OPINION
When it comestocancer, preventive care is essential
At 47 years old, my world as I knewitwas completely flipped upside down. The words “you have breast cancer” suddenly touched every part of my life. Ihad to step away from astatewide race for state treasurer, my family and Ifaced difficult and uncertain days, and Iwas forced to quickly reprioritize what matteredmost. I spent the next five months undergoing chemotherapy treatment, determined to fight and hopeful for the future. Now, almost 10 years later,Iamproud to say Iamcancer-free. My cancer journeytaughtme many lessons, oneofwhichisthat cancer does not discriminate. It
does not care if youare aparent, if your career is gaining momentumorifyou feel healthier than ever.Thatiswhy educatingyourselfabout symptoms and staying current on recommended screenings is so important. As we observe National Colorectal Cancer Month in March, Iencourage everyonetoprioritize their health, starting with scheduling your routine cancer screenings. When we think of ahealthy lifestyle, regular exercise, nutritiousfood andadequate sleep often come to mind. While these habits are essential, preventive care, includingregular cancer screenings, is just as critical to
long-term health. Unfortunately,the realityisthat manyAmericans are not up to dateontheir recommended cancer screenings. AMedStar Health surveyfound that 60% of women aged 40 and over are not following theAmerican College of Radiology’s recommendation for annual mammogramsifthey are at average risk. More than 50 million people, 1 out 3eligible Americans, are not up to dateontheir colorectal cancer screenings, often due to the discomfort of traditional screening methods. More importantly, here at home, Louisiana ranks thirdinthe nation for colorectal cancer incidence, and it is the second leading cause of cancerrelated deaths.
Forastrongerworkforce in La., reform in Legislatureisneeded
Iunderstandthe hesitation. Life getsbusy,and preventive care often falls to the bottom of thelist. Screenings may feel inconvenient, uncomfortable and even gross, but they are farless disruptive than alate-stage diagnosis.
As acancer survivor,I can say with certainty that acancer diagnosis is far morechallenging than any screening. Andwith the introduction of less invasive technologies, completing recommended cancer screeningsisbecoming more accessible than ever.Weknow it is highly treatable when caught early National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and other awareness months exist to re-
mind us that early detection saves lives. Awareness alone is not enough; action is what makes the difference.
Take timetolearn which cancer screenings are recommended for your age and risk level. Talk with your physician about your testing options.
Give yourself the best possible chance against cancer by prioritizing early and timely cancer screenings. Your health matters. Take action to protect it.
Julie Stokes is founder of Ellevate Louisianaand Survivor’sCancer Action Network and aformer member of theLouisianaHouseof Representatives
Erwin
Louisiana’srecent tax reforms have improved the state’scompetitiveness, but lasting economic growth will stall without astronger workforce. Thatis why enacting policies to help businesses meet their workforce needsmust start now Across industries, employers continue toreport difficulty finding workers with the skills required for their jobs. At the same time,many Louisianans struggle to connect with opportunities that offer good-payingjobsand long-term career paths. This disconnect isthe reason Public Affairs Research Council andLeaders for aBetter Louisiana are joiningforces to call for the state’srenewed and sustained focuson workforce development, particularly in theongoing legislative session This is not simply alabor shortage. It is apersistentmismatch between the needs of businesses andthe preparation, awareness and mobility of ourworkforce.
PROVIDED PHOTO
An instructoratNunez Community CollegeinChalmette demonstrates safetytechniques for students in its windenergytechnologyprogram.
If Louisiana wants to fully capitalize on its economic reforms, infrastructure investments andemerging industries, we must strengthen the systems thatconnect education and training to theneedsofemployers. The challenge is visible in thedata Louisiana’slabor force participation rate hovers around 58% —43rd worst amongstatesand several points below the national average. That gap represents over100,000 working-age adultswho areneither working nor actively seeking work.Evenmodestimprovementswould translate into significant gainsfor families, businesses and the state’seconomy
At the same time, the statereports roughly 124,000 jobs open statewide, compared with about88,000individuals activelyseeking employment. This imbalance reflects issues involving workforce solutions foremployers,skills relevance and alignment in education and the ability of individuals to navigate fromeducation or training into the available jobs
Thesepressures areunfolding at apivotal moment forLouisiana’seconomy
The state has seen significantjobs announcements and capital investment in recentyears across manufacturing, energy,technologyand othersectors. While these projects create opportunity, theseannouncements alone do not guarantee broad-based prosperity. Without aworkforce prepared at thenecessary scale with theright skills or employers able to addresstheir talent shortages, Louisiana risksconstraining growth and limiting the benefitsofthatinvestment. This is not afailure of workers or employers: It is a systems challenge.
Louisiana’sworkforce development, education and economic development effortsoften don’toperate in alignment. Studentsstruggle to understandhow academicchoicesconnect to careers. Employers struggle to find training partners responsive to rapidly changing skill needs. Workforce programsare difficultto navigate, fragmented across agenciesand inconsistent in their coordination.
Improving outcomes requires strengthening these connections. Better career counselingcan help stu-
dentsmake informed decisions about education and training pathways. Clearer workforce signals can help institutions align programswith high-demand fields. Stronger partnerships among business, higher education and workforce agencies can acceleratethe transition from classroom to career Louisianaalready has examples of progress to build upon. The M.J. Foster PromiseProgram is funding working-age adults to earncredentials in high-demand fields. Industry partnerships, apprenticeships and technical training programs are expanding in key sectors. Regional collaborations are demonstrating how employers and educators can work together to meet workforce needs. These efforts show thattargeted investmentsand intentional alignment can produce real results.
Butisolated successes are not enough. Louisiana must scale what works and removebarriers thatlimit participation.
That meanssimplifying how individuals access education and training, strengthening coordination across agencies and institutions, improving transparency around outcomes and ensuring accountabilityfor results. Workforce development should function as an integrated strategy,not acollection of disconnected programs.
The stakes extend beyond economic development Workforce policy is also economic mobilitypolicy When Louisianans can access training thatleads to stable, well-paying careers, families benefit.Communities benefit.Employers benefit. The statebenefits. Conversely,when individuals remain disconnected from opportunity,the consequences are felt in lower incomes,reduced growth and widening inequality. Louisianahas meaningful economic opportunity ahead. The question is whether the statecan connect its people to that growthatthe scale required. Workforce development is thebridge between economic development and shared prosperity for Louisiana families. We believe that workforce reform is one of theurgent issues Louisianaleaders must address during the 2026 legislative session.
Steven Procopioispresident of the PublicAffairs Research Council of Louisiana. Barry Erwin is the chief policy officer of Leaders foraBetter Louisiana.
As acareer educator and now asuperintendent, I’ve spent my career witnessing firsthand the transformative power of education. But one lesson stands out above all: The earlier we engage children in structured learning, the stronger their foundation for lifelong success. Research consistently showsthat children whoattend high-quality preKprogramsget ameaningful head start in learning. Amultistate study by the National Institute forEarly Education Research found that children whoparticipated in pre-K entered kindergarten with stronger language, literacy and mathskills. Through play and meaningful interactions, early learning environments help children build these essential skills while developing confidence and enthusiasm forschool. Most importantly these programshelp children feel confident and ready to participate in school, socially and academically
low routines, manage their emotions and workpositively with peers and adults, skills that support healthy social and emotional growth. Alongside academic learning, students build confidence, independence and a love of learning, all of which makethe transition to kindergarten smoother and more successful.
During the 2023-2024 school year,nearly 19,515 Louisiana children were enrolled in publicly funded pre-K programs. That’sa great start, but fartoo many families still face barriers to access. By expanding pre-K4, we are making sure that every 4-year-old in our community has the chance to start school with confidence and excitement about learning.
Studies show that children from lower-incomefamilies and those learning English as asecond language often see someofthe biggest benefits from pre-K,which meansexpanding access is not just a good idea, it’sthe right thing to do.
In St. Charles Parish Public Schools, thanks to the school board’sforesight and commitment, pre-K4enrollment is now open to every child in the parish. Classroomsare led by certified educators whounderstand just how important these early years are. Children learn how to fol-
Even long-term research confirms the lasting impact of high-quality pre-K.A20year study by Georgetown University followed children whoattended Tulsa’suniversal pre-K program and found that the benefits extend far past kindergarten. Students were morelikely to stay on track academically through high school, take advanced courses, graduate on time and enroll in college. Studies like this reaffirm what we see in our classroomsevery day: Early learning shapes children’s futures, equipping them with the skills and habits they need to thrive throughout school and into adulthood. Every child deserves a jumpstart on learning, and every family deserves the support to make that possible. Programs like pre-K4are morethan just ahead start in academics; they’re an investment in our children, our families and our entire community.I can’toverstate how important these early opportunities are. When children develop confidence, independence and alove of learning early on, those traits stay with them throughout their educational journey Iamsograteful to our families, educators and community partners whocontinue to makeour schools aplace where children can discover whothey are and what they can achieve. Together,we can ensure that every child starts their educational journey with the support, confidence and opportunities they deserve.
KenOertlingis superintendentofSt. CharlesParish schools.
Ken Oertling GUEST COLUMNIST
COMMENTARY
Residentslook on and takepictures as flames and smokerise from an oil storagefacility struck as attacks hitthe city during the U.S.–Israeli militarycampaign in Tehran, Iran, on March 7.
