PRESEASON: SAINTS’ RATTLER LEADS LATE RALLY TO TIE JAGUARS 1B
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Radio host faces scrutiny over state job Jeff Crouere works behind the scenes for Cassidy opponent BY TYLER BRIDGES | Staff writer
It is far from the idyllic vision of south Louisiana fishing held by generations of anglers. Not even Treadaway, an Empire native who is now vice president of operations for Westbank Fishing, would argue that point. It is an industry, one that creates jobs, tax revenue and wealth. And, let there be no mistake, lots of controversy, too. Louisiana’s menhaden boats have long been the subject of scrutiny from recreational anglers and charter captains, who accuse them of worsening
Jeff Crouere delights in bashing former President Joe Biden and “woke” Democrats during his daily talk radio show on WGSO-990 AM in New Orleans. But the conservative commentator aims many of his sharpest words at a fellow Republican: U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, who is running for a third term. “That guy is the biggest fraud in the Senate,” Crouere said on the air Wednesday. “He’s got to be defeated.” Called “Ringside Politics,” Crouere’s show airs on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and again from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. In between, he takes on a very Crouere different role by serving on the state payroll as communications director for Treasurer John Fleming — who is one of three Republicans challenging Cassidy. On WGSO, Crouere doesn’t tell listeners that he works for Fleming, a job he has held since March 2024. Nor does Crouere note that he’s interviewing his boss when Fleming appears on his show once a month to discuss his work at the treasury and to criticize Cassidy. Over nearly three decades, Crouere has made a name for himself as one of the most prominent conservative commentators in metro New Orleans. During that time, he has worn many hats. He has done his daily radio show, had a TV program, written political columns, managed the campaigns of Republican candidates, organized right-wing rallies and recall efforts, and hosted the bimonthly “Politics with a Punch” panel with media personalities, elected officials and comedians. Crouere is now facing questions of whether he’s wearing one hat too many because he regularly attacks Cassidy on his radio show in the morning and at night, and works during the day as a state government employee for Fleming with a $125,000 annual salary. “I’ve always told my students to avoid conflicts where possible, but at least let them know
ä See MENHADEN, page 5A
ä See CROUERE, page 6A
STAFF PHOTO By CHRIS GRANGER
Westbank Fishing boats are loaded with menhaden in the Gulf off the coast of Louisiana. Louisiana’s menhaden boats have long been scrutinized by recreational anglers, but the industry has pushed back, highlighting its economic contributions and pointing to sport fishermen’s far higher catch of trout and redfish.
New data sheds light on La. menhaden fishing
Controversial pogy boats long scrutinized by recreational anglers BY MIKE SMITH | Staff writer Two boats slide off the back of their mothership and into the Gulf’s green waters. Then the real work begins. With waves rocking them, the boats begin to separate, unspooling a net bigger than five football fields as they motor in opposite directions to form a circle. Hundreds of pelicans hover, hoping for a free meal. When the net is set, yellow floats along its perimeter bobbing on the surface, the men on the boats close it off and haul it back, bringing small, silvery fish with it.
World War II veteran and Bataan Death March survivor James Bollich celebrates his 104th birthday at his home in Lafayette on Friday. STAFF PHOTO By BRAD BOWIE
WEATHER HIGH 95 LOW 75 PAGE 12A
“You’ve got a little fish in the net,” said Shane Treadaway, who oversees the operations, as he watches from a separate boat nearby, speaking of what was primarily intended as a demonstration for visiting journalists rather than an actual attempt to catch menhaden. Later, the menhaden, or pogies, will be pumped onto a mothership about 170 feet long, for the trip back to the dock. There, they’ll be shuttled through pipes into a plant that runs them through an elaborate process to create oil and fish meal for uses that include food for animals and aquaculture.
Celebrating a long and fulfilled life
WWII veteran and death march survivor honored on 104th birthday BY JOEL THOMPSON
With American flags adorning both sides of his walker, Bollich showed an attentiveness and alertClouds threatened rain Fri- ness to his surrounding that defied day afternoon, but it didn’t stop his advanced age. He cracked jokes alongside friends, family and Purple Heart veterans from honoring the 104th Louisiana Speaker of the House birthday of World War II veteran Phillip DeVillier, who presented Bollich with an official expression Jim Bollich of Lafayette. Contributing writer
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of commendation, and stood up to salute the active-duty Marines and Purple Heart veterans who drove by his house as part of a car parade organized by the Acadiana chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart.
ä See CELEBRATING, page 4A
101ST yEAR, NO. 49
Please join us in welcoming CHRISTOPHER P. PECK, MD INTERNAL MEDICINE
Dr. Christopher P. Peck, a native of Baton Rouge, LA, earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Louisiana State University (LSU), graduating summa cum laude and as a University Medalist in 2017. He earned his Medical Degree from the LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport in 2022. Dr. Peck completed his residency in Internal Medicine at the LSU Health Sciences Center in Baton Rouge, LA in 2025, where he served as the President of the LSU OLOL Residency Council in his last year. Dr. Peck has joined The Baton Rouge Clinic’s Internal Medicine Department and is accepting new patients.
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