Super Bowl Experience opened to fans at theNew Orleans
The SuperBowlExperience opened to the public Wednesday in New Orleans. The event transforms 700,000 square feet—anarea roughly the size of 12 full NFLfootball fields —atthe Ernest N. Morial Convention Center into an “experientialand exhibitory space,” said Nicki Ewell, senior directorofNFL Events. “We knownot everybody is lucky enoughtoget that coveted Super Bowl ticket,” Ewell said, “but we still want those that are local or visiting to know this is for them —for fans of allages.”
More Super Bowl coverageinSports, 1C.
Studentsneaksloadedgun into school
BY CHARLESLUSSIER Staff writer
Landry’s civilservice proposal halted
Stateboard blocks governor’s effort to remove hundreds from system BY
Gov. Jeff Landry’sadministration is trying to permanently remove civil service employment protections forhundreds of attorneys and engineers in agencies across state government.
But that plan ran into opposition from astate commissionWednesday afterone member warned themovemay notbeconstitutional.
Louisiana’s civil servicesystemgives government employees extra barriers against being fired and is meant to limit patronageand political retaliation. But the systemissometimes criticized as an obstacle to holding employees accountable when they underperform.
Landry’sadministration said the changes would help hire top professional talent, fill critical vacancies andmakegovernmentmore efficient.
“We’ve heard from so manyabout the difficulty of recruiting,”saidPatrickGoldsmith, deputy commissioner of the Division of Administration.
Themovewould help alleviate“thebrain drain from Louisiana,” he said.
But the State Civil Service Commission, which oversees the civil service system,
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Palestinians reject Trump’s Gaza takeover
BY WAFAASHURAFA, SAMY MAGDY and JULIA FRANKEL Associated Press
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip Saeed Abu Elaish’swife,two of hisdaughters and two dozen others fromhis extended family were killedbyIsraeliairstrikesover the past 15 months. His house in northern Gaza was destroyed. He andhis surviving family now live in atent set up in the rubble of his home.
ä Twopre-K teachers put on leaveafter taking video of students fighting. PAGE 1B
For the second time in amonth,astudent at Woodlawn High inBatonRouge was arrested for sneaking aloaded firearm past ametal detector,this time by hiding it in the cushion of his wheelchair Kevin EvansIII, 17, afreshman, was taken into custody Wednesday by the East Baton RougeParishSheriff’s Office. He faces chargesofillegalcarrying of a firearm,carrying afirearm or dangerous weapon on school property,and bringing afirearm into afirearm free-zone. Evanswill be recommendedfor expulsion fromWoodlawnHigh, under Louisiana’szero-tolerance policy related to student misconduct Casey RaybornHicks,aspokesperson for theEast Baton Rouge ParishSheriff’s Office, said Evans had aGlock 17, a9mm gun, with an extended magazine holding roughly 23 rounds. Evans told authorities
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But he sayshewill notbedriven out afterPresident Donald Trump called for transferring all Palestinians from Gaza so the United States could take over the devastated territory and rebuild it forothers. Rightsgroups saidhis comments were tantamount to acall for “ethnic cleansing” and forcible expulsion.
“Wecategorically reject and will resist any plans to deport andtransfer us from ourland,” he said from the Jabaliya refugee camp.
ä See GAZA, page 4A
100TH YEAR,NO. 221
STAFF PHOTOSBYCHRISGRANGER
The
Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on Wednesday.
Carlnetta Rabb,ofNew Orleans, gets her photo taken by Jamal Brownas she standsbehinda NewOrleans Saints football playermannequin at the SuperBowlExperience on Wednesday.
Parked plane apparently struck by taxiing plane
SEATTLE AJapan Airlines plane that was taxiing on the tarmac of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport apparently struck the tail of aparked Delta aircraft on Wednesday morning, airport authorities said.
Authorities responded to the incident around 10:17 a.m., the airport said on X. There were no injuries, and airport authorities were working to get the passengers offthe airplane andbring them back to the terminal.
Delta spokesperson Samantha Moore Facteau said in an email that its Boeing 737 was waiting to have ice removed from itsexterior when the wing tipofanotheraircraft reportedly made contact with its tail. Deicing, as it’sknown, can occur before a flight begins to taxi to the runway,she said.
There were 142 passengers onboard Delta Flight1921 to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and they were being transferred to anew aircraft, she said.
Japan Airlines did not immediately respond to an emailed requestfor comment
Mother charged with killing son, burying body
DETROIT Awoman accused of killing her 9-year-old son and burying his body inher Detroit backyard has been charged with murder,aprosecutor said
Wednesday Ashallow grave holding remains was discoveredonJan.6 while thelandlord was preparing the house for new tenants.
No details were released at that time although Detroit police acknowledged an investigation was underway
Zemar King was smothered to death on Oct.24, two weeks beforehis 41-year-old mother left for Georgiawith a3-year-old son, Wayne County prosecutor Kym Worthy said.
“I have been aprosecutor for along time, and Ioften say that Ihave seen it all. The horrors of this child abuse casedefy that,” Worthy said.
Themother was arrested Jan. 10 in an unrelated case in Cobb County,Georgia, online records show.She was awaiting extradition to Michigan on a murder charge and other crimes.
Worthy said Zemar’sfather recently became awareofthe boy’sdeath.
“This case is rather shocking,” said Todd Bettison, Detroit’sinterim police chief. “In my 27year career,Idon’tremember seeing anything like this.” Guatemala agrees to acceptmigrants
GUATEMALA CITY Guatemalan
President BernardoArévalo said Wednesday his country will acceptmigrants from other countries who are being deported from the United States, the second deal that SecretaryofState Marco Rubio has reachedduring his trip to Central America
Under the agreement announced by Arévalo, the deportees would be returned to their home countries at U.S. expense
“Wehave agreed to increase by 40% the number of flightsof deportees both of our nationality as well as deportees from other nationalities,” Arévalo said at anews conference withRubio. Guatemala has been cooperating in receivingdeportees from the United States, accepting both civilian and military flights. McConnell reportedly falls down Senate stairs
Kentucky senior Sen. Mitch McConnell fell down the stairs in Washington on Wednesday afternoon, according to media reports.
Fox Newscongressional correspondent Chad Pergram posted to social media site X that he’d confirmed the incident occurred afterMcConnell, 82, voted to confirm Scott Turner as the secretary of United States Department of Housing andUrban Development.
Another reporter with Washingtonoutlet Punchbowl News witnessed the fall.
“Sen. McConnell just fell down the stairs on his way outofthe chamber,” Diego Areas Munhoz wrote on X. “He got up with the help from some senators and seemedtowalkit off as he left.” BRIEFS
NewAGBondi orders review of Trumpcases
BY ALANNA DURKIN RICHER and ERIC TUCKER Associated Press
WASHINGTON New Attorney General PamBondi on Wednesday ordered areview of thefederal prosecution of Donald Trump as she unveiled aseries of directives designed to overhaul aJustice Department the president claims is biased against conservatives.
Hours after shewas sworn in at the White House, Bondi called for the creation of “weaponization working group” that will examine the work of special counsel Jack Smith, who charged Trumpintwo criminal cases. Thegroup will also review the “pursuit of improper investigative tactics and unethical prosecutions”stemming from the Jan. 6, 2021,riotatthe U.S. Capitol, among other things, according tothe memo.
The memo satisfies the longstanding contention of Trump and his allies that theJustice Department under the Biden administration had become “weaponized” against conservatives, eventhough some of its most high-profile probes concerned the Democratic president and his sonand there’s beennoevidence to support the ideathat the prosecutions against Trump were launched fora partisanpurpose.
Bondi herself had foreshadowed the working group’screation by asserting ather confirmation hearing lastmonth that theJustice Department had “targeted Donald Trump.” Bondi, who was Florida’sfirst female attorney general before becoming alobbyist,islikely to be one of the mostclosely scruti-
ASSOCIATEDPRESS PHOTOBYEVANVUCCI
President Donald Trump presents AttorneyGeneral PamBondi with a document after she wassworn in by Supreme CourtAssociate Justice Clarence Thomas on Wednesdayinthe Oval Office of the White House.
nized members of Trump’sCabinet, givenher close relationship the president, who during his 2024 campaign suggested that he would try to exact revenge on his perceived enemies Bondi has said that politics will play no role in her decision-making, but she also refused at her confirmation hearing lastmonth to rule out potential investigations into Trump’sadversaries. She also hasrepeated Trump’sclaims that the prosecutions against him amounted to political persecution, tellingsenators that theJustice Department “had been weaponized for years and years and years, and it’sgot to stop.” Despite the wide-ranging ambitions of the “weaponization work-
ing group” memo, it notably excludesfrom review investigations into Democrats by Biden’sJustice Department, including special counsel probes into the former president’shandling of classified information and his son Hunter’s gun and tax allegations, which resulted in felony convictions. Smith’steam investigated Trump over hisefforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election and his hoarding of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. Both of those cases resulted in indictments that were withdrawn after Trump’sNovember presidential win because of longstanding Justice Department policy prohibiting the federal prosecution of asitting president.
Hawaii fireworksdeath toll reaches6
BY AUDREY MCAVOY Associated Press
HONOLULU Asixth
person died Wednesday from injuries sustained when crates of illegal fireworksignited during aNew Year’sEve party in aHonolulu neighborhood, setting off achain of explosionsthatleftmore than adozen people with severe burns.
The 30-year-old woman died at alocal hospital at about 5:59 a.m., the Honolulu Police Department said in astatement.
The others killedincluded a3-year-old boy,three women and one man.
The blast set off fresh calls for acrackdown on illegal fireworksthat have become increasingly more common in Hawaii.
Police have so far arrested 10 peopleinconnectionwiththe explosion. Authorities accused them of reckless endangering, endangering the welfare of aminorand multiplefireworks offenses.
Policesaidthey are working with prosecu-
tors to file charges but it is taking time dueto the number of people arrested, large volume of evidence being examined and fireworks being tested. Authoritiesseized500 pounds of unused fireworks from the scene.
Hawaii Gov. Josh Green has proposed allowing police to issue $300 tickets to those who shoot off fireworks andimposing potential class Afelony charges and decades in prison on those whose use of fireworks leads to seri-
Racial gapwidensindeathsof U.S. moms around childbirth
Blackwomen died at rate 3.5times higher than Whitewomen in 2023
BY MIKE STOBBE Associated Press
NEWYORK— Black women in theU.S died at aratenearly 3.5 times higher than White women around the time of childbirth in 2023, as maternal mortality fell below prepandemiclevelsoverall but racial gaps widened, according to federal health datareleased Wednesday In 2021 and 2022, the maternal death rate for Black women was about 2.6 times higher than White women.
The data suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic, at its peak, impacted all pregnant women. But “once we went back to ‘usual activities,’ then theimpactof systemic racism and unequal access (to medical care) came right back into place,” said Dr.Amanda Williams, interim medical director for the March of Dimes.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’sreportWednesday on the 2023 deaths was drawn from death certificates.The CDC counts women who died while pregnant, during childbirth andupto42daysafter birth. Accidental deaths are excluded
The report found:
n Thematernal death rate for White womendropped from 19 deaths per 100,000 live birthsin2022 to 14.5 per 100,000 in 2023.
n Theratefor Black women wentfrom 49.5 to alittle above 50, though the report saysthat increase was not statistically significant.
n The rate for Hispanicwomen
dropped from about 17 to about 12.
n The rate for Asian Americans fell from about 13 to about 11.
In total, 669 women died in 2023 during pregnancy or shortly after childbirth, the CDC reported. That’sdown from 817 deaths in 2022 and 1,205 in 2021, when it was the highest in more than 50 years.
Excessive bleeding, blood vessel blockages and infections are leading causes of maternal deaths.
Among those infections is COVID-19. The coronavirus and itscomplications proveddangerous to pregnant women. And, in the worst days of the pandemic, burned out physicians may have added tothe risk by ignoring pregnant women’s worries, experts say COVID-19’soverall impact on pregnancies declined as thepandemic subsided and as hospitals and birthing centers returned to normal operations.
Also, the federal Medicaid program expanded to cover postpartum carefor up to 12 months,instead of just seven weeks. That helped more moms recover and made them healthier for the next time they tried to have ababy,Williams said.
The number of maternal deaths is also tied to the number of pregnancies. U.S. birthshavebeen declining, and fewer pregnancies contributes to fewer pregnancy-related deaths, noted Eugene Declercq, amaternal deaths researcher at Boston University
CDC officials refused an Associated Press request to talk to areport author
The government is still receiving and processing death reports from last year But Declercq said his analysis of available data suggests the number of 2024 maternal deaths may end up about the same as 2023.
Tribunal to prosecute Russians gainsfavor in Europe
BY MOLLYQUELL and RAF CASERT Associated Press
BRUSSELS Aproject to establish acourt to prosecute the Russian leaders who orchestrated the invasion of Ukraine took astep forward Wednesday,with an announcement from agroup of international organizations, including the European Union and the Council of Europe, working together with Ukraine.
Legal experts agreed on the framework for the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine, which will allow for the prosecution of senior Russian officials for planning and coordinating the full-scale invasion in 2022.
“When Russia chose to roll its tanks over Ukraine’sborders, breaking the UN Charter,itcommitted one of the gravest violations: theCrime of Aggression. Now,justice is coming,” European Commission PresidentUrsulavon der Leyen said in astatement.
The move to create aspecial tribunal aims to fill avoid createdbylimitationsonthe InternationalCriminalCourt While The Hague-based court cangoafter Russiannationals for genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity, it cannot prosecute Russians for orchestrating the invasion itself.
ousinjury or death. The state Department of Law Enforcement has asked the Legislature for $5.2 million to hire eight people and expand aforensic lab to counter rampant fireworks smuggling.
Six of the injured were flown to aburn centerin Arizona for treatment last month because Hawaii’sonly burn care facility reached capacity with the wounded from the incident. One of them, a29-year-old man, died last week.
The 2002 Rome Statute which created thecourt does include the crime of aggression but only for countries who have joinedthe court.The Russian Federation is not amember state.
There are still significant issues to be worked out, including how the tribunal will be paid for and where it will be located.
The Netherlands,hometo the ICC, theInternational CourtofJustice and otherjudicial organizations, has offered to host the tribunal. The ICC has issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putinand several militaryleaders forwar crimes.
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Trump’scall for depopulating Gaza has stunned Palestinians. Hundreds of thousands in the territory rushed to return to their homes —evenifdestroyed —as soon as they could following the ceasefire reached last month between Israel and Hamas
Though someexpertsspeculated that Trump’sproposalmight be a negotiatingtactic, Palestinians across the region saw in it an efforttoerase them completely from their homeland, acontinuationofthe expulsion and displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestiniansfromtheir homes in what is now Israel duringthe 1948 war surrounding its creation
That eventisknown among Palestinians as the “Nakba,” Arabic for “Catastrophe.” Trump’sstatement —awild swing away from years of U.S. policy —meshed with calls from far-rightpoliticians in Israel to push Palestinians out of Gaza, particularly intoEgypt “Wedon’twant arepeatofour ancestors’tragedy,” said Abu Elaish, ahealthcare worker
Like many,Abu Elaish could pointtohis ownfamily’sexperience. In May 1948, Israeli forces expelled his grandparents and other Palestinians and demolished their homes in the village of Hoj in what’snow southern Israel just outside the Gaza Strip,hesaid. The family resettled in Gaza’s Jabaliya camp, which over the decades grew into adenselybuilt urban neighborhood. Israeli troops leveled most of the district during fierce fighting with Hamasmilitants over recent months.
Mustafa al-Gazzar was5 years old, he said, when his family and other residents wereforced to flee as Israeli forces in 1948 attacked
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rejected Landry’sproposal in a4-2 vote Wednesday Commissioner Codi Plaisance said she had heard from employeeswho feared it wouldintroduce political influence and instability —and for jobs like transportation departmentengineers, that could have negative consequences for public safety Commissioner Scott Hughes said it’sunclear if the sweepingchanges sought by the Governor’sOffice comply withthe civil service rules enshrined in the state constitution.
“Maybethe timehas come to ask the people what system you want,” he said, referring to the fact that voters must approve any changes to the state constitution. Asked for comment on thecom-
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he had been threatened since previously being shot, whichiswhy he needs awheelchair, Hicks said.
The gun, which wasdiscovered Wednesday afternoon after atip from another student, capped off atumultuous day for theEast Baton Rouge Parish school district.It led Superintendent LaMont Cole to summon local reporters to his office to explain what happened and what the school district is doing to improve security on its campuses.
“We’re tryingtouse best prac-
their town of Yabneh in what is now central Israel.
Now in his 80s, he sat outside his home in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, flattened by an airstrike, and said it was unthinkabletogo after surviving15months of war
“Youthink you’ll expel me abroad andbring otherpeoplein my place? Iwould rather live in my tent,under rubble,” he said
“I won’tleave. Putthat in your brain ”
“Instead of beingsentabroad, I should return to my original land where Iwas born and will die,” he said, referring to Yabneh, located near whatisnow the central Israeli cityofYavneh. He said Trump should be seeking atwo-state solution. “Thisisthe ideal, clearsolution, peacefor the Israelis and peace for the Palestinians, living side by side,” he said.
In his comments Tuesday alongside visiting IsraeliPrime MinisterBenjamin Netanyahu, Trump
mission’svote against theplan, Landry spokesperson Kate Kelly said: “Commissioner Hughes rejected our request butindoing so, essentially said legislation to explorewhether theclassified civil servicesystemwas stillsustainable in today’s employmentenvironment was the bestway to proceed so thatthe people could weigh in.”
Landry’srequest sought to change 394 attorney jobs and506 engineeringjobs—a total of 900 government positions —from classified statustounclassified appointments, according to aCivil Service Commission memorandum dated Jan. 29.
Classified government employees can bedisciplined or fired only for cause and if certain procedures arefollowed,and they’re barred from political activity.Classified jobs must be hired through an open, competitive processand meet certain pay scale and qualifi-
tices in terms of keeping everyone safe, includingour students andour staff, but sometimes man, people justmake these boneheaded decisions,”Cole said. “And it’s unfortunate that they do these thingsonschool campuses.”
Cole said school officials learned about the latest gun breach of the metal detectors at Woodlawn High after getting atip that Evans told another student he’d breached the school’ssecurity checks and broughthis gun into school. Cole said the wheelchair was metal and sinceitwould setoff themetal detector,Evans was checked separately.Since he’sdisabled,he was not asked bypeople using the
said Palestinians from Gazashould be resettled in lands in Egypt, Jordan or elsewhere, promising them a“beautiful place.” Egypt and Jordan have both rejected Trump’s call to resettle Palestinians on their soil.
Trump said the U.S. would take over Gaza andrebuild it into a “Rivieraofthe Middle East” for “the world’speople,” dismissing the idea that Palestinians would refuse to leave or want to return. Trump’stop diplomat and his main spokesperson on Wednesday walked back the president’s proposal, saying he only wants to temporarily relocatePalestinians from Gaza to allowfor reconstruction.
Amna Omar,a71-year-old from the central Gaza town of Deir alBalah, called Trump a“madman.” Omar was able to go to Egypt during thewar after her husband was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.InCairo, doctors told them
cation requirements.
Unclassifiedemployees can be firedwithout cause and can engage in political activity
“These appointments would be consideredat-will employment, and incumbents wouldnot be entitled to due process before disciplinary action or removal from state service,” the memo says. It adds that status change would be “applied uniformlyacross all state agencies and local units of government.”
The Governor’sOffice requested the change take effect beginning July 1for any new hires. Current employees couldmaintainclassified status, but thepositions would become unclassified as vacancies are filled.
The memo also explained: “Critics of civil service systems and protections have long argued that unclassified employees are more productive due to their at-will sta-
metal detectorstoget up from the wheelchair The Woodlawn security breach was particularly distressing to Cole, after aJan. 16 incident when another student slipped aloaded gun past ametal detector Cole subsequently cracked down on the use of metal detectors at Woodlawn High and other schools, sending central office staff to help do proper student searches with the detectors. Cole said he’sprepared to make even more changes as necessary to beef up school security across the EastBaton Rouge district.
“As the behavior changes, the way we respond to those behaviors
his cancer hadgone untreated for too long and he died in October
Shesaidshe intends to go back home as soon as shecan,asdid other Palestinians in Egypt.
“Gaza is ourland, our home. We as Gazans have the right to the land and wanttorebuild it,” she said. “I don’twanttodie in Egypt like my husband. Iwant to die at home.”
Palestinians have shownapowerful determination to return to theirhomes after nearly theentire population wasdisplaced by the war.Joyous crowdsstreamed back to northern Gaza and Rafah, both of which were devastated by Israeli bombardment and ground offensives.
With their neighborhoods reduced to landscapes of rubble many returnees are homeless, water is scarce and electricity is largely nonexistent in most areas. Still, for most, the destruction has not diminished their will to stay
tus, implying that classified employees underperform due to job security and appealrights. While this perspective is based on opinionrather than empirical data, it remains aprevalent narrative.”
Goldsmith and Emily Andrews, special counsel to the governor, went before the Civil Service Commission on Wednesday to make the case for the change.
Their centralthesis wasthatincreasing the number of unclassified state employees would aid in attracting and retaining atalented and knowledgeable government workforce. They also said it would help withincreasing government efficiency and filling critical vacancies.
“Our goal in doingthat, in unclassifying these professionals, is to first improve recruitment and retention by allowing Louisiana to attract and retain our highly qualified professionals,” said Andrews.
has to change as well,” Cole said. Last week, the superintendent persuaded the parish School Board to spend more than $334,000 over afour years to buy four modern weapons screeners made by suburbanBoston-based Evolv.The AI-powered devices areslatedto be installedatWoodlawnand three other district high schools sometime this month.
Evolv uses artificialintelligence to detect weapons, both metallic and thosethatare not. As students walkthrough these Evolv tower-like scanners at a normal pace, low-frequency radio waves are beamed at them and those waves are turned into
“Weremain here, even if it means living in the rubble of our homes— better that than living in humiliation elsewhere,” said Ibrahim Abu Rizk,who returned to Rafah to find his homeinruins. “For ayear and ahalf, we have been slaughtered, bombed, and destroyed, only to then leave just like that?”
The ceasefire deal brokered by the U.S., Egypt and Qatar,calls for areturn of Palestinianstotheir homes as wellasa massiveinternational reconstruction effort in its third phase —assuming Israel and Hamas can reach adealon who will govern the territory International law forbids the forced removal of populations. The Israeli rights group B’tselem said Trump’sstatement “constitutes a call for ethnic cleansingthrough uprooting and forcibly transferring some 2million people. This is Trump and Netanyahu’sroad map for asecond Nakba of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.”
Palestinian refugees have long demanded they be allowed to return to their homes in what is now Israel, citing the right to return widely recognized for refugees under international law.Israel argues that right does not apply to thePalestinians and says amass return would end the Jewish majority in the country
Throughoutthe 15-monthwar in Gaza, many Palestinians expressed fear that Israel’sgoal was to drive the population into neighboring Egypt.
The government denied that aim, though some hard-right members of thecoalition called forencouraging Palestinians to leave Gaza andfor restoringJewishsettlements there.
The Israeli-occupied West Bank —home to morethan 500,000 settlers —has also seen more than a year of escalated violence.
Commissioner Plaisance asked if there is aplan to address problems related to recruitment and pay
“We’ve started those conversations,” said Goldsmith.
Hughes said the vote “may be the hardest one” in his 14 years on the commission.
He questioned whyhehad received the request just aweek earlier and was being asked to take action so quickly.Healso questioned the administration’sarguments about talent retention.
“We’re trying to move at the speed of business,” said Goldsmith, acknowledging his use of a refrain often invokedbyLouisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois. He added: “Thegovernor has challenged us: How do we think differently?”
Email Alyse Pfeil at alyse.pfeil@ theadvocate.com.
images.
The images are analyzed using AI to identify anyweapons students might be concealing under their clothes.
Cole said he thinks oneofthe newscreeners,which should arrive in Baton Rouge within two weeks, likely would have flagged the gun at WoodlawnHigh Evans hid on his wheelchair
“In asituation like that, it should show on the screen (which is part of the weapon scanning device) that it’sthere,” the superintendent said.
Email Charles Lussier at clussier@theadvocate.com.
ASSOCIATEDPRESS PHOTOBYEVANVUCCI
President Donald Trump listens as Israel’sPrime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during anews conferenceonTuesday.
Senate GOPpreparestomoveonbudgetpackage
BY DAVID LERMAN and AIDAN QUIGLEY CQ-Roll Call (TNS)
WASHINGTON It’s starting to look like the Senate has the inside track in the “horserace” between the chambers on budget reconciliation, as Sen. John Hoeven,R-N.D., puts it.
Republicans in that chamber expect to mark up their budget resolution as soon as next week,asthe House GOP remains locked in an intraparty struggle over its version. The House’sdifficulties have given Senate Republicans an opening to strike first with their two-bill plan, whichenvisions adefense, immigration and energy package moving first followed by action on extending the 2017 tax cuts later
Senate Budget ChairmanLindsey Graham, R-S.C.,said Wednesdayafter briefing Republicans at lunch thathecould mark up his budget resolution as soon asnext week.Itwouldset thetable for about $300 billion in new spending, with roughly half for border securityand half for defense, in afirst reconciliation bill. It would be paid for with cuts to mandatory programs that authorizing committees wouldbecharged with finding.
“The bill will instructcommittees, like the (Health, Education, Labor and Pensions) Committee, to go find savings in themandatory space,” Graham said. “And what will happen is these committees will be instructed to find savings. They’ll report their savings back, we’ll put it alltogether,and it needs to match what we’re spending. Then we’ll take it to thefloor.” Republicans in that chamber have been eyeing rollbacksof Biden administration regulatory expansions, such as theformer president’sstudent loan forgivenessrule, as money savers, for instance. And onshore andoffshore energy exploration provisions could be included, which generate offsetting receipts for thegovernment and are another keyplank of President Donald Trump’sdomestic agenda.
If Graham’scommitteemarks up next week, the resolution could go to the floor for a“vote-a-rama” theweek of Feb. 17,whenthe House is supposedtobeinrecess. That’swhen the House earlier had
expected tobefinished with floor action on its budget resolution, which envisions an “all-in-one” package rolling together the border and defense money,energy policy,extensions of Trump’s2017 tax cutplussome new tax cuts.
Tied in knots
But that schedule looks increasingly unlikely,House lawmakers said after aGOP conference meeting Wednesday,asthey remain tied in knots over how to pay for the sweeping measure and how much deficit reductionisrequired.
Their task grew even more complicated Wednesday as it appeared GOP leaders had ruledout abudget gimmick they’d been consideringtowrite off the$4trillion-plus cost of the tax cuts as simplyextensions of current policy —preventing atax increase rather than cuttingtaxes.
Even amarkupnext week might nothappen, Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., one of the conservatives holdingout fordeeper spending cuts,said Wednesday.“Iwould
love to have abudget resolution next week if we get everybody together,” Norman said. “It’slike herding cats or,anotheranalogy, nailing Jello to the wall.”
Norman and other conservatives have for weeks advocated for something more like what Senate Republicans are planning. Later on Wednesday,Norman said he felt there’d been progress during the day,and that the House can still act on its own rather than wait for the Senate.
Still, the Senate plan is much closer to what Republicans in both chambers were talking about shortly after the elections: alightningquick budget process to get an initial legislative package to Trump’s desk shortly after Inauguration Day,focused on border security.
But after Trump blew up the initial bipartisan stopgap funding deal in December —fueled by an aggressive social mediacampaign by Elon Musk, his Department of Government Efficiency leader —it became evident that there’sonly so many tough votes House GOP lead-
ers can ask their members to take.
That gave House Ways and Means
Chairman Jason Smith, R-Mo., and Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-Jefferson, license to argue for the “one big, beautiful bill” approach that eventually appealed to Trump’sgrandiose instincts. Their contention wasthatsweeteners were needed to bring together the conference in away that wouldn’t cost them more than the couple of votes they can spare, andthe only way to do that is to have something for everyone, in one package.
Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Benton, also came around to that view, which Trump also initially endorsed before wavering abit,tellingthe House GOP at their Florida retreat last week that he didn’tcare if they passed oneortwo bills. Johnson and Smith were huddling Wednesday when the news broke that the Senate planned to move first.
Leaving Johnson’soffice together,the speaker said he’ll appeal to his colleagues acrossthe Capitol to think twice about their plan.
“I’m goingtotalktoLindsey.He’s
agood friend, and he has to understand the reality of the House. It’sa very different chamber with very different dynamics, and the House needs to lead this if we’re going to have success,” Johnson told reporters. “So we’re very comfortable about where we are. We feel very optimistic we’re getting there, and we’re going to find that equilibrium point and get this done.”
‘Bleedingout’interestcosts
House GOP leaders are working hard to get their conference unified on aplan,and the gapappeared to be closing Wednesday But the differences within the conference over fiscal policy still run deep, with conservatives like Norman and Chip Roy, R-Texas pushing for trillions of dollars in 10-year spending cuts —inadifferent place politically and philosophically over many others.
Scalise suggested GOP leaders were moving closer to locking in a promise of $1 trillion in spending cuts as part of the package. But Roy said Republicanleaders committed to $2.5 trillion during December’s stopgap funding bill talks, and he’s looking to hold them to it.
The government is “bleeding out atrillion dollars in interest (payments) every year.Sowebelieve we need… more spending restraint than that, or we have to kind of go back and look at what we’re doing on tax policy,” Roy said.
Getting to $2.5 trillion in savings seemed like too high abar at this stage in the talks. With Social Security and Medicare benefits off the table, the largest pool of potential cuts Republicanshavebeenlooking at is in Medicaid.
Disagreement on future growth House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington, R-Texas,saidthere were other issues corralling the votes on his panel for the budget resolution. In addition to concerns about the level of cuts from members like Roy and Norman, there were disagreementsbothonthe current policy baseline issue and what rate of economic growth to assume, which could produce substantial revenue at least on paper “I’ve got guys on the Budget Committee who don’twant to make any assumptions on growth,” Arrington said.
BY JONEL ALECCIA
Associated Press
Dairy cattle in Nevada have been infected witha new type of bird flu that’s different from theversion that has spread in U.S. herds since last year,Agriculture Department officials said Wednesday The detection indicates thatdistinct forms of thevirus known as Type AH5N1 have spilledover from wild birdsintocattleatleast twice. Experts said it raises new questions about wider spread and the difficulty of controlling infections in animals andthe people who work closely with them.
“I always thought one birdto-cowtransmission wasa very rare event. Seems that may not be the case,” said
Richard Webby,aninfluenza expert at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Aversion of the H5N1 bird flu virusknownasB3.13 was confirmed in March after being introduced to cattle in late 2023, scientistssaid. It has infected more than 950 herds in 16 states. The new version, known as D1.1, was confirmed in Nevada cattle on Friday,according to USDA.It was detected in milk collected as part of asurveillance program launched in December
“Now we know whyit’s really important to testand continue testing,” said Angela Rasmussen, avirus expert at the Universityof Saskatchewan in Canada, whohelped identify the first spillover
TheD1.1version of the
virus was the type linked to the first U.S. death tied to bird flu and asevere illness in Canada.
Aperson in Louisiana died in January after developing severe respiratory symptoms followingcontact with wild and backyard birds. In British Columbia, ateen girl was hospitalized for months with avirus traced to poultry
At least 67 people in the U.S. have been infected with bird flu, mostly those who work closely with dairy or cattle, according to the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
USDA officialssaidthey would post genetic sequences and other information about the new form of the virus to apublic repository later this week.
ASSOCIATEDPRESS PHOTO BY J. SCOTT APPLEWHITE
Speaker of the House MikeJohnson, R-Benton, center,isjoined by,from left, Rep. Lisa McClain, R-Mich., chair of the House Republican Conference; Rep. Monica De La Cruz,R-Texas; House MajorityWhipTom Emmer, R-Minn.; and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-Jefferson, as theyspeak with reporters to discuss the Trump agenda following aclosed-door strategysession Wednesdayatthe CapitolinWashington.
Protesters rallyagainst Trump’spolicies, Musk
BY MORGAN LEE Associated Press
Demonstrators gathered in citiesacross theU.S.on Wednesday to protest the Trumpadministration’s early actions, decrying everything from the president’s immigration crackdownto his rollback of transgender rights and aproposal to forcibly transfer Palestinians from the Gaza Strip.
Protesters in Philadelphia and at state capitols in California, Minnesota, Michigan, Texas, Wisconsin, Indiana and beyond waved signs denouncing President Donald Trump; billionaire Elon Musk, the leader of Trump’s new Department of Government Efficiency; and Project 2025, ahard-right playbook for American government and society “I’m appalled by democracy’schanges in the last, well, specifically two weeks —but it started along time ago,”
MargaretWilmeth said at aprotest outside the Statehouse in Columbus, Ohio. “SoI’m just tryingtoput a presence into resistance.”
The protests were aresult of amovementthathas organized online under the hashtags #buildtheresistance and #50501, which stands for 50 protests, 50 states, one day.Websites andaccounts
across social media issued calls for action, withmessages such as “reject fascism” and “defend our democracy.”
Outside the state Capitol in Lansing, Michigan, acrowd of hundreds gathered in freezing temperatures. Catie Miglietti,from the Ann Arbor area, said Musk’s accesstoTreasuryDepartment data was especially
concerning. She painted a sign depicting Musk puppeteering Trump from his outraised arm —evoking Musk’sstraight-arm gesture during aJanuary speech that some have interpreted as aNazisalute. “If we don’t stopitand get Congress to do something, it’sanattack on democracy,” Miglietti said. Demonstrations in several cities piled criticism on Muskand the Department of Government Efficiency “DOGEisnot legit,”read one poster on the State Capitol steps in Jefferson City, Missouri, where dozens of protestersgathered.“Why does Elon have your Social Security info???”
Members of Congress have expressed concern that DOGE’sinvolvement with the U.S. government payment system could lead to security risks or missed payments for programs such as Social Security and Medicare. ATreasury Depart-
ment official says atech executive working with DOGE will have “read-only access.”
Trump has signed aseries of executive orders in the first couple of weeks of his new term on everything from trade and immigration to climate change. As Democrats begin to raise theirvoice in opposition to Trump’s agenda, protests have multiplied.
Demonstrators strode through Austin, Texas. They assembled in Atlanta’sCentennial Olympic Park for amarch to Georgia’sState Capitol and gathered outside California’sDemocratic-dominated Legislature in Sacramento. In Denver,protests coincided with nearby operations by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and an unspecified number of people detained.
Thousands protestedin St. Paul, Minnesota, where 28-year-old Hallie Parten carried aDemocratic presi-
dential campaign sign, revised to read “Harris Walz Were Right.” The Minneapolis resident says she was motivated by fear
“Fearfor what is goingto happen to our country if we don’tall just do something about it,” Parten said. In Alabama, several hundred people gathered outside the Statehouse to protest actions targeting LGBTQ+ people.OnTuesday,Alabama Gov.Kay Ivey promised to sign legislation declaring that there are only two sexes, maleand female —echoing Trump’s recent executive order for the federal government to define sex as only male or female.
“The president thinks he has alot of power,” the Rev Julie Conrady,aUnitarian Universalistminister,told the crowd. “He does not have the power to determine your gender.Hedoes not have the power to define your identity.”
Second judgeputsTrump’s birthright citizenshiporder on hold
BY MICHAELKUNZELMAN and MIKE CATALINI
Associated Press
GREENBELT, Md. Afederal judge on Wednesday ordered asecond nationwidepause on President Donald Trump’sexecutive order seeking to end birthright citizenship for anyone born in theU.S.to someone in the country illegally calling citizenship a“most precious right.” U.S. DistrictJudge Deborah Boardman said no court in the country has endorsed the Trump administration’sinterpretationof
the 14th Amendment.
“This court will not be the first,” she said.
Boardman said citizenship is a “national concern that demands a uniform policy,” adding that “onlya nationwide injunction will provide complete relieftothe plaintiffs.”
After reading her ruling from the bench, the judge asked agovernmentattorney if they would be appealing her decision. The attorney said he didn’thavethe authoritytoimmediately take aposition on that question Trump’sinauguration week order had already been on tempo-
rary hold nationally becauseof aseparate suit brought by four states in Washington state, where ajudge called the order “blatantly unconstitutional.” That temporary hold is set to expire Thursday.Boardman’spreliminary injunction puts the executive order on hold until the merits of the case are resolved, barring a successful appeal by the Trump administration. In total, 22 states, as well as other organizations, have sued to try to stop the executive action. Further hearings, similar to the one Boardman conducted Wednesday,are
due later this week in other birthright citizenship cases.
Boardman, nominated by former President Joe Biden, agreed to the preliminary injunction after ahearing federal court in Greenbelt, Maryland. Immigrant-rights advocacy groups CASA and AsylumSeeker Advocacy Project, and ahandful of expectant mothersbrought the suit before Boardman.
Plaintiffs’ attorney Joseph Mead said many parents who would be impacted by Trump’sexecutive order have lived in the U.S. for months or even years.
“They’re not temporary visitors,” he told the judge. “They have made America their home.” At the heart of the lawsuits is the 14th Amendmenttothe Constitution, ratified in 1868 after the Civil Warand the Dred Scott Supreme Court decision that determined Scott, aslave, wasn’tacitizen. In addition to the 22 states with Democratic attorneys general seeking to stop the order,18Republican attorneys general announced this week that they’re seeking to defend the president’s order by joining one of the federal suits brought in New Hampshire.
BY JULIE CARR SMYTH Associated Press
COLUMBUS,Ohio Callers are getting busy signals and voicemail inboxes are full at many U.S. Senateoffices as people try to reach outand voice their opinions on President Donald Trump’sCabinet picks, executive orders and moves to dismantle various federal programs.
Amemo distributed to Senate staff on Tuesdaysaidthere was a higher number of calls than usual and that some callers werehaving trouble getting through.
“The Senate is experiencing an unusually high volume ofinbound calls. External callers mayreceive atemporarybusy signal when phoning aSenate office,” according to the memo obtained by TheAssociated Press.
The influxofphone calls comes as Trump and ally Elon Musk are working to shrink the federal governmentduring thepresident’sfirst weeks in office. They are shuttering agencies,temporarily freezing funding and pushingworkers to resign, all while staffers withMusk’s so-called DepartmentofGovernment Efficiency infiltrate departments in astated effort to root out fraud and abuse.
Onepopular post making the rounds on social media urged opponentsofthose actions to call their lawmakers six times aday,every day
—two calls eachtotheir two senators and two to their House member
“You should NOT be bothering with online petitionsoremailing,” it said.
The post urged use of asmartphone app that would make the task of making multiple calls perday easier.
Caitlin Christman, an institutional supportcontractor in Wisconsin furloughed last week from the U.S Agency for International Development, said it took her four attempts over five days to successfully leave amessage for her senator,Republican Ron Johnson, after dealing with an overloaded voicemail box, grainy recorded greetings and abusy signal.
“I wanted to express my concern with dismantlingUSAID without any sort of review,and to relay my experience withits work, which Ibelieve has been in ourcountry’sbest interest,” she said, noting that she expects to be fired later this week.
Meryl Neiman of Ohio Progressive Action Leadersand others within her network sought to draw attentiontothe fact that they werehaving trouble reaching both her state’s senators —Republicans BernieMoreno
and Jon Husted —byphone or in person at their field offices before Wednesday’snationwide protests against Trump and Project 2025, a hard-right playbook for American government and society
Those frustrated by Trump’sactions shared similar stories with the AP of being unable to reach their lawmakers. They seemedtobeexperiencing particular barriers to connecting with the Senate offices of Trump’sfellow Republicans, who may be more inundated than Democrats because Republicans hold the chamber’smajority and are more likely to have the president’sear Lawmakers were frustrated,too, as they seek to maintain operations. Senate voicemail boxes only hold about 1,000 messages before becoming full and needing to be catalogued and emptied.
Landmark of Baton Rouge is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to the principal of equal employment opportunity for all employeesand to providing employees with awork environment free of discrimination and harassment. All applicants will be consideredfor employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity,national origin, and veteran or disability status.
ASSOCIATEDPRESS PHOTO BY MICHAEL CONROY
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO BY DAVIDZALUBOWSKI
Participantscheer during apolitical protest outside the Colorado StateCapitol in DenveronWednesday.
Protesters gather at the Minnesota State Capitol on in St. Paul, Minn., on Wednesday.
Protesters rally against Project 2025 on Wednesday at the Statehouse in Indianapolis.
Trumpsigns executiveorder on transgenderathletes
‘The waronwomen’s sports is over’
BY WILL GRAVES
AP national writer
President Donald Trumpsigned
an executive order on Wednesday intended to ban transgender athletes fromparticipatingingirls’ and women’ssports.
The order,titled “Keeping Men Out of Women’sSports,” gives federal agencies widelatitude to ensure entitiesthatreceive federal funding abide by Title IXin alignment with the Trump administration’sview,which interprets “sex” as the gender someone was assigned at birth.
“Withthisexecutive order,the war on women’ssports is over,” Trump said at asigning ceremony in the East Room that included lawmakers and female athletes who have come out in support of aban, includingformer collegiate swimmer Riley Gaines.
White House press secretary
KarolineLeavittsaidthe order “upholdsthe promise of Title IX” and will require “immediateaction, including enforcement actions, against schools and athletic associations”that deny women single-sex sports and single-sex locker rooms. The timing of the order coincided with National Girlsand Women in Sports Day,and is the latestin
astringofexecutive actionsfrom theRepublican president aimed at transgender people.
Trump found during the campaign that the topic resonated beyond the usualparty lines. More than half the voters surveyed by AP VoteCast said support for transgenderrights in government andsociety hasgone too far.Heleaned into the rhetoric before the election, pledging to get rid of “transgender
insanity,” thoughhis campaign offered little in theway of details.
The order offers someclarity. Forexample, it authorizes the Education Department to penalize schools that allow transgender athletes to compete, citing noncompliance with Title IX, which prohibits sexual discrimination in schools. Any school foundinviolation could potentially be ineligible for federal funding.
Enforcing Trump’sorders will be apriority of the embattled department. In acall this week, the actingdirector of the Office for Civil Rights told staff they would need to align their investigations with Trump’spriorities, according to people who were on the call who spoke on the condition of anonymity to AP forfear of reprisals. Since Trump took office, thedepartment has opened an inquiry
into Denver public schools over an all-gender bathroom that replaced agirls’ bathroom, while leaving another one exclusive to boys.
Trumpalso issued awarning to the International Olympic Committee ahead of the 2028 Summer OlympicsinLos Angeles. The president said he had empowered Secretary of State Marco Rubio to make it clear to the IOC that “America categorically rejects transgender lunacy.Wewant them to change everything having to do with the Olympics and having to do with this absolutely ridiculous subject.”
The IOC has essentially passed the buck on transgenderparticipation, deferring to the international federations for each sport.
Trump also said that Director of Homeland Security Kristi Noem will “deny any and all visa applications made by men attempting to fraudulentlyenter theUnited States while identifying themselves as women athletes to try and get into the Games.”
Organizers for the 2028 Olympics didnot immediatelyrespond to requests for comment.
NCAA President Charlie Baker said its Board of Governors was reviewing the order and “will take necessary steps to alignNCAA policy in the coming days, subject to further guidance from the administration.” Baker,who said last year he wasaware of fewer than 10 active NCAA athletes who identifiedastransgender,noted the order at least provides auniform policy instead of apatchwork of state laws.
Google scraps diversitygoals to comply with executiveorder
BY MICHAELLIEDTKE AP technologywriter
SAN FRANCISCO Googleis scrapping some of its diversity hiring targets, joininga lengthening list of U.S. companies that have abandoned or scaled backtheirdiversity,equity and inclusion programs.
Themove, whichwas outlined in an email sent to Google employees on Wednesday,came in the wake of an executive order issued by President Donald Trump that was aimed in part at pressuring government contractors to scrap their DEI initiatives.
Like several other major tech companies, Google sells some of its technology and services to thefederalgovernment, including itsrapidly growing cloud division that’sakey piece of its push into artificial technology Google’sparentcompany Alphabet, also signaled the shift in its annual10-K report it filed this week with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In it,Google removed aline included in previous annual reports saying that it’s“committedto making diversity,equity,and inclusion part of everything we do and to growingaworkforce that is representative of the users we serve.” Google generates most of Alphabet’sannualrevenue of $350 billion and accounts
for almost all ofits worldwideworkforce of 183,000. “We’re committed tocreatingaworkplace where all our employees cansucceed and have equal opportunities, and over the last year we’vebeen reviewingour programs designed to help us get there,” Google said in astatement to The Associated Press. “We’ve updated our 10-K language to reflect this, and as afederal contractor,our teams are also evaluating changes required following recent courtdecisions andexecutive orders on this topic.”
The change in language also comes slightly more than two weeks afterGoogle CEO Sundar Pichai and other prominent technology executives —including Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, AppleCEO Tim Cookand Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg— stood behind Trump during his inauguration.
Meta jettisoned its DEI program last month, before the inauguration, while Amazon haltedsome ofits DEI programs in December following Trump’selection
Many companies outside of the technology industry also havebacked away from DEI. Those include Walt DisneyCo.,McDonald’s, Ford, Walmart, Target, Lowe’sand JohnDeere.
Trump’srecent executive order threatenstoimpose fi-
nancial sanctions on federal contractorsdeemedtohave “illegal” DEI programs. If the companies are found to be in violation, they could be subject to massive damages under the 1863 False Claims Act. That lawstates that contractors that makefalse claims to the government could be liable for three times the government’s damages.
The order also directed all federal agencies to choose the targets of up to nine investigations of publicly traded companies, large non-profits and other institutions with DEIpolicies that constitute “Illegal discrimination or preference.”
The challengefor companies is knowing which DEI policies the Trump administration may decide are “illegal.” Trump’sexecutive order seeks to “terminate all discriminatory and illegal preferences, mandates, policies, programs” and other activities of the federal government, and to compel federal agencies “to combat illegal private-sector DEI preferences, mandates, policies, programs, and activities.”
In both thepublicand private sector,diversity initiatives have covered a range of practices, from anti-discriminationtraining and conducting pay equity studiestomaking effortsto recruit more members of
JusticeDepartmentofficialaccuses acting FBIchief of ‘insubordination’
BYERIC TUCKER and ALANNA DURKIN RICHER Associated Press
WASHINGTON Atop Justice Departmentofficial accused the FBI’sacting leaders of “insubordination” in a Wednesday memo in which he sought to soothe anxiety inside the bureau over the potential for abroad purge of agents involved in investigating the Jan. 6riot at the U.S. Capitol. The memo from acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove said agents “who simply followed orders and carried out their duties in an ethical manner” while investigating the Capitol attack facenorisk of being fired. But the memo also provided no reassurances forany agents found to have “acted with corrupt or partisan intent” and suggests those employees, if there are any,are at risk of discipline or even termination. The scrutiny of career FBI agents beingundertaken by
thedepartmentishighly unusualgiven that rank-andfile agentsdonot select the casestheyare assigned to work on and are not generally disciplined because of their participation in matters seen as politically sensitive. There’salsobeen no evidence any FBI agents or lawyers who investigated or prosecuted the casesdid anythingwrong. The message from Bove is aimed at providinga measureofclarity after days of turmoil and uncertainty at theFBI as aresult of an extraordinary Justice DepartmentdemandonFriday for thenames of agents who participated in the investigations so thatofficialscould determinewhether additional personnel action was merited.
FBI employees whoparticipated in investigations related to Jan. 6were asked over the weekend to complete in-depth questionnairesabout their involvement in the inquiriesas
Trump’sJustice Department weighs disciplinary actions. FBI employees filed two lawsuitsTuesday to halt the collection and potential dissemination of names of investigators. Ahearing is scheduled on Thursday Bove, in hismemo Wednesday,accused theFBI’sacting leadership of “insubordination”for resisting hisrequests last week “toidentify the core team” responsible for Jan. 6investigations. He said the requests were meant to “permit the Justice Department to conduct areviewofthose particular agents’ conduct pursuant to Trump’sexecutive order” on “weaponization” in the Biden administration.
After acting Director Brian Driscoll refused to comply,Bove wrote, he broadened the request for information about allFBI employees who participated in the investigations. Driscoll had no responseto the insubordinationallegation, the FBI said.
minority groups and women as employees.
Google has triedtohire more people from underrepresented groups for more than adecade but stepped up those efforts in 2020 after the policekilling of George Floyd in Minneapolis triggered an outcry formore social justice.
Shortly after Floyd died, Pichai seta goal to increase the representation of underrepresented groups in the
Mountain View,California, company’slargely Asian and white leadership ranks by 30% by 2025. Google has made some headway since then, but the makeup of its leadership has not changed dramatically
The representation of Black people in the company’sleadership ranks rose from 2.6% in 2020 to 5.1% last year,according to Google’sannual diversity report. For Hispanic people,
the change was 3.7% to 4.3%. The share of women in leadership roles,meanwhile, increased from 26.7% in 2020 to 32.8% in 2024, according to the company’sreport. The numbers aren’t much different in Google’soverallworkforce, with Black employees comprising just 5.7% and Latino employees 7.5%. Two-thirds of Google’s worldwide workforce is made up of men, according to the diversity report.
Gaines
ASSOCIATEDPRESS PHOTOBYEVANVUCCI
President Donald Trump speaks before signinganexecutiveorder barring transgender femaleathletes from competing in women’sorgirls’ sporting events Wednesdayinthe East Room of theWhite House in Washington.
BUSINESS
BRIEFS
Ford forecasts weaker growth, EV losses
Ford Motor Co. is forecastingweaker earnings growth for this year and further losses in its electric vehicles business as it works to control costs.
The automaker saidWednesday that it expects its full-year adjusted pretax income to range between $7 billion and $8.5 billion. The company’sadjusted pretax income was $10.2 billion in 2024.
The company cited “headwinds related to market factors.” Ford hasbeengrappling with stubbornly high warranty expenses and lagging cost-cutting efforts. In the July-September quarter, the company took $1 billion in accounting charges to write down assets for acanceled three-row electric SUV Model e, Ford’selectric vehicle business, posted afull-year loss of $5.08 billion for 2024 as revenuefell 35% to $3.9 billion. The company’soutlook calls for the EV unit to lose between $5 billion and $5.5 billion this year Ford said that the Modele segment’slosses are due in part to continued investment in future products, and the company touted $1.4 billion in net cost improvementseven as theitincreasedspendingtolaunch new battery plants and new electric vehicles.
U.S. Postal Service reverses package ban
TheU.S. Postal Service is reversing course aday after placinga ban on all inbound packages from Chinaand Hong Kong.
The post office had announced Tuesday that it wouldnolonger accept parcels from China and Hong Kong after the U.S. imposed an additional 10% tariff on Chinese goods and ended a customs exception that allowed small-value parcels to enter the U.S. without paying tax.
ThePostalService reversed course Wednesday but gave no reason. It said it would work with Customs and Border Protection to implement acollection process for the newChina tariffs to avoid delivery disruptions. The USPS did not give areasonfor the ban Tuesday,but the suspension came after Trump closed the “de minimis”customs exemption thisweekfor China that allowed shoppers andimporters to avoid duties on packagesworth below $800.
The exemption was removed as part of an executive order to levy a10% tariff on Chinese goods.
‘Moana 2’ drives
Disney profits
Disney easily topped firstquarter expectations thanksin part to the box office smash Moana 2.”
There were some oversized expectations for the animated filmbut “Moana2,” originally intended as aseries for the company’sstreaming service before it was produced forthe bigscreen —blewpredictions out of the water. Its five-day opening set anew record for Thanksgiving moviegoing
The Walt Disney Co. earned $2.55 billion, or $1.40 per share, for the period ended Dec. 28. The Burbank, California-based company earned $1.91billion, or $1.04 per share, in the prioryear period.
Chinaretaliatesontariffs
BY HALELUYA HADERO Associated Press
Asweeping new U.S. tariff on products made in China is expected to increasethe prices American consumers pay forawide array of products,fromthe ultra-cheap apparel sold on onlineshopping platforms to toys and electronic devicessuchascomputers and cellphones
An additional 10% tariff on all Chinese goods took effect aday after PresidentDonald Trump agreed to pausehis threatened tariffs against Mexico and Canada for 30
days. Thedelayfollowednegotiations on Trump’sdemands for the North American nations to take steps to reduce illegal immigration and the flow of drugs such as fentanyl into theU.S. Afterfailing to get asimilar White House reprieve, China struck back by saying it would impose retaliatory tariffs on some U.S. goods as of next week. The sheer volume and variety of the China-made merchandise sold in theU.S. means the prices of many typicallyinexpensive items probably will tick higher if the tit-for-tat tariffs persist The U.S. imported about $427
billion worth of goods from China in 2023, the most recentyear with complete data, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Consumer electronics,including cellphones, computers and other tech accessories, make up the biggest import categories. China is adominantproduction engine for tech gear,including for American companies like Apple that havetheir products assembled in the country.In2023, China accounted for 78% of U.S. smartphone imports and 79% of laptop andtablet imports, the Consumer Technology Association trade
group reported. The tariffs also may affect how much consumers pay for typically inexpensiveclothing, shoesand kitchen itemslikepotsand pans, as well as the big-ticket items, such as appliances, furniture and auto parts. In addition to imposing anew tariff on Chinese imports, Trump’sexecutive order also suspended alittle-known customs exemption that allowed goods worth less than $800 to come into the U.S. duty-free. The order left open the possibility for the loopholetostill be used with shipments from other countries.
NEWYORK Eugene Levy’strademark eyebrows fly off for Little Caesars.A tongue dances to ShaniaTwaintopromote Nestle’sCoffee MateColdFoam. And Meg Ryanand BillyCrystal reuniteatKatz’s Deli in an ad for Hellmann’s. Afrenzied mix of silliness and celebrities is hitting the airwavesand the internet, and that means one thing —itis Super Bowl ad time again. Veteranadvertisers areusingtried-andtrue tactics like celebrity cameos, humor and cute animals to win over watchers. Meanwhile,first-time and newer advertisers are courting outrageousness andusing stunts to try to stand out in the battle to capture the attention of the more than 120 million viewers expected to tune into Sunday’s game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs on Fox.
SuperBowlviewers are aunique audience because they’re as primed to watch the ads as they are the game.
“Thisisasocietal moment wherewe come togetherasacountry,” said Kimberly Whitler,marketing professor at the University of Virginia’sDarden School of Business. “Wemay be on different sides, you know,ofthe gridiron or the field. But we come together.”
With 80-plus ad spots divvied up among the 50-something advertisersduring the game, it’stough to make sure viewers remember your brand message. And with a few ad spotsgoing for arecord $8 million for30seconds this year,the stakes have
never been higher
But the price tag is worth it,advertisers say.Rachel Jaiven, head of HäagenDazs marketing, saidthe brand decided to make its first appearance in the game due to the size of the viewership and its association with snacking.
“Weknow at the Super Bowl these days that everyone watches, it’s awide audience,” Jaiven said. Thebrand’sadshows starsfrom the “Fast&Furious” franchise enjoying an ice cream bar.“We thought it was time for us to tellour story,remind people what they love about Häagen-Dazs and of course, have them stock up on Häagen-Dazsintheir freezer.”
Not all advertisers release their ads early,sothere are always plenty of surprises on game day.Only two auto brands, Stellantis’ Jeep and Ram, have announced Super Bowl ad plans, but theyhaven’tgiven any details on the ads.
Dunkin’ has secured the first ad spotafter kickoff but is staying mum on details other than teasing that it will star Ben and Casey Affleck and Jeremy Strong. Canned water company Liquid Death will advertise forthe first time with an ad created in-house.
Duracell has teased that its ad will feature a“Duracell Scientist” but hasn’tgiven any other details.
Wall Street risesasearningsreporting season rampsup
BY STAN CHOE AP business writer
NEWYORK— Wall Street drifted higher Wednesday as gainsfor most stocks outweighed drops for Alphabetand some other big-name companies following their latest profitreports.
The S&P 500 rose following mixed trading across European and Asian markets. The Dow Jones Industrial Average and the Nasdaq composite gained.
Toymaker Mattel jumped 15.3% after blowing pastanalysts’ forecasts for profit in the latest quarter Strength for its HotWheels brand helped make up for some softness for Barbie and other dolls. Mattel alsogave aforecast for profit this
upcoming year that topped analysts’ expectations. Amgen rallied6.5%and wasone of the strongest forces pushingupward on the S&P 500. It reported stronger profit for the latest quarter than expected, thanks in part to growth for its Repatha medicine, whichcan lowerbad cholesteroland reducethe risk of aheart attack. They helped offset a7.3% drop for Alphabet, which sank even though Google’sparent company reported stronger profit for the latest quarter than analystsexpected. Investorsfocused instead on slowing growth for its cloud business, whose revenue fell short of forecasts. They also homed in on the $75billion Alphabet is budgeting for investments this year,roughly
$15 billion more than analysts expected, as it remains in the rush to developartificial intelligence technology Advanced Micro Devices fell 6.3% even though the chip company edged past profit expectations for the latest quarter.While analysts calledAMD’sresultssolid,theyalso asked why CEO Lisa Su did notgive more detail about expectationsfor theperformance of its AI offerings specifically Investors always want companies to deliver bigger profits, but the hopes may be even higher than usualgiven worries about how much faster stockpriceshaveclimbed than corporate profits, causing critics to call them expensive. Uncertainty is also hanging over the global
economy because of PresidentDonald Trump’stariffs.
After rocking financial markets around the world at thestart of this week,worries abouta potentially punishing global trade war have eased abit after Trump gave 30-day reprieves for tariffs on both Mexico and Canada. That bolstered traders’ hopesthatTrump sees tariffsas merely atool for negotiation,rather than as along-term policy GoldmanSachs economistDavid Mericlesaysa furtherextension may happen, but he sees the tariff risk for both countries likely remaininguntil theend of areview of the United States’ existing trade agreement with the two countries, which could be in themiddle of next year
Trumpdemands aidworkers return to U.S.
Staffers worldwide scramble for answers
BY ELLEN KNICKMEYER, MATTHEW LEE and FARNOUSH AMIRI Associated Press
WASHINGTON Frustration boiled over Wednesday among supporters of the United States’ lead aid agency at aWashington rally,and anxious aid workers abroad scrambled to pack up householdsafter theTrumpadministration abruptly pulled almostall agency staffersoff the job and out of the field.
The order issued Tuesday followed 2½ weeks that have seen the Trump administration and teams led by billionaire ally Elon Musk dismantle much of the U.S. Agency for International Development, shutting down asixdecade mission intended to shore up U.S. security by educating children, fighting epidemics and advancing other development abroad Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who has been touring CentralAmericaonhis firstvisit in office, defended the administration’sbroad shutdown of aid funding and other actions while saying, “Our preference wouldhave been to do this in amore orderly fashion.”
But, Rubiosaid, theadministration faced alack of cooperationinanattempt to reviewthe worthofeach agency program. He gave no evidence,and agencystaffers deny his and Musk’s claims of obstruction. As aresult, Rubio said, the administrationwould now “work from the bottom up” to determine which U.S.aid and development missions abroad wereinthe national interest and would be allowed to resume. In Washington, Democratic lawmakers and hundreds of others rallied outside the Capitol to protest the fastmoving shutdown of an independent government agency.“This is illegal and this is acoup,” California Democratic Rep. Sara Jacobs cried.
“Weare witnessing in real time the most corruptbargain in American history,” Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen shouted to supporters at the rally,referringto Musk, his supportfor President Donald Trump and his role in challenging USAID and other targeted agencies.
Senators
Demonstratorsand lawmakers rally WednesdayonCapitol Hill in Washington againstPresident DonaldTrump and his ally Elon Musk as theydisrupt the federal government, including dismantling the U.S. Agency for International Development, which administersforeign aid approvedbyCongress.
“Lock himup!” members of thecrowd chanted.
Addressing Democratic lawmakers, who havepromised courtbattles and other efforts but have been unable to slowthe assault on USAID,theysaid: “Doyour job!”
Scott Paul,a directorat the Oxfam American humanitarian nonprofit, said the damage already done meant that key partsofthe global aid and development system would havetoberebuilt “from scratch.”
Jennifer Kates, senior vice president and director ofthe global health andHIV policy program atKFF,cited onelargeorganization alone that expects to close up to 1,226 maternal and childcare clinics serving more than 630,000 women “The health care system is notone thatyou just press on and off,”Kates said.If the U.S. shutdown lays off staffers and closes those clinics, “you can’tjustsay, ‘All right, we’re readyto start again. Let’sgo.’”
USAID has been oneof theagencieshardesthit as thenew administration and Musk’sbudget-cutting team target federal programs they say are wasteful or not aligned with aconservative agenda.
U.S. embassies in many of the more than 100 countries where USAID operates convened emergency town hall
staffaccesstoclassified
Democratson Intelligence Committee demand answers
BYDAVID KLEPPER Associated Press
WASHINGTON Democrats on the Senate Intelligence Committee are demanding answers after theysay President Donald Trump gave billionaire Elon Musk and his staff access to sensitive data and classified secretsaspart of their work to overhaul the federalgovernment. The lawmakers on Wednesday wrote to Susie Wiles, Trump’schief of staff, and asked what security precautions hadbeentaken to prevent unauthorized leaks of information by staff at the Department of Government Efficiency,known as DOGE. Trump tapped Musk to run the task force, which has quickly gotten to work dismantling whole agencies of the federal government.
As part of that effort, Muskand his staffhave gainedaccess to computer systems that the senators say contain potentiallysensitive medical and financial information about millions of Americans as well as federal payroll information, classified documents, information from foreignintelli-
gence partnersand the identities of undercover agents and intelligence sources In theletter,the senators warned that national security andthe personal privacy of Americans could be at risk if theinformation is mishandled —intentionally or through negligence. They ask whether Musk’s team has met withU.S. intelligence officials to discuss how to reduce thechances of thedata being misused and what steps to take to protect classifiedinformation, such as the identities of CIA informants or the actions of overseas intelligence operatives.
Such information would be highly valuable to the spy agencies of Russia, China, Iran and other nations,and its loss could put lives at risk while undermining efforts to prevent terrorism and other threats to theU.S., the senators wrote.
“No information has been provided to Congressorthe public as to who has been formally hired underDOGE, under what authority orregulations DOGE is operating, or how DOGE is vettingand monitoringits staff and representatives before providing them seemingly unfettered access to classified materials and Americans’ personal information,”the Senators wrote The letterwas signed by seven Democratsserving on theIntelligence Committee
meetings for the thousands of agency staffers andcontractors looking for answers.
Embassy officials said they had been given no guidance on what to tell staffers, particularly localhires, about their employment status.
AUSAID contractorposted in an often violent region of theMiddle East said the shutdown had placed the contractor and the contractor’sfamily in dangerbecause theywere unable to reach the U.S. government for help if needed.
The contractor woke up onemorning earlier this week blocked from access to government emailand other systems, and an emergency“panic button” app was wiped off the contractor’s smartphone.
“You really do feel cutoff from alifeline,” thecontract staffer said, speaking on condition of anonymity becauseofaTrump administration ban forbidding USAID workers from speaking to people outside their agency USAID staffers and familieshad already faced wrenching decisions as the rumored order loomed, including whether to pullchildrenout of school midyear Somegave away pet catsand dogs, fearing the administrationwould not give workers time to complete thepaperwork to bring the animals withthem.
Despitethe administration’s assurancesthat the U.S.government would bring the agency’sworkers safelyhome as ordered within 30 days, some feared being stranded and left to maketheir own way back.
Mostagency spending hasbeenordered frozen, and most workers at the Washingtonheadquarters have been taken off the job, making it unclear howthe administration will manage and pay for thesudden relocation of thousands of staffers and their families.
The mass removalof thousands of stafferswould doom billions of dollars in projects in some120 countries, including security assistancefor Ukraine and othercountries, as wellas development work for clean water,job training and education, including forschool-
girls under Taliban rule in Afghanistan.
The online notification to USAID workers and contractors said they would be off the job, effective just before midnight Friday,unless deemed essential. Direct hires of theagency overseas got 30 days to return home, the notice said.
The United States is the world’slargest humanitarian donor by far.Itspends less than 1% of its budget on foreign assistance, asmaller share of its budget than somecountries.
Hundredsofmillions of dollarsoffoodand medication already deliveredby U.S. companies aresitting in ports because of the shutdown.
Health programs like those credited with helping end polio and smallpox epidemics and an acclaimed
HIV/AIDS program that savedmorethan20million lives in Africa have stopped. So have programsfor monitoring and deploying rapidresponse teamsfor contagious diseases such as Ebola.
South African Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi told Parliament on Wednesday that officials scrambled to meet with U.S. Embassy staff for information after receiving no warning the Trump administration would freeze crucial funding for the world’sbiggestnational HIV/AIDS program South Africa has the world’shighest numberof peoplelivingwithHIV,at around 8million, and the United States funds around 17% of its $2.3 billion-a-year programthroughthe President’sEmergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or PEPFAR. The health minister did not saywhetherU.S. exemptionsfor lifesaving careaffect that work.
Democrats and others say the USAID is enshrined in legislation as an independent agency and cannotbe shut down without congressional approval.
Supporters of USAIDfrom both political parties say its work overseas is essential to countering theinfluence of Russia, China and other adversaries and rivals abroad, and to cementing alliances and partnerships.
In Istanbul on Wednesday, HakanBilgin satinthe downsized office of his medical-care nonprofit, surrounded by half-unpackedboxes andworriedcolleagues. Days ago, Doctors of the World Turkey received an unexpected stop-work order from USAID, forcing them to close12fieldhospitals and lay offover 300 staffmembers in northern Syria.
“As amedical organization providing lifesaving services,you’rebasically saying, ’Close allthe clinics, stop allyour doctors, andyou’re not providing services to women, children and the elderly,”’ Bilgin said.
as well as independent Sen. Angus King of Maine. It was released on the same day theCIA announced it had offered buyouts to an unspecified number of staffers.
Rep. JimHimesofConnecticut, thetop Democrat on theHouse Intelligence Committee, expressed hisown concernsthat the Trump administration’sreviewofCIA staffing could reveal details that jeopardize national security and agents in the field.
“Those details aresecret for areason—because protecting theidentities of CIA employees is critical to theirsafety and mission, amission thathelps keep Americans safe every day,” Himes said.
The White Housedid not immediately respond to the senators’ questions. Musk hasdismissed criticismof his government involvement, saying it just shows his effort is needed.
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTOBYJ.SCOTT APPLEWHITE
BR free concert series trimmed
Live AfterFivereduces showsthisyear
BY ELLYN COUVILLION Staff writer
Live After Five, the long-standing free Friday night concert seriesindowntown Baton Rouge, will have fewer shows this year following city-parishbudget cuts connected to taxmoney being shifted to St. George.
Last summer,BatonRouge government agencies were told to submit plans for budget cuts of 10% to 20% as the incorporation of St. George moved forward. Asaconsequence, city-parish funding for the concert series is down20% this year,from $75,000 to $60,000, said CaseyTate, assistant executive director of the DowntownDevelopment District With less money available, the concertlineup is being trimmed
to fourconcertsinthe spring and four in the fall, instead of the historical six shows each season, he said.
“Wewant Live After Five to be here foryears to come,” Tate said. “The concerts have been a great success.”
The shows, featuring local musicians, attract an average of about 5,000people, he said.
Theconcertseries gotits start 30 years ago and has evolved over the years
“It’sprobably themost diverse, free community event in the city,” Tate said. “Workers, residents, visitors, young and oldare there.”
Live After Fivekicksoff this year at 5p.m. April 4, with other spring concertstofollow on April 11, April 25and May 2.
Thedates for thefall concerts will be announced later in the year
Last spring’sconcerts featured the Groovy 7, Kenny Neal Blues Fest,ToddO’Neil, TheOriginal Pinettes, Bucktown Allstarts and the Michael Foster Project.
“The concerts grewfrom a grassroots effort as alunchtime show— ‘bring your ownlunch’— in the mid-’90s and kept growing over the years,” Tate said.
It is possible that partnerships with sponsors andfundraising efforts might allowLive After Five “to add shows to the falland spring concert series and also outside of those calendar windows,” Tate said.
Tenor saxophonist Justin Rendell,second from left, plays with the Michael Foster Project during Live After Five at Galvez PlazaonMay 24, 2024, in Baton Rouge.
Second person arrested in killingof politician’s grandson
Baton Rouge police made a second arrest Wednesday in the killing of aLouisiana staterepresentative’sgrandson outside of an Airline Highway McDonald’s.
CRIME BLOTTER staff reports
BrandonGraham Jr., 19, is the second person arrested in connection to the shooting that killed D’Shawn Brown, 22, the grandson of Rep. C. Denise Marcelle, D-Baton Rouge.
Brown’sbody was found riddled with bullet wounds outside of his vehicle in the parking lot of the fast-food restaurant. The shooting happened shortly before 4p.m. on Jan. 20.
Graham was booked into the parish prison on counts of seconddegree murder and illegal useof aweapon.
He joins Melvin Robinson Jr., 33,who was alsobookedinto the parish prison on acount of second-degree murder for his alleged involvementinBrown’s death.
The investigation is still ongoing.
Man detained in connection withkilling
Aman considered aperson of interest in aFlorida homicide was detained Wednesday in West Baton Rouge Parish,authorities said.
Djalma Gordon,41, wasdetained following atraffic stop on westbound Interstate 10 justafter1 a.m. Wednesday, West Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office said He was taken into custody on behalf of the Sarasota Police Department in connection with ahomicide investigation there.
Sarasota police said the killing wasdiscoveredafter officers conducted awelfarecheck on a residence around 8p.m. Tuesday They found an adult female dead and concludedahomicide had taken place.
Sarasota police said they do not believe it was arandom encounter In their investigation, Sarasota officersidentified Gordon as a person of interest.
2officers accused of evidence tampering
TwoIndependence police officers have been arrested and accused of tampering withevidence from the scene where ahomicide victim was found.
The officers,Mitchell Rainey,
TEACHERS
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The teachers, who were not identified, will remain on leave pendingcompletionofaninvestigation into the incident, school district officials said LaMont Cole, superintendent of the East BatonRouge Parish public school district, said his bloodboiled afterwatching the fight video. He said two employees made “bad decisions.” Theiractions are isolated and contraryto how the district’sthousandsofemployees act.
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East Baton Rouge Parish schools Superintendent LaMont Cole said Wednesday the fight started over adisagreement whether or notaplayerhad fouled out of the game. Addison, arelative of aplayer, reportedly came down from the courtside bleachers to argue with aScotlandville coach who was also serving as bookkeeper, aschool district spokesperson said. The dispute quickly devolved into aphysical altercation between the two, at which point multiple fans left the bleachers to join the melee.
Video of the altercation shows Addison being taken to the ground and subjected to multiple blows from bystanders before others eventually pull themob off of him. He remained on the floorfor severalminutesbefore receiving medical attention. According to the East Baton Rouge
Helicopter measures N.O. radiation
BY DAVID J. MITCHELL Staff writer
Ahelicopter outfittedwith radiological detection equipment has been making low-altitude flights over New Orleans andsurroundingareassince Sunday in advance of the Super Bowl.
public,officials with the Energy Department’sNational Nuclear Security Administration said.
“These aerial radiation assessment surveys are anormal and routine part of security and emergencypreparedness activities,” the officials said in astatement.
was originally tied to the U.S. Geological Surveyand usedtomeasure the effects of above-ground and below-ground nuclear weapons testing.
33, and Caitlyn Rainey,27, who are married to each other,have been booked withmalfeasance in office andobstruction of justice, theTangipahoaParishSheriff’s Office said in anewsrelease Wednesday evening
Thecase stems from the death of DavidParnellJr.,30, who was found dead in the bedroom of a home in the Independence area on Jan.23. Thecoroner classified Parnell’sdeath as ahomicide, the Sheriff’sOffice said TheSheriff’sOffice declined to say how Parnell was killed.
Deputies investigating Parnell’s homicidediscoveredthat MitchellRainey,who authorities said was an acquaintance of Parnell, had removed evidence from thehome where Parnell’sbody was found without theknowledge or permission of investigating detectives.
The Sheriff’s Office said Caitlyn Raineylateraltered that evidence.
Sheriff’s spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue said late Wednesday the Sheriff’sOffice would not say what evidence had allegedly been removed from thescene, noting that no one hasbeen arrested yet for Parnell’sslaying.
TangipahoaParish Sheriff Gerald Sticker is urging anyone information aboutthe crime to contactDetectiveRussell Walker at (985) 902-2045.
The Sheriff’s Officealso said information can also be submittedanonymously through Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa’stip line at (800) 554-5245 or by visiting www.tangicrimestoppers.com.
Woman arrested after allegedlyslapping child
ABatonRougewoman wasarrested Tuesday afternoon forallegedlyslapping her grandson multiple times while streaming onFacebook Live, accordingto police records.
PaulineKnighten, 60, was arrested on two countsofcrueltyto juveniles, which is afelony. She was bookedinto the East Baton RougeParish Prison.
Baton Rouge Police Department detectives were tipped offtothe abuse by aconcerned resident, who allegedly viewed Knighten slapping her5-year-old grandson on the face and head multiple times.
Detectives interviewed Knighten and watched multiple videos of her strikingher grandson in a manner constituting “excessive physicalabuse,” according to an arrest affidavit.
“Weexpect ouremployees to conductthemselvesatthe highest level of professionalism, and whentheychoose to notdoso, there are consequences,” Cole said.
Thevideo, he said, showed multiplepreschool children jumping another preschool student, while adults watched rather than intervening.
He faultedthe teachersfor letting thefight happen to begin with.
Email Charles Lussier at clussier@theadvocate.com.
Sheriff’s Office, Addison left the gymnasium with asmallcut on his head.
The game at Scotlandville Middle School wassuspended with oneminute left in the third quarter
It is expected topick up where it left off on Thursday with only coaches and administrators allowed to attend, according to the district spokesman.
“Wewouldexpect our families and our coaches to conduct themselves alittle bit more appropriately,with acertain level of decorum andclass as it relates to the game,” Cole said.
Colesaidall middle school sporting events now will require security people in attendance, astandard measure at high schools in the district. Previously,deploying security at middle school games was at thediscretionofschool principals.
Email Aidan McCahillat aidan.mccahill@theadvocate. com or follow him on X, @ AidanMcCahill47
Under the U.S. Department of Energy,the Leonardo AW-139 helicopter is measuring expected background radiation across theregion as partofstandard preparation to protect public healthand safety duringthe big game on Sunday, federal officials said. Flights will occuronly during daylight hours and could be low enough to be noticeable by the
The flights, whichare handled by aspecial nuclear emergency support team, are expected to last through Thursday
Agencyradiation-sensing aircraft,which also include fixed wing planes, conducted nearly 1,000 flight hoursonsurveys in 2024, officials said.
The federalaerialmeasuring system program has ahistory that dates back to the late 1950s when it
The program later took on arapid response function to emergency events involving potential radiological releases,like the ThreeMile Island incident in 1979.
Theaerial system has also becomeastandard security measure formajor publicevents, including Super Bowls, national political party conventions and the presidential inauguration, agency officials say DavidJ.Mitchellcan be reached at dmitchell@ theadvocate.com.
BY IAN McNULTY,MARCO CARTOLANO and ALEX LUBBEN Staff writers
Arecall of oysters from one area off Louisiana’scoast due to health concerns led to ascramble by state officials Wednesdaytoreassure hungrytourists as Super Bowl week revs up, while restaurants rushed to secure supplies for a New Orleans area-eventcelebrating the shellfish.
The Louisiana Department of Healthissued therecall lateTuesday for oysters from one of the harvest areas near New Orleans, known as Area3.The recall was in response to 15 people falling ill with non-life-threatening symptoms aftereating oystersfrom there, one of 28 harvesting areas off Louisiana.
The timingwas doubly bad, with therecallannounced notonly during SuperBowlweekbut also on the eve of the inaugural New Orleans OysterNight,anofficial citywidefood andenvironmental eventtimed to coincide with the buildup to thegame. On Tuesday, TheNew York Times even posted aglowing feature on the state of New Orleans’ oyster culture.
The recall affects all oysters harvested from an area east of Lake Borgne andnorth of Eloi Bay since Jan. 10. Those whobecame ill experienced norovirus-likesymptoms —nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and stomach cramps. Twowere briefly hospitalized withillnesses that were notlife-threatening, according to the HealthDepartment. The hospitalized individuals have since been discharged. The department suspects either norovirus or asimilar virus sickened them, but the exact cause wasn’tyet clear,nor was the reason for theoyster contamination.
“If these oysters arecontaminated, the harvest areamay have been contaminated with someunknown infectious human waste, the department said in astatement. “Oysters are filter feeders and can accumulate contaminants andmicroorganismspresent in thewater,which can in turn affect people who eat raworunder-processed contaminated oysters.”
The agency said it was monitoringthe watersand wouldreopen them for oyster harvesting once they meet standards set by the Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference, afederal organization that sets safety standardsfor shellfish.
Restaurantspivot
For local seafood restaurant operators, there was agroan, and thenaprotocol. If theyhad oysters on hand from Area 3, thosewere pulled. Then they started working thephones.
“We’ve been doingthissolong, we have alot of fishermen that we
HOMICIDE
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Franklin, 20, is set to be arraigned by 19th JDC Commissioner Jermaine Guillory on March 10. He faces amandatory life sentence if he is convicted on any of themurder charges.
Eackles pleaded not guiltywhen he was arraigned Friday,and DistrictJudge Fred Crifasi sethis bail at $450,000. Eackles could be sentenced up to 40 yearsfor each count of manslaughter
He originally was booked on counts of principal to first-degree murder.Prosecutors saidevidence in the casewarrantedthe manslaughter indictments. Theindictments stem from a Sept.27, 2024,shooting in the5600
trust and rely heavily on. They got to work for us in other areas,” said Tony Rodrique, food and beverage director of Acme Oyster House, which has restaurants in theFrench Quarter,Metairie and around the region and is part of OysterNight. Through about of early morning farming and shipping, Rodrique expected his restaurants to be back to full oyster servicelater Wednesday,well ahead of dinnertime.
OysterNightrolls on Acme is also one of morethan 50 restaurants and bars in New Orleansand Metairie to sign up for OysterNight. After more flurries of calls and texts after the Area 3 recall, OysterNight remained on track for Wednesday evening.
“The system is robust. It did exactly whatitwas supposed to do,” saidTroy Gilbert, founder of Chefs Brigade, the nonprofit coordinating OysterNight. “There are 28 oysterareas in Louisiana. This is only one.”
He added: “Ourrestaurants have been through everything —hurricanes, thepandemic.Theyknow how to pivot. They roll with it.”
Chefs Brigade envisions OysterNight as arecurring event to raise awareness of the state’soyster culture.
It waslaunchedthisyearwith NFL Green, the league’senvironmental program,and ahost of other partners. As part of the campaign,volunteers who includeda group of retired military special operations veterans built areef from recycled oyster shells in Leeville on Monday.That project, which deployed 59 tons of shell in honor of the 59th Super Bowl, is part of acoastal rebuilding effort fromthe CoalitiontoRestore Coastal Louisiana.
For OysterNight, participating restaurants andbarsare offering special oyster dishes, both raw and cooked, and contributing
block of BensonDrive Shelita“Bee” Vallery,a40-yearold mother of two,and her 62-year-old stepfather David Celestine were killed at the scene. Celestine’sbrother Paul Lewis, 63, wasrushed to ahospital,where he died.
Oneofthe victims returned fire and wounded Franklin and Eackles. Both menhad to be treatedfor non-life-threatening injuries, East Baton Rouge Parish deputiessaid.
Loved ones saidthe shootout spilled overfromalongstanding beef between neighbors at the Port Royal apartmentcomplex along Airline Highway Vallery’sfamily members previously told The Advocate she took Lewis andCelestine with her to her mother’shouse on Benson Drive to defuse the escalatingtensions. Deputies said afight broke
their shells to the coalition‘s oyster shell recycling program to supply future reef-building projects. Otheroysters safe to eat Health officialsstressedthat though oysters from Area 3were recalled,oysters harvested from other coastal areas were still safe to consume.
Lt. Gov.Billy Nungesser,who oversees theLouisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board, said he had spoken with local restaurants thatserve seafood to make sure that they understood the protocol around the recall, he said.
“All oysters outside of Area3 aresafe forconsumption. All seafood is safefor consumption. All thefish from Area 3are safefor consumption,” said Taylor Brazan, aspokesperson for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife andFisheries.
At smaller restaurants, Wednesday wasalso ascramble to ensure their oyster stock was safe. Sala owner Joe Riccobono said he heardquickly fromhis seafood purveyor,confirming that his supply wasfrom adifferent harvest area.
“It shows you how the system works,”hesaid. “When there’sa recall, you need to protect people, but you also need to remember it doesn’taffect all the oysters, just that area.”
Camille Staub, one of the managers at Porgy’sSeafood in Mid-City, said hershopstill hadsafe-to-eat oysters in stock —some from Leevilleand some from Alabama— but that they did receive oysters fromArea3thatweresubject to the recall.
“With everyone in town for the Super Bowl, we’re not going to be able to get oysters as fast as we need to,” shesaid. But, she stressed, she’sstill got plenty of other seafood in stock.
“Come andget shrimp,”she said. “We’ve got tons of it.”
out when Franklin went to the home accompanied by Eackles. The shootingtookplace outside the residence afterward.
Email Matt Bruce at matt. bruce@theadvocate.com.
Oyster harvesting area 3 closed
Cater,Betty Centreville United Methodist Church at11am Chenevert,Douglas St.AloysiusCatholic Church at 10am.
DeBate,Linda
TheChurch of JesusChristofLatterDay Saints,502 EHwy 30, Gonzales at 11:00am.
Kellerman,John OurLadyofMercy Catholic Church at3pm McGraw,Molly Grace EpiscopalChurch in St Francisvilleat1pm
Mitchell,Eunice BakerFuneralHome, 6401 Groom
Road,Baker,LAat12:30pm
Triplett,John LouisianaNationalCemetery, 303 W. Mt.Pleasant,Zacharyat11:00am.
Obituaries
Alexander, George W.
George W. Alexander entered into eternal rest on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at Ochsner Medical Center. He was 94 years old. George was born to the union of the late Ada Wilson Alexander and the late Isiah (Ike) Alexander. He was preceded in death by his wifeHattie C. Alexander.Hewas anative and resident of St. Francisville, La. Visitation will be Saturday, February 8, 2025 from10:00 a.m.10:45 a.m. The Celebration of Life Service willbegin at 11:00 a.m. at Rasberry Baptist Church #2, 3873 Highway 966, St. Francisville, La. Rev. Cedric R. May, Officiating. George is survived by his 5children; Clarence B. Alexander (Doris), LindaA Alexander, Georgia A. Alexander, Janice R. Higginbottham(Joseph) and Merle A. Torregano (Michael, Sr); 6grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; 1sister, Floria J. Henderson; 3brothers, James Alexander, Melvin Alexander (Deloris) and Joseph Alexander (Sherri); 2sisters-in-law, Rosa C Broadway and Bernice C Nunn; 1godchild, Thomas Alexander, Jr. (Alma) and a host of relatives and friends.Interment Washington Cemetery Hwy. 965, St. Francisville La. Arrangements entrusted to Richardson Funeral Home of Clinton, La.
Bernard, Barbara Sue
Entered into eternal rest on January 30, 2025 at the age of 71. Visitation Friday, February 7, 2025, Hall's Celebration Center, 9348 Scenic Highway, Baton Rouge, LA., 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Visitation continues, Saturday,February 8, 2025, Beacon Light Baptist Church, 7513 Prescott Road, Baton Rouge, LA. 9:00 am until religious service at 11:00 am. Interment Old Folk Home Cemetery, Port Allen, LA. Funeral Services Entrusted to Hall Davis and Son. www.halldavisandson.com
of otherrelatives and friends. Afuneralservice willbeheldonSaturday, February8,2025at11:00am atElevate Church,Green‐wellSprings Rd.Visitation willbegin at 9:00am.Inter‐mentEastWayside No.2, Woodville, MS.Arrange‐ments by Rhodes United Fi‐delity. Please visitwww rhodesfuneral.comtosign guest book
Braud, JoyceGrimes
JoyceGrimesBraud en‐tered into eternalrestat St. ClareManor on January 30, 2025, Shewas a92-year old native andresidentof Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Viewing at St.Anthony of Padua Catholic Church on Friday, February 7, 2025 at 8:00am; Rosary 9:30 am; MassofChristian Burial at 10:00 am conductedby Rev.Peter Nguyen.Sur‐vivorsinclude herchildren, Wanda Braud, Providence Forge,Virginia; Charlene Braud,Baton Rouge; and Jules A. Braud, Jr.(Monet) Villa Rica,Georgia;sib‐lings,HoraceMarshall (Ollie),Chicago,Illinois; and Emelda Long,Willing‐boro, NewJersey; 13 grandchildren,22greatgrandchildren,six greatgreat-grandchildren,other relatives andfriends;pre‐ceded in deathbyher hus‐band, JulesBraud,Sr.; daughters,Stephanie B. Robinsonand Pamela Braud;parents,Joe Grimes, Maggieand HenryMar‐shall; threesiblings, anda son-in-law. Arrangements entrusted to Miller & DaughterMortuary.
Gwendolyn Johnson Davis of Baton Rouge, La. went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 30, 2025. She liveda full life rootedinfaith. She retired from the U.S. Postal Service. Homegoing Services will be Friday, February7th, 2025. Visitation 9am untilreligious servicesat11am.
by parents Roland Charles DeLaune, Sr. and Agnes Tregre DeLaune.
Visitation at St.Jude Catholic Church in Baton Rouge, LA. Friday, February 7, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. until the Mass of Christian Burial celebrated by Father Trey Nelson at 11:00 a.m. Interment at Roselawn Cemetery, Baton Rouge. Special thanks to the caring team of doctors and nurses who provided endless support throughout his long journey. In lieuof flowers, donations may be made to acharity of your choice.
Ehrlicher,ShirleyClaunch
Shirley Ehrlicher passed away on February 2nd, 2025, at theage of 77. She loved going on trips with her family, and especially going to theGulf Coast with her husband Jim. When she wasn't spending time with her family, she was with her animals that she cared for so deeply. Shirley enjoyed participating in an animal rescue, she loved fostering and adopting animals. She never met an animal that didn't like her.
Shirley is survived by her husband Jim; son, Paul Guice (Dianna); daughter, Candie Edwards (Brett); grandchildren, Payton Guice, Paden Pitre, Drew Edwards (Tori), Katelyn Guice, and Olivia Pitre; great grandchild, Hudson Edwards; brothers, Ricky Claunch (Diane) and Jimmie Claunch; sister-inlaw, Jane Ehrlicher; brother-in-laws, Gregory E. Ehrlicher, John T. Ehrlicher, Michael J. Ehrlicher (Bill Ford); and numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and beloved pets. She is preceded in death by her parents, Alton and Gladys Claunch; Father-inlaw, Francis Ehrlicher Jr.; mother-in-law, Helen J. Ehrlicher; sister-in-law, Lois Ehrlicher; and brotherin-law, Francis "Frank" Ehrlicher III. Services will be held at Greenoaks Funeral Home 9595 FloridaBlvd,Baton Rouge, LA 70815 on Saturday, February 8th, 2025, with visitationstarting at 12pm and amemorial service to start at 2pm. In Lieu of flowers please make donations in Shirley's name to your local animal shelter.
Ford,Francisco, and ahost of nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Services for Bettye Jean Ford are to be held Friday, February 7, 2025, at New St John Baptist Church, 1455 South Street,Baton Rouge, 70802. Visitationwill be from 10:00am -11:00am, followed by Ivy Beyond the Wall at 11:00am, and acelebration of life at 12:00 noon conducted by The Rev. Dr. W. Marshall Myles Interment to be provided by Southern Memorial Gardens. Services entrusted to Desselle Funeral Home.
Franklin,Larry Larry Franklin,a United StatesArmyVeteran, passed away on Friday January 24,2025atOur Ladyofthe lake Regional Medical Center.Graveside service Friday,February7 2025at11a.m.Arrange‐ments entrustedtoPugh's Mortuary, Plaquemine,LA.
Franklin,MaryLou Funeralservicesfor MaryLou Franklin will be heldFriday, February 7, 2025atSaintsville COGIC, 8930Plank Rd.A public vis‐itation will be held from 9:00a.m.until 10:00a.m withreligious services be‐ginning at 10:00a.m.Inter‐ment: National Cemetery Zachary,LA. Professional servicesentrusted to Charles Mackey Funeral Home.
through mense joy and unimaginable loss. Janet also pursued her passion for learning through world travel and lived experiences, including living in Puebla, Mexico. Shehad adeep appreciation for the arts, culture, and languages, which she carried with her throughouther life. Her education reflected her intellect and curiosity, andshe cherished the opportunities it provided to connect with others and explore the world through music and language. Janet moved from Louisiana to California in 2018. She lived out her days with her daughter and son-in-law, in the companyof Californians. Janet was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dr. James A. Freeman, Sr.; her son, James A. "Jimmy" Freeman,Jr.; her son, Dana A. Freeman;and her sister, Joan H. Lovelace. Despite these profound losses, Janet's unwaveringfaith was abeacon of hope and inspiration to those around her. Janet is survived by her son, Dr. Mark E. Freeman and his wife, Marie andher daughter, Susan C. Freeman andher husband, Mike Futrell. She leaves behind eightgrandchildren and alegacyof love, faith,and resilience that will continue to inspire her family and all who knew her. Visitation will be at Wilbert Funeral Home in Plaquemine on Friday, February 7, 2025, from 1pm until memorial service at 3:30pm. Janet will be remembered for her love of music, her love of ball room dancing, her passion for learning, and her deep connection to God. Shetaught those around herthe beauty of acceptance, the importance of kindness, andthe strength found in humility. Memorial donationsmay be made to the Alzheimer's Association https://www.alz.org.
Helen Jo Ingram passed away on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at the age of 86. Shewas born in Powell, TX, anda resident of Baton Rouge, LA. She enjoyed sailing, and traveling through Europe and the USA. Above all, she cherished the time she spent with her family and friends. Helen is survived by her husband of 69 years, Preston;children, Gary Ingram (Sherri), and Paula Dye (Terry); grandchildren,BJRichard, Bonnie D'Antonio (John), Scott Phillips (Wendy), Kyle Phillips, Wayne Ingram (Ashley), William Ingram (Alex), Anjel Womack (Sondra Richard), Ashley Capello (Joey), and Craig Dye (Kim); 15 greatgrandchildren with another on the way; granddaughter-in-law, Betsy Greener; son-in-law,Barry Richard; and ahost of other loving family members. Helen is preceded in death by her daughter, Louanne Richard; grandson Nicholas Greener; and parents, Felton andBillie Lewis. Visitation will be at Greenoaks Funeral Home, 9595 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA, on Friday, February 7, 2025, from 1pm until thetime of funeral services at 2pm. Family and friends are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.greenoaksfunerals .com
Pete Clement Galik, born November 10, 1936 to Amanda
and Clement Pete
Roland CharlesDeLaune Jr., loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother passedaway peacefully in Round Rock, Texas on January 29, 2025 at the age of 80 following alengthy battle with cancer. Anative of PortAllen and an Army Veteran, he wasa graduate of Holy Family Catholic School,Catholic High School in Baton Rouge,and Louisiana State University. After acareer in banking in Baton Rouge, he was lateremployedby the FDIC and completed his long financial careerwith the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Management and Quality Assurance Services. He was married to the love of his life, PamelaLaurent DeLaune,recentlycelebrating 56 years of marriage. Roland was known for his drywit, thoughtful demeanor,and deep sense of family. Survived by his loving wife Pamela (Pam); sons Brant Roland DeLaune (Beverly Aloisio) and Drew MichaelDeLaune (Denise Spiers); his adoredgrandchildren Grace,Matthew, Anna, and Aaron; loving sisters Lou Reynolds, Dolores Middleton, and Pat Kimble, and brotherRobert (Bobby) DeLaune; and belovednephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by hisparents
Bettye Jean Ford was born November 17, 1936, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to the union of thelate Carl Theodore Ford Senior and Julie Gustavia Ford.She was one of tenchildren. She was affectionately called "Bettye Jean" by her family and friends.
Bettye received Jesus Christ as Lord at an early age and was baptized at New. St.John Baptist Church by Reverend E. Doyle Billoups.
Bettye was educated in the East Baton Rouge Parish School System where she completed elementary and secondary education graduating from McKinley High School in the class of 1955. She matriculated at The Southern University and A&M College earning aBachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education. Bettye taught for 32 years in the EBRPSS.
Bettye was amember of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, IncorporatedNu Gamma Omega Chapter of Baton Rouge, LA.She held membership in the Louisiana Associationof Educators and the Retired Teachers Association. She leaves to cherish her memory adevoted daughter and son-in-law, Joyce F. and Donald Trusclair, her granddaughter, Joy G. Trusclair. Sisters Beverly F. Scott, Oakland, CA; Gwendolyn F. Battles, Vallejo, CA; and Melba Ford,San Francisco, CA
Janet Harper Freeman, age 90, passed away peacefully on January 4, 2025. Born on May 23, 1934, in Topeka, Kansas to Dorothy Kleinhans Harper and Thaddeus Harper, Janet grew up in atime of transformation, resilience, and opportunity that shaped her extraordinary life. The younger of two daughters, Janet was sweet,shy, and deeply devoted. Her mother was a remarkable woman of strength, independence, and brilliance—a true trailblazer for her time. Dorothy's influence instilled in Janet alove of learning, music, and faith that would remain central throughout Janet's life. After getting divorced, Dorothy moved Joan and Janet to The Academy of the Holy Angels, aboarding school and nunnery in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Academy of the Holy Angels, established in 1866 by the Marianites of Holy Cross, was aprominent allgirls Catholic highschool located in the Bywater historic district of New Orleans. The Marianites, a congregation of nuns founded in Le Mans, France, in 1841 by Father Basil Moreau, dedicated themselves to education, healthcare, and other charitable works. The school became known for its rigorous curriculum and emphasisonmoral development, reflecting the Marianites' commitment to holistic education. Janet became anun but having been influenced by the school, as Janet grew older, she longed for acollege education. Withthat,she left the nunnery to pursue aBachelor's degree in music and later, aMaster's degreeinSpanish, both from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. Janet married Dr. James Alvin Freeman, Sr., with whom she raised afamily of three boys and agirl. James was agifted physician and coroner known for his dedicationtohis community and exceptional skill as ateacher and medical professional. James, aman of deep integrityand intellect,remembered as agenius by his peers and for his commitment to thepeople of California as adoctor at Alcatrazand in Louisiana where he served as a pathologist,practitioner, and coroner for over three decades. They shared a love of learning, afondness for travel, and acommitment to their children and their community. Together, they built alife centered on family, faith, and service. Janet's quiet strengthand resilience were constantsintheir lives, offering stabilityand love through times of imjoy and unimagin-
in Mingus, TX. He passed away peacefully at home in Baton Rouge, LA on February 1, 2025 at 88 years old. Visitations will be held at Central Funeral Home, 9995 Hooper Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70818, on Friday February 7, 2025 from 5PM until 9PM. A Catholic Mass will be held at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, 3475 N. Sherwood Forest Dr., Baton Rouge, LA 70814, on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 12PM. The burial will follow services at Greenoaks Cemetery. Pete's pallbearers will be Bradley Galik, Daniel Williams, Blake Mounce, Dalton Walker, Byron Wade, Tri Nguyen and honorary pallbearers Kayden Parsons and Chase Stoute. For the full obituary see www.rabenhorst.com
Entered into eternal rest on January 19, 2025, at the age of 90. Visitation Friday, February 7, 2025, Magnolia Baptist Church, 9630 East Buchanan Street, Baton Rouge, LA., 10:00 am until religious service 11:00 am. Entombment Roselawn Memorial Park, Baton Rouge, LA. Funeral Services Entrusted to Hall Davis and Son. www.halldavisandson.com
Delinda "Lynn" Fisher Joseph was called home on January 30, 2025, at 9:51pm at Baton Rouge General Medical Center. She was born June 5, 1964, in Independence, Louisiana to Mother Mittie L. Harrell Fisher and Deacon John Travis Fisher of Baywood, Louisiana. Lynn accepted Christ early and was baptized under theleadership of Elder H.K. Donald of Cedar Grove Church of God in Christ in Baywood. Lynn's relationship with Christ was paramount throughouther life. In her youth at Cedar Grove, Lynn served in theyouth ministry and the choir. Later in life Lynn and her family moved their membership to Open Door Fellowship Life Center led by Apostle LeRoy Banks, where she served until the Lord Jesus Christ called her home. Lynn was abeloved employee of the Louisiana Office of Tourism for 39 years and was the office manager for thepast 23 years. Adedicated team member, she was greatly respected for herwork ethic andwas the expert on daily officeand business operations. In 2023, she wasawarded the prestigious Charles E. Dunbar, Jr. ServiceAward, the highest honor classified state employees can receive for their service to the citizens of Louisiana.
Lynn married Michael Paul Joseph on February 23, 1991, at Open Door Fellowship Life Center. Their loving marriage blessed them with three beautifulchildren, Jeremy Michael Joseph (wife Tyquiencia) of Baton Rouge, JessicaLynn Joseph (Chase) of Fort Worth, Texas, and Fisher Tyree Joseph (Aija) of Zachary.
Lynn was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brother, Alvin Ray Fisher, and nephew,Brad Fisher. In addition to her devoted children,Lynn leaves to cherish her memory her grandson,Tayden Timothy Tucker (or "Triple T" as his MoMo affectionately called him), godchild, Curtis Lee Sambo, four sisters, Sherry Fisher Holiday
Joseph Blakes,Jr. en‐tered into eternalreston Wednesday,January 22, 2025 at hisresidence.He was 77 yearsold.Mr. Blakeswas theson of the lateJosephand Maggie BellBlakes. Loving hus‐bandofDolores R. Blakes FatherofMichael Blakes and SedrickBlakes. Brother of CharlesBlakes. Heisalsosurvivedby4 grandchildren anda host of otherrelatives and See more DEATHS page
Ingram, Helen Jo
Freeman, Janet Harper
Joseph, Delinda Fisher
Galik, Pete Clement
Holland Jones
Galik
Davis, Gwendolyn
Ford, Bettye Jean
DeLaune, Roland C.
Guy, Fannie M.
Blakes Jr., Joseph
OUR VIEWS
EBRhousing marketshows what canhappen with investment
We were glad to see that BatonRouge’shome sales held relativelyflat in 2024,despite thetriple whammy of elevated mortgage rates, tight supply and higher prices that have drivendeclines around the country And even happier to see some formerly distressed areas improving.
The steadiness is particularly noteworthy given that buyers in Louisiana faced the additional stressofavolatilehome insurance market and the ever-present threat of thenext hurricane. Despite those headwinds,homesales in the nine-parish capital region dropped by only0.2%, or 17 total sales, accordingtodatafromthe Greater Baton Rouge AssociationofRealtors Multiple Listing Service.
In the three largest parishes— EastBaton Rouge, Ascension and Livingston—sales increased by about 2%, the data show. Those three parishes account for 75% ofthe region’s total home sales. Another indicator,home prices,was more mixed.Somesuburban areas, especially in Ascension Parish, saw significantgrowth.Some high-dollar neighborhoods in Baton Rouge’s mostexclusive areas were down. Forinstance, the 70808 ZIP code in south Baton Rougesaw a$17,000 drop in median home price, from $382,000 to $365,000.
In St. George, prices were generally up. Livingston Parish stayed flat
The most encouraging developments,however, came in north Baton Rouge,where anumber of ZIP codes saw increases. In 70807, which includes Scotlandville, ParkVista and Southern Heights, median home pricesincreased by nearly $60,000, from $85,000to$144,000. In 70811, themedian sale price went from $155 000 to $175,000.
In the 70705 ZIP code, the increasewas far more modest, from $64,000 to $65,000, the data show
Any increase is apositive sign of what appears to be anascent trend:Localinvestors are helping turn some distressed propertiesaround and getting them back into commerce
Kelvin Jones is anorth Baton Rouge resident whohas purchased four houses in poor areasof Baton Rouge and Baker to renovateand resell.
“Some of the places we bought were almost condemned,” Jones told Advocatereporter Timothy Boone.
Another investor,Tomica Simon, haspurchased a number of north Baton Rouge properties as investments. Some of those have beenconverted to short-term rentals, in somecases for people whocome into town for temporaryworkatarea plants. Others have gone to folks who haveexpressed an interest in settling downinthe area It’sencouraging to see local investors taking an interest in local properties, especially in north Baton Rouge. We know that new East BatonRouge Parish Mayor-President Sid Edwards made tackling blightinnorth Baton Rouge acentralpart of his platform during the campaign, vowing to tear down properties that were decrepit or being used for drug transactions. It should go withoutsaying that purchasing them, fixing them up and then selling them to potential long-term residents is abetter outcome. We hope it continues.
LETTERSTOTHE EDITOR ARE
WELCOME. HERE AREOUR
GUIDELINES: Letters are published identifying name, occupation and/or title and the writer’scity of residence The Advocate |The Times-Picayune require astreet 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.
OPINION
‘The problemisnot the library’ in Livingston
What theeditorial on Livingston Parishlibraries failed to mention is that every single member of theLivingston ParishLibrary Alliance is a resident of Livingston Parish. In fact, almost all, including me, were born and raised here and we work here. We are Livingston Parish. We are mothers, fathers, grandparents, educators, first responders, servers, counselors, librarians, homemakers, health care professionals, Sunday school teachers, machinists, attorneys, etc. who all love our library We are an organization of residents, created to defend our library from outside attacks, that does no fundraising and takes no money from anyoutside sources. We have abudget of zero. We are united with acommon love of literacy and upholding theConstitution.
The outside activists are theones leading thecharge against our library Tonot clarify this fact is adisservice to the community of Livingston Parish and to those of us pushing to save our library from people who do not even utilize itsresources. This editorial suggests that thepa-
trons who value and support libraries have lost their trust in libraries, but thenumbers say otherwise. The Livingston ParishLibrary statistics in every category improved, with arecordbreaking year of checkouts, attendance at programming and increased participation in reading challenges. When library services werecut by board memberswith their own personal agendas, thecommunity rallied and spoke out. Hundreds of emails and calls were placed to the Parish Council to restore our library board back to normal because we love and support thelibrary and our library workers. Iamalifelong Livingston Parish resident. Ivalue and support the library.I have not lost faithinthe library —not once. What Ihave lost is trust in Louisiana legislatorsand leaders whoconsort with extremists and whowork against thecommunities and lawsthey were elected to support. The problem is not thelibrary
Overthe last couple of weeks, we have been hearing of some truly astounding executive orders coming outofWashington. While we mayormay not agree with them, theyneedtobelawful. Ihopeall Americans agree thatupholding the Constitution, to which the president swears, is important. If an executive order defieslaw andiscontested in the courts, it is the taxpayer who will pay to contest it.
WhenIspeak to others about what alarms me, Ihear: n People don’tcare. It has to hurt them personally before they do anything.
n People don’tknow whotheir representatives are. Yet, they know how to find an ice cream parlor on their phones.
n People feel like their one voice will not change anything. (From my experience, this is mostly true. So, all you voices, speak. And all you voters, vote.)
TO SEND US A LETTER,
Canada fought alongside us in multiple wars, took great risks to get U.S. hostages out of Iran and has helped us in emergencies, such as the current firefighting in California. Ourclosest friend and ally takes pride in its independence, as do we. The president’sjustification for the (now paused) threat of tariffs on Canada was to stop theflow of fentanyl and illegal immigrants into our country, yet thanks to Canada’salready active fight against fentanyl, less than 1% of incoming fentanyl seizures occur at theU.S.-Canada border.Only 1.5% of illegal immigrant apprehensions are at that border.Our president wantsCanada to give up its sovereignty and become part of the U.S. Drug trafficking and immigration appear to be excuses to use economic force to incorporate Canada into the United States. Canada, acooperative ally with U.S. bases on their soil, already grants access to its strategic Arctic Sea coastline, so the desire to incorporate it is mainly to get itsvaluable resources.
Ilike to think that when Americans voted to makeAmerica greater,they didn’tintend to do so by bullying allies; that they don’tteach their kids that bullying smaller,faithful friends out of coveted possessionsisthe path to greatness. Mexico has different problems. The drug cartels’ combined power rivals that of the Mexican government. Those cartels would not have paid tariffs on theproducts they export to theU.S. The tariffs would have only weakened legitimate businesses and thegovernment that is fighting these powerful criminal organizations. As far as thepipe dream of tariffs helping theU.S. economy,the country whose economy benefited the mostfrom the previous China tariffsisVietnam Do we want to impose higher prices on ourselves so we can bully and alienate staunch allies while weakening the fight against Mexican drug cartels? Would that make America greater?
DAVID KNELLING
Baton Rouge
If your candidate won, and you arehappy with A,B,C, yet X,Y,Z shock you, tell your representative that. It’snot allornothing despite whatour leaders may say. Life is complex, not simple. Simple solutions andthrowing the baby outwith the bath water areunwise
There is ametaphorabout boiling afrog. If you put afrogin really hotwater,the frog jumps out. But if yougradually heat the water,thenthe frog stays in and dies.
The American frog has been simmering for quite awhile. He seems to be tiredand inattentive just as the water temperature is really rising. Many Americans nowacceptbeing told lies. Insulting others andtaking revenge on others have become acceptable,supposedly indicative of strength. The frogisdying. ANN GONZALES Baton Rouge
Invoting for PresidentDonald Trump’smost outlandish executive branchnominees, U.S. Sen.Bill Cassidy of Louisiana blew it. For the electorally pressured Cassidy,R-Baton Rouge, doing the right thing,counterintuitively, might also have proved to be the politically savvy thing.Instead, he chose the short-term political salve of bowing to Trump —especially by votingto confirm horrendous Healthand Human Services nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr rather than following what his conscience and long experience as apracticing physicianshouldhavedictated. The senator is in an obviouspolitical bind. Facing aperilous Republican primary in April 2026, Cassidy is an effective, traditional conservative whois being pressured by MAGA radicalism. Conventional wisdom holds that Cassidy, who has arecord of at leastsome independencefrom Trump, has no more margin for error.IfCassidyhad voted against any of Trump’snominees, or if otherwise crosses the president in any public way, then most pundits think his political doom would be virtually sealed.
Conventional wisdom, however,may bewrong.
If apostasy from Trumpisapolitical killer for Republicanofficeholders, then Cassidy is already awalkingdead man despite his campaign’s$6.6 million cashonhand. By pundits’ reckoning, asenator already censured by his own state party’sexecutive committee for failure to toe Trump’sline in 2021, when he was less powerful and popular than heisnow,would be hard-pressed to win a Republican primaryanyway against aMAGA torch-beareralready holding statewide office. Assuaging the fury of MAGA voters would be nearly impossible. Then again, political fortunes can change remarkably quickly.InMarch of 1991, President GeorgeH.W.Bush luxuriated in national approval ratings of 89%.Fourteen months later,his approval had tanked to 40%.InJuly1976, challenger Jimmy Carter led incumbent President Gerald Ford by 33 polling points. Just three months later,Ford
RobertF.KennedyJr.,right, President Donald Trump’snominee to serve as SecretaryofHealth and Human Services, talks with CommitteeChairmanSen. Bill Cassidy, R-Baton Rouge, followinghis testimony during aSenate Committee on Health, Education, Laborand Pensions hearing for his pending confirmation on Capitol Hill last week.
camewithin 18,488 votes (in Ohio and Hawaii, combined) of winning reelection. By the second year of their terms, presidents often are far less popular, even in their own parties, than when they were elected. This especially could provetrue for thevolatile Trump. IfTrump’strade wars cause major domestic economic problems, and if heavy-handedand arguably unconstitutional executive orders cause major disruption in social systems that affect themiddle class —both of which easily couldhappen —then aCassidy record of sober andprincipled independence from Trumponoccasional issues, combined with effective support for conservative policies in general, could look good, not bad, to primary voters. This doesn’tmean Cassidy should adopt the showy,politically kamikaze tactics against Trumpof, say,former Rep. LizCheney of Wyoming. It does, though, mean thoughtfulindependence could make himlook strong and wise compared tothe lickspittle obeisance of somanyotherRepublicans.
Likewise, if Cassidy had voted against someofTrump’struly outlandish nomi-
nees who end up confirmed anyway, such as Kennedy or Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, thelikelihood of MAGA voters still being angry in 14 months isn’thigh. But if he had voted against anominee who then makes agrievous error,Cassidy would have become the rare standout withthe courage and foresight to have stood athwart MAGAworld saying, “Stop!”
If that sort of approach won’twork, then Cassidy isn’tgoing to be reelected anyway.Cassidy’sbrand is that of steadiness and studiousness, and it’stoo late now to change it. Most voters detest inauthenticity
Either way,ifbylate autumn Cassidy is suffering in Republican Party polls, he could forego reelection entirely There are worse things at age 69 than retiring on one’sown terms from a second stint in theU.S. Senatewhile knowing one followed one’sconscience all along.
As conservative intellectual lodestar Edmund Burke said, an elected representative’s“unbiased opinion, his mature judgment,his enlightened conscience, he ought not to sacrifice to you, to any man, or to any set of men living…. Your representative owesyou, not his industry only,but his judgment; and he betrays, instead of serving you, if he sacrifices it to your opinion.”
Much moreshould be written about how appalling achoice RFK Jr.was but no intelligent person should believe his confirmation-eve conversions on vaccination and other issues on which Cassidy himself expressed deep concern. Andnobody honestly believes Dr Cassidy believes it. He should not have betrayed his earlier,correct skepticism.
In thelong run, Cassidy can never out-MAGA aLouisiana opponent. But if he foregoes reelection in 2026 and thus avoids aloss that saps his political mojo, and if Trump’sadministration by 2028 has proved an unmitigated disaster then Cassidy could be well-positioned for even higher office. Conscience then would have served him well indeed. If only
Quin Hillyer is acolumnist and editorial writer for The TimesPicayune |The Advocate. He can be reached at quin.hillyer@TheAdvocate. com
One of the things that frustrates so many people about Washington is its dysfunction. We are paying moreand getting less. Another day older and deeper in debt as an old song goes. The cost, bureaucracy and government’sfailure to produce manyresults despite the promises of politicians feeds the cynicism manyfeel about the capital. That may be about to change as the Trump administration followsthrough on its pledge to deport undocumented immigrants, some of whom have been convicted or charged with the mostheinous crimes.
It didn’ttake long for the Trump Justice Department to launchanall-out war against what it considers the deep state.
The departmentsummarily informed senior officials in the divisions that oversee civil rights and environmental enforcementthat theywere being transferred to anewly created office to take action against sanctuary cities. The career lawyers were told they could either accept the reassignment or face disciplinary action, including removal.
The transfers, involving at least six members of the nonpartisan Senior Executive Service with decadesof experience in their areas of expertise, represent an unprecedented and unwise intervention into the topmost ranksofthe civil service.
These are, by and large,nonpartisan experts in their fields, traditionally servingfrom administration to administration regardless of which party is in power.The Trump Justice Department’sactions, targeting four SES section chiefs in the Environment and Natural Resources Division and at least two additional officials in the Civil Rights Division, violate the long-standingpracticethat these professional attorneys carry over notwithstanding changes in administration.
tobepartofthe Sanctuary City Working Group, effective today,” the individuals were informed Calling the “Department of Government Efficiency”: Putting so many members of the department’selite corpsofSES employees in this one smallareamakes no logical or administrative sense.
“It’spotentially cripplingtogovernment operations and will put communitiesacrossAmericaatrisk if the Trump administration removes allthe senior leadership ofa particular agency or department,” saidDavid M. Uhlmann, whoserved as chief of theEnvironmental Crimes Section at Justice from 2000 to 2007 andlater as assistant administrator for enforcement and complianceassurancefor theEnvironmental Protection Agency under President Joe Biden. “This has never happenedbefore.”
President,” the documentstates. Thetransferswill be difficulttofight. Federal lawimposes a120-daymoratorium on reassignments of members of theSenior Executive Serviceaftera newadministration takes charge.But that moratorium only kicks in after the department head is confirmed, meaning that actingofficialsappear to have the authority to order themoves, according to experts on civil service protections TheDOJ declined to comment.
The move follows the earlier transfer to the sanctuary cities office of senior officialsinthe department’snational security and criminaldivisions, some of whomwere involved in the August 2022 search of Donald Trump’sresidence at Mar-a-Lago.
As chillingasthe Trump Justice Department’searlier moves were, given howtheyconcentrated on thosewho hadcrossed Trump personally, the assaults against the civil rights and environmentaldivisions are disturbing in adifferentway,signaling an effort to quicklyundermine,ifnot neuter, the professional attorneys whohave been faithfully executingthe laws from president to president.
Anew administration of adifferent party is fully entitled to adoptdifferent enforcementpriorities. Electionshave consequences; such changesare in the normalcourse of business.
Worse, the actions constitute adramatic misuse of government resources. It takes the senior brain trust of key parts of the departmentand places them in an area in which theyhave no expertise. Many will leave the government, as their experience and specialized skills will be highly valued at private firms. Running the experts offis, of course, one goal of the Trump purge
“Please accept this email as notice that you are being reassignedtothe Office of the Associate AttorneyGeneral
In addition, thedepartmentfired outright the chief immigration judge and other officials involvedinthe immigrationcourtsystem, actions that appear to run afoul of the legal requirement that employees receive at leasttwo notices of poorperformancebeforethey canbedismissed.
On his first day in office, Trump issued an orderentitled“Restoring accountability for career senior executives,”asserting that he possesses the constitutional authority to remove members ofthe SeniorExecutiveService,whichcurrentlynumbers just under 8,000.“Because SESofficialswield significant governmental authority, they mustserve at thepleasure of the
While much of the Justice Department’sbusiness continuesnomatter whoiselected,the civil rights andenvironmental divisionsinparticular have historically been subjected to more turmoil andturnoverthaninother,less ideologically fraught areas.Thatwas true eight yearsago,asthe Trump administration took over from the Obama Justice Department.
But Trump 2.0 is shaping up to be a more ruthlesslyeffectiveversion of its predecessor.Itiswillingtobarrel through norms in pursuit of its agenda; it is contemptuousofthe bureaucracy anddeterminedtomakelife as miserable as possible for those who haddedicated theirlives to public service. This, Ifear,isonly the start.
Ruth Marcus is on X, @RuthMarcus.
Democrats and the lefthave been mostly silent about these deportations. One exception is singer Selena Gomez,who posted avideo of herself crying and expressing empathy for“the children” (adult criminals are the targets fordeportation). She quickly took downthe video after receiving a torrent of criticism.
Border Czar TomHoman wondered why Gomez is only now speaking out: “Where are her tears forthe hundreds of thousands of Americans whohave died from fentanyl coming across the southern border?” Good question.
The decline in those migrant numbers has been dramatic and can only be credited to President Donald Trump’sswift fulfillment of his campaign promise. Fox News —the only media outlet to have consistently covered the border problem to the shameof others —reports fewerthan 600 people crossed illegally into the U.S. from Mexico on arecent Sunday.The decline in numbers will makethe job of the Border Patrol much easier
These lower numbers contrast significantly from the previous administration. In the final days of the Biden administration between 1,200 and 1,400 per day werecoming in. Biden officials wereclaiming the border was “secure,” even when photographs clearly showed it wasnot.
Newlyconfirmed Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem joined ICEagents on raids in NewYork. She said “Dirtbags like this will continue to be removed from our streets.” New York City Mayor Eric Adams, after at first pledging to protect migrants and offering them free hotel roomsand other benefits as part of his “sanctuary city”policy now seemstohave stepped back. He recently met with President Trumpwhich has led to speculation that Adamsmay be seeking apardon from his recent criminal indictments in exchange forsoftening his opposition against deportation. Adamsisupfor reelection in November and manyNew York Democrats have been critical of what they see as his cozying up to Trump.
It’s not only the approach to border security that has changed since Trumptook office. The new secretary of defense, Pete Hegseth, is dismantling DEIatthe Pentagon and throughout the military ranks. Trumpsigned moreexecutive orders that included banning transgender Americans from the military and restoring troops whoweredischarged forrefusing to take COVID-19 vaccinations, back pay included. Another executive order is intendedtoestablish the development of an American version of Israel’sIron Dome missile defense system.Trumpgave credit to Ronald Reagan forthe concept, but said the technology wasn’tsufficient in the 1980s to develop it. He said that technology now exists.
It’s not only the speed with which Trumpis addressing these issues —and polls indicate amajority approve —it’sthe feeling that something positive is finally being accomplished in Washington, which fortoo long has seemed stagnant and unable (or unwilling) to change things that don’twork in favor of what does.
Even those whohave been and remain critical of Donald Trumpcan’tignore success, which Trumphas said would be his best “revenge” against those whohave tried to defeat him through impeachments, indictments, atrial and two apparent assassination attempts.
Email Cal Thomas at tcaeditorstribpub.com
Quin Hillyer
Cal Thomas
Ruth Marcus
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO BY RODLAMKEY,JR.
Sherry Fisher Holiday (Leroy),Maxine Fisher
Williams, Antoinette Fisher, and Dr. JoAn Fisher Ranel (Jeffrey), two brothers, John Fisher Jr. Anthony Fisher Sr., and a host of nieces, nephews, family, colleagues, and friends.
ACelebration of Life will be held Friday, February7 at 11:00am at Open Door FellowshipLife Center, 4415 AvenueA,Zachary
Lee, Horace J. Horace J. Lee, aresident ofPlaquemine, LA,passed awayWednesday,January 29, 2025, at BatonRouge General-Bluebonnet. Visi‐tationonFriday, February 7,2025, from 5p.m.to8 p.m at GreaterSt. Paul Baptist Church,24930 LA 405, Plaquemine,LA. Visita‐tioncontinues Saturday, February8,2025, from 9
DEATHS continued from Baton Rouge,LAand Israelite Baptist Church, Brusly, LA, aformerpastor of Fontana Baptist Church, Port Hudson, LA. He was a memberofEastand West Baton Rouge Ministers Conference and the past president of West Baton Rouge Ministers Conference. He was a memberofStone Square Lodge No. 8. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Vidrine C. Pierce, Brusly, LA; daughter, Sandra Pierce Moses; son, Jimmie Pierce;sister, Emma Pierce Davis all of Baton Rouge, LA; five grandchildren; five greatgrandchildren; ahost of nephews, nieces, otherrelatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, AnnieM Davis Pierce;three brothers, James, Anderson, William Jr., and their wives; one sister,Pearlena (Levy) Washington; one brother-in-law, Robert Davis, Sr.; daughter, Denita Mason; grandson, Roderick Mason. Visitation Friday, February 7, 2025, Hall's Celebration Center, 9348 Scenic Highway, Baton Rouge, LA., 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Visitation continues, Saturday, February 8, 2025, GreaterKing David, 222 Blount Road, Baton Rouge, LA., 9:00 am untilreligious service at 11:00 am. Entombment Heavenly Gates Cemetery of Baton Rouge, Baton Rouge,LA. Funeral Service Entrusted to Hall Davis and Son www.halldavisandson.com Repast Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 1920 Progress Road, Baton Rouge, LA.
EvaSummers Marks passedawayatBarclay House of BatonRouge on January 31,2025,atthe age of83. Shegrewupin Bueche, attended high school in Port Allen, and was alongtimeresident of Baton Rouge. Sheand Bill ultimatelyfulfilledtheir dream of living on the water by retiring in Mau‐repas.Eva graduatedfrom the University of Louisiana atLafayette,later earning her Master of Social Work fromLouisiana StateUni‐versity.She then went on toraise herfamilyasa homemaker.Eva waspre‐ceded in deathbyher hus‐bandof56years andthe loveofher life,William Bill”Marks,Jr.,and her parents,Jeromeand Eva Slade Summers.Eva is sur
vived by hertwo daugh
ters, Melissa MarksHoff
mannand husband Brian and Colleen MarksAn
drews andhusband Chad; grandchildren,Caroline Hoffmann, Virginia Hoff
mann, BrandonAndrews, WilliamGollnick, Joshua Gollnick, BrandonGollnick, and Briana Andrews; greatgranddaughter,Blazelynn Andrews;siblings, Carol Robicheauxand husband Mikeand Jerome Summers and wife Marilynn; sisters inlaw,Dianna Spring Marks andBarbara Marks Trasche;aswellasseveral niecesand nephews. Eva was very active in hercom‐munity,serving in many charity organizationsover the years. Shewas amem‐ber of PhiMuSorority, vol‐unteeredwithAttic Trash and Treasure,and wasac‐tivelyinvolvedwithThe Baton RougeSymphonyOr‐chestra.She hada passion for musicand lovedplay‐ing thepiano forthe ones she loved. Evadedicated her life to caring forothers and wasbeloved by all. Her warmsmile,gentletouch, and listeningear com‐fortedcountless friends and family. Evawillbe greatly missed by her loved ones.Visitationwill beatSt. Aloysius Catholic Church in BatonRouge on Saturday, February 8, from 10a.m.until Mass of Chris‐tianBurialat12p.m cele‐bratedbyRev.Jerry Martin Entombmentwillfollowin Assumptionofthe Blessed VirginMaryCatholic Church Cemetery in Plat‐tenville, LA at 2:20 p.m. Pleaseshare memories at www.wilbertservices.com
Saizon,James Darrel
JamesDarrelSaizon, a nativeofGrosseTeteand a current resident of Port Allen,passedawayafter a battlewithcanceronFeb‐ruary 4, 2025. No services willbeheld. To shareon‐linecondolences or memo‐ries, please visitwww.chu rchfuneralservices.com.
Entered intoeternal rest on February 2, 2025 at 67.
Betty J. Crockett.Visitation
Monday, February 10, 2025, Hall's Celebration Center, 9348 Scenic Highway, Baton Rouge, LA., 9:00 am until religious service at 11:00 am. Entombment Heavenly Gates Cemetery of Baton Rouge,Baton Rouge, LA.Funeral Service Entrusted to HallDavis and Son. www.halldavisandson.com
Stevens, TinishaParker
Saturday, February 8, 2025, SaintMary Baptist Church, 1252 North Acadian Thruway, Baton Rouge, LA., 9:00 am until religious service at 11:00 am. Pastor Conway Knighton. EntombmentHeavenly Gates Cemetery of Baton Rouge, Baton Rouge, LA Funeral Services Entrusted to Hall Davis andSon. www.halldavisandson.com
Triplett, John Andrew
Williams,Kenneth Paul 'KP'
KennethPaul“KP
Pierre,Jacqueline Yvette Williams
Jacqueline Yvette Williams Pierre transi‐tioned her"BrandNew Life" on January27, 2025 at Ochsner MedicalCenterin Plaquemine, LA.Visitation onFriday, February 7, 2025 from 5p.m.to7 p.m. at Greater St.MaryBaptist Church,58820 W. W. HarleauxStreet, Plaquem‐ine,LA. Visitation contin‐ues on Saturday,February 8,2025from9 a.m. until re‐ligious serviceat11a.m Rev.Geoffrey O. Sykes, Pastor. IntermentinGrace MemorialPark. Jackie leavestocherish hermem‐ories hersons: Kendrick D. Pierre, Sr.(GeFranya)and QuincyD.Pierre; Four grandchildren;"special loveone"thatshe helped rear, JoanitaP.Kagler; two siblings, Reginald Williams (Trudel)and RoselynW Pinkney (Elson)and ahost ofnieces, nephews, rela‐tives andfriends.Arrange‐ments entrustedtoPugh's Mortuary, Plaquemine,LA.
Pullins, Rosa Funeralservicesfor RosaPullins will be held Friday, February 7, 2025 at TrueLight BaptistChurch, 3836North St.A public visi‐tationwillbe10:00 a.m. until 11:00a.m.withreli‐gious services beginningat 11:00 a.m. Interment: Oak Grove Cemetery.Profes‐sionalservicesentrusted toCharles Mackey Funeral Home.
Rupeter, William Randall 'Randy' Date of birth: 12-11-1955, Zachary, Louisiana William Randall Rupeter passed away January 25, 2025. He is survived by 3children Mona Kennedy and husband Micah, Paul Gill and wife Cheryl,Darrell Gill, numerous grandchildren, and his brotherBill Rupeter. Aspecial thank you to his close friend Carl Blount. He has beena blessing to Randy, and our family. Thank you for your kindness and support with our dad. Randy was preceded in death by his lovingwife Maxine Brown Rupeter. Aprivate memorial will be held by the family to honor his memory.
Preceded in deathby his parents, Helen Murphy and Falfon Smith; sister,
Entered intoeternal rest January29, 2025 at theage of 44. Survived by her mother, Patsy F. Parker; husband,Ronald A. Stevens; sons, NoahP Stevens and AveryD Stevens; sisters, Carol L. Parker, Margaret C. Alverez (Roosevelt) and Sanita Evans (Donald); brothers, PastorJuan F. Parker (Mary). Preceded in death by her father, Mitchell Parker; brother, Shelton Parker; maternal grandparents, Albert and Mary Fortune; paternal grandmother, Velma Williams. Visitation
John AndrewTriplett wasbornonDecember 8, 1950. He enteredinto eternalrest on Saturday, January18, 2025 at alocal hospital in Baton Rouge at theage of 74. Amilitary serviceand interment will be heldon Thursday, February 6, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Louisiana NationalCemetery(Port Hudson), 303 W. Mount Pleasant Road,Zachary, Louisiana.
Williams departed this life onSunday, January26, 2025, at hisresidence in Thibodaux,LA. He was57 and anativeofThibodaux, LA. Visitation on Friday February7,2025, at Williams &SouthallFuneral Home, 1204 ClevelandSt., Thibodaux,LAfrom9:00am toreligious services at 11:00am.Interment private. ArrangementsbyWilliams & Southall FuneralHome, 1204Cleveland St,Thibo‐daux, LA 70301.(985)4472513. To sign theguest bookoroffercondolences, visit ourwebsite at www williamsandsouthallfune ralhome.com.
Smith Sr., Falfon
Survived by his wife, Elvina Smith; daughter, Ezaeria Smith; son, Falfon K. Smith, Jr.
Marks, EvaSummers
Pierce, George C
SPORTS
BY LUKE JOHNSON Staff writer
The goal of an NFL scout team is to present the look and feel of an opponent in practice, giving the offense and defense the best approximation of the scheme and players they will face in a givenweek.
With that in mind,the scout-team offense for the Kansas City Chiefshas its work cut out for it thisweek trying to mimic Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley andthe imposing offensive line he hasinfront of him.
“Atthe end of the day, their guysupfront are massive, and Saquon is one of one,” Chiefs linebacker DrueTranquill said. “... Youcan’t simulate it fully.Our guys do the best theycan.They’ve done areally good job so far.”
The Eagles rushingattack,spearheaded by Barkley, is one ofthe biggest obstacles standing inbetween the Chiefs and athirdconsecutiveSuper Bowl title. In his first season with the Eagles, Barkley became the ninthplayer in NFL history to amass 2,000 yards rushing in asingle season,finishing with 2,005 yards in 16 games.
As spectacular as hisregular season was, he has turned it upa notch during Philadelphia’s playoff run, rushingfor 442 yards and five touchdowns in three postseason contests.
second-most such rushes withsix.
Doug Nussmeieran assistantfor Eagles
BY SCOTT RABALAIS Staff writer
Garrett Nussmeier said he isn’tsure how 13 became the family’sfootball number, but from anumerological standpoint it’s perfectly fitting.
The No.13isonhis jerseyatLSU —the numberhis fatherDougNussmeier wore at Idaho and with the Saints —and what his younger brother Colton wearsplaying quarterback at Marcus High School in Flower Mound, Texas, Garrett’salma mater Thirteen is also the number of moves
Doug Nussmeierhas made in his football coaching career,a career that has brought him back to New Orleans. That’s where he’ll be Sunday as quarterbacks coach of the Philadelphia Eagles in SuperBowl LIX against the Kansas City Chiefs. For Doug’swife Christi Nussmeier,aLake Charles native and former Saints cheerleader,there’ssomething almost spiritual to her husband’sfirst Super Bowl experience beinginthe city wherethey metwhen he wasa quarterback with the franchise. “It’slike adream,” she said. “I knew (the Super Bowl) was in New Orleans this year Iprayed all year long, ‘God, if it’smeant to be forustogotothe SuperBowl, letitbe in New Orleans.’
“We’ve come full circle.”
Doug Nussmeier started his professional playing career with the Saints in 1994, playing with the club through the 1997 season.
“Any time you get achancetowalkinto the Superdome, it brings back alot of great memories,” said Nussmeier,straining to make his voiceheard above the pulsing music andbooming announcements in the CaesarsSuperdome during Monday’sSuper Bowlopening nightfestivities. “Obviouslymywifeand her wholefamily being from here, it’sspecial.”
After leaving the Saints, Nussmeier, 54 then playedinDenver, Indianapolis and Chicago before ending his playing days in the CFL with the BC Lions. He won a Grey Cupwith the Vancouver franchise, the CFL’s version of the Super Bowl, putting Nussmeier in positiontoachieve arare career feat —high school state title, CFL title, college football national championshipand Super Bowltrophy.Heplayedin high school at Lakeridge in LakeOswego, Oregon; wasAlabama’soffensive coordinator when the Crimson Tide beat Brian Kelly’sNotre Dame team forthe 2012 BCS
“He’sacomplete running back,” Tranquill said. “He’sgot the elusiveness to make you miss in space, andin tight quarters, he’sgot thepower to run youover andhe’sgot the speedtogo the distance whenever thehole opens up. It’ll be allhands on deck to stop him.”
BYREED DARCEY Staff writer
The LSU women’sbasketball team is improving how it plays defense, but that’snot quite good enough for coach Kim Mulkey. In her eyes, the No. 6Tigers always have something to refine at that end of the floor Sometimes, theproblemsare broader,with issues of effort or focus. In December,Mulkey said she thought her team needed to do some “soul searching” to figure out whether it wanted to “take pride” in its defense. Other times, the concerns are
Barkley put together one of the most explosive seasons by arunning back in NFL history,notching seventouchdown runs of 60 or more yards (including the playoffs). AccordingtoNextGen Stats, Barkley reached at least 20 miles per hour on14carries this season; Ravens running back Derrick Henry had the
“There’sdefinitely moments when you’re watching film and you’re like, ‘Dang, how did he do that?’ ”
As impressive as Barkley’s season has been, the Chiefs were quickto
ä See BARKLEY, page 5C
more granular.MaybeLSU can grabmore rebounds or force more turnovers. Maybe it can —asMulkey said on Sunday after awin over Mississippi State —thwart more of its opponents’ transition opportunities.
“Are we better?” Mulkey said. “We’re better.But Iwant perfect.”
LSU hasonly seven regular-season games left to find perfection. The first of those
ä See LSU, page 3C
ä See NUSSMEIER, page 5C
FEB. 9•NEW ORLEANS
Counting down to the big game with alook backatSuper Bowl moments in NewOrleans: SICK DEFENSIVEEND SHINES IN STEELERS’ VICTORY
PittsburghSteelersdefensive endDwight Whitewas sick during theweek of Super Bowl IX and wasn’t expected to play after astayinthe hospital. Whitehad lost 20 poundsbut wasstill able to play hisusual starting role against theMinnesota VikingsatTulane Stadium even thoughteammate “MeanJoe Greenethought he “was goingtopass out.”Whitewas responsible fora safety theonlypointsscoredinthe firsthalf. The“Steel Curtain” defensewas out in full forcewithWhite,Greeneand therest of theSteelersfront holding theVikings to only17yards rushing.Vikingsquarterback Fran Tarkentonalsostruggled with three interceptions A16-6Steelersvictory wouldbethe firstoffour SuperBowlwinsfor Whiteand many otherSteelerslegends
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO BY MATT SLOCUM Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkleyruns for a first down as Washington Commanders defensiveend Clelin Ferrell defends duringthe second half of the NFC championship game on Jan. 26 in Philadelphia.
Nussmeier
5p.m.Rutgers
6
FS2
8:55 p.m. Pumas UNAM at CavalryFCFS2 TENNIS
7p.m. Dallas-ATP Early Rounds Tennis
KellyexplainsLSU staffchanges
BY KOKI RILEY Staff writer
LSU football overhauled its coaching staff aseason ago.
Itsstruggles on defense—combined with offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock’s decision to return to NotreDame— meantthe Tigers needed to add coordinators on both sides of the ball andbring in new positional coaches on all three levels of the defense.
This offseason, the staff changes haven’tbeen as dramatic LSU needed to replace onlyone positional coach. Butthere has been plenty of movement within the Tigers’ analystand player personnel departments this winter
“I think it’ssuffice to say that we’ve got somechange but some continuity,which Ilike the blendingofboth as it relates to our support staff,” LSU coach Brian Kelly said Wednesday
The most notable addition to the coaching staff has been Alex Atkins, the former Florida State offensive coordinatorand offensive line coach. Atkins was fired by the Seminoles in November as they finished this past season with a2-10 record.
Atkinswill serve as the LSU tight ends coach and run game coordinator.Hereplaces tightends and special teams coach Slade Nagle, who left the Tigers to become the offensive coordinator at Houston in December
“He brings agreat deal of experienceasacoordinator,” Kelly said. “But more importantly,his depth and background in the run game as an offensive line coach, he adds another perspective in that room.”
LSU’srushing attack struggled for much of last season, averaging less than 4yards per carry in half of its games against SECcompetition. The tight ends, in particular, struggledblockinginthe run game. “He will not be stepping on (offensive line coach Brad Davis’) toes.Brad’sdone an incredible job,” Kelly said. “Thisisreally havingsomebody that will coach the tight ends and have aspecific focus towards our run game and how it marriesand matches to what I’m looking for within our
overall offensivestructure.
“Having somebody that has his eye on it every day that was a great need.”
Atkins fills the void Nagleleaves inthe tight ends room, but he won’tfill Nagle’srole as special teamscoordinator
Nor will senior special teams analystLesterErb or Bob Diaco, LSU’sinterim special teams coordinator in 2023 who served as a defensive analyst last season.
Diaco left this offseason to become the linebackers coach at North Carolina, while Erb was let go. Both exits lefta void within the coaching staffasitpertains to special teams. To fillit, LSUhired Grambling special teams coordinatorAmanAnand as aspecial teams senior analyst. Additionally,Kelly said he plansonhiring another special teams coach to support the unit.
“Wefeel really good about that,”
Kelly said
Besides Anand, the Tigers have hired East Carolina general manager Noah Joseph —who worked with LSU defensive coordinator Black Baker at Missouri —asa defensive analyst. They’re also in theprocess of addingLance Guidry —Miami’sdefensive coordinator for the past two seasons to the staff as adefensive analyst, sources told The Advocate.
On the other side of the ball, Kelly announced the hirings of formerOklahomaState quarterbacks coach TimRattay and Oregon offensiveanalyst Antonio Parks as offensive analysts.
Rattay and Parks help replace offensive analysts Todd Fitch and Paul Turner,who both left the programtobecomethe offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach, respectively,atCharlotte.
“We’re excited aboutthose that have moved on as well because they’ve been given great opportunities,” Kelly said.
TheTigers made even more
changes to their player personnel department, naming JR Belton the new director of football operations andelevating Donovan Tate into the role of director of recruiting.
The new titles for Tate and Belton —combined with LSUparting ways with six staff members —prompted aquestion to Kelly regarding whether these changes were related to LSU needing to save money because of revenue sharing expected to begin this summer
Kelly denied that the adjustments made to the support staff was to save money.But he does know there will be programs around the country cutting costs because of revenue sharing.
“That has notbeen the case here,” Kelly said.
Staffwriter Wilson Alexander contributed to this report Email Koki Riley at Koki. Riley@theadvocate.com.
Brooks family’s comments strike ‘nerve’withKelly
BY KOKI RILEY and WILSON ALEXANDER Staff writer
Pelicans trade center
Theis to the Thunder
OKLAHOMA CITY TheNew Orleans Pelicans traded center Daniel Theis and a2031second-round draft pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday forcash.
The6-foot-8 Theishas appeared in 38 games with nine starts for New Orleans thisseason,averaging 4.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 16.3 minutes per game. Theis is an eight-year NBA veteran fromGermany withcareer averages of 7.1 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 411 games.
He joins aThunder squad that leads the Western Conference with a39-9 record entering Wednesday His arrival in Oklahoma City will provide additional depth to ateam that has been withoutstarting center Chet Holmgren for most of the season.
Bucks to add Kuzma, send Middleton to Wizards
The Milwaukee Bucks are trading NBA champion andOlympic gold medalist KhrisMiddleton to the Washington Wizards and getting Kyle Kuzma back in the deal, aperson with knowledge of the agreement told The Associated Press on Wednesday under the condition of anonymity.The trade had yet to receive league approval. Also involved in the trade: A.J. Johnson goes from the Bucks to theWizardsand Patrick Baldwin goes from the Wizards to the Bucks, along with afuture pick swapand some second-round draft capital.
The 33-year-old Middleton, who has struggledwith injuries, leaves the Bucks after spending allbut one of his 13 NBA seasons in Milwaukee.
Wizards trade Valanciunas to the Kings for Cissoko
The Washington Wizards have agreed to trade center Jonas Valanciunas to the Sacramento Kings for Sidy Cissoko and two secondround draft picks.The person with knowledge of the deal spoke on condition of anonymity Wednesday night.
The Kings just acquired the 6-foot-6Cissoko from San Antonio in the three-team deal that sent De’Aaron Fox to the Spurs and Zach LaVine from Chicago to Sacramento. Now he’sset to join ayoung, rebuilding Washington team that has the worst record in the NBA. The 32-year-old Valanciunas is averaging 11.5 points and 8.2 rebounds this season. Washington also traded Kyle Kuzma and Patrick Baldwin to Milwaukee for Khris Middleton and A.J. Johnson.
Former NFL coach Rivera plans to coach in college
Former NFL head coach Ron Rivera is looking to head back to college to work at his alma mater,the University of California.
LSU football coach Brian Kelly responded Wednesday to an allegation made by the fatherofformer safety GregBrooks in which he said the family has not heard from anyone on LSU’scoaching staff since October 2023, and specifically named Kelly Kelly called it “factually incorrect to state that Iwas not thereby Greg’sside” as Brooks underwent surgery to remove abrain tumor in September 2023. He said he visited Brooks on “multiple occasions”or sent someone from his staff “virtually every single day” to the hospital. “You can question me as afootball coach,”Kelly said. “You can questionmein terms of the things that we do on the field. But off the field, as aparent,asahusband, as somebody that is actively involved in every community that I’ve been involved with, this is where the line is drawn with me. That comment struck a nerve with me.”
notwhy I’m in this business,” Kelly said. “I’ve beeninitfor players, will always be in it for our players. It rattled me that somebody could possibly be so factually incorrect in stating that Iwas not part of Greg Brooks Jr.’scare and support.”
Brooks filed alawsuit last year against LSU and Our Lady of the Lake regional medical center for negligence, claiming LSU staff mishandledthe events that led to his diagnosis and that the surgeon wasn’t qualified to perform the procedure Brooksunderwent emergency surgery Sept. 15, 2023, to remove atumor,which was later diagnosed as arare form of cancer called medulloblastoma.Hecannot walk, and he has difficulty speaking.
STAFF FILE PHOTO BY HILARY SCHEINUK
LSU safety Greg Brooks is pushed aside by Florida State offensive lineman Bless Harris during the Camping WorldKickoff on Sept. 3, 2023, at Camping WorldStadium in Orlando, Fla. Notebook
“Welove Greg,” Kelly said. “We love him for the person that he is, for the competitor that he is and the battler that he is and can only wish him continuedprogress as he goes through an incredibly difficult time. But it was important for me to set the record clear as to my care, my love forGreg Jr.during this very difficult time.”
Hurley timetableunclear
During an interview with “Good MorningAmerica” released Monday, GregBrooks Sr said he hasnot heard from any LSU coaches in more than ayear “My son almost lost his life, coach,” Brooks Sr.said.“Where were you? Forget about football. Pick up the phone and say youlove the kid, man.” Kelly refuted the notion he has not supported Brooks.
“It hit my heart because that’s
There is no timetable forLSU quarterback Colin Hurley‘s return to the field almost three weeks after he was involved in acar crash near LSU’scampus,Kelly said Wednesday.
Kelly said Hurley is recovering in his hometown of Jacksonville, Florida
He noted that he has visited with Hurley multiple times since the crash and spoke with his father
Tuesday Because Hurley is only 17 years old, Kelly said “a lot”ofhis recovery has been left to his family
“It’saday-to-day situation, and talking to his dad, Charlie, there’s really good progress,”Kelly said. “So, Ithink we all are coming from asimilar perspective in that we’re hoping for thebest.”
Thenature of Hurley’s injuries are unknown.
Kellyonnew transfers
Kellynever haswantedtobuild his teams primarily through the transfer portal.
Butwith multiple starters departing on the offensive and defensive lines, secondary and wide receiver,Kelly and theTigers were aggressive in adding 16 playersout
of the portal this winter
“This year was alittle bit heavier,” Kelly said Wednesday.“ We needed more depth and moreexperience across our roster to be a championship roster.”
LSU added seven players on defense, eight on offense and a punter
“The big picture plan is to surround Garrett (Nussmeier) on offense, to give (defensive coordinator BlakeBaker)the pieces that he needsondefense to have achampionship roster,” Kelly said. “And I believe we did that on paper.”
Spring practices begin March 8, butKelly already has been impressed with Oklahoma tight end transfer Bauer Sharp and Florida edge rusher transfer Jack Pyburn
The experience Sharp and Texas A&M transfer Donovan Green provides to atight ends room that brings back only freshman Trey’Dez Green,inKelly’seyes, was crucial for the unit. He’salso noticed how Pyburnalready is affecting the Tigers’ locker room in apositive manner
“His demeanor,his attitude is infectious,” Kelly said of Pyburn.
LSU’snew wide receivers Kentucky transfer Barion Brown, Florida State transfer Destyn Hill and Oklahoma transfer Nic Anderson —have stood out to the staff with their speed. Virginia Tech cornerback transfer Mansoor Delane‘s experience also has been abig boost to younger cornerbacks.
“Wedon’thave aveteran player back there,” Kelly said. “And his leadership and just the way he’s handled himself has been outstanding.”
Rivera said Wednesday on social media that he was following the lead of Bill Belichick and will take ajob in some capacity at California.
“Coach Belichick has made going back to school, cool,” he wrote. “Stay tuned Iamcoming home.” Rivera and theschool revealed no details about what role he would take at Cal.
Coach JustinWilcox is entering his ninth season in chargeofthe Golden Bears and has a42-50 career record. Cal’srival, Stanford, recently hired former star quarterback Andrew Luck to be the general manager of the program.
LIV Golfplayershave path to U.S. Openexemption
The U.S. Open becamethe first major to publishadirect pathway for LIV Golf players, on Wednesday announcing anew exemption category that awards one spot to the leading player from among the top three at LIV’shalfway point this year
The next exemption category will include one spot this year from the May 19 standings in LIV.Starting with the 2026 U.S. Open, the USGA will take the leading player in the final 2025 individualstandings, along with the leading player from the May 18, 2026, list. In each case, the exemption goes to theleading player notalready exempt, and the player must be among the top three in the standings. The other majors have not turned away players from the Saudi-backed LIV Golf League.
ASSOCIATEDPRESS FILE PHOTO BY GEORGE WALKER IV LSU coachBrian Kelly speaks during SoutheasternConference media days on July 17 in Nashville, Tenn.
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler stands on the court during the second half of agame against the Portland Trail Blazers on Jan. 21 in Miami.
Miami’sButler is headed toGoldenState Warriors
BY TIM REYNOLDS AP basketball writer
Jimmy Butlerhas gotten his wish. He’sbeing traded out of Miami.
The Heat and the Golden State Warriors have agreed on adeal that sends Butler to the Bay Area, aperson with knowledge of the talks said Wednesday.The trade ends aMiami era for Butler that will be remembered first fortwo trips to the NBA Finals and then three suspensions toward the end of ahostilebreakup.
Golden State is makingithappen by moving Andrew Wiggins, Dennis Schroder,Kyle Anderson and draft compensation outinthe deal, said the person, who spoke to TheAssociated Pressoncondition of anonymity because the trade has not gotten league approval. It wasn’timmediately clear if all three of those players were ending up in Miami.
Golden State becomes Butler’s fifth team, after stints in Chicago, Minnesota, Philadelphia and Miami. His arrivals werecelebrated in allfour cities, andhis departures weren’texactly smooth in any of them.
Butwiththe Warriors,hejoins Stephen Curry and Draymond Green —the two playersleft who have been part of allfourrecent Golden State title teams,with hopes of getting back to title contention.
Butler’sbreakup with the Heat brewed for months.The primary issue that causedthe beginning of the end of his Miami stint was money; he’seligible for atwoyear,$113 million extension and the Heat never offered such a deal, largely because he’smissed about 25% of the team’sgames since he arrived in 2019.
There were other factors as well.Neither side was particularly happy with the other at the end, and it became evident that thefracture couldn’tberepaired.
Butler can be difficult to deal with and the Heat “culture”is such where it works best when everyone is aligned withteam ideals.
When he said he didn’texpect to find on-court joy with the Heat againinearly January, he was suspended for seven games as thelast straw on alist of what the team called detrimental conduct.
That was thestart of awild ending: Butler was suspended three times in January alone, the seconda two-game banfor missing ateam flight, thelast an indefinite oneofatleast fivegames that followed him leaving shootaround early after learninghewasn’tgoingtostart aJan.27game against Orlando.
“There was alot said by everybody,exceptfor me, to tellyou the truth,” Butler said after his first game back following the first suspension.“We’ll let people keep talking. The whole truth will comeout.”
He neversaid he wanted a trade; at least, not openly,because it’snot allowed byleague rule and would have subjected him to afine of upto$150,000.
The Heat said Butler asked for one andwhen that was revealed the team alsochangedcourse from team president Pat Riley’s December vow not to trade him; when the suspension was announced, the Heat said they were tryingtomakeatrade happen.
But therewere obvious signs; his hair colorfor somegames just happened to be in thecolors of Phoenix, Dallas, Golden State and Houston —the four teams
that were most prominently mentioned as possible trade partners for Miami. For at least one game, Butler also wore shoes that perfectlymatched the Suns’ color scheme. Butler is averaging 17 points per game this season. He had one of the best statistical games in Heat history against Detroiton Dec. 16 —35points, 19 rebounds and 10 assists.
It was never the same again. In his sixappearances following that Detroit game, including one where he departedinthe first quarter with an illness, Butler averaged 9.5 points, 2.7 rebounds and 4.2 assists.
TheHeat-Butler marriage wasn’talways bad, of course. Butler arrived to fill Dwyane Wade’s spot as thestarofthe team, the face of the franchise. He even got Wade’sformer locker space. He was an All-Startwice in Miami, helped the Heat to the NBA Finals in the bubble in 2020 and then as aNo. 8seedin2023 and turned in some epicpostseason performances. There have been 18 40-point games in Heat playoff history; Butler is responsible for eight of them, including ateamrecord 56 against Milwaukeein 2023.
Butler leaves Miamiinthird place on theteam’sall-time playoff scoring list, behind only Wade and LeBron James.
One of the last times Butler was seen as amember of the Heat was at apadel tournament on Jan. 25, which essentially became his farewell to Miami.
“I love this city with everything that Ihave,” he said that day Twodays later,hewas suspended by the Heat forthe third and final time. And now, his Heat era is over
Hotshootingstart wasnot enough forLSU men’shoops
BY TOYLOYBROWN III Staff writer
LSU basketball opened its game against Georgia by scorching the nets. The Tigers drained nine firsthalf 3-pointers in Athens, Georgia, exceeding its high of eight in Southeastern Conferenceplay But their prowess from deep range didn’tkeep them from losing 81-62 to Georgia at Stegeman Coliseum on Wednesday LSU (12-10, 1-8 SEC) is on afivegame losing streak. Cam Carter,who is averaging 18 points per game in SECplay finished with 10 points on 2-of-7 shooting. Jordan Sears had 11 points and Mike Williams hada season-high nine points for LSU. LSU got off to its best 3-point shooting start of the season. It made five of its first six 3-pointers in the first five minutes of the game. TheTigers went only2 of 15 from beyond the arc in their last game against Texas onSaturday.
Dji Bailey and Sears each made apair of 3-pointers in the first seven minutes.Sears was productive early as he returned as the starting pointguard after coming off the bench since LSU’s game against Ole Miss on Jan.11.
Another player who buried a couple of 3s was freshman Curtis Givens. After being replaced by Sears in the starting unit, the freshman was comfortable with his shot and made more than one 3-pointer for the first time since Jan. 18.
The last time LSU madeatleast nine 3-pointers in agame was on Dec. 29 against Mississippi Valley State.
The Tigersalsobenefitted from 10 forced turnovers and 13 points from those giveaways in the first 20minutes. Georgia freshman Asa Newell,who is averaging 15.2 pointsand 7.0 rebounds, was held in check as he had five points at halftime.
LSU’sexcellent outside shooting, the Bulldogs’turnover strugglesand themiddlingstart from Newell didn’tprevent them from leading 37-31 at the end of the half.
Georgia (16-7, 4-6) made 15 of their 30 field goals,including six 3-pointers. When the Bulldogs missed, they retrieved 10 offensive rebounds in the half. LSU, which had six different players make 3s,eventually cooled off from deep and was outplayed on the glass and in the paint
The Tigers were outrebounded 25-8 in the first half. They made
BY JOHN MARSHALL AP sportswriter
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. The 2024 Phoenix Open was alot like ahouse party where someone called the cops. Acocktail of bad weather and booze led to mayhem at TPC Scottsdale ayear ago, causing tournament officials to take the unprecedented step of closing the gates and—gasp! —cutting off alcohol sales.
To prevent arepeat performance, organizers have implemented aseries of changes for this year’sevent to reign in the revelry —well, as much as they can at the biggest bash on the PGA Tour
“It’saunique test because not only are you battling the golf course, but there can be apretty hectic crowd out there,” said world No. 1Scottie Scheffler,atwo-time winneratthe Phoenix Open. “It’s somethingwedon’t seeasmuch throughout the year,but it’sreally fun to come here and experience it.”
The Phoenix Open has long been the loudest, rowdiest event in golf.
Up to 200,000 fans show up to TPC Scottsdale each day, readytoparty —and maybe watch alittle golf.
“The Greatest Show on Grass” always teeters on the edge of decorum and may have crossed the debauchery line in last year’sthird round.
Heavy rain led to multiple delays and turned non-playing areas of the course into asoggy mess as things got extra rowdy on amarathon Saturday
The tension boiled over at times, with Billy Horschel and Zach Johnson yelling at unruly fans. To slow the tumultuous tide, tournament officials stopped letting fans inside in the afternoon because the courseovercrowded andtheycut off alcohol sales at certain locations.
Thewild ride forced the tournament to make afew changes for this year’stournament.
In addition to astronger law enforcement presence, anew entrance will alleviate some of the muddy clogging that happened at
the main gate last year.There also will no longer be any-day tickets so tournament officials can track sales and prevent overcrowding Several walkways havebeen widened at high-traffic areas as well.
“They have tightened things up, but you don’twant to takeaway from what thetournament is,” said Gary Woodland, the 2018 Phoenix Open champion. “This tournament is crazy and we want it to be some good craziness.”
Nick Taylor has not only embraced the craziness, he’splayed some of his best golf through it.
The36-year-oldCanadianfinished second to Schefflerin2023 and thrived through the stop-andstart 2024 tournament, beating Charley Hoffman in the second hole of aplayoff.
Taylor couldn’tsustainthe momentum, missing the cut in all four majors on his way to finishing 58th in the FedEx Cupstandings. He finished36th representingTeam Canada at theParis Olympics and didn’tmake the Presidents Cup international team.
Taylor reassessed his gameduring the short offseason and made a few minor changes for 2025.
The extra work paid off.
Taylor chipped in from 60 feet for eagle on the closing hole at the Sony Open to tieNico Echavarria and earned his fifthcareer PGA Tour victory with abirdieonthe second hole of aplayoff. He finished 12th in Palm Springs and was 33rd at Pebble Beach last week.
“I obviously have alot of good vibes coming backhere fromthe last two years,” said Taylor,who lives in the area and often practices at TPC Scottsdale. “I’ve played this golf course abunch, so my game feels really good. (Notonly) winning but having acouple weeks after that where just playing solid golf, Ifeel like I’m carrying that into here and alot of good vibes when Icome back.”
ThePhoenix Openhas vibes unlike any other stoponthe PGA Tour.Witha sunny weekendexpected and some minor tweaks, it should get back to beingthe good kind.
LSU
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contests, aroad matchup with Missouri, will tip off at 6:30 p.m. Thursday on SEC Network+
Mulkey said. “Wehave atendency to loaf —not go really hard back down on the other end, either after we score or even if there’sbeen a turnover
only two baskets from two-point range, getting their first twopoint shot from aWilliams’ fastbreak layup with two minutes left in the half, and they never attempted afree throw in the first half.
The Tigers opened the second half 5of6 from the field, including three from inside the arc. However,they traded baskets with Georgia, who made 5of8 afterscoring five points off of LSU’sturnovers.
Williams received extended playingtime after entering the game averaging 6.8 minutes per game.
Georgia’sexecution far exceeded that of LSU, having 10 assists to only one turnover in the first 10 minutes of the half. The Bulldogs also continued to outmuscle LSU in the rebounding department, winning it 47-26 overall. Newell scored 12 of his 17 points in the second half. Georgia also benefited greatly from the all-around impact of sophomore Blue Cain, who had 10 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists.
LSU’snextgameisathome against Ole Miss at 7:30 p.m. Saturday
Email Toyloy Brown III at toyloy.brown@theadvocate.com
In that game, the Tigers will try to prevent their opponent from shooting at least 40% from the field for afifth time in their previous six contests. That threshold usually is what separatesLSU fromits wins and losses. In four seasons under Mulkey,the Tigers have lost eight regular-season games to Southeastern Conference teams, and six of those losses have come against an opponent that connected on at least 40% of its shots.
This season, LSU is allowing its conference opponentstoshoot 41% from the field —the fourthbest rate in theleague. That numberishigherthan the38% rate at which SEC teams converted their field goals against Mulkey’sfirst three LSU teams, and it’sreceiving aboost from LSU’srelatively slow defensive start. Threeofits first four opponents in 2025 shot at least 40% from the field. The numbers have improved since then. Now,the Tigers rank fifth among SEC teams in points allowed per possession(0.92), according to Her Hoop Stats, fourth in turnoversforcedper game (18.4) and sixth in blocked shots per game (3.8) in league play
Mulkey thinks LSU can improve how it cleans the defensive glass and defends in transition.
“Westill don’tcommunicate,”
“I think alot of it is nothing more than communicating and understanding, from foul line to foul line,you cannot getina loaf trot Yougot to run. And it’sactually our perimeter most of the time more than it is our post players.”
Each of Mulkey’sfirst three LSU teams grabbed defensive boards at one of the fivebest rates in the SEC, per Her Hoop Stats, yet this one is doing so at one of the six lowest. On Sunday,Mississippi State pulled down 17 offensive rebounds —the most aconference opponent has grabbed in agame against the Tigers this season. LSU did, however,allow Bulldogs to score only two points on the fast break, far fewer than it ceded to Oklahoma in the prior game. The Sooners scored 24 fastbreak points, most of which they used to shave all but one point off the Tigers’ 24-point third-quarter lead. Apress forced LSU into turnovers, andOklahomacapitalized with easy buckets in transition. “I want to go watch filmsomeday,”Mulkeysaid,“andwehave not given up any transition layups or 3s, and when they scored, (say) ‘Man, theyjust had to work to score.’ ” Which means that the defensive improvements LSU can make now lie more in thefiner details than they do in the bigger picture —a positive sign for the title-contending Tigers.
AP PHOTO BY WILLIAM LIANG
Nick Taylor hits from the 18th tee at the Pete DyeStadium Course during the American Express tournament in La Quinta, Calif., on Jan. 16.
DSHS rollspast
St.Amant
BY CHARLES SALZER Contributing writer
Denham Springs High School broke open ascoreless game with twogoals late in the first half, and the top-seeded Yellow Jackets went on to post a5-0 win over No. 17 St. Amant in the regional round of the Division Iboys soccer playoffs
The match was scoreless for 37 minutes, butDenham Springs (17-0-1) took control before halftime.
Anthony Howard and Anthony Paz each scored goals and the Denham Springs defense providedall thesupport the Yellow Jackets would need in the second half.
St. Amant (9-11-5) only got off10shots in the game, nonefrom striker Kayden Manchester. Meanwhile, Denham Springs picked up second-half goalsfrom Jankell Arias, Jordan Moore and Orlin Rodriguez.
“It’s alwaysemotional playing district rivals, especially with how closethe lastgame was. We neverled until the very last second of the game,” Denham Springs coachSean LeBlanc said.
“This one was different because we didn’tplay on such asmall field
“We’re built and trained to play in space.”
One of the keys for the Yellow Jackets was their defense against Manchester and BronzonPerez. The Gators were unable to find shotsfor either of theirtalented strikers.
“Wemade sure we knew what their movements were, how they were passing people off into space, and where we needed to be withour depth in ourcoverage,” LeBlanc said The win moves Denham Springs into the quarterfinals where it will host No. 8Mandeville. The Yellow Jackets defeated Mandeville 2-1 at Denham Springs on Dec. 5. Howard’s goalcame after he chased down along pass in the right corner.After maneuvering to themiddle of the field, he scored from 15 yards out.
“When Ireceived the ball, the defender wasonmy left so Iturned and was looking for someone to pass to,” Howard said.“Ididn’tsee anyone so Ikept on dribbling through, and when I found an open shot Ijust took it.” Paz scored two minutes laterafter acorner kick from the right side. The Yellow Jackets maintained possession after the kick, and Paz worked free from 10 yards out.
“Scoring in the playoffs is abig achievement,” Paz said. “I’m happy, but we still have more to accomplish.” In the game’sopening minute, St. Amant’sPerez worked his way past two defenders on the right side of the goal. His shot was wide left,but it was not indicative of what would come.
The Gators struggled to find shots the rest of the game.
“We’re an emotional team,” St. Amant coach Kevin Hoperichsaid
“With the way the last gameended, we knew we had to show the same amount of heart thatwedid in that game.”
“It’salwaysemotional playing district rivals, especially with how close the last game was. We never led until thevery last second of the game. This one wasdifferent because we didn’tplayon such asmall field. We’re built and trained to play in space.”
SEAN LEBLANC, Denham Springs coach
THE VARSITYZONE
Rummel moves past Prairieville
Raiderstakeadvantage of owngoaltowin
BY WILLIAM WEATHERS Contributing writer
It’sone of the harshestthings in sports and in the case of Prairieville and Rummel,itdetermined who advanced in the DivisionIIstate playoffs
Ten minutes after the seventh-seeded Hurricanes rallied with twogoals to tie the game, the No.10Raiders were the benefactor of an own goal in the76th minutefor a3-2 victory in Wednesday’s state regional at Prairieville’sHurricane Stadium
“I’ve been doing this for so long,”
Rummelcoach Julio Paiz said.“Iwas happy for our team and felt the painfor thatkid. Itold him to keep his head up. It’ssportsand it’sunfortunate it had to go the way it went down. Just happy that oureffortwas goodenoughtocome out on top.”
Rummel (16-8-5) faces thewinner of Thursday’sHoly Cross-Ouachita game in quarterfinal action.
The Raidersbroke ascoreless halftime tie with apairoffree kicksfrom Holden Aleman and Jeffrey Ayalainthe first 10 minutes of the second half.
After ahalfwithone shot on goal, Rummel putawayits first twochances afterdrawingfouls just outsideofthe box. Aleman, aright-footed senior,took the kickfrom the left side and arched it overPrairieville goalieBenjamin Tilley (three saves).
The left-footed Aurelien followed suit three minutes later from the opposite sideofthe field, ripping aground shot into thecornerofthe goal in the50th minute
“Wefelt this game could comedown to set pieces,” said Paiz,whoseteam put five of its nine shots on goal. “Sure enough forus, both goals came offof setpieces.”
Prairieville (15-4-3), in its first season under veteran coach Adrian Garcia, rallied with two goals over the next 11
“I wassoproud of the way they gotback in. Throughout the year we sawthe thing building and building and it’s the crescendo withthe playoff game. Sometimesitgoes your way, sometimes it doesn’t. I think our day’sgoing to come.”
ADRIAN GARCIA, Prairieville coach
minutes and pulledeven at 2-2inthe 65th minute.
“I wassoproud of the waythey got back in,” said Garcia, who spent 17 years at St.Amant. “Throughout the year we sawthe thingbuildingand building and it’sthe crescendo with the playoff game. Sometimes it goes your way, sometimes it doesn’t. Ithink our day’sgoing to come.
Sophomore Luis Moran got arebound shot in thebox in the56thminute and scored past goalie Ryan McDonald into the upper right netting. TheHurricanes,who hadfive of their 10 shotson goal, picked up the equalizer in the 65th minute when athrow-in from freshman PriceDeBarroswentintothe boxand was headed in by junior Andrew Roussel.
DisasterthenstruckPrairieville,a team withnoseniors, when one its defenders attempted to clear aballthat instead went backwardand into the goal.
Prairieville’sAlejandro Fuentes’ desperation shot attempt from 20 yards out in stoppage timewas saved by aleaping McDonaldfor his fourth save.
“I told them nottowaste afailure,” Garciasaid.
“Don’twaste an opportunity to learn from this and Ithink we’re going to carry this, and it’sgoing to be out catapult into next year.”
againstAbramson
BY ROBINFAMBROUGH Staffwriter
It already was abig week for Family Christian Academy basketball coach Steve Rachal.
He drove eight hours Saturday to meet his first grandchild, newborn Hadlee Reese. After Monday’sdoubleheader wins over False River Academy, Rachal got amessage from former player Bobby Sibley saying,
“That’s699.”
ThenonTuesday, theFCA girls team beat Abramson 64-15 to give the 53-yearold Rachal his 700th career victory
His 701-436 total record represents boys and girls basketball wins.
“I’ll be honest with you, Istopped keeping up with it (record) around 2020,” Rachal said. “Since then my wife (Dana) and Bobby have been the ones doing it.
“I knew Iwas getting close. But it’sbusy there’sa whole lot going on with two teams.”
It’sbusy,but there are plenty of good things going on for the Class C/Division IV select Flames.
The FCA boys (20-9) are ranked fourth in the Division IV select power ratings released Wednesday The girls (18-7) are No. 9in their power ratings.
FCA hosts Class 1A/Division III West St. John for a boys-girls doubleheader set to begin a6 p.m. Thursday Fewcoaches take on coaching boys/girls varsity teams at the same time these days.Mostofthose whodocompete on either the Class BorClass Clevels.
This is not Rachal’sfirst rodeo or his first stint at Family Christian. He began coaching at his alma mater, Opelousas-basedWestminster Christian Academy,30 years ago.
Rachal coached the FCA boys team andseveral other sports, including softball, from 2003-08. He led the Flames to Top 28 berthsin2006 and 2007, andcoached thesoftball team to theLHSAA tournamentin2006.
Next, Rachal returned to Opelousas for asecond stint at now-defunct Acadiana Prep for one year From there, Rachal moved to Fort Worth, Texas, where he coached Lake County Christian girls to a record of 185-65 and four title-game berths with one title in the TAPPS association.HereturnedtoFCA as athletic director and to coach the boys squad in 2016-17.
ButRachal soon moved over to coach the school’s relaunched girls squadso he could coach all four of his daughters. He led the Flames to five Division IV select semifinal berths, including three in arow.Some abrupt coaching shifts put Rachal back in charge of coaching both FCA squads that rely on middle schoolers, something relatively common for kindergarten-high school ClassB-C LHSAA teams.
“I am fortunate to have great assistant coaches who help me out,” Rachal said. “It’sagrind, but it has been fun to see both teams develop this year “The girls team is atotal rebuild. We graduated seniorsand had aplayer transfer after last year We’re starting two 12-yearolds and one 13-year-old on the girls team.
“And we’ve got a13-yearold and a14-year-old getting alot of minutes for the boys team.”
Senior Princeton Williams leads theFCA boys with 17 points per game, while 6-foot-5 junior Brian McCollum averages 13 points and12rebounds agame. Eighth grader Elijah Cutrer is adouble-figure scorer The girls team includes junior Presley Holland, whohas been around the FCA program since she was athird grader Seventh grader E’Mayrie Warren (5-foot-10) averages 20 points agame. With that 700thwin secured, Rachal is looking toward Thursday’sgames and the playoffs.
“The boys are in agood spot,” Rachal said. “If we can pick up acouple of wins and move up to No. 8, we would play at home longer We’ll see how it goes.”
EmailRobin Fambrough at rfambrough@theadvocate.com
STAFF PHOTOSBYHILARY SCHEINUK
Rummel’sBrodyMitchell pressures Prairieville’sCaleb Ickles duringtheir DivisionII regionalplayoff game WednesdayatPrairieville HighSchool in Prairieville.
DC Fangio looksfor elusiveSuper Bowl title
BY JOSH DUBOW AP profootball writer
NEW ORLEANS VicFangio’scoach-
ing career started in the 1970s as ahigh school assistant in Pennsylvania and has taken him across the country in various stops as he grew into oneofthe most innovative defensive coaches in the game.
Now at age 66, Fangio is at the Super Bowl in New Orleans, where he started his NFL coaching career,asdefensivecoordinator with the Philadelphia Eagles team he grew up supporting with achance to fill one of the few remaining gaps on astellar career
“I grew up aPhiladelphia sports fan,”Fangio said. “Phillies,Eagles, Sixers, started my procareerinPhiladelphia with the USFL. And now I’ll probably end it here one of theseyears. It’s kind of come full circle. Ikind of fit there.” Fangio has incorporatedeight new starters into adefense that ranked near the bottomofthe NFL in 2023 and turned it into one of theleague’sbest as the Eagles led the NFL in advanced efficiency metrics andallowedthe secondfewest points in the league.
He is amajor reason whythe Eagles are in the Super Bowl, giving Fangio the success he couldn’t achieve in afailed head coaching stint in Denver anda chance towin his first Super Bowl in 38 seasons in the NFL.
“I still really like to do it.Ithink I’m still halfway decent at it,”he said. “It’sgreat. If you hang around
long enough the tide will turn.”
Fangiobegan his NFL career coaching one of the top linebackinggroups ever for New Orleans’ “Dome Patrol” teams in 1986 and got his first chance as defensive coordinator forexpansion Carolina in 1995. He has spent nearly all of his timesinceinthe NFL, with aoneyear break to go to Stanford,and
his defensive stylethat disguises coverages andtries to keep two safeties as deep as possible to limit big plays has been mimicked throughout theleague.
Hisonlyprevioustriptothe SuperBowl came in the 2012 season with SanFrancisco, when he lostto Baltimorehere at theSuperdome.
“When you talkabout coaches, sometimes you’re like‘He’s been
SuperBowlsecondary-ticketprices high butmuchlessthanlastyear’sgame
BY MARK ANDERSON AP sports writer
Prices on the secondary-ticket market for Sunday’sSuper Bowl in New Orleans are much less than last year’sbig gameand declining, but stillhigh by historical standards.
Theaverage pricefor the Kansas City Chiefs-Philadelphia Eagles game at TickPick was $6,552 as of Tuesday. If that amount holds, it would be that website’s third highest for aSuper Bowl.
Last year’sgame between the Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers had an average price atthat site of $9,136. Theonly otherSuper Bowl to attract ahigheraverage price was four years ago when the amount was $7,046 for Chiefs’ game against the hometown Tampa Bay Buccaneers when the crowd was limited to 25,000 fans because of the COVID-19pandemic.
The lowest price for this year’s game was just less than $4,000, whichhas declinedabout 30% since the matchup was set. Gametime reports asimilar trend, also noting last year’sgame had aminimum price of $8,764 shortly before kickoff.
“With last year’sVegas hype and 49ers fan frenzy behind us, pricesare seeing anatural market correction,” Gametimesaid in astatement. “Plus, with no major ‘pent-up’ demand from either fan base, tickets are looking better than ever.”
The lowest tickets prices at Vivid Seats and StubHub also were less than $4,000.
TickPick co-CEO Brett Goldberg saidthere were anumber of reasons whyticketprices are notably lower than last year
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title; and now goes for the NFL’s Lombardi Trophy
“That’sthe only one that’smissing,” Nussmeier said with asmile.
ACanadian reporter thrust aBC Lions T-shirt and a“victory” cigar into Nussmeier’shands, the latter in case the Eagles can atone for their 38-35 Super Bowl loss to the Chiefs two years ago. Nussmeier was quarterbacks coach with the Cowboys then, before filling that
Bowl
Kansas CityChiefs
Thatgame was thefirst in LasVegas, creating even more fan interest than usual. The close proximity of Allegiant Stadium to the nation’s eighth-busiest airport and Las Vegas Strip entertainment corrider that includesmany of the world’s largest hotels contributed to record prices.
Hotel capacity in New Orleans is morelimited with about 26,000 rooms in the city center,and even home rentals are at apremium.
“If you try to go book ahotel right now,it’svery challenging,” Goldberg said.
Another problem is the matchup.
This is the thirdSuper Bowl in a row for the Chiefs and the second in three years for the Eagles
“I think if the Bills won, you would’ve seen avery different dynamic here,” Goldberg said.
same rolewith the LosAngeles Chargersin2023and the Eagles this season. Nussmeierspent atotal of five seasons coaching with the Cowboys startingin2018 —then-LSU coach Ed Orgeron was set to hire himasanoffensive analystafter he left Florida as offensive coordinatorwhenthe Cowboysoffered himajob as their tight ends coach The Nussmeiers still callsuburban Dallas their home base, with Christi juggling being there in person towatch Garrettplay for LSU on Saturdays, to watch Colton play for Marcus High School on Fridays
“There’sapartofthat(Chiefs) fan base that canaffordtogotothe Super Bowl threetimes, but that’s avery small (segment of the)fan base that could do that.
“Even the Eagleshavealittlebit of afatigue from being at aSuper Bowl twoyears ago. We’rehearing directlyfrom fans, ‘I wenttwo yearsago.I’m notsure Icould pull this off.’ Would they love to go? Sure,but the impracticality on it’sa $10,000 trip for twobecomes very limiting.” Goldberg said he hasn’treceived feedback thatthe New Year’sDay terrorist attack in which 14 people were killed by amotorist on BourbonStreet playeda significantpart in the pricedecline New Orleans is abouttohost its 11th Super Bowl, though first in 12 years.
and to make as many Eagles games on Sundays and Mondaysasshe can.The Eagles’ annualroad game at Dallas,and a15-12 win in September at New Orleans, made that task alittle easier this season.
“Our family has made alot of sacrificefor football,” she said. “Garrett has lived in Baton Rouge (attending LSU) more than anywhere else. We wanted Colton to have stability in high school, to go to thesamehighschoolashis friends.”
TheNussmeiers will be in the Superdome in force for the Super Bowl.Christi haswrangled nine
if you don’tmeet the standard and praise you if you do meet the standards.”
Fangio hasbeen integral in the defensive rebuild in Philadelphia
He saw enough in free agent Zack Baun to turn himfroma special teamsplayer whogot limited time on defense as an outside rusher in NewOrleans into an All-Pro inside linebacker and finalist for AP Defensive Player of theYear in Philadelphia.
He also helped incorporatetwo rookie starters in the secondary in Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean,which playeda big part in the turnaround.
“He’slikea fatherfigure,” Mitchell said. “He’sgoing to hold you accountable. He’sserious. But he’s got jokes too. He’sfunny as well.”
But Fangio will face his toughest test on Sundaywhen theEagles face PatrickMahomes andthe Chiefs.
While much hasbeenmadeout of Fangio’s 0-8recordagainst Mahomes as ahead coach in Denver and play-caller in Miami, he never had adefense as talented as this one when he faced him
agood coach foryears.’ He’svery good coach fordecades,whichis impressive,” Eaglescoach Nick Sirianni said. “He’shad an unbelievable career and done so manygood things and just so grateful thathe’sonthe staff. He has the standard of how it’s supposed to look and holds the guys to that standard. He’snot afraidtotellyou what he thinks
BARKLEY
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point outheisnot the only thing that makes the Eaglesrushing attack go. Philadelphia hasamassed an elite collection of talent in front of him. Right tackle Lane Johnson (6-foot-6, 325 pounds) is asixtime ProBowler.Left tackle JordanMailata (6-8,365) wasnamed asecond-team All-Pro by The Associated Press this year.Left guard Landon Dickerson (6-6, 332) and center Cam Jurgens (63, 303)both made the Pro Bowl this year.Right guard Mekhi Becton (6-7, 363) has revitalized his career in Philly after being cast aside by the NewYork Jets. Add into that aquarterback in Jalen Hurts who can hurt adefense with his legs (630 yards and14touchdowns on the ground this season) and it equals adifficult rushing attack to slow down.
The record diminishes what Fangio did on defense as his teams scored just 11.9 points per game in those games. Fangio’sdefenses allowed only 21.6 points per game to theKansasCity offense —the Chiefs gotsix additionalTDs on defense andspecial teams —and Mahomes threw only 10 TD passes in the eight games and had alower passer rating (95.9) and yards per attempt (7.3) than his career average.
“They’ve got the best running back in the league, they’ve got one of the better offensive lines in the league— Imean, look at the numbers Saquon putupbehind that offensive line,” Chiefs defensive lineman Chris Jones said. “It speaks volumes. They’ve had alot of success.”
Kansas Cityiscoming offa couple of shaky performances defending therun, yielding 149 yards to the Houston Texans and 147 to the Buffalo Bills in consecutive weeks. And nowinthe biggest game of the season, the Chiefs will face their greatest challenge.
“Weasa group have to fly around,”Jones said. “… Idon’t think he’s aguy thatone person is going to wrap up and tackle. Ithink it’sgoing to take agroup effort. Ithink we havethe guys to do it, Ibelieve in the guys that we have.”
Email LukeJohnsonat ljohnson@theadvocate.com.
PhiladelphiaEagles running backSaquon Barkley headstohis designated spot to speak with the mediaduring amedia availability event for Super Bowl LIXatthe Hilton NewOrleans Riverside on Wednesday.
tickets forher,her sons,daughter Ashlynn (also an LSU student), her mother,sister,acousin, high school friendand Doug’ssister Christi said her nerves will be on edge the entire game, arguably the biggest of her husband’scareer “I’llbepraying the whole time,” she said.
GarrettNussmeier couldn’tattendthe NFC championship game when theEagles beat Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commandersbecause he had to be withhis team,but he was obviously eager to be there forhis fatherwith the SuperBowlinhis backyard.
“My dad has played ahuge role in where Iamtoday,” Garrett said.
“People assumemydad forced me to do this. The coolest thing about dadisfroma young age,heallowed me to developmyloveofthe game He encouraged me to play multiple sports. He allowed me to be around him (coaching) when Icould. He’s done the same with my brother “There’snothing moreI would want than for this to go right.” To complete the circle.
For more LSU sports updates, sign up for our newsletter at theadvocate.com/lsunewsletter
STAFFPHOTO BY BRETT DUKE
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO BY DAVIDJ.PHILLIP
The
participate during Super
LIX opening night Mondayahead of the game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Chiefs on Sundayinthe Caesars Superdome.
SUPER
FOODS
When was the last time youwent to afun Super Bowlparty? Let me guess,was it 2010, by chance, when the Saints won?
Unless youhavetickets to the big game in NewOrleans, watchingthe SuperBowl on Sunday will probably mean aparty around aTVscreen
Forthose who aredeeply invested in watching the game,the foodneeds to taste amazing, but be easytoeat.Evenfor those not engrossedinthe game, conversationwill be enhanced by delicious, easyfood
Hand piesare the perfect party food. And achicken pot pie is full of chickenand vegetables, so it is good for you. Youcan use arotisserie chicken for these hand piesand make the filling ahead.I have made my suggestions for vegetables to include, but feel free to make substitutionsbased on your favorite veggies.
My minestronegoes well with thehandpies. It can be made ahead, just likethe fillingfor the hand pies, andkeptwarm in a slow cooker so guests can getup andserve themselvesanother bowl whenever they want. It’s vegetarian,and Ilovethatittastes better if you make it aday ahead
The sweet potato cakeiseasy andfeaturesthe flavors of theseason.Itismoist and needsnoicing —justdust it withconfectioner’ssugar. Round outyour buffettable withpitachips, corn chips andpotato chips— plus avariety of dips.I suggest hummus, salsa, asourcream dip and an avocado dip. Aplate of boiled or pickled shrimp would be agreat addition.
Jan Risher THE DISH
Recipes, 2D
● PizzaDough, Sauce
● PizzaCipolla
● PumpkinFaces
Let’sfaceit, Super Bowls arealot morefun when you care aboutwho’splaying. Even still, the fanfareisall around us,especially this year with it being inLouisiana’sbackyard. Even so, at-home parties will dot your neighborhood and mine. The good news is,even if you’renot afootball fanatic, Super Bowl parties can be fun —evenwhen thehometeam isn’t on thefield Fact: Parties of all types are more funwhen peopleare engaged —whether that is achievedbyfolkscoming prepared to show their dance moves when each team scores,a SuperBowlcommercial ratingsystem, guestswearingteam-themed colors and costumes, aSuperBowl trivia contest or afootball fashion show.Evensimple and faithful games like Squarescan help keep acrowd engaged.
Shrimp SaladDip
Modifiedfrom arecipe in The AdvocatebyBarbara Hoffman
1-11/2 pounds rawpeeled medium shrimp (She buys fromavendor at the farmers market)
1lemon, cut in half
2eggs, hard-boiled, peeled and chopped
3/4 cup finelydicedcelery
3green onions, whites and dark green parts, finelychopped
1⁄3 cup mayonnaise (She prefers Hellman’s)
Garlic powder,salt, white pepper to taste
Cayenne pepper to taste for aLouisiana kick
1. Bring water to boil in large pot,with lemon. Add shrimpwhen water boils, and removeshrimpwhen it turns pink. Cool, devein as needed, and chop into small pieces.
2. Mix shrimp, egg, celery and green onion pieces.
3. Mix mayo with seasonings to taste.
4. Gently fold mayo into shrimp-vegetable mix. Add more mayoifneeded,togive spreadable dip consistency.Chill several hoursorovernight. Serve with crackers and toasted sliced French bread.
5. This recipe is also delicious served as asalad, with shrimp cutintobite-sizedpieces, andservedonlettuce
1. Preheat oven to 325 F. Butter and flour the Bundt pan and set aside.
2. Mix theflour, soda,salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamom together in amixing bowl. Stir the dry ingredients with awhisk to distribute all of the ingredients evenly
3. In another bowl, mix thebutter andbrown sugar with an electric mixer until the mixture is fluffy.This will
and alternate the
into
mixture, about athird of the flour mixture anda third of the buttermilk at a timeuntil just incorporated. Do not overmix.
4. Pourintothe prepared pan. Placeintopreheatedovenfor 1hourand 10 or 15 minutes. Removefrom the oven and allow to
Sweet Potato Cake
And Iwould add atray of cherry tomatoes, celery sticks, rawmushrooms, olives and appleslices. Depending on how many people you are inviting, you can add a cheese tray and nuts. Letmeknowhow your partygoes no matter who wins the game.
Liz Williams is founder of the SouthernFood &Beverage Museum in New Orleans. Listen to “Tip of the Tongue,”Liz’s podcast about food, drink and culture, wherever you hear podcasts. Email Liz at lizwillia@ gmail.com.
Minestrone
Serves 8. 13 cup olive oil
1/4 pound pancettaorbacon,chopped
1largeonion,chopped
2carrots,chopped into 1/2 inch cubes
2stalks celery,chopped into 1/2 inch pieces
5cloves garlic,minced
5cups chicken stock
110-ounce can of cannellini beans,drained
3or4 yellow-skinned potatoes, chopped into a 1/2 inch dice
2medium zucchini,chopped
1small green cabbage,slice thinly or shredded
1/4 to 1/2 poundfresh or frozen green beans
28-ounce can of diced tomatoes
1piece of rind from Parmigiano-Reggiano about 1inch by 4inches(If thisisnot available, add2tablespoonsofgrated Parmesan cheese) and 2cups grated Parmesan for the table
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1tablespoon Italian seasoning
1bay leaf
1small jar of prepared pesto
1. In asoup pot add the olive oil and heat until it starts of shimmer.Add the pancetta or bacon to the pot and saute gently until cooked, about 5 minutes. Remove from the pot and reserve. Cook the onions until they are translucent, about5minutes. Add the carrots, celery and garlic. Cook foranother 5minutes.
2. Add the chicken stock, beans, potatoes, zucchini, cabbage, green beans and tomatoes to the pot. Bring toasimmer. Addthe cheeserind or thegrated Parmesan. Stir.Add the black pepper, Italian seasoning and bayleaf.
3. Simmer for at least 2hours. Taste for salt, because each chicken stock productisdifferent. At this point, you can cool and refrigerate the soup. Reheat the next day and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Chop or crumble the pancetta or bacon into the simmeringsoup. Servein large bowls. Adda teaspoon of pesto to each bowl. Serve with cheese on the table.
Chicken PotPie Hand Pie
Makes eight 6-inch pies.
FILLING
4cups chicken stock
3medium carrots, peeled and chopped into cubes
4red new potatoes, scrubbed and cut into cubes
1bunch scallions, green and white chopped
2stalks celery, chopped
1bay leaf
6tablespoons butter
1/4 cup flour
1⁄8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2teaspoon salt
1teaspoon ground black pepper
5dashes of your favorite hot sauce or to taste
1cup frozen peas,defrosted and drained Kernels from 3ears of corn
2cups chopped chicken,both white and dark meat
1bunch parsley,leaves removed and chopped
1. Place the stock into apot and bring to asimmer.Add thecarrots, potatoes, scallions, celery, andbay leaf andsimmeruntil they are tender.This should take about 15 minutes depending on the size of your dice. Remember not to makethe dice too large, because the filling has to fit into the dough. Remove the bay leaf and discard.
2. Use acolander and separate the solids from the broth.
3. Using the same pot, melt the butter and add the flour.Stir well andcook until the flourinthe roux is cooked, butnot brown,
about 5minutes.
4. Measure 3cups of the cooking liquid and add it to the roux, stirring well. Cook for 5minutes. Add the nutmeg, salt, black pepper and hot sauce. Add the cookedvegetables andthe peas, corn,chickenand parsley. Stir well incorporating the thickened sauce. Set aside. This filling should not be too wet.
DOUGH Preheat oven to 350 F.
1egg
4sheets of frozen puff pastry
1. Crack the egg into asmall bowl.Add 1tablespoonwater Set aside.
2. Allow the pastry to defrost. (You should be abletoget 3 rounds from asheet, but brands differ.) Using abowlthat’s6 inches in diameter,cut 8circles of puff pastry dough. Place 2 tablespoons of fillinginthe center of the circle. Do notadd too much sauce.
3. Using abrush or your fingertip, moisten the outside edge of the circle with the eggwash. This is your glue to help hold the pie closed. Fold the circle in half. With afork, press the2edges of dough together making little ridges around the semi-circle.
4. Place on abaking sheet covered with parchment paper.Cut 3slits with asharp knife in the top side of the pie for venting. The slit should be no more than 1/2 inch. Paint the pastry with the pastry brush dipped in the egg wash to give the pies and ashiny finish.
5. Place the pies in apreheated oven until thecrust is browned andflaky,about 15 minutes. Check package directions,and follow them. Each brandisdifferent. The pie filling is already cooked. We only need to cook the dough.
6. Remove from the oven and cool.
For the Squares uninitiated, to create the best Super Bowl squares grid, create a10by10grid. Before the game begins, guests can write their namesinaset numberofsquares, perhaps for $1 asquare,creating a pot of $100tobedistributed as $20 after thefirstquarter $20 after thesecond quarter, $20 after the thirdquarter
Pumpkin Faces
Submitted by Brandy Cavitt
and $40 after thegameends. Each square representsa combinationofthe lastdigit of eachteam’sscore at the end of each quarter.The entire grid should be filled before the “score” numbers arefilled in alongthe top and sideofthe grid. This should be done randomly and in frontofthe whole group, as the most desirable squares are numbers like 0, 1, 3, 4and 7asthey are the most common last digitsin footballgames. Thetop is assignedtoone team andthe
12slices white bread (She prefers Evangeline Maid)
one largeyellow onion
2tablespoons butter
1tablespoon olive oil
1cup chopped green onions
16 ounces cream cheese (room temperature) salt and pepper to taste
1cup shredded sharp cheddarcheese
1. Thinlyslice onion. (I usedamandoline.)
2.Add 2tablespoons butterand atablespoon ofolive oil to aheavy skillet. Add onionsand cook until onions are caramelized, stirring often. (I prefer adark, rich brown color.)
3. As onions are cooking, cut the crustscut offeachslice of bread, andthencut eachslice into 4smaller squares. (I save the crusts to make bread pudding later.)
4. Once the onionsare caramelized, mix themwith16ounces of creamcheese,a cupof green onions, salt and black pepper ina bowl
side is assigned to the other Each square represents acombination of twodigits (e.g.,“7-3”).
All those instructions later, the real star of aSuper Bowl party is often the food. Here are multiple submitted recipes to try —and one Imodified, inspired by Jim Lahey’s “My Bread” cookbook. Itested them all and can vouch for each. They are delicious.
Email Jan Risher at jan. risher@theadvocate.com.
6.Top with sharp yellow cheddar cheese.
By The Associated Press
Today is Thursday,Feb.
6, the 37th day of 2025. There are 328 days left in the year
Todayinhistory
On Feb. 6, 1952, Britain’s King George VI, 56, died at Sandringham House in Norfolk, England; he was succeeded as monarch by his 25-year-old eldest daughter,who became Queen Elizabeth II.
On this date: In 1899, apeace treaty between the United States and Spain was ratified by the U.S. Senate; the treaty
ended the Spanish-American Warand ceded the Philippines, Puerto Rico and Guam to the United States.
In 1998, Washington National Airport was renamed Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, honoring the former president on his 87th birthday
In 2022, Queen Elizabeth II celebrated the70th anniversary of her ascendance to the British throne, an unprecedented reign that made her asymbol of stability in the United Kingdom. In 2023, apowerful 7.8 magnitudeearthquake
struck Turkey and Syria, toppling thousandsofbuildings and trapping residents under mounds of rubble; the
5.Spreadthe cream cheese mixture onto the small bread squares.Place ona cookie sheet. (I placed mine right beside each other tomake the next step easier.)
Pizza dough
Recipe adapted from many recipes and attempts by Jan Risher
Depending on shape of crust, this recipe works for one largepizza. Iusually use a 13-inch by 9-inchsheet pan.
1packageyeast
2teaspoons sugar
3/4 cup of warm (but not hot) water
2cups bread flour (mayneed alittle more flour)(all-purpose flour works too)
1/2 teaspoon salt
2tablespoons olive oil
1. Mix together the first four ingredients to activate the yeast. After the yeast has activated,add the salt andoliveoil.
2. Mix in enough flour so that the dough does not stick to your handsand start working thedough. Continue to add flour untilitforms into aball and starts to pull away from the sides of thebowl.
3. Youhave achoiceat thispoint —you canknead the dough or simply use a wooden spoon to incorporate. Once you’ve done one or the other,place the dough in aclean bowl that you’ve coated witholiveoil. (I use my hands to do this.) Cover with acloth and let the dough rise in awarm spot for several hours to double in size
—about two hours
4. Heat the oven to 500.I prefer to spread thedough ontoa pizza pan, cookie sheet or bread stone. Youcould use arolling pin, if you prefer. Don’tput extra dough around the edges
7.The recipe says to toast under the broiler with theovendoorslightly open for4-8 minutes on high untilthe cheese is broiled— which is what Idid. However,when Iwarmed them up thenextday,I used theair fryer, which elevated them significantly by making them even crispier.Iplaced theminthe air fryer at 400 degrees for 3-4 minutes, which is whatI’lldothe next timeImakethem on the first go-round.
5. Dot the dough with afork. Bake until the top of the crust is firm and light brown (about 8minutes).
6. Pull it out of the oven and add sauce, cheeseand ingredients of choice (pepperoni, sausage, basil, onions, bell peppers, anchovies, olives, artichokes, mozzarella,Parmesan or burrata —you’re only limitedbyyour imagination.) Placepizza back in oven and continuetobakeuntilready, depending on ingredients, at least 10-12 more minutes.
Pizza sauce
Recipe by John Tetnowski 128-ounce can of San Marzano tomatoes(Tetnowskiprefers Rega brand.)
1tablespoon sea salt
1tablespoon oliveoil
1. Pour tomatoes in abowl. Using ahand mixer,blend them until smooth.
2. Addinthe seasalt and olive oil.
John’stips for makingpizza: Once the crust has lightly browned,spread someParmesan Reggiano over the sauce, then add cheese.For traditional pizzas, he adds garlic salt and oregano over thecheese and then the remainingingredients. If he’s making aMargarita pizza, he skips theParmesan and just adds fresh mozzarella and fresh basil over the sauce.
Pizza Cipolla
Modified by arecipe from JimLahey
For this pizza, you can
make the pizza crust above or another of your choice. You can also use store-bought pizza dough— thekind youpop out of acan or the prepared dough like TraderJoe’ssells. If you use Trader Joe’sdough, Irecommend patience. Let it come to room temperature so it is easier to handle.
2yellow onions (I sliced mine thin on amandoline.)
13 cup heavycream
1teaspoontable salt
2teaspoons chopped rosemary(or thyme)
*optional 2tablespoons chopped bell pepper additionalsalt and pepper to taste Balsamic glaze
1. Preheat oven to 500 degrees.
2. Usea mandoline to cut onions thin.
3. Toss the onionsinabowl with cream, salt,rosemary andoptional bell pepper.Let rest for 10 minutes. Stirring occasionally
4. While the onions are resting, stretch the dough in a 9-inch by 13-inch baking dish.
5. Topthe pizza dough with the onion and cream mixture. Topthe edges more heavily as they will cook faster
6. Before placing in the oven,givethe pizzaa sprinkle of salt and pepper.Then, bake for about 30 minutes until most of the onions are golden brown and the sides of the dough are beginning to pull away.Some of the onions will be roasted.
7. Serve hot or at room temperature.Suggest to your guests that they drizzle slices with balsamic glaze.
Chicken PotPie Hand Pies
PHOTO BY JANRISHER Pumpkin Faces
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Stick close to home andmakegratifyingadjustments Work fast and hard, put your responsibilities behind you and relax. Taking your time and doing what mattersto youwill ease stress.
PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) Slow down and rethink your strategy before you take on too much or let temptation takethe reins.Participating in somethingthat requires mental and physical agility will take your mind off your worries.
ARIES (March 21-April 19) Implement energy and discipline to help you accomplish your goals. Refuse to let anyone talkyou out of taking care of your responsibilities.You will feel at ease once you complete your tasks.
TAURUS (April20-May 20) You'll desire change. Stoplettingothers sway you or get in your way. Focus on aplan to get thingsdone and baskinthe glory of your achievements. Don't procrastinate.
GEMINI(May 21-June 20) Mixed emotions will surface. Refuse to get swept up in someone's frenzy when you have plans to put in motion. Think big and move forward until you wow those whocan influence your prospects.
CANCER (June 21-July 22) You'll gain insight into possibilities and how to use your skills to reach your financial goals. Work diligently to upgrade your skills andstayontop of what's trending.Some will be jealous, and others in awe.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) Wheel and deal your way forward with heartfelt talks and
entertaining ideas. Follow through by making suggestions to share in-depth plans that are hard to resist. Reunite with someone from your past.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Payattention to deadlines and finish what you start Refuse to let anyone or anything slow you down or create chaos or confusion in your life. Get togetherwith someone who makes you smile.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Open your eyes, ask questions and absorb the information that comes your way. Participate in an event or activity that brings you in touch with people heading in asimilar direction. Communication will be vital.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) Mingling will help you put your life situation in perspective. Be akeen observer and listener, and you'll map out aplan that enables you to find your niche.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Let your emotions take the lead and make your feelings known. Conversing with people who play an intricate role in your life will help you understand and articulate what's in your best interest.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) An energetic approach to managing relationships, striving for equality andcreating aplan will help youbring about positive lifestyle changes. Don't dillydally.
InstructIons: Sudoku is anumber-placing puzzle based on a9x9 grid with several given numbers. The object is to place the numbers1 to 9inthe emptysquares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains thesame number only once. The difficulty level of the Sudoku increases from Monday to Sunday.
Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer
nea CroSSwordS La TimeS CroSSword
THe wiZardoFid
BLondie
BaBY BLueS
Hi and LoiS
BY PHILLIP ALDER
PresidentJohnF.Kennedysaid,“When written in Chinese, the word ‘crisis’ is composed of two characters. One represents danger and the otherrepresents opportunity.”
There are bridge deals where declarer is in danger only if two suits are lying unfavorably. Butsometimes he has the opportunitytosurvive anyway. How does that apply in this deal? South is in six spades. West leads the club king.
North’stwo-no-trumpresponseshowed four-plusspades and at least game-forcing high-card values. South’s three-club rebid indicated asingleton or void in that suit. Three diamonds and three hearts were control-bids(cue-bids) promising first-roundcontrols in those suits.
Southhaspossiblelosersineachmajor. The heart finesse is apparently unavoidable. Thetrump suit is adanger only if it isbreaking3-0—andeventhen,declarer might avoid aloser.
The key point of the deal is that the trump suit isn’t aguess. Declarer should cash dummy’s spade king first. Here, Westdiscards, so South draws trumps with the aidofafinesse and later tries the heartfinesse for an overtrick.
What happens, though, if East discards under the spade king?
Each Wuzzle is aword riddle which creates adisguised word, phrase, name, place, saying, etc. For example: NOON
Previous answers:
INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Words must be of four or more letters. 2. Words that acquire four letters by theaddition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,”
YESTERDAY’S
Puzzle Answer today’s thought “For my people have committed two evils; they haveforsaken me thefountain of living waters, andhewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can holdnowater. Jeremiah 2:13
marmaduKe
Bizarro
hagar the horriBle
B.C.
CITY OF ZACHARYHOME RULE CHARTER
ARTICLE I. INCORPORATION, FORM OF GOVERNMENT BOUNDARIES, POWERS
Section 1-01. Incorporation.
The inhabitantsofthe City of Zachary withinthe corporate limits as now established or as hereafter established bylaw shall beand continue abody politic and corporate in perpetuityunder thename of the “City of Zachary” hereinafter referred to as the “City”.
Section 1-02. Home Rule Charter
The CharterCommission has proposedand theelectors have adopted this, their Home Rule Charter,under the authority of ArticleVI, Section 5ofthe Louisiana Constitutionof1974, hereinafterreferredtoas the “constitution”. The City of Zachary is thereforealocalgovernmental subdivision which operates under aHome Rule Charter and, subject to said Charter,isauthorized,ashereinafter provided, to exercise any powerand perform any function necessary,requisiteor proper forthe managementofits local affairs.
Section 1-03. Form of Government.
The plan of government provided by thisHome RuleCharter shallbe known as the “mayor-council”form of government.
Section 1-04. Boundaries.
The boundariesofthe City shallbethose ineffect as of the effective dateofthis Charter and shall be subject to change thereafter as provided by law
Section 1-05. General Powers.
Except as otherwise provided by thischarter, the City shall continue to have all the powers, rights, privileges, immunities and authority heretofore possessed by the City under the laws of the state. TheCity shall have and exercise such other powers, rights, privileges, immunities, authority and functions not inconsistentwith thischarteras may beconferred on or grantedtoa local governmental Subdivision by the constitution and general laws of the state and,morespecifically,the City sha lhaveand is herebygranted the right and authority to exercise anypower andperform any functionnecessary,requisiteorproper for the managementofits affairs, not denied by this charter,orbygeneral law,orinconsistent, with the constitution.
Section. 1-06. Special Powers.
The City shall also have the right, power andauthoritytoexercise general police power and to thisend the governing authority of the City is specially empowered to pass allordinances requisite or necessary to promote, protect and preserve the general welfare, safety,health, peace and good order of the City,including, but not by way of limitation,the right, power and authority to pass ordinances on allsubject matters necessary, requisite or proper for the management of the City’saffairs, andall other subject matters without exception subject only to the limitation that the same shall not be inconsistent with theconstitutionorexpressly denied by general law applicable to [the] City Section 1-07. Joint Service Agreements.
The City is authorized, as provided by state law,toenterintojoint service agreements or cooperative efforts with other governmental agencies and political subdivisionsinclud ng, but not limited to, the parish governing body,other parish offices andagencies,school boards or any special governing district.
ARTICLE II. CITY COUNCIL
Section 2-01. Composition, Qualifications and Election.
A. The legislative power of the City shall be vested in acouncil consisting of five (5) members. Councilmemberssha lbeelected by single member districts byall thequalified electorsofthe City.The boundariesofthe singlemember districts shall be established by ordinance.
B. Amember of the councilshallbeelected for afour (4) year term concurrent with that of the mayor andshall be eligiblefor re-election.
C. Acouncil member shall be at least eighteen (18) years of ageand a qualified electorofthe municipality
D. Acouncil member shall have been legally domiciled for at least (1) year immediately preceding the time established by law for qualifying foroffice within the district sought to berepresented. Once elected, a council member shall continue to belegally domiciled within the elected district during the term of office, or if elected after reapportionment, within the district he representsatthe time he issworninto office.
E.Elections shall be held in accordance with the electionlawsofthe state.
Section 2-02. Vacancies.
A. The office of acouncil member shall become vacantupon death resignation, removal from office inany mannerauthorized by law, forfeitureofoffice or failuretotake office forany reason.
B. Acouncil member shallforfeitthe office if such member duringthe term of office: (1) lacks at any time during the term of office any qualification for the office prescribed by this charter,or(2) is convicted of astate or federal felony
C. Avacancy on the council shall be filled by appointmentofaperson meeting thequalification for office bya majority of the remaining members of the council.Ifone (1) year or less of the unexpiredterm remains when the vacancy occurs, the appointee shallserveout the remainder of the term. If the vacancy occurs morethanone (1)year prior to the expiration of the term, the appointee shall serveuntil the office is filled by the vote of the qualified electors voting in aspecial election called by thecouncilfor that purpose,which election shall be held according to the timetableand proceduresestablished by state law generally for the filling of vacancies in elected municipal offices An appointee shall be eligible as acandidate for councilmember at the election to fill the vacancy Section 2-03. Compensation
A. Monthly compensation for council members is mandated andshall be set by ordinance. Once set byordinance, the compensation shall remain fixed unless and untilchangedbyordinance. butsuch setting shall not reduce the salary of councilmembers during the term for which they wereelected.For purposesofthe initial fixing, the ordinance in place at the time of the approvalbythe electorsofthe new charteroramendments shallbecome the effectivecompensation benchmark.Noordinancechanging the compensation of council members shall be adopted during the last year of atermofoffice. Any ordinance changing the salary or othermonetarycompensation shall become effective twelve months from the date of adoption.
B. The council, by ordinance mayadoptasystemfor reimbursement, upon presentation of properlydocumented receipts,ofreasonable expenses necessary to theperformance of officialduties bya council member while outside the City Section 2-04. Prohibitions.
A. Except as otherwise provided inSection3-06 (Mayor’sTemporary Absenceand Disability), acouncilmember shall not hold anyother elected public office, City office or City employmentduring the term for which elected to the council.Noformer council member shall hold any compensated appointive City office or City employmentuntilone (1) year after the expiration of the term for which elected to the council.
B. Except as provided elsewhereinthischarterneither the council nor anyofits members shall involve themselves in anymanner in the appointment, removal,directionorsupervisionofany City administrative officer or employee. Section 2-05. Investigations.
The council, by the favorablevote of at least two-thirdsof itsauthorized membership, may make investigationsinto the affairs of the City andthe related conduct of any City official, officer, employee, department,office or agencyand for this purposemay subpoena witnesses, administer oaths, take testimony and requirethe production of evidence. Thecouncil may provide by ordinance for the punishment, as amisdemeanor,ofa person for the willful failureorrefusal toobey such subpoena or request for evidence. Investigations by the councilshall be forspecified purposes. Section2-06. Independent Audit.
The council shall provide for an annual,independentpost-audit, and such additional audits as it deems necessary,ofthe accountsand other evidenceof financial transactionsofthe City,including those of allCity departments, offices or agencies.Auditors shall bedesignated by the council, shall be without personal interest inthe affairs subject to auditand shallbeacertified public accountant or firm of such accounts. The audit shall be submitted to the councilatone of its regularlyscheduled meetings andshall be apublic record, and summarythereofshall be published at least once in theofficial journal. The councilmay accept audits by thestate that satisfy the requirement of the council.
Section 2-07. Clerk of Council.
The council shall appoint aclerk of thecouncil whoshallserve in this capacity at the pleasureofthe council.The clerkshall give notice of council meetings to its members and the public, keep the journalofits proceedings, be official secretary of the council andperform such other duties as areassigned to the position by this charter or by the council. Section 2-08. Council Meetingsand Rules.
A. Unless, by the favorablevote of at least two-thirds of its authorized membership, the council shall meet regularlytwice amonth at such timesand places as the councilmay prescribebyresolution adopted within thirty (30)days after taking office.Specialmeetings may be heldonthe call of the presiding officerora majority of the authorized council membership and upon no less thantwenty-four(24)hours’ written notice to each member.Tomeetapublic emergency affecting life, health, property or publicsafety, the council may meet upon call of the presiding officer or amajority of the authorizedcouncil membershipatwhatever notice it shall be practical to give. The call convening aspecial meeting of the council shall state the objects of the meetingand the power of the counciltoact at aspecial meeting shall be limited, under penalty of nullity,tothe objects specifically enumeratedinthe call.
B. All meetings of
meeting. No finalorbinding action shall be taken during aclosed meeting.
C. The council shall determine its own rules and order of business and shall provide for keeping ajournal of its minutes and proceedings. This journal shall be public record.
D. At all regular meeting of the council and at all special meeting held upon no less than twenty-four (24) hours’ written notice, the council shall operate from an agenda which shall be made available to the public prior to the meeting.
E. The council shall provide by resolution aprocedurewhereby interested persons shall be given an opportunity to be heardonany matter coming beforethe council.
F. At the first regular meeting of anewly elected council and annually thereafter,amayor protemporeshall be elected from among the council membership. The mayor protemporeshall preside at meetings of the council. In the absence or disqualification of the mayor pro tempore, the council shall designate one of its other members as acting mayor protempore.
G. All voting shall be by roll call, and the ayes and nays shall be recorded in the minutes of the council by the individual vote of each council member.Not less than amajority of the authorized membership of the council shall constitute aquorum to transact business, but if aquorum is lost duringa meeting, asmaller number may recess from time to time and compel the attendance of absent members in the manner and subject to the penalties prescribed by the council rules.
Section 2-09. Action Requiring an Ordinance. A. An act of the council having the force of law shall be by ordinance. An act requiring an ordinance shall include, but not be limited to, those which:
(1) Adopt or amend an administrative code; (2) Provide a fine or other penalty or establish arule or regulation forviolation of which a fine or other penalty may be imposed; (3) Levy taxes or assessments as provided by law; (4) Appropriate funds and/or adopt the budget and capital improvement program for the City; (5) Grant, renew or extend afranchise; (6) Provide for raising revenue; (7) Regulate the rate or other charges for service by the City; (8) Authorizethe borrowing of money; (9) Incur debt in any manner authorized by law; (10) Abandon any property owned by the City; (11) Convey or lease or authorizethe conveyance or lease of any land or property of the City; (12) Acquireorconvey real property on behalf of the City; (13) Extend or contract corporate limits; (14) Adopt or modify an official map, platting or subdivision controls or regulations or the zoning plan; (15) Adopt, without substantive amendment, ordinance proposed under the initiative power; (16) Amend or repeal any ordinance, previously adopted; (17) Propose amendments to this Charter
B. Acts other than those referred to above may be done either by ordinance or by resolution. All ordinances and resolutions shall be passed by the favorable vote of at least amajority of the authorized membership of the council. Section 2-10. Ordinances in General.
A. All proposed ordinances shall be introduced in writing and in the form required for adoption and, except for codification and the operating budget and capital improvement program, shall be confined to one subject, expressed clearly in the title.
B. All proposed ordinances shall be read by title when introduced and established in full or by title prior to finalconsideration. Except as otherwise provided in Section 2-12 (Emergency Ordinances),no ordinance shall be considered for finaladoption until it has laid over at least fourteen (14) calendar days from date of introduction and unless apublic hearing has been held on the ordinance.
C. With the finalapproval of ordinances by the mayor,orthe council in case of aveto by the mayor,such enacted ordinances shall be published in full in the official journal by the clerk of the council as soon as practical thereafter provided, however,that ordinances adopting codes of technical regulations or adopting or amending the operating budget or capital improvement program may be published in full or in summary at the council’sdiscretion. Every enacted ordinance, unless it shall specify another date, shall become effective at expiration of ten (10) calendar days after publication by the council or if the ordinance is adopted through amajority vote in areferendum election, then ten (10) calendar days after promulgation and publication of the election results by the council. Section 2-11. Submission of Ordinances to the Mayor
A. Every ordinance adopted by the council shall be signed by the mayor protemporeand presented to the mayor within seven (7) calendar days after adoption, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays. The clerk of the council shall recordupon the ordinance the date and hour of its delivery to the mayor
B. Within seven (7) calendar days after the mayor’s receipt of an ordinance, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and state holidays, it shall be returned to the clerk of the council with the mayor’sapproval, or with the mayor’sveto. The clerk shall recordupon the ordinance the date and hour of its receipt from the mayor.Ifthe ordinance has been approved by the mayor,orthe mayor has taken no action, it shall be considered finallyenacted and become effective as provided in Section 2-10 (Ordinances in General). If the ordinance is vetoed, the mayor shall submit to the council through the clerk awritten statement of the reasons for veto. All ordinances that the mayor vetoes shall be vetoed in full, except that the mayor shall have authority to veto individual appropriation items in the ordinance adopting the operating budget and capital improvement program.
C. Ordinances vetoed by the mayor shall be submitted by the clerk to the council no later than the next regular meeting held after receipt of the vetoed ordinance from the mayor.Should the council vote, not later than the second regular meeting held after receipt of the vetoed ordinance, to readopt ordinance by the favorable vote of at least two-thirds of its authorized membership, said ordinance shall be considered finallyenacted and become law effective as provided in Section 2-10 regardless of the veto by the mayor
D. Theright of the mayor to veto as provided in this section shall apply to all ordinances adopted by the council except those which propose amendments to this charter; establish, alter or modify council procedure; appropriate funds for auditing or investigating any part of the executive branch, or which the council has received specific approval to enact the ordinance following areferendum vote of the people Section 2-12. Emergency Ordinances
A. To meet apublic emergency affecting life, health, property or public safety,the council by the favorable vote of at least amajority of the authorized membership, may adopt an emergency ordinance at the meeting at which it is introduced, provided that no such ordinance may be used to levy taxes or special assessments; grant or extend afranchise; incur debt, except as provided in Section 5-04.B (Emergency Appropriations); adopt or amend and official map, platting or subdivision controls or zoning regulations; or change rates, fees or charges established by the City.Each emergency ordinance shall contain aspecificstatement of the emergency claimed.
B. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 2-11 (Submission of Ordinances to the Mayor), anyemergency ordinance adopted by thecouncil shall be signed by the mayor protemporeand presented to the mayor within six (6) hours after adoption. Within twelve (12) hours after the mayor’sreceipt of an emergency ordinance, it shall be returned to the clerk of the council. If the emergency ordinance has been approved by the mayor,orthe mayor has taken no action, it shall be considered finallyenacted and become effective immediately upon receipt by the clerk. If the emergency ordinance is vetoed, the mayor shall submit to the council through the clerk awritten statement of the reasons for the veto. The clerk shall recordupon the emergency ordinance the dates and hours of its delivery to and receipt from the mayor.Should the council vote, not later than twelve hours after receipt of the vetoed emergency ordinance by the favorable vote of atleast two-thirds of its authorized membership, said emergency ordinanceshall be considered finally enacted and become law immediately upon readoption, regardless of the veto by the mayor Upon finalapproval by the mayor,orthe council in case of aveto by the mayor,such enacted emergency ordinances shall be published in the official journal by the clerk as soon as practical thereafter either in full or in summary at the discretion of the council. C. Emergency ordinances shall be effective for no longer than sixty (60) calendar days. Section 2-13. Codes of Technical Regulations. The council, by ordinance, may adopt any standardcode of technical regulations by reference. The procedureand requirements governing the adoption of
Except as otherwiseprovided by thischarterall departments, offices and agencies shall be under the direction andsupervision of the mayor, and the heads of all departments created by or under this charter, shall be appointed by the mayor,subject to confirmationbythe council,and shall serve at thediscretionofthe mayor. Section 4-02. Chief AdministrativeOfficer
A. The chief administrative officershallbesubject to thesame domiciliary requirements as provided by thischarterfor department heads. the chief administrative officer shall beappointedbythe mayor,subject to confirmation by the council, and shallserveatthe discretion of the mayor In addition to the supervision of all departments, offices, andagencies,the duties of the chief administrative officer shallbedirected by the mayor and may include, but arenot limited to, the following:
(1) Provide general administrative services;and
(2) Procureall personal property,materials, supplies andservices required by the City under acentralpurchasing system forall departments in accordancewithapplicablestate law,council policyand administrative requirements; and
(3) Coordinate, direct and be responsible for preparing all intergovernmental grant applicationsonbehalf of the City and keeping City departments, offices andagencies informed of all relevant local, state and federal programs; and
(4) Maintain an inventoryofall City property,movableand immovable; and
(5) Do and perform suchother actions as may be directed by the mayor
B. The chief administrativeofficer mayalso assistthe chief financial officer, withthe following:
(1) Perform billing and collection for City-owned utilities;and
(2) Invest all idle City funds, as permittedbylaw as aprudent fiduciary; and
(3) Collect and have custodyofall monies of the City from whatever source; and
(4) Assist the mayor in the preparation of the operating budgetand capitalimprovement program; and
(5) Maintainarecord of indebtedness andhavechargeofthe payment of the principal and interest on such indebtedness; and
(6) Ascertain that funds areavailable for paymentofall contracts, purchase orders and any other documents which incur financial obligationfor the City and that such documents areinaccordance with established procedures; and
(7) Disburse all funds from the City treasury as authorized; and
(8)Administer auniform central accountingsystemfor all City departments using nationally accepted standards whereapplicable Section 4-03.City Attorney and AssistantCity Attorney(s).
A. The city attorney shall be an attorney licensedtopractice in the courts of Louisiana with at least five (5) years experience in the practice of law
B. At the first regularmeeting of the city councilelected at aregular municipalelection, the mayor,subject to confirmation by the councilshall appoint acity attorney.The city attorney sha lbea public officer and shall serve at the discretion of the mayor.the city attorney shallserve as chief legal adviser to the mayor,counciland alldepartments, offices and agencies, andshall oversee therepresentation of or represent the City in all legal proceedings and shall perform anyother duties as prescribed by the mayor,this charter,orbyordinance.
C. Any assistant city attorney(s) shall be licensed to practice in the courts of Louisiana with at least five (5) years’experience in the practice of law.Any assistant city attorney(s) shallserve under the direction and supervision of the city attorney,but shallbeappointed by the mayor subject to confirmation by the council, andshallserveatthe discretion of the mayor
D. Special legal counsel may beemployed by the City onlybywritten contract after appointment by the mayor and the advice and consent of the council.
Section 4-04. City Prosecutorand Assistant City Prosecutor(s).
A. The city prosecutor shall be an attorneylicensedtopractice in the courts of Louisiana with at least five (5) years’experience in the practiceoflaw
B. The city prosecutor shall have charge of all criminal matters prosecuted by the city
C. The city prosecutor may be recommended by thecity attorney and shall be appointed by the mayor upon the consent of the council and serve at the discretion of the mayor.Any city prosecutor may be removed by the mayor,but such removal shallbesubject to consent of thecouncil for such termination
D. Any assistant city prosecutor(s) may be recommendedbythe city attorney and shall be appointed bythe mayor upon the advice and consent of the counciland serve at the p easureofthe mayor Any assistant city prosecutor(s) shallserveunder thedirectionand supervision of the city prosecutor.Topromote independent function, prevent potential conflict, andtoprovide for resolution of conflicts, any assistant city prosecutor(s) shall not be amember of the same firm as thecity prosecutor.The city prosecutor andany assistant cityprosecutor(s) arecharged with andshall abide by allrules of ethical and professional conduct appl cabletoattorneyspracticing in Louisiana.
E. In the event that the city prosecutor and/or anyassistant city prosecutor(s) is unable to perform the duties of the city prosecutor due to necessary recusal or temporary absence, the mayor upon the recommendation of the city attorney may appoint an attorney licensed to practice in the courts of Louisiana with at least five (5) years’ experience in the practice of law and not otherwise affiliated with the city to act as the city prosecutor ad hoc.Said city prosecutor ad hoc may be compensated for his service andshallservefor the duration of the recusal or absence and at the discretion of the mayor.
Section 4-05. Chief Financial Officer At the first regularmeeting of the city councilelected at aregularmunicipal election,the mayor,subject to confirmation by the councilshall appoint achief financial officer who shallserve as chief financial adviser to the mayor, council and all departments, offices and agencies.The chief financial officer shall be apublicofficer andshallserveatthe discretion of the mayor.The duties of the chief financial officer shallbedirected by the mayor and may include, but arenot limited to, the following:
1) collect and have custody of all monies of the city from whatever source; and 2) assist the mayor in the preparation of the operating budget and capital improvement program; and
3) maintain arecord of indebtedness andhavechargeofthe payment ofthe principal and interest on such indebtedness; and
4) ascertain that funds areavailable for paymentofall contracts, purchase orders and any other documents which incur financial obligation forthe cityand thatsuch documents areinaccordance withestablished procedures; and
5) disburse all funds from the city treasury as authorized; and
6) administer auniform central accountingsystemfor all city departments using nationally accepted standards whereapplicable; and
7) prepareamonthlystatement of revenues andexpenditures to show the financial condition of the city; andfurnish allother such financial information as requested by amember of the council.
8) perform billing and collection for city-owned utilities; and
9) invest all idle city funds, as permittedbylaw as aprudent fiduciary; and 10) do and perform such other actions as may be directed by the mayor. Section 4-06. Police Department.
A. The head of the Police Department shallbethe police chief who shall be elected at large by all the qualified electors of the city inaccordancewith the election laws of the state.
B. The police chief shall be elected for afour (4) year term concurrent with that of the mayor and shall be eligible for reelection.
C. The police chief shall be aqualified elector of the municipality andshall have been legally domiciled for at least one(1) year immediatelypreceding the time established by law for qualifying for office in an area which, at the time of qualification,iswithin the City. Thepolicechiefshallcontinue to be legally domiciled within the City limits during the term of office. Should the legal domicile of the police chief change from the City,the office shall automatically become vacant, which vacancy shallbe filled as set out hereinafter.
D. The office of police chief shallbeconsidered tobeafull-time position. The police chief shall be paidanannual salary andoffered all full time employment benefits. The annual salary of the policechiefshallbeset by ordinance but such setting shall not reduce the salary of the police chief during the term for which he was elected. Forpurposes of thisinitial fixing, the ordinance in place at the time of the approvalbythe electors of the new charter or amendments shallbecomethe effectivesalarybenchmark. No ordinancechanging the salary or granting anyothermonetary compensation shall be adopted during the last year of aterm of office. Any ordinance changing the salary or other monetary compensation shall become effective twelve months from the date of adoption.
enforcementofficials; and the enforcement of the lawsofthe state and the ordinances of the council. The police chief shall be the appointing authority of all personnel within the Police
anyreason.
H. Avacancy in the office of policechiefshall be filled by appointment of a person meeting the qualifications foroffice by the mayor with the consent of the majority of the authorized council membership. If one(1) year or less of the unexpired term remains when the vacancy occurs, the person appointed shall serve as acting chief for the remainder of the term. If the vacancy occurs morethan one (1) year prior to the expiration of the term, the person appointed shall serve as acting chief until the office is filled by the vote of the qualified electors voting in aspecial election called by the council for that purpose, which election shall be held according to the timetable and procedures established by state law generally for the filling of vacancies in elected municipal offices.
I. The police chief shall hold no other elected public office norany compensated appointive City office or City employment during the term of office for which elected.
Section 4-07. FireDepartment.
A. The head of the Fire Department shall be the fire chief. The fire chief, at the time of appointment, shall have aminimum of five (5)years’ experience in fire protection with at least three (3) years of that experience in command or supervisory positions and successfully completed alocal, state or national fire protection training school.
B. The fire chief shall direct and be responsible for fire prevention; fire extinguishments and salvage operations; inspections, recommendations and enforcement concerning the fire code of the City,investigations of firesand their causes; the conduct of the fire safety and prevention program, and operation of the City’semergency rescue service.
Section 4-08. Public Works Department.
A. The head of the Public WorksDepartment shall be the public works director.The public works director,atthe time of the appointment, either shall be agraduate registered professional engineer with a minimum of three (3) years related public worksorutilities experience in aresponsible managerial or administrative position of shall have a minimum of five (5) years of related public worksorutilities experience in aresponsible managerial or administrative position.
B. Duties of the Public WorksDirector shall be directed by the Mayor and may include, but arenot limited to, the following: (1) Engineering services for City departments and agencies except as may otherwise [be] provided; and (2) Supervision of all contract construction work; and (3) Maintenance of all city property; and (4) Mapping and surveying, including maintenance of any City map land use and/or zoning district map; and (5) Construction and maintenance of streets, sidewalks, bridges and drainage facilities performed by the City,including cleaning of streets; and (6) Trafficengineering; and (7) Garbage and trash collection and disposal; and (8) Inspections, licensing and permit issuance in conjunction with the enforcement of zoning ordinances and building and other technical codes; and (9) Operation of acentral facility for the repair and maintenance of City vehicles and equipment; and (10) Coordination of all public works and utilities planning activities; and (11) Water production, collection, treatment and distribution; and (12) Sanitary sewerage collection, treatment and disposal; and (13) Natural gas collection, treatment and distribution; and (14) Other such public works or utilities activities as may be directed by the mayor
Section 4-09. Other Departments.
Except as otherwise provided by this charter,all City departments, offices, agencies and function in existence of the effective date of this charter shallcontinue in existence as organized on that date until the council shall adopt areorganization plan in accordance with Section 4-11 (Administrative Reorganization).
Section 4-10. Personnel Administration.
A. The Municipal Employees Civil Service for the City established by the LegislaturebyAct 557 of 1974 is hereby incorporated in this charter and shall continue in full force effect and be carried out and regulated inaccordance the provisions of said act.
B. The following shall not be members of the classified personnel system of the City (1) All elected City officials. (2) The mayor’ssecretary and any assistants to the mayor (3) Employees hired on atemporary or contractual basis. (4) The chief administrative officer. (5) The city attorney and any assistant city attorneys. (6) Heads of departments created by or under this charter or continued in accordance with the provision of this charter (7) Any employee appointed directly by the council.
C. Any person who is amember of the classified service of the City who shall be appointed to any unclassified position created by or under this charter shall serve in the unclassified position on atemporaryonly basis for aperiod of six (6) months following appointment. During this six (6) month period, the person shall retain classified status in the civil service and no appointment shall be made to fill the vacated classified position. At the conclusion of the six (6) month period, any person so appointed shall decide either to continue in the unclassified position thereby giving up classified status or to returntothe former position in the classified service.
D. Any person who is amember of the classified service of the City at thetime this charter becomes fully effective and whose position is made unclassified by thischarter shall be given the opportunity of remaining amember of the classified service through reassignment to another position.
E. Subsequent to the date this charter becomes fully effective, any change in the provisions governing the Municipal Employees Civil Service, other than those contained in this charter,shall be by ordinance. Section 4-11. Administrative Reorganization.
A. The mayor shall have the right as chief executive officertopropose to the council the creation, change, alteration, combination or abolition ofthe City departments, officesoragencies and/or the reallocation of the functions, powers, duties and responsibilities.
B. At the meeting of the council at which the reorganization plan is submitted, the council shall order apublic hearing on the plan to be held within thirty (30) days. The council shall cause to be published in the official journal at least ten (10) days prior to the date of such hearing, the time and place thereof, ageneral summary of the reorganization plan and the times and places wherecopies of the proposed reorganization plan areavailable for public inspection. At the time and place so advertised, the council shall hold apublic hearing on the reorganization plan submitted.
C. The council shall, within sixty (60) days following the date of the public hearing either approve or disapprove, but not amend except with written consent of the mayor,the proposed reorganization plan. Should the council fail to act within the prescribed time, the plan shall bedeemedapproved.
D. All departments, officesand agencies of the City,including those provided for in this charter,shall be subject to the reorganization provision of this section.
ARTICLE V. FINANCIAL PROCEDURES
Section 5-01. Fiscal Year
The fiscalyear of the City shall be established by ordinance.
A. At least forty-five (45) days priortothe beginning of each fiscalyear, the mayor shallsubmit to the council aproposed operating budget in the form required by Section 5-03. At the meeting of the council at which the operating budget is submitted, the council shall order apublic hearing on it and shall cause to be published in the official journal, at least ten (10) days prior to the date of such hearing, the time and place thereof, and the times and places wherecopies of the proposed budget areavailable for public inspection. At the time and place so advertised, the council shall hold apublic hearing on the budget as submitted.
B. The proposed budget and the attendant budget adoption instrument may be amended to the extent deemed appropriate by the governing authority at any point prior to finaladoption. The operating budget program shall be finally adopted no later than the second to last regular meeting of the fiscal year.Upon finaladoption, the budget shall be in effect for the ensuing fiscal year
C. The budget as finally adopted shall be reproduced and sufficient copies shall be made available for the use of all offices, departments and agencies of the City,and for the use of interested persons.
D.
E. Limitations: No appropriation for debt service may be reduced or transferred and no appropriation may be reduced below any amount required by law to be appropriated or by morethan the amount of the unencumbered balance thereof.
Section 5-05. Capital Improvement Program and Budget.
A. Each year,nolater than the time of submission of the operating budget for the ensuing fiscal year,the mayor shall prepareand submit to the council acapital improvement program covering aperiod of at least five (5) years.The amount indicated to be spent during the first year of the capital improvement program shall be the capital budget for that year
B. The capital program shall include:
(1) Ageneral summary of its contents.
(2) Alist of all capital improvements and acquisitions which are proposed to be undertaken for at least the five (5) fiscal years with appropriate supporting information as to the necessityfor such improvements and acquisitions.
(3) Cost estimates, method of financing and recommended time schedules for each such improvement or acquisition.
(4) The estimated annual cost of operating and maintaining the capital improvement to be constructed or acquired. The information shall be revised and extended each year withregard to capital improvements still pending or in process of construction or acquisition.
C. At the meeting of the council at which the capital improvement program is submitted, the council shall order public hearing on such capital improvement program and shall cause to be published in the official journal, atleast ten (10) days prior to the date of such hearing, the time and place thereof, ageneral summary of the proposed capital improvement program and the times and places where copies of the proposed capital improvement program areavailable for public inspection. At the time and place so
D. If, at the end of any fiscalyear,the proposed operating budget for the support of the political subdivision for the ensuing fiscal year have not been approved, then
3t $271.02
g theirauthorized repre‐sentatives areinvited to be present. Note:The City-Parishhas electedtouse LaPAC, the state'sonlineelectronic bidposting andnotifica‐tion system,inaddition to itsstandardmeans of advertisingthisrequire‐ment.ThisInvitationto Bidisavailable in elec‐tronic form at theLaPAC website https:// wwwcfprd.doa.louisiana gov/osp/lapac/dspBid cfm?search=departm ent&term=102. Bids,amendmentsto bids or requestfor with‐drawal of bids received aftertimespecifiedfor bidopeningsshall notbe considered forany cause whatsoever Inquirieswillbereceived up until5 pm on February 12, 2025.
Full informationmay be obtained upon request from theabove address or by telephoningDexter Stewartat(225) 389-3259, Ext. 3264, or viaemail dsstewart@brla.gov
Anyvendorwho would like to listen to theopen‐ingofthisbid canaccess thefollowing link,atthe date andtimeofthisbid opening:
Join by phone
+1-408-418-9388 United States Toll Access code:263 373 080 (followedbythe # but‐ton)
Alternatenumbers to call if number aboveisnot available, whichmay occurdue to network traffic (use thesameAc‐cess Code,followedby the# button): United States Toll (Boston)
+1-617-315-0704 United States Toll (Chicago)
+1-312-535-8110 United States Toll (Dallas) +1-469-210-7159 United States Toll (Denver) +1-720-650-7664 United States Toll (Jacksonville) +1-904-900-2303 United States Toll (LosAngeles) 1-213-306-3065 Thesenumbers will pro‐vide youwithliveaudio access to this bidopen‐ing. 124616 Jan. 30, Feb. 6, 2t $99.16
PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE theLa. Dept. of Energyand NaturalRe‐sources,Office of Coastal Management (OCM) hasreceivedthe following application(s) for aCoastal UsePermit (CUP) in accordance with the Stateand Local Coastal ResourcesMan‐agement Actof1978, as amended,(La.R.S 49:214.21-214.41),and the rules andregulations of the CoastalResources Program.Applications for theproposedwork may be inspectedat617 North 3rdStreet,Room 1078, BatonRouge,LAor onthe OCMweb page at: http://dnr.louisiana.gov/ index.cfm?md=pagebui lder&tmp=home& pid=591. Copies maybe obtaineduponpayment ofcostofcopying.Writ‐ten comments, including suggestions formodifi
cations or objections to the proposed work and stating thereasons thereof,are beingso‐licited from thepublic. Commentsmustbere
ceivedwithin25daysof the date of publicationof thisnotice. Comments shouldbeuploadedto our electronic record,but may be mailedor emailedtothe desig
nated OCMReviewer. All commentsmustcontain the appropriateapplica‐tionnumberand the commenter's full name and contactinformation Any person mayrequest inwriting,withinthe comment period speci‐fied in this notice,that a State or Federalpublic hearing be held to con‐sider this application. Re‐questsfor public hear‐ingsshall state, with par
ticularity, thereasons for holding apublichearing and must containthe nameand contactinfor
NOTICE NOTICE theLa. Dept. of Energyand NaturalRe‐sources,Office of Coastal Management (OCM) hasreceivedthe following application(s) for aCoastal UsePermit (CUP) in accordance with the Stateand Local Coastal ResourcesMan‐agement Actof1978, as amended,(La.R.S 49:214.21-214.41),and the rules andregulations of the CoastalResources Program.Applications for theproposedwork may be inspectedat617 North 3rdStreet,Room 1078, BatonRouge,LAor onthe OCMweb page at: http://dnr.louisiana.gov/ index.cfm?md=pagebui lder&tmp=home& pid=591. Copies maybe obtaineduponpayment ofcostofcopying.Writ‐ten comments, including suggestions formodifi
cations or objections to the proposed work and stating thereasons thereof,are beingso‐licited from thepublic. Commentsmustbere‐ceivedwithin25daysof the date of publicationof thisnotice. Comments shouldbeuploadedto our electronic record,but may be mailedor emailedtothe desig‐nated OCMReviewer. All commentsmustcontain the appropriateapplica
tionnumberand the commenter's full name and contactinformation Any person mayrequest inwriting,withinthe comment period speci
fied in this notice,that
vardSuite 100 Austin,TX 78757 Attn:ChadMartin Location: SaintJames Saint John TheBaptist Parishes, LA;Lat.30-0336.7N,Long. -90-3641.23W (see platsfor ad‐ditionalcoordinates); South of Highway61, Garyville. Description: Proposedpipelinemain‐tenance excavationsat 4 locations within an exist‐ing utilitycorridor. Ap‐prox. 111 cy of excava‐tionand 2cyofcrushd stone/gravelfill re‐quired. *****OCM; P. O. Box 44487, BatonRouge LA70804-4487; Phone: (225) 342-2767; Email: maggie.james@la gov;OCM Reviewer: MaggieJames; CUPNUM‐BER: P20250052 Name: Quantum Real Estate LLC c/oMiller Engineers & Assoc.,Inc.601 Main Street Franklin,LA70538 Attn: Matthew Fore Loca‐tion: SaintMaryParish, LA; Lat. 29-43-0.16N, Long. 91-52-36.92W;Sec‐tion19T15S R6E; Lot#4; Parcel#1034364182.00; Sub Name Cypremort Point Lots AuxiliaryPlat No. 5; 248 Sunset Blvd Cypremort PointDescrip‐tion: Proposed reclama‐tionand installation of a new bulkhead on Vermil‐lionBay andproposed dredging, fill, reclama‐tion, andinstallationof a new bulkhead and boathouse with timber docks on BayouCypre‐
PUBLIC NOTICESusanTitus,Administra‐tor of theSuccessionof AlexWright, ProbateNo. 111066Sec:23, 19th Judi‐cialDistrictCourt,East Baton RougeParish,
