The Acadiana Advocate 04-24-2026

1 dead, 5 wounded in BR shooting

3 Lafayette teens among the victims of incident at mall

BY ANDREA GALLO, AIDAN McCAHILL, PATRICK SLOAN-TURNER

JAN RISHER

One person was killed and five others injured Thursday as gunfire rang out at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge when an argument between two groups of people in the food court escalated into violence, police said.

Bystanders, including three As-

cension Episcopal School students from Lafayette who visited the mall on their “senior skip day,” were struck by bullets in the crossfire. They and others were rushed to hospitals with injuries. By later Thursday, law enforcement and hospital officials said one had died, another was in critical condition and the rest were stable. Law enforcement descended en masse to the mall after receiving the “shots fired” report at 1:22 p.m. Police initially warned at least one

shooter was at large, and by late afternoon, they announced they had taken five people into custody By Thursday night, police said that while they had detained people involved, they had not officially made arrests yet. Authorities said they were still trying to piece together the argument that led to the shooting, but Baton Rouge Police Chief T.J. Morse said it “looks like guns were

SCENE SETTER

As festival gets underway, Lafayette police ready for crowds

BY KRISTIN ASKELSON and CLAIRE TAYLOR Staff writers

Lafayette police are out in force, as planned, as Festival International de Louisiane returns to downtown Lafayette for its 40th year this week

The city police department’s plan for keeping festivalgoers, musicians and merchants safe is unchanged in the wake of the arrest Wednesday of a North Carolina man who was planning a mass shooting at a New Orleans festival.

Brittany Joseph, left, and Drake LeBlanc groove at Festival International de Louisiane on Wednesday.

Law enforcement did not specify which festival was the alleged target, but the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is underway this weekend and next. Christopher Gillum, a former police officer was arrested at a Destin, Florida, hotel with a handgun and around 200 rounds of ammunition. He was allegedly on his way to New Orleans to execute a mass shooting and planned to die at the hands of police. Lafayette police Sgt. Robin Green, public information officer, said Thursday that when the department prepared its safety plan for Festival International, it planned for hypothetical

Smoking pot near any La. campus could become felony

Some leaders say drug laws violated at football games

BY ALYSE PFEIL

Staff writer

Louisiana could soon make it a felony to smoke marijuana within 2,000 feet of any school or college campus in Louisiana, as some state leaders say people are flagrantly violating drug laws at college football games and other school events.

But opponents, including some Republicans, say it’s too harsh to put people in prison for using pot when most of the country is scaling back enforcement against the drug.

“House Bill 568 is about one simple principle: Drug-free school zones should actually be drugfree,” said Rep. Gabe Firment, R-Pollock, while presenting his bill before Louisiana House members Wednesday

“What law enforcement is seeing on school campuses and during large public events like college football games is open, visible marijuana use in front of families and children with little meaningful consequence,” he said.

Firment said he is sponsoring the bill “in collaboration” with the office of Gov Jeff Landry

But Democrats and some Republicans were leery of the harsher penalties.

“Have you ever been to an LSU football game?” Rep. Barbara Freiberg, R-Baton Rouge, asked Firment during debate on the bill.

“I think that’s the impetus for the bill,”

See SMOKING, page 7A “What law enforcement is seeing on school campuses and during large public events like college football games is open, visible marijuana use in front of families and children with little meaningful consequence.”

STAFF

PHOTOS By BRAD BOWIE

Rusty Metoyer and the Zydeco Krush perform as Zydeco Night kicks off Festival International de Louisiane on Wednesday at the Scene Fais Do Do stage in downtown Lafayette.

STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

Baton Rouge Police Chief TJ Morse speaks to reporters outside the Mall of Louisiana on Thursday after a shooting left one person dead.

At least 17 Somalis die after boat capsizes MOGADISHU,Somalia Aboat capsized in waters between Algeria and Spain, leaving at least 17 Somalimigrantsdead, Somalia’sambassadortoAlgeria said Thursday Ambassador Yusuf Ahmed Hassan told Somali state media that he was contacted bydistressedparents searchingfor information about their missing relatives. The victims include 12 menand five women who drowned when their boatcapsized while attemptingthe oftendangerous journey to Europe

“I was reached by parents who were looking for their children and wanted to know their whereabouts,” he said

Hassan said that he then contacted the AlgerianForeign Ministry,which informedhim that agroup of African migrants had died in acoastalprovince about 60 miles west of the capital, Algiers.

The route between North Africaand Spain is one of several commonly used by migrants seeking to reachEurope, often involving overcrowded and unseaworthy boats.

Shipwrecks are frequent along theseroutes, particularly in the western Mediterranean and Atlantic corridors, where thousands of migrants risk their lives each year fleeing conflict, poverty and climate-related hardships.

Somali migrants are among those increasingly undertaking such journeys, driven by insecurity,limited economic opportunities andprolonged drought conditions at home.

Algerian authorities haven’t yetreleased full detailsabout the latest tragedy,including the total number of passengers on board or how the boat capsized

PROVIDED PHOTO

Anewly erected historical marker on ahighwaynearEllerbe,N.C., celebrates Andre the Giant.

Marker in N.C. town honorsAndreThe Giant

ELLERBE,N.C. Andre The Giant, atowering menace in thewrestlingring butagentle giant on the movie screen, is being honored with aroadside markerin his beloved adopted small town in North Carolina.

Officials unveiled the marker ThursdayinEllerbe, North Carolina, acommunity of about 1,000 people where the wrestler born Andre Rene Roussimoff livedon aranch just outside town.

Roussimoff wasbilledat 7-foot-4 and 520 pounds during his time wrestling for the WWE in the 1970s and 1980s Alargerthan life villain, Roussimoff was touted as unbeatable until he faced Hulk Hogan in a match in 1987 at WrestleMania IIIthat launched the once regional wrestling companyintoa nationwide entertainment force.

Later that year,Roussimoff appeared on film as the giant Fezzik in “The Princess Bride.” Fezzik was the gentle-hearted muscle forthe antagonist and needed rhymes to remember his instructions.

Roussimoff was born in France. But as he wrestled around the U.S. South he fell in love with the region,buying his North Carolina ranch andraisingcattleonhis landabout60 miles east of Charlotte. He became acritical part of the Ellerbe community.In1990, he taped TV and radio spots against apossible low-level radioactive landfill nearby.Apair of his size-26 cowboy boots are kept at amuseum.

Roussimoff died in 1993 at age 46 in France where he was visiting for his father’sfuneral. They hadaservice for him there, but hisbodywas cremated andhis ashes spread at his beloved ranch. BRIEFS

TrumpordersNavyto‘kill’boats

PresidentsaysIraniansare deploying minestoblock trafficinStraitofHormuz

BY JON GAMBRELL,JAMEY KEATEN and AAMER MADHANI Associated Press

DUBAI,UnitedArabEmirates—

President Donald Trump has ordered the U.S. military to “shoot andkill” small Iranian boats that deploy mines in the Strait of Hormuz, he saidThursday,aday after Iran againdisplayed itsabilitytothwart trafficthrough the channel.

Trump’spost on social media came shortly after the U.S.military seized another tanker associated with thesmuggling of Iranian oil, ratcheting up astandoffwith Tehran over the strait through which 20% of all crude oil and naturalgas traded passes.

“I have ordered theUnited States Navy to shoot and kill any boat, small boats though theymay be that is putting mines in the waters of theStraitofHormuz,” Trump posted, adding that U.S. minesweepers“areclearing theStrait right now.”

“I am herebyordering that activity to continue, but atatripled up level!”headded.

Meanwhile,itwas still unclear when,orif, the two sides would meet againinthe Pakistani capital, Islamabad, where mediators are trying to bringthe countries together to reach adiplomatic deal.

Negotiations initially planned for this week have not happened. Iran insistsitwill not attenduntil the U.S. ends itsblockade on Iranian portsand ships. America insists it will not take

part until Tehran opens the strait to international traffic.

Footageshows U.S. forces on deck of tanker

TheDefenseDepartment released video footage earlier Thursday of U.S. forces on the deck of the Guinea-flagged oil tanker Majestic X, which was seized in theIndian Ocean.

The footage emerged aday after Iran’sparamilitary Revolutionary Guard attacked three cargoships in thestrait, capturingtwo of them in an assault that raised newconcerns about thesafety of shipping through thewaterway

Thepowerfulhead of Iran’s judiciary,Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejei, said three “violating ships” in the straitwere“subject to enforcement” on Wednesday

“The show of strength by thearmed forces of Islamic Iraninthe Strait of Hormuz is asource of pride,” he wroteThursdayonX,claiming that the Americans“lackthe courage” to approach thestrait.

Ship-tracking data showed the MajesticXin the IndianOcean between Sri Lanka andIndonesia, roughly thesamelocation as the oil tanker Tifani, which was seized earlier by American forces. It had been bound for Zhoushan, China.

The vessel previously hadbeen named Phonixand hadbeensanctionedbythe U.S. Treasury Department in 2024 for smuggling Iranian crude oilincontravention of U.S. sanctions against theIslamic Republic.

There was no immediate response from Iran about the seizure.

TrumpclaimsleadershipriftinIran

Trumpthis week extended aceasefire to give thebatteredIranian leadershipmoretimeto comeupwitha “unified proposal”onendingthe war,while maintaininganAmerican blockade of Iranian ports.

In aseparate post Thursday, Trump claimed a leadership rift between moderates andhardliners wasconfounding Iran.

“Iran is having avery hard timefiguring out who their leader is! They just don’tknow!” Trumpsaid.

The president hasrepeatedly said over the course of the ceasefire that began on April 8 thathis team is dealing with Iranian officials whowant to makeadeal, while acknowledging that his decision to kill several top leaders has come with complications.

Iran’spresident and its parliament speaker posted almostidentical statements on social media declaring that the country has no hardliners or moderates. “Weare all Iranians and revolutionaries,” they said.

Aspokespersonfor the IranianForeign Ministry said Trump’sclaim of aleadership rift was “a form of deflection.” Other Iranian officials said on social media thatthe country wasunited. Threatstoshippingpersist

Since the Feb. 28 start of the war between Iran, Israel and the United States, over 30 ships have come underattack in the waters of the PersianGulf, the Strait of Hormuz andthe Gulf of Oman.

The threat of attack, rising insurance premiumsand other fears have stopped traffic from moving through thestrait. Iran’sability to restricttraffic through the strait, whichleads from the Persian Gulf to the open ocean, has proved amajor strategic advantage.

Jakob Larsen, the head of maritimesecurity for BIMCO, the largest internationalassociation representing shipowners, said in anote Thursday that most shipping companies need astable ceasefire and assurances from both sides of the conflict that the strait is safe for transit.

Trump: Lebanon, Israel agreetoextendceasefire

BY MATTHEW LEE and BASSEM MROUE Associated Press

WASHINGTON President Donald TrumpsaidIsraeland Lebanon have agreed to extend aceasefire betweenIsraeland Hezbollah by three weeksafter talks at the White House on Thursday Trump said the meeting between theambassadors of Israel and Lebanon to the United States went “very well.” The meeting was the second high-level talks between the two countries since lastweek Theinitial 10-day ceasefire, which took effectlastFriday,had been due to expire on Monday “The United States is going to work with Lebanon in order to help it protect itself from Hezbollah,”

Trump said in asocial media post He added that he is looking forward to meeting in personwithIsraeli Prime Minister BenjaminNetanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun “in the near future..” Trump greeted Lebanese Ambas-

sador to the U.S. Nada Hamadeh Moawad andher Israeli counterpart Yechiel Leiter on their arrival. In addition to Trump, the U.S. was representedbyVicePresident JD

Vance, SecretaryofState Marco Rubio,State Department CounsellorMichael Needham,Ambassador to Israel MikeHuckabee and Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa.

Aoun said on Wednesday that Hamadeh would putforward an extension of the 10-day ceasefire. She also would ask foranend to Israelihome demolitions in villages and towns occupied by Israel after the latest war broke out on March2,Aounsaidincomments released by his office.

Preparationsare being made for wider-reaching negotiations between Lebanon and Israel. The aim of the future talks is to “fully” stop Israeli attacks, the withdrawal of IsraelitroopsfromLebanon, release of Lebanese prisoners held in Israel, deployment of Lebanese troops along the border and beginning thereconstruction process, Aoun said.

On Wednesday,AmalKhalil, awell-knownLebanese journalistcoveringsouthernLebanon, waskilled by an Israeli strike. Lebanesehealth officials said the Israeli military opened fire on an ambulancethatrespondedtothe scene, preventing rescuers from reaching her

Customer Service: HELP@THEADVOCATE.COM or 337-234-0800 News Tips /Stories: NEWSTIPS@THEADVOCATE.COM Obituaries: 225-388-0289 •Mon-Fri9-5; Sat10-5; ClosedSun

Advertising Sales: 337-234-0174•Mon-Fri 8-5

Classified Advertising: 225-383-0111 •Mon-Fri 8-5

BYALANNADURKINRICHER and GENE JOHNSON Associated Press

WASHINGTON President DonaldTrump’s acting attorney general on Thursday signed an order reclassifying statelicensed medical marijuanaasa lessdangerous drug, amajor policy shift long sought by advocates who said cannabis should never havebeen treated like heroin bythe federal government.

The order signed by Todd Blanche doesnot legalize marijuana formedical or recreational use under federal law. But it does change the way it’sregulated, shifting licensed medical marijuana from Schedule I—reserved for drugs without medical use and with high potentialfor abuse —tothe less strictly regulated Schedule III. It also gives licensed medical marijuana operatorsa major tax break and eases some barriers to researching cannabis.

The Trump administration also said it was jump-starting the process for reclassifying marijuana more broadly,setting ahearingtobegin in late June.

Trump told his administration in December to work as quickly as possible to reclassify marijuana. On Saturday, as the Republican president signed an unrelated executive order aboutpsychedelics, he seemedtoexpress frustration that it was taking so long

Blanche said Thursday that theDepartment of Justice was “delivering on President Trump’spromise” to expand Americans’ access to medical treatment options.“This rescheduling action allows for research on the safety andefficacy of this substance, ultimately providing patients with better care and doctors with morereliableinformation,”hesaidina statement.

Blanche’saction largelylegitimizes medical marijuana programs in the40

states that have adopted them. It setsup an expedited system forstate-licensed medical marijuanaproducers and distributors to register withthe U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

It makes clear that cannabis researchers won’tbepenalized for obtaining state-licensed marijuana or marijuanaderived products foruse in their work, anditgrantsstate-licensedmedical marijuana companies awindfall by allowing them, for the first time, to deduct business expensesontheir federaltaxes.

Any marijuana-derived medicine approved by theFood and Drug Administration is similarly listed in Schedule III, it said. The order represents amajor policy shift for theU.S. government,which has continued itslongstanding prohibition dating to theMarihuana TaxAct of 1937 —even as nearly all the stateshave approved cannabis use in someform.

Twodozen states plus Washington, D.C., have authorized adult recreational use of marijuana, 40 have medical marijuana systems, and eight others allow low-THC cannabis or CBD oil for medical use.Only Idahoand Kansas ban marijuana outright.

The Trump administration’sdecision drew derision from marijuana legalization opponentKevin Sabet, the chief executive of Smart Approaches to Marijuana. Sabetsaidthatwhile marijuana research is necessary,“thereare many ways to increase our knowledge without giving atax break to Big Weed and sending aconfusing message about marijuana’sharms to the American public.”

“With thismove, we arenow confronted with themostpro-drug administration in ourhistory,” Sabet said in atext message. Marijuana or marijuana-derived products that are notdistributed through a state medical marijuanaprogram will continue to be classified in Schedule I.

Subscribe: theadvocate.com/subscribe E-Edition: theadvocate.com/eedition Archives: theadvocate.newsbank.com

70501

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By MOHAMMED ZAATARI

Mourners hold posters that showportraits of Lebanese journalist Amal Khalil, whowas killed WednesdayinanIsraeli airstrike,during her funeral procession in the villageofBaysariyeh in southernLebanon on Thursday.

Pope urgesU.S., Iran to return to peacetalks

LeoXIV also issues condemnation of capitalpunishment

BY NICOLE WINFIELD Associated Press

ABOARD THE PAPALPLANE Pope Leo XIV urged the United States and Iran to return to talks to end the war Thursday andcondemned capital punishment, in awideranging press conference en route home from his trip to Africa.

Leo also asserted that countries have the right to control their borders but mustn’ttreat migrants worse than “animals,”and lamented that the church’smorality teaching is often reduced to sexual issues.

Iran,capital punishment,peace

After atrip that was dominated by the very publicback and forth between Leo and U.S. President Donald Trump over the war,Leo urged the United States and Iran to return to negotiations.

He called for anew “cultureof peace” to replace the recourse to violence wheneverconflictsarise.

He said thequestion wasn’twhether the Iran regime should change or not. “The question should be about how to promote the values we believe in without the deaths of so many innocents.”

He revealed that he carries with him the photo of aMuslim Lebanese boy who had been killed inIsrael’srecent war with Hezbollah. Theboy hadbeenphotographed holding asign welcoming the pope whenhevisited Lebanon last year “As apastorIcannot be in favor of war,” he told reportersaboard

his plane. “I would like to encourage everyone to find responses that comefrom aculture of peace and not hatred and division.”

Asked if he condemnedIran’s recent executions, Leo said he condemned “all actions thatare unjust”and included capital punishment in thelist

“I condemn the taking of people’s lives. Icondemn capital punishment.I believehuman life is to be respected and that all people from conception to natural (death), their lives should be respected andprotected

“So when aregime, when acountrytakes decisions whichtake away the lives of other peopleunjustly,thenobviously that is somethingthatshould be condemned,”

he said

Pope Francischanged the church’s social teaching to declare capital punishment immoral in all cases.

Migrationand rights of states

Leoaffirmed the right of countriestoimpose immigrationcontrolsontheir borders and acknowledged that uncontrolled migration had created situations “thatare sometimes moreunjustinthe place where they arrive than from where they left.”

“I personally believe that astate has the righttoimpose rules for its frontiers,” he said. “But saying this,I ask: ‘Whatare we doingin the wealthier countries to change the situation in poorer countries’ to provide opportunities so that people aren’tcompelled to leave?”

Regardless, he said migrants are human beings and deserve tobe respected in their human dignity andnot be treated “worse than house pets, animals.”

LGBTQ+ blessingsand morality

Leo was asked about the recent

invitation by Cardinal Reinhard Marx, archbishopofMunich, for thepriests and pastoral workers in his archdioceses to adopt a set of guidelines formalizing and ritualizing blessings of same-sex couples.

The guidelineswere approved last year by acontroversial German church governing body made up of the German bishops’ conference and aCatholic lay group that hasbeen working to have agreater say in church decision-making.

The Vatican in 2023 allowed for such blessings, but it made clear that they were not to be formalized or ritualized. The Vatican allowed them to be offered spontaneously andinformally,asa priest givesa final blessing to all people at the end of Mass.

Leo saidthe Holy Seehad made clear to German bishops that “we do not agree withthe formalized blessing”ofgay couples or couples in other “irregular situations.”

TheVatican’s2023 declaration allowing an informal blessing, promulgated with virtually no consultation outside the Vatican, sharply divided the church, with African bishops delivering acontinent-wide dissent and refusing to implement it. Homosexual activity is criminalized in several African countries.

Askedhow he would handle keeping thechurchunifiedover such adivisive issue, Leo spoke broadly about how culture war questions of sexual morality had dominated church discourse, particularly in the West, fartoo much.

“I think it’s very importanttounderstand that theunity or division of the church should not revolve around sexual matters,” he said.

“Wetendtothink that when the church is talking about morality thatthe only issue of morality is sexual.

“And in reality, Ibelieve that there are much greater andmore important issues such as justice, equality,freedomofmen and women, freedom of religion that would all take priority before that particular issue.”

Thecomment wassignificant because it suggested that even though he is American,Leo believes the church in the U.S. and theWest hasexcessively reduced its moral teachings to revolve only around sex at the expense of other pressing issues.

Keepinganeye on coverage

History’s first U.S. pope showed himself keenly aware of how his Africa trip had been reported and interpreted, including about his sometimes tame public addresses to African leaders whoare accused of corruption or authoritarianism. With afew notable exceptions, Leo kept his political remarks to the leaders largely diplomatic, using alanguage of encouragement and subtle messaging rather than headline-grabbing condemnations. He also allowedsome of thecircumstances of his visit to speak louderthanhis words: achoreographedsongand danceroutine by prisoners in acountry known for gross human rights abuses, or the extravagant luxury of a president’shometown in acountry where more than half the population lives in poverty

Leoinsisted thathis primary reason forvisiting Algeria,Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea was as apastor,toaccompany his flock in their faith. He added that the Holy See can sometimes achieve more behind the scenes via its diplomatic work, including through the release of political prisoners, than with “great proclamations criticizing, judging or condemning.”

