The Advocate 04-24-2026

CHIEFS TAKE LSU’S MANSOOR DELANE

SAINTS GET WR JORDYN TYSON WITH EIGHTH

1 DEAD IN MALL SHOOTING

BY ANDREA GALLO, AIDAN McCAHILL, PATRICK SLOAN-TURNER and JAN RISHER Staff writers

One person was killed and five others injured Thursday as gunfire rang out at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge when an argument between two groups of people in the food court escalated into violence, police said.

“This was a disagreement, a fight between two groups of people that we are still trying to unravel. Unfortunately, innocent victims got caught in the crossfire.”

T.J. MORSE, Baton Rouge police chief

Bystanders, including three Ascension Episcopal School students from Lafayette who visited the mall on their “senior skip day,” were struck by bullets in the crossfire. They and others were rushed to hospitals with injuries. By later Thursday, law enforcement and hospital officials said one had died, another was in critical condition and the rest were stable Law enforcement descended en masse to the mall after receiving the “shots fired” report at 1:22 p.m. Police initially warned at least one shooter was at large, and by late afternoon, they announced they had taken five people into custo dy By Thursday night, police said that while they had detained people involved, they had not officially made arrests yet Authorities said they were still trying to piece together the argument that led to the shooting, but Baton Rouge Police Chief T.J. Morse said it “looks like guns were pulled after words exchanged.”

“This was a disagreement, a fight between two groups of people that we are still trying to unravel,” Morse said. “Unfortunately, innocent victims got caught in the crossfire.”

After shots echoed through the food court and sirens began blaring outside, shoppers sprinted out of the mall. Some women donned nylon capes as they darted out of the JCPenney hair salon, their hair half-done. At the jewelry store Pandora, workers and customers huddled together in a back office for nearly two hours. Nearby schools and businesses went on lockdown.

Mall worker Signi Dreyer was cleaning the food court’s colorful carouselwhensheheardthegunfire.

ä See SHOOTING, page 6A

Witnesses describe panicked scene at mall

‘I just took off running, I was so scared’

BY IANNE SALVOSA, JAN RISHER and AIDAN McCAHILL Staff writers

Raleigh Robertson was shopping on the ground floor of Dick’s House of Sport in the Mall of Louisiana on Thursday afternoon when she heard gunshots. It sounded like several semi-automatic weapons firing at the same time, said Robertson, a 22-year-old photographer The gunfire persisted for about 30 to 40 seconds and sounded close, she said. Robertson ran up the stairwell to the second-floor exit, where her car was parked. Droves of shop-

pers started to leave as police vehicles and ambulances arrived at the scene, she said.

“You can see everyone and their mama running out the store,” Robertson said. Authorities said one person was killed and five were injured in the shooting, which happened about 1:23 p.m.

Witnesses described panic, with people running as they heard gunfire. Ariel LeJeune said she was sitting outside on the patio by the food court.

LeJeune works at the mall and was on her break — which she usually spends at the food court — but decided not to eat. She said she was about to walk back in when she heard gunshots.

BRIEFS FROM WIRE REPORTS

At least17Somalis

die after boat capsizes MOGADISHU,Somalia Aboat capsized in waters between Algeria and Spain, leaving at least 17 Somalimigrantsdead, Somalia’sambassadortoAlgeria said

Thursday

Ambassador Yusuf Ahmed Hassan told Somali state media that he was contacted bydistressedparents searchingfor information about their missing relatives. The victims include 12 menand five women who drowned when their boat capsized while attemptingthe oftendangerous journey to Europe

“I was reached by parents who were looking for their children andwanted to know their whereabouts,” he said Hassan said that he thencontacted the AlgerianForeign Ministry,which informedhim that agroup of African migrants had died in acoastalprovince about 60 miles west of the capital, Algiers.

The route between North Africaand Spain is one of several commonly used by migrants seeking to reachEurope, often involving overcrowded and unseaworthy boats.

Shipwrecks are frequent along theseroutes, particularly in the western Mediterranean and Atlantic corridors, where thousands of migrants risk their lives each year fleeing conflict, poverty and climate-related hardships.

Somali migrants are among those increasingly undertaking such journeys, driven by insecurity,limited economic opportunities andprolonged drought conditions at home.

Algerian authorities haven’t yetreleased full detailsabout the latest tragedy,includingthe total number of passengers on board or how the boat capsized

Anewly erected historical marker on ahighwaynear Ellerbe, N.C., celebrates Andre the Giant

Marker in N.C.town

honorsAndre The Giant

ELLERBE,N.C. Andre The Giant, atowering menace in thewrestlingring butagentle giant on the movie screen, is being honored with aroadside markerin his beloved adopted small town in North Carolina.

Officials unveiled the marker ThursdayinEllerbe, North Carolina, acommunity of about 1,000 people where the wrestler born Andre Rene Roussimoff lived on aranch just outside town.

Roussimoff wasbilledat 7-foot-4 and 520 pounds during his time wrestling for the WWE in the 1970s and 1980s Alargerthan life villain, Roussimoff was touted as unbeatable until he faced Hulk Hogan in a match in 1987 at WrestleMania IIIthat launched the once regional wrestling companyintoa nationwide entertainment force. Later that year,Roussimoff appeared on film as the giant Fezzik in “The Princess Bride.” Fezzik was the gentle-hearted muscle forthe antagonist and needed rhymes to remember his instructions.

Roussimoff was born in France. But as he wrestled around the U.S. South he fell in love with the region,buying his North Carolina ranch andraisingcattleonhis landabout 60 miles east of Charlotte. He became acritical part of the Ellerbe community.In1990, he taped TV and radio spots against apossible low-levelradioactive landfill nearby.Apair of his size-26 cowboy boots are kept at amuseum.

Roussimoff died in 1993 at age 46 in France where he was visiting for his father’sfuneral. They hadaservice for him there, but hisbodywas cremated andhis ashes spread at his beloved ranch.

TrumpordersNavyto‘kill’boats

PresidentsaysIraniansare deploying minestoblock trafficinStraitofHormuz

BY JONGAMBRELL,JAMEY KEATEN and AAMER MADHANI Associated Press

DUBAI,UnitedArabEmirates President Donald Trump has ordered the U.S. military to “shoot andkill” small Iranian boats that deploy mines in the Strait of Hormuz, he saidThursday,aday after Iran againdisplayed itsabilitytothwart trafficthrough the channel.

have nothappened. Iran insistsitwill not attenduntil theU.S. ends its blockade on Iranian portsand ships. America insists it will nottake part until Tehran opens the strait to international traffic.

Footageshows U.S. forces on deck of tanker

TheDefenseDepartment released video footage earlier Thursday of U.S. forces on the deck of the Guinea-flagged oil tanker Majestic X, which was seized in theIndian Ocean.

The footage emerged aday after Iran’sparamilitary Revolutionary Guard attacked three cargoships in thestrait, capturingtwo of them, in an assault that raised newconcerns about thesafety of shipping through thewaterway

thebatteredIranian leadership more time to comeupwitha“unified proposal” on endingthe war,while maintaining an American blockade of Iranian ports.

In aseparate post Thursday, Trump claimed a leadership rift between moderates andhardliners wasconfounding Iran.

“Iran is having avery hard timefiguring out who their leader is! They just don’tknow!” Trumpsaid.

The president hasrepeatedly said over the course of the ceasefire that began on April 8 thathis team is dealing with Iranian officials whowant to makeadeal, while acknowledging that his decision to kill several top leaders has come with complications.

CO IN T MI EAST NFLICT HE DDLE AST

Trump’spost on social mediacame shortly after the U.S. militaryseized another tanker associated with the smuggling of Iranian oil, ratcheting up a standoff withTehran over the strait through which 20% of all crudeoil and natural gas traded passes.

“I have ordered theUnited States Navy to shoot and kill any boat, small boats though they maybe. that isputtingmines in the waters of the StraitofHormuz,” Trump posted, adding that U.S. minesweepers “are clearing the Strait right now.”

“I am hereby ordering that activity to continue, but at atripled up level!”headded.

Meanwhile,itwas still unclear when,orif, the two sides would meet againinthe Pakistani capital, Islamabad, where mediators are trying to bring the countries together to reach adiplomatic deal

Negotiations initially planned for this week

Thepowerfulhead of Iran’s judiciary,Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejei, said three“violating ships” in the straitwere“subject to enforcement” on Wednesday

“The show of strength by thearmed forces of Islamic Iraninthe Strait of Hormuz is asource of pride,” he wroteThursdayonX,claiming that the Americans “lack thecourage” to approach thestrait.

Ship-tracking data showed the MajesticXin the IndianOcean between Sri Lanka andIndonesia, roughly thesamelocation as the oil tanker Tifani, which was seized earlier by American forces. It had been bound for Zhoushan, China.

The vessel previously hadbeen named Phonixand hadbeensanctionedbythe U.S. Treasury Department in 2024 for smuggling Iranian crude oilincontravention of U.S. sanctions against the Islamic Republic.

TrumpclaimsleadershipriftinIran

Trumpthis week extended aceasefire to give

Iran’spresident and its parliament speaker posted almostidentical statements on social media declaring that the country has no hardliners or moderates. “Weare all Iranians and revolutionaries,” they said.

Threatstoshippingpersist

Since the Feb. 28 start of the war between Iran, Israel and the United States, over 30 ships have come underattack in the waters of the PersianGulf, the Strait of Hormuz andthe Gulf of Oman.

The threat of attack, rising insurance premiumsand other fears have stopped traffic from moving through the strait.

Jakob Larsen, the head of maritimesecurity for BIMCO, the largest internationalassociation representing shipowners, said in anote Thursday that most shipping companies need astable ceasefire and assurances from both sides of the conflict that the strait is safe for transit.

Trump: Lebanon, Israel agreetoextendceasefire

BY MATTHEW LEE and BASSEM MROUE Associated Press

WASHINGTON President Donald TrumpsaidIsraeland Lebanon have agreed to extend aceasefire between Israel and theHezbollahmilitant group by three weeks after talks at the White Houseon Thursday.

Trump said the meeting between theIsraeli and Lebanese ambassadors to theUnited States, thesecondinthe past week, went“very well,” but during an Oval Office gathering he acknowledgedthat “they do have Hezbollahtothink about.” TheIranian-backedgroup has opposed the talks, andsince the initial ceasefire went into effect last Friday,therehave been multiple violations by both sides.

Despite that, these werethe firstdirect diplomatic talks in decades between Israel and Lebanon andrepresented amajor step for neighboring countries that officially have been at warsinceIsrael’sinceptionin1948. The initial 10-day ceasefirehad been dueto expire Monday

“The United States is going to work with Lebanon in order to help it protect itselffrom Hezbollah,” Trumpsaid in asocial media post. He added later in the Oval Office that he expectstomeet in Washington with Israeli Prime Minister BenjaminNetanyahu and Leba-

nese President Joseph Aoun in the next coupleofweeks. Trumptold reporters, while surrounded by the ambassadors as well as Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, thatIsrael has aright to defend itself “if they’re shot at, and

they will.”

Lebanese Ambassador Nada Hamadeh Moawad thanked Trump “for allyoureffort to help andto support Lebanon.”She referenced his “MakeAmericaGreat Again” slogan when she said, “And Ithink withyourhelp, withyoursupport, we can make Lebanon great again.” Preparations werebeing made for wider-reaching negotiations. The aimofthe future talks is to “fully” stop Israeli attacks, the withdrawal of Israelitroopsfrom Lebanon, release of Lebanese prisoners held in Israel,deployment of Lebanese troops along the border and beginning the reconstruction process, Aoun said in comments released by his office.

IsraeliForeign Minister Gideon Saarhas called on Lebanon to work with Israel to disarm Hezbollah. On Wednesday,AmalKhalil, awell-knownLebanese journalistcoveringsouthernLebanon, waskilled by an Israeli strike. Lebanesehealth officials said the Israeli military opened fire on an ambulancethatrespondedtothe scene, preventing rescuers from reaching her

BYALANNA DURKIN RICHER and GENE JOHNSON Associated Press

WASHINGTON President DonaldTrump’s acting attorney generalonThursday signed an order reclassifying statelicensed medical marijuana as alessdangerous drug, amajor policy shift long sought by advocates who said cannabis should never havebeen treated like heroin bythe federal government.

The order signed by Todd Blanche doesnot legalize marijuana formedical or recreational use under federal law. But it does change the way it’sregulated, shifting licensed medical marijuana from Schedule I—reserved for drugs without medical use and with high potential for abuse —tothe less strictly regulated ScheduleIII. It also gives licensed medicalmarijuana operatorsa major tax break and easessome barriers to researching cannabis.

The Trump administration also said it was jump-starting the process for reclassifying marijuana more broadly,setting ahearingtobegin in late June.

Trump told his administration in December to work as quickly as possible to reclassify marijuana. On Saturday,asthe Republican presidentsigned an unrelated executive order aboutpsychedelics, he seemedtoexpress frustration that it was takingsolong.

Blanche said Thursday that theDepartment of Justice was “delivering on President Trump’spromise” to expand Americans’ access to medical treatment options. “Thisrescheduling action allows for research on the safety andefficacy of this substance, ultimately providing patients with better care and doctors with morereliableinformation,”hesaid in a statement.

Blanche’saction largelylegitimizes medical marijuana programs in the40

states that have adopted them. It setsup an expedited system forstate-licensed medical marijuanaproducers and distributors to register withthe U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

It makes clear that cannabis researcherswon’tbepenalized for obtaining state-licensed marijuana or marijuanaderived products foruse in their work, anditgrantsstate-licensedmedical marijuana companies awindfall by allowing them, for the first time, to deduct business expensesontheir federaltaxes.

Any marijuana-derived medicine approved by theFood and Drug Administration is similarly listed in Schedule III, it said.

The order represents amajor policy shift for theU.S. government,which has continued itslongstanding prohibition dating to theMarihuana TaxAct of 1937 —even as nearly all the stateshave approved cannabis use in someform.

Twodozen states plus Washington, D.C., have authorized adult recreational use of marijuana, 40 have medical marijuana systems, and eight others allow low-THC cannabis or CBD oil for medical use.Only Idahoand Kansas ban marijuana outright.

The Trump administration’sdecision drew derision from marijuana legalization opponentKevin Sabet, the chief executive of Smart Approaches to Marijuana. Sabetsaidthatwhile marijuana research is necessary,“thereare many ways to increase our knowledge without giving atax break to Big Weed and sending aconfusing message about marijuana’sharms to the American public.”

“With thismove, we arenow confronted withthe mostpro-drug administrationin our history,” Sabet said in atext message. Marijuana or marijuana-derived products that are notdistributed through a state medical marijuanaprogram will continue to be classified in Schedule I.

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Pope urgesU.S., Iran to return to peacetalks

He also issues condemnation of capital punishment

BY NICOLE WINFIELD Associated Press

ABOARD THE PAPALPLANE

Pope Leo XIV urged the United States and Iran to return to talks to end the war Thursday and condemned capital punishment, in a wide-ranging news conference en route home from his trip to Africa.

Leo also asserted that countries have the right to control their borders but mustn’ttreat migrants worsethan “animals,” and lamented that the church’s morality teaching is often reducedtosexual issues Capitalpunishment, peace

After atrip that wasdominated by the very public back-and-forth between Leo and U.S. President Donald Trump over the war,Leo urged the United States and Iran to return to negotiations.

He calledfor anew “culture of peace” to replace the recourse to violence whenever conflicts arise.

CO IN T MI EAST

ASSOCIATEDPRESS PHOTO By MISPER APAWU Pope Leo XIV arrives tocelebrate Mass at the Malabo stadium in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, on Thursday,the last dayofhis 11-daypastoral visit to Africa.

Leosaid he condemned “all actions that are unjust”and included capital punishment in the list.

“I condemn thetakingof people’s lives. Icondemn capital punishment. Ibelieve human life is to be respectedand that allpeople from conceptiontonatural (death), their livesshould be respected andprotected.

grants are human beings and deserve to be respected in their human dignityand not be treated “worse than house pets, animals ” LGBTQ+ blessings, morality

outsidethe Vatican, sharply dividedthe church, with Africanbishops delivering acontinent-widedissent and refusing to implement it. Homosexual activityis criminalized in severalAfrican countries.

Asked how he would handle keeping the church unified over such adivisive issue, Leo spoke broadly about howculture war questions of sexual morality haddominated church discourse, particularly in the West,far too much

“I think it’svery important to understand that the unity or divisionofthe church should notrevolve around sexualmatters,”hesaid.

“Wetend to think that when the church is talking about morality,thatthe only issue of morality is sexual.

“And in reality, Ibelieve that there are much greater and more important issues such as justice, equality,

freedom of menand women, freedom of religion that would alltakepriority before that particular issue.”

The comment was significant because it suggested that even though he is American,Leo believes the church in the U.S. and the West has excessively reduced its moral teachings to revolve only around sexat the expense of other pressing issues.

Eyeonmedia coverage

History’sfirst U.S. pope showed himself keenly aware of how his Africa trip had been reported and interpreted, including about his sometimes tame public addresses to African leaders who are accused of corruption or authoritarianism.

With afew notable exceptions, Leokepthis political remarks to the leaders largely diplomatic,using a language of encouragement

and subtle messaging rather than headline-grabbing condemnations. He also allowed some of the circumstances of his visit to speak louderthan his words: achoreographed song anddance routine by prisoners in acountry knownfor gross human rights abuses, or the extravagantluxury of apresident’s hometown in acountry where more thanhalfthe population lives in poverty Leo insisted that hisprimary reason forvisiting Algeria, Cameroon, Angola andEquatorial Guinea was as apastor,toaccompany his flock in their faith. He added that the Holy Seecan sometimesachieve morebehind the scenes via its diplomatic work, including through the release of political prisoners, than with“greatproclamations criticizing, judging or condemning.”

NFLICT HE DDLE AS

He said the question wasn’t whether the Iran regime should change or not. “The question should be about how to promote the values we believe in without the deathsofsomany innocents.” He revealed that he carrieswith him the photoofa Muslim Lebanese boy who had been killed in Israel’s recent war with Hezbollah. The boy had been photographed holding asign welcoming the pope when he visited Lebanon lastyear

“As apastor Icannot be in favor of war,” he told reporters aboard his plane. “I would like to encourage everyone to find responses that comefrom acultureof peaceand not hatred and division.”

Asked if he condemned Iran’srecent executions,

“Sowhen aregime, when acountry takes decisions whichtakeaway thelivesof otherpeopleunjustly,then obviouslythatissomething that should be condemned,” he said

PopeFrancis changed the church’ssocial teaching to declare capital punishment immoral in all cases.

Migration, rights of states Leo affirmed the right of countries to impose immigration controls on their bordersand acknowledged that uncontrolled migration had created situations“that aresometimes more unjust in the place wherethey arrive than from where they left.”

“I personally believe that astate has the righttoimpose rules for its frontiers,” he said. “But saying this, Iask:‘What are we doing in the wealthier countries to change thesituation in poorercountries’ to provide opportunitiessothatpeople aren’t compelled toleave?”

Regardless, hesaid mi-

Leowas asked about the recentinvitation by Cardinal Reinhard Marx, archbishop of Munich,for the priests andpastoral workers in his archdioceses to adopt aset of guidelines formalizing and ritualizing blessings of same-sex couples.

The guidelineswere approvedlast year by acontroversial German church governing body made up of the German bishops’conferenceand aCatholiclay group that hasbeen working to have agreater say in church decision-making.

The Vatican in 2023 allowed for such blessings, but it made clear that they were not to be formalized or ritualized. The Vatican allowed them to be offered spontaneously and informally,asapriest gives afinal blessing to allpeople at theend of Mass.

Leosaidthe Holy See had made clear to German bishops that“we do not agree with the formalized blessing” of gaycouples or couples in other “irregular situations.”

The Vatican’s2023 declaration allowing an informal blessing, promulgatedwith virtually no consultation

By The Associated Press

DARESSALAAM,Tanzania At least 518 people died in last year’spostelection violence in Tanzania, which happened amid an internet shutdown, acommission formed to investigate the bloodshedsaidonThursday Thousands of people were injured in the violence, with more than 800 peoplehaving gunshotwounds.

The commission’schairman, Mohamed Chande Othman, said that the number of deaths was likely to be higher Tanzania experienced postelectionviolence on Oct. 29, after youngpeople took to the streets, accusing the government of silencing the opposition, as the country’smain opposition party leader remainedinprison for treason and the presidential candidate for the second-largest opposition party was barred fromrunning.

The internet was shut downinthe country for days, amovethat President Samia Suluhu Hassan later apologized to the diplomatic community for and promised would never happen again.

Hassan was seeking asecond terminofficeafter serving outthe term of herpredecessor,JohnMagufuli, afterhediedin office. Hassan won with 97% of the vote.

Since the violence, 245people remain unaccounted for,and 39 familiesreported having seen thebodiesoftheir lovedones in morgues before they later disappeared.

The commissionruled out the presence of mass graves, as alleged by human rights groups. The commission concluded thatthe demonstrationsweren’tpeaceful, but were “acts of violence” based on their contravention of lawsrequiring a48-hour police notice andbecause it was an election day,thus denyingsome citizens the right to vote.

BY MICHAEL R. SISAK and JOSH FUNK Associated Press

NEW YORK A firefighter

whose truck collided with an Air Canada Express jet last month on a runway at New York’s LaGuardia Airport, killing both pilots, heard an air traffic controller warn “stop, stop, stop” but didn’t know who it was for, federal investigators said Thursday.

Just seconds earlier, the controller had cleared the fire truck to cross the runway, but the truck started moving while warning lights that act as a stop sign for crossing traffic were still lit, the National Transportation Safety Board said in a preliminary report on the March 22 crash.

Because the truck lacked a transponder a surface monitoring system in the control tower was unable to reliably determine its position, “did not predict a potential conflict” with the landing plane and did not generate an audio or visual alert, the report said, pointing to a series of failures that contributed to the crash.

“There were so many opportunities where this accident could have been prevented,” aviation safety expert Jeff Guzzetti said after reviewing the report.

In addition to the control tower and truck driver he

said the report suggests the pilots had a chance to recognize the danger and pull up. But, he said, they may have been too dialed into landing.

After the air traffic controller’s initial stop warning, the fire truck’s turret operator heard the controller say, “Truck 1, stop, stop, stop,” and realized he was telling the truck to halt, the report said. By then, the truck was already on the runway as Air Canada Express Flight 8646 was landing and speeding toward it.

Aviation safety consultant John Cox, CEO of Safety Operating Systems, said it might be understandable that the truck driver didn’t recognize the first “stop” call was meant for him because the controller had just been directing a plane on a taxiway and didn’t say Truck 1 at the start of the command.

The turret operator, one of two crew members in the fire truck, told investigators that as the vehicle turned left, he saw the airplane’s lights on the runway, the report said. The plane registered a speed of 104 mph just before the collision. The truck was going about 30 mph.

The fire truck was leading a convoy of vehicles, including four fire trucks, a police car and a stair truck, responding to an emergency involving a strong odor that was making flight attendants

feel ill aboard a departing United Airlines jet.

The air traffic controller cleared the truck to cross the runway just 12 seconds before the plane touched down, investigators said About eight seconds later, the controller frantically began calling for the truck to stop.

Pilots killed, 39 people hurt

The plane, a CRJ900 regional jet from Montreal, was carrying 76 people.

Pilots Antoine Forest, 30, and Mackenzie Gunther, 24, were killed. It was the first deadly crash at LaGuardia in 34 years.

In addition, 39 people were taken to hospitals, including six described as seriously injured. The two fire truck crew members are recovering at home after being released from the hospital according to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates LaGuardia.

A flight attendant still strapped in her seat survived after being thrown onto the tarmac.

The Port Authority said it is conducting a comprehensive review of the NTSB’s initial findings

LaGuardia was busier than usual the night of the crash because flight delays pushed the number of arrivals and departures after 10 p.m. to more than double what was scheduled, accord-

Soldier charged with using classified intel to win $400K bet on Maduro raid

BY HALLIE GOLDEN and KONSTANTIN TOROPIN Associated Press

WASHINGTON A U.S. special forces soldier involved in the military operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has been charged with using classified information about the mission to win more than $400,000 in an online betting market, federal officials announced Thursday

December and made about 13 bets that took the “Yes” position on such wagers as U.S. Forces being in Venezuela and Maduro being out by Jan. 31, 2026. “This involved a U.S. soldier who allegedly took advantage of his position to profit off of a righteous military operation,” FBI Director Kash Patel said in a post to social media. Officials allege that shortly after the operation Van

North Carolina but their indictment offered little other details about his military service.

However, the document says that Van Dyke was photographed following the raid on the deck of a ship “wearing U.S military fatigues, and carrying a rifle, standing alongside three other individuals wearing U.S. military fatigues.”

The Pentagon referred questions on the case to the

ing to aviation analytics firm

Cirium. Two air traffic controllers were on duty, consistent with normal scheduling, the report said.

Planes were landing every few minutes, with a dozen flights arriving between 11 p.m. and when the crash happened less than 40 minutes later At the same time, the controllers had to shuffle their duties because of the odor issue on the United plane.

While the more senior controller coordinated the United emergency response, the other controller took over directing vehicles on the ground while continuing to authorize takeoffs and landings.

“These controllers were just way busy, just too busy,” Guzzetti said.

Advanced warning system

The warning lights — known as runway entrance lights — were lit until the

fire truck reached the edge of the runway, about three seconds before the collision, the report said. By design, they turn off two or three seconds before a plane reaches a runway intersection, the report said.

Cox said the truck should have never entered the runway while the warning lights were illuminated.

LaGuardia is one of 35 major U.S. airports with an advanced surface surveillance system that combines radar data with information from transponders inside planes and ground vehicles to help prevent runway incursions.

Controllers have a display in the tower that’s supposed to show the location of every plane and vehicle.

The system, known as ASDE-X, didn’t sound an alarm partly because the radar had trouble distinguishing the closely spaced trucks and the radar targets in-

termittently merged on the display Only two targets were displayed just before the crash, even though there were seven vehicles. According to air traffic control transmissions, Flight 8646 was cleared to land on Runway 4 at 11:35 p.m. About two minutes later and 25 seconds before the crash — the fire crew asked to cross the same runway, which was between the airport’s fire station and where the United Airlines jet had parked. Five seconds later, with Flight 8646 approaching the runway a little more than 100 feet above the ground, an air traffic controller cleared the fire truck to cross. Then, just nine seconds before the crash, the controller frantically told the fire crew: “Stop, stop, stop, stop. Truck 1. Stop, stop, stop, stop.” A second later, the plane’s landing gear touched down.

Smokingpot near La.campuscould become felony

Some leaderssay drug laws violated at football games

BY ALYSE PFEIL Staff writer

Louisiana couldsoonmake it afelony to smoke marijuana within 2,000feet of any school or college campus in Louisiana,assomestate leaders say people are flagrantly violating drug laws at college football games and other school events.

But opponents, including some Republicans, say it’s too harsh to put people in prison for using pot when most of the country is scaling back enforcement against the drug.

“House Bill 568 is about one simpleprinciple: drugfree school zones should actuallybedrug-free,” said Rep. Gabe Firment, R-Pol-

lock,while presenting his bill before Louisiana House members Wednesday

“What law enforcement is seeing on school campuses and during large public eventslike college football games is open, visible marijuana use in front of families and children with little meaningful consequence,”hesaid.

Firment said he is sponsoring the bill “in collaboration” with the office of Gov.Jeff Landry

But Democrats andsome Republicans were leery of the harsher penalties.

“Have you ever been to an LSU football game?”Rep. BarbaraFreiberg, R-Baton Rouge, asked Firment duringdebateonthe bill.

“I thinkthat’sthe impetus for the bill,” Firment replied “Theenvironment is notnecessarily family friendly.”

Frieberg continued: “So a college student who might be smoking marijuanaout-

side TigerStadium could get afelony conviction?”

“If he is observed smoking or vaping marijuana, correct,” Firment said. Cracking down on pot

Currently,first-time possession of marijuanaisa misdemeanor.Possession of 14 grams or less comes with amaximum fine of $100.

Under HB568, felony charges could be brought against anyone whois “smoking,vapingorotherwise abusing”marijuanaon the property of anyschool, college or university in Louisiana,onproperty being used forschool purposes, or within 2,000 feet of such aproperty.The punishment for such afelony could be up to ayear in prison and up to a$1,000 fine.

Firment said the legislation would give law enforcementofficers theabilityto makeanarrest based on ob-

Lawmakerspause bill adding exemptions to recordslaws

Measurewould havelimited public information

BY ANDREA GALLO Staff writer

servable behavior,and that would make enforcement easier

“It’sthe visible,observable smoking or vaping that can trigger the enforcement,” he said. “It is more difficult for lawenforcement to prosecute or to enforce possession.”

Rep.Kyle Green, DMarrero,noted that some homesare located within 2,000 feet of aschool and asked if homeowners could be charged withafelony for smoking marijuana on their own property

“Ifyou arecommitting a crime in within 2,000 feet of aschool zone,you would be subject to prosecutionunder this bill,” Firmentsaid.

Firment in an interview saidthe harsher penalties would notapply to people at home on private property whohavemedical marijuana cards.

“My bill doesnot touch or

impact medical marijuana in the least bit,” he said.

Even with amedical marijuana card, it’sgenerally illegal to smoke marijuana in public or in amoving vehicle on apublic road.

Rep. Denise Marcelle, DBatonRouge,askedwhy Louisiana was seeking to increasepenalties formarijuana use when states across thecountry are movingto lessenoreliminate them all together

Firment saidhewasn’t concerned about policies in other states and that several teachers have told him “the smell of marijuanaisjust overwhelming” when parents are in the car line waiting to pick up their children after school.

Firment said he wanted to “create asufficient deterrent so that thesecrimes arenot being committed in front of children and grandchildren and families and

destroying the environment at footballgames andelementary schools.” HB568 advanced out of theLouisiana Houseon5934 vote, just clearing the 53-vote threshold needed to pass.

Alegislative House committee on Thursday pumped the brakes on abill that would add several exemptions for universities to Louisiana’s public records laws, saying the proposed law needed to be reworked.

Senate Bill 289, from Sen. Mark Abraham, R-Lake Charles, couldlimit how much information the public can receive about who’s in the running for top leadership positions at universities, as well as wall off donor information from the public.

WhileAbraham’s original bill would have kept university presidential search records entirely secret, he added ahandfulofamendments during Thursday’s House and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing They included changes that would require universities to reveal at least three finalists for top jobs, as wellas

limit the number of jobs that thenew law would affect Originally,the bill said universitiescouldhold secret searches for positions “including but not limited to” university presidents, chancellors,senior vice chancellorsand athletic coaches. Abraham stripped that phrasefrom the bill, designating those as theonly positions whereuniversities could block public release.

He said he also decided to spell out that universities would havetoname at least three finalists after hearing that some universities —including LSU and theUniversity of Louisiana at Lafayette —have named lone finalists for top jobs

“It’smuch more transparentthatway,” Abrahamsaid. Still, the amendments were not enough to persuade staterepresentatives to move thebill forward.They questioned its potential negativeimplications “What areas can we find a way to make this cleaner?” asked state Rep. Ed Larvadain, D-Alexandria.“Because as an ethicsbody, we don’twant people tobeinthe dark.”

He said he wasworried about “dark money” affecting universities. He said lawmakers needed to balance thepublic interest with protecting universities

ScottSternberg, aFirst Amendment attorney,testified thatAbraham’samendments improved the bill, but still questionedwhy the bill was necessary.Sternberg often representsThe TimesPicayune |The Advocatein lawsuits, and was one of the attorneys who sued LSU in 2013 over its secretive presidential search. That lawsuit ended with an appeals court ruling thatLSU had to release names of finalists.

“Wespend alot of money on higher educationinthis state, and we pay thesefolks alot of money,” Sternberg testified. “Determining how that personwas selected is getting harder and harder for thepublic.”

Abrahamsaid he worries thatapplicant pools are less qualified for university presidential jobsbecause candidates fear their names being made public. He also said that donors to university foundations are given anonymity if they request it, but that if universities want donorinformation transferred over,itcould then becomepublic.

“The donations arewhere you’re losing me,” said state Rep.Beau Beaullieu,R-New Iberia.

Beaullieu, the committee chair,later advised Abraham to workwith opponents to rewritethe bill.

By The Associated Press

WASHINGTON Six people have been charged with plotting to steal at least 20 cars from the Washington, D.C., area and sell them to buyers in the UnitedStatesand Ghana in West Africa, according to afederal indictment unsealed Wednesday Investigators suspect members of the car theft ring have stolen more than 100 cars in theDistrict of Columbia and more than 30 others in Maryland’sPrince George’sCounty,U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro’soffice said in anews release.

Authorities on Tuesday searched an automobile storage facilityinDecatur, Georgia, that they believeto be linked to the ring, accordingtothe statement

Ayearlong investigation found that ring members used devices allowing them to reprogram cars to acceptblank keyfobs. Stolen vehicles were takentoa Washington parking garage where suspects swapped their license plates andobscuredvehicle identification numbers and disabled securityfeatures, Pirro’soffice said.

Thesearchcontinues fora pieceofLouisiana history. Followingthe recentinvestigation into thedisappearance of theancient cypressboard donatedtothe StateCapitol decades ago, theStebbinsfamilyisdoublingtheir efforts to bringithome.

Thefamilyisnow offeringa $10,000 reward for informationthatresults in the recovery of theboard

Detailsofthe disappearance: Theboard waslastseenatClaySchexnayder’s district office in Gonzales when he left office in January2024.

Do youhaveinformation regardingits whereabouts? We areseeking thesafe return of this irreplaceable piece of ourstate’s heritage.Yourtip couldbethe keyto restoringafamilylegacyand apiece of ourstate’s heritage

HOWTOHELP

If youhaveany informationregardingthe CypressBoard, please contact: Crimestoppers Phone: 225-344-STOP(7867)

“I heard this loud ‘bang bang bang,’ and I thought someone was shooting fireworks,” she said When she turned, she saw that everyone in the food court had dropped to the floor

Videos posted to social media in the immediate aftermath showed blood on the mall’s tile floor while first responders performed chest compressions and attended to victims. Helicopters patrolled overhead while police cased the scene.

A BRPD officer who was already patrolling the mall ran toward the gunfire, Morse said, while dozens of other law enforcement officers and EMS workers darted to the scene. They recovered one handgun, and Morse said they are looking for more.

“Their rapid action saved lives,” said East Baton Rouge MayorPresident Sid Edwards

The mall remained closed in the hours after the shooting GGP the retail arm of Brookfield Corporation, which owns the mall, released a statement saying they are working with BRPD on the investigation.

“We are heart broken and angered that our shopping center was the location for today’s horrific incident,” the statement reads.

“This has been a frightening day for our shopping center community, and our thoughts are with all of those who were impacted by this senseless act of violence.”

The shooting came during a week full of gun violence and threats in Louisiana.

Shreveport experienced the deadliest mass shooting in the nation in more than two years last weekend, when Shamar Elkins shot and killed eight children, seven of them his own.

And a North Carolina man was arrested Wednesday after threatening a mass shooting in New Orleans during a festival. Jazz Fest began this week.

‘Shot pretty bad’

Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center said their staff treated five victims, including the one who died. They reported Thursday afternoon that the remaining four they treated were in stable condition. Another victim is in critical condition, police said late Thursday

Jolene Sizemore, of Denham Springs, said she got a call in the afternoon that her niece from Lafayette had been shopping in the mall with friends when the shooting happened. Her niece was one of the students from Ascension Episcopal.

Sizemore rushed to get there.

“One of her friends has been shot pretty bad,” Sizemore said as she waited outside the mall and asked law enforcement officers to let her in to be with her niece.

Lafayette Parish Mayor-President Monique Blanco Boulet confirmed three victims were Ascension seniors and described the violence as senseless. Families connected to the school held a prayer service Thursday evening, and a school spokesperson asked for prayers.

Shoppers who weren’t in the food court said they struggled to piece

together what was happening as a wave of people ran for exits.

Courtny Hawes said she was in a dressing room, shopping for clothes for a job she will soon start.

“When they did start pushing everyone to get out, nothing had come over the loudspeakers or anything,” Hawes said. “I didn’t know there was a shooting until I got outside.”

Law enforcement officials encouraged the public to come forward with any tips about what happened, saying they believe more people are involved.

Four suspects had turned themselves in by Thursday evening Law enforcement officers cased a neighborhood in Watson where they took another suspect into custody. Nobody who was shot is currently a suspect, police said.

“To the thugs that did this, we’re

going to catch you,” Edwards said earlier in the day “We’re not going to have this in Baton Rouge. We’re going to grab these guys and get them out of the street.”

Louisiana officials respond

As word spread of the shooting,

Gov Jeff Landry said he was coordinating with law enforcement.

“Sharon and I are praying for those affected and are grateful for a quick response by our law enforcement officials,” the governor said in a social media post.

Attorney General Liz Murrill pledged to hold the shooters accountable “to the fullest extent of the law.”

“This kind of violence in a place where my family and so many others routinely shop is completely unacceptable,” she said. “No one’s life should be at risk when simply going shopping at the mall.”

And as members of the Louisiana House of Representatives gathered in the chamber to vote on legislation Thursday afternoon, a state representative asked for prayers.

“We’re gonna ask that you keep our city in prayer,” said state Rep. Vanessa LaFleur, D-Baton Rouge “We have been advised of a mass shooting at the Mall of Louisiana.”

U.S. Rep. Cleo Fields, D-Baton Rouge, said he would push in Congress to address gun violence.

“What should have been an ordinary afternoon for families and shoppers turned into a frightening ordeal, and I am keeping all the victims in my thoughts as they receive care,” Fields said in a statement.

Staff writers Ianne Salvosa, Margaret DeLaney, Emma Discher, Haley Miller and Ashley White contributed to this report.

Continued from page1A

Shesaidshe saw apregnant woman run by “She was hyperventilating,” LeJeune said.“Iknewsomething was wrong. Ijust took off running, Iwas so scared.”

Stanley Jackson, aFedEx worker, was on the second floor of the mall whenshots broke out. Jackson said he thought he heard multiple guns go offand that people started running shortly after Jackson said he saw fourpeople on theground bleeding.

Courtny Hawes said she went to themall to get new clothes for ajob she’sabout to start. Shewas trying on some items when the gunfire began.

“Wewere in the dressing room,” Hawes said. “When they did start pushing everyone to get out, nothing had come over the loudspeakersor anything. Ididn’tknow there wasa shooting until Igot outside.”

Rachel Jones said she saw other people running who told her there was ashooting, so she vacated the building.

“We’re safe now,” Jones said.

BY SAVANNAH BEHRMANN and VALERIE YURK CQ-Roll Call (TNS)

WASHINGTON— Congress got one step closer this week to funding immigration enforcement for the rest of

President Donald Trump’s term, while House lawmakersdealt with moreethics fallout and wrangled behind closed doors over akey surveillance authority

But the path forward once again depends on whether Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Benton, can whip votes within his own party

Skinny reconciliation

The Senate in the wee hours Thursdaymorning narrowly adopted aGOPwritten budget resolution, 50-48, markingthe first move toward providing roughly $70 billion for Immigration andCustomsEnforcement and the Border Patrol.

“Republicans are going to deliver for you,”saidMajority Whip John Barrasso, R-Wyo., as theGOP looksto sidestep afunding standoff with Democrats over guardrails at the agencies by re-

Republicans demand privacy safeguards. While new bill text released by GOP leaders Thursday seems to fall short of some of the privacy hawks’ demands,the RulesCommittee is scheduled Monday to prep it for floor consideration.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D.,told reporters on Wednesday that the House had until theend of this work weekto“come together behind something” andifnot, theSenate is ready tolead and “prepared to movehere.”

As abackup plan, Thune on Thursday filed cloture on athree-year clean extension.

BettingonBanking

Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., has describedthe DOJactions as apressure campaign on the Fed’scurrent chairman, Jerome Powell. During aTuesdayhearing, Tillis reiterated that he would notvote to advance Warsh’snominationaslong as the DOJprobe continues, even though he sees Warsh as qualified. Tillis,who’s retiring, told CBSNews on Wednesday, “I have alittle over 260 days left in theU.S.Senate. And if that investigation is still goingon, in the260th day, then I’mpretty certain Kevin Warsh hasnot been confirmed.”

AUMF angst

lyingonthe reconciliation process. Once the budgetresolution is adoptedinbothchambers, more detailed work can begin. While Johnson is readying it for the floornext week, some House Republicans are trying to tap the brakes. Rep. Chip Roy,R-Texas, forone, said he wantstosee aresolution with abroader scope. Those holdouts couldbe aheadachefor Johnson,

who won’tbeable to rely on any Democratic votes and is workingwitha slim GOP majority FISA feud

Behind the scenes, Johnson alsotriedtostraighten outsupport for extending section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. The controversial spyauthorityisfacingan April 30 deadline,assome

Thune rubber-stamped a plan to trytohelp get Kevin Warsh confirmed as Federal Reserve chairman, promising “accountability.”

Thune saidWednesday theSenate Banking Committee will probe aFederal Reserve headquarters construction project thathas runover budget,while the Department of Justice conductsits owninvestigation.

As RepublicansinCongress face questions about howmuchlongertheywill support Trump’swar in Iran, senators once again defeated awar powers resolution that sought to rein in the military operation. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky wasthe only Republican to vote in favor

The war is approaching the 60-day mark, meaning the president is supposedtoseek congressional authorization

to proceed underthe 1973 WarPowers Resolution law

Sen. Josh Hawley,R-Mo., said, “Well, let’shope that this will be over by that point,” when asked Wednesday if Congress needed to pursue an authorization for the use of military force. If not, “The administration has options under the statute to come back to ask for an extension under certain terms,”hesaid. “But the best thing would be that we would be at an end to it. And Ithink the White House is working toward that.” Senate turnsfromSAVE Following five weeksof lackluster “extended debate” on their marquee election overhaul bill, Senate Republican leadership has now quietlyset aside what’s known as the SAVE America Act. It’sunclear what the future looks like for the legislation, which would require proof of citizenship to register to vote and photo ID at the polls. Republicans haven’tgarnered the Democratic support they would need forpassageunderthe chamber’s60-vote threshold.

2arrestedinalleged plot to attack Houstonsynagogue members

BY GARYD.ROBERTSON Associated Press

RALEIGH, N.C. Twoyoung people have been arrested in an alleged plot to attack members of aTexas synagogue by drivingthrough the congregation’sbuilding to “kill as many Jews as possible,” according to authorities and court documents.

The arrest comes amonth after an armed man crashed his pickup truck into amajor Detroit-areasynagogue in another attack on Jewish people. Synagogues around the world have increased security and protections for worshippers since the U.S. and Israellaunched awar with Iran on Feb. 28.

Angelina Han Hicks, 18, of Lexington, was being held Thursday in the Davidson County jail under a$10 million bond, jail records show She was arrested Wednesday and formally charged with conspiringwith two “male subjects” to commit murder and assault at Congregation Beth Israel in Houston on April 21, 2028, according to warrants laying out two felony counts against her.

Andthe FBIoffice in Charlotte said Thursday in asocial media post that ajuvenile was charged in relation to the plot in HarrisCounty, Texas, which includes Hous-

ton.There was no immediate informationonwhether the arrested juvenile was one of the two male subjects identified in Hicks’ warrants, which listedonly their first names and noted theirlast namesas“unknown.”

AHouston Police Department news release on Thursdayannounceda 16-year-old being arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit capital murder related to “a threat directed toward certain Jewishinstitutions in our area” that theagency learned about Wednesday The department didn’tidentify Congregation BethIsrael specifically.The FBIand theHouston school district policedepartment assisted in the arrest.

“At this time, there is no other knowncredible threat,” thereleasesaid.

Explaining why Hicks’ detention was necessary,District Court JudgeCarlton TerrywroteWednesday in part that the alleged“conspiracy is to kill as many Jews as possiblebydriving through acongregation at a synagogue.”

“Allowing aco-conspirator achance to communicate with either of those individuals orthosewho could relay amessage puts lives at risk,” Terry added.

The FBI said its Charlotte Joint Terrorism Task Force

began theinvestigation Tuesday evening after atip to aNorth Carolina law enforcement agency While Hicks’ warrants point to apotentialattack twoyears from now,Davidson Countysenior assistantdistrictattorney Alan Martin said in an interview that there hadbeen “some concernthat there could be an imminentevent”targeting the Houston synagogue. Apotential motive for the planned violence wasn’t immediately disclosed in NorthCarolina court documents. The investigationis continuing.

Attempts to speak by phone with Hicks’ courtappointed attorneywere unsuccessful Thursday.The lawyer,ChadFreeman, told the Houston Chroniclethat thecase was in its early stages andHicks’ youth could be afactor in herdefense.

“I anticipate getting numerous experts involved in the case to look at both investigatory and possible forensic matters,” Freeman told thenewspaper.Her next scheduledhearing is May 13.

Congregational Beth Israel is theoldestJewish houseofworship in Texas, foundedinthe 1850s. It also operates aschool goingupto fifthgrade.

The potential threatscom-

municated tocongregation leadership by Houstonpolice prompted Beth Israel to close on Wednesday “out of an abundance of caution,” the JewishFederation of Greater Houston wrote in a social media post

Lexington is about 90 miles westofRaleigh.

The FBI said Ayman Ghazali sought to inflict as muchdamage as he could on Jewish people whenhedrove his pickup truckMarch 12 into Temple Israel in West

DOJwatchdogreviewing compliance with law

BY ERIC TUCKER Associated Press

WASHINGTON The Justice Department’sinternal watchdog announced areview Thursday of thedepartment’scompliance with the law mandating the release of theJeffrey Epstein files, steppinginto apolitically sensitive saga that has shadowed the Trump administration over the past year

The audit from the inspector general’soffice will focusonhow the department collected,reviewedand redacted materials in preparation for their release, as well as its process for addressing concerns that arose after the files were made public, when Epstein survivors complained that personal information about them had been disclosed.

The review will revisit the department’sstaggered and uneven release of millionsof records from the Epstein sex trafficking investigation,a process that exposed it to accusationsthat it wasattempting to protect President Donald Trump,who decades ago was friendly with thefinancier.Itmarks by far the watchdog office’smost significant effort since Trump took officefor asecondtime to scrutinize the actions of adepartmentthat has been

riven by tumult, including mass firingsofemployees and allegations of politicization of investigations.

Theauditwill be overseen by DonBerthiaume,aformercareer attorney in the department’swatchdog officewho was formally nominated by Trumpthis weekto serve as inspector general. Therecords werereleased startinglatelast year in compliance with abill passed by Congressand signed into law by Trump, who bowed to politicalpressure from hisown partyafter initially resisting efforts to disclose additional files. That Novemberlaw requiredthe release within 30 days of records related to Epstein, as well as anyinformation aboutthe investigation into his death in ajailin2019, andalsoallowed for redactionsofinformation aboutvictims.

Butproblems with the department’s process soon emerged

Officials released onlya fractionofrecords within the deadline, laterdisclosingthey would need several more weeks because of the discovery of amassivetranche of records tied to the case.

In late January, the department released what it saidwere3million pages of records, but subsequently withdrew several thousand

documents and “media” after lawyerstold ajudge that thelives of nearly 100 abuse survivors had been “turned upside down”bycareless redactions.The exposed materials include nude photos, with faces visible,aswellas names, email addresses and other identifying information that was either unredacted or not fully obscured. The department blamed it on “technical or human error.

The scrutiny continued after several news organizationsreported that somerecordsinvolving uncorroborated accusations made by a woman against Trumpwere not among those released to the public. The accuser was interviewed by the FBI four times as it sought to assess her account but asummary of only oneofthose interviews hadbeen includedin thepublicly released files.

The department said those fileshad been “incorrectly coded as duplicative” and thereforewere inadvertently not published along withother investigative documents.

Trumphas consistently denied any wrongdoing in connection withEpstein.

Authoritiessay Epstein killed himself in aNew York jail cellinAugust2019, a monthafter being indicted on federal sex trafficking charges

6plead guilty,1found

BY SOPHIE BATES Associated Press

JACKSON,Miss. Six current or former Mississippi law enforcement officershave pleaded guilty to date and another has been found not guilty in an allegeddrug trafficking bribery scheme that ensnared 20 people, including two sheriffs.

Federal indictments filed in October allege 14 current or former Mississippi law enforcement officers took bribes fromanFBI agentposingasa member of aMexican drug cartel in exchange for helping to transport 55 pounds of cocaine through Mississippi Delta counties and into Memphis.

Six other people —three in Mississippi and three in Tennessee —werealso

charged. The indictments included officers from multiple law enforcement agencies in the Mississippi Delta, which includes the western portion of central and north Mississippi.

Chaka Gaines, who was a police officer at theGreenville Police Department, was found not guilty by a jury on Wednesday Gaines had been charged with aiding and abetting the possession, transportation and distributionofillegal narcotics and using a firearm in relation to adrug trafficking crime.

During Gaines’ trial, a judge dismissedthe gun chargefor insufficient evidence.

“This verdict reflects a fundamental principle that the government must prove

that acrime occurred; it cannotcreate one,” said lawyer Bridgette Morgan whorepresented Gaines. Martavis Moore, Jamario Sanford, Marvin Flowers, Dequarian Smith, Brandon Addison and Javery Howard —who were employed as law enforcement officersatthe time of the alleged crimes —have since accepted plea deals. They pleaded guilty to conspiracy to aid and abet the possession, transportation and distribution of illegal narcotics. Sean Williams, whowas also alaw enforcementofficer at the time, has filed anotice of his intent to change his plea. The remaining lawenforcement officers and six others indictedalongside them are scheduled to face trial this summer

He says White menare ‘disfavored’

BY MIKE SCHNEIDER Associated Press

ORLANDO,Fla. White men have been discriminated against through diversity,equity and inclusion programs, Florida Gov.Ron DeSantis said Wednesday after signing legislation which prohibits counties and cities from funding or promoting DEI initiatives.

The Republican governor defined DEI at anews conference as “an ideological construct that is designedto promote aparticular political agenda, particularly to thedetriment of disfavored groups.”

“The disfavored groups, No. 1, obviously,would be White males, and Ithink they’ve been discriminated against,” DeSantis said in Jacksonville. “And it’slikea lot of people are,‘Oh that’s fine.That’sfine.’ No, it’snot fine. It’swrong.”

While the governor is entitled to his opinion, his views differ from “everyone else’s,” said Evelyn Foxx, presidentofthe NAACP branch in Gainesville.

“If you talkedto100 White

men, they wouldn’tfeel thesameway”asDeSantis, Foxxsaidwhen asked Wednesday about his comments. “The governor is out of touch with people, and that is the bottom line.”

Supporterssay thepurpose of DEI is to remedy the effects of long-term discriminationagainstcertain groups. Anationwide push by conservativestolimit diversity programs hasled many companies, schools and governments to pull back onthose initiatives, particularly during the current Trumpadministration, andDEI has been afrequent target for the governor

DeSantis also said that Asian Americans hadfaced discriminationinuniversity admissionsand thatpeople shouldbejudgedontheir merits not their demographic backgrounds. If people still face barriers because of discrimination, there should be policies to “eventhe playingfield,” he said.

“Butthatisnot the same as trying to socially engineer certain outcomes to thedetriment of groupsthat some of the intellectualelite disfavor,” DeSantis said.

During his two terms in office, DeSantis’ administration haschampionedlegislation which prohibits public colleges and universities

from spending money on DEI programs and promoted the“Stop WOKE Act,” which restricts how race and sex are taught in schools.

Democratic lawmakers have warned that thelegislation was overbroad and potentially unconstitutional.

Under the legislation, residents can sue local governments for violations. If local officials arefound to have fundedDEI initiatives in violation of the law, they can be removed from office.

“When people know there is accountability theyare muchmoreapt to toe the line,” DeSantis said.

Instagram, ballistics led to suspects

Additional arrests possible in probe of 2022 killing

BY OLIVIA TEES Staff writer

Investigators used weapons ballistics, firearm recovery and Instagram messaging to determine that the bullet that killed 3-yearold Devin Page Jr in 2022 was not intended for him. It was meant for Keymira Becahum, who lived next door, according to warrants for the arrest of

two men who allegedly were involved in the shooting.

On April 17, the Baton Rouge Police Department issued arrest warrants for Jayden Davis, 23, and Jordan Anderson, 20, in connection with the child’s death.

Davis, who was 18 at the time of Devin’s killing, was located by authorities in California and arrested Monday He will be extradited to Baton Rouge this week and booked into the parish jail. Anderson, who was 16 at the time of Devin’s death, was already in the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison in connection with the unrelated killing of Leslie Riley, 66, in 2022, police said. An arrest warrant for probable cause spells out the investigators’ case against the men. It says ballistic and Instagram evidence showed Anderson and Davis had

possession of the weapons before and after Devin was killed. Becahum was targeted because of her suspected involvement in the killing of Mjireyae Addison a month earlier, the arrest warrant said. She told the police in March that she was receiving death threats from several people who believed she “set up” Addison’s death.

Davis allegedly explicitly told Becahum to remove any pictures she had of Addison from her Instagram page and that “y’all hoes

gon get it,” according to the arrest warrant.

On April 11, 2022, the night before Devin’s killing, police responded to a call just after midnight about a shooting at Becahum’s house in the 5100 block of Fairfields Avenue. Becahum was not injured, but a juvenile in the home was shot in the back.

Police found around 26 shell casings outside the house from three sizes of cartridges.

TIME TO ZyDECO

Festival International de Louisiane kicks off in Lafayette

ABOVE: People dance while Rusty Metoyer and the Zydeco Krush perform on the Scene

Fais Do Do stage as Zydeco Night kicks off at the Festival International de Louisiane in Lafayette on Wednesday.

TOP: Rusty Metoyer and the Zydeco Krush take the stage on Wednesday.

LEFT: Couples dance at the Festival International de Louisiane.

STAFF PHOTOS By BRAD BOWIE

Former Southern University chancellor dies at 79

James L. Llorens served in multiple government roles in Baton Rouge

BY OLIVIA TEES Staff writer

Former Southern University Chancellor James L. Llorens died on Tuesday, according to the school. Llorens, 79, was appointed as chancellor by the Southern University Board and served between 2011 and 2014. He was a dedicated leader and champion of higher education in the community, the university said in a news release. A native of Alexandria Llorens led the campus to academic excellence and upheld his commitment to student success, alumni engagement and institutional advancement, according to the release. Before becoming chancellor, Llorens served the university in various positions such as dean of

BY CLAIRE GRUNEWALD Staff writer

A man who says he was held down by a Livingston Parish sheriff’s deputy and simultaneously bitten by a police K-9, an incident captured on video, has filed a federal lawsuit against the Sheriff’s Office.

Ex-officerplanned NewOrleans mass shooting,policesay

He wanted to attack an unnamed event, report reveals

BY JOHN SIMERMAN Staff writer

Police in Burlington, North Carolina, sent out adisturbing bulletin

Wednesday.Aformer police officer from that region was missing, potentially suicidal and headed for New Orleans. Family said he’d made “recentthreats to harm ‘Black people.’”

By then, Christopher Gillum,45, wasalready 700 miles intohis journey,on the Gulf Coast of Florida, armed with ahandgun and afew hundred roundsof ammunition, authorities said. He’d told a Florida sheriff’s officialwho had stopped him earlier,before his alleged intentions were known, that

LLORENS

Continued from page1B

he’d planned to reach the Crescent City on Thursday.

Gillumnever got that far before police and federalagentsinthree statesorchestratedhis arrest late Wednesday at aDestin, Florida, hotel. On Thursday,hewas slated to be extradited to Louisiana to face statecharges related to “terroristic threats” fromaninvestigation led by theFBI and Louisiana StatePolice. Sheriff’sofficials in Okaloosa County,Florida,said that Gillum wanted to commitamassshooting at an unnamed New Orleans festival, then die from police bullets. He didn’tname the festival, authorities said, but Thursday was opening day for the city’sbiggest: the New Orleans Jazz &Heritage Festival.

Mayor Helena Moreno and Gov.Jeff Landry were among the officials heaping praise on

law enforcement for successfully thwartingwhat was described as a potential mass killing, in acity that spent much of 2025 grappling with the Jan. 1vehicle attack on BourbonStreet that left 14 NewYear’s revelers dead.

Louisiana State Police confirmed Thursdaythatasuspect was arrested as part of an ongoing investigation with the FBI.Following Gillum’sarrest,anFBI spokesperson declined tocomment on the investigation but said there were no outstanding “direct threats to any festivals in Louisiana.”

Aformerpoliceofficer

Gillum hadworked as apoliceofficer in NorthCarolina as recently as September,agencyofficials said, having bounced between a pair of law enforcement agencies there in recent years. The Chapel Hill Police Department confirmed he was an officer there from 2004 to 2019. In 2023, Gillum wenttowork for theOr-

ange County Sheriff’s Officeasa detentionofficer,aspokesperson said. He returned to the Chapel Hill police force as anonsworn employee the next year,then was hired againbythe Sheriff’sOffice in January 2025, spokesperson Alicia Stemper said.

Gillum resigned in September with “nothingdisciplinaryinhis file,” according to Stemper Okaloosa Countysheriff’s deputieswere unaware of thealleged threat of violence from Gillum when they stopped him early Wednesday,prompted by a10a.m. call from his family,asheriff’sofficial told WWL Louisiana. Deputies found no reason to detain him,according to the police bulletin from Burlington. The former police officer “did not present anygrounds forinvoluntarycommitmentorcriminal charges.” He was removed from anational database and“allowed to continue,” the bulletin states.

Buthis arrest laterinthe eve-

ning Wednesday followed ahurried investigation spanning agencies in three states.

It involved Project Nola, the network of thousands of private crime cameras blanketing NewOrleans, said director Bryan Lagarde. In aprepared statement,Lagarde said he received information on Gillum about 1p.m.Wednesday, beforethe bulletin went out, from a“partner law enforcementagency in North Carolina regarding a credible threat to the NewOrleans area.”

He said the information was that Gillum was “reportedly suffering from PTSD,” and “believed to be travelingtothe city withthe intent to commit amass-casualty eventat alocal festivaland engage in ‘suicide by cop.’” Lagarde said Project Nolaalerted Louisiana State Police, which begancoordinating with New Orleans police and federal authorities along with agencies in other states.

graduate studies, chair of the political science department and associate professor of public administration.

Llorens also served the city of Baton Rouge in multiplecityparish government roles.Hewas

SENTENCE

Continued from page1B

collect some belongings, and beganarguingwith Flowers over afirearm. Palmer-Davis then took possession of thegun, turned it on Flowers, and shot him. In the courtroom on Tuesday,after years of proceedings and finally aguilty plea, Palmer-Davis apologized to the Flowers family and asked God for forgiveness.

LAWSUIT

Continued frompage1B

into reports of an intoxicated man walking in aparking lot in theareaofLa. 16 andLockhart Road.

The Sheriff’s Office said in anews release at the time that once deputiesarrived, they tried to talk to the subject, but he ran awayand became combative. Then, the deputies and apolicedog apprehended Hernandez, accordingtothe original report.

Attorney Joseph Long, who is representing Hernandez, said adeputy chased down his client, tackled him and straddled him.

Avideo of the incident that circulated on social media at the time showsHernandez lying on the ground on his stomach while adeputy holds his right arm behind hisbackand theK-9 hashis other arm. Hernandez had to be taken to the hospitalfor injuries to the arm the K-9 was depicted biting. Hisattorneysaid his client suffered permanent disfigurement of the arm and Hernandez owes $43,000in medical bills because of the incident.

Long said the lawsuit is about the incident being handled as acriminal matter, despite the situation stemming from reports of amedical incident.

“He was not suspected of a crime…but he was treated like acriminal,” Long said.

human resources director under Mayor-President Pat Screen, assistant chief administrative officerunderMayor-President Melvin “Kip” Holden and interimchief administrativeofficer under MayorPresident Sharon Weston Broome. Broome releasedastatement Wednesday night marking Llorens’ death, saying he “served with distinction” as chief administrative officer andbrought “a

depthofknowledge about CityParishgovernment that was unmatched.”

“More than acolleague, he was atrusted adviser,someone whose counsel Ivalued deeply and whose perspective helped guide importantdecisions for our community Ihad the utmost respect for him, and Iamgrateful for his service and his steady leadership,” she saidinthe statement.

Llorens earned abachelor’sdegree from Loyola University in New Orleans anda Ph.D.from LSU.Healsohelda Master of Science from the University of Wisconsin and apostdoctorate in public policy and minority communities from the University of Minnesota LSU Executive Vice President and Chancellor Jim Dalton released astatement Thursday marking Llorens’ deathaswell.

“On behalf of LSU A&M, Iextend my condolences to the Southern University community and to the family and loved ones of Dr James L. Llorens. Dr.Llorens devotedmuchofhis career to public serviceand higher education in BatonRouge,including his leadership of Southern University,and we joinSouthern in honoring his life and legacy,” Dalton said.

“God knows it wasn’t my intentionsonkillingor harming anybody that day.I was shot the day before, and didn’twant tobeshot again. Iwas honestly scared for my life,” Palmer-Davissaid. “In these fiveyears, there’s not aday that Idon’twish I could take it all away.Iwish Iwould’vestayed to help Raychard.Hewas someone Icouldsee as abest friend and brother.”

Latrice Flowers broke intotears near theend of theapology,which she accepted.

The attorney claims Hernandez didnot understand what was happening during his interaction with the deputies because his client does notspeak English At thetime, Hernandez was charged with resisting apoliceofficer with force or violence in theincident, but the Livingston Parish District Attorney’s Office later dismissed the counts. Hernandez is seeking a trial by jury

Afterthe videoofthe incident was posted on social

She saidthe two young menhad knowneachother since they were teenagers andhad theirfamilies deeply interwoven.

“It’shardfor me because I have to think about it every day. Isee his children everyday,” Flowers toldPalmer-Davis, who was sitting in chains at the defense’stable in court. “His oldest still asks, ‘Why did Uncle Ki kill my daddy?’”

Email Quinn Coffman at quinn.coffman@ theadvocate.com.

media, onedeputy wasterminated and another one was demoted, the Sheriff’s Office saidatthe time. In the lawsuit, current LPSO employee Jeremy Pittmanisnamed as adefendant.

“The lawsuit contains numerous factual errors, and we deny the allegations made against deputy Pittman and this office,”Sheriff Jason Ard said in astatement.

Ard said due to the nature of thelitigation, LPSO cannot provide further commentat this time.

SUSPECTS

Continuedfrom page1B

The next night, on April 12, the suspects allegedly returned to the areaand shot at what they believed to be Becahum’s house. Instead,they shot into Devin’shome, striking him in the head and killing him instantly while he slept in hiscrib, accordingtothe arrest warrant Morethan 40 shell casings werefoundonthe ground outside the home, including 10 different typesofammunition, indicating there was more than one shooter,policesay According to the arrest warrants, Davis andAndersonallegedly hadmultipleconversations through Instagram aboutselling the evidence from the killing, with Davis writing thatthey had to get rid of the gun because “we can’t have it in our hands boy we ain’ ever comehome.”

Davis also posted avideo of himself on Instagram 35 minutes beforethe April 12 shooting holding one of the guns used in Devin’s

shooting. He also posted another video of himself holding the gun on April 13.

Davis then allegedly traded thegun to Keandre Simpson, who was arrested for possession of that weapon during asearch of his car during aroutine traffic stop in June 2022.

Simpson was released andwas killedinanunrelated case in 2023. On June 10, 2022, Ander-

son allegedly asked on Instagram what happened to Simpson andhefound out he was in jail because of the gun in his possession. Anderson wrote, “that gun hot asf,” which police said meant thegun wasused in acrime.

Based on the intricate findings from the four-year investigation,policesay they are confident additional arrests will be made in thecase.

BRIEFS

FROM STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS

Meta slashes workforce, Microsoft offers buyouts

Meta is laying off about 8,000 workers, or about 10% of its workforce, the company said Thursday as it continues to ramp up spending on artificial-intelligence infrastructure and highly paid AI-expert hires.

The company said it was making the cuts for the sake of efficiency and to allow new investments in parts of its business, as first reported by Bloomberg.

Also Thursday, Microsoft said it was offering voluntary buyouts to thousands of its U.S. employees.

The software giant plans to make the offers in early May to about 8,750 people, or 7% of its U.S. workforce, according to two people familiar with the plan who were not authorized to speak about it publicly

While an alternative to the sudden layoffs removing tech workers from peers like Meta and Oracle, the savings are likely tied to a similar industry upheaval that is requiring huge spending on the costs of artificial-intelligence. Meta has already warned investors that its 2026 expenses will grow significantly — to the range of $162 billion to $169 billion — driven by infrastructure costs and employee compensation, particularly for the artificial intelligence experts it’s been hiring at eye-popping pay levels.

Kellogg to put toys back into some cereal boxes

If you’ve missed rooting around in a cereal box for a toy, you’re in luck.

WK Kellogg Co. said Thursday it’s including toys with some of its breakfast cereals for the first time in more than a decade. Starting on Sunday, special edition boxes of Frosted Flakes, Froot Loops, Apple Jacks and Corn Pops will have plastic toys shaped like characters from Disney and Pixar’s “Toy Story 5.” The movie is scheduled to hit theaters in June.

Plastic toys used to be a mainstay in breakfast cereal, but they have gradually disappeared as manufacturers tried to cut costs and consumers worried about choking and other hazards

Kellogg said it thought “Toy Story 5” was a good fit for the reintroduction, since it explores the role of toys in a tech-driven world.

“Bringing toys back inside the box reintroduces that sense of discovery through a simple, screen-free moment of play that parents can now share with their own kids,” said Laura Newman, a vice president of brand marketing at Kellogg.

T-Mobile reportedly in merger talks

Bellevue, Washington-based TMobile could become part of the world’s biggest phone company

The company is in talks with its German majority-owner Deutsche Telekom AG to combine under one holding company, according to a Bloomberg report Deutsche Telekom already owns a 53% stake in T-Mobile. The combined entity would be jointly owned by current investors and might seek a listing on a U.S and a major European exchange, according to Bloomberg. T-Mobile and Deutsche Telekom spokespersons would not comment, saying the companies do not comment on speculation.

Bloomberg cited anonymous sources. But if the rumors are true, the deal would be the largest ever public merger, according to Reuters.

Average U.S. mortgage rate slips to 6.23%

The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate dropped for the third week in a row The benchmark 30-year fixed rate mortgage rate fell to 6.23% from 6.3% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday One year ago, the rate averaged 6.81%. Meanwhile, borrowing costs on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, popular with homeowners refinancing their home loans, also eased this week. That average rate dropped to 5.58% from 5.65% last week. A year ago, it was at 5.94%, Freddie Mac said.

BUSINESS

THEADVOCATE.COM/news/business

Trump unveils deal with Regeneron

Drugmaker agrees to lower prices

BY ALI SWENSON Associated Press

President Donald Trump on Thursday announced a deal with drugmaker Regeneron to lower the cost of its pharmaceutical products as part of the White House’s signature drug pricing initiative.

The deal involves Regeneron lowering the prices of all its current and future drugs on Medicaid, according to Trump. It also involves selling a cholesterol drug called Praluent for $225 on the White House’s discounted drug website TrumpRx, according to the agreement first outlined by NOTUS and confirmed in a White House fact sheet.

The deal comes as the Trump

administration has been touting efforts to provide economic relief ahead of November’s midterm elections, with Americans saying high costs for health care, gas, groceries and other basic needs are straining their budgets.

It’s one of many so-called mostfavored-nation deals the Trump administration has made with drug companies to bring U.S. pharmaceutical prices to the same level as other developed nations. Last July Trump publicly sent letters to executives at 17 major pharmaceutical companies about the issue. Regeneron is the final one of those companies to strike a deal with his administration. Speaking at the White House on Thursday to announce the deal, Trump touted the discounts on drugs and said, “It should be front page news.” He said voters in this

November’s midterm elections should reward his party because of the agreements with drugmakers.

“We should win the midterms, but it doesn’t work that way, unfortunately,” Trump said.

Trump also has a notable history with the drugmaker

During his first term in 2020, when he was hospitalized with COVID-19, he was given a dose of a drug that Regeneron was testing to supply antibodies in order to help his immune system.

After he was released, Trump posted a video of himself standing outside the White House in which he repeatedly lavished praise on Regeneron.

As part of the new deal, Regeneron has also committed to spending $27 billion in research, development and manufacturing in the U.S., according to the White House

fact sheet. Trump’s deals have historically offered companies relief from his tariffs if they make such commitments.

Regeneron also announced Thursday that Otarmeni, its new gene therapy for a rare form of congenital hearing loss, had been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and would be made available to clinically eligible individuals in the U.S. at no charge. The therapy received expedited approval from the FDA under the agency’s so-called Commissioner’s National Priority Voucher program. The program, which was not authorized by Congress, has been under scrutiny from Democrats for months. House and Senate lawmakers have noted that FDA vouchers have repeatedly gone to companies that agree to pricing concessions sought by the White House.

Shareholders OK Warner Bros. sale

$81B deal with Paramount still faces regulatory

BY WYATTE GRANTHAM-PHILIPS

Associated Press

review

NEW YORK HBO Max, “Harry Potter” and CNN may soon find themselves under a new roof: Paramount.

That’s because shareholders of Warner Bros. Discovery approved an $81 billion sale of the company on Thursday Including debt, the proposed buyout valued at nearly $111 billion based on Warner’s current outstanding shares.

While the deal still faces regulatory review, the megamerger would vastly reshape Hollywood and the wider media landscape, further consolidating power in an industry already run by just a handful of major players. Paramount itself was acquired by Skydance just last year

Streaming

Paramount Skydance would own both Paramount+ and, with the sale approved by shareholders Thursday, Warner’s HBO Max. Company executives have said that they would combine these streamers into one platform What that combined service would look like (or be named) is unclear But Paramount CEO David Ellison suggested that HBO could still have some level of independence, at least production-wise

Warner and its HBO streaming platform have a powerful lineup that includes “The Pitt,” “Game of Thrones” and “Sex and the City.” And beyond “Harry Potter,” Warner’s library lists blockbuster films such as “Sinners,” “Barbie” and “Superman” (the company also owns DC Studios). Titles like “Top Gun,” “Titanic,” “The Godfather” and “Yellowstone” fill Paramount’s catalog.

In the U.S., according to streaming guide JustWatch, HBO Max controlled about 12% of on-demand subscriptions in the first quarter of this year — compared to 3% for Paramount+. Combining those two services would still fall slightly below Prime Video’s 17% market share, and the 19% of the market commanded by Netflix. Disney owns about 27% of the market between Hulu and Disney+. Beyond HBO Max, Paramount would also acquire Warner’s smaller Discovery+ streamer Paramount owns Pluto TV and BET+, too. Critics are skeptical of consumer benefits touted by Paramount. A combination with Warner Bros. would mean fewer platform choices Critics warn that could actually mean higher prices at a time when the price of almost all subscriptions continues to tick higher Moviemaking, theatrical releases Paramount and Warner Bros. are two of

Former

company to Paramount.

Hollywood’s oldest studios. A merger would mean fewer companies control legacy film production. Ellison has said he wants the combined company to grow a slate to more than 30 movies a year, keeping Paramount and Warner Bros. as standalone operations. And in a star-studded CinemaCon appearance last week, he promised a 45-day exclusive window for films in theaters, pledging a “complete commitment” to the industry Still, others are wary about what further consolidation could mean for jobs and which projects are greenlit down the road. Regulatory filings have indicated that the new ownership will be looking for ways to cut costs — including layoffs and downsizing some overlapping operations. Paramount is taking on billions of dollars in debt to finance the deal Warner Bros. just had a banner year of both major blockbusters and critical successes. The studio racked up 30 Oscar nominations thanks to “Sinners,” “Weapons,” and “One Battle After Another” (which took home the top best picture slot). Paramount received zero. And in 2025, Warner Bros. movies accounted for 21% of the domestic box office. Paramount’s market share was only 6%, driven largely by “Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning.”

Almost 10 years ago, Hollywood’s big six became the big five when Disney bought most of 20th Century Fox. If the Warner sale goes through, a new “big four” era would be underway — with a bigger Paramount standing alongside Disney, Universal and Sony News

CNN would come under the same roof as Paramount-owned CBS. That would bring

together two of America’s biggest names in television news, although whether CNN would continue to operate as a separate brand from CBS has yet to be confirmed.

Regardless, there is a lot of anxiety about Paramount taking control of CNN — a network that has long attracted ire from President Donald Trump and his allies. Critics point to Trump’s close relationship with the Ellison family, particularly billionaire Oracle founder Larry Ellison, who is putting up billions of dollars to back the bid by his son’s company Since coming under Skydance ownership less than a year ago, CBS has already seen significant shifts in editorial leadership. It’s taken steps to appeal to more conservative viewers in its news operations, notably with the installation of Free Press founder Bari Weiss as editor-in-chief of CBS News. If the company’s proposed Warner takeover is successful, many expect similar changes at CNN. Some officials in the Trump administration have also made their opinions very clear about CNN’s future ownership. In March, the White House attacked CNN for its coverage of the U.S. and Israel’s war against Iran — and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth told reporters that “the sooner David Ellison takes over that network, the better.” Ellison has said that editorial independence “will absolutely be maintained” under Paramount ownership. “It’s maintained at CBS. It’ll be maintained at CNN,” Ellison told CNBC’s “Squawk on the Street” in March, while noting that his company wants to speak to “the 70%” of viewers who he said identify as center-left or center-right.

The acting head of the U.S. Justice Department’s antitrust division has also said that its regulatory review will not be political

employee files lawsuit against MrBeast’s company

Woman alleges she was harassed for years and fired after maternity leave

BY CLAIRE SAVAGE and JAMES POLLARD Associated Press

A former Beast Industries employee is suing MrBeast’s media production company after she was allegedly fired from her social media manager job upon returning from maternity leave and following years of what she described as sexual harassment and workplace gender bias. The lawsuit, filed by Lorrayne Mavromatis in federal court in North Carolina on Wednesday, ac-

cuses MrBeastYouTube, LLC and GameChanger 24/7, LLC of violating federal law that entitles eligible employees to take unpaid, job-protected leave for qualifying family and medical reasons, including childbirth. Mavromatis also filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission alleging discrimination on the basis of sex, pregnancy, and retaliation. Mavromatis claims that she worked “nonstop” following her baby’s birth as well as while in the delivery room. “I was still bleeding, and I just had to show up,” Mavromatis told The Associated Press in an interview

Less than three weeks after she returned to work full time, she said she was fired.

A Beast Industries spokesperson called the lawsuit a “clout-chasing complaint” built on “deliberate mis-

representations and categorically false statements” in an emailed statement. Mavromatis’s position was eliminated, according to the spokesperson, when the new head of e-commerce reorganized her team.

In response to allegations that MrBeast failed to inform her of her rights under the Family and Medical Leave Act, the company shared a screenshot of her signature confirming receipt of the employee handbook including FMLA policies.

“We will not submit to opportunistic lawyers looking to manufacture a payday from us,” the statement said.

Mavromatis’ lawsuit raises disturbing allegations about the culture behind YouTube’s most popular creator as new company leaders seek to rapidly expand the media empire founded by Jimmy Donaldson under his MrBeast alias.

It portrays a toxic, misogynistic workplace that Beast Industries has recently tried to clean up as Donaldson’s media empire launches ambitious ventures into television and financial services.

Questions about Beast Industries’ internal culture surfaced two years ago after a social media firestorm over Donaldson’s past racist and homophobic language coincided with accusations that a longtime collaborator shared inappropriate sexual messages with minors. In an August 2024 email to employees, Donaldson said he recognized that he must “create a culture that makes all our employees feel safe and allows them to do their best work.”

Beast Industries fired several employees following a third-party investigation that identified “isolated instances” of workplace harassment and misconduct.

Susie M. Davenport, a resident of Baton Rouge, entered eternal rest on April 2, 2026. She was anative of Baton Rouge anda retired employee of Our Lady of the Lake Hospital Survived by daughter Tara Davenport; grandson, Julian 'JT' Taylor; sister, Geraldine D. Alexanderof Baton Rouge; sister-in-law, Carroll Davenport of Texas; and other relatives and friends.

Preceded in death by son, Melvin Robinson, Jr.; mother, Mary Davenport Williams; father, Saul Davenport; stepfather, Rivous Williams; brother, Wallace L. Davenport; sister,Rose W. Stanley; stepbrother, Joe R. Williams. She was amember of Bethany World Prayer Center. Acelebration of life memorial willbeheld April 25, 2026, at the Valdry Center for Philanthropy, Baton Rouge, LA at 12:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Vincent de Paul.

Keller, James 'Jim'

James (Jim)Keller peacefully passed into the armsofhis Lord and Savior on Easter Sunday,April 5 2026, after abrief battle with cancer. Aresidentof Prairieville,LA, Jim was born on Friday, February 13,1953, in Warren, PA to JamesAugust Kellerand HelenLeigh Keller. Upon graduationfromWarren Area High School, Jim attended Penn State University,earning adegree in Biology.Aftermoving to BatonRouge, he began a20year career at BASF,while pursuing adegree in Chemical Engineering. He spent thenext 18 years workingfor ShellChemical Afterretirement, Jim started asmall engine repair business whichgave him theopportunity to meet peopleand keep theirlawn equipment in workingcondition. He alsojoineda 60+ golfleague, wherehedeveloped lasting friendships and looked forwardto playingeveryweek. An activemember of St.Paul Lutheran Church, Jim served in various roles on theChurch Council,was chairman of theEarly Learning Center, and coordinator of themowing teams. Jim servedonthe Seven Oaks HOA ArchitecturalControl Committee and acted as Secretary of theShell GeismarRetiree Club. He is survived by his wife of 30 years,Charlotte Deshotels Keller; stepson, James(Jay) Pennington; sister,Kathleen KellerMielke (Dan);brother, DavidKeller; nieces, nephews,and furbabies (Lucy &Cali). Jim wasa devoted son, brother,husband, stepdad, uncle and friend, and will be greatly missed. Most importantly, he wasa servant of Christ The family wouldliketo express theirgratitudeto thestaff of The Hospiceof Baton Rouge'sButterfly Wing. In lieuofflowers, donations can be made to St Paul Lutheran Church or TunneltoTowersFoundation. Amemorial service will be held at St.Paul Lutheran Church, 2021 Tara Blvd.,Baton Rouge, LA on Saturday, April25th, from9 am untila Service of Re-

membrance at 11:00. Receptiontofollowinthe FellowshipHall.

Lamont

Keitha

Keitha LamontLanns, 50, resident of Slaughter, LA, passed awayonApril 15, 2026 at OLOL Hospital, Baton Rouge, LA. He leaves to cherish his memories, his mother;Joan EllaHolliday, one daughter, one son,three grandchildren, six brothers, two sisters and ahost of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and other relatives and friends.

Visitationwillbefrom 11:00 am to 1:00 pm; Religious Service at1:00 pm on April25, 2026 at New PhiladelphiaBaptist Church, 9027 SanfordLaneSlaughter, LA 70777. Rev Dr. TheodoreMajor,Pastor.

Arrangements entrusted to RichardsonFuneral Home of Clinton, LA.

Marshall, Jeanetta'Nana'

Jeanetta Marshall, 71, of Baton Rouge,LA, entered eternal rest on April14, 2026.Born September 6, 1954,she was preceded in death by her parents, Earnest and Emily Marshall; brothers, Aaron Young Sr.& GregoryMarshall; and granddaughter, Aris Grace Marshall A1972graduateofCapitol High School,she later earned abaccalaureate in Social WorkfromSouthern University in 1976. Awoman of faithin GOD, known for her kindness, generosity,and uplifting spirit. Sheissurvived by her children: Delcenia,Gentri Aaron, Jantzen, and Bryston Marshall; siblings Lorita Browder(John) andLarry Marshall; nine grandchildren; one greatgrandchild and ahost of family, &friends. Viewing 9:30am, Funeral service 11am, willbeheld 4/25/26, at St.Mark MethodistUnited Church, Interment at Roselawn Memorial Park &Mausoleum.

Carolyn AnnCherry Moorewas borninTyler, Texas, on July 26, 1941, grew up in Franklin, Louisiana,was alengthy resident in Potomac, Maryland, and alongtime resident of Baton Rouge which she considered home. She passed peacefullyfrom thislifeonApril16, 2026 at her home in Baton Rouge causedbycomplications from meningiomas and sepsis.She was surrounded by herchildren and husband. She is survivedby herson WilliamHenson Moore IV and daughter-inlawMaryLouise Ayala Moore of Nashville, TN; her daughter Jennifer Lee MooreMcGehee andson-in -law Arthur John McGehee Jr.ofBaton Rouge;her daughterCherry Ann Moore Duckworth and sonin-law TheodoreJames Duckworth of Ridgeland, MS; her grandchildrenMollyMoore McGehee Larpenteur,Christopher John McGehee, WilliamHunter McGehee, John Pearce Robertson, Lt. Francesca Maria MooreDunn , Mignonne Ann Moore, WilliamHenson Moore V, Carolyn Teddi Duckworth; step grandchildrenPalmer Duckworth and Alex Duckworth Ellis;great grandchildrenMaryHardin Larpenteur, Anna McGehee Larpenteur,Lee Maxwell Larpenteur and Ava Weisenhutter.Her mother was from alarge familyin Zwollie, Louisiana and so she was blessed with a number of cousins, four of whom she grew up with in Franklin, Willard Rodney Smith, Gerard Wayne Smith, Dennis James Smith, and Cindy Lou Smith Shepherd, and three of whom wereraised by

her mother as sisters,Sandra Dianne McGarrahan, Karen Gail McGarrahan, and MaryVirginiaMcGarrahan Resweber.She was survivedbyher devoted husband of over 63 years, William HensonMoore III of BatonRouge. Her parentsChristopher Columbus Cherry, Jr.and VeldaAnn McGarrahan Cherryof Franklin predeceased her. She graduated from Franklin HighSchool in 1959 where she was Salutatorian of herclass, Editor of theAnnual Staff (yearbook),Homecoming Court, Drum Majorette for which she received aMerit Award, Miss Franklin High School, Most Beautiful Girl, F.F.A. SweetheartCourt, and DelegatetoPelican Girl'sStatewhere she was elected Commissioner of Agriculture,and was asked to return several years as acounselorwhere she met her futurehusband who was also acounselor. She was Miss St. Mary Parish in 1958, Louisiana's Junior Miss in 1958, and International Rice Queen 1958-59, Miss Capital City, Miss Holiday Queen, and Runner Up in the1960 Miss Baton Rouge BeautyPageant. She was elected to represent theJunior Division as a freshmanatLSU and graduated fromLSU with aBS in Educationin1963. While at LSUshe was elected annually for four years as one of eight Cheerleaders participating in several Bowl Games, LClub member, amember of Pi Beta PhiSorority,Darling of LSU Court, GumboFavorite, RodeoQueen'sCourt,Sigma Chi Fraternity Court, LSU's Centennial Court, Bengal Belle of the Week and ROTC Sponsorofan AirForceSquadronand the next year as Sponsorof theArmyROTCPershing Rifles Regiment.She was named an Honorary Cadet Majorinthe former and Honorary Cadet Captain in thelatter. She may have been theonlycoedtohave been asponsor in both military branches. Carolyn later servedher church and community in many different ways including teaching Sunday School at Trinity Episcopal Church, being activeinthe Junior League, Congressional Wives Club, and parttime real estate sales person in Maryland and Baton Rouge. On several occasions, theMontgomery County Maryland BoardofRealtorsnamed her an Outstanding Sales Agent.She was awonderful wife and most important supporter in her husband's publicservicecareer whileraising afamily and maintaining awarm, loving home. She was even in public service herself appointed by President GeorgeH.W.Bush as Director of the Presidential Scholars Programinthe US Department of Education forfour years and awarded amedal forher exemplary service. Back in Baton Rouge, she served on the Louisiana Governor's MansionFoundationBoard was amember of theBells Jubilateand Trinity Church Bell Ringer Choirs, Crested ButteMountainMuseum Board, Louisiana MS SocietyBoard,member of the Bal Societe,Revelers, Morning Callers (President), LesSaison, and La Fiestasocial clubs. .She was asuccess at anything she undertook. She hadthe extraordinary gift of hospitality andservice.She openedher home regularly and joyfully to charities, clubs, LSU, neighborsand guests.She and her husband madeevery significant decisionintheir long and successfulmarriage together. One of thefirst was to decide which church to join as he as a life-longEpiscopalian and she aBaptist.After many visits and thinking together, she madethe decision to join theEpiscopal church. When asked why, she replied "I will be a much better Episcopalian than he will be aBaptist." And she was right as she was on every-thing in their marriage. Her family was her prideand joy. She had aservant's heart that was clearly displayedbyher closerelationshipwith her childrenand grandchildren.She generallyspoke to allthree children every dayatleast once,asmany grand-children as possible, and her husband on his many days away from home in his career. There was nothing she wouldnot do forher family from babysitting grandchildren to hosting family dinners or helping clean ahouse She lovedplanning and running trips forher grandchildrenand children:a safari to South Africa, aDisneycruise, sailing tripinthe Caribbean, and yearly gatherings at thefamily home in Crested Butte, Colorado. She left alegacy of accomplishment, service, commitment and was the best example of wife and mother. She exemplified P b 31 28 29 "H

Proverbs 31:28-29 "Her children rise up and call her blessed;her husband also praises her. Many women havedone excellently, butyou surpass them all."Carolyn will be sorelymissed. The family wouldliketogivespecial thankstoTramesya Williams, Ameenah Edebira, MichelleToups and Hospice of Baton Rouge. Funeral services will be Saturday, April 25, 2026 at Trinity Episcopal Church, 3552 Morning Glory Ave., Baton Rouge with visitation at 9:30 and servicesat 11:00, Fr. PeterR.Wong officiating.A receptionImmediatelyfollowing the servicewillbeheldatthe Baton Rouge Country Club, 8551 JeffersonHighway. Pall Bearers willbeArthur John McGehee, Jr Theodore James Duckworth,William Henson MooreV,Christopher John McGehee, WilliamHunter McGehee, and James Palmer Duckworth. The family suggests contributions to anonprofitofyour choice in lieu of flowers

Ramsey, Clara Rogers ClaraRogers Ramsey entered into eternal rest on April6,2026. Anativeof Clinton,Louisiana and a resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She is survivedbyher loving husband,four children, twogod children twograndsons,six siblings and ahost of otherrelatives and friends.

Viewing:Saturday, April 25,2026 @9-11 AM Funeral Service:11:00 AM @New Light Missionary Baptist Church 650 Blount Road Baton Rouge, LA 70807. Officiating Dr.Gil H. Wright.

herchildren, grandchildren,and great-grandchildren.ServicesApril 25, 11 AM at ShilohMissionary Baptist Church;viewing1011 AM.Arrangements by CharlesMackey Funeral Home.

Vanderleest, Kathleen Joanne Hoksbergen 'Kathy'

KathleenJoanneHoksbergenVanderLeest was born on November 5, 1948, in thesmall town of Lynden, Washington,five miles from theCanadian border.Her parents were Lewisand Bertha. Shepassed away on April 8atthe Wellness CenterofSt. JamesPlace

Snowden, Jacqueline Yvette "Jackie" Enteredintoeternal rest at herresidencein Zachary, Louisiana on April 10, 2026 at the age of 70. Viisitation at NewPilgrim Baptist Church on Friday, April 24, 2026 from 5-7 pm; visitation resumesonSaturday at thechurch at 9:00 am untilCelebrationofLife Service at 10:00 am conductedbyDr. Derrick Williams; interment at Southern Memorial Gardens. Survivors include her brothers, CarlC.(Cynthia), Robert(Anna) and Ralph(Michelle) Snowden; half siblings, Jacqueline Haynes, Jacksonville,Florida andChristopherJones(Carol), Atlanta, Georgia; seven nieces; six nephews; Godchildren, Elton Spears, Lillie andMyles Snowden; otherrelativesand

Kathy andher husband moved to Baton Rouge four years ago to be close to theirdaughter, Carissa Graves Kathy is survivedbyher husband, Larry VanderLeest, andtheir four children and spouses: Carissa Graves (Garret); Tricia Burley(Todd); Kirk VanderLeest (Kara); andKeith VanderLeest (Karen). Kathy andLarryhave twelve grandchildren.A memorial service willbe held at 3:00 PM on April 25 at St.James Place Convocation Room.

OPINION

Lowering loan limits on public health degreesabad idea

Excluding public health students from professionaldegreeloan benefits willreduce the number of graduates prepared to improve population health, respond to emergencies and support thestate’seconomic and health care systems. The U.S. Department of Education’sproposalto exclude public health degrees from the definition of “professional degree”under HR 1threatens both Louisiana students’ access to higher education and the longterm health of the state. The proposal inexplicably removes publichealth, nursing, social work and other essential fields from eligibility for higher federal loan limits. Although controlling the cost of higher education is a reasonable goal, creating financial barriers for students entering vital health professions will destabilize workforce development and undermine Louisiana’sability to meet fundamental public health needs. Louisiana already suffers from some of the nation’sworst health outcomes, with high rates of preventable disease, maternal mortality and chronic illness.

Reversing thesetrends requires astronger,better-trained public health workforce.

Public health programs are rigorous, skills-based curricula that clearly meet thedefinition of “professional degree.” They prepare studentstoenter specialized fieldssuchasepidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health,health policy, emergency preparedness, industrial hygiene, health administration and disease prevention andcontrol.

Theimportance of this training is evident in nearly every dimension of community health. Public health professionals identify and contain disease outbreaks, monitor and protectair and water quality,investigatethe causes of maternal deathsand design policies that make childbirth safer.Theyhelphospitals operate

moreefficiently,lead clinics and government agencies and serve on the front lines of disaster response.

Their research drives improvements in chronic disease prevention,infectious disease control, environmental safety and quality of care.

Restrictingfinancial support for students pursuing these careers would weaken Louisiana’s capacity to respond to ongoing and future health threats.

Workforce shortages are already serious, especially in rural and underserved areas. Without reasonable federal loan options, these gaps will widen. Communities could face problemsthat strong public healthsystemsare specifically designed to mitigate.

At theLSU School of Public Health, manystudentsare the first in their families to attend college or pursue graduate training. Others come from rural Louisianaand plan to return hometoserve their communities. If public health loses its professional-degree designation, these studentswould no longer qualify for higher loan limits, putting graduateeducation beyond reach. Enrollment declines would shrink

Fixing parish’s sewers is key to unlockingmorehousing

America’shousing crisis is often described in the abstract: distant supply chain breakdowns, zoningcodes frozen in amber,ashortage of two to20million homes. But for localofficials like me, the problems areunmistakably concrete. In Lafayette, the biggest obstacle is beneathour feet. And it is broken.

For decades, Lafayettehas struggled to add housing, not for lack of demand or developer interest,but becauseour aging sewers are overburdened. Frequent storms have made flooded streets afamiliar sight. Crumbling pipes lie below private property in our oldest, poorest neighborhoods, where homeowners cannot afford costly,unpredictable repairs. The result is paralysis: no homes, no growth, no oneable to move first.

sooner than building new pumpstations

thepipeline of professionals prepared to workinpublic health jobsacross the state. Tulane University’sCelia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health&Tropical Medicine would face similar challenges. Tulane trains students in epidemiology,tropical medicine, environmental health, disaster response and other critical fields. Many rely on federal loans to access graduateeducation. Tulane has recently invested in strengthening the statewide workforce pipeline, and forthe past five years, has offered ascholarship covering 35% of tuition forany Louisianapublic health student. Although Tulane is not astate institution, it provides these benefitstobroaden opportunity and support statewide health improvement.

Xavier University of Louisiana’smaster of public health in healthequity program plays a critical role. Itsstudents intern in local health agencies and communityorganizations, contributing directly to the region’spublic healthinfrastructure. Many graduates remaininNew Orleans and throughoutthe state, committed to addressing deep health dispari-

I’m amom of two precious boys. Imay

ties. The program’s growth is tied to Xavier’srapidly expanding undergraduate public health major, reflecting strong student interest in the field. Removing public health from the list of federally recognized professional degrees would jeopardize both programs and weaken avital pipeline of practitioners and future leaders. Public health students are, by every measure, pursuing aprofessional field. Excluding public health from the federal definition of “professional degree” is shortsighted and dangerous. It erects new barriers forLouisiana students, weakens the state’sfuture workforce, and undermines efforts to improve community health. The Department of Education should revise its definition to ensure public health is recognized and supported as the essential professional training it is.

Edward Trapido is thedean of theLSU School of Public Health. ThomasLaVeist is dean of theTulane Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health &Tropical Medicine. AmyThierry is an associate dean of theXavier College of Arts &Sciences

Ourteam would manage the contractors andengage affected areas, removing the burden from individuals and creatinga process for efficient repairs. Critically,the upgrades would be fully covered; homeowners wouldn’thave to pay adime. The concept wasn’tflashy.But it was novel and, if successful, scalable and replicable.

Lafayette was selected from more than 630 applicants as one of 50 finalistcities. In addition to $50,000 in seed funding to test and hone our solution,wegained expert guidance and anetwork of peers at Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Ideas Camp in Bogotá, where we readied plans to pilot our concept and exchanged strategies with 200 fellow officials from around theworld.

not know all the legal jargon or fully understandthe legislative process, but what Idounderstandisthe needsofmy child.

My son is in secondgrade, and he’s struggling —not because he isn’tsmart or capable, but because his current school isn’table to meet his needs in the way that works best for him.

Municipalities nationwideface thesame dilemmaindifferent guises —legacy infrastructure builtfor another era, buckling under today’sdemands. Lafayette’sshift —from treating these failures as fixed constraints to designing aprocess thatcan solve them —points to away forward When Itook office, bandaging abroken system wasn’t working, but an unconventional idea might: The citycould repairthe private sewer lines itself.

To do that, we’d need capital, capacity andpartners. We found them allinBloomberg Philanthropies’ Mayors Challenge Now in its sixth iteration, thecompetition calls on city hallstobolster essential services and offers an engine ofsupport through its Government Innovationprogram to bring the boldest proposals to life

In our application, we described our present reality: cracked clay pipes under private propertyand blocksunderwater after downpours. Housingshortfallsin our urban core forcing outward sprawl. Nearly half of renters spending more than 30% of income on their homes; manymore out-priced from living near jobsorloved ones. Storied neighborhoodshad stagnated, diminishing the vitality of Lafayette as a whole.

Working backwardfrom our goal of more homes, our idea was clarified through theapplicationprocess:apublic-private partnership to fix thepipes. The leaky lines, which allowed rainwater toinfiltrate our system, limited treatmentcapacity.Estimates showed that restoration would cost less, work better and enable development

Our engineersran calculations to confirm that rehabilitating these lines would cost halfasmuch as building new lift stations —unlockingtreatment capacityfor up to 13,000 more homes, asignificant boost for ourpopulation of 122,000.

And,critically,wereached out to Lafayette’speople. Their perspective had to be at theheart of thefuture we are trying to build.

All told,our small team aligned authority, expertise, incentives and accountability. We brought together actorswho rarely work together.And we got comfortable with risk.Now,asone of 24 Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Mayors Challenge winners, we will receive $1 million, multiyear assistance andadditional funds for dedicated staff to execute and expand our plan with the program’ssupport

To be sure, ourwork is just beginning. Fully repairing our sewer system will cost up to $25 million.But theroad to more housing, strongerinfrastructure and better lives is being paved. By refusing to treat broken frameworks as immovable, we won’tjust mend ailingpipes, we will create theconditions for Lafayette’snext generation to lay down roots.

City,state and national leaders can do the same by bending government toward the problemsofthe present When it does, the resultswon’tbetheoretical. They will be built and felt from the ground up.

Monique Boulet is the mayor-president of Lafayette.

As his mom, Isee every day what he can do when given theright support, and Iknow he’s capable of so much more. After muchconsideration, my husbandand Ibegan discussing homeschooling, believing it could be thesolution our son needed. But when we started weighing our options, one thing caught us off guard: the hidden costsofcurriculum, supplies and technology required for asuccessful homeschool journey.Asa mom, one of my greatest desires is to seemychild thrive, and Iwould never want finances to be thething that holds him back Ibegan researching grants, scholarships and anythingaccessible to help families like minegive their children thebest education. It’sheartbreaking to wanttohelp your child reach his full potential and feel that the path to do so is financially out of reach.

That’swhen Icame across the LA GATORscholarship. Iwas thrilled. What atremendous opportunity for families to have areal say in how their children are educated —not just the toolstohelp them succeed,but agenuine voice in theirfuture. Everychild is different and learns differently,and knowing that financial stress wouldn’thave to be the deciding factor in our homeschool decision gave me real peace of mind.

Iknow we’renot theonly family in this position. Thereare lotsofparents who want to give theirchildren the educationthey deserve and just need alittle support and areal choice. That’swhy programs like LA GATORmatter so much.

They don’tjustfund education —they give families hope, opportunity and a way to make sure our kids aren’tlimited by circumstances beyond their control.

It’shard to explain that feeling unlessyou’ve lived it: Watching your child

struggle,knowing something better might be outthere,but not being able to reach it, notbecause youdon’t care, but because it’sjust beyond your means. Tens of thousands of Louisiana familieshaveappliedfor LA GATOR. Thatshould tell you everything. Parents arelooking forhelp. We’re looking foroptions. We’re looking fora way to do right by our kids. My family has appliedtoo, and every day I wonder: Will we getthe funding?

It’snerve-wracking to hope forsomething thatcould change your child’s future, only to fearitmight slip through your fingers.

Without funding, LA GATOR is just sitting there —something we were told was coming, but might not actually arrive.And that’sa hard place to be as a parent: imagining abetterpathfor your child andthenwondering if it will simply neverhappen.

Because this isn’tjust aprogram to us. It’swhetherour kids feel confident in their education. Whether they get the help theyneed.Whether they grow up loving to learnoralways feeling behind. We’re notasking for anything unreasonable.We’re asking forachance to choosewhat’sbestfor our children. Ihopethatwhenlawmakers think aboutLAGATOR, they think about families like mine. Notstatistics. Not politics. Just families doing their best. Fund LA GATOR. Give families like mine areal chance.

HaleighEarnest lives in West Monroe.

ISSUE OF THE WEEK POPE V. TRUMP

As the war in Iran rages, Pope Leo XIV and President Donald Trumphaveexchanged words on the justifications forthe conflict.The pope, the first American to leadthe Catholic Church, called on worldleaderstoworkfor peace and rejected the assertion by Defense SecretaryPete Hegseth that God is blessing U.S. militaryactions.Thepresident sharply rebuked the pope, and members of hisadministration suggested the pope should not strayinto political matters.What does the episode reveal about the pope’sunique role in worldaffairs? Here are twoperspectives.

Morality stillmatters despite view of Trumpadministration

Vice President JD Vance, arecentconvert toCatholicism, berated Pope LeoXIV about his doctrinal duties. The Supreme Pontiff, Vance lectured, should “sticktomatters of morality” and avoid politics.

Well, yes, the pope is clearly focusing on “matters of morality,” and that’sprecisely why his voice is so valuable. When Leo laments the bombing of civiliantargets in Iran or the mistreatmentofimmigrants in America, he emphasizes values that President Donald Trump openly derides and dismisses. Trump views all relationships anddecisions as purely transactional. He measures consequences on only onescale: how they help or hurt him. Andhescornsany moral principle that contradictshis own judgment or benefit. When New York Times reporters asked Trump last January “ifthere were any limits on his global powers,” the president replied: “Yeah, there is one thing. My own morality.Myown mind. It’s theonlything that can stop me.” He then added, “I don’t need international law.” Force and powerhave always been a primary part of politics. But if theyare the only influences,ifmight always makes right, then the inevitable result isa climate of constant chaos and permanent peril.

jects them.”

Thepope, threecardinals and agreementonthe Iran war

Trump haslashed back, posting, “I don’t want aPope who criticizes the President of the United States” and adding: “I don’t thinkhe’sdoing avery good job. Iamnot afan of Pope Leo.” The animosity is clearly mutual. Leoborrowed amedia trick from Trump, tellingreporters on his planeasheflew to Algeria: “I have no fear of theTrumpadministration or speaking out loudly of the message of theGospel, which is what Ibelieve Iamhere to do.”

The Rev.Antonio Spadaro, aprominent Vatican official, described thepope’srole in asocial media post: “This is where the Church’smoral force emerges. Not as a counter-power,but as aspace in which power is judged by astandarditdoes not control. Leo does not respond on the terrain of polemics, and for that very reason remains beyond its grasp. He is free. And that freedom —unarmed and disarming —isperhapswhat mostunsettles.And, at the same time, what mattersmost.”

This matters mostbecause Trumpis squandering one of this nation’smost valuable assets: its reputation. Instead of making America great again, he is doing the opposite, degrading America’srole in the world as the primary defender of human rights and the rule of law

“War is Hell,” said Union General William Tecumseh Sherman in 1879. PopeLeo and three cardinals of the Catholic Church who appeared last Sunday on “60 Minutes,”agree. The problem for these theologiansis that for them it appears war is only Hell when it is engaged in by the United States and for the best of reasons. They have little to say about the terrorist regime in Iran or for that matter the slaughter of civilians by Vladimir Putin’sarmy in Ukraine.

That’swhere the pope comesin. Born Robert Francis Prevostin1950s Chicago, he knows more about American politics than any previous pontiff. Leo has denounced Trump’scrackdown on undocumented immigrants as “extremely disrespectful” and noted that many of them have been “living good lives” in this country “for 10, 15, 20 years. The pope condemned Trump’sthreat to annihilateIranian civilizationas“truly unacceptable,” and on PalmSunday preached that God “does not listen to the prayersofthose who wage war,but re-

Americans are starting to grasp the dire consequences of having aleader who lacksamoral center.When arecent

YouGov poll asked voters to pick words that apply to Trump, clear majorities said “arrogant,” “opportunistic,”“reckless,” “dishonest” and “corrupt.” Only 27% described him as “honest”and 23% as “compassionate.” So it’strue. Pope Leo is sticking to “matters of morality.” And thank God he is.

Email Steven V. Roberts at stevecokie@ gmail.com

lution: “The American Revolution represented alooming crisis to the Pope, forits success wasunderstood as adegradation of freedom, not an achievement.” Pope Pius XII failed to speak out against the Holocaust. Recently opened Vatican archives suggest he knew of the massmurder of Jews by the Nazi regimeby1942, but feared public protest would worsen persecution and endanger Catholics.

These church leaders seem to be engaging in akind of immoral equivalency.Do they not know that the Islamic regime hates Christians and Jews andbelieves their deity demands they be killed? American Catholics have frequently disagreed withtheir popes, especially on issues such as abortion and traditional marriage. Consider Rep.Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and former President Joe Biden, among the high-profile adherents to that faith. Both,along with other Democrat politicians who are Catholic, disregarded their church’steaching on these issues.

PopeLeo began theyear criticizing America’smilitary action in Venezuela, which removed thedictator and election cheat Nicolas Maduro from power and offered at least thehope of morefreedom to thenation’spopulation. How is repression aCatholic or even abiblical norm?Previous popes, notably John PaulII, were vociferous opponentsofcommunism and especially theSoviet Union. Ronald Reagan famously called theSoviet Union an “evil empire.” He knew evilwhen he saw it.The samemight be said forPresident Trumpwhen it comes to Venezuela, Iran and possibly Cuba, which Trumphas hinted may be next on his “hit list.”

At thetime of the American Revolution, another pope —Pius VI —was on the wrong side of history.AsBrady J. Crytzer writes in Journal for theAmerican Revo-

Since 1979, the ayatollah regime in Iran and its proxies have been responsible fornumerous American deaths through targeted attacks, bombings and hostage crises. Major incidents include the 1983 Beirut barracks bombing, the 1996 Khobar Towers bombing and ongoing proxy actions in Iraq, Syria and Yemen,with thousands of U.S. troops wounded or killed over their four decades in dictatorial power Is wartostop future atrocities —with a promise of worse to come, including the possibility of nuclear war which would kill millions —not on Pope Leo’sunbalanced moral scales?

The theory of ajust war, which is likely familiar to the pope, says warcan be justified under the following conditions: “having ajust cause (for example self-defense), right intention (peace), legitimate authority,last resort, proportionality and probability of success.”

The Iran warisapre-emptive strike to prevent the regimefrom obtaining a nuclear weapon and using it to kill millions. If that does not justifywhat is currently taking place, what does? As mentioned on previous occasions, popes have been wrong as the outcomes of some wars andrevolutions have shown.The first American pope cannotbeignorantof this history

EmailCal Thomasattcaeditors@tribpub. com.

weather tonight intoSaturday morningdue to strong storms passing through late thisevening and overnight. Strong gustywindsand an isolated tornadoortwo arethe greatestthreats.

Debris from Helene helps fuel wildfiresinGeorgia

BY EMILIE MEGNIEN and RUSS BYNUM Associated Press

NAHUNTA, Ga.— The destructive wildfires tearing through Georgia this week are being fedbynot only apersistentdrought,but also by fallen trees and limbs scattered across the South by Hurricane Helene well over a yearago.

Blustery winds also are helping ignite and expand the fires in Georgia andFlorida thathave blanketed partsofseveral states in smoke, leading to air qualitywarnings Thursday in cities far from theblazes.

Hundreds of residents have been forced from their homes nearGeorgia’scoast, where awildfire destroyed more than 50 homesand threatened manymore. Georgia’s biggest fire near the Floridastate line doubled in size in less than aday and byThursdayhad burned through asparsely populated area that’stwice the size ofManhattan. Imagesfromthe devastatedareas show the shells of charred cars and truckssitting next to the smoldering ruins of homes nestled among blackened trees.

Many who were forced to flee thisweek were left distraughtabout thehomes and animals they left behind.

“I don’tknow if Ihave ahouse standing or not,”saidDeniseStephens,who evacuated her home near Hortense because of the

fast-moving Brantley County fire. “I know what it’staken fromother people,but Idon’t know what Ihave left standing.”

Wood debris littering the state’ssouthernhalfsince HurricaneHelenechurned through in September2024 hasenabled Georgia’stwo biggest fires to spread and intensify quickly,officials said.

“There’sa ton of old Hurricane Helenedebris down in the woods,”said Seth Hawkins, aGeorgia Forestry Commission spokesperson. “It’slying around andit’sjusta tinderbox out there.”

The forestry commissionestimated that Helene swept across nearly 14,000 square milesofforestland statewide,striking areas where trees are grown for paper and lumber In Helene’swake, cleanup efforts were rolledout across southern Georgia. The state put up roughly $135 milliontohelp private timberland ownersremove fallen trees, and the ArmyCorps of Engineers hauledoff millions of cubic yards of debris.

Butthey couldn’tget everything.

“The way Helenejustthrew everything down like matchsticks, there’s only so much you can do short of bulldozing everything,” Hawkins said. “There are big pockets of woods out therewherepeople don’twalk aroundtoo much. So it just kind of gets left there.”

Or show your support forour journalists with our Advocatecoffee mugs and tote bags.

Springer, Smalley tie record at Zurich Classic

BY SCOTT RABALAIS

Staff writer

He may be one of those “Not a big name yet” guys in the Zurich Classic of New Orleans field, but ridiculously low scores seem to follow Hayden Springer around. He shot a 59 two years ago in the 2024 John Deere Classic. Thursday he and playing partner Alex Smalley went on a birdie (plus one eagle) binge in score-friendly conditions at TPC Louisiana. They tied the tournament record with a 14-under par 58, giving them a one-stroke lead over Davis Thompson and Austin Eckroat. Three teams — Sam Stevens and Zach Bauchou, Eric Cole and Hank Lebioda and Nick Dunlap and Gordon Sargent — were two back at 60. It was the first time for Springer and Smalley playing together in this, the PGA Tour’s only regular-season team event, but Smalley and Springer had some subtle chemistry going in. Smalley’s caddie, Michael Burns, used to be on the bag for Springer

“They’re still really good friends,” Smalley said. “We knew we would have a good time out there, and we did.”

Attacking the Avondale course in the more

ä See ZURICH, page 5C

LSU baseball running out of time to turn season around

BY KOKI RILEY Staff writer

Jake Brown immediately started to shake his right hand as he walked out of the batter’s box.

The moment seemed inconsequential. It was just a foul ball, after all. The junior right fielder was looking to get a hit, something that could spark LSU baseball’s offense and climb the Tigers out of their 5-0 deficit on Sunday against Texas A&M. But once Brown started quivering his hand, the score became the least of coach Jay Johnson’s concerns

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“I saw him shake his hand,” Johnson told The Advocate, “and I was like, ‘That’s not good.’ I’ve seen that before.” Johnson’s worst fear came true. Brown had broken his hamate bone, a common injury for hitters but one that would likely sideline him for the rest of the season Losing Brown, who leads the team with 16 home runs was the last thing LSU could afford in its late push for a spot in the NCAA Tournament. Combined with the news of junior righthanded starter Cooper Moore getting shut

ä See LSU, page 2C

PICK IS IN

Chiefs trade up to No. 6 to select LSU CB Delane

BY KOKI RILEY Staff writer

LSU football senior cornerback Mansoor Delane has been selected by the Kansas City Chiefs with the No. 6 overall pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Delane, in his only season in Baton Rouge, became arguably the best cornerback in college football. He had seven pass breakups and allowed just 14 catches for 165 yards, according to Pro Football Focus, and had two interceptions without surrendering a touchdown all year

“They made the best move in the draft,” Delane said of the Chiefs, “and I’m excited.” He was a unanimous All-American and

a first-team All-SEC player, becoming the first LSU cornerback to earn a unanimous All-American selection since Greedy Williams in 2018. He was also a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, which is handed to the nation’s top defensive back. With this selection, Delane becomes the 54th player in LSU history to be selected in the first round of the NFL draft. The Tigers had one player selected in the first round last year in offensive tackle Will Campbell, who went to the New England Patriots

“Everyone was saying the needs for my position and whatnot. The communication with the Chiefs wasn’t too much. I really didn’t expect it,” Delane said. “All my

On TV

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6p.m. NHRA: Qualifying FS1 COLLEGE BASEBALL

7p.m. UTSA at Tulane ESPNU

7p.m. Arkansas at Missouri SECN

MEN’S COLLEGE LACROSSE

1:30 p.m. Drexel at Virginia ACCN

6p.m.Loyola (Md.) at Navy CBSSN

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2p.m. Michigan vs. NorthwesternBTN

4p.m. Syracuse vs. North CarolinaACCN

5p.m. Johns Hopkins vs.Maryland BTN

7p.m. Clemson vs. Stanford ACCN

COLLEGE SOFTBALL

5p.m. Texas at Kentucky SECN

6p.m. Texas A&M at South CarolinaESPN2

8p.m. Texas Tech at Arizona St. ESPN2

9p.m. UCLA at Washington BTN GOLF

10 a.m.LPGATour:Memorial Park GOLF

2p.m. PGATour:Zurich ClassicGOLF

5p.m. LPGA Tour:Memorial Park GOLF

HORSE RACING

noon America’s Dayatthe Races FS2 MEN’S IIHF HOCKEY

9a.m. U.S. vs.Denmark NHLN MLB

6:15 p.m. PhiladelphiaatAtlanta APPLETV

9:10 p.m. Cubs at Dodgers APPLETV

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6p.m.Boston at Philadelphia PRIME

7p.m.L.A.Lakers at Houston PRIME

9:30 p.m.San AntonioatPortland PRIME NFL

6p.m.NFL Draft: Rounds 2-3 ABC, ESPN NHL

6p.m.Tampa BayatMontreal TNT

8:30 p.m.Vegas at Utah TBS

9p.m.Edmonton at Anaheim TNT MEN’S SOCCER

2p.m.Nottingham at Sunderland USA

6p.m.Wanderers at Supra du Québec FS2 UFL

7p.m.DCatBirmingham FOX

Edwardsgetting hotfor Tigers

Firstbaseman leads LSUinkey series at Mississipi State

BY JIM KLEINPETER

Contributing writer

As aredshirt freshman in 2025

first basemanTori Edwards exploded onto the LSU softball scene. Her .383 batting average, 18 home runs and 73 RBIs earned her SEC Freshmanofthe Year honors and apreseason All-America tag this year It also moved her to thetop of every opponent’s scouting report, underlined in red and surrounded with “danger” emojis.

With that extra attention, Edwards numbersare down this season, but she showed clearsigns of breaking out with six hits, three of them homers, and eight RBIs in last weekend’ssweep of Ole Miss.

That’sgood news for the No. 20 Tigers (32-14, 9-9 SEC) whogoto Starkville, Mississippi, this weekend for akey series against the No. 17 Bulldogs (34-14, 6-12)with postseason landing spots coming into focus.

“She’sbeen continuing to work and never given in,” coach Beth Torina said. “She’sgoing through herprocess andisina good spot with her confidence.Itkeepsimproving as the season goeson.” Edwards’ numbers have been respectable.She leads the team in homers (11) and RBIs (36). But the telltale number is ateam-best 38 walks, one more than all of last season. Often with first base open, she won’tsee asingle strike. Known among her teammates as professional about herpreparation, her temperamentisalso

LSU

Continued from page1C

down for the remainder of the season with astressfracture at the tip of his right elbow,and LSU dropping its sixth consecutive game in Southeastern Conference play on Sunday,the Tigers’ postseason hopes had gone from worrying to almost non-existent in amatter of days.

The Tigers still have four weekends remaining in their SEC slate and get back into the NCAA Tournament picture, starting on Friday in Starkville, Mississippi, against Mississippi State (6:30 p.m., SEC Network+). But Johnson’steam, in all likelihood, has alreadyrun out of time.

LSU is 24-18overall, 6-12 in SEC play and is the No. 63 teaminthe RPI. The Tigers still have to face the No. 12 (Florida), No. 18 (Mississippi State) and No. 20 (Georgia) RPI teams on their schedule, giving them ample opportunities to make up ground in the schedule-based metric. The injuries and their play up to this point in the season, however, suggest that anythingmore than acouple of wins over those teams would come as a big surprise.

LSUhasa16-18recordsincestarting the season at 8-0. The Tigers are 1-8 against top-20 teams inthe RPI, and they did not crack D1Baseball or Baseball America’slatest NCAA Tournament projections.

“I live for the NCAA Tournament. Like,(that) mightbesuper shallow-minded, but Ido,” Johnson said. “And they know the work that they have to do. They’ve known for four weeks, honestly,totry to create that sense of urgency.But it’s really just about how we play.”

LSU has made alate push into the tournament under Johnson, makingthe field in 2024despite starting SEC play 3-12. But that team was healthier,had fewer

solid. She hasn’t gotten frustrated “I continued to trust my preparation through theseason,”Edwards said. “I told myselfatthe beginning of theyear,ifI didn’t come out (strong)and got hot in May,that’sthe best thing for the team. I’m continuingtokeep moving forward. “If me getting on basewith the

TexasA&M on SundayatAlex Box Stadium.

nonconferencelosses weighing down its resume anddidn’thave the toughest games on its schedulestill remaining.

When asked if he thought this year’steam was facing circumstances similar to the ones in 2024, Johnson dismissedthe idea entirely

“Not the same circumstances,” Johnson said after LSU’slosslast Friday to TexasA&M. “Whatwill be the same is how Jay Johnson shows up, and how Jay Johnson prepares histeam to try to give them the best chance of success.

“And how tomorrow,even thoughitmay notmove the needle, I’m going to coach it like a flood’scomingthrough town if we don’twin, and it’sgonna wreck everythingand wreck everybody

Andthat’sthe effort Iwill (have) to prepare my team tomorrow.”

Johnson made it clear again on Tuesday that he doesn’t plan on givingupjust yet, constructinga lineup for Tuesday’s gameagainst UNO that he thought gave the Tigers thebestchancetowin.But as

walks is therole Ihave to fill, that’smymentality.I’m not gettingfrustrated that I’mnot hitting the samenumbersaslastyear.I continue to trust the process. Whatever they give me,I’m going to continue to take advantage.”

Partofthe issuewas multiple new faces in thelineup and other players knowing their roles.

Shortstop Kylee Edwards (no

ON DECK

WHO: LSU (24-18, 6-12 SEC) at Mississippi State(31-10, 10-8SEC) WHEN: 3p.m. Friday WHERE: DudyNoble Field

ONLINE/TV: SECNetwork+

RADIO: WDGL-FM,98.1 (Baton Rouge); WWL-AM, 870 (NewOrleans); KLWB-FM, 103.7 (Lafayette)

RANKINGS: Mississippi StateisNo. 15 in D1Baseball’stop-25 rankings

PROBABLESTARTERS: LSU —RHP Casan Evans (2-2, 5.47 ERA); Mississippi State—LHP Tomas Valincius PREGAME UPDATES: theadvocate.com/lsu ON X: @KokiRiley

WHATTOWATCH FOR: Evans allowedsix earned runs in five inningslast weekend against Texas A&M.The sophomore has gottenthrough at least five inningsin eachofhis last five outings.Valincius surrendered three earned runs in eachof his last twostarts against Tennessee and SouthCarolina. He hasn’t allowedmore than threeearned runs in an outing this year

—Koki Riley

he demonstrated after the Aggies took down his team lastFriday,his frustrations with this team have only grown since they started struggling in nonconference play

“I made some mistakes in constructing theteam,” Johnson said when asked aboutLSU’s two-out hitting issues. “And trying to replace two guys that wereirreplaceable, whereweshouldhave looked for replacing them through guys that were already in the program.”

LSU’slackluster campaign has likely put it in aposition it hasn’t been in since 2007, when the Tigers only won 29 games and didn’t come close to reaching the NCAA Tournament.LSU also missed the tourneyin2011, but it was in the thick of the race until the endof theyear andonlylost three nonconference games.

Florida baseball team names field after Bertman Ahigh school baseball park in MiamiBeach,Florida,has renamed its field after LSU baseball legend Skip Bertman.

On Thursday,the Flamingo Park Baseball Field honoredthe fivetime national championship-winning head coach of the Tigers by renaming the field Stanley “Skip” Bertman Field. Bertman graduated from Miami Beach High in 1956 andled theprogram to astate championship as thehead coach in 1970.

“Coach Bertman is afantastic role model for our children to see what can be accomplished in sports and in life,” Miami Beach Vice MayorLaura Dominguez said in an LSU press release. He also guided the school to two runner-up seasons before becoming acollege coach.

ä LSU at Mississippi State. 2P.M.FRIDAy,SECNN+

relation) and right fielderAlix

Franklin have comeonstrong and now bat in front of Edwards, who is in the five hole.

TheTigershavewon nine of their past 11 games to reach .500 in conference games forthe first time after a1-5 start.

“Theteam is really understanding whotheyare, theirroles,”Torina said. “People whose role isn’t what they set out forittobehave embraced how they can helpthis team. We’re getting so much help from one through 23. Everybody owns their roles.

“This team has grownthroughout this year morethan any other I’ve had, slow starting but also understanding each other and their jobs. The adversity we faced early provided us with toughness and ability to weather some storms as we go into the postseason.”

The Tigers and theBulldogs will be fighting forregional host sites, andthisweekend’s gamescould turn out to be atiebreaker.LSU’s RPI is 10 and State’sis19, but that could change thisweekend.

The Bulldogs boast twoofthe best armsinthe SEC in Peja Goold (14-9, 2.09 ERA) and Alyssa Faircloth (10-5, 2.42). Faircloth leads the SEC with195 strikeouts and Gooldisfourth with146. Outfielder Kiara Sells is batting .384 with 14 homers and 29 RBIs.

“Two of the best armsinthe league, hands down. They’ve given everybody problems, Torina said. “We’re not just in the running to host, we’re in the running against them.They’re in the sameareaweare. Anytime you go head to head againstanopponent like that you want to have the tiebreaker on them.”

“I’d rather be able to walkoff the field knowing thatsomebody beat us than we beat ourselves,” Johnson said. “And there’sso much to that and (I have an) unmeetable standard with it, but I thinkthat’s howyou havetobe here, otherwise you’re notgoing to last… I’m talking about everybody,coach, player, administrator, social mediateam.”

Even if the 2026 season hasalready been lost, much of what happens in the next month will influence whatthe Tigers will look like in 2027. Fans got ataste of what’s to come on Tuesday,when Johnson started three freshmenand brought afourth off the bench.

Outfielder WilliamPatrick, catcher Omar Serna, first baseman/outfielder Mason Braun and infielder Jack Ruckert combined to go 5for 10 with six RBIs against UNO. SophomoreCadeArrambide also blasted his 11th homer of the year,and sophomore John Pearson hit asingle.

Meanwhile, only one player LSU brought in from the transfer portal last summer started on Tuesday None of those transfers started on Saturday against Texas A&M.

“It takes some time to get (how to play here),” Johnson said. “That’s(why) it’ssovaluable that those (freshmen) get in there and get achance to play.”

Over 200 teams will miss the NCAA Tournament this year.But for LSU,aprogram that haswon two of the past three national championships, this nightmare season has it facing aprobability nobody could’ve imagined in February

Not playing baseball in June.

“I knowthey like being together,” Johnson said. “So,I’d hate thatwe’d only have four anda half weeks left if that wasthe case.”

Email Koki Rileyatkoki.riley@ theadvocate.com. For more LSU sports updates, signupfor our newsletter at theadvocate.com/ lsunewsletter

Wembenyama will travel with SpurstoPortland

SAN ANTONIO Victor Wembanyama will travelwith theSan Antonio Spurs to Portland for games this weekend while continuing to completethe steps mandated by the league’s concussion protocol. Spurs coach Mitch Johnson stoppedshort Thursday of saying Wembanyamawill play in Game 3. Wembanyama is “progressing,” Johnson said, but his status against the Trail Blazers remains uncertain. Wembanyama was at theteam’s practice facility fora second consecutive day Thursday,walking around in ablack hoodie and gray sweatpants. He even got afew shots up, teammate Julian Champagnie said Wembanyama was theleague’s first-ever unanimous Defensive Player of theYear.

Patriots coachVrabel will miss Day 3ofNFL draft

NewEngland Patriots coach Mike Vrabel is seeking counseling and will not be with the team forDay 3ofthe NFLDraftonSaturday,following the publication of photosofthe coach andlongtime NFL reporterDianna Russini at an Arizona resort.

“As Isaid the other day,I promisedmyfamily,thisorganization and this team that Iwas going to give themthe best version of me that Ican possibly give them. In order to do so, Ihave committed to seeking counseling, starting this weekend,” Vrabel told ESPN on Wednesday night.

The Patriots confirmed Vrabel will missthe thirdday of thedraft. The NFLsaidlastweekendthat it is notinvestigating Vrabel’sbehavior

Dybantsa declares for NBA draft, is top pick contender AJ Dybantsahas made it official: He’senteringthe NBA draft.

The BYU forward —widely expected to be atop candidateto be the No. 1pick —made the announcement Thursday.Dybantsa ledthe nation by averaging 25.5points per game in hislone college season, along with 6.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game. He’sthe first player to have a season with all those averages and be named aconsensus AllAmerican since Larry Birddid it for Indiana Statein1978-79. Dybantsa made theannouncement at theDavis School in his hometown of Brockton, Massachusetts —the home of boxing greatsRocky Marciano and Marvin Hagler,among others.

Hall of Famer Koufax wins Lifetime AchievementAward NEWYORK— Sandy Koufax has won the sixth Lifetime Achievement Award presented by Baseball Digest. The HallofFame pitcher was honoredThursdaywith an annual distinction that “recognizes aliving individual whose career hasbeenspent in or around Major League Baseball and who has demonstrated outstandingcharacterand hasmadesignificant contributions to the game.”

Willie Mays won the inaugural awardin2021, followed by Vin Scully (2022), Joe Torre (2023), DustyBaker (2024) and Bob Costas (2025).

“It’sagreat honor to be recognizedalong with theprevious award winners,” the 90-year-old Koufax said in anews release. “I thank the distinguished panel.”

Walker shakes offrust

BY CHARLESSALZER

Contributing writer

There might have beensome rust for Walker High Schoolto shake off in Thursday night’sDivision Inonselect playoff game against Live Oak, but the Wildcats eventually showed off the form that had earned thema firstround bye.

After spotting Live Oak athreerun lead,Walker rallied to slip past its District 5-5A rival 5-4 and take a1-0 lead in their bestof-three regional roundseriesat

Walker

The teams will play Game 2at 6p.m. Friday.Seventh-seeded Walker (26-9) can clinch the series with awin while Live Oak(18-19) will try to force athird game, which would be played Saturday afternoon.

Seventh-seeded Walker (26-9) scored single runsinthe fourth and fifth innings to take the lead. The Wildcats defense made sure it held up. In the top of the fifth, Walker right fielder Owen Jeansonne threw out Cullen Weller at the plate when he tried to score from second on Isaac Ott’ssingle. The Wildcats also threw out arunner at the plate in the third, whenLive Oak scored all of its runs.

On the first play at the plate, Wildcats third baseman Arlan Olivierrelayed the ballhometo beat Aiden Cucinello, who tried to score from first on Ott’sdouble to left

“Having abye is ablessing and a curse,” Walker coach Mike Forbes said. “Wecame out andwehad to get back into the speed of the game. Once we settledin, we went out and did the things that we do.” Skyler Dwyer started on the mound and went 31/3 innings for Walker.Hewas charged with four runs, only one being earned. Lane Carter picked up the winwith 12/3 innings of relief, and Jeansonne moved to the mound forthe last twoinnings to get the save.

Live Oak’sZant Gurney lasted until two outs in the fifth. He struck out three batters, butissued six walks and allowed all five Walker runs.

The Wildcats struck for three runs in thebottomofthe second, all with two outs. The at bat featured four consecutive hits including Braylin Kent’stwo-run double to right, but the lead didn’t last. With the help of three Walker errors, Live Oak came rightback with four runs in the top of the third. Adam Beeson started the rally with an RBI double to left,

and Mac Beadle was hit by apitch leaving runners at firstand second The inning’s key momentcame when Jaxon Rosenthal then laid down abunt. TwoWalkerthrowing errors on theensuing play allowed both baserunners to score, andleft Rosenthal at third.He scored on aground ball out putting Live Oak ahead 4-3, but the at-batended with Cucinelo being

PREP REPORT

bye Division IV No. 12 St. John,bye No. 14 Central Private 12, No. 19 Ascension Christian 11 No. 18 Ascension Catholic at No. 15 St. Frederick Class C No. 1Maurepas, bye No. 2Family Christian, bye Softball playoffs Nonselect Division I Regionals No. 16 Central 7, No. 1Walker4 No. 5St. Amant5,No. 12 Dutchtown 4 No. 4East Ascension 3, No. 13 Airline 2 Quarterfinals No. 16 Central at No. 8Hahnville, Friday 4:30 p.m. No. 5St. AmantatNo. 4East Ascension, Friday4:30 p.m. No. 10 LiveOak at No. 2Sam Houston, Friday4:30 p.m. Division II

Regionals No. 9Pearl River 3, No. 8Iowa1 No. 3Brusly 8, No. 19 Eunice 0 No. 2Lutcher 4, No. 15Assumption 0 Quarterfinals No. 9Pearl River at No. 1North DeSoto,

LSUtransferReed commitstoMichigan

BY TOYLOY BROWNIII Staff writer

Former LSU forward Jalen Reed is transferring to Michigan, hismom, Falena Hughes, told The Advocate.

The redshirt junior is the secondtransferportal addition for Michigan (37-3, 19-1Big Ten) which wonthe NCAA men’sbasketball championship under second-year coach Dusty Maylast season.

The6-foot-10, 245-pound Reed is coming off two straight seasonending injuries. He suffered aleft Achilles tendon injury in the sixth game of last season. The year before, he tore his right ACL during the eighth gameofthe 2024-25 season.

Entering last season, Reed was expected to be the Tigers’ second-best player,averaging 11 points on 60.6% shooting and 6.0 rebounds in the first five games. In theseven games Reed played during the 2024-25 season, he was averaging 12.4 points on 59.6% shooting and 7.4 rebounds. Those figures would’ve made him the team’s second-leading scorer and leading rebounder that season.

Reed, anativeofJackson, Mississippi,entered the transfer portal the sameday Will Wade replaced former head coachMatt McMahon at LSU on March 26. He was the first recruit that McMahon brought to the program in the 2022 recruiting class. Reed previously said that he remained loyal to LSU because of the trust McMahon showed him as early as his freshman season, when he started 11 games. His last full season without in-

juries was as atrue sophomore in 2023-24, which was the best season under McMahon. The Tigers finished 9-9 in SEC play and 17-16 overall. Reed started 20 games that year,averaging 7.9 points and 4.1 rebounds in 22.2 minutes. TheformerTigersforward is one of nine players to enter the transfer portal this offseason, joining Dedan Thomas, Mike Nwoko, Jalen Reece, Robert Miller,Ron Zipper,Mazi Mosley,Matt Gilhool and Marcus Vaughns. Wade has added only one player since the transfer portal window opened on April 7. That player is Kentucky transfer Mo Dioubate, who averaged 8.8 points and 5.5 rebounds mostly off the bench. LSU finished last season 15-17 overall and 3-15 in the SEC last year

Gammon’s homerun sparks No.1 U-High

thrown out at the plate.

Kent led Walker’s eight-hit attack by going 3for 3with two doubles and three RBIs.

“All year we’ve had our backs against the wall,” Live Oak coach Cary Myers said. “The message to ourguys is, ‘We’re usedtoit.’ We’re used to our backs being againstthe wall. We’re not going to quit. We’re going to comeout swinging.”

Saturday2p.m. No. 6LakeshoreatNo. 3Brusly,Friday5 p.m. No. 7Grant at No. 2Lutcher,Friday5 p.m. DivisionIII Regionals No. 8Berwick 12,No. 9Marksville2 No. 3FrenchSettlement 10,No. 14 Patterson0 No. 10 Doyle9,No. 7Many4 Quarterfinals No. 6PinePrairie at No. 3FrenchSettlement, Friday5p.m. No. 10 DoyleatNo. 2Kaplan, Saturday4 p.m. Select DivisionI Regionals No. 6St. Thomas More12, St. Joseph’s 2, 6 innings DivisionIII Regionals No. 4D’Arbonne Woods 12, No.13U-High 2 No. 2Parkview Baptist 7, No. 15 Catholic High New Iberia 0 Quarterfinals No. 2Parkview 7, No. 10 Houma Christian 2 DivisionIV Regionals No. 1Riverside 11,No. 16 Ascension Christian 0 No. 9St. John 10,No. 8Opelousas Catholic 8 No. 12 Cedar Creek 8, No. 5Central Private 5 No. 4Ascension Catholic 6, No.13Catholic High Pointe Coupee 5 Quarterfinals No. 9St. John at No. 1Riverside, Friday5 p.m. No. 12 Cedar Creek at No. 4Ascension Catholic, Friday5 p.m.

Cubs rallypast Episcopalin firstgameof regional series

BY JACKSON REYES Staff writer

For more than three innings

Thusday, Episcopal looked poised to steal Game 1ofa best-of-three regionalplayoff seriesagainsttopseeded University High.

ThenCubsjunior Shepherd Gammon wokeupthe bats.

After U-High cutintoa2-0 deficit on abases-loaded sacrifice fly, Gammonsmashed apitch over the left field fence foratwo-run home run for a3-2 lead.

Gammon’shomer sparked a nine-run Cubs surge over the final threeinnings in a9-2 winatthe Cub Complex.

University High coach Jon Ramsey noted how important it was to win the first game of the series after aweek of rest froma first-round bye.

“A lot of times I’ve seen in this format that teamsthat have abye sometimes comeout and start alittle sluggish, whichwedid, Ramsey said. “Wewere able to stay with it andget ourjob done, and come out with abig win.”

U-High (24-8) can end DivisionIII select regional series by winning Game 2, whichisset for 6p.m. Friday.Athird game, if necessary,isscheduled for 11 a.m Saurday Gammon finished with two hits, including thetwo-run blast, and drewawalk. LaneMixonaddeda two-run single and Judah Zito had two RBI hits.

“It was fun,” Gammon said of thehomerun.“Ibattled with two

strikes, andhegave me acurveball andIjust hit it andIgot the offense started.”

On themound, U-High ace Grant Sunstrom pitched six innings and struck out eight.

“He’sbeen oneofour toparms allyear,”Ramseysaidofthe Louisiana Tech commitment. “He showswhy he is whoheis. He was able to keep them offbalanceand dominate the zone.”

Aftertwo scoreless innings,Sunstrom ran into trouble in the third. He hit the leadoffbatterand allowed asingle, but he forced apop out and struck out the next two batters he faced.

Episcopal’sDrew Freel then hit a grounder to the third baseman but his throw to first base washigh, allowing tworuns to score to put the Knights up 2-0.

Sunstrom allowed another single but closed out the inning with a strikeout.

The Cubs stranded five baserunners through three innings before breaking through in the fourth. Zito was hit by apitch to open the bottom of the fourth.

CamdenSmith then singledto move Zito to third. Aftera sacrifice fly scored one run, Gammon’s two-run shot put U-High in front.

“That’swhat woke our guys up,” Ramsey said.

The Cubs added twointhe fifth on Zito’s RBIsingle. Afteradouble anda hit-by-pitch, Ian McCauley scored after hitting into afielder’s choice that madeit5-2.

U-High poured it on the bottom of the sixth with 10 Cubs coming to the plate. U-High scored four runs on threehits to push the advantage to 9-2.

Episcopal (14-18) put two runners on in thetop of theseventh, but Greyson Rodrigue slammed the door by forcing agroundout to close the game.

NFL DRAFT

Raiders select Mendoza with first overall pick

BY ROB MAADDI AP Pro Football Writer

PITTSBURGH Fernando Mendoza’s journey from overlooked two-star recruit to the top of the NFL draft is complete after the Las Vegas Raiders took him with the first pick on Thursday night.

Turning the Raiders into a contender is the next challenge for the Heisman Trophy winner who led Indiana to its first national championship.

The 22-year-old quarterback wasn’t in the Steel City for the festivities, choosing instead to celebrate with family and friends at home in Miami.

Mendoza flashed a big smile after Commissioner Roger Goodell announced his name, put a Raiders cap on and began hugging his family while seated on the couch, saving the warmest embrace for his mother

He’ll be heading to Las Vegas on Friday to begin an NFL career that may have seemed improbable when few colleges were interested in him coming out of high school.

“The last five months have been such a blessing by God, and I can’t thank Him enough,” Mendoza said. “I’m just looking forward to get to work, prove it at the next level. College was fantastic I’m so blessed to have that career, but now I step into a great game, the NFL. Look forward to proving and earning it every single day.”

Mendoza wasn’t even a prominent prospect at this time last year But he had a sensational season with the Hoosiers, completing 72% of his passes for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns and just six interceptions. Still, there are plenty of doubts about him in a quarterback-thin draft class. He’s determined to prove any critics wrong again.

The Los Angeles Rams surprised draft experts by taking Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th pick. Simpson, who started just 15 games in college, was among 16 prospects who came

SAINTS

Continued from page 1C

The Saints prioritized getting quarterback Tyler Shough some help Thursday, notably preferring to take Tyson over other prospects such as Ohio State safety Caleb Downs and Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain. The Saints entered the draft with three clear needs — wide receiver, edge rusher and cornerback but based on talent alone, it was not hard to see why New Orleans became infatuated with the 6-foot-2, 203-pound receiver

to Pittsburgh even though many draft boards had him going in the second round.

Simpson exuded confidence when he walked the red carpet

“Absolutely, I am confident,” Simpson said. “That’s why I decided to come out. You know with the offensive infrastructure we had in Alabama with other coaches and the offensive system, the weight room, everything was set up to better you for the NFL. And that’s why I stayed at ’Bama.”

Mendoza’s selection was expected for months The intrigue began at No. 2 with the New York Jets, who selected Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey over Ohio State edge Arvell Reese.

“It’s surreal to me,” Bailey said.

“It’s an awesome opportunity I just want to get in there and be a sponge and soak up everything.”

Arizona took Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love with the third pick. Love is the highest running back selected since Saquon Barkley went No. 2 to the New York Giants in 2018.

Ohio State wide receiver Carnell

Tate was picked fourth by Tennessee in a surprise move that gives QB Cam Ward — last year’s No. 1 overall pick a top target.

The Giants took Reese at No. 5 adding a potential elite rusher less than a week after trading threetime Pro Bowl defensive tackle

Dexter Lawrence to Cincinnati.

The Chiefs traded up to No. 6 to take LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane. Kansas City sent Cleveland the ninth pick along with Nos. 74 and 148 to move up.

OhioStatelinebackerSonnyStyles wentseventhtoWashington,improving a defense that allowed the most yards in the league last season.

New Orleans selected Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson at No. 8, giving QB Tyler Shough a 1-2 punch with Chris Olave.

Utah’s Spencer Fano was the first offensive lineman chosen, going to Cleveland with the ninth pick.

The Giants followed up with an-

other offensive tackle, taking Miami’s Francis Mauigoa at No. 10.

The Cowboys moved up one spot to select versatile Ohio State safety Caleb Downs at No 11. Dallas sent Miami a pair of fifth-rounders and the 12th pick. The Dolphins took Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor Baltimore chose Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane at No. 14 with a pick they had traded to the Raiders for Maxx Crosby but regained when they voided the trade.

Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr was selected by Tampa Bay with the 15th pick, giving the Buccaneers’ dismal pass rush a possible game-changer who was considered a top-10 talent.

Mendoza won’t be rushed into the starting lineup by the Raiders, who haven’t won a playoff game in 24 years. He’ll get a chance to learn from four-time Pro Bowl QB Kirk Cousins and Raiders partowner Tom Brady, the seven-time Super Bowl champion who Mendoza grew up idolizing.

Mendoza is the fourth straight quarterback selected No. 1 overall following Cam Ward, Caleb Williams and Bryce Young. It’s the 10th time in 12 years a QB was the first pick.

None of those 10 have won a Super Bowl though Jared Goff and Joe Burrow each started one.

In 2024, six QBs were among the top 12 picks. Four have already won playoff games and Drake Maye was 2025 MVP runner-up and started the Super Bowl.

Goodell kicked off the night by walking on stage with Steelers stars T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward, earning the customary boos that greet him each year at the draft.

The players waved yellow Terrible Towels while Goodell held his.

“C’mon, you can do better than that,” Goodell said about the boos.

“We have over 300,000 people. Let’s go. Let’s hear you.”

Heyward then introduced franchise greats Lynn Swann, Hines Ward and Terry Bradshaw as a sea of Steelers fans roared.

Tyson’s hamstring injury lingered into the pre-draft process, with Tyson not working out for NFL teams until last week.

Still, the Saints were comfortable enough with the wideout’s medical history to make the selection. They attended his private workout, hosted him for a top 30 visit and met with Tyson at the NFL scouting combine.

Draft suits show flair, gamut of colors

The Associated Press PITTSBURGH Preparing for any big show means dressing up and bringing style.

The red carpet for the NFL draft under the bright sunshine of Pittsburgh means sunglasses are a must. So too tailored suits spanning a gamut of color Embroidery featuring names of loved ones. And don’t forget the chance to show off a sponsorship with artwork or photos on the interior lining of jackets. Jewelry in the form of chains, watches or even bling on the teeth also showed up Thursday

OhioStatedefensiveend/linebacker ArvellReese’sjacketfeatureshisdeal with Reese’s on the interior lining Buckeyes teammate Carnell Tate went with the names of his sisters and his late mother, who died in 2023 in a drive-by shooting in Chicago, on the inside of each lapel of his jacket. The wide receiver also switched up his cream-colored outfit with a waist-cut suit jacket or as he put it: “We got a crop top. A little different. Switch it up a little bit.”

Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood went with a blue suit with his family in the same matching shade. Inside his jacket? Photos of family and friends.

Ohio State safety Caleb Downs had company suiting up, and he joined his family wearing jackets lined with photos. Notre Dame running back Jer-

LSU

Continued from page 1C

emotions came out when I seen the Kansas City number come across my phone. Just a blessing.”

Delane only missed one game this past season, sitting out LSU’s win over Western Kentucky with a core muscle injury. It was an ailment he had been playing with since the fourth week of the season.

Delane transferred to LSU after spending three seasons at Virginia Tech. With the Hokies, he had four interceptions and four pass breakups as a junior, allowed only 23 receptions as a sophomore and had six pass breakups as a freshman.

He started four games as a freshman, but was a full-time starter for Virginia Tech as a sophomore and junior He came out of high school as a three-star recruit and the No. 59 cornerback in the nation, according to the 247Sports Composite. He attended Archbishop Spalding High in Maryland.

Delane is the first LSU player selected in the draft, but he isn’t expected to be the last. Fifth-year senior quarterback Garrett Nussmeier and senior safety AJ Haulcy are projected to be picked in the second or third round of the draft. Redshirt junior linebacker Harold Perkins is also expected to be selected. Wide receivers Barion Brown

Ireland tried to get under his skin by telling him something that “wasn’t the truth” to see if the wide receiver would agree with him. During his individual visit, he noticed how “everyone was real” even Saints wide receiver sat in on his meeting with receivers coach Keith Williams.

emiyah Love’s brown suit featuring his own artwork on the left interior of his jacket promoting his sports anime comic book venture titled “ Jeremonstar.”

Love partnered with Sharpie to release a limited-edition comic book hours before the draft titled “Jeremonstar: Draft Day Ashcan” with the story of his football journey Love showed up on the red carpet with one of the characters emblazoned on the inside of his suit jacket

“This is the biggest stage of my life so far so I want to make sure I’m ready for it,” Love said. Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa went even bolder with artwork across the back of the jacket covering his massive back to honor his American Samoan culture. He said Samoan culture built him and the least he could do was to give back to his community by representing them on this stage.

“This is the ulafala, and it represents the high chief or the high monarch,” Mauigoa said.

“And it’s part of our culture and obviously my dad is a chief. So in the back it’s a little painting that kind of oversees the whole idea of the American Samoan community.” Fernando Mendoza, the quarterback who led Indiana to a national championship, wasn’t at the draft. Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson is attending, and he went with a classic suit with white shirt.

(senior), Aaron Anderson (redshirt junior), Zavion Thomas (senior) and Chris Hilton (fifthyear senior) were all invited to the NFL combine and could hear their names before the end of the weekend. The same goes for senior edge rusher Jack Pyburn, fifth-year senior tight end Bauer Sharp and fifth-year senior edge rusher Patrick Payton.

The Tigers had 11 players invited to the combine, tied with Ohio State for the third most in the nation. Texas A&M had the most invitees with 13, while Alabama was second with 12.

Delane was the leader of a young LSU cornerbacks room that leaned on him, freshman DJ Pickett and sophomore PJ Woodland in 2025. Although the Tigers struggled, finishing the season with a 7-6 record, their secondary was arguably the team’s strength. Without Delane, LSU will lean on Woodland and Pickett to lead the cornerbacks in 2026. The projected third cornerback is redshirt junior Ja’Keem Jackson, who saw limited action last season after transferring to LSU from Florida.

Delane’s brother, Faheem, also joined the Tigers this winter after spending his freshman year at Ohio State. The safety and sophomore is expected to compete for playing time this fall.

Email Koki Riley at koki.riley@ theadvocate.com. For more LSU sports updates, sign up for our newsletter at theadvocate.

Wednesday at his pre-draft press conference when the executive declared the team was not “one player away” from Super Bowl contention.

He left with the impression that the Saints could very well be one of the teams that drafted him. Tyson said he thought his draft range started with the New York Giants at No. 5 and could last possibly until the 11th pick, initially held by the Miami Dolphins.

At his best, Tyson can line up at a variety of spots and his quickness allows him to break open with crafty route running the latter of which Tyson said developed as the result of being 5-foot-4 as a sophomore in high school. Tyson’s hands are also one of the best aspects of his game. In 2024, when Tyson played a career-high 12 games, the Arizona State product hauled in 75 catches for 1,101 yards. But the pick could come with risk. At Arizona State, the 21-yearold dealt with a variety of injuries

Tyson, for his part, said he’s committed to doing the work to stay as healthy as possible. From doing everything he can in the weight room to working with a private chef, Tyson said he’s going to have his “regimen down to a T” in the NFL. He said he also thinks he identified what led to his hamstring injury

“My hips were super tight — I was so strong in the hips that I would just overcompensate for the tightness,” he said. “So I’ve been getting my hips real loose. My glutes weren’t activating, so we’re working on like the whole (body) because it’s all connected I got a good team behind me.”

To pass the time, Tyson watched Game 3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors with a keen interest — Jordyn’s brother, Jaylon, is a small forward for the Cavaliers.

that

Along the way, Tyson could tell there was interest from the Saints He recalled how, at the combine, for instance Saints assistant general manager Jeff

The Saints, too, had to wait and see what happened in front of them. Before New Orleans made its selection, rumors swirled that the Saints would be interested in trading up as high as No 3 — potentially to grab a pass rusher such as Ohio State’s Arvell Reese. But the Saints ultimately stayed put, which backed up what general manager Mickey Loomis said

Still, there were plenty of draft surprises. The Arizona Cardinals did not trade the third pick, preferring to take Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. While Arizona’s interest in Love was rumored in the days before the draft, the Tennessee Titans’ selection at No. 4 — Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate was not. Then, with Reese sliding, the Giants jumped at the chance to grab the Ohio State rusher, even with a loaded defensive line. The Kansas City Chiefs then jumped up to acquire the sixth pick from the Cleveland Browns so they could take LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane, while the Commanders drafted Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles at No. 7. The Saints, though, were more than happy to land Tyson. He joins a wide receiver room headlined by Olave, Devaughn Vele and Ja’Lynn Polk.

Email Matthew Paras at matt. paras@theadvocate.com

ZURICH CLASSIC

FROM THEGALLERY:WEATHER,TICKETS,TV, PARKINGINFORMATION FORTOURNAMENT

WEATHERPOWER PAIRING TOURNAMENT FORMAT TICKETS/PARKING TV/STREAMING

Friday in Avondale: Moderately neat-o …Partly cloudy with slight chance of afternoon thunderstorms.Winds south 8-14 mph. High 83.

WorldNo. 3MattFitzpatrickand his brotherAlexbothhit their second shots in the water on thepar-5 18th, making bogeys to finish at 8-under par 64.Their playing partners,former Zurich champion Shane Lowryand fivetime majorwinner BrooksKoepka, teamed fora 66.

Two-man teamsplaythe following format:

Thursday: Four-ball (best ball) Friday: Foursomes(alternate shot) Saturday: Four-ball(best ball) Sunday: Foursomes(alternate shot)

Daily tournament tickets are $45 each.Activemilitary are admitted free, as are children under 15 with apayingadult at the Lapalco Boulevard gate only.Public parking is at NOLA Motorsports Park, 11075 Nicolle Boulevard,with an entrance near the third green.

ESPN+ is streamingits first-round coveragestarting at 7:45 a.m

Friday. Golf Channel beginsits coverageat2 p.m.

Blades Brownhas thegametobackupname

Minutes afterfinishing his opening round at the Zurich Classic, BladesBrown was asked to sign asoccer ball for an eager 10-year-old boy,who’d been waiting patiently in the gallery outside the scorer’stent. Brown happily obliged, much to the delightofhis freckle-faced fan “I love it,” Brown said.“That usedtobeme—literally,like about 8years ago.” Brown wasn’texaggerating. Of all the precocious,young players at the Zurich Classic this week, none is younger or more precocious than Brown. The 18-year-old phenom from Nashville, Tennessee, doesn’t just have one of the best names at the tournament —healso hasone of the best games. He andteammate Luke Clanton form oneof the most compelling teamsinthe 148-man field, largely because of Brown’ssurging reputation. Brown andClanton carded an opening-round scoreof6-under 66 in best-ballplay on Thursday They’re eight strokes behind leaders Alex Smalley and Hayden Springer as the field heads into alternate shot play on Friday “For best ball, it’snot necessarily the best, but Luke andI love alt-shot (play),and thisgolf course has alot of birdiesinit, Brown said. “The reason whywe teamed up is because we knew we could make alot of birdies.” Brown andClayton played with the veteran duo of Aaron Rai and Sahith Theegala, one group behind the fab foursome of Brooks Koepka, Shane Lowry and the Fitzpatrick brothers (Alex and Matt),which attracted thelargest gallery of the day.Bycomparison, Brown and Clanton played in

relative anonymity. Amongtheir gallery was hisfather,Parke, a Nashville businessman. Throughout hisbogey-free, three-birdie round, Brown flashed thetalentthat has earned him areputation as one of thebest young talents in thesport.Onthe 561-yard,par-5 No. 7, he drove the green in two shotsand two-putted for birdie. On the372-yard par-4 No. 8, hestuck his approach shot from 128 yards outwithin 10 feet to set up abirdie.

“He is very professional in what hedoes,” said Clanton, 22. “I mean, when Iwas 18, Iwas playing videogames ‘til 12 a.m. at

night,sotosee him out here and what he’sdoing, working around thegolf course, is pretty impressive. It’sawesome. I’m happy to be on his team.”

Brown is exactly the kind of ascending talent Zurich officials targeted when they looked to fill out thefield this year.With many of theTour’sestablished stars electing to skip the event this year because of scheduling issues, tournamentofficials targeted future stars like Brown to boost the field’sQ Rating.

Blades landed on the national golf scene two years ago, when, at the age of 16, he became

Saints kicker Smythgains anew faninLowry during Zurich Classic

BYJEFF DUNCAN Staff writer

TheNew OrleansSaintshavea new fan in Shane Lowry.

The PGA Tour star saidWednesdayheisconsidering switchinghis allegiance from the Chicago Bears to the Saints because of fellow Irishman Charlie Smyth’sheroics as the New Orleans kicker

“His story is incredible,” said Lowry after meeting Smyth during the Pro-Am Tournament at the Zurich Classic Wednesday at the TPC of LouisianainAvondale.

“It’snice to see Irish peopledoing well, especially over here in America.” Smyth was one of the beststories in the NFL last season. He had no experience in American football before signing with the Saints in 2024 through the International Player Pathway program. He earned aspot on the practice squad as arookie, then took over thestarting place-kicker job in Week 12 last season. He appeared in the final six games and made 12 of 16 fieldgoals, includinga 57-yarder

“I’ve been following what he’s been doing,” Lowry said. “A lot of Irish people were. It createdbig news back home.” Lowry is from Clara, County Offaly,inthe Republic of Ireland, about 100 miles southwestof Smyth’shometown of Mayobridge, County Down in Northern Ireland. Lowry andSmithshare strong roots in Gaelic games. Lowry’s father was an All-Ireland winning Gaelic footballer for Offaly,and Smyth was astandout goalkeeper for Down before joining theNFL

“(Smyth) kicked his first football, American football, only in

the

rst

Shane Lowrytees

Classic on ThursdayatTPC Louisiana

2023, and now he’skickingfor the Saints,” saidLowry,who is ranked 35th in thelatest World Golf Rankings. “It’sapretty quick rise to that level of that sport. Idon’tthink people at home even realize how bigitis. It’spretty cool. Obviously, I’ll be watching him fromhere on in.” Lowry and Smyth hadnot met

before thetournament. Smyth followed Lowry and his playing partner, BrooksKoepka, for several holes on Wednesday,and the Irishmen chatted between shots. Lowry saidthe two were scheduled to have lunch after hispostround interviews.

“I think we’llstayintouch after this,”Lowry said.

theyoungest medalist in U.S. Amateurhistory,breaking Bobby Jones’ 103-year-old record.

At theAmerican Express Championship in January,he came within inches of becoming just the16thgolfer in PGATour history toshoot a59, but he just missed his6-foot birdie putt on No. 18 and settled forasecondround score of 60.

“I mean, 18 years old, playing on the PGA Tour,traveling theworld, pretty amazing,” said Steve Worthy,the CEO of the Fore!KidsFoundation, which operates thetournament forthe PGA Tour.“He’savery mature

ZURICH

Continued from page1C

gettable best-ball format, Smalley got theteam offtoarapid start with a161/2 birdie putt on the par-4 first hole, an eagle from 19 feet on thepar-5 second anda birdie from 61/2 feet on thepar-3 third.

Springer helped them thunder to thefinish, makingbirdies on the final four holestoallowtheir team to tie the course and tournament record setbyIsaiahSalinda and Kevin Velo in last year’sfirst round.

“I’ve known Alex forquite a while now,”Springersaid. “He’s an unbelievable player. To be able to team up with him is great.”

Thompson and Eckroat were idling along at 2under through their first sixholes before they arrivedattheir round’slaunch pad, the par-5seventh. Thompson made birdie,but Eckroat eagled from 171/2 feet to get them to 4under

Thepair proceeded to birdie the next eight holes, four by each of them.Theyaddedanotherbirdieon the difficult par-3 17th to break 60.

“I felt like we kind of eased our way into theround,”Thompson said. “Made afew birdies early, then seven through the rest of the way we just rode themomentum and made abunch of birdies. Just rode the wave and had alot of fun.”

Almost every player in the field could say something to thateffect Seventy-three of the 74 two-man teamsbrokepar.Twenty-three eagleswererecorded, including the ones by Smalley/Springer andThompson/Eckroat, and the entire field averaged shooting nearly8-under par (64.160). It’stournament golf, so there were frustrations. Thebrother team of world No. 3Matthew Fitzpatrick, who won last week at theRBC Heritage, and Alex Fitzpatrick were at 9underwith achance to get to double digits underpar at the par-5 18th. But bothhit their second shots into

young man and has played exceptionally well. To shoot 60 at the AmEx (American Express Championship) and end up in the final group with Scottie Scheffler? That’salittle different.”

With anamelike Blades, you’d think he was destined for the sport. The real story,though, is rooted in serendipity.Blades is his mother’smaiden name. His mother,Rhonda (Blades) Brown was astandout basketball player,who led Vanderbilt to its only Final Four in 1993 and became the first pick in the 1998 WNBA expansion draft. Now a coach, she has led Brentwood Academy in suburban Nashville, Tennessee, to five state titles in 23 seasons.

With such astrong athletic pedigree, the younger Brown took to golf at ayoung age and developed into aprodigy in Tennessee. He wonthe Tennessee State Junior Championship by 12 shots and took homethree state titles at Brentwood Academy.

He turned pro last year and is on track to earn his PGATour playing card by next season. He is playing in the Zurich on asponsor exemption, one of five in the tournament.

“It’sbeen great,” Blades said of the spectacular start to his professional career.“If you would have told me at the start of the year,I’d get to play in afinal group with Scottie Scheffler and Si WooKim at the American Express, I’dhave said ‘Heck, yeah.’ I’mjust so focused on getting better and improving every single day,and because of that, if that’s what Icontinue to chase after, everything else will kind of fall into place.”

No one whohas seen him play doubts he will get there. With a namelike Blades, it seemsdestined to happen.

the alligator-infested lake running the length of the hole’sright side and madebogey to shoot 64.

“Really disappointing way to end with two balls in perfect position,” MattFitzpatrick said,referring to their tee shots. “It’snot good enough, really.”

Their playing partners, 2024 Zurich Classic winner Shane Lowry and five-timemajor champion Brooks Koepka, started well with birdies on fiveoftheir first seven holes. But they only made one morebirdie after that on the par-4 10th and camehomein66, good only foratie for50th place.

The field will be cut to the low 33 teams andtiesafter Friday’s secondround,which willbe played in the moredifficult alternate shot format.

The Fitzpatricks, who have alot of experience at alternate shot, being from England, hoped that would give them something of an edge on the field.

“I definitely feel like that helps,” Matt Fitzpatrick said.

Theshot of the daycame early in the round from Michael Brennan, anative of Leesburg, Virginia, and no relation to the famous New Orleans restaurant-owning Brennan family

He hithis secondshottothe right of the 18thgreen (their ninth hole of the day) at the edge of thelake, but withteammate Johnny Keefer just short of the green in two, Brennan decided to try to blast out. He strippedoff his shirt and sent water,debris andmud flying before picking up his ball. Keefer made paren route to a61that had them tied forsixth with alargegroupthat included TomHoge and two-time Zurich champion Billy Horschel. Brennan said he didn’tthink he’d ever gone “viral”for anything.

“He’sabout to,” Keefer said.

“I was(taking apenalty drop) if I wasjustplayinginanormaltournament,”Brennan said.“ButJohnny had abirdie putt so Iwas like,well, Iguess Ican try it. It was fun.”

LOOKING UP

KiteFest Louisiane will take flight starting at 11 a.m. Saturdayatthe West Baton RougeSoccer Complex in Port Allen. On theschedule are kite design competitions, children’skite-making workshops, professional kite-flying teams,food, music and more. Free. westbatonrouge.net.

BRIDGERTON BASH

your presence is requested for thisafternoon of fresh florals, scrumptious cocktails, little bites,music and dancingfrom 2p.m. to 5p.m. Sunday at the ShawCenter for the Arts.Bridgerton-inspired garden partyattire is encouraged,but costumes are welcome. $85. eventbrite.com.

MAKE ADIFFERENCE

Band in the mirror

As ‘Michael’movie hits theaters, Southern’s Human Jukebox receives earlyscreening

BY JUDYBERGERON Staff writer

Though “Michael”doesn’t open in U.S. theaters until Friday, members of Southern University’s Human Jukebox and university officials got to check outthe MichaelJackson biopic alittle early

The April 8red carpet event at AMC Mall of La. 15 in Baton Rouge brought outstudents and families decked out in all things Michael Jackson —from sparklyblack blazerstopristine white gloves to those signature dark shades.Theypausedfor photos before grabbing aseat in oneoftwo theaters reserved for the 7p.m. screening. The special treatment for the Southern contingentwas film studioLionsgate’sway of thanking the band. The Human Jukebox collaborated with other HBCU bands on apromotional video for “Michael,” with each school offering its take on the 1979 Jackson hit “Don’tStop ’Til YouGet Enough.”

Twomembers of Southern University’sHuman Jukebox showtheirbest Michael Jackson style for their early screening of ‘Michael.’

Prior to the movie’sstart, actor Kendrick Sampson, who portrays QuincyJones in the film, talked briefly to the audience.

“The way that y’all embody the culture and honor the culture, especially when we’re thinking about music and marching bands,” Sampson began.“Those goose bumps that you feel on theback of your neck or on your arms whenyou see (Jackson) dancing and moving his body and singing, it’s the same goose bumps that people feelwhen they hear the marching band.” Houston native Sampson, 38, is known for his roles in “Insecure,”“How to Get Away with Murder,” “The Vampire Diaries”and PrimeVideo’s “Something from Tiffany’s.” Afterward, he fielded questions from the media.

LYRICAL LEGEND

BOBDYLAN

8p.m.Monday l River Center Theatre, 240 St. Louis St., Baton Rouge l $189$695+ (fewtickets remain) l raisingcanesrivercenter.comand bobdylan.com

8p.m.Tuesday l Shreveport Municipal Memorial Auditorium,705 Elvis Presley Blvd. l $68-$224+ l shreveportmunicipalauditorium comand bobdylan.com

BBY JOHNWIRT| Contributing writer

ob Dylanstays newsworthy

In the past few weeksand months, he’sbeen the subject of dozens of stories, items and reviews. The Times(of London), New York Times, Chicago Tribune and many other newspapers, NPR, themagazines American Songwriter,Rolling Stone, Guitar Player and FarOut and websites Salon, Artnet News and Jambands are amongthe media outlets covering Dylan from a variety of angles

ä See BOBDYLAN, page 2D

In a relatively short period of time, you’ve portrayed Quincy Jones and Malcolm X (in the upcoming “Killing Castro”).Do you have to pinch yourself sometimes? And what do you think of this success that you’re having? It’s not the typical Hollywood success. A lot of it came through, both of those came through personal connections that advocated for me. And also, Malcolm X and Quincy Jones also have super personal connections So it was like a dream come true. I booked both of these during the actors’ strike So I didn’t know if they were actually gonna happen, you know? I got to connect with (Malcolm X’s) daughter right before playing Malcolm

Most people thought I was obsessed with Quincy because of all of his pop culture things. I was obsessed with Quincy because of the jazz, and connection to jazz. I got to twice, and this is me thinking God was looking out for me twice at parties Quincy sat me down, didn’t know me from anybody else, sat me down for five hours and just told me his stories. So that was my prep for this.

After your time spent with Quincy Jones and your other research for the role, how big of a part do you think

BOB DYLAN

Continued from page 1D

This recent coverage includes reviews of two new books about the enigmatic singer-songwriter who turns 85 on May 24: Robert Polito’s “After the Flood: Inside Bob Dylan’s Memory Palace” and JimWindolf’s“WheretheMusicHadtoGo:HowBobDylan andtheBeatlesChangedEach Other — and the World.”

Polito’s “After the Flood” makes the case that the past 30 years of Dylan’s career have been as significant to his catalog as the 1960s and ’70s Those earlier decades saw him writing and recording “Blowin’ in the Wind,” “Masters of War,” “The Times They Are A-Changing,” Mr Tambourine Man,” “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” and more future classics.

Polito’s book highlights such later Dylan albums as 1997’s “Time Out of Mind,” 2001’s “Love and Theft” and his masterful 2020 opus, “Rough and Rowdy Ways.” The book also cites the considerable touring Dylan has done since 1988, aka the “Never Ending Tour.”

Dylan’s wandering bootheels bring him to Baton Rouge for a Monday concert at the River Center Theatre for Performing Arts and Tuesday to the historic Shreveport Municipal Memorial Auditorium. The Baton Rouge show is nearly sold out. The other new Dylan book, Windolf’s “Where the Music Had to Go,” chronicles Dylan’s relationship with his 1960s peers, the Beatles. Friendly rivals, they influenced and inspired each other Initially dismissive, Paul McCartney found himself enraptured by Dylan’s first two albums during the Bea-

identity at that time. So that was really powerful.

What was the most surprising thing you learned about Jackson from all this?

They used new technologies for the songs. People didn’t realize that a lot of the synth and things that they were using back then were brand-new technologies. It was like not even close to the comparison of using AI.

But it was like using that different of a technology at the time, even producing short films like “Thriller” for a music video and having a premiere for it was innovative at the time.

Jones had in Michael’s success as a solo artist?

Huge huge. Finding his independence and finding his journey was the same time Quincy was transitioning and finding his journey He was going into a new genre with Michael. I believe there was even like, you know, between Berry (Gordy Motown Records founder) and Quincy some competition. And Berry was like, “Quincy can’t do pop.” You know and Quincy wanted to prove himself every time he transitioned genres. So they were finding each other, they were helping each other whether they knew it or not. Helping each other find their own power and their own individual journey, and

tles’ extended engagement in Paris in January 1964, just weeks before Beatlemania struck the United States.

“For the rest of our three weeks in Paris we didn’t stop playing them,” John Lennon said of those Dylan records.

In his 2021 book, “The Lyrics,” McCartney reveals the impact Dylan made on the Lennon-McCartney songwriting team: “In the earliest days we were writing like Buddy Holly Then we were writing like Motown. Then we were writing like Bob Dylan.”

Dylan later grew especially close to George Harrison, who recorded the Dylan song “If Not for You” for his 1970 solo album debut Nearly 20 years later, ex-Beatle Harrison joined Dylan in the supergroup Traveling Wilburys And 22 years after Lennon’s death in 1980, Dylan released a tribute to him, “Roll on John.”

Dylan’s 2026 performances in Louisiana are part of his yearslong “Rough and Rowdy Ways” worldwide tour Many of the shows on its latest leg are in smaller venues in places like Saginaw, Michigan; La Crosse, Wisconsin; Muncie, Indiana; and Waukegan, Illinois.

In a review of Dylan’s March 30 performance in Waukegan, Chicago Tribune writer Christopher Borrelli describes the evening’s inscrutable main attraction as “a Flying Wallenda, pulling arrangements out of shape, not looking down to see just how precarious all of this sounds, as his excellent fourpiece band turns toward him, carefully watching his footing. It’s also just a weirdly cozy image for a famously caustic legend.” The Waukegan show’s set list included Dylan’s take on songs by some of his rock ’n’ roll heroes (Bo Diddley’s

The same thing with “The Wiz.” I don’t think we realized how innovative they were, and more than anything, that was what I learned was how integral Quincy was in helping Michael find his own identity in his art

We saw on YouTube that one of your favorite foods is a po-boy. Will you be getting one while you’re here?

Oh my God, a po-boy! I just went and tortured myself with all this boudin last night. I can’t stop eating when I come down here. It’s my favorite. It is my favorite place to eat in Louisiana. Like I’d be trying to say Houston is my favorite city because that’s where I’m from but technically it’s New Orleans or anywhere I could get some really great Creole food.

“I Can Tell” and Eddie Cochran’s “Nervous Breakdown”); his recasting of his own classics; and “Rough and Rowdy Ways” songs. Initially seen as a folk singer Dylan was canonized by the early ’60s folk music scene. Those early years are depicted in the eighttime Oscar-nominated 2024 Dylan biopic, “A Complete Unknown.” The film follows him from his 1961 arrival in New York City to the electric performance at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival that enraged folk music purists. In 2016, Dylan became the first musician to win the Nobel Prize for Literature. He chose not to accept his prize in person. The U.S. ambassador to Sweden, Azita Raji, read his acceptance speech at the gala Nobel Banquet in Stockholm City Hall. An excerpt is below:

“When I started writing songs as a teenager, and even as I started to achieve some renown for my abilities, my aspirations for these songs only went so far I thought they could be heard in coffee houses or bars, maybe later in places like Carnegie Hall, the London Palladium. If I was really dreaming big, maybe I could imagine getting to make a record and then hearing my songs on the radio. That was really the big prize in my mind. Well, I’ve been doing what I set out to do for a long time, now I’ve made dozens of records and played thousands of concerts all around the world. But it’s my songs that are at the vital center of almost everything I do. They seemed to have found a place in the lives of many people throughout many different cultures. I’m grateful for that.”

Email John Wirt at j_wirt@ msn.com.

By The Associated Press

Today is Friday, April 24, the 114th day of 2026. There are 251 days left in the year

Today in history:

On April 24, 1916, Irish republicans launched the Easter Rising, a rebellion against British rule in Ireland Though the rebels surrendered to British forces six days later, the uprising set the stage for republican victories in the Irish general election of 1918 and the establishment of the Irish Free State via the AngloIrish Treaty in 1922.

Also on this date:

In 1960, rioting erupted in Biloxi, Mississippi, after Black protesters staging a “wade-in” at a Whites-only beach were attacked by a crowd of White people.

In 1980, the United States launched Operation Eagle Claw, an unsuccessful attempt to free 53 American

hostages in Iran that resulted in the deaths of eight U.S. service members.

In 1995, the final bomb linked to the Unabomber exploded inside the Sacramento, California, offices of the California Forestry Association, killing chief lobbyist Gilbert B. Murray (Theodore Kaczynski was later sentenced to four consecutive life terms in prison for a series of bombings that killed three people and injured 23 others; he died by suicide in 2023.)

In 2013, in Bangladesh, a shoddily constructed eightstory commercial building housing garment factories collapsed, killing more than 1,100 people. In 2018, former police officer Joseph DeAngelo was arrested at his home near Sacramento after DNA linked him to crimes attributed to the Golden State Killer; authorities believed he committed 13

FRIDAY UNIVERSITY LABORATORY SCHOOL GOLDEN GALA: 6:30 p.m.-11 p.m., LSU’s Tiger Stadium (South Stadium Club). Cocktails, photo ops, carnival-style games and auction. Cocktail attire recommended. $200. e.givesmart.com.

“UNSCRIPTED” WITH JUST IN THE FEMUR IMPROV TROUPE:

7 p.m., Cary Saurage Community Arts Center, 233 St. Ferdinand St. A night of live improv comedy. $15. Beverages available for purchase 225theatrecollective.com.

FRIDAY-SATURDAY

“DRIVING MISS DAISY”: 7 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday, Luke 10:27, 536 NE Centerville St. Denham Springs. A Spotlight Theater Players production. $25. onthestage. tickets. EVENING SKY VIEWING:

8:30 p.m.-10 p.m., BREC Highland Road Park Observatory, 13800 Highland Road. See the majesty of the night sky in these public viewings for those 6 and up. hrpo.lsu.edu/ events.

GREAT ROVER ROAD RUN:

8 a.m., levee near LSU Vet Med (corner of Skip Bertman Drive and River Road). 5K and 1-mile fun run/walk (9:30 a.m.) that promotes health and wellness for people and their four-legged friends while raising money for the LSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital’s Good Samaritan Fund. $25. https://lsu. edu/vetmed/events/grrr.php RED STICK FARMERS MARKET: 8 a.m.-noon, Fifth and Main streets, downtown. Farmfresh produce and goods. breada.org.

SPRING FESTIVAL: 9 a.m.-

4:30 p.m., Antique Village, downtown Denham Springs. Hundreds of vendors, games, kiddie rides, food booths, antique shopping, art exhibits, Old City Hall exhibits and music at the Old Train Station denhamspringsantiquedistrict.net.

WILD DAY: 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Perkins Rowe, Bluebonnet Boulevard at Perkins Road. Zoo animals up close, music, crafts, games and family fun perkinsrowe.com.

STUDIO SATURDAY: 10 a.m.noon, Louisiana Art & Science Museum, 100 S River Road. Painting class with artist Mike Weary, along with

guided tour of his current exhibition, “Rise of the House of Weary.” $35, LASM members; $45, non-members. lasm.org.

FAMILY-HOUR STARGAZING: 10 a.m., Irene W. Pennington Planetarium at the Louisiana Art & Science Museum, 100 S. River Road. Learn about the stars and constellations in the local nighttime sky, followed by an all-ages show. lasm.org.

GREATER BATON ROUGE

MODEL RAILROADERS: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Republic of West Florida Historical Museum, 3406 College St., Jackson Electric trains of all sizes will be running on five different layouts. Free admission and parking.

ART BREAK: 1 p.m.-3 p.m., LSU Museum of Art, 100 Lafayette St. Relaxed, drop-in program with hands-on activities inspired by works on view. Designed for teens and adults; no art experience needed Access included with general admission. lsumoa.org.

INTERNATIONAL ASTRONOMY DAY: 3 p.m.-11 p.m., Highland Road Park Observatory 13800 Highland Road. Explore amateur radio, gems and minerals, Earth science, STEM and more. Free. brec.org.

25TH CALEDONIAN SOCIETY OF BATON ROUGE TARTAN BALL: 6 p.m., Woman’s Club, 259 TJ Jemison Blvd. Black tie/ formal gown or Scots/Celtic attire. Dance music by Na Na Sha; Food by the Culinary Institute of LA. BYOB; soft drinks provided. $80. (225) 953- 0260

DOLLY BAR CRAWL: 7 p.m.midnight (check-in, 6:30 p.m.7 p.m.), Somewhere Neighborhood Bar, 214 N. Third St. Dress like Dolly Parton and hit downtown. After photos and welcome drinks, move on to Danny’s Dive Bar, O’Hara’s and Squeaky Pete’s for complimentary shots before finishing the night back at Somewhere for music. $28.52. eventbrite.com.

THE STARFALL CELEBRATION: 7 p.m.-11 p.m. (VIP early entry, 6 p.m.), The Lyceum, 124 Third St. Southern experience blending the magic of a Mardi Gras ball with the wonder of a Renaissance Fair and the creativity of cosplay. Featuring performers, food and interactive local vendors. General admission, $165.75; VIP, $303.88; and VIP table, $1,653.75. https:// www.eventeny.com/events/ ticket/?id=25433. FAMILY DINNER IMPROV

www.lsu.edu/hilltop.

WEEKLY SOCIAL BIKE RIDE: 7 p.m., Geaux Ride, 521 N. Third St., Suite A. Free. fareharbor.com. KARAOKE, TRIVIA, BINGO AND MORE: 8 p.m.-11 p.m., Brickyard South Bar + Patio, 174 South Blvd. Presented by BarFly Entertainment. Free to play. https://www.facebook. com/brickyardsouth.

ONGOING

ART GUILD OF LOUISIANA: Independence Park Theatre, 7800 Independence Blvd. Chris Long three-day workshop on “Infusing Energy, Color and Drama into Your Paintings,” 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Thursday, April 30; and Friday-Saturday, May 1-2, Studio in the Park, 2490 Silverest Ave (225) 773-8020 or artguildlouisiana.org.

TUESDAY

COMEDY TROUPE: 7:30 p.m., Hartley/Vey Studio Theatre, Manship Theatre, 235 North Blvd. An evening of improvisational antics, unscripted hilarity and surprises. $14. manshiptheatre.org

SATURDAY-SUNDAY

HOT WHEELS MONSTER TRUCKS LIVE GLOW-N-FIRE: 12:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Raising Cane’s River Center Arena, 275 S. River Road. Hot Wheels monster trucks, including Mega Wrex, Tiger Shark, HW 5-Alarm, Bone Shaker, Bigfoot, and Skelesaurus, alongside FMX riders performing stunts, a fire-breathing, car-crushing robot dinosaur and new truck Rhinomite. $25-$113+. ticketmaster.com.

SUNDAY FLAVORS OF LOUISIANA:

10 a.m.-4 p.m. Capitol Park Museum, 660 N. Fourth St. New culinary and cultural event celebrating food, music and community, with an “Anything Over Rice” cookoff, tastings, live music and a Louisiana vendor marketplace. Proceeds support the Friends of the Capitol Park Museum. $5, museum members; $10, general admission. www.capitolparkfriends.org/ fola.

“LOUISIANA CRAWFISH: A SUCCULENT HISTORY OF THE CAJUN CRUSTACEAN”: 3 p.m., Main Library at Goodwood, 7711 Goodwood Blvd. With author Sam Erwin. Also includes book sale and signing. Free. ebrpl.com.

RED STICK FARMERS MARKET:

3 p.m.-6 p.m., Main Library at Goodwood, 7711 Goodwood Blvd. Farm-fresh produce, goods, cooking demonstrations. breada.org.

BATON ROUGE CHESS CLUB: 6 p.m.-8 p.m., La Divina Italian Cafe, 3535 Perkins Road, Unit 360. A chance to play and learn; all levels welcome. Free.

WEDNESDAY

RED STICK FARMERS MAR-

KET: 9 a.m.-noon, ExxonMobil YMCA, 7711 Howell Blvd. Farm-fresh produce, goods and more. www.facebook. com/redstickfarmersmarket.

THURSDAY

RED STICK FARMERS MARKET: 8 a.m.-noon, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, 6400 Perkins Road. Farm-fresh produce, goods and more. facebook.com/redstickfarmersmarket.

“BATON ROUGE: THE ROAD TO STATEHOOD”: 5:30 p.m., Old Governor’s Mansion, 502 North Blvd. Mark Louisiana Statehood Day with a presentation exploring the fascinating history of the capital city Talk led by Tasha Whitton, professor of English and humanities at Baton Rouge Community College. Reception to follow. Free.

OUTDOOR COMMUNITY YOGA: 6 p.m.-7 p.m., pavilion by the pond, LSU Hilltop Arboretum, 11855 Highland Road. Drop-in; no registration required; bring your own mat. Free, but donations welcome.

BATON ROUGE GALLERY CENTER FOR CONTEMPORARY ART: 1515 Dalrymple Drive. “Real Life Experience: Juried High School Exhibition,” through Sunday. Hours: noon-6 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. batonrougegallery.org.

CAPITOL PARK MUSEUM: 660 N. Fourth St. “Grounds for Greatness: Louisiana and the Nation,” “The Louisiana Experience: Discovering the Soul of America,” “African American History,” “Music and Musicians” and “Mardi Gras,” permanent exhibits. (225) 342-5428 or louisianastatemuseum.org.

CARY SAURAGE COMMUNITY ARTS CENTER SHELL GALLERY: 233 St. Ferdinand St. “A Refugee’s Origin by K.T.Ho: A Mixed-Media Exhibition Exploring Vietnamese Diaspora, Colonial Legacy, and Survival,” Monday-May 29. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. artsbr.org. THE GALLERY AT MANSHIP: 100 Lafayette St. “Brandon Lewis — When All God’s Children Get Together.” Hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday.

LOUISIANA ART & SCIENCE MUSEUM: 100 S. River Road. “Then, And Now, And Always: The Artwork of Nick Bustamante,” through July 19, SoupCon Gallery; “Pinpointing the Stars,” through Aug. 1; “Crossroads & Connections: A Century of the Railway in Baton Rouge,” through Oct. 1; “Going Places: Transportation

Toys of the Past,” through July 6, and “Shelf Queens: Model Train Masterpieces,” also through July 6. (225) 3445272 or lasm.org. LSU MUSEUM OF ART: Shaw Center for the Arts, 100 Lafayette St. “AI: Artistic Interpretations, Studio Art Quilt Associates,” through May 10. “Daphnis and Chloe and Other Lovers: Lithographs by Marc Chagall,” through May 24. (225) 389-7200 or lsumoa. org.

MANSHIP THEATRE JONES WALKER FOYER: 100 Lafayette St. “Look up: A Philosophy for Birding and Life” by Gail Suberbielle. Free and open during regular Shaw Center building hours unless there is a private event. MAGNOLIA MOUND MUSEUM + HISTORIC SITE: 2161 Nicholson Drive. Guided and selfguided tours. Hours are from 10 a.m.

all-local lineup of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Cyril Neville, The Rumble and NaughtyProfessor On Saturday,hejets over to Georgia for agig with the Atlanta Pops Orchestra.He’s back at the Fair Groundson Sunday to close theBlues Tent with what promises to be amore experimental, less formal show called “Jon Batiste presents Swamp.”

As abit of lagniappe, he appears alongside Benny Jones and the late “Uncle” Lionel Batiste, of the Treme Brass Band, and his buddy Troy “TromboneShorty” Andrews on the official 2026 Jazz Fest poster. Designed by Paul Rogers,thisyear’s poster commemoratesthe 125thanniversary of Louis Armstrong’sbirth.

Beyond Batiste, opening weekend of the 55th Jazz Fest packs the usual overabundance of musical riches. That the vast majorityofthe 600 or so acts are indigenous to Louisiana is what gives JazzFest itsdistinct personality.It’sunlike every other major music festival in the country Famous faces, fest favorites

The very first act on the Shell Gentilly Stage at 11:20 a.m. Thursday was Sally Baby’sSilver Dollars,the local throwback jazz/soul ensemblerecentlyfeatured on NPR’sTiny Deskconcert series.

If you’re more interested in musicians who are already famous, the fest has got you covered as well. Kings of Leon, Raye,Lorde, Nas and the Isley Brothers are all on tap this weekend Stevie Nicks, who drew an enormous crowd at the 2022 Jazz Fest, is backSaturday She’ll followtwo prominent local/nationalacts,The Revivalists and Samantha Fish, on the Festival Stage.

As Nicks weaves her spell, hugely popular bluegrass/ Americana singer Tyler Childers willbeonthe Gentilly Stage. Thus, the first

chael Skinkus, whodied unexpectedly in January, was celebrated Thursday on the Jazz &HeritageStage by hisbandMoyuba. Later Thursday, the late smooth jazz violinist Michael Ward’slegacy was honored by aband featuring his son, Cortes Ward On Saturday, singer Lillian Boutte will be memorialized as her photo is hung in the Economy Hall Tent

And on Sunday,the music of Marcia Ball, whoannounced her retirement last fall after beingdiagnosed with ALS,will play on in the Blues Tent.Her band will be fronted by special guests Jon Cleary, TracyNelson, SueFoley,Terrance Simien

Saturday hasthe potential to be this fest’sbiggest day Rod Stewart returns to theFair Grounds on Sunday Local legend IrmaThomas sings on the main stage right before him. Given his fondness for classicAmerican soul singers, he’lllikely appreciatehis proximity to the Soul Queen of New Orleansasmuch as TheRolling Stonesdid in 2024.

Sunday’sadventurous Gentilly Stage lineup spans local acts People Museum andBoyfriend —who isretiring her stage persona— and visiting iconoclasts St. Vincent andDavid Byrne.

This year’sspotlight country is Jamaica. Nearly 60 slotsonthe festival’s scheduling cubesbear the Jamaican flag, including CongoSquareStage headliners Stephen Marley on Thursday and Sean Paul on Friday.Jamaicansdominate the newly renamed Sandals ResortsJamaica Cultural Exchange Pavilion.

Farewellsand memorials As joyous as Jazz Fest is, there are always poignant moments.

After aseries of mishaps, NewOrleans blues icon Little Freddie King is confined to awheelchair and unable to play guitar.Aveteranof the veryfirst JazzFestwho is now 85, King plans to sing with his band Saturdayin the Blues Tent forwhatmay be hisJazz Fest swan song Popular percussionist Mi-

Carolyn Wonderland, Cindy Cashdollar and Shelley King. Take care of business

What is officiallythe New Orleans Jazz &Heritage Festival presented by Shell is produced by Quint Davis’ FestivalProductions Inc.New Orleansand global live entertainment powerhouse AEG Presents The festivalisowned by the nonprofit New Orleans Jazz &HeritageFoundation, whichhas anew interim CEO and uses proceeds to fund avariety of educational and cultural programs.

To see thesort of cultural expression that the foundation promotes, consult the listofsocial aid and pleasure club parades, Native American pow wows and other activities at the bottom of the scheduling cubes.

Also check Jazz Fest’slist of allowed items, which includes snacks and factorysealed bottles of water

Anyone with acreditcard billed to aLouisiana ZIP codecan buy advanceor gatetickets at adiscount for any day,not just Thursday —which is alreadycheaper than other days.

After thefestival closes at 7p.m., venues across New Orleans light up with live music intothe wee hours. Brace yourself —it’sJazz Fest!

Email KeithSpera at kspera@theadvocate.com.

FRIDAY

NATHAN &THE ZYDECO CHA

CHAS: LiveAfter Five, 5p.m.

PETER SIMON: Agile Brewing, 5:30 p.m.

KENDALL SHAFFER DUO: Las Palmas,Gonzales,6p.m

CAITLYN RENEE: Tallulah

Crafted Food &Wine Bar 6p.m

JOEL NEELY: Le Chien Brewing Co., Denham Springs, 6p.m

EDDIE SMITH: El Paso, Denham Springs, 6p.m

JEFF BAJON PROJECT: Sullivan’s Steakhouse, 6p.m

KEEPIN’ TIME BAND: T’Quilas, Denham Springs, 6p.m

ROCKIN’ ROUGE: T’Quilas, Zachary,6 p.m.

SAMJAM: El Paso, Gonzales 6p.m

RHODES,MAURER &FRIENDS: On The Half Shell, Prairieville, 7p.m

ALLISON COLLINS TRIO: Bin 77, 7p.m

THE DRUNK UNCLES: Coop’s on 621, Gonzales, 8p.m

HENRY TURNER JR. &ALLSTARS: Henry Turner Jr.’s Listening Room, 8p.m

PHANTUMSUN, OK BOOMHAUER, JEAN CLAUDE

SEAGAL,KRIS RUSS: Mid City Ballroom, 8p.m

KENNEDI RAYNE &SAY LESS: Churchill’s, 9p.m

CHRIS LEBLANC BAND: The EdgeBar at L’Auberge, 9p.m.

JOEL COOPER &SCOTT JORDAN: The Vineyard, 9p.m

COVER-6: Fred’sonthe River, Prairieville, 9p.m

KITTY STEADMAN: FatCat Saloon,Prairieville, 9p.m

SATURDAY

JOSH MARTIN: Le Chien Brewing Co Denham Springs, noon

IAN WEBSTER DUO: Sullivan’s Steakhouse, 5:30 p.m.

DON POURCIAU &KONSPIRACY: Pedros, 6p.m

JIMMY DELATTE: T’Quilas, Zachary,6 p.m.

FLORIDA STREET BLOWHARDS: frontyardconcert, 2956 Woodland Ridge, 6p.m.

TONI TERRY: T’Quilas, Denham Springs, 6p.m

CORDON BLUEZ BAND: El Paso, 6p.m

PAPO YSON MANDAO: Pedros, Denham Springs, 6p.m.

DRAMA KINGS: El Paso, Denham Springs, 6p.m

THE REMNANTS: On The Half Shell, Prairieville, 7p.m

CAKE MIXX: Bin77, 7p.m.

ACOUSTIC SATURDAYSW/ HENRYTURNER: Henry TurnerJr.’s Listening Room, 8p.m.

THE DUPONT BROTHERS: The Vineyard,9 p.m

T-BOY&JUST US: Swamp Chicken Daiquiris,St. Amant, 9p.m.

KENDALL SHAFFER: Fred’s on theRiver,Prairieville,9p.m.

BRIAN &THE BANDITS: Fat Cat Saloon, Prairieville, 9p.m.

RENÁ THE DIVA: Churchill’s, 9p.m.

SUNDAY

JOVIN WEBB: On The Half Shell, Prairieville,11a.m.

JUSTIN CORNETT: Fred’s on theRiver,Prairieville,3p.m.

SONGWRITER SUNDAYS: La Divina Italian Cafe,5p.m.

JEFF BAJON PROJECT: Pizza Byronz, 5:30 p.m

QUIANA LYNELL: The Edge Bar at L’Auberge, 6:30 p.m

OPEN MIC JAM: FatCat Saloon, Prairieville, 7p.m.

MISS MPRESENTS LSU JAZZ

ENSEMBLE: MidCityBallroom, 7:30 p.m

MONDAY

RHETT ANTHONY: Superior Grill-MidCity, 6p.m.

BOB DYLAN: River Center Theatrefor Performing Arts, 8p.m.

TUESDAY

JOSH GARRETT: Bin77, 5:30 p.m

CAMPYLE: Superior GrillMidCity, 6p.m.

EDDIE SMITH: On The Half Shell, Prairieville,6:30 p.m

CARL PALMER: Manship Theatre, 7:30 p.m

WEDNESDAY

JEFF BAJON PROJECT: Superior Grill-MidCity, 6p.m.

CHRIS LEBLANC: Tallulah Crafted Food &Wine Bar, 6p.m.

LSU JAZZ JAM: ClassicVinyls, 6p.m.

ERICLEGER: On The Half Shell, Prairieville,6:30 p.m

KIRK HOLDER: Bin 77, 6:30 p.m

SONGWRITERS OPEN MIC W/ HEATHRANSONNET: Coop’s on 621, Gonzales, 7p.m.

TUNES ÀLAMODE TRIO: The Brakes Bar, 7pm.

ANDYPIZZOTRIO: Hayride Scandal,7:30 p.m BR SYMPHONYORCHESTRA:

Louisiana Art &Science Museum, 7:30 p.m

OPEN MIC JAM: O’Hara’s Irish Pub, 8p.m.

THURSDAY DON POURCIAU&KONSPIRACY: La Carreta, Denham Springs,6 p.m

SHANEMADERE: Tallulah Crafted Food &Wine Bar, 6p.m.

CAITLYN RENEE: Thai Kitchen, 6p.m.

KYBALION: El Paso,6 p.m

TOBY TOMPLAY: T’Quilas, Denham Springs,6 p.m

TAuRus (April 20-May 20) Mixed emotions will leave you puzzled. Take a moment to step back, review and revamp your plans. It's important that you have no reservations moving forward.

GEMInI (May 21-June 20) Curb your reactions, focus on what you can do and reach for the stars. Put more time and effort into updating your appeal, and it will feed your ego and boost your confidence.

cAncER (June 21-July 22) Get your facts straight before you act. Be savvy and get things in writing. Know what and who you are up against before you participate in something. Stay calm, be cool and focus on high returns.

LEo (July 23-Aug. 22) Take advantage of any opportunity you get to speak with an expert or learn something new. Show passion in all you do and say, and you'll command attention and reap rewards.

VIRGo (Aug. 23-sept. 22) The path to peace of mind involves dealing with organizations that hold your information and making sure important documents are up to date. Leave nothing undone or to chance

LIBRA (sept. 23-oct. 23) Simple choices will give you the highest return. Engage in events that address your concerns, and you'll gain insight into better choices and meet some interesting people.

scoRPIo (oct. 24-nov. 22) The more you learn, the easier it becomes to reach

what your heart desires. Communication is key to lifestyle changes that promise a healthy and stable future.

sAGITTARIus (nov. 23-Dec. 21) Make changes that are within your means Stick close to home and protect your privacy and possessions. A creative outlet will have a calming effect.

cAPRIcoRn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Take a deep breath and say no to anyone trying to exploit you. Call the shots instead of letting others dictate what's next. Scammers will do their best to outsmart you.

AQuARIus (Jan. 20-Feb 19) A change to your surroundings that promotes peace of mind will stimulate originality and a path forward. Aim for greater independence, and everything else will fall into place.

PIscEs (Feb. 20-March 20) Protect your health and well-being. Don't attend events that put you at risk. Concentrate on what's happening and take a path that is practical and within your means.

ARIEs (March 21-April 19) Get physical, socialize, be playful and enjoy what life has to offer. Choose to participate, share your dreams and make plans that give you something to look forward to.

The horoscope, an entertainment feature, is not based on scientific fact. © 2026 by NEA, Inc., dist.

By Andrews McMeel Syndication

FAMILY CIrCUS

Sudoku

InstructIons: Sudoku is anumber-placing puzzle based on a9x9 grid with several given numbers Theobjectistoplace thenumbers1 to 9inthe empty squaressothat each row, each column andeach3x3 boxcontainsthe same number only once.The difficultylevel of theSudoku increases from Monday to Sunday

Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer

By PHILLIP ALDER Bridge

On some deals,adefender will have a dilemma, notsure howtodefeat the contract. He must rely on his partner. Against fivediamonds, West leads the spadetwo.How should declarer play? Suppose he wins with his ace, plays a heart to dummy’s 10, and runs thediamondninetoWest’sking. How should West defend? After two passes, Eastopened alight third-in-handonespade.Southovercalled two diamonds.Westmade apre-emptive jumptothreespades, showing four-card supportand lessthan game-invitational values.(With astronger hand, he would have cue-bid three diamonds.) North doubledtoindicateamaximumpass,and South jumped to five diamonds. This is adifficult deal. It is tempting for declarertoassume that Eastholds the diamond king. But after the diamond finesse fails, West wonders whether his side needstotake one diamond, one spade (when East hasonly five spades) and one club, or one diamond and two clubs (when East has six spades).He does not know,but East should. At trick four, Westshould shift to hisclubqueen, andSouthplayslowfromtheboard.Now the spotlight is on East.From the spadetwo lead, he knows that Westhas only four spades. So East should overtake withhisclubaceandcashthespadeking. What did declarer do wrong? It is better to cashhis diamondace at trick two. If thekingdrops, fine. Butwhenitdoesnot, Southturns to hearts, getting home if the defender with the diamond king has at least three hearts. Declarer’s club loser evaporates on dummy’s fourth heart ©2026 by NEA, Inc., dist. By AndrewsMcMeel Syndication

Each Wuzzle is awordriddle whichcreates adisguised word, phrase, name, place, saying, etc.

Forexample:NOON GOOD =GOOD AFTERNOON

Previous answers:

word game

InsTRucTIons: 1. Wordsmust be of four or more letters. 2. Words that acquire four lettersbythe addition of “s,”such as “bats” or “dies,”are not allowed. 3. Additionalwordsmadebyadding a“d” or an “s” may not be used. 4. Proper nouns,slang words, or vulgar or sexuallyexplicit wordsare not allowed.

ToDAy’s WoRD IMMEDIAcy: ih-ME-dee-uh-see: Thestate of beinginstant

Average mark 23 words

Time limit 35 minutes

Can youfind 30 or morewords in IMMEDIACY?

yEsTERDAy’s WoRD —GLoWERs

METROPOLITAN COUNCIL GREATER BATON ROUGE AIRPORTAUTHORITY EAST BATON ROUGE SEWERAGE COMMISSION CAPITOL IMPROVEMENTSDISTRICT CITY OF BATON ROUGEAND PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE Wednesday,March 25, 2026 4:00 PM

The Metropolitan Council of the Parish of East Baton Rouge and the City of Baton Rouge convened in regular session on Wednesday,March 25, 2026 at 4:00 PM, in the Council Chambersofthe Governmental Building, Room 348, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

The Meeting was called to order by the Presiding Officer and the following

members werepresent: Present: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca Absent: None

CONDEMNATIONS

HINES ENTERPRISES OF BATONROUGE, LLC 2323 N. ACADIAN THWY W.,ANUNNUMBERED LOT IN AN UNNUMBERED SQ. -PROPERTY NO. 32921, SQ. O, NORTH FAIRFIELDS SUBDIVISION-COUNCIL DISTRICT 7–HARRIS

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motion was made by Ms. Amoroso and seconded by Ms. Coleman to delete the proposed condemnation proceeding. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca

Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: None With 12 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 0absent, the motion was adopted.

MARYLEE WASHINGTON located at 4108 Provost St., Lot 8, Sq. 9, Greenville Extension Subdivision, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 11747

CYRILE SLAUGHTER AND THE ESTATEOF THELMA GRAY MCCRAY 4130 PITCHER ST LOT 10, SQ. 7GREENVILLE EXTENSION SUBDIVISION -COUNCIL DISTRICT 7-HARRIS

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding wasinorder at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motion was made by Ms. Amoroso and seconded by Ms. Coleman to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on June 24, 2026. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:

Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca

Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: None

With 12 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 0absent, the motion was adopted.

CHARLIE GRAY, EMMA JONESGRAY, AND CYRIL SLAUGHTER located at 4122 Pitcher St., Lot 9, Sq. 7, Greenville Extension Subdivision, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 11748

THE ESTATEOFFRANK MATTHEWS 9324 HELENE ST.LOTS 42 &43, SOUTHERN GARDENS SUBDIVISION- COUNCIL DISTRICT 2-KENNEY

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding wasin order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either fororagainst the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motion was made by Ms. Amoroso and seconded by Ms. Coleman to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on May 27, 2026. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:

Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca

Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None

Absent: None With 12 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 0absent, the motion was adopted.

TAMARANA (AKA TAMARAMA) SHELMIRE (FKA TAMARANA SHELMIRE HOLLAND) located at 5911 Atlanta Ave. (Rear Shed Only), Lot 79, East Fairlane, 2nd Filing, Part 2, Subdivision, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 11749

VIDRINE INVESTMENT PROPERTIES, LLC located at 656 NAcadian Thwy E, Lot 11, Sq. 2(Acquisition Reads Square12), Eden Park Subdivision, BatonRouge, Louisiana 11750

ROLANDA GAYLE HARRELL JACKSON, ROOSEVELT HARRELL, JR. & MILDRED ABBOTT HARRELL located at 6064 Plank Rd., Lots 1, 2&3 Langlois Place Subdivision, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 11751

LOURDES L. CARRASCO 9435 PRESCOTT RD. (DUPLEX WITH ADDRESSES 9435 &9437 PRESCOTT RD. AND UNPERMITTED FENCE), LOT 37 MONTERREY PARK SUBDIVISION- COUNCIL DISTRICT 5-

HURST

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding wasin order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either fororagainst the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motion was made by Ms. Amoroso and seconded by Ms. Coleman to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on June 24, 2026. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: None

With 12 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 0absent, the motion was adopted.

PRUDENT ACQUISITIONS, L.L.C. 4112 SHELLEY ST LOT 1, SQ. C

HIGHLAND PARK PLACE SUBDIVISION- COUNCIL DISTRICT 5- HURST

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding wasin order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either fororagainst the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motion was made by Ms. Amoroso and seconded by Ms. Coleman to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on June 24, 2026. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca

Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: None With 12 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 0absent, the motion was adopted.

SHEILA MARIE EARLS CROCRAM 4354 SHELLEYST.,LOT 5, SQ. 2 NORTH HIGHLANDS ADDITION SUBDIVISION-COUNCIL DISTRICT 5 -HURST

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding wasin order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either fororagainst the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motion was made by Ms. Amoroso and seconded by Ms. Coleman to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on April 22, 2026. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca

Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: None With 12 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 0absent, the motion was adopted.

VOTE LOUISIANA 1566 NACADIAN THWY W(DUPLEXWITH

ADDRESSES 1566 AND 1578), LOTS 180, 182 &184 COLONIAL HILL

SUBDIVISION -COUNCIL DISTRICT 7- HARRIS

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motionwas made by Ms. Amoroso and seconded by Ms. Coleman to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on April 22, 2026. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca

Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: None

With 12 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 0absent, the motion was adopted.

ALPINE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT,LLC, WANDA SCOTT,JERIECE SNOWDEN AND RONALD MEYERS 1431 NACADIAN THWY E, LOTS 10

&9,SQ. 12 EDEN PARK SUBDIVISION -COUNCIL DISTRICT 7-HARRIS

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motion was made by Ms. Amoroso and seconded by Ms. Coleman to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on April 22, 2026. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:

Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca

Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: None With 12 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 0absent, the motion was adopted.

KATRINADEON RICHARDSON located at 4238 Provost St. (Duplex with 2Addresses- 4238 and 4244 Provost St.), Lot 5, Sq. 12, Greenville Extension Subdivision, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 11752

MARIE O’CONNER STEVENSON located at 773 N47th St., Lot 28, Sq. 48, Greenville Extension Subdivision, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 11753

TIMOTHYDEWAYNE WILLIAMS 672 N35TH ST., LOT 9, SQ. 3EDEN

PARK SUBDIVISION -COUNCIL DISTRICT 7-HARRIS

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motion was made by Ms. Amoroso and seconded by Ms. Coleman to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on April 22, 2026. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: None

With 12 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 0absent, the motion was adopted.

CHARLES E. WILSON AND MARIAN W. WILSON 5083 FAIRFIELDS

AVE., LOTS 11 &E ½OF10, SQ. 12 EAST FAIRFIELDS SUBDIVISIONCOUNCILDISTRICT 7- HARRIS

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motion was made by Ms. Amoroso and seconded by Ms. Coleman to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on June 24, 2026. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca

Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: None

With 12 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 0absent, the motion was adopted.

REGINALD B. PIERRE 1360 N32ND ST LOT 78, SQ. 2RICHMOND

PARK SUBDIVISION -COUNCILDISTRICT 10 -COLEMAN

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motion was made by Ms. Amoroso and seconded by Ms. Coleman to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on June 24, 2026. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:

Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca

Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None

Absent: None With 12 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 0absent, the motion was adopted.

PUBLIC HEARING /MEETING

RESOLUTION 59305

REQUESTING TO AMEND METRO-COUNCIL RESOLUTION 59141 TO INCLUDE AN AMOUNT NOTTOEXCEED $8,790,734.85, COMMENCING JANUARY1,2026, AND CONTINUINGTHROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2028, WITH THE OPTION TO RENEW FOR TWO (2) ADDITIONAL ONE-YEAR TERMS, AND TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTION OF ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARYINCONNECTION THEREWITH

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Mr.Hurst and seconded by Mr.Gaudet to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: None With 12 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 0absent, the motion was adopted.

RESOLUTION 59306

AUTHORIZINGTHE MAYOR-PRESIDENT,ONBEHALF OF THEBATON ROUGE POLICEDEPARTMENT AND THE BATON ROUGE FIRE DEPARTMENT, TO AWARD THE CONTRACTFOR RFP NO. 202516-5410, JANITORIAL SERVICES FOR VARIOUS PUBLIC SAFETY FACILITIES, TO TAHANI, INC., AND DIRECTING THE EXECUTION OF THE CONTRACTFOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $130,696.85 ANNUALLY; WITH FUNDING FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CHARGED TO ACCOUNT NO. 1000-5100-20-5140-0000-000000-642200 IN THE AMOUNT OF $58,452.11 ANNUALLY, AND FUNDING FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT CHARGED TO ACCOUNT NO. 5010-642200 IN THE AMOUNT OF $72,244.74 ANNUALLY.

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Mr.Gaudet and seconded by Ms.Adams to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Noel, Racca Nays: None

Abstains: None Did NotVote: None

Absent:Moak With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

RESOLUTION 59307

AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR-PRESIDENT, ON BEHALF OF THEOFFICE OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, TO EXECUTE AN AMENDMENT TO CONTRACTNO. 800007223 BETWEEN THE CITY OF BATON ROUGE/ PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE AND FRANKLIN ASSOCIATES, LLC, TO REVISE THE SCOPE OF WORK TO PROVIDE SUPPORTFOR ALL CDBG-DR FUNDED PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS, AND TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTION OF ALL RELATED DOCUMENTS. The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Ms.Harris and seconded by Ms. Adams to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:

Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Noel, Racca Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Moak With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

RESOLUTION 59308

AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR-PRESIDENT,ONBEHALF OF THEOFFICE OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, TO EXECUTE AN AMENDMENT TO CONTRACTNO. 800007384 WITH VICTORIA’SVOICE TO INCREASE THE COMPENSATION BY $7,000.00, RESULTING IN AREVISED TOTAL NOT-TO-EXCEED AMOUNT OF $219,000.00, AND TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTION OF ALL RELATED DOCUMENTS.

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Mr.Gaudet and seconded by Mr.Kenney to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:

Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr., Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca

Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None Absent: None With 12 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not

RESOLUTION 59309

AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR-PRESIDENT TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACTUAL AGREEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE LIBRARYBOARD OF CONTROL WITH UPLIFTD, THE DESIGNATED STATEUSE PROGRAM WORK CENTER WHICH IS AN AGENCY OF EMPLOYMENT DEVELOPMENT SERVICES, IN THE AMOUNT OF $410,000 FOR GROUNDS MAINTENANCE SERVICES FOR THE LIBRARYSYSTEM.

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution wasinorder at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Mr.Hurst and seconded by Mr.Dunn Jr.toadopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca

Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None

Absent: None

With 12 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 0absent, the motion was adopted.

RESOLUTION 59310

AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR-PRESIDENT TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC. FOR MAINTENANCE AND SUPPORTOFESRI GIS SOFTWARE IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $133,437.50

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Mr.Hurst and seconded by Mr.Dunn Jr.toadopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote wascalled for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: None With 12 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 0absent, the motion wasadopted.

RESOLUTION 59311

AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR PRESIDENT ON BEHALF OF THE DIVISION OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT &SERVICES RYAN WHITE PROGRAM TO ACCEPT FUNDING FROM THE US DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, HEALTH RESOURCES AND SERVICES ADMINISTRATION, ON BEHALF OF THE DIVISION OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AND SERVICES FOR THE RYAN WHITE HIV/ AIDS PROGRAM WHICH INCLUDES RYAN WHITE ENDING THE HIV EPIDEMIC (EHE) FUNDING IN AN AMOUNT OF $550,000.00FOR THE GRANT PERIOD OF MARCH 1, 2026 THROUGH FEBRUARY28, 2027, AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF ALL DOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH.

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution wasinorder at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Mr.Moak and seconded by Mr.Dunn Jr.toadopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: None With 12 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 0absent, the motion was adopted.

RESOLUTION 59312

AMENDING THE 2026 CURRENT EXPENSE BUDGET FOR THE DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. COMMUNITY CENTER SO AS TO APPROPRIATE $50,000 FROM THE CENTER’S FUND BALANCE DESIGNATED FOR COMMUNITY CENTERS TO PROVIDE FOR STRIPPING AND WAXING THE FLOORS OF THE COMMUNITY CENTER AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF $12,000, AND REMODELING THE LITERACY LAB, CALMING ROOM, AND GAME ROOM AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF $38,000.

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Ms. Harris and seconded by Mr.Kenney to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: None With 12 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 0absent, the motion was adopted.

ORDINANCE 19786

AMENDING TITLE 11 (TRAFFIC CODE), CHAPTER 6(DRIVING ON RIGHT SIDE OF ROADWAY;OVERTAKING AND PASSING; USE OF ROADWAY), SECTION 11:73 (DRAG RACING AND RACING ON PUBLIC ROADS), SO AS TO PROHIBIT AND ADD TO THE DEFINITION OF “SPECTATOR”; TO PROVIDE FOR COLLECTION OF FINES; TO PROVIDE FOR IMPOUND UNDER STATELAW;TOPROVIDE FOR PENALTY OF BUSINESSES; TO ADD APROVISION RELATED TO PRIVATEROADS AND PARKING AREAS; TO PROVIDE FOR INJUNCTIVE RELIEF; AND TO EXEMPT DESIGNATED AREAS.

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance wasinorder at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Hudson and seconded by Mr.Gaudet to adopt the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nay vote wascalled for and resulted as follows:

Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca

Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: None

With 12 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 0absent, the motion was adopted.

RESOLUTION 59313

AUTHORIZING SETTLEMENT OF THE pre-litigation CLAIM OF BRAYDEN DOWNING FOR DAMAGES RESULTING FROM AN AUTO ACCIDENT CAUSED BY ABATON ROUGE POLICE OFFFICER, IN THE AMOUNT OF $18,500.00,WHICH AMOUNT SHALL BE PAID FROM THE ACCOUNT DESIGNATED “INSURANCE -AUTO LIABILITY”(1000.4700.10.0550.0000.000.000000.644120). *THIS MATTER MAYBEDISCUSSED IN EXECUTIVE SESSION. The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Mr.Dunn Jr and seconded by Mr.Hurst to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote wascalled for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr., Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: None With 12 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 0absent, the motion was adopted.

PROPOSED RESOLUTION

AUTHORIZING SETTLEMENT OF THE MATTER ENTITLED “PAULA WILLIAMS V. CITY OF BATON ROUGE/PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE AND PATRICK WENNEMANN”, SUIT NO. 718,300 ON THE DOCKET OF THE 19TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, IN THE AMOUNT OF $300,000.00, PLUS COURTCOSTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $333.00, FOR ATOTAL AMOUNT OF $300,333.00; AND APPROPRIATING $300,333.00 FOR SUCH PURPOSE. *THIS MATTER MAYBEDISCUSSED IN EXECUTIVE SESSION. The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Mr.Hurst and seconded by Ms. Adams to defer the proposed resolution to the council meeting on April 8, 2026. AYea and Nay vote wascalled for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr., Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel, Racca Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: None With 12 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 0absent, the motion was adopted.

RESOLUTION 59314

AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR-PRESIDENT TO EXECUTE A SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT NO. 1TOTHE ENTITY STATE AGREEMENT WITH THE STATEOFLOUISIANA, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND DEVELOPMENT,INCONNECTION WITH STATEPROJECT NO. H.004100 -I-10 (LA 415 TO ESSEN LANE) ON

INTERSTATE10AND INTERSTATE-12, BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA.

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Mr.Dunn Jr and seconded by Ms. Coleman to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:

Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel

Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Racca

With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

RESOLUTION59315

AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR-PRESIDENT TO EXECUTE ACONTRACT FOR PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERINGSERVICES DESIGN STUDYWITH ARCADIS U.S., INC. FOR SERVICESASSOCIATED WITH MOVEBR CAPACITY PROJECT SOUTHFLANNERY ROAD (GOODWOODBLVDTO FLORIDA BLVD), BEING CITY-PARISH PROJECT NO. 24-CP-HC-0034, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $1,247,625.59.(ACCOUNT NO. 9217100092-4370.00000-0000000000-653240).

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Mr.Moak and seconded by Ms. Harris to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Racca With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

RESOLUTION59316

RESCINDING AND DIRECTING THE CLERK OFCOURTTOCANCELTHE NOTICE TO ATTEND RECORDED ONJANUARY 12, 2026, AT ORIGINAL 21 OF BUNDLE 13413AND THE DECISION AND ORDER RECORDED ON FEBRUARY18, 2026, AT ORIGINAL492 OFBUNDLE 13418 IN THE MATTER OF “CITY OF BATON ROUGE VS. DK FASHIONLLC”CONDEMNATION PROCEEDING NO. 11729 (4472 CLAYTON ST., LOT 13 &14, SQUARE 3, NORTH HIGHLANDSADDITION SUBDIVISION).

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Mr.Noel and seconded by Mr.Hurst to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel Nays: None Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Racca With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

ORDINANCE 19787

AMEND THE 2026 PAY PLAN FOR THE CLASSIFIED, UNCLASSIFIED, NON-CLASSIFIED, CONTRACT,FIRE, AND POLICE EMPLOYEESOF THE CITY OF BATON ROUGE AND PARISH OFEAST BATON ROUGE, ADOPTED BY ORDINANCE #19726, DATED 12/09/2025, SO AS TO MAKE THE FOLLOWING CHANGES EFFECTIVE MARCH 26, 2026. ADD NEW CLASSIFICATION: PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR -HEAD START (CLASSIFIED), JOB CODE 2294, PAY GRADE 2270 ($55,097 -$92,876); DELETE CLASSIFICATION:PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR- HEAD START(UNCLASSIFIED), JOBCODE 3605, PAY GRADE 2270 ($55,097$92,876); AND ADD CLASSIFICATIONTOCLASSIFIED&UNCLASSIFIED APPENDIX I, ITEM 30: PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR -HEAD START (STEP 14).

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either fororagainst the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Kenney and seconded by Ms. Harris to adopt the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Racca With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

ORDINANCE 19788

AMEND THE 2026 ALLOTMENT OF POSITIONS FOR THE CITY OF BATON ROUGE AND PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE,ADOPTED BY ORDINANCE #19727, DATED 12/09/2025, SO AS TO CHANGE THE ALLOTMENT OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AND SERVICES/HEAD START/ADMINISTRATION EFFECTIVE MARCH 26, 2026. HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AND SERVICES/HEAD START/ADMINISTRATION, ADD (1) PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR- HEAD START(CLASSIFIED), JOB CODE 2294 AND DELETE (1) PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR -HEAD START(UNCLASSIFIED), JOBCODE3605.

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either fororagainst the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Ms. Adams and seconded by Ms. Amoroso to adopt the proposed ordinance. A“Yea” and “Nay” vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel Nays: None Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Racca With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

RESOLUTION59317

AIRPORTAUTHORITY RESOLUTION03-25-26-01 AUTHORIZATION TO APPROPRIATE $1,275,000.00 FROMTHE AIRPORT’S CASH ACCOUNT CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS (5810-000000-0000-0000-0000-000000-100009) $250.000.00 TO BE PLACEDIN 9191 PLANK RD ROOF REPLACEMENT IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS (9800000119-582200000-0000000000-652800), $175.000.00 TO FUND BAGGAGE SCREENING HVAC REPLACEMENT PROJECT (9800000120582200000-0000000000-652800), $650.000.00 TO FUND RENTAL CAR GARAGE RENOVATIONS (9800000121-582200000-0000000000652800), &$200.000.00 TO FUND TERMINAL BOILER REPLACEMENT (9800000122-582200000-0000000000-652800), (BS #008929). The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Mr.Dunn Jr and seconded by Mr.Kenney to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nayvote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr., Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel Nays: None Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Racca With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

ADJUDICATED PROPERTIES

ORDINANCE 19789

AUTHORIZING THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL TO DECLARE LOT 3+ SQUARE 16, ISTROUMA SUBDIVISION, HIAWATHA STREET, PREVIOUSLY ADJUDICATED TO EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA SURPLUS PROPERTYAND TO AUTHORIZETHE SALE OF SAID LOT TO KONTAR BRIGGS HIS/HERAGENT ORASSIGN FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF $100.00 CASH, ORTOTHE HIGHEST OFFEROR WHO SUBMITS HIS/HER OFFERALONG WITH ACERTIFIED CHECK OR MONEY ORDER IN THE AMOUNT OF $500.00.

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Hudson and seconded by Mr.Hurst to adopt the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel

Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Racca With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

ORDINANCE 19790

SAID LOT TO LDR PROPERTIES, LLC HIS/HER AGENTORASSIGN FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF $100.00 CASH, OR TO THE HIGHEST OFFEROR WHO SUBMITS HIS/HER OFFER ALONG WITH ACERTIFIED CHECK OR MONEY ORDER IN THE AMOUNT OF $650.00. The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Hudson and seconded by Mr.Hurst to adopt the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Racca With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

ORDINANCE 19791

AUTHORIZINGTHE METROPOLITAN COUNCILTODECLARE LOT

9&10SQUARE 1, ENTERPRISE SUBDIVISION,BYNUMAVENUE

PREVIOUSLYADJUDICATED TO EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH

LOUISIANASURPLUS PROPERTY AND TO AUTHORIZE THE SALE OF SAID LOT TO DANIELSON PROPERTIES AND INVESTMENTS, LLC

HIS/HER AGENTORASSIGN FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF $1,000.00 CASH, OR TO THE HIGHEST OFFEROR WHO SUBMITS HIS/HER OFFER ALONG WITH ACERTIFIED CHECK OR MONEY ORDER IN THE AMOUNT OF $500.00.

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Hudson and seconded by Mr.Hurst to adopt the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Racca With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

ORDINANCE 19792

AUTHORIZING THE METROPOLITANCOUNCIL TO DECLARE LOT 28, KELLYSUBDIVISION,GASSIE STREET,PREVIOUSLYADJUDICATED TO EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANASURPLUS PROPERTY AND TO AUTHORIZE THE SALE OF SAID LOT TO KEVIN WILLIAMSHIS/HER AGENTORASSIGN FOR THE CONSIDERATIONOF$100.00 CASH, OR TO THE HIGHEST OFFEROR WHO SUBMITS HIS/HER OFFER ALONG WITHACERTIFIED CHECK OR MONEY ORDER IN THE AMOUNT OF $500.00.

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Hudson and seconded by Mr.Hurst to adopt the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:

Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr., Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel

Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Racca With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

PROPOSED ORDINANCE Lot: 3

Subdivision: Richardson, D.J. Tract

Applicant: Beauchamp Property Investments, LLC

Address: Elliot Road

MetroCouncil District: 9- Hudson

Initial Bid Amount $100.00

Advanced costs required $855.00 (certified funds): Assessed Value: $5,500.00

Taxes Due: $30,515.43 (Adj in 1992)

Bids Received: 3/18/2026

High Bidder: Beauchamp Property Investments, LLC- $300.00

Intended Use: Redevelop

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on theabove ordinance was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Hudson and seconded by Mr.Hurst to defer the proposed ordinance to the council meeting on April 22, 2026. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr., Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel

Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Racca With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

PROPOSED ORDINANCE

Lot: 9, Square1

Subdivision: Lenmann Place

Applicant: Haze Grey Management, LLC

Address: South 18th Street

MetroCouncil District: 10 -Coleman

$100.00

Initial Bid Amount

Advanced costs required $500.00

(certified funds):

Assessed Value: $1,100.00

Taxes Due: $1,055.23 (Adj in 2021)

Bids Received: 3/18/2026

High Bidder: Haze Grey Management, LLC- $100.00

Intended Use: Investment

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Hudson and seconded by Mr.Hurst to delete the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel

Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Racca With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

ORDINANCE 19793

AUTHORIZING THE METROPOLITAN COUNCILTO DECLARE LOT 31

SQUARE 11, SOUTH BATON ROUGE SUBDIVISION, THOMAS DELPIT DRIVE, PREVIOUSLYADJUDICATED TO EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH LOUISIANASURPLUS PROPERTY AND TO AUTHORIZE THE SALE OF SAID LOT TO MONISHAR.FRUGE HIS/HER AGENT OR ASSIGN FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF $100.00 CASH, OR TO THE HIGHEST OFFEROR WHO SUBMITS HIS/HER OFFER ALONG WITH ACERTIFIED CHECK OR MONEY ORDER IN THE AMOUNT OF $500.00. The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Hudson and seconded by Mr.Hurst to adopt the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:

Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel Nays: None Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Racca With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

ORDINANCE 19794

AUTHORIZINGTHE METROPOLITAN COUNCILTODECLARE LOT 25,

CYPRESS PARK SUBDIVISION,HORSESHOE LANE, PREVIOUSLY

ADJUDICATED TO EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANASURPLUS

PROPERTY AND TO AUTHORIZE THE SALE OF SAID LOT TO NAKEYA

WHITE HIS/HER AGENT OR ASSIGN FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF $10,000.00 CASH, OR TO THE HIGHEST OFFEROR WHO SUBMITS HIS/ HER OFFER ALONG WITH ACERTIFIED CHECK OR MONEY ORDER IN THE AMOUNT OF $500.00. The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Hudson and seconded by Mr.Hurst to adopt the proposed ordinance.

HIS/HER AGENT OR ASSIGN FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF $100.00 CASH, OR TO THE HIGHEST OFFEROR WHO SUBMITS HIS/HER OFFER ALONG WITH ACERTIFIED CHECK OR MONEY ORDER IN THE AMOUNT OF $855.00. The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance wasinorder at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Hudson and seconded by Mr.Hurst to adopt the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nay vote

0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

ORDINANCE 19796

AUTHORIZING THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL TO DECLARE LOT 21 SQUARE 2, VICTORYPLACE SUBDIVISION, ONTARIO STREET PREVIOUSLYADJUDICATED TO EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA SURPLUS PROPERTY AND TO AUTHORIZE THE SALE OF SAID LOT TO KENNETH CHRISTIAN HIS/HER AGENT OR ASSIGN FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF $100.00 CASH, OR TO THE HIGHEST OFFEROR WHO SUBMITS HIS/HER OFFER ALONG WITH ACERTIFIED CHECK OR MONEY ORDER IN THE AMOUNT OF $500.00. The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance wasinorder at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Hudson and seconded by Mr.Hurst to adopt the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel Nays: None Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Racca With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

ORDINANCE 19797

AUTHORIZING THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL TO DECLARE LOT K, UNIVERSITY PLACE SUBDIVISION, AVENUE I, PREVIOUSLY

ADJUDICATED TO EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA SURPLUS PROPERTY AND TO AUTHORIZE THE SALE OF SAID LOT TO DONALD RAYPLAIN, JR. HIS/HER AGENT OR ASSIGN FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF $25,000.00 CASH, OR TO THE HIGHEST OFFEROR WHO SUBMITS HIS/HER OFFER ALONG WITH ACERTIFIED CHECK OR MONEY ORDER IN THE AMOUNT OF $500.00. The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance wasinorder at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Hudson and seconded by Mr.Hurst to adopt the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nay vote wascalled for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel Nays: None Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Racca With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

PROPOSED ORDINANCE

Lot: Sec 1, WD 2

Subdivision: *1.00 Acres

Applicant: Pharoah Johnson, III

Address: Sunshine Road

MetroCouncil District: 2-Kenney

Initial Bid Amount $100.00

Advanced costs required $855.00 (certified funds): Assessed Value: $23,100.00

Taxes Due: $27,411.75 (Adj in 1993)

Bids Received: 3/18/2026

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance wasinorder at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Hudson and seconded by Mr.Hurst to delete the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel Nays: None Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Racca

With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

ORDINANCE 19798

AUTHORIZING THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL TO DECLARE LOT D, ROBERTA.BRIAN TRACT SUBDIVISION, MAGNOLIA BRIDGE/WAX ROAD, PREVIOUSLYADJUDICATED TO EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA SURPLUS PROPERTY AND TO AUTHORIZE THE SALE OF SAID LOT TO DONALD RAYPLAIN, JR. HIS/HER AGENT OR ASSIGN FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF $41,000.00 CASH, OR TO THE HIGHEST OFFEROR WHO SUBMITS HIS/HER OFFER ALONG WITH ACERTIFIED CHECK OR MONEY ORDER IN THE AMOUNT OF $500.00.

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance wasinorder at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Hudson and seconded by Mr Hurst to adopt the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel Nays: None Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Racca With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

PROPOSED ORDINANCE Lot: 21, Square23

Subdivision: Hickey Town Applicant: Demetris Chambers Address: North 23rdStreet MetroCouncil District: 10 -Coleman

Initial Bid Amount $100.00

Advanced costs required $500.00 (certified funds): Assessed Value: $1,100.00 Taxes Due: $1,085.84 (Adj in 2022)

Bids Received: 3/18/2026 High Bidder: Demetris Chambers- $8,500.00

Intended Use: Invest

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance wasinorder at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Hudson and seconded by Mr.Hurst

Lot: 8, Square89

Subdivision:Istrouma

AUTHORIZING THE

LOUISIANA SURPLUS PROPERTYAND TO AUTHORIZETHE SALE OF

Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:

Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr., Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel

Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Racca

With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

ORDINANCE 19799

AUTHORIZING THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL TO DECLARE LOT 17PT,CLARK SUBDIVISION,OLEANDERSTREET, PREVIOUSLY

ADJUDICATED TO EAST BATONROUGEPARISH, LOUISIANA, AS SURPLUS PROPERTY AND TO AUTHORIZETHE SALE OFITS INTEREST IN SAME TO JK WILSON PROPERTIES AND INVESTMENTS FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF ONE HUNDRED &00/100 ($100.00) DOLLARS CASH, AND THE PAYMENT OF THE ADVANCEDCOSTS REQUIRED FOR THIS LOT,ASA MOW TO OWNPROPERTYPURSUANT TO LA. R.S. 47:2202(B) ET SEQ., AND PRIOR ORDINANCE OFTHIS COUNCIL.

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Hudson and seconded by Mr.Hurst to adopt the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:

Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr., Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Racca With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

ORDINANCE 19800

AUTHORIZING THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL TO DECLARE SEC 0, WD 3, *0.52 ACRES, MAGNOLIA BRIDGE ROAD, PREVIOUSLY

ADJUDICATED TO EASTBATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA, AS SURPLUS PROPERTY AND TO AUTHORIZETHE SALE OFITS INTEREST IN SAME TO GERALD WAYNE EDGENS FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF ONE HUNDRED &00/100 ($100.00) DOLLARS CASH, AND THE PAYMENT OF THE ADVANCEDCOSTS REQUIRED FOR THIS LOT, AS A MOW TO OWN PROPERTY PURSUANT TO LA. R.S. 47:2202(B) ET SEQ. AND PRIOR ORDINANCE OF THIS COUNCIL.

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Hudson and seconded by Mr.Hurst to adopt the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel

Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Racca With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

ORDINANCE 19801

AUTHORIZING THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL TO DECLARE LOT

5, SQUARE 2, NORTH HIGHLANDSADDITION, SHELLEY STREET

PREVIOUSLYADJUDICATED TO EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA,ASSURPLUS PROPERTYAND TO AUTHORIZETHE DONATION OF ITS INTEREST IN SAME TO 29:11 ACADEMY,THROUGH THE IN MY FATHER’S HOUSE PROGRAM WITH THE PAYMENT OFTHE ADVANCED COSTS REQUIRED FOR THIS LOT, AS AN IN MY FATHER’S HOUSE PROPERTY PURSUANT TO LA.R.S. 47:2201 ET SEQ THE LOUISIANA CONSTITUTION, ARTICLE 7, SECTION14, AND PRIOR ORDINANCE OF THIS COUNCIL ESTABLISHING THE IN MY FATHER’S HOUSE PROGRAM.

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Hudson and seconded by Mr.Hurst to adopt the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:

Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel

Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Racca With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

ORDINANCE 19802

AUTHORIZING THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL TO DECLARE LOT 56PT,SQUARE 9, SOUTH BATON ROUGE SUBDIVISION, COLORADO STREET,PREVIOUSLYADJUDICATED TO EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA, AS SURPLUS PROPERTYAND TO AUTHORIZETHE DONATION OF ITS INTERESTIN SAME TO 29:11 ACADEMY,THROUGH THE IN MY FATHER’S HOUSE PROGRAM WITH THE PAYMENT OFTHE ADVANCED COSTS REQUIRED FOR THIS LOT, AS AN IN MY FATHER’S HOUSE PROPERTY PURSUANT TO LA.R.S. 47:2201 ET SEQ THE LOUISIANA CONSTITUTION, ARTICLE 7, SECTION14, AND PRIOR ORDINANCE OF THIS COUNCIL ESTABLISHING THE IN MY FATHER’S HOUSE PROGRAM.

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Hudson and seconded by Mr.Hurst to adopt the proposed ordinance. AYeaand Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Racca With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

ORDINANCE 19803

AUTHORIZING THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL TO DECLARE LOTHPT SQUARE 7, ABRAMSON, FUQUA STREET, PREVIOUSLYADJUDICATED TO EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA, AS SURPLUS PROPERTY AND TO AUTHORIZE THE DONATIONOFITS INTEREST IN SAME TO 29:11 ACADEMY,THROUGH THE IN MY FATHER’S HOUSE PROGRAM WITH THE PAYMENT OF THE ADVANCEDCOSTS REQUIRED FOR THIS LOT,ASANINMYFATHER’S HOUSE PROPERTYPURSUANT TO LA. R.S. 47:2201 ET SEQ., THE LOUISIANA CONSTITUTION, ARTICLE 7, SECTION 14, AND PRIOR ORDINANCE OFTHIS COUNCIL ESTABLISHING THE IN MY FATHER’S HOUSE PROGRAM. The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Hudson and seconded by Mr.Hurst to adopt the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel Nays: None Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Racca With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

ORDINANCE 19804

AUTHORIZING THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL TODECLARE LOT 1, SQUARE 9, WILSON PLACE SUBDIVISION, CONVENTIONSTREET, PREVIOUSLYADJUDICATED TO EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA,ASSURPLUS PROPERTYAND TO AUTHORIZETHE DONATION OF ITS INTEREST IN SAME TO TALENT DEVELOPMENT BUSINESS INCUBATION CENTER, INC., THROUGH THE IN MY FATHER’S HOUSE PROGRAMWITH THE PAYMENT OFTHE ADVANCED COSTS REQUIRED FOR THIS LOT, AS AN IN MY FATHER’S HOUSE PROPERTY PURSUANT TO LA.R.S. 47:2201 ET SEQ THE LOUISIANA CONSTITUTION, ARTICLE 7, SECTION 14, AND PRIOR ORDINANCE OF THIS COUNCIL ESTABLISHING THE IN MY FATHER’S HOUSE PROGRAM. The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance was

LOUISIANA, AS SURPLUS PROPERTY AND TO AUTHORIZE THE DONATION OF ITS INTEREST IN SAMETOTALENTDEVELOPMENT BUSINESS INCUBATION CENTER, INC., THROUGH THE IN MY FATHER’S HOUSE PROGRAM WITH THE PAYMENT OF THE ADVANCED COSTS REQUIRED FOR THIS LOT,ASANINMYFATHER’SHOUSE PROPERTY PURSUANTTOLA. R.S. 47:2201 ET SEQ.,THE LOUISIANA

CONSTITUTION,ARTICLE 7, SECTION 14, AND PRIOR ORDINANCE OF THIS COUNCIL ESTABLISHING THE IN MY FATHER’S HOUSE PROGRAM. The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Hudson and seconded by Mr.Hurst to adopt the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr., Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel Nays: None Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Racca With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

ORDINANCE 19806

AUTHORIZING THE METROPOLITAN COUNCILTODECLARE LOT 61, SQUARE 17, SOUTH BATON ROUGE SUBDIVISION,MISSOURI STREET,PREVIOUSLYADJUDICATED TO EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA, AS SURPLUS PROPERTY AND TO AUTHORIZE THE DONATIONOFITS INTEREST IN SAMETONOIRE ENTERPRISES, THROUGH THEINMYFATHER’SHOUSE PROGRAM WITH THE PAYMENT OF THE ADVANCED COSTS REQUIRED FOR THIS LOT,ASAN IN MY FATHER’S HOUSE PROPERTY PURSUANTTOLA. R.S. 47:2201 ET SEQ.,THE LOUISIANACONSTITUTION,ARTICLE 7, SECTION 14, AND PRIOR ORDINANCE OF THIS COUNCILESTABLISHING THE IN MY FATHER’S HOUSEPROGRAM

The Presiding Officer announced thatapublic hearing on the above ordinance was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Hudson and seconded by Mr.Hurst to adopt the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Racca With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

ORDINANCE 19807

AUTHORIZING THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL TO DECLARE LOT 3134 SQUARE 11, BANK SUBDIVISION,69TH AVENUE, PREVIOUSLY ADJUDICATED TO EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH,LOUISIANASURPLUS PROPERTY AND TO AUTHORIZE THE SALE OF SAID LOT TO KERMAN WAKER HIS/HER AGENTORASSIGN FOR THE CONSIDERATIONOF $5,300.00 CASH,ORTOTHE HIGHEST OFFEROR WHO SUBMITS HIS/ HER OFFER ALONG WITH ACERTIFIED CHECK OR MONEY ORDER IN THE AMOUNT OF $950.00.

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Hudson and seconded by Mr.Hurst to adopt the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:

Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel Nays: None Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Racca With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

PROPOSED ORDINANCE

Lot: 6& 7, Square52

Subdivision: Bank

Applicant: TelfordWilliams

Address: 68th Avenue

MetroCouncil District: 2-Kenney

Initial Bid Amount $100.00

Advanced costs required $650.00 (certified funds):

Assessed Value: $2,200.00

Taxes Due: $2,149.58 (Adj in 2019)

Bids Received: 1/21/2026

High Bidder: TelfordWilliams- $100.00

Intended Use: Investment

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Hudson and seconded by Mr.Hurst to defer the proposed ordinance to the council meeting on April 22, 2026. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel

Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Racca With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

PROPOSED ORDINANCE

Lot: 4+, Square52

Subdivision: Bank

Applicant: TelfordWilliams

Address: 68th Avenue

MetroCouncil District: 2-Kenney

$100.00

Initial Bid Amount

Advanced costs required $500.00

(certified funds):

Assessed Value: $90,800.00

Taxes Due: $13,625.06 (Adj in 2018)

Bids Received: 1/21/2026

High Bidder: TelfordWilliams- $8,000.00

Intended Use: Investment

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Hudson and seconded by Mr.Hurst to defer the proposed ordinance to the council meeting on April 22, 2026. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted

as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel

Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Racca With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

ORDINANCE 19808

AUTHORIZINGTHE METROPOLITAN COUNCILTODECLARE LOT 17, ALSEN HEIGHTS SUBDIVISION,ALSEN HEIGHTS PKWY,PREVIOUSLY

ADJUDICATED TO EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANASURPLUS PROPERTY AND TO AUTHORIZE THE SALE OF SAID LOT TO JAMES DUNN HIS/HER AGENT OR ASSIGN FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF $5,000.00 CASH, OR TO THE HIGHEST OFFEROR WHO SUBMITS HIS/ HER OFFER ALONG WITH ACERTIFIED CHECK OR MONEY ORDER IN THE AMOUNT OF $500.00. The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Hudson and seconded by Mr.Hurst to adopt the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Racca With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

ORDINANCE 19809

AUTHORIZING THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL TO DECLARE LOT

A, VICTORYPLACE SUBDIVISION, ONTARIO STREET, PREVIOUSLYADJUDICATED TO EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA SURPLUS PROPERTY AND TO AUTHORIZE THE SALE OF

TO KENNETH CHRISTIAN HIS/HER AGENT OR ASSIGN FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF $100.00 CASH, OR TO THE HIGHEST OFFEROR WHO SUBMITS HIS/HER OFFER ALONG WITH ACERTIFIED CHECK OR MONEY ORDER IN THE AMOUNT OF $950.00. The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance wasinorder at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion wasmade by Mr.Hudson and seconded by Mr.Hurst to adopt the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nay vote wascalled for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel Nays: None Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Racca With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

ORDINANCE 19811

AUTHORIZING THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL TO DECLARE LOT 3 SQUARE 52, FORTUNE SUBDIVISION, CADILLAC STREET,PREVIOUSLY ADJUDICATED TO EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA SURPLUS PROPERTY AND TO AUTHORIZE THE SALE OF SAID LOT TO IMANI HUDSON HIS/HER AGENT OR ASSIGN FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF $100.00 CASH, OR TO THE HIGHEST OFFEROR WHO SUBMITS HIS/ HER OFFER ALONG WITH ACERTIFIED CHECK OR MONEY ORDER IN THE AMOUNT OF $950.00.

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance wasinorder at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Hudson and seconded by Mr.Hurst to adopt the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel Nays: None Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Racca With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

ORDINACE 19812

AUTHORIZING THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL TO DECLARE LOT 4 SQUARE 52, FORTUNE SUBDIVISION, CADILLAC STREET,PREVIOUSLY ADJUDICATED TO EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA SURPLUS PROPERTY AND TO AUTHORIZE THE SALE OF SAID LOT TO LATASHA LONG HIS/HER AGENT OR ASSIGN FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF $100.00 CASH, OR TO THE HIGHEST OFFEROR WHO SUBMITS HIS/ HER OFFER ALONG WITH ACERTIFIED CHECK OR MONEY ORDER IN THE AMOUNT OF $950.00. The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance wasinorder at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Hudson and seconded by Mr.Hurst to adopt the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel Nays: None Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Racca With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

ORDINANCE 19813

AUTHORIZING THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL TO DECLARE LOT 41 SQUARE 14, SOUTH BATON ROUGE SUBDIVISION, KENTUCKY STREET,PREVIOUSLYADJUDICATED TO EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA SURPLUS PROPERTY AND TO AUTHORIZE THE SALE OF SAID LOT TO WHITAKER INVESTMENTS, LLC HIS/HER AGENT OR ASSIGN FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF $5,000.00 CASH, OR TO THE HIGHEST OFFEROR WHO SUBMITS HIS/HER OFFER ALONG WITH A CERTIFIED CHECK OR MONEY ORDER IN THE AMOUNT OF $500.00. The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance wasinorder at this time. No interestedcitizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Hudson and seconded by Mr.Hurst to adopt the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel Nays: None Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Racca With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

ORDINANCE 19814

AUTHORIZING THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL TO DECLARE LOT 26 SQUARE 163, SOUTH BATON ROUGE SUBDIVISION, WEST GARFIELD STREET,PREVIOUSLYADJUDICATED TO EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA SURPLUS PROPERTY AND TO AUTHORIZE THE SALE OF SAID LOT TO WHITAKER INVESTMENTS, LLC HIS/HER AGENT OR ASSIGN FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF $100.00 CASH, OR TO THE HIGHEST OFFEROR WHO SUBMITS HIS/HER OFFER ALONG WITH A CERTIFIED CHECK OR MONEY ORDER IN THE AMOUNT OF $855.00. The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance wasinorder at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion wasmade by Mr.Hudson and seconded by Mr.Hurst to adopt the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr., Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel Nays: None Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Racca With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

ORDINANCE 19815

AUTHORIZING THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL TO DECLARE LOT 7-10

SQUARE 6, PARADISE SUBDIVISION, TANNER STREET,PREVIOUSLY ADJUDICATED TO EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA SURPLUS PROPERTY AND TO AUTHORIZE THE SALE OF SAID LOT TO LEVI BLACK HIS/HER AGENT OR ASSIGN FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF $4,800.00 CASH, OR TO THE HIGHEST OFFEROR WHO SUBMITS HIS/ HER OFFER ALONG WITH ACERTIFIED CHECK OR MONEY ORDER IN THE AMOUNT OF $950.00. The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance wasinorder at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion wasmade by Mr.Hudson and seconded by Mr.Hurst to adopt the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel Nays: None Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Racca With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

ORDINANCE 19816

AUTHORIZING THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL TO DECLARE LOT 8+ SQUARE 28, GREENVILLEEXTENSION SUBDIVISION, NORTH 46TH STREET,PREVIOUSLYADJUDICATED TO EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA SURPLUS PROPERTY AND TO AUTHORIZE THE SALE OF SAID LOT TO DUD HINES, JR. HIS/HER AGENT OR ASSIGN FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF $500.00 CASH, OR TO THE HIGHEST OFFEROR WHO SUBMITS HIS/HER OFFER ALONG WITH ACERTIFIED CHECK OR MONEY ORDER IN THE AMOUNT OF $950.00. The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance wasinorder at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Hudson and seconded by Mr.Hurst to adopt the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nay vote wascalled for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel Nays: None Abstains: None

TO EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH,

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Racca With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

ORDINANCE 19817

AUTHORIZING THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL TO DECLARE LOT

259+,BELFAIR HOMES SUBDIVISION, WBELFAIR DRIVE,PREVIOUSLY

ADJUDICATED TO EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA SURPLUS PROPERTY AND TO AUTHORIZETHE SALE OFSAID LOT TO JAGS ENTERPRISES, LLC HIS/HERAGENT ORASSIGN FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF $25,000.00 CASH, OR TO THE HIGHEST OFFEROR

WHO SUBMITS HIS/HER OFFERALONG WITH ACERTIFIED CHECK OR MONEY ORDER IN THE AMOUNT OF$500.00.

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Hudson and seconded by Mr.Hurst to adopt the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:

Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Racca

With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

ORDINANCE 19818

AUTHORIZING THE METROPOLITANCOUNCIL TO DECLARELOT 51 GREENWAY PLACE SUBDIVISION, GREENTREE DRIVE, PREVIOUSLY ADJUDICATED TO EASTBATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA SURPLUS PROPERTY AND TO AUTHORIZE THE SALE OFSAID LOTTO ALISHA

DOUSE HIS/HER AGENT OR ASSIGN FOR THE CONSIDERATIONOF $30,000.00 CASH, OR TO THE HIGHEST OFFERORWHO SUBMITS HIS/ HER OFFER ALONG WITH ACERTIFIEDCHECK OR MONEYORDER IN THE AMOUNT OF $500.00.

he Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Hudson and seconded by Mr.Hurst to adopt the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:

Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel

Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Racca With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

ORDINANCE 19819

AUTHORIZING THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL TO DECLARE LOT 12 SQUARE L, FAIRFIELDS SUBDIVISION, MADISON AVENUE, PREVIOUSLY ADJUDICATED TO EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA SURPLUS PROPERTYAND TO AUTHORIZETHE SALE OF SAID LOT TO 17TH AND BANKS, LLC HIS/HERAGENT ORASSIGN FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF$9,100.00 CASH, ORTOTHE HIGHEST OFFEROR WHO SUBMITS HIS/HEROFFER ALONG WITH ACERTIFIED CHECK OR MONEY ORDER IN THE AMOUNT OF$500.00.

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Hudson and seconded by Mr.Hurst to adopt the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr., Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel

Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Racca With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

ORDINANCE 19820

AUTHORIZING THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL TO DECLARE LOT 9, EAST FAIRLANE SUBDIVISION, HARTFORD AVENUE, PREVIOUSLY

ADJUDICATED TO EASTBATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA SURPLUS PROPERTY AND TO AUTHORIZETHE SALE OF SAID LOTTO17TH AND BANKS, LLC HIS/HER AGENT ORASSIGN FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF $16,100.00 CASH, OR TO THE HIGHEST OFFERORWHO SUBMITS HIS/HER OFFER ALONG WITH ACERTIFIED CHECK OR MONEY ORDER IN THE AMOUNT OF $500.00.

ThePresiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Hudson and seconded by Mr.Hurst to adopt the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:

Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel

Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Racca With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

ORDINANCE 19821

AUTHORIZING THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL TO DECLARE LOT62, GREENWAY PLACE SUBDIVISION, GREENTREE DRIVE, PREVIOUSLY ADJUDICATED TO EASTBATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA SURPLUS PROPERTY AND TO AUTHORIZETHE SALE OF SAID LOTTOCAMERON

WILLIAMS HIS/HER AGENT OR ASSIGN FOR THE CONSIDERATIONOF $18,500.00 CASH, OR TO THE HIGHEST OFFERORWHO SUBMITS HIS/ HER OFFER ALONG WITH ACERTIFIED CHECK ORMONEYORDER IN THE AMOUNT OF $500.00.

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Hudson and seconded by Mr.Hurst to adopt the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Racca With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

ORDINANCE 19822

AUTHORIZING THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL TO DECLARE LOT 12, SQUARE 44, UNIVERSITY PLACE, AVENUE E, PREVIOUSLY ADJUDICATED TO EASTBATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA, AS SURPLUS PROPERTY AND TO AUTHORIZETHE SALE OFITS INTEREST IN SAME TO LA REALTY,LLC FOR THE CONSIDERATIONOFONE HUNDRED &00/100 ($100.00) DOLLARS CASH, AND THE PAYMENT OF THE ADVANCED COSTS REQUIRED FOR THIS LOT, AS AMOW TO OWN PROPERTY PURSUANT TO LA.R.S. 47:2202(B) ET SEQ., AND PRIOR ORDINANCE OF THIS COUNCIL.

ThePresiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Hudson and seconded by Mr.Hurst to adopt the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:

Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel Nays: None Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None

With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

ORDINANCE 19824

AUTHORIZINGTHE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL TO DECLARE LOT 30, FAIRWOODS SUBDIVISION,FAIRWOODS DRIVE, PREVIOUSLY ADJUDICATED TO EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH,LOUISIANA, AS SURPLUS PROPERTY AND TO AUTHORIZE THE SALE OF ITS INTEREST IN SAMETOLIONEL DUNLAP FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF ONE HUNDRED &00/100 ($100.00) DOLLARS CASH, AND THE PAYMENT OF THE ADVANCED COSTS REQUIRED FOR THIS LOT,ASAMOW TO OWN PROPERTY PURSUANTTOLA. R.S. 47:2202(B) ET SEQ.,AND PRIOR

ORDINANCE OF THIS COUNCIL. The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Hudson and seconded by Mr.Hurst to adopt the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel

Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Racca

With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

ORDINANCE 19825

AUTHORIZING THE METROPOLITAN COUNCILTODECLARE LOT 6, SQUARE 3, HARTSUBDIVISION,PEACH STREET,PREVIOUSLY ADJUDICATED TO EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA, AS SURPLUS PROPERTY AND TO AUTHORIZE THE SALE OF ITS INTEREST IN SAMETORACHEAL BURKETT FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF ONE HUNDRED &00/100 ($100.00) DOLLARS CASH, AND THE PAYMENT OF

THE ADVANCED COSTS REQUIRED FOR THIS LOT,ASAMOW TO OWN PROPERTY PURSUANTTOLA. R.S. 47:2202(B) ET SEQ.,AND PRIOR ORDINANCE OF THIS COUNCIL.

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Hudson and seconded by Mr.Hurst to adopt the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Racca With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

ORDINANCE 19826

AUTHORIZINGTHE METROPOLITAN COUNCILTODECLARE LOT 209PT SOUTHERN HEIGHTS SUBDIVISION,79TH AVENUE, PREVIOUSLY ADJUDICATED TO EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH,LOUISIANA, AS SURPLUS PROPERTY AND TO AUTHORIZE THE SALE OF ITS INTEREST IN SAMETOCHARLIE MUSE JR. FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF ONE HUNDRED &00/100 ($100.00) DOLLARS CASH, AND THE PAYMENT OF THE ADVANCED COSTS REQUIRED FOR THIS LOT,ASAMOW TO OWN PROPERTY PURSUANTTOLA. R.S. 47:2202(B) ET SEQ.,AND PRIOR

ORDINANCE OF THIS COUNCIL.

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Hudson and seconded by Mr.Hurst to adopt the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel Nays: None Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Racca With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

ORDINANCE 19827

AUTHORIZING THE METROPOLITANCOUNCIL TO DECLARE LOT 5, SQUARE 2, GEORGETOWN SUBDIVISION, ROSELAWN AVENUE, PREVIOUSLYADJUDICATED TO EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA, AS SURPLUS PROPERTY AND TO AUTHORIZE THE SALE OF ITS INTEREST IN SAMETOCYNTHIA WALKER FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF ONE HUNDRED &00/100 ($100.00) DOLLARS CASH,AND THE PAYMENT OF THE ADVANCED COSTS REQUIRED FOR THIS LOT,ASAMOW TO OWN PROPERTY PURSUANTTOLA. R.S. 47:2202(B) ET SEQ., AND PRIOR ORDINANCE OF THIS COUNCIL.

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above

ordinance was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Hudson and seconded by Mr.Hurst to adopt the proposed ordinance. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Racca With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS

ADMINISTRATIVE MATTER INTRODUCTIONS

PROPOSED ORDINANCE

Lot: 1-A-1, Square20-A

Subdivision: Scotland Addition

Applicant: Nakeya White

Address: 2703 Badley Road

MetroCouncil District: 2- Kenney

Initial Bid Amount $100.00

Advanced costs required $500.00

(certified funds): Assessed Value: $52,500.00

Taxes Due: $4,793.33 (Adj in 2021)

Bids Received: 4/15/2026

Amotion was made by Ms.Amoroso and seconded by Mr.Dunn Jr.to

waive the rules to allow this item to be introduced. Due to an objection by Mr.Hurst, this item was not considered.

PROPOSED RESOLUTION

AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR PRESIDENT, ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF BATON ROUGE AND PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE, TO ENTER INTO ALEASE AGREEMENT WITH VILLAGE, LLC, FOR THE LEASE OF SPACE FOR THE LOUISIANADEPARTMENT OF HEALTH /SANITATION

/INSPECTION AT 2751 WOODDALE BOULEVARD, BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANAFOR ATERM OF FIVE (5) YEARS AT ARATEOF$5700 PER MONTH WITH THE SAID LEASE AGREEMENTAND ALL ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTS TO BE PREPARED BY OR REVIEWED BY THE PARISH

ATTORNEY’S OFFICE.

Amotion was made by Ms. Amoroso and seconded by Mr.Dunn Jr.to waive the rules to allow this item to be introduced. Due to an objection by Mr.Hurst, this item was not considered.

ADMINISTRATIVE MATTER ITEMS

APPOINTMENTS

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH

Consideration of reappointing or replacing Shailindra “Lynn” Farris. This appointment is a five (5) year term.

Current Ballot

Absent: Racca With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

ORDINANCE 19823

AUTHORIZING THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL TO DECLARE LOT38 FAIRLANE, POINSETTIADRIVE,PREVIOUSLYADJUDICATED TO EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA, AS SURPLUS PROPERTYAND TO

AUTHORIZE THE DONATIONOFITS INTEREST IN SAME TO THROUGH HIS EYES MINISTRY, THROUGH THE IN MY FATHER’S HOUSE PROGRAM WITH THE PAYMENT OFTHE ADVANCEDCOSTS REQUIRED FOR THIS LOT,ASANINMYFATHER’S HOUSEPROPERTYPURSUANT TO LA. R.S. 47:2201 ET SEQ THE LOUISIANA CONSTITUTION ARTICLE 7, SECTION 14, AND PRIOR ORDINANCE OF THIS COUNCIL ESTABLISHING THE IN MY FATHER’S HOUSE PROGRAM. The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Hudson and seconded by Mr.Hurst to

Vote: None Absent: Racca

Shailindra “Lynn” Farris (requested reappointment)

Timothy Moore(submitted application)

Amotion was made by Ms. Harris and seconded by Mr.Hurst to reappoint

Shailindra Lynn Farris. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as

follows:

Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel

Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None Absent: Racca With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT-ALSEN-ST.IRMA LEE

Consideration of reappointing or replacing Oliver Batieste. This appointment is atwo (2) year term. (Must live in the district).

Current Ballot

Oliver Batieste (requested reappointment)

Tracy Batieste (submitted application)

Eula Coates (submitted application)

Brenda Chaney (requested reappointment)

Claude Douglas (requested reappointment)

Elmo Morgan (requested reappointment)

Brenda Sullivan (submitted application)

Edwin Stacia (requested reappointment

Amotion wasmade by Mr.Kenney and seconded by Mr.Hurst to appoint

Bertha Miles. AYea and Nay vote wascalled for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr., Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel

Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None Absent: Racca

With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion wasadopted.

VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT-ALSEN-ST.IRMA LEE

Consideration of reappointing or replacing Brenda Chaney.This appointment is atwo(2) year term. (Must live in the district).

Current Ballot

Oliver Batieste (requested reappointment)

Tracy Batieste (submitted application)

Eula Coates (submitted application)

Brenda Chaney (requested reappointment)

Claude Douglas (requested reappointment)

Elmo Morgan (requested reappointment)

Brenda Sullivan (submitted application)

Edwin Stacia (requested reappointment)

Amotion was made by Mr.Kenney and seconded by Mr.Dunn Jr.to appoint Eula Coates. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Racca With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion wasadopted.

VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT-ALSEN-ST.IRMA LEE

Consideration of reappointing or replacing Claude Douglas. This appointment is atwo(2) year term. (Must live in the district).

Current Ballot

Oliver Batieste (requested reappointment)

Tracy Batieste (submitted application)

Eula Coates (submitted application)

Brenda Chaney (requested reappointment)

Claude Douglas (requested reappointment)

Elmo Morgan (requested reappointment)

Brenda Sullivan (submitted application)

Edwin Stacia (requested reappointment)

Amotion wasmade by Mr.Kenney and seconded by Mr.Dunn Jr.to appoint Brenda Sullivan. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Racca With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT-ALSEN-ST.IRMA LEE

Consideration of reappointing or replacing Elmo Morgan. This is atwo (2) year term. (Must live in the district)

Current Ballot

Oliver Batieste (requested reappointment)

Tracy Batieste (submitted application)

Eula Coates (submitted application)

Brenda Chaney (requested reappointment)

Claude Douglas (requested reappointment)

Elmo Morgan (requested reappointment)

Brenda Sullivan (submitted application)

Edwin Stacia (requested reappointment)

Amotion wasmade by Mr.Kenney and seconded by Mr.Gaudet to reappoint Elmo Morgan. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Racca

With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT-ALSEN-ST.IRMA LEE

Consideration of reappointing or replacing Edwin Stacia. This appointment is atwo (2)year term. (Must live in the district).

Current Ballot

Oliver Batieste (requested reappointment)

Tracy Batieste (submitted application)

Eula Coates (submitted application)

Brenda Chaney (requested reappointment)

Claude Douglas (requested reappointment)

Elmo Morgan (requested reappointment)

Brenda Sullivan (submitted application)

Edwin Stacia (requested reappointment)

Amotion wasmade by Mr.Kenney and seconded by Mr.Hurst to appoint Kendall Coleman. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel Nays: None Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Racca With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion was adopted.

ITEMS

CHANGE ORDERS

RESOLUTION 59318

AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF ACHANGE ORDER, BEING CHANGE ORDER NO. 1, TO THE CONTRACT EXECUTED BETWEEN THE CITY OF BATON ROUGE, PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE AND TK ELEVATOR CORPORATION, FOR ELEVATORMAINTENANCE FOR THE 19TH JDC BUILDING, BEING PROJECT NO. CONTRACT #800007008. The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearingonthe above resolution wasinorder at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Ms. Adams and seconded by Ms. Amoroso to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel Nays: None Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Racca With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion wasadopted.

RESOLUTION 59319

AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF ACHANGE ORDER, BEING CHANGE ORDER NO. 1, TO THE CONTRACT EXECUTED BETWEEN THE CITY OF BATON ROUGE, PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE AND A-1 Elevator

Service, FOR Elevator Modernization and Upgrade Project, BEING PROJECT NO. Contract #800006909RFP #2023-30-7830.

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution wasinorder at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Ms. Adams and seconded by Ms. Amoroso to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel Nays: None Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Racca With 11 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 1absent, the motion wasadopted.

RESOLUTION 59320

AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF ACHANGE ORDER, BEING CHANGE ORDER NO. 1, TO THE CONTRACT EXECUTED BETWEEN THE CITY OF BATON ROUGE, PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE AND PARTIN ROOFING, LLC, FOR DHDS/BRPD UP1 ROOF REPLACEMENT,BEING PROJECT NO. 21-ASC-CP-1521. The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on theabove resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Ms. Adams and seconded by Ms. Amoroso to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hudson, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Noel Nays: None

METROPOLITAN COUNCIL GREATER BATON ROUGE AIRPORTAUTHORITY EAST BATON ROUGE SEWERAGE COMMISSION CAPITOL IMPROVEMENTSDISTRICT

CITY OF BATON ROUGEAND PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE Wednesday,April 8, 2026 4:00 PM

The Metropolitan Council of the Parish of East Baton Rouge and the City of Baton Rouge convened in regular session on Wednesday,April 8, 2026 at 4:00 PM, in the Council Chambers of the Governmental Building, Room 348, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

The Meeting was called to order by the Presiding Officer and the following

members werepresent: Present: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Racca Absent: Hudson, Noel

CONDEMNATIONS

LATONYARENEE JONES located at 5507 Paige St., Lot 13 &14, Sq. 39, Fortune Addition Subdivision, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 11754

DARION HARRIS located at 2437 Highland Rd., Lot 1, Sq. 36, South Baton Rouge Subdivision, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 11755

EDWARD A. WISHAM 1771 OLIVE ST., LOT 21 PT+ (S ½OFLOTS 21, 22, &23), SQ. 1, O’CONNOR PLACE SUBDIVISION-COUNCIL DISTRICT 10 –COLEMAN

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motion was made by Ms. Amoroso and seconded by Ms. Harris to delete the proposed condemnation proceeding. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr., Gaudet, Harris, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Racca Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Hudson, Noel With 10 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 2absent, the motion was adopted.

BETTY K. PATIN, CEDRIC D. PATIN, PATIN FAMILYTRUST,THE SUCCESSION OF JOSEPH CARNEY PATIN, SR., AND THE SUCCESSION OF NICOLE T. PATIN 1429 THOMAS H. DELPIT DR. (BUILDING LOCATED ON THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF THOMAS H. DELPIT DR. AND BURNS DR.), LOT 14, ADDITION TO SUBURB SWARTSUBDIVISIONCOUNCIL DISTRICT 10 –COLEMAN

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding wasinorder at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motion was made by Ms. Amoroso and seconded by Ms. Harris to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on May 13, 2026. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Racca

Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Hudson, Noel With 10 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 2absent, the motion was adopted.

SAM TRUMAN COLEMAN located at 1327 Lorri Burgess Ave. (AKA 1327 EWashington St.), Lot 16, Sq. 4, South Baton Rouge Subdivision, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 11756

JOHNNY EMERY, THE ESTATEOFSAM COLEMAN, THE ESTATEOF SALLIE COLEMAN, AND THE ESTATEOFMABLE COLEMAN EMERY located at 2501 Spain St., Lot 13, Sq. 2, Belleview Subdivision, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 11757

ELEISE (AKA ELIS AND ELISE)GREEN JONES, NELLIE MAE GREEN, LOUISE GREEN BAKER, AND LOYCE GREEN SKIDMORE 409 N23RD ST LOT 1, SQ. 1, PARKVIEWSUBDIVISION- COUNCIL DISTRICT 10 -

COLEMAN

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding wasinorder at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motion was made by Ms. Amoroso and seconded by Ms. Harris to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on June 10, 2026. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Racca Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Hudson, Noel With 10 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 2absent, the motion was adopted.

MOORING TAXASSET GROUP IX &HEBREWJOE,INC (LOT 8), AND JOSEPH JOHNSON (LOT 9) located at 3201 Plank Rd. and 3215 Plank Rd., Lots 8&9,Sq. 108, Suburb Istrouma Subdivision, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 11758

SELENE FINANCE, LP 23434 CHUCK WAGONDR. (UNSECURED MOBILE HOME WITH COVEREDPARKING AWNING, REAR SHED, AND ABOVE-GROUND SWIMMINGPOOL), LOT2-A &2-B, PLEASANT PARK SUBDIVISION -COUNCIL DISTRICT 1–NOEL

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motionwas made by Ms. Amoroso and seconded by Ms. Harris to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on April 22, 2026. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr., Gaudet, Harris, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Racca

Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None Absent: Hudson, Noel With 10 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 2absent, the motion was adopted.

CHO VANTRAN AND MAYTHI NGUYEN3848 PLANK RD., LOT

2-G-1-A (A RESUBDIVISION OF LOTS 2-G-1 AND 2-G-2) PLANK ROW SUBDIVISION OF FAIRACRE FARMS -COUNCIL DISTRICT 7- HARRIS

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding wasinorder at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motion was made by Ms. Amoroso and seconded by Ms. Harris to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on May 13, 2026. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Racca

Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None Absent: Hudson, Noel With 10 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 2absent, the motion was adopted.

SYLVIA D. OBY (FKA SYLVIA DIXON) located at 2686 69th Ave., 21-A (Resub. Of Lots 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 17, 16, 15 &E ½ofLot 14), Sq.47, Bank Addition Subdivision,Baton Rouge, Louisiana 11759 EL ZORRO DE PRAIRIEVILLE, LLC 12467 &12469 WARFIELD AVE., 144A &144B (144 PER ASSESSOR) ASHLEY A/K/A ASHLEYPLACE SUBDIVISION -COUNCIL DISTRICT 6- DUNN JR.

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding wasinorder at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motion was made by Ms. Amoroso and seconded by Ms. Harris to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on June 10, 2026. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Racca Nays: None Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Hudson, Noel With 10 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 2absent, the motion was adopted.

IDA LEE THORNTON POYDRAS located at 1236 S14th St., Lot 12 PT,Sq. 276, Suburb Swart Old Plat Book Subdivision, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 11760

JOHN HARLAN ANDERSON11015 CHALICE DR. (ANY AND ALL OUTBUILDINGS, ABANDONEDVEHICLES, AND TRAILERS) LOT 207, NORTH RED OAK SUBDIVISION -COUNCIL DISTRICT 6- DUNN JR. The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding wasin order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either fororagainst the proposed condemnation proceeding. A

motion was made by Ms. Amoroso and seconded by Ms.Harris to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on May 13, 2026. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr., Gaudet, Harris, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Racca

Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Hudson, Noel With 10 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 2absent, the motion was adopted.

TONY T. DO AND TRACEY TRINH DO 12484 ROBBIE AVE. (DUPLEX WITH ADDRESSES 12484 ROBBIE AVE. AND 12486 ROBBIE AVE.), LOT

87 (SOMETIMES REFERRED TO AS LOT 87-A AND LOT 87-B), ASHLEY

SUBDIVISION -COUNCIL DISTRICT 6- DUNN JR.

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motion was made by Ms. Amoroso and seconded by Ms. Harris to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on May 13, 2026. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Racca

Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Hudson, Noel With 10 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 2absent, the motion was adopted.

NISREEN DAWAN3326 NACADIAN THWY.(ABANDONED, OPEN DWELLING WITH REAR SHED), LOT 2, SQ. 19, NEWDAYTON

SUBDIVISION -COUNCILDISTRICT 7- HARRIS

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motion was made by Ms. Amoroso and seconded by Ms. Harris to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on June 10, 2026. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Racca

Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Hudson, Noel With 10 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 2absent, the motion was adopted.

CONNER PROPERTIES &INVESTMENTS LLC 2005 ELLERSLIE DR. (SOMETIMES REFERRED TO AS 2003 ELLERSLIE), LOT 7, SQ. 2, ELLERSLIE SUBDIVISION -COUNCILDISTRICT 10 -COLEMAN

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motion was made by Ms. Amoroso and seconded by Ms. Harris to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on June 10, 2026. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:

Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Racca

Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Hudson, Noel With 10 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 2absent, the motion was adopted.

RONALD STEVENSON located at 538 S17th St., Lot 8, Roseberry Subdivision, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 11761

DOLGI ENTERPRISES, LLC located at 2406 Badley Rd. (2406 Fairchild Per Acquisition), Lot 1+ (Lots 1& 1-A), Sq. 5, Roosevelt Place Subdivision, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 11762

SQUARE 2, INC located at 4621 Osborne Ave. (Rear Shed Only), Lot 99, Foster Heights Subdivision, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 11763

JAMESEAN DUNBAR 1202 N43RD ST LOT 25, SQ. 19, GREENVILLE

EXTENSION SUBDIVISION -COUNCIL DISTRICT 7- HARRIS

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motion was made by Ms. Amoroso and seconded by Ms. Harris to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on July 22, 2026. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr., Gaudet, Harris, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Racca Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Hudson, Noel With 10 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 2absent, the motion was adopted.

VALERIE (A/K/A VALARIE) F. SELDERS AND GUARANTY ACCEPTANCE

CORP.located at 3704 NFoster Dr Lots 175 &178, Fairwoods Subdivision, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 11764

THE ESTATEOFLILLIAN B. COLLINSWILSON 638 N38TH ST., LOT 6, SQ. 28, EDEN PARK SUBDIVISION -COUNCILDISTRICT 7- HARRIS

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motion was made by Ms. Amoroso and seconded by Ms. Harris to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on June 10, 2026. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Racca

Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Hudson, Noel With 10 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 2absent, the motion was adopted.

NELSON HILLARD, EMILE HILLARD, LUCY HILLARD FOSTER, SUSIE

HILLARD RUTH,ERNEST HILLARD, DAVID HILLARD, CLARENCE

HILLARD, VICKIE M. NICHOLAS, VARRON A. NICHOLAS, NELSON U. HILLARD, PHILLIP D. HILLARD AND LUCILLE H. PORTER 14270

GLYNN RD. (1 SHOP,1SHED, 3UTILITY TRAILERS, 1BOATWITH TRAILER, 1HORSE TRAILER, AND ABANDONED VEHICLES (NOT MAIN DWELLINGS)), LOTS 16 &17PETIT PLACE SUBDIVISION -COUNCIL

DISTRICT 2– KENNEY

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above

condemnation proceeding was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motion was made by Ms. Amoroso and seconded by Ms. Harris to delete the proposed condemnation proceeding. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr., Gaudet, Harris, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Racca Nays: None Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Hudson, Noel With 10 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 2absent, the motion was adopted.

LOIS FAYSPEARS LEDUFF,CARL SPEARS, THE ESTATEOFOSSIE CLIPPS, THE ESTATEOFELIZABETH WALLACE CLIPPS, AND THE ESTATEOFALVIN F. CLIPPS located at 7950 Dyer Rd., Lot 4-A-3, Dyer

Property Subdivision, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 11765

TIMOTHYHUGGINS AND CAB ENTERPRISES, INC. 5290 PACKARD

ST LOT 25-A (RESUB. OF LOTS 25, 26, 27, 28 &29), SQ. 29 FORTUNE

ADDITION SUBDIVISION -COUNCIL DISTRICT 5- HURST

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motion was made by Ms. Amoroso and seconded by Ms. Harris to delete the proposed condemnation proceeding. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Racca Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Hudson, Noel With 10 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 2absent, the motion was adopted.

MIRACLE JOSEPH, CLYDE R. JOSEPH, JR., AND JOHNNITA

SHAUNTELLE JOSEPH located at 5522 Lemonwood Dr.(House, Outside Laundry Room and Rear Shed), Lot 45, Woodlawn Subdivision, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 11766

BEARD LOGISTICS LLC 2756 LORRAINE ST LOT 9, SQ. 32 EAST

GARDEN CITY SUBDIVISION -COUNCIL DISTRICT 5-HURST

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding wasinorder at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motion wasmade by Ms. Amoroso and seconded by Ms. Harris to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on May 13, 2026. AYea and Nay vote wascalled for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Racca Nays: None Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Hudson, Noel With 10 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 2absent, the motion wasadopted.

ANTOINETTE CHANTELLE GILBEAUX, DONALD RAYMOORE, LOUIS MOORE, JR., LAKEISHA FULLER, LUCILLE MOORE DUPREE, HAZEL BEAUCHAMP,BRENDA BEAUCHAMP,DANNY CHRISTOPHER ALLEN, VIVIAN LYNETTE MOORE FIELDS, YULONDA MOORE BROOKS, JEREMY GRADNEY,WEBSTER GRADNEY,JR., DERRICK JOHNSON, NATHANIEL MOORE, JR., THE ESTATEOFMICHAEL AITES, THE ESTATE OF MARYMOORE JOHNSON, THE ESTATEOFMARYLOUISE MOORE MURPHY AND THE ESTATEOFSHELLYMOORE 5468 PACKARD ST., LOTS 39, 40, &41, SQ. 41 FORTUNE SUBDIVISION -COUNCIL DISTRICT 5– HURST The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding wasinorder at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motion wasmade by Ms. Amoroso and seconded by Ms. Harris to defer the proposed condemnation proceeding to the council meeting on June 10, 2026. AYea and Nay vote wascalled for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Racca

Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Hudson, Noel With 10 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 2absent, the motion wasadopted.

TSCHAKIWAJ.SMITH located at 2842 Fairfields Ave., Lot 19, Sq. 17, Fairfields Subdivision,Baton Rouge, Louisiana 11767

TATTIE H. CROSBY 1084 NACADIAN THWY E(ABANDONED DWELLING WITH REAR GARAGE), LOT 22, SQ. 5EDEN PARK SUBDIVISIONCOUNCIL DISTRICT 7- HARRIS

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding wasinorder at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motion wasmade by Ms. Amoroso and seconded by Ms. Harris to delete the proposed condemnation proceeding. AYea and Nay vote wascalled for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr., Gaudet, Harris, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Racca Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Hudson, Noel With 10 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 2absent, the motion wasadopted.

THELMA W. GAULDEN, THEODORE GAULDEN, JR., LINDA GAULDEN & DEBRAH FERGUSON 1735 N36TH ST.(DUPLEX WITH THE ADDRESSES 1735 &1737 N36TH ST.), LOT 27, SQ. 15 EDEN PARK SUBDIVISIONCOUNCIL DISTRICT 7– HARRIS

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above condemnation proceeding wasinorder at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed condemnation proceeding. A motion wasmade by Ms. Amoroso and seconded by Ms. Harris to delete the proposed condemnation proceeding. AYea and Nay vote wascalled for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Racca

Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Hudson, Noel With 10 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 2absent, the motion wasadopted.

CC7 ENTERPRISES, LLC located at 225 EJohnson St., Lot 6PT(South 40 Ft. of Lot 6), Sq. 36, South Baton Rouge Subdivision,Baton Rouge, Louisiana 11768

SAMUEL D. DAVIS, JR., ALVIN DAVIS, RICHARD DAVIS, EMMA DAVIS COLLINS, RUDOLPH DAVIS, LUTISHER DAVIS COLLINS, ROBERTR DAVIS, THELMA DAVIS HOLMES, JULIETTE DAVIS WLLIAMS, JOYCE DAVIS GREEN, MARYL.DAVIS TURNER, JULIUS DAVIS, WILLIE DAVIS, PEARL DAVIS GILM MARIE RICHARDSON LEE, PEARLIE RICHARDSON BALDWIN, EMMA JEAN RICHARDSON SHEPHERD, WILLIE RICHARDSON, ROSE RICHARDSON FORWARD, KENNETH R. DAVIS located at 4440 Wells St. (Green House Remaining on Lot), Lots 48-B &46-A (Resub. of Lots 46 and 48 Sq. 4Wells),Sq. 4, Wells Place Subdivision, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 11769.

PUBLIC HEARING /MEETING PROPOSED RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SETTLEMENT OF THE MATTER ENTITLED “PAULA WILLIAMS V. CITY OF BATON ROUGE/PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE AND PATRICK WENNEMANN”, SUIT NO. 718,300 ON THE DOCKET OF THE 19TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, IN THE AMOUNT OF $300,000.00, PLUS COURTCOSTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $333.00, FOR ATOTAL AMOUNT OF $300,333.00; AND APPROPRIATING $300,333.00 FOR SUCH PURPOSE. *THIS MATTER MAYBEDISCUSSED IN EXECUTIVE SESSION. (ATTORNEY OF RECORD IS BRADY PATIN). The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Mr.Gaudet and seconded by Ms. Amoroso to defer the proposed resolution to the council meeting on May 13, 2026. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Racca Nays: None Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Hudson, Noel With 10 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 2absent, the motion wasadopted.

PROPOSED RESOLUTION

AUTHORIZING SETTLEMENT OF THE MATTER ENTITLED “SHAWANA DUNCAN &ESTATEOFVICTOR DUNCAN V. JONES, ET AL CONSOLIDATED WITH BRIANNA DUNCAN, ET AL V. JONES, ET AL”, SUIT NO. 744,702 ON THE DOCKET OF THE 19TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, IN THE AMOUNT OF $299,999.99, PLUS COURTCOSTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,097.16, FOR ATOTAL AMOUNT OF $301,097.15, WHICH AMOUNT SHALL BE PAID FROM THE ACCOUNT DESIGNATED “INSURANCE -AUTO LIABILITY” (1000.4700.10.0550.0000. 0000.000000.644120). *THIS MATTER MAYBEDISCUSSED IN EXECUTIVE SESSION. (ATTORNEYS OF RECORD ARE MICHAEL CLEGG, BRENT BOXILL AND MARKS &LEAR, PLC). The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Mr.Gaudet and seconded by Ms. Amoroso to delete the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr., Gaudet, Harris, Hurst, Kenney,Moak Nays: None Abstains: Racca Did Not Vote: None Absent: Hudson, Noel With 9yeas, 0nays, 1abstaining, 0not voting, and 2 absent, the motion was adopted. RESOLUTION 59327 AUTHORIZING SETTLEMENT OF THE MATTER ENTITLED “DELZEKIO BANKS, ET UX v. PRISON MEDICAL SERVICES, et al”, SUIT NO. 674,552 ON THE DOCKET OF THE 19TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, IN THE AMOUNT OF $67,500.00,PLUS COURTCOSTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,259.45, FOR ATOTAL AMOUNT OF $70,759.45; WHICH AMOUNT SHALL BE PAID FROM THE ACCOUNT DESIGNATED “INSURANCEGENERAL LIABILITY”(1000.4700.10.0550.0000.0000.00000.644110). *THIS MATTER MAYBEDISCUSSED IN EXECUTIVE SESSION. The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution wasinorder at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Mr.Gaudet and seconded by Mr.Kenney to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote wascalled for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Racca Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Hudson, Noel With 10 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 2absent, the motion was adopted.

RESOLUTION59328

AUTHORIZING SETTLEMENTOFTHE MATTERENTITLED“LATOSHA M.

SERF v. DAVRON JONES, ETAL, SUIT NO. 741,066 ONTHE DOCKET OF THE 19TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, IN THE AMOUNT OF $45,000.00, PLUS COURTCOSTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $295.46, FOR ATOTAL AMOUNT OF $47,795.46, WHICH AMOUNT SHALL BE PAID FROM THE ACCOUNT DESIGNATED “INSURANCE -AUTO LIABILITY” (1000.4700.10.0550.0000. 0000.000000.644120). *THIS MATTERMAY BE DISCUSSED IN EXECUTIVESESSION.

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Mr.Gaudet and seconded by Ms. Adamstoadopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nayvote was called for and resulted as follows:

Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Racca

Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Hudson, Noel With 10 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 2absent, the motion was adopted.

PROPOSEDRESOLUTION

AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR-PRESIDENT TO ACCEPT,ENTER INTO, AND EXECUTE ALL AGREEMENTS ONBEHALF OFTHE PURCHASING DIVISION, IN COORDINATIONWITH CDBG-DR HUD FEDERAL GRANT

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTINITIATIVE COMMUNITY PROJECT B24CP-LA-0914 FUNDS; AND TO SUPPORTTHE SEDBE PROGRAM IN COORDINATION WITH B2GNOW DBA ASKREPLY, FOR COMPUTER SOFTWARE, IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $156,000; AND, SULLA LLC FOR CONSULTING SERVICES, IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $300,000, AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OFALL DOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH.

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Ms. Amoroso and seconded by Mr.Gaudet to delete the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for andresulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr., Gaudet, Harris, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Racca Nays: None Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Hudson, Noel With 10 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 2absent, the motion was adopted.

RESOLUTION 59329

AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR-PRESIDENT,ONBEHALF OFTHE BATON ROUGE POLICE DEPARTMENT,TOACCEPT ADONATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $15,000 FROM THE BATON ROUGE LAWENFORCEMENT AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE FOUNDATION, SAID FUNDS TO BE USED FOR THE ACQUISITION OF APOLICE K-9 EXPLOSIVEDETECTION CANINE.

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. An interested citizen submitting an emailed comment in favor of the proposed resolution was T.J. Morse. A motion was made by Mr.Gaudet and seconded by Ms. Amoroso to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows:

Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr., Gaudet, Harris, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Racca

Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Hudson, Noel With 10 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 2absent, the motion was adopted.

RESOLUTION59330

AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR-PRESIDENT,ONBEHALF OFTHE BATON ROUGE POLICE DEPARTMENT,TOENTER INTO ACOOPERATIVE ENDEAVOR AGREEMENT (CEA) WITH ZURICH AMERICAN INSURANCE COMPANY FOR THE PARTIAL DONATIONOFARECOVERED2023

DODGE CHARGER (VIN: 2C3CDXGJ9PH650870), WITH AN ESTIMATED VALUE OF $52,000.00 UNDER THE TERMS OFTHE AGREEMENT ZURICH AMERICANINSURANCE COMPANY WILL CONTRIBUTE $44,500 TOWARD THE VALUE OFTHE VEHICLE. THE BATON ROUGE POLICE DEPARTMENT WILL PROVIDE THE REMAINING $7,500, ALONG WITH AN ADDITIONAL $400 TO COVER TAX, TITLE,AND LICENSE EXPENSES. ALL ASSOCIATED IN-KIND COSTS WILL BE FUNDED THROUGH THE POLICE DEPARTMENT’S GENERAL FUND.

ThePresiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Mr.Gaudet and seconded by Ms. Amoroso to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Racca

Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None Absent: Hudson, Noel With 10 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 2absent, the motion was adopted.

RESOLUTION59331

AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR-PRESIDENT TO EXECUTE SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT NO. 1TOTHE CONTRACT WITH WTD ARCHITECTURE, LLC FOR ADDITIONALDESIGN SERVICES IN CONNECTIONWITH THEIR CONTRACT FOR THE BATON ROUGE FIRE DEPARTMENT SARS BUILDING, BEING CITY PARISH PROJECT NO. 21-ASD-CP-1318 IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED$5000.00. THIS WILL BRING THE CURRENT TOTAL OF THIS PROJECT TO $120,625.00. (ACCOUNT NO. PS: 91051000006-4610-00000-0000000000-652300; GL: 4610-5100-205110-0000-0000-000000-652000). The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Mr.Gaudet and seconded by Ms. Adams to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr., Gaudet, Harris, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Racca

Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Hudson, Noel With 10 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 2absent, the motion was adopted.

RESOLUTION 59332

AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR-PRESIDENT TO EXECUTE ACONTRACT WITH G.E.C. INC., WITH SUBCONSULTANTS: GOTECH INC., STANTEC CONSULTING SERVICES INC., AND SOUTHERN EARTHSCIENCES INC.FOR ENGINEERING SERVICESIN CONNECTIONWITH CITYPARISH PROJECT NO. 20-CE-ST-0101, SALESTAX STREETAND ROAD REHABILITATION PROGRAMCONSTRUCTION SUPERVISION AND INSPECTION –SUPPLEMENTAL PHASE 20 IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $2,032,820.00.

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Mr.Kenney and seconded by Mr.Gaudet to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Racca Nays: None Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Hudson, Noel With 10 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 2absent, the motion was adopted.

RESOLUTION59333

AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR-PRESIDENT TO EXECUTE AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH THE LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH FOR THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL TRANSFER OF FUNDS PURSUANT TO THE LOCAL PROVIDER PARTICIPATION PROGRAM AND APPROPRIATING AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED

$136,000,000.00 FOR SUCH PURPOSE.

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Mr.Dunn Jr and seconded by Mr.Gaudet to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Racca Nays: None Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None Absent: Hudson, Noel With 10 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 2absent, the motion was adopted.

RESOLUTION 59334

AUTHORIZINGTHE MAYOR-PRESIDENTTOACCEPT THE GRANT

AWARD FOR THE COURT MODERNIZATION AND TECHNOLOGY

FUND IN AN AMOUNT UP TO $50,000 ON BEHALF OF THE BATON ROUGE CITY COURTFROM THE LOUISIANASUPREMECOURTTO SUPPORTTECHNOLOGY UPGRADES FOR THE BATON ROUGE CITY COURTAND FURTHER AUTHORIZINGTHE ADMINISTRATIVE JUDGE AND/OR INTERIM CLERK OF COURT/JUDICIAL ADMINISTRATOR OF THE BATON ROUGE CITY COURTTOEXECUTE ALL RELATED GRANT AGREEMENTS AND/OR NECESSARYDOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH AT THE APPROPRIATETIME. THE GRANT IS FUNDED THROUGH THE LOUISIANASUPREMECOURT. THE GRANTS REVIEW COMMITTEE SHALL REVIEW AND APPROVE THE LINE ITEM BUDGET PRIOR TO THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS.

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Mr.Gaudet and seconded by Ms. Amoroso to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Racca Nays: None Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Hudson, Noel With 10 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 2absent, the motion was adopted.

RESOLUTION 59335

RESCINDING AND DIRECTING THE CLERK OF COURTTOCANCEL

THE NOTICE TO ATTEND RECORDED ON SEPTEMBER 17, 2025, AT ORIGINAL 181 OF BUNDLE 13393, ORIGINAL 182 OF BUNDLE 13393, ORIGINAL 183 OF BUNDLE 13393 AND THE DECISION AND ORDER RECORDED ON OCTOBER 13, 2025, AT ORIGINAL 72 OF BUNDLE 13399 IN THEMATTER OF “CITY OF BATON ROUGE VS. SARAH CHRISTINE SIMS, TORIN VON HORTON, JR, AND ALAYNA TORI HORTON” -CONDEMNATION PROCEEDING NO.11655 (8545 HOOPER RD., (ABANDONED UNSECURED DWELLING AND REAR SHED), LOT 4, SQ. 2, YORK PLACE SUBDIVISION (ACQUISITION READS YORK).

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Mr.Hurst and

seconded by Ms. Racca to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Racca

Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Hudson, Noel With 10 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 2absent, the motion was adopted.

PROPOSED RESOLUTION

AMEND THE 2026 PAY PLAN FOR CLASSIFIED, UNCLASSIFIED, NON-CLASSIFIED, CONTRACT,FIRE, AND POLICEEMPLOYEES OF THE CITY OF BATON ROUGE AND PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE, ADOPTED BY ORDINANCE 19726, DATED 12/9/2025, SO AS TO ADD A NEW CLASSIFICATION,DIRECTOR OF CONTRACTS, JOB CODE 3323, PAY GRADE 2330 AND DELETE ONE (1) SPECIAL ASSISTANT PARISH ATTORNEY POSITION, JOB CODE 3312, PAY GRADE 2290, EFFECTIVE APRIL 18, 2026. BY PARISH ATTORNEY. The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either fororagainst the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Dunn Jr.and seconded by Ms. Harris to defer the proposed ordinance to the council meeting on April 22, 2026. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Racca Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Hudson, Noel With 10 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 2absent, the motion was adopted.

PROPOSED RESOLUTION

AMEND THE 2026 ALLOTMENT OF POSITIONS FOR THE CITY OF BATON ROUGE AND PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE, ADOPTED BY ORDINANCE 19727, DATED 12/9/2025, SO AS TO CHANGE THE ALLOTMENT OF THE PARISH ATTORNEY/ADMINISTRATION TO ADD ONE (1) DIRECTOR OF CONTRACTS (UNCL), JOB CODE 3323 AND DELETE ONE (1) SPECIAL ASSISTANT PARISH ATTORNEY (UNCL), JOB CODE 3312, EFFECTIVE APRIL 18, 2026. BY PARISH ATTORNEY

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above ordinance was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed ordinance. Amotion was made by Mr.Dunn Jr.and seconded by Mr.Gaudet to defer the proposed ordinance to the council meeting on April 22, 2026. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr., Gaudet, Harris, Hurst, Kenney,Moak, Racca Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Hudson, Noel With 10 yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 2absent, the motion was adopted.

ADJUDICATED PROPERTIES None.

ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS

ADMINISTRATIVE MATTER INTRODUCTIONS

PROPOSED RESOLUTION

AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR PRESIDENT,ONBEHALF OF THE CITY OF BATON ROUGE AND PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE TO APPROVE THE CITY PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE (CPEBR) TO PREPARE AND SUBMIT APRE-APPLICATION TO THE STATEWIDE FLOOD CONTROL PROGRAM FOR ASSISTANCE IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF APROJECT FOR THE PURPOSE OF REDUCING EXISTING FLOOD DAMAGES. Amotion was made by Mr.Dunn Jr.and seconded by Ms. Harris that the introduction of the above proposed resolution be published in accordance with law and that apublic hearing thereon be called for the council meeting on April 22, 2026. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Kenney Moak, Racca Nays: None

Abstains: None DidNot Vote: None Absent: Hudson, Hurst, Noel With 9yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 3absent, the motion was adopted.

ADMINISTRATIVE MATTER ITEMS

REQUESTINGTHATGREG ROMERECONSIDER HIS DECISION TO RETIRE AND FURTHER REQUESTING THATHECONTINUE IN HIS ROLE

AS PARISH ATTORNEY

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution was in order at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion was made by Ms. Coleman and seconded by Mr.Dunn Jr.towaive the rules to allow this item to be considered. Due to an objection by Councilman Moak, this item was not considered.

APPOINTMENTS

CAPITAL AREA FINANCE AUTHORITY:

Concurring in the Mayor President’srecommendation to fill the unexpired term by RussellMosely.This term expires July 1, 2028

Current Ballot Patrick Goldsmith Amotion was made by Mr.Gaudet and seconded by Ms. Adams to appoint Patrick Goldsmith. AYea and Nay vote was called for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Kenney Moak, Racca Nays: None

Abstains: None

DidNot Vote:None

Absent:Hudson, Hurst, Noel With 9yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 3absent, the motion was adopted.

LIBRARYBOARD OFCONTROL: Consideration of reappointing or replacing Delores Watts. This is afour (4)

year term. 9votes needed. Current Ballot Garrett Deschamp (submitted application)

Delores Watts (requested reappointment)

Amotion wasmade by Mr.Gaudet and seconded by Ms. Amoroso to reappoint Delores Watts. AYea and Nay vote wascalled for and resulted

as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Kenney, Moak, Racca

Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None Absent: Hudson, Hurst, Noel With 9yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 3absent, the motion wasadopted.

VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT-FIRE DISTRICT 3-BROWNSFIELD:

Consideration of reappointing or replacing George Dean. This is atwo (2) year term. (Must live in the district).

Current Ballot George Dean (requested reappointment) Louis Kelly,Jr. (requested reappointment)

Amotion wasmade by Mr.Kenney and seconded by Ms. Adams to reappoint George Dean. AYea and Nay vote wascalled for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr., Gaudet, Harris, Kenney, Moak, Racca Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Hudson, Hurst, Noel With 9yeas, 0nays, 0 abstains, 0not voting, and 3absent, the motion wasadopted.

VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT-FIRE DISTRICT 3-BROWNSFIELD: Consideration of reappointing or replacing Louis Kelly,Jr. This is atwo (2) year term. (Must live in the district).

Current Ballot George Dean (requested reappointment) Louis Kelly,Jr. (requested reappointment)

Amotion wasmade by Mr.Kenney and seconded by Ms. Adams to reappoint Louis Kelly,Jr. AYea and Nay vote wascalled for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr., Gaudet, Harris, Kenney, Moak, Racca Nays: None Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Hudson, Hurst, Noel With 9yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 3absent, the motion wasadopted.

VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS FIRE DISTRICT 4CENTRAL:

Consideration of reappointing or replacing Michael J. Williston. This is a two(2) year term. (Must live in the district).

Current Ballot

Michael J. Williston- requested reappointment

Amotion wasmade by Mr.Moak and seconded by Ms. Racca to reappoint Michael J. Williston. AYea and Nay vote wascalled for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Kenney Moak, Racca Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Hudson, Hurst, Noel With 9yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 3absent, the motion wasadopted.

VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT-FIRE DISTRICT 6HOOPER ROAD:

Consideration of reappointing or replacing Sharon Graves. This is atwo (2) year term. (Must live in the district)

Current Ballot

Sharon Graves

RichardFort

Amotion wasmade by Mr.Kenney and seconded by Mr.Moak to reappoint Sharon Graves. AYea and Nay vote wascalled for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Kenney Moak, Racca Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Hudson, Hurst, Noel With 9yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 3absent, the motion wasadopted.

VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT-FIRE DISTRICT 6HOOPER ROAD:

Consideration of reappointing or replacing RichardFort. This is atwo (2) year term. (Must live in the district) Current Ballot

Sharon Graves

RichardFort Amotion wasmade by Mr.Kenney and seconded by Mr.Moak to reappoint RichardFort. AYea and Nay vote wascalled for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Kenney Moak, Racca Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Hudson, Hurst, Noel With 9yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 3absent, the motion wasadopted.

ITEMS

CHANGE ORDERS

RESOLUTION 59336

AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF ACHANGE ORDER, BEING CHANGE ORDER NO. 1, TO THE CONTRACT EXECUTED BETWEEN THE CITY OF BATON ROUGE, PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE AND BAY PEST CONTROL COMPANY,FOR PEST CONTROL SERVICES, BEING PROJECT NO. CONTRACT #800007348,A25-0415. The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution wasinorder at this time. No interestedcitizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. An interested citizen submittingan emailed comment against the proposed resolution wasPhillip Lillard.A motion wasmade by Mr.Dunn Jr.and seconded by Ms. Racca to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote wascalled for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Kenney Moak, Racca Nays: None

Abstains: None Did Not Vote: None Absent: Hudson, Hurst, Noel With 9yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 3absent, the motion wasadopted.

RESOLUTION 59337

AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF ACHANGE ORDER, BEING CHANGE ORDER NO. 2, TO THE CONTRACT EXECUTED BETWEEN THE CITY OF BATON ROUGE, PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE AND CAPITOL CONSTRUCTION, LLC, FOR REGISTRAR OF VOTERS TENANT BUILDOUT,BEING PROJECT NO. 21-ASC-CP-1527.

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution wasinorder at this time. No interested citizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion wasmade by Mr.Kenney and seconded by Ms. Adams to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote wascalled for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Kenney Moak, Racca Nays: None

Abstains: None

Did Not Vote: None

Absent: Hudson, Hurst, Noel With 9yeas, 0nays, 0abstains, 0not voting, and 3absent, the motion wasadopted.

RESOLUTION 59338

AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF ACHANGE ORDER, BEING CHANGE ORDER NO. 1, TO THE CONTRACT EXECUTED BETWEEN THE CITY OF BATON ROUGE, PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE AND BARRIERE CONSTRUCTION CO, LLC, FOR MCHUGH RD (GROOM RD. TO LOWER ZACHARY), BEING PROJECT NO. 19-CP-HC-0039A

The Presiding Officer announced that apublic hearing on the above resolution wasinorder at this time. No interestedcitizens spoke either for or against the proposed resolution. Amotion wasmade by Mr.Kenney and seconded by Ms. Adams to adopt the proposed resolution. AYea and Nay vote wascalled for and resulted as follows: Yeas: Adams, Amoroso, Coleman, Dunn Jr Gaudet, Harris, Kenney Moak, Racca Nays: None