ISSUE OF THE WEEK IRAN WAR
As the war in Iran dragson, pollsshowthe American public is growing more skeptical of itsaims. President Donald Trump hastried to reassure thecountry that theU.S.iswinning and the war will be over soon.Thisweek, he saidthat talks have begun with Irantoreacha deal,but Iranians have deniedthat there are anynegotiationsunder way.What is thepolitical fallout forthe president and the Republican Partyifthe war doesn’tend quickly? Here are twoperspectives:
To quietall thecritics, Trumpneeds shortwar
How many times has President Donald Trump said that the war in Iran,now entering its fourth week,will be brief? Many.Iasked Grokfor 20 examples of Trump promising ashort war,and gotalistvery quickly.Here are afew:
“This war will be over very soon.”
“I think you’ll see it’sgoing to be ashort-term excursion.”
Iran notthe jauntWhite Houseistryingtosell
Here we go again.
“We’re getting very close to finishing it is going to be ended soon.”
“We’re way ahead of schedule it won’tbemuch longer.”
“Weprojected four to five weeks but we’re substantially aheadofschedule.”
“It’sgoing to be ended soon .we’re getting very close.”
No president wants to promise the public years of war.But why hasTrump pledged brevitysoearly andsooften, beginning almost the moment the war began? After all, pollsfrom the first U.S.Israeli attack on Iran showedthat, while there was significant public oppositionto the war,support among Trump’ssupporterswas high. It has stayedthatway
The fear,ofcourse, was thatvoters would take Trump’scampaign vownot to takethe nationtowar —“I’m not going to start awar,I’m going to stop wars,” he promised on the night of his comeback wininNovember 2024 —and apply it to the situation in Iran. But so farat least, Trump’ssupporters have stuck with him on the new war Of course, campaign Trump vowed even more often to stay outofwhathe calledendless wars. But endless clearly means endless, or at least protracted, conflicts. Trump obviously feelshecan use the military for quick strikes, like the June 2025 bombing of Iran’snuclear facilities or the January 2026 operation in Venezuela. They were brief and effective uses of U.S. military power,and are in no sense endless engagements. The political problem for Trump is that at some point, abrief and effective use of U.S. military power becomes something morethan that. Yes, aconflict would have to go on for along time before it qualifies as endless. But atthe moment, Trump is deeply worried about the war’s economic effects; awar does not have to be endless to do alot of damage to the
U.S.and world economies. In addition, Trump has toworry about that pointatwhich the Iran war takes itsplace as amajor,largescalewar not aquick hit but Gulf WarIII, after wars in theregion pursued by President George H.W.Bushin1991 and President GeorgeW.Bush in 2003. Trump surely would not like to be in those presidents’ company as aPersian Gulfwarrior. Neither would Vice President JD Vance,a vehement critic of Iraq-style wars and Trump’spossible 2028 successor. At amidterm campaign appearance in Michigan last week, Vance quoted Trump to stress that thewar-related energy price increaseswill be a“temporary blip.” And Vance added: “Nobody likes war,right?And Iguarantee you the president of theUnited States is not interestedingetting us in thekind of long-term quagmires that we’veseenin years past.” There is concern in thosewords.This war,evennow,will have consequences. After joining Israel in suchabroadbasedattack, U.S. forces cannot just disappear. For example, anew op-ed in the Wall Street Journal by two veteran foreignpolicyanalysts notes, “If Trump winsthis war politically and militarily victory will entail new burdens. The security of the Persian Gulf will be America’s responsibility. American destroyers circulating permanently in the Gulf is alikely future.”
That’snot the kind of thing the Trump politicalbasewill be delighted to hear, even if they approve of the war’s first days. The needle Trump needs to thread is to minimize those “newburdens” so that he can saytohis supporters thatU.S forces gotinquickly,fixed theproblem, and got outquickly.Whether that is plausible or not is another question.
Until then, Trump continues topromise aquickwar.How many defendersofthe war have answered critics by saying, “Holdon, it’sonly been aweek,” or two weeks, or three weeks?Indeed, it hasn’t beenlong. But it’sbeen long enough for the White House to be worried.
EmailByron York at byork@washingtonexaminer.com
What else can one say to thestream of misinformation and disinformation flowing out of the WhiteHouseand Pentagon since thewar withIran broke out?
We have grown wearily familiar withPresident Donald Trump’s cavalier relationship with the facts. Combine that with his tendency to snatch words out of the air,appropriately or not,and you come up withajumble of head-scratchers.
might be draft bait.
Aleading example is his repeated oddball description of the Iran war as an “excursion,”which caused brows to furrow and eyeballs to roll in newsroomsaround the planet. Excursion? Does the president know the true meaning of theword?
Tendays intothe war,Trump summedup the situationthis way to reporters: “Wetook alittleexcursion because we felt we hadto do that to getrid of some evil. And Ithink you’ll see it’s going to be ashort-term excursion. Howgood is our military,right? Amazing. How good? Short term. Short term.”
Right. The war had already killeda halfdozen American troops and injured about 150.
Then there’s theTomahawk missile that flattened an Iranian elementary school, killing at least 175 civilians, mostofthem children.
This is some excursion.
Predictably,the war has shaken up the already unstable Middle Eastand drivenoil prices skyward. Some industry experts are calling it the largestoil shock in history.But Trump dismissed that as something he’d already thought of.
“Wefigured oil prices would go up, which theywill. They’ll also comedown,” he said on March 7. “They’ll comedown very fast.”
Brent crude traded above$100abarrelin recent days,and some observers seeitsurging much higher if thewar starts spiraling.
As Iwritethis, theIranianmilitary isn’t quite ready for theexcursion to be over
The growing war concerns caused me to flash back to an earlier era, when an excursioninSoutheastAsia to help afriend with their colonial problems became the Vietnam War.
Iremember it vividly because Ihappened to be in college and of age for conscription. We used to sayoncampus,nothing concentratesthe mind like the realizationthat you
If you’re too young to remember,take it from me. Furor over the draft became aleading reason why Americans have not had adraft since then.
Other reminders of the Vietnam era are all the hazy spitball takes on just what the nature and duration of our commitment is.
Asked in early March how long this excursion might take, the president offered that it could take four to five weeks. Days later, he bragged that Iran had better watch out because the U.S. had“virtually unlimited supply” of munitions andthat it could fight awar “forever.”
Later,heput aside his initial four-to-fiveweekestimate and declared, “whatever it takes.”
Trump and Co. have also been mendacious. Trump claimed that Iran had bombed the elementary school. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell blamed Iran for using the school as a“human shield” for its missile and drone launchers.
But as the New York Timesreported, an ongoing military investigation suggests the Feb. 28 airstrike on the school “wasthe result of atargeting mistake by the U.S. military,which wasconducting strikesonan adjacent Iranian base.”
Officers at U.S. CentralCommand apparently “created the target coordinates for the strike using outdated data provided by the Defense IntelligenceAgency.”
In other words, as many of my fellow veterans (Yes, Uncle Sam’sdraft finally got me) understand all too well, the tragedy stemmed from abad old-fashioned SNAFU. “Situation Normal, All Fouled Up,” as we would sayin the linguistically cleaned-up version. That’swhat happens whenyou go on an excursion with gunboats and cruise missiles. Some folks get caught up in the glory,others marvel at the flash-bang technologies. But, as muchasthe weapons of war may change they tend to slaughter alot of innocents along with enemycombatants.
What Trump is presenting as alittle excursion is, for Iran, an existential struggle. Whatever one thinks of the U.S.’scapability to take out the mullahs and their military, they seem to have the power to take agreat deal down with them.
Email Clarence Page at clarence47page@ gmail.com.
Byron York
Clarence Page
Travis on tour
Louisiana countr yartist James Dupréand countr ysuperstar Randy Travis’ band will performTravis’greatest hits in concertat7:30p.m. Fridayatthe River Center Theatre for Performing Arts as partofthe “RandyTravis: More Life Tour.” Travis will make aspecial appearance. Ticketsare $60.70 and up raisingcanesrivercenter.com.
LIVING
LeAnn Rimesto sing at Manship gala
BY JUDYBERGERON Staff writer
Tickets are now on sale to the general publicfor the Manship Theatre’sRed Carpet Gala featuringcountry singer-songwriter LeAnn Rimes on April 16. Prior to Monday,the ticketshad only been availableto Manship Theatre members and sponsors.
“The Manship TheatreRed Carpet Gala is our annual fundraiser that supports the theatre’smission to enrich the lives of audiences of all ages by presenting world-renownedperformers on ourstage,” anews release states.
Mississippi native Rimes, 43, grew up in Texas and gained fame at the age of 14 withher top 10 Billboard hit, “Blue.” She became the youngest winnerofthe GrammyAwards for Best New Artistand Best Female Country Vocal Performance in 1997. Shecrossed into othergenres, including contemporary Christian and pop, with hits suchas “How Do ILive,” “I Need You” and “Can’tFight the Moonlight.” Rimeshas hadseveral TV roles, the latest as Dixie Bennings in ABC’s“9-1-1: Nashville.”
The all-inclusivegala from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. offers a meal by Mansurs on the Boulevard and drinks throughoutthe evening, followed by an intimateperformance withRimes. Tickets start at $250 at manshiptheatre.org. Those interested in sponsoring the gala can email sponsor@manshiptheatre.org.
eventat the
Garth Brooks appeared at the sold-out stadium in 2022, perform-
for 102,000 fans. The audience eruption he ignited with his 1994 hit, “Callin’ Baton Rouge,” produced a small earthquake that registered on aseismograph in LSU’s geosciences department. Taylor Swift twice preceded Brooks at Tiger Stadium, appearing there in 2010 and 2015. Just 20 yearsold during herfirst appearance there for Bayou Country Superfest, the soon-to-be-a-superstar Swift returnedin2015for thefirst stadium-headlining show of her career in DeathValley Bryan, who turns 29 years old on April 2, has beena stadium attraction fortwo years, andmostofthe dates on his international “With Heaven on Tour” schedule also are at stadiums. His previous stadium appearances include a2024 show at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
ä See BRYAN, page 6C
PROVIDED PHOTO BY ART STREIBER/DISNEY LeAnn Rimescan be seen as Dixie in the ABC freshman drama series ‘9-1-1:Nashville.
James Dupré
RandyTravis
A singer-songwriter from the small town of Oologah, Oklahoma, Bryan has sold millions of albums and singles since he independently released his album debut in 2019. In January, his latest album, “With Heaven on Top,” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, repeating the chart-topping popularity of his self-titled 2023 album. In 2015, while serving in the U.S. Navy, Bryan began posting videos of himself performing his songs on YouTube. He’d been writing songs since he was 14.
“We started making these dumb songs up, me and my buddies sitting around,” he told The Oklahoman newspaper “I never really expected to be a musician, ever, but I always wanted to write songs. That’s what I wanted to do: I wanted to be a songwriter.”
Bryan followed a family tradition by enlisting in the U.S. Navy at 17. During his seven-year hitch he wrote songs in his spare time, building the stockpile of material that appeared on his early indie recordings.
Bryan credits a Navy cohort for encouraging him to pursue music. He recalled that advice in an interview with the Apple Music program Today’s Country Radio: “He was like, ‘Dude, you have to do this. If you don’t do this, millions of people who strive every day to do this are going to be disappointed that you wasted this chance.’ ”
In April 2021, Bryan made his Grand Ole Opry debut taking that famous country music stage while still in the Navy That year saw him honorably discharged, signing with Warner Bros. Records, and launching his “Ain’t for Tamin’ ” tour Warner Bros. Records released Bryan’s major album debut, “American Heartbreak,” in May 2022. It achieved a No. 5 debut on the Billboard 200. The single
Continued from page 5C
Friday Spaces are $250 for the weekend. Specific spaces are not reserved.
n Day-of-concert paid parking will be limited due to baseball and softball events. Lots available for event day sales will be marked with signage indicating pricing. Follow the direction of officers and personnel when parking.
n The following lots and their opening times are: Lots 408, 409 and 411, 5 p.m.; all other event day lots will open at noon unless otherwise noted.
n Free parking is available in the levee lots, Hayfield lot, lots located east of Highland Road (Parker Coliseum), and lots north of campus near Spruce Hall.
n Free ADA parking with a shuttle is available in Lot 406 off of Skip Bertman Drive. After the concert, the shuttle will pick up in front of Nicholson Gateway
n Pre-paid lots will open at
PROVIDED PHOTO
After opening for Zach Bryan’s stadium shows in March and April, folk-rock band Caamp will join Mumford & Sons for the British folk-rock group’s ‘Prizefighter European Tour’ in July
“Something in the Orange” hit No. 1 on the Hot Country Songs and Hot Rock & Alternative charts, as well as charting 66 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 10.
More hits followed, including Bryan’s self-titled fourth album’s No. 1 Billboard 200 chart position; a No. 1 duet with Kacey Musgraves, “I Remember Everything”; and this year’s chart-topping “Heaven on the Top.
A prolific songwriter, Bryan sees writing songs as his foundation.
“Songwriting is such a massive part of this,” he has said. “If you’re missing out on it, what the hell are you doing? You’re just performing. You’re an actor.”
In 2022, Bryan gave one of his rare interviews to The New York Times. He told the newspaper that he didn’t want to be pegged a country act.
“I think people understand that I’m not that,” he said. “I want to be in that Springsteen, Kings of Leon, Ed Sheeran atthe-very-beginning space.”
Speaking of his then rising fame, Bryan assumed humble stance. “People feel entitled to be famous and rich,” he said. “I’m like, ‘dude, you could be digging ditches, bro’.”
Caamp
A popular folk-rock band from Athens, Ohio, Caamp
noon on Saturday Pre-paid passes range from $40-$50 per vehicle, and there will be a limit of two passes per account. Paid ADA spaces are also available.
WHAT YOU CAN BRING
n Clear bags and backpacks only no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches
n Plastic zip-top bag
n Small clutch purse
n Seat cushion n Medical items
n Water bottle n Empty drink containers
WHAT YOU CAN’T BRING
n Outside food or beverages
n Ice chests or cameras n Video cameras, selfie sticks or tripods
n Oversized chair backs or large items
n Noisemakers n Bikes, skateboards or scooters
n Umbrellas n Weapons n Inflatables n Animals (except service animals)
n Flags, signs or banners
is opening for Zach Bryan’s stadium shows in March and April before joining Mumford & Sons for the British folk-rock group’s “Prizefighter European Tour” in July
Caamp released its fifth album, “Copper Changes Color,” last year Garden & Gun magazine praised the album’s “Strokes-like strut, all clanging electric guitars at a punchy clip” and “trademark folk and delicate banjo beneath (Taylor) Meier’s distinctive baritone.”
“Copper Changes Color” debuted at No. 1 on the Americana/Folk Albums chart, and the single “Mistakes” became Caamp’s fifth Adult Alternative Airplay No. 1 song.
JR Carroll
The keyboardist in fellow Oklahoman Zach Bryan’s band for the past two years, JR Carroll released his debut album, “Dark Cloud,” in late 2024.
“I’m not trying to market myself to a wider audience,” he told Rolling Stone magazine. “I am happy where I’m at. I’m respected by the people who I wanted to be respected by when I started this. If it grows, that’s great, and I will be a good steward of whatever becomes of that, but I already have a job that keeps me busy all year.”
Email John Wirt at j_wirt@ msn.com.
n Illegal drugs
RESTROOM LOCATIONS
n A restroom trailer, satellite restrooms and portable restrooms will be located throughout the concert and parking areas.
CONCESSION LOCATIONS
n East Stadium lower, middle, top and upper deck levels
n South Stadium lower, top and upper deck levels
n West Stadium lower, middle, top and upper deck levels
ALSO WORTH NOTING
n Will call windows open at 2 p.m. at the LSU Athletics Ticket Office (first floor of the LSU Athletics Administration Building)
n Gates open at 5 p.m.
Fans will pass through metal detectors prior to entry
n The sale of alcoholic beverages will end at 10:30 p.m.
n LSU is a tobacco-free campus (no smoking or vaping)
All information provided by lsusports.net.
By The Associated Press
Today is Friday, March 27, the 86th day of 2026. There are 279 days left in the year Today in history: On March 27, 2022, Will Smith slapped presenter Chris Rock onstage at the 94th Academy Awards ceremony; Smith won the Oscar for best actor just minutes later (Smith later resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and received a 10year ban from the Oscars.)
Also on this date:
In 1794, Congress approved the “Act to provide a Naval Armament” of six armed ships, which provided the foundation of the permanent U.S. Navy In 1964, Alaska was hit by a magnitude 9.2 earthquake (still the strongest on record in North America) and tsunamis that together
claimed over 130 lives.
In 1968, Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, the first man to orbit the Earth in 1961, died when his MiG15 jet crashed during a routine training flight near Moscow; he was 34.
In 1973, “The Godfather” won the Academy Award for best picture of 1972, but its star, Marlon Brando, refused to accept his Oscar for best actor and, in what would become one of the Oscars’ most famous moments, sent in his place actor and activist Sacheen Littlefeather, who spoke out about the depiction of Native Americans in Hollywood.
In 1975, construction began on the Trans-Alaska Pipeline; the 800-mile pipeline was completed just over two years later
In 2016, an Easter Sunday bombing attack at a park in Lahore, Pakistan, killed at
least 69 people and wounded hundreds more. Authorities said a militant group claimed responsibility and deliberately targeted the Christian community In 2023, a former student shot through the doors of the private Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee, killing three children and three adults in an elaborately planned mass shooting at the Christian school. Two responding officers shot and killed the 28-year-old attacker Today’s birthdays: Actor Michael York is 84. Film director Quentin Tarantino is 63. Singer Mariah Carey is 57. Actor Pauley Perrette is
SHOWS TO WATCH — ACADIANA AREA
6 p.m.
FRIDAY
LIVE MUSIC: Cane River Pecan Company Pie Bar, New Iberia, 5 p.m.
ISAAC LEJEUNE: Prejean’s, Broussard, 6 p.m.
JACK WOODSON: Charley G’s Seafood Grill, Lafayette, 6 p.m.
LIVE MUSIC: Naq’s-nDuson, Duson, 6 p.m.
NICKI NEEDHAM: Adopted Dog Brewing, Lafayette, 6 p.m.