BY GARYD.ROBERTSON

Associated Press

RALEIGH, N.C. Twoyoung people have been arrested in an alleged plot to attack members of aTexas synagogue by drivingthrough the congregation’sbuilding to “kill as many Jews as possible,” according to authorities and court documents. The arrest comes amonth after an armed man crashed his pickup truck into amajor Detroit-areasynagogue in another attack on Jewish people. Synagogues around the world have increased security and protections for worshippers since the U.S. and Israellaunched awar with Iran on Feb. 28.

Angelina Han Hicks, 18, of Lexington, was being held Thursday in the Davidson County jail under a$10 million bond, jail records show She was arrested Wednesday and formally charged with conspiringwith two “male subjects” to commit murder and assault at Congregation Beth Israel in Houston on April 21, 2028, according to warrants laying out two felony counts against her.

Andthe FBIoffice in Charlotte said Thursday in asocial media post that ajuvenile was charged in relation to the plot in HarrisCounty, Texas, which includes Hous-

ton.There was no immediate informationonwhether the arrested juvenile was one of the two male subjects identified in Hicks’ warrants, which listedonly their first names and noted theirlast namesas“unknown.”

AHouston Police Department news release on Thursdayannounceda 16-year-old being arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit capital murder related to “a threat directed toward certain Jewishinstitutions in our area” that theagency learned about Wednesday The department didn’tidentify Congregation BethIsrael specifically.The FBIand theHouston school district policedepartment assisted in the arrest.

“At this time, there is no other knowncredible threat,” thereleasesaid.

Explaining why Hicks’ detention was necessary,District Court JudgeCarlton TerrywroteWednesday in part that the alleged“conspiracy is to kill as many Jews as possiblebydriving through acongregation at a synagogue.”

“Allowing aco-conspirator achance to communicate with either of those individuals orthosewho could relay amessage puts lives at risk,” Terry added. The FBI said its Charlotte Joint Terrorism Task Force

began theinvestigation

Tuesday evening after atip to aNorth Carolina law enforcement agency

While Hicks’ warrants point to apotentialattack twoyears from now,Davidson Countysenior assistantdistrictattorney Alan Martin said in an interview that there hadbeen “some concernthat there could be an imminentevent”targeting the Houston synagogue. Apotential motive for the planned violence wasn’t immediately disclosed in NorthCarolina court documents. The investigationis continuing.

Attempts to speak by phone with Hicks’ courtappointed attorneywere unsuccessful Thursday.The lawyer,ChadFreeman, told the Houston Chroniclethat thecase was in its early stages andHicks’ youth could be afactor in herdefense.

“I anticipate getting numerous experts involved in the case to look at both investigatory and possible forensic matters,” Freeman told thenewspaper.Her next scheduledhearing is May 13.

Congregational Beth Israel is theoldestJewish houseofworship in Texas, foundedinthe 1850s. It also operates aschool goingupto fifthgrade.

The potential threatscom-

municated tocongregation leadership by Houstonpolice prompted Beth Israel to close on Wednesday “out of an abundance of caution,” the JewishFederation of Greater Houston wrote in a social media post

Lexington is about 90 miles westofRaleigh. The FBI said Ayman Ghazali sought to inflict as muchdamage as he could on Jewish people whenhedrove his pickup truckMarch 12 into Temple Israel in West

Bloomfield, Michigan. Ghazali, 41, aLebaneseborn man whowas aU.S. citizen, had learned aweek before the attack that four of his family members were killedinanIsraeliairstrike in his native country

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By MISPER APAWU

Pope Leo XIV arrives to celebrate Mass at the Malabo stadiumin Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, on Thursday,the last dayofhis 11-day pastoral visittoAfrica.

DOJwatchdogreviewing compliance with law

BY ERIC TUCKER Associated Press

WASHINGTON TheJustice Department’sinternal watchdog announcedareview Thursday of the department’scompliancewiththe law mandating the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files, steppinginto apolitically sensitive saga thathas shadowedthe Trump administration over the past year

The audit from the inspector general’soffice willfocus on how the department collected,reviewedand redacted materials in preparation for their release, as well as itsprocessfor addressing concerns that arose afterthe files were made public, when Epstein survivors complained that personal information aboutthem had

beendisclosed. The reviewwill revisit the department’sstaggered and uneven release of millions of records from theEpsteinsex trafficking investigation,aprocess thatexposed it to accusations that it was attempting to protect President Donald Trump, whodecades ago was friendly with the financier It marksbyfar the watchdogoffice’s mostsignificant effort since Trump tookoffice for asecond time to scrutinizethe actions of a department that has been riven by tumult, including mass firings of employees and allegations of politicization of investigations.

The audit will be overseen by

Don Berthiaume, aformer career attorney in the department’s watchdog office who was formally nominated by Trumpthis week to serve as inspector general.

The records were released starting latelast year in compliance with abill passed by Congress and signedinto lawbyTrump,who bowed to political pressure from his own partyafter initially resisting efforts to disclose additional files. That November law required thereleasewithin 30 days of records related to Epstein, as well as any information about the investigationinto his death in ajailin 2019, andalso allowed forredactions of information about victims

But problems with thedepartment’sprocess soon emerged.

Officials released only afraction

of records within the 30-day deadline,later disclosing they would need several moreweeks because of the abrupt discovery of amassive trancheofrecords tied to the case. In late January,the department released what it said were 3million pagesofrecords, but subsequently withdrew severalthousand documentsand “media”after lawyers told ajudge that thelives of nearly 100 abuse survivors hadbeen “turned upside down” by careless redactions. The exposed materials include nude photos, with faces visible, as well as names, email addresses and other identifying information that was either unredacted or not fully obscured.

The department blamed it on “technical or human error.”

The scrutiny continued after severalnewsorganizationsreported that somerecords involving uncorroborated accusations madebya woman against Trump were not among those released to the public.The accuserwas interviewed by the FBI four times as it sought to assess her account but a summary of only one of those interviews hadbeen includedinthe publicly released files.

The department said those files had been “incorrectly coded as duplicative” and therefore were inadvertently not published along with other investigative documents. Authorities say Epstein killed himself in aNew York jail cell in August 2019, amonth after being indicted on federal sex trafficking charges.

DeSantis signsFlorida lawbanning localDEI funding

“an ideological construct that is designedtopromote aparticular political agenda, particularly to the detriment of disfavored groups.”

they wouldn’tfeel the same way” as DeSantis,Foxx said when asked Wednesdayabout hiscomments “The governor is out of touch with people, and that is the bottom line.”

BY MIKE SCHNEIDER Associated Press

ORLANDO,Fla. White men have been discriminated against through diversity,equity and inclusionprograms, Florida Gov.Ron DeSantis said Wednesday aftersigninglegislation which prohibits counties and cities fromfunding or promoting DEI initiatives.

The Republican governor defined DEI at anewsconference as

“The disfavored groups, No. 1, obviously,would be Whitemales, and Ithink they’ve been discriminated against,” DeSantis said in Jacksonville. “Andit’slike alot of people are, ‘Ohthat’sfine. That’s fine.’ No, it’snot fine. It’swrong.”

While thegovernor is entitled to hisopinion, hisviews differ from “everyoneelse’s,”said Evelyn Foxx, president of theNAACP branch in Gainesville.

“If you talked to 100Whitemen,

Supporters say the purpose of DEI is to remedy the effectsof long-term discrimination against certain groups. Anationwide push by conservatives tolimit diversity programs hasled manycompanies, schools and governmentsto pull back on those initiatives, particularly during thecurrentTrump administration, and DEI has been afrequent target for thegovernor DeSantis also said that Asian

Americans had faced discrimination in university admissions and that people should be judged on theirmerits not their demographic backgrounds. If people still face barriers because of discrimination,there should be policiesto “even theplaying field,” he said.

“But that is not the same as trying to socially engineer certain outcomes to thedetrimentof groups that someofthe intellectual elite disfavor,” DeSantis said.

During his two terms in office, DeSantis’ administration has championed legislation which prohibits publiccollegesand universi-

ties from spending money on DEI programsand promoted the “Stop WOKE Act,”which restricts how race and sex are taught in schools. Democratic lawmakers have warned thatthe legislationwas overbroadand potentially unconstitutional.

Under the legislation, residents can sue local governments forviolations. If local officials arefound to have funded DEI initiatives in violation of thelaw,theycan be removed from office.

“When people know there is accountability they are muchmore apt to toe the line,” DeSantis said.

6plead guilty,1found notguilty in Miss.drug, briberyscheme

BY SOPHIE BATES Associated Press

JACKSON, Miss. Six current or former Mississippilaw enforcement officers have pleaded guilty to date and another has been found not guilty in an allegeddrug trafficking bribery scheme that ensnared 20 people, including two sheriffs Federal indictments filed in October allege 14 current or former Mississippi law enforcement officers took bribes fromanFBI agent posing asa member of a Mexican drug cartelinexchange for helping to transport 55 pounds of cocaine through MississippiDelta counties and into Memphis. Six other people —three in Mississippi and three in Tennessee —were also charged. Theindictments included officers from multiple law

enforcement agencies in the MississippiDelta, which includesthe western portion of central and north Mississippi.

Chaka Gaines, who wasa policeofficer at the Greenville Police Department, was found not guilty by ajury on Wednesday Gaineshad been charged with aiding andabetting thepossession, transportation anddistribution of il-

Wednesday.

Debris from Helene helps fuel wildfiresinGeorgia

BY EMILIE MEGNIEN and RUSS BYNUM Associated Press

NAHUNTA, Ga.— The destructive wildfires tearing through Georgia this week are being fedbynot only apersistentdrought,but also by fallen trees and limbs scattered across the South by Hurricane Helene well over a yearago.

Blustery winds also are helping ignite and expand the fires in Georgia andFlorida thathave blanketed partsofseveral states in smoke, leading to air qualitywarnings Thursday in cities far from theblazes.

Hundreds of residents have been forced from their homes nearGeorgia’scoast, where awildfire destroyed more than 50 homesand threatened manymore. Georgia’s biggest fire near the Floridastate line doubled in size in less than aday and byThursdayhad burned through asparsely populated area that’stwice the size ofManhattan. Imagesfromthe devastatedareas show the shells of charred cars and truckssitting next to the smoldering ruins of homes nestled among blackened trees.

Many who were forced to flee thisweek were left distraughtabout thehomes and animals they left behind.

“I don’tknow if Ihave ahouse standing or not,”saidDeniseStephens,who evacuated her home near Hortense because of the

fast-moving Brantley County fire. “I know what it’staken fromother people,but Idon’t know what Ihave left standing.” Wood debris littering the state’ssouthernhalfsince HurricaneHelenechurned through in September2024 hasenabled Georgia’stwo biggest fires to spread and intensify quickly,officials said.

“There’sa ton of old Hurricane Helenedebris down in the woods,”said Seth Hawkins, aGeorgia Forestry Commission spokesperson. “It’slying around andit’sjusta tinderbox out there.”

The forestry commissionestimated that Helene swept across nearly 14,000 square milesofforestland statewide,striking areas where trees are grown for paper and lumber In Helene’swake, cleanup efforts were rolledout across southern Georgia. The state put up roughly $135 milliontohelp private timberland ownersremove fallen trees, and the ArmyCorps of Engineers hauledoff millions of cubic yards of debris.

Butthey couldn’tget everything.

“The way Helenejustthrew everything down like matchsticks, there’s only so much you can do short of bulldozing everything,” Hawkins said. “There are big pockets of woods out therewherepeople don’twalk aroundtoo much. So it just kind of gets left there.”

legalnarcotics and usinga firearm in relation to adrug trafficking crime. During Gaines’ trial, ajudge dismissed the gun chargefor insufficient evidence.

“Thisverdict reflects a fundamental principle that thegovernment must prove that acrimeoccurred;it cannot createone,” said lawyer Bridgette Morgan, who represented Gaines.

Martavis Moore, Jamario Sanford, Marvin Flowers, Dequarian Smith, Brandon Addison and Javery Howard —who wereemployed as law enforcement officers at the time of the alleged crimes —have since acceptedpleadeals. They pleaded guilty to conspiracy to aidand abet thepossession, transportation and distribution of illegal narcotics.

Sean Williams, whowas also alaw enforcement officer at the time, has filed anotice of his intent to change his plea. The remaininglaw enforcementofficers, including Washington County Sheriff Milton Gaston and Humphrey’sCounty Sheriff Bruce Williams, and six othersindictedalongside them are scheduled to face trial this summer

PHOTO PROVIDED By GEORGIA DEPARTMENTOFNATURAL RESOURCES

Burned vehicles and trees from the Pineland Road Fire in southeast Georgia are pictured on

Ex-officerplanned mass shooting in N.O.,policesay

He wanted to attack unnamed event, report reveals

BY JOHN SIMERMAN Staff writer

Police in Burlington, North Carolina, sent out adisturbing bulletin

Wednesday.Aformer police officer from that region was missing, potentially suicidal and headed for New Orleans. Familysaid he’d made “recent threats to harm ‘Black people.’”

By then, ChristopherGillum, 45, was already 700 miles into his journey,onthe Gulf Coast of Florida, armed with a handgun and afew hundredrounds of ammunition, authorities said.

He’d told aFlorida sheriff’s official who had stopped him earlier,before his alleged intentions were known, that he’d planned to reach the Crescent City on Thursday

Gillum never got that far before police and federalagentsinthree states orchestrated his arrest late Wednesday at aDestin, Florida, hotel. On Thursday,hewas slated to be extradited to Louisiana to face state charges related to “terroristic threats” fromaninvestigation led by the FBI and Louisiana State Police.

Sheriff’s officials in Okaloosa County,Florida, said thatGillum wanted to commitamass shooting at an unnamed New Orleansfestival, then die from policebullets. He didn’tname the festival, authorities said, butThursday was opening day for the city’sbiggest: the New Orleans Jazz &Heritage Festival.

Mayor Helena Morenoand Gov.Jeff Landry were among the officials heaping praise on law enforcement for successfully thwarting what was described as a potential mass killing, in acity that spent much of 2025 grappling with the Jan. 1vehicle attack on Bourbon Streetthat left 14 New Year’s revelers dead. Louisiana State Police confirmed Thursday that asuspect wasar-

FESTIV

Continued

sc tack. in police throughout many some its town cameras during tio the said at ion assist tendees gency LFT goers remain secure

rested as part of an ongoing investigation with theFBI. Following Gillum’sarrest, an FBI spokesperson declined to comment on the investigation but said there were no outstanding “direct threats to any festivals in Louisiana.”

Gillumhad worked as apolice officerinNorth Carolina as recently as September,agencyofficials said, having bounced between a pair of law enforcement agencies there in recent years.

The Chapel Hill Police Department confirmed he was an officer there from 2004 to 2019. In 2023, Gillumwent to work for theOrangeCounty Sheriff’sOffice as a detention officer,aspokesperson said.Hereturned to theChapel Hill police force as anonsworn employee thenextyear, then was hiredagain by theSheriff’s Office in January 2025, spokespersonAlicia Stemper said Gillumresigned in September with“nothing disciplinaryinhis file,” according to Stemper

Okaloosa County sheriff’s deputieswereunaware of the alleged threat of violence from Gillum when they stopped him early Wednesday,prompted by a10a.m. call from his family,asheriff’s official told WWL Louisiana. Deputies found no reason to detain him,according to thepolice bulletinfrom Burlington. Theformer police officer “did not present anygrounds for involuntary commitmentorcriminal charges.” He was removed from anational database and“allowed to continue,” the bulletin states. Buthis arrest laterinthe evening Wednesdayfollowed ahurried investigation spanning agencies in three states. It involved Project Nola, thenetwork of thousands of private crime cameras blanketing New Orleans, said director Bryan Lagarde. In aprepared statement,Lagarde said he received information on Gillum about1 p.m. Wednesday, beforethe bulletinwent out, from

a“partnerlaw enforcement agency in North Carolina regarding a credible threat to the New Orleans area.”

He said the information was that Gillum was “reportedly suffering from PTSD,” and “believed to be traveling to thecitywiththe intent to commit amass-casualty eventat alocal festivaland engage in ‘suicide by cop.’”

Lagarde said ProjectNolaalerted Louisiana State Police, which began coordinating with New Orleans police and federal authoritiesalong with agencies in other states.

The system has anational reach as a“real-time crime/fusion center,” which came into playasauthorities wentlooking forthe suspect,Lagarde said in astatement.

As aprecaution,Gillum’sface was entered into Project Nola’sfacial recognitiondatabase in New Orleansincasehemanaged to evade capture. He didn’t, and the arrest drew

praise from Moreno for “tremendous coordinated andswift work” by the FBI, Louisiana State Police and others.

Landry, meanwhile, calledsecuring NewOrleansa priority in the aftermath of last year’sterror attack.

“Weare going to continue to rampupour security to protect people,” he told WDSU

Following the Bourbon Street attack, city leaders enlisted former NewYork City and Los Angeles PoliceChiefWilliamBrattonto lead an intensive reviewofsecurity in the city,particularly during major events such as Mardi Gras.

Theresult was a43-page report recommending broad plans to improve road barriers and communication between lawenforcement agencies.

Jazz Fest, which drew alittle under half amillion people last year, is nevermentioned by name in that report, and no specific recommendations cameout of it for the city’sfestivals, though NOPD has ramped up security over the last year at large-scale events.

“Jazz Fest is grateful to all law enforcement partners for their dedication and exceptional serviceinprotecting ourcommunity,” festivalorganizers said in astatement.

This year’sfestival was set to have220 officers patrolling streets in the Fair Grounds neighborhood over the twoweekends, and large concrete barriers have been setup near the festival gates.

Visitorsare requiredtopass through security screenings and bagcheckstoenter festival gates set up along the Fair Grounds race course. Large chairs, tents, coolers, weapons andillicit substances are banned from the festival grounds.

Word of thearrest andGillum’spurportedintentions wafted through theFairGrounds on Thursday

“You have to be on alert,” said Big Chief Victor Harris, the 75-year-old founder of Fi Yi Yi Spirit of theMandingo Warriors. “But this whole country has to be on alert.”

Staff writers Julia Guilbeau, Marco Cartolano,James Finn and Jenna Ross contributed to thisreport.

Gillum

STAFFPHOTO By ENAN CHEDIAK

Members of the Louisiana State Police, the Army and the NewOrleans Police Department walk about during the firstday of the NewOrleans Jazz &Heritage Festival at the Fair Grounds on Thursday.

BUSINESS

BRIEFS

FROM STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS

Meta slashes workforce, Microsoft offers buyouts

Meta is laying off about 8,000 workers, or about 10% of its workforce, the company said Thursday as it continues to ramp up spending on artificial-intelligence infrastructure and highly paid AI-expert hires.

The company said it was making the cuts for the sake of efficiency and to allow new investments in parts of its business, as first reported by Bloomberg.

Also Thursday, Microsoft said it was offering voluntary buyouts to thousands of its U.S. employees.

The software giant plans to make the offers in early May to about 8,750 people, or 7% of its U.S. workforce, according to two people familiar with the plan who were not authorized to speak about it publicly

While an alternative to the sudden layoffs removing tech workers from peers like Meta and Oracle, the savings are likely tied to a similar industry upheaval that is requiring huge spending on the costs of artificial-intelligence. Meta has already warned investors that its 2026 expenses will grow significantly — to the range of $162 billion to $169 billion — driven by infrastructure costs and employee compensation, particularly for the artificial intelligence experts it’s been hiring at eye-popping pay levels.

Kellogg to put toys back into some cereal boxes

If you’ve missed rooting around in a cereal box for a toy, you’re in luck.

WK Kellogg Co. said Thursday it’s including toys with some of its breakfast cereals for the first time in more than a decade Starting on Sunday, special edition boxes of Frosted Flakes, Froot Loops, Apple Jacks and Corn Pops will have plastic toys shaped like characters from Disney and Pixar’s “Toy Story 5.” The movie is scheduled to hit theaters in June.

Plastic toys used to be a mainstay in breakfast cereal, but they have gradually disappeared as manufacturers tried to cut costs and consumers worried about choking and other hazards

Kellogg said it thought “Toy Story 5” was a good fit for the reintroduction, since it explores the role of toys in a tech-driven world.

“Bringing toys back inside the box reintroduces that sense of discovery through a simple, screen-free moment of play that parents can now share with their own kids,” said Laura Newman, a vice president of brand marketing at Kellogg.

