The Advocate 05-02-2026 by The Advocate

EL EC TI ON 20 26

Earlyvotingopens amid uncertainty

Ballot includescontentious U.S. Senate election, St.Georgeschools amendmentbut no U.S. Houseraces

Aseismic U.S. Supreme Court ruling has pushed Louisiana to cancel its congressionalraces, but early voting begins as scheduled Saturday for many other electionsonthe May 16 ballot.

Acriticalmeasure on theballot for BatonRouge-area votersisAmendment 2, which would createaschool district in St. George, the new city in East Baton Rouge Parish

Supporters say residentsofthe area have long been underserved by the parish school system; opponents say abreakaway district would undermine East Baton Rouge Parish public schools. There are ﬁve schoolsinsidethe citylimitsofSt. George that would undergochanges should the amendment pass.

INSIDE

ä What’sonthe ballot in the Baton Rougearea. Page 4A ä Landry’sorder halting elections faces barrageoflawsuits. Page 5A

This is also the ﬁrst majorvote to be held under the state’snew semiclosed partyprimary system,and thestakes are signiﬁcant.

U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy is in abareknuckle fight to win reelection against two fellow Republicans—

U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow,who has President Donald Trump’sendorsement, andstateTreasurer John Fleming, who served in Trump’sWhiteHouse during thepresident’s ﬁrst term. Five constitutional amendments

are on theballotthatwould make changes ranging from ateacher pay raise to the mandatoryretirement age for judges.

And, in some parts of the state, voters will decide who represents them on thestate Supreme Court, the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education,and the Public Service Commission,which regulates utilities across Louisiana. Here is what you need to know before you head to thepolls. When andwhere do Ivote?

Election Day is May16, but you can voteearly between this Saturday and next Saturday,May 9, excluding Sunday To ﬁnd your polling place, what is

ä See VOTING, page 4A

Zydeco head announcesexitfromteam

BR hockey franchise couldbenextFPHL organization to fold

BY IANNE SALVOSA Staff writer

Amid fanconcernsofthe Baton Rouge Zydeco shuttering, the team’s president announced Friday he willfocus his efforts on another minor league hockey franchise.

Donald Lewis shared in anow-pri-

vate Facebookpost Fridayevening that he will work full-time with the Topeka Scarecrows, another Federal Prospects Hockey League team that he owns. Thepost stated he said goodbye to the Zydeco staff and thanked them for their service to theteam.

“Today,Ihad to say goodbye to some of thehardest-working staff members (now family) I’ve ever known,”the poststates. “Beyond their work ethic they’re among themost loyal people anyonecould ask for.” Lewis did not directly say theteam wasfolding in the post. He did not

return requests for commentonthe team’sfuture prior to his post

Fanshave been skeptical of the team’sfuture for the past season.As of earlierthis week, the Zydeco’sofﬁcial social media pages on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok were no longer available.

Establishedin2023, theZydeco brokethe league record for season attendance withmore than 110,000attendees, raking in $8.1million in economic impact for thecity

Courtblocks mailingof abortion pills

BY GEOFF MULVIHILL Associated Press

Afederal appealscourt hasrestricted access to oneofthe most common means of abortionin the U.S. by blocking mailing of prescriptions of mifepristone.

Apanel of the New Orleans-based 5th U.S. CircuitCourt of Appealsisrequiring that the abortion pill be distributed only in person at clinics.

“Every abortion facilitated by FDA’s action cancels Louisiana’sban on medical abortions and undermines its policy that ‘every unborn child is a human being from the momentofconception and is, therefore, alegal person,’”the ruling states. Judges have long deferred to the Food and Drug Administration’sjudgments on the safety and appropriate regulation of drugs.

FDA ofﬁcials under President Donald Trump have repeatedly stated the agency is conducting a newreviewofmifepristone’s safety,atthe direction of the president.

Thejudgesnotedintheir ruling that theFDA “could notsay whenthat review might be complete and admitted it wasstill collecting data.”

In acourt ﬁling, Louisiana Attorney General LizMurrill anda woman whosaysshe wascoerced into takingabortion pills requested that the FDA rules be rolled back to when the pills were allowedtobeprescribedand dispensedonly in person.

Murrill heralded the ruling as awin for “women and babies.”

“The Biden abortion cartel facilitated the deaths of thousands of Louisiana babies (and millions in other states) through illegal mail-order abortion pills. Today,that nightmare is over,thanks to the hard work of my ofﬁce and our friends at Alliance

ä See ABORTION, page 5A

WBRofficials suejournalistin public records dispute

BY AIDAN McCAHILL Staff writer

Amonthslong clash over public records requests hasprompted West Baton Rouge Parish ofﬁcials to sue the founder of asmall local news outlet —and has drawna national freedom of information group into the fray

The West Baton Rouge Parish government says it sued in response to threatened litigation from journalist JohnSummers. Summers argues the suit is aimed at stiﬂing hisinvestigative reporting into the West Baton Rouge Fire Department. Summersisthe editor andmain reporter for the West BatonRouge Independent,whichcovers governmental affairs in the parish. The Reporters Committeefor Freedom of the Press, anational pro bono legal group, countersued the parish on

STAFF FILEPHOTO By TRAVISSPRADLING

Early voting for the May16election runs through May9,excluding Sunday.

The Baton RougeZydeco hockeyteam was established in 2023.

STAFFFILE PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

ä See ZYDECO, page 7A

ä See DISPUTE, page 7A

Staff report

BRIEFS FROM WIRE REPORTS

U.S. to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany

WASHINGTON The United States will withdraw about 5,000 troops from Germany in the next six to 12 months the Pentagon said Friday, fulﬁlling President Donald Trump’s threat as he clashes with the German leader over the U.S. war with Iran.

Trump had threatened to withdraw some troops from the NATO ally earlier this week after Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the U.S. was being “humiliated” by the Iranian leadership and criticized Washington’s lack of strategy in the war Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said in a statement that the “decision follows a thorough review of the Department’s force posture in Europe and is in recognition of theater requirements and conditions on the ground.”

Germany hosts several U.S. military facilities, including the headquarters of its European and Africa commands, Ramstein Air Base and a medical center in Landstuhl, where casualties from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq were treated U.S. nuclear missiles are also stationed in the country

The number of troops leaving Germany would be 14% of the 36,000 American service members stationed there.

Ex-lawmaker convicted of secretly lobbying

MIAMI A former Miami congressman and longtime friend of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was convicted Friday in connection with a secret $50 million lobbying campaign on behalf of Venezuela during the first Trump administration Jurors found Republican David Rivera and an associate, Esther Nuhfer, guilty on all counts, including failing to register as a foreign agent with the Justice Department and conspiracy to commit money laundering as part of their work for former President Nicolás Maduro’s government. Much as he did throughout the trial, Rivera stood stone-faced as the jury delivered its verdict. Rivera had been out on bond, but Judge Melissa Damian ordered him taken into custody finding that he posed a flight risk because he has access to sizable funds, faces a potentially long prison sentence, and faces additional federal charges in Washington, D.C., in a related foreign lobbying case. The seven-week trial offered a rare glimpse into Miami’s role as a crossroads for foreign influence campaigns aimed at shaping U.S. policy toward Latin America, one highlighting the city’s reputation as a magnet for corruption and anti-Communist crusaders among its sizable exile population. Rivera

Ukraine says strike hit Russian oil terminal

KYIV, Ukraine Ukrainian forces struck an oil terminal in the Russian Black Sea city of Tuapse, Ukraine’s General Staff said on Friday marking the fourth attack targeting the region’s oil infrastructure in just over two weeks.

Explosions and a fire were recorded at the terminal, the statement from the General Staff said. Local officials in Russia said a Ukrainian drone attack sparked the blaze and that no casualties were reported. The facility had been hit previously on April 16 April 20 and April 28. Regional Gov Veniamin Kondratyev said a ﬁre at the city’s oil reﬁnery had also been extinguished Thursday, less than 24 hours before the latest strike. Meanwhile, Russian attacks continued to strike Ukraine.

Russia attacked the western Ukrainian city of Ternopil with over 50 drones on Friday, Mayor Serhii Nadal said. Hits were recorded in industrial facilities and infrastructure, he said. At least 10 people were wounded, he added, while some neighborhoods remain without electricity as a result of the mass attack.

Trump ‘not satisfied’ with Iran’s proposal

President rejects latest offer to end war

BY TOQA EZZIDIN, MUNIR AHMED and COLLIN BINKLEY Associated Press

ISLAMABAD President Donald Trump rejected Iran’s latest proposal to end the war between the countries, saying Friday he still was not satisﬁed while blaming Iran’s “fractured” leadership.

Trump turned back the latest proposal almost as soon as it was delivered. Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency reported that Iran handed over its plan to mediators in Pakistan on Thursday night

“They want to make a deal, I’m not satisﬁed with it, so we’ll see what happens,” Trump told reporters Friday at the White House, without elaborating on what he saw as its shortcomings.

The shaky three-week ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran appears to still be holding though both countries have traded accusations of violations.

While the ceaseﬁre has largely halted fighting in Iran, the U.S. and Iran are locked in a standoff over the Strait of Hormuz, through which a ﬁfth of the world’s traded oil and gas passes in peacetime.

A U.S. Navy blockade stopping Iran’s tankers from getting out to sea has Iran’s economy reeling. The world economy is also under pressure as Iran maintains its chokehold on the strait.

Negotiations have continued by phone after Trump called off his envoys’ trip to Pakistan last week, the president said Trump this week floated a new plan to reopen the critical passageway used by America’s Gulf allies to export their oil and gas.

On Friday, Trump expressed frustra-

tion with Iran’s leadership, describing it as fractured.

“It’s a very disjointed leadership,” Trump said. “They all want to make a deal, but they’re all messed up.”

Discussing a brieﬁng he had Thursday with Adm. Brad Cooper, head of U.S. Central Command, the president said the U.S. has just two options in Iran.

“I mean, do we want to go and just blast the hell out of them and ﬁnish them forever? Or do we want to try and make a deal? I mean, those are the options,” Trump said.

Trump said he believes Iran’s leadership has made some progress toward unifying around a resolution.

“They’ve made strides, but I’m not sure if they ever get there,” he said. “There’s tremendous discord, they’re having a tremendous problem getting along with each other in Iran.”

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a ﬂurry of calls on Friday with many of his regional counterparts, including from Turkey, Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Azerbaijan, to brief them on his country’s latest initiatives to end the war, according to his social media.

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas also spoke over the phone Friday with Araghchi. They discussed ongoing diplomatic efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and long-term security arrangements, Kallas’ office said in a statement. Kallas also has been in contact with the EU’s Gulf partners.

Pakistani officials have said efforts were continuing to ease tensions between Iran and the U.S. Pakistan’s former ambassador to Washington, Masood Khan, said the continued exchange of proposals indicates that the U.S. and Iran remain engaged in seeking a diplomatic midpoint.

President: Deadline for Congress to approve war doesn’t apply

Trump says hostilities with Iran have ‘terminated’

BY MARY CLARE JALONICK, STEPHEN

GROVES and SEUNG MIN KIM

Associated Press

WASHINGTON The White House asserted to Congress in a letter Friday that hostilities with Iran have “terminated” despite the continued presence of U.S armed forces in the region.

The message from President Donald Trump effectively skirts a May 1 legal deadline to gain approval from members of Congress to continue the war with Iran.

That deadline was already set to pass without action from Republican lawmakers who are deferring to the president.

The letter brings into stark relief the bold but legally questionable assertion of presidential power at the heart of Trump’s war, which he began without congressional approval two months ago.

“The hostilities that began on February 28, 2026, have terminated,” Trump wrote House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Benton, and Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, the Senate president pro tempore.

Yet he also made it clear in the letter that the war may be far from over

“Despite the success of United States operations against the Iranian regime and continued efforts to secure a lasting peace, the threat posed by Iran to the United States and our Armed Forces remains signiﬁcant,” the Republican president said Under the War Powers Resolution of 1973 Congress must declare war or authorize the use of force within 60 days — Friday was the deadline — or within 90 days if the president asks for an extension This Congress made no attempt at enforcing that requirement leaving town Thursday for a week after the Senate re-

Florida sheriff IDs body as 2nd missing student

BY MIKE SCHNEIDER Associated Press

ORLANDO, Fla. A body found in Tampa Bay has been identiﬁed as the second missing University of South Florida doctoral student from Bangladesh, a sheriff said Friday He described their killings as “a monstrous crime” and said a motive was still unknown Nahida Bristy’s remains were found Sunday in a garbage bag discovered by a kayaker whose ﬁshing line got snagged, said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister The positive identification on the badly decomposed body was eventually made using DNA and dental records, he said.

The body of her friend, fellow USF doctoral student Zamil Limon, was in another garbage bag found two days before that on a bridge over the bay Limon’s roommate, Hisham Saleh Abugharbieh, 26, was taken into custody the same day has been jailed since then, facing two charges of first-degree murder Detectives are still working to determine a motive.

“I hope we ﬁnd that out,” the sheriff said. Chronister said the suspect showed no emotion when investigators presented him with details of the killings.

“He was nonreactive,” Chronister said. “He was callous and showed no emotion when we showed him the information we had.”

The two students were murdered around the same time and place, though more investigation is needed before detectives can decide that conclusively, the sheriff said. The students’ disappearances on April 16 started off as separate missing persons’ cases for the campus police and the sheriff’s ofﬁce, involving two responsible individuals for whom missing appointments was very uncharacteristic. But investigators soon realized

Customer

jected a Democratic attempt to halt the war for a sixth time.

Some GOP senators are growing uneasy about the war’s timeline, which Trump initially said would last a few weeks But Trump’s letter showed how the president continues to forego congressional approval. It contends the deadlines set by the law do not apply because the war in Iran effectively ended when a shaky ceaseﬁre began in early April.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said Thursday he did not plan on a vote to authorize force in Iran or otherwise weigh in.

“I’m listening carefully to what the members of our conference are saying, and at this point I don’t see that,” Thune said.

The reluctance to defy Trump on the war comes at a politically perilous time for Republicans, with public frustration mounting both over the conﬂict and its impact on gas prices. Still, most GOP lawmakers say they are supportive of Trump’s wartime leadership or are at least willing to give him more time amid the fragile ceaseﬁre.

Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., said he would vote for an authorization of war if Trump asked for it. But Cramer questioned whether the resolution passed during the Vietnam War era, as a way for Congress to claw back its power, was constitutional.

“Our founders created a really strong executive, like it or not like it,” Cramer said.

Some GOP senators did make it clear that they eventually want Congress to have a say Indiana Sen. Todd Young said in a statement that lawmakers “must ensure that the people, through their elected representatives, weigh in on whether to send our military into combat.”

they were connected, the sheriff said.

Detectives first went to the apartment Limon shared with Abugharbieh and a third roommate The other roommate was cooperative while Abugharbieh gave elusive and inconsistent answers, the sheriff said. He also had a bandaged finger and a cut on his arm that should have been stitched up. It was enough to make him a ‘person of interest,’ but not to merit an arrest. They went to interview the roommate again, alone this time, and he told them Abugharbieh had used a large cart to move things out of his room to a trash compactor overnight on April 16 and 17.

The first break in the case came when investigators searched the trash compactor and found Limon’s glasses, his student ID card, his wallet and his blood-covered clothes. The discovery gave law enforcement enough evidence to get a search warrant for the apartment itself and the suspect’s electronic devices, Chronister said.

A search of the apartment showed large traces of blood in the kitchen, leading down the hall and to inside Abugharbieh’s room. A blood-detecting spray even revealed blood in the shape of a human body curled up in the fetal position, next to Abugharbieh’s bed, the sheriff said.

Traces of blood were also found on the ﬂoorboards of Abugharbieh’s car, Chronister said. Tests would later reveal it was Bristy’s. Investigators believe the bodies were moved to the car in a cart, under the cover of darkness, he said. Using the GPS of the suspect’s car and surveillance video from a ﬁre station, investigators determined that Abugharbieh drove over to Clearwater and across the Tampa Bay bridge, leading investigators to start an extensive search along his route.

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ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By FATIMA SHBAIR

An Emirati patrol boat, left, sails Friday near a tanker anchored in the Gulf of Oman near the Strait of Hormuz as seen from a coastal road near Khor Fakkan, United Arab Emirates.

Trump says he’ll place 25% tariff on EU autos

BY JOSH BOAK Associated Press

WASHINGTON President Donald Trump said on Friday that he will increase the tariffs charged on cars and trucks from the European Union next week to 25%, a move that could jolt the world economy at a fragile moment.

Trump said in a social media post that the EU “is not complying with our fully agreed to Trade Deal ” though he did not ﬂesh out his objections in the post.

Asked by reporters on Friday about the increase in import taxes as he departed the White House for Florida, Trump said the EU was not “as usual” adhering to last year’s trade framework, without detailing the source of the tension. He added that he believed the shift to higher tariffs “forces them to move their factory production much faster” to the U.S. Trump and European Commis-

sion President Ursula von der Leyen had agreed to the trade deal last July It set a tariff ceiling of 15% on most goods, though the Supreme Court this year ruled against the legal authority that Trump had used to charge that tax This left Trump looking for substitute authorities, and his administration has imposed a 10% tax while investigating trade imbalances and national security issues to put in new tariffs to make up for lost revenues.

The tariffs hit at a moment when the Iran war has crushed the world economy with expectations of slower growth and higher inﬂation, as oil and natural gas prices have risen due to the effective closure of the critical Strait of Hormuz after strikes by the U.S. and Israel began at the end of February

At the same time, Trump faces political pressure in the U.S. going into November’s midterm elections because of rising levels of inﬂation.

Trump, a Republican, returned to the White House last year on the explicit promise that he could quickly tame prices that jumped in the aftermath of the government’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, but higher energy costs

ing its “commitments in line with standard legislative practice” and should the U.S. “take measures inconsistent with” that agreement “we will keep our options open to protect EU interests.”

Trump administration officials have not responded to questions about the tariff increase and why Trump said the agreement had been violated. But Trump has had a testy relationship with Europe, having threatened earlier this year to take control of Greenland and later blasting NATO allies for not providing more support to the U.S. for the Iran war

pushed annual inﬂation in March to 3.3%, which was higher than what he had inherited. Just 30% of U.S. adults approved of Trump’s handling of the economy according to the latest poll by The Associated Press-NORC Cen-

ter for Public Affairs Research.

The European Parliament has been moving slowly on ﬁnalizing last year’s trade agreement but was expected to ﬁnish work on the deal next month. The EU said in a statement that it was implement-

Bernd Lange, chair of the European Parliament trade committee, posted on social media that Trump’s tariff hike on autos was “unacceptable” and that the Trump administration “keeps breaking its commitments,” including on import taxes for steel and aluminum products. Jennifer Safavian, CEO of Autos Drive America, which represents the American operations of foreign auto manufacturers, said the tariff increase “would threaten the progress that has already been made to open EU markets and grow the U.S auto industry.”

Surgeon general pick praised, panned Trump administration

BY ALI SWENSON Associated Press

WASHINGTON — Dr. Nicole Saphier is President Donald Trump’s latest pick for the vacant role of U.S. surgeon general, a nomination that ended the embattled campaign of his previous candidate, Dr Casey Means, after it became clear she didn’t have the votes to advance out of a Senate committee.

Saphier a radiologist and former Fox News Channel contributor, has promoted several aspects of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Make America Healthy Again agenda, including removing food additives, cutting ultraprocessed foods from diets and encouraging exercise.

But she has been a more vocal advocate for vaccination than Kennedy and at times she has criticized the Trump administration’s handling of health issues as “embarrassing.”

If conﬁrmed as the nation’s doctor, Saphier would be empowered to issue advisories that warn of public health threats. Surgeons general also have used the ofﬁce to advocate on vaccination issues — though the office doesn’t create vaccine policy. Means, a Stanford University-educated physician and MAHA influencer who didn’t complete her surgical residency in Oregon and has an inactive medical license, faced grueling questioning from senators of both major political parties over her experience and stance on vaccination. She told The Associated Press her failed nomination was the result of a “yearlong smear campaign.”

Trump’s new surgeon general pick is the director of breast imaging at Memorial Sloan Kettering Monmouth,

according to her profile on the institution’s website. She has a medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine in Barbados, along with fellowships at the Mayo Clinic according to her proﬁle.

She has earned the approval of institutions including the American College of Radiology, whose president, Dr Dana Smetherman, on Thursday called her a “tireless advocate for women’s health.” Kennedy said in a social media post that her experience with breast cancer patients and early detection will help the Republican administration take on the chronic disease epidemic.

Saphier was also a longtime Fox News Channel contributor until this week one of several of the channel’s personalities Trump has brought into his administration.

Trump’s ﬁrst surgeon general pick, Dr Janette Nesheiwat, was also a contributor at the network, but her nomination fell apart last year after questions arose about her academic credentials.

An author and podcaster with her own show, “Wellness Unmasked with Dr. Nicole Saphier,” Saphier frequently comments on the Trump administration’s approach to health, often positively She also used the phrase “Make America Healthy Again” years before Kennedy popularized it. It was the title of a 2020 book she wrote that criticized the government’s handling of healthcare and the Affordable Care Act.

Saphier also has dipped into the wellness product industry, creating a line of herbal supplements called Drop Rx, according to her LinkedIn proﬁle.

A mom of three boys, Saphier has often said she is thankful she decided to keep

her ﬁrst son after becoming unexpectedly pregnant at age 17. She has advocated for more resources for mothers who make the same choice.

Like Means, Saphier has questioned some aspects of the U.S. childhood vaccine schedule, including the universal birth dose of the hepatitis B vaccine, a longtime recommendation that the Trump administration has been trying to weaken.

She also has aligned with Kennedy’s disdain toward COVID-19 vaccination requirements in schools, saying on her podcast in September that they were “a complete disaster” and one of the reasons for declining trust in vaccination.

Saphier says she supports immunization while arguing patients should be free to make their own medical decisions. In March, she praised acting U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr Jay Bhattacharya for posting a message encouraging Americans to get vaccinated against measles.

“The more vaccine confusion we create, the more preventable disease we will see,” she said in September urging the administration to get itself in order “because it’s really upsetting.”

While being supportive of the Trump administration at large, Saphier has publicly cringed at some of its health mishaps. Last summer she decried its long-anticipated ﬁrst attempt at a MAHA report, which cited some studies that didn’t exist

“There were a lot of ﬂaws in this report,” she said on her podcast. “In fact, it was pretty embarrassing.”

She said Kennedy’s ﬁring of his first CDC director, Susan Monarez, after less than a month on the job was “a mess.”

Judge protects Yemeni refugees, slams push to end special status

BY JAKE OFFENHARTZ and MICHAEL R. SISAK Associated Press

NEW YORK A federal judge on Friday blocked the Trump administration from forcing about 3,000 Yemeni refugees to leave the U.S., ruling that Temporary Protected Status repeatedly granted to them and due to expire Monday should be extended again. Judge Dale E. Ho in Manhattan extended the status temporarily while a lawsuit seeking to preserve the protections plays out. In an emergency order he wrote that people granted the status are ordinary, law-abiding people who the

U.S. government had determined could face threats to their safety if they were returned to a country facing an ongoing armed conﬂict.

Amid its immigration crackdown the Trump administration has terminated Temporary Protected Status for people from nine countries, including Haiti, Venezuela and Ethiopia Before Ho’s ruling, protections for Yemeni refugees were set to end on Monday, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

People with Temporary Protected Status are eligible to remain in the U.S., may not be removed from the country, and are able to receive work and travel authorization. In his ruling, Ho criticized former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, saying Congress had established a process for Temporary Protected Status to be altered or rescinded, but she had not followed it. He was particularly critical of a social media message she sent out in early December in which she said she had just met with President Donald Trump and was recommending a full travel ban “on every damn country that’s been flooding our nation with killers, leeches, and entitlement junkies.”

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By ALEX BRANDON

on your speciﬁc ballot and other information, go to the secretary of state’s voter portal at geauxvote. com and enter your name, ZIP code and birthday The new primaries

This is the ﬁrst major election since 2010 in which Louisiana is voting in semiclosed party primaries, and elections ofﬁcials are trying to stave off voter confusion

If you are a registered member of a political party, you will be able to vote only for candidates of that party in the elections for the Senate, Supreme Court, BESE and the PSC.

If you are registered as “No Party,” you can pick one party’s slate of candidates for which to vote. For example: If you want to vote in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate, you can choose the Republican ballot But you would then be unable to vote in a Democratic primary for that — or any other — ofﬁce.

That choice will automatically extend to a follow-up election on June 27. If no candidate in a race gets more than 50% of the vote, the top two candidates will compete in the runoff. You will be able to vote only for the party you picked in the ﬁrst election.

U.S. House votes

In the voting booth, you will see an election for the U.S. House of Representatives, but any votes cast in that race won’t count

That is because the U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling Wednesday that found Louisiana’s congressional voting maps unconstitutional.

Jeff Landry on Thursday signed an emergency order suspending

Early voting is May 2-9, excluding Sunday, from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The deadline to request a mail-in ballot from your registrar of voters is May 12. The deadline to return those ballots to the registrar is May 15. Polls on voting day, May 16, open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Runoffs, if needed, will be held June 27. For more information go to geauxvote.com.

