Voters cast their ballots on Mondayduring early voting at the
BY TYLER BRIDGES Staff writer
Widespread confusion
That described the scenes at early voting sites throughout Louisiana on Monday as voters dealt witha newprimary election system, alandmark U.S Supreme Court ruling on Wednesday, Gov.Jeff Landry’sorder on Thursday canceling the House elections —and lawsuits filed by Democrats challeng-
ä Bitter redistricting fightlooms in Legislature. PAGE 4A
BY MARK BALLARD Staff writer
ing the court ruling and the governor’s order Election officialsdid their best to minimize theturmoil, training election commissioners beforehandonquestionstheymight face and posting signs throughout early voting sites describing the newsemi-closed primary rules and the impact of Landry’sorder Andre Pagliarini, ahistoryprofessor at LSU, wasn’tsure when he arrived at the State Archives buildinginBaton Rouge whether he could voteinthe 5th Congressional District race until he saw asign inside the voting booth telling him that the race had been canceled. Denise Lyonswas advised by election officials at City Hall in NewOrleans
ä See VOTERS, page 4A
BY ADAM SCHRECK, BEN FINLEY and SAM METZ Associated Press
DUBAI, UnitedArabEmirates The U.S.military said it fired on Iranian forces and sank six small boats targeting civilian ships as it moved to reopenthe Strait of Hormuz on Monday.The United Arab Emirates, akey American ally,said it had come under attack from Iran for the firsttime since a fragile ceasefire took hold in early
April. The U.S.military said two American-flagged merchantships had successfully transited the strait on Monday aspartofanew initiative.
The UAE Defense Ministry said its air defenses had engaged 15 missiles and four dronesfiredby Iran. Authorities in the eastern emirate of Fujairahsaidone drone sparkeda fire at akey oil facility,wounding three Indian nationals. TheBritish military reported two cargo vessels ablaze off theUAE.
Tehran did not outright confirm or deny the attacks but earlyon Tuesday,Iran’sForeign Minister AbbasAraghchi said on Xthat boththe U.S. and the UAE “should be wary of being draggedback into quagmire.”
In similarly vague terms,Iranian state television earlier quoted an anonymous militaryofficial as saying Tehran had had “no plan” to targetthe UAEorone of its oil fields.
“The incident resulted from U.S. military adventurism to create an illegal passage,” theofficial said
WASHINGTON U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito on Monday issued an order that temporarily allowswomenseeking abortions to obtain the drug mifepristone at pharmacies or through themail, without an in-person visit to adoctor Alito lifted the ban without comment, as is usual until the Supreme Court decideswhether to hear acase. Alito’sorder pauses a5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals’ order until Monday.Inthe meantime,Alito askedthe parties to submit briefs.
Ruling Friday in alawsuit brought by Louisiana, the 5th Circuit, basedinNew Orleans, ruled that mifepristone could not be ordered by or mailed to women because, partially,itundermined the state’sban on abortions after the 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Louisiana is among the 13 states that have outlawed abortions. The state contendsthatabortions arecontinuinginthe state because of the availability of the mail-order drugs.
The pills are responsible fortwo-thirds of abortions in the U.S., according to Guttmacher Institute,aNew York-based nonprofit that studies reproductive issues. The drug regimen was approved in 2000.
TheFoodand Drug Administrationhad rules to allow mifepristone, which along with the drug misoprostol, induces amiscarriage,only after the woman consulted in person with aphysician.
The FDAlifted that requirement during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023, it made permanent the ability to buy the pills via mail withthe prescriptionofa physician who consultedwith the patient remotely over atelemedicine visit.
Thestate arguesthatthe FDA’s
debate over access to drugs ä See ABORTION, page 5A
U.S. fights to reopen Strait of Hormuz as UAEisattacked
Alito
ASSOCIATEDPRESS PHOTOByAMIRHOSEIN KHORGOOI Apatrol boat movesthrough the water as cargoships sitatanchor in the Strait of Hormuz off Bandar Abbas, Iran, on Saturday.
STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON
Louisiana State Archives.
Afghanistan: Pakistan killed 3 in civilian areas
KABUL, Afghanistan Afghanistan
accused Pakistan of carrying out cross-border attacks into its territory on Monday that hit civilian areas, killing at least three people and wounding 14, as tension between the two neighbors remain high despite recent peace talks.
Afghan deputy government spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat said on X that the attacks also destroyed two schools, two mosques and a health center in the eastern Afghan province of Kunar
Pakistan’s Information Ministry rejected the allegation in a post on X, saying that Fitrat’s accusations follow recent crossborder firing from Afghan territory into Pakistan. Those attacks, in March and April killed nine women and children in Bajaur, a district in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
It said Bajaur attacks “exposed the Afghan regime’s reckless and shameful actions.” The ministry also argued that images circulated with the latest Afghan claim show damage “inconsistent with artillery impact,” citing intact roofs and localized breakage as indicators of possible staged destruction.
Pakistan and Afghanistan had been embroiled in months of deadly fighting that killed hundreds of people since late February when Afghanistan launched a cross-border attack on Pakistan in retaliation for Pakistani airstrikes inside Afghanistan.
Giuliani hospitalized with pneumonia
NEW YORK Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani is breathing on his own after being hospitalized with pneumonia and placed on a ventilator, his spokesperson said Monday Giuliani, 81, remains in critical but stable condition at a Florida hospital and is being monitored as a precautionary measure, spokesperson Ted Goodman said.
Goodman said Giuliani’s condition was exacerbated by restrictive airway disease attributed to his exposure to dust and toxins from the Sept. 11, 2001, attack on the World Trade Center.
Giuliani’s hospitalization, near Palm Beach, Florida, came after he was heard coughing Friday on his nightly online talk show and hoarsely told viewers that his voice was “a little under the weather.”
“This condition adds complications to any respiratory illness, and the virus quickly overwhelmed his body, requiring mechanical ventilation to maintain adequate oxygen and stabilize his condition,” Goodman said in a statement.
He described Giuliani as “the ultimate fighter” and said, “he is winning this battle.”
Giuliani’s family and primary medical provider are by the former mayor’s side, Goodman added. He said they thanked well-wishers for an “outpouring of love and support.”
Jet hits truck, light pole near airport, lands safely
A United Airlines jet came dangerously close to disaster Sunday when it hit a semitrailer truck and light pole on the New Jersey Turnpike as it came in to land at Newark Liberty International Airport.
“A major catastrophe was avoided by feet,” said safety expert Steve Arroyo, who landed on that same short runway many times during his career at United. “Had it been another 5 feet lower, 8 feet, I mean, no more than 10 feet, that plane would have been all over the New Jersey Turnpike.” The driver of the bakery delivery truck was treated at a hospital for minor injuries, and the Boeing 767 flying in from Venice, Italy, with 231 people aboard was able to land safely No one on the plane was hurt. Air traffic control audio suggests the incident may have created a hole in the side of the plane, but the airline and the National Transportation Safety Board haven’t confirmed that. The NTSB said Monday afternoon that it has reclassified the incident as an accident because of the extent of the damage to the plane, but it didn’t provide any details.
Driver plows into shopping area
Two killed in Germany
By The Associated Press
BERLIN A driver plowed into people in a busy shopping area in the center of the German city of Leipzig on Monday afternoon, leaving two people dead, authorities said.
An additional three people were seriously injured in what officials believe was a deliberate rampage, Mayor Burkhard Jung said.
He described it as “a terrible tragedy.” An unspecified number of people sustained less serious injuries.
The driver, a 33-year-old German citizen, was detained in the car Police said he was a German-born resident of the Leipzig area.
Prosecutors said he is under investigation on suspicion of murder and attempted murder There was no immediate word on
a possible motive. The interior minister of Saxony state, Armin Schuster, said investigators believe the man acted alone.
He said that rage and “psychological instability” are often factors in such cases, but added that he wouldn’t speculate on whether that
was the case here.
Police chief René Demmler said the man drove from the Augustusplatz, a major square, along the
Grimmaische Strasse into the city’s central pedestrianized shopping area. He stressed that there was no longer any danger The driver was arrested in the vehicle and didn’t resist arrest, Demmler said. Saxony state Gov Michael Kretschmer expressed his condolences to the families of the victims.
“An act like this leaves us speechless — and it makes us determined,” he added, according to German news agency dpa. “We will do everything in our power to solve this case quickly and completely.”
Photos from the scene showed a car with a battered front and a shattered windshield after the incident, which happened at about 5 p.m. Leipzig is located southwest of Berlin and has more than 630,000 inhabitants, making it one of the biggest cities in eastern Germany
Russia declares truce in Ukraine to mark WWII Victory Day
Cruise ship awaits help amid suspected hantavirus outbreak
Three people have died Kyiv says it’ll halt attacks two days earlier
By The Associated Press
Russia’s Defense Ministry declared a unilateral ceasefire in Ukraine for Friday and Saturday to mark the 81st anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II, but it threatened to strike back at Kyiv if it tries to disrupt the Victory Day festivities.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in response said his country would observe a truce beginning at 12 a.m. Wednesday and respond in kind to Russia’s actions from that moment on. He did not put an end date on the truce
The announcements on Monday come as Russia prepares to celebrate its most important secular holiday with a traditional military parade on Moscow’s Red Square pared down due to what officials say are concerns over possible Ukrainian attacks. Ukraine has been launching drone attacks deep inside Russia to counter its more than 4-year-old invasion.
They also follow a familiar pattern of previous attempts to secure ceasefires most recently around Orthodox Easter — that had little to no impact.
The Defense Ministry said if Ukraine attempts to disrupt Saturday’s celebrations, Russia will
carry out a “massive missile strike on the center of Kyiv.” It warned the civilian population there and employees of foreign diplomatic missions of “the need to leave the city promptly.”
Zelenskyy responded by saying that while Kyiv has not received any official requests for a truce, in the time left until midnight on Wednesday “it is realistic to ensure” that a ceasefire takes effect. He urged the Kremlin “to take real steps to end their war, especially since Russia’s Defense Ministry believes it cannot hold a parade in Moscow without Ukraine’s goodwill.”
For years, the Kremlin has used the pomp-filled Victory Day parade to showcase its military might and global clout, and it has been a source of patriotic pride.
But this year, the parade in the Russian capital will take place without tanks, missiles and other military equipment for the first time in nearly two decades. Some of the smaller parades that are held elsewhere across the country have also been pared down or even canceled for security reasons.
Speaking at a summit with European leaders in Armenia on Monday, Zelenskyy said that the Russian authorities “fear drones may buzz over Red Square” on Saturday “This is telling. It shows they are not strong now, so we must keep up the pressure through sanctions on them,” he said.
BY GERALD IMRAY Associated Press
CAPE TOWN, South Africa — A cruise ship with nearly 150 people aboard was waiting for help off the coast of Cape Verde in the Atlantic Ocean on Monday after three passengers died and at least three other people were left seriously ill in a suspected outbreak of the rare hantavirus, according to the World Health Organization and the ship’s operator
The MV Hondius, a Dutch ship on a weekslong polar cruise from Argentina to Antarctica and several isolated islands in the South Atlantic, had requested help from health authorities Sunday after making its way to the island of Cape Verde, off the West Africa coast. But no one has been allowed to disembark, Netherlandsbased operator Oceanwide Expeditions said.
Cape Verde’s Health Ministry said Monday that for now it will not allow the ship to dock because of public health concerns and that it would stay in open waters close to shore.
Hantavirus is a rodentborne illness spread by contact with rodents or their urine, saliva or droppings. WHO says that while it is rare, hantavirus may spread between people.
It was unclear how an outbreak could have started, and the WHO said it was investigating while working to coordinate the
Police seek Okla. party shooters
At least 23 injured
BY NICHOLAS INGRAM and ALONZO ADAMS Associated Press
EDMOND, Okla. — Authorities in Oklahoma were looking for assailants Monday in a weekend shooting at an unsanctioned lakeside party packed with young adults that left at least 23 people injured, some critically, according to police and hospital officials. It wasn’t clear how many of those injured had been shot, according to a statement released by police Monday No arrests have been made The shooting broke out Sunday night during a
party near a campground at Arcadia Lake, a popular swimming and boating spot in Edmond, just outside Oklahoma City, said Edmond police spokesperson Emily Ward.
At least 18 people were treated at hospitals in the Oklahoma City area. One healthcare system said the victims it treated ranged in age from 16 to 30. It said three people were in critical condition and four were listed as serious.
Jason Hearne told ABC News that he was nearby when the shooting started and saw people who had been shot in the legs and one young woman with a head wound who was still breathing.
“These kids came out to have a, probably a good time, and for this to break
out, I know that wasn’t what they expected, and it’s just tragic,” he said.
Police in Edmond said Monday that the party had been advertised across social media, drawing a large crowd of mostly young adults from across the Oklahoma City area.
“There is no reason to believe there is an ongoing threat to the public,” police said in a statement
Edmond Mayor Mark Nash said the shooting took place at a public park where spaces can be reserved for large gatherings. “To our knowledge, there was no reservation through the parks department,” he said.
Nash declined to answer questions about the shooting, saying police were handling the investigation.
evacuation of two sick crew members. Another sick person a British man evacuated to South Africa on April 27 tested positive for the virus, authorities said. He is in critical condition and isolated in intensive care according to local health officials.
The body of one of the passengers who died — a German remains on the ship, according to an Oceanwide Expeditions statement. A 70-year-old Dutch man died
onboard April 11, and his 69-year-old wife died later in South Africa after leaving the ship, officials said. Her blood later tested positive for the virus, making two confirmed cases, South Africa’s health minister said. Among the 87 remaining passengers, 17 are Americans, 19 are from the U.K and 13 from Spain, according to the company Sixty-one crew members, including the two who are ill, also are onboard.
Obituaries: 225-388-0289 • Mon-Fri9-5;Sat 10-5;Closed Sun
Rescue workers stand next to a damaged car that crashed into several people on Monday in Leipzig, Germany, killing two.
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By ARILSON ALMEIDA
The MV Hondius cruise ship is anchored Monday at a port in Praia, Cape Verde.
Europe sees need for bigger role within NATO
Leaders meet as Trump plans to pull some troops out of Germany
BY MARK CARLSON and LORNE COOK Associated Press
YEREVAN, Armenia European leaders on Monday said President Donald Trump’s surprise decision to pull thousands of U.S. troops out of Germany is just the latest signal that Europe must take more responsibility for its security
The Pentagon announced last week it would pull some 5,000 troops out of Germany, but Trump told reporters on Saturday the U.S. plans on “cutting a lot further.”
Trump offered no reason for the move, which blindsided NATO But his decision came amid an escalating dispute with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who said the U.S. has been humiliated by Iran in talks to end the war it launched with Israel on Feb 28. Trump has also expressed anger over European allies’ reluctance to get involved in the conflict.
European leaders meeting at a summit in Yerevan, Armenia, sought to both down-
play the impact of 5,000 fewer troops in Germany while acknowledging that it provides a useful nudge for the continent to step up its role within NATO. “I do not see those figures as dramatic, but I think they should be handled in a harmonious way inside the framework of NATO,” said Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said “there needs to be a stronger European element in NATO, I have no doubt about that.”
Tensions within NATO have mounted since the second Trump administration came into office last year warning that European allies would have to defend themselves and Ukraine in the future. Talks on ending the war there, now in its fourth year, have bogged down as the U.S. focuses on Iran.
Taken by surprise
The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, said the timing of Trump’s announcement came as a surprise, even though there has been “talk about withdrawal of U.S. troops for a long time from Europe.”
Asked whether she believes Trump is trying to punish Merz, Kallas said: “I don’t see into the head of President
Canada’s
Monday in yerevan, Armenia.
Trump, so he has to explain it himself.”
Merz did not attend the European Political Community summit in Yerevan, which included about 30 European leaders, plus Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney At a military exercise in northern Germany, the country’s defense minister, Boris Pistorius, said Berlin has not yet received “official confirmation of when and how this is supposed to happen, on what scale.” The reduction of U.S. troops “would not put
into question NATO’s deterrence capability,” he added. European countries and Canada have increased defense spending and military recruitment efforts over the last year in response to Trump’s threats.
NATO seeks clarity
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte also played down the significance of fewer U.S. troops in Germany, while acknowledging U.S. “disappointment” about the level of European support for the
Iran war
France and the U.K. have given U.S. forces limited use of bases on their territories to attack Iran. Spain has outright denied U.S. forces the use of its airspace and bases.
Rutte, who has championed Trump’s leadership at NATO despite the U.S. president’s criticism of a majority of the allies, said: “I would say the Europeans have heard a message.”
NATO spokesperson Allison Hart said over the weekend that officials at the 32-nation military alliance “are working with the U.S. to understand the details of their decision on force posture in Germany.”
Iran and trade trouble
With the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran looking shakier, Rutte said European nations “have decided to preposition assets, key assets, close to the theater for the next phase.” He provided no further details.
European leaders have insisted their countries would not help police the Strait of Hormuz, a key energy trade route, until the war is over “If the United States is ready to reopen Hormuz, that’s great. That’s what we’ve been asking for since the beginning,” said French President Emmanuel Macron. But he underlined that Europeans are not ready to get involved in any operation “that does not seem clear.” Cook reported from Brussels. Associated Press writer Geir Moulson in Berlin contributed to this report.
European allies and Canada have known since early last year that Trump would pull some troops out of Europe — and some were pulled out of Romania in October — but U.S. officials had pledged to coordinate any moves with NATO allies to avoid creating a security vacuum.
AP, Washington Post, Minnesota Star Tribune among Pulitzer winners
BY JENNIFER PELTZ Associated Press
NEW YORK The Washington Post won the Pulitzer Prize for public service for scrutinizing the Trump administration’s sweeping, choppy cuts and changes to federal agencies, and The Associated Press won the award Monday for international reporting about surveillance.
In a year when several prize-winning projects zoomed in on the Trump presidency, the Post’s coverage illuminated the fastmoving, sometimes opaque particulars of the administration’s drive to reshape the national government, and judges credited the Post with detailing what the changes meant for individual Americans.
The Miami Herald’s Julie K. Brown was given a special citation for her reporting, nearly a decade ago, that drew attention to Jeffrey Epstein ’s abuses. The New York Times won three of the coveted prizes, the Post and Reuters each won two, and smaller outlets ranging from The Connecticut Mirror to
the podcast “Pablo Torre Finds Out” also were recognized in a challenging year for American journalism.
“This is always a day of celebration in our communities, but perhaps never more so than today as we face tremendous political and economic pressures,” prize administrator Marjorie Miller said in a livestream announcing the awards. In the last few months, the Post cut a third of its staff, CBS News announced it would shutter its nearly century-old radio service, the AP offered buyouts to over 120 journalists and some regional newspapers also publicly struggled. CBS parent Paramount’s acquisition of CNN has raised questions about what’s next for those networks Meanwhile, President Donald Trump continued to bash, and sometimes sue, outlets whose coverage he finds objectionable Spanning three years, thousands of pages of documents and numerous interviews, the AP project found that American companies help lay the foundations of
the Chinese government’s system for monitoring and policing its citizens.
“This was sweeping and deeply impactful reporting, the kind of work that highlights the unique strengths of AP’s global, multiformat newsroom,” executive editor Julie Pace said in an email to staffers. She is among the Pulitzer Board’s new members.
The prizes covered President Donald Trump’s first year back in the White House, and two winning entries focused on his pulverizing approach to norms and constraints. The Times took the investigative reporting prize for exploring Trump’s boundary-pushing approach to the notion of conflicts of interest. Reuters, which won for national reporting, looked at how Trump has used the federal government and his supporters’ influence to expand presidential authority and to try to punish his foes, the award judges noted.
Reuters’ reporting on the social media giant Meta won a prize in the newly revived category for beat reporting,
a term for journalists consistently assigned to a particular topic. The board brought that honor back for the first time in two decades.
Reuters’ wins spotlighted “fearless, deeply reported, original work that holds powerful institutions to account,” editor-in-chief Alessandra Galloni said in a statement
The prize for breaking news went to the Minnesota Star Tribune’s coverage of last year’s mass shooting
at a Minneapolis Catholic school, where two children were killed and more than a dozen others were injured during the school’s first Mass of the academic year. Judges praised the thoroughness and compassion of the newspaper’s reporting on a scene of carnage in its hometown, “To me it’s really a moment to appreciate the power of local journalism,” Kathleen Hennessey, the Star
Tribune’s editor and senior vice president, said in an interview One Tribune reporter who lives in the neighborhood heard the gunshots and called 911 before running over to the scene, she noted; an editor at the paper has children who attend the school.
“It feels really gratifying to be recognized, but for this newsroom, this is also just still a really painful event,” Hennessey said.
By The Associated Press
WASHINGTON A man spotted carrying a gun in the vicinity of
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By STEFAN ROUSSEAU
France’s President Emmanuel Macron, from left, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and
Prime Minister Mark Carney attend the European Political Community summit on
Bitter redistrictingfight loomsinLegislature
BY ALYSE PFEIL Staff writer
As Republicans in the Louisiana Legislature saidtheywould start drawing anew voting map for Congress as soon asFriday, Democratic lawmakers countered that they’ll resist any attempts to reduce the number of majorityBlack districts.
“Any talk of anything less than two seats is something that Iwill not entertain, nor should anyofmy colleagues, particularly those in the Black Caucus and those in the Democratic Caucus,” Sen. Royce Duplessis, D-New Orleans, told reporters.
But, with Republican supermajorities in both the Louisiana House and Senate, Democrats havelittle chance of stopping maps that have fewer Democraticleaning districts.
“We’ve already donethe 4-2 once and it didn’twork,” said Senate President Cameron Henry,RMetairie.
Louisiana has six U.S. House seats. Currently,four are held by White Republicans, and two are held by Black Democrats.
After the U.S. Supreme Court in awatershed decision last week ruled that voting map unconstitutional —and limited how race can be used to draw voting districts
—Louisiana Republicans quickly prepared to draw anew map eliminating one or two Democratic districts for this year’smidterms, which willdeterminewhich party controls Congress.
VOTERS
Continued frompage1A
that her vote in the 2nd Congressional District House race would not count. She was not happy
“That they are canceling our obligationtovote is pretty effing wild,” she said just after voting. “Thedenialof voting in Louisiana is starting here.” Clarissa Hoff in New Orleans voted in the House race anyway.
“I want it documented that my vote was stolen,” Hoff said. “I’m pretty pissed.”
Allison Dumas in Baton Rouge also voted anyway, “in case they do count those votes,” she said. “I want my vote to be heard.”
Turnout on Saturday and Monday—the first two days of early voting in Louisiana —was about normal for the first two days of early voting, according to election officials throughout the state.
“Saturday was alittle more than we expected,” said Dale Sibley,the registrar of voters in Caddo Parish, where the biggest cityis Shreveport. “Today has been alittle bit slower.”
Severalvotingofficials said Landry’sorder may have caused some votersto stay home.
“They come in and they say,‘We thought the whole election was canceled,’”Lafayette Parish Registrar of Voters Charlene Meaux said Monday Landry and Republican electedofficials saidtheyhad no choice but to postpone the
Democrats said they would refuse discussions on any map that has less than two majority-Black districts and have noted that Louisiana’spopulation is now roughly one-third Black
“Weare not in favor of anything other than a4-2 map. If youbring us something that has less than twoAfrican-American representatives, we arenot in favor,”said Rep. EdmondJordan, D-Baton Rouge, chair of theLouisiana Legislative Black Caucus.
It’snot clear whether Republicanswill seektoadvancea map that containsexclusively Republican-leaning districts or amap with five Republican districts and one majority-Black, Democraticleaningdistrict.
“It might be 6-0, it might be 5-1,” said Sen. Caleb Kleinpeter,R-Port Allen, chairofthe Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee, which handles redistricting.
“I don’tknow yet.”
Kleinpeter said Louisiana’sRepublican members of Congress
“have serious concerns” about whethertheycould easily hold onto their districtsunderamap that has sixGOP districts.
“Theymighthave issues running for reelection,” hesaid. “Wecan’t jeopardize theleadership in Congress with changing maps.
Henry echoed that concern.
“A 6-0 map doesnot guarantee sixRepublicans,” he said. “We’re working on the numbers.”
Henry saidlawmakers will hold apublic hearing at 9a.m. Friday on the new maps.
House elections scheduled on May16and redraw the congressional map after the Supreme Courtruled that the current map is anillegal racial gerrymander. But Republican lawmakersare also attemptingto address President Donald Trump’scalls to deliver moredistricts that Republicans can wintoprevent Democrats from emerging with aHouse majorityafter themidterm elections.
Landryand legislators plan to move swiftlytoredraw thesix congressional boundaries in the coming weeksbefore thelegislative session ends on June 1
Louisiana has fourRepublican members of Congress and twoDemocrats.The Republicans have said they plan to eliminate theseat of U.S.Rep. Troy Carter,DNew Orleans, or U.S. Rep. Cleo Fields,D-Baton Rouge, or both of them. In the meantime, early votingcontinues untilSaturday for those who don’twant to vote in the party primaries on May 16.
The marquee race features Sen. Bill Cassidy running for reelection in a Republican primary, challengedbyU.S. Rep. Julia Letlowand stateTreasurer JohnFleming. Three candidates—Nick Albares, Gary Crockett and Jamie Davis are competing inthe Democratic Senate primary
The winners of each party primary will face off in aJune 27runoffelection, unless someone wins the primary with at least 50% of thevote. Theparty nominees will face off in aNo-
After public testimony is taken Friday,Kleinpeter saidthe committeechairs will vote on the legislation by May13, followed by a possible full Senate vote May 14. Themap wouldthenneedapproval in the House.
Henry alsosaid he believes the statewill have to go back to open primaries for the Houseseats instead of the new,closed party primaries.
Duplessis said Republicans are trying to help President Donald Trump, who has pushed GOP-led states todraw district lines to win moreRepublican seats.
“This is adecision that’scoming from Trump,” he said.
ButKleinpeter saidheisnot aware of pressure by Trump to pass amap thathas only Republican-leaning districts.
“I have not had anycommunication from the WhiteHouse,” he said.
Henry also saidhehasn’ttalked with anyone fromthe White House about redistricting.
Callstokeepvoting
U.S. Rep. Cleo Fields,D-Baton Rouge, whosedistrictcould be eliminated in the impending redistricting process, made appearances at events across the state Monday,echoing state lawmakers’ call to demand acongressional map with twomajority-Black districts.
“IfIwas in theLegislature, I wouldn’tvote for anything that wouldn’tincludetwo majorityBlack districtsout of defiance to
vember general election.
Early voting andthe May 16 primaryalso feature two Public Service Commission races in different parts of Louisiana, astate Supreme Court race on the northshore of Lake Pontchartrain, an election to the Board of Elementaryand Secondary Education to represent suburban New Orleans and local races
TheSecretary of State’s Office reported that 42,829 people hadvoted absentee through Saturday,while 37,015 had voted in person that day.Those numbers were in linewithvoting in 2022, the last nonpresidential election year
Progressive groups —including VotersOrganized to Educate, Black VotersMatter,the Power Coalition for Equity and Justice and Step Up Louisiana —helda getout-the-vote rally outside City Hall in New Orleanson Monday that included denunciations of Landry
“It’simportant to stand here againstthe anti-democratic forces,” Albaressaid in an interview
State Rep. Alonzo Knox, DNew Orleans, also attended.
He noted that he spent 16 years in the Marines, including acombat stint during the Desert Storm offensive during the Iraqi war
“Democracy is something Ihold dear,” Knox said. “I’m here on the streets on American soil fighting for our rights to vote.”
Steve Raborn, the registrarofvotersinEastBaton Rouge Parish,said his office recruited additional early voting commissioners and gave themextra training to
this governor and this secretary of state,” Fields said. He also urgedvoterstocontinue to cast ballots in Louisiana’s congressional primary elections, which Gov.JeffLandry suspended Thursday, two days before in-person early voting began.
Landry’sexecutive order declaring astateofemergencyimmediately prompted several lawsuits, whichare ongoing. So far, no judge has halted thesuspension.
Fields said lawsuits challenging of thegovernor’ssuspensionof U.S.House races have notyet been decided by courts, andheurged people to vote forcongressional candidates.
“Vote the full ballot,” Fields said. “Don’tlisten to the secretary of stateorthe governor,for that matter,because this issueisnot resolved yet.
“I feel that the governor and the secretary of state basically said to people across the state, both Black andWhite, theirvotedoesn’tmatter ‘cause it won’tcount. That’s wrong.”
Democrats in theLegislature also urged people to disregard Landry’sordersuspending the election andkeep voting forcongressional candidates.
“What we can’t win through legislation,wewillwin through litigation,” Jordan said.
Attorney General Liz Murrill, whohas promised to defend the decision to suspend the elections, took to social media to push back against the criticism.
Legal challenges to the governor’sorder postponing theelection continue to pile up.
Agroup of voters andthe League of Women Voters of Louisiana on Mondaysued SecretaryofState NancyLandry in federal court over the suspension of U.S. House races in Louisiana, adding to alist of several other lawsuitsthat were already filed late last week over the issues.
The plaintiffs argue that, by enforcing theexecutive order,the secretaryofstate is violatingthe fundamental constitutional right to vote of those who already cast absentee ballots.
They’re asking ajudge in the U.S. Middle DistrictofLouisiana to stop the Secretary of State’s Office, which oversees elections, fromenforcing Gov.Landry’sorder suspending the House elections and to count ballots that have been cast.
Several lawsuits were filed in both state andfederal court late last week challengingGov Landry’semergency suspension of Louisiana’sU.S. House races.
Gov. Landry has said the suspension is lawfuland declared that Louisiana will notholdits 2026 midtermelectionsunder amap declared unconstitutionalbythe U.S. SupremeCourt.
“Do they believeLouisiana should intentionally violate the constitutional rights of hercitizens under the existing map?” she wrote in asocial media post. More lawsuits filed
be prepared to handle questions.
LisaManning Bridges, the registrar in Orleans Parish, said the biggest confusion hasbeen amongno-party voters. Under the new semi-closed primary rules adopted by Landry and the Republican Legislature, nopartyvoters must choose between voting in either the Democratic Party or Republican Party primary Bridges said election commissioners have had to ex-
plain to some no-party voters that choosing to vote in either party’sprimary does not mean they arechanging their party affiliation.
In Baton Rouge, somevoters complained that the new primary rulesmeant they couldn’tvote forDemocrats and Republicans —asvoters could under the long-standing open primary system “I’m an independent and don’twant to have to vote a straight ticket,” said aman in Baton Rouge named Don-
ald. He said he chose to vote in the Republican primary Ano-party voter,Sean Lou read up on thenew ruleson the Secretary of State’sOffice’swebsite before voting at the Archives building.
“I was kind of confused,” Lou said. In acall with reporters Monday,Cassidy said he’s hearing that many Democrats switched to no-party or to Republican to be able to vote for him in the Republican primary
about the oil facility attack, apparently referring to President Donald Trump‘s latest efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global energy
Breaking Iran’s chokehold on the strait would ease global economic concerns and deny Iran a major source of leverage. But such efforts also risk reigniting the fullscale fighting that erupted when the U.S. and Israel first attacked Iran on Feb. 28, prompting it to close the strait.
Shipping companies, and their insurers, are unlikely to take such a risk, given that Iran has fired on ships in the waterway and vowed to keep doing so. Iran has said the new U.S. effort is a violation of the fragile ceasefire that has held for more than three weeks.
Iran’s effective closure of the strait, which runs between Iran and Oman, has caused a spike in worldwide fuel prices and rattled the global economy The U.S.-led Joint Maritime Information Center had advised ships Monday to cross the strait in Oman’s waters, saying it had set up an “enhanced security area.”
Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, told reporters that American forces have successfully opened a passage through the strait that is free of Iranian mines. He said Iran launched multiple cruise missiles, drones and small boats at civilian ships under the U.S. military’s protection.
U.S. military helicopters sank six of the small boats Cooper said, adding that “each and every” threat had been defeated
ABORTION
Continued from page 1A
justification for removing the inperson medical provider visit was based on inadequate research.
The state further argues that taxpayers in a state that forbids abortion are on the hook for Medicaid expenses for low-income women seeking emergency treatment when the medication causes medical problems. A three-judge 5th Circuit panel
“The U.S. commanders who are on the scene have all the authority necessary to defend their unit and to defend commercial shipping as we saw and demonstrated earlier today,” Cooper said.
Trump had warned Sunday that Iranian efforts to halt passage through the strait “will, unfortunately, have to be dealt with forcefully.”
He described “Project Freedom” in humanitarian terms, designed to aid stranded seafarers on hundreds of ships that have been stuck in the Persian Gulf since the war began.
The UAE condemned what it called “renewed treacherous Iranian aggression” and called for an immediate halt to the attacks.
Four missile alerts were issued Monday urging UAE residents to find shelter — the first such alerts since the ceasefire began nearly a month ago. Commercial planes bound for the UAE — home to the
ordered reinstatement of the rule that required women to visit their doctors in person in order to receive mifepristone until the Louisiana case was decided. The 5th Circuit order in GenBioPro Inc. v Louisiana applied to all women seeking abortions across the country
Over the weekend, the drugs’ manufacturers, Danco Laboratories and GenBioPro, filed for an emergency stay of the 5th Circuit order The pharmaceutical companies countered that hundreds of stud-
global travel hubs of Dubai and Abu Dhabi — turned around midair.
The extent of the attack on Fujairah was unclear, but it is the terminus of a pipeline the UAE has used to avoid shipping some of its oil through the strait. The emirate on the Gulf of Oman is home to extensive oil storage facilities and is the UAE’s main sea access outside the strait.
“These attacks represent a dangerous escalation and an unacceptable violation,” the UAE’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement on X.
In Oman, authorities said a residential building near the strait “was targeted,” resulting in two foreign workers wounded, four vehicles damaged and nearby windows shattered The report carried by state-run media did not provide further details.
Iran’s military command has warned that ships passing through the strait must coordinate with
ies accepted by the medical community have shown mifepristone is safe. Physicians counseling patients via telemedicine are not required to prescribe the pill by mail and that method doesn’t prevent Louisiana from enforcing its ban on abortions, the companies argued.
“It simply removes a federal inperson dispensing requirement,” they said.
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said in a statement: “Big abortion pharma claims they need an emergency stay
$10,000 REWARD
Forthe Return of the Historic Capitol CypressBoard
Thesearchcontinues fora pieceofLouisiana history. Followingthe recentinvestigation into thedisappearance of theancientcypress boarddonated to theState Capitol decades ago, theStebbinsfamilyisdoublingtheir efforts to bringit home
Thefamilyisnow offeringa $10,000 reward for information that resultsinthe recovery of theboard
Details of the disappearance: Theboard waslastseenatClaySchexnayder’s district office in Gonzales when he left office in January2024.
Do youhaveinformation regardingits whereabouts? We areseeking thesafe return of this irreplaceable piece of ourstate’s heritage.Yourtip couldbethe keyto restoringafamilylegacyand apiece of ourstate’s heritage
HOWTO HELP
If youhaveany information regardingthe CypressBoard, please contact: Crimestoppers Phone: 225-344-STOP(7867)
them.
“We warn that any foreign military force — especially the aggressive U.S. military that intends to approach or enter the Strait of Hormuz will be targeted,” Maj. Gen. Ali Abdollahi told state broadcaster IRIB.
The South Korean government said an explosion and fire had broken out aboard a South Korean-operated ship anchored in the strait off the UAE. No injuries were reported. It was not immediately known if the vessel was one of the burning ships reported by the British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center.
Trump said in a social media post that Iran had “taken some shot” at a South Korean cargo ship, without elaborating.
The UAE accused Iran of targeting a tanker linked to its main oil company with two drones as it navigated the strait. It did not say when the attack occurred. No inju-
because they will lose massive amounts of money if they can’t kill more babies quickly and efficiently by mail without medical oversight. The administrative stay is temporary, and I am confident life and the law will win in the end.”
The 5th Circuit’s three-judge panel included Judge Kyle Duncan, a Baton Rouge native and LSU law school grad who served as general counsel of the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, a Washington-based legal nonprofit that has opposed abortion, before
ries were reported.
The disruption of the waterway has squeezed countries in Europe and Asia that depend on Persian Gulf oil and gas, raising prices far beyond the region.
The U.S. has warned shipping companies they could face sanctions for paying Iran for transit of the strait.
The U.S has meanwhile enforced a naval blockade on Iranian ports since April 13, telling at least 49 commercial ships to turn back, according to Central Command.
The blockade has deprived Tehran of oil revenue it needs to shore up its ailing economy U.S. officials have expressed hope that the blockade will force Iran to make concessions in talks on its disputed nuclear program and other longstanding issues.
Iran’s latest proposal for ending the war calls for the U.S. lifting sanctions, ending the blockade, withdrawing forces from the region and ceasing all hostilities, including Israel’s operations in Lebanon, according to the semiofficial Nour News and Tasnim agencies, which have close ties to Iran’s security apparatus.
Iranian officials said they were reviewing the U.S. response, though Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei told reporters Monday that changing demands made diplomacy difficult. He did not give details. Iran has claimed its proposal does not include issues related to its nuclear program and enriched uranium long a driving force in tensions with the U.S. and Israel. Iran wants other issues resolved within 30 days and aims to end the war rather than extend the ceasefire. Trump expressed doubt over the weekend that the proposal would lead to a deal.
President Donald Trump nominated him to the federal appellate bench.
He was joined by Judge Kurt D. Engelhardt, another LSU law school grad who had been chief judge of the federal district court in his home city of New Orleans before Trump nominated him to the 5th Circuit, and Judge Leslie Southwick, of Jackson, Mississippi, who was an appointee of President George W. Bush.
Email Mark Ballard at mballard@theadvocate.com.
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By AMIRHOSEIN KHORGOOI
An Iranian tugboat floats in the foreground as cargo ships sit at anchor in the Strait of Hormuz off Bandar Abbas, Iran, on Monday.
Spirit Airlines seeksto startorderly wind-down
Spirit Aviation Holdings Inc.isset to start an orderly wind-down process to sell its assets, capping the downfall of the low-cost carrierthat has filed for bankruptcy twice in recent years and failed to clinch alastminute U.S. government rescue.
The airline filed amotion on Mondayrequesting to wind down operations, after ceasing all passenger flight operations early Saturday.Itis also seeking to modify abankruptcy loan to have thenecessaryfunding to proceed with the sale of its assets, which include aircrafts and spare engines and parts.
Theairline hadplannedtoexit bankruptcy by the summer after striking adeal with creditors to shed billions in debt and lease obligations. Butits financial position significantly worsened due to the surge in fuel costs stemming from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
As Spirit veered towardliquidation last month, the Trump administration floated arescue package. But the effort fizzled out after pushback from agroup of creditors andeven some Republicans. Late last week, the companywas informed that this potential new financing “was no longer an available option,” ChiefFinancial Officer Fred Cromer said in adeclaration filed Monday in support of the wind-down request.
The company made the call to wind down on Friday as it was running short on cash, Cromer said. Spirit incurred nearly $100million in incremental fuel costs between March and April 30, he said.
Spirit ceasedoperations around 3a.m. Saturday so that none of its planes would be in the air and all crew whowereawayfrombases had sufficient time to make hotel accommodations, Cromer added.
GameStop makes $56B bid foreBay
GameStop Corp. is tryingtobuy eBay Inc. for about$56 billion in cash andstock,aboldattempt by Ryan Cohentotakeovera storied e-commercename several times larger
The gaming retail chain has offered $125 per share in cash and stock for the online marketplace, or abouta20% premium to itsFridayclose. GameStop,which built a roughly 5% stake in eBay, hassecured an initial, non-binding “highly confident letter” from TD Bank to provide about $20 billion of debt financing for the deal. In amemo toinvestors, Cohen’scompany pledged to find some $2 billion of annual savings within 12 months of closing.
Cohen is proposing to take over a company roughly four times larger than the retail chain he operates. GameStop had amarket value of $12 billionasofFriday. EBay wasmuch bigger at around$46 billion, though the game retailer has about $9 billion in cash. The takeover offer is split evenly between cash and GameStop common stock.
EBay said Monday thatitwould review the offer “with afocus on the value to be delivered to eBay shareholders, including thevalue of the GameStop stock consideration and the ability of GameStoptodeliver a binding, actionable proposal.” Calif.says StateFarm violated law after wildfires
SACRAMENTO, Calif.— California’stop insurance regulator says the state is seeking millions of dollars in penalties from State Farm after aninvestigation found the insurance company violated state laws while handling claimsfrom the 2025 LosAngelesareawildfires.
State Farm violatedthe law hundreds of times by delaying claim investigations, providing unreasonable payouts and failing to communicate with policyholders, Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara said Monday. Regulators are also seeking to prohibit State Farm, the state’slargest home insurer,fromwriting new policies for ayear Lara launched the investigation last June after survivors of the devastatingPalisades and Eatonfires said that State Farm was delaying andmishandling claims regarding damage to their homes and possible contamination from smoke.
“Our investigation foundthat State Farm delayed, underpaid, and buried policyholders in red tape atthe worst moment of their lives. That is unacceptable, and we are taking decisive action to hold them accountable,” Lara said in astatement.
State Farm didn’timmediately respond to request for comment.
BUSINESS
Does weaker make life more expensive?
BY MATT SEDENSKY AP national writer
NEW YORK Ahidden force is qui-
etly pushing up costsfor everything from yoursummer vacation to your weekly grocerybills: aweaker U.S.dollar
The dollar hasfallen about 10% againstother majorcurrencies since President Donald Trump returned to the White House, a pullback potentially playing arole in Americans’ concerns about affordability
“It’skindofa hidden tax,” said economistThomasSavidge,ofthe conservative-leaning American Institute for Economic Research. “What your dollar is going to be ableto buy is going to shrink.”
TheU.S. Dollar Index, which measures thegreenback against other major currencies, logged its steepest six-month drop in more than50years in thefirst half of 2025. Though the decline hasn’t deepened, the dollar indexisstill about 10%lower thanthe start of Trump’sterm.
Astrongdollar makes imports cheaper and can help keep inflationincheck. Aweak one can increase prices on foreign goods but boost Americanexports.
U.S. presidents have long voiced support for astrongdollareven as they pursued policies that, at times, pushedthe currency lower.Trump has suggested astrong dollarputs the U.S. at adisadvantageand that aweak dollarhelps Americanindustry.And as with most things with Trump, he’s been blunterinhis messaging.
“You make ahell of alot more money with aweaker dollar,” he said last year,one of anumber of public statements showing his preference for seeing the dollar decline Trump isn’talone in seeing benefits of aweaker buck.
In recent months, corporate earnings calls have been peppered with talk of howa weaker dollarhas helpedcompanies from PhilipMorris to Coca-Cola, with executives pulling out Csuitephrases like“favorablecurrencyimpact” to notehow the dip brought tailwinds outside the U.S. that added to bottom lines.
“In many cases, we’ve got a weaker dollar, which is not unhelpful,” Elie Maalouf, theCEO of InterContinental Hotels, said on aFebruarycall as the compa-
ny announced higher profits and revenues.
For bigmultinational companies that do business overseas, a weaker dollar can spur sales for products that suddenly become cheaper.But the vast majority of U.S.businesses are not operating beyond theborder.For those catering to domestic customers it’sadifferent story,particularly if they arereliantonimporting goods.
Travis Madeira, afourth-generation lobsterman who founded the lobster-shipping business LobsterBoys with his brother,makes about 80% of his sales to Americans, unlike somecompetitors who primarily export.
“The exporters aregonna have theadvantage when it comes to the dollar weakening,”says Madeira, who is paying more to import bait and buy Canadian lobsters. “These guysare gonna have alittle bit of alever on us.”
Evenamong companies that do have apresence outside the U.S., the dollar’sfall can have an impact.While manybig companies hedge currency to tryand insulate themselves or push more sales overseas,smaller businessesare often more susceptible to the turbulence.
David Navazio, CEO of Pennsylvania-basedGentell, which makes bandages and other medical supplies, operates plants in Brazil, Paraguay, Canada,New Zealand and the United Kingdom. In each location, the dollar has fallen, increasing Gentell’scosts
Gentell has had to raise some prices to reflect the currency
fluctuation, whichstacks on top of other challenges, including tariffs and war-related spikes to fuel costs
“A year ago, none of these were concerns,” he says. “And it always hurts the consumer.”
For the American consumer, thereality of adeclining dollar is mostobvious during foreign travel or when making apurchase directly from an international seller Crossthe border into Mexico, thetop foreign destinationof Americans, andyourdollaris about16% weaker versus the peso compared with early 2025. Declines of about 10% to 17% have been recorded elsewhere, including against the Swiss franc, South African rand, Danish krone, Swedish krona and the Euro.
As for goods imported to the U.S., there is an impact, but it’s harder to gauge. Many economists estimate that,inadvanced countrieslike the U.S., only about 5% to 10%ofa currencydip is passed on to consumers.
Butthey are an added stress when prices are already affected by other factors.
Take coffee, one of the grocery itemsthathas seenthe biggest price hike in the past year.Brazil is the biggest source of coffee for theU.S. and the dollar has fallen around 13% versus its real. Currency fluctuations can hit harder in developing economies and, while only afraction of the change mayfeed intocoffee’sballooning price, every bit can pile up. Coffee prices are up nearly 19% in the U.S. in thepast year,according to government data.
N.M. seekschild safety restrictions in Meta trial’ssecondphase
BYMORGAN LEE Associated Press
SANTAFE, N.M. New Mexico state prosecutors are seeking fundamental changes to Meta’ssocial mediaappsand algorithms to safeguard children in thesecondphase of alandmarktrial on allegations that platforms such as Instagram have created apublic safety hazard.
Opening statements began Monday in thethree-week bench trial to decide whether theplatformsof Meta,which also ownsFacebook andWhatsApp,poseapublic nuisance under state law.
In the first phase, jurors ordered $375 millionincivilpenalties against Meta, determining that it knowingly harmed children’s mental health and concealed what it knew about child sexual exploitation on its platforms.
Prosecutors are now asking ajudgetoimpose fundamental changes aimedatreining in addictivefeatures,improving age verification andpreventing child sexual exploitationthrough default privacy settings and closer oversight Meta has vowed to appeal the juryverdict and warned that it could eliminate Instagram and Facebook serviceinNew Mexico if forced to comply with impractical mandates
“The fact that we’rehaving a trialonnuisance is itself aremarkable outcome,” said Eric Goldman, co-directorofthe High Tech Law
Institute at Santa Clara University SchoolofLaw in California.“That theoryisnot well accepted as applied to the internet, and thattheory doesn’t really fit the internet.”
As thetrial reconvened Monday state District Court Judge Bryan Biedscheid addressedconcerns that the court might overreach its authority
“I’mprobably notthe easiest sell on theideawhere Iwould become aone-personlegislator,judge and executive branch enforcer,” he said.
New Mexico AttorneyGeneral Raúl Torrez saidthe jury verdict punctured the auraofinvincibility protecting tech companies from liability for materialontheir platformsunder Section 230, a 30-year-old provision of theU.S CommunicationsDecency Act.
ALos Angeles jury separately found bothMetaand YouTube liable for harmstochildren, validating long-standing concerns about dangers of social media.
New Mexicoprosecutors are demanding thatMetahelp remedya mental health crisis among children througha series of safeguards and changes,including a redesign of algorithmsthatmake contentrecommendationssothey no longer prioritize constantengagement
New Mexicoprosecution attorney David Ackerman outlined a$3.7 billion proposal for Meta to remedyharm to children that “recognizesthe scope of the public nuisance thatMeta has caused.”
“Across NewMexico, acrossthe country,children are begging for help,” he said. “Itisthorough and it is necessary.There areitems in this abatement planfor public education,toassist schools, to assist law enforcement, to assist mental health providers.”
Prosecutors are also targeting other appfeatures linkedto compulsive usesuchas“infinite scroll,” whichcontinuously loads content; push notifications; and default settings that show tallies for “likes” and sharing. Their lawsuit also seeks improvements to age verification andothersteps aimed at curbing child sexual exploitation.
And New Mexicowants child accounts on Metaplatforms to have an associated parent or guardian, as well as acourt-supervisedchild safety monitor to track improvements over time
Executives have said the company continuously improveschild safetyand addresses compulsive use andthatmanydemands from prosecutorsare redundant.
In opening statements, Meta attorney Alex Parkinson disputed the ideathat there is apublic righttosocialmedia underlaws against public nuisance, andthat New Mexico’sproposedremedies would be unprecedented in the U.S
He said the state’s$3.7 billion plan goes toofar and would “reshape the way allmental andbehavioral healthcareisdeliveredto New Mexico teens.
BY STAN CHOE Associated Press
NEWYORK— The U.S. stock marketfellfromits record heights Monday, while oilprices jumped following escalationsinthe Middle East that may undermine the ceasefire in the warwith Iran. TheS&P 500sank0.4%, comingoff its latest all-time high The DowJones IndustrialAveragedropped 557 points, or 1.1%, and the Nasdaq composite slipped 0.2%.
The action was stronger in the oilmarket, where the pricefor abarrel of Brentcrudeleaped 5.8% to settleat$114.44. It jolted higher after the United Arab Emirates, aU.S. ally,said it came underattack by Iranfor the first time since the ceasefire took hold in early April. The attacks appeared to be in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’slatest efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s closureofthe strait has kept oil tankers pent up in the Persian Gulf and away from customers worldwide.Thatinturn has sent the price of Brent soaring from roughly $70 perbarrel before the war TrumpsaidSundaythatthe United States would guide ships through thestrait,whichcould getoil flowing againand bring down its price. But prices instead climbed with uncertainty about whatwould happen next.
TheU.S. military saidMonday that two American-flagged merchant ships had successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz. It also said that it sank six small boats as it set up an “enhanced security area”for ships crossingthe strait Evenwith allthe uncertainty about how long the war with Iran will last,the U.S. stock markethas remained remarkably resilient and has powered to record after record. Hope is still high on Wall Street that theglobal economy can avoid aworst-case scenario because of the war.And in the meantime, companies continue to deliver biggrowthinprofits. That’skey because stock prices tend to follow the path of corporate profits over the long term. The strength so far this reporting season has been broad-based and not confined to just theBig Tech superstars thatdominate the market. The median stock in the S&P 500 is tracking for the best growth since2021, according to Savita Subramanian, astrategist at Bank of America.
Tyson Foods joined the list Mondayofthose topping analysts’ expectationsfor both profit and revenue during thelatestquarter It sold lessbeefthanitdid a year ago, but it did so at prices that were11.5% higher, so itstotal beef revenue edged up. It also sold morechicken and pork than ayear earlier, at slightly higher prices. Its stock rose 8% and helped limit Wall Street’slosses. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings likewise delivered abetter profit forthe latest quarter than analysts expected. But it’sfeeling theeffects of thewar,whichhas notonlyraisedpressure on fuel prices but also pushed customers to think twice about travel plans, particularly to Europe. The cruise operator said some “executionmissteps” also have bookings belowwhere it would like, and its stock fell 8.6%.
UPSand FedEx droppedeven more for some of the market’s sharpest losses after Amazon announced amovethatcould cut into theirbusinesses. Theonline giant said it’s begun allowing Procter &Gamble,3Mand other big companies to use its logistics services to move inventory,fulfill orders anddeliverpackages directly to shoppers.
UPSdropped10.5%,and FedEx fell 9.1%, while Amazon rose 1.4%.
STAFF FILE PHOTOByJILL PICKETT
Acustomer loads purchases into acartatWalmartNeighborhood Market in Bossier City.
Judge questions why D.C. dinner attack suspect on suicide watch
BY MICHAEL KUNZELMAN Associated Press
WASHINGTON A federal magistrate judge on Monday pressed a jail official to explain why a man charged with trying to storm the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner and attempting to kill President Donald Trump was placed on restrictive suicide watch after his arrest.
Officials at the city jail in Washington, D.C., removed Cole Tomas Allen from its designated “suicide status” over the weekend after his attorneys complained that he had been unnecessarily confined in a padded room with constant lighting, repeatedly strip searched and placed in restraints outside his cell.
But the relaxed conditions didn’t satisfy U.S. Magistrate Judge Zia Faruqui’s concerns that Allen may have received disparate, punitive treatment in violation of his due process rights. Faruqui noted that the D.C. jail routinely houses convicted killers and others charged with violent crimes without placing them on 24-hour lockdown.
“It could drive a person crazy to be in that situation,” he said.
Faruqui apologized to Allen over his confinement conditions. In response to a news report on that apology, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro criticized him in a social media post that said Faruqui “believes a defendant armed to the teeth and attempting to assassinate the president is entitled to preferential treatment in his confinement compared to every other defendant.”
Allen’s lawyers said he wasn’t
showing any suicidal risk factors after his arrest But a jail psychiatrist evaluated him and initially concluded that he posed a suicide risk, according to Tony Towns, acting general counsel for the city’s corrections department
“Every case is different, your honor,” Towns said.
Allen was moved into protective custody after the jail lifted the suicide prevention measures. His attorneys didn’t object to his new confinement status. They had asked the magistrate to cancel Monday’s hearing, but Faruqui forged ahead with it due to his “grave concerns” about Allen’s treatment in jail.
Allen was injured but was not
shot during the April 25 attack at the Washington Hilton, which disrupted one of the highest-profile annual events in the nation’s capital.
Allen was armed with guns and knives when he ran through a security checkpoint and pointed his weapon at a Secret Service agent, who fired back five times, authorities said. Pirro has said that Allen fired a shot that struck the agent’s bullet-resistant vest Allen later told FBI agents that he didn’t expect to survive the attack, which could help explain why he was deemed to be a possible suicide risk, said Justice Department prosecutor Jocelyn Ballantine.
Indian leader’s party wins key state election
BY SHEIKH SAALIQ Associated Press
NEW DELHI Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling Hindu nationalist party has wrested control of the opposition stronghold of West Bengal in a key state election.
The Election Commission of India released partial results Monday showing the Bharatiya Janata Party won at least 124 seats in the 294-member West Bengal assembly and was leading in 83 others.
Modi’s party has never governed West Bengal and had tried for years to dislodge the All India Trinamool Congress government led by state Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. She is one of Modi’s most prominent critics and has held power in the politically influential state since 2011.
Opposition parties have sharply criticized the polls in West Bengal after the Election Commission removed millions of voters from electoral rolls.
Governments were ousted in two other states and Modi’s party retained power in another that held elections in April.
India has more than 1.4 billion people in 28 states and eight federal territories, and elections are staggered with several states and territories voting each year
The outcome in West Bengal was expected to boost Modi’s standing and strengthen his position midway through his third term in office. The 2024 national election forced his ruling party
to rely on regional allies to form a government. He is expected to run for a record fourth term in 2029.
Addressing supporters at BJP headquarters in New Delhi, Modi said the results pointed to the party’s widening appeal in a state where it had historically struggled.
“A new chapter has been added to Bengal’s destiny,” Modi told a cheering crowd.
India’s opposition has struggled to mount a unified and sustained challenge to the BJP’s dominance nationwide.
Banerjee had emerged as one of Modi’s most prominent national rivals, particularly after positioning herself as a key leader to unite regional parties against the BJP Her defeat was likely to weaken her leverage within an opposition bloc already divided by regional power struggles.
In the southern state of Tamil Nadu, popular movie star Joseph Vijay who launched the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam party only two years ago, ousted the ruling DMK party Tamil Nadu, one of India’s most developed states, has a history of electing movie stars to the top office.
In Kerala, another southern state, the Indian National Congress-led opposition defeated the ruling communist government, ending leftist rule in one of its last remaining strongholds.
Modi’s party also returned to power in the northeastern state of Assam for a third consecutive term.
BY CHRISTOPHER WEBER Associated Press
LOSANGELES The man accused of sparking the deadly Palisades Fire in Los Angeles was upset that he didn’t have plans for New Year’s Eve and ranted about being angry at the world before the initial blaze was sparked, according to court documents filed by prosecutors.
Jonathan Rinderknecht, 29, has pleaded not guilty to starting what became one of the most destructive wildfires in California history It began Jan. 7, 2025, in hillside neighborhoods of Pacific Palisades and Malibu and killed 12 people.
Prosecutors say Rinderknecht started a fire on Jan. 1 that burned undetected deep in root systems before flaring back up a week later Rinderknecht’s trial is set to begin June 8. His attorneys say he is being used as a scapegoat for the Los Angeles Fire Department’s failure to fully extinguish the earlier blaze. An outline of the prosecutors’ strategy — with details about the defendant’s alleged state of mind on the night before the first fire began appears in an April 29 pretrial memo filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Witnesses reported that
Rinderknecht had been driving erratically while on Uber routes around the Palisades on New Year’s Eve, said prosecutors. His passengers described him as “angry, intense, driving erratically, and ranting about being ‘pissed off at the world,’” the memo said.
According to court filings, Rinderknecht ranted to passengers about accused UnitedHealthcare CEO shooter Luigi Mangione, capitalism and vigilantism. In an interview with investigators on Jan. 24, when asked why someone might commit arson in the Palisades, Rinderknecht “responded that it would be out of resentment of the rich enjoying their money as ‘we’re basically being enslaved by them,’” and again referenced Mangione’s alleged crime, the documents said.
JanRisher
LOUISIANA AT LARGE
Paddling on the Mississippi
We made it: Three days, 50 miles, 12 women, three guides and two oversized canoes on the Mississippi River We put in near Clarksdale, Mississippi, and got out at Terrene Landing in Bolivar County, Mississippi —paddling rightup alongside the American Melody, acruise ship, as its well-dressed passengers returned from an excursion.
We had been on the water,sleeping on islands for three days. They had been sailing from Memphis, Tennessee, to New Orleans. We were not, at that moment, peers.
But several of them wanted to talk to us. So did the crew.One female crew member told us she was seriously impressed. Ibelieved her.John Ruskey,founder of the Quapaw Canoe Co. out of Clarksdale, was our primary guide. He is white-haired, leanlegged and always on amission.
Originally from Colorado, he arrived in Clarksdalein1982 and was astonished to find that people who had lived their whole lives alongside the Mississippihad never once been on it. He decided to do something about that. He builtthe giantvoyager-style canoes, based on those usedby Frenchexplorers. They can hold 12 people or,inour case, sevenoreight people and allthe gear. They are remarkably stable. Also, he swims in the river every day.Aswewere getting in the canoes Friday morning, he suddenly dove into the water and started swimming aroundlikea mermaid,asifthe temperature didn’tapply to him. It was cold. Iwas not frolicking like amermaid. Iwas focused on not getting my feet wet. Ultimately,Idid not swim in the river.Afew of the braver women did. Idid, however,eventually get my feet wet.
At our first stop for the night, Irelearned how to put upa tent —meaning, Iwas presentwhile others did it well.One handled the poles, another the stakes, andone folded it all back up with impressive efficiency.Idid not have a specialty What Ihadn’texpected was the night noise.
Ihad imaginedisland camping on the Mississippi would feel remote and hushed, cut off from everything.
Iwas wrong in away you can only be wrong at 2:43 a.m Towboats run all night on the Mississippi, and those things are loud —and long. Even though, from its banks or bridges, Isee bargesonthe Mississippi often,I have adifferent level of appreciation for it being aworkingriver now.Itnever rests.
We saw several tow boatspushing what appearedto be 42 barges, lined up side-by-side.Barges can be larger on the lower Mississippi because the river is so wide.
Ilearned that astandard inland barge carries 1,500 to 1,750 tons of dry cargo. Accordingto the U.S. NationalWaterways Foundation, inland barges can move aton of cargo 647 miles on asingle gallon of fuel. The river is, among other things, an engine. Ialso learned that the river islands are numbered. Below the confluence of the Ohio and the Mississippi near Cairo, Illinois, they run sequentially— we paddled roughly from Island 63 to Island 69. Ihad no ideasucha system existed. But back to noises: We also heard coyotes. They werehowling at the full moon. And birds —somany birds. On Sundaymorning, as we
ä See RISHER, page 2B
BREC search yields 3 finalists
Commission expected to name newleaderonMay 28
BY CLAIREGRUNEWALD
Staff writer
Baton Rouge’spark agency announced Monday three finalists from its national search for its next superintendent.
Thesearch for anew BRECsuperintendentcomes afterformer Superintendent CoreyWilsonannounced in March 2025 that he wouldnot seek contractrenewal Janet Simmons has servedasinterim superintendent since June.
TheBREC Commissionisexpected topick anew superintendent at theMay 28 commission meeting, according toBREC’sannouncement
BrooksWilliams, Chris Maitre and Daniel Betts have been named finalistsfor the role.
Williams serves as city manager and chief executive officer for the city of Ferris, Texas. He hasadoctorate in public administration.
Maitre servesaschiefexecutiveofficer of Brackenridge Park
Conservancy in San Antonio, Texas. He previously heldsenior executive leadership roleswith NewOrleans CityParkand Tulane University
Betts is the executive directorofrecreation forthe Cincinnati Recreation Commission. His background includesleadership roles in Chicago, Denver and Cook County,Illinois. During the first week of May each finalist will spend time in BatonRouge participatingina
comprehensive interview and evaluation process. Theywill be meeting with leaders andstaff and touring East Baton Rouge Parish andBRECfacilities, BREC said in its newsrelease.
“Selecting BREC’snext superintendent is one of the most significantdecisions for the organization’sfuture, and thisprocess is designed to ensure the best possiblechoicefor ourstaff,our parks system, and the community we serve,” said BREC Commission Chair Mike Polito in the newsrelease.
Never forgotten
ABOVE: Student Payzleigh Browninglays flowers Monday outside SeventhWard Elementary School in Denham Springs before amemorial for KatyWells.
RIGHT: Studentshold up candles while singing ‘This Little Light of Mine’ in honor of Wells, abeloved crossingguardwho died after beingstruck by avehicle.
2attorneys runningfor Family Court bench
BYQUINN COFFMAN Staff writer
as clientsinFamily Court motivatedthem to enter thefield and now to seek the judgeship.
Votes havealready begun to be cast this past weekend for two candidates running for an open judge’s seat at theinEast Baton Rouge Parish Family Court. The candidates, Democrat Caulette “Twin”Jackson-Guillard and Republican Joseph Cataldie, are both attorneys who’ve practiced family lawfor more than 15 years. Both saidpersonal experiences
Cataldie said in addition to being astaff attorney for aFamily Court judge and representing families with thePrendergastLaw Firm, he’sasingle dad and co-parentto his daughter “I have seen it from the inside and the outside from every angle thatone possibly can,” Cataldie said.
BLOTTER staff reports
A56-year-old mandied and another person was injuredinan earlyMonday morning shooting in Baton Rouge, officials said. The shooting happened about 2:45 a.m in the 1600 block of North 16th Street, the East Baton Rouge Parish Coroner’s Office said. Baton Rouge police found a man, later identified as Donald Bennet, dead on scene from apparentgunshot wounds. The surviving victim was transported to ahospital in stablecondition,Emergency Medical Services said. No suspects have been devel-
oped at this time, Baton Rouge policesaidina Mondayafternoon statement. Man whodied during arrest sought in shooting Theman whodiedbysuicide Mondaymorning as officers tried to arrest himinEast Feliciana Parish was wantedina shooting in Jackson last month, officials said. Nicholas Cunningham was one of two men wanted in an April 2shooting in theCharles Drive area of Jackson. The shooting sentthe victim to ahospital afterlifesavingaid wasgiven at the scene, according to an online
STAFF PHOTOSByMICHAEL JOHNSON
Gulf could overtake N.O. in the future, study reveals
Scientists urge city to begin relocation planning
BY ALEX LUBBEN Staff writer
A team of scientists led by a Tulane University geologist is urging Louisiana to begin planning now for how to relocate entire communities away from the coast, warning that sea levels may eventually rise high enough to overtake New Orleans.
The paper published Monday in the journal Nature Sustainability with Tulane coastal geologist Torbjörn Törnqvist as lead author, gives a concrete picture of what southeast Louisiana could look like in the coming centuries as sea levels rise. The team identified, for the first time, an ancient shoreline about 30 miles north of New Orleans that marks where the Gulf once reached.
That finding underpins an argument the paper makes that one its authors acknowledge won’t be popular: that the state should begin planning now for a gradual, multigenerational relocation of coastal residents to higher ground. New Orleans, the paper argues, will eventually become “physically impossible” to defend with flood walls and levees.
“They are saying out loud the things that no one wants to say,” A.R. Siders, an associate professor at the University of Delaware who studies how people are adapting to climate change, said of the study’s authors. “No one wants to say New Orleans won’t be there in 200 years.” Siders reviewed the paper but was not involved with the study The argument isn’t entirely new, and Törnqvist has been warning about New Orleans’ longterm future for years. In a 2020 paper, he wrote that Louisiana’s
wetlands had crossed a tipping point and that the eventual shoreline would likely settle near the Baton Rouge Fault, a geological line where land to the south sinks faster than land to the north.
What the new paper adds is direct geological evidence of where that shoreline once was, and a sharper policy stance from an interdisciplinary team that combines geology with archaeology demography and policy It’s a perspective article, a format in which authors advance an argument supported by evidence rather than report a standalone research finding.
“What is new about this study is that it lays out in clear scientific terms with abundant data and supporting information that we are facing right now a multigenerational need to relocate our coastal communities,” said Sam Bentley a professor of sedimentary geology at LSU who was not involved with the paper “That has never been spelled out so clearly and with such urgency.”
Robert Young, a professor of geology at Western Carolina University who was not involved in the study, agreed with its findings but doubted it would move Louisiana’s political class.
“It is going to be fairly straightforward for the political class to dismiss it because the timeframe is so long,” he said. “Politicians are not going to get reelected by telling communities that they need to leave.”
Not everyone in the region accepts the idea that the city might have to relocate. Greater New Orleans Inc., the regional economic development organization, said the paper goes too far in advocating for wholesale relocation of the city
“The study’s findings are academically compelling, but empirically unconvincing,” said Michael Hecht, the organization’s president and CEO. “Experience
around the world, and here in Louisiana, demonstrates that relocation is not inevitable, nor always desirable.”
Ancient shoreline
The discovery happened almost by accident
About a decade ago, Tulane geologist Zhi-Xiong Shen now at Coastal Carolina University and a co-author on the paper — was using lidar a laser-based mapping technology, to study fault lines that contribute to southeast Louisiana’s sinking. He noticed a low, curving feature in the elevation data, drilled into the ground, and found sand: the remains of an ancient beach. That beach, now called the Ponchatoula Ridge, runs from roughly Mandeville in the east to Ponchatoula in the west. The sand had been shaped by wave action, indicating it is likely where the Gulf lapped against the shoreline about 125,000 years ago, when the Earth was warmer than it was during most of human civilization. The shoreline from that period was known across much of the Gulf Coast, but it was never located in Louisiana until now
The discovery of the Ponchatoula Ridge is “a small detail, maybe, to some readers, but the implications of it are epic,” Bentley said. To him, it underscores that an area where more than a million people live will eventually be submerged.
Earth is now roughly as warm as it was during that last interglacial period, when temperatures peaked at as much as 2.7 degrees above pre-industrial levels. Sea levels lag behind temperature, though, as ice sheets take centuries to melt, meaning the warming already locked in is expected to keep raising seas for centuries
That means the city could become a kind of fortified island in the Gulf by the time sea levels rise by roughly 10 feet above
RISHER
Continued from page 1B
camped on an island on the Arkansas side of the river, in the silence between barges, I tried to count how many birds I could hear With the Merlin app, I spent five minutes identifying songs and counted 19 species. Nineteen.
At home, I probably hear just as many and register maybe two Out there, the birds were not background noise — it was either them or barges. Hearing all those birds made me want to get better at paying attention.
Saturday night, we sat in the sand around the campfire with a guitar strumming, friends singing and the river lapping 5 feet away The sky was clear, and the constellations were extraordinary the kind of sky that made me feel both small and lucky to be in that place with that view. Then the full moon cleared the eastern horizon, its reflection stretching like gold a mile and a half across the Mississippi, straight to us. There are moments that don’t need improving Ruskey navigated us across the river repeatedly, always chasing fast water Through most of our journey the river was at least a mile and a half wide. Being in the river — at water level, in a canoe — is a different kind of understanding Catherine S. Comeaux of Lafayette, made all of this happen.
She asked, I said yes, and then spent the weeks before the trip wondering why I have a better idea of why now In the lives of comfort that we live, this trip was a reminder that we can do hard things actual hard things, cold-morninggetting-in-a-canoe hard things, sleeping-on-an-island
where they are now, the study finds. And if sea levels rise by over 20 feet — a level the researchers say is locked in over the long term, though the timing is uncertain — sea water could slosh over the French Quarter’s wrought-iron galleries.
Current projections from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration show seas rising off Louisiana by between 3.5 and 9 feet by 2100, depending on emissions scenarios.
Fewer diversions, less time
The state’s recent cancellation of two major Mississippi River sediment diversions, the MidBarataria and Mid-Breton projects, both opposed by shrimpers and oyster farmers, has shortened the timeline.
“New Orleans is in a terminal state,” said Jesse Keenan, an associate professor at the Tulane School of Architecture and a coauthor of the study. “The question is how much time do we have, and how much time can we buy?”
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which built and maintains the post-Katrina levee system, is designing new additions to extend protection through 2073. Beyond that, the Corps said in a written response, “additional evaluations” will be needed.
Without the diversions, the city has less time, Törnqvist said. Future projects could buy some or all of that time back, though they will not change the eventual outcome.
“The negative outcomes of continued sea level rise are just going to happen earlier,” Törnqvist said. “The time window to do this managed relocation is just going to be shortened by maybe a couple of decades. And that’s a lot of time.”
“There’s a kind of mortality here,” Keenan said. “We’re facing our own mortality with New Orleans, and that’s fine. There’s
FAMILY
Continued from page 1B
Jackson-Guillard said her path to a Family Court judgeship began when she was 10 years old and decided she wanted to pursue that kind of law Now she has 20 years of experience.
“I experienced dysfunction growing up,” Jackson-Guillard said. “I know what it feels like when families struggle when stability is uncertain, and when children are caught in the middle. That experience didn’t break me; it shaped me. It gave me purpose.”
She said her personal experiences let her see firsthand how decisions impact real people especially children.
Jackson-Guillard ran for a similar seat in 2023, losing to Judge Kyle Russ.
This is Cataldie’s first campaign. He said he decided the judgeship was the next step in his career after 16 years representing families with Prendergast. He said his style as an attorney
BLOTTER
Continued from page 1B
notice last month by the Jackson Marshals Office.
Another suspect in the shooting, Corente Anderson, turned himself in and was booked into the East Feliciana Parish Prison on a count of principal to attempted second-degree murder
Cunningham had remained at large until Monday morning, when officers with the U.S. Marshals Service tried to arrest him.
As task force officers were working to take Cunningham into custody, he died by suicide, the East Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
“No shots were fired by the task force nor was there any other use of force by task force personnel,” the Sheriff’s Office said.
No East Feliciana sheriff’s personnel were present or involved in the apprehension efforts.
The Sheriff’s Office is documenting the incident.
Police say toddler injured in gunfire
A toddler was injured in a shooting early Monday morning in Baton Rouge, officials said. The shooting happened shortly after 4 a.m in the 2800 block
nothing wrong with that. It just means we have to think about palliative care and how we are going to treat those who are immobile and those that are getting left behind.”
The paper also argues that getting ahead of relocation could give New Orleans a “first mover advantage,” or a chance to develop expertise other coastal cities will eventually need.
Young, the Western Carolina geologist, wasn’t convinced that was really an advantage.
“The main problem I have with the paper is at the very end when it talks about the possibility of making New Orleans and places south a model for what could happen elsewhere,” he said. “I’m just really skeptical that that can happen anytime soon.”
Without a state-managed plan, the paper warns, residents with savings will leave first, taking the tax base with them and stranding lower-income residents in communities with eroding services and worsening climate hazards.
“Those people with abundant resources will move, and then who do you leave behind?” Keenan said. “A highly impoverished and immobile population.”
Articulating all of this and publishing it in a reputable scientific journal puts the researchers in a somewhat uncomfortable position, they said, having to tell people what they don’t want to hear Törnqvist said he was “preparing for some hate mail.” Keenan said he would not have published the paper if he didn’t have tenure.
“Many of us have taken the approach that advocating for a particular stance can threaten our apparent objectivity in reaching a solution,” said Bentley “But sometimes you have to do it. And I think this is an exceptional case.”
Email Alex Lubben at alex. lubben@theadvocate.com.
is to provide calm to families during the “most challenging times of their lives.” He hopes to bring that same demeanor to the families that come before him as a judge.
“I feel like I’ve progressed to a level as an attorney where the next logical step is to try to take that ability that I’ve honed in myself and apply it as a judge,” Cataldie said. “I think (that calmness) is almost better suited for the bench.”
Jackson-Guillard said she hopes to bring mutual respect to the families who come before her and help them move forward.
“I also believe in encouraging early resolution when appropriate, through mediation that’s available on the fourth floor every Tuesday and problemsolving, so families can avoid prolonged conflict,” she said, “especially when children are involved.”
Early voting ends Saturday, with the race to be decided during the May 16 election.
Email Quinn Coffman at quinn.coffman@theadvocate. com.
of Monroe Street, according to Baton Rouge police.
Jackson man killed in motorcycle crash
A motorcycle crash Sunday afternoon in West Feliciana Parish claimed the life of 67-year-old Bruce Bellingham, of Jackson, according to State Police.
Bellingham was traveling south on La. 965 about 3:45 p.m. on a 2017 Harley-Davidson Ultra Limited. Bellingham failed to negotiate a slight right curve, exited the roadway to the left and was ejected from the motorcycle, troopers said. Bellingham was pronounced dead on the scene. He was wearing a Department of Transportation-approved helmet at the time of the crash. Impairment is not suspected; however, routine toxicology samples will be obtained and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.
LOTTERY SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2026
PICK 3: 8-3-2
PICK 4: 7-3-0-8
PICK 5: 5-9-5-4-3
STAFF PHOTOS By JAN RISHER
Skilled guide John Ruskey, of Quapaw Canoes in Clarksdale, Miss., chased fast water and dodged barges while leading Jan Risher’s group of adventurers on a trip along the Mississippi River
Catherine S Comeaux, who organized a 50-mile paddle trip down the Mississippi River, laughs along with the group that includes 11 friends and strangers. The canoe trip started in Clarksdale, Miss., on Friday and finished at Terrene Landing in Bolivar County, Miss., on Sunday
Delahaye,Linda
WilbertFuneral Home,24120 RailroadAve, Plaquemine, LAat 12pm Geter, Whitney
Page,Alice Greenoaks FuneralHome, 9595 FloridaBoulevard, at 10 a.m.
Obituaries
Blades, Shirley McMillion Harris
Shirley Marie McMillion Harris Blades passed away on April 30, 2026. She was born on October 4, 1936, to Harley and Johnie McMillionand was aresident of Zachary, Louisiana. She is survived by her two sons, Fred Harris and companion, Ann Johnson, Jerry Harris and wife, DeDe, alongwith numerous grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. She was preceded in death by her two sons, Curtiss Harris and Jeffrey Harris, and her daughter, Linda Harris. A small graveside service will be held Wednesday at 11AM, Hillcrest Memorial in Baker, Louisiana.
Darryl Cambre passed away Saturday, May 2in his Prairieville home after acourageous battle with cancer. He was 65. He is remembered as abeloved PawPaw, Daddy, husband, brother, and son. ABaton Rouge native and Louisiana sportsman, he loved fishing, hunting, cooking, gardening, NASCAR, the LSU Tigers, andSaints football.Heretired from LEMOINE after 2+decades supervising construction of some of the region's most important cultural and economic sites. Darryl is survived by his wife of 44 years, Sherri McKey Cambre; children MandiCambre (Dustin Reuther) and Alex Cambre (Dorisia Francois); grandchildren Evie and Zélie Reuther; brother Wayne Cambre (Donna Kay); and sisters Cindy Guilbeau (Bobby) and Ruth Whitehead (Ellis); as well as numerous nieces and nephews, dear friends, and colleagues. He is predeceased by his twin brother, Harrell Cambre; sister, Judy McQueen; and parents, Clinton and Marie Millet Cambre. Visitation will be Wednesday, May 6 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Ourso Funeral Home and will continue on Thursday, May 7from 11:00 a.m.-12:00p.m. atSt. John the Evangelist Catholic Church before a Mass of Christian Burial at noon. Pallbearers are Dustin Reuther, Bobby Guilbeau, Jim McQueen, Ellis Whitehead, Neal Dozier Seth Dozier, and Derek Bercegeay. Honorary pallbearers are Alex Cambre, Alton McKey, Jr., and Jude Whitehead.
To everything there is a season and atime for everypurposeunder heaven. Today we celebrate the life of our mother, Mary Virginia Geoghegan Greer. Mary left this world on May 1, 2026 to be reunited with her husband, Horace Oscar Greer, her parents, Archie Vaughan and Bessie Perry Geoghegan, her daughter Kathy Virginia Greer, her sons-in-law Jerry Valentine, Sr. and Robby Smith, and her brother and hiswife Archie Vaughan d li b h G
member He was an avid
his wife Archie Vaughan and Elizabeth Ann Geoghegan.
Sheissurvived by her daughters TammyValentine and Christy Smithand ason Thomas Greer, five grandchildren Brittany Seal and husband Jamie, StephanieRyals andhusband Brian, JerryValentine, Jr.and wife Kelsey, Randa Smith,Catlyn Smith and husband LoganMiller. Mary was blessed with eight great grandchildren CadenGettys, Raegan Falcon, Paige and Braxton Ryals, Kameronand Jorden Seal,and Micahand Lane Valentine as well as many niecesand nephews. We wouldliketothank HeartofHospice for the care and love they showed our mother during this trying time.
Our hearts maybe heavy today, but maywe rejoice in knowing she has reachedher heavenly home. Acelebrationoflifewill followatalater date.
Johnson, Norwyn
Norwyn was born on November 4, 1943in Lytham StAnnes, England toHorace Calvin Johnson and Irene McGrath Johnson. He passed away on April 29, 2026athis belovedfamilyfarm in Simpson, Louisiana.He graduatedfromIstrouma High School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Louisiana State University and Tulane University and also served in the Unites States Armyduringthe Vietnam War. After along careerwith the United States Army CorpsofEngineers andthe Louisiana Coastal Restoration Authority,heretired andsettledtoliveinKirkland, Washington with his wife Lynda Johnson Norwynwillbemissed every minuteofeveryday. Godwas gracioustobring himhome painlesslyfrom theplace he so dearly loved, his familyfarmin Simpson, Louisiana. He tookgreat prideinhis familyand spent the last five years enjoying his grandchildren, birding and exploring Washington and the Pacific Northwest.He was alifelongsports fan and enjoyedfollowing the LSU and University of Virginia sports teams. He is precededindeath by his parentsHorace Johnson and Irene Johnson andhis brother LarryJohnson. He is survived by his wifeLynda Johnson;brother Donald Johnson,children Shane Johnson (Jen), Laurel Bennett(Tony) and Ryan Purcell;grandchildrenTrevorHatley, Anna Bennett,Eli Bennett, Briana Johnson,ShanaJohnson, HunterPurcell and Addison Purcell. He is also survivedbynumerous nieces and nephews The family held aprivate wake on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Lamy, Raymond George
Raymond George Lamy, Sr. passed awaysurrounded by hisfamily on April 30, 2026, at the ageof93. He was born in New OrleansonMay 10, 1932, and was along-time residentofthe New Orleans Westbank. Raymond was agraduateofSt. AloysiusHigh School in 1950wherehe was the classsalutatorian. As astar football player, he was namedtothe 1949 New Orleans Quarterback Club.Upon graduation, Raymond earned an academic and baseball scholarshiptoLoyola University where he graduatedin 1954with adegree in accounting Aftergraduatingfrom Loyola, Raymond wasappointed as asecondlieutenant in the U.S. Army whereheadmirably served ourcountry inFort Knox, KY Raymond hada successful careerinthe insurance industry. He was extremely dedicated to his family and community wherehewas aScout Leader, baseball coach, volunteer fireman, school PTA officer,and HOA board member. He was an avid
golfer scoring several holes in one at Brechtel ParkGolfCourse.Mostimportantly, Raymond spent his life as adevout CatholicservingOur Lord as alector,usher, alter server, Knightsof Columbus member, and EucharisticMinister. He was extremely devoted to hisSt. Vincent de Paul SocietyConference in ImmaculateConception Parish. Raymond was preceded in death by his parents John Earl and Camille Sperandeo Lamy; brothers John and Harold Lamy; belovedwife MarciaAnn; and sons Dennis Michael and Daniel Patrick. He is survivedbyhis sons Raymond,Jr. (Jann) Timothy(Kathleen), and daughter Leslie Champagne (Michael, Sr.); grandchildrenRyan, Rhett, Reid (Lacey), Toby (Julie), L. Nick, Kyle(Abby), DevenPaul, Trevor (Connie),and Michael Champagne, Jr. (Christine)aswellas10 great-grandchildren. Visitation at Immaculate Conception Church, 4401 Seventh Street, Marrero, LA.onWednesday, May 6, 2026, at 11:00 AM followed by aCatholicFuneral Mass at 1:00 PM.Private interment at alaterdate.
In lieu of flowers,donations may be sent to St Vincent de Paul Society, ImmaculateConception Conference,4401 Seventh Street, Marrero, LA 70072.
Clara Ann Robert LeBlanc, alovingmother, grandmother, sister and friend passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on Friday, May 1, 2026, at the ageof87. She was aresident of White Castle and a nativeofDonaldsonville LA.Visitation willbeheld at Wilbert Funeral Home, Plaquemine on Thursday May 7, 2026, from8:30am until10:30am with Mass of Christianburial at Our Lady of PromptSuccor, White Castle at 11am, celebrated by Father Alec Sheldon. Entombment willfollow at White Castle Cemetery. Clara is survivedbyher children, Jeddy LeBlanc, Jr and wife Sharon, Vickie Pearce and Dale Breaux, Darin LeBlancand wife Toni;grandchildren, Kirsten Gravois, Kyle Pearce, Kayla Pearce, Haley Lowe, Daryn Ann Prejean, Anthony LeBlanc, Renee Breaux and Courtney Guidry; twelve great grandchildren; brother,Eugene Robert; numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in deathbyher husband, JeddyLeBlanc, Sr.; parents, Benoitand Elise Cire Robert;and siblings, Bernard "Red", Herman "Whitie",Curtis, and Irby Robert, Agnes Daigle and Marian Guercio. Special thankstoher sitters Ms. Ditty, Ms. Laonna,Ms. Lavern, Ms. Tracy and Ms. Sharlafor their loving care. Please sharememories online at www.wilbertservices.com.
Grace Simpson passed away at her son's home surrounded by family on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at the ageof78. She was aretired retailmanager, resident and nativeofPlaquemine, LA.A memorial visitation willbeheldat Wilbert Funeral Home, Plaquemine on Thursday May 7, 2026, from5pm until 8pm. Grace is survived by her children, HondruChiasson, Hassel Chiasson, HeidiWilson, Hollis Simpson, IIIand Miranda, and HeathSimpson and wife Blakeney; grandchildren, Megan and EricChiasson, KelliVicknair, Kaci Wilson Fischer and Hollis, IV Simpson, Caroline Marionneaux, Clayton Counts, Annaleise and Cinclaire Simpson; greatgrandchildren, LangdonHale, Avery and Mason Chandler, HazelGrace i k i d ill
Chandler, Hazel Grace Vicknair, and MillerAnn Marionneaux; siblings, Dawayne Locke, Priscilla Locke, and Hardy Locke; special nephew, Sean Witt; fur baby,Beaux Beaux; numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her son, Hunter Paul Simpson; and parents, Harry and MargarettMerchant Locke. Grace was very artistic, she especially enjoyed makingceramics. She also enjoyed planting her flowers and was a greatcook. Special thanks to Comfort Care Hospice and staff, Ms. Latasha Coleman and family for their loving care. Please sharememories online at www.wilbertservices.com.
TrahanJr., Huey Pierce 'Butch'
HueyPierce Trahan, Jr., affectionatelyknown to all as "Butch" passed away peacefully on May 1, 2026. An expert hunter, trapper and fisherman, Butch lived with adeeprespect forthe outdoors and shared that knowledge withothers throughout his life.Butch retired fromFeliciana Forensic Facilityafter many years of service. He was agifted storyteller whose tales captivated all who listenedand theauthor of The Gobbler and theLooking Glass. He was also an accomplished NMLRA championand recordholder. As alongtime Assistant ScoutmasterwithBoy Scout Troop 51 and afounding member of theCollege of Knowledge, Butch shared notonly skills but valuesthatwill endure in those he mentored. Hisinvolvement with youthalso included coaching Little League baseballand Peewee football teams. His grandsons were his pride and joy though. He leaves them with alegacy of respect for nature, aheart of wonder, and athirst foradventure. He is survivedbyhis sister, LindaYoung; brothers, DeWayne Trahan (Florine) and Ronald "Rocky" Trahan (Shannon);sister-inlaw, Sharon"Aunt Shay" Thompson, grandsons, Warren "Tray" Torrance (Mandy), LoganPierce Torrance (Shelby), and Sage Yetta; great-grandchildren, William "Willy,", Juniper "Miss Fussy Pants," Wilder Pierce "Mud Turtle,"Cooper "Princess Whiny Baby, Rivers "Fritz" Torrance, and Axel Yetta;nephews, Thomas Ray Freemanand Troy Freeman(Sandi); niece,Shelley "ShellShock Shelley"Milliken;greatnieces, Breanna Hopkins (Richard), Lynzlee Milliken, and Carley "T-Baby"Milliken(fiancé Sammy); and hisbesthuntingbuddy, CharlieSue Moss, and the many scouts he mentored in Troop 51. He was preceded in deathbyhis parents, Huey P. Trahan and Naomi Trahan; his beloved wife, Marsha Trahan; stepmother, Margie Trahan; daughter, DariaNicole Gregg;son, Warren Ladd Trahan; nephew, Ret Michael Thompson; and brothers-in-law, Keith Thompson and Bobby Young. Pallbearers will be Jamey Norsworthy, Sean "Jim"Moss, Walter Bradley, Damon "Mud Cat" DeLee, Kevin Tomb,and Nolan J. Parrenin.Honorary pallbearerswillbeGerald "Scooter" Boyette, Robert Threeton, Hal Ware, Ronald "Coonie" Giroir,Steve Lea, RoyDarryl Adams, Mark Anders, and Darren Gidel. Butch -proud Army veteran, gifted storyteller, and mentor to many young men -was aliving legend. He willbedeeplymissed, buthis stories, lessons, and love forthe outdoors willliveoninall who knew him. Visitation willbeat Charlet Funeral Home in Zachary on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 from5pm until 8pm. Visitation continues on Wednesday,May 6, 2026 at JacksonUnited Methodist Church from 9am until service at 11am. Burial willbe in JacksonCemetery. Share memories at www.CharletFuneralHome. com.
Adriane W.
AdrianeW.Tullier passedaway in Baton Rouge,Louisiana, on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at the age of 85. She was born on February 15, 1941, in NewOrleans,Louisiana, to Eldon andAlice Winchester.After graduating from MundeleinCollegein Chicago,Adrianewas a dedicated teacher for 38 years in both publicand Catholic schools. Not only wasshe committedtoeducation, butshe hada special place in herheartfor childrenthat came to her facing struggles at home, at timesgoingbeyondthe classroom to offer guidance andcare. Her compassion for childrenwas also displayed by hervolunteer service for three monthswith thePeace Corp in Brazil andbyher two-year service with CASA(CourtAppointed Special Advocates) in New Orleans. As adevout Catholic, Adrianesupported parish life at St Joseph's Cathedral in Baton Rouge,helpingwith after mass gatheringsand caringfor thealter linens used in liturgical celebrations. At home, Adriane loveda goodbook, followingher favorite TV dramas andwatching sports- especially Catholic High and Brother Martinevents. More than anything, she cherished herrole as a grandmother andtook great pride in spending time with hergrandchildren.Adrianeispreceded in death by herparents, Eldon Francis andAlice Mary Anne (Young)Winchester. Sheissurvivedbyher husband of 50 years, Gerald EugeneTullier; children, Damien MartinTullier (Jamie Cashio Tullier), Marcel Pierre Tullier (Angela Nicoll Tullier), and Jeanne Tullier Takyi (Mawe Takyi); grandchildren Tyler Tullier,Maggie Tullier,Julien Tullier,Yve Tullier,Luc Tullier, PhilipTakyi, andVivienneTakyi; and brother, JamesEldon Winchester. Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2026, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, at Resthaven Funeral Home, locatedat11817 Jefferson Hwy,Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70816. Visitation will continue Friday, May 8, 2026, at St.Joseph Cathedral, locatedat401 Main St Baton Rouge,Louisiana 70802, startingat9:00 AM, with Funeral Mass to begin at 10:00 AM.Burial will followatResthaven Gardens of Memory. The family wouldliketogive special thanks to Candy Bailey Brenda Daniel, andWanda Brooks. These women served Adrianefaithfully andjoyfullyfor the last fewyearsassitters, companions,and most importantly, friends. Special thanks also to Gina Stonich, Nicole Simmons andthe members of MovingForward withParkinson's, and to thestaff of TheHospice of Baton Rouge.Inlieuofflowers, thefamilyasks that you donate in Adriane'sname to theAmerican Parkinson Disease Association or The Hospice of Baton Rouge
MelindaJeanEddards
Walsh-a creative,soulful, accomplished forceofnature in the Capital Region andbeyond-leftthisearthly plane on March24, 2026, after asudden, short illness.
Shewas born in 1958 to MilesLeRoy andWillie B. (Courtney) Eddards in Baton Rouge,Louisiana. She grew up therealong with heryoungersister,Claire untilher familymoved in 1972 to Gautier, Mississippi,where she attended eighth andninthgrades This time waspivotal for Melinda, since IngallsShipyard broughtmanyemployees andtheir families from California. Exposure to newcomerswith fresh d i d d
to newcomers with fresh andopen-mindedperspectives ledher to feel like she hadfinallyfound hertribe When herfather was offered anew employment opportunity, the family moved backtoLouisiana andsettledinDenham Springs.
Melindaenrolled at LSU in interiordesign,but later shifted to mass communications, whereshe became DJ Lois Laneatthen-WLSU. After graduation,her wideranging interests drovean early recognition that she needed to become an independentbusiness owner. Hercareerencompassed radio,nationalvoice talent work, thefilmindustry (both in front of andbehind thecamera), strategic consulting, civicservice, andaward-winning marketing.Melindawas adrivingforce in the establishmentofthe Baton Rouge FilmCommission,which helped thecitybecome a majorplayerinthe southernfilmindustry. Shewas an active member of the Screen Actors Guild and is listed on IMDB for heractingroles. In addition,she wasa published author,a keynotespeaker, acertified ontological coach, a mentor to many, an ordainedminister/officiant, andanavidrunner/halfmarathoner.
Melindawas arelentless learner,always strivingfor growth in herprofessional,personal, and spiritual pursuits. Avoraciousreader,she delighted in thenew Southdowns Branch library, whichshe suspected was builtjust for her. Shewas also afixture in the Southdowns Mardi Gras Parade's "Dancing Girls," spreading illuminated joyand killer dance moves throughout theneighborhood that she adored.
Melinda's life was marked by creativity, positivity, and adesire to make hercommunityand the worlda betterplace.She wasespecially attuned to thethoughtful useoflanguage and to thestories that shape-and have the power to transform-our lives.Her profound impact is reflected in thevast network of deep friendships sheformed across so many different circles. She truly litupeveryroom and heartshe enteredand leaves behinda legacy of light.
Sheisdearly missed by herhusbandof12years, Thomas Naylor;sister Claire Doucet;niece, Jennifer Doucet;nephew, Brandon Eddards; grandniece, AlexaLesage; her "bonus"children, Amanda Enete, Amy Champagne, andMatthew andTaylor Naylor;and hergrandchildren,Rue Champagne, IsabellaChampagne, Via Champagne,Jacob Enete, EllaEnete,EmilyEnete,and Chloe Enete.
In lieu of flowers, donationscan be made in her honor to herbeloved East Baton Rouge Parish Library at https://poplebrpl.org/ throughPatronsofthe PublicLibrary (tax-deductible), or to support advocacy efforts throughthe EBR Library PAC(nottaxdeductible)athttps://give butter.co m/ ebr-l ibrarypac
Acelebration of Melinda'slifewill be held at St Margaret's Episcopal Church,12663 PerkinsRoad in Baton Rouge,onSaturday, May9,at5 PM.A celebrationoflifewill be held at 5:00 PM on 2026-05-09 at St Maragaret's Episcopal Church,12663 Perkins Road
Tullier,
LeBlanc, Clara AnnRobert
Cambre,Darryl
Simpson,Grace
Walsh, Melinda Eddards
Greer, Mary Geoghegan
Airquality picture in La.hazy with spots of hope
The latest “State of the Air”report fromthe American Lung Association gives some Louisianacitiescause for concern andothersreason to breathe easier
The report presents resultsofathree-year nationwide examination of smog andfine particle pollution, using data from theEnvironmental Protection Agencyfrom 2022 to 2024. It gave the Baton Rouge-Hammondmetro areaafailing gradeonthe numberofhighozone days
The New Orleans area received a“C” grade,but droppedinthe rankings nationally fortotal air quality. Lafayette likewisereceived a“C” grade for ozone. On the positive side, ozone ratingsshowed that the Monroe-Ruston metro areahad some of thecleanest air in thenation, and ShreveportBossier ranked among thebest forshort-term particulate matter.And let’s be clear,it’sgood news that no Louisiana citywas on thelist of the 25 worst for air quality based on anyofthe standards measured by the group
Overall, the New Orleans metro arearanked 100th worst nationally,and Baton RougeHammond ranked 26thworst forozone out of 226 metro areas studied. Iberville hadthe state’sworst rating for ozone, witha three-year weighted average of 10.2 bad airdaysper year Ground-level ozone, or smog, andfine particulate matterinthe air affect humanhealth in myriad ways, causing asthma attacksin children and increasing the riskofchronicconditions,suchashigh blood pressure andheart disease
On yet another measurethe report looked at —annual particulate levels —there were some mixed results, though, especially in ShreveportBossier,which receivedan“A” gradefor shortterm particulates
The report says that in Caddo Parish during the three-year period, annual particulate levels were 7.7% higher than federal standards,giving the area afailing grade on thatmeasure. Thedata come from air qualitymonitoring networks around the state, and officialswith the Department of Environmental Quality have said theremay be someunusual factors contributing to the numbers, such as wildfires in 2022 and 2023. Still, webelieve these numbers provideimportant guidanceastothe healthofour environment. We oftentalk about“quality oflife” measures that Louisiana is seeking to improve None canbemorefundamental than clean air. Whileweseek toattract industry and jobs to our state, we cannot ignore theireffect on our air and water.Ifweare trulytocontinuetobe “Sportsman’s Paradise,” let’spay attentionto the natural resourcesthat make that possible These numbers do not paint adire picture,like the situation of our coast.But wedon’t have to waitfor acrisis.Let’sresolvetolook at the warning signs and take steps to improve ourair quality now and for the future.
LETTERSTOTHE EDITOR ARE WELCOME.
GUIDELINES: Letters are published identifying name, occupation and/or title and the writer’scity of residence
TheAdvocate |The Times-Picayune require astreet address andphone number for verification purposes, but that information is not published. Letters are not to exceed 300 words. Letters to the Editor,The Advocate, P.O. Box 588, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-0588, or email letters@ theadvocate.com.
OPINION
This is in rebuttal to your recommendation of aYes voteonConstitutional Amendment 2. The editorial’scentral logic is flawed: Simply “following the process” does not mean aproposal deserves approval. Persistence is not the same as merit, especially when the consequences for children and families are so significant. We repeatedly hear,“The people of St. George want this.” That has not been my experience as aparent.When this legislation moved through committees last May,the parents present, including myself, overwhelmingly opposed it. Those speaking in favor were political figures, not families currently relying on public schools. That distinction matters. School-aged children make up only about 17% of St.George’spopulation, and amajorityofthose children attend private schools. Why should those not using the systemdrive decisions that will directly impact the families who do?
Think about garbage for amoment Rottenfood. Dirtydiapers. Then imagine what happens to all this garbage. Where does it go? If RiverBirch landfill’sexpansion request to the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality is approved, all thatgarbage —and more—could come to Jefferson Parish. And in order to get to the RiverBirch Landfill in Waggaman, thatgarbage would travel by truckand rail through other parishes.
RiverBirch, currently permitted to accept solid wastefrom 13 Louisiana parishes, wants to be allowed to take in solid wastefrom all 64 Louisiana parishes and 50 states in the United States. Imagine atrain hauling decomposing garbage in your neighborhood, or worse, stalled on the track on asummer day
The editorial briefly acknowledges “short-term deleteriouseffects,” but for many of us, those impacts are anything but abstract. My incoming kindergarteners, already registered, will attendtheir school for one year only to be displaced the next, while their older sibling remains. This kind of disruption is nota minorinconvenience, but rather asignificantly destabilizing event forchildren and families. We raised these concerns withlegislators and offered constructive feedback, but theywere dismissed Aftermore thanadecade of effort, there is still no clear,public planfor how this district will operate. The bill’s authors gave themselves just one year to make the district operational. If the goal were truly to build ahigh-quality, resource-rich school system,itwould not be rushed together under such uncertain conditions.
ANA NOLAN St. George
RiverBirch takes in 1.3 million wet tons of solid waste and could double thatto2.6 million tons per year.Assolid wastedecomposes, it gives off noxious landfill gases, including hydrogen sulfide, which has a“rotten egg” odor.Added garbage trucktraffic will erode our highways, and selling ahome anywhere near what would be the nation’slargest landfill will surely be achallenge. Who would benefit from River Birch’s expansion if it’sapproved? The owners of the privately owned landfill would, and so would the people in communities shipping theirgarbage to Waggaman. They would enjoy fresh, clean air while those of us in south Louisiana would be stuckwith the stench.
LISA KARLIN River Ridge
In the oft-quoted words of former President Ronald Reagan, “There they go again.” In 2025, voters by nearly atwo-thirds majority overwhelmingly defeated efforts to eliminate the Quality Education Support Fund. Now, encased in a glossy new package, wrapped in bright multi-colored ribbons, clever politicians are again presenting this ill-conceived artifice to voters on May 16. Their assumption: Apathetic voters will forget last year’sdisquieting maneuver.They are wrong. Voters will resoundingly defeat this proposal forasecond time. Why? Every public and private college or university,every public or private school or school district has benefited enormously from the Support Fund, in diverse ways. For public and private colleges and universities: endowed chairs and professorships, superior graduate fellowships, research and enhancement grants. For public and private schools and school districts: targeted initiatives in math, science, technology and vocational education, languages, social studies, music and geography
The Support Fund, established through aConstitutional Amendmentof1986, has been one of the rare diamonds in the history of Louisiana’spublic and private education, the envy of public and private educators throughout the nation.
KERRYDAVIDSON Baton Rouge
Iread withinterest your article detailing issues at the Department of Children and Family Services. The writer opened withaclaim by the DCFSSecretary that the Child Ombudsman’sAnnual Report included confidential information that breached federal law.One had to read to the very end to seethe statement by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor that releasing the information is “absolutely not” aviolation of law As amember of the Child DeathReview Panel for many years, Iobserved thatthe department routinely hides behind confidentiality in death review cases. Ican also tell you thatthe federal requirement for citizen review panels is barely met, with only afew such panels when one in every district could provide helpful information to address the chronic problems withChild Protective Services. Again, it is clear that the department doesn’twantanyone looking over their shoulder If DCFSistoaddress thelongstanding problemswith child protection,they should welcome the ombudsman report and work to address the deficiencies instead of accusing it of violating federal and statelaw
SANDRA ADAMS Baton Rouge
Congratulations to Garrett Nussmeier on being drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs! He was selected by atop five NFLteam and will have the opportunity to learn from afuture Hall of Fame coach in Andy Reid and afuture Hall of Fame quarterback in Patrick Maholmes. What afabulous opportunity.Please know that we, the LSU fans, are pulling foryou. Make us proud.
P.J. MEYER Baton Rouge
La.needs abudgetfor water
ThankGod we’re notinTexas
That’snot asentiment you often hear in Louisiana. Our westernneighbor as some tell it,isautopianmodel with nothing but good roads,good schools, an attractive tax structure and plenty of opportunity. It’snowonder that the LoneStar State is amajor destination for Louisianans looking fora better life. But those Bayou State expatriates may find themselves staringdown some familiar problems. Like in Louisiana, Texas officials aregrappling with aging and crumbling infrastructure, especially when it comes to providingdrinkingwater toresidents
Arecent draft report by the TexasWater Development Board estimates that communities there will need $174 billion in repairs to their local watersystems in order to avoid amajor crisis in thenext 50 years. That’smore than double the estimate the TWDB produced just four years ago Texas has aTexas-sized problem on its hands, and it’sgetting bigger.And it’scomplicated by aproblem Louisiana, at least for now,doesn’thave: alack of water supply Corpus Christi, for instance, could be just months from awater emergency, worsened, in significantpart, by drought. Hundreds of miles away in north Texas, groundwater worries are arecurring problem, especially for farmers Texas’ supply issues won’tstay bound by state lines. Last year,aTexas firm inquired about purchasing fresh waterfrom the Toledo Bend Reservoir in northwestern Louisiana. The deal, proponents argued, would generate significant revenue while having aminimal impact on water levelsinthe 186,000acre reservoir,which is apopular fishingand recreation spot. But the proposalwas abandoned when the leaders of two Louisianalegislative committees, each of which would have had to approve the deal, sent aletter opposing it.
This year,athird legislator,state Rep Rodney Schamerhorn, R-Hornbeck, is trying to prevent such transactions from happening in the future. Schamerhorn, who represents adistrict near Toledo Bend, has filed House Bill 599to prohibit Louisiana from selling “running surface water”for useinother states. “This bill is to protect ournatural re-
sources. It’swater.One day,oil and gas may disappear,and water will disappear if we’renot careful,” Schamerhorn told the House Natural Resources and Environment Committee last week.
HB599 is not abad idea on its face.
Selling Toledo Bend water,asIhave argued, is abad idea, at least for now
Butthe bill’snarrow focus on “running surfacewater”distracts from the real need: acomprehensive water managementplan for Louisiana. Andunlike HB 599, such aplan must also include groundwater This idea has been discussed many times, but never implemented. It could hardly be more urgent. Each of thehandfuloflargedatacenterscurrently under construction will require significant water supplies.
Forinstance, companyofficials working onthe Metadata center in Richland Parish notified the statethat they might need as much as 23 million gallons of groundwater per day.Normal operationswould require much less, they said,but still.
Other data centers in Shreveport, Boyce and West Felicianaare not as big as Meta’s site. But their water needs will still be significant.
All of this is whyLouisiana needs a comprehensivewater strategy more
than it needs another piece of smallambition legislation. As part of anysuch plan, thestate needs to conduct afull and transparent audit of supply,both on thesurface and under it Louisianahas long acted like it has an inexhaustible water supply,but we really have no idea how much we have. Until we know that, we can’tknow how muchwecan use and how muchwecan sell. It may be, in fact, that Louisiana can reasonably profit by selling someof its abundant water supplies.
Rebecca Triche, executive director of theLouisiana Wildlife Federation, highlighted this fact even as she spoke in favor of Schamerhorn’sbill.
“So, we’renot even sure how much water we could sell or permit or what that impacts on priority users. In the absence of acomprehensive managementplan, this is very prudent to put in place,” she told thecommittee.
So Louisianawould find itself in a place we know too well: with no real strategyorsolution, just acobbledtogether collection of narrowly tailored regulations. Those may solve local problems, but they do little to movethe stateforward.
Email Faimon A. Roberts III at froberts@theadvocate.com.
The Ayatollah Itch is adisease that manifests in an urge to use government power to coerce conformitytoquasireligious agendas. The disease is not confined to clerics in foreign theocracies. Consider Seattle.
Last month, Joshua Diemert,who for eight years was acity employee administering social services, will get what the city wants to deny him: his day in court. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit will hear his argument that adistrict court erred by granting summary judgment in favor of Seattle. That court held that no major factual issues are in dispute. Oh? Here are undisputed facts laden with legal significance: In 2004, Seattle’sgovernment as woke as arooster at dawn, adopted the Race and Social Justice Initiative, which wasmore than aprogram to promote workforce diversity.Rather, it was aprogram of compelled racial identity Its explicit purpose was tochange “the fundamental nature of local government” by embedding “racial equity andsocial justice principles” throughout city “programs, budgets, and culture.” This involved evaluating city employeesthrough a“racial equity lens.” Facially illegal and presumptively unconstitutional, this monomania featured the full spectrum of now-familiar nostrums and policies. They are divisive, bullying and, by now, boring. Favoring acolorblind societyis stigmatized as “racialevasion.” What normal people consider elementary adult virtues —e.g., punctuality,individualism, perfectionism —are residues of “white supremacy culture.” Diversity, equity and inclusion trainers told trainees that racism is “in white people’s DNA.” Although it is againstthe law to “limit, segregate, or classify” employees by race “in any program, estab-
lishedtoprovide …training,” Seattle inflictedmandatory,race-segregated sessions. The preferred euphemism for such evasions of thelaw is “affinity groups.” They separate White people and BIPOCs (Black, Indigenous and people of color).Seattle seems unawareofhow close it has come to formulating a21stcentury version of the Jim Crow “separate but equal” doctrine.
impact of episodes.So, Diemert’sresignation from his cityjob satisfies the criteria for an involuntary “constructive discharge”: His working conditions were made so intolerable that he felt compelled to resign.
People of acertain agewill recall alyric from the Tennessee Ernie Ford song “Sixteen Tons”: “Another day older and deeper in debt.”
Ithought of thatsong as Secretary of WarPeteHegseth asked Congress to approve a$1.5 trillion budget for fiscal year 2027toput the military on what he calleda “wartime footing.”
Hegseth says the Pentagon needsthe money for more drones, munitions and modernizedsystems.
Though President Donald Trump hasdeniedit, bragging thatwehavethe strongest military in the world, it would appear that the Iran conflicthas significantly depleted U.S military resources. Whatever Congress decides to do in response to Hegseth’srequest will be done with borrowed money,because we don’t have enough resources —and haven’tfor some time —topay for the unrestrained spending Congress loves to do.Notice there were no pledgesofcost reductions in Hegseth’srequest. There neverare when it comes to government
If you want to be shocked, assuming we areshocked aboutmuchthese days, visit usdebtclock.organd watch the numbers rise faster thana space rocket.It’s$39 trillionand counting with the averagecostto each American family of $114,130, according to the PeterG.Peterson Foundation. No nation in history has ever been able to shouldersuchdebt and survive. The politiciansdon’t seem to care as long as they can dole outmoney to keep themselves in office.
Ihavewrittenabout the debt before,but it bearsrepeating until Congress takes action. Whatfrustrates those who are paying attentiontothe debt is thatitisnot an unsolvable problem. It’sbeen fixed before, even within recentmemory for many people In the mid-1990s, an unlikely partnership was forged between President Bill Clinton andSpeaker Newt Gingrich to address the debt, whichhad increased from $4.8 trillionto$5.6trillion. Chump change comparedtotoday Fromfiscal years1998 to 2001, thanks to the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, the federal government achieved four consecutive budgetsurpluses. There wasstill debt but surpluseswerereducing it. What created the surpluses?
Clintonand Gingrichaddressed the biggest drivers of the debt —Medicare and Medicaid, the so-called “third rail.” They managed to cut$115 billion in Medicare spending, $14 billioninMedicaid, along with significantreductions in discretionary spending to eliminate the deficit by 2002. Muchofthis wasdonebyremoving fraudsters andthe unentitled fromthe rolls. Sound familiar?
The city’sfirst manager of the Race and Social Justice Initiative was almost endearingly candid: “Weasked all the white people to go in oneroom and all the people of color [to] go in another room. …Well, the White people got in theroom and just talkedabout theirfear,and the Blackpeople got in theroom and talkedabout how glad they weren’t the White people.” Living, no doubt,ina bubble of the like-minded, this person probably had no clue how repulsive he sounded to normal Americans
Racialized messaging was directed at Whiteemployees in general and Diemert specifically.But thedistrict court complacently accepted Seattle’s insistencethat itsinitiative cannot be discriminatory because its aim is “equity.”
The training’spettiness and animus sometimes produced unintelligible verbal mush, as with its instruction thatWhiteemployees must “decenter” themselves.Such jargon is asuresign thatthe speaker has had asmattering of what today counts as higher education.
Thedistrict court accepted thecity’s lackadaisical characterization of its Race and Social Justice rigmarole as abenign “presentation of concepts.”
Thecitysays each individual affront Diemert experienced was “not severe.”
Butwhat matters legally is thetotality of conditions, and the cumulative
Constitutional law is clear:Freedom of speech includes freedom from compelled speech —freedom from coerced affirmations of government catechisms. Furthermore, equity “training” —meaning, invariably,indoctrination —isinherently poisonous.Italsois, however,abillion-dollar business, siphoning up government and corporate money,coast to coast. The Pacific Legal Foundation, apublic interestlaw firm that defends Americans from government overreach, and is representing Diemert, has more work to do.
In Illinois, the “LGBTQIA+ Equity and Inclusion” initiative sweepsfar beyond compliance withnondiscrimination law,topropounding murky theories of “overlapping identities” and “micro-invalidations.” The purpose, obviously,istoextinguishviewpoint diversity
The U.S. CourtofAppeals for the 8th Circuit recentlylooked askance at aMissouri school district’smandatory training for staff who, presented with amigraine-inducing “oppression matrix,” are supposed to ingest the district’sinterpretation of white supremacy.For example, “covert” supremacy includes thevice of “tonepolicing.” If you aremystified by that, you are presumptively aracist.
The Ayatollah Itch is acommunicable diseasespread by aspiring thought police. The vaccine againstitisthe visceral American recoilagainstgovernment establishment of religion. Including ersatz religions concocted from evanescent political fads.
Email George Will at georgewill@washpost.com.
While Vice President JD Vance hasbeen taskedwith rooting outfraud as in the child carecenters in Minnesota, no one wants to re-visit Medicare and Medicaid, especially with elections just five months away Somebody hastodoit. According to the KiplingerRetirement Report and numerous otherprojections, the “Medicare HospitalInsurance (Part A) trust fund is projected to be exhausted by 2033-2040, requiring automatic benefit cuts of 11-13% if notaddressed. While Medicareitself won’t totally ‘run out,’ it will only cover roughly 89-90% of costs. Medicaid is funded differently via federal/state taxes, so it does notface the same ‘trust fund’ insolvency but is facing severe funding pressure, with 2025 legislationimplementing significant cuts.”
These would not be tough choices if the public wasproperly prepared. The reductioninbenefits and/or an increaseintaxes is inevitable. Means testing, allowing people to choosea hybrid retirement fund combining reduced Social Security payments with investments in the stock market andother reforms would save the programs forthose who need it andallowmoreindividuals to carefor themselves instead of burdening the government.
Simple,right? If only the politicians would do what theyknow must be done Email Cal Thomas at tcaeditors@tribpub. com.
Faimon Roberts
George Will
Cal
Thomas
STAFF FILE PHOTO
The 2.1-mile-long earthen-and-concrete dam of Toledo Bend Reservoir holdsback millions of acre-feet of water in the SabineRiver valleyalong the Louisiana-Texas line.
POINTING UP
Liner notesinmybaseball/softball scorebook. Not just agolf scorecard this time. Everythingelse is changing in sports, it seems, so why not?
n For perhaps thefirst time this season, the LSU baseball team got whatitneeded this past weekend whenthe Tigersproduced athree-gamesweepofSouthCarolina.
Necessity need not be celebrated beyondits station —the Paul Mainieri-less Gamecocks remain one of the worst teams in the SoutheasternConference, just anotch belowLSU.Despite the sweep, the Tigers (28-21, 9-15 SEC) are
still mired in 14th place in the conference andopenthe week withatepid RPI of 55.
Nonetheless, youcan only beat who youplayand LSU took care of business, going 4-0including amidweek winoverSLU. The pitching looked improved(again, it must be said, against an anemic-hitting South Carolina team), defense generally was better and, most
BY KOKI RILEY Staff writer
Southern softball reachesunforeseenheights this year
Jaguarsset
BY TOYLOYBROWN III Staff writer
Talent, resilience and consistency
Those are afew of theingredients Southern (32-13, 18-6 SWAC) possessed during its historic softball regular season.
There’sanothercomponent that’s just as crucial for coach Brittney
Williams, who led the Jaguars to a programrecordfor winsinaseason and a17-0 home record.
“This year’steam’swinning formula?” the fifth-year coach said. “I might sound crazy,but it’s literally to have fun. Go outthere,compete, getexcited, evenifsomeone makes aroutine out, because that’sone less out that we havetomake. Pay attention to detailinthe game, but when that gets toostrenuous, just genuinely have fun.”
Her team’sculture prioritizes joy,and the Jaguars plantobring that with them to theGulfport Sportsplex in Mississippi forthe Southwestern AthleticConference Tournament. No. 2-seededSouthernwill face No. 3Bethune-Cookman at1 p.m. Tuesdayinthe first round of the SWAC Tournament.
The matchup will be afirst for Southernthisyear. Thelasttime it faced theSWACEastdivision squad was during the 2022 SWAC Tournament,Williams’ first year leading the program. The Jaguars went1-1 against Bethune-Cookman that postseason Williams,who was namedthe SWAC Coach of theYear,saidthe message to her team entering thetournament is to play cleanly, dominate offensively and to maintain thestandardithas developed through 45 games.
Asignificant part of Southern’s success has been the standout play of outfielderLaila Clark, whowas named the SWAC Newcomer of the Year.The sophomore is first in the
STAFFPHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON LSUcatcher Omar Serna jogshome for arun after ahit by teammate Cade Arrambide in the first inning on Saturday at AlexBox Stadium.
STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON
LSU shortstop StevenMilam leaps over South Carolina first basemanWill Craddock while turning thedouble playonSaturday at Alex BoxStadium.
Scott Rabalais
Head Coach JayJohnson LSUBaseball
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7:10 p.m. L.A. Dodgers at Houston TBS,TRUTV
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Winner’s journeybegan in NewOrleans
Golden Tempo brokemaiden at Fair Grounds
BY JEFF DUNCAN Sports writer
Golden Tempo and theconnections of the winner of Saturday’s Kentucky Derby started their journey to horse racing glory in New Orleans.
The 3-year-old colt, histrainer,Cherie DeVaux, and jockey Jose Ortiz competed at theFair GroundsRace Course, as did the Derby’sthird-place finisher, Ocelli. Ortiz was the meet’sleading rider for the secondconsecutive year, and DeVaux, who became the first female trainer to win the Derby, finished fifth in the trainer standings at the 2025-26 race meet. Golden Tempo broke his maiden at Fair Grounds on Dec.20and stamped himself as aDerby contender by winning the GradeIII Lecomte Stakes at the Gentilly oval amonth later. He finished third in the track’ssubsequent graded stakes races for 3-year-old colts, the Grade II RisenStar in February and the Grade II Louisiana Derby in March. Those third-place finishes likely
causedhis odds to dip to 23-1for theKentucky Derby,but hisconnections were confident in his abilitytorun the race’sdemanding 11/4-mile distance after the way he finishedbothracesatthe Fair Grounds.
“Weknew he was the type of horsethat’s goingtoget better with development andracing,” DeVaux told TwinSpires.com this week.“We hadcommitted to doing the seriesofDerby prep races at theFair Grounds, with the idea that they do have the longest dis-
tance as aprep (the 13/16-mile LouisianaDerby) and we knew the more distance the better for him and it gave us moretime between that race andthe Derby. Andthe discussion was, as long as he’s movingforwardinhis numbers and his performances then we should take ashot at the Derby.”
GoldenTempocompleted the 11/4-mile trip on afast main track in 2minutes, 2.27 seconds and made Ortizthe ninthrider to sweep the Kentucky Oaksand
Kentucky Derby in the same year
Lafayette native Brian Hernandez Jr who also competes annually in theFairGrounds jockeycolony, wasthe most recentridertodo that in 2024 with Thorpedo Anna andMystik Dan.
“Jose has alot of faith in him,” said DeVaux, whohas wintered at theFair Grounds sincethe 202324 meet. “Jose is the one that has hadthe most faith in him and encouraged us to continue on our path with each race.”
The victory wasworth $3.1 million for Golden Tempo, aKentucky-bred son of Curlin out of the Bernardini mare Carrumba. He is nowa two-time graded stakes winnerwitha record of 5-3-0-2 andincreased his earnings to $3,433,000.
Golden Temporeturned$48.24, $19.14,$11.90.Renegade,ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr.returned $7.14 and$5.46,withOcelli paying $36.34 to show under Tyler Gaffalione.
“He’sa dead closer,and the Louisiana Derby really solidified he was getting there from the eighth pole home,” DeVaux said at thepost-Derby pressconference Saturday.“If he had extra ground, he was going to make it. We had to have faith in theprocess, faith in the horse, faith in Jose (Ortiz). That was an incredible experience. I’m so proud of this horse.”
Elliottonrollwithtwo Cupvictories underbelt
BY STEPHENHAWKINS Associated Press
FORT WORTH, Texas ChaseElliott never before had won two Cup races this early in aNASCAR season. After first winning at Martinsville at the end of March,the most popular driver in the series opened May in victory lane at Texas. That 11/2-mile trackisgrowing on Elliott after he had not been much of a fanofthe repave and reconfiguration done there nine years ago.
“I think having awin early at Martinsville Isaid it to you guys then and there, it’snot like, ‘oh, hey,the pressure is off,wehave awin,’”hesaid Sunday at Texas after another 1-2 finish ahead of Denny Hamlin. “It’s‘man, we have alot longer period of timetobuild on that.’ That’sgenuinely where my mind was at.” And still is after already getting another victory Elliott has the two wins and five other top-10 finishes this year,and Alex Bowman has consecutive third-place finishes for Hendrick Motorsports after missing four races because of vertigo. And it was Bowman who provided the decisivepush for his teammate on the final restart with four lapsleft Sunday When crew chiefAlan Gustafson came on the radio at the end of the
race proclaiming Elliott atwotime Texas winner,the driver’s initialfeeling was, “I’llbedamned.
I’dhave never thought.”
Now 30 yearsold and 11 races into his 12th Cupseason, Elliott joined five-time winner Tyler Reddick asthe only driverswith multiple wins this year.The soonestbeforethatElliott hadtwo wins in aseason was 17 races into 2022, when hewentontomatch the career-high five wins he hadduring his 2020championship season.
“I knew it right atMartinsville, we’ve never won arace this early, much less to now have two this early,”Elliott said. “I’m proud of our team for that, because anytime you can check off newboxes
in this sport when you’ve been doing it for 10-plus yearsiscool,and it’s hard to do.”
Elliottled arace-high 87 of the 267lapsatTexas forhis 23rd career victory.Thatcame two years afterending a42-race winless streak in the No. 9Chevrolet with an overtime victory there.
“The 9just performed flawlessly,” said four-timeCup champion Jeff Gordon, now vice chairman of the Hendrick team.
“One of ourstrongest races that we’vehad in quite some time,” Elliott said.
Elliott moved up aspottothird in the season standings, only eight pointsbehind Hamlin but still trailing Reddick by 117. Theother
LSU heads to LasVegas for 4gamesnextseason
LSU baseball will play four games in Las Vegasnextseason, LSU coach Jay Johnson said on his radio show Monday TheTigerswillbeinSin City from March 5-8 and play four games.JohnsontoldThe Advocate on Monday that his team will play threecontestsatthe Live Like Lou Las Vegas College Baseball Classic before playing afourth gameon Monday,March 8, against UNLV. LSU’sopponentsatthe Las Vegas College Baseball Classic have not been finalized, Johnson said. This season,LSU traveledto Jacksonville, Florida, to face Indiana, Notre Dame and UCF at the Jax College BaseballClassic.The Tigers won all three contests to cap off an 8-0 start to the season.
Pistons,Bickerstaff agree on contractextension
DETROIT Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff has agreed to acontract extension on the heels of Detroit’s first-round playoffseriesvictory over the Orlando Magic. Details regarding the value and length of the extension werenot released by the Pistons when they announced the deal on Monday The Pistons have gone 104-60 in regular-season games under Bickerstaff and madetwo playoff appearances since he took over for Monty Williams at the start of the 2024-25 season. Detroit lost in the first round a year ago. This season,the Pistons had the best record in the Eastern Conference at 60-22 and on Sunday defeated Orlando 116-94 to close out aplayoffseries victory forthe first timesince 2008.
High-scoring guard Harris commits to Tennessee
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. Former Wake Forest guard Juke Harris has committed to Tennessee, the school announced on Monday, giving the Volunteers one of the top scorers in this year’sportal.
The 6-foot-7, 200-pounderscored 21.4 points per game last season for the Demon Deacons to rank No. 14 in the country.Hewas named to theAll-ACC secondteam as asophomoreand hastwo seasons of eligibility remaining. Harris hadoriginally declared for the NBA draft but decided to go to Tennessee after being projected as alate first round or early second round selection.
“Juke is not only an explosive talent, but also ahumble young man from agreat family,” Tennessee coach Rick Barnessaid in astatement.
Topplayers including No. 1s Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka expressed “their deep disappointment” at the French Open prize money on Monday
two Hendrick drivers, Kyle Larson(eighth)and William Byron (10th), are in the top 10 while Bowmanisstuck in 34th after the four missed races.
On the final restart Sunday,Elliott hadcontrol and chose to start on theinside of Hamlin. Bowman was behind his teammateand gave himthe push of momentum onto thebackstretchtoclear forthe lead he kept to the checkered flag.
Thatwinning move came through turns 1and 2, the part of thetrack where the banking was reduced and racing surface widened duringthe repave in 2017. Turns3and 4wereleft in their original form, makingthe ends of the track different forthe first time since Texas Motor Speedway opened in 1997. Elliottisfar from the only driver to express his displeasure about those changes.
“Yeah, you know, I’ve trashed this place for years. Ithought it wasareally strong track (for me), andthenitturnedinto nota strong track at all,” Elliott said. Twowins in three trips to TMS certainly have eased that feeling for Elliott.
“Whenyou run better,itgrows on you littlebylittle,” he said. “For as hard of atime as I’ve given (the track),for somereason it likes me.Itloved me back.I didn’tlike it,but it liked me. So I’mlearning to come around alittle bit.”
Theplayers added their otherdemands have not been addressed by officials from the four Grand Slam tournaments, including better representation, health and pensions. French Open organizers announced last monththey wereincreasing overall prize moneyby about 10%. But the players’ statement said “the underlying figures tell avery different story,” claiming they will receive asmaller share of tournament revenues.
“Players’ share of Roland Garros tournamentrevenue hasdeclined from 15.5% in 2024 to 14.9% projected in 2026,” the players said.
Yankees radio broadcaster
Sterling dies at age 87 NEW YORK JohnSterling, the ebullient radiobroadcaster known forextravagant,individualized homerun calls and shouting “theee Yankees win!” after each of New York’svictories, died Monday.He was 87.
Sterling had aheart attack and bypass surgery this winter and had returned to his homeinEdgewater,New Jersey,where he was cared forbyhealth aides. He died of complications Monday at Englewood Hospital,according to his former wife, Jennifer
“He brought that New York theater to the ballpark,” Yankees slugger Aaron Judge said. “He was almost akid up there in the broadcast talking about the game.” Sterling called5,651 games,including 5,060 in arow from September 1989 through July 2019. He retired in April 2024.
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By LM OTERO
Chase Elliottdoes aburnout at the finish line after winning aNASCAR CupSeries race on SundayinFortWorth, Texas.
PROVIDED PHOTO
GoldenTempo, with jockeyJose Ortiz aboard, wins the83rdrunning of the$250,000 Lecomte Stakes on Jan. 17 at Fair Grounds Race Course
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By DIANE BONDAREFF
Jockey Jose Ortiz celebrates after Golden Tempo wins the 152ndKentucky DerbyonSaturday at Churchill DownsinLouisville, Ky
BRyNN ANDERSON
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By
Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal throwsapitchWednesdayinAtlanta.
Cy YoungwinnerSkubal to have elbowsurgery
By The Associated Press
DETROIT Two-time American League Cy Young Award winner
Tarik Skubal will have surgery to remove loose bodies from hiselbow after being scratched from Monday’sstart againstthe Boston Red Sox.
Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch told reportersthat the left-hander felt discomfort in his elbow on Sunday,less than aweek after an injury scareagainst the AtlantaBraves. The29-year-old —set to become afree agent next offseason —underwent tests that showed the loose bodies. The surgery hadn’tyet been scheduled There is no immediate timetable for his return, though similar injuries usually require atwoto-threemonth recoveryperiod. The phrase “loose bodies”often refers to pieces of bone or cartilage thatbreakoff and float in the joint space, though the specifics of Skubal’scase are unclear
“From my understanding, you just go take it out,” Skubaltold MLB.com.“Ithinklength of the rehab is probably just getting your springtraining buildupup again, getting your volume up. But the procedure itself Ithink is pretty simple as far as what I’ve beenexplained.”
Skubalpitchedfor theU.S.in
LSU
Continued from page1C
Freshman report
It wasanother standout series for the LSU freshmen.
In Game 1, right fielderWilliam Patrick had two hits,first baseman Mason Braunreachedbasefour times and catcher Omar Serna scored on three occasionsand hita double. Game 2was even more impressive, when right-handed starter Marcos Paz allowed just onehit in fiveinnings, and Braun, Patrick and Serna combined to go 5for 11. Second baseman Jack Ruckert had abig day Sunday withtwo hits andanRBI.Serna also homered anddrove in three runs.
“(The freshman hitters) had some adversity early in the game (Sunday) where they didn’tget a couple things done or didn’ttake the at-bats maybe that they had had in the stretch that they’ve been playing,” LSU coach JayJohnson said. “And they overcame that,and every single one of them positively affected winning today after that.”
The freshmen were responsible for driving in nine of the Tigers 20 weekend runs.They scored 14 times and smacked four extra-base hits.Serna’s homer was hisseventh of the year,and Braun blasted a homer in Game 2onSaturday Paz was the only freshman pitcher who threw this weekend, buthis
RABALAIS
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encouraging for LSU baseball fans who have given up on this season, the lineup looks like it’s starting to bunch hits and get them in amore timely fashion. And with freshmen doing alot of the hitting, asign of optimism for 2027.
The 2026 Tigers still havea long, long way to go to getto13-14 SEC wins, including the tournament, which is what’sassumed to be needed to get into theNCAA Tournament. Injuries still have lowered this team’sceiling— Jake Brown is out, Cooper Moore is out, previous Friday starter Casan Evans didn’tpitch last weekend— butthere is finally some optimism. The future is daunting,though. After Tulane on Tuesday,another must-win game for the Tigers, LSU goes on the road to face SEC leader Georgia and closes the
WhiteSox 3B Murakami sports Bonds-like HR rate
BY NOAH TRISTER AP baseball writer
After three straight 100-loss seasons —including arecord 121 defeatsin2024 —the Chicago White Sox needed alittleexcitement Munetaka Murakami hascertainly provided that.
The 26-year-old infielder from Japan is tied with Aaron Judge for the majorleague lead with13home runs. Thataccounts for nearly half of Murakami’shits so far thisseason. He has14singles andnodoubles or triples.
the World Baseball Classic this spring butwas carefulwithhis workload, throwing in just one game before returning to spring training with the Tigers.Hewon arecord salary arbitrationcase in February andisbeing paid $32 million this season, far exceeding theteam’s$19 million offer
Skubal hasa 3-2record with a 2.70 ERAoverseven starts this season, striking out 45 over 431/3 innings. The Tigers were tied for first place in the AL Central with an 18-17 record entering Monday
Skubal initially felt pain in hiselbowlast weekagainst the Braves butstayedinthe game.
He rubbed his left arm after a 2-2 pitch toMatt Olson, drawing a visit from the trainer and Hinch. Skubalthrew one warmup pitch, decided he was OK and struck out the side to end hisnight
He allowed five hits, fanned seven anddidn’twalk anyone.
The two-timeAll-Starwon the AL Cy Young award in each of the last two seasons. He had an 18-4 record with a2.39 ERA and228 strikeoutsin2024 andwas 13-6 witha 2.21 ERA and 241 strikeouts last year
He’salso been effective in the postseason with a2-1 record, 2.04 ERAand 56 strikeouts over six starts.
outing was the longest andbest.
“Just landing the off-speed (pitches) is abig thingfor me, whether it’ssliderorcurveball, just kind of stealingstrikesorgetting weak contact,” Pazsaid. “And then, once you get ahead in the count, just finish the batter when youcan. Ifeel like Idid that pretty well today.”
Braungetting on base
Aquick peekatthe boxscore
would suggest it was aquiet weekend for Braun.
He had only two hitsall series after going 7for 13 at Mississippi State.But in reality,itwas another strong series for the freshman.
Braun had sixwalks against SouthCarolina, reaching base eight timesin15plate appearances. His abilitytoget on base at the top of the order went alongway toward LSU consistently producing quality at-bats throughout the weekend.
SinceJohnsonmoved him to theleadoff spot,the Tigers have scored at leastsix runs in each contest,and Braun has gotten on base in every game. His on-base percentage is up to .474, which is the best mark on the team.
“Play the Billy Beane clip,” Johnson said. “… If you getonbase, you’regoing to play for me.”
Improved defense?
Twoweeks ago, Johnson called the defenseaproblem that may notget fixed until 2027. Hiscomment made sense at the time, giv-
regular season at home against aFlorida team fighting to earn an NCAA regional host slot. The Tigers needtofind some way to take at least one game off Georgia (the Bulldogs perennially come up short of baseball expectations, so anything’spossible) andwin two, if not three, against Florida. Twelve SEC wins wouldatleast give LSU ashotatanNCAAbid in aroad regional, probably as aNo. 3seed.
None of this is remotely close to the Tigers’ typical expectations nor their lofty preseason goals when they started ranked No. 2in most polls.But forthe first time in along time, this LSU season is pointedina positive direction for now
n Baseball’s sweepwasn’t the only one by an LSU team this past weekend.The softball Tigers ended their regular season against Auburn with a3-0 slate, includingan eye-poppingand record-breaking 25-0 demolitionSaturday of theTigers from the plains.
This type of all-or-nothing production would be quite rare if it continues for an entire season.So far,48.1% of Murakami’shitshave been homers. The single-season record —amongplayers whoqualified for the batting title—is46.8% by Barry Bonds. He did it during his famous 2001 season, when he sluggedarecord 73 home runs and had 156 hits.
Nextinline are two of Mark McGwire’sbest years. He had 70 homers on 152 hits (46.1%) in 1998, and 65 homers on 145 hits (44.8%)in1999. Only nine players have homered on at least 40% of their hits, but not all of them neededstratospherichome run totals to do it.JoeyGallo hit 41 home runs on 94 hits (43.6%) in 2017, finishing with a.209 average. That might be amore reasonable comp for Murakami,who is batting .223.
Following Murakami’slead, the White Soxrank28th in themajor leaguesinbatting averageand ninth in home runs. ColsonMontgomery is hitting .227with nine homers. It was an encouraging week for Chicago, which hada chance to reach .500 on Sunday but lost to SanDiego —the endofa fivegame winning streak.
Murakamisigned atwo-year, $34 million contract in the offseasontocome over from Japan and join theWhite Sox.Montgomery, meanwhile, is 24 and under team control for awhile. On thepitch-
ON DECK
WHO: LSU (28-21) vs Tulane (23-26)
WHEN: 6:30 p.m.Tuesday
WHERE: Alex Box Stadium
ONLINE: SEC Network+
RADIO: WDGL-FM, 98.1 (Baton Rouge); WWL-AM, 870 (New Orleans);KLWB-FM,103.7(Lafayette)
RANKINGS: LSU and Tulane are not ranked PROBABLE STARTERS: LSU —TBA; Tulane —TBA PREGAME UPDATES: theadvocate. com/lsu ON X: @KokiRiley
WHATTOWATCH FOR: LSU hasn’t faced the Green Wave since the 2023 Baton Rougeregional.In that game,Paul Skenes threw acomplete game as the Tigers won7-2.Tulane gotswept by Charlotte this past weekendonthe road, fallingto8-13 in American Conference play.
Koki Riley
en the number of players who had tried andfailedtofixthe defensive issues at first, second, third and catcher
Butlast weekend was astep forward, especially on theinfield Braunmade multiple nice picks at first base. Ruckert played solid
Remember allthathot-seat talk about coach Beth Torina going into the season? Well, LSU heads into this week’sSEC Tournament with arespectable 37-16 record anda No. 11 RPI (the Tigers are theNo. 8seed in the tourney).
It alladds up to put LSU in line to againhost an NCAA regional, though Torina’sTigershavea long way to go to be considered for atop-eight national seed. That would probably mean winning the tournament this weekend in Lexington, Kentucky. Still, Torina looks to be on solid ground as do herTigers, though getting through aregional and at leastback to asuperregional would help hercause immensely.
n The ZurichClassic of New OrleansonMonday announced its tournament dates for 2027: April 19-25. The tournament, like many non-majorsorelevated events on thePGA Tour,still faces an unknown future beyond 2027 with talk of thetourrevamping its schedule. But with acommitted
ingside, left-handerNoahSchultz has madehis debut this season and is 2-1 with a2.53 ERA. And the White Soxalso have the No.1pick in the upcoming draft.
ABSimpact
So farthere doesn’tseem to be ahuge correlation between successwith the automated ball-strike system and winning. The teams with themost successful ABS challenges are theTwins(52), Rockies (50),Marlins (46), Athletics(45)and Royals (44). Only the A’sare above .500 from that group.
On apercentage basis,the teams withthe best successratehave been theDiamondbacks (64.3%), Padres (62.3%),Royals(62%), Tigers (60.7%) andReds(59.6%). San Diego, Detroit and Cincinnati have winning records.
Performance of week
Ranger Suarez struck out 10 in eight one-hit innings forthe BostonRed Soxina5-0 win over To-
defense at second base and showed improved chemistry with junior shortstop Steven Milamonplays around thebag at second.
Behind the plate, Serna and sophomoreCade Arrambide were more stout at catcher.LSU had just two wild pitches in the series.
“Wedidn’tcatch acouple of popupsatthird base,” Johnson said after Game 2. “But other than that, we played pretty good defense today.”
The only spot wherethe Tigers hadtrouble defensively was at third base, wherefifth-year senior Seth Dardar committed multiple mistakes in the second game on Saturday,including an error.He also missed aground ball on Sunday that wasoriginally ruled an errorbut was later changed to ahit.
Dardar’sstruggleswere somewhat placated by the two hits he hadinGame2onSaturday.It’s easier to stomach his defensive mistakes if he’s producing at the plate, especially as Milam and Ruckert provide qualitydefense up the middle
Lots of strikes
Finding the strike zone has been an issue for LSU all season, but it was astrength forthe LSUpitchers againstthe Gamecocks.
LSU walked only eight batters across the three-game set, and no starterthrew fewer than 60% of his pitches for strikes. That consistency went along waytoward the Tigers holding South Carolina to
sponsor anda date tournament organizers want to maintain —balanced between the Masters and the PGAChampionship —things could definitely be much worse. Hopefully the PGATour will do one of its solid citizens afavor and spread out thesurrounding big purse signature events crowding the Zurich into other parts of the schedule. From the Much Worse Department, we have LIV Golf. That tour is having its funding pulled by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund afterthe Saudis dumped at least $5 billion down its rabbit hole over the past four years, proof that even uber-rich people eventually tire of losing money LIV says with typical “Ignore the riot behind me,all is well” aplomb that it will try to pivot to other investment streams. But with pitifulTVratings and stars jumping or considering jumping ship, that lookslike afool’serrand. Meanwhile, what of LIV’s proposedtournament in New Orleans? The June tournament
ronto on April 28. That was athird straight victory forthe struggling Red Sox,but they’ve dropped four of five since. Suarez left Sunday’s start after four innings because of hamstring issues.
Comeback of week
The Atlanta Bravesscored seven runs in the last three innings to beat Colorado 8-6onFriday night. The Braves were down 6-1 in the seventh. They scored arun thatinning andthenfour more in the eighth, with Mauricio Dubón’s bases-loaded triple the highlight. Michael Harris’ two-run homer in the topofthe ninth put Atlanta ahead The Rockies’ winprobabilitypeaked at 97.7%,according to Baseball Savant. After sweeping three straight at Colorado,the Braves hadan81/2game lead in theNLEastentering Monday.Atlanta also hadthe best run differential in baseball at plus81.
just four runs in the series.
“I feel like it’sjust kind of what I’ve done my whole life,”senior right-hander Zac Cowan said after he threw 60 of his 82 pitches for strikes on Sunday.“And Ifeel like I’m just able to be consistent with allmypitches and …I feel confident when Igoout there,and I’m just able to flood the zone.”
Regional hopes
LSU had to sweep South Carolina to keep its slim NCAA Tournament hopes alive, but even after taking three games from the Gamecocks, the Tigers have alot of work to do. They still need to win four of their final six contests in SEC play to get to 13 wins. Those victorieshaveto come against two opponents that could make it to Omaha: Florida and Georgia. The Bulldogs have a 21/2-game lead over TexasA&M at thetop of theconference, andthe Gators are the No. 12 team in RPI, a schedule-based metric used by the NCAA Tournament committeeto help determine the field.
Not only does LSU need these wins forits conference recordbut it also needsthemfor itsRPI.The Tigers are only the No. 55 team in RPI, astanding that’sprobably too low for themtoearnanat-large bid Four wins over Florida and Georgiaand acoupleofvictories at the SEC Tournament couldchangethat picture in ahurry The bottom line? Last weekend was astep forward,but LSUhas a long way to go.
at Bayou Oaks in City Park was scrapped, with some vague talk of asmaller,exhibition-style event coming to the city this fall. Great idea, right in the middle of football and hurricane season. Hopefully,LIV —like the hurricanes —just veers to adifferent course entirely.The state of Louisiana did no favors to the Zurich, atournament that began way back in 1938 and funded numerous charities in New Orleanss and Baton Rouge to the tune of arecord $3.6 millionlast year (there were no announced plans of local charitable contributions from LIV) by inviting the competing, if lesser,golf tour into the market. If there is any silver lining it’s that there were improvements made to Bayou Oaks, namely its practice facility,abenefitfor local public golfers in the Crescent City But to put amodern spin on an old Frank Sinatra tune, LIV-ers stay away from my door
ASSOCIATEDPRESS PHOTOByGREGORy BULL
ChicagoWhite Sox slugger MunetakaMurakami bats during the eighth inning againstthe San DiegoPadres on Sunday in San Diego.
Wilson’s G.O.A.Tcasegrows as Aces chaseafourthtitle
BY MARK ANDERSON AP sportswriter
HENDERSON, Nev The GOATtalk
regarding A’ja Wilson began in earnest late last season when her play and leadership notonlyrescued theAcesbut helpedcarry Las Vegas to the WNBA title. And when it comes to greatestever discussions, there is noseparating Wilson from her team.
History is alarge part of the background for Wilson and the Aces as another season is about to begin.
Wilson already has taken her career where others have yet to go. She became the league’sfirst fourtime MVP last yearand the first WNBA or NBA player to be named the top player,DefensivePlayerof the Year and Finals MVP andlead the league in scoring in the same season. For all that, Wilson was the fifth basketball player to become The Associated PressFemale Athlete of the Year
Her success has been the Aces’ success, Las Vegas coming offits thirdchampionshipinfourseasons. Should the Aces win another title this year,they would join the Comets, Minnesota Lynx and Seattle Storm as theonlyfranchises to win four overall. They also would join the Comets as the only teams to winfour times in five years; Houston captured the WNBA’s first four championships.
What’sscary for the rest of the league is that the 29-year-old Wilson remains in her prime years, meaning her GOATargument has an excellentchance to strengthen and for the Acesto continue to build their legacy
Wilson said she has taken the approach of focusing on the daily process since being drafted No. 1 outofSouth Carolina in 2018 and changing the arc of the franchise.
“I’ve worked so hard to getto thesesituations and put myself in these spaces that I’m like, ‘OK, yeah, I’ve earned it, of course, Wilson said. “But when itcomes to people and where they want me and they’re sayingare you the next GOAT? Ihave no idea because in my mind Ihave alot more winning to do.”
And in an Aces uniform, with the club having signed Wilson to asupermax three-year, $5 million contract that is the most lucrative in WNBA history
Wilson’sathletic ability has been unquestioned since she entered the league, the 6-foot-4 post player averaging 21.4 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.0 blocked shots over
Las VegasAces center A’ja Wilson dribbles against the PhoenixMercury duringthe firsthalf of Game 4ofthe WNBA
OPENINGDAY
Friday ConnecticutSun vs.New York Liberty, 6:30 p.m. Washington Mystics vs.Toronto Tempo, 6:30 p.m. Golden State Valkyries vs.Seattle Storm, 9p.m.
hereight-year career
Butgreatness isn’tjust about accumulatingnumbers, and Wilson showed in two notablemoments last season in her commitment to the team why she has separated herself.
Onewas therefor alltosee when she made aturnaroundjumper over twodefenders with0.3 secondsleft to win Game 3atPhoenix and set up afour-game WNBA Finalssweep
Theother andprobablyeven more important action occurred outofsight as the season was slipping away.Minnesota had cometo LasVegas and handedthe Aces a 53-point defeat —the largest home loss in league history—and at 1414 even making the postseason was far from assured.
Wilson texted her teammates to say that they might as well not show up anymore if they were not embarrassedbythatperformance They were. And theleague was in trouble.
“I was pissed and Iknewthey werepissed, whichisthe better option,” Aces coach Becky Hammonsaid
The Aces rolled off 16 consecutive victories on the way to winning another championship.
“A’ja’sagreat leader because shedoes it herself first,” Hammon
said. “Any time you have aleader that works by example first, holds herself accountable to the highest standard,thenshe has two legsto stand on with the group about holdingothers accountable.”
Six-timeAll-Star Jewell Loyd, whowas traded to theAces last year after helping the Storm win two titles, agreed withHammon’s assessment.
“She wants the best out of each andevery person herenomatter if you’re the security guy at thefront or you’reChelsea Gray,” Loyd said of Wilson. “She takes goodownership, andthat’s what you wantas your leader.Assomeone who’sthe face of women’s basketball, you want that as an ambassador.”
Hammon said Wilson alsohas surrounded herselfwithastrong supporting cast off the court that includesher mother andboyfriend Bam Adebayoofthe Miami Heat that helps keep theWNBAsuperstar grounded. ButWilson alsois careful not to get caught up in the accolades that come her wayand instead focuses on the next task.
For the Aces, that’sanother season as defending champs and knowing they again will get every opponent’sbest shot.
“We’ve been thehunted withthe Aces before we even got banners and rings, so it’s apart of who we are,” Wilsonsaid. “Wetry to let our newcomers know when you put this jersey on, it’sadifferentfeel andI loveit. It brings the competitor out of everybody.So, yeah, we’redefinitelygoing to be the hunted, but we’re thehunters as well.”
Source:Pelscould look at recently fired coach
BY RODWALKER Staff writer
Addanother name to thelist of New Orleans Pelicans’ head coaching candidates.
Asource close to the Pelicans’ search saidMondaymorning that “there could be interest” in former Orlando Magic coach JamahlMosley Mosleywas firedbythe Magic on Monday after coaching there for five seasons. The Magic’sseason ended Sunday in thefirst roundof theplayoffs with aloss to the Detroit Pistons in Game 7. Orlando led the series 3-1 butwas unable to pulloff the upset against the topseed in theEastern Conference. The series included alossFriday night in Game6 when the Magic scored just 19 points in theentiresecondhalf. Orlando was one winaway from becoming just theseventhNo. 8seed to upset aNo. 1seed in the playoffs. It wasn’tenough forMosleyto keep his job.
“We’re grateful to Jamahl for all he’sdone for the Orlando Magic,” Magic president Jeff Weltman said in a statement. “Weappreciate his leadership and the positive contributions he made as head coach. While this was adifficult decision, we feel it’stime for anew voice and fresh perspective. We wish Jamahl and his family nothing but thebest.” Mosley compiled a189-221 record in Orlando. His teams missed theplayoffshis first two seasons, but made it each of the past three seasons.Orlandowas eliminated in the first round each time. The Magic wonthe Southeast Division twiceunder Mosley Mosley,47, won his last nine games coaching against the Pelicans. The Magic wasone of the better defensive teams in the league under Mosley over thepastthree years. Orlando ranked third in the league in defense twoseasons ago and second last season. It was 11th in defensethisseason when it finished 45-37. Orlandowon 21 gamesthe season before Mosley took over,then won just 22 games in hisfirstseason, butthe win totaljumped to 47 by Year 3. The 47 victorieswerethe franchise’smost since the 2009-10 season.
Jamahl Mosley shouts during the second halfinGame 5ofa first-round playoff series against the DetroitPistons on April29in Detroit.
To ourfans, thereisnothing but love in my heart,” Mosley said in astatement. “Thejoy I had coaching this team,inthis city,for thepeople who live here is something Iwill never forget. All Iever wanted was to make you proud to be Magic fans, and my journey herewill certainly stay with me forever.”
Prior to taking over in Orlando, Mosley was an assistant coach with the Cleveland Cavaliers, DenverNuggets and DallasMavericks.
The Pelicans are looking for ahead coach to replace Willie Green, who was fired12games intothe season.James Borrego, thePelsinterim head coach after Green was fired, is one of thefourcandidates considered front runners for thejob
The others areformer AllStarguard RajonRondo, former Los Angeles Lakers head coach Darvin Ham and Brooklyn Nets assistant coach Steve Hetzel. All four of those candidates have interviewed forthe job,sources confirmedtoThe Times-Picayune. The Pelicans’ job is one of four openings right now. The ChicagoBulls, Portland Trail Blazersand the Magic are also looking forhead coaches
Wade adds anotherformerstaffer as assistantcoach
BY TOYLOYBROWN III Staff writer
Another familiar facewill be back on the sidelinesfor LSU men’sbasketball Coach Will Wade hiredformer LSU staff memberVernon Hamilton as an assistant coach,the program announcedMonday Also joining the staff is Greg Goldin, who will serve as chief of staff and director of performance. Hamilton, 41, is the fourth
SOUTHERN
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SWAC in batting average (.453) and doubles (14), third in hits (63)and RBIs (56), fourth in slugging percentage (.777), fifth in home runs (9) and 11th in stolen bases (20 of 21).
Clark went to Brusly High School and returned home after spending herfreshmanseasonatWilliam Carey, an NAIA school in Mississippi. She also made the All-SWAC first team.
One of Southern’sfive other players hitting over .330 is outfielder Asia George. The redshirt senior has spent her entire career at Southern and is enjoying her best season. She is second in theSWAC in both runs scored (52) andstolen bases (35 of 35). She is hitting .379 and has six home runs and five triples. George is on a16-game hitting streak.
The Southern aceisAaliyahZabala, theSWACPitcher of the Year The sophomore also wasnamed All-SWAC first team aftera dominant year in the pitching circle.
addition to Wade’scoaching staff. Theformer Clemson basketball player servedas an assistant under Wade at NC State last seasonand at McNeeseState for two seasons (2023-25). He joins associate head coach Rick Stansbury, assistantheadcoach Johnny Jones and assistant coach DamonStoudamire as members of Wade’sfirst-year staff back with the program.
“We are pleased to have Vernon Hamilton rejoin our staff
“I knew these girls were going to do somethingbig,though. I told it to some of my coaching friends that I’verecruited with over thesummer.But this, Icouldn’t even imagine it. These girls, they exceeded my expectations.”
BRITTNEy WILLIAMS,Southern softball coach, on team’sseason
ThePerris, California, native hasthe second-lowestERA (1.82), best record(17-3) andsecond-most strikeouts(85) in the league. Zabalaisalso tiedfor the most shutouts withfourand has allowed 29 earned runsin1111/3 innings.
Southernhas improvedits record every season since 2023, so Williams believed her group would be successful.What she did not expectwas a10-win improvement from last season.
“Honestly,no,” Williams said afterbeing asked if she foresaw this level of play.“Iknew these girls were going to do something big, though. Itoldittosome of my coaching friends that I’vere-
at LSU,”Wade said in astatement. “His work here in player development previouslyand his work with topplayersat McNeese and NC State on our staff was abig part of our abilitytoget to theNCAA Tournamentour last threeseasons. He knows our priorities to help build this LSU program back to where it will be.”
Goldin worked with Wade during his first stint at LSU and most recently at NC State lastseason.He was the Tigers’ strength and condi-
tioning coach from 2017-21. During Hamilton’sfirststretch at LSU, he was theassistantto thehead coach during the 2020-21 seasonand director of player development in 2021-22. He helped developeventualNBA players Trendon Watford, Tari Eason and Cam Thomas.
Before rejoining Wade at McNeese, he was the director of player developmentatGeorgetownunder coach Patrick Ewing in 2021-22. In the 2023-24 season at Mc-
cruited with over thesummer. But this, Icouldn’tevenimagine it. These girls, theyexceeded my expectations.”
Shemaintains that team chemistryiswhathas elevated her group’sceiling. Her players celebrateeach other’ssuccessesin
Neese, Hamilton served as the acting head coach forthe first five games of the season. The Cowboys wonall of those contests.
McNeese State went to the NCAATournament in the two years Hamilton wason staff.
Hamilton and Wade’spaths first crossedatClemson.While Wade was agraduate assistant forthe basketballteam from 2005-06, Hamilton was in the midst of his playing career from 2003-07.
heated battles and spend time togetheroutside of practice. When the team receivedanoff dayon April 27 afteritsecureda perfect home record with athree-game sweepoverPrairie View,which is No. 1inthe SWAC West, players bonded on their own by going to the movie theater to watch “Michael.”
TheJaguars also honed their skills.It’swhy after Southern opened the season with 18 errors in its first three games, the group didn’tlose faith in itself.
The Jaguars now turn their attention to winningthe program’s first SWAC championship since 2003. Williams loves that Southernreinvigorated thefan base The next goal is in front of the Jaguars.
“As muchasIwould love to say ‘No, there’snopressure,’ that’snot true,” Williams said.“Everything thatwe’ve done this seasonisa greatstep forward, but people only remember championships, right? So it’ll be nice to have this memory associated with aring as well. “Wewere made for this moment. So I’m really excited to see how they comeout.”
PHOTO PROVIDED
Southernslugger Laila Clark is top five in theSWACinbatting average, slugging percentage, RBIs, homeruns and doubles.
AP FILEPHOTO By RICK SCUTERI
finals on Oct. 10 in Phoenix.
AP PHOTO By DUANE BURLESON
Orlando Magic head coach
Kamara says he’s happy with Etienne signing
BY MATTHEW PARAS Staff writer
Alvin Kamara thrived playing
alongside Mark Ingram.
The New Orleans Saints running back believes he and Travis Etienne can create a similar bond Kamara, speaking publicly for the first time since the Saints signed Etienne this offseason, said on former teammate Terron Armstead’s podcast Monday that he is excited to team up with the former Jacksonville Jaguars standout.
“I watched (Etienne) in Jacksonville the last couple years and (he’s) explosive,” Kamara said. “He hit home runs. He did it in college. Strong dude, seems smart
“I’m excited to see what we can do together.”
Kamara’s optimism — as well as his positive-sounding tone about the Saints came as questions surround the 30-year-old’s future in New Orleans.
The Saints signed Etienne to a four-year, $52 million contract in free agency, and the Saints still want to address Kamara’s status — despite Kamara being under contract for next season, and the team already restructuring his cap hit once Armstead did not ask Kamara whether he anticipates returning to the Saints in 2026, but the veteran runningbackspokeglowinglyabout the moves the franchise made. He also praised quarterback Tyler Shough and coach Kellen Moore ahead of their second season.
Kamara also shot down any idea that he was unhappy about the Saints potentially signing his replacement in Etienne.
“You know I ain’t into social media and all that,” Kamara said “I don’t do too much watching and stuff, but I think a lot of people be thinking (there’s) like beef or something, when moves like this happen. And it’s like man, I couldn’t be happier
“Like, one, my boy got paid And two, (the signing) ain’t nothing but some help in the backfield. That’s the name of the game. Shoot one person can’t do it by themselves, so I’m cool with it.”
Kamara would know about the latter experience firsthand. He benefited early in his career
when working with Ingram. The duo combined to put up prolific numbers, with the runners’ styles complementing each other to keep defenses off balance.
But the Saints have struggled to find that type of running mate for Kamara in the years since Ingram’s departure.
“Me and Marcus set the bar,” Kamara said
“High,” Armstead added.
“Yeah, very high,” Kamara said. “That’s what efficiency looks like. I’m 100% for (Etienne’s signing). If that’s what the direction we’re going in, I’m with it. I think we can get there You know (Ingram’s) my dog, so I’m not saying we’re going to re-create that, but we’ll see We’ve got to get close and reach for it.”
The effectiveness of the duo could also depend on how much Kamara has left in the tank. The 30-year-old is coming off his worst season as a pro, averaging career lows in several categories before suffering a season-ending knee injury that caused him to miss the last six games.
Kamara was not asked about his health but he indicated he had been training in Miami. He also noted his involvement in other offseason projects, including real estate and TV production.
But Kamara sounded like a man eager to return to the Saints. He said he looked forward to meeting first-round wide receiver Jordyn Tyson — “I’m super excited to get him in the building” and the team’s other rookies Kamara later said that he is “supposed to” link up with Shough, who the running back said has “higher expectations” entering his second year Kamara brought up how former Saints coach Sean Payton would always tell his players to “not drink the Kool-Aid” and how they have to work “10 times harder,” adding he believes the same approach is relevant for Shough.
“I think he’s ready for it, man,” Kamara said of the quarterback.
“He’s mature. He’s got some swag to him It’s like there’s a lighthardedness about his game and his approach that like, he works his (butt) off, but he doesn’t take himself too serious. I’m excited for Shough, man.”
running back
game against the
St. Joseph’s, Catholic’s Bryan win tennis titles
BY JACKSON REYES Staff writer
Catholic and St. Joseph’s Academy both had strong showings at the state tennis tournament in Monroe on Saturday
The Redstickers won the Division I girls team state title with 13.5 points. Barbe and Mt. Carmel tied for second with 8.5 points each. St. Joseph’s stood out in the doubles bracket. The duo of Ryland Stafford and Harper BrownRachleff went unbeaten in doubles play The pair never dropped a set and took down Barbe’s duo of Danara Marcos and Claire McMorris. Brown-Rachleff and Stafford won the finals match 6-2, 6-1. Their path to a doubles state title included a semifinal win over their teammates Sophie Bourgeois and Lily Guillot 6-0, 6-1.
The Redstickers’ state title marks the program’s sixth straight On the boys side, Catholic finished as runner-up to Brother Martin. The Crusaders tallied 14.5 points, while the Bears finished with 7.5. The highlight of the weekend for Catholic was 13th-seeded freshman Parker Bryan After a first-round forfeit helped him advance to the next round, he dominated the rest of the way He dropped just one set across his next four matches. In the quarterfinals, he beat Brother Martin’s Reed MacAlester 6-3, 4-6, 1-0 to move on to the semifinals He defeated Barbe’s Fared Marcos 6-4, 6-2 in the semis. Bryan faced Andrew Dillelo of Southside in the final. He won the first set by a narrow margin of 7-5. He secured the singles state title with a 3-1 win in the second set
How Dutchtown upset one of
BY JACKSON REYES Staff writer
Leading into Dutchtown’s quarterfinal series against Barbe, a player asked Griffins coach Chris Schexnaydre a question.
“Why is Barbe always getting so many social media posts?” he said. It doesn’t take the average baseball fan long to figure out why The Buccaneers are ranked fourth nationally by Prep Baseball America, third by MaxPreps and 15th on Rivals.
“I said, ‘Hey, if you want to get that recognition, you go knock those guys off,’ ” Schexnaydre said.
The Griffins did just that. Dutchtown went to Barbe High this past weekend and took two of three games to advance to the Division I nonselect semifinals.
No. 1 Barbe entered the quarterfinals with a 35-1 record. The Buccaneers’ only loss came in their second game on Feb. 12 against a high school in Texas. No. 8 Dutchtown (26-12) beat them twice across two days.
So just how did the Griffins slay a giant?
Schexnaydre pointed to his pitching coach, Troy Templet.
“He had a great game plan going into facing their hitters,” he said. “Believe me, they have nine hitters in the lineup that can leave the yard at any time.”
Dutchtown ace Kason Johnson got the nod in the first game on Saturday, pitching a complete game.
A Barbe lineup that features top talent like Texas A&M commit J.D. Alexander and UL commit Myles Ledoux managed just one run on three hits in the series opener in a 3-1 Dutchtown win.
The Buccaneers rolled in Game 2 on Saturday night with a 14-1 drubbing to even the series. In the final game, Taylor Tun-
six outs as intense as we can.’”
In the top of the sixth, Dutchtown put runners at first and second off a single and a hit batter with one out. Barbe swapped pitchers, and the Griffins took advantage.
Brooks Bumstead tied the game on an RBI single to centerfield. Cade Delaune then swung the momentum back for good. He got a second-pitch fastball and launched it over the fence for a three-run homer to make it 5-2.
nard took the mound and picked up where Johnson left off. He tossed a complete game, allowing just one earned run off seven hits in a 6-2 victory
“Johnson and Tunnard were able to put that together and really just dominated their hitters all weekend,” Schexnaydre said.
“They gave us a chance.”
Barbe swept Dutchtown in the quarterfinals last year The Griffins faced the Bucs this year on the road and lost 12-2. While Dutchtown lost all three contests, that experience allowed Templet to compile a game plan fit for an upset.
Offensively, the Griffins got off to a quick start in Game 1. Eli Freeman smashed a two-run homer in the second to give Dutchtown a lead it never give up. In Game 3, Barbe scored in the bottom of the first to take an early 1-0 lead. Dutchtown tied it on Hayden Becnel’s sacrifice fly in the top of the second.
Barbe broke the deadlock in the bottom of the fifth, scoring one run off an error on a fly ball to right field. The run deflated the energy in the Dutchtown dugout, but Schexnaydre wasn’t having it
“I said, ‘Hey, guys, we’ve got six outs between us and uncertainty,’” he said. “’It’s our time, but we’ve got to make these last
“You could just feel the momentum shift to our side,” Schexnaydre said. “We just took a little wind out of their sail.”
Dutchtown added another run in the seventh, and Tunnard slammed the door in the final frame to complete the upset. Schexnaydre also credited his other assistant coaches, John Michael Collins and Max Richter, for preparing the team to do the unthinkable.
Despite dropping the second game by 13 runs, Schexnaydre’s belief in his side never wavered He pointed to the team’s 0-3 start to the year His veteran-heavy team of 14 seniors knew how to shake off slumps.
“It started at the beginning of the year,” he said. “They knew what it took to get back and get playing well.”
Now, Dutchtown will face a familiar opponent in No. 4 Zachary in the semifinals.
On the road back home, Dutchtown’s players’ phones buzzed with constant social media posts about how the Griffins conquered a juggernaut. While the team shifts focus to earning a state title berth, Schexnaydre reflected on what they earned Sunday: recognition.
“That’s what it’s all about,” he said. “You knocked that giant off the playoff bracket, and now you’ve got to fill that role.”
STAFF PHOTOS By MICHAEL JOHNSON
Dutchtown third baseman Cade Delaune races to second base against Sulphur on April 24.
STAFF FILE PHOTO By DAVID GRUNFELD
Saints
Alvin Kamara smiles before the start of a preseason
Denver Broncos on Aug. 23 at the Caesars Superdome.
Good spirits
Beautiful bougainvillea captures thecolorful mood of spring and summer in Louisiana
GARDEN NEWS
perfectly captures the vibrant spirit of warmer weather is bougainvillea. Often seen in hanging basketsadorning porches and patios, this tropical vine has been afavorite in Louisiana for decades. Bougainvillea relishes our heat and humidity, providing apunch of color on and off from spring through summer and eveninto fall. Speaking of color: Youcan find bougainvillea in an array of radiant hues at your local garden center.Magenta and purple are popular standbys, but you can take your pick of white, light pink, coral,yellow and red, too. Colors are sometimes mixed in containers for a unique rainbow effect.
LSU AGCENTERPHOTO
By OLIVIA McCLURE
The colorful parts of the bougainvillea plant are bracts.
The flowers aresmall and white.
The colorful parts of bougainvillea are not flowers. Instead, they are bracts,a type of modified leaf. The flowers are small, white, tubular structures that are enveloped by clusters of the papery bracts. While bougainvillea’s vining habit lends itselfnicely to being displayed in ahanging basket, there are other waysto growthis plant. Some people like to place it in acontainer near atrellis, allowing it to climb and form awallofcolor Youmight even come across bougainvilleatree topiaries at the garden center
Bougainvillea is afast grower that willdobest in full sun Its stems have thorns, so be careful when handling it! Native to Central and South America, bougainvillea is what is known as a“dry tropical.”
Many people assume tropical plants want lots of water —but many species, including those in the Bougainvillea genus, preferdrier conditions andcan eventolerate droughts once they’re established. Be sure to let the potting media dry out in between waterings to avoid stressingyour bougainvillea. Don’tneglect it, either,though. Mostfolks grow this plant in containers, and those can quickly become parched in peak summertime. Check the potting mix regularly to see if water is needed. Bougainvillea tends to be treated as an annual here in Louisiana, but it is in fact aperennial that can live for many years with the right care. Most important: Keep it indoors during winter.Temperatures below 50 degrees will cause bougainvillea to stop growing, and anything even approaching freezing will kill it.
Fast track
LSUracingteamgears up fornationalcompetition with newelectricengine
BY MARGARETDELANEY Staff writer
Inthe late evening hoursafter classor in various parking lots acrosscampus on the weekends, 30 students at LSUare often found on the first floor of theelectrical engineering building, past tealtiled hallways in an old switchboard room huddled around a4-foot-tall formula-style race car
The TigerRacing club is workingtobuild anew car for Formula SAE, an annual engineering competition sponsored by the Society of Automotive Engineerswherestudents design, build and compete asmall formula-style racing caragainst 117 national and international universities and colleges. The competition is the student version of Formula 1engineering and racing.
LSU’steam started building cars in 1983, and the Tiger cars have been through many iterations since then. TigerRacing started carting theircar to Brooklyn, Michigan, to compete against other universities in 2006.
PROVIDED PHOTO FROM TIGERRACING
LSU’s team started building cars in 1983, and the Tiger cars have been throughmanyiterationssince then TigerRacing started carting theircar to Brooklyn, Michigan, to compete against other universities in 2006. Gareth Oram, this year’scaptain of LSU’sracing team and asenior in mechanical engineering, went to his first TigerRacing meeting before attending his first class at LSU five years ago. Since then, he’staught himself the ins and outs of race car-making, even welding.
ä See RACING, page 2D
BY MADDIE SCOTT
STAFF PHOTO By JAVIER GALLEGOS
LSU TigerRacing members Ryan Benn, far right, and James Sirois look at the vehicle’swiringoutside the electrical engineering buildingonApril 23 on LSU’scampus.
Gareth Oram, right, talks to aprospectivestudent touring
andhow it’s helping beginhis
RACING
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“Wedon’tjust show up and drive,” Oram said.
In mid-June, theteam willdrive over 16 hours with their car packed into arented trailer from LSU’s College of Engineeringto Michigan International Speedway,toput their yearlong efforts to the test and brace for subjective judging from industry experts.
The team’sevaluation is brokendown into two major parts: static and dynamic.
The “still tests” areessentiallyaninspection,accordingtoTigerRacingpresident and senior in mechanical engineering Mizuki Teryama.
On top of the basic requirements (the car has to run,be safe to drive and follow the annual guidelinesmapped out in a145-page rulebook), students must also backthe strategic, mechanicaland financial decisionsthey made to build and develop their car They must present aworking hypothesis for each choice, “nuts and bolts and everything,” along with data-backed proof and financial reasonings for various purchases, Oram said.
“The more detailed, the better,” he said.
Only if the car passes the static technical inspection, the experts take alook at the cars on the move, “for safety reasons,” Teryama said.
The dynamic testslook at acceleration,cornering ability on afigure-eight, singlelap speed and 30-minute reliability and endurance. Since transitioning from acombustion engine to an electric engine in 2022, the team has yet to pass technical inspection. Teryama and the team hope to buck that trend at this summer’scompetition.
Switchinggears
LSU placed 7th overall four years ago with acombustion engine, a427-pound car affectionately named Justin.
After their successful2022 season, the highest ranking in the program’shistory building cars, LSU’steam made apivot from acombustion engine to an electric engine in the hopes to get ahead of an industry-wide transition to electric vehicles.
“Other universities can afford to do theelectric, combustion and hybrid competitions each year,” Teryama said. “Wehave to reuse so many parts each year,and break down the old cars, that it didn’tmake sensefor us to keep going with just combustion.”
TigerRacingreused the steering wheel, breaks, vari-
LE RÊVE
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businesses are like cousins.
“All of the coffee beans that we’re grinding are all Rêve Coffee,” Mire said.
“We’re more like acousin to the other Rêve coffee shops.” He hopes that the new coffee shop will serve as an approachableneighborhood spot. It has an online ordering system and adrive-thru windowfor aquick, convenient stop.
Interior andmenu
Inside, the walls were painted mint, some covered
STAFF PHOTOSByJAVIERGALLEGOS
ous buttons and lights, tires and other bits and bobs from carspast.The only thing that mustbe rebuilt each yearisthe frame of thecar
However,the rules often changeyear to year for Formula SAE—rules the team has to go over with afinetoothed combbeforecompetition
Oram received this year’s new rule book in July and started building the specs for the car’snew battery He designed eight different iterations before settling on onetobuild out.
Then, in December,he welded carefully crafted andcut aluminum pieces together in theautomotive shop behind Patrick F. TaylorHallbefore passing the battery’sshell to thepowertrain team.
Yianni Kiritsisand EmilianaOwsley, twosophomores in electrical engineering, lead the powertrain for the team andspent months balancing cells and adjusting circuit boardsinthe battery —keepinginmind importantsafety measures along the way
“Weslowly start integratingwiththe battery management system,” Kiritsis said “It monitors temperatures, voltage and makes sure everything can shut down
PROVIDED PHOTO FROM TIGERRACING
The Formula SAE at the University ofTexas at Arlington boasts a fleet of past andpresent studentbuilt formula-style racing cars forcompetition
in wall decals with red accents depictinga French city scene.Greenery-like pothos plants sit on shelves next to Le Rêve T-shirts and bags of coffee. Outside, a mural painted by local artist Kristen Seriodepictsthe logo that’ll soon appear on to-gocups.
Justa fewdays afterthe soft opening on April 20, caffeinated diners filled almost everytable,insideand on the outdoor patio.
“Wewanted to do acoffee barwherepeoplecan situp here and watch the coffee getmade in frontofthem,” Mire said.“Plentyofinternet. Plenty of outlets.” On the beverage side, the menu has signature lattes,
Avoidlingering trashodors
Dear Heloise: Trash cans can develop odors even after you empty them, but aquick step keeps smells under control. Sprinkle athin layer of baking soda at the bottom of the can before adding a new bag. The baking soda absorbs odors throughout theweek. After noticinglingering smells in my kitchen, Iadded this to my routine, and it madea noticeable difference right away.For extra freshness, wipe the inside of the can occasionally with amild cleaner —Mark E., in Columbus, Ohio Keep herbsfresh longer
the car if something goes wrong.”
The team finally got their car running in March. Now they are in thefinalstretch of adjusting and tinkering with thecar beforetheir trip to Michigan.
Building connections
Althoughbuildingarunning,functioningand performance-ready racing car is already an engineering feat itself, the team at LSU also works to establish relationshipswith auto, oil, gasand productioncompanies across Louisiana to build thecar
With theaverage cost of engineering arace car hovering around $60,000, the LSU team relies heavily on local sponsorship andsupport —tires from Hoosier an oil can from aformer Tiger-racer who got an internshipatExxon Mobil, livery printed from Composite Envisions and more.
Thomas Au,the head of public relations for TigerRacing, works to recruit new members (including nonengineering majors) to the team,managethe nonprofit organization andbuildrelationships with Baton Rouge companies and sponsors.
“Wemarket thecar as if it were asmall company,” Au said.“It teachesa lotof businessskills to help market yourself.
Those experiences including budgeting, 3D modelingand communicationskills studentslearn throughout their time at TigerRacing —place them in auniquecategory when applying for jobs post-graduation.
SpaceX, Teslaand General Motors are just afew of therecruiters that scout for newhires at Formula SAE events.
“It’slike afulltime job,” Teryama said. “You are gainingmore skills thanatypical club at LSU. It’salot of late nights, but it’s worth it.”
Email Margaret DeLaney at margaret.delaney@ theadvocate.com.
cold brew,espresso drinks, frappes, matcha and teas. For food, there’sseveral pastries baked in-house, like chocolate chip cookies, honey glazed croissants, white chocolate cranberry togas, cinnamon rolls and more.
There’salsoa menu with heartier handheldsofsandwiches and biscuits, aham andgouda grilledcheese, chicken salad sandwichand pepper jelly sausage biscuit. In all, Mire wants theenvironment tofeel approachable.
“Wewanted to offer somethingalittle bit moreguestfriendly and approachable,” he said, “And Rêve beans arejust thebest way to do it.”
it loosely with aplastic bag and store it in the refrigerator.The herbs stay hydrated and fresh fordays longer Change the water every couple of days to keep things clean. Some herbs like basil do better at room temperature, so adjust as needed. It’s a simple waytostretch your grocery budget and keep mealstasting fresh. —Paula H., in Savannah, Georgia Loosen stuck-on lids
pasta sauce that refused to budge. Now Idon’twaste timewrestling with lids. A better grip from arubber band can also help if needed. This simple approach saves effort and avoids the risk of spills. —Kevin R., in Des Moines, Iowa Foggymirrors
Dear Heloise: Foggy bathroom mirrors can slow downyour morning routine, so here’sasimple trick to keep
Dear Heloise: Freshherbs can wilt quickly if they sit in the fridge for too long. Istarted treating them like flowers, and it madea big difference. Itrim the stemsslightly and place theherbs in aglass with a little water.Then Icover
By The Associated Press
Today is Tuesday, May 5, the125th day of 2026. There are 240 days left in the year
Todayinhistory: On May 5, 1961, astronaut Alan B. Shepard Jr becameAmerica’sfirst space traveler as he made a15-minute suborbital flight aboard Mercury capsule Freedom 7.
Also on this date:
In 1862, Mexican troops repelled French attacks on the city of Puebla de los Ángeles in theBattle of Puebla, also known as the Battle of Cinco de Mayo.
In 1925, high school teacher John T. Scopes was charged in Tennessee with violating astate law that prohibited teaching thetheory of evolution.
Dear Heloise: Stubborn jar lids can be frustrating, especially when nothing seemstowork, but aquick tap usually does the trick. Gently tap the edge of the lid against the counter to break the seal, then twist it open. Youcan also run the lid under warmwater forafew seconds to help it expand. Istarted doing this after struggling with ajar of
TODAYINHISTORY
(Scopes wasfound guilty, but his conviction was later set aside.)
In 1945, in the only fatal attack on the U.S. mainland during World WarII, aJapanese balloon bomb exploded on Gearhart Mountain in Oregon, killing apregnant womanand five children.
In 1973, Secretariat won the Kentucky Derby,the first of his Triple Crown victories, in atimeof1:59.4 —arecord that still stands.
In 1981, Irish Republican Armymilitant Bobby Sands died at age 27 at the Maze Prison in Northern Ireland on the 66th day of a hunger strike.
In 1994, American teenager Michael Fay was caned at aSingaporean prison forvandalism, aday after his sentence was reduced
from sixlashes to four in response to an appeal by President Bill Clinton. In 2016, Lonnie Franklin Jr.was convicted of 10 counts of murder in the “Grim Sleeper” serial killings in Los Angeles that targeted poor,young Black womenover twodecades. Today’sbirthdays: Actor Lance Henriksen is 86. Comedian-actor Michael Palin is 83. Actor Richard E. Grant is 69. R&B singer Raheem DeVaughn is 51. Actor Vincent Kartheiser is 47. Actor Danielle Fishel is 45. Actor Henry Cavill is 43. Singer-songwriter Adele is 38. R&B singer Chris Brownis37. Tennis player Aryna Sabalenka is 28. Olympic figure skating gold medalist Nathan Chen is 27. Tennis player Carlos Alcaraz is 23.
campus about LSU TigerRacing
career at the club’s automotiveshop.
yianni Kiritsis, left,and Emiliano Owsleyshowoff
gone through at the
tAuRus (April 20-May 20) Shift into high gear and take care of business, health and legal matters that are time-sensitive. How you handle responsibilities will not go unnoticed.
GEMInI (May 21-June 20) Stick close to your people, the ones who understand and share your opinions, and you'll find hope and support. Be careful not to reveal too much personal information.
cAncER (June 21-July 22) Refrain from wasting time and energy on people and situations you cannot control. Look inward and consider how you can best serve your needs. Being the best version of yourself will be uplifting.
LEo (July 23-Aug. 22) Try something new. Engage in an event or activity that challenges you physically, and you will gain strength and understanding of the intellectual challenges you encounter.
VIRGo (Aug. 23-sept. 22) Be aware of what's happening around you. An unexpected change can be beneficial if you are ready to act. A smile and a positive attitude and response will set the tone.
LIBRA (sept. 23-oct 23) When in doubt, sit still, observe and reflect. Put greater emphasis on physical activity, eating habits and health, and use your intelligence to stabilize your financial situation.
scoRPIo (oct. 24-nov. 22) Broaden your horizons. Update your skills and network every chance you get. Who you
know and how you build your relationships will determine how far you get. Be creative, and do your best.
sAGIttARIus (nov. 23-Dec. 21) Initiate change, and don't stop until you are happy with the results. It's time to play the game instead of sitting on the sidelines. Procrastination will not lead to healing old wounds.
cAPRIcoRn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Read between the lines, ask questions and turn any negative into a positive. Respect and understanding will help you build a solid environment to develop and grow your aspirations.
AQuARIus (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Pay attention to money matters. How you earn and manage your financial affairs will have more influence on your meaningful relationships than you realize. Hard work will pay off.
PIscEs (Feb. 20-March 20) Review your options. Balance and equality are necessary if you want to feel good about the outcome of any situation you face with friends, relatives or associates. ARIEs (March 21-April 19) Let go of what you cannot change, and place more energy, time and discipline into improving your domestic situation and personal relationships. Consider what's missing in your life, and revamp your schedule.
Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another.
toDAy's cLuE: E EQuALs I
FAMILY CIrCUS
CeLebrItY CIpher
For better or For WorSe
And erneSt
SALLY Forth
beetLe bAILeY
Mother GooSe And GrIMM SherMAn’S LAGoon
Sudoku
InstructIons: Sudoku is anumber-placing puzzle based on a9x9 grid with several given numbers. The object is to place the numbers1 to 9inthe empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once. Thedifficulty level of the Sudoku increases from Monday to Sunday.
Yesterday’s PuzzleAnswer
THe wiZard oF id
BLondie
BaBY BLueS
Hi and LoiS
Bridge
By PHILLIP ALDER
DickGregory,acomedian,socialactivistandwriter,said,“Iwouldn’tmindpaying taxes —ifI knew they were going to afriendlycountry.”
Let’s examine adeal that ought not to be taxingfor someone who remembers the bidding First, though, look at the South hand. Westdealsandopensoneclub.Aftertwo passes, what shouldSouth do?
Inthisbalancingseat,themeaningsfor three of South’sbids change. The first is aone-no-trump overcall. It is no longer strong. Now it is weak, showing11toan unappealing 15 points.
Norththenwiselypasses,leavingSouth in one no-trump. How shouldheplanthe play afterWest leads hisfourth-highest club and East putsupthe jack?
Notethatwithastrongno-trump,South would double first and hope to rebidone no-trumponthe next round (ifaneightcard major-suit fitwas not revealed).
Here,thatwould be easy. ButifWest’s opening bid were one of amajor,South might be forced to rebid two no-trump, whichisuncomfortably high. Then, a balancing one-no-trump overcall might containapoor 16 points.
Each Wuzzle is awordriddlewhich creates adisguised word, phrase, name, place, saying, etc. For example: NOON GOOD =GOOD AFTERNOON
Previous answers:
word game
InstRuctIons: 1. Words must be of fourormore
Average mark 16 words
Timelimit 25
Can you find 22 or morewords in CHARITY?
wuzzles
loCKhorNs
Trustthe Lord and have agood night’s sleep. G.E. Dean
marmaduKe
Bizarro
hagar the horriBle
Pearls Before swiNe
garfield
B.C.
PiCKles hidato
mallard fillmore
from theEngineer andwillnot be issued laterthan24hours prior to thetimeset foropen‐ingthe bids.Eachbid shallinclude aproposal guaranty in an amount notlessthanspecified above. Thecontractwillbe awardedtothe lowest responsiblebidderwith‐outdiscriminationon groundsofrace, color, sexornationalorigin. Disadvantagedbusi‐nesseswillbeafforded full opportunitytosub‐mitbids.
Plansand specifications maybeseen at thePort's office.Plans maybeob‐tained from theEngineer f $
fullyrefunded upon re‐turn of thedocuments, deposits on anyaddi‐tional sets will be re‐funded less theactual costs of reproduction Refundswillbemade upon return of thedocu‐mentsifwithinten days afterreceipt of bids Theaward
MINUTES CITY COUNCIL MEETING CITY OF BAKER PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE
The City Council of the City of Baker,Louisiana, met in regular session on April 28, 2026, with the following members in attendance at the meeting: MAYOR Darnell Waites
COUNCIL MEMBERS Desiree Collins Rochelle Dunn Cedric Murphy Dr.Charles Vincent Robert Young
CALL TO ORDER –Mayor Waites presided.
The invocation was given by Council Member Murphy
The Pledge of Allegiance wasled by Council Member Vincent. ***Public comment shall be observed before avote is taken on any agenda item. Such comments shall not exceed 3minutes and shall be confined to the agenda item and any proposed disposition thereof.***
DISPOSITION OF THE MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
The motion was made by Council Member Vincent, seconded by Council Member Young to approve the minutes of the meeting held on April 14, 2026.
The mayor called for public comments or questions.
Vote was called for YEAS: Collins, Dunn, Murphy,Vincent, Young NAYS: None
ABSENT:None
ABSTAIN: None
The motion passed with avote of 5-0.
RECOGNITIONS
1. Recognize Mr.William and Mrs. Jewel London Payne for celebrating 50 years of marriage and their united commitment of service to the City of Baker (Collins) Council Member Collins recognized Mr.William and Mrs. Jewel London Payne for celebrating 50 years of marriage and their united commitment of service to the City of Baker
2. Recognize Cherie McCastle for her invaluable community service and voter advocacy work (Collins) Cherie McCastle was unable to attend the meeting, however,Council Member Collins recognized her for her invaluable community service and voter advocacy work.
3. Recognize Kinta Cage for her dedication to the City of Baker especially District 2, and always answering the call to serve the community without complaint (Dunn) Council Member Dunn recognized Kinta Cage for her dedication to the City of Baker,especially District 2, and always answering the call to serve the community without complaint.
4. Recognize Kamari Stinson for his dedication to the City of Baker especially District 2, and always answering the call to serve the community without complaint (Dunn) Council Member Dunn recognized Kamari Stinson for his dedication to the City of Baker,especially District 2, and always answering the call to serve the community without complaint.
5. Recognize Percy Vessell for his dedication to the City of Baker especially District 2, and always answering the call to serve the community without complaint (Dunn) As Mr.Vessell was not in attendance, no action was taken on this agenda item.
PLANNING AND ZONING MATTERS
RESOLUTIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
1.Proclamation declaring April 2026 Alcohol Awareness Month in the City of Baker (Vincent) The proclamation was read by Aneatra Boykin.
The motion was made by Council Member Vincent, seconded by Council Member Dunn to accept the proclamation.
The mayor called for public comments or questions.
Vote was called for YEAS: Collins, Dunn, Murphy,Vincent, Young NAYS: None
ABSENT:None
ABSTAIN: None The motion passed with avote of 5-0.
2. Proclamation declaring April 2026 Minority Health Awareness Month in the City of Baker (Vincent)
The proclamation was read by Aneatra Boykin.
The motion was made by Council Member Vincent, seconded by Council Member Murphy to accept the proclamation.
The mayor called for public comments or questions.
Vote was called for YEAS: Collins, Dunn, Murphy,Vincent, Young NAYS: None
ABSENT:None
ABSTAIN: None
The motion passed with avote of 5-0.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Change June 9, 2026, council meeting date (Mayor)
The motion was made by Council Member Murphy,seconded by Council Member Collins to change the date of the council meeting from June 9, 2026, to Wednesday,June 10, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
The mayor called for public comments or questions.
Vote was called for YEAS: Collins, Dunn, Murphy,Vincent, Young NAYS: None
ABSENT:None
ABSTAIN: None The motion passed with avote of 5-0.
2. Schedule work session to review FY2025 audited financial statements (Mayor)
The motion was made by Council Member Dunn, seconded by Council Member Murphy to schedule awork session to review FY 2025 audited financial statements on Thursday,May 14, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
The mayor called for public comments or questions.
Vote was called for YEAS: Collins, Dunn, Murphy,Vincent, Young
NAYS: None
ABSENT:None
ABSTAIN: None The motion passed with avote of 5-0.
3. Discuss amending Chapter 14 –Offenses and miscellaneous provisions –section 14-103 Disturbing the peace (number 7)
Unauthorizing firing of guns in the city limits of Baker and remove from 4“three or more” thus it would be any person (Vincent) Council Member Vincent initiated discussion regarding amending certain sections of Chapter 14 of the Baker Code of Ordinances, saying they need to be strengthened. He said therehas been an increase in gun violence everywhere. Council Member Vincent proposed meeting with the police department, mayor,attorney,and anyone else who is interested to discuss strengthening the city’sordinances. The mayor stated that adraft of the proposed amendments could then be presented to the council for their consideration.
1. Adopt Ordinance 2026-10, an ordinance establishing atemporary moratorium on the
and
and
of Baker,Louisiana (Mayor) (Introduced 4/14/2026) Public meeting was held.
The motion was made by Council Member Vincent, seconded by Council Member Young to adopt Ordinance 2026-10.
The mayor called for public comments or questions.
Vote was called for YEAS: Collins, Dunn, Murphy,Vincent, Young
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The motion passed with avote of 5-0.
2. Adopt Ordinance 2026-11, an ordinance establishing temporary moratoria on certain zoning, land use, occupancy,and business approvals for barbershops and beauty shops, and for smoke shops and vape shops, within designated corridors of the City of Baker Louisiana (Mayor) (Introduced 4/14/2026)
Public meeting was held.
Dante Bidwell spoke about how the passage of the proposed ordinances on tonight’sagenda will serve to facilitate economic development in the city and help the city move towards realizing its vision.
Christopher Sanders expressed is concerns regarding the ordinance stating that establishing atemporary moratorium on any business is disruption of free enterprise.
The motion was made by Council Member Murphy,seconded by Council
Member Dunn to adopt Ordinance 2026-11.
The mayor called for public comments or questions.
Vote was called for YEAS: Collins, Dunn, Murphy,Vincent, Young
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The motion passed with avote of 5-0.
3. Adopt Ordinance 2026-12, an ordinance amending the City of Baker Code of Ordinances to establish rules for certain city parks and public recreation areas relating to alcohol,loitering, and supervision of minors (Mayor) (Introduced 4/14/2026)
Publicmeeting was held.
The mayor explained the reason for the proposed ordinance.
The motion was made by Council Member Murphy,seconded by Council
Member Collins to adopt Ordinance 2026-12.
The mayor called for public comments or questions.
Council Member Vincent asked that signs advising those visiting the park of the guidelines be placed in the park.
Vote was called for YEAS: Collins, Dunn, Murphy,Vincent, Young NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The motion passed with avote of 5-0.
4. Adopt Ordinance 2026-13, an ordinance of the City of Baker Louisiana, creating and providing for regulation of tirebusinesses; requiring permits, records, safe storage, and lawful disposal of used and waste tire; establishing enforcement and penalties; and otherwise providing with respect thereto (Vincent) (Introduced 4/14/2026)
Publicmeeting was held.
Council Member Vincent explained the reasoning behind the proposed ordinance as well as asummary of things the city hopes to accomplish by implementing said legislation.
Discussion followed.
The motion was made by Council Member Vincent, seconded by Council Member Dunn to adopt Ordinance 2026-13.
The mayor called for public comments or questions.
Vote was called for YEAS: Collins, Dunn, Murphy,Vincent, Young NAYS:None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None The motion passed with avote of 5-0.
Recognize Percy Vessell for his dedication to the City of Baker especially District 2, and always answering the call to serve the community without complaint (Dunn)
Council Member Dunn recognized Percy Vessell for his dedication to the City of Baker,especiallyDistrict 2, and always answering the call to serve the community without complaint.
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
ANNOUNCEMENTS/COMMENTS
1. District 3announcements: District 3Community Walks will begin on the first Tuesday of each month beginning May 5, 2026, recognition of those to be honored at the Citizen of the Year Banquet on May 11, 2026, the City of Baker Recreation Association is currently accepting new athletes ages 4-15 to play baseball,and/or NFL flag football, the Rotary Club of Baker will be hosting inclusive bowling for students receiving special services on Monday,May 18, 2026, please text (225) 954-3360 for registration details, and Clean Green Neighborhood Alliance Recycle Challenge with Thomasina Joseph –the goal is to educate and empower the city officials, employees and students about recycling correctly (Collins)
Council Member Collins asked Ms. Thomasina Joseph to come forward. Ms. Joseph, Executive Director of Clean Green Neighborhood Alliance Recycle Challenge, provided an overview of her program and its goal to educate and empower city officials, employees, and students about recycling correctly.
Council Member Collins announced District 3Community Walks will begin on the first Tuesday of each month beginning May 5, 2026. She also announced the Citizen of the Year banquet will be held on May 11, 2026. This year’shonoree is Shanna Claiborne. Council Member Collins announced that the City of Baker Recreation Association is currently accepting new athletes ages 4-15 to play baseball,and/or NFL flag football, and that the Rotary Club of Baker will be hosting inclusive bowling for students receiving special services on Monday,May 18, 2026, please text (225) 954-3360 for registration details.
2. Baton Rouge Black History Hall of Fame for the LincolnTheare fundraiser “An evening of jazz and blues” Friday,May 15, 2026, at Manship Theater –Shaw Center for the Arts (telephone 225-270-1714 or lbhhf.org),notification from Fireand Police Departments if events or tragedies in our districts, etc. (Vincent)
Council Member Vincent reiterated the importance of recycling and thanked Ms. Ruby Duhe for her efforts with the citywide cleanup, Love the Boot Day,held on April 18, 2026. He thanked the Baker FireDepartment for hosting the event. Council Member Vincent asked that at futurecity events various receptacles be placed about so that items may be recycled properly.Heasked that therebeseparate trash and recycling receptacles.
Council Member Vincent announced the Louisiana Black History Hall of Fame is hosting afundraiser to benefitthe refurbishment of the historic Lincoln Theater in Baton Rouge. An evening of jazz and blues will be held Friday,May 15, 2026. For moreinformation call (225) 270-1741 or visit www.lbhhf.org. He asked that the Fireand Police Departments notify council members when events or tragedies occur in their districts, so that when constituents contact them for information or with questions they areable to provide the necessary information. He thanked everyone who helped with Love the Boot Day.Healso thanked the mayor and Public Works Department for all they do.
The mayor read an excerpt from aletter he received regarding children under 16 years old riding skateboards on the sidewalks. The person responsiblefor the letter asked that the childrennot do so, and called for parental supervision.
APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS CONDEMNATIONS
7. Chamberlain Avenue at John Marks (Mayor)
8. 2441 Ray Weiland (Mayor)
9. 4331 Amerest
REPORTS ON BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
1. Planning and Zoning Commission 2. Annexation Review Committee 3. Economic Development Team
members in attendance at the meeting:
COMMISSIONERS Desiree Collins Rochelle Dunn Cedric Murphy Dr.Charles Vincent Darnell Waites Robert Young CALL TO ORDER –Commissioner Waites presided.
DISPOSITION OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING The meeting wascalled to order and the motion wasmade by Commissioner Waites, seconded by Commissioner Dunn to approve the minutes of the meeting held on April 14, 2026.
Commissioner Waites called for public comments or questions.
Vote wascalled for YEAS: Collins, Dunn, Murphy,Vincent, Waites, Young NAYS: None ABSENT:None ABSTAIN: None
The motion passed by avote of 6-0.
PUBLIC NOTICE
NEW BUSINESS
OTHER NECESSARYBUSINESS
1. Monthly Business Report
2. Other Reports
3. Items Requiring Action
ADJOURN Therewas no other business to come beforethe commission.The motion wasmade by Commissioner Waites, seconded by Commissioner Dunn to adjourn.
Commissioner Waites called for public comments or questions.
Vote wascalled for YEAS: Collins, Dunn, Murphy,Vincent, Waites, Young NAYS: None
ABSENT:None
ABSTAIN: None
The motion passed by avote of 6-0.
CITY OF BAKER PARISH OF EASTBATON ROUGE STATEOFLOUISIANA
I, Angela Canady Wall, certify that IamClerk of the Council for the City of Baker,Louisiana, and that the above and foregoing is acopy of the minutes of aregularmeeting of the Board of Commissioners for the Norman E. “Pete” Heine Memorial Gardens held on April 28, 2026.
Angela Canady Wall, LCMC Clerk of Council
MINUTES BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
BAKER CONSOLIDATED UTILITIES SYSTEM CITY OF BAKER PARISH OF EASTBATON ROUGE STATEOFLOUISIANA 3325 GROOM ROAD BAKER, LA 70714 April28, 2026
The City Council of the City of Baker, Louisiana, sitting as the Board of Commissioners for the Baker Consolidated Utilities System, met in regular session on April 28, 2026, with the following members attending:
COMMISSIONERS Desiree Collins Rochelle Dunn Cedric Murphy
Dr.Charles Vincent Darnell Waites Robert Young
CALL TO ORDER –Commissioner Waites presided.
DISPOSITION OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
The meeting wascalled to order and the motion wasmade by Commissioner Waites, seconded by Commissioner Vincent to approve the minutes of the meeting held on April 14, 2026.
Commissioner Waites called for public comments or questions.
Vote wascalled for YEAS: Collins, Dunn, Murphy,Vincent, Waites, Young NAYS: None
ABSENT:None ABSTAIN: None
The motion passed by avote of 6-0.
PUBLIC NOTICE
NEW BUSINESS
OTHER NECESSARYBUSINESS
1. Monthly Business Report
p g g to EBRPHA Attn:Doris Mejía, 4731 NorthBlvd, BatonRouge,LA70806. A public hearingissched‐uled forMonday, June 15 2026, 4:00 PM (CT),atthe aboveaddress. 186093-MAY1-7-7T $61.67
PUBLIC NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICE
VOUCHER# 26-000220
BIDS TO BE OPENED: 5/27/26 NOTICE TO BIDDERS
Electronic or sealed bids will be received by the City of BatonRouge and Parish of East Baton Rouge, Purchasing Divi‐sion,CityHallBuilding, Room 826, 222 SaintLouis Street,8th Floor,Baton Rouge, La.until 11:00 A.M. May 21, 2026,for the following: REQ220 2026 or Newer Ford 2026 F600 4x4Chas‐sisArticulatingTele‐scopic Bucker Truck Official biddocuments areavailable at Central Bidding(https://www centralauctionhouse. com/rfpc10656-city-ofbaton-rouge.html)orby requestfromthe City of BatonRouge at lcan‐non@brla.gov Bids shallbesubmitted electronically viawww centralbidding.com or on thesolicitationbid forms furnishedbythe City of BatonRouge andParish of East BatonRouge prior to thebiddingdeadline.
Electronic bids forthe solicitation will be down‐loaded by theCityof BatonRouge andParish of East BatonRouge,Pur‐chasingDivision. Begin‐ning as soon as feasible after thebid closingtime allelectronicbidswillbe downloaded andpublicly read aloudalong with all paperbidsreceived, if any, in Room 806 immedi‐atelyafter the11:00 a.m. bidclosing.Bidders or theirauthorizedrepre‐sentatives areinvited to be present.
Note:The City-Parishhas electedtouse LaPAC, the state'sonlineelectronic bidposting andnotifica‐tion system,inaddition to itsstandardmeans of advertisingthisrequire‐ment.ThisInvitationto Bidisavailable in elec‐tronic form at theLaPAC websitehttps:// wwwcfprd.doa.louisiana gov/osp/lapac/dspBid cfm?search=departm ent&term=102.
Bids,amendmentsto bids or requestfor with‐drawal of bids received after time specified for bidopeningsshall notbe considered forany cause whatsoever. Inquirieswillbereceived up until 5pmonMay 18, 2026.
Full informationmay be obtained upon request from theabove address or by telephoningLatisha Cannon at (225) 389-3259, Ext.3271, or viaemail lcannon@brla.gov Anyvendorwho would like to listen to theopen‐ingofthisbid canaccess thefollowing link,atthe date andtimeofthisbid opening:
NOTE:The only vendor informationsharedat thebid openingwillbe thereading of thenames of thosevendors who submittedbids.
Join by phone +1-408-418-9388 United States Toll Access code:263 373 080 (followedbythe #but‐ton) Alternatenumbers to call if numberabove is not available, which may occurdue to network traffic(usethe same Ac‐cess Code,followedby the# button):
United States Toll (Boston)+1-617-315-0704 United States Toll (Chicago)+1-312-53581 Un la Un ve Un so Un An Th vi ac in 18 $1
Notice is hereby given pursuant to theRules of Practice andProcedure of theLouisiana Public ServiceCommission (“LPSC”) that Southwest‐ernElectricPower Com‐pany (“SWEPCO”),an electric public utility supplyingretailelectric servicetoapproximately 235,000 customersin eleven Parishes in the StateofLouisiana throughits retail busi‐ness, andwho also serves customersin Arkansas andTexas, filed with theLPSCits annual filing fora rate adjust‐ment to itsFormula Rate Plan (“FRP”), so it can continue to providesafe andreliableservice for itscustomers in Louisiana. Theeleven Parishes throughwhich SWEPCO’s servicearea extendsinLouisiana are: Bossier,Bienville,Caddo DeSoto,Grant,Natchi‐toches,Red River, Sabine,Webster,Winn, andVernon.
Notice will be published in theOfficial Bulletin of theLPSC. Pertinent docket informationwill be provided in theOffi‐cial Bulletin.The annual FormulaRatePlanad‐justment will allowfor SWEPCO to continue to provideand maintain safe andreliableservice forits Louisianacus‐tomers,and is beingsub‐mitted in accordance with LPSC OrderNo. U37502 datedApril 7, 2026. SWEPCO sFRP filedat theLPSConMay 1, 2026 maybeviewedinthe of‐fice of theLPSCinBaton Rouge, Louisiana, andon theLPSC’swebsite (www.lpsc.louisiana.gov) upon publicationinthe LPSC’s Official Bulletin Additionally,SWEPCO maybecontacted at 318673-3453 regardingany questions. 186519-may5-1t $204.48
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE is hereby given that LouisianaWater Company(“LAWCO”) a waterutility providing servicetocustomers in thefollowing Parishes: Acadia,Avoyelles, Cal‐casieu,Iberia, Rapides, andSt. Landry,pursuant to theFormula Rate Plan (“FRP”)approvedbythe LouisianaPublicService Commission (“LPSC”) in LPSC Docket No.U-37760, filedits FRPAnnualRe‐port forthe test year ending on December 31, 2025 with theLPSC. The FRPAnnualReportas filedbyLAWCO resultsin an averageincreasein waterrates of 3.14%, which equatestoanap‐proximateaverage resi‐dentialwater bill in‐crease of $1.29 per month. LAWCO’s filingmay be viewed in theofficesof theLPSClocated at 602 NorthFifth Street,Galvez Building,11thFloor BatonRouge,Louisiana phone225-342-4999, and on theLPSCwebsite (www.lpsc.louisiana. gov) 186495-may5-1t $135.17
p q public hearingsshall state, with particularity, thereasons forholding a public hearingand must containthe name and contactinformation of therequester.Below are thereferencedapplica‐tion(s):************CUP NUMBER:P20250947 Name:MagnetarOperat‐ingLLC c/oC.H.Fenster‐maker& Associates L.L.C. 135 Regency Square,Lafayette,LA 70508 Attn:Chris Guidry Location:Cameron Parish,LA; POBproposed access route(Grand Lake)@ Lat. 29-58-20.70N / Long.-92-47-33.70W; Proposed Bayou Prospect No.1 @Lat.2937-59.00N /Long. -92-3804.20W (see platsfor ad‐ditional coordinates); RockefellerWildlife Refuge;approximately10 milessouthwest of Lake Arthur,LA. Description: Proposed propwashingin GrandLake(Areas1,2 & 3) andbucketdredging within an existing canal (Area4)for access to drill six(6) proposed prospects(Bayou ProspectsNos 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 &6)withinthree existing slipslocated on Rocke‐feller Wildlife Refuge Two(2) existing earthen plugswillberemoved from themaincanal to allowfor bargeaccessto theproposedwellslips. Athird existing earthen plug will be removedfor bargeaccesstoanexist‐ingwellslip.Uponsuc‐cessfulcompletionofthe wells,a typicalcaisson well protectorwillbein‐stalled. Approx.212,137 CY of native material will be excavatedand used beneficially on site and 109,580 CY of native ma‐terial will be temporarily displaced from prop‐washingactivities. CUPNUM‐BER: P20260202 Name: HilcorpEnergyCompany c/oBrandon Muller 965 Beauregard Parkway, Covington, LA 70433 Attn: BrandonMullerLocation: PlaqueminesParish, LA; Lat. 29-24-20.73N,Long. -89-50-11.84W (see plats foradditional projectco‐ordinates);LakeWash‐ington Field. Description: Proposal to remove pil‐ings,walkways, dock fa‐cilities, production equipment, flowlinesand atankbattery.Wells SN 230517, SN 154560, andSN 167551/169186 will be pluggedand abandoned. No dredging or excava‐tion is required forthe project. Flowlineswillbe pulled by bargefrom open water. NOTICE theLouisiana De‐partment of Conserva‐tion andEnergy, Office of Permitting andCompli‐ance (OPC)has received arequest to extend for thereferencedapplica‐tion(s)for aCoastalUse Permit (CUP)inaccor‐dancewithLa. R.S. 49:214.21 et seq.,and the rulesofthe CoastalMan‐agementProgram.Appli‐cationsfor coastaluse permitsmay be in‐spectedat617 North3rd Street,Room 1078, Baton Rouge, LA or on theOPC webpageat: https:// denr.louisiana.gov/page/ public-notices.Copies areavailable,costs apply. Writtencomments aresolicited from the public andmustbe re‐ceived within 10 days of thedateofthisnotice. Commentsmustbeup‐loaded directly to our electronic record throughthe OPCweb‐page or mailedto: OPC Administrator, Kyle Balkum,P.O Box44487, BatonRouge,LA708044487. Allcommentsmust containthe appropriate CUPnumberand the commenter'sfullname andcontact information. Beloware thereferenced application(s):CUP NUM‐BER:P20230784 (Ex‐tended)Name: TalosEn‐ergy,LLC,c/o TimMorton &Associates,Inc.500 S. Morgan Avenue,Brous‐sard,LA70518 Attn: Donna HollierLocation: VermilionParish, LA;Lat 29-49-52N,Long. -91-5912W;Section 17, 18 T14S R5E; Description: Pro‐posedremoval of struc‐turesand removal/aban‐donmentof3 pipelines forthe P&AofBroussard
#1 wells.The maxi‐mumdraft of equipment will be 7.5'.Board mats foraccessare proposed under P20231055. Approx 0.11 acresoftemporary impactswillresultfrom theproject 186509-MAY5-1T $60.64
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE theLouisiana De‐partment of Conserva‐tion andEnergy(DCE) Office of Permitting and Compliance (OPC)has received thefollowing applicationfor an AfterThe-Fact (ATF)Coastal UsePermit(CUP) in ac‐cordance with theState andLocal CoastalRe‐sourcesManagementAct of 1978, as amended, (Louisiana R.S. 49:214.21214.41),and therules and regulationsofthe CoastalResourcesPro‐gram.Asper Louisiana R.S. 49:214.36.N.2, notice is beingprovidedthat a Draft ATFPermithas been issued forreview. Thedraft ATFpermitas well as theapplication forthe unauthorized work includingdrawings maybeinspected at 617 North3rd Street,LaSalle Building,Room 1078, BatonRouge,LAoron theOPC webpageat: http://denr.louisiana. gov/index.cfm?md=pag ebuilder&tmp=home& pid=591. Copies maybe obtained upon payment of cost of copying. Writ‐tencomments, including suggestionsfor modifi‐cationsorobjectionsto thedraft permit andstat‐ingthe reasonsthereof, arebeing solicitedfrom thepublic. Comments must be received within fifteen (15) days of the date of publicationof this notice.Comments should be uploaded to ourelectronicrecord, but may be mailed,faxed or emailedtothe desig‐natedOPC Reviewer.All comments must contain theappropriateapplica‐tion numberand the commenter's full name andcontact information. Anypersonmay request, in writing, within the comment period speci‐fied in this notice,that a StateorFederal public hearingbeheldtocon‐siderthisapplication. Re‐quests forpublichear‐ings shallstate,withpar‐ticularity,the reasonsfor holdinga public hearing andmustcontain the name andcontact infor‐mation of therequester CUPNumberP20260291 ATF; ChristopherE.Lol‐lar: 1427 OldBarnwood Avenue,Zachary,LA 70791; Attn:Christopher Lollar;Location: Terre‐bonne Parish: Lat29-2948.25 NLong90-33-12.00 W; 905 LA Highway55, Montegut,LA70377; BayouTerrebonne;De‐scription: Unauthorized construction of an ap‐proximately98-foot bulk‐head alongBayou Terre‐bonne 186284-may5-1t $26.63
PUBLIC NOTICE
REQUISITION11297747
OFFICIAL PUBLIC NOTICE OF THE REGULARZONING MEETING OF THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL OF THEPARISHOF EAST BATONROUGE ANDTHE CITY OF BATONROUGE Notice is hereby givento allcitizensofthe City of BatonRouge,Parishof East BatonRouge andto allother interested per‐sons,ofthe introduction at theregular meetingof theMetropolitanCouncil of theCityofBaton Rougeand ParishofEast BatonRouge,heldon April22, 2026, of thepro‐posedordinances, theti‐tles of whichare set forthhereinafter,and that public hearingwill be held thereonbythe
y April 15, 2026, inthe CouncilChambers(Room 348) on thethird floor of theCity-Parish Govern‐mental Building in this City,these proposed or‐dinances beingentitled as follows:
ORDINANCE
Amending theCompre‐hensiveZoningMap of theCityofBaton Rouge andParishofEastBaton Rouge, as containedin andmadepartofthe “Unified Development Code “, as amendedso as to change thezoning on thepropertylocated at 5956 and5986 Stum‐berg Lane To rezone from RuraltoLight Commer‐cial Three(LC3) on prop‐erty locatedonthe west side of Stumberg Lane northofJefferson High‐way, on property nowor formerly knownasLot N andLot KofStokes Place. Section57, T7S, R2E, GLD, EBRP,LA(Coun‐cilDistrict8 -Amoroso) CASE 15-26 ORDINANCE
Amending theCompre‐hensiveZoningMap of theCityofBaton Rouge andParishofEastBaton Rouge, as containedin andmadepartofthe “Unified Development Code “, as amendedso
as to change thezoning on thepropertylocated at Beaumont Lane to ElizaBeaumontLanePro‐posedstreet name change forBeaumont Lane to ElizaBeaumont Lane,located northof MalmaisonDrive,westof South AcadianThruway andeastofParkerStreet (Council District 7- Har‐ris) SNC-1-26 185535 May5,12, 19, 3t $122.17
Important Details:
•All itemsare sold as-is,where-is,with no warrantiesorguarantees
•Buyer is responsible for removal and transportation of allitems
•Itemsmust be purchased as a complete lot(no individual sales)
Sealed bids/offers will be accepted until: Monday,May 11, 2026
M-F at 13421 Hooper Road, Central,LA70818
For moreinformation or to schedule aviewing, please contact:
Submission details: Sealed offers maybesubmittedtoCentralCity hall (11530 SullivanRoad, Central, LA 70818)
Jessica Blanchardconductedthe roll call. The following were present
Please
Voting Members
Mr.Burke Fiscus, Vice President
Mrs. Hayley Clouatre, BoardMember
Mr.Ronald LeBlanc, BoardMember
Ms. Chareeka Grace, BoardMember
Mr.Alden Chustz, BoardMember
Mrs. Teri Bergeron, BoardMember
Mr.Matthew Daigrepont, President
4.
•Mr. Alden Chustz, BoardMember
•Mrs. Teri Bergeron, BoardMember •Mr. Matthew Daigrepont, President Aquorum was
Head Start Directors Report
The chairman declared the floor openfor public comment Informational Item, No Action Necessary
2. Consideration of request for approvalof themonthly expenditures and financial reports for January 2026 (Jared Gibbs)
Mr.Gibbs went over attached report
The chairman declared the flooropenfor public comment
That the boardapproves monthly expenditures and financial reports for January 2026
Motion made by: Mr.Matthew Daigrepont
Motion seconded by: Mrs. HayleyClouatre
Voting results: Unanimously Approved
3. Consideration of request for approvaltoadvertise forbids for food service items for theschool year 2026-2027. (Jared Gibbs)
They will be advertising for bids for everything besidesmilk.
The chairman declared the flooropenfor public comment
That the boardapproves the request to advertise for bids for food service items for the school year 2026-2027
Motion made by: Mr.Burke Fiscus
Motion seconded by: Mrs. Teri Bergeron
Voting results: Unanimously Approved
4. Budget Revision for MaintenanceBudget (Jared Gibbs and Chad Fontenot)
Mr.Fontenot is asking to add $500,000 to the MaintenanceBudget
The chairman declared the floor open forpublic comment
That the boardapproves to Revise the MaintenanceBudget.
Motion made by: Mr.Alden Chustz
Motion seconded by: Mr.Burke Fiscus
Voting results: Unanimously Approved
5. Update on the 16th SectionSugar Lease-Heath Morris, Sugar West, Inc. (Jared Gibbs)
Mr.Heath Morris went over the current Sugar Lease and what he would suggest moving forward.
The chairman declared the flooropen for public comment.
Informational Item, No Action necessary
6. Consideration of request to approveanew sugar lease with Sugar West, Inc. for the terms of January1,2027 through December 31, 2036. (Jared Gibbs)
Tabled this item to April Committee Meeting
The chairman declared the floor open for public comment.
7. Consideration of request to approveand update the Personnel Evaluation Plan (BarbaraBurke) Therewereafew updates that Dr.Smith and BarbaraBurke went over on the Personnel EvaluationPlan
The chairman declared the floor open for public comment
That the boardapproves and update the PersonnelEvaluation Plan
Motion made by: Mrs. HayleyClouatre
Motion seconded by:Mrs. Teri Bergeron
Voting results: Unanimously Approved
8. DS Bus Update Staffing, Emergency Procedures, Office changes, and Safety procedures.
The chairman declared the floor open for public comment. Informational Item, No Action Necessary
9. Policy Updates
Dr.Smith went over each policy and therechanges -A-M
The chairman declared the floor open for public comments.
That the boardapproves Policies A-M
Motion made by: Mr.MatthewDaigrepont
Motionseconded by: Mr.Burke Fiscus
Voting results: Unanimously Approved
a. DCI- Budgetary Line Item Transfer Authority
b. DFM- Sale of Surplus Equipment and Supplies
c. DG- DepositoryofFunds
d. DIA-Accounting Systems
e. DIC-Inventories
f. DID-Audits
g. DJCB- Salary Deductions
h. DJD-Expense Reimbursements
i. DJE-Purchasing
j. DJED-Bid and Quotations
k. DL- Cash in SchoolBuildings
l. DE-Debt Limitations
m. BH-School BoardEthics
5. Adjourn
That the finance committee meeting be adjourn
Thechairman declared the floor open for publiccomment
That the finance committeemeeting be adjourn.
Motionmade by: Mr.Alden Chustz
Motion seconded by: Mrs. Teri Bergeron
Voting results: Unanimously Approved
MEETING MINUTES
Please silenceall cellphones
Attendance
Voting Members
Mr.Burke Fiscus, Vice President
Mrs. Hayley Clouatre,BoardMember
Mr.RonaldLeBlanc, BoardMember
Ms.Chareeka Grace, BoardMember
Mr.Alden Chustz, BoardMember
Mrs.Teri Bergeron, BoardMember
Mr.MatthewDaigrepont, President
Non-Voting Members Jessica Blanchard, Executive Secretary
Dr.Chandler Smith, Superintendent Jared Gibbs, Supervisor of Business
1. Call Meeting to Order The chairman calledthe meeting to order
2. Pledge of Allegiance
Mr.Chust zled us in The Pledge of Allegiance
3. Roll Call The following boardmember werepresent:
•Mr. Burke Fiscus, Vice President
•Mrs. Hayley Clouatre,BoardMember
•Mr. RonaldLeBlanc, BoardMember
•Ms. Chareeka Grace, BoardMember
•Mr. Alden Chustz,Board Member
•Mrs. Teri Bergeron, BoardMember
•Mr. Matthew Daigrepont,President
Aquorum was made
The following boardmembers wereabsent:
Dr.Atley WalkerSr. BoardMember
Ms.Sonceria Evans, BoardMember
Mr.Michael Maranto, Board Member
4. Agenda
1. Facilities Updates (Chad Fontenot)
Mr.Fontenot went over the attached FacilitiesUpdates. Thechairman declared the flooropen for public comment. Informational Item, No action necessary
5. Adjourn
The facilities committee be adjourn.
Motionmade by: Mr.RonaldLeBlanc
Motionseconded by: Mrs. Hayley Clouatre
Voting results: Unanimously Approved
MEETING MINUTES
Attendance
Voting Members
Regular Meeting of the WBRParish SchoolBoard 03/18/2026 05:00 PM West Baton Rouge Parish School BoardOffice 3761 RosedaleRoad Port Allen, LA 70767
Mr.Burke Fiscus, Vice President
Mrs. Hayley Clouatre,BoardMember
Mr.RonaldLeBlanc, BoardMember
Ms. Chareeka Grace, BoardMember
Mr.Alden Chustz, BoardMember
Mrs. Teri Bergeron, BoardMember
Mr.MatthewDaigrepont, President
Non-Voting Members
Jessica Blanchard, Executive Secretary
Dr.Chandler Smith, Superintendent Jared Gibbs, Supervisor of Business
1. Call to Order The chairman called themeeting to order
2. Pledge of Allegiance Mr.Daigrepont led us in ThePledge of Allegiance
3. Roll Call
•Mr. Burke Fiscus, Vice President
•Mrs. Hayley Clouatre, Board Member
•Mr. RonaldLeBlanc, BoardMember
•Ms. Sonceria Evans,Board Member
•Mr. AldenChustz,BoardMember
•Mr. MichaelMaranto, BoardMember
•Mrs. Teri Bergeron, BoardMember
•Mr. MatthewDaigrepont, President
Aquorum wasmade The followingwereabsent
Dr.AtleyWalker., Sr.Board Member Ms. Chareeka Grace,Board Member
4. Approval of Minutes
Be it Resolved, That theapproval of the minutesofthe RegularBoard Meeting held February 18, 2026 be approved as presented. The Chairmandeclared the floor open forpubliccomment.
5. Superintendent’sReport Dr.Smith went over his attached SuperintendentReport. The chairmandeclared the floor openfor publiccomment. Informational item, No action necessary
6. ReportfromCommunity Committees/Agencies dow CAPSMEETING. Report good on safety
7. UnfinishedBusiness Resolution for Ellis JamesGauthierpassing 3termsasa West Baton Rouge Parish School Board Member. The chairmandeclared the floor openfor publiccomment That theboard approvesaresolution of condolencefor thefamily of Ellis James Gauthier formerSchool Board Member Motion made by: Mr.AldenChustz Motion seconded by: Mr.Ronald LeBlanc Voting results: Unanimously Approved
8. Presentation of ConsentAgenda
1. Consideration of requestfor approval of the monthly expenditures and financial reports forJanuary 2026 (Jared Gibbs)
2. Consideration of requestfor approval to advertisefor bids for foodservice items for the school year 2026-2027.(Jared Gibbs)
3. Budget Revision for Maintenance Budget (Jared Gibbs and Chad Fontenot)
4. Consideration of requesttoapprove
9. Approval of Consent Agenda Be it resolvedthatthe Board does hereby approve andadopt the Above Consent Agenda Items #1-5 The Chairmandeclared the floor openfor public comment. Motion made by: Mrs. Teri Bergeron Motion seconded by:Mrs. Hayley Clouatre Voting results: Unanimously Approved
10. End of ConsentAgenda
1. Consideration of requesttoapprove replacement of the HVAC chiller line at Port Allen Elementary School (Chad Fontenot) Mr.Fontenot went overthe reasonfor the replacement. The chairman declaredthe floor openfor publiccomment That the boardapproves replacementofthe HVAC chillerlineat Port Allen Elementary School.
Motion made by: Mr.Ronald LeBlanc Motion seconded by: Mrs. Teri Bergeron Voting results: Unanimously Approved
2. Approveamendment to Superintendent contract (Matthew Daigrepont) Mr.Daigrepont explainedthe extension of Dr.Smith contract The chairman declaredthe floor openfor publiccomment That the boardapproves to amend the Superintendent contract Motion made by: Mr.AldenChustz Motion seconded by: Mr.Burke Fiscus Voting results: Unanimously Approved
11. Organization Items
12. Any otherbusiness unanimouslyapproved by the boardfor consideration
13. Adjourn That the Regularboard meeting be adjourn.
