NEW KIFF IN TOWN
LSU football opens spring practice under coach Lane Kiffin
By
LSU coach Lane Kiffin, right, watches quarterbacks Sam Leavitt, left, and Husan Longstreet go through drills during the first day of spring football practice on Tuesday. Leavitt and Longstreet are two of the 59 new players Kiffin has brought in for his first season in Baton Rouge. The Tigers will go through 14 more practices over the next month.
ä More coverage in Sports, 1C.
Legislation targets harassment of athletes by bettors
BY ALYSE PFEIL Staff writer
As sports betting grows in popularity, some athletes say they are getting threats and harassment from bettors who lose their wagers — and some Louisiana lawmakers want the state to intervene.
“Athletes across college and professional sports are increasingly facing harassment and threats from individuals with betting interests, especially as legal sports wagering expands nationwide,” said state Sen. Mike Reese, R-Leesville, during a meeting at the State Capitol on Tuesday. Reese is sponsoring Senate Bill 325, which would allow the Louisiana Gaming Control Board to ban harassment and violence toward athletes connected to sports betting. It would empower the gambling regulator to kick violators off sports betting platforms.
ä See BETTORS, page 6A
Rome held post for two years
BY PATRICK SLOAN-TURNER Staff writer
East Baton Rouge Parish Attorney Greg Rome will retire next month after more than two years as the local government’s top legal counsel.
In a statement, Rome called the job an honor, highlighting his time working with multiple administrations and officeholders.
“It has been the greatest honor of my career to serve as parish attorney for East Baton Rouge Parish,” Rome said. “Working with two mayorpresidents and Councils has given me a deep understanding of the balance required among the Executive, Legislative and Judicial branches.”
The longtime Baton Rouge attorney will officially leave his post April 19, he said.
“While conflict is natural in government, it often drives positive change and fresh ideas,” Rome said. “With that in mind, I am announcing my retirement from the Office of Parish Attorney, welcoming a new season of progress for our parish.”
In a statement Tuesday morning,
ä See ATTORNEY, page 6A
Bill to let Legislature remove judges evolves
Governor, DAs no longer involved in process
BY MEGHAN FRIEDMANN Staff writer
The Louisiana Legislature could have the power to remove judges under a bill that has made it through the first stage of the legislative process — but the governor would not be able to initiate that removal process, as had been originally proposed.
State Sen. Jay Morris, R-West Monroe, who has long called for greater oversight of judges, presented his Senate Bill 123 to the Judiciary C Committee on Tuesday, when he also significantly
amended the proposal. In its latest form, SB123 would put a constitutional amendment on the ballot next year which, if approved by voters, would enable the Legislature to remove judges for “malfeasance, gross misconduct, or incompetence committed while in office.” Successfully removing a judge would require a majority vote of the House and a two-thirds vote from the Senate; the judge also would receive a trial in the Senate.
The bill no longer applies to district attorneys, who had been
ä See JUDGES, page 6A
STAFF PHOTO
JAVIER GALLEGOS
STAFF FILE PHOTO By HILARy SCHEINUK
State Sen. Jay Morris, R-West Monroe, is sponsoring legislation that would give the Legislature greater power to remove judges.
Rome
No injuries in oil refinery fire near Texas coast
An oil refinery fire near the Texas coast was put out Tuesday and a shelter-in-place order was lifted following air-quality testing, hours after a large explosion at the complex shot plumes of smoke into the air, officials said.
No one was injured in Monday’s explosion at the Valero refinery in Port Arthur, about 90 miles east of Houston, Carol Hebert, a Valero spokesperson, said in a statement.
“All personnel are accounted for,” Herbert said.
Images and video posted online show a large plume of smoke and flames billowing out from the refinery.
At Tuesday’s City Council meeting, Mayor Charlotte M. Moses said she was grateful the explosion wasn’t more serious.
“With something like that, we definitely could have had mass loss of life and injuries,” Moses said. “I’m just thankful and grateful that all we encountered was a fire ... We’re safe.”
She had urged residents in parts of the west side of the city to stay put during the shelter-inplace order.
Air monitoring that was done by Valero, the Port Arthur Fire Department and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality “confirmed there was no threat to air quality,” Hebert said.
“The cause of the fire is under investigation,” she said.
Philly airport’s longest line is for cheesesteaks
PHILADELPHIA — Travelers passing through Philadelphia International Airport on Monday may have expected long security lines. But the longest line was made of cheesesteaks.
Organizers say they achieved a new Guinness World Record for the longest line of cheesesteak sandwiches, with 1,291 lined up inside a departure hall to mark National Cheesesteak Day.
The display far surpassed the previous benchmark of 500 sandwiches.
“We went for the world record for the longest cheesesteak in history,” said Clarence LeJeune of MarketPlace PHL, a company that operates airport concessions.
“Today we accomplished that goal here in Philadelphia.”
The cheesesteak, which originated in Philadelphia in the early 1900s, is widely considered the city’s signature food. LeJeune called it “synonymous” with Philadelphia, alongside its sports culture.
People in black aprons assembled cheesesteaks along tables set up in the walkway between Terminals B and C, filling rolls from silver buckets as they moved past storefronts.
After the record was certified, volunteers handed out the sandwiches to travelers, airport workers and Transportation Security Administration staff, who have been working without pay during the government shutdown.
LeJeune joked there are few hard rules for cheesesteaks, which is part of the “beauty of the experience.”
Amputee accused of shooting car passenger
A professional cornhole player who’s also a quadruple amputee has been accused of fatally shooting a passenger in the front seat of a car he was driving during an argument, Maryland authorities say.
Dayton James Webber, 27, was featured by ESPN in 2023 in a story of inspiration, noting he rode dirt bikes, wrestled and played football before becoming a professional cornhole player. In the same year, he wrote an essay for the Today show about how he became a professional competitor.
On Sunday night, he was arrested and charged as a fugitive from justice by police in Albemarle County, Virginia, the Charles County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
Charles County is seeking his extradition from Virginia and said he will be charged with first-degree murder, seconddegree murder and related charges.
Safety protocols questioned in LaGuardia crash, NTSB says
Controller had cleared fire truck to cross runway
BY MICHAEL R. SISAK, JOSH FUNK and JOHN SEEWER Associated Press
NEW YORK — One of only two air traffic controllers on duty at LaGuardia Airport cleared a fire truck to cross a runway just 12 seconds before an Air Canada flight touched down, leaving little time to avoid the collision that killed both pilots, federal investigators said Tuesday.
The National Transportation Safety Board is working to determine which of the airport’s many layers of safety precautions failed and allowed the fire truck onto the runway Sunday night.
Among the areas being explored are whether the common practice of two controllers on duty overnight is enough, why a runway warning system didn’t alert the possibility of a crash, who was coordinating air and ground traffic, and whether the fire truck heard the controller’s last-second pleas to stop.
“We rarely, if ever, investigate a major accident where it was one failure,” said Jennifer Homendy, NTSB chair. “When something goes
wrong, that means many, many things went wrong.”
Several passengers were injured when the Air Canada plane, which originated in Montreal and carried more than 70 people, slammed into the fire truck.
Most, though, were able to escape the mangled aircraft, and a flight attendant still strapped in her seat survived after being thrown onto the tarmac.
NTSB investigators have not yet interviewed the firefighters, who were also injured, or found whether they braked or turned to avoid the collision, Homendy said.
Investigators want to know more about the role of the air traffic controllers and what they were doing while juggling a late-night emergency involving another plane — a strong odor reported in the cabin of an outbound United Airlines jet.
Homendy warned against jumping to conclusions.
“I would caution against pointing fingers at controllers and saying distraction was involved. This is a heavy workload environment,” she said.
Having two controllers on duty in the control tower is typical for a late night shift but has long been a concern for the NTSB, she said. Both were early into the their shift when
the crash happened.
The tower at LaGuardia had been busier than expected Sunday night because flight delays pushed the number of arrivals and departures after 10 p.m. to more than double what was scheduled, according to data from aviation analytics firm Cirium.
Planes were landing every few minutes, with a dozen flights arriving between 11 p.m. and when the crash happened less than 40 minutes later.
At the same time, the tower was coordinating the emergency response to the unusual odor making flight attendants feel ill.
Jeff Guzzetti, an aviation safety expert who used to investigate crashes for both the NTSB and Federal Aviation Administration, said this crash may lead to questions about whether having two controllers on the overnight shift is enough at major airports.
That has been the minimum since 2018, when the FAA imposed that requirement after several instances of controllers falling asleep while working solo.
LaGuardia is one of 35 major U.S. airports with an advanced surface surveillance system to help eliminate dangerous runway incursions and prevent crashes.
Afghanistan releases American national held for more than a year Academic researcher’s imprisonment ‘sufficient’
BY ABDUL QAHAR AFGHAN, ELENA BECATOROS and ERIC TUCKER Associated Press
KABUL, Afghanistan — Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities on Tuesday released American academic Dennis Coyle after holding him for over a year, with the Foreign Ministry saying the release came on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr, the Muslim holiday that marks the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
A statement from the ministry said the academic researcher had been released in Kabul, the country’s capital, following an appeal from his family and after Afghanistan’s Supreme Court “considered his previous imprisonment sufficient.”
Coyle was detained in January 2025. Afghan authorities accused him of violating laws, but never specified which ones.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed the release.
“President (Donald) Trump is committed to ending unjust detentions overseas — Dennis joins over 100 Americans who have been freed in the past 15 months under his second term in office,” Rubio said in a statement. “While this is a positive step by the Taliban, more work needs to be done,” he added.
Earlier this month, the U.S. State Department announced the designation of Afghanistan as a sponsor of wrongful detention, accusing it of engaging in “hostage diplomacy.” Afghanistan joined Iran as countries singled out by the United States for detaining Americans in hopes of extracting policy concessions.
Afghanistan rejected U.S. allegations that it detains foreigners to obtain leverage over other countries, saying Afghan authorities arrest people for violating
laws not to make a deal.
The State Department said earlier this month that the Taliban was believed to hold at least four U.S. nationals, including Coyle and Mahmood Habibi, an Afghan American businessman who worked as a contractor for a Kabul-based telecommunications company.
The FBI and Habibi’s family have said they believe he was taken by Taliban forces in 2022, but Afghan authorities have denied holding him.
Habibi’s brother, Ahmad Habibi, welcomed Coyle’s release but said in a statement that “we hope that our family will soon have the same feeling of relief, when Mahmood is returned home to us.”
Rubio also mentioned another American, Paul Overby, who is listed on the FBI’s missing persons website as having disappeared in eastern Afghanistan’s Khost province in mid-2014 while conducting research for a book he was writing.
“We are still seeking the immediate return of Mahmood Habibi, Paul Overby, and all other unjustly detained Americans,” Rubio said. “The Taliban must end their practice of hostage diplomacy.”
Bond is $1 for woman accused of illegal abortion
She faces murder charge for taking pills
By The Associated Press
A Georgia judge granted a bond of just $1 for a murder charge faced by a woman accused by police of taking pills to induce an illegal abortion.
“I think that charge is extremely problematic,” Superior Court Judge Steven Blackerby said Monday during a bond hearing for Alexia Moore, according to The New York Times. “That is going to be a hard charge to convict upon.”
Blackerby set a total $2,001 bond for Moore, who spent nearly three weeks jailed in coastal Camden County.
In addition to $1 for the murder charge, the judge ordered $1,000 bond amounts for each of two drug charges Moore faces.
Local police took the 31-year-old Moore into custody March 4 using an arrest warrant with language that echoes a Georgia law banning abortions after embryonic cardiac activity can be detected. That’s generally at about six weeks’ gestation — before many women know they’re pregnant. Moore’s case is one of the first in Georgia of a woman being charged for terminating a pregnancy since the law was adopted in 2019.
The judge’s $1 bond raises questions about how a murder case against Moore might proceed.
District Attorney Keith Higgins of the Brunswick Judicial Circuit didn’t oppose the bond amount in court Monday and told the judge that police didn’t consult his office before they charged Moore, according to reports by The New York Times and the Georgia news website The Current. In order to send Moore to trial for murder, Higgins’ office would first need to obtain an indictment from a grand jury. A person who answered the phone at Higgins’ office Tuesday said he does not comment on pending cases.
Online jail records show that Moore posted bond and was released Monday. She is being represented by attorneys from the Georgia Public Defender Council, which applauded the judge’s decision.
“Today’s decision is a reminder that justice is not served by accusation alone,” the council said in a statement.
“Our system works best when courts carefully weigh the facts, uphold constitutional protections, and safeguard the rights of every person who comes before them.”
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ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO BY YUKI IWAMURA
A Spirit Airlines jet taxis past an Air Canada Express jet on the side of a runway Tuesday where it had collided with a Port Authority fire truck Sunday night at LaGuardia Airport in New York.
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO BY MUDASSIR SAFI
American Dennis Coyle is released by Taliban authorities, who had held him for over a year, before boarding a plane at the airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Tuesday.
CONFLICT IN THE MIDDLE EAST
Diplomatic efforts pick up with Iran
Troops expected to be deployed to Mideast
BY JON GAMBRELL, DAVID RISING and SAMY MAGDY Associated Press
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates
—
President Donald Trump said for a second day that the U.S. was in talks with Iran to end the war as diplomatic efforts picked up Tuesday and Iran issued a newly defiant statement. Airstrikes battered the Islamic Republic while Iranian missiles and drones targeted Israel and sites across the region.
Meanwhile, more American troops prepared to head to the Middle East. At least 1,000 troops from the 82nd Airborne Division will be sent in the coming days, three people with knowledge of the plans told The Associated Press. Thousands of Marines are already heading to the region.
Iran has denied that any negotiations are taking place, and Trump delayed his self-imposed deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran’s chokehold on that crucial waterway has snarled international shipping, sent fuel prices skyrocketing and threatened the world economy.
Pakistan offered to host diplomatic talks, but Iran vowed to fight “until complete victory.”
Any talks between the U.S. and Iran would face monumental challenges. Many of Washington’s shifting objectives, particularly over Iran’s ballistic missile and nuclear programs, remain difficult to achieve. It’s not clear who in Iran’s government would have the authority to negotiate — or be will-
ing to, as Israel has vowed to continue taking out leaders after killing several.
Iran remains highly suspicious of the United States, which twice under the Trump administration has attacked during high-level diplomatic talks, including with the Feb. 28 strikes that started the current war.
The 82nd Airborne is considered the Army’s emergency response force and can typically be deployed on short notice.
It’s the latest addition of American troops after U.S. officials last week said thousands of Marines aboard several Navy ships will be heading to the region.
While the Marine units are trained in missions that include supporting U.S. embassies, evacuating civilians and disaster relief, the soldiers of the 82nd Airborne are trained to parachute into hostile or contested territory to secure key territory and airfields.
The New York Times earli-
er reported that the deployment was being considered.
The Marine deployment to the region raises speculation that the U.S. may try to seize Kharg Island, which is vital to Iran’s oil network.
The U.S. bombed the Persian Gulf island more than a week ago, hitting its defenses but saying it had left oil infrastructure intact.
Iran has threatened to mine the Gulf if the U.S. appears to be on the verge of landing troops.
Trump said he would hold off on a threat to bomb Iran’s power stations while talks unfold — a delay that could be aimed at buying time for the Marines to arrive, the New York-based Soufan Center think tank wrote in an analysis.
However, the center also noted that “Trump could be actively seeking an offramp.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif wrote on X that Pakistan is ready to “facilitate meaningful and conclusive
talks” to end the Iran war.
The U.S. had agreed in principle to join talks in Pakistan, according to three Pakistani officials, one Egyptian official and a Gulf diplomat, while mediators were still working to convince Iran.
One diplomat from the region said the talks could happen by early next week, and that special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-inlaw Jared Kushner are expected to represent the U.S.
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to provide details to the media.
Speaking Tuesday at the White House, the president said the U.S. is “in negotiations right now” and that the participants included Witkoff, Kushner, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance.
“We have a number of people doing it,” Trump said. “And the other side, I can tell you, they’d like to make a deal.”
Proposal to open Strait of Hormuz faces opposition
Bahrain’s plan calls for ‘all necessary means’
BY FARNOUSH AMIRI and EDITH M. LEDERER Associated Press
UNITED NATIONS — A U.N.
Security Council resolution calling for countries to use “all necessary means” to keep the Strait of Hormuz open is facing some opposition for raising the possibility of U.N.-backed military action against Iran, according to three council diplomats.
Bahrain put forward the proposal, which was obtained by The Associated Press on Tuesday, as world powers grapple with how to release Iran’s chokehold on the crucial waterway, which has sent fuel prices skyrocketing and threatened the world economy.
The draft resolution would authorize countries or naval partnerships to use military action to secure passage and “to repress, neutralize and deter attempts to close, obstruct or otherwise interfere with international navigation
through the Strait of Hormuz.”
It also demands that Iran “immediately cease all attacks against merchant and commercial vessels” and stop impeding freedom of navigation in and around the vital waterway, which is impacting international trade, energy security and the global economy.
One of the diplomats said the draft was being reworked Tuesday after a number of countries raised concerns about the resolution being placed under Chapter Seven of the U.N. Charter, which allows the council to authorize actions ranging from sanctions to the use of force.
Bahrain, the Arab representative on the U.N.’s most powerful body, is one of numerous countries in the region to be targeted by Iranian drones or missiles since the U.S. and Israel began striking Iran on Feb. 28. It’s unclear if the U.S., which holds the council presidency this month, has thrown its support behind the measure, but U.S. envoy Mike Waltz has previously stated America’s preference for regional leadership on this issue.
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO BY ALTAF QADRI Oil tankers and cargo ships are backed up in the Strait of Hormuz as seen from Khor Fakkan, United Arab Emirates, on March 11.
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO BY OHAD ZWIGENBERG
Israeli security forces and rescue team respond at the site of an Iranian missile strike in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Tuesday.
Airport disruptions worsen as senators chase deal
BY LISA MASCARO and JOEY CAPPELLETTI Associated Press
WASHINGTON — Travel disruptions deepened Tuesday as senators raced to salvage a proposal to end the Homeland Security shutdown by funding much of the department, including airport workers going without pay, but excluding immigration operations that have been core to the dispute.
The sudden sense of urgency comes as U.S. airports are snarled by long security lines, with travelers being told to arrive hours before their flights in Houston, Atlanta and Baltimore/ Washington International.
Routine Department of Homeland Security funding was halted in mid-February ahead of the busy spring travel season. Nearly 11% of Transportation Security Administration workers who were scheduled to report for duty Monday — more than 3,200 — missed work, and at least 458 have quit altogether since the shutdown began, according to DHS.
Democrats are refusing to fund the department without restraints on Trump’s immigration enforcement and mass deportation operations after federal agents killed two citizens in Minneapolis.
“The time to end this is now,” said Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D.
federal immigration officers at certain airport security checkpoints — a move some lawmakers warned could lead to heightened tensions.
The proposal would fund most of Homeland Security, but not one main part of ICE — the enforcement and removal operations that are core to Trump’s deportation agenda.
Under the plan, ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations would be funded as well as Customs and Border Protection, and it would include funding for officers to wear body cameras, but few other restraints.
For example, there was no mandate that immigration officers wear identification or other changes the White House had floated earlier in talks, including a ban on immigration enforcement at schools, churches, hospitals and other sensitive places, the person said.
While the ICE officers manning airports are going without face-covering masks, the Democratic demand that they go unmasked during immigration operations does not appear to be part of the deal.
the Republican president’s party, and any deal would also have to be approved by the House. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said his party members insist on “bold” changes to ICE.
On Tuesday, Delta Air Lines confirmed it was suspending its specialty services for members of Congress amid the shutdown, meaning those who fly with the carrier will be treated like other passengers based on their SkyMiles status. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution first reported the suspension.
But Democrats panned the offer as insufficient. And President Donald Trump himself was noncommittal.
“I think any deal they make, I’m pretty much not happy with it,” Trump said at an event at the White House swearing in his new Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin. Airport conditions have become increasingly unpredictable with swelling crowds seen in major hubs.
Travelers headed to LaGuardia and John F. Kennedy airports in New York — as well as Newark Liberty International in neighboring New Jersey — still couldn’t check online TSA wait times Tuesday morning. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were
spotted in terminals, including at Philadelphia International Airport, where a protester was seen at one of the checkpoints holding a sign criticizing ICE.
In Houston, passengers at George Bush Intercontinental Airport spent hours Tuesday navigating meandering security lines that twisted and turned across multiple floors.
Airport wait times listed in the MyTSA mobile app may be outdated because the agency isn’t actively updating its websites during the shutdown.
The contours of the deal emerged once a group of Republican senators met with Trump at the White House late Monday, after he upended talks and deployed
Supreme Court considers revival of restrictive immigration asylum policy
It’s a ‘critical tool,’
Trump officials say
BY LINDSAY WHITEHURST Associated Press
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court grappled Tuesday with whether the Trump administration should be able to revive an immigration policy that has been used to turn back migrants seeking asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border.
Some conservative justices seemed receptive to the Justice Department’s push to overturn a lower-court ruling against the practice known as metering. Immigration authorities limited the number of people who could apply for asylum, saying it was necessary to handle an increase at the border.
Advocates say the policy created a humanitarian crisis during President Donald Trump’s first term as people who were turned away settled in makeshift camps in Mexico as they waited for a chance to seek asylum.
The policy isn’t in place now, and Trump ordered a wider suspension of the asylum system at the start of his second term.
The administration, though, argues that metering remains a “critical tool” used under administrations from both parties, and should be available if necessary in the
future.
Some justices seemed open to that argument, though others raised questions about whether the policy would allow people who entered the country illegally to apply for asylum while new arrivals seeking legal entry at the border could be blocked.
“Why would Congress privilege someone who illegally enters the United States?” Justice Brett Kavanaugh asked.
An attorney for the Trump administration maintained that people turned away one day could potentially come back later. “It’s saying our port is at capacity today, try again some other day,” said Vivek Suri, assistant to the solicitor general.
The Associated Press found thousands of immigrants on waiting lists when the policy was in place in 2019.
Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, migrants who arrive in the U.S. must be able to apply for asylum if they fear persecution in their home countries. The legal dispute at the heart of the metering case centers around the meaning of the words “arrive in.”
The Justice Department argues it means anyone who is in the United States already, so it doesn’t apply to people authorities stop on the Mexico side of the border. But immigration attorneys say the law has long meant anyone who comes to
a port of entry must be able to apply, and it should stay that way.
“This life saving protection and more importantly, access to it is enshrined in our laws and has been for decades now,” said Rebecca Cassler, an attorney for the American Immigration Council, after arguments.
Chief Justice John Roberts peppered an attorney for the migrants with questions on exactly where someone must be to claim asylum. But Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson suggested that those questions are hard to answer when the policy isn’t being used.
“It just seems to me that we have a lot of hypotheticals regarding how this policy may have worked in the past, how it’s possibly going to work in the future, but we don’t have a policy in effect right now that we can actually rule on,” she said.
Metering was first used during President Barack Obama’s administration when large numbers of Haitians appeared at the main crossing to San Diego from Tijuana, Mexico. It was expanded to all border crossings from Mexico during Trump’s first term in the White House.
The practice ended in 2020 when the coronavirus pandemic led the government to greater restrictions on asylum-seekers. President Joe Biden formally rescinded the use of metering in 2021.
The proposal was not substantially different from one the two sides had already agreed on before the deaths sparked demands for more changes, according to a person granted anonymity to discuss the details, which have not been publicly released.
“We need strong, strong reforms and we need to rein in ICE,” said Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer.
Since so much of ICE is already funded through Trump’s big tax breaks bill, immigration officers are still receiving paychecks despite the shutdown.
Congress is controlled by
Key to ending the standoff appears to be the senators’ ability to shift the president’s attention off his plan to link any department funding to his push to pass the socalled SAVE America Act, a strict proof-of-citizenship and voter ID bill that has stalled in the Senate ahead of the midterm elections.
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO BY LEKAN OYEKANMI Travelers line up at a TSA checkpoint at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston on Tuesday.
ATTORNEY
Continued from page 1A
Mayor-President Sid Edwards expressed appreciation for Rome’s service to the city-parish and wished the attorney well as he prepares to leave his post.
“While I worked with Greg for just over a year, I always found him to be helpful and responsive since taking office,” the mayor said. “He consistently had the cityparish’s best interests at heart, and I wish him all the best in his retirement.”
The Metro Council unanimously appointed Rome to the position in January 2024, taking over for then-Parish Attorney Andy Dotson.
Before assuming the role as the parish’s top attorney, Rome had served as the office’s director of litigation and risk management since 2016.
Metro Council Mayor Pro Tempore Brandon Noel congratulated Rome on his “distinguished career of service” to the city-parish government.
“His dedication, professionalism and steady guidance will have a lasting impact on our commu-
nity,” Noel said. “I am grateful for his years of commitment and wish him nothing but the best in a welldeserved retirement.”
Rome has been working as an attorney in Baton Rouge and its surrounding parishes since 1991. He has his own criminal defense private practice and served for 10 years as a section chief for the East Baton Rouge Parish Public Defender’s Office.
The parish attorney serves as the chief legal adviser to the Metro Council and the mayor-president, leading a staff that represents the city-parish government in legal matters, oversees litigation and
ensures policies and actions comply with the law.
“I commend my dedicated staff for their outstanding service and wish continued success to all who serve this mayor and council,” Rome said.
It is an unclassified position, meaning there are fewer formal requirements for filling the role than for many other city-parish jobs.
One of the few requirements outlined in the plan of government is that the Metro Council is responsible for making the hire.
In past vacancies, the council
has at times convened a selection committee — typically with appointees from the Southern University Law Center, the Paul M. Hebert Law Center at LSU and the Baton Rouge Bar Association — to review applications, conduct interviews and recommend candidates.
In other instances, council members have bypassed that process, choosing instead to review applications and interview candidates themselves.
Email Patrick Sloan-Turner at patrick.sloan-turner@ theadvocate.com.
Continued from page 1A
subject to Morris’ original proposal. And the senator’s amendments minimized the role of the governor in the process, opting to instead involve the House.
Morris’ first draft had laid out a removal process requiring a recommendation from the governor and a two-thirds vote from the Senate.
That idea sparked backlash over fears that it would make judges beholden to the governor and other politicians, and diminish their ability to make independent decisions, especially when those decisions might adversely affect the state government.
“People had concerns of overreaching by the governor, but I felt like the twothirds (Senate) vote was enough of a guardrail,” Morris said. “However, the governor didn’t care. He just said that we need something to bring accountability to the judiciary in this state.”
BETTORS
Continued from page 1A
While all student athletes need greater protections related to sports betting, that’s especially the case for female student athletes, Reese said in an interview.
“The statistics that we’re seeing nationally about how that predominantly impacts our female student athletes, I think increase even more our need to have some protection around that,” he said.
Reese said the issue came to his attention after it was raised at a December meeting of the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States.
The Gaming Control Board can already prohibit people who pose “a threat to public safety or the integrity of gaming” from participating in gambling activities in Louisiana, said board Chair Christopher Hebert. The board determines the length of a gambling suspension on a case-by-case basis following its rules and procedures, he said.
SB325 would explicitly extend that authority to sports wagering, including mobile platforms, Hebert said.
“It addresses emerging concerns by allowing for
The amendments also made Supreme Court justices and appeals courts judges subject to removal; previously the bill had covered only local judges. Removed judges would be “permanently barred” from running for judicial office in the state again.
Currently, many officials in Louisiana are subject to impeachment, but judges can be sanctioned or removed from the bench only by order of the state Supreme Court. The Louisiana Judiciary Commission, a panel responsible for investigating complaints against judges, can recommend discipline to the high court, but the justices do not have to follow their suggestions. Judges in Louisiana are not subject to recall elections.
The latest version of SB123 is designed to mirror the impeachment process, Morris told the Judiciary C Committee. He argued the bill was necessary to address judicial incompetence in Louisiana.
Morris listed several cases out of Orleans Parish in
the exclusion of individuals who threaten violence against athletes, officials, or others connected to sporting events,” Hebert said.
The NCAA in recent years has been ringing the alarm about threats against student athletes.
Earlier this month, as the March Madness basketball tournaments got underway, it released a new public service announcement to raise awareness about the harassment college athletes face due to sports betting.
“Sports betting continues to be an issue in college sports and threatens the well-being of studentathletes and the integrity of NCAA competition,” the association said in a statement.
“As betting markets have grown, so has the prevalence of harassment.”
A pilot study commissioned by the NCAA for championship events during the 2023-2024 seasons looked at online abuse and threats toward Division I players and monitored the accounts of over 3,000 athletes.
It found that sexual abuse was the most prevalent type of content targeting athletes and 18% of all detected abuse, and abuse related to sports betting and match-fixing allegations made up 12% of all identified instances.
Of the abusive posts, the
which juveniles who he said were already accused or convicted of multiple crimes went on to kill or seriously injure victims after being released. He argued judges treated those juveniles too lightly.
Morris mentioned the killing of Kristie Thibodeaux, a French Quarter tour guide who was shot to death in 2024. Kevin Nunez, a teen who Morris said had multiple prior convictions for offenses including aggravated assault with a firearm, pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with Thibodeaux’s slaying.
Had the judge made “common sense” decisions, “that young lady would still be alive,” Morris said.
State Sen. Heather Cloud, R-Turkey Creek, who supported Morris’ proposal, said it would help deal with “judges who are not applying good sense and good measure to keep families and communities safe.”
But not everyone felt the measure was a good idea.
Senate President Pro Tempore Regina Barrow, D-Ba-
study found 80% were directed at March Madness athletes, with female basketball players receiving about three times more abusive messages than their male counterparts.
Another NCAA study released last fall showed that more than one-third of Division I men’s college basketball players reported experiencing social media abuse related to sports betting within the past year, the association said.
The study found that 7% of Division I men’s college athletes reported receiving negative or threatening messages from fans who bet on their games. That figure was 1% for Division I women’s college athletes. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
ton Rouge, worried the bill was a “slippery slope” that could make judges vulnerable to removal when politicians don’t like their rulings, even without crime or serious misconduct by the judge.
Barrow agreed the Legislature needed to address failures in the criminal justice system, she said, but she did not think SB123 was the way to do so.
Ronald Marshall, a policy analyst for Voice of the Experienced, a group run by formerly incarcerated people that advocates for criminal justice reform, also spoke against the measure.
He said it could be used to target certain communities — such as New Orleans — and take away power from local voters, as judges are locally elected. “This amendment allows state officials to override local elections,” he said. The Judiciary C Committee, which Morris chairs, voted 5-1 to send SB123 to the full Senate with amendments. Barrow cast the only no vote.
Russia fires nearly 400 drones at Ukraine
Barrage on civilian areas kills 6
BY ILLIA NOVIKOV Associated Press
KYIV, Ukraine — A major Russian drone and missile attack on civilian areas of Ukraine killed six people and injured at least 46, officials said Tuesday, while Moscow’s army stepped up efforts to break through Ukrainian front-line defenses in what could be the start of an anticipated spring ground offensive.
Russia fired almost 400 long-range drones at Ukraine overnight, Ukraine’s air force said, in its biggest attack in weeks. The onslaught continued into Tuesday as dozens of drones targeted the capital Kyiv during daylight.
Russia launched swarms of Iranian-designed Shahed drones, hitting at least seven cities, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said on X. Russia also launched 23 cruise missiles and seven
ballistic missiles at Ukraine during the night, hitting at least 10 locations across the country, according to the air force.
Daytime strikes injured 13 people, including three children, in the central Ukraine city of Dnipro, and another daylight attack hit an apartment block in the center of the western city of Lviv, near the Polish border, where 13 people were injured, regional officials said.
The Lviv attack set fire to the city’s 17th-century St. Andrew’s Church, which is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said.
In the central city of Ivano-Frankivsk, the attack damaged maternity hospitals and about 10 apartment buildings, according to Svitlana Onyshchuk, the head of the regional military administration.
Two people were killed and four injured, including a 6-year-old child, she said. Ukrainian civilians have endured relentless barrages since Russia launched
a full-scale invasion of its neighbor more than four years ago.
U.S.-brokered talks between Moscow and Kyiv over the past year have brought no respite, with Russia rejecting Ukraine’s offer of a ceasefire, and in recent weeks, the Iran war has diverted international attention from Ukraine’s plight.
On the roughly 750-mile front line snaking along eastern and southern parts of Ukraine, the short-handed defenders have been bracing for a new offensive by Russia’s bigger army as the weather improves.
The commander-in-chief of Ukraine’s armed forces, Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, said Russian troops have in recent days made simultaneous attempts to break through defensive lines in several strategic areas.
“Fierce fighting unfolded along the entire line of contact,” Syrskyi said Monday on the Telegram messaging app, with Russia launching 619 attacks in four days.
Aid vessel arrives in Havana
BY ANDREA RODRÍGUEZ Associated Press
HAVANA — A ship bringing humanitarian aid to Cuba arrived in Havana on Tuesday loaded with solar panels, bicycles, food and medicine as the island’s economic and energy crises deepen.
Some 30 people were aboard the first of three ships expected to arrive in Cuba as it grapples with severe blackouts, a crumbling power grid and a U.S. energy blockade.
“This type of economic warfare shouldn’t exist, this attitude of a pirate state that doesn’t respect international law,” activist Thiago Ávila told reporters as he disembarked from the ship, christened “Granma 2.0” in homage to the ship that ferried revolutionary leader Fidel Castro to the island in 1956.
“These ships are a drop in an ocean of need ... at the
same time, it’s a gesture of solidarity,” Ávila said.
The ship departed Puerto Progreso, in Mérida, Mexico, last week and two others are heading to Cuba.
“The help is important for us, so that it can be seen that the revolution is not alone,” Antonia Santamaría, a 72-year-old retiree, said as she watched the boat slowly approach the dock.
The flotilla is part of a caravan called “Our America Convoy to Cuba,” with more than 650 participants from 33 countries who arrived on the island last weekend with tons of aid and were received by President Miguel Díaz-Canel.
Visitors included British parliamentarian Jeremy Corbyn, Colombian Sen. Clara López, Spanish politician Pablo Iglesias, and U.S. labor leader Chris Smalls.
The popular Irish hip-hop trio Kneecap also partici-
pated. The energy embargo imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump in late January to bring pressure for a change in the island’s political model has compounded five years of profound economic crisis stemming from the paralysis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and previous U.S. sanctions against the Caribbean nation. Cuba is suffering from transportation shortages, reduced working hours, flight cancellations, and, above all, blackouts, including two island-wide blackouts in recent days. Trump and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio — whose parents emigrated from Cuba in the 1950s — have said they were prepared to “take” the island. Authorities from both countries acknowledged that they are holding talks.
Everyone wantstoavoidtax.Whenpeoplethink aboutavoiding taxes, they usually thinkaboutavoiding income tax. But, Louisianaresidents have to be concernedwith severaltypes of taxeswhentheyare planning theirestates.
FederalEstateTax –Did YouKnow?
Ever yone wantstoavoid tax. When people thinkabout avoidingtaxes,theyusually thinkabout avoidingincometax. But, Louisianaresidents have to be concerned with severaltypes of taxeswhentheyare planning theirestates. FederalEstateTax –Did YouKnow?
Thefederal estate taxappliestoestates of peoplewho areresidents in anyof the50states. When it applies, it is significant. Essentially,whena person dies, we have to addupthe fair market valueofeverythingthe deceased owned–theirhouse, cars,bankaccounts, IRA’s, 401(k)’s,lifeinsurance,stock, businessestheyown,real estate andmore. Since2013, newfederal estate tax laws were passed. Theexemptionamount is $13,610,000 fordeaths occurring in 2024,and theestatetax rate is 40%.
The federalestatetax applies to estatesofpeoplewho areresidents in anyofthe 50 states. When it applies, it is significant.Essentially, when apersondies,wehaveto add up thefairmarketvalue of ever ything thedeceasedowned –their house, cars bank accounts, IRA’s, 401(k)’s, lifeinsurance, stock,businessestheyown,realestate andmore. Effective Januar y1,2026, thefederal estate taxexemption amount is $15,000,000 perperson($30,000,000 formarried couples)for deaths occurring in 2026. The estate taxrateremains at 40%.
What AboutThe SurvivingSpouse?
What AboutThe SurvivingSpouse?
Before 2010, eachspouse hadanestatetax exemption. If theestateofthe first spousetodie didnot usetheir exemption, it wouldbelostand thesurviving spousecouldnot useany of theexemption of thefirst spouse to die. Howeverin 2013, “portability”was kept in place –the survivingspousecan now increase theirexemption by theamount of theunused exemptionamountofthe deceased spouse whodiedafter 2010.But portability must be exercisedtimely.
Before 2010, each spouse hadanestatetax exemption. If theestateofthe first spouse to die did notuse their exemption, it wouldbelostand thesur viving spouse couldnot useany of theexemption of thefirstspousetodie.However in 2013, “portability”was kept in place –the survivingspousecan nowincrease their exemptionbythe amount of theunusedexemption amount of thedeceased spouse whodiedafter2010. Butportability must be exercisedtimely.
HowToAvoid CapitalGains Tax
HowToAvoid CapitalGains Tax
Yes, knowledge is power,and thechoiceisyours.But youMUSTACT NOWtoput your estate plan in place. It allstartsbyattending oneofLaura Poche’sfreeeducational events whichmakes it clear that regardless of your networth,ifyou want to preserve your hard-earnedassets or have people in your lifeyou need to protect or have causesthatyou want to promote, EVERYPERSONNEEDSA LEGAL ESTATE PLAN. LetLaura Pocheand herprofessional andknowledgeable staffmakethis processaseasyaspossiblesoyou canlivewith PEACEOFMIND. Now Returning to YourFavoriteRestaurants
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The taxthatoften creeps up on peoplepeopleiscapitalgains tax. Capitalgains is paid when you sell an assetthathas appreciated in value. Example: you buy astock for$20,000 andlater sell thestock for$100,000. Youwill have $80,000 of capitalgain, andyou must paytax on this.How you structureyour bequests to your spouseand your family can have asignificantimpact on how much capital gainstax your heirswill have to pay. When you die, your assets will be “stepped-up”and your heirswill geta newvalue.
The taxthatoftencreeps up on people people is capitalgains tax. Capitalgains is paid when yousellanasset that hasappreciated in value. Example: youbuy astock for$20,000 andlater sell thestock for$100,000. Youwill have $80,000 of capital gain, andyou must paytax on this.How youstructure your bequests to your spouse andyourfamilycan have asignificantimpactonhow much capital gains taxyourheirswillhavetopay.Whenyou die,yourassets will be “stepped-up” and your heirswill getanew value.
Gifts of $20,000 PerYearPer Person (UsedToBe$10,000 PerYearPer Person)
Youmay have heardyou candonateorgive$20,000 each year perpersonwithout gifttax consequences. Typically, no onepaysgift taxona giftregardlessofthe value of thegift. Asizeable giftwillhaveestateand gifttax consequences.
Youmay have heardyou can donateorgive$18,000 each year perpersonwithout gift taxconsequences.Typically,noone pays incometax on agiftregardlessof the valueofthe gift.A sizeablegiftwill have estate andgifttax consequences
YOUARE INVITED TO AFREE Workshop To LearnHow To:
YOUARE INVITED TO AFREEWorkshopToLearn HowTo:
•Minimize or avoiddeath tax;
• Minimize or avoiddeath tax;
PocheLaw Office 4960 Bluebonnet, Ste. C 2:00pm -4:30pm Refreshments ProvidedAfter
BatonRouge TuesdayJanuary 30 Mestizos 2323 SAcadianThruway 11:00am– 1:30pm LunchProvidedAfter BatonRouge
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Wednesday, April1 PocheLaw Office 4960 Bluebonnet,Ste. C 9:30am-12:00pm LunchProvidedAfter
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PocheLaw Office 4960 Bluebonnet,Ste.C 11:00am– 1:30pm LunchProvidedAfter
Allofour learning
•Makesureyour estate utilizes theexemption availablefor deaths occurring in 2024;
•Makesureyourestateutilizes theexemption availablefor deaths occurringin 2026;
•Properlysetup your Will or Living Trustsothere will be no taxuponthe death of thefirstspouseregardlessofthe size of theestate;
•Properlysetup your Will or Living Trustsotherewill be no taxupon thedeath of thefirst spouseregardlessofthe size of theestate;
•Ensurethatyourheirsreceive astep-up in taxbasis –not just when thefirst spouse dies butagain when thesur viving spouse dies;
•Ensurethatyour heirsreceivea step-upintax basis– notjustwhenthe first spousediesbut againwhenthe survivingspousedies;
2026
• Utilizethe 2024 annualgifttax exclusion to make giftsof$18,000 peryear per person duringyour lifetime to reduceyour taxableestateatyour death…and MUCH MORE!
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workshops employ strict social distancing standardsfor everyone’s safety. Workshops areopentoFIRST-TIMEATTENDEES ONLY andare geared towards peoplewho want or need your legalestateplaninplace quickly. (*)Pleasehaveyour personalcalendarhandy at theworkshopsoyou can choose to startyourplanNOW! Ifmarried,bothspouses must attend aworkshoptoensurethatall decision-makersare involvedinyour family’s coordinatedplan. Allpeoplewho attend will receive a FREE copy of theupdated2nd editionofLaura Poche’sBook, “EstatePlanning Advice by aWoman forLouisiana Women:A Guidefor Both Men andWomen AboutWills,Trusts, Probate, Powers of Attorney,Medicaid, Living Wills and Taxes.” *Non-Louisianaresidents mayattend fora nominal fee.
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO BY MYKOLA TYS
Fire and smoke rises above the city center following Russia’s drone attack in Lviv, Ukraine, on Tuesday.
Jury rules Meta harms
children’s mental health
Company in violation of New Mexico consumer protection law
BY MORGAN LEE Associated Press
SANTA FE, N.M.
— A New Mexico jury decided Tuesday that Meta knowingly harmed children’s mental health and concealed what it knew about child sexual exploitation on its social media platforms, a verdict that signals a changing tide against tech companies and the government’s willingness to crack down.
The landmark decision comes after a nearly sevenweek trial, and as jurors in a federal court in California have been sequestered in deliberations for more than a week about whether Meta and YouTube should be liable in a similar case.
New Mexico jurors sided with state prosecutors who argued that Meta — which owns Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp — prioritized profits over safety. The jury determined Meta violated parts of the state’s Unfair Practices Act on accusations the company hid what it knew about the dangers of child sexual exploitation on its platforms and impacts on child mental health.
The jury agreed with allegations that Meta made false or misleading statements and also agreed that Meta engaged in “unconscionable” trade practices that unfairly took advantage of the vulnerabilities of and inexperience of children.
Jurors found there were thousands of violations, each counting separately toward a penalty of $375 million. That’s less than one-fifth of what prosecutors were seeking.
in a trial where the social media conglomerate is accused of misleading its users about how safe its platforms are for children.
Meta is valued at about $1.5 trillion.
The social media conglomerate won’t be forced to change its practices right away. It will be up to a judge — not a jury — to determine whether Meta’s social media platforms created a public nuisance and whether the company should pay for public programs to address the harms. That second phase of the trial will happen in May.
A Meta spokesperson said the company disagrees with the verdict and will appeal. “We work hard to keep people safe on our platforms and are clear about the challenges of identifying and removing bad actors or harmful content,” the spokesperson said. “We will continue to defend ourselves vigorously, and we remain confident in our record of protecting teens online.”
Attorneys for Meta said the company discloses risks and makes efforts to weed out harmful content and experiences, while acknowledging that some bad material gets through its safety net.
New Mexico’s case was among the first to reach trial in a wave of litigation involving social media platforms and their impacts on chil-
dren.
The trial that started Feb. 9 is one of the first in a torrent of lawsuits against Meta and comes as school districts and legislators want more restrictions on the use of smartphones in classrooms.
More than 40 state attorneys general have filed lawsuits against Meta, claiming it’s contributing to a mental health crisis among young people by deliberately designing Instagram and Facebook features that are addictive.
“Meta’s house of cards is beginning to fall,” said Sacha Haworth, executive director of watchdog group The Tech Oversight Project.
“For years, it’s been glaringly obvious that Meta has failed to stop sexual predators from turning online interactions into real world harm.”
Haworth pointed to whistleblowers like Arturo Bejar, as well as unsealed documents and other evidence, saying it painted a damning picture.
New Mexico’s case relied on a state undercover investigation where agents created social media accounts posing as children to document sexual solicitations and Meta’s response.
Trump administration is sued by Minnesota over three shootings
BY HANNAH FINGERHUT and ALANNA DURKIN RICHER Associated Press
WASHINGTON — Minnesota officials sued the Trump administration on Tuesday for access to evidence they say they need to independently investigate three shootings by federal officers, including the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.
The lawsuit claims the federal government reneged on its promise to cooperate with state investigations after the surge of federal law enforcement in Minneapolis. State officials are seeking a court order demanding the administration comply.
“We are prepared to fight for transparency and accountability that the federal government is desperate to avoid,”
Hennepin
County
Attorney Mary Moriarty said.
The lawsuit marks an escalation in the clash between Minnesota leaders and the Trump administration over the investigations into the high-profile shootings by federal officers that sparked public outcry and protests. The Trump administration has suggested Minnesota officials don’t have jurisdiction to investigate, but state officials insist they need to conduct their own probes because they don’t trust the federal government to investigate itself.
“There has to be an investigation any time a federal agent or a state agent takes the life of a person in our community,” Moriarty said.
The administration sent thousands of officers to the area for the immigra-
tion crackdown as part of President Donald Trump’s national deportation campaign. The Department of Homeland Security considered its largest immigration enforcement operation ever a success but it was staunchly criticized by Minnesota’s leaders who questioned the conduct of officers. There continues to be fallout from Operation Metro Surge in the form of a Homeland Security shutdown, as Democrats in Congress hold up funding in an effort to secure restraints on Trump’s immigration agenda.
A DHS spokesperson said in an email that all shootings are reviewed by an appropriate law enforcement agency, followed by an independent review within the agency.
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ALBUQUERQUE JOURNAL PHOTO BY EDDIE MOORE Meta attorney Kevin Huff makes closing arguments on Monday in Santa Fe, N.M.,
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Rubio says he didn’t know former lawmaker was lobbying for Maduro
BY JOSHUA GOODMAN Associated Press
MIAMI — Secretary of State
Marco Rubio testified in court that he had no knowledge that former Florida congressman David Rivera was lobbying on behalf of Venezuela’s government — as prosecutors later alleged — when he met with his longtime friend to discuss U.S. policy toward the South American country several times at the start of the first Trump administration.
agent after being awarded a $50 million lobbying contract by then-leader Nicolás Maduro’s government.
“I would’ve been shocked” had I known, Rubio said in almost three hours of testimony Tuesday at Rivera’s federal trial in Miami. Rivera and an associate were charged in 2022 with money laundering and failing to register as a foreign
Prosecutors allege that the goal of the lobbying effort was to persuade the White House to normalize relations with Venezuela, while Rivera’s attorneys argue that the three-month contract, which ended before Rivera met with Rubio, was focused exclusively on luring ExxonMobil back to Venezuela — commercial work that is generally exempt from the Foreign Agents Registration Act.
As part of his work, Rivera and his co-defendant are accused of trying to arrange meetings for then-Foreign Minister Delcy Rodríguez — now Venezuela’s acting president — in Dallas, New
York, Washington and Caracas, Venezuela, with White House officials, members of Congress and the chief executive officer of Exxon.
In sometimes deeply personal testimony, Rubio discussed at length friendships that date back to the start of his political career as an aide to Bob Dole’s 1996 presidential campaign and a West Miami council member.
Testifying in a packed courtroom with heightened security, Rubio said he and Rivera became “very close” when they overlapped as members of the Florida legislature. The two CubanAmerican Republicans co-owned a house in Tallahassee, celebrated family events together and ardently opposed Venezuela’s socialist government when both went to Washington at the same time — Rubio elected to the Senate, Rivera to the House.
Trump casts Fla. mail-in ballot as he pushes to limit option
BY BILL BARROW Associated Press
President Donald Trump has cast another mail ballot in Florida as he continues to publicly bash the voting method as a source of fraud and push Congress to curtail the practice.
Palm Beach County voter records show the president voted by mail in a Tuesday special election for state legislative seats and that his ballot has been counted. Early inperson voting in the contest ran through Sunday, when Trump was still at his south Florida estate.
al instances of voters needing accommodations to vote by mail. A spokeswoman pushed back specifically at the idea that his voting practice contradicts his push for new federal voting rules.
“As President Trump has said, the SAVE America Act has commonsense exceptions for Americans to use mail-in ballots for illness, disability, military, or travel — but universal mail-in voting should not be allowed because it’s highly susceptible to fraud,” said White House spokeswoman Olivia Wales in a statement.
out of every 10 million mail votes.
Wales added: “As everyone knows, the President is a resident of Palm Beach and participates in Florida elections, but he obviously primarily lives at the White House in Washington, D.C. This is a non-story.” Nonetheless, Trump has in the last week called mail-in voting “cheating” and “corrupt as hell.” He is urging Congress to pass the SAVE Act.
BY DARLENE SUPERVILLE Associated Press
WASHINGTON
— Melania Trump on Tuesday called on nations to work together to improve access to education and technology for children around the world, delivering her plea as she addressed a gathering of her counterparts from more than 40 countries.
The first lady’s Fostering the Future Together initiative, which she announced last year, and an inaugural two-day summit that she opened Tuesday are exam-
ples of how Melania Trump has expanded her portfolio to embrace global issues.
“As people, we dream. As leaders, we progress. As nations, we will build,” she said in opening remarks. “Beginning today, let’s accelerate our new global alliance, this bond, to positively impact the progress of our children.”
She called on participants to host regional meetings, conduct research studies, begin new partnerships and collaborate with other member countries “to cultivate the skills young people need to be successful in this rapidly evolving world.”
She said the goal of empowering children will be achieved by creating innovative programs, advocating for supportive education policies, sponsoring techfocused legislation and building strong public-private partnerships. “This room is filled with extraordinary human capital,” the first lady said. She urged the leaders seated around a large U-shaped table in a State Department auditorium to “harness it to elevate your children, to empower your people and to accelerate your economies.”
The first lady departed the summit after her remarks.
The White House said Tuesday that Trump’s ire is at states using universal mail-in voting, not individu-
A report by the Brookings Institution published in 2025 found that cases of mail voting fraud occurred in only 0.000043% of total mail ballots cast, or about four cases
The sweeping bill would bar universal mail ballots and, as Wales noted, limit the options to a select few voters such as those with disabilities, military commitments or who are traveling on Election Day. The measure faces steep odds in the closely divided Senate even with the president’s pressure.
Dr.Justin Walbom,DC
BY AUDREY MCAVOY and GENE JOHNSON Associated Press
HONOLULU — Crews on Tuesday began evaluating damage from a surprise downpour that sent floodwaters raging through a neighborhood near downtown Honolulu — the latest bout in a series of storms and flooding that have pummeled the state over the past two weeks.
Residents along Oahu’s North Shore, famous for its big wave surfing, were cleaning up from the worst flooding to hit Hawaii in two decades when a storm Monday unleashed several inches of rain on the southern part of the island.
Reddish-brown torrents gushed along roads in the Manoa Valley, a few miles east of downtown Honolulu, sweeping away parked cars and swamping much of the neighborhood.
“I was shocked to see how much flash flooding there was in my area,” said resident Andrew Phomsouvanh, who recorded video of streets transformed into a confluence of rapids. “The water just keeps coming.”
Natalie Aczon had gone to the drugstore to pick up some medication for her mother on Monday. By the time she left the store some 15 minutes later, water was roaring down the street next to the shopping center.
“People came running out from Longs and one of the guys actually said, ‘That’s my white car.’ And it had elevated,” she said.
The ferocity of Mon -
day’s downpour even took National Weather Service meteorologists aback. They knew that lingering instability from a powerful winter storm system called a “Kona low” could yield more rain, but their models aren’t good at predicting how much moisture can remain in such systems, said forecaster Cole Evans.
“When you think it’s over it’s not quite over,” he said Tuesday.
The downpour, which dumped 2 to 4 inches of rain per hour, was highly localized: One rain gauge in the upper part of the valley recorded 6 inches, while the airport a few miles away got just one-hundredth of an inch.
The Kona low was moving off to the east, Evans said, and should not pose further risk of bursts like Monday’s. A flash flood was in effect for the eastern part of Maui. There were no immediate reports of deaths or serious injuries, but authorities said
hundreds of homes on Oahu’s North Shore had been damaged by last week’s flooding, which came as heavy rains fell on soil already saturated by downpours from a winter storm a week earlier.
More than 230 people had to be rescued. The water pushed houses off their foundations, floated cars out of parking spots and left walls, floor and counters covered with thick, reddish volcanic mud.
Evacuation orders covered 5,500 people north of Honolulu, and some residents fled on surfboards as water reached waist or chest high.
Farms around the state reported more than $9.4 million worth of damage as of Monday, according to a survey conducted by Agriculture Stewardship Hawaii, the Hawaii Farm Bureau and other organizations.
Even before Monday, Gov. Josh Green said the cost of the storm could top $1 bil-
Green fireball lights up sky
Meteor streaks across the Pacific Northwest
BY CLAIRE RUSH
Associated Press
PORTLAND, Ore. — Jason Jenkins was driving to work before dawn when a bright green streak beamed across the sky.
The camera on his dashboard captured the moment at 6:06 a.m. Monday while he was in southwestern Washington state about 20 miles north of Portland, Oregon. Initially he thought it might be a comet, but then figured it was too close to be one.
“It kind of reminded me of a lightning strike because it was so bright,” he said. “The video doesn’t do justice on how bright and close it seemed.”
What Jenkins saw was a fireball, a particularly bright meteor that can be seen up to 80 miles above the Earth, according to the Oregon Museum of Science and Indus-
try in Portland.
Last week a 7-ton meteor sped across the Ohio sky in a fireball that could be seen from several states away. It broke apart in a thunderous boom that startled residents who feared an explosion.
On Saturday, a meteor traveling 35,000 miles per hour broke apart north of Houston, according to NASA. The disintegration caused booms heard by some in the area, the agency said, and a resident told local TV news outlet ABC13 that a piece of the meteor crashed through her roof. Green fireballs like the one Jenkins saw are often due to the presence of magnesium, which emits a bright bluegreen light when heated and vaporized in the Earth’s atmosphere, the museum said. Nickel can also contribute to a green color.
Its altitude in the dark early morning sky made it widely visible, said Jim Todd, the museum’s director of space science education.
“It was bright, it was green, it was spectacular,”
he said Monday. “One tiny little piece of rock put on such a show this morning.”
With the video and other people reporting sightings, it may be possible to determine the direction the fireball was traveling and whether it landed on the Earth’s surface. In most cases, it’s rare that a fireball makes contact with the Earth, and when it does, it can be hard to locate, Todd said.
“Even if it does survive, it looks like a common everyday rock, and nearly almost impossible to find, unless it hit a house or a street or leaves debris behind,” he said.
As the number of people with cameras on their dashboards and doorbells has grown, so have reports of such sightings, he added.
Jenkins said that while he got his dashcam in case of an accident, it was “cool to catch something like that.”
“I won’t go without a dashcam ever again,” he said. “I need to go buy a lottery ticket now.”
lion, including damage to airports, schools, roads, homes and a Maui hospital in Kula. He called it the state’s most serious since flooding since 2004, when
floods in Manoa inundated homes and a University of Hawaii library. Green’s office said Tuesday he had submitted a major disaster declaration request to the Trump administration. Molly Pierce, a spokesperson for the Oahu Emergency Management Agency, said that in addition to volunteers and public workers who have been cleaning up, a contract company had arrived to begin collecting, sorting and removing large piles of debris. She called the storm system “extremely unusual” but that officials were cautiously optimistic Tuesday that the rains are finally ending.
“Most
Board designates new AI major at LSU
BY HALEY MILLER Staff writer
The Louisiana Board of Regents on Tuesday approved a bachelor of science in artificial intelligence at LSU and created a new degree classification: the three-year accelerated bachelor’s degree.
The changes align with a consistent theme from state leaders in recent years: Higher education in the state needs to shape itself around labor market demand and prioritize high-earning programs.
Cassidy declines debate invite
Fleming, Letlow accept radio station studio appearance
BY TYLER BRIDGES Staff writer
Louisiana’s U.S. Senate campaign was stuck Tuesday in a debate about debates.
Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-Baton Rouge, fighting for his political life against two formidable Republican opponents, rejected a debate invitation issued last week by conservative radio talk show host Moon Griffon, who has nicknamed the senator “Psycho Bill.” Griffon said his program offers the best forum for conservatives to hear from candidates in advance of the May 18 party primary.
Treasurer John Fleming and U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow, R-Baton Rouge, have agreed to the debate, which Griffon said would take place in his Lafayette radio station studio from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. April 28. Griffon appears on affiliates throughout Louisiana.
Meanwhile, Letlow has yet to accept Cassidy’s challenge from March 6 that she agree to three televised debates. Two TV networks have offered to host the events.
“Day 18: What is Liberal Letlow Hiding?” read a headline in a news release issued by Cassidy’s campaign staff Tuesday. “Louisiana voters are still waiting for an answer. This would be Letlow’s first real debate opportunity in a competitive statewide race, and instead of stepping up, she continues to avoid the spotlight.”
The Letlow campaign did not respond to a request for an interview with her on Tuesday.
Answering a question in a call with Louisiana reporters, Cassidy said a debate on Griffon’s radio network wouldn’t attract a big enough audience.
“Anyone with a lick of sense, unless they’re promoting their own show, understands that a primetime TV station is where we should be,” Cassidy said. “You want the maximal opportunity for the people on that debate to explain their position.” Griffon on his program Tuesday ridiculed Cassidy’s view.
“Most people will watch it later in the day, later in the night,” Griffon said in his trademark Cajun
ä See CASSIDY, page 2B
“We talked a lot today about how important it is that, as an enterprise, higher education is able to provide the workforce that Louisiana needs,” said Tristan Denley, deputy commissioner for academic affairs and innovation. “We need to do it in ways that provide our campuses with flexibility and nimbleness.”
The four-year AI degree at LSU is the first of its kind in the state, according to Denley. He said the curriculum will include rigorous mathematics, computer science
and AI theory courses, with a focus on the development and implementation of the technology.
“It is a program which is not to teach people about AI, but it is a program to teach people how to be AI engineers,” Denley said.
The LSU Board of Supervisors approved the degree back in December. The proposal said the new major would build on an existing industry capstone course, which gives students the opportunity to consult in teams on AI solutions for area employers.
“Energy, petrochemical, health care, defense and logistics employers in the state are actively integrating AI for predictive analytics, optimization, autonomy, and digital transformation,” the proposal to the board of supervisors said. “LSU’s proposed degree directly addresses this need by producing graduates with the technical depth, ethical grounding and hands-on experience required to build and deploy reliable AI systems at scale.” The Board of Regents also estab-
lished a 90-hour bachelor’s degree and signed off on the first two of such programs in the state — information technology and bioinformatics, both at LSU at Alexandria.
Denley called the accelerated bachelor’s option a “tall, skinny degree” that doesn’t sacrifice depth but does slim down the breadth of study.
“Because of that 90-hour rather than 120, they’re not able to go
ä See LSU, page 2B
GROUP PROJECT
LSU golf course to close in June
Last day for public is in May
BY CHRISTOPHER CARTWRIGHT Staff writer
After more than 60 years, LSU is set to permanently close its golf course this summer. The 18-hole course will remain open to the public through May 9, and it will be shut down on June 30, said Zach Labbe, an LSU spokesperson, in an email Tuesday. “This decision reflects the university’s ongoing evaluation of operational
priorities, financial stewardship, and long-term planning needs,” he wrote. “LSU appreciates the golf course’s longstanding role in the community and is committed to supporting employees through the transition.”
LSU decided to close the course after a “comprehensive, multiyear review,” and that no final decision has been made on a future use of the property.
In 2024, The Advocate reported the university was considering the site as a potential home for
BLOTTER staff reports
endangerment and simple criminal damage to property. Both were booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison. Buffington and Wilson were on a date earlier that evening before they got into a verbal argument that turned physical once they were back at his apartment, police said. In the middle of Wilson throwing things at Buffington in the apartment, she hit the child with a plastic gin bottle. The child started bleeding, but neither individual called EMS nor attempted medical services, BRPD officer accused of felony, lying about a domestic dispute
A Baton Rouge police officer is facing charges after police said he lied about a domestic dispute with his girlfriend that injured her 3-yearold child and left his apartment covered in blood Monday night. Anthony Jerome Buffington, 37, was booked Tuesday afternoon on a felony obstruction of justice charge. Police were dispatched to an apartment complex in the 900 block of Ben Hur Road about 9:30 p.m. after neighbors saw a woman hitting a BRPD unit.
Upon arrival, officers said Buffington told them an “unknown female (who probably did not like the police) was hitting his car.” Police went inside Buffington’s apartment and found his girlfriend, Kayla Wilson, 25, holding her son, whose face was covered in dried blood from a large gash under his eye. Police also said the apartment was a complete disaster with liquids spilled everywhere and a smashed TV. Police called Emergency Medical Services, and the child was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Wilson was arrested for negligent injuring, domestic abuse battery with child
Fleming
Letlow
Laura Henley, left, LSU Panhellenic council president, helps raise an exterior wall at Habitat for Humanity of Greater Baton Rouge 21st LSU Greek Week. Habitat kicked off the building of its 38th home in partnership with LSU Greek Life on Saturday at a Fountain Avenue residence.
Homeowner Iriel Williams is pictured third from left.
STAFF PHOTOS BY MICHAEL DUNLAP
ABOVE: LSU senior and Delta Delta Delta member Mags Reed hammers on a header. RIGHT: LSU students Salihah Daffin, left, of Delta Sigma Theta, and Ariana Patterson, right, of Alpha Kappa Alpha, carry a frame with Tevin Koomson.
Musk tunnel company eyes N.O. for potential loop site
BY JONAH MEADOWS Staff writer
The Boring Company,
Elon Musk’s tunnel company, has selected New Orleans as a potential site for a 1-mile underground loop.
The “NOLA Loop” is one of three winners of the company’s Tunnel Vision Challenge, company officials announced Tuesday. The other winners are Baltimore and Dallas.
Boring Company officials pledged to pay the costs of a “rigorous diligence process” and to “fund/build” the New Orleans tunnel — if it’s determined to be feasible.
Mayor Helena Moreno cited the project as an example of a new excitement among those considering investments in New Orleans.
“Any time major corporations or players are interested in New Orleans, it’s a positive,” Moreno said in a statement. “We are in the early stages of exploring this project.”
It is not clear where the tunnel would be built or what purpose it would serve. So far, the only Boring Company-built tunnels in public use are used to move Teslas around near the Las Vegas Strip. Also unclear is how the project would overcome the geographic limitations of New Orleans, which has
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police said. According to Buffington’s arrest warrant, he denied knowing the child was injured until EMS arrived.
The arrest warrant said Buffington was caught lying multiple times to officers and tampering with evidence “directly related to the investigation by moving his unit, his personal vehicle, and trying to conceal a bloody pillow containing the child’s blood.”
Teacher arrested for alleged child abuse
A special education teacher was arrested for allegedly abusing one of her 6-year-old students at Loranger Elementary School,
CASSIDY
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growl. “Cassidy doesn’t understand that at all.”
On Monday, Griffon pledged to treat Cassidy fairly, saying he wouldn’t ask any “gotcha” questions. But on Tuesday, Griffon blasted Cassidy, saying of Letlow and Fleming, “Compared to him, they are super great. … We will have two candidates here to talk about the issues.” Griffon went on to complain that Cassidy appeared
a historically high water table and sits on soil deposited from the Mississippi River.
No details about the plan were available from the Moreno administration, and representatives of The Boring Company have not responded to questions regarding who submitted the proposal, where it would be built and whether company officials contacted any state or local authorities about it.
Tunnel visions
There were nearly 500 entries to the challenge, which allowed individuals, businesses or governments to propose tunnels and provide their benefit and rationale.
Submissions were judged based on their usefulness, their level of “stakeholder engagement” and their technical, economic and regulatory feasibility, according to the company.
“Whether it is feasible or not, we’ve opened the door for conversations that could lead to opportunities, even if it’s not this one,” Moreno said.
Now that New Orleans has been selected, the next steps in the process include meetings between The Boring Company and “elected officials, regulators, community leaders and business leaders,” as well as “geotechnical borings” and
according to the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office. Laura Tallo, 61, was arrested Monday and charged with simple battery to the infirm.
In January, school leadership told the school’s resource officer about an incident between Tallo and the student. During the investigation, multiple incidents of alleged physical abuse were documented against Tallo.
Tallo was immediately fired from the school in January. She previously worked for Livingston Parish schools as a special education teacher. An arrest warrant was issued for Tallo after additional criminal investigations by the Tangipahoa Sheriff’s Office. She was booked into the Tangipahoa Parish jail Monday.
on his show for years until the radio host lit into him for voting to convict Trump on impeachment charges for inciting the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the Capitol. The vote led Griffon to brand Cassidy as “Psycho Bill.”
Griffon said 1,915 days have passed since Cassidy has been on his show.
Cassidy said Fleming and Letlow would have a homefield advantage on Griffon’s program. He said the host does not raise questions about Letlow’s failure to report individual stock trades more than a year late. Cassi-
“utility and subsurface (infrastructure) investigation,” according to an announcement from The Boring Company.
Headquartered in Hawthorne, California, The Boring Company was spun out of SpaceX in 2018 with the promise of high-speed, lowcost tunnels for transportation and utilities.
Musk initially announced plans to build “hyperloop” tunnels to allow travel at more than 600 mph using magnetic levitation and vacuum tubes. Those plans have been largely abandoned in favor of putting regular Tesla cars in standard-pressure tunnels.
So far, the company has dug more than 10 miles of tunnels in Las Vegas, about 4 miles of which are operational. The company eventually hopes to have a 68mile underground network in Las Vegas capable of moving 90,000 passengers around in Tesla vehicles every hour.
Construction is also underway in Nashville, Tennessee, where the privately funded Music City Loop promises to reduce the time it takes to get from downtown to the airport to about eight minutes.
Last month, state and federal transportation officials approved a lease and permit for The Boring Company to move forward with con-
LSU
Continued from page 1B
quite as broad into other areas and other disciplines,” Denley said. “Instead, they spend more of a proportion of their time concentrating on that specific area of concentration.”
Students pursuing an accelerated bachelor’s will still have general education requirements, but up to 12 hours of that coursework can be replaced by discipline-specific classes under the new degree model.
The degree type will follow the typical approval process, first at the campus level and then at the system level, with the Board of Regents making the final decision on whether to accept or reject a program.
The approval of the two
dy and a super PAC supporting him have pounded Letlow on this issue.
During commercial breaks, listeners heard ads for Letlow and Fleming but none from Cassidy.
Letlow’s ad repeatedly noted that President Donald Trump has endorsed her in the Senate race.
Fleming’s ad describes how he worked his way through college, became a doctor for the Navy and then opened a general practice, has operated businesses, was elected to Congress and worked for the first Trump administration. On a daily basis, Grif -
struction on state-owned land in Tennessee.
“The Music City Loop shows what’s possible when we leverage private-sector innovation and American ingenuity to solve transportation challenges,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in a release announcing the approval.
Several other projects announced by the company never materialized, including a D.C.-to-Baltimore route, airport links in Chicago and San Antonio and multiple proposals in Southern California.
‘Attracting opportunities’ New Orleans’ historically high water table and deltaic soil deposited relatively recently by the Mississippi River have made tunnels in the area extremely rare.
“For years the people of the Deep South shrugged off the thought of having tunnels because they were sure you couldn’t build anything through the muck that is Louisiana’s channel beds,” Times-Picayune reporters wrote in 1958 following the completion of the Harvey Tunnel.
“There’s an adage among engineers that, ‘If you have a choice between building a tunnel or a bridge, build a bridge,’ ” Tulane University historian and geographer Richard Campanella said
accelerated degrees at LSU-A marked one of the last major projects under Chancellor Paul Coreil, who will retire July 1.
Coreil, thanking the regents for greenlighting the proposal, said the 90-hour model will get students into the workforce faster and with less expense.
“At higher ed, one of the criticisms is we move too slow,” Coreil said. “You’re not moving slow now.”
Job market
The moves Tuesday come amid a push from Louisiana lawmakers to mold higher education around industry needs and economic realities.
A handful of bills filed during the regular legislative session deal directly with workforce development at public colleges and universities. The Board
fon rails against liberals and Democrats and praises Trump. He also sometimes criticizes Republicans, including then-Gov. Bobby Jindal and Gov. Jeff Landry for, in his view, straying from the conservative line.
Frustrated that Cassidy won’t agree to appear with Letlow and Fleming, Griffon upped the ante Tuesday, calling on Cassidy to debate him one on one.
On Monday, Jim Engster, who hosts the biggest talk radio program in Baton Rouge — one that is not openly partisan or ideological — offered to host a debate.
Tuesday in a phone interview.
Though the project is technically possible, Campanella said there’s a good reason there are only a few functional tunnels in the region.
“It is a challenge here. You’re not dealing with hard earth; you’re dealing with recently deposited sand silt, clay water and organic matter,” Campanella said.
Historically, abandoned tunnels have left behind buckled pavement on the tarmac at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and on Canal Street above a 700-foot tunnel — resulting in a sinkhole named “Sinky” that emerged in 2016 — built for the abortive Riverfront Expressway.
“The thing was canceled, and the city was stuck with this useless tunnel, now used as valet parking for the casino,” Campanella said, noting that the logistics of the NOLA Loop project will depend on where it is located.
A spokesperson for Moreno’s office has not said whether any city officials were involved in preparing the submission for The Boring Company’s Tunnel Vision competition.
Email Jonah Meadows at jonah.meadows@ theadvocate.com.
of Regents and Louisiana Works would be required to create a statewide career dashboard with information on the employment outcomes and wages of different academic programs if Senate Bill 305 passes.
Another piece of legislation, House Bill 229, would prohibit the use of state funds for degrees with low earning potential, mirroring the “do no harm” framework established for federal student loan recipients under President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.”
“We’re going to have a healthy job market in terms of opportunity,” Rep. John Wyble, R-Franklinton, who authored the bill, said earlier this month. “We’re going to invest those dollars strategically to make sure that we’re producing that workforce.”
Speaking on Griffon, Engster added, “he is a partisan. Because of that, I think Cassidy would be out of his mind to go on that show.”
Engster then noted that Cassidy rejected calls that he debate his opponents during his 2020 reelection campaign.
The senator probably would not debate his Democratic opponent in November if he wins the Republican primary, Engster predicted. Cassidy would probably be heavily favored in that election against either Nick Albares, Jamie Davis or Gary Crockett.
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a proposed $400 million arena on campus. Records obtained by The Advocate at the time showed studies had been run on how an arena in that location might affect traffic patterns. The course also faced possible closure in 2015, when LSU was developing a master plan for the university and seeking to optimize space.
Located at Nicholson Drive and Gourrier Avenue, the course has been operating at a net loss in recent years. A university budget document shows the course reported around $525,000 in operating revenues and expenses of roughly $718,000 in 2025. Similar numbers were reported in 2024, with a total operating loss of $259,588.
The course was previously the home of the university’s golf teams until they switched in 1998 to the University Club on Memorial Tower Drive.
BUSINESS
BRIEFS
FROM WIRE REPORTS
Stocks slip after rally as uncertainty continues
NEW YORK — U.S. stock indexes slipped Tuesday and gave back some of their rallies from the day before, while oil prices got back to rising as uncertainty continues about how long the war with Iran will last.
The S&P 500 fell 0.4% after yoyoing through the day. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 84 points, or 0.2%, while the Nasdaq composite sank 0.8%.
Markets have been on a roller coaster since President Donald Trump raised hopes that the war with Iran could end soon when he said Monday that the United States and Iran held productive talks “regarding a complete and total resolution of our hostilities in the Middle East.” His announcement, which came just before Wall Street opened for trading, caused financial markets worldwide to reverse momentum immediately.
It calmed worries that the war may cause a long-term disruption to the oil and natural gas industry in the Persian Gulf, one big enough to send a blast of inflation to the region’s customers worldwide.
But the financial market has since gotten both encouraging and discouraging signals about the war. On one side, attacks continued in the Middle East Tuesday after Iran denied having direct talks with the United States. On the other, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif wrote on X that his country is ready to “facilitate meaningful and conclusive talks” to end the Iran war.
Chances of a Federal Reserve rate hike fade
WASHINGTON — The jump in gas prices stemming from the war in Iran has had another impact that may also affect many Americans’ finances: higher interest rates.
Longer-term interest rates have risen quickly since the war began Feb. 28, pushing up the cost of mortgage loans, auto loans, and business borrowing. And with inflation measures likely to rise in the coming months, the prospect of interest rate cuts this year by the Federal Reserve is fading. Wall Street investors instead see the odds rising of an actual rate hike instead. The fact that a rate hike has become a plausible scenario — even as most economists still see it as unlikely — represents a sharp turnaround from early this year, when the debate was more focused on how many times the Fed would reduce its key rate, rather than whether it would do so at all.
Wall Street investors no longer foresee any rate reductions this year, according to futures pricing tracked by CME Fedwatch. And the odds of a rate hike by October have risen to nearly 25%, up from zero just a week ago.
Epic Games lays off more than 1,000
Fortnite publisher Epic Games said Tuesday it is laying off 1,000 employees to save money as it grapples with industrywide and company-specific challenges.
The Cary, North Carolinabased video game publisher said in a memo to employees that the job cuts are not related to artificial intelligence. Rather, they stem from industrywide challenges such as slower growth, weaker spending and tougher cost economics. Games like Fortnite are also competing for people’s attention against social media and other forms of online entertainment.
In addition, Epic said it’s had its own company-specific hurdles, for example, it is “only in the early stages of returning to mobile” after court battles with Apple and Google over app store payments.
Epic said it has 4,000 employees after Tuesday’s layoffs, which amount to about 20% of the company’s workforce.
The company’s last largescale layoffs were in 2023, when it cut 830 jobs.
Poll: Job market outlook gloomy
Americans have bleak view of job search
BY CHRISTOPHER RUGABER AP economics writer
WASHINGTON — Americans’ outlook on the job market has turned increasingly pessimistic, a surprisingly negative shift given the low unemployment rate but one that likely reflects an ongoing hiring drought.
Just 28% of workers in a quarterly Gallup survey conducted late last year said now is a “good time” to find a quality job, with 72% saying it is a bad time. Those figures are a sharp reversal from just a few years ago, in mid-2022, when 70% said it was a good time.
Americans have quickly gotten more pessimistic: As recently as
late 2024, just under half of workers still said it was a good time to search for a job. The current survey was conducted during the final three months of 2025, long before the Iran war that has sent oil and gas prices soaring and threatens to slow the economy as Americans redirect more of their dollars to filling gas tanks and away from other spending.
The figures help explain other surveys that show Americans have a largely bleak view of the economy, even as many headline measures suggest it has been growing and job losses are low.
Job pessimism is especially pronounced among college graduates. The shift is likely because hiring in many white-collar professions has been unusually weak for the past two years, in areas such as software,
customer service and advertising.
The survey found a split based on education levels, with just 19% of workers with a college degree thinking that now is a good time to find a quality job, while 35% of workers without a college degree are optimistic.
A separate Gallup survey of U.S. adults overall found that college graduates’ optimism about the job market is the lowest it’s been since 2013. Meanwhile, the gap in job market sentiment between Americans with and without a college degree was at its widest in that survey since Gallup started asking the question in 2001.
Just about 2 in 10 workers ages 18-34 think now is a good time to find a job, compared to about 4 in 10 workers ages 65 and older who say the same.
Gallup’s survey is consistent with what economists call the “low-hire, low-fire” job market: Businesses are largely holding onto their workers and measures of layoffs remain quite low. As a result, older workers are largely secure in their jobs. But hiring is also quite sluggish, making it harder for younger workers to break in and find permanent work. The Gallup results come as government data shows that overall hiring is at its weakest level in more than a decade. The Labor Department tracks a “hiring rate,” or the proportion of people who are hired each month as a percent of those with jobs. The hiring rate dropped to 3.2% last November, around when Gallup conducted its survey, the lowest since March 2013. It was 3.9% before the pandemic.
Asia boosts coal use as Iran conflict squeezes global natural gas supplies
War in Middle East disrupts other fossil fuel supplies
BY ANTON L. DELGADO and ANIRUDDHA GHOSAL Associated Press
BANGKOK — Asian countries are turning to coal as the Iran war disrupts oil and gas shipments.
The continent is exposed because it relies on imported fuel, much of it passing through the Strait of Hormuz — a chokepoint for about a fifth of global oil and natural gas trade.
LNG is a natural gas cooled to liquid form for easy storage and transport. It has been promoted as a bridge fuel in the shift from oil and coal to cleaner energy sources. The U.S. has sought to expand exports of LNG across Asia. It burns cleaner than coal, but still emits climate change -causing gases, especially methane.
The war has countries shifting back to coal to cover LNG shortfalls. India is burning more coal to meet higher summer demand.
South Korea has lifted caps on electricity from coal. Indonesia is prioritizing using its domestic supply. Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam are boosting coal-fired power.
Burning more coal risks worsening smog in major cities, slowing the transition to renewable energy and increasing the region’s planet-warming emissions.
Coal is a short-term fix, experts say, while renewables are the long-term solution. Continued reliance on coal exposes Asia to future shocks, said Julia Skorupska, of the global coalition Powering Past Coal Alliance.
“This kind of crisis is a real sort of warning,” she said.
Coal is integral to Asia’s emergency energy plans. Its wide availability in Asia makes it the default backup when renewables or gas fall short, said Sandeep Pai, an energy expert at Duke University.
China, the top coal consumer and producer, has built record coal power generating capacity since 2021 to improve its energy security. Its national policy calls for continued use of coal, even as its vast clean energy capacity offers some relief.
India, the second-largest coal consumer and producer, is bracing for a scorching summer and will rely more on coal to meet peak demand of 270 gigawatts — nearly twice the electricity Spain can produce. It
has enough coal for about three months, with some stockpiles earmarked for small businesses.
Two Indian liquefied petroleum gas shipments totaling more than 92,700 tons recently made it through the Strait of Hormuz. Such imports will likely be directed to industries such as fertilizer production rather than power generation, Pai said.
Coal advocates such as Michelle Manook of FutureCoal say the shortfall would be worse without coal and future use should be strategic. “The lesson has to be diversity,” she said.
Pauline Heinrichs, who studies climate and energy at King’s College London, points to China’s boosting use of coal to offset hydropower shortfalls due to droughts, worsening emissions that contribute to climate change.
“You learn to respond to shocks generated by certain insecurities by reproducing the insecurity,” she said.
Adding to the vulnerability for import-
dependent countries, Indonesia, the world’s largest exporter, is prioritizing domestic use over exports. That could tighten regional supplies and push global prices higher, said Putra Adhiguna of the Energy Shift Institute. Coal prices are set globally, leaving importers exposed to swings and disruptions. More coal does not guarantee cheap or reliable power, said Russell Marsh, of E3G. Vietnam is already facing that volatility. It increased imports after weather-related shortages, but supplies from Indonesia are now uncertain so it’s considering importing coal from the U.S. and Laos, according to energy market tracker Argus Media.
The main price for coal used in Asia, called Newcastle coal from Australia, has risen 13% since the war began.
Higher prices will also hurt southeast Asia, the world’s third-largest coal-consuming region. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday declared a state of national energy emergency.
Anthropic and Pentagon head to court over ‘stigmatizing’ label
AI firm seeks end to supply chain risk designation
BY MICHAEL LIEDTKE and MATT O’BRIEN AP technology writers
SAN FRANCISCO — Artificial intelligence company Anthropic is asking a federal judge on Tuesday to temporarily halt the Pentagon’s “unprecedented and stigmatizing” designation of the company as a supply chain risk.
A hearing scheduled for Tuesday in a California federal court marks a critical step in the feud between Anthropic and the Trump administration over how the company’s AI technology could be used in war. Anthropic sued earlier this
month to stop the Trump administration from enforcing what the company calls an “unlawful campaign of retaliation” over its refusal to allow unrestricted military use of its technology.
The company is asking U.S. District Judge Rita Lin for an emergency order that would temporarily reverse the Pentagon’s decision to designate the AI company a “supply chain risk.” Anthropic also seeks to undo President Donald Trump’s order directing all federal employees, not just those in the military, to stop using its AI chatbot Claude. Lin is presiding over the case in federal court in San Francisco, where Anthropic is headquartered.
The AI firm has also filed a separate and more narrow case in the federal appeals court in Washington, D.C. Lin sent both sides a number of questions she wants them to an-
swer at Tuesday’s hearing, including about discrepancies between Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s formal directive declaring Anthropic a potential threat to national security and what he posted about it on social media.
Anthropic has said it sought to restrict its technology from being used for mass surveillance of Americans and fully autonomous weapons. Hegseth and other highranking officials publicly insisted the company must accept “all lawful” uses of Claude, threatened punishment if Anthropic did not comply and condemned the firm and its CEO Dario Amodei on social media.
When Amodei refused to bend, Trump announced on Feb. 27 that he was immediately ordering all federal employees to stop using Anthropic, calling it a “radical left,
woke company” that was putting troops at risk. He gave a longer period of six months for the Pentagon to phase out Anthropic’s technology, which is already embedded in classified military platforms, including those used in the Iran war.
Anthropic’s lawsuit alleges that the government actions violated the First Amendment and due process laws.
“Put simply, the Executive Branch is leveraging its powers to punish a major American company for the sin of expressing its views on a matter of profound public significance,” it said in a legal filing last week.
Department of Justice lawyers countered in their own court filing last week that the Trump administration’s actions targeted Anthropic’s commercial conduct, not its free speech rights.
ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO BY NG HAN GUAN
Guohua Power Station, a coal-fired power plant, operates as people sell items on a street in Dingzhou, Baoding, in northern China’s Hebei province on Nov. 10, 2023. Asian countries are turning to heavier coal use as the war in Iran continues to disrupt oil and gas shipments.
Tiner,
Obituaries
Fournet,EmileJon
EmileJonFournet, knownaffectionatelyto manyas"BigE",passed awayonMarch15,2026,at theageof88.Alifelong Louisianian,hewasborn onJanuary10,1938,inBogalusa,Louisiana,tothe lateEmileJonFournetand GladysJohnstonFournet. EmilegrewupinBogalusa andwasaproudgraduate ofBogalusaHighSchool. Hewasapproachedbythe DetroitTigersasapotentialcatcherinHighSchool, buthedeclinedthatopportunityinpreferenceof playingfootballfor LouisianaStateUniversity. AtLSU,hebecameamemberofthecelebrated1958 LSUNationalChampion FootballTeam,originally asamemberofLSU'slegendary"ChineseBandits" defensiveunitduringthe nationalchampionship season.Hewassubsequentlypromotedtothe starting"WhiteTeam" (first-teamoffensive/defensiveunit)forthe1959 season,whereheserved asaleftguard,anaccomplishmentthatremaineda sourceofgreatpride throughouthislife.After histimeatLSU,Emilebuilt alongandvariedcareer, beginningwithAmerican Bank,whereheworked fromapproximately1960 until1977.Hewentonto workatDunawayRealty andlaterasanauditorat MidsouthTransportation beforehisretirement.Beyondhisprofessionallife, Emilewasamanofcompetitivepassions.Hewasa loverofplayinggolfand softballasayoungman, andpreviouslyanownerof quarterhorses,thoroughbreds,andforatime,greyhounds,pursuitsthatreflectedhisloveofcompetition.Hewasalwayswarm andapproachable,ever readytostrikeupaconversationaboutfootball, golf,or"oldtimes."Those whoknewhimunderstood thattimespentwithBigE meantgoodstories,easy laughter,andgenuine warmth.Emileissurvived byhislovingwife,MaryAliceD'amicoFournetofBatonRouge;hisdaughter,
LSUNationalChampion FootballTeam,originally asamemberofLSU'slegendary"ChineseBandits" defensiveunitduringthe nationalchampionship season.Hewassubsequentlypromotedtothe starting"WhiteTeam" (first-teamoffensive/defensiveunit)forthe1959 season,whereheserved asaleftguard,anaccomplishmentthatremaineda sourceofgreatpride throughouthislife.After histimeatLSU,Emilebuilt alongandvariedcareer, beginningwithAmerican Bank,whereheworked fromapproximately1960 until1977.Hewentonto workatDunawayRealty andlaterasanauditorat MidsouthTransportation beforehisretirement.Beyondhisprofessionallife, Emilewasamanofcompetitivepassions.Hewasa loverofplayinggolfand softballasayoungman, andpreviouslyanownerof quarterhorses,thoroughbreds,andforatime,greyhounds,pursuitsthatreflectedhisloveofcompetition.Hewasalwayswarm andapproachable,ever readytostrikeupaconversationaboutfootball, golf,or"oldtimes."Those whoknewhimunderstood thattimespentwithBigE meantgoodstories,easy laughter,andgenuine warmth.Emileissurvived byhislovingwife,MaryAliceD'amicoFournetofBatonRouge;hisdaughter, MichelleFournetFaxon; hissons,Brian"Chad" Fournet,MichaelD'amico, andFrankD'amico;hissisters,SybilCashe,Marjorie FournetSealsandBrenda Fournetandnumerous grandchildren,including JustinFournet,KellyBoles Throckmorton,Nicholas "Nick"Fournet,Blake Borskey,JaciFournetSibley,KevinFournet,Brandy D'amicoRivet,Michael D'amico,TravisD'amico, TrentD'amico,25Great Grandchildren,and2Great -GreatGrandchildren.He wasprecededindeathby hisparents;hisson, Richard"Ricky"Emile Fournet;hisbrothers,SidneyFournetSrandDaniel Fournet;andhissister, DorothyFournetBurcham. Emile'sfaithwasaquiet butsteadypresenceinhis life,andhisfamilyfinds comfortinknowinghe restsnowinthepeaceof theLord.AmemorialservicewillbeheldSaturday, March28,atRabenhorst FuneralHome,11000FloridaBlvd,BatonRouge,LA 70815.Visitationwillbe from1:00p.m.until3:00 p.m.,withthememorial servicefrom3:00p.m.to 4:00p.m.Inlieuofflowers, thefamilykindlyrequests thatdonationsbemadeto thecharityofyourchoice.
Throckmorton,Nicholas "Nick"Fournet,Blake Borskey,JaciFournetSibley,KevinFournet,Brandy D'amicoRivet,Michael D'amico,TravisD'amico, TrentD'amico,25Great Grandchildren,and2Great -GreatGrandchildren.He wasprecededindeathby hisparents;hisson, Richard"Ricky"Emile Fournet;hisbrothers,SidneyFournetSrandDaniel Fournet;andhissister, DorothyFournetBurcham. Emile'sfaithwasaquiet butsteadypresenceinhis life,andhisfamilyfinds comfortinknowinghe restsnowinthepeaceof theLord.AmemorialservicewillbeheldSaturday, March28,atRabenhorst FuneralHome,11000FloridaBlvd,BatonRouge,LA 70815.Visitationwillbe from1:00p.m.until3:00 p.m.,withthememorial servicefrom3:00p.m.to 4:00p.m.Inlieuofflowers, thefamilykindlyrequests thatdonationsbemadeto thecharityofyourchoice.
Gallaspy,JohnNorman
GUARANTEED
JohnNormanGallaspy ofBogalusa,Louisiana, passedawaypeacefullyat OurLadyofAngelshospitalonMarch21,2026.John wasbornonNovember8, 1932,totheunionofFrancisNormanGallaspyand HazelWeeksGallaspy.At theageofthree,John's motherdiedofpostoperativecomplications.HisfatherremarriedMaryLeigh MarshallofStonewall,and thisunionwouldgiveJohn awonderful,lovingmother andlater,twobeautiful sisters,KathleenandVirginia.JohnenjoyedahappychildhoodinruralDeSotoParishbutenduredthe hardshipsoftheGreatDepressionandthefearand uncertaintyofWorldWar II.
ThefamilyfarmprovidedJohntheopportunityto pursuehispassionof growingwatermelons. Withtheassistanceofhis father,Johnplantedhis firstwatermelonpatchat
JohnNormanGallaspy ofBogalusa,Louisiana, passedawaypeacefullyat OurLadyofAngelshospitalonMarch21,2026.John wasbornonNovember8, 1932,totheunionofFrancisNormanGallaspyand HazelWeeksGallaspy.At theageofthree,John's motherdiedofpostoperativecomplications.HisfatherremarriedMaryLeigh MarshallofStonewall,and thisunionwouldgiveJohn awonderful,lovingmother andlater,twobeautiful sisters,KathleenandVirginia.JohnenjoyedahappychildhoodinruralDeSotoParishbutenduredthe hardshipsoftheGreatDepressionandthefearand uncertaintyofWorldWar II.
ThefamilyfarmprovidedJohntheopportunityto pursuehispassionof growingwatermelons. Withtheassistanceofhis father,Johnplantedhis firstwatermelonpatchat theageof10in1943.Given thewar,commercialfertilizerandfuelwerescarce, butJohnmadedowith barnyardfertilizerandthe familyhorse.Hisfirst patchproducedseveralvarietiesofmelons,including theKeckleySweetandthe DixieQueen,onesolarge thathewasunableasa youngboytocarryitoutof thepatch.
andlater,twobeautiful sisters,KathleenandVirginia.JohnenjoyedahappychildhoodinruralDeSotoParishbutenduredthe hardshipsoftheGreatDepressionandthefearand uncertaintyofWorldWar II. ThefamilyfarmprovidedJohntheopportunityto pursuehispassionof growingwatermelons. Withtheassistanceofhis father,Johnplantedhis firstwatermelonpatchat theageof10in1943.Given thewar,commercialfertilizerandfuelwerescarce, butJohnmadedowith barnyardfertilizerandthe familyhorse.Hisfirst patchproducedseveralvarietiesofmelons,including theKeckleySweetandthe DixieQueen,onesolarge thathewasunableasa youngboytocarryitoutof thepatch.
firstwatermelonpatchat theageof10in1943.Given thewar,commercialfertilizerandfuelwerescarce, butJohnmadedowith barnyardfertilizerandthe familyhorse.Hisfirst patchproducedseveralvarietiesofmelons,including theKeckleySweetandthe DixieQueen,onesolarge thathewasunableasa youngboytocarryitoutof thepatch.
Attheageof15,John graduatedfromPelican HighSchoolandenrolled atLSUasoneofthe youngeststudentsoncampus.Hemajoredinhistory withaminorinEnglish, wasamemberofSigma Chifraternity,andwasactiveintheCorpsofCadets, servingasthecompany commanderhissenior year.Ongraduating,he wascommissionedaSecondLieutenantintheU.S. ArmyFieldArtillery.
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Attheageof15,John graduatedfromPelican HighSchoolandenrolled atLSUasoneofthe youngeststudentsoncampus.Hemajoredinhistory withaminorinEnglish, wasamemberofSigma Chifraternity,andwasactiveintheCorpsofCadets, servingasthecompany commanderhissenior year.Ongraduating,he wascommissionedaSecondLieutenantintheU.S. ArmyFieldArtillery.
Attheageof15,John graduatedfromPelican HighSchoolandenrolled atLSUasoneofthe youngeststudentsoncampus.Hemajoredinhistory withaminorinEnglish, wasamemberofSigma Chifraternity,andwasactiveintheCorpsofCadets, servingasthecompany commanderhissenior year.Ongraduating,he wascommissionedaSecondLieutenantintheU.S. ArmyFieldArtillery.
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barnyardfertilizerandthe familyhorse.Hisfirst patchproducedseveralvarietiesofmelons,including theKeckleySweetandthe DixieQueen,onesolarge thathewasunableasa youngboytocarryitoutof Attheageof15,John graduatedfromPelican
Afteradditionaltraining, JohnwasdeployedtoKoreainthefallof1952,servingasaforwardobserver forthe39thFieldArtillery Battalion,15thInfantry RegimentoftheThirdInfantryDivision.Hewasinvolvedinintense,often hand-to-handcombatand ononeoccasionwhenhis positionwasoverrunby enemyforces,Johnwas forcedtocallinartillery fireonhisownposition. Duringanotherbattle,an enemymortarroundimpactedrightinfrontof him,liftingJohnoffthe groundandleavinghim withpermanentdeafness inoneear.HelaterparticipatedintheBattleofOutpostHarry,oneofthelast majorengagementsofthe KoreanWar.Fightingat nightunderheavymortar fire,U.S.andGreektroops defendedthisstrategicpositionfromrepeatedattacksbytheArmyofthe People'sRepublicofChina. Morethan50yearslater, oneofJohn'sfellowofficerswrotehimaletterof gratitudeforhiscontributiontothisbattle.John's comradeexplainedthathe hadbeenseverelywoundedandashelostconsciousness,thelastvoice heheardoverhisradio wasthatofLt.Gallaspy,
Afteradditionaltraining, JohnwasdeployedtoKoreainthefallof1952,servingasaforwardobserver forthe39thFieldArtillery Battalion,15thInfantry RegimentoftheThirdInfantryDivision.Hewasinvolvedinintense,often hand-to-handcombatand ononeoccasionwhenhis positionwasoverrunby enemyforces,Johnwas forcedtocallinartillery fireonhisownposition. Duringanotherbattle,an enemymortarroundimpactedrightinfrontof him,liftingJohnoffthe groundandleavinghim withpermanentdeafness inoneear.HelaterparticipatedintheBattleofOutpostHarry,oneofthelast majorengagementsofthe KoreanWar.Fightingat nightunderheavymortar fire,U.S.andGreektroops defendedthisstrategicpositionfromrepeatedattacksbytheArmyofthe People'sRepublicofChina. Morethan50yearslater, oneofJohn'sfellowofficerswrotehimaletterof gratitudeforhiscontributiontothisbattle.John's comradeexplainedthathe hadbeenseverelywoundedandashelostconsciousness,thelastvoice heheardoverhisradio wasthatofLt.Gallaspy, himselfunderfire,calmly andpreciselydirectingartilleryfire.TheofficerbelievedJohn'saccurate,unrelentingfiresupportnot onlysavedhislifeand manyothers,butalso playedasignificantrolein theU.S.andGreekforces retainingcontrolofthis criticaloutpost.Forhis serviceinthebattle,John wasawardedtheBronze StarforValorinCombat.
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Afteradditionaltraining, JohnwasdeployedtoKoreainthefallof1952,servingasaforwardobserver forthe39thFieldArtillery Battalion,15thInfantry RegimentoftheThirdInfantryDivision.Hewasinvolvedinintense,often hand-to-handcombatand ononeoccasionwhenhis positionwasoverrunby enemyforces,Johnwas forcedtocallinartillery fireonhisownposition. Duringanotherbattle,an enemymortarroundimpactedrightinfrontof him,liftingJohnoffthe groundandleavinghim withpermanentdeafness inoneear.HelaterparticipatedintheBattleofOutpostHarry,oneofthelast majorengagementsofthe KoreanWar.Fightingat nightunderheavymortar fire,U.S.andGreektroops defendedthisstrategicpositionfromrepeatedattacksbytheArmyofthe People'sRepublicofChina. Morethan50yearslater, oneofJohn'sfellowofficerswrotehimaletterof gratitudeforhiscontributiontothisbattle.John's comradeexplainedthathe hadbeenseverelywoundedandashelostconsciousness,thelastvoice heheardoverhisradio wasthatofLt.Gallaspy, himselfunderfire,calmly andpreciselydirectingartilleryfire.TheofficerbelievedJohn'saccurate,unrelentingfiresupportnot onlysavedhislifeand manyothers,butalso playedasignificantrolein theU.S.andGreekforces retainingcontrolofthis criticaloutpost.Forhis serviceinthebattle,John wasawardedtheBronze StarforValorinCombat.
Afterthewarended, Johnwasacceptedinto LSULawSchool,wherehe servedasstudentbody presidentandwasinductedintotheLawSchool's HallofFame.Asgraduationnearedandhebegan interviewingforjobs,a friendsethimupona blinddatewithDixieNell Yates.Theyfellinloveand weremarriedinJuneof 1958.Theyremainedmarriedforalmost60years untilDixie'sdeathin2016.
Afterthewarended,
munitywhiledeveloping lifelongfriendshipswith eachotherandtheir clients.Onelongtime clientwassoappreciative ofJohn'sassistanceover theirmanyyearsthathe tooktheunusualstepof publiclyexpressinghis gratitudeinalocalnewspaper,writinginaletterto theeditorthatJohnwas
practicinglawforalmost 60years,Johnretiredin 2016.
AsmuchasJohnenjoyedpracticinglaw,it wasoftencorrectlysaid thathewouldratherbe knownasachampionwatermelongrower.Itwas notuncommontoseeJohn donningalightweight,
graduatedfromPelican HighSchoolandenrolled atLSUasoneofthe youngeststudentsoncampus.Hemajoredinhistory withaminorinEnglish, wasamemberofSigma Chifraternity,andwasactiveintheCorpsofCadets, servingasthecompany commanderhissenior year.Ongraduating,he wascommissionedaSecondLieutenantintheU.S. ArmyFieldArtillery.
Afteradditionaltraining, JohnwasdeployedtoKoreainthefallof1952,servingasaforwardobserver forthe39thFieldArtillery Battalion,15thInfantry RegimentoftheThirdInfantryDivision.Hewasinvolvedinintense,often hand-to-handcombatand ononeoccasionwhenhis positionwasoverrunby enemyforces,Johnwas forcedtocallinartillery fireonhisownposition. Duringanotherbattle,an enemymortarroundimpactedrightinfrontof him,liftingJohnoffthe groundandleavinghim withpermanentdeafness inoneear.HelaterparticipatedintheBattleofOutpostHarry,oneofthelast majorengagementsofthe KoreanWar.Fightingat nightunderheavymortar fire,U.S.andGreektroops defendedthisstrategicpositionfromrepeatedattacksbytheArmyofthe People'sRepublicofChina. Morethan50yearslater, oneofJohn'sfellowofficerswrotehimaletterof gratitudeforhiscontributiontothisbattle.John's comradeexplainedthathe hadbeenseverelywoundedandashelostconsciousness,thelastvoice heheardoverhisradio wasthatofLt.Gallaspy, himselfunderfire,calmly andpreciselydirectingartilleryfire.TheofficerbelievedJohn'saccurate,unrelentingfiresupportnot onlysavedhislifeand manyothers,butalso playedasignificantrolein theU.S.andGreekforces retainingcontrolofthis criticaloutpost.Forhis serviceinthebattle,John wasawardedtheBronze StarforValorinCombat.
Afterthewarended, Johnwasacceptedinto LSULawSchool,wherehe servedasstudentbody presidentandwasinductedintotheLawSchool's HallofFame.Asgraduationnearedandhebegan interviewingforjobs,a friendsethimupona blinddatewithDixieNell Yates.Theyfellinloveand weremarriedinJuneof 1958.Theyremainedmarriedforalmost60years untilDixie'sdeathin2016.
JohnandDixieinitially residedinLakeCharles, butthehappycouplesoon movedtoBogalusa,where theyraisedtheirthree sons,Whit,Gardnerand Lee.JohnbecametheChief ProsecutorforWashington ParishunderDistrictAttorneyW.W."Squinch"Erwin, BogalusaCityAttorneyunderMayorC.P.Verger,and CityAttorneyforthevillageofSununderMayor LuLuMizell.Proudtobea "smalltownlawyer," John'scivilpracticeincludedawiderangeoflegal services,includinglitigation,realestate,successionsandwills.Heandhis longtimelawpartner, MickeyPaduda,andtheir staff,RachelPierce,FreddieTourneandAnitaLavinghouse,becameacornerstoneofthelegalcommunitywhiledeveloping lifelongfriendshipswith eachotherandtheir clients.Onelongtime clientwassoappreciative ofJohn'sassistanceover theirmanyyearsthathe tooktheunusualstepof publiclyexpressinghis gratitudeinalocalnewspaper,writinginaletterto theeditorthatJohnwas "anever-readypresence" intheirlivesanda"true gentlemanandfamilyman
publiclyexpressinghis gratitudeinalocalnewspaper,writinginaletterto theeditorthatJohnwas "anever-readypresence" intheirlivesanda"true gentlemanandfamilyman andgreatlawyer."After practicinglawforalmost 60years,Johnretiredin 2016.
AsmuchasJohnenjoyedpracticinglaw,it wasoftencorrectlysaid thathewouldratherbe knownasachampionwatermelongrower.Itwas notuncommontoseeJohn donningalightweight, seersuckersuitashepracticedlawduringtheday andtransitioningtowellworndungareesinthe eveningashetendedto hisbelovedwatermelon patches.Hismelonswon grandchampionawardsat thestatewatermelonfestivalinFarmervilleandwere soldformanyyearsat Travis'SupermarketinBogalusa.Buthisfocuswas neveroncompetitionsor makingmoney-hemost enjoyedthetimeoutdoors, spendingtimewithfellow farmerslikeMickeyMurphy,andgivingawaythe vastmajorityofhiscropto friendsandfamily.Inalettertoafriendjustlast year,Johncitedafavorite author,MarkTwain,when hesaid:"Whenonehas tastedit,heknowswhat theangelseat.Itwasnota Southernwatermelonthat Evetook;weknowitbecausesherepented."
Johnwasanactivecontributortothecommunity andgarnerednumerous honorsovertheyears,includingCitizenoftheYear andservingasGrandMarshallofthe2023WashingtonParishWatermelon Festivalparadeandthe 2026KreweofMCCAparade.Hewasanactive memberofElizabethSullivanMemorialUnited MethodistChurch,Mill TownPlayers,RotaryClub, theAmericanLegion,and thehonorary40and8.AnotherofJohn'spassions wasJohnDeeretractors. Duringtheaforementioned parades,hewasmuch moresatisfieddrivingon oneofhistractors,towing oneofthefloats,thantakingpartinotheraspectsof thefestivities.
In2014,aspartofthe CityofBogalusa's100th anniversary,hewrotean extensive,300-pagehistory ofthecityentitled,"Bogalusa,theCitythatRefusedtoDie."Inhiseloquentmanner,Johnsaidat thetime:"Asweallknow, wehavearatherunique history.Theindustrialaspectsofithavebeendocumentedagoodbit.Our sawmillhasmadehistory allovertheworld.Iwanted todosomethingthat wouldgivereadersa glimpseintothepersonalityofthecommunity."
Johnwasanavidreader andrelishedgivingother bookloversatourofhis impressivelibraryonGaylordDriveinBogalusa.Ifa visitorsawatitlethat piquedinterest,itwas theirstotakehometoenjoy.ChristmasEveatthe GallaspyhomefoundJohn infrontofthefireplace readingDickenstalesto familyandfriends,conveyingthejoyoftheseason capturedin"Mr.Wardle's ChristmasParty"andthe wagesofGabrielGrub's coldheartin"TheStoryof theGoblinsWhoStolea Sexton."Heappreciated oldmoviesaswell,particularlythosefeaturingW.C. Fields,andhebecamea devoteeofTurnerClassic andothervintagemovie channelsinhislateryears.
AfterDixie'sdeathin 2016,Johnmetandmarried MarthaMoak.Theyenjoyedtheirgoldenyearsby visitingfriends,taking tripstoMobile,attending SunMethodistChurch,and spendingtimewithfamily.
readingDickenstalesto familyandfriends,conveyingthejoyoftheseason capturedin"Mr.Wardle's ChristmasParty"andthe wagesofGabrielGrub's coldheartin"TheStoryof theGoblinsWhoStolea Sexton."Heappreciated oldmoviesaswell,particularlythosefeaturingW.C. Fields,andhebecamea devoteeofTurnerClassic andothervintagemovie channelsinhislateryears.
AfterDixie'sdeathin 2016,Johnmetandmarried MarthaMoak.Theyenjoyedtheirgoldenyearsby visitingfriends,taking tripstoMobile,attending SunMethodistChurch,and spendingtimewithfamily.
Johnwaspredeceased byhiswifeofalmost60 years,DixieYatesGallaspy;hisparents,Francis NormanGallaspy,Hazel WeeksGallaspy,andMary LeighGallaspy;his youngerbrother,Jerry WeeksGallaspy;andhis cousinandclosefriend, MaryRivesGallaspy.
Johnissurvivedby threesons,JohnWhithurst Gallaspy(Stacy),Gardner WeeksGallaspy(Lori),and LelandReddingGallaspy (Tonya);eightgrandchildren,Caitlyn,Connor,MariannaandMollyGallaspy (Whit);WillandEmilyGallaspy(Gard);andCaroline andGrantGallaspy(Lee); andhistwosisters,KathleenMyersandVirginia Garlington.
Thefamilywouldliketo extendheartfeltthanksto thestaffatOurLadyofAngelsHospital,St.Tammany ParishHospital,OurLady oftheLakeHospitaland thesittersandlovedones whoprovidedinvaluable assistanceandcareduring John'sfinalweeks.
Thefinalserviceswillbe heldatSuperiorAvenue BaptistChurchonNorth ColumbiaStreetinBogalusa.Thefuneralwillbe onThursday,March26th, from11:00tonoon.VisitationwillbeonWednesday, March25th,from3:00p.m. to7:00p.m.andagainon Thursday,March26th, from9:00a.m.to11:00a.m. Gravesideserviceswillbe handledinthePelican CemeteryinPelican, Louisiana,onFriday, March27th,at10:30a.m. PallbearersareMichael "Micky"Murphy,WalterS. "Buddy"Adams,Judge DonaldM.Fendlason,HenryHarrison,JohnConnor Gallaspy,GrantlinYates Gallaspy,andJohnWilson Gallaspy.TohonorJohn's memory,thefamilyrequestsdonationstoSun MethodistChurch,SuperiorAvenueBaptistChurch, HollyGroveMethodist Church,or40and8NursingScholarships.
Knost,Dorothy Goldman'Dottie'
DottiewasborninPort Vincent,Louisiana,the first-bornof11children. Shewas83yearsold.She diedtrulypeacefullyon herfarminBluffCreek, Louisiana.DottiewasmarriedtoHomerKnostfor52 yearswithwhomshe sharedalifeofadventure andlove.Dottiewasa wife,amother,afriend andawomanofdeepfaith. Sheworemanyhats.Asa youngwomanonRoad RunnerFarmshebecamea self-taught,accomplished cowgirlwhoearnedrecog-
andawomanofdeepfaith. Sheworemanyhats.Asa youngwomanonRoad RunnerFarmshebecamea self-taught,accomplished cowgirlwhoearnedrecognitionandrespectwiththe NationalGelbviehAssociation.Ms.Dottievolunteeredhertime,talentand resourcesatSillimanInstituteinspiringandencouragingchildrenthroughart education.Withherlove, whilesometimestough, andherfieryspirit,she nevermissedanopportunitytoenrichandguide manychildren'slivesin hercommunity.Dottie graduatedfromDenham SpringsHighSchoolin 1960.Shetreasuredher classmatesandmaintainedmanyoftheir friendshipsthroughouther life.DottieandHomerfell inlovewithWyoming,Buffaloinparticular.Theyhad ahomeandcountless friendsthatgaveherhappinessandmanymemoriesuntilherend.Dottieis survivedbyherthreechildren;ThonsaR."Scottie" Knost,GeorgeH.Knost,III, EdwardW.Knost;stepchildren:JayneKnostSnyder, Dr.JamesAllenKnostand KarlaKnostLutrell;daughtersinlaw,TamaraKauffmanKnost,TonyaFleming Knost,DeborahKnostand SaraKnostandmany grandchildren.Dottieisalsosurvivedbyhersiblings; MelissaG.Alessi,Alonzo M.Goldman(Lukie),WinnieM.Allen,Horace"Sam" Goldman,MaryG.Fields (Tony)andCecilA.Goldman,aswellasnumerous nieces,nephewsand cousins.Dottieispreceded indeathbyherparents MinnieC.Goldmanand AlonzoM.Goldman,her latehusband,Homer Knost,formerhusband, RichardReneRice,siblings;JamesC.Goldman, SusieB.Goldman,SarahG. LeeandPatriciaG.Yost; step-son,TomKnost, granddaughter,Candace M.Knost,nephew,Andrew J.Alessiandniece,Melissa M.Goldman.DottieKnost wasanindependent, strong-willedwoman.Unfortunately,thatslowly cametoanendwhenshe wasdiagnosedwith Alzheimer's.Shewas blessedtohavehaddevoted,compassionatecaregivers;AnaElias,Robin WilliamsandDollPeavyto whomthefamilywillalwaysbegrateful.Thefamilyextendsaspecialthanks toLouisRingoforhishard workonherfarm.Anda debtofgratitudeisowed toRobert"Bob"Seldersfor his53yearsoftireless workanddedicationin managinghercattleoperationandRoadRunner Farms.Hiscommitment, loyalty,patienceandlove toeverymemberofDottie'sfamilywasunmatchable.PallbearersareClint Goldman,BlakeGoldman, MarioAlessi,DonnieSimoneaux,MikeHayden andLouisRingo.Dottie wishedthatdonationsbe madetotheBatonRouge EyeBankinlieuofflowers pleasemakeadonationis herhonortotheBaton RougeEyeBank;www.eye bankbr.org\donate\orby mailatBatonRougeEye Bank,7777HennesseyBlvd #1005,BatonRouge,LA 70808.Comecasual.Come celebratethelifeofthe DottieKnostyouallknew andloved.
his53yearsoftireless workanddedicationin managinghercattleoperationandRoadRunner Farms.Hiscommitment, loyalty,patienceandlove toeverymemberofDottie'sfamilywasunmatchable.PallbearersareClint Goldman,BlakeGoldman, MarioAlessi,DonnieSimoneaux,MikeHayden andLouisRingo.Dottie wishedthatdonationsbe madetotheBatonRouge EyeBankinlieuofflowers pleasemakeadonationis herhonortotheBaton RougeEyeBank;www.eye bankbr.org\donate\orby mailatBatonRougeEye Bank,7777HennesseyBlvd #1005,BatonRouge,LA 70808.Comecasual.Come celebratethelifeofthe DottieKnostyouallknew andloved.
tohelpinghisbrotheruntil hebecameill.Everyone knewthemas"thetwins" andtheyweretrulythere foreachother.Together theywerepassionate L.S.U.tigerfans. Paulissurvivedbyasister,EllaLombardo Fairchildandherhusband, JamesFairchild.Paulis precededindeathbyhis "alwaysfaithfulside-kick" twinbrother,PeterMichael Lombardoandhisparents, PaulJosephandLois(Sobral)Lombardo. VisitationwillbeatSt. PatrickCatholicChurchon Friday,March27,2026from 9:00a.m.until10:00a.m.A serviceofremembrance andcelebrationoflife masswillbeginat10:00 a.m.Burialwillfollowat RoselawnCemetery. Arrangementswere madethroughRabenhorst FuneralHomeEast.Special thanksfromthefamilyto St.ClareNursingHome, CentralGuestHouse,and HospiceofBatonRouge whoprovidedcareand supportforPauloverthe years. Lombardo,PaulJoseph
PaulJosephLombardo, alifelongresidentofBaton RougewenttobewithJesustohisheavenlyhome onMarch21,2026,atthe ageof72.
Marchand,JosephGayne
Featherweight Scooter
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HegraduatedformRedemptoristHighSchoolin 1973.Paulwasadedicated employeeinthegrocery industry.Hebeganatan earlyageandworkeduntil hebecamedisabledin 2010.Manypeoplerecognizedhimasadedicated, caring,andfriendlyfaceat OneStopMarketandHi NaborgroceryonWinbourne.Manyfriendships weredevelopedandthe Crifasifamilyhavebeen likefamily.PaulwasaloyalmemberoftheKnights ofColumbus,Council #2807.Healsoserved manyyearsasanaltar server,usher,andEucharisticMinisteratSt.AnthonyandSt.Patrick Catholicchurches. Paulenjoyedhistimeat familygatheringsand servingothersinthecommunity.Hewasdedicated tohelpinghisbrotheruntil hebecameill.Everyone knewthemas"thetwins" andtheyweretrulythere foreachother.Together theywerepassionate L.S.U.tigerfans. Paulissurvivedbyasister,EllaLombardo Fairchildandherhusband, JamesFairchild.Paulis precededindeathbyhis "alwaysfaithfulside-kick" twinbrother,PeterMichael Lombardoandhisparents, PaulJosephandLois(Sobral)Lombardo. VisitationwillbeatSt. PatrickCatholicChurchon Friday,March27,2026from 9:00a.m.until10:00a.m.A serviceofremembrance andcelebrationoflife masswillbeginat10:00 a.m.Burialwillfollowat RoselawnCemetery.
Foldsintoone compactpiece –roughlythe size of acarry-onbag
Arrangementswere madethroughRabenhorst FuneralHomeEast.Special thanksfromthefamilyto St.ClareNursingHome, CentralGuestHouse,and HospiceofBatonRouge whoprovidedcareand supportforPauloverthe years.
JosephGayneMarchand,anativeandlifelong residentofGonzales, Louisiana,passedawayon March21,2026,attheage of89.Hepassedaway peacefullyathome,surroundedbylovedones. Joseph,betterknownas Gayne,orevenmoresoas "Gramps"tohisfamily wasbornDecember1,1936 toDellaYoungMarchand andAlvinJosephMarchand,whohavepreceded himindeathalongwithhis sisterGildaMarchand Causey,hisbelovedwifeof 64yearsBeverlySt.Amant Marchand,andgrandchildrenSara(Stiles)MarchandandRobertRhodes, III.JosephGayneissurvivedbybrotherMichael "Mickey"Marchand(Christine);threedaughters, KimberlyRhodes(Bob), TrudyDedon(Ricky)and DesireeEliser(Shane);one son,KendallGayneMarchand;sevengrandchildren, MeganDelatte(Ralph),ErikaHeath(Daryn),Adam Rhodes(Breigh),Miranda Hebert,JennaRhodes, RyanGregoire(Misty)and DanielleEliser;21great grandchildren;5great greatgrandchildren;anda
Johnwaspredeceased byhiswifeofalmost60 years,DixieYatesGallaspy;hisparents,Francis NormanGallaspy,Hazel WeeksGallaspy,andMary LeighGallaspy;his youngerbrother,Jerry WeeksGallaspy;andhis cousinandclosefriend,
soldformanyyearsat makingmoney-hemost enjoyedthetimeoutdoors, spendingtimewithfellow farmerslikeMickeyMurphy,andgivingawaythe vastmajorityofhiscropto friendsandfamily.Inalettertoafriendjustlast year,Johncitedafavorite author,MarkTwain,when hesaid:"Whenonehas tastedit,heknowswhat theangelseat.Itwasnota Southernwatermelonthat Evetook;weknowitbecausesherepented." Johnwasanactivecon-
Johnissurvivedby threesons,JohnWhithurst Gallaspy(Stacy),Gardner WeeksGallaspy(Lori),and LelandReddingGallaspy (Tonya);eightgrandchildren,Caitlyn,Connor,MariannaandMollyGallaspy (Whit);WillandEmilyGallaspy(Gard);andCaroline andGrantGallaspy(Lee); andhistwosisters,KathleenMyersandVirginia Garlington.
Thefamilywouldliketo extendheartfeltthanksto thestaffatOurLadyofAngelsHospital,St.Tammany ParishHospital,OurLady oftheLakeHospitaland thesittersandlovedones whoprovidedinvaluable assistanceandcareduring John'sfinalweeks.
Thefinalserviceswillbe heldatSuperiorAvenue BaptistChurchonNorth ColumbiaStreetinBogalusa.Thefuneralwillbe
dren;ThonsaR."Scottie" Knost,GeorgeH.Knost,III, EdwardW.Knost;stepchildren:JayneKnostSnyder, Dr.JamesAllenKnostand KarlaKnostLutrell;daughtersinlaw,TamaraKauffmanKnost,TonyaFleming Knost,DeborahKnostand SaraKnostandmany grandchildren.Dottieisalsosurvivedbyhersiblings; MelissaG.Alessi,Alonzo M.Goldman(Lukie),WinnieM.Allen,Horace"Sam" Goldman,MaryG.Fields (Tony)andCecilA.Goldman,aswellasnumerous
See more DEATHS, page Pamela B.,Verified Customer “Freedom
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‘Slammers’ also slammed La. auto insurance ratepayers
Vast criminal conspiracies are, despite the public fascination with them, rare. When one is real, it’s unusual to get a true, detailed and vivid picture of the players and how they operate.
But that’s what happened over the last several weeks in New Orleans during the blockbuster trial of two attorneys who were at the center of a sprawling scheme to defraud trucking and insurance companies by conducting staged wrecks and then suing the big-rig firms for damages.
What’s more, this conspiracy operated alongside an ongoing debate about Louisiana’s sky-high automobile insurance rates. In 2025, a package of insurance reform bills passed the Legislature aiming to reduce what supporters argued was state juries’ affinity for awarding large jury verdicts to those injured in these wrecks. Trial lawyers balked, but after this trial, it’s hard to argue that something was very amiss in a system where some saw profit in faking crashes for insurance payouts.
The way the scheme worked is this: “Slammers” would pack a car with passengers and then head out on the interstate, where they would crash into a truck. They would then tell the police it was the trucker’s fault.
One slammer would then direct the people in the car to attorneys like Vanessa Motta and Jason Giles, who sued on their behalf, often netting big settlements.
One of those slammers, Cornelius Garrison III, was shot dead at his mother’s house in 2020 after he began cooperating with federal investigators. Another slammer, Ryan “Red” Harris, pleaded guilty to helping arrange the killing. A disbarred attorney, Sean Alfortish, is also charged in the killing but has not yet gone to trial. The trial, which ended last week in guilty verdicts for Motta and Giles, was full of the sort of bombshell testimony and wild twists that are more at home in a network procedural than they are in the staid federal courtroom. But apart from the lurid narratives, the case does shine a light on Louisianans’ dealings with automotive insurers.
Jurors were asked during jury selection about their histories with their auto insurers, prompting at least one of them to call insurance a “money grab.”
Another complained that his insurance company had increased his premium after an accident, even though the other driver was at fault. Prosecutors in the trial said the scheme went on for so long and involved so many wrecks — before Motta’s and Giles’ trial, almost 50 people had pleaded guilty in the case — that it could have affected insurance premiums across the state. One slammer even apologized from the stand for his contribution to the state’s high rates.
We are glad, of course, to see these fraudsters caught and brought to trial. And we certainly hope that eliminating this vast criminal conspiracy will also affect rates, even if just a little bit.
Lawmakers choose business over people every time
As the legislative session approached, Gov. Jeff Landry and Republican legislators made their press rounds. Their top priority? Improving Louisiana’s “business climate.”
Not insurance premiums that have doubled. Not rising utility bills or grocery costs. Not people losing health care coverage. Not underfunded public schools or higher education growing more expensive. Not roads and bridges. The focus is the business climate.
For decades, Republicans have promised that cutting taxes and regulations for corporations would attract investment and create prosperity for everyone. Help business first, and families will benefit later.
But that promise feels thinner every year. The system now produces politicians who openly represent the “business climate,” not the people living in it.
This year, the governor said families will feel like they “won the lottery” from income tax cuts — about $500 for the average household — while
insurance premiums have risen by thousands. And that’s before the new tariffs coming out of Washington, a policy Republicans support, push prices higher still. Yes, income taxes were reduced. But the largest savings went to higher earners. The corporate franchise tax was eliminated, costing roughly $500 million annually. And this May, voters will decide on amendments that would further weaken the corporate inventory tax — another $500 million revenue stream for local schools and governments. When the state removes hundreds of millions in revenue, local governments raise sales taxes or cut services. Families don’t just pay the state sales tax rate. They pay the combined state and local rate — among the highest in the country. Louisiana doesn’t have a business climate problem. It has a representation problem. What about us?
DUSTIN GRANGER Lake Charles
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ARE WELCOME. HERE ARE OUR GUIDELINES: Letters are published identifying name, occupation and/or title and the writer’s city of residence. The Advocate | The Times-Picayune require a street address and phone 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.
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We must remember God remains in control of all situations. The rising and setting of the sun occur according to his divine order. As citizens, we should faithfully carry out our responsibilities and trust him with the rest.
Since 1989, I have written extensively about the importance of remaining on Central Standard Time and appreciate the many media outlets that have published my articles over the years. I extend special gratitude to The Advocate for printing my first article and to WAFB for conducting the You Decide poll, in which a majority of citizens expressed their preference to remain on Central Standard Time.
This issue impacts public health, safety, productivity and overall quality of life. Standard time best aligns with our natural circadian rhythms, supporting better sleep, improved focus and healthier daily routines. Remaining on Central Standard Time promotes consistency and stability for families, businesses, schools and communities. I submit these thoughts as a concerned citizen and dedicated taxpayer, urging policymakers to prioritize the well-being of our communities by supporting the continued observance of Central Standard Time.
EARNESTINE D. GORDON Clinton
Kateb Shunnar is such a gifted writer. His column, “Mardi Gras is calling. Meet us on the neutral ground,” touched me deeply. As I read it, I felt that familiar pull of home — the music in the air, the colors, the laughter, the way Mardi Gras transforms strangers into family. He captured the spirit I’ve
felt so many times standing on that neutral ground: that magical moment when people from everywhere come together and, just for a while, share the same joy and the same heartbeat. His words reminded me why Mardi Gras will always be a part of who I am. SARAH BYES New Orleans
consider
There is a closed primary on May 16. The key elections are for the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. If you live in the Baton Rouge area, a vote in the Democratic primary will not accomplish much. It is highly likely that a Republican will win the Senate seat. The most likely winners for Senate are the Republicans, U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow (supported by President Donald Trump) and U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy (who voted to convict Trump after the Jan. 6 demonstration).
Baton Rouge is split between the 5th and 6th districts for the U.S. House of Representatives. The 5th goes Republican every election. If you are in the 6th, it always goes Democratic. The existing rep for the 6th District is the Democrat Cleo Fields, who has no one running against him in the May 16 Democratic primary. State Sen. Blake Miguez has been endorsed by Donald Trump for the 5th District.
So, if you are a Democrat and want to make your vote count, you can change your party to No Party. If you are No Party, and you arrive at the polls, you get your choice to vote in the Democratic or Republican primary. If you vote in the Republican primary, your vote will accomplish something.
One can change their party online at https://voterportal.sos.la.gov/ VoterRegistration. It only takes a few minutes. In the final November election, you can vote for anyone you wish.
JOEL WEST Baton Rouge
In response to a recent guest column by Chad Hanks regarding the challenges faced by family farmers, I certainly strongly agree with the issues he presented. I wonder, however, that if he truly feels “blessed” to have our current Louisiana congressional delegation, what has compelled him to write his column? Just saying.
RICHARD C. LANDRY Lafayette
COMMENTARY
Happy days are here again. For now.
Finally, a win for Sid Edwards.
East Baton Rouge’s mayor-president must have been delighted to stand at the podium last week and announce big raises for the city’s beleaguered police officers, making good on a central campaign promise and finally achieving what he failed to do during his first year in office.
Even better, he didn’t have to pillage the library to do it.
But first, it’s worth saying that these raises are a big deal, not just financially, but also politically and practically.
Airline Highway headquarters was probably only matched by the relief felt on the third floor of City Hall. Happy days and political wins have been hard to come by in the mayor’s 14 months in office.
There is no question that Baton Rouge Police officers are underpaid, and significantly so.
Starting officers make around $41,000, a pitiful amount given the training and equipment the city must invest in them. It’s no wonder that there’s an officer shortage, or that good officers, once trained and certified, bolt for other agencies with better pay.
If the raise plan is approved by the Metro Council next month, the starting salary will jump to around $58,000. Other sworn officers except the chief will get 15% raises under the new plan as well.
All of this is good news. Baton Rouge officers deserve fair compensation. And in return for that increased pay, Baton Rouge residents and visitors deserve a professional, efficient and effective police force.
The joy the new pay plan set off at the Baton Rouge Police Department’s
Last year, just a month into his term, Edwards unveiled his first grand plan to raise police salaries.
He proposed to pay for it by rededicating tax revenue for the library system and two smaller agencies and putting that money in the city-parish general fund.
That idea prompted furious and immediate pushback. People in Baton Rouge love their library system, as it turns out, and the entire reason the system has a dedicated tax was to remove it from the discretion of the Metro Council and the mayor in the first place.
Edwards’ proposal created a “cops versus libraries” narrative, and folks didn’t like being forced to choose. He was forced back into the mayoral bunker to revise the plan.
And when he emerged, asking for a smaller library rededication, police raises had fallen out of the picture entirely. The money would be used for infrastructure improvements.
It didn’t help. Voters rejected those proposals, which Edwards had named “Thrive EBR,” in November. That February announcement and November defeat bookended Edwards’ first year.
That’s what must have made last week’s announcement so much fun. Police are getting raises — that’s good. Edwards didn’t have to plunder another agency to do it — that’s also good (though the library system still does not have a dedicated revenue stream for 2027 — that’s bad).
The funds for these raises came from savings created when the Metro Council approved changes to the city-parish insurance plan, a move expected to bring in between $16 million and $19 million per year. Credit goes to Republicans Metro Council members Jen Racca and Dwight Hudson and Democrat Cleve Dunn Jr. for pushing it through.
Edwards got on board, and last week, got to announce the win.
This is what a functioning government looks like. Sure, it would have been nice to see this plan first and not have to have gone through all of that with the library and so on. But for now, let’s just appreciate that this worked. It would be even nicer to see this sort of effort become the norm in Baton Rouge politics.
Or the state or the nation, for that matter. But I’m not optimistic; politics is blood sport, after all, and you’re only succeeding if it’s somebody else’s blood being spilled.
That’s why Edwards shouldn’t let the celebratory mood linger. This win is good. But the next battle looms.
Email Faimon A. Roberts III at froberts@theadvocate.com.
Even someone with a rudimentary understanding of economics should know that if you tax a business or individual beyond their level of tolerance they will pack up and leave the state for one with lower or no state income tax. Unfortunately, one can’t escape the long arm of federal taxes. Proof of this axiom comes from the IRS and its publication of the latest (2023) migration numbers. Unleash Prosperity, which touts its mission to “educate policymakers and the public about government policies that have been proven, in practice, to maximize economic growth and equitable prosperity in America and around the world,” constructed a graph from the numbers. Their findings should be no surprise except to those Democrat politicians who are in denial and can’t help themselves when it comes to squeezing more money out of successful individuals and businesses. California leads the list for the most people leaving the state, taking with them $11.9 billion in revenue. Next is New York, which lost $9.9 billion, followed by Illinois ($6 billion), Massachusetts ($4 billion), New Jersey ($2.6 billion), Pennsylvania ($2.2 billion) and four more. All have governors who are Democrats. Most who left went to Florida, Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina, Arizona and other states with no, or lower, taxes. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul takes
the chutzpah prize for begging wealthy former residents to return to the state. The reason? She says they have eroded New York’s revenue base. She offers them no incentive to return. Maybe a tax cut would help. New York City’s Democrat-Socialist Mayor Zohran Mamdani wants to raise taxes on the wealthy, but can’t do it without approval from the general assembly. If it happens, expect even more people to flee. According to Bloomberg.com, approximately 546,000 residents left New York between April 2020 and 2024. Democrats in Washington state have adopted a 9.9% state tax. It’s scheduled to take effect on Jan. 1, 2028. That leaves time for the wealthy to make moving plans. Their politicians appear as ignorant, or blind, as those in states which are already losing overtaxed residents and businesses. This may not be socialism in its purest form, but it is headed in that direction. As this is the centenary of our 30th president, Calvin Coolidge, his economic philosophy might be instructive for contemporary politicians who keep taxing and spending beyond the means of many to keep up. Coolidge said: “A government which requires of the people the contribution of the bulk of their substance and rewards cannot be classed as a free government, or long remain as such.”
How about this one: “The collection of any taxes which are not absolutely required, which do not beyond reasonable doubt contribute to the public welfare, is only a species of legalized larceny. Under this republic the rewards of industry belong to those who earn them.” Coolidge’s economic views are the antithesis of socialism, a failed economic system that is gaining popularity among younger Americans who have never had to live under it.
While the late composer Stephen Sondheim would probably have never allowed any of his songs to be used for political ends, one from his musical “A Little Night Music” could fit the thinking and policies of high tax Democrat states. The lyrics include “Isn’t it rich (no pun intended)? Aren’t we a pair (Hochul and Mamdani).”
And then the concluding line: “Don’t you love farce (politicians)? My fault, I fear (they never admit error). I thought that you’d want what I want (taxpayers) Sorry, my dear.
But where are the clowns? Quick, send in the clowns Don’t bother, they’re here.” They are certainly here and not just in high-tax blue states, but also in Congress.
Email Cal Thomas at tcaeditors@ tribpub.com.
America needs immigrants as much as they need liberty’s blessings
Letters are
Two dissimilar government agencies have inadvertently combined to clarify the immigration debate. Stomach-turning excesses by Immigration and Customs Enforcement have turned many Americans’ abstract political preferences into something uncomfortably concrete. And the Census Bureau has demonstrated that the nation needs immigrants as much as they need the blessings of American liberty. Given a clear binary choice — for or against deporting immigrants who are here illegally — most Americans favor deportation. However:
One Sunday, a moderately prodeportation American goes, as usual, for brunch at the neighborhood diner. Jose, who has put waffles in front of this American for 20 years, and who regularly exchanges pleasantries with him about their families, is gone. He has been deported for America’s improvement. Suddenly, the immigration issue has a face, and complexity.
President Joe Biden’s choice not to enforce immigration laws poisoned the immigration debate, and led to government behavior today that is deepening distrust of government. The influx during Biden’s four years (8.3 million, more than in the preceding 12 years), torrential and dispersed, has clouded the picture. This, however, seems true:
The foreign-born portion of the U.S. population (15.8%) is higher than at any time since at least 1850. But as of 2023, only 27 percent were not authorized to be here. More than half of all immigrants (52%) have become U.S. citizens. Prior to the Biden inundation, most undocumented immigrants had arrived before 2010, 43 percent as of 2020 had been here at least 20 years, about one-third were homeowners, and their 5 million children born here were citizens. Talk of sending them “home” is nonsensical. They are home. For which, give thanks:
The Census Bureau reports that between July 2024 and July 2025, the U.S. population grew by just 0.5%, 1.4 million less than in the previous 12 months, primarily because of less immigration. According to the Pew Research Center, during the first six months of this administration, the foreign-born population shrank by more than a million, the first decline since the 1960s. According to the Migration Policy Institute, between 2022 and 2023, for the first time since relevant census data began being collected in 1850, immigration accounted for the entire U.S. population growth. As the U.S. population ages, those leaving the workforce enter Social Security and Medicare. The nation’s birth rate is below the replacement rate, so immigration must replenish the workforce whose tax contributions fund the entitlements.
A recent Cato Institute report (“Immigrants’ Recent Effects on Government Budgets: 19942023”) says: Immigrants “generated more in taxes than they received in benefits from all levels of government.” They “created a cumulative fiscal surplus of $14.5 trillion in real 2024 US dollars,” including $3.9 trillion in savings on interest that did not need to be paid on debt that was not added.
Immigrants were, on average, more than 12 percent more likely to be employed than the U.S.-born population. Cato: “In 1994, the immigrant share of government expenditures was 18 percent below their share of the population; in 2023, it was 25 percent below.”
In 2023, immigrants constituted almost 18 percent of the civilian labor force, and more than a third of them were in management, professional and related occupations, almost double the 21% in service occupations (e.g., hospitality). In 2023, immigrant median household income ($78,700) was slightly above that of U.S.-born households ($77,600).
The Cato data comes from static, not dynamic, accounting: It does not, for example, gauge immigration’s dynamism injection: Immigration — risk-taking for improved opportunity — is an entrepreneurial act. Unsurprisingly, immigrants’ workforce participation rate (66.5%) is higher than that of the U.S.-born population (61.7%), and immigrants’ portions of U.S. patents and start-ups exceed immigrants’ portion of the population.
As Cato notes, many illegal immigrants who are employed under borrowed or stolen identities have taxes withheld by employers but are ineligible for many government benefits. And they are less likely than others to file returns in order to claim refunds. This is another reason why Cato says:
“Immigrants have created an enormous fiscal surplus for the US government … The $14.5 trillion in savings from immigrants is the equivalent of 33 percent of the total inflation-adjusted combined deficits from 1994 to 2023 without immigrants.”
That fellow having brunch at the diner will still get his waffles. But he will miss Jose, and millions like him, in more ways than he can easily imagine.
Email George Will at georgewill@washpost.com.
Faimon Roberts
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO OF SETH WENIG
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, center, marches in the St. Patrick’s Day parade in New York on March 17.
George Will
Cal Thomas
III.JosephGayneissurvivedbybrotherMichael "Mickey"Marchand(Christine);threedaughters, KimberlyRhodes(Bob), TrudyDedon(Ricky)and DesireeEliser(Shane);one son,KendallGayneMarchand;sevengrandchildren, MeganDelatte(Ralph),ErikaHeath(Daryn),Adam Rhodes(Breigh),Miranda Hebert,JennaRhodes, RyanGregoire(Misty)and DanielleEliser;21great grandchildren;5great greatgrandchildren;anda hostofniecesand nephews. VisitationforJoseph GayneMarchandwillbe heldonThursday,March 26from9:00AM-11:00AM withaserviceimmediately followingatOakGrove BaptistChurchin Prairieville,Louisiana. Family,friends,andloved onesarewelcometojoin thiscelebrationofhislife.
Norwood,JohnMartel
JohnMartelNorwood, 77,longtimeprofessorat theUniversityofArkansas atFayetteville,passed awayonFebruary15,2026, inNewOrleans.Hedied fromcomplicationsfrom dementia.Hewasbornon January11,1949toColvin GambleNorwood,Sr. ("Pete")andDorothyElise PecotNorwood("Dot") andraisedinFranklin, Louisianawithhissiblings CarolAnnCramKilburn andColvinGamble Norwood,Jr.("Woody").
school,henoticedapostingfromNortheast LouisianaUniversityin Monroe(NLU)seekingarecentJDtoteachbusiness law.Heappliedforandgot thejob,beginningacareer thatbroughthimimmense personalsatisfactionas wellashighmarksfrom hisstudents. In1981Johnaccepteda positionteachingbusiness lawintheBusinessSchool attheUniversityof Arkansas,whereheplayed apivotalroleindeveloping theHonorsprogramand mentoringstudents.Many studentshaveexpressed theirgratitude,acknowledginghisguidanceand influenceontheircareers. Thewinnerofseveral teachingawardsoverthe years,Johnlovedhisprofession,approachingit fromthestartwithenthusiasmanddedication.John retiredin2021after40 yearsattheUniversityof Arkansas. Burialwillbeprivatein thefamilycemeteryin Franklin. Colleagues,students andfriendsareinvitedto attendaCelebrationofLife inhonorofProfessorJohn Norwood.Thiseventwill beheldApril17,2026,in Fayettevilleat2:30pmin theReynoldsCenter AuditoriumattheWalton CollegeofBusinessonthe UniversityofArkansas campus.
ter,GladysPratt;her brothers,KeltonWhiteheadandMikeWhitehead; andhermother-andfather -in-law.ServingaspallbearerswillbeJustinPeters,LawsonPeters,BrandonWhitehead,Kevin Whitehead,SapGuzzardo, andChrisO'Neal.Relatives andfriendsareinvitedto jointhefamilyforthevisitationatSealeFuneral Home,1720S.RangeAve., DenhamSprings,onThursday,March26,2026,from 9:00AMuntilthefuneral serviceat11:00AM.The gravesideserviceandburialwillfollowatDenham SpringsMemorialCemetery.Inlieuofflowersthe familyasksthatdonations bemadetoLiveOak Church.
RaybornJr.,JohnD.
angeBeach,Alabama, ChandlerRaybornofFoley, Alabama,BrookeRayborn ofSanDiego,California, andAidenRaybornof NavarreBeach,Florida; great-grandsons,Colton Rayborn,JacksonRayborn, ConnorRayborn,andMasonRayborn.Familyand friendsareinvitedtocelebrateJohn'slifeonFriday, March27,2026,at ResthavenFuneralHome. Visitationwillbeginat1:30 PMwithservicesbeginningat2:30PM.Johnwill berememberedforhis loveoffamily,hiswarm spirit,andthelastingimpacthemadeonthose whoknewhim.Familyand friendsmaysigntheonline guestbookorleaveapersonalnotetothefamilyat www.resthavenbatonroug e.com.
Smith,Rose'Rosie'
inglegacythattouched countlesspeople. HewasbornonMay29, 1948inNatchez,MSto AlvinThomas,Jr.and CatherineThomas.He grewupinBatonRouge andwasaproudgraduate ofCapitolHighSchoolc/o '67
ThomaswasaVietnam VeteranwhoservedhonorablyintheArmy.Hewas anavidrunnerandwasdevotedtohischurch.
Thomaswaspreceded indeathbyhisparentsand hisoldestson,ChiefWarrantOfficer2Terry Thomas.
Thomasleavesbehind hiswifeof54years,Patricia;daughtersTaRhonda (Mike)andTressa(Tory); sonTimothy;elevengrandchildren;andahostof friendsandfamilywhowill misshimdearly.Avisitationwillbeheldfrom9:00 AMto11:00AMon2026-0327atCrossofCalvaryUniversityLutheranChurch, 3235DalrympleDr.
Johngraduatedfrom HansonMemorialHigh Schoolin1966atthetopof hisclass.Hewasawarded aBachelorofArtsdegree in1970fromLSUinBaton RougeandJurisDoctordegreefromTulaneLaw Schoolin1973.In1977John returnedtoLSUtoearnhis MBA. Afewmonthsbeforehe wastograduatefromlaw school,henoticedapostingfromNortheast LouisianaUniversityin Monroe(NLU)seekingarecentJDtoteachbusiness law.Heappliedforandgot thejob,beginningacareer thatbroughthimimmense personalsatisfactionas wellashighmarksfrom hisstudents. In1981Johnaccepteda positionteachingbusiness lawintheBusinessSchool attheUniversityof Arkansas,whereheplayed apivotalroleindeveloping theHonorsprogramand mentoringstudents.Many studentshaveexpressed theirgratitude,acknowledginghisguidanceand influenceontheircareers. Thewinnerofseveral teachingawardsoverthe years,Johnlovedhisprofession,approachingit fromthestartwithenthusiasmanddedication.John retiredin2021after40 yearsattheUniversityof Arkansas. Burialwillbeprivatein thefamilycemeteryin Franklin.
LanellWhiteheadRasberry,age79,beloved mother,grandmother,and greatgrandmother,went tobewithherLordand SavioronMarch21,2026. ShewasbornonFebruary 14,1947,inLivingston Parish,Louisiana.Sheis survivedbyherdaughter, LisaR.Peters(Paul);her son,JasonH.Rasberry;five grandchildren;andseven great-grandchildren.Lanell wasprecededindeathby herdevotedhusbandof58 years,HerbertHalRasberry;herparents,A.D.and AliceWhitehead;hersister,GladysPratt;her brothers,KeltonWhiteheadandMikeWhitehead; andhermother-andfather -in-law.ServingaspallbearerswillbeJustinPeters,LawsonPeters,BrandonWhitehead,Kevin Whitehead,SapGuzzardo, andChrisO'Neal.Relatives andfriendsareinvitedto jointhefamilyforthevisitationatSealeFuneral Home,1720S.RangeAve., DenhamSprings,onThursday,March26,2026,from 9:00AMuntilthefuneral serviceat11:00AM.The gravesideserviceandburialwillfollowatDenham SpringsMemorialCemetery.Inlieuofflowersthe familyasksthatdonations bemadetoLiveOak Church.
Inhishomesurrounded byhiswifeandtwosons, JohnD.Rayborn,Jr.passed awayonMarch22,2026,at theageof88.Aresidentof BatonRouge,Louisiana, JohnwasbornonMay11, 1937,inLewisville, Arkansas.Johngraduated fromLouisianaStateUniversity,wherehewasalso intheTigerMarchingBand andamemberoftheSigmaAlphaEpsilonfraternity.Johnwasalongtime StateFarmClaimsSuperintendent.Johnwasadevotedhusband,father,grandfather,great-grandfather, andfriend.Johnfound greatjoyinlife'ssimple pleasures,especially cheeringonLSUfootball andspendingtimewithhis familyatthebeach.After retirement,JohnandMary traveledtheworldand madenewfriendsalong theway.Hewasafaithful memberofSt.Jude CatholicChurchinBaton Rouge,Louisiana.Johnis survivedbyhisbeloved wife,MaryTinninRayborn ofShreveport,Louisiana; sons,Jack(Melissa)RaybornofOrangeBeach,Alabama,andMichaelRaybornofBatonRouge, Louisiana;cherished grandchildren,Brandon (Kristen)RaybornofOrangeBeach,Alabama, ChandlerRaybornofFoley, Alabama,BrookeRayborn ofSanDiego,California, andAidenRaybornof NavarreBeach,Florida; great-grandsons,Colton Rayborn,JacksonRayborn, ConnorRayborn,andMasonRayborn.Familyand friendsareinvitedtocelebrateJohn'slifeonFriday, March27,2026,at ResthavenFuneralHome. Visitationwillbeginat1:30 PMwithservicesbeginningat2:30PM.Johnwill berememberedforhis loveoffamily,hiswarm spirit,andthelastingimpacthemadeonthose whoknewhim.Familyand friendsmaysigntheonline guestbookorleaveapersonalnotetothefamilyat www.resthavenbatonroug e.com.
Colleagues,students andfriendsareinvitedto attendaCelebrationofLife inhonorofProfessorJohn Norwood.Thiseventwill beheldApril17,2026,in Fayettevilleat2:30pmin theReynoldsCenter AuditoriumattheWalton CollegeofBusinessonthe UniversityofArkansas campus.
grandchildrenadored Rosie,buttheyknowher astheirNonnie.Shewasa greatcookandlovedto cookItalian,Creoleand Cajunfood.Shealsoloved totravelwithfriendsand familyaroundtheworld, butherfavoriteplacewas thecampinGrandIsleand especiallygatheringwith herfamilyonthe4thofJuly.Rosiewasadedicated wifeof59yearsandwas admiredforherdevoted careofBobinhisfinal yearswithAlzheimer's. Sheissurvivedby,her dedicatedson,Robby SmithandhiswifeWendy; herson-in-lawEricBroussard;andherbrother-inlawMikeSmithandhis wifeDee.Rosieisalsosurvivedbyhergrandchildren VanceBroussard,Kyle Broussard,CraigBroussard,HarrisonSmithand EllieSmith,andhergreat grandchildrenAudrey, Brooks,Max,Lily,Noraand EliBroussard. Shewasprecededin deathbyherhusbandBob, herparentsAgathaLicciardiSperaandSamSpera, herdaughterKarenBroussardandhersisterLinda SperaJanusa. FriendsandRelatives areinvitedtoavisitation onWednesday,March25, 2026,from5:00PMuntil 8:00PM.atOursoFuneral Home13533AirlineHighway,Gonzales,La.Visitationwillresumeat10:00 AMonThursday,March26, 2026,atSt.JohntheEvangelistCatholicChurch 15208LA73,Prairieville,LA. MassofChristianBurial willbeat12:00PM.Burial willtakeplaceatSerenity OaksMemorialCemetery 15304LA73inPrairieville LA.
Afuneralservicewillbe heldat11:00AMon2026-03 -27atCrossofCalvaryUniversityLutheranChurch, 3235DalrympleDr.
AlvinThomasIIIleftthis earthylifeonMarch20, 2026afterbuildingalastinglegacythattouched countlesspeople.
HewasbornonMay29, 1948inNatchez,MSto AlvinThomas,Jr.and CatherineThomas.He grewupinBatonRouge andwasaproudgraduate ofCapitolHighSchoolc/o '67
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Gonzales,LA-Funeral Serviceswillbeheldat 12:00PMonThursday, March26,2026,atSt.John theEvangelistCatholic Church-15208LA73, Prairievillehonoringthe lifeofRoseSperaSmith,80 whopassedawayonSundayMarch22,2026,atThe CarpenterHouseinBaton Rouge,LA.Officiatingthe ServicewillbeFr.Pravin Jadhav.Honoredtoserve aspallbearerswillbe VanceBroussard,Kyle Broussard,CraigBroussard,HarrisonSmith,Ellie SmithandRobbySmith. RosiewasborninNew Orleans,LAandgrewupin Arabie,LAinaproudItalianhousehold.Rosiewasa trainedsecretaryinNew Orleanswhereshemether husbandBobashewas trainingtobeamachinist. Rosielovedherfamily aboveallandwasadevotedwife,mother,grandmother,andgreatgrandmother.Allhergrandchildrenandgreat grandchildrenadored Rosie,buttheyknowher astheirNonnie.Shewasa greatcookandlovedto cookItalian,Creoleand Cajunfood.Shealsoloved totravelwithfriendsand familyaroundtheworld, butherfavoriteplacewas thecampinGrandIsleand especiallygatheringwith herfamilyonthe4thofJuly.Rosiewasadedicated wifeof59yearsandwas admiredforherdevoted careofBobinhisfinal yearswithAlzheimer's. Sheissurvivedby,her dedicatedson,Robby SmithandhiswifeWendy; herson-in-lawEricBroussard;andherbrother-inlawMikeSmithandhis wifeDee.Rosieisalsosurvivedbyhergrandchildren VanceBroussard,Kyle Broussard,CraigBroussard,HarrisonSmithand EllieSmith,andhergreat grandchildrenAudrey, Brooks,Max,Lily,Noraand EliBroussard. Shewasprecededin deathbyherhusbandBob, herparentsAgathaLicciardiSperaandSamSpera, herdaughterKarenBroussardandhersisterLinda SperaJanusa. FriendsandRelatives areinvitedtoavisitation onWednesday,March25, 2026,from5:00PMuntil 8:00PM.atOursoFuneral Home13533AirlineHighway,Gonzales,La.Visitationwillresumeat10:00 AMonThursday,March26, 2026,atSt.JohntheEvangelistCatholicChurch 15208LA73,Prairieville,LA. MassofChristianBurial willbeat12:00PM.Burial willtakeplaceatSerenity OaksMemorialCemetery 15304LA73inPrairieville LA.
ThomaswasaVietnam VeteranwhoservedhonorablyintheArmy.Hewas anavidrunnerandwasdevotedtohischurch.
Thomaswaspreceded indeathbyhisparentsand hisoldestson,ChiefWarrantOfficer2Terry Thomas.
Thomasleavesbehind hiswifeof54years,Patricia;daughtersTaRhonda (Mike)andTressa(Tory); sonTimothy;elevengrandchildren;andahostof friendsandfamilywhowill misshimdearly.Avisitationwillbeheldfrom9:00 AMto11:00AMon2026-0327atCrossofCalvaryUniversityLutheranChurch, 3235DalrympleDr.
Afuneralservicewillbe heldat11:00AMon2026-03 -27atCrossofCalvaryUniversityLutheranChurch, 3235DalrympleDr.
Rasberry,Lanell Whitehead
Thomas,Alvin
SPORTS
Spring awakening
Kiffin era begins at LSU with first day of spring practice
BY WILSON ALEXANDER Staff writer
As he walked onto the field for his first spring practice at LSU, Lane Kiffin took a moment to reflect. He reminded himself how grateful he felt to be the head coach and the responsibility that comes with that position.
“That was pretty cool just thinking of that,” Kiffin said.
Once he got on the field Tuesday morning, Kiffin spent the beginning of practice watching the offensive players as a wide variety of music boomed from the loudspeakers. The first 25 minutes were
open to the media, and Kiffin looked on as a group of transfer quarterbacks threw to their new wide receivers and tight ends, some of the first moments of a remade team coming together.
After LSU spent the past few months going through offseason strength and conditioning and organized team activities, this was the first practice for a group with 59 new players. They were not in pads yet, so Kiffin said it was too early to make any evaluations. And while he thinks LSU assembled a talented roster, he reiterated “that’s a long way away
ä See LSU, page 2C
LSU
Tuesday
So far, tourney is sweet for SEC women
BY DOUG FEINBERG AP basketball writer
BY JIM KLEINPETER
Contributing writer
LSU softball coach Beth Torina’s 600th win at LSU was efficient if not particularly memorable.
The improving Tigers made short work of Louisiana Tech on Tuesday with a rare power display and sharp pitching in a 9-0 victory at Tiger Park.
It took only 82 minutes and five innings via the mercy rule for LSU (22-10) to win its third consecutive game going into a key home Southeastern Conference series this weekend against No. 5 Oklahoma.
“I’ve said all along this team is getting better all the time, growing all the time,” Torina said. “I can’t recall a team that had this much growth. I’m confident they’re continuing to improve. We’re seeing that all the time.
“The offense was super aggressive. It was nice to see Jalia (Lassiter) stepping up, right in the beginning hitting a ball through, and some big swings. Super aggressive. I love that for them. It set a good tone for the day.”
Lassiter, Tori Edwards and Kylee Edwards each slugged home runs as the Tigers scored four runs each in the first two innings. Three pitchers combined on a two-hit shutout, led by starter Paytn Monticelli. She struck out seven of the 11 batters she faced in three scoreless innings. Freshmen relievers Cali Deal and Ashlin Mowery combined for three strikeouts in relief.
The defense was errorless, with shortstop Kylee Edwards turning a double play and catcher Maci Bergeron throwing out a runner trying to advance.
“I felt super loose and I knew I could trust my defense,” said Monticelli, who transferred from Oklahoma. “Whatever I threw over the plate, my defense had my back. My performances are getting
The Sweet 16 will have a definite Southeastern Conference feel with six teams advancing from that conference to the second weekend of March Madness.
ä LSU vs. Duke. 9 P.M. FRIDAY, ESPN
Top seeds South Carolina and Texas cruised into the regional semifinals of the women’s NCAA Tournament and are joined by No. 2 seeds Vanderbilt and LSU, No. 4 Oklahoma and No. 5 Kentucky.
Both of the No. 1 seeds will have all-SEC matchups, with the Gamecocks facing the Sooners — the lone team to beat them in the regular season during conference play.
“Our league prepares us for this level of play,” South Carolina coach Dawn Staley said. “There isn’t an opponent out there that we don’t feel like we’re prepared for because of what we have been challenged with in the regular season and in the SEC Tournament.”
Vanderbilt coach Shea Ralph said it’s good for the SEC.
“I think it’s a great sign for the conference. You can’t really control if it’s spread out or not. But you know how we feel about the
SEC conference. It’s the best conference in the country. If you want to win a championship, you’re going to have to come through us, so it’s not a surprise to me that we’re seeing that many teams in. We’ll see. Hopefully we’ll continue to be one of them.”
It’s not only SEC teams that had a good first weekend in the NCAA Tournament. UConn remains the lone unbeaten in women’s college basketball. The Huskies have won 52 straight games, including a dominant 53-point win over
ä See SEC, page 4C
Pelicans falter down the stretch in loss to Knicks
New Orleans mathematically eliminated from postseason play
BY ROD WALKER Sports columnist
For the second straight game, the New Orleans Pelicans stood toe-to-toe with one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference. And just like the last time, the Pelicans were unable to close the deal. The Pelicans fell 121-116 to the New York Knicks on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden. The loss came three nights after the Pels were unable to put away the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday at the Smoothie King Center. The Cavs are currently fourth in the Eastern Conference standings, while the Knicks (4824) moved into second in the East with the win.
The Pelicans saw their bleak postseason hopes come to an end.
With Tuesday’s loss, the Pelicans (25-48) were mathematically eliminated and will miss the postseason for the second year in a row.
Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 22 points on 8-of-10 shooting. Jeremiah Fears scored 21 points off of the bench.
The Pelicans won seven of their last eight home games, but interim coach James Borrego wanted to see that same success on the road.
“It’s got to start on both sides of the ball,” Borrego said before the game. “We have to be ready to go offensively and we have to have our own imprint defensively. Our defense has to travel with us. To be a good road team, you have to
take your defense on the road.”
That wasn’t the case late in the first quarter. The Pelicans led 28-27 with 2:54 remaining in the opening quarter, but the Knicks closed it out on a 15-0 run to take a 42-28 lead. The Pels responded to start the second quarter with an 18-2 run, holding the Knicks without a field goal for the first five minutes of the quarter. The game was close the rest of the way.
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 32 points, including 10 straight points for the Knicks during a crucial stretch in the fourth quarter.
The Pelicans faced former teammate Jose Alvarado for the first time. Alvarado, a fan favorite
ä See PELICANS, page 5C
Torina
first-year coach Lane Kiffin watches
morning’s practice.
STAFF PHOTOS BY JAVIER GALLEGOS
LSU running back Harlem Berry, right, drinks water alongside running back Stacy Gage during the first day of spring football practice on Tuesday. Berry is a holdover from last year’s team while Gage, a Central Florida transfer, is among 59 newcomers.
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO BY PAMELA SMITH New York Knicks guard OG Anunoby tries to pass as New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray defends on Tuesday in New York.
PHOTO BY PATRICK DENNIS
LSU’s Jalia Lassiter slides safely into home plate to score the first run of the game as Louisiana Tech catcher Reese Torres waits for the throw in the first inning on Tuesday.
THREE AND OUT: SCOTT RABALAIS’ TOP THREE TAKEAWAYS FROM LSU’S FIRST DAY OF FOOTBALL PRACTICE
1
O-LINE EMPHASIS
The LSU offensive line’s poor performance played a huge role in Brian Kelly’s demise.
Improving it will have a big say in Lane Kiffin’s success here. Kiffin touted the work being done by O-line coaches James Cregg (in his second LSU stint) and Eric Wolford. “I love the combo in that room,” Kiffin said. “When a recruit comes here, that’s two elite line coaches from the NFL.” Kiffin also mentioned adding former Tennessee quarterback Tee Martin as an offensive analyst.
2
LEAVITT TAKES PART
I’m not sure what we expected to see from transfer quarterback and projected starter Sam Leavitt on the first day of spring practices. But he was out there with the other quarterbacks and even threw passes despite coming off season-ending foot surgery in November (many more reps went to fellow transfers Husan Longstreet and Landen Clark). “We expect by the end of the spring he’ll be able to do a lot more,” Kiffin said of Leavitt.
3
MAN ABOUT TOWN
Kiffin has been the toast of Baton Rouge since his arrival: appearing at basketball games, speaking engagements, even local parades. He was eager to say there has been much more time spent working. “Don’t mistake because you see me doing things around the community that there isn’t a relentless pursuit of greatness here and the amount of time we spend in this office,” he said. “It’s the only way, in my opinion, to do it.”
Kiffin praises TE Green, two others
BY WILSON ALEXANDER Staff writer
While Lane Kiffin and his LSU staff overhauled the offensive roster heading into their first season, they retained a few players who are expected to start. One of them is junior tight end Trey’Dez Green, and Kiffin highlighted him on the first day of spring practice.
“His skill set is ultra-elite,” Kiffin said. “But so is his mindset, and that’s really, really unique to have because they usually don’t coincide.”
Kiffin said Boise State transfer safety Ty Benefield and Colorado transfer offensive tackle Jordan Seaton are the same way. Benefield was the second-best defensive back available in the transfer portal, according to 247Sports, and is expected to have a significant role. Seaton, one of the top transfers regardless of position, will start at left tackle.
“If you were a scout out there watching, those three guys would stand out from a skill set of ultraelite,” Kiffin said. “But then to know, too, what the scout doesn’t know if you’re just watching, how they work and their mindset.”
Seaton was listed at 6-foot-5 and 330 pounds as a sophomore last season at Colorado. He now weighs 307 pounds, according to the LSU roster.
Kiffin said there are times when he comes to the facility at 9 p.m. on a Sunday and sees Seaton working out on his own, a quality that he hopes will rub off on other players so it becomes ingrained in the team culture.
“I’m happy that Jordan is there to lead by that,” Kiffin said. “To me, when you can have your marquee name players that appear to
be the best ones coming in and that’s what the other kids see as they come in, it’s really important.”
Green has a similar approach, Kiffin said. Green is entering his first draft-eligible season after catching 33 passes for 433 yards and seven touchdowns last year.
He established himself as a redzone threat with his ability to catch goal-line fades at 6-7, and now he will try to have a breakout season in a new offense.
“He doesn’t have another thought besides this is how you do things,” Kiffin said. “In your first year, to inherit a player that
has that, he’s really, really unique that way. And that’s really critical for him in this system because the way he works and how he has moved his conditioning allows you to play more in our system and not have to rotate as much. Now, you can have a really big type of year.”
Saints re-sign Burgess for defensive back depth
The New Orleans Saints are resigning defensive back Terrell Burgess, according to a league source, retaining a steady veteran depth piece in their secondary. Last season was Burgess’ first with the franchise. He appeared in 16 games with the Saints, recording three pass breakups and 22 tackles.
Burgess provided some valuable safety depth after the Saints lost opening-day starter Julian Blackmon for the season after Week 1, and Burgess also played more than 50% of New Orleans’ specialteams snaps.
Now entering his seventh NFL season, Burgess also has played for the Los Angeles Rams and Washington Commanders. He spent his 2020 rookie season working under current Saints defensive coordinator Brandon Staley, who then held the same position with the Rams.
LB David to retire after 14 seasons with Buccaneers
Lavonte David announced Tuesday he is retiring after playing all 14 seasons of his NFL career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The 36-year-old linebacker was the heart and soul of the Tampa Bay defense, helping the Buccaneers win a Super Bowl by dominating Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs 31-9 on Feb. 7, 2021.
David is one of only five players in the past 35 seasons with 40 or more sacks and 35 or more takeaways. Hall of Famers Jason Taylor, Junior Seau, Ray Lewis and Brian Urlacher are the other four.
David finished tied with Derrick Brooks for the most tackles (1,714) in franchise history, according to team stats.
Scheffler will not compete in Houston Open this week
HOUSTON — Scottie Scheffler withdrew from the Houston Open on Tuesday, a tournament that was always questionable for him to play because his wife is expecting their second child.
Scheffler, the No. 1 player in the world, has been runner-up at the Houston Open three times, including the last two years when he made it his final stop before going to the Masters. He was replaced in the field by Matt Kuchar.
Scheffler, who won the PGA Championship and the British Open last year, began 2026 with a victory in The American Express. His streak of 18 consecutive finishes in the top 10 — which started at the Houston Open last year — ended at the Genesis Invitational with a tie for 12th.
Warriors guard Moody to miss rest of season
from being a really good team.”
“Things don’t happen overnight,” Kiffin said.
“It takes a lot of work to get a program up to an elite performing program level. We’re making some first steps, but there’s a ton of work to do.”
LSU has 14 more practices over the next month. Here are the top things we learned on the first day. Leavitt gets to work
Arizona State transfer quarterback Sam Leavitt participated in a limited fashion as he continues to recover from season-ending surgery on his foot last fall. Kiffin previously said Leavitt would not do full-team drills this spring, and sure enough, Leavitt watched Elon transfer Landen Clark lead the first-team offense briefly at the beginning of practice.
Leavitt threw when LSU practiced routes on air. At one point, he hit redshirt junior Illinois transfer Malik Elzy in stride down the right sideline on a go ball. He also missed a throw deep downfield.
“He’s moving around a little bit, but he can’t do any team stuff,” Kiffin said. “That was really kind of his first time doing much throwing and moving of his lower body. We expect by the end of spring, he’ll be able to do a lot more.”
Weeks headlines absences
Senior linebacker Whit Weeks
did not practice. He missed five of the last seven games last season after suffering a broken ankle in late September. He’s expected to start alongside Ole Miss senior transfer TJ Dottery.
Weeks did not have any extra support around his ankle, such as a walking boot, when seen the past two days.
“Whit will continue to do more as we get going through spring and be cleared for more stuff,” Kiffin said.
Florida transfer receiver Eugene Wilson, Clemson transfer defensive tackle Stephiylan Green, redshirt freshman de-
fensive end Damien Shanklin and redshirt freshman offensive lineman Solomon Thomas were not seen during the open portion of practice. Green was on the indoor practice field instead, and Thomas wore a walking boot on his left leg Monday at pro day.
Kiffin mentioned that starting spring practice in late March gave certain players time to heal.
“For the most part, most of them are out there,” Kiffin said.
“That was part of going later, so you’d have some guys that had some surgeries, had some things done — smaller ones —
and so that we’d have more time to get them in shape, too, so they wouldn’t get injured in the conditioning stuff before this.
“We’re in pretty good shape that way.”
How much hitting?
There were criticisms throughout the Brian Kelly era about LSU’s physicality. Players asked him at one point to tackle more in practice when the defense struggled during the 2023 season, and athletic director Verge Ausberry noticed a lack of physicality when he watched the team last season, something that made it difficult to establish the run.
So, it was interesting to hear Kiffin’s response Monday when asked about how much LSU will hit in practice. He pointed out rosters aren’t as deep as they used to be because of direct player compensation and the transfer portal, which limits how much live tackling takes place in practice. Coaches don’t want to lose their star players when the backup option isn’t as talented, and Kiffin said he doesn’t practice as much as he used to as a result. But he knows LSU needs to hit.
“We appear to be, early, that we’re going to have really good front-line talent guys on our roster, and we’re going to have some depth issues,” Kiffin said.
“I’m sure all programs probably feel that way nowadays. So, I think you’ve got to be really careful with how much you do, and you can’t do the old-school way.
“As much as I’d like to from a toughness standpoint, you’ve got to be somewhere in the middle.”
Golden State Warriors guard Moses Moody will miss the rest of the season after a gruesome left knee injury that will require surgery later this week.
The Warriors said Tuesday that Moody tore his patellar tendon and underwent an MRI exam that revealed the severity of his injury. He went down with 58.5 seconds left in overtime of Golden State’s 137-131 victory Monday while going for an uncontested dunk off a steal against Cooper Flagg. His knee buckled and Moody went down in agony for several minutes before being carted off the court on a stretcher and giving a wave.
Moody, 23, was averaging 12.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.0 steals in 25.7 minutes.
Cincinnati hires Calhoun as men’s basketball coach
Jerrod Calhoun is returning to the University of Cincinnati after being named the men’s basketball coach Tuesday. Calhoun, who will be formally introduced Wednesday, agreed to a six-year contract, pending board of trustees approval. He will earn $3.7 million in the first year followed by annual raises of $100,000. Calhoun — who led Utah State to the round of 32 in the NCAA Tournament — graduated from Cincinnati in 2004 and was a student assistant under Bob Huggins during the 2003-04 season. He also spent five seasons on Huggins’ staff at West Virginia from 2007-12, including when the Mountaineers went to the Final Four in 2010.
STAFF PHOTO BY JAVIER GALLEGOS LSU running back Caden Durham runs a drill during Tuesday’s practice.
STAFF FILE PHOTO BY HILARY SCHEINUK
LSU tight end Trey’Dez Green hurdles Texas A&M safety Dalton Brooks on Oct. 25 at Tiger Stadium. Coach Lane Kiffin praised Green for his mindset as well as his skills on Tuesday, the first day of spring practice.
has made the opening day roster during an exhibition game against the Kansas City Royals on Monday in Arlington, Texas.
Rangers rookie gets big news on mound visit
BY STEPHEN HAWKINS
AP baseball writer
ARLINGTON, Texas — Carter
Baumler thought he was coming out of the game when he saw Texas Rangers manager Skip Schumaker making his way out of the dugout. Instead, the pitcher got a memory of a lifetime that he was able to share with his parents even though they were watching on TV about 1,200 miles away.
Schumaker made the mound visit during a spring training game Monday night just to tell the 24-yearold rookie right-hander, who has never pitched above the Double-A level, that he is going to start this season in the big leagues.
“I’m just so grateful that Skip did it that way,” Baumler said Tuesday, before the Rangers played their final spring training game ahead of Thursday’s season opener in Philadelphia. “I couldn’t have dreamed of another or a better way to, you know, have that happen.”
While catcher Danny Jansen and all four infield-
ers also were unsure what was happening when Schumaker emerged from the dugout after two quick outs against the Kansas City Royals, it quickly became apparent by their reactions when gathered on the mound what the new Rangers manager had told Baumler. The pitcher also broke into a wide smile, then composed himself enough to strike out the next batter on a 96.8 mph fastball to end the fifth inning.
His parents were watching the Rangers Sports Network broadcast at home in Des Moines, Iowa, and they realized pretty quickly what was happening. They got confirmation soon after when Baumler was doing an in-game interview from the dugout.
“They were tearing up a little bit,” Baumler said. “Just a cool moment for like, you know, myself and the family and extended family.”
While Schumaker was only trying to make the moment as memorable as he could for Baumler, he also created a viral one on social
media.
Like Baumler, Schumaker heard from family and friends. Among those reaching out to the manager was Denny Sheaffer, who was the Triple-A manager for Memphis when he pulled Schumaker out of a game in June 2005 to tell the outfielder that he was being called up by the St. Louis Cardinals for his big league debut.
“He shot me a text talking about that first call-up,” Schumaker said Tuesday.
“I remember everything about it, so you try to make it as memorable. ... I’m just really happy his parents got to see it.”
Rangers shortstop Corey Seager, a two-time World Series MVP, said umpires were yelling at Schumaker thinking that he was trying to remove the pitcher before facing the required minimum three batters.
“That’s for sure cool. I mean, I’ve never seen that before,” Seager said of how Schumaker shared the news. “What an awesome way. ... A little moment like that, it was a big moment for the whole team.”
Louisiana Tech on Tuesday
Dunham rallies past Episcopal to win district
BY WILLIAM WEATHERS Contributing writer
The Dunham School’s Dagen McMorris missed the first two strikes delivered from Episcopal relief pitcher Henry Kucharchuk.
The Tigers, who trailed by a run in the bottom of the sixth inning, had two runners on with two out when McMorris got a hold of Kucharchuk’s next offering. The junior sent the ball deep into right-center field, out of the reach of a diving Andrew Ferachi in center field, for a two-run triple that resulted in a 4-3 victory and championship in the District 8-2A tournament on Tuesday at Dunham.
“The first one was pretty much middle, I missed that one and was pretty mad about it,” said McMorris, who drove in Brooklyn Gremillion and Tyler Sotile with the go-ahead runs.
“That last pitch was kind of on the outside corner a little up and it worked out.”
McMorris’ hit was Dunham’s third of the game and second triple. The Tigers (14-12) were limited to a
run on two hits by Episcopal starter Josh Kantrow, whose 26 pitches in the fifth inning increased his total to 96 (56 for strikes) for the game.
Kuckarchuk hit Gremillion and walked Sotile with one out before striking out Jackson Temple for the second out, bringing up McMorris, who fell behind 0-2 in the count.
“Hitting’s hard, baseball’s hard,” Dunham coach Hayden Jennings said.
“What people didn’t see is when we got two strikes, we made him (Kantrow) throw three or four more pitches, and when you get to 90-plus pitches in the fifth inning, that’s what really won us the game. Even though we didn’t score a lot of runs, we were able to get their starter out of the game because we battled. We never just gave up.”
Reliever Gavin Blanton (1-0) pitched two scoreless innings, allowing two hits. He also struck out five consecutive batters that bridged the fifth and sixth innings. Gremillion moved from shortstop to the mound in the seventh and retired the side for his
third save.
“His stuff is always going to be there, but it was the way he competed mentally and did a good job of not letting little things affect him,” Episcopal coach J.T. Blair said of Kantrow. “The way he was able to come back and finish the (fifth) inning and not let it snowball into something bigger — I was really proud of him there.”
Episcopal (8-14) took a 1-0 lead in the first inning on first baseman Drew Freel’s one-out RBI single to right. The Knights, who had twohit efforts from designated hitter Zach Hu and Freel and seven overall, expanded their lead to 3-1 in the fourth on a run-scoring single from second baseman Harrison Bergeron. Dunham picked up a run in the fifth when Ryder Greene walked, moved to third on a pair of wild pitches and scored on Braden Sullivan’s safety squeeze bunt up the first-base line.
“Right now, we’re the team that’s got to keep playing the game,” Jennings said, “and as long as we do, good things will happen.”
Playing small ball
you need the news. Wherever you read
TORINA
Continued from page 1C
better every week. That’s a product of what we’re doing in the bullpen and what I’m doing with coaches every day.” Tori Edwards got things going with a run-scoring single in the first inning to score Lassiter, who led off with a single up the middle. She also hit a laser line drive that just cleared the wall for her sixth home run of the season. She has five RBIs in her last three official at-bats.
“We’re trying to put together our best softball, putting our heads down and putting the work in,”
said Edwards, who has struggled coming off an SEC Freshman of the Year season. “We’re going to keep doing that moving forward.”
LSU jumped ahead 4-0 in the first inning. After Edwards’ run-scoring hit, Alix Franklin brought one run in on a fielder’s choice, Char Lorenz hit a sacrifice fly and Destiny Harris a runscoring double. Lassiter led off the second inning with a home run to left, her fourth of the season. One out later, Tori Edwards hit her dinger. After a walk to Franklin, Ruby Fidge replaced Tech starter Laney Johnson and Kylee Edwards hit the first pitch for a two-run bomb.
Freshman Gradie Appling made it 9-0 in the fourth inning with her first career hit, a run-scoring double, for LSU.
Already the school leader in softball victories, Torina credits the players throughout her 15 seasons for getting her the milestone win.
“I’m a survivor,” she said with a laugh. “It’s really cool to reflect on my time at LSU and all the players that wore the colors and played so hard for me and this university.
“That number is up there because of the women that played here. I didn’t play here. I’ve been fortunate to captain the ship. It’s been a fun ride; I’m very grateful.”
PHOTO BY PATRICK DENNIS
LSU’s Destiny Harris hits a two-run double to left field against
at Tiger Park.
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO BY SMILEY N. POOL
Texas Rangers pitcher Carter Baumler, third from right, gets a pat on the back from first baseman Jake Burger as he gets a visit at the mound from manager Skip Schumaker, second from left, to inform him he
PHOTO BY PATRICK DENNIS
LSU outfielder Chris Stanfield lays down a sacrifice bunt against Louisiana Tech on Tuesday at Alex Box Stadium. LSU won 15-5 in eight innings. Go to theadvocate.com for a report.
Bully ball is back
BY JOHN MARSHALL AP sportswriter
UConn has shooters and slashers, its offense an array of moving parts all in synch.
The central cog is big man Tarris Reed.
The 6-foot-11, 265-pound senior has been punishing opposing teams at a record rate, giving the Huskies a huge inside advantage that they’re more than happy to take advantage of as they climb through the NCAA Tournament bracket.
“This guy’s a total monster and today he was a real grizzly bear,” UConn coach Dan Hurley said after Reed opened the NCAA Tournament with 31 points and 27 rebounds against Furman.
The NCAA Tournament is down to a Sweet 16 void of mid-majors for the second straight season.
NIL and the transfer portal have played significant roles in the recent downturn in March Madness upsets. Being a bully also helped.
One of the biggest advantages power-conference programs have over mid-majors is their heft, and they’ve been throwing it around a lot more.
Power conferences have gone 27-4 against mid-majors in this year’s bracket, outscoring them by an average of 7.7 points in the paint. Florida had the largest margin inside, punishing Prairie View by a whopping 64-10 in the paint for a 114-55 win — the secondlargest margin of victory in NCAA Tournament history.
THURSDAY’S GAMES
■ No. 11 Texas vs. No. 2 Purdue, 6:10 p.m., CBS
■ No. 9 Iowa vs. No. 4 Nebraska, 6:30 p.m. TBS/TruTV
■ No. 4 Arkansas vs. No. 1 Arizona, 8:45 p.m., CBS
■ No. 3 Illinois vs. No. 2 Houston, 9:05 p.m., TBS/TruTV
Arkansas also scored 64 paint points in its opening 97-78 win over Hawaii.
Power programs have grabbed 9.3 more rebounds per game against mid-majors, topped by Illinois’ 48-25 advantage in its 105-70 blowout of Penn.
The bigger programs also are averaging 12.1 offensive rebounds and 13.1 second-chance points against mid-majors. Illinois had 29 second-chance points on 20 offensive rebounds against Penn, and Arizona converted 16 offensive rebounds into 22 second-chance points in its blowout win over Long Island.
In other words, the Sweet 16 got big.
“I do think you’re seeing more of it,” Michigan State coach Tom Izzo said. “I think the trend will go back to what it’s supposed to be, and that’s a balance between inside and outside.”
The perimeter game had been the way to go, thanks to the success of Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors. College basketball often mimics the NBA,
and the Warriors’ run of three titles in four years by virtue of Curry and crew’s 3-point shooting trickled down.
Based on the notion that three is more than two, college teams started spreading the floor — sometimes with all five players outside the lane — in search of the best shot from the arc. Villanova perfected the style while winning two championships under Jay Wright, and Baylor used a similar tactic to win the 2021 title.
But spreading the floor and relying on 3-pointers negate some of the size advantage power-conference programs have over midmajors. One cold shooting night or the opposing team getting hot and that’s it in the one-and-done NCAA Tournament — as college basketball fans saw with the rash of March Madness upsets in previous seasons.
Working inside-out creates a dilemma for opposing defenses: play the big man straight up or double team to open up the perimeter game.
“That was kind of the wave for a couple years, teams that sold themselves as playing a ‘pro-style’ offense and spread out, but when you play that way, you allow a lot of volatility to enter the equation,” Florida coach Todd Golden said.
“When you have the opportunity to recruit bigger, stronger, faster athletes and play a style that allows you to raise your floor with high two-point field goal percentage and get on the glass, that just gives you a better chance to be consistently successful.”
Bitter rivals Iowa, Iowa State in Sweet 16 for the first time
BY ERIC OLSON AP sportswriter
It’s a cornucopia of basketball this week in the state that produces the most corn.
For the first time, the Iowa State Cyclones and Iowa Hawkeyes advanced to the Sweet 16 of the men’s NCAA Tournament in the same year. Fans for both schools should unite — right? — and declare that for at least a few days, “We all are Cy-Hawks.” Not happening.
All Iowans can agree, however, that having two of the last 16 teams standing is pretty cool and that fans of both will be tuned in when the Hawkeyes play border rival Nebraska in Houston on Thursday night and the Cyclones face Tennessee in Chicago on Friday night. Sure, the Lone Star State can boast it has the Texas Longhorns and Houston Cougars in the Sweet 16, and the Great Lakes State can tout Michigan and Michigan State. The Hawkeye State — some surely would prefer to call it the Cyclone State — is different. Just 3.2 million people live across the 300 miles separating the Missouri and Mississippi rivers. The state is best known for sorting out pretenders and contenders in presidential elections with its caucuses, serving as the setting for the
classic baseball movie “Field of Dreams” and, of course, corn and pork production. In Iowa, having two teams in the Sweet 16 just might be the best thing since sliced bread, which happened to be invented by a guy from Davenport.
“It’s definitely one of the biggest developments I’ve ever covered,” said Heather Burnside, who cohosts a show on Des Moines sports radio station KXNO. “I think both fan bases are excited we still have basketball to talk about at a time where normally one fan base would be looking at the other one with envy.”
The second-seeded Cyclones were first to advance Sunday when, after losing star Joshua Jefferson to an ankle injury minutes into their tournament opener, they rolled past 7-seed Kentucky 82-63.
The Hawkeyes topped that accomplishment hours later when, as a No. 9 seed, they knocked out defending national champion and top-seeded Florida, 73-72.
Iowa State’s T.J. Otzelberger and Iowa’s Ben McCollum have built their teams in a way that reflects the Midwestern work ethic. What the teams lack in flashiness they make up for in grittiness.
“It’s just tough kids,” said McCollum, who was talking about his team but just as easily could have
Vandy’s Sweet 16 return powered by more than Blakes
BY TERESA M. WALKER AP sportswriter
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — AP All-American Mikayla Blakes gets a lot of the attention at Vanderbilt as the nation’s leading scorer. But the Commodores are going to their first Sweet 16 since 2009 because they have so many others helping the Southeastern Conference’s player of the year.
There’s the freshman point guard who is a whirling dervish on the court and plays Robin to Blakes’ Batman. There’s the 6-foot-2 graduate forward who stuck around after missing last season with a blood clot issue. And then there’s the 3-point shooter in her third year at Vanderbilt after transferring in from in-state rival Tennessee.
It’s coach Shea Ralph’s best team yet in her fifth season at Vanderbilt (29-4).
“We are a team, a really, really good team with great pieces,” Ralph said. “Everybody has value. Everybody has a role that they play that’s really important for us to win big games.”
Blakes brings the scoring, averaging 27.1 points per game this season and an even better 30.5 clip in SEC play. She also just missed a triple-double in the second round with 25 points, nine assists, 10 rebounds and four steals.
“She is a facilitator,” said senior Justine Pissott, the 3-point shooter who started her college career at Tennessee. “She rebounds the ball.
“She’s just a great player all around. It’s really important when she finds everybody — there’s not one person she doesn’t miss on the court, and when she misses them, she’ll get them the next time.”
Vanderbilt earned a No. 2 seed in the women’s NCAA Tournament with four starters averaging double figures.
SEC freshman of the year Aubrey Galvan, generously listed at 5-foot-6, whips passes to teammates, spins in the lane for layups and knocks down big 3s. She’s second in scoring to Blakes with 13.2 points per game and has a season-high of 30 points.
Ralph said they work to put together a team that complements each other and ignored the idea that Galvan was too small to compete in the Southeastern Conference.
“What we saw from her, along with the intangible qualities — chip on her shoulder, competitiveness, love for basketball she has — was that she was going to be just fine,” Ralph said.
Galvan also led all freshmen in assists and ranked fourth nationally with 81 steals. Blakes said it took all summer and lots of yelling for the Commodores to get on the same page with Galvan. Post players especially had to learn to always be ready for a pass.
“If you’re not looking at her, you’re going to get hit in the head with a ball, and it’s happened a lot of times,” Blakes said. “Every time she has the ball, she’s looking to pass.”
Sacha Washington is the graduate student who has been with Ralph every step of this journey, returning after a blood clot in her right calf cost her the 202425 season.
Now she plays her first Sweet 16 on Friday against No. 6 seed Notre Dame (24-10).
The SEC’s active leader in career rebounds grabs 7.9 of them a game and tied the program mark in an NCAA Tournament game with 17 in the first round. Tears flowed Monday night when Washington checked out with a couple minutes left with hugs all around.
“Really you never know when you’re going to be done playing,” Washington said. “I’ve been healthy this whole season. So words can’t even explain, but I’m very grateful to be here and I’m very happy.”
Ralph appreciates Washington sticking with her in this transfer portal and NIL era.
“That kid has really, really, really poured her heart and soul into this program, and we would not be where we are without her,” Ralph said.
been describing the Cyclones.
“They fight. They compete. They stick with it. They exemplify everything that we’ve wanted in Iowa basketball. They’ve established the foundation that we’ve desperately needed, and couldn’t be any more proud of them.”
Beyond their playing styles, the teams are extremely relatable to their fans.
The Cyclones’ star point guard, Tamin Lipsey, is a hometown kid from Ames and among three Iowans on the roster.
Five other players are from bordering Wisconsin and Minnesota. Otzelberger, who grew up in Wisconsin, is married to Alison Lacey, who played her senior year of high school basketball 20 minutes from Ames in Huxley and was a threetime All-Big 12 basketball player for the Cyclones.
McCollum was born in Iowa City and raised in Storm Lake. His wife, Michelle, is an Iowa girl who grew up near Storm Lake, in Albert City. Naturally, the McCollums first met at a high school basketball game. Ben McCollum played college ball at Northwest Missouri State, coached his alma mater to four Division II national championships over 15 years and then led Drake to the second round of the NCAA Tournament in his only season at the Des Moines school.
SEC
Continued from page 1C
basketball. The Huskies have won 52 straight games, including a dominant 53-point win over Syracuse in the second round. UConn has reached the Sweet 16 in 32 consecutive years.
UConn will face North Carolina in the Sweet 16. The Tar Heels are one of five ACC teams still playing. The biggest surprise of the group is Virginia. The Cavaliers reached the regional semifinals for the first time in 26 years and became the first team to play in the First Four and get this far. They needed double overtime to knock off Iowa and advance.
The SEC isn’t the only conference that will have teams facing each other in the Sweet 16. Minnesota, back in the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2005, will play Big Ten foe UCLA. The winner will face the winner of LSU and Duke.
Vanderbilt and Notre Dame will square off in the regional semifinals in a matchup of two of the
best guards in the country with Mikayla Blakes and Hannah Hidalgo trying to lead their teams to the Elite Eight. They are both dynamic scorers who can also find teammates for open baskets. Hidalgo is a defensive whiz, leading the country in steals. All five of the AP first-team AllAmericans are still playing, with UConn teammates Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd leading the way. Texas star Madison Booker put on an offensive clinic with a 40-point effort in the second round of the tournament. Fudd had 34 points in the rout of Syracuse. Lauren Betts led UCLA back to the Sweet 16, and Blakes has Vanderbilt in new territory. LSU broke the NCAA record with a 16th game this season scoring more than 100 points. The Tigers face third-seeded Duke in a rematch of their ACC/SEC challenge game that LSU won. The Tigers had scored more than 100 points in each of their first eight games before beating Duke 93-77 on Dec. 4.
This is a different Duke team, though, as the Blue Devils have won 23 of 25 games after that defeat.
Sweet 16 void of mid-majors as power conferences dominate inside
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO BY MATT ROURKE
UConn post player Tarris Reed looks to shoot against Cooper Bowser of Furman during the first half in their NCAA Tournament first-round game on Friday in Philadelphia.
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO BY GEORGE WALKER IV Vanderbilt guards Mikayla Blakes, left, and Aubrey Galvan celebrate after beating Illinois in an NCAA Tournament second-round game on Monday in Nashville, Tenn.
Less to gripe about
Even with robot umpires, MLB managers will find reasons to get ejected
BY RONALD BLUM AP baseball writer
TAMPA, Fla. — Kevin Cash isn’t worried that manager ejections will become a relic of baseball’s past just because robot umpires have arrived to settle some debates.
“You only get two challenges, right? That can come up in the first inning,” the Tampa Bay Rays manager said.
Manager tantrums at umpires have long delighted fans: the Yankees’ Billy Martin kicking and throwing dirt on Dale Scott in 1988, Cincinnati’s Lou Piniella heaving first base into right field in anger at Dutch Rennert in 1990 and the Orioles’ Earl Weaver going face to face with Bill Haller in 1980, each profanely calling the other a liar.
But Major League Baseball has given managers less to gripe about in the past two decades. Video reviews began for home run calls in August 2008 and were widely expanded to many decisions for the 2014 season.
The Automated Ball-Strike System starts this year to allow challenges to human strike zone calls, dubbed robot umpires.
“Manager ejections have been down for a while now because of the replay system,” said Hall of Famer Jim Leyland, a three-time Manager of the Year tossed 73 times over 22 seasons. “I really like the ABS. I think it’s going to be great for the game.”
Last year, 61.5% of ejections among players, manag-
Boone, beginning his ninth season, is second with 46. Boone is less concerned over whether his dugout dissents will dwindle and more focused on keeping his players locked in if a challenge goes against them. If an umpire calls strike three to strand the bases loaded and the pitcher pumps a fist and bounds off the mound, how will the pitcher quickly regain composure if ABS reverses the call and forces a 3-2 offering?
“It’s a whole new thing that pitchers have never dealt with.
“That’s an emotional thing you’ve got to deal with,” Boone said. “That’s something we’ve already addressed, same with the hitters to a lesser degree: that reset. How do you clear the mechanism?”
George returning to Sixers after his failed drug test
BY DAN GELSTON AP sportswriter
CAMDEN, N.J. — Paul George declined to get into the specifics of his failed drug test that landed him a 25game suspension but said he is mentally and physically ready to help the Philadelphia 76ers with their playoff push over the last 10 games of the season.
George will play for the Sixers on Wednesday night against Chicago.
The Sixers — who also played the last 13 games without an injured Joel Embiid — went 13-12 in his absence and entered Tuesday night’s games at 39-33 and in seventh place in the Eastern Conference standings.
George was suspended in late January for violating the terms of the NBA’s anti-drug program.
He opened his statement Tuesday at the 76ers’ complex in New Jersey with an apology to the team, its fans and his family for the poor judgment that led to his flunked test.
“To let people down hurt more than kind of anything,” George said.
He said his choice to take a banned substance was connected to a mental health issue that developed because of an offseason knee injury that limited his production this season.
“The most difficult thing is when your body isn’t where you know it needs to be or where it once was,” George said. “That leads and bleeds into the mental side of things, knowing that you’re limited.
“But for me, I feel good, my body is feeling great. Mentally, I know I’m capable of doing what I can do and what I’ve been able to on the court for years.”
George has averaged 16 points in 27 games this season for the Sixers. He had one of his best games of the season in the week he was suspended, a 32-point outburst fueled by nine 3-pointers in a win over Milwaukee.
ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO
Philadelphia 76ers guard Paul George was suspended 25 games in late January for violating the NBA’s anti-drug policy.
ers and coaches (99 of 161) were related to ball/strike calls, according to MLB, up slightly from 60.3% (114 of 189) in 2024. The figure included what MLB counted as inappropriate comments and conduct, and throwing equipment in protest.
“I’m in favor of anything that allows our technology to play in this game,” Cash said. “We have so much of it. Why not use it?”
Each team gets two challenges per game, and a club keeps its challenge if successful. A team out of challenges gets an additional one in each extra inning.
“You’re going to take out the argument of balls and strikes initially,” Minnesota Twins manager Derek Shelton said. “I think the chal-
lenge is going to be after the challenges go away, how managers are and what they do? But I do think that there is going to be probably less general complaining about balls and strikes in the early going.”
Aaron Boone of the Yankees has led or tied for the most ejections in four straight seasons, and his nine in 2022 were the most since Atlanta’s Bobby Cox was tossed 10 times in 2007.
Cox was thrown out a record 162 times, followed by John McGraw (121), Leo Durocher (100), Weaver (96), Tony La Russa (93) and Bruce Bochy (89).
Cincinnati’s Terry Francona, starting his 25th season in a big league dugout, leads active managers with 54.
Bobby Valentine, who managed three major league teams over 16 seasons, will be honored by the New York Mets this May with a giveaway promotion commemorating one of his 44 ejections. After he was tossed by Randy Marsh on June 9, 1999, Valentine returned to the dugout with a fake mustache fashioned from eye black and sunglasses.
Valentine said players have evolved past the point where a manager could spark his team with a histrionic argument.
“I found that by the end of my career that that was only entertainment,” he said. “It didn’t fire anyone up except for my wife, who was worried about the fine that I was going to get.”
The 35-year-old George signed a $212 million, four-year contract in free agency ahead of the 2024 season.
But his first year in Philly was marred by knee and adductor injuries that resulted in the forward having one of the worst years of his NBA career.
BY TIM REYNOLDS AP basketball writer
Detroit guard Cade Cun-
ningham’s eligibility for individual honors such as a spot on the All-NBA team is in some doubt because of the 65-game rule for such awards, and the players’ association said Tuesday that shouldn’t be the case.
The National Basketball Players Association — which, through collective bargaining, agreed to that rule as part of the current agreement between the league and its players — said it, at minimum, wants to see the rule amended.
“Cade Cunningham’s potential ineligibility for postseason awards after a career-defining season is a clear indictment of the
65-game rule and yet another example of why it must be abolished or reformed to create an exception for significant injuries,” the union said through a spokesperson.
“Since its implementation, far too many deserving players have been unfairly disqualified from end-of-season honors by this arbitrary and overly rigid quota.” Cunningham has appeared in 61 games this season. He is expected to miss several more games while recovering from a collapsed lung — and if he misses too many, he’ll fall short of the 65game threshold.
A number of players will be ineligible for most major individual awards this season because of the 65-game rule, including the Los An-
geles Lakers’ LeBron James — whose 21-year streak of making an All-NBA team will end. Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo and Golden State’s Stephen Curry also have missed too many games to be eligible, and a slew of other players — including Denver’s Nikola Jokic and San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama, both of whom are MVP contenders — are near the line for ineligibility.
The MVP frontrunners, Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Lakers’ Luka Doncic, can still miss a handful of games and keep their eligibility.
“It’s for the right reasons, but it’s tough,” Cleveland guard Donovan Mitchell said over the weekend, in remarks published by cleve-
land.com about the 65-game rule. “We get paid money to be out there, but there’s certain things you can’t control. It’s not like guys are resting and missing these games. These are legitimate injuries, so it’s something to look at for sure because there’s no way certain guys should be in this scenario.”
A slew of others in the NBA have spoken out in recent years in support of the 65-game rule, including some union officials such as Andre Iguodala — the union’s executive director — and Boston forward Jaylen Brown.
“I just want guys healthy and on the court, too. I guess that’s what the solution is, try to get guys to stay on the court,” Kevin Durant said at the 2024 All-Star Game.
PELICANS
Continued from page 1C
in his 41/2 seasons in New Orleans, was traded to the Knicks in February.
“It’s going to be a lot of fun,” Borrego said before the game. “He’s had a massive impact on this organization and these players, There is a lot of history with Jose. He’s meant a lot to a lot of people in this organization. I’m assuming he’s having the same
“Being a pro athlete takes a toll on you,” George said. “My body wasn’t where I wanted it to be.
“The expectations to perform because of my body not being where it needed to be, obviously, I’m going to have an expectation for myself. That’s what led to a poor decision at the time.”
George said the hiatus gave time for his body to heal from nagging injuries that in turn have improved his state of mind.
“These 25 games were just what I needed, I think, for my body,” he said.
The suspension cost George — a nine-time AllStar — roughly $11.7 million of his $51.7 million salary, or about $469,692 for each of the 25 games missed.
“I’ve said it throughout my career, dealing with mental health, I’m no superhero,” George said. “I’m human and I made a mistake in that moment.”
The 2023 MVP, Embiid has missed the last 13 games with a right oblique strain, and All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey has missed nine straight games with a right finger tendon strain.
There was no immediate timetable on their returns.
George said he’s ready to fill the scoring void and lift the Sixers out of the play-in bubble and securely into the playoffs.
“I’ve been feeling great, feeling explosive again, feeling strong again,” he said.
“I feel like I’m back on that level of being able to perform and be the focal guy and be the scorer.”
George averaged 16.2 points in just 41 games, easily his lowest scoring average in a full season since he averaged 12.1 points for Indiana in his second NBA season. He then had surgery in July on his left knee after he was injured during a workout and missed the first 12 games of this season.
impact here.” Alvarado finished with one assist and one rebound, but he didn’t take a shot in the nine minutes he played. The Pelicans lost despite committing just seven turnovers and have now lost their last four games against the Knicks. The Pelicans conclude the three-game road trip with back-to-back games Thursday and Friday against the Detroit Pistons and Toronto Raptors, respectively.
ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO New York Yankees manager Billy Martin argues a call with first base umpire Bruce Froemming during Game 4 of the World Series against the Cincinnati Reds on Oct. 21, 1976, at Yankee Stadium in New York.
ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO BY GREGORY SMITH
Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox, right, argues a call about the base line with first base umpire Ron Kulpa during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies on May 26, 2007, at Turner Field in Atlanta. Cox, who was tossed a record 162 times, was ejected from the game during the talk.
SCOREBOARD
Crawfête sells out, names best dishes
BY MADDIE SCOTT Staff writer
This year’s sold-out Crawfête had over 700 guests, Arabian horses and lots of good crawfish.
On Sunday, families and foodies assembled at Live Oak at Cedar Lodge, 6300 Jefferson Highway, to taste crawfish from over 12 boilers and crawfish culinary dishes from local restaurants.
The annual crawfish festival was held at Perkins Rowe in previous years, so this was the first year at the Live Oak at Cedar Lodge.
The annual crawfish festival is hosted by the Epicurean Society, a 501(c)3 organization composed of culinary professionals like chefs, restaurateurs, food suppliers and wine purveyors who have been raising money to give back to the Baton Rouge community for the last 18 years.
Sarah Gray, executive director for the Epicurean Society, said the proceeds of the event go toward supporting nonprofit organizations working to combat food insecurity and advance childhood nutrition and health across the Baton Rouge area, including the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank, Knock Knock Children’s Museum, Big River Economic & Agricultural Development Alliance and Girls on the Run.
The Blue Crab Redemption Band brought live music and Food Network’s Roshni Gurnani, also known as Chef Rosh, performed a live crawfish cooking demonstration.
Crawfête 2026 results
Boiling competition: First place: Sammy’s Grill
Second place: B&Z Boilers Third place: Atta Boy Kajun Kitchen
Boiling competition, people’s choice: First place: Hot Tails
Culinary competition:
First place: Southdowns
Grille, crawfish smoked cheddar grilled cheese and pickled pearl onions on the side
The newspaper is reintroducing its Cookie Contest at the Baker Fair from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. April 12 at the Main Library, 7711 Goodwood Blvd., in Baton Rouge. The first-place winner will receive a $100 gift card; second place, $75 gift card; and third place, $50 gift card.
The winners and their cookies will be featured in The Advocate’s Living section. For details and to enter the contest, go to ebrpl.co/ advocatecookiecontest.
Smooth servings
Soft-serve margarita
BY MADDIE SCOTT Staff writer
Soft-serve margaritas have dominated a corner of the internet recently, and some Louisiana businesses are creating their own spin on the viral frozen treat.
In flavors like strawberry, mango and passionfruit, these soft-serve margaritas earned their name for resembling the texture of ... you guessed it: soft-serve ice cream.
They’re sweet, boozy and the perfect treat for spring and summer. Here’s where to get one of the drinks in Louisiana.
Boru Ramen in Baton Rouge
When Boru Ramen manager Lorell Hamilton saw soft-serve margaritas blow up on TikTok at the beginning of the month, he hit
a soft-serve margarita from a frozen margarita, Hamilton said.
Boru Ramen carries the treat in lime, mango, passionfruit, piña colada, pomegranate, raspberry, strawberry, watermelon and prickly pear flavors.
“At the end of the day, it’s still a margarita, so it should be drinkable,” Hamilton said. “And when eating stuff like ramen or some of our other food, you want to still be able to sip on it. So that’s why it’s still thick but not too thick where you maybe need a spoon.”
The Japanese restaurant also serves ramen, rice bowls and appetizers like chicken wings, chicken karaage, bao buns and edamame. Boru Ramen, 4957 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge.
the kitchen immediately and got to work.
“I told the owner,” Hamilton said. “I was like, ‘Here, try this.’ The next day, we started selling them.”
The restaurant started selling the new treat on March 6, Hamilton said, and that weekend, they sold 80 soft-serve margaritas.
His recipe uses triple sec, tequila, lime juice and milk. The addition of milk or dairy is what differentiates
Open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and closed Monday.
Casa Maria in Denham Springs In Denham Springs, Casa Maria owner Fahim Jamil posted his rendition of the soft-serve margarita on Facebook and TikTok. In one week, he sold over 5,000 soft-serve margaritas.
“I had a table last night from
STAFF PHOTO BY MICHAEL DUNLAP
Lorell Hamilton, manager at Boru Ramen in Baton Rouge, makes a soft-serve margarita. The drinks are going viral on the internet.
PROVIDED PHOTO FROM FAHIM JAMIL
Casa Maria in Watson is serving soft-serve margaritas from their new soft-serve ice cream machine.
STAFF PHOTO BY MADDIE SCOTT Southdowns Grille won best culinary dish at Crawfête with its crawfish smoked cheddar grilled cheese and side of pickled pearl onions.
By The Associated Press
Today is Wednesday, March
25, the 84th day of 2026. There are 281 days left in the year.
Today in history:
On March 25, 1911, 146 people, mostly young female immigrants, were killed when a fire broke out at the Triangle Shirtwaist Co. garment factory in New York; the tragedy led to legal reforms for workers’ rights and workplace safety.
Also on this date:
In 1894, Jacob S. Coxey began a march from Massillon, Ohio, to Washington, leading an “army” of as many as 500 unemployed workers to demand help from the federal government following the Panic of 1893 and ensuing depression.
In 1931, in the so-called Scottsboro Boys case, nine young Black men were taken off a train in Alabama and accused of raping two White women; after years of convictions, death sentences and imprisonment, they were eventually vindicated.
In 1947, a coal dust explosion inside the Centralia Coal Co. Mine No. 5 in Washington County, Illinois, killed 111 miners; 31 survived.
In 1965, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. led 25,000 people to the Alabama state Capitol in Montgomery, completing a fiveday march from Selma to protest the denial of voting rights to Black Americans.
In 1975, King Faisal, of Saudi Arabia, was assassinated by his nephew, Prince Faisal bin Musaid. (Faisal bin Musaid was executed for the killing three months later.)
In 1990, 87 people were killed when fire raced through the Happy Land social club in New York City. (The fire was set by patron Julio Gonzalez, who had been thrown out of the club following an argument with his girlfriend; Gonzalez died in prison in 2016.)
In 2018, 64 people, including 41 children, died in a shopping center fire in the Russian city of Kemerovo in Siberia. Relatives of the dead complained the shopping center’s emergency exits were locked and the mall’s fire alarms didn’t sound.
Today’s birthdays: Film critic Gene Shalit is 100. Activist and author Gloria Steinem is 92. Musician Elton John is 79. Actor Bonnie Bedelia is 78. Actor Marcia Cross is 64. Author Kate DiCamillo is 62. Actor Lisa Gay Hamilton is 62. Actor Sarah Jessica Parker is 61. Baseball Hall of Famer Tom Glavine is 60. Comedian-actor Alex Moffat (TV: “Saturday Night Live”) is 44. Actor-singer Katharine McPhee is 42. Comedian-actor Chris Redd (TV: “Saturday Night Live”) is 41. Rapper Big Sean is 38. Actor Mikey Madison is 27. World-class sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson is 26. Actor Will Buie Jr. is 19.
CRAWFÊTE
Continued from page 1D
Second place: Ruffino’s Restaurant, crawfish pot pie
Third place: Mansurs on the Boulevard, crawfish cornbread Culinary competition people’s choice:
First place: Mestizo Louisiana Mexican Cuisine, crawfish and cream cheese poppers
Some people can be a little too ‘sorry’
Dear Miss Manners: I have MS. I know that most people are aware of what a dreadful disease it is. But when I tell someone that I have MS, as I must sometimes do, some people say “I’m sorry” — emphasis on “sorry,” as if it is a death sentence.
There are other reactions, as well, though usually not as offensive. How should I respond graciously?
mal conversation. But you would hardly want your statement to be ignored.
Judith Martin MISS MANNERS
Gentle reader: Few people know how to respond to bad news in a way that is simultaneously respectful and compassionate — and even fewer will know how you, specifically, would want them to react, particularly as your answer to that may not remain constant.
No one likes pity, and perhaps it is the delivery that offends you — the accompanying mournful face and inability to return to nor-
Histrionics are never in order, of course, but a simple, “I’m sorry to hear that,” seems like a reasonable compromise. The answer to that is an equally simple, “Thank you.”
Miss Manners hopes that you will take into account the speaker’s intent in rating the offensiveness of other responses, but she would think that the quickest way out of the conversation would still be a lone
“Thank you” before moving on.
Dear Miss Manners: I attend a women’s group in my town with approximately 20 members. The group is growing, and a woman who recently joined has declared she is thrilled to have found us.
But I am not thrilled to have her, and neither are others, judging by their reactions.
She is self-centered and talks over the rest of us. In my first encounter with her, I learned how old she is, her husband’s name, where she worked, how long she’s been retired, her ailments, her family’s ailments …
Of course, she didn’t ask a single question about any of us. She has a husband, so I don’t think it’s because she’s lonely.
It’s obvious she is going to continue coming to our meetings. I will be avoiding sitting by her. (Because she is so brash, if she is snubbed, I can actually picture her taking me to task, asking, “Are you avoiding sitting by me?”) I suspect we are not the first group to be stymied by her. There has been much written about how to handle the ups and downs of a one-on-one friendship, but what about how to handle this in a group? There is a “leader,” but I can’t picture her ever saying anything. And what can one say,
anyway? “You are annoying, so stop it”?
Gentle reader: It would be equally impolite of the leader to correct a guest’s manners if she is not disobeying the rules of the group. But the leader has the power not to invite her to future events. If you cannot effect that, then the alternatives are finding more patience within yourself, increasing your distance to this person at events, socializing with a different group — or a palace coup that leaves you in control of the guest list. Which to choose will depend on how much energy you are willing to invest to be thrilled.
Send questions to Miss Manners at her website, www. missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.
Soft-serve lime margarita from Boru Ramen
SOFT-SERVE
Continued from page 1D
Alabama,” Jamil said. “People have been coming here from Covington, New Orleans, Lafayette.”
The drink is like an ice cream with tequila in it, Jamil said. Flavors include mango, strawberry and piña colada, and each 20 ounce-treat is topped with condensed milk.
This month, the restaurant got a new soft-serve machine to prepare the treats, different from the margarita machine they’ve been using. The soft-serve machine makes the texture even fluffier.
“It’s like paying for a car,” Jamil said about purchasing the new machine. “But the amount of business we’ve been getting, and the amount of feedback we’ve been getting is amazing. People love our products. People love our food.” Casa Maria, 33939 La. 16, Denham Springs.
Open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday and Monday and 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday.
Sombreros in Walker
This Mexican restaurant will have soft-serve margarita flights where foodies can pick four flavors between strawberry, mango,
raspberry, blue raspberry, watermelon, prickly pear and peach.
Sombreros, 28050 Walker South Road, Walker.
Open 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday and 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday.
Superior Grill in Shreveport
Two Superior Grill locations are hopping on the trend.
At 6123 Line Ave. in Shreveport, Superior Grill is serving up softserve key lime strawberry margaritas. Manager Esteban Valdes’ rendition includes an ice cream base with margarita mix and strawberry puree. He said he’s still
perfecting the texture.
Superior Grill, 6123 Line Ave., Shreveport.
Open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday.
Superior Grill in Lafayette Foodies can also find the treat at Superior Grill in Lafayette, located at 2320 Kaliste Saloom Road. The restaurant started serving them on March 13.
Superior Grill, 2320 Kaliste Saloom Road, Lafayette.
Open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
STAFF PHOTO BY MADDIE SCOTT
Bystander upset she didn’t do more to help
Dear Harriette: I live in New York City, and the other day, I saw someone’s phone get stolen, and I didn’t do anything to help. I felt bad, but ultimately, I didn’t want to get hurt or have anything stolen from me in the process. I’m a little bit older, a woman and not in the best shape, so I froze in the moment and told myself it was safer to stay out of it. It happened quickly; someone grabbed the phone right out of a man’s hand and ran. There were other people around, and for a split second, I thought about yelling or trying to draw attention to what was happening. Then I immediately thought about the pos-
sibility of the thief turning on me or having a weapon. I convinced myself that it wasn’t worth the risk. Still, I can’t shake the guilt. I keep replaying it in my mind and wondering if I should have at least shouted, called 911 faster or done something other than just stand there. I’ve always considered myself someone who cares about others and believes in doing the right thing. Now I’m questioning whether I failed some kind of moral test. At the same time, I don’t think it’s unreasonable to prioritize my own safety. If something like this happens around me again, should I try to intervene, or
do you think I was right to stay out of it? — Bystander Dear Bystander: First, stop beating yourself up. It’s understandable that you froze in the moment. Upon reflection, it’s good that you see that there could have been other options. Yelling “Stop!” may have startled the phone thief. It probably wouldn’t have saved the phone, but the victim would have appreciated it. I don’t think you should have run after the person, but calling out might help in the future.
Send questions to askharriette@ harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.
Continued from page 1D
ordered the shrimp fried rice. It’s huge. I even had some for leftovers. I like that Tsunami’s fried rice has a peppery taste to it, along with the addition of edamame.
— Lauren Cheramie, features coordinator Fried catfish
n Dwyer’s Cafe, 323 Jefferson St., Lafayette
While in Lafayette visiting the Lafayette Science Museum, I walked down to Dwyer’s Cafe for lunch. I chose Dwyer’s because it looked charming and busy. I sat in the bar area and prepared to order a po-boy or a salad, when my server advised I go look at the plate lunches for the day. I took her advice, and I was not sorry. Dwyer’s has hot plate lunches everyday, and on a Wednesday I chose fried catfish, cornbread dressing, navy beans, rice and corn-
see what lunch specials they are cooking up each day.
— Joy Holden, features reporter Jalapeño cheeseburger, fries
n Dearman’s Diner, 7633 Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge
Get rid of moldy smells in purses
Dear Heloise: I have a black leather purse, which I stored in its fabric bag. But when I pulled it out this year, it had a terrible moldy smell. I read that baking soda and/or lemon zest would help get rid of the odor, but neither helped. Any ideas on how to get rid of the odor? — Mel G., via email Mel, here are three methods that might work:
bread. Maybe not the most well-balanced meal, but I just chose what sounded good in the moment. The fried catfish was the best I’ve had in years —crispy batter, fresh fish, nice spice and excellent flavor. The cornbread dressing competed with my Grandma’s, which is saying something. The cornbread and navy beans were a comforting hug to accompany the crunchy fish. Check the Dwyer’s Facebook page to
After a busy workday, I decided it was finally time to try Dearman’s Diner. I ordered a classic cheeseburger and fries, and I added jalapeños for a little heat. It took one bite for it to become one of my favorite burgers in Baton Rouge. The thick patty was flavorful and juicy, the cheese was perfectly melted, and the lettuce and tomatoes added a refreshing taste. The price ain’t too bad either, running me $9.05 for the burger and $3.25 for the fries. I skipped out on a soda and just drank from my water bottle. I enjoyed the meal so much that I probably won’t order different for my next visit. It was just right.
— Maddie Scott, features reporter
Hints from
with kitty litter and place it inside the handbag for about 48 hours. After finishing whichever method you select, be sure to clean the purse with a leather cleaner. This should also help to rid your purse of the mold odor. — Heloise Vacuum to the rescue
n Place your empty purse outside in a shady spot and let the fresh air remove the odors. Leave it open to let air inside.
n Fill a sock with baking soda and place it inside the purse. Then seal the purse in a larger bag or box for 24-48 hours.
n Use activated charcoal or kitty litter. Place the charcoal sachets inside the purse, or fill a large sock
Dear Heloise: While cleaning out a purse one day, I made the mistake of shaking it out over the kitchen sink. A penny jumped out into the disposal, thus creating a retrieval problem. Visibility was almost impossible, and the disposal hole was too small for my 91-year-old arthritic knuckles, which bruised each time I tried to feel for the penny. I dragged out my old Hoover vacuum cleaner,
put the stretchy hose down into the hole, and powered it up. Lo and behold, it gobbled up the penny into its dust container! This saved me the cost of a plumber and a new disposal! — Wanda C., in Bakersfield, California
Made for walkin’
Dear Heloise: I have two pairs of winter boots with a small loop in the back to help pull them on. But I can’t get my finger through the loop, so I attached key rings to the loop. It’s so easy to pull the ring to get into my boots and go outside! — Toni Lee M., in Parma, Ohio Toni, this is a great hint. Nearly everyone I know has mentioned that they struggle with getting their winter boots on. — Heloise Send a hint to heloise@ heloise.com.
PROVIDED PHOTO
Cheeseburger and fries from Dearman’s Diner
STAFF PHOTO BY JOY HOLDEN
Dwyer’s Cafe fried catfish lunch plate with cornbread dressing, cornbread, navy beans and rice
Heloise
ARIES (March 21-April 19) Channel your energy into making a difference. Working alone will mitigate interference and give you the time you need to get things done to your specifications.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Communication is your specialty today. It's time to follow your heart and use your connections and skills to reach your goals.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20) Before volunteering your time, skills or money, do your research. Choosing how you want to contribute to a cause will ensure that your actions have the most impact.
CANCER (June 21-July 22) Pay attention to detail to avoid criticism. Don't rush when dealing with institutions, government agencies and financial matters that require attention.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) Don't count on others for the information you require to make a sound decision. When in doubt, go directly to the source and make the necessary alterations personally.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Participating in functions that interest you or offer insight into unique ways to use your skills will pay off. A partnership will change how you invest in your future.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Avoid anyone using emotional manipulation. Keep tabs on who does what and how you can shine brightly using your charm
and unique skills. Engage in something physical.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) Explore the possibilities and consider how you can make the most out of whatever opportunity unfolds. Host an event or start a project that gives you a platform to share your concerns and solutions.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) It's what you do today that counts. Making home improvements and developing meaningful relationships will give you plenty to look forward to.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) A sensible plan will save time and money. Avoid getting involved in high-conflict situations. The idea is to complete your objective. Protect yourself from health or financial risks.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Put more thought into what's important to you before going on a spending spree. You'll misinterpret an emotional gesture. Ask questions before you respond to someone.
PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) A domestic problem will surface if you or someone close to you isn't transparent. Choose straight talk and stifle any festering conflict. Choose peace over chaos.
The horoscope, an entertainment feature, is not based on scientific fact. © 2026 by NEA, Inc., dist. By Andrews McMeel Syndication
FAMILY CIrCUS
Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another.
TODAy'S CLUE: E EQUALS T
CeLebrItY CIpher
For better or For WorSe
FrAnK And erneSt
SALLY Forth
beetLe bAILeY
Mother GooSe And GrIMM SherMAn’S LAGoon
bIG nAte
Sudoku
InstructIons: Sudoku is a number-placing puzzle based on a 9x9 grid with several given numbers. The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once. The difficulty level of the Sudoku increases from Monday to Sunday.
Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer
nea CroSSwordS La TimeS CroSSword
THe wiZard oF id
BLondie
BaBY BLueS
Hi and LoiS CurTiS
BY PHILLIP ALDER Bridge
Sylvester Stallone said, “Success is usually the culmination of controlling failure.”
That does not apply to this deal, where declarer needs to retain trump control for success, not failure.
West leads the diamond ace against six hearts. How should South continue?
The auction might have gone several ways. North chose to show both of his suits (three clubs was game-forcing), then jumped to five hearts to try to highlight his diamond void and ask for good trumps. South’s three-diamond cue-bid asked his partner to bid three no-trump with a diamond stopper. Then, over three spades, he gave preference to clubs. If North had now bid six clubs, he would have made that slam easily, taking three spades, three hearts and six clubs. Also, North could have deduced that South held strong hearts when he did not bid three no-trump.
Declarer must resist the temptation of an overtrick. If hearts are breaking 3-2, South can take 16(!) tricks: three spades, five hearts, six clubs and two diamond ruffs in the dummy. But if South ruffs the opening lead on the board and tries to draw trumps by cashing two top hearts immediately, he will fail.
Instead, declarer should lead a trump from the board at trick two and play low from his hand.
In that way, he retains a heart in the dummy to ruff another diamond, and he can then safely draw trumps before running the clubs. Finally, note that if West had led his singleton spade, South probably would have failed. He would have needed mirrors to get home. The curious can work it out. © 2026 by NEA, Inc., dist.
By Andrews McMeel Syndication
Each Wuzzle is a word riddle which creates a disguised word, phrase, name, place, saying, etc. For example: NOON GOOD = GOOD AFTERNOON
Previous answers:
InstRuctIons: 1. Words must be of four or more letters. 2. Words that acquire four letters 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 words are not allowed.
toDAY’s WoRD — LocKEts: LOK-ets: Small metal cases enclosing a memento, typically on a necklace.
Average mark 18 words
Time limit 35 minutes
Can you find 25 or more words in LOCKETS?
YEstERDAY’s WoRD — MEsMERIsM
Puzzle Answer
loCKhorNs
marmaduKe
Bizarro
hagar the horriBle
Pearls Before swiNe
garfield
B.C.
PiCKles
hidato
mallard fillmore
-Yes
Mrs. Hayley Clouatre- Yes
Dr.Atley Walker Sr.-Yes
Mr.Ronald LeBlanc -Yes
Ms. Sonceria Evans -Yes
Ms. Chareeka Grace -Absent
Mr.Alden Chustz -Yes
Mrs. Teri Bergeron -Yes
Mr.Matthew Daigrepont -Yes
5.
8. Presentation of Consent Agenda
1. Consideration of request for approvalofthe monthly expenditures and financialreports forDecember 2025 (FinanceCommittee Report 2/10/26)
2. Consideration of request for approvalofthe newEmployer paidBasic Group Term Life Insurancewith Accidental Death & Dismemberment for allfull-time employees of theWest Baton RougeParish School Board. (Finance Committee Report 2/10/26)
9. Approval of Consent Agenda
Be it resolved that the Boarddoeshereby approveand adopt the AboveConsent AgendaItems#1-2
The Chairman declaredthe floor open forpublic comment.
Motion made by: Mr.BurkeFiscus
Motion seconded by: Mr.Ronald LeBlanc
Voting:
Mr.Burke Fiscus -Yes
Mrs. Hayley Clouatre-Yes
Dr.Atley Walker Sr.-Yes
Mr.Ronald LeBlanc -Yes
Ms. Sonceria Evans -Yes
Ms. Chareeka Grace -Absent
Mr.Alden Chustz -Yes
Mrs. Teri Bergeron -Yes
Mr.Matthew Daigrepont -Yes
10. End of Consent Agenda
1. To enter into Executive Session to discuss Superintendent Evaluation. (Matthew Daigrepont)
The boardenters in to executivesessionto discuss the Superintendent Evaluation
The chairman declared the floor openfor public comment.
Motion made by:Dr. AtleyWalkerSr.
Motion seconded by: Mrs. Hayley Clouatre
Voting:
Unanimously Approved
Chareek GraceArrives at 5:24PM
1. Superintendent Evaluation (Matthew Daigrepont)
2. To enter backinto open session.
The boardentered back into open session.
Motion made by: Mrs. Teri Bergeron
Motion seconded by: Mrs. Hayley Clouatre
Voting: UnanimouslyApproved
3. Consideration of Request to authorize BoardPresident and Vice President to negotiateterms of Superintendent Contract (Matthew Daigrepont)
The boarddiscussed giving permission to theBoardPresident and Vice President to negotiate terms of theSuperintendent Contract
The chairman declared the flooropen for publiccomment.
That theboardauthorizethe BoardPresident andVicePresident to negotiate termsofThe Superintendent Contract
Motion made by: Mr.Ronald LeBlanc
Motion seconded by: Mr.Burke Fiscus
Voting: UnanimouslyApproved
11. OrganizationItems
12.Any other business unanimously approvedbythe boardfor consideration
13.Adjour n
Be it Resolved, That the meetingbeadjour ned.
The Chairman declared the flooropen for publiccomment.
Motion made by: Mr.RonaldLeBlanc
Motion seconded by: Mrs. Hayley Clouatre
Voting: UnanimouslyApproved
MEETING MINUTES
Please silenceall cellphones Attendance
Voting Members
Mr.Burke Fiscus, Vice President
Mrs. Hayley Clouatre,Board Member
Mr.Ronald LeBlanc, BoardMember
Ms. SonceriaEvans, BoardMember
Mr.AldenChustz, BoardMember
Mr.Michael Maranto, BoardMember
Mrs. Teri Bergeron, BoardMember
Mr.MatthewDaigrepont,President
Non-Voting Members
Dr.ChandlerSmith,Superintendent
Jessica Blanchard, Executive Secretary
Jared Gibbs, Supervisor of Business
1. Call to Order
The chairman calledthe meetingtoorder
2. Pledge of Allegiance
The Chairman dispenses withThe Pledge of Allegiance
3. Roll Call
Jessica Blanchardconducted aroll call
The following boardmembers werepresent:
•Mr. Burke Fiscus, Vice President
•Mrs. Hayley Clouatre,Board Member
•Mr. RonaldLeBlanc, BoardMember
•Ms. SonceriaEvans, BoardMember
•Mr. Alden Chustz, BoardMember
•Mr. Michael Maranto, BoardMember
•Mrs. Teri Bergeron, BoardMember
•Mr. Matthew Daigrepont,President
AQuorum was made
The following boardmembers wereabsent:
Dr.Atley Walker Sr BoardMember
Ms.Chareeka Grace, BoardMember
4. Agenda
1. Facilities Updates (Chad Fontenot)
Mr.Fontenot went over the attached presentation
The chairman declared the flooropen for publiccomment.
Informational Item,Noaction necessary
5. Adjour n
The Facilities Committee meetingwas adjour ned.
Motion made by: Mr.Burke Fiscus
Motion seconded by: Mr.Ronald LeBlanc
Voting: UnanimouslyApproved
MEETINGMINUTES
Please silence allcellphones Attendance
Voting Members
Mr.Burke Fiscus,Vice President
Mrs. Hayley Clouatre, Board Member
Mr.Ronald LeBlanc, Board Member
Ms. Sonceria Evans,BoardMember
Ms. Chareeka Grace,BoardMember
Mr.AldenChustz,BoardMember
Mr.Michael Maranto,BoardMember
Mrs. Teri Bergeron,BoardMember
Mr.MatthewDaigrepont, President
Non-VotingMembers Jessica Blanchard, ExecutiveSecretary
Dr.ChandlerSmith, Superintendent Jared Gibbs, Supervisor of Business
1. Call to Order The chairmancalled themeeting to order
2. PledgeofAllegiance
Mr.LeBlanc ledusinThe Pledge of Allegianc
3. Roll Call Jessica Blanchardconducted aroll call:
The followingboard members were present:
•Mr. Burke Fiscus,Vice President
•Mrs. Hayley Clouatre, Board Member
•Mr. RonaldLeBlanc, Board Member
•Ms. Sonceria Evans,BoardMember
•Ms. Chareeka Grace,BoardMember
•Mr. AldenChustz,BoardMember
•Mr. MichaelMaranto,BoardMember
•Mrs. Teri Bergeron,BoardMember
•Mr. MatthewDaigrepont, President
AQuorum was made.
The followingboard members were absent
Dr.Atley Walker Sr Board Member
4. Agenda 1. Receive and review Head StartDirectors Monthly Report. (Crystal Leon)
Theboard member reviewedthe Directorsreports.
Thechairman declaredthe floor openfor publiccomment.
InformationalItem, No Action Necessary
2. Consideration of requestfor approval of the monthly expenditures and financial reportsfor December 2025 (Jared Gibbs) Mr.Gibbs wentover attached report
Thechairman declaredthe floor openfor publiccomment That theboard approvesmonthlyexpenditures and financial reports for December2025
Motion made by: Mr.MatthewDaigrepont
Motion seconded by:Mr. AldenChustz
Voting:
Unanimously Approved
3. Update on the 16th Section Sugar Lease -Heath Morris, Sugar West,Inc. (Jared Gibbs) TabledthisitemtoMarch
4. Consideration of requesttoapprove anew sugar leasewith Sugar West,Inc. for the terms of January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2036. (Jared Gibbs) Table this item to March
5. Consideration of requestfor approval of the new Employer paid Basic Group Term Life Insurance with Accidental Death & Dismemberment for allfull-time employees of the West Baton Rouge ParishSchoolBoard.(JaredGibbsand BarbaraBurke) Mr.Gibbs discussed that this would be agreat investmentfor our employeestowant to come work in WBR it wouldonlycost the district $54,000per year.
Thechairman declaredthe floor openfor public comment That the boardapproves offhtnew employer paid Basic GroupTermLife InsurancewithAccidental Death& Dismemberment for all full-time employeesofthe West BatonRouge Parish School Board Motion made by: Mrs. HayleyClouatre Motion seconded by:Mr. Burke Fiscus Voting: Unanimously Approved
6. Discussiononthe implementation of the bimonthlypayrollto begin July1,2026. (Jared Gibbs) Jaredinformedthe boardBimonthly payroll is in theworks. Thechairman declaredthe floor openfor publiccomment InformationalItem, No Action Necessary.
5. Adjour n That theFinance CommitteeMeeting can be Adjour ned.
Motion made by: Mrs. Teri Bergeron Motion seconded by:Mrs. Hayley Clouatre Voting: Unanimously Approved
181684-630721-mar25-1t $613.31
“When alumni and supporters give, they’re helping open doors for current students. It’s more than just financial support. It’s encouragement and belief in our potential. Those contributions help create a cycle of opportunity, where students like me can gain experience, grow professionally, and one day give back to the next generation.”
Madyson Barnett
Lagniappe
Internship Fund Recipient
“Donor support gives us flexibility that traditional government funding might not allow. It enables us to explore specific challenges in Louisiana’s agricultural landscape and ask the questions that matter most locally.”
Adam Famoso
Endowed Professor of Biological & Agricultural Engineering
“Donor support gives us the flexibility to pursue projects that may seem risky or unconventional. It allows us to test theories, buy equipment, and do proof-ofconcept work that can later be parlayed into larger grants from federal agencies.”
Mike Benton
Bernard S. Pressburg Memorial Professor and Paul M. Horton Professor in Chemical Engineering
“This scholarship has helped me feel more in my own as I pursue my degree It has given me more confidence to continue doing my research going forward. It’s encouraged me to do as good a job as I can because I know that there’s someone outside of myself who cares about what I’m doing.”
Noah Dubroff
Dr Roselyn Bologna Boneno Scholar in American History
“There is no way to quantify what the impact is on our students, on our faculty, on our community, and what these donors are bringing to LSU and to the experiences that we have there. When donors support endowed faculty, they’re really investing in students, faculty, the schools, the colleges, all of LSU, our community and our impact beyond.”
Alissa Rowe
Galante Chair of Choral Studies
“My school has been covered through my scholarships. It’s allowed me to really focus my time on pursuing opportunities that would help me become who I want to be, rather than trying to find opportunities that would pay me well. Because of my scholarships, I was able to find who I am and figure out how I can make an impact on my community, my state, and my country.”
Hamood Qureshi
Gerard Family Undergraduate Scholar in Chemical Engineering, Dr. Ben H. Thibodeaux and Clare Roy Thibodeaux Scholar, and Stamps Scholar
ALL TEAMS
Last Giving Day, more than 4,000 LSU alumni and friends gave nearly $8.5 million to fuel opportunities, discovery, and impact Giving Day 2026 will carry that momentum forward. We win together.