TRUMP OFFICIALS FACE GRILLING OVER LEAKED MILITARY PLAN 6A
ADVOCATE THE
T H E A D V O C AT E.C O M
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA
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T h u r s d ay, M a r c h 27, 2025
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La. has new plan to compete for jobs
Strategy calls for incentives, focus on high-growth sectors BY BLAKE PATERSON
automaker Hyundai in recent months, released a new strategic plan for economic development on Gov. Jeff Landry’s administra- Wednesday that included a road tion, which has boasted about map for making investments in the multibillion-dollar investments technology sector and other growfrom social media giant Meta and ing industries.
Staff writer
The 40-page plan, produced by a team of consultants in partnership with Louisiana Economic Development, bills itself as a blueprint to “build the most robust, innovative, and high growth economy in the Southeast.” It also sought to diag-
nose why Louisiana has struggled to add jobs and what the state can do to stem the flow of residents to other states for better opportunities. Among the recommendations, the report calls for a new incentive program for businesses that offer jobs with wages above the regional benchmarks; creation of
KINGPINS
Bowlers from all over roll into BR for national tournament
a dedicated fund for site development; an increased focus on rural areas and small businesses; and more support for regional economic development organizations. The plan offered broad strategies as opposed to specific policy proposals, legislation or funding
ä See PLAN, page 7A
Court rules sexual history of LSU student inadmissible Two accused of raping Madison Brooks before she was killed by a car
BY MATT BRUCE Staff writer
STAFF PHOTOS By HILARy SCHEINUK
Joe Hammond, left, gets a high-five from Heather Hurley as her father, David Willard, stands by during competition at the United States Bowling Congress Open Championships last week at the Raising Cane’s River Center. BY JAN RISHER
Staff writer
They call it the “Robo Wrist.” David Willard explained the black and chrome mechanical exoskeletal brace he wore as he bowled in his 38th United States Bowling Congress Open Championships in downtown Baton Rouge’s Raising Cane’s River Center was a reflection of his career. “The funny thing is, that’s what I do for a living,” the bowler said. “I design orthopedic implants.” Though few were as fancy as Willard’s, he was not alone in wearing a specially designed glove or brace to participate in the national bowling tournament. A variety of gloves and braces covered the arms and hands of bowlers up and down the pits fronting the 54 bowling lanes in the River Center, which
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has been transformed into a giant bowling alley. Willard and his daughter Heather Hurley, from Silver Lake, Indiana, were bowling near the center of the River Center bowling venue. They are two of 58,000 bowlers, from all 50 states and a dozen or so countries, competing in the 150-day tournament for an estimated prize fund between $6.5 million and $7.5 million. The bowlers typically come in 3-5 day shifts, spending three to four nights in Baton Rouge for the competition that runs through July 28. The River Center-turnedbowling-venue features 55 new synthetic lanes that were constructed on-site for the event (54 for the tournament), bleachers for spectators, souvenir shops, snack counters
A bowler selects his specific ball during competition last week at the United States Bowling Congress Open ä See KINGPINS, page 4A Championships.
An appeals court has decided Madison Brooks’ alleged sexual history can’t be used by defense attorneys in high-profile rape cases involving the late LSU student who died after being hit by a car. Attorneys for Casen John Carver and Desmond Carter, two of the three men indicted on charges for allegedly raping Brooks, have sought to force witnesses to testify about a sexual encounter they claim the former LSU sophomore had with another man the night before she died Jan. 15, 2023. The defendants’ lawyers said it could be a key piece of evidence to undermine the state’s claims against Brooks the two men, who face mandatory life sentences if convicted of their respective rape charges. In a 2-1 vote this week, the First Circuit Court of Appeal barred the defendants from using the sexual history as evidence. “The fundamental right to present a defense does not require the trial court to admit irrelevant evidence or evidence with such little probative value that it is substantially outweighed by other legitimate considerations,” according to the ruling. “One such consideration is the rape shield law. The trial court has not yet ruled on the admissibility of the expert opinion that injuries to M.B. may be ‘suspicious for sexual assault’ and thus whether the origin of the injuries may implicate (exceptions).” The appellate court ruling issued Tuesday granted state prosecutors’ appeal, reversing District Judge Gail Horne Ray’s previous ruling that made the evidence admissible. Ray is presiding over Carver and Carter’s rape cases in the 19th Judicial District Court. Appellate judges Steven Miller and Hunter Greene sided with prosecutors, while Judge Beth Wolfe dissented. “We are pleased with the court’s ruling that will prohibit defendants from
Business ......................3D Commentary ................5B Nation-World ................2A Classified .....................7D Deaths .........................3B Opinion ........................4B Comics-Puzzles .....4D-6D Living............................1D Sports ..........................1C
ä See COURT, page 7A
100TH yEAR, NO. 270
These student-athletes exemplify dedication, perseverance, and a drive CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR for success, setting THE STANDARD on and off the field and court. In addition to our SWAC Honor Roll honorees, we are excited to SU ATHLETICS 2025 3.0 CLUB highlight the Fall 2024 academic achievements of our student-athletes: CHAMPIONS IN THE CLASSROOM • Fall 2024 Department GPA: 2.817 semester ‘ 2.927 cumulative • Student-Athletes with a 4.0 GPA: 24 • Fall 2024 Graduates: 23 student-athletes completed their degrees • Fall 2024 Highest Male GPA: Rashard Grace - Baseball • Fall 2024 Highest Female GPA: Calli Schell - Softball • Fall 2024 Highest Men’s Team GPA: Men’s Tennis - 3.161 • Fall 2024 Highest Women’s Team GPA: Women’s Tennis - 3.300 (also the highest overall team GPA!)
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