NOTE: Races for the U.S House of Representatives will appear on the ballot, but those votes will not be counted. The U.S Supreme Court ruled the state’s voting map unconstitutional and Gov. Jeff Landry postponed the election, but it was too late for election ofﬁcials to change the voting machines.

U.S. SENATOR

the House elections until the Legislature can redraw the maps in response to the ruling.

That all happened too late for the state to redo the voting machines, Secretary of State Nancy Landry said.

A

major Senate race

The biggest race on the ballot is the Republican primary for U.S. Senate.

Cassidy is running on his record of delivering big infrastructure and flood-fighting projects to Louisiana plus his work on the influential Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions Committee.

Letlow is running on Trump’s endorsement, with the president saying she is the best-suited to help him pass his “Make America Great Again” agenda.

Fleming is running on his role in creating the arch-conservative Freedom Caucus when he was in the U.S. House and his work as a deputy chief of staff to Trump dur-

system. AMENDMENT 3 To fund a teachers pay raise by paying down the long-term debt of the Teachers Retirement System of Louisiana. That would be achieved by redirecting funds from three educational trust funds. AMENDMENT 4 To allow parishes to reduce or eliminate property taxes on business inventory, but only if the sheriff, school board and parish governing authority approve. Parishes choosing to fully exempt inventory taxes could receive a one-time payment from the Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund.

AMENDMENT 5 To change the mandatory retirement age of judges from 70 to 75 years of age.

EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH

JUDGE, FAMILY COURT ELECTION SECTION 3, DIVISION A Joseph Cataldie, R Caulette “Twin” Jackson Guillard, D

Propositions FOREST HEIGHTS PARK CRIME PREVENTION AND NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT

To continue the $220 annual parcel fee for each residential structure within the district for 10 years, ending on Dec. 31, 2035. The governing authority may increase the parcel fee without election, but not to exceed $250 per parcel per year. Proceeds of the parcel fee, estimated at $40,260 a year, are to be used to aid in crime prevention, beautiﬁcation and for the overall betterment of the district.

ing his ﬁrst term.

The race has been ferocious, with attack ads hitting all three candidates.

Three lesser-known Democrats

Nick Albares, Gary Crockett and Jamie Davis — are competing in the Democratic primary, seeking a long-shot chance to unseat Republicans in November in a GOP-heavy state.

Five constitutional amendments

Voters will decide whether to approve ﬁve amendments to the state Constitution.

Amendment 1 would give the Louisiana Legislature more power to designate which positions have civil service protections. Supporters argue that would make it easier to remove state employees who aren’t performing and make government more efﬁcient. Opponents argue it will open the door to more political inﬂuence over roles that should be nonpartisan.

Amendment 2 would create a

school district in St. George, the new city in East Baton Rouge Parish. Supporters say residents of the area have long been underserved by the parish school system; opponents say a breakaway district would undermine East Baton Rouge Parish public schools.

Amendment 3 would liquidate several education trust fund accounts and use the money to pay off retirement debt, which would fund a $2,250 raise for teachers statewide. Supporters say teachers deserve a raise after several years of getting only one-time stipends. Opponents oppose elimination of the trust funds, which BESE uses to fund some educational programs.

Amendment 4 would give parishes the option to eliminate taxes on business inventory Supporters say that tax is an obstacle to attracting companies and jobs. Opponents say local governments could end up irrevocably missing out on a stable source of revenue.

Amendment 5 would raise the mandatory retirement age for judges from 70 to 75. Supporters say medical advances allow people to keep working into their 70s and it is beneﬁcial to have experienced jurists. Opponents argue it is important to ensure judges are mentally in their prime given the high stakes of their rulings.

State Supreme Court

Voters in District 1 for the Louisiana Supreme Court also will decide who receives a 10-year term as a justice on the state’s highest court. The district covers Livingston, St. Tammany, Washington, Tangipahoa and St. Bernard parishes and a smidgen of Orleans Parish.

Two Republicans are running for the seat. William Burris is a district court judge in St. Tammany and Washington parishes. Blair

ON THE BATON ROUGE-AREA BALLOT

FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT NO 6

PROPOSITION

To continue the 9-year, 5-mill property tax, estimated at $351,194 a year, for 9 years ending in 2034, for the development, operation and maintenance of the ﬁre protection facilities.

LIVINGSTON PARISH

ASSOCIATE JUSTICE, LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT

1ST DISTRICT, REPUBLICAN PARTY

(runs in multiple parishes)

William “Billy” Burris

Blair Downing Edwards

PUBLIC SERVICE

COMMISSION

DISTRICT 1, REPUBLICAN PARTY

(Runs in multiple parishes)

Wallace “Wayne” Cooper II

Stephanie Hilferty “Big John” Mason

Mark Wright John Young

FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT NO. 1 TAX RENEWAL

To renew the 10-mill property tax, currently generating an estimated $446,679 a year, for 10 years beginning in 2027 and ending in 2036, to fund maintenance and operation of fire protection facilities, including purchasing fire trucks and other fire-fighting equipment and paying the cost of obtaining water for fire protection purposes.

POINTE COUPEE

PARISH

FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

1 TAX

To levy a 6.80-mill property tax, part renewal and part increase, generating an estimated $239,500 a year, for 10 years beginning in 2027 and

Edwards is a 1st Circuit Court of Appeals judge and a former juvenile judge.

Two sitting Supreme Court justices are running for reelection unopposed: Jay McCallum, in North Louisiana’s District 4, and Cade Cole, in West Louisiana’s District 3. Board of Elementary and Secondary Education

Three Republicans are running in a primary election for the 1st District seat on BESE, which sets policy for Louisiana’s K-12 school system. The district covers St. Tammany Parish and parts of Orleans, Jefferson and Tangipahoa parishes.

Those candidates are: n Joseph Cao, a former member of Congress who Gov Jeff Landry appointed to ﬁll a vacant spot n Mike Hollis, who is in the insurance business and whose father and brother were both state lawmakers n Ellie Schroder, who worked in public schools for nearly 30 years and is the wife of former State Treasurer John Schroder Public Service Commission

Five Republicans are running for a seat on the Public Service Commission representing St Tammany Parish and parts of Orleans, Jefferson and Tangipahoa parishes. The commission regulates utilities.

The candidates are: n Wayne Cooper, a kitchen manager at the Florida Parish Juvenile Detention Center n State Rep. Stephanie Hilferty, R-New Orleans n John Mason, a criminal defense attorney n State Rep. Mark Wright, RCovington n John Young, the former Jefferson Parish president.

ending in 2036, for maintenance and operation for fire protection facilities, including purchasing fire trucks and other fire-fighting equipment, paying to obtain water for fire protection purposes, including charges for fire hydrant rentals and service; and paying to acquire, improve or build fire protection facilities, provided that a portion of

the tax proceeds is required to be contributed to state and statewide retirement systems. The renewal would represent a 3.29-mill increase over the 3.51 mills authorized through the year 2026.

FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

2 TAX

To levy a special 15-mill, 10year property tax, expected to generate an estimated $285,000 a year, ending in 2035, for fire protection facilities, purchasing fire trucks and other firefighting and emergency rescue equipment; paying the cost of water for fire protection purposes, provided a portion of the tax proceeds are contributed to state and statewide retirement systems.

photo by:Tim Mueller Photography

Suspension of elections faces barrage of suits

BY ALYSE PFEIL Staff writer

Within 24 hours of Louisiana

Gov Jeff Landry’s decision to declare a state of emergency and suspend Louisiana’s congressional primary elections, candidates and civil rights groups had already ﬁled multiple lawsuits to stop the change.

But their chances for success appeared murky after at least two state court judges quickly shot down their efforts within hours of their ﬁling.

The frantic legal maneuvering

highlighted both the high stakes and urgent timeline — Landry suspended the election just two days before in-person voting was set to begin Saturday and after some voters had already cast absentee ballots.

Each lawsuit takes its own approach, but they all argue the Louisiana governor overstepped his authority in canceling the election through an executive order

Louisiana officials have countered that their actions are squarely within the bounds of law

Democrats in the Louisiana Legislature ﬁled one of the lawsuits against the governor and Secretary of State Nancy Landry in state court in Baton Rouge.

Legislators in the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus, House Democratic Caucus and Senate Democratic Caucus are plaintiffs. They argue that, without immediate action by the court, they and thousands of other voters will be denied their right to cast ballots in the congressional primary

“The harm is irreparable, falls disproportionately on Black Louisianans, and arises from a unilat-

ABORTION

Continued from page 1A

Defending Freedom,” Murrill said in a statement. A Louisiana-based federal judge last month ruled that those allowances undermined the state’s abortion ban but stopped short of undoing the regulations immediately Since the Supreme Court’s 2022

eral executive action grounded in no qualifying emergency under Louisiana law,” their ﬁling says.

The lawmakers are asking the court to immediately block Landry’s order and force the secretary of state to count ballots cast in the congressional election.

But Landry and Attorney General Liz Murrill in separate statements Friday both said, “Louisiana is following the law.”

Murrill added: “I will vigorously defend the State against any lawsuits seeking to block the lawful suspension of congressional elections as our Legislature moves forward to adopt new dates and a constitutional map.”

Other lawsuits

Voting-rights groups and three individual voters also ﬁled a lawsuit against the governor and secretary of state in state court in Baton Rouge, and asked for a temporary restraining order blocking Landry’s suspension of the election and declaring his executive

ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade and allowed enforcement of abortion bans, prescriptions by mail have become a major way that abortions are provided including to states where bans are in place.

“This is going to affect patients’ access to abortion and miscarriage care in every state in the nation,” said Julia Kaye, an ACLU lawyer “When telemedicine is restricted, rural communities, people with low incomes, people with

order unlawful.

The plaintiffs included the NAACP Louisiana State Conference, League of Women Voters of Louisiana, Power Coalition for Equity and Justice, a Louisiana voting-rights group, and three individual voters who have already cast ballots.

They argued that Landry’s order suspending the U.S. House elections exceeded his constitutional authority and was illegal, and suspending the election deprives Louisianans of their constitutional right to vote.

But on Friday, 19th Judicial District Judge Chip Moore denied the request for a temporary restraining order

“The Court ﬁnds that the governor has the authority to suspend the upcoming election to protect the electoral process,” Moore wrote. “Holding an election with an unconstitutional map is like applying fresh paint to rotten wood.”

Stuart Naifeh, an attorney with the NAACP Legal Defense and

disabilities, survivors of intimate partner violence and communities of color suffer the most.”

Mifepristone was approved in 2000 as a safe and effective way to end early pregnancies. It is typically used in combination with a second drug, misoprostol.

Because of rare cases of excessive bleeding, the FDA initially imposed strict limits on who could prescribe and distribute the pill — only specially certiﬁed physicians

Educational Fund representing the plaintiffs, said, “we are considering our options,” including a possible appeal.

In another lawsuit backed by the National Redistricting Foundation, the Greater New Orleans section of the National Council Of Jewish Women and three voters are also suing the governor and secretary of state.

They asked the court to declare Landry’s order unconstitutional and block it from taking effect.

“The Governor’s extraordinary and unlawful assertion of the power to cancel an election midstream is both unprecedented and unjustiﬁed,” their legal ﬁling says.

But 19th Judicial District Judge Brad Myers quickly rejected the group’s request to immediately block Landry’s order, saying that it complies with a mandate from the Western District federal court, where the Supreme Court case originated, barring the state from voting on the current maps.

Murrill quickly celebrated Myers’ decision, saying, “I will continue to vigorously defend the governor’s executive order suspending U.S. House elections.”

So did Landry, saying in a social media post, “We applaud and support the decision by Judge Brad Myers today.”

“Louisiana will not be electing members of Congress under an unconstitutional map,” he said.

On Thursday evening, Lindsey Garcia, a Democratic candidate for the 5th Congressional District that stretches from Baton Rouge to Monroe, and Eugene Collins, of Baton Rouge, also sued in federal court in the Middle District of Louisiana

and only after an in-person appointment where the person would receive the pill.

They asked the court to permanently block Landry’s directive and order him and other Louisiana elections ofﬁcials to proceed with the congressional primary as originally planned.

Meanwhile, debate continues on where the case decided by the Supreme Court this week, Louisiana v. Callais, actually stands in the legal process.

While the high court released its opinion Wednesday it has yet to issue a certiﬁed judgment in the case, a separate procedural step that formally returns the decision to lower courts. Typically, that judgment issues 32 days after an opinion unless the justices decide to shorten the time frame.

The Callais plaintiffs, who had asked the court to block the current map, asked the Supreme Court Wednesday to expedite that process. They argued time is of the essence because of the looming elections.

A group of Black voters involved in the case known as the Robinson litigants on Thursday asked the Supreme Court to hold off on its judgment to give them time to potentially ask for a rehearing. They also asked the high court to hold the judgment until after the 2026 midterms are complete.

But federal judges in the Western District of Louisiana, where the Callais plaintiffs originally filed their case, did not wait for the Supreme Court to certify its decision.

On Thursday afternoon, a threejudge panel reimposed its previous order blocking Louisiana from voting under the current maps — that order had been stayed, or paused, while the case moved through the courts.

Both those requirements were dropped during the COVID-19 years. At the time, FDA ofﬁcials under President Joe Biden said that after more than 20 years of monitoring mifepristone use, and reviewing dozens of studies involving thousands of women, it was clear that women could safely use the pill without direct supervision.

Friday’s ruling sets up a likely appeal to the Supreme Court.

The conservative-majority high court overturned abortion as a nationwide right in 2022 but unanimously preserved access to mifepristone two years later

That 2024 decision sidestepped the core issues, however by ruling that the anti-abortion doctors behind the case didn’t have legal standing to sue.

STAFF FILE PHOTO By JAVIER GALLEGOS

Mulitple lawsuits are challenging Gov. Jeff Landry’s move to suspend Louisiana’s congressional elections so a new map can be drawn.

ZYDECO

Continued from page1A

The team is part of the Federal Prospects Hockey League, which has 14 teams spread across the eastern half of the country, separated into two divisions. The Zydeco are part of theleague’s Continental Division, alongside the Biloxi Breakers and Monroe Moccasins.

Gary Ryan, who operates aYouTube channel covering the FPHL, said last week the Zydeco are folding along with another Gulf Coast team, the Biloxi Breakers.

“As Imove on to Topeka full time —I’m incredibly proud of Topeka and excited —However,I leavebehindtwo dedicatedstaff members who are nowwithout jobs, which is truly unfortunate,” Lewis’ post stated. “Everyone believes they can do better until it’s their turn to step up. If you’re one of those people, YOU don’thave aclue!”

Hope Fontenot, the team’sassistant general manager,said in aFacebook post that shebecame

the“face” of the team’s front ofﬁce over time as she handled team events and ﬁelded questionsfrom fans on season tickets. She said she was newtothe sportasshe entered the role, but is leaving with agreater appreciation for it and a closeness to theBaton Rouge community

“I know there are alot of emotions and strong feelings with how this season went, but Ihope you all know thatI tried my very best withwhatIwas given,” her post reads. “I want to thank everyone thatIhave hadthe opportunity to interact with alongthe way.”

Demi Del Monico, theteam’s director of community outreach, said in aFacebook post that the Zydeco fulfilled her dream of working in hockey

“If it wasn’tfor the Zydeco and all theamazingfans, Iwouldn’tbe where Iamtoday,” the post states.

Fans have expressed their discontentwith Lewis and the team’s future in theOfﬁcial Baton Rouge ZydecoFan Group Facebook group.

“Way to sail off like athief in the night,” KevinAbbottwrote.

formation.

Ashaky season

The mostrecent seasonwas not abanner year for theZydeco, with 17 wins and 39 losses, ranking them sixthout of seven teams in their division. Theteamalso sawattendance drop. The Zydeco averaged 2,194 fans in the 2025-26 season, according to FPHL data, with atotal of 61,433 forthe season,ranking eighth outofthe league’s 14 teams. Prior to Lewis’ post announcinghis departure, fans hadbeen discontented with theteam management over the 2025-26 season. Abooster club had supported the team through donations, food and sponsorship —raisingmore than $43,000for the team in the 2024-25 season —but hadshutteredinAugust2025 following adispute with team management, former booster club president Ashley Vascocu said. Vascocu grew up ahockey fan, watching another local minor league hockey team, theBaton Rouge Kingﬁsh, as achild. In the Zydeco’sdebut season, she brought herthreeyoung children to the opening game. They were instantly hooked,prompting her family to at-

tend every game and get involved in supporting the team. She and the club becameclose with theplayers over the past three years. But about ayear ago, Lewis began to cutoff interaction between theteam and fans and attempted to exercise control over theclub, she said.

Thecontentionultimatelyled to theclub’sdemise, she said, leaving fans feeling“used and abused” after supporting theplayers by furnishing ateam house, doing laundry for them andproviding snacks and drinksateach game.

“Wehad to help players move, but we didn’thave anything in return,”Vascocu said. “It sounds selﬁshwhen you put it that way, but you’re asking these fans to do so much,and they’re not even gettingathankyou, honestly.” She is optimistic thatthe team can live on through anew owner “Hockey is athing,” she said. “And BatonRouge does love hockey.”

Serena Birch, aZydeco fan and former boosterclub member,bought season tickets even before thenameofthe team was announced. Over the past year, she said, interactions between

the team and fans have dwindled In theﬁrst twoseasons, players would have apostgame meet-andgreetafterevery game,but the team heldonly afew meet-andgreets at Dick’s HouseofSports this past season.

“This past season, the writing really was on the wall,” Birch said. Birch said she’sdisappointed withthe silencefromthe organization.

“Everyone knew therewas only athree-year contract with the River Center,and there was just no transparency,” she said.

Abbott, aformer booster club member, said the lack of communicationshows “disrespect”for the fanbase.

He says he haslost faithinthe team’s current management, but wants to keep hockey in Baton Rouge under new leadership. He said part of the issue is FPHL owners having multiple franchises.

“That’saproblem in this particular league as well, is one person or onemanagementgroup owning so many different teamsthat not all the teams feel like they get the same amount of attentionoreffort,” Abbott said.

behalf of Summers

The parish sued in late March after repeated disputes over feestiedtohis records requests.

The lawsuit asks the court to affirm that the parish’s records procedures and fees are reasonable. The parish is also seeking reimbursement of attorney fees and, until Wednesday,was askinga judge to bar Summers from submitting further public records requests.

“Wedon’tknow why they ﬁled alawsuitfor,frankly, things that happen with public records requesters allthe time,” said Virginia Hamrick, an attorney for Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press. “Wethink that this lawsuit is just away to justify that they don’thave to respond to his requests.”

Summers said the lawsuit is intended to make him think twice about submitting the next one

“I believe they are trying to chill my reporting,” he said.

Troy Ingram, the attorney representing the parish and Fire Department, declined to comment, citing the ongoing litigation.

Main arguments

The case washeard Wednesday by 18th Judicial District Court Judge Alvin Batiste Jr.and featured testimony from Summers and Chance Stephens, the finance director and custodian of records for West Baton RougeParish. Much of the testimony focusedon Summers’ email correspondence with Stephens and Deanna Fourroux,the Fire Department’sadministrative chief.

Ingram suggested during the trial that Summers’ records requests were driven by personal animosity.Ingrampointed out that Summers, aformer West Baton Rouge volunteer ﬁreﬁghter, was terminated for “repeated refusals to respond

to structural ﬁres” in May 2025— thesame month he launched hisnews organization. Summers disputedthat framing, testifying he was fired after raisingsafety concerns and claiming he’d already been planning to launch his newsoutletbefore his termination

TheReporters Committee attorneys argue the parish violated publicrecords laws by not specifyingthe cost of records Summers requested, then demanding payment for them even though the journalist never received them, and ultimately withholding further records over the outstandingbalance.

“Under the Petitioners’ theory,the result of simply submittinga request could be adebttothe government of any amount, regardless of whether therequestor receives therecords,” thelawyers wrote in alegal brief

Theevidence Summers began requesting financial records from the Fire Department in July to, accordingtohis lawyers, investigate the public cost of emergencyresponsecalls.

Twodays later,the Ingram Law Firm, representingthe Fire Department, responded by email, notingfees associated with the request could cost thousands of dollars, court recordsshow

Weekslater,Fourroux emailed Summers to say his request was ready and would cost $83. Uncertain of the justification for the fee and why it had dropped so dramatically,Summers responded that he would not payitand insteadseek legal counsel. For months, neither Summers nor Fourrouxcorresponded further Summers neverreceived the records, trial evidence showed. Summers testiﬁed he had decidedtostop pursuingthe story because he felt “intimidated.”

Then,inJanuary,Summers requested public records related to afire in Erwinville, includingGPS logs and vehicle location data, firereports and staffing in-

Fourroux promptly provided them, andSummers paid the fee —around $50. About the same time, parish ofﬁcials, including West BatonRouge Fire Chief Butch Browning,emailed Summersabout the outstanding $83 from the July request.

Browning toldSummers public recordslaw didnot require them to respond to newrequests while outstanding balances remained unpaid. “As agesture of goodwill,”Browning decided to waive the fee, court records show In March, Summers requestedrecords related to awarehouse ﬁre at thePort of BatonRouge —asking for nearly identical information as for theErwinville fire.Dayslater,Stephens responded therecords were ready, and that aportion of them —the vehicle location dataand stafﬁngrecords would cost $121.50.

Summers objected to the fee, arguing the records were already in digital format andthe ﬁre district had unnecessarilyprinted and rescanned them. Summers asked whetherhecould insteadinspect physical copies in person. According to parish attorneys, Summers then threatened legal action if his requests were not fulﬁlled by March 20.

“If Idonot receive awritten response by thecloseof business on Friday, March 20, 2026, Iwill have no

choice but to seek judicial relief,” Summerswrote in a March 18 email to Stephens, before citing public records law

Summers te sti fi ed Wednesday he was simply citing state statute and doing so is common when submitting public records requests.

Stephens soon emailed Summers asking him to suggest available dates and times to come inspect the vehicle location data and staffing recordsrelated to thewarehouse ﬁre.

But on that same day, the parish sued Summers. Stephens informed him of the lawsuit by email that day, and in the same message rejected aseparate,recent public records request, writing thatthe parish would not be responding to anynew ones “until an ofﬁcial court ruling is madeonthe matter.”

Awaiting aruling

On Wednesday,the judge

declinedtobar Summers from submitting new requests. With that offthe table,Ingramaskedthe court for three main affirmations: that the parish’s fee process is reasonable, that the parish acted in good faithinhandling Summers’ requests, and that Summers reimburse the parish forattorneys fees.

Summers’ attorneysargue allofthose are meritless. At no pointduring hisrecords requests were costs speciﬁedupfront,nor was he ever asked to narrow thescopeof his requests, they claim.They addthatwhile the parish’s feescheduleisposted online, it is roughly double the cost of other state agencies and neighboring Iberville and Pointe Coupee parishes.

Summerssays afavorable ruling for the government especially paying attorneys fees —wouldharmhis small business and, ultimately,the community’sability to hold theirpublic officials accountable.

On the sameday as the trial, theWestBaton Rouge Parish School Board voted to increase its per copy charges from $0.25 to $1 forboth print and electronic copies. After thevote, Superintendent Chandler Smith said the increasewas prompted by aseries of public records requests in the past few months, mostly from Summers, that required signiﬁcant redactions to protect student andemployee privacy.Tohandle those redactions, Smith said, $3,000 was spent on an AI-based service to ﬂag protected information. Thehigherfees, he said, is an effort to cover that additional expense. Summers said his public records requests are part of his newsgathering.

“They are tired of me digging into alot of the issues,” he said. “I don’tknow if you’ve read the constitution of Louisiana or not, but the public has aright to inspect the records …and have no impediments to doing so.”

Grandmother found guilty of manslaughter

Child was forced to drink copious amounts of whisky

BY QUINN COFFMAN and OLIVIA TEES Staff writers

A Baton Rouge woman was found guilty of manslaughter Friday in the death of her 4-year-old granddaughter after making the child drink more than half a bottle of Canadian Mist whisky as punishment for stealing a sip Roxanne Record, 57, will be sen-

tenced on Aug. 10. She will face no less than 10 years and no more than 40 years in prison without the possibility of probation, according to state statute.

During her closing arguments, Assistant District Attorney Dana Cummings took the empty bottle out of an evidence bag for jurors to see, snifﬁng the open cap and wincing for effect

Throughout the trial, Cummings

brought attention to the “astronomical” amount of alcohol found in China’s body, more than double the amount where ingestion can become lethal for adults.

She placed the child’s death in Record’s hands by framing her as a callous grandmother who singled out her preschool-aged granddaughter for the “tough love” punishment.

“Your imagination can only

take you to what was happening to China,” Cummings said. “Was she begging? Was she crying? Do you know how much alcohol burns when you drink it straight?

She’s 4.”

