A federal judge in Baton Rouge has issued a preliminary injunction to stop Louisiana from moving forward with its first nitrogen gas execution March 18, though the state immediately moved to appeal her ruling.
ment?” Dick wrote in her ruling. She said Hoffman’s attorneys had proved enough to warrant a delay until she can fully consider the issue.
Attorneys for the state filed a notice of appeal within minutes of Dick releasing her ruling Tuesday afternoon.
U.S. District Court Judge Shelly
Dick granted the preliminary injunction Tuesday after a daylong hearing last week in which attorneys for condemned inmate Jessie Hoffman Jr argued that the state’s plan to kill him with nitrogen amounts to cruel and unusual punishment, which is forbidden under the Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. She also wrote that she was persuaded by arguments that death by a firing squad would be a quicker and more humane method, though it is not currently legal in Louisiana.
“Now, after an expedited hearing, and absent a fully developed record, this Court must answer the ultimate question: is nitrogen hypoxia cruel and unusual punishment under the Eighth Amend-
“Plaintiff has shown that nitrogen hypoxia superadds psychological pain, suffering, and terror to his execution when compared to execution by firing squad,” Dick added. “He has shown that execution by firing squad is a feasible and readily available alternative that the State has no legitimate penological reason for not adopting.”
Edwards, library reach compromise on funding
East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President Sid Edwards speaks during a news conference on Tuesday.
Deal lessens cuts, reroutes money from other areas
BY PATRICK SLOAN-TURNER Staff writer
Baton Rouge’s mayor said Tuesday he was scaling back his plan to shift some money that currently funds East Baton Rouge Parish libraries to pay for other priorities, saying it was a compromise with library supporters who feared the impact of budget cuts.
Edwards now also wants to reroute some money from the parish’s mosquito control program and the Council on Aging. All told the city-parish general fund would grow by $36.89 million annually and receive $52.4 million in one-time funds.
The money would be used to stabilize the parish budget, which is facing a deficit because the new city of St. George is tak-
ing ownership of its share of tax revenue. It can also fund pay raises for parish employees, including police, but a priority will be placed on restructure benefits first said Metro Council member Dwight Hudson.
The one-time money will be used to help pay off the city-parish’s debt, saving money in the long term on interest payments.
The new proposal would cut the library’s annual budget by about 25% instead of roughly 40%.
Edwards announced the new proposal a day before the Metro Council was set to vote on his previous plan.
“Today is a huge win for Baton Rouge,” Edwards said at a news conference Tuesday
The announcement comes after weeks of public pushback, with library supporters criticizing the mayor for going after the funds at town halls and meetings throughout the parish.
“Most of all, the most important thing here is we keep our dedicated millage. That is what we wanted most. We are very happy that we keep it.”
STOKES, East Baton Rouge Parish Library director ä See LIBRARY, page 7A
“We disagree with the district court’s ruling and are prepared to appeal swiftly to the 5th Circuit,” Attorney General Liz Murrill said. Cecelia Kappel, one of Hoffman’s attorneys, said they were grateful that the court recognized the risks to Hoffman’s constitutional rights posed by a “new and untested”
page 4A
FEMA overhaul seeks La. advice
Trump administration eyes agency’s
BY MARK BALLARD Staff writer
WASHINGTON President Donald Trump’s advisory council on FEMA’s future wants to hear from the Louisiana Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, said GOHS EP Director Jacques Thibodeaux. There could be many reasons. As the frequent target of hurricanes, floods and tornadoes, Louisiana has been working closely with the Federal Emergency Management Agency for 30 years to provide recovery and mitigation funds for individuals and local governments, Thibodeaux said. The federal agency has open programs in Louisiana for 10 disasters, giving the state’s emergency management officials more experience with the agency than those from most states.
Thibodeaux said the panel especially wants to hear how things worked with the local-state-federal coordination in providing security for the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras. The state wants federal reimbursement for its $50 million cost.
“I’ve already been asked by the Department of Homeland Security for them to share our process these last 65 days with FEMA and use it as a case study,” Thibodeaux said. “That was huge for us, for them to ask us the permission to use this as a case study and to and to bring us in front of the panel and ask us questions as subject matter
See FEMA, page 7A
BESE adds Gulf of America to school social studies standards
BY ELYSE CARMOSINO Staff writer
Louisiana’s state board of education voted unanimously Tuesday to align the state’s fourth and fifth grade social studies standards with President Donald Trump’s ex-
ecutive order mandating that the Gulf of Mexico be renamed to the Gulf of America. The board’s embrace of the name change, which sparked controversy when Trump announced it in January, means that Louisiana teachers will be encouraged to
refer to the body of water between Mexico and North America by the new name in classroom lessons, and all new fourth and fifth grade social studies materials — the two grades whose standards mention the Gulf in units on world history — will be required to reflect the
change moving forward. However, schools will not be required to replace their existing textbooks, state officials said.
To ensure Louisiana is aligned with the president’s order, “I recommend striking the name ‘Mexico’ and replacing it with ‘America’
in reference to the Gulf in Louisiana’s standards for social studies education,” state Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley, who has periodically dipped his toes into the U.S.’s education culture
ä See GULF, page 4A
Thibodeaux
STAFF PHOTOS By HILARy SCHEINUK
KATRINA
Chopper reported issue before crash killed 3
CANTON, Miss A medical helicopter that crashed in a wooded area in Mississippi reported “a flight control problem” shortly before a Monday crash that killed all three people on board, federal authorities said.
The pilot was going to attempt to land the helicopter in a field, according to radio traffic from the chopper to its company’s communications base. It crashed shortly after that and caught fire, authorities said.
Investigators found marks in trees consistent with the aircraft’s rotor striking them, National Transportation Safety Board member J. Todd Inman said at a Tuesday briefing near the crash site.
Killed were crew members Jakob Kindt, 37, of Tupelo, Mississippi, and Dustin Pope, 35, of Philadelphia, Mississippi, the University of Mississippi Medical Center said in a statement. The pilot, Cal Wesolowski, 62, of Starkville, Mississippi, also died. Wesolowski worked for MedTrans Corp., which partners with health care systems and agencies to provide medical flights.
The helicopter was returning to its base in Columbus, Mississippi, from a patient transport when it crashed in Madison County around 12:30 p.m. Monday, the University of Mississippi Medical Center’s vice chancellor for health affairs, Dr LouAnn Woodward, said at a news conference.
Pope’s doctors say he’s out of imminent danger
ROME Pope Francis participated remotely in the Vatican’s spiritual retreat Tuesday after getting good news from his doctors: They upgraded his prognosis and say he is no longer in imminent danger of death as a result of the respiratory infection that has kept him hospitalized for nearly a month in the longest and gravest threat to his 12-year papacy
The 88-year-old pope isn’t out of the woods yet, however Doctors are still cautious and have decided to keep him hospitalized for several more days to receive treatment, not to mention a period of rehabilitation he will likely need.
Dr Carmelo D’Asero, an infectious diseases specialist and expert in geriatric diseases, said Francis was clearly making slow and gradual progress, but still had not recovered fully. He said it remains to be seen how and when he can return to the Vatican, and whether he will need supplemental oxygen to breathe going forward “We must not forget that he has been hospitalized for one month,” said D’Asero, who is not involved in Francis’ care. He noted that the arrival of spring in Rome should help. Francis’ bronchitis typically flares during the winter months. Francis, who has chronic lung disease, is still using supplemental oxygen during the day and a ventilation mask at night to help him breathe.
TSA finds live turtle hidden in man’s pants
NEWARK, N.J A Pennsylvania man who was going through security at a New Jersey airport was found to have a live turtle concealed in his pants, according to the federal Transportation Security Administration.
The turtle was detected Friday after a body scanner alarm went off at Newark Liberty International Airport. A TSA officer then conducted a pat-down on the East Stroudsburg man and determined there was something concealed in the groin area of his pants. When questioned further, the man reached into his pants and pulled out the turtle, which was about 5 inches long and wrapped in a small blue towel. He said it was a red-ear slider turtle, a species that is popular as a pet.
The man — whose name was not released — was escorted from the checkpoint area by Port Authority police and ended up missing his flight. The turtle was confiscated, and it’s not clear if the turtle was the man’s pet or why he had it in his pants.
Thomas Carter, TSA’s Federal Security Director for New Jersey, said the incident remains under investigation, and it wasn’t clear if the man would face any charges or penalties.
U.S. resumes aid, info sharing with Ukraine
BY MATTHEW LEE Associated Press
JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia — The Trump administration lifted its suspension of military aid and intelligence sharing for Ukraine, and Kyiv signaled that it was open to a 30-day ceasefire in the war with Russia, pending Moscow’s agreement, American and Ukrainian officials said Tuesday following talks in Saudi Arabia.
The administration’s decision marked a sharp shift from only a week ago, when it imposed the measures to push Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to enter talks to end the war with invading Russian forces. The suspension of U.S. assistance came days after Zelenskyy and President Donald Trump argued about the war in a tense White House meeting.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who led the U.S. delegation to the talks in Jeddah, said Washington would present the ceasefire offer to the Kremlin, which has thus far opposed anything short of a permanent end to the conflict without accepting any concessions.
“We’re going to tell them this is what’s on the table. Ukraine is ready to stop shooting and start talking. And now it’ll be up to them to say yes or no,” Rubio told reporters after the talks. “If they say no, then we’ll unfortunately know what the impediment is to peace here.”
Trump’s national security adviser, Mike Waltz, added: “The Ukrainian delegation today made something very clear, that they share President Trump’s vision for peace.”
Tuesday’s discussions, which lasted for
nearly eight hours, appeared to put to rest, for the moment at least, the animosity between Trump and Zelenskyy that erupted during the Oval Office meeting last month.
Waltz said the negotiators “got into substantive details on how this war is going to permanently end,” including long-term security guarantees. And, he said, Trump agreed to immediately lift the pause in the supply of billions of of dollars of U.S. military aid and intelligence sharing.
Senior officials began meeting only hours after Russia shot down over 300 Ukrainian drones. It was Ukraine’s biggest attack since the Kremlin ordered the full-scale invasion of its neighbor Neither U.S. nor Ukrainian officials offered any comment on the barrage.
Trump said he hoped that an agreement could be solidified “over the next few days.”
“I know we have a big meeting with Russia tomorrow, and some great conversations hopefully will ensue,” Trump said. He did not elaborate.
The Kremlin had no immediate comment on the U.S. and Ukrainian statements Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said only that negotiations with U.S. officials could take place this week.
Trump ‘s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is expected to travel later this week to Moscow, where he could meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to a person familiar with the matter but not authorized to comment publicly The person cautioned that scheduling could change.
Philippine ex-leader Duterte being flown to The Hague to face charges
BY JIM GOMEZ Associated Press
MANILA, Philippines Philippine police arrested former President Rodrigo Duterte in Manila on Tuesday and sent him by plane to the Netherlands to face charges of crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court, President Ferdinand Marcos said.
The global court in The Hague had ordered Duterte’s arrest through Interpol after accusing him of crimes against humanity over deadly anti-drug crackdowns he oversaw while in office, Marcos said in a latenight news conference.
Duterte had been arrested at the Manila international airport Tuesday morning when he arrived with his family from Hong Kong.
Walking slowly with a cane, the 79-year-old former president turned briefly to a small group of aides and supporters, who wept and bid him goodbye, before an escort helped him into the plane.
His daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, said she sought entry to the airbase where her father was held but was refused.
She criticized the Marcos administration for surrendering her father to a foreign court which currently has no jurisdiction to the Philippines. Marcos said Duterte’s
arrest was “proper and correct” and not an act of political persecution, since the Philippines is a member of Interpol.
Among the most feared leaders in Asia while in power, Duterte became the first ex-leader from the region to be arrested by the global court.
Clad in a dark jacket, an irate Duterte protested his arrest after arrival in Manila and asked authorities the legal basis of his detention. His lawyers immediately asked the Supreme Court to block any attempt to transport him out of the Philippines
“Show to me now the legal basis for my being here,” Duterte asked authorities in remarks captured on video by his daughter, Veronica Duterte, who posted the footage on social media.
“You have to answer now
Columbia University under pressure as White House seeks to deport activists
By The Associated Press
NEW YORK The White House complained Tuesday that Columbia University is refusing to help federal agents find people being sought as part of the government’s effort to deport participants in pro-Palestinian demonstrations, as the administration continued to punish the school by yanking federal research dollars.
Immigration enforcement agents on Saturday arrested and detained Mahmoud Khalil, a legal U.S. resident and Palestinian activist who played a prominent part in protests at Columbia last year He is now facing possible deportation
President Donald Trump has vowed additional arrests. In a briefing with reporters in Washington, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said federal authorities have been “using intelligence” to identify other people involved in campus demonstrations critical of Israel that the administration considered to be antisemitic and “pro-Hamas.”
She said Columbia had been given names and was refusing to help the Department of Homeland Security “to identify those individuals on campus.”
“As the president said very strongly in his statement yesterday, he is not going to tolerate that,” Leavitt said.
A Columbia spokesperson didn’t immediately return a message seeking comment.
Last week, the Trump administration announced it was pulling $400 million in grants and contracts from Columbia, accusing the school of failing to stop antisemitism on campus. As part of those cuts, the National Institutes of Health late Monday it was cutting more than $250 million in funding, which included more than 400 grants.
X. Edward Guo, director of Columbia’s Bone Bioengineering Laboratory, posted a screenshot on X of an email he received notifying him that one of his NIH awards had been canceled “We understand this may be shocking news,” the email reads.
The university was wracked last spring by large demonstrations by students calling for an end to Israeli military action in Gaza and a recognition of Palestinians’ human rights and territorial claims. The university ultimately called in police to dismantle a protest encampment and end a student takeover of an administration building Khalil, 30, had been a spokesperson for the protesters He hasn’t been charged with any crimes, but Leavitt said the administration had moved to deport him under a section of the Immigration and Nationality Act that gives the secretary of state the power to deport a non-citizen if the government “has reasonable ground to believe” the person’s presence could have “serious adverse foreign policy consequences for the United States.” As of Tuesday, Khalil was being held at an immigration detention center in Louisiana. Civil rights groups and Khalil’s attorneys say the government is unconstitutionally using its immigration-control powers to stop him from speaking out. A federal judge set a hearing for Wednesday and ordered the government not to deport him in the meantime. Trump, a Republican, has suggested that some protesters support Hamas, the Palestinian militant group that attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and abducting 251. Israel responded with bombardment and other military offensives that have left over 48,000 Palestinians dead in Hamas-ruled Gaza. Israel says more than 17,000 were militants.
Trump heralded Khalil’s arrest as the first “of many to come,” vowing on social media to deport students the president described as engaging in “pro-terrorist, anti-Semitic anti-American activity.” Immigration agents also tried to arrest another international student at Columbia, but they weren’t allowed into an apartment where she was, according to a union representing the student.
The surprise arrest sparked a commotion at the airport, where Duterte’s lawyers and aides protested that they, along with a doctor, were prevented from coming close to him after he was taken into police custody
“This is a violation of his constitutional right,” Sen. Bong Go, a close Duterte ally, told reporters.
The ICC has been investigating mass killings in crackdowns overseen by Duterte when he served as mayor of the southern Philippine city of Davao and later as president.
Estimates of the death toll of the crackdown during Duterte’s presidential term vary, from the more than 6,000 that the national police have reported up to 30,000 claimed by human rights groups.
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By ROMAN CHOP
Soldiers of Ukraine’s 100th Mechanised Brigade hold posters saying thanks to the U.S. for support during a flash mob at a U.S.-made APC Bradley on the front line near Toretsk, Donetsk region, Ukraine, on Monday.
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By AARON FAVILA
Supporters rally outside Villamor Air Base after former President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested on Tuesday near Manila, Philippines.
Former first lady Alice Foster dies
BY TYLER BRIDGES Staff writer
Alice Foster, who as Loui-
siana’s first lady oversaw a refurbishment of the Governor’s Mansion and a statewide anti-litter campaign, died Thursday She was 84.
The wife of former Gov Mike Foster, she lived in Oaklawn Manor, the plantation house on Bayou Teche just outside Franklin in St. Mary Parish.
She and her husband, who died in 2020, had lived at Oak Lawn since before his election as governor in 1995.
Alice Foster accompanied Mike Foster during that campaign but didn’t seek the spotlight then or over the next eight years.
Leo Honeycutt, a morning talk show host on WBRZ-TV in Baton Rouge, got to know the Fosters from Mike Foster appearing on the program and Alice Foster accompanying him. Honeycutt attended prayer breakfasts at the Governor’s Mansion with the Fosters and others.
“I’d have to coach her before an interview to relax,” Honeycutt said, adding that Alice Foster was “very kind and lovely.”
Alice Foster performed the traditional role of first lady, hosting receptions at the Governor’s Mansion.
“She was quiet and retiring but was always available at political gatherings to support Mike in his efforts,” said Bernie Boudreaux, a former longtime district attorney for St. Mary, St. Martin and Iberia parishes before serving as Mike Foster’s executive counsel.
Alice Foster also threw herself into renovating her grand new home in Baton Rouge.
“When Mike and I walked
into the Governor’s Mansion, it was with a heavy heart that I beheld this beautiful, stately building so lacking in the grandeur of what my perception of a Governor’s Mansion should reflect and represent,” Alice Foster wrote years later “I asked Mike, ‘Can you afford to redo this place’? The Governor laughed and said, ‘No, I can’t, and neither can the state of Louisiana I agree the work is necessary and I agree it needs a lot of work, but we don’t have the money in the state budget. You’ll have to find it yourself.’” Alice Foster created an executive board, raised money and hired designers to “return the Mansion to its original splendor,” as she put it.
As first lady, she also promoted an anti-litter campaign known as Keep Louisiana Beautiful. The organization honors her work with an annual award in her name for an individual “whose life’s work has left a legacy in their community.”
A native of Portsmouth, Virginia, Alice Foster was married for 40 years to her husband.
She worked for her husband’s construction company, Bayou Sale Contractors, before he was elected governor Alice Foster had two children in a previous marriage — Paul West and Troy West and two stepchildren who were a product of Mike Foster’s previous marriage. They are Murphy Foster III and Ramelle Foster
A gathering of family and friends will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, followed by a funeral service there and burial next to her husband at Franklin Cemetery
Cassidy wants more info on vaccine efforts
BY MARK BALLARD Staff writer
WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-Baton Rouge, said Tuesday that he needs more information before he can comment on a string of Trump administration efforts to marginalize the use of vaccines to protect the public.
Cassidy, as chair of the Senate Health, Education Labor and Pensions committee, was instrumental in Robert F. Kennedy Jr winning confirmation as President Donald Trump’s secretary of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
A doctor who passionately believes vaccinations save lives, Cassidy said he extracted promises from Kennedy, one of the nation’s most prominent vaccine skeptics, that access to vaccinations would be protected and that vaccine criticism would be downplayed.
The past couple of weeks raise questions about those promises.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced last week another study into possible links between vaccinations and autism, a connection that Cassidy has said has been thoroughly disproven in many past studies And the National Institutes of Health announced Monday eliminating funding for vaccination-related research.
Meanwhile, Kennedy has downplayed vaccines during a measles outbreak that has seen 222 cases of measles reported in 12 states. Instead, Kennedy suggested alternatives, like taking Vitamin A and cod liver oil. He did not recommend parents vaccinate their children.
Kennedy says some research shows that the vaccine against the measles, mumps and rubella causes autism. Cassidy has said those studies were debunked.
The percentage of children being inoculated against measles has been dropping each year since 2019. More and more parents have opted to cite religious or philosophical reasons to exempt their children from the vaccination usually required to go to elementary school
A passionate promoter of vaccinations he created a private-public partnership to vaccinate 36,000 Baton Rouge area children against Hepatitis B at no cost — Cassidy recently has used his position to urge parents to immunize their children, particularly as the number of measles cases grow
When asked about Kennedy’s actions, Cassidy said, “Until I know the backstory, I’m not going to comment.”
During a hearing last week when the CDC autism research first came up, Cassidy quipped that some people still believe the earth is flat.
On Tuesday, Cassidy said he needs to do more research on what is being reported.
“Frankly, I’ve gotten conflicting signals on that,” he said.
He said some have told him that the CDC is beginning studies while others have said it’s just an idea being advanced.
And Monday, an internal NIH memo announced the National Institutes of Health would eliminate or drastically curtail grants that pay for research involving vaccinations, The Washington Post reported.
The Post published the email, which listed “awards that need to be terminated today.”
The termination notice should include the following language, according to the email: “It is the policy of NIH not to prioritize research activities that focuses gaining scientific knowledge on why individuals are hesitant to be vaccinated and/or explore ways to improve vaccine interest and commitment Therefore, the award is terminated,” the Post reported.
“I’ve not spoken to him about this particular headline this morning,” Cassidy said Tuesday, adding that sometimes the facts are different than reflected in a headline.
“I have found that people rush things out and then it’s just different when you find out more things And that’s why I’ll wait to react to the headline,” Cassidy said.
As head of the Senate Health Education Labor and Pensions committee and a physician for more 30 years before becoming politician Cassidy played a key role in Kennedy’s confirmation. Several Republicans were
vacillating, and Kennedy’s nomination was in peril until Cassidy announced his support.
To win his vote, Cassidy said Kennedy agreed to maintain a vaccination advisory board, work within established vaccine safety systems, and give Cassidy increased access to department decision-making.
“I will carefully watch for any effort to wrongfully sow
public fear about vaccines between confusing references of coincidence and anecdote,” Cassidy said in a speech explaining his decision.
Cassidy is running for reelection next year. He faces competition from the far right because he voted to convict Trump on impeachment charges in 2021 and because he has been willing to negotiate with Democrats.
BY MICHELLE GUMEDE Associated Press
JOHANNESBURG A bus lost control and flipped on a highway early Tuesday near Johannesburg’s international airport, killing 16 as some were thrown from the vehicle, the transport ministry said. Ministry spokesman Collen Msibi said 12 people died at the scene and four at a hospital. Msibi said reports indicated that 11 passengers were critically injured and 24 had moderate to serious injuries.
Ekurhuleni municipality
Two bodies were trapped in the wreckage, Ntladi said. Handbags, a lunch box and a water bottle were scattered among the debris.
“On arrival we found patients lying across the road,” said William Ntladi, an emergency management spokesperson for the
The crash occurred near Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport. No other vehicle was involved, and officials weren’t yet able to determine the cause.
PHOTO PROVIDED By STEVEN FORSTER
Gov. Mike Foster and his wife Alice at an art showing of sculptor Don Gomez’s work at the home of attorneys Stuart Smith and Barry Cooper on Oct 3, 2001.
lethal gas execution method
“This order gives everyone a chance to have a full trial on the merits before Jessie is executed, and we look forward to the opportunity to continue presenting the court with evidence proving that this method risks inflicting torture on Jessie at the time of his death,” Kappel said.
Hoffman, 46, testified at Friday’s hearing, asking the state to find a different method to put him to death. He described being a Buddhist and using Buddhist meditation and breathing techniques to calm himself down.
His attorneys argued that being forced to breathe nitrogen gas would affect Hoffman’s ability to practice his religion at his time of death, but Dick rejected that argument.
State officials sought to convince Dick that breathing in nitrogen gas amounted to a relatively quick and painless death, noting that the state cannot find pharmaceutical companies willing to supply drugs for executions.
They said Louisiana closely followed Alabama’s execution protocol for nitrogen gas. Alabama is the only state to have tried the method, using it on four death row inmates since last year Federal courts in Alabama have declined to stop those executions
rate reaches a flatline on an EKG for five minutes, whichever is longer Two anesthesiologists testified at the hearing. Dr Joseph Antognini, a clinical researcher from California, testified for the state that nitrogen gas would lead to a fairly quick and painless death.
But Dr Philip Bickler the chief of neuro-anesthesia at the University of California-San Francisco Medical Center, testified for Hoffman’s team about how the execution method would feel to Hoffman as if he was drowning.
Bickler, who studies hypoxia, testified that the nitrogen gas would make someone feel like they are being asphyxiated and cause psychological terror
would be using the same cocktail of drugs that are used in physicianassisted suicide in states where it’s legal.
Dick found that the state would encounter the same problems trying to obtain those drugs as with lethal injection drugs Many pharmaceutical companies have banned the state from using their drugs in executions and have threatened to withhold their other drugs if Louisiana were to ignore those orders.
Dick ruled that Hoffman would suffer irreparable harm without the preliminary injunction.
wars since his appointment in 2020, told the board Tuesday
The president’s order has spurred a partisan debate, with some states and school districts embracing the name change, saying it promotes Trump’s “America first” platform, as others vocally reject it. In Louisiana, the Jefferson Parish Council voted against adopting the name on district maps last month, calling the resolution “inherently divisive.”
Meanwhile, the majority-Republican state board’s move falls in line with views expressed by Gov Jeff Landry, who said in February that Louisiana would “absolutely”
But Dick ruled that a key difference between the two states was that Alabama waited about five months between finalizing its nitrogen gas protocol and using it to put someone to death. Louisiana served Hoffman with a death warrant shortly after finalizing its execution protocol on Feb. 7.
“Here, Louisiana finalized its protocol in the eleventh hour, allowing Hoffman virtually no time to seek redress,” wrote Dick, who was appointed to the bench by former President Barack Obama.
She also referenced the state’s decision to cloak the execution protocol in secrecy, which meant that Hoffman could not review it until a few days before Friday’s hearing. The state moved to seal the execution protocol from public
adopt the name change on state maps and other documents.
“I think it’s a good thing,” board member Kevin Berken said.
While teachers are encouraged to refer to the new name during lessons, the board’s vote does not mean schools will be required to replace their current teaching materials, department spokesman Ted Beasley said. However, he said the agency is working with publishers of fourth- and fifth-grade social studies materials to ensure the updates are incorporated into new materials.
School systems are free to choose which curriculum materials to use, but they are required to teach the state’s learning standards. The state also administers annual tests that assess students’ knowledge of the standards.
view, but later agreed to have it unsealed, in redacted form after an attorney for The Times-Picayune | The Advocate asked about intervening in the case. “The public has an interest in knowing how its government operates,” Dick wrote. “The obfuscation of the protocol by the State is deleterious to the public’s interest.”
Louisiana has retrofitted its execution chamber at Angola with exhaust fans and oxygen monitors for the new method. State officials plan to strap Hoffman to a gurney fit a full-face respirator mask onto him and pump pure nitrogen gas into the mask at a flow rate of 70 liters per minute, according to the state’s newly unsealed protocol.
The gas will flow for either 15 minutes or until Hoffman’s heart
It’s not the first time Louisiana’s education chief has aligned with the president’s conservative agenda.
In April, Brumley supported a lawsuit brought by Gov Jeff Landry and state Attorney General Liz Murrill against former president Joe Biden over a new law banning discrimination against students based on their gender or sexual identity Brumley, who was one of a handful of names floated in January to lead the country’s Education Department under Trump, ordered schools to ignore the directive a move that earned him praise from conservative groups.
A month later, Brumley announced that Louisiana teachers would be allowed to show their students videos created by PragerU, a right-wing media nonprofit known
Dick wrote that she credited Bickler’s testimony over Antognini’s, saying that the latter’s opinions “are untested scientific hypotheses.”
“The Court is convinced by Dr Bickler’s testimony and by common sense that the deprivation of oxygen to the lungs causes a primal urge to breathe and feelings of intense terror when inhalation does not deliver oxygen to the lungs,” she wrote.
Hoffman made two other arguments that Dick rejected.
He argued that he had the right to have an attorney present at the time of his execution, but Dick rejected it, citing 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals precedent.
Hoffman also argued that another, more humane way to die
for its “pro-America” content. The state also adopted new social studies standards, which Brumley referred to as the “Freedom Framework.”
In a statement, the superintendent said Louisiana was the first state to adopt standards “that teach students about American exceptionalism and our quest for a more perfect union.”
This month, Brumley expressed support for Trump’s bid to shut down the U.S. Department of Education.
Trump’s executive order to rename the Gulf of Mexico refers to its influential role in the U.S. economy, noting that the basin is one of the “most prodigious oil and gas regions in the world.”
“It is in the national interest to promote the extraordinary heri-
“The Court finds that the balance of equities and public interest weigh in favor of enjoining Hoffman’s March 18, 2025 execution through nitrogen hypoxia until the matter can be resolved at a trial on the merits,” Dick wrote.
“The Fifth Circuit holds that an injunction does not disserve the public interest when it prevents constitutional deprivations Stated another way, injunctions preventing the violation of constitutional rights are ‘always in the public interest.’”
Hoffman is on death row for the 1996 abduction, rape and killing of Mary “Molly” Elliott, who was walking to her car in New Orleans when Hoffman came upon her Elliott’s dead body was found by a duck hunter near the Middle Pearl River in St. Tammany Parish. Hoffman was 18 when he committed the crime and has spent most of his life on death row
tage of our Nation and ensure future generations of American citizens celebrate the legacy of our American heroes,” the order says. Most countries still refer to the Gulf by its original name, which it has kept for over 400 years, along with international news organizations, including The Associated Press.
Other states have made legislative moves to switch to using the Gulf of America in schools.
In Tennessee, a lawmaker proposed a resolution encouraging teachers to use that name when speaking with students.
In Alabama, Iowa and Florida, some bills are taking it a step further mandating that districts update their classroom materials to align with the federal order
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2024 BY THE NUMBERS
PATRON COUNTISALMOST 70%OFPARISH POPULATION OVERALL VISITOR GATE COUNTROSE TO 1,758,026 22,862 NEWLIBRARYCARDS ISSUED
5,191 IN-HOUSE PROGRAMS WITH 95,458 ATTENDEES DATABASE ACCESSED 41.1 MILLION TIMES 2,850,940 ITEMS CIRCULATED
MAKERSPACES WERE USED BY 3,471 PATRONS 11TH ANNUAL BATONROUGE MAKER FAIRE® COMPLETED THE NEW SOUTH BRANCH LIBRARY& SCOTLANDVILLEBRANCH LIBRARYARCHIVES ANNEX NEWLIBRARYDIRECTOR KATRINA STOKES BATONROUGE
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Department of Education cuts half its staff
More than 1,300 workers laid off
BY COLLIN BINKLEY and MORIAH BALINGIT Associated Press
WASHINGTON The Education Department plans to lay off more than 1,300 of its employees as part of an effort to halve the organization’s staff — a prelude to President Donald Trump’s plan to dismantle the agency Department officials announced the cuts Tuesday raising questions about the agency’s ability to continue usual operations.
The Trump administration had already been whittling the agency’s staff, though buyout offers and the termination of probationary employees. After Tuesday’s layoffs, the Education Department’s staff will sit at roughly half of its previous 4,100, the agency said.
The layoffs are part of a dramatic downsizing directed by Trump as he moves to reduce the footprint of the federal government. Thousands of jobs are expected to be cut across the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Social Security Administration and other agencies.
The department is also terminating leases on buildings in cities including New York, Boston, Chicago and Cleveland, officials said Department officials said it would continue to deliver on its key functions such as the distribution of federal aid to schools, student loan management and oversight of Pell Grants
Education Secretary Linda McMahon said when she got to the department, she wanted to reduce bloat to be able to send more money to local education authorities.
“So many of the programs are really excellent, so we need to make sure the money goes to the states,” McMahon said in an interview Tuesday on Fox News.
McMahon told employees to brace for profound cuts in a memo issued March 3, the day she was confirmed by the Senate. She said it was the department’s “final mis-
sion” to eliminate bureaucratic bloat and turn over the agency’s authority to states.
The department sent an email to employees Tuesday telling them its Washington headquarters and regional offices would be closed Wednesday, with access forbidden, before reopening Thursday. The only reason given for the closures was unspecified “security reasons.
Trump campaigned on a promise to close the department saying it had been overtaken by “radicals, zealots and Marxists.” At McMahon’s confirmation hearing, she acknowledged only Congress has the power to abolish the agency but said it might be due for cuts and a reorganization.
Whether the cuts will be felt by America’s students — as Democrats and advocates fear — is yet to be seen. Already there are concerns the administration’s agenda has pushed aside some of the agency’s most fundamental work, including the enforcement of civil rights for students with disabilities and the management of $1.6 trillion in federal student loans.
McMahon told lawmakers at her hearing that her aim is not to defund core programs but to make them more efficient.
Even before the layoffs, the Education Department was among the smallest Cabinet-level agencies.
Its workforce included 3,100 people in Washington and an additional 1,100 at regional offices
across the country according to a department website.
The department’s workers had faced increasing pressure to quit their jobs since Trump took office, first through a deferred resignation program and then through a $25,000 buyout offer that expired March 3.
Jeanne Allen, of the Center for Education Reform, which advocates for charter school expansion, said the cuts were important and necessary
“Ending incessant federal interference will free up state and local leaders to foster more opportunities to give schools and educators true flexibility and innovation to address the needs of students, wherever they are educated,” Allen said.
Some advocates were skeptical of the department’s claim that its functions would not be affected by the layoffs.
“I don’t see at all how that can be true,” said Roxanne Garza, who was chief of staff in the Office of Postsecondary Education under President Joe Biden.
Much of what the department does, like investigating civil rights complaints and helping families apply for financial aid, is labor intensive, said Garza, who is now director of higher education policy at Education Trust, a research and advocacy organization. “How those things will not be impacted with far fewer staff I just don’t see it.”
ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By JOSE LUIS MAGANA
The U.S Department of Education on Tuesday announced plans to lay off more than 1,300 of its employees as part of an effort to halve the organization’s staff — the first step in President Donald Trump’s effort to dismantle the agency.
Library leaders said the new plan was an acceptable compromise. Standing next to Edwards at the news conference, Assistant Library Director Mary Stein said system leaders “truly appreciate the many hours the Mayor’s Office, the mayor, Metro Council and the community have spent” working out that compromise.
“Most of all, the most important thing here is we keep our dedicated millage,” said Library Director Katrina Stokes. “That is what we wanted most. We are very happy that we keep it.”
FEMA
Continued from page 1A
experts in the field. That’s what we’re really excited about.”
Also, Thibodeaux said, the investigative council wants to hear about the working relationship between more than a dozen city, state and federal agencies over the past two months. It’s the basic review of who is in charge of what, how the various agencies communicated to act efficiently, and how much it cost.
The New Year’s Day terrorist attack on Bourbon Street threw the security apparatus into high gear New Orleans hosted the Super Bowl, which was already classified to receive the highest security available. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security then upgraded Mardi Gras, at least in New Orleans, to the same Special Event Assessment Rating, called SEAR-1.
No other city except New York after 9/11 had to juggle two SEAR-1 events in such a short period of time after a terrorist attack, Thibodeaux said.
Louisiana spent roughly $50 million in preparing for responding to, and standing down afterward two high security events that meshed
Stein and Stokes stated that under the new plan, libraries will be able to stay open during nights and weekends — an improvement over the previous version, which put those hours at risk
The new proposal — renamed “Thrive! East Baton Rouge” — would keep the library separate from the city-parish general fund. That was a key concern for library leaders, who feared it would open the system to more cuts down the road. But the plan would rededicate 2.8 mills of the library’s 11.1-mill property tax millage to the general fund, shrinking its annual budget from $64 million to $48.14 million.
A mill is $1 of tax on every $1,000 of assessed property value.
Most members of the Metro Council, including both Democrats and Republicans, joined Edwards at the podium Tuesday “Wecameupwithaplantogether,” said Metro Council member Jennifer Racca, a Republican. “I couldn’t be prouder to serve alongside this bipartisan group of leaders.” In addition to rerouting recurring money from the budget, Edwards also plans to take some of the estimated $92 million the library has saved up. But his new plan would take $52.4 million instead of $75 million, as previously proposed.
Edwards’ administration has called that pot of money a “surplus,” arguing it is evidence the library collects more taxes than it
needs. Library leaders instead call it a “fund balance,” saying they need it to pay for major capital projects since they operate independently of city-parish government.
The plan would also rededicate $3.77 million annually from mosquito control and $1.4 million from the Council on Aging.
The mayor’s original proposal is still on the agenda for Wednesday’s Metro Council meeting, but the item will either need to be removed or voted down before the new version goes before the council in coming weeks.
Because of open meetings rules, a publichearingmuststillbeheldover the old plan on Wednesday, which means the public can come share
their thoughts with the council.
The new plan could to be introduced at a council meeting on March 26 before a public hearing and vote both take place April 23.
Any millage — including the mayor’s new plan — needs seven votes from council members in order to appear on voters’ ballots in October Eleven members of Metro Council stood alongside the mayor during his announcement Tuesday Edwards seemed confident the plan would pass. “This feels good to see everybody together and unified,” he said. Email Patrick Sloan-Turner at patrick.sloan-turner@ theadvocate.com.
federal air, sea and intelligence assets as well as onthe-ground law enforcement and SWAT teams — all of which needed to gel with established practices of local, parish and state agencies, Thibodeaux said.
“We have shown them that we can help in the federal mission and with this cost and have FEMA come forward and absorb that cost,” Thibodeaux said. “We’re hoping that Louisiana is used as a model on how the federal government can serve as a financial resource where the state is responsible for its own response recovery to events.”
FEMA is responding to more disasters each year — about 1,400 hurricanes, wildfires, floods and tornadoes over the past decade. Over the past four years, FEMA has provided more than $12 billion to individuals and $133 billion to state and local governments, tribal nations, territories and some nonprofits to help in recovery efforts.
The growing expense has some conservatives talking about reducing the federal government’s role. Many of the individuals and local governments are frustrated with the rules and regulations involved in transferring money from the federal to state to parish and local levels.
FEMA also is in charge of the National Flood Insurance Program that provides coverage for damage caused by rising water, which most private insurers refuse to sell. The program has been under scrutiny because premium prices recently were adjusted to better align with recovery costs, making the insurance too expensive for business and homeowners in much of Louisiana’s floodprone areas.
Trump ordered in January a Federal Emergency Management Agency Review Council begin in April to review FEMA’s missions, regulations, protocols and spending of the disaster agency and come up with recommendations by summer on what to do up to abolish the disaster agency and return its functions to the states.
The council’s charter states: “The Federal responses to Hurricane Helene and other recent disasters demonstrate the need to drastically improve FEMA’s efficacy, priorities, and competence, including evaluating whether FEMA’s bureaucracy in disaster response ultimately harms the agency’s ability to successfully respond. Despite obligating nearly $30 billion in disaster aid each of the past three years, FEMA has managed to leave vul-
Everyonewants to avoidtax.Whenpeoplethink about avoiding taxes, they usually thinkabout avoiding income tax. But, Louisianaresidents have to be concernedwithseveraltypesoftaxeswhentheyareplanningtheirestates
FederalEstateTax–DidYouKnow?
Thefederal estate taxappliestoestates of peoplewho areresidents in anyof the50states. When it applies, it is significant. Essentially,whena person dies, we have to addupthe fair market valueofeverythingthe deceased owned–their house, cars, bank accounts, IRA’s, 401(k)’s,lifeinsurance, stock, businessestheyown,real estate andmore. Since2013, newfederal estate tax lawswerepassed.Theexemptionamountis$13,610,000fordeathsoccurringin 2024,andtheestatetaxrateis40%
$13,990,000
WhatAboutTheSurvivingSpouse?
Before 2010, each spousehad an estate taxexemption.Ifthe estate of thefirst spousetodie didnot usetheir exemption, it wouldbelostand thesurviving spousecouldnotuseanyoftheexemptionofthefirstspousetodie.Howeverin 2013, “portability”was kept in place –the survivingspousecan now increase theirexemptionbytheamountoftheunusedexemptionamount ofthedeceased spousewhodiedafter2010. Butportabilitymustbeexercisedtimely
HowToAvoidCapitalGainsTax
Thetaxthatoftencreepsuponpeoplepeopleiscapitalgainstax.Capitalgains is paid when you sell an assetthathas appreciated in value. Example: you buy astockfor$20,000andlatersellthestockfor$100,000.Youwillhave$80,000 ofcapitalgain,andyoumustpaytaxonthis.Howyoustructureyourbequests to your spouseand your familycan have asignificantimpact on how much capitalgainstaxyourheirswillhavetopay.Whenyoudie,yourassetswillbe “stepped-up”andyourheirswillgetanewvalue
•Ensurethatyourheirsreceiveastep-upintaxbasis–notjustwhenthefirst spousediesbutagainwhenthesurvivingspousedies; •Utilizethe2024annualgifttaxexclusiontomakegiftsof$18,000peryearper person duringyourlifetime to reduce your taxableestateatyour death…and MUCHMORE!
nerable Americans without the resources or support they need when they need it most.”
The council is co-chaired by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Kristi Noem, secretary of the Department of Homeland Secu-
rity, which oversees FEMA. No more than 20 members, including relevant agency heads and experts from outside the federal government, will be appointed to the council by Trump. The council also will organize subcommittees with exper-
tise in disaster relief and assistance, emergency preparedness, natural disasters, budget management, and how federal-state relationships actually operate. Thibodeaux said the council is turning to Louisiana as one of those experts.
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Trump halts doubling of tariffs on Canadian metals
BY JOSH BOAK, ROB GILLIES and MICHELLE PRICE Associated Press
WASHINGTON President Don-
ald Trump’s threat on Tuesday to double his planned tariffs on steel and aluminum from 25% to 50% for Canada led the provincial government of Ontario to suspend its planned surcharges on electricity sold to the United States.
As a result, the White House trade adviser Peter Navarro said the U.S. president pulled back on his doubling of steel and aluminum tariffs, even as the federal government still plans to place a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports starting Wednesday
The drama on Tuesday delivered a win for Trump but also amplified concerns about tariffs that have roiled the stock market and stirred recession risks. Tuesday’s escalation and cooling in the ongoing trade war between the United States and Canada only compounded the rising sense of uncertainty of how Trump’s tariff hikes will
affect the economies of both countries.
Trump shocked markets Tuesday morning by saying that the increase of the tariffs set to take effect on Wednesday had been a response to the 25% price hike that Ontario put on electricity sold to the United States.
“I have instructed my Secretary of Commerce to add an ADDITIONAL 25% Tariff, to 50%, on all STEEL and ALUMINUM COMING INTO THE UNITED STATES FROM CANADA, ONE OF THE HIGHEST TARIFFING NATIONS ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD,”
Trump posted on Truth Social.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford said on Tuesday afternoon that U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick called him and Ford agreed to remove the surcharge. He said he was confident that the U.S. president would also stand down on his own plans for 50% tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum.
“He has to bounce it off the president but I’m pretty confident he will pull back,” Ford said on
Trump’s steel and aluminum tariff threat. “By no means are we just going to roll over What we are going to do is have a constructive conversation.”
After a brutal stock market selloff on Monday and further jitters Tuesday, Trump faces increased pressure to show he has a solid plan to grow the economy So far the president is doubling down on tariffs and can point to Tuesday’s drama as evidence that taxes on imports are a valuable negotiating tool, even if they can generate turmoil in the stock market.
Trump suggested Tuesday that tariffs were critical for changing the U.S. economy regardless of stock market gyrations.
The U.S. president has given a variety of explanations for his antagonism of Canada. He has said that his separate 25% tariffs on all imports from Canada, some of which are suspended for a month, are about fentanyl smuggling and voicing objections to Canada putting high taxes on dairy imports that penalize U.S. farmers. He also
Republicans advance a government funding bill
BY KEVIN FREKING Associated Press
WASHINGTON House Republicans passed a critical test of their unity Tuesday on legislation to avoid a partial government shutdown, teeing up a final vote in the afternoon for a measure that keeps federal agencies funded through September Speaker Mike Johnson, RBenton, moved ahead on the bill despite the lack of buy-in from Democrats essentially daring them to oppose it and risk a shutdown that would begin Saturday if lawmakers fail to act. Republicans needed overwhelming support from their members on the procedural vote, and they got it. Next, they’ll look to pass the measure and send it to the Senate, where it will likely need support from at least eight Senate Democrats to get to President Donald Trump’s desk. It’s one of the biggest legislative tests so far of the Republican president’s second term, prompting Vice President JD Vance to visit Capitol Hill on Tuesday morning to rally support.
“We have to keep the government in operation,” Johnson said as he emerged from the House Republican meeting. “It’s a fundamental responsibility of ours. The vice president echoed that sentiment. It was very well received and very well delivered.”
The strategy has the backing of Trump, who is calling on Republicans to “remain UNITED — NO DISSENT — Fight for another day when the timing is right.”
Lawmakers said the bill would trim $13 billion in non-defense spending from the levels in the 2024 budget year and increase defense spending by $6 billion, which are rather flat chang-
es for both categories when compared with an overall topline of nearly $1.7 trillion in discretionary spending. The bill does not cover the majority of government spending, including Social Security and Medicare. Funding for those two programs is on autopilot and not regularly reviewed by Congress.
Democrats are mostly worried about the discretion the bill gives the Trump administration on spending decisions They are already alarmed by the administration’s efforts to make major cuts through the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, run by billionaire Trump adviser Elon Musk. And they say the spending bill would fuel the effort.
Spending bills typically come with specific funding directives for key programs, but hundreds of those directives fall away under the legislation, according to a memo released by Senate Democrats So the administration will have more leeway to reshape priorities.
For example, the Democratic memo said the bill would allow the administration to steer money away from combating fentanyl and instead use it on mass deportation initiatives.
“This is not a clean CR. This bill is a blank check,” said Rep Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut, the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee “It’s a blank check for Elon Musk and President Trump.”
Normally, when it comes to keeping the government fully open for business, Republicans have had to work with Democrats to craft a bipartisan measure that both sides can support. That’s because Republicans almost always lack the votes to pass spending bills on their own.
This time, Republican leaders pushed for a vote despite overwhelming Democratic opposition. Trump is showing an ability this term to hold Republicans in line He met with several of the House chamber’s most conservative members last week.
continued to call for Canada to become part of the United States as a solution, which has infuriated Canadian leaders.
“The only thing that makes sense is for Canada to become our cherished Fifty First State,” Trump posted Tuesday “This would make all Tariffs, and everything else, totally disappear.”
Incoming Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said his government will keep tariffs in place until Americans show respect and commit to free trade after Trump threatened historic financial devastation for his country Carney, who will be sworn in as Justin Trudeau’s replacement in coming days, said Trump’s latest tariffs are an attack on Canadian workers, families and businesses.
“My government will keep our tariffs on until the Americans show us respect and make credible, reliable commitments to free and fair trade,” Carney said in a statement. Canadian officials are planning retaliatory tariffs in response to
Trump’s specific steel and aluminum tariffs. Those are expected to be announced Wednesday Carney was referring to an initial $21 billion worth of retaliatory tariffs that have been applied on items like American orange juice, peanut butter, coffee, appliances, footwear, cosmetics, motorcycles and certain pulp and paper products.
Trump also has targeted Mexico with 25% tariffs because of his dissatisfaction over drug trafficking and illegal immigration, though he suspended the taxes on imports that are compliant with the 2020 USMCA trade pact for one month. Asked if Mexico feared it could face the same 50% tariffs on steel and aluminum as Canada, President Claudia Sheinbaum, said “No, we are respectful.”
Trump was set to deliver a Tuesday afternoon address to the Business Roundtable, a trade association of CEOs that during the 2024 campaign he wooed with the promise of lower corporate tax rates for domestic manufacturers.
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By J SCOTT APPLEWHITE
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-Benton, right, departs a news conference, joined by, from left, Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn.,
RIVOLI
Correction officers greet each other during a shift change at Auburn Correctional Facility in Auburn, N.y on the first day back to work after the strike ended Monday
N.Y. fires 2,000 prison guards after strike
BY MICHAEL HILL Associated Press
ALBANY, N.Y New York
fired more than 2,000 prison guards Monday for failing to return to work after a weekslong wildcat strike that crippled the state’s correctional system, but said enough officers had come back on the job to declare the illegal work stoppage over
“After 22 days of an illegal strike, the governor and I are happy to report it is now ended,” Commissioner Daniel Martuscello said during a virtual press briefing.
The state and the guards’ union struck a new deal to end the strike this weekend, but it was contingent on at least 85% of staff returning to work by Monday morning Although the number returning fell short of the 85% goal, Martuscello said the state would honor the deal’s overtime and some other provisions. He said the National Guard would remain in place at prisons in a support position while the department undertakes an aggressive recruiting campaign to attract additional employees. About 10,000 security staff are available to work in prisons across the state, he said, down from about 13,500 before the wildcat strike.
“Termination letters have been sent to over 2,000 officers who remained on strike. Officers and sergeants who did not have preapproved medical leave and didn’t return by this morning, 6:45 a.m. deadline, have been terminated effective immediately,” Martuscello said.
An email seeking comment was sent to the guards’ union, the New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association.
Guards upset over working conditions began illegally walking off the job Feb. 17 at many state prisons, forcing Gov Kathy Hochul to send National Guard troops in to maintain
operations Inmates have complained about deteriorating conditions behind bars since the walkout. And the death of a 22-yearold man this month at a prison near Utica is being investigated by a special prosecutor
The walkout violates a state law barring strikes by most public employees and was not sanctioned by the guards’ union Two previous deals aimed at ending the strike failed to coax enough guards back to end the crisis.
Like the other deals, this one addresses a key complaint of the striking guards with a 90-day suspension of a provision of a state law that limits the use of solitary confinement. Guards will work 12-hour shifts and the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision will not discipline officers who participated in the strike if they returned by the Monday deadline. Multiple inmates have died since the walkouts began, though it was unclear if strike-related prison conditions played a role in the deaths.
Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick is investigating the death of Messiah Nantwi at Mid-State Correctional Facility on March 1 as a special prosecutor Authorities have declined to provide details, but a court filing by the attorney general’s office said there is “probable cause to believe” that as many as nine correctional officers either caused or could be implicated in his death.
Fifteen prison staffers were placed on leave following Nantwi’s death It is the second criminal investigation into a state prison inmate death in recent months.
Six guards were charged with murder last month in the December death of Robert Brooks, who was incarcerated at the Marcy Correctional Facility, across the street from the Mid-State prison
Uganda deploys special forces to South Sudan
BY RODNEY MUHUMUZA Associated Press
KAMPALA, Uganda Uganda has deployed an unknown number of troops to South Sudan in a bid to protect the fragile government of President Salva Kiir as a tense rivalry with his deputy threatens a return to civil war in the east African nation.
Ugandan special forces have been deployed to Juba, the South Sudanese capital, “to support the government of South Sudan” against a possible rebel advance on the city said Maj. Gen. Felix Kulayigye, a spokesperson for the Ugandan military
“We sent a force there two days ago,” he said. “We are not there for peacekeeping.”
In deploying Ugandan soldiers to Juba, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni moved as a guarantor of the peace process that keeps Kiir and Machar together in a delicate government of national unity Kulayigye told The Associated Press
Tuesday Kiir and Museveni are allies, and Museveni has in the past intervened in the South Sudan conflict to keep Kiir in power
The deployment of Ugandan troops to South Sudan underscores rising tensions in the oil-producing country that has been plagued by political instability and violence since it gained independence from Sudan in 2011.
The U.S. on Sunday ordered nonemergency government personnel to leave Juba. The U.N. is warning of “an alarming regression that could erase years of hard-won progress” in South Sudan.
The latest tensions stem from fighting in the country’s north between government troops and a rebel militia, known as the White Army, that’s widely believed to be allied with Machar
Last week a South Sudanese general was among several people killed when a United Nations helicopter on a mission to evacuate government troops from the town of Nasir, the scene of the fighting in Upper Nile state, was shot at. Earlier in the week, after the White Army overran the military garrison in Nasir, government troops surrounded Machar’s home in Juba and several of his allies were arrested. Deputy army chief Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam, who is seen as loyal to Machar was among those detained.
Kiir had angered Machar’s group earlier in the year by firing officials seen as loyal to Machar, who has charged that “persistent violations through unilateral decisions and decrees threaten the very existence” of their peace pact.
Kiir urged calm after last week’s helicopter incident, saying in a statement that his government “will handle this crisis and we will remain steadfast in the path of peace.”
Civil war erupted in South Sudan in late 2013 when a rift between Kiir and Machar escalated into fighting along
al leaders and the international community, Kiir and Machar signed a peace deal in 2018 and Machar returned to Juba as South Sudan’s first vice president.
But the political rivalry between South Sudan’s top two leaders — with Kiir suspicious of his deputy’s ambitions and Machar calling Kiir a dictator — remains an obstacle to lasting peace. Both men have been accused of violating multiple ceasefires.
ethnic lines. Kiir, an ethnic Dinka, accused a group of soldiers loyal to Machar, an ethnic Nuer, of trying to take power by force.
Machar escaped Juba, and later rebels loyal to him came close to capturing
Juba but were repulsed by a combined force of South Sudanese soldiers loyal to Kiir and Ugandan special forces.
More than 400,000 people were killed in the 5-year civil war that followed. With the support of region-
Kiir and Machar are under pressure from the U.S. and others to more quickly implement the 2018 peace deal and prepare for elections. Challenges include the government’s failure to implement promised reforms such as completing the unification of the army command.
Presidential elections, repeatedly postponed, are now scheduled for 2026.
ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By SAM MEDNICK
South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir, left, and Vice President Riek Machar, right, shake hands after meetings in Juba, South Sudan, on Oct. 20, 2019, to discuss outstanding issues to the peace deal.
THE CITIZEN PHOTO By KEVIN
Report: Majority of world’s population breathes dirty air
BY SIBI ARASU Associated Press
BENGALURU, India Most of the world has dirty air, with just 17% of cities globally meeting air pollution guidelines a report Tuesday found.
Switzerland-based air quality monitoring database IQAir analyzed data from 40,000 air quality monitoring stations in 138 countries and found that Chad, Congo, Bangladesh, Pakistan and India had the dirtiest air India had six of the nine most polluted cities with the industrial town of Byrnihat in northeastern India the worst.
Experts said the real amount of air pollution might be far greater as many parts of the world lack the monitoring needed for more accurate data. In Africa, for example, there is only one monitoring station for every 3.7 million people.
More air quality monitors are being set up to counter the issue, the report said. This year, report authors were able to incorporate data from 8,954 new locations and around a thousand new monitors as a result of efforts to better monitor air pollution.
But last week, data monitoring for air pollution was dealt a blow when the U.S. State Department announced it would no longer make public its data from its embassies and consulates around the world.
Breathing in polluted air over a long period of time can cause respiratory illness, Alzheimer’s disease and cancer, said Fatimah Ahamad chief scientist and air pollution expert at Malaysia-based Sunway Centre for Planetary
4
BY COREY WILLIAMS Associated Press
TROY, Mich. — Four people have been charged in the death of a 5-year-old boy who was “incinerated” inside a pressurized oxygen chamber that exploded at a suburban Detroit medical facility, Michigan’s attorney general said Tuesday Thomas Cooper from Royal Oak, Michigan, was pronounced dead at the scene Jan. 31 at the Oxford Center in Troy His mother suffered burn wounds while trying to save her boy
“A single spark it appears ignited into a fully involved fire that claimed Thomas’s life within seconds,” Attorney General Dana Nessel said, adding many safeguards have been developed since “every such fire is al-
Health. The World Health Organization estimates that air pollution kills around 7 million people each year
Ahamad said much more needs to be done to cut air pollution levels. The WHO had earlier found that 99% of the world’s population lives in places that do not meet recommended air quality levels.
“If you have bad water, no water, you can tell people to wait for half an hour a day, the water will come. But if you have bad air, you cannot tell people to pause breathing,” she said.
Several cities like Beijing, Seoul, South Korea, and Rybnik in Poland have successfully improved their air quality through stricter regulations on pollution from vehicles, power plants and industry They’ve also promoted cleaner energy and invested in public transportation.
Another notable effort to curb severe air pollution was the Association of Southeast Asian Nations agreement on transboundary haze pollution Even though its had limited success so far ten countries in the region pledged to work together to monitor and curb pollution from large forest fires, a common occurrence in the region during dry seasons.
Shweta Narayan, a campaign lead at the Global Climate and Health Alliance, said many of the regions witnessing the worst air pollution are also places where planet-heating gases are released extensively through the burning of coal, oil and gas. Slashing planet-warming emissions to slow the heating up of the planet can also improve air quality, she said.
Plant cleanup exposes workers to radiation, stress
BY MARI YAMAGUCHI Associated Press
OKUMA, Japan The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant’s radiation levels have significantly dropped since the cataclysmic meltdown 14 years ago Tuesday Workers walk around in many areas wearing only surgical masks and regular clothes.
It’s a different story for those who enter the reactor buildings, including the three damaged in the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. They must use maximum protection — full facemasks with filters, multilayered gloves and socks, shoe covers, hooded hazmat coveralls and a waterproof jacket, and a helmet.
As workers remove melted fuel debris from the reactors in a monumental nuclear cleanup effort that could take more than a century, they are facing both huge amounts of psychological stress and dangerous levels of radiation.
The Associated Press, which recently visited the plant for a tour and interviews, takes a closer look.
A remote-controlled extendable robot with a tong had several mishaps including equipment failures before returning in November with a tiny piece of melted fuel from inside the damaged No. 2 reactor
That first successful test run is a crucial step in what will be a daunting, decadeslong decommissioning that must deal with at least 880 tons of melted nuclear fuel that has mixed with broken parts of internal structures and other debris inside the three ruined reactors.
Akira Ono, chief decommissioning officer at the Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, which manages the plant, says even the tiny sample gives officials a lot of information about the melted fuel. More samples are needed, however to make the work smoother when bigger efforts to remove the debris begin in the
reactor, which is one of two reactors that survived the tsunami. It has an identical design as No. 2.
Radiation levels are still dangerously high inside the No. 2 reactor building, where the melted fuel debris is behind a thick concrete containment wall. Earlier decontamination work reduced those radiation levels to a fraction of what they used to be.
In late August, small groups took turns doing their work helping the robot in 15- to 30-minute shifts to minimize radiation exposure. They have a remotely controlled robot, but it has to be manually pushed in and out.
2030s.
A second sample-retrieval mission at the No. 2 reactor is expected in coming weeks.
Operators hope to send the extendable robot farther into the reactor to take
samples closer to the center, where overheated nuclear fuel fell from the core, utility spokesperson Masakatsu Takata said. He pointed out the target area as he stood inside the inner structure of the No. 5
“Working under high levels of radiation (during a short) time limit made us feel nervous and rushed,” said Yasunobu Yokokawa, a team leader for the mission. “It was a difficult assignment.”
most certainly fatal.”
The center’s founder and chief executive, Tamela Peterson, 58, is charged with second-degree murder Facility manager Gary Marken, 65, and safety manager Gary Mosteller, 64, are charged with second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter The operator of the chamber when it exploded, Aleta Moffitt, 60, is charged with involuntary manslaughter and intentionally placing false medical information on a medical records chart.
Each was arrested Monday Handcuffed at their waists, they entered not guilty pleas Tuesday before Troy District Court Magistrate Elizabeth Chiappelli
Assistant Attorney General Chris Kessel said during Peterson’s arraignment that
there was concern Peterson could flee and that she has access “to a considerable sum of money.”
Peterson’s lawyer Gerald Gleeson II had asked for a reasonable bond.
Chiappelli set bond at $2 million for Peterson, $250,000 each for Marken and Mosteller, and $100,000 for Moffitt.
NBC News reported the family’s attorney said the boy received multiple sessions for sleep apnea and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder These conditions aren’t among those approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for marketing of hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatment — a fact reiterated by Nessel, who described the boy’s treatment as “unsupported by medical science.”
ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By EUGENE HOSHIKO
A worker in hazmat suit walks around Feb 20 at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, operated by Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, in Okuma town, northeastern Japan.
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Mother pleads not guilty in landmark case
Daughter was allegedly given abortion-inducing pills
BY MATT BRUCE Staff writer
A Port Allen woman ensnared
in Louisiana’s landmark abortion prosecution pleaded not guilty Tuesday to a felony indictment when she appeared in a West Baton Rouge courtroom.
Ashley Lights, 39, stood beside her defense attorney, Victor Woods, as she was arraigned on
a criminal abortion charge for allegedly giving abortion-inducing drugs to her teenage daughter in April 2024 to terminate her pregnancy
The case likely is the first one nationally in the post-Roe era to pit a state with anti-abortion laws against an asylum state. It’s resulted in a public clash between the governors of Louisiana and New York
Lights surrendered to Louisiana authorities days after a West Baton Rouge grand jury indicted her Jan. 31, claiming she violated Louisiana’s near-total abortion ban by buying mifepristone online from New York Dr Margaret “Maggie” Carpenter and forcing her daughter to take the medicine. The pills caused the teen to have a miscarriage, according to the indictment. The grand jury also indicted Car-
penter, sparking a cross-state legal battle over her extradition. Providing an abortion, including the medication for it, has been banned in Louisiana since summer 2022, under a trigger law that kicked in when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade with its ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson. Meanwhile, New York is one of eight “safe harbor” states that have passed shield laws to protect abortion providers. While Louisiana has taken steps
to increase its restrictions on abortions, the Empire State enacted new protective measures in the wake of the indictment to bolster its shield laws for telemedicine health care, so physicians selling abortion medications online can ship them to states that have banned them.
Within hours of the Jan. 31 indictment a war of words began between New York Gov Kathy Hochul and Louisiana Attorney
TRANQUIL TURTLES
Third suspect arrested on hazing charges
Southern student died in ritual, police say
BY QUINN COFFMAN and AIDAN MCCAHILL Staff writers
Baton Rouge police on Tuesday ar-
rested a third suspect in connection with the death of Southern University engineering student Caleb Wilson during a fraternity hazing ritual on Feb. 27. Isaiah Smith, 28, turned himself in to police about 11 a.m. Smith was booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on a count of felony hazing, a Baton Rouge police spokesperson said.
Smith’s defense attorney, Franz Borghardt, said Tuesday his client is a Southern University graduate
State taking over two Baker schools
Facilities to be turned over to charter operator
BY CHARLES LUSSIER Staff writer
Despite warnings it could bankrupt the school district, a state education panel on Tuesday decided to take over two “F”-rated public schools in Baker and hand both over to an Indiana-based charter school network. The takeover is happening even after school leaders in this small city north of Baton Rouge decided
to close both schools May 23 when the school year ends. The move sets up a potential legal battle that could test the limits of Louisiana’s 20-year-old school takeover law
The Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education voted 9-1 on Tuesday in favor of the takeovers. Board members are expected to ratify that decision Wednesday Louisiana education leaders have been pushing to drastically reduce the number of schools earning “F” academic letter grades. Public schools in Baker have long languished at or near the bottom of the state’s academic rankings.
Preston Castille, who represents
Baker on BESE, was the lone member opposed to the schools’ takeover Castille expressed concern the move will bankrupt the City of Baker school system, leaving it with only two schools.
“Taking over these two schools is really taking over half the district and when you take over half the district you take half the revenue that supports it,” Castille said. The BESE action Tuesday sets the stage for the takeover of Baker Heights Elementary and Baker Middle schools on May 27, four days after they are scheduled to close.
Then the state would give both schools to the Indiana-based GEO
charter school network. Charter schools are public schools run privately via charters, or contracts. It’s not clear what school buildings GEO actually will end up with. The two schools currently operate next to each other on Groom Road. In deciding Feb. 10 to close the schools, the city of Baker School Board also changed their addresses to two vacant campuses across town.
Kevin Teasley, GEO’s founder, said he thinks he will be moving into the Groom Road campuses, but said he’s not sure given the legal uncertainty
ä See BAKER, page 2B
Scotlandville High School student shot, killed
16-year-old suspect arrested
BY ELLYN COUVILLION Staff writer
Detectives think Robinson was shot by the 16-year-old after having a prior altercation. In a statement Tuesday to Scotlandville High School students’ families, school leaders said, “It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic loss of one of our own, 17-year-old Anthony Robinson, who was taken from us due to senseless and unnecessary violence Monday afternoon.” To support students and staff, counselors will be available on campus this week, the school said.
“In times like these, it is important that we come together as a community, offering strength and support to one another Let us lean on each other as we navigate this difficult moment together,” the statement said. Police said the investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call BRPD’s Violent Crimes Unit at (225) 389-
STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON
Turtles sun themselves on a log in Capitol Lake on Monday in Baton Rouge.
Woman fatally shot Monday
A woman was fatally shot Monday night in what investigators think was a domestic-related crime, Baton Rouge police said.
CRIME BLOTTER staff reports
Jorqu isha Rose, 39, died in the shooting that happened shortly after 8:30 p.m. in the 3300 block of Canonicus Street, according to a Police Department statement.
Police said homicide detectives think a domestic incident occurred between Rose and another individual that led to the shooting. An investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call BRPD’s Violent Crime Unit at (225) 3894869 or Crime Stoppers at (225) 344-7867.
Man sentenced in rape of teen girl
A Prairieville man recently pleaded guilty to raping a girl he knew and was sentenced to nearly three decades in prison, according to records filed in the 23rd Judicial District Court in Ascension Parish. Jose Martinez, 43, pleaded guilty late last month to four counts of aggravated crime against nature, which took place over the course of several years, accord-
BAKER
Continued from page 1B
“Presumably, that’s where we will be, but I don’t want to assume anything,” Teasley said.
Also, Tuesday BESE gave GEO a Type 5 charter needed to run takeover schools in Louisiana. Such a charter however limits GEO to enrolling only students who live in the child-scarce city limits of Baker, home to only about 1,600 school-age
HAZING
Continued from page 1B
student. Smith held the title “dean of pledges” for Southern’s chapter of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity, according to arrest records. Witnesses of the fraternity hazing Wilson, 20, a Kenner native, participated in told police Smith was in charge of the pledges at the ritual. Smith’s father, Todd Smith, leases the warehouse at 3412 Woodcrest Drive where the fraternity ritual took place. His business California Hardwood Floors operates out of the building.
Baton Rouge police think the younger Smith is the owner of the black Dodge Charger Wilson was transported in to the Baton Rouge General-Bluebonnet hospital, where police were called about 2:40 a.m. Feb. 27. Surveillance footage from the hospital shows Smith exiting the vehicle before removing an unresponsive Wilson from the passenger seat with the help of hospital staff.
Baton Rouge Police Chief Thomas Morse Jr said Friday Wilson’s death was the “direct result” of being punched “while pledging” to join Omega Psi during a ritual at the Woodcrest Drive warehouse Morse also said at that time police were preparing warrants to arrest two additional suspects.
On Monday, police arrested Kyle Thurman, 25, the second suspect arrested in the 20-year-old Kenner native’s hazing death. Thurman was booked into the West Baton Rouge Detention Center after he was arrested in Port Allen by West Baton Rouge sheriff’s deputies and the U.S. Marshals Service, a West Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office spokesperson said. Thurman was transferred to East Baton Rouge prison, and also is accused of a count of felony hazing.
On March 6, former Southern University student Caleb McCray 23, surrendered to Baton Rouge police, marking
ing to the guilty plea filed in court. In the document, Martinez admitted he raped and sexually videotaped an underage girl he knew and alleged he had received assistance from his wife, Donna.
Martinez’s attorney, Craig Mordock, and Donna Martinez’s attorney, Malcolm Dugas, did not immediately respond to requests for comment Tuesday Judge Cody Martin sentenced Martinez to a total of 29 years in prison for the four counts, with 20 concurrent years for three and a consecutive nine years for the fourth. He also awarded credit for time served and ordered Martinez to register as a sex offender, according to court records.
A special condition in the plea document stated Martinez would truthfully testify at his wife’s trial, which is scheduled for a jury trial in August.
The Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested the Martinez couple in July 2020, booking Jose Martinez on one count of first-degree rape and Donna Martinez on one count of being a principal to first-degree rape. At the time, deputies alleged that Donna Martinez arranged for the girl to have sex with her husband According to a news release by the 23rd Judicial District Attorney’s Office,
children along with a lot of school competition GEO’s three Baton Rouge schools have B letter grades. Its fourth school, GEO Prep Baker, which opened in Baker in 2022, has about 120 students in kindergarten to third grade but has yet to earn a school letter grade.
Superintendent J.T Stroder, who has led Baker schools for the past two years, strove to no avail to work with the state in turning around the two failing Baker schools. Stroder on
Ascension Parish sheriff’s detectives were alerted to the case via a complaint after she told an unrelated adult.
Woman killed in crash on I-110
One woman was killed in a head-on, two-vehicle crash on North Interstate 110 on Monday night.
Kobi Kishann Tircuit, 23, was driving a Volvo sedan the wrong direction in the middle lane of the northbound portion of I-110 when the accident occurred around 11 p.m. Monday night, according to a news release from the Baton Rouge Police Department.
A Ford Mustang was traveling in the opposite direction at the same time. Both vehicles attempted to turn toward the inside lane, resulting in a head-on collision near the Convention Street exit.
Tircuit was unbuckled at the time, and she was taken to a hospital in critical condition where she later died of her injuries, according to police.
The driver and front passenger of the Ford Mustang were both buckled in, and they were taken to the hospital with minor injuries.
Email Quinn Coffman at quinn.coffman@ theadvocate.com.
Tuesday complained again state officials offered no feedback to two school turnaround proposals he submitted to them.
“It appears like the plan was just to buy time,” Stroder said.
State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley said Baker school leaders had ample time to improve the schools and it’s time for a change.
Email Charles Lussier at clussier@theadvocate. com.
the first arrest following the death of the Southern student, who was a trumpet player in the university’s famed Human Jukebox marching band. McCray was booked into East Baton Rouge prison on one count each of manslaughter and felony hazing. McCray made his initial court appearance Friday afternoon, where his bail was set at $100,000, his attorney, Phillip Robinson, said, noting his client is innocent.
According to his arrest affidavit, McCray delivered the final blow before Wilson collapsed to the floor and began having a seizure. Fraternity members did not call 911 after Wilson experienced the medical episode, and waited to bring him to a hospital, sources said. An autopsy report mentioned in the arrest affidavit revealed a small bruise to the right side of Wilson’s chest.
During the Omega Psi pledging ritual, pledges were brought to the Woodcrest
Proposed amendments face new legal challenge
BY MATTHEW ALBRIGHT Staff writer
Less than three weeks before Louisiana voters are set to decide on four amendments to the state constitution, another lawsuit has been filed seeking to remove some of them from the ballot.
Voice of the Experienced, a statewide advocacy group, filed the lawsuit on behalf of four residents from East Baton Rouge, Jefferson, Orleans and Tangipahoa parishes. It argues Amendments 1 and Amendments 3 are unconstitutional and should not appear on the ballot.
The lawsuit alleges that the Louisiana Legislature did not follow all of the rules the constitution requires to properly put an amendment in front of voters.
Amendment 1 would give the Louisiana Supreme Court authority to discipline lawyers from out of state who do legal work in Louisiana. It would also give the Louisiana Legislature the power to create specialized courts whose jurisdictions could cover multiple parishes.
Supporters said it would allow the state to potentially launch specialized business courts that deal in complex litigation, which some other states have. But critics argued it would allow the legislature to undermine local courts that conservative legislators deem too liberal.
“Amendment 1 gives politicians the power to create a whole new court system — with hand-picked magistrates and rules stacked even more against everyday people,” said Darlene Joseph Jones, an Orleans Parish resident and the lead plaintiff, in a news release.
Sen. Jay Morris, R-West Monroe, who sponsored the bill, responded to the lawsuit by saying the amendment was part of an “ongoing effort to improve our judicial system and make it more responsive to the needs of our citizens,” and said 27 other
fidavit.
Each punch represented one of the fraternity’s ”four cardinal principles”: manhood, scholarship, perseverance and uplift, a source close to the investigation told The Advocate.
Smith punched at least one pledge, but it wasn’t Wilson. Wilson’s full autopsy report is not yet complete, Baton Rouge Coroner’s Office chief of investigations Shane Tindall said Friday The cause and manner of his death remain undetermined pending additional tests, which likely will take several months, Tindall said.
states already had similar measures.
“For too long citizens have been misled by unscrupulous out of state attorneys over which our Supreme Court has no authority to discipline.
Amendment one will change that,” he said. “In addition, the amendment will give the legislature the flexibility to create new courts to address the needs of our citizens. If we need a regional drug court or mental health court, this amendment will allow the legislature to create one.”
The lawsuit claims legislative leaders advanced the bill to the floor of the state House, despite a 5-7 committee vote against it, which violated the proper process. It also argues the proposal violates a rule saying constitutional amendments can address only one change at a time, unless they are a full rewrite of a whole section of the constitution.
Amendment 3 would remove from the constitution a list of 16 crimes for which people under age 17 can be prosecuted as adults. It would allow legislators to expand the list of crimes for which juveniles can be prosecuted in adult court
The lawsuit claims the bill did not fit within the boundaries of Gov Jeff Landry’s call for the special session in which it passed. It also argues the bill’s title does not sufficiently explain what it does.
“The same rules they expect us to follow, they’ve ignored,” said Norris Henderson VOTE’s founder and executive director “They assume nobody’s paying attention, but we know how these systems work.”
Amendment 2, which would make a slew of changes to the part of the constitution that governs taxes, also faces a legal challenge. Attorney William Most filed a lawsuit last month arguing the amendment’s language is illegally slanted in favor of the proposition and misrepresents what would happen if it passes.
$1,000 fine and six months behind bars.
Southern University Board of Supervisors Chair Tony Clayton, who is the 18th Judicial District Attorney in West Baton Rouge, said Friday in an interview he’s pushing for the Omega fraternity to be removed from the university
Continued from page 1B
General Liz Murrill. Hochul called the charges “outrageous” in a video statement posted to social media, where she vowed to reject Louisiana’s extradition request. Murrill responded by saying the New York governor was “cheerleading” for a doctor from her state who helped aid the Port Allen teen’s forced abortion that was “sick and barbaric.”
When Louisiana Gov Jeff Landry signed off Feb. 13 on a request to extradite Carpenter to Louisiana to face the criminal abortion charge and sent it to Hochul. The New York governor made good on her promise to refuse the order, saying “not now, not ever” would she send the family doctor to this state for an anti-abortion prosecution.
It remains unclear if and when state prosecutors in Louisiana will seek a writ of mandamus in U.S. Middle District Court of Louisiana, where they could ask a federal judge to order Carpenter’s apprehension on a national arrest warrant, over the objections of New York authorities.
The Louisiana Attorney General is working with the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office to prosecute Lights and the New York doctor
According to prosecutors, Lights went online April 24 and filled out a questionnaire requesting abortion pills from Carpenter’s Nightingale Medical clinic in upstate New York’s Hudson Valley Lights paid $150 using a credit card, and Carpenter shipped mifepristone to her Port Allen home, prosecutors alleged.
When Lights got the medication, she gave her pregnant daughter an ultimatum to take the pills “or else,” Tony Clayton, district attorney of the 18th Judicial District, has alleged.
2025
Drive warehouse and forced to change into gray sweatsuits. With Wilson and eight other hopefuls lined up according to height, McCray, Thurman and Smith took turns punching them in the chest using a pair of black boxing gloves, according to McCray’s arrest warrant af-
In Louisiana, hazing can be a felony under the Max Gruver Act, passed by the Louisiana Legislature in 2018 and named after the LSU Phi Delta Theta fraternity pledge who died in a hazing incident in 2017. Louisiana’s anti-hazing law prohibits hazing regardless of whether the targeted person voluntarily allowed it. Violators face a
In 2005, Omega Psi Phi was kicked off Southern’s Baton Rouge campus, archives from The Advocate | The TimesPicayune show The university ordered a three-year expulsion, after university officials found “overwhelming evidence” a fraternity pledge was severely beaten, with injuries that led to internal bleeding.
Caleb Wilson’s family will host a public memorial for him Friday at the F.G. Clark Activity Center on Southern University’s Baton Rouge campus. A viewing will be held from noon to 5 p.m., followed by a celebration of his life.
Her daughter a minor experienced a medical emergency, called 911 and was transported to the hospital, where she was treated and stabilized, according to court documents. Lights is expected to return to court May 5 for a pretrial conference before District Judge Tonya Lurry
Email Matt Bruce at matt.bruce@ theadvocate.com.
STAFF FILE PHOTO By JAVIER GALLEGOS
Corey Wilson, right, mourns alongside other grieving family members during a vigil for his son, Caleb Wilson, outside Southern University’s Smith-Brown Student Union on March 5.
BRIEFS FROM STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS
North La.’s Fibrebond being sold to Eaton
Minden-based Fibrebond, a company nationally known for its electrical modules that power utilities, industry and data centers, is being sold.
The new owner will be Eaton Corporation, a multinational business whose corporate headquarters is in Dublin, but whose primary administrative duties are handled in Beachwood, Ohio.
Details of the transaction were not disclosed.
Eaton Company, founded in 1911, has multiple U.S. facilities and services electrical, aerospace and vehicle industries — in 160 countries worldwide.
Fibrebond is undergoing a $150 million expansion at its Minden facility and that work will continue, according to the company After the sale closing, the Minden facility will remain open and the current leadership team will remain in place, according to Fibrebond’s news release.
Southwest: Checked bags no longer free
Southwest Airlines will begin charging customers a fee to check bags, abandoning a decadeslong practice that executives had described last fall as key to differentiating the budget carrier from its rivals.
Southwest, which built years of advertising campaigns around its policy of letting passengers check up to two bags for free, said Tuesday that people who haven’t either reached the upper tiers of its Rapid Rewards loyalty program, bought a business class ticket or hold the airline’s credit card will have to pay for checked bags.
The airline did not outline the fee schedule but said the new policy would start with flights booked on May 28.
Less than a year ago, the Dallas-based airline announced it was doing away with another tradition, the open-boarding system it has used for more than 50 years Southwest expects to begin operating flights with passengers in assigned seats next year
As recently as Southwest’s investor day in late September, airline executives described the bags-fly-free as the most important feature in setting Southwest apart from rivals. All other leading U.S. airlines charge for checked luggage, and Wall Street has long argued that Southwest was leaving money behind.
The airline estimated in September that charging bag fees would bring in about $1.5 billion a year but cost the airline $1.8 billion in lost business from customers who chose to fly Southwest because of its generous baggage allowance.
Nissan chief executive steps down
Japanese automaker Nissan Motor Corp.’s chief executive, Makoto Uchida, is stepping down after the company reported dismal financial results.
Nissan said in a statement Tuesday that Ivan Espinosa, the company’s chief planning officer, will take Uchida’s place, effective April 1. Nissan said the company leadership needed to be “renewed” to achieve long-term growth. Uchida, who remains as a director, expressed confidence in Espinosa as “a real car guy,” and stressed he was handing over the baton of leadership to better unify company ranks.
Speculation about Uchida’s future was rife after he called off talks last month with Japanese rival Honda Motor Co., announced late last year, to set up a joint holding company to integrate its businesses. At the time, he told reporters the focus of the talks had changed to making Nissan into a Honda subsidiary, which he denounced as unacceptable
BARREL OVER A
CHERRy
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By JON
Victor yarbrough, CEO of Brough Brothers Distillery, walks through the under-construction facility in Louisville, Ky., on Saturday.
Bourbon makers face fallout as Ky. businesses contend with trade war
BY BRUCE SCHREINER and DYLAN LOVAN Associated Press
LOUISVILLE, Ky. With a new distillery set to open soon, the makers of Brough Brothers bourbon in Kentucky were ready to put their business plan into action. They were looking to ramp up whiskey production to break into lucrative new markets in Canada and Europe.
Now the on-again off-again threat of tariffs has disrupted those plans.
Efforts by the Black-owned distiller to gain a foothold in Canada are on hold, as are plans to break into Germany and France, said Brough Brothers Distillery CEO Victor Yarbrough. That’s because the iconic American spirit’s widening global appeal is caught in the crossfire of trade conflicts instigated by President Donald Trump.
“It’s extremely frustrating,” said Yarbrough, who started the Louisville distilling company with his
brothers, Bryson and Chris. “We are collateral damage.”
For distillers looking to sell to consumers of all political stripes, talking politics can be as distasteful as discussing Prohibition. But along with the turmoil and uncertainty over tariffs, bourbon makers and other U.S. firms trying to do business in Canada are confronting public relations challenges still reverberating from the president’s blunt-force “America First” approach to international relations.
With Canadian hockey fans booing the U.S. national anthem and some liquor stores north of the border clearing American spirits from their shelves even before there’s clarity over tariffs, businesses like Brough Brothers are watching to see how the trade conflict plays out.
In the building being converted into the new distillery near the Ohio River drywall dust covers the floor of the project that the brothers hope will raise the company’s
profile in the ultracompetitive bourbon world.
I believe there’s going to be some type of repair of the relationships that needs to happen,” said Yarbrough, who was hoping, before the trade war erupted, to introduce his bourbon in New Brunswick and later expand to Ontario and other parts of Canada. “So I think some type of media blitz, PR blitz is definitely going to have to take place.”
The trade wars pose an immediate threat to an American-made success story, built on the growing worldwide taste for bourbon, Tennessee whiskey and other products.
Kentucky Democratic Gov Andy Beshear said the president’s zigzagging tariff policy is hurting the American economy and will lead to higher consumer prices while disrupting business.
“It’s not just the imposition of tariffs, it’s this month-to-month, ‘I may do it to you at any moment’ policy,” said Beshear, a potential presidential candidate in 2028. “You can’t create stability.”
Trump on Thursday postponed 25% tariffs on some imports from Canada for a month amid fears of the economic fallout from a broader trade war Yarbrough said his company’s expansion plans are still in limbo.
President buys Tesla vehicle to support Musk
BY CHRIS MEGERIAN Associated Press
WASHINGTON President Donald Trump shopped for a new Tesla on the White House driveway on Tuesday, selecting a shiny red sedan to show his support for Elon Musk’s electric vehicle company as it faces blowback because of his work to advance the president’s political agenda and downsize the federal government.
“Wow,” Trump said as he eased his way into the driver’s seat of a Model S. “That’s beautiful. Musk got in on the passenger side and joked about “giving the Secret Service a heart attack” as they talked about how to start a vehicle that can reach 60 miles per hour in a few
seconds
Trump told reporters that he would write a check for the car, which retails for roughly $80,000, and leave it at the White House so his staff can drive it. The president also said he hopes his purchase will boost Tesla which is struggling with sagging
sales and declining stock prices.
“It’s a great product,” he said. Referring to Musk, Trump said “we have to celebrate him.”
It was the latest and most unusual — example of how Trump has demonstrated loyalty to Musk, who spent heavily on his comeback campaign last year and has been a key figure in his second administration. Tesla’s stock price increased nearly 4% on Tuesday after dropping almost 48% since Trump took office in January
The Republican president announced on social media overnight that he was going to buy a new Tesla as “a show of confidence and support for Elon Musk, a truly great American.”
But if Trump’s intention is to help reverse the frightening plunge in Tesla’s stock he could have the opposite effect by turning off even more buyers.
“Tesla is becoming a political symbol of Trump and DOGE, and that is a bad thing for the brand,” said Wedbush Securities financial analyst Dan
Wall Street falls in manic day
Drop briefly totals more than 10% below its record
BY STAN CHOE AP business writer
YORK
NEW
The U.S. stock market fell further Tuesday following President Donald Trump’s latest escalation in his trade war, briefly pulling Wall Street 10% below its record set last month. And like it’s been most of the past few weeks, the market’s slide on Tuesday was erratic and dizzying.
The S&P 500 fell, after careening between a modest gain and a tumble of 1.5%. At its bottom for the day, the index was more than 10% below its all-time high and on track for what Wall Street calls a “correction.”
Other indexes likewise swung sharply through the day The Dow Jones Industrial Average and the Nasdaq composite both ended the day down. Such head-spinning moves are becoming routine in what’s been a scary ride for investors as Trump tries to remake the country and world through tariffs and other policies. Stocks have been heaving mostly lower on uncertainty about how much pain Trump is willing for the economy to endure in order to get what he wants. And moves by Trump and comments by his White House on Tuesday didn’t clarify much. Stocks began tumbling in the morning after Trump said he would double planned tariff increases on steel and aluminum coming from Canada. The president said it was a response to moves a Canadian province made after Trump began threatening tariffs on one of the United States’ most important trading partners.
Ives, referring to the advisory group in charge of cutting government spending. “You think it’s helping, but it’s actually hurting.”
Analysts have said Musk’s shift to right-wing politics doesn’t appear to sit well with potential Tesla buyers, generally perceived to be wealthy and progressive consumers.
Tesla sales are falling precipitously in California, the company’s biggest U.S. market, and the company recorded its first annual global sales decline last year Similarly, Tesla sales plunged 45% in Europe in January, according to research firm Jato Dynamics, even as overall electric vehicle sales rose The sales numbers were particularly bad in Germany and France.
The latest auto sales figure from China show that Tesla sales there have been nearly halved from February a year ago, although the decline is largely due increased competition from domestic EV companies.
But sales in the U.S. have fallen due to competition, and a country sharply divided about Trump.
Trump has acknowledged the economy could feel some “disturbance” because of the tariffs he’s pushing. Asked on Tuesday just how much pain Trump would be willing for the economy and stock market to take, right about when the market was nearing its lows for the day, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt declined to give an exact answer But she said earlier in a news briefing that “the president will look out for Wall Street and for Main Street.”
For his part, Trump said earlier on social media, “The only thing that makes sense is for Canada to become our cherished Fifty First State. This would make all Tariffs, and everything else, totally disappear.”
Stocks pared their losses later in the day, even eliminating them all briefly after Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he had agreed to remove the surcharge on electricity that had enraged Trump so much. Ford said he was confident that
Gautreau, Barbara St Theresa Of Avila Church in Gonzales, Louisiana at 12pm
McLavy Jr., Frank St Francis Episcopal Church in Denham Springs at 11:00am.
Wascome, David Kingwood Methodist Church 1799 Woodland Hills Drive in Kingwood TX, at 10 a.m
Young, Eleanor St Luke A M. E Church, 300 Oak Street, Donaldsonville, LAat 11am.
Obituaries
Carter, Kelvin Glynn
Kelvin Glynn Carter, 65, died Friday, March 7, 2025, at the Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center. He was born October 7, 1959 in New Orleans, Louisiana. He is the son of the
Inola Carter. He is survived by his wife Stephanie Carter, two daughters, Kawanda Carter and Kenyetta Marion (Melvin) of Baton Rouge; one son Kelvin Bradley and one sister, Beverly Carter. He was preceded in death by his nephew, Angus Carter and his mother. Funeral Services will be held at 2pm., Saturday,March 15, 2025, at NewBeginnings Baptist Church, 5925 NFoster Dr in Baton Rouge with Paster Dr. Robert JWilliams III. Arrangements are under the direction of AHamilton Funeral Home.
"Blessed are the gentle for they willinherit the earth." Matthew 5:5 Kimberly Ann Teed Chapman went home to Jesus on Monday, March 10, 2025, after along and courageous battle with Alzheimer's. Kim was born in 1948, in Fort Smith, AR. In the late 50's, the Teed family moved to Central, LA, where they found their forever home. Actively involved with her familyin the community, school and church functions at Magnolia Methodist Church, Kim met the love of her life and husband of 61 years, Davis DonaldChapman, Jr Kim was awonderful wife loving mother, beloved daughter, sister, and friend, buther most cherished title on earth was "MeeMee" to her treasured grandchildren. She was extremely creative and loved scrapbooking and decorating for all holidays, enjoyed traveling anywhere with her husband to experience new adventures, typically dragging him along to all the antique stores she could find, and spending quality time with her familyand friends. She loved with her whole heart and her smile would light up aroom always certain to ensure you had awonderful day. She never met astranger and truly looked for the good in everyone. Her hugs were by far the best EVER, and she will be dearly missed by her familyand all who knew and loved her. Kim is survived by her loving husband, Chapman, nee Rhonda Robin Griffin(Billy), Ryan Chapman (April), and Rusty Chapman (Susan); grandchildren, Jordyn Cowart, Cody LeBlanc, Kyle LeBlanc (Katie), Kalyn LeBlanc, BentlieGriffin,Jacob Chapman, Amber Shook, Dane and Ethan Rabalais, Liam, Luke, Elliott and Anderson Chapman; great-grandchildren, Aurora Lane and Connor Shook; brother, Tom Teed (Sheryle); brother-in law, Durell "Skip" Broussard; and ahost of other family members and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Anne Loene "Babe" Teed; sister, Jo Ann "Cissie" Broussard; brother, Daniel Teed; grandsons, Jackson Blayne Griffin and Nicholas Anthony. Visitation willbeat Greenoaks Funeral Home, 9595 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA, on Thursday, March 13, 2025, from 9am until the time of funeral services at 11am, conducted by Renee' Deaton of Magnolia United Methodist Church. Burial willimmediately follow at Greenoaks Memorial Park. Pallbearers are Ryan Chapman, Rusty Chapman, Shawn LeBlanc,
truly lookedfor the good in everyone.Her hugs were by far the best EVER,and she will be dearlymissed by her family and all who knew and loved her. Kimis survived by her loving husband, Davis "Donald Chapman, Jr.; children, ReneeLeBlanc (Shawn), Rhonda Chapman(Phil), Robin Griffin (Billy), Ryan Chapman (April), and Rusty Chapman(Susan); grandchildren, Jordyn Cowart, Cody LeBlanc, Kyle LeBlanc (Katie), Kalyn LeBlanc, Bentlie Griffin, Jacob Chapman, Amber Shook, Dane and EthanRabalais, Liam, Luke,Elliott and Anderson Chapman; great-grandchildren, Aurora Lane and Connor Shook; brother, Tom Teed(Sheryle); brother-inlaw, Durell "Skip" Broussard; and ahost of otherfamily members and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Anne Loene "Babe" Teed; sister, Jo Ann "Cissie" Broussard; brother, Daniel Teed; grandsons, Jackson Blayne Griffin and Nicholas Anthony. Visitation willbeat Greenoaks Funeral Home, 9595 Florida Blvd.,Baton Rouge, LA, on Thursday, March 13, 2025, from9am until the time of funeral services at 11am, conducted by Renee'Deaton of Magnolia United Methodist Church. Burial willimmediately follow at Greenoaks Memorial Park. Pallbearers are Ryan Chapman, Rusty Chapman, Shawn LeBlanc, Billy Griffin, Cody LeBlanc, and Kyle LeBlanc. Honorary pallbearers are Liam Chapman, Luke Chapman, Phil Franco, and Todd Lane. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospitalin memory of Jackson Blayne Griffin, or Alzheimer's Servicesofthe CapitalArea (Charlie'sPlace)inKim's name. The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Paul Dammers, Charlie's Place Staff and Southern Grace Hospice for their love and support. We hold you foreverwithin our hearts and there you shall remain, to walk with us throughout our lives until we meetagain. Rest in peace dear loved one for all that you have done.We know in our hearts that God has given you the crownyou've trulywon.
Hillman, Matthew Alan
could light up any room, Matthew had apersonality that drew people in and made them feel like they were themost important person in theworld. His sense of humor and playful nature brought joytoeveryone around him, and he will be remembered asthe jokester who always knew how to make others laugh.
A2001 graduateofSt. Thomas More HighSchool, he continued his education at the Universityof Louisiana in Lafayette earning aBachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice in 2006, but Matthew's love of aviation led him down a different path. He attended numerous flight training schools, quickly proving himself to be anatural in the cockpit.Throughout his career he obtainratings on various private and commercial jets through Flight Safety International, CAE aviation training and Private training companies. Whether for work or for pleasure, he was a highly skilled and respected pilot, earning the admiration of his peers and colleagues. His love foraviationwas matched only by his commitment to being one of thebest in the skies, constantly refining his craft and sharing his passion with others.
Matthew was notonly remarkable in the skies but also in his approach to business. Smart, driven, and successful, he made a mark in his professional life with his keen business acumen and determination.
Beyond his professional achievements, Matthew's love for his family was unwavering. He was adevoted godfather to Hayley and Everett, always there to offer guidance, support, and affection. His genuine love and care for his family and friends will forever be cherished by thosewho were lucky enoughto know him.
Matthew's big heart and generous spirit touched the lives of many, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who loved him. He leaves behind alegacy of kindness, laughter, and love that will continue to inspire those who were fortunateenough to share in his life.
Matthew is survived by his mother, Darlene Marix Hillman; his brothers, Grant M. Hillman (Ashley) of Lafayette, LA and Stephan M. Hillman(Jennifer) of Aurora,CO; four nieces and one nephew, Hayley and EverettHillman of Lafayette, LA, and Mila Hillman, Hailey Veazie, and Kaitlyn Veazie of Aurora, CO; his godparents, Timothy Hillman (Brenda) of Gig Harbor, WA, and Kay Marix Martin (Al) of Lafayette; and many friends, who will always remember him with love and gratitude.
ter in Lafayette, P.O.Box
3177 Lafayette, LA 70502. Walters Funeral Home, 2424 N. University Ave., Lafayette, LA 70507; 337706-8941 is in charge of arrangements.
Julie Ann Hullinger, anative of Terre Haute, IN and aresident of Baton Rouge, LA, passed away on Friday, March 7, 2025 at theage of 61. She retired as adirectorofgroup benefits. She enjoyed making jewelry, crafting, working on puzzles, collecting rubber ducks, playing games with her family, and being afun aunt to her numerous nieces and nephews. Her biggest joy was spending time with her children. She was preceded in deathby her parents, Russell Hullinger and Betty Hullinger. She is survived by her loving children, Jamie Estess and Joseph "Joey" Estess; sister Kathy Touchet (Don); brothers, Greg Hullinger (Lynn), Mark Hullinger (Denise), Jim Hullinger (Renee), Scott Hullinger (Betty), and Bob Hullinger (Linda); and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitationwill be held at St. Jean Vianney Catholic Church, 16166 S Harrells Ferry Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70816, on Friday, March 14, 2025 from10:00 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. Inurnment will followat Resthaven Gardens of Memory. The family would like to give special thanks to Our Ladyofthe Lake Hospital and Pinnacle Hospice. In lieu of flowers please donate to St Jude Children's Hospital, acharity very near and dear to Julie's heart.Family and friends may signthe online guestbook or leave apersonal notetothe family at www.resthavenbatonroug e.com.
ducks, playinggames with her family, andbeinga fun aunt to her numerous nieces andnephews. Her biggest joy was spending time with her children.She was preceded in death by her parents, Russell Hullinger and Betty Hullinger. She is survived by her loving children Jamie Estess and Joseph "Joey" Estess; sister Kathy Touchet (Don); brothers, Greg Hullinger (Lynn), Mark Hullinger (Denise), Jim Hullinger (Renee), Scott Hullinger (Betty), and Bob Hullinger (Linda); and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held at St. Jean Vianney Catholic Church, 16166 S Harrells Ferry Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70816, on Friday, March 14, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. Inurnment will follow at Resthaven Gardensof Memory. The family would like to give special thanks to Our Lady of the Lake Hospital andPinnacle Hospice. In lieu of flowers please donate to St Jude Children's Hospital, acharity very near and dear to Julie's heart. Family and friends may sign the
at www.resthavenbatonroug e.com.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of MatthewAlan Hillman, who left us on March 5, 2025, at the age of 42. Born on September 1, 1982, Matthew was a beloved son, brother, godfather, uncle, professional, and friend to many. Catholic funeral serviceswill be held Friday, March 14, 2025 at1:00 pm in the Sunrise Chapel at Walters Funeral Home, 2424 North University, Lafayette,LA70507. Father Louis Richardwill conduct the funeral services. Inurnment will take place following the service in Fountain Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held Friday morning between the hours of 9:00 am- 12:30 pm at WaltersFuneral Home. Arosary will be prayed at 12:30 pm. Known for his infectious charisma and asmilethat could light up any room, Matthew had apersonality that drew people in and made them feellike they were the most important person in the world. sense of humor and playful joy to and dast ys knew rs laug A2001 graduate of Thomas More High School, he continued his education at the University Louisiana in Lafayette earning aBachelor's gree in Criminal Justice 2006, but Matthew'slove aviation led him down different path. He attended numerous flight training schools, quickly proving himself to be anatural the cockpit. Througho his career he obtainr ings on
He was preceded in death by his father, Michael Hillman; paternal grandparents, Dudley and Dorothy Hillman; and maternal grandparents, Carlysle and Lois Marix.
He may no longer be with us, but his spirit will live on in theskies and in the heartsofall who knew him.
Areception will follow at Mazen's Restaurant, 5818 Johnston St., Lafayette, LA where friends and family are invited to gather and share memories.
In lieuofflowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be madeto any of these non-profits: Flying Wings of Louisiana, www.flyingwingsoflouisi ana.org; The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association's Foundation, www.aopafoundation.org/ donate; or St.JosephShelter in Lafayette, P.O. Box 3177 Lafayette, LA 70502. Walters Funeral Home, 2424 N. University Ave., Lafayette, LA 70507; 337ar-
Hullinger, Julie Ann
Chapman, Kimberly Ann Teed
same year to marry his grade school sweetheart, Barbara "Bobbye" Blanchard Jenkins and earn his degree in Civil Engineering from LSU in 1955. Jimmy then joined the United States Air Force 1955-1958 where he cultivated his life -long love for aviation -a passion that began at the behest of his father at the mere age of 16. He then joined hisfather in ownership of Jenkins Construction in 1960, which pioneered avast percentage of the roads still traversed throughout Baton Rouge today. Jimmy then headed the formation of Vulcan Foundry in 1965, which specialized in municipal casting and grey iron until 1996 -another staple that can still be found around Baton Rouge today. In addition to the foundry, Jimmy was ahighly innovative businessman, including real estate development, aircraft distribution, oil &gas investment, cable television development, and even cellular telephone development. An avid fisherman, Jimmy joined the Louisiana Department of Wildlife Commission and theNational Marine Fisheries Council, helped form the Gulf Coast Conservation Association of Louisiana in 1984 (later to become CCA), and eventually became the Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife &Fisheries under Governor Mike Foster 1996-2004. Throughout his tenure as secretary, Jimmy accomplished many measures to protect our fishing &gaming industry, including saving the redfish by eradicating gillnets. Upon retirement in 2004, Jimmy was ableto spend more time enjoying his passion for duck hunting at Oak Grove Hunting Club in Creole, LA. Throughout his impressive business career, Jimmy continued to grow his family with his wife Bobbye, including 4children, 7 grandchildren, &12greatgrandchildren. "Pepa" was an ever-present source of support for all, creating fond memoriesof early morning fishing in Cocodrie, camp fires after duck hunting at Oak Grove, flying in his Twin Shrike Commander with astash of Reese's peanut butter cups under the seat, and of course "Pepa's Secret Recipe" for peanut butter &jelly.
Jimmy is survived by his wife, Dr. Susan Richarme (m.2018); four children: son James "Jim" Jenkins, III & wife Tammy, daughter Janet Jenkins, daughter Tracy Ducote &husband Raymond, and daughter Blair Kelly& husband Tim; six grandchildren: granddaughter Kelly Schneider& husband Brandon, grandson James "Jimmy" Jenkins, IV &wife Brittany, granddaughter Allison Elkins, granddaughter Katie Schneider, granddaughter Beatty Arnold & husband Jeff, and granddaughter Selby Thompson; and twelve great-grandchildren. He is precededin death by wife of 62 years, Barbara "Bobbye" Jenkins; his parents, James &Willie Jenkins, Sr.; brother Ralph Jenkins; and granddaughter Anna Jenkins. Visitation willbeheld at Greenoaks Funeral Home, 9595 Florida Blvd. Baton Rouge, LA on Friday, March 14, 2025 from 8:30am10:00am until funeral service at 10:00am with Rev. Chris Andrews officiating. Interment will immediately follow at Greenoaks Memorial Park. In kind with his generous spirit, donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital in lieu of flowers.
Lois B. Mix, 89, passed away into her heavenly home on March 2, 2025. Born on November 16, 1935 in White Castle, Louisiana. Lois is survived by her daughter, Tommie Jo Hunt (Tommy), daughter-in-law, Leslie Mix; sister, Paula Manning; grandchildren, Missy Latino (Tony), Cody Hunt (Kim), Lauren Salvail (Scott), and Michael Mix; great-grandchildren, Max, Graham, Micah, Grace, Lucas, Grant, and Whitt. She is preceded in death by her son, Alvin Mix, III 'Bee'; Husband, AlvinMix, Jr.; siblings, SadieGiroir and George Babin; and parents, Paul and Enola Babin. Services will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church 402. S. Kirkland Dr Brusly on Thursday, March 13, 2025. Visitation at 10:00 a.m, with Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30. Pallbearers will be her grandsons, Cody Hunt and Michael Mix. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Louisiana Kidney Foundation or Juvenile Diabetes
a.m, with Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30. Pallbearers will be her grandsons, Cody Hunt and Michael Mix. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Louisiana Kidney Foundation or Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.
Patterson, Audrey Jeanne
Entered into eternal rest on March 4, 2025 at the age of 83. Survived by herchildren, MichaelPatterson; Inga P. Kimbrough (Marreo); Darryl Patterson (Chantelle); sisters, Idell Jefferson and Linda Washington; brothers, Frank, Jeffery (Karen), Willie (Valerie), Lionel, Terry(Tania) Patterson; grandchildren, Faith and DanielPatterson, and Hannah Kimbrough. Preceded in death by her parents, Willie and Inell Patterson; siblings, Charles Andrew, Ossy, Elton Glenn Patterson, Isranell Thomas, Carolyn and Lynette Patterson; daughter-in-law, Helen Patterson. Visitation Thursday, March 13, 2025, Hall's Celebration Center, 9348 Scenic Highway, Baton Rouge, LA., 9:00 am until religious service at 11:00 am. Interment Southern Memorial Gardens, Baton Rouge, LA. Funeral Service EntrustedtoHall Davis and Son. www.halldavisandson.com
Smith, Irwin E.
Irwin E. Smith March 3, 1933-February 22, 2025 Irwin Ellis Smith, anative of DeQuincy,LAand recent resident of Baton Rouge, passed away on February 22, 2025 surroundedbyfamily. He lived afull and rewarding life, remaining active and healthy in his last years. After growing up and graduating high school in DeQuincy, he marriedhis sweetheart, Maxine Kimball, on December 25, 1953. He then joinedthe U.S. Air Force, proudly serving overseas during the Korean Conflict as aRadio Morse Intercept Operator and was awarded membership in the American Legion. After discharge he earned Bachelor and later Master Degrees in his chosen field of VocationalRehabilitation. He was along-time resident of Zachary, LA where he raised his family and was an activemember of thecommunity,Methodist Church, and Jaycees. He later moved to Baton Rouge and continued working in his chosen profession until retirement. He enjoyedhunting, fishing camping and had apassion for furniture building and otherwood-working projects. He was aloving and devotedhusband, father, and grandfather and will be greatly missed. He is survivedbyhis children Natalie D'Aquin(Todd), Bryan Smith, and Karen Arnold(Bob). Alsograndchildren AubreyD'Aquin Ueltschey and Garrett D'Aquin, Kelsey and Skylon Smith, and Michael, Trevor, Graham Sr. and Aaron Arnold. Also great-grandchildren Peyton, Ainsley and Piper Ueltschey, Noah Smith, Cayden and Mae Catherine Arnold, Virginia Arnold, and Graham Jr., Gray and George Ellis Arnold. He is preceded in death by his first and only love, his wife of 65 years, Maxine Kimball Smith. Private Honor Guard service and interment in Port Hudson Veteran's Cemetery will be held at alater date.
Taylor, Wilma Gueringer
Wilma Cecelia Gueringer Taylor, 91, of Saint Amant Louisiana, passed away on March 8, 2025. She was born in Echo, Louisiana on October 14, 1933, and married ClaudeLarry Taylor on February 27, 1954. Wilma was aloving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and cherished friend. She is survived by her husband of 71 years, Claude Larry Taylor; 4children, Alice TaylorBlair, Paul Edward Taylor (Roslyn), NeddaMaria Taylor and Jeri Louise Taylor (Diane); 4grandchildren, Byron Blair (Ashleigh); Timothy Taylor (Lindsey); Michael Taylor (Lauren) and Kristin Gregoire (Donovan); 7great-grandchildren; 2bonus great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, David and Edine Gueringer; 3siblings, Mildred Gagnard (Ralph, deceased); Clifton Gueringer (Jocelyn, deceased); Gervina Gueringer; son-in-law, Deacon William ByronBlair; and granddaughter, Rebecca ElizabethBlair. Her faith and her family were the most important parts of her life. She was avery devoted Catholic all of her life. She and her husband were founding members of St. Thomas More Parish and School in Baton Rouge. When her husband retired from Barnard &Burk Engineers they moved to Saint Amant and became parishioners first at St. Anne in Sorrentoand then at St. Theresa of Avila in Gonzales. Wilma had anatural gift for organization, askill she applied in every aspect of her life -whether it was cleaning thehouse, cutting the grass, or washing the cars. Wilma took pride in serving as sacristan at St. Thomas More, St. Anne and finally at St.Theresa in order to keep the altar server robes and church linens washed and ironed; to attending thenursing home to help setup for mass and saying the rosary with the residents; or perhapsit was serving withher husband at funeral masses. Together, Claude Larry and Wilma built alife grounded in love, family and shared commitment to service. She was acharter member of Catholic Daughters of Americas St.Louis King of France in Baton RougeNovember 19, 1962. She served in various roles with boththe Baton Rouge group and then with Court #1955 here in Gonzales. One of her favoritethings to do was to organize bus trips. They liked going to the casino to playthe penny and nickel slot machines while waiting for the buffet to open so they could eat lunch and visit. Their group of about 40 also took trips together visiting historical churches; attending the Irish Italian ParadeinMetairie; visiting EWTN in Alabama; and once amonth on Friday's eating lunch at Mike Anderson's, Philay's or Outback. Unfortunately, COVID came along and prevented herfrom doing thethings she loved most. She still kepttheir home cleaned and organized until January of this year when her healthstarted to decline. A visitation will be held on Friday, March 14, 2025, at St. Theresa of Avila Catholic Church, in Gonzales, withvisitationfrom 9:30am to 11:20am. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:30am with acommittal service to follow at Holy Rosary Mausoleum in Saint Amant. In lieuofflowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Theresa of Avila Church to provide for masses in her honor. (St. Theresa of Avila -1022 N. Burnside Ave.Gonzales, LA 70737).
Entered intoeternal rest on March 1, 2025 at the age of 62. Survived by his spouse, Josephine Wimley Vaughn; daughter, Jasmine Rechel Vaughn; stepdaughter, Varina Anderson; son, Justin Christopher Vaughn; step-sons, Chance Ervin, and Jeremy Wimley; sisters, Delores May and Deborah Lynn Vaughn; brothers, Percy Vaughn Jr., Woodrow Vaughn Sr. and Kevin Vaughn Sr.; grandchildren Zaiden Lewis, Jackson Christopher UgoliniVaughn, Zaccur Zoen Isaac, Kirland and Kalici Anderson; ahost of nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, Percy Vaughn Sr. and Dorothy Lee Stevens Vaughn; aunts and uncles. VisitationFriday, March 14, 2025, Hall's Celebration Center, 9348 Scenic Highway, Baton Rouge, LA., 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Visitation continue, Saturday, March 15, 2025, Bethany Church North, 13855 Plank Road, Baker, LA., 10:00 am until religious service at 11:00 am. Entombment Roselawn Memorial Park, Baton Rouge, LA. Reverend Dale Flowers officiating. Funeral Service Entrusted to Hall Davis and Son.
Caleb Jayden Wilson, of Kenner, Louisiana, de‐parted this life on February 27, 2025, at the age of 20. At the time of his death Caleb was a junior at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, majoring in mechanical en‐gineering and a member of Southern’s band, known as the Human Jukebox Caleb is survived by his parents, Corey Wilson Sr and Ura‐nia Brown Wilson; his sib‐lings Coren, and Corey Jr ; grandmothers, Eulalia Porter and Veronica Tem‐ple; grandfather, Albert Brown; godparents, the Rev Richard Eugene Wil‐son Yolanda Curtis Wilson Alicia and Jeffery Alexan‐der and a host of aunts, uncles great-aunts, greatuncles, cousins, and friends Caleb was pre‐ceded in death by his grandparents, Charles Wil‐son, Sr., and Audrey Davis Wilson, and great-grand‐parents, Morsie Porter, Lu‐dora Porter and the Rev‐erend Dr. Richard Wilson, Sr., and Matilda Davis Wil‐son A funeral and Celebra‐tion of Life for Caleb Wil‐son will be held at 10 a.m on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at the Pilgrim Baptist Church, 2114 Reverend Richard Wilson Drive Ken‐ner, Louisiana 70062. Visi‐tation is from 8 a.m to 9:45 a.m The Reverend Dr Mitchell J. Stevens, Sr., will officiate. The officers and members of the Pilgrim Baptist Church and sur‐rounding churches, the Southern University com‐munity, the faculty and staff of Warren Easton Charter School, Edward Hynes Charter School, The Leah Chase School and the entire NOLA Public Schools System, The Roots of Music, the Trombone Shorty Foundation, the 110 Brass Band, Sheriff Joe Lopinto and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Jef‐ferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng, the Jef‐ferson Parish Council, Ken‐ner Mayor Michael Glaser, the Kenner City Council, Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley, U.S Congressman Troy Carter, Mrs Gayle Benson and the New Or‐leans Saints and Pelicans Organizations, Archbishop Gregory Aymond New Or‐leans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, NOPD Supt. Anne Kirkpatrick, Baton Rouge Mayor Sid Edwards all local and state elected offi‐cials, members of the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club, Mr Rickey Smiley, and the general public are invited to attend
Vau er
Wilson, Caleb Jayden
Mix, Lois Babin
OPINION
Interstate fix at College Drive shows government sometimes works well
When big projects find the right road to success, perhaps it’s good to give the driver some credit The driver in this case is the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. From early anecdotal reports, the department seems to have succeeded with its new system merging westward traffic on Interstate 10 and I-12 near the College Drive exit in Baton Rouge.
The flyover project features I-12 lanes now going underneath a new I-10 overpass, with an additional exit lane at College Drive to more easily serve drivers from both interstates. It allows I-10 drivers to avoid a rapid triple-lane crossing, against merging I-12 traffic, to reach College Drive
The overpass itself opened in April 2024, but the I-12 traffic shift just opened on Feb 22. The new system allows traffic to move both more quickly and considerably more safely It fixes a problem of congestion and unsafe access that has plagued the interchange for the better part of half a century
The flyover project is part of a much larger, $1.1 billion widening of I-10 and I-12 to four lanes in both directions from Essen Lane all the way to the Lobdell exit. The overall widening is desperately needed, as the current corridor was constructed in the 1960s for about 80,000 cars per day, but now serves well over twice that many Work on the larger project began in February 2023 and is expected to continue through 2029. Yet, in an example of common sense that critics say government too often is lacking, officials separated the College Drive project from the more comprehensive interstate widening, thus allowing distinct construction contracts for the former so that it could move faster without being bogged down Indeed, officials even began the College Drive project sooner back in April of 2021. While the nearly four years of construction wasn’t exactly rapid, it was comparatively quick for major road work these days, and without an obscene amount of further disruption in the meantime to an already congested merge system.
Meanwhile, in a complementary project, the government of East Baton Rouge Parish is working on a project to widen College Drive itself near the interstate, along with new service roads and traffic-signal updates, which will further ease congestion from the 49,000 cars that drive daily through its intersection with Perkins Road.
This is all good news for motorists who live in or drive through Baton Rouge. It also is a testament both to common sense and to focused diligence. There’s wisdom in the old saying that the only way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time. Likewise, the way to fix traffic problems is one discrete chunk at a time. If DOTD officials apply that wisdom statewide, Louisiana might really get “on the move.”
Letters are published identifying name, occupation and/or title and the writer’s city of residence The Advocate | The Times-Picayune require a street address and phone number for verification purposes, but that information is not published. Letters are not to exceed 300 words. Letters to the Editor,The Advocate, P.O Box 588, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-0588, or email letters@ theadvocate.com.
Why do we need a do-nothing Congress?
With the selection of Robert Kennedy Jr to head the Department of Health and Human Services, Tulsi Gabbard as the Director of National Intelligence, Kash Patel to head of the FBI and Linda McMahon as the head of the soon-to-be defunct Department of Education, the conservative side of Congress (House and Senate) have earned a new name: Republicants.
A Republicant is defined as a person who cannot uphold his or her oath to the Constitution or to the American people. In fact (soon to be made mandatory by another executive order), the oath taken by the Republicants will read as follows: I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I cannot support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I cannot bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I can-
not take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion because it might affect my loyalty pledge to Donald Trump; and that I cannot well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God.”
Furthermore, considering DOGE’s directive to cut spending and close or defund government agencies, it is recommended DOGE fire 99% percent of all congressional staff and cut the budget for both the House and the Senate Musk can leave one person to answer the telephone and one person to cast the party line votes. Since Republicants rubber-stamp Trump’s agenda, and the Democrats are powerless to stop them, this will greatly reduce the budget as well.
DANIEL NODURFT Chalmette
Support would make big difference for UNO, SUNO
With reference to an article in the newspaper Jan. 17 titled “UNO to furlough hundreds of employees,” I find it amazing that this has not come more to the forefront We hear of wealthy folks making donations to hospitals and many other similar charitable donations by corporations, etc. Many students cannot afford tuition at private or out-of-town universities; and seemingly, cannot afford UNO.
Total silence from Baton Rouge and our elected leaders relative to support for building maintenance and making public education affordable at our public universities. UNO has combined colleges, laid off folks and deferred main-
tenance and more. Now it needs help. This metro area has precisely two public universities: UNO and Southern University at New Orleans. Two longstanding and wonderful institutions, providing this area with many future leaders. Where are Gayle Benson, Drew Brees and the Manning family as well as corporations, speaking about the needs of these two institutions? Crickets, so far UNO was always a highly regarded institution. It must be brought back to its former glory
RAYMOND H. NOLAN SR. Metairie
Photos of nutria rodeo unnecessarily cruel
Failure of school voucher program ought to be a lesson
The headline says it all: “Vouchers fall short of state promises” for students. After 10 years and $500 million spent, it looks like the promises to help children get a better education have failed. The numbers don’t lie. Whereas 24% of students in public schools met state achievement targets, only 14% in the private school voucher program met those targets. What a waste of taxpayer money Just think, if the half-billion had been spent to improve public schools, provide raises for teachers, administrators and support staff, upgrade equipment and maybe even air condition buses what would our public schools look like today? Better I bet.
We live in a constant state of dystopia. Our politicians feed worthless red meat to their base just to garner votes. It all sounds so good until the chickens come home to roost, and we all find out, much later, just how much the false promises cost us all and how the pathetic programs fail. Our birth rate is below our death rate, young people and professionals are moving away and we just spent a half-billion on a failed program.
WILLIAM FAULK Baton Rouge
To reverse outmigration, focus on what matters
TO SEND US A LETTER, SCAN HERE
The decision to feature such graphic images on the front page with the article “By Tooth and Tale” on the Venice nutria rodeo is not only in poor taste but also raises serious ethical concerns. While the nutria may be considered an invasive species and the rodeo aims to manage its population, showcasing the brutal aftermath of such a hunt in such a sensationalized manner is disrespectful to both the animals and the values we hold regarding humane treatment of wildlife. This type of coverage can desensi-
tize the public to the suffering of animals and trivializes the importance of finding balanced solutions to invasive species management. It’s crucial that discussions around wildlife control are conducted with respect and compassion, rather than sensationalism. The media has a responsibility to educate and inform without resorting to shocking imagery that could promote a culture of cruelty or disregard for life.
KEN RABALAIS Lafayette
Yet another article was in the paper recently about Louisiana losing population. Can we talk about some things that are not going to attract people to stay here, especially young people who want a good life for their families? Ignoring climate change would be No. 1, and it will result in our children and grandchildren living in a more and more hostile environment. Attacking librarians. Arresting and vilifying doctors. Making gun laws more lax than ever — none of this is going to bring back our best and brightest.
Until our political leaders can focus on what makes Louisiana special (and there’s a lot —our abundant natural resources, our innate joie de vivre, our acceptance of people different than ourselves) the drain will continue.
CAROLYN RAULT Mandeville
N.O. doesn’t need overhaul, but city services sure do
The city of New Orleans is a city so many love, for so many reasons.
We just want it to work Tourists and visitors come and go. We who live in one of the nation’s most fun cities and one of the best food cities love it enough to stay and make the best of this culturally rich, urban paradise. But we would like to see red lights and street lights working, we’d rather not know there are places where streets will flood with normal and heavy rainfalls. We certainly want the Sewerage & Water Board to work.
Project Director Pres Kabacoff, Policy Director David Marcello, Project Coordinator Emma Trunkle and about 30 prominent business and civic leaders called the City Services Coalition are taking stock of residents’ dissatisfaction and recommending ways to change it. A December survey by coalition member and pollster Ron Faucheux showed that 65% of city voters think New Orleans is on the “wrong track.”
Though 53% said they plan to stay in the city in the next five years, 40% expect to move out of New Orleans into another Louisiana community (11%) or to move out of the state (29%).
The city’s quality of life is viewed negatively by 69%, with only 19% of Whites and 18% of Blacks believing things have gotten better in the last several years.
That’s disheartening.
New Orleans had more than 600,000 people just a few decades ago. The city has fewer than 385,000 people today.
Imagine about 150,000 people up and leaving. Going somewhere. To Jefferson, St Bernard, Plaquemines or St. Tammany parishes Or to eastern Texas, southern Mississippi or southern Arkansas.
Baton Rouge has more than 200,000 Shreveport has just short of 200,000 Metairie pushed above 140,000 recently
People aren’t moving because the city has bland food, few festivals and a weekends-only nightlife. People die, take new jobs, move to join family And some move because the city they love can’t seem to get things done. Perhaps the biggest, most outrageous proposal by the coalition is that the city cooperate with neighboring parishes to create a regional water purification operation on land the city purchased in St Charles Parish some years ago. It would cost at least $1 billion.
That’s a big ask. Financially Politically I can’t imagine all the key parties coming together and agreeing to create
something over which they would have limited control as the coalition suggests.
But, hey, after the devastation left by Hurricane Katrina and levee failures nearly 20 years ago, we set aside cultural and political differences and philosophies to protect lots of people with a 10-year storm surge protection levee system, and prevention efforts continue with regional cooperation. With a city focus, the coalition has suggested changes that would require city charter, state Legislature and maybe state constitutional changes. There are many, and it’s worth taking time to review what they’ve suggested.
The group looked at governance structure, streets and infrastructure, drainage and water management, permitting, public safety and justice and trash and clean public spaces. Nearly no one would argue with that list. We’re likely to debate what and how to get it done.
I’m pleased to see the coalition stick with a strong mayor form of government, though it wants to give the chief administrative officer greater authority and responsibility I struggle to understand why any elected mayors would willingly relieve themselves of veto power over CAO personnel decisions.
In fall 2023, Orleans Parish Assessor Erroll Williams and former Mayor Sidney Barthelemy floated the idea of creating a city manager job to run the day-to-day city department operations, leaving overall leadership and vision to the mayor
“Should the position of chief administrative officer be expanded? Should professional qualifications and management experience for this job be spelled out in the city charter?” they wrote in a November 2023 guest column in this newspaper “Is a city manager form of government, along with the Mayor-Council, a more efficient and proactive way to operate in today’s world? It works for Jefferson Parish, would it work equally well here?” Orleans and Jefferson are different culturally and politically I’m all for looking at government operations elsewhere to consider how New Orleans might improve. Coalition representatives have reviewed the report with the current crop of prominent would-be mayoral candidates: City Council Vice President Helena Moreno, former Judge Arthur Hunter and City Council member Oliver Thomas. Former 911 leader Tyrell Morris announced his bid on Thursday; they plan to offer him the same courtesy They’ve talked with members of City Council, too. Incumbent Mayor LaToya Cantrell can’t run for re-election, but she’s had nearly eight years of experience. She should be included. New Orleans is a great city, and it needs an update. But let’s not make it Atlanta, Minneapolis or Nashville.
Email Will Sutton at wsutton@ theadvocate.com.
Trump’s uplifting speech to the nation
It was a partisan speech It was an optimistic speech. It was a speech that laid the blame for inflation and the massive number of migrants and illegal drugs that entered the country during the previous administration at the feet of Democrats. It was an uplifting speech about the future. It was a deliberately divisive speech when it came to policies pushed by the Democrats as opposed to policies endorsed by Republicans And it was at times a funny speech as President Donald Trump pointed to Democrats and the silly signs raised by some, blasting them for all sorts of things when they had the power It was a long speech. One commentator said it eclipsed the longwinded speeches of Bill Clinton. It was also full of empathy for victims of migrant crime. Trump brought some of the widows and daughters whose husbands and fathers were taken from them by gang members who had repeatedly committed crimes but were let go after being arrested in Democrat states with “sanctuary cities.” As if to rile Senate Democrats, none of whom would vote for a bill protecting women’s sports from men who claim to be transgender Trump invited a woman who suffered traumatic brain injury after being hit with a volleyball by a biological man playing with women on the opposite team. Perhaps the sweetest moment of the night was when Trump authorized the Secret Service to bestow the title of “agent” on a young boy who was given five years to live after being diagnosed with brain cancer He always wanted to be a police officer The boy hugged the agent who gave him an official identification card. His proud father lifted him up for all to see. Incredibly, all the Democrats remained seated andt stoic and would not applaud anything, not the boy with brain cancer not families of murder victims, not even the first lady when she entered the chamber So deep is their hatred for Trump who is running circles around them with the speed of his policy initiatives. Some held up signs, reminiscent of that TV ad for a pharmaceutical company that treats depression. The woman in the ad carries a round sign with an upside-down smiley face. That appears to be the face of today’s Democrat Party They are being beaten by Trump at every turn. Polls show the public are mostly with him, especially in his quest to downsize bloated government That’s where Democrats are these days. They participate in a political ad that looks like a video wall with everyone saying the same thing about the still struggling economy and throwing in a vulgarity as if that will win them votes. The video looks like an expanded version of the old FBI “Ten Most Wanted” list we used to see in
TO
Democrats try performative politics
My advice to congressional Democrats: If you’re going to embrace performative politics, be sure you give a good performance.
Instead, the Dems at President Donald Trump’s speech to a joint session of Congress looked like an angry and lonely clown car
They looked the very portrait that they have become in Donald Trump’s second term: angry gloomy, ripped off and deeply offended that, having lost both houses of Congress, the Supreme Court and the White House, they have no options left but to make noise.
So that’s what they did. Some of the Dems protested by waving signs the size of ping-pong paddles bearing remarks like “Elon Steals.”
Stole what? Never mind. It’s the thought that counts.
And that apparently was good enough for Rep. Al Green, the widely respected Houston Democrat. Having heard enough of Trump’s braggadocio, he rose to his feet.
“Mr President, you don’t have a mandate,” Green shouted as he pointed his cane. After repeated warnings, House Speaker Mike Johnson ordered the sergeant at arms to escort Green out of the chambers.
“I’ll accept the punishment,” Green told reporters afterwards. “It’s worth it to let people know that there’s some of us who are going to stand up against this president’s desire to cut Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security.”
Indeed, just days before Trump’s address to Congress, the Social Security Administration announced plans to reduce its workforce by 14%.
The same day, Elon Musk, the head of Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency, went on Joe Rogan’s podcast and opined, “Social Security is the biggest Ponzi scheme of all time.”
In other words, it’s easy to see in Trump’s and Musk’s words and deeds the signs of an incipient monkey-wrench operation. Unfortunately, this message was nowhere evident in Green’s outburst.
Not surprisingly, the Republican-controlled House voted Thursday to censure Green for disrupting Trump’s address by a vote of 224-198. As a formal statement of disapproval, censure is about the worst punishment for a misbehaving House member short of removing them from office. What surprised some was that 10 Democrats crossed party lines to vote in favor of censure, revealing how deeply the divide within Democratic ranks had become.
Breaches of decorum have become a recurring trend that many members of Congress no doubt dislike. Republican Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Lauren Boebert set a new bar for hecklers by repeatedly interrupting then-President Joe Biden’s State of the Union Address in 2022. Greene did it again during Biden’s 2023 and 2024 State of the Union addresses.
Unlike President Trump’s view expressed at the end of his infamously contentious Oval Office exchange with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy — “This is going to be great television” — Democrats came away from the congressional address without much to celebrate.
Ever since the party managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory in last year’s presidential race, Democratic leaders and key influencers have reverted to the circular firing squads of blame to which losing campaigns inevitably return.
Yet, when it comes to performative politics, we saw both parties engage in a vigorous round of it in their face-off over the widely misunderstood — and therefore politically exploitable — issue of “sanctuary cities,” or as Chicago calls them, “welcoming cities.”
post offices.
A lowlight for Democrats was when Rep. Al Green of Texas began yelling and interrupting Trump’s speech. Green, who has filed articles of impeachment against Trump that are going nowhere, was escorted out of the chamber by the sergeant at arms as Speaker Mike Johnson pounded his gavel and called for decorum.
It is supremely ironic that Democrats are criticizing the economy when it was the previous administration that caused inflation and accompanying high prices. It took Ronald Reagan two years to turn around the bad economy of Jimmy Carter The headline was kept until almost the end of the speech. Trump announced he had received a letter from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, saying he is ready for negotiations to end the war with Russia, including the mining of Ukrainian minerals to help repay the U.S. for its $350 billion contribution to the war Trump said he has heard “strong signals” from Russia that Vladimir Putin is “ready for peace.” We’ll see about that.
It was a good night for Trump and Republicans. All the Democrats and their media allies could do is look like they were attending a funeral. They have nothing else to show the country except policy failures from the last four years.
Email Cal Thomas at tcaeditors@ tribpub.com.
It has survived 40 years, seven presidents and five mayors. As Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson testified, under friendly questioning by U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, who represents a large swath of Chicago’s suburbs, the policy was set forth in a 2017 state law signed by Republican Gov Bruce Rauner
But Republicans in the era of Trump’s presidency have promoted the narrative that cities run by Democratic mayors are just boiling over with an invasion of lawbreaking immigrants.
As a result, we were treated once again to Republican alarm over criminal immigrants and “hellhole” Chicago, as one downstate Republican gubernatorial candidate constantly whined.
As often happens with congressional hearings that generate more heat than enlightenment, the session held by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee turned into something of an inquisition of Johnson and his fellow Democratic Mayors Eric Adams of New York, Mike Johnston of Denver and Michelle Wu of Boston.
Johnson dutifully refuted “hellhole” stereotypes with an array of sunnier statistics, particularly those that describe promising declines in the city’s violent crime rates.
But then the grandstanding went off the rails, as some lawmakers accused Johnson and other mayors of violating federal law and threatened to call for their arrest warrants.
I would be lying if I did not confess to my own pro-Chicago, pro-urban and pro-law enforcement prejudices. I also appreciate our Gov J.B. Pritzker, a Democrat considering his own possible presidential run, for his rejoinder to our visiting critics: “Unlike Donald Trump,” he observed, “Illinois follows the law.”
Right on, Gov
Email Clarence Page at clarence47page@gmail. com.
Clarence Page
Cal Thomas
Will Sutton
STAFF FILE PHOTO By CHRIS GRANGER
Temporary barricades and fencing block access to homes on Spain Street in the St. Roch area in May.
Baton Rouge Weather
SPORTS
Derek Carr’s restructured deal with the Saints, the veteran quarterback will have most of his salary converted to a signing bonus for salary-cap purposes.
Saints sign Chiefs safety Reid
BY MATTHEW PARAS Staff writer
The Saints sure seem to love players who have played for the Kansas City Chiefs, and they’re banking on another to improve
their secondary The Saints agreed Tuesday to a three-year $31.5 million deal with former Chiefs safety Justin Reid, a source with knowledge of the situation said. Reid started the last three seasons for Kansas City and won two Super Bowls. He had 87 tackles and two interceptions last season. Reid’s contract, which includes a $22.5 million signing bonus, represents a splash for the Saints. When the NFL’s negotiating window opened Monday ahead of free agency, New Orleans appeared to prioritize their own by agreeing to terms with Chase Young and Juwan Johnson. But Reid’s addition required
New Orleans to dip into the market, and his presence should help a defense that disappointed in 2024. Last season, the Saints allowed the third-most yards.
The Saints also mark a homecoming for Reid. The brother of former LSU star Eric Reid, Justin Reid is a native of Prairieville and starred at
The
BY MATTHEW PARAS Staff writer
Starting quarterbacks rarely take pay cuts in the NFL.
Analysis Carr had every right to reject pay cut
Pardon stating the obvious, but doing so feels necessary after the Saints opted to restructure Derek Carr’s contract rather than the two sides agreeing to reduce the quarterback’s salary.
And agree, in this case, is the key word here, because any reduction would have required Carr’s involvement — something he made clear was a nonstarter earlier this offseason.
“I wouldn’t take a pay cut,” Carr told ESPN. “Yeah, I wouldn’t do that. Especially with what I put on tape. Would I restructure? Absolutely I’ll always help the team that way But there’s some things that you put out there that you earned.” Carr’s comments, predictably, didn’t sit well with a fan base that has clamored for the franchise to make major overhauls — particularly at quarterback and in the front office And the Saints’ decision to bring the fourtime Pro Bowler back for 2025 did no favors to ease the anger, at least among the fan base’s vocal contingent online.
But Carr’s desire to keep the entire $40 million owed to him this year was well within his right And frankly why would he take less? Getting a player to accept a pay cut usually comes down to leverage, and the Saints’ leverage was less than ideal in this situation
Cutting Carr would have left New Orleans with a $50 million dead cap hit. And while the team could have lessened that figure with a trade, Carr had control over that process with a no-trade clause. There’s a separate argument to be made that the Saints would have been better off taking that hit now to reset for the future, but the team’s brass did not view that as a palatable option, which further strengthened Carr’s leverage. Remember, the Saints went 0-7 when Carr was injured last season Carr also might have been fine if he had been released. ESPN reported the 33-year-old was open to the idea of hitting the market for quarterback-needy teams. And given the landscape, Carr likely would have been one of the more notable names available. Would he have been able to make back his $40 million? That’s unclear But Sam Darnold joined the Seattle Seahawks on a threeyear, $100.5 million contract with $55 million guaranteed, while Justin Fields agreed to join the Jets on a two-year, $40 million deal with $20 million guaranteed. As it stands, Carr’s original four-year, $150 million deal — signed in 2023 carries an average annual value that still ranks 16th in the NFL That’s middle of the pack among starters. Saints coach Kellen Moore said the team had “conservations” about Carr’s contract before restructuring the deal, but he did
ä See CARR, page 3C
Choppy waters
LEFT PHOTO: LSU women’s coach Kim Mulkey gestures during a game against Mississippi
find out their first-round opponent in the NCAA Tournament on Sunday night.
Matt McMahon confers on the sideline on Feb 18 against South Carolina in the PMAC. The Tigers open play in the SEC Tournament on Wednesday.
LSU teams face obstacles to make waves in March
Scott Rabalais
The soothsayer who warned the eponymous emperor in “Julius Caesar” to “beware the Ides of March” must have also foretold a thing or two about LSU basketball.
The LSU men limp into their first — and likely only — Southeastern Conference Tournament game Wednesday evening against Mississippi State. First (only?) tip will be 6 p.m. in Nashville, Tennessee.
The LSU women are getting their traditional — and this year muchneeded nearly two weeks off between the end of the SEC Tournament and the start of the NCAA Women’s Tournament. Resting up, healing up and counting the hours until the NCAA Tournament bracket is revealed sometime after 7 p.m. Sunday The LSU men (14-17, 3-15 SEC) have no hopes of reaching the NCAA Tournament other than to go on a Cinderella five-game run through the SEC tourney and win its automatic bid. You are probably more likely to find gold or crude oil under your front lawn. Still, the Tigers probably aren’t going to be done even if they’re
ä See RABALAIS, page 5C
LSU softball team puts beating on UL
BY JIM KLEINPETER Contributing writer
Dutchtown High.
28-year-old figures to start opposite Tyrann Mathieu
STAFF FILE PHOTOS By MICHAEL JOHNSON AND HILARy SCHEINUK
State on Feb 2 at the PMAC. The Tigers will
RIGHT PHOTO: LSU men’s coach
STAFF FILE PHOTO By DAVID GRUNFELD
In
PHOTO By PATRICK DENNIS
1
5:30
Mathieu returning to Saints in 2025
BY LUKE JOHNSON and MATTHEW PARAS Staff writers
Tyrann Mathieu will be back with the New Orleans Saints in 2025 on a reworked contract.
Mathieu agreed to a new deal with his hometown team to lower his 2025 salary-cap number, according to a league source.
The 2025 season will be Mathieu’s fourth with the Saints and 13th in the NFL The New Orleans native has started each of the 51 games he’s been able to play in since signing with the Saints before the start of the 2022 season, recording at least three interceptions in each of his first three seasons with the team.
The three-time Associated Press All-Pro ranks second among active NFL players with 36 career interceptions, trailing only Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith Mathieu will turn 33 in May and he has expressed his desire to finish his career in New Orleans. This is the second consecutive offseason that Mathieu has agreed to an amended contract with the Saints. Last year, Mathieu took a modest pay cut while the team added an additional year to his contract.
Three years for Johnson
Juwan Johnson is returning to the Saints on a three-year deal, and he is earning a nice pay raise in the process. According to a Fox Sports report, the Saints will pay him $30 million, making him the NFL’s 11th-highest paid tight end. According to an NFL Media report, the deal includes more than $21 million in guarantees. The last contract Johnson signed paid him $12 million over two years.
New Orleans initially signed Johnson as an undrafted free agent out of Oregon, and he spent his first season playing wide receiver But the Saints transitioned him to tight end prior to the 2021 season, and since taking over as the regular starter in 2022, Johnson has averaged 43 catches for 475 yards and five touchdowns per season. Last year, Johnson established career highs in receptions (50) and receiving yards (548) while appearing in all 17 games. Those figures ranked 19th and 15th, respectively, among NFL tight ends.
Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins, left, is tackled by New
on Oct 27. The Saints and Mathieu reworked his contract Tuesday to ensure
New Orleans had some additional incentive to bring Johnson back: If he had not agreed to a new contract by the start of the new league year Wednesday, the team would have incurred a $6.5 million dead cap charge, as Johnson’s contract was set to void and the prorated bonus money from previous restructures would have accelerated onto the 2025 salary cap.
Saints lose a safety Will Harris is leaving the Saints to join the Washington Commanders on a two-year deal, a source with knowledge of the situation said, creating a void for the Saints at safety Harris, 29, started 13 games last season. He emerged as the starter opposite Mathieu after a crowded competition in training camp, but he played well when called upon. He proved to be one of the team’s better bargain signings in free
Ironically, Reid once served as Mathieu’s replacement in Kansas City after the Chiefs elected to not re-sign Mathieu in 2022. This time, Reid will take the place of Will Harris, the veteran who left for the Washington Commanders earlier in the afternoon. Harris signed a two-year deal worth up to $10 million.
The Saints have undergone a makeover in recent months in the secondary The team sent Marshon Lattimore to the Washington Commanders at the trade deadline in November, and in free agency cornerback Paulson Adebo departed for the New York Giants. Under new defensive coordinator Brandon Staley, New Orleans also will implement a different scheme next season — one that likely will require their defensive backs to play more zone coverage instead of man
“We’re going to try to be flexible enough to be able to defend all the different types of offenses that you have to play against,” Staley said Monday “And we want to be specific in the matchup; we want to make sure that we go into every game with a plan to win
agency after joining the team on a one-year, $1.2 million deal in 2024. Harris’ new contract is reportedly worth $8 million, but it can grow to $10 million with incentives. Harris becomes the second Saints starter to leave in free agency Cornerback Paulson Adebo agreed to a three-year, $54 million deal with the New York Giants on Monday.
In Washington, Harris will reunite with cornerback Marshon Lattimore, whom the Saints traded in November for several draft picks.
Harris, who spent his first five seasons in Detroit, had 74 tackles, five passes defensed and an interception last season. He missed four games with a hamstring injury
Turner to Dallas
Injuries derailed Payton Turner‘s time with the Saints, and now the
former first-round pick will try to realize his potential elsewhere. Turner, whom the Saints selected out of Houston with the No. 28 pick of the 2021 draft, is signing a free agent contract with the Dallas Cowboys, according to an ESPN report. A separate NFL Media report indicated Turner is signing a one-year, $3 million deal with Dallas. In four seasons with the Saints, Turner appeared in 31 of a possible 68 games — 16 of which came last season.
A shoulder injury ruined much of his rookie season; multiple ailments limited him to eight games in 2022; and a turf toe injury robbed him of nearly his entire 2023 season. He had five sacks and 11 tackles for loss during his career with the Saints.
Email Luke Johnson at ljohnson@theadvocate.com.
“But a lot of what we’re going to do is centered on who this group of guys is that we’re going to be coaching.” Reid, who is 6-foot-1 and 207 pounds, began his NFL career with the Houston Texans after he was drafted in the third round of the 2018 draft. He spent four seasons with the franchise, starting 53 of his 57 games. The Saints have signed multiple players from the Chiefs over the last few years. In
Chio wins SEC freshman gym honor for eighth time
Perhaps Kailin Chio will get an award for the most awards. On Tuesday the LSU gymnast received her eighth Southeastern Conference freshman of the week award this season and her sixth straight. It’s the most in SEC history, tying Florida’s Kayla DiCello in 2023.
Chio scored a 9.925 or better in all four events on Friday leading LSU to a program-record team score in a 198.575-197.175 victory over Georgia. Chio won the allaround with a personal-best 39.800 and also shared first on vault (9.95) and floor (9.975).
The Henderson, Nevada, native now has 19 titles this season, is ranked fifth nationally in the allaround and second on vault. LSU wraps up the regular season at 7 p.m. Friday at Auburn.
Woods ruptured Achilles tendon, out of Masters
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla Tiger
Woods had a less invasive surgery for a ruptured Achilles tendon on Tuesday, which will keep him out of the Masters and leaves in question whether he can play in any other major championship the rest of the year
Woods posted the development on his social media accounts without saying how long he expected to be out or any other details except that the surgery went well.
He said he had a minimally invasive Achilles tendon repair for a ruptured tendon that the doctor said went smoothly Such surgeries involve smaller incisions, and the recovery time is quicker But most recoveries take at least a month before someone can even put weight on their foot.
West Virginia coach bans team from TikTok dancing MORGANTOWN,W.Va. — West Virginia coach Rich Rodriguez wants his players to show up on time, work hard and play their best.
Also, don’t dance on TikTok. “They’re going to be on it, so I’m not banning them from it,” he said Monday “I’m just banning them from dancing on it. It’s like, look, we try to have a hard edge or whatever and you’re in there in your tights dancing on TikTok ain’t quite the image of our program that I want.” Rodriguez is beginning his second stint as Mountaineers coach He said he has talked to his players about emphasizing the individual rather than the team, and that banning TikTok dancing is something he can do to put the focus where it belongs.
Red Sox RHP Bello not ready for season opener FORT MYERS, Fla. — Boston Red Sox right-hander Brayan Bello won’t be ready for the start of the season, manager Alex Cora told reporters Tuesday Bello, the opening day starter last season, has been dealing with soreness in his shoulder this spring. The Red Sox have been taking a cautious approach with him. The 25-year-old was 14-8 last season with a 4.49 ERA. He had 153 strikeouts over 1621/3 innings. The pitcher from the Dominican Republic agreed to a $55 million, six-year contract last March after originally signing with the Red Sox in 2017 for $28,000. This will be his fourth season in the majors with Boston. Bello is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Wednesday
sults were announced last week This is the sixth consecutive year Louisiana’s largest newspaper was honored as one of the 10 best sections in the APSE’s “A Division,” the tier of largest organizations that includes papers such as the Washington Post, New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Dallas Morning News and Newsday Since 2013, The Advocate has earned 53 overall top 10 awards and honorable mentions.
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By RyAN SUN
Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu
he remains with the Saints.
Philadelphia Eagles safety
C.J GardnerJohnson holds a newspaper after the Eagles beat the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX on Feb 9 at the Caesars Superdome.
AP PHOTO By GEORGE WALKER IV
Eagles trade Gardner-Johnson as NFL moves keep on coming
BY ARNIE STAPLETON AP pro football writer
The Philadelphia Eagles’ topranked defense is getting a major makeover a month after ending Patrick Mahomes’ bid to lead the Kansas City Chiefs to a third consecutive Super Bowl title. A day after defensive tackle Milton Williams and edge rusher Josh Sweat agreed to leave Philly via free agency, the Super Bowl champs agreed to send safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson to the Houston Texans for guard Kenyon Green and a swap of late-round draft picks, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on Tuesday
Like free agent contracts, trades will become official with the start of the new league year on Wednesday Green, who was the 15th overall pick in the 2022 draft, started 23 games for Houston over two seasons. He didn’t play in 2023 because of a shoulder injury
The Texans also agreed to trade left tackle Laremy Tunsil to Washington on Monday They have big holes up front on an offensive line that struggled to protect C.J. Stroud last season. On Monday when the league’s 52-hour legal tampering window opened, Williams agreed to a deal with New England worth $26 million annually and Sweat is heading to the Arizona Cardinals on a four-year, $76.4 million contract
The terms of the deals are all according to people familiar with the negotiations who spoke to the AP on the condition of anonymity because teams generally don’t announce contract terms and the deals can’t be signed until Wednesday the start of the new league year
The Minnesota Vikings continued an aggressive reconstruction of the interior lines on Tuesday by agreeing to terms on contracts with former Washington defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (three years, $60 million) and former In-
Continued from page 1C
not directly respond when a reporter asked whether New Orleans asked Carr to take a pay cut. He also sidestepped a question about whether Carr wanted to be traded or was open to hitting free agency, instead focusing on how the Saints wanted him.
“We just talked about our, obviously, confidence in this situation and the ability for him to have success here,” Moore said There have been instances in which quarterbacks do their teams a legitimate favor Tom Brady, for years, took less than his market value to help the New England Patriots maintain their dynasty though that is notably different from accepting an outright pay cut. Others, such as Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes and Buffalo’s Josh Allen, have locked in extensions that
dianapolis guard Will Fries (five years, $88 million), who followed center Ryan Kelly from the Colts to the Vikings.
Allen missed half of last season after tearing a pectoral muscle, but he returned for the final four games, including the playoffs as the Commanders reached the NFC championship game.
Because Allen was released last week for salary cap savings before the expiration of his previous contract, the Vikings were allowed to host the two-time Pro Bowl pick on a visit to team headquarters and announce the deal ahead of the signing period.
With the addition of Fries and Kelly, the Vikings have taken two big steps toward smoothing out the expected debut of quarterback J.J. McCarthy — after his rookie season was waylaid by a knee injury and Sam Darnold departed for Seattle Fries will bring instant chemistry with Kelly, a four-time Pro Bowl pick over nine seasons with the Colts whose arrival might well mean the end of Garrett Bradbury’s six-year tenure as Minnesota’s starting center
The Vikings have had one of the best tackle tandems in the league with Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill, but interior pass protection has hurt them often.
That was never more apparent than in their wild-card round loss to the Rams two months ago, when Darnold was sacked nine times.
QB moves
Challenging Anthony Richardson for the starting quarterback job in Indianapolis will be Daniel Jones, who agreed to a one-year, $14 million contract.
Colts general manager Chris Ballard projected this sort of move was in the works when he told reporters at the NFL’s annual scouting combine Indy would have an “open” competition for the job.
“I think it’s good for the team, I
arguably don’t maximize their earning potential, but in those cases, they’re still often paid near (or at the top) of the market. But the NFL rarely sees quarterbacks ripping up their contracts to take noticeably less. The one rare recent exception was Aaron Rodgers in 2023 after he was traded to the New York Jets. Rodgers sacrificed a whopping $35 million on a reworked twoyear $75 million deal Rodgers’ old deal had $110 million in guarantees, but that included a $107.6 million cap hit for 2024 upon being traded to New York from Green Bay, which was the driving factor for the deal to be redone. Other than that, quarterback pay cuts are few and far between. Jimmy Garoppolo lowered his $24.6 million non-guaranteed base salary in 2022 to stay with the San Francisco 49ers at a guaranteed salary of $6.5 million plus incentives. Jameis Winston and Taylor Heinicke also
LSU scores 17 in
3 innings vs. Xavier
BY KOKI RILEY Staff writer
LSU baseball is ready for Southeastern Conference play to start.
Tuesday night was its final tuneup before conference play begins Friday against Missouri, and the Tigers’ bats left no time to waste.
LSU jumped out to its second-largest lead through the first three innings since 2014.
The Tigers scored 17 runs by the end of the third to demolish Xavier 18-4 in seven innings at Alex Box Stadium.
No. 1 LSU (17-1) scored seven runs in the first inning, three in the second and seven more in the third. Five Tigers had at least two hits: freshman Derek Curiel, junior Jared Jones, senior Josh Pearson, sophomore Jake Brown and redshirt junior Tanner Reaves.
Jones opened the scoring with a two-run home run before junior Daniel Dickinson made it backto-back homers with his seventh bomb of the year
With LSU leading 3-0, Brown drove in the fourth run on the first of his three run-scoring singles through the opening three innings.
Along with Brown and Jones, Luis Hernandez and Reaves drove in multiple runs. Six other Tigers had one RBI.
After settling into a platoon with senior Michael Braswell earlier this season, Reaves made his fifth consecutive start at third base on Tuesday Freshman right-hander William Schmidt earned the start for LSU but threw only 14 pitches in one shutout inning. Redshirt sophomore Jaden Noot replaced him and struck out four batters in two scoreless frames. The only speedbump for LSU came in the fourth inning when left-hander Conner Ware allowed two runs on three hits and a walk to Xavier (7-10). He couldn’t finish the inning, exiting the game for freshman right-hander Mavrick Rizy with two outs.
After throwing seven no-hit innings to begin his LSU career, Ware has allowed eight earned runs in his last 22/3 innings. Rizy threw 11/3 scoreless innings before making way for junior right-hander Jacob Mayers in the sixth inning. Mayers walked two batters but struck out three and got through the frame unscathed Freshman right-hander Casan Evans allowed two runs in the seventh inning on a two-run double, but he got through the inning to close out the game via the 10-run rule.
think it’s good for Anthony,” Ballard said in late February “Look, we drafted Anthony high, knowing it was going to take some time, and we knew there was going to be some hiccups along the way.”
Jones, the No. 6 overall pick in 2019 by the Giants who went 2444-1 in New York with one playoff victory, will get a chance to prove he can still be a starter in the league. He finished last season as a backup for the Vikings after the Giants released him. Richardson was the fourth overall pick in the 2023 draft but has struggled with both injuries and accuracy in his first two NFL seasons.
He’s just 8-7 as a starter and last season had the lowest completion rate, 47.7%, of any starting quarterback in the NFL. In two seasons, Richardson also has 11 touchdown passes and 13 interceptions.
Other deals
The 49ers added some depth at safety a day after losing Talanoa Hufanga to Denver San Francisco agreed to a one-year deal with former Atlanta second-round pick Richie Grant, who started 33 games for the Falcons but was mostly a backup and special teams player last season.
The Cowboys retained free agent DT Osa Odighizuwa (four years, $80 million) and shored up their thin interior defensive line by adding former Jets DT Solomon Thomas (two years, $8 million).
The Falcons’ first free agent addition is LB Divine Deablo (two years), who had 63 tackles in 14 games with the Raiders last season and 106 in 15 games in 2023.
The Chiefs have agreed to a two-year, $20 million contract with former Titans and Chargers cornerback Kristian Fulton. His size, physicality and versatility will help to free up All-Pro CB Trent McDuffie. Carolina released veteran running back Miles Sanders.
reduced their salaries when opting to stay with the Saints and Falcons in 2023 and 2024, respectively The Falcons ended up trading Heinicke to the Los Angeles Chargers before the start of the 2024 season anyway In those cases, however, all three were facing backup roles and weren’t entrenched as starters like Carr Despite it all, Carr’s restructuring can help the Saints add in free agency, as it frees up more than $30 million in cap room. The obvious trade-off to that is shifting that money around now makes Carr even more expensive in 2026 with a $69.2 million cap hit. That’s not impossible to move on from if need be but costly nonetheless.
That’s a problem for another day But in the meantime, it’s easy to see why Carr taking a pay cut wasn’t a realistic option. No matter how obvious it is.
On a night filled with big hits, the most impactful drive came from Reaves. With LSU leading 13-0, he blasted a grand slam that put the game further out of reach. It was his second homer in four games.
SOFTBALL
Continued from page 1C
early and scoring often. The atbats they’re having, the base running, they continue to apply pressure. It’s hard to play defense and pitch against us.”
It was a disappointing loss for the Cajuns (13-10), who have played well against a tough schedule and were coming off of a victory against Alabama under firstyear head coach Alyson Habetz. Starting pitcher Bethaney Noble allowed three hits and a walk to the first five batters she faced before getting pulled in favor of Mallory Wheeler
“We didn’t have the fight we normally have,” Habetz said. “It all starts in the circle. We were giving up freebies, not as sharp as we normally are and it kind of snowballed from that Taking third strikes is now our way of hitting.
“We’re better than that. This will hopefully do something to us when we start conference this weekend. Turn the page and work on getting better.”
The first game of LSU’s threegame series with Missouri will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Friday The game will be available to stream on SEC Network+.
Email Koki Riley at Koki.Riley@ theadvocate.com
LSU added six runs in the fourth, highlighted by Edwards’ line drive over the left-field wall on the first pitch from the third UL pitcher, Sam Ryan, on a screwball inside.
“It was a pitch I saw earlier in the game and wasn’t liking it,” Edwards said. “I adjusted a little bit, and when I got it, I was ready for it.
“(In the first inning), I was trying to see a pitch I could do something with. Knowing our team has been rolling and not try to do too much. I saw a pitch I knew I could send the opposite way or up the middle and kept it simple as possible.”
Heavener continued to show improvement from some bouts of wildness in the past couple of weeks She walked four but pitched around the baserunners and finished with six strikeouts.
“I think I was hitting my spots a little bit better than the last couple of games I had,” Heavener said. “It could have been better; it can always be better But it worked and I got the outs I needed to, so I’m proud of myself for allowing the defense to get some outs.”
THE VARSITY ZONE
Drama-packed game
Country Day edges Dunham on shot in final 31 seconds
BY ROBIN FAMBROUGH Staff writer
LAKE CHARLES It had everything
a championship-level basketball game is supposed to have, starting with a long, desperation 3-pointer by one team.
There was a fierce 15-point second-half rally by the other team.
And finally, a game-winning basket by a freshman. None of it netted a win for The Dunham School at the LHSAA boys basketball tournament on Tuesday Freshman guard Curtis McAllister sank a jumper in the lane with 31.1 seconds remaining, lifting third-seeded Country Day to a 54-53 victory in a Division III select semifinal played at Burton Coliseum.
A third straight semifinal loss cut deep for second-seeded Dunham (19-6) in its eighth LHSAA tourney berth in nine years.
Asked about motivation for next year an emotional Elijah Haven added, “It does, but I’m just tired of this feeling,” Haven said.
“It doesn’t feel good. It’s three years in a row now.”
Tigers coach Chad Myers showed emotion too as he scanned the statistics seeking answers.
“We’ve got to find a way to fix it a way to get over this hump,”
Myers said
Sophomore Kellen Brewer led the Cajuns with a game-high 23 points. Junior Herman Dyson added 14 points and eight rebounds for the Cajuns (25-6), who advance to the Division III final set for 4 p.m. Friday against the Calvary-Rosepine winner AJ Olivier and Haven each had 12 points for Dunham In a game in which everything mattered it came down to little things.
The Tigers shot better than Country Day from the field, 52% (23 of 44) to 44% (19 of 43) but had five more turnovers (17 to 12) than Country Day and shot 10 fewer free throws in the game.
Country Day coach Mike McGuire expected a one-point game. The programs know each other well. The Cajuns beat Dunham in 2017 and 2019 to win titles.
“I told my guys we want to win by one point It doesn’t matter how we do it. We have to find a
way to win by one point because we know those guys (Dunham) won’t back down,” McGuire said. Dunham fell behind 7-0 in the first quarter and was down by 10 in the second quarter A layup by Jarvis Washington got the Tigers within three at 27-24 with 4.5 seconds left in the half. Country Day countered with a three-quarters court 3-pointer by Andrew Nelson at the buzzer
From there, the Cajuns built a 15-point third-quarter lead in the third quarter Dunham had rallied from 15 down before in other games.
The Tigers battled back and took their first lead at 51-50 on a putback by Washington with 3:21 left.
Gavin Blanton’s jumper in the lane made it a 53-50 game a minute later But a steal and layup at the 1:27 mark by the Cajuns’ Brewer made it a one-point game, setting the stage for McAllister’s game-winner
Blanton got off one final shot near the lane, but the Cajuns corralled the rebound as the clock expired.
“These guys gave us everything they could. (The Dunham players) all did.,” Myers said.
Email Robin Fambrough at rfambrough@theadvocate.com
Crossover theme at boys state tourney Wednesday
BY CHARLES SALZER Contributing writer
The Southern men’s basketball team’s celebration after Saturday’s 71-57 win over Alabama A&M was well-earned after it had crossed the regular-season finish line.
The win capped off Southern’s 14th regular-season Southwestern Athletic Conference championship campaign, one in which the Jaguars won their first 10 conference games and never dropped out of first place.
Southern finished 20-11 overall and 15-3 in league play to earn the top seed in the SWAC Tournament, which is being played at the Gateway Center Arena in Atlanta. Southern has a first-round bye, but the road will be a tough one after that.
“It’s nice having that (celebration) after a long season, but it has to be over now,” Southern coach Kevin Johnson said. “Our focus is on the conference tournament and (Wednesday’s) game”
The Jaguars will open play with a quarterfinal matchup against Grambling at 1 p.m. Wednesday
ä SWAC Tournament: Southern vs. Grambling 1 P.M.WEDNESDAy,TV: ESPN+
game will have to deal with either No. 4 Texas Southern (15-16) or No. 5 Alabama State (16-15) on Friday Southern defeated Texas Southern twice during the regular season but lost both of its contests against Alabama State.
“Every team is back at 0-0, but that’s the way we approach every game,” Johnson said.
Part of that approach is to remain focused despite the distractions that come with winning. The Jaguars attended the conference banquet Monday night, where Johnson was recognized as the SWAC Coach of the Year
Also earning a distinction was Andre Nunley as the SWAC Defensive Player of the Year, and firstteam All-SWAC selection Michael Jacobs.
BY WILLIAM WEATHERS
Contributing writer
For a team that won its first state championship last season, there is no sense of satisfaction ahead of a return trip to the LHSAA boys basketball tournament
Top-seeded Liberty applied its vice-like defense, shutting out Jesuit in the second quarter of last week’s 40-21 state quarterfinal victory With the win, the Patriots advanced to the school’s third LHSAA tournament in four years.
Now, No. 1 Liberty (25-1) meets No. 4 St. Augustine (28-4) in a Division I select semifinal at 2:45 p.m Wednesday at the LHSAA boys tournament being held at Burton Coliseum in Lake Charles The game is one of two Baton RougeNew Orleans crossover games that tip off the third day of the six-day event.
“It’s a huge accomplishment for these guys, but it was like the job’s not done,” Liberty coach Brandon White said.
“This is a tough group, focused on trying to win the last game of the season. They know what’s at stake, and you can’t celebrate too early by just making it to the tournament.”
Liberty, the back-to-back undefeated District 4-5A champions, returns six seniors from a year ago and formulated a team that’s allowing 45 points per game. Senior guard Malek Robinson leads a balanced scoring effort with 14.7 points and 7.0 rebounds. He ranks second and 46th nation-
ally, respectively, in steals (8.2) and assists (7.7) Senior guard Kareem Washington (10.5) is the team’s only other double-digit scorer but is followed closely by junior Kingston Jarrell (9.7 points, 7.3 rebounds), senior Chivas Lee and junior Devin Houston both averaging 9.0 points.
“When you have a group like that and they’ve been around it, I think they were excited to get back for their senior year to cap it off the right way,” White said.
The paths of No. 5 Madison Prep and No. 1 Shaw will collide for the third straight year in a Division II select state semifinal at 1 p.m. Wednesday The Chargers seek their ninth state title and first
PREP REPORT
since 2022.
“These kids have a swagger and a fighting spirit about them,” said Madison Prep coach Jeff Jones, whose team opened the season with a 61-55 loss at Shaw “They didn’t want to be the group to let down the streak (14 straight years) of making it to the state tournament.”
This year’s Shaw team revolves around two underclassmen, 6-foot-6 freshman guard William Nelson (16 points, 12 rebounds) and 6-2 sophomore guard Elijah Garner (16 points, eight rebounds, five assists).
“We’re playing with house money,” Jones said. “Nobody expected us to be here.”
The tournament’s eighth seed, Grambling (11-21) defeated No 9 Alabama A&M 73-56 on Tuesday to earn a quarterfinal spot. Wednesday’s game will mark the third time in five seasons that Southern and Grambling have met in the quarterfinals of the SWAC Tournament. Both of the previous games were in Birmingham, Alabama, including 2021, when Grambling won 72-67 in overtime.
A year later the Tigers edged Southern 60-58.
The 2025 season was a disappointing one for Grambling after it swept regular-season and tournament titles last year but a win over Southern would alleviate some of the Tigers’ pain. The winner of the Southern-Grambling
“I thought it was good,” Johnson said. “We had the banquet, and any time you have the chance to get recognized it feels good, but we shut it down after that We’ll scout the (Grambling-Alabama A&M) game and then get ready for (Wednesday).” Southern’s play this season has been characterized by a long bench. The Jaguars routinely have substituted five players at a time during games, showing how much confidence Johnson has in his entire team.
The Jaguars’ bench is so long that no other team in the nation has relied more on bench production The Southern bench averaged 39.4 points per game, a number that was No. 1 nationally Defensively Southern forced 15.5 turnovers and averaged 9.6 steals, which was sixth in the nation.
BY CHARLES SALZER Contributing writer
The Southern women’s basketball team is looking to carry the dominance it established in the Southwestern Athletic Conference during the regular season into the league’s tournament.
The Jaguars (17-14) strung together conference winning streaks of six and eight games on their way to the league’s regular-season championship with a 15-3 record. It was Southern’s second regularseason title under coach Carlos Funchess and its first since 2019.
Funchess was honored Monday as the SWAC Coach of the Year, and leading scorer Aniya Gourdine was named second-team AllSWAC. Not one for distractions, Funchess has his team concentrating on the SWAC Tournament now Funchess previously directed Southern to tournament titles and their subsequent NCAA berths in 2019 and 2023.
“There’s pre-conference play and then conference play This is what I call our third season,” Funchess said of tournament play “Now the goal is to win three games in a row and go to the NCAA Tournament, but you can’t get to three if you don’t start with one.”
That one is a quarterfinal contest against Mississippi Valley State (8-22) at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday at Gateway Center Arena in Atlanta.
The ninth-seeded Devilettes were a long shot to reach the tournament two weeks ago, but they won their final three regular-season games to earn their spot.
On Tuesday, Valley’s hot streak continued as it defeated No. 8 Florida A&M 68-65 in overtime to advance. Valley was 7 of 20 from 3-point range and was led by Jay-
ä SWAC tournament: Southern vs. Mississippi Valley 4:30 P.M. WEDNESDAy
lia Reed’s 18 points. Reed’s basket with less than a minute left in regulation sent the game to overtime tied 57-57.
Southern and Valley met just once during the regular season, and the Jaguars posted a 71-51 win at Itta Bena, Mississippi, on Jan. 27. Aleighyah Fontenot and Gourdine each scored 15 points for the Jaguars, who led by 18 points going into the fourth quarter
The win was Southern’s 21st consecutive over the Devilettes as the Jaguars improved to 33-6 all-time against them.
The teams have played once before in the conference tournament. In 2019, Southern won 51-44 in a first-round game played at the F.G. Clark Activity Center This season, defense has been the calling card of the Jaguars, who rate near the top of numerous conference defensive statistics. The Jaguars allow a league-low 58.1 points per game, and are second in field-goal defense (38.9%) and turnovers forced per game (20.1).
Even though Southern dropped its final regular-season game 48-35 to Alabama A&M on Saturday, the Jaguars defense was solid. Funchess said the team looked ready when it practiced in Atlanta on Tuesday
“We were ready to practice and get back to work,” he said. “Everybody was focused and bouncing around even though we couldn’t do game prep because we didn’t know the opponent. The (quarterfinal) is going to be a tough one, but we’ll be ready to go.”
STAFF FILE PHOTO By HILARy SCHEINUK
Southern guard Michael Jacobs races up court against Jackson State’s Tamarion Hoover on Feb
at the F.G. Clark Activity Center
STAFF
PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
SEC gauntlet arrives in Music City
BY TERESA M. WALKER
AP sportswriter
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Southeastern Conference brings its expanded men’s tournament to Nashville — with Texas and Oklahoma visiting Music City for the first time as league members — and even a neutral court can look like a cage match after the meatgrinder of a regular season
Tennessee coach Rick Barnes certainly wants his team’s fans to make the short drive and paint Bridgestone Arena orange and white. Any advantage helps, and his Vols lost three road games by a combined five points.
With six of the SEC’s seven ranked teams inside the top 15, the league never has been stronger An unprecedented 13 members are hoping to grab NCAA Tournament berths and two likely No. 1 seeds as well.
The SEC’s 16 teams will play 15 games over five days starting Wednesday with No. 9 seed Arkansas and coach John Calipari kicking it off against 16th-seeded South Carolina. Regular-season champion Auburn is looking to repeat as the tournament champion, but Alabama won the 2023 title and Tennessee took the trophy home in 2022. Barnes makes clear he wants to see his fourth-seeded Vols win after being one-anddone last year
“Right now, there’s a lot of teams fighting for their lives to try and get to the NCAA Tournament,” Barnes said. “We’re fighting to get better and that’s what’s on our agenda that we have got to continue to grow And otherwise, right now, we’ve got two games left if we don’t get better And so right now it’s up to us as a program to see how long of a run in terms of games that we want to make here.”
Auburn (27-4) won’t play until Friday along with Tennessee, No 2 seed Florida and No. 3 seed Alabama. Auburn likely needs to repeat to be atop the No. 1 seeds in the NCAA Tournament after the Tigers’ overtime home loss to Alabama to wrap up the regular season. That’s just fine with coach Bruce Pearl.
“Winning championships are things you’re going to celebrate your whole life,” Pearl said. “That’s never going to get taken away from you. We’re in postseason now, and postseason is all about step-up.”
Star big man Johni Broome agrees with his coach.
“We’re going to Nashville to win a tournament championship,” Broome said. Florida also may have a grip on a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Alabama can make its own argument by beating No. 2 Florida in the semifinals.
The SEC’s newcomers get to see the party just steps from Nashville’s honky-tonk district. Vanderbilt coach Mark Byington went from taking James Madison to the NCAA
RABALAIS
Continued from page 1C
one-and-done against State.
ESPN’s Joe Lunardi currently projects a whopping 13 of 16 SEC teams to earn NCAA Tournament bids With the SEC’s next two teams left out of the NCAA field guaranteed NIT berths, it would appear that 15th-seeded LSU is going to play someone next week
This isn’t quite the achievement the Tigers pulled off last year when they hosted and lost to North Texas in the first round of the NIT Personally, I don’t think a team with a losing overall record — unless it wins its conference tournament’s automatic bid — deserves to get in the NCAA or NIT fields.
But even in our current political environment, inclusion is not completely out of date.
Assuming LSU gets in the NIT, it’s hard to imagine anything the Tigers do there will move the needle of LSU fandom much. Not with a No. 1-ranked LSU baseball team entering SEC play this weekend, the LSU women trying to put their puzzle pieces back together for a deep run, spring football, gymnastics, softball you get the gist. No, the eye is to the future of the program. By every indication, coach Matt McMahon will return in 2025-26, with what sources and reports say will be more rosterbuilding financial support to field a more competitive program.
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By BUTCH DILL
Auburn forward Johni Broome dunks against Alabama on Saturday in Auburn, Ala. The top-seeded Tigers are looking to repeat as SEC Tournament champions, but will have a tough road to the title.
SEC TOURNAMENT GLANCE
At Bridgestone Arena Nashville, Tenn.
First round Wednesday’s games Arkansas vs. South Carolina, noon Vanderbilt vs. Texas, 2:30 p.m. Mississippi St. vs. LSU, 6 p.m. Georgia vs. Oklahoma, 8:30 p.m.
Second round
Thursday’s games Ole Miss vs. ArkansasSouth Carolina-winner, noon Texas A&M vs. VanderbiltTexas-winner, 2:30 p.m Missouri vs. Mississippi
St.-LSU-winner, 6 p.m. Kentucky vs. GeorgiaOklahoma-winner, 8:30 p.m.
Quarterfinals
Friday’s games Auburn vs. TBD, noon Tennessee vs. TBD, 2:30 p.m. Florida vs. TBD, 6 p.m. Alabama vs. TBD, 8:30 p.m. Semifinals
Saturday’s games TBD vs. TBD, noon TBD vs. TBD, 2:30 p.m. Championship
Sunday’s game Semifinal winners, noon
Tournament to the verge of ending the Commodores’ NCAA drought for a program that last went dancing in 2017.
Calipari has been here many times but faces far different expectations in his first season at Arkansas. He’s trying to get the Razorbacks back to the NCAAs after missing out last year Mark Pope, his replacement at Kentucky (21-10), earned a firstround bye and the sixth seed, though expectations of a 32nd tournament title likely are tempered this time around for the Wildcats.
The pressure on Pope for another tournament title is eased by the season-ending injury to guard Jaxson Robinson. He had surgery to fix a wrist injury, costing Kentucky one of its top scorers (13 points a game) Guard Kerr Kriisa has been out since early December, but 6-foot-11 forward Andrew Carr played a season-high 34 minutes in a win at Missouri.
Texas has guard Chendall Weaver back after missing 13 games with an injured hip. He played nearly five minutes in a regular season-ending loss to Oklahoma, but he is a key defender and rebounder
Arkansas has a chance to improve its tournament security against South Carolina, which went 2-16 in league play Oklahoma can breathe a little easier by beating Georgia on Wednesday night, and Texas likely needs more than one win to play its way into an NCAA Tournament slot.
LSU (14-17) and South Carolina (12-19) are the SEC’s only teams under .500 for the season. Their best hope of playing in the NCAA Tournament? Win five games in five days in this event’s first time around with a true double-bye giving the top four seeds two extra days off.
How competitive is the question LSU has more basketball tradition than Auburn, which will be a No. 1 regional seed and won the SEC regular-season title, but can LSU be what Auburn is now? LSU should start by accomplishing what its first-round SEC tourney opponent Mississippi State has done this year — 20 wins, projected to be a No. 8 NCAA seed — and see where it goes from there.
The LSU women have greater ambitions, of course, set in place by the fact that the Tigers won the NCAA championship in 2023 and reached the Elite Eight last season LSU has gone into the postseason under Kim Mulkey under better circumstances. The Tigers are 28-5 but have dropped three of their past five games and four of the past seven, results affected by the shin injury to star guard Flau’jae Johnson that has kept her out of three straight games. Layered upon that is the foot injury that star forward Aneesah Morrow suffered in LSU’s SEC Tournament semifinal loss to Texas. We won’t know until Sunday, but that defeat may well have cost LSU a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament. The latest bracketology from ESPN and HerHoopStats.com have the Tigers as a No. 3 seed for the fourth straight season under Mulkey That isn’t a huge problem — again, LSU won the whole thing as a 3 seed in 2023 and would get to host first- and second-
LSU hoping to have long stay in Nashville
BY TOYLOY BROWN III Staff writer
Fans inside the Pete Maravich Assembly Center chose to beat the traffic. They gradually vacated the basketball arena before the five-game losing streak became official. The LSU men trailed by as many as 16 points with eight minutes left and only made six field goals in the second half of a 66-52 loss to Texas A&M on Saturday
The Tigers ended the regular season 15th in the Southeastern Conference with a 14-17 overall record and a 3-15 conference record.
“Obviously, disappointed with where we’re at in the standings and where we finished in league play,” coach Matt McMahon said Saturday
Disappointment won’t be the frame of mind it will enter the SEC Tournament with when it faces Mississippi State at 6 p.m. Wednesday in Nashville, Tennessee. The third-year coach described this time as a “reset.”
Regular-season records are meaningless in a single-elimination tournament. Winning the next game is all that matters.
To survive the first round against the SEC’s 10th seed, the Tigers will need to forget the past and improve on their shortcomings.
Mississippi State is a good team but not a juggernaut, possessing the 32nd best Net rating on KenPom.
LSU also had a two-point halftime lead over the Bulldogs in the teams’ first matchup on March 1. The Tigers ended up losing that game 81-69.
Josh Hubbard was most responsible for thwarting LSU the first time. The 5-foot11 guard scored 30 points, including 20 in the second half, on 50% shooting. Limiting his production will be at the heart of the Tigers’ game plan.
“We know Hubbard put on a show there in the second half. We’ll have to figure out a way to contain him better,” McMahon said.
He also mentioned improved rebounding and management of fouls as important aspects. Both loom large, especially because the team may be without its best rebound-
er Corey Chest and third-leading scorer Vyctorius Miller because of injuries
What also could prolong the Tigers’ SEC Tournament run is the continued resurgence of Jordan Sears.
LSU’s margin of error is slim, but Sears is an X-factor who can widen it significantly after his second-best showing in conference play Against Texas A&M, he had 21 points on 6-of-13 shooting and only two turnovers. The fifth-year senior scored 16 of the team’s 32 first-half points. He was not as effective after halftime, partially because he rolled an ankle in the second 20 minutes Either way the 5-11 point guard was a steadying presence as leading scorer Cam Carter had seven points on a season-worst 2 of 12 from the field. Sears was impressive at attacking mismatches after screens and getting uncontested layups against the Aggies, which have the seventh-best defensive rating in the country, according to KenPom. He went 3 of 8 from the 3-point line and excelled at reaching the free-throw He made 6 of 7 attempts and contributed to Texas A&M having two players with four fouls. Sears has a knack for drawing shooting fouls above the 3-point line and getting three points that way as an 86.8% freethrow shooter
His offensive juice alongside Carter elevates LSU’s odds greatly Two offensive weapons clicking at once rarely has happened this season and can alleviate the pressure put on the rest of the team, which has been offensively challenged.
LSU is 121st in offensive rating on KenPom, which is 15 spots below the secondworst SEC team South Carolina. Carter performed well against the Bulldogs in the first meeting, totaling 23 points on 9-of-16 shooting. Some semblance of that along with Sears’ resurgence give LSU a chance for an extended stay in Nashville.
Email Toyloy Brown III at toyloy.brown@ theadvocate.com
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round games — but it does put a No. 2 seed in your path to try to even get to the Elite Eight. Before worrying about any of that, the Tigers just have to get right. Johnson sat out the regular-season finale against Ole Miss and the SEC Tournament but was hobbling before that, going 2 of 12 from the field with just six points at Alabama. LSU won’t play before March 21, and Mulkey has said confidently that will give Johnson and Morrow time to get ready
That’s a must for LSU. The Tigers will be vulnerable even in a 3-14 NCAA matchup if any of its Big Three (also including Mikaylah Williams) is reduced to a spectator’s role.
As for LSU’s chances of still being a 2 seed, never count out the NCAA selection committee doing the unexpected, but it seems unlikely
The only likely hope is that the NCAA values LSU as a 2 seed over NC State, a team the Tigers drummed 82-65 back in November in The Bahamas. The Wolfpack (26-6) finished better than LSU, reaching the ACC Tournament final, but the Tigers have a significantly better NET ranking (10) to NC State’s 16. I’m probably thinking about this more than Mulkey is. I imagine if her Tigers are at full strength by next weekend, she’ll be ready to take her chances against anyone.
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SCOREBOARD
Wednesday’s games Nicholls vs Mississippi State, (Biloxi, Miss.), 5 p.m.
Mississippi Valley State at Northwestern
State, 6 p.m.
McNeese State at UL-Lafayette, 6 p.m.
Xavier (OH) at Southeastern, 6 p.m.
Louisiana Tech at Oklahoma, 6:30 p.m.
Jackson State at Tulane, 6:30 p.m.
Thursday’s games No games scheduled.
Friday’s games
Northwestern State at Texas A&M-Corpus
Christi, 6 p.m.
UNO at Incarnate Word, 2 p.m.
UL-Monroe at James Madison, 3 p.m.
College softball
Tuesday’s games
UL-Monroe 7 Grambling 0 Baylor 11, Northwestern St. 2
Minnesota 2, McNeese 0 LSU 14, UL 0, 5 innings
Wednesday’s games No games scheduled
Thursday’s games No games scheduled.
Friday’s games
Southeastern at Houston
A&M vs. Alcorn St., 10 a.m.
St. vs. Grambling St., 4:30 p.m.
finals Friday’s games Texas Southern-Prairie View-winner vs. Alabama A&M-Alcorn St.-winner, 10 a.m. Southern U.-MVSU-winner vs. Jackson St.Grambling St.-winner, 4:30 p.m. Championship Saturday’s games Semifinal winners, 4:30 p.m.
College baseball
Tuesday’s games UL 7, Southern 5 Northwestern State 11, Grambling 1 UL-Monroe 11, Alcorn 1 LSU 18, Xavier (OH) 4 UNO 17, Xavier 7 Tulane 9, Nicholls 5
WEDNESDAY’S FAIR GROUNDS ENTRIES
LIVING
Bon vi·vant /noun/ a sociable person who has cultivated and refined tastes, especially with respect to food and drink
Lenten specials
The Colonel’s Club, 2857 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, released its Lent menu, which features Alaskan king crab cakes, stuffed artichokes, a crispy halibut sandwich, seafood gumbo ya-ya, fried softshell crab, shrimp and butterbeans, Verlasso salmon, seafood quinoa paella and whole roasted branzino. In addition to the special menu, try the recently added jumbo shrimp picatta and lobster roll.
Try the new specials at Superior Grill, 5435 Government St., and 7333 Highland Road in Baton Rouge, including seafood chimichangas, an ahi tuna bowl, veggie blue corn enchiladas, lettuce wrapped tacos, seafood crab cake enchiladas and more.
The Lent menu at Modesto, 3930 Burbank Drive, Baton Rouge, features flounder ceviche, crispy crawfish tacos, and fried calamari.
Gumbo Friday: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 21 at St. Francis Episcopal Church, 726 Maple St., Denham Springs
For $10 per plate choose between chicken and sausage gumbo or crawfish pies The gumbo plate includes gumbo, rice, potato salad and bread. Crawfish pie plates include pies, salad and bread. Purchase tickets at stfrancisgumbo. square.site or pay at pickup.
In addition to the special Lent menu, try the recently added jumbo shrimp picatta at The Colonel’s Club in Baton Rouge.
In the know
Vegan seafood pop-up: 5 p.m to 8 p.m. Thursday at Cypress Coast Brewing Co., 5643 Government St., Baton Rouge
Florida-based Oh My Cod Vegan Seafood Co. is coming to Baton Rouge with several vegan options, including fish and chips, lobster mac, crab cakes, coconut shrimp, scallops, crab spring rolls, clam rolls and more. Note that some items contain nuts. Wine dinner: 6:30 p.m. March 19 at Carrabba’s Italian Grill, 7275 Corporate Blvd., Baton Rouge In honor of National Women’s History Month, Carrabba’s is featuring wines that are crafted by female winemakers at its March wine dinner The five-course menu includes dishes like chicken toscana with an Apothic red blend from winemaker Debbie Juergenson and a fudge brownie with salted caramel paired with a Drop of Sunshine red blend from winemaker Margo Van Staaveren. Tickets are $60 per person, available for purchase at www.carrabbas.com/offers/ wine-dinner New food, drinks on the block The shrimp macha and strawberry margarita is now available at Barracuda Taco Stand, 2504 Government St., Baton Rouge
GStaff report
ood news: There’s an extra excuse to eat pie this week.
Friday is Pi Day
Pi, the mathematical constant in math which represents the ratio between a circle’s circumference to its diameter, is commonly approximated to 3.14.
In 2009, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution declaring March 14 National Pi Day
Since then, it’s become a day when math classes have round snacks, bakeries step up their pie game and people have a reason to partake in sweet and sometimes savory treats.
From local restaurant to pop up bakeries, The Advocate’s features team has located some of the best pies in the city Here are places you can get your pie fix in Baton Rouge, circular or not.
Mid-City Bakery
n 2678 Government St. and 227 Florida St.
Since 2024, Mid-City Bakery has been popping up and bringing baked goods to Baton Rouge. According to owner Kimberly Fansler, their hand pies are the
first product that people really responded positively to. The apple
flavor is based on Fansler’s grandfather’s apple pie recipe which he made for Thanksgiving every year
“It’s nice to be able to pay homage to him in that,” she said. The hand pies are very time and labor intensive products, so they’re not always available, but the taste is worth it. The hand pies are beautifully constructed, and the crust was crisp and layered perfectly For Pi Day, Mid-City bakery plans to have apple, cherry, ham and cheese, chicken vegetable and potato leek pies available at House Brew located in front of Pelican to
STAFF PHOTOS By SERENA PUANG
Lauren Cheramie BON VIVANT
Continued from page 1D
pomegranate arils, toasted pistachio, honey, rosemary and grilled St. Bruno Bread Co. sourdough The dish was delectable, and I even topped a Brussels sprout with a dollop of brie. Chef’s kiss!
My favorite pick was the parmesan chive truffle fries. The shoestring-like fries were thin and perfect to have several of. Each one melted in my mouth with the taste of truffle, a hint of butter and salt.
— Lauren Cheramie, features coordinator Chicken tenders
n Steven’s Fine Food & Seafood
Market, 208 S Pierce St., Lafayette
If you ask anyone in Lafayette where to get the best chicken tenders, you’re going to hear a locally-famous name pop up over and over again: Steven’s. Steven’s Fine Food & Seafood Market occupies a little spot on Cameron Street, on the fringes of downtown Lafayette’s La Place neighborhood. Known for huge chicken tenders that come with Steven’s house-made brand of honey mustard sauce, the tenders pack a little more of a punch than, for example, Raisin’ Canes chicken — but they aren’t too hot to handle, either There a very restrained yet flavorful spice that coats every inch of these large, perfectly battered and fried sections of breast, which can be ordered on their own or with a generous side portion of fries or fried rice. Come hungry or plan for leftovers. If you can’t finish the
BON VIVANT
Continued from page 1D
Learn something new Chinese takeout class: 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday at Louisiana Culinary Institute, 10550 Airline Highway, Baton Rouge Join chef Maureen Ned in the kitchen and learn how to create delicious, restaurant-quality Chinese dishes right in your own house. In this class, chef will guide students through the steps to make crispy egg rolls, fried rice, sesame chicken and personalized fortune cookies. Tickets are $150 per person, available for purchase at lci.edu/ store. Gourmet England: Sept. 10-15, with
plate, the tenders are wonderful chopped up and tossed in a salad.
Joanna Brown, staff writer
Turkey sandwich
n Rêve Coffee Lab BTR, 8211 Village Plaza Court, Baton Rouge
Turkey, salami, white bread and a pesto aioli. Simple and satisfying. I was working remote at Rêve this week, and in addition to my favorite tea lattes, the Crimson Fog and Burrough’s Brew, I stayed long enough to get hungry I ordered a turkey sandwich
The turkey sandwich was on toasted white bread with turkey salami and a thin spread of avocado. The sandwich came with a ramekin of house-made pesto aioli. I chose to dip my sandwich in the pesto aioli, but another person may spread it on the sandwich. For an accompanying drink, I ordered the Ruby Sipper iced tea, which was a refreshing, citrusy red tea. Rêve has an assortment of delicious baked goods every time I visit, and their made-to-order menu hits the spot while you work, study or chat.
— Joy Holden, Louisiana Inspired coordinator
Red Stick Spice’s Anne Milneck Join Red Stick Spice owner and chef Anne Milneck on a culinary focused trip to London. The trip includes a gin making class, sommelier-led honey tasting, East End food tour, marking shopping, historic tours and theater London’s food scene is a vibrant mix of history, culture and cutting-edge creativity The tour culminates with a private visit to the Tower of London. Pricing starts at $3,249. For more information, visit redstickspice.com or contact anne@redstickspice.com for details.
If you have an upcoming food event or a kitchen question, email lauren.cheramie@ theadvocate.com Cheers!
By The Associated Press
Today is Wednesday, March 12, the 71st day of 2025. There are 294 days left in the year
Today in history
On March 12, 1930, Mohandas Gandhi began his 24-day, 240-mile “Salt March” to the Indian village of Dandi (then called Navsari) as an act of non-violent civil disobedience to protest the salt tax levied by colonial Britain.
On this date:
In 1912, the Girl Scouts of the USA had its beginnings as Juliette Gordon Low of Savannah, Georgia, founded the first American troop of the Girl Guides.
In 1928, the St. Francis Dam north of Los Angeles, California, failed, sending over 12 billion gallons of water into San Francisquito Canyon and killing over 400 people.
In 1933, President Franklin D.
PIE
Continued from page 1D
Mars and House Brew’s new location on Florida Street.
— Serena Puang, staff writer
Pho Cafe n 3851 S. Sherwood Forest Blvd.
If stopping for lunch at Pho Cafe, try a slice of apple or key lime pie made by Elle Vong, the 16-year-old member of the owner’s extended family The pies are served cold or can be reheated in the air fryer if one has five minutes to spare. The pies are made from scratch and available every day
The apple pie is delightfully tart and densely packed, and the Cinnamoroll character detail on every slice is a nice touch.
— Serena Puang, staff writer
The Smiling Dog n 4215 S. Sherwood Forest Blvd.
On a cold day in February, walking into The Smiling Dog and finding a roaring fire beside a traditional red English phone booth was a surprise. The place has a distinctive pub feel and fare — down to its shepherd’s pie which was topped with melted cheese over a generous layer of mashed potatoes atop a beef and vegetable medley in a delicious gravy
The other “pie” on their menu is chicken pot pie, which is topped with a large puff pastry square. Its filling is rich and creamy chicken stock with all the right vegetables. Both of these savory pies are the kinds of dishes perfect for a rainy day
The Smiling Dog is dog friendly and the perfect place to watch Manchester United play Liverpool or Chelsea.
— Jan Risher, Louisiana culture editor
French Market Bistro
n 16645 Highland Road
A Baton Rouge institution since 1996, French Market Bistro has evolved and grown over the years, but this slice of pie has remained a constant dessert favorite since its opening. The Louisiana Lust pie not only has a memorable name, but its flavor also will not be forgotten With a combination of chocolate chip, Frangelico a hazelnut liqueur — and pecan pie, this slice is served warm with chocolate glaze and garnished with a fresh strawberry
The Louisiana Lust pie is rich and sweet, perfect for chocolate lovers and cookie fans. There’s
Roosevelt delivered the first of his “fireside chats,” a series of evening radio broadcasts to the American public.
In 1938, Nazi Germany annexed Austria, as German troops crossed the border into the country In 1980, a Chicago jury found John Wayne Gacy Jr guilty of the murders of 33 men and boys. (The next day, Gacy was sentenced to death; he was executed in May 1994.)
In 2003, Elizabeth Smart, the 15-year-old girl who vanished from her bedroom nine months earlier, was found alive in a Salt Lake City suburb with two drifters, Brian David Mitchell and Wanda Barzee. (Mitchell is serving a life sentence for kidnapping Smart; Barzee was released from prison in September 2018.)
In 2009, disgraced financier Bernard Madoff pleaded guilty
in New York to the largest Ponzi scheme in history having defrauded his clients of nearly $65 billion; he would later be sentenced to 150 years behind bars. (Madoff died in prison in April 2021.)
In 2021, the city of Minneapolis agreed to pay $27 million to settle a civil lawsuit from George Floyd’s family over Floyd’s murder by police.
Today’s Birthdays: Politician and civil rights activist Andrew Young is 93. Actor Barbara Feldon is 92. Actor-singer Liza Minnelli is 79. Politician Mitt Romney is 78. Singer-songwriter James Taylor is 77. Author Carl Hiaasen is 72. Actor Lesley Manville is 69. Singer Marlon Jackson (The Jackson Five) is 68. Actor Courtney B. Vance is 65. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., is 57. Actor Aaron Eckhart is 57. TV journalist Jake Tapper is 56.
an upscale chocolate chip cookie dough vibe that’s unique to the pie.
Joy Holden, Louisiana Inspired coordinator
Elsie’s Plate and Pie
n 3145 Government St. Elsie’s Plate and Pie is a staple of the pie scene in Baton Rouge. From classic apple pie a la mode to their selection of savory pies, the selection at Elsie’s has a little bit for everyone with a laid back vibe. It’s a great place to hang out with friends, even if you’re not in the mood for pie.
A standout savory pie is the crustless crab pie, which features blue crab, cheese and diced tomatoes. According to Fansler, the s’mores pie is a personal favorite — maybe even her favorite pie ever
Serena Puang, staff writer
The Chimes n 3357 Highland Road and 10870 Coursey Blvd.
The dessert section of the Chimes’ Cajun/Creole menu features key lime pie by the slice. Upon ordering, the server warned that the slice might be smaller than anticipated with the apologetic tone of someone who had endured complaints. The slice turned out to be diminutive, but not disappointing.
The taste is good, but key lime pie purists may find it to be a sweeter take on the key lime pie kind of more like a lemon bar with a creamy texture.
— Serena Puang, staff writer Calandro’s Supermarket n 4142 Government St.
On any given day, there are an array of pies to pick up at Calan-
dro’s. There are the typical choices available: chocolate, lemon and pecan. For something different, the homemade banana cream pie is not to be missed. At first glance, the container for the dessert may be reminiscent of banana pudding. However, when cut into, there are three distinct layers: a bottom crust, banana filling and meringue. The crust of the pie tastes more like a graham cracker, cheesecake-like crust more than a “normal” pie crust. The filling is sweet, but not too sweet, and there aren’t any chunks of banana. Every bite is so delectable that it’s hard not to eat the whole thing in one sitting.
Lauren Cheramie, features coordinator Dillard’s Old-Fashioned Teacakes
n 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Thursdays at 6400 Perkins Road and 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturdays at 5th and Main streets
The Red Stick Farmer’s Market has several locations throughout the week, and Reverend Dillard, known as “The Teacake Man,” attends them on Thursdays and Saturdays to sell his famous teacakes and sweet potato hand pies. The sweet potato hand pie is decent-sized, soft, perfect pastry with crunchy edges. The filling is fresh sweet potato filling, slightly sweetened and gently spiced — a delicious complement to the pie crust. Flavorful and made with a generations-old recipe, this sweet potato hand pie is worth tracking down at one of Baton Rouge’s Red Stick Farmer’s Markets. — Joy Holden, Louisiana Inspired coordinator
STAFF PHOTO By JOy HOLDEN Rêve turkey sandwich with pesto aioli
STAFF PHOTO By JOANNA BROWN Chicken tenders and fries with house-made honey mustard sauce from Steven’s Fine Food & Seafood Market in Lafayette
STAFF PHOTO By JOy HOLDEN
A decadent slice of Louisiana Lust pie, a chocolate chip pecan pie combination, from French Market Bistro
PIsCEs (Feb. 20-March 20) Take the plunge and participate in something challenging. Strive for positive change, and you will exceed your expectations. Trust your instincts.
ARIEs (March 21-April 19) Knowing your strengths and weaknesses will help you make the right choices. A give-and-take situation with people you can barter with will pay off. Use your intelligence, attributes and skills to get ahead.
tAuRus (April 20-May 20) Take care of domestic issues and update anything that's pending regarding your home, finances or health. A proactive approach will help you avoid penalties or maintenance expenses.
GEMInI (May 21-June 20) Offer your time and input but not your cash. Paying for someoneelse'smistakewillleadtosticky situations. Prepare, upgrade and move forward fearlessly.
CAnCER (June 21-July 22) A high-energy attitude and a bold presentation will outshine anyone trying to undermine you Trust and believe in your ability, and the people you want to impress will follow suit. Look out for your health and financial security.
LEo (July 23-Aug. 22) A learning experience will turn into something tangible. Get involved in something you feel passionate about, and you'll feel the excitement of making a difference.
VIRGo (Aug. 23-sept. 22) The process of looking back will help you make better
choicesmovingforwardandgiveyouthe couragetomakeyourdreamscometrue Don'tsitidlybywhenyoushouldbemaking things happen. Embrace change.
LIBRA (sept. 23-oct. 23) It'stimetobroaden your outlook, circle of friends or qualifications. The less time you spend worrying and fretting, the better it will be for you. Focus on the present and the future, and let the past go.
sCoRPIo (oct. 24-nov. 22) Attitude is everything when you want to make a pointorgetotherstojoinyourteam.Plan a trip that encourages a healthy lifestyle and long-term plans, and you will ensure personal growth and happiness.
sAGIttARIus (nov. 23-Dec. 21) Bypass negativity and people trying to manipulate you. Don't engage in indulgent behavior or promote uncertainty. Look for opportunities to have some fun.
CAPRICoRn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Take nothing for granted; oversee whatever you want done to your expectations, and you won't be disappointed. High energy, insight and experience will put you in your own league.
AQuARIus (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Putyourtalents to work. An opportunity to bring in extra cashispossibleifyouarewillingtoputin the time and effort. Get to work!
Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another.
toDAy's CLuE: o EQuALs B
CeLebrItY CIpher
SALLY Forth
beetLe bAILeY
Mother GooSe And GrIMM
LAGoon
bIG nAte
Sudoku
InstructIons: Sudoku is a number-placing puzzle based on a 9x9 grid with several given numbers. The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once. The difficulty level of the Sudoku increases from Monday to Sunday.
Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer
nea CroSSwordS La TimeS CroSSword
THe wiZard oF id
BLondie
BaBY BLueS
Hi and LoiS
By PHILLIP ALDER
Bridge is full of suit combinations that can be played in different ways, dependingonthenumberoftricksneededorthe circumstances in a particular deal. Taken in isolation, how should South handle today’s heart suit for either five tricks or four? And in the full deal, how should South play in six hearts after West leads the diamond queen?
In the auction, North’s three-heart rebid was game-forcing. South’s three spades was a control-bid (cue-bid) indicating a maximum, the spade ace and slam interest if North had a sufficiently strong hand. Four clubs and four diamonds were also control-bids, showing the aces of those suits.
To play the heart suit without loss, declarer should cash dummy’s king before finessing his jack. If South can afford one loser, he should cash his ace, play low to dummy’s king, and lead back toward his jack. (This would be the right play in six hearts if West had led a spade, not a diamond.)
In this deal, though, if South loses an early trump trick, the opponents will cash two diamond winners. The best line of play is to take the heart king and ace immediately. Here, the queen drops and declarer can claim an overtrick. But if the queen remains elusive, South plays on clubs, hoping to discard both of his diamond losers. If hearts are 3-2, declarer needs the defender with the queen to have at least three clubs. If hearts are 4-1 without giving South two unavoidable losers,
