying five SEC individual titles overall. She has 105 career victories, thirdmost in program history behind Ashleigh Clare-Kearney Thigpen (114) and Burkholder (108).

Finnegan posted a perfect 10 on beam against Georgia, the ninth of her career, and tying for second-most in LSU history behind Bryant’s 18. The beam title was the first SEC individual crown for

Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes delivers during spring training against the Baltimore Orioles on March 1 in Sarasota, Fla

Detroit.

Snell, a 2018 and ’23 Cy Young Award winner, joined Los Angeles for a $182 million, five-year contract that was part of a spending spree in which the Dodgers committed $458.5 million to nine players.

AL Cy Young winner Tarik

Skubal starts for the Tigers, who won 15 of their final 20 games last season, then swept Houston in a Wild Card Series and lost to Cleveland in a five-game Division Series.

First of many?

Skenes, the NL Rookie of the Year, will be at 22 years, 302 days when he takes the mound at Miami, the youngest opening day starting pitcher since the Marlins’ José Fernández at 21-243 in 2014. Alcántara makes his first appearance for Miami since Sept. 3, 2023.

The 2022 NL Cy Young winner had Tommy John surgery that Oct. 6. Clayton McCullough makes his debut as Marlins manager after replacing Skip Schumaker

Sale opens for Braves

NL Cy Young winner Chris Sale starts his sixth opener but first for Atlanta after three for the White Sox and two for Boston. With Yu Darvish sidelined by elbow inflammation, Michael King start for the Padres he pitched seven scoreless innings against the Braves with 12 strikeouts in last year’s Wild Card Series opener New faces with Red Sox

Garrett Crochet starts for Boston at Texas after his offseason acquisition from the White Sox, who started the left-hander in the opener of what turned into a record 121-loss season last year

Alex Bregman takes over at third base after agreeing to a $120 million, three-year contract, while Rafael Devers moves to

the fourth-year senior from Lee’s Summit, Missouri, helping her to her second All-SEC distinction. McClain, a sophomore from Las Vegas, repeated with SEC honors.

LSU gymnasts now have won a total of 116 All-SEC honors in all.

LSU heads into NCAA competition as the No. 1 overall seed for the first time ever

The Tigers will make their 40th straight NCAA regional appearance April 3 in the Pennsylvania regional at Penn State. LSU’s semifinal will be against No. 16 Arkansas, Michigan and the Maryland-West Virginia play-in winner from April 2.

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designated hitter and 22-year-old Kristian Campbell appears set to start at second base in his major league debut.

Nathan Eovaldi becomes the first pitcher to make consecutive opening-day starts for Texas since Kevin Millwood from 2006-09. Gallen starts against Cubs

Zac Gallen was picked over Corbin Burnes to start for Arizona against the Cubs, making his third straight opening-day start. Justin Steele makes his second start of the season for Chicago after allowing five runs over four innings in the second game loss to the Dodgers last week.

On the road

Before starting their Sacramento tenancy on Monday against the Cubs, the vagabond Athletics open at Seattle with Severino, the third straight pitcher to make his A’s debut by starting opening day after Kyle Muller and Alex Wood.

Coming off his first All-Star selection, Logan Gilbert starts his first Seattle opener

Dan Wilson begins his first full season as Mariners manager after replacing Scott Servais last August.

Blue Jays seek a sixth win

José Berríos starts his fifth opener and joins Jimmy Key, Dave Stieb and Roy Halladay as the only pitchers to start three for Toronto, who have the longest opening day winning streak in the big leagues

Outfielder Anthony Santander debuts for the Blue Jays.

Zach Eflin, acquired from the Rays last summer will be on the mound for the Orioles and will become the fourth pitcher since 1900 to start consecutive openers against the same opponent for different teams, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

The others were Sad Sam Jones,

Wes Ferrell and Madison Bumgarner

Another Japanese start

Making his Los Angeles Angels debut, Kikuchi follows opening starts in Japan last week by the Dodgers’ Yoshinobu Yamamoto and the Cubs’ Shota Imanaga. Wheeler at it again

Zack Wheeler at 34 becomes the oldest Philadelphia pitcher to make consecutive opening-day starts since Halladay pitched his third straight in 2012. MacKenzie Gore at 26 will be the Nationals’ youngest opening-day starter since Stephen Strasburg in 2014.

AL Central clash

Cole Ragans at 27 will be the youngest Kansas City pitcher to start two openers in a row since 27-year-old Jeff Suppan pitched his third straight in 2002. In an AL Central matchup, Tanner Bibee starts for Cleveland after agreeing to a $48 million, five-year contract.

Francona returns

Francona starts his 24th season as a big league manager at age 65 after taking a season off and regaining his health following 11 seasons with Cleveland Hunter Greene starts for the Reds, who have opened exclusively with right-handers since 1999.

Twins face Cardinals

Pablo López becomes the first Minnesota pitcher to start three openers in a row since Brad Radke’s seven from 1999-2005.

Sonny Gray starts his fourth opener and first for St. Louis after outings for Oakland and Cincinnati. The Cardinals open their last season under president of baseball operations John Mozeliak, who has been in charge since October 2007 and will be replaced next fall by Chaim Bloom.

LSU gymnast Konnor McClain performs her routine on the balance beam at the SEC home meet against Florida on Jan. 17 at the PMAC. McClain was named to the All-SEC team on Wednesday.

IN BRIEF FROM STAFF AND

Patriots sign WR Diggs as new target for Maye FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The New England Patriots have signed free agent wide receiver Stefon Diggs, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press, giving quarterback Drake Maye a prime target as he heads into his second season.

ESPN reported on Tuesday night that the deal is for three years and $69 million, with $26 million guaranteed.

Diggs’ agents did not immediately respond to messages from The Associated Press seeking confirmation.

A four-time Pro Bowl selection with the Buffalo Bills, Diggs led the league with 127 receptions and 1,535 receiving yards in 2020. He is coming off an ACL injury that limited him to eight games last year in Houston.

CBS’ Danielson will retire at end of 2025 season

NEW YORK Longtime CBS Sports college football analyst Gary Danielson will retire after the 2025 season. That will be his 36th season on television, making him the longesttenured college football analyst on any network.

“As we enter our second full season of Big Ten football and my 20th at CBS Sports, the timing just feels right,” Danielson said Wednesday in a statement.

Danielson, who will turn 74 in September, played 11 seasons in the NFL before joining ESPN in 1990. He called games for ESPN and ABC for 16 seasons before joining CBS in 2006.

CBS carried the top Southeastern Conference game through the 2023 season.

Bucks say Lillard has deep vein thrombosis in right calf MILWAUKEE Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard likely will be sidelined indefinitely with the team announcing Tuesday night that he has deep vein thrombosis in his right calf and is taking bloodthinning medication.

The Bucks provided the update on the seven-time All-NBA guard’s status without offering a target date for his potential return.

Lillard has missed the last three games for the Bucks, who closed a five-game trip Wednesday at Denver Thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot inside a blood vessel.

The Bucks said Lillard’s medication has stabilized the thrombosis and that he will continue with regular testing. Lillard, 34, is the second high-profile player to be sidelined this season because of DVT

Xavier hires Pitino as basketball coach

There will be more than one Pitino in the Big East next season. Xavier hired Richard Pitino, the son of St. John’s coach Rick Pitino, as its basketball coach on Tuesday night. The school had an opening after Sean Miller left to accept the Texas job on Monday Richard Pitino takes over the Xavier program after four years at New Mexico, where he led the Lobos to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances. New Mexico went 27-8 this season and was eliminated by Michigan State 71-63 in the second round of the NCAAs on Sunday The younger Pitino was the Mountain West Coach of the Year this season after the Lobos won the conference’s regular-season title. He went 88-49 at New Mexico and has an overall mark of 247-186.

Hodge of North Texas hired as West Virginia coach

West Virginia hired Ross Hodge of North Texas as its men’s basketball coach on Wednesday The 44-year-old Hodge replaces Darian DeVries, who left after one season for Indiana. Hodge agreed to a five-year deal to become West Virginia’s fourth coach in four seasons.

“Ross Hodge is a proven winner and leader who has demonstrated success at every stop of his career,” West Virginia athletic director Wren Baker said in a statement. Hodge is 46-23 in two seasons as coach of the Mean Green, who are 27-8 this season and advanced to the National Invitation Tournament semifinals next Tuesday in Indianapolis. Hodge has been part of staffs that went to three NCAA tournaments, including an

JOHNSON

AP FILE PHOTO By STEPHANIE SCARBROUGH

Payton trying to stick in latest stint with Pels

If you watched Elfrid Payton on Monday night, you wouldn’t have known he hadn’t played significant minutes in an NBA game in more than a month.

You also wouldn’t have been able to tell that Payton was on the court playing alongside several teammates who barely touched the floor during his stint with the New Orleans Pelicans earlier this season. Instead, Payton looked like a floor general who hadn’t missed a beat in the Pelicans’ 112-99 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. Payton came off the bench and played 24 minutes, dishing out 14 assists to go with six points and six rebounds. Not bad for a guy who last week signed a 10-day contract with the Pelicans, almost four months after the team waived him in early December Since being waived, he spent time with the Birmingham Squadron, the Pelicans’ G League affiliate. He also played on two 10-day contracts with the Charlotte Hornets. He played 12 minutes last week in a blowout road loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, but Monday’s game was the first time he’s played more than 20 minutes in a game since late February when he was with the Hornets

Making this one more special is that it came in the Smoothie King Center, right across the river from Payton’s hometown of Gretna. Payton appreciates another opportunity, and he ap-

preciated the cheers he received from the crowd when he checked into the game.

“It felt good,” Payton said. “Felt like I was at home again. I love being here. This is the best thing ever.”

Payton didn’t take long to make his presence felt. He recorded seven assists in his first nine minutes in the game.

“I’ll say it again,” Pelicans coach Willie Green said. “There is no way he shouldn’t be on a roster He is that good. He can pass the ball. He knows how to throw you open sometimes. Even when you don’t know you’re open, the ball is hitting you right in your hands on time and on target. He’s an excellent defender and floor leader We’re glad to have him.”

Payton, who played at John Ehret High School and then at UL, has been in the NBA since 2014 when he was drafted in the first round by the Orlando Magic. The Pelicans, who he played for in the 2018-19 season, are one of five NBA teams to employ Payton. He’s also spent some time playing overseas.

But Payton, who turned 31 in February, never doubted he deserves a spot in the NBA.

“You go through this journey and you have all these things happen to you,” he said. “So it’s easy to have doubt. But I stayed confident and remained confident and had the right people in my circle and the work paid off.”

Continued from page 1C

process perhaps more than any part of his game. NFL teams typically prefer offensive tackles with at least 34-inch arms so they can reach pass rushers.

“For two years, nobody had any measurements on me and nobody said anything about my play,” Campbell said. “So now, all of a sudden, an arm length decides if I’m a good player or not? I think it’s BS. “But any decision-makers in the NFL, they don’t really care It’s all people who don’t coach, and they don’t coach for a reason.” With Campbell, there’s not much else to nitpick. He was a consensus All-America selection last season, making him LSU’s first on the offensive line since center Ben Wilkerson in 2004. Campbell received first-team AllSEC recognition twice during his career, and he won the 2024 SEC Jacobs Blocking Trophy, which has gone to the top offensive lineman in the conference since 1935. Campbell did not participate in the testing or positional drills at pro day, letting his combine

numbers stand. He ran the fifthfastest 40-yard dash among offensive linemen (4.98 seconds) at the combine, and his standing broad jump of 9 feet, 5 inches was second in the group.

Since the combine ended, Campbell said he has gotten “out of the underwear Olympics mindset and back to playing ball.” He feels ready to get on the field again after months of training for specific tests.

But which position will Campbell play? He said he will play “wherever the coach tells me to,” but despite speculation about teams moving him to guard because of his arm length, Campbell said only two of the teams that he has talked to view him as a guard

“And that’s because they already have tackles,” Campbell said. “Other than that, everybody knows what position I play, and everybody knows my mindset on that.

“I’m willing to do whatever it takes to help the team win and get on the field as early as possible. But everybody knows that I can play tackle.”

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Payton’s 14 assists on Monday give him two of the top three assist games for the Pelicans this season. His 21 assists against the Indiana Pacers are the most. Dejounte Murray had 15 assists in a game. In Payton’s 21-assist game in November, 16 of his assists were to players who didn’t dress out Monday Trey Murphy, on the receiving end of seven of those assists in November is out for the season. CJ McCollum, who scored on six Payton assists in that game, had a rest day Monday Daniel Theis and

Javonte Green are no longer on the team. So it was new teammates such as Kelly Olynyk and Lester Quinones benefiting from Payton’s assists. The Pelicans recorded 36 assists, one shy of the seasonhigh 37 assists they had in an overtime game against the Denver Nuggets.

“We were playing with good pace,” Payton said. “Got a couple easy ones, and we did a good job of pushing the ball in transition.”

Now Payton looks to make the most of the rest of this opportunity

Green said Payton belongs on an NBA roster, and Payton wants to prove him right.

“He’s somebody that sees the talent and caliber of players on a nightly basis,” Payton said of Green’s assessment. “So I think he would know a little about what he’s talking about and who belongs and who doesn’t. So to get that from him means a lot.

“Obviously, I still have more to show and I’m going to do my best to take advantage of that.”

Email Rod Walker at rwalker@ theadvocate.com.

NFL competition committee proposes changes on kickoffs

BY JOSH DUBOW AP pro football writer

The NFL competition committee is recommending making the dynamic kickoff rule permanent and moving touchbacks to the 35-yard line in hopes of generating even more returns.

The competition committee released several potential rule changes for 2025 on Wednesday, including an expansion of instant replay that will be considered next week at the league meetings in Palm Beach, Florida. Any rule change must be approved by 24 out of 32 team owners. Teams submitted several proposals last week that also could be voted on at the league meetings, including banning the “tush push” and changing playoff seeding rules.

Owners approved a major change to the kickoff last year on a one-year trial basis and the committee recommended another change to increase the rate of returns without increasing the risk of injuries. The league had 332 additional returns last season with the rate increasing from a recordlow 21.8% in 2023 to 32.8% last season.

The committee hopes that moving the touchback on kicks that reach the end zone on the fly from the 30 to the 35 will incentivize kicking teams to opt for shorter kicks that lead to more returns with a projection that the rate of return could double.

“We think that’s a lot of motivation for people to kick the ball in play and get returns back in the game,” NFL Competition Committee chairman Rich McKay said.

The committee also proposed allowing teams to declare their intention for an onside kick at any point in the game when they are trailing instead of only in the fourth quarter and had a slight

tweak in the formation in hopes of slightly increasing the recovery rate. There was no interest by any team or the committee in changing the onside kick to a fourth and long play like there had been in the past, with league executive Troy Vincent calling it too “gimmicky.”

The committee proposed a few other tweaks to how players on the return team can align before the kick but the basics will remain the same with the kicker lining up at his own 35, the 10 coverage players at the 40, and at least nine blockers lined up in the “setup zone” between the 30and 35-yard line and up to two returners in the landing zone inside the 20. Any kick that reaches the end zone in the air can be returned, or the receiving team can opt for a touchback, which now will be at the 35.

Only the kicker and two returners are allowed to move until the ball hits the ground or

is touched by a returner inside the 20. According to the NFL, there were 59 returns of at least 40 yards last season, the most in the league since 2016, and seven TD returns. The concussion rate fell 43% from the previous three years and there were the fewest lower-extremity strains on kick return plays since 2018.

“We ended up with an injury rate very much like a play from scrimmage,” NFL executive Jeff Miller said. “That’s what the goal was. If the rule is passed and we do end up with more returns, we would presume, without any evidence to the contrary, that the injury rate will stay similar to a run or pass play.”

Miller also added that the chance of injury with more returns on kicks would be somewhat negated by fewer punts which have a higher injury rate than any other current play — thanks to improved field position under the new rule.

STAFF PHOTO By JAVIER GALLEGOS

Paris Shand sprints during a shuttle drill at the LSU pro day in the indoor practice facility on Wednesday.

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By DAVID J PHILLIP

The Kansas City Chiefs kick off to the Philadelphia Eagles at the start of Super Bowl LIX on Feb 9 at the Caesars Superdome.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By MATTHEW HINTON Pelicans guard Elfrid Payton shoots against Philadelphia 76ers forward Chuma Okeke during the first half of a game at Smoothie King Center on Monday.

Rod Walker

LSU head coach Matt McMahon waits for his players to return to the bench after a timeout against Mississippi Valley State on Dec. 29. STAFF PHOTO

By MICHAEL JOHNSON

LSU men’s needs defined as portal season ramps u

BY TOYLOY BROWN III Staff writer

A dearth of talent.

That was the biggest reason LSU men’s basketball plunged to 15th in the Southeastern Conference after finishing in the middle of the pack a season ago.

Jalen Reed’s season-ending ACL injury in December and Tyrell Ward’s decision not to play to focus on his mental health thinned the team’s talent pool.

LSU coach Matt McMahon didn’t have enough rotationcaliber experienced players to withstand these issues. He’ll have a fourth season to lead the program with increased NIL funding to get better players during the transfer portal window, which officially opened Monday During McMahon’s 13-minute interview on Tiger Rag Radio on Tuesday, he said he feels positive about his resources and that a turnaround to become an NCAA Tournament team next season is “realistic.”

“I think there’s been a great investment in men’s basketball, and I think we’re really well-positioned, from not only a retention standpoint but the ability to go out here and sign the players in the transfer portal that are going to come in here and impact winning and allow us to build a tournament team,” he said.

LSU (14-18, 3-15 SEC) has many positional needs as four players are out of eligibility and three more entered the transfer portal in Ward, Corey Chest and Mike Williams.

Here are some areas that LSU could target to improve next season:

Point guard

The Tigers’ scoring issues were as clear as their 133rd offensive

rating on KenPom.

Analysis

Offensive execution begins with point guard play, which was lackluster all season. Fifth-year transfer Jordan Sears had an underwhelming season as a shooter and facilitator He shot 37.8% from the field and averaged 2.4 assists per game, which was the lowest of any primary ballhandler in the SEC. Freshman point guard Curtis Givens shot 26.4% from the field and wasn’t an adept passer McMahon needs an experienced floor general who can organize his team, handle ball pressure, create advantages after screens and score efficiently from outside.

A star point guard is a winning formula that’s worked for SEC teams such as Alabama and Florida, who both have first-team All-Americans. It’s not an issue if LSU doesn’t have someone that impressive, as long as whomever McMahon gets is a steadying presence.

Rebounding depth

LSU’s issues on the boards were debilitating. It was 346th in the country in defensive rebounding percentage. Many fine defensive possessions were erased because of opponents’ second-chance points.

The injury to Reed, who is on track to return, played a role in the struggles. Freshman big Robert Miller will get stronger and could become a better rebounder as a sophomore.

The Tigers will need to replace Chest, who was the team’s best glass cleaner

The team relied heavily on 200-pound Daimion Collins, who posted the worst defensive rebounding rate (12.3%) of the 31 players who had a minutes per-

centage of 35% and were at 6-foot-8 in the SEC, accord the metrics site BarTorvik. Connected to rebounding good defensive decision-making. LSU needs to land someone damentally sound enough not move out of position by chasing needless blocks, which Chest Collins were guilty of often. id positioning would wipe some offensive rebounds allowed.

More talented wings

Butler wants to reach Final Four stage with new Kentucky team

BY STEVE MEGARGEE AP sportswriter

Lamont Butler doesn’t want to settle for just one shining moment on a Final Four stage.

The guy who made the buzzer beater to send San Diego State to the 2023 NCAA Tournament championship game is confident he can get back there as a fifth-year senior with Kentucky He has his new teammates believing that as well heading into No. 3 seed Kentucky’s Midwest Region semifinal matchup with No. 2 seed Tennessee (29-7) on Friday in Indianapolis.

Leading scorer Cam Carter was the one consistent offensive force for LSU. He averaged 16.4 points on 39.2% from beyond the arc and was a good defender Besides him, there were a lot of poor shooters or subpar defenders.

Graduate transfer Dji Bailey was a strong defender but was a 25.7% 3-point shooter on mostly open attempts. Freshman Vyctorius Miller was a talented scorer at times but struggled as a defender for most of the season. Against stronger SEC opponents, he wasn’t ready to contribute consistently and shot 28.6% from 3-point land in 12 conference games.

McMahon needs a pair of wings who can shoot and are capable defenders.

LSU ended the season realizing its best units included four players under 6-5. The defense that was sacrificed was worth it but it didn’t reap the benefits of added shooting as it was 335th in the country in 3-point percentage (30.5%).

Miller should be poised for a strong sophomore season after averaging 8.9 points as a freshman.

Welcoming new players who are capable shooters and defenders will make LSU’s path to making the NCAA Tournament clear

Betts, Lee and Prince are posting up in women’s

BY STEPHEN HAWKINS

AP sportswriter

AP All-America center Lauren Betts, Ayoka Lee and Sedona Prince are traditional post players, and all have been in the middle of their teams making it to the Sweet 16 in the women’s NCAA Tournament.

There just may not be as many players like them in the future with more teams opting for flexible posts who play on the perimeter and shoot 3-pointers Plus that is how players are now often being taught at younger ages.

“All these young ladies are getting more skilled. They’re able to step away from the basket. They are able to face up and play,” Kansas State coach Jeff Mittie said Even so, these women are excelling inside during this March Madness.

The 6-foot-7 Betts had 30 points and 14 rebounds for top-seeded UCLA in a second-round win over Richmond. The junior has made 63.6% of her 825 career field goal attempts over three years, and has a Bruins single-season record 90 blocked shots. Prince, also 6-7, combined for

March Madness

35 points and 14 rebounds to help TCU advance past the second round for the first time.

The 6-6 Lee has 33 points and 19 rebounds while playing only 43 minutes combined in K-State’s two tourney games, after missing 12 of the previous 13 games with a foot injury

Betts, with career averages of 13.3 points and 7.4 rebounds, said it takes more than just having the requisite size to be consistent and successful in the low post.

“Patience has always been my biggest thing,” said Betts, in her second season at UCLA after one at Stanford. “When I’m catching it inside, obviously there (are) a few people running at me at a time, so just making sure I’m not rushing myself.”

While UCLA coach Cori Close agrees that the game is evolving, the Bruins who next play fifthseeded Ole Miss on Friday night

— certainly take full advantage of having their dominant center

“So it just has this domino effect, but it starts with her,” Close said.

“The reality for us is that if she gets a touch — people work possessions all the time just to create rotation. Like how are we going to

do this, create rotation, flatten out their defense, force them to be in a scramble mode. We have a really good way We just pass it to Lauren and force that every single time.” Lee was a second-team AP AllAmerican as a junior in 2022, the same year she set an NCAA single-game record with 61 points against Oklahoma, but missed all of the following season because of a knee injury Her 64.1% field goal percentage this season is a career high, while averaging 15.6 points and 6.4 rebounds playing fewer than 19 minutes a game.

“I definitely have been a more traditional post, and that’s just where my strength lies,” Lee said. “Our coaches and our team have done a good job of building a strong guard presence around that. So I haven’t really had to really step out much.”

The fifth-seeded Wildcats play top-seeded USC on Saturday night. Earlier that day, second-seeded TCU faces third-seeded Notre Dame for the second time this season. Prince is among 11 transfers for TCU since coach Mark Campbell took over two years ago after the Horned Frogs went 1-17 in Big 12 games.

“I will say from day one our focus was winning a national championship,” Butler said. “The expectais to win. of winners continue that is a little difin its storied Butler’s tourwith San Diego essentially dn’t return a player who a point for ldcats last New coach Pope essenbuilt a roster scratch. Nine sfers had to accustomed to together the leader of teammate referenced it before e jokingly “LaMarch.” up to him in ow what he’s 6-foot-2 guard straight tournajumper as time expired in a 2023 NCAA semifinal gave San Diego State a 72-71 victory over Florida Atlantic, sending the Aztecs into a championship game they lost to UConn.

“Most of us talk about what happened to us,” Pope said “We talk about what happened to us. And champions, winners talk about what they made happen. It’s just the truth. It’s true.

ON DECK

WHO: LSU (23-3, 4-2 SEC) vs. Mississippi State (16-9, 1-5 SEC)

WHEN: 7 p.m.Thursday

WHERE: Alex Box Stadium

TV: SEC Network

RADIO: WDGL-FM, 98.1 (Baton Rouge); WWL-AM, 870 (New Orleans); KLWB-FM, 103.7 (Lafayette)

RANKINGS: LSU is No. 8 by

D1Baseball; Mississippi State is not ranked

LSU BASEBALL

Continued from page 1C

Saturday and Sunday against the Longhorns.

The bullpen, besides Evans and Cowan, gave up seven runs, nine hits and two home runs in four innings combined over the two days. Junior right-handed starter Anthony Eyanson let five of the last nine batters he faced reach base on Saturday, and redshirt sophomore right-handed starter Chase Shores surrendered seven hits — including a crucial two-run home run on Sunday

“Ones are better than a crooked number,” Johnson said Saturday Besides the Texas series, LSU has done a good job of limiting contact this season. It’s fifth in the conference in batting average against. But the struggles last weekend will be something to keep in mind as the Tigers face tough lineups throughout the rest of their SEC schedule.

“I think the guys that we put in the game, I definitely believe in them,” Johnson said Wednesday “And just as we’ve constantly talked about with Jared Jones over three years and even three weeks before the season (with) guys getting better, like, we’re on top of that.”

Improvement will be the name of the game for the pitching staff moving forward, but the good news for LSU is that it’s missing bats. The Tigers are fifth in the nation in strikeouts and seventh in strikeouts per nine innings.

Butler said he knew even around that time that this Kentucky team was capable of putting together a run similar to the one his San Diego State team made two years ago and perhaps doing even more.

“I kind of expected us to be in a good position from the summer to go win a national championship,” Butler said prior to the NCAA Tournament. “That’s on our mind. That’s what we’re going to do.”

Butler is averaging 11.1 points and 4.3 assists – career highs in both categories – despite dealing with a left shoulder injury dating to midJanuary that cost him six games He hurt it again in the Southeastern Conference Tournament and didn’t play in a quarterfinal loss to Alabama. Butler returned for a 7657 first-round NCAA victory over Troy and didn’t score at all, but he still contributed in so many other ways that he had a plus-minus rating of plus-22.

Butler, who has been wearing a brace on the shoulder, had 14 points and five assists in an 84-75 secondround triumph over Illinois.

“He’s really a dog,” Kentucky guard Otega Oweh said. “Going out there with one arm and giving it his all. He’s playing defense, and on top of that, he’s getting us into our offense. When you have someone that’s doing that, it just trickles down. You just want to out there and fight for him, too.”

Butler scares his opponents while calming his teammates. He’s providing the presence this team full of transfers needed as they try to get Kentucky back to the Final Four for the first time in a decade.

“I think everybody is hungry this year,” Butler said. “I feel like a lot of us came from smaller schools or different places and we were able to compete at one of the best schools ever We all wanted to be remembered here.” Butler already was going to be remembered for that shot he hit two years ago. Now he’s creating a whole new set of memories while wearing a different uniform.

“Lamont Butler is spending his whole lifetime talking about what he makes happen, and that’s a champion’s heart. And he doesn’t spend any time talking about what happened to him. He talks about all the stuff he makes happen. When you have a guy like that leading your crew like that, it’s pretty special.”

PROBABLE STARTERS: LSU — LHP Kade Anderson (5-0, 2.65 ERA); Mississippi State — RHP Evan Siary (0-0, 2.31 ERA) WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Anderson surrendered just two earned runs in six innings last weekend against Texas, his first career SEC road start. Siary will make his second start of the season on Thursday. His longest outing this year is a three-inning appearance against Old Dominion.

Koki Riley

LSU has the pitching talent to excel in the SEC. It’s just a matter of consistently executing pitches and gaining more experience against a higher level of competition.

LSU hardly brought back anyone from last year’s pitching staff. The Tigers lost 12 of their top 14 pitchers in terms of innings. Anderson and junior right-hander Gavin Guidry were the pitchers who came back, but Guidry has been out with a back injury since February and hasn’t pitched this season.

“I’ve said this before: The best coach any player ever has is playing time and experience,” Johnson said Wednesday “And it gets lost sometimes because of talented players but they haven’t been there in a lot of ways.”

The LSU pitching staff improved as last year went along. Christian Little became a key piece in the bullpen. Gage Jump arguably became the best starter after a slow start. Thatcher Hurd and Will Hellmers stepped up with big performances in the Chapel Hill Regional.

Even with an improved offense, LSU will need that to happen again this spring. And like last season’s team, throwing more strikes will have to be a part of that growth.

“Something I tell the team is, most games are lost in college baseball, not won,” Johnson said. “And we just want to be a hard team to play where we don’t really give the other team anything.”

Email Koki Riley at Koki.Riley@ theadvocate.com.

THE VARSITY ZONE

Episcopal, ACHS win state crowns

Area schools claim boys powerlifting titles

Staff report

Though they took different paths to victory, Episcopal and Ascension Catholic won boys team titles on the first day of the LHSAA powerlifting meet.

The Knights scored 47 points to outdistance Shreveport’s Calvary Baptist (28) in the Division IV competition held Wednesday at the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner It is the first boys powerlifting title for Episcopal.

Ascension Catholic won its second Division V title in four years in dramatic fashion. The Bulldogs and Sacred Heart of Ville Platte finished in a 40-40 tie in the

team scoring. Having a 3-1 edge in individual champions was the tiebreaker that gave Ascension Catholic its team title.

The four-day meet continues at 10 a.m. Thursday with Division IV-V girls competition.

“Two years ago, we tied for first but lost in a tiebreaker and last year we were second again,”

Episcopal coach Mark Harper said. “This is just amazing. This is a very senior group. They have competed at state before and knew what they needed to do.

“I am so proud of these guys it is a huge accomplishment for them and the school.”

Ascension Catholic coach Delmond Landry knew the Division V team race would go down to the wire Like Harper, Landry had an emotional response to the win.

“We brought nine guys to compete today and all nine scored points,” Landry said. “It took everyone to make this happen. And it was awesome to be part of it.

“We had one state record and a lot of personal bests. That’s the way you want to end your season.”

Baton Rouge area competitors also claimed three of the top four individual honors. The Knights’ Carson Furniss at 148 pounds and Reid Chauvin at 198 pounds were the outstanding lifters in Division IV Catholic-Pointe Coupee’s Justin Woods (132 pounds) was the top lifter on the light platform in Division V. Furniss had a total lift of 1,320 pounds that included a squat of 570 pounds, and he was the top lifter on the light platform in Division IV Chauvin was the heavyweight plat-

form winner with a three-lift total of 1,630 pounds that was more than 100 pounds better than the secondplace finisher Chauvin’s total included a 640-pound squat and a deadlift of 605. Sean Stewart at 165 was Episcopal’s other individual champion. Woods of CHSPC had a total lift of 1,040 pounds, including a 415-pound deadlift, in Division V. Brothers Raphael and Mace Melancon were individual champions for Ascension Catholic, along with superheavyweight Aiden Paine, who set a Division V record with a 625-pound squat. Paine had a three-lift total of 1,500. Raphael Melancon was the 123-pound champion with a 950 total lift. Mace Melancon had a total lift of 1,410 pounds to win the 198-pound weight class.

TIGERS SURGING

Dunham

ashes

BY WILLIAM WEATHERS

Contributing writer

Before the big bats soared later in the game, Dunham’s path to a District 8-2A tournament championship was covered in leather

UL shortstop signee Josh Lim turned in a highlight-reel play to end a scoring threat in the second inning and the Tigers turned two double plays for a 13-4 victory over Episcopal at Knights Field on Wednesday

“I have to give some credit to our coaching staff,” Dunham firstyear coach Hayden Jennings said “They did a good job scouting and knowing where the hitters were going to go. It wasn’t an accident that they hit it right to us.”

The defensive superlatives were part of the success story for Dunham (12-15), which took a 16-3 mercy-rule win over East Feliciana a day earlier

On Wednesday, led by second baseman/relief pitcher William Nikolaus and designated hitter Hopelond Eldridge, the Tigers

finished with 11 hits against four Episcopal pitchers with starter Brody Bailey (3-2) taking the loss.

Nikolaus went 4 for 5 and doubled in a pair of runs and Elridge highlighted a three-run seventh with three of his four RBIs on a homer to left field.

The Tigers, who were 4-8 earlier this season, reached double-figure runs for the fourth time. Starter Jace Crane (four innings, four hits, two walks, strikeout) was the winning pitcher

“Throughout the year the energy’s been up and down,” Nikolaus said. “We’ve had a lot of playeron-player meetings to get through the adversity It’s been a lot, but I finally think we’re starting to come together.” Episcopal (12-10) came up empty after a bases-loaded, no-out situation where Lim slid toward the hole up the middle to make the final out on a grounder from Henry Kucharchuk.

she shared her issues on mental health

By The Associated Press

FORT WORTH, Texas TCU standout guard Hailey Van Lith said that while difficult, she is glad to have shared publicly about mental health struggles she said she dealt with early in her basketball career

“It’s been very positive. I’ve received a lot of encouragement and also a lot of people, you know, sharing that they can relate or that I helped them feel understood,” Van Lith said Wednesday “That’s the whole point.”

Van Lith is getting ready to play in the Sweet 16 of the women’s NCAA Tournament for the fifth season in a row The Big 12 player of the year has helped lead the Horned Frogs that far for the first time, after going to a Final Four and two other Elite Eight games with Louisville before making another Elite Eight with LSU last year

The dynamic guard, also a prominent figure on social media in the era of name, image and likeness, broke down in tears after TCU’s second-round win Sunday over Louisville when asked about girls and boys of all ages wearing her No. 10 jersey and her being one of the faces for women’s college basketball.

“I mean, it’s a blessing. But I really — I’m really standing on God’s shoulders right now. He’s delivered me from so much, man, and so much pain and suffering and confusion,” she said then through tears. “It’s all glory to God, truly.”

It wasn’t until afterward in the locker room that Van Lith spoke about her mental health struggles after being exposed to the media and social media at such a young age, but making it clear that she is loving life now

“When I was younger in college, I was suicidal, I was heavily medicated and felt trapped. And you would never know it because I was having a ton of success on the court,” she said “But internally and in life in general, I was ready to be done. That’s what I mean when I speak on suffering and pain. I didn’t even want to live.”

Speaking on the Fort Worth campus on Wednesday, Van Lith said she first decided she needed to get help and get serious about her well-being after seeing the story about Katie Meyer, the Stanford goalie who committed suicide at her campus residence in March 2022.

Van Lith said she personally invested in a sports psychologist “who kind of doubles as like a normal therapist at the same time And also I think I’ve matured a lot. I’m older than I was. When I was going through a lot of my issues, I was like 19. So I was really young and I didn’t know how to handle a lot of things.”

Dunham took advantage of two of Episcopal’s three errors for a 3-0 lead in the third. The Tigers made it 5-0 in the fourth and extended that margin to 10-1 with a five-run sixth. Third baseman Dagen McMorris delivered a basesclearing double against Episcopal reliever Manny Carter

“In a game like this, it’s important to get that early lead and momentum. That inning carried over to the top of the third. We let the at bats get to our fielding. The whole momentum swung in that inning.”

“The momentum was early in the second inning when we had the bases loaded,” Episcopal coach Travis Bourgeois said. “Lim made that play and we didn’t score any runs.

PREP REPORT

Clark Par 36 Team scores 1. Zachary, 182; 2. West Feliciana, 195; 3. Baton Rouge High, 210 Medalists 1. Eli Morrow, West Feliciana, 40. 2. Tyler Vessell, Zachary, 44. 3. Teigen Broussard, Zachary, 44. 4. Tucker Cox, Zachary, 44. Powerlifting

LHSAA Division IV, V meet

Results from the LHSAA boys powerlifting championships in Kenner. Lifts in order of squat, bench press, deadlift and total weight. Team scores were unavailable at press time. Division IV 114 pounds: 1. Demario Woods, Many, 280-175-375-830. 2. Cade Lazarius, Calvary Baptist, 295-155-360-810. 3. Michael Hager, Pope John Paul II, 235-170-295-700. 123: 1. Evan Curry, Calvary Baptist, 375-220385-980. 2. Preston Ezell, Delhi Charter, 340175-350-865. 3. Remie Wimberley, Episcopal, 285-170-300-755. 132: 1. Dalton Creech, Calvary Baptist, 405-235-445-1085. 2. Kenneth McNeil, Union Parish, 335-175-405-915. 3. Dylan Vincent, Lake Arthur, 290-235-375-900. 148: 1. Carson Furniss, Episcopal, 570-255495-1320. 2. Braden Ford, Pickering, 425220-440-1085. 3. Daniel Lindsey, Episcopal, 425-195-450-1070. 165: 1. Sean Stewart, Episcopal, 455-280-5301265. 2. Talon Ladner, Dunham, 450-295-

505-1250. 3. Ryder Roan, Beekman Charter, 450-245-435-1130 181: 1. J’Veon Henderson, Union Parish, 450-285-500-1235. 2. John Porter Saurage, Episcopal, 490-265-470-1225. 3. Will Ribes, Episcopal, 465-240-455-1160. 198: Reid Chauvin, Episcopal, 640-385605-1630. 2. Z’Ryan Miles, Calvary Baptist, 645-375-485-1505 3. Aiden Farmer, Episcopal, 510-285-500-1295 220: 1. Gavin Gallett, Notre Dame, 550380-500-1430. 2. Tyler Mallett, Lake Arthur, 550-290-530-1370. 3. Tristan Manasco, Many, 550-265-550-1365

242: Carson Myers, Lake Arthur, 550-350-5851485. 2. Trent Champagne, Northlake Christian, 545-300-545-1390. 3. Hayden Boudreaux, Notre Dame, 485-315-530-1330. 275: Sean Smith, Pope John Paul II, 595-465525-1585. 2. Jayden Lavespere, Slaughter Community Charter, 600-350-565-1515. 3. Avery Rogers, Delcambre, 530-265-505-1300. SHW: 1. Kason Menard, Delcambre, 535285-535-1355. 2. King Gholston, Beekman Charter, 485-315-530-1330. 3. Braden Willis, Pickering, 485-260-435-1180. Division V 114 pounds: 1. Caleb Robbins, Ascension Christian, 320-175-290-785. 2. Evan Huffman, Sacred Heart, 290-140-275-705. 3. Ross Borne, Ascension Catholic, 225-105-300-630 123: 1. Raphael Melancon, Ascension Catholic, 380-165-405-950. 2. Gavin Tarver, East Iberville, 335-180-320-835. 3. Asa Singleton, Cedar Creek, 295-160-365-820. 132: 1. Justin Woods, Catholic High Pointe Coupee, 405-220-415-1040. 2. Harrison Ledet,

The Knights closed to within 10-4 in the sixth on Carter’s three-run homer

“It’s always good to get a win over a good Episcopal team for the district championship,” Jennings said.

“We’ve played some good baseball as of late.”

Dunham, which turned a double play in the first, added another one in the fifth after Episcopal loaded the bases without an out Reliever Carter Chapman got a strikeout and coaxed a ground ball that went directly to second baseman Brooklyn Gremillion, who stepped on the base and threw over to first.

Ascension Catholic, 395-190-430-1015. 3. Jeffery Warner, Northwood-Lena, 380-205360-945. 148: 1. Gavin Patin, Sacred Heart, 420-220460-1100. 2. Landdon George, NorthwoodLena, 390-265-410-1065. 3. Kaleb Negrotto, Cedar Creek, 355-205-470-1030. 165: 1. Todd Gibson, Holden, 465-290-4601215. 2. Liam Kincanon, Sacred Heart, 435265-470-1170. 3. Jackson Dubois, Vermilion Catholic, 450-275-440-1165.

181: 1. Wyatt Gremillion, Cedar Creek, 520320-515-1355. 2. Alex Pitre, Sacred Heart, 475-320-405-1200. 3. Micah Kiehl, Vermillion Catholic, 435-295-445-1175. 198: 1. Mace Melancon, Ascension Catholic, 580-315-515-1410. 2. Graham Roy, Catholic High Pointe Coupee, 535-265-540-1340. 3. John Paul Thibodaux, St. Mary’s Catholic, 475-315-470-1260. 220: 1. James Wise, Northwood-Lena, 495255-605-1355. 2. Karston Broden, Ascension Catholic, 500-325-520-1345. 3. Logan Amidon, Cedar Creek, 535-320-485-1340. 242: 1 Blake Robinson, Cedar Creek, 580-315560-1455. 2. Jacob Caballero, Catholic High Pointe Coupee, 500-290-505-1295. 3. Sam LaFleur, Sacred Heart, 510-285-475-1270. 275: 1. Marlin Jackson, Northwood-Lena 615-315-590-1520. 2. Jonathan Bryant, Glenbrook, 585-335-565-1485. 3. Kolton LaFleur, Sacred Heart, 515-355-520-1390. SHW: 1. Aiden Paine, Ascension Catholic, 625-365-510-1500. 2. Charles Soonier, St. Edmund Catholic, 540-320-500-1360. 3. Jordan Conant, St. Mary’s Catholic, 485-375485-1345.

She said she had been praying for some time about when God wanted to share her story, and feels blessed to have the platform to do that.

“I’ve known ever since it started that I’m going through such a unique journey that it has to be for a reason bigger than myself. And so I’ve known that I had to share it at some point,” Van Lith said.

“It’s a little bit intimidating for me because it’s totally outside my comfort zone.

“Only the people that are closest to me, like my parents and maybe, you know, my brother and my best friend, kind of know the extent to what my life has been like,” she said. “All those people knowing that about me has been a little bit scary for me. But, you know, I accepted God’s challenge of sharing it. And so now I need to walk in it.”

STAFF PHOTO By HILARy SCHEINUK

Dunham second baseman William Nikolaus, left, celebrates with teammate Dagen McMorris after scoring against Episcopal in the District 8-2A tournament final on Wednesday at Episcopal.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO TCU

SCOREBOARD

STAFF PHOTO By JAVIER GALLEGOS

Save time on cooking with hearty combo

BY LINDA GASSENHEIMER Tribune News Service (TNS)

GRILLED

CHICKEN SHAWARMA, SQUASH WITH TAHINI AND A STRAWBERRY DESSERT MAKE A SPRING FEAST

4.

5.

and sugar together in a small bowl.

6. Remove meatloaf from the oven and spoon the ketchup sauce on top of each loaf. Return the tray to oven for 3 minutes. A meat thermometer should read 145 F. Serve each loaf on a dinner plate.

NUTRITION INFO PER SERVING: 397 calories (27 percent from fat), 12.1 g fat (4.7 g saturated, 4.6 g monounsaturated), 201 mg cholesterol, 42.0 g protein 28.2 g carbohydrates, 2.4 g fiber, 458 mg sodium.

Garlic Carrots, Peas

Yields 2 servings. Recipe is by Linda Gassenheimer. 2

¼-½-

1. Add carrots, peas and garlic to a microwave safe bowl Microwave on high 2 minutes.

2. Remove from microwave; add the oil and salt and pepper to taste. Divide in half and serve with the meatloaf.

NUTRITION INFO PER SERVING: 173 calories (39 percent from fat), 7.5 g fat (1.1 g saturated, 3.3 g monounsaturated), no cholesterol, 5.4 g

22.9 g carbohydrates, 7.8 g fiber 84 mg sodium.

Easy Chicken Shawarma

the skillet over high medium heat.

Serves 4.

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs Spice rub (see following)

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 pitas or 4 flour tortillas

1 container of prepared tzatziki (yogurt sauce)

1. Cut each thigh into about 6 pieces. Place all of the pieces of raw chicken into a large Ziploc bag. Add the spice rub. Close the bag, trying to remove as much air as possible. Press the top closed.

2. With the bag closed, massage the chicken so that all of the pieces are coated with the spice mix. Once they are well coated, place the bag with the chicken pieces in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours. When ready to cook, remove the bag from the refrigerator, massaging it from the outside one more time.

3: To grill: Be sure that the coals are hot, but there should be no flame. Oil a perforated pan and heat it on the grill. When the grill pan is hot, add the chicken to the perforated pan and cook the chicken with the cover on the grill. This should take 20 minutes. Check after 10 minutes and stir if needed. Remove the chicken to a plate when it is cooked.

4. To cook in a skillet: Add the oil into

When the oil is shimmering, add the pieces of chicken in one layer Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, uncovered With tongs, flip the chicken and cook for about 7 minutes. Chicken should be done in 15 to 20 minutes, depending on size of the pieces. Remove from the skillet.

5. You can serve this on a plate with tzatziki with pita or tortilla on the side. Or you can serve it as a wrap, using a quarter of the chicken for each tortilla with tzatziki as a garnish or in pitas that have been cut in half.

SPICE MIX

Ground sumac is available in large supermarkets, in Middle Eastern stores, or online. If you do not have sumac, substitute 1 tablespoon of grated lemon zest.

1 tablespoon paprika (use smoked paprika if you like a smoky flavor)

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1 teaspoon ground cardamom

1 tablespoon ground sumac

¼ teaspoon cayenne (use more or less depending on your heat preference) Salt and pepper to taste

Place all of the ingredients into a bowl. Whisk together and pour them into the Ziploc bag with chicken pieces.

MORE RECIPES

ä Squash with Tahini Sauce

ä Strawberry and Ice Cream Sundae

Liz Williams

TIP OF THE TONGUE

TNS PHOTO By LINDA GASSENHEIMER

Chicken shawarma STAFF PHOTOS By BRETT DUKE

Reader writes in with beauty hints

Dear Heloise: Need a few hints on how to keep your skin looking healthy and hydrated? Here are a few of my all-time favorites:

n Take a slice of lime, lemon or orange and rub it all over your face for about 30 seconds. Wait about 3 minutes, then rinse with warm water and pat your skin dry The vitamin C and acids in the fruit will break down dead skin cells.

n Bring a pan of water to a boil with the steam rising Then turn off the stove and move the pan somewhere safe. You can set it on a thick wooden cutting board if you wish.

n Next, place a towel over your head to form a closed tent. Let the steam open your pores for about 3-5 minutes. Afterward, wash your face in warm water with a final rinse in cold water This will add moisture to your skin and help you rinse away impurities from your pores

n Want to tighten your skin for smoother makeup application? In a small bowl,

mix together 1 tablespoon plain yogurt, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon coconut oil, and the white of one egg. (Save the yolk to use in your next shampooing.) Blend well and apply in a circular motion onto your face and neck. Leave on for about 20-25 minutes. Rinse off and pat your skin dry n Invest in one black Tshirt and one white T-shirt. You can always use it under a suit or a cardigan for a simple but classic look A black or white T-shirt always looks good with jeans or slacks and maybe one or two necklaces, but never wear an excessive amount of jewelry And never wear any top that has makeup around the neckline! — A.L., in California

Scraping vegetables

Dear Heloise: My mother and I disagree on something, and we thought you might have the answer She scrapes many vegetables, but I don’t. I wash carrots very carefully and never

peel cucumbers or eggplant. I also don’t cut the crust off of bread, but my mother does. I think a lot of vitamins are lost with her method of cooking. My mother is from England, and she says that this is how they prepare dishes in her native country — J.H., in Connecticut J.H., there is very little need to scrape vegetables, especially if you wash them thoroughly In England, many people would take the peelings and scrapings out to a compost pile, along with the crusts from bread. In some countries, the crust is cut off to make the sandwich look nice. Vegetables were also scraped to remove dirt and make the carrots and other fruit or vegetables look “pretty.” But you’re right — lots of vitamins and fiber were lost by this habit.

So, go ahead and cook your vegetables with the outer skin intact and leave the crusts on your bread! — Heloise

Send a hint to heloise@ heloise.com.

Reader ready to start a realistic fitness journey

Dear Harriette: Last month, I received some concerning news about my health, and it made me realize that I need to take better care of myself. I want to start working out, meditating and eating healthier, but honestly, I don’t know where to begin. The idea of completely changing my lifestyle feels overwhelming, and I’ve never been great at sticking to a routine when it comes to fitness or healthy eating. I worry that I’ll start strong but lose motivation quickly, especially when life gets busy or when I don’t see immediate results. I also don’t want to fall into an allor-nothing mindset where I feel guilty if I slip up. How can I create a realistic, sustainable wellness journey that allows me to build better habits without feeling like I have to be perfect? Where should I start so that this process feels manageable rather than intimidating? — Choosing Fitness Dear Choosing Fitness: Find out if your insurance will give you support through a dietitian. Having professional guidance when designing an eating plan could be a helpful first step in creating a workable strategy

to meet your goals. Either way map out what you will eat and plan your meals weekly This will help to establish discipline around what you ingest. Similarly schedule a weekly fitness routine. What are you willing to do each day for your health? Can you walk for 20 minutes? Go to the gym three times a week? Turn on music and dance on a daily basis? Get an accountability partner who will help you stay true to your fitness goals? Figure out something that you can and will do to establish a fitness routine, and stay on track. Dear Harriette: I’m writing this in response to “No Hope,” the person dating a guy with no money who was less than forthcoming to her about his circumstances. You suggested that the guy is in some sort of crisis mode, and that No Hope should be nice and remain friends with him to help him through this unfortunate rough patch She is not a social worker nor a therapist, and she should not be a bottomless well of understanding and compassion Even if No Hope has deep pockets and doesn’t mind

TODAY IN HISTORY

By The Associated Press

is Thursday, March 27, the 86th day of 2025. There are 279 days

in history On March 27, 2022, Will Smith slapped Chris Rock on stage at the 94th Academy Awards ceremony, winning the Oscar for best actor just minutes later (Smith later resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and received a 10year ban from the Oscars.)

On this date: In 1794, Congress approved the “Act to provide a Naval Armament” of six armed ships, which provided the foundation of the permanent U.S. Navy In 1912, in Washington, D.C., first lady Helen Herron Taft and the wife of Japan’s ambassador to the United States, Viscountess Chinda, planted the first two of 3,000 cherry trees given to the U.S. as a gift by the mayor of Tokyo.

In 1939, the first NCAA men’s Division I basketball championship game was held, with the University of Oregon defeating Ohio State, 46-33. In 1964, Alaska was hit by a magnitude 9.2 earthquake (still the strongest on record in North America) and tsunamis that together claimed over 130 lives. In 1968, Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, the first man to orbit the Earth in 1961, died when his MiG-15 jet crashed during a routine training flight near Moscow; he was 34. In 1973, The Godfather” won the Academy Award for best picture of 1972, but its star, Marlon Brando, refused to accept his Oscar for best actor and, in what would become one of the Oscars’ most famous moments, sent in his place actor and activist Sacheen Littlefeather, who spoke out about the depiction of Native Americans in Hollywood. In 1975, construction

1.

paying for every single little thing this guy needs or wants, eventually the guy will suck every single ounce of kindness and patience right out of her soul. I think that No Hope is getting played, plain and simple. I would suggest an end to the relationship. It’s just a few months in, and No Hope is already confused and not thinking with a clear head. Some hard truths, kindly delivered, will help No Hope decide whether the situation is worth one more second. For what it’s worth, I think that you usually respond to the people who write to you with reason and wisdom. This time, not so much. — Think Again Dear Think Again: I have to admit that you are making good points here. I was thinking about all the people these days who have lost their jobs and are struggling, and I wanted to have compassion for them. That doesn’t give them a pass to put one over on others. Thanks for the reality check!

Send questions to askharriette@ harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.

began on the Trans-Alaska Pipeline; the 800-mile pipeline was completed just over two years later

In 1977, in aviation’s deadliest disaster, 583 people were killed when a KLM Boeing 747, attempting to take off in heavy fog, crashed into a Pan Am 747 on an airport runway on the Canary Island of Tenerife. In 1980, 123 workers died when a North Sea floating oil field platform, the Alexander Kielland, capsized during a storm.

Today’s birthdays: Actor Michael York is 83. Film director Quentin Tarantino is 62.

Singer Mariah Carey is 56.

Actor Pauley Perrette is 56.

Actor Nathan Fillion is 54. Singer Fergie is 50. Singer Jessie J is 37.

seconds.

2. Place the processed strawberries in a microwaveable bowl. Add the marmalade to the bowl. Add the orange liqueur. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and heat on full power in the microwave for 3 minutes. Remove from the microwave and stir

3.

Squash with Tahini Sauce

until

1.

mers. Then add the spiralized squash. Cook over medium-high heat until just tender. Allow the squash to develop a few scorch marks, but do not let it burn.

2. Transfer the squash to a platter Drizzle tahini sauce over the squash, sprinkle with the

SPRING

Continued from page 1D

If you have no desire to fuss over a barbecue, it’s easy to make the chicken shawarma in a skillet on your stove. A cool yogurt sauce, or tzatziki will make that shawarma sing. For a nod to Southern food, mix zucchini with yellow squash for color and variety It is most fun spiralized: You can buy

it that way or make it at home with a spiralizer

Serve with a lemony tahini sauce, and it will fit right into a meal of chicken shawarma. And for dessert, take advantage of fresh strawberries. This microwave sauce tastes wonderful and is easy to make. Serve it over ice cream or, for a very elegant treat, pour it over a store-bought plain cheesecake. You can garnish your dessert with sliced or quartered

fresh strawberries. This sauce is also a great way to start your day Spoon a few spoonsful onto your oatmeal or yogurt for breakfast, if there is any left over You won’t be sorry

Liz Williams is founder of the Southern Food & Beverage Museum in New Orleans. Listen to “Tip of the Tongue,” Liz’s podcast about food, drink and culture, wherever you hear podcasts. Email Liz at lizwillia@gmail.com.

Hints from Heloise STAFF

PHOTO By BRETT DUKE Strawberry and ice cream sundae

Harriette Cole SENSE AND SENSITIVITy

BRIEFS

Wall Street slumps as Big Tech stocks drop

Drops for Nvidia, Tesla and other former superstars dragged Wall Street lower on Wednesday

The S&P 500 sank to break what had been a run of calmer trading. The Dow Jones Industrial Average swung from a gain of 230 points in the morning to a loss, while the weakness for Big Tech sent the Nasdaq composite to a market-leading drop

The group of dominant stocks known as the “Magnificent Seven” has been at the center of the U.S stock market’s recent selloff, which earlier this month took the S&P 500 10% below its all-time high for its first “correction” since 2023. Big Tech had rocketed in earlier years amid a frenzy around artificial intelligence technology, and critics said their prices rose too quickly compared with their already rapidly growing profits. Nvidia fell 6% to bring its loss for the year so far to 15.5% It was the single heaviest weight on the S&P 500 by far Other AI-related stocks were also weak, including serverbuilder Super Micro Computer, which fell 8.9%, and power companies hoping to electrify AI data centers.

Tesla has been contending with additional challenges, including worries that political anger at its CEO, Elon Musk, will hurt the electric vehicle maker’s sales. Tesla dropped 5.6% to extend its loss for 2025 to 32.6%.

Dollar Tree offloads

Family Dollar for $1B

Dollar Tree’s decadelong effort to fold the Family Dollar chain into its business is ending after agreeing to sell the bargain store chain to a pair of private equity firms for $1 billion Dollar Tree Inc. bought Fam-

ily Dollar with its over 7,000 stores 10 years ago for more than $8 billion.

Dollar Tree had been scouting options for Family Dollar for a while and said Wednesday that the sale to Brigade Capital Management and Macellum Capital Management will allow it to focus on its core business.

Family Dollar carries a range of household staples, from food to laundry detergent. The stores are largely located in underserved, urban areas. Store closings that are underway, and those that may take place under new ownership, are likely to have an outsized impact on customers living in those areas.

Dollar Tree, whose customer base is about 50% middleincome shoppers, is found in many suburban locations Its shelves are more likely to feature seasonal goods, party supplies, crafts and snacks.

Renewable energy

jumps to new high

Installation of renewable energy worldwide hit a record high last year, with 92.5% of all new electricity brought online coming from the sun, wind or other clean sources, an international agency reports Nearly 64% of the new renewable electricity capacity in 2024 was in China, according to Wednesday’s report by the International Renewable Energy Agency Overall, the world added 585 billion watts of new renewable electrical energy, a 15.1% jump from 2023, with 46% of the world’s electricity coming from solar, wind and other green non-nuclear energy sources. But even that big jump does not put the globe on track to reach the international goal of tripling renewable energy from 2023 to 2030, with the world on pace to be 28% short, the agency calculated. The goal was adopted in 2023 as part of the world’s efforts to curb the increasing impacts of climate change and transition away from fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas. China added almost 374 billion watts of renewable power — three-quarters of it from solar panels — in 2024. That’s more than eight times as much as the United States did and five times what Europe added last year

Trump imposes 25% auto tariff

U.S. imported nearly 8 million cars, light trucks last year

BY JOSH BOAK Associated Press

WASHINGTON President Donald Trump said Wednesday he was placing 25% tariffs on auto imports, a move that the White House claims would foster domestic manufacturing but could also put a financial squeeze on automakers that depend on global supply chains.

“This will continue to spur growth,” Trump told reporters. “We’ll effectively be charging a 25% tariff.”

The tariffs could be complicated as even U.S. automakers source their components from around the world, meaning that they could face higher costs and lower sales. Shares in General Motors fell 3% Wednesday Ford’s stock was up slightly Shares in Stellantis, the owner of Jeep and Chrysler,

dropped 3.7%.

Trump has long said that tariffs against auto imports would be a defining policy of his presidency, betting that the costs created by the taxes would cause more production to relocate to the United States. But U.S. and foreign automakers with domestic plants still depend on Canada, Mexico and other nations for parts and finished vehicles, meaning that auto prices could increase and sales could decline as new factories take time to build.

“We are going to be doing automobiles, which you’ve known about for a long time,” Trump said

Monday “We’ll be announcing that fairly soon, over the next few days probably.”

The president on Monday cited plans by South Korean automaker Hyundai to build a $5.8 billion steel plant in Donaldsonville as evidence that tariffs would bring back manufacturing jobs. Slightly more than one million people are employed domestically in the manufacturing of motor vehicles and parts, about 320,000 fewer than in 2000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Another 2.1 million people work at auto and parts dealerships.

Founders of Black-owned brands adapt their hopes and business plans

Major U.S. companies end or water down diversity, equity and inclusion programs

BY ANNE D’INNOCENZIO AP retail writer

NEW YORK The co-founders of a company that makes lip products for darker skin tones no longer hope to get their line into Target. A brother and sister who make jigsaw puzzles celebrating Black subjects wonder if they need to offer “neutral” images like landscapes to keep growing.

Pound Cake and Puzzles of Color are among the small businesses whose owners are rethinking their plans as major U.S. companies weaken their diversity equity and inclusion programs. The initiatives mostly date from the end of President Donald Trump’s first term and entered a new era with the dawn of his second one. Some Black-owned brands suspect big retail chains will drop partnerships they pursued after the police killing of a Black

man in 2020 reignited mass protests against racial injustice. In today’s anti-DEI climate, other entrepreneurs worry about personal repercussions or feel pressure to cancel contracts with retreating retailers.

“It becomes a question of, are the big box stores going to be there? Do we even make any attempt to talk to these people?” Ericka Chambers, one of the siblings behind Puzzles of Color, said. “We are really having to evaluate our strategy in how we expand and how we want to get in front of new customers.”

Chambers and her brother, William Jones, started turning the work of artists of color into frameable puzzles the same year a video captured a White Minneapolis police officer kneeling on George Floyd’s neck. Amid the Black Lives Matter protests over Floyd’s death, a fashion designer challenged large retailers to devote 15% of their shelf space and purchasing power to Black businesses.

The Fifteen Percent Pledge helped bring Puzzles of Color’s creations to Macy’s and Nordstrom’s websites in 2022. Last year, they made it into select Barnes & Noble stores. Chambers said she’s confident in the companies’ commitments but recalled a backlash after news outlets covered the brand, which is based in Texas.

“It does make us think about how we en-

vision ourselves as far as the safety of not wanting to be attacked, because some people are very vocal about being anti-DEI,” Chambers said.

Vibrant depictions of Black women account for many of her and Jones’ puzzles. The pair figured they needed to provide more abstract designs for certain Barnes & Noble locations to give Puzzles of Color “a little bit of a fighting chance.”

Brianna Arps, who founded the fragrance brand Moodeaux in 2021, notices fewer grants available to Black brand creators these days. She used to apply for 10 to 15 every week or two; the number is down to five to seven, Arps said.

“A lot of the organizations that had been really vocal about supporting (Black businesses) have either quietly or outwardly pulled back,” she said.

Moodeaux was the first Black-owned perfume brand to get its perfumes into Urban Outfitters and Credo Beauty which specializes in natural vegan products. In the current environment, Arps is looking to expand her brand’s presence at independent shops and to support other Black fragrance lovers.

“The resiliency of brands like ours and founders like myself will still exist,” she said.

BY TIMOTHY BOONE Business editor

ExxonMobil said it will spend $100 million at its Baton Rouge chemical plant so the facility can produce ultra-pure isopropyl alcohol, which is used to make the advanced computer chips that power artificial intelligence and data centers. The work is expected to create 45 construction jobs, ExxonMobil officials said. Work will begin this year and the plant is expected to begin production in 2027. Baton Rouge is home of the largest isopropyl alcohol manufactur-

ing facility in the world. ExxonMobil has produced the antiseptic at the plant for more than 80 years, said Kate Lightfoot, manager of the chemical plant.

Email Timothy Boone at tboone@theadvocate.com. ExxonMobil to spend $100M

ExxonMobil has talked about producing ultra-pure isopropyl alcohol at the Baton Rouge plant since 2023. Officials said the interest in the unit was sparked by the CHIPS and Science Act, federal

“With this investment, we’re enhancing one of our legacy chemical products to meet growing demand in the tech industry,” Lightfoot said. The standard isopropyl alcohol found in consumer products such household cleaners, sanitizers and medical-grade sterilizers is 99.9% pure The industrial isopropyl alcohol that has been manufactured at the plant for more than 30 years and was used in microchips, semiconductors and consumer electronics is 99.99% pure. The new product will be 99.999% pure isopropyl alcohol. Manufacturers need the ultra-pure product to clean delicate, tiny computer chip parts before assembly ExxonMobil officials said the extreme purity is needed because some of the chips are so small that 150,000 would fit across a single grain of salt.

legislation that was enacted in 2022 to boost U.S. semiconductor manufacturing.

ExxonMobil has agreed to dedicate sales and use taxes generated from the alcohol manufacturing facility to address blight in the neighborhoods surrounding the plant. The expansion and another proposal to establish an advanced plastics recycling facility at ExxonMobil have received property tax breaks totaling $8.6 million under the Industrial Tax Exemption Program.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By MIKE STEWART

Brianna Arps, who founded the fragrance brand Moodeaux in 2021, said she has noticed fewer grants available to Black brand creators these days.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) Refuse to give in to someone who or something that isn't in your best interest. Make the effort and advocate on your own behalf. Choose to be efficient, and live life your way.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Take nothing and no one for granted. Look inward for answers and discover purpose and peace of mind. Make your home a place of peace, comfort and rejuvenation.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) Your perspective and choices will change, resulting in easily misinterpreted signals. Be direct, and you'll spare yourself a lot of grief. Your power will come from doing what's right.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) Do whatever is necessary without complaint, and you'll outshine any opposition you face. Pay attention to visual appeal; it will help you gain momentum over anyone trying to outdo you.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) When the time comes to take the next step, doing so privately is favored to allow for tiny but necessary adjustments. Educational pursuits and travel will offer insight into successful marketing opportunities.

VIRGO (Aug 23-Sept 22) Exercise your rights and negotiate on your behalf. It's best to undersell your skills and overproduce when it's time to present. A change of scenery will boost your imagination and creativity.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Take in what's happening in your neighborhood or

workplace. Put your energy into doing things differently, and you'll capture the attention of someone who can help you advance.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) Mix business with pleasure. Attending reunions, trade shows or anything that brings you in contact with people who specialize in something you want to explore will lead to new possibilities and success.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Put more effort into your surroundings. Think big, but don't underestimate the cost of whatever you plan to do. An enthusiastic performance will capture positive attention that can shape the future.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Take in what others say and do, and rearrange your plans to ensure you maintain the upper hand. A wrong move can cause tension between you and a loved one.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Your options will increase, allowing you to dream big, but before you follow through, take inventory. Weigh the pros and cons and take the path that keeps stress levels low.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) Keep your thoughts to yourself. Gather information and consider what's necessary. Make a physical change, update your look and do your best to get up to speed with trends.

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: M EQUALS B

CeLebrItY CIpher

For better or For WorSe

peAnUtS zItS FrAnK And erneSt

SALLY Forth

beetLe bAILeY

Mother GooSe And GrIMM

LAGoon

Sudoku

InstructIons: Sudoku is a number-placing puzzle based on a 9x9 grid with several given numbers. The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once. The difficulty level of the Sudoku increases from Monday to Sunday.

Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer

THe wiZard oF id

BLondie

BaBY BLueS

Hi and LoiS CurTiS

Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer

BY PHILLIP ALDER

Leo Szilard, a Hungarian-American scientist who conceived the nuclear chain reaction, the electron microscope, the linear accelerator and the cyclotron, said, “A scientist’s aim in a discussion with his colleagues is not to persuade, but to clarify.”

There will be times when one defender willnotbesureofthelocationofacritical card. Then he will usually have to rely on his partner’s realizing the predicament and clarifying the situation.

In this example deal, how should the defenders card to defeat three no-trump after West leads the club seven?

North, with a low doubleton, reasonably used Stayman to try to find a 4-4 spade fit.

First, let’s look at the deal from declarer’spointofview.Hehaseighttoptricks: two spades, three hearts, two diamonds and one club (the first trick). If diamonds are favorable, he has overtricks in his future. So he wins trick one, plays a diamond to dummy’s ace and calls for another diamond. What should East discard?

Second, let’s go back to trick one. East must play the club jack, bottom of touchinghonorswhenplayingthirdhandhigh. The snag is that West does not know who has the queen; it could be East or South.

Third, East should apply the Rule of Eleven. Seven from 11 is four. So there are four clubs higher than the seven in the North, East and South hands combined. And East has seen all four. He must clarify the situation for his partner by discarding the club queen! Then, when West gets in with his diamondqueen,hewillcashfourclubtricks for down one.

© 2025 by NEA, Inc., dist.

By Andrews McMeel Syndication

Each Wuzzle is a word riddle which creates a

InsTRucTIons:

today’s thought “This is the day which the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalms 118:24

marmaduKe

Bizarro

hagar the horriBle

Pearls Before swiNe

garfield

B.C. PiCKles