FRIDAY NIGHT JAM: La Maison de Begnaud, Scott, 6 p.m.
DOYLE TAUZIN: Buck & Johnny’s, Breaux Bridge, 6:30 p.m.
THE CAST: SHUCKS!, Abbeville, 6:30 p.m
JACOB RHYMES COMBO: Whiskey and Vine, Lafayette, 7 p.m.
JAKE KNOTT AND THE UNWOUND: Silver Slipper, Arnaudville, 7 p.m.
THE DEBTORS: Blue Moon Saloon, Lafayette, 8 p.m.
LIVE MUSIC: The Barrel of Broussard, Broussard, 8 p.m.
VERMILLIONAIRES: Rock ‘n’ Bowl de Lafayette, Lafayette, 9 p.m.
SATURDAY
TROY LEJEUNE BAND: Fred’s, Mamou, 8 a.m.
CAJUN JAM: Moncus Park, Lafayette, 9 a.m.
SATURDAY MORNING
JAM SESSIONS: The Savoy Music Center, Eunice, 9 a.m.
CAJUN JAM: Tante Marie, Breaux Bridge, 11 a.m.
LAFAYETTE HOLI FESTIVAL: Girard Park, Lafayette, 11 a.m.
CAJUN FRENCH MUSIC JAM: Vermilionville Living History Museum & Folklife Park, Lafayette, 1 p.m.
CAJUN JAM SESSION: Touchet’s Bar, Maurice, 2 p.m.
ABI CLAIR: Prejean’s, Broussard, 6 p.m.
AUDREY BROUSSARD: Charley G’s
Jamie Bergeron and the Kickin’ Cajuns play Lakeview Park in Eunice at 8 p.m. Saturday.
Seafood Grill, Lafayette, 6 p.m.
BOBBY DWYER AND HONKY TONK NONC: Agave, Youngsville, 6 p.m.
LIVE MUSIC: Jim Deggy’s Brick Oven Pizza & Brewery, Lafayette, 6 p.m.
LIVE MUSIC: Prejean’s, Broussard, 6 p.m.
ROUGAROU STOMP: Adopted Dog Brewing, Lafayette, 6 p.m.
DAVE BRUCE MUSIC: Tap Room, Youngsville, 6:30 p.m.
RAIKWON GREEN: Buck & Johnny’s, Breaux Bridge, 6:30 p.m.
THE CAST: SHUCKS!, Abbeville, 6:30 p.m.
NATE BARGATZE: “BIG DUMB EYES TOUR” (COMEDY): Cajundome, 7 p.m. JC MELANCON: Silver Slipper, Arnaudville, 7 p.m.
JUST US JAZZ: Whiskey and Vine, Lafayette, 7 p.m. THE JOSH MENDOZA
EXPERIENCE: Blue Moon Saloon, Lafayette, 8 p.m. JAMIE BERGERON AND THE KICKIN’ CAJUNS: Lakeview Park, Eunice, 8 p.m.
LUKE HUVAL BAND: La Poussiere Cajun Dancehall, Breaux Bridge, 8 p.m.
MICHAEL JUAN
NUNEZ: Hideaway on Lee, Lafayette, 8 p.m.
LIVE MUSIC: The Barrel of Broussard, Broussard, 8 p.m.
T J GAUTREAUX AND LOUISIANA SOUL: Toby’s Lounge, Opelousas, 8:30 p.m.
CHASING THE HOUR-
GLASS: Whiskey Tales, Henderson, 9 p.m.
KROSSFYRE: Rock ‘n’ Bowl de Lafayette, Lafayette, 9 p.m.
SUNDAY
THE SUNDAY PEOPLE: Whiskey & Vine, Lafayette, 11 a.m.
LIVE MUSIC: Tante Marie, Breaux Bridge, 11 a.m.
LES FRERES MICHOT: Prejean’s, Carencro, 11:30 a.m.
BAL DU DIMANCHE — RJ & KREOLE
SMOOVE: Vermilionville Living History Museum & Folklife Park, Lafayette, 1 p.m.
CAJUN JAM: Bayou Teche Brewing, Arnaudville, 2 p.m.
JAKE SPINELLA: Charley G’s Seafood Grill, Lafayette, 6 p.m.
TERRY, LUKE, AND PHILIP HUVAL: Prejean’s, Broussard, 6 p.m.
SWAMP BLUES REVIVAL: Silver Slipper, Arnaudville, 7 p.m.
MONDAY
PATRICIO LATINO SOLO: Cafe Habana City, Lafayette, 11 a.m.
ALYSSA MCMURRAY: Charley G’s Seafood Grill, Lafayette, 6 p.m.
BLUEGRASS JAM: Cité des Arts, Lafayette, 6:30 p.m.
TUESDAY
JACK WOODSON: Charley G’s Seafood Grill, Lafayette, 6 p.m. ROB SAXY: Whiskey and Vine, Lafayette,
TERRY HUVAL & FRIENDS: Prejean’s Restaurant, Lafayette, 6 p.m.
GREENLIGHT SES-
SIONS OPEN MIC: The Jefferson Street Greenroom, Lafayette, 7 p.m.
GROOVE ROOM: Blue Moon Saloon, Lafayette, 8 p.m.
WEDNESDAY DULCIMER JAM: St. Landry Visitor
NIGHT WITH DJ DONOVAN IN THE MIX: Cowboys Nightclub, Scott, 6 p.m. LIVE MUSIC: Naq’s-nDuson, Duson, 6 p.m. LIVE MUSIC: Charley G’s Seafood Grill, Lafayette, 6 p.m. DAP MUSIC: Tap Room, Lafayette, 8 p.m. KARAOKE PARTY — PANDA ENTERTAINMENT: Black Bull, Youngsville, 8 p.m.
Compiled by Marchaund Jones. Want your venue’s music listed? Email info/photos to showstowatch@ theadvocate.com. The deadline is noon FRIDAY for the following Friday’s paper
57. Actor Nathan Fillion is 55. Singer Fergie is 51. Former MLB catcher Buster Posey is 39. Singer Jessie J is 38. Rapper Lisa is 29. Actor-singer Halle Bailey is 26. Model Amelie Zilber is 24.
ARIEs (March 21-April 19) Divvy up your time according to importance first and preference second. A professional change will encourage greater socialization and encounters with those who enrich your life.
tAuRus (April 20-May 20) Change begins with you. Consider what makes life easier for you and start by altering your routine and surroundings. Fine-tune your life to ensure that you excel.
GEMInI (May 21-June 20) Initiate an exciting project. Call an old friend and catch up, attend a reunion or sign up for something that can enrich your mind, body or soul. Refuse to let what others do or say stand in your way.
cAncER (June 21-July 22) Avoid situations and people that make you feel vulnerable. Look for the good and the positive in everyone and follow your heart. Make your intentions and your feelings clear and explore what's possible.
LEo (July 23-Aug. 22) Do whatever it takes to reach your dreams. Doing some research or making plans with someone you want to get to know better will lift your spirits and give you hope. Take advantage of an opportunity
VIRGo (Aug 23-sept. 22) Use your skills, experience, fortitude and a proactive approach, and rewards will follow. Raise your awareness, and you'll find the happiness that comes from doing something that benefits others.
LIBRA (sept. 23-oct. 23) Stick close to home and unwind and reconsider your
priorities. The drive to combine the old with the new will help you piece together a timely and doable plan.
scoRPIo (oct. 24-nov. 22) Think big, muster up some energy and take physical action to ensure you reach your goal. Someone will push an emotional button. Don't ignore the message you receive
sAGIttARIus (nov. 23-Dec. 21) Focus on home and the people and pastimes that bring you joy. An investment or purchase may pique your interest, but you should be wary Your best return will come from home improvements that save you money
cAPRIcoRn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Keep your eye on what's happening around you. Someone will get in your way or lead you astray if you give them the chance. You can have fun if you don't overdo it and know when to stop.
AQuARIus (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) You are in a better position than you realize. A healthy lifestyle change will motivate you to update your look, express your feelings and follow your dreams.
PIscEs (Feb. 20-March 20) Sign up for something you enjoy doing and explore the possibilities. Size up situations quickly and move on until you connect with someone who feels like a good fit.
The horoscope, an entertainment feature, is not based on scientific fact. © 2026 by NEA, Inc., dist. By Andrews McMeel Syndication
toDAy's cLuE: H EQuALs V
FAMILY CIrCUS
CeLebrItY CIpher For better or For WorSe
SALLY Forth
beetLe bAILeY
Mother GooSe And GrIMM
SherMAn’S LAGoon
bIG nAte
Sudoku
InstructIons: Sudoku is anumber-placing puzzle based on a9x9 grid with several given numbers. Theobject is to place the numbers 1to9 in the empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once. Thedifficulty level of theSudoku increases from Monday to Sunday.
Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer
THewiZard oF id
BLondie
BaBY BLueS
Hi and LoiS
CurTiS
Bridge
By PHILLIP ALDER
Denis Waitley, amotivational speaker and author, said, “Thereason most peoplenever reach their goals is that they don’t definethem or even seriously consider them as believable or achievable. Winners can tell you wherethey are going, what they plan to do along the way, and whowill be sharing the adventure withthem.”
Abridge player knows his goal, but unless he counts winners and losers, he willoftennotreachit,andpartnerwould thenbesharing the failure withhim
In this deal, South reaches seven spades. After West leads the diamond queen, what shoulddeclarer do?
AlthoughSouth hadonly16high-card points,hehadsomanyplayingtricksthat he was right to jump-rebid two spades, whichguaranteedatleastfiveclubs(his first-bid suit) and was game-forcing. NorththenusedtwodosesofRomanKey CardBlackwood, learning first that his partner had three key cards (two aces and the spade king, or three aces), and second thathehad thespade queen and club king.
Southstarts with only nine top tricks: fourspades,twohearts,onediamondand two clubs. He needs to establish hisclub suit, whichwill generate extra club winnersandmoretrumptrickswithruffsin thedummy.Andusuallyinthissituation, it is right to play on the side-suit first. Declarerwinswithdummy’sdiamond ace, plays aclub to his ace, ruffs aclub lowonthe board, returnstohis hand withatrump,ruffsanotherclubwiththe spade jack, drawstrumps, and claims. ©2026 by NEA,Inc dist. By Andrews McMeel Syndication
Each Wuzzle is awordriddlewhich creates adisguised word, phrase, name, place, saying, etc. For example: NOON GOOD =GOOD AFTERNOON
Previous answers:
word game
InstRuctIons: 1. Words must be of fourormore letters. 2. Words that acquire fourletters by the addition of “s,”such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed.3 Additional words made by adding a“d” or an “s” may not be used. 4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit wordsare not allowed toDAy’s WoRD BIBELots: BEE-bih-loze: Trinkets
Average mark29words Time
Can you find 37 or morewords in BIBELOTS?
yEstERDAy’s WoRD —PAssWoRD
wuzzles
loCKhorNs
Don’t compromisethe Word of God. Read it. Believe it. Apply it. G.E. Dean
marmaduKe
Bizarro
hagar the horriBle
Pearls Before swiNe
garfield
B.C. PiCKles
mallard
PROCEEDINGS OF THE LAFAYETTE CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF THE CITY OF LAFAYETTE, STATEOFLOUISIANA, TAKEN AT AREGULAR MEETING OF MARCH 24, 2026 HELD AT 705 W.
UNIVERSITY AVENUE, LAFAYETTE, LA.
ATTENDANCE
COUNCIL:Kenneth Boudreaux (Chair,District 5), Liz Hebert (ViceChair,District 3) Elroy Broussard(District 1), Andy Naquin (District 2) and Thomas Hooks (District 4)
ABSENT:None
COUNCIL STAFF:Joseph Gordon-Wiltz (Clerk of the Council), Cindy M. Semien (Associate Clerk for Legislative Affairs) and Kelly Comeaux (Assistant Clerk for Legislative Affairs)
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF:Monique B. Boulet (Mayor-President), Rachel Godeaux (Chief Administrative Officer), Karen Fontenot (Chief Financial Officer), Robert A. Mahtook, Jr.(City-Parish Attorney) and Paul Escott (Assistant City-Parish Attorney)
(5:32:00) COMMENCEMENT
Call to order
Chair Boudreaux called the Regular City Council Meeting of March 24, 2026 to order
AGENDA ITEM NO. 1: Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
The Chair called upon Councilmember Naquin to cite an invocation and upon Councilmember Broussardtolead the Pledge of Allegiance.
WELCOME AND CHAIR ANNOUNCEMENTS
Chair Boudreaux made the following announcements:
•Liz Hebert, District 3isonher way and will be hereshortly;
•Due to the Mardi Gras holiday the Council Meetings in February and March will be on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month. The meetings will returntothe typical 1st and 3rdTuesdaysinApril;
•Wished ahappy birthday to Kevin Naquin, Constituent Services Advisor who celebrates his birthday on April 5th.
•Thanked Naquin for including Travis Griffin, Jr.inhis prayer
AGENDA ITEM NO. 2: COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS No Council Announcements weremade.
AGENDA ITEM NO. 3: EXECUTIVE/MAYOR-PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Boulet’sannouncements:
•The Legislative session is underway and thereare bills that can impact Lafayette.
•Working to build the Northeast Library with aCMAR contract and will need legislative approval to do so;
•The Easter Egg Hunt and Community Kickball Bash will be March 28th at Pa Davis Park at 120 Dawn Street, all arewelcome;
•40th Festival International Flag Raising at City Hall will be April 1st at 11 AM;
•39Festival International posters from each festival year areavailable for viewing in the City Hall atrium;
•Lafayette HazardMitigation Plan final public meeting is April 2nd at 10 AM in the Council auditorium.
EXECUTIVE SESSIONS
AGENDA ITEM NO. 4: Melanie Richard v. David Leblanc and Lafayette City-Parish Consolidated Government Docket No. C-20237251, Division L
Mahtook explained why it is appropriate and responsible for the Council to enter into executive session regarding this matter
Motion to enter into executive session by Naquin, seconded by Broussard, and the vote was as follows:
YEAS: Broussard, Naquin, Hooks, Boudreaux
NAYS: None
ABSENT:Hebert
ABSTAIN: None Motion to enter into executive session was approved.
Motion to returnfromexecutive session by Broussard, seconded by Naquin, and the vote was as follows:
YEAS: Broussard, Naquin, Hooks, Boudreaux
NAYS: None
ABSENT:Hebert
ABSTAIN: None Motion to returnfrom executive session was approved.
Motion to accept the recommendation of Risk Management and the CityParish Attorney; and authorizing the City-Parish Attorney to execute and deliver appropriate and necessary settlement documents, containing search terms and provisions as the City-Parish Attorney deems necessary or appropriate, to make appropriate budgetaryadjustments contingent on the execution of relevant settlement documents, in connection therewith by Naquin, seconded by Broussard, and the vote was as follows:
YEAS: Broussard, Naquin, Hooks, Boudreaux
NAYS: None
ABSENT:Hebert
ABSTAIN: None Motion to accept recommendations was approved.
AGENDA ITEM NO. 5: Mackenzie Brashier
v. Lafayette City-Parish Consolidated Government and Clinton Joseph Docket No. C-20253466 Division L
Mahtook explained why it is appropriate and responsible for the Council to enter into executive session regarding this matter
Motion to enter into executive session by Broussard, seconded by Naquin, and the vote was as follows:
YEAS: Broussard, Naquin, Hooks, Boudreaux
NAYS: None
ABSENT:Hebert
ABSTAIN: None
Motion to enter into executive session was approved.
Motiontoreturnfromexecutive session by Naquin, seconded by Hooks, and the vote was as follows:
YEAS: Broussard, Naquin, Hebert, Hooks, Boudreaux
NAYS: None
ABSENT:None
ABSTAIN: None
Motion to returnfrom executive session was approved.
Motiontoaccept the recommendation of Risk Management and the CityParish Attorney; and authorizing the City-Parish Attorney to execute and deliver appropriate and necessary settlement documents, containing search terms and provisions as the City-Parish Attorney deems necessary or appropriate, to make appropriate budgetaryadjustments contingent on the execution of relevant settlement documents, in connection therewith by Naquin,seconded by Hebert, and the vote was as follows:
YEAS: Broussard, Naquin, Hebert, Hooks, Boudreaux
NAYS: None
ABSENT:None
ABSTAIN: None Motion to accept recommendations was approved.
RESOLUTION
AGENDA ITEM NO. 6: CR-007-2026 Aresolution of the Lafayette City Council approving the amended FY 2026 budget of the Downtown Development Authority (“DDA”), the governing authority of the Lafayette Centre Development District (“LCDD”), motion to adopt by Naquin, seconded by Hooks, and the vote was as follows:
YEAS: Broussard, Naquin, Hebert, Hooks, Boudreaux
NAYS: None
ABSENT:None
ABSTAIN: None Motion to adopt was approved.
Kevin Blanchardsigned in to speak but only if therewerequestions.
JOINT RESOLUTIONS
AGENDA ITEM NO. 7: JR-006-2026 Ajoint resolution of the Lafayette City Council and the Lafayette Parish Council authorizing anon-warranty cash sale of 116 Ransome Street (Assessment Number 6018571) to an adjoining landowner pursuant to La. R.S. 47:2202(B) for the price of the sale’santicipated costs, motion to adopt by Broussard, seconded by Hebert Naquin made amotion to defer to April 7th, seconded by Hebert, and the vote was as follows: YEAS: Naquin, Hebert, Hooks, Boudreaux NAYS: Broussard
ABSENT:None ABSTAIN: None Motion to defer to April 7th was approved.
HaroldBernardannounced that he completed all the documents required to acquire116 Ransome Street. He requested the Council to vote in favor
Heather Blanchardstated that she and her husband consistently maintained 116 Ransome Street for the past year.She stressed that Bernardtold her that he thought that the City maintained the property Blanchardurged the Council to vote in opposition.
Kevin Blanchardnoted that the property has been adjudicated for many years and he and his wife followed the rules to obtain the property.He stated that in February 2025 he informed LCG that he wanted to acquire 116 Ransome Street and have been taking careofthe property
Comments on the vote to defer:
Harold Bernardstressed that the law states first come, first served. He noted that there was atremendous investment on his part.
Heather Blanchardwas called upon but passed her time to speak.
