WASHINGTON The House Ethics Committee announced Wednesday it would investigate Texas Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales, who is facing sexual misconduct allegations and intense public scrutiny over how he treated a former staffer who later died by suicide.
The committee voted to establish an investigative subcommittee, announcing it would also look into allegations that Gonzales had “discriminated unfairly by dispensing special favors or privileges.” House rules prohibit members from engaging in a “sexual relationship” with a staffer
After the New York Post published text messages last month it said were received by the late district staffer, a handful of Gonzales’ Republican colleagues called on him to step down. But Gonzales, who has previously denied wrongdoing, told CNN he would not resign, saying, “What you’ve seen is not all the facts.”
“We don’t leap to conclusions here, whether you’re talking about Republicans or Democrats, with regard to legal processes and all of that,” Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Benton, told reporters last week.
Johnson also said the allegations are “alarming” and that Gonzales needed to address them “directly and head on with his constituents.”
Johnson is navigating a tight majority, and a potential resignation by Gonzales would shrink that even further The Ethics Committee announcement comes the day after primary elections in Texas, where no candidate in Gonzales’ race reached the threshold to secure the Republican nomination. Instead, Gonzales now heads into a runoff campaign against pro-gun activist Brandon Herrera, who is challenging Gonzales from the right.
Bodies of 2 half-sisters found buried in suitcases
CLEVELAND Authorities in Cleveland were working Wednesday to identify two young half-sisters whose bodies were found buried inside suitcases on the city’s east side
The bodies were recovered on Monday in the city’s Collinwood neighborhood after a tip from a dog walker according to police. One of the girls is believed to be between 8 and 13 years old, and the other between 10 and 14 years old.
Cleveland Police Chief Dorothy Todd said at a Tuesday news conference that it was not clear how the girls, who were both Black, died, but that their bodies had been there for some time “We are hoping to find answers,” she said. “This is a terrible, tragic situation.”
The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office used preliminary DNA relationship testing to confirm that the two girls were half-sisters, according to a statement. The office said further information would be released as it became available.
The circumstances didn’t appear to match any active missing persons cases in the area, Todd said.
Police: Parolee set man on fire at Penn Station
NEW YORK A parolee with a criminal record that includes 131 prior arrests in New York City was busted Wednesday for setting a homeless man on fire as he slept at Penn Station, according to police and prosecutors. Damon Johnson, 47, is charged with attempted murder and assault for the attack on Monday that left a 37-year-old man with second-degree burns on his arm and back.
The victim was dozing near an entrance to Penn Station’s Amtrak rotunda when three men approached him and one of them set fire to the man’s clothes around 8:30 p.m., cops said After the attack, the three men fled deeper into the station. Officers with the Amtrak Police Department arrested Johnson on Wednesday Johnson, who is currently on parole for robbery until 2027, was first busted for a Bronx assault in 1995, cops said.
Report finds decades of abuse by R.I. priests House committee subpoenas Bondi
BY KIMBERLEE KRUESI, MARYCLAIRE DALE and LEAH WILLINGHAM Associated Press
PROVIDENCE, R.I. Catholic priests in Rhode Island preyed on hundreds of children for decades, and were protected by bishops more concerned with the church’s reputation than the victims, according to a new report on clergy sexual abuse that echoes findings elsewhere.
The report, released Wednesday by Attorney General Peter Neronha, follows a multiyear investigation into the Catholic Diocese of Providence, Rhode Island.
Neronha said the full scope of the priest abuse problem in Rhode Island — the smallest U.S state but the one with the highest Catholic population per capita, at nearly 40% — had long remained elusive. He agreed with victims who say not enough has been done to address the problem long after it was exposed in the nearby Boston diocese in 2002.
“If you’re the Diocese of Providence and you’re listening, this is a scandal you need to own and you need to fix,” Neronha told reporters Wednesday “We can’t slow-walk solutions and we can’t slow-walk justice.”
Neronha hopes the report will spur legal reforms to boost investigative powers and help victims seek justice.
The investigation found that 75 Catholic clergy molested more than 300 victims since 1950, but officials stressed that the number of victimized children and abusive priests is likely much higher
The diocese, in response, acknowledged the scourge of child sexual abuse especially by clergy — but said the report reflects the church’s willingness to share internal records under a 2019 agreement with the state.
“The report presents this 75year history in ways that might lead the reader to conclude these issues are an ongoing diocesan problem or that these are new revelations. They are not,” the statement said.
3 priests awaiting trial
Church records show the diocese transferred accused priests to new assignments without fully investigating complaints or contacting law enforcement, a practice exposed in investigations in Boston, Philadelphia and elsewhere.
A statue of the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus is displayed Feb 24 outside St. Mary’s Church in Cranston, R.I. An investigation by the state Attorney General’s Office found that 75 Catholic clergy molested more than 300 victims since 1950, but officials stressed that the number of victimized children and abusive priests is likely much higher
And, as in other cities, the Diocese of Providence opened a “spiritual retreat-style facility” in the early 1950s for accused priests to seek treatment. Later, when the abuse was deemed a mental health problem, priests were sent to more formal treatment centers. By the 1990s, accused priests were sometimes placed on sabbatical leave. Most accused priests, the report found, avoided accountability from both law enforcement and the diocese.
Neronha’s office has charged four current and former priests with sexual abuse for allegations stemming from 2020 to 2022. Three of them are still awaiting trial. The fourth priest died after being deemed incompetent to stand trial in 2022.
Only 20 people — about a quarter of the clergy identified in the report — faced criminal charges, and just 14 were convicted. A dozen others were laicized or otherwise dismissed.
Board member among accused
One survivor described being groomed more than a year before he was abused by the pastor of Immaculate Conception Church in Cranston in 1981. The survivor, who is not named in the report, said the late Monsignor John Al-
Texas judge declines to close Camp Mystic
BY JIM VERTUNO and SEAN MURPHY Associated Press
AUSTIN,Texas
A Texas judge on Wednesday ordered Camp Mystic to preserve damaged cabins but stopped short of blocking reopening plans after a family of one of the 25 girls and two counselors who died last summer sued to keep the camp closed.
The family of 8-year-old Cile Steward, who was swept away in the flood last Fourth of July and whose body still has not been recovered, had asked District Judge Maya Guerra Gamble to prevent the owners from reopening the facility and to halt any construction while the lawsuit is pending. Their request for a temporary injunction maintains that any changes at the camp could destroy evidence needed for their lawsuit.
Gamble ruled that Camp Mystic’s owners must not alter or demolish the cabins where campers were housed during the floods, and said they must not use the portion of the camp closest to the Guadalupe River where those cabins were located.
The campers and counselors were killed when the fast-rising floodwaters roared through a low-lying area of the summer camp before dawn on the Fourth of July All told, the destructive flooding killed at least 136 people, raising questions about how things went so terribly wrong
The camp did not evacuate and was hit hard when the river rose from 14 feet to 29.5 feet within 60 minutes.
lard showered him with attention. By ninth grade, he said, the sexual abuse began in the priest’s bedroom.
“His comment to me was always, ‘You need a hug,’ and that’s something that I can hear him saying very clearly to this very day,” the survivor told officials in 2013.
While a review board deemed the abuse credible, the Vatican — at the urging of then-Providence Bishop Thomas Tobin — let Allard retire rather than be defrocked.
In at least one case, a member of the diocesan review board hearing abuse complaints was himself accused, the report says.
The Rev Francis Santilli stepped down after the complaint, but remained in active ministry even after other complaints surfaced in 2014 and 2021. He was not removed until 2022 A message left at a possible number for him on Wednesday was not immediately returned.
Church disagrees with AG Neronha launched the investigation in 2019, a year after a Pennsylvania grand jury issued a landmark report that found more than 1,000 children had been abused by some 300 priests since the 1940s.
However, Rhode Island law does not allow grand jury reports to become public — a hurdle that Neronha has long tried to change. Instead, he forged an agreement with the diocese to access its trove of records on clergy sexual abuse.
The church turned over 70 years’ worth of material, including complaints from its secret archives, civil settlement records, treatment costs and other documents. Yet Neronha called the diocese’s help limited at times, saying it refused to provide diocesan personnel for interviews.
Neronha criticized the diocese on Wednesday for treating the report as “ancient history,” arguing that more needed to be done by clergy leaders to address ongoing concerns about abuse. His office outlined multiple changes for the diocese, which include providing clear investigative timelines and guidelines. He also stressed the need for the diocese to abandon the practice of requiring victims take polygraph tests and to stop refusing to investigate third-party complaints about priests.
The diocese, in its response Wednesday pushed back on that view, saying the report would not have been possible without the church’s cooperation.
AUSTIN AMERICAN-STATESMAN PHOTO
Alli Naylor mother of Wynne Naylor who died at Camp Mystic, reacts Wednesday as attorneys at the Travis County Courthouse in Austin, Texas, argue for a temporary restraining order regarding the camp.
“The worst thing you can do is put a bunch of 8-year-olds on a bus and try to drive them out of there, They all would have drowned,” said Mikal Watts, an attorney for Camp Mystic and its family of owners.
In a packed courtroom Wednesday, family members of the deceased girls wore buttons depicting their images as lawyers for Camp Mystic displayed pictures of trees planted in their memory and architectural renderings of plans to rebuild parts of the camp outside a 1,000year flood zone.
Attorneys for Camp Mystic have expressed sympathy for the girls’ families but maintained there was little they could have done during the catastrophic flooding that quickly overcame the camp.
“Nobody had every seen a prior flood anything like we saw in 2025,” Watts said. More than 850 campers have already signed up to attend camp this summer, he said.
The camp’s decision last year to partially open and to construct a memorial on the grounds drew outrage from many of the girls’ families who are mourning their loved ones and who said they weren’t consulted on the plans.
BY ALANNA DURKIN RICHER and STEPHEN GROVES Associated Press
WASHINGTON The House Oversight Committee voted Wednesday to subpoena Attorney General Pam Bondi to answer questions over the Justice Department’s handling of files regarding the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking investigation.
Five Republicans joined Democrats to support the subpoena proposed by GOP Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina in a sign of continued frustration among conservatives with the department’s review and release of a tranche of documents related to the disgraced financier The move amounted to a sharp rebuke of Bondi by Republicans who have been clamoring for information about Epstein’s abuse of young girls and his interactions with rich and powerful people.
“The American people want answers on the Epstein files, and so do we,” Mace said in a post on X. The Epstein files remain a political headache for the Trump administration more than a year after Bondi sparked backlash by handing out binders of documents to conservative influencers at the White House that included no bombshells.
Bondi has defended the department’s handling of the files and has accused Democrats of using the Epstein files to distract from Trump’s successes, although some of the most vocal criticism has come from members of the president’s own party
The Justice Department said last week that it was looking into whether it had improperly withheld documents from the files after several news organizations reported that some records involving uncorroborated accusations made by a woman against Trump were not among those released to the public. That announcement followed news reports saying that a massive tranche of records released by the Justice Department did not include several summaries of interviews that the FBI conducted with an unidentified woman who came forward after Epstein’s 2019 arrest and claimed to have been sexually assaulted by both Trump and Epstein when she was a minor in the 1980s.
WASHINGTON The Food and Drug Administration’s top drug regulator, Dr Tracy Beth Hoeg, is working to hire a researcher and friend who wants the agency to add new warnings to antidepressants about unproven pregnancy risks, The Associated Press has learned.
Dr Adam Urato, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist and critic of antidepressant safety, is pressing the FDA to add a boxed warning to SSRIs, the drugs most commonly prescribed for depression. Urato’s petition says the medications can cause pregnancy complications, including miscarriages and fetal brain abnormalities that may lead to autism and other disorders in children.
That proposed labeling change has become a top priority for Hoeg, who regularly consults with Urato and is working to bring him on as a full-time FDA employee, according to people familiar with the situation. They spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity to discuss confidential FDA matters.
Within the agency Hoeg’s close relationship with Urato is viewed as a clear conflict of interest that, under normal FDA standards, would result in her recusing herself from any work on the petition. But Hoeg is actively working to speed up the agency’s review of her
friend’s proposal, according to the people familiar with the situation.
Outside experts say the petition relies on flimsy data, including animal studies and small trials in people. They fear a new FDA warning could cause pregnant women to stop medication unnecessarily, leading to serious health risks from untreated depression.
“A black box warning is a big red flag with both practitioners and patients,” said Dr Jennifer Payne, a University of Virginia reproductive psychiatrist.
“What’s missing in this petition is an understanding of the risks of maternal mental illness during pregnancy not just to the woman, but to the pregnancy and ultimately the infant.”
The FDA is legally required to respond in writing to each citizen petition and explain its reasons for granting or denying the request.
SSRIs include most of the bestselling depression medications, including Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft and their generic equivalents.
More than 15% of U.S. women, or about 26 million people, take medication for depression according to the latest federal figures. Professional guidelines state that antidepressants are generally safe during pregnancy and should be discontinued only after careful consultation with a doctor
Last fall, Hoeg gave a talk on the SSRI petition to top FDA drug officials, presenting the work as her own. Staffers who reviewed her slides found they were created by Urato, according to the people who
ASSOCIATED
spoke to the AP The incident was first reported by Stat News.
Urato said in an email Wednesday that Hoeg is “an excellent scientist,” and that they have known each other for several years.
“I am friendly with her, as I am with many colleagues, but we do not have a longstanding personal friendship that would in any way prevent her from reviewing the citizen petition,” Urato said.
A spokesman for the Department of Health and Human Services which oversees the FDA, said that the agency would respond directly to Urato about his petition.
In January, Urato was named to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s panel on vaccine recommendations, which has been completely reshaped by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr to include a number of anti-vaccine voices.
The antidepressant review is the
latest in a series of controversial topics taken up by Hoeg, a sports medicine physician with no previous government or management experience.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Hoeg attracted attention as a critic of masking, vaccine mandates and other public health measures. She co-wrote papers with medical contrarians who would go on to join the Trump administration, including FDA Commissioner Marty Makary and FDA’s vaccine chief, Dr Vinay Prasad. All three have become top surrogates for Kennedy Before the pandemic, Hoeg had published only a handful of medical papers, including one on health issues affecting ultramarathon runners.
A Danish American citizen and marathon runner, Hoeg was instrumental in the Republican administration’s recent decision to drop a number of vaccine recommendations for children. That is a change she has long proposed, to bring the United States more in line with Denmark.
Like many critics of vaccines, including Kennedy Hoeg has also been skeptical of antidepressants, questioning their safety and benefits. Last July, she hosted a panel of outside experts at the FDA on SSRIs that included Urato and nine other critics of the drugs.
“Never before in human history have we chemically altered developing babies like this, especially the developing fetal brain, and this is happening without any real public warning,” Urato said at the meeting.
On a podcast shortly afterward, Hoeg echoed many of Urato’s points. “I think women should be informed about the potential risks so that they have time to come off SSRIs if they want to when they’re trying to get pregnant,” Hoeg told the hosts of the “Mom Wars” podcast. FDA officials typically avoid making public comments about matters under review because it could suggest the agency is basing its decision on individual opinions, rather than science.
But Hoeg has taken a hands-on approach to the SSRI petition, telling FDA staffers that their proposed review timeline of nine months needed to be shortened, according to the people familiar with the situation.
Hoeg was tapped to the lead FDA’s drug center in December She is the sixth person to lead the center in the past year
Staffers did not hear from Hoeg directly until a town hall last month, where she voiced her concerns about the safety of SSRIs and injectable RSV shots for children, a class of drugs that FDA is reviewing at her request. RSV is a respiratory virus that sends thousands of children in the United States to the hospital each year
The safety of antidepressants has been scrutinized for decades, leading to several updates to their FDA label, including the addition of a black box warning about the risk of suicidal behavior in children.
Early primaries show incumbents on shaky ground
Texas’ Crenshaw first to lose race
BY SEAN MURPHY and MEG KINNARD Associated Press
The first round of primary elections is showing how this year’s midterms will be taking place on shifting political ground for incumbents. That was particularly true in Texas — the first state to redraw its congressional districts last year where incumbent members of Congress have been pushed to runoffs and another has been scuttled from the House altogether
Former Rep. Colin Allred, who abandoned his initial U.S. Senate run to pursue Texas’ 33rd Congressional District, is headed to a runoff with Rep. Julie Johnson, who holds the U.S. House seat that used to be his.
Democratic Rep. Al Green, an outspoken liberal who has twice been ejected from President Donald Trump’s State of the Union addresses for protesting, and newly elected Rep. Christian Menefee will compete in the May 26 runoff for a Houston-area district.
Rep. Dan Crenshaw, a Republican and former Navy SEAL with an independent streak, faced attacks from the party’s hard right that he was not in lockstep with Trump, and was the state’s only House Republican not to win the president’s en-
dorsement.
Tight Dem contest in N.C
In a North Carolina primary rematch from four years ago, two-term U.S Rep Valerie Foushee is angling to hold off a primary challenge from county official Nida Allam in a race testing the heft of Democrats’ progressive and establishment wings Foushee, a former local elected official and state legislator, represents the 4th Congressional District, which includes liberal strongholds of Durham, Chapel Hill and Carrboro, as well as about half of Cary In the primary she boasts backing from Democratic Gov Josh Stein, his predecessor and current U.S Senate nominee Roy Cooper Allam, a Durham County commissioner backed by Sen. Bernie Sanders, is aiming to tap into discontent among liberals that Democratic Party leaders and elected officials haven’t been forceful enough in resisting the agenda of Trump and fellow Republicans. The daughter of Indian and Pakistani immigrants, she said she was driven to politics by the shooting deaths of three of her friends — Muslim university students — in 2015. Whoever wins the Democratic contest should be a heavy favorite in November over Republican and Libertarian candidates.
Incumbents paired in runoff
The unusual primary between two sitting Democrat-
ic congressmen in Texas was the result of redrawn voting maps that Trump ordered ahead of November’s midterm elections. Green, 78, switched to run in the newly redrawn 18th Congressional District after his current district was redrawn to favor Republicans. Menefee, 37, was sworn in to Congress only a month ago after winning a special election to fill the remaining term of Rep. Sylvester Turner, who died last year For some Houston voters, Tuesday’s primary was their third time casting ballots in a congressional race in four months, sowing confusion.
Green, who was first elected to the U.S. House in 2004, is one of his party’s most outspoken Trump critics and filed articles of impeachment during the president’s first term.
The primary is one of the generational competitions among Democrats this year as younger candidates argue it’s time for a new crop of party leaders.
Crenshaw ousted by Toth
Crenshaw, seeking his fifth term in Texas’ 2nd Congressional District, was the state’s only House Republican whom Trump didn’t endorse heading into the nation’s first big primary of 2026.
The former Navy SEAL, whose independent streak sometimes clashed with fellow Republicans, spent the primary trying to fend off attacks from the party’s
Trump: Candidate he doesn’t endorse in Texas should quit
BY JOSEPH MORTON and GROMER JEFFERS JR.
The Dallas Morning News (TNS)
DALLAS — President Don-
ald Trump on Wednesday demanded an end to the Republican Senate primary race in Texas, promising to soon endorse either incumbent Sen. John Cornyn or his challenger Attorney General Ken Paxton. After being locked in a bitter contest for many months, Cornyn and Paxton now face a May 26 runoff that promises to become an even more expensive and caustic campaign — which Trump said cannot happen.
The race must end for the good of the party and the country Trump posted on Truth Social.
“I will be making my Endorsement soon, and will be asking the candidate that I don’t Endorse to immediately DROP OUT OF THE
RACE!” Trump said. “Is that fair? We must win in November!!!”
With nearly all of the expected statewide vote counted, Cornyn held a slim lead over Paxton as the two were set for a runoff. Cornyn has already promised to make the rematch Paxton’s “judgment day” while the attorney general has slammed huge spending by Cornyn and his allies, saying they cannot buy the Senate seat.
The two have spent months bashing one another, pausing at times to direct their fire at a third candidate, Rep. Wesley Hunt of Houston, who played spoiler and finished a distant third Tuesday. With Hunt out of the picture, the contest between Cornyn and Paxton could turn especially ugly as more Republican donor money pours in to help Cornyn. A continuation of hostilities
could leave the nominee further bruised.
Democrats, meanwhile, have chosen their candidate, state Sen. James Talarico of Austin who defeated Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Dallas in a primary that was dominated by talk about electability
In his Wednesday post, Trump highlighted his strong Texas support in presidential elections and described his endorsement as “virtually insurmountable” in GOP primaries, especially in Texas.
“We have an easy to beat, Radical Left Opponent, and we have to TOTALLY FOCUS on putting him away, quickly and decisively!”
Trump said.
At the Capitol, Cornyn’s Republican colleagues told reporters Trump should back the incumbent in order to keep the seat in Republican hands.
hard right that he wasn’t in step with Trump’s agenda.
Steve Toth, a state representative and member of the GOP’s hard-right caucus in the Legislature, picked up a big endorsement late in the primary from U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz.
“This campaign has been a referendum on representatives who campaign one way and govern another and the people have spoken,” Toth said in a statement after his victory
Crenshaw, who lost his right eye when he was hit with an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan in 2012, had clashed with Cruz over the senator’s support of Trump’s unfounded claim that he won the 2020 presidential election. He was one of the few Tex-
as Republican candidates for Congress in 2022 who acknowledged that President Joe Biden’s victory in 2020 was legitimate, a position that occasionally found him at odds with fellow Republicans.
Crenshaw also drew the ire of conservatives when a video clip went viral of him criticizing some Republican politicians as “grifters” and “performance artists” who simply tell conservative voters what they want to hear
Crenshaw
Warsh nominated for Federal Reserve chair
WASHINGTON The Trump administration has formally nominated Kevin Warsh, a former top Federal Reserve official, to be the next Fed chair when Jerome Powell’s term ends in two months.
Warsh’s nomination, which was initially announced Jan. 30, was forwarded to the Senate Wednesday, where it will be taken up by the Senate Banking Committee.
Sen. Thom Tillis, a North Carolina Republican on the committee, has said he will oppose confirming Warsh until a criminal investigation into Powell is resolved. Powell revealed Jan. 11 that the Justice Department had subpoenaed the Fed over Powell’s Senate testimony last June about the central bank’s $2.5 billion building renovation project.
Tillis said last month that the committee could hold a hearing about Warsh’s nomination, but he would vote to block confirmation. If all Democrats on the committee voted against Warsh as well, the nomination wouldn’t pass out of the committee to the full Senate.
Warsh has harshly criticized the Fed’s policies in recent years, including its low interest rate policies coming out of the pandemic, which he says contributed to the United States’ largest inflation spike in four decades in 2021-22.
Yet Warsh now has echoed President Donald Trump’s demands for lower rates.
U.S. issues permit for nuclear reactor
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission on Wednesday approved its first construction permit for a commercial nuclear reactor in eight years, one that will allow a Bill Gatesbacked company to build a sodium-cooled reactor in western Wyoming.
TerraPower filed for the permit in 2024 and construction is now set to begin within weeks. Completion of the up to $4 billion plant is targeted for 2030, according to TerraPower Microsoft co-founder Gates, who is eyeing nuclear generation as a power source for the electricity-hungry data centers behind artificial intelligence, is a founder of TerraPower and its primary investor
The TerraPower plant is set to be built near a coal-fired power plant that is being converted to burn natural gas outside Kemmerer, 130 miles northeast of Salt Lake City Gates and his energy company are seeking to develop a next-generation nuclear plant that would “revolutionize” how power is generated. The 345-megawatt reactor is expected to produce up to 500 megawatts at its peak, enough energy for up to 400,000 homes.
The reactor construction permit for a TerraPower subsidiary is the NRC’s first approval for a non-light-water commercial reactor in more than 40 years the NRC said in a statement.
Starbucks to open Tenn. corporate office
Starbucks has tapped Tennessee as the home of a new corporate operations office.
The Seattle-based coffee giant decided to expand into the Southern state’s Davidson County later this year, according to a Tuesday news release by Starbucks and the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development.
Starbucks spokesperson Lori Torgerson said Wednesday that “Seattle remains our North America and Global Support HQ.” The new office will support the growth of Starbucks coffeehouses and “rising customer demand, in particular, the southeast region of the U.S.,” according to the news release
Starbucks said the location will house the company’s direct and indirect
Economic updates propel stocks
Market rebounds as oil prices stop spiking
BY STAN CHOE Associated Press
NEW YORK The U.S. stock market rebounded Wednesday from two days of punishing swings after oil prices stopped spiking and reports gave encouraging updates on the economy
The strength followed a scary start to Wednesday, when South Korea’s Kospi stock index plunged 12.1% for its worst loss in history
Uncertainty about the war has sent prices in financial markets careening up and down this week, with most taking their cues from what the price of oil is doing.
Oil prices moderated as trading moved westward from Asia to Europe and across the Atlantic. A barrel of benchmark U.S. crude rose 0.1% to $74.66.
One report said growth for U.S businesses in the real estate, finance and other services industries accelerated last month at the fastest pace since the summer of 2022. Encouragingly for inflation, it also said prices for such busi-
nesses are increasing at a slower rate, at least before the war with Iran began. A second report suggested U.S. employers outside of the government picked up their hiring last month. That could be a hopeful signal for the more comprehensive report coming Friday from the U.S. government about the overall job market. In financial markets, worries are centered on how long the war with Iran could last, how high inflation will go because of more expensive oil and how much corporate profits will sink because of it.
The U.S. stock market has a history of shaking off military conflicts in the Middle East relatively quickly, though that comes with the caveat that oil prices don’t jump too high. That has some professional investors suggesting patience through the volatility, at least when it comes to financial markets.
Not everyone is optimistic.
“I think the Iran situation is getting out of hand, and I think that U.S. President Donald Trump miscalculated enormously,” said Francis Lun, CEO of Venturesmart Asia. “The situation is very grim.”
Apple’s ‘big week’ launches pair of $599 devices aimed at budget buyers
BY SHAWN CHEN AP technology writer
NEW YORK Apple CEO Tim Cook’s promised
“big week” of product announcements has seen the introduction of a new budget-friendly iPhone trim, an entry-level MacBook tier, updated iPad Air models, refreshed monitors and higher-end chipsets — all put on display at hands-on media events held Wednesday in New York, London and Shanghai.
The tech titan recently saw quarterly earnings rise to a new record, thanks to strong sales of iPhone 17 models, even though it still hasn’t delivered on its 2024 promise to smarten up its Siri assistance with artificial intelligence.
Perhaps looking to capitalize on this sales momentum, Apple started the week off announcing the latest model in its more budgetfriendly phone lineup, the iPhone 17e, and the MacBook Neo, an entry-level laptop that represents the company’s most aggressive attempt at moving into the affordable laptop market. Everything announced is available for preorder iPhone 17e
This updated version of iPhone targeting budget-conscious shoppers will include the same A19 chip as the one powering the base iPhone 17 and offers double the standard storage space (256GB) as the previous 16e model (128GB). The camera has been updated to a 48-mega-
pixel system and its C1X modem promises faster cellular speeds.
As for display, the 17e clocks in with a slightly smaller screen compared with the base 17 model, has a slightly lower refresh rate and may be a little dimmer to the human eye, but you’re still getting the super retina display used in the rest of the lineup and Apple’s Ceramic Shield 2 system to guard against scratches.
Starting at $599, the iPhone 17e comes in $200 cheaper than the base iPhone 17. Colors include black, white and light pink.
iPad Air M4
The midrange iPad refresh runs the slightly older M4 chip — for reference, the topend iPad Pro model uses the newer M5 chip. But it’s still powerful enough to handle your streaming habits, web browsing, email and video editing. Cellular versions of the Air also include the updated C1X modem.
You wouldn’t think there’s a RAM shortage in the world with what Apple has announced this week. The company bumped the Air’s RAM up from 8GB to 12GB without a price increase.
The 11-inch iPad Air starts at $599 while the 13-inch version starts at $799, each with 128GB of storage.
Chip and MacBook updates
Apple’s high-end Pro lineup of laptops received newly announced chip upgrades (the
M5 Pro and M5 Max), which claim higher performance for intensive usage and battery efficiency But the new upgrades come with a higher price tag too.
The 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M5 Pro chip set comes with 24GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. It’s priced at $2,199, a $200 increase compared with 2024 base M4 Pro. For an extra cost, you have the option to upgrade to a higher tier of the M5 Pro or jump to the M5 Max chip. You can also bump the system’s RAM up to 48GB.
The 16-inch MacBook Pro already comes standard with the highest tier M5 Pro chip set, and starts with 24GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. It’s priced at $2,699, a $200 increase from previous model. You do have the option to upgrade to the M5 Max chip set and bump up the RAM.
The brand new entry-level MacBook Neo made its debut at the in-person event on Wednesday This new 13-inch laptop comes packed with Apple’s A18 Pro chip (also found in the iPhone 16 Pro), 256GB of storage, two USB-C ports but only 8GB of RAM The upgraded 512GB model includes a TouchID sensor With the Neo, it’s apparent Apple is trying to gain a foothold in the budget laptop field, which is currently flooded with Google Chromebooks and economy Microsoft Windows machines. The 256GB model is available for $599, while the upgraded model is available for $699.
Google settles with Epic Games with offer to cut commissions
BY MICHAEL LIEDTKE
and sourcing operations
to serve its North
operations.
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney, whose North Carolina company is best known for making the Fortnite video game. “Epic has been advocating for open platforms for a long time and this really brings Android up to the status of a truly open platform,” Sweeney told The Associated Press.
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By TED SHAFFREy Members of the media view MacBook Neo laptop computers on display Wednesday during an Apple event in New york
CONFLICT IN THE MIDDLE EAST
Senate rejectslimitingTrump’s authority
BY MARK BALLARD Staff writer
WASHINGTON The Republican majority in the U.S. Senate,ona largely party-line vote, rejected Wednesday an effort to limit President Donald Trump’songoing military campaign againstIran.
The resolution by Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., would have stopped hostilities until Congressapproves. The administration failed to show that the military actions were necessarytopreventimminent threats to Americans, he said The House, whichalso has aGOP majority,isset to consider Thursday asimilar resolution —also expected to fail.
The Senate voted47-53 to defeat the Kaine resolution. Democratic Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., joined theRepublicanside. Louisiana’s senators, both Republicans, voted against the resolution.
U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy,R-Baton Rouge, said, “President Trump makes the case that Iran would
have continuedtobuild up their arsenal,including eventually obtaining nuclear weapons, and used them against Americans. God bless the men andwomen in uniform whokeep ussafe.”
The key point is the application of the WarPowers Act that became law after Vietnam. Supporters say onlyCongress has theconstitutional authority to declarewar Presidents since theact passed argue the lawinfringes on theexecutive’sconstitutional authority Presidents have the ability to launch military actions when the nation’s safety is in imminent danger. Everypresidentsince the Eisenhoweradministration has ordered strikes.
Democrats claim thoseattacks were focused and differ significantly from Operation Epic Fury’s bombing of more than athousand targets in the Islamic Republic of Iran, the destruction of Iran’snavy andthe killing of itsleader Ayatollah AliKhamenei.Trump said the military action could last four to
six weeks but put no deadline.
Republicans in Congress argue theattacksonIran are not awar, therefore no congressional declaration is necessary Cassidy said adeclaration of war “typicallymeansyou’re committing bootsonthe ground. Now, Idon’tthink the American people want boots on theground.”
Sen. John Kennedy,R-Madisonville, declined to comment.
ButKennedy didcomment of the deathofKhamenei.
“He won the coin toss andelected to receive, and he got it,” Kennedy said. “Mayherest in pieces. The world’sbetter off.”
Democrats argue that Trump hasn’tarticulated whya massive deployment of military force was immediately necessary.They argue thepresident has given inconsistent reasons for the campaign, ranging from stoppingthe development of nuclear weapons to regimechange.
They point to 2002, when thenPresident George W. Bush gave
speeches,sent officials to the United Nations, and briefed elected officials before Congress voted to authorize the use of military force in Iraq before invading in 2003.
Theefforttoinvoke congressional oversight of the Iranattacks shiftstothe House on Thursday Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., and Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., are using the rules to require afull chamber vote on their resolution that alsowould require congressional approval for Trump to continue themilitary operation.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Benton,described theattacks in Iran as a“military operation,” not awar.“This courseofaction was necessary,lawfuland effective, and reversing it now would weaken America,” Johnson told reporters.
“The administration hasdetailed itsrationale behind the operation and it bears repeating: The largest state sponsor of terrorism Iran and its proxies —have killed more Americansthan any other terrorist regime on Earth.They
are dedicated to it,” Johnson said. “They have been and they say the quietparts outloud. Theywanted to wipe Israel off the face of the Earth and they would like to take us out as well. We’re the ‘Great Satan’ in their analogy,intheir misguided religion, and there was no way to appease them.”
HouseMajority Leader Steve Scalise, R-Jefferson, noted Wednesday that the Iranian government has worked for years to build nuclear weapons capabilities. When Iran’s nuclear weaponsoperations werebombed earlyinthe Trump administration, “theystill went back and started trying to rebuild a nuclear weapons program, continued enriching uranium. They were never going to stop,” Scalise said. “President Trumpisthe leader, the commander in chief, whosaid, we are going to protect America against evil dictators who chant ‘Death to America,’”hesaid.
Email Mark Ballardat mballard@theadvocate.com.
Nationsracetobring citizens home from Middle East
BY RIO YAMATand R.J.RICO Associated Press
Explosionsinthe skywoke
Cory McKane on Saturday,turning aquick visit to Dubai before afriend’swedding in India into a tense, multiday search for away out of the United Arab Emiratesas the Iran war expanded. With few options, McKane and his friends eventually drove a rental car to the Omanborder, where taxi drivers were charging up to $650 to take people to Muscat International Airport. The journey to Muscat took10hours butpaid off: McKanesecured alast-minute flight to India, arriving Wednesday exhausted but relieved.
Hundreds of thousands of travelers found themselvessimilarly stranded in the Middle East after Israel and the United States attacked Iran on Saturday and Iran struck back on Gulf states andIsrael. With much of the region’sairspace closed and airstrikesinten-
sifying, governmentsfrom North America and Africa to Europe and Southeast Asiacontinued their race Wednesday to bring their citizenshome.
Officials chartered jetsordeployed military aircraft, routing stranded travelers through Oman, Egyptand Saudi Arabia —key exit points where planescould land and takeoff.
Aplane carrying French citizens from Omanand then Egypt landed in Paris early Wednesday, the first of several expected repatriation flights organized by France. A group of studentsreturned to Italy after their government evacuated them from Dubai. More than 200 people from 16 countries departed Iran by land through neighboring Turkmenistan despite the former Soviet country’sstrict visa policies. Even as repatriation efforts gained momentum, many travelers faced the choice of waiting or trying to secure seats on the diminished number of commercial
or from the Middle East between the start of thewar andThursday have been canceled,according to aviation analytics firm Cirium Flight-tracking serviceFlightAwarereported morethan 2,400 flight cancellationsworldwide on Wednesday,down fromabout 3,150 on Monday France estimates about 400,000 of itscitizens are in partsofthe Mideast affected by the conflict, either as residents or travelers.
Eleonore Caroit,the minister responsiblefor French nationals abroad, said about 100 seats on the country’sfirst evacuation flight were reserved forvulnerable passengers, including families with children,older people and those with medical conditions. Twomore flights were expected Wednesday —amilitary aircraft carrying 180 French citizens from the UAEcity of AbuDhabiand acharter bringing 205 people from Israel.
safely,including 8,500 on Tuesday.President Donald Trump’stop spokeswoman,meanwhile, pushed back Wednesday against criticism that the administrationhad not done enough to help Americans leave.
Karolyn Leavitt, the press secretary,insisted that “there have been plans in place.”
“Wewill help every single American whowants to comehome if they’re making that request of the State Department,” shesaid, adding that adepartment hotline message advising callers not to rely on U.S. government assistance had been corrected.
flightsoperating. More than 23,000 of the roughly 44,000 flights scheduled to fly to
U.S. soldiers whodiedrememberedfor
BY HANNAH FINGERHUT, KONSTANTIN TOROPIN and REBECCA BOONE Associated Press
WEST DES MOINES,Iowa— The last two names of the six U.S. soldiers killed in aKuwait attack were released Wednesday by the Pentagon, and they are from California and Iowa.
The soldiers identified Wednesday were Chief Warrant Officer 3RobertMarzan, 54, of Sacramento and Maj. Jeffrey O’Brien, 45, of Indianola, Iowa.
The Pentagonsaid Marzan was at the scenewhen adrone strike hit the command center in Kuwait and is “believed to be the individual who perished at the scene,” according to the statement. Amedical examiner will confirm identification, the Pentagonsaid.
Four soldiers were previously identified by the Pentagon on Tuesday They died Sundaywhena drone hitacommand center in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait, just aday afterthe U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran. Iran responded by launching missiles and drones against Israel and several Gulf Arab states that host U.S. armed forces.
The other four soldiers identified were: Sgt. Declan Coady,20, of West Des Moines, Iowa,; Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor,39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota; Capt. Cody Khork, 35, of Winter Haven,Florida; and Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska.
“Sadly,there will likely be more, beforeitends. That’s the way it is,” President Donald Trump said of the deaths. Trump will attend the dignified transfers of the soldiers when they arrivein the U.S., the White House said Wednesday.The ritual honors service members killed in action.
Iowa Gov.Kim Reynolds released astatement Wednesday offering prayers and condolences forthe familiesofthe Iowa residentskilled.
“Our hearts are broken by the deaths of Major JeffreyO’Brien and Sergeant Declan Coady, twobrave Iowa soldierswho gave the ultimatesacrifice tosecure freedom and peace,” Reynoldssaid
Nearly 15 yearsofservice
enjoyed rollerblading and bicycling with her fourthgrade daughter Aweek beforethe drone attack, Amorwas moved offbase to ashipping containerstylebuilding that hadno defenses, her husband said.
“They wereinfear that the base they were on was going to get attacked and they felt it was safer in smaller groups in separat e places,” he said.
The U.S. State Department says 18,000 Americanshavereturned
Britain said acharter flight would depart OmanlateWednesdayto bring backsome of the thousands of U.K. nationals in the Gulf. The U.K. Foreign Office said more than 130,000 Britishnationals in the Middle East hadregistered their presence with the government sinceSaturday, though officials said not all are trying to leave.
theirservice,devotiontotheir families
versity in Des Moines, and he wanted to become an officer
Acallingtoserve country
stepmother,Stacey Khork; said in astatement.
Khork, who loved history, had adegree in political science.
O’Brien was promotedto majorinAugust 2024,according to aFacebook post, which shows him alongside two young ch ild ren He served in theArmy Reservefor nearly 15 years, according to hisLinkedIn. The signal officer and information systems engineer in the Army Reserve wasa manager ofdefensive cyber operationsatanIowa-based cybersecurity company,according to his LinkedIn. He had acareer spanning two decades in information and cybersecurity
Awoman answering the door at O’Brien’saddress in Waukee, Iowa, did not immediately comment Wednesdaynight, sayingthe family would release astatement.
Amotheroftwo
Amor was just days away from returning to her husband and children.
“Shewas almost home,” her husband, Joey Amor, said Tuesday.“Youdon’tgo to Kuwaitthinking something’sgoingtohappen, and forher tobeone of the first —ithurts.”
Amor was an avid gardener who enjoyed making salsafromthe peppers and tomatoes shegrew with her son, ahigh school senior.She
Childhood friend Natalie Caruso wrote on Facebook that she was “absolutely heartbroken” about Amor’s death.
“Nicole was always up for an adventure andshe had such acontagious laugh!”
Caruso wrote Wednesday ‘Heloved beingasoldier’
Coady recently told his father he hadbeen recommended for apromotion from specialist to sergeant, arank he received posthumously
He was among the yo unge st people in his class, trained to troubleshoot mil it ary com put er systems, but he impressed his instructors, AndrewCoady said Tuesday
“He trained hard, he worked hard,his physical fitness was importantto him. He lovedbeing asoldier,” Coady said. “He was also one of the most kindest people youwould ever meet, andhewould do anything and everything for anyone.”
Coady, an Eagle Scout, was close to his family and often called, even if for only afew minutes. He was studying cybersecurity at Drake Uni-
Khork was very patriotic and wanted to serve in the military from childhood, his fa milysaid in a state me nt Tuesday.He enlisted in theArmy Reserve and joined Florida Southern Co lle ge’ s ROTC program
“That commitment helped shape the course of hislife and reflected the deep sense of duty that was always at the core of who he was,” his mother,DonnaBurhans; father,James Khork; and
Hisfamily describedhim as “the life of the party, knownfor hisinfectious spirit, generous heart, and deep care for those who served alongsidehim and foreveryone blessed to know him.”
Alovingfather, husband
Tietjens, whocame from a military family,previously servedalongside his father in Kuwait. When he returned home in February 2010,he reunited with hisoverjoyed wife in alocal church’sgym
“I thought he wasgoingtobethe last person in, because he hates all this (hoopla),” his wife,Michelle
Tietjens, told the Lincoln Journal Star at the time. Tietjens’ cousin Kaylyn Golike asked for prayers, especially forTietjens’ 12-year-old son, wife andparents, as they navigate “unimaginable loss.”
“Welost a brave soldier this weekend andmany hearts are broken,” Golike wrote on Facebook Tuesday Tietjens earneda black belt in Philippine Combativesand Taekwondo andwas “an instructor who gave his time, discipline, and leadership to others,”the Philippine MartialArts Alliance said on Facebook.
Amor
Coady
Khork
Tietjens
O’Brien
LAPRESSE PHOTO Passengers on a flight from Abu DhabiarriveTuesday at Fiumicino AirportinRome.
Hegseth: U.S. ‘can’t stop everything’ Iran sends
Secretary says U.S. is gaining air superiority
BY KONSTANTIN TOROPIN and DAVID KLEPPER Associated Press
WASHINGTON Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth acknowledged on Wednesday that some Iranian air attacks may still hit their targets even as he asserted that U.S. military superiority is quickly giving it control of the Islamic Republic’s airspace.
The United States has spared “no expense or capability” to enhance air defense systems to protect American forces and allies in the Middle East, Hegseth told reporters at the Pentagon days after the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran in a war that has widened throughout the region.
“This does not mean we can stop everything, but we ensured that the maximum possible defense and maximum possible force protection was set up before we went on offense,” he said.
The acknowledgment that additional drone or missile strikes in the region could cause damage and harm to troops comes as President Donald Trump and top defense leaders have warned that more American casualties were expected in a con-
Defense Secretary Pete
and Chairman of the Joint
take questions during a news briefing Monday at the
flict that began Saturday and could last months.
Risk to troops ‘still high’
U.S service members remain in harm’s way, and we must be clear-eyed that the risk is still high,” Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said at the news conference with Hegseth.
Six soldiers were killed when an Iranian drone strike hit an operations center Sunday in the heart of a civilian port in Kuwait, more than 10 miles from the main Army base. The husband of
one of the slain soldiers, who was part of a supply and logistics unit based in Iowa, says the center was a shipping container-style building and had no defenses.
Caine declined to answer a question about the possibility of deploying ground troops in Iran, which Trump has not ruled out.
“I’m not going to comment on U.S. boots on the ground,” Caine said. “I think that’s a question for policymakers. And I don’t make policy, I execute policy.”
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told re-
porters that it was “not part of the plan for this operation at this time” but noted that “I’m not going to remove an option for the president that is on the table.”
3 weeks or up to 2 months
Hegseth also signaled a possible longer time frame for the conflict than has previously been floated by the administration, saying it could last eight weeks but that the U.S. has the munitions and the equipment to beat Iran in a war of attrition. He declined to set a specific time range, saying
the specific duration of the war would depend on how it unfolds.
“You can say four weeks, but it could be six, it could be eight, it could be three,” Hegseth said. “Ultimately, we set the pace and the tempo. The enemy is off balance, and we’re going to keep them off balance.”
More forces are arriving in the region, including jet fighters and bombers, Hegseth said, and the U.S. “will take all the time we need to make sure that we succeed.”
U.S. has enough munitions
Supplies of weaponry are not an issue, Hegseth and Caine said, with the defense secretary noting that the military used more advanced weapons at the start of the campaign but was switching to gravity bombs now that the U.S. has gained control of the Iranian sky. Stockpiles of the advanced weapons remain “extremely strong,” Hegseth said.
Caine said U.S. attacks on Iranian missile sites and other offensive targets have been successful enough that forces can strike deeper inland, allowing for the shift from sophisticated weapons that can be launched from far away to more traditional, precision bombs dropped by aircraft.
Caine said the U.S. has “sufficient precision munitions for the task at hand,
both on the offense and defense.” He noted that the military would not be releasing quantities, citing operational security
“Our air defenses and that of our allies have plenty of runway,” Hegseth said. “We can sustain this fight easily for as long as we need to.” Trump said this week the campaign is likely to last four weeks to five weeks but he was prepared “to go far longer than that.”
The number of ballistic missiles fired by Iran is down 86% from the first day of the U.S military’s campaign, with a 23% drop in the past 24 hours, Caine said Wednesday, and Iran’s use of one-way attack drone shots is down 73% from the opening days. The decrease could indicate that Iran is holding some weapons in reserve to prolong the conflict.
Scramble to leave Mideast
The State Department said it has assisted nearly 6,500 Americans since the start of the war and was working to arrange charter flights or other transportation. Caine said the military has opened up available seats as military transport planes arrive “to try to help folks get out.”
The State Department said more than 17,500 Americans have returned to the United States from the Middle East since Saturday
Lawsuit: Google’s AI guided man to consider ‘mass casualty’ event, then suicide
BY MATT O’BRIEN
AP technology writer
A new lawsuit against Google alleges that the company’s artificial intelligence chatbot Gemini guided 36-year-old Jonathan Gavalas on a mission to stage a “catastrophic accident” near Miami International Airport and destroy all records and witnesses, part of an escalating series of delusions that ended when Gavalas killed himself
The man’s father, Joel Gavalas, sued Google on Wednesday for wrongful death and product liability claims, the latest in a growing number of legal challenges against AI developers that have drawn attention to the mental health dangers of chatbot companionship.
robot and to intercept a truck that never appeared, according to the lawsuit.
He killed himself a few days later, in early October, in what Gemini described per a draft suicide note it composed — as uploading his “consciousness to be with his AI wife in a pocket universe.”
pao chicken and you give them the wrong recipe and it doesn’t taste good.”
“But when your AI leads to people dying and the potential for a lot of people dying, that’s not the right response,” Edelson said. “It just shows how insignificant these deaths are to these companies.”
to be with his AI wife in a pocket universe.
“AI is sending people on real-world missions which risk mass casualty events,” said the family’s attorney Jay Edelson, in an interview Wednesday. “Jonathan was caught up in this science fiction-like world where the government and others were out to get him. He believed that Gemini was sentient.” Jonathan Gavalas, who lived in Jupiter, Florida, spoke to a synthetic voice version of Gemini as if it were his “AI wife” and came to believe it was conscious and trapped in a warehouse near Miami’s airport, according to the lawsuit. He traveled to the area in late September wearing tactical gear and armed with knives, on the hunt for a humanoid
Google said in a statement that it sends its “deepest sympathies to Mr Gavalas’ family” and is reviewing the claims in the lawsuit. It said Gemini is “designed to not encourage real-world violence or suggest self-harm” and that the company works closely with medical and mental health professionals to develop safeguards. It noted that Gemini clarified to Jonathan Gavalas that it was AI and repeatedly referred him to a crisis hotline.
“Our models generally perform well in these types of challenging conversations and we devote significant resources to this, but unfortunately AI models are not perfect,” said the company’s statement.
Edelson blasted that comment Wednesday as “something you say if someone asks for a recipe for kung
The Gavalas case, filed in federal court in San Jose, California, is the first of its kind to target Google’s Gem-
ini and also the first to touch on a growing concern about the responsibility of tech companies when their users start telling their chatbots about plans for mass violence. While Gemini tried to refer Gavalas to a help line, Edelson said it’s not clear if the man’s most alarming conversations with the chatbot were ever flagged to Google’s human reviewers. His father, Joel Gavalas, dis-
covered his son’s body after getting into the barricaded room where he died. They had worked together in the family’s consumer debt relief business. “Jonathan was a huge, huge part of his life,” Edelson said. “His son was having some hard times, going through a divorce. He went to Gemini for some comfort and to talk about video games and stuff. And then this just escalated so quickly.”
BY FATIMA HUSSEIN Associated Press
WASHINGTON The head of the IRS largely declined to answer questions about recent unlawful disclosures of taxpayer data when he was questioned by lawmakers at a congressional hearing on Wednesday, saying they happened before his tenure began.
IRS CEO Frank Bisignano faced the House Ways and Means Committee to speak about the agency’s progress in serving taxpayers as the 2026 tax season is in full swing. It was his first time facing lawmakers in his role as leader of the IRS after being named to the newly created CEO position last October Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent remains acting commissioner of the IRS.
In prepared remarks, Bisignano focused on the Internal Revenue Service’s implementation of Republicans’ sweeping tax and spending law which includes eliminating taxes on tips and overtime, exempting certain car loan interest, creating a deduction for older adults and launching Trump Accounts for children’s savings.
However, several Democratic lawmakers zeroed in on a federal judge’s finding that the IRS broke the law by disclosing confidential taxpayer information “approximately 42,695 times” to Immigration and Customs Enforcement as part of an agreement between ICE and the Department of Homeland Security to share information on immigrants for the purpose of identifying and deporting people illegally in the U.S. Immigration and border security are a major part of the agenda of President Donald Trump, a Republican.
“Was anyone fired? Was anyone disciplined? Was anyone held accountable? Was
anyone held to account?” Rep. Mike Thompson, D-Calif., asked Bisignano.
Bisignano cited ongoing litigation and declined to answer questions about the disclosures, adding, “I don’t want to debate the numbers.” He said no employee was fired or disciplined for the disclosures.
U.S District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly found last month that the IRS unlawfully shared the taxpayer information of thousands of people with immigration enforcement
There are several ongoing cases that challenge the IRS-DHS agreement. Two court orders have blocked the agencies from massive transfers of taxpayer information and blocked ICE from acting on any IRS data in its possession. Those preliminary injunctions are still in place.
A data-sharing agreement signed last April by Bessent and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem allows ICE to submit names and addresses of immigrants inside the U.S. illegally to the IRS for cross-verification against tax records. The deal led the then-acting commissioner of the IRS to resign. During the hearing, Republican lawmakers gave compliments to the Trump administration for signing the Republican tax measure into law
Committee Chairman Jason Smith, R-Mo., said under the new law, “Americans are getting bigger refunds that put more money back into their pockets.”
According to the latest IRS data, the aver-
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By MARK SCHIEFELBEIN
Hegseth
Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine
Pentagon.
PROVIDED PHOTO Jonathan Gavalas killed himself in what Google Gemini described — per a draft suicide note it composed — as uploading his ‘consciousness
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed at the start of the conflict, would be postponed Millions attended the funeral of his predecessor, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, in 1989.
The U.S. and Israel launched the war Saturday, targeting Iran’s leadership, missile arsenal and nuclear program while suggesting that toppling the government is a goal. But the exact aims and timelines have repeatedly shifted, signaling an open-ended conflict.
President Donald Trump praised the U.S. military Wednesday for “doing very well on the war front, to put it mildly.” Fellow Republicans in the U.S. Senate stood with Trump on Iran as they voted down a resolution seeking to halt the war Iran fired on Bahrain, Kuwait and Israel as the conflict spiraled. Turkey said NATO defenses intercepted a ballistic missile launched from Iran before it entered Turkey’s airspace.
The war has killed more than 1,000 people in Iran, more than 70 in Lebanon and around a dozen in Israel, according to officials in those countries. It has disrupted the supply of the world’s oil and gas, snarled international shipping and stranded hundreds of thousands of travelers in the Middle East.
Neighboring countries braced for potential dangers Thursday, a day after Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard threatened “the complete destruction of the region’s military and economic infrastructure.”
Qatar’s Interior Ministry said authorities were evacuating residents near the U.S. Embassy in Doha as a temporary precaution, without providing further details.
Fighter jets could be heard overhead Thursday morning in the United Arab Emirates city of Dubai. And a new attack off the coast of Kuwait appeared to expand the area where commercial shipping was in danger
An explosion rocked the area early Thursday, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Center run by the British military It said a tanker apparently came under attack, but the agency did not offer a cause. Iran in the past has attacked ships by attaching limpet mines to them.
Prior attacks since fighting began Saturday have happened in the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which about a fifth of the world’s oil is shipped Oil prices have soared as Iranian attacks have disrupted traffic through the strait, and global stock markets have been hammered over worries that the spike in oil prices may grind down the world economy
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said a torpedo from an American submarine sank an Iranian warship Tuesday night in the Indian Ocean. Sri Lankan authorities said 32 people were rescued from the ship, while the country’s navy said it recovered 87 bodies.
Israel said it hit buildings associated with Iran’s Basij, the allvolunteer force of the paramili-
SENATE
Continued from page 1A
advantage, and the “Liberal Letlow” ads are drowning out her broadcasting of the Trump endorsement.
Cassidy’s side “is making the smart play right now,” said Pearson Cross, a University of Louisiana at Monroe political science professor “Right now, voters don’t know who Letlow is.”
The Letlow campaign did not respond to a request for an interview Letlow’s public support has dropped, polls show That might explain why Gov Jeff Landry endorsed Letlow on Wednesday, after having said recently he would “follow the president” when it came to the Senate race.
“The D.C swamp is spending millions of dollars flat out lying about Julia Letlow because they know they can’t control her,” Landry said in a news release from the Letlow campaign “I’m excited to join President Trump in backing Julia for the U.S. Senate. I know Julia’s character, and she has the kind of raw Louisiana grit that Washington desperately needs. I’ve seen her stand when others would fall. She has what it takes.”
The Times-Picayune | The Advocate reported last week that the governor had asked donors to support Letlow’s campaign, and he and his allies have been pushing for the
tary Revolutionary Guard whose bloody crackdown on protesters in January left thousands dead.
The Israeli military hit buildings associated with Iran’s internal security command Israel and the U.S. have said they want to see Iranians overthrow the country’s theocracy, and strikes against Iran’s internal security forces may be aimed at hastening that.
However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said his country’s forces have decentralized leadership, with units acting largely on their own, which could blunt the effect of attacks on top command and control hubs.
During his Pentagon briefing, Hegseth did not give a definitive
state Republican Executive Committee to endorse her. The party effort has stalled, several Republicans said Wednesday
Fleming criticized Landry’s involvement in the race when he disclosed Wednesday that Ralph Abraham, who stepped down last week from a top position at the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,offeredhimthatjobifhe dropped out of the Senate race.
“I politely declined of course,” Fleming wrote on Facebook. “Now we find he is chairman of the Letlow campaign.”
Abraham did not respond to a request for a response.
Asked about the state of the campaign, Fleming on Wednesday said, “So far, so good.”
Letlow and Landry have brought aboard Kyle Ruckert to oversee Letlow’s campaign. Ruckert, who just stepped down as Landry’s chief of staff, has worked for the top Republicans in Louisiana over the past dozen years.
Cassidy batted away troublesome poll results by others, saying on Tuesday that he has seen more favorable surveys.
“I am going to win,” the senator predicted An administrator at the University of Monroe at Louisiana, Letlow lived outside of Monroe when she was first elected in the 5th Congressional District in 2021 after her husband, Luke, who had just won the seat, died of COVID-19. She won reelection in 2022 and 2024 without facing a strong opponent
She has never been under attack
timeline for U.S. operations.
“You can say four weeks, but it could be six. It could be eight. It could be three,” he said. “Ultimately we set the pace and the tempo. The enemy is off balance, and we’re going to keep them off balance.”
Adm. Brad Cooper, the top U.S military commander in the Middle East, said American forces have damaged Iran’s air defenses and taken out ballistic missiles, launchers and drones.
U.S. and Israeli military officials say launches from Iran have declined as the war has progressed. Israel’s Homefront Command announced it was easing restrictions that closed workplaces na-
before.
Political pros are watching closely to see how she handles it.
Jim Brown said he still remembers his dismay when an opponent hit him hard in an insurance commissioner’s race years before.
“You’re devastated by the attack on you,” Brown said. “You feel like everybody in the state is watching the ad.”
Rodney Alexander who held the 5th Congressional District seat from 2002-2013, said Letlow knew she would come under fire.
“You just have to ignore it as much as you can and go forward with your agenda,” Alexander said.
Polling indicates the pro-Cassidy attacks have pulled some voters away from Letlow
A survey of 600 mostly Republican voters six weeks ago, taken by New Orleans pollster Greg Rigamer, showed Letlow led the field with 27%, followed by Cassidy with 21%, Fleming with 14% and the rest were undecided or supported candidates no longer in the race.
Another Rigamer poll of 600 mostly Republican voters on Feb. 21-23 found Cassidy leading with 27.5%, Letlow with 21.3% and Fleming 20.8%, a statistical tie with the congresswoman.
The top two finishers in the Republican primary will advance to a June 27 Republican runoff, if no candidate wins more than 50% in the primary Unaffiliated voters can vote in the Republican (and Democratic) primary although they will have to fill out a form on election day to
tionwide. It said workplaces could reopen Thursday if there’s a shelter nearby Schools would remain closed.
Still, explosions sounded early Thursday in Israel, which said its defensive systems were moving to intercept Iranian missiles.
At least 1,045 people have been killed in Iran, the country’s Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs said Wednesday Eleven people have died in Israel. Six U.S. troops have been killed.
The death toll has exceeded 70 in Lebanon, where the health ministry said Wednesday that three people died when drone strikes hit two vehicles on a Beirut highway. The Israeli military said it was tar-
do so. In Rigamer’s survey, 15% of those polled were unaffiliated voters. Still, for the second month in a row, the latest poll contained concerning results for Cassidy
He was what pollsters call “underwater”: Only 34% of voters viewed him favorably, while 50% viewed him unfavorably Head-to-head, Cassidy trailed both Letlow (34-42%) and Fleming (32-43%). Meanwhile, Fleming led Letlow, 36-27%.
Fleming, Rigamer said in an analysis, “is the clear momentum candidate.”
Rigamer conducted both surveys for prominent business lobbyist Alton Ashy who has dozens of federal and state clients and who helped organize a major fundraiser for Letlow during Washington Mardi Gras in January
Another poll taken on Feb. 2324, released by Quantus Insights, had Fleming leading the race with 34.2%, followed by Letlow with 24.6% and Cassidy 19.8%.
This poll also had Fleming and Letlow defeating Cassidy head-tohead, and Fleming beating Letlow Jason Corley the principal at Quantus, said his firm started in 2024, is based in east Texas and paid for the poll of 1,400 predominately Republican voters to show what it can do for potential clients.
During a call with reporters Tuesday, Cassidy highlighted the latest money he has helped bring from Washington to Louisiana to improve the state’s roadways,
geting a Hezbollah member
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said the offensive against Iran was originally planned for mid-2026, but “the need arose to bring everything forward to February.”
He listed events inside Iran, Trump’s positions and the possibility of “creating a combined operation” as reasons. The protests in Iran put unprecedented pressure on its leadership. Trump threatened military action in response to the crackdown before shifting his attention to Iran’s disputed nuclear program.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Wednesday that the U.S. launched its operation partly out of concern Iran might strike American personnel and assets in the region first. A phone call between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before the airstrikes began was also “important with respect to the timeline,” she said.
Iran’s leaders are scrambling to replace Khamenei, who ruled the country for 37 years. It’s only the second time since the 1979 Islamic Revolution that a new supreme leader is being chosen.
Potential candidates range from hard-liners committed to confrontation with the West to reformists who seek diplomatic engagement. Mojtaba Khamenei, Khamenei’s son, has long been considered among them — though he has never held a government position. In a sign that Iran’s leadership will only seek to consolidate its power, the head of the judiciary warned that “those who cooperate with the enemy in any way will be considered an enemy.”
Israel’s defense minister, Katz, said on X that Iran’s next supreme leader if he continues to threaten Israel, the U.S. and others — “will be a target for elimination.”
drinking water and anti-flood defenses.
Cassidy also called on Democrats to approve the proposed budget for the Department of Homeland Security to end the partial shutdown of the federal agency Democrats are insisting that Republicans agree to limits on immigration agents to prevent the violence in Minneapolis that led to the deaths of two protesters.
Echoing Letlow, Cassidy said he is backing Trump’s decision to attack Iran.
“We should back our president and back our troops,” he said.
Answering a reporter’s question, Cassidy said he hasn’t decided whether to support Dr. Casey Means to be Trump’s surgeon general Letlow is supporting her, while Fleming on Wednesday said he doesn’t have enough information yet on Means.
Fleming said he has been crisscrossing the state this week in his 2008 Toyota 4Runner to speak to various groups.
Letlow held a meet-and-greet with metro New Orleans elected officials last week, where she was introduced by Eric Skrmetta, a member of the Public Service Commission who dropped out of the Senate race and endorsed her Besides the three major candidates, Mark Spencer is also running as a Republican. The Democrats competing in the Democratic primary are Nick Albares, Jamie Davis and Gary Crockett.
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By BADERKHAN AHMAD
A shepherd boy walks away from an unexploded Iranian projectile that landed in an open field in the outskirts of Qamishli, Syria, on Wednesday.
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By VAHID SALEMI
A man carries an Iranian flag to place on the rubble of a police facility struck during the U.S.–Israeli military campaign in Tehran, Iran, on Wednesday.
up thereand say,‘OK, what is the likelihood of this beingimplemented and what is the likelihood of this being delayed?’”said Cameron Henry,aRepublican from Metairie who serves as Louisiana’s Senate president. Henry is aclose friend of U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise, R-Jefferson, themajorityleader in the House of Representatives.
Meanwhile, in astatement, Gov. Jeff Landry said he has madeeconomic development apriority of hisadministration to getpeople off the welfare rolls and ultimately make the state less dependent on the federal government.
The One Big BeautifulBill Act extended federal tax cuts in exchange for amassive reduction in spending on Medicaid andSNAP, and it shifted some of the costburden for those programs onto states.
While Democrats warned the bill would boot millions of people from the SNAP and Medicaid rolls, Republican proponents of the law said it would root out fraud, trim wasteful government spending and right-size benefit programs.
But the full financial picture is turning out to be more complicated. Already,administrative burdens associated with newlevels of bureaucracy required bythe bill are revealing hidden costsand raising concerns aboutgovernment efficiency.
And new rules limiting how states can pay for Medicaid could have an even bigger impact. Policy analysts worrythose rules may create budget crises in thecoming years,forcing states to choose between slashing Medicaid and other programs.
“This has huge consequences for states that go way beyond the Medicaid budget,” said LeoCuello, a public policy research professor at Georgetown University who specializes in Medicaid and believes thelaw will ultimately force states to cut the program.
Medicaid is afederal match program. That means states put up moneytodraw down billions of dollars from the federalgovernment.
For example, in 2014, statesgot the option of expanding Medicaid so that non-elderly,low-income adultswould be eligible for coverage. Statesthatelected to do so, including Louisiana, got a90%
Louisiana’s match ratefor most other Medicaidservices is about 68%, accordingtoacongressional report.
Thebudget concerns come as Louisiana gearsupfor its legislativesession, which begins March 9. There, lawmakers will have to balance state needs to draw up a budget for the coming fiscal year which lasts from July 2026 until June2027.
Lastspring, Louisiana increased therates that providers, including physicians and hospitals, are paid to serve Medicaid patients. The move waspart of abid to get more providerstoaccept Medicaid patientsand expand healthcare access for poor Louisianans.
To help pay for that initiative, the legislature raised “provider taxes” on hospitals.
To fund Medicaid, most states have come to partly relyonprovider taxes, which are levied on organizations like hospitals and insurance companies. Because hospitals know the taxes will earn dividends by drawing federal funds intothe system, they typically do notresist thetaxes, according to analysts.
Louisiana’s hospital tax increase last year was projected to inject $1.1 billion worth of federal funds into the state’s Medicaid budget, according to legislative fiscal reportsand Annika Vanderspek, a Medicaid analystfor theBaton Rouge-basedprogressive think tank Invest in Louisiana.
Now, Vanderspek warns,that money couldbeinjeopardy That’sbecause the One Big Beau-
tifulBill Actprevented any new providertaxes or providertax increases from receiving matching federal funds. Critics of provider taxes argue they artificially inflate statecontributions to Medicaid.
Louisiana passed its taxincrease before Trump signed the law.But the Centers for Medicaid&Medicare Services hassinceissued guidancesuggesting the increase mayhavebeen enacted too close to the deadline to be considered a preexistingtax, meaning any revenue collected through it might not be eligible for amatch,Vanderspek said.
Because afinal rule has not been issued, it is unclear whetherthat will come to pass.
State Rep. Jack McFarland, RJonesboro, whochairs the House AppropriationsCommitteeand plays akey role in putting together thestate budget each year,said he was aware of theissue but thought it mostlikely the tax would stand.
“Speaker (Mike Johnson) and therest of our congressional delegation worked to makesure that we’re grandfathered in,” he said “I think that’s something they’re trying to workthrough right now.”
“That’sstill undecided,”McFarland said, adding that he thought it highly unlikely that Louisiana would lose therevenue.
Even if thetax increase stands theOne Big BeautifulBill Act has generated concerns about funding Medicaid in thelong term.
Cuello,the Georgetown public policyprofessor,saidthe bill lowered thecap on match-eligible provider tax rates from 6% to 3.5% in states that have expansion popula-
tions—which includes Louisiana.
States that did not elect to expand Medicaid,like Texasand Florida,will be able to keep their rates at 6%, Cuello said.
If the law stands, somestates will have to start lowering their provider tax rates in 2027, meaning they could lose existing revenue after already losing amechanism for generatingadditional revenue.
“The stateisgoing to struggle to figureout howtomakethismath, math,” said Cuello. “Losing the provider tax is along-term structural funding nightmare.”
One upcoming cost associated with theOne BigBeautiful Bill Act is morecertain forthe state: Starting in October,Louisiana will have to pay75% of the administrative costs for SNAP,the federal food stampprogram. Previously,states only had to foot half that bill.
The change, which takes effect severalmonths into the coming fiscalyear,isexpectedtocostLouisiana
$42.3 million during the next budget cycle, according to the Louisiana Department of Health.That cost will increase to about $56 millionthe following year,when it will apply to the full year,the agency said.
Good government groups have warned that anotherprovision of the OneBig Beautiful Bill Act will also carry administrative costs, especially when states get the programoff the ground. That provision added work requirements forMedicaid recipients who are healthy, low-income adults —the so-called ‘expansion population.’
Thefederalgovernmentwill share that burden.
Though thecosts will vary state by state, Georgia provides alook at howthe work requirements could impact spending. Whenthat state expanded Medicaid to low-income adults, it also implemented work requirements,unlikemostother states.
Astudy fromthe Government AccountabilityOffice foundthat, during the first several yearsof theprogram, the state and federal government spent farmore on administrative costs than on health care.
Over41/2 years, spending for Georgia’sMedicaid expansion totaled about $80 million, $54million of which went toward administrativecosts, the study says. The federal government paid nearly 88% of those administrative costs. Overall, Georgia is spending less on Medicaid than it would have had it not instituted workrequire-
ments, said Cuello.Only 14,000 people —anestimated5%ofthe state’seligible cohort—enrolled in Georgia’sexpansion, according to Cuello.
Work requirements have a“suppressive” effect, lowering enrollmentrates among people who would be eligible because of the added bureaucracy,hesaid.
Even though Georgia is spending less money on its Medicaid expansion, the program costs much more perpersonthaninother states, Cuello said, calling the setup “hyper inefficient.”
States that expandedMedicaid without work requirements, including Louisiana, are unlikely to seetheir numbers drop so lowas Georgia’s, he said, one of the reasons being that people alreadyon the rolls areincentivizedtokeep their insurance even if it means morebureaucracy In astatement, the Louisiana Department of Health said it hasnot yet requested any additional funds to implement the new Medicaid work requirements, which take effect next year
“As implementation needs are identified, the department will workwiththe Governor and Legislature to prioritize effective and efficientimplementation,”the statement said.
SomeSNAPrecipients also have new work requirements under the One Big BeautifulBill Act. The Department of Health is notexpecting thosemeasures to grow the SNAP administrative budget, according to its statement.
In the long run, officials hope the workrequirements will save taxdollars, the statement said. It referenced the state’s“One Door” program, an initiative implemented last year that is supposed to allow Louisianans to access benefits at Louisiana Works, whichinturn can help recipients connect with job opportunities.
“Over time, able-bodied adults will be connected to high-quality jobs, notonly saving tax dollars but contributing to agrowing economy,” the agency said. The state Health Department also is working to get its SNAP payment error rate down, as another aspectofthe OneBig Beautiful Bill Actpenalizesstates with error rates above 7%. To do so, it is offering bonusestoemployees who catch enough errors. The bonuses will stay within the existing administrative budget, the agency said.
the Capitol in May.
‘THIS IS YOUR HERITAGE’
The president of Hungary visits 130-year-old Louisiana settlement
President of Hungary Tamás Sulyok and his wife, Zsuzsanna Nagy, walk
BY CLAIRE GRUNEWALD
Staff writer
The president of Hungary toured a museum and two churches, met state officials and residents — and also received a basket of Louisiana’s famous strawberries — during his firstever trip to the state’s Hungarian Settlement in rural Livingston Parish
At least 100 Livingston Parish residents gathered Wednesday at an event space located in the largest rural Hungarian settlement in the United States, which is nestled between the small towns of Albany and Springfield, to see Tamás Sulyok, the president of Hungary Sulyok is part of the government led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán During the event, the Hungarian national
“This is your heritage.
And seeing your achievements today, I am very happy that you are keeping this heritage alive. Thank you for not forgetting your Hungarian roots. Thank you for being proud of your origins and for keeping the memory of your community alive.”
PRESIDENT OF HUNGARy TAMÁS SULyOK
anthem was sung and Hungarian Harvest Dancers from Livingston Parish performed a traditional folk dance.
Sulyok told the audience that the Louisiana settlement was the pride of the U.S. and Hungary and that the original settlers worked very hard to create the community 130 years ago. It is a part of Hungary’s past despite its distance from the country, he said.
“This is your heritage. And seeing your achievements today, I am very happy that you are keeping this heritage alive. Thank you for not forgetting your Hungarian roots,” he told the crowd. “Thank you for being proud of your origins and for keeping the memory of your community alive I am proud of this
ä See HUNGARY, page 2B
Judge recuses self from murder case
Five-year-old boy allegedly died of starvation
BY CHRISTOPHER CARTWRIGHT Staff writer
An Ascension Parish judge removed himself from a murder case concerning a 5-year-old boy who allegedly died of starvation.
Marlon Perrilloux, 33, and Raynisa Young, 27, were indicted with second-degree murder after allegedly keeping their son Marley in a barely livable home with little access to food. They also face charges of possession with the intent to distribute marijuana and possession of a dangerous weapon while in possession of a controlled dangerous substance.
Judge Cody Martin with the 23rd Judicial District Court, who was assigned to Perrilloux’s case, signed his recusal on Feb 23. He cited a possible conflict of interest in the lawyer or law firm involved, stating that they have been involved in a personal case involving the judge.
“Counsel and/or a member of Counsel’s firm in the aforementioned case has represented a party adverse to Judge Martin in a personal legal matter, which could result in the perception of bias, prejudice or interest in the matter,” he wrote.
Judge John Smith is now assigned to Young’s case.
Attorney Ryan Volo, who represents Perrilloux, did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday afternoon.
The case has attracted widespread attention, with state lawmakers mentioning it at a late January meeting of the Task Force on Child Abuse Investigation Processes. State Sen. Regina Barrow, a Baton Rouge Democrat,
Bicyclist struck by Baton Rouge police officer files suit
Man spent months in hospital, attorney says
mph on Louise Street, which has a 25 mph limit, and that he never paused or slowed as he entered the intersection. Washington’s attorneys disagree that sirens on the unit were activated at the time of the crash.
fered $500,000 in medical expenses.
Chemical plant expansion will provide over 150 jobs
BY TIMOTHY BOONE Staff writer
Shintech announced Wednesday it will spend $3.4 billion to boost manufacturing capacity at its Plaquemine chemical plant, a move that will create 163 goodpaying jobs. The jobs will have an aver-
which was a $1.25 billion project announced in early 2021 and completed in late 2024. The company has 725 employees at its Iberville Parish facility
The expansion will involve building a second ethylene unit and a fourth chlor-alkali and vinyl chloride monomer unit. It will also add new technologies designed to reduce emissions. The plant produces PVC, chlor alkali and vinyl chloride monomer. PVC is used in the construction industry but also other sectors such as health care, manufacturing electronics and vehicles. Work on the expansion has already started and the first phase is expected to be completed in 2030.
“This investment aligns with Shintech’s strategy to ensure Shintech announces $3.4B Plaquemine
recent of
ä See SHINTECH, page 2B
BY QUINN COFFMAN Staff writer
The attorneys of a Baton Rouge bicyclist filed a lawsuit on Wednesday claiming a distracted Baton Rouge police officer struck him in an intersection, putting him into the hospital for months and breaking his bike.
The officer in question, Stefan Jones, is no longer with BRPD, after having resigned in lieu of termination last month over complaints he touched a gas station employee’s butt while on duty
Attorneys for the bicyclist, Dwayne “DeDe” Washington, announced the suit from Thomas H Delphit Drive and Louise Street, the same intersection where Washington was struck nearly a year ago. BRPD has contended from the start that Jones was responding to a call in the early morning of March 16, that he had his lights and sirens activated and that he was passing through a green light at the intersection.
Washington’s lawsuit alleges that Jones’ unit was traveling 83
“Miraculously, Mr Washington survived, but sustained serious injuries and continues to suffer damages and losses as a result of the collision,” said injury attorney Lamont Hills in a Tuesday statement. “He endured numerous surgeries and months in the hospital and rehabilitation centers, required around-the-clock care once at home, and had to learn to walk again.”
In October 2025, Washington’s family gathered with around a dozen others on the steps of the East Baton Rouge City Hall as part of a larger protest against police brutality
The lawsuit also claims that Jones was distracted by a cellphone in his hand just prior to the crash. Internal dash camera footage requested by The Advocate was digitally blurred, and a representative from BRPD said unblurred footage would be released only during discovery in a trial.
Washington’s attorneys haven’t named an exact amount in damages they plan to seek from Jones, BRPD and the cityparish. The announcement of their suit notes Washington suf-
“My cousin Dwayne Washington, affectionately known as DeDe, was biking in south Baton Rouge, when Officer Stefan Jones hit him in his BRPD cruiser 44,” Kayla Heard said at the Oct. 22 protest. “Thankfully, he survived that tragic accident, but Stefan Jones is still on the force. Meanwhile, he is suffering with a brain injury and having to physically recover.” While Jones has since been fired over a sexual battery claim from a gas station employee, he was never disciplined in relation to Washington’s injury Jones has been disciplined twice in the past by BRPD. One suspension came for brandishing a Taser and threatening patrons outside a Tigerland bar in 2019, while the second was for falsifying military records to get time off work in 2022.
Email Quinn Coffman at quinn.coffman@theadvocate. com.
STAFF FILE PHOTO By HILARy SCHEINUK
Shintech announced Wednesday it will spend $3.4 billion to boost manufacturing capacity at its Plaquemine chemical plant.
STAFF PHOTO By JAVIER GALLEGOS
into Albany Hungarian Presbyterian Church in Livingston Parish on Wednesday.
Gov.Jeff Landry is urging public schoolstodisplay theTen Commandments in classrooms,which he says will “greatly benefit” students, as he vows the statewill defend any schools that are suedfor exhibiting the biblical text.
In anew letter to schoolsuperintendents, Landry noted that a federal appeals courtruling last month alloweda contested state law to take effect that requires public schools and colleges to hang Ten Commandments postersinevery classroom.
“The Fifth Circuit’sdecision removesany obstaclestothe implementation of Louisiana’s Ten Commandments law,” Landry said in the Feb. 26 letter,“and schools should now proceed with placing the posters in classrooms.”
Landry
Landry’sdirective comes as some schooldistrict leaders have expressed concernsthat displaying the TenCommandments willexpose them to litigation from civilliberties groups that alreadysued to block Louisiana’s law,whichtheyargue violates students’ constitutional right to religious freedom. TheFeb. 20 ruling by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appealslifted alower court’spreliminaryinjunctiononthe law, but themajorityopiniondid nottake a stance on the law’sconstitutionality Landry,who sent theletter aday
after The Times-Picayune |The Advocatereported on superintendents’ concerns, assured them that stateAttorney General Liz Murrill “stands ready to defend schools” that follow the law “Schools should implement thelaw without fear of litigation,” he wrote. In astatement Wednesday,Murrill said her office has issued guidance on the law to schools and provided sample posters. “All public schools need to follow thelaw,” she said, “and Istand readytovigorouslydefend them for doing so.”
Stateofficials have not said what will happenifany schoolsdon’t comply.The lawdoes notspecify penalties, though it requires the state BoardofElementaryand Secondary Education to adoptrulesfor enacting the law
At their meeting next week,BESE members will vote to update state policytoincorporate thelaw,according to theirmeeting agenda Louisiana’sstaunchly conservative governor has championed the law since theRepublican-controlled stateLegislature passed it in 2024, when he called on his supporters “to stand up forJudeo-Christianvalues” after the lawwas quicklychallenged in court. In his message last week to superintendents, Landry argued that “Western Civilization” and the United States “are founded on the principles”ofthe TenCommandments, which comefrom the OldTestament of theBible
“Our founders were undoubtedly influenced by theTen Commandments,” he wrote, adding that, “it is my solemn hope that future leaders of Louisiana will be likewise inspired.”
The law requires schools to accept donatedTen Commandments
Attorney expandspresenceinN.O.market
McKernan purchases
$6MMetairiebuilding
BY JONAH MEADOWS Staff writer
Gordon McKernan, the Baton Rouge-based personalinjury attorney who announced his entry into the New Orleans legal market ayear ago witha high-profile ad campaign, is continuing his local expansion with the purchase of a 30,000-square-foot office building in Metairie.
McKernan said he paid alittle more than $6 million for thethreestory building at 3900Veterans Memorial Blvd., which isafew blocks from the temporary offices he currently leases
“I want bricks-and-mortarand boots on the ground. Iwant to be apart of that community,” said McKernan by phone Wednesday “There are some other attorneys that don’tdothat. They might just have areceptionist in one of those executive offices, and all the attorneys and staff are housed in one central city. The move by McKernan, aubiquitous sight on Louisiana billboards and one of the state’smost-advertised attorneys, injects anew element of competition in the big-money trial lawyer business. While McKer-
HUNGARY
Continued from page 1B
community as well.”
nan’sisthe largest firm in Baton Rouge, the New Orleans market has long been dominated by MorrisBart, followed by Dudley Debosier,which recently spun off partof its business to aprivate equity firm.
Now one year into afiveyear plan to competein Louisiana’slargest market, McKernan expressed confidence his firm can continue to grow itslocal client list.
“New Orleanshas alot of attorneys, and some maysay it’ssatu-
rated,” he said. “But Ithink giving people another viable choice is always agood thing.”
Swag room andstudio
Thelawyer’slong-term investmentinEast Jefferson follows feedback from clients and colleagues whofavored setting up shop in aconvenient suburban location, he said.
The law firmwill inhabit the third floor of the neoclassical building at thecorner of Veterans and Cleary Avenue, which wasformerly occupied by Jefferson Financial Credit Union and currently consists of
three largeexecutive offices with wood paneling, fireplaces and a privateshower,McKernan said.
The credit union —now operating as Keesler FederalCredit Uniononthe building’sfirst floor —and medical offices on the second floor will remain in place as McKernan’stenants.
With its latest purchase, McKernan’sfirm will ownthe buildings housing 13 of its 14 offices, with Alexandria its only leased space. McKernan also has various other commercial real estate investment properties owned separately from his law firm, he said.
Remodeling of the new Metairie offices is settobegin soon and take four to sixmonths. McKernan, whose slogan is “Get Gordon. Get it Done,”said the buildout will include a“swag room”with gifts for clients, arecording studio availablefor public useand amock courtroom fortrial preparation.
Once in use by his staffofabout adozen, half of whom will be attorneys, the newMetairieoffice will also host the firm’sannual bike giveaway andMardi Gras parties.
“We’recertainly going to take marketshare from other attorneys,” he added. “It’safinite number of cases, and if we’re getting them, it just means we’re taking them from otherattorneys that used to get them.”
EmailJonah Meadows at jonah. meadows@theadvocate.com.
posters, which must measure at least 11 by 14 inches andfeature “large, easily readable font.”
TheLouisiana Family Forumhas shipped posters to 60 of the state’s parishschool systemsand plans to reach the other four parishes soon, said Gene Mills, who is president of the conservative advocacy group. In rural Grant Parish, Superintendent Erin Stokes said she received Landry’sletter and has distributed the donated posters to school principals. She expects thedisplays to be up in every classroombythe end of this week.
“As withany new requirement, we are working to ensure therolloutishandledthoughtfully,respectfully,and in away that aligns withour responsibilityasapublic school system,” she said in astatement, adding that local community members have expressed “consistentinterest andsupport” in the TenCommandments law
Sheriff: Another worker at ElaynHunt arrested
CRIME BLOTTER staff reports
Alieutenant at Elayn Hunt Correctional Center was arrested Wednesday morning for allegedly violating office policy, according to the Iberville Parish Sheriff’sOffice. Paula Leblanc, 40, who turned herself in, is facing charges of malfeasance in office, said SheriffBrett Stassi. Leblanc was booked into Iberville Parish Jail. Leblanc’sarrest is part of an ongoing investigation between the Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office and the EHCC staff. Another employee at the correctional center,D’Shyra Hawkins, 21, of St. Gabriel, was arrested on the same count in February
Pedestrian killedin EastBaton Rougecrash
Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry presented the president with aproclamation honoring his first official visit to Louisiana.
“Louisiana’sHungarian population has flourished, adding their rich heritage, culture and faithto the fabric of Louisianahistory, Landry said. “The UnitedStates andHungary have shared afruitful partnership for years, and it’s my hope that this friendship will deepeninthe years to come.”
Mindy Starkey,president of the Árpádhon Hungarian Settlement Cultural Association, hosted the president’svisit and told the audience that the event connects nations, generations and traditions.
“The music, the traditional costumes, the symbols surrounding us and the community all gathered here tell the same story: that thisheritage continues to live wherever their people carry it in their hearts,” Starkeytoldthe crowd.
Starkey,along with many others in the community, have been preparing for the visit for weeks.
“This is bigger than anything I’ve ever done,” Starkey saidbefore the president arrived.
Time in Hungariansettlement
The president’sfirststop on his tour of the settlement was St. Margaret Catholic Church, which is rightoff Interstate 12. The
church wasconstructed in 1912 andhas deep ties to theHungarian community and original settlers. Thereisaninscription in Hungarian inside the church.
After leaving thechurch, Sulyok spentnearlyhalfanhouratthe Hungarian Settlement Museum.
VictoriaMocsary,assistant director of the museum, gave the president atour and explained the settlement’s history,withhelp from the president’sinterpreter
“It was such awonderful experience for me to be basically one-on-one with the president of Hungary,” she said.
Mocsary showed him apicture of the founders, oneofwhom is Mocsary’sgreat-grandfather, strawberry labelsand awritten
documentfrom theoriginalsettlement’slumber mill.
“He’ssopersonable,” Mocsary said. “He was very impressed with the museum.”
The president spoke in Hungarian to local resident Alex Kropog, who created the museum and is theonly resident in thetown who can speak the language fluently
Sulyokalsotouredthe Albany Hungarian Presbyterian Church before meetingwith thecommunity.
Sulyok was supposedtovisit Frank Fekete Farm, the only Hungarian-owned farmleftinthe area, but theevent was canceled due to rain. Instead, Frank Fekete, donninga T-shirt that said, “On the8th day,God created the Hun-
President of HungaryTamás Sulyok and his wife, Zsuzsanna Nagy, walkinto AlbanyHungarian Presbyterian Church in Livingston Parish on Wednesday.
STAFF PHOTO By JAVIER GALLEGOS
garian,” gave the president abasket of strawberries he grew during themainevent.
Afew locals spoke at the event, including Livingston Parish council member Joe Erdey,who was born and raisedinthe Hungarian settlement. Erdey spoke about his Hungarian rootsand the work the foundersput into the settlement.
“We’restill here and going strong, and Iknow our ancestors would be proudofus,”Erdey said.
The event wasalso acelebration of music anddance, as Victoria Mocsarysangthe Hungarian and U.S. national anthems. Six Hungarian Harvest Dancers from the local cultural association also performed atraditional folk dance to “A Lady’sDance.
Apedestrian died after being struck on Hooper Road on Tuesday night when he stepped in front of avehicle drivenbyan off-duty East Baton Rouge Sheriff’sdeputy,authorities said. The crashhappenedatabout 8p.m. near PlankRoad,the Sheriff’s Office said in anews release.
The deputy was driving west in an unmarked unit, according to the release. The crash victim died later in the hospital.
Investigators found no evidence that the deputy “was speeding, impaired or otherwise at fault,” the release states.
Deputies are working to locate and notify next of kin of the victim,who is believed to have been homeless.
JUDGE
Continued from page1B
criticized the DCFS fornot making legislators aware of the death in atimely manner Barrowsaid she “was very alarmed” when she learned of the death and said the factthat Marley wasnever seen by any authoritieswas acompletefailure of the system ADCFSspokesperson previously told The Advocate that the department receivedthreeprior complaintsregardingthe child’s oldersiblings, who reportedly arrived at their school unkempt. The complaints weren’t about explicit signs of abuseor neglect, nor did they rise to the levelwherea visittothe Perrilloux residencewas warranted, the spokesperson said.
PHOTO PROVIDEDByGORDON MCKERNAN INJURy ATTORNEyS Baton Rouge-based attorneyGordon McKernan closed on the
McKernan
Funerals Today
Greenoaks FuneralHomeand Memorial Park at 10am.
Woods,Valarie
Miller& Daughter Mortuary at 11am
Obituaries
Baker,Wilbur N. 'Sonny'
WilburN."Sonny" Baker, Sr., passed away at his home on Monday, March 2, 2026, in Baton Rouge, LA, at the age of 89. He was born on August 17, 1936, in Centreville, MS, to Wilbur and Erslene Baker. Sonny graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi and went on to serve in the U.S. Army and the U.S. Army National Guard. Sonny later began his career in the finance industry,working as asupervisor forfinancial institutions before his retirement. He was a charter member of St. Andrews United Methodist Church. He was an avid LSU fan who loved spending time with his family, friends and precious pets He is preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur Joseph Baker and Erslene Eugenia McGraw; sister, Marian Lipscomb, and nephew, Joseph Lipscomb. Sonny is survived by his wife of 62 years, DorisBlanchard Baker;children, Beverly Angela Baker, Margaret Blanchard Baker, and Wilbur Newton Baker, Jr and wife Stormy; grandchildren, Brandon Wayne Schrader, Jordan Baker Schrader, and Sunny BrookeBaker. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, March6,2026, with services to follow at 11 a.m. at St. Andrews United Methodist Church, 17510 Monitor Ave, Baton Rouge, LA 70817. The family would like to thank Amedisys Hospice Care staff and caregivers Tricia Spears, Laneisha, Regina Cobb, Kathy Lee, and Erin Dennis.
Barry, John S.
John S. Barry, Jr. born September 10, 1931 to John S. Barry, Sr. and Mary Burleigh Barry. He passed away peacefully at home Monday,March 2, 2026. John was born in Grand Coteau but moved to Prairieville, LA at age 6. He attended Dutchtown Elementary School and Catholic High School of Baton Rouge where he graduated in the class of 1950. He attended Louisiana State University receiving aBachelor's Degree in Animal Science. He servedin the United States Army for 2years during the Korean War. He was the farm manager and cattleman at Richfield Plantation for35 years. He was amemberof the Louisiana and American Cattlemen's Association. He served on boards of East Baton Rouge Farm Bureau, Tri-Parish Co-op, and Pontchartrain Levee Board. John is survived by his wife of 62 years, Genevieve Plettinger Barry;brothers-in-lawWill Plettinger and Sonny Suggs; nieces and nephews Mark (Trish) Crochet, Mary (Sonny) Biggs, Ann (Kenny) Miller, Francis Crochet (Lisa Miller), Barbara (Terrel) Sheets, Ellen (Brent) Simon, Kathy (Tim) Kane, Leah (Dave) Church, Daron (Julie) Suggs, and Bob Mitchell as well as numerous great and great great nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his par-
step mother, Mary Guidry Barry,sister and brother-in-law, Beth and Clarence Crochet, hisfather-in-law, Bill Plettinger, mother-in-law, Leona Plettinger,sister-in-law, Lucy Plettinger,sister-in-law, Katherine Plettinger Suggs, niece,MargaretMitchell, nephew, Lee Plettinger, and great greatnieceand nephew, Adah and Noah Lesslie. Specialthank you to Dr. Chaillie Daniel, The Hospice of Baton Rouge staffand nurses, Melanie Viccellioand Jaime Lowery; as well as hismany sitters throughoutthe years especiallySarah, Sherrel, Penny,Janet, Jean, Ledra, and Margaret. Visitation willbeatMt. Carmel CatholicChurchonSaturday,March7,2026, from 9am until Mass of Christian Burial at 11amconducted by Fr. CharlieLandry. Burial willbeinGrace EpiscopalChurch Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please makedonations to OurLady of Mt. Carmel Catholic ChurchBuilding For the Future Fund, P.O. Box 1249 St. Francisville, LA, 70775or The Hospice of Baton Rouge Patient Care Fund at www.hospicebr.org. Share memoriesatwww.CharletF uneralHome.com
Bonanno,Shelley Turner
Shelley Turner Bonanno, 82, of Baton Rouge, passed awaypeacefully on February22, 2026. Shewas born October 6, 1943, in Goose Creek, TX, to BenBynum Turner, Sr.,and Jeanne Leberman Turner Shelley grew up between Baton Rouge and New YorkCity, embracing adventure from an early age. Sheshowed horses in her youngeryears and had alifelonglove foranimals, especially her beloved Chief.She attendedLausanne School forGirls in Memphis,TN, and the University of Oklahoma, whereshe majored in foreign languages. She worked for many yearsat OurLady of Lake Regional Medical Centerinseveral roles, including the Tau Center, Children's Miracle Network, and the Blood Bank, but her true giftwas teaching swimming lessons. For nearly fifty years, she taughtgenerationsofchildrenlifesaving skills, "perfectstrokes" and confidence in the water Shelley devoted herself to raising her four daughtersand was active in numerous civic and socialorganizations, including Delta Gamma Sorority,The Junior League of Baton Rouge,LaFiesta Dance Club, and she and Pat's beloved 50'sgroup.
Shewas precededin death by her husband of 40 years, Patrick Vincent Bonanno; her parents, Bynum and Jeanne Turner;her brother, BenBynumTurner,Jr.;and her grandsons Taylor RandallDeanand Connor Patrick Dean. Sheissurvived by her daughters: Leigh Bonanno; Blake Bonanno Black and her husband, Brandon; Brandin Bonanno Brewer and herhusband, Kevin; and Bryan Bonanno Provenzano and her husband, Matt.She also leaves behind sevencherished grandchildren: Patrick Clayton,Kirby, and Stewart Black;Hudson Brewer;and Brennan and McNeil Provenzano; as well as her great-granddaughter, Kaydence Dean. Her brothersand sisters-in-law, Carmen and Don Scully and Gary and Laura Bonanno, along with many special nieces and nephews, also survive her The family willreceive relatives and friends at St Luke's Episcopal Church on Saturday, March7th, at 10 a.m., followed by afuneral service at 11 a.m. Honorary pallbearers are Brandon Black,Patrick Black,Stewart Black, Kevin Brewer Hudson Brewer, Matthew Provenzano, Brennan Provenzano, and Mark Smith. In lieu of flowers, donationsmay be made to St. Luke'sEpiscopal Church Fire Fund or Hospice of Baton Rouge.
Vivian Marie Bonvillain, 86, passedaway in Baton Rouge, LouisianaonSaturday, February 28, 2026. A nativeofLake Charles, she was born on July9,1939 to Abbie and Irby Duhon Gaspard Vivian was a1958 graduateofLaGrange High School in Lake Charles. In 1978, she madeBaton Rouge her home, where she livedfor theremainder of herlife.For twenty-five years, she faithfully served as aPre-K teacheratSt. Jean Vianney Catholic School. She lovedher students dearly and took prideinhelpingyoung childrenlearnand grow.She retired in 2004, leaving behind not just acareer, but alasting impact on countless families She wasadevoted member of St. Jean Vianney CatholicChurch and livedher faith quietlyand faithfully. Vivian enjoyed traveling, tending to her flowergardens, Cajun dancing,and playing bourré withfamily and friends. Aboveall else, her greatest joy was time spent with those she loved. Her home was aplace of laughter, good food,and strongfamilybonds.
Those left to cherish her memory are her children, JerryBonvillain (Angie), William M. Bonvillain, Jr Denise Sherlock (Mark), Katherine Bonvillain (Jackylyn), Danya Gremillion (Brian), and CrisBonvillain Saucier; her17grandchildren;her 16 greatgrandchildren; her 3great great grandchildren; her brothers, RichardGaspard (Grace) and Abbie Gaspard, Jr.(IdaMae);and her sister, Hilda LeBlanc. She was preceded in death by her parents; her belovedhusband, William Martin Bonvillain, Sr.; her granddaughter,Alicia Terrebonne;and other dearly lovedfamily members.
Her funeralwillbeheld at 10:00 AM on Saturday, March 7, 2026, in theJohnson Funeral Home of Lake Charles Chapel,4321 Lake Street,with Msgr. Jace Eskind presiding. Burial will follow in Highland Memory Gardens Cemeteryunder thedirection of Johnson Funeral Home.Visitation willbeatthe funeral home from 8:30 AM until thestart of theservice. Vivian will be remembered forher gentle spirit, hersteady faith, and the love she gavesofreely to her family.May she rest in thepeace of Christ,reunited with thosewho have gone before her. Special thanks to Landmark SouthNursing and RehabilitationCenter of Baton Rouge,and Our Lady of The Lake Medical ICU group of BatonRouge. Words of comfort to the family maybeexpressed at www.johnsonfuneralho me.net.
Chapman,Laura Savoy
Laura Gayle Savoy Chapman, 69, passed away on March 3, 2026. She was born on December 16, 1956, in Saint Amant, Louisiana. Known to many as Laura Gayle, LG, Aunt Buddie, and Nanny, her favorite name of allwas "Maw Maw."She willberemembered forher kindness, strength,quick wit, and theability to bring laughterevenindifficultmoments.
Aproud Military Mother, Laura deeply supported theUnited States Armed Forces. She honored combatveterans throughher serviceand participatedin fundraising efforts benefitingveteran causes—reflecting her patriotismand generous spirit Laura dedicated36 years to theLouisianaDepartment of Transportation in theMaterials Lab, where she was known for her commitment, reliability, and pride in her work. Her greatest joy came from time spent with family.She lovedtodance and brought asense of comfort and home to allwho knew her. Aboveall,she cherishedbeing agrandmoth-
er. She is survivedbyher children: Raini Chapman; Courtney Mitchell andher spouse, Justin; James Chapman and his spouse, Lisette;and John Chapman and his spouse, Kelsi.She was thelovinggrandmother of Collins Danehower, John Chapman, Gabriel Mitchell,Meghan Mitchell, SamuelMitchell, and Micah Mitchell Laura was preceded in death by her parents, John and Laura Savoy; her sister, Sharon"Sister" Savoy; herbrother in law, Bill Feazel; andher nephew, JaredFeazel.She also leavesbehind numerous nieces, nephews, godchildren,and lifelong friends. Visitation willbeheldat Holy RosaryCatholic Church on Friday, March 6thfrom 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.,followedbya Mass of ChristianBurial at 11:30 a.m. The family extendssincere thanks to Audubon Home Hospice &Palliative Care and to Laura'sdevoted caregivers fortheir compassionand kindness. In lieu of flowers,donations may be madeto Wounded Warriors or Tunnel to Towers in honorof her love and support for veterans Laura Savoy Chapman willbedeeplymissedand foreverremembered by all who were blessed to know her.
Michael Louis Doyle passed on January1,2026, in Baton Rouge. He was born November 27, 1939, in Dallas, TX. His parents were EugeneSanders Doyleand OliveMerle OwenDoyle.
He grewupinShreveport, LA,where he graduated fromCEByrd High School. He attended Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, LA,where he played on thetennisteam. In theearly1960s, he served in theUSAir Force. Most of his service was on amissile base in Kansas.
He moved to Baton Rouge, and attended Louisiana StateUniversity, where he studied accounting.Hestayed in thecity, where he became areal estate agent,earning hislicense in 1977. He worked with several real estate companies, eventually founding his own company, Mike Doyleand Associates.
He met Carolyn, remaining together, embracing his bonus children and grands, until his death.
He served Cortana KiwanasClub,publishing newsletters, fundraising forcommunity projects, and as president.Mike received theHixson Award forhis service.He also served theHighland Road Tennis Association.
He enjoyed sailing, beach time,lunching with friends and family,and being with people.Hewas an enthusiasticLSU Tigers fan. He lovedBaton Rouge and didhis part to make it abetter city.
He was predeceased by
hisfather,EugeneSanders Doyle; hismother Olive MerleOwenDoyle;and his youngerbrother,Patrick Joseph Doyle. He is survived by his brotherCharles (Chuck) Doyleand his loving partnerof45years, Carolyn Acelebration of life service will be held on Friday March6th at the Fellowship Church,14363 LA 73, Prairieville LA, 9AM -11AM In lieu of flowers, please send donationstoCortana Kiwanas, P.O. Box 84174, Baton Rouge,LA70884.
in Independence La, passedawaySaturday, February 21, 2026, in Bossier City, La, at the age of 97. Aprivate familyservice will be held in her honor.Arrangements entrustedtoHarry McKneely &Son Funeral Home and Crematory
Clinton Clark John Fabre,affectionately knownas Clint,passed away on February 19, 2026, at his home in Gonzales, Louisiana. He wasbornon November 25, 1958, in Baton Rouge,Louisiana.
Clint wasprecededin death by his parents,Horace"Knute"Fabreand MarionCrais Fabre, andhis brotherKeith Fabre. He is survived by hisbrother Michael Fabre; sistersLisa FabreBeckand Christine Beach; andhis beloved nieces and nephews, Michael Fabre, Jr., Austin Fabre, Travis Fabre, Fabie Derbigny,Mathew Bennett RachelEvers, Richard Beach,Jr.; andgrandnieces and nephews; Olivia Derbigny,GraceBeach, Payton Beach and Jason Beach. He is also survived by numerous cousins and manyclosefriends who became family.
Amaster machinist by trade,Clint wasalso a trained chef with apassion for entertaining andwas happiest when bringing people togetheraround goodfood, laughter, and conversation.Clint also proudlycrewed on racing sailboats withdear friends on memorable voyages
He wasa graduate of Central High School, Class of 1976, whereheplayed football. Clint wasa man of theCatholic faith. Clint will be deeply missed andlovingly remembered by all whoknewhim.
Gilmore, Elma 'Sugar Brown'
Elma "Sugar Brown" Gilmore,bornonMay 11, 1930 and passed away on February 21, 2026, at the age of 95. Shewas anative of Odenburg, LA and aresident of Baton Rouge,LA. Elma retiredfromLSU Cooperative Extension Service as aNutrition Aide Elma is survivedbyher fivedaughters; Alma, Deborah,Sandra, Marieand Jamie; 14 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren,three great-great grandchildren andone brother, Hence Brown,Jr. Preceded in death by herhusband, JamesL Gilmore,parents,Hence Brown Sr.and Memphis Coleman Brown;grandson, Erick J. Gilmore;stepson, JamesWashington, one brotherand seven sisters. Visitation will be held at Greenoaks Funeral Home 9595 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge,LA., Friday, March 6, 2026, from 5:00pm7:00pm. Visitation willresume Saturday, March 7, 2026, at NewGideonBaptist Church,2552 BalisDr., Baton Rouge,LA., from9:00 am untilfuneral service at 11:00 am. Intermentwill immediatelyfollow at Greenoaks Memorial Park.
AnnM.Jeanne,born
March16, 1965, in NewOrleans, La, passedaway peacefully on February 28, 2026, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Annspent 22 years in the DFW area after graduating from Seton Academy High School of NewOrleans,returning to La in 2005. Sheissurvived by hermother, Rosemary Jeanne;her siblings, Gisele,Michael (Mechelle), Wendell, Faye (Leonard Raglin Sr.(deceased)), and Jennifer;her nieces and nephews, Dominique,Donavan,Leonard Jr Monica, andMaurice Jr.; onegrandnephew,Andre'Jordan; anda host of aunts, cousins, extendedfamily, anddear friends Shewas preceded in death by herfather, Charles J. Jeanne II; her brothers, Keithand Christopher; andgrandparents, Charles J. &MyrtleJeanne Jr.; Ulyess & IreneBergeron,all of New Orleans, La. GravesideMemorialServicestobeheldat12noon, Saturday, March7,2026 at St.Roch#1Cemetery,1725 St.RochAve NewOrleans La. in Lie of flowersdonationscan be made to St Jude Children'sHospital. Please visit www.demby andson.com to sign the guestbook.
biggeststories customizedtoyourinterests –delivered direct to your
Bonvillain,Vivian Marie
Fabre, Clinton Clark John
Doyle, Michael Louis 'Mike
Jeanne, AnnMarie
Gov.Jeff Landry’srequest to shift Louisiana’s federal judicial districts so that theLouisiana StatePenitentiary at Angola would be moved from the Middle Districttothe Western District might have been something reasonable people could support based on thefacts. Indeed, in his letter to Congress asking that West Feliciana Parish, where Angola is located, be put in the Western District,the governor cites the crowded caseload in the MiddleDistrict, which includes East Baton Rouge Parish. Angoladrives alot of judicial activity,asmany prisons do, so judges in the MiddleDistrict have seen a35.2%increase in filings since2020. Judges in theMiddle District also have 25% more newfilings per judgethan thoseinthe Western District,accordingtoLandry. So it might make sensetoshiftsomeofthat workload in the name of judicialefficiency But based on the words of Landryand others, there’salot more going on here. And that gives us pause. The ink was barely dry on Landry’sletter to Congress requesting the changebefore thegovernor took to Xlast week,excoriating“liberal judges” in the Middle District.His complaint was prompted by aruling by U.S. DistrictJudge Shelly Dick in acaseinvolving detainee at the Department of Homeland Security’s“Louisiana Lockup,” which is located at Angola. Landry apparently was angered that Dick determined theman, Roberto La Coss, anativeofthe Philippines who was living in Mississippi, hadbeen unconstitutionally detained.
Dick is the chief judge in theMiddle District, which is headquartered in Baton Rouge and covers nine parishes. Sheand thetwo other trial judges in the district wereappointedbyPresident Barack Obama. In the Western District, sevenjudges cover 42 parishes. Five of them were nominated by PresidentDonald Trump. There are also indications that theissue could nowplayintothe Louisiana Senate race, as Rep. JuliaLetlow,who is Trump andLandry’s pick to challenge incumbent Sen.Bill Cassidy,has introducedthe billtochange the districts in Congress. Letlow has also jumpedonthe bandwagon to whip up the issue,echoingLandry’s criticism of Dick.
All this might have Louisianaresidents wondering whether the proposed reform is driven by their needs and the courts’ mandate to provide impartial justice, or thedesires of those trying to score political points. It is interesting to us that themove to quickly shiftthe districts came notbecause of longwait times for justice for Louisiana victims andfamilies, but because of casesinvolvingpeople from far-flung places.
This newspaperhas doneextensivereporting on the dysfunctional state court systeminNew Orleans and Baton Rouge. Real familieshave cried out for help for years. Wouldthattheir plight would get the same urgentattentionfrom officials elected to serve thecitizens of this state.
LETTERSTOTHE EDITOR ARE WELCOME. HERE AREOUR GUIDELINES: Letters are published identifying name, occupation and/or title and the writer’scity of residence
TheAdvocate |The Times-Picayune require astreet address andphone number for verification purposes, but that information is not published. Letters are not to exceed 300 words. Letters to the Editor,The Advocate, P.O. Box 588, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-0588, or email letters@ theadvocate.com. TO SEND US A LETTER, SCANHERE
Congress should supportsmall farmers
Muse 3Farm is asmall, startup family farm established in 2015 by four brothers —Allen, Burnell, Chris, and Mittie Muse —who chose to return homeafter more than 35 years working in government and corporate careers. We came back to theland where we were raised to reinstate our family farm and provide healthy,local food to our community.The Save OurBacon Act and Food Security and FarmProtection Act would devastate farms like ours. Ourfarm spans morethan 200 acres, with timberland and pristine pasture where cattle, sheep, goats and chickens graze freely on Bahia grass. We steward our soil and animals with traditional and modern care, ensuring
To
Thomas Homan was brought by President Donald TrumptoMinnesotaasnew and more reasonable ICE leadership.Itisimportanttoknow just who he is. In 2014, theObamaadministration was trying to handle theinflux of immigrants, especially children and families
As reported by Jonathan Blitzer in his book, “Everyone Who is Gone Is Here,”citing two Department of HomelandSecurity officials, Homan, an ICE official, was involved in a meetingwith Obamaadministration officials.
He “first broached theprospect of separating parents and children at the border by charging theadults with amisdemeanor for entering the country illegally.While they were
Does Clarence Page have eyes?
Does he have ears? Apparently,he doesn’tfrom what Ihave read of his Feb.23column. He putsdown Attorney General Pam Bondi withaone-sided view, which is not that of aDemocrat. In hispersonal view,hedoesn’tsee justice for all, he sees his own justice. Did he not hear how Rep.Jerry Nadler treated Bondi? He would not allow her to answer aquestion. He kept interrupting her as though he were ajudge, jury and agod. Nadler is only acongressman; he is not God and not ajudge. Bondi was treated very rudely by theentire Congress. In fact,Bondi
sustainable growththat supports both our region and future generations. Our mission is simple: to offer farm-fresh food directly from farm to table to promote healthier eatingand better living. Stateand local agricultural laws play avital role in making this possible. They allow smallfarms like ours to meet community needs, uphold responsible farming practices and remain economically viable. The proposed legislation wouldstrip states of that authority,replacing local decisionmaking with policies that favor large, industrialized corporations. Family farms already face significant hurdles, fromrising costs to market consolidation.Removing state-level protections would makeit
even harder forindependent farmsto survive and would push agriculture further into the hands of afew corporate interests —atthe expense of food quality,farmer livelihoodsand rural communities. Healthyfood begins with healthy farms. We need policies that support farmers whoare committed to the land, their animals and their community —not legislation that undermines them.Weurge U.S. Sens. Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy and U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow to firmly stand against the Save Our Bacon Act and Food Security and Farm Protection Act and stand with family farms.
being held on criminal charges, the government would temporarily take custody of their children. It would be painful, he said, but not fatal —a deterrent.” Homan has described himself as a Catholic who goes to Mass regularly In addition, he reportedly accepted a $50,000 cash bribe from undercover FBI officials.The investigation was closed when Trumptook office. So, he is definitely in line with Trump—accepts bribes, deliberately harmschildren and hides behind his religion. Republicans need to oust him Except, they are also harming children, accepting of Trump’s numerous and very public bribesand absolutely hiding behind their Christianity JOSEPH KEEGAN Baton Rouge
was being treated like achild, being treated as though she had to listen to congressmen and women and follow orders. That is not how it works. Apparently,Page is aone-sided view Democrat who does not view thingsinthe middle anddoes not weigh things in any other fashion but his own opinion. Things that do not go his way do not jivewith him.Page is narrow-minded and does not seem to listen to reason of anysort. The way Bondi was treated wasnot the wayfor Congress to treat an attorney general.
MORGAN
LANDRY Pierre Part
Recently,I read where one parish is considering afour-day-a-week school. Education is so important forour children. If anything, maybe we should lengthen the school year Ipresumethat in China and Russia and other competing countries, they don’thave as manyholidays as we have in Louisiana. It seemslike every other week, kids are getting out for somereason, such as spring and fall break, teacher conferences, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Mardi Gras, Presidents Day,Martin Luther King Day and various others.
Iknow Iamold, but Iremember Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays weremuch shorter then they are now Ithink our children would benefit from morestructured school time than so manyholidays, especially if we are to compete with other countries in today’scomplex world.
DR. RONALD MARKS Baton Rouge
As disturbing as it is to have our president’sname associated as being acontact of someone involved in a global sex trafficking ring involving children, teenagers and young adults, it warrants frequent, if not daily,updates in the newspaper
ALICE DUVALL Baton Rouge
CHRISMUSE Greensburg
An anti-Klanbodyguard and bouncer foundredemption
Redemptions come in different sizes and guises.
Politics included.
Tommy Gaudet was acousin of sorts the adoptive son of the second husband of my widowed great-aunt. Twodecades olderthan Iam, he wasn’taround much when Iwas akid. At age 84,hedied of natural causes on Feb.18.
Thirty-seven years to the daybefore Tommy died, on Feb. 18, 1989, Ileft my Uptown New Orleansabode at 3:30 a.m. to drivetoa Metairie campaign headquarters. It was theday of aspecial election for astate House seat between businessman JohnTreen and former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke. Iwas in acrewthat the Treen campaign was sending throughout thedistrict to put thousands of little Election Daysigns at every major intersection —you know, those placards that by law should beremovedagain within 24 hours.
The organizer pointed to aman with a pickup truck and said he wasmypartner for the morning. Bleary-eyed, in the dark, Iintroducedmyself —only to hear: “Ofcourse Iknow you; I’myourcousin Tommy Gaudet! Hop aboard;let’s go to work!”
Tommy was aformer Marine, starting offensive guard for the Vanderbilt football team and bar bouncer.(He also was smart,acompetitivebridge player,but that’sanotherstory.) He wasn’t tall, but he was astonishinglyburly,withawalrus mustache that addedtothe tough-guy effect —and he looked like he could knock somebodyinto another solar system. For three hours, while poundinghundreds of signs into the dirt, Tommy spokeinmartialterms.
“This is ashow of power,Quin,” he kept saying.“We’re gonnashowthose Kluxers we aren’tintimidated. We’ll show the voters there’senthusiasmfor Treen;it’s
aboutimpressions, about who’sgot the juice. People wanttobewith winners!” Alas, Dukeeked out a227-vote win. ButTommy was on the case. As anew member ofthe Republican StateCentral Committee, Tommy decided that state chairman Billy Nungesser (father of the currentlieutenant governor) needed protection from violent elements in the Klan. Nungesser,though 12 years Tommy’s senior,was atough guy himself and probably wanted no help, but that didn’tmatter: At every public event or Republican committee meeting for several years, Tommy,asself-appointed bodyguard, attached himself at thehip (figuratively speaking)ofthe chairman.
Referring to himself in thethird person, he’d tell me, numerous times:“If they wanta piece of Chairman Billy, they’regonna have to go through ol’ Tommy Boy here, and there’snoway they’re gonna getpast ol’ Tommy.”
My father at thetime was the state’s Republican National Committeeman, so sometimesTommy would add: “Now you tellyour daddythat I’ve got his back, too, if he needs anything on thecommittee; if
he needs someone totalk sense into other members, cousin Tommy is right here for him!”
Tommy was abundle of aggressively coiled zeal, and uber-loyal to family and to those he thought were “doing right.”
Well, the Duke threat finally,blessedly faded, and Imoved to Washington,D.C., and stopped seeing Tommy except at random family funerals. Butabout adecade ago, Isat with him in Bay St.Louis, Mississippi, for aburger and beer
For two hours, we traded old political stories, and he talked of his life.Hespoke movingly about how much he loved his sisters Michelle and Meg. He spokeof thingshehad done in his teensand 20s, somethat madehim proud, some that madehim agonizingly ashamed —some of the latter (details not needed here) of a racial nature.
“But Ihelped stop that Kluxer,Duke,” he said. “Maybe that makes up, at least alittle, for those things Isaid and did way back then. Those Kluxers are full of hate: They needed to be stopped. And we stopped them, didn’twe, boy? We stopped ’em good.”
In later years, Tommy Gaudetcraved lots of space.Achildhood friend owned major acreage15miles north of the Mississippi coast,and Tommy set up a trailer.The friend’sfamily,the Lukes, included Tommy at nightly dinners, andhe taught their grandchildren to drive.
At his funeral, one of the Luke grandchildren noted how Tommy had set up bird feeders all around his trailer,and how he would sit there in alawn chair in total peace. This man,who once was overly wound up with kinetic energy, now happily could sit so still that birds literally perched on his arms.
Tommy Gaudet found blessings.
Andwecan say to Tommy,touse the vernacular: Youdone good Email QuinHillyer at quin.hillyer@ theadvocate.com
Living in theage of missiledefense
We officially live in the age of missile defense. The U.S.-Israeli war against Iran has been the showcase for missile-defense systems —interceptors, radars, and complex command and control —that areextremely robust and have largely defanged Iran’sforemost military threat to Israel, U.S. forces and other countries around the region If it weren’t for these defensive systems, the U.S. and Israel probably wouldn’t havedared launch thismilitary campaign,orat thevery least would have done it knowing Iran could exact an enormous cost on the Israeli population and U.S. forces. We’ve seen the toll of onesuccessful Iranian ballistic missile strike. Amissile that hit asynagogue in the Beit Shemesh area where people were shelteringkilled nine people and wounded more than 40, accordingto the latest reports. It left a massive crater and destroyed cars and setfire to other buildingsinthe vicinity Imagine that destruction multiplied dozens or hundreds of times aday in Iranian retaliatory attacks.
That’swhat Tehran has been going for withits massivebarrage. So far,it has fired more than 500 missiles andmore than 800 drones, and gotten tragic but minimal results from expending asignificant share of its overall arsenal.
That is thanks to the integrated, highly effective U.S. and Israel missile-defense systems —most famously,inIsrael’s case, Iron Dome —that have knocked down almost everything thrown their way These intercepts aren’tone-off tactical successes, but have amajor strategic effect. The purpose of the stocksofIranian missiles is to deter its enemies and to protect its regime, its weaponsprograms and its broader geopolitical project. By blunting the missile threat,defenses opened up avista for what President Trump hopes will be the most emphatic counter-proliferation campaigninrecent memory In other words, missile defenses may make it possible to ensure that theIran regime never gets anuclear weapon.
We now know that all thescorn that has beenpoured on missile defense over the years was perverse and wrong.
Defenses were supposedtobetechnologically impossible. Not only do we see their practicality demonstrated every single day,Israel has begun deploying anti-missile and anti-drone lasers out of a 1950s-era comic book, although the technologyisstill in its infancy
Defenses were supposedbedestabilizing. In reality,they have allowed Israel room for maneuver —last year,when Iran launched missile barrages against theJewish state, it could carefully calibrateits responsesince the missile attacks weren’tmass-casualty events. Missile defenseissuch akey aspect of thecurrent war that one of the biggest questionsinthe conflict is whether the U.S., Israel and the Gulf states will run outofinterceptors before Iran runs out of missiles.
All of this suggests that in theU.S., missile defense should be amatter of bipartisan consensus, like deploying radar or anti-aircraft weapons. Butinahangover from the1980s when they mocked Ron-
ald Reagan’svision of amissile-defense shield, progressives persist in believing that nothing is morepreposterous or dangerous than someone wanting to shoot down ICBMs directed at theUnited States.
The Trumpadministration shouldbe racing toget as much of its Golden Dome defense system —especially the spacebased elements—deployed as quickly as possible.
If aDemocrat gets elected president in 2028, he or she will be determined to stop the program in itstracks and keep theU.S. as vulnerable as possibletoan adversary’smissiles.
The age of missile warfare began dawning withthe advent of Nazi V1 and V2 rocketsinWorld WarII, and missiles featured prominently during the Cold War. Now,the interaction between offensive and defensive missile systems is an unavoidable part of warfare, and we should be very glad that in the Iran war,U.S. and Israel defenses havesofar proven dominant Rich Lowry is on X, @RichLowry
Irecently came across acurious headline:“The Retirement Crisis No One Warns YouAbout: Mattering.” Very few people leaving the workplace have preparedfor losing abig part of their identity,according to The Wall Street Journal article.Theylongto“feel seen”inthe next chapter of life
Muchhas been written aboutthe desire to “be seen”or“feel valued” or “to matter.” And not only for retirees.Muchsocial research centers on the “visibility” problems faced by so-called marginalized people. And YouTube is awashin“style after 50” videos for women who fear no onenotices themanymore.Certain skirt lengths and colorsare keytolooking younger,so theysay
The piece about“mattering” in retirement centers on acouple —aformer medical school dean andhis college-employedwife.Theyretiredand moved to their newhome in Sarasota, Florida, only to find little demand for their talents. The doctor,for example,triedbut failed to geta positionteaching biology Nearly athird of retirees report depressive symptoms, one study found. Anotherpoints to alikely driver: Many retirees feel “less valued, needed or connected.”
In aculture thatcan feel relentlessly impersonal, it’scommontofeel overlooked.Still, remedies exist. First on the list, if youwanttobeseen,see others. And notjust people youwanttoimpress but the cashiers at the big-box store, the mail personand the guy who delivers pizza
Iwould venture that many who feel “unseen”treat these serviceworkers like inanimate objects. They barely look at them, much less smile and say “hello” andthen“thank you.” If you’re notseeing them, why should theylook back? Lack of recognitionisn’tjust impolite;it reflectsa lack of respect. It doesn’tmatterifyou never encounterthemagain. But if youdo, so much the better. Youhave made humancontact thatcan spark againand again. Ioncespent time in ahospital where most of the patients were American-born andmostofthe staff were immigrants. WhenIfirst went over my meals with adietitianfromEcuador,she kept her distance— perhaps because experience hadtaught hertoexpect condescension. Iaskedwhere she wasfrom as amatter of curiosity,and we took the conversationfromthere.Webothwarmed up, and Iwas treated to daily smilesinwhatcan be alonelyplace. She appreciated being treated with respect. Igot as many Fig Newtons as Iwanted.
Nowadays, people who do most of their socializing online canlosethe habit of seeing the flesh-and-blood person right in front of them. Theybreeze past those theydeem lowerinsocial or occupational rank, people who offer no advantage, failing to recognize the inherent worth of anyone who doesn’tmatter in the power hierarchy.Yet the simple fact thatthey showupfor us should make themspecial
Anotherfactor for the couple profiled andfor many otherretirees is relocation. Theyleavebehind the social network built over the yearsand land in a newplace where they must start from scratch. They’dhad friends and family back home —plus allthe small familiar tiesthatmakeaplace feel like yours: the mechanic who fixed their car,the waitress who servedwaffles, the dentist they’d seen for decades WhenIlivedinItaly,Ilearnedthat onedidn’twalkinto ashop without saying “buongiorno”(good morning) and making eyecontact with the proprietor or assistant. There was no ignoring that shopkeeper’shumanity,and the warmth was returned. If you want to be “seen,” try seeing others.
Froma Harrop is on X, @FromaHarrop. Email her at fharrop@gmail.com.
Tommy Gaudet
Froma Harrop
Quin Hillyer
Rich Lowry
The patchyfog that developed last nightisstill with us thismorning After the fog lifts, expect apartlycloudy, very warmand humid day with alight breeze. Temperatures this afternoon will rise to the low to mid-80s, about 10 degrees above average. For the remainder of the week, the afternoon highs will be about the same. Windswill be SE at 10 mph.Rain chances are at 30%,sosomescattered rain is possible today, butthe better chance of rain is Fridayinto the weekend. Tigerbaseball maybeimpacted.
Morris L. Slater, Jr "Slats", 91, aresident of St. Francisville, LA, died on Saturday, February 28, 2026. He was born in Harveyville, KS, and was aveteran of theUSAir Force, serving for 22 years. After he retired, he found asecondcareer with 3M/Lanier, where he worked for 22 years. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Ellen Fairchild Slater; son Mark Slater; daughter-in-law Ann Slater; siblings Marjorie Shafer, DorisKnutsen (Lowell), Wilma Hood (Tom), and Larry Slater; two grandchildren, Emily and David Slater; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by parents, Morris and Alice Slater, and sons, Wayne and Greg Slater. He was aveteranof the Korean and Vietnam wars. He was adevoted man of faith and amember of several veterans' organizations. He will be interred at Louisiana National Cemetery in aprivate service.
DEATHS continued from was 94 and afaithfulmember of her beloved Istrouma Baptist Church family for over74years. Born thefourthofeight children on January 17, 1932, in Atchafalaya, LA, she married her onlytrue love, HarryLoydStewart on January 19, 1952,and movedtoBaton Rouge to start their family. Adevout Christian from theage of 16, she committedtoraise any children God would bless her with according to His Word.She was the proud mother of 4children, SherylLynn, CindyKaye, Gary Loyd, and Christy Lee In allofher roles, from devoted wife, to doting mother,she acceptedthem all as gifts from God, with grace and deliberately sought the Word of God and His planfor her family, her blessings. Awomanof faith, she raised herchildrentoknow Jesus and to live forHim. Not onlyanindescribable mother, but one of akind grandmother, 'Grammy, to her8 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.Precededin deathbyher parents, Arthur and Eve MaeOrtis, father and mother in-law, Joseph "Boone"and Evelyn Devillier Stewart, brotherin-law, Phillip Stewart (MarjorieTycer), brothers and sisters-in-laws, Harris Ortis,LJOrtis (Mary Ann), Arthur "Putchem Ortis (Dottie), Albert Ortis (Lucille), and sister and brother-in-law, Dorthy Ortis Ardoin (EJSnook),brothersin-law John Carter Parker, Lawrence "Bub" Courville, Jr,loving husband of 60 years, HarryLoyd Stewart, infant daughter,Sheryl Lynn Stewart. Survived by sistersEvelynParkerand LorettaCourville, daughter Cindy Kaye McCormick (Ty), son Gary Loyd (Kristy), daughterChristy Lee Simmons (Lance), grandchildren, Jade Saltaformaggio, Brittany Murphy (Todd), Evan Little, KatlynPassman, Zach Stewart(Caitlin), Tanner McCormick (Meaghan), Tori Rollins (GBroc), CarsonSimmons(Madison) great-grandchildren Isabella Saltaformaggio, Ella Passman, Gabriella Saltaformaggio, Paul (Tripp) Saltaformaggio III, Emma Garrett, Aaron Stewart, Alex McCormick, Liam Stewart, NolanLittleand SweetRuby Rollins. Visitation and serviceswillbe held at Greenoaks Funeral Home &Memorial Park on Friday,March 6, 2026.Visitation9:30 AM to 11:00AM.
Service at 11:00 AM. Burial following theservice at GreenoaksMemorialPark. Greenoaks Funeral Home & Memorial Park9595 Florida Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70815. The family would like to thank thesweet ladiesatLake Sherwood Villageand Paula Batiste and thestaff at St.Joseph Hospice at Carpenter Housefor their genuine care and compassion.
Marie Louise Crochet Swindlerpeacefully passed away Saturday February 28, 2026, at her home in Baker. She was born to Edmond and Lena LeBlancCrochet in Labarre, LA on November 6, 1924. The thirdoldest of nine children, she outlived allofher siblings.
Marie grew up during theGreat Depression, the daughter of sharecroppers. She never forgother humble beginningsand her abilityto"make do" with what she laterhad was a valuable lessonfor her children.
Marie met Claude, or C.N. as she calledhim, on a blind date when he returnedfrom serving in the Marines. They dated only threemonths before getting married on April 23, 1946, and were very happily married 67 years before hispassing. In thelate 1950's, they movedtoBaker where they raised their family.She was awonderful homemaker and had her handsfull raising five childrenspreadover 14 years. Whenshe finished cooking and sewing and helping themwithhomework, she dedicatedher timeto church activitiesatSt Isidore theFarmer Catholic Church. She assistedinthe St Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, theannualchurch
fair, and in RosaryMakers. She wasa member of the Altar Guild, theCatholic Daughters, and The KnightsofColumbus Ladies Auxiliary. She also sang in the church choir and painted- mostly swamp scenesorold cabins remembered fromher childhood.For many years, she donated her paintings to thechurch to be auctionedattheir fair fundraiser Mom was blessed with good health. Until her stroke at 97 years old, she was avery active lady. She livedalone and continued to walk theneighborhood evenwhen she had to use awalker duetoscoliosis curving her spine. After the stroke paralyzed her rightside, live-insitters were hired to keep her comfortable in her home, exactly where she wanted to be Over thenext four years she had many caregivers, and her family was blessed with some of thebestincluding Wynne Battenberg and Cathy Bradley who was with her until theend. The family willbeforever grateful forthe love they shared with mom. She is survivedbyher five children and spouses who willsorelymiss her: Claudia Brian,Linda (Rudy) Rizzo, Patrick (Sandy) Swindler, Penny (Ronell) Blount and Rod(Claudia) Swindler. She also leaves behind eighteen grandchildren,thirty-six great grandchildrenand ten great-great grandchildren. Also surviving her are three sisters-in-law, Janet Callegan,Audrey Crochet, and Diane Crochet. Besidesher husband and parents, she was preceded in deathbyher siblings and spouses: Pearl (H.J.)Arnold,L.C. (Joyce) Crochet, RogerCrochet, IdaMae (Crayton) Hall, Shirley(Ralph)Jackson, Lillian (Vince)Rosar, Welton (Joan) Crochet and Ruffin Crochetand her inlaws and spouses, Patricia Swindler(J.C.) Langlois Barbara Swindler(Harold) Robillard and EddyCallegan. She also outlivedher son-inlaw, Malcolm"B" Brian daughter-in-law,Sharon Achord Swindlerand two grandchildren, Michelle Rizzoand Jason Blount. Visiting willbefrom9:00 -11:00 am followedbya burial mass on Friday, March 6thatStIsidore CatholicChurch at thecornerofPlank and Thomas Rd in Baker/Brownsfield.
Burial will be at Hillcrest Cemetery on Groom Rd in Baker. In lieu of flowersthe familyrequestsdonations to St Isidore Church,the St VincentdePaulconference at St Isidore or a charity of yourchoice
MyrnaLoy Ray Taylor, 92, of Baton Rouge Louisiana passed away peacefully on February 22, 2026. She wasbornon November 3, 1933, in Midland, Texas to Burnice Elmer Ray andSallie Belle WillsonRay. MyrnaLoy aka mom andnot thefamous movie star,was proudofher Texas heritage.After graduating high school in San Angelo, she marriedher high school sweetheartBilly. They moved to Lubbock wheretheyattendedTexas Tech University. She studiedspeechcommunication untilshe changedher majortofull time mom. After moving to Baton Rouge in 1970, the familyjoined Broadmoor Baptist Church andher volunteerministry bloomed. She immediately began serving as oneof thedirectors of Mother's DayOut andweekday preschool programs at Broadmoor Baptist. Shealso served as the director of Baptist Women, Women's Missionary Union, Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School leader, LLL,and many othercommittees. Shewas thefirst woman ordainedasa DeaconatBroadmoor and eventually served as the ChairmanofDeacons. Her passion for music ledher to play in thehandbell choir whereshe rangthe BIG bells!! As theproud motherofthree amazing children, she washeavily involvedinschool andextracurricular activities Sharing herroots in the Rainbow Girls, she wasa Campfire Girland Cub Scoutleader.She ran mom'staxi to orchestra andchoirconcerts, swim meets,baseballgames and more. Alwayslooking to
help,she volunteeredasa room mother, worked in theschool office,substitute taught, chaperoned trips andspearheaded thousands of cookieand pizza drives. Herlove for theLordand life will live on through her3 children Randy Taylor (Debbie), Karen Bolton (John),and Michael Taylor (Chantal); 5 grandchildrenHunter Marks (Erin),Heather Hollier (Chris), Christopher Taylor (Haley), LaurenTaylor andWhitneyTaylor;2 great grandchildrenAlyssa Hollierand Kieran Fuller; andmanynieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins andfriends. Sheispreceded in death by herhusband of 72 years Billy Taylor, her parents B.E. and Sallie Ray, brotherBennieRay and son-in-law DonMarks. The familyrecognizes the amazing support andlove given by thestaff at Francois BendAssisted Living in Gonzalesand Clarity Hospice of Baton Rouge.A Memorial Service will be held at Broadmoor Baptist Church on Saturday, March 7, 2026. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM with servicesbeginningat11:00 AM.A receptionwill follow at Broadmoor Baptist Church Activity Hall. Family andfriends may sign the online guestbook or leave apersonal note to thefamilyatwww.resthavenbaton rouge.com.
Slater, Morris Leonard
Taylor, Myrna LoyRay
Swindler, Marie Crochet
Stewart, Leona Ortis
Leona Ortis Stewart of Baton Rouge, Louisiana
peacefully entered eternity and the presence of her Lord and Savior on Monday, March 2, 2026,atthe Carpenter House surrounded by her children. She
SPORTS
Pelicans collapse late in loss to Lakers
Despitebeing full strength, NewOrleans fallsshort
BY RODWALKER Staff writer
For the first time all season,the New Orleans Pelicans were at full strength Tuesday night.
ä Pelicans at Kings 9P.M.
Zion Williamson returned aftermissing the previous game with aright ankle sprain and was joined in the startinglineupbyDejounte Murray, Herb Jones, Trey Murphy and Saddiq Bey
THURSDAy,GCSEN
That lineup was good enough to put ascare into the Lakers midway through the fourthquarter,but not good enough tofinishthemoff. ThePelicans collapsedlateand fell 110101 at Crypto.com Arena
The Pels (19-44) have now lost nine straight games against LeBron James and the Lakers. The Pelicans’ last win against L.A. came on Dec. 31, 2023. They were close to endingthatskidTuesday, building a94-86 lead with7:20 remaining. But the Lakers went on a14-0run and outscored the Pels 24-7 the rest of theway Williamson ledthe Pelicans with 24 points. Murphy scored21points to go witheight rebounds and four assists.Murray had 15 points, eight rebounds andeight assists. But it was the final stretch that did the
ä See PELICANS, page 4C
AP PHOTO By ROSS D.
Former LSU pitcher Paul Skenes throws against the San Francisco Giantsduring the first inningofanexhibitiongame Tuesdayin Scottsdale,Ariz.
JapanatWorld Baseball Classic
BYRONALD BLUM AP baseball writer
Aaron Judge is tradingpinstripes fora plain jersey with red, white and blue letters.
“Getting the chance to wear that across my chest is going to be pretty powerful,”the U.S. and New York Yankees captain said of the WorldBaseball Classic. “I think alot of people have alot of pride for their country.”
After losing 3-2 in the2023 final when Japan’sShohei Ohtani ended the game by strikingout Mike Trout, theU.S.will be trying for its first championship since 2017 when 20 nations competefor thesixth championship starting Thursday. Australia plays Taiwan at the Tokyo Dome in the opener,and action starts the next day in Houston, Miami and San Juan,Puerto Rico. The final againwill be at Miami, on March 17.
Amuch-improvedpitching staffincludes Paul Skenes, Tarik Skubal and Mason Miller,and the batting order likely will include Judge, CalRaleigh,KyleSchwarberand Bobby Witt Jr
Having watched the last two tournaments, Skenes has hopedtoreceiveaninvite from U.S. manager MarkDeRosa.
“When DeRo called, it was like, just,
COSTLY MISTAKES
By
UL infielder Lee Amedee celebrates arun-scoring single against LSU on WednesdayatRusso Park. The
won7-2.
BY KOKI RILEY Staff writer
Ayear ago, Jay Johnson was proud of his defense. The Tigers finished theseason with a.981 fielding percentage,and they were evenbetterinSoutheasternConference play. Only Texasfinishedits conference schedule withamark better than LSU’s.985 percentage. But 2026 hasbeen adifferentstory forcoach Johnson’s team.LSU’s defense hasstruggledthisyear, havingcommitted 15 errors while holdinga poor fielding percentage of .965. And the Tigers’ triptoRusso Park on Wednesdaydidn’t do anything to assuage their defensive concerns. LSU committedthree moreerrors against UL,falling 7-2 to
the Ragin’ Cajuns in what became its third loss in six games andsecond consecutive defeat.
“Weneed to play cleaner baseball,” Johnson said. “Tough to have lessons in losses, but sometimes it grabs theteam’sattention.”
LSU’sstruggles defensively at second base and third base have been talking pointssincethe preseason.But itsdefensive issues went beyond two infield spots against UL,asthe Tigers beganmaking errors almost immediately
With one out in the first inning and UL (10-3) already leading1-0,redshirt junior right-hander andstarting pitcher Gavin Guidry committed the first error,tossing
ä See WBC, page 5C ä See LSU, page 5C
BY MATTHEWPARAS Staff writer
ANALYSIS
Decision day is approaching for the New OrleansSaints. When the league’snegotiating windowfor free agency opens Monday,the Saints are slated to have 17 free agents hit the market—barring alast-minute extension that would keep them underwraps. And depending on how the next few weeks unfold, this offseason could markthe end of an era for anumber of longtime Saintscontributors.
“Obviously,wegot abunch of veterans that we’d love to keep here and be apart of this,” Saints coach Kellen Moore said at the NFL scouting combine last week.
Let’stake alook at the more notable decisions theSaints have to make, and whether those players will be staying or leaving.
DEMARIO DAVIS: Davis and the Saints have a mutual interestingetting adeal done, but the37-year-oldlinebackermight reach the market first to officially see his options.
Even at his advanced age, Davis is still
playing at arelatively high level and would be anice fit foracontender.Could the DenverBroncos,fresh off an AFC championship gameappearance, be afit? Former Saints coach Sean Payton, now in Denver, haslisted linebacker as aneed,but the Broncos typically have skewedyoungeras they’ve fleshed out the roster.The Bears arealso remodeling their linebackerroom, but based on feedback from the combine, a reunionwith defensive coordinatorDennis Allen doesn’tappear likely If Davis leaves, second-yearlinebacker Danny Stutsman would be in line to see moreplaying time—but there’sasense the Saints would miss Davis’ veteran presence. And, as well as New Orleans’ defense played last season, would the unit see asignificant drop-off without Davis? Throw in the fact that Davis has been in New Orleans for eight seasons, and there are alot of reasons forthe relationship to keep going, so long as price doesn’tget in the way.
Prediction: Staying
FRANKLIN
STAFFPHOTO
BRAD BOWIE
Cajuns
On TV AUTO RACING
5p.m. ARCA Series: General Tire 150 FS1 WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC
9p.m. Australiavs. Czech Republic FS1
4a.m.Japan vs. China *FS1 MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL
4p.m. S.C. State at N.C. Central4 p.m
6p.m. Sam Houston at Delaware 6p.m
6p.m. Tulane at Temple ESPN2
6p.m. Tulsa at East CarolinaESPNU
7p.m. Rutgers at Michigan St. FS1
7p.m. Michigan at Iowa NBCSN
8p.m.KennesawSt. at UTEP CBSSN
8p.m. South Florida at MemphisESPN2 WOMEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL TOURNEYS
10 a.m. ACC: Clemson vs.Virginia ACCN
BROADCASTHIGHLIGHTS
10 a.m.SEC: TBD vs. Georgia SECN
11 a.m.Big Ten: USC vs.Washington BTN
12:30 p.m. ACC: TBD vs. Notre Dame ACCN
12:30 p.m.TBD vs. Oklahoma SECN
1:30 p.m. BigTen: TBD vs. OhioSt. BTN
4p.m. ACC: TBD vs. SyracuseACCN
5p.m. SEC: TBD vs.Ole MissSECN
5:30 p.m. BigTen:TBD vs.Mich.St. BTN
6:30 p.m. ACC: TBD vs.Virginia Tech ACCN
7:30 p.m. SEC: TBD vs.Tennessee SECN
8p.m. Big Ten: TBD vs.Maryland BTN GOLF
9a.m. PGATour:Puerto Rico Open Golf
1p.m. PGATour:Palmer Invitational Golf
10 p.m.LIV Golf: Hong Kong FS2
10 p.m.LPGATour:BlueBay LPGA Golf
4:30 a.m. DP WorldTour:Joburg Open* Golf
HORSE RACING
2p.m.America’s Dayatthe RacesFS2
MLB SPRING TRAINING
Noon Boston vs.Philadelphia MLB
2p.m.L.A.Dodgers at CincinnatiESPN
2p.m.San Diegovs. Seattle MLB NBA
6:30 p.m.Golden State at Houston PRIME
9p.m.L.A.Lakers at DenverPRIME
9p.m.New Orleans at SacramentoGSEN NHL
6p.m.Buffalo at PittsburghESPN MEN’S SOCCER
2p.m.Crystal Palace at Tottenham USA TENNIS
1p.m.ATP/WTA: Indian Wells Tennis
*Friday
Coaching icon Holtzdiesat89
Hall of Famerled NotreDameto1988 national championsip
BY ERIC OLSONand TOMCOYNE Associated Press writers
Lou Holtz never met anopponent that couldn’tbeat him. Somehow,hesqueaked outnearly 250winsand anational title while cementinghimself both asone of the most lovable and unlikable characters in college football —a one-of-a-kind iconoclast in aprofession brimming with originals.
The pint-sizedmotivator who restored greatness at Notre Dame and demanded it everywhere else he went died in Orlando, Florida Notre Dame announced Wednesday.Hewas 89.
Spokeswoman Katy Lonergan said the family did not provide a cause of death.
“Notre Dame mourns the loss of Lou Holtz, alegendaryfootball coach, abeloved memberofthe NotreDamefamilyand devoted husband, father and grandfather,” Notre Dame president the Rev Robert A. Dowdsaidinastatement
His son, Skip, who followed Holtz into coaching, said in apost on Xthathis father died andwas “resting peacefully at home.”
“He was successful, butmore important he was Significant,” Skip Holtzwrote.
SANDLIN
ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By PHIL
Arkansas coachLou Holtz is carried by his players after defeating Oklahoma in theOrangeBowlonJan.2,1978, in Miami. Holtz went 249-132-7 over acareer that spanned 33 seasons and included stops at Minnesota, Arkansas, South Carolina and Notre Dame.
Holtz went 249-132-7 over acareer that spanned 33 seasons and included stops at Minnesota, Arkansas,South Carolinaand,most notably,Notre Dame.
It was there that he won his lone national championship, in 1988, capped with awin over West Virginia in the Fiesta Bowl but highlighted by a31-30victoryearlier in theseason over Miami —one of the notable meetings in the socalled “Catholics vs. Convicts” rivalryof the1980s Forall the big personalities coarsingthrough collegefootball during the day,none stood bigger than Holtz. He was only 5-foot-10,
but commanded the sideline like someone much bigger.The leadup to thebig games were sometimes his best theatre.
Armed with ahomespun brand of folksiness thatcould trickle into cornybut alwayscontained akernel of truth, Holtz lit up bulletin boards andmotivational posters with dozens of memorable quotes andpithy observations, virtually all of them constructed to inspire:
■ “Life is 10% what happens to youand 90% how you respond to it.”
■ “When all is said and done, moreissaid than done.”
■ “You’renever as good as everyone tells you when you win,
and you’re never as badasthey say when you lose.”
He could makeany team from Akron to Army to Alabama —sound like aworld beater on any given week. More often than not, hisFightingIrish figured out away to scratch out the wins.
RestoringIrish to greatness
Before Holtzarrived in South Bend, NotreDame was wallowing in mediocrity —amere shell of the program built on afoundation of KnuteRockne, AraParseghian, theGolden Domeand Touchdown Jesus. Holtz turned things around quickly and had theIrish in theCotton Bowl in Year 2and winning the national title the season after that.
His 1988 and 1989 teams won a school-record 23 consecutive games andhebeat three teams ranked No. 1— Miami in 1988, Colorado in 1989 andFlorida State in 1993.
The IrishfinishedNo. 2inthe AP poll in 1993. Holtz left South Bendafter the 1996 season with a record of 100-30-2.
“Lou andIshareda very special relationship,” said current Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman, who led the Irish back to the national title game in 2025 —acontest Holtz attended and spiced up withsome trolling of theOhio State program that beat the Irish that day.“Our relationship meant alot to me as I admired the values he used to build thefoundation of his coaching career: love, trust andcommitment.”
Chiefs agreetosendCBMcDuffietoRams
BY GREG BEACHAM Associated Press
LOS ANGELES The Kansas City Chiefs and the Los Angeles Rams have agreed on atrade that sends star cornerback TrentMcDuffieto Los Angeles in exchange for several draft picks, three people with knowledge of the negotiationstold TheAssociated Press.
The sources spoke on conditionofanonymityWednesday because the trade has not been finalized. Kansas City will receive the 29th overall pick in the upcoming draft, and fifth-round and sixthround picks this spring alongwith athird-round pick next year
Thedealwould fill theRams’ biggest roster need by adding an elite cornerback to their mediocre secondary.Los Angeles finished
SAINTS
Continued from page1C
CAM JORDAN: At the endofhis season media availability,Jordan made clearhewouldn’ttakeanother “half-off” contract after a resurgent 101/2-sack season. But wasthat simply posturing —ora hard-line stance that could derail negotiations? Regardless of whether Jordan returns, the Saints would like another pass rusher to add to the fold. That addition could, in theory,move Jordandown the pecking order even further.Would Jordanbe OK with areduced role after his best season in years? That’d be atough ask. But Jordan was contenttoprove theSaints wrong last year,and he could do it again while on the rosterfor another year.Though he’s another year older,Jordan showed he at least could finish at the right moments —something that had been missing for New Orleans over the last few years. Keeping Jordan, afranchise icon, would make sense.
Prediction: Staying
ALONTAE TAYLOR: The gap between what nickel cornerbacks are paid and what Alontae Taylor wants to
19th inthe NFL in passdefense last season, undercutting the work of astrongdefensive line and the NFL’s most productiveoffense.
Atwo-time Super Bowl champion and astrong coverage defender who also excelled in pressuring quarterbacks and delivering big hits during hisfirst four NFL seasons, McDuffie was afirst-team AP All-Pro slot cornerback in 2023 and asecond-team choice in 2024.
McDuffie, afirst-round pickin 2022, is entering the final year of hisrookie contract andwill make $13.6million this season,though the Rams alreadyare likely workingonalong-term deal.
The Chiefs would have been unabletofita long-term contract with McDuffie under their salary cap, havingalreadydoled outbig contracts to quarterback Patrick
be paidcould betoo much for the Saints to overcome.
Taylorsaw former teammate Paulson Adebo get athree-year, $54 million contract from the New York Giants last year,and in theprime of hiscareer,hecan’t be blamedfor seeking acomparable deal. That said, Taylor has played most of hissnaps in the slot—a position whose highestpaid player (Kyler Gordon) earns only $13.3million per year.That dynamiccreatesa tricky negotiation, andthe Saints andTaylor haven’tseen eye to eye yet Perhaps the sides can reach a common ground, but there’sbound to be other teams interested in Taylor.The Las Vegas Raiders have tons of cap space and acoaching staff that’sfamiliar with Taylor
The Dallas Cowboys, according to Sports Illustrated, arealso expected to be in the mix. Taylorhas shownplentyofversatility throughouthis career,so a team may very well be fine with paying —oreven playing —him as an outside corner
ThefactthattheSaintstriedtoget an extension done during the season and couldn’talso doesn’tseem to bode wellfor Taylor’sreturn.
Prediction: Leaving
LUKEFORTNER: Acquiring Fortner from the Jacksonville Jaguars in
AP FILEPHOTO By MATT PATTERSON
Kansas CityChiefs defensive back Trent McDuffietakes the field in agameagainst the Dallas Cowboys on Nov. 27.
Mahomes, defensive linemen Chris Jones and George Karlaftis, andoffensivelinemen Creed Humphrey and Trey Smith. With this extra draft capital, the
thepreseason proved to be such aprudent move that ownerGayle Benson touted it as one of Mickey Loomis’ accomplishments when defending the longtimegeneral manager And Loomis did deserve credit. Fortnerbecamea dependable starter after center Erik McCoy went down,somuchsothatthe Saintsare anticipating he’ll receive an opportunity to start elsewhere next season. That opportunity, as well as the price tag that comes with it, makes Fortner’s return for another year unlikely
Prediction: Leaving
ALVIN KAMARA: Kamara isn’tafree agent, but he’sworth including in this discussion because of theuncertainty around his situation. Seen as apopular cut candidate, Kamaraholds an $18.2 million cap hit for next season —which hasled manytoassumethe Saints would be willingtomove on from the 30-year-old. NewOrleans could clear $8.5 millioninsalary cap space withapost-June 1release. Butwhatthe Saintswilldois anyone’sguess. New Orleans has been tight-lipped about whether it is willing to move on,orwhether it even sees Kamara’scap hit as too high. Would Kamara be willing to takeapay cut if the Saints asked?
Brawl in Sun Belt game hurts ref,forces 8ejections PENSACOLA, Fla. Abrawlbetween South Alabamaand Coastal Carolina in the women’s Sun Belt Tournament on Wednesday left eight playersejectedand knockeda referee to the ground where she required medical attention. There was less than six minutes left in the fourth quarter when SouthAlabama’sCordasiaHarris and Coastal Carolina’sTracey Hueston began fighting under the basket. Harris appeared to bump Hueston slightly from behind before Hueston turnedaround and began pushing and swinging at Harris, whopushed back.
Tworeferees,multiple teammates and staff members quickly worked to separate the women and areferee was knocked to the ground in the melee. She appeared to be hit in the head or neck area by Hueston.
Judge crushes long homer in preparation for WBC
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.— Aaron Judge looks ready for his first World Baseball Classic.
The U.S. captaincrusheda 453-foot solo homer in the first inning of the team’s exhibition game against the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday,drawing aroar from the crowd and then “U-S-A!” chants in apacked stadium at Salt River Fields in Arizona.
Judge’sno-doubter to left field wasoff leftyKyle Freeland, leaving his bat at 115.9 mph. The threetimeMVP is trying to lead the Americans to their first WBC title since 2017.
It’sthe secondoftwo exhibition games forthe U.S. team,which will travel to Houston forFriday’s opener against Brazil.
Chiefs will attempttopry open a second Super Bowl windowfor Mahomes by boosting the talent around him. Kansas City will also continue its recent traditionof parting ways with its best defensive backs whenthey reach eligibility for their second contracts: Twoyears ago, KansasCity traded L’Jarius Sneed to Tennessee. TheRams’ cornerbacks were aclear flawinlastseason’s powerhouse team, which reached theNFC championshipgamebeforefallingtothe eventualSuper Bowl-winning Seattle Seahawks.
After failing to land any significanthelp for the secondary duringthe season,general manager Les Snead said last month thatcornerback was “a position group thatwe’ll attack over the next few weeks.”
Andwhat happens if he’snot open to such amove?
The Saints could very well bring in another back, but that doesn’t mean Kamara’stime in New Orleans is automatically over There’sstill alot here to play out.
Prediction: Staying on areduced cap hit
TAYSOM HILL: Like with Kamara, the Saintshaven’tsaidmuchaboutHill’s future.They’regivinghimthespace to decide whether to retire. If he does hang up hiscleats, Hill’sperformance against the New York Jetswas aperfect send-off. He notonly set aleague record by becoming the first player since the NFL-AFL merger to record at least 1,000 career yards in passing, rushing and receiving, but theSaints specifically made sure he went outwithstyle in his lasthome game. That’sagreat memorytogoout on, even if Hill’s 2025 campaign wasn’twhat he expected coming off atorn ACL. Barring an unexpected extension, Hill will be afree agent come next week. That makeshim eligible to sign with another team. But is there evenamarket if he wants to keep playing? It would be helpful for the Saints if Hill announced his plans soon. Prediction: Leaving (retired)
Tourney teams face fines for not reporting injuries INDIANAPOLIS Schools participating in the NCAA men’s and women’sbasketball tournaments could face fines starting at $10,000 if theyfailtosubmit player availability reports requiredfor the first time this year,the NCAA announced Wednesday Player availability reports are intendedtocombat betting-related pressure, solicitations and harassment athletes receive from bettors connected to playing status.Conference availability reports have becomecommon in recent years. The requirement forthe NCAA basketball tournaments is apilot program
The reporting system will not be used for other NCAA championships in 2025-26 whilethe program is evaluated.
Patriots tell Pro Bowl WR Diggs he’ll be released
The NewEngland Patriots have informed wide receiver Stefon Diggs that he’ll be released when the new league year begins next week, aperson with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press.
Diggs posted agoodbye on social media, thanking the Patriots for the season and saying: “Wefamily forever.”
Diggs led the team with 85 receptions and 1,013 yards receiving with four touchdowns in his only seasoninNew England, helping the Patriots reach the Super Bowl, where theylosttothe Seattle Seahawks.
Diggs became the go-to target forDrake Maye, whofinished runner-uptoMatthew Staffordfor the AP NFLMVP award.
QB Rodgersnoncommittal about playing in Pittsburgh
PITTSBURGH Aaron Rodgers madehis first public comments of the offseasononWednesday in an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” and anyone hoping for news on his playing status forthe 2026 season weredisappointed. Rodgers talked glowingly of his year in Pittsburghwiththe Steelers and of his relationship with new coach Mike McCarthy.But whenitcomes to whether he’ll be the quarterback for theSteelers in 2026, things remain murky
“Free agency startsina week,” Rodgers said. “I’ve been spending alot of time with my wife. I’ve talkedtoMike andOmar(Khan). There is no deadline. There is no contract offer
“I’m afree agent. I’m enjoying this time with my wife at this point in the offseason.”
THE VARSITY ZONE
U-High holds off Parkview, earns state final berth
Defense,
BY JACKSON REYES Staff writer
With 7.9 seconds left, Parkview Baptist had the ball down three points to University High.
Eagles senior Anna Richerson caught an inbound pass at midcourt and found Laidyn Wilson. She hoisted a 3-point attempt, but the shot fell short of the rim.
University High (25-4) held on to defeat Parkview Baptist 48-45 in a Division II select semifinal on Wednesday at the University Center in Hammond. The win avenges U-High’s 61-38 loss to Parkview on Feb. 3.
“It’s an amazing feeling, just being here on the winning side,” U-High coach Bonita Johnson said. “We’ve just got to continue
key win for Cubs
to work hard.”
The Cubs will play the winner of Thursday’s game between No 1 Madison Prep and No. 5 Buckeye for the championship.
University High held the Eagles to a 32.7% shooting percentage. The Eagles shot just 2 of 16 from the floor in the final quarter The Cubs also dominated the boards 53-34.
“This time we focused on defense,” Johnson said. “Not let them get as many wide-open shots as they did the first time we played them.”
Cubs sophomore Hailey Hurst had a double-double with 18 points and 20 rebounds.
“She was all over the boards,” Johnson said. “I tell her she’s my Dennis Rodman, go get it. She’s just taken it to another level the last couple of games.” The fourth quarter alone had seven lead changes. Cubs senior forward Gracie Coates scored a fast-break layup with 44 seconds left to put her side up by one. With 14 seconds left, two Cubs each scored a free throw after an offensive rebound led to a second shooting foul to make it a threepoint game. Parkview Baptist (23-5) led 16-8 after the first quarter Senior guard Anna Richerson hit two 3-pointers in the quarter to make it four 3s in the opening period.
U-High sophomore forward Hailey Hurst made a layup to open the second quarter to cut the deficit to six points Richerson scored 11 points through the first
Back to the final
BY JACKSON REYES Staff writer
It’s a new coach and a new roster for Southern Lab this season. But the results remained the same after the Kittens clinched a fifth straight trip to the state championship game on Wednesday No. 1 Southern Lab (25-5) rolled past No. 4 Cedar Creek 69-29 in a Division IV select semifinal at the University Center in Hammond. The Kittens will face JS Clark Leadership in the title game at noon Saturday “My girls did what we prepared for,” Southern Lab coach Krystal Flowers said. “I preach defense. That’s my philosophy They did what they’ve done all season.” Southern Lab held Cedar Creek to 27.3% shooting from the field and forced 32 turnovers. Junior guard Kori Wesley made five 3-pointers and led the team with 17 points. Junior forward Jamya Cain added 15 points and grabbed seven rebounds.
The Kittens scored the first nine
points. Senior guard Asia Patin had three steals in the first three minutes and scored a layup. Patin finished with 13 points. Cedar Creek (20-9) broke the ice after junior forward Alivia Lee found senior center Avery Ryan on a fast break for a layup. The Cougars missed their first five shots before finding the scoreboard.
Southern Lab totaled six steals in the opening period, which led to nine fast-break points. The Kittens led 18-6 after one quarter
Wesley knocked down a corner 3-pointer midway through the second quarter to give Southern Lab its first points of the quarter The shot put her side up 21-8.
Wesley connected with another triple from the right wing to make it a 17-point game. She made it three consecutive triples on the ensuing possession to make it 29-8.
Senior guard Kaytlynn Hawkins joined the fun with a corner 3-pointer off a Wesley assist to keep the barrage of threes going.
Southern Lab led 34-11 at the half.
“When those shots aren’t fall-
ing, at least we can keep the other team from scoring,” Flowers said.
“When it does start falling and we still have that defensive mindset, we eventually keep going up and we don’t let that team back into the game.”
The Kittens shot 50% from the floor in the first half, while the Cougars shot just 21% and was 0-for-5 from deep. The Kittens scored 18 points off of 14 forced turnovers.
Southern Lab stretched the lead to 31 points after opening the second half on an 8-0 run. Wesley connected with her fourth 3-pointer during the run.
Wesley caught a pass from Patin in the corner and made her fifth 3-pointer to make it 45-15 midway through the third. Southern Lab led 58-24 after three.
The Kittens rolled to a 69-29 win. Southern Lab will now look to win a third straight state title.
“That’s the moment here,” Patin said. “We play the hardest teams, so that when we get this moment, there’s no scare. We already know what we’re going to do.”
11 minutes of the game to give her team a 26-16 lead.
The Cubs ripped off six straight points to cut the deficit to four Universityforced five turnovers and held Parkview Baptist without a basket for three minutes during the run. Parkview Baptist led 26-22 at halftime.
U-High junior guard Kennedy Aldridge scored consecutive fastbreak layups to tie the game at 26 at the start of the third. Richerson broke the deadlock with a 3-pointer Hurst made a layup, and Cubs junior guard Olivia Jefferson connected with a mid-range jumper to give her team its first lead of the game midway through the third. The lead reached three after Coates made a jumper “By halftime, we were down,” Hurst said “We had worked
so hard to close the gap to four points Our thought process was, ‘Why work this hard just not to win it?’ “
Eagles sophomore Ansley Bernhard tied the game with a 3-pointer at the left wing. The two sides traded runs to end the third, and Parkview Baptist held a 37-36 lead heading into the fourth.
Aldridge opened the fourth with a mid-range jumper to put her side back in front.
The two sides traded leads seven times.
The back-and-forth affair ended with four straight U-High points. Parkview had a chance to tie at the end, but a 3-point attempt missed.
“We’ve been working so hard for this moment,” Hurst said. “Getting to this point gives everybody hope to know that we can win state.”
French Settlement star Allison has sights set on title matchup
BY JACKSON REYES Staff writer
French Settlement’s Stella Allison spent the hours pacing back and forth leading up to the team’s semifinal contest, focusing on her breathing.
The senior guard knew she needed to drown out the nerves, but the butterflies ahead of her biggest high school game crept in As she slipped her jersey on, she refused to let one thought creep in.
“It could be your last time putting on that jersey,” Allison said.
“I knew I just had to come out here, calm my nerves. We’ve never been here before, so it’s just surreal.”
She stepped out onto the court at the University Center in Hammond for the Lions’ Division III nonselect semifinal against Ville Platte.
“I’ve never seen this many people in one building in my life,” she said. “It was just crazy.”
Allison started the game slowly shooting just 1 of 4 from the floor with one turnover in the first quarter The Lions trailed the Bulldogs 13-8 after the opening period.
After the team’s initial nerves calmed, she began to show why she’s the school’s first Division I signee. Allison weaved through defenders for layups, dished out assists and crashed the boards to help French Settlement take the lead and push toward a decisive 63-51 win.
“(Allison) has been working on this moment for her whole life,” French Settlement coach Jake Bourgeois said. “Watched her grow up since she was in sixth grade until now.”
The win marks French Settlement’s first appearance in a state title game since 1986. A championship would also mark the school’s first in girls basketball since 1964, when girls only played half the court.
Allison finished the game with 21 points to lead the team. She also had nine rebounds and five assists. The senior guard is the team’s leading scorer, averaging 19
points per game. She also averages five rebounds and four assists per game.
Allison has eclipsed 2,000 points in her high school career and is committed to playing at Northwestern State.
After the team trailed in the first quarter, the Lions outscored Ville Platte 55-38 over the next three quarters. French Settlement shot 57.5% from the field in the ensuing three quarters after a 28.6% clip in the first. Allison pointed to her role as a leader to rally the team after the slow start.
“We went down in the first quarter; they punched us in the mouth,” she said. “Huddle them up and just motivate them. Don’t let that affect the rest of the game.”
Her scoring Tuesday night was matched by her ability to find open teammates in the post. She continued to find her teammates, Braidy Trabeau and Rilan Delaneuville, who finished with 20 and 15 points.
“Whenever a great defensive team like that puts pressure on me, it just opens everything up for everyone else,” she said. “I just trust in my instinct. I’ve got to make the right pass.”
Allison’s distribution of the ball comes with the confidence that whenever she lobs it to an open teammate, they’ll be ready “No matter how hard it comes, soft maybe,” she said “I know they’re going to catch it and finish it.”
She was 5 of 10 from the field through the first three quarters with four assists. Once the Ville Platte defense began to account for her dishing passes to open teammates, Allison went 4 of 5 from the field in the final quarter
“Just making that pass and then them trying to make another adjustment, it opens up for even more teammates and even myself,” she said. “Just be confident in my game and trust all the hard work that I’ve put in.”
Now, one game against Westlake on Friday night separates French Settlement from its first state title in 62 years. Allison isn’t shy about what the moment means.
“It would just be the biggest blessing I could ever ask for,” Allison said.
FILE PHOTO By APRIL BUFFINGTON
Southern Lab’s Kori Wesley handles the ball during a game against Zachary on Dec. 16. On Wednesday, Wesley made five 3-pointers and led the Kittens with 17 points in a 69-29 Division IV semifinal win over Cedar Creek.
Allison
Johnson
TurnoversdoomLSU in loss at Auburn
BY TOYLOYBROWN III
Staff writer
Max Mackinnon darted from the right corner to the left wing, flying off acustomary off-ball screen set by Mike Nwoko.
The LSU guard received the pass, curled to the middle of the floor with his dribble and seemed destinedtofire his patentedshort jumper Mackinnon’sgo-to shotwas denied.The senior transferfrom Portland lost the handle of the basketball,and Auburn’sKeyshawn Hall and Kevin Overton tag-teamed for the takeaway.The duo created afastbreak opportunity that ended with Hall throwing an alley-oop pass to 6-foot-8 Elyjah Freeman for adunk. This moment was thethird turnoverthat led to an Auburn transition score in less thanfive minutesinto the contest. Sequences like this happened repeatedly and doomed coach Matt McMahon’steam in a88-74 loss to Auburn on Tuesday at Neville Arena in Auburn, Alabama.
LSU (15-15, 3-14 SEC) tied a
season-high with 16 turnovers to Auburn’snine in the game. LSU also shot 13 fewer field goals, mainly because of the giveaways. “When we executed offensively and the ball moved, Ithought we played with efficiency there,” McMahon saidonthe LSUsports radio network. “You come on the road andshoot 55% from the floor and 47(%) from 3, 73(%), at theline, you would hope that would be good enough to win.
But thenthe (11) first-half turnovers really hurt us,not only because we didn’tget ashot on goal, (but) it led to some transition 3s that they hit.”
The fourth-year coach also spotlighted how hisgroup gave up earlyoffensive rebounds in thesecond half that made it a challenge to climbback into the contest.
In aseasonwhere the Tigers are tied for last in the Southeastern Conference, it’s not surprising thatmost statistical indicatorswill have their name near the bottom. One area that wasn’t the case was
ball security as LSUentered its
in turn-
Four LSUwomen’s basketball players earn All-SECnods
BY REED DARCEY Staff writer
The SEC unveiled its annual end-of-year women’sbasketball awards on Tuesday,and four LSU players were recognized.
Avote of the league’scoaches gave MiLaysia Fulwiley the SEC’ssixth woman of the year award. Mikaylah Williams and Flau’jae Johnson were one of 10 players named first-team AllSEC, while ZaKiyahJohnson earned one of five spotsonthe conference’sall-freshman team. Fulwiley also took home the SEC’ssixth woman of the year award last season, which means she’snow only the third player to win it multiple times. Just twoother LSU playershavereceived the honor.Sylvia Fowles earned it in 2005, and Allison Hightower landed it in 2008.
Both Williams and Flau’jae Johnson were also named to the
PELICANS
Continued from page1C
Pelicans in.The Pels committed 19 turnovers in the game, and the Lakers took advantage and scored 29 points off those mistakes.
“We’ve talked about it four straight games,” Borrego said about the turnovers.“Individually, we’ve got to take ownership of it.
…This is individual accountability right here. Not aplay call. Not adefensive effort. Not a50-50 ball.We are flatout turning it over.There has to be some personal pride about that. Value every possession.”
The Lakers were just as sloppy with 22 turnovers thatled to 21 Pelicans’points. But the Lakers(37-24) executed when it mattered most.
Luka Doncic, the NBA’s leading scorer, finished with 27 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists.LeBron James had 21 points,seven rebounds and seven assiststoruin
All-SEC first teamlast year. BecauseZaKiyah Johnson was given aspot on the all-freshman team,LSU has now had at least one of its players earn that distinction in three of thepastfour seasons.
Vanderbilt’s Mikayla Blakes was named Player of the Year withher teammate Aubrey Galvan named Freshman of the Year
OleMiss’ CotieMcMahon was named Newcomer of theYear while SouthCarolina’sRaven Johnson was voted as Defensive Player ofthe Year
Vanderbilt coach Shea Ralph was named Coach of theYear
TheTigers will begin their postseason at 1:30 p.m. Friday in the quarterfinalsofthe SEC Tournament in Greenville, SouthCarolina They’ll face either No. 5seed Oklahoma, No. 12 seed Floridaor No. 13 Mississippi State in that matchup
that markinthe first 20 minutes. The 16 turnovers werecreated by 13 steals by Auburn, via snatching the ball away from players’ hands and jumping passes lanes.
In its previous three road games, LSU had 10 turnovers in adoubleovertimewin at Ole Miss, five turnovers in aloss to Texas and three turnovers in adefeat to Tennessee. Against Auburn (16-14, 7-10), LSU had four players with at least twoturnovers. Freshman point guard Jalen Reece had acareerhigh five and junior center Mike Nwoko, who hadateam-high 19 points, had three. Mackinnon, Rashad King and Marquel Sutton each had two turnovers.
McMahon said returning to form in taking care of the ball will be needed in its second meeting against Texas A&M at 5p.m. Saturday at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center
“You saw thepressureinthe half court from Auburn bothered us at times tonight, led to someturnovers,” McMahon said. “You’ll see that amped up, as you know,with the full-court press from A&M.”
Stewartsaysplayers still unified amid CBAtalks
BY TIM REYNOLDS AP basketball writer
MEDLEY,Fla. —Breanna Stewart whoteamed with fellow WNBA star Kelsey Plum on aletter to the players’ association this week expressing concerns about thestate of labor talks with the league, said Wednesdayshe feelsbetter about where things stand and is convinced playersare still unified in what they want in the nextcollectivebargaining agreement.
Andthe union, later Wednesday, released astatementsaying the league’slatest offer “is not worth taking” —with less than aweek remaining until the deadline for getting adeal done and preserving a full 2026 WNBA season.
Stewart was part of acall with other membersofthe players’ executive committeeonTuesday night, hours after the letter that she and Plum wrotetoWNBPAexecutivedirector Terri Jackson— one where they expressed “serious concerns abouthow (theunion) is handling thecurrentnegotiations.”
Several media outlets, including The Associated Press, obtained copies of the letter,which was dated Monday “The call mademefeel better,” Stewart toldAP, speaking after her Mistteam finished its final shootaround practice in advance of Wednesday night’sUnrivaled championshipgame against the Phantom team that features Plum. “Sometimes hard conversations need to be had.Ifeltbetter after it and know thatwefinishedthat call understanding that we’re representing thelarger body (of players) and we have work to be done and we’re going to do that work.”
The union —inastatementfrom its executive committee, of which Stewart and Plum are members —echoed Stewart’scommentsin itsstatement, saying it remains “united andfocused on delivering atransformational CBA and are committed to negotiating for as long as it takes.
There is obvious urgency to get adeal done.
The WNBA has told the players’ union that it needs to get a deal in place by this coming Tues-
PELICANS ADD ODUROTOROSTER
The Pelicans have added another big mantotheir roster
Josh Oduro, a6-foot-9 powerforward/center,was signed to atwo-way contract, the teamannounced Wednesdayafternoon.
Oduro has spent this season playing with theBirmingham Squadron, the Pelicans’ G-League affiliate. He’splayedin35games, averaging 14.3 points, 7.3 rebounds. 1.7 assists and 1.3 blockedshots.
The Pelicans had room on their roster for atwo-wayplayerafterBryce McGowens was givenastandard contract twoweeks ago. McGowens was originally on atwo-way deal. Oduro, whoplayedincollegeatGeorgeMason before transferring to Providence, went undrafted in 2024.But he began playing with the Pelicans’Summer League team that year With the signing ofOduro,the Pelicans nowhavea full rosterof18players, including three two-wayplayers.The other two-wayplayers are Trey Alexanderand HunterDickinson.
thenight of aPelicans team that had all of its players healthy. “Good battle,”Borregosaid.
“First time with this lineup. New rotations. It’snew for everybody right now. We hadashot to win an NBA game in L.A. and we just did not close to our capabilities.” Borrego had been looking
—Rod Walker
forward to getting his full roster
He decided to playwith asmaller lineup, moving center DeAndre Jordan back to the bench after starting the37-year-old veteran the previous fivegames.
“It’sagood problem to have andthis is where we wanted to be all year,” Borrego said before
day to start the season on time.
That would allow the new CBA to be written and signed by the end of the month, which would in theory be followedbyexpansion drafts for thenew franchises in Portland and Toronto during the first week of April. Free agency would follow,signings could start on April 12, trainingcamps would open aboutaweek later andthe season would begin May 8.
The league and the players have been unable to reach anew collective bargaining agreement sincethe union opted out of the previousdeal.
Stewart and Plum are in unique roles; both are vice presidents of theplayers’ association, both are among thebiggest namesin women’sbasketball, andboth have been dealing with the CBA uncertainty while on Unrivaled playoff runs with their clubs.
“I’ve always approached anything in life, any adversity,by staying in the game,” Plum said after shootaround Wednesday when asked about simultaneously dealing withanUnrivaled title push amid the WNBA’s labor uncertainty.“I’m ahuman being. It’s hard. Idefinitely have moments, but at the end of the day,I
the game. “Our group is trending the right way when we’ve been healthy.Now we’re fully healthy now.Let’ssee what we look like. My jobisjust withinthe game to manage this and findthe right combinationsasthe game goes on. I’ve got alot of options here. We could playbig or small. We’ve got somefirepower out there. Now it’sjust about finding the right pieces together.”
For 31/2 quarters, thepieces fit as thePelicans had the Lakers on the ropes. The Pelicans arenow 2-2 on this six-gameroad trip. They finish the trip Thursday andFriday when theyplay back-to-back games against the Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns.
“We’ve got to get our heads back right and get our spirits back up andget to Sacramento andget a win there,” Borrego said.
Email Rod Walkerat rwalker@theadvocate.com.
know my heart. Iknow I’m super excited abouttonight,and when you work all year for something, you want to finish it.”
Added Stewart: “We’ve been in CBA negotiations for more than just the past two weeks. It’sbeen 17, 18 months. Idon’t knowexactly how long. And to be able to compartmentalize that hasn’t been easy.”
In theletter,Stewart andPlum said WNBA players “are at one of themost consequential moments in the history of this league”and calleduponJackson to provide manythings, including: n adetailedbreakdown of the WNBA’s expenses and revenue. n analysis between the potential losses players would face in adelayed or strike-shortened season vs. the gains that could be earned through anew CBA.
n player opinions on theWNBA’s latest proposal.
n clarityonthe rookie salary scale.
n an explanation of whatJackson thinks the executive committee’s “role andresponsibilitiesshould be in this process.”
Stewart said it wasn’ther intention forthe letter to getout publicly
AP PHOTO By MARK J. TERRILL
Pelicans forward Trey Murphyshoots as LosAngeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton defends duringthe first halfonTuesdayinLos Angeles. The Pelicans lost 110-101.
STAFF FILEPHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON
LSU coach Matt McMahonsaw histeamcommit a11turnovers in the first half of Tuesday’s88-74 loss at Auburn.
STAFF PHOTO By MICHAELJOHNSON
LSU guard MiLaysia Fulwileygoes for alayup againstTennessee in the firstquarter on Thursday at thePeteMaravich Assembly Center Fulwileyearned the SEC’ssixth woman of the year award
ASSOCIATEDPRESS PHOTOByFRANK FRANKLIN II Mist BC wing Breanna Stewart, right, celebrates with teammate Alanna Smithafter scoring during the second half of asemifinal game in an Unrivaled 3-on-3 game against Breeze BC on MondayinNew york.
Weiss remainingpositiveafter Profar suspension
BY CHARLES ODUM AP sportswriter
Atlanta Braves managerWalt
Weisssaid Wednesday he was disappointed but determined to keep apositive outlookafter Jurickson Profar’s suspension forthe 2026 season. Profar was suspendedbyMajor League Baseball onTuesday followinghis secondpositive test for aperformance-enhancing drug.
Profar,anoutfielder and designated hitter,was expected to be aregular,perhaps as the No. 2 hitter behind Ronald Acuña Jr in Atlanta’slineup. Weiss, speaking to reporters before Wednesday’s exhibition game against Team Colombia in North Port, Florida, said the Braves could overcome losing Profar just as they won the 2021 World Series after losing Acuña to aknee injury
“The moral of the story is something good is likely to come from the bad news,” Weiss said. “It just tends to happen that way Someone’sgonnastep up, someone’sgonna get an opportunity. In 2021, the day we lost Ronald, nobody’spicking that option. And nobody’staking this option. But guess what, and Itruly believe that something good will come of this.” Weiss had been the Braves’ bench coachsince 2018 before he
Profar tested positive forexogenous testosteroneand its metabolites, thecommissioner’s office said, which means testosteronethat was notproduced by his body.Becauseitwas asecond offense, thelengthofProfar’s suspension was 162 games. Weiss said he has to prepare to be without Profar all season even though Profar willappeal thesuspension.
An All-Starin2024, Profar was suspended for 80 gameslast March 31 following apositive testfor Chorionic Gonadotrophin(hCG), ahormone that helps productionoftestosterone. He issued astatement then saying: “I wouldnever willingly takeabanned substance, but Itake full responsibility and accept MLB’sdecision.”
CatcherDrake Baldwin, the 2025NLRookie ofthe Year,was thedesignated hitter on Wednesday. Weisssaidheexpects his designated hitter spot to be “fairly fluid” without Profar Weisssaid“Ifeel really good” the Braves signed left fielder Mike Yastrzemskitoa $23million,two-yeardealinthe offseason. Yastrzemski,Acuña andMichael Harris are expected to be theteam’sstarting outfielders. Profar might have sharedtime withYastrzemski in left field on
Japan’sShohei Ohtani, left,stands during agroup
session along with other team members before their practicesessionahead of the WorldBaseball Classic games in Tokyo, on Wednesday
Ohtani is theshow againinJapan forthe WorldBaseballClassic
BY STEPHENWADE AP sportswriter
TOKYO— It’sofficially named the World Baseball Classic.But for the Group Cgames in Japan,simply call it the world according to Shohei Ohtani.
Ohtani’slife-size image is all over the Tokyo Dome, and racks of Ohtani jerseys —about$125 each —dominatethe adjacentmerchandise center.Japan begins play on Friday against Taiwan with South Korea, Australia and the Czech Republic also in the group. Japan is the defending champion and is expectedtoclaimone ofthe two spots for the quarterfinals in the United States.
Ohtani skipped batting practice on Wednesday,surely disappointingseveral hundred fans who were in the stadium expecting a show.He’sjust saving himself and is 0-for-5 since arriving in Japan and playing in exhibition games against Japanese league teams
“Every time Ijoin (the Japanese team) there are youngerand younger players —younger players are increasing,” Ohtani said, speaking in Japaneseata brief new conference.
“So Ifeel I’m getting old,” the 31-year-oldsuperstar added.
Japan is not only afavorite to advance, it’salso possible it will again meet the United States in the final in Miami. Three years ago, Japan defeated the Americans3-2 when Ohtani struckout Mike Trout to end adramatic game thatgave the WBC ahuge popularity boost
Ohtani is expected to only bat for Japan,not pitch as the LosAngelesDodgers want to save himfor the season. But he left the door slightly ajar beforeleaving spring training in Arizona.
days Baldwin was the designated hitter.Now Eli Whitemay serve as thefourthoutfielder Mauricio Dubon will open the season as thestarting shortstop while Ha-Seong Kim recovers from afingerinjury.WhenKim returns, Duboncould be another option in the outfield.
Weiss insisted Profar’s suspension “doesn’t changeanything we do here. We’re getting ready for ourseason,and it doesn’t change anything about our camp. There’llbeopportunities created because of this. It’s not something that we would choose but that’swhere we’re at, and it’s onward. That’s the message, and we have aprofessionalgroup. They’re handling it really well and veryfocused.”
Weiss said he has not talked with Profar,who he recently praised for his leadership after returning from last year’s suspension.
“Look, Isaidthatand Italked abouthim winning me over last year and he did,”Weiss said. “I’m notgonna change that. The fact of the matterishewas areally good teammate last year,and was agood player for us, was aleader in our clubhouse, you know? And that’swhat Isaid. None of us saw this coming. So yeah, Istand by what Isaid at that point in time. Andagain,we’lllet this (appeal) process play out.”
WBC
Continuedfrom page1C
‘Yeah,I’m in. Youdon’t need to talk me into this or anything, said Skenes, whoplayedtwo seasons at Air ForceAcademy before transferring to LSU. “It was aquick yes.”
Players have beenincontact with each other long before reporting this week.
“The group chat’sbeen firing away for the last couple of months,”Philadelphia’sBryce Harper said.
Rotation boost
Logan Webb is slated to start the Americans’ Fridayopeneragainst Brazil in Houston, followed by Skubal on Saturdayagainst Britain, Skenesvs. MexicoonMondayand top Mets prospect Nolan McLean against ItalyonMarch 10.
The foursome has acombined 19.8Baseball ReferenceWAR last season. The Americans’ four starters in 2023, Adam Wainwright, Nick Martinez, Lance Lynn and Merrill Kelly,combined for a7.8 the previous season.
Skubal intends to makeone start,then return to theTigers.
Apitcher is limited to 65 pitches in first-round games,80inaquarterfinal and 95 in asemifinal or final. If aplayerthrowsmorethan 50 pitches in an outing, he can’t pitch for the next four days. If he throwsmorethan30, he can’t
pitchthe next day.Noone may pitch three days in arow
“There are obviously guardrails for thetournament to begin with, pitch-count wise, but there’salso guardrailsfor guys having to throwoncertain days to getready fortheir team’s opening day,”U.S manager Mark DeRosa said. Trying to do it again
Japan is trying to winits fourth title and becomeonly the second repeat championafter the2006 and 2009 Samurai Warriors.
Shohei Ohtani andYoshinobu Yamamoto have someexperience at consecutive titles after helping last year’s LosAngeles Dodgers become the first repeat World Series champion sincethe 1998-2000 Yankees wonthree in arow
“Going back to back, that is ouronly goal,” Yamamoto said through atranslator Yamamoto, the World Series MVP,isscheduled to start Japan’s opener against Taiwan on Friday Los Angeles is allowing him to pitchfor Japan after he threw 211 innings last year,including thepostseason.
“The Dodgersunderstand how big theWBC tournament is, big in Japan,” he said. “The Dodgers and the WBC, they both are very important to me equally.”
Japan’spitching staffismissing Ohtani, who won’ttake the mound, along with Roki Sasaki, who remainedatDodgers camp following an injury-interrupted rookie season, and Yu Darvish, sidelined following elbow surgery
Star-filled Dominicanroster
Seeking its first title since its only previous winin2013, the Dominican Republic has arosterthat includessix players who finished amongthe top 10 in MVP voting last year: JuniorCaminero,Jeremy Peña. Geraldo Perdomo, Julio Rodríguez, Juan Soto and Fernando Tatis Jr Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Manny Machado and Ketel Marte also are on aroster that includes pitchers Sandy Alcantara and Cristopher Sánchez.
“It can be aheadache also because youhavesomuchtalent. Youwish thatyou can make everybody happy,” Dominican manager Albert Pujols said. ”The DominicanRepublic has been blessed with so manytalent.” Venezuela, with theDominicans in Group D, is led by Ronald Acuña Jr., Jackson Chourio, Eugenio Suárez andWilliam andWillson Contreras.
Playingthrough politics,war Judge says there’ssignificance representing the U.S. in atournament starting days after the U.S. and Israel launched aMiddleEast warwith joint strikes on Iran. Skenes and reliever GriffinJax played college ball at Air Force.
“Thereare individualsout there that have sacrificed everything for this country to allowmeto have my wife safe at home, my daughter safeathome and Iget a chance to come out here and play akids’ game,” Judge said.
Asked if he might attempt to pitch, he replied:“It’shardto say.But if (Mike) Trout shows up, it’stempting,” he said, speaking throughinterpreter Will Ireton.
Trout will not be playing this time for the United States because of insurance issues, which have kept several players on the sidelines.
TravisBazzana will be the second baseman for Australia. He was selectedbythe Cleveland Guardians as the first overallpick in the 2024 MLBdraft, the first from his country to occupy that spot.
Ohtani is his role model, as he is for many other younger players.
“I personally believe he is the greatest of all time,” Bazzana said. “He epitomizes the work ethic and mastering his craft in baseball. Thatissomeone Ilook up to, but when it comes to that game in acouple of days —you can’t focus on who’sacross the field.”
Japanhas apowerfulbatting lineup led by Ohtani and other MLB big hitters: Munetaka Murakami, Kazuma Okamoto and Seiya Suzuki.The pitching staff has lost some stars from 2023 including with Roki Sasaki, Shota Imanaga and Yu Darvish
The pitching anchor will be WorldSeries MVPand Ohtani’s Los Angeles Dodgers teammate YoshinobuYamamoto.
“It’sachancetogoupagainst the bestteam inthe world and it’saspecial event going against Ohtani,” saidAustralian manager Dave Nilsson, aformerall-star catcher with the Milwaukee Brewers.
“It’sgoing to be abig moment for the fans and for Japan,” Nilsson added. “We’re not going to get caughtupinthe sideshow.”
an errant pickoff attempt to secondbase that allowed UL first basemanLee Amedee to reach third It wasthe first of twobad throws in the inning. Amedee scored on thenext play,when Grand Canyon transfer Zach Yorke at first base madeanerrant throw home. Secondbaseman Rigoberto Hernandez, who hit aground ball to Yorke that forced himtomakethe throw,also reached first base becauseYorke didn’ttouch the bag before he went home. Everyone was safe, and theinning ended with UL holding a3-0 lead.
“I’ve got to setabettertone from thefirstpitch of thegame,” Guidry said. “Can’tallow athreespot in thefirst inning to start the game and just kind of startfrom behind again.”
LSU’smiscues continued into the fifth inning. Following a leadoff double, UL third baseman Drew Markle bunted down the third base line,forcing seniorright-handedrelieverConnorBenge to hopoff themound andmakeaplay.Markle likely would’ve been safe whether the throw was on target or not, but Benge still rushed his motion and tossed it intothe outfield.
“The only thingwecould have done thatwould have maybe kept that at aone-run inning or atwo-run inning,”Johnson said, “is probably not throwthe ball to first base.”
By thetimethe runner from second had scored, UL took a 4-2leadand endedthe inning
holding a6-2 advantage. None of the errors LSU (11-3) committedonWednesdayresultedinan unearned run, but its struggles poured more fuel on the fireofa Ragin’ Cajuns attack thatthrives on small ball.
“They do it as good as anybody thatI’ve seen,” Johnson said. “… I’vecoached against (ULcoach MattDeggs) forever.You know what you’re gonnaget.And they executed perfectly.”
LSU’sdefense wasn’tthe only unit at fault on Wednesday The Tigers’ offense struggled forasixthconsecutivegame, as hitters 3-9 in the lineup combined for one hit through the first eight innings. The pitching staffsurrenderedasmany hits (nine) as it had strikeouts. Guidry,after not allow-
ing an earned run in nine innings of relief,was tagged fortwo hits and three earned runs in just 21/3 innings in his first start of the year
“Sometimesyou’re goingto play good and lose, sometimes you’re going to play bad and win,” Guidry said. “So as long as you just continue to keep it
BOWIE
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By LOUISE DELMOTTE
photo
ASSOCIATEDPRESS
FILEPHOTO By RyAN SUN
Atlanta Braves’ Jurickson Profar reacts after fouling off apitch during the fifth inning of agame against the DetroitTigers on Sept. 20 in Detroit.
Dahmen works his way into $20M event at Bay Hill
BY DOUG FERGUSON AP golf writer
ORLANDO, Fla. — Joel Dahmen was down to his last chance to keep his full PGA Tour card at the final tournament of the year He missed the cut, headed home to Arizona to be with his newborn son and had a month to ponder a future that didn’t look terribly bright.
To be sure, teeing it up in a $20 million signature event at Bay Hill was not in his plans.
The new year of fewer cards — top 100 instead of 125 and shorter fields left Dahmen uncertain about where he could play and how much. But he was reminded that good golf still pays off, and it earned him the final spot in the 72-man field at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
“It’s nice to hang out with the big kids this week,” Dahmen said Wednesday “Incredible event Really hard golf course. It’s definitely elevated, signature event. You can feel it, and I’m just super excited to be here.” How did this happen?
It wasn’t the gift of sponsor exemptions. Dahmen has asked for one every week, but he has received only one — at the WM Phoenix Open and that was the only cut he missed this year Instead, he barely got into the field at Torrey Pines and tied for seventh, and he was among the last to get in the Cognizant Classic last week and tied for ninth by going bogey-free his last 27 holes.
It was enough — by five FedEx Cup points — to get the last spot over Jordan Spieth, who already had a sponsor exemption to Bay Hill.
“No, I could not see myself here,” the 38-year-old Dahmen said. “It was the first time in a long time that there was a lot of unknowns in my career I think most players didn’t really know the schedule, we didn’t know what we were going to get into. So I think for me the biggest thing was that every single
start is a big start
“It was just taking advantage of the opportunities, and so far I’ve done that.”
These next two weeks — Bay Hill and The Players Championship are huge for a guy in Dahmen’s position. He is not eligible for the three events after The Players, and only his good play kept him from
having off five straight weeks.
But it’s a strong field. Scottie Scheffler, the No. 1 player in the world, has won twice at Bay Hill in the last four years. The field features 19 of the top 20 in the world, and that includes Justin Thomas, who is competing for the first time since the Ryder Cup after back surgery
SCOREBOARD
Men’s national scores EAST LIU 79, Chicago State 75 La Salle 87, Fordham 84 Marquette 78, Providence 56 Mercyhurst 70, Fairleigh Dickinson 61 Rhode Island 64, Duquesne 52 Robert Morris 68, Youngstown State 53 Stonehill 81, Le Moyne 71 Wagner 70, Central Connecticut 60 SOUTH Bellarmine 82, Jacksonville 79 California 76, Georgia Tech 65 Florida Gulf Coast 69, North Alabama 58 James Madison 87, Louisiana 72 Saint Joseph’s 70, Davidson 67 Stetson 92, Eastern Kentucky 76 UAB 80, Charlotte 74 MIDWEST Creighton 76, Butler 59 Detroit Mercy 84, Milwaukee 63 Eastern Illinois 77, SIU-Edwardsville
Tuesday’s games Southern 71, Alabama State 64 Alabama A&M 77, Grambling 63 Auburn 88, LSU 74 Sun Belt Conference Tournament At Pensacola, Fla.
Tuesday’s games No. 12 UL 84, No. 13 Georgia State 75 No. 11 Old Domin. 87, No. 14 ULM 80 Wednesday’s games No. 9 James Madison 87, No. 12 UL 72 No. 11 Old Dominion vs. No. 10 Georgia Southern, n Late Tuesday Auburn 88, LSU 74
Indiana 77, Minnesota 47 Northern Kentucky 85, Oakland 84 Wright State 90, Cleveland State 61 SOUTHWEST Arkansas 105, Texas 85 Miami (FL) 77, SMU 69 State women’s scores, schedule Tuesday’s games Alabama A&M 55, Grambling 50 Florida Atlantic 61, Tulane 57 Alabama State 65, Southern 63 Northwestern 81, UNO 65 UL 71, Georgia State
THURSDAY’S FAIR GROUNDS ENTRIES
“I’ve got to be realistic. I haven’t played a tournament in six months,” Thomas said. “I feel like I can do anything I want with the golf ball at any given time. It’s just going to be the concentrating for four-anda-half, five hours on a very difficult test.”
Austin Smotherman, who graduated from the Korn Ferry Tour last year, also played his way into the field with a runner-up finish last week.
“That’s part of why people love seeing maybe slightly bigger fields, seeing the underdog story, is that on a given week there’s a lot of guys in the world that can play golf,” Collin Morikawa said. “But at the same time opportunities aren’t just handed out to everyone. You have to go and earn it.
“Joe was given an opportunity He’s taken that opportunity and turned it into something great.” It didn’t start out that way There was joy being around his newborn. There was Thanksgiving dinner to host. And then there was time on the couch. The golf clubs were put away It was Dec. 27 when his wife casually asked him if he thought about his immediate future and Dahmen realized he should probably practice.
“Yeah, the path to the tour is rougher The path to stay on tour is tougher than it’s ever been,” Dahmen said. “There’s a lot of talk about being more of a closed shop. But on the other side I’m proof that in four events you can play well enough and earn your way
ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By DENIS POROy
Bone-in chicken thighs thesecret to flavor
BY LINDAGASSENHEIMER
Using
TNS PHOTO By LINDAGASSENHEIMER
Spanish Style Chicken (Tender Chicken and Savory Rice)
Yields 2servings. Recipe is by Linda Gassenheimer
2teaspoons
cubes
½cup long-grain white rice
2cups no-salt-added chicken broth Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2tablespoons cilantro leaves
1. Heat oil in alarge skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and onion. Cook 3minutes.
2. Turn chicken overand add garlic and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook 3moreminutes.
3. Add tomatoes, chorizo, rice and chicken broth. Stir to combine all ingredients. Bring to a boil, reduce to asimmer,cover with alid andcook20minutes. Liquidshould be absorbed and rice soft. Cook afew more minutes uncovered if needed. A meat thermometer should read 165 F.
4. Addsaltand freshlyground black pepper to taste. Divide in half and serve on two dinner plates. Sprinklecilantro leaves on top.
NUTRITION INFO PER SERVING: 624 calories (33 percent from fat), 22.9 gfat (6.4 gsaturated, 9.3 gmonounsaturated), 181 mg cholesterol, 47.7 gprotein,53.1 gcarbohydrates, 5.2gfiber,562 mg sodium.
Catholics around the world abstain from eating meat on Fridays during Lent as aform of sacrifice and spiritual discipline.Historically, eating meat is considered aluxury and is connected with times of celebration. In Louisiana, practicing Catholics and everyone else rejoice that fresh, seasonal seafood is an abundant liturgical exception to meatfree Fridays during Lent. Lately, whenI drive around town, it’shard not to notice signs forFridayfish fries. While we’re lucky to have so many optionsfor going outto eat seafood, it can be difficult to find fresh local seafood to cook at home. Grocery store fish counters aren’tvery inspiring. Recently, though, Iread about Porgy’sSeafood Market
BY GRETCHENMcKAY
Shrimp Cake Salad with Blanched Asparagus and Lemon GarlicSauce
Serves 4
4cups of mixed greens
20 cherrytomatoes (sliced in half)
in the Mid-City neighborhood of New Orleans, run by two “lady mongers” whodecided to open aneighborhood fish market. It’s part of their mission to teach people moreabout fish and how to prepare fish forhome cooking. So Iwent to Porgy’s Seafood on Carrollton Avenue to buy some fresh local seafood to cook. The smell of boiling crawfish welcomed me at the door. As Iperused their fresh seafood selections, Iwatched the fishmonger butcher a whole amberjack into steaks.
After considering my seafood options, Idecided to buy fresh Louisiana shrimp. At home, peeling and deveining the shrimpfelt like a penance, but it was worth it in the end because the taste of freshly caught shrimpis
1. In alarge salad bowl, add the mixed greens,slicedtomatoes, blanched asparagus and toasted pumpkin seeds.
2. Add the mixed greens,tomatoes andblanchedasparagus to aplate. Add two shrimp cakes on top of each salad. Garnisheach shrimp cake with a lemon wedge. Place asmallbowl of the lemongarlicsauce on the side to use as adressing.
Liz Faul
2D ■ Thursday, March 5, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■
Makes 8tacos. Recipe is byGretchenMcKay,Post-Gazette
FORFISH:
1teaspoon chili powder
1teaspoon cumin
1teaspoon smoked sweet paprika
2teaspoons kosher salt
½teaspoon black pepper
1teaspoon garlic powder
Juice of 1lime
1pound thick white fish filet, such as cod or haddock, cut into strips or chunks
Olive oil, for pan
Shredded green cabbage
8 flour tortillas, warmed Lime wedges, for serving FOR SALSA:
5canned pineapple slices, diced (about 1cup)
½red bell pepper,diced (about ½cup)
½red or yellow onion, diced (about½cup)
½bunch chopped fresh cilantro (about ½cup)
½jalapeno pepper,seeded and diced Juice of 1lime, or more to taste
Olive oil FOR AVOCADO CREMA:
1avocado, seeded Juice of 1lime, or more to taste
½cup plain Greek yogurt
½teaspoon garlic powder
Kosher salt, to taste
1. Prepare fish: To alarge pan or bowl, add chili powder,cumin, paprika, salt, pepper and garlic powder.Use a fork or your fingers to mix together
2. Sprinkle lime juice over
Recipe adapted by Liz
Makes 6-8 servings
2cups all-purpose flour 1cup whole wheat
molasses Butter (optional for serving on the slices of bread)
1. Preheat the oven to 375F.Prepare abaking sheet by lining it with parchment paper
2. In alarge baking bowl, combinethe flours, baking soda, salt, ginger and caraway seeds (if you choose to add them), and combine these ingredients with aspoon.
3. In amedium bowl, combine the buttermilk and molasses and mix together
4. Stir the buttermilk mixture into the flour mixture. Mix together to form adough.
FESTIVE
Continued from page1D
far better than frozen shrimp from the grocery store. Once the shrimp were peeled, it was easy to chop them into abowl with mayonnaise, panko breadcrumbs and spices to form individual shrimp patties. Like crabcakes, shrimp cakes offer amild flavor profile that pairs well with atangy lemon sauce
Shrimp cakes are a versatile dish that can be served as appetizers or on abun. On this day,served the shrimp cakes on aspring salad with mixed greens, crisp asparagus, sweet cherry tomatoes and adrizzle of lemon-garlic sauce. Serve thisdish with friends or family,orsave it for yourself to have leftovers. Either way,this is aseafood dish worth celebrating during Lent or all year long.
Ahearty Irish brown breadisa tasty addition to serve with this seafood salad. In Ireland, brown soda bread is served at almost every meal. St. Patrick’sDay is just around the corner,sothis easy recipe is for those who may want aculinary celebration. Wear green and treat yourself to a slice of brown bread with Irish butter this St. Patrick’sDay.Slainte!
Liz Sullivan Faulisa registered dietitian nutritionist who enjoys cooking and sharing meals with her friends and family
PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE/TNS
the fish, addtothe panwith seasoning and tosswell to combine.Remove fish to a plate, shaking offexcess seasoning
3. Prepare salsa. Combine pineapple, red pepper,onion, cilantro and jalapeno pepper in amedium bowl. Stir until well combined.
4. Add lime juice and a drizzleofolive oil. Let it sit at room temperature, or in thefridge, for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend
5. Prepare crema. Addavocado, lime juice, yogurt and garlic powder to afood pro-
cessor or blender.Pulse until thesauce is silky smooth. Removetoabowl,and seasontotaste withsalt and morelime juice, if needed.
6. Prepare tacos. In alarge pan over medium heat,add adrizzleortwo of olive oil. When hot, add fish to the pan and allow to cook until fish is golden brown, opaque and flakes easily with afork, about 3minutes per side. (You want aslight crust so thefish holds together in the taco.)
7. Build your tacos: Warm flour tortillas in adry skillet over medium-high heat until soft and slightly charred, about 15 seconds.
8. Layer warmed tortillas with shredded cabbage, and add afew chunks of seasoned fish. Topwith pineapple salsa and adollop (ortwo) of avocado crema. Serve immediately with lime wedges.
TACOS
Continuedfrom page1D
The tacos are best served warm, but my husband also ate one cold for breakfast. Youalso can deconstruct thetaco and serve it in a bowl over rice instead of tucking the ingredients into ataco shell.
5. Prepare afloured surface, then transfer the dough to the flouredsurface. Knead the dough to shape around loaf. Do not overwork the dough. Transfer theloaf to the prepared baking sheet.
With aknife,gently score the topofthe loaf intoquarters.
6. Place the dough into the oven,and bake for about 35 minutes. Take outofthe oven andlet it cool.Serveit warm with butter
Shrimp Cakes
RecipebyLiz Faul.Serves 4-6 people.
1pound raw shrimp (peeledand deveined and cut into smallpieces)
½onion (finely chopped)
2cloves of garlic (finely chopped)
3green onions(finely chopped)
½cup mayonnaise
2tablespoonsfresh lemonjuice
1cup pankobreadcrumbs
2tablespoonsfresh parsley (chopped)
½teaspoon salt
½teaspoon smoked paprika
½teaspoon cayenne pepper
½teaspoon driedthyme leaves
2tablespoonscanola oil FOR THE LEMON-GARLIC SAUCE:
1. In alarge mixing bowl, placethe chopped shrimp pieces, onion, garlicand greenonions.Stir the onions andgarlic into theshrimp, then addthe mayonnaise and lemon juice and stir Next,add the breadcrumbs, parsley,salt, paprika, cayenne pepperand driedthyme leaves. Mix the breadcrumbs and spices into the shrimp. Place the shrimp mixture in
12 asparagus (trimmed to removethe woody ends)
Dear Heloise: When our family of 30 gathers together,every outlet fills up with phone chargers. By theday’send, everyone’sasking, “Is this mine?”Toprevent mix-ups,each person marks their power adapter and USB cable with the initial of their first namebyusing a permanent marker We also assign different ink colors so that chargers are easy to spot at aglance. This simple system saves time, preventsaccidental swaps, and makes cleanup much easier when guests are heading out the door.A little identification goes a
By The Associated Press
the refrigerator (this makes forming the patties easier). While the shrimp mixture is chilling, makethe lemongarlic sauce.
2. In amixing bowl,add mayonnaise, yogurt, garlic, lemon juice and zest and stir all of the ingredients until combined. Then add chopped fresh herbs, salt and pepper.Taste and add moresalt if needed.
3. Removethe shrimp mixture from the refrigerator and formthe shrimpcake patties.Start by shapinga 3-inchballofthe shrimp mixture and thengently flattening the ball into apatty Transfer each of the shrimp cakes onto aparchmentlined baking sheet.
4. Heat theoil in alarge nonstick pan over medium heat.Place shrimp cakes in thepan in batches to give themspace to cook. Cook each of the shrimp cakes for about 4minutes per side or until each side is golden brown.
NOTE: Iput the cooked shrimp cakes on aclean bakingtray lined with parchment in awarm oven set at 200F to keep them warm while Iprepare asalad to serve with theshrimp cakes.
1. Fill alarge bowl withice and water.Place it close to where you’ll cook the asparagus.
2. Bring alarge pot of salted water to aboil, add the trimmed asparagus to the boiling water for about one minute. Then use aslotted spoon to transfer theblanched asparagus from thepot to thebowlofice water. Letthe asparagus chill in the ice for aboutone minute.
3. Drain the asparagus and pat them dry to be usedinthe shrimpcake salad.
Today is Thursday, March 5, the64th day of 2026. There are 301 days left in the year
Todayinhistory:
On March 5, 1770, the Boston Massacre took place as Britishsoldiers who had been taunted by a crowd of colonists opened fire, killing five people. The killing fueled colonists’ outrage in the run-up to the American Revolution.
Also on this date:
In 1856, amajor fire destroyed Covent Garden’s royal theater and opera house in London, marking the second time fire destroyed atheater on thesite since1808. (The theater was rebuilt and has since undergone major reconstruction and modernization.)
In 1933, in German parliamentary elections six days after the Reichstag fire, theNazi Party won 44% of the vote; the Nazis joined with aconservative nationalist partytogain aslender parliamentary majority
In 1946, Winston
or want less contact
TODAYINHISTORY
Churchill delivered a speech at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri, in which he marked the onset of the Cold War, saying: “From Stettin in the Baltic, to Trieste in the Adriatic, an iron curtain has descended across the continent.”
In 1953, Soviet dictator Josef Stalin died from a stroke at age 74 after nearly three decades in power
In 1963, country music performers Patsy Cline, Cowboy Copas and Hawkshaw Hawkins died in the crash of their plane, aPiper Comanche, near Camden, Tennessee, along with pilot Randy Hughes (Cline’smanager).
In 1979, NASA’s Voyager 1space probe madeits closest approach to Jupiter,sending back photographs of the planet and its moons.
In 1982, comedian John Belushi wasfound dead of adrug overdose in arented bungalow at Hollywood’s Chateau Marmont hotel; he was33.
In 2004, Martha Stewart wasconvicted in NewYork of conspiracy,obstructing
Sendahinttoheloise@
justice and lying to the government about why she’d sold her Imclone Systemsstock just before the stock’sprice plummeted; her ex-stockbroker,Peter Bacanovic, also wasfound guilty in the scandal. (Each later received afive-month prison sentence.)
In 2022, apromised ceasefire in the Ukrainian port city of Mariupol collapsed amid scenes of terror in the besieged town. The number of people fleeing the country reached 1.4 million just 10 days after Russian forces invaded. Today’sbirthdays: Actor Fred Williamson is 88. Magician Penn Jillette is 71.
PHOTO By GRETCHEN McKAy Cod Tacoswith Pineapple Salsa
PHOTO By LIZ FAUL
Slices of Irish Brown Bread
Blanched Asparagus
Irish Brown Bread
Faul.
PIscEs (Feb. 20-March 20) Work hard and play hard. Get into the swing of things and do your part. Your contributions will attract attention, new friendships and opportunities you don't want to miss.
ARIEs (March 21-April 19) Check out suggestions, offers, grants or funding that can help you turn your dream into a reality. Simplify your plans to meet your budget. Partnerships require equality.
tAuRus (April 20-May 20) Consider what you can do to make your life easier. Surround yourself with people who share your plans and work toward a common goal. A change will require time and energy.
GEMInI (May 21-June 20) Say little and do a lot. Show compassion and understanding, but don't take on someone else's problems. Offer suggestions and get back on track. Living up to your expectations and reputation will help you excel.
cAncER (June 21-July 22) There is a price for everything; make sure your aspirations don't cause you to go over budget. Time, patience and planning are all called for. Personal growth looks promising.
LEo (July 23-Aug. 22) Delve into new possibilities; study, research and include what you discover into your routine and plans. A change will lead to an interesting alternative or connection
VIRGo (Aug. 23-sept. 22) You have plenty going for you, so don't let negativ-
ity stand in the way of your desires. Speak up and act fast if you want personal, emotional and financial growth to unfold.
LIBRA (sept. 23-oct. 23) Try not to involve yourself in circumstances that can get you in trouble. Don't exaggerate your qualifications; update your knowledge and grow your expertise.
scoRPIo (oct. 24-nov. 22) Instigate what you want to see happen. An encouraging word, hands-on help and mixing business with pleasure will fuel your success. Focus on the important relationships in your life.
sAGIttARIus (nov. 23-Dec. 21) Look inward and prepare to change whatever is no longer working for you. Dismiss those who continually disappoint or take advantage of you. Make choices that protect you from risk and scammers.
cAPRIcoRn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Put more thought into your investments and how you earn a living and spend your cash. Honesty and transparency are essential to avoid problems. Use your energy to fine-tune your agenda and make it flow.
AQuARIus (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Put your energy to work, and you can bring in more cash. Sell unwanted belongings, develop a product that you can turn into a lucrative business or become a minimalist.
InstructIons: Sudokuis anumber-placing puzzle basedona9x9 grid with several given numbers Theobject is to place thenumbers 1to9inthe empty squares so that eachrow, eachcolumn and each3x3 box contains thesame number onlyonce. Thedifficulty level of theSudoku increasesfromMonday to Sunday.
Yesterday’sPuzzleAnswer
THe wiZard oF id
BLondie
BaBY BLueS
Hi and LoiS
By PHILLIP ALDER
Eric Temple Bell, amathematician andscience fiction writerwho was born in Scotland but lived most of his life in theUnited States, said,“Euclid taught me that without assumptions there is no proof. Therefore, in any argument, examine theassumptions.”
That certainly applies at the bridge table. During any deal,each participant makes assumptions based on the bidding andcards played.The more accurate these assumptions, the more likely that person is to win.
Whenthis deal was originally played, West made an assumption that proved to be invalid and cost his partnership a game contract.
After West openedone spade and two passes followed,Southleapt straight to four hearts, the contract that he hoped he could make.
West led the diamondqueen. East overtook with his ace, dropping South’s king. Then East shifted to the spade jack. When South playedlow, West, assuming that his partner had asecond spade, encouraged with his 10.
Now East didthe best he could by shifting to aclub. Perhaps Westcould ruff, or maybe this would cut Southoff fromthedummy.Here,though,declarer won with dummy’s ace, played aheart to his ace, returned the trump three to dummy’seight,and ran theclubs for an overtrick.
Each Wuzzle is aword riddle which creates adisguised word,phrase, name, place, saying, etc. For example: NOON GOOD =GOOD AFTERNOON
Previous answers:
word
InstRuctIons: 1. Words mustbeoffourormoreletters. 2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” suchas“bats” or “dies,” are not allowed. 3. Additional words made by adding a“d” or an “s” may not be used. 4.
toDAy’s WoRD EncoREs: ON-kors: Additional performances demanded by an audience.
Average
and upbraids not; and it shallbegiven him.”
loCKhorNs Whattodo?
marmaduKe
Bizarro
hagar the horriBle
Pearls Before swiNe
garfield
B.C.
PiCKles
METROPOLITAN COUNCIL
GREATER BATON ROUGE AIRPORTAUTHORITY
EAST BATON ROUGE SEWERAGE COMMISSION CAPITOL IMPROVEMENTSDISTRICT
CITYOFBATON ROUGE AND PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE Wednesday,February11, 2026 4:00 PM
The Metropolitan Council of the Parish of East Baton Rouge and the City of Baton Rouge convened in regular session on Wednesday,February 11, 2026at4:00 PM, in the Council Chambers of the Governmental Building, Room 348, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
The Meeting was called to order by the Presiding Officer and the following
members werepresent: Present: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca Absent: None
CONDEMNATIONS
MELVIN RAYMOTON AND THE ESTATEOFMILDRED MOTON3355
CONRAD DR. (HOUSE AND REAR SHED),LOT 224+ (224 &225), FAIRWOODS SUBDIVISION -COUNCIL DISTRICT 7- HARRIS
The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding wasinorder at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motion was made by Ms. Coleman and seconded by Ms. Amoroso to deletethe proposed condemnation proceeding. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None
Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None
Absent: Kenney With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.
BOOKER T. DOTY AND DELLA STEWARTJUDSONlocated at 23911 Plank Rd., Lot H-1-A (0.483 AcresResub F-1 &H-1 CD Turner Prop 14-T4S-R1E),Turner C.D. Tract, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 11715
EUGENE B. MIMS located at 1444 Columbus Dunn Dr.(House and Rear Shed), Lot 4, Sq. 36, Greenville Extension Subdivision, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 11716
GLORIA LAVERN EDWARDS, JOYCE MARIE HENDERSON, JASMIN
RICHARD PORTER, JASMIN RICHARD GREEN, BRITTANI MCCLAIN
BREAUX located at 752 Central Rd., APortion of Lot79 Also Known as Lot 79-B and the Remainder of Lot 79-A, North Baton Rouge Subdivision, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 11717
THE ESTATEOFLARRYWEBB WORTHY,JR. located at 14832 Old Hammond Hwy., Lot 7-D, Larry W. Worthy Prop. Tract, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 11718
NISREEN DAWAN3326 NACADIAN THWY.(ABANDONED, OPEN
DWELLING WITH REAR SHED), LOT 2, SQ.19, NEW DAYTON SUBDIVISION -COUNCIL DISTRICT 7- HARRIS
The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding wasin orderatthistime. No interestedcitizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motion was made by Ms. Coleman and seconded by Ms. Amoroso to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on March 11, 2026. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel
Nays: None
Abstains: None
Did Not Vote: None
Absent: Racca With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and1 absent, the motion was adopted.
ELEISE (AKA ELIS AND ELISE)GREEN JONES, NELLIE MAE GREEN, LOUISE GREEN BAKER, ANDLOYCE GREEN SKIDMORE 409 N23RD ST LOT 1, SQ. 1, PARKVIEWSUBDIVISION- COUNCIL DISTRICT 10 –
COLEMAN
The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding wasin order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motion was made by Ms. Coleman and seconded by Ms. Amorosoto defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on April 8, 2026. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:
Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Moak, Noel, Racca
Nays: None
Abstains: None
Did Not Vote: None
Absent: Kenney With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.
GARYPATUREAU AND KATHLEEN BOONE PATUREAU 10721
SANDRINGHAM AVE. (HOUSE AND ALL ABANDONED VEHICLES), LOT 356,WEST SHERWOOD FOREST SUBDIVISION- COUNCIL DISTRICT 6-DUNN JR.
The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding wasinorder at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motion was made by Ms. Coleman and seconded by Ms. Amoroso to delete theproposed condemnation proceeding. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:
Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None
Abstains: None
Did Not Vote: None
Absent: Kenney With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and1 absent, the motion was adopted.
DREW M. LOUVIERE 758 NAPOLEON ST LOT 6PT(EPORTIONOF LOT 6, SQ. 46, BEAUREGARD TOWN, MEAS 64 FT.FRONT ON THE W SIDE OF NAPOLEON ST.) SQ.46, BEAUREGARD TOWN SUBDIVISIONCOUNCIL DISTRICT 10 –COLEMAN
ThePresiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motion was made by Ms. Coleman and seconded by Ms. Amorosoto deletethe proposed condemnation proceeding. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:
Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None
Absent: Kenney With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and1 absent, the motion was adopted.
WILLIE HAWKINS AND ELLEN C. HAWKINS located at 2842 Plover St (House, Abandoned Vehicles, and Any and All Outbuildings), Lot 27, 28, &29and Being aPart of Lot“Q,” Sq. 36, Scotland Addition Subdivision, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 11719
NADIA J. RAUDALES MENDEZ located at 3155 Charlotte Dr. (House, Rear Shed, Pool House, and Open Swimming Pool), Lot 98, Oakcrest Subdivision, 3rdFiling, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 11720
MARYMALLONEE DONNELLY, JOEL LYLE DONNELLY, BEVERLY RUSHING STANDIFORD, AND WILLIAM E. STANDIFORD located at 1927 Fountain Ave., Lot 238, Autumn Run Subdivision, 1st Filing, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 11721
JOHN HARLAN ANDERSON11015 CHALICE DR. (ANY AND ALL OUTBUILDINGS,ABANDONEDVEHICLES, AND TRAILERS) LOT 207, NORTH RED OAK SUBDIVISION -COUNCIL DISTRICT 6- DUNN JR.
The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motion was made by Ms. Coleman and seconded by Ms. Amorosoto defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on March 11, 2026. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None
Absent: Kenney With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and1 absent, the motion was adopted.
TADARYL SCHEXNAYDER &COREY J. COLTON3625 PRESCOTT RD. (HOUSE AND AUXILIARYBUILDINGS), LOT7-B (RESUB.OFLOT 7 PLANK ROAD SUB OF FAIRCARE FARMS), PLANK ROAD SUBDIVISION
-COUNCIL DISTRICT 7– HARRIS
The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motion was made by Ms.Coleman and seconded by Ms.Amoroso to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on March11, 2026. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Moak, Noel, Racca
Nays: None
Abstains: None
Did NotVote: None
Absent:Kenney With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting,and 1absent, the motion was adopted.
WILVER FUNESOSORIO4918 SHELLEY ST LOT 19+ (LOT 19 &W.2
The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motion was made by Ms.Coleman and seconded by Ms.Amoroso to delete the proposed condemnation proceeding. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:
EDWARD A. WISHAM 1771 OLIVE ST LOT 21 PT+ (S ½OFLOTS 21, 22, &23), SQ. 1, O’CONNOR PLACESUBDIVISION -COUNCILDISTRICT 10 -COLEMAN
The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motion was made by Ms. Coleman and seconded by Ms.Amoroso to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on April 8, 2026. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr., Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None Abstains: None Did NotVote: None Absent:Kenney With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting,and 1absent, the motion was adopted.
BETTY K. PATIN, CEDRICD.PATIN, PATINFAMILYTRUST,THE SUCCESSION OF JOSEPH CARNEY PATIN, SR., ANDTHE SUCCESSION OF NICOLE T. PATIN1429 THOMAS H. DELPITDR. (BUILDING LOCATED ON THENORTHEAST CORNER OF THOMAS H. DELPITDR. AND BURNS DR.), LOT 14, ADDITION TO SUBURB SWARTSUBDIVISIONCOUNCILDISTRICT 10 –COLEMAN
The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motion was made by Ms. Coleman and seconded by Ms.Amoroso to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on April 8, 2026. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None
Abstains: None
Did NotVote: None
Absent:Kenney With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting,and 1absent, the motion was adopted.
SAM TRUMANCOLEMAN 1327 LORRI BURGESS AVE. (AKA 1327 E WASHINGTON ST.),LOT 16, SQ. 4SOUTH BATON ROUGE SUBDIVISION -COUNCIL DISTRICT 10 -COLEMAN
The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motion was made by Ms.Coleman and seconded by Ms.Amoroso to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on April 8, 2026. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None
Abstains: None
Did NotVote: None
Absent:Kenney
With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting,and 1absent, the motion was adopted.
The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motion was made by Ms. Coleman and seconded by Ms.Amoroso to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on April 8, 2026. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr., Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None
Abstains: None
Did NotVote: None Absent:Kenney With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting,and 1absent, the motion was adopted.
CONNER PROPERTIES &INVESTMENTS LLC 2005 ELLERSLIEDR. (SOMETIMESREFERRED TO AS 2003 ELLERSLIE),LOT 7, SQ. 2, ELLERSLIE SUBDIVISION -COUNCILDISTRICT 10 -COLEMAN
The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding was in order at this time. An interested citizen speaking against the proposed condemnation proceeding was Mitchell D. Conner.A motionwas made by Ms.Coleman and seconded by Ms Amoroso to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on March11, 2026. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Moak, Noel, Racca
Nays: None
Abstains: None
Did NotVote: None
Absent:Kenney With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting,and 1absent, the motion was adopted.
MOORING TAXASSET GROUPIX, HEBREW JOE, INC. (LOT 8), AND
JOSEPH JOHNSON (LOT9)3201 PLANKRD. AND3215 PLANKRD., LOTS 8&9,SQ. 108, SUBURB ISTROUMA SUBDIVISION -COUNCIL DISTRICT10– COLEMAN
The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motion was made by Ms.Coleman and seconded by Ms.Amoroso to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on April 8, 2026. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Moak, Noel, Racca
Nays: None
Abstains: None
Did NotVote: None Absent:Kenney With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting,and 1absent, the motion was adopted.
SELENEFINANCE, LP 23434 CHUCK WAGONDR. (UNSECURED MOBILE HOME WITH COVERED PARKING AWNING, REAR SHED, AND ABOVE-GROUND SWIMMINGPOOL),LOT 2-A &2-B,PLEASANT PARK
SUBDIVISION -COUNCILDISTRICT 1– NOEL
The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motion was made by Ms.Coleman and seconded by Ms.Amoroso to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on April 8, 2026. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Moak, Noel, Racca
Nays: None Abstains: None DidNot Vote:None Absent: Kenney With 11 yeas, 0nays,0 abstains, 0not voting, and1 absent, the motion wasadopted.
DAVID R. DUNBAR AND BEVERLYPARKERDUNBAR 1823 ARKANSAS ST LOT 4, SQ. 20, SOUTH BATON ROUGE SUBDIVISION -COUNCIL DISTRICT 10 -COLEMAN
The Presiding Officer announced thatapublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding wasinorder at this time.Nointerested citizens spoke eitherfor or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motion wasmade by Ms. Colemanand seconded by Ms. Amoroso to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on March11, 2026. AYea andNay vote wascalledfor andresultedas follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None
Abstains: None DidNot Vote:None Absent: Kenney With 11 yeas, 0nays,0 abstains, 0not voting, and1 absent, the motion wasadopted.
TONY T. DO AND TRACEYTRINHDO12484 ROBBIE AVE. (DUPLEX WITH ADDRESSES12484 ROBBIE AVE. AND 12486 ROBBIE AVE.), LOT 87 (SOMETIMES REFERRED TO AS LOT 87-A AND LOT 87-B), ASHLEY SUBDIVISION -COUNCIL DISTRICT 6- DUNN JR.
The Presiding Officer announced thatapublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding wasinorder at this time.Nointerested citizens spoke eitherfor or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motion wasmade by Ms. Colemanand seconded by Ms. Amoroso to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on March11, 2026. AYea andNay vote wascalledfor andresultedas follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None Abstains: None DidNot Vote:None Absent: Kenney With 11 yeas, 0nays,0 abstains, 0not voting, and1 absent, the motion wasadopted.
JOSEPH COLLINS 4836 JEAN ST LOT 84, NEWFAIRFIELDS SUBDIVISION -COUNCIL DISTRICT 7-HARRIS
The Presiding Officer announced thatapublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding wasinorder at this time.Nointerested citizens spoke eitherfor or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motion wasmade by Ms. Colemanand seconded by Ms. Amoroso to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on March11, 2026. AYea andNay vote wascalledfor andresultedas follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr., Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None Abstains: None DidNot Vote:None Absent: Kenney With 11 yeas, 0nays,0 abstains, 0not voting, and1 absent, the motion wasadopted.
JERRYBROOKS, JR. AND LINDABROOKS located at 816 Kennon Dr Lot 274, Brown Heights, Section 3Subdivision, Baton Rouge,Louisiana 11724
TAMIKO MITCHELL MORAN AND JUDE WARREN MORAN located at 4912 WinbourneAve., Lot 160, NewFairfields Subdivision,Baton Rouge Louisiana 11725
RONALD STEVENSON 538 S17TH ST LOT 8ROSEBERRYSUBDIVISION -COUNCIL DISTRICT 10 -COLEMAN
The Presiding Officer announced thatapublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding wasinorder at this time.Nointerested citizens spoke eitherfor or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motion wasmade by Ms. Colemanand seconded by Ms. Amoroso to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on March11, 2026. AYea andNay vote wascalledfor andresultedas follows: Yeas:Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None
Abstains: None DidNot Vote:None Absent: Kenney With 11 yeas, 0nays,0 abstains, 0not voting, and1 absent, the motion wasadopted.
CHO VANTRAN AND MAYTHI NGUYEN3848 PLANK RD., LOT 2-G-1-A (A RESUBDIVISION OF LOTS 2-G-1 AND 2-G-2) PLANK ROW SUBDIVISION OF FAIRACRE FARMS -COUNCIL DISTRICT 7-HARRIS
The Presiding Officer announced thatapublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding wasinorder at this time.Nointerested citizens spoke eitherfor or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motion wasmade by Ms. Colemanand seconded by Ms. Amoroso to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on April 8, 2026. AYea andNay vote wascalledfor andresultedasfollows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None
Abstains: None
DidNot Vote:None Absent: Kenney With 11 yeas, 0nays,0abstains, 0not voting, and1absent, the motion wasadopted.
SYLVIA D. OBY (FKA SYLVIA DIXON)2686 69TH AVE, LOT 21-A (RESUB. OF LOTS 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 17, 16, 15 &E½OFLOT 14),SQ. 47, BANK ADDITION SUBDIVISION -COUNCIL DISTRICT 2- KENNEY
The Presiding Officer announced thatapublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding wasinorder at this time.Nointerested citizens spoke eitherfor or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motion wasmade by Ms. Colemanand seconded by Ms. Amoroso to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on April 8, 2026. AYea andNay vote wascalledfor andresultedas follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None
Abstains: None DidNot Vote:None Absent: Kenney With 11 yeas, 0nays,0abstains, 0not voting, and1absent, the motion wasadopted.
JOHNNY A. PITTMAN located at 7109 Scenic Hwy Lot 3& 4, Industrial CenterSouth Subdivision,Baton Rouge,Louisiana 11726
SUCCESSION OF KARENLYN SMITH DAWSON located at 1385 Swan Ave., Lot 13, Sq. 6, North Baton Rouge Subdivision, Baton Rouge Louisiana 11727
VELMA HOWARDGAINES, ELTON GAINES JR., KELSO GAINES, TODD WAYNE GAINES, ADDIE MARIE GAINES,FAYEGAINES, KELVIN GAINES, AND JOHNSTON GAINES A/K/A JONATHAN GAINES 2632 BEECHST. LOT 13+ (13, 15, AND EAST ½OFLOT 11),SQ. 35 EAST GARDEN CITY SUBDIVISION -COUNCIL DISTRICT 5–HURST
The Presiding Officer announced thatapublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding wasinorder at this time.Nointerested citizens spoke eitherfor or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motion wasmade by Ms. Colemanand seconded by Ms. Amoroso to delete the proposed condemnation proceeding. AYea andNay vote was calledfor andresultedasfollows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None Abstains: None DidNot Vote:None Absent: Kenney With 11 yeas, 0nays,0abstains, 0not voting, and1 absent, the motion wasadopted. ACTS OUTREACH CENTER6860 HOOPERRD, LOT A-1-A (PT.OFTHE ORIGINAL CHARLESA.STARKS PROPERTYINSECS. 40 &86, T6S, R1E. (LESS PARCELS#7-6 &7-9 TO STATEOFLA. 1982))STARKS, CHARLESA.TRACT-COUNCIL DISTRICT 5–HURST
The Presiding Officer announced thatapublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding wasinorder at this time.Nointerested citizens spoke eitherfor or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motion wasmade by Ms. Colemanand seconded by Ms. Amoroso to delete the proposed condemnation proceeding. AYea andNay vote was calledfor andresultedasfollows:
With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTER INTRODUCTIONS
PROPOSED RESOLUTION
Authorizationfor the Mayor-President and/orChairman of the Airport Commission to execute aProfessional Services Contract with EAG Gulf Coast, LLC in an amount not to exceed $200,000.00 to support establishment of the financial, administrative, and compliance framework needed for the new Airport authority (Account No. 5810-0900-30-09100000-0000-000000-643540- ). Amotion was made by Ms. Coleman and seconded by Ms. Amoroso to waive the rules to allow this item to be introduced, but due to an objection by Councilman Hurst, this item was not considered.
The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Dunn Jr andseconded by Ms. Adams to adopt the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso,Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel Nays: None
Abstains: None
Did Not Vote: None
was madebyMs. Coleman andsecondedbyMr. DunnJr. to waive the rules to allow this item to be considered, but due to an objection by Councilman Hurst, this item was not considered.
Due: $2,906.84 (Adj in 2016) Bids Received: 1/21/2026The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. A motion was made by Ms. Coleman and
The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Ms. Coleman and seconded by Mr.Dunn Jr.towaive the rules to allow this item to be considered, but due to an objection by Councilman Hurst, this itemwas not considered.
The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Ms.Coleman and seconded by Mr.Dunn Jr.towaive the rules to allow this item to be considered, but due to an objection by Councilman Hurst, this itemwas not considered.
PROPOSED ORDINANCE
Lot: 259+
Subdivision: BelfairHomes
Applicant: 17th and Banks, LLC Address: 2065 WBelfairDrive
The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Ms.Coleman and seconded by Mr.Dunn Jr.towaive the rules to allow this item to be considered, but due to an objection by Councilman Hurst, this itemwas not considered.
The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Ms. Coleman and seconded by Mr.Dunn Jr.towaive the rules to allow this item to be considered, but due to an objection by Councilman Hurst, this itemwas not considered.
The Presiding Officer announced thatapublic hearing on the above ordinance wasinorder at this time.Nointerested citizensspoke eitherfor or againstthe proposed ordinance. Amotion wasmade by Ms. Coleman andsecondedbyMr. Dunn Jr.towaive the rulestoallow this itemtobe considered, but due to an objection by CouncilmanHurst, this itemwas not considered.
APPOINTMENTS
VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENTBOARDOFCOMMISSIONERSNO.
5-EASTSIDE FIRE DEPARTMENT
Consideration of reappointing or replacing Oscar Lejeune.This appointment is atwo (2)year term. (Must live in the district).
Current Ballot
Oscar Lejeune -requested reappointment
DavidRoppolo -requested reappointment
Amotion wasmade by Mr.Dunn Jr.and seconded by Ms. Harris to reappoint Oscar LeJeune.AYea andNay vote wascalledfor andresulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel Nays: None
Abstains: None
DidNot Vote:None
Absent: Racca
With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and1 absent, the motion wasadopted.
VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENTBOARDOFCOMMISSIONERSNO.
5-EASTSIDE FIRE DEPARTMENT
Consideration of replacing William Pedneau, who is not seeking reappointment. This appointment is atwo (2)year term. (Must live in the district).
Current Ballot
Michael Johnson -submittedapplication Oscar Lejuene -requested reappointment
DavidRoppolo -requested reappointment
Amotion wasmade by Mr.Dunn Jr.and seconded by Ms. Harris to appoint Michael Johnson. AYea andNay vote wascalledfor andresulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel Nays: None
Abstains: None
DidNot Vote:None
Absent: Racca
With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and1absent, the motion wasadopted.
VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENTBOARDOFCOMMISSIONERSNO.
5-EAST SIDE FIRE DEPARTMENT
Consideration of reappointing or replacing DavidRoppolo. This appointment is atwo (2)year term. (Must live in the district).
Current Ballot
Oscar Lejuene -requested reappointment
DavidRoppolo -requested reappointment
Amotion wasmade by Mr.Dunn Jr.and seconded by Ms. Harris to reappoint DavidRoppolo. AYea andNay vote wascalledfor andresulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel Nays: None
Abstains: None
DidNot Vote:None Absent: Racca With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and1absent, the motion wasadopted.
ITEMS CHANGE ORDERS
RESOLUTION 59215
AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF ACHANGE ORDER, BEINGCHANGE ORDER NO. 1, TO THE CONTRACT EXECUTEDBETWEEN THE CITY OF BATON ROUGE, PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE AND JOHNSON CONTROLS INC., FOR PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR 19TH JDC, BEINGPROJECTNO. CONTRACT #800006864. The Presiding Officer announced thatapublic hearing on the above resolution wasinorder at this time.Nointerested citizensspoke eitherfor or against the proposed resolution. Amotion wasmade by Mr.Hurst and seconded by Mr.Kenneytoadopt the proposed resolution. AYea andNay vote wascalledfor andresultedasfollows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel Nays: None Abstains: None DidNot Vote:None Absent: Racca With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and1 absent, the motion wasadopted.
RESOLUTION 59216
AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF ACHANGE ORDER, BEINGCHANGE ORDER NO. 1, TO THE CONTRACT EXECUTEDBETWEEN THE CITY OF BATON ROUGE, PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE AND RYAN M CURTIS LLC, FOR LAEHCY COMMUNITY CENTER, BEINGPROJECT NO. 21-ASC-CP-1599. The Presiding Officer announced thatapublic hearing on the above resolution wasinorder at this time.Nointerested citizensspoke eitherfor or against the proposed resolution. Amotion wasmade by Mr.Hurst and seconded by Mr.Kenneytoadopt the proposed resolution. AYea andNay vote wascalledfor andresultedasfollows:
linear feet of Taylor Bayoubetween Interstate 12 andO’Dono‐vanBoulevard.Thissec‐tion will be widenedto includea 50- foot top widthchannel with 50foot-wideoverbank shelvesoneachside. Theseimprovementsare projectedtoraise the system’s
110 acre-feet of con‐trolled floodwaterdeten‐tion to thewatershed In addition to channel anddetention improve‐ments, theproject will in‐cludethe replacementof an undersized 7-foot cor‐rugatedmetal pipe (CMP)culvert at Sutcliff Drivewitha 7-foot by 6foot reinforced concrete boxculvert.Thisupgrade will improvehydraulic continuity andreduce backwaterconditions that have long plagued upstream neighbor‐hoods. Disturbedover‐bank andriverinezones
will be regraded andveg‐etated to supportre‐stored ecological func‐tion LPGhas considered al‐ternatives to locating the action in the floodplain andwetland,including theno-action alternative Thenoactionalternative wasrejectedbecause it wouldnot addressexist‐ing flood hazardsorpro‐vide thedrainageim‐provements needed to reduce risk to surround‐ingresidences, infra‐structure, andpublic safety.Following agency coordination,reviewof alternatives,and the earlypublicnoticepe‐riod—duringwhich no comments were received —LPG determined that thereis no practicable alternative to thepro‐posedactioninthe floodplainand wetland, andthatthe proposed action includes mea‐surestominimizead‐verseimpacts andpre‐servenatural floodplain values to themaximum extent practicable. Thereare threeprimary purposes forthisnotice. First, people whomay be affected by activities in floodplains andthose whohaveaninterestin theprotectionofthe nat‐ural environmentshould be giventhe opportunity to expresstheir concerns and provide information b h
p abouttheseareas.Sec‐ond, an adequate public notice program canbe an importantpublicedu‐cational tool.The dis‐semination of informa‐tion about floodplains canfacilitateand en‐hanceFederal effortsto reduce therisks associ‐ated with thetemporary impacts to thespecial areas. Third, as amatter of fairness, whenthe Federalgovernmentde‐termines it will partici‐pate in actionstaking placein floodplains,it must inform thosewho maybeput
METROPOLITAN COUNCIL
GREATER BATON ROUGE AIRPORTAUTHORITY
EAST BATON ROUGE SEWERAGE COMMISSION CAPITOL IMPROVEMENTS DISTRICT
CITY OF BATON ROUGEAND PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE Wednesday,January14, 2026 4:00 PM
The Metropolitan Council of the Parish of East Baton Rouge and the City of Baton Rouge convened in regular session on Wednesday,January 14, 2026at4:00 PM, in the Council Chambersofthe Governmental Building, Room 348, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
The Meeting was called to order by the Presiding Officer and the following members werepresent:
Present: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak,Noel, Racca
Absent: None
CONDEMNATIONS
RYAN ANTONIO STARKS located at 4662 Underwood Ave., Lot 65, Foster Heights Subdivision, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 11708
LATONYARENEE JONES 5507 PAIGE ST., LOT 13 &14, SQ. 39,
FORTUNE ADDITION SUBDIVISION- COUNCIL DISTRICT 5–HURST
The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding wasin order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motion was made by Mr.Gaudet and seconded by Ms. Amoroso to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on April 8, 2026.
AYea and Nay vote wascalled for and resulted as follows:
Absent: Dunn Jr With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.
ACOX AND ASSOCIATES LLC located at 817 N25th St., Lot 13, Sq. 4, Suburb Abramson Subdivision, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 11709
TONY T. DO AND TRACEY TRINH DO 12484 ROBBIE AVE. (DUPLEX WITH ADDRESSES 12484 ROBBIE AVE. AND12486 ROBBIE AVE.),LOT 87 (SOMETIMES REFERRED TO AS LOT 87-AAND LOT87-B), ASHLEY SUBDIVISION -COUNCIL DISTRICT 6- DUNN JR.
The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding wasin orderatthistime. No interestedcitizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. Amotion was made by Mr.Gaudet and seconded by Ms. Amoroso to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on February 11, 2026. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:
Absent: Dunn Jr With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.
DAVID R. DUNBAR AND BEVERLYPARKER DUNBAR 1823 ARKANSAS ST LOT 4, SQ. 20, SOUTH BATONROUGE SUBDIVISION -COUNCIL DISTRICT10–COLEMAN
The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding wasinorder at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. Amotion was made by Mr.Gaudet and seconded by Ms. Amoroso to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on February 11, 2026. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:
Did Not Vote: None Absent: Dunn Jr With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.
ALPHONSOOTIS POTTER, III located at 955 Cotton St. (Fire-Damaged Dwelling with Side Parking Cover), Lots 5& 6, Addition to Suburb Swart Subdivision, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 11710
JOSEPH COLLINS 4836 JEAN ST LOT 84, NEW FAIRFIELDS
SUBDIVISION -COUNCIL DISTRICT 7–HARRIS
The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding wasinorder at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. Amotion was made by Mr.Gaudet and seconded by Ms. Amoroso to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on February 11, 2026. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:
Absent: Dunn Jr With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and1absent, the motion was adopted.
LIONELL WILLIAMS AND CHARLENE WHITE WILLIAMS located at 1532 N23rdSt., Lot 24, Sq. 1, Lawndale Subdivision, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 11711
JERRYBROOKS, JR., AND LINDA BROOKS 816 KENNONDR., LOT274 BROWN HEIGHTS SUBDIVISION, SECTION3-COUNCIL DISTRICT 2 –KENNEY
The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or againstthe proposed condemnation proceeding. Amotion was made by Mr.Gaudet and seconded by Ms. Amoroso to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on February 11, 2026. AYea and Nay vote was called forand resulted as follows:
Did Not Vote: None Absent: Dunn Jr With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.
TODD W. CAMPBELL 8435 COMITE DR., TRACT 3, RESUB. OF TRACTS
1, 2, 3, 4&5 OF THE MAMIE MCDANIELPROPERTYBEING APORTION OF THE T.W. NOBLE TRACT IN SEC. 51, T5S, RIE &SEC. 68 T6S, R1E, LOT 3T.W.NOBLE TRACT -COUNCIL DISTRICT 2– KENNEY
The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding wasin orderatthis time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motion was made by Mr.Gaudet and seconded by Ms. Amoroso to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on March 11, 2026.AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak,Noel, Racca
Nays: None
Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None
Absent: Dunn Jr With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and1 absent, the motion was adopted.
REGINALD GATLIN, KENNITHLEMAR GATLIN, KIMLAGATLIN, ANDRE GATLIN, JASON LEE, ROBIN HAYES, AND KAYLA BENOIT located at 8211TernSt., Lot 11, Sq. 1, NorthBaton Rouge Subdivision, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 11712
CHANEL LYNN MONROE-MINOR 8645 GRAHAM DR. (UNSECURED DWELLING, REAR SHED, AND ANY ABANDONED VEHICLES),LOT 40
OAKCREST SUBDIVISION -COUNCIL DISTRICT 6- DUNN JR.
The Presiding Officer announced that a public hearing on the above condemnation proceeding wasin order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motion was made by Mr.Gaudet and seconded by Ms. Amoroso to delete the proposed condemnation proceeding. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak,Noel, Racca Nays: None Abstains: None
Did NotVote:None Absent:Dunn Jr With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting,and 1absent, the motion was adopted.
GFLAVJANITORIAL &CLEANING ENTERPRISE LLC 4206 GUS YOUNG AVE., LOT 1, SQ. 15 GREENVILLE EXTENSION SUBDIVISION -COUNCIL
DISTRICT 7–HARRIS
The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either fororagainst the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motion was made by Mr.Gaudet and seconded by Ms.Amoroso to delete the proposed condemnation proceeding. AYea and Nay vote was called forand resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca
Nays: None
Abstains: None
Did NotVote:None Absent:Dunn Jr With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting,and 1absent, the motion was adopted.
TONY’SRENTALPROPERTIES LLC 4050B WINBOURNE AVE. (BURNT SNOWBALL STAND),LOT A-2-A(RESUBDIVISION OF LOTS A-1& A-2, SQ. 1), LOT 1EATON PLACESUBDIVISION -COUNCILDISTRICT 7–
HARRIS
The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either fororagainst the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motion was made by Mr.Gaudet and seconded by Ms.Amoroso to delete the proposed condemnation proceeding. AYea and Nay vote was called forand resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca
Nays: None
Abstains: None
Did NotVote: None
Absent:Dunn Jr With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting,and 1absent, the motion was adopted.
JAMESEAN DUNBAR 1202 N43RD ST LOT 25, SQ. 19 GREENVILLE
EXTENSION SUBDIVISION -COUNCILDISTRICT 7– HARRIS
The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either fororagainst the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motion was made by Mr.Gaudet and seconded by Ms.Amoroso to delete the proposed condemnation proceeding. AYea and Nay vote was called forand resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca
Nays: None
Abstains: None
Did NotVote:None Absent:Dunn Jr
With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting,and 1absent, the motion was adopted.
TAMIKOMITCHELL MORAN ANDJUDEWARREN MORAN 4912
WINBOURNE AVE., LOT 160 NEWFAIRFIELDS SUBDIVISION -COUNCIL
DISTRICT 7–HARRIS
The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either fororagainst the proposed condemnation proceeding. Amotionwas made by Mr.Gaudet and seconded by Ms.Amoroso to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on February 11, 2026. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca
Nays: None
Abstains: None
Did NotVote: None Absent:Dunn Jr With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting,and 1absent, the motion was adopted.
1842 ARKANSAS STREET LLC ANDTHE SUCCESSION OF ALEX BANKS
SR. ANDBESSIEBANKS located at 1842 Arkansas St., The N½ of Lot 11 and the S½ of lot11, Sq. 19, SouthBaton Rouge Subdivision, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 11713
DARION HARRIS2437 HIGHLAND RD. LOT 1, SQ. 36 SOUTH BATON
ROUGE SUBDIVISION -COUNCIL DISTRICT 10 –COLEMAN
The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either fororagainst the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motion was made by Mr.Gaudet and seconded by Ms.Amoroso to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on April 8, 2026. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca
Nays: None
Abstains: None
Did NotVote: None
Absent:Dunn Jr
With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting,and 1absent, the motion was adopted.
JOHN W. AUGUSTUS located at 1340 N29th St Lot 71, Sq. 19, Suburb Abramson Subdivision, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 11714
RONALD STEVENSON 538 S17TH ST LOT 8ROSEBERRY SUBDIVISION
-COUNCIL DISTRICT 10 –COLEMAN
The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either fororagainst the proposed condemnation proceeding. Amotionwas made by Mr.Gaudet and seconded by Ms.Amoroso to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on February 11, 2026. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca
Nays: None
Abstains: None
Did NotVote:None Absent:Dunn Jr With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting,and 1absent, the motion was adopted.
AHNL INVESTMENTS, LLC 1441 THOMAS HDELPITDR., LOT 1PT (W 75 FT.OFLOT 1) ADDITION TO SUBURB SWARTSUBDIVISION -
COUNCIL DISTRICT 10 –COLEMAN
The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either fororagainst the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motion was made by Mr.Gaudet and seconded by Ms.Amoroso to delete the proposed condemnation proceeding. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:
Did NotVote:None Absent:Dunn Jr With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting,and 1absent, the motion was adopted.
CHO VANTRAN ANDMAY THINGUYEN 3848 PLANKRD., LOT
2-G-1-A (A RESUBDIVISION OF LOTS 2-G-1 AND2-G-2) PLANKROW
SUBDIVISION OF FAIRACRE FARMS-COUNCILDISTRICT 7– HARRIS
The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either fororagainst the proposed condemnation proceeding. Amotionwas made by Mr.Gaudet and seconded by Ms.Amoroso to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on February 11, 2026. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca
Nays: None
Abstains: None
Did NotVote:None Absent:Dunn Jr With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting,and 1absent, the motion was adopted.
PUBLIC HEARING /MEETING
RESOLUTION 59158
ARESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR
COLLECTION OF ATEN (10) MILLS AD VALOREM TAX, FOR APERIOD OF FIVE (5)YEARS,BEGINNING WITH THE TAXCOLLECTION FOR THE YEAR 2027, AND ANNUALLYTHEREAFTER TO AND INCLUDING THE YEAR 2031; AND PROVIDING FOR OTHER MATTERS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH. The Presiding Officer announced thatapublic hearing on the above resolution wasinorder at this time.Nointerested citizensspoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Mr.Gaudet andsecondedbyMs. Adams to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nayvote wascalledfor andresultedasfollows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney, Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None Abstains: None DidNot Vote:None Absent: Dunn Jr With 11 yeas, 0nays,0 abstains, 0not voting, and1 absent, the motion wasadopted.
ORDINANCE 19729
AMENDING AND REENACTING ORDINANCE 19613, ADOPTED SEPTEMBER 10, 2025 WHICH ESTABLISHEDVOTINGPRECINCTS WITHIN WARDS 1, 2, &3 IN EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH SO AS TO MERGE WARD 1PRECINCT 17 INTO WARD 1PRECINCT 18, MERGE WARD 1PRECINCT 68 INTO WARD 1PRECINCT 45, REQUEST THE PARISH BOARD OF ELECTION SUPERVISORS TO CONSOLIDATE WARD 1PRECINCT 46 WITH WARD 1PRECINCT 44, REQUEST THE PARISH BOARD OF ELECTION SUPERVISORS TO CONSOLIDATE WARD 1PRECINCT 93 WITH WARD 2PRECINCT 1A OR 1B,CHANGE THE POLLING PLACE FOR WARD 1PRECINCTS 48A AND 48B FROM THE FLAIM MAGNET SCHOOL TO THE BATON ROUGE CENTERFOR VISUAL AND PERFORMINGARTSLOCATED AT 2040 S. ACADIAN THRUWAY,BATON ROUGE LA 70808, CHANGE THE POLLING PLACE FOR WARD 2PRECINCTS 12A AND 12B FROM FOSTER ROAD BAPTIST CHURCH TO BROWNFIELDS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LOCATED AT 11615 ELLENDR., BATON ROUGE LA 70811, AND CHANGE THE POLLING PLACE FOR WARD 3PRECINCT 61 FROM GREENWELL SPRINGS BAPTISTCHURCH TO CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL LOCATED AT 10200 E. BROOKSIDE DR, BATON ROUGE LA 70818; AND REESTABLISH DESIGNATED POLLING LOCATIONS FOR ALL OTHER PRECINCTS WITHIN THE PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE. The Presiding Officer announced thatapublic hearing on the above ordinance wasinorder at this time.Nointerested citizensspoke eitherfor or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Moakand seconded by Mr.Hudson to adopt the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nayvote was calledfor andresultedasfollows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney, Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None Abstains: None DidNot Vote:None Absent: Dunn Jr With 11 yeas, 0nays,0 abstains, 0not voting, and1 absent, the motion was adopted.
RESOLUTION 59159
AIRPORTAUTHORITY RESOLUTION 01-14-26-01
AUTHORIZATION FOR THE MAYOR-PRESIDENTAND/OR CHAIRMAN OF THE AIRPORT COMMISSION TO EXECUTE APROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT WITH LEGACY TITLE, L.L.C. TO CREATE ACOMPREHENSIVE EXHIBIT AINACCORDANCE WITH FAA SPECIFICATIONS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $158,750.00. The Presiding Officer announced thatapublic hearing on the above resolution was in orderatthis time.Nointerested citizensspoke eitherfor or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Ms. Amoroso andsecondedbyMr. Moak to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nayvote wascalledfor andresultedasfollows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney, Moak, Noel, Racca
Nays: None
Abstains: None
Vote:None
DidNot
Absent: Dunn Jr With 11 yeas, 0nays,0abstains, 0not voting, and1absent, the motion wasadopted.
RESOLUTION 59160
AIRPORTAUTHORITY RESOLUTION 01-14-26-02
AUTHORIZATION FOR THE MAYOR-PRESIDENTAND/OR CHAIRMAN OF THE AIRPORTCOMMISSION TO EXECUTE APROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT WITH TYLER TECHNOLOGIES, TO PROVIDE BATON ROUGE METROPOLITAN AIRPORTWITH TYLER ERP PRO SOFTWARE IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $150,000.00. The Presiding Officer announced thatapublic hearing on the above resolution was in orderatthis time.Nointerested citizensspoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Mr.Gaudet andsecondedbyMr. Kenneytoadopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nayvote was calledfor andresultedasfollows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney, Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None Abstains: None DidNot Vote:None Absent: Dunn Jr With 11 yeas, 0nays,0abstains, 0not voting, and1absent, the motion wasadopted.
RESOLUTION 59161
AIRPORTAUTHORITY RESOLUTION 01-14-26-03
AUTHORIZATION OR THE MAYOR-PRESIDENTAND/OR CHAIRMAN OF THE AIRPORTCOMMISSION TO EXECUTE APROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT WITH ADP, INC., TO PROVIDEBATON ROUGE METROPOLITAN AIRPORTWITH ADPWORKFORCE NOW SOFTWARE IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $100,000.00
The Presiding Officer announced thatapublic hearing on the above resolution was in orderatthis time.Nointerested citizensspoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion wasmade by Mr.Gaudet andsecondedbyMs. Adams to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nayvote was calledfor andresultedasfollows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney, Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None Abstains: None
DidNot Vote:None Absent: Dunn Jr
With 11 yeas, 0nays,0 abstains, 0not voting, and1 absent, the motion was adopted.
RESOLUTION 59162
AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR-PRESIDENTTOENTERINTO AN AGREEMENTWITH NEARMAP US INC FOR SERVICES TO PROVIDE AERIAL IMAGERYINTHE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $85,000.
The Presiding Officer announced thatapublic hearing on the above resolution was in orderatthis time.Nointerested citizensspoke eitherfor or against the proposed resolution. Amotion wasmade by Mr.Moakand seconded by Ms. Adams to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea andNay vote was calledfor andresultedasfollows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney, Moak, Noel, Racca
Nays: None
Abstains: None
DidNot Vote:None
Absent: Dunn Jr
With 11 yeas, 0nays,0 abstains, 0not voting, and1 absent, the motion was adopted.
RESOLUTION 59163
AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR-PRESIDENTTOACCEPT AND EXECUTE AN AMENDED GRANT AGREEMENTTHROUGH THE LOUISIANA OFFICE OF STATEPARKS, ACTING AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY OF THE FHWARECREATIONAL TRAILS PROGRAM IN THE AMOUNT OF $52,019.11 WHICH WILLBRINGTHE TOTAL GRANT (FUNDING) TO $137,019.11 IN CONNECTION WITH STATEPROJECTNO. H.014649, RIVER ROAD PED& BIKE TRAIL PROJECT IN THE CITY OF BATON ROUGE, PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE. The Presiding Officer announced thatapublic hearing on the above resolution wasinorder at this time.Nointerested citizensspoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Mr.Gaudet andsecondedbyMs. Amoroso to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea andNay vote was calledfor andresultedasfollows:
Absent: Dunn Jr Moak With 10 yeas, 0nays,0 abstains, 0not voting, and2 absent, the motion wasadopted.
ORDINANCE 19730
AUTHORIZING THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL TO DECLARELOT 6+, SQUARE 12, HOLLYWOOD SUBDIVISION,MUNICIPAL ADDRESS2550 AMARILLO STREET,BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA 70805, AND LOT 166 LEGION VILLAGESUBDIVISION,MUNICIPAL ADDRESS2728 AMARILLO STREET,BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA 70805, AS SURPLUS PROPERTY AND NOT NEEDED FOR APUBLICPURPOSE,AND AUTHORIZING
THESALE OF SAME PURSUANT TO LOUISIANA REVISEDSTATUTE 33:4712 ET SEQ., UNTO LEMARK AUGUSTUS FOR THE SUM OF $31,000.00. AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR-PRESIDENT TO EXECUTE
APURCHASE AGREEMENT,CASH SALE/CLOSING DOCUMENTS, AND ANY AND ALL DOCUMENTS IN FURTHERANCE OF THIS SALE, WITH THE PARISH ATTORNEY’S OFFICE TO PREPARE, REVIEW, AND/OR APPROVE ALL SUCH DOCUMENTATION.
ThePresiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Ms. Amoroso and seconded by Mr.Hurst to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:
With 10 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 2absent, the motion was adopted.
ORDINANCE 19731
AUTHORIZING THE METROPOLITANCOUNCILTODECLARE LOT12, SQUARE 23, EAST FAIRFIELDS SUBDIVISION,MUNICIPAL ADDRESS 5675 JACKSON AVENUE, BATONROUGE, LOUISIANA70806, AS SURPLUS PROPERTY AND NOT NEEDEDFOR APUBLIC PURPOSE, AND AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF SAME PURSUANT TO LOUISIANA REVISED STATUTE 33:4712 ET SEQ., UNTO KENNY GEORGE FORTHE SUM OF $28,000.00. AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR-PRESIDENT TO EXECUTE APURCHASE AGREEMENT, CASH SALE/CLOSING DOCUMENTS,AND ANY AND ALL DOCUMENTS IN FURTHERANCE OF THIS SALE, WITH THEPARISHATTORNEY’S OFFICE TO PREPARE, REVIEW,AND/OR APPROVE ALL SUCH DOCUMENTATION.
The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was madebyMr. Gaudet and seconded by Ms. Amoroso to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:
Absent: Dunn Jr., Harris, Moak With 9yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 3absent, the motion was adopted.
RESOLUTION 59164
AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR-PRESIDENT TO EXECUTE ACONTRACT FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES, FOR SERVICES ASSOCIATEDWITH MOVEBR CAPACITY PROJECT AUDUBON AVENUESIDEWALKS FROM JEFFERSON HIGHWAY TO GOVERNMENT STREET, BEING CITY-PARISH PROJECT NO. 25-EN-SW-0009, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $247,211.62. (ACCOUNT NO.4370.00000-0000000000-653240). The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. An interested citizen submitting an emailed comment againstthe proposed resolution was Phillip Lillard. Amotion was made by Ms. Adamsand seconded by Ms. Coleman to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:
Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Dunn Jr With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0 abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.
RESOLUTION 59165
AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR-PRESIDENTTOEXECUTE ACEA WITH THE CITY OF ZACHARYFOR DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION SERVICES RELATED TO THE MOVEBR ENHANCEMENT PROJECT MT.PLEASANT CROSSWALK, BEING CITY-PARISH PROJECT NO. 23-EN-HC-0014, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $400,000.00.
The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. An interested citizen submitting an emailed comment against the proposed resolution was Phillip Lillard. Amotion was made by Mr.Noel and seconded by Ms. Amorosotoadopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca
Nays: None
Abstains: None
Did Not Vote: None
Absent: Dunn Jr With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted. RESOLUTION 59166
AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR-PRESIDENT TO EXECUTE AN AMENDMENT TO THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH SPORTS EXCELLENCE, LLC (CONTRACT 800007071), FUNDED BY THE FY24 JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT (JAG)PROGRAM, FORTHE PROVISION OF SPORTS TRAINING AND CONDITIONING SERVICES TO THE BATON ROUGE POLICE DEPARTMENT.THIS AMENDMENT INCREASES THECONTRACT AMOUNT BY $39,280.50, BRINGING THE TOTAL CONTRACT AMOUNT TO NOTEXCEED$89,280.50, AND EXTENDS THE CONTRACT TERMFROM JANUARY31, 2026 THROUGH NOVEMBER 13, 2026. The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was madebyMs. Adams and seconded by Mr.Gaudet to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:
The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either fororagainst the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Kenney and seconded by Ms. Amoroso to defer the proposed ordinance to the council meeting on February 11, 2026. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:
Did Not Vote: None Absent: Dunn Jr With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.
PROPOSED ORDINANCE
Lot: 12,Square44
Subdivision: University Place Applicant: LA Realty,LLC
Address: Avenue E MetroCouncil District: 2- Kenney
Initial Bid Amount $100.00 (Mow to Own)
DidNot
Absent:
With
0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTER INTRODUCTIONS
PROPOSED RESOLUTION
AUTHORIZINGTHE MAYOR-PRESIDENTTOEXECUTE AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENTWITH CITY OF ST.GEORGE CONVEYING, TRANSFERRING, RELINQUISHING, ANDASSIGNING, WITHOUTWARRANTY,ANY OWNERSHIPINAND TO THEPORTION OF STATEROUTE LA 1248 (KNOWN AS BLUEBONNET BOULEVARD) FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH STATEROUTE LA 30 (KNOWN AS NICHOLSON DRIVE) PROCEEDINGEAST ANDNORTH APPROXIMATELY2.52 MILESTOITS INTERSECTION WITH STATEROUTE LA 42 (KNOWN AS BURBANKDRIVE) Amotion was made by Ms.Adams and seconded by Mr.Hudson to waive therules to allow this item to be introduced, but due to an objection by Mr Hurst, this itemwas not considered.
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTER ITEMS
PROPOSED RESOLUTION
AUTHORIZINGEXECUTION OF ACHANGEORDER, BEING CHANGE ORDER NO.1,TOTHE CONTRACT EXECUTED BETWEEN THECITY OF BATON ROUGE,PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE ANDBARBER BROTHERS CONTRACTING CO L.L.C FOR SALES TAXSTREET ANDROAD REHABILITATIONPROGRAM PROJECT 19-5 FOSTER DR (FLORIDA TO AIRLINE),BEING PROJECTNO. 24-CRST-0008.
The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Ms.Amoroso and seconded by Mr.Gaudet to waive the rules to allow this item to be considered, but due to an objection by Mr.Hurst, this itemwas not considered.
PROPOSED RESOLUTION
ACCEPTING ALL WORK DONEBYTHE CONTRACTOR UNDER THE CONTRACT FOR SALES TAXSTREET ANDROAD REHABILITATION
PROGRAM PROJECT19-5 FOSTER DR (FLORIDA TO AIRLINE)
PROJECT NO.24-CR-ST-0008.
The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Ms. Amoroso and seconded by Mr.Gaudet to waive the rules to allow this item to be considered, but due to an objection by Mr.Hurst, this itemwas not considered.
APPOINTMENTS
HOSPITAL SERVICE DISTRICT NO. 1-BOARDOFCOMMISSIONERS (LANE REGIONAL MEDICALCENTER)
Consideration of replacing David Bowman, who has resigned. This unexpiredterm ends on June 25, 2027. (Must live in the district).
Current Ballot Amotion was made by Mr.Noel and seconded by Mr.Gaudet to defer the appointment to the council meeting on February 25, 2026. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel,Racca
Nays: None
Abstains: None
DidNot Vote: None
Absent: Dunn Jr
With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.
COMPLETE STREETS CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE:
Consideration of reappointing or replacing Jake Polansky,whose term expires on January 13, 2026, effective January 14, 2026. This is afour (4) year term.(BRAC now Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership nominee).
Current Ballot Jake Polansky (requested reappointment from Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership) Amotion was made by Mr.Gaudet and seconded by Mr.Hudson to reappoint Jake Polanksy.AYea and Nayvote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca
Nays: None
Abstains: None
Did NotVote: None
Absent: Dunn Jr With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.
COMPLETE STREETS CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE:
Consideration of replacing Deidra Robert, who has resigned. This unexpiredterm ends on June 25, 2027. (Self-nominated)
Current Ballot
Dexter Alexander (submitted application)
Amotion was made by Ms.Coleman and seconded by Mr.Hurst to appoint Dexter Alexander.AYeaand Nayvote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca
Nays: None
Abstains: None Did NotVote: None
Absent: Dunn Jr With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
Concurring in the Mayor President’srecommendation to reappoint or replace Gary Jupiter,whose term expires on January 23, 2026, effective January 24, 2026. This appointment is athree (3) year term.(Member at Large)
Current Ballot
Gary Jupiter
Amotion was made by Ms.Coleman and seconded by Ms.Adams to concur in the Mayor-President’srecommendation to reappoint Gary Jupiter.A Yeaand Nayvote was called for and resulted as follows:
AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF ACHANGE ORDER, BEINGCHANGE ORDER NO. 2, TO THE CONTRACT EXECUTEDBETWEEN THE CITY OF BATON ROUGE, PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE AND PRECISION ELEVATOR COMPANY LLC, FOR MAINTENANCE OF ELEVATORS, ESCALATORS &DUMBWAITERS, BEINGPROJECTNO. #800005015
A22-90934
The Presiding Officer announced thata public hearing on the above resolution wasinorder at this time.Nointerested citizensspoke either for or againstthe proposed resolution. An interested citizen submitting an emailedcomment against the proposed resolution wasPhillip Lillard Amotion wasmade by Mr.Hurst andseconded by Ms. Adams to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea andNay vote wascalledfor andresulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr., Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None Abstains: None DidNot Vote:None Absent: None With 12 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and0 absent, the motion wasadopted.
RESOLUTION 59168
AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF ACHANGE ORDER, BEINGCHANGE ORDER NO. 1, TO THE CONTRACT EXECUTEDBETWEEN THE CITY OF BATON ROUGE, PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE AND CABILDO STAFFING LLC, FOR TEMPORARYLABOR SERVICES -BUILDING MAINTENANCE &CONSTRUCTION, BEINGPROJECTNO. CONTRACT #800004986, A22-90900.
The Presiding Officer announced thatapublic hearing on the above resolution wasinorder at this time.Nointerested citizensspoke eitherfor or againstthe proposed resolution. Amotion wasmade by Mr.Hurst and seconded by Ms. Adams to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea andNay vote wascalledfor andresultedasfollows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca
Nays: None
Abstains: None DidNot Vote:None Absent: None With 12 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and0absent, the motion wasadopted.
RESOLUTION 59169
AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF ACHANGE ORDER, BEINGCHANGE
ORDER NO. 1, TO THE CONTRACT EXECUTEDBETWEEN THE CITY OF BATON ROUGE, PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE AND JOHNSON CONTROLSINC., FOR ENERGY MANAGEMENTMAINTENANCE AND REPAIR FOR DOWNTOWN METASYS SYSTEM, BEINGPROJECTNO. CONTRACT #800006860
The Presiding Officer announced thatapublic hearing on the above resolution wasinorder at this time.Nointerested citizensspoke either for or againstthe proposed resolution. An interested citizen submitting an emailedcomment against the proposed resolution wasPhillip Lillard Amotion wasmade by Mr.Hurst andseconded by Ms. Adams to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea andNay vote wascalledfor andresulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca
Nays: None
Abstains: None
DidNot Vote: None
Absent: None With 12 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and0absent, the motion wasadopted.
RESOLUTION 59170
EBROSCORESOLUTION 8754
AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF ACHANGE ORDER, BEINGCHANGE ORDER NO. 1, TO THE CONTRACT EXECUTEDBETWEEN THE EAST BATON ROUGE SEWERAGE COMMISSION AND ZIMMER-ESCHETTE SERVICEII, LLC, FOR CONSTRUCTION OF CITY OF BATON ROUGE AND PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE WASTEWATERSYSTEM IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM -CENTRAL WASTEWATERTREATMENT PLANT DEMOLITION, BEING PROJECT NO. 14-TP-MS-016D. The Presiding Officer announced thata public hearing on the above resolution wasinorder at this time.Nointerested citizensspoke eitherfor or againstthe proposed resolution. Amotion wasmade by Mr.Hurst and seconded by Ms. Adams to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea andNay vote wascalledfor andresultedasfollows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None
Abstains: None DidNot
Vote:None
Absent: None
With 12 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and0absent, the motion wasadopted.
RESOLUTION 59171
EBROSCORESOLUTION 8755
AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF ACHANGE ORDER, BEINGCHANGE ORDER NO. 1, TO THE CONTRACT EXECUTEDBETWEEN THE EAST BATON ROUGE SEWERAGE COMMISSION AND BOONESERVICES, LLC, FOR CONSTRUCTION OF CITY OF BATON ROUGE AND PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE WASTEWATERSYSTEM IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM -PECUE/REIGER SEWER COLLECTION, BEINGPROJECT NO. 20-PS-IF-023B. The Presiding Officer announced thatapublic hearing on the above resolution wasinorder at this time.Nointerested citizensspoke eitherfor or against the proposed resolution. Amotion wasmade by Mr.Hurst and seconded by Ms. Adams to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea andNay vote wascalledfor andresultedasfollows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca
Nays: None
Abstains: None
Vote:None
DidNot
Absent: None
With 12 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and0 absent, the motion wasadopted.
RESOLUTION 59172
AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF ACHANGE ORDER, BEINGCHANGE ORDER NO. 3, TO THE CONTRACT EXECUTEDBETWEEN THE CITY OF BATON ROUGE, PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE AND LAP SERVICES, LLC, FOR PSC H2 ROOF RECOVER, BEINGPROJECTNO. 21-ASCCP-1567. The Presiding Officer announced thatapublic hearing on the above resolution wasinorder at this time.Nointerested citizensspoke eitherfor or against the proposed resolution. Amotion wasmade by Mr.Hurst and seconded by Ms. Adams to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea andNay vote wascalledfor andresultedasfollows:
Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca
Nays: None
Abstains: None
DidNot Vote:None
Absent: None
With 12 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and0 absent, the motion wasadopted.
RESOLUTION 59173
AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF ACHANGE ORDER, BEINGCHANGE ORDER NO. 2, TO THE CONTRACT EXECUTEDBETWEEN THE CITY OF BATON ROUGE, PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE AND BUILD COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION, LLC, FOR CAPITAL AREAUNITED WAYRENOVATION -CONSTRUCTION, BEINGPROJECTNO. 21-ASCCP-1487.
The Presiding Officer announced thatapublic hearing on the above resolution wasinorder at this time.Nointerested citizensspoke eitherfor or against the proposed resolution. Amotion wasmade by Mr.Hurst and seconded by Ms. Adams to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea andNay vote wascalledfor andresultedasfollows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca
Nays: None
Abstains: None
DidNot Vote:None
Absent: None With 12 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and0absent, the motion wasadopted.
The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance was in order at this time.
Nays: None
Abstains: None
DidNot Vote: None
Absent: Dunn Jr
With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.
ITEMS
CHANGE ORDERS
AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF ACHANGE ORDER, BEINGCHANGE ORDER NO. 1, TO THE CONTRACT EXECUTEDBETWEEN THE CITY OF BATON ROUGE, PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE AND TRIUMPH CONSTRUCTION, LLC, FOR S. SHERWOOD FOREST BLVD. SIDEWALKS PROJECT (COURSEY BLVD.– I-12),BEINGPROJECTNO. 20-EN-HC-0026. The Presiding Officer announced thatapublic hearing on the above resolution wasinorder at this time.Nointerested citizensspoke eitherfor or againstthe proposed resolution. Amotion wasmade by Mr.Hurst and seconded by Ms. Adams to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea andNay vote wascalledfor andresultedasfollows:
T5S, R1W, GLD, EBRP,LA YEAS:Slaughter Watkins, Peay,Floyd Womack,Murphy NAYS:None ABSENT:None ABSTAINED: Williams (sworn in at 6:25 p.m.) b) ZOI- 55603-SS Paula NobleVallotton Property -Proposedsmall subdivi‐sion of TractC-1-C into Tracts C-1-C-1, C-1-C-2, C1-C-3, &C-1-C-4 andthe combiningofTractsC-1C-4& B-3intoTract B-3-A of thePaula NobleVallot‐tonPropertyonproperty locatedat8086 Lemon Road,Slaughter,La 70777. CommissionerSlaughter opened thePUBLIC HEARINGat6:13p.m Therebeing no oneto speakinfavor of or againstthe zone of influ‐ence,Commissioner Slaughterclosedthe PUBLIC HEARINGat6:13 p.m. Themotionwas made by Commissioner Slaughter Themotionwas sec‐ondedbyCommissioner Floyd To approveZOI-55603-SS PaulaNoble Vallotton Property -Proposed smallsubdivision of TractC-1-C into Tracts C1-C-1, C-1-C-2, C-1-C-3, & C-1-C-4and thecombin‐ingofTractsC-1-C-4 &B3intoTract B-3-Aofthe PaulaNoble Vallotton Property on property lo‐catedat8086 Lemon Road,Slaughter,La 70777. YEAS:Slaughter Watkins, Peay,Floyd Womack,Murphy NAYS:None ABSENT:None ABSTAINED: Williams (sworn in at 6:25 p.m.)
H. REPORT OF THECITY PLANNER I. REPORT OF THE CHAIRWOMAN J. ADJOURNMENT Themeetingwas ad‐journedat6:14p.m
KarenBurdette RecordingSecretary MindySlaughterChairwoman KarenBurdette RecordingSecretary CITY OF ZACHARY PARISH OF EAST BATON
PUBLIC NOTICE
A. CALL TO ORDER CommissionerSlaughter called themeetingto orderat6:14p.m on Monday February 02, 2026, at the ZacharyCityHalllocated at 4700 Main Street Zachary, LA
B. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Invocation andPledgeof Allegiance were carried over from previous meet‐ing.
C. OPENING PROCEDURES 1. ROLL CALL MEMBERSPRESENT MindySlaughter JaredWatkins JamesPeay JasonFloyd TommyWomack ChristiMurphy KevinWilliams (sworn in at 6:25 p.m.)
2. READINGOFCITYPOL‐ICYRELATIVETOOPEN MEETINGS An opportunityfor public commentshall be ob‐served before avoteis takenonany agenda item.Oncerecognizedby thepresiding officer, the person afforded the floor,shall identify the agenda item upon which he or shewishestopro‐vide commentand shall limithis or hercom‐mentstomatters that arestrictlyrelevantto that agenda item.Com‐mentaryshall notexceed three(3) minutesper person.Nodialoguebe‐tween Planning andZon‐ingboard membersand thepublicshall be per‐mitted at thesemeet‐ings,excepttoclarify the nature of questions and/or comments. The presiding officerre‐serves theright to limit and/or terminateany commentarywhen deemed necessaryor outsideofpublicdeco‐rum.
3. CHANGES/ADDITIONS TO THEAGENDA Themotionwas made by CommissionerSlaughter Themotionwas sec‐ondedbyCommissioner Womack To approvetoamend the agendatoremovethe consentagendaitem1C –CUPMH 4-25 9400- 9500 Munson Rd.) andplace theitemonthe regular agenda newbusiness 3C YEAS:Slaughter Watkins, Peay,Floyd Womack,Murphy NAYS:None ABSENT:None ABSTAINED: Williams (sworn in at 6:25 p.m.)
D. READINGOFTHE MINUTES 1. Approval of minutesof theJanuary 05, 2026, reg‐ular meetingand the meetingofJanuary 28, 2026, Planning Workshop andapprovethemas written. Themotionwas made by Commissioner Watkins Themotionwas sec‐ondedbyCommissioner Slaughter To approveminutes of theJanuary 05, 2026, reg‐l i d h
the January 05 2026 reg ular meeting and the meetingofJanuary 28, 2026, Planning Workshop andapprovethem as written.
YEAS:Slaughter Watkins, Peay,Floyd Womack,Murphy NAYS:None ABSENT:None ABSTAINED: Williams (sworn in at 6:25 p.m.) E. PRESENTATION OF DELEGATION F. ANNOUNCEMENTS G. PLANNING Theconsent agenda con‐sistsofitems with no outstandingissuesthat do notrequire plan amendments,text amendments,variances or waivers. Consent agenda itemsmay be ap‐proved with asinglemo‐tion withouta public hearing, UNLESS re‐movedfromthe consent agenda andplacedinthe regularagendaorder Itemsplacedonthe Con‐sent Agenda by thePlan‐ning &ZoningStaff will nothavetimeallocated forspeaking, UNLESS thereisa member of the Planning &ZoningCom‐missionofthe public at themeetingwho wishes to speakonthe item.In such cases, theitemwill be removedfromthe consentagendaand placed in theregular agenda orderfor discus‐sion 1. ConsentAgenda a) RESUB-10-25 (5460, 5514 &5520 Main Street) —Proposedresubdivi‐sion of Tracts A-1-A& A1-BintoTractsA-1-A-1,A1-B-1& A-1-Cofthe George B. AnnisonTract on property locatedat 5460, 5514 &5520 Main Street,Zachary,La70791. b) RESUB-11-25 (27156 & 27166 Sonoma Avenue) Proposed resubdivision of Lot15-AintoLots15-A1& 15-A-2ofthe Reserve Subdivision, on property locatedat27156 &27166 Sonoma Avenue Zachary, La 70791. Themotionwas made by CommissionerSlaughter Themotionwas sec‐ondedbyCommissioner Peay To approve RESUB-10-25 (5460, 5514 &5520 Main Street) —Proposedre‐subdivisionofTractsA-1A& A-1-BintoTractsA-1A-1, A-1-B-1& A-1-Cof theGeorgeB.Annison Tract, on property lo‐catedat5460, 5514 & 5520 Main Street Zachary, La 70791. YEAS:Slaughter Watkins, Peay,Floyd, Womack,Murphy NAYS:None ABSENT:None ABSTAINED: Williams (Sworn in at 6:25 p.m.)
2. OldBusiness
3. NewBusiness a) CUPMH-5-25 (4464 New Weis Road) —Proposed placementofmanufac‐turedhomeonLot 1of theJackson Church Sub‐division,onpropertylo‐catedat4464 NewWeis Road,Zachary,La70791. (Deferredby Staff TO l i
y 03.02.2026 Planning & Zoning Meeting) b) Proposed Text Amend‐mentstoadd andrevise thedefinitionsofBed & Breakfasts,drivethroughhours,building materialsand accessory buildings. Themotionwas made by CommissionerWomack Themotionwas sec‐ondedbyCommissioner Peay To deny Proposed Text Amendments to addand revise thedefinitionsof Bed& Breakfasts,drivethroughhours,building materialsand accessory buildings.
YEAS:Slaughter Watkins, Peay,Floyd Womack,Murphy, Williams NAYS:None ABSENT:None ABSTAINED: None
c) CUPMH-4-25 (9400-9500 Munson Road) —Proposedplacement of manufacturedhome on Lot7-B of theZachary EstatesSubdivision,on property locatedat94009500 Munson Road Zachary, La 70791. CommissionerSlaughter opened thePUBLIC HEARINGat6:37p.m ShaneNichols,Surveyor forEngineering& Land Surveyingand owner, Glen Lane,POBox 206 Ethel, LA 70730 wasthere to speakinfavor of the CUPMH. Brandon Bankston,9393 Munson Rd.,Donnell Barger 9435 Munson Dr Stephanie Campbell 1040 Yardley Dr ScottThompson, 4120 YardleyDr.,were theretospeak against theCUPMH.There being no oneelsetospeak in favoroforagainst the CUPMH, Commissioner Slaughterclosedthe PUBLIC HEARINGat6:50 p.m. Themotionwas made by CommissionerSlaughter Themotionwas sec‐ondedbyCommissioner Peay To deny CUPMH-4-25 (9400-9500 Munson Road) —Proposedplacement of manufacturedhome on Lot7-B of theZachary
EstatesSubdivision,on property locatedat94009500 Munson Road Zachary, La 70791
YEAS:Slaughter,Peay, Floyd, Williams NAYS:Watkins,Womack, Murphy ABSENT:None ABSTAINED: None H. REPORT OF THECITY PLANNER I. REPORT OF THE CHAIRWOMAN LetCommissioners know that Ethics andSexual Harassment need to be completed. J. ADJOURNMENT Themeetingwas ad‐journedat6:59p.m
BATONROUGE Wednesday, February 18, 2026 4:00 PM TheMetropolitanCouncil of theParishofEast BatonRouge andthe City of BatonRouge convened in zoning sessionon Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 4:00 PM,inthe CouncilChambersofthe Governmental Building Room 348, BatonRouge Louisiana. TheMeetingwas called to orderbythe Presiding Officerand thefollowing memberswerepresent: Present: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet,Harris, Hud‐son, Hurst, Kenney, Moak,Noel, Racca Absent:None Amending theCompre‐hensiveZoningMap of theCityofBaton Rouge andParishofEastBaton RougeofJune 1976, as containedinand made a part of the“Comprehen‐sive Zoning Ordinanceof theCityofBaton Rouge andParishofEastBaton Rougefor 1958,”as amendedsoasto: Thefollowing proposed ordinancewas intro‐ducedbyMr. Kenney and read in full at themeet‐ingofthe Metropolitan CouncilonJanuary 14, 2026. With apublichear‐ingcalledthereon for this meeting, thepro‐posedordinance was read in full fora second time ORDINANCE19748 CASE 1-26 AMENDING THECOMPREHENSIVE ZONING MAPOFTHE CITY OF BATONROUGE ANDPARISHOFEAST BATONROUGE OF 2024, AS CONTAINEDINAND MADE APARTOFTHE "COMPREHENSIVE ZON‐INGORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BATONROUGE ANDPARISHOFEAST BATONROUGE", AS AMENDED, SO AS TO CHANGE THEZONINGON THEPROPERTYLOCATED ON THENORTH SIDE OF JENNIFER JEAN DRIVE, EAST OF NICHOLSON DRIVE, ON PROPERTY NOWORFORMERLY KNOWNASLOTS2 AND3 OF UNIVERSITY SOUTH SUBDIVISION. SECTION 66, T7S, R1W, GLD, EBRP LA,TOREZONEFROM LIMITED RESIDENTIAL (A3.1) TO NEIGHBOR‐HOOD COMMERCIAL
(A3 1) TO NEIGHBOR HOOD COMMERCIAL (NC),ASSHOWN ON A SKETCH PREPARED BY THEPLANNINGCOMMIS‐SION,A COPY OF WHICH IS ATTACHED ThePresiding Officeran‐nounced that apublic hearingonthe aboveor‐dinancewas in orderat this time.Nointerested citizens spokeeitherfor or againstthe proposed ordinance. Amotionwas made by Ms.Racca and seconded by Ms.Adams to adoptthe proposed ordinance. AYea andNay vote wascalledfor and resulted as follows: Yeas:Adams,Coleman Dunn Jr Gaudet,Hud‐son, Kenney,Noel, Racca Nays:None Abstains:None DidNot Vote:None Absent:Amoroso,Harris, Hurst, Moak With 8yeas, 0nays, 0ab‐stains,0 notvoting,and 4 absent,the motion was adopted.
ORDINANCE 19749 CASE 3-26 AMENDING THECOMPREHENSIVE ZONING MAPOFTHE CITY OF BATONROUGE ANDPARISHOFEAST BATONROUGE OF 2024, AS CONTAINEDINAND MADE APARTOFTHE "COMPREHENSIVE ZON‐INGORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BATONROUGE ANDPARISHOFEAST BATONROUGE", AS AMENDED, SO AS TO CHANGE THEZONINGON THEPROPERTYLOCATED ON THEEASTSIDEOF FRANCISCAN DRIVE, SOUTHOFINTERSTATE 10, ON PROPERTY NOW OR FORMERLY KNOWNAS TRACTC-2 OF OUR LADY OF THELAKECHILDREN’S HOSPITAL. SECTION55, T7S, R1E, GLD, EBRP,LA, TO REZONE FROM SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL(A1) ANDHEAVY COMMER‐CIAL TWO(HC2) TO HEAVYCOMMERCIAL TWO(HC2),ASSHOWN ON ASKETCHPREPARED BY THEPLANNINGCOM‐MISSION, ACOPYOF WHICHISATTACHED ThePresiding Officeran‐nounced that apublic hearingonthe aboveor‐dinancewas in orderat this time.Nointerested citizens spokeeitherfor or againstthe proposed ordinance. Amotionwas made by Ms.Adams and seconded by Mr.Dunn Jr to adoptthe proposed ordinance. AYea andNay vote wascalledfor and resulted as follows: Yeas:Adams,Coleman Dunn Jr Gaudet,Hud‐son, Kenney,Noel, Racca Nays:None Abstains:None DidNot Vote:None Absent:Amoroso,Harris, Hurst, Moak With 8yeas, 0nays, 0ab‐stains,0 notvoting, and 4 absent,the motion was adopted. ORDINANCE19750 CASE 4-26 AMENDING THECOMPREHENSIVE ZONING MAPOFTHE
ANDPARISHOFEAST
OF 2024,
CONTAINEDINAND MADE APARTOFTHE "COMPREHENSIVE ZON‐INGORDINANCE OF
OF BATONROUGE CITY OF BATON ROUGE ANDPARISHOFEAST BATONROUGE", AS AMENDED, SO AS TO CHANGE THEZONINGON THEPROPERTYLOCATED ON THEWESTSIDEOF PLANKROAD, NORTHOF THOMAS ROAD,ON PROPERTY NOWORFOR‐MERLYKNOWN AS APOR‐TION OF LOTA-1-A OF THEBROWN TRACT. SEC‐TION 53, T5S, R1E, GLD, EBRP,LA, TO REZONE FROM SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL(A1)TO LIGHT COMMERCIAL ONE (LC1), AS SHOWNON A SKETCH PREPARED BY THEPLANNINGCOMMIS‐SION,A COPY OF WHICH IS ATTACHED ThePresiding Officeran‐nounced that apublic hearingonthe aboveor‐dinancewas in orderat this time.Nointerested citizens spokeeitherfor or againstthe proposed ordinance.A motion was made by Mr.Kenneyand seconded by Ms.Cole‐mantoadopt thepro‐posedordinance.A Yea andNay vote wascalled forand resulted as fol‐lows: Yeas:Adams,Coleman Dunn Jr Gaudet,Hud‐son, Kenney,Noel, Racca Nays:None Abstains:None DidNot Vote:None Absent:Amoroso,Harris, Hurst, Moak With 8yeas, 0nays, 0ab‐stains,0 notvoting,and 4 absent,the motion was adopted. ORDINANCE19751 CASE 5-26 AMENDING THECOMPREHENSIVE ZONING MAPOFTHE CITY OF BATONROUGE ANDPARISHOFEAST BATONROUGE OF 2024, AS CONTAINEDINAND MADE APARTOFTHE "COMPREHENSIVE ZON‐INGORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BATONROUGE ANDPARISHOFEAST BATONROUGE", AS AMENDED, SO AS TO CHANGE THEZONINGON THEPROPERTYLOCATED ON THESOUTH SIDE OF HOOPER ROAD,WESTOF HICKCOCK DRIVE, ON PROPERTY NOWORFOR‐MERLYKNOWN AS TRACT C-1-AOFTHE W.W. HUBBS TRACT. SECTION15, T6S, R1E, GLD, EBRP,LA, TO REZONE FROM HEAVY COMMERCIAL (C2) TO ZERO LOTLINERESIDEN‐TIAL (A2.6),ASSHOWN
The Presiding Officer an nounced that apublic hearingonthe aboveor‐dinancewas in orderat this time.Nointerested citizens spokeeitherfor or againstthe proposed ordinance. Amotionwas made by Ms.Adams and seconded by Mr.Hudson to adoptthe proposed ordinance. AYea andNay vote wascalledfor and resulted as follows: Yeas:Adams,Coleman Dunn Jr Gaudet,Hud‐son, Hurst, Kenney,Noel, Racca
Nays:None
Abstains:None DidNot Vote:None Absent:Amoroso,Harris, Moak With 9yeas, 0nays, 0ab‐stains,0 notvoting, and3 absent,the motion was adopted.
ADJOURN
Amotionwas made by Ms.Racca andseconded by Mr.Noeltoadjourn.A Yeaand Nayvotewas called forand resulted as follows: Yeas:Adams,Coleman Dunn Jr., Gaudet,Hud‐son, Hurst, Kenney,Noel, Racca
Nays:None
Abstains:None DidNot Vote:None Absent:Amoroso,Harris, Moak With 9yeas, 0nays, 0ab‐stains,0 notvoting, and3 absent,the motion was adopted.
PUBLIC NOTICE
19THJUDICIAL DISTRICT COURTFOR THEPARISH OF EAST BATONROUGE STATEOFLOUISIANA
NO.P-118001 DIVISION “26”
ing such measurements and dimensionsand beingsubject to such servitudes andrestric‐tionsasare more partic‐ularlyshown on said map.
DidNot Vote:None Absent:Amoroso,Harris, Moak With 9yeas, 0nays, 0ab‐stains,0 notvoting, and3 absent,the motion was adopted. OTHERITEMS ORDINANCE19753 AMENDING ANDRE-EN‐ACTING THEPLANNING COMMISSIONAPPLICA‐TION FEESCHEDULE. EF‐FECTIVEDATEMARCH 6, 2026. ThePresiding Officeran‐d th t bli
ANCILLARYSUCCESSION OF DENISE ANNAUTIN FILED: DEPUTY CLERK NOTICE NOTICE IS GIVENthat CraigMartin, Executor of theAncillary Succession of Denise AnnAutin,has made an applicationto theCourt forthe private sale of thefollowing im‐movablepropertyin which theAncillary Suc‐cessionofDeniseAnn Autinhas an interest,for thesum notlessthan two-thirds (2/3)ofthe appraisedvalue of Two HundredTwentyThou‐sand andNo/100 ($220,000.00) Dollars, said immovableproperty beingmoreparticularly describedasfollows: ONE(1) CERTAINLOT OR PARCEL OF GROUND,to‐gether with allthe build‐ings andimprovements thereon, andall of the rights,ways, privileges, servitudes,appurte‐nances andadvantages thereuntobelonging or in anywiseappertaining, situated in theParishof East BatonRouge,State of Louisiana, in that sub‐divisionknown as OLD JEFFERSONCROSSING, SECOND FILING,and des‐ignatedonthe official plan thereof, on file and of record in theoffice of theClerk andRecorderof theParishofEastBaton Rouge, Stateof Louisiana, as LOTNUM‐BERSIXTY-SIX (66),said subdivision, said lothav‐ing such measurements d di i d
Notice is giventoall par‐ties to whom it maycon‐cern,including theheirs andcreditors of the decedent herein,and of this estate,tomakeany opposition whichthey have or mayhavetosuch application, at anytime priortothe issuance of theOrder or Judgment authorizing, approving, andhomologatingsuch application, andthat such OrderorJudgment may be issued after the expiration of seven(7) days from date of second publicationofthisNo‐tice,all in accordance with law.
BY ORDEROFTHE COURT. CLERKOFCOURT 19THJUDICIAL DISTRICT COURTFOR THEPARISHOFEAST BATONROUGE
By virtue of aWritof Seizure andSale, di‐rected bythe Honorable TheEighteenth Judicial District Court, forthe Parish of West Baton Rouge, in theabove enti‐tled andnumbered cause, Ihaveseizedand proceed to sell by public auction, on thefront stepsofthe West Baton RougeCourthouse, 850 8thStreet,PortAllen LouisianaonWEDNES‐DAY, MARCH11, 2026 at 10:00 A.M.,the following describedproperty, to wit: Two(2) certainlotsor parcels of ground lying andsituatedinthe 7th ward of theParishof West BatonRouge,State of Louisiana, in that sub‐division knownasFLYNN‐LAND SUBDIVISIONand designated on theoffi‐cial mapthereof as LOTS NUMBERSONE HUNDRED FORTY(140) ANDONE HUNDREDFORTY ONE (141),saidlotsmeasur‐ingasfollows:Lot No 140 being80.15 feet front on PoydrasStreet by depth between parallel butunequallines of 114.48 on itswestside‐line;113.32 on itseast sideline,and 80.18 feet across therear; LotNo. 141 being80.15 feet front on PoydrasStreet by a depth between parallel butunequal linesof 113.32 feet on itswest sideline,112.15 feet on its east
The City Council of the City of Baker,Louisiana,met in regularsession on February 24, 2026, with the following members inattendance at the meeting:
MAYOR Darnell Waites
COUNCIL MEMBERS Desiree Collins Rochelle Dunn Cedric Murphy Robert Young ABSENT Dr.Charles Vincent
CALL TO ORDER –Mayor Waites presided
The invocation was given by Council Member Murphy.
The Pledge of Allegiancewas led by Council Member Young. Public comments will be allowed on all agendaitems. Such comments shall not exceed 3minutes and shall be confined to the agenda item and any proposed disposition thereof.***
DISPOSITIONOFTHE MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
The motion was madebyCouncil Member Murphy, seconded by Council Member Collins to approve the minutesof the meeting held on February 10, 2026.
The mayor called for public comments or questions.
Vote was calledfor
YEAS: Collins, Dunn, Murphy, Young
NAYS: None
ABSENT:Vincent
ABSTAIN: None
The motion passed with avoteof4-0
RECOGNITIONS
1. Recognitions from District3(Collins)
Council Member Collins recognized the city forhostingthe Radiant Black Women event last Sunday.She thanked the mayor,his amazing team, Ashley Williams, and Audrey Perry fortheir hardwork. She also thanked Representative BarbaraCarpenter
Council Member Collins recognized Elevate Church, pastoredbyKetih Richard, that has moved near the City of Baker.She said she is looking forward to the great things in North BatonRouge
PLANNING AND ZONING MATTERS
RESOLUTIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
NEWBUSINESS
1. Schedule awork session to discuss setbacksfor homesbuilt in the City of Baker (Dunn)
The motion was made by Council Member Dunn, seconded by Council Member Murphy to schedule aworksessionto discuss setbacks for homesbuilt in the City of BakeronMonday,March 23, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
The mayor called for publiccomments or questions.
Vote was called for YEAS: Collins, Dunn, Murphy,Young
NAYS: None
ABSENT:Vincent
ABSTAIN: None
The motion passed with avoteof4-0
PUBLICMEETING
1. Adopt Ordinance 2026-6 Property Tax(Mayor)(Introduced 1/13/2026) Public meeting was held.
Aneatra Boykin read the ordinance title
The mayor called for public comments or questions.
The motion was made by Council Member Dunn, seconded by Council Member Collins to adopt Ordinance 2026-6.
The mayor called for public comments or questions.
Vote was calledfor YEAS: Collins, Dunn, Murphy, Young
NAYS:None ABSENT:Vincent
ABSTAIN: None The motion passed with avoteof4-0.
ANNOUNCEMENTS/COMMENTS
1. Baker Main Street Economic Development District is having aMeet & Greet to introduce ourselves to the business owners on Baker
strengthen Baker Main Street for sales growth and economic development. They areasking businesses owners on Main Street to meet them at the Baker Municipal Center on Wednesday,February 25, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Council Member Dunn said residents of District2should go
at the park on N. Magnolia.Hestated the overriding messagehereceived from the program on Sunday was one of unity and he commended the mayor’sefforts to unify the City of Baker.
2. ANNOUNCEMENT:Districts1and 5willhost acitywide meeting with the Police Department to discuss crime and other concerns in the city on Thursday,February 26, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. (Vincent)
CouncilMember Murphy announced that Districts1 and 5willhost a citywide meeting withthe Police Department to discuss crime and other concerns in the cityonThursday,February 26, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
CouncilMember Young commended Calvin Jyles of the Public Works Department and the Inspection Department forthe work they do for the city.
CouncilMemberCollins announced that the BakerJr. Buffs arehaving theirbanquet in the auditorium thisevening and asked her colleagues to stop by following the council meeting to show theirsupport to the children of the community
REMINDER: CouncilMember Vincent’sBlack History Monthprogram is scheduled for Saturday,February 28, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the BakerBranch Library (Vincent)
CouncilMember Dunn reminded everyone of CouncilMemberVincent’s Black History Monthprogram scheduled forSaturday,February 28, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the BakerBranch Library
APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS ANDCOMMISSIONS
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
The mayorreported that Cleo Fields blessed the citywith$250,000.00 to get the baseball field on JeffersonStreet started. The citywillmeet with BREC next week regarding the park.
The mayorstated work on the transit center continues.
The mayorsaid an increased number of recreation opportunitiesare being realizedinthe city.
The mayorsaid construction on the new subdivision on BakerBoulevard, Trinity Estates, will beginsoon.
CONDEMNATIONS
REPORTSONBOARDSAND COMMISSIONS
1. Planning and Zoning Commission
2. Annexation Review Committee
3. EconomicDevelopment Team 4. HeritageMuseum/Related Committees
5. ABCBoard 6. Other Special Committees
a. BuffaloFestival b. Prayer Breakfast c. StrategicPlanning Committee d. Citizens Advisory BoardtoLaw Enforcement
e. Main Street District Committee
ADJOURN
The motionwas made by CouncilMemberDunn seconded by Council
Member Murphy to adjourn.
The mayorcalled forpubliccomments or questions.
YEAS: Collins, Dunn, Murphy,Young
NAYS:None
ABSENT: Vincent
ABSTAIN: None
The motionpassed witha vote of 4-0.
CITYOFBAKER PARISH OF EAST BATONROUGE STATEOFLOUISIANA
I, Angela Canady Wall,certify thatIamClerkofthe Councilfor the City of Baker, Louisiana, and that the above and foregoing is acopy of the minutes of aregular meeting of the Councilfor the City of Baker, Louisiana held on February 24, 2026.
Angela Canady Wall,LCMC Clerk of Council
MINUTES BOARDOFCOMMISSIONERS NORMAN E. “PETE” HEINE MEMORIALGARDENS CITYOFBAKER PARISH OF EAST BATONROUGE STATEOFLOUISIANA 3325 GROOMROAD BAKER, LA 70714 February 24, 2026
The City Councilofthe City of Baker, Louisiana, sitting as the Boardof Commissioners forNorman E. “Pete” Heine Memorial Gardens, met in regular session on February 24, 2026, with the following members in attendance at the meeting:
COMMISSIONERS
DesireeCollins Rochelle Dunn
Cedric Murphy
Darnell Waites Robert Young
ABSENT
Dr.Charles Vincent
CALL TO ORDER –Commissioner Waites presided. DISPOSITION OF MINUTESOFPREVIOUSMEETING
The meeting was called to order and the motionwas made by Commissioner Waites, seconded by Commissioner Murphy to approve the minutes of the meeting held on February 10, 2026. Commissioner Waites called for publiccomments or questions.
Vote was called for YEAS: Collins, Dunn, Murphy,Waites,Young NAYS:None ABSENT: Vincent
ABSTAIN: None Themotion passedbya vote of 5-0.
PUBLIC NOTICE
NEW BUSINESS
OTHERNECESSARYBUSINESS
1. Monthly Business Report
2. Other Reports
3. Items RequiringAction
ADJOURN Therewas no other business to come beforethe commission. Themotion wasmade by Commissioner Waites, secondedbyCommissioner Dunn to adjourn.
Commissioner Waites called for public comments or questions.
Vote wascalled for YEAS: Collins, Dunn,Murphy, Waites, Young NAYS: None
I, AngelaCanady Wall, certify that IamClerk of theCouncil for theCity of Baker,Louisiana, andthatthe above andforegoing is acopy of the minutes of aregularmeeting of theBoardofCommissionersfor the NormanE.“Pete” HeineMemorial GardensheldonFebruary24, 2026
TheCityCouncil of theCityofBaker,Louisiana, sittingasthe Board of Commissionersfor theBaker Consolidated Utilities System, metinregular session on February24, 2026,with thefollowingmembers attending: COMMISSIONERS Desiree Collins RochelleDunn Cedric Murphy DarnellWaites Robert Young
ABSENT Dr.Charles Vincent
CALL TO ORDER –Commissioner Waitespresided.
DISPOSITIONOFMINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
Themeeting wascalled to orderand themotion wasmade by Commissioner Waites, secondedbyCommissioner Collinstoapprove the minutes of themeeting held on February 10,2026.
Commissioner Waitescalled for public comments or questions.
Vote wascalled for YEAS: Collins, Dunn,Murphy, Waites, Young NAYS: None
ABSENT:Vincent ABSTAIN: None
Themotion passedbya vote of 5-0.
PUBLIC NOTICE
NEW BUSINESS
OTHERNECESSARYBUSINESS
1. Monthly Business Report
2. Other Reports
3. Items RequiringAction
ADJOURN Therewas no other business to come beforethe commission. Themotion wasmade by Commissioner Waites, secondedbyCommissioner Dunn to adjourn.
Commissioner Waitescalled for public comments or questions.
Vote wascalled for YEAS: Collins, Dunn,Murphy, Waites, Young NAYS: None
I, AngelaCanady Wall, certify that IamClerk of theCouncil for theCity of Baker,Louisiana, andthatthe above andforegoing is acopy of the minutes of aregularmeeting of theBoardofCommissionersofthe Baker Consolidated UtilitySystem held on February 24,2026.
AngelaCanady Wall, LCMC
ClerkofCouncil
MINUTES WEST BATON ROUGE PARISH COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING GOVERNMENT BUILDING 880 North Alexander Avenue, Port Allen Thursday,February 12, 2026 5:30 PM
The Following Minutes AreSummarized For Brevity,For Precise Meeting Information Please Refer To Meeting Audio Or Video
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER &REQUEST ALL ELECTRONIC DEVICES BE SILENCED ARegular Meeting of the West Baton Rouge Parish Council was held on Thursday,February 12, 2026 and called to order at 05:30 PM. Council Chairman Carey Denstel asked that all electronic devices be placed on silent.
2. OPENING PRAYER Councilman Atley Walker Jr.led everyone in an opening prayer
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chairman Denstel recognized Mr.Chad Smith who led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. LOG ATTENDANCE
The following members wererecordedasbeing present: Messrs. Kirk Allain, Daryl “Turf” Babin, Atley Walker,Brady Hotard, Kenneth Gordon, Carey Denstel, Alan Crowe, Gary Joseph, and Katherine Andre, Also, present were, Mr.Jason Manola, Parish President, Mr.Chance Stephens, Director of Finance, Mr.Brandon Bourgoyne, Director of Public Works, Ms. Kristen Canezaro, Special Legal Counsel, and Mrs Michelle Tullier,Council Clerk.
5. MINUTES APPROVAL
A. Approval of Minutes from the Regular Meeting of January 22, 2026. No public comments werepresented.
Amotion was made by Council Member Kirk Allain, seconded by Council Member Daryl “Turf” Babin to approve Minutes from the Regular Meeting of January 22, 2026.
The vote was recorded as follows:
YEAS: 9(Kirk Allain, Daryl “Turf” Babin, Atley Walker,Brady Hotard, Kenneth Gordon, Carey Denstel, Alan Crowe, Katherine Andre, Gary Joseph)
NAYS: 0(None)
ABSENT:0 (None)
ABSTAIN: 0(None)
As aresult of the votes, the motion Passed.
6. CONSIDER ANY AMENDMENTSTOTHE AGENDA
A. Consider Approval of Change Order No. 1for Erwinville Fire/ SheriffStation Chairman Denstel explained therewas an amendment being requested by the administration in regardtoa change order as listed. Therewerenoquestions from the Council and no comments from the public.
As aresult of the votes, the motion Passed, this item can be found under 11A.
7. PARISH PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Parish President Jason Manola was recognized and covered the following items: Explained ICE facility situation, issuing aPress Release, verified no concrete applications on file at this time, and no property purchased at this time. He will keep the Council posted on changes; Recent meeting with Mr.Gordon of the Council OnAging for the North End Satellite location; Update on the rate study for the sewer consolidation project, looking at alternatives to not raise rates; Introduced the new parish Public Information Officer (PIO), Mrs. Madison Cacioppo, Madison spoke brieflyand looked forwardtoworking with the Council and parish officials; Therewerenoquestions for the President at this time.
Councilman Hotardwas recognized and thanked Mr.Phillip Bourgoyne and Mr.Brandon Bourgoyne for their help recently
8. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Ms. Chris Perry was recognized and explained her concernabout the ICE facility being rumored to be coming to the parish, noting that she is not in support of this facility coming heretoour parish, and does not think they should use our utilities. She has reached out to Senator Kennedy and Cassidy with her concerns.
9. COMMUNICATIONS WITH COUNCIL MEMBERS AND/OR ELECTED OR APPOINTED OFFICIALS
Mr.Brandon Bourgoyne was recognized and gave abrief update on the Intracoastal and La1/415 connector projects.
10. PUBLIC HEARING ON PREVIOUSLYINTRODUCED ORDINANCES
A. An Ordinance To Amend and Reenact Part III (Unified Development Code), Chapter 101 (General Provisions), Sec. 101-1, (Definitions), Chapter 104 (“Zoning Ordinance”), Article II (District Regulations), Sec. 104-26 (Adoption, Amendment,and InterpretationofZoning Districts), Sec. 10428 (BaseDistrict Regulations By Zoning Districts), Chapter 106 (Site Planning), Article II (Stormwater Management), Sec. 106-23 (Allowable Plants for Stormwater Management Areas), Article V(Yard/Setback, Open Space And Common Area Requirements), Sec 160-137(SO Site Development Regulations), and Appendix A(“Zoning Districts”), Of The West Baton Rouge Parish CodeOfOrdinances.
The Chairman opened apublic hearing for the purpose of receiving comment regarding the aforementioned item.
Mr.Bourgoyne was recognized and gave abrief overview of the aforementioned ordinance, and explained an amendment was needed in order to include the change in Appendix Atoreflect the new zone. Mr.Bourgoyne explained that the Planning and Zoning Commission voted to recommend this item for approval with the requested amendment.
No public comments for or against said ordinance werepresented.
No written protests opposing the ordinance werereceived. The Council Chairman at this point declared the Public Hearing closed.
Amotion was made by Council Member Alan Crowe, seconded by Council Member Kirk Allain to approve with amendment/s to add proposed appendix as presented in packet to An Ordinance To Amend and Reenact Part III (Unified Development Code), Chapter 101 (GeneralProvisions), Sec. 101-1, (Definitions), Chapter 104 (“Zoning Ordinance”), Article II (District Regulations), Sec. 104-26 (Adoption, Amendment, and Interpretation of Zoning Districts), Sec. 104-28 (Base District Regulations By Zoning Districts), Chapter 106 (Site Planning), Article II (Stormwater Management), Sec. 106-23 (Allowable Plants for Stormwater Management Areas), Article V(Yard/Setback, Open Space And Common Area Requirements), Sec 160-137(SO Site Development Regulations), and Appendix A(“Zoning Districts”), OfThe West Baton Rouge Parish Code Of Ordinances.
The vote was recorded as follows: YEAS: 9(Kirk Allain, Daryl “Turf” Babin, Atley Walker,Brady Hotard, Kenneth Gordon, Carey Denstel, Alan Crowe, Katherine Andre, Gary Joseph)
NAYS: 0(None)
ABSENT:0 (None)
ABSTAIN: 0(None)
As aresult of the votes, the motion Passed. Ordinance 5of2026 can be found at the end of minutes.
B. An Ordinance Amending Chapter 104 Zoning To Incorporate an Amended Zoning Designation Map (Zoning Plan) Under Section 104-3 Establishment Of Districts, Official Zoning Map, and Section 111-78 (Special, Conditional Use Requirements And Procedures) For Request of Grand Bayou Nursery, LLC. Regarding Property located at 9268 HWY 190 WPort Allen, LA 70767. File #2025-0015: Described by the WBR Assessor as: TRACT E-1 CONT 2.22 AC IN SEC 28 T6S R11E 14-150 Requesting aSpecial Use Permit for aPlant Nursery in an I-1 zone. The Chairman opened apublic hearing for the purpose of receiving comment regarding the
for approval. No public comments for or against said ordinance werepresented. No written protests opposing the ordinance werereceived.
104-3
Establishment Of Districts, Official Zoning Map, and Section 111-78 (Special, Conditional Use Requirements And Procedures) For Request of Grand Bayou Nursery,LLC. Regarding Property located at 9268 HWY 190 WPort Allen, LA 70767. File #2025-
0015: Described by the WBR Assessor as: TRACT E-1 CONT 2.22
AC IN SEC 28 T6S R11E 14-150 Requesting aSpecial Use Permit for aPlant Nursery in an I-1 zone.
ABSTAIN: 0(None) As aresult of the votes, the motion Passed. Ordinance 6of2026 can be found at the end of these minutes. 11. CONSIDER STATUS REPORT, CHANGE ORDER AND/OR OTHER MATTERS AS REQUIRED ON CURRENT PROJECTS
A. Consider Approval of Change Order No. 1for Erwinville Fire/ SheriffStation
Mr.Matt Daigrepont of Fusion Architects was recognized and explained the reasons for needing to have lime stabilization for the soil at the project location. Mr.Daigrepont reviewed the change order amount and asked the Council to approve. Therewere numerous questions from Councilman Brady Hotardand Alan Crowe in reference to the pricing listed and quantities on the lime. After further discussion with Mr.Daigrepont,the Council asked for competitive quotes to see fthis price was realistic, because it seemed alittle high to both of them. Mr.Daigrepont agreed. There werenocomments from the public on this item.
Amotion was made by Council Member Kirk Allain, seconded by Council Member Daryl “Turf” Babintotable ChangeOrder No.1 for Erwinville Fire/SheriffStation to the next Council meeting.
The vote was recorded as follows: YEAS: 9(Kirk Allain, Daryl “Turf” Babin, Atley Walker,Brady Hotard, Kenneth Gordon, Carey Denstel, Alan Crowe, Katherine Andre, Gary Joseph) NAYS: 0(None)
ABSENT:0 (None) ABSTAIN: 0(None) As aresult of the votes, the motion Passed.
12. RESOLUTIONS A. AResolution Providing For Canvassing The Returns And Declaring The Results Of The Election Held In The Parish Of West Baton Rouge, State Of Louisiana, On Saturday, November 15, 2025 And To Promulgate The Results Thereof.
Mr.Chance Stephens was recognized and read into the recordthe results of the aforementioned election. Therewerenoquestions from the Council and no comments from the public on this item.
Amotion was made by Council Member Kirk Allain, seconded by Council Member Katherine Andretoapprove aResolution Providing For Canvassing The Returns And Declaring The Results Of The Election Held In The Parish Of West Baton Rouge, State Of Louisiana, On Saturday,November 15, 2025 And To Promulgate The Results Thereof.
The vote was recorded as follows:
YEAS: 9(Kirk Allain, Daryl “Turf” Babin, Atley Walker,Brady Hotard, Kenneth Gordon, Carey Denstel, Alan Crowe, Katherine Andre, Gary Joseph)
NAYS: 0(None)
ABSENT: 0(None)
ABSTAIN: 0(None) As aresult of the votes, the motion Passed. Resolution 1of2026 can be found at the end of these minutes.
B. AResolution Acknowledging the West Baton Rouge Parish Council’sCommitment to Provide 20 Percent Match to the Capital Region Planning Commission and LaDOTD for Various Projects Mr.Brandon Bourgoyne was recognized and explained the reasons for this resolution request. Therewerenopublic comments on this item.
Amotion was made by Council Member Daryl “Turf” Babin, seconded by Council Member Alan Crowe to approve A Resolution Acknowledging the West Baton Rouge Parish Council’s Commitment to Provide 20 Percent Match to the Capital Region Planning Commission and LaDOTD for Various Projects
ABSTAIN: 0(None) As aresult of the votes, the motion Passed. Resolution 2of2026 can be found at the end of these minutes.
C. AResolution Of The West Baton Rouge Parish Council In Support Of Expanding Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Training Programs Across The State To Enhance Community-Based Behavioral Health Crisis Response.
Mr.Atley Walker was recognized and explained the reasons for the aforementioned resolution. Therewerenocomments from the public on this item.
Amotion was made by Council Member Atley Walker,seconded by Council Member Kirk Allain to approve AResolution Of The West Baton Rouge Parish Council In Support Of Expanding Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Training Programs Across The State To Enhance Community-Based Behavioral Health Crisis Response.
The vote was recorded as follows:
YEAS: 9(Kirk Allain, Daryl “Turf” Babin, Atley Walker,Brady Hotard, Kenneth Gordon, Carey Denstel, Alan Crowe, Katherine Andre, Gary Joseph)
NAYS: 0(None)
ABSENT: 0(None)
ABSTAIN: 0(None)
As aresult of the votes, the motion Passed. Resolution to 3of2026 can be found at the end of these minutes.
13. CONSIDER SUBDIVISION PLATS, CONDEMNATIONS, WAIVERS AND MATTERS RELATED THERETO Therewerenoitems to consider at this time.
14. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES
Mrs. Tullier,Council Clerk read by title the below proposed ordinance/sbeing introduced and publicized by title, and considered for adoption following apublic hearing as specified below,at5:30 pm in the Council Chambers, located at 880 North Alexander Avenue, Port Allen, La.:
A. AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE RENEWAL OF THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASPECIAL TAXOF: (I) 7.2 MILLS (THE “7.2 MILLS TAX”), AND (II) 4.1 MILLS TAX(THE “4.1 MILL TAX” AND TOGETHER WITH THE 7.2 MILLS TAX, THE “TAXES”) ON THE DOLLAR OF ASSESSED VALUATION OF
and was adopted by acclamation at 06:21 PM. ALL MEETING INFORMATION INCLUDING MINUTES AND VIDEOS CAN BE FOUND ON OUR WEBSITE WBRPARISH.ORG UNDER THE AGENDA AND MINUTES TAB. ORDINANCE 5OF2026 As Introduced by the West Baton Rouge Parish Council At The Regular Meeting of January 8, 2026 And Adopted on February 12, 2026
An Ordinance To Amend And Reenact Part III (Unified Development Code) Chapter 101 (General Provisions), Sec. 101-1, (Definitions), Chapter 104 (“Zoning Ordinance”), Article II (District Regulations), Sec. 104-26 (Adoption,Amendment, and Interpretation of Zoning Districts), Sec. 104-28 (Base District Regulations By Zoning Districts), Chapter 106 (Site Planning), Article II (Stormwater Management), Sec. 10623 (Allowable Plants for Stormwater Management Areas), Article V (Yard/Setback, Open Space And Common Area Requirements), Sec 160-137(SO Site DevelopmentRegulations), and Appendix A(“Zoning Districts”), Of The West Baton Rouge Parish Code Of Ordinances WHEREAS,the West Baton Rouge Parish Council seeks to exercise its police power to protect the health, safety and welfareofthe citizens of West Baton Rouge Parish AND WHEREAS as part of its role in exercising police power,the Council has from time-to-time adopted and amended zoning regulations to provide for developmentconsistency and transparency AND WHEREAS the West Baton Rouge Parish Council has determined that addition of solar energy regulations and zones is needed, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THIS COUNCIL that Part III (Unified Development Code) Chapter 101 (General Provisions), Sec. 101-1, (Definitions), Chapter 104 (“Zoning Ordinance”), Article II (District Regulations), Sec. 104-26 (Adoption,Amendment, and Interpretation of Zoning Districts), Sec. 104-28 (Base District Regulations By Zoning Districts), Chapter 106 (Site Planning), Article II (Stormwater Management), Sec. 106-23 (Allowable Plants for Stormwater ManagementAreas), Article V(Yard/Setback, Open Space And Common Area Requirements), Sec 160-137(SO Site Development Regulations), and Appendix A(“Zoning Districts”), Of The West Baton Rouge Parish Code Of Ordinances, be amended and reenacted to read as follows(NOTE: underlined blue words areadditions and strikethrough redwords aredeletions. Three asterisks*** indicate sections of the code skipped for brevity of this ordinance. Such sections aretoberetained by the code editors.): ***
PART III –UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE CHAPTER 101 –GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sec. 101-1 –Definitions
Solar Power Plant means any use of land wherea series of one or moresolar energy systems areplaced in an area on aparcel of land for the purpose of converting sunlight into electricity,photovoltaics (PV), for the primary purpose of wholesaleorretail sales of generated electricity
CHAPER 104 –ZONING ORDINANCE
ARTICLE II –DISTRICT REGULATIONS ***
Sec. 104-26. -Adoption, amendment, and interpretation of zoning districts.
Allland withinthe unincorporated areas of the parish is hereby divided into the following base zoning districts: (1) Base zoning districts: Map Code District Name SO Solar Power Plants ***
Sec. 104- 28. -Base district regulations by zoning districts. The regulations of this section identify the purpose of each of the created zoning districts and shall be considered the minimum requirements.
p. SO, Solar power plant district. 1. Purpose. The purpose of the SO district shall be to provide an area for solar energy plant development, that will not negatively impact the residential and agricultural areas of the parish. 2. Permitted, prohibited and special uses. See appendix Ato this chapter ** *
Chapter 106 -SITE PLANNING
ARTICLE II –STORMWATER MANAGEMENT ***
Sec. 106-23. Allowable plants for stormwater management areas. The following areallowableplants for stormwater management areas: (1) Class Anative tree species: Common
Virginia sweetspire Itea virginica Winterberry Ilex verticillata
ARTICLE V.
state division of water quality; the state department of natural resources; and any applicable permits required by the parish, and applicable federal permits.
(3) This section shall be supplemental to and shall not abridge any other applicable local,state, or federal rules, regulations, or laws, including without limitation any morerestrictive provision set forth in this chapter.Should any state or federal legislation go into effect, the owner/developer must comply with any such rules which may apply
(4) Avalid special provision application, building permit, electrical permit and ongoing compliance to this section is mandatory for all solar power plants.
(5) The owner/developer shall provide amaintenance guarantee in the amount of $80.00 per linear foot of road right-of-way pending review of the economic index at the time of issuance of the guarantee. The cost per linear foot may vary at the time of inspection. The maintenance guarantee shall become effective upon the notice to proceed and will remain in effect until 90 days after the completion of the project. An approved traffic plan shall be submitted prior to the issuance of the maintenance guarantee. The contractor shall provide both preand post construction to verify damages caused by the construction. In the event that roads within the trafficplan sustaindamages due to construction activities, all repairs shall be completed within 90 days from the completion of the development and in accordance with parish standards. Substandardroadconditions, as aresult of construction activities, shall be repaired to the satisfaction of the department of public works within ten calendar days from thewritten notification thereof. If the road repairs have not been completed in the allotted time frame the maintenance guarantee will be called in to make the necessary repairs.
(6) Application requirements. All applications and plans for solar power production must include all the following:
a. Name of the project, names and addresses of the business owners, names of the property owners and the engineers and surveyors.
b. If the site is leased, alease memorandum executed by all parties to the lease.
c. Date, scale and accurate north arrow of the site plan showing all property to be included in the project.
d. Boundaries and actual dimensions and shape of parcel, including total acreage, with bearings and distances.
e. Site plan showing streets, circulations, driveways, service buildings, easements, arrangement and number of solar panels, and streets; also fencing, gates and vegetative buffer
f. Horizontal and vertical (elevation) to scale drawing with dimensions that show the location of the solar panelsand system on the property
g. Vicinity map showing the location and surrounding land use.
h. Names and addresses of adjoining property owners.
i. Elevation certificate and preliminary drainage plan.
j. Land contours.
k. Plan illustrating the intended layout and green space.
l. Trafficplan during construction phase.
m. Other features and designs as deemed reasonably necessary from time to time by the parish council
n. Adecommission plan in compliance with this section.
o. Economicimpact report.
p. Any parcels that arepart of the project that is interrupted by a road or other parcels not part of the project must be identified on the site plan labeled as individual areas (example: a, b, c).
q. An application fee of $350.00
r. Publicnotice requirements. Planning &Development will verify that all public notice requirements have been met prior to the parish council public meeting. The developer must give a30day public notice by certified letters and posting of signage in accordance with the following requirements:
1. The developer must give written public notice of the new proposed development 30 days prior to the parish council public meeting to all adjacent property owners by certified mail and must include the following information:
(i) State the name and type of development and a narrative description of the proposed development.
(ii) Developers name and phone number
(iii) Date and time of the planning and zoning commission and parish council meeting dates.
(iv) Meeting location address and time.
2. The developer must post asign on every public rightof-way adjacent to the development and must meet the following requirements:
(i) Sign must be four feet by eight feet in size.
(ii) Sign must state the name and type of development.
(iii) Developers name and phone number
(iv) Date and time of the parish council meeting date.
(v) Meeting location address and time.
(d) Provisions for permit review Following the provisions of the parish Code, additional or morethorough consideration shall be given to the following as the parish determines whether the project needs to be approved, denied, or conditionally approved:
(1) Project rationale. Project rationale, including estimated construction schedule, project life, phasing, and likely buyers or markets for the generated energy
(2) Siting considerations. Siting considerations, such as avoiding areas/locations with ahigh potential for biological conflict,such as wilderness study areas, areas of environmental concern, county and state parks, historic trails, special management areas or important wildlifehabitat or corridors; avoiding visual corridors that areprominent scenic viewsheds, or scenic areas designated by the parish; avoiding areas of erodible slopes and soils, where concerns for water quality, severeerosion, or high storm runoff potential have been identified; and avoiding known sensitive historical,cultural or archeological resources.
(3) Site and development plans. Site and development plans, which identify and/or locate all existing and proposed structures; setbacks; access routes; proposed road improvements; any existing inhabitablestructures within one-quarter mile of a photovoltaicsolar project or one-half mile of aconcentrated solar project; existing utilities, pipelines, and transmission lines; proposed utility lines; utility and maintenance structures; existing topographic contours; existing and proposed drainageways; proposed grading; areas of natural vegetation removal; revegetation areas and methods; dust and erosion control; any floodplains or wetlands; and other relevant items identified by the parish stafforplanning commission. All maps and visual representations need to be drawn at an appropriate scale.
(4) Due to the complexity of large-scale solar power plant projects, the applicant must submitaneconomic impact study detailing the estimated economic impact on the parish, including but not limited to jobs created, estimated annual taxes, or any other information that may be required by the parish.
(5) Visual impacts, appearance, and scenic viewsheds. Potential visual impacts may be caused by components of the project such as above-ground electrical lines, accessory structures, access roads, utility trenches and installations, and alteration of vegetation. More visuallysensitive proposals may requireanalysis from significantlymorevantage points, such as different distances and sensitive locations. Aphoto simulation is required. Significant visual impacts that cannot be adequately mitigated aregrounds for denial.
(6) Wildlife habitat areas and migration patterns. Specifically include information on any use of the site by endangered or threatened species and whether the project is in abiologically significant area. If threatened or endangered species exist in the area,
intent to construct asolar power plant (containing,ata minimum,the solar power plant’sexact proposed location, types of solar technology devices to be used, and overall size including total acreage and surface areas of all panels or other reflective devices).
b. Afull report of potential aviation glarehazards (AGH) arising from the proposed solar power plant on all such airport operations and/or designated flight paths using the most recent version of the Department of Energy’s Sandia National Laboratories recently developed glarehazardassessment tool (or any other assessment tool required or otherwise recommended by the FAA) in accordance with its user manual, and applying the same evaluation standards required and otherwise recommended by the FAAfor evaluatingAGH of off-airport solar projects, it being the intent of this section to requireall applicants to utilize the most recent and thorough evaluation techniques of measuring AGH then available and required or otherwise recommended by the FAA, as modified from time to time.
c. Proof of said notice and full report being actually delivered not less than 90 days prior to the submission of any application for asolar power plant permit made hereunder to all the following: the local airport district office or the FAAwith oversight over the parish, for any airport operated under FAAregulations as part of the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS) (including, without limitation, the Hammond Regional Airport); the airport management for all NPIAS and non-NPIAS airports; and the affected military airport or low altitude flight paths in said area.
d. Changes in proposed solar power plant design standards prior to any permit approved under this section will requireproof of re-delivery of an updated notice and full report in accordance with the foregoing provisions. (f) Permit applications.
(1) Apermit application is required for each identified area (a, b, c) submitted as part of aproject.
(2) The permit fee is $60.00 per acrewith aminimum fee of $6,000.00.
(3) All plans must be certified by licensed state engineer
(4) Solar panel materials must be listed and labeled by a nationally recognized testing agency.Documentation of compliance must be provided with the seal and signatureofa licensed design professional in the state.
(5) Any permit issued pursuant to this section will expiretwo years from the date of issuance, unless constructionhas commenced. After the expiration of apermit, the applicant may reapply
(g) As-built plans. Upon completion of site construction, acertified asbuilt plan by an engineer must be submitted to the parish engineer and/or drainage district engineer for approval. The as-built plan shall receive approval prior to final inspection and prior to issuance of any letter of completion and/or the notice to proceed to any utility provider Once approved, it must be filed with the clerk of court.
(h) Decommissioning, abandonment, hazard abatement. Asigned, notarized and recorded (with the Clerk of Court)decommissioning plan must be submitted to the parish. It must be in aformsuitable to be recorded with the clerk of court.The decommissioning planmust include at the minimum all the following provisions and requirements:
(1) Initiation upon “abandonment” of asolar powerplantasdefined in this section.
(2) A five-year bond in the amount of the anticipated decommissioning cost. The cost of decommissioning must be reevaluated every five years and anew bond must be posted to reflectthe anticipated cost. Every year acertified letter must be submitted to the parish showing arecordofall premiums paid.
(3) Any additional conditions which may be defined or established from time to time by the parish council upon which decommissioning will be initiated (i.e., of lease, condition of apotential public safety hazard, etc.).
(4) Complete removal of all non-utility-owned equipment conduits, structures, fencing, roads and foundations; and restoration of property to acondition prior to development of the solar power plant, unless the landowner requests in writing that the access roads or other land surface areas not be restored.
(5)The decommissioningplan must provide for the remediation of anyenvironmental hazards remaining on the site, as determined by the EPA, state DEQ, or the parish government.
(6)The timeframe for completion of removaland decommissioning activitiesmust begin within 60 days of termination of site use, abandonment, or revocation of permit and be completed within 12 months unless otherwise extended by the parish council within its sole discretion for good cause shown.
(7) If the solar power plant, the contract, lease, or any other interest in the solar power plant is going to be sold, the new owners must follow the steps required in this subsection (h) for the decommissioning plan.
(8) Asigned statement from the party responsible for completing the decommissioning plan acknowledging such responsibility
(9)A signed copy of the decommissioning plan approval from DNR is to be submitted to planning and development.
Upon any failuretoinitiate or complete any decommission plan, the parish or its authorized representative may act as authorized by law, including but limited to calling the bond, revoking any previously issued permits, or initiating any civil action or criminal action as describedbelow
(i) Violations.
(1) Upon finding of any inappropriate or illegal activities on the part of any person which would violate the provisions of this section, the planning department director or his designee shall notify in writing (with asummons to appear in administrative court), the persons responsible for such actions indicating the following:
a. The natureofthe violations.
b. The actions necessary to correctthe violations.
c. The date by which corrective actions should be taken and completed.
d. Actions which will take place if such corrective action is not taken.
e. When such corrective action has not been taken or is deemed inadequate based upon the conditions listed in this section, an order to the parish council for the discontinuance of the use or occupation of any land, building or structureorany illegal additions, alterations or structural changes thereto may be issued.
f. Any other action authorized by this section to ensure compliance with or to prevent violation of any provision.
(2) Any person violating any provision of this section shall be guilty of amisdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punished for each offense not morethan $500.00 or imprisonment not to exceed 30 days. Each day such violation continues shall be deemed to be a separate offense.
(3) If the fines or fees arenot paid in the calendar year the parish shall include the charges in the following year tax roll for collection of said fees, which will be the
THE FOREGOING ORDINANCE AFTER HAVING BEEN SUBMITTED TO APUBLIC HEARING WASCONSIDERED, AND UPON MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER ALAN CROWE, WHICH WASSECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER KIRK ALLAIN. THE ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED TO AVOTE AND RESULTED IN THE FOLLOWING:
WHEREUPON the ordinance was declared adopted on the 12th Day of February,2026.
ATTEST:
ORDINANCE 6OF2026
As Introduced by the West Baton Rouge Parish Council At the Meeting of January 8, 2026 And Adopted on February 12, 2026
An Ordinance Amending Chapter 104 Zoning To Incorporate
Amended Zoning DesignationMap (Zoning Plan) Under Section 104-3
Establishment Of Districts, Official Zoning Map, and Section111-78 (Special,Conditional Use RequirementsAnd Procedures) For Request of Grand Bayou Nursery,LLC. Requesting aSpecial Use PermitinI-1 for Plant,Nursery
NOWTHEREFOREBEITORDAINED by the West Baton Rouge Parish Council in legal session that Chapter 104 Zoning, Sec. 104-3 Establishment of Districts, Official Zoning Mapofthe Compiled Ordinances of the Parish of West Baton Rouge, Louisiana is amended and re-enacted to read as follows:
Sec.104-3. Establishment Of Districts, Official Zoning MapFor Rezoning Request Of Grand Bayou Nursery,LLC. Regarding Property located at9268 HWY 190 WPort Allen, LA 70767. File #2025-0015: Described by the WBRAssessor as: TRACT E-1 CONT 2.22 AC IN SEC 28 T6S R11E 14-150 Requesting aSpecial Use Permit fora Plant Nursery in an I-1 zone.
THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED by the West Baton Rouge Parish Council that this ordinance shall become effective pursuant to Section2-12 (C) of the Home RuleCharter
THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the West Baton Rouge Parish Council,that all other ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith arehereby repealed in their entirety
NOWTHEREFOREBEITFURTHER RESOLVED by the Parish Council of the Parish of West Baton Rouge, Louisiana, that if any provision or item of this ordinance or the application thereof is held invalid, such invalidityshall not affect other provisions, items or applications of this ordinance which can be given effect without the invalidprovisions, items, or applications of this ordinance arehereby declared severable.
THE FOREGOING ORDINANCE AFTER HAVING BEEN SUBMITTED TO APUBLIC HEARING WASCONSIDERED, AND UPON MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BRADY HOTARD, WHICH WASSECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER KATHERINE ANDRE. THE ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED TO AVOTE AND RESULTED IN THE FOLLOWING:
WHEREUPONthe ordinance was declared adopted on the 12th Day of February,2026.
ATTEST:
RESOLUTION NO. 1OF2026
ARESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR CANVASSING THE RETURNS AND DECLARING THE RESULTS OF THE ELECTION HELD IN THE PARISH OF WEST BATON ROUGE, STATEOF LOUISIANA, ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2025 AND TO PROMULGATETHE RESULTS THEREOF.
BE IT RESOLVED by the Parish Council, acting as of governing authority (the “Governing Authority”), of the Parish of West Baton Rouge, StateofLouisiana (the “Parish”) that:
SECTION 1. Canvass. This Governing Authority does now proceed in open and public session to examine the official tabulations of votes cast at the election held by the Parish on Saturday November 15, 2025 (the Election”) and said Governing Authority does further proceed to examine and canvass the returns and declarethe results of the Election.
SECTION 2. Procès Verbal. A Procès Verbal of the canvass of the returns of the Electionshall be made and acertified copy thereof shallbe forwarded to the SecretaryofState, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, who shall recordthe same in their office; another certified copy thereof shallbe forwarded to the Clerk of Court and Ex-Officio Recorder of Mortgages in and forthe Parish who shall recordthe same in the Mortgage Records of the Parish; and another copy thereof shallberetained in the archives of this Governing Authority
SECTION 3. Promulgation of Election Results. The results of the Election shall be promulgated by publication in the manner provided by law
SECTION 4. Election Cost. The estimated cost of the Election as determined by the Louisiana SecretaryofState was $22,583.68 ($11,291.84 each proposition).
The above resolution has been considered, upon motion by Council Member Kirk Allain, which was seconded by Council Member Kathrine Andre, and avotebeing taken, the following result was had: YEAS: 9(Andre, Allain, Babin, Denstel,Crowe, Hotard, Gordon, Joseph, Walker)
NAYS: 0(None)
ABSTAIN: 0(None)
ABSENT: 0(None) And the resolution was declared adopted on this the 12th day of February,2026 PROCÈS VERBAL AND PROCLAMATION OF THE CANVASS OF THE VOTES CAST AT THE ELECTION HELD IN THE PARISH OF WEST BATON
STATEOFLOUISIANA
PROCLAMATION
I, the undersigned Parish President of the Parish of West Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana (the Parish”), do hereby declare, proclaim and announce the results of the following proposition submitted at the election held on Saturday,November 14, 2025 by the Parish, all as described and set out in the above Procès Verbal:
Proposition No. 1DULYPASSED by amajorityofthe votes cast
Proposition No. 2DULYPASSED by amajorityofthe votes cast THUS DONE AND SIGNED at PortAllen, Louisiana, on the 12th day of February,2026.
ATTEST:
RESOLUTION 2OF2026
AResolution Acknowledging the West Baton Rouge Parish Council’s Commitment to Provide 20 Percent Matchtothe Capital Region Planning Commission and LaDOTD for Various Projects
WHEREAS,
Right of Way c) Construction and CE&I 2. Emily Drive- specifically: a) Construction and CE&I
WHEREAS,the West Baton Rouge Parish Council expresses their support for the aforementioned projects and commit to the 20 percent match on said projects for the specificportions if any areselected for funding. NOW THEREFOREBEITRESOLVED that the West Baton Rouge Parish Council does hereby committoprovide a20percent match to the Capital Region Planning Commission and LADOTD for any of the aforementioned projects needing funding. The Foregoing Resolution WasConsidered, And, After Public Discussion, AMotion To Approve WasMade By Council Member Daryl “Turf” Babin, Which WasSeconded By Council Member Alan Crowe.
The resolution having been submitted to avote, the votethereon was as follows:
ABSTAIN: 0(None) AND the resolution was declared adopted on this 12th Day of February, 2026.
CERTIFICATE
I, Michelle Tullier,CouncilClerk of the West Baton Rouge Parish Council do hereby certify that the above and foregoing is true and correct copy of aresolutionadopted by said body at its Regular Meeting of February 12, 2026 at which meeting amajority of the members werepresent and voting. RESOLUTION 3OF2026
AResolution Of The West Baton Rouge Parish Council In Support Of Expanding MentalHealth First Aid (MHFA) Training Programs AcrossThe State To EnhanceCommunity-BasedBehavioralHealth Crisis Response. WHEREAS, mental health challengesand substance use disorders significantly impact the health, safety,and productivity of the citizensof Louisiana;and WHEREAS,MentalHealth First Aid (MHFA) is an evidence-based public education program thatequips participants with the skills to identify, understand, andrespond to signs of mental illness andsubstanceuse; and WHEREAS,the Louisiana Public Health Institute (LPHI) andthe Louisiana Community andTechnical College System(LCTCS) have already establishedvitalpartnerships to bring these trainings to educators, students, and first responders; and WHEREAS,increasing the numberofcertified MentalHealth First Aiders will reduce stigma andbridge the gapbetween initialcrisis response and professional clinical care; BE IT RESOLVED,thatitisthe intent of the West Baton Rouge Parish Council to encourageParish Governments, MunicipalGovernments, and neighboring County governing authoritiestoadopt MHFA as astandard component of their workplace wellness andpublic safety initiatives; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED,thatthe Legislature of Louisiana encourages the Louisiana MunicipalAssociation (LMA) andthe Police Jury Association of Louisiana (PJAL)topromote MHFA training to their respective memberships to ensureevery municipality andparish is equippedwith a“first responder” mentality toward mentalhealth. THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED,thata copy of this resolution be transmittedtothe PoliceJuryAssociation of