A question in the case was whether Record had the speciﬁc intent to kill her granddaughter, which was required for a ﬁrst-degree murder conviction. While the jury wasn’t ultimately convinced, Cummings said Record couldn’t claim she didn’t know her actions would result in China’s

death because the punishment was administering poison to a preschooler

“This is akin to handing a child getting in trouble in your house a bottle of Spic and Span sitting on the counter, bleach sitting on the counter, poison, any kind of poison you want to name, handing that child that and saying, ‘Here, drink this,’” Cummings said. When first responders arrived at the home of China’s mother,

ä See GUILTY, page 2B

PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

million

BY TIMOTHY BOONE Staff writer

Site

The

at 16405 Jefferson Highway between Antioch and Highland roads, will be a little over 11,000 square feet with two ballrooms, a kitchen for caterers, and separate suites for the bride, groom and wedding entertainers, said developer Michael McDowell. McDowell said he got the idea for Aurora Park through his years as

Livingston remembers beloved crossing guard

‘She wanted those kids protected’

BY CLAIRE GRUNEWALD Staff writer

A beloved crossing guard known for her decades of service and always smiling and waving at students in the traffic lines for Denham Springs elementary schools was killed Thursday Katy Wells, a crossing guard for

Seventh Ward Elementary and Gray’s Creek Elementary schools in Denham Springs, died at 74 while working as a crossing guard at Gray’s Creek on Thursday afternoon during school dismissal when she was fatally struck by an allegedly impaired driver Wells worked for the Livingston Parish public school system and the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s

Ofﬁce in various capacities over the past 40 years, said Jody Purvis, Livingston Parish schools superintendent.

“She was a true servant to her community, and she will be deeply missed,” he said Thursday in a statement.

Wells wore many hats, from working as a school resource ofﬁcer to managing a computer lab at Seventh Ward Elementary, ac-

cording to former students She also worked for years at the nowclosed C.B. Pennington Jr YMCA branch in Baton Rouge at the front desk and as a building supervisor, according to her social media posts. Wells was preceded in death by her husband, Glen, who was also a crossing guard at Southside Junior High and Juban Park Junior High schools.

Police: Baton Rouge rapper’s girlfriend pistol-whipped

CRIME

BLOTTER

staff reports

The incident in Houston occurred on April 17. Gaulden’s attorney did not immediately respond to request for comment. The woman identiﬁed in a police report as “Mrs. Jones” — told authorities that she, Gaulden and Wright were together “drinking and having a good time” in Houston. According to the court filing,

an argument broke out when the woman refused to let Gaulden drive her car “… the suspect began to argue with Dedrick Wright, stating that he needs to control his girlfriend and that he would shoot her,” an ofﬁcer wrote in Gaulden’s arrest report.

Gaulden then pulled out two pistols, the woman said, and told

STAFF

Civil service change on the ballot

La. constitutional amendment would give lawmakers say over protections

BY ALYSE PFEIL Staff writer

Louisiana lawmakers would gain more power over the state government workforce if voters approve Amendment 1 during the May 16 election. Amendment 1 asks voters to decide whether the Legislature should be able to decide which state government jobs should be at-will positions without civil service protections.

Proponents say the change would be a move toward improved government efficiency Opponents say it would increase political influence in government jobs that should be nonpartisan. Under the system set up in the state constitution, there are two groups of government workers: “Classified” state employees with civil service protections and “unclassified” at-will state employees.

BLOTTER

Continued from page 1B

Wright, “I’m about to shoot your b****.”

Police say Gaulden then pistol-whipped Mrs Jones with a semiautomatic pistol which prompted Wright to jump in and ﬁght Gaulden.

The woman told police that Gaulden pulled the trigger on one of the guns during the altercation, but “the gun just clicked,” and no bullets were ﬁred as the weapon’s magazine hap-

GUILTY

Continued from page 1B

Kadjah Record, on April 21, 2022, to perform emergency CPR on the child, one paramedic could be heard in body camera footage asking the mother why she waited so long to call 911. With China’s body lying in the grass outside her mother’s Wallis Street house and her mother and grandmother standing nearby, another paramedic made the call to cease CPR.

What happened that morning before authorities were called was witnessed only by China’s elementary school-aged siblings and her grandmother, Roxanne Record.

“This case wouldn’t be solved without those children,” Cummings said, referring to interviews with China’s then 10-year-old brother and 7-year-old sister, which first implicated Roxanne Record in China’s death.

The 10-year-old boy said he noticed that a “drink” in the kitchen was lower than it had been the night before, which he reported to his mother, saying China had stolen some.

While neither of the children’s statements were completely consistent with each other, both said they had heard their grandmother tell China to drink something that morning.

The boy described the drink as brown, in a ﬂat bottle with a blue top. He said his mother didn’t believe China when she said she

CENTER

Continued from page 1B

at wedding receptions. He saw a gap in the market for facilities with professionalgrade lighting permanently installed that didn’t have a lot of outdoor seating.

tions.

Classiﬁed employees are meant to be shielded from political pressure They can only be disciplined or fired for cause, with proper documentation and after a chance to respond or take corrective action. They also have to be hired through an open, competitive process, meet minimum job qualiﬁcations set by the state, and be paid according to state standards

Classiﬁed employees are also barred from supporting political candidates or parties.

Unclassified employees are considered at-will and can be hired or ﬁred at any time. They’re not subject to same state hiring and compensation standards.

Unclassified employees have no restrictions on political activity

Currently, state government jobs by default have civil service protections, but there are many excep-

pened to fall out onto the ground.

Gaulden was booked on a count of aggravated assault.

He has faced several charges for different incidents in Texas since 2021, including evading arrest, unlawful carrying of weapons and a burglary charge in 2025

According to court filings for the 2025 burglary case, Gaulden is accused of threatening to kill a woman, breaking into her home and shooting and killing her dog when she was not there

He was indicted on

hadn’t sipped any, and made the girl get on her knees.

The 7-year-old said her grandmother then said “here, China” in a mad and sad voice. The girl then pantomimed holding something up to her mouth with both hands.

The 10-year-old said he later saw China unable to keep her balance and lying down, at which point the family became alarmed and tried to wake her by placing her in a shallow, cold bath. Time passed before her mother took China out of the bath to call 911, seeing that she wasn’t breathing and there was brown foam coming out of her mouth, multiple family members said The prosecution characterized this delay as China’s guardians being uninterested in her health and allowing her to “breathe her last breaths in that bathtub,” as BRPD Detective Joshua Brogan put it while interviewing Roxanna Record later on.

The defense argued that this was an accident that moved quickly, with China’s conditioning worsening while her guardians were distracted, and with them still calling for help as soon as they thought she was in danger

One other family member, Roxanne’s daughter Ebony Record, also testified that Roxanne Record had a speciﬁc distaste for China and had said so on multiple occasions.

Both of China’s siblings, now four years older, testiﬁed in court. They both disagreed with how they had previously remembered

About a dozen of those exceptions are listed in the Louisiana Constitution, including elected officials members of boards and commissions, higher education professors and staff, and staff in the Legislature, Governor’s Office and Attorney General’s Ofﬁce.

The State Civil Service Commission can also approve requests from state agencies for additional unclassified employees, which it does regularly at its monthly meetings.

If Amendment 1 passes, the Legislature would also be able to determine which jobs should be unclassiﬁed. There are roughly 71,000 employees in the state workforce, according to April data from State Civil Service department. About 38,000 are classified employees with civil service protection, and 33,000 are unclassiﬁed.

Of those that are unclassiﬁed, about 27,000, or 82%, work at public colleges or universities as professors,

charges related to that incident, arrested and later posted bail.

Gaulden was awaiting trial for that case when the most recent incident occurred.

He is currently in being held in a Harris County jail and has a bail hearing set for May 14.

Police: Man accused of cruelty to juvenile

A man was arrested after a baby girl was brought to a Baton Rouge hospital with serious injuries, police said.

events, with China’s sister even saying that China actually didn’t even wake up that morning and was carried straight to the bath.

Experts testify

The fact that China Record died of alcohol poisoning after ingesting a copious amount of whisky was not contested during this trial Instead the question being argued was how that amount of alcohol entered China’s system.

Both Dr Yen Van Vo, a forensic pathologist with the East Baton Rouge Parish Coroner’s Office, and Dr Carolina Noble, a forensic toxicologist with NMS Labs, testiﬁed for the state that the amount of alcohol found in China’s blood was “astronomical.”

Samples taken from multiple organs during China’s autopsy and tested at NMS Labs came back with a blood alcohol content of 0.631%.

Both experts testified that blood alcohol levels between 0.3% and 0.4% can be lethal for adults.

The amount of alcohol found in China’s blood the day of her death was more than twice that, and nearly eight times as much as would land an adult in jail for impaired driving.

“On top of that, not only does the blood alcohol concentration in this 4-year-old far exceed the level that will be considered lethal, fatal in an adult, but the stomach content tells me that there’s still a lot more alcohol that hasn’t made it into (China’s) person,” Vo said.

Vo categorized China’s

instructors, administrators and staff.

Sen. Jay Morris, R-West Monroe, sponsored the proposed constitutional amendment.

He said Louisiana’s state workforce is currently controlled by the Civil Service Commission, whose members are appointed rather than elected and are “unanswerable to the citizens of Louisiana.”

“Allowing the Legislature to legislate regarding civil service would allow for greater ﬂexibility in the hiring and retention of employees as well as the right sizing of the number of employees needed to serve the people,” he said.

Morris said his ultimate vision for Louisiana’s civil service is “a more efﬁcient workforce with the skills needed to perform the functions our citizens deserve.”

But those opposed to Amendment 1 say the strong employment protections for government workers are needed in Louisiana, a state known for political

Kilik Beasley, 20, was arrested on a count of seconddegree cruelty to a juvenile for his alleged involvement in the child’s injuries.

Baton Rouge police officers were initially called to the hospital to investigate after the injured 6-month-old infant was admitted, police said in a news release.

According to the warrant for Beasly’s arrest, the baby’s mother called police on April 1 from the hospital where she had brought her injured daughter after Beasley the child’s father and her ex-boyfriend, had kept

manner of death as a homicide, saying she had ruled out other possibilities. Noble testiﬁed that the amount of alcohol still in the girl’s stomach was so high, she believed there was no way China could have ingested all of it on her own.

But defense attorney Caitlin Fowlkes pressed both experts on how either could make a determination regarding how the alcohol entered China’s body, rather than testifying only that it was ingested.

At one point during Noble’s testimony, Fowlkes objected to a question from Cummings that included the phrase “poured down China’s throat,” which Fowlkes saw as prejudicing the jury She moved for a mistrial, which Judge Carson Marcantel denied.

The defense did succeed in keeping Record from being given a first-degree murder conviction, saving her from spending the rest of her life behind bars.

The larger story Fowlkes and her co-counsel Ashley Deschamp told was of a tragic accident, and a grandmother who told de-

corruption and the legacy of former populist Gov Huey Long, who drew funding for his political campaigns from state workers.

“There’s a real reason why the classiﬁed system, the civil service system was put in place, and I don’t think human nature has changed any based on what I see going on politically in Louisiana,” said Brent Frederick, a recently retired Civil Service referee, who for 16 years heard appeals over employment disputes.

Frederick said civil service offers a merit-based system, where hiring decisions are open and competitive and firing is done for cause, and employees can climb the ranks without political intervention.

In exchange for those protections, state workers give up their right to participate in political campaigns, Frederick said.

In Amendment 1 passes, there’s a chance the Legislature could over time do away with the civil service system, he said.

her for one night.

The mother said when he brought the baby back home to her, she noticed marks and bruises on the child’s body

The mother told police that Beasley told her he would be going to Texas, and then cut off all contact with her

The 6-month-old is being treated in the hospital’s intensive care unit for lacerations to her liver and spleen and a fractured forearm, according to the afﬁdavit.

Police were assisted in the arrest by the U.S. Marshals Middle Louisiana Fugitive Task Force.

tectives she “took full responsibility” for the death in order to protect her adult daughter

The defense injected possible doubt into multiple parts of the state’s case, including that China was tall enough to reach onto the kitchen counter herself, that no one saw Roxanne Record pouring the liquor down China’s throat, and that she brought the empty bottle to detective’s attention on her own.

“That’s what they’ve proven to you, they have a toxicologist and a pathologist tell you there’s a lot of alcohol in a little body

That’s right, she died of alcohol poisoning. That’s what they’ve proven, but they can’t make that connection to this woman, to her grandma,” Deschamp said in her closing arguments

“The only puzzle piece that matters is how that alcohol got in her system, and they cannot answer that.”

Kadjah Record is charged with first-degree murder and cruelty to juveniles in China’s death. Her next court appearance is set for June 29.

Seventh Ward Elementary

Principal Laura Dunlap worked with Wells for 16 years and said “Mrs. Katy” has been a “school mom and grandma” to generations.

“She had a lot of rules and a wonderful witty sense of humor,” Dunlap said about Wells’ work style. “She wanted those kids protected; those were her babies.”

Along with helping traffic, Wells was over the prayer board at the school and would also create the monthly bulletin boards. She would volunteer at events and has even come in for more time recently to help out the school during testing season, the principal said. The principal described how Wells would even give away her own money, originally for her own bills, to others in need around her

“She gave everything she had for others,” she said.

Hundreds of Denham Springs residents grew up with Wells helping them get to school, and then decades later would see Wells helping their own young children make it to school.

In online posts, multiple residents described the crossing guard as someone who always seemed positive as she was always smiling and waving at the students and parents at the schools.

Cherie Burks, of Denham Springs, has known Wells since she was a young girl in school, and then would later see her daily while dropping off and picking up her daughter, Peyton, a Seventh Ward ﬁrst-grade student.

“My 7-year-old daughter absolutely loved her She was excited to get into the car in the afternoons and roll her window down to wave bye to Mrs. Katy,” Burks said. “Every year at Christmas when purchasing teacher gifts, she wouldn’t let me forget to get Mrs. Katy a gift too.”

Burks described Wells as someone with “a heart of gold” and said she was always smiling and waving in the carpool line.

“Mrs. Katy was one of a kind,” she said. Kaydence Elliot, of Denham Springs, would see Wells every weekday while dropping her daughter off at day care near Seventh Ward.

“It didn’t matter if it was the hottest, sunniest day of the year or the rainiest and coldest, she was out there,” she said. Elliot remembers Wells as someone who you could tell truly cared about her job and protecting the children.

“I know it could be frustrating waiting in trafﬁc, especially if you are already running late for the day, but the moment you passed and seen her smile, it didn’t even matter anymore,” Elliot said.

Several flowers and balloons were seen outside Seventh Ward Elementary Friday morning by the speed limit sign in honor of Wells, according to the Sheriff’s Ofﬁce. Darren Goudeau, 64, of Walker, was arrested Thursday in connection with the fatality for counts of vehicular homicide and DWI-second offense, the Sheriff’s Ofﬁce said. The investigation is ongoing.

“I’ve seen a lot of venues that do these things, but all of them are out of state,” he said. McDowell has put on annual Christmas concerts at local Catholic churches and the Manship Theatre. That made him realize he had the expertise to develop the kind of event and wedding space he wanted to see.

Didier Architecture, of Prairieville, designed the building, while Matthews General Contractors is building the property

“Knowing is half the battle,” he said. “I want to see good events and it’s exciting to me to bring into Baton Rouge/St. George, the kind of venue we deserve.” McDowell started promoting Aurora Park earlier this week, and he said he’s gotten several requests per hour for events in March, including anniversary parties, senior brunches and debutante balls.

LOTTERY THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2026 PICK 3: 9-1-3

PICK 4: 6-4-4-7 PICK 5: 8-6-7-3-9

Today daughter, Tiffany Clark; grandson, Mason Clark; sisters, Sadie (Manuel) Scott and Mary(Herbert) Pate; and brother, Willie Clark. The servicewillbeheld at Sweet HomeBaptist ChurchinMaringouin, LA at 3:00 PM.

Devillier, Larry

St.John theEvangelistCatholic Church,Plaquemineat11am.

Faucheux, Clifford

St.John theEvangelistChurch on Hwy 73 in Prairieville at 1:30 pm

Gaither Gilbert, Shirley Sweet Home BaptistChurch, 10300 Church St Maringouin, LAat 11am

Hirschey,Shirley

St.Agnes Catholic Church,Baton Rouge at 1pm

Johnson Spain, Gwendolyn Hall Davis& Sons FuneralService 9348 Scenic Hwy. at 2pm

Lopez, Guadalupe

Lake Lawn Metairie FuneralHome, 5100 PontchartrainBoulevard in New Orleans, at 3p.m

Mays,Elwood

N. 32nd Street Church of Christ 1414 N. 32nd St BatonRouge,LAat 10am.

McCray,Shirley Apostolic Assembly of Christ,48123 Highway 16, DenhamSprings,Laat 11am

Melancon, Esther

St.ElizabethCatholic Church in Paincourtville,LAat11am.

Moore, Julia Camphor Memorial UnitedMethodist Church at 11am Morgan Sr.,Anthony Freeman BaptistChurch in Ethel,

Lopez, Guadalupe Reyes 'Pops'

Guadalupe "Pops" Reyes Lopez passedaway surroundedbyhis family on Tuesday,April28, 2026. He was 71 years old. Born in Valle Hermoso, Tamaulipas, Mexico to Carlos Reyes Sanchezand Genoveva Lopez Moreno Due to his active lifestyle, Pops enjoyedwoodworking and gardening. His passionfor remaining active led him to return to aposition at Our Lady of the Lake evenafter retirement. Aloving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather,Pops loved spending time with his familyand enjoyed attendingfestivals. AdevoutCatholic,he was involved in the manna giver program forSociety of St. VincentdePaulsince 2010 and awas memberof St. George Catholic Church. He was precededin death by his parents, Carlos ReyesSanchez and Genoveva Lopez Moreno; his sisters, VictoriaReyes Lopez and AlvinaReyes Lopez; his brother, Antonio Reyes Lopez; and hisfather-in-law, Dale George Catalano I. Pops is survivedbyhis lovingwifeof29years, DeniseCatalano Reyes;his daughter, Nora Reyes (Ray); his sons,DenisMichael Catalano (Kassie) and ChristopherLopez Reyes;his sisters, Francisca Reyes Lopez andEsperanzaReyes Lopez; his grandchildren, Sophia Katherine Catalano, Cynthia Lopez, Raymond Lopez (Jennifer), Veronica Lopez (Miguel), CrystalLopez and Michael Lopez;his five great-grandchildren;his mother-in-law, Dianne CasebonneCatalano; sisters and brothers-in-law;

as wellasmany nieces, nephews, and cousins. The family wouldliketo extend their heartfeltgratitude to those nurses who went aboveand beyond and hisOur Ladyofthe Lake coworkers. Relatives and friends are invitedtoattend hisfuneral services on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at LakeLawn MetairieFuneral Home, 5100 PontchartrainBlvd. NewOrleans, LA 70124. Visitationbegins at 1:00 PM until theFuneralMass at 3:00 PM.Interment to followatAll SaintsMausoleum on thesame grounds. To view and signthe online guestbook, visit www.lakelawnmetairie.co m

"Come to me, all who laborand are heavyladen, and Iwillgiveyou rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn fromme, for Iam gentle and lowly in heart and youwillfind rest for your souls."Matthew11:28 29. Alice Ann Nickens Page "Granny", devoteddaughter, sister, mother, grandmother and friend, departed this life to be with her Lord and savioronFriday, April24, 2026. Born on July 15, 1945, she was alifelong resident of BatonRouge. Alice was aproud graduateofLSU and retired East BatonRouge Parish school teacher.She was passionateaboutteaching and caring for her students in and out of theclassroom. She leaves behind to cherish her memories, her sisters, LindaHymel (L.J.) and Susan Jordan (Richard); twodaughters, Kristie Seal (Benjie) and Karlin O'Neal; seven grandchildren, who were her greatest joy, ShelbyChandler (Auston), Charlie Seal (Klaire), Savannah Boudreaux (Taylor), Taylor David (Hunter),Alexandra, Isabella and Emma O'Neal; and four great-granddaughters, Eleanor Kennedy, Adeline, Sadie and soontobearriving

When you’re comparingplans ...

 Look forcoverage that helps pay formajor services. Some plans may limitthe number of procedures —orpay forpreventive care only.

 Look forcoverage with no deductibles. Some plans mayrequire you to payhundreds out of pocketbefore benefits are paid.

 Shop forcoverage with no annual maximum on cash benefits. Some plans have annual maximums of $1,000.

Previous dental work canwear out.

Even if you’vehad qualitydentalwork in the past,you shouldn’t take your dentalhealth forgranted. In fact, your odds of havinga dental problem only go up as youage.2

Elizabeth; as wellasnumerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Florette Nickens, to whomshe was adevoted caretaker; her siblings, Robert Nickens and Terri Gerace; and her son, Travis Lane Bellue Visitation willbeat Greenoaks Funeral Home, 9595 FloridaBoulevard,on Monday, May 4, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. and willresume on Tuesday, May 5, from9 am until funeral service at 10 am, conducted by Lance Bourgeois. Burial willfollow in Greenoaks Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Benjie Seal, EricSimoneaux, Auston Chandler, Charlie Seal,Taylor Boudreaux and Hunter David.Inlieuofflowers, thefamily requests donations be made to Alzheimer'sServicesofthe Capital Area in Baton Rouge. Please visit www.gr eenoaksfunerals.com to leave condolences to the family

The deathofBeckyLynn Simmons, known to many as The DoodleLady, leaves our world aless kind, generous, and loving place Becky, eldest daughter of thelate JosephS and Betty Moyse Simmons, left us Wednesday, April29, 2026 comfortably in her home surrounded by dedicated friends and family and her belovedpuppy, Tito.Becky's spiritwillsurviveand thrive in our communityas others calm anxious patients, comfort grieving parents, support spiritual growth, overcome depression,reach out to theoutsider, and shower love and kindness.Her loving son, L. Prentiss Cutshaw, his wife Rachel and threegrandchildren, William, Curry, and Sarah BethCutshaw

surviveher,asdoher sister, Jean andher husband Will Wilcox,and herbrother Joeand hiswife Tricia Day, andnumerous friends andfamily. In fulfillingher wishes, Becky'smortal remains shall soon be transformedintoliveoaks and gardens as acontinuation of hertireless work to make this abetterplace We ask that you join us in celebratingher remarkable life at amemorial service on Friday, May8 at 11 a.m. at theUnified Jewish CongregationofBaton Rouge, 3354 Kleinert Avenue, Baton Rouge.Weextend heartfelt thanks among herextended circle of care:Mark, Camille,PinnacleHospice,Home Instead, Decision Critical andothers. We ask that you hug yourloved ones and tell them of yourlove; do something kind for a stranger everyday; and, should you desire, donate to acherished charity in herhonor.With that, Becky's love will live on

Carolyn O. Thornton, a residentofthe Baton Rouge area, died peacefully on April 27, 2026, surroundedbyher family. Carolyn leaves behind her husband of 58 yrs, Cole,as well as hertwo children, Cole, Jr.(Amy Thornton), Cydnie Randow, andfour grandsons, Ben Randow Jr., Jack Randow, Sam Randow, andCole Thornton,III.Funeral services will be held at St.Aloysius Catholic Church,2025 Stuart Ave,Baton Rouge on Mon. May4,with visitation from 9:30 am to 11:00 am, with thefuneral mass to follow.For the full obituary please go to www.churchf uneralservices.com. Afuneralservice will be held from11:00 AM to 12:00 PM on 2026-05-04 at St.Aloysius Catholic Church,2025 StuartAve

Early detection canprevent small problems from becoming expensiveones.

The best way to preventlargedental bills is preventive care.The American Dental Association recommends checkupstwiceayear.

Treatment is expensive— especiallythe servicespeople over 50 often need.

Consider these national averagecostsof treatment. $274for acheckup $299 for afilling $1,471 foracrown.3 Unexpected bills likethis canbeareal burden, especially if you’re on afixedincome.

“Medicare&You,” Centersfor Medicare& Medicaid Services,2025. 2 “Aging changesinteeth and gums”, medlineplus.gov,4/17/2022. 3 FairHealth, Inc. National average dental fees.Datacurrent as of July 2025;subject to change

“Absolutely love” “I absolutelylove my dental insurance. My dentalofﬁce ﬁles the claims,leaving me with very littlebalancetopay.” DorothyP TN

Thornton, Carolyn O.

Simmons, Becky Lynn

Clark, Grant R.

Grant R.

BRIEFS FROM WIRE REPORTS

Spirit Airlines rescue is under consideration

WASHINGTON President Donald Trump said Friday his administration is still weighing a taxpayer-funded takeover of Spirit Airlines, with talks ongoing and no ﬁnal decision yet on whether to move forward with a potential bailout.

The possibility of a bailout first emerged publicly last week, when Trump ﬂoated the idea of the U.S. government offering Spirit a ﬁnancial lifeline to help keep the airline from going bust and out of business.

The president suggested the government would be able to resell the airline known for its bright yellow planes and “no frills” service for a proﬁt once oil prices driven up by the Iran war come down.