Kevin Blanchardurged the Council not to defer the resolution. He announced that he has been cutting the grass on 116 Ransome Street since February 2025. Blanchardrequested to speak to each
Councilmember individually if it is deferred.
AGENDA ITEM NO.8:JR-007-2026 Ajoint resolution of the Lafayette City Council and the Lafayette Parish Council authorizing anon-warranty cash sale of 211 Eleventh Street (Assessment Number 6049907) to an adjoining landowner pursuant to La. R.S. 47:2202(B) for the price of the sale’s anticipated costs, motion to adopt by Hebert, seconded by Broussard, and the vote was as follows:
YEAS: Broussard, Naquin, Hebert, Hooks, Boudreaux
NAYS: None
ABSENT:None
ABSTAIN: None Motion to adopt was approved.
AGENDA ITEM NO. 9: JR-008-2026 Ajoint resolution of the Lafayette City Council and the Lafayette Parish Council authorizing anon-warranty cash sale of 206 CarltonDrive (Assessment Number 6066849) to an adjoining landowner pursuant to La. R.S. 47:2202(B) for the price of the sale’s anticipated costs, motion to adopt by Naquin, seconded by Hebert, and the vote was as follows:
YEAS: Broussard, Naquin, Hebert, Hooks, Boudreaux
NAYS: None
ABSENT:None
ABSTAIN: None
Motion to adopt was approved.
One (1) citizen signed in support, but did not wish to speak.
REPORTAND/OR DISCUSSIONITEM
AGENDA ITEM NO.10: LPSS Updates Francis Touchet, Jr Lafayette Parish School System Superintendent, was not present due to another commitment. Ahandout of LPSS accomplishments and futureplans was provided to the Council
ORDINANCES FOR FINAL ADOPTION
AGENDA ITEM NO. 11: CO-014-2026 An ordinance of the Lafayette City Council authorizing the Lafayette City-Parish Consolidated Government to sell at public auction surplus vehicles and equipment which are no longer needed for public purposes, as per the attached list (Public Auction), motion to adopt by Broussard, seconded by Naquin, and the vote was as follows:
YEAS: Broussard, Naquin, Hebert, Hooks, Boudreaux
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None Motion to adopt was approved.
AGENDA ITEM NO. 12: CO-015-2026 An ordinance of the Lafayette City Council authorizing the Lafayette Mayor-President to enter into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement and Act of Transfer by and between the Lafayette City-Parish Consolidated government and the Judice Volunteer FireDepartment, Inc. concerning the transfer of asurplus 1997 cargo truck, motion to adopt by Hebert, seconded by Naquin, and the vote was as follows: YEAS: Broussard, Naquin, Hebert, Hooks, Boudreaux
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None Motion to adopt was approved.
AGENDA ITEM NO. 13: CO-017-2026 An ordinance of the Lafayette City Council approving aConditional Use Permit to allow abar/lounge in aD (Downtown) Zoning District, Case No. 2025-2-CUP 522 Jefferson Street CUP (Conditional Use Permit), located generally north of West Vermilion Street, west of Jefferson Street, and south of West Congress Street, motion to adopt by Broussard, seconded by Naquin.
Naquinmade amotion to remove Condition Item #5 of Section 2from the body of the ordinance, seconded by Hebert. Naquin later withdrew his motion.
Boudreaux made amotion to remove Condition Item #9 from the Lafayette Zoning Commission Recommendation of Action report; the motion died due to alack of asecond.
Naquinmade amotion to amend to include in the ordinance Conditions #6, #7 and #8 from the Lafayette Zoning Commission Recommendation of Action report, seconded by Broussard, and the vote was as follows:
YEAS: Broussard, Naquin, Hooks, Boudreaux
NAYS: Hebert
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Motion to amend to include in the ordinance Conditions #6, #7 and #8 from the Lafayette Zoning Commission Recommendation of Action report was approved.
And the vote to adopt as amended was as follows:
YEAS: Broussard, Boudreaux
NAYS: Naquin, Hebert, Hooks
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Motion to adopt as amended failed.
Seven (7) citizens signed in support, but did not wish to speak.
Stephanie Cornay Dougan noted her concernwith the change of property
Kevin Blanchardurged the Council to decline the CUP
Candace Papillion Haynes announced that she has been deeply invested in the growth of the downtown community.She noted that her mission is to create awelcoming space to the already diverse and vibrant business community.Haynes stated that they arecommitted to making a meaningful economic impact. She requested the Council to vote in favor
Alex Montgomery requested the Council to vote in favor
Shalin Dean stressed that the terms have been egregious. He noted that he has invested five (5) years into the Downtown area.
Nidal Balbeisi stated that thereisa negative energy regarding the Downtown area.
Comments on the Amendment: Stephanie Cornay Dougan was not present when called upon.
Kevin Blanchardrequested the Council to include Condition #2 (open containers of any kind arenot allowed to leave the property) from the recommendation list of the report.
Candace Papillion Haynes stated that she is good with the conditions for
trash, the security plan and stipulation for alicensed security guard.
Alex Montgomery was called upon but passed his turn to speak.
Shalin Dean requested clarification for the disposal of trash and the stipulation for alicensed security guard. Boudreaux explained in detail
Nidal Balbeisi encouraged the Council to vote in support.
AGENDA ITEM NO. 14: CO-018-2026 An ordinance of the Lafayette City Council amending the Lafayette Development Code so as to reclassify the property of Case No.2025-30-REZ 323 Rue de Commerce Rezoning, located generallynorth of Industrial Parkway,east of
NAYS: None ABSENT:None ABSTAIN: None Motion to adopt was approved.
follows: YEAS: Broussard, Naquin, Hebert, Hooks, Boudreaux
AGENDA ITEM NO. 15: CO-019-2026 An ordinance of the Lafayette City Council amending the Lafayette Development Code and the official map of the City of Lafayette, providing for the annexation of additional land into the corporate limits of the City of Lafayette, Louisiana, Case No. 20261-REZ 144 &146 Lebesque Road (Tract 12 &13B) Annexation, located generally north of Lebesque Road, west of North University Avenue, and south of Dugas Road; and assigning azoning classification of RS-1 (Residential Single-Family) (District 1), motion to adopt by Broussard, seconded by Naquin, and the vote was as follows: YEAS: Broussard, Naquin, Boudreaux
NAYS: Hooks
ABSENT:Hebert
ABSTAIN: None Motion to adopt was approved.
AGENDA ITEM NO. 16: CO-020-2026Anordinance of the Lafayette City Council amending the Lafayette DevelopmentCode and the official map of the City of Lafayette, providing for the annexation of additional land into the corporate limits of the City of Lafayette, Louisiana, Case No. 2026-2REZ 262 Ridge Road (Tracts 3-5) Annexation, located generally north of Ridge Road, east of South Domingue Avenue, and south of Curran Lane; and assigning azoning classification of CH (Commercial-Heavy) (District 2), motion to adopt by Naquin, seconded by Hooks, and the vote wasas follows:
YEAS: Broussard, Naquin, Hooks, Boudreaux
NAYS: None
ABSENT:Hebert
ABSTAIN: None Motion to adopt was approved.
Neil Bates signed in to speak, but only if therewerequestions.
AGENDA ITEM NO. 17: CO-021-2026Anordinance of the Lafayette City Council amending the Lafayette DevelopmentCode so as to reclassify the property of Case No. 2026-3-REZ 1115 South Hugh Wallis Road Rezoning, located generally north of East VerotSchool Road, east of South Hugh Wallis Road, and south of Rue Conge Circle; being rezoned from RM-1 (Residential Mixed) to CH (Commercial Heavy), motion to adopt by Broussard, seconded by Naquin, and the vote wasasfollows: YEAS: Broussard, Naquin, Hooks, Boudreaux
NAYS: None
ABSENT:Hebert
ABSTAIN: None Motion to adopt was approved.
Bret Hollier signed in to speak, but only if there werequestions.
INTRODUCTORYORDINANCES
Amotion to introduce agenda items 18 thru 21, in globo, was offered by Naquin, seconded by Broussard.
18. CO-022-2026 An ordinance of the Lafayette City Council authorizing the Lafayette Mayor-President to enter into
19.
Mayor-President to enter into aCooperative Endeavor Agreement and Act of Donation by and between Lafayette City-Parish Consolidated Government and the Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government concerning the donation of asurplus RAM 2016 Crew Cab pickup.
20. CO-024-2026Anordinance
21.
An ordinance of the Lafayette City Council authorizing the Lafayette Mayor-President to execute aCooperative Endeavor Agreement by and between Lafayette City-Parish Consolidated Government and Lafayette CentreDevelopmentDistrict D/B/A DowntownDevelopmentAuthority for aDowntown-Urban Core RedevelopmentPlan;
(items
The Chair then called for avote
thru 21), in globo, and the vote was as follows: YEAS: Broussard, Naquin, Hooks, Boudreaux NAYS: None ABSENT:Hebert ABSTAIN: None Motion to introduce, in globo, was approved.
Comments for Item #21: Kevin Blanchardsigned in to speak but only if there werequestions.
JOINT INTRODUCTORYORDINANCES
Amotion to introduce agenda items 22 and 23, in globo, was offered by Broussard, seconded by Naquin.
22. JO-008-2026 Ajoint ordinance of the Lafayette City Council and the Lafayette Parish Council amending the FY 25/26 capital budget of the Lafayette City-Parish Consolidated Government by transferring $150,000 from the Environmental Quality fund balance to the Environmental Quality Convenience Center Project within the Capital Improvements Department, Environmental Quality Division for additional funding needed.
23. JO-009-2026 Ajoint ordinance of the Lafayette City Council and the Lafayette Parish Council amending the FY 25/26 capital budget of the Lafayette City-Parish Consolidated Government by transferring $180,000 from the Environmental Quality net income to the Dean Domingues Compost Facility within the Capital Improvements Department, Environmental Quality Division for additional funding needed.
The Chair then called for avote to introduce the ordinances (items 22 and 23), in globo, and the vote was as follows: YEAS: Broussard, Naquin, Hooks, Boudreaux
NAYS: None
ABSENT:Hebert ABSTAIN: None Motion to introduce, in globo, was approved.
COMMENT(S) FROM THE PUBLIC
AGENDA ITEM NO. 24: Comments from the public on any other matter(s) not on an agenda and arewithin the legislative power of the Lafayette City Council.
Dr.Joe Abraham signed in to speak, but was not present whencalled upon. He provided handouts for the Council.
Donald Hargrave signed in to speak, but wasnot present when called upon.
Emilia Pardo announced her candidacy for Lafayette City Court Judge. She stated that she has been aprosecutor for 16 years and that she is compassionate and fair.Pardo noted that the community is only as strong as the systems that areinplace. She urged all to vote for her on November 3rd.
Boudreaux noted that Francis Touchet, Jr Lafayette Parish School System Superintendent, apologized for leaving the Council meeting beforehis presentation. Boudreaux stated that Touchet urged the Council to review the handout that he provided.
(7:47:00) ADJOURN
Therebeing no further business to come beforethe Council, Chair Boudreaux declared the Regular Meeting adjourned.
/s/ Joseph Gordon-Wiltz JOSEPH GORDON-WILTZ, LAFAYETTE CLERK OF THE COUNCIL
public shall be adhered to.
SECTION 7: Any opposition to this ordinance shall be made in writing and filed with the Office of the Clerkofthe Council within 15 days of first publication.
SECTION 8: All ordinances or resolutions, or parts thereof, in conflict herewith arehereby repealed.
SECTION 9: This ordinance shall become effective upon signatureof the Lafayette Mayor-President, the elapse of ten (10) days after receipt by theLafayette Mayor-President without signatureorveto, or uponoverride of aveto, whichever occurs first.
CITY ORDINANCE NO. CO-015-2026
AN ORDINANCE OF THE LAFAYETTE CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE LAFAYETTE MAYOR-PRESIDENT TOENTER INTO A COOPERATIVE ENDEAVOR AGREEMENT AND ACT OF TRANSFER BY AND BETWEEN THE LAFAYETTE CITY-PARISH CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT AND THE JUDICE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC. CONCERNING THE TRANSFER OF ASURPLUS 1997 CARGO TRUCK
BE IT ORDAINED by the Lafayette City Council, that:
WHEREAS,Article VII, Section 14(C) of the Constitution of the State of Louisiana provides that, “For apublic purpose, the state and its political subdivisions. ..may engage in cooperative endeavors with each other,with the United States or its agencies, or with any public or private association, corporation, or individual;” and WHEREAS,the Parish of Lafayette and the Judice Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. (hereinafter referredtoas“Judice VFD”)haveexecuted that certain Cooperative Endeavor Agreement for Firefighting Services in Lafayette Parish, with an effective date of November 1, 2025; and WHEREAS,Lafayette City-Parish Consolidated Government(hereinafter referred to as “LCG”) is the owner of a1997 cargo truck, bearing VIN AT004498ECAF (hereinafter referred to as the “Cargo Truck”); and WHEREAS,the Cargo Truck is no longer needed by LCG due to normal wear and tear,mileage, and hours operated and, therefore, is considered surplus property; and WHEREAS,the Judice VFD is in need ofthe Cargo Truck for public safety; and WHEREAS,inconsideration for the firefighting services provided by the Judice VFD within parts of the Parish of Lafayette and to promote the public health, safety and welfareofthe Parish and City of Lafayette, LCG desires to convey,transfer,assign and deliver to theJudiceVFD the Cargo Truck, subject to the terms and conditions provided in the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement attached herewith; and WHEREAS,La. R.S. 33:4712 provides that before dispositionofthe property an ordinance must be introduced giving the reasonsfor the action, and fixing the terms of the contract; and
WHEREAS,Section 2-11(11) of the Home Rule Charter of LCG requires theadoption of an ordinance for the conveyance of property owned by LCG; and WHEREAS,for the reasons noted herein, it is the opinion of the Lafayette City Council that the Cargo Truck is no longer needed for public purposes and thus, surplus property; and
WHEREAS,the Lafayette City Council desires to transfer title in the Cargo Truck to the Judice VFD and deems the transfer of the Cargo Truck to the Judice VFD to be in the best interest of the citizens of City of Lafayette. NOW,THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED by the Lafayette City Council, that:
SECTION 1: All of the aforedescribed “Whereas” clauses areherein adoptedaspart of this ordinance.
SECTION 2: The Lafayette Mayor-President is hereby authorized to transfer title in the Cargo Truck,which is movable surplus property no longer needed for apublic purpose, to the Judice VFD, and to execute all documents needed to effectuate the transfer of title in the Cargo Truck to theJudice VFD, including, but not limited to, the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement and Act of Transfer,insubstantially the same formasattached herewith.
SECTION 3: LCG shall adheretoall requirements of State law pertaining to the disposal of surplus property no longer needed for public purposes, including, notice of this ordinance to the public, shall be adheredto.
SECTION 4: Any opposition to this ordinance shall be made in writing and filed with the Office of the Clerkofthe Council within 15 days of first publication.
SECTION 5: All ordinances and resolutions, or parts thereof, in conflict herewith arehereby repealed.
SECTION 6: This ordinance shall become effective upon the signature of the Lafayette Mayor-President, the elapse of ten (10) days after receipt by theLafayette Mayor-Presidentwithout signatureorveto, or uponoverride of aveto, whichever occurs first. ** ***
CITY ORDINANCE NO. CO-018-2026 AN ORDINANCE OF THE LAFAYETTE CITY COUNCIL AMENDING THE LAFAYETTE DEVELOPMENT CODE SO AS TO RECLASSIFY THE PROPERTY OF CASE NO. 2025-30-REZ 323 RUE DE COMMERCE REZONING, LOCATED GENERALLYNORTH OF INDUSTRIAL PARKWAY,EAST OF RUE BEAUREGARD, AND SOUTH OF RUE DE COMMERCE; BEING REZONED FROM CH (COMMERCIAL-HEAVY) TO CM-1 (COMMERCIAL MIXED)
BE IT ORDAINED by the Lafayette City Council, that:
SECTION 1: The Lafayette Development Code is hereby amended so as to reclassify Case No. 2025-30-REZ 323 Rue de Commerce Rezoning located generally north of Industrial Parkway,eastofRue Beauregard, and south of Rue de Commerce, the particular parcel being rezoned from CH
(Commercial-Heavy) to CM-1 (Commercial Mixed); the said parcel being shown and identified on amap titled,“Plat Showing Rezoning of Property Belonging to DesignerProperties,LLC”, prepared by Sellers &Associates, Inc., dated November6,2025, acopy of which is attached hereto and made apart thereof
SECTION 2: All ordinances or resolutions, or parts thereof,inconflict herewith areherebyrepealed
SECTION 3: This ordinanceshall become effectiveupon signatureof the Lafayette Mayor-President, the elapse of ten (10) days after receiptby the Lafayette Mayor-President without signatureorveto, or upon an override of aveto, whichever occurs first. *** ** CITYORDINANCE NO. CO-019-2026
AN ORDINANCE OF THELAFAYETTE CITYCOUNCIL AMENDING THELAFAYETTE DEVELOPMENT CODE AND THEOFFICIAL MAP OF THECITY OF LAFAYETTE,PROVIDINGFOR THEANNEXATION OF ADDITIONAL LAND INTO THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THECITY OF LAFAYETTE,LOUISIANA, CASE NO. 2026-1-REZ 144 &146 LEBESQUE ROAD (TRACT12& 13B) ANNEXATION, LOCATED generally NORTH OF LEBESQUEROAD, WEST OF NORTHUNIVERSITY AVENUE, AND SOUTH OF DUGAS ROAD; AND ASSIGNING AZONING CLASSIFICATION OF RS-1 (RESIDENTIAL SINGLE-FAMILY) (DISTRICT 1)
BE IT ORDAINED by the Lafayette City Council, that:
SECTION 1: The Lafayette Development Code and official map of the City of Lafayette areherebyamended so as to annex Case No. 2026-1-REZ 144 &146 Lebesque Road (Tract 12 &13B) Annexation, located generally north of Lebesque Road, west of North University Avenue, and south of DugasRoad; and assigning azoning classification of RS-1 (Residential Single-Family). Refer to survey“Map of Proposed Extension for City of Lafayette, Louisiana, Corporate Limits, Located in Section 10, T9S-R4E”, prepared by: Lafayette City-ParishConsolidated Government, Lafayette UtilitiesSystem; acopy is attached hereto and made apart thereof
SECTION 2: The foregoing described property is located within Lafayette City Council District No. 1.
SECTION 3: The description of the property to be annexed is as follows:
Beginning at apoint on the existing City of Lafayette corporate limits, said point is the southeasterly property corner of SARAH ANNCOMEAUX CLAVELLE, the northeasterly property corner of TIMOTHY PAUL DENAIS KIMBERLYDAVID DENAIS, JOHN QUEBEDEAUX JR &MARIANNE DAVID QUEBEDEAUX, and the westerly right-of-way of LA 182 NUniversity Ave, thence ±18.50 easttothe westerly right-of-wayofLA182 University Ave, and the westerly road edge of LA 182 University Avetoa point, thence ±935.00’ southeastalong the westerly right-of-wayofLA182 University Ave, and the westerly road edge of LA 182 University Avetoa point, thence acurve southwest at the corner of LA 182 University Aveand Lebesque Rd to apoint, thence ±1,248.00’ westalong the northerly right-of-wayofLebesque Rd, andthe northerly road edge of Lebesque Rd to apoint, thence ±16.00’ north through the right-of-wayofLebesque Rd, to the southwest property corner of MARIA GESCUTIA to apoint, thence N00º01’22”W,a distance of approximately 431.32’, along the westerly property line of MARIA GESCUTIA,and the easterly property line of LOIS CARMOUCHE GUILLORY to acorner point, thence N89º48’48”E, adistance of approximately 59.98’, along the northerly property line of MARIA GESCUTIA,and the southerly property line of KIMBERLYDAVID to apoint, thence N89º48’48”E, adistance of approximately 119.90’, along the northerly property line of MARIA GESCUTIA,and the southerly property lines of KIMBERLYDAVID &LYNETTE DAVID to acorner point, thence S00º09’20”E, adistance of approximately 431.00’, along the easterly property line of MARIA GESCUTIA,and the westerly property line of WILSON CARMOUCHE (ESTATE) to acorner point, thence N89º55’21”E, adistance of approximately 119.95’, along the southerly property line of WILSON CARMOUCHE (ESTATE), and the northerly right-of-wayofLebesque Rd to apoint, thence N89º55’21”E, adistance of approximately 118.95’, along the southerly property line of CHRISTOPHER TROY LANDRY&KIERRA VONDELL FRANKLIN LANDRY, and the northerly right-of-wayofLebesque Rd to apoint, thence N89º55’21”E, adistance of approximately 117.95’, along the southerly property line of DENISENICOLE MITCHELL HUDSON &AMANDA
MARIE MITCHELL, and the northerly right-of-way of Lebesque Rd to apoint, thence N89º55’21”E, adistance of approximately 116.95’, along the southerly property line of MICHAEL JAMAL BABINEAUX, GERALD MARLOW SIMPKINS& NIYEMAHJOLI BABINEAUX, and the northerly right-of-wayofLebesque Rd to apoint, thence N89º55’21”E, adistance of approximately 115.95’, along the southerly property line of RITAZENO WILLIAMS &CHRISTOPHER J WILLIAMS, and the northerly right-of-wayofLebesque Rd to apoint, thence N89º55’21”E, adistance of approximately 114.95’, along the southerly property line of JOSEPH CLEMENT CARMOUCHE &CHERYL MARIE RICHARD CARMOUCHE, and the northerly right-of-way of Lebesque Rd to apoint, thence N89º55’21”E, adistance of approximately 182.40’, along the southerly property lines of RACHEL CORMIER, SANDRA CORMIER, RHONDA CORMIER WILMER &AMANDA LYNN CARMOUCHE COLE, and thenortherly right-of-way of Lebesque Rd to apoint, thence N89º55’21”E, adistance of approximately 213.60’, along the southerly property line of JANELLE CARMOUCHE PAUL (ESTATE), AUDRETA MARIE CARMOUCHE BROUSSARD, SHEILA ANNCARMOUCHE MASON &JASON PAUL CARMOUCHE, and the northerly right-of-wayofLebesque Rd to apoint, thence N35º51’12”E, adistance of approximately 59.10’, along the southeasterly property line of JANELLE CARMOUCHE PAUL (ESTATE), AUDRETAMARIE CARMOUCHE BROUSSARD,SHEILA ANNCARMOUCHE MASON &JASON PAUL CARMOUCHE, to apoint, thence N17º58’20”W,a distance of approximately 61.90’, along the easterly property line of JANELLE CARMOUCHE PAUL (ESTATE), AUDRETAMARIE CARMOUCHE BROUSSARD, SHEILA ANNCARMOUCHE MASON & JASON PAUL CARMOUCHE, and the westerly right-of-way of LA 182 University Avetoa point, thence N17º58’20”W,adistance of approximately 111.70’, along the easterly property line of JANELLE CARMOUCHE PAUL (ESTATE), AUDRETA MARIE CARMOUCHE BROUSSARD, SHEILA ANNCARMOUCHE MASON &JASON PAUL CARMOUCHE, and the westerly right-of-way of LA 182 University Avetoa point, thence N13º42’30”W,adistance of approximately 111.70’, along the easterly property line of JASON PCARMOUCHE &DEBRA ANNBROWN, andthe westerly right-of-wayofLA182 University Avetoapoint, thence N13º42’30”W,adistance of approximately 111.70’, along the easterly property line of KEVIN BENJAMIN &MAURINE CARMOUCHE, and the westerly right-of-wayofLA182 University Avetoa point, thence N08º12’27”W,adistance of approximately 137.26’, along the easterly property line of ROSS ELLIS DAVID &ANGELICA PRIMEAUX DAVID, and the westerly right-of-wayofLA182 University Avetoa point, thence N09º24’21”W,a distance of approximately 30.67’, along the easterly property line of ROSS ELLIS DAVID &ANGELICA PRIMEAUX DAVID, and the westerly right-of-wayofLA182 University Avetoa point, thence N09º55’18”W,adistance of approximately 394.91’, along the easterly property line of TIMOTHY PAUL DENAIS,KIMBERLYDAVID DENAIS, JOHN QUEBEDEAUX JR &MARIANNE DAVID QUEBEDEAUX, and the westerly right-of-wayofLA182 University Avetoa point, which is alsothe existing City of Lafayette corporate limits and the point of beginning, all as shown on the attached incorporation map prepared
INC which is also the existing City of Lafayette corporate limits to acorner point, thence N89º45’50”W, adistance of approximately 430.64’, along the southerly property line of TISA BARRAS PATIN &SHEILA BARRAS ROBERTS, and the northerly right-of-way of Ridge Rd which is also the existing City of Lafayette corporate limits to acorner point, thence N00º09’16”E, adistance of approximately 569.55’, along the westerly property line of TISA BARRAS PATIN &SHEILA BARRAS ROBERTS, and the easterly property line of RANDOLPH TRUST to acorner point, thence S89º50’56”W, adistance of approximately 28.65’, along the southwesterly property line of TISA BARRAS PATIN &SHEILA BARRAS ROBERTS, and the northerly property line of RANDOLPH TRUST to acorner point, thence N07º10’55”W, adistance of approximately 196.74’, along the westerly property line of TISA BARRAS PATIN &SHEILA BARRAS ROBERTS, and the easterly property line of ADKINVESTMENTS INCtoapoint, thence N07º10’55”W, adistance of approximately 29.92’, along the westerly property line of TISA BARRAS PATIN &SHEILA BARRAS ROBERTS, and the easterly property line of ADKINVESTMENTS INCtoacorner point, thence N50º03’23”E, adistance of approximately 53.04’, along the northwesterly property line of TISA BARRAS PATIN &SHEILA BARRAS ROBERTS, and the southeasterly property line of MAURICELANTIER FAMILYLLC to acorner point, which is also the existing City of Lafayette corporate limits and the point of beginning, all as shownonthe attached incorporation map prepared by Lafayette City -Parish Consolidated Government -Lafayette Utilities System, dated October 2, 2025 entitled, MAP OF PROPOSED EXTENSION FORCITY OF LAFAYETTE, LOUISIANA, CORPORATE LIMITS, LOCATED IN SECTION 8, T10S-R4E,262 RIDGE RD (TRACTS 3-5) ANNEXATIONAPPROX. 5.893 ACRES SECTION 4: All ordinances or resolutions, or parts thereof, in conflict herewith arehereby repealed. SECTION 5: This ordinance shall become effective upon the elapse of 30 days after publication or posting, pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statute 33:173, et seq CITY ORDINANCE NO. CO-021-2026 AN ORDINANCE OF THE LAFAYETTE CITY COUNCIL AMENDING THE LAFAYETTE DEVELOPMENT CODE SO AS TO RECLASSIFY THE PROPERTY OF CASENO. 2026-3-REZ1115 SOUTH HUGH WALLIS ROAD REZONING,LOCATED GENERALLY NORTH OF EAST VEROTSCHOOL ROAD, EASTOFSOUTH HUGHWALLIS ROAD, AND SOUTH OF RUECONGECIRCLE; BEING REZONED FROMRM-1 (RESIDENTIAL MIXED) TO CH (COMMERCIAL-HEAVY) BE IT ORDAINED by the Lafayette City Council, that:
SECTION 1: The Lafayette DevelopmentCode is hereby amended so as to reclassify Case No.