T-Mobile reportedly in merger talks

Bellevue, Washington-based TMobile could become part of the world’s biggest phone company

The company is in talks with its German majority-owner Deutsche Telekom AG to combine under one holding company, according to a Bloomberg report Deutsche Telekom already owns a 53% stake in T-Mobile. The combined entity would be jointly owned by current investors and might seek a listing on a U.S and a major European exchange, according to Bloomberg. T-Mobile and Deutsche Telekom spokespersons would not comment, saying the companies do not comment on speculation. Bloomberg cited anonymous sources. But if the rumors are true, the deal would be the largest ever public merger, according to Reuters.

Average U.S. mortgage rate slips to 6.23%

The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate dropped for the third week in a row

The benchmark 30-year fixed rate mortgage rate fell to 6.23% from 6.3% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday One year ago, the rate averaged 6.81%. Meanwhile, borrowing costs on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, popular with homeowners refinancing their home loans, also eased this week. That average rate dropped to 5.58% from 5.65% last week. A year ago, it was at 5.94%, Freddie Mac said.

Trump unveils deal with Regeneron

Drugmaker agrees to lower prices

BY ALI SWENSON Associated Press

President Donald Trump on Thursday announced a deal with drugmaker Regeneron to lower the cost of its pharmaceutical products as part of the White House’s signature drug pricing initiative.

The deal involves Regeneron lowering the prices of all its current and future drugs on Medicaid, according to Trump. It also involves selling a cholesterol drug called Praluent for $225 on the White House’s discounted drug website TrumpRx, according to the agreement first outlined by NOTUS and confirmed in a White House fact sheet. The deal comes as the Trump

administration has been touting efforts to provide economic relief ahead of November’s midterm elections, with Americans saying high costs for health care, gas, groceries and other basic needs are straining their budgets.

It’s one of many so-called mostfavored-nation deals the Trump administration has made with drug companies to bring U.S. pharmaceutical prices to the same level as other developed nations. Last July Trump publicly sent letters to executives at 17 major pharmaceutical companies about the issue. Regeneron is the final one of those companies to strike a deal with his administration.

Speaking at the White House on Thursday to announce the deal, Trump touted the discounts on drugs and said, “It should be front page news.” He said voters in this

November’s midterm elections should reward his party because of the agreements with drugmakers.

“We should win the midterms, but it doesn’t work that way, unfortunately,” Trump said.

Trump also has a notable history with the drugmaker

During his first term in 2020, when he was hospitalized with COVID-19, he was given a dose of a drug that Regeneron was testing to supply antibodies in order to help his immune system.

After he was released, Trump posted a video of himself standing outside the White House in which he repeatedly lavished praise on Regeneron.

As part of the new deal, Regeneron has also committed to spending $27 billion in research, development and manufacturing in the U.S., according to the White House

fact sheet. Trump’s deals have historically offered companies relief from his tariffs if they make such commitments. Regeneron also announced Thursday that Otarmeni, its new gene therapy for a rare form of congenital hearing loss, had been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and would be made available to clinically eligible individuals in the U.S. at no charge. The therapy received expedited approval from the FDA under the agency’s so-called Commissioner’s National Priority Voucher program. The program, which was not authorized by Congress, has been under scrutiny from Democrats for months. House and Senate lawmakers have noted that FDA vouchers have repeatedly gone to companies that agree to pricing concessions sought by the White House.

Shareholders OK Warner Bros. sale

$81B deal with Paramount still faces regulatory review

BY WYATTE GRANTHAM-PHILIPS Associated Press

NEW YORK HBO Max, “Harry Potter” and CNN may soon find themselves under a new roof: Paramount. That’s because shareholders of Warner Bros. Discovery approved an $81 billion sale of the company on Thursday Including debt, the proposed buyout valued at nearly $111 billion based on Warner’s current outstanding shares.

While the deal still faces regulatory review, the megamerger would vastly reshape Hollywood and the wider media landscape, further consolidating power in an industry already run by just a handful of major players. Paramount itself was acquired by Skydance just last year

Streaming

Paramount Skydance would own both Paramount+ and, with the sale approved by shareholders Thursday, Warner’s HBO Max. Company executives have said that they would combine these streamers into one platform What that combined service would look like (or be named) is unclear But Paramount CEO David Ellison suggested that HBO could still have some level of independence, at least production-wise Warner and its HBO streaming platform have a powerful lineup that includes “The Pitt,” “Game of Thrones” and “Sex and the City.” And beyond “Harry Potter,” Warner’s library lists blockbuster films such as “Sinners,” “Barbie” and “Superman” (the company also owns DC Studios). Titles like “Top Gun,” “Titanic,” “The Godfather” and “Yellowstone” fill Paramount’s catalog. In the U.S., according to streaming guide JustWatch, HBO Max controlled about 12% of on-demand subscriptions in the first quarter of this year — compared to 3% for Paramount+. Combining those two services would still fall slightly below Prime Video’s 17% market share, and the 19% of the market commanded by Netflix. Disney owns about 27% of the market between Hulu and Disney+. Beyond HBO Max, Paramount would also acquire Warner’s smaller Discovery+ streamer Paramount owns Pluto TV and BET+, too. Critics are skeptical of consumer benefits touted by Paramount. A combination with Warner Bros. would mean fewer platform choices Critics warn that could actually mean higher prices at a time when the price of almost all subscriptions continues to tick higher Moviemaking, theatrical releases Paramount and Warner Bros. are two of

Hollywood’s oldest studios. A merger would mean fewer companies control legacy film production.

Ellison has said he wants the combined company to grow a slate to more than 30 movies a year, keeping Paramount and Warner Bros. as standalone operations. And in a star-studded CinemaCon appearance last week, he promised a 45-day exclusive window for films in theaters, pledging a “complete commitment” to the industry Still, others are wary about what further consolidation could mean for jobs and which projects are greenlit down the road. Regulatory filings have indicated that the new ownership will be looking for ways to cut costs — including layoffs and downsizing some overlapping operations. Paramount is taking on billions of dollars in debt to finance the deal Warner Bros. just had a banner year of both major blockbusters and critical successes. The studio racked up 30 Oscar nominations thanks to “Sinners,” “Weapons,” and “One Battle After Another” (which took home the top best picture slot). Paramount received zero. And in 2025, Warner Bros. movies accounted for 21% of the domestic box office. Paramount’s market share was only 6%, driven largely by “Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning.”

Almost 10 years ago, Hollywood’s big six became the big five when Disney bought most of 20th Century Fox. If the Warner sale goes through, a new “big four” era would be underway — with a bigger Paramount standing alongside Disney, Universal and Sony News

CNN would come under the same roof as Paramount-owned CBS. That would bring

together two of America’s biggest names in television news, although whether CNN would continue to operate as a separate brand from CBS has yet to be confirmed. Regardless, there is a lot of anxiety about Paramount taking control of CNN — a network that has long attracted ire from President Donald Trump and his allies. Critics point to Trump’s close relationship with the Ellison family, particularly billionaire Oracle founder Larry Ellison, who is putting up billions of dollars to back the bid by his son’s company Since coming under Skydance ownership less than a year ago, CBS has already seen significant shifts in editorial leadership. It’s taken steps to appeal to more conservative viewers in its news operations, notably with the installation of Free Press founder Bari Weiss as editor-in-chief of CBS News. If the company’s proposed Warner takeover is successful, many expect similar changes at CNN.

Some officials in the Trump administration have also made their opinions very clear about CNN’s future ownership. In March, the White House attacked CNN for its coverage of the U.S. and Israel’s war against Iran — and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth told reporters that “the sooner David Ellison takes over that network, the better.” Ellison has said that editorial independence “will absolutely be maintained” under Paramount ownership. “It’s maintained at CBS. It’ll be maintained at CNN,” Ellison told CNBC’s “Squawk on the Street” in March, while noting that his company wants to speak to “the 70%” of viewers who he said identify as center-left or center-right.

The acting head of the U.S. Justice Department’s antitrust division has also said that its regulatory review will not be political

Former employee files lawsuit against MrBeast’s company

Woman alleges she was harassed for years and fired after maternity leave

BY CLAIRE SAVAGE and JAMES POLLARD Associated Press

A former Beast Industries employee is suing MrBeast’s media production company after she was allegedly fired from her social media manager job upon returning from maternity leave and following years of what she described as sexual harassment and workplace gender bias. The lawsuit, filed by Lorrayne Mavromatis in federal court in North Carolina on Wednesday, ac-

cuses MrBeastYouTube, LLC and GameChanger 24/7, LLC of violating federal law that entitles eligible employees to take unpaid, job-protected leave for qualifying family and medical reasons, including childbirth. Mavromatis also filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission alleging discrimination on the basis of sex, pregnancy, and retaliation. Mavromatis claims that she worked “nonstop” following her baby’s birth as well as while in the delivery room. “I was still bleeding, and I just had to show up,” Mavromatis told The Associated Press in an interview

Less than three weeks after she returned to work full time, she said she was fired.

A Beast Industries spokesperson called the lawsuit a “clout-chasing complaint” built on “deliberate mis-

representations and categorically false statements” in an emailed statement. Mavromatis’s position was eliminated, according to the spokesperson, when the new head of e-commerce reorganized her team.

In response to allegations that MrBeast failed to inform her of her rights under the Family and Medical Leave Act, the company shared a screenshot of her signature confirming receipt of the employee handbook including FMLA policies.

“We will not submit to opportunistic lawyers looking to manufacture a payday from us,” the statement said.

Mavromatis’ lawsuit raises disturbing allegations about the culture behind YouTube’s most popular creator as new company leaders seek to rapidly expand the media empire founded by Jimmy Donaldson under his MrBeast alias.

It portrays a toxic, misogynistic workplace that Beast Industries has recently tried to clean up as Donaldson’s media empire launches ambitious ventures into television and financial services.

Questions about Beast Industries’ internal culture surfaced two years ago after a social media firestorm over Donaldson’s past racist and homophobic language coincided with accusations that a longtime collaborator shared inappropriate sexual messages with minors. In an August 2024 email to employees, Donaldson said he recognized that he must “create a culture that makes all our employees feel safe and allows them to do their best work.” Beast Industries fired several employees following a third-party investigation that identified “isolated instances” of workplace harassment and misconduct.

pulled after words exchanged.

“This was adisagreement,a fight betweentwo groups of people that we are still trying to unravel,” Morse said. “Unfortunately,innocent victims got caught inthe crossfire.”

After shots echoed through the food courtand sirens began blaring outside, shoppers sprinted out of the mall. Some women donned nylon capes as they dartedout of the JCPenney hair salon, their hair half-done. At the jewelry store Pandora, workersand customers huddled together in aback office for nearly two hours. Nearby schools and businesses went on lockdown.

Mall worker Signi Dreyer was cleaning the food court’s colorful carousel when she heard the gunfire

“I heard this loud ‘bang bang bang,’ and Ithought someone wasshooting fireworks,”she said When she turned, she saw that everyone in the food court had dropped to the floor

Videos posted to social media in theimmediate aftermath showed blood on the mall’stilefloor while first responders performed chest compressions and attended to victims. Helicopters patrolled overheadwhile police cased thescene.

ABRPD officer who was already patrolling the mall ran toward the gunfire, Morse said, while dozens of other law enforcementofficers and EMS workers darted to the scene. They recovered one handgun, and Morse saidthey arelooking for more.

“Their rapid action saved lives, said East Baton RougeMayorPresident Sid Edwards.

The mall remained closedinthe hours after the shooting.GGP,the retail arm of Brookfield Corporation, which owns the mall, released astatement saying they are working with BRPD on the investigation.

“Weare heart broken andangered that our shopping center wasthe location for today’s horrif-

ic incident,” the statement reads.

“This has been afrightening day for our shopping center community,and ourthoughts arewith all of those whowere impacted by this senseless act of violence.”

The shooting came during a week full of gun violence and threats in Louisiana.

Shreveportexperienced the deadliestmass shootinginthe nation in more than two years last weekend,whenShamarElkins shot andkilled eight children, seven of them his own

And aNorth Carolina manwas arrested Wednesday after threatening amassshooting in New Orleans during afestival. Jazz Fest began this week.

‘Shotprettybad’

Our Lady of the Lake Regional

Medical Center said their staff treatedfive victims, including the one who died. They reported Thursday afternoon that the remaining four they treated were in stable condition. Another victim is in critical condition, policesaid late Thursday

Jolene Sizemore, of Denham Springs, said she got acallinthe afternoon thather niece from Lafayette had been shopping in the mall with friends when the shootinghappened. Herniece was one of thestudents from Ascension Episcopal.

Sizemore rushed to get there.

“One of herfriends hasbeenshot pretty bad,” Sizemore said as she waited outsidethe mall andasked law enforcement officers to let her in to be withher niece.

Lafayette ParishMayor-Pres-

ident Monique Blanco Boulet confirmed three victims were Ascension seniors and described the violence as senseless. Families connected to the school held a prayer service Thursday evening, anda school spokesperson asked for prayers.

Shoppers who weren’tinthe food court said they struggled to piece together what washappening as a wave of people ran forexits.

Courtny Hawes said she was in adressing room, shopping for clothes for ajob she will soon start.

“Whenthey did start pushing everyone to get out, nothing had come over the loudspeakers or anything,” Hawes said. “I didn’t know therewas ashooting until I got outside.”

Law enforcement officials encouraged the public to come for-

wardwithany tips aboutwhathappened, saying theybelieve more people are involved.

Four suspects had turned themselvesinbyThursdayevening. Lawenforcementofficerscased aneighborhood in Watson where they took another suspect into custody. Nobody who wasshotis currently asuspect, police said.

“Tothe thugs that did this, we’re going to catch you,” Edwards said earlier in the day.“We’re not going to have this in Baton Rouge. We’re going to grab these guys and get them out of the street.”

Louisianaofficialsrespond

As wordspread of theshooting, Gov. Jeff Landrysaidhewas coordinating with law enforcement.

“Sharon and Iare praying for those affected and are grateful for aquick response by our law enforcement officials,” the governor said in asocial media post.

Attorney GeneralLiz Murrill pledged to hold the shooters accountable “to the fullest extent of the law.”

“This kind of violence in aplace where my family and so manyothersroutinely shop is completely unacceptable,” she said. “Noone’s life should be at risk when simply going shopping at the mall.”

And as members of the Louisiana House of Representatives gatheredinthe chamber to vote on legislation Thursday afternoon, astate representative asked for prayers.

“We’re gonna ask that you keep our city in prayer,” said state Rep. Vanessa LaFleur,D-Baton Rouge. “Wehave been advised of amass shooting at the Mall of Louisiana.”

U.S. Rep.CleoFields,D-Baton Rouge, said he would push in Congress to address gun violence.

“Whatshould have been an ordinary afternoon forfamiliesand shoppers turned into afrightening ordeal,and Iamkeeping allthe victimsinmythoughts as they receive care,” Fields said in astatement.

Staff writersIanne Salvosa, Margaret DeLaney,Emma Discher, Haley Millerand Ashley White contributed to this report.

Continued from page1A

Firment replied. “Theenvironment is not necessarily family friendly.”

Frieberg continued: “So a collegestudent who might be smokingmarijuana outside Tiger Stadium could get afelony conviction?”

“If he is observed smoking or vaping marijuana, correct,”Firment said.

Currently,first-time possession of marijuana is a misdemeanor.Possession of 14 grams or less comes with amaximum fine of $100.

Under HB568, felony charges could be brought against anyone who is “smoking,vaping or otherwise abusing” marijuanaon the property of any school, college or university in Louisiana, on property being used for school purposes, or within 2,000 feet of such a property

The punishment for such a felony could be up to ayear in prison and up to a$1,000 fine.

Firment said the legislation would give law enforcement officers the abilityto make an arrest based on observable behavior,and that

would make enforcement easier

“It’sthe visible, observable smokingorvaping that can trigger theenforcement,” he said. “It is more difficult for law enforcement to prosecute or to enforce possession ”

Rep. Kyle Green, DMarrero,noted that some homes arelocated within 2,000 feet of aschool and asked if homeowners could be charged with afelony for smoking marijuana on their own property

“If you are committing a crime in within 2,000 feet of aschool zone, youwouldbe subjecttoprosecutionunder this bill,” Firment said.

Firment in an interview said the harsher penalties would not applyto people at home on privateproperty

whohavemedical marijuana cards.

“My bill doesnot touch or impact medical marijuana in the least bit,” he said. Even with amedical marijuana card, it’sgenerally illegal to smokemarijuanain public or in amoving vehicle on apublic road.

Rep. Denise Marcelle, DBaton Rouge, asked why Louisiana was seeking to increasepenalties for marijuana usewhen states across the country are movingto lessenoreliminatethem all together

Firmentsaidhewasn’t concerned about policies in other states and that several teachers have told him “the smell of marijuanaisjust overwhelming” when parents are in the car line waiting to pick up their children

after school.

Firmentsaid he wanted to “create asufficient deterrent so that thesecrimes arenot beingcommitted in

front of children and grandchildren and families and destroying the environment at footballgames andelementary schools.”

HB568 advanced out of theLouisiana Houseon5934 vote, just clearing the 53-vote threshold needed to pass.

STAFF PHOTO By LESLIE WESTBROOK

six victims of ashooting at aBaton Rouge

BLOTTER Advocate staff reports

TIME TO ZYDECO

Festival International de Louisiane kicks off

Chance of rain, warmer temps on tap for Festival

Expect mid- to upper 80s through the weekend

BY ASHLEY WHITE Staff writer

rain over the weekend

Overall, temperatures will rise to the low- to mid-80s and there is a chance of showers Friday afternoon and Saturday afternoon, said Cameron Kowalski, a forecast meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles And while there will be a good mix of clouds, there will be some

A Carencro man who allegedly followed and shot his girlfriend in a domestic dispute has been charged with attempted second-degree murder Trevis Eli Dural, 40, of Carencro, was booked into the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center and charged with one count of attempted second-degree murder, Sgt. Robin Green, Lafayette Police public information officer said A police officer, around 1:30 p.m. Wednesday stopped a vehicle in the 2700 block of NE Evangeline Thruway in Lafayette after observing it moving erratically The officer noticed that the driver, a woman, Carencro man arrested in shooting of fleeing girlfriend

ABOVE: Rusty Metoyer and the Zydeco Krush perform on the Scene Fais Do Do stage on

Couples

Multiple ways to pay at Festival International Cash, cards and more taken for souvenirs and food

BY JOANNA BROWN Staff writer

Festival International de Louisiane is a great place to stock up on souvenirs and gifts, while splurging on snacks and hitting up the beverage tents for one more Festival punch. With so much to explore and eat, drink and buy — it’s important to know the right ways to pay for your Festival weekend. This year, Festival International shared that vendors are accepting new forms of payment, such as Apple Pay, in addition to accepting cash and

STAFF PHOTOS By BRAD BOWIE

Rusty Metoyer and the Zydeco Krush take the stage as Zydeco Night kicks off Festival International de Louisiane on

at the Scene Fais Do Do stage in downtown Lafayette.

OPINION

Lowering loan limits on public health degreesabad idea

Excluding public health students from professionaldegreeloan benefits willreduce the number of graduates prepared to improve population health, respond to emergencies and support thestate’seconomic and health care systems.

Edward Trapido GUEST COLUMNIST

The U.S. Department of Education’sproposalto exclude public health degrees from the definition of “professional degree”under HR 1threatens both Louisiana students’ access to higher education and the longterm health of the state. The proposal inexplicably removes publichealth, nursing, social work and other essential fields from eligibility for higher federal loan limits. Although controlling the cost of higher education is a reasonable goal, creating financial barriers for students entering vital health professions will destabilize workforce development and undermine Louisiana’sability to meet fundamental public health needs. Louisiana already suffers from some of the nation’sworst health outcomes, with high rates of preventable disease, maternal mortality and chronic illness.

Thomas LaVeist GUEST COLUMNIST

Amy Thierry GUEST COLUMNIST

Reversing thesetrends requires astronger,better-trained public health workforce.

Public health programs are rigorous, skills-based curricula that clearly meet thedefinition of “professional degree.” They prepare studentstoenter specialized fieldssuchasepidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health,health policy, emergency preparedness, industrial hygiene, health administration and disease prevention andcontrol.

Theimportance of this training is evident in nearly every dimension of community health. Public health professionals identify and contain disease outbreaks, monitor and protectair and water quality,investigatethe causes of maternal deathsand design policies that make childbirth safer.Theyhelphospitals operate

moreefficiently,lead clinics and government agencies and serve on the front lines of disaster response.

Their research drives improvements in chronic disease prevention,infectious disease control, environmental safety and quality of care.

Restrictingfinancial support for students pursuing these careers would weaken Louisiana’s capacity to respond to ongoing and future health threats.

Workforce shortages are already serious, especially in rural and underserved areas. Without reasonable federal loan options, these gaps will widen. Communities could face problemsthat strong public healthsystemsare specifically designed to mitigate.

At theLSU School of Public Health, manystudentsare the first in their families to attend college or pursue graduate training. Others come from rural Louisianaand plan to return hometoserve their communities. If public health loses its professional-degree designation, these studentswould no longer qualify for higher loan limits, putting graduateeducation beyond reach. Enrollment declines would shrink

Fixing parish’s sewers is key to unlockingmorehousing

America’shousing crisis is often described in the abstract: distantsupply chain breakdowns, zoningcodes frozen in amber,ashortage of two to20million homes. But for localofficials like me, the problems areunmistakably concrete. In Lafayette, the biggest obstacle is beneathour feet. And it is broken.

For decades, Lafayettehas struggled to add housing, not for lack of demand or developer interest,but becauseour aging sewers are overburdened. Frequent storms have made flooded streets afamiliar sight. Crumbling pipes lie below private property in our oldest, poorest neighborhoods, where homeowners cannot afford costly,unpredictable repairs. The result is paralysis: no homes, no growth, no one able to movefirst.

sooner than building new pumpstations

Ourteam would manage the contractors andengage affected areas, removing the burden from individuals and creating aprocess for efficient repairs. Critically,the upgrades would be fully covered; homeowners wouldn’thave to pay adime.

thepipeline of professionals prepared to workinpublic health jobsacross the state. Tulane University’sCelia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health&Tropical Medicine would face similar challenges. Tulane trains students in epidemiology,tropical medicine, environmental health, disaster response and other critical fields. Many rely on federal loans to access graduateeducation. Tulane has recently invested in strengthening the statewide workforce pipeline, and forthe past five years, has offered ascholarship covering 35% of tuition forany Louisianapublic health student. Although Tulane is not astate institution, it provides these benefitstobroaden opportunity and support statewide health improvement.

Xavier University of Louisiana’smaster of public health in healthequity program plays a critical role. Itsstudents intern in local health agencies and communityorganizations, contributing directly to the region’spublic healthinfrastructure. Many graduates remaininNew Orleans and throughoutthe state, committed to addressing deep health dispari-

ties. The program’s growth is tied to Xavier’srapidly expanding undergraduate public health major, reflecting strong student interest in the field. Removing public health from the list of federally recognized professional degrees would jeopardize both programs and weaken avital pipeline of practitioners and future leaders. Public health students are, by every measure, pursuing aprofessional field. Excluding public health from the federal definition of “professional degree” is shortsighted and dangerous. It erects new barriers forLouisiana students, weakens the state’sfuture workforce, and undermines efforts to improve community health. The Department of Education should revise its definition to ensure public health is recognized and supported as the essential professional training it is.

Edward Trapido is thedean of theLSU School of Public Health. ThomasLaVeist is dean of theTulane Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health &Tropical Medicine. AmyThierry is an associate dean of theXavier College of Arts &Sciences

LA GATORempowersfamiliesto choose what’s best fortheir kids

Theconcept wasn’tflashy.But it was novel and, if successful, scalable and replicable.

Lafayette was selected from more than 630 applicants as one of 50 finalist cities. In addition to $50,000 in seed funding to test and hone our solution,wegained expert guidance and anetwork of peers at Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Ideas Camp in Bogotá, where we readiedplans to pilot our concept and exchanged strategies with 200 fellow officials from around theworld.

I’m amom of two precious boys. Imay not know all the legal jargon or fully understandthe legislative process, but what Idounderstandisthe needsofmy child. My son is in secondgrade, and he’s struggling —not because he isn’tsmart or capable, but because his current school isn’table to meet his needs in the way that works best for him.

Municipalities nationwideface thesame dilemmaindifferent guises —legacy infrastructure builtfor another era, buckling under today’sdemands. Lafayette’sshift —from treating these failures as fixed constraints to designing aprocessthatcan solve them —points to away forward When Itook office, bandaging abroken system wasn’t working, but an unconventional idea might: The citycould repairthe private sewer lines itself.

To do that, we’d need capital, capacity andpartners. We found them allinBloomberg Philanthropies’ Mayors Challenge Now in its sixth iteration,the competition calls on city halls to bolster essential services and offers an engine ofsupport through its Government Innovationprogram to bring the boldest proposals to life

In our application, we described our present reality: cracked clay pipes under private propertyand blocksunderwater after downpours. Housingshortfallsin our urban core forcing outward sprawl. Nearly half of renters spendingmorethan 30% of income on their homes; manymore out-priced from living near jobs or loved ones. Storied neighborhoods had stagnated, diminishing the vitality of Lafayette as a whole. Working backwardfrom ourgoal of more homes, our idea was clarified through theapplication process:apublic-private partnership to fix the pipes. The leaky lines, which allowed rainwater toinfiltrate our system, limited treatmentcapacity.Estimatesshowedthat restoration would cost less, work better and enable development

Ourengineers ran calculations to confirm that rehabilitating these lines would cost half as much as building new lift stations —unlocking treatmentcapacity for up to 13,000 more homes, asignificant boost for our population of 122,000.

And, critically,wereached out to Lafayette’speople. Their perspective had to be at theheart of the future we are trying to build.

All told, our small team aligned authority, expertise, incentives and accountability. We brought together actors who rarely work together.And we got comfortable with risk.Now,asone of 24 Bloomberg Philanthropies’Mayors Challenge winners, we will receive $1 million, multiyear assistance and additional funds for dedicated staff to execute and expand our plan with theprogram’ssupport

To be sure, our work is justbeginning. Fullyrepairing our sewer system will cost up to $25 million. Butthe road to more housing, strongerinfrastructure and better lives is beingpaved. By refusing to treat broken frameworks as immovable, we won’t just mend ailingpipes, we will create the conditions for Lafayette’snext generation to lay down roots.

City,state and national leaders can do the same by bending government toward the problems of thepresent When it does, theresultswon’tbetheoretical. They will be built and felt from the ground up.

Monique Bouletisthe mayor-president of Lafayette.

As his mom, Isee every day what he can do when given theright support, and Iknow he’s capable of so much more.

After muchconsideration, my husbandand Ibegan discussing homeschooling, believing it could be thesolution our son needed. But when we started weighing our options, one thing caught us off guard: the hidden costsofcurriculum, supplies and technology required for asuccessful homeschool journey.Asa mom, one of my greatest desires is to seemychild thrive, and Iwould never want finances to be thething that holds him back Ibegan researching grants, scholarships and anythingaccessible to help families like minegive their children thebest education. It’sheartbreaking to wanttohelp your child reach his full potential and feel that the path to do so is financially out of reach.

That’swhen Icame across the LA GATORscholarship. Iwas thrilled. What atremendous opportunity for families to have areal say in how their children are educated —not just the toolstohelp them succeed,but agenuine voice in theirfuture. Everychild is different and learns differently,and knowing that financial stress wouldn’thave to be the deciding factor in our homeschool decision gave me real peace of mind.

Iknow we’renot theonly family in this position. Thereare lotsofparents who want to give theirchildren the educationthey deserve and just need alittle support and areal choice. That’swhy programs like LA GATORmatter so much.

They don’tjustfund education —they give families hope, opportunity and a way to make sure our kids aren’tlimited by circumstances beyond their control.

It’shard to explain that feeling unlessyou’ve lived it: Watching your child

struggle,knowing something better might be outthere,but not being able to reach it, notbecause youdon’t care, but because it’sjust beyond your means. Tens of thousands of Louisiana familieshaveappliedfor LA GATOR.

Thatshould tell you everything.

Parents arelooking forhelp.

We’re looking foroptions. We’re looking fora way to do right by our kids. My family has appliedtoo, and every day I wonder: Will we getthe funding?

It’snerve-wracking to hope forsomething thatcould change your child’s future, only to fearitmight slip through your fingers. Without funding, LA GATOR is just sitting there —something we were told was coming, but might not actually arrive.And that’sa hard place to be as a parent: imagining abetterpathfor your child andthenwondering if it will simply neverhappen.

Because this isn’tjust aprogram to us. It’swhetherour kids feel confident in their education. Whether they get the help theyneed.Whether they grow up loving to learnoralways feeling behind. We’re notasking for anything unreasonable.We’re asking forachance to choosewhat’sbestfor our children. Ihopethatwhenlawmakers think aboutLAGATOR, they think about families like mine. Notstatistics. Not politics. Just families doing their best. Fund LA GATOR. Give families like mine areal chance.

HaleighEarnest lives in West Monroe.

Monique Boulet GUEST COLUMNIST

Haleigh Earnest GUEST COLUMNIST

FILE PHOTOByHILARy SCHEINUK

COMMENTARY

ISSUE OF THE WEEK POPE V. TRUMP

As the war in Iran rages, Pope Leo XIV and President Donald Trumphaveexchanged words on the justifications forthe conflict.The pope, the first American to leadthe Catholic Church, called on worldleaderstoworkfor peace and rejected the assertion by Defense SecretaryPete Hegseth that God is blessing U.S. militaryactions.Thepresident sharply rebuked the pope, and members of hisadministration suggested the pope should not strayinto political matters.What does the episode reveal about the pope’sunique role in worldaffairs? Here are twoperspectives.

Morality stillmatters

despite view of Trumpadministration

Vice President JD Vance, arecentconvert toCatholicism, berated Pope LeoXIV about his doctrinal duties. The Supreme Pontiff, Vance lectured, should “sticktomatters of morality” and avoid politics. Well, yes, the pope is clearly focusing on “matters of morality,” and that’sprecisely why his voice is so valuable. When Leo laments the bombing of civiliantargets in Iran or the mistreatmentofimmigrants in America, he emphasizes values that President Donald Trump openly derides and dismisses. Trump views all relationships anddecisions as purely transactional. He measures consequences on only onescale: how they help or hurt him. Andhescornsany moral principle that contradictshis own judgment or benefit. When New York Times reporters asked Trump last January “ifthere were any limits on his global powers,” the president replied: “Yeah, there is one thing. My own morality.Myown mind. It’s theonlything that can stop me.” He then added, “I don’t need international law.” Force and powerhave always been a primary part of politics. But if theyare the only influences,ifmight always makes right, then the inevitable result isa climate of constant chaos and permanent peril. That’swhere the pope comesin. Born Robert Francis Prevostin1950s Chicago, he knows more about American politics than any previous pontiff. Leo has denounced Trump’scrackdown on undocumented immigrants as “extremely disrespectful” and noted that many of them have been “living good lives” in this country “for 10, 15, 20 years. The pope condemned Trump’sthreat to annihilateIranian civilizationas“truly unacceptable,” and on PalmSunday preached that God “does not listen to the prayersofthose who wage war,but re-

jects them.”

Thepope, threecardinals and agreementonthe Iran war

“War is Hell,”said Union General William Tecumseh Sherman in 1879.

Steve Roberts

Trump haslashed back, posting, “I don’t want aPope who criticizes the President of the United States” and adding: “I don’t thinkhe’sdoing avery good job. Iamnot afan of Pope Leo.” The animosity is clearly mutual. Leoborrowed amedia trick from Trump, tellingreporters on his planeasheflew to Algeria: “I have no fear of theTrumpadministration or speaking out loudly of the message of theGospel, which is what Ibelieve Iamhere to do.”

The Rev.Antonio Spadaro, aprominent Vatican official, described thepope’srole in asocial media post: “This is where the Church’smoral force emerges. Not as a counter-power,but as aspace in which power is judged by astandarditdoes not control. Leo does not respond on the terrain of polemics, and for that very reason remains beyond its grasp. He is free. And that freedom —unarmed and disarming —isperhapswhat mostunsettles.And, at the same time, what mattersmost.”

This matters mostbecause Trumpis squandering one of this nation’smost valuable assets: its reputation. Instead of making America great again, he is doing the opposite, degrading America’srole in the world as the primary defender of human rights and the rule of law

Americans are starting to grasp the dire consequences of having aleader who lacksamoral center.When arecent YouGov poll asked voters to pick words that apply to Trump, clear majorities said “arrogant,” “opportunistic,”“reckless,” “dishonest” and “corrupt.” Only 27% described him as “honest”and 23% as “compassionate.” So it’strue. Pope Leo is sticking to “matters of morality.”

And thank God he is.

Email Steven V. Roberts at stevecokie@ gmail.com

PopeLeo and three cardinals of the Catholic Church who appeared last Sunday on “60 Minutes,”agree. The problem for these theologiansis that for them it appears waris only Hell when it is engaged in by the United States and for the best of reasons. They have little to say about the terrorist regime in Iran or for that matter the slaughter of civilians by Vladimir Putin’sarmy in Ukraine. These church leaders seem to be engaging in akind of immoral equivalency.Do they not know that the Islamic regime hates Christians and Jews andbelieves their deity demands they be killed? American Catholics have frequently disagreed withtheir popes, especially on issues such as abortion and traditional marriage. Consider Rep.Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and former President Joe Biden, among the high-profile adherents to that faith. Both,along with other Democrat politicians who are Catholic, disregarded their church’steaching on these issues. PopeLeo began theyear criticizing America’smilitary action in Venezuela, which removed thedictator and election cheat Nicolas Maduro from power and offered at least thehope of morefreedom to thenation’spopulation. How is repression aCatholic or even abiblical norm?Previous popes, notably John PaulII, were vociferous opponentsofcommunism and especially theSoviet Union. Ronald Reagan famously called theSoviet Union an “evil empire.” He knew evilwhen he saw it.The samemight be said forPresident Trumpwhen it comes to Venezuela, Iran and possibly Cuba, which Trumphas hinted may be next on his “hit list.”

lution: “The American Revolution represented alooming crisis to the Pope, forits success wasunderstood as adegradation of freedom, not an achievement.”

Pope Pius XII failed to speak out against the Holocaust. Recently opened Vatican archives suggest he knew of the massmurder of Jews by the Nazi regimeby1942, but feared public protest would worsen persecution and endanger Catholics.

Since 1979, the ayatollah regime in Iran and its proxies have been responsible fornumerous American deaths through targeted attacks, bombings and hostage crises. Major incidents include the 1983 Beirut barracks bombing, the 1996 Khobar Towers bombing and ongoing proxy actions in Iraq, Syria and Yemen,with thousands of U.S. troops wounded or killed over their four decades in dictatorial power Is wartostop future atrocities —with a promise of worse to come, including the possibility of nuclear war which would kill millions —not on Pope Leo’sunbalanced moral scales?

The theory of ajust war, which is likely familiar to the pope, says warcan be justified under the following conditions: “having ajust cause (for example self-defense), right intention (peace), legitimate authority,last resort, proportionality and probability of success.”

The Iran warisapre-emptive strike to prevent the regimefrom obtaining a nuclear weapon and using it to kill millions. If that does not justifywhat is currently taking place, what does? As mentioned on previous occasions, popes have been wrong as the outcomes of some wars andrevolutions have shown.The first American pope cannotbeignorantof this history

At thetime of the American Revolution, another pope —Pius VI —was on the wrong side of history.AsBrady J. Crytzer writes in Journal for theAmerican Revo-

EmailCal Thomasattcaeditors@tribpub. com.

Cal Thomas

ASSOCIATEDPRESS PHOTOByTHEMBAHADEBE

Pope Leo XIV walks priortohis departure for Equatorial Guinea, in Luanda, Angola, on Tuesday

Judgedismisses N.O. teacher’s TenCommandmentslawsuit

Challengewas ruledpremature

BY PATRICK WALL Staff writer

Afederaljudge dismissed alawsuit by aNew Orleans teacher who hadargued thatLouisiana’s Ten Commandments law is unconstitutional, the latest in astring of rulings allowing public schools to display the biblical text in classrooms.

U.S. District Court Judge Greg G. Guidry in the Eastern District of Louisiana did not rule on whether thelaw violates thefreedom of speech and religion enshrinedin theU.S.Constitution, as the lawsuit argued. Instead, Guidry decided that the teacher’slegalchallenge was premature because the law had not yet been enactedwhen he sued in 2024, leaving “unresolved factual and contextual questions” about the required TenCommandments displays.

The ruling is asetback forany teacherslooking fora way around thelaw,which Gov.JeffLandryhas directed schools to comply with. Guidry,who was nominated to the court by President DonaldTrump, rejectedthe argument that the law tramples on teachers’ rights, noting that the statute requires “public school governing authorities” not teachers —toactuallypost the commandments.

Christopher Dier,the Benjamin Franklin High School historyteacher and former Louisiana Teacher of the Year who brought the lawsuit, said he plans to appeal.

“I’m disappointed the judge dismissed thecase,but this is far from the end,” he said in astatement.

“We’re confident in the merits of ourclaims and remain optimistic as we move forward on appeal.” Guidry’sorderonWednesday dismissing the lawsuit echoes a February decision by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals,which ruled against agroup of public school families who had sought to block Louisiana’slaw.Reversing a lower court that had declared the law unconstitutional, a majority of judges on the federalappeals court said it was too soon to rule on the law’sconstitutionality because of “unresolved” questions, such

BLOTTER

Continued from page1B

had suffereda gunshot wound. The officer immediately called forAcadian Ambulance and other officers.

The woman said she was in adomestic dispute with her boyfriend and left for ahotel in Lafayetteto get away from him, Green said. Theboyfriend,she said,followed the woman, got out of his car and started shooting at the woman’s car One bullet struck the woman. Green said her injury was not lifethreatening and the woman is in stable condition.

The man left the scene before police arrived, she said, but with the help of Carencro Police,Dural was arrested at his residenceinCarencro. Police recovered the alleged weapon involved in the shooting. Man arrested on sex charges involving juveniles

ACarencro man was arrested following an investigation into alleged sexual misconduct involving juveniles at atreatment center,authorities said.

Donald Andrew Auzenne II, 26, is charged with three counts of indecent behavior with juveniles and three counts of sexual battery, according to the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Bobby Guidroz said the investigation began Sept. 11 after acomplaint from alocal treatment center.The case involved three patients under 17 who reported improper conductinvolving Auzenne,

as what theTen Commandments posters will look like andwhether teachers will incorporate them into their lessons.

On Wednesday,the 5th Circuit upheld asimilar law in Texas. In thatcase, the court’smajority said there wereenough facts to rule on the merits of the law,which they said does not restrict students’ religious freedom.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said Thursday that the earlier 5th Circuit decision had established that Dier’slawsuit was “legally meritless.”

“Itisunfortunate that some activistsmasquerading as teachers are dead setonthwarting their schools’ compliance with state law,”she said in astatement, addingthat she plans to work with the stateDepartmentofEducation to ensure schools comply Passed by Louisiana’sRepublican-controlled Legislature in 2024, thelaw requiresall public K-12 schoolsand collegestodisplay the TenCommandments in every classroom. Schoolsmustaccept donated posters or use donated funds to print them, the lawsays.

In November 2024, aU.S.district court judge blocked the state from enforcing the law,which he said violated students’ First Amendment rights. But in February,the 5thCircuit lifted that preliminary injunction, clearing schoolstostart putting up the posters. Guidry had put the teacher’scase on hold until the5th Circuitruled on theparents’ lawsuit.

Dier has argued the law makes public schoolteachers complicit in promoting religion,which he says is aclear breach of the divide betweenchurchand state. He also argued that it amountstogovernmentendorsement of Judeo-Christian traditions, which he said sends aharmful message to studentsof other faiths.

“It undermines aclassroomculture builtonempathy,respect and belonging,” he said in an interview last month, calling the law“blatantly unconstitutional but also bad pedagogy.”

In hisorder,Guidry wrote that it won’tbeclear whether the law crosses aconstitutional line until schools start displaying the Ten Commandments

AWARD

Continued from page1B

anews release from SoLAcc. It is one of thehighest honors presented by the organization.

June was selected for his forward-thinking leadership andhis commitment to strengthening SoLAcc’simpactacross Acadiana, aligning thecollege’smissionwith the evolving needs of students, employers and communities, accordingtothe release.

“Education has the power to change lives, families and communities,” June said in astatement. “I am honoredtoreceive this award,

who was employed at the facility at the time of the alleged incidents.

Authorities said theinvestigationinvolved coordination with treatmentcenter staff andHearts of Hope.Detectives identified what they believe to be multiple incidentsand established atimeline of events.

Auzenne was no longer employed at the center after Sept. 7, officials said. An arrest warrantwas later issued, and he turned himself in. He has since bailed out of jail.

Anyone with information is asked to contact theSt. LandryParish Sheriff’s Officeat(337) 948-6516 or Crime Stoppers at (337) 948TIPS. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the P3 apporby dialing **TIPS on amobile phone. Man charged with counts of attempted murder

AChurchPointman hasbeen charged with eight counts of attempted second-degree murder for ashooting that occurredduring a home invasion.

TheChurchPoint Police Department on Wednesday arrested JamarcusLorden, 19, of North Barousse Street, and booked him into the Acadia Parish Jail.

He is the suspectinvolved in an April 9homeinvasion and shooting inside an Arceneaux Street residence in the city Lorden alsowas awanted fugitive in previous incidents including drive-by shootings, theft of amotor vehicle and criminal trespassing.

In the April 9incident, Lorden is accused of entering the residence without permission and shooting at people inside the home.

PAY

Continuedfrom page1B

cards at many booths, and still offering RFIDwristbands to store cash. Avisit to an official Festival merchandise boothoffers abountyof shopping, from the 2026 pin and poster,toFestival International flags, scarves, hair clips andmore. Merch booths can now accept payment via cash,cards, Apple Pay or an RFID wristband, which Festivalgoers can load with cash at top-up stations.

Attendees will no longer be able to link personal cards to the RFIDwrist-

WEATHER

Continuedfrom page1B

breaks for the sun to shine

So pack an umbrella and sunscreen before heading out the door to enjoy the 40thanniversary of FestivalInternational.

Friday could bring some thunderstorms as theweather service predicts aslim chance of severe weather associated with alow-pressure system organizing over northern Texasthatis forecast to draw in moisture from the Gulf of Mexico.There’sa20% to 30% chance of rainfall with the possibility of heavier pocketsofrain in the early evening on Friday,Kowalski said. That system brings amarginal risk of severe weather,including the possibility of damaging winds and hail.

“While it’s notaguaranteed washout or anything, it’salways agood idea to carry an umbrella,” he said.

Temperatures will be warmer on Friday, rising to the mid-80s and dropping to the mid-70s by 9p.m. The humidity will also rise in the evening,

but it truly reflectsthe collective work of our faculty,staff, students andpartners whobelieve in the missionofSoLAcc. Together,we arebuildingsomething that will have alasting impact for generations.”

June became chancellorin2021 and has overseen agrowth period for the college. He oversaw arebrand of theschool andhas advanced the college’sapproach to philanthropy and engagement, according to the release. Thecollege’sgrantportfolio hasexpanded and philanthropic investmenthas grown.

Last month, SoLAcc announced thefindings of astudy that showed it contributes just under $300 mil-

Twopeople were struckand suffered injuries that were notlifethreatening. They were taken to a hospital for treatment.

Lorden also was shot during the home invasion. He was hospitalized for his injuries and was released on Wednesday

Eight people were inside the homeduring theshooting, including asmall child, Church Point police saidontheir Facebook page. Additional arrests are expected. Lorden was charged with: n Attempted second-degree murder,8counts n Illegal use of aweapon n Aggravated assault with afirearm, 5counts n Aggravated criminaldamage to property. Hisbond is set at $3.2 million. Manfound unresponsive after house fire

Heavy damage remained at a New Iberia home after afire Tuesday evening in the 900 block of Jane Street. One man was found unresponsive inside the residence and was taken by Acadian Ambulance to Iberia Medical Center.His condition was notimmediatelyavailable. According to the New Iberia Fire Department, crews responded to thehome and entered the structure uponarrival.

Thehome is located across from Band LSupply.Employees there told KATC security camera footage shows aman leaving the residence shortlybeforeflames became visible, followed by fire crews arriving ashort time later

Couples danceto the music of Rusty Metoyer and the ZydecoKrush at the Festival International de Louisiane on Wednesday. STAFFPHOTO By BRAD BOWIE

band andwill need to bring cash to load onto the wristband if using this methodofpayment.

Food vendors can accept all forms of payment as well, including cards, cash,RFIDwristbands andApple Pay If you arepurchasing drinksataFestival beverage tent, be prepared with your wristband, credit card or Apple Pay, as these tents won’ttakecash. Be prepared with your preferred formofpayment before attending Festival International, which runs through Sunday in downtown Lafayette

Email Joanna Brownatjoanna. brown@theadvocate.com.

making it feel alittlemuggy

Warmer temps

Saturday will also bring warmer temperatures,withthe highs reaching the mid-80s before dropping after 5p.m. to the mid-70s by about midnight.

There is achance of rain in the afternoon on Saturday.The forecast predicts a30% to 40% chance of rain, Kowalski said.

Sunday is dry, warm Sunday should be “fairlydry”with little confidence forrainfall, Kowalski said. “All in all, it lookslike Sundayis probably going to be the quietest day as far as precipitation goes,” he said. But it’ll be warmeronSundaywith temperatures reaching the upper 80s andsome locationsreaching 90 degrees. Once thehumidity begins to increase in theafternoon,itmay feel warmer because of the heat index, Kowalski said.

Contact AshleyWhite at ashley. white@theadvocate.com.

lion and more than4,000 jobs to the region’seconomy annually

“Dr.June’s visionfor South Louisiana Community College hasbeen both bold andintentional,” Lana Fontenot, vicechancellor for institutional advancementand external relations, said in astatement.“He has unifiedour institutionaround a shared purpose, strengthened our connection to thecommunity,and positioned SoLAcc as aleader in workforcedevelopment and studentsuccess. This recognition is atestament to his impact not only on our college,but on the entire region.”

Contact Ashley White at ashley white@theadvocate.com.

TheIberiaParishSheriff’s Office said it is assisting in the investigation alongside state officials. TheLouisiana StateFireMarshal’sOffice is leading theinvestigation into the cause of the fire.

Police:Man arrested after stabbing caretaker

ALafayetteParishman wasarrested after stabbing his caretaker over the weekend.

JarrodDegroat,56, was arrested andbooked intothe Lafayette ParishCorrectionalCenterfor attempted second-degree murder

The incident happened on Saturdaywherethe victim wasatDegroat’sresidence in the 400 block of NDomingue Aveproviding care. At approximately 8:30 a.m., for unknown reasons, Degroat armed himself with akitchen knife and stabbed thevictim

The victim was transported to a hospital, where she wastreated and released. At this time, this case remains under investigation. No further details are being released at this time.

LOTTERY

WEDNESDAY,APRIL22, 2026

PICK 3: 3-7-7

PICK 4: 1-1-1-2

PICK 5: 0-0-9-1-4 EASY 5: 15-17-23-27-32

LOTTO: 20-25-28-31-35-41

POWERBALL: 24-29-32-49-63 (11) Unofficial notification, keep your tickets

Obituaries

Simon, Jeannette Vidrine

Funeral serviceswillbe held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 10:00 am in La Chapelle de Martin& Castille in Lafayette for Mrs. Mary Jeannette Vidrine Simon,age 93, who peacefully passedawayon Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at herresidenceinLafayette. Thefamilyrequeststhat visitation be observedin Martin& Castille's DOWNTOWNLocation on Friday, April 24, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm andwill continue on Saturday morning from 8:00 am until time of services. ARosary will be recitedFriday eveningat6:00 pm in the funeral home ledby Deacon Timothy Maragos. Reverend Thomas Voorhieswill officiateat theservices. Entombment with gravesideservicesled by Reverend PaulBienvenu will be held in St Alphonsus Cemetery Mausoleum in Maurice, Louisiana. View theobituaryand guestbook online at www.mourning.com Martin& Castille Funeral HomeDOWNTOWN, 330 St LandryStreet, Lafayette, Louisiana 70506, 337-2342311

PHOTO PROVIDED By SOUTH

SPORTS

Springer, Smalley tie record at Zurich Classic

BY SCOTT RABALAIS

Staff writer

He may be one of those “Not a big name yet” guys in the Zurich Classic of New Orleans

but ridiculously low scores seem to follow Hayden Springer around. He shot a 59 two years ago in the 2024 John Deere Classic. Thursday, he and playing partner Alex Smalley went on a birdie (plus one eagle) binge in score-friendly conditions at TPC Louisiana. They tied the tournament record with a 14-under par 58, giving them a one-stroke lead over Davis Thompson and Austin Eckroat. Three teams Sam Stevens and Zach Bauchou, Eric Cole and Hank Lebioda and Nick Dunlap and Gordon Sargent — were two back at 60. It was the first time for Springer and Smalley playing together in this, the PGA Tour’s only regular-season team event, but Smalley and Springer had some subtle chemistry going in. Smalley’s caddie, Michael Burns, used to be on the bag for Springer “They’re still really good friends,” Smalley said. “We knew we would have a good

ä See ZURICH, page 3C

the first round of the Zurich Classic on Thursday at TPC Louisiana in Avondale.

PICK IS IN

Saints draft Arizona State WR Tyson to pair with QB Shough

BY MATTHEW PARAS Staff writer

The order could be debated, but the New Orleans Saints entered this year’s NFL draft with three clear needs: Edge rusher, wide receiver and cornerback. They prioritized sparking the offense.

The Saints selected Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson with the eighth overall pick in Thursday’s first round, taking an electric target they hope will help the team ascend even further in coach Kellen Moore’s second season. Tyson’s selection comes with risk. At Arizona State, the 21-year-old dealt with a variety of injuries — from missing four games last season with a hamstring injury to a serious knee injury in 2022 that kept him out for most of the following year Tyson’s hamstring injury lingered into the pre-draft process, with Tyson not working out for NFL teams until last week.

But with the Saints appearing comfortable enough with the wideout’s medical history, it is not hard to see why New Orleans became infatuated with the 6-foot-2, 203-pound receiver When healthy, Tyson can line up at a variety of spots and his quickness allows him to break open with crafty route running. Tyson’s hands are also one of the best aspects of his game.

In 2024, when Tyson played a career-high 12 games, the Arizona State product hauled in 75 catches for 1,101 yards.

The Saints selected Tyson over Ohio State safety Caleb Downs and Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain, two popular prospects who had been linked to New Orleans throughout the last few months.

Adding a player like Tyson aims to surround quarterback Tyler Shough with more talent. Shough’s strong close to his rookie year provided newfound optimism

ä See SAINTS, page 3C

BY KOKI RILEY Staff writer

Jake Brown immediately started to shake his right hand as he walked out of the batter’s box. The moment seemed inconsequential. It was just a foul ball, after all. The junior right fielder was looking to get a hit, something that could spark LSU baseball’s offense and climb the Tigers out of their 5-0 deficit on Sunday against Texas A&M. But once Brown started quivering his hand, the score became the least of coach Jay Johnson’s concerns

“I saw him shake his hand,” Johnson told The Advocate, “and I was like, ‘That’s not good.’ I’ve seen that before.” Johnson’s worst fear came true. Brown had broken his hamate bone, a common injury for hitters but one that would likely sideline him for the rest of the season Losing Brown, who leads the team with 16 home runs was the last thing LSU could afford in its late push for a spot in the NCAA Tournament. Combined with the news of junior righthanded starter Cooper Moore getting shut

BY KEVIN FOOTE Staff writer

Saturday is a big day for UL’s football program. The Ragin’ Cajuns will hold their annual spring game at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Field.

Shortly after that game concludes, UL coach Michael Desormeaux is hoping to hear that former UL linebacker Jaden Dugger has been selected in the 2026 NFL Draft. Dugger is expected to be the 12th Cajun player drafted over the past 11 drafts — the most in the Sun Belt Conference.

“Everything I’m hearing, he’s going to be drafted,” Desormeaux said. “He’s just got such an upside to him. He’s big and long and fast.”

Indeed, the 6-foot-4, 240-pounder was UL’s leading tackler last season in his first season as inside linebacker with 125 tackles, four sacks, one interception, three pass breakups and 13 stops behind the line. He also forced a fumble.

“He’s shown the ability to rush the passer

and last year, he showed some toughness and played downhill.”

The Pittsburgh native transferred to UL from Georgetown, where he played safety In his first year in Lafayette, Dugger played outside linebacker and then moved inside. The downside to all that movement is not mastering any one position. The upside is Dugger’s tape offers a lot of versatility to NFL teams.

“I feel like when I’m playing now is a combination of everything I did,” Dugger said. “I feel like that made me such a better player Having that experience and just playing it I might not have liked it, but it prepared me for who I am today.” Desormeaux said he’s gotten similar feedback from NFL scouts. Dugger has taken multiple ‘top 30 visits’ with such teams as the Cowboys,

PHOTO By BRAD BOWIE

STAFF PHOTO By BRETT DUKE

Alex Smalley, left, and Hayden Springer shake hands after finishing

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By GENE J PUSKAR Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson reacts as commissioner Roger Goodell hands him a jersey after being selected by the Saints with the eighth overall pick of the NFL draft on Thursday in Pittsburgh.

On TV

AUTO RACING

6p.m. NHRA: Qualifying FS1

COLLEGE BASEBALL

7p.m. UTSA at Tulane ESPNU

7p.m. Arkansas at Missouri SECN

MEN’S COLLEGE LACROSSE

1:30 p.m. Drexel at Virginia ACCN

6p.m.Loyola (Md.) at Navy CBSSN

WOMEN’S COLLEGE LACROSSE

2p.m. Michigan vs. NorthwesternBTN

4p.m. Syracuse vs. North CarolinaACCN

5p.m. Johns Hopkins vs.Maryland BTN

7p.m. Clemson vs. Stanford ACCN

COLLEGE SOFTBALL

5p.m. Texas at Kentucky SECN

6p.m. Texas A&M at South CarolinaESPN2

8p.m. Texas Tech at Arizona St. ESPN2

9p.m. UCLA at Washington BTN GOLF

10 a.m.LPGATour:Memorial Park GOLF

2p.m. PGATour:Zurich ClassicGOLF

5p.m. LPGA Tour:Memorial Park GOLF

HORSE RACING

noon America’s Dayatthe Races FS2 MEN’S IIHF HOCKEY

9a.m. U.S. vs.Denmark NHLN MLB

6:15 p.m. PhiladelphiaatAtlanta APPLETV 9:10 p.m. Cubs at Dodgers APPLETV

NBA

6p.m.Boston at Philadelphia PRIME

7p.m.L.A.Lakers at Houston PRIME

9:30 p.m.San AntonioatPortland PRIME NFL

6p.m.NFL Draft: Rounds 2-3 ABC, ESPN NHL

6p.m.Tampa BayatMontreal TNT

8:30 p.m.Vegas at Utah TBS

9p.m.Edmonton at Anaheim TNT MEN’S SOCCER

2p.m.Nottingham at Sunderland USA

6p.m.Wanderers at Supra du Québec FS2 UFL

7p.m.DCatBirmingham FOX

Cajuns canclinchSBC tourneyspot

UL needstowin series against Marshall to secure berth

BY KEVIN FOOTE Staff writer

The idea is to make sure this weekend’sseries againstSun Belt leader Marshall at Lamson Park is not the final home games thisseason for the UL softball team. The seriesopens at 6p.m Fridayagainst the Thundering Herd and continues at 2p.m. Saturday and 1p.m. Sunday.All three games will be availableon ESPN+.

UL has not lost ahomeSBC series this season and repeatingthat featcouldsecure aspot in the Sun Belt Tournament to be held in Lafayette in May.UL ends the regular season at South Alabama next week.

UL (25-23, 8-10SBC)isina three-way tie for sixth place in the 12-teamrace, with the top 10 teams qualifying for the tournament.

The Cajuns have afour-game lead over cellar-dweller Georgia State (25-25, 4-14) with sixgames to go and atwo-gameleadover AppalachianState (27-17), Coastal Carolina (22-26) and Georgia Southern (19-27) —all tiedfor ninth at 6-12.

“It’sreallynice to start movinginthe right direction,” coach Alyson Habetz said. “Hopefully, it’s happening at the right time.” Thisweekend will be achallenge for the Cajuns, who lost 4-3 at McNeese State on Tuesday to fall to 2-15inroad gamesthis season. The Herd (23-12,15-3)has road

UL second baseman HaleyHarthits atwo-run single againstCoastal

Oneofthe Cajuns’ hottest hitters, Hartishitting .367 witheight home runs and 35 RBIs ä MarshallatUL.

6P.M.FRIDAy,ESPN+

losses of 2-1 to Georgia State and 6-1atTexas State. The scores in sweeping Coastal Carolina—6-3, 5-4, 15-7—weresimilar to UL’s three wins over the Chanticleers last week.

Marshallisbatting .291 with 246 runs, 80 home runs and 47 stolen bases. Leading the way at the plate areSydni Burko (.399, 17 HRs, 38 RBIs), AvaBlake(.336,16HRs, 37 RBIs) and Bella Gerlach (.319, 12 HRs,31 RBIs). In the circle, theHerd’sstaff sports a2.97 ERA, giving up 324

hits, 107 walks andstrikingout 241 in 3041/3 innings with 18 complete games. Jules King (13-5, 2.78) leads the way with seven of those completegames.MaddieVeal(10-2, 2.81) has seven. The Cajuns’ staff has a4.02 ERAwith12complete games Bethaney Noble (8-4, 3.11) has sixofthem and Sage Hoover (99, 4.61) has four “She’s notgoingblow it by people, but she’sgoingtomake people swingand miss because of her ability to hit spots and make the ball move,” Habetz said of Hoover.“Ithink she’s grown in the sense of being able to overcome failure.That’s the

piece that she really hadn’texperienced before.”

TheCajuns are hitting .308 with 266 runs,44homersand 45 steals —led by Mia Liscano (.417, 18 RBIs), Haley Hart (.367, 8HRs, 35 RBIs) and Brooke Otto (.365, 11 HRs, 45 RBIs).

“We’ve struggled throughout the season,getting runners on but don’tfinish innings,” Habetz said. “Hopefully,we’re over the humpnow.Ithink the key (last weekend) was getting those big hits it’stimely hitting, and different hitters camethrough at different times.”

Email Kevin Foote at kfoote@ theadvocate.com.

Edwardsgetting hotfor Tigers at righttime

Firstbaseman leads LSUinkey series at Mississipi State

BY JIM KLEINPETER

Contributing writer

As aredshirt freshmanin2025, first basemanTori Edwards exploded onto the LSU softball scene. Her .383 batting average, 18 home runs and 73 RBIs earned her SEC Freshmanofthe Year honors and apreseason All-America tag this year

It also moved her to thetop of every opponent’s scouting report, underlined in red and surrounded with “danger” emojis. With that extra attention, Edwards numbersare down this season, but she showed clear signs of breaking out with six hits, three of them homers, and eight RBIs in last weekend’ssweep of Ole Miss.

That’sgood news for the No.20 Tigers (32-14, 9-9 SEC) whogoto Starkville, Mississippi, this weekend for akey series against the No. 17 Bulldogs (34-14, 6-12) with postseason landing spots coming into focus.

“She’sbeen continuing to work and never given in,” coach Beth Torina said. “She’sgoing through herprocess andisina good spot with her confidence.Itkeepsimproving as the season goeson.” Edwards’ numbers have been respectable.She leads the team in homers (11) and RBIs (36). But the telltale number is ateam-best 38 walks, one more than all of last season. Often with first base open, she won’tsee asingle strike. Known among her teammates as professional about herpreparation, her temperamentisalso

Florida baseball team names field after Bertman Ahigh school baseball park in MiamiBeach,Florida,has renamed its field after LSU baseball legend Skip Bertman.

On Thursday,the Flamingo Park Baseball Field honoredthe fivetime national championship-winning head coach of the Tigers by renaming the field Stanley “Skip” Bertman Field. Bertman graduated from Miami Beach High in 1956 andled theprogramtoa state championshipasthe head coach in 1970.

“Coach Bertman is afantastic role model for our children to see whatcan be accomplished in sports and in life,” Miami Beach Vice MayorLaura Dominguez said in an LSU press release.

He also guided the school to two runner-up seasons before becoming acollege coach.

Wembenyama will travel with SpurstoPortland

SAN ANTONIO Victor Wembanyama will travelwith theSan Antonio Spurs to Portland for games this weekend while continuing to completethe steps mandated by the league’s concussion protocol. Spurs coach Mitch Johnson stoppedshort Thursday of saying Wembanyamawill play in Game 3. Wembanyama is “progressing,” Johnson said, but his status against the Trail Blazers remains uncertain. Wembanyama was at theteam’s practice facility fora second consecutive day Thursday,walking around in ablack hoodie and gray sweatpants. He even got afew shots up, teammate Julian Champagnie said Wembanyama was theleague’s first-ever unanimous Defensive Player of theYear.

Patriots coachVrabel will miss Day 3ofNFL draft

NewEngland Patriots coach Mike Vrabel is seeking counseling and will not be with the team forDay 3ofthe NFLDraftonSaturday,following the publication of photosofthe coach andlongtime NFL reporterDianna Russini at an Arizona resort.

“As Isaid the other day,I promisedmyfamily,thisorganization and this team that Iwas going to give themthe best version of me that Ican possibly give them. In order to do so, Ihave committed to seeking counseling, starting this weekend,” Vrabel told ESPN on Wednesday night.

The Patriots confirmed Vrabel will missthe thirdday of thedraft. The NFLsaidlastweekendthat it is notinvestigating Vrabel’sbehavior

ä LSU at Mississippi State. 2P.M.FRIDAy,SECNN+

relation) and right fielderAlix

Franklin have comeonstrong and now bat in front of Edwards, who is in the five hole.

TheTigershavewon nine of their past 11 games to reach .500 in conference games forthe first time after a1-5 start.

“Theteam is really understanding whothey are, theirroles,”Torina said. “People whose roleisn’t what they set out forittobehave embraced how they can helpthis team. We’re getting so much help from one through 23. Everybody owns their roles.

“This team has grownthroughout this year morethan any other I’ve had, slow starting but also understandingeach other and their jobs. The adversity we faced early provided us with toughness and ability to weather somestormsas we go into the postseason.”

The Tigers and theBulldogs will be fighting forregional host sites, andthisweekend’s gamescould turn out to be atiebreaker.LSU’s RPI is 10 and State’sis19, but that could change thisweekend.

The Bulldogs boast twoofthe best armsinthe SEC in Peja Goold (14-9, 2.09 ERA) and Alyssa Faircloth (10-5, 2.42). Faircloth leads the SEC with195 strikeouts and Gooldisfourth with146. Outfielder Kiara Sellsisbatting.384 with 14 homers and 29 RBIs.

Dybantsa declares for NBA draft, is top pick contender

AJ Dybantsahas made it official: He’senteringthe NBA draft.

The BYU forward —widely expected to be atop candidateto be the No. 1pick —made the announcement Thursday.Dybantsa ledthe nation by averaging 25.5points per game in hislone college season, along with 6.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game. He’sthe first player to have a season with all those averages and be named aconsensus AllAmerican since Larry Birddid it for Indiana Statein1978-79. Dybantsa made theannouncement at theDavis School in his hometown of Brockton, Massachusetts —the home of boxing greatsRocky Marciano and Marvin Hagler,among others.

solid. She hasn’t gotten frustrated. “I continued to trust my preparation through theseason,” Edwards said. “I toldmyselfatthe beginning of theyear,ifI didn’t come out (strong) and got hot in May,that’sthe best thing for the team. I’m continuing to keep moving forward.

“If me getting on basewith the

walksisthe role Ihave to fill, that’smymentality.I’m not gettingfrustrated that I’mnot hitting the same numbersaslastyear.I continue to trust the process. Whatever they give me,I’m going to continue to take advantage.”

Partofthe issuewas multiple new faces in thelineup and other players knowing their roles. Shortstop Kylee Edwards (no

“Two of the best armsinthe league, hands down. They’ve given everybody problems, Torina said. “We’re not just in the running to host, we’re in the running against them.They’re in the sameareaweare. Anytime you go head to headagainst an opponent like that you want to have the tiebreaker on them.”

Hall of Famer Koufax wins Lifetime AchievementAward NEWYORK— Sandy Koufax has won the sixth Lifetime Achievement Award presented by Baseball Digest. The HallofFame pitcher was honoredThursdaywith an annual distinction that “recognizes aliving individual whose career hasbeenspent in or around Major League Baseball and who has demonstrated outstandingcharacterand hasmadesignificant contributions to the game.”

Willie Mays won the inaugural awardin2021, followed by Vin Scully (2022), Joe Torre (2023), DustyBaker (2024) and Bob Costas (2025).

“It’sagreat honor to be recognizedalong with theprevious award winners,” the 90-year-old Koufax said in anews release. “I thank the distinguished panel.”

STAFF PHOTO By BRAD KEMP

Carolina on SundayatLamson Park.

PHOTO By PATRICK DENNIS

LSU first basemanTori Edwards gets asingle in the first inning of LSU’s 8-5win overOle Miss on Sunday at TigerPark.

Looking up

Kite Fest Louisiane will takeflight starting at 11 a.m.Saturday at the

Baton RougeSoccerComplex in Port Allen. On the schedule are kite design competitions, children’skite-making workshops, professional kite-flying teams,food, music and more. Free. westbatonrouge.net.

LIVING

Band in the mirror

As ‘Michael’movie hits theaters, Southern’s Human Jukebox receives earlyscreening

BY JUDY BERGERON Staff writer

Though “Michael”doesn’t open in U.S. theaters until Friday, members of Southern University’s Human Jukebox and university officials got to check outthe MichaelJackson biopic alittle early

The April 8red carpet event at AMC Mall of La. 15 in Baton Rouge brought outstudents and families decked out in all things Michael Jackson —from sparklyblack blazerstopristine white gloves to those signature dark shades.Theypausedfor photos before grabbing aseat in oneoftwo theaters reserved for the 7p.m. screening.

The special treatment for the Southern contingentwas film studioLionsgate’sway of thanking the band. The Human Jukebox collaborated with other HBCU bands on apromotional video for “Michael,” with each school offering its take on the 1979 Jackson hit “Don’tStop ’Til YouGet Enough.”

By

Twomembers of Southern University’sHuman Jukebox showtheir best Michael Jackson style for their early screening of ‘Michael.’

Prior to the movie’sstart, actor Kendrick Sampson, who portrays QuincyJones in the film, talked briefly to the audience.

“The way that y’all embody the culture and honor the culture, especially when we’re thinking about music and marching bands,” Sampson began.“Those goose bumps that you feel on theback of your neck or on your arms whenyou see (Jackson) dancing and moving his body and singing, it’s the same goose bumps that people feelwhen they hear the marching band.” Houston native Sampson, 38, is known for his roles in “Insecure,”“How to Get Away with Murder,” “The Vampire Diaries”and PrimeVideo’s “Something from Tiffany’s.” Afterward, he fielded questions from the media.

ä See BAND, page 6C

LYRICAL LEGEND

ForBob Dylan, ‘It’smysongs that areat thevital center of almost everything Ido.’

BOBDYLAN

8p.m.Monday l River Center Theatre, 240 St. Louis St., Baton Rouge l $189$695+ (fewtickets remain) l raisingcanesrivercenter.comand bobdylan.com

8p.m.Tuesday l Shreveport Municipal Memorial Auditorium,705 Elvis Presley Blvd. l $68-$224+ l shreveportmunicipalauditorium comand bobdylan.com

BY JOHNWIRT| Contributing writer

ob Dylanstays newsworthy In the past few weeksand months, he’sbeen the subject of dozens of stories, items and reviews. The Times(of London), New York Times, Chicago Tribune and many other newspapers, NPR, themagazines American Songwriter,Rolling Stone, Guitar Player and FarOut and websites Salon, Artnet News and Jambands are amongthe media outlets covering Dylan from a variety of angles ä See BOBDYLAN, page 6C

BY KEITH SPERA Staff writer

STAFF PHOTO

ROBIN MILLER

By The Associated Press

Today is Friday, April 24, the 114th day of 2026. There are 251 days left in the year

Today in history: On April 24, 1916, Irish republicans launched the Easter Rising, a rebellion against British rule in Ireland. Though the rebels surrendered to British forces six days later, the uprising set the stage for republican victories in the Irish general election of 1918 and the establishment of the Irish Free State via the AngloIrish Treaty in 1922

Also on this date:

In 1960, rioting erupted in Biloxi, Mississippi, after Black protesters staging a “wade-in” at a Whites-only beach were attacked by a crowd of White people.

In 1980, the United States launched Operation Eagle Claw, an unsuccessful attempt to free 53 American hostages in Iran that re-

BAND

Continued from page 5C

In a relatively short period of time, you’ve portrayed Quincy Jones and Malcolm X (in the upcoming “Killing Castro”).Do you have to pinch yourself sometimes? And what do you think of this success that you’re having?

It’s not the typical Hollywood success. A lot of it came through, both of those came through personal connections that advocated for me. And also Malcolm X and Quincy Jones also have super personal connections So it was like a dream come true. I booked both of these during the actors’ strike So I didn’t know if they were actually gonna happen, you know? I got to connect with (Malcolm X’s) daughter right before playing Malcolm Most people thought I was obsessed with Quincy because of all of his pop culture things. I was obsessed with Quincy because of the jazz, and connection to jazz. I got to twice, and this is me thinking God was looking out for me twice at parties — Quincy sat me down, didn’t know me from anybody else, sat me down for five hours and just told me his stories. So that was my prep for this. After your time spent with Quincy Jones and your other research for the role, how big of a part do you think

BOB DYLAN

Continued from page 5C

This recent coverage includes reviews of two new books about the enigmatic singer-songwriter who turns 85 on May 24: Robert Polito’s “After the Flood: Inside Bob Dylan’s Memory Palace” and JimWindolf’s“WheretheMusicHadtoGo:HowBobDylan andtheBeatlesChangedEach Other — and the World.” Polito’s “After the Flood” makes the case that the past 30 years of Dylan’s career have been as significant to his catalog as the 1960s and ’70s Those earlier decades saw him writing and recording “Blowin’ in the Wind,” “Masters of War,” “The Times They Are A-Changing,” “Mr Tambourine Man,” “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” and more future classics. Polito’s book highlights such later Dylan albums as 1997’s “Time Out of Mind,” 2001’s “Love and Theft” and his masterful 2020 opus, “Rough and Rowdy Ways.” The book also cites the considerable touring Dylan has done since 1988, aka the “Never Ending Tour.” Dylan’s wandering bootheels bring him to Baton Rouge for a Monday concert at the River Center Theatre for Performing Arts and Tuesday to the historic Shreveport Municipal Memorial Auditorium. The Baton Rouge show is nearly sold out. The other new Dylan book, Windolf’s “Where the Music Had to Go,” chronicles Dylan’s relationship with his 1960s peers, the Beatles. Friendly rivals, they influenced and inspired each other Initially dismissive, Paul McCartney found himself enraptured by Dylan’s first two albums during the Bea-

sulted in the deaths of eight U.S. service members. In 1995, the final bomb linked to the Unabomber exploded inside the Sacramento, California, offices of the California Forestry Association, killing chief lobbyist Gilbert B. Murray (Theodore Kaczynski was later sentenced to four consecutive life terms in prison for a series of bombings that killed three people and injured 23 others; he died by suicide in 2023.)

In 2013, in Bangladesh, a shoddily constructed eightstory commercial building housing garment factories collapsed, killing more than 1,100 people. In 2018, former police officer Joseph DeAngelo was arrested at his home near Sacramento after DNA linked him to crimes attributed to the Golden State Killer; authorities believed he committed 13 murders and more than

Kendrick Sampson talks to the media during a red carpet event for the film ‘Michael’ at AMC Mall of La. 15 on April 8.

Jones had in Michael’s success as a solo artist?

Huge, huge. Finding his independence and finding his journey was the same time Quincy was transitioning and finding his journey He was going into a new genre with Michael. I believe there was even like, you know between Berry (Gordy, Motown Records founder) and Quincy some competition. And Berry was like, “Quincy can’t do pop.” You know, and Quincy wanted to prove himself every time he transitioned genres. So they were finding each other, they were helping each other, whether they knew it or not. Helping each other find their own power and their own individual journey, and

tles’ extended engagement in Paris in January 1964, just weeks before Beatlemania struck the United States.

“For the rest of our three weeks in Paris we didn’t stop playing them,” John Lennon said of those Dylan records. In his 2021 book, “The Lyrics,” McCartney reveals the impact Dylan made on the Lennon-McCartney songwriting team: “In the earliest days we were writing like Buddy Holly Then we were writing like Motown. Then we were writing like Bob Dylan.” Dylan later grew especially close to George Harrison, who recorded the Dylan song “If Not for You” for his 1970 solo album debut Nearly 20 years later, ex-Beatle Harrison joined Dylan in the supergroup Traveling Wilburys And 22 years after Lennon’s death in 1980, Dylan released a tribute to him, “Roll on John.”

Dylan’s 2026 performances in Louisiana are part of his yearslong “Rough and Rowdy Ways” worldwide tour Many of the shows on its latest leg are in smaller venues in places like Saginaw, Michigan; La Crosse, Wisconsin; Muncie, Indiana; and Waukegan, Illinois. In a review of Dylan’s March 30 performance in Waukegan, Chicago Tribune writer Christopher Borrelli describes the evening’s inscrutable main attraction as “a Flying Wallenda, pulling arrangements out of shape, not looking down to see just how precarious all of this sounds, as his excellent fourpiece band turns toward him, carefully watching his footing. It’s also just a weirdly cozy image for a famously caustic legend.”

The Waukegan show’s set list included Dylan’s take on songs by some of his rock ’n’ roll heroes (Bo Diddley’s

50 rapes in the 1970s and 1980s. (DeAngelo would plead guilty in 2020 to 13 counts of murder and be sentenced to life in prison without parole.)

Today’s birthdays: Actor Shirley MacLaine is 92. Actorsinger-filmmaker Barbra Streisand is 84. Fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier is 74. Actor Eric Bogosian is 73. Actor Michael O’Keefe is 71. Actor-comedian Cedric the Entertainer is 62. Actor Djimon Hounsou is 62. Actor Aidan Gillen is 58. Actor Rory McCann is 57. Latin pop singer Alejandro Fernandez is 55. Baseball Hall of Famer Chipper Jones is 54. Actor Derek Luke is 52. Singer-TV personality Kelly Clarkson is 44. Country singer Carly Pearce is 36. Actor-musician Joe Keery is 34. Actor Jack Quaid is 34. Actor Jordan Fisher is 32. Golfer Lydia Ko is 29. Singer Skylar Simone is 24.

identity at that time. So that was really powerful.

What was the most surprising thing you learned about Jackson from all this?

They used new technologies for the songs. People didn’t realize that a lot of the synth and things that they were using back then were brand-new technologies. It was like not even close to the comparison of using AI.

But it was like using that different of a technology at the time, even producing short films like “Thriller” for a music video and having a premiere for it was innovative at the time.

The same thing with “The Wiz.” I don’t think we realized how innovative they were, and more than anything, that was what I learned was how integral Quincy was in helping Michael find his own identity in his art

We saw on YouTube that one of your favorite foods is a po-boy. Will you be getting one while you’re here?

Oh my God, a po-boy! I just went and tortured myself with all this boudin last night. I can’t stop eating when I come down here. It’s my favorite. It is my favorite place to eat in Louisiana. Like I’d be trying to say Houston is my favorite city because that’s where I’m from, but technically it’s New Orleans or anywhere I could get some really great Creole food.

“I Can Tell” and Eddie Cochran’s “Nervous Breakdown”); his recasting of his own classics; and “Rough and Rowdy Ways” songs. Initially seen as a folk singer, Dylan was canonized by the early ’60s folk music scene. Those early years are depicted in the eighttime Oscar-nominated 2024 Dylan biopic, “A Complete Unknown.” The film follows him from his 1961 arrival in New York City to the electric performance at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival that enraged folk music purists. In 2016, Dylan became the first musician to win the Nobel Prize for Literature. He chose not to accept his prize in person. The U.S. ambassador to Sweden, Azita Raji, read his acceptance speech at the gala Nobel Banquet in Stockholm City Hall. An excerpt is below:

“When I started writing songs as a teenager, and even as I started to achieve some renown for my abilities, my aspirations for these songs only went so far I thought they could be heard in coffee houses or bars, maybe later in places like Carnegie Hall, the London Palladium. If I was really dreaming big, maybe I could imagine getting to make a record and then hearing my songs on the radio. That was really the big prize in my mind. Well, I’ve been doing what I set out to do for a long time, now I’ve made dozens of records and played thousands of concerts all around the world. But it’s my songs that are at the vital center of almost everything I do. They seemed to have found a place in the lives of many people throughout many different cultures. I’m grateful for that.”

Email John Wirt at j_wirt@ msn.com.

all-local lineup of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Cyril Neville, The Rumble and Naughty Professor On Saturday he jets over to Georgia for a gig with the Atlanta Pops Orchestra. He’s back at the Fair Grounds on Sunday to close the Blues Tent with what promises to be a more experimental, less formal show called “Jon Batiste presents Swamp.” As a bit of lagniappe, he appears alongside Benny Jones and the late “Uncle” Lionel Batiste, of the Treme Brass Band, and his buddy Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews on the official 2026 Jazz Fest poster Designed by Paul Rogers, this year’s poster commemorates the 125th anniversary of Louis Armstrong’s birth. Beyond Batiste, opening weekend of the 55th Jazz Fest packs the usual overabundance of musical riches. That the vast majority of the 600 or so acts are indigenous to Louisiana is what gives Jazz Fest its distinct personality It’s unlike every other major music festival in the country Famous faces, favorites The very first act on the Shell Gentilly Stage at 11:20 a.m. Thursday was Sally Baby’s Silver Dollars, the local throwback jazz/ soul ensemble recently featured on NPR’s Tiny Desk concert series. If you’re more interested in musicians who are already famous, the fest has got you covered as well. Kings of Leon, Raye, Lorde, Nas and the Isley Brothers are all on tap this weekend. Stevie Nicks, who drew an enormous crowd at the 2022 Jazz Fest, is back Saturday She’ll follow two prominent local/national acts, The Revivalists and Samantha Fish, on the Festival Stage As Nicks weaves her spell, hugely popular bluegrass/Americana singer Tyler Childers will be on the Gentilly Stage. Thus,

be his Jazz Fest swan song.

the first Saturday has the potential to be this fest’s biggest day Rod Stewart returns to the Fair Grounds on Sunday Local legend Irma Thomas sings on the main stage right before him. Given his fondness for classic American soul singers, he’ll likely appreciate his proximity to the Soul Queen of New Orleans as much as The Rolling Stones did in 2024.

Sunday’s adventurous Gentilly Stage lineup spans local acts People Museum and Boyfriend who is retiring her stage persona — and visiting iconoclasts St. Vincent and David Byrne. This year’s spotlight country is Jamaica. Nearly 60 slots on the festival’s scheduling cubes bear the Jamaican flag, including Congo Square Stage headliners Stephen Marley on Thursday and Sean Paul on Friday Jamaicans dominate the newly renamed Sandals Resorts Jamaica Cultural Exchange Pavilion.

Farewells and memorials As joyous as Jazz Fest is, there are always poignant moments. After a series of mishaps, New Orleans blues icon Little Freddie King is confined to a wheelchair and unable to play guitar A veteran of the very first Jazz Fest who is now 85, King plans to sing with his band Saturday in the Blues Tent for what may

Popular percussionist Michael Skinkus, who died unexpectedly in January, was celebrated Thursday on the Jazz & Heritage Stage by his band Moyuba Later Thursday, the late smooth jazz violinist Michael Ward’s legacy was honored by a band featuring his son, Cortes Ward. On Saturday, singer Lillian Boutte will be memorialized as her photo is hung in the Economy Hall Tent. And on Sunday, the music of Marcia Ball, who announced her retirement last fall after being diagnosed with ALS, will play on in the Blues Tent Her band will be fronted by special guests Jon Cleary, Tracy Nelson, Sue Foley, Terrance Simien, Carolyn Wonderland, Cindy Cashdollar and Shelley King. Take care of business

What is officially the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival presented by Shell is

STAFF PHOTO By ROBIN MILLER Houston actor

TAuRus (April 20-May 20) Mixed emotions will leave you puzzled. Take a moment to step back, review and revamp your plans. It's important that you have no reservations moving forward.

GEMInI (May 21-June 20) Curb your reactions, focus on what you can do and reach for the stars. Put more time and effort into updating your appeal, and it will feed your ego and boost your confidence.

cAncER (June 21-July 22) Get your facts straight before you act. Be savvy and get things in writing. Know what and who you are up against before you participate in something. Stay calm, be cool and focus on high returns.

LEo (July 23-Aug. 22) Take advantage of any opportunity you get to speak with an expert or learn something new. Show passion in all you do and say, and you'll command attention and reap rewards.

VIRGo (Aug. 23-sept. 22) The path to peace of mind involves dealing with organizations that hold your information and making sure important documents are up to date. Leave nothing undone or to chance.

LIBRA (sept. 23-oct. 23) Simple choices will give you the highest return. Engage in events that address your concerns, and you'll gain insight into better choices and meet some interesting people.

scoRPIo (oct. 24-nov. 22) The more you learn, the easier it becomes to reach

what your heart desires. Communication is key to lifestyle changes that promise a healthy and stable future.

sAGITTARIus (nov. 23-Dec. 21) Make changes that are within your means. Stick close to home and protect your privacy and possessions. A creative outlet will have a calming effect.

cAPRIcoRn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Take a deep breath and say no to anyone trying to exploit you. Call the shots instead of letting others dictate what's next. Scammers will do their best to outsmart you.

AQuARIus (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) A change to your surroundings that promotes peace of mind will stimulate originality and a path forward. Aim for greater independence, and everything else will fall into place.

PIscEs (Feb. 20-March 20) Protect your health and well-being. Don't attend events that put you at risk. Concentrate on what's happening and take a path that is practical and within your means.

ARIEs (March 21-April 19) Get physical, socialize, be playful and enjoy what life has to offer. Choose to participate, share your dreams and make plans that give you something to look forward to.

The horoscope, an entertainment feature, is not based on scientific fact. © 2026 by NEA Inc dist.

By Andrews McMeel Syndication

FAMILY CIrCUS

Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

ToDAy's cLuE: H EQuALs n

CeLebrItY CIpher

For better or For WorSe

peAnUtS zItS

And erneSt SALLY Forth

beetLe bAILeY

Mother GooSe And GrIMM

Sudoku

InstructIons: Sudoku is anumber-placingpuzzle basedona9x9 grid with severalgiven numbers. Theobjectistoplace thenumbers 1to9inthe empty squares so that each row, each column andeach3x3 boxcontains the same number only once.The difficulty level of theSudoku increasesfromMonday to Sunday

Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer

THe wiZard oF id

BLondie

BaBY BLueS

Hi and LoiS

CurTiS

Bridge

By PHILLIP ALDER

On some deals, adefender will have a dilemma, not sure how to defeat the contract. He must rely on his partner. Against five diamonds,West leads the spade two.How should declarer play? Suppose he wins with hisace, playsa heart to dummy’s10, and runs the diamond nine to West’s king. How should West defend? After two passes, East opened alight third-in-handonespade.Southovercalled two diamonds. West made apre-emptive jump to threespades, showing four-card support and less thangame-invitational values. (With astronger hand, he would have cue-bid three diamonds.) North doubledtoindicateamaximumpass,and Southjumped to five diamonds. This is adifficult deal. It is tempting for declarer to assume that East holds the diamond king. Butafter the diamond finesse fails, West wonders whether his side needs to take one diamond, one spade (when East hasonly five spades) and one club, or one diamondand two clubs (whenEast has six spades). He does not know,but East should. At trick four,West should shift to his club queen, andSouthplayslowfromtheboard.Now the spotlight is on East. From the spadetwo lead, he knows that West has only four spades.SoEast should overtake withhisclubaceandcashthespadeking. What did declarer do wrong? It is better to cash his diamond ace at trick two. If thekingdrops, fine. Butwhenitdoes not, South turns to hearts, getting home if the defenderwiththe diamondking has at leastthree hearts.Declarer’s club loser evaporates on dummy’s fourth heart. ©2026 by NEA, Inc dist. By Andrews

McMeel Syndication

Each Wuzzleisaword riddle which creates adisguised word,phrase, name, place, saying, etc.For example: NOON GOOD =GOOD AFTERNOON

Previous answers:

word game

InsTRucTIons: 1. Words mustbeoffourormoreletters.2.Words that acquire fourlettersbythe additionof“s,”suchas“bats” or “dies,”are notallowed. 3. Additional wordsmade by adding a“d” or an “s”may notbeused. 4. Proper nouns, slangwords, or vulgar or sexuallyexplicit words are notallowed.

ToDAy’sWoRD IMMEDIAcy: ih-ME-dee-uh-see: Thestateofbeing instant

Average mark23words

Timelimit 35 minutes

Canyou find 30 or more wordsinIMMEDIACY?

yEsTERDAy’s WoRD —GLoWERs

wuzzles

loCKhorNs

marmaduKe

Bizarro

hagar the horriBle

Pearls Before swiNe

garfield

B.C.

PiCKles

hidato

mallard

ATTENDANCE

adjusting themanning tables andamendingthe FY 25/26 operatingand capitalimprovement budgetsofthe Lafayette City-ParishConsolidated Government

certainadjustments and amendments relative

thereorganizations of theParks,Arts, Recre‐ation& CultureDepart‐ment,the CapitalIm‐provements Department theDrainageDepartment andthe Traffic, Roads, andBridges Department JO-012-2026 Ajoint ordi‐nanceofthe Lafayette City Counciland the Lafayette Parish Council authorizingthe Lafayette Mayor-Presidenttoenter into amaintenance agreementbetween the Lafayette City-Parish Consolidated Govern‐ment andthe Stateof LouisianaDepartmentof Transportation andDe‐velopmentconcerning themaintenance of state roadways to include mowing andlitterpickup andamendingthe FY 25/26 operatingbudget of theLafayette CityParish Consolidated Gov‐ernmentbydecreasing h f f d b l

ABSTAIN: Hooks Motion to accept recommendations was approved.

RESOLUTIONS

COUNCIL: Kenneth Boudreaux (Chair,District 5), Elroy Broussard(District 1), Andy Naquin (District 2) and Thomas Hooks (District 4) ABSENT:Liz Hebert (Vice-Chair,District 3)

COUNCIL STAFF:Joseph Gordon-Wiltz(Clerkofthe 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)

(6:42:00) COMMENCEMENT

Call to order

Chair Boudreaux called the Regular City Council Meeting of April 21, 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:

•Absent –Liz Hebert, District 3

•Item #7 –Discussion Item -(Lafayette Transit System service routes) –Traffic, Roads and Bridges made arequest to defer until May5th to provide time to develop apresentation on the current state and futureplans of the transit system;

•Wished ahappy birthday to Mayor-President Monique Boulet who celebrates on April 24th;

•Wished a happy birthday to Jeremy Richardson, Associate Clerk for Operations &Citizen Advocacy who celebrates on April 27th.

•Encouraged all to support and enjoy Festival International in it’s 40th Anniversary year.

AGENDA ITEM NO. 2: COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS No Council Announcements were made.

AGENDA ITEM NO. 3: EXECUTIVE/MAYOR-PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Boulet’sannouncements:

•Announced that she along with leaders from45cities across 16 countries convened at HarvardUniversity regarding the Bloomberg HarvardCity Leadership Initiative. She explained that she and fellow mayors participated in forums wherethey exchanged ideas and discussed how they areaddressing challenges and solutions for their residents.

•Therewill be apress conference at 11 AM in the Lafayette City HallMedia Room on April 22nd to announce the newly appointed Lafayette FireChief.

•Festival International is April 22nd-26th. Invited all to enjoy the festival. Noted that thereare over 2,000 volunteersthis year

•Paper Shredding Day is April 25th from 9AM–noon at the Robicheaux Recreation Center.

•National Day of Prayer Breakfast will be at St. John’sCathedral Hall on May 7th at 7:30 AM. The breakfast is sponsoredbyOur Lady of Lourdes Health and Kishbaugh Construction, Inc.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

AGENDA ITEM NO. 4: Cory J. Dugas v. Lafayette City-Parish Consolidated Government and Jarrell W. Moss 15th Judicial District Court Docket No. 20177383-G Lafayette Parish, Louisiana

Hooks recused himself from the vote and discussion due to his professional involvement.

Mahtook explained why it is appropriate and responsible for the Council to enter into executive session regarding this matter

Motion to enter into executivesession by Naquin, seconded by Broussard, and the vote was as follows:

YEAS: Broussard, Naquin, Boudreaux

NAYS: None

ABSENT:Hebert

ABSTAIN: Hooks Motion to enter into executive session was approved.

Motiontoreturnfromexecutive session by Broussard, seconded by Naquin, and the vote was as follows:

YEAS: Broussard, Naquin, Boudreaux

NAYS: None

ABSENT:Hebert

ABSTAIN: Hooks 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 budgetary adjustments 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, Boudreaux

NAYS: None

ABSENT:Hebert

NOTICE NOTICE TheLafayette Parish Councilmet in Regular SessiononApril 21, 2026 andintroducedthe fol‐lowing ordinances PO-014-2026 An

AGENDA ITEM NO.5:CR-008-2026 Aresolution of the Lafayette City Council considering and approving the application (#20250165-RTA)for restoration tax abatement submitted by JD Properties of Lafayette, LLC forparticipation in the StateofLouisiana RestorationTax Abatement Program (124 East Cypress Street), motiontoadopt by Broussard, seconded by Naquin, and the vote was as follows:

YEAS: Broussard, Naquin, Hooks, Boudreaux

NAYS: None

ABSENT:Hebert

ABSTAIN: None Motion to adopt was approved.

AGENDA ITEM NO.6:CR-009-2026 Aresolution of the Lafayette City Council adopting the Repetitive Loss Area Analysis Report as amitigation plan forareas that have or areexpected to experience repeated losses from flooding within the City of Lafayette, motiontoadopt by Naquin, seconded by Hooks, and the vote was as follows:

YEAS: Broussard, Naquin, Hooks, Boudreaux

NAYS: None

ABSENT:Hebert

ABSTAIN: None Motion to adopt was approved.

REPORTAND/ORDISCUSSIONITEM

Deferred to May 5th Council meeting.

AGENDA ITEM NO.10: Lafayette Transit System service routes

Hooks made amotiontodefer until May 5th, seconded by Naquin, and the vote was as follows:

YEAS: Broussard, Naquin, Hooks, Boudreaux

NAYS: None

ABSENT:Hebert

ABSTAIN: None Motion to defer untilMay 5th was approved.

Broussardquestioned the reason for the deferral.

Boudreaux explained that the Traffic, Roads and Bridges Department are in the process of developing apresentation to be better prepared for the discussion and to offer amorethorough explanation.

ORDINANCES FOR FINAL ADOPTION

AGENDA ITEM NO.8:CO-022-2026 An ordinance of the Lafayette City Council authorizing the Lafayette Mayor-President to enter into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement and Act of Donationbyand between Lafayette City-Parish Consolidated Government and the Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government concerning the donation of asurplus 2016 Crew Cab pickup, motion to adopt by Naquin, seconded by Hooks, and the vote was as follows:

YEAS: Broussard, Naquin, Hooks, Boudreaux

NAYS: None

ABSENT:Hebert

ABSTAIN: None Motion to adopt was approved.

AGENDA ITEM NO.9:CO-023-2026 An ordinance of the Lafayette City Council authorizing the Lafayette Mayor-President to enter into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement and Act of Donationbyand between Lafayette City-Parish Consolidated Government and the Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government concerning the donation of asurplus

RAM 2016 Crew Cab pickup, motion to adopt by Hooks, seconded by Naquin, and the vote was as follows:

YEAS: Broussard, Naquin, Hooks, Boudreaux

NAYS: None

ABSENT:Hebert

ABSTAIN: None Motion to adopt was approved.

AGENDA ITEM NO.10: CO-026-2026 An ordinance of the Lafayette City Council authorizing the Lafayette Mayor-President to enter into an Act of Deposit on behalf of the Lafayette Police Department of Mounted Horse Dutch to Senior Corporal John Domingue (Police Horse),motiontoadopt by Broussard, seconded by Hooks, and the vote was as follows:

YEAS: Broussard, Naquin, Hooks, Boudreaux

NAYS: None

ABSENT:Hebert

ABSTAIN: None Motion to adopt was approved.

AGENDA ITEM NO.11: CO-027-2026 An ordinance of the Lafayette City Council authorizing the Lafayette Mayor-President to enter into an Act of Deposit on behalf of the Lafayette Police Department of K9 Titan to Senior Corporal Ricky Fontenot (Police Dog),motiontoadopt by Naquin, seconded by Hooks, and the vote was as follows:

YEAS: Broussard, Naquin, Hooks, Boudreaux

NAYS: None

ABSENT:Hebert

ABSTAIN: None Motion to adopt was approved.

AGENDA ITEM NO.12: CO-029-2026 An ordinance of the Lafayette City Council amending the FY 25/26 operating budget of the Lafayette CityParish Consolidated Government by increasing revenues in the amount of $13,564.80 received from the United States Marshals Service (USMS) and appropriating within the Lafayette Police Department, motion to adopt by Broussard, seconded by Naquin, and the vote was as follows:

YEAS: Broussard, Naquin, Hooks, Boudreaux

NAYS: None

ABSENT:Hebert

ABSTAIN: None Motion to adopt was approved.

AGENDA ITEM NO. 13: CO-030-2026 An ordinance of the Lafayette City Council authorizing the Lafayette Mayor-President to enterinto a Cooperative Endeavor Agreementbyand between the City of Lafayette andDestiny Camp International, Inc. concerning the management and staffing of the Martin LutherKing Pool, motion to adopt by Naquin, seconded by Hooks, andthe vote wasasfollows:

YEAS: Broussard,Naquin, Hooks, Boudreaux

NAYS: None

ABSENT:Hebert

ABSTAIN: None Motion to adopt was approved.

Broussard urgedthataction needs to be taken to have the pool enclosed. Brian McGrath, Interim Director,statedthatthe enclosureisnot an active project.

Godeauxexplainedthatthere is significant maintenance to the pool area thatwas deferred overtime

AGENDA ITEM NO. 14: CO-031-2026Anordinanceofthe Lafayette City Council amending the Lafayette City-Parish ConsolidatedGovernment Code of Ordinances Chapter 94 to revise payments for underground line extensions for residential development, motion to adopt by Broussard seconded by Hooks, andthe vote wasasfollows: YEAS: Broussard,Naquin, Hooks, Boudreaux

NAYS: None

ABSENT:Hebert

ABSTAIN: None Motion to adopt was approved.

Godeauxand UtilitiesDirector JeffStewart gave a3-page PowerPoint presentation regarding the LUS electric reimbursement. Stewart compared the currentelectric reimbursement andthe proposed reimbursement. He notedthatthere is no direct cost to homeowners as this is done between the developer andLUS.

Gordon-Wiltz announced thatAcadianaHome Builders sentthe Council an emailstating that theyare in support of the ordinance.

APPEAL

AGENDA ITEM NO. 15: Appeal of NoticeofJudgment of Condemnation andOrder of Demolition: 100 SArlington Dr Lafayette, Louisiana 70503

A.A.B. Case #26-1062

Naquin made amotion to deny the appeal,secondedbyBroussard,and the vote wasasfollows:

YEAS: Broussard,Naquin, Boudreaux

NAYS: Hooks

ABSENT:Hebert

ABSTAIN: None Motion to deny the appeal was approved.

Kathy Trahan gave asummary of the case. She stated thatmultiple violations were identified beginning in 2024.

Beau Broussard,the appellant, presenteddocumentation to the Council andacknowledgedconcerns regarding the condition of the home,stating thatheisnow financially abletomake the necessary repairs. He stated thatheisprepared to begin workonthe home this week, noting thathe hadpreviously been instructednot to make anyrepairs until the Council reached adecision.

Gordon-Wiltz stated thatthe Council received an emailinopposition to granting the appeal

INTRODUCTORYORDINANCE

AGENDA ITEM NO. 16: CO-032-2026 An ordinance of the Lafayette City Council amending the FY 25/26 operatingbudgetand adjusting the manning tables of the Lafayette City-Parish ConsolidatedGovernment to increase the hourly pay rate of the Systems Analyst per Civil Service recommendation andtoprovide funding for the Communications Sales Representative incentive pay plan within the Communications Department, motion to introducebyNaquin, seconded by Hooks, andthe vote wasasfollows: YEAS: Broussard,Naquin, Hooks, Boudreaux

NAYS: None ABSENT:Hebert ABSTAIN: None Motion to introducewas approved.

COMMENT(S) FROM THEPUBLIC

AGENDA ITEM NO. 17: Comments from the public on anyothermatter(s) not on an agenda andare within the legislative power of the Lafayette City Council.

MatthewHumphrey,Vice-Chair of HopeHub, spoke on his personal experience with homelessness andaddiction. He notedthatHopeHub is anon-profitmentalsupportorganization for those experiencing homelessness due to high-risk life transitions. Humphrey stated thatheis against anyordinancethatwill criminalize homelessness (7:51:00) ADJOURN

Therebeing no furtherbusiness to come beforethe Council, Chair Boudreauxdeclared the RegularMeeting adjourned.

/s/ Joseph Gordon-Wiltz

JOSEPH GORDON-WILTZ, LAFAYETTE CLERK OF THE COUNCIL

185426-641368-APR 24-1T $$343.98

The LafayetteCity Councilmet in Regular Session on April 21, 2026 and adopted the following ordinances: CITY ORDINANCE NO. CO-022-2026

AN ORDINANCE OF THE LAFAYETTECITY COUNCIL

AUTHORIZING THE LAFAYETTEMAYOR-PRESIDENT TO ENTER INTO ACOOPERATIVE ENDEAVOR AGREEMENT AND ACT OF DONATIONBYAND BETWEEN LAFAYETTE CITY-PARISHCONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT AND THE TERREBONNE PARISH CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT CONCERNING THE DONATION OF ASURPLUS 2016 CREW CAB PICKUP

BE IT ORDAINED by the Lafayette City Council,that:

WHEREAS,the Lafayette City-Parish Consolidated Government (hereinafter referred to as “LCG”) is the owner of awhite RAM 2016 crew cab pickup, bearing VIN 3C6TR4HT2GG129041(hereinafter referred to as the “Pickup”); and WHEREAS,the Pickup isnolonger needed by the Lafayette Animal Shelter &CareCenter of LCG due to normal wear and tear,mileage, and hours operated and, therefore, is considered surplus property; and

WHEREAS,Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government(hereinafter referred to as “Terrebonne”) needsthe Pickup for use byits animal care center to provide public safety and protection services in the Parish of Terrebonne; and WHEREAS,LCG desires to donate, convey, transfer and deliver to Terrebonne the Pickup; and

WHEREAS,Article VII, Section14(C) of the Louisiana Constitution states, “for apublic purpose, the state and its political subdivisions or political corporations may engage incooperative endeavors with each other,with the United States or its agencies, or with any public or private association, corporation, or individual;” and

WHEREAS,Article VII, Section 14(E)ofthe Louisiana Constitution states, “nothing in this Section shallprevent the donation or exchange of movable surplus property between or among political subdivisionswhose functions include public safety;” and

WHEREAS,La. R.S. 33:4712 provides that beforedisposition of the property an ordinance must be introduced giving the reasons for the action, and fixing the terms of the contract; and

WHEREAS Section 2-11(11) of the Home Rule Charter of LCG requires the adoption 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 Pickup is no longer needed for public purposes and thus, surplus property; and

WHEREAS,the Lafayette City Councildesires that the Pickup be donated to Terrebonne and deems the donation of the Pickup to be in the best interest of the citizens of LCG.

NOW,THEREFORE, BE ITFURTHER ORDAINED bythe Lafayette City Council, that:

SECTION 1:All of the aforedescribed Whereas”clauses areherein adoptedaspart of this ordinance.

SECTION 2:The Lafayette Mayor-President isherebyauthorized to donate the Pickup, which is movablesurplus property no longer needed for apublic purpose, to the Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government, and to execute all documents needed to effectuate the donation to the Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government, including, but not limited to, the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement and Act of Donation, in substantially the same form as attached 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 adhered to.

SECTION 4:Any opposition to thisordinance shallbemadeinwriting and filed with the Office of the Clerk of the Councilwithin15days after its first publication.

SECTION 5:All ordinances and resolutions, or parts thereof, in conflict herewith arehereby repealed.

SECTION 6:This ordinance shallbecome effective upon the signature of the LafayetteMayor-President, the elapse of ten (10) days after receipt by the LafayetteMayor-President without signatureorveto, or upon override of aveto, whichever occurs first.

CITY ORDINANCE NO. CO-023-2026

AN ORDINANCE OF THE LAFAYETTECITY COUNCIL

AUTHORIZING THE LAFAYETTEMAYOR-PRESIDENT TO ENTER INTO ACOOPERATIVE ENDEAVOR AGREEMENT AND ACT OF DONATION BY AND BETWEEN LAFAYETTE

CITY-PARISHCONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT AND THE TERREBONNE PARISH CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT

CONCERNING THE DONATION OF ASURPLUS RAM 2016 CREW CAB PICKUP

BE IT ORDAINED by the Lafayette City Council,that:

WHEREAS,the Lafayette City-Parish Consolidated Government (hereinafter referred to as “LCG”) is the owner of awhite RAM 2016 crew cab pickup, bearing VIN 3C6TR4HT4GG129042(hereinafter referred to as the “Pickup”); and WHEREAS,the Pickup isnolonger needed by the Lafayette Animal Shelter &CareCenter of LCG due to normal wear and tear,mileage, and hours operated and, therefore, is consideredsurplus property; and WHEREAS,Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government (hereinafter referred to as “Terrebonne”) needsthe Pickup for use by its animal care center to provide public safety and protection services in the Parish of Terrebonne; and WHEREAS,LCG desires to donate, convey, transfer and deliver to Terrebonne the Pickup; and

WHEREAS,Article VII, Section14(C) of the Louisiana Constitution states, “for apublic purpose, the state and its political subdivisions or political corporations 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,Article VII, Section 14(E)ofthe Louisiana Constitution states, “nothing in this Section shallprevent the donation or exchange of movable surplus property between or among political subdivisionswhose functions include public safety;” and

WHEREAS,La. R.S. 33:4712 provides that beforedisposition of the property an ordinance must be introducedgivingthe reasons for the action, and fixing the terms of the contract; and

WHEREAS Section 2-11(11) of the Home Rule Charter of LCG requires the adoption 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 Pickup is no longer needed for public purposes and thus, surplus property; and

WHEREAS,the Lafayette City Councildesires that the Pickup be donated to Terrebonne and deems the donation of the Pickup to be in the best interest of the citizens of LCG.

NOW,THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED by the Lafayette City Council, that:

SECTION 1:All of the aforedescribed “Whereas”clauses areherein adopted as part of this ordinance.

SECTION 2:The Lafayette Mayor-President isherebyauthorized to donate the Pickup, which is movablesurplus property no longer needed for apublic purpose, to the Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government, and to execute all documents needed to effectuate the donation to the Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government, including, but not limited to, the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement and Act of Donation,insubstantially the same form as attached 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 adhered to.

SECTION 4:Any opposition to thisordinance shall be madeinwriting and filed with the Office of the Clerk of the Councilwithin15days after its first publication.

SECTION 5:All ordinances and resolutions, or parts thereof, in conflict herewith arehereby repealed.

SECTION 6:This ordinance shallbecome effective upon the signature of the LafayetteMayor-President, the elapse of ten (10) days after receipt by the LafayetteMayor-President without signature or veto, or upon override of aveto, whichever occurs first. CITY ORDINANCE NO. CO-026-2026

AN ORDINANCE OF THE LAFAYETTE CITY COUNCIL

AUTHORIZING THE LAFAYETTE MAYOR-PRESIDENT TO ENTER INTO AN ACT OF DEPOSIT ON BEHALF OF THE LAFAYETTE POLICE DEPARTMENT OF MOUNTED HORSE

DUTCH TO SENIOR CORPORAL JOHN DOMINGUE (POLICE HORSE)

BE IT ORDAINED by the Lafayette City Council, that: WHEREAS,acertain policemounted horse, DUTCH, in theservice of the LafayettePolice Department, can no longer serve as mounted horse and, therefore, is no longer useful or needed for such purposes; and WHEREAS,the LafayettePolice Departmentwishes to enter into an Act of Deposit wherein the custodyand care of mounted horse DUTCH is transferredunto Senior Corporal John Domingue; and WHEREAS,the Lafayette City Councilagreesthat thiswould be in the best interest

accordingly NOW,THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED by the Lafayette City Council, that: SECTION 1:All of the aforedescribed “Whereas”clauses areadopted as part of this ordinance.

SECTION 2:The Lafayette Mayor-President, Monique B. Boulet, be and she is hereby authorized to execute any and all documents needed to properly transfer the custody and careofthe mounted horse DUTCH to Senior Corporal John Domingue including, but not limited to, the Act of Deposit.

SECTION 3:All ordinances or resolutions, or parts thereof, in conflict herewith arehereby repealed.

SECTION 4:This ordinance shall become effective upon signatureof the Lafayette Mayor-President, the elapse of ten (10) days after receipt by the Lafayette Mayor-President without signatureorveto, or upon override of aveto, whichever occurs first.

CITY ORDINANCE NO. CO-027-2026

AN ORDINANCE OF THE LAFAYETTE CITY COUNCIL

AUTHORIZING THE LAFAYETTE MAYOR-PRESIDENT TO

ENTER INTO AN ACT OF DEPOSIT ON BEHALF OF THE LAFAYETTE POLICE DEPARTMENT OF K9 TITAN TO SENIOR CORPORAL RICKY FONTENOT (POLICE DOG)

BE IT ORDAINED by the Lafayette City Council, that:

WHEREAS,acertain police dog, K9 Titan, in the service of the Lafayette Police Department, can no longer serve as police dog and, therefore, is no longer useful or needed for such purposes; and WHEREAS,the Lafayette Police Department wishes to enter into an Act of Deposit wherein the custody and careofretiring K9 Titan is transferredunto Senior Corporal Ricky Fontenot; and WHEREAS,the Lafayette City Council agrees that this would be in the best interest of K9 Titan; and

WHEREAS,the Lafayette City Council wishes to authorize the Lafayette Mayor-President to execute any and all documents needed to properly transfer the custody and careofthe retiring K9 Titan to Senior Corporal Ricky Fontenot including, but not limited to, the Act of Deposit, a copy of which is attached hereto and made apart hereof; and accordingly

NOW,THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED by the Lafayette City Council, that: SECTION 1:All of the aforedescribed Whereas”clauses areadopted as part of this ordinance.

SECTION 2:The Lafayette Mayor-President, Monique B. Boulet, be and she is hereby authorized to execute any and all documents needed to properly transfer the custody and careofthe K9 Titan to Senior Corporal Ricky Fontenot including, but not limited to, the Act of Deposit.

SECTION 3:All ordinances or resolutions, or parts thereof, in conflict herewith arehereby repealed.

SECTION 4:This ordinance shall become effective upon signatureof the Lafayette Mayor-President, the elapse of ten (10) days after receipt by the Lafayette Mayor-President without signatureorveto, or upon override ofaveto, whichever occurs first.

CITY ORDINANCE NO. CO-029-2026 AN ORDINANCE OF THE LAFAYETTE CITY COUNCIL AMENDING THE FY 25/26 OPERATING BUDGET OF THE LAFAYETTE CITY-PARISH CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT BY INCREASING REVENUES IN THE AMOUNT OF $13,564.80

RECEIVED FROM THE UNITED STATES MARSHALS SERVICE (USMS) AND APPROPRIATING WITHIN THE LAFAYETTE POLICE DEPARTMENT

BE IT ORDAINED by the Lafayette City Council, that:

SECTION 1:The FY 25/26 operating budget of the Lafayette CityParish Consolidated Government is hereby amended by increasing revenues in the amount of $13,564.80 received from the United States Marshals Service (USMS) and appropriating within the Lafayette Police Department.

SECTION 2:The increase in revenues shall be as reflected in any pertinent documents which areattached hereto and made apart hereof and filed in the Office of the Clerk of the Council.

SECTION 3:The Lafayette Mayor-President, or her designee, is further authorized to conduct all negotiations, execute, and submit all documents, including but not limited to applications, agreements, amendments and payment requests, which may be necessary for the completion of the aforementioned project.

SECTION 4:The Lafayette Mayor-President, or her designee, is hereby authorized to amend the operating budget within the grant period by transferring any unexpended appropriated balances into or out of salaries andbenefits line items and all other expense line items in order to expend the total awardamount in accordance with the regulations.

SECTION 5:All ordinances or resolutions, or parts thereof, in conflict herewith arehereby repealed.

SECTION 6:This ordinance shall become effective upon signatureof the Lafayette Mayor-President, the elapse of ten (10) days after receipt by the Lafayette Mayor-President without signatureorveto, or upon an override of aveto, whichever comes first.

CITY ORDINANCE NO. CO-030-2026

AN ORDINANCE OF THE LAFAYETTE CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE LAFAYETTE MAYOR-PRESIDENT TO ENTER INTO ACOOPERATIVE ENDEAVOR AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE CITY OF LAFAYETTE AND DESTINY CAMP INTERNATIONAL, INC. CONCERNING THE MANAGEMENT AND STAFFING OF THE MARTIN LUTHER KING POOL

BE IT ORDAINED by the Lafayette City Council, that: WHEREAS,the City of Lafayette (herein “Lafayette”) is the owner of the pool (herein “MLK Pool”) situated on the immovable property bearing a municipal address(es) of 309 Cora Street, Lafayette, LA 70501, known as the Martin Luther King Recreational Center; and WHEREAS,Destiny Camp International, Inc. (herein “Destiny Camp”) hasexpressed interest in and adesiretomanage and staffthe MLK Pool; and WHEREAS,the assistance offered by Destiny Camp is vital for a thriving community,asitwill assist Lafayette in promoting physical fitness, providing asafe space for recreation and social entertainment, and foster community engagement within the Lafayette community; and WHEREAS,Lafayette recognizes the important public purpose of providing meaningful opportunities to the citizens of Lafayette and desires that Destiny Camp assist Lafayette with the management and staffing of the MLK Pool; and WHEREAS,Article VII, Section l4(C) of the 1974 Constitution of the State of Louisiana, provides that, for apublic purpose, public entities, parishes, municipalities, and political subdivisions together with private entities, may engage in and make cooperative endeavor agreements or intergovernmental agreements between themselves for specificpurposes; and WHEREAS,topromote the public health safety,and welfareofthe City of Lafayette, Lafayette deems it necessary and desirable that a cooperative endeavor agreement be executed by Lafayette and Destiny Camp setting forth the terms and conditions related to the management and staffing of the MLK Pool.

NOW,THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED by the Lafayette City Council, that:

SECTION 1:All of the aforedescribed Whereas”clauses areherein adopted as part of this ordinance.

SECTION 2:The Lafayette Mayor-President is hereby authorized to execute the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement by and between the City of Lafayette and Destiny Camp International, Inc., in substantially the same form as attached herewith, and to take all action necessary in carrying out the intent of this ordinance.

SECTION 3:All ordinances and resolutions, or parts thereof, in conflict herewith arehereby repealed.

SECTION 4:This ordinance shall become effective upon the signature of the Lafayette Mayor-President, the elapse of ten (10) days after receipt by the Lafayette Mayor-President without signatureorveto, or upon override of aveto, whichever occurs first.

CITY ORDINANCE NO. CO-031-2026 AN ORDINANCE OF THE LAFAYETTE CITY COUNCIL AMENDING THE LAFAYETTE CITY-PARISH CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT CODE OF ORDINANCES CHAPTER 94 TO REVISE PAYMENTS FOR UNDERGROUND LINE EXTENSIONS FOR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT

DENT’S REPORT Boulet’s announcements: •Announced that she alongwithleaders from 45 cities across 16 coun‐triesconvenedatHar‐vard University regarding theBloomberg Harvard Ci ad ship itiati

YEAS:Tabor,Richard Stansbury, Guilbeau NAYS:None ABSENT:Rubin ABSTAIN: None Motion to adoptwas ap‐proved REPORT AND/OR DISCUS‐SION ITEM AGENDA ITEM NO.5:Up‐date by Lafayette Soil andWater Conservation District Lafayette Soil andWater Conservation District Spokesperson Stan Du‐tile andChairmanRo‐nous Duhongavea 12page PowerPoint presen‐tation on theservices they providewhich also includes equipment rental andurban farming assistance.Theynoted

p p mentsDepartment for additional funding needed TheChair then called for avote to introducethe ordinances (items 6thru 8),inglobo,and thevote wasasfollows: YEAS:Tabor,Richard, Stansbury, Guilbeau NAYS:None ABSENT:Rubin ABSTAIN: None Motion to introduce, in globo, wasapproved. (4:50:00)ADJOURN Therebeing no further business to come before theCouncil, Chair Richarddeclaredthe RegularMeetingad‐journed.

/s/ Joseph Gordon-Wiltz JOSEPH GORDON-WILTZ,

SUBSCRIBE TODAY

PROCEEDINGS OF THELAFAYETTE CITY COUNCIL AND THE LAFAYETTEPARISHCOUNCIL MEETING OF THE CITYOFLAFAYETTE AND THE PARISHOF LAFAYETTE, STATEOFLOUISIANA, TAKEN AT ASPECIAL JOINT MEETING OF APRIL 21, 2026 HELD AT 705 W. UNIVERSITY AVENUE, LAFAYETTE, LA.

ATTENDANCE

PARISH COUNCIL:Donald Richard(Chair,District 2), Ken Stansbury (Vice-Chair,District 3), Bryan Tabor (District 1), John Guilbeau (District 4) and AB Rubin (District 5) ABSENT:None

CITY COUNCIL:Kenneth P. Boudreaux (Chair,District 5), Elroy Broussard (District 1), Andy Naquin (District 2) and Thomas Hooks (District 4)

ABSENT:Liz W. Hebert (Vice-Chair,District 3)

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)

(5:17:00) COMMENCEMENT

Call to order

Parish Chair Richardopened the Special Joint Council Meeting and called the Parish Council Meeting to order

City Chair Boudreaux called the City Council Meeting to order

AGENDA ITEM NO. 1: Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

The Chair called upon City Councilmember Naquin to cite an invocation and upon Parish Councilmember Guilbeau to lead the Pledge of Allegiance.

WELCOME AND CHAIR ANNOUNCEMENS

Richardmade the following announcement: -Absent –Liz Hebert, City District 3

AGENDA ITEM NO. 2: COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS Guilbeau questioned the need for aspecial joint meeting, noting that joint items aretypically voted on by each Council at their respective regular meetings.

Gordon-Wiltz explained that therehad been arequest for multiple presentations and that it was determined aspecial joint agenda would be moreefficient, allowing the joint items to be introduced without repeated presentations in separate sessions. He further noted that the items would be brought back on the respective Council’sregular meeting agendas for final adoption.

Boudreaux explained that he and Parish Chair Richardconsulted with Gordon-Wiltz regarding scheduling aspecial joint meeting at least once each quarter to be held whenever the Administration needs to present to both Councils.

AGENDA ITEM NO. 3: EXECUTIVE/MAYOR-PRESIDENT’S REPORT No Mayor-President’sReport.

JOINT INTRODUCTORYORDINANCES

AGENDA ITEM NO. 4: JO-011-2026 Ajointordinance of the Lafayette CityCouncil and the Lafayette Parish Council adjusting the manning tables and amending the FY 25/26 operating and capital improvement budgets of the Lafayette City-Parish Consolidated Government to reflect certain adjustments and amendments relative to the reorganizationsofthe Parks, Arts, Recreation &CultureDepartment, the Capital Improvements Department, the Drainage Department and the Traffic, Roads, and Bridges Department.

Amotion by the Lafayette Parish Council to introduce, by Tabor,seconded by Stansbury, and the vote was as follows:

YEAS: Tabor,Richard, Stansbury, Guilbeau, Rubin

NAYS: None

ABSENT: None

ABSTAIN: None Motion to introduce, by Parish Council, was approved.

Amotionbythe Lafayette City Council to introduce, by Naquin, seconded by Hooks, and the vote was as follows:

YEAS: Broussard, Naquin, Hooks, Boudreaux

NAYS: None

ABSENT:Hebert

ABSTAIN: None

Motion to introduce, by City Council, was approved.

AGENDA ITEM NO.5:JO-012-2026 Ajoint ordinance of the Lafayette City Council and the Lafayette Parish Council authorizing the Lafayette Mayor-President to enter into amaintenance agreement between the Lafayette City-Parish Consolidated Government and the Stateof Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development concerning the maintenance of state roadways to include mowing and litter pickup and amending the FY 25/26 operating budget of the Lafayette City-Parish Consolidated Government by decreasing the use of fund balance and increasing reimbursement revenue from the StateofLouisiana Department of Transportation and Development in the amount of $3,920.

Amotionbythe Lafayette Parish Council to introduce, by Tabor,seconded by Stansbury, and the vote was as follows:

YEAS: Tabor,Richard, Stansbury, Guilbeau, Rubin

NAYS: None

ABSENT: None

ABSTAIN: None

Motion to introduce, by Parish Council, was approved.

Amotionbythe Lafayette City Council to introduce, by Hooks, seconded by Naquin, and the vote was as follows:

YEAS: Broussard, Naquin, Hooks, Boudreaux

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Hebert

ABSTAIN: None

Motion to introduce, by City Council, was approved.

AGENDA ITEM NO 6: JO-013-2026 Ajoint ordinance of the Lafayette City Council and the Lafayette Parish Council amending Chapter 26, Article XI Division 2ofthe Lafayette City-Parish Consolidated Government Code of Ordinances related to flood damage prevention.

Amotionbythe Lafayette Parish Council to introduce, by Stansbury, seconded by Rubin, and the vote was as follows:

YEAS: Tabor,Richard, Stansbury, Guilbeau, Rubin

NAYS: None

ABSENT: None

ABSTAIN: None

Motion to introduce, by Parish Council, was approved.

Amotionbythe Lafayette City Council to introduce, by Broussard, seconded by Naquin, and the vote was as follows:

YEAS: Broussard, Naquin, Hooks, Boudreaux

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Hebert

ABSTAIN: None

Motion to introduce, by City Council, was approved.

Godeaux reminded all that the presentation relates to this item and the resolutions up for adoption on each Council’s regular agenda: PR-0062026 and CR-009-2026.

Brian Smith, Drainage Director and Clay Boudreaux, CFMFloodplain Administrator,gave a16-page PowerPoint presentation on the Repetitive Loss Area AnalysisReport (RLAA) and Flood Zone X. Boudreaux explained that the purpose of an RLAA is to develop mitigation solutions forindividual buildings or specificareas. He outlined both the current regulations and the proposed changes. Boudreaux emphasized thatthese changes arenecessary because many homes arebeing constructed below the elevation of nearby roads and drainage systems. He stated that Lafayette Parish has over 500 properties on the Repetitive Loss List.

Godeaux clarified that upon final adoption, the amendmentswill be effective starting November 1, 2026 giving ample timetoplan

developments effectively

AGENDAITEM NO. 7: JO-014-2026A joint ordinanceofthe Lafayette City Council andthe Lafayette Parish Council, acting in their capacity as the governing authority of the City of Lafayette andthe Parish of Lafayette, respectively,providing for the abandonment of acertainportion of a20’ drainage servitude andthe dedication of anew 20’ drainage servitude on Lot 20 of the BrookshireSouth Phase ISubdivision,located at 207 RutherfordCourt, andauthorizingthe Lafayette Mayor-President to execute an ActofAbandonment in ordertoeffectuate the abandonment on behalf of the City of Lafayette, Parish of Lafayette, andthe Lafayette City-Parish ConsolidatedGovernment.

Amotion by the Lafayette Parish Council to introduce, by Guilbeau seconded by Stansbury, andthe vote wasasfollows:

YEAS: Tabor,Richard,Stansbury,Guilbeau,Rubin

NAYS: None

ABSENT:None

ABSTAIN: None Motion to introduce, by Parish Council, was approved.

Amotion by the Lafayette City Council to introduce, by Hooks, seconded by Naquin, andthe vote wasasfollows:

YEAS: Broussard,Naquin, Hooks, Boudreaux

NAYS: None

ABSENT:Hebert

ABSTAIN: None

Motion to introduce, by City Council, was approved.

AGENDAITEM NO. 8: JO-015-2026 Ajoint ordinanceofthe Lafayette City Council andthe Lafayette Parish Council amending Chapter 89 of the Lafayette City-Parish ConsolidatedGovernment Code of Ordinances a/k/a the Lafayette Development Code (LDC).

Amotion by the Lafayette Parish Council to introduce, by Tabor,seconded by Stansbury, andthe vote wasasfollows:

YEAS: Tabor,Richard,Stansbury,Guilbeau,Rubin

NAYS: None

ABSENT:None

ABSTAIN: None

Motion to introduce, by Parish Council, was approved.

Amotion by the Lafayette City Council to introduce, by Broussard seconded by Hooks, andthe vote wasasfollows:

YEAS: Broussard,Naquin, Hooks, Boudreaux

NAYS: None

ABSENT:Hebert

ABSTAIN: None

Motion to introduce, by City Council, was approved.

Neil LeBouef,Community Development andPlanning Development Manager andTammy Luke, Community Development andPlanning Director,gave asynopsis andpresentation regarding the Lafayette Development Code amendments. Aseven (7)pagePowerPoint Presentation wasdisplayed.

Stansburyrequested aremedy for light pollution from gasstations particularly the gasstations thatare being built near homesinthe unincorporatedareas of the Parish Guilbeau notedthatthere is an issue of light pollution in residential areas as well.

(6:34:00) ADJOURN

There being no furtherbusiness to come beforethe Councils, City Chair Boudreauxdeclared the City Council Meeting adjourned. Parish Chair Richarddeclared the Joint Meeting andthe Parish Council Meeting adjourned.

/s/ Joseph Gordon-Wiltz JOSEPH GORDON-WILTZ, LAFAYETTE CLERK OF THE COUNCIL

185428-641369-apr24-1t $251.37 subscribe today subscribe.nola.com

When youneed thenews. Wherever youreadthe news

Thenewspaper of record for Acadiana