Lawmakers from both parties and members of the Trump administration have criticized the idea of using taxpayer funds to keep the ultralow cost airline aﬂoat. Speculation around the likelihood of a deal emerging has mounted with every day that passes without a resolution as Spirit’s operating expenses and debts mount

The administration delivered what Trump described as a “final proposal” to the airline. He framed the possible federal intervention as an effort to preserve jobs but stressed that any financial arrangement worked out would have to benefit the government

Certain tariffs on Scotch whisky lifted

WASHINGTON President Donald Trump said Thursday he is removing certain tariffs on Scotch whisky after this week’s White House visit by King Charles III and Queen Camilla of the United Kingdom.

“The King and Queen got me to do something that nobody else was able to do, without hardly even asking!” Trump posted on social media.

Trump said people had wanted this change, especially with regard to the wooden barrels in which the spirits of Scotch and bourbon can be aged. His post left it unclear if the tariffs were being lifted on bottles of Scotch or on the materials used to produce alcohol in both countries

“I will be removing the Tariffs and Restrictions on Whiskey having to do with Scotland’s ability to work with the Commonwealth of Kentucky on Whiskey and Bourbon,” Trump said The White House did not respond to emails seeking clariﬁcation about the details of what Trump announced, though the post was interpreted in Scotland and by industry lobbyists as removing the tariffs on Scotch.

Bid over Alex Jones’ Infowars in limbo

AUSTIN, Texas The Onion’s plan to take over the Infowars platforms that Alex Jones built into a bullhorn of conspiracy theories and turn them into parody sites was in limbo again Thursday, after a Texas court paused a proposed deal involving the satirical news outlet.

Austin-based Infowars is facing liquidation because of the more than $1 billion in defamation lawsuit judgments Jones owes relatives of victims of the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting for calling the Connecticut massacre a hoax. The proposed licensing deal would give The Onion temporary authority to use Infowars’ trademarks, copyrights and intellectual property while a state receiver in Texas works toward liquidation.

A state judge in Austin had scheduled a hearing Thursday on whether to approve The Onion deal with the receiver But the proceeding fizzled into a status conference because the Texas Third Court of Appeals late Wednesday approved an emergency motion by Jones’ lawyers that temporarily blocked the transfer of any Infowars assets. The judge set another hearing for May 28

Apple leads market as oil prices drop

BY STAN CHOE Associated Press

NEW YORK The U.S. stock mar-

ket set more records Friday after Apple, Estee Lauder and others joined the list of companies delivering fatter proﬁts for the start of the year than analysts expected. Easing oil prices also helped steady the stock markets around the world that were still open on the May Day holiday

The S&P 500 climbed 0.3% to its latest all-time high and closed out a ﬁfth straight winning week. That’s its longest such streak since 2024.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 152 points, or 0.3%, and the Nasdaq composite added 0.9% to its own record.

Apple led the way after the iPhone seller reported stronger profit and revenue for the latest quarter than analysts expected. Because it’s one of Wall Street’s biggest stocks in terms of overall size, Apple’s rally of 3.3% was by far the strongest force lifting the S&P 500. Stock prices generally follow the path of corporate profits over the long term, and U.S. companies have been blowing past expectations for earnings in the first three months of 2026. That’s even with the war with Iran and high oil prices souring confidence for many U.S. households. A little more than a quarter of the companies in the S&P 500 have reported already, and 84% of them

have topped analysts’ estimates, according to FactSet. The index is on track to deliver roughly 15% growth in proﬁt from a year earlier Estee Lauder’s stock climbed 3.4% after reporting better earnings than expected, thanks in part to strength in China, and it raised some of its upcoming financial forecasts Sandisk jumped 8.3% after the maker of storage for computers blew past analysts’ expectations for proﬁt thanks in part to voracious demand from data centers.

Colgate-Palmolive added 2.2% after likewise delivering bigger results than expected, though CEO Noel Wallace said it expects “volatile macroeconomic condi-

tions and slower category growth to continue in 2026.”

The main uncertainty for the global economy is where oil prices are heading because of the Iran war Oil prices spurted higher early this week on worries that the war will keep the Strait of Hormuz closed for a long time. That would in turn keep oil tankers pent up in the Persian Gulf instead of delivering crude to customers worldwide. But such moves have been quick to reverse throughout the war, as hopes rise and fall for a reopening of the strait. On Friday, the price for a barrel of Brent crude, the international standard, fell 2% to settle at $108.17. Brent was selling for a little more than $70 per barrel before the war began.

Investor group buys MC Bank

Deal has attracted widespread funding

BY RICH COLLINS Staff writer

An investor group led by veteran Louisiana banker Daryl Byrd has completed its purchase of Morgan City-based MC Bank four months after announcing the deal and two months after a rival bank ﬁled a lawsuit alleging Byrd’s team improperly wooed its employees and customers. Neither the aggressive timetable nor the legal action stopped DMMS Purchaser Inc., the acquisition group led by Byrd, from raising roughly $225 million from more than 500 regional investors as it launched a plan to buy and grow the small ﬁnancial institution.

MC Bank had roughly $480 million in assets and 10 locations in south Louisiana when the deal was announced.

The acquisition, which was ﬁnalized Friday, has already been approved by state and federal regulators.

“We’re extremely happy with MC Bank,”

Byrd said in a phone interview earlier in the week. “It’s been a four-month sprint from merger agreement to closing. Now the real work starts.”

The planned acquisition created shock waves in the regional banking community when it was announced in December Byrd is well known for his two-decade tenure leading IberiaBank, which he grew from a small Lafayette-based lender into a regional force, with assets of over $30 billion in 2019 when it was acquired by Memphis-based First Horizon.

Many of Byrd’s former executives at IberiaBank are part of the MC Bank purchasing group. The list includes several who moved from IberiaBank to First Horizon after that 2019 deal. The way some of those execs joined Byrd’s team sparked the First Horizon lawsuit, which was ﬁled Feb. 20 in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana Less than a week later, the defendants ﬁled a motion to dismiss the case.

Byrd said he’s eager to let the courts weigh in.

“We adamantly believe they’re wrong, and our pleadings reflect that view,” he said “What’s really important is the way we want to run our company; I’m not worried about how someone else runs theirs.”

Byrd said MC Bank is ﬂush with cash. He described the institution’s position as

“super capitalized” after the fundraising round that began in January, meaning its shareholder equity is more than 30% of its total assets. He said that ﬁgure, which is three times the typical amount, means the bank is ready to do business.

“We expect to grow as our teams energize and build clients,” Byrd said. “We’re conﬁdent we’ll have clients moving over, people we’ve known for a long time.”

Byrd projects the bank will top $1 billion in assets by the end of the year and double that a year later

The new MC Bank executive team also has been planning several new physical locations since the December announcement. A branch at the corner of Magazine Street and Jefferson Avenue in Uptown New Orleans is under construction and scheduled to be complete late next year

The bank also has leased office space on the 27th floor of the Pan-American Life Center on Poydras Street in the Central Business District. There will be a ground-floor branch located nearby, Byrd said.

The bank is developing a branch in greater Atlanta and a loan production ofﬁce in greater Miami. Byrd expects both to be active by this summer The bank also is planning spaces in Lafayette, Baton Rouge and Birmingham.

Military reaches deals to use AI on classiﬁed systems

BY BEN FINLEY and MATT O’BRIEN Associated Press

WASHINGTON The Pentagon said Friday that it has reached deals with seven tech companies to use their artificial intelligence in its classified computer networks, allowing the military to tap into AIpowered capabilities to help it fight wars. Google, Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, Nvidia, OpenAI, Reflection and SpaceX will provide their resources to help “augment warfighter decision-making in complex operational environments,” the Defense Department said.

The Defense Department has been rapidly accelerating its use of AI in recent years. The technology can help the military reduce the time it takes to identify and strike targets on the battlefield, while aiding in the organization of weapons maintenance and supply lines, according to a report in March from the Brennan Center for Justice. But AI has already raised concerns that its use could invade Americans’ privacy or allow machines to choose targets on the battleﬁeld. One of the companies contracting with the Pentagon said its agreement required human

oversight in certain situations. Such concerns were raised by a company not on the list, Anthropic, and it is now battling the Pentagon in court The tech company said it wanted assurances in its contract that the military would not use its technology in fully autonomous weapons and the surveillance of Americans. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the company must allow for any uses the Pentagon deemed lawful.

Anthropic sued after President Donald Trump, a Republican, tried to stop all federal agencies from using the company’s chatbot Claude and Hegseth sought to label the

company a supply chain risk, a designation meant to protect against sabotage of national security systems by foreign adversaries. OpenAI had announced a deal with the Pentagon in March to effectively replace Anthropic with ChatGPT in classified environments. OpenAI confirmed in a statement Friday that it was the same agreement it announced in early March.

“As we said when we first announced our agreement several months ago, we believe the people defending the United States should have the best tools in the world,” the company said.

STAFF PHOTO By RICH COLLINS

A pedestrian walks past the site of an MC Bank branch under construction at the corner of Magazine Street and Jefferson Avenue in New Orleans on Thursday.

ANOTHERVIEW

Will Democratic California elect aGOP governor?

Welcome to California: 40 millionpeople, 54 electoral votes and aDemocratic Party sodominant that Republicans are more endangered than aCoachella Valley fringe-toed lizard.

Democrats have won the state in the last nine presidentialelections.Theyoutnumber Republicans twotoone in voter registration. Theycontrol81% of thestate’scongressional delegation and 75% of state legislative seats. Given all that, howis it possiblethat California’snext governor would be a Republican?

Let’sstarts with the rules. California uses an openprimary forgovernor.All candidates run on the same ballot, regardless of party,and all voters can participate, regardless of party.That’ssimilar to how Louisianahas elected governors and other stateofﬁcialssince 1975. Butthere is one big difference. In California, the top two primary ﬁnishers automatically advanceto arunoff. In Louisiana, arunoff is held only if no candidate wins amajority of votes castinthe primary Gubernatorialraces in Louisiana oftenend up in runoffs, butnot always.JeffLandry, forexample, won outright in 2023 without the need for arunoff. Now here’s another doozy: California has 61— yes, 61 —candidates on its June 2gubernatorialprimary ballot. It was hardenough to keep track of the 15 contenders in Louisiana’slastrace for governor Imagine dealing with four timesthat many Which brings us back to theburning question: How could aDemocratic bastion like California, especially in an era of sharppartisanpolarization, elect aRepublican governor?

It could happen under one circumstance:two Republicans make the runoff.Thatwould mean no Democrat would appear on the Nov. 3general election ballot, leaving more than 10 millionregistered Democrats fuming on the sidelines. For that to come about,Republicans wouldneedto split their vote almost evenly betweentheir toptwo candidates: Steve Hilton, apolitical commentator endorsed by Donald Trump, and ChadBianco, the RiversideCounty sheriff,who is backedbynumerous state legislators and amajor gun owners’ group. Furthermore, the much largerDemocratic electorate would need to fracture into evenmorepieces. And this year,Democratshave more than enough candidates to do just that.

There are at least ﬁve majorDemocrats onthe gubernatorialballot next month: billionaire Tom Steyer; former U.S. Health and HumanServices Secretary Xavier Becerra; SanJose Mayor Matt Mahan; former U.S. Rep. Katie Porter;and former Los Angeles MayorAntonio Villaraigosa.

Here’show the math could work: InCalifornia’s 2022 gubernatorial race, 59% of thestate’svoters cast ballots for aDemocratand 41% for aRepublican.Ifthat 59% Democratic vote evenlysplits five ways, each Democrat would receive about 12%. And if you evenly splitthe 41% Republican vote two ways,eachRepublican would receive about 20%. Alot of moving parts would have to spin together to make this occur,but flukescan happen in politics. That’swhy Democrats have beendesperate for asmaller field.And it’swhy plenty of Republicans were disappointed when Trump endorsedHilton— amove that helps Hilton, but risks knocking Bianco out of arunoff slot. In reality,aDemocrat-Republican or DemocratDemocratrunoff is more likely thana RepublicanRepublican runoff this yearinCalifornia. But polls still show awide-open race. Recent polling from CBS News/YouGov,conducted after U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell exitedthe race amid sexual misconduct accusations,shows Hilton running first with 16%, Steyersecond with 15%, Becerra third with 13% andBianco fourth with 10%. Other candidates were in single digits

The last time Californiaelecteda Republican governor was under unusual circumstances. In 2003, Democratic Gov.Gray Davis was so unpopularthat voters recalled him in the middle ofhis term. Actor Arnold Schwarzenegger,a centrist Republicanrunning on achange platform,defeated Democratic Lt. Gov.Cruz Bustamante, who wasseenasa candidate of the status quo. Since then, however,the GoldenState has become much deeper blue. That makes aRepublican victory more difﬁcult. But impossible? Not really

Ron Faucheux is anonpartisan political analyst, pollster andwriterbasedinLouisiana.

Americansdon’t know whereour taxmoney goes

Everett Dirksen, who served in the House and Senate in the 1950s and ’60s, was aharsh critic of spending by the federal government. He said, “A billion here, abillion there, pretty soon you’retalking real money.” Dirksen’s ironic comment would be sadly out of place these days.Tociteone egregious example, Donald Trump recently proposed abudget for theDepartment of Defense of $1.5 trillion for the 2027 ﬁscal year.That will grow to $1.7 trillion, becauseTrump is tacking on another $200 billion to fund thewar in Iran and other miscellaneous programs. That represents ashocking and unprecedented increase of the present budget for thePentagon. Iwrite “miscellaneous”because nobody really knows wherethat money is going or how it is spent. The waste and fraud in theDepartment of Defense are legendary.The “big ﬁve” defense contractors overcharge the depart-

ment for almost everything purchased by the28separate agencies that function under thePentagon umbrella.To be morespeciﬁc, in 2018 Congress mandated an annual audit of Defense spending —and the department has failed every audit. Fifteen of the agencies did not even provide enough information for theauditors to complete theirreview And among the unworkable, unnecessary and wasteful programsofthe administration and defense contractors’ proposals are the Golden Fleet, the Golden Dome and the Sentinel ICBM projects. While the administration slashes Medicaid and other domestic programs it could well afford to fund, our national debt soars past $39 trillion due in large part to the obscene spending of the Department of Defense.

ARNOLD PULDA NewOrleans

Base school starttimes on science

Republican Party’soffi

ceholderswill have to answer forDonaldTrump

When Iassumed the chairmanship of theLouisiana Young Republican Federation 40 years ago this spring, Icouldn’t have imagined ademented psychopath hijacking the GOP and turning it intoa cult of personality antithetical to both theideals and principles upon which this nation was founded and theteachings of Christ as outlined in the Gospel of Matthew.But that’swhere theGOP is, and has been for adecade.

So Iwasn’tsurprised that the megalomaniac with nuclear codes would declare, “A whole civilization will die tonight,never to be brought back again.” Nor was Isurprised when he chose Easter Sunday,Christianity’sholiest day, to post aprofanity-laden threat to wage genocide on 93 million innocent people, signing off with“PraisebetoAllah.”

No person of sound mindever cast a votefor Donald Trump, as the passage of time has proven.

Presidential historians rank theconvicted felon and self-professed serial sex offender as the worstpresident in American history.They citehis role

inthe Jan. 6insurrection,election denialism,undermining of American institutions, refusal to participate in the peaceful transfer of power,handling of theCOVID-19 pandemic and assaults on theFirst Amendment. Notably,scholars rank Trumpdead last in intelligence, moral authority and administrative skills. This doesn’ttake into consideration Trump’sobsession with dictators, mockeryofU.S. servicemen as “suckers” and “losers” and growing evidence that he’snot only apedophile protector, but also aperpetrator

What was true in 2016 remains true today: Following Christ is incompatible with supporting Trump, and Trumpis an anathema to the Constitution and rule of law

What I’ll never understand is whyRepublican ofﬁce-seekers continue to bend over backward to tie themselves to the mostun-Christian andun-American grifter and charlatan this nation has ever produced.

JOHN MICHAEL LOCKHART Denham Springs

We would never expect adults to perform critical workwhile severely sleep deprived, yet we demand exactly that of students every day.Across our community, teenagers arrive at school exhausted, not from lack of effort but from asystem that ignores how their bodies actually function. It is timeto start school later Science makes it clear that adolescents experience a natural shiftintheir circadian rhythms, which makes early mornings misaligned with peak alertness. The American AcademyofPediatrics recommends eight to ten hours of sleep forteens, yet current schedules makethat nearly impossible. The result is not just fatigue, but diminished focus, weaker academic focus and alearning environment set up forstruggle rather than success.

The consequences extend beyond grades. Chronic sleep deprivation fuels anxiety,depression and emotional burnout among students already under pressure to succeed. We are not just asking them to learn, we are asking them to overcome exhaustion just to keep up.

Yes, adjusting school schedules may present logistical challenges. But inconvenience should not outweigh well-being. When research is this clear,inaction becomes a choice.

If we truly value education, we must also value the conditions that makelearning possible. Later school start times are not aluxury,they are a necessity we can no longer afford to ignore.

ARYUIANA HAMMOND Baton Rouge

Ron Faucheux

Pitchand catchno so easy fo LSUthis season

BY KOKI RILEY Staff writer

LSU baseball has dealt witha lot of lems this year

The offense has struggled to stri gether quality at-bats;the player Johnson has added from the transfer have mostly struggled; theinﬁeldde has been subpar; and the starting pi is down and dealing with injuries.

But arguably the ﬂaw mostrepresen of the Tigers’ struggles hasbeen th ability to corral wild es and penchantfor up passed balls.

Heading into Tuesday’s game againstSoutheastern Louisiana, LSU had thrown 23 more wild pitches than the Southeastern Conference team with the secondmost in the league (Kentuckywith49). The Tigers are also tied with Mississippi State for the most passed balls allowedinthe conference with 12.

“You want to look at struggle? Literally look at those two stats,” LSU coach Jay Johnson said,“and it’ll show you theteam that’seither playing clean or struggling.”

What makes the issue indicative of LSU’s season is the dual natureofthe issue. Not only are the pitchers having troublewith their control but the catchers also are struggling to block balls and catchthe pitches they need to secure.

“That’sa big reason why we are where we are,”Johnsonsaid.“Youcanlookat(wildpitches)onthestatsheet,andyoucanspelltrouble.” LSU’scontrol issues don’t comeasahuge surprise. The Tigers have alot of pitchers who throw the ballhard and have explosive off-speed stuff. Oftentimes,thosetypesof pitchers can be inconsistent whenitcomes to pounding the strike zone LSU pitchershad problemswiththeir control at times last season andthe year before, but they recorded aton of strikeouts andlimited their mistakesenough that the trade-off was well worth it. They led the country in strikeouts in 2024 and2025, and al title in largepartbecause staff.

But this year,LSU’slack trol has overshadowed the strik out stuff. The Tigers hav more strikeouts than Ole Mi the team with the second-m punchouts in the conferenc But they also own the w

twoshots to win Runfor Rosesdespite ‘grief-ﬁlled time’

Derbydoubledip

Owningone horsegood enough to run in theKentucky Derby is adream. Having twointhe Run for the Roses,well, that goes beyond most people’s imaginations

This is aheady reality for the Bernhards: Dana and son, Ben.

Thelongtime Baton Rouge residents will give Louisianans alocal rooting interest when they sendout Albus and Incrediboltinthe 152nd running of theKentucky Derby on Saturday at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky

“It’s exciting,” Danasaid, “and very special.”

The journey to the Derby hasbeen

Dana an starters for the Friday at Churc

STEPHE AP sportswri

“Jimwould have been so thrilled,”said Dana of her late husband,who foundedThe Shaw Group in 1987 and built it into oneofLouisiana’sfew Fortune 500 companies.“He would have been shouting from the rooftops to all of our friends.”

The $9.5 millionGrade IKentucky Derby is the most prestigious event in NorthAmerican

at the Keeneland yearling Sale in 2024. Incrediboltisone of two Stud farminthe Kentucky Derby. Top: Kentucky Derbyentrant Albus works out Ky PROVIDED PHOTO By DANA BERNHARD

the turn. Calling the raceonTVfor NBC, Larry Collmus typicallyfocuses on thefavorite. This year presents achallenge “I don’tknow who the favorite is going to be,” Collmus said. “I guess we’ll ﬁnd out. It’s wide open this year.”

Todd Pletcher-trained Renegade opened as the favorite, butitcould just as easily be Brad Cox’sCommandmentorFurther Ado or Bill

Mott’sChief Wallabee by the time the ﬁeld of 20 leaves the gate. The ﬁrst legofthe Triple Crown is so wide open that at least ahalf-dozen horses have alegitimate chance to win the 152ndrunning of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday “There’salot of different ways you could go if you werehandicapping

ä Under the weather: LSU baseball, softball rained out. See when Tigers play next, Page 4C

Incredibolt

AP PHOTO By CHARLIE RIEDEL

STAFF FILE PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

LSU catcher Omar Serna makes acatch during agame againstKentucky on March 28 at Alex Box Stadium

Chris Stanfield LSU Baseball, Outfielder

Celtics, 76ers will add to long playoff history

BY KYLE HIGHTOWER

sportswriter

BOSTON The Celtics appeared to be skipping toward the second round of the NBA playoffs following a 32-point road win in Game 4 at Philadelphia.

But back-to-back convincing wins by the 76ers in Game 5 and Game 6 have left a Boston team that once looked like a favorite to emerge from the Eastern Conference on the brink of an epic collapse.

BROADCAST HIGHLIGHTS

ä 76ers at Celtics.

6:30 P.M. SATURDAy NBC

A loss in Saturday’s Game 7 would be the No. 2 seed Celtics earliest exit from the playoffs since the 2020-21 season. They may have to do it with star Jayson Tatum dealing with a new ailment after he brieﬂy left Game 6 in the third quarter for unspecified treatment to an apparent left calf injury. Tatum, of course, is just 22 games into his return from the torn right Achilles tendon injury he suffered in last season’s playoffs

The Celtics downplayed the current situation, with Tatum saying afterward that his leg was only feeling “a little stiff.” He said following a quick assessment and some time on the exercise bike he didn’t return because the game was out of hand and the starters had already been pulled.

Coach Joe Mazzulla said there was no injury at all and reiterated that in a conference call Friday.

“He’ll play,” Mazzulla said.

The recent history for winnertakes-all games for Philadelphia teams isn’t exactly on the 76ers side, though.

The Flyers’ return to the NHL playoffs served as a reminder they are the last Philadelphia sports team to win a Game 7, beating, yes, Boston, in the 2010 Eastern Conference semiﬁnal.

Since then, the 76ers in 2012, 2019, 2021 and 2023 have all lost Game 7s; the Flyers lost one in 2014 and 2020; and the Phillies lost Game 7 of the NLCS in 2023.

The Phillies also lost a decisive Game 5 in the 2011 playoffs.

The Celtics have long had the Sixers’ number in the playoffs, winning the last six series The 76ers last eliminated the Celtics in the 1982 Eastern Conference semis.

“I’ve been playing these guys for so long,” 76ers star Joel Embiid said. “I’m tired of losing to them. We have a chance to accomplish something special.”

Nuggets, Jokic see early playoff exit

Denver is three years removed from its NBA championship

BY DAVE CAMPBELL AP sportswriter

MINNEAPOLIS Three years after Nikola Jokic led the Denver Nuggets to the NBA championship, the peak looked awfully distant for the team from the Mile High City and the three-time MVP award winner

Ousted in six games by the Minnesota Timberwolves in their first-round series, the Nuggets trudged into the offseason with plenty of questions to answer about their ability to remain a true title contender in the stacked Western Conference. For the ﬁrst time in four years, the Nuggets failed to make it to May

“We just lost in the ﬁrst round, so I think we are far away,” said Jokic, who had 28 points 10 assists and nine rebounds in the 110-98 loss to the Timberwolves on Thursday night.

Four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert deftly neutralized Jokic during the series, even dominating him at times with his long arms, relentless effort and superb positioning.

Jokic found some rhythm and spark in the last two games, but his sidekick Jamal Murray had a rough series. The first-time All-Star, who played in 75 games during the regular season for his most in eight years, was similarly smothered by Timberwolves villain Jaden McDaniels. Murray went just 4 for 17 from the ﬂoor and with a game-worst minus-18 rating.

“When I get the looks that I need, they don’t go down,” Murray said. “So that’s the frustrating part, not showing up when my team needed me the most tonight.

I feel like if I would’ve played a little bit better we would’ve had that game.”

Missing forwards Aaron Gordon to a calf injury for three of the six games and Peyton Watson for the whole series to a hamstring strain sure didn’t help. Cameron Johnson made a late push from the 3-point line, pitching in 27 points in Game 5, but there wasn’t enough production beyond Jokic

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic looks on during Game 6 of a first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday in Minneapolis.

and Murray in this series for the Nuggets to advance, even against a Timberwolves team that was severely short-handed in the backcourt. And their pick-and-roll synergy was largely absent too.

“They were missing a bunch of guys tonight and they still won. So did we need them? Deﬁnitely, but if they are not here, we cannot think, ‘If, if, if, if,’” Jokic said.

After leading the league in offensive rating during the regular season and being held under 100 points only twice, the Nuggets failed to hit triple digits against the feisty Timberwolves three times in the series.

“It’s a miss-or-make league. We couldn’t make any shots,” Jokic said “I’m conﬁdent in my and Jamal’s two-man game.”

Jokic, who will enter his 12th season in the league in 2026-27, can sign another maximum contract extension this summer He didn’t hesitate when asked about his interest in reupping his com-

mitment.

“I still want to be Nuggets forever,” he said.

Coach David Adelman doesn’t have the same security, after ﬁnishing his ﬁrst full year on the job. Might changes be in the works in Denver?

“That’s not my decision,” Jokic said. “Definitely, if we were in Serbia, we would all be ﬁred.”

But in all seriousness, the Joker doubled down on his support of Adelman.

“It’s not his fault we couldn’t rebound. It’s not his fault we couldn’t catch the ball very well. There is nothing to blame David Adelman. It was all us,” Jokic said.

The Nuggets closed the regular season on a 12-game winning streak.

“Very disappointing end to the season. I’m the head coach. I take responsibility for things that didn’t go well here,” Adelman said.

Pistons rally from 24-point hole

The Associated Press

ORLANDO, Fla.— Cade Cunningham scored 32 points and the top-seeded Detroit Pistons pulled off an incredible rally Friday night, erasing a 24-point deficit and beating the Orlando Magic 93-79 to force a Game 7 in their Eastern Conference first-round series. Detroit trailed by 22 at the half and Orlando’s lead went to 62-38 early in the third quarter The Magic looked absolutely poised to become the seventh No. 8 seed to eliminate a No. 1 seed in the conference quarterfinal round And then everything went wrong for Orlando. Everything. The Magic became the first team since 1996-97 when playby-play began getting tracked

digitally — to lose at home after leading by at least 24 points with a chance to win a series. That number, and a whole lot of others, were just bafﬂing. The Magic missed 23 consecutive shots from the ﬁeld, Detroit went on a 35-5 run and just like that, the story of the game — and quite possibly the series — changed wildly

Tobias Harris scored 22 points for Detroit, which will host Game 7 on Sunday Paolo Banchero and Desmond Bane each scored 17 for Orlando, which is now 0-2 in closeout opportunities in this series. The ﬁrst quarter was back and forth, Detroit leading 26-25 after those opening 12 minutes. The second quarter: Magic 35, Pistons 12. Orlando outscored the Pistons

17-0 from 3-point range and the free-throw line in that quarter, held Detroit to 2-for-11 shooting over the ﬁrst 5:48 of the period and took a 60-38 lead into the half. The 22-point halftime lead was the fourth-largest by a No. 8 seed over a No. 1 seed in this format. And there was never an instance of a No. 8 seed — at least in the play-by-play era, which started in 1996-97 — outscoring a No. 1 seed by 23 or more points in any quarter of a playoff game, either It seemed over It was not. Because the third quarter: Pistons 24, Magic 11. The tone was set for a comeback, and when the night ended those who remained in Orlando’s Kia Center booed as they departed for possibly the final time this season.

LSU tennis team sweeps Alabama State in regional

The LSU men’s tennis team hosted an NCAA regional for the ﬁrst time in 17 years on Friday and the results were dominating for the Tigers.

Seventh-seeded LSU swept SWAC champion Alabama State 4-0 at the LSU tennis complex. The Tigers (26-6) will next play Pepperdine (18-9), which ousted Michigan 4-2, at 5 p.m. Saturday with the winner advancing to the Round of 16. LSU racked up three points in singles play, counting match wins from Erik Arutiunian (7-5, 6-1), Andrej Loncarevic (6-1, 6-4) and Alessio Vasquez (6-0, 6-3). The Tigers got the doubles point to clinch the match after Olaf Pieczkowski and Enzo Kohlmann claimed a 6-1 win. The 10th-seeded

Arizona’s Vargas sets marks with 27-game hit streak

CHICAGO Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ildemaro Vargas extended his hitting streak to 27 games on Friday, breaking the major league record for a Venezuela native.

Vargas went 4 for 4 with a walk in a 6-5 loss to the Chicago Cubs at a cold and blustery Wrigley Field. Vargas’ career-best streak dates to Sept. 26, and his 24-game streak to start this season is a franchise record.

Vargas has been one of baseball’s biggest surprises so far this year He has six homers, 21 RBIs and a .429 on-base percentage in 24 games.

Vargas’ 24-game streak in 2026 is tied with Tony Womack (2000) for second on the single-season franchise list.

Korda goes bogey-free to share early lead in Mexico

PLAYA DEL CARMEN, Mexico Nelly Korda kept out of trouble and played bogey-free Friday for a 5-under 67, giving her a share of the early lead with Brianna Do in Riviera Maya Open at Mayakoba in the LPGA Tour’s only tournament in Mexico.

Korda only took advantage on two of the four par 5s at El Camaleon, and she had to scramble on the par-5 18th coming out of the right rough. But she had the right touch on a gap wedge from just over 50 yards to 4 feet to close out her round with a birdie. That allowed her to catch Do, who had a fairway metal for her second shot into the par-4 ninth and ﬁnished with a bogey for a 69. Minami Katsu of Japan had a 69 and was two shots behind.

Sinner earns 350th career win to reach Madrid final

MADRID Top-ranked Jannik Sinner extended his winning streak to 22 matches by beating Arthur Fils 6-2, 6-4 and reached his first Madrid Open final on Friday

Sinner will face No 3 Alexander Zverev in a ﬁfth consecutive Masters 1000 tournament after the German dominated unheralded Belgian Alexander Blockx 6-2, 7-5 in their semiﬁnal

Sinner’s historic attempt to become the first man to win five consecutive Masters 1000s is on the back of beating Zverev in recent semifinals in Paris, Indian Wells, Miami and Monte Carlo without dropping a set.

Sinner’s 350th career victory makes him the ﬁrst man born in the 2000s to reach that milestone.

Fan altercation won’t result in charges for Steelers WR DETROIT Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf will not face any charges stemming from an incident with a Detroit Lions fan during a game last December

The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office announced Friday that it will not pursue a criminal complaint against Metcalf following an investigation into the incident between Metcalf and Ryan Kennedy CBS cameras caught Metcalf and Kennedy, a Lions fan wearing a blue wig and a blue and black shirt that aligned with Detroit’s colors, having an exchange along the rail in the second quarter of Pittsburgh’s 29-24 victory on Dec. 21. The NFL suspended Metcalf for the ﬁnal two games of the regular season.

AP PHOTO By MATT SLOCUM

Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum looks to make a move during Game 6 on Thursday in Philadelphia.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By MATT KROHN

152ND KENTUCKYDERBY

Torres gets 2ndchanceat1st Derby

BY STEPHENWHYNO

AP sportswriter

LOUISVILLE, Ky.— Cristian Torres waited his whole life to ride in the Kentucky Derby.Inline to get his ﬁrst chanceonSaturday,itlooked like the rising-star jockey would have to wait at least another year when the horse he was supposed to be on was ruled out. Then hisphone rang on Friday morning with anumber from California he did not havesaved It was trainer Doug O’Neill callingtoask if he wanted totake the mountonRobusta, whogot into the ﬁeld when Kenny McPeek’s Right to Party was scratched by track veterinarians.

“I was shocked,” Torres told The Associated Press after riding in theﬁfth race at Churchill Downs later in the day.“Ididn’t respond for afew secondsbecause I couldn’tbelieve it. It’sbeen aroller coaster of emotions but just very happy and very grateful.” Torres, anative of Puerto Rico who beganriding in 2019,was set tobeaboard SilentTacticin the152nd running of theDerby Trainer Mark Casse and owner John Oxley made the callWednesday to scratch Silent Tactic because of afoot injury andplanfor the Preakness on May 16. Casse said it was an easydeci-

sion in the best interests of the horse but that he felt badlyfor Torres.

The second chance materialized with Robusta getting in off the also-eligible list. O’Neill tapped Torres for the mount because EmisaelJaramillowas already

Women’sroles growing at Kentucky Derby

BY STEPHENWHYNO

AP sportswriter

LOUISVILLE,Ky.— Just17women have trainedahorse that ran in one of the ﬁrst 151 renditions of the Kentucky Derby.Onlysix women have ridden in therace.

Far more have ahand in making the openingjewel of the Triple Crown happen.

As Cherie DeVaux looks to become the first woman to traina Derby winner,she is surrounded at Churchill Downs by hundreds of inﬂuential women at the track, on theair and behind the scenesonthe ﬁrst Saturday in May

“I often hearabout womenbeing involvedwithamale-dominated sport, but formeitfeels like it’s my sport,” jockey-turned-NBC broadcaster Donna Brothers said “Women are an integral part of it. Yousee alot of exercise riders outthere who are women,alot of female grooms, hotwalkers.Unfortunately,you still don’tsee alot of women in the top names —the top jockeys and the top trainers —but I think we’re getting there.” Brothers is joined on NBC’s broadcast by Britney Eurton, who has been in horse racing her entire life as thedaughteroftrainer PeterEurton. Lindsay Schanzer four years ago became the ﬁrst woman to produce the KentuckyDerby,and the152th running will be her ﬁfth in charge.

“It’snot just amale-dominated sport but also amale-dominated industry,sports TV,soIfeel great pride,” said Schanzer,who is one of

DERBY

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this race,” said Chad Brown, the trainerofEmerging Market. “You could really make an argument at this point for maybehalf thehorses in theﬁeld if they ran their very, very best raceand had agood trip.” Renegade was set as the 4-1 favorite on the morning line, but last weekend he drew the inside No. 1

more than30women involved in the production, operation and marketing of the race forNBC Sports.“I feel honored to be in thisposition andtorepresentthe team that I have asbest Ican.”

DeVaux, who trains Golden Tempo, earlierthis week seemed to downplay her chance at history

Seeing ayoung girl on thebackstretch near her barn made her realize in the moment just howmonumentalitwouldbeifGolden Tempo puts herinthe record books.

“It would be irresponsible of me to not acknowledge that whatI’m doing does inadvertently make a difference, even if it’snot my intent,” said DeVaux, whogrew up with sevenbrothers andtwo sisters.

“My brothers are alot biggerthan me,soIthink that’s what shaped me. I’ve hadto ﬁght andscrap and be heardsothat Icouldsurvive growing up. And Iunderstand that’s notthe same foreverybody.”

Brothers, whose mother was a jockey, started thinking about the ramifications for DeVaux after watching Golden Tempo on the track andrealizing howgood a chance he has. JenaAntonucci with Arcangelointhe BelmontStakes in 2022 is theonly woman to train the winnerofaTripleCrown race.

The Derbyadds another layer

“Take gender outofit: She’sa phenomenal trainer,” Eurton said of DeVaux. “For her,thisisher life. Male orfemale, this is what she’s wanted to do and she’svery,very good at it.It’sjusta matter of time whether it’sCherieoranother talentedfemaletrainer.”

postposition on the rail. No horse has won the Derby from there since Ferdinand in 1986.

“It’s not the one we wouldhave chosen,” Pletcher said. “It’snot ideal, but it’swhatwegot and we’ll do thebestwecan with it.”

When Pletcher watched replays of every race since the new starting gate was introduced in 2020, he thought his horses and others on the rail were negativelyaffected and theirchances compromised. Thelast horse to break from the

booked to ride at SantaAnita Park in California on Saturday

“It’sbeen crazy,” Torres said.

“ButI’m very happy to be here, and I’mgrateful forDoug.He called me and gave me the chance to ride Robusta. Man, justgrateful. Grateful with everyopportu-

FAMILY

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horse racing. Incredibolt and Albus qualified by winning the Grade III Virginia Derby and Grade II Wood Memorial Stakes respectively,giving them enough pointstoenter the famed Run for theRoses.

TheBernhards will entertain agroup of 60 friends, family and business associates in their suite at ChurchillDownsonSaturday Albusand Incredibolt will break from post Nos. 2and 11 as 30-1 and 20-1 long shots, respectively,towin.

That’sﬁne withthe Bernhards. As nascent “horse people,” they feel blessed to be there.

“It’smixed emotions,for sure,” Ben said. “We’re still verymuch grieving the loss of my dad. It’s superexciting what’sgoing on. Youjust wish he was here for it. He would always remind me, ‘Remember to have fun.’ So that’s what we’retrying to do.”

With awin, theBernhards would join exclusive company.Sharilyn Gasaway is believed to be theonly Louisiana native to win the Kentucky Derby as aprincipalowner

The Shreveport native and her husband, Brent, are membersof 4GRacing, which bred and owns Mystik Dan,who won the2024 Kentucky Derby Horses always have been part of the Bernhard family.The daughter of longtime Louisiana Tech president Dan Reneau, Dana had horses from the age of 8while growing up in the Rustonareaofnorth Louisiana. After she andJim married in 1993, they kept Friesian horses on their 100-acre propertyoutside of Baton Rouge andtheir 50-acre property in north Louisiana.

“Wehad horses our entire 32 years of married life,” Dana said. “The past few years, Jim and I enjoyed trail riding all over our various properties.”

The Bernhards’ initiation to thoroughbred racing began in 2021, when Jimoffered to buy a colt forDanaasa birthday present. With thehelp of abloodstock agent, they picked outahandsome son of Candy Ride at the Fasig-TiptonKentuckySelect Keeneland Yearling Sale and bought him for$350,000. They namedhim withaLouisianaflair, Geaux Rocket Ride,and he went on to win more than $980,000, includingthe GradeI Haskell Stakes and finishing second in the GI Pacific Classic. Officially bitten by the horse

very inside to ﬁnish in the money was Lookin At Lee in 2017.

Irad Ortiz Jr.isbeing counted on to navigateRenegadethrough the 11/4-mile journey around the dirt track at ChurchillDowns,and while he hasyet to win theKentucky Derby,he’sinhis prime as oneofthe best jockeysinthe world.

“Irad’sriding in great form right now,sotheyjust gottowork it out,” Pletcher said. “I think his natural running style is to kind of settle and make one run like he

“I’ve watched his replays,his races when he ran in California, but I’m not veryclosetothe horse so I’m just going to watchthe replays and seeand talk with Doug and see what we can do,” Torres said.

Robusta was the second-to-last horse eligible for the opening leg of the Triple Crown. Dallas Stewart’sCorona de Oro would draw in if thereare any additional scratches to the current ﬁeld of 20 horses.

In addition to Right to Party and Silent Tactic, Brad Cox scratched Fulleffort after an X-ray revealed achip and ﬂuid in thecolt’s left hind ankle.

Right to Party was avet scratch, not achoice made by McPeek and owner Chester Broman Sr

“Thesafety and well-being of theracehorses training and competing in Kentucky arethe center of everything we do,” theKentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Commission said in astatement.

nity thatcomes and very happy and veryexcited.” Torresisgoing into the biggest race of his career with limited knowledge of Robusta, who was second in theSan Felipe Stakes on March 7and seventh in the Santa Anita DerbyonApril 4.

PROVIDED PHOTO Louisiana residents JimBernhard, left, and his son Ben developed impressiveracehorses together Jim died in November.Ben and his mother,Dana, are looking to keep the tradition alivewithtwo horses racing in the Kentucky Derby.

racing bug, the Bernhards started buying more horses and eventually found themselves looking for property in Kentucky horse country.When legendary Pin Oak Stud farm became available in 2022, they bought it and took over the operation. The bucolic 1,348-acre property is located between Frankfort and Versailles, in theheart of theKentucky bluegrass region. The farm’s originalowner,Josephine Abercrombie, preserved largeswaths of woodlands on the property.The woodsand rolling hillsare filled with deer,rabbits, bald eagles and even the occasional bobcat.

“The farmissobeautiful,” said Dana,who splits hertime between Versailles andBaton Rouge. “You sit on the back porch, and it’slike abird sanctuary.It’sreally alovely place forus.”

TheBernhards also took over PinOak’sracing operation, keepingmanyofthe farm’sstaffmembers and famed blue-and-gray racing silks. Ben left hisjob as a guidance, navigation and control engineeratSpaceX in California andmovedtoKentuckytotake over the operation as president. He oversees the 100-horse stable’s breeding and racing operation. Leaning on his aerospace background, he integrates modern data science into the farm’s operations as theCEO andco-founder of Stable Analytics, atech startup that develops horse racing technology anddata analysis tools.

The Bernhards have applied Jim’slongtime business mantra —“The best has no equal” —to their horse racing operation.

hasbeendoing, so we’renot looking to change that.” Cox enteredthreehorses but is down to twoafterruling outFulleffort on Thursday because of achip in thecolt’slefthind ankle. Mark Casse’sSilent Tactic and Kenny McPeek’s Right to Party were also scratched, putting Great White, Ocelli and Robusta into the field on the far outside. Commandment and Further Ado each hasshown the ability to finishfirst in this deep class of 3-year-

“(The commission) closely monitorsdata pertaining to scratches, including those based on the advice of our regulatory veterinarians,” the organization said. “It is one of the most difﬁcult parts of the job, as we sharethe goal of each horse’sconnections forthe horse to compete safely We all wantwhat is bestfor the horse.”

They’ve grown and expanded Pin Oak exponentially in recent years. Thestablenow features about 60 to 70 horses of racing age and includes 34 broodmares. The farm typically manages a rotating population of around 25 yearlings and 16-20 weanlings. In recognition of Jim Bernhard’s legacy,the family hasnamed all 30 of its recently purchased yearlingsinhis honor. PipingHot,for instance, was the headline for a Greater BatonRouge Business Report cover story on Jim in 1994.

“The two-minute nature of horse racing is so unique,” said Ben, a graduate of TheDunhamSchool in Baton Rouge. “I love it. That intensity,that adrenaline rush, it’s like sitting in missioncontrol for a(rocket) launch. It’stwo minutes of intense focus. Horse racing is similar to aspace mission in that way. But horse racing is alot harder.You don’twin as much.” In their short tenure, the Bernhards have experienced the highs and lowsofhorse racing.

GeauxRocketRidebrokehisright front leg during aworkout while training forthe 2023 Breeders’ Cup Classic andhad to be euthanized. Twoyearslater,Pin Oak won theGradeIISaratogaDerbywith World Beater and the Grade III Belmont GolfCup Stakes with Parchment Party, whocamebacktowin the Isaac Murphy Marathon Stakes at Churchill Downs on Wednesday The stable’spositive momentum has continued this year with Albus andIncredibolt, who have combinedtowin ﬁveofnine starts and morethan $934,000.

“Weare very excited and looking forward to Derby Day,but it’s still such agrief-ﬁlled time for me and our children,” Danasaid. “I still have extreme waves of grief and Inever know when the grief is going to overcome me. We feel him every day and every night in everything that we do.”

That was certainly the case at Aqueduct Racetrack in New York last month,whenAlbuschargedpastthe ﬁeld in the stretch to win the Wood Memorialat12-1odds. The victory, coupledwithIncredibolt’swininthe Virginia Derby three weeks earlier, gave Pin Oak its ﬁrst Derby starters in its 74-year history

The reality and signiﬁcance of the achievement hit the Bernhards duringthecarridebackfromAqueduct.

“Wewere all in shock that we have twohorses in the Derby,” Ben said. “It’ssuch an unlikely thing to happen. Iﬁnally said out loud what everybody was thinking: ‘Weall know this is happening because of him.This is all Dad.’ ”

olds. Commandment has won four in arow,including theFlorida Derby,while Further Ado bounced back from alengthy absence and wonthe Blue Grass Stakes. They will face rivals who thrived all over the country “There’s alot of talent, obviously,coming from different regions, whether it’sCalifornia,Florida, Louisiana,New York,”Cox said. “I do feel like the horses in Florida were deﬁnitelythe strongestregion this year.”

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTOByCHARLIE RIEDEL

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By CHARLIE RIEDEL

Trainer Cherie DeVaux watches from abarnafter aworkout at Churchill Downs on MondayinLouisville, Ky

LSUsoftball,baseball games

rained out; doubleheaders set

Softball to start at 12:30 p.m., baseball at 1p.m

Staff report

The LSU softball and baseball teams will each play doubleheaders on Saturday after inclement weatherpostponed Friday’shome games. The Tigers’ softball doubleheader against Auburn at Tiger Park will start at 12:30 p.m., and

the second game will be at 4p.m.

No. 20 LSU (35-16 overall, 11-11 SEC) won theﬁrst gameThursday 3-0 on afour-hit shutout by Paytn Monticelli.The Tigers are seeking astrongﬁnish to position themselvesfor aregionalhost site after next week’sSEC Tournament

Bothgames will be broadcast on the LSU Sports Radio Network. Theﬁrst game willbestreamed on SECNetwork+,and the ﬁnal game will air on SEC Network. The Tiger baseball team’sdoubleheader against SouthCaro-

lina at AlexBox Stadium is set to begin at 1p.m. with thesecondgame to followat6:30p.m. Bothgames on Saturday will be availabletostreamonSEC Network+.

LSU(25-21, 6-15) and South Carolina faced off last season for athree-game series in Columbia. The Tigers dropped the series opener 6-5 but won 8-1 the next day and 7-3 in the seriesﬁnale to win the series.

SouthCarolinatook down Kentucky twice last weekend to improve to 7-14 in its SEC slate.

Despiteweather delays,LSU softball shines vs.Auburn

Monticelli gets fifth straight win; Lassiter makesbig catch

BY JIM KLEINPETER

Contributing writer

Late Thursday

Senior right-hander Paytn MonticellistifledAuburnwitha fourhit shutout and center fielder Jalia Lassiter got the “save” as No. 20 LSU took the firstgame of this weekend’sthree-game series3-0 at Tiger Park Thursday Monticelli, who might be the hottest pitcher in the SEC, won her fifth consecutive decision with her first shutout of the season and second ofher career.She struck out aseason-high nine batters and walked two, but it all couldhave been for naught if not for Lassiter’sfine defensive play to rob Auburn infielder AnnaleaAdams of atwo-run homer with acatch against the wall.

“I felt super confidentinmy stuff. Ireally do trust my defense,” Monticelli said. “It’seasy to be conﬁdent when youare surrounded by conﬁdent people.

“Jalia’s conﬁdent in the outﬁeld, andher catch was just remarkable. Ihave seen alot of great things in my college career,and that ranks in the top two, and it’s not (No.) 2.”

The Tigers (35-16 overall, 11-11 SEC) scored all of their runs in the second inning but couldn’twiden the lead against starter Ella Harrison (11-13). Auburn made abid when former LSU Tiger McKaela Walker doubled to lead off the sixth, bringing up Adams. She hit ahigh ﬂy to straightaway center ﬁeld. Lassiter retreated,reached back to feel the wall andtimed her leap perfectly

LSU

Continued from page1C

ERA in the SEC (5.35), and only Vanderbilt has walked more battersthis season (221, only one more than LSU).

“A command struggle,”Johnson said. “A wild pitch usually comes from abig miss. Like you’re trying to throw it somewhere, and it ends up not in that range.”

The issues with wild pitches and passed balls won’tbeﬁxed unless the LSU catchers improve defensively.FreshmanOmar Serna and sophomore CadeArrambide have been integral parts of the lineup,but their defense has left alot to be desired.

Serna looked better behind the plate against TexasA&M two weekends ago, but he’shad trouble catching the ball at times. He’sallowed six passed balls and committed ﬁveerrors. Arrambide has committed fourerrors and permitted ﬁve passed balls. It’s clear their bats are ahead of their gloves.

“At that position, we’re playing two young players,” Johnson said. “If they were Pudge Rodriguez behind the plate, they wouldn’thave gotten to college. So this is just an area where we have to develop them alittle bit more.” The problem for Serna, Arrambide and the rest of the pitching staff is that they’ve likelyrun out of timetofix theissuesfor this season. The Tigers were swept for athird consecutive series for the ﬁrst time in school history last weekend, dropping their record to 6-15 in Southeastern Conference play

PATRICK DENNIS

FILEPHOTO

LSUpitcherPaytn Monticelli, second from left, is surrounded by teammates after aprevious win.Monticelli led the Tigers in Thursday’s 3-0win overAuburn.

Walker taggedand easilyadvanced to third butwas cut down at theplate on thenext play.Haven Roebuck hit agrounder to second baseman Sierra Daniel, who gotrid of the ball quickly with an accurate throw to catcher Maci Bergeron to keep the shutout intact.

“I just had to go getit,” Lassiter said. “I practiceiteveryday and people don’tsee the practice work Iput in.Itwas amatter of time before Imadeone in agame. You have to know your surroundings. I’ve taken that rep multiple times. Iknowhow to gettothe wall and ﬁnd it, and it’sjust timing it up.”

Lassiter had two of LSU’ssix hits, including arun-scoring single in thethree-run secondinning. AthrowingerrorbyAuburn third baseman Roebuckafter a bunt by Avery Hodge allowed the ﬁrst runtoscore. Lassiter singled

to shortstop foranother run, and Alix Franklin’sfielder’schoice grounder scored theother Monticelli (8-5) allowed only two runners past secondbase and threw82strikesamong her 115 pitches. It was her thirdcomplete game thisseason on herﬁrst series-opening start

“She wasreally good. It was agreat matchup for her,one of her best performances as aTiger,” LSU coach Beth Torina said. “She’s been really good, thrown the best for acouple of weeks and shewas agreat matchupfor them. Ifelt good about it.

“She threw alot of rise balls She was able to change speeds, locatewell and got some great defensefrom Jalia. It was an incredible game-changing play.It’s adifferent ball game if that ball is over the fence. They work hard on that play all the time.”

STAFF FILEPHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

LSUpitcher William Schmidt, left, and catcherCadeArrambidewalk to the dugoutbeforeagame against Oklahoma on March 21 at Alex Box Stadium

ON DECK

WHO: LSU(25-21) vs. SouthCarolina (22-24) WHEN: 1p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Saturday WHERE: Alex Box Stadium ONLINE: SEC Network+ RADIO: WDGL-FM, 98.1(Baton Rouge); WWL-AM, 870 (NewOrleans); KLWBFM,103.7 (Lafayette)

RANKINGS: LSUand South Carolina are not ranked

PROBABLE STARTERS: Game1: LSU— RHP William Schmidt (4-4,4.17ERA); South Carolina —RHP AmpPhillips(3-5, 3.27 ERA)

Game 2: LSU— RHP Marcos Paz(02, 7.23 ERA);South Carolina —RHP Brandon Stone (5-2,3.60 ERA)

PREGAME UPDATES: theadvocate.

Saints TE pickcould change offense’s math

Delp opensup optionsinrunning, passing games

BY LUKE JOHNSON Staff writer

When their turn came around in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft,the New Orleans Saints selected aplayerthey hoped would help them reach the NFL’sleading edge. They didn’tfocus on positions of immediate need, at least not in the sense of atraditional starter.Instead, the Saints saw the wayNFL offenses were trending and leaned into it by drafting tight end Oscar Delp.

Put togethera“two deep” right now —adepth chartthatshows thebackup and starter —and Delp may not evenbeonit. Juwan Johnson is coming offa career-best season as areceiver,hauling in 77 passes for 889 yards. In free agency,the Saints brought in veteran Noah Fant, aformer first-round pick with334 career receptions.

But the tight end room was still not complete —especially if the Saintswanttobeinvogue with some of the NFL’sbetter offenses.

“Playing multipletight end positions is valuable,” Saints coach Kellen Moore saidafter drafting Delp. “You can see theteams that made runs this year,alot of them are playing with 12 or 13 personnel.”

Aquickrefresher: Numerical personnel groupings are deﬁned by thenumber of running backs and tight ends on the field, with therunning backs being read ﬁrst. When Moore says“12” personnel, he means onerunning back and two tight ends.

Likemostteams, New Orleans spent the majority of last season in 11 personnel —one back, one tight end, three receivers. Twenty-three NFLoffenses were in 11 personnelatleast 50% of their offensive snaps,and the Saints were near the topofthe league, ranking fourth at 66.7%.

Analytically, this isn’twhere the Saints wanttobe. Only one of thetop-10 offenses in 11 personnel usage rankedinthe top 10 in Expected PointsAdded(EPA) per play —the DallasCowboys. Five of theNFL’s seven worst offenses by EPAper play,including the Saints (27th), ranked in the top 10 in the percentage of timethey were in 11

personnel.

NFLteams have started to skew toward bigger personnel packages. The Los Angeles Rams (ﬁrst in EPA/play) leaned hard into 13 personnel, running more than 30% of their offensive plays with three tightendssharingthe ﬁeld For context, the Ramsran twice as many plays in 13 personnelasthe next closest NFL team (the Steelers, at 140 snaps).

Five of the top-10 offenses by EPA/play also ranked in the top 10 for 22 personnel usage, including the BuffaloBills, who rankedsecond in offensive EPA.

This isn’tjust about running the football. The Rams specifically were seeking matchup advantages by going in “heavy” packages that also featured pass-catching options. Notonly did the Rams lead the NFLin13personnel usage, but they passed out of it nearly 40% of the time and averaged +0.5 EPA perdropback when theydid pass out of 13 personnel.

That’swhere Delp —and the Saints —see him changing the offense.

“Tight ends are the biggest mismatches on the ﬁeld,” Delpsaid. “Every team that is elite has an elitetight end, andwhenyou’ve got agoodone,you can almost revolve the offense around them and do crazy things.”

TheSaints already had twocapable veteran tight ends on their roster,but both of them proﬁle as pass-catchers ﬁrst. Delp may have moreinthe tank as areceiver than his college statistics suggest, but he is still aplayerwho fitsthe moldofatraditional “Y” tight end —someone whoisgoing to line up over the tackle and contribute in therun game as much as in the pass game.

“He can drop out in space. He’s got some juice and some speed, vertical speed,” Moore said. “He’s avery willing, physical runplayer Ithink that’sanimportant aspect We knowwithJuwan andNoah, we have someguys whocan make some plays with the ball in their hands. These guys are going to havetodosomedirtywork, and (Delp is) ready forthat.”

So think of Delp less in terms of where he mayﬁtonthe depth chart, and moreinhow he may becomea sort of skeleton key that canunlock new thingsfor theoffense.

Email Luke Johnsonat ljohnson@theadvocate.com.

com/lsu ON X: @KokiRiley

WHATTOWATCH FOR: LSUmoves

Schmidt intothe Game 1starting role withsophomore right-hander Casan Evans’ status for thisweekend uncertain. The Tigers are taking it slowwithEvans after he was scratched from his start April24due to armdiscomfort. Phillips gave up five earned runs in just 11/3 inningslast weekend against Kentucky. For Game 2, Pazearns his second career SEC startafter taking theball first last Sunday against Mississippi State. Stone allowedfour earned runs in 52/3 inningsagainst Kentucky last weekend KokiRiley

The goal will be to improve on these areas for next season, when theTigers hope to be pushing for another trip to Omaha.

BY MATTHEW PARAS Staff writer

The New OrleansSaints agreed to terms Fridaywith defensive tackle Zxavian Harris after the Ole Miss productwentundrafted last week,a source withknowledge of the situationconfirmed. Harris, at 6-foot-8 and 330 pounds,has exceptional size for his position, but he hada seriesof off-field incidents in college. He wasarrested in August 2024 on domestic violence and obstructing charges and in July 2023 for driving underthe influence, felonyfleeing, reckless driving, being aminor in possession, not

using headlights and running a stopsign. The driving-related charges resultedinHarris entering apretrial intervention program,according to the Lafayette County District Attorney’sOfﬁce Harris is also coming off an injury after undergoing surgery on his right foot in March. The 22-year-old spent four seasons at OleMiss, appearingin52games with 25 starts. He startedall 15 games last year,recording 58 tackles, threesacks, four passes defensedand oneinterception. Email Matthew Parasatmatt. paras@theadvocate.com

ASSOCIATEDPRESS FILEPHOTO By JOHN RAOUX

Georgia tight end OscarDelpruns after areception during agame against Florida on Nov. 1inJacksonville, Fla

NorthIberville hires head football coach

BY JACKSON REYES

Staff writer

North Iberville has found its next head football coach in Zachary assistant Steven Thomas, the school announced Thursday Thomas joins the Bears after 12 years coaching at Zachary. He ﬁlls the vacancy left by Joshua Gast, who returned to hisalma mater, St. Paul’s, to be its next head coach.

“Coach Thomas is widely regarded as one of Louisiana’spremier defensive minds,” aposton North Iberville’sFacebook page said. He was the defensive coordinator at Zachary for nine years, including during its state title

seasonsin2015, 2017, 2018 and 2021. He wasthe Broncos’outside linebackers coach in the last threeyears of his tenure.

Thomas brings 22 yearsof coaching experience to North Iberville with otherstopsatLivonia, Port Allen, St. Amant and Dutchtown. In his final seasonatZachary, the Broncos defense allowed 23.4 points per game.The Broncos ended theyear with a9-4 record and aDivision Inonselect semifinals finish.

Thomas takes over aNorth Iberville program thatﬁnished 10-3 last season. The Bears’ season ended in the Division IV nonselect quarterﬁnals.

Doylehoops coachsteps down

Kennedyrecorded 300-plus wins over 14 seasons

BY JACKSON REYES Staff writer

Doyle High School is in search of anew boys basketball coach after Daniel Kennedy stepped down from the position.

Baseball Quarterﬁnals

Bestofthree series;* if necessary

DivisionInonselect

■ No. 8Dutchtown at No. 1Barbe, 1p.m. Saturday; 4:30 p.m. Saturday; 1p.m. Sunday*

■ No. 5Hahnville at No. 4Zachary,6:30 p.m. Friday; 1p.m. Saturday; Game 3TBA*

■ No. 7Walker at No. 2Sam Houston, 6p.m. Friday, noon Saturday; 3p.m. Saturday*

DivisionIInonselect

■ No. 9Iota at No. 1Brusly,6:30 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m. Saturday; 2p.m. Saturday*

■ No. 11 West FelicianaatNo. 3Lutcher 6:30 p.m. Thursday;6 p.m. Friday;1p.m. Saturday* DivisionIII nonselect

■ No. 6Kinder at No. 3Doyle,

Youngsoars to 13 underat Doral

BY TIM REYNOLDS Associated Press

DORAL, Fla. Cameron Young ﬁnallymade his ﬁrst bogey of the week at the Cadillac Championship. It barely put adent into his lead going into the weekend.

Young shot a5-under 67 on Friday to get to 13 under and take a ﬁve-shot lead at the midway point of the $20 million signature event at Trump International Doral. Young’slone blemish:a bogey at thepar-4 14th,where hischip from an awkward sidehill lie didn’treach the puttingsurface. Otherwise, he was ﬂawless —just as he was Thursday when he had abogey-free 64 to grab thelead

He got the stroke he dropped at the 14th back two holes later, when he drove the green at the par-4 16th and coolly two-putted for his 14th birdie of the week

“There’s alot of golf to be played on adifﬁcultgolf course, Young said. “But so far,I’ve played well.” Young played with Scottie Schefﬂer; the world’sNo. 1player had abogey-free 67 but ended the day exactly where he started it seven shots off the lead.

Nick Taylor (70), Alex Smalley (71) and Jordan Spieth (71) were tied for second. GaryWoodland (69) was alone in ﬁfth at 7under and Scheffler was in alogjam of players —AlexFitzpatrick among them —at6under

“I deﬁnitely need to not getfurther away,” Schefﬂer said.“No, it depends on how the golf course is playing. All Ican do is go out there and be committed to what I need to do, and that’spretty much it.” Young even had mistakeswork out for him. He hatedthe birdie putt he hit on the par-4 13th, starting to walk toward the hole with the ball about halfway there. Some guys do thatwhen they know they’ve just made aputt. Young wasn’tinthat mindset.

He gave an almost-apologetic wave when the ball wound up dropping into the cup.

“I was absolutelydisgusted abouthalfway there,” Young said.

“I thinkmyread netted out to be OK,but Ijust thought it was going to go alittle bitleft and then a littlebit rightand it ended up going six inches leftand six inches right. When you’re putting well, some of those, they tend to wobble into the hole, and that one did.”

Spieth rolled in abirdie at the par-418th, an absolute rarity through thefirst two roundsat Doral. The18th on the BlueMonster course is aserious test, with water lining the left and seriously narrowing the fairway for all but the biggesthitters.

Spieth’sbirdie was the sixth on the 18th through thetournament’s ﬁrst two days

“It’sjustareally hardtee shot for most guys,” Taylor said.

The 18theven gave Young some trouble. Or tried to,anyway

Young’ssecondshotatthe ﬁnishinghole bounced offthe base of the bleachers, coming to rest in themiddleofa nest of cables

on theground wellbehind the green.Hetook adrop, didn’tget agreat lie of outthat, and still chipped to veritable tap-in range to savehis par “I may have atwo- or three- or four-shot lead starting tomorrow, but it just goes away so fast out here,” Young said. “There’s no sense really playing like youhave afour-shot lead. Youmight as well play like you’re four back.”

He tooknoteofwhathappened to start the second round, using that as hisproof that the leaderboard might be awhole lot tighter before he tees off in thethird round on Saturday afternoon.

Kurt Kitayama andSudarshan Yellamaraju —the first group off the teeFridaymorning —took full advantage of calm conditions. They soared up the leaderboard; Kitayama had theround of the day withan8-under 64 (which included abogey on 18),and Yellamaraju was 9under for theround through 16 before dropping three shots on his finaltwo holes andfinishing with a66. They’re bothat4under for the week.

Theschool made asocial media post on Thursdayannouncing the jobopening, saying Doyle “is seeking adynamic, dedicated leader.”

“Weare looking for someone who is passionate aboutbuilding a competitive program while developing student-athletes both on and off the court,” the post continued.

TheTigers receivedthe No. 4 seed in his last year and madeit to the Division III nonselect quarterﬁnals.

KennedyleavesDoyle with more than 300 career wins under his belt.Hecoachedthe Tigers for 14 seasons. Across his Doyle tenure, the Tigers nevermissedthe postseason Kennedy guided Doyle to three quarterfinals appearances. In his final season, Doyle finished with a 28-6record andwentunbeaten in District 8-3A play to capture the district title.

Freshoff Zurich win, Fitzpatrickcruising

BY TIM REYNOLDS Associated Press

DORAL, Fla.— Alex Fitzpatrick

thought he’d be playing in Turkey this week. Being near the topof the leaderboard at Doral is aﬁne change of plans. Aweek removed from teaming with his brother Matt and winning theZurich Classic —avictory that earned him membership on the PGA Tour —Fitzpatrick remained hot Friday.Heshotabogey-free round of 6-under 66, getting to 6 under at themidpoint of the Cadillac Championship at TrumpInternational Doral

It’snot something he expected afew months ago. Or even afew days ago, really

“The text messages and stuff has slowed down, but the overwhelmingfeeling of like joyand happiness is yet to go away,” Fitzpatrick said.

“I think for me, this year,it’sgoing to be awhirlwind andnomatter what happens it will be asuccess. Ican’tbelieve how manypeople have come up to me and congratu-

lated me players and caddies and staff. It’sbeen incredible.” Fitzpatrick had aticket for aSundaynight flight that wouldhave taken him from New Orleans to Turkey for this week’sstop on the DP World Tour,then changed those arrangements in ahurry to get to Miami andbegin prepping for his first $20 millionsignature event. He’scalled this week “the first day of school” as he gets areal taste of lifeonthe PGATour So far,the report card has been just fine. He got through afivebirdie, five-bogey roller-coaster to shoot an even-par 72 on Thursday, then had the six-birdie, no-bogey day on Friday

“I think the nice thing is it feels like I’mdoing the right things with my golf game. I’m working towards the right things,” Fitzpatrick said. “It’sexciting. Ifeel like my game has been good for awhile now Ifeel in control of my ball, which is nice. So, hopefully Ikeep hitting fairways and hitting greens and we’ll see what happens this weekend.”

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By DAVIDJ.PHILLIP

Cameronyoung hitsfrom the bunkeronthe eighth green during the second round of theCadillac Championship on Friday in Doral, Fla.

ASSOCIATEDPRESS PHOTOByDAVID J. PHILLIP

Alex Fitzpatrick hits from the tee during the second round of the Cadillac ChampionshiponFridayinDoral, Fla

FILE PHOTO By JOHN OUBRE

StevenThomas is leaving Zacharytobecomethe head football coach at North Iberville.

Teen boys searchingfor identity need support, space

There’saphrase I’m hearing more and more from teenage boys lately: “I don’treally know who Iam.”

That’snot new.Adolescence has always been aseason of ﬁguring yourself out. What’s new is their awarenessofthis struggle and how early they are naming it. Recently,a16-year-old sat across from me and said,“I feel like I’m adifferent person depending on who I’m with.” He wasn’tbeing dramatic. He was trying to be accurate. Ironically,its one of the biggest critiques teens have of other teens: “They change who they are depending on who they’re with.”

Today’steen boys aren’t just comparing themselves to the guys in their school or on their team. They’re comparing themselves to everyone. The most conﬁdent guy on TikTok. The most ripped guy on Instagram. The most successful 22-year-oldentrepreneuron YouTube. The loudest voices about what it means to be a man —often saying completely opposite things. It’snot just comparison anymore. It’sconfusion.

They’re tryingtoanswer a questionthat used to unfold slowly over time: Who am I? But now it feels like there are 100 possible answers— and they feel aneed to pick one early and get it right. Or at least look like they have.

That’salot of pressurefor a 15-year-old.

What I’m noticing in the counseling room is that many boys feellike they have to present an identitybefore they’veactually had time to develop one.They try on different versions of themselves depending on who they’rewith, what they’re scrolling, or what kind of response they think they’ll get. And when those versions don’tquite line up, it creates this quiet, nagging sense thatsomething is off.

“I don’tknow which version of me is real,” they say That’snot pathology.That’s ayoung person trying to sort through an overwhelming amount of input without much help making sense of it. The online world gives them exposure, but not always integration. It gives them models, but not relationships. It gives them feedback, but not much guidance. It speeds everything up, but it doesn’tnecessarily make anything clearer And so they’re left trying to build an identity in aspace that doesn’talways feel real. What often helps is surprisingly simple and, unfortunately for you, alittle inconvenient. Less talking, more doing.More timewithreal people in real places—ona team, at ajob, riding in thecar withsomeone they respect, sitting in aroom where they can’tedit themselves. Places where they have to show up, contribute, get it wrong and try again. Identity tends to show up in thosemoments. Not perfectly,but honestly And honesty is amuch better foundation than performance. It also helps when the adults in their lives resistthe urgeto rush them into clarity.Welike answers. We like direction.We love the certainty of being able to predict who they will become. But most teenage boys don’tneed someone to deﬁne them —they need someone

quilt created in 1850 by enslaved people in the LSU Textile &CostumeMuseum’sexhibit,‘StichesinTime:Quilts

DRESSED SUCCESS

Clementine Hunter andGeoffreyBeene’s legacies have come together in BatonRouge

BY ROBIN MILLER Staff writer

GeoffreyBeene wasn’t the first couturier to incorporate quilting into his designs, andhe probably won’tbethe last. Butfor him,quilting was more than adesign technique.

It was as personal to himasitwas for the makers of the quiltsthat now cover theLSU Textile &Costume Museum’sgallery wallsfor its new exhibit, “StichesinTime: Quilts and Fashion,”opening with a2p.m. reception on May 3. There are 15 quiltsinall, dating from 1849 to 1990, each serving as abackdroptoquiltedfashion designs in theexhibit.And 25 out of 30 of theshow’sdesigns are by Beene, whomadealasting markon fashion in the20thcentury.In2002, TheNew York Times described himasthe “architectofAmerican clothing.” Each of his designs in the museum demonstrates thedichotomy between quiltsand fashion, practicality and design. In the end, both are artforms

‘STICHES IN TIME: QUILTS AND FASHION’ WHEN: May3through Jan. 15.The showopens withareception 2p.m. to 5p.m. May3.Regular hoursare 11 a.m. to 4p.m. Mondaythrough Friday. l WHERE: LSUTextile & CostumeMuseum,Human Ecology Building,140 TowerDrive, LSU. l ADMISSION: Free. l VISIT: lsu.edu/ agriculture/textilemuseum

“I was interested in this commonality of technique between quilts and fashion,” museum director Michael Mampsaid. “And Iwanted to

explore in the exhibition how the simple processofa stitchcan be used for purposes from community-based practical to very high-end, luxuriousfashion.The stitchisthe denominator acrossall the objects. Bringing together contrasts If anyone was well familiar with this connection, it was Beene. Before moving to international designing fame in NewYork, he wasexposed to quilters and their process while growing up in the rural north Louisiana town of Haynesville.

La MexicanainBaton Rouge has closed its doors after 15 years of operation. At 7034 SiegenLane, this restaurant andgrocery

STAFFPHOTOSByROBIN MILLER

The quilt Louisiana folk artist Clementine Hunter was working on at the timeofher death is on displayinthe LSUTextile & CostumeMuseum’s exhibit,‘Stiches in

BYMADDIE SCOTT Staff writer

RoyPetitfils

‘Why

haven’tyou thankedme, thebesthostess ever?’

Dear Miss Manners: Less than 48 hours after my husband and Iattended agathering at the home of acouple from our walking group, Ireceived atext from the hostess that read, “I hope you enjoyed the party.Should Iassume it was an oversight on your part not to send athank-you note? We believe we were gracious hosts and would appreciate gracious guests.”

out of town aweek earlier

to atextoranemail, as no handwritten note could have reached herin48hours. We had thanked andhugged them upon leaving.

Judith Martin MISS MANNERS

Iwas shocked to receivethis message and taken aback by her audacity and temerity in sending it.

Ibelieve that whenshe mentioned a“note,” she was referring

QUILTS

Continued from page1D

Each stitch led to family heirlooms that warmed beds on winter nights. Their colorswere thoughtfully chosen, their stitching carefully crafted.

And Beene continued this tradition in his own way. He often paired textures, colors and materials together into unexpected combinations.

The museum paid tribute to his creations in its 2024 exhibit, “Geoffrey Beene:ComingHome.”

That show featured Beene-created outﬁts that belongedtoSylvia R. Karasu, aclinical professor of psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine in Manhattan.Karasubegan dressing in Beene’sdesigns in 1991 and donated alarge portion of her collection to the museum

“There are 20 new Geoffrey Beene pieces in this show that she just gave to us,” Mamp said. “She even hand selected the pieces basedonthe theme forthisexhibit. There are 30 fashion pieces in all, and 25 of them are by Geoffrey Beene.”

But again, this show isn’tso muchabout Beene but of hisuse of quilting found in his lapels,bodices and even in the collars and sleeves.Though the technique enhanced the beauty of his garments Beene, like the quilt makers, also incorporated it forpracticalpurposes.

“He used quilting frequently as away to make the garment less prone to wrinkling,” Mamp said. “He also used it to reinforce stress points on the garment, such as the waist, and particularlyathems as away to kind of reinforce the fullness of the garment.”

Quilting across cultures

Walkingthrough thegallery, Mamp providesstories behind the pieces, especially those of quilts, beginning with the oldest dated 1849.It’smade of 25 panelsby 23 makers, and 23 panelsare inscribed with the makers’names It was presented to their pastor, Mr.Bain.

“This quilt doesn’thavea Louisiana province, but in the center, it says the quilt is an offeringof friendship,” Mamp said.

The names served as inspiration for this section of the show,where the quilt hangs as the backdropfor aBeene jacket with his name inscribed on the inside.

On the opposite side of thegallery an 1850 quilt hangs in an explosion of color.

I’venever heard of someone textingwith a demand to be thanked for theirgraciousness and implying that we don’t have any.Itexted back that therewas no need to worry: I’d written her a thank-you letter that would be mailed thefollowing day.I then didso, also mailing anote to awoman we’d had dinner withthe following night, and another letter thanking friendswe’d visited

There was zero “gracious” follow-up from her after this How should Imove forward with grace, which Ithink she lacks? Should Ijust quit thewalking group, even though there are other people there Ienjoy? I’m happy walking on myown.

Gentlereader: By all means, walk away from her.But not necessarily from thegroup, where you might ﬁnd other victimsofsuch self-deﬁned graciousness.

Evidently,you are amodel letter-writer,and it might be supposed that Miss Manners would appreciate help in encouraging others to writeletters of thanks.

Nope. Not that kind of help. Hostsshould not go looking for thanks when they should still be looking forglasses that might have been leftinthe living room

Dear Miss Manners: When we’re dining out, my husband sometimes blows his nose on atissue after dinner,then puts the used tissue on his dirty plate to be cleared by theserver

Iﬁnd this disgusting, and Iremovethe tissue and put it in my pocket or purse. If you agree that it’sdisgusting, please give me the words to convince him to stop.

Gentlereader: How about, “Please stop, dear.I ﬁnd this disgusting”? It never fails to amaze Miss

Manners when people believe that their spouses would behave better forher sake than for theirs. The consequences of offending Miss Manners at this distance are, unfortunately,slight. The consequences of disgusting one’swife, whether or not one agrees with her premise, could be enormous.

Sendquestions to Miss Manners at herwebsite, www missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mailtoMiss Manners, Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St Kansas City,MO 64106.

Asequined,

It was theinspiration for apart of theexhibittitled, “Quilting Across Cultures.”A quilt made by enslaved people from mid-19th century hangs beside agarment by Japanese designerIssey Miyake.There’salso garmentsfrom Beene, an American, and Koos Van Den Akker,aDutch designer “So, we have quilting across time and cultures,” Mampsaid.

Legendaryquilters

The show also features quilts by self-taught Baton Rouge quilter AnnaWilliams,now deceased, whosedesigns were improvised without templates or blocking.

Finally,there’sthe prize piece one of the ﬁnal quilts created by Louisiana folk artist Clementine Hunter Hunter was thecookatMelrose Plantation in Natchitoches Parish at thetimeownerCammieHenry ran the grounds as an artists and writers colony.She began painting when NewOrleans artist Alberta Kinsey,who often painted at Melrose, gave Hunter someleftover tubes of paints.

From there, Hunter began creating paintings aboutlife at and around Melrose, which eventually gained international attention. She also made quilts depicting similar scenes.

“The story is that it was made on aplantation near Louisburg, North Carolina,” Mampsaid. “It’s attributed to enslaved makers, and it is comprisedofroller-printed and block-printed cotton that’s been arranged in aStar of Bethlehem design, which was very difﬁcult to do with these diamondshaped pieces.” He’sright. The diamond shapes are small and intricate, each cut and arranged perfectly to form a starburst that dominates the gallery wall.

“The star of Bethlehem, or the North Star,was also significant within enslaved communities,because those whoescaped along the Underground Railroad did so by followingthe NorthStar,” Mamp

said. “Some quilt scholars believe thatStarofBethlehem quilts, such as this one madebyenslaved people in theAntebellum period, are reﬂective of the bright coloration associated with Africa. Butit’salso symbolic of the North Star and the Underground Railroad.” With this in mind, thequilt became more than abackdrop.

“She became asensation in the quilting world,”Mamp said. “She wasa domestic worker and childcare giver,who,atnight and on whatever days offshe had, did this very spontaneous quilting. She collected mountains of scraps and assembled them in very spontaneous ways, whichaccountsfor thesort of irregular shapeofher quilts. Andshe signed them on the back.”

The museumfeaturedher work in a1999 solo exhibit, “Joyful Improvisations: The Quilts of Anna Williams,” andher quiltsare includedinsuch permanent collections as the National Quilt Museum in Paducah, Kentucky,and the Brooklyn Museum in New York.

“You can see that this one is unfinished if you look at it from the back side,” Mamp said. “You can see she used brownpaper as away to stabilize the quilt. She put the figure in place, but she hadn’tyet finished stitching around the edge. She wasworking on this quilt when she passed away.”

Clementine Hunter and Geoffrey Beene —both native Louisianans who became international figures. And nowtheir craftfor quilting has brought them together at LSU.

Email RobinMilleratromiller@ theadvocate.com.

Collegeseniorquestions

change

Church to host garden fundraiser

RELIGION BRIEFS

FROM STAFFREPORTS

Mother’sDay at St. JamesBaptist

Dear Harriette: Iamasenior in college, and I’m graduating soon. The last few years have been difficultinterms of figuring out who Iam. The major Ichose is not necessarily something that connects to me. Ichose afield in STEM because Ithought it would bring stability,but Iamacreative personthrough and through. My lack of passion for my field of study has made it hard for me to excel. Idon’twant to go to class, and Idon’twant to complete assignments. Everyone is telling me to just push through, but it is tearing me apart. It would be abold move to completely shift my major this late in the game, but it is what I’ve wanted to do every day for my entire college experience. Iunderstand the importance of being monetarily stable and having job security; however,Idonot want to be sad anymore. I am tired of it. Should Imake thedrastic pivot, or should Ijust see this through and pursue my passion postgrad? —Passion Pivot Dear Passion Pivot: As ase-

nior,you haveonly afew weeksleft of college. My recommendation is to tough it out and getyour degree. Then youare freetomove on to pursueother interests with adegree in tow Since your passion is creative, youmay need ajob to fund your dreams, and workinginSTEM could behelpful in that regard. Establish afew goals for yourself that include making your artistic interests concrete. Findafellowship or workshop or other activity where youcan immerse yourself in artistic study —perhapsassoon as this summer.Don’twalk away from adegree that could be ausefultool in carvingout your future. Dear Harriette: I’ve been friendswith this guy for aboutthree years now In thebeginningof our friendship, we hit it offimmediately,even thoughwe have different interestsand personalities. As someone whose friends are usually very similar to them,I foundthis to be interesting. If you saw us out, you’d probablythink we are polar

opposites, but that’swhy we connect so well. Eventually,for me, these feelings of friendship developed into romantic attraction. In terms of reciprocity,he does and says thingsthat insinuate he has deeper feelings for me, too. Ihave never felt so romantically attracted to someone’spersonality, considering men usually give me theick after afew words, but he’s different.Doyou think it’s worth me bringing up the conversation, or should Iwait for him to makea move? —Does He LikeMe?

Dear Does He LikeMe?: There is no rule that says you have to wait for the guy to reveal his feelings. If you feel strongly about him, say so. Point out that you know you two are different, but maybe that’spart of the appeal. Askhim if he is interested in pursuing a relationship withyou to see what may unfold. What do you have to lose?

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

Speakslowlyand with intention

Dear Heloise: Here is something younger reporters don’talways hear: we older viewers are workingtokeep up, and fast talkers lose us.Mumbling makes it worse. Finish the word, pause, then move on —it sounds simple because it is.Reporters whoactually do it comeacross as far more believablethan those who rush.

TheUnitarian Churchof Baton Rouge, 8470 Goodwood Blvd will hold agarden fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 1p.m. Saturday and Sunday Avarietyofplants in all sizes will be available for purchase, alongwithhandpainted decorative peace poles for gardens and landscapes.

In conjunction withthe fundraiser,the church will celebrate its annual ﬂower ceremony on during the 9a.m.and 11:30a.m.services on Sunday, continuing a traditionthatbegan in 1923

The community is invited.

St. James Baptist Church, 1105 N. 44th St., Baton Rouge,will hold aspecial Mother’sDay celebration at 8a.m. Sunday,May 10.

The youth and children’s ministry will highlight “The Value &Victorious View of Godly Mothers.” Breakfast will be served following the worship experience.

The public is invited.

Revival2026 at Nazarene Baptist

NazareneBaptist Church, 1707 Spanish Town Road, BatonRouge,will host Re-

vival 2026 nightly at 7p.m from Wednesday to Friday, May 8. The guest speaker will be the Rev.LeReginald R. H. Jones, pastor of Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church, Centreville, Mississippi. Everyone is invited.

Mother’sDay at Nathaniel Baptist Nathaniel Baptist Church, 5032 Highway 33S, Centreville, Mississippi, invites families to aspecial Mother’sDay worship service at 11 a.m. Sunday,May 10. The Rev.Curtis Hopkins will deliver the message. All are welcome.

By The Associated Press

Today is Saturday May 2, the122nd day of 2026. There are 243 days left in the year

Todayinhistory: On May 2, 1994, Nelson Mandela claimed victory for theAfrican National Congress after South Africa’sﬁrst democratic elections.

Also on this date: In 1863, during the Civil War, Confederate Gen. Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson was accidentally wounded by his own men at Chancellorsville, Virginia; he died eight days later

the lives of 91 miners who succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning.

In 1997, Tony Blair,whose Labour Party crushed John Major’slong-reigning Conservatives in anational election, became Britain’s youngest prime ministerin 185 years, at age 43.

In 2011, al-Qaida leader Osamabin Laden, whohad been killed hours earlier in araid by American forces at his Pakistan compound, wasburied at sea.

The frequent use of filler words such as “like” can undermineyour confidence.For instance, “It’s, like, really important” appearslesscertain than “It’s really important.” Strongcommunication is priceless, and the skills that you develop nowwillbenefit your career.Your audience will recognize your efforts. —Beverly G., via email Teaching dogs nottobeg

Dear Heloise: The most effectiveway to prevent adog from beggingatthe tableis to preventthe behaviorfrom developing in the ﬁrst place. Make sure that allhousehold members and guests stick tothe plan by not feeding themtable scraps. Consistency makes all the difference. After each meal, head to thekitchenand give your dog atreat there. Over time your dog will connect calm waiting with

CLOSURE

Continued from page1D

In 2016, The Advocate’s food reviewer at the time, Kyle Peveto, called La Mexicana “an insider’skind

areward,instead of begging at the table. Keep the routine predictable and always offer the treat in the kitchen —not where you’re eating. Don’t worry if your dog already has a habit of begging; stick to this approach, and your dog can gradually change their behavior —Nick,inLittle Rock,Arkansas Vinegarasahairrinse

Dear Heloise: People have traditionally used vinegar as ahair rinse to balance thescalp andreduce residue. Putting vinegar on your hairsounds harmless enough, but if it’sundiluted, it can dry out boththe hair shaft and scalp. (And if you keep doing it, there will be damage.)

Youcan dilute it at roughly 1part vinegar to about 3or4 partswater.This ratio still clears residue accumulation, smooths the cuticle, and leaves the scalp feelingcleaner without the harshness of full-strength products. Some advise lettingyourhair dry completely before applying hairspray to stop adverse product interactions. If you are uncertain, consult adermatologist or hairstylist. —Wondering,in Houston

Send ahinttoheloise@heloise.com.

of place,” raving aboutthe gorditas, ﬁlledwith steak, sour cream and refried beans in athick corn tortilla.Hesaid the gorditas and tacoswere thebestinBaton Rouge “Small taqueriaslikeLa Mexicana offer anotherside

of Mexican food unfamiliar to many in Louisiana,” Peveto wrote in his review. “These tacos andsmallcravings taste best with aspray of lime anda shot of salsa verde,not covered in thick cheeselike many Tex-Mex staples.”

In 1927, theU.S. SupremeCourt, in Buck v. Bell, upheld 8-1 aVirginia law allowing the forced sterilization of people in order to promotethe “healthofthe patient and thewelfare of society.”

In 1972, aﬁre at the Sunshine silver minein Kellogg, Idaho, claimed

TEENS

Continuedfrom page1D

to stay withthem while they’re still ﬁguring it out. Someone steady enough not to panic when they say,“Idon’tknow.”

The goal isn’ttorush them, but it’stoslow thingsdown. To remind them that identity isn’t

In 2017, Michael Slager,a White former police ofﬁcer whose killing of Walter Scott, an unarmed Black man running from atrafﬁc stop, was captured on cellphone video, pleaded guilty to federal civil rights charges in Charleston, South Carolina. (Slager would be sentenced to 20 years in prison.)

Today’sbirthdays: Singer Engelbert Humperdinck is 90. Actor David Suchet is 80. Singer-songwriter Larry Gatlin

In 2022, adraft was leaked of aSupreme Court ruling throwing out the landmark Roe v. Wade abortion rights ruling that had stood for ahalf-century.The court cautioned that the draft was not ﬁnal. (The decision would be released in essentially the same form the following month.)

Harriette Cole

Hints from Heloise

tAuRus (April 20-May 20) Make your surroundings comfortable and convenient, and sign up for events, activities and interests that soothe your soul. If you prioritize your happiness, you'll come out ahead

GEMInI (May 21-June 20) Ferret out information, get your facts straight and take care of unfinished business. It's better to be proactive than to face criticism. Focus on doing research and building a healthier lifestyle.

cAncER (June 21-July 22) Expand your interests, pastimes and relationships. Helping people or engaging in a physical activity that boosts your strength and confidence is in your best interest.

LEo (July 23-Aug. 22) Be cognizant of other people's feelings. Respect timesensitive issues. Partners will react strongly to how you handle matters. Be direct and honest, and follow through with your plans.

VIRGo (Aug. 23-sept. 22) Put your energy into self-improvement instead of trying to change others. Gather information, get your facts straight and make changes that ensure a healthy lifestyle.

LIBRA (sept. 23-oct. 23) Look on the bright side. Don't labor over something you have no control over. Romance is on the rise, and taking a relationship to the next level or just being kinder to yourself will boost your morale.

scoRPIo (oct. 24-nov. 22) Channel your energy into peace, love and happiness. A tendency to overreact or to do or say

something that could jeopardize your plans or your reputation requires discipline and restraint.

sAGIttARIus (nov. 23-Dec. 21) Get up and get moving. Fill your day with fun, fabulous people, engaging conversations and events that put a sparkle in your eye and a smile on your face.

cAPRIcoRn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Ease into whatever you do. Problems with communication, directions and taking care of others will surface if not handled with care. Spread love and joy, not discord.

AQuARIus (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Emotional situations will escalate if you let stubbornness take control. Spend more time trying to look, feel and do your best. A change to how you earn your money or where you live looks promising.

PIscEs (Feb. 20-March 20) Tuck yourself away in a quiet corner where you can read or do something that offers peace of mind and tranquility. The emotional benefits will be worthwhile, and the clarity you gain will help you make better choices.

ARIEs (March 21-April 19) Take a moment to resolve unfinished business before you take on more responsibilities. Refuse to give in to someone trying to take advantage of you emotionally, physically or financially.

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

toDAy's cLuE: M EQuALs D

FAMILY CIrCUS

CeLebrItY CIpher

For better or For WorSe

SALLY Forth

beetLe bAILeY

Mother GooSe And GrIMM

SherMAn’S LAGoon

bIG nAte

Sudoku

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

Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer

nea CroSSwordS

THe wiZard oF id

BLondie

BaBY BLueS

Hi and LoiS CurTiS

By PHILLIP ALDER Bridge

In “The ElectricWoman,”Marabel Morgan, an author of self-helpbooks for married women, wrote, “Persistence is the twinsister of excellence. Oneisa matter of quality; the other, amatter of time.”

Why did she not make it excellence is the twin sister of persistence? Or one is amatteroftime; the other, amatter of quality?

This is an excellent defensive deal because it requirespersistence on the part of the defenders. They have to take six tricks to defeat two spades. How can they do itafter West leads the heart ace?

Whentwo spades came back to West, perhaps he should have made asecond takeout double.

Note that three diamonds is making, Eastlosing two spades and two diamonds.East’s club loser disappears on West’s third high heart.

West leads the heartace, under which East drops his nine, starting ahigh-low (echo) withhis doubleton. West cashes hisheart king and heart queen. What should East discard?

Sincehewould likea club shift, he should pitch the club eight.

West then leads his club three, the low card guaranteeing at least one honor in the suit. East wins with his ace and, although South drops adeceptive queen, returnsthe club two. When West takes the trickwith his king, he should lead his last club, which East ruffs to defeat the contract.

wuzzles

West should know that South has the last club, becauseifEasthad started with four clubs, he wouldhave returned his higher-remaining club at trick five (high-low with aremaining doubleton), not the two.

Andrews McMeel Syndication

Each Wuzzle is aword riddle which creates adisguised word, phrase, name, place, saying, etc. Forexample:NOON GOOD =GOOD AFTERNOON

Previous answers:

word game

InstRuctIons: 1. Words must be of four or more letters. 2. Wordsthat acquire

toDAy’s WoRD tALLIEs: TAL-eez: Recorded accounts, as of itemsorcharges.

Averagemark34words

Time

is he that has theGod of Jacobfor hishelp, whose hopeisinthe Lord hisGod: Which made heaven, andearth the sea,and allthattherein is: which keepstruth for ever:” Psalms146:5-6

marmaduKe

Bizarro

hagar the horriBle

Pearls Before swiNe

garfield

B.C.

PiCKles

OF SCHOOLS VERNON PARISH SCHOOL BOARD TheVernonParishSchool Boardis seekinganexceptional leader to serve as itsSuperintendentofSchools. Lo‐catedinSouthwest Louisiana, near the Texasborder, theVPSBservesnearly 7,500studentsin16schoolsand 2Early Childhood siteswithapproximately 1,100employees andhas an annualop‐eratingbudgetofapproximately $120,000,000.

Qualifications: Theapplicantfor Superintendent must hold avalid Type AorLevel 3Louisiana teaching certificate, with endorsement as city or parish School Superintendent and/or appropriateEducational Lead‐ership endorsementatthe time of his/herappointment to thepositionof School Superintendent as stated in SOE Bulletin 746orbeeligible forimmediate certificationto serveasSuperinten‐dent of Schools. Applicants shallsubmitthe following: 1) Application 2) Resume 3) Teaching Certificate 4) Transcript/s Applications forthe position of Super‐intendentofSchoolsmay be foundand printedoff theVPBSwebsite https:// wwwvpsbus from thehomepageor under Employment". Applications must be completed, signed,and sub‐mitted as outlined belowtobeconsid‐ered

Allcompleted applications forthispo‐sition must bepostmarked on or before May13, 2026.Applications postmarked afterthatdatewill notbeconsidered. Allapplications must be received be‐fore May18th, 2026

Rolled over from previ‐ousmeeting. C. OPENINGPROCEDURES 1. ROLL CALL MEMBERSPRESENT Brandy Westmoreland John LeBlanc AmbreDeVirgilio JamesGraves Jennifer Landry 2. MINUTESOFTHE PRE‐VIOUSMEETINGOFFeb‐ruary10, 2026, regular meeting. Themotionwas made by Mrs. Westmoreland Themotionwas sec‐ondedbyMrs.Landry To approvethe Minutes of February 10, 2026, reg‐ular meeting, andap‐provethemaswritten

1. Update from Chair‐womanDeVirgilio Chairwoman DeVirgilio reported that thetotal account balanceinthe checking account as of February 28, 2026 is $157,888.09. Shenoted that theFebruaryrev‐enue report reflected$0, thereportwas runbe‐fore it wasreceived. The report should reflect $16,175.30. Chairwoman DeVirgilio discussedthe possibility of live-streaming AEDD meetings.The cost wouldcomefromthe AEDD budget.Members expressedsupport for theidea, butthe cost will need to be verified as it maybeexpensive MayorMcDavid spoketo membersabout the roundaboutinfront of Americanaand asked whetherbeautification improvements couldbe made to thearea. This wouldcomefromthe AEDD budget.Chair‐womanDeVirgiliostated it wasa good idea and that thematterwillbe looked into 2. To approvepayment of $1,200 forservicesJan.1 2025 to December 31, 2025 to theCityof Zacharyfor accounting services,including but notlimited to:receipt of monthly salestax ac‐i f i

y counting fromEBRPFi‐nanceDepartment, rec‐onciliationofamounts owed to theDistrictby theCity, andmonthly reconciliation of check‐ingaccount Themotionwas madeby Mrs. Westmoreland Themotionwas sec‐ondedbyMrs.Landry To approvepayment of $1,200 forservicesJan.1 2025 to December 31, 2025 to theCityof Zacharyfor accounting services,including but notlimited to:receipt of monthlysales taxac‐countingfromEBRPFi‐nanceDepartment, rec‐onciliationofamounts owed to theDistrictby theCity, andmonthly reconciliation of check‐ingaccount,amend mo‐tion beingretroactive to theyear2023. YEAS:Westmoreland, LeBlanc, DeVirgilio Graves,Landry NAYS:None ABSENT:None ABSTAINED: None E. ADJOURNMENT Themeetingwas ad‐journedat7:52p.m KarenBurdette,Clerk of theCityCouncil CITY OF ZACHARY, LA PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE

movablepropertytobesurplus property of the City and to donatethe movablepropertyreferenced on theattached Exhibit“A” WHEREAS, theCitywould liketodonatethesepieces of movable property whichwill be declared surplustothe East BatonRouge Fire ProtectionDistrict#8(“Pride Fire Department”) forpublic safety purposes,inaccordance with La. Const. Art. VII, §14(E) BE IT ORDAINED,bythe City Councilfor theCityofZacharythat thereferenced properties be considered to be surpluspropertyofthe City,and that theCity, throughthe Fire Chief, be permittedtodonate thepropertytothe East BatonRouge Fire ProtectionDistrict#8(“Pride Fire Department”) This Ordinance shallbecome effectiveatthe expiration of ten (10) calendar days afterpublicationbythe City Councilfor theCity of Zacharyunlessthe referenced ordinance shallspecify another effectivedate, allpursuant to §2-10(C) of theHomeRuleCharter adopted by theelectorsfor theCityofZachary.

INTRODUCEDFOR ADOPTION by theCityCouncilofthe City of Zacharyasa regularmeetingofthe said Councilheldonthe 24thday of March, 2026.

SUBMITTEDFOR FINALAPPROVAL ANDADOPTED by theCity Councilofthe City of Zacharyasa regularmeetingofthe said Council afterbeing duly noticed and publicized public hearingheldonthe 28th dayofApril, 2026 and upon whichthe foregoing ordinance wasread in full, therollwas calledonthe adoption thereof, and theOrdinance wasadopted

DavidMcDavid,Mayor

ATTEST:

KarenBurdette -BrandyWestmorelandClerkofthe City CouncilMayor ProTempore Ordinance 2026-04 PRESENTEDTOTHE MAYORPURSUANTTO HRC§ 2-11(A),this_ dayof_ 2026 at ____: M.

KarenBurdette,Clerk of theCityCouncil IDOHEREBYACT TO ADOPT/ ____VETOORDINANCE 2026-04, this dayof_ 2026 at ____: M, by my signaturebelow

DavidMcDavid,Mayor

ORDINANCE 2026-04

1. Laptop– Panasonic Toughbook (2019) Model#CF-54J2-05VM, VIN#9CTTC19929 2. Laptop– Panasonic Toughbook (2019) Model#CF-54J2-05VM, VIN#9ATTC02349

3. Laptop– Panasonic Toughbook (2019) Model#CF-54J2-05VM, VIN#9CTTC19987

4. Laptop– Panasonic Toughbook (2019) Model#CF-54J2-05VM, VIN#9CTTC20486

MEETING

BUILDING 880 North Alexander Avenue, Port Allen Thursday,April 9, 2026 5:30 PM

The Following Minutes AreSummarized For Brevity,For Precise Meeting Information Please Refer To Meeting Audio Or Video.

1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER &REQUEST ALL ELECTRONIC DEVICES BE SILENCED

ARegular Meeting of the West Baton Rouge Parish Council was held on Thursday,April 9, 2026 and called to order at 05:30 PM. Council Chairman Carey Denstel asked that all electronic devices be placed on silent.

2. OPENING PRAYER Councilman Atley Walker Jr.led everyone in an opening prayer

3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chairman Denstel recognized Ms. Charlene Gordon who led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.

4. LOG ATTENDANCE

The following members wererecorded as being present: Messrs. Daryl “Turf” Babin, Atley Walker,Brady Hotard, Kenneth Gordon, Carey Denstel, Alan Crowe, and Mrs. Katherine Andre.

Absent: Messrs. Kirk Allain, Gary Joseph.

Also present were, Mr.Jason Manola, Parish President, Mr.Phillip Bourgoyne, Executive Assistant, Mr.Chance Stephens, Director of Finance, Mr.Brandon Bourgoyne, Director of Public Works, Ms. Kristen Canezaro, Special Legal Counsel, and Mrs. Michelle Tullier,Council Clerk

5. MINUTES APPROVAL

A. Approval of Minutes from the Regular Meeting of March 26, 2026. Amotion was made by Council Member Alan Crowe, seconded by Council Member Daryl “Turf” Babin to approve the Minutes from the Regular MeetingofMarch 26, 2026.

The vote was recorded as follows:

YEAS: 7(Daryl “Turf” Babin, Atley Walker,Brady Hotard, Kenneth Gordon, Carey Denstel, Alan Crowe, Katherine Andre)

NAYS: 0(None)

ABSENT:2 (Kirk Allain, Gary Joseph)

ABSTAIN: 0(None)

As aresult of the votes, the motion Passed.

6. CONSIDER ANY AMENDMENTSTOTHE AGENDA Therewerenoitems to consider at this time.

7. PARISH PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Parish President JasonManola was recognized and covered the following items: Presentation of Proclamation recognizing April as Child Abuse Awareness month; Mrs. Kendall Hebert and Ms. Charlene Gordon wererecognized and spoke on the proclamation; Erwinville FireStation update; Rosedale Rd. Bridge update; Love The Boot Week.

8. PUBLIC COMMENTS -(15 MINUTETIME ALLOTMENT)

The following members of the public wererecognized and spoke in opposition to the ICE facility coming to WBR Parish, and stating that they have not received updates on this accusation, and they feel the government is lying to them. Jessica Convers, Chris Perry,and Hannah Honore.

9. COMMUNICATIONS WITH COUNCIL MEMBERS AND/OR ELECTED OR APPOINTED OFFICIALS

Parish President Manola was again recognized and explained he has given an update on the rumored ICE Facility at each meeting since we weremade awareofthe social media post. Thereisnocredible evidence nor information to report at this time,even after talking with State and Federal officials. Councilmember Kenneth Gordon was recognized and noted that he passes thereevery day and therehas been absolutely no activity at this warehouse. Mr.Brandon Bourgoyne was recognized and gave an update on the 415 Connector project along with afew upcoming CRPCprojects.

10. PUBLIC HEARING ON PREVIOUSLYINTRODUCED ORDINANCES

A. An Ordinance Adopting the 2025 Council Amendments to the Jail Fund Budgeted Expenses for the Fiscal Year beginning January 1, 2026 and ending December 31, 2026. The Chairman opened apublic hearing for the purpose of receiving comment regarding the aforementioned item. Mr.Chance Stephens was recognized and brieflyexplained the changes being made to the Jail Fund as previously reviewed. No public comments for or against said ordinance werepresented. No written protests opposing the ordinance werereceived. The Council Chairman at this point declared the Public Hearing closed. Amotion was made by Council Member Brady Hotard, seconded by Council Member Daryl “Turf” Babin to approve An Ordinance Adopting the 2025 Council Amendments to the Jail Fund Budgeted Expenses for the Fiscal Year beginning January 1, 2026 and ending December 31, 2026.

The vote was recorded as follows:

YEAS: 7(Daryl “Turf” Babin, Atley Walker,Brady Hotard, Kenneth Gordon, Carey Denstel, Alan Crowe, Katherine Andre) NAYS: 0(None)

ABSENT:2 (Kirk Allain, Gary Joseph)

ABSTAIN: 0(None) As aresult of the votes, the motion Passed. Ordinance 14 of 2026 can be found at the end of these minutes.

B. An Ordinance To Amend And Reenact The West Baton Rouge Parish Code Of Ordinances, Part II (General Code of Ordinances), Chapter 86 (“Utilities”), Article IV (“Sewers”), Section 86-90 (“Monthly Sewer ChargeEstablished”). The Chairman opened apublic hearing for the purpose of receiving comment regarding the aforementioned item. Mr.Chance Stephens was again recognized and explained the reasons for the aforementioned price changes to the sewer rates of the Parish. Noting that this increase only affects those who are not in amunicipality and areonpublic sewer furnished by WBR Parish.

Amotion was made by Council Member Daryl “Turf” Babin, seconded by Council Member Atley Walker to approve An Ordinance To Amend And Reenact The West Baton Rouge Parish Code Of Ordinances, Part II (General Code of Ordinances), Chapter 86 (“Utilities”), Article IV (“Sewers”), Section 86-90 (“Monthly Sewer Charge Established”).

The vote was recorded as follows:

YEAS: 7(Daryl “Turf” Babin, Atley Walker,Brady Hotard, Kenneth Gordon, Carey Denstel, Alan Crowe, Katherine Andre)

NAYS: 0(None)

ABSENT:2 (Kirk Allain, Gary Joseph)

ABSTAIN: 0(None)

As aresult of the votes, the motion Passed.

Ordinance 15 of 2016 can be found at the end of these minutes.

11. NEW BUSINESS

A. Consider Approval of Change Order No.1 and Substantial Completion on 2025 Concrete Road RehabilitationProgram

Mr.Kevin Gravois, of PEC, was recognized and brieflyreviewed the Change Order No. 1inthe amount of $8,020.00 dollars with an additional 52 days, and asked for the Change Order and Substantial Completiontobegranted. Therewerenopublic comments at this time.

Amotion was made by Council Member Brady Hotard, seconded by Council Member Kenneth Gordon to approve Change Order No.1 for an additional $8,020.00 dollars and 52 contract days, along with approval of Substantial Completionon2025 Concrete Road Rehabilitation Program.

The vote was recorded as follows:

YEAS: 7(Daryl “Turf” Babin, Atley Walker,Brady Hotard, Kenneth Gordon, Carey Denstel, Alan Crowe, Katherine Andre)

NAYS: 0(None)

ABSENT:2 (Kirk Allain, Gary Joseph)

ABSTAIN: 0(None) As aresult of the votes,

13. RESOLUTIONS Therewerenoitems to consider at this time

14. CONSIDER SUBDIVISIONPLATS, CONDEMNATIONS, WAIVERS AND MATTERS RELATED THERETO

A. Consider Ratification of Condemnation Order for derelict structure/s located at 6233 Hwy 1South, Brusly,La70719,

Parcel#204760007300, File#26-0010

Mrs. Ashley Hatfield, Code Compliance Officer,was recognized and explained the status of the aforementioned location and, upon inspection, the following structurehas been deemed derelict according to Parish Code 109-42 and hereby request that this/these structure(s) be demolished. One of the landowners was recognized and asked for 90 days to remove the said structure.

Amotion was made by Council Member Atley Walker,seconded by Council Member Katherine Andre, to ratify aCondemnation Order for the derelict structure/s located at 6233 Hwy 1South, Brusly, La 70719, Parcel#204760007300, File#26-0010, with a 90-day timeframe to demolishand remove the structurefromthe premises.

The vote was recorded as follows:

YEAS: 7(Daryl “Turf” Babin, Atley Walker,Brady Hotard, Kenneth Gordon, Carey Denstel, Alan Crowe, Katherine Andre)

NAYS: 0(None)

ABSENT: 2(Kirk Allain, Gary Joseph)

ABSTAIN: 0(None)

As aresult of the votes, the motion Passed.

15. ALCOHOL PERMITS

A. Consider Approval of Alcohol Permit for Guillory Oil Company Inc. dba Gil’satI-10 Lobdell, Located at 111 N. Lobdell Hwy, Port Allen, La 70767. Applying for aClass BLicense, change of ownership. Mrs.Tullier was recognized and advised that the following alcohol establishment has met all the requirements of Chapter 6Alcoholic Beverages of the Compiled Ordinances of the Parish of West Baton Rouge, Louisiana and is recommended for approval. Mrs. Tullier also noted this was achange of ownership, not anew facility.Therewerenocomments from the public on this item. Amotion was made by Council Member Alan Crowe, seconded by CouncilMember Brady Hotardtoapprove Consider Approval of Alcohol Permit for Guillory Oil Company,Inc. dba Gil’satI-10 Lobdell, Located at 111 N. Lobdell Hwy,Port Allen, La 70767. Applying for aClass BLicense, change of ownership.

The vote was recorded as follows: YEAS: 7(Daryl “Turf” Babin, Atley Walker,Brady Hotard, Kenneth Gordon, Carey Denstel,Alan Crowe, Katherine Andre)

NAYS: 0(None)

ABSENT: 2(Kirk Allain, Gary Joseph)

ABSTAIN: 0(None) As aresult of the votes, the motion Passed.

16. APPOINTMENTS A. Museum Board- Consider Mr.Brady Hotardtoreplace Mrs. Katherine Andreasthe WBR Council Representativeonthe WBR Parish Museum Board, to serve the remainder of said term. Therewerenocomments from the public on this item.

Chairman Denstel asked if therewereany objections to this change, therewerenone. Said change is adopted by acclamation.

B. Council on Aging Board-Consider Mrs. Katherine Andreto replace Mr.Brady Hotardasthe WBR Council Representative on the WBR Parish Council on Aging Board, to serve the remainder of said term. Therewerenocomments from the public on this item.

Chairman Denstel asked if there wereany objections to this change, therewerenone. Said change is adopted by acclamation.

17. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES

Mrs.Tullier,Council Clerk read by title the below proposed ordinance/s being introduced and publicized by title, and considered for adoption following apublic hearing as specified below,at5:30 pm in the Council Chambers, located at 880 North Alexander Avenue, Port Allen, La.:

A. An Ordinance Amending Chapter 104 Zoning To Incorporate Amended Zoning Designation Map (Zoning Plan) Under Section 104-3 Establishment Of Districts, Official Zoning MapFor Rezoning Request Of TMI Enterprise LLC. Regarding Parcel #’s: 045000009311, 045000009300, 045000009600, 045000009605, Port Allen, La 70767. File #26-0011: Described by the WBR Assessor as: TRACT B-4 CONT 18.75 AC SEC 43 44 &45T6S R12E 50-96E ;LOT A-13-B CONT 33.21 AC IN SEC 43 T6S R12E BEING P/O LORIO TRACT 50-93 ;LOT A-13-A CONT 19.93 AC IN SEC 43 T6S R12E BEING P/O LORIO TRACT50-93K ;P/O LOT B CONT 12.06 AC IN SECS 43 44 &45T6S R12E P/O LORIO PROP 50-96. Rezoning approximately 84 ac from AG (Agricultural) to I-2 (Moderate Industrial). Master Plan Change. PublicHearing Date: May14, 2026

B. An Ordinance Amending Chapter 104 Zoning To Incorporate Amended Zoning Designation Map(Zoning Plan) Under Section 104-3 Establishment Of Districts, Official Zoning Map For Rezoning Request Of BSC Industries LLC. Regarding 4021 Hwy 1 South Port Allen, La 70767. File #26-0012: Described by the WBR Assessor as: 10.28 AC SEC 3T8S R12E &SEC 78 T7S R12E 54-3. Rezoning approximately 2.93 ac from AG (Agricultural) and C-1.2 (Community Scale Commercial) to C-1.4(Industrial Transitional Commercial). Master Plan Change. Public Hearing Date: May14, 2026

18. CORRESPONDENCE REPORT

Correspondence Report from Council Clerk, Mrs.Michelle Tullier included the following items: •Signup time for Legislative Day and NACO; •Next Planning &Zoning Meeting is on April 21, 2026 at 5:30pm; •Next FireBoardMeeting is on April 23, 2026 at 5:00pm; •Next Council Meeting is on April 23, 2026 at 5:30pm.

19. ADJOURN Therebeing no further business, amotion to adjournwas made by Council Member Brady Hotardand was adopted by acclamation at 06:16 PM.

ALL MEETING INFORMATION INCLUDING MINUTES AND VIDEOS CAN BE FOUND ON OUR WEBSITE WBRPARISH.ORG UNDER THE AGENDA AND MINUTES TAB.

PROCLAMATION

CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH

WHEREAS, children areour community’smost valuable resource and deserve to grow up in safe, stable, and nurturing environments; and

WHEREAS, child abuse and neglect continue to be serious issues affecting children and families across Iberville, Pointe Coupee, and West Baton Rouge Parishes within the 18th Judicial District; and

WHEREAS, CASA of the 18th JDC is anonprofitorganization dedicated tosupporting and promoting court-appointed volunteer advocacy so that every child who has experienced abuse or neglect can achieve safety permanency,and the opportunity to thrive;

WHEREAS, CASA volunteers aretrained community members who are sworninbyjudges to advocate for the best interests of children in foster care, ensuring their voices areheardincourt and that they receive the services and support they need;

WHEREAS, these dedicated volunteers provide consistent, caring support to children during times of uncertainty,helping improve outcomes such as educational success, access to services, and placement in safe, permanent homes;

WHEREAS, CASA of the 18th JDC relies on community involvement, volunteerism, and partnerships to fulfill its mission and to bring awareness to the needs of abused and neglected children in our region; WHEREAS, Child Abuse Prevention Month provides an opportunity to recognize the importance of families and communities working together to

prevent child abuse and neglect and to promote the social and emotional well-being of children and families; NOW,THEREFORE, I, Jason P. Manola, do hereby proclaim April 2026 as Child Abuse Prevention Month

In West Baton Rouge Parish, and Iurgeall citizens to recognize this month by strengthening families, supporting prevention efforts, and considering ways to

SECTION

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED by the Parish Council of the Parish of West Baton Rouge, Louisiana, that this ordinance shall become effective pursuant to Section 2-12 (C) of the Home Rule Charter NOW THEREFORE BE IF FURTHER ORDAINED by the West Baton Rouge Parish Council, that all other ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith arehereby repealed in their entirety

NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED by the Parish Council of the Parish of West Baton Rouge, Louisiana, that if any provision or item of this ordinance or the application thereof is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions, items or applications of this ordinance which can be given effect without the invalid provisions, items, or applications of this ordinance arehereby declared severable. THE FOREGOING ORDINANCE AFTER PUBLIC HEARING WAS CONSIDERED, AND UPON MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BRADY HOTARD, WHICH WASSECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER DARYL “TURF” BABIN, AND AVOTE BEING TAKEN, THE FOLLOWING RESULTWAS HAD:

The foregoing ordinance having been submitted to avote was adopted by the following vote:

YEAS:7 (HOTARD, BABIN, WALKER, DENSTEL, CROWE, GORDON, ANDRE) NAYS: 0(NONE)

ABSENT:2 (ALLAIN, JOSEPH)

ABSTAIN: 0(NONE)

WHEREUPON,the ordinance wasdeclared to be adopted on the 9th Day of April, 2026.

ATTEST:

ORDINANCE 15 OF 2016 As Introduced by the West Baton Rouge Parish Council At the Regular Meeting of March 26, 2026 And Adopted on April 9, 2026

An Ordinance To Amend And Reenact The West Baton Rouge Parish Code Of Ordinances, Part II (General Code of Ordinances), Chapter 86 (“Utilities”), Article IV (“Sewers”), Section 86-90 (“Monthly Sewer Charge Established”).

WHEREAS in order to remain eligible to receive grant funding from the State of Louisiana for futureimprovements, the Parish is required to adopt sewer rates that arecapable of sustaining the operations of the Parish’s sewer systems; and

WHEREAS,due to arecent sewer rate study performed by the firm Eisner Amper,pursuant to the Louisiana Division of Administration’s Water Sector Program, it wasdetermined that the Parish’scurrent rate structure is below asustainable average, and that the Parish will not be eligible for futureState funding unless its rates areincreased to asustainable average; and

WHEREAS,inorder to maintain eligibility for future State funding, the Parish must increase its rates to levels that meet the parameters of the Division of Administration’s Water Sector Program; and

WHEREAS,the State of Louisiana will allow the Parish to satisfy the Water Sector Program’srequired 1.15 sustainability factor,through both a15percent increase to the current rate structureand adedication of the amount necessary to achieve a1.15 sustainability factor,retroactively effective January 1st, 2026, to amajor asset reserve fund, funded by its general fund perpetual sales tax revenue.

WHEREAS,the West Baton Rouge Parish Council will also continue to maintain a1.15 sustainability factor required by the Office of Community Development, through either sewer rate increases, use of General Fund Sales TaxDollars, or acombination of the two.

NOW,THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED that the West Baton Rouge Parish Code Of Ordinances, Part II (General Code of Ordinances), Chapter 86 (“Utilities”), Article IV (“Sewers”), Section 86-90 (“Monthly Sewer Charge Established”) be amended and readopted to read as follows: (NOTE: underlined words areadditions and strikethrough words are deletions. Threeasterisks -* **indicate sections of the code skipped for brevity of this ordinance. Such sections aretoberetained by the code editors.): PART II –GENERAL CODE OF ORDINANCES

CHAPTER 86 –UTILITIES

ARTICLE IV –SEWERS DIVISION 1. –GENERALLY Sec. 86-90. -Monthly sewer charge established.

HAVING BEEN SUBMITTED TO APUBLIC HEARING WASCONSIDERED, AND UPONMOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER DARYL “TURF” BABIN, WHICH WASSECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER

seconded by Jeremy Fontenot,the fol‐lowing resolution was approved

RESOLUTIONSOFTHE BOARDOFDIRECTORS OF VISITBATON ROUGE CONCERNING THEPAY‐MENT OF THECONTRAC‐TURALINCENTIVE PAY‐MENT DUE TO THEPRESI‐DENT &CEO APRIL23, 2026

WHEREAS, pursuant to §7.2 of that certainem‐ployment agreement datedeffective January 1, 2025 (the “Employment Agreement”)byand be‐tween VBRand Jill C. Kid‐der, itsPresident and CEO(the“CEO”), VBR agreed to payanincen‐tive paymentinthe amount of Five Thousand andNo/100 Dollars ($5,000.00) (the “2025 In‐centivePayment”) to the CEOifVBR received as a result of itsFY2025 an‐nualaudit a“Clean Audit,”assuchtermis deﬁnedin§2.2ofthe Em‐ployment Agreement. WHEREAS,based upon a review of theFY2025 an‐nualaudit prepared by EisnerAmperLLP,CPAs andpresented to the BoardofDirectors (the “Board”) at itsApril 23, 2026, meeting, it is the opinionofVBR’s profes‐sional staff that VBRhas received aClean Audit forFY2025 andthatthe 2025 IncentivePayment is nowdue NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by theBoard that VBRisauthorized anddirectedtopay to Jill C. Kidder,President and CEO, the2025 Incentive PaymentofFiveThou‐sand andNo/100 Dollars ($5,000.00) at VBR’s ﬁrst employee payperiod after receiptbyVBR of theClean Auditfor FY2025. ** **** *** CERTIFICATE

the

STATEOFLOUISIANA PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE I, RobynMerrick,certify that Iamthe duly quali‐fied andactingSecretary / Treasurerofthe Board of DirectorsofVisit BatonRouge (the "Board"),the governing authorityofVisit Baton Rouge("VBR") Ifurther certifythatthe aboveand foregoing res‐olutiontowhich this cer‐tificate is attached is a true andcorrect copy of aresolution passedby a majority of theBoard presentand voting at a properly constituted meetingofthe Board held at VisitBaton Rouge’soffice on April 23, 2026 at whichsaid meetinga quorum of the Boardwas presentand acting throughout IN WITNESSWHEREOF witnessmyofficial sig‐nature on this 23rdday of April2026, at Baton Rouge, Louisiana. /s/Robyn Merrick RobynMerrick Secretary/ Treasurer Attest: /s/Jill Kidder Jill C. Kidder President& CEO Date:April 23, 2026 Motion Carried. Therebeing no further business, themeeting wasadjourned 186105-may2-1t $62

p y tate debts for thesuc‐cessionofthisestatehas or will be submittedto theCourt.Louisiana law givesany successoror interested person alim‐ited delayperiodtoop‐pose theproposedpay‐mentsincludedinthe “Tableau”and express thereasons forthe oppo‐sition,seven (7)calendar days from thedatethis notice is either served on apersonorfrom thelast newspaperpublication date.Ifthe clerkofcourt does notreceive any proof of opposition after thelegal delayends, the Courtmay grantthe Peti‐tion withoutchanges 186211-may2-1t $39.20

Tuesday,April 14, 2026, 6:30 P.M.

CALL TO ORDER Mayor McDavid called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m., on

April 14, 2026, at the Zachary City Hall located at 4700 Main

Zachary,LA. B. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Invocation by Associate Pastor Scott McKenzie, First

of Zachary Pledge of Allegiance by Fire Chief Gordon Lipscomb C. OPENING PROCEDURES

1. ROLL CALL PRESENT: MAYOR David McDavid COUNCIL MEMBERS Brandy Westmoreland –District 1, (departed at 8:41 p.m.) John LeBlanc– District 2 AmbreDeVirgilio –District 3 James Graves –District 4 Jennifer Landry –District 5

2. READING OF CITY POLICY RELATIVE TO OPEN MEETINGS Beforeproceeding with the meeting, Mayor McDavid read a statement into the recordregarding the Open Meetings Law,and citizens’ right to participate in public meetings. The statement sets forth general rules of conduct of the public meeting and outlined the process through which acitizen can have items placed on the Council agenda. Acopy of the rulesisavailable at City Hall, Mayor’sOffice or by calling the Clerk of the City Council. The rules will also be available at every Council meeting.

3. CHANGES/ADDITIONS TO AGENDA The motion was made by Councilwoman Landry

The motion was seconded by Councilman LeBlanc

To amend the agenda to move item I6b to item G1d.

YEAS: Westmoreland, LeBlanc, Landry

NAYS:DeVirgilio, Graves

ABSENT:None ABSTAINED: None

D. READING OF THE MINUTES

1. Approval of minutes from March 24, 2026 regular meeting,and approve them as written. The motion was made by Councilwoman DeVirgilio The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Landry

To approve minutes from March 24, 2026 regular meeting,and approve them as written.

YEAS: Westmoreland, LeBlanc, DeVirgilio, Graves, Landry

NAYS: None ABSENT:None ABSTAINED: None

E. HONORS, RECOGNITIONS, AND INTRODUCTIONS

1. Mayor McDavid and council members recognized First Baptist of Zachary,Zachary Men’sClub, and Zachary Rotary Club for their outstanding beautification effortsduring theirCitywide

To approve aspecial event permit for Lane Foundation for Bourbon, BBQ &Wine Event at Lane Regional Medical Center for April 25, 2026.

YEAS: Westmoreland, LeBlanc, DeVirgilio, Graves, Landry

NAYS: None

ABSENT: None

ABSTAINED: None

AGENDA AMENDED d) CUP 1-25 –Public HearingtoConsider Adverse Actionon Conditional Use Permit Issued to 593 Motorsports Pursuant to UDCSection 14.420 (L) The PUBLICHEARING began at 6:50 p.m., Attorney Wilson addressed the Council regarding the rules forthe public hearing. The following persons provided testimony: Mr.TyStephens, City of Zachary; Sergeant D’Esposito, Zachary PD; RobertBabin, 22350 W.J. Wicker Rd., Zachary, LA; Susan Staid, 21457 W.J. Wicker Rd., Zachary, LA Joanne Saale, 21407 W.J. Wicker Rd., Zachary, LA; Diane Fletcher 21363 W.J. Wicker Rd., Zachary, LA; Jud Corkern, 22177 W.J. Wicker Rd., Zachary, LA; Josh O’Neal, 2831 Rush St Slaughter,LA70777; Police Chief Lawrence; The following spoke after testimony was given; Donald Charlet, 1161 Memorial Square, Zachary,LA; Christy Corkern, 22177 W.J. Wicker Rd., Zachary, LA; Brian Hebert -21875 W.J. Wicker Rd., Zachary, LA; Barry Corkern, 22283 WJ Wicker Rd. Zachary,LA; Joanne Saale21407 WJ Wicker Rd., Zachary, LA; Larry Perkins, 21973 WJ Wicker Rd., Zachary, LA; Justin Cane, 15052 East Lake Front Dr., Gonzales, LA; MelLandry,12110 Cardinal Dr Walker, LA; JeffRoss, 1775 Ponche Rd., Greenwell Springs, LA; Glen Desselle, 21850 W.J. Wicker Rd. Zachary, LA; The PUBLICHEARING closed at 8:35 p.m. The motionwas made by Councilwoman Westmoreland The motionwas seconded by Councilman LeBlanc

To revoke the CUP 1-25 issued to 593 Motorsports. YEAS: Westmoreland, LeBlanc, DeVirgilio NAYS: Graves, Landry ABSENT: None ABSTAINED: None

2. Hardship Waivers

3. Other Variances

4. Exceptions of Regulations

H. ACTION MANDATED BY HOME RULE CHARTER

I. PLANNING &ZONING MATTERS

1. ReceiveMinutes of the Regular meeting of of the Planning Commission and the Minutesofthe Regular meeting of ___________, of the Zoning Commission.

2. Planning matters REQUIRING aPublic Hearing

3. Planning Matters NOT requiring aPublic Meeting

4. Zoning Matters REQUIRING aPublic Hearing

5. Zoning Matters NOT Requiring Public Hearing

Mr.D’Monda Hill, the newly appointed Planning and Zoning Director, introduced himselftothe Council and community members. Mayor McDavidread Mr.Hill’sbiography and formallywelcomed him to the city a) ZOI -CS-4-26 A.T.Brice Property(19190 Plank Road)Proposed flag lotminorsubdivision located on the east side of Plank Road, northofCharlton Road, on propertynow or formerly known Tract

Tract of the Charles RatliffProperty

YEAS: LeBlanc, DeVirgilio, Graves, Landry

NAYS: None

ABSENT:Westmoreland

ABSTAINED: None

6. Other Matters a) Council discussion regarding Planning andZoning Members attendanceand communication with planning staff. CouncilmanGraves requested thata public hearing be held at the April 28, 2026, council meeting to hear from Planning and Zoning CommissionerJasonFloyd andtoreviewthe duties and responsibilities of the Planning andZoning Chairperson

J. RECEIVERECORD OF PAYMENT OF ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

1. Receive accounts payable report as of March 2026. The motion wasmade by CouncilwomanDeVirgilio The motion wassecondedbyCouncilmanLeBlanc To approve the receipt of accounts payable report as of March 2026. YEAS: LeBlanc, DeVirgilio, Graves, Landry

NAYS: None

ABSENT:Westmoreland

ABSTAINED: None

K. BUDGET AND FINANCIAL MATTERS

L. OLD BUSINESS PENDING FOR FINAL ACTION

M. OLD BUSINESS PENDING

N. NEW BUSINESS O. CONDEMNED BUILDINGS –PUBLIC HEARINGS OR OTHER ACTION REGARDING BUILDINGS BEING CONSIDERED FOR CONDEMNDATION

P. REPORTSFROMDEPARTMENT HEADS

1. Receive the March Monthly Inspection Report

The motion wasmade by CouncilwomanDeVirgilio

The motion wassecondedbyCouncilmanLeBlanc

To approve the receipt of the March Monthly Inspection Report

YEAS: LeBlanc, DeVirgilio, Graves, Landry NAYS: None ABSENT:Westmoreland ABSTAINED: None

Q. COUNCIL DISCUSSION OF BUSINESS NOT ON AGENDA (No Action May Be Taken UnlessDeclared an Emergency) Ty Stephens, Code Enforcement, provided an update on administrative code enforcement.

R. ADJOURNMENT The meeting wasadjourned at 9:01 p.m.

Karen Burdette Clerk of City Council CITYOFZACHARY PARISHOFEAST BATON ROUGE STATEOFLOUISIANA CERTIFICATION

KarenBurdette DavidMcDavid,Mayor Clerk of the City Council CITY OF ZACHARY

PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE STATEOFLOUISIANA

Landry

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Westmoreland

ABSTAINED: None

b) ZOI -CS-5-26 Charles RatcliffProperty (6100 Zachary Slaughter Highway) -Proposed flag lotminorsubdivision located on the east side of Zachary

I, KarenBurdette, do hereby certify thatI am the duly appointedClerk of the City Council for the City of Zachary, Parish of East Baton Rouge Louisiana Ifurthercertify thatthe above andforegoing is atrueand correct copy of the minutesofthe regularmeeting of the Mayor andCouncil of the City of Zachary,Louisiana,heldonTuesday, April 14, 2026, aproper quorum being there andthenpresent.

KarenBurdette, Clerk of the City Council 186207-643610-MAY2-1T

The Advocate 05-02-2026

Earlyvotingopens amid uncertainty

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