The Advocate 08-28-2025

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T h u r s d ay, au g u s T 28, 2025

EBR council signs off on new tax near LSU

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La. wants part of Voting Rights Act overturned Attorney general argues race-based redistricting is unconstitutional

BY MARK BALLARD Staff writer

said the tax at issue Wednesday had nothing to do with the arena.

Landry said taxes collected from businesses in the district will not go to Oak View Group, the developer. But the board of the LSU Economic Development District could choose to give the tax revenue generated directly within the 30-acre new development to Oak View.

John Engquist, a member of the development district board, said the tax’s use “has not yet been determined” and the board will decide that at a future date.

WASHINGTON — Louisiana is now urging the U.S. Supreme Court to rule a key section of the Voting Rights Act unconstitutional, which would throw out the state’s congressional map that has two minority-majority districts.

“The “The Constitution forbids sorting voters by Constitution race. And telling leg- forbids sorting islators drawing maps voters by race. to think about race, And telling but not think too much legislators about race, is an untenable standard,” Louisi- drawing maps ana Attorney General to think about Liz Murrill said after race, but not releasing Wednesday think too much afternoon a 58-page about race, is brief filed with the Supreme Court. an untenable Louisiana had prestandard.” viously defended the LIZ MURRILL, maps, saying they had created them under Louisiana attorney protest when a federal general judge ruled a previous map with one minority district unconstitutional. But, after the Supreme Court asked for arguments on whether Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 is constitutional, the state changed direction.

“We have consistently argued that the U.S. Supreme Court’s redistricting jurisprudence needs to be drastically changed or overruled,” Murrill said. “By requiring state legislatures to draw maps that sort voters by race, it forces us to violate the

ä See COUNCIL, page 6A

ä See VOTING, page 6A

STAFF PHOTO By JAVIER GALLEGOS

Ryan Cross, chief government relations officer for Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System, speaks during the East Baton Rouge Parish Metro Council meeting on Wednesday.

Proposal for new arena draws public scrutiny

BY PATRICK SLOAN-TURNER Staff writer

Baton Rouge officials approved a new sales tax near LSU’s campus Wednesday after a public debate over the new arena where some of the tax could be collected.

The East Baton Rouge Parish Metro Council unanimously authorized the LSU Economic Development District to levy a new sales tax in the district’s boundary, effective Oct. 1. District officials say they are planning for a tax of one cent.

The approval came after several

comments from residents who feared the tax is going to be given to the developer of the proposed new arena and took issue with any new tax levied without direct voter approval.

“I can stand here very confident and say this whole tax is to prop up the development,” said former Metro Council member Darryl Glasper. “It may have not have been created for that, but because it was created, it’s going to be used to prop up (the developer).”

Charles Landry, attorney for the Tiger Athletic Foundation who helped create the economic development district and is negotiating the arena deal,

Two children killed in shooting at Minneapolis Catholic school Authorities say gunman opened fire with rifle through the windows of building

BY STEVE KARNOWSKI, MARK VANCLEAVE and GIOVANNA DELL’ORTO

killing two and wounding 17 people in an act of violence the police chief called “absolutely incomprehensible.”

Armed with a rifle, shotgun and pisAssociated Press tol, 23-year-old Robin Westman apMINNEAPOLIS — A shooter opened fire proached the side of the church and with a rifle Wednesday through the shot dozens of rounds through the winwindows of a Catholic church in Minne- dows toward the children sitting in the apolis and struck children celebrating pews during Mass at the Annunciation Mass during the first week of school, Catholic School just before 8:30 a.m.,

WEATHER HIGH 93 LOW 74 PAGE 6B

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said at news conferences. He said the shooter then died by suicide.

The children who died were 8 and 10.

Fourteen other kids and three octogenarian parishioners were wounded but expected to survive, the chief said.

Fifth grader Weston Halsne told

ä See SHOOTING, page 7A

Business ......................3D Commentary ................5B Nation-World ................2A Classified .....................7D Deaths .........................3B Opinion ........................4B Comics-Puzzles .....4D-6D Living............................1D Sports ..........................1C

A parent hugs her son during an active shooter situation at Annunciation Church in Minneapolis, on Wednesday.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO

101ST yEAR, NO. 59

2A ■ Thursday, August 28, 2025 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

BRIEFS

FROM WIRE REPORTS

Administration appeals order to unfreeze funds

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s administration appealed to the Supreme Court again on Wednesday in its bid to keep billions of dollars in foreign aid funding frozen.

The Justice Department filed an emergency appeal seeking quick intervention to halt lower court decisions that have kept the money flowing, including for global health and HIV and AIDS programs.

The justices rebuffed the Trump administration on the issue earlier this year, but the court was divided 5-4. The justices have since sided with the administration in several highprofile cases.

The Republican administration says the funding at issue includes about $12 billion that would need to be spent by Sept.

30 if the lower court orders remain in place. A judge’s March order requiring the funding to continue wrongly interferes with negotiations between the president and Congress over the cuts, they argued.

Trump has portrayed the foreign aid as wasteful spending that does not align with his foreign policy goals.

A divided three-judge panel of the appeals court in Washington allowed the administration to suspend the funding earlier this month, but the full court declined to let the freeze snap into place immediately.

Nonprofit organizations that sued the government have said the funding freeze breaks federal law and has shut down funding for even the most urgent lifesaving programs abroad.

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Abrego Garcia requests asylum in U.S.

BY MICHAEL KUNZELMAN and BEN FINLEY Associated Press

WASHINGTON — Kilmar Abrego Garcia, whose case has come to encapsulate much of President Donald Trump ’s hard-line immigration agenda, wants to seek asylum in the United States, his lawyers told a federal judge Wednesday.

Abrego Garcia, 30, was detained Monday by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Baltimore after leaving a Tennessee jail on Friday. The Trump administration said it intends to deport him to the African country of Uganda.

The Salvadoran national’s lawyers are fighting the deportation efforts in court, arguing he has the right to express fear of persecution and torture in Uganda. Abrego Garcia has also told immigration authorities he would prefer to be sent to Costa Rica if he must be removed from the U.S. A U.S. immigration judge denied his request for asylum in 2019 be-

cause he applied more than a year after he had fled to the U.S. He left El Salvador at the age of 16, around 2011, to join his brother, who had become a U.S. citizen and was living in Maryland.

Although he was denied asylum, the immigration judge did issue an order shielding Abrego Garcia from deportation to El Salvador because he faced credible threats of violence from a gang there that had terrorized him and his family.

He was granted a form of protection known as “withholding of removal,” which prohibits him from being sent to El Salvador but allows his deportation to another country.

Following the 2019 ruling, Abrego Garcia was released under federal supervision and continued to live with his American wife and children in Maryland. He checked in with ICE each year, received a federal work permit and was working as a sheet metal apprentice earlier this year, his lawyers have said.

But in March, the Trump admin-

istration deported Abrego Garcia to an El Salvador prison, alleging he was a member of MS-13.

The allegation stems from a day in 2019 when Abrego Garcia sought work as a day laborer at a Home Depot in Maryland. Authorities had been told by a confidential informant that Abrego Garcia and other men could be identified as members of MS-13 because of their clothing and tattoos. He was detained by police, but Abrego Garcia was never charged — and has repeatedly denied the allegation. He was turned over to ICE and that’s when he applied for asylum for the first time.

The Trump administration’s deportation of Abrego Garcia in March violated the immigration judge’s 2019 order barring his removal to El Salvador. Abrego Garcia’s wife sued to bring him back.

Facing mounting pressure and a U.S. Supreme Court order, the Trump administration returned Abrego Garcia to the U.S. in June, where he was charged with human

Some FEMA staff are put on leave

BY GABRIELA AOUN ANGUEIRA Associated Press

Rapper hospitalized after shooting at store DALLAS — Dallas rapper FBG Murda was shot in Irving on Tuesday after he and another man got into a dispute with the owners of a muffler shop, according to authorities.

The 21-year-old rapper, whose legal name is Cayto Rivers, is currently hospitalized, Irving police said. The extent of his injuries remains unclear.

On Tuesday around 2:20 p.m., Irving police officers were dispatched to a muffler shop in response to a shooting.

After a preliminary investigation, police found the dispute began when Rivers and Elijah Jacobs, also 21, entered a restricted area of the shop.

The shop’s owners asked Rivers and Jacobs to leave, after which the pair became “verbally aggressive” and brandished firearms, police said.

According to police, the owners “physically restrained” Rivers and Jacobs to prevent them from using their weapons. The two men allegedly threatened to shoot the owners.

As Rivers and Jacobs attempted to leave, an owner held on to one of them and was dragged along. A firearm was discharged during the altercation and Rivers was struck, police said. It wasn’t immediately clear how many shots were fired.

Irving jail records showed Jacobs was in custody as of Wednesday morning and is facing a felony charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Police said Rivers will be booked into jail once medically cleared.

Sting sued over ‘Every Breath You Take’ money LOS ANGELES — Sting’s former bandmates in the Police have sued the singer and bassist for what they claim are unpaid royalties over the group’s hit “Every Breath You Take.”

In the suit, filed in London High Court, guitarist Andy Summers and drummer Stewart Copeland claim they never got songwriting credit on their band’s 1983 single, famously sampled on Diddy and Faith Evans’ “I’ll Be Missing You.” They allege in the suit that they have never been paid for their writing contributions.

The Police formed in 1977 and quickly became U.K. charttoppers, earning a U.S. No. 1 single with “Every Breath You Take” before splitting in 1984.

Sting went onto a successful solo career. In February 2022, Sting sold his entire songwriting catalog to Universal for an estimated $300 million.

smuggling, a federal offense.

The charges stem from a 2022 traffic stop for speeding in Tennessee. There were nine passengers in the SUV and Abrego Garcia had $1,400 in cash on him. While officers discussed among themselves their suspicions of smuggling, he was allowed to drive away with only a warning.

A federal judge in Tennessee released Abrego Garcia from jail on Friday after ruling that he was not a flight risk or a danger. The Trump administration moved to deport Abrego Garcia again on Monday, alleging he is a danger.

Abrego Garcia’s attorneys have filed a federal lawsuit to ensure that he can exercise his constitutionally protected right to fight deportation. He is entitled to immigration court proceedings and appeals, his lawyers say.

U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis in Maryland has ruled that the U.S. government cannot remove Abrego Garcia from the country as the lawsuit plays out.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By JEHAD ALSHRAFI

A Palestinian woman walks past tents for displaced people in a school used as a shelter in Gaza City on Wednesday.

Israel calls Gaza City evacuation ‘inevitable’

BY WAFAA SHURAFA, SAM METZ and SALLY ABOU ALJOUD Associated Press

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — Israeli and U.S. officials were to meet Wednesday in Washington to discuss postwar Gaza, even as Israel’s military called the evacuation of Gaza City “inevitable” ahead of a new offensive and no sign of a ceasefire was in sight.

The meeting comes amid mounting outrage over this week’s double Israeli strike on a southern Gaza hospital that killed journalists, emergency responders and others. The toll from the attack on Nasser Hospital rose to 22 after two more people died Wednesday, Gaza health officials said.

The Israeli military, which has said it will investigate, offered no immediate explanation for striking twice and no evidence for an assertion that six of the dead were militants.

As a growing chorus of international leaders urge Israel to reconsider its offensive and commit to talks, Pope Leo XIV called for Israel to halt the “collective punishment” and forced displacement of Palestinians in Gaza.

The Israeli military on Wednesday told residents of Gaza City to prepare to leave.

“The evacuation of Gaza City is inevitable,” spokesperson Avichay Adraee

wrote in Arabic on X. He said Israeli forces have surveyed vast empty areas south of the city “to assist the evacuating residents as much as possible.” He said the displaced would receive space for tents, and infrastructure would be set up to distribute aid and water.

More than 80% of Gaza is designated as an Israeli military zone or subject to displacement orders, the U.N. humanitarian agency said in June.

Israel has pressed ahead with plans to mobilize tens of thousands of reservists.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said the military will launch its offensive while simultaneously pursuing a ceasefire.

Hamas said last week that it accepted a ceasefire plan from Arab mediators.

Qatar, which has rarely assigned blame through more than a year of mediation, said Tuesday that Israel has yet to officially respond and “does not want to reach an agreement.” Last week, an official from Qatar said the proposal under discussion was “almost identical” to an earlier draft that U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff put forth and Israel accepted.

The deal said to be under discussion would include a 60-day truce, the release of some of the 50 remaining hostages held by Hamas in return for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, a surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza and a road map toward talks on a lasting ceasefire.

Leaders of ‘slave labor cult’ arrested

BY JOSEPH WILKINSON New york Daily News (TNS)

Two leaders of the Kingdom of God Global Church, a nationwide ministry once called a “slave labor cult” by a former member, were arrested Wednesday by the FBI. David Taylor, the 53-year-old leader known as the church’s “apostle,” and Michelle Brannon, its 56-year-old executive director, were both detained, the Justice Department announced. They stand accused of forced labor conspiracy and money laundering.

The Kingdom of God Global Church, also known as Joshua Media Ministries International, operates from several locations in Michigan, Texas, Florida and Missouri.

The controversial and charismatic Taylor has led the church since it was founded in Michigan in 2013.

According to the feds, the church is little more than a front designed to convince people to give Taylor their money.

Church members work long, unpaid shifts at call centers throughout the country to solicit donations, according to a federal indictment.

“Taylor demanded that victims raise more money, admonished victims for not meeting his monetary goals, explained the power God gave him, rebuked victims for disobedience and cursed those who stopped working for him,” the indictment reads.

The feds say Taylor ran his call centers with an iron fist, depriving food and sleep from those who failed to reach his “unobtainable” fundraising goals.

With the tens of millions generated from the call centers, Taylor bought expensive luxuries for himself, including properties, vehicles, Jet Skis and a boat, according to the feds.

Some employees of the Federal Emergency Management Agency who signed a public letter of dissent earlier this week were put on administrative leave Tuesday evening, according to documents reviewed

by The Associated Press.

More than 180 current and former FEMA employees signed the letter sent to the FEMA Review Council and Congress on Monday critiquing recent cuts to agency staff and programs, and warning that FEMA’s capacity to respond to a major disaster was dangerously diminished.

Thirty-five signed their names while 141 signed anonymously for fear of retribution.

The Associated Press has confirmed that at least two of the signatories received notices Tuesday evening informing them they would be placed on leave indefinitely, with pay and that they must still check in every morning confirm-

ing their availability. It was unclear what the status was for other signatories.

The notice said the decision “is not a disciplinary action and is not intended to be punitive.”

FEMA did not respond immediately to questions about how many staff received the notice and whether it was related to the opposition letter.

The dissent letter contained six “statements of opposition” to current policies at FEMA, including an expenditure approval policy by which Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem must approve contracts exceeding $100,000, which the signatories said reduces FEMA’s ability to perform its mission.

In an email Monday, FEMA spokesperson Daniel Llargues said that the Trump administration “has made accountability and reform a priority.”

“It is not surprising that some of the same bureaucrats who presided over decades of inefficiency are now objecting to reform,” Llargues said.

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The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Thursday, August 28, 2025 ■ 3A

Trump takes control of Union Station lll

Management of D.C. transit hub has been Amtrak’s responsibility

BY DARLENE SUPERVILLE

Associated Press

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s administration is taking management of Union Station away from Amtrak in the latest example of the federal government exerting its power over the nation’s capital.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the takeover Wednesday alongside Amtrak President Roger Harris at Washington’s main transportation hub during the launch of an updated version of the rail service’s Acela train. The federal government owns Union Station, which is near the Capitol.

Duffy said the station has “fallen into disrepair” when it should be a “point of pride” for the District of Columbia. He said the Republican administration’s

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By J. SCOTT APPLEWHITE

Members of the National Guard are posted at Union Station in Washington on Wednesday. move would help beautify the landmark in an economical way and was in line with Trump’s vision.

“He wants Union Station to be beautiful again. He wants transit to be safe again. And he wants our nation’s capital to be great again. And today

is part of that,” Duffy said.

It’s Trump’s latest attempt to put the city under his control. In recent weeks, Trump has increased the number of federal law enforcement and immigration agents on city streets while also taking over the Metropolitan Police

Department and activating thousands of National Guard members. Last week, Trump said he wants $2 billion from Congress to beautify Washington.

Duffy said the federal government can do a better job managing the train station

and attract more shops and restaurants and generate more revenue that will be used to pay for upgrades to the station, which opened in 1907. Since then, the cavernous Roman-columned building has been through multiple management changes and numerous ups and downs regarding its cleanliness, safety and state of repair.

Mayor Muriel Bowser said upgrading the transit hub that serves various rail lines and buses would be an “amazing initiative” for the federal government to take on because the city cannot afford the cost.

“It has suffered from not being able to get the money that it needs for the renovation,” the Democrat said at a separate news conference.

National Guard troops have patrolled in and around Union Station ever since Trump announced the anticrime effort this month.

Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth were shouted down by opponents of the federal intervention when they visited with troops there last

week.

The deputy transportation secretary, Steve Bradbury, cited a new roof and new public restrooms among $170 million in upgrades that he said are needed at the station.

Union Station has had a history of ups and downs during its nearly 120-year history.

In 1981, after rain started pouring through the ceiling, the National Park Service, which has jurisdiction over some of the area surrounding the station, declared the building unsafe.

The station was closed for five years for renovation and President Ronald Reagan signed the Union Station Redevelopment Act to help fund and organize its comeback.

The station has occasionally been a magnet for homeless individuals seeking shelter inside or camping in tents on Columbus Circle in front of the building.

The proliferation of tents prompted the Park Service to clear the encampment in front of the station in June 2022.

Handling crime is relative strength for Trump, poll indicates

BY JILL COLVIN and LINLEY SANDERS Associated Press

WASHINGTON — As armed National Guard troops patrol the nation’s capital as part of an unprecedented federal takeover of Washington’s police department, handling crime is now a relative strength for President Donald Trump, according to the latest AP-NORC poll.

Americans are generally not happy about the Republican president’s handling of issues like immigration and the economy but are more positive about his toughon-crime approach, according to the survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

Indeed, the vast majority of Americans, 81%, see crime as a “major problem” in large cities — a concern Trump has seized on as he has deployed the National Guard to the District of Columbia and threatened to expand that model to cities across the country. Despite that perception, data shows that violent crime in D.C. is at a 30-year low.

But Trump’s approach appears to be helping him, at least for the moment: His overall approval rating has increased slightly, from 40% in July to 45% now.

But the poll shows there is less public support for federal takeovers of local police departments, suggesting opinions could shift over the coming weeks or months, depending on how aggressively Trump pursues his threats.

For now, many Republicans in particular feel extreme action needs to be taken, even as statistics show violent crime is down in Washington and across the nation following a coronavirus pandemicera spike.

“About damn time that somebody did something,” said Charles Arnold, 87, a lifelong Republican who lives in San Diego.

About half of U.S. adults, 53%, say they approve of Trump’s handling of crime, the poll finds. That’s higher than his approval rating on the economy, immigration and the conflict between Russia and Ukraine — which are in line with his overall approval rating.

Trump’s approach on crime is similarly popular among White and Hispanic adults, with roughly half

Grand jury refuses to indict man seen throwing sandwich at law enforcement

BY ALANNA DURKIN RICHER Associated Press

WASHINGTON — Federal prosecutors have failed to obtain a felony indictment against a man who was seen on camera hurling a sandwich at a federal law enforcement official in the nation’s capital, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press.

Sean Charles Dunn was arrested on an assault charge after he threw a sub-style sandwich at a Customs and Border Protection agent. A video of the incident went viral, and shortly after he was fired from the Justice Department, where he worked as an international affairs specialist in the department’s criminal division.

The case is one of the examples of the legal pushback to President Donald Trump’s law enforcement surge in Washington that has led to more than 1,000 arrests. It is highly unusual for grand jurors to refuse to return an indictment, and it was once said that prosecutors could persuade a grand jury to “indict a ham sandwich.”

Grand jurors decide in secret proceedings whether there is enough evidence for an indictment, and prosecutors could go

back to try again in Dunn’s case. The person briefed on the failure to obtain an indictment against Dunn on Tuesday was not authorized to publicly discuss the matter and spoke on condition of anonymity.

A message seeking comment was sent Wednesday to a spokesperson for the top federal prosecutor in the District of Columbia, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, whose office is prosecuting the case. An attorney for Dunn declined to comment.

Dunn’s arrest came in one of the first days after Trump’s Aug. 11 order for federal agents and troops to flood Washington.

Authorities say Dunn approached a group of CBP agents, pointed a finger in an agent’s face and swore at him, calling him a “fascist,” a police affidavit says. An observer’s video captured Dunn throwing a sandwich at the agent’s chest, the affidavit says.

“Why are you here? I don’t want you in my city!” Dunn shouted, according to police.

Dunn tried to run away but was apprehended, police said. He was initially released and then was rearrested by federal agents. A video of agents going to arrest and handcuff him was posted online by an official White House X account.

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in each group saying they approve of the way he’s handling the issue.

Black adults, however, are substantially less likely to say they’re on board with Trump’s approach to crime, with just 27% in favor.

There’s broad agreement among Americans that crime is a significant issue in large cities, even with incident numbers in decline.

That belief is especially pronounced among Republicans, nearly all of whom see crime as a significant problem in large cities.

Roughly 7 in 10 independents and Democrats agree. Americans who live in urban areas are also more likely to say crime is a “major problem” in their own communities.

Still, there are limits to what the public may accept. The poll finds 55% of U.S. adults believe it is

“completely” or “somewhat” unacceptable for the federal government to take control of local police departments.

Republicans are overwhelmingly in favor of the federal government using the military and the National Guard to assist local police, but even they are more hesitant about the federal government taking control of local police departments.

About half of Republicans find this to be acceptable, while about one-third say it’s not. Democrats are broadly opposed to both.

For Republican David Gehret, 62, a maintenance technician who lives in rural Narvon, Pennsylvania, what Trump is doing is spot on.

“Bring it on,” he said. “Protect us.”

4A ■ Thursday,August 28, 2025 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

H

CDC director out after less than a month lll

Four others at agency resign

BY MIKE STOBBE AP medical writer

NEW YORK — The director of the nation’s top public health agency has been fired after less than one month in the job, and several top agency leaders have resigned.

Susan Monarez isn’t “aligned with” President Donald Trump’s agenda and refused to resign, so the White House terminated her, spokesman Kush Desai said Wednesday night.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services had announced her departure in a brief social media post late Wednesday afternoon. Her lawyers responded with a statement saying Monarez had neither resigned nor been told she was fired.

“When CDC Director Susan Monarez refused to rubber-stamp unscientific, reckless directives and fire dedicated health experts, she chose protecting the public over serving a political agenda. For that, she has been targeted,” attorneys Mark Zaid and Abbe David Lowell wrote in a statement.

“This is not about one official. It is about the systematic

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By J. SCOTT APPLEWHITE

The Department of Health and Human Services wrote in a social media post Wednesday that Susan Monarez was out as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. dismantling of public health institutions, the silencing of experts, and the dangerous politicization of science. The attack on Dr. Monarez is a warning to every American: our evidence-based systems are being undermined from within,” they said.

Her departure coincided with the resignations this week of at least four top CDC officials. The list in-

cludes Dr. Debra Houry, the agency’s deputy director; Dr. Daniel Jernigan, head of the agency’s National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases; Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, head of its National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases; and Dr. Jennifer Layden, director of the Office of Public Health Data, Surveillance, and Technology.

In an email seen by The Associated Press, Houry lamented the crippling effects on the agency from planned budget cuts, reorganization and firings.

“I am committed to protecting the public’s health, but the ongoing changes prevent me from continuing in my job as a leader of the agency,” she wrote.

She also noted the rise of misinformation about vaccines during the current Trump administration, and alluded to new limits on CDC communications.

Daskalakis worked closely with the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Kennedy remade the committee by firing everyone and replacing them with a group that included several vaccine skeptics — one of whom was put in charge of a COVID-19 vaccines workgroup.

In his resignation letter, Daskalakis lamented that the changes put “people of dubious intent and more dubious scientific rigor in charge of recommending vaccine policy.” He described Monarez as “hamstrung and sidelined by an authoritarian leader.”

He added: “Their desire to please a political base will result in death and disability of vulnerable children and adults.”

He also wrote: “I am unable to serve in an environment that treats CDC as a tool to generate policies and materials that do not reflect scientific reality.”

Some public health experts decried the loss of so many of CDC’s scientific leaders.

Michael Osterholm, a University of Minnesota infectious disease researcher, said the departures were “a serious loss for America.”

“The loss of experienced, world-class infectious disease experts at CDC is directly related to the failed leadership of extremists currently in charge of the Department of Health and Human Services,” he said.

“They make our country less safe and less prepared for public health emergencies.”

Monarez, 50, was the agency’s 21st director and the first to pass through Senate confirmation following a 2023 law. She was sworn in on July 31 — less than a month ago, making her the shortest-serving CDC director in the history of the 79-year-old agency.

Her short time at CDC was tumultuous. On Aug. 8, a Georgia man opened fire from a spot at a pharmacy across the street from CDC’s main entrance. The 30-yearold man blamed the CO-

VID-19 vaccine for making him depressed and suicidal.

He killed a police officer and fired more than 180 shots into CDC buildings before killing himself.

Monarez had scheduled an “all hands meeting” for the CDC staff — seen as an important step in addressing concerns among staff since the shooting — for Monday this week. But HHS officials meddled with that, too, canceling it and calling Monarez to Washington, D.C., said a CDC official who was not authorized to talk about it and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.

The Atlanta-based federal agency has been hit by widespread staff cuts, resignations of key officials and heated controversy over long-standing CDC vaccine policies upended by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. During her Senate confirmation process, Monarez told senators that she values vaccines, public health interventions and rigorous scientific evidence. But she largely dodged questions about whether those positions put her at odds with Kennedy, a longtime vaccine skeptic who has criticized and sought to dismantle some of the agency’s previous protocols and decisions.

Updated COVID-19 shots approved, but with limits

BY MATTHEW PERRONE Associated Press

WASHINGTON — U.S. regulators approved updated COVID-19 shots Wednesday but limited their use for many Americans — and removed one of the two vaccines available for young children.

The new shots from Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax are approved for all seniors. But the Food and Drug Administration narrowed their use for younger adults and children to those with at least one high-risk health condition, such as asthma or obesity. That presents new barriers to access for millions of Americans who would have to prove their risk — and millions more who may want to get vaccinated and suddenly no longer qualify.

Additionally, Pfizer’s vaccine will no longer be available for any child under 5, because the FDA said it was revoking the shot’s emergency authorization for that age group.

Parents will still be able to seek out shots from rival drugmaker Moderna, the other maker of mRNA vaccines, which has full FDA approval for children as young as 6 months. But the company’s Spikevax vac-

cine is only approved for children with at least one serious health problem.

The revamped vaccines target a newer version of the continuously evolving virus and are set to begin shipping soon. But it could be days or weeks before many Americans know if they’ll be able to get one, with access dependent on decisions by federal health advisers, health insurers, pharmacies and state authorities.

The new restrictions — previewed by FDA officials in May — are a break from the previous U.S. policy, which recommended an annual COVID-19 shot for all Americans 6 months and up.

The approach reflects heightened skepticism about the ongoing risks of COVID-19 and the need for yearly booster shots from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, both outspoken critics of wide-scale vaccinations.

“The American people demanded science, safety, and common sense. This framework delivers all three,” Kennedy wrote on social media.

Novavax’s shot is only open to people 12 or older, not younger children, and

carries the same risk-based restrictions that are now in place for Moderna and Pfizer. It’s the nation’s only traditional, protein-based COVID-19 vaccine.

The new limits “can’t help but create barriers to vaccinations” and cause confusion for patients, doctors and pharmacists, said Dr. William Schaffner, a Vanderbilt University vaccines expert.

Some medical groups, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, have objected to the restrictions, saying they may block vaccine access for families who want to protect their children. Last week, the group offered its own recommendations for kids, saying annual shots are strongly recommended for children ages 6 months to 2 years and advised for older children.

In his post Wednesday, Kennedy said the shots will be “available for all patients who choose them after consulting with their doctors.”

But Americans are likely to confront a number of logistical hurdles.

Insurers typically base their vaccine coverage decisions on the recommendations of a panel of advisers to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,

but some say they will also look to medical professional groups, including the American Medical Association.

Earlier this year, Kennedy replaced the entire CDC panel, naming several doctors and researchers who have repeatedly questioned the safety of commonly used vaccines and ingredients. The panel is expected to meet in September, but no agenda has been released.

Depending on the panel’s advice, Americans under

age 65 could be expected to provide documentation of a serious medical problem before they can get a shot.

Also complicating the rollout is the fact that pharmacists — who administer most COVID-19 shots — typically aren’t expected to collect that kind of information.

And laws governing their ability to administer routine vaccinations vary by state.

Access could also be complicated for healthy adults and children who are inter-

ested in getting a shot for extra protection.

If the latest vaccines aren’t covered by their insurance, those patients could be required to pay $150 or more out of pocket if they want one. If they aren’t considered high-risk, they might also have to find a doctor or other health professional willing to give the shot “off label.” Many pharmacists might be reluctant to give the shots outside of FDA’s instructions.

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BY JONEL ALECCIA Associated Press

Federal health officials have dramatically scaled back a program that has tracked food poisoning infections in the U.S. for three decades.

The Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network, known as FoodNet, has cut required monitoring to just two pathogens that cause infections, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

That’s down from eight.

Under the change, which began in July, health departments in 10 states that participate in the joint state and federal program will be required to monitor only foodborne infections caused by salmonella and Shiga toxinproducing E. coli bacteria.

Those are among the top contributors to foodborne illnesses, hospitalizations and deaths in the U.S., the CDC said.

Previously, the FoodNet system required surveillance of infections confirmed to be caused by six other germs as well: campylobacter, cyclospora, listeria, shigella, vibrio and Yer-

sinia. That is now optional.

Narrowing the reporting requirements “will allow FoodNet staff to prioritize core activities,” CDC spokesman Paul Prince said in a statement. The move lets the agency “steward resources effectively,” he added. It’s not clear whether the action is connected to recent funding cuts enacted by the Trump administration.

But food safety officials, including those in states that participate in the program, said the change could slow detection of foodborne illness outbreaks and obscure the full picture of food-related infections.

“Long term, it will affect our ability to use surveillance data to better understand risks in the food supply,” said Carlota Medus, who supervises the Minnesota Department of Health’s foodborne diseases unit.

Foodborne infections caused by specific germs are required to be reported to the CDC or to state health departments. But relying on passive reports of infections rather than actively seeking out laboratory data, hospital details and other information can mean that some cas-

es are missed, Medus said.

“FoodNet doesn’t just count cases. The FoodNet sites collect robust data that contribute to the understanding of certain infections,” she said.

In addition to Minnesota, FoodNet sites include health departments in Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Maryland, New Mexico, Oregon, Tennessee, certain counties in California and New York.

The FoodNet reduction was first reported by NBC News.

FoodNet was created in 1995 as a partnership between the CDC, the U.S. Agriculture Department, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and several states.

It has tracked infections in a surveillance system that captures about 16% of the U.S. population.

It allowed the U.S. to estimate the number of cases of illness per 100,000 population caused by certain foodborne germs, said Frank Yiannas, a food safety expert and former FDA official.

“We won’t know as accurately as possible if we’re getting better or worse in respect to certain pathogens,” Yiannas said.

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COUNCIL

excited about the future economic development opportunities on the campus.”

Only one council member, Jen Racca, took part in discussion related to the new tax, asking the Parish Attorney’s Office what the revenue from this tax could be

used for.

On Tuesday, Baton Rouge Republican Party Chair Woody Jenkins slammed the tax and the potential new arena, the deal for which he called a “scam” that those involved were shielding from the public.

Jenkins again repeated some of

those comments in front of the council and questioned whether it was right for unelected leaders to be in control of the tax revenue.

“There are 109 businesses that would be subjected to this additional sales tax, which would make them the highest taxed people in Louisiana, and it would all be done without a vote of the people,” Jenkins said. “It’s giving a blank check in perpetuity for this 1% sales tax to be levied, not under the control of the Metro Council or the mayor.”

The economic district boundaries are drawn in a way that does not include any residents, which means voter approval is not required.

Drafted terms between the developer and the Tiger Athletic Foundation included a requirement that various sales taxes collected in parts of the development district would be rebated back to the developer. Landry and Engquist said those terms have now changed and are no longer accurate.

Increased scrutiny has surrounded the project since former CEO of Oak View Group — the

mean drastic changes to how election maps across America are drawn, election observers say.

“It’s a breathtaking, wholesale attack on the Voting Rights Act, which just turned 60 this month,” said Michael Li, a redistricting authority with the Brennan Center for Justice, which is affiliated with New York University Law School.

“It’s also completely unfounded,” he said, arguing that for four decades the courts were able to distinguish between situations where majority-minority districts are necessary to remedy race discrimination and where they are not.

When Louisiana was required to draw new U.S. House districts due to population changes in the 2020 census, it originally passed a map much like the old one, with five majority-White districts and one majority-Black district.

A group of Black voters, known as the Robinson litigants, filed a legal challenge arguing the Voting Rights Act required two majorityBlack districts, since roughly a third of the state is Black and the districts could be configured to be compact while linking communities with similar interests.

A federal district and appellate judges agreed.

Gov. Jeff Landry and the Legislature in January 2024 passed SB8, which redrew the maps from which the state elected its six representatives to the U.S. House to include two Black majority districts instead of one. State lawmakers argued that the map they drew was for political reasons: to protect the White majorities in the districts represented by House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Benton, and Rep. Julia Letlow, R-Start.

But a second group of “non-African Americans,” known as the Callais litigants, then filed their own lawsuit, claiming the new map relies primarily on race and is an illegal gerrymander under the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution. Two of the three federal judges on a special panel ruled in their favor.

The Callais parties argue that Louisiana’s Black population doesn’t live close enough together to support creating two Black-majority districts. The fact that the new district stretches from Baton Rouge to Lafayette to Shreveport is evidence legislators were using race to draw a district with the goal of creating a second Black district, they argue.

Section 2 mandates that states

with histories of polarized voting and diluting minority voices must allow minority-majority districts if, generally, voters with like interests live close enough together.

When conditions such as segregated communities and polarized voting cease to exist, such as in parts of the northeast and west, voting rights challenges fail in court.

But some courts have ruled that those conditions continue to exist in Louisiana. For example, the state’s White majorities have never elected a Black candidate.

The state of Louisiana initially asked the U.S. Supreme Court how best to balance Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which allows configuring districts in a way that minorities have an opportunity to elect one of their own, and the Equal Protection Clause, which forbids creating districts based on race.

The high court asked for new arguments on whether Section 2, the remaining legal tool to enforce the Voting Rights Act, violates the 14th and 15th amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

The state already has argued to the high court the validity and need for two minority-majority congressional districts, noted Ash-

Continued from page 1A Supporters of the project have argued it could attract major events to Baton Rouge, providing a massive economic boost. When the arena is not being used for LSU events, it will be open for concerts and other events.

Our Lady of the Lake Hospital is the sole finalist in negotiations for the naming rights for the arena for a price of $50 million over 10 years.

Ryan Cross, chief government relations officer for Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System, said the new tax will help strengthen economic development near LSU, which in turn will help keep young professionals from leaving Baton Rouge.

“For that reason that we are very strong proponents of this economic development district, so that the dollars that are generated on campus within the boundaries of the district can be reinvested in the district,” Cross said. “We’re

VOTING

Continued from page 1A federal Constitution.”

The state’s brief details the position Louisiana will take Oct. 15 when state Solicitor General Benjamin Aguiñaga argues Louisiana v Callais before the nine justices of the high court.

The brief contends that Senate Bill 8, which enacted the maps, only became law because of “unprecedented pressure by the courts to draw a second majorityminority district or else the courts would. And that is why our original briefing in this case defends SB 8 under the Court’s existing precedents.”

“Whether race technically predominates or not,” the brief states, “…does not change the fact that the classification is fundamentally contrary to the Equal Protection Clause’s prohibitions.”

The filing concluded by asking the high court to find “the intentional creation of a second majority-minority district in SB8 is unconstitutional.”

If the Supreme Court accepts Louisiana’s argument, it would

STAFF PHOTO By JAVIER GALLEGOS

East Baton Rouge Parish Metro Council member Aaron Moak speaks during Wednesday’s meeting.

sole finalist to develop it — Tim Leiweke was indicted on federal charges in July.

Investigators say Leiweke rigged the bidding scheme for an arena at University of Texas at Austin, a facility the Tiger Athletic Foundation hopes to model the new LSU arena after.

Leiweke has since stepped down from that role.

On Wednesday, Engquist said Oak View Group is the only developer in the country that has the means to both build and manage the arena at LSU that the Tiger Athletic Foundation envisions.

While LSU owns the land where the arena would stand, Oak View Group would own the building itself. LSU basketball and gymnastics would compete at the facility, which would also host live entertainment.

Landry said the latest plans put the facility’s price tag at $400-$410 million, with seating for roughly 12,500 people.

Email Patrick Sloan-Turner at patrick.sloan-turner@ theadvocate.com.

ley Shelton, who leads the Power Coalition, a New Orleans-based community activist group that is one of the Robinson litigants.

“What has changed? Other than the political whims of the president,” Shelton said. The current configuration with two Black Democratic and four White Republican representatives was drawn by and approved by the Republican majority of the Louisiana Legislature and signed into law by a Republican governor.

U.S. Rep. Cleo Fields, the Baton Rouge Democrat who won election in the newly created Black majority district, released a statement Wednesday saying the attorney general should represent the state’s interest whenever the validity of a state law is challenged.

“That responsibility exists for a reason: the people deserve to know that the laws passed by their elected legislature will be given a full and fair defense. I just have the belief that the Attorney General should be willing to defend the work of the people’s representatives,” Fields said.

Email Mark Ballard at mballard@theadvocate.com.

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Missing N.O. boy killed by alligator, coroner says NOPD probes mother, police response

BY MISSY WILKINSON

Staff writer

The day after a 12-day, multiagency search to find a missing autistic boy ended with the discovery of his body in a New Orleans East lagoon, another quest has launched to determine where the blame should lie in what NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick has deemed a “failure.”

The New Orleans coroner determined Bryan Vasquez, 12, died from blunt force trauma and drowning sustained during an alligator attack. The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries was asked to eradicate “nuisance alligators” in the waterway near the 13000 block of Sevres Street, where the child’s body was found, Kirkpatrick said

PROVIDED PHOTO

Bryan Vasquez, 12, disappeared from his home on Aug. 14.

at a Wednesday media briefing.

New Orleans police confirmed that Bryan’s mother, Hilda Vasquez, has been served with a search warrant and had her phone confiscated as part of the unclassified death investigation.

“We’re looking at all aspects,” NOPD Deputy Superintendent Nicholas Gernon said. “This is a fact-finding mission.”

Hilda Vasquez’s criminal history is under review as part of the wider investigation by police and the

Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services, Kirkpatrick said.

“I think that the death of Bryan is a failure. I think it is,” Kirkpatrick said Tuesday. “And as I said, we’re going to look at everything.

I mean, everything.”

Orleans Parish court records show that Hilda Vasquez was charged in 2014 with cruelty to juveniles and second-degree cruelty to juveniles. She later pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of simple cruelty to juveniles by negligent treatment or neglect.

A police source familiar with the case said Bryan Vasquez, then 6 months old, was the victim and suffered a fractured skull and broken legs.

Hilda Vasquez declined to comment on her 2014 conviction. Cristina Rosales-Fajardo, who has served as a translator for Hilda Vasquez and an organizer of the

civilian search efforts, said the investigation process has been “like a war,” leaving the family without an opportunity to properly grieve, and Bryan’s mother without the phone that held pictures and videos of him.

A frequent presence at the search scene near the 13000 block of Sevres Street, Hilda Vasquez has been heartbroken over the death of her son, who had been missing since he sneaked out of Beaucaire Street at 5:20 a.m.

Thursday, Aug. 14. His disappearance triggered a multiagency and volunteer search that ended Tuesday when his body resurfaced and was discovered by a United Cajun Navy volunteer’s drone.

A mother of four, including an infant, Hilda Vasquez had recently moved to a new address in Village de l’Est and had not had time to install the security measures that contained Bryan in the past.

SHOOTING

Continued from page 1A reporters he ducked for the pews, covering his head, shielded by a friend who was lying on top of him. His friend was hit, he said.

“I was super-scared for him, but I think now he’s OK,” the 10-year-old said, adding that he was praying for the other hospitalized children and adults.

Halsne’s grandfather, Michael Simpson, said the violence during Mass on the third day of school left him wondering whether God was watching over.

“I don’t know where he is,” Simpson said.

FBI Director Kash Patel said on X that the shooting is being investigated as an act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Catholics.

O’Hara said police hadn’t yet found any relationship between the shooter and the church, nor determined a motive for the bloodshed.

The chief said, however, that investigators were examining a social media post that appeared to show the shooter at the scene and contained “some disturbing writings.”

“The sheer cruelty and cowardice of firing into a church full of children is absolutely incomprehensible,” said O’Hara, who gave the wounded youngsters’ ages as 6 to 15. He said a wooden plank was placed to barricade some of the side doors, and that authorities found a smoke bomb at the scene.

Westman’s uncle, former Kentucky state lawmaker Bob Heleringer, said he did not know the accused shooter well. He said he last saw Westman at a family wedding a few years ago and was confounded by the violence: “It’s an unspeakable tragedy.”

The police chief said Westman did not have an extensive known criminal history and is believed to have acted alone.

Federal officials referred to Westman as transgender, and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey decried ha-

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By ABBIE PARR

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey sits on steps of the Annunciation Church’s school as police respond to a mass shooting on Wednesday. tred being directed at “our transgender community.”

Westman’s gender identity wasn’t clear. In 2020, a judge approved a petition, signed

by Westman’s mother, asking for a name change from Robert to Robin, saying the petitioner “identifies as a female and wants her name to reflect that identification.”

Frey said the violence had forever changed the students’ families and the city along with them.

“Don’t just say this is about thoughts and prayers right now,” Frey said at a news conference. “These kids were literally praying.”

Bill Bienemann, who lives a couple of blocks away and has long attended Mass at Annunciation Church, said he heard as many as 50 shots over as long as four minutes.

“I was shocked. I said, ‘There’s no way that could be gunfire,’ ” he said.

Bienemann’s daughter, Alexandra, said she was an alumna of the kindergartento-eighth-grade school, and it made her sick to her stomach to think she might know some of those who were injured.

The police chief said officers immediately responded to reports of the shooting, entered the church, rendered first aid and rescued some of the children hiding throughout the building as

other emergency responders arrived.

Frey and Annunciation’s principal said teachers and children, too, responded heroically.

“Children were ducked down. Adults were protecting children. Older children were protecting younger children,” said the principal, Matt DeBoer.

Danielle Gunter, the mother of an eighth-grade boy who was shot, in a statement said her son told her a Minneapolis police officer “really helped him” by giving aid and a hug before her son got into an ambulance.

Amid a heavy uniformed law enforcement presence later Wednesday morning, children in dark green uniforms trickled out of the school with adults, giving lingering hugs and wiping away tears.

Aubrey Pannhoff, a 16-year-old student at a different Catholic school, rushed to Annunciation after her own school’s lockdown and prayer service, and she said she was asking God: “Why?” “It’s little kids,” she said through tears. “It’s just really hard for me to take in.”

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz lamented that children just starting the school year “were met with evil and

horror and death.” He and President Donald Trump ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff on state and federal buildings, respectively, and the White House said the two men spoke. The gov-

“She just was holding on to faith and fate,” said Rosales-Fajardo.

“When they finally confirmed that it is her son, she asked to see his body. Well, they’re not allowing her to see the body because of the decomposition … and the damage that the alligators caused.

“I brought them to my house, which is right around the corner from her house, and we just cried.”

Hilda Vasquez has criticized the NOPD’s five-hour response time, which Kirkpatrick described on Wednesday as “inordinate.” An internal NOPD investigation into that delay launched last week.

“We know that these are difficult outcomes, and we still have quite a grieving community and a grieving family,” Kirkpatrick said.

“This investigation does continue.”

Anyone with information may call Crimestoppers anonymously at (504) 822-1111 or contact NOPD at (504) 821-2222.

ernor was the Democratic vice presidential nominee in last year’s election against Trump’s running mate, now Vice President JD Vance, a Republican.

From the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV sent a telegram of condolences. The Chicagoborn Leo, history’s first American pope, said he was praying for relatives of the dead.

News of the shooting rippled through a national Democratic officials’ meeting nearby in Minneapolis. U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, a Democrat who represents the area around the school, visited the scene.

Atlanta Archbishop Gregory Hartmeyer, who chairs the board of the National Catholic Education Association, said in a statement that reasonable firearms legislation must be passed.

“The murder of children worshipping at Mass is unspeakable,” Hartmeyer said.

“We must take action to protect all children and families from violence.”

Monday had been the first day of the school year at An-

nunciation, a 102-year-old school in a leafy residential and commercial neighborhood about 5 miles south of downtown Minneapolis.

Karin Cebulla, who said she had worked as a learning specialist at Annuciation and sent her two now-college-aged daughters there, described the school as an accepting, caring community.

“Everyone felt safe here, and I just pray that it continues to be a place where people feel safe,” she said.

The gunfire was the latest in a series of fatal shootings in Minnesota’s most populous city in less than 24 hours. One person was killed and six others were hurt in a shooting Tuesday afternoon. Hours later, two people died in two other shootings in the city.

O’Hara, the police chief, said the Annunciation shooting does not appear to be related to other recent violence.

Alongside many major U.S. cities, violent crime in Minneapolis has decreased since the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Ukrainian drone attacks cause gas shortages in Russia Far East, Crimea feel pinch, but Moscow doesn’t

BY KATIE MARIE DAVIES Associated Press

Gas stations have run dry in some regions of Russia after Ukrainian drones struck refineries and other oil infrastructure in recent weeks, with motorists waiting in long lines and officials resorting to rationing or cutting off sales altogether.

Wholesale prices on the St. Petersburg International Mercantile Exchange for A-95 gas — the highest octane — spiked to record highs last week, soaring to about 50% higher than in January, as demand soared from farmers seeking to bring in the harvest and Russians hitting the roads for their last big vacation of the summer.

Russian media outlets reported fuel shortages are hitting consumers in several regions in the Far East and on the Crimean Penin-

sula, which was illegally annexed from Ukraine by Moscow in 2014.

Media outlets in the Primorye region, which borders North Korea, reported long lines and prices of about 78 rubles per liter (approximately $3.58 per gallon) at gas stations in the area, where the average monthly wage is about $1,200. Journalists at local news outlet Primpress found other drivers trying to sell gas online for as much as 220 rubles per liter (about $10.12 per gallon).

In the Kurilsky district of the Kuril Islands north of Japan, shortages of lower octane A-92 gas forced officials to halt public sales outright Monday. In Crimea, a popular resort area, some companies sold fuel only to holders of coupons or special cards.

Russia is no stranger to gasoline price increases at the end of summer. But this year’s shortages have been aggravated by Ukraine’s attacks on oil refineries in the war.

Larger, more concentrated attacks are causing more damage and hampering production, all timed to coincide with peak demand.

Ukraine has targeted energy infrastructure before, but the recent strikes have been more successful, with more drones targeting a more concentrated group of facilities.

“The Ukrainians are attacking an arc of refineries, starting from Ryazan, which is south of Moscow, all the way to Volgograd. That region is where people are driving through on their way to (resorts on) the Black Sea. That’s the region where most of the harvest operations are going on. And that’s also a rather densely populated region,” Sergey Vakulenko, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, told The Associated Press.

Between Aug. 2 and Aug. 24, Ukraine attacked oil infrastructure at least 12 times, according to media reports. Of those attacks, at least 10 were targeting sites in the Ryazan-Volgograd arc in southwestern Russia.

These attacks have damaged many oil refineries but have not destroyed them outright, Vakulenko said, adding that most of the facilities are extremely resilient against fires.

But they can slow refinery activity, as shown by a fall in the intake of crude oil to be turned into diesel, gasoline or other products by roughly 200,000 to 250,000 barrels per day, said Gary Peach, oil markets analyst at Energy Intelligence.

“That’s just enough to make their gasoline industry feel some pain, especially during the high consumption months in the summer,” he told AP. Gasoline production fell 8.6% in the first 19 days of August, compared with a year earlier, and diesel production was down 10.3%.

Other war-related issues have caused even more consumer pain.

Ukrainian drone strikes repeatedly have disrupted Russian transportation networks, particularly air traffic, causing more people to travel by car and increasing demand for gas, Vakulenko said.

To try to ease the shortage, Russia has paused gasoline exports, with officials Wednesday declaring a full ban until Sept. 30 and a partial ban affecting traders and intermediaries until Oct. 31.

Oil company managers have also been summoned to government meetings twice this month to discuss the shortages, Russian media reported.

While officials appear to be concerned, the gasoline shortfall “isn’t system critical,” Peach said.

So far, the shortage remains confined to certain areas — the Far East and Crimea — because these regions usually are supplied by fewer refineries and present greater transportation demands.

Moscow has been spared the latest gasoline price spike because it is well-supplied from major refineries in Yaroslavl and Nizhny Novgorod, cities a few hours’ drive away. The capital also has a refinery in the city itself.

Russia is not at immediate risk of grinding to a halt — even in more vulnerable regions, experts say.

Although private drivers may feel some pain at the gas pump, most buses and trucks run on diesel, for which Russia has a surplus. The military, which largely uses diesel fuel, also is insulated from any shocks.

Denmark summons U.S. envoy over claims of interference in Greenland

By The Associated Press COPENHAGEN, Denmark — Denmark’s foreign minister summoned the top U.S. diplomat in the country for talks after the main national broadcaster reported Wednesday that at least three people with connections to President Donald Trump have been carrying out covert influence operations in Greenland.

In a lengthy written statement, the U.S. State Department confirmed that the deputy chief of mission in Copenhagen, Mark Stroh, had met with Danish foreign ministry officials. It declined to comment “on the actions of private U.S. citizens in Greenland.”

“The U.S. government does not control or direct the actions of private citizens,” it said.

The department said Stroh had “a productive conversation and reaffirmed the strong ties among the Government of Greenland, the United States, and Denmark.” It said the U.S. values its relationships with both Denmark, a NATO

ally, and Greenland and noted that Trump and his top aides had all said they respect “the right of the people of Greenland to determine their own future.”

“We continue to foster engagement and cooperation with Denmark and Greenland to support increased security and prosperity for our nations,” it said.

Stroh is the second American diplomat to be summoned by a European NATO ally this week as the Trump administration shakes up its approach to foreign policy.

France had called U.S. Ambassador Charles Kushner to its foreign ministry after he sent a letter to French President Emmanuel Macron alleging the country did not do enough to combat antisemitism.

The White House did not offer an immediate comment on Denmark’s summons.

Trump has repeatedly said he seeks U.S. jurisdiction over Greenland, a vast, semiautonomous territory of Denmark. He has not ruled out military force to take control of the mineral-rich, strategically

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By KWIyEON HA

U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly said he seeks U.S. jurisdiction over Greenland, a vast, semiautonomous territory of Denmark. Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, is pictured above. located Arctic island.

Denmark and Greenland have said the island is not for sale and condemned reports of the U.S. gathering intelligence there.

Public broadcaster DR said Danish government and security sources that it didn’t name, as well as unidentified sources in Greenland and the U.S., believe that at

least three American nationals with connections to Trump have been carrying out covert influence operations in the territory.

One of those people allegedly compiled a list of U.S.-friendly Greenlanders, collected names of people opposed to Trump and got locals to point out cases that could be used to cast Denmark in a bad light in American media, the broadcaster reported.

Two others have tried to nurture contacts with politicians, businesspeople and locals, according to the report.

DR said its story was based on information from a total of eight sources, who believe the goal is to weaken relations with Denmark from within Greenlandic society.

It said it had been unable to clarify whether the Americans were working at their own initiative or on orders from someone else.

It said it knows their names but chose not to publish them to protect its sources.

The Associated Press could not independently confirm the report.

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T h u r s d ay, au g u s T 28, 2025

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Attorneys clash in murder retrial

One kicked out of court, 2 others held in contempt

BY MATT BRUCE Staff writer

Clashes between opposing attorneys compelled an East Baton Rouge judge to hold three attorneys in contempt of court for actions taken during the murder trial of a man convicted this week of killing his ex-girlfriend and her new lover.

A jury deliberated about 21/ 2 hours before finding Brian Alexander Lavergne guilty Monday night on two counts of second-degree murder in the January 2021 double homicide. The verdict culminated an explosive six-day trial that saw presiding District Judge Louise Hines Myers toss one of Lavergne’s attorneys out of the courtroom midway through and

The three attorneys stood before Myers during a contempt hearing inside the 19th Judicial District ä Baton Rouge man convicted Courthouse on Tuesday afternoon, of gunning down couple. PAGE 2B and she expressed consternation at the prospect of having to discipline the attorneys, but said she bar that attorney from reentering felt the need to maintain order in throughout the remainder of the her courtroom during trials. trial. She also cited the defendant’s “The whole thing weighs heavily lead attorney for several counts of on me,” she said. “I don’t want to contempt and held the prosecutor hold anybody in contempt. I mean, who argued for Lavergne’s convic- I barely slept all week because of this. I did not want to go there.” tion in contempt of court as well.

Prosecutors proved to a jury of nine men and five women that Lavergne, 38, used a 12-gauge shotgun to shoot LaQuincia Jackson, his 26-year-old ex-girlfriend, and her boyfriend of five years, 33-year-old Fredrick Hollins, at point-blank range inside the couple’s Tigerland apartment in the 4600 block of Earl Gros Avenue.

He killed the couple as they slept in their bed the evening of Jan. 23,

ä See RETRIAL, page 2B

Officials: Black soot ‘no imminent threat’

SHIPPING AHOY

Frustration grows after Tangipahoa plant fire

BY DAVID J. MITCHELL Staff writer

STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

Commercial trucks pass over the Mississippi River as a ship sits midriver recently in Baton Rouge.

Cooler temps likely for college football opening weekend

BY ELLYN COUVILLION

Staff writer

Cooler evening temperatures will bring a taste of fall to LSU’s first game of the season on Saturday, an away game in Clemson, South Carolina.

It’s a mixed blessing, though, with rain in the forecast as well, according to the National Weather Service.

Kickoff time will be at 6:30 p.m. at Clemson Memorial Stadium. The game will be broadcast on ABC. Baton Rouge fans watching the game from the comfort of a deck or porch chair outside at home will see a daytime high near 88 degrees — rather than the 90s of recent days — and a low on Saturday of around 73, according to the weather service.

The temperatures will be held down by showers, thunderstorms and cloudiness in the Baton Rouge area, said Rob Frye, a National Weather Service meteorologist.

“The rain impact will keep temperatures from soaring into the 90s, but we’ll take whatever we can get,” Frye said.

A 60% chance of rain in Baton Rouge on Saturday will drop to 20% that night.

“Once the rainfall clears by Tuesday, we’ll be back in the 90s next week,” he said.

Autumn’s first, true appearance in Baton Rouge never sticks to a schedule, Frye said.

“We may get a taste of fall in September or as late as early November.”

“Probably, sometime in October, we’ll get the first, bona fide cold front — but it changes every year,” Frye said.

LSU contends with dorm space, incoming freshman overflow Viral pest reports draw attention to housing

BY QUINN COFFMAN Staff writer

After seven consecutive years of record-breaking freshman enrollment, LSU again started the fall semester with more incoming students than available dorm space on campus.

But parents’ concerns were stirred up last week by viral social media reports of cockroaches at the LSU-contracted apartments where overflow students were assigned.

Freshman student overflow is not uncommon at large universities, said Peter Trentacoste, LSU’s director of residential life, in a written comment provided to The Advocate.

To meet housing needs, Trentacoste said, LSU leases more than 12% of the rooms at the Ion Baton Rouge apartment building, across Alaska Street from campus and near other dorms, such as North Hall.

Since move-in started last week, Ion has been the epicenter of reports of pests and unclean conditions.

In one TikTok from account @bymichellechristine, which received more than 675,000 views, a mother who brought her daughter to Baton Rouge for the girl’s freshman semester said she was “dis-

STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

Students with help from move-in day staff take their things to West Hall during the final day of LSU freshman move-in weekend in Baton Rouge on Aug. 7.

gusted by LSU move-in day.”

In the story, the woman details how her daughter was first told a few weeks ago that she would be living in Ion because on-campus housing filled up. On move-in day, the daughter and her new roommate found roaches in the unit’s dishwasher, cabinets and oven.

“Apparently, their room is not the only one that looks like this,” the mother said at the end of her TikTok. Both LSU and Scion, the company that manages the Ion building, have said the

ä See LSU, page 2B

The black, oily soot that spewed from the Tangipahoa plant that caught fire and exploded last week does not pose “an imminent threat to public health,” regulators said Wednesday, but further details on the substance’s contents were not provided, and parish officials expressed concerns over the slow release of information.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency officials issued the finding, but nonetheless warned residents to wash surfaces and their hands if they’ve come in contact with the material and to avoid concentrated collections of the black residue.

Coating surfaces across the area near Smitty’s Supply Inc., the black soot, which fell at least on Friday and Saturday, has become one of several contamination concerns for residents after the devastating fire near Roseland and has been key in a series of proposed classaction lawsuits over the blaze.

Covering roughly 20 acres, the complex holding as much as 8.7 million gallons of flammable hydrocarbons and other chemicals caught fire shortly before 12:52 p.m. Friday, sending a towering black plume skyward.

The fire continued to smolder Wednesday with scattered hot spots and remains 98% contained, though officials have not said what was in the complex and what burned.

EPA officials said black soot from the fire has been reported as far as 15 miles away from the Smitty’s complex, but testing has shown the material isn’t a major health risk.

“Based on the data currently available, there is no indication of any imminent threat to public health from the soot or smoke residue deposited in the surrounding area,” the EPA statement said.

“Out of an abundance of caution, residents are advised to take general hygiene precautions, including washing any outside surfaces that may have been impacted by soot or smoke and practicing good hand-washing after contact with outdoor surfaces. Do not ingest any deposited soot or come into direct contact with areas of concentrated residue,” the agency said.

ä See PLANT FIRE, page 6B

PROVIDED PHOTO

The fire at Smitty’s Supply in Tangipahoa Parish burns before it was contained on Friday.

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Thursday,August 28, 2025 ■ 2B

lll

Baton Rouge man convicted of gunning down couple Lawyers on both sides held in contempt

BY MATT BRUCE Staff writer

A grueling murder retrial ended this week with a Baton Rouge man being convicted of killing his exgirlfriend and the woman’s new lover with a shotgun inside the couple’s Tigerland apartment 41/2 years ago.

A jury of nine men and five women found Brian Alexander Lavergne guilty Monday night on two counts of second-degree murder following four days of testimo-

ny and about 21/2 hours of deliberations.

According to the verdict, Lavergne shot and killed LaQuincia Jackson, his 26-year-old exgirlfriend, and her boyfriend of five years, 33-year-old Fredrick Hollins. Prosecutors said he killed the couple as they slept in their apartment in the 4600 block of Earl Gros Avenue the evening of Jan. 23, 2021, using a 12-gauge shotgun to shoot them at point-blank range.

Investigators from the Baton Rouge Police Department said Jackson dated Lavergne for three years. They broke up four or five years before the shooting following a physical encounter. Despite the breakup, Jackson and Lavergne remained close friends,

Plank Road Piccadilly Cafeteria closes its doors

BY MADDIE SCOTT Staff writer

One of Baton Rouge’s four remaining Piccadilly cafeterias closed its doors Tuesday.

“This decision was not made lightly. We always consider a store closure our very last option, but it is sometimes necessary as we navigate the ever-changing environment of the restaurant industry,” said Piccadilly’s Chief Operating Officer Keith L. Brown, of Youngsville, via email Wednesday afternoon.

On Wednesday, a sign on the front door at 5179 Plank Road announced the closure. Inside, employees in uniform cleaned the building, some wiping down windows with rags.

An employee standing outside said she was notified last Tuesday of the closure. When a manager came outside, she ushered the employee back inside and declined to be interviewed or offer further information.

“After proudly serving the North Baton Rouge community for 65 years, we are sorry to announce we are closing our doors permanently

on August 26th, 2025,” the sign read.

Downtown Baton Rouge saw the first Piccadilly open at 214 Third St. in 1944. By the 1960s, local cafeterias featured cloth napkins, live music, commissioned murals, chandeliers and home-cooked food.

For decades, the Baton Rougebased Piccadilly Cafeteria built momentum and spread across the country, growing to 270 locations in 1998. But in 2003, the company filed for bankruptcy due to poor performance, filing again in 2012.

About 29 Piccadilly locations remain in operation across seven states, according to the company’s website.

Brown went on to say in his email that the company extends gratitude to the dedicated staff, adding that “most of our management and team members will be going to work” at other Piccadillys.

The closure sign listed four of the nearest Piccadilly locations: n 6406 Florida Blvd. n 3332 Sherwood Forest Blvd. n 5474 Essen Lane n 27156 Crossing Circle, Denham Springs.

Zachary man booked in fatal Marque Ann Drive shooting illegal use of weapons.

King allegedly shot 38-yearHomicide detectives with the old Braxton Scott shortly after Baton Rouge Police Department 4 a.m. Tuesday in the 1000 block of arrested a Zachary man on Tues- Marque Ann Drive.

When officers arrived at the day in connection with an early morning killing on Marque Ann scene, they found Scott suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He Drive.

Thomas King was booked into was transported to a local hospital, the parish prison with assistance where he later died.

King has prior arrests for armed from Zachary police and parish sheriff’s deputies on one count robbery and illegal discharge of each of second-degree murder and firearms, but no prior homicides.

Staff report

LSU

Continued from page 1B pest reports were a small and isolated problem that was quickly resolved.

Out of 287 units, reports of pests were made for only four at the time of move-in, Scion said.

“Our pest control vendor responded quickly and treated these apartments, and one student was transferred,” the statement read.

“Ion has regular pest control treatments communitywide.”

The building has more than 700 residents, most of whom aren’t LSU students, and receives quarterly pest control treatments and inspections, Scion told The Advocate.

LSU could not confirm exactly how many students were staying at Ion due to student overflow, but they did confirm that 49 other students were accommodated at the Lod Cook Hotel for the first week after move-in. These students were each given rooms in campus residence halls when they became available.

Universities often have students who commit, but don’t actually enroll in the school, meaning that determining the number of incoming freshmen is an imprecise science, Trentacoste said.

The phenomenon is referred to as “melt” by those in higher education.

When students don’t arrive at LSU, their rooms are then made available to students at Ion and beyond.

Other student frustrations stemmed from the fact that commuter parking permits sold out by move-in week, leaving only “park

and geaux” permits for parking lots with a shuttle service to campus.

“We understand this may be frustrating,” a memo sent to students from LSU Parking and Transportation Services stated.

“Especially since permits have typically remained available for longer periods in past years. This year’s higher demand, combined with limited space, meant we had to cap sales earlier than usual to align permits with the number of commuter spaces available.”

The memo added that while parking services does not expect any permits to become available during the semester, a waitlist has been opened.

Record enrollment While exact and official freshman enrollment numbers for LSU’s fall semester are not yet available, statements from both Trentacoste and LSU interim President Matt Lee have estimated it at over 8,000.

That sets a freshman year enrollment record for the eighth consecutive year in a row. Last year’s record was 7,912 freshmen.

Trentacoste confirmed that the Board of Supervisors has approved the construction of a $215 million new dorm, which would add over 1,200 beds by the fall semester of 2027, “eliminating the need for overflow housing and enhancing the on-campus experience for first-year and upper-class students.”

The residence hall will be near the business school and constructed over an existing commuter parking lot.

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

and Lavergne still had strong ties to her family.

Assistant District Attorney Morgan Johnson, the state’s lead prosecutor in the trial, told jurors during her closing arguments that Lavergne killed the victims days after he and Jackson had a heated argument and she told him she was cutting him off for good.

“The defendant was on the periphery of LaQuincia’s life, and he wanted to be the main character,” she said. “He was jealous, prideful and fueled by drugs.”

Lavergne, 38, faces two mandatory life sentences when he goes before District Judge Louise Hines Myers for sentencing Oct. 1. It was his second time facing a jury in the double homicide. His first trial end-

RETRIAL

Continued from page 1B 2021. Lavergne now faces two mandatory life sentences without the possibility of parole when he goes before Myers for sentencing Oct. 1.

Two members of his legal team of public defenders also face jail time if the judge follows through on her contempt orders. Lead attorney Stephen Sterling was hit with eight counts of contemptuous behavior and La’Deisha Woods, his supporting counsel, received two counts. Woods was kicked out of the trial Thursday following a run-in with Myers and was not allowed back in the courtroom for the final 21/2 days of proceedings.

Assistant District Attorney Morgan Johnson, the lead prosecutor in the case, was also levied with a count of contempt for a comment she made about DNA evidence in her closing argument.

Myers has not levied her respective punishments for the attorneys and delayed doing so at Tuesday’s hearing as all sides await the court record.

Friction in court Lavergne was being tried in the killings for the second time in less than 10 months. His first trial last October ended in a hung jury that couldn’t reach a verdict and Myers declared a mistrial.

During Tuesday’s hearing, the judge indicated frictions arose between the prosecutors and defense attorneys during last year’s trial — one lawyer was held in contempt and fined $100 during last October’s five-day affair. Myers sent attorneys on both sides an email Aug. 14 warning them that she would not tolerate the unprofessional rancor and “back and forth” in the courtroom again.

But the bad blood spilled over into the second trial last Thursday — the second day of testimony — after Sterling used a box of shotgun bullets similar to the shells found at the crime scene as a demonstrative piece of evidence to show jurors during his opening statements. When prosecutors sought to use the same box of shells, it led to a series of hearings with the jurors not in the courtroom as well as a conference between attorneys at the judge’s bench.

An exchange during the sidebar prompted Myers to hold Woods, the second prong of Lavergne’s legal team, in contempt and have her removed from the courtroom. She was not allowed back in until after the trial was done on Monday. Woods said she faces 20 days in jail.

In a judgment issued following the exchange, Myers alleged the attorney continued arguing with her after she already had issued her ruling on the potential evidence. She chided Woods for repeatedly interrupting proceedings after she was admonished not to, according to the judgment, and cited Woods for “insolent, disruptive and disorderly behavior toward” the judge.

Woods’ attorney, Harry Daniels, said Tuesday that he planned to review the record to mount a defense on the attorney’s behalf.

“Knowing Ms. Woods personally and professionally, I find it hard to believe she would do any of those things,” he said outside the courthouse. “I think it was really her being a zealous advocate for her client, which us defense attorneys have to do.”

Sterling racked up eight counts of contempt over the course of the trial.

Myers issued a contempt judgment on him on Monday that alleges his first two counts came during jury selection. The judge said he argued with her during voir dire sessions with prospec-

ed in a mistrial last October after a jury failed to reach a verdict after a week of proceedings.

This month’s retrial lasted six days and was punctuated by contentiousness between the opposing attorneys. Myers kicked LaDeisha Woods, one of Lavergne’s trial attorneys, out of the courtroom Thursday and barred her from returning the remainder of the trial.

The judge levied contempt of court counts against Woods, Lavergne’s lead defense attorney, Stephen Sterling, as well as Johnson, the lead attorney.

Investigators never recovered the weapon used to kill Jackson and Hollins. They derived no DNA evidence to link Lavergne to the crime and had no surveillance footage to

tie him to the scene of the shooting.

Sterling sought to convince jurors that the police detectives zeroed in on Lavergne because Jackson’s family members told them he was behaving suspiciously after the killings. But he said that blinded them to other possible suspects that could’ve actually committed the slayings.

“In this case, there’s so many other leads and possibilities — and even suspects — that they failed to even patently look into,” Sterling said during his closing arguments.

“But they doubled down, tripled down on the belief that they had the right suspect.”

Email Matt Bruce at matt. bruce@theadvocate.com.

tive jurors and continued discussing unrelated wrongful convictions that were beyond the scope of Lavergne’s trial.

Throughout the trial, according to the judge’s orders, he continued to press witnesses for answers after Myers sustained objections, making his questions inadmissible, and repeatedly said things in front of the jury that weren’t allowed. The judge lodged three counts of contempt against Sterling for statements he made during his closing arguments Monday afternoon that she determined were not admitted into evidence during the evidentiary portions of the trial.

Outside the courtroom on Tuesday, Sterling said he remained unsure exactly what he did to warrant the contempt allegations but said he plans to review the trial record.

‘That’s one’

sible suspects. Johnson, while trying to refute Sterling’s claims, told jurors the detective said “no unknown DNA profiles were obtained in this case.” When she made the statement Monday, Myers held up a finger and said, “that’s one,” indicating she was holding Johnson in contempt.

State prosecutors have asked the judge to review the record and reconsider the contempt order if Johnson’s statement was an accurate reflection of Fisher’s testimony. Johnson is set to appear before Myers for her contempt hearing at 9 a.m. Tuesday.

“I issued a warning via email before the trial even began based on the behavior last time,” Myers said at the hearing. “Ms. Johnson took it to heart. I acknowledge that. But there are ground rules, and I have to maintain control of my courtroom and control of the trial process. Otherwise, the wheels come off.”

Outside the courthouse Tuesday, East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore stood by his line prosecutor while acknowledging the “extremely” unusual circumstance that arose from the contentious trial.

“I want to make it real clear: I think Morgan Johnson is completely innocent,” he said. “I think the judge, respectfully, was wrong. And that the evidence that described in her closing argument was actually testified to by detective Chris Fisher. I think that when (Myers) reviews the record, she will see that’s what she was referring to in her closing argument and it will be resolved at that point. If not, we’ll ask for a full hearing just like all the others.”

The murder trial was repeatedly interrupted with a number of sidebar conferences at the judge’s bench after attorneys on both sides lodged various objections as witnesses testified.

Those bench conferences could not be heard by jurors or spectators in the courtroom. And transcripts of the sidebars were not immediately available because of a shortage of court reporters available to transcribe the exchanges between the attorneys and Myers.

While Daniels is representing Woods in the contempt proceedings, East Baton Rouge Parish Attorney Greg Rome handled Sterling’s matter. During Tuesday’s hearing, Daniels and Rome both asked the judge to postpone the hearing 60 days so they can request and review trial transcripts Email Matt Bruce at matt. and make mitigating arguments. bruce@theadvocate.com.

No new court date has been set.

Myers recognized that Johnson, the lead prosecutor, was respectful throughout the majority LOTTERY of the trial. But she determined TUESDAY, AUG. 26, 2025 a statement she made to jurors during the state’s rebuttal to SterPICK 3: 7-6-2 ling’s closing arguments was not PICK 4: 0-7-0-6 introduced into evidence. JohnPICK 5: 2-1-5-3-3 son was referring to testimony MEGA MILLIONS: Baton Rouge Police Department 7-12-30-40-69 Sgt. Chris Fisher, one of the lead detectives in Lavergne’s murder MEGA BALL: 17 case, made about the collection Unofficial notification, keep your tickets. of DNA samples from other pos-

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CORONAVIRUS: THE LATEST

Officials: BR area to see infections surge Capital region records deadliest day

CASES IN LA.

477 13,010 deaths

positive cases

BY YOUSSEF RDDAD and DAVID J. MITCHELL

The number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus rose to 656 in East Baton Rouge Parish on Sunday for third-most in the state, while the The coronavirus killed more peo- number of deaths in the capital reple in the Baton Rouge area in a 24- gion hit 54, new data from the Louihour span than any previous day, siana Department of Health shows.

East Baton Parish reported eight adaccording to state and local officials who say the worst is yet to come as ditional deaths, bringing the parish’s Louisiana, too, saw record-breaking total to 22 as of Sunday afternoon, the most reported in a single day. deaths Sunday across the state.

Staff writers

Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome exhorted residents to heed social distancing measures while echoing federal officials’ warnings that the coming week will likely be the deadliest since the pandemic gained a foothold in the U.S. “We have to support each other during this season, and not allow ourselves to succumb to feelings of fear or hopelessness,” Broome said in a statement Sunday. “Things will likely get worse before they get better, but they will get better.”

The human toll from the virus reached 477 deaths in Louisiana by Sunday — an increase of 68 — and, like the capital region, marked the largest single-day jump in fatal cases. An earlier record was set between April 2-3.

Sunday’s death tally in the Baton Rouge area was the largest singleday increase in at least a week when the region saw nine in one day. The number of deaths in the 12-parish

ä See SURGE, page 4A

INSIDE

ä Trump tempers grave assessments with optimism. Page 2A ä Sugar cane farmers concerned as planting nears. Page 1B ä Historic Saints player Tom Dempsey dies after battle with virus. Page 4A

OPEN PALMS IMAGE FROM VIDEO

Employees at BBQGuys, a Baton Rougebased online retailer, hold an online meeting using Zoom.

Companies weigh pros of remote operations

BY TIMOTHY BOONE Staff writer

STAFF PHOTO By TRAVIS SPRADLING

Baton Rouge Diocese Bishop Michael Duca, left, and the Very Rev. Paul D. Counce, pastor of St. Joseph Cathedral, perform the blessing of palms ceremony on Palm Sunday in the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, a small area near the altar of the church. The ceremony is usually held in front of a large crowd gathered outside the church, but because of coronavirus public health precautions prohibiting social gatherings, the church had no parishioners in attendance, though the ceremony and Mass were televised.

New parents navigate protecting infants amid virus of her month.

BY JACQUELINE DEROBERTIS But Garrett gave birth just as Staff writer the coronavirus pandemic arWhen 21-year-old Madicyn rived.

Nurses stationed at the enGarrett went into labor on St. Patrick’s Day as she was rush- trance of the hospital were ing to Woman’s Hospital, she screening arrivals for COVthought the unexpectedly early ID-19. They rushed to Garrett’s birth of her daughter would be aid as the car pulled in front of the most harrowing experience the building and sped her to an

operating room.

She gave birth alone. Both Garrett and her daughter, Hadlee Nora Mae Garrett, stopped breathing after the delivery and had to be resuscitated.

“It was very scary, extremely,” Garrett said. “I’ve never

ä See INFANTS, page 5A

Born prematurely, Nora Louise Wheat spent time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Woman’s Hospital.

Within 30 minutes of a statewide stayat-home order being issued on a Sunday, planning started on just one day’s notice to transform a staff of 160 into remote workers. By the close of business Monday, employees at BBQGuys were prepped and overnight set up to work from home with help from the company’s IT staff.

“We did everything to virtualize our call center,” said Corey Tisdale, chief executive officer of the Baton Rouge-based online retailer of grills and outdoor furniture. “We were pulling computers out of our office and giving them to employees so they could reconnect them at home.”

When the company conducted a test to see how smoothly the work-from-home system was working at 7 a.m. Tuesday, it found the longest customer hold times were 45 seconds. After a few days of working remotely, the online numbers were looking good for BBQGuys, thanks in a large part to the millions of people who were staying home and looking for things to do. Sales were up slightly, social media traffic increased by 50% and orders for grills were particularly strong.

“I’m proud of the whole crew,” Tisdale said. “When there’s a will, there’s a way.”

Scores of businesses across Louisiana quickly adjusted to having the bulk of their employees working from home as offices attempted to keep people from

PROVIDED PHOTO

Americans brace for ‘hardest, saddest’ week of their lives

BY JIM MUSTIAN and FRANCES D’EMILIO Associated Press

NEW YORK — Americans braced for what the nation’s top doctor warned Sunday would be “the hardest and saddest week” of their lives while Britain assumed the unwelcome mantle of deadliest coronavirus hot spot in Europe after a record 24-hour jump in deaths

that surpassed even hardhit Italy’s.

Britain’s own prime minister, Boris Johnson, was hospitalized, 10 days after testing positive for COVID-19 in what his office described as a “precautionary step.”

Amid the dire news, there were also glimmers of hope some hard-hit areas — the number of people dying appeared to be slowing in New York City,

Spain and Italy. The news was cautiously welcomed by leaders, who also noted that any gains could easily be reversed if people did not continue to adhere to strict lockdowns.

The U.S. is still awaiting the peak, and Surgeon General Jerome Adams offered a stark warning about the expected wave of virus deaths.

ä See BRACE, page 4A

View the e-edition from the Advocate app

Elliot Steinberg, a student at Xavier University in Cincinnati, rides a bicycle up a hill along nearly-empty University Boulevard on Sunday in Cherry Hills Village, Colo.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By DAVID ZALUBOWSKI

ä See REMOTE, page 5A

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Funerals Today Ballard, Nancy

St. Jude Catholic Church, 9150 Highland Rd., Baton Rouge, LA at 11:30am.

Richard, DeWanna

Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Hwy. Baton Rouge, LA at 2pm.

Obituaries Daggs Jr., Joseph 'Joe Cool'

Joseph “Joe Cool” Daggs, Jr. departed this life on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at AMG Specialty Hospital in Houma, LA. He was 69, a native and resi‐ dent of Napoleonville, LA. Visitation on Thursday, Au‐ gust 28, 2025, at Williams and Southall Funeral Home from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Visitation on Friday, Au‐ gust 29, 2025, at Bright Star Baptist Morning Church, from 10:00 am to religious services at 11:00 am. Cremation to follow.

Arrangements by Williams & Southall Funeral Home, 5414 Hwy. 1, Napoleonville, LA 70390, (985) 369-7231. To sign the guest book or offer condolences, visit our website at www.william sandsouthallfuneralhome. com.

Evans, John Maynard

John Maynard Evans was born on November 30, 1942, the youngest child of the family. Oscar “Gramp” and Dorothy “Mimi” Evans bought Claiborne Planta‐ tion when he was a young boy and he spent the rest of his life there with his beloved wife of over 60 years, Diane Cross Evans raising their family, stew‐ arding the land, loving, laughing and praying. He lived his life as an example of faith and dedication to his wife and four children, Jennifer Mistretta, Oscar Evans II, Elizabeth Sar‐ radet, and Rebecca Mouk.

His unwavering love and extended commitment until the end of his time on earth as they surrounded him in his final hours re‐ membering his great love, sense of humor and faith.

He married Diane on Spring Break in 1965 before he graduated from LSU then moved to White Cas‐ tle and started their family.

Their early lives were spent raising their four children, cattle and crops.

His dedication was deep and loyalty strong to his family, the land, his faith and his true friends. Abe Lincoln was quoted as say‐ ing, ‘If I had 8 hours to cut down a tree, I would spend 7 hours sharpening the axe.’ Always the innovator and thinker, John took it to the next level and would spend 7 hours redesigning the axe. He designed and built one of the first pro‐ duction mechanical sugar cane planters in the 80’s, a predecessor to the models being built today. John loved the outdoors includ‐ ing hunting, fishing and golf, but mainly because he enjoyed the people with whom he did it. In keeping with his innovative spirit, he reloaded his own shells and bullets because ‘no company could do it as well as I can’, designed his own truck and boat acces‐ sories and even built a put‐ ter in his farm shop once.

His office, barn, shop and other places bear the evi‐ dence of someone who was always thinking, al‐ ways improving, always building everything from cane wagons to crawfish boilers to toolboxes. He was a lay speaker in the church and a very astute student and teacher of the Bible. He knew and lived the Bible in both word and spirit as well as anyone in‐ cluding some clergy. He held a hard line on theol‐

ogy, but in keeping with his of the understanding gospel message of Jesus was very loving of people of all and even no faith. His business and professional life followed his rugged in‐ dividual path and included owning and running the Bar Lazy E Ranch and Clai‐ borne Plantation as well as partial ownership in Chee‐ burger Cheeburger Restau‐ rants in La. Following his retirement from farming, he and his daughter, Re‐ becca, bought a belea‐ guered Ascension Roofing and Sheet Metal and turned it into a thriving business. John was a for‐ mer President of the Louisiana Cattleman’s As‐ sociation, Chairman of the White Castle Fertilizer Coop Board of Directors, a 32nd degree Free and Ac‐ cepted Mason of Lodge #16 in Plaquemine, a long time Plaquemine Rotarian and a frequent guest at Gonzales Rotary. He also served as President of the Land Bank Louisiana Board, as well as many years on the Board of Southern Farm (SF) Ser‐ vices. He graduated from White Castle High School Sewanee Military and Academy and held a BS from - as well as an intense dedication to the purple and gold of - LSU. He is sur‐ vived by his loving wife of over 60 years, Diane, his four children and their spouses, Troy Mistretta, Clara-Leigh Horn Evans, Craig Sarradet and Lee Mouk; 9 grandchildren, Mistretta Thi‐ Sarah bodeaux, Chris Mistretta, Ashleigh Evans Poppert, Ainslee Evans Hoover, John Garrett Evans, Emma Sar‐ Colton Sarradet, radet, Louis Mouk and Sophia their respective Mouk, spouses; one great grand‐ Shepherd Thi‐ child, bodeaux; his sister, Loretta Roberts and a very dear extended list of and nieces, and nephews, cousins. His family invites you to a visitation at Funeral Home, Wilbert Railroad Ave., 24120 Plaquemine on Thursday, August 28, from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m., a celebration of his at First United life Church, 930 Methodist North Blvd., Baton Rouge on Friday, August 29, at 10 a.m., conducted by Rev. Weldon Bares. Honorary Pallbearers are nephews, David Evans, John Tugwell, Andrew Tugwell, Thomas Cox, Bo Stevens and Ted Hyde. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gener‐ ous gift to St Jude’s Chil‐ dren’s Hospital, United Mi‐ tochondrial Disease Foun‐ dation, Samaritan’s Purse, Tunnels to Towers or Shriner’s Children’s Hospi‐ tals. Please share memo‐ ries at www.wilbertserv ices.com.

will continue at Harry McK‐ neely & Son Funeral Home Hammond on Saturday, Au‐ gust 30, 2025, from 10:00 am until the memorial ser‐ vice begins at 11:00 am with Pastor Mike Roberts officiating. Arrangements have been entrusted to Harry McKneely & Son Fu‐ neral Home and Crematory of Hammond and Poncha‐ toula. An on-line guest book is available at www. harrymckneely.com.

Guerra, Megan Lane

Megan Lane Guerra, age 40, of St. Francisville, LA, went to be with her Lord, Jesus Christ on August 25, 2025. Megan was a tremen‐ dously loving and beloved mother and wife, the most genuine and faithful friend, and a tirelessly caring and dedicated daughter, sister, and aunt. Most of all, though, she was a servant of God. If you knew Megan, you had a chance to see what Jesus was like. Her devotion to the Father shone through in every as‐ pect of life. To encounter her was to have a glimpse of Heaven on earth. Self‐ lessness, devotion, purity, love, grace, and humility the legacies she are leaves. Megan is survived by her husband, Eddie Guerra, four beautiful chil‐ dren, Myla (14), Tallan (10), Asher (6), and Elliot (2), parents, Bill and Rita Mc‐ Donough, and sister, Brit‐ tany Rishell. She is pre‐ ceded in death by her sis‐ ter, Tara McDonough, ma‐ ternal grandparents, Fred and Ida Mae Carter, pater‐ nal grandparents, Ron and Patterson, and Louise Megan and Eddie’s angel baby she now gets to meet and hold for the first time in Heaven. Megan served as the Women’s Pastor at Healing Place Church of St. Francisville for 9 years, but had many serving roles from the time of her salva‐ tion 24 years ago. She touched, enriched, and changed so many lives for the better by living out the scripture of “follow me as I follow Christ” (1Cor 11:1).

The funeral service to honor the life of Megan will be held on August 29, 2025 at Healing Place Church Baton Rouge in the Annex building at 19202 Highland Road, Baton Rouge, LA. Vis‐ itation will begin at 9:30am and Service will commence at 11:00am. The burial will be private to the immedi‐ ate family only. Share sym‐ pathies, condolences, and memories at www.Charlet FuneralHome.com.

Evans, John Wayne

Hedrick, Ronald Wayne 'Big Ron'

John Wayne Evans passed away on Saturday, August 23, 2025. He was 87.

John was born on Sunday, 17, 1937, in October Nashville, Tennessee. He graduated from George Peabody College of Van‐ derbilt University in 1961 with a Bachelor of Arts de‐ gree. He attended Naval Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island. In 1962, he received a com‐ mission as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy. He was honor‐ ably discharged as a lieu‐ tenant in the USN after four years of service. He married Betty Doris Cathey in 1955, when they were both 18. They would have celebrated 70 years to‐ gether in December. He is survived by his wife, Doris; son, Samuel Craig Evans and his wife, Stacey; Sarah grandchildren, Rudolph and her husband, Adam, Sawyer Evans and his wife, Alex; four greatgrandchildren, June, Jean, Jade, and Luke; and his brother, David Evans. He was preceded in death by his parents, John T. Evans and Sarah Lucille Evans his sister, Joyce and Robertson. He owned Com‐ Motors, the munity Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram Dealership for just shy of 50 years. He was an avid fisherman and en‐ joyed many fishing trips with his family and friends.

Family and friends will be received at Harry McK‐ neely & Son Funeral Home Hammond, 2000 N. Morri‐ Blvd., Hammond, son Louisiana 70401, on Friday, August 29, 2025, from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm. Visitation

Ronald Wayne Hedrick, 78, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, passed away on Saturday, August 23, 2025, peacefully at home with his family.

Ron was born on March 3, 1947, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Joel Henry Hedrick Jr (Fort Smith, AR) and Mattie Sue Samuels (Fort Smith, AR). The family moved to Tioga, Louisiana, in 1961, with the relocation of Manning, Maxwell, and Moore, which later became a part of Dresser Industries.

'Big R' graduated from Tioga High School in 1965, then went on to enlist in the US Air Force, serving two years in Vietnam with an Honorable Discharge.

Ron married Deborah June Neal on May 15, 1971, in Lafayette, LA. They were married for 54 years and had 3 sons and 3 grandsons.

Ron joined his parents and brother at Gulf Valve Service (GVS) in 1969, and over the next 6 decades, they built an international reputation for the quality and timeliness of their work. Big R built his legend by being able to fix anything that came into Gulf Valve, regardless of its complexity, leaving those around him in constant amazement. Ron and his brother Bob did not have employees; they had an extended family that spent decades working with them. Gulf Valve was not just a business; it was a vessel to lift the lives of

those who surrounded them every day.

Big R especially loved Bass Fishing and Dirt Track Racing, and was highly accomplished at both. The walls of Ron's living room were covered in Bass weighing over 10lbs. Ron, along with his brother Bob, owned GVS Racing of Baton Rouge, which won multiple Dirt Track World Championships over the course of two decades (1991, 1993, 1996).

Ron was known for his sense of humor and always had a joke ready to share with his friends. His selflessness and generosity knew few limits as he and his brother Bob helped countless others without ever asking for recognition or seeking praise.

Remaining to cherish Ron's memory are his wife of 54 years, Deborah; sons, Ronald, Chad (Angela), Eric (Lesley); grandsons, Derek, Jesse, and Van; brother, Bob (Lely); nieces and nephews, Joel Hedrick (Susan), Jeff Hedrick (Dana), Chuck Pitre(Pam), Sabrina Kallies(Joe), Simone Bignar (Jimmy), Vicky Dartez (Don).

Preceding Ron in death are his parents, Joel and Mattie Sue Hedrick, and a sister, Linda.

Private services will be held Thursday, August 28, 2025 at Resthaven for family and close friends. Donations to The Gary Sinise Foundation are asked for in lieu of flowers, as Ron was extremely passionate about Veteran's issues.

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Thursday,August 28, 2025 ■ 3B ty of Florida, Baylor University, University of Alabama at Birmingham, and State University of New York at Buffalo.

Jupiter, Celiner A. 'Turkey'

Celiner A. “Turkey” Jupiter departed this life on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Chateau Living Center in Kenner, LA. She was 76, a native of Napoleonville, LA and a resident of New Orleans, LA. Visitation on Thursday, 28, 2025, at August Williams and Southall Fu‐ neral Home from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Visitation on Friday, August 29, 2025, at Fellowship Full United Gospel Church, 2401 An‐ nette St., New Orleans, LA 70119, from 10:00 am to re‐ ligious services at 11:00 Interment private. am.

Arrangements by Williams & Southall Funeral Home, 5414 Hwy. 1, Napoleonville, LA 70390, (985) 369-7231. To sign the guest book or offer condolences, visit our website at www.william sandsouthallfuneralhome. com.

Don is survived by his wife of 64 years, Margaret, his 3 sons, Don & wife Debbie, Jeff & wife Cheryl, Gary & wife Donise; grandchildren and step grandchildren: Tristan & wife Alex, Colton & fiancé Emily, Tyler & wife Allie, Noelle, Skyler & Christoph, Jack, Wesley & wife Clara, Shannon & husband Casey, Marissa & husband Luke.

Great grandchildren and step great grandchildren: Thomas, Collins, Hunter, Chesza, Ender, Mina, Emma, Emerie, and Evan.

He is preceded in death by his parents Charles and Evelyn and brother Charles.

Jones Jr., Lawrence

A memorial service will be held on Friday August 29, 2025, at Magnolia United Methodist Church, 16024 Greenwell Springs, LA 70739. Visitation will be from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.

The service will be at 12:00pm. The burial service will be at 2:00 PM sharp at Louisiana National Cemetery located on 303 W Mt Pleasant Zachary Rd, Zachary, LA 70791.

Shipley, Donald E.

Brother Lawrence Jones, Jr., 89 years of age, a native of Donaldsonville, LA, was a resident of Geismar, LA. He transitioned from his earthly home on August 15, 2025, in Baton Rouge, LA while a patient at Baton Rouge General Hospital, to his heavenly home. He was born in Raceland, LA on October 11, 1935, to Ear‐ lene Barnes Washington and Lawrence Jones, Sr. He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife, of 55 years of marriage, Evelina Saucier Jones, a daughter, Jones-Delmore Tanya (Jason) of Prairieville, LA, a son, Lawrence T. Jones (Tri‐ cia) of Austin, TX, a daugh‐ ter, Debra Tubbs, of Dallas, TX, and a son Gerald Williams, of Belle Rose, LA, a sister Rosa Jones Smith of Donaldsonville, LA, a sis‐ ter-in-law Patricia Wash‐ ington of Rome, GA. Also, his grandchildren Marcus Jones (Allison) of Gonzales, LA, Christian Jones, of LA, Kerrance Geismar, Caldwell (Raquel) and Tony Caldwell of Groves, TX, and Isabella Gabriella Jones of Austin, TX. One godchild, Darlene Cantrell of Donaldsonville, LA, a of nieces and host nephews along with a large host of cherished family and friends. He ac‐ cepted Christ in his life at an early age by Rev. Mark Butler at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Donaldsonville, LA. He attended and gradu‐ ated high school at St. Catherine Catholic School in Donaldsonville, LA in 1955. He served his nation for 22 years as a member of the United States Air Force and received the fol‐ commendations: lowing Good Conduct Medal Army; Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon W/40LC; National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal; Republic of Vietnam Cam‐ paign Medal; Air Force Conduct Medal Good w/1S0LC, Air Force Com‐ mendation Medal. He re‐ tired with the rank of Mas‐ ter Sergeant. He received a diploma from DeVry Insti‐ tute of Technology, (Home Entertainment Electronics System II in December, 1976). After his military service he was employed at BASF, Wyandotte, Geis‐ mar, as an instrument technician for 15 yrs. He was an active member of the deacon board and a choir member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, until he be‐ came ill. He was initiated in 1964 and later became an active Mason of Hiram Lodge #12. He has been a part of the Masonic family for 61 years. Visitation on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 808 St. Patrick St., Donald‐ sonville, La., 10:00 am until religious services at 11:00 am. Burial in the church cemetery with military honors.

Upon retirement as the Therapist Director and rank of Captain, he was recognized "for contributions leading to the reduction of disabilities in Hansen's disease patients throughout the world and for outstanding service in the United States Public Health Service." Throughout his life, he enjoyed playing golf, tennis, card games and most of all, loving and supporting his family. He will be remembered for his kindness, leadership, generosity, sense of humor, unflappable stoicism, and to many in the tennis community of days gone by, his magician-like tennis skills, especially the heavy topspin on his wicked lefthanded slice serve.

Sylvester, Jerome 'Dr. J'

On August 19, 2025, Donald E. Shipley, 92, of Greenwell Springs, LA passed away peacefully with immediate family present there together to say their last goodbyes.

Don was born on December 27, 1932, to Charles and Evelyn Shipley in Millville, New Jersey. In his youth he enjoyed sports and went on to excel in both academics and sports. At Millville High School, he was class president, president of the National Honor Society and vice president of the Student Council. He was also a four-year lettered athlete and captain of the varsity tennis team. After graduation, he attended Rutgers University where he received a bachelor's degree and was captain of the collegiate tennis team. From there, he attended the School of Auxiliary Medical Services at the University of Pennsylvania.

Upon completion, he was granted a certificate to practice Physical Therapy.

Jerome “Dr. J" Sylvester departed this life on Satur‐ day, August 16, 2025, at his residence in Napoleonville, LA. He was 63, a native of Napoleonville, LA. Visita‐ tion on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Williams and Funeral Home Southall from 9:00 am to religious services at 11:00 am. Inter‐ Arrange‐ ment private. ments by Williams & Southall Funeral Home, 5414 Hwy. 1, Napoleonville, LA 70390, (985) 369-7231. To sign the guest book or offer condolences, visit our website at www.william sandsouthallfuneralhome. com.

After this achievement, he joined the United States Public Health Service. For his first assignment, he was stationed in New Orleans where he met and later married Margaret. After 5 years in New Orleans, he was transferred to the United States Public Health Service Hospital in Carville, LA. During his 22 years of service, he had several papers published in medical journals and was an international Hansen's disease consultant in Japan, India, and Ethiopia. He was also a designated clinical instructor in Physical Therapy programs at LSU, Universi-

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OPINION T H E A D V O C AT E.C O M/opinions

OUR VIEWS

Tangipahoa blast needs thorough investigation After plumes of smoke from a midafternoon blast at a plant darkened the skies over Roseland on Friday, hundreds of residents were forced to evacuate. When they were allowed to return Monday, they found their possessions covered in an oily black soot and the smell of grease in the air.

Fortunately, no one was injured in the accident. But it was the latest example of the risks we face as Louisianans as we welcome the jobs and economic activity that heavy industry brings to our area.

It also highlighted why federal and state oversight of these industries is so important. If our state’s citizens are expected to continue to accept such risks, we also must have vigorous environmental and regulatory agencies that can assess the dangers and force companies to address them before tragedy strikes.

The investigation of the explosion at Smitty’s Supply Inc. is in the early stages. The company blends and distributes oil and other lubricants under brand names including Super S, Shell, Quaker State, Castrol, Exxon and Valvoline. On the 20-acre site, its storage tanks can hold up to 8.7 million gallons of lubricants such as ethanol, charcoal lighter fluid, hydraulic fluids, diesel, brake fluid and other flammable liquids, according to state regulatory documents.

We were glad to see that Tangipahoa Parish officials took quick action to close the Tangipahoa River and keep spilled chemicals from flowing into the nearby Lake Pontchartrain before turning the scene over to the Environmental Protection Agency. Likewise, results of air and water quality monitoring by the EPA and the state’s Department of Environmental Quality can give residents some comfort. Gov. Jeff Landry’s visit to Amite on Monday showed that his administration has made the cleanup a priority. The longterm health and well-being of residents should remain in the forefront.

Although poorer communities often bear the brunt of environmental disasters — and certainly, many neighborhoods in Roseland where the blast occurred, were not wealthy — we note that in this case, the homes evacuated included that of former Gov. John Bel Edwards.

An investigation into what caused the explosion has been opened by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration. Smitty’s employs about 450 people in the area and has been the subject of complaints before. According to OSHA, the plant has had two injuries and one fatality since 2017 and was subject to more than $58,000 in fines. State and federal regulators have also documented various spills over the years, some of which the company admitted were preventable.

We hope those affected and the wider community get some answers soon.

And more importantly, we hope this incident leads to action that will prevent future accidents, ones that could be deadly. While there has been a push recently to weaken the enforcement of environmental rules, that devalues what these agencies do. When accidents like this happen, they prove their worth a thousand times over.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ARE WELCOME. HERE ARE OUR GUIDELINES: Letters are published

identifying name, occupation and/or title and the writer’s city of residence.

The Advocate | The Times-Picayune require a street address and phone number for verification purposes, but that information is not published. Letters are not to exceed 300 words. Letters to the Editor, The Advocate, P.O. Box 588, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-0588, or email letters@ theadvocate.com.

YOUR VIEWS

Shortage of parking at airport creates headaches for travelers

Lower 9th Ward isn’t waiting on anyone’s help As a lifelong resident of the Lower 9th Ward, a fifth-generation homeowner, and the founder of Sankofa Community Development Corporation, I read your recent article on the lack of grocery access in our neighborhood with disappointment. This is not to say the topic isn’t critical; it absolutely is, but it overlooks the real, ongoing work being done by the people who live here. It echoed the same tired narrative: that the Lower 9th Ward is still waiting for something to happen.

We’re not waiting. We’ve been working.

For nearly two decades, Sankofa CDC has been responding to the legacy of food apartheid and systemic disinvestment in our neighborhood not with complaints, but with action.

We’ve grown urban farms, removed tons of debris from blighted lots, partnered with local farmers and fishers, operated mobile markets, employed community members, launched a Main Street corridor, created a 40-acre wetland park and just last year, opened the Fresh Start Market, the Lower

9th Ward’s only green grocery store.

That’s not theory. That’s boots on the ground. That’s progress.

Have there been challenges? Absolutely. But despite limited resources and systemic obstacles, we’ve pushed forward because we are not just rebuilding after Katrina. We are reclaiming our community, on our terms.

The narrative that the Lower 9th Ward is “still behind” fails to see the people already doing the work. It disrespects the families who returned, rolled up their sleeves, and continue to build. As we approach the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, we call on the media to stop with surface-level parachute coverage and start showing up with intention, consistency and respect.

Our neighborhood is not a blank slate. It is a place of resilience, culture, history and power.

We’re here. We never left. And we’re not done yet.

I recently took my 11-year-old grandson to the airport.

As an unaccompanied minor, I knew I would have to check in at the airline kiosk, get both of us TSA passes, accompany him to the gate and wait at the gate until the plane departed.

I also knew from recent trips that short-term, long-term and surface lot parking have all been full. Upon arrival, that was the case, so my only recourse was to swallow a $36 daily fee for valet parking.

After waiting for 20 minutes, I was told that I could not request my car back for the first 24 hours. At least the valet offered to call security in charge of the short-term lot, and I was allowed to park.

Upon entering, I saw what seemed to be several dozen empty parking spaces with reserved signs. I was able to find two empty spots for legitimate parking.

I know many would ask, “What in the world were they thinking when they built this 5 years ago?”

I choose to frame this looking forward: “What are they going to do to quickly resolve this?” I hope the answer is not to park at the old airport and take a shuttle back and forth.

Visitors needing rental cars complain bitterly of the extra hour or more required to get a rental.

I am a lifelong New Orleanian, and fully understand the culture of privilege for our politicians and VIPs always having parking spots available.

The public needs to be aware of what to expect the next time they must park at the airport, as this might well have been a debacle for me and my grandson. We all expect to be told of the solution and not add more surprises to an already fraught experience traveling by air in our city.

RASHIDA FERDINAND founder and CEO, Sankofa Community Development Corporation

Housing immigrants at Angola a bridge too far The proposed housing of nonviolent immigrants who have no criminal backgrounds at the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola is barbaric, uncivilized and un-American. We say in our Pledge of Allegiance, “with liberty and justice for all” — “all” includes immigrants who may be here illegally.

Those politicians who advocate for such policies should be removed from

office.

These actions constitute a gross abrogation of fundamental constitutional and civil rights. Furthermore, those policies are cruel, inhumane and ungodly. Every good and noble citizen should stand up and be counted in opposing this grave injustice.

JASON SAVOY Mamou

Running lights can have tragic consequences for many TO SEND US A LETTER, SCAN HERE

Last fall, my van was hit broadside by a driver who ran a red light. The driver’s light had been red for several seconds. Thankfully, my family emerged from the crash uninjured, very shaken and just glad to be alive.

Our van, however, was totaled.

Since that time, I have become much more aware of how frequently this happens. Daily, I see drivers blatantly run red lights that are very clearly red. When a driver runs a red light,

their lives and their passengers’ lives are as much at risk as all the other drivers entering the intersection with the green light. In this situation, the potential for a life-altering crash for many vehicles is very high. Perhaps a reminder of this tragic “lose-lose” scenario will encourage those drivers to stop next time they encounter a red traffic light.

DAVID ELIZARDI Metairie

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The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Thursday,August 28, 2025 ■ 5B

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COMMENTARY KATRINA

REFLECTIONS

20 ROSS JUDICE on TRIAGE YEARS

A man carries his belongings toward the Superdome after Katrina waters continued to rise around the area on Aug. 30, 2005.

STAFF FILE PHOTO By BRETT DUKE

‘There was no playbook’ Inside the Superdome, health care workers faced overwhelming need

As medical professionals, we all encounter tragedy daily — car wrecks, shootings, strokes and sudden deaths. But nothing prepared us for what we witnessed at the Superdome during Katrina.

I served as the physician medical director for Acadian Ambulance Service, which was the medical contractor providing EMS services at the Superdome. It was Acadian’s tradition to staff the first aid station at the Dome during hurricanes, since it was a shelter of last resort for people who were unable to evacuate the city. I was there for two days.

Though many of my personal memories remain buried, some scenes are still vivid: Diabetics in crisis, elderly people in heart failure, mothers in labor, and schizophrenics with paranoia and hallucinations.

Cancer patients wanted to know where they were going to get their chemo. Dialysis patients looking for direction. Thousands of people needing help all at once.

There was no playbook. When protocols failed, we had to invent solutions. For instance, one of our air ambulance flight medics evacuated six newborns from a flooded hospital using a cardboard box padded with blankets. Everywhere, improvisation replaced procedure, and courage replaced certainty.

Our small first aid station was meant to handle minor illnesses and injuries and occasional heart attacks. Relief came when a FEMA Disaster Medical Assistance Team set up in the smaller New Orleans Arena next door. Together, we improvised a system: triage patients in the Superdome, stabilize critical patients in the arena, move them across the raised walkway to the Superdome helipad, and then fly them to Baton Rouge.

At first, helicopters made 90-minute round trips to LSU’s basketball arena, which had been converted into a field hospital. But the demand

to move large numbers of people out of the Superdome was overwhelming. The breakthrough came when we realized the Interstate 10/Causeway cloverleaf outside of the flood zone could serve as an ambulance staging area and helicopter drop-off.

Helicopters could cycle patients out of the Superdome in minutes instead of hours, and ambulances could take them directly to more distant regional hospitals. As fast as the helicopters could land on the helipad, we would fill them with sick and injured people for their flight out.

The conditions inside the Superdome deteriorated rapidly. In the chaos of medical evacuations, families were torn apart, with no system in place to track where loved ones had been flown or which hospitals had received them. Rumors swept through the Dome —whispers of violence, of rapes, of failing generators about to flood.

The National Guard urged us to strip off our orange vests and conceal our stethoscopes to avoid being singled out. Fear for our own lives grew palpable. I wondered if this was what soldiers meant by the “fog of war.”

Those days in New Orleans were heartbreaking, yet what stands out most in my memory is the grit and determination of my colleagues — paramedics, nurses, doctors and support staff. One co-worker persuaded three 18-wheeler drivers to push through floodwaters to Charity Hospital, where they loaded 48 patients and several staff members into the backs of those trucks and carried them out of the city. Employees from Acadian’s maintenance department waded through 4 feet of filthy water, hauling coolers filled with hamburgers so we could have a meal while working at the Dome. I could tell a thousand stories like these — people sacrificing and pitching in with whatever they had. Even my own family found ways to help: Three of my

brothers flew into the Superdome to assist with patient care and establish satellite communications.

A lot has changed in the 20 years since Katrina and Rita. Unfortunately, the standing of health care professionals seems to be eroding.

Online criticism is now routine.

Public cynicism toward science has grown louder. Meanwhile, our health care system remains deeply flawed — profit-driven, bureaucratic and nearly impossible for the average patient, or even the average physician, to navigate.

Beyond the core duty of caring for patients, today’s health care workers face crushing workloads, chronic staffing shortages, endless paperwork and the dictates of insurance companies and profit-focused administrators. They endure verbal and physical abuse, punishing hours and the moral injury of knowing what their patients need but being unable to provide it. Layer onto that the shocks of pandemics and the increasing frequency of natural disasters, and it becomes clear: Working in health care today requires extraordinary commitment, resilience and sacrifice.

I don’t think about Katrina every day, but forgetting is impossible.

The memories remain etched in me like a watermark — faint at times, but always present.

It’s hard not to envision another catastrophe that could once again plunge us into chaos. In the years since, I’ve come to call myself a “practical prepper.” I trained as a ham radio operator, stockpiled food and essential supplies and never leave home without my “get home or go” bag, packed with three days’ worth of gear. I’ve made peace with the idea that disasters are not a question of “if” but “when.” And when that moment comes, the truest resource we will have is each other — our neighbors, our colleagues, our community.

Ross Judice, M.D., served as chief medical officer of Acadian Ambulance Service from 1998 to 2010.

He is the author of ‘The Katrina Diaries,’ a firsthand account of medical responders’ experiences in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Throughout August and September, we are featuring reflections on the 20th anniversary of hurricanes Katrina and Rita, two storms that changed Louisiana forever.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ARE WELCOME. HERE ARE OUR GUIDELINES: Letters are published identifying name, occupation and/or title and the

writer’s city of residence. The Advocate | The Times-Picayune require a street address and phone number for verification purposes, but that information is not published. Letters are not to exceed 300 words. Letters to the Editor, The Advocate, P.O. Box 588, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-0588, or email letters@theadvocate.com.

TO SEND US A LETTER, SCAN HERE

6B ■ Thursday,August 28, 2025 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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Baton Rouge Weather TODAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

More Humid, T-Storms - 30%

Numerous T-Storms - 70%

Scattered T-Storms - 50%

Partly Sunny 20%

Drier - 10%

Mostly Sunny 10%

HIGH

HIGH

HIGH

HIGH

LOW

93° 74°

LOW

89° 73°

LOW

91° 71°

LOW

HIGH

90° 70°

ALMANAC

LOW

HIGH

90° 68°

LOW

90° 68°

TEMPERATURE

90°/74° 92°/73° 106° in 2023 60° in 2015

PRECIPITATION

THE NATION

Longview 94/75

TODAY

MODERATE

GOOD

READING 62 MAIN POLLUTANT Ozone

MAIN POLLUTANT Ozone

SOURCE: LOUISIANA DEQ AND AIRNOW.GOV

RIVER STAGES FLOOD STAGE 24-HOUR STAGE CHANGE Memphis 34 0.80 -0.50 Vidalia-Natchez 48 23.40 -0.51 Red River Landing 48 25.80 -0.50 Baton Rouge 35 11.50 -0.60 Donaldsonville 27 6.80 -0.10 Reserve 22 5.36 -0.31 New Orleans 17 4.10 +0.05 MISSISSIPPI

OHIO 40

16.93

+1.11

19

-1.52

-0.01

18 29 8

-1.01 9.94 2.52

-0.03 -0.15 +0.27

13 15

2.57 0.87

-0.17 +0.05

47 34 29 20 12 6

10.07 6.98 6.25 4.88 3.40 2.67

-0.09 -0.14 -0.04 -0.12 -0.30 -0.23

COMITE

Near Olive AMITE

Near Darlington Denham Springs Port Vincent TICKFAW

Montpelier Holden ATCHAFALAYA

Simmesport Melville Krotz Springs Butte La Rose Bayou Sorrel Morgan City

-0s

0s

10s 20s 30s 40s 50s 60s 70s 80s 90s 100s 110s

Jackson 89/71

Baton Rouge 93/74

Lafayette 91/76

Beaumont 90/77 Port Arthur 89/79

Hattiesburg 91/71

Alexandria 93/75

Many 90/74

AIR QUALITY YESTERDAY

-10

Monroe 92/73

Shreveport 95/75

24 hours through 5 p.m. Wed. 0.00” Month to date (normal) 3.38” (5.57”) year to date (normal) 41.60” (42.66”)

Cairo

On Thursday, onshore flow will return moisture and humidity to the region, so look for some more cumulus clouds to develop during the afternoon. Temperatures will nudge back into the low to mid90s, but rain chances will remain very low - just a stray shower possible, mainly south of I-10. Friday will bring a better shot at afternoon showers and thunderstorms as tropical moisture will be back in full force while a disturbance and front drop in from the northwest. Any thunderstorms could bring brief downpours and frequent lightning. Keep this in mind if you have an outdoor activity planned. Heading into Saturday, the front may still linger nearby, keeping scattered showers and thunderstorms around.

AROUND THE REGION

BATON ROUGE THROUGH 5 P.M. WEDNESDAy

High/low Normal high/low Record high Record low

Weather News by Chief Meteorologist Dr. Josh Eachus

New Orleans 92/77

Lake Charles 90/77

Shown are areas of precipitation and high temperatures for the day.

Houma 91/73

Forecasts and graphics, except WBRZ forecasts, provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2025

Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

TIDES HIGH

FT.

Lake Pontchartrain (Tchefuncte River) 11:45a 0.6 Shell Beach 6:06a 1.5 South Point, Marsh Island 6:35a 1.7 Cypremort Point 7:51a 1.1 Grand Isle (Barataria Pass) 1:28a 1.1 Mississippi River (Southwest Pass) 12:44a 1.3 Wine Island 2:36a 1.4

LOW

SUN AND MOON Sunrise today Sunset tonight Moonrise today Moonset today

FT.

11:35p 0.2 2:50p 0.5 12:36p 0.5 3:48a 1.0 12:36p 0.5 11:01a 0.5 1:38p 0.6

HIGH

FT.

LOW

------------11:59p 1.2 -------------

FT.

------------3:39p 0.3 -------------

TODAY City

Austin Boston Dallas Fairbanks Honolulu Houston Las Vegas Louisville Miami Minneapolis

FRIDAY

Hi

Lo W

Hi

Lo W

99 77 97 66 90 96 92 83 92 78

76 s 63 pc 76 pc 47 sh 75 sh 79 t 74 pc 61 pc 78 t 58 pc

97 71 88 56 90 97 94 84 91 76

76 pc 58 t 72 t 41 r 75 pc 78 t 77 pc 59 s 77 t 60 pc

SOLUNAR TABLE

6:39 a.m.

7:32 p.m.

11:35 a.m.

10:20 p.m.

FIRST

FULL

LAST

NEW

AUG 31

SEP 7

SEP 14

SEP 21

MAJOR

3:31a 4:18a 5:07a 5:56a 6:45a 7:34a 8:23a

MINOR

9:42a 10:30a 11:19a 12:08p 12:32a 1:21a 2:09a

MAJOR

3:52p 4:41p 5:31p 6:21p 7:11p 8:01p 8:50p

Nashville New Orleans Orlando Philadelphia Phoenix Pittsburgh Raleigh St. Louis San Diego Tampa

FRIDAY

Hi

Lo W

Hi

Lo W

85 92 92 80 104 75 82 84 81 91

58 pc 77 t 75 t 64 pc 83 s 55 pc 60 c 61 pc 70 r 78 t

87 89 90 80 107 70 85 84 83 91

63 s 75 t 75 t 59 pc 84 pc 47 pc 64 pc 62 s 68 pc 78 t

109 69 85 76 70 66 90 75 89 67 91

89 s 56 sh 57 s 56 r 58 sh 50 c 80 sh 58 sh 73 s 54 c 80 t

116 69 86 74 65 68 87 68 80 61 91

91 pc 54 pc 58 pc 56 r 52 sh 59 c 79 r 55 sh 69 t 53 c 81 pc

THE WORLD

The solunar period schedule allows planning days so you will be fishing in good territory or hunting in good cover during those times. Major periods begin at the times shown and last for 1.5 to 2 hours. The minor periods are shorter.

Today Fri. Sat. Sun. Mon. Tue. Wed.

TODAY City

MINOR

10:03p 10:53p 11:43p ---12:58p 1:48p 2:36p

Amsterdam Bangkok Barcelona Berlin Brussels Cairo Dublin Frankfurt Havana Hong Kong Jerusalem

72 92 81 80 72 92 61 72 94 87 84

57 sh 79 r 67 sh 61 r 57 c 76 pc 53 c 58 r 73 r 81 t 64 pc

69 95 84 72 67 95 66 74 91 94 86

58 r 80 r 68 pc 57 c 56 sh 77 pc 53 sh 58 pc 72 r 82 r 67 s

Kuwait City London Madrid Mexico City Montreal Moscow New Delhi Paris Rome Stockholm Tokyo

Weather (W): s-sunny, pc-partly cloudy, c-cloudy, sh-showers, t-thunderstorms, r-rain, sf-snow flurries, sn-snow, i-ice.

PLANT FIRE

Continued from page 1B The EPA statement came only a few hours after Tangipahoa Parish President Robby Miller expressed frustration with the slow pace of information from the unified command managing the fire’s aftermath. Miller said in a statement he is “standing with our residents and pushing for answers.”

“Due to the event’s Unified Command structure, we are allowed in all the meetings where we hear information and have input, but we are Miller frustrated with the long process of validating that information and being able to distribute it to the public,” Miller said Wednesday.

Meeting with governor Miller sent out the statement after meeting Wednesday morning with Gov. Jeff Landry and other state and federal officials.

EPA is the lead of the unified command and didn’t respond on Wednesday to a request for comment on Miller’s concerns. But it issued the statement about the black soot about two and a half hours afterward.

In that statement, EPA officials didn’t say what constituted the black material, which initially was described on Friday as oily at a time when it was intermittently raining, but later described as soot.

In an interview earlier this week, Peter Sunderland, a University of Maryland professor whose specialties include fire protection engineering, said whether it is soot or potentially oil droplets thrown from the fire, the materials are generally toxic.

But offered the EPA statement Wednesday, Sunderland said that the agency’s advice seemed reasonable.

“The main hazard from soot is inhalation. This is how it enters the lungs, bloodstream, brain, etc.,” he said.

“Soot deposited on surfaces is far less hazardous. It is most likely to slowly decompose on exposure to oxygen and sunlight, or drain into gutters and streams,” he added.

He noted that a person mowing

STAFF PHOTO By DAVID GRUNFELD

Matthew Allen, executive director of Northshore Riverwatch, collects oil from the Tangipahoa River in Independence on Monday, after residue seeped into the waterway following an explosion at Smitty’s Supply. grass in the area where the black material fell “could be at risk, but nothing an N-95 mask couldn’t remove.”

He said the greater risk at this point could be from staining to property.

Cause still unclear The fire forced a 1-mile evacuation that affected close to 1,000 people and a local elementary school. The evacuation wasn’t fully lifted until Tuesday, though some roads remain closed.

Though it issued a statement Tuesday expressing sorrow and promising to rebuild, Smitty’s hasn’t offered explanations about what caused the fire or what was

in the plant when it burned and exploded.

Smitty’s officials said they remain focused on safely and efficiently cleaning up, making plans to move forward and supporting the needs of local, state and federal agencies.

“Smitty’s will provide additional information as warranted as things progress and in cooperation with all federal, state and local authorities,” company officials said.

EPA officials said boom has been placed along 42 miles of the Tangipahoa River in an effort to halt the flow of contaminants and foam used on the fire. Oil retrieval equipment is operating in multiple locations, Miller added.

Fire foams, like AFFF, can contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. They are persistent pollutants that have been increasingly linked to human health impacts, such as decreased female fertility and high blood pressure in pregnant women, child developmental effects, increased cancer risk and reduced immunity.

EPA officials said fluorine-free firefighting foam was mostly used to fight the blaze “except for a limited period of time when fluorinated AFFF, which does contain PFAS, was used.”

In chemical fires such as the one at Smitty’s, foams must be used to smother the fire, Sunderland said.

EPA officials did not specify

the length of time that AFFF was used. Aerial photos of the fire and surrounding area appear to show white foam in nearby ditches.

The EPA has not completed testing of river and ditch water, agency officials said.

Minute PFAS chemicals are hard to control and filter and, Sunderland said, won’t be stopped by boom in the river.

Miller, the parish president, also shared numbers to report affected wildlife at (832) 514-9663 and to help affected residents at (877) 891-2276.

David J. Mitchell can be reached at dmitchell@ theadvocate.com.

SPORTS

T H E A D V O C AT E.C O M

Fats Domino’s journey to LSU after Katrina

The bad news coming out of New Orleans 20 years ago this week was endless. And awful.

Videos of an entire city that looked like a giant had picked it up and dropped it into Lake Pontchartrain. People on rooftops waving frantically for help. The site of the Superdome in shreds.

At my home in Baton Rouge, just a couple of miles from LSU, the damage from Hurricane Katrina was minor but the impact of the disaster was still quite visceral. Ambulance sirens and the chopping of helicopter blades could be Scott heard all day and all night as Rabalais victims were being ferried out of the shattered city to LSU’s campus, which had become a temporary shelter for refugees from the storm.

Out of this slow-rolling nightmare, this ghastly parade of death and devastation, there were few positive stories to be found. But there was one in particular that emerged, and I was fortunate to get to write about it.

One of the countless questions that piled up like debris in Katrina’s aftermath was this: What happened to legendary New

|

T h u r s d ay, au g u s T 28, 2025

1CN

L S U A T C L E M S O N • 6 : 3 0 P. M . S A T U R D A y • A B C

‘OVER THE TOP’

ä See RABALAIS, page 5C

LSU wide receiver Barion Brown makes a catch during practice on Aug. 15 at the team’s indoor practice facility. STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

LSU FILE PHOTO By STEPHEN B. FRANZ

LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell, left, shakes hands with New Orleans music legend Fats Domino on Sept. 2, 2005, days after Domino was rescued from his hurricane-ravaged home in New Orleans.

Foskey a reminder of Saints’ recent draft misses The move didn’t come as much of a surprise.

When the New Orleans Saints trimmed their roster from 90 to 53 on Tuesday, defensive end Isaiah Foskey wasn’t on it.

Foskey, just a little more than two years removed from being a second-round pick by the Saints, never lived up to expectations.

The last time Foskey sacked a quarterback was in November 2022. That was Rod against Southern Cal as FosWalker key was finishing up his stellar career at Notre Dame.

He finished as the school’s all-time leader in sacks. All of his college success and all the boxes he checked at the NFL combine never translated to the NFL. At least not with the Saints.

Who knows? Perhaps he latches on with another team and resurrects his career like former Saints Trey Hendrickson and Zack Baun did when they moved on. Or maybe he hit his peak in South Bend.

Whichever direction his career goes from here, one thing is clear: He’s the latest in a recent run of guys the Saints selected with a top-40 pick who didn’t quite

ä See WALKER, page 4C

Tigers confident woes in deep passing game behind them

BY KOKI RILEY

throws, according to Pro Football Focus. LSU threw the ball often, but many of Nussmeier’s passes were shorter attempts. His average depth of target for the season was Prior to becoming the starting quarterback at LSU, under 10 yards, per PFF. For offensive coordinator Joe Sloan and coach Brian Garrett Nussmeier had a reputation as a gunslinger.

Kelly, creating more explosive plays through the He had a big arm and was never afraid to let it air was an emphasis this offseason. rip. That talent and tendency were on display in “Yards is one thing, but you’ve got to score the 2022 SEC championship game, when Nusspoints, and that comes from explosives a lot of meier replaced an injured Jayden Daniels in the times,” Sloan said. “It comes from explosive-play second half and uncorked a 57-yard completion touchdowns.” and two touchdown passes of 30-plus yards.

SEASON Generating those big throws should be easier The expectation heading into his first season as PREVIEW for the Tigers this season after they added Kena starter in 2024 was more of the same, but that didn’t end up becoming the reality. The LSU offense had tucky transfer Barion Brown from the transfer portal and trouble taking the top off of defenses. The vertical pass- brought back fifth-year senior Chris Hilton. Both wideouts provide elite speed to a wide receiver corps that lacked it ing game became a weakness of the attack.

Nussmeier was second in the country in pass attempts ä See LSU, page 3C of 20 or more yards, but he completed only 36% of those

Staff writer

Southern QB McCoy looking for more connections

BY TOYLOY BROWN III Staff writer

STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

Southern quarterback Cam’Ron McCoy makes a pass as the defense reaches the pocket during a team scrimmage on Aug. 9 at A.W. Mumford Stadium.

Cam’Ron McCoy was in shotgun after Southern’s first seven offensive plays of the season were on the ground.

The junior Jackson State transfer quarterback was on North Carolina Central’s 43-yard line on second and 8. McCoy took a three-step drop and launched an effortless deep ball to Darren Morä Southern ris on the left side with a at MVSU 4 P.M. defender trailing, which looked like a walk-in touchSATURDAy down.

Southern fans in Atlanta on Saturday for the season opener held their breath, ready to cheer a second touchdown on their team’s second drive.

That moment didn’t happen. The pass was just beyond the outstretched grasp of the 6-foot-2 Morris. McCoy took responsibility for the incompletion at Tuesday’s media availability.

“We just didn’t connect on that,” McCoy said. “I could’ve took a little bit off. It was on me.”

ä See SOUTHERN, page 5C

2C ■ Thursday, August 28, 2025 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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BROADCAST HIGHLIGHTS On TV COLLEGE FOOTBALL 4:30 p.m. Boise St. at South Florida ESPN 5 p.m.

Ohio at Rutgers BTN 6 p.m.

East Carolina at NC State ACCN 6 p.m.

Towson at Norfolk St. ESPNU 6:30 p.m. Cent. Arkansas at Missouri SECN

7 p.m.

8 p.m.

8 p.m.

2 p.m.

1 p.m.

Buffalo at Minnesota Miami at Wisconsin Nebraska at Cincinnati GOLF LPGA: FM Championship MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL Arizona at Milwaukee

IN BRIEF

FROM STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS

5:30 p.m. Atlanta at Philadelphia TENNIS 10:30 a.m. ATP/WTA: U.S. Open WNBA 6 p.m.

Washington at New york 9 p.m.

Chicago at Phoenix

FS1 BTN ESPN Golf MLBN

MLBN ESPN2 PRIME PRIME

Burns makes U.S. Ryder Cup squad Captain Bradley picks six, snubs himself

BY DOUG FERGUSON AP golf writer

U.S. captain Keegan Bradley went down the list of six names to fill out his Ryder Cup team, one by one, the suspense building whether he would call his own name and become the first playing captain in 62 years.

Turns out Bradley knew all along.

He had only one job in mind, and he said Wednesday while announcing his six captain’s picks — none named Bradley — that the best chance for the Americans to win the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black was to leave his golf clubs at home.

“I know 100% for certain that this is the right choice,” Bradley said.

Shreveport native and former LSU golfer Sam Burns was one of the golfers who made Bradley feel that way. Burns — along with Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Ben Griffin, Cameron Young and Patrick Cantlay — ended up being Bradley’s six captain picks.

This marks the second straight Ryder Cup selection for Burns, who finished seventh in the PGA Tour’s FedExCup that wrapped up Sunday in AtlanBradley ta. He posted a 1-2 record in Italy during the 2023 Ryder Cup. “Getting selected to these teams are some of the highest honors you can achieve,” Burns said. “I’m privileged and honored to be a part of this team.”

Burns finished 16th in the Ryder Cup points, but he completed the 2025 season as the PGA Tour’s top putter.

“He’s incredibly passionate and the best putter on the planet,” Bradley said. “He has an extreme competitive fire. He’s won the match play, and his back was against the wall and he played well to make this team. I can’t wait to see him out there in front of those fans.”

LSU men’s hoops hires ex-Texas A&M assistant

Coach Matt McMahon has welcomed a new member to his LSU men’s basketball coaching staff 70 days before the team’s season opener. Vince Walden was hired as an assistant coach, the program announced Wednesday.

The Suffolk, Virginia, native most recently spent six years with Texas A&M, serving as an assistant coach last season. Walden replaces assistant coach Yasir Rosemond, who was hired April 7 but left the team June 21 for the same role at his alma mater Oregon. Walden helped the Aggies achieve a 23-11 record and fifth-place finish in the Southeastern Conference (11-5), serving as the team’s director of basketball operations before last season.

Walden spent two seasons as an assistant coach at Arkansas State before working at Texas A&M.

Vikings bring back WR Thielen in Panthers trade

FILE PHOTO COURTESy OF AUGUSTA NATIONAL GOLF CLUB

Former LSU golfer Sam Burns drives off the 11th tee during the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club on April 12.

The automatic U.S. qualifiers were Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, Bryson DeChambeau, J.J. Spaun, Harris English and Russell Henley.

Although he didn’t win this season, Burns made more than $6 million this season, which he has now done for four straight years.

He’s made at least $5 million for five straight years.

“It’s going to be an incredible week; we will have tons of support,” Burns said. “These fans love getting behind their teams and their country. Hopefully we can rally behind that energy.”

For all the speculation — especially after Bradley made a bold run at winning the Tour Championship last week — Bradley said he had known “for a while” he would not be the first playing captain since Arnold Palmer in 1963.

“I grew up wanting to play the Ryder Cup. It broke my heart not to play, it really did,” he said. “Ultimately, I was chosen to do a job.

My ultimate goal was to be the

best captain I could be.”

Bradley went with a pair of Ryder Cup rookies in Young and Griffin. Thomas, Morikawa, Burns and Cantlay all were on the last U.S. team.

Europe, which will announce the rest of its team on Monday, is likely to return 11 of the 12 players who won in Rome two years ago. Luke Donald returns as captain.

Bradley made a compelling case as a pick, and he likely would have been chosen without much argument if he had not been captain.

He has won twice in the last 13 months against strong fields — only Scheffler has won more since then. He finished at No. 11 in the Ryder Cup standings and was the eighth-best American in the world ranking. He said when he was appointed in July 2024 that he would play only if he qualified. And then he won the Travelers Championship and said, “This changes the story a little bit.” All

along, it became a singular talking point about the Ryder Cup. “No matter what decision I made, I’m going to be defined by this decision,” Bradley had said at the Tour Championship, calling it the biggest decision of his career.

Instead, he will stick to being captain, a decision that is sure to be second-guessed if the Americans don’t win.

Thomas is playing in his fourth straight Ryder Cup, making him the most experienced American on the team. He also was part of the committee that selected Bradley at 39 — the youngest Ryder Cup captain since Palmer was 34 — to be captain last year.

“He wants to do whatever is best for the team,” Thomas said.

“I know all of us are gutted for him. But him leading us to victory will be cooler than any experience he can have as a player. We don’t doubt him for one second.”

Staff writer Roy Lang III contributed to this report.

The Minnesota Vikings acquired 13-year veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen, who has the thirdmost catches in franchise history, in a trade with the Carolina Panthers on Wednesday.

The Vikings sent a 2026 fifthround draft pick and a 2027 fourthround pick to the Panthers for Thielen, a conditional 2026 seventhround pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick in the deal, which was pending him passing a physical exam.

Thielen, who turned 35 last week, was set to make $8.75 million this season, of which the Panthers already had paid out $1.75 million.

The Vikings, who have ample salary cap space, will assume the remaining $7 million on the contract, unless the two sides agree to adjust it.

Ravens extend safety Hamilton with $100M deal

Kyle Hamilton has been added to the list of Baltimore Ravens players to receive a big new contract this offseason.

The Ravens agreed to a fouryear, $100.4 million extension with the star safety. The deal includes $82 million guaranteed, according to a person with knowledge of the contract, speaking to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Wednesday because the terms weren’t announced.

The deal for Hamilton, an AllPro in 2023, comes after the Ravens gave running back Derrick Henry an extension through 2027 and receiver Rashod Bateman an extension through 2029. Baltimore also re-signed tackle Ronnie Stanley this offseason, shortly before he was set to hit free agency.

Sox place center Djokovic’s back in third round of U.S. Open White fielder on the 10-day IL

BY HOWARD FENDRICH AP tennis writer

NEW YORK — For the second contest in a row at this U.S. Open, Novak Djokovic appeared a bit sluggish, a bit off, for a stretch. This time, he even dropped the opening set. And then, as always at Flushing Meadows, the 24-time Grand Slam champion progressed to the third round.

Djokovic improved to 36-0 across the first and second rounds in New York, a place he’s won four championships, by coming back to beat 145th-ranked American qualifier Zachary Svajda 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-3, 6-1 at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Wednesday.

“I really tried to soak it in and enjoy the moment, especially when I won the first set,” said Svajda, a 22-year-old from San Diego.

“It kind of shocked me. I was like, ‘Wow!’” Asked on court afterward how he felt in his first competition since losing to eventual champion Jannik Sinner in the Wimbledon semifinals on July 11 while hindered by a groin injury, Djokovic replied: “Not that great, to be honest.”

Svajda noticed.

“He was missing a little bit,” said Svajda, who got cramps in his legs and arms as the match wore on. “He was getting a little frustrated.”

At his news conference later, the 38-year-old Djokovic spoke a little more about his mood.

“It’s not a motivation thing. It’s just like me a bit frustrated with my game, and then I kind of go through stuff internally that — you don’t want to know the details what I’m going through and telling myself,” he explained after getting to the third round at a

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By KIRSTy WIGGLESWORTH

Novak Djokovic of Serbia returns a shot to Zachary Svajda of the United States during the second round of the U.S. Open on Wednesday in New york. major for the 75th time, breaking a tie with Roger Federer for the most such appearances by a man.

“I’m just trying to be locked in.

Just trying to solve the riddle once I’m on the court,” Djokovic continued. “It’s not like I’m not finding joy on the court competing. I enjoy competing, but I don’t enjoy not playing well. That’s why I put extra pressure on myself and my team to be better the next day, the next match.”

That will come against Cam Norrie, a British left-hander who reached the semifinals at Wimbledon in 2022 and is 0-6 against Djokovic.

Norrie got past Francisco Comesana of Argentina 7-6 (5), 6-3, 6-7 (0), 7-6 (4) in four hours and now it’s his turn to face the task that Svajda did Wednesday against Djokovic.

“He does everything so well,

“He does everything so well, which is incredible ... It’s Novak Djokovic, so there’s not a big weakness.”

ZACHARy SVAJDA which is incredible,” Svajda said.

“I was talking to my team and coaches before, trying to figure it out. It’s Novak Djokovic, so there’s not a big weakness.”

Townsend and Ostapenko have a heated exchange after their match. Taylor Townsend and Jelena Ostapenko got into a faceto-face argument on the Court 11 sideline right after Townsend won their second-round match 7-5, 6-1.

Townsend, an American who is ranked No. 1 in doubles, said Osta-

penko, a Latvian who won the 2017 French Open, told her she has “no class” and “no education.”

Other events No. 5 seed Jack Draper, a semifinalist in 2024, withdrew because of a lingering injury to his left arm. Winners included both of last year’s runners-up — Jessica Pegula and Taylor Fritz — along with Alcaraz, Frances Tiafoe, 2021 champion Emma Raducanu, and Emma Navarro. No. 12 Casper Ruud, whose 0-3 record in Grand Slam finals includes a loss to Carlos Alcaraz at Flushing Meadows in 2022, was eliminated 6-4, 3-6, 3-6, 6-4, 7-5 by Raphael Collignon of Belgium. The 107th-ranked Collignon had never won a match at a major or played a five-setter until this tournament. Aryna Sabalenka and Ben Shelton played their second-round matches at night.

The Chicago White Sox placed Luis Robert on the 10-day injured list on Wednesday, a tough blow for the center fielder after he started to deliver at the plate.

Robert has a left hamstring strain.

He left Tuesday night’s 5-4 loss to Kansas City because of hamstring soreness.

The White Sox also recalled outfielder Will Robertson from TripleA Charlotte before their series finale against the Royals.

The 28-year-old Robert got off to a tough start this year, batting .190 with nine homers, 35 RBIs and 93 strikeouts in his first 79 games.

He has been much better since the All-Star break, hitting .298 (34 for 114) with five homers and 18 RBIs in his last 31 games.

Chiefs receiver suspended for six games after crash

Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice has been suspended six games for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy, keeping him out of a series of high-profile games starting with next week’s season opener against the Chargers in Brazil.

Rice pleaded guilty about six weeks ago to two third-degree felony charges of collision involving serious bodily injury and racing on a highway causing bodily injury.

As part of his plea agreement from the March 2024 crash on a Dallas highway, prosecutors said, Rice also received a sentence of five years of deferred probation and 30 days in jail.

The NFL handed down its suspension, which Rice will not appeal, after its own internal investigation.

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Thursday, August 28, 2025 ■ 3C

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MLB draft not kind to Johnson, LSU in ’25

Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin holds the ball during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Jan. 26 in Philadelphia.

BY KOKI RILEY

AP FILE PHOTO By DERIK HAMILTON

Staff writer

Good fortune had followed Jay Johnson when it came to the MLB draft.

William Schmidt. Derek Curiel.

Jake Brown. Jared Jones. They were all high-profile high school prospects who passed up MLB for the chance to play for Johnson at LSU. The Tigers’ streak of luck played a big part in the program capturing two national titles in three years.

But last month, that trend dried up. LSU lost eight high school signees to MLB despite being crowned national champions a few weeks earlier.

“You don’t always have control over those things,” Johnson said Wednesday. “Some guys made a decision that they thought playing for the Chicago White Sox is what they wanted to do.”

LSU entered the draft with the No. 1 recruiting class in the nation, according to Perfect Game, meaning that the losses took a large chunk of what otherwise would have been the core of future teams.

As a result, LSU had to be aggressive in the transfer portal in the days after the draft.

“I feel like we recovered from what that was,” Johnson said.

“Professional baseball throwing around $2 million like it’s candy.”

After the draft, LSU added Division II right-handed pitcher Dax Dathe, Kansas transfer righthander Cooper Moore, Grand Canyon transfer first baseman Zach Yorke and Oregon State transfer third baseman Trent Caraway.

The new veterans, combined with the six transfers Johnson added before the draft, result in LSU heading into next season with an older team.

Dathe is a seven-year senior.

Yorke is a senior, as is High Point transfer infielder Brayden Simpson. Kansas State transfer infielder Seth Dardar is heading into his sixth season of college baseball.

“I love talking to (Dathe),” Johnson said, “because he is like 30 years old.”

LSU’s age particularly shows with position players. Besides the incoming freshmen, the only hitter who isn’t draft-eligible in 2026 is sophomore catcher Cade Arrambide.

LSU added five freshman positional players this offseason, including catcher Omar Serna and outfielder William Patrick, who were ESPN top-150 prospects in the 2025 draft. But there is still a better chance than not that LSU

WR McLaurin returns to practice for Commanders on cloud nine

By The Associated Press

STAFF PHOTO By HILARy SCHEINUK

LSU coach Jay Johnson makes a signal on June 17 during a College World Series game between the Tigers and UCLA Bruins at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha, Neb.

“We’ve got a really good 2026 (recruiting) class. What a great opportunity for them to be the guys that say, ‘I’d rather play at LSU than sign for $1.5 million.’ What a great opportunity for the best players in the transfer portal next year. So I’m going to focus on who we have.”

JAy JOHNSON, LSU head coach will have to heavily remodel its position player group after this season.

Sophomore Derek Curiel, junior Steven Milam and junior Jake Brown should receive plenty of interest from MLB. Senior Chris Stanfield will be out of eligibility.

Caraway already has passed up two opportunities to be drafted (he could’ve been picked last month) and likely won’t turn down a third.

“It did turn out that way a little bit,” Johnson said. “I think we’ve shown a good aptitude to develop players and then reload as we need to.

“We’ve got a really good 2026 (recruiting) class. What a great opportunity for them to be the guys that say, ‘I’d rather play at LSU than sign for $1.5 million.’ What a great opportunity for the best

players in the transfer portal next year. So I’m going to focus on who we have.”

The balance between veterans and newcomers doesn’t exist as much with the LSU pitchers. A strong sophomore class led by right-hander Casan Evans means the Tigers should have a group of pitchers returning for a third season in 2027. Johnson added only four freshman pitchers.

The Tigers will try to repeat as champions with a team that’s built to win in 2026. As for 2027 and beyond, Johnson likely will have to piece it together with a drastically different looking group.

“I’m going to focus on kind of who we have,” Johnson said.

Email Koki Riley at Koki.Riley@ theadvocate.com.

LSU baseball gets invite to White House

BY KOKI RILEY Staff writer

LSU baseball won its eighth national championship in June, but the celebration for coach Jay Johnson’s second title team isn’t over.

Unlike in 2023, LSU has been invited to the White House to commemorate its accomplishment, Johnson said Wednesday. A date has not been set for the visit.

“I think that’s sweet, so I’m excited,” Johnson said. “I know our players are excited about that.”

Besides the trip to Washing-

LSU

Continued from page 1C a year ago.

“Fast, and he’s really good at tracking the ball downfield,” Hilton said of Brown. “That’s one of the things that impressed me the most.”

Hilton played in only six games last season because of injuries. A fully healthy version of him from the start essentially is adding a new player to the mix alongside redshirt junior Aaron Anderson, senior Zavion Thomas, redshirt sophomore Kyle Parker and Oklahoma transfer Nic Anderson.

Thomas, Hilton, Brown and redshirt freshman Jelani Watkins have the speed to threaten any defense downfield.

“We got me, Jelani, Chris,” Brown said. “It’s some people that can move.”

Nussmeier agrees that LSU is more equipped to create more explosive plays through the air this

ton, D.C., LSU will have its ring ceremony Oct. 25 in conjunction with the football team’s matchup against Texas A&M. “Very proud of that team, and not just everything that it accomplished but how it went about its business,” Johnson said. “And so some things we look forward to, honoring those guys as they certainly deserve.”

LSU has 19 players returning from its 2025 national championship team. The Tigers begin to turn the page to the 2026 season on Oct. 9 when fall practices start. Those practices will last until the week-

end before Thanksgiving.

LSU also will have scrimmages against Samford in Biloxi, Mississippi, on Nov. 2 and in Hammond against Southeastern Louisiana on Nov. 9. The Purple and Gold World Series will be held the weekend before Thanksgiving.

“My assessment of the team and what’s best for it will determine whether we play one game, two games or three games at the end of that,” Johnson said of the Purple and Gold World Series.

Email Koki Riley at Koki.Riley@ theadvocate.com.

ASHBURN, Va. — Terry McLaurin sat in front of a tent full of reporters and cameras after Wednesday’s practice and smiled broadly. The Washington Commanders wide receiver’s answer when asked whether he received what he wanted in his newly signed contract extension explained his good mood.

“I did.”

McLaurin agreed to a threeyear extension Tuesday valued at up to $96 million, concluding an arduous negotiation.

The 2024 second-team All-Pro skipped a mandatory minicamp in the spring, vented to reporters a week before training camp, turned a four-day holdout into a hold-in that extended throughout camp and requested a trade.

He also was placed on the physically unable to perform list with an ankle injury, though he is now cleared.

Even amid the uncertainty, McLaurin said he “knew I would end up where I’m supposed to be.”

On Monday, McLaurin entered the weight room, unaware that news of his extension had broken. He found out when about 30 teammates congratulated him with a standing ovation.

“There’s no playbook or script on how to handle this situation,” said McLaurin, a 2019 thirdround selection by Washington.

“It’s definitely been a process, but I’m really happy to be back out here with my teammates. I’m very grateful to be part of this organization.”

Adam Peters experienced the turbulent stretch from his purview as general manager. Peters said he didn’t watch the pre-camp video of McLaurin’s outspokenness, “but I heard he was frustrated.” Once the receiver began his hold-in, the executive said the two had several “great conversations” in his office.

“It wasn’t always easy,” Peters said. “We had a lot of bumps along the way.”

With McLaurin returning to practice, Washington seeks a smooth path ahead of the Sept. 7 opener against the New York Giants. The Commanders are coming off a stunning season with a 12-5 record and the franchise’s first NFC championship game appearance since 1991. The explosive combination of McLaurin and quarterback Jayden Daniels fueled the surge.

McLaurin starred throughout his first five seasons despite a carousel of dicey quarterbacks and organizational drama. Hooking up with Daniels, the offensive rookie of the year, raised his

production. McLaurin, who turns 30 in September, caught a careerhigh 13 touchdowns in 2024 while recording a fifth consecutive campaign with 1,000 yards receiving.

Discussion of McLaurin’s absence dominated local and national conversations. And it didn’t help that Washington’s other receivers labored through training camp and the preseason. Both Peters and McLaurin remained strident in their positions while maintaining respect for the other.

“I think deadlines prompt actions a lot of times,” Peters said.

“We wanted to do this with Terry.”

The new terms have McLaurin under contract through 2028.

Even during down moments, McLaurin maintained a positive outlook.

“I still found joy in the middle of the chaos,” he said.

The receiver’s signing capped a headline-generating offseason.

Washington traded for five-time All-Pro offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil and wide receiver Deebo Samuel, in addition to signing edge rusher Von Miller, the league’s active leader in sacks.

Selecting offensive tackle Josh Conerly in the first round further bolstered the line tasked with protecting Daniels.

Peters said the staff felt “confident” enough with the team’s backfield options, including Austin Ekeler and seventh-round pick Jacory Croskey-Merritt, to allow him to trade running back Brian Robinson to San Francisco last week for a 2026 sixth-round pick.

“On paper, this team is stronger than we had last year,” Peters said. “That means nothing until you play the games, but I have so much confidence in the guys in the locker room. We’re just getting started.”

Washington’s other starting outside receiver, Noah Brown, also practiced Wednesday after a knee injury sidelined him for the vast majority of camp. Peters said the team will gauge McLaurin and Brown’s physical readiness over the remaining practices before hosting the Giants.

McLaurin, based on his own assessment, returned to practice with ease. After catching an over-the-shoulder pass from Daniels, he turned to the young quarterback and said, “It’s like riding a bike.”

Having a familiar face throwing him passes helps speed up the acclimation period.

“This is the first time in my career I’ve had the same (Week 1) quarterback two years in a row,” McLaurin said. “That definitely helps.”

“We’ve got a lot more speed. We’ve got a lot more guys that can go take the top off the defense. And so I think that’s something that’ll help open up our entire offense as a whole a lot.”

GARRETT NUSSMEIER, LSU quarterback season. He believes it’s the biggest difference between the LSU offense this year from last year.

“We’ve got a lot more speed,” Nussmeier said. “We’ve got a lot more guys that can go take the top off the defense. And so I think that’s something that’ll help open up our entire offense as a whole a lot.”

An improved deep passing attack also will help LSU become more efficient in other aspects of its offense. Running the ball and throwing short to medium passes — the former of which the Tigers struggled to do — are easier to accomplish efficiently when safeties and cornerbacks are playing with greater caution,

making sure nothing gets over their heads.

Generating those explosive plays won’t be easy in LSU’s season opener against Clemson. The defense is a veteran group, featuring a defensive line that will make life difficult for Nussmeier to find enough time to throw it deep.

But for Sloan, leaning into LSU’s strengths as a unit will be important. And this offense, as constructed, should threaten defenses with the deep ball all year long.

“We’re going to get over the top of a lot of defenses,” Kelly said.

Email Koki Riley at Koki.Riley@theadvocate.com.

STAFF FILE PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

LSU wide receiver Aaron Anderson finishes a run during a spring practice on April 12 at Tiger Stadium.

4C ■ Thursday, August 28, 2025 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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SAINTS

Local optimism in short supply on Saints

BY JEFF DUNCAN Staff writer

We’re accustomed to threatening forecasts in New Orleans, so we should be prepared for the upcoming Saints season.

Everyone, it seems, is predicting a stormy year for the Saints, even local media members who cover the team on a daily basis.

My annual survey of local reporters forecasts a difficult season ahead. