Baton Rouge found itself under a head advisory on Monday, with another coming Tuesday.
ABOVE: Workers try to protect themselves from the sun as they install terracotta tiles on the roof of Seaman A. Knapp Hall on Highland Road on the LSU campus on Monday.
RIGHT: Mat Blackwell drinks water while working at Clegg’s Nursery on Monday.
ä STORY, PAGE 1B
Central Mayor Evans won’t seek reelection
BY PATRICK SLOAN-TURNER Staff writer
After four years leading the East Baton Rouge Parish city Central Mayor Wade Evans is ready to step aside Evans announced in a statement on social media Saturday that he will not seek reelection in November, calling his eight years as mayor and a council member “one of the greatest honors” of his life.
“For me, this simply feels like the right season for a new chapter,” he said.
“My passion for building organizations, solving complex problems and serving others remains as strong as ever.” Evans, a Republican, was elected mayor in 2022 after serving four years on the Central City Council. In his announcement, Evans
Evans ä See CENTRAL, page 4A
Landfill search hampered by heat
Effort to find teen’s body enters third week
BY QUINN COFFMAN and OLIVIA TEES Staff writers
The intensive search for the body of 15-year-old Ja’Derrius Minnieweather in the East Baton Rouge Parish Landfill has become “extremely difficult” for local law enforcement due to rising heat, District Attorney Hillar Moore said Monday The search, which involves teams of 30 officers at a time working through truckloads of waste in tiny increments, has entered its third week at the parish’s North Landfill. Last week, the team spent 3,080 hours working and covered 652 yards at the landfill.
“It’s extremely slow, excruciating work, but every man and woman gets to see a picture (of Minnieweather) every day.”
La. senators say they support military action
BY MARK BALLARD Staff writer
WASHINGTON Louisiana’s two U.S senators support the military action in Iran but say it’s time for the president to explain the purpose, strategy and off-ramp.
“The y’re fully geared from head to toe, and you can imagine working in that uniform and with a breathing apparatus,” Moore said Monday while taking questions at the Press Club of Baton Rouge.
HILLAR MOORE, East Baton Rouge Parish district attorney
On top of that, the heat has risen significantly since the search’s first week.
Local law enforcement agents involved are only able to work in 45-minute shifts before being required to rest for an hour and 45 minutes, Moore said. During each of these breaks, workers have their temperature and blood pressure checked before being sent back to the search.
“It’s extremely slow, excruciating work,” Moore said, “but every man and woman gets to see a picture (of Minnieweather) every day.”
City leaders, including Baton Rouge Police Chief Thomas Morse and Mayor-President Sid Edwards, have previously said the photos of the teen are meant to keep workers
ä See LANDFILL, page 4A
ä Mediators see progress in efforts to halt war. PAGE 3A
the Nation,”
ä See IRAN, page 4A
“What we do need to do, though, is have a national dialogue, where the president comes to the American people, comes to Congress, (and) Congress helps make a tough decision,” Sen. Bill
John Kennedy, R-Madisonville
STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON
STAFF PHOTO By JOHN BALLANCE
BRIEFS FROM WIRE REPORTS
McConnell remains in rehab, statement says
WASHINGTON The office of Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., released an update on his health Monday this time with a statement from the congressional Office of Attending Physician stating the senator has not yet been medically cleared to leave a rehabilitation facility where he is undergoing physical therapy
The update comes shortly before his home state’s annual Fancy Farm picnic, which features speeches from politicians throughout the state seeking elected office. McConnell said in a written statement that he won’t be able to attend the event
“There’s no place I’d rather be on the first Saturday in August than with the good people of western Kentucky feasting on pork and mutton,” McConnell said McConnell, 84, was admitted to the hospital on June 14 and revealed weeks later that it was due to a fall.
‘Today’ host makes plea in mom’s disappearance
“Today” show host Savannah Guthrie says in a new video that her family is living an unending nightmare nearly six months after her mother’s disappearance and pleads with her kidnappers: “Tell us where to look for her.”
The video released Monday is the latest public plea from the journalist about 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie since her disappearance on Feb. 1 from her home just outside Tucson, Arizona Savannah Guthrie said her family will never stop looking for her.
“The world can be a cruel and unforgiving place and I know that you have tried to do things the right way,” she said. “So I’m asking you, begging you, to do the right thing now Make the right choice. Help us find her Tell us where to look for her I truly believe it is never too late to do the right thing.” Authorities believe Nancy Guthrie was kidnapped, abducted or otherwise taken against her will on Feb. 1.
Comey: Seashell post was political speech
WASHINGTON — Former FBI Director James Comey urged a judge on Monday to throw out federal charges against him, arguing that a photo of seashells arranged on a beach he posted on social media was not a call to violence against President Donald Trump but protected political speech.
Comey’s lawyers argue the government cannot prove the Instagram photo of seashells in the numerical arrangement of “86 47” constituted a “true threat” against the Republican president, who fired Comey in 2017 and has publicly called for his prosecution. The slogan — which has long meant to “get rid of” or “eject” — has been featured on thousands of items sold online and regularly displayed at protests, defense lawyers wrote in court papers.
“But the government now singles out Mr Comey to prosecute one of the President’s most prominent critics for publishing another person’s statement of political opposition,” his attorney’s wrote.
“That attempt to suppress core political speech contravenes both the statutes at issue and the First Amendment.” The seashells case against Comey was the second in months targeting the ex-FBI director
Performer accidentally shot with arrow at circus
MIDDLETOWN, N.Y A circus performer was accidentally shot in the neck by an arrow during a performance at a county fair in upstate New York, police and organizers said. It happened Friday night at the Orange County Fair in Middletown, northwest of New York City, according to state police.
Ana Daza Tavera, 42, and Edwin Cuervo Rangel, 38, a married couple from Waukesha, Wisconsin, had been performing their crossbow sharpshooting act when she accidentally struck him in the neck with an arrow as he held up a foam target, police said. Rangel was airlifted to a hospital in stable condition and the circus was canceled for the night. He was released from the hospital Saturday after the arrow was safely removed and he received stitches
SEATTLE
At least 3 involved in shooting, police say
Authorities say shootout near Space Needle may have been gang-related
BY GENE JOHNSON Associated Press
SEATTLE Police said Monday there were at least three suspects involved in a shootout at a crowded food festival near Seattle’s Space Needle over the weekend. One of them was among those killed in the violence.
In a document filed in juvenile court in Seattle, where a 15-year-old arrested in the case waived his initial appearance Monday, police said they believe there were at least three shooters, rather than two: the 15-year-old; an acquaintance who died at the scene; and “at least one other unknown suspect.”
Nicole Powell, the Seattle Police Department’s assistant chief of investigations, told a news conference Monday afternoon that investigators believe the shooting may have been gang-related, with two groups firing at each other The deceased shooter was 19.
A judge ordered the 15-year-old held in juvenile detention for investigation of firearms violations and first-degree assault. The King County prosecutor’s office said it expected to receive the case from Seattle police on Wednesday for a charging decision.
The gunfire erupted around 6 p.m. Sunday in the waning hours of the Bite of Seattle, leaving three people dead and at least four others, including a toddler injured. The annual three-day festival draws hundreds of food and retail vendors and performers to Seattle Center, a sprawling park in the shadow of the Space Needle. Many attendees rushed into campus buildings or ran from the park at the sound of the shots.
News that there were at least three sus-
pects followed a series of confusing statements from city officials concerning the shooting.
On Sunday, the police department waited five hours to share with the public that one shooter had been arrested and that they believed another to be on the loose. Earlier, Mayor Katie Wilson had announced two people were in custody, a statement she retracted.
At a news conference before the court hearing Monday, Police Chief Shon Barnes said investigators weren’t sure if the second shooter was among the dead. Neither he nor the mayor made any reference to additional shooters. Barnes had been out of town Sunday, attending a conference of Black law enforcement executives in Dallas.
The officials defended their handling of the case, saying they were trying to ensure they provided accurate information about chaotic events.
The King County Medical Examiner’s Office on Monday identified the dead as Carlos Israel Sanchez Villalba, 44; Ashley Whitehead, 56; and Junior Cee Niko Semo, 19. Villalba was a husband and father of three known for his kindness and willingness to help others, according to a GoFundMe campaign launched Monday to help his family with funeral expenses. He died from a gunshot wound to his torso, according to the medical examiner’s office.
The four wounded included a 2-year-old boy, who was in satisfactory condition Monday The others — two men, ages 23 and 27, and a woman, 39 — were discharged, a hospital spokesperson said.
One of the victims was walking a bicycle when struck, the court document said. The toddler was with his mother Vendors were allowed to return to the campus Monday morning to collect their equipment. Skewered squid on grills, roasted ducks in ovens and plates full of food were among the items left behind as people fled.
Wisconsin tornado causes extensive damage, cuts power
BY SCOTT BAUER, JOHN SEEWER and CYBELE MAYES-OSTERMAN Associated Press
MADISON, Wis A tornado struck northeastern Wisconsin on Monday, blackening the midday sky and sending workers sheltering in office basements as fierce winds splintered homes scattered twisted metal across a highway and knocked out power to more than 30,000 people. There were no reports of fatalities or injuries as of Monday evening, but emergency officials were still searching, said Gordon Hintz, Winnebago County’s top elected official.
The National Weather Service confirmed a tornado in Winnebago County, about 90 miles northwest of Milwaukee. Damage was reported in cities including Appleton and Menasha, where Police Chief Matt Albrecht said some homes and businesses were severely impacted.
The twister was spun off by a large storm system that moved through the Great Lakes, fueled by a buildup of heat and humidity National Weather Service meteorologist Scott Berschback said.
Hintz said it could be several days before power in the stricken area is restored.
Heather Schroeder said she heard cracking and popping all around her as the tornado tore apart a laundromat, a bakery and a neighborhood tavern that were clustered around a street corner in Menasha, about 30 miles south of Green Bay Rescue workers pulled someone out of one of the buildings, said Schroeder, who works nearby She said it wasn’t clear
if the person had survived. Cars were turned upside-down, and there was a gas leak at the laundromat, she said.
“There’s nothing left,” Schroeder said.
The twister ripped roofs off homes and flipped vehicles in one neighborhood in Menasha, just blocks from the shores of Lake Winnebago. Video showed a trail of destruction, with some homes reduced to their outer walls.
Greg Van Driest was working in downtown Appleton when the sky got as dark as night.
“The word we all were using was ‘ominous,’” he said. “It’s like, ‘Whoa, look at that.’ You looked outside and you thought it was three in the morning, it was that dark.”
Hintz said he’s received multiple reports of buildings destroyed and vehicles overturned. All storm warnings that could be made ahead of time to get people to safety were activated, he said.
“Obviously when you look at the damage, Mother Nature doesn’t really care,” he said.
Administration urges justices to allow voting order
Trump’s plan for mail-in ballots blocked by lower court
BY LINDSAY WHITEHURST Associated Press
WASHINGTON The Trump administration asked the Supreme Court on Monday to clear the way for an executive order from President Donald Trump that could dramatically change mail-in voting ahead of November’s midterm elections.
The Justice Department asked the justices to halt for now lower court decisions blocking work to implement the sweeping changes in nearly half the country
The request comes shortly after Trump delivered a primetime address elevating his yearslong push to raise doubts about the legitimacy of elections, and could be one of several voting-related challenges before the court ahead of the high-stakes midterm contest.
Trump ordered the government in March to create a “state citizenship list” of eligible voters and deliver mail ballots only to people on that list.
Democratic officials in 23 states and the District of Columbia sued, saying the Constitution gives states and Congress the authority to set election rules, not the president. Their attorneys have said Trump’s proposed changes are ripe for abuse and could cause chaos.
A judge in Massachusetts blocked the order for the plaintiff states, and a divided 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel left her ruling in place over the weekend.
The executive order issued in March calls for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the commissioner of the Social Security Administration to create a federal list of eligible voters. It tells the U.S. Postal Service to deliver mail ballots only to people on that list.
The order also calls for ballots to have secure envelopes with unique bar codes for tracking. Federal funding could be withheld from states and localities that don’t comply The appeal argues that Trump’s order lays out “general policy guidance” and doesn’t directly dictate how states run their elections. Solicitor General D. John Sauer asked the high court to freeze the judge’s order as lawsuits play out, calling it indefensible.
“And the injunction is especially indefensible because the agencies are still deliberating over how (if at all) to implement the Order, yet the district court preemptively decided that whatever the agencies may choose to do will necessarily be unlawful,” Sauer wrote. He urged the high court to move quickly, arguing that any new policies would have to be in place as soon as August to be effective for the November elections. A response to the appeal is due Aug. 3.
Trump promoted the proposed changes as safeguards to keep non-U.S. citizens from voting. Noncitizen voting has been shown to be rare, and is a felony that can be punishable by deportation.
U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani in Boston, who was nominated by Democratic President Barack Obama, agreed in June to halt implementation for the Nov 3 elections. Her ruling differed from that of another federal judge based in Washington. U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols, who was appointed by Trump, found in May it was too early to block the order because it had not yet been implemented. The office of California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who is leading the lawsuit, did not immediately comment on the Trump administration’s appeal. New York Attorney General Letitia James’ office declined to comment.
The U.S flag flies at half-staff Monday over the Space Needle as cleanup continues the day after a shooting at Seattle Center during the Bite of Seattle food festival.
PROVIDED PHOTO By DOUGLAS TOM WILLIAMS
A road is littered with debris from a severe storm Monday in Menasha, Wis.
Mediators see progress in efforts to halt Iran war
Drone attacks rattle region
BY SAMY MAGDY and ELENA BECATOROS Associated Press
CAIRO Mediators have achieved progress in getting the United States and Iran back to negotiations, regional officials said Monday after both sides paused attacks following a period of rapidly escalating tensions. But scattered attacks by armed groups across the region underscored the lingering tensions. Saudi Arabia said it had shot down drones fired by Iran-backed militias in Iraq that had targeted its petroleum facilities. Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen meanwhile claimed to have attacked Saudi oil facilities as part of a separate but related conflict. It was unclear if they referred to the same attack. Neither the U.S. nor Iran reported carrying out any attacks for three days — a respite after about two weeks of sustained bombardments that had led to increasing fears of a return to all-out war
President Donald Trump
said Iran had asked for more discussions, reaching out directly “because we’ve been hitting them very hard.”
Iran has said there are no direct talks underway
“We’re having good talks, so we’ll see what happens,”
Trump told reporters Monday on Air Force One. “I think there’s a good chance that something could happen. And if it does, good If it doesn’t, we go back to doing what we were doing two days ago.”
The two regional officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the closed-door talks, said mediators led by Qatar and Pakistan were working to bridge the gap between Washington and Tehran to return to an interim ceasefire deal that had collapsed after exchanges of fire.
In addition to the attack on Saudi Arabia, two drone attacks were reported against a Kurdish Iranian dissident group in Iraq on Monday and Jordan said it had shot down two drones, without saying where they originated There were no reports of casualties or damage.
Iran and Ukraine, meanwhile, have been publicly feuding since Ukraine fired on at least one Iranian ves-
Zelenskyy, U.K.’s new prime minister meet
BY JILL LAWLESS Associated Press
LONDON Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and new U.K. Prime Minister Andy Burnham met Monday at a British naval base and discussed joint drone projects and Ukraine’s urgent need for ballistic missile interceptors to counter Russian attacks.
Zelenskyy’s visit was the first by a foreign leader since Burnham took office a week ago, and the prime minister said it signaled the U.K.’s “unwavering” support for Kyiv to defend itself against Russia’s 4-yearold, full-scale invasion.
His predecessor, Keir Starmer, was in the Ukrainian capital less than two weeks ago in his last overseas trip before leaving office, and Burnham said he planned to visit soon.
Burnham is the fifth British prime minister Zelenskyy has dealt with since Russia launched the war in 2022.
“You are the first leader I have welcomed in person since taking office, and that is no accident,” Burnham told Zelenskyy “It is intended to send a very clear message: we are with Ukraine 100%, I am personally with you 100%, and I will honor every commitment this country has made to Ukraine in full.” Zelenskyy said the two countries’ relationship was
“stronger than ever.”
The meeting, aboard the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth docked at Portsmouth on England’s south coast, came a day before Zelenskyy is expected to visit President Donald Trump in Washington
Burnham said they had “talked at length” about Kyiv’s need for more interceptors to shoot down Russian ballistic missiles, “particularly in terms of Ukraine protecting critical national infrastructure during the winters.”
“We’ve taken away some things that we will now follow up with our partners,” Burnham said after the meeting Russia has intensified strikes on gas stations, power facilities and other infrastructure this year in a broad campaign to strain Ukraine’s logistics and energy networks.
Zelenskyy said on X that the leaders also discussed “joint defense production.” Britain and Ukraine already have a deal to work together on new drones, and Zelenskyy told Sky News beforehand that he hoped to build a “big, big factory” in Britain
They also met more than 200 Ukrainian military personnel who have spent three weeks in Britain for an exercise aimed at strengthening their fighting capabilities and measures to counter mines in the Black Sea, the U.K. government said.
Tate brothers to remain in jail at least 2 more weeks
BY DAVID FISCHER Associated Press
MIAMI Social media
influencers Andrew and Tristan Tate will remain in jail at least two more weeks until their next hearing as they fight extradition to the United Kingdom, where the brothers are accused of rape and sex trafficking, a federal judge said Monday
U.S. Magistrate Lauren Louis set a detention hearing for Aug. 13 to determine whether the Tates should stay in jail or be released during what could be a monthslong extradition process. The brothers weren’t in court Monday or required to be there and have remained in jail since making a brief court appearance two days after their July 18 arrest. The Tates have become among the world’s most
sel in the Caspian Sea over the weekend. Iran, which said a sailor had been killed in the attack, is an important ally of Russia in its war against Ukraine and helped Moscow build up its drone expertise.
The U.S. paused attacks after targeting Iranian coastal areas and infrastructure in a nearly two-week escalation sparked by Iran’s firing at ships trying to transit the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway for global oil shipments. Iran had responded to
the strikes with missile and drone attacks on countries hosting U.S. troops, killing at least three service members at a base in Jordan and one in Iraq. Iran halted its attacks following the American pause, Tehran’s army spokesperson told Iranian state TV on Sunday
The Iran war has drawn down the U.S. stockpile of key weapons systems like missiles and interceptors, analysts say
Asked if the U.S. munitions
stockpile was running low, Trump said both that it was “in very good shape,” and “I’d like to have more, to be honest.” Experts have questioned how long both the U.S. and Iran can afford to keep up attacks.
Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has told Trump that the state of the country’s stockpile could have an impact on military operations in Iran, a U.S. official said.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to
discuss sensitive conversations, said this message was delivered as part of Caine’s regular duties of providing military advice and options to Trump. Caine told lawmakers at a hearing last week that “airpower has its limits” in achieving military objectives. The U.S. military has employed airstrikes almost exclusively against Iran. One of the regional officials who spoke to AP on Monday described the progress made in mediation efforts as “significant.” He said mediators were working with Iran and Oman on a mechanism for managing vessels’ transit through the Strait of Hormuz, the flashpoint for the latest strikes and counterstrikes. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, said during a news conference in Tehran on Monday that “mediators may convey messages to us from the American side” but that there were no direct negotiations. He said Iran and Oman, which lies on the other side of the Strait of Hormuz, had already held talks on Friday and Saturday on how to manage ship traffic through the waterway
Judge: D4vd to stand trial in killing of teen
BY ANDREW DALTON AP entertainment writer
LOSANGELES A judge ruled Monday that there is enough evidence to put singer D4vd on trial in the killing and dismemberment of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez after authorities said, she had threatened to expose their relationship and crater his career
Los Angeles Judge Charlaine Olmedo decided the evidence prosecutors presented at a preliminary hearing that spanned five days provided probable cause for a trial on charges of murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14 and unlawful mutilation of human remains.
“The people have met their burden on all counts,” Olmedo said. She ordered that D4vd continue to be held without bail.
D4vd, the 21-year-old singer born David Burke whose career was steeply rising before the allegations emerged, has pleaded not guilty He showed no emotion when the judge issued her ruling. Defense lawyers declined to comment outside court after the ruling.
Olmedo emphasized that the probable cause standard for a preliminary hearing like this is much lower than the threshold at trial However prosecutors asserted the evidence was overwhelming.
“Based on the mountains of evidence presented,” Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman said, “all of the allegations have been proved way beyond the standard required.”
polarizing internet personalities with their promotion of wealth, male dominance and misogyny through their social media empire.
The new allegations are the latest in a long-running international legal saga involving the Tates that has spanned the U.S., Britain and Romania. The brothers have repeatedly denied wrongdoing.
Attorneys for the brothers said Monday that they want the U.S. government to turn over documents that U.K. officials submitted to secure their arrest
“They don’t have anything but the accusations,” attorney Joseph McBride said after the hearing “It’s just their word against our word right now.”
The U.K. has until midSeptember to turn over all of its materials to the State Department, Assistant U.S Attorney Alejandra López said in court.
Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman said outside court that prosecutors are still weighing whether to seek the death penalty Burke is to be arraigned Aug. 31.
Prosecutors on Monday wrapped up their case by giving a moment-by-moment account of Rivas Hernandez’s last night showing that after a stream of text messages with Burke, her phone went permanently silent when she arrived at his home.
As she neared his Hollywood home shortly after 10 a.m. on April 23, 2025, in an Uber he had sent to pick her up, she sent her final text: “girly pop i’m almost there open ur door if ur home.”
Prosecutors allege Burke stabbed her to death when she came through the door The night before, the two argued via text about his relationship with a woman. She sent him an angry and profane text saying she will tell her dad so many lies about him and “i will end ur career and ur life.”
By StevieCavalier Licciardi stevie.licciardi@theadvocate.com
Thisstory is brought to youbyMeta.
Many facets of lifeand businesshave been shifting in Northeast Louisiana since construction forthe newworld-classMeta AI data centerbegan in Richland Parish. With families relocating to the region, the CityofMonroe has experienced an upward tilt in the real estate market
To betterunderstand howthe housing market has changed since Meta’s construction started and the big picture forfamilies in the area,Kelsey Higdon, Digital Sales Manager forNola.com and The Advocate,spokeone-on-one with Linda Edwards,a realtor at John ReaRealty.
Ithas always been agood market here, but it has alsohad its dips.However, since Meta announced the project, the market has skyrocketed. I’ve helped so manyfamilies who have left their homes to relocate here
Ithink theylove the small-townfeel. It’s not too big, but it’salsonot toosmall. I’ve alsoheard people sayhow welcoming and friendly the communityhas been. Theyfeel lovedand valued. Their kids have parks to playin. Thereare amazing restaurants and amazing churches
community,and we always try to stayahead of the curve. We knewitwas coming, and we started to do research on the properties and the building sites.Weattended all the Chamber of Commerce events and knew howmanypeople would come in and in what month. Then we started marketing and looking forlistings. We started talking to people and worked to makesurethat everyone who came in would have ahome.
Ialwayslook to gettoknowthe family and understand whatisimportantto them. Do they liketogoout to eatonthe weekends?Dotheyliketoget out on the water? Learning about each family and their hobbies helps me determine howfar from the site theyprefertobe. Factorssuch as shorter commutes or waterfrontaccess could be dealbreakersfor them. Thereare so many variables to consider when making sureour families aretaken care of The most important thing is to ensure theyare happywith their newlocation and thattheir needs arebeing met,whether that’shavingagood school fortheir children or having agreat neighborhood with proximitytothe activities theyenjoy.
My mostrecentcouple has four children and three dogs, and theywereliving in an apartmentatthe time Imet them. She loves cooking, but their limited space didn’tallow forit. So,she wanted to find ahome with a full kitchen, and he wanted to find ahome with apool. We searched high and lowfor the perfect home,and we just closed on it last week. Theyare going to renovate it and makeitspectacular
Ihavehundreds of stories likethis one, and theytruly touch my heart.I’m very attached to all my clients,and theyknow that. We’refriends forlife.
To learn moreabout John ReaRealty, visit www.johnrearealty.com.
Formoreinformation on the Meta project in Richland Parish, see meta.com/ BuildingLouisiana.
ISNA PHOTO By RAZIEH POUDAT
Small boats line the shore as cargo ships and other commercial vessels are anchored Monday in the Strait of Hormuz off Bandar Abbas, Iran.
Burke met Rivas Hernandez when she was 11, began sexually abusing her when
she was 13 and he was 18, stabbed her to death when she threatened to report him and ruin his career, and cut up her body in his garage with chain saws.
BY EDITH M. LEDERER Associated Press
UNITED NATIONS U.S. diplomats walked out as their French counterparts were speaking at the United Nations on Monday after America’sclose European ally criticized theTrump administration’shuman rights record. The surprise move during a U.N. Security Councilmeeting on Ukraine followed U.S. opposition to giving U.N. humanrights chief Volker Türk another fouryear term. The reappointment on Friday got overwhelming support, including from France. The U.S. walkoutreflectsnot only
LANDFILL
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connectedtotheir mission:bringing the 15-year-old home.
“Wedohopethatwe’re goingto find him. We believe that we are in the right section,” Mooresaid, thanking waste management for putting officers in the best position to find Minnieweather
As of now, there is no end in sight for the search, Moore said
“Although we hoped we could find something very quickly,we’re in our third week now.Itisvery hot. We will stay there as long as we can manage it and stay there. It does cost alot of money,” Moore said. “There may be apoint where it will be fruitless, but at this point, Idon’tsee that.Atthis point, that’s acall that somebody else will make.” Minnieweather has been missingsince June 5and is presumed dead. Police have confirmed that they believe his body was dumped in agarbage bin, picked up by a garbage truck and dumped somewhere in the landfill. Maurice Parms, 51, was arrested on June 20 on acountoffirstdegreemurder. He is accusedof dumping the teen in agarbage bin in the early morning hours on June 5. The garbage truck was scheduled to pick up the trash that morn-
IRAN
Continued from page1A
adding that President Donald Trump or one of his top advisers should “either in aspeechorinalong press conference, explain what’s going on in Iran. Why we went in. Why we’re still there.”
Over the next two weeks, the Senate will be considering legislation to spend more money replacing military hardware that has been used up during the hostilities that began Feb. 28 and have continued off and on since, pausing temporarily from time to time under fragile ceasefires to negotiate asettlement.
“I don’thave enough information to knowabout continuing the attacks,” Kennedy said. “The president likes the daily attacks. He believes that sometimes you have to kill afew chickens to scarethe monkeys. Idon’tthink that’sgoing to work with the Iranian leadership.”
CENTRAL
Continued from page1A
touted securing millions in grant funding, advancing several infrastructure projects and opening Central’s first City Hall earlier this year “None of these accomplishments belong to one person,” themayor said. “They belong to an exceptional team of public servants who believed that government exists to serve its citizens with excellence, integrity and humility.” Since incorporating in 2005, Central has embraced aheavily privatized model of government under Evans and his predecessors —an approach that the parish’s newest city,St. George, has partially adopted. Evanssaid public service
the more strained relationsbetweenPresident Donald Trumpand his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron,but also widertensionsbetweenthe U.S. and Europe. These include questionsover Trump’s commitment to NATO,possible changes to U.S. troop deployments in Europe,and Trump’sdesireto control Greenland, which belongs to NATO member Denmark.
Trump has complained that Europeans, who weren’tconsulted, did not help the U.S. during the Iran war.Amid the tensions, Macron has taken aleadintrying to build up Europe’s military and ensure anuclear umbrella as one of the continent’s twonuclear pow-
ers, along with Britain
AfterMonday’sbriefwalkout, deputy U.S.Ambassador Dan Negrea accused France of feigning“moral outrage” and pretending to lecture the world about every topic, including human rights. The United States has stoodby France in every conflict where its “freedom has been imperiled” and tolerated its grandstanding “out of asense of camaraderie andmutual respect,” he said, but no more. What sparked the walkout was asocial media post Friday from France’sU.N.Mission in Geneva criticizing U.S. opposition to asecond term for the U.N. rights chief.
TheGeneral Assemblyvoted 14410 with 13 abstentions in support of Türk, with theU.S.among the
“no” votes.
“The US used to be abeacon of human rights. Not anymore. Today, it stands alongside North Korea, Nicaragua, Mali &Russia, isolated. And theworld no longer listens to it,”the FrenchMission tweeted.
Mike Waltz, the U.S. ambassador to the U.N., in responding on X, accused France of coddling ”some of theworst human rights abusers” andvoting “for someone who has been lecturing, free, sovereign democracieslike theUnited States, the UK, and Israel, while cozying up to theworld’sworst oppressors.”
Türk’sjob as the U.N. rights chief, by its nature, is tricky: It requires speaking out against rights violations by the governments of the countries that makeupthe
membership of the world body
For instance, Türk has sharply criticized Russia’s2022 invasion of Ukraine and Israel’swar in Gaza as well as having urged a“massive rethink” of U.S. immigration policy before the World Cup, citing issues around“racialprofiling,surveillance and immigration enforcement.”
At Monday’s meeting, Negrea drilled in on France.
“Today,I remind them thatitis the United States that remains the beacon of liberty forthe world,”he said. “As such,wewill notbeaffording them the benefit of listening to their politicized drivel until they renounce their condescending and disrespectful rhetoric and behave in amannercommensurate with their seat on this council.”
ingat6 a.m., said Parms’ arrest warrant.
To make sure the landfill is searched thoroughly and safely, the Baton Rouge Police Department has enlistedthe help of 12 other lawenforcement agencies, including specialty teams from the FBI, Homeland Security Investi-
gations and the Louisiana National Guard.
The FBINew Orleans office said through the FBI Laboratory’s Technical Hazards Response Unit and Evidence ResponseTeam Unit,theyidentified asearcharea of 0.64 acres out of 400. BRPD confirmedtheyhavenot
yetmadeitthrough thesearch area due to theextreme heat.The searchteams are wearing protective hazmat suits to prevent any contactwithusedneedles,glass andhazardous gasesthatare found in the landfill.
Police said Parms has made no statement or offered any help to
locate Minnieweather’sbody
He remains in the East Baton Rouge Parish Prisonand is held without bail. Hisnext court date will be on Oct. 15 forabail review hearing.
Parmsfaces thepossibilityofthe death penalty if he is convicted of first-degree murder
“I don’t have enough information to know aboutcontinuingthe attacks. The president likesthe daily attacks. He believes that sometimes you have to kill afew chickens to scare the monkeys. Idon’tthink that’sgoing to work with the Iranian leadership.”
SEN. JOHN KENNEDy, R-Madisonville
TheSenate passed aresolution in June urginganend to theconflictorfor Trump to cometoCongress for permissiontocontinuethe military action.
The House passed one on Thursday.But the resolutions carried noenforcement weight and acted merely as asymbolic criticism of thewar CassidyinJune had a shouting match with Trump during aclosed-door meeting with senators over why he supported aprocedural voteleading to acongres-
has always required sacrificebut hasgottenincreasinglydifficult in the modern day.
“Small-townpoliticscan be an ugly business when disagreement gives way to divisionand public debate becomespersonal,”hesaid “Social media has too often rewarded outrage over understanding and accusation over truth.”
Evans added that he believes receivingcriticism is apart of leadershipbut urgedCentral residentsto treat others with dignity. Lastweek, EastBaton Rouge Metro CouncilmemberAaron Moak announced hiscandidacy for Central mayor Evansdid notsay what he plans to do after leaving officein2027.
“I leave this office with complete peace,” Evans said. “The foundation has
sional demand for war powersauthority. He eventually voted against the actual measure when it came to the floor,saying the administrationhad briefedhim in the meantime.
Cassidy went on to tell CNN on Sunday thatthe U.S. would not abandon troops or agree to allowIran to have controlofthe Strait of Hormuz,through which about 20% of the world’soil is supplied.
The closures and chaos at thestraitare responsible for thedramatic increase in theprice of oiland thus the price of gasoline and diesel fuel.
High-cost energy is responsible for higherprices acrossthe board. Aseries of polls show that up to twothirds of the U.S. public oppose thehostilities with Iran. The Pentagon reported Monday that 18 service members have been killed and another 624 have been injured.
Email Mark Ballard at mballard@theadvocate. com.
been built. The relationships have been established. The systems are in place. Central’sfuture is incredibly bright,and Iwill always be oneofits biggest supporters.”
Email Patrick SloanTurner at patrick.sloanturner@theadvocate.com.
Thesearch of the East Baton RougeParish Landfill for the bodyofJa’Derrius Minnieweather has entered its third week.
Trumpdefends hissweepingtariffs in Michigan stop
BY WILL WEISSERT and DARLENE SUPERVILLE Associated Press
MILFORD,Mich. President Donald Trumpcameto Michigan on Mondayand argued that his economic policies have revived the auto industry and American manufacturing,even as some businesses contend that the sweeping tariffs he’s imposed have actually hurt the state.
Trump visited asprawling General Motors facility in the Detroit suburb of Milford that is atesting ground for its vehicles. He pumped afist after watching atrio of drag racesthat involved muscle cars and luxury vehicles like the CorvetteZ06, Cadillac Escalade V, and EVHummer —events the announcer promised were “all America First power.”
It wasthe kind of thundering speed the president is expecting at an IndyCar race in Washingtonnext month, which is part of America’s 250th birthday celebrations.
In asubsequent speech inside adesign facility,the president cheered GM’s plans to expand production domestically in coming years and declaredhimself apresident who was standingupfor auto workers “at long last.”
“I’vedonemore foryou than your parents, OK?” he joked
Michigan was one of the 2024 battlegrounds Trump flippedafter it backed Democrat Joe Bidenin2020. But the statehas seen partsof its economy affectedbythe president’stariffs,including on imported cars and auto parts.Automakers have long said tariffs increase the cost of doing business, which leads to higher pricesfor consumers.
Company officialsled Trump ona tour where he saw various GM models, includingthe latest versions of the Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado —the production of whichhe argued hadbeen
boosted by tariffs.
At one point,POTUS grabbed apen and signed the hood of awhite Corvette that was made specifically forAmerica’s 250thbirthday
“They’vecomea long way,” he said to reporters about the Detroit-based automaker during thetour.“It’samazing what tariffs are doing for GM.” Trump said he’sbeen good to thecompany but he declined to saymore.
“The rest of the world doesn’tloveme, but that’s OK,” he said, alluding to tariffs. “It’s called ‘America first.’ The president’sspeech lastedmore than an hour
and was wide ranging —hitting on the economy, thewar in Iranand the U.S. military operation thattoppled the leader of Venezuela. He also touched on communism, crime rates, his administration’sefforts to transform the nation’s capital and even how carefully he treads to keep from tripping whileonstage or deplaning from Air Force One
With early primary voting already underway,Trump calledonstage Republican Reps. Lisa McClain, Tom Barrett and TimWalberg, as well as gubernatorial candidate John James and Senate candidateMike Rogers.
Rogers is unopposedin theSenate primary,but the GOPgubernatorial contest pits James, who is backed by Trump, againstPerry Johnson, abusinessman turned politician who haslaunched unsuccessful campaigns before,including for president in 2024. Anew roundofsteep import leviesistaking effect on dozens of U.S. trading partners. YetTrump has singled out Canada with tariffs as high as 50% on awide array of its products, including cars.
The GM facility he toured is in Oakland County,which encompassesmuch of Detroit’s northern suburbs. Once a Republican stronghold,ithas increasingly leaned Democratic, backingBidenagainst Trump in 2020 andVicePresident Kamala Harris against Trump four years later GM says itsfacility is the oldest dedicated vehicle testing operation in the United States, where 4,200 employees work to refine nearly every vehicle the company makes before theyreach consumers. It has more than 150 miles of test roads and the early innovations perfected on site include the first mass-produced automatic transmission, known as the “Hydra-Matic.” Michigan’seconomyrelies heavilyonCanada, meaning the new tariffs —coupled
with inflation still running high and gas prices rising again as the already unpopular war in Iran escalates have created additionaleconomic concerns statewide. Some advocacygroupsciting import andtariff data,says tariffs have cost Michigan businesses billions of dollars just since last spring. The latest tariffs comeat atime when voters across thecountry were already increasingly dissatisfied with Trump’shandling of the economy.
Jason Roe, aformer executive director of the Michigan Republican Party who tried unsuccessfully to distanceit from Trump’s“Make America Great Again” movement in 2021, said that more than coinciding with his new round of tariffs, Trump’svisit is afunction of Michigan’s relatively late primaryand is meant to ensure that James secures the nomination. ButRoe also said it wasa risk forthe presidenttotie himself tooclosely to top Republicansbefore thegeneral election,calling it “kryptonite to November voters.” Trump, who won the White House on apromise to lower the cost of living, also has seen hisapprovalratings sag, meaning kitchentable issues could be aliability for Republicans trying to hold control of Congress in the Nov. 3elections.
Presidentdemands Senate pass voting bill before taking break
BY JOEY CAPPELLETTI and MARYCLAREJALONICK Associated Press
WASHINGTON President DonaldTrump on Monday demanded that Senate Majority Leader John Thune cancel the chamber’s upcoming August break until senators pass astrict pr oof -o fcitizenship voting bill, even as Republicanslack the votes to advance it.
Trump has repeatedly urged Thune to scrap the legislative filibuster,which effectively sets a60-vote threshold formostlegislation in the 100-member
Senate, or find another workaround to pass the votingbill, known as the SAVE America Act. But Republicans hold onlya 5347 majority,and Thune has consistently said theydon’t have the votes to passthe bill or change therules to getaroundthe filibuster
“John Thune should notallow the United StatesSenate to ‘leave town’ until it passes The Save America Act or,far betterstill, TERMINATES THE FILIBUSTER,” Trump wrote on social media.
He laterinsisted toreporters Monday that he has agood relationship with the Senate majority leaderbut said Thune has“got to get hisjob done.”
It’s the latest escalation in amonthslongpressure campaignbyTrump and others
in the GOP base to pass the SAVE Act ahead of themidterms. Asmall but vocal group of Republican senators hasalso increasingly pressed Thune to find away forward.
Thune responded Monday afternoon, tellingreporters he would be supportive of cancelingthe break if there was apath forward on the legislation.
“Wevoted on it one, two, three, four,five times already,” said Thune, who counted each number on his hand for reporters. “Show me how this ends. What’s thepictureofvictoryatthe end?”
House Republicans have also attemptedtocreate another path for the legislation through the budget reconciliationprocess,which
would allow grant money associated with voting rules to pass the Senatewith a simple majority The House last week approved abudget framework thatincluded $10 billion for voting-related changes aligned withthe SAVE America Act.But Thune has saidRepublicans don’t currently have thevotes for that approach, either Thefight threatens to com-
plicate the Senate’sfinal legislative sprint before the August break, when Thune had hoped to focus on along list of priorities that includes government funding, cryptocurrency legislation and sanctions on Russia. The Augustbreak,scheduled to start on Aug. 7, is apivotal stretchfor senators to return home andcampaign ahead of the midterm elections.
Several Republican senators arefacing competitive races, including Maine Sen. Susan Collins, Ohio Sen. Jon Husted and Alaska Sen. Dan Sullivan. Republicans currently holda 53-47 Senate majority. Republicansare confronting broader political headwinds as well, including an unpopular warin Iran, surging gas prices and costs that remainhigh for voters.
BY JIM MORRIS Associated Press
VANCOUVER, BritishColumbia
Ashooter fired at the U.S. Consulate in Toronto early Monday morning, police said, the second time this year someone shot at the building. No one was injured in the incident, but asingle shell casing was found and there wasdamagetothe building’sfacade. Toronto deputy chief Frank Barredo said ahigh-speed chase ensued that lasted an hour,but that no arrest was made. He vowed that the searchfor the perpetratoror perpetrators would continue.
“Wewill approach this investigation with greatseriousness,” Barredo said at a news conference.“We will bring the people responsible for this to justice.”
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow called the shooting a “brazenattack.”
“I want to saytothe person or persons responsible,we will get you,” said Chow
The U.S. Consulate was targeted March 10, when two suspectsallegedly fired multipleshots at the building before driving away in astolen vehicle.
Thune
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By ALEX BRANDON
President DonaldTrump pauses Mondayduring aspeech at aGeneral Motors facility in Milford, Mich.
BUSINESS
BRIEFS FROM WIRE REPORTS
Stocks drift on Wall Streetasoil prices drop
Stocks on Wall Street drifted to amixed closeMonday as oil prices fell after the U.S. and Iran paused their attacks while work resumed on restarting negotiations to end the war
The S&P 500 roseless than 0.1% after spending much of the day bouncing between small gains and losses. The benchmark index was coming off two weekly losses in arow
The Dow Jones IndustrialAverage rose 0.5%, and the Nasdaq composite fell 0.2%, its fourth straightloss.
The three major stock indexesare on pace to close out this month in the red. It would be the second straight monthly loss for the S&P 500and Nasdaq Oil prices reversed course from aweek ago, when asharp escalationinfighting between the U.S. andIran worsened worries about global oilsupplies.
The price of Brent crude, the internationalstandard, dropped 6.3% to settle at $85.87 abarrel forOctober delivery.Prices surgedtoover $100 abarrel last week before easing.
U.S. crude oil for September delivery fell 7.5% to settleat $82.61 abarrel.
The war between the U.S. and Iran has sharply curtailed, and at times halted, traffic through thevital Strait of Hormuz. That hashad aripple effect throughout theworld’seconomy.Gasoline prices have surged and shipping costs formost goods are rising, with businesses typicallypassing those costs along to households.
Markets closed higher in Europeand Asia.
Bond yields fell. The yield on the10-yearTreasuryfellto 4.65% from 4.69% late Friday Technology companies were behind much of the shifts in the market, with gains and declines for amix of bigcompaniesresulting in uncertain trading Nvidia fell 5% andMicron Technology slumped 2.3%. At the same time, Microsoftrose 1.9% and Apple rose1.2%. They areall among themost valuable companies in the world, and those huge valuationsgive them more influence overthe direction of the broader market.
The mix of gains and losses from avariety of those companies hadmore impact in pushing and pulling the market, even as the majority of companies in the S&P 500gained ground. Communications company stocks were among the gainers Monday.Google parent Alphabet rose 2.1%,whileCharter Communications jumped 6.7% and Comcastrose 2.3%.
Chinese chipmaker
CXMT’sshares soar
HONG KONG Shares of CXMT, China’slargestmemory chipmaker, shot skyward Monday as they begantrading in Shanghai in mainland China’sbiggest initial public stock offering in recent years.
CXMT’sshares surged 466% in their first day of trading.The company has become themost valuable onelisted on amainlandChinese exchange, with an estimatedmarketcapitalizationofmore than $487 billion. Butthat’s still smaller than those of South Korean and American memory chipmakers likeSamsung Electronics, SK Hynix and Micron Technology. CXMT,orChangXinMemory Technologies, is among many chipmakers that have profited mightilyfrom the boom in artificialintelligence. Its business is thriving as China pushes for greater self-sufficiency in leading-edgetechnologies while contending with limited access to advanced chipmaking machinesdue to American-led restrictions. The company raised at least $8.6 billion with the offering, priced at $1.3 per share, in its listingonthe Shanghai Stock Exchange’sNasdaq-like STAR market, also known as theScience andTechnology InnovationBoard.
CrackerBarrelCEO stepping down
Logo andrebrand caused backlash
BY DEE-ANN DURBIN AP business writer
Cracker Barrel’s CEO is stepping down nearlyayear after an attempted rebrand of the chain led to afierce customer backlash. Cracker Barrel said Monday that CEO Julie Masino will step down next monthbut remainwith the company until Oct. 9inanadvisory capacity David Denowill succeed Masino on Aug.10asCEO. Deno served
as the CEO of Bloomin’ Brands, which owns Outback Steakhouse and other chains, from 2019 until he retired in 2024. He has also held executive rolesatBest Buy and YumBrands, which is theparent company of KFC and Taco Bell. Lebanon, Tennessee-based Cracker Barrel hired Masino, a longtime Taco Bell andStarbucks executive, in July 2023. She was chosen for her recordasaninnovator withthe hope that she would attract newcustomers to Cracker Barrel, which operates nearly 660 restaurantsin43states Masino introduced updated menu items, like Hashbrown Cas-
serole Shepherd’sPie,toincrease CrackerBarrel’sdinnertime traffic.She also started remodeling the company’sdark, antique-filled restaurants, lightening the walls and installing more comfortable seating. Then, last August, Cracker Barrelannounced plans to ditch its longtimelogo, whichfeatures an older,overall-clad manleaning on abarrelaswellasthe words“Old Country Store.” The company said it would continue to honor Uncle Herschel —the man in itslogo, whorepresentsthe uncle of Cracker Barrel’s founder —onits menu and on items sold in its stores. But
the new logo would be simpler and easier to read on road signs and in phone apps. The backlash was immediate. Fans didn’tlike the new logo and also rebelledagainst thestoreredesigns. Even President Donald Trumpweighed in,saying in a Truth Social post that Cracker Barrel “should go back to the old logo.” Masino reversedcoursewithin afew days, but the damage was done. Cracker Barrel’ssame-store restaurantsales plunged5%last fall and7%inthe quarterending Jan. 30. Same-store sales at the retail storesconnected to its restaurants dropped even further
Federal Reserve officialswill head into their policy meeting this week confronting aresurgence in price pressures that could make theirdecisiononwhethertohold or hike interestrates aclosecall —and acontentious one.
Renewed tensions in theMiddle East have sent oilprices soaring again, overshadowingatamer-than-expected reading on June consumer prices that seemed to offerofficials breathing room to keep rates stable. Addtothat ademandboom fueled by artificialintelligence and the Trump administration’s announcements of new tariffs,and Fed watchers see the possibility of dissents at the Tuesday-Wednesday meetingsifofficials again leave policy unchanged.
Investors in recent days have also boosted their betsthe central bank could hike at this week’smeeting, putting the odds close to 40% at onepointlast week.
“Things are definitelyheatingupinthe conflict in the Middle Eastand, for oil, the risk of moving significantly higher from here hasincreased,” said Alex Payne, aseniorportfoliomanager at Vanguard. “The market is adjusting to the risk of inflation being alittle bit stickier due to some of these geopolitical issues.”
Oil prices retreated somewhat over the weekend as theU.S.and Iran held back from initiating fresh military strikes. But fresh economic data provided further evidence of astrong U.S. economy,with orders for business equipmentrising in June by morethan projected.
Potentialpushback
Agrowing number of policymakershave outlined arationale for why they support higher ratesnow,orcould soon.
Dallas Fed President Lorie Logan earlier this month called for modestly higher rates, citing herview that inflation isn’theadingsustainably back to the Fed’s2%goal Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack also chimed in recently,saying “there is no conflict” in theFed’smandates and inflation is abiggerconcern than employment currently.Both will vote on this week’sinterestrate decision and could dissentifofficials opt to holdsteady
“It is clear listening to the Fed officials that you have asmall group —like Logan, Hammack —who probably are ready to get going,” said Claudia Sahm, chiefeconomist at New Century Advisors LLC. “And then there’sapretty large group thatwants to see
BY ANTHONY IZAGUIRRE Associated Press
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’splantoopenaslate of government-ownedgrocerystores stirred up critics whoroasted the idea as the democratic socialist’s first steptoward creating communist bread linesin the city. The mayoroffered adifferent vision for the city-owned shops on Monday,announcingthatthey would instead provide a30% discount on produce, meat anda host of other kitchen staples as away to offset therisingfoodpricesinone of America’s mostexpensivecities.
moreimprovement— and soon.”
Even at last month’smeeting, when officials left policy stable for afourth consecutivetime, afew policymakers already saw a case for raising rates.
Minutesofthatgathering also showed most officials haddiscussedscenarios in which inflation remained elevated due to AIrelated demand, the Middle Eastconflictor the effectsoftariffs. And almost all in that group indicated that such scenarios would likely warrant higher rates.
Since that meeting, theTrump administration said it would impose fresh tariffs on Canada and other trading partners, afragile ceasefire between Iran andthe U.S. fracturedand robustAIinvestmenthas shown few signs of slowing.
Fed Chairman Kevin Warsh has reaffirmed theFed’scommitment to reducing inflation, vowing on Capitol Hill this month to use the central bank’stoolstoachieve price stability. But his reluctance to offer specifics on how he plans to use those toolshas kept markets guessing about where ratesare headed even in the near term.
As of Monday morning, investors were pricing in about a35% chance forarate increaseatthismeeting, according to federal funds futures contracts. Those odds had dropped to roughly 10% after Labor Department data releasedonJuly 14 showed the U.S. ConsumerPrice IndexfellinJune for thefirst time in sixyears as gasoline prices declined. Butthe drop reversed amidthe reescalation of the war with Iran.
“Roughly one third of the banks we work
with are positioning for further rate increases, while the rest are hedging against cuts,” said Pradeep Bhatia, chief executive officer of Derivative Path Inc., which helps financial institutions hedge rates and currency risks. “Thatkind of bifurcation tells you the market has stopped trying to predict the Fed and started preparing forboth outcomes.”
Nowvs. later
Officialsmay be comfortable leavingrates unchanged on the heels of the cooler June inflation reading, said Veronica Clark, an economist at CitigroupInc. If future data reports show limited pass-through from higher energy prices and rising unemployment, policymakers may opt to extend the hold on borrowing costs or even cut rates, she said.
Some officials have indeed suggestedthe Fed can be patient fornow.But they’ve also said the central bank may need to hike in upcoming meetings if price pressures don’t abate.
“In ascenario where actual inflation does notstart to cool down soon,I believe that it could be appropriate to reconsiderour current policy stance,” Fed Vice Chair Philip Jefferson said two days after the CPI report. Lifting rates this month could help Warsh build credibility in his fight against inflation and maybeviewed as less political than a rate move closer to the midterm elections in November, saidJoseph Lavorgna,chief economist of the Americas forSMBC Nikko Securities America and aformer Treasury Department official during President Donald Trump’ssecond term.
The five storesare expected to be placed in each of the city’sfive boroughs, with thefirst set to open towardthe end of 2027 in the Bronx. He planstohaveall five operational by the end of his four-year term.
“Thirty percent off adds up to real money for New Yorkers,” Mamdani, aDemocrat, said at a newsconference at awarehouse in Brooklyn while standing in front of adisplay of fruits and vegetables. “In the wealthiest city, in the wealthiestcountryinthe history of the world, no New Yorker should have to worry aboutbeing able to affordtofeed their family.”
The cityhas started the process of picking private operators to handle day-to-dayoperations of theshops. The administration will provide storefrontswhile covering
toward policies to help the city’s struggling working class. At one point last year,heframed theidea as amodest experiment and said if it doesn’twork, “C’est la vie, then the idea was wrong.”
Still, theplanhas rankledsome smallergrocersand ownersofthe city’subiquitous bodega corner stores, who worry they won’t be abletocompete withprices at the city-run shops. Mamdani said the city-owned stores would not sell hot food or other items like beer or cigarettes, as away to avoidsapping away profitable business from private stores. Andrew Rein, president of the Citizens BudgetCommission, a watchdoggroup, called for amore thorough public analysis of theprogram’scost.
TNS PHOTO By KAyLA BARTKOWSKI
Honor Fuchs, 25, right, pumps gasalongside aUPS driver at agas station in Los Angeles.
AP PHOTO By RyAN MURPHy Newyork City MayorZohran Mamdani discusses plans for citywide discounted grocerystores on Monday.
BY MICHAEL CASEY and LEAH WILLINGHAM Associated Press
PLYMOUTH, Mass. — In the months after the birth of her third child, Lindsay Clancy’s mental health collapsed. Unable to sleep and stricken with thoughts of harming herself, she sought care from experts in postpregnancy mood disorders, was put on multiple psychiatric medications, and when nothing worked, checked in to a psychiatric hospital
Nineteen days after she was discharged, she strangled her three children at their Massachusetts home.
A jury heard opening statements Monday in Clancy’s murder trial, which is expected to feature dueling views about her mental state. Both sides agree she killed her children. They disagree over whether she should be held criminally responsible for their deaths.
The
first witness was Patrick Clancy, her former husband, who found the children’s bodies after returning home on the day of the killings in January 2023. He has said in interviews that he forgives his wife, and will testify for both the prosecution and the defense.
Patrick Clancy told prosecutors on Monday that a month before the killings, his wife began to describe intrusive thoughts of harming the children and of sui-
cide, but she denied having plans to hurt them or herself. He said the situation was “very confusing” because moments later she would be making the children lunch or playing with them.
“I never saw Lindsay harm the kids,” he told jurors. Despite months of psychiatric care, changing medications and new providers, her condition worsened, he said. She became increasingly depressed, struggled to sleep and lost weight.
Patrick Clancy breathed heavily as photos of his children were projected for the jury Cora, 5, was shown in one image wearing a red bow and skirt. Her dad said she loved princesses. Dawson, 3, loved firefighters fire trucks and “Paw Patrol.” Eightmonth-old Callan “was just a happy baby,” his father said. Clancy worked as a labor and delivery nurse at Massachusetts General Hospital, and Patrick testified that her anxiety about being separated from her children would increase as she got closer to the end of her parental leave.
Patrick Clancy testified that after his wife was discharged from the psychiatric hospital, the family tried to carry on with everyday life. They celebrated Cora’s birthday and visited the Museum of Science and a water park, where jurors saw video of Lindsay Clancy playing with the children. Patrick said she had returned to the gym and her moods appeared steadier However, on the day of the killings, “she was having one of her best days,”
Patrick said. She took Cora to a doctor’s appointment while he stayed home with Dawson and Callan. The couple exchanged photos of the children by text — Dawson had just dressed himself for the first time before she returned home to build a snowman and work on art projects.
Prosecutors say Lindsay Clancy strangled her children with exercise bands after sending her husband out on errands. She then used multiple methods to try to end her own life. She remains paralyzed from the waist down after jumping from a second-story window
That day, Clancy said she heard voices telling her, “This is your last chance. Kill the children so you can kill yourself,” according to her lawyer
Seated in a wheelchair, Clancy wiped her eyes with a tissue at times as lawyers discussed her children.
Defense lawyer Kevin Reddington said Clancy had postpartum psychosis, a rare mental illness linked to the stress, sleep deprivation and hormonal changes that follow childbirth. He argued she had bipolar disorder and that antidepressants prescribed after the birth of her third child worsened her condition.
“She loved those children right up to the time of their death,” he told jurors, saying they would hear from family friends, neighbors and teachers about her devotion.
Prosecutor Shanan Buckingham argued Clancy “acted intentionally, rationally and swiftly” and bears full
responsibility for the deaths.
“This was not a woman in the throes of psychosis,” Buckingham said “This is not a public debate about women’s mental health and how the medical system treats women This case is about this defendant, Lindsay Clancy.”
If convicted of murder, Clancy faces life in prison without parole. If found not guilty due to a lack of criminal responsibility, she would be committed to a state mental health facility
Elyse Hershon, a Boston criminal defense attorney and legal analyst, said the verdict will likely depend on how the jury views Clancy’s “intent and mental capacity.”
“Whenever there are deaths of children, it rattles emotions,” Hershon said.
While postpartum depression is fairly common among women who have given birth, postpartum psychosis affects an estimated 1 to 2 women per 1,000 births and can include hallucinations, delusions and paranoia. Most women with the condition do not harm their children.
Possibly the best-known is Andrea Yates, who drowned her five children in a bathtub in Texas in 2001 Her attorneys said she suffered from postpartum psychosis and believed killing her children would save them from hell. Her initial murder conviction was overturned, and in a retrial she was found not guilty by reason of insanity and committed to a state mental hospital.
Dr Nicole Cirino of Baylor College of Medicine said women in the grip of postpartum psychosis often believe they are helping their children.
In their own minds, “they may be saving their children from damnation,” Cirino said.
Awareness of postpartum psychosis has grown since the Yates case, but Cirino and other maternal mental health advocates said it’s rarely considered in criminal prosecutions. Illinois is the only state with a law allowing for undiagnosed or untreated postpartum depression or postpartum psychosis to be a mitigating factor in sentencing.
“Some people naturally will identify and sympathize with Clancy and her postpartum depression, and others will not be able to understand how one could end their children’s lives, and demand responsibility.”
Man charged in reflecting pool case seeks grand jury testimony
Ex-Olympian’s lawyers see ‘irregularities’
BY MICHAEL KUNZELMAN Associated Press
WASHINGTON A former Olympian charged with deliberately damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is seeking access to all of the closed-door testimony that led to his indictment, pointing to “irregularities” in those grand jury proceedings. In a court filing Monday, David Hearn’s attorneys requested an order for the government to turn over a complete transcript of all grand jury proceedings. They also want prosecutors to disclose the legal instructions they gave to grand jurors about the elements of Hearn’s alleged crime. Hearn pleaded not guilty earlier this month to one felony count of property destruction and has a trial scheduled to start Sept 28 in D.C. Superior Court. The charge, which carries a maximum prison sentence
of 10 years upon conviction, accuses Hearn of causing at least $1,000 in damage to the pool. But his lawyers question whether prosecutors properly presented the grand jury with adequate evidence to support the amount of damage alleged in Hearn’s indictment. A National Park Service official testified that the pool already was damaged before Hearn allegedly touched it, couldn’t quantify any damage attributable to Hearn and said the same repairs would have been re-
quired regardless of his conduct, defense attorneys said.
“The witness’s testimony established that the pool had substantial preexisting damage requiring repair before any alleged conduct by Mr. Hearn,” his lawyers wrote “According to the witness, the pool was leaking more than one million gallons of water per week; its expansion joints had exceeded their service life; and the liner already contained a rip.”
Hearn’s attorneys are basing those arguments on their limited review of grand jury
Officials say man killed wife, 6 kids, then himself in Michigan
All were found in home fire
BY JENNIFER PELTZ and DAVE COLLINS Associated Press
A man fatally shot his wife and their six children, then himself, before they all were found in their burning Michigan home last week, investigators said Monday Kristopher and Amanda Karolkiewicz and their six children, aged 5 to 15, died Friday in their home in Grand Haven Township, on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan. Authorities were summoned for a fire and then discovered the bodies.
The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Department said in a release Monday that autopsies determined all the family members died of
gunshot wounds, and that Kristopher Karolkiewicz took his own life.
“This is an unspeakable tragedy that we may never completely understand,” Sheriff Eric DeBoer said in a statement read aloud at a news conference by one of his deputies, Capt. Jacob Sparks.
The fire appears to have been set intentionally in multiple parts of the home after the killings, but officials still are investigating the origin point, Sparks said.
It’s unclear exactly when the series of events began; officials got calls about a smoky smell in the area Monday morning, checked it out but found nothing. After getting more calls about three hours later, they returned, saw smoke coming from the Karolkiewicz
home and found the bodies, at least some of them in bedrooms, Sparks said.
The family’s dogs and at least one cat perished in the blaze.
Amanda Karolkiewicz, 39, an elementary school substitute teacher who went by Mandy, “was a kind and devoted soul who loved her family and her students,” her mother and stepfather, Becky and Steve Lawwill, said in a statement.
“We treasured every moment we had with her and her six children, and words cannot adequately address our devastation,” they wrote, adding that they “pray for God’s peace and comfort as we grieve their deaths and honor their lives.”
A message seeking comment were sent Monday to Kris Karolkiewicz’s family
testimony They want courtordered access to all the proceedings.
A spokesperson for U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro’s office in Washington didn’t immediately respond to an email seeking comment on Hearn’s arguments.
PATRIOT LEDGER PHOTO By GREG DERR
Defendant Lindsay Clancy watches as her ex-husband Patrick Clancy takes the witness stand Monday at Plymouth Superior Court in Plymouth, Mass.
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By ALLISON ROBBERT
Individuals peek over the fence to see the drained Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on Monday in Washington.
JanRisher
LOUISIANA AT LARGE
Artmuseum’s wallshave secret lives
Last Thursday,Ifollowed Charlie Tatum through astaff-only door at the New Orleans Museum of Art. Behind it were 72 movable walls, 12,000 pounds of paint and amachine no one can name. Tatum is NOMA’s directorof marketingand communications. He met me in the museum’slightfilled marble lobby.Minutes later, we stepped into the 6,240-squarefoot Ella West Freeman Gallery between exhibitions. Its corners weredark, and its grandeur had been dismantled andstacked against awall.
Louise Neal and TravisKeene, both senior preparators, beganto tell me about the work they do to change the giant space fromone installation to another.Ihad never heard of amuseum preparator.I learned that “prepare the space” barely begins to describetheir work. The ceiling of the Freeman Gallery is asteel grid installedin 1971, when the museum was still city property.The gridislaidout in 5-foot squares. The terrazzo floor beneath it is laid out in the same 5-foot squares, divided by metal inlays rather than grout, so the ceiling and the flooragree exactly
The gallery walls are actually modular panels, each 5feet wide and 12 feet tall. Curators use the grid pattern to designexhibitions on graph paper.The preparators then build entirely new rooms. To move each panel, Keene and Neal use amachine they simply call the wall mover.Noone has ever known another name forit, and it bears no manufacturer’s plate —only an old tin tag reading: Property of City of New Orleans. Museum lore says the system was modeled after one at the Whitney,but no one knowsfor sure Neal hasn’tfound another museum that moves walls this way Most build new and tear downold drywall for every exhibition.
This summer,for the first time in 55 years, NOMA’s panels were stripped clean. Each panelis half-inch plywood over 2-by-4 framing with Styrofoam inside forsoundproofing. Stripped down, one weighs280 pounds. Underthe paint, most of them were carrying another 150 pounds. Do that arithmetic across five decades of regular installations, and the paint stops being paint. It becomes sediment. Keene and Neal peeled the layers off in giant sheets —gray,brown,black, orange, green, burgundy.Each revealed another era. Neal weighed the layersof removed paint because she was worried about exceeding the maximum weight of theirdumpster.The old paint weighed12,000 pounds —6tons. In cross-section, the paint looked like acanyon wall. The top layer
See AT LARGE, page 2B
Heatadvisory is in effect
Scenic Highway to get safety upgrades
$8Mroads project begins afteryears of discussion
BY AVERYWHITE Staff writer
Construction has begun for an $8 million improvement project, giving abusy stretch of Scenic Highwaya face-lift after years of planning.
In development since 2020, the MovEBR project, which broke ground in May,looks to resurface roads and improve pedestrian safety along the corridor
The project focuses on the strip of highway between Swan Avenue and Harding Boulevard, abusy thoroughfare for those visiting Southern University or going through Scotlandville. The plans aim to improve theroad,focusing on infrastructure upgrades like anew road overlay and additional green-space medians with low landscaping.
Overall pedestrian safety will also be amain focus of the multimillion-dollar project with new sidewalks, crosswalks and safety arms forthe railroad track cutting across the corridor
“We’re going to make sure we line up thestreet withsafety precautions,” said Metro Councilmember Anthony Kenney, who represents the Scotlandville community
While construction is starting after asix-year process, Kenney said this project is 10-15 years coming within the community,aconversation that preceded his taking office.
BY ELLYNCOUVILLION Staff writer
Aheatadvisory issued for Baton Rouge on Monday will remain in place Tuesday, with heat indexes of up to 107 degrees possible, the National Weather Service said.
The heat advisory will be in effect from 11 a.m. to 8p.m.
“A largeareaofhigh pressure is dominating right now,” said Christopher Bannan, ameteorologist with the weather agency’soffice in Slidell. “Weget these pretty much every summer.”
Thehigh pressure carries heat from the western part of the country,fromthe desertsand Texas,hesaid.
“The warmer air is pushing down,meeting moisture in the air from the Gulf,” to
create theheatand high humiditythat lead to high heat indexes —how hot it feels, Bannan said. The high Tuesday will be
near 97 degrees, according to this week’sforecast. On Wednesday,a high
“Eventhougha lotofthe foundation startedprior to me, my goalwhen Igot into office is to make sure this project gottothe finishline,”Kenney said. “Make sure it was done in avery thorough waybecause a lot of people have been waiting forthis project to happen fora very,very long time.” Getting theproject offthe ground likely took longer because the highway is astate road instead of city-parish property,leading to more negotiationsongoalsand funding, Kenney said.
“Wehave to work in lockstep with (the Department of Transportation andDevelopment), the state and otherpartners, and so it’snot as easy as if it were acity-parish road,” Kenney said. “Wecould just get startedonitlike the next day, but you know city highways like Scenic Highway, we have to make sure we work in lockstep with the state DOTD, and
used videotomakearrestinfatal shooting CRIME BLOTTER Staff reports
Video surveillance footage from surrounding buildings was used to identify asuspect involved in afatal Zion City shooting last month, Baton Rouge police said. TraylonDuncan, 18, was arrested Saturday on counts of principaltosecond-degree murder and obstruction of justice.Hewas booked into the EastBaton Rouge Prison and is being held on a $165,000 bail. Police found KalenStampley,19, lying in the middle of
thestreet at 7000 BlueGrass Drive with multiple gunshot wounds on theevening of June 28. He was transported to ahospital where he died. According to Duncan’s arrest warrant, policegathered videosurveillance from surrounding buildings andsaw adark, four-door sedanpull into thestreet Stampley is seen walking towardthe sedan before several gunshots from therear passenger seat hithim, the arrest warrant said.
Twounknownpeople standing in the street with Stampley returned fire into the rear of the vehicle before it drove away.Police said they believe Duncan wasthe driver of the car Whileatthe scene, police collected several 9mmshell casings from the road. While investigating the scene, police werenotified of amalesuspect who arrived at the Our Lady of the Lake North Emergency Room. Surveillance footage showed
that the 2021 blue Toyota Corolla was the samevehicle at the scene of the shooting, the warrant said. Police contacted the car owner, whotoldthemthey hadpermitted Duncan to drive the car.They later found the car and towed it in forprocessing, thewarrant said.
Investigatorsexecuted a search warrant for the sedanand collected blood and
ä See BLOTTER, page 2B
Mikethe Tigerchecks out visitors while cooling off in the pool
STAFF PHOTOSByMICHAEL JOHNSON
Ayoung girlwatches Mikethe Tigercooling offinthe pool at his habitat Mondayasmidday temperatures soar past 90 degrees.
ä
STAFF PHOTO By JANRISHER
Louise Neal, senior preparator at the NewOrleans Museum of Art, movesone of the 72 wall panels used in the Ella West Freeman Gallery.
ä See HIGHWAY, page 2B
ä See HEAT, page 2B
Judge rules on evidence in staged wrecks trial
Details of arrest in New Orleans cold case barred
BY JAMES FINN Staff writer
A man accused of slaying an FBI informant in New Orleans’ staged wrecks saga scored a win ahead of his trial when a judge on Thursday barred prosecutors from telling jurors about an unrelated cold-case killing for which he was arrested more than a decade ago but never charged.
Along with her ruling for accused hitman Leon “Chunky” Parker, Chief U.S. District Judge Wendy Vitter also limited evidence that prosecutors hoped to present against his co-defendant, Sean Alfortish, about an earlier fraud case that landed him in federal prison and got him disbarred.
In a 21-page ruling, Vitter set key guardrails for a trial slated to start Aug. 10 in which Parker and Alfortish face murder, conspiracy, witness tampering and other counts
HIGHWAY
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also making sure we align in funding and funding priorities.”
The improvement project will likely be similar to the recent improvement work done on Plank Road because it will be done through the same contractors, Kenney said. In preparation for the city’s new Rapid Transit system, MoveEBR’s work on the area earlier this year brought smoother roads
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multiple .40-caliber bullet casings from the rear passenger seat
Police seek driver who struck pedestrian
A man was struck and killed by a car while walking along Greenwell Springs Road on Saturday night, the East Baton Rouge Parish Coroner’s Office confirmed.
Baton Rouge police responded to the 7700 block of Greenwell Springs Road at 11:55 p.m. Saturday and found a man unresponsive lying on the road.
Homicide detectives at the scene determined that a vehicle was traveling east on Greenwell Springs Road while passing over Airline Highway when it struck the man who was walking in the right lane, police said.
Detectives said the driver fled the scene without calling 911. The victim, John Nguyen, 39, was pronounced dead at the scene. This is an ongoing investigation.
Anyone having information is urged to contact the Violent
Continued from page 1B
came from the Hayward Oubre installation, which closed in May. Beneath it: African Masquerades. Then Dawoud Bey “Then it gets away from you,” Keene said.
In moving one of the 72 panels, Keene turned the crank on the wall mover the way a person turns a steering wheel, with one hand.
Then Neal asked if I wanted to try Under close supervision, turning the crank took all my strength. Neal suggested using both my hands.
On a good day, she moves 18 to 20 panels. Respect, sister Standing beside a panel, Neal affectionately said, “She’s slimmed down for summer.”
The machine that helps the duo move the panels is 55 years old, but it looks like something from the industrial revolution. This summer, Keene stripped it down for what they believe was its first overhaul. He found brand names on the gearboxes but nothing else. They believe that someone built it specifically for the task at hand. None of this is visible from the other side of the door, and that’s the point.
“There’s just this mystical element to walking into a space that’s been completely rearranged,” Keene said. The panels go back up the week of Aug. 24 for “Second Nature:
They are accused of plotting the 2020 killing of Cornelius Garrison III, a “slammer” who was shot dead in his mother’s doorway in Gentilly
At the time, Garrison had been talking to the FBI for months about his career packing cars with people, staging wrecks with big rigs and bringing passengers to Alfortish.
Prosecutors say Alfortish, a former Kenner magistrate, enlisted lawyers to snag bogus insurance payouts. One was injury lawyer Vanessa Motta, his then-fiancée, who was convicted in March for her role in the fraud scheme.
In Parker’s case, the U.S Attorney’s Office in New Orleans asked Vitter to allow evidence about his earlier arrest in the cold-case murder of Marcel Trudeau, a plumber shot dead in his home four days before Hurricane Katrina. Parker was booked for the killing in 2010 but never charged.
Prosecutors suggested that it served to show why an admitted conspirator, Ryan “Red” Harris, approached Parker to kill Garrison in the first place.
Parker’s attorney, Stephen Haedicke, lashed the government in court filings for trying to tag his client as responsible for Trudeau’s
and new sidewalks, making bus accessibility on the corridor easier
Kenney believes the project will be the next step in the revitalization of Scotlandville and north Baton Rouge, as this comes next in a string of developments coming to the community
“We just want to make sure this is really something to give people hope for new infrastructure coming to the area,” Kenney said. “Really making sure we are beautifying all of the Scotlandville area, because Scenic Highway, the thoroughfare, is probably the main highway for
Crimes Unit at (225) 389-4869 or Crime Stoppers at (225) 344-7867.
Footage follows suspected getaway car to auto shop
The warrant for a man arrested Saturday in a killing in a Florida Boulevard apartment complex earlier this month claims the driver of the getaway car went to an auto shop to get “obvious window damage from gunfire” fixed minutes after the shooting. Jordan Edwards, 20, was arrested Saturday on counts of seconddegree murder and obstruction of justice. He was booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison with a bail set for $325,000. His next bail hearing is Dec. 7. Police responded to a shooting at 3:48 p.m. July 7 at the Mirage Villa Apartment complex, 9895 Florida Blvd., where they found Qwaviez Hamilton, 22, unresponsive in the stairwell. Hamilton was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to the arrest warrant, police identified Edwards walking through the breezeway of the apartment deliberately trying to avoid the surveillance camera.
Two minutes later, Hamilton is seen on video walking through the
killing in the course of a trial centered on Garrison’s death
“The Orleans Parish District Attorney declined to pursue any charges against Mr Parker, or even to bring evidence to a grand jury related to the baseless allegation he was involved in that murder,” Haedicke wrote in May “And for good reason: The charge is false.”
For Vitter, the “danger of unfair prejudice” proved too much to include it, she wrote.
“Allowing evidence of this crime would truly opened (sic) this case up to yet another ‘trial within a trial,’ and one involving murder,” Vitter wrote.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office declined to comment.
Federal prosecutors also wanted to argue that a 2011 fraud conviction and disbarment on Alfortish’s record show why, when he emerged from federal prison, he allegedly enlisted other attorneys to litigate what became a flow of bogus car insurance cases.
Vitter declined to let prosecutors tell a jury about Alfortish’s previous white-collar conviction, which arose from fraud within the Louisiana Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association.
Scotlandville in front of the Southern University area.”
The improvement project is expected to take about a year to complete, finishing in the third or fourth quarter of 2027.
This story was reported and written by a student with the support of the nonprofit Louisiana Collegiate News Collaborative, an LSU-led coalition of eight universities funded by the Henry Luce and John D. and Catherine T MacArthur foundations.
breezeway before gunshots rang out, the warrant said. Hamilton is seen running back through the breezeway and heard falling on the stairwell, police said. Residents of the apartment said they heard gunshots and saw a white vehicle immediately leaving the scene.
Surveillance footage from the McDonald’s across the street showed a white Chrysler 300 sedan pulling out of the apartment complex and turning right on the service road at the time of the shooting, the arrest warrant said.
Through surveillance footage from Monterrey Boulevard, Choctaw Drive and Greenwell Springs Road, police saw the white sedan stop at an auto shop on Greenwell Springs.
The car parked at the shop and three individuals exited the car while the shop tended to the window damage.
The man who exited the rear driver’s side door is the same person who was seen walking through the breezeway shortly before Hamilton was shot.
During a post-Miranda interview with Edwards, he told police he doesn’t own a firearm, despite having a box of bullets on him when he was arrested.
Louise Neal and Travis Keene, both senior preparators at the New Orleans Museum of Art, examine a giant pile of the layers of paint they have been removing from 72 wall panels used to separate exhibits. This is the first time the panels have been cleared since they were put in service 55 years ago. In all, they removed 12,000 pounds of paint.
Japanese Rinpa Paintings from the Gitter-Yelen Collection,” opening Oct. 2. The scrolls and other works represent an influential school of Japan’s Edo period. Lisa Rotondo-McCord, NOMA’s deputy director and curator of Asian art, is overseeing the sixweek installation. She has narrowed the wall color to a few candidates. Keene and Neal are hoping for a beautiful shade of blue. Looking at the giant sheets of peeled-off layers of paint, Tatum and I talked about whether anyone
But she allowed them to detail his disbarment over it, reasoning that it relates to why he needed other lawyers to carry out the alleged fraud.
A disbarment, cold case murder
Vitter’s ruling generally heeded vigorous protests from defense attorneys who argued the material was only loosely tied to the case would unfairly sour the jury on their clients. She also left open a window for courtroom discussions of domestic violence leveled against Parker by Harris, a slammer and key government witness. Harris had known Parker for years and said his mother suffered domestic abuse during a decadelong relationship she had with Parker
A Garrison protégé who pleaded guilty to helping plot his mentor’s execution-style hit, Harris is expected to testify that he introduced Parker and Alfortish, who had become skittish about Garrison’s cooperation with the feds. Harris has tagged Parker as the triggerman in Garrison’s murder
Pre-Katrina cold case
The debate over whether prosecutors could invoke Trudeau’s
killing, on St. Roch Avenue in Gentilly a few days before Hurricane Katrina, dredged up complicated feelings for his siblings, Avis Adams and Marvin Trudeau. Parker was arrested in 2010 alongside three others. But justice in tracking who killed Marcel Trudeau, the son of a prominent civil rights lawyer whose plumbing business had been taking off, has been hard to come by since.
The siblings hoped its mention at such a high-profile trial might trigger fresh attempts to find more perpetrators. Only this spring did they learn in a federal court filing of Parker’s ties to Harris, who told the FBI he’d bailed Parker out of jail after his 2010 arrest for the killing.
“I would’ve liked for it to play out because it could’ve pressured the state to pursue Marcel’s case,” Adams said Monday “Now it’s like you’ve opened a wound for nothing.”
Still, “I really believe that Marcel will get justice in some form,” she added, “because of the kind of guy he was.”
Email James Finn at jfinn@ theadvocate.com.
State superintendent renews calls for strict discipline in schools
BY PATRICK WALL Staff writer
Louisiana educators must “stand firm” against student misbehavior this school year, enforcing the rules so that classrooms remain “peaceful and orderly,” state Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley said Monday
In a letter to school system leaders, Brumley urged principals and teachers to “set clear behavioral expectations and enforce consequences,” adding that “unruly classrooms and ungovernable students” make it harder for all students to learn.
Brumley has repeatedly called on schools to take a stricter approach to discipline, echoing some educators and conservative critics who argue that past efforts to reduce suspensions and expulsions led to lax discipline policies and out-of-control classrooms.
“Schools have spent too much time tolerating inappropriate student behavior,” Brumley said in an interview Monday “I understand that kids are going to be kids, but when you have students who habitually demonstrate poor behavior or behavior that is so severe that it impacts the learning environment, there has to be consequences.”
Louisiana lawmakers have also sought to crack down on student misconduct. Under a new state law that takes effect Saturday, students who assault school employees will be automatically expelled for at least two semesters.
A 2024 law requires teachers to remove students from the classroom if their behavior prevents other students from learning or poses a safety risk. It also prohib-
HEAT
Continued from page 1B
near 97 degrees is predicted, but without a heat advisory, the National Weather Service said.
A 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms on Thursday will bring some relief.
For Tuesday, however, people should remember to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an airconditioned room, stay out of the sun and check on relatives and neighbors, the weather agency said.
its principals from discouraging teachers from disciplining disruptive students.
Brumley also reminded schools that they must take steps to prevent bullying, which he noted can occur “in hallways, buses, online or other areas where supervision is more challenging.” He pointed to a recent legislative resolution urging schools to follow state laws that require them to adopt anti-bullying policies, train staff on bullying prevention and investigate reports of bullying.
In the interview, Brumley said social media has contributed to a rise in cyberbullying and online spats, which can turn into physical altercations at school. A 2024 state law banned students from having cellphones out during the school day
A newer discipline issue schools have had to contend with are “deepfakes,” or artificial intelligence-generated nude images
The issue grabbed headlines last year when a middle school student in Lafourche Parish was criminally charged for sharing fake nude photos of an eighth grade girl. The school district faced backlash for temporarily expelling the girl because she hit the boy who was spreading the AI-created images.
A new state law adds additional criminal penalties for creating or sharing deepfakes. It also requires principals to provide information to students in grades six through 12 at the start of the school year about the consequences of spreading deepfakes.
“As artificial intelligence advances, it’s going to be really important to stay vigilant on new ways that bullying can occur,” Brumley said, “so that every child feels comfortable going to school each day.”
Email Patrick Wall at patrick. wall@theadvocate.com.
Symptoms of heat stroke are high body temperature, confusion, agitation, seizures and coma.
could still identify each of the visible layers. Curators remember colors, he said. But after enough years, institutional memory fades and a layer becomes a stripe of chartreuse that nobody can place. I have a new appreciation for how much went into that choice. And I suspect somebody, somewhere, remembers that chartreuse.
Email Jan Risher at jan.risher@ theadvocate.com.
Those working outdoors should wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothes and take frequent rest breaks in the shade or in airconditioned rooms.
“Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening,” the National Weather Service said. “Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Symptoms of heat exhaustion are heavy sweating, faintness, dizziness, fatigue and headache, according to medical websites
At this point in the summer, the National Weather Service has issued nine heat-related announcements for the Baton Rouge area, which include this week’s heat advisories, as well as extreme heat warnings, when people should avoid heavy activity and direct sunlight, said meteorologist Julie Lesko. By comparison, there were even more heat-related announcements — a total of 16 — for Baton Rouge last summer through July, Lesko said. Email Ellyn Couvillion at ecouvillion@theadvocate.com.
Brumley
STAFF PHOTO By JAN RISHER
(Todd), her children Lea Faso and Brent Bonacorso, and three grandchildren. Her family will have aprivate memorial.
Jr., Curtis P.
Jr a native of Pointe Coupee Parish and aresident of Ventress,passedaway on
Curtis P. and
Nora Bordelon. He lived a life defined by hard work, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to his family and friends. Curtis began his career working forthe Levee Board before serving in the National Guard. He later followed his passion forhorses, becoming arespectedprofessional Quarter Horse race trainer. He endedhis workingcareerasthe farm manager forthe Ponderosa Ranch. Above all else, Curtis cherished his family. His greatest joy was having everyone together for the holidays.He loved watching hisgrandchildrenand great-grandchildren —opening gifts, huntingEastereggs, laughing,and creating memoriesthat willbetreasuredfor generations. Those moments brought him immense happiness and were among hislife's greatest blessings. Curtis enjoyed spending time outdoorshunting and fishing,trainingdogs and horses, roping, and staying in touch with the many friends he made throughout his life. He was known as aman of his word—persistent, determined,dependable, and always willing to lend ahelping hand. Hisstrengthofcharacter and love forthose around him willberemembered by allwho had the privilegeof knowing him. He is survived by his beloved wife, DebraSue Bordelon; his children, Carlene LaCour (Donald), Jon Bordelon Sr. (Debra), Curtis P.Bordelon III (Sonya), Blaine Bordelon (Gwen), Jarett Cameron Jr (Penny),and Troy Cameron (Nina); his bonus sons, Alexander "Bubba" Jumonville (Lauren) and Claude"Coulon" Jumonville(Marsha); 22 grandchildren; 27 greatgrandchildren; and hissister, ConnieBordelon. He was preceded in deathby his parents, Curtis P. Bordelon and NoraBordelon; his brother,BillyRay Bor-
delon; and his son, Chad Cameron(Dennise). Curtis leavesbehind alegacy of hard work and family devotion. He willbedeeply missed and foreverremembered.Pallbearers are MajorThibaut, Rick Rogers, TimRogers, Steve McLemore, Garrett Smith and FloydAdams Jr Visitation willbeheldon Wednesday July29, 2026 at St.Ann's CatholicChurch in Morganzafrom 9:00 am until theMass of Christian Burialat11:00 am. The burial will follow in St Stephen'sCemetery in Innis.
Cotten,Robert Wayne'Bobby'
Robert Wayne (Bobby) Cotten passed from this life intothe arms of his Lord and SavioronJuly 16, 2026. He was 83 years old and aresident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Bobby was an outstanding athlete at Baton RougeHigh School earning All-State, All-District and All-American honors. He graduated in 1961 and was recruited to play footballatLSU. Whenthe Vietnam war broke out, Bobby joined theArmyReserves and honorably served his country from 1963-1968 where he was named Outstanding Soldierofhis company in basic training.Hewent
on toattend Southeastern where he played football and baseball. In 2019 he was inducted intothe BatonRouge HighSchool Hall of Fame -an honorthatreflected theimpact he madeboth on and offthe field.Bobby spent his career in sales, construction management, and land development, before opening Cotten &Co. and discovering his passioninantique heart pine and oldcypress, crafting beautiful flooring, windows, doorsand millwork. Bobby was adevoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.Hewas known for his warm smile, senseofhumor,kindheart,steadfast faith in Jesus Christ, and love forhis family.Nothing brought him greaterjoy than spending time with thoseheloved. He is survivedbythe love of his life of over 40 years, Luanne Maynard Cotten; his beloveddaughters and their spouses,Susan (Chris) Boltonand Kelly (Drex) Gomes; grandchildren Cameron(Katelyn) Gomes, JosephSanford; and great-grandchild,Cam Gomes. He was preceded in deathbyhis parents, Robert Dudleyand Bertie Hemphill Cotten; hissisters, Helen Cotten Wells, Dorothy Cotten Latil,and PeggyCottenHardenburgh; his brother,Rufus Cotten; and themotherof his daughters, Jo Aline Hannie Cotten. ACelebration of Life service willbe held at The Chapel, 3355 Dalrymple Drive, on August 1. Visitation is at 10 am, with theCelebrationofLife serviceat11amfollowed by areception.
Guerin, Lois
Lois LeJeune Guerin passedaway on Saturday July 25, 2026 peacefully surroundedbyher family at OurLady of theLake Hospital. Shewas 90 years old, anative of Plaquemine, LA andresident of New Roads, LA. Lois loved to spend time with herfamily, drink coffee with herdear friendLonaHendrick, and enjoyed thecompanyof herdog Beau.She will be remembered for hersweet, funand spicy personality. Sheissurvivedbyher daughterDonna Guerin Jarreau (Anthony); herson Huey Guerin, Jr.(Shelia); hergrandchildren: Jordan Jarreau (Jeray), Bradley Guerin(Brandee), and Amy Jarreau Sullivan (Conor); hergreat grandchildren: EnaJarreau, Hugh Jarreau, AdalineGuerin, NoraSullivan,with two more on the way; andher loving dog, Beau.She is proceededin death by herwonderful husband Huey Guerin, Sr.; parents: DelmaLeJeune, Sr.and Gertrude Bello LeJeune;Brothers: Sherlin LeJeune Sr., Earl LeJeune, Sr.and DelmaLeJeune Jr.; andSister: Mildred LeJeuneHernandez.Visitation will be held Thursday, July 30, 2026 at Niland'sFuneral Home in NewRoads from 9:00 AM until11:40 AM.The mass of Christian burial will be held at St.Mary's Catholic Church in New Roadsat12noon. Theburial will follow in False River Memorial ParkCemetery Special thanks to Dr. Petty andall of thedoctors and
Bordelon
Cyclospora outbreak requires vigilance
The parasite cyclospora continuestosicken people around the country,and casesinLouisiana are growing. Though ourstate isnot at the center of the outbreak, which began in theMidwest and has affected that area most severely, the situation here bears monitoring
That’swhy we’re glad theLouisianaDepartment of Health is doing just that.The department last week reported ajumpinthe number of cases to 79 total,includingsix that required hospitalization.
The illness appearstobelinked to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico served at Taco Bell locationsinIndiana, Kentucky,Michigan, Ohio andWest Virginia,according to the Centers for Disease Controland Prevention. The parasite causescyclosporiasis, which causes symptoms such as watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, cramping and bloating.
Nationwide, more than 1,000 cases havebeen reportedwithalmost 100hospitalizations. Fortunately, no deaths have been reported.
Taylor Farms issued avoluntary recall of lettuce from its Mexico farms. Severalrestaurants and grocery stores have pulled theproduct from menus and shelves.
LDH says it gets notice once apatientisdiagnosedwith the illness through agastrointestinal panel that detectsthe pathogen instool.The Food and Drug Administration says it is still investigating to ensure it hasidentifiedall sources of the parasite
We urge coordination amongall agenciesinvolved in tracking this outbreak.
When such outbreaks occur, we rely on our public health officials for accurate andclear communication. Some havepointedtocuts to the FDA and the CDC as affectingour ability to deal with food-borne illnesses. We certainly seethe valueofhaving arobust responsetoany threatsinour food supply,and we believe that one of the most importantfunctions of government is to promote the healthand safety of its citizens.
We would like to see increased scrutinyof food suppliers and growers. Thefederalgovernment delayed implementation of theFDA’s Food TraceabilityRule, which wassupposed to go into effect in January. It would haverequired companiestokeepdetailed recordsofwhere food was grown and packaged, so that thegovernment canmore easilycontain outbreakslike this one. It now is set to gointoeffect in 2028. The rule wasadvanced during President Donald Trump’sfirstterm,but facedabacklash from some industry groupswho said it addedan unnecessary layer of regulation. Yetnow we are seeing acyclospora outbreak that goes beyond anything we’veseenbefore.
We understand the necessityofbalancing the needs of commerce with the burdens of regulation. But there can be no higher goalthanmaking sure the public has confidence that what we are eating and feeding our children is safe.We must learn from this outbreak andvow to do everythingnecessary to prevent similaronesin the future.
LETTERSTOTHE EDITOR ARE WELCOME. HERE AREOUR
GUIDELINES: Letters are published identifying name, occupation and/or title and the writer’scity of residence
TheAdvocate |The Times-Picayune require astreet address andphone number for verification purposes, but that information is not published. Letters are not to exceed 300 words. Letters to the Editor,The Advocate, P.O. Box 588, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-0588, or email letters@ theadvocate.com.
TO SEND US A LETTER, SCANHERE
OPINION
Another milestone has been reached in Louisiana, but there is still more work to do.
Recently,the LouisianaDepartment of Education released its LEAP score datafor schools in 2026. There was a vast improvement across the board throughout thestate.
Asignificant number of students met or exceeded the state expectations in reading and math. These scores show that the investments made in literacy, numeracy andhigh-dosage tutoring have yielded theresults we want.
While there are many people to acknowledge and congratulate for these gains, thebulk of the gratitude must go to theteachers who work directly with students every day.They are the unsung heroes who have done so much with so little to ensure our students reach their full potential. Iamsure the teachers appreciate being lauded; however,Iamsure that they would much
rather receive better compensation. Recently,the governor swept $168 million from theMinimum Foundation Program (thepublic school funding mechanism) to subsidize aone-time teacher stipend. Iapplaudthe governor for keeping his promise to teachers. However,Iadmonish the governor for failing to pursue apermanent solution to teacher pay,and instead relying on an unprecedented budget gimmick that robs Peter to pay Paul. Education ReformNow understands that this is aunique situation, but our teachers require us to find asustainable solution that will keep teacher pay competitive as student achievement markers continue toincrease. We stand ready towork with all parties to find that solution.
Iwrite in response to John Taylor’sletter to the editor,inwhich he suggests —without offering evidence —that Louisiana has somehow designed its nitrogen hypoxia execution protocol to “maximize agony.” (“Is agony unavoidable in gas execution, or is it adeliberate choice?” Letters, July 20.) Because the letter references aviation, it may be helpful foryour readers to hear from someone with firsthand experience. As apilot with morethan 40 years of aviation experience, Ihave intentionally undergone nitrogen-induced hypoxia training. Such training is an important part of aviation safety because recognizing the early symptoms of oxygen deprivation can enable apilot to correct the underlying problem before it becomes lifethreatening.
The feud between thepolitical leaders of New Orleansand Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill is an embarrassment toour state. Sending lettersthreatening toremove political leaders from office because theyhave adifferent opinion on alegal matterissodisrespectful. What other state attorneygeneral around the United States sends out letterslike that? What other stateattorney general works to eliminate an elected clerk of court (Calvin Duncan) because their preferred candidateloses?
The residents of New Orleanselect
Re:“Hegsethannounces new policy to test troops for low testosterone.”
So, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says our U.S. militaryservice members 30 and older will undergo annual testosterone level screening. Is our administrationplanning to groom thescreened servicemembersfor their formof sumowrestling or gladiator combat next Independence Day?
This could be theiropportunityto one-up the recent Ultimate Fighting Championship on the White House South Lawn.
Certainly,many militaries have deadly young girls, young boys and ladies of all ages as service members
our public officials, not the state attorney general. Thus, it wasgood to see theOrleans Parish grand jury follow thelaw and stand up forour respected political leaders. We need to see our state attorney general spend 100% of her time, like theother attorneys general across the United States, working to put whiteand blue-collar criminals in jail. Leavethe political, vindictive foolishness alone —for the betterment of our community KEVIN WILLIAMS NewOrleans
on the battlefield, successfully wielding lethal weapons, drones, missiles, etc. Testosterone levels are inconsequential for these children and female warriors’ kills. Testosterone levels are much moreimportant for those in body-building competitions. Testosterone levels mayplay into hand-to-hand combat, but our modern militaryisnot dependent on much morethan aerial assaults. Our adversary’smilitary does not care about our militarysix-packs. Whydrain even a drop of blood carrying testosterone for this foolish endeavor?
MARC SAMUELS Baton Rouge
The FAAliterature the letter cites is correct. Hypoxia —whether caused by nitrogen displacementorany other means—isitself painless. It does not produce the feelings of panic or suffocation associated with abuildup of carbon dioxide in the bloodstream With nitrogen hypoxia, carbon dioxide does not accumulate in that way.Infact, one of the earliest symptomsisoften mild euphoria, a particularly dangerous condition in aviation because it can leave apilot blissfully unaware that anything is wrong.
Given these well-established physiological effects, it is difficult to understand the letter’sassertion that the state has somehow designed its protocol to makethe process moreagonizing, even if that wereits intent.
Reasonable people can disagree about the morality or wisdom of capital punishment. But regardless of one’sposition on the death penalty,its history in the United States has generally reflected an effort to reduce unnecessary suffering by adopting methods believed to be morehumane than those they replaced.
The debate over capital punishmentshould be grounded in facts rather than speculation about the physiology of nitrogen hypoxia. RILEY HAGAN III St. George
St.Georgedrama revealscracks within city-parishgovernment
To the surprise and delight of noone, thefight over St. George is back. But this time, the verbal bullets are flying between membersofcity-parish government,withthe Metro Council and parish attorney on one side andMayorPresidentSid Edwardsonthe other And even though Fridaybrought a partial cooldown, problems remain.
To recapwhat happened: On Thursday,parish attorney John McLindon sought to intervene in alawsuit filed by alandowner against the cityofSt. George.
McLindon’sfiling didn’ttakea position on the merits of thecase, butasked to be apart of litigation around one key issue already raised in the suit: the dateofincorporation for St. George.
disagreedwith McLindon’saction.
“I didnot approve of the Parish Attorney filing this action on behalf of the City-Parish,and Istrongly disagree with thedecision to insert our government into this dispute,” Edwards said. He also noted that he has no authority over McLindon, who reports to the Metro Council.
mentthat is not public, nor approved by theCity of St. George Council or the EBR City-Parish Metropolitan Council,” Noel continued. Noel suggested that some within Edwards’ administration may have gone rogue and issued therelease without themayor-president’sconsent.
Prying policy specifics from apolitical candidate often is like tugging abone from abulldog. So, democracy sometimes resembles kakistocracy,anactual word that meansgovernment by the least qualified.
Thatseeminglyminor detail is worth millions of dollars.IfSt. George supporters are right that the date is 2019, when voters approved the new city, then St. George couldbeentitled to tax revenue collected by thecity-parish after that date.
City-parish officials, includingthenmayor Sharon Weston Broome and current Mayor-President Edwards, have argued that the correct date is 2024, when the Louisiana Supreme Court ruled that the city shouldbeallowedto incorporate So it’seasy to see why theparish attorney might be keen to haveaseat at the table when that question is being decided. Enter Edwards. Late Thursday,he issued ablistering statement saying he
The two entities —cityparish government and the city of St. George —had an “agreement in principle” to “resolve the remaining issues surrounding St.George” earlier this year,Edwards said. That compact was derailed by aseparate lawsuit that ended up including both parties, he argued.
“Rather than learning from that failure,the ParishAttorney’soffice has once again chosen to put theCity-Parish in the middle of another legal dispute,” Edwards said in his statement.
Brandon Noel, themayor pro-tempore andhead of the Metro Council andlike Edwards, aRepublican —fired backhourslater
“The Council has not been briefed that theAdministration was in negotiationswith the City of St.George, norhave we been madeaware that an agreementwas reached,” Noel said.
Noel added that he was “blindsided” by Edwards’ statement.
“I cannot see how theCity-Parish interveninginthis lawsuit for clarity on theCity of St.George incorporation date would impact atentative agree-
Noel, who represents aZachary-area district,said he had spoken with Mason Batts,one of Edwards’ top staffers, who told him he had no idea thefiling was coming. ButNoel also said he had seen text messages between the parish attorney and Edwards about it from 24 hours before themotion was filed.
“Bothcannot be true,”Noel said.
After aFriday afternoon meeting, Noel and Edwards said they had come back together.They issued ajoint statement detailing new policies that would improve communication.
Butnot all Metro Council members were as satisfied. Republican Jen Racca said she still had questions about theagreement and any negotiations with the St. George leaders. AndDemocratic Metro Council member Anthony Kenney urged thecouncil to be looped in at an earlier stage.
At somepoint,state District Judge Beau Higginbotham is likely to decide —finally —onthe official incorporation datefor St. George. That will end one long-running debate. Butitwill likely start awhole new series of battles at CityHall.
Email Faimon A. Roberts III at froberts@theadvocate.com.
MAGA makesanOrwellian case on racism at theSmithsonian
If you haven’theard that the Smithsonian’sNational Museum of American Historyisahotbed of “anti-White activism,” “illegal alien activism” and “transgender activism,” the Trump administration and its MAGA allies in Congress have some news for you. Youcan read all about it in what news accounts have called a“scathing” 162-page reportreleased July 4bythe White House. It accuses the museum and its leaders of presenting a“radical view” of American history Such was the language usedbyRep TimBurchett, the Tennessee Republican who chairs the House Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency,inhis opening remarks to ahearing titled “Rewriting American History: Examining the Smithsonian’s Efforts to Reshape the Past,” although the “reshaping” amountedtoafew choice sound bites.
Burchett claimed the National Museum is pushing radical left-wingnarratives, aviewthatechoed President Donald Trump’searlier claims, but I cannot confirm that Trump hasever read abook, including his own. Burchett also noted that these narratives are driven by NationalMuseum Director Anthea Hartig, who believes that history is a“prime tool of social justice” —asifthat’sabad thing.
MAGA’s rhetorical lexiconisfull of terms the movement has appropriated from the left, such as “social justice,” which they endow with axiomatically bad connotations. “Social justicewarriors” rank next to “wokeness” among the threats supposedly posed bythe left. Seeing lawmakers meet to decide whose version of history is permissible reminds me of what the scholarlySupreme Court Justice Potter Stewart said about censorship. It “reflects asociety’s lack of confidence in itself. It is the hallmark of an authoritarianregime.” Heaven help us
Although the SmithsonianInstitution oversees dozens of museums and libraries, plus galleries, historical landmarks and the national zoo, the White House report particularly takes aim at its National Museum of American History
Thereport accuses the museum’s leadership of adopting “an ideological framework that no longer treats the American story as ashared national inheritance to be taught or celebrated, but as apolitical instrument to divide,
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO
House Committee on Oversight and GovernmentReformSubcommittee on Delivering on GovernmentEfficiency Chair Rep.Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., attendsa subcommittee hearingaboutthe Smithsonian last week in Washington.
dispirit, and discourage our citizens.”
That’spretty grim, and I’m sure Trump approves. It’s quite anovel way to look at the institution, in my view,and Isay that having made countlessvisits with friends and family over the years. The reportiswritten in language designed to conceal as muchitreveals. It reminds me,asbureaucratic documents oftendo, of the rules and manufactured “truth”decreed by Big Brother in the authoritarian “Newspeak” of George Orwell’sdystopian novel “1984.”
Gemslike“anti-White activism” and “illegal alienactivism” don’trise to Orwell’sartfulness, but theyare Newspeaknonetheless. It’snonsense. But it excites cohorts of voters to your side, and depending on howyou playitand whichpodcasters youenlist in the effort, it can gel into a politicalorthodoxy And whenyour polls aresinking, as Trump’shave been, and midtermcalamity appearstobecoming for the ruling party,anotherinsult will do in apinch.
Museum Director Hartig cordially answered questions from twoseparate House committees about what the report describes as the “ideological capture”ofthe Smithsonian. More Newspeak. To their credit, some Democrats pushed back on the GOPNewspeak with blazing rhetoric oftheir own.
“Welcome to the Republicans’ White pride rally disguised as aCongressional hearing,” Rep. Jasmine Crockettof Texasdeclared at the proceeding.
Alas, suchfrankness is why alot of Republicans werehappy to seeher gerrymandered out of her district. History is to be argued, ascholarly history teacher taught us in grade school.
Alot of Americans,for example, still believe the Southwon the Civil War, she said. Or should have And that’swhy,even if thestudy and practice of historical scholarship is inherently political, it should not follow rulesset by hardball partisan politics. Diversity is our strength, as Ihave long maintained, although MAGA militants deem that little chestnut to be heresy. (Are youlistening, Stephen Miller?)
Alot of my diversefellow Americans believe awide varietyofversions of history.The challenge of maintaining the peace between all thoseviews is enormous and never-ending, especially in these times when theinternet offers cheap and accessible platforms to all manner of supposedauthorities, whether in reality they arecharlatans or actual scholars.
“For morethan 180 years, theSmithsonianhas servedthe American public withnonpartisan and independent scholarship, and we remain committed to doing so,” amuseum spokesperson said.
Good. Historyisabout thefuture, wiseteachershave told me,not just the next election.
Email ClarencePageat clarence47page@gmail.com
The winners among those seeking election or reelection to the Senate this year have a rendezvous with acrisis that will arrive in their six-year terms. They should be asked about two entangled problems: soaring budget deficits and Social Security’s insolvency
The deficit in the first nine months of fiscal 2026 was $1.4 trillion, worse than at the same point in fiscal 2025. The governmentisontrack to have borrowed at least $2 trillion by the Sept. 30 end of the fiscal year Social Security’sretirement program costs have exceeded its incomesince 2021. Since then, the program has supplied the difference by drawing downits “trust fund.” It consists of surpluses (of revenues over spending on benefits) from before 2010. Those surpluses have been interest-accumulating deposits with the federal government. This funding stream is projected to be exhausted before the 2032 elections. Benefit cuts of at least 22% (depending on the size of shortfalls in payroll tax revenues) would automatically occur,absent other measures. This impending convulsion in the government’smost popular program is not arousing public anxiety.The fewpeople whothink about such things assume, and the political class knows, it will not happen. The mostlikely,because least politically risky,way to prevent it will be an infusion of general revenues to supply the difference between what payroll tax revenues bring in and benefits send out. In 1977, and again just six years later,Congress madetax and benefit changes to keep the trust fund solvent. But only,itturns out, until 2032. Today,after nearly 50 years of America’s population aging, the money problem is bigger than in 1977. And after ahalf-century of turning the elderly into America’smost privileged and prickly faction, the political class’sappetite forrisk is smaller “Saving” Social Security by huge additional borrowing would intensify upward pressure on interest rates, hence downward pressure on economic growth. This could further worsen Social Security’sfinancing problems. Recourse to general revenues also would transform the system that wassold to the country in 1935 as aself-financing contributory program.Few will notice, fewer will care. The change will mean another huge amount of borrowing, added to existing debt, which occasioned little and evanescent anxiety when, this year,its size passed that of U.S. gross domestic product. Ninety-one years ago, President Franklin D. Roosevelt proposed Social Security as —how quaint this now seems—protection against “poverty-ridden old age.” The American Enterprise Institute’sAndrew Biggs says the average person retiring in the 2030s will receive 33% moreinbenefits than he or she paid in payroll taxes: “Ifretirees simply got back what they paid in, Social Security would be solvent.” Maya MacGuineas of the Committee fora Responsible Federal Budget notes that acouple in which both spouses earned, for35years, morethan Social Security’staxable maximum ($184,500 in 2026) can receive $100,000 annually.Progressives’ solution is to increase taxes on the affluent by eliminating today’sincomecap where the payroll tax ends. This would make Social Security’srevenues again exceed outlays but forjust three years. Congress exacerbated Social Security’soverspending problem when purporting to fix it. In 1977, it indexed benefits payments to wage growth, which usually growsfaster than inflation. So, this year’sSenate candidates should say what they propose. Do they favor raising by three years (to 65 and 70) the ages when recipients can begin receiving early or full retirementbenefits, and indexing those ages so they rise as lifeexpectancy does? If not, then what? No fairengaging in wishful thinking, such as: Artificial intelligence will so dramatically and permanently accelerate economic growth, a gusher of revenues will banish the need fordifficult choices. Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, says, “The budget may balance without us doing anything because there’ssomuch growth.” Talk about counting imaginary chickens from unhatched eggs. America’skakistocracy has produced gerontocracy.Government’sbiggest, mostbeloved program is wealth redistribution masquerading as aretirement program.Social Security transfers wealth regressively,upward from today’slabor force to the elderly,who have had alifetime of accumulation and have paid off mortgages on homes that have risen in value. Is Congress going to take back asignificant portion of this entitlement? Think about prying abone from an entitled bulldog.
Email George Will at georgewill@washpost.com
Faimon Roberts
Clarence Page
George Will
BY MARK CARLSON, EMMA DA SILVA and JOHN LEICESTER Associated Press
LEGE-CAP FERRET,France— French President Emmanuel Macron urged fire crews to “stay strong” as they battled Monday to bring amonster wildfire under control, warning that the fight will take time but vowing, “Wewill win this battle together.”
On avisit to acoordination center for the massive firefighting effort in southwest France, Macron heard how the blaze raging since last week has been wildly unpredictable, transformingat times into aself-feeding fire storm as it burned through an area fourtimes the size of Paris and forced 220,000 people to flee their homes
“We’re facing acompletely unprecedented fire,” Macron said, describing the situation as France’sworst fire-related crisis since World WarII. He praised firefighting teams who stopped the inferno’sprogression Monday after days of spreading flames that edged toward the wine region city of Bordeaux. But with woodlands still smoldering, he and other government officials cautioned that the battle isn’tyet won, with forests turned tinder-dry by successive heat waves this year and another forecast for this week.
“The weeks ahead will be hard. We musthold firm,” Macron said.
With thousands of firefighters on the ground and rotations of water-and retardant-dropping aircraft, it became araceagainst time Monday to contain the blaze before temperatures soar,with national weather service forecasts of 95 and above in southwest France from Tuesday
Authorities also are working to feed, shelter and care for evacuees who fled in stag-
gering numbers: 250,000 in thesouthwest, driven away by twofires
Briefing Macron, the Gironde region’sfire chief explained howcrews had wrestled with theblaze unlike any they’d previouslytackled, extraordinarily virulentand capricious, “a firethat’sgoing everywhere” and which generated electrical storms that sparked more flare-ups.
“The last 24 hours went well, thankstoyour work” Macron told firefighters. “Doubtless, tomorrow will be more complicated than today.”
Arounda dozencountries have provided planes,helicopters, firefighters and other assistance to both France andSpain, whichisalso fighting unprecedented blazes. All told, fires in the twocountries haveforced more than 330,000 peopletoflee.
In Spain, wildfireshave burnedout of controlaround Madrid and in theValencia region. Authorities evacuated 79,000 people and confined 30,000 others to their homes.
In both Spain and France, theexceptional scale of the fires— fueledbyheat waves that hitespecially hard and early thisyear,making forests and scrubland tinderdry— are driving calls for
French presidentpledges supporton visittofirezone
strongeraction againstclimatechange.
“What we are experiencing is not aseriesofisolatedincidents. It is theconsequence of aclimate emergency that is making wildfireseven more violent,heat waves more frequent,” Spanish Prime MinisterPedro Sánchez said.
Afireraging in hilly,rural terraininÁvila, west of Madrid, has become Spain’s largest on record, scorching 193 square miles,the government said. That’sfive times the size of Barcelona.
“Look at how thevalley is burned. Look at the houses, the people,” said David Gonzalez, a48-year-old gardener who used his van to run supplies to firefighters in Ávila
“Weare feelinglot of anger andhelplessness. It’ssomething inhuman,” he said.
Fires have burned 590 square miles this year in Spain —six times thearea scorched by blazes in the first half of 2025, said Sara Aagesen,the ecologyminister.
Theminister said that another heat wave forecast from Tuesday —which would be Spain’sfourth so far this year —could ratchet up thefire danger.Spain’s weather agency forecast temperatures above 104.
ASSOCIATEDPRESS PHOTO By EMMA DA SILVA
Firefighters tackle ablaze Monday as wildfires ragenear Le Las, outside Bordeaux,France.
SPORTS
Nothing personal
BY JON BLAU Staff writer
Of all the exceedingly honest statements Ole Miss coach Pete Golding made at SEC media days last week, his recounting of a sales pitch to quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and running back Kewan Lacy may have been the most blunt. Chambliss and Lacy shouldn’t follow Lane Kiffin to LSU, Golding said, because they would be hated in Oxford, Mississippi, as much as their former coach.
“The dude they’d have built a statue of here three days ago, Google his name right now,” Golding recalled telling Chambliss and Lacy during an interview with ESPN. “They wouldn’t piss on him if he was on fire. They’ll do the same thing to y’all, too.”
The 13-win season and College Football Playoff run they just made wouldn’t matter Their legacies would be tarnished
BY DENNIS WASZAK
AP pro football writer
The heat is on several NFL coaches, and it has nothing to do with the soon-to-be steamy dog days of training camp. The regular season is still more than six weeks away, but some coaches already face questions about their job security.
For a few such as the New York Jets’ Aaron Glenn, Tampa Bay’s Todd Bowles and Cincinnati’s Zac Taylor, slow starts could make their seats pretty toasty early in make-or-break seasons. For some others, such as Green Bay’s Matt LaFleur and Philadelphia’s Nick Sirianni, there’s not immediate pressure, but that could change if their squads don’t live up to lofty expectations. Here is a list of coaches who are looking over their shoulders heading into the 2026 season.
forever.
Linebacker T.J. Dottery was one of four Ole Miss players who decided to transfer to LSU anyway And yes, Golding put it to Dottery just like he did with Lacy and Chambliss.
“Kind of the same general statements in the conversation, for sure,” Dottery said.
“I knew that would be some of the aftermath of me leaving. But the opportunity at LSU was big and huge for me, and I couldn’t turn it down.
“It wasn’t personal; it was all business.”
Dottery, in his gold suit, was front and center at SEC media days last week, not only explaining the appeal of LSU but also why he followed Kiffin when others didn’t.
It wasn’t all about Kiffin. Dottery looked at LSU and saw a program with history on the defensive side of the ball, including greats such as Tyrann Mathieu, Patrick Peterson and Devin White. He had a chance to play alongside a current star in Whit Weeks, who was just named preseason first-team All-SEC.
Dottery also rationalized Kiffin’s decision in a way many fans in Oxford couldn’t. He saw a coach “grabbing” an
Todd Bowles, Buccaneers Through four seasons with Tampa Bay, Bowles is 35-33 in the regular season and has won three NFC South titles But last season’s collapse during which the Buccaneers went 2-7 down the stretch to finish 8-9 and miss the playoffs, had some thinking Bowles’ days with the team were done. Instead, the Bucs opted to stick with him. He’ll likely need doubledigit wins, a rebound performance from quarterback Baker Mayfield under new coordinator Zac Robinson and some postseason success to stick around. The Bucs defense, which Bowles calls himself, also must be much improved.
Dave Canales, Panthers Carolina made the playoffs for the first time since the 2017 season, but it did so with an 8-9 record. The Panthers started 1-3 before three
opportunity at a “blue-blood” institution, taking a chance to grow despite any damage to his reputation.
“Once you sit back and kind of think about those things,” Dottery said, “I kind of saw a big opportunity for me as well.”
Dottery said LSU is “another step” in his football career He points to the advanced recovery facilities LSU has at its disposal. He thinks about the virtual reality system football players use to get simulated reps off the field.
He compared where he was and where he is now, and Dottery said there is a different “standard” LSU players hold themselves to.
Dottery wouldn’t say Kiffin, who left ahead of the Rebels’ CFP run, “persuaded” him to transfer to LSU. But he was apt to listen to his pitch because there’s a relationship.
Kiffin gave Dottery a second chance after he was dismissed from Clemson in July 2023 for an unspecified violation of team rules.
Dottery who was ineligible for the 2023
straight victories, and then alternated losses and wins over the next eight games before dropping its last two and backing into the playoffs, where the Panthers lost in the wild-card round. Canales is 13-21 in his first two seasons in Carolina, which hired him in large part to develop Bryce Young into a quarterback worthy of his No. 1 overall selection in the 2023 draft. But Young has been up and down. Canales handed off playcalling duties to offensive coordinator Brad Idzik, and his job could depend on Young finally showing consistent progress this season.
Aaron Glenn, Jets The former Pro Bowl cornerback returned to New York as a head coach to lead the Jets back to respectability Instead, Glenn became the
What to watch for as Saints camp begins
BY LUKE JOHNSON Staff writer
NFL training camps have begun to fire up across the country, and the New Orleans Saints join the mix when they take the field for their first camp practice of the 2026 season Wednesday in Metairie.
If things feel different than recent years, there is a reason for that. A rookie quarterback led the Saints to a strong finish to close the 2025 season, and the team built on that momentum this offseason by adding several players who should play key roles. In the span of a couple of months, New Orleans went from rebuild to renewed.
It has been more than five years since the Saints last participated in a playoff game It is far too soon to say the Saints are Super Bowl contenders, but there are legitimate reasons to believe their postseason skid may be snapped this year Now comes the hard part: Can they turn optimism into success on the field?
Here are four things to keep in mind when the team opens camp this week The quarterback
Out of all the things New Orleans did to improve its team this offseason, the main driver of its fortunes will be second-year quarterback Tyler Shough. Shough was magnificent after taking over as the starter midway through last year He posted solid, but not great, numbers 2,256 yards passing, 10 touchdowns, five interceptions and a 95.8 rating in his nine starts but his performance was about more than statistics. Shough energized a moribund franchise, and the results followed.
ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By FRANK FRANKLIN II New york Jets head coach Aaron Glenn speaks at a news conference during rookie minicamp at the team’s practice facility on May 8 in Florham Park, N.J
STAFF PHOTOS By SOPHIA GERMER Saints head coach Kellen Moore watches a minicamp practice at the indoor practice facility on June 16.
Dottery
ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By ROGELIO V. SOLIS
Mississippi linebacker TJ Dottery pressures Tulane quarterback Jake Retzlaff during a game in Oxford, Miss., on Sept. 20
Still swinging at age 103
Omaha golfer found passion later in life
BY ERIC OLSON AP sportswriter
OMAHA, Neb. — Bob Walls was getting set to tee off on the first hole at his home course last week when his partners interrupted his pre-shot routine.
“Get back here, man,” James King said.
“We’re playing blues today,”
Dawn Dozier added.
Walls wasn’t having it.
“When you’re over 100, you can hit from anywhere you want,” he told them.
Then, with a silky smooth swing from the forward white tees, he thwacked the ball down the right side of the fairway just short of the green on the 180yard hole.
Not bad for a 103-year-old Actually, pretty incredible.
A record 6.3 million Americans 65 and older played golf in 2025, the National Golf Foundation reported this month. The NGF does not track the number of centenarians, but there undoubtedly are few, if any, who play as well and as often as Walls.
Walls is fit and trim and looks 30 years younger He has survived a heart attack, has had multiple heart surgeries and overcame a transient ischemic attack (mini stroke). He credited good genes — both of his parents lived into their late 90s — for his longevity, along with staying active. The notion that he’s a freak of nature doesn’t register with him.
“I don’t feel 103. I don’t act 103,” he said. “To me it’s no big deal.”
Born in St. Marys, Kansas, in 1923, Walls moved to Omaha in 1947 after he served in World War II. He spent most of his working years owning and operating a janitorial service.
He retired at 74 and, with friends’ encouragement, took up golf. Steve Hogan, who was Nebraska’s first Black PGA professional, taught Walls how to play at what was then Miller Park. The two became close friends, and Walls honors Hogan’s memory by volunteering seven days a week at the course, which was renamed Steve Hogan Golf Course after his death in 2008. Walls spends five or six hours riding around in his open-top cart with a bucket of seed-and-
sand mix on the passenger side. He fills divots and repairs ball marks, picks up trash and fishes other golfers’ errant shots out of the lagoon with his ball retriever
Always strapped on the back of the cart is his golf bag, because he never knows when the mood will strike to stop and play a hole or maybe work on his game.
Outside the clubhouse are a couple of training devices Walls made to help young players get a feel for the golf swing arc. He
has worked with kids in the First Tee program and gives lessons to adults for $50 per hour The course holds an annual tournament, the Bob Walls Invitational, to raise money for equipment for neighborhood kids.
When he gets home from the course each day, he often gets on his iPad and watches hours of training videos.
“When I visited him for his 101st birthday, I wasn’t even in the door and the first thing he said to me was that he was breaking down his whole game, changing this, changing that,” Dozier said. “He’s always working on his game.”
Walls has still got plenty of game. He regularly shoots in the low 30s on the par-3 Hogan course. In fact, the other day he shot 31 to win a match against course manager Mike Rice.
“The first time I beat him and I haven’t beaten him very often — I had to have a hole-inone to do it,” Rice said. “Who’d ever thought a 103-year-old gentleman could knock a ball 180 yards consistently every day and have enough energy and strength to do it?”
Walls spends the fall and winter in Phoenix and is on a course or practice range every day there, too.
“Golf is the first thing I think about when I wake up in the morning,” he said.
He fusses over his stance, swing plane and the direction his shoulders are pointing at his finish. Recently, he’s been working on getting more consistent with his lob wedge so he doesn’t have to rely so much on his sand wedge.
“He’s going to hit right down the middle and the next shot is going to be on the green,” King said. “He’s not going to do anything to hurt himself. Sweet and easy That’s what I love about his game. And he practices, too. Every day he hits a few balls, and I know he does because I’m down here most every day I love playing with him. I think he’s one of kind.”
Weiss blames limit on pitchers for roster churn
BY NOAH TRISTER AP baseball writer
The Atlanta Braves called up right-hander Elieser Hernández from the minor leagues, and a few days later he finally appeared in his first big league game since 2024.
After throwing three scoreless innings in relief and earning the win at Baltimore, he was immediately designated for assignment.
“I hate it, to be honest with you,” Braves manager Walt Weiss said. “I wish the rules were different.”
What Atlanta did is fairly common now If a pitcher works several innings of relief even if he does so effectively — keeping him is essentially wasting a roster spot for the next couple days. So a fresher arm is brought in to replace him.
Baseball’s union is proposing rule changes related to this type of roster churn. The players want pitchers optioned shortly after an outing of at least nine outs or 50 pitches to get major league pay and service time for the four days following the appearance. The union is also proposing to reduce the number of optional assignments to the minors from a maximum of five per season to three. That wouldn’t necessarily have helped Hernández, since he was designated for assignment, not optioned Weiss didn’t mention the option rules but instead took aim at the limit of 13 pitchers on a roster “I wish the number of pitchers weren’t restricted,” Weiss said Saturday “I think if you were able to carry an extra pitcher here and there, you wouldn’t have to do those things — have to DFA a guy that was one of the heroes of the game last night. We want to be able to reward those guys, not DFA them.”
By
Atlanta Braves pitcher Elieser Hernández throws during a game against the Baltimore Orioles on Friday in Baltimore.
Performance of the week
Dylan Cease threw a onehitter in Toronto’s 6-0 win over Boston on Saturday He was the first Toronto pitcher to throw a one-hit shutout since Brandon Morrow in 2010. Cease threw a no-hitter two years ago, but he was with San Diego then. Earlier this month, he took a no-hitter into the ninth at San Francisco, but he was pulled after it was broken up. Comeback of the week Houston trailed the Chicago
White Sox 5-0 before scoring eight runs in the top of the sixth Friday night. The Astros went on to win 9-5. Christian Walker hit a threerun double to make it 5-4, and one out later Cam Smith hit a two-run homer that put Houston ahead to stay Team of the week
This honor goes to the team with the best record over the past seven days, using run differential as a tiebreaker if need be. A tiny sample, yes, but this is basically the amount of time it takes to win a playoff series.
The Tampa Bay Rays went 6-1 this past week and are still holding off the New York Yankees atop the AL East The Rays lead by three games. Tampa Bay took three of four at Toronto before sweeping three against Cleveland, shutting out the Guardians in the final two games. The Rays are extremely likely to make the playoffs in some fashion for the first time since 2023. The question now is whether they can pull off a deadline deal that helps them outlast the Yankees and the surging Red Sox for a division title and first-round bye.
Acuña returns to Braves after missing 7 weeks
NEW YORK — The Atlanta Braves activated outfielder Ronald Acuña from the injured list on Monday after missing almost seven weeks with a left hamstring strain. Acuña was the leadoff hitter in Monday night’s opener of a threegame series at the New York Mets. The five-time All-Star is hitting .251 with seven home runs, 22 RBIs and 15 steals. His season has been shortened by two hamstring injuries. He missed 15 games in May with the same injury
When Acuña was placed on the injured list on June 9, the Braves topped the majors with a 45-23 record and led the NL East by eight games over Philadelphia. Atlanta struggled in June without Acuña but has rebounded following the All-Star break.
North Carolina places GM Lombardi on paid leave
North Carolina football general manager Michael Lombardi has been placed on paid administrative leave.
The school announced the move with a statement Monday morning, coming days before the Tar Heels open preseason camp. The school didn’t provide details as to the reason, noting that employees and athletes aren’t permitted to address the topic.
Lombardi joined Bill Belichick in making the NFL-to-college move when the school hired the former New England Patriots coach in December 2024. Lombardi’s career as an NFL executive had included being the GM of the Cleveland Browns in 2013, and he was an immediate hire by the six-time Super Bowl-winning coach in Chapel Hill.
Michigan AD Manuel to receive $7M in separation
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel will be paid a lump sum of $7.14 million as part of his separation agreement with the university
The school announced July 20 that it would buy out the remaining three years on Manuel’s contract and he will step down at the end of 2026. Manuel agreed to step down following investigations into former football coach Sherrone Moore’s relationship with his executive assistant and a probe into the athletic department.
The university also agreed to make a $108,000 contribution to his retirement account and pay his attorney fees of $82,000. Manuel agreed to remain employed by the university until he voluntary resigns Dec. 31.
Commanders part ways with TE coach Steele
The Washington Commanders have parted ways with tight ends coach Ben Steele on the eve of training camp, a move made in the aftermath of his arrest on suspicion of driving while intoxicated last month.
Steele was placed on administrative leave after informing the team following the arrest, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. The person said offensive assistant Wes Welker assumed Steele’s responsibilities during minicamp. Coach Dan Quinn is expected to address the situation at his camp-opening news conference on Tuesday Steele, 48, had just been hired by Washington after spending the previous three NFL seasons with Arizona.
Reds slugger Steer put on 10-day IL with wrist sprain CINCINNATI The Cincinnati Reds placed infielder/outfielder Spencer Steer on the 10-day injured list Monday with a right wrist sprain and recalled infielder/outfielder Ivan Johnson from TripleA Louisville.
Steer left Sunday’s game at the St. Louis Cardinals after fouling a pitch off the end of his bat in the fifth inning. He repeatedly shook his wrist following the swing and decided not to continue the at-bat after meeting with manager Terry Francona and training staff. The versatile Steer is batting .238 with 16 home runs and 40 RBIs in 98 games. He has played all three outfield positions while also appearing at first base, second and third
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By ERIC OLSON
Bob Walls, a 103-year-old golfer tees off on the third hole at Steve Hogan Golf Course on Friday in Omaha, Neb.
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO
TERRANCE WILLIAMS
LSU men’s hoops schedule is set
BY TOYLOY BROWN III Staff writer
LSU announced its full 202627 men’s basketball schedule on Monday for Will Wade’s return campaign.
The Tigers will face five powerconference teams in the nonconference and will play a total of 19 home games at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center The season opener is against LSU-New Orleans on Nov 3 at home.
The first time LSU will take the court will be for an exhibition game against McNeese State on Oct. 8 at Townsley Law Arena in Lake Charles. Wade coached the Cowboys from 2023-25 and led them to back-to-back NCAA Tournament berths.
LSU will play three exhibition games overall. LSU also faces Central Florida on Oct. 14 at the PMAC and Florida State on Oct. 24 on the road.
The
first major challenge on LSU’s schedule will be its firstever meeting against Gonzaga on Nov 14 in Spokane, Washington. Gonzaga has been a preseason Top 25 team every year since the 2009-10 season and has finished a season outside the final poll only four times in that span.
The Tigers’ next power-conference opponents come in the Palm Springs Classic, a multiteam event at Acrisure Arena in Palm Springs, California. On Nov 25-26, LSU will face two of the three other teams in the field: SMU, Arizona State or Southern California. The opponent hasn’t been decided yet.
LSU will play five mid-major teams at home in November After the season opener against LSU-New Orleans, Wade’s group will face Texas Southern (Nov 6), Louisiana Tech (Nov 9), ULMonroe (Nov 17) and Queens University (Nov. 20).
The first higher-level opponent LSU will see in December is Wake Forest on Dec. 1 at home in the ACC/SEC Challenge The last difficult nonconference contest will come against powerhouse
LSU’S FULL SEC SCHEDULE
Jan. 2 vs. South Carolina
Jan. 5 or 6 at Alabama
Jan 9 vs.Tennessee
Jan. 12 or 13 at Kentucky
Jan 16 at Texas A&M
Jan 19 or 20 vs Texas
Jan 23 vs Auburn
Jan. 26 or 27 at Arkansas
Jan. 30 at Georgia
Feb 2 or 3 vs.Vanderbilt
Feb 5 vs. Ole Miss
Feb 13 at Oklahoma
Feb. 16 or 17 vs. Florida
Feb 20 at Mississippi State
Feb 23 or 24 at Auburn
Feb 27 vs.Texas A&M
March 2 or 3 vs Arkansas
March 6 at Missouri
Houston on Dec. 13 at the Toyota Center, the home arena of the Houston Rockets.
Houston is expected to field a competitive team, as it has won at least 30 games each season since 2021-22 and reached at least the Sweet 16 in six straight seasons.
An additional layer of intrigue is that one of the Cougars’ premier transfer portal additions is former LSU point guard Dedan
Thomas The 6-foot-1 lefty averaged 15.3 points, 6.5 assists and 1.6 turnovers per game as a junior for LSU before having season-ending foot surgery in February
LSU has four other contests in December, all at home. It will face Hofstra (Dec. 5), High Point (Dec. 18), UL (Dec. 22) and Washington State (Dec. 28).
High Point was an elite midmajor team last season, beating No 5-seeded Wisconsin in the NCAA Tournament and finishing the year with a 31-5 record.
SEC play starts Jan 2 and concludes March 6. The SEC Tournament is March 10-1 at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee.
FIFA’s Infantino targets critics spreading ‘hate and false rumors’
BY GRAHAM DUNBAR AP sportswriter
GENEVA One week after the World Cup final, FIFA president
Gianni Infantino attacked perceived critics for “spreading hate and false rumors” about the tournament Infantino praised FIFA for “delivering the best show in the world” and spoke of the World Cup bringing “joy and togetherness,” in a 900-word statement published across a 15-page post on his Instagram account and on FIFA’s website late Sunday
“Sorry that you were so consumed by hate and criticism that you missed it all,” the FIFA leader wrote, addressing his comments to “those behind their pens and papers, behind their screens spreading hate and false rumors.”
FIFA and Infantino faced criticism during the World Cup for Iran team officials, a Somali referee and fans being denied entry to the United States; alleged political influence by U.S. President Donald Trump in letting Folarin Balogun avoid a ban for a red card; unprecedented high ticket prices and commercialized breaks in play midway through each half of all 104 games.
“Every city was packed with fans from all around the globe,” Infantino wrote. “While they celebrated you were busy planting seeds of hate.”
“While you hide, we are exploring the streets of Canada, Mexico, and the United States, talking with fans, engaging with people, and ensuring everyone’s safety.”
Testy media relations
Infantino has an increasingly testy relationship with media during the 11th year of his presidency His eve-of-tournament news conference in Mexico City was his first with a full gathering of international media since March 2023.
The previous such news conference in Rwanda, after his reelection by acclaim from FIFA member federations, saw Infantino ask his audience: “Why are you
Sixers celebrate James’ arrival with coronation photo fit for NBA’s ‘king’
BY DAN GELSTON AP sportswriter
PHILADELPHIA
The Philadelphia
76ers sent the message that LeBron James was indeed — officially and perhaps amazingly on the roster with a straightforward photo: James’ blue No. 23 jersey hangs in a locker with a crown as a nod to his King nickname on the shelf. The 76ers and James announced Monday their two-year deal on the veteran’s minimum for $8 million total was official and that the four-time NBA MVP was indeed a Sixer
“There is no doubt LeBron is one of the greatest players to ever play the game of basketball and there are no words to measure the impact he’ll have on this organization,” team president Mike Gansey said.
The NBA’s career scoring leader, James revealed his choice on social media Friday, saying it will be his “last decision” and that it came after he strongly considered retirement.
“I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team and I am so excited to energize a new fan base and start this incredible journey one last time,” James said.
James posted videos on his Instagram story Monday morning with the caption: “It’s that time again. 4:12 AM. Let’s get it.” He posted workout videos from the gym throughout the weekend.
A four-time NBA champion, James wrote he was “done” when his 23rd NBA season ended and that it was his last with the Los Angeles Lakers.
He instead reversed course and signed with a Sixers franchise that’s loaded with All-Star starters in Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown yet has failed to win an NBA championship since 1983 or even advance out of the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs since 2001.
James, who turns 42 in December, appears up for the challenge of turning the Sixers into champions much as he did when he ended a 56-year championship drought
ASSOCITAED
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James looks on during a game on Dec 9, 2022, in Philadelphia.
for Cleveland by leading the Cavaliers to the title in 2016.
“I cannot wait to see LeBron alongside Jaylen Brown, VJ Edgecombe, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and our talented roster as we work to deliver a championship for Philly,” team owner Josh Harris said.
The Sixers went 45-37 last season and were swept in the second round by the eventual NBA champion New York Knicks.
James’ resume is beyond compare in NBA history He is a 22time All-Star a 21-time All-NBA selection, a four-time Most Valuable Player, a four-time NBA Finals MVP, a three-time All-Star Game MVP and a member of the NBA’s 75th anniversary team.
He also is coming off a season in which he averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists per game.
For his career, he has averaged 26.8 points, 7.5 rebounds and 7.4 assists in more than 1,600 games.
James started his career in Cleveland in 2003 and spent seven seasons with the Cavaliers before heading to Miami for four seasons
— where he won his first two NBA titles. He then returned to Cleveland for four more seasons, including that title run in 2016, and left
so mean?”
In Mexico City last month, Infantino suggested critics should “chill, relax.” And he’s coming under scrutiny from some in the U.S. Congress. Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland, the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, sent Infantino a letter on Sunday seeking documents detailing ties between FIFA and the Trump administration. A representative for FIFA didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment on the letter
FIFA uniting the U.S. and Iran
Iran’s ability to play at least three games in the U.S was a key pretournament issue, and the squad made a late switch to a training camp in Tijuana, Mexico instead of Tucson, Arizona.
“Iran entered the United States without incident or conflict,” Infantino noted in his statement.
“While you spread hatred, we worked tirelessly to unite two countries at war.”
Fans denied visas to enter the U.S. included Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, the celebrated statue supporter of Congo which was
LSU
Continued from page 1C
regular season because of the timing of his transfer, went on to post 76 and 98 tackles, respectively, in his sophomore and junior campaigns with the Rebels.
“I just love his story,” Kiffin said this spring. “All the guy does is continue to work, continue to develop as a player.”
Kiffin said Dottery knew rumors about what led to his Clemson dismissal would be raised if he entered the transfer portal. Kiffin has described Dottery as a “victim” and said another person was jailed for their part in what transpired at Clemson.
dealing with an Ebola virus outbreak. He attended one game in Mexico.
“You mentioned the few people denied visas and overlooked the millions who were approved, from all parts of the world,” Infantino wrote. “Countries facing serious health issues or other challenges were granted visas.” Infantino defends Balogun decision
On fallout from the red card for U.S. forward Balogun, Infantino claimed “subsequent decisions not to ban players in certain situations are routine.”
FIFA did not overturn Balogun’s red card, which does occur in domestic club competitions, but instead took the more unusual step of deferring the one-game ban for a probationary period. FIFA has yet to publish the written verdict of its disciplinary judge.
“To those spending their time and energy hating us, please take a moment to reflect, meditate, pray, or watch a football match and truly observe the faces, the eyes, the emotions,” Infantino wrote.
He signed off his statement: “Much love to all.”
Golding turned to Cal linebacker transfer Luke Ferrelli, who previously visited Oxford but had already enrolled at Clemson. Clemson coach Dabo Swinney alleges Golding tampered with his signee, texting Ferrelli during an 8 a.m class to send him a copy of a $1 million contract. Ferrelli jumped to Ole Miss right before the portal closed. Dottery faces Clemson in Week 1.
“I had a great time at Clemson, built some great relationships with coaches and staff. I can even call cCoach Swinney and we can talk right now He’s awesome,” Dottery said “I don’t think the emotions will be too high. Just another opportunity to play football.“
in 2018 for the Lakers and won a championship in 2020.
James is the first player in NBA history to be named an NBA Finals MVP with three different franchises.
James is set for a reunion with Gansey, who was hired in late May after the Sixers fired Daryl Morey Gansey joined the Cavaliers in 2011 and had worked as their general manager since 2022. His and James’ ties were first forged as Ohio basketball stars more than two decades ago. Gansey at Olmsted Falls High School was runnerup in 2001 for Ohio’s Mr Basketball award to James — who won it three times for St. Vincent–St. Mary High School before bypassing college and going straight to the NBA.
“I have had the pleasure of knowing LeBron since high school and have seen the high-level impact he’s produced at every stop of his basketball journey,” Gansey said.
“He is a consummate professional, the ultimate competitor and a tireless worker But he is also an incredible person with natural leadership traits, a family man, and someone who possesses unwavering commitment to community and those around him.
“I can do the comfortable, easy thing and stay here and nobody is going to bring up that story of what happened to me at Clemson,” Kiffin said, “or I can do the challenging thing, that will make me uncomfortable, that he believed was the best for him. And he did it. It was certainly uncomfortable Dottery said he was so “invested” in his relationships at Ole Miss that he cried some nights while thinking about leaving. His departure set off dominos that led to consternation elsewhere.
When Dottery left Ole Miss,
Dottery tried to say LSU’s Week 3 game at Ole Miss is the same, “just another opportunity to play football,” but it’s hard to classify Sept. 19 as just that. Dottery still professes love and respect for the teammates he left behind, but he’s trying to focus more on the embrace of his new teammates at LSU.
“I feel like that’s made it the easiest, me just being able to be myself and be the guy I am,” Dottery said, “and they like me for that.”
Email Jon Blau at jon.blau@ theadvocate.com
PHOTO PROVIDED By
LSU linebacker TJ Dottery talks Thursday during SEC media days in
ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By EDUARDO VERDUGO FIFA president Gianni Infantino speaks during a news conference at the stadium in Mexico City on June 10, one day before the opening FIFA World Cup match between Mexico and South Africa.
PRESS PHOTO By MATT SLOCUM
Bengals aim to produce big gains offensively
BY CHARLIE GOLDSMITH Associated Press
CINCINNATI The Cincinnati Bengals offense has a very rare level of continuity with all 11 starters as well as most of the team’s key backups returning from last season’s roster Offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher wants to see the unit aim even higher in 2026. He said the keys for the offense taking the next step are finding more explosive plays and limiting turnovers at a higher rate
“We can really look at it from a schematic standpoint and make sure we have the tools we need,” Pitcher said Monday as the Bengals had their pre-training camp luncheon. “(Turnovers) speak to decision-making, technique and how we take care of the football. That’s an area traditionally we have not struggled with We need to return to the standard we have for ourselves.”
Joe Burrow, who led the NFL in passing yards in 2024, was playing just as well in 2025 but missed half of the season because of a toe inju-
ry Pitcher said Burrow is involved in conversations and open to new ideas for the offense to generate more explosive plays than it did last season.
“Above anything, Joe wants to win and wants us to be able to do whatever it takes to win,” Pitcher said. “I believe he has trust that he knows whatever we’re going to ask is because we’ve put the work in and done the cost benefit and decided this is what we need to do, whether it’s build the offense in August or win a football game in November.”
During the second half of last season, the Bengals found a much higher level of success in their run game. As young offensive linemen Amarius Mims and Dylan Fairchild emerged as impact players, as the offensive line as a whole developed more continuity and as running back Chase Brown continued to develop, the running game took off.
Pitcher is looking to see the unit build off that success in 2026 as Cincinnati tries to make the playoffs for the first time since 2022.
Quarterback
BY JOSH DUBOW AP pro football writer
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Coach Kyle
Shanahan’s voice in Brock Purdy’s helmet has been nearly a constant at practice during Purdy’s first four seasons in the NFL.
Chiefs OC Bieniemy’s wife shot by their son
BY DAVE SKRETTA AP sportswriter
ST JOSEPH, Mo. — The son of Chiefs assistant coach Eric Bieniemy has been arrested and charged with the shooting of his mother, Mia Bieniemy, the wife of the Kansas City offensive coordinator, authorities in Virginia said Monday The Loudon County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded late Sunday to a shooting in Ashburn, Virginia, where the couple still had a home from Bieniemy’s time coaching the Washington Commanders. They found the 57-year-old Mia Bieniemy with multiple gunshot wounds, and she was transported to a hospital where she was in stable condition Monday Elijah Zion Bieniemy, the 27-year-old son of the couple, was arrested early Monday in connection with the shooting. He has been charged with malicious wounding, use of a firearm in commission of a felony and discharge of a firearm inside a dwelling. He is being held without bond at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center
The sheriff’s office said the investigation was ongoing. Eric Bieniemy was with the Chiefs at training camp in St. Joseph earlier Sunday He was not present for Monday’s workout involving rookies, quarterbacks and a few veterans, which was closed to the public.
portunity to spend some time there and take care of that business.”
Eric Bieniemy was part of Reid’s initial staff in Kansas City in 2013, and he spent five seasons as the running backs coach before he was promoted to offensive coordinator Over the next five seasons, the demanding but popular Bieniemy helped the Chiefs reach three Super Bowls and win two of them while directing one of the NFL’s best offenses.
“(Brown) has played himself into a role that deserves us featuring him in what we do,” Pitcher said. “Is he a guy we sit down every week and say, how do we get Chase Brown in position to win us this game? It is.”
With veteran offensive linemen Dalton Risner Ted Karras and Orlando Brown back in the mix for 2026, Burrow’s offensive line looks as dependable as any he has had in his NFL career With a more powerful run game and more reliable protection, the idea is that Burrow will have more chances and more time to throw deep, as well as fewer hurried throws that could turn into interceptions
A lot of the Bengals’ success in 2026 will revolve around the offensive line.
“We’re in a really good place,” Pitcher said. “Last year, we had a player who we thought was going to be a rookie starter for us and Amarius Mims going into Year 2. With Dylan and Amarius, there’s a very high ceiling Then we have veteran leadership with Ted, Orlando and Dalton.”
“Our hearts go out to Eric Bieniemy and his family Thoughts and prayers with them,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said afterward. “I can’t get into details on it, but things happen sometimes, and Eric will work through it. He has a great support group here, as does his family, as needed, and we’ll just let time take care of it from there. But Mia is stable, which is a plus.
“She’s a saint, we all know that, those of you that know her One of God’s great blessings. But things happen. And you have to work through it. That’s where we’re at right now Time will have to be involved in this to help heal.”
Reid did not know how long Bieniemy would be away from the team. Pass game coordinator Joe Bleymaier and offensive line coach Andy Heck will take over his duties as the Chiefs continue with offensive installations during training camp.
“On these things, real life. So you take care of that,” Reid said. “We’ll be able to keep it moving here, but the most important thing is EB has an op-
He interviewed for several head coaching jobs but was continually skipped over, so Bieniemy went to the Commanders in 2023 in hopes of burnishing his resume. But the team struggled and coach Ron Rivera’s staff was let go, and Bieniemy spent one season as the offensive coordinator at UCLA before spending last season as the running backs coach with the Bears.
Bieniemy returned to the Chiefs this season to replace Matt Nagy as the offensive coordinator He was present for offseason workouts in Kansas City over the summer, and he was with the team when it began to report to training camp last week.
The Chiefs are off Tuesday The first full-squad workout at Missouri Western State University is Wednesday “It’s great to have (Bieniemy) back in the building,” Reid said last week. “He always brings great energy I’ve told you, he’s one of the more phenomenal guys I have been around at being a leader of men. He is doing that. He’s in there cranking — works his tail off, and I appreciate that. Doesn’t let anything slide by Does a good job with that.”
Purdy missing his coach’s voice at practice
That has forced Purdy to adjust as he prepares for his fifth season with the San Francisco 49ers with Shanahan starting training camp as a silent observer at practice rather than an active part of it following a serious car crash that left the coach with a concussion.
have done a good job with stepping up.”
“He’s our guy,” Purdy said about Shanahan after practice on Monday “He’s the one leading all the team meetings and stuff and going over just situational football, what practice is going to look like. He’s our leader It has been weird in terms of not having that. But I will say I think the assistant coaches
As the starting quarterback, Purdy typically interacts with Shanahan as much or more than any other player on the team, whether it be at meetings or on the practice field where the coach typically calls in the play to the quarterback on a walkie-talkie.
That role has been given to offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak to start camp this summer as Shanahan recovers from the concussion. Offensive line coach Chris
Foerster is running the team in Shanahan’s absence with help from coordinators Kubiak, Raheem Morris and Brant Boyer Purdy said his contact with Shanahan since the car crash on July 14 has been mostly messages about Shanahan’s well-being and a brief hug on the field at practice Monday Shanahan once again came out about midway through practice and watched alongside general manager John Lynch for the final 45 minutes. Shanahan even had to
dodge an errant deep pass from Purdy to Mike Evans.
“I saw it after and I was like, ‘Damn, I almost hit Kyle,’ ” Purdy said “But I was mad we couldn’t complete the throw.”
Purdy was able to joke about it Monday but the emotions were much different when he first heard about it from Shanahan’s wife, Mandy, shortly after the crash. Shanahan suffered a concussion, broken ribs, a broken nose and broken hand in the crash that sent him to the hospital.
Continued from page 1C
to lose his first seven games in his debut season with the team, which went 3-14 and missed the playoffs for the 15th straight year
Glenn overhauled his coaching staff and hired Frank Reich to run the offense, and Brian Duker was brought in as the defensive coordinator, but Glenn will now make the play calls for a subpar defense that became the first to not get an interception for an entire season New York traded for Geno Smith as a bridge to the team’s future
QB Another losing season will put the Jets in play to draft one early next year, but Glenn might not be around in that scenario.
Matt LaFleur, Packers Wait, how’s he on this list? LaF-
leur has made the playoffs six times in seven seasons, is 76-40-1 in the regular season and got a multiyear contract extension in January.
But he has only one playoff win since 2021 and his 3-6 record in the postseason has some Packers fans getting restless A four-game losing streak to end the regular season and a first-round playoff exit at Chicago — during which Green Bay blew a 15-point lead in the fourth quarter — didn’t help. With the Packers expected to again be playoff contenders with quarterback Jordan Love leading the way, LaFleur’s job status likely won’t be an issue until January Things could go from lukewarm to sizzling, though if Green Bay doesn’t win at least one postseason game.
Nick Sirianni, Eagles Similar to LaFleur Sirianni’s job would seem to be in no imme-
diate danger He has a Super Bowl victory two NFC championship wins, three NFC East titles and a 59-26 regular-season record in his five years. There was major disappointment last season, though, after the Eagles lost at home to San Francisco in the wild-card round. A bounce-back performance, including a solid postseason run, is expected, even without A.J. Brown as Jalen Hurts’ go-to receiver in new coordinator Sean Mannion’s offense.
Sirianni was on the hot seat entering the 2024 season after the Eagles started 10-2, faded down the stretch and got blown out by Tampa Bay in the wild-card round. He followed that by leading Philadelphia to a Super Bowl victory Sirianni and the Eagles and their fans would certainly sign up for a repeat of that
rebound.
Shane Steichen, Colts
Steichen was mentioned as a potential AP Coach of the Year as the Colts got off to an 8-2 start. Then, quarterback Daniel Jones was lost for the season with a torn Achilles tendon and Indianapolis lost its last seven games — even after bringing in Philip Rivers out of retirement to miss the playoffs.
Owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon was encouraged by the team’s strong first half, though, and decided to keep the coach in place. Steichen is 25-26 in his three seasons with the Colts, who have missed the playoffs the past five years. With Jones healthy and signed to a two-year extension, Steichen would feel a lot more secure if the Colts resemble the promising team through 10 games last season.
Zac Taylor, Bengals
The Bengals have been notoriously slow starters in September under Taylor, but they opened last season 2-0 and appeared on their way to putting that narrative to rest. A turf toe injury sidelined quarterback Joe Burrow for nine games and Cincinnati crawled to a 6-11 finish and a third straight season without a playoff appearance. A healthy Burrow is paramount to the success of the Bengals, whose Super Bowl trip in the 2021 season is becoming a distant memory A revamped defense, including acquiring defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, should help. So it’ll be on Taylor, in his eighth season with Cincinnati, to break the playoff slump or that might be someone else’s task next year
AP FILE PHOTO By MATT ROURKE Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy watches from the sidelines during a game on Oct. 1, 2023, in Philadelphia.
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By TERRANCE WILLIAMS
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow scrambles as he looks to throw a pass against Baltimore Ravens linebacker Mike Green during the second half of a game on Nov. 27 in Baltimore.
Verrett adjuststolifewithout SportsCenter
BY PEYTON DOYLE Contributing writer
When Stan Verrett returned to New Orleans for this week’s Advocates Professional Golf Association Tournament at TPC Louisiana, he knew thefirst stop he had to make was Johnny’sPo-Boys on St. Louis Street.
“Any excuse I can get to be back home is great,” Verrettsaid.“It’s always great to be home seeing familiar faces and familiarplacesand just beingin New Orleans.”
Verrett, aSt. Augustine grad and former SportsCenter host,isback in his home city to take part in the first-ever MichaelEaves Classic and Celebrity Pro-Am. Eavesisan anchor for ESPN’sSportsCenter The tournament takesplace
SAINTS
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Everything that has transpired since the end of the season has fueled optimism about what Shough can be in New Orleans. He went on amedia tour singingthe praises of his adopted city and was the grand marshal for the Krewe of Pygmalion. He clearly took charge of the offenseduring the summer workouts, then paid the expenses for a group of his pass catchers to work together earlier this month at aretreat in Southern California.
Now he’sgot to continue applying it on the field. The competition will get stiffer (none of the fivewins Shough authored last season came against ateam with awinning record), teams will havemorefilm of him to dissect, and Shough must also carry the burden of expectation. He seems built to handle all of that, but he needs to prove itover the course of afull season.
Thenew faces
The offense will feature at least three new starters —running back Travis Etienne, guard David
Tuesday and Wednesday. Eaves, Verrettand othercelebrities like Ryan Clark, Jemele Hill, Torii Hunter, Matt Kemp and J.R. Smith will compete.
As apart of the event, Verrett and others have madeapoint to support the golfers by showing them potentialpathwaysoutside of the course. To help facilitate this, Verrett took part in apanel discussion Sundaynight.
“It was to help the players understand life beyondgolf, with the lessons that golf can teach you,” Verrett said. “Wetalked alot about networking, hard work,about relationships that can help your career that golf can facilitate.”
JoiningVerrett on Sunday’spanel was Marrero native andformer LSU star Ryan Clark, who discussed histransition from being aprofessional athlete to amedia figure
“When it came to football, I kind of maneuvered through both
Edwards and receiver Jordyn Tyson —and several new role players. It is withoutquestion amore talented unit than theSaints have fielded in awhile, and coach Kellen Moore isgoing to have to figureout how to bestdistribute the ball to a suddenly deep group of skill players. Thedefense also will look different,though some of this is aresult of subtraction. Demario Davis, thelongtime heart andsoul of the Saintsdefense, signed afree agent contract with the Jets.Alontae Taylor,afour-year starter in the secondaryand most recently the Saints’ “Star” defender,agreed toa contract with the Titans.
New Orleans signed one of its former draft picks, Kaden Elliss, to fillDavis’ on-fieldrole and shifted safetyJonas Sanker to Taylor’s old spot. Veteran Julian Blackmon, who missedmost of last year with a shoulder injury,isinline to start at safety alongside Justin Reid. And don’tforget the specialists Free agent Ryan Wright should solve the punting problem that has plagued theSaints for years, while incumbent kicker Charlie Smyth will havetobeat out intriguing UFL signee Tanner Brown to keep hisjob.
throughout my career until Ifound my sweet spot, the sweet spot of having enough knowledge to know what makes me better,” Clarksaid Sundayduring the panel. “What makes Mike great on TV or Stan great on TV wasn’tgoingtomake me great on TV,soIcouldn’tapproach it their way.”
Where Clark has found success particularly in recentyearsiswith “The Pivot”podcast, co-hostedby Channing Crowder and FredTaylor.InVerrett’seyes,enterprises like The Pivot are what will keep Clark amajor player in the field despite being let go by ESPN last week in around of layoffs.
“He’sfine, he’sgot The Pivot, he’s built his own platformand he’s going to be fine,” Verrett said. “That’s the sort of resiliency that youcan have when you build your own platform in addition to doing thenetwork model
“I think that’sinstructive for a lotofpeople whoare currently at
the network level who have the opportunitytobuild their own platforms. It canreally comeinhandy at times.”
Verrett himself has had to find waystoadapt to thenew media landscape thepastyear. After 25 yearsatESPN,heopted to leave thenetwork when his contract expiredlastsummer “I’mnot done, Istill wanted to work,soIhad to findthe resiliency within myself to say,‘OK, how do I do this now? Ihaven’thad aresume or atape in 25 years,’ ”Verrett said. “And the wholething’schanged in the last 25 years so you have to be adaptable to new technologies and howthey’ve changed the business.”
ApartofVerrett’sevolution was developing apodcast with his longtime SportsCenter co-anchor Neil Everett called“The Stanand Neil Show.” Whilethe exact schedule andlayouttook timetocometogether,the pair foundsuccess in theirfirst year discussing the NBA
Theinjured players
Moore andgeneralmanager
Mickey Loomis will address the mediaTuesday,and at thatpoint we should have aclearer understanding of whowon’t be readytotake thefield for the start of camp. Running back KendreMiller is one to watch. The fourth-year running back hasbeen besetbyinjuries throughout hiscareer,and he is trying to return from an ACLtear
suffered midway through the 2025 season. Outside of walk-throughs, Miller did not participate in the onfield portionofthe summer workouts Millermay be acandidatetoopen camp on the physically unable to perform list. It’sanimportant campfor him and the other young running backs on the roster,who may be fighting for one roster spot behind Etienne and Alvin Kamara
and NFL.
In additiontothe podcast, Verrett has worked on broadcasts for the LosAngeles Clippers andprovided national coverage on FanDuel TV andNBA TV.He’salso gottentoreturn home to host Saints Gameday Live,ashowproviding coverageof the team each weekbefore kickoff.
For Verrett, it’sa chance to be back in thecityheloves andwork closelywith the team he grew up cheering for.This last season it also allowed him an up-close look as the next era of Saints football begins to emerge.
“There’salot of optimism right now.Tyler Shough really came on at the end of last season and they put alot of good pieces around him now,” Verrett said. “I like the feeling that there’ssomething building that’sgoing to be special and that feeling is alot of fun. Just the optimism around theteamand a new regime coming in and setting things up their way.”
It will be interesting to see how the Saints handle Tyson.New Orleans was extremely cautious with thefirst-roundpickthissummer, mostly limiting him to individual periods. Injuries were part of Tyson’scollege story,but at some point the Saintsare going to need to get him up to full speed.
Thevibes
This one is subjective, but it usually ends up mattering. In recent years, the vibe has been offat Saints camp —either players were trying to speak good vibesinto existencewhen there wasn’tmuch to be excitedabout (golookbackat someofDavis’ comments before the2024 season)orthe positive comments from the players about the upcoming season did not feel grounded in belief. That felt different this summer The roster seems to genuinely believe in the program that Moore hasbuilt, and the momentum from last season can be carried over into 2026 with Shough undercenter Vibes aren’ttangible —it’sjust a feeling in the air.But when the dust settles on the2026 season,the vibes at the start of theyear may be the first thing someone points to when trying to explain what happened.
STAFF FILE PHOTO By DAVID GRUNFELD
Saints wide receiver Jordyn Tyson runs adrill during the first dayofrookie
minicamp at the team’s training facility on May8
Reading thetea leaves
Diagnosing and dealing with scaleinfestations in camellias
Your camellia has yellow blotches on its leaves and seems to be struggling. Aren’t these flowering shrubs supposed to be tough?
In general, yes: Camellia japonica and Camellia sasanqua plants are usually easy to care for.They’re ubiquitous in Southern landscapes for areason! But atiny insect called tea leaf scale sometimes surprises us with problems.
Tealeaf scale (Fiorinia theae), or simply tea scale, insects use piercing-sucking mouthparts to feed on plant juices, causing yellow spots on leaves and, in severe cases, defoliation. In camellias, scale damage can even affect the plant’sability to produce its trademark blooms.
Teascales occasionally show up on hollies but are much more common on camellias. That’show this insect got its name —tea comes from the leaves of Camellia sinensis, a species that’scloselyrelated to the camelliaswegrow in landscapes.
To figure out whether acamellia is suffering from ascale infestation, flip over adiscolored leaf. Scales live in aggregations —orlarge groups —underneath foliage, where they leave behind awhite, cottony residue.
“They are trying to hide from the light, heat and airflow because they are susceptible to desiccation,” saidLSU AgCenter entomologistAaron Ashbrook. “That’ssomething we actually can use for their management.” Ashbrook recommends four methods for taming scale infestations. Each is best doneat aparticular time of year
Option 1: Pruning
Camellias have dense foliage that offers plenty of protected hiding spots for scales. By pruning excess growth, you can increase airflow
Not only does pruning discourage scales from takingup residence. It also makes it easier to get even coverage if you decide to treat the plant with insecticides or other products, Ashbrooksaid.
The best time to prune camellias is after they finish blooming in late winter.This is because camellias will be setting buds for next year’s flowers later in the year.Some selective pruning to open up the shrub for insectcontrol is acceptableright now —just understand that you mightreduce next year’sflower volume on the branchesyou prune.
Option 2: Systemic insecticides
Youcan apply asystemic insecticide such as dinotefuran during summer or any
PROVIDED PHOTOS FROM THEBATON ROUGEGALLERy
Mónica de Miranda’s2022photo ‘Whistle for the Wind’ from ‘The Island’isfeatured in the national traveling exhibit, ‘Free As TheyWant To Be:Artists Committed to Memory.’
BREAK FREE
Ashowtoo big forone gallery will connect metro, northand west BatonRouge
BY ROBIN MILLER Staff writer
Randell Henry flips through the catalog for the exhibit, “FreeAs They Want To Be: Artists Committed to Memory,”pointing outhis favorite works on thepages
Most of the piecesare based in photography,and thesight of them brings Henry back to that moment when he was asked if Southern University’sgallery would be available to show some of theworks
Henry is amember of the board of directors for Baton Rouge Gallery,which, in 2024, beganconsidering the possibilityofbringing the traveling exhibit to Baton Rouge.
He continues thumbing through thecatalog,offing commentary on worksbysuch noted artists as DawoudBey,Hank Willis Thomas, Radcliff Bailey and Bisa Butler. They’re amongthe show’s30artists, each exploring legacies of slavery and Black identity.
He also shows his ownframed work, “The Land of Milk andHon-
OmarVictor Diop’s‘Frederick Douglass, Diaspora Series,’ is featured in ‘Free As TheyWant To Be:Artists Committed to Memory.’
ey,” which will be oneoffive pieces by BatonRouge Galleryartist members —along with Johny Alleyne, JohnIsiah Walton, Justin Tyler Bryant and Malaika Favorite —that will complementthisshowofmore than 60 national artworks.
Details, plus free ridestovenues
So the gallery opted to partner withother spaces with direct connections to theshow’stheme. As a
“With all of this, we knew it would be big, but it was so big that we knew all the works wouldn’tfitinto Baton Rouge Gallery,alone,” Henry said.
‘ASFREE AS THEY WANT TO BE: ARTISTS COMMITTED TO MEMORY’
WHEN: Aug. 1-23 l WHERE: Baton RougeGallery,1515 Dalrymple Drive;Frank Hayden Visual Arts Gallery, Frank Hayden Arts Building,8229 Elton C. HarrisonDrive,SouthernUniversity; West Baton RougeMuseum, 845 N. Jefferson Ave., Port Allen. l GALLERYHOURS: Baton RougeGallery,noon-6 p.m. TuesdaythroughSunday; Southern University,10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Tuesdaythrough Saturday; West Baton RougeMuseum, 10 a.m.4p.m. Tuesdaythrough Saturday and 2-5p.m. Sunday. l ADMISSION: Free at all three venues. l ALSO: Three chartered buses will offer free transportation to all of thevenues on Aug. 8and Aug. 22. To signupfor aspot, call Baton RougeGallery at (225) 388-1470. l VISIT: batonrougegallery.org and westbatonrougemuseum.org
Cheba HuttoopensecondlocationinBR
Kali
BY MADDIE SCOTT Staff writer
By OLIVIA McCLURE
Tealeaf scales gather on the underside of acamellia leaf.
Is this an ‘ifyou’reontime, you’re
DEAR MISS MANNERS: Iamconfused on the proper time to arrive at an event or socialfunction, whether in privatehomes or public venues. When attending an event like aconcert, play,church service or something else in apublic space, Iunderstand the announcedtime is when the event starts, and that you should arrive early enough to be in your seats before then. But at aprivate event in someone’shome or elsewhere, Idonot understand whenyou should arrive. Ihave goneto bridge club meetings, book clubs and dinnerparties where people
By The Associated Press
Today is Tuesday,July 28, the 209th day of 2026.There are 156 days left in the year
Todayinhistory:
On July 28, 1945, aU.S. Army B-25 bomber crashed into the 79th floor of New York’sEmpire State Building, killing 14 people. Also on this date: In 1794, Maximilien Robespierre and Louis Antoine de Saint-Just wereexecuted by guillotine during the French Revolution.
In 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson announced he wasincreasing the number of American troops in South Vietnam from 75,000 to 125,000.
In 1984, the Los Angeles Summer Olympics officially opened; 14 Eastern Bloc countries, led by the Soviet
EXHIBIT
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result, “Free As They Want To Be” will simultaneously open on Aug. 1and run throughAug. 23 at Baton Rouge Gallery,Southern University’sFrank Hayden Visual Arts Gallery and the West Baton Rouge Museum in Port Allen.
In 2024, both Henry and Jason Andreasen, Baton Rouge Gallery’spresident and CEO, knew this feat would be a challenge.Itwas showing at Clark Atlanta University at the time, and Andreasen sent Kelsey Livington, the gallery’sdirector of exhibitions, to check it out.
In the meantime, Andreasen asked Henry if Southern University could accommodate part of the show “At first, Ithought, ‘It’ll be August, when the campus is empty,’”Henry said. “No one would be on campus. But then Ithought, ‘Wecan make this work.’ We hadto make it work. Iknew Southern had to be apart of this show.’
The West Baton Rouge Museum also jumped at the chance to participate.
“Given that the subject matter touches on ideasof personal freedom and legacy of slavery,westarted thinkingabout these potential partnerships,” Andreasensaid. “Wedidn’t want to let this show pass Baton Rouge by.Ithas some really incredible artists, so we started looking at potentialspaces that have atie to the exhibit’slegacy.That led us to Southern as an HBCU and then West BatonRouge Museum, aplacethat really tells the story of sugar production in Louisiana. And in the end, it’saway for us to bring Metro Baton Rouge, North Baton Rougeand West Baton Rouge together in one show.”
The West Baton Rouge Museum will host an opening program by La Capitale Chapter of The Links, Inc., 2p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on opening day,Aug. 1. The program will feature apanel discussion, spokenword artist Luke St. John McKnight and live music by saxophonist Eric Whitfield.
At 6p.m. Aug. 5, Baton Rouge Gallery’sFirst WednesdayOpening Reception will feature Deborah Willis, who co-curated the show with Cheryl Finley And Henry,along with
arrive10-15 minutesbefore the stated time. Ifeel like this can be an inconvenience to thehost or hostess.
Judith Martin MISS MANNERS
Iamvery conscientious aboutbeingontime, and yet Iamoften the last one to arrive at these functions. Iwent to atea at a church recently,arrived aboutfive minutes before the start time, and everyonewas already seated. Pleasehelp me understand the distinctions so I can handle these events better
GENTLE READER: It sounds as if your town is in need of traffic snarls. Not that Miss Manners is excusingthose who burstinto dinner
TODAYINHISTORY
Union, boycottedthe Games. In 1995, ajury in Union, SouthCarolina, rejected thedeath penalty forSusan Smith, sentencing her to life in prison fordrowning her two youngsons (Smith will nextbeeligible for parole in November 2026) In 1996, 8,000-year-old humanskeletalremains (later referred to as Kennewick Man) werediscovered in a bank ofthe Columbia River in Kennewick, Washington. In 2015,it was announced that JonathanPollard,the formerU.S. Naval intelligenceanalystwho hadspent nearly threedecadesin prison forspying for Israel, hadbeen granted parole In 2018, PopeFrancis accepted theresignation of U.S.Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, theemeritus archbishop of Washington,
parties after the roast has been ruined —along with theother guests’ attitudes, most likely and then blame it on traffic. But showing up when the hosts are in their bathrobes is generally not appreciated, either.Nor does she condone the practice ridiculously called “fashionably late.” Club meetings, even sociable ones, are supposed to startatthe hour named. Butfor purely social gatherings, thesweet spot is after the hosts have attended to thelast-minute tasks and before they start to wonder whether they mixed up thedates and will have to eat all the food themselves. That would be on thehour or up to 15 minutes after
SCALE
D.C., following allegations of sexual abuse, including one involving an 11-year-old boy.Both died in April 2025. Today’sbirthdays: Music conductor Riccardo Muti is 85. Former Senator and NBA HallofFamer Bill Bradley is 83. “Garfield” creator Jim Davis is 81. TV producer Dick Ebersol is 79. Actor Sally Struthers is 79. Architect Santiago Calatrava is 75. CBSTV journalistScott Pelley is 69. Actor Lori Loughlin is 62. Jazz musician-producer Delfeayo Marsalis is 61. UFC president Dana White is 57. Actor Elizabeth Berkley is 54. Basketball Hall of Famer Manu Ginobili is 49. Actor John David Washington is 42. Actor DustinMilligan is 41. Rapper Soulja Boy is 36. Englandsoccer star Harry Kane is 33.
PROVIDED PHOTO By BATONROUGE GALLERy
Bisa Butler’s‘Strawberry Letter #23’ is featured in theexhibit, ‘Free As They Want To Be: Artists CommittedtoMemory.
Southern Assistant Professor of Art and Gallery Director Samantha Combs, has since figured out away to keepthe gallery open duringthe university’sdown time. Theexhibit’s hours at Southern are 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Southern’sgallery will be staffed by volunteers on weekends,and it will host the closing reception for theoverall exhibit 4p.m.to6 p.m. Aug. 20. with live music by students in the musicdepartment and a choreographed program by the school’sdance ensemble On Aug. 8and Aug. 22, three chartered buses will provide free transport for gallerygoers to andfrom Baton Rouge Gallery,Southern University and West Baton Rouge Museumto see the full exhibit. Visitors can choose thevenue where they want to start. No easy task
“Free As They Want To Be: Artists Committed to Memory” features photography, video projection, sculpture and mixed mediainstallation.The exhibitoriginated at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center as part of the2022 FotoFocus Biennial in Cincinnati, Ohio.It’smade several stops throughout thecountry before landing in Baton Rouge. And gettingithere was no easy task.Along withsecur-
ingthe venues,Baton Rouge Gallery had to raise money to fund it.
“I’ll just saythat we raised in thetensofthousands of dollars,”Andreasen said.
When thethree Baton Rouge museum directors gathered to choose thepieces they would exhibit in their respective spaces, West Baton Rouge Museum Director AngeliqueBergeronimmediately called dibs on apiece by BisaButler
“A few years ago, Ididn’t realize how famousBisa Butler was,” she said. “I just sawher work andloved it This was back when Iwas acurator,and Iwrotetoher and asked her if she would consider doing ashowhere. Inever heard back. Butanyway,she was probably like, ‘Oh, how sweet.’” Bergeron can’thelp laughing at her own naivete.
“She’sindemand everywhere,” shesaid. “AndI was asking her to exhibit in West Baton Rouge. Butyou never know if you don’task, right?Sonow,I’m excited to say that we’re really going to have one of her works in our museum.”
And for now, Henry has closed his copy of the exhibit catalog. He doesn’thave to look at pictures of theartworkanymore, because the exhibitwillopeninBaton Rouge in afew days.
Andhe’ll be standing within the real thing.
That your circle behaves differently is odd. Didthey all go to the sameschool, where entering class while the bell was ringing was considered tardy? Didthe local watchmaker retire?
DEAR MISS MANNERS: I’mserving a cold soup at adinner party using thetwo-handled cold soup bowls that are part of my set of Minton china. Should we drink the soup or use spoons? My soup spoons happen to be rather large, andthese bowls are rather small. If we don’tdrink thesoup, would teaspoons do, as I have no smaller soup spoons?
GENTLE READER: As if Miss Manners does not get enough shock waves when she mentions that
Continuedfrom page1D
time that plants are not in bloom
“This should be applied every seven to 10 days because theproduct does break down quickly,” Ashbrook said.
Systemic insecticides are applied to the root zone and absorbed by theplant, making its juices deadly to feeding scales and other insects. It is important to makethese applications before flowering to protect pollinators.
Option 3: Horticulturaloils
Horticultural oils can provide non-chemical control of many insects, including scales.
“What’s importantisthat theapplication is done underneaththe leaves to access theinsects,”Ash-
CHEBA HUT
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“We’ve been proudto serve Baton Rouge for five years, and now we’re excited to open Long Farm and invest in the community we call home,”Beck-Wiggins said. “Whether someone calls it Baton Rouge, St George, Ascension Parish or justhome, everybody’s welcome at our table.”
Menu rundown
The newlocation’s main menu and hourswill be the same as theBen Hur location,open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
Acrowd favorite is the Kali Mist,a subwithroasted turkey breast, bacon, chipotle mayo, jalapeno, avocado, pepper jack cheese, tomato, onion,pickles and housedressing. Another popular dish is theWhite Widow withgrilled chicken breast,bacon, ranch, mushrooms, provolone, lettuce, tomato, onion,pickles and house dressing.
Side dishes (called “munchies”onthe menu) includebites like Cool RanchDoritoNot’Chos, pretzel bites withhoney mustard,garlic cheese breadand BowlO’Balls —a savory snack of meat-
asparagus is traditionally afinger food. She can imagine the faces of the other guests watching someone drinking directly from the cup. Youshould provide whichever of your spoons will makethe least mess. And be prepared to defend anyone whojust drinks by saying, “Well, whydoyou think they have twohandles?”
Sendquestions to Miss Manners at herwebsite, www missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mailtoMiss Manners, Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City,MO 64106.
brook said. “Also, the temperature is really important forthat application.
Youwant to use oils when it’sless than 85 Foutside or else you might damage the plants.”
So, file this information away foruse in the cooler months.
Option 4: Insecticides
Between March and May,
balls dressed up with veggies, cheese anda choice of sauce.
For something on the sweet side, there’s brownies, chocolate chip cookies, krispy bars andgoo balls, which are like Rice Krispie
Treatsfoldedinto peanut butter, cocoa, honey,butter and marshmallows.
Thenew location will also include afull bar with drinks and signature cocktails, such as the Buzzed Bong Water,anelectricblue colored beverage with Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum blue curacao, lemonjuice, blue raspberry Kool-Aid andtoppedwithlemon-lime soda.
There’smore customers can look forward to.
Flying under the radar is the“secret stash menu,” a collection of unique subs that are specific to each location. For example, for those wholikethe French dip sub, calledthe AK47, there’ll be the Berry White, aFrench dip with jalapeno cream cheese, bacon and a jalapeno au jus sauce to dip into.
Turning5
Cheba Hut is celebrating five yearsinBaton Rouge witha special birthday krispy bar in August. Each sweet comes with afree custom mural stickerthat’ll
scales are in their crawler stage of life. These young, mobile insects can be controlled with contact insecticides such as acephate and malathion applied to the undersides of leaves, Ashbrook said. When using insecticides, be sure to follow all label directions and wearappropriate personal protective equipment.
go on themural inside the Ben Hur location. The new Cheba Hut will also have an interior mural, but this one has atwist.
“We’redoingalot of fun things with this mural,” Beck-Wiggins said. “I don’t want to saytoo much,because there is asurprise aspect to the mural, but it’s definitelysomethingpeople will be talking about.”
The couple is currently on the hunt for where to open athird location,potentially in the Lafayette,northshore or West Bankareas. The challenge is finding a quick-service space that can occupy about 2,000 to 3,000squarefeet. At each Cheba Hut location, the atmosphereismoreelevated than what most customers may expect forquickservice.
“Wegive them the fine dining side of quickservice,” Wiggins said. “We want to make sure we’re goingout there, touching everybody’stable, talking to you, picking up your trash foryou.”
Beck-Wiggins said they have always believed that restaurants should bring people together
“Welike to say hospitalityisfree,” Beck-Wiggins said. “It doesn’tcostanything to be niceorkind to someone.”
PHOTOByOLIVIA McCLURE
scale infestations causediscoloration of leavesand even defoliation.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) Listen and learn. The information you pick up will help you recognize what you want to keep in your life and what to discard. The process of elimination comes with clarity.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Get moving, be present and promote what you can offer. Attending networking functions or visiting unique settings will offer insight into how to fine-tune your plans to reach your goals.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Use your imagination to discover new possibilities. Explore opportunities, and find people who can add to your plans. By putting your energy where it counts, you'll prosper.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) Impressions can be deceiving. Do your research, consider background checks and make changes to your agenda that encourage you to align yourself with the best people for the job.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Finish what you start. Making less of a change will have a greater impact on the outcome of what you pursue and achieve. Charisma and knowledge alongside time, effort and cash — will help you get ahead.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Pay attention to medical, financial and legal matters, and you'll create greater opportunities to bring about affordable change. Don't feel obligated to make a spur-of-themoment decision.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) You can take on more than you think if you channel your energy toward achieving your
objective. You've got nothing to lose and plenty to gain if you partner with someone who has attributes you lack.
PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) Take on one problem at a time, and leave nothing to chance. A thorough investigation of what's entailed to reach your goal will pay off. Make a promise to yourself to not let your ego prompt poor decisions.
ARIES (March 21-April 19) Initiate your plans. Engage in learning, sharing and experiencing life. Let your imagination lead the way, and push yourself to finish what you start.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20) You'll gain the most by working alone. Find a quiet spot and concentrate on expanding your knowledge and skills through hard work and practice. Positive change is the result of doing what's best for you.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20) A playful attitude will get you much further than trying to enforce your will on others. Take it upon yourself to look inward and to pay attention to what will benefit you most.
CANCER (June 21-July 22) If you look for opportunities, you'll discover new possibilities. A partnership will help you recognize the value in sharing skills, time and money. Be open to suggestions.
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
Edgar Fiedler, an economist who worked under presidents Nixon and Ford, said, “Ask five economists and you’ll getfive different answers —six if one wenttoHarvard.”
In this deal,how wouldyou play the club suit if you need five tricks?
Southisinsixno-trumpandWestleads theheart jack. With the given hands, what shouldhedo? Andsupposethe diamond king were only the queen. How would that affect declarer’s approach?
South’s leap to sixno-trump withonly 17 high-card points seems optimistic, but since Northhas shown at least asixcard club suit and all of South’s points are in aces and kings, it is areasonable gamble.
Southneeds five club tricks to go with twospades, threeheartsand twodiamonds. As he can afford one club loser, declarer should take the first trick and cash dummy’s club ace. Here the king dropsandSouthcanclaim.Butiftheking does not appear, declarer crosses to his hand and leads aclub toward dummy’s queen. Thelikelihood of success is about 72 percent
Nowlet’sweaken theSouthhand by metamorphosing the diamond king into thequeen. South canget home with either fiveclubs and twodiamonds, or six clubs and one diamond. To find out
Each Wuzzle is awordriddlewhich creates adisguised word, phrase, name, place, saying, etc. For example: NOON GOOD =GOOD AFTERNOON
Previous answers:
word game
InstRuctIons: 1. Words must be of fourormore letters. 2. Words that acquire fourletters by the addition of “s,”such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed.3 Additional words made by adding a“d” or an “s” may not be used. 4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit wordsare not allowed
toDAY’s WoRD WARDRooM: WORE-droom: Living quarters on awarshipfor commissioned officers.
Average mark 16 words
Timelimit 30 minutes
Can you find 24 or morewords in WARDROOM?
YEstERDAY’s WoRD —FILIGREE
wuzzles
loCKhorNs
marmaduKe
Bizarro
hagar the horriBle
Pearls Before swiNe
garfield
B.C.
PiCKles hidato
mallard
IBERVILLE PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES PUBLIC HEARING, TUESDAY,JUNE16, 2026 PROPOSED ORDINANCE
TheParish Council of Iberville Parish, State of Louisiana, held aPublic Hearing in the Council Meeting Room, 58050 Meriam Street, Plaquemine, Louisiana, on the 16th day of June, 2026 at 6:00 P.M. pursuant to aNotice of Public Hearing published on the 29th day of May,2026 in the Advocate andposted on the Iberville Parish website.
The Council Chairman, Steve Smith, called the hearing to order at 6:00 p.m. followed by the roll call with the following Council Members in attendance: Shalanda L. Allen, District 1; Chasity B. Easley;District 2; Thomas E. Dominique, Sr District 3; Freddie Frazier,Sr.,District 4; Steve C. Smith, District 5; Raheem T. Pierce, District 6; Nadia Jenkins,District 7; Hunter S. Markins, District 8; Terry J. Bradford, District 9; Trent Martinez, District 10;Charles Dardenne, District 11; Matthew H. Jewell, District 12; Bart B. Morgan, District 13.
Mr.Boudreaux read the following ordinances in entirety
ORDINANCE 1 ORDINANCE TO ADOPT THE MILLAGERATES FOR THE TAXYEAR2026.
ORDINANCE2 ORDINANCE TO DECLARE THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES TO BE SURPLUS AND TO AUTHORIZE THE PARISH ADMINISTRATORTO SELL THE PARISH OF IBERVILLE’S INTEREST IN THESE PROPERTIES AT PUBLIC SALE PURSUANT TO THE TERMS OF ORDINANCE #002-13.
ORDINANCE 3 ORDINANCE TO ADD ARTICLE 7, DIVISION F, TO THE UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE TO INCLUDE BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS. AN ORDINANCETO ENACT ARTICLE 7, DIVISION F, TO THEUNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE OFTHE PARISH OF IBERVILLE TO BATTERYENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS WITHIN THE UNINCORPORATED AREAS OF IBERVILLE PARISH
BenBello, director of Planning and Development for Iberville Parish, and TomDavid, with Pan America Engineering, came beforethe Council to give abrief presentation on the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Ordinance. Thereweresome questions and discussion from the Council.
The floor was opened to comments and questions. Therewas no opposition to this ordinance from the public.
Therebeing no further business to be conducted, the hearing was adjourned at 6:32 p.m.
/s/MACY W. OURSO /s/STEVE C. SMITH
COUNCIL CLERK COUNCIL CHAIRMAN IBERVILLE PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES REGULAR MEETING, TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 2026
TheParish Council of Iberville Parish, State of Louisiana, met in Regular Session, in the Council Meeting Room, 2nd Floor,Courthouse Building, 58050 Meriam Street, Plaquemine, Louisiana, on the 16th day of June, 2026.
The Council Chairman, SteveC.Smith, called the meeting to order at 6:36p.m. followed by the roll call with the following Council Members in attendance: Shalanda L. Allen, District 1; Chasity B. Easley; District 2; Thomas E. Dominique, Sr District 3; Freddie Frazier,Sr.,District 4; Steve C. Smith, District 5; Raheem T. Pierce, District 6; Nadia Jenkins,District 7; Hunter S. Markins, District 8; Terry J. Bradford, District 9; Trent Martinez, District 10; Charles Dardenne, District 11; Matthew H. Jewell, District 12; Bart B. Morgan, District 13. Absent: None.
Parish President- Chris Daigle, Chief AdministrativeOfficer-Dwayne Boudreaux, Chief Operations Officer-Randall Dunn werealsoinattendance. Aquorum was present and due notice had been posted and published in the Advocate newspaper on the 11th day of June, 2026. The Pledge of Allegiance followed.
Council Chairman Smith called for anyone wanting to makepublic comments to register with theClerk. Gary Harrell registered to speak. ADDENDUM
Upon amotion by Councilman Dominique, seconded by Councilman Bradford, it was moved that the addendum item, Change of Meeting Date to July 14, 2026, will be added to the agenda under New Business. The motion having been duly submitted to avote was duly adopted by the following yea and nay votes on roll call:
A) Danny Cedotal with Shintech •Danny Cedotal representing Shintech came beforethe Council to giveabrief update on the new expansion coming to the Shintech plant in Plaquemine. He stated that the project is a$3.4 billion-dollar investment and is the biggest project to date at the Plaquemine site. The project is set to be completed in 2030. They arealso planning to hireanother 160 Shintech employees, which is agreat opportunity for residentsofIberville.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Upon amotion by Councilwoman Jenkins, seconded by Councilman Markins, it was moved to wave the reading of the minutes of May 19, 2026 &the special meeting on May 26, 2026 and approve as written. The motion having been duly submitted to avote was duly adopted by the following yea andnay votes on roll call:
•Hestated that with working with Shintech and other members of the ITEP Committee, they created the first Community infrastructureprogram to help with the infrastructurethat be needed to support Shintech’sbig expansion.
•Herecognized Ramona Sanchez for 33 years of serviceand retirement with the sales tax department, Linda Thibodaux retiring with 19 years,and Charles Edwards retiring with 226 years of service. Recognizing Stephanie Glynn for 30 years of service, Mildred Edwards for 15 years of service, Marquita Pierrefor 5years of serviceand Barret Gomez for 5years of service.
•Hestated that the Gay Subdivision light project has adraft for electrician to giveaprice.
•Hestated that the HWY 1boreproject is still at the mercy of Union Pacific. The HWY 69 gas line project has cleared the environmental reviewand is moving forward. He stated that he hasnot received any complaints on VLS in morethan 2months.
•Jesse Romig road now has all the signed documents from the landowners and GisclairdRoad entrance is being adjusted and then finalizing with the landowners FINANCIAL REPORT Finance Director,Randall Dunn stated the
ORDINANCE IPC#004-26 ORDINANCE TO ADOPT THEMILLAGERATES FOR THE TAXYEAR 2026
BE IT ORDAINED by the Iberville Parish Council, Louisiana, in an open meeting held on June, 16, 2026 and conducted in accordance withthe open meetingslaw,the provisions of Article VII,Section 23(B) and
Alimony within the City of
Plaquemine, City of St.Gabriel, Town of White Castle, and the Town of Maringouin (Exempted Municipalities per Article 6, Section 26 (C) or (D) of the 1974 Constitution of the State of Louisiana.) (LLA MN 1042008)
2016 Year of FirstLevy
SECTION 2. Be It Further Ordained by the Iberville Parish Council, Louisiana that the methodofcollections of said taxes, the timeofits delinquency, penalties and other mattersrelating thereto,shall be as nowprovided by thelaw forthe collection of State Taxes.
SECTION 3. Be it Further Ordained by the Iberville Parish Council, Louisiana that all ordinances or partsofordinances in conflict withthis ordinance herewith be and the sameherebyare specifically repealed
SECTION 4. Be It Further Ordained that the Assessor of the Parish of Iberville shall extend upon the assessment roll for the year 2026 taxes herein levied, and the tax collector of Iberville Parish shall collect and remit the sametothe Iberville Parish Council in accordance withlaw
Theforegoingordinance which waspreviously introduced at the meeting of the Iberville Parish Council on May19, 2026 and acopy thereof having been published in the official journal on May29, 2026 the public hearing on this ordinance held on the 16th dayofJune, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.,inthe
Council Meeting Room, 58050 MeriamStreet, Plaquemine, Louisiana, was
broughtupfor final passagewith amotion by Councilman Bradford,and seconded by Councilman Dardenne, having been duly submitted to avote, the ordinance wasduly adopted by the following yea and nay vote on roll call:
Theordinance wasdeclared adopted by the Chairmanonthe 16th dayof June, 2026.
ORDINANCE IPC #005-26
ORDINANCE TO DECLARE THEFOLLOWING PROPERTIES TO BE SURPLUS AND TO AUTHORIZE THE PARISH ADMINISTRATOR TO SELL THEPARISH OF IBERVILLE’S INTEREST IN THESE PROPERTIES AT PUBLIC SALE PURSUANT TO THE TERMS OF ORDINANCE # 002-13
WHEREAS the Parish of Iberville has atax interest in the properties described below which have been adjudicated fornon-payment of property taxes. WHEREAS the properties described below arenot needed forpublic purposes and should be declared surplusand sold at public sale and/or full ownership acquired by the Iberville Parish Council pursuant to the terms of Ordinance #002-13 and the Iberville Parish Adjudicated Properties Program administered by the Parish Administrator WHEREAS the following properties have been adjudicated to the Iberville Parish Council fornon-payment of taxes and remain in tax adjudicated status:
TaxDebtorPhysical Address as Listed on Parcel ID Brief Legal DescriptionParcel ID
0100093250
BERNADINE M. HEBERT& OTHERS UNKNOWN LOT RD1 ON MAP SURVEY &PARTITION FOR SEVERIN MEDINE EST IN SEC 42, T11SR13E BD WORFRT BY LA HWY 69, REAR OR E BY RD2, NBYEARNESTINE MEDINE ET AL &S BY LOT 4. 50’ SERVITUDE OF PASSAGE 0.27 AC LOT 12 OF TRACT III MEDINE SUB., SEC 42 T11SR13E BALTIMORE TRACT 1.50 ACS ///CB 493 E64
WOODS, VICTOR & BETTY UNKNOWN PART LOT 14, NDAVIDSON, E LOT 13 S.R.R. BED, WLOT 15. PART LOT 13, EBRADFORD, NRRBED WLOT 14 S NOTTOWAY PLTN (5.25’ WIDE) ///CB 123 E151
DOUGLAS, HARRISON & ANNA P 24817 JOHNSON STREET LOT ON ESIDE RED LANE 46'X50' ///CB 79 E163
JONES, LENTON C/O JONAS JONES 58205 GAY ST LOT SY'VILLE, BEING WPART LOT 108,(LOT 107) FR GAYST. (BEING LOT B) ///CB 331 E160
BELONEY,JANICE MARIE UNKNOWN LOTS A& BRESUB LOT 18 PLAN FORTVILLE, FR 14' RD. LOT 'B' RESUB OF
0100102175
0510654900
0200349700
0200381700
Man‐agementAct of 1978, as amended(La.R.S 49:214.21-214.41),and the regulationsofthe LouisianaCoastal Re‐sourcesProgram (LCRP) PursuanttoSection 306 (d)(14) of theCoastal Zone Management Actof 1972, as amended (CZMA),the public may submit comments on proposed projects to LouisianaDepartmentof Conservation andEnergy, Office of Permitsand Compliance,P.O.Box 44487, BatonRouge,LA 70804-4487. Applications maybeinspected during OPCbusinesshours at 617 N. 3rdStreet,Baton Rouge, LA.Comments must be
REGULARMEETING, TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 2026
TheAdvisoryBoard for Planning &Development of theIbervilleParish, StateofLouisiana,met in RegularSession,inthe CouncilMeetingRoom 2ndFloor,Courthouse Building,58050 Meriam Street,Plaquemine, Louisiana, on the19th dayofMay,2026. Advisory BoardChair‐manDardenne called the meetingtoorder at 5:15 p.m. followed by theroll call with thefollowing membersinattendance: RandyLaPrairie,Maxie Gray,Catherine Simpson, Councilman Pierce Councilman Dominique, Councilman Morgan Councilman Dardenne Absent:Reeves CatherineSimpson ar‐rivedafter roll call (5:23 p.m.). Aquorumwas present anddue notice hadbeen publishedonthe 11th dayofJune,2026 in The Advocate,and on the IbervilleParishwebsite Others present: Parish Engineer,SenecaTous‐sant. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Upon amotionbyPierce, andsecondedby LaPrairie, theAdvisory Boardvoted to suspend thereading of themin‐utes of May19, 2026 and approveasis. Yeas:All present. Nays:None. Absent:Reeves Themotionwas declared adoptedbythe Advisory Board. NEWBUSINESS A. Introduction of re-sub‐division forBartMorgan
Introduction of re-sub‐division forWirefox,LLC On amotionbyGray, sec‐ondedbyLaPrairie,the Advisory Boardvoted to setthese itemsfor hear‐ingonJuly21, 2026. Yeas:All present. Nays: None Absent:Reeves Abstain: Morgan OLDBUSINESS A. CONSIDERATIONOF RE-SUBDIVISION &VARI‐ANCE FORARBYCARLIN On amotionbyPierce, seconded by LaPrairie, theAdvisoryBoard voted to approveasis. Thesur‐veywas prepared by Bradford Engineering andServices. Themap reflects thesurvey & subdivisionofTract 2 into Lots PM-1,PM-2and PM-3,located in Section 49, T-9- S, R-11-E, South‐east Land District,West of theMississippi River, IbervilleParish, Stateof Louisianafor Arby Carlin Yeas:All present. Nays:None. Absent:Reeves Themotionwas declared adoptedbythe Advisory Board. B. CONSIDERATIONOF RE-SUBDIVISION JOSEPH CAVET On amotionbyPierce, seconded by LaPrairie, theAdvisoryBoard voted to approveasis. Thesur‐veywas prepared by Bradford Engineering andServices. Themaps reflectthe survey and subdivisionofLot 29-A andLot 2-AintoLots29A-1, 2-A-1and,2-A-2,lo‐catedinSection 48 &49, T-9- S, R-12-E, Southeast Land District,Westofthe Mississippi River, IbervilleParish, Stateof Louisiana forJoseph Cavet.
Yeas:All present. Nays:None. Absent:Reeves Themotionwas declared adoptedbythe Advisory Board. C. CONSIDERATIONOF RE-SUBDIVISION L.N. FOLSELLC On amotionbyReeves seconded by Simpson, theAdvisoryBoard voted to approveasis. Thesur‐veywas prepared by Bradford Engineering andServices, LLC. The maps reflectthe survey andsubdivision of Texas Plantation into LotTP-1 andthe remainderof TexasPlantation, located in Section17, 85,& 86,T10- S, R-13-E, Southeast Land District,Westofthe Mississippi River, IbervilleParish, Stateof Louisianafor L.N. Folse, LLC. Yeas:All present. Nays:None. Absent:Reeves Themotionwas declared adoptedbythe Advisory Board.
D. CONSIDERATIONOF RE-SUBDIVISION ALTON CRIMPC/O ADRIAN PRYER On amotionbyReeves seconded by Simpson, theAdvisoryBoard voted to approveasis. Thesur‐veywas prepared by Bradford Engineering andServices, LLC. The maps reflectthe survey of Lot4 andLot 5intoLot P-1, LotP-2,Lot P-3, LotP4, LotP-5,and LotP-6,lo‐catedinSection 23, T-7S, R-9-E,
ordering and calling aspecial election to be held in the Pride FireProtection District No. 8ofthe Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana (the “District”), on Saturday,December 12, 2026, for the purpose of authorizing the renewal of the levy and collection
Requesting
Authorizing the Mayor-President to enter acontract forthe Department of Emergency Medical Services with Terry HonoreConstruction Company This contract is forRenovation to the Airport EMSStation not to exceed $79,237. By Emergency Medical Services Director
RESOLUTION
Receiving areport from the Employees’ Retirement System on the expected impact of the City of St.George withdrawal liabilityonthe retirement system. By Councilman Darryl Hurst.
RESOLUTION
Authorizing the Mayor-President to accept agrant awardinthe amount of $35,758.00 to enhance collaborative mass dispense response planning with the StateofLouisiana’sOffice of Public Health Bureau of Community Preparedness and executeall documents in connection therewithunder the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS)/Cities Readiness Initiative(s) (CRI). By Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Director
RESOLUTION
Authorizing the Mayor-President, on behalf of the Office of Community Development, to amend Contract No.800007384 with Victoria’sVoice to extend the contract termfromMay 31, 2026, through March31, 2027, or upon completion, and to execute all related documents. By Community Development Director
RESOLUTION
Authorizing the Mayor-President, on behalf of the Office of Community Development, to amend Contract No.800007351 with Eclectic Cognitive Behavioral Center to extend the contract term from December 31, 2026, through March31, 2027, or upon completion, and to execute all related documents. By CommunityDevelopment Director
RESOLUTION
AResolution ordering and calling aspecial election to be held in the Chaneyville FireProtection District No. 7ofthe Parish ofEastBaton Rouge, State of Louisiana (the “District”), on Saturday,December 12, 2026, for the purpose of authorizing the renewal of the levy and collection of aten (10) mills ad valorem tax on the dollar of assessed valuation on all property subject to taxation within the boundaries of the District, for a period of ten (10) years, to be levied and collected by the Parish of East Baton Rouge, on behalf of the District, for the purpose of providing funds for fire protection purposes;and providing notice that apublic hearing regarding the adoption of this resolution by the Metropolitan Council shall be held on Wednesday,August 12, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at the regular meeting place of the Metropolitan Council, ThirdFloor, City Hall, Room 348, 222 St. Louis Street, Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and providing for other mattersinconnection therewith. By Council Administrator/Treasurer RESOLUTION
AResolution ordering and calling an election to be held in the City of Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana (the “City”), on Saturday,December 12, 2026, for the purpose of authorizing the renewal of the levy and collection of a0.87 mills ad valorem tax on all property subject to taxation within the boundaries of the City,for aperiod of ten (10) years, commencing with the tax collection for the year 2028, and annually thereafter,toand including the year 2037, to provide funds to enable the city to provide a Three-Platoon Police System in the Police Department of the City; making application to the Louisiana State Bond Commission; and providing notice that apublic hearing regarding the adoption of this resolution by theMetropolitan Council shall be held on Wednesday,August 12, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at the regular meeting place of the Metropolitan Council, ThirdFloor,City Hall, Room 348, 222 St. Louis Street, Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and providing for other matters in connection therewith. By Mayor-President Sid Edwards.
RESOLUTION
Authorizing the Mayor-President, on behalf of the Baton Rouge Police Department, to enter into an Operating Services Agreement with AXON Enterprises for the continued provision and enhancement of the Department’spublic safety technology systems. The proposed agreement includes cloud storage services for the Department’sin-car and bodyworncamera systems, Taserservices, aReport Management System (RMS), updated Cradlepoint modems, and the installation of the modems in department vehicles.The total cost of the proposed 10-year lease bundle agreement shall not exceed $31,169,176.74. By consolidating these services into asingle comprehensive agreement, the Baton Rouge Police Department is projected to realize an estimated annual savings of $2,279,524.04, resulting in total savings of approximately $22,795,240.35 over the life of the agreement.The estimated compensation for the first year of the agreement, effective September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2027, shall not exceed $1,909,000.00. Annual payments beginning September 1, 2027, shall not exceed $3,251,130.75 for each remaining year of the agreement.Funding for the first year of the agreement will be provided through the 2026 Annual Operating Budget –Police General Fund. Funding for subsequent years will be requested through the Department’sannual operating budget, subject to appropriation by the Metropolitan Council. By Police Chief.
RESOLUTION
Authorizing the Mayor-President, on behalf of the Baton Rouge Police Department, and appropriating for said purpose, to enter into a Professional Services Agreement with MP Design Group for the provision of architectural and mechanical engineering services at the Public Safety Complex. The total compensation under the agreement shall not exceed $70,000.00. By Police Chief.
RESOLUTION
AResolution approving the calling of an election by the St. GeorgeFire Protection District No. 2, Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, on December 12, 2026, for the purpose of re-authorizingthe levy and collection of a6.00 mills ad valorem tax for capital improvements for,and the general operation of the District and within the District for a period of ten (10) years. By St. George FireProteciton District No. 2.
RESOLUTION
Aresolution providing for canvassing the returns and declaring the results of the special election held in the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, on Saturday,June 27, 2026, to authorize the renewal of a special tax therein. By Bond Counsel.
RESOLUTION
Aresolution providing for canvassing the returns and declaring the result of the special election held in the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana on Saturday,June 27, 2026, for the purpose of authorizing the continuation of the levy and collection of a9.50 mills ad valoremtax to be used entirely and exclusively for the purpose of maintaining and operating the public library system of the Parish and its branches, and improving services, acquiring land and constructing new library facilities, for aperiod of ten (10) years, beginning with the tax collection for the year 2026, and annually thereafter,toand including the year 2035; and providing for other mattersinconnection therewith. By Bond Counsel.
RESOLUTION
Authorizing the Police Chief to implement aPolice Support
Authorizing the Mayor-President, on behalf of the Office of Community Development, to amend Contract No.800007450 with the 19th Judicial District Court to extend the contract term from June 30, 2026, through March31, 2027, or upon completion, and to execute all related documents. By Community Development Director
RESOLUTION
Authorizing the Mayor-President, on behalf of the Office of Community Development, to amend Contract No.800007444 with the LASACT (Louisiana Association of Substance Abuse Counselors and Trainers) to extend the contract term from October 31, 2026, through March31, 2027, or upon completion, and to execute all related documents. By Community Development Director
RESOLUTION
Authorizing the Mayor-President, on behalf of the Office of Community Development, to amend Contract No.800007350 with the Juvenile Court for the Parish of East Baton Rouge to extend the contract term from September 30, 2026, through March31, 2027, or upon completion, and to execute all related documents. By Community Development Director
RESOLUTION
Authorizing the Mayor-President to execute the TrafficSignals
Maintenance Agreement forone year from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 between the Parish of East Baton Rouge and the City of St.George. Funding for the signal maintenance shall be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the agreement. (35 trafficsignals, $8,500.00 per signal and 4signalsat$3,200.00). By Transportation and Drainage Director
RESOLUTION
Authorizing the Mayor-President to execute the TrafficSignals Maintenance Agreement forone year from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 between the Parish of East Baton Rouge and the City of Zachary Funding for the signal maintenance shall be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the agreement. (6 trafficsignals, $8,500.00 per signal). By Transportation and Drainage Director.
RESOLUTION
Authorizing the Mayor-President to execute the Full SignalsMaintenance Agreement forthe Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2027 between the Parish of East Baton Rouge and the StateofLouisiana, Department of Transportation and Development.Funding for the signal maintenance shall be in accordance with the termsand conditions of the agreement. (163 trafficsignals, $5,300.00 per signal). By Transportation and Drainage Director
RESOLUTION
Authorizing the Mayor-President to execute an Entity/State Agreement with the StateofLouisiana, Department of Transportation and Development in connection with StateProject Nos. H.010253, Federal AidProject Nos. H010253, Bluebonnet Blvd. Pump StationImprovements (CE&I). Contract No.4400028583. By Transportation and Drainage Director
RESOLUTION
Authorizing the Mayor-President to execute aContract forProfessional Engineering Services with Infinity Engineering Consultants, LLC. for services associated with the MOVEBRProject Cadillac St. Sidewalks (Glenn Oaks Middle School to Cadillac St Park)) being City-Parish Project No.26-EN-HC-0006, in an amount not to exceed $128,771.37. (Account No.92171001138-4370.00000-0000000000-653240). By Transportation and Drainage Director
RESOLUTION
Authorizing the Mayor-President to execute Contract forAcquisition and Relocation Services with JM Group, LLC,for services associated with MOVEBR Capacity Project PortHudson –Pride Road (LA 964 to LA 19) -City-Parish Project No.22-CO-HC-0023, in an amount not to exceed $89,600.00. (Account No.9217100084 4371.00000-0000000000651160). By Transportation and Drainage Director
RESOLUTION
Authorize the Mayor-President to execute Supplemental Agreement No.2 to acontract for Engineering Services with Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. forservices associated with Airline Highway,South(Parish LineBluebonnet), being City-Parish Project No.20-CP-US-0100, in an amount not to exceed $100,987.44, bringing the total contract amount not to exceed $2,388,017.06. (Account No.9217100075-00000 4371.000000000000000-653240). By Transportation and Drainage Director RESOLUTION
Authorizing the Mayor-President to execute Supplemental Agreement No.4 to acontract for Engineering Services with Bonton Associates LLC. For Construction Administration Services associated with MOVEBR Ardenwood-Lobdell Connector Project,being City-Parish Project No 20-CP-HC-0017, in an amount not to exceed $75,416.95, bringing the total contract amount not to exceed $860,948.57. (Account No. 9217100065-00000-4371.00000-000000000-653240).ByTransportation and Drainage Director RESOLUTION
Authorizing the Mayor-President to execute Supplemental Agreement No 6toacontract for Engineering Services with Waggoner Engineers, Inc. for additional design services associated with MOVEBR Jones Creek Rd Extension, being City-Parish Project No.19-CP-HC-0036, in an amount not to exceed $125,647.01, bringing the total contract amount not to exceed $1,959,493.50. (Account No.9217100035-10000-4371.00000653240). By Transportation and Drainage Director RESOLUTION Authorizing the Mayor-President to
RESOLUTION
for atotalcontract amount not to exceed $916,545.51.ByLibrary Director
RESOLUTION
Authorizingthe Mayor-President to amendthatcertaincontract for professional legalservices with Michael D. Hebert of Becker &Hebert LLC, pertaining to annexation petitions andassociated matters, to
regarding representation of Scott Wilson in thatmatterentitledMichael McClanahan, et al., vs. Scott Wilson,etal.,19th JDC, Suit No. 17-CV-1720-JWD-RLB, to add $35,000.00 for anot to exceed contract totalof$150,000.00.*This matter may be discussed in Executive Session. By Parish Attorney. RESOLUTION
Authorizing the Mayor-President to amendthatcertaincontract for professional legalservices with BrettFurrofTaylor,Porter,
& Philips, LLP with
to
RESOLUTION
Authorizing
(1000.4700.10.0550.0000. 0000.000000.644120). *This mattermay be discussed in Executive Session. (In ProperPerson).ByParish Attorney.
RESOLUTION
Authorizing settlement of the pre-litigation claimofJames SaizanDBA JLS Services, LLC for damages resulting from asewer back-up in claimant’s home,for atotalamount of $38,840.14,whichamount shall be paid from the account designated “Insurance -General Liability” (1000. 4700. 10. 0550. 0000. 0000. 000000.644110). *This mattermay be discussed in Executive Session. (In ProperPerson).ByParish Attorney.
RESOLUTION
Authorizing the Mayor President to execute aTemporary Parking Agreementwith 2493 Baywood, LLC in an amount not to exceed $165,000 in connection with the PerkinsRoadUnderpass project.ByTransportation andDrainageDirector
RESOLUTION
Authorizing the Mayor-President to execute an amendment to the contract with LAZ parking to extendthe contract time for one (1)additional year through August 31, 2027, per original contract provisions andpricing as authorized in Resolution 54411 andamendedbyResolutions 57718 and58078. By Assistant ChiefAdministrative Officer-Office of the Mayor President.
RESOLUTION
Authorizing the Mayor-President to execute SupplementalAgreementNo. 1toa contract for Cora Drive Sidewalk Improvements (Goodwood Blvd. to Florida Blvd.), Design Services with Evans-Graves Engineers, Inc. for additionaldesign services associatedwith MOVEBR ADATransition and EnhancementProjects, being City-Parish Project No. 24-EN-HC-0025, in an amount not to exceed $15,647.66,bringing the totalcontract amount not to exceed $279,819.41. (Account No. 9217100118-4370.000000000000000-653240). By Transportation andDrainageDirector
ORDINANCE
Amending Title 11 (TrafficCode), Chapter 13 (SeriousTrafficOffenses), Section 11:140 (Operating AVehicle While Intoxicated), So as To Amend Subsection (E) To Provide for an Exclusion to Consideration of Prior Crimes. By Parish Attorney.
RESOLUTION
Authorizing settlementofthe pre-litigation claimofChrista Wright for damages resulting from asewer back-up in claimant’shome,for atotal amount of $14,435.73,whichamount shall be paid from the account designated “Insurance -General Liability” (1000. 4700. 10. 0550. 0000. 0000. 000000.644110). *This mattermay be discussed in Executive Session. (In ProperPerson).ByParish Attorney.
RESOLUTION
Authorizing settlement of the pre-litigation claimofJeanette Harrison for damages resulting from asewer back-up in claimant’shome,for a totalamount of $55,508.47, whichamount shall be paid from the account designated “Insurance -General Liability” (1000. 4700. 10. 0550. 0000. 0000. 000000.644110). *This mattermay be discussed in Executive Session. (In ProperPerson).ByParish Attorney.
RESOLUTION
Authorizing settlement of the pre-litigation claimofHance Hughesfor damages resulting from asewer back-up in claimant’shome,for atotal amount of $17,590.92,whichamount shall be paid from the account designated “Insurance -General Liability” (1000. 4700. 10. 0550. 0000. 0000. 000000.644110). *This mattermay be discussed in Executive Session. (In ProperPerson).ByParish Attorney.
RESOLUTION
Rescinding anddirecting the clerk of courttocancel the Decision and Order recorded on April 27, 2026, at Original767 of Bundle 13430 in the matterof“City of Baton Rouge VS.VoteLouisiana”- Condemnation Proceeding No. 11772 (1566 N. Acadian ThwyW.(Duplex with Addresses 1566 and1578) Lots 180, 182, &184, ColonialHill Subdivision). Reason for rescission: The property is being sold andrenovated. By Councilwoman Harris.
CONDEMNATION INTRODUCTIONS
LauraDeclouette,Yolanda Stills, Rajah Stills, Glen Watson, Glenda Ann Watson-Johnson, Robert J. Stewart, Ruby Stewart Williams, Katherine Washington, andThe EstateofArmer Nella (A/K/A Armernella)Green 2850 Fairfields Ave., Lot 18, Sq. 17 Fairfields Subdivision -Council District 7-Harris PatrickA.Potter 541 Crane St. (StructureonNWSide of Crane St. WSW of VacantParcel Labeled 549 Crane St. Between TwoVacantParcelsThirdStructureSW of Scenic HwyPer Assessor Map), Lot 3, Sq. 10, University Place Subdivision -Council District 2- Kenney Mary PriceAnderson,Seimone Anderson Kleinpeter, Nekesha D. Anderson,Joseph T. Anderson,and The EstateofPorterJames Anderson 970 Saint Irma LeeWay (TheStructureinthe Northeast CornerofLot 3, Square 1ofthe St. Irma LeeSubdivision,WhichLot is Located in the Southwest Cornerofthe Intersection of LeisureRoadand St. Irma Lee
METROPOLITAN COUNCIL
GREATER BATON ROUGE AIRPORTAUTHORITY
EAST BATON ROUGE SEWERAGE COMMISSION CAPITOL IMPROVEMENTS DISTRICT
CITY OF BATON ROUGEAND PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE Wednesday,June 24, 2026 4:00 PM
The Metropolitan Council of the Parish of East Baton Rouge and the City of Baton Rouge convened in regular session on Wednesday,June 24, 2026at4:00 PM, in the Council Chambersofthe Governmental Building, Room 348, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
The Meeting was called to order by the Presiding Officer and the following members werepresent: Present: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca Absent: None
CONDEMNATIONS
CYRILE SLAUGHTER AND THE ESTATEOFTHELMA GRAYMCCRAY
4130PITCHER ST LOT 10, SQ.7 GREENVILLE EXTENSION
SUBDIVISION -COUNCIL DISTRICT 7- HARRIS
The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding wasin orderatthistime. No interestedcitizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. Amotion was made by Ms. Racca and seconded by Ms. Coleman to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on September 23, 2026. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr., Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None
Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None
Absent: Adams With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.
LOURDES L. CARRASCO located at 9435 Prescott Rd. (Duplex with Addresses 9435 &9437 Prescott Rd. and Unpermitted Fence), Lot 37, Monterrey Park Subdivision, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 11801
PRUDENT ACQUISITIONS, L.L.C. located at 4112 Shelley St., Lot 1, Sq. C, Highland Park Place Subdivision, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 11802
CHARLES E. WILSON AND MARIAN W. WILSON 5083 FAIRFIELDS
AVE., LOTS 11 &E½OF10, SQ. 12 EAST FAIRFIELDS SUBDIVISIONCOUNCIL DISTRICT 7-HARRIS
The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding wasinorder at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motion was made by Ms. Racca and seconded by Ms. Coleman to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on July 22, 2026. AYea and Nay vote wascalled for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney Moak, Noel, Racca
Nays: None
Abstains: None
Did Not Vote: None
Absent: Adams With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and1absent, the motion was adopted.
REGINALD B. PIERRE located at 1360 N32nd St., Lot 78, Sq. 2, Richmond Park Subdivision, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 11803
DELORES DOUCET located at 4788 Monarch Ave., Lot 6, Sq. 12, Fountain Place Subdivision, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 11804
ROBERTJ.ROGERS AND MARVIS LEBOUF ROGERS 4989 MOHICAN ST LOT 150 +(LOTS 150 &151, FAIRWOODS. LESS THANPORTION OF LOT 151 WHICH WASACQUIRED BY CITY OF B.R.) FAIRWOODS SUBDIVISION -COUNCIL DISTRICT 7-HARRIS
The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding wasinorder at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motion was made by Ms. Racca and seconded by Ms. Coleman to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on July 22, 2026. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr., Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca
Nays: None
Abstains: None
Did Not Vote: None
Absent: Adams With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and1 absent, the motion was adopted.
ARTHUR GREEN located at 1703 73rdAve., Lot 10 +(10, 11, &12), Sq. 16, Bank Addition Subdivision, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 11805
OLD HAMMOND HWY., LOT 7-C-1 LARRYW.WORTHY PROP.TRACTCOUNCIL DISTRICT 4-MOAK
The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motion was made by Ms. Racca and seconded by Ms. Coleman to delete the proposed condemnation proceeding. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None Abstains: None
Did Not Vote: None
Absent: Adams With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and1 absent, the motion was adopted.
MIGUEL RECARDO DUNN AND IRENE DUNN located at 5620 Matthews St., Lot 176, Greendale Subdivision, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 11806
WILLIE C. MATTHEWS, ERIC BUTLER, THE ESTATEOFWALTER MCCLAIN AND LOIS BUTLER MCCLAIN located at 3157 Ontario St., Lot 2, Sq. E, CrawfordAddition Subdivision, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 11807
MYRTIS REED, AUDREY STEWART, CAROLYN PREWITT,FREDERIC REED SR., RAPHEW REED SR., RAFEAL WRIGHT,GILLIAMA DOMINO, THE ESTATEOFBAPTISTE REED,AND THE ESTATEOFDOLORES
WRIGHT located at 1177 N47th St. (House and Rear Shed), Lot 29, Sq. 53, Greenville Extension Subdivision, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 11808
DEBRA TERRELL, GEORGE WASHINGTONEAMES, JR., THE OPENED SUCCESSION OF GLORIAE MOORE, THE ESTATEOFGEORGE WASHINGTON EAMES, THE ESTATEOFJOY EAMES WILLIAMS located at 161 VanBuren St., Lot 11, Sq. 25, South Baton Rouge Subdivision, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 11809
KATHLEEN DEANDRA HATCHER, DONALD TERRONE FELDER, LEE FELDER, JR, GREGORYMOTON,VERNAMOTONSCOTT,LENNELL HOOVER, MELVIN MOTON, SHARONKAY MOTON, THE ESTATEOF WILLIE MOTON, THE ESTATEOFADELINE MOTON, AND THE ESTATE OF DOROTHY MAE MOTON 1212 MAXIMILIAN ST NPARTOFLOT 12, SQ. 264, SUBURB SWARTSUBDIVISION-COUNCILDISTRICT 10 –COLEMAN The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding wasinorder at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. Amotion was made by Ms. Racca and seconded by Ms. Coleman to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on September 23, 2026. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None
Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Adams With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and1 absent, the motion was adopted.
ERIKA ALEXANDER AND TAWANDA ALEXANDERlocated at 818 &848 France St. (SouthernUnattached Auxiliary StructureVisually Appearing to Straddle the Assessor Parcels Identified as 8PT+ and 12 A, Square 59, BeauregardTown), Lot12A (Acquired as Lot 12) and 8PT+ (Acquired and Described as the West ½ofLots 8, 9, and 10), Sq. 59, BatonRouge, Louisiana 11810
GEORTOSHA DMATERRE, CELESTINE TJILES, RUTH TURNER MATERRE, NINA WHEELER, THE HEIRS OFLEROY TURNER,THE ESTATEOFLAURA DEVAULL, THE ESTATE OF FLORABAUGH, THE
TURNER JR 958 PROGRESS ST., LOT 41, SQ. 2, PROGRESS PARK
ADDITION SUBDIVISION -COUNCILDISTRICT 10 –COLEMAN
The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding was in order at this time. An interested citizen speaking in oppositionofthe proposed condemnation proceeding was Tosha Materre. Amotionwas made by Ms.Racca and seconded by Ms Coleman to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on July 22, 2026. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca
Nays: None
Abstains: None Did NotVote: None Absent:Adams With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting,and 1absent, the motion was adopted.
The following proposed condemnation proceeding was introduced by Mr Hudsonand read in full at the meeting of the Metropolitan Councilon June 10, 2026. With apublic hearing called thereon for this meeting,the proposed condemnation proceeding was read in full fora second time.
TERRYFORD FERGUSON 434 HIGHLAND PARK DR., LOT 25, HIGHLAND
PARK HEIGHTSSUBDIVISION -COUNCILDISTRICT 12 -RACCA
The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either fororagainst the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motion was made by Ms.Racca and seconded by Ms.Coleman to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on August 26, 2026. AYeaand Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:
Absent:Adams With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting,and 1absent, the motion was adopted.
KENNETH WAYNEMACKlocated at 4468 Sherwood St Lot 14, Sq. 4, North Highlands Addition Subdivision, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 11811.
MELVIN LEWIS,JR. located at 2153 YazooSt.,Lot 25, Sq. 2, Hillside Subdivision, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 11812
PUBLIC HEARING /MEETING
PROPOSED RESOLUTION
AUTHORIZING THEMAYOR-PRESIDENTTOEXECUTE ACOOPERATIVE ENDEAVOR AGREEMENTBETWEEN THECITYOFBATON ROUGE/ PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE ANDTHE BAYOU FOUNTAIN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT FOR THEPURPOSE OF PROMOTING ECONOMICDEVELOPMENTINTHE BAYOU FOUNTAIN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT;AND PROVIDING FOR RELATED MATTERS.
The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotionwas made by Ms.Racca and seconded by Ms.Amoroso to defer the proposed resolution to the council meeting on August 26, 2026. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None
Abstains: None
Did NotVote: None
Absent:Adams With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting,and 1absent, the motion was adopted.
RESOLUTION 59471
ARESOLUTION SETTING THEAMOUNT OF THELOCAL HOSPITAL ASSESSMENTPAYMENTSFOR THEEAST BATON ROUGE PARISH LOCAL HEALTHCARE PROVIDER PARTICIPATIONPROGRAM FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026, TO DIRECT HOWTHE REVENUE DERIVED FROM LOCAL HOSPITALASSESSMENTPAYMENTSISTOBESPENT, ANDTO SET THEDUE DATE ANDAMOUNT TO BE PAID IN COLLECTIONFEES. The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotionwas made by Ms.Racca and seconded by Mr.Hudson to approve the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:
Absent:Adams With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting,and 1absent, the motion was adopted.
RESOLUTION 59447
AUTHORIZING THEMAYOR-PRESIDENT, ON BEHALF OF THEBATON ROUGE POLICE DEPARTMENT, TO ACCEPT ADONATIONFROM THE LOUISIANA LAWENFORCEMENT ANDCRIMINALJUSTICE FOUNDATION IN AN AMOUNT NOTTOEXCEED TWENTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($20,000.00). THEDONATED FUNDSWILL BE USED TO OFFSET EXPENSES ASSOCIATED WITHTRAVEL, LODGING,AND ATTENDANCE FOR MEMBERS OF THEBATON ROUGE POLICE
DEPARTMENTATTHE 2026 NATIONAL LAWENFORCEMENT OFFICERS MEMORIAL EVENTS IN WASHINGTON, D.C.SERGEANTEISWORTH, WHOMADE THEULTIMATE SACRIFICE IN SERVICE TO THECITIZENS OF BATON ROUGE,INCLUSION IN THEMEMORIALOBSERVANCESIS ASIGNIFICANT ANDMEANINGFUL OCCASION FOR THEDEPARTMENT, HIS FAMILY, ANDTHE COMMUNITY The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotionwas made by Ms.Coleman and seconded by Ms.Amoroso to approve the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr., Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca
Nays: None
Abstains: None Did NotVote: None Absent:Adams With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting,and 1absent, the motion was adopted.
RESOLUTION 59448
AUTHORIZING THEMAYOR-PRESIDENT,ONBEHALF OF THEBATON
ROUGE POLICE DEPARTMENT, TO AMENDTHE OPERATING SERVICES CONTRACT WITHSOUNDTHINKING (SHOTSPOTTER) FOR GUNSHOT DETECTION SERVICESINDESIGNATED AREAS WITHIN THECITYOF BATON ROUGE ANDEAST BATON ROUGE PARISH.THE ESTIMATED COMPENSATION UNDER THEAGREEMENTWILL NOTEXCEED $307,255, EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2026, THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2026. THE AGREEMENTWILL BE FUNDED BY THE2026 ANNUAL OPERATING BUDGET,SPECIFICALLYTHE POLICE GENERAL FUND. The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotionwas made by Ms.Harris and seconded by Ms. Coleman to approve the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None
Abstains: None Did NotVote: None Absent:Adams With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting,and 1absent, the motion was adopted.
RESOLUTION 59449
AUTHORIZING THEMAYOR-PRESIDENT, ON BEHALF OF THEBATON
ROUGE POLICE DEPARTMENT, TO DONATETHIRTY(30) SURPLUS PROTEC/SAFARILAND BALLISTICVESTS TO THEFERRIDAYPOLICE DEPARTMENT. THESE VESTS HAVE BEEN REMOVED FROM ACTIVE SERVICE BY THEBATON ROUGE POLICE DEPARTMENTAND ARE CONSIDERED SURPLUS PROPERTY.THIS DONATIONREPRESENTS AN OPPORTUNITYTOPROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO AFELLOW LOUISIANA LAWENFORCEMENT AGENCY WHILE DISPOSING OF SURPLUS EQUIPMENTRESPONSIBLYAND BENEFICIALLY. THETRANSFER WILL RESULT IN NO COST TO THECITY-PARISH
The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time.
Abstains:
HEALTH RESOURCES AND SERVICES ADMINISTRATION, FOR THE RYAN WHITE HIV/AIDS PROGRAM WHICH INCLUDES RYAN WHITE ENDING THE HIV EPIDEMIC (EHE) FUNDING IN AN AMOUNT OF $1,450,000.00 (1ST ALLOCATION- $550,000.00 + 2ND ALLOCATION -$1,450,000.00 =TOTAL AWARD-$2,000,000.00) FOR THE GRANT PERIOD OF MARCH1,2026 THROUGH FEBRUARY 28, 2027, AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF ALL DOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH. The Presiding Officer announced thatapublic hearing on the above resolution wasinorder at this time.Nointerested citizensspoke eitherfor or against the proposed resolution. Amotion wasmade by Ms. Harris and seconded by Ms. Racca to approve the proposed resolution. AYea and Nayvote wascalledfor andresultedasfollows: Yeas: Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr., Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None Abstains: None DidNot Vote:None Absent: Adams With 11 yeas, 0nays,0abstains, 0not voting, and1absent, the motion wasadopted.
RESOLUTION 59451
AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR PRESIDENTTOACCEPT FUNDING FROM THE US DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, HEALTH RESOURCES AND SERVICES ADMINISTRATION, ON BEHALF OF THE DIVISION OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AND SERVICES FOR THE RYAN WHITE HIV/AIDS PROGRAM WHICH INCLUDES PART AAND THE MINORITY AIDS INITIATIVE IN AN AMOUNT OF $3,242,143.00(1ST ALLOCATION -$1,243,770.00 –2ND ALLOCATION -$3,242,143.00= TOTAL FEDERALAWARD -$4,485,913.00)FOR THE GRANT PERIOD OF MARCH1,2026 THROUGH FEBRUARY28, 2027, AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF ALL DOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH. The Presiding Officer announced thatapublic hearing on the above resolution wasinorder at this time.Nointerested citizensspoke eitherfor or against the proposed resolution. Amotion wasmade by Ms. Coleman andsecondedbyMs. Harris to approve the proposed resolution. AYea andNay vote wascalledfor andresultedasfollows: Yeas: Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr., Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None Abstains: None DidNot Vote:None Absent: Adams With 11 yeas, 0nays,0abstains, 0not voting, and1absent, the motion wasadopted.
RESOLUTION 59452
AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR-PRESIDENTTOEXECUTE AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF BATON ROUGE, PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE, ON BEHALF OF THE OFFICE OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND CATHOLIC CHARITIESOFTHE DIOCESEOFBATON ROUGE (SANCTUARYOFLIFE) IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $70,000.00, WITH ATERM BEGINNING AUGUST 1, 2025, AND ENDINGDECEMBER 31, 2026, AND FURTHERAUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF ALL RELATED DOCUMENTS. The Presiding Officer announced thatapublic hearing on the above resolution wasinorder at this time.Nointerested citizensspoke eitherfor or against the proposed resolution. Amotion wasmade by Ms. Coleman andsecondedbyMs. Harris to approve the proposed resolution. AYea andNay vote wascalledfor andresultedasfollows: Yeas: Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None Abstains: None DidNot Vote:None Absent: Adams With 11 yeas, 0nays,0abstains, 0not voting, and1 absent, the motion wasadopted.
RESOLUTION 59453
AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR-PRESIDENTTOEXECUTE AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF BATON ROUGE, PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE, ON BEHALF OF THE OFFICE OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND VINFORMATIX IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $200,000.00 WITH ATERM BEGINNING MAY1,2026, AND ENDINGAPRIL 30, 2027, AND FURTHERAUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF ALL RELATED DOCUMENTS. The Presiding Officer announced thatapublic hearing on the above resolution wasinorder at this time.Nointerested citizensspoke eitherfor or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Ms. Racca and seconded by Mr.Hudson to approve the proposed resolution. AYea and Nayvote wascalledfor andresultedasfollows: Yeas: Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr., Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None Abstains: None DidNot Vote:None Absent: Adams With 11 yeas, 0nays,0abstains, 0not voting, and1absent, the motion wasadopted.
RESOLUTION 59454
AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR-PRESIDENT, ON BEHALF OF THE OFFICE OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT,TOEXECUTE AN AMENDMENTTO CONTRACT NUMBER 800003795 WITH WORKFORCE GROUP,LLC BETWEEN THE CITY OF BATON ROUGE/PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE, INCREASING THE CONTRACT AMOUNT BY $100,000.00 FOR ANEW TOTAL NOT-TO-EXCEED $38,671,406.53AND EXTENDING THE AGREEMENTEXPIRATION DATE TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 AND AUTHORIZES THE EXECUTION OF ALL NECESSARYDOCUMENTS. The Presiding Officer announced thatapublic hearing on the above resolution wasinorder at this time.Nointerested citizensspoke eitherfor or against the proposed resolution. Amotion wasmade by Mr.Dunn Jr andsecondedbyMr. Gaudet to approve the proposed resolution. AYea andNay vote wascalledfor andresultedasfollows: Yeas: Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr., Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Noel, Racca Nays: None
Abstains: None
DidNot Vote:None
Absent: Adams, Moak With 10 yeas, 0nays,0 abstains, 0not voting, and2 absent, the motion wasadopted.
RESOLUTION 59455
AIRPORTAUTHORITY RESOLUTION 06-24-26-01
AUTHORIZING FOR THE MAYOR-PRESIDENTAND/OR CHAIRMANOF THE AIRPORTCOMMISSION TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENTWITH GITIBIN &ASSOCIATES, LLC. DBA GO RENTALS TO PROVIDELUXURY CAR RENTALSERVICES TO GENERAL AVIATION CUSTOMERS OF VELOCITY BTR HOLDINGS, LLC FOR APERIOD OF THREE (3)YEARS WITH TWO (2)ONE (1)YEAROPTIONS TO RENEW
The Presiding Officer announced thatapublic hearing on the above resolution wasinorder at this time.Nointerested citizensspoke eitherfor or against the proposed resolution. Amotion wasmade by Mr.Dunn Jr andsecondedbyMr. Kenneytoapprove the proposed resolution. AYea andNay vote wascalledfor andresultedasfollows: Yeas: Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Noel, Racca Nays: None Abstains: None DidNot Vote:None Absent: Adams, Moak With 10 yeas, 0nays,0 abstains, 0not voting, and2 absent, the motion wasadopted.
RESOLUTION 59456
AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR-PRESIDENTTOEXECUTE SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENTNO. 1TOTHE CONTRACT WITH JAMES DESHOTELS ARCHITECTS, LLC, FOR ADDITIONAL DESIGN SERVICES IN CONNECTION WITH THEIR CONTRACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF MAINTENANCE –MAINTENANCE LOT STORAGE BUILDINGS, BEING CITY PARISH PROJECT NO. 21-ASD-CP-1540 IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $9,902.00.THIS WILLBRINGA GRAND TOTAL OF CURRENT CONTRACT TO $58,332.00.(ACCOUNT NO. 1000-7600-30-7610-00000000-000000-643500-40000). The Presiding Officer announced thatapublic hearing on the above resolution wasinorder at this time.Nointerested citizensspoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Mr.Kenney andsecondedbyMs. Harris to approve the proposed resolution. AYea andNay vote wascalledfor andresultedasfollows: Yeas: Amoroso, Coleman, Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,
Noel, Racca
Nays: None
Abstains: None
Did Not Vote: None
Absent: Adams, Dunn Jr., Moak With 9yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 3absent, the motion was adopted.
RESOLUTION 59457
AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR-PRESIDENT TO ENTERINTO AFIVEYEAR AGREEMENT WITH RTAFLEET360 FOR CLOUD-BASED FLEET MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM (FMIS) SERVICES, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $559,908.76 OVER THE FIVE-YEAR TERM, SUBJECT TO BUDGET APPROVAL WITH FUNDING APPROPRIATED ANNUALLY. (ACCOUNT NO.6100-7900-10-7920-0000-0000-000000643500). The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was madebyMs. Harris and seconded by Mr.Kenney to approve the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:
Absent: Adams, Dunn Jr Moak With 9yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 3absent, the motion was adopted.
RESOLUTION 59458
AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR-PRESIDENT TO EXECUTE AN AMENDMENT TO THE COOPERATIVE ENDEAVORAGREEMENT (CEA) WITH CAPITAL AREA TRANSIT SYSTEM (CATS) FOR CLARIFICATION OF AGENCY RESPONSIBILITIES ASSOCIATED WITH MOVEBR COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT NICHOLSON-PLANK BUS RAPID TRANSIT, BEING CITY OF BATON ROUGE/PARISH OF EAST BATONROUGE PROJECT NO. 16-CI-US-0032. (ACCOUNT NO.920710043-4370 000000000000000-653100). The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was madebyMs. Harris and seconded by Ms. Coleman to approve the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:
Yeas: Amoroso, Coleman, Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney Noel, Racca Nays: None Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Adams, Dunn Jr., Moak With 9yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 3absent, the motion was adopted.
RESOLUTION 59459
AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR-PRESIDENT TO EXECUTE SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT NO. 2TOA CONTRACT FORPROFESSIONAL
ENGINEERING SERVICES WITH T. BAKER SMITH, LLC FOR ADDITIONAL
TRAFFIC DATA COLLECTION AND SUE SERVICES ASSOCIATEDWITH
HIGHLAND ROAD AT PECUE LANE ENHANCEMENT PROJECT, BEING CITY-PARISH PROJECT NO. 23-EN-HC-0029, IN AN AMOUNT NOTTO EXCEED $28,040.51, BRINGING THE TOTAL CONTRACT AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $851,069.20. (ACCOUNT NO.9217100100-4370.000000000000000-653240). The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was madebyMr. Gaudet and seconded by Mr.Kenneytoapprove the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:
Absent: Adams, Dunn Jr Moak With 9yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0 not voting, and 3absent, the motion was adopted.
RESOLUTION 59460
AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR-PRESIDENT TO EXECUTE ACONTRACT FOR PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICESWITH VECTURA CONSULTING SERVICES, LLC. FORTRAFFIC DATA COLLECTION NEEDED FOR THE MOVEBR CORRIDOR ENHANCEMENT COLLEGE DRIVE (PERKINS RD. TO I-10) PROJECT,BEING CITY-PARISH PROJECT NO. 19-EN-HC-0033, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $96,100.03. (ACCOUNT NO. 9217100081-4372 00000-0000000000-653240).
The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was madebyMs. Amoroso and seconded by Ms. Racca to approve the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Amoroso,Coleman, Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None
Abstains: None
Did Not Vote: None
Absent: Adams, Dunn Jr With 10 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 2absent, the motion was adopted.
RESOLUTION 59461
AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR-PRESIDENT TO ENTERA CONTRACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES WITH LIFE SHAREBLOOD CENTER. THIS CONTRACT IS FOR LIFE SHARE TO PROVIDE THE DEPARTMENT OF EMS WITH BLOOD,BLOOD COMPONENTS, AND CERTAIN LAB SERVICES, ENABLING THE DEPARTMENT OF EMS TO PROVIDE LIFESAVING TREATMENT WHEN CLINICALLYINDICATED, NOT TO EXCEED $235,000.
The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Mr.Gaudet and seconded by Ms. Coleman to approve the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Amoroso,Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca
Nays: None
Abstains: None
Did Not Vote: None
Absent: Adams With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.
AUTHORIZING THEMETROPOLITANCOUNCIL TO DECLARE LOTS 31 &32, SQUARE 4, SCOTLAND HEIGHTS, PINTAILSTREET,PREVIOUSLY ADJUDICATED TO EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH,LOUISIANA, AS SURPLUSPROPERTY ANDTOAUTHORIZE THESALE OF ITS INTEREST IN SAME TO GREGORYLAURENCE FOR THECONSIDERATION OF TWO HUNDRED &00/100 ($200.00) DOLLARS CASH,AND THEPAYMENTOF THEADVANCEDCOSTS REQUIRED FOR THIS LOT, AS AMOW TO OWN
PROPERTY PURSUANT TO LA. R.S. 47:2202(B) ET SEQ.,AND PRIOR ORDINANCE OF THIS COUNCIL.
The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Dunn Jr andseconded by Mr.Hurst to approve the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nayvote was called for and resulted as follows:
The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Dunn Jr and seconded by Mr.Hurst to delete the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nayvote was called for and resulted as follows:
Yeas: Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel,Racca
Nays: None
Abstains: None DidNot Vote: None
Absent: Adams With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.
ORDINANCE 19887
AUTHORIZING THEMETROPOLITANCOUNCIL TO DECLARE LOT 19 SQUARE 26, SOUTH BATON ROUGE SUBDIVISION,JEFFERSON DAVIS STREET,PREVIOUSLYADJUDICATED TO EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA SURPLUSPROPERTY ANDTOAUTHORIZE THESALE OF SAID LOT TO JOHNCHRISTOPHER HIS/HERAGENT OR ASSIGN FOR THECONSIDERATION OF $3,500.00 CASH,ORTOTHE HIGHEST
OFFEROR WHOSUBMITSHIS/HER OFFER ALONGWITH ACERTIFIED CHECK OR MONEY ORDER IN THEAMOUNT OF $905.00.
The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Dunn Jr andseconded by Mr.Hurst to approve the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nayvote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Amoroso, Coleman, Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney, Moak,Noel, Racca Nays: None
Abstains: None
Did NotVote: None
Absent: Adams, Dunn Jr With 10 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 2absent, the motion was adopted.
ORDINANCE 19888
AUTHORIZING THEMETROPOLITANCOUNCILTODECLARE LOT 34,
SQUARE 16, SOUTH BATON ROUGE SUBDIVISION, EAST HARRISON STREET,PREVIOUSLYADJUDICATED TO EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANASURPLUSPROPERTY ANDTOAUTHORIZE THE SALE OF SAID LOT TO TD REAL ESTATEGROUP, LLC HIS/HER AGENT OR ASSIGN FOR THECONSIDERATION OF $100.00 CASH,ORTOTHE HIGHEST OFFEROR WHO SUBMITS HIS/HER OFFER ALONGWITH A CERTIFIEDCHECK OR MONEY ORDER IN THEAMOUNT OF $855.00.
The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Dunn Jr andseconded by Mr.Hurst to approve the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nayvote was called for and resulted as follows:
Absent: Adams, Dunn Jr With 10 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 2absent, the motion was adopted.
ORDINANCE 19889
AUTHORIZINGTHE METROPOLITANCOUNCIL TO DECLARE LOT 6, SQUARE 41, SOUTH BATON ROUGE SUBDIVISION,MARYLAND STREET,PREVIOUSLYADJUDICATED TO EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA SURPLUSPROPERTY ANDTOAUTHORIZE THE SALE OF SAID LOT TO TD REAL ESTATEGROUP,LLC HIS/HERAGENT OR ASSIGN FOR THECONSIDERATION OF $100.00 CASH, OR TO THE HIGHEST OFFEROR WHO SUBMITS HIS/HEROFFER ALONGWITH A CERTIFIEDCHECK OR MONEY ORDER IN THEAMOUNT OF $500.00. The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Dunn Jr andseconded by Mr.Hurst to approve the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nayvote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Amoroso, Coleman, Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None Abstains: None DidNot Vote: None Absent: Adams, Dunn Jr With 10 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 2absent, the motion was adopted.
ORDINANCE 19890
AUTHORIZINGTHE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL TO DECLARE LOT
32 SQUARE 16, SOUTH BATON ROUGE SUBDIVISION, MARYLAND STREET,PREVIOUSLYADJUDICATED TO EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH,LOUISIANA SURPLUSPROPERTY ANDTOAUTHORIZE THE SALE OF SAID LOT TO TD REAL ESTATEGROUP,LLC HIS/HER AGENT OR ASSIGN FOR THECONSIDERATION OF $100.00 CASH, OR TO THE HIGHEST OFFEROR WHO SUBMITS HIS/HEROFFER ALONGWITH A CERTIFIEDCHECK OR MONEY ORDER IN THEAMOUNT OF $500.00. The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Dunn Jr and seconded by Mr.Hurst to approve the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nayvote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Amoroso, Coleman, Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney Moak, Noel,Racca Nays: None
Abstains: None DidNot Vote: None Absent: Adams, Dunn Jr With 10 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 2absent, the motion was adopted.
ORDINANCE 19891
AUTHORIZING THEMETROPOLITANCOUNCILTODECLARE LOT 267-A, HIGHLAND CREEK SUBDIVISION, STONEYCREEK AVENUE
PREVIOUSLYADJUDICATED TO EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH
LOUISIANA SURPLUSPROPERTY ANDTOAUTHORIZE THESALE OF SAID LOT TO TD REAL ESTATEGROUP,LLC HIS/HERAGENT OR ASSIGN FOR THECONSIDERATION OF $100.00 CASH,ORTOTHE HIGHEST OFFEROR WHO SUBMITS HIS/HER OFFER ALONGWITH A CERTIFIEDCHECK OR MONEY ORDER IN THEAMOUNT OF $500.00. The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Dunn Jr andseconded by Mr.Hurst to approve the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nayvote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Amoroso, Coleman, Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney Moak,Noel,
AUTHORIZING THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL TO DECLARELOTS 17 &18, SQUARE 26, SOUTH BATON ROUGE SUBDIVISION, JEFFERSON DAVIS STREET,PREVIOUSLYADJUDICATED TO EAST BATON ROUGE
PARISH,LOUISIANA SURPLUS PROPERTY AND TO AUTHORIZE THE SALE OF SAID LOT TO JOHN CHRISTOPHERHIS/HERAGENT OR ASSIGN FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF $12,000.00 CASH, OR TO THE HIGHEST OFFEROR WHOSUBMITS HIS/HEROFFER ALONG WITH A CERTIFIED CHECK OR MONEY ORDER IN THE AMOUNT OF $650.00. The Presiding Officer announced thatapublic hearing on the above ordinance wasinorder at this time.Nointerested citizensspoke eitherfor or againstthe proposed ordinance. Amotion wasmade by Mr.Dunn Jr andsecondedbyMr. Hurst to approve the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nay vote wascalledfor andresultedasfollows: Yeas: Amoroso, Coleman, Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney, Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None Abstains: None DidNot Vote:None Absent: Adams, Dunn Jr With 10 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and2 absent, the motion wasadopted.
ORDINANCE 19893
AUTHORIZING THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL TO DECLARELOT 14, SQUARE 29, GREENVILLE EXTENSION SUBDIVISION, NORTH 47TH STREET,PREVIOUSLYADJUDICATED TO EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH LOUISIANA SURPLUS PROPERTYAND TO AUTHORIZE THE SALE OF SAID LOT TO JEROME SCALESHIS/HER AGENT OR ASSIGN FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF $100.00 CASH, OR TO THE HIGHEST OFFEROR WHO SUBMITS HIS/HER OFFER ALONG WITH ACERTIFIED CHECK OR MONEY ORDER IN THE AMOUNT OF $500.00.
The Presiding Officer announced thatapublic hearing on the above ordinance wasinorder at this time.Nointerested citizensspoke eitherfor or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion wasmade by Mr.Dunn Jr andseconded by Mr.Hurst to approve the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nay vote wascalledfor andresultedasfollows: Yeas: Amoroso, Coleman, Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney, Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None
Abstains: None
DidNot Vote:None Absent: Adams, Dunn Jr With 10 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and2 absent, the motion wasadopted.
The Presiding Officer announced thatapublic hearing on the above ordinance wasinorder at this time.Nointerested citizensspoke eitherfor or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion wasmade by Mr.Dunn Jr andseconded by Mr.Hurst to delete the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nay vote wascalledfor andresultedasfollows: Yeas: Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr., Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca
Nays: None
Abstains: None DidNot Vote:None Absent: Adams With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and1 absent, the motion wasadopted.
ORDINANCE 19894
AUTHORIZING THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL TO DECLARELOT 10, PRESCOTT SUBDIVISION, 4289 PRESCOTT COURT, PREVIOUSLY ADJUDICATED TO EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH,LOUISIANA SURPLUS PROPERTY AND TO AUTHORIZE THE SALE OF SAID LOT TO JDS INVESTMENT GROUP,LLC HIS/HERAGENT OR ASSIGN FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF $500.00 CASH, OR TO THE HIGHEST OFFEROR WHO SUBMITS HIS/HER OFFER ALONG WITH ACERTIFIED CHECK OR MONEY ORDER IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,951.00.
The Presiding Officer announced thata public hearing on the above ordinance was in order at this time.Nointerested citizensspoke eitherfor or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion wasmade by Mr.Dunn Jr andsecondedbyMr. Hurst to approve the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nay vote wascalledfor andresultedasfollows: Yeas: Amoroso, Coleman, Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney, Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None Abstains: None DidNot Vote:None Absent: Adams, Dunn Jr With 10 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and2 absent, the motion wasadopted.
ORDINANCE 19895
AUTHORIZING THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL TO DECLARELOT 35, BAKERFIELDSUBDIVISION,2412 NORTH MAGNOLIA DRIVE, PREVIOUSLYADJUDICATED TO EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH LOUISIANA SURPLUS PROPERTYAND TO AUTHORIZE THE SALE OF SAID LOT TO JDS INVESTMENT GROUP,LLC HIS/HERAGENT OR ASSIGN FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF $20,000.00 CASH, OR TO THE HIGHEST OFFEROR WHOSUBMITS HIS/HEROFFER ALONG WITH A CERTIFIED CHECK OR MONEY ORDER IN THE AMOUNT OF $500.00. The Presiding Officer announced thatapublic hearing on the above ordinance wasinorder at this time.Nointerested citizensspoke eitherfor or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion wasmade by Mr.Dunn Jr andseconded by Mr.Hurst to approve the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nay vote wascalledfor andresultedasfollows: Yeas: Amoroso, Coleman, Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney, Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None
Abstains: None
DidNot Vote:None Absent: Adams, Dunn Jr With 10 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and2absent, the motion wasadopted.
ORDINANCE 19896
AUTHORIZING THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL TO DECLARELOT 31, BELFORTSUBDIVISION,2313 NORTH 38TH STREET,PREVIOUSLY ADJUDICATED TO EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH,LOUISIANA SURPLUS PROPERTY AND TO AUTHORIZE THE SALE OF SAID LOT TO NAKEYA WHITE HIS/HER AGENT OR ASSIGN FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF $23,000.00 CASH, OR TO THE HIGHEST OFFEROR WHOSUBMITS HIS/ HER OFFER ALONG WITH ACERTIFIED CHECK OR MONEY ORDER IN THE AMOUNT OF $500.00. The Presiding Officer announced thatapublic hearing on the above ordinance wasinorder at this time.Nointerested citizensspoke eitherfor or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion wasmade by Mr.Dunn Jr andseconded by Mr.Hurst to approve the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nay vote wascalledfor andresultedasfollows: Yeas: Amoroso, Coleman, Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney, Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None Abstains: None
Absent: Adams With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.
ORDINANCE 19897
AUTHORIZING THE METROPOLITANCOUNCIL TO DECLARE LOTS
5&6SQUARE 1, ST.IRMA LEESUBDIVISION, ST.IRMA LEE WAY, PREVIOUSLY ADJUDICATED TO EAST BATONROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA SURPLUS PROPERTY AND TO AUTHORIZE THE SALE OF SAID LOT TO JERMAINE COSEYHIS/HER AGENT ORASSIGNFOR THE CONSIDERATION OF $100.00 CASH, OR TO THE HIGHEST OFFEROR WHO SUBMITSHIS/HER OFFER ALONG WITH ACERTIFIEDCHECK OR MONEY ORDER IN THE AMOUNT OF $650.00.
The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Dunn Jr andseconded by Mr.Hurst to approve the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nayvote was called for and resulted as follows:
With 10 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 2absent, the motion was adopted.
ORDINANCE 19898
AUTHORIZING THE METROPOLITANCOUNCIL TO DECLARE LOT73, EAST DAYTON SUBDIVISION, 4028 ELEANORDRIVE, PREVIOUSLY
ADJUDICATED TO EAST BATONROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA SURPLUS
PROPERTY AND TO AUTHORIZE THE SALE OF SAID LOT TO PHAROAH JOHNSON, III HIS/HER AGENT OR ASSIGN FORTHE CONSIDERATION OF $7,500.00 CASH, OR TO THE HIGHEST OFFEROR WHO SUBMITS HIS/HER OFFER ALONG WITH ACERTIFIED CHECK OR MONEY ORDER IN THE AMOUNT OF $500.00.
ThePresiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was madebyMr. Dunn Jr andseconded by Mr.Hurst to approve the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Amoroso, Coleman, Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney Moak, Noel, Racca
Nays: None
Abstains: None
Did Not Vote: None
Absent: Adams, Dunn Jr With 10 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 2absent, the motion was adopted.
Assessed Value: $3,300.00 Taxes Due: $1,816.03 (Adj in 2017)
Bids Received: 6/17/2026
High Bidder: Wayne Lawrence- $2,800.00
Intended Use: Investment
The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either fororagainst the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Dunn Jr.and seconded by Mr.Hurst to defer the proposed ordinance to the council meeting on July 22, 2026. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Amoroso,Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca
Nays: None
Abstains: None
Did Not Vote: None
Absent: Adams With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.
ORDINANCE 19899
AUTHORIZING THE METROPOLITANCOUNCILTODECLARE LOTD
ROBERTA.BRIAN TRACT SUBDIVISION, MAGNOLIA BRIDGE/WAX ROAD, PREVIOUSLYADJUDICATED TO EAST BATONROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA SURPLUS PROPERTY AND TO AUTHORIZETHE SALE OF SAID LOT TO GERALD EDGENS HIS/HER AGENT ORASSIGNFOR THE CONSIDERATION OF $17,000.00 CASH, OR TO THE HIGHEST OFFEROR WHO SUBMITSHIS/HER OFFER ALONG WITH ACERTIFIED CHECK OR MONEY ORDER IN THE AMOUNT OF $500.00. The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Dunn Jr andseconded by Mr.Hurst to approve the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nay”vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Amoroso,Coleman, Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney
Moak, Noel, Racca
Nays: None
Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Adams, Dunn Jr With 10 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 2absent, the motion was adopted.
ORDINANCE 19900
AUTHORIZING THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL TO DECLARE LOT 3, SQUARE54, GREENVILLE EXTENSION, GUS YOUNG AVENUE PREVIOUSLY ADJUDICATED TO EAST BATONROUGE PARISH LOUISIANA, AS SURPLUS PROPERTY ANDTOAUTHORIZETHE SALEOFITS INTEREST IN SAME TO JOHNNIELEE HARRIS FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF ONE HUNDRED& 00/100 ($100.00) DOLLARS CASH, AND THE PAYMENT OF THE ADVANCED COSTS REQUIRED FOR THIS LOT,ASAMOW TO OWN PROPERTY PURSUANT TO LA. R.S. 47:2202(B) ET SEQ., AND PRIORORDINANCE OF THIS COUNCIL. The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was madebyMr. DunnJr. andseconded by Mr.Hurst to approve the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Amoroso,Coleman, Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney, Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None
Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Adams, Dunn Jr With 10 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 2absent, the motion was adopted.
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTER INTRODUCTIONS None.
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTER ITEMS
RESOLUTION 59462
AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR-PRESIDENT TO EXECUTE AN AMENDED ANDRESTATED SUBRECIPIENT AGREEMENT WITH THE EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH HOUSING AUTHORITY, AND RELATED PROJECT PARTIES INCLUDING PARTNERS-FOR-PROGRESS, INCORPORATED
D/B/A PARTNERS SOUTHEAST AND CYPRESS AT ARDENDALE PHASE I, LP,FOR THE CYPRESS AT ARDENDALEPHASE IAFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT PROJECT FUNDEDINPARTTHROUGH AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT (ARPA) CORONAVIRUS STATEAND LOCAL FISCAL RECOVERYFUNDS(SLFRF), SO AS TO CLARIFY AND REALIGN THE EXISTING AGREEMENT WITH THE PROJECT’S LOWINCOME HOUSING TAXCREDIT (LIHTC) FINANCING STRUCTURE, DOWNSTREAM LOAN/DISBURSEMENT FRAMEWORK,PAYMENT TERMS, AND COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS, WITH NO INCREASE TO THE EXISTING ARPA-SLFRF ALLOCATION AND NO CHANGE TO THE APPROVED PROJECT PURPOSE. The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was madebyMr. Hurst and seconded by Mr.Kenney to approve the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Amoroso,Coleman, Dunn Jr., Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca
Nays: None
Abstains: None
DidNot Vote: None
Absent: Adams With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.
APPOINTMENTS
BOARDOFAPPEAL:
Concurring in the Mayor-President’sreplacement of Michael LaBas, who is not seeking reappointment. Thisisathree (3) year term
Current Ballot
Amotion was made by Ms.Coleman and seconded by Mr.Dunn Jr.to defer the appointment to the council meeting on July22, 2026. AYea and Nayvote was called for and resulted as follows:
Yeas: Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca
Nays: None
Abstains: None
Did NotVote: None
Absent: Adams With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.
BUILD BATON ROUGEBOARDOFCOMMISSIONERS
Filling the unexpired term of Rodney Braxton. Thisterm ends December 31, 2027. Current Ballot
Carolyn Coleman
Amotion was made by Ms. Coleman and seconded by Mr.Dunn Jr.to defer the appointment to the council meeting on July22, 2026. AYea and Nayvote was called for and resulted as follows:
Absent: Adams With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.
CAPITAL HOUSE TAXING DISTRICT BOARDOFCOMMISSIONERS
Consideration of replacing George Jenne. This is an indefinite term
Current Ballot Amotion was made by Ms. Coleman and seconded by Mr.Dunn Jr.to
defer the appointment to the council meeting on July 22, 2026. AYea and Nayvote was called for and resulted as follows:
Yeas: Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel,Racca
Nays: None
Abstains: None
Did NotVote: None
Absent: Adams With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF EAST BATON ROUGEPARISH:
One appointment to fill the unexpired term of Chris Brown. Thisterm expiresAugust 9, 2030 (Must be aresident commissioner)
Current Ballot
Amotion was made by Ms. Coleman and seconded by Mr.Dunn Jr.to defer the appointment to the councilmeeting on July 22, 2026. AYea and Nayvote was called for and resulted as follows:
Absent: Adams With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF EAST BATON ROUGEPARISH
Consideration of reappointing or replacing Brandon Kelly.This is a five (5) year term
Current Ballot Brandon Kelly(requested reappointment)
Amotion was made by Ms.Coleman and seconded by Mr.Hurst to reappoint Brandon Kelly.AYea and Nayvote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr., Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel,Racca
Nays: None
Abstains: None
Did NotVote: None
Absent: Adams With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.
ITEMS CHANGE ORDERS
RESOLUTION 59463
AUTHORIZINGEXECUTION OF ACHANGEORDER, BEING CHANGE ORDER NO.1,TOTHE CONTRACT EXECUTED BETWEEN THECITY OF BATON ROUGE,PARISHOFEAST BATON ROUGE ANDPROCIVIL, LLC. FOR EVANGELINE/ALAMONSTER DR. ANDEVANGELINE ST.AREA ADA TRANSITION PROJECTS, BEINGPROJECTNO. 20-EN-HC-063A.
The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Mr.Kenney and seconded by Ms.Amoroso to approve the proposed resolution. AYea and Nayvote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca
Nays: None
Abstains: None
DidNot Vote: None
Absent: Adams With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.
RESOLUTION 59464
AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF ACHANGEORDER, BEING CHANGE
ORDER NO.2,TOTHE CONTRACT EXECUTED BETWEEN THECITY OF BATON ROUGE,PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE ANDBARBER BROTHERS CONTRACTING CO., L.L.C., FOR SALES TAXSTREET AND ROAD REHABILITATIONPROGRAM PROJECT 19-7 HOLLYWOOD ST (AIRLINE TO SCENIC)& EVANGELINE ST.(AIRLINE TO BATON ROUGE AVE),BEING PROJECTNO. 24-CR-ST-0009.
The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Mr.Kenney and seconded by Ms.Amoroso to approve the proposed resolution. AYea and Nayvote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel,Racca Nays: None Abstains: None DidNot Vote: None Absent: Adams With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.
RESOLUTION 59465
AUTHORIZINGEXECUTION OF ACHANGE ORDER, BEING CHANGE
ORDER NO.1,TOTHE CONTRACT EXECUTED BETWEEN THECITY OF BATON ROUGE,PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE ANDKCR Contractor LLC,FOR Groom Road (McHugh Road to Plank Road) Phase 1, BEING
PROJECTNO. 19-EN-HC-0035.
The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Mr.Kenney and seconded by Ms. Amoroso to approve the proposed resolution. AYea and Nayvote was called for and resulted as follows:
Yeas: Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel,Racca
Nays: None
Abstains: None
Did NotVote: None
Absent: Adams With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.
The Presiding Officer announced thatapublic hearing on the above resolution wasinorder at this time.Nointerested citizensspoke eitherfor or against the proposed resolution. The report wasreceived.
OTHER ITEMS TO BE ADOPTED (EMERGENCY)
RESOLUTION 59466
AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING THE SELECTION OF THE ADVOCATE AS THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE AND CITY OF BATON ROUGE FOR THE PERIOD JULY1,2026 UNTIL JUNE 30, 2027 IN ACCORDANCE WITH LA. R.S. 43:141 (A). The Presiding Officer announced thatapublic hearing on the above resolution wasinorder at this time.Nointerested citizensspoke eitherfor or against the proposed resolution. Amotion wasmade by Mr.Hudson andseconded by Mr.Moak to approve the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote wascalledfor andresultedasfollows: Yeas: Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None Abstains: None DidNot Vote:None Absent: Adams With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and1 absent, the motion wasadopted.
RESOLUTION 59467
ARESOLUTION TO AMEND THE DUEDATEFOR THE LOCAL HOSPITAL ASSESSMENT PAYMENTS FOR THE EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH LOCAL HEALTHCARE PROVIDER PARTICIPATION PROGRAM FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025. The Presiding Officer announced thatapublic hearing on the above resolution wasinorder at this time.Nointerested citizensspoke eitherfor or against the proposed resolution. Amotion wasmade by Ms. Amoroso andseconded by Mr.Moak to approve the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote wascalledfor andresultedasfollows: Yeas: Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr., Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None
Abstains: None DidNot Vote:None Absent: Adams With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and1absent, the motion wasadopted.
RESOLUTION 59468
AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR-PRESIDENTTOENTERINTO A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENTTOCOORDINATE THE SERVICEDELIVERYOFMANDATED PARTNERS AND PROVIDERS ON BEHALF OF THE LOCAL WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD 21 (LWDB 21) WITH ECKERD CONNECTS DBA ECKERD YOUTH ALTERNATIVES, INC. WITH INITIAL TERM TO BEGIN JULY 1, 2026 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2029. AGREEMENTISRENEWABLE FOR UP TO THREE YEARS UPON SUCCESSFUL CONTRACTUAL PERFORMANCE IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $309,000 TERMINATING JUNE 30, 2029 AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR-PRESIDENTSIGNING OF ALL DOCUMENTS CONNECTEDTHEREWITH
The Presiding Officer announced thatapublic hearing on the above resolution wasinorder at this time.Nointerested citizensspoke eitherfor or against the proposed resolution. Amotion wasmade by Mr.Hurst and seconded by Ms. Harris to approve the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote wascalledfor andresultedasfollows: Yeas: Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None Abstains: None DidNot Vote:None Absent: Adams With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and1absent, the motion wasadopted.
RESOLUTION 59470
AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR-PRESIDENT, ON BEHALF OF THE LIBRARY BOARD OF CONTROL, TO EXECUTE THE FIRST OPTIONAL ONEYEAR RENEWAL OF CONTRACT #800007078WITH OOK JANITORIAL SERVICE, INC., IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $720,000, FOR THE PERIOD JUNE 1, 2026 THROUGH MAY31, 2027, WITH ONE OPTIONAL ONE-YEAR RENEWAL, FOR ATOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $1,440,000
The Presiding Officer announced thata public hearing on the above resolution wasinorder at this time.Nointerested citizensspoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion wasmade by Mr.Kenney andsecondedbyMs. Colemantoapprove the proposed resolution. AYea andNay vote wascalledfor andresultedasfollows: Yeas: Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr., Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None
Abstains: None
DidNot Vote:None Absent: Adams With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and1absent, the motion wasadopted.
RESOLUTION 59469
RESCHEDULING THE JULY15, 2026 METROPOLITAN COUNCIL ZONING MEETING TO JULY22, 2026 AT 3:30 PM.
The Presiding Officer announced thatapublic hearing on the above resolution wasinorder at this time.Nointerested citizensspoke eitherfor or againstthe proposed resolution. Amotion wasmade by Ms. Amoroso andsecondedbyMs. Harris to approve the proposed resolution. AYea andNay vote wascalledfor andresultedasfollows:
Absent: Adams With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and1 absent, the motion wasadopted.
ADJOURNMENT
Amotion wasmade by Ms. Amoroso andseconded by Mr.Noelto adjourn. AYea andNay vote wascalledfor andresultedasfollows: Yeas: Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None
Abstains: None
DidNot Vote:None
Absent: Adams With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and1 absent, the motion wasadopted.
The Presiding Officer declared the meeting adjourned
Council Administrator/TreasurerMayor-President Pro-Tempore
MINUTES WEST BATON ROUGE PARISH COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING GOVERNMENT BUILDING 880 North Alexander Avenue, Port Allen Thursday,July 9, 2026 5:30 PM
The Following Minutes AreSummarized For Brevity,For Precise Meeting Information Please Refer To Meeting Audio Or Video.
1.CALL MEETING TO ORDER &REQUEST ALL ELECTRONIC DEVICES BE SILENCED
ARegular Meeting of the West Baton Rouge Parish Council was held on Thursday,July 9, 2026 and called to order at 05:29 PM. Council Chairman Carey Denstel asked that all electronic devices be placed on silent.
2. OPENING PRAYER Councilman Atley Walker Jr.led everyone in an opening prayer
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chairman Denstel recognized Mr.Deano Moran who led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. LOG ATTENDANCE The following members wererecorded as being present: Messrs. Kirk Allain, Daryl “Turf” Babin, Atley Walker,Brady Hotard, Carey Denstel Alan Crowe, Gary Joseph, and Mrs. Katherine Andre.
Absent: Mr.Kenneth Gordon
Also present were, Mr.Jason Manola, Parish President, Mr.Phillip Bourgoyne, Executive Assistant, Mr.Chance Stephens, Director of Finance, Mr.Brandon Bourgoyne, Director of Public Works andMrs. Michelle Tullier,Council Clerk.
5. MINUTES APPROVAL
A. Approval of Minutes from the Regular Meeting of June 25, 2026. Therewerenocomments or questions at this time.
Amotion was made by Council Member Kirk Allain, seconded by Council Member Daryl “Turf” Babin to approve the Minutes from the Regular Meeting of June 25, 2026.
The vote was recorded as follows: YEAS: 8(Kirk Allain, Daryl “Turf” Babin, Atley Walker,Brady Hotard, Carey Denstel, Alan Crowe, Katherine Andre, Gary Joseph) NAYS: 0(None)
ABSENT:1 Kenneth Gordon ABSTAIN: 0(None)
As aresult of the votes, the motion Passed.
6. CONSIDER ANY AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA Therewerenoitems to consider at this time.
7. PARISH PRESIDENT’SREPORT Parish President Jason Manola was recognized and covered the following items: Police Jury Legislative Recap.
8. PUBLIC COMMENTS Therewerenocomments from the public at this time.
9. COMMUNICATIONS WITH COUNCIL MEMBERS AND/OR ELECTED OR APPOINTED OFFICIALS
Mr.Phillip Bourgoyne was recognized and reviewed the recent and ongoing projects of the Roads and Drainage crews. Mr.Bourgoyne also read aloud aletter of recognition from amember of the public thanking these crews for their great work recently
Mr.Chance Stephens was recognized and introduced the most recent newhire, Mrs. Lisa Hubble.
Mr.Brandon Bourgoyne was recognized and reviewed the Intracoastal Canal Bridge Project, La1/415 connector updates and Court St Sidewalk Project updates.
10. PUBLIC HEARING ON PREVIOUSLYINTRODUCED ORDINANCES
A. An Ordinance To Amend And Reenact The West Baton Rouge Parish Code Of Ordinances, Part III (“Unified Development Code”), Chapter 101 (“General Provisions”), Section 1011(“Definitions”); And Chapter 105 (“Subdivisions”), Article I (In General), Section 105-7 “(MinorSubdivisions)”, Chapter 111 “(Administration and Enforcement)”,Article IV “(Zoning Enforcement)”, Sec. 111-83 –“( Power Of The Parish President And Parish CouncilToIssue And Extend Temporary Special Use Permits)”.
The Chairman opened apublic hearing for the purpose of receiving comment regarding the aforementioned item.
Mr.Brandon Bourgoyne was recognized and explained the reasons for this ordinance and offered to answer any questions, noting this item was recommended for approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission. No public comments for or against said ordinance werepresented. No written protests opposing the ordinance werereceived. The Council Chairman at this point declared the Public Hearing closed. Amotion was made by Council Member Brady Hotard, seconded by Council Member Alan Crowe to approve An Ordinance To Amend And Reenact The West Baton Rouge Parish Code Of Ordinances, Part III (“Unified Development Code”), Chapter 101 (“General Provisions”), Section 101-1(“Definitions”);And Chapter 105 (“Subdivisions”), Article I(In General), Section 105-7 “(Minor Subdivisions)”, Chapter 111 “(Administration and Enforcement)”, Article IV “(Zoning Enforcement)”, Sec. 111-83 –“( Power Of The Parish President And Parish Council To Issue And Extend Temporary Special Use Permits)”.
The vote was recorded as follows:
YEAS: 8(KirkAllain, Daryl “Turf” Babin, Atley Walker Brady Hotard, Carey Denstel, Alan Crowe, Katherine Andre, Gary Joseph)
NAYS: 0(None)
ABSENT:1 KennethGordon ABSTAIN: 0(None)
As aresult of the votes, the motion Passed. Ordinance 20 of 2026 can be found at the end of these minutes.
B. An Ordinance To Amend And Reenact The West Baton Rouge Parish Code Of Ordinances, Part III (“Unified Development Code”), Chapter 106 (“SITEPLANNING”), Article VI (ASTHETICS), Section 106-224 -229 (“Sign Regulations”) to Update Sign Regulations In West Baton RougeParish
TheChairman opened apublic hearing for the purpose of receiving comment regarding the aforementioned item.
Mr.Bourgoyne was again recognized and explained the reasons for this ordinance, also noting some floor amendments needed. under item Gonpage 13 the words “article 8” need to be removed and replaced with the word“section”, also on the next line the words “section10.8 of this ordinance” need to be removedand replaced with “Article IV of Chapter 111.” No public comments for or against said ordinance werepresented. No written protests opposing the ordinance werereceived. The Council Chairman at this point declared the Public Hearing closed.
Amotion was made by Council Member Gary Joseph, seconded by Council Member Katherine Andretoapprove with amendments as noted above on An Ordinance To Amend And Reenact The West Baton Rouge Parish Code Of Ordinances, Part III (“Unified Development Code”), Chapter 106 (“SITE PLANNING”), Article VI (ASTHETICS), Section 106-224 -229 (“Sign Regulations”) to Update Sign Regulations In West Baton Rouge Parish.
The vote was recorded as follows: YEAS: 8(KirkAllain, Daryl “Turf” Babin, Atley Walker Brady Hotard, Carey Denstel, Alan Crowe, Katherine Andre, Gary Joseph)
NAYS: 0(None)
ABSENT:1 Kenneth Gordon ABSTAIN: 0(None)
As aresult of the votes, the motion Passed. Ordinance 21 of 2026 can be found at the end of these minutes.
11. CONSIDER STATUS REPORT, CHANGE ORDER AND/OR OTHER MATTERS AS REQUIRED ON CURRENT PROJECTS Parish President Manola was recognized and presented aproclamation of recognition to Ms. Maci Williams, reading aloud the proclamation listing Ms. Williams’ many accomplishments.
12. RESOLUTIONS Therewerenoitems to consider at this time.
13. CONSIDER SUBDIVISION PLATS, CONDEMNATIONS, WAIVERS AND MATTERS RELATED THERETO Chairman Denstel
FOR THE MINORSUBDIVISION OF LOT SB-2-B OF THE FORMER ELIE BABIN PROPERTY,NOW WALTER LEBLANC PROPERTY, INTO LOTS SB-2-B-1, SB-2-B-2, SB-2-B-3, SB-2-B-4, AND SB-2-B-5 OF LEBLANC ACRES LOCATED IN SECTION 61, T-8-S, R-12-E,SOUTHEASTERN LAND DISTRICT,WEST OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER, WEST BATON ROUGEPARISH, LA FOR WALER AND TIFFANY LEBLANC.
THE OWNER HAS COME INTO COMPLIANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE CODE REQUIREMENTS, SUBJECT TO THE REQUESTED WAIVERS, AS OF JUNE 29, 2026. MD
15. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES Therewerenoitemstoconsider at this time.
14. CORRESPONDENCE REPORT Correspondence Report from CouncilClerk, Mrs. Michelle Tullier included the following items: •Next Planning &Zoning Meeting Tuesday,July 21, 2026 at 5:30pm; •Next FireBoardMeeting Thursday,July 23, 2026 at 5:00pm: •Next Council Meeting Thursday,July 23, 2026 at 5:30pm.
16. ADJOURN Therebeing no further business, amotiontoadjournwas made by Council Member Brady Hotardand was adopted by acclamation at 05:54 PM ALL MEETING INFORMATION INCLUDING MINUTES ANDVIDEOS CAN BE FOUND ON OURWEBSITE WBRPARISH.ORG UNDER THEAGENDA ANDMINUTES TAB.
ORDINANCE 20 OF 2026
As Introduced by the West Baton Rouge Parish Council At the Regular Meeting of June 11, 2026 And Adopted on July 9, 2026
An Ordinance To Amend And Reenact The West Baton Rouge Parish Code Of Ordinances, PartIII (“Unified Development Code”), Chapter 101 (“General Provisions”), Section101-1 (“Definitions”); And Chapter 105 (“Subdivisions”), Article I(In General), Section105-7 “(Minor Subdivisions)”, Chapter 111 “(Administration and Enforcement)”, Article IV “(Zoning Enforcement)”, Sec. 111-83 –“( Power Of The Parish President And Parish Council To Issue And Extend Temporary Special Use Permits)”
WHEREAS,one of the primary functions of local governments is to protect the health, safety and welfareofits people; AND
WHEREAS,inexercising its role to carry-out the above, the West Baton Rouge Parish Council utilizes its police powersunder the Constitutionand laws of the StateofLouisiana; AND
WHEREAS,such exercise of police power involves from time-to-time creating or amending local development (and other) laws in order to protect the public; AND
WHEREAS,the West Baton Rouge Council has previously regulated zoning land use districts as well as various land uses that arepermitted in various zoning districts; AND
WHEREAS,the West Baton Rouge Council finds that thereisa need to update the multi-familyuses allowed on agricultural land in West Baton Rouge Parish;
NOW,THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED that the West Baton Rouge Parish Code of Ordinances, PartIII (“Unified Development Code”),
Chapter 101 (“General Provisions”), Section101-1 (“Definitions”); And Chapter 105 (“Subdivisions”), Article I(In General), Section105-7 “(Minor Subdivisions)”, Chapter 111 “(Administration and Enforcement)”, Article IV “(Zoning Enforcement)”, Sec. 111-83 –“( Power Of The Parish President And Parish Council To Issue And Extend Temporary Special Use Permits)” be amended and re-enacted to read as follows:
(NOTE: underlined words areadditions and strikethrough words are deletions. Three asterisks -* **indicate sections of the code skipped for brevity of this ordinance. Such sections aretoberetained by the code editors.):
PART III –UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE
CHAPTER 101- GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sec. 101-1 -Definitions
*
**
Major Subdivision means the division of atract or parcel of land for the purpose of sale, lease, or development that exceeds the scope of aminorsubdivision or requires the construction or extension of public infrastructure. (refer to Chapter 105 Subdivisions) Majorsubdivisions may be developed in one of the following forms:
1. Internal Street Subdivisions –Developmentswhich include the construction of new public or privatestreets, including but not limited to subdivisions with asingle point of access, cul-de-sacs, or stub streets intended for futureextension.
2. Frontage Subdivisions –Developmentsinwhich all lots directly front an existing public road and do not requirethe construction of new internal streets, but may requiredriveway access, drainage improvements, or utility extensions.
Both forms shall be considered major subdivisions and shallbesubject to all applicable parish standards.
** * CHAPTER 105 -SUBDIVISIONS
ARTICLE I– IN GENERAL
Sec. 105-7 Minor Subdivisions.
** *
d. Roads. Allminorsubdivision roads, including the required apron, shall originate from the edge of an existing paved public road. Minor subdivisions shall not connect to,extend through, or utilize roadways within any approved major subdivision internal street subdivision.Minor subdivisions shall be developed as standalone subdivisions and shall not rely on access, infrastructure, or internal circulation systems of any major subdivision internal street subdivision
PART III –UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE CHAPTER 111- ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT ARTICLE IV –ZONING ENFORCEMENT ** * Sec. 111-83 –Power Of The Parish President And Parish Council To Issue And Extend TemporarySpecial Use Permits
** * The only applications allowed for this type of permitisfor temporary occupancy only.Thispermit shall not be used forany permanent business as apre-determination for apermanent zoning consideration.
THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED by the West Baton Rouge Parish Council that this ordinance shall become effective pursuant to Section2-12 (C) of the Home RuleCharter
THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the West Baton Rouge Parish Council, that allotherordinances or partsofordinances in conflict herewith arehereby repealed in their entirety NOW THEREFOREBEITFURTHER RESOLVED by the Parish Council of the Parish of West Baton Rouge, Louisiana, that if any provision or item of this ordinance or the application thereof is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions, itemsorapplications of this ordinance which can be given effect without the invalid provisions, items, or applications of this ordinance arehereby declared severable.
THEFOREGOING ORDINANCE AFTER HAVING BEEN SUBMITTED TO APUBLIC HEARING WASCONSIDERED, ANDUPON MOTION
BY COUNCILMEMBER BRADY HOTARD_, WHICHWAS SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER_ALAN CROWE_. THEORDINANCEWAS SUBMITTED TO AVOTE ANDRESULTED IN THEFOLLOWING: YEAS: 8(HOTARD, CROWE, ALLAIN, BABIN, WALKER,
DENSTEL, ANDRE, JOSEPH)
NAYS: 0(NONE)
ABSENT:1 (GORDON)
ABSTAIN: 0(NONE)
WHEREUPON the ordinancewas declared adopted on the 9TH Day of July,2026.
ATTEST:
ORDINANCE 21 OF 2026
As Introduced by the West Baton Rouge Parish Council At the RegularMeeting of June 11, 2026 And AdoptedonJuly 9, 2026
An Ordinance To Amend And Reenact The West Baton Rouge Parish Code Of Ordinances, Part III (“Unified Development Code”), Chapter 106 (“SITE PLANNING”), Article VI (ASTHETICS), Section 106-224 -229 (“Sign Regulations”) to Update Sign Regulations In West Baton Rouge Parish
WHEREAS,one of the primary functions of local governments is to protect the health, safety andwelfare of its people; AND
WHEREAS,inexercising its role to carry-out the above, the West Baton Rouge Parish Council utilizes its police powers underthe Constitution and laws of the State of Louisiana; AND
WHEREAS,suchexercise of police power involvesfromtime-to-time creating or amending local development(andother) laws in orderto protect the public; AND
WHEREAS,the West Baton Rouge Council haspreviously regulated zoning land use districts as wellasvarious land usesthatare permitted in various zoning districts; AND
WHEREAS,the West Baton Rouge Council finds thatthere is aneed to update the multi-family usesallowedonagricultural land in West Baton Rouge Parish;
NOW,THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED thatthe West Baton Rouge Parish Code of Ordinances, Part III (“Unified Development Code”), Chapter 101 (“General Provisions”), Section 101-1 (“Definitions”); And Chapter 105 (“Subdivisions”), Article II (Minimum Design Standards), Section 105-40 (“Improvements”) be amended andreadopted to read as follows: (NOTE: underlined words areadditions andstrikethrough words are deletions. Three asterisks -* indicatesections of the code skipped for brevity of this ordinance. Suchsections aretoberetainedbythe code editors.):
PART III –UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE
CHAPTER 106- SITEPLANNING
ARTICLE VI –ASTHETICS DIVISION 4-SIGNAGE
Sec. 106-224. -Signregulations. The following sign regulations shall apply as required below: (1)On-premisessigns, nonresidential zoning districts. a. On-premisessigns shall be limitedtoone squarefoot of sign area for each linear foot of property frontage on the site,
(2)On-premisessigns, residential zoning districts. Residences with home occupations, whichmeet allofthe requirements for home occupationsasstatedinarticle Vofthis chapter,may have one nonilluminatedsign measuringnogreater thanone foot by 2.5 feet
Section106-224. –SignRegulations
(1)Toprotect the residential natureofcertainneighborhoods while identifying individualbusiness, industrial, or public uses in otherareas without creating confusion, unsightliness, or visual obscurity of adjacentbusinesses.
(2)Toplace signs in afashion thatwill not obstructthe flow of trafficorcause apublic safety hazard of anysort.
(3)Toensurethatoff-premisesadvertising is compatible with adjacentlanduses anddoesnot obscureviews of adjacent on-premisessigns.
(4)Toensurethatall signs, in terms of size,scale, height, and location, areproperly relatedtothe overall adjacentlanduse character andlot size
(5)All signs, where applicable, will meet the standards of the parish.
(6)Nosign, sign structure, or sign support shall project onto any property line,public
2.
f.
d.
e.
of one of the following roadways if the sign is erected within 500 feet of the right-of-way: 1. Interstate 10. 2. US Highway 190. 3. Louisiana Highway 415 (Lobdell Hwy).
C. Off-premises signs: Billboards.With the exception of billboards meeting the standards below,all off-premises signs areprohibited.
1. Size.The maximum area of asingle side of abillboardshall not exceed 200 squarefeet, with amaximum height of 15 feet, and amaximum width of 20 feet, inclusive of any border and trim
but excluding the base or apron, supports, and other structural members. No advertising message is allowed on the base or apron. Notmorethan one advertising face is allowed on each side of the display.Noside-by-side or stacked billboards areallowed.
2. Spacing a. No part of any billboardshall be located less than 1,000 feet from any part of another billboard. The minimum distance between billboards shallapply regardless of the side of the road the billboardislocated on. b. Billboards shallnot be located in such amanner as to obscure or physicallyinterferewith the effectiveness of an official traffic sign, signal, or device or obstruct or physically interferewith a driver’sview of approaching, merging, or intersecting traffic. c. No billboardshall be located within 660 feet of the edge of the right-of-way of the federal Interstate Highway System.
d. For the purpose of this paragraph, measurement shall be made in astraight line, without regardtointervening structures or objects from the property line of the lot containing the billboardtothe nearest property line of any other billboardor highway right-of-way
3. Setback.Billboards shallbeplaced at least 50 feet offthe right-ofway of the road.
4. Height.Nobillboardorpart of abillboard(including base or apron, supports, supporting structures and trim)may exceed the maximum height of fifty feet, measured from the topofthe sign to the ground at the base of the sign.
5. Projection/clearance.All billboards shall maintain aclear height of ten feet above the ground at the base of the sign.
6. Construction.All billboards shall be constructed in accordance with all applicable building codes.
7. Illumination.Billboards may be externally illuminated, so long as such lighting is effectivelyshielded to prevent beams or rays of light from being directed into any portion of the traveled ways of a public street, and is not of such intensity or brilliance as to cause glareortointerferewith any driver’soperation of amotor vehicle.
D. Historic signs
1. Ahistoric sign is abuilding sign or freestanding sign that is 50 years or older,orasign that is particularly unique in character design, or history,orthat is part of the historic character of a business or building.
2. When asign is determined to have particular historical or culturally significant value, such determination to be made by the West Baton Rouge Parish Council, the termsofthis article may be waived.
Sec. 106-226. -General sign regulations.
A. Computationofsign area
1. The area of asignthat consists of individual letters erected directly ontoa wall or awning is measured by finding the area of the minimum imaginary rectangle or squarewhich fully encloses all sign words, copy,ormessage.
2. The area of any sign with astructureorcabinet is measured by finding the area of the minimum imaginary rectangle or square which fully encloses all extremities of one side of the sign, exclusive of its supports.
B. Construction standards
1. All signs shall complywith the appropriate provisions of the applicable building code and this ordinance.
3. Signs shall be located in such away that they maintainsufficient horizontal and vertical clearance from all overhead electrical conductors, provided that no sign, except governmental signs, shall be installed closer than ten feet horizontally or verticallyfrom any conductor or public utility guy wire.
4. In no way shall asign hinder or obstruct the visibility of the rightof-way,either at intersections or points of ingress or egress from parking lots.
C. Height of sign.The height of asign shall be measured from the highest point of the sign or supporting structuretothe ground at the base of the sign.
Sec. 106-227 -Sign maintenance and removal.
A. Maintenance requirements
1. All signs shall be maintained in astate of good repair
2. The administrator is authorized to inspect each sign periodically to determinethat it meetsthe requirements of this ordinance. If the administrator finds that asignisbeing maintained in violation of these maintenance requirements, such sign shall be made to conform, or shall be removed at the expense of the owner within fifteen days after written notification by the administrator
3. The following maintenance requirements shall apply to all signs visible from any street right-of-way:
a. Asignshall have no morethan 20 percent of its surface area covered with disfigured, cracked, ripped, or peeling paint, poster paper,orother material for aperiod of morethan 30 successive days.
b. Asignshall not stand with bent or broken sign facia, with broken supports, with loose appendages or struts, or more than fifteen degrees from vertical for aperiod of morethan 30 successive days.
c. Asign shall not have weeds, trees, vines or other vegetation growing upon it, or obscuring the view of the sign from the street or right-of-way from which it is to be viewed, for a period of morethan 30 successive days.
4. The sign maintenance requirements may be suspended for up to six months following anatural disaster
B. Obsoletesigns
1. Signs whichidentify businesses or tenants no longerinexistence, products no longerbeing sold, services no longerbeing rendered, or events whichhave already occurred shall be removedbythe owner of the premiseswithin 90 days of receipt of notification by the administrator
2. When asign is determined to have particular historical or culturally significant value, such determination to be made by the boardof adjustments, the terms of this section may be waived.
C. Deterioratedsigns.Any sign which, togetherwith its supports, braces, anchors andotherstructuralelements, is not
fication of nonconformingsigns
B.
1. Anonconformingsign shall immediately lose its legal nonconforming status if the sign is: a. Replaced with anothersign; b. Structurally alteredsoastoextendits useful life; c. Expanded; d.
anonconforming sign shall not lose its legalnonconformingstatus due to normal maintenance, repairs, restoration to asafecondition, or changing atenantpanel on amulti-tenant sign.
3. Anonconforming sign mayonly be repaired or restored to its original condition as to height, area andlocation.
C. Removal after abandonment.
1. Any nonconforming, off-premisessign, the use or copy of whichis discontinued or removedfor aperiod of six months, regardless of anyintent to resume or not to abandon such sign, shall be deemed to be abandoned andshall not thereafterbere-established.
2. Any nonconformingon-premisessign, the use or copy of whichis discontinued or removedfor aperiod of 365 days, regardless of anyintent to resume or not to abandon such sign, shall be deemed to be abandoned andshall not thereafterbere-established.
3. Abandonment of anonconforming sign as defined aboveshall terminatethe righttomaintain such sign.
4. Any period of such discontinuance caused by government actions, strikes or actsofGod, without anycontributing fault by the nonconforming user, shall not be consideredincalculating the length of discontinuance for purposes of this paragraph
D. Removal by damage or destruction.Any nonconforming, off-premise sign whichispartially damaged or destroyed by anymeans, to beyond 50 percentofits currentmarket value, thatisnonconforming to the requirements of this ordinance, shall not be restored, but shall be removedorreconstructedinconformance with the provisions of this ordinance.
E. Removal when not repaired within 60 days.Any nonconforming sign removedfor anyreason, including voluntary removal, whose reconstruction hasnot commenced within 60 days shall not be permitted to be replaced unless the replacement sign conforms with allrequirements of this zoning ordinance.
F. Removal upon change of principal use.Any nonconforming sign shall be removedorbrought into compliancewith this ordinance immediately upon achange in the principal use of the site.
G. Enforcement.Ifany sign is not removedasrequired by this section, the administrator mayinitiate enforcementproceedings in accordance with Article IV of this chapter.
Sec. 106-229 -Forfeiture.
Any private sign installedorplaced on public property shallbeforfeited to the public andsubject to confiscation,unless it conforms to the requirements of this ordinance. In addition to otherremedies granted by this zoning ordinance, the administrator shall have the righttorecover from the ownerorpersonplacing the sign, the full costs of removaland disposal of the sign.
***
THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED by the West Baton Rouge Parish Council thatthis ordinanceshall become effective pursuant to Section 2-12 (C) of the Home Rule Charter
THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the West Baton Rouge Parish Council, thatall otherordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith arehereby repealed in their entirety.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the Parish Council of the Parish of West Baton Rouge,Louisiana,thatifany provision or itemofthis ordinanceorthe application thereof is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect otherprovisions, items or applicationsofthis ordinance whichcan be given effect without the invalid provisions, items, or applications of this ordinanceare hereby declared severable.
THE FOREGOING ORDINANCE AFTER HAVINGBEEN SUBMITTED TO APUBLICHEARINGWAS CONSIDERED, AND UPON MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER _GARYJOSEPH, WHICH WASSECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER_KATHERINE ANDRE. THE ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED TO AVOTE AND RESULTED IN THE FOLLOWING:
