President Donald Trump speaks during an event with auto racing champions
Trump raises rate on Chinese imports to 125%
BY JOSH BOAK Associated Press
WASHINGTON Facing a global market meltdown, President Donald Trump on Wednesday abruptly backed off his tariffs on most nations for 90 days even as he further jacked up the tax rate on Chinese imports to 125%.
It was seemingly an attempt to narrow what had been an unprecedented trade war between the U.S and most of the world to a showdown between the U.S. and China. The S&P 500 stock index jumped 9.5% after the announcement, but the drama over Trump’s tariffs is far from over as the administration prepares to engage in country-by-country negotiations. In the meantime, countries subject to the pause will now be tariffed at 10%.
The president hit pause in the face of intense pressure created by volatile financial markets that had been
pushing Trump to reconsider his tariffs, even as some administration officials insisted his reversal had always been the plan.
As stocks and bonds sold off, voters were watching their retirement savings dwindle and businesses warned of worse-than-expected sales and rising prices, all a possible gut punch to a country that sent Trump back to the White House last year on the promise of combating inflation.
The global economy appeared to be in open rebellion against Trump’s tariffs as they took effect early Wednesday, a signal that the U.S. president was not immune from market pressures. By early afternoon, Trump posted on Truth Social that because more than 75 countries had reached out to the U.S. government for trade talks and had not retaliated in meaningful ways, “I have
ä See TARIFFS, page 4A
Workers on the floor at the New york Stock Exchange watch the action on Wednesday.
INSIDE
ä Senate Republicans express relief at decision to pause tariffs. Page 4A ä U.S. stocks soar to one of their best days in history. Page 10C
SEVEN DAYS OF TRUMP’S TARIFFS AND MARKET UNCERTAINTY
APRIL 2
President Trump announces his longpromised ‘reciprocal’ tariffs — declaring a 10% baseline tax on imports across the board starting April 5, as well as higher rates for dozens of nations to take effect April 9.
BY ADAM DAIGLE Acadiana business editor
APRIL 4
APRIL 3
Trump’s previously announced auto tariffs begin. Prime Minister Mark Carney says that Canada will match the 25% levies with a tariff on vehicles imported from the U.S
China announces plans to impose a 34% tariff on imports of all U.S. products beginning April 10, matching Trump’s new ‘reciprocal’ tariff on Chinese goods, as part of a flurry of retaliatory measures.
APRIL 5
Trump’s 10% minimum tariff on nearly all countries and territories takes effect.
APRIL 9
Trump’s higher ‘reciprocal’ rates go into effect, hiking taxes on imports from dozens of countries. Hours later, his administration says it will suspend most of these higher rates for 90 days.
Landry backs bills on auto insurance
Governor calls for ‘balanced approach’ to legislation
BY ALYSE PFEIL Staff writer
Gov
“Both
rates, calling the measures “a balanced approach that holds both sides accountable.”
The legislation he highlighted focuses mainly on how insurance claims are litigated. Insurance companies and many in the business community
BY PATRICK WALL Staff writer
A battle is brewing between Gov Jeff Landry and Louisiana lawmakers over education spending.
Landry is seeking nearly $94 million for his signature LA GATOR program, which will give families money to pay for private school and other education expenses next school year The program, which Landry muscled through the Legislature last year, will replace state-funded vouchers that help low-income families afford private tuition. But now a powerful state lawmaker is throwing cold water on Landry’s plan. In an interview this week, Senate President
Landry seeking $94 million to fund LA GATOR program ä See EDUCATION, page 5A ä See INSURANCE, page 5A
A popular Acadiana-based brewing company will open a brewery on the bottom floor of the 83-room hotel planned for downtown Lafayette. Bayou Teche Brewing will occupy the 4,500-square-foot space in the $19 million Hotel Lafayette that is expected to open midyear 2026, the hotel’s ownership group, Sans Souci Properties, announced Thursday
The brewery will include beer produced on-site, along with a comprehensive food menu that will include wood-fired pizzas and crafted tiki cocktails. It will also operate a seasonal outdoor bar at the hotel’s pool, offer inroom dining to hotel guests and serve as the preferred food and beverage vendor to private events at the hotel. Construction of the hotel is expected to kick off with a groundbreaking ceremony next month, said Gus Rezende, one of the four owners of the hotel. Demo
Bayou Teche to open brewery inside planned hotel downtown A $19 million, 83-room hotel is planned for the corner of Lee Avenue and Vermilion Street and will include a unique restaurant space, an outdoor pool and event spaces. PROVIDED RENDERING ä See BREWERY, page 5A
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTOS
at the White House on Wednesday.
Officials probe possible girl, monkey trade
A Missouri foster mother has been charged with child abuse and endangerment as authorities investigate whether she traded an adopted daughter to someone in Texas for a monkey and mistreated other children in her care.
Prosecutors said the woman, 70, was a foster or adoptive parent to more than 100 children.
Lincoln County prosecutor Mike Wood said a witness described being asked to bring the child down to Texas and bring the monkey back in return. Wood said they will need to investigate further to see if that is credible.
Pope Francis meets with British royals
ROME — Pope Francis met privately with King Charles III and Queen Camilla on Wednesday at the Vatican during the royal couple’s four-day state visit to Italy and on the occasion of their 20th wedding anniversary, the Vatican announced.
It was the first known meeting since the pope’s return to the Vatican after five weeks in the hospital for life-threatening double pneumonia. Francis had planned to have an audience with Charles, but the official state visit to the Vatican was postponed due to the pope’s health
The pope issued a new invitation for a private audience, but it was subject to his health and only confirmed Wednesday morning
The mid-afternoon visit lasted about 20 minutes and included a private exchange of gifts.
NYC OKs immigration office at Rikers jail
NEWYORK New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ administration is allowing federal immigration officials to operate at Rikers Island to work on gang and drug-related criminal investigations in the city’s largest lockup.
But immigrant rights groups and Adams’ critics cast the Tuesday executive order as a concerning quid pro quo after federal prosecutors dropped corruption charges against the Democrat so he could help support the Republican President Donald Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigration.
Adams announced plans to allow Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to resume operations at the jail in February after meeting with Trump border czar Tom Homan, though details of the arrangement weren’t released until Tuesday’s order
Charges dropped in ‘Catch a Predator’ fad
A judge has dismissed conspiracy and kidnapping charges against five Massachusetts college students who were accused of plotting to lure a man to their campus through a dating app and then seizing him as part of a “Catch a Predator” trend on social media.
The Assumption University students, all teenagers, were arraigned in January and entered not guilty pleas. Since then, their lawyers had filed motions seeking to dismiss the charges, saying authorities lacked probable cause to believe they committed crimes.
Following a hearing last month, a Worcester District Court judge on Tuesday dismissed the conspiracy and kidnapping charges against Kelsy Brainard, Easton Randall, Kevin Carroll, Isabella Trudeau and Joaquin Smith.
Albums enter National Recording Registry
LOS ANGELES Albums from Elton John, Tracy Chapman, Mary J. Blige and the cast of “Hamilton” are entering America’s audio canon, along with singles from Helen Reddy and Celine Dion and the music of Minecraft.
New inductees into the National Recording Registry at the Library of Congress include John’s loaded-with-hits “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” from 1973, Chapman’s self-titled 1988 album that included “Fast Car,” Blige’s deeply introspective 1994 “My Life,” and the 2015 original Broadway cast album of “Hamilton.”
They were among the 25 recordings entering the archive in the class of 2025, Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden announced Wednesday
Officials scramble to ID victims of collapse
124 killed, hundreds injured at iconic nightclub
BY MARTÍN ADAMES ALCÁNTARA and DÁNICA COTO Associated Press
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic
A crowd of people grew increasingly agitated Wednesday as they waited at the Dominican Republic’s forensic institute for news of their loved ones still missing a day after a roof collapsed at an iconic nightclub, killing at least 124 people and injuring hundreds more.
National Institute of Forensic Pathology officials read the names of 54 victims they have identified so far
“We cannot wait until nighttime!” said one woman who was waiting for news of a relative whose name she did not hear “We’re going to go crazy!”
Officials called for calm, saying they have already delivered 28 bodies to their families but do not yet have a tally of all the bodies recovered. Officials said more than 250 people were hurt.
“The authorities are selling us false dreams!” cried out José Sánchez, whose brother and brotherin-law were still missing.
The legendary Jet Set club in Santo Domingo was packed with musicians, professional athletes and government officials when dust began falling from the ceiling and into people’s drinks early Tuesday Minutes later, the entire roof collapsed. Concrete slabs killed some instantly and trapped dozens of others on a dancefloor where hundreds had been dancing to a lively merengue concert. In the minutes that followed, the country’s 911 system received more than 100 calls, many from people buried under rubble.
The victims include merengue icon Rubby Pérez, who had been singing to the crowd before disaster struck. His body was found early Wednesday, said emergency operations director Juan Manuel Méndez. Rescue crews are still searching for survivors more than 24 hours after the collapse. Officials said Wednesday they have rescued 145 survivors from the wreckage of the nightclub.
“As long as they report that there is a missing person, we will be here,” Méndez said.
Rescue crews from Puerto Rico and Israel arrived Wednesday to help with the search. Officials said crews used sonar to detect what could be one person still breathing under the rubble.
Santo Domingo Mayor Carolina Mejía praised what she said were acts of love, including one Dominican who was handing out coffee to those at the scene and a man on vacation from Costa Rica who joined the search because he’s part of a rescue crew back home.
So far, only a few dozen people have been identified in one of the worst disasters to hit the Dominican Republic Those who died include a cardiologist, a government architect, a retired police officer, a retired United Nations official, the son and daughter-in-law of the minister of public works and the brother of the vice minister of the Ministry of Youth.
Also killed was MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel and Dominican player Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera, Satosky Terrero, spokesperson for the country’s Professional Baseball League, told The Associated Press.
Israeli airstrike on Gaza apartment building kills 23
BY WAFAA SHURAFA and SAMY MAGDY Associated Press
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip Israeli aircraft struck a residential block in war-ravaged northern Gaza on Wednesday, killing at least 23 people, health officials said, as the renewed fighting in the devastated Palestinian enclave showed no signs of slowing.
The Al-Ahly hospital said at least 23 people were killed in the strike, including eight women and eight children. The territory’s Health Ministry confirmed the figures.
The strike hit a four-story building in the Shijaiyah neighborhood of Gaza City, and rescue teams were searching for victims under the rubble, according to the Health Ministry’s emergency service.
The civil defense, a rescue group that operates under the Hamas-run government, said other neighboring buildings were damaged in the strike.
The Israeli military said it struck a senior Hamas militant who it said was behind attacks emanating from Shijaiyah, but it didn’t name him or provide further details. Israel blames the deaths of Palestinian civilians on the militant group, because it embeds itself in dense urban areas.
As it ratchets up pressure on Hamas to agree to free hostages, Israel has issued sweeping evacuation orders for parts of Gaza, including Shijaiyah. It imposed a blockade on food, fuel and humanitarian aid that has left civilians facing acute shortages as supplies dwindle. It has pledged to seize large parts of the Palestinian territory and establish a new security corridor through it.
The U.N. said the Israeli military has denied aid workers permission for more
than two-thirds of 170 attempts to move humanitarian supplies within the Gaza Strip since the ceasefire ended. U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said efforts to get dwindling aid supplies to Palestinians were “severely strained.”
The Israeli military did not immediately comment.
Earlier this week, Hamas fired its strongest volley of rockets since the ceasefire collapsed, lobbing 10 projectiles toward southern Israel.
Israel resumed its war against Hamas in Gaza last month after an eight-week ceasefire collapsed. The ceasefire brought a much-needed reprieve from the fighting to war-weary Palestinians in Gaza and sent an infusion of humanitarian aid to the territory It also led to the release of 25 living Israeli hostages held in Gaza and the return of the remains of eight others, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
Trump says Israel would be ‘leader’ of Iran strike
BY AAMER MADHANI Associated Press
WASHINGTON President Donald Trump said Wednesday that Israel would be the “leader” of a potential military strike against Iran if Tehran doesn’t give up its nuclear weapons program.
Trump made the comments ahead of this weekend’s scheduled talks involving U.S. and Iranian officials in the Middle East sultanate of Oman Trump earlier this week said the talks would be “direct” while Iran has described the engagement as “indirect” talks with the U.S.
“If it requires military, we’re going to have military,” Trump said. “Israel will obviously be very much involved in that. They’ll be the leader of that. But nobody leads us, but we do what we want to do.”
The United States is increasingly concerned as Tehran is closer than ever to a workable weapon.
But Trump said on Wednesday that he doesn’t have a definitive timeline for the talks to come to a resolution
“When you start talks, you know, if they’re going along well or not,” Trump said. “And I would say the conclusion would be what I think they’re not going along well. So that’s just a feeling.”
The U.S. and other world powers in 2015 reached a long-term, comprehensive nuclear agreement that limited Tehran’s enrichment of uranium in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions. But Trump unilaterally withdrew the U.S. from the nuclear agreement in 2018, calling it the “worst deal ever.” Iran and the U.S., under President Joe Biden, held indirect negotiations in Vienna in 2021 aimed at restoring the nuclear deal But those talks, and others between Tehran and European nations, failed to reach any agreement.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Treasury Department earlier on Wednesday issued new sanctions targeting Iran’s nuclear program. Five entities and one person based in Iran are cited in the new sanctions for their support of Iran’s nuclear program.
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By RICARDO HERNANDEZ
A rescue worker comforts a woman Wednesday during the search for survivors at the Jet Set nightclub after its roof collapsed during a merengue concert in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO Palestinians hurl stones at Israeli forces Wednesday
Court clears way for worker firings
Thousands of probationary employees let go
BY LINDSAY WHITEHURST Associated Press
WASHINGTON — A federal appeals court cleared the way Wednesday for President Donald Trump’s administration to fire thousands of probationary workers, halting a judge’s order requiring them to be reinstated in a legal win for Trump’s effort to downsize the federal workforce.
The decision comes a day after the Supreme Court also sided with the Trump administration in another lawsuit filed over mass firings.
A split panel for the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals found the terminations of federal workers should probably be appealed through a separate employment process rather than fought out in federal court Two judges appointed by Republican
presidents sided with the administration, while a third Democratic appointed judge dissented.
The decision comes in a lawsuit filed by nearly two dozen states, who said the mass firings will cause irreparable burdens and expenses to support recently unemployed workers. They said at least 24,000 probationary employees have been terminated since Trump took office.
The states could still seek further review as the lawsuit continues to play out.
The Republican administration has argued that the states have no right to try to influence the federal government’s relationship with its own workers, but also had already reinstated some 15,000 workers to full duty or paid leave as the lawsuits played out according to court
documents.
The appeals court order halts a decision from U.S. District Judge James Bredar in Baltimore, who was one of two judges appointed by Democratic presidents who found that the Trump administration violated federal laws in carrying out the terminations at 20 agencies in the states that sued.
The Supreme Court blocked another order from U.S. District Judge William Alsup in San Francisco on Tuesday finding that nonprofit groups lacked legal standing to sue over the firing of probationary workers. The case still has additional plaintiffs, however, and Alsup was weighing Wednesday whether to again order reinstatement on behalf of the state of Washington and labor groups.
Afghanistan border
U.S. restores aid, except in Afghanistan and Yemen
BY SAMY MAGDY, RIAZAT BUTT and ELLEN KNICKMEYER Associated Press
CAIRO U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration has reversed new cutoffs in emergency food aid to several nations but maintained them in Afghanistan and Yemen, two of the world’s poorest and most war-ravaged countries, according to the State Department and officials who spoke to The Associated Press
It marks the latest round of abrupt cancellations of foreign aid contracts run through the U.S. Agency for International Development and equally sudden reversals. The whipsawing moves come as the Republican administration and Trump adviser Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency dismantle USAID and dramatically reduce foreign assistance, asserting that the spending is wasteful and advances liberal causes. The United States over the weekend sent notices terminating funding for U.N. World Food Program emergency
programs in more than a dozen countries. Aid officials warned that the cuts could threaten the lives of millions of refugees and other vulnerable people, stressing the risks of further destabilizing regions ridden by conflicts.
The State Department confirmed Wednesday that it had reversed those cuts in Somalia, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Ecuador It said it would keep the cancellations for Afghanistan and Yemen but left the fate of food aid in six other unidentified nations unclear Even in Syria, Somalia and other crisis areas where it had reinstated support for lifesaving food programs the U.S. would work with the U.N to modify its funding “to better align with Administration priorities,” the State Department said by email. It gave no details.
Two USAID officials said Jeremy Lewin, the DOGE associate overseeing the dismantling of the aid agency, ordered the reversal of some of his contract terminations Tuesday after the AP reported them. The officials spoke on the condition
of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief the media.
The USAID officials said Lewin sent a note internally expressing regret for the sudden contract terminations and reversals. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and others had pledged that the kind of lifesaving aid targeted would be spared.
A United Nations official said the decision to restore funding came after intense behind-the-scenes lobbying of members of Congress by senior U.N. officials.
The State Department on Wednesday defended some of the new funding cuts, including for Yemen and Afghanistan, saying they were based on “credible and longstanding concerns that funding was benefitting terrorist groups including the Houthis and the Taliban.”
At a briefing this week, department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce cited a U.S. government watchdog’s 2024 finding that department contractors reported paying at least $10.9 million to Afghanistan’s Taliban government in taxes, utility payments and fees.
Judges to bar use of Alien Enemies Act to deport some Venezuelans
BY VALERIE GONZALEZ and LARRY NEUMEISTER Associated Press
McALLEN, Texas — Judges in Texas and New York on Wednesday said they would temporarily bar the U.S. government from deporting Venezuelans jailed in parts of those two states while their lawyers challenge the Trump administration’s use of a rarely-invoked law letting presidents imprison and deport noncitizens in times of war The judges took actions after civil rights lawyers sought to protect five men identified by the government as belonging to the Tren de Aragua gang, a claim their lawyers dispute. But the judges said some others in their judicial districts similarly situated would also be protected from deportations relying on the Alien Enemies Act. The judicial moves were the first to occur after the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday ruled the administration can resume deportations, but deportees must be afforded some due process before they are flown away, including reasonable time to argue to a judge that they should not be deported. The rulings did not address the constitutionality of the act. The American Civil Liberties Union is asking the judge in Texas to decide on whether it is lawful to use the Alien Enemies Act. The United States is not at war with Venezuela, but President Donald Trump’s admin-
istration has argued the U.S. is being invaded by members of the Tren de Aragua gang. U.S. immigration authorities already have deported more than 100 people and sent them to a notorious prison in El Salvador without letting them challenge their removals in court.
Civil liberties lawyers brought lawsuits on behalf of three men detained in a facility in Texas and two held in an Orange County, New York, facility Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr signed a temporary restraining order in Texas while Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein said at a New York hearing that he planned to sign a temporary order Wednesday to block removals while court challenges proceed.
Kansas City Mo.
Supreme Court allows Trump’s removal of board members
BY MARK SHERMAN Associated Press
WASHINGTON The Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed the Trump administration to oust two board members who oversee independent agencies, for now The action seems to signal the court’s support for President Donald Trump’s effort to remove limits on his power to hire and fire.
Chief Justice John Roberts signed an order pausing a ruling from the federal appeals court in Washington that had temporarily restored the two women to their jobs. They were separately fired from agencies that deal with labor issues, including one with a key role for federal workers as Trump aims to drastically downsize the workforce.
Roberts handles emergency appeals from the nation’s
capital. He called for the two board members, Gwynne Wilcox of the National Labor Relations Board and Cathy Harris of the Merit Systems Protection Board, to weigh in by early next week.
It’s not clear why Roberts would have paused the appellate ruling unless he and his colleagues believe it was likely wrong.
The immediate issue confronting the justices is whether the board members, both initially appointed by Democratic President Joe Biden, can stay in their jobs while the larger fight continues over what to do with a 90-year-old Supreme Court decision known as Humphrey’s Executor In that case from 1935, the court unanimously held that presidents cannot fire independent board members without cause.
The ruling has long rankled conservative legal theorists, who argue it wrongly curtails the president’s power Roberts was part of the current conservative majority on the Supreme Court that already has narrowed its reach in a 2020 decision. Soon the high court could narrow it further or jettison it altogether In its emergency appeal, the administration also suggested the justices should take up and decide the broader issue of presidential power The court could hear arguments at a special session in May and issue a decision by early summer Solicitor General D. John Sauer wrote. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit voted 7-4 to return Wilcox and Harris to their jobs while their cases play out.
ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By CHARLIE RIEDEL Internal Revenue Service employee Diane LeDesna leads protesters supporting federal workers in a March 15 rally outside the IRS regional office in
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO Afghan refugees rest Tuesday at a transit station set up to facilitate Afghan refugees’ deportations on the Pakistan and
Senate Republicans expressreliefattariff pause
BY STEPHENGROVES
Associated Press
WASHINGTON— As news that President Donald Trump wasbacking down on most of his tariffs reached aluncheon of Senate Republicans Wednesday,the room reacted with relief, cheers and smiles
It capped an extraordinary 24 hours in Washington in which GOP senators had increasingly confronted the Trump administration with worries aboutthe economic impacts of the president’ssweeping tariff strategy.InSenatehearings and interviews with reporters, GOP skepticism of Trump’s policieshad run unusually high, amounting to arare break with apresident they have otherwise championed.
Lawmakers had reason to worry: the stock market had been in avolatile tumble for days, andeconomists were warning that the plans could lead to arecession
As Republicans heard from businesses back home worried about thepresident’splans and navigated the political ramifications of crossing Trump, they engaged in adelicate two-step of urging the president to engage in negotiations
TARIFFS
Continued from page1A
authorized a90day PAUSE, and asubstantially lowered Reciprocal Tariff during this period, of 10%, also effective immediately.”
Trump latertold reporters that he pulled back on many global tariffs —but not on China —because people were “yippy” and “afraid” duetothe stockmarketdeclines. He added that while he expected to reach deals, “nothing’soveryet.”
The president said he had been monitoring the bond market and that people were “getting alittle queasy”as bond prices had fallen and interest rates had increased in avote of no confidence by investors in Trump’sprevious tariff plans.
“The bond market is very tricky,” Trump said. “I was watching it. But if you look at it now,it’sbeautiful.”
The president latersaid he’d been thinking about his tariff pauseover the past few days, but he said it “came together early this morning, fairly early this morning.”
Asked why White House aides had been insisting for weeks that the tariffswere not part of anegotiation, Trump said: “A lot of times, it’snot anegotiation until it is.”
The 10% tariff was the baseline rate for most nationsthat went into effect on Saturday. It’smeaningfully lower than the 20%tariff that Trump had set for goods from the European Union, 24% on imports from Japan and 25% on products from South Korea. Still, 10%represents an increase in the tariffs previously charged by theU.S.government. Canada and Mexico would continue to be tariffed by as much as 25% due to aseparate directive by Trump to ostensiblystop fentanyl smuggling.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that the negotiations with individual countries would be “bespoke,” meaning that the next 90 days would involve talks on aflurry of potential deals. Bessent, aformer hedge fund manager,told reporters that the pause was because of other countries seeking talks rather than brutal sell-offs in the
and warning of the economic fallout of long-term tariffs, then shifting to praise for the president’s economic vision
Thatstrategy seemed to payoff Wednesday afternoon when Sen. Roger Marshall broke thenews to the roomful of fellow Republicansthat Trumpwould back down on tariffsonmost nations except Chinafor 90 days.
“Itreally lightenedupthe lunchdiscussion,” said Sen. Mike Rounds, aSouth Dakota Republican, adding that therewere cheers, clappingand “a lot of smiles.”
Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., said he wasrelieved by the announcement and “we allwould rather see themarket rise than fall.”
Just aday before, Republican senators hadpresented their concerns instark terms to theTrump administration,even as they were careful to direct any criticism at the president’saides and advisors rather than the president himself.
“Whose throat do Iget to chokeif this proves to be wrong?” Republican Sen.Thom Tillis asked U.S Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in aTuesday Senate hearing. Tillis was pressing forananswer on whichTrumpaidetoholdac-
countable if there is an economic downturn. His frustration was aimed at theacross-the-board tariffstrategy thatwould have potentially hamstrung U.S. manufacturers, who are dependent on materials like aluminum and steel from China. Hishome state of North Carolina, where he is up for reelection next year,has attracted thousands of foreign firms looking to invest in thestate’smanufacturing industries. Still, Tillis cautioned that the announcement“doesn’tdomuchfor certainty.” He said that the 90-day pausemay calm the market, but he wouldn’trecommend to aCEO to deploy capital right now “when you don’tknow what the long-term cost is goingtobeand thetax environment.”
TheunpredictabilityofTrump’s strategy wasonfulldisplay Wednesday,aseven Greer seemed to have no clue that the announcementwas coming as he testified in the House Ways and Means Committee. Greer,who had toldsenatorsthe day before that negotiationswould take some time, had to adapt his message in real time.
“I feel like you’re in avery bad positionhere, this whole ideathat
thispresident made this switcheroo on you while you were in the middle of testifying here today,” said Rep. TomSuozzi, D-N.Y. Democrats pointed to the dizzying changes as asignofTrump’s capriciousness.
“This is government by chaos,” said Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer at anewsconference. “He keepschanging things from day to day. Hisadvisorsare fighting amongthemselves, calling each othernames, and you cannot run acountry with such chaos.”
But for Republicans, it wasjust Trumpbeing Trump.
Sen. Kevin Cramer,a North Dakota Republican who is close with thepresident,argued that theunpredictability wasaway of gaining “leverage” in the negotiations.
“This is the way he’salways been,” Cramer added. “He even allows his ownadministration to have different views and have their ownspats,and to do it publicly,because he followsall of that andhestays focusedand watches the responsefrom both his public and the world.”
YetTrump’s pause onlycame after considerable urging from within his own party
financialmarkets, astatement later contradicted by the president.
“The only certainty we can provide is thatthe U.S. is going to negotiatein good faith, and we assumethat our allies will too,”Bessent said.
The treasury secretary said he and Trump“had a long talk on Sunday,and this was hisstrategyall along” and that the president had “goaded China intoabad position.”
Priortothe reversal,businessexecutives werewarning of apotential recession caused byhis policies,some of the topU.S. trading partners wereretaliating with their own importtaxes and the stock market wasquiveringafter daysofdecline.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavittsaid thewalkbackwas partof Trump’snegotiating strategy. She said the newsmedia “clearly failed to see what President Trump is doing here. Youtried to say that the rest of theworld would be moved closer to China, when in fact, we’veseen the opposite effect. The entire world is calling theUnited StatesofAmerica, not China, becausethey needour markets.”
Thehead of the World TradeOrganization,Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, saidthe trade war between the U.S andChina “couldseverely damage theglobaleconomic outlook”and warnedof
“potential fragmentation of global trade along geopolitical lines.”
Market turmoil had been buildingfor weeksahead of Trump’smove, with the president at times suggesting the import taxeswould stay in place while also saying that theycould be subject to negotiations.
Particularly worrisome was that U.S. government debt hadlostsomeofits luster with investors, who usually treat Treasury notes as asafe haven when there’s economic turbulence.Government bond prices had been falling, pushing up the interest rate on the10year U.S.Treasury note to 4.45%. That rate eased after Trump’sreversal.
Gennadiy Goldberg, head of U.S. rates strategyatTD Securities, said before the announcement that markets wanted to seeatruce in the trade disputes.
“Markets more broadly, not just the Treasury market,are looking for signs thata trade de-escalation is coming,”hesaid. “Absent anyde-escalation, it’s going to be difficult for marketsto stabilize.”
John Canavan,lead analyst at the consultancy Oxford Economics, noted that while Trump saidhe changedcourse due to possible negotiations, he had previously indicated that the tariffs would stay in place.
“Therehavebeen very mixedmessagesonwhether there wouldbenegotia-
tions,” Canavan said. “Given what’s been going on with themarkets,herealized the safestthing to do is negotiateand put things on pause.”
The whipsaw-like nature of Wednesday could be seen in thesocial media posts of Bill Ackman, ahedge fund billionaire and Trumpsupporter
“Our stock marketis down,” Ackman posted on
GOPsenators, including in a group interview with Fox News Channel host Sean Hannityon Tuesday night,had voiced hopes Trump would act quickly in hopes of ending the economic tumult. Sen.JohnKennedy,R-Mandeville,saidTrumpislike the “pit bull who caught the car” as other countries offer trade deals with the U.S. He added: “I hope he takes the deal.”
Trumpwas also facing Republican lawmakers looking for ways to claw back their power over tariffs, which has been almost completely handed over to the president in recent decades through legislation.
Sen. ChuckGrassley, asenior Republican, has introduced abipartisan bill to give Congress the power to review and approve new tariffs, andRepublican members in the House werealso working to gain support forasimilar bill. Trump on Tuesdaynight hadsaid anyone whobacked the legislation wasa“rebel Republican” who “wants to grandstand.”
“Let me tellyou,you don’tnegotiate like Inegotiate. Congress takesovernegotiating, sell America fast because you’re going to go busted,” the president added.
X. “Bond yields are up and the dollarisdeclining. These arenot the markers of successful policy.” Ackman repeated his call fora 90-day pausein the post. WhenTrump embraced that idea several hours later,anebullient Ackmanposted that Trump had “brilliantly executed” his planand it was“Textbook Art of the Deal,” areference to Trump’sbestselling 1987 book.
Presidents often receive undue creditorblamefor thestate of theU.S.economy as their time in the White House is subject to financial andgeopolitical forces beyond their direct control.
But by unilaterally imposing tariffs, Trump has exerted extraordinary influence over the flow of commerce, creating political risksand pulling the market in different directions based on his remarks andsocial media posts. There still appear to be 25% tariffs on autos, steel andaluminum, withmore imports, including pharmaceutical drugs, set to be tariffedinthe weeks ahead.
Thetariffs frenzy of recent weeks has taken its toll on businesses andindividuals alike.
On CNBC, Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian said the ad-
ministration wasbeing less strategic than it wasduring Trump’sfirst term.His company hadinJanuary projected it would have its best financial year in history,only to scrap its expectations for 2025 due to theeconomicuncertainty “Trying to do it all at the sametimehas created chaos in termsofbeing able to makeplans,” he said, noting that demand for airtravel has weakened. Before Trump’sreversal, economicforecasters said his second term has had aseries of negative and cascading impacts that could put the country into adownturn.
“Simultaneous shocks to consumer sentiment, corporate confidence, trade, financial markets as well as to prices,new orders and the labor market will tip the economy into recession in thecurrent quarter,” said Joe Brusuelas, chief economist at theconsultancy RSM.
Bessent has previously said it could take months to strike deals with countries on tariff rates. But in a Wednesdaymorning appearance on “Mornings with Maria,” Bessent said the economy would “be back to firing on all cylinders” at apoint in the “not too distant future.”
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By JACQUELyN MARTIN TreasurySecretaryScott Bessent speaks to reporters outsidethe West Wing of the White House on Wednesdaywith White House press secretaryKaroline Leavitt.
contend out-of-control lawsuits are hurting the economy, while trial lawyers and some consumer advocates argue people hurt in accidents are often shortchanged in court.
Some of the measuresLandry presented could limit how much money trial lawyers canwin for injured clients. Others could impact the bottom line of insurance companies that naturally seek to limit what they pay out. Both sides offered cautioussupport Wednesday for the governor’s ideas.
“Weapplaud the governor’sengagement on thisissue andlook forward to workingwiththe administration and legislators to support real insurancereform that can bring skyrocketing rates under control while protectingthe rights of Louisiana citizens,” said Connie Koury,executive director of Louisiana Association for Justice, which represents trial lawyers Insurance Council of Louisiana Executive DirectorRodney Braxton said Landry offered ideas that “we could certainly sit down with him and work on.”
But he also notedthe insurance industry wants to see legislation
“significant enough to make real change for the insurancemarket
EDUCATION
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Cameron Henry,R-Metairie, said he and other legislative leaders agreedlast yearto fund the LA GATOR Scholarship Program at the same level as school vouchers. So he was surprised to see Landry proposea budget for next fiscal year that includes $93.5 million for LA GATOR —more than double what thestate spends annually on vouchers.
“I was not remotely expectingthat,” Henry said about Landry seeking an extra $50 million for the program. “Somehow therewas amisunderstanding, which we will rectify.”
Despite Landry’s request, Henry said he will hold firm to spending roughly the same amount as vouchers cost this school year:$43.5 million
“It will be no more” than that, he said, “because that was the original agreement.”
The governor’s spokesperson declinedtocomment Wednesday Landry is likely to fight for the money.When Henry and other state senators tried to scaleback the LA GATOR bill last year,Landry attacked them in TV ads and promoted the bill at aCatholic school in Henry’sdistrict.
YetLandrymay face an uphill battle securing extra fundsfor private education when the legislative session starts next week.
Last month, voters rejected aconstitutional amend-
BREWERY
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work began last month on the site, which for years housed Don’sSeafood and Steakhouse restaurant.
“Wereally want to connect visitorswiththe vibrancy of the local culture and downtown Lafayette,” said Joseph Thrash with The Thrash Group, the design partner forthe hotel.
“(Bayou Teche Brewery is) not only bringing something to the hotel that is authentically local, but also giving any interested guests the chance to delve into a full-on brewery experience without leaving the building. This partnership gives our guests the chance to jump right into the Acadiana experience.” Bayou Teche Brewery, known for itswide range of craftbeers,firstopened in 2009and offers visitors aplace to relax and gather at its site at 102 Noth Lane in Arnaudville. It also offers cocktails, including the Bayou Tiki cocktail as anod to its love of tiki culture and premium rums.
It will offer a“Bayou Tiki experience” at the hotel’s
in Louisiana.”
“Significant change means policy measures that will drive down thecost of claims,” saidBraxton.
“Insurance is driven by two things: frequency and severity —how oftenthere are accidents and how severe thedamages are.”
Here are some of the issues and what efforts Landry said he would back:
Medicalbills
Louisiana’s“collateralsource” rules affect how much money plaintiffs can receive in court for medicalbills. Those rules currently allow plaintiffs to collect more money in damagesthan what they actuallypaid for medical bills, up to alimit set out in state law
Landrysaid he would support a different policy that mirrors Texas rules.
“If we adopt aTexas model, then Ibelieve we will reach afair and balancedapproach,” he said, without specifyingwhatTexas does that he wouldsupport.
Landry also acknowledged his veto lastyear of acollateralsource proposal,amove that drew theire of the business community.He said Wednesday that last year’s bill “did nothing to addressthe problemand took therights away from thosewho are legitimately injured.”
ment that, among many other changes, wouldhave funded salary increases for public school teachers.
Now,the Legislature must find $200 milliontomaintain salary stipends for teachers and other school staffers otherwise, thousands of educators could face pay cuts. Without raisingtaxes or otherwise boosting state revenue, it’sunclear how the state could afford teacher pay and the nearly $100 millionLandry wants for LA GATOR, said Jan Moller, executivedirector of Invest in Louisiana,anonpartisan thinktank
“There’sgoing to be really tough choices that the Legislature will be forced to make,” he said.
The LA GATORprogram has been atop priority for Landry,aswell as someinfluentialadvocacygroups and Republican donors.
It will offer eligiblefamilies tax dollars to payfor private school tuitionor eligible expenses,including tutoring, textbooksand special-education services. Studentswho currently receive school vouchers will be first in line forthe new stipends, followed bylow-income studentsand studentswithdisabilities.
Thegrants will range from about $5,200 forfamilies who don’tqualifyaslow-income to roughly $15,200 for students with disabilities.
Parentsalreadyare clamoring for the money.More than 33,000 families have submitted applications since March 1, according to the state Education Depart-
Court judicial precedent known as the“Housley presumption.”
That doctrinesays that if evidence pointstoacausal connection between acrash and an injury when symptoms appear after an accident, then it’spresumed the accident caused the symptoms.
“This is acourt-made law thatinjury in any case is assumed to be causedbythe accident, and that’s absurd,”saidLandry.“This measure would make it harderfor frivolous lawsuits to move forward by making thelawyersand their clients prove their injuries were the result of the car accident.”
Uninsureddrivers
Landry said he wants to make it harderfor uninsureddrivers to collect apayout after an accident through a“no pay no play” measure. He would raise Louisiana’s “award exclusion” from $15,000 to $100,000.Thatwould mean uninsured motorists couldn’tcollect on the first $100,000 in bodily injury damages
“Weneed our no-pay-no-play concept to be strengthened because uninsured motorists should not have the same rightsasthose responsible citizens who are paying to have insurance coverage,” he said.
Advertising
Landry said he backsabill by Rep. KimCarver, R-Mandeville called the “Louisiana Lawyer Ad-
vertising and Unfair TradePractices Act.”
It would require that lawyer advertising comply with the Rules of ProfessionalConductofthe Louisiana State Bar Association, banfalse, misleading or deceptivestatements in advertising and prohibit soliciting clients within 30 days of apersonal injury accident.
Landrysaidhealsowants prevent insurance companies from passing the cost of advertising on to consumers.
“If theinsurance companies want to hire overpaid celebrities to appear in commercials and have geckos sipping on coffee and riding motorcycles, well then our citizens should not have to pay for that in their premium increases,” he said.
Landry didn’treference aspecific bill. However,abill by Rep. Gabe Firment, R-Pollock, would prohibit insurers from including certainadvertising costs in their rate-setting methods.
Othermeasures
Landry said he wants to remake theroleofthe LouisianaCommissioner of Insurance to function more like they do in other Southern states, though he didn’tprovide details when asked about specific changes he would like to see.
“Our insurancecommissioner has been unable to hold insurance companies to their word,” Landry said. “I do not believe that it is personal. Ibelieve that he does just not have thepower to be able to do
that.”
Landrysaidhewouldalsosupport providing insurance discounts to truckers whouse dashcams, prohibiting the use of credit checksinsetting insurance rates and banning texting while driving. Settingthe stage
Landry’sannouncement comes on the heels of aTexas turkeyhunting trip that he attended along with prominent trial lawyers, House SpeakerPhillip DeVillier, Senate President Cameron Henry and others. Those involved said the excursion wasatleast in part aimed at brokering adeal between business interests and trial attorneys.
Henry saiditwas anovel attempt to see if legislators could find common ground on protecting the rights of people injured in accidents while eliminating frivolous lawsuits.
Over thepastseveral months, legislatorshelda series of committee meetings meanttounearth the primary drivers of Louisiana’s high insurance rates.
Akey player was Firment, the House InsuranceCommittee chair, who has worked in the insurance industry foryears.
On Wednesday,Firment commended Landry forhis “comprehensive”packageoflegislation aimed at striking abalance.
“I look forward to hearing these bills debated in the coming weeks,” he said.
site during Festival International later this month
“Bayou TecheBrewing is excited to be apart of thisfabulous project,” said StephanieKnott, co-owner of Bayou Teche Brewing. “Wecan’twaitfor the opportunity to be apart of the downtown Lafayette community and serve customers there as well as at our Arnaudvillelocation ” Thehotel is ajoint project with Sans Souci Properties, The Thrash Group and Tandem Hospitality Group andwill also include 2,500-square-foot event spaces.
Sans Souci Properties is managed by Lafayette business owners Rezende,Ryan Pecot, BJ Cristand John Pe-
ment. Nearly 30,000 of those applicantsmeet the eligibility criteria.
“The high demand for the LA GATOR Scholarship Programshows thevalue this program providesto familiesacrossour state,” Landry said in astatement last month
Now the questionishow much money the Legislature will give theprogram —which will determine how manyfamilies get grants.
The $43.5 million that went towardvouchers this school year would fund LAGATOR grants averaging $7,100 for about 6,100 students,according to the governor’s budget proposal. The additional$50 millionLandry wants would payfor grants averaging $9,300 for another 5,300 students.
Besides opposing the extra $50 million for LA GATOR, Henry alsosaid lawmakers needtoknowhow many more students the state’s privateschools can enroll.
“I want toknow how many seats areavailable,” he said in an interview Tuesday with TheTimes-Picayune|The Advocate editorialboard andreporters. “We’re not going to appropriate money andthentheytell us how many seats they’re going to fill.”
The funding debatebecame more complicated last month after voterssoundly rejected four constitutional amendments —including Amendment 2, which Landry had championed.
Alongwith making constitutional changes to taxes and budgeting, thatamendment
terson.
Adowntown hotel should help grow the local music sceneinLafayette. Speaking at the Acadiana Commercial Outlook on Wednesday,Rock ‘n’ Bowl owner Johnny Blanchersaid the lack of ahotel within walking distance has impeded thevenue’sgrowth.
The calls about awalkable hotel space come “every single day,” he said.
“It has actually put acap on what we will invest in live music,”Blancher said. “Wecan’tget the regional traveler in proximity (to the venue),and when they start actually looking into what hotels areavailable, they don’tbuy.That’s going to change. We hope to help fill (thehotel) up.”
would have freedupmoney to boost teacher salaries. In effect,itwouldhavelocked in pay stipends —$2,000 for teachers and $1,000 for support staff— that educators have received in lieu of raises the past two years.
Without the money that Amendment 2would have provided,the Legislature would have to locate $200 million in the budgettoreup thestipends.Otherwise, teachers will takehome $2,000 less next school year
“If theywant to do ateacher pay raise, they’re going to have to find themoney,” said Steven Procopio, president of thePublic Affairs Research Council of Louisiana, aBaton Rouge-based think tank.
The Legislature could reintroduce aconstitutional amendment to fund teacher raises,Procopio noted.However,it’sunlikely voters would have timetogotothe polls againbeforethe new fiscal year starts in July
In the meantime, lawmakerscould approve another year of paystipends —if theysecure the funding. One source could be the extramoney that Landry requested forLAGATOR, Procopio said. “Since the additional $50 millionisabove and beyond what was discussed last year, in termsofjustpayingfor the voucher program,” he said, “that’sprobably going to make it aprime target.” But proponents of the LA
GATOR programpoint to the high demand, saying it should receive thefull amount Landry requested. Mary Beth Derrickson, director of government relations for LABI, agroup that promotes economic development in Louisiana and supported the LA GATORbill, saidshe expects Landry to push hard forthe $93.5millionduring budget negotiations. What’sunclear is whether lawmakers will go along with him
“This is ahuge priority for the governor,” she said. “We’re just going to see how it shakes out.”
Email Patrick Wall at patrick.wall@theadvocate. com.
KYIV,Ukraine Ukraine on Wednesday expanded on itsclaimthat significant numbersofChinese nationals are fighting for Russia’sinvading army,saying it had gathered detailed intelligence on more than 150 mercenaries Moscow allegedly recruited through socialmedia. In China,officials called the allegations “totally unfounded.” The Ukrainian accusationand Chinese denial come as the U.S. strives to secure aceasefire in the more than three-yearwar President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced Tuesday that the Ukrainian military had captured two Chinese men fighting alongside the Russian army on Ukrainian soil. It was the first time Ukraine had made such aclaim about Chinese fighters in the war On Wednesday,Zelenskyy said he was willing to exchange the two prisoners of war for Ukrainian soldiers held captive in Russia. Without providing evidence, Zelenskyy
said officials in Beijingwereaware of Russia’scampaign to recruit Chinesemercenaries.Hestopped short of saying the Chinese government authorized the mercenaries’ involvement in Ukraine.
Zelenskyy saidUkraine has the last names and passport data for 155 Chinese citizens fighting for the Russian army and that“we believe that thereare many more of them.” He shared with journalists documents listing names,passport numbers and personal details of the alleged Chinese recruits, including when they arrived in Russia for military trainingand departed for service; theAPhas not independently verified the documents.
China has provided strong diplomatic support forRussia since it launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. It has also soldRussiamachinery and microelectronics that it can useto make weapons, Western officials say, in addition to providing an economic lifeline through thetrade in energy and consumer goods. China is not believedtohave
knowingly providedRussia with troops,weapons or militaryexpertise U.S. officials haveaccused Iran of providing Russia with drones, while American and South Korean officialssay North Korea hassent thousands of troops and ammunitiontohelp Russiaonthe battlefield. With the U.S. and Europe havingprovided substantial military supportand diplomatic heft for Ukraine, the war has to some degree becomea contest between power blocs.
Tensions between the U.S. and China have deepened in recent years. Disputes have centered on geopolitical influence, technology and trade —and recently escalating import tariffs between thecountries have roiled global financial markets. Zelenskyy said U.S. officials expressed“surprise”when informed of the presence of Chinesemercenaries in Ukraine.
U.S. President Donald Trumpis trying to follow through on acampaign promise last year to swiftly end the war in Ukraine.
Americansconvicted in botchedCongo coup face U.S. charges
BY HANNAH SCHOENBAUM and ERIC TUCKER Associated Press
SALTLAKECITY Three Americans repatriatedtothe United States from Congo this weekhave been charged with participating in an elaborate coupattemptaimedat overthrowing the African nation’s governmentlast year,the U.S. JusticeDepartment said Wednesday Afourthman allegedbyprosecutors to be an expert in explosiveswas also chargedwith aiding the plot.
Thecriminal chargesarisefrom the same setofallegationsthatled to three of thedefendantsbeing detained in Congo and receiving death sentences. The sentences werelater commuted to punishments of life imprisonment before the menwere ultimately transferred Tuesday into U.S. custody to face chargesinanAmerican court.
Acriminalcomplaint unsealed by prosecutors Wednesday follows along-running FBI investigation andaccuses the men of conspiring to provide weapons, explosives andother support to a rebelarmy that wasformed to try to overthrow the government. Among the three Americans is 22-year-old Marcel Malanga, sonofopposition figure Christian Malanga, wholed the coup attempt that targeted thepresidential palace in Kinshasa. The elder Malanga livestreamed from the palace during the attempt and was later killed while resisting arrest, Congolese authorities said.
Prosecutors say the goal of the plot was to establish anew government known as NewZaire and install Christian Malanga as its president. The younger Malanga identified himself as the “Chief of Staff of the Zaire army” and acted as aleader of the rebel forces, courtdocuments say ChristianMalanga,who was born in the Congolese capital of Kinshasa, haddescribed himself on his website as arefugeewho settled in the U.S. with his family in the 1990s. The self-proclaimed leader of ashadow government in exile sold usedcarsand dabbledin
gold mining before persuading his Utah-born son to join in the foiled coup. Christian Malanga was convictedinUtahofassault with a firearm in 2001 andhad charges dismissed in several other criminal cases. Marcel Malanga,Tyler Thompson Jr., 22, and Benjamin ZalmanPolun, 37, were returned to the U.S. Tuesday.They were expected to make their first courtappearance in Brooklyn. The allegedexplosivesexpert, JosephPeter Moesser, 67, was due to appear in court in SaltLake City on Thursday.Prosecutors say that as part of the plot, he provided explosives training and instructions at hisUtahhomeand contributed equipment and firearms.
Thompson’sattorney,Skye Lazaro, said Wednesday she did not yet have information to share. No attorneys were listed in court documents for the other three defendants.
The menare charged with crimesincluding conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction, conspiracy to bomb government facilities and conspiracy to kill or kidnap persons in aforeign country.Those charges, which taken together could result in lengthy prison sentences in the event of aconviction, could change if and when the defendants are indicted by agrand jury
Thecomplaintprovides the most detailed chronicletodateof the planned May 2024 overthrow of Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi. At leastsix people,including Christian Malanga, died when armed men in camouflage fatigues led an attack on the homes of the president and adeputy primeminister
The charging document makes clear that the alleged coup was the result of amonths-in-the-making plot rather than ahaphazard idea, with the men accused of recruiting friends in the U.S., acquiring a drone and military-style weapons and also participating in extensive firearmstraining. The men are also alleged to have hijacked abus and raided apolice station to obtain weapons forthe deadly attack.
Ukrainian servicemen prepareto fire amultiple launch
Tuesday in the Zaporizhzhia region, Ukraine
Coastal rice farm to host birding event
Expedition designed to show how wetlands, bird patterns work together
BY JOANNA BROWN Staff writer
Drive about an hour south of Lafayette, turn down a low-lying road that runs only yards away from the Vermilion River, and keep your eyes peeled for alligators.
This primeval Louisiana land-
scape is the entrance to Live Oak Farm a bucolic spot on the Gulf Coast, where rice has been cultivated for the past 100 years.
This Friday, bird lovers and naturalists can visit the farm for an expedition designed to showcase the symbiotic relationship between rice cultivation, coastal wet-
lands rehabilitation and migratory bird patterns, according to Erik Johnson, director of conservation science with Audubon Delta.
“Right now, 2.1 billion birds are crossing the Gulf on their way back from Central America and South America to their breeding grounds here in the U.S. and
Canada,” said Johnson, one of the guides for Friday’s birding trip. “Louisiana, especially south Louisiana, is part of that Mississippi Flyway and we’re right in the peak of that migration.”
It’s a rare opportunity to access a privately owned birding mecca, which also happens to sit at the
heart of Louisiana’s rice industry
The Godchaux family of Abbeville played an integral role in the development of Louisiana rice through the 20th century starting with the family business, Louisiana State Rice Milling Company, Inc. That business eventually became Riviana Foods, which is now owned by Ebro Foods one of the
PLAYING THE PARK
ABOVE: Symphony Sunday in the Park was a performance by the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra. The spring concert was in the Cyr-Gates Community Center in New Iberia’s City Park. The event was presented by the Iberia Cultural Resources Association. RIGHT: Rachel Looney, soprano, sings with David Torns, guest conductor, on Sunday.
BALL
PHOTOS By LEE
Lafayette schools to vote on dress code
mentary students could be able to wear hoodies again.
BY ASHLEY WHITE Staff writer
Lafayette Parish school students could soon be allowed to wear jeans to school and ele-
The Lafayette Parish School Board will vote at its Thursday meeting on revisions to the dress code policy that include allowing students of all grade levels to wear blue or black jeans, and allowing elementary age students to wear jackets with hoods. If approved, the policy would change to allow all students to wear navy blue or khaki pants or slacks, or blue or black jeans. Students would not be able to wear “spandex pants or shorts, ‘cut offs,’ and shorts or pants with holes, or frayed, fringed or unhemmed pants.” Students would not be able to wear yoga pants or jeggings. One of the biggest changes — and likely most welcomed among families would be to the district’s jacket/coat/sweater/sweatshirt policy The proposed changes include: n Jackets, coats and sweaters that unzip or button all the way up could be any color n Sweaters and sweatshirts would still need to follow color guidelines by school, but high schoolers would be able to wear
BY ADAM DAIGLE Acadiana business editor
Lafayette schools considering changing start times
BY ASHLEY WHITE Staff writer
FEMA cuts cruelest to those workingtobetter prepare forstorms
“An ounce of prevention is wortha pound of cure,” says the old adage.Inanera with extreme weather events increasinginfrequency, the FEMA program known as BuildingResilient Infrastructure and Communities, or BRIC, was that ounce of prevention.Infact,for Louisiana, it was significantly more than that The program paid for elevatinghomes and building levees in areas vulnerable to punishing storms.InLouisiana, residents fromCameron to Monroe have benefited from the program. And many can point to tangible benefits from theprojects funded. Lafourche Parish President Archie Chaisson III told thisnewspaper’s Mark Ballard thatinfrastructure improvements funded by BRIC grants, includinghigherleveesand water pump upgrades, directly led to less floodinginhis community in 2019, when Hurricane Barry hit the area. After thestorm,10homes and businesseshad flood damage. Compare that to 11,000 during 2005’s Hurricane Rita Yet, inexplicably,inaterse, unsignedstatement, the Federal Emergency Management Agency announced this week that the program was abruptly ended. “TheBRIC programwas yetanother example of awastefuland ineffective FEMA program,” the statementread. We would beg to differ.And so would thousands of Louisianans who live in flood-prone areas. There were 148 grantapplications fromour state worth about $721 million in the 2024 cycle. To add insulttoinjury,many of the grants that hadbeen approved by theprogram from2020 to 2023 were canceled, leaving local officials scrambling to find fundingtocomplete projects already in the works. Andthe agencyisseeking the return of some money already disbursed. In Louisiana, that could amountto$282 million That could mean St. Bernard Parish won’tget money to fix acresofbroken marsh that have been the source of floodingfor years, Baton Rougewon’t getfunding to deepenLSU Lakes so nearby homes aren’tthreatenedwhenitrains and Lafourche Parish won’t gethelpfor aproject to harden utility lines aroundPortFourchon, which handles 20% of the U.S. oil supply If the Trump administration truly cares about making government more efficient, we can see no better use of taxpayer dollars thanmaking communities more resilient to theeffects of extreme weather.Weknow how costlyrebuilding afterhurricanes and floodingcan be. This shouldn’tbeapartisan issue. It is shameful that Republican state officials and representativesinCongresshave been silent as ourcommunities are maligned and needed protections are cast as frivolous spending.The exception is Sen. Bill Cassidy,who said Tuesday he would askFEMAtorestore thefunding. “Wesave alot of money as anation if we proactively address the risk of flooding,” hesaid. We wholeheartedly agree and hope that other Louisiana leaders step upand defend howseriously our state has taken mitigatingour flood risks. Far from waste, our effortsshould be hailed as abulwarkfor the nation.
LETTERSTOTHE EDITOR ARE WELCOME. HERE AREOUR
GUIDELINES: Letters are published identifying name, occupation and/or title and the writer’scity of residence
TheAdvocate |The Times-Picayune require astreet address andphone number for verification purposes, but that information is not published. Letters are not to exceed 300 words. Letters to the Editor,The Advocate, P.O. Box 588, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-0588, or email letters@ theadvocate.com.
TO SEND US A LETTER, SCANHERE
OPINION
Public health leadersstoking distrust in vaccines is shameful
Iread with great concern arecent report on the front page of thenewspaper about the decline in trust in doctors and public health officials in Louisiana since thepandemic, and aconcomitant decline in vaccination rates here. If thestate’snewly minted surgeon general would like toknow thereason for this decline in trust he need only look in the mirror.A public policy statement,now prominently featured on the Louisiana Department of Healthwebsite over Dr.Ralph Abraham’s signature, includes the following claim: “Within monthsoftheir approval, COVID vaccines were shown to have no third-party benefit in terms of reduced transmission, yet they were still mandated.”Inother words, anyone choosing to decline thevaccine should not worry about giving COVID to anyone else: The decision not to get vaccinated is astrictly self-regarding act.Nothing could be further from thetruth. It took me about 30 seconds of
rooting around on the National Library of Medicine’swebsite to find two peer-reviewed studies on the correlation of vaccination rates and protection against transmission, which found that COVID vaccines were consistently associated with a reduced risk of transmission. These studies found that reduced risk declined somewhat with time, and with the appearance of COVID variants(not an unusual occurrence with vaccines), but overall risk was still considerably lower than it was among the unvaccinated.
As thestate’ssurgeon general, Abraham must be at least vaguely aware of these and similar studies, which undercut the misleading claim he makes on his department’s website. Iconsider this an act of malpractice. If Abraham wants to play politics withpublic health, that’shis business, but he should not be authorized to practice medicine in Louisiana.
BRUCESMITH NewOrleans
Keep your thoughts,and your pennies
During amilitary assignment in Germany during the1980s, we were usually shopping on military bases forgroceries and basic household supplies.
The Military Commissaries and Exchanges eliminated theuse of pennies. Period For fourglorious years, Ididn’t have to messwith pennies. If thetotalended in 3cents it was rounded up to thenearest 5. If the total
My husband andI as well as both ourdaughters aregraduates of LSU. We are wondering whyLSU hasno interest in ourFirst Amendment.
The real reason LSU removed tenured lawprofessor Ken Levy from the classroom is that it was instructed to. Gov.Jeff Landry,like President DonaldTrump, doesn’t wantour First Amendment of free speech to survive because he fears it. Howcan LSUgoalongwiththis sham? Its brand is tarnished. Whatstu-
ended in 2cents, it went downtothe nearest zero. Period I, as aresult, have developed apathological hate of pennies. They’re great for slowing algae growthinbird baths and outside water dishes, sometimes can be used as emergency screwdrivers or occasionally to level awonky table leg. For me, Ivote no morepennies.
BRENDAFORTMAYER NewOrleans
dent would wanttoenroll in acollege that suppresses free speech andcritical thinking, where students aren’t taught to weigh arguments, challenge assumptionsand engage with people whodisagree with them?
As Alyson Neel wrote in arecent guestcolumn, that’swhat universities aresupposedtocultivate. KimMulkeystood up to Jeff Landry.You can also, LSU.
GENE SOTILE Baton Rouge
DefenseofUSAID ringsfalse
To the guest columnist who wrote, “Cuts to USAID have implications for the world and Louisiana,” tell me how the waste that has been found is helping the world? The intended purpose is good and needs to be continued. President Donald Trump got voted in by people like me who were angry at whatour party became. Imight not agree with some of what he does, but Isure respect and cheer his administration’sculling of waste of our tax dollars.
People who spread misinformation or only use part of it are areal problem in this country,and if the columnist was such an expert, Ithink she would have mentioned he is not cutting all aid, just the waste. Real experts use all the facts, not just the parts they want people to read or hear
MARK IRWIN Denham Springs
Embracea newvision forthe French Quarter
Iwas delighted to read Eric Gabaourel’srecent piece regarding vehicular traffic in the French Quarter.Itislong past timetohave aconversation addressing the imbalance between vehicular and pedestrian traffic in the Vieux Carré. As Gabaourel wrote, vehicular traffic should continue to flow freely along the borders of the Quarter via Canal, Rampart, Esplanade and Decatur/North Peters. Throughout the interior of the Quarter,however, steps should be taken to reduce vehicular traffic and promote pedestrian-friendly thoroughfares. Exceptions, of course, should be madefor residents and others as needed.
Amere seven blocks lie between the river and Rampart Street. It should be no arduous journey foranyone to park at any of the lots along the river and walkto their desired shop, restaurant, museum etc. In these days of counting steps, one would think that parking to alight onto the banquette as close as possible to one’s destination would be passé. The image Gabaourel paints of abustling, vibrant district with “cafes spilling into open spaces once occupied by parked cars” should enchant residents and visitors alike. One need only observe the activity around Jackson Square to see the benefits of pedestrian-centric planning. Hopefully,Gabaourel’svision of a French Quarter forpeople rather than cars can be realized one day PRESTON VALOIS Covington
Johnson should notbow on tariffs
Louisiana’scitizens need U.S.Speaker of the House Mike Johnson to stand up for their interests and exert Congress’ constitutional power and duty over trade and tariffs, not kowtow servilely to President Donald Trump.
Start with Johnson’sduty —indeed, the duty of every member of Congress,but especially that of the speaker as the guardian of Congress’ institutional prerogatives —tofollow theletter and spirit of the Constitution The Constitution could notbeclearer: “The Congress shall have Power To lay andcollect Taxes,Duties, Impostsand Excises.”
Congress, not the president.
control. In this case, Trumpisciting the “emergency” power excuse, even thoughthere is noremotely reasonable way that amere trade deficit, during afull-employment economy,fits any dictionary or statutory definition of “emergency.”
independent judgment on behalf of individual constituencies, not act as rubber stamps for the president
Hillyer
If there is any one person in the country most obligated to safeguard Congress’ authority and prerogatives vis-à-vis the president,itisthe speaker of theHouse. The speaker’s office is specifically mentioned in the Constitutionand, unlikethe nation’svice president(who shares executive and legislative duties), the speakeristhe only specifically named officer who represents only the legislature’sinstitutional interests.
It is true that in several constitutionally dubious delegations of that authority,Congress has allowedthe president some unilateral tariff powers —but even then only in cases of national “emergency,” when threatsexisttonationalsecurity,whenforeign countries restrictU.S. commercein“unjustifiable,” “unreasonable” or “discriminatory” ways, and the like.
And while those dubious grantsof authority leave some wiggle room for interpretation, the words“emergency” and “national security” aren’t open-ended. They have real meanings, and those meanings do restrict the president’spower —especially when considering that they are clearly exceptions to the Constitution’sspecificity about Congress, not thepresident, having authority over tariffs.
In other words, if there’sany doubt as to whether the president canimpose atariff without Congress’ specificassent, the answermust be “no.” Otherwise, the Constitution’scarefulbalancing of power begins to wobble in the directionofauthoritarian presidential
EGG DECORATING
Easter egg painting is fun for the whole family,but this little guy seems to have launched this group into some serious creativechaos!
That’sthe firstreason why Johnson’s servility to Trump—ingeneral, actually,but specifically with regard to Congress’constitutional power over tariffs —issoinexcusable. Asked on April 7whether he would allow the House to vote on reclaiming the tariff authority it already is supposed to exercise, Johnson answered like aminor functionary,not an independent constitutional officer
“You’ve got to give thepresident the latitude, the runway,todowhat it is he was elected to do,”hetold CNN’sManu Raju.And, later in his answer: “We’re going to give him thespace necessary to do it.”
This is, well, pathetic. Congress, not thepresident, is elected to take the lead on trade policy.End of story.And thespeaker, morethan anyone else on theplanet,issupposed to insist on that. After all, thepublic electssenators andrepresentatives just as the public elects the president. Especially in the U.S.system,those congressional electionsare for delegates toexercise
So, what’sgoing on in this cartoon? youtell me.Bewitty,funny, crazy,absurd or snarky —just trytokeep it clean.There’snolimit on thenumber of entries.
The winning punchlinewill be letteredinto theword balloon andrun on Mondayin our print editions and online. In addition, thewinner will receivea signed print of the cartoon along with acool winner’sT-shirt! Some honorable mentions will also be listed To enter,email entries to cartooncontest@theadvocate.com.
In this case, unprecedentedly huge tariffs not only are terrible macroeconomic policy for thecountry as a whole (although that’sanargument for another day), but they are particularly harmful for Johnson’sown Louisiana constituency.The whole point of tariffs is to discourage importsofforeign goods. That means, of course, far less business for portsand thecities and states that rely on trade.
By tonnage, Louisianaboasts four of the ten busiest ports in thenation. Louisiana’seconomy would be horribly hobbled by aTrumpian trade war.It is no wonder that ahost of Louisiana importers and businesses that rely on imports already are raising astink against tariffs. While thedirectors of the Port of New Orleanshave been circumspect, other port leaders (such as in Mobile) are openly asking Trumptostop his madness. AndCary Davis, president and CEO of the American Association of Port Authorities, said thetariffs are abad idea that will amount to “raising prices across theeconomy.”
Louisiana’senergy industry,alinchpin of the economy,also is likely to takea major blow,asenergy exports surely will suffertremendously from atrade war.Why would Johnson allow this?
Oneistempted to ask him, as actor Robin Williams’ character asked astudent in Dead PoetsSociety, “Are you a man or an amoeba?”
By standing up neither for Louisiana nor for thepowers of theHouse, Johnson shows morelikeness to aparamecium.
Quin Hillyer can be reached at quin. hillyer@theadvocate.com.
DON’T FORGET! All entries must include your name, homeaddressand phone number.Cell numbers arebest. Thedeadline for all entries is midnight on Thursday,. Have fun, folks!— Walt
With Walz,borderwould stillbeinacrisis
Youmight not have noticed, but Minnesota governor and losing2024 Democratic vice presidentialnominee Tim Walz is on anational tour He is holding town halls in congressional districtswon by President Donald Trump in Iowa, Texas, Ohio, Wisconsin and more. Any time anational politicalfigure schedulesa visit to Iowa, there is speculation that he or she is going to run for president. But TimWalz?Really?
“Onimmigration,” Walz said, “what we were asking for is abipartisan policythatstrengthens immigration control, that recognizes that we needa workforce here,thatthey should be allowed here legally, and that, when they gethere, they’re part of theAmerican fabric.”
Life is too shortfor four more years
After giving the matter somethought, Ihave decided that I’ve becomeunsuited to the low art of writing newspaper columns any longer
My deficiencies to participate in the current conversation are many. For one thing, Ihave never listened to apodcast. I prefer reading things, amore efficient waytogather and retain information.
For example, while I’ve heard of this Joe Rogan fellow,I’ve no good idea what he’sall about. Igather he endorsed Donald Trump, and that’senough forme. But then Iused to listen to Rush Limbaugh on my truck radio sometimes and generally found him preposterous. Isuspect Rogan has inherited his audience of ignorant soreheads and members of the “I hate girls” club —yearning desperately forfemale companionship, but ashamed to admit it.
Furthermore, Idonot own, nor have Iever wanted, an iPhone. My sainted wife, maybe the least “tech savvy” person you could ever meet, spends agreat deal of time struggling with hers, arguing constantly with that snippy Siri. Iget by with asteam-powered flip phone which rings about twice aweek —normally a call from somebody I’mnot eager to talk to. Gifted with the fashion sense of acowherd, I have never wanted to becomean“influencer” anyway.When Ireally wanttodress up, Igo with L.L. Bean.
Just the other day,I encountered the online meanderings of one Jack Posobiec, aright-wing influencer whocame up with abrilliant idea: “What if instead of avaccine we just were able to get exposed to aweakversion of the virus that enabled us to build the antibodies we need to fight the real thing?”
Yeah, what if?
Something else Ilearned courtesy of Kevin Drum’s invaluable website is that fewer than half of Republicans in an Axios/Ipsos poll say they trust the Centers forDisease Control for health information. Sixty-eight percent trust Trump.
Don’t tell me it’snot acult.
So yes, the mainreason I’mcalling it quits as anewspaper columnist —this will be my last outing in this space —isTrump, the incompetent sociopath and career criminal who’sgotten himself elected president of the United States. I’mnot afraid of him;mycontempt is absolute. Ijust don’twant to spend the rest of my life thinking and writing about him
That anear-majority thought him worthy of the presidency is too depressing to contemplate. One wayoranother,Trumpwill bring the American experiment to ruins. But nothing says Ihave to chronicle the catastrophe. Ionly get one life.
The happy misanthrope and Baltimore Sun columnist H.L. Mencken predicted all this more than acentury ago. “On somegreat and glorious day,” Mencken wrote in 1920, “the plain folks of the land will reach their heart’sdesire at last and the White House will be adorned by adownright moron.”
Dudes, we’re there. Donald Trumpisn’t merely ignorant; he exists in fear and loathing of anybody who’snot.
“The mostcostly of all follies,” Mencken wrote on another occasion, “is to believe passionately in the palpably not true. It is the chief occupation of mankind.”
Walz told CNN Sunday that while he is considering arun for athird term as governor in 2026, “I am notthinking about running in 2028.” Parse that any way you like.
Walz made alittlenews on the issue of former President Joe Biden’s decision to run for reelection when he was clearly unable to mentally and physically handle thejob. Walz blamed Biden himself —“He made thedecision”—and then added, “I would hope we would never do it again ”Then, he changed the subject.
One eye-opening part of theinterview was when Walz was asked about the Harris-Walz ticket’sposition on immigration and the disaster at the U.S.-Mexico border.His answer suggested that if Democrats had wonthe election last November,the problemat the border createdbyPresident Biden would have continued under President KamalaHarris.
Fromthat, it appears that Walz’sborderpolicywas to legalizethe migrants whowere crossing illegally during the Biden years, get them jobs andthen make sure that they are “part of the American fabric.”
At another point in the interview, Walz said, “None of us are saying we should be soft on theborder.” But that sounds pretty soft on theborder
Walz continued: “I’mnot going to say what we need to do is, we need to just arrest people and ship themtoElSalvador No, what we need to do, invest the money on the border.Weneed to makesure that we have the judges necessary to adjudicate things faster.Weneed to makesure, if you’regoing to be in this country here legally,when youare, you’re going to be uplifted, celebrated and part of this great American tapestry.And thatisthe bipartisan bill we had.”
That last part was areference to legislation that Harris often claimed would fix the problemsofthousands andthousands of migrants crossing the border every day and being allowed to stay in the United States. The bill, Harrissaid
in many campaign appearances, would be the heartofher borderand immigration policy. It neverpassed Houseor Senate votes, norwould it today if Walz andHarriswere in theWhite House.
But what Walz’sinterview really brings to mind is the fact that if he and Harris hadbeen elected,the border problemwould still be with us. One of theremarkable things aboutthe second Trumpadministration is how quickly Trumpstoppedthe massive anddestructive flowofillegal crossers over theborder. The border crisis,once named in opinionpolls as oneofthe nation’smost pressing issues, virtually disappeared overnight.
“Since taking office, my administration haslaunchedthe most sweeping borderand immigration crackdown in American history,and we quickly achievedthe lowest numbers of illegal bordercrossers ever recorded,” Trump said in his March address to ajointsession of Congress.
“The media andour friends in the Democrat Party kept saying we needed newlegislation: ‘Wemust have legislation to secure the border.’But it turned outthatall we really needed was anew president.” He was right. Trumphas, of course, since moved on to other issues andcontroversies. But with hisdiscussion of the border, Walz gave us adeeply troubling glimpse of what might have been. Byron York is on X, @Bryon York.
Salon columnist Amanda Marcotte put it this way after watching one of those televised focus groups from the heartland on CNN: “What quickly becomes evident about the median voters in an American focus group is how profoundly opposed they are to even the most basic factual information. On the contrary,it’s acommunity with apathological aversion to reality,where people compulsively react to anything truth-shaped with hostility,running as hard as they can toward disinformation. They are addicted to BS.”
When chronicles are written about the decline and fall of the American republic, the opening chapters will no doubt describe the founding of Fox News and the cowardly inability of other newsorganizations to confront the reality of aSoviet-style propaganda network in their midst.
But they won’tbewritten by me, because I’ve reached the end of my rope. Idowant to thank my editors in Kansas City and at newspapers large and small whohave published my work over the years. Also, the manykind readers whohave written inquiring about my health and commenting upon my work. Thanks as well forthe brilliance and dedication of the medical professionals whohave restored my health and congenital optimism over the past year.I do look forward to haranguing poor Diane and innocent civilians downatthe dog park instead of churning out newspaper columns.
Take care, y’all.
Email Gene Lyons at eugenelyons2@yahoo.com.
Quin
Byron York
Gene Lyons
LAKE CHARLES
Calcasieuschools pass restructuringplan
Students will move to differentsite
BY COURTNEY PEDERSEN Staff writer
By the start of the 202526 academic year, Lake Charles willhave one less elementaryschool anda new program for overage middle school students
On Tuesday,the Calcasieu Parish School Board voted unanimously,with three members missing, to move all students from Ralph F. Wilson Elementary to J.J. Johnson Elementary and turn the former into acenter for opportunities for overage middle school students.
“This is not aschool closure,” Calcasieu Parish School Board’sChief Academic Officer Ronnie Harvey Jr.said. “This campus will remain open and vibrant and serving studentseachand every day,but we’re making a better investment with the taxpayers’dollars.”
With the new restruc-
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community college and university sweatshirts without hoods n Pre-K through fifth grade students can wear hooded jackets, coats, sweaters or sweatshirts outsideof the school building and on the bus of any color or print n The superintendent will have the ability to determine andannounce when extenu-
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has middle schools start at 8:35 a.m. and endat 3:50p.m., meaningthe new scheduledwould start the middle school day an hour and 25 minutesearlier.Elementary school students currently start school at 7:55 a.m.
“I proposed the adjusted bellschedule in orderto getstudentshomesooner,”
DEVELOPMENT
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Currently,the only other new construction happening in that area is the Starbucks at the former Capital One office at 3105 Louisiana Ave., butmore is likely to follow Lots of activity is happening along the major highwaysin the region.
“This is an exciting time for that part of the world,” Citron said. “Buc-ee’swanted to be here. They didn’t want to just be in Lafayette. They wanted to be part of the I-49/I-10 corridor.For Starbucks to blow up a perfectly good Capital One building and retrofit it, the cost it took for that was expensive. Butpeople wantto actually be in this world.”
The nearby Graham Brown Park’srefurbished baseball fields is another plus. A27-acre site at the northwestcorner of Louisiana Avenue and PontDes Mouton Road is being marketed for a25,000-squarefoothotel and spacesfor restaurant and retail. Its design also includes a 60,000-square-foot grocery store.
CastilleRealEstate Co., which owns smallshopping centers in Carencro and other properties, owns the property
The property has drawn interest from some hotel developers but has no dealsinplace, said Clinton Shepard, acommercial real estate agent with Lee &Associates. The owner’spref-
turing, thethird through fifth-grade students at Ralph F. Wilson Elementary will start attending J.J. Johnson Elementary, which previously only housedkindergarten through second-grade students. The then-empty elementary will be turned into the Ralph F. Wilson Centerfor Opportunities and will be afull-time school for overage middle school students across the entireparish.
While the Centerfor Opportunitieswillbe considered alternative education, anything that is not the traditional K-12 schooling model, Harvey saidthe school will not be an alternative school site where students are placed for behavior infractions or expulsion from traditional schools. “As far as understanding what grade level they’reon, obviously they’re undercredited (and) being that they’re unde rc re dited and they’reover age, that puts themona badtrack,” Harvey said. “This is going to be ablended learn-
atingweather circumstances shouldallow students to wear sweatpants. Thepolicy also wouldallow elementary students to have nails up to aquarterinchlong, apolicy that alreadyexisted for middle school students. It clarifies that sunglasses can’tbe worn inside. The Lafayette Parish school system has been tweaking its dress code policy virtually every year since2020whenitvoted to banstudents from wearing
Touchet said in astatement.“The ultimate goal is to have the majority of our buses offthe road by 4:30 p.m., which will,in turn,minimize safety concerns for both our drivers and students.” If the board approves the change,Superintendent FrancisTouchet Jr.would have flexibilitytoamend the schedule “as needed due to bus transportation.” Therecommendation for earlystart times for middleand high school
erence is toground lease or buildtosuit, but there are opportunities to carve out smallertracts to sell to the right buyer,hesaid.
“I thinkyou’re going to seesome activitywiththe hotel, retail and restaurants of theworld,” Citronsaid. “Theyall want to be apart of that world of recreational travel. It’saninteresting world in itself. We sawthat with Youngsvilleand Broussard, and it’sbeen very successfulfor those communities.”
OtherretailpointsCitron made were:
n TheNorthgate Mall, which remains for sale, could eventually be turned into an industrial location andno longer be used as aretaildestination
n The proximity to I-10 andI-49, along with the current zoning, couldattract an industrialtenant
“I thinkthatcould be great for that side of the world,” he said. “It’snot the sexiest thing in the world, but to have something shiny andnew that creates employment —we’llsee what happens there.”
Storeclosures shoulddoubleacrossthe country this year as 15,000 are expected to shutter following 8,500 in 2024. That willlead to large empty spaces in which landlords will have to invest to subdivide for future tenants. The shopping center at the corner of Johnston Street and Ambassador Caffery Parkway is the largest gross
ing approach that providessome face-to-face instruction, someonline instruction,which we use to programingenuity, but also we’re going to provide atrue wraparound service at this site, where we can getstudents some help as farasthe social, emotionalneeds.Wecan getstudents some help as far as just catching up academically,but also getting them life-ready.”
The Center for Opportunities methodisnot well known or reproduced across thestate of Louisiana. In fact, Harvey said the idea came to him through his 28 years working with the Calcasieu Parish School Board and his experiences watching students“fall throughthe cracks.”
Thegoal of thecenter is to create aproactive approach instead of areactive one and to focuson thequality of education servedinsteadofquantity,according to Harvey “Wehaveabove 100 students that are considered overage, undercredited,disengagedorhave
special circumstances in Calcasieu Parish; that is a vulnerablepopulation that we have yettopay direct attention to,” Harvey said during aMonday community meeting on the restructuring.“If we fail to target thosestudents, this is what’s going to happen, Ican assure you that we’re going to have more students that aregoing to become liabilities in this communitythan assetsin this community.”
In addition to having support from the12 Calcasieu Parish School Board members present Tuesday, therestructuring has also seen support from other people in the community
Phyllis Wilson, the widow of Ralph Wilson —the 1400 Opelousas St. elementary school’snamesake —said she supports the change
“I regret that they’re closing the school, and Iwish that it was of the caliber that they wouldn’t want to close it, but Iunderstand, and if it’sbetter for the students and everybody concerned, then
hoodies or sweatshirts with hoods.
Before the start of the 2023-24 school year,the boardvoted to designate specific color jackets and coatsdepending on the school astudent attends.
The board meetsat5 p.m. at thedistrict’scentral office, 202 Rue Iberville. Meetingvisitorswill need to adhere to aclear-bag policy
goes against research that suggests starting classes for those students after 8:30 a.m. canprovide teens with better sleep, better academic performance and other mental and physical healthbenefits
The boardmeeting starts at 5p.m. at the district’s central office, 202 Rue Iberville. Visitors will need to adhere to aclear-bag policy
Email AshleyWhite at ashley.white@ theadvocate.com.
leasable area in Lafayette. That shopping center recentlylostBig Lots, Joann Fabrics and Bed Bath &Beyond stores. An Urban Air Adventure Parkwill move intothe Bed Bath &Beyond space.
“They’re going to have to look at chopping those spaces up,” he said. “Andit’snot cheap.”
In Youngsville, theChemin Metairie Parkway corridor should start attracting national brands as they get more comfortable with the area. The demographicsare strong enough to compensate for not being located in ahigh-trafficarea.
In New Iberia, more commercial development should surface over the next 18 months withthe recent news of hundreds of jobs coming to Iberia Parish.Some regional and national developers have shown interest in sites just off U.S. 90.
Email Adam Daigleat adaigle@theadvocate.com.
LOTTERY TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 2025
PICK 3: 1-0-0
PICK 4: 3-0-9-5
PICK 5: 1-4-4-5-0
MEGA MILLIONS: 10-16-50-60-61
MEGA BALL: 17
MEGAPLIER: N/A
I’m with it,” Wilsonsaid.
J.J. Johnson Principal Marlana Collins said on Mondaythatshe also supports the restructuring.
ForCollins, the restructuring is bringing someof herformer students back home.
“Most of the students have come through our schoolfrom K-2, so the transition will notbeanything traumatic for the students,” Collinssaid.
“They’re simply coming back home, andsowewelcome them home. We’re excited aboutour future at JohnJ.Johnsonwith having K-5.”
Harvey said the restructuring, which will be in effect forthe upcoming 2025-26school year,will not result in aloss of jobs.
He stated that any Ralph F. Wilson staffmember certifiedbythe Louisiana Department of Education will have ajob within the Calcasieu Parish School Board.
Email Courtney Pedersen at courtney pedersen@theadvocate. com.
BIRDING
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world’slargest producers of rice andpasta. Through the decades, as Frank Godchaux III and his family participated in the globalexpansionofLouisianarice, their home place at Live OakFarm remained an isolated spot to farm, hunt, rest andgather as an expanding clan. Today, the propertyconsists of nearly 6,000 acres of rice fields and adjacent wetlands that hug the Vermilion Bay Last year,the Godchauxs placed the farmunder a conservation easement, which will ensurethatLive
Staff report
The Louisiana Supreme Court took no action on the ongoing dispute over adeveloper’sattempt to sell gasoline out of aconvenience store planned along University Avenue. Judges declined awrit application from attorneys for Glomaxand owner Rehman Altaf to review astate appeals court decision that sided with the Lafayette CityCouncil’sdecision to deny the plat approval for the property at 1927 W. University Ave.,ending atwoyear battle between the developer and nearby residents. The appealscourt decision reinstatedthe City Council’s decision to deny Glomax’srequest, overturning adecision from 15th JudicialDistrict Judge Marilyn Castle that tossed out a2023 council vote that she described as “arbitrary and capricious.” Altaf has moved forward to open the building, aformer Chase Bank branch office, as aconvenience store. He was recentlygranted abuilding permit valued at $15,000 for exterior work on the building, according to records.
Oak Farm remains permanently intact forfuture agriculturalusesand wildlife habitat preservation.
“Riceand conservation cangohand-in-hand in Louisiana,” said Cindy Brown, executive director of Covington-based Land Trust forLouisiana, which holds the easement on Live Oak Farm.
“Rice is not only ahuge part of our culture, it also can be an ideal refuge habitat for birds that are endangered by coastal habitat loss. In this case, we have an iconic Louisiana ricefamily thathas apassionfor conservation,and hasdonea terrific job in making sure that rice production continues alongside the enhance-
ment of wildlife habitat.” Johnson puts it more starkly: “As we losethese habitats,welosethe birds. There’sreally nowhere else forthem to go. We’ve been losing birds in our coastal habitats fordecades, and investing in coastalrestoration is not only important for bringing those birds back, but also for providing abuffer for coastal communitiestoprotectthem against sealevel rise and storm surge.” Registration is opennow for Friday’sLive Oak Farm Birding Expedition, located near Palmetto IslandState Park in Abbeville. Tickets are $60 and can be purchased on theLandTrust forLouisiana website.
Advertising Lookingtopromote your services or find anew hire?Deliver your classified message statewide foras littleas$265 perweek throughthe LouisianaPress Association’s Classified Network. Pre-payment required To learnmore, email advertising@lapress.comorcall 225-344-9309. Miscellaneous IF YOUHAD KNEE OR HIP REPLACEMENTSURGERY AND SUFFEREDANINFECTION DUE TO USE OF ABAIRHUGGER(BLUE BLANKET) between 2020 and thepresent time Youmay be entitled to compensation.CallAttorney CharlesH.Johnson 1-800-535- 5727. We BuyHousesfor Cash AS IS!No repairs. No fuss.Any condition. Easy threestepprocess: Call, getcash offer and getpaid. Getyourfair cash offer todaybycallingLiz Buys Houses:1-833-532-3805. Donate your car, truck, boat,RV and more to support ourveterans! Schedule aFAST, FREE vehicle pickup and receivea toptax deduction! Call VeteranCar Donationsat1-844-742-5188 today! Health andWellness MobileHelp,America's Premier Mobile Medical AlertSystem. WhetherYou'reHomeorAway. For Safety and Peaceof Mind No Long Term Contracts! Free Brochure! Call Today! 1-855-411-0949
SPORTS
TED WALKS
LafayettenativeScott
AUGUSTA, Ga. TedScott knew in his heart he wasn’tcaddying anymore
BY KEVIN FOOTE Staff writer
Giving up 11 hits, walking seven battersand hittingthree others wasnot awinning formulafor theULRagin Cajuns in a9-7 setback to Texas-Rio Grande Valley on TuesdayatRusso Park.
“Wejust seem to find away to give people stuff,” UL coach Matt Deggs said. “Super frustrating.” The loss dropped UL to 16-19 overall while thevisiting Vaqueros improved to 22-10. UL is now2-4 against the surging Southland Conference this season.
“We’vegot to figure it out,” Deggs said. “You don’thaveachoice. It’ssink or swim.You don’thave achoice.”
The 2020-21 season was ending, and so were his 15 highly successful seasons with two-time Masters champion BubbaWatson.
Scott had spent 22 seasons in all “looping” andwas looking to do something else
“I was done,” the Lafayette native said.
ä First round,
Then he got acall that changed his life from the man whose life Scott also changed Scottie Scheffler,a promising25-yearold butwinless in hisfirst two full PGA Tour seasons, wanted Scotttopick up his bag.
“He said, ‘I can winthe bigtournaments,’ ”Scott recalled Scheffler saying “I thought, ‘I like the way thisguy is talking.’ ”
BY LUKE JOHNSON Staff writer
Alvin Kamara signed acontract extension last season and is coming offa career high in rushing yards, but it may make sense forthe New Orleans Saints to pursue acomplement for their starin what appears to be aloaded 2025 running backclass.
Afteryears of beingdevalued —withthe argument being that running backs age poorly and teams often can find cheap replacements in thedraft —last season served as an argument forthe position’simportance, and one had to look no further than what happenedunder new Saints head coach KellenMoore’s
watch in Philadelphia.
With Moorecalling plays,the Eagles leaned hard on veteran running back Saquon Barkley, who rushed for 2,000 yards in the regular season, then carried the Eaglestothe SuperBowl with an additional 499 yards rushing in fourpostseason games. And Barkley wasn’tthe only runningback to power an offense last season. Derrick Henry, another 2024 freeagent signing, rushed for 1,921 yards to lead the
Baltimore Ravens’ No. 1rushing attack.Two recent first-round picks,Atlanta’sBijan Robinson (1,456 yards, 14 touchdowns) and Detroit’sJahmyr Gibbs (1,412 yards, 16 touchdowns) also enjoyed huge seasons. Those teams wentacombined 49-19 in 2024. So,while running back is hardly the most pressing need on the roster,New Orleans could reap some big-time benefits by using
BY RODWALKER Staff writer
Keion Brooks has wornaBirmingham Squadron uniformway more timesthis season thanhe’s worn aNew Orleans Pelicansone
So hasLester Quinones.
Both of those players —along with Antonio Reeves, Elfrid Paytonand Karlo Matkovic —are all playing meaningfulminutesin whatended up beingameaninglessfinalstretch of theseason for the Pelicans.
Theirplayisa big reason TJ Saint takes so much pride in watching the Pelicans these days.
Saint is in his thirdseason as headcoach of theBirmingham Squadron, the Pelicans’ GLeague team located about350 milesaway
“The wordIlike to use is ‘fulfilling,’”Saintsaid.“Especially the guys who were originally on the GLeagueroster like Lester and Keion. And EP (Payton) to an ex-
Apositive forthe Cajuns on Tuesday night was thereturn of seniorleft-handed reliever DylanTheut to the mound forthe first time sinceMarch 11. He allowed no runs on twohits, two walks and struck out four in twoinnings.
“Yeah, he wasn’tbad,” Deggs saidof Theut. “Back from injury,though, so he’sgot 50 pitches on him.Wewanted to have alittle something forthe weekend.”
The Vaqueros madelifevery difficult on UL starter Blake McGehee from the first pitch when Isaac Lopez smashed it to leftfield forasolo homer
“McGehee was able to settle down alittle bit,” Deggs said. “We’ve got to reinvent him while he’sout there. He couldn’thit aspotearly,and they’re kind of hittingthat thing alloverthe place. He settles in alittle bit.”
That sparked athree-run first inning, which also included Steven Lancia’s run-scoring double and an RBI groundout from Thomas Williams.
After abases-loaded walk madeit4-1 in the second, Williamsled off the third
tent. Just seeing thefirst part of their journey from theSeptember workouts to our training campand seeing them nowastwo-way players is really fulfilling to see.”
Players who spent time withthe Squadron this season scored 54 of thePelicans’ 114 points in Tuesday’sroadlosstothe Brooklyn Nets.The Pelicans’ finishing lineup thatclosed the gaplate had three players (Payton, Reeves andMatkovic) who spent time this season in Birmingham. “This is themost call-ups we’ve hadinour four-year history as aG League franchise,” Saint said. “The wholepoint of the GLeague as far as the Pelicans are concerned and howweview it is to get guys ready to play in the NBAand eventually play meaningful minutes and meaningful roles. Allit’sabout in
the GLeague in Birminghamisto run your daily race.”
The sharp-shooting Reeves scored 17 points Tuesday and scored 23 in thegame before that. He scored aseason-high 34 against the Cleveland Cavaliers in November Reeves said it helps being on the court beside guys he playedwith in Birmingham.
“It’sdefinitely fun and enjoyable having these guys out there with me,” he said. “Throughout the process withthe Birminghamsituation, Iknow these guys now.Soit’s definitely fun being out there with them.”
Reeves, drafted by thePelicans in the second round in June, played nine gameswiththe Squadron. Quinones played in 31, the most of any Pelicansplayer. Brooks played in 26.
“Having familiar faces always
at the Smoothie King Center on Sunday.
AP PHOTO By DAVID J. PHILLIP
Scottie Scheffler celebrates winningthe Masters tournament with his caddieTed Scott at Augusta National Golf ClubonApril 14 in Augusta, Ga
PHOTO COURTESy AUGUSTANATIONAL GOLF CLUB
Caddie TedScott watches asMasters championScottie Scheffler pitches overRae’sCreek to the13th green duringa Masters practice round on WednesdayatAugustaNational Golf Club.
PHOTO COURTESy AUGUSTANATIONAL GOLFCLUB Masters championScottie Scheffler exchanges clubs with his caddie, Lafayette nativeTed Scott, during the final round on April 14 at AugustaNational Golf Club.
Scott Rabalais
Dodgers expect 1B
Freeman to return Friday
WASHINGTON Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Wednesday he anticipates first baseman Freddie Freeman will return to the lineup Friday when the team begins a three-game series against the Chicago Cubs. Freeman took live batting practice the last few days.
Job one for Nwoko is rebound for LSU
BY TOYLOY BROWN III
Staff writer
On Jan. 29 in the Pete Maravich
Assembly Center, then-No. 1 Auburn corralled six offensive rebounds in one possession against the LSU men’s basketball team. Auburn pummeled LSU’s athletic but slender frontcourt for a season-high 24 offensive rebounds, eight more than its second best outing this season.
LSU coach Matt McMahon and his staff addressed that glaring issue with the signing of Mississippi State transfer Michael Nwoko on March 31, this year’s first portal addition for the Tigers.
The 6-foot-10, 245-pound sophomore center is more physically imposing than any frontcourt player LSU had Starting bigs Corey Chest and Daimion Collins, who both have entered the portal, weigh 220 and 200 pounds, respectively
Nwoko’s frame allowed him to be a successful role player in the Southeastern Conference. He averaged 6.1 points on 52.5% from the field, 4.6 rebounds and 0.8 blocks in 15.4 minutes per game for the Bulldogs.
While rebounding is his biggest draw for LSU, his scoring ability is better than his counting stats indicate.
Nwoko’s scoring mainly came as a roller in the pick-and-roll. He’s an impressive athlete for an SEC big who can elevate for alley-oops, which pairs well with new LSU point guard Dedan Thomas from UNLV, who is a gifted facilitator
Nwoko also scores after offensive rebounds, throwing down highlight-worthy dunks.
His scoring isn’t limited to dunks and being spoon-fed layups, though.
He has a consistent hook shot with his right hand, which worked against some of the best centers in the conference.
He still has limited offensive skills and is not a creative finisher in the paint
The 20-year-old also could improve on making more contact on screens, maximizing the usefulness of his frame to create more space for himself and the ballhandler
His shortcomings aren’t major concerns because his main role is as a rebounder Of everyone in the SEC who played at least 14 minutes per games, Nwoko was one of seven with a defensive rebound rate of 19% and an offensive rebound rate of 13%.
His broad frame allows him to easily box out opponents and carve out space for boards. He plays with high energy, crashing
the glass on both ends.
As a freshman at Miami, he had the second-highest offensive rebound rate (11.5%), trailing a teammate who had the highest rate (12.6%) in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Nwoko must improve on defense. While it’s not a major weakness, his inability to anchor a defense is likely why he averaged just the seventh-most minutes for Mississippi State, despite starting 32 of 34 games. The Toronto native has the frame to not be overpowered but is too often caught in precarious angles, which lead to being scored on or fouling. Nwoko picked up five fouls in 14 minutes against LSU in the SEC Tourna-
ment on March 12
His 6.4% block rate is encouraging — only 15 players in the SEC had a 6.0% block rate However block rates don’t equate to great defense necessarily Collins and Chest both were on the list but were overall poor interior defenders.
The Tigers should be pleased with this addition as Nwoko is a serviceable big with bulk and a go-to offensive move. He projects best as a backup who plays around 15-20 minutes. In some circumstances, the sophomore’s rebounding prowess and size will merit more playing time
Email Toyloy Brown III at toyloy.brown@theadvocate.com
Championships no longer guarantee NBA job security
BY TIM REYNOLDS AP basketball writer
These are the coaches who won NBA championships in the last six years: Joe Mazzulla with Boston, Michael Malone with Denver, Steve Kerr with Golden State, Mike Budenholzer with Milwaukee, Frank Vogel with the Los Angeles Lakers and Nick Nurse with Toronto.
Mazzulla is still with Boston. Kerr is still with Golden State. Everybody else got fired. They packed up their ring and left Malone became the latest name on that list Tuesday, when the Denver Nuggets — the 2023 NBA champions — fired him with three games left in the season, an unprecedented move for a postseason-bound team. And around the league, in the hours that followed, coaches reacted in basically the same stunned, surprised manners. The Nuggets enter Wednesday holding the fifth spot in the Western Conference playoff chase.
“Just disappointment,” New York coach Tom Thibodeau said. “It’s the unfortunate part of the business. I’ve known Michael for decades. Michael just did a phenomenal job there.” Championships no longer guarantee job security Same goes for individual awards.
Mike Brown was the unanimous coach of the year in 2023; he got fired by Sacramento earlier this year Phoenix’s Monty Williams and Memphis’ Taylor Jenkins were first and second in the coach of the year voting in 2022; they’ve both been fired now as well.
“I wake up every day saying this could be my last day,” Mazzulla said. “You have to have that type of perspective because it gives you gratitude and it keeps you hungry You have to have a healthy balance if you want this for as long as you can. At the same time, you’re very much replaceable because that’s just how it works. Every day I remind my-
WNBA, eight of the current 13 coaches (in fairness, one is an expansion team) have had their job for less than one year; seven of the 13 have a career record of 0-0 going into this season, after simply massive amounts of turnover following last season.
“That’s a sobering reality of this profession,” Miami coach Erik Spoelstra said earlier this season when told he has the second-longest current tenure in the NBA behind only San Antonio’s Gregg Popovich.
Malone’s firing was the 302nd coaching change in the NBA since Popovich became coach in San Antonio in 1996 That means, on average, the other 29 teams in the league have all had more than 10 coaching changes in the Popovich era. Malone was the fourth-longest tenured coach in the NBA right now behind Popovich Spoelstra and Kerr
And it is puzzling to coaches: four of the last six championshipwinning coaches, five of the last seven winners of the Coach of the Year award and seven of the last 11 coaches to take a team to the NBA Finals all have something in common.
They all got fired.
self of my own mortality.” Indiana coach Rick Carlisle knows there’s not really any such thing as true job security for coaches. But he didn’t see the likes of Brown, Jenkins and Malone being let go this season.
“If anyone would’ve told me that any of these three guys would get let go during the season this year, I would’ve been shocked.
It’s disappointing,” said Carlisle, who doubles as president of the National Basketball Coaches Association. Jenkins was fired late last month with nine games left in Memphis’ season. Now Malone is out, with three games left in Denver’s season. Before this season,
there had been one other instance in NBA history of a team changing coaches with less than 10 games left in a postseason-bound year — Larry Brown leaving New Jersey with six games left in 1982-83. It’s now happened twice in the last two weeks. “Between Taylor and between a guy like Mike Malone, they’ve done such a great job in their careers of building an identity,” Charlotte coach Charles Lee said. “I have a ton of respect for both guys.”
More than half of the current NBA coaches — 17 of the 30 — have been in their jobs for less than three years. And in the
Los Angeles Clippers coach Tyronn Lue — who won a title with Cleveland in 2016 and eventually got fired from there, too — halfseriously said coaches might want to stop winning awards.
“You see the trick now — don’t win coach of the year don’t win a championship, because you’re going to get fired in two years.
The criteria for getting hired and fired, I don’t know what it is anymore,” Lue said.
And Kerr was even more succinct. Coaches are making more than ever he noted, but billionaire owners have no problem paying off those contracts if they want to make a change
“We’re all going to suffer a similar fate at some point. That’s kind of the way it is,” Kerr said.
He was placed on the injured list retroactive to March 31 after spraining his surgically repaired right ankle when he slipped in the shower at home.
Freeman is 3 for 12 with two homers and four RBIs in three games this season.
He missed the Dodgers’ opening series in Tokyo against the Cubs with left rib discomfort, and then sat out last week’s series against Atlanta before going on the IL.
Rangers place LF Langford on the 10-day injured list
ARLINGTON, Texas The Texas Rangers placed Wyatt Langford on the 10day injured list with an abdominal muscle strain, the team announced Wednesday
The 23-year-old left fielder was removed from Tuesday night’s game against the Chicago Cubs after his plate appearance in the seventh inning. He was diagnosed with a right oblique strain.
Langford started the Rangers’ first 12 games in left field and was batting .244 with a team-best four home runs. His 12 home runs since Sept. 1, 2024, rank second in the American League behind Aaron Judge’s 13 for the New York Yankees. The Rangers recalled outfielder Dustin Harris, utility player Ezequiel Duran and infielder Jonathan Ornelas from Triple-A Round Rock.
Grizzlies’ rookie hospitalized after midair dunk collision
Memphis starting guard Jaylen Wells broke his right wrist on a hard fall on his arm and head from a midair collision at the end of a fastbreak dunk during a victory over Charlotte on Tuesday, likely ending the rookie’s season right before the Grizzlies go into the playoffs. Wells was down for eight minutes before being lifted by medical personnel onto a stretcher with his head strapped in to restrict motion and taken to a hospital, where he had movement in all of his extremities, interim coach Tuomas Iisalo said.
The rookie’s father, Fred Wells, told the Memphis Commercial Appeal that his son was alert enough to ask what the score of the game was. He had pain in his face, jaw and back.
Vols find games to replace canceled Nebraska series
Tennessee and Georgia Tech will play a home-and-home football series in 2026 and 2027, the schools announced Wednesday
The Volunteers will travel to Atlanta to face the Yellow Jackets on Sept. 12, 2026. Georgia Tech will go to Knoxville on Sept. 11, 2027. The series replaces two games Tennessee had scheduled against Nebraska for 2026 and 2027. Nebraska announced in February that it had backed out of those games.
Tennessee and Georgia Tech met all but three seasons from 1954-87. Tennessee won the most recent meeting 42-41 in overtime in the 2017 Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The Vols lead the all-time series 25-17-2.
Djokovic upset by Tabilo; Alcaraz rallies for victory
Novak Djokovic’s latest bid to win a 100th career title ended in another upset defeat to a familiar face.
Alejandro Tabilo, who handed the 24-time Grand Slam champion a surprising loss at the Italian Open last year, beat Djokovic 6-3, 6-4 on Wednesday in the second round of the Monte Carlo Masters. Back on clay for the first time since winning the Olympic gold in Paris last August, Djokovic said he didn’t have high expectations going into the match. Djokovic, who recently lost the Miami Open final to Jakub Mensik, turns 38 next month — shortly before the French Open starts on May 25. French Open champion Carlos Alcaraz started
ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By WADE PAyNE
Mississippi State center Michael Nwoko grabs a rebound against LSU during the SEC Tournament on March 12 in Nashville, Tenn.
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By DAVID ZALUBOWSKI
Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone argues a call with referee John Goble against the Utah Jazz on March 28 in Denver.
Erathingoodpositionfor postseason run
BY MIKE COPPAGE
Contributing writer
With the new high school baseball playoff rules in Louisiana, the Erath Bobcats wouldlove to land a top-two seed.
The top-two seeds in the largest three divisions will have home-field advantage through the semifinals. That’sachange from the past when the semifinals and finals were both played at the state tournament in Sulphur
The Bobcats (18-9) had an 11game winning streak snapped at home on Tuesday by Covenant Christian in a14-5 loss. Although Erath dropped from No. 2toNo. 3 in Division III nonselect, coach Jeremy Picard said the game served as aneeded wake-up call.
“I don’tthink we were as focused as we needed to be,” he said. “When you’re playing really good teams like this, you can’twalk11or12 guys and expect to win. We didn’t do the little things we needed to do to win.” Erath took a4-0 lead in thesecond inning. Jack Landry hit adoubleto
the center-field wall, and Carter Champagne reached on an error Dominic Frederick andstarting pitcherTalan Landrythensingled with twoouts. With thebases loaded, Seth Leger and Brennan Broussard were hit by pitches and Landen Derouen walked.
“Jack has been swinging it well forus,”Picard said. “Sethhas been good.Brennan hasbeenswingingit well. As acatcher,he’sbeen really good.”
Talan Landry, who ledthe team with two hits, is part of athreeman pitching rotation that includes Leger, asenior whohas been the ace for four years, and Derouen.
Leger and Derouen recently earned winsoverperennial powers
E.D.White and St.Louis Catholic.
Another playoff change will have the largerdivisions playing threegame serieseveryround. Picard feels this could work in Erath’sfavor.
“I like theseriesformat,” he said. “Our pitching is deep.With thearms we have, Ifeel like we’re
capable of making arun. Talan has been very good against qualityopponents. He didn’thave his best stufftoday,but Idefinitely expect him to be big for us when the time comes in the playoffs.”
CovenantChristian (30-0) is the only undefeated team in the state. The Lionsfromthe Houmaarea are No. 1inDivision IV select. Many players from Division IV select No. 3Vermilion Catholic(187) made the short trip from Abbeville on Tuesday to scout Covenant Christian andErath,which travels to VermilionCatholic on Friday “I expect threehard games,” Picardsaid of the remainder of the regular-seasonslate against Division IIIselect No.3 Catholic New Iberia (17-9),Division IIIselect No 5Notre Dame (17-12) and Vermilion Catholic.
Erath, which defeated CatholicNI early in the year,isbehind Sterlington (23-6) and reigning state champion South Beauregard(17-8) in the power ratings. The Bobcats have awin over SouthBeauregard. Berwick (17-10),which won state twoyearsago, is No. 4.
Mouton,Ascension Episcopal decide to part after18years
BY KEVIN FOOTE
Staff writer
After 18 seasons as head boys basketball coach and athletic director at Ascension Episcopal, Eric Mouton and the Blue Gators have agreed to part ways.
Mouton said he’ll finish out the schoolyear and then pursueother opportunities.
“I’m going to help with the transition as much as Ican,” Mouton said. “I hope it’s asmoothtransition.”
While Mouton hasbeena mainstay for almost two decades in Youngsville, theschool routinely
UL BASEBALL
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with ahomer for a5-1 edge
In the bottom of the third inning, UL scored the most runs it has scored in an inning since seven against Troy on March 16. On Tuesday, the Cajuns posted fiveruns.
The Cajuns got fivesingles, including run-scoring hitsfromLee Amedee and Maddox Mandino, as well as bases-loaded walks from Carson Hepworthand Jose Torres,
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Scott, like Scheffler adeeply devout man, prayed with his family about what to do next.
“Everyone,” Scott said, “got the same answer.” What hashappened since could, with just asmidgen of hyperbole, qualify as divine intervention. Over the past four seasons, Scheffler has rocketed to No. 1in the world, capturing two of the past three Masterstournaments among his13PGA Tour wins —plus agold medal in last summer’sParis Olympics —all with Scott on thebag.
Scheffler possesses immense talent that aminute few people on theplanet can claim. But just as clearly,Scott is anot-to-beunderestimated ingredient of Scheffler’ssuccess.
“Ted Scott has really helped Scottie Scheffler stay in control of his emotions, to have an incredible attitude of positivityina game that can definitely put negative thoughts in your head,” said the Golf Channel’sTodd Lewis, who composed afeature on Scott that premieredWednesdaynight “I think he has incorporated joy into Scottie’slife, and not just in aprofessional way.He’soptimistic, positive, kind, and it is such a positive thing for Scottie.
“There is obviouslynoranking for caddies. But if you ask any player,any caddie, any official, they’re probablygoing to say Scottie Scheffler is the world’s number one player, and he has the world’sbest caddie.”
When Scheffler tees off at 9:15 a.m. on Thursday to open the 89th Masters tournament, paired with two-time PGA champion Justin Thomas and U.S. Amateur winner Jose Luis Ballester,hewill
has changed head masters during his 18years. Theschool is currently in the process of hiring a new head master for the 2025-26 school year Moutonsaidheleaves the school without bitterness or regret.
“Nothing but fond memories,” Mouton said. “It’sbeen greatkids to coach and great families to work with.”
TheBlue Gators basketball team made 11 playoff appearances under Mouton’sleadership, and the athletic department won 18 state championships in various sports and14state runner-up finishes.
“I’ve enjoyedbeing an athletic
whostartedthe productive frame witha bunt single out of the ninehole. The Cajunsled 6-5 after threeinnings. After aULthrowing error tied the game at6-6 in thefifth,Conor Higgs doubledafter aTorres single and Casey Artigues sacrifice bunt for a7-6 Cajuns’ lead in the sixth.
Texas-Rio Grande Valley took thelead for good in the seventh with two runs off of reliever Wil Taylor,thanks to two UL errors, two walks and ahit batsman. “They scorethree without a
director as well,”hesaid.“Ienjoyed working withall the coaches we’ve had here over the years and leading them and leading the kids.”
While Mouton hopes his next job remains in education, he’s open to other possibilities.
“If ahead boys job comes available,I would still love to coach, but I’m open toall opportunities is kind of howI feel,” he said. “I think I’m going to continue to coach.If something comes up andthere’s an opportunityoutside of education, I would definitely look at it.”
Email KevinFooteatkfoote@ theadvocate.com.
ball leaving the infield,”Deggs said. “It’sjust notgood,not good, period.”
The two teams combined to throw 358 pitchesinthe game RileyMarcotte pitched the final 22/3 innings for UL, allowing two hits, no walks andthreestrikeouts. “He didfine to finish, but we’ve got alot of growing up to do,” Deggs said. “We’ve gota lot of toughening up to do.”
Email KevinFoote at kfoote@ theadvocate.com.
CADDIES WITH MOST MASTERS WINS
5: William “Pappy”Stokes: 1938, 1948, 1951, 1953, 1956
be aimingtomakehistory.Heis trying to join Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldoand TigerWoods as the only repeat Masters champions, and join Nicklaus as theonlymen to winthreeMasters in four seasons.
Scott hashis own “record” to shoot for as well. Another victory for Scheffler would make Scott, 51, just the third caddie in Masters history to be on the bag for five victories William “Pappy” Stokes brought home fivewinners from 1938-56, among them Ben Hogan in 1951 and 1953. Willie Peterson caddied for thefirst fiveofNicklaus’ six Masters victories in 1963, 1965, 1966, 1972 and 1975. Both Stokes and Peterson caddiedinanera when only AugustaNational’s club caddies could work the Masters.
Scott doesn’ttry to deny it would be an achievement,but he also doesn’twant to claim any of the credit.
“I wouldn’twant to be in the history books as, ‘Oh,thisisthe caddie who won five times’and ‘Look at me,’ because honestly,Idon’t hitashot,” he said.“Half the time it’sthe wrong club or it’shit in the wrong place.
“These guys are so good at golf,I’m thankful Iget to support them. If Ihappen to get to do it five times (at theMasters), Iwould besoblessed. ButI wouldn’tthink ofthat as arecord for me. Ilive for Scottie to get in the record booksasone of thebest to play at theMasters. I
“Our schedule wasverytough early withgames against St. Thomas More andCovington,”Picard said.“It’stough at the beginning andend.It’stoprepare us for the road coming up. “Right now,we’re still aNo. 2or
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one of itspremium picksonarunner. The options behind Kamara on theroster all comewith significant questions. Kendre Miller is only 22 years old and has flashed thedynamic ability that made the Saints select himwith theNo. 71 pick of the 2023 draft, but he has missedmore games (20) thanhe’sappeared in (14), and therefore is tough to count on.Clyde Edwards-Helaire is a former toppickwho hasn’tproduced more than 500 yards from scrimmage since2021. Jordan Mims,Xazavian Valladay and Velus Jones have notproven to be more than bottom-of-the-rosterplayers. If theSaints do bolster their backfield with one of their four Day 1or2picks, here aresome whocould make sense.
Boise StateRBAshtonJeanty
It is hard to envision ascenario in which the Saints use their firstround pick on arunning back unless that scenarioistodraft Jeanty.Like Robinson afew years ago, Jeanty is viewed as acan’tmiss prospect and will almost certainlybeselectedinthe first 15 picks of this year’sdraft. He may be gone before the Saints are on the clock at No. 9.
The 2024 Heisman Trophy runner-up is comingoff an absurd statistical season during which he rushed foranNCAA-best 2,601 yards (185.8 per game) and 29 touchdowns —all for Moore’s almamater,bythe way.Heoften has been compared to Kamara because of his contact balance, his ability to elude defenders and his hands out of the backfield excepthedoes it with 4.42 speed.
If Jeanty is there at No. 9, the Saintshavetoconsider selecting him. He may not filla 2025 positional need, but he is as close as it getstoasure thing, and the Saints have adearth of young impact players.
would cherish that morethan any caddie number of wins. To sayI walked with the champion five times would beamazing.”
There are “horses for courses” in golf, and certainly Scheffler is athoroughbred at AugustaNational. Eighteen of his 20 rounds here have been at par or better, and he’sthe only man tofinish inside the top 20 in the past six Masters.
Again, Scott helped put him over the top, as they’ve gone win, tie for 10th and win the previous three Masters.
“Teddy is so great around this golf course,” Scheffler said to Sky Sportsafter winning here last April. “He knows exactly where theball needs to be put
“He does such agood job of managing me as we go around thecourse. Having aclear picture of what we need to do, understanding where the wind is, understanding where the miss is, and playing the right shots. I can’tspeak highly enough of him managing me, not only around this golf course but all thegolf courses we play.He’sa great asset to me out there and agreat friend as well.”
Andtothink, Scottfigured he was done with caddying.
“Three times I’ve tried to quit caddying and it keeps coming back to me,” Scottsaid. “I’ve been fortunatetowork with great guys. “I’m finishing up withthe best guy.The best player.”
Ohio St.RBTreVeyonHenderson
If the Saints want to add ahome run hitter to their lineup, Hender-
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helps,” Brooks said. “Ithelps put your nerves at ease and helps you be alittle bitmorecomfortable. I’m proud of allofustohavecome up here and takenadvantage of this opportunity that we have.”
Brooksrecorded hisfirst career double-double last week in aloss to theMilwaukee Bucks. While that was abig achievement, it was Brooks’ game in February that impressed his GLeague coach themost.
Saintrememberssitting on his couch that night watching the Pelicans playing the Oklahoma CityThunder.Brooks entered the game late.
“Just seeing his readiness, which is abig thing we preach in Birmingham,” Saint said. “I was giddy watching him play.”
The GLeaguers have been forced into action in aseason marred by oneinjury afteranother.Pelicans coach Willie Green has used 44 different starting lineups this season. “Thatisalways apart of it,” Green said. “Building arelation-
Landen Derouen throws to first base during the Bobcats’ loss to undefeated Covenant Christian on Tuesday.
Christian helps us prepare for that role. What Iliked today is that even though they jumped on us and the ball didn’tbounceour way,our guys continuedtofight, compete and didn’tgive up.”
son could be afit. The former fivestarprospect averaged 6.4yards percarry in his four years with theBuckeyes, including aBig Ten-leading 7.1yards per carry as asenior.Hewas also at his best during Ohio State’srun through the College Football Playoff, when he recorded 414 yards from scrimmage on 44 touches —9.4 yards per touch.
Ohio StateRBQuinshonJudkins
The reason Henderson wasn’ta bell-cowback at Ohio State this past season is because he was splitting the workload with Judkins, an Ole Miss transfer.While Henderson served as theBuckeyes’big-playthreat,Judkins was the morephysical complement. He’saload at 6feet and 221 pounds, but he also showed offhis athleticism at theNFL combine, where he ran a4.48 40yard dash.
Iowa RB KalebJohnson Johnson’s stock mayhave dipped after the NFL combine, where he rana4.5740, butthe topend speed is not necessarily what teamsare looking forout of him anyway.Though he is oneofthe biggerbacksinthe class, at 6-1 and224 pounds, Johnson is more of apatientrunnerthana physical bruiser—think Le’Veon Bell. But, despite consistently facing stacked boxes thanks to Iowa’s anemicpassing attack, Johnson rushedfor 1,535 yards and21 touchdowns.
TennesseeRBDylan Sampson
The Saints alreadyhave brought abunch of Louisiana natives back homethis offseason, so why not add another? The Dutchtown High School product blew up for Tennessee last season, racking up 1,491 yards rushing and 22 touchdowns on his way to becoming theSoutheasternConference Offensive Player of the Year.He’sonthe smaller side at 5-8 and 200 pounds, but he proved he couldhandle theload against premiercompetition. He ripped off six consecutive 100-yard games against SEC teamslast year,including big games against Alabama (139 yards, two touchdowns) andGeorgia (101 yards, touchdown).
ship with each and every guy and understanding what it takes to get them to play at their max.That’s the fun part about it.”
The not so fun part is the losses, which are to be expected when relying on severalplayers still trying to find their way in the NBA.
“In moments like these, learning from their mistakes while they are playing is huge fortheir growth,” Green said.
The Pelicans (21-58) have just three games remaining. They play theirlast road game Thursday against the Milwaukee Bucks and then finish the season at homeFriday against the Miami Heat and Sunday against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Jose Alvarado, Bruce Brown and Yves Missi are all listed as questionable for Thursday’sgame, so there could be even more opportunity for the guys who played in Birmingham.
Their Squadron coach believes they are prepared.
“Wejust try to hammer on the readiness and the details to be the most connected team we possibly can in Birmingham,” Saint said.
“Then when you get your shot, you’re used to it hopefully and you can shine in your moment.”
No. 3seed. Playing teamslike Covenant
Erath’s
PHOTO By LEE BALL
Curried vegetables yieldbright flavors
BY LINDAGASSENHEIMER
Best Fest
1cup vegetable broth
1. Heat oil in alarge nonstick skillet over medium-highheat
2. Add onion and green and red bell peppers and saute for 2 to 3minutes. Add the flour and mix until the flour is mostly absorbed.
3. Add the water to asmall bowl and mix in the ginger,garlic, turmeric, cumin and curry powder.Pour the water into the sauté pan and cook until the sauce thickens, 30 to 40 seconds.
4. Add the okra, mushrooms and vegetable broth. Stirwell andadd salt and pepper to taste. Bring thesaucetoasimmer, cover the skillet with alid and cook for about 5to6minutes. Stir in the cashews.
5. Divide in half and serve overthe rice.
NUTRITION INFO PER SERVING: 394 calories (48 percent from fat), 20.9 gfat (3.9g saturated,11.5 gmonounsaturated), no cholesterol, 14.4 gprotein, 47.0g carbohydrates, 11.8 gfiber,93mg sodium.
Microwaveable Brown Rice
Yields 2servings. Recipe is by Linda Gassenheimer
1packagemicrowaveable brown rice to make1½cups cooked rice
2teaspoons oliveoil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1. Cook rice according to package instructions.
2. Measure 1½ cupsand set aside the remaining rice for another dinner.Add the olive oil, salt and pepper to taste.
3. Divide between 2dinner plates.
NUTRITION INFO PER SERVING: 226 calories (24 percent fromfat), 6.0 gfat (1.0 gsaturated, 2.7 g monounsaturated), no cholesterol, 4.2 gprotein, 38.8 gcarbohydrates, 2.4 gfiber,6mgsodium.
Areyou coming to see me on the food stage at French Quarter Fest? Y’all got your Jazz Fest tickets? Who’shad crawfish (even if it was expensive when the season started)?
SpringtimeinNew Orleansis magical. As thecity shakesoff the remnants of winter and the crazy snowwehad, thestreets come alive with vibrant music, delicious food and apalpable sense of joy that permeates every corner The mild weather,blooming flowersand festive spirit make spring theperfect time to explorethe city’sunique culture and traditions. At theheart of these celebrations are theiconic festivals that draw locals and visitors alike to experience the very soul of New Orleans.
Ahallmark of spring in New Orleans is theFrench Quarter Festival, starting April 10. Spanningseveral days in mid-April, this event —billed as the largest free music festival in the South —transformsthe historic French Quarter into amassive celebration of local music, food and culture. More than
20 stages feature everything from traditional jazz to funk and brass bands. Food is acentral element, with more than 60 local restaurantssetting up booths. Must-try dishes include crawfish étouffée, shrimpand grits, and beignets.The festival’s emphasis on local talent and cuisine makes it afavorite among residentsand visitors.
Next up, the New Orleans Jazz &Heritage Festival, April 24-May 4, showcases the best of jazz, blues, gospel, R&B and rock With alineup of local legends and international stars, it’snowonder Jazz Fest is considered one of the world’spremier music festivals. Beyond the music, however,Jazz Fest is also afeast for food lovers. Vendors line the grounds,
Crawfish Fettuccine
Serves 4very hungry people or 6normal hungrypeople.
1pound fettuccine pasta
1tablespoon butter
1pound cooked crawfish tails
4cloves garlic, minced 1cup heavycream
6tablespoonsgrated Parmesan cheese
1tablespoon chopped fresh parsley Salt to taste
1. Fill alarge pot withlightly salted water and bring to arolling boil. Cook fettuccine at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8minutes. Drain.
2. Heat butter in alarge skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir crawfish and garlic in butter for1minute.
3. Pour in heavy cream;stir Add Parmesan cheese, 1tablespoon at atime,stirring constantly. Mix in parsley,season withsalt. Simmer,stirring frequently,until sauceisthickened.
4. Stir fettuccine into sauce until evenly coated; serve hot.
Kevin Belton
PHOTO By MONICA BELTON
Chef Kevin Belton’sCrawfish Fettucine
BYHANNAH LEVITAN Staff writer
TNS PHOTO By LINDAGASSENHEMIER
In defenseofcallwaiting
Dear Miss Manners: I’m no more afan of call waiting than Miss Manners is, but Ido want to defend its limited utility.Iwas coowner and manager of asmall business for several years, and Ifrequently had to act as receptionist by answering our office phone If I’m on the phone and call waiting sounds, Iask Party Atowait 15 seconds while Icheck my other line. Iask them to call back if we’re disconnected, and I repeat my guarantee that I will get back to them in 15 seconds Iswitch to Party Bonthe second line by stating my name and asking for theirs. Then Isay immediately that Ihave to return to my other line,but Iwill definitely call them back in five or 10 or 15 minutes (whichever seems realistic for finishing Party A’scall) Under no circumstances will Iallow Party Btoexplain the reasonfor their call; if they try,Iinterrupt
and repeat that Ineed to hang up and I’llcall them back. If they still keeptalking, Itell them for the second time that Ihave to hang up. Then I hang up, without waiting for their consentoracknowledgment.
Reader submitsdeclutteringhints
If the whole process is handled efficiently,I’m back to Party Awithin the 15 secondsthat I promised. But some peopleinevitably persist in telling metheirstory,so Ihavetostay firm andcut them off. Am Ibeingrudebyhanging up, or is my system sufficiently polite for the modern world?
Gentle reader: Sufficiently Polite for the Modern World sounds like astandardfor those whohavegiven up caring— one stepbehind Do Whatever Comes Naturally,though perhapsbetter than the perpetually dreary Whatever MakesYou Happy What is interesting about your situation is that busi-
ness etiquette may indeed have different rules than those that apply in the personal world. Hospitals do not takepeople on astrictly first-come, first-served basis for agood reason, and this leadsher to wonder what service your company provided. Whatever that is,the more pressing the reason for you to pick up quickly for thenext caller —say, for example, you were staffing asuicide-prevention hotline —the more reason you would have not to hang up on the current one. Andeven if youcannot stay with the current person,what justification is there for hanging up rather than putting them back on hold?
Send questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners. com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail com; or through postal mailtoMiss Manners, Universal Uclick,1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.
PHOTO By MONICA BELTON
Crawfish Bread
Serves6to8
1baguette or loaf of French bread
½cup mayonnaise
2tablespoons butter
¾cup finely chopped Vidalia onion
2cloves garlic, minced
1pound cooked crawfish tails
¾cup chopped green onion
1tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1teaspoon Creole seasoning
8ounces cream cheese, softened
½cup grated Parmesan cheese
¾cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
½teaspoon sweet paprika
Chopped fresh parsley,togarnish
HUNGRY
Continued from page5C
1. Preheat oven to 375 F.
2. Slice the bread in half lengthwise and place on a baking sheet. Coat halves evenly with mayonnaise.
3. In alarge skilletover medium heat, melt the butter andsaute onion until translucent, about 5minutes. Addgarlicand cook until it releases aroma, about1 minute.
4. Add crawfish, green onion, andparsley, andcook until heated through, 4to
offering dishes that have become iconic like crawfish bread, jambalaya and cochon de lait po-boys. Don’tforget the mango freeze. Jazz Fest truly embodies the city’s dedication to celebrating music and cuisine in equal measure. Spring in New Orleans is not just aboutmusic and food; it’sabout community andthe joy of gathering together to celebratelife. Whether you’re grooving to livejazz at Jazz Fest, savoring aplate of crawfish at theCrawfish Festival, or strollingthrough the French Quarterwitha poboy in hand, thecity’sspirit shines brightest during this season. In New Orleans, every meal is acelebration, and every songisaninvita-
Continued from page5C
“Growers did see adip in production at some point afterthe freeze,but alot of fruit has been comingin during the past few weeks,” Dr.Mary Helen Ferguson, extension agent at the LSU Ag Center,said.
Theberry belt
The strawberry industry hasbeena source of pride for Louisiana dating back to the 1800s. Many Italian and Hungarian immigrants moved to the state for its warm weather and rich soil and decided to try their hand at growing the crop.
The industry was highly successful, and local farmers sold their strawberries to people across the country by the 1920s. In 1924, over
14,000 acres were planted, according to GingerRomero’s“The Louisiana Strawberry.” These days, most U.S. strawberries are grown in California,but Louisiana strawberries still supply local farmers markets and grocery stores. And it depends whoyou ask, but many people saySoutheastern Louisiana strawberries are the sweetestinthe country Berrypicking tips If you’re ready to head out andpick berries on your own,Ferguson shared afew tips to make sure you’re selecting the best fruit.Here’s what she said:
n Pickberries that are fully ripe. Strawberries won’t ripen more once they’reoff theplant like some fruitsdo.
n Storeyourstrawberries in the refrigerator as quickly as possible.
Dear Heloise: It’sthe time of year when people start spring-cleaning and adding fresh touches to their homes. Oneofthe best thingsthat you can do to improve your homeisto declutter.When I say “declutter,” I don’tmean throwing things out and replacing them with new clutter.Imean gettingrid of items that you don’tlove, gifts that you don’tlike, and all the craft materials for that one hobby you’re going to do …someday.These hints might be of help to you as you go through your home: n Don’tdothe whole house at once. Take it one room at atime, but get busy and dig in! Youmight do your closet today,and two or three days later,you can tackle the rest of the room.You’ll avoid burnout this way n Don’tsay,“Imight need this in thefuture.” It’s clutter,soget rid of it and remember that you might never need it!
By The Associated Press
5minutes.Add Creole seasoning and stir.Add cream cheese, removefrom heat, and continue to stir until cheese is melted
5. Dividemixture and spread evenly over both bread halves. Topwith cheesesand sprinklewith paprika.
6. Bakefor about 15 minutes. Turn oven tobroil and broil close to flame or heat until cheese has browned, 1 to 2minutes.Serve warm.
tion to dance.
Kevin Belton is resident chef of WWL-TV and has taught classes in Louisiana cooking for 30 years. The most recent of his four cookbooks, “KevinBelton’sCookin’ Louisiana: Flavors from the Parishes of the Pelican State,” was published in 2021. EmailChef at chefkevinbelton@gmail. com.
n Don’twash your berries beforeputting them in the refrigerator.Instead, wait until you’re abouttoeat them.
n Plan to preserveoreat your berrieswithina few days of picking. Strawberries can last up to seven days afterharvest under ideal conditions.
Wheretopickyourberries
But where can you find astrawberrypatch to indulge?Here’salist of farms.
n CM FARMS: 252 CM Farms Road,Dry Creek
n KINGSTON ORCHARDS: 7406 La. 175, Frierson
n INDIAN VILLAGE HARVEST
FARM: 1976 Guyton Swamp Road,Calhoun
n MRS. HEATHER’SSTRAWBERRY
FARM: 31458 La. 43, Albany
n LIUZZA LAND: 56211 Old U.S. 51, Amite City
n LANDRYPOCHÉ FARM: 29955 Richardson Drive, Holden
n Youlive in ahome, not astorage unit. Stop saving stuffthat you don’tuse or like. If you haven’tworn a party dress in two years, you probably never will again. n Donate items to charity or have agarage sale, but don’tbox up clutter and store it in your attic, basement or garage. Get it out of your homeand off your property
n Before you buy anything new to replace what you parted with, ask yourself:“Do Ireally need this? How will this makemylife better?”
n Once you get rid of all the clutter,your homewill be easier to clean. You’ll improve its appearance, and it’sawonderful sense of accomplishment to open up the kitchen junk drawer and see it organized beautifully.Many people experience asense of freedom once all the clutter is gone. Goodluck, and remember to be ruthless whendecluttering! —J.L., in Massachusetts
TODAYINHISTORY
bound forNew York on its ill-fated maiden voyage.
Today is Thursday April 10, the 100th day of 2025. There are 265 days left in the year
Todayinhistory:
On April 10, 1998, the Northern Ireland peace talksconcluded as negotiatorssigned theGood Friday Agreement,alandmarksettlement to end 30 years of bitter rivalries and bloody attacks.
On this date:
In 1866, theAmerican Societyfor the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was founded in New York by Henry Bergh.
In 1912, theBritish liner RMSTitanic set sail from Southampton, England,
In 1919, Mexican revolutionary Emiliano Zapata wasassassinated by forces loyal to President Venustiano Carranza.
In 1963, the nuclear submarine USSThresher (SSN-593) sank during deep-diving tests east of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, killing all 129 aboard.
In 1971, the U.S. table tennis team arrived in China at the invitation of the communist government foragoodwill visit that came to be knownas“pingpong diplomacy.”
In 2019, scientists released thefirst image ever made of ablack hole,revealing afiery,doughnut-shape
Keepingthe housecool
Dear Heloise: Our neighbor gave us agreat suggestion to lower our cooling bills during the summer He installed solar and sun screens on the windows that are on the sunny side of his house. These screens block the majority of the UV rays on the hot side of his home. So, we had amobile screen company come to install them on ours. Oh, it’ssoeasy.And I’ll do anything to
Tracking your pets
Boarding and
places have doggy cams so that you can check on your pooch from your laptop or smartphone. —B., in Washington
Sendahinttoheloise@ heloise.com.
object in agalaxy 55 million light-years from earth. Today’sbirthdays: Labor leader-activist Dolores Huerta is 95. Football Hall of Famer Mel Blount is 77. Author Anne Lamott is 71. Actor Peter MacNicol is 71. Singer-producer Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds is 66. Musician Brian Setzer
Judith Martin MISS MANNERS
Hints from Heloise
Chef Kevin Belton’sCrawfish Bread
ARIES (March21-April 19) Setyour sights on something on the rise.Avoid situationsand people who tend to interfere. Putyour time and energy into progress, notintono-win situations and empty conversations.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Choose your path,and don'tlook back. It'stime to show your worth,shoot forthe stars andmakeadifference. Clear up any legal, institutional or financial matters.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20) Put your emotionsaside, be realistic and setyour sightsonyourdreams.Changing your direction or will take research, learning andfine-tuning. Youmay not be able to please everyone, but you can please yourself
CANCER (June 21-July 22) Put thought and energy into earning moreand increasing your financial stability. Domestic improvements will boost your assets andmakeyourlife easier and more enjoyable.
LEO (July 23-Aug.22) Keep an open mind; listen,learn and put what you discover to work for you. Take any opportunity to meet new people or reconnect with someoneyou lost touch with over the years.
VIRGO(Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Take abreak andvisit aplace thatinspires you or helps youput things in perspective. Engage in conversations that pushyou to visualize what's possible and connect you with people who can help you make things happen.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Take atrip or attend an event that offers insight and gives you something to think about.An emotional journey will help you recognizewhat's bestfor you.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) Take on achallenge, make adifference or useyour skills, talents and experience to propagate your plan. Victory is within reach if you believe in yourself.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Pay attentiontoyour finances. Think twice beforegetting tied up in someone else's debt. Avoid drama and don't let someone's sobstories manipulate your heart.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) You'll crave change and be attracted to unique people and places that stimulate your creative imagination. Go with the flowand discover what excites you most.
AQUARIUS (Jan.20-Feb.19) Creative accounting will help you manage your finances.Spend more time at home making your space more functional. Keep your money and possessions safe and avoid joint ventures
PISCES(Feb. 20-March 20) Simplify, cap expenditures and setyour sightson stability, security and spending time with the people you love. Participate in activities thatmake you happy, ease your mind and encourage friendships
Celebrity Ciphercryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Eachletter in thecipher stands for another.
TODAy'SCLUE: XEQUALSS
FAMILY CIrCUS
CeLebrItY CIpher
better or For WorSe
beetLe bAILeY
Mother GooSe And GrIMM
LAGoon
Sudoku
InstructIons: Sudoku is anumber-placing puzzle based on a9x9 grid with several given numbers. The object is to place the numbers 1to9inthe 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
THewiZard oF id
BLondie
BaBY BLueS
Hi and LoiS
BY PHILLIP ALDER
James C. Dobson, an evangelical author, psychologist andfounder of Focus on the Family, said,“Don’tmarry the personyou think youcan livewith; marry only the individual you think you can’t live without.” Thatisnodoubt true. At the bridge table, though, don’t make the play you think is right; make the play after which either your contractcannot fail or the opponent’s contract cannot make.
In this deal, East is defendingagainst five diamonds. Westleads the heart queen, and Southcalls fordummy’s five. How might East hope to defeat the contract?
After Southopened one diamond, West made atwo-heart weakjump overcall, showing agood six-card suit and 6to 10 high-card points. East raised to four hearts, acontract that wouldhave made when both major-suit finesses worked. However,South rebid five clubs,and North converted to fivediamonds. Since neither side was sure who couldmake what,this was passed out.
Each Wuzzle is awordriddle whichcreates adisguised word, phrase,name, place, saying, etc. For example: NOON GOOD =GOOD AFTERNOON
Previous answers:
InstRuctIOns: 1. Words must be of four or more letters. 2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats”
tODAY’s WORD FORFEIt: FOR-fit: To lose or lose the right to.
Average mark 20 words Time limit 30 minutes Can you find25ormorewords in FORFEIT?
YEstERDAY’s WORD —PREPARED
“Our
is
BRIEFS
FROM STAFFAND WIRE REPORTS
Monroe company plans
$12.5M expansion
AMonroe company that makes plastic sheeting used in consumer and industrial products willspend
$12.5 million to add production lines to its manufacturing plant.
The work will create 12 new jobs at Mid South Extrusion and 26 indirect jobs in OuachitaParish, according to Louisiana Economic Development.
This is the second expansion at Mid South Extrusion in recent months. In September,the company said it would spend $17 million to add production lines, amove that is projected to add 21jobs That work is set to be completed in August.
The expansions are being done to meet the growing demand for polyethylene film,a thin, lightweightsheeting used in sectors such as agriculture, consumer products, food and beverage, ecommerce and industrial.
This second expansion is set to begin in November and will involve addingmanufacturing equipment, modifyingthe plant to handle the weight and height of the productionlines, adding raw material silos and an HVAC system.
The new line should be operational in early 2026.
Once the latest expansion is complete, Mid South Extrusion will operate 16 production lines, with more than 240 workers in a 350,000-square-foot building Postal Service seeks to hike stamp costs
The U.S. Postal Service is seeking arate increase this summer that includes hiking thecostofa first-class stamp from 73 cents to 78 cents. The request was made Wednesday to the Postal Regulatory Commission, which must OK the proposal. If approved, the 5-cent increase for a“forever” stamp and similar increases for postcards, metered letters and international mail would take effect July 13.
The Postal Service contends, as it did last year when it enacted a similar increase, that it’sneeded to achieve financial stability
Former U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy previously warned postal customers to get used to “uncomfortable” rate hikes as the Postal Service seeks to become self-sufficient. He said price increases were overdueafter “at least 10 years of adefective pricing model.”
DeJoy resigned in Marchafternearly fiveyears in theposition, leaving as President Donald Trump and Elon Musk’sDepartment of Government Efficiency had floated the idea of privatizing mail service.
Universal chooses London theme parksite
Universal has chosen the homeland of Harry Pottertobuild its first theme park and resort in Europe, the entertainment company and U.K. officialsannounced Wednesday Thestudio and themeparkoperator that has drawn millions to its Potter-themed wizarding worlds and other attractions said it would begin constructionnext year justbeyondthe outskirtsof London. British PrimeMinisterKeir Starmer said the park would create 28,000 jobs and would bring opportunity,growth, and “of course, joy to Britain.”
The park will be built on a476acre site in aformer brickyard in Bedford. Construction is expected to be completed by 2031. The town is about 50 miles north of London.
Universal did not say what attractions it would offer at the park, but it has builtridesaround many of its movie franchises, including“Minions,” “E.T.the Extra-Terrestrial,” “Jurassic Park,” “Kung Fu Panda” and “Fast & Furious.”
The Universal resort, initially expected to include a500-room hotel, will be near amajor rail line and Luton Airport, which officials recently said would be expanded. Universal, adivision of Comcast Corp., has five entertainment andresort complexesaround the world —inOrlando, Florida; Los Angeles; Osaka, Japan; China; and Singapore.
THEADVOCATE.COM/news/business
Housevotes on overdraftfeesrule
final days of President Joe Biden’s term wouldhave forced banks to stop offering overdraft protection altogether and made it harder for Americans to access credit.
ers leaning on worse, less-regulated services. Republicansvoted to undo theregulation under the Congressional Review Act, a1996 lawthat allows Congress to reverse recently adopted rules.
ences thefees. Biden had called the fees, which can be as high as $35 per transaction, “exploitative,” and consumer advocates point out they hitbanks’ most cash-strapped customers.
BY CORA LEWIS and MARYCLARE JALONICK Associated Press
NEW YORK The Housevoted Wednesday to overturn arulethat would havelimitedbank overdraft fees to $5,following theSenatein moving to dismantle the regulation that the Biden administration had estimated wouldsave consumers billions of dollars.
The resolution killing therule, which passed theHouse 217-211, will nowhead to theWhite House for President Donald Trump’ssignature.Republicans argued that the “disastrous” regulation issued in the
“Competition and innovation, not government-mandated price caps, remain the best waytoensure consumers have access to affordable financialproducts andservices,” said Arkansas Rep. French Hill, the chairman of the HouseFinancial Services Committee.
Currently,the nation’sbiggest banks take in roughly $8 billion in the charges every year,according to datafrom theConsumer Financial Protection Bureauand bank public records. Rightnow,there is no cap on the overdraft fees that banks can legally charge.
Banks and banking groups had previously sued over the rule, arguing thatitwouldhave ledtoconsum-
Democrats strongly opposed the effort and saidthe rule would helpconsumers whocan’tafford the fees. California Rep. Maxine Waters, the top Democrat on the Financial Services panel, saidthat Americans are “fed up with these junk fees” and want to get them under control.
Therule, scheduled to go into effect in October,was part of Biden’s effort to reduce fees that hitconsumers on everydaypurchases, includingbanking services. The CFPB estimated therulewould have saved consumers about$5billioninannual overdraft fees, or $225 per household thattypically experi-
When abank temporarily lends aconsumer money after their accounthas reached azero balance, the consumer is typically responsible for paying back boththe overdrawn amount andanadditional fee, which can be more thanthe original amountcharged. In one example, a $3 cup of coffee can end up costing someone more than $30.
Overdraft fees originatedduring atime whenconsumers wrote and cashed checks more frequently so that thecheckswould clearinstead of bouncing, if there was an issue of timing —but banks steadily increased the fees in the
BY STAN CHOE Associated Press
NEWYORK U.S. stocks soared to one of their best days in history on aeuphoric Wall Street on Wednesday after President Donald Trump said he wouldback off on most of histariffs temporarily,asinvestors had so desperately hoped he would
The S&P500 surged9.5%, an amount that would count as agood year for the market.It had been sinkingearlier in the day on worries that Trump’s trade warcoulddrag the global economyinto arecession. Butthen camethe postingonsocialmedia that investors worldwide had been waiting and wishing for
“I haveauthorized a90day PAUSE,” Trump said, after recognizing the more than 75 countries that he said have been negotiating on tradeand hadnot retaliated against his latest increases in tariffs.
Treasury Secretary ScottBessent later told
reporters that Trumpwas pausinghis socalled ‘reciprocal’ tariffs on mostofthe country’sbiggest trading partners, but maintaininghis 10% tariff on nearlyall globalimports. Chinawas ahuge exception, though,with Trump saying tariffs are going up to 125% against its products. That raises the possibility of more swings ahead that could stunfinancial markets. The trade war is not over,and an escalating battle between the world’stwo largest economies can create plenty of damage. U.S. stocks are also still below where they were just aweek ago, when Trumpannounced worldwide tariffs on what he called “Liberation Day.” But on Wednesday,atleast, the focuson Wall Street was on the positive.The Dow Jones Industrial Average and Nasdaq composite leaped. The S&P500 had its third-best day since 1940. The relief cameafter doubts had crept in about whether Trump cared about the financial painthe U.S. stock market was taking because of his tariffs. The S&P 500, theindex that sits at the center of many 401(k)accounts, cameinto the day nearly 19% below
itsrecord set less thantwo monthsago. Wednesday’srally pulledthe S&P 500 index away from the edge of what’scalled a “bear market.”That’swhat professionals call it when arun-of-the-mill drop of 10% for U.S. stocks, which happens every year or so, graduatesinto amore vicious fall of 20%. The index is nowdown 11.2% from itsrecord Wall Street also got aboost from arelatively smooth auction of U.S. Treasurysin the bond market Wednesday.Earlier jumps in Treasury yieldshad rattled themarket indicatingincreasing levels of stress. Trump himself said Wednesday that he hadbeen watching the bond market“getting alittle queasy.”
Analysts say several reasons could be behind therise in yields, including hedge funds andother investors having to sell their Treasury bonds to raise cash in order to make up for losses in thestock market. Investors outside the United States may also be sellingtheirU.S. Treasurysbecause of the trade war.Suchactionswould push down prices for Treasurys, which in turnwould push up their yields.
BY CHRISTOPHER RUGABER AP economics writer
WASHINGTON Theprospect of high inflation stemming fromwidespread tariffs along with weaker hiring could put the Federal Reserveina difficult spot, Fed policymakers saidinminutes fromlast month’smeeting. The minutes,released Wednesday,saidthatthe Fedcould keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged if inflationremained stubbornlyelevated.And they said it could cut its rate if growth slowed and unemploymentrose. Theminutes were for the Fed’sMarch 18-19
meeting. But if both happened at thesame time, theFed “may face difficult trade-offs,” some of the19officials on the central bank’sinterest-rate setting committee said. Rising unemployment can often lead to arecession,whenthe Fed would normally slash its key rate to support moreborrowing and spending and stimulate the economy.Yet Fed officials would likely be reluctant to cut if inflation rose,becauseitusually seeks to cool higher prices by keeping itskey rateunchanged or even raising it if necessary
The minutes reflect discussions amongFed officials before President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs April 2onnearly 60 countries, alongwith a10% tariffonnearlyall nations. Trump
said Wednesday that he had paused thetariffs for90days, though the 10%duty would remain, as well as ahuge125% tax on imports from China. The minutesalso said that the tariffs that hadbeenannounced before the March meeting —onsteel, aluminum, and on many imports from Canada andMexico— had already causedmany companies to delay hiring and raise prices.
SeveralFed officials, according to the minutes, said that their business contacts “were already reporting increases in costs, possibly in anticipation of rising tariffs,” or “hadindicated willingnesstopass on to consumers higherinput costs that would arise from potential tariff increases.” Many of those same business
contacts“reported pausinghiring decisions because of elevated policyuncertainty,” according to the minutes. In remarks last Friday,Fed Chair JeromePowell said the April 2tariffs would likely raise inflation and slow growth. He also noted that their impact would likely be temporary,but said there wasaheightened chance that they could persistently raise inflation.
Inflation has comedownsharply from itspeak in June 2022, but it has remained stubbornly elevated even before the imposition of duties. Consumer prices were 2.8% higher in February compared with ayear ago, though March figures will be released early Thursday andare expected to show inflation declining to 2.6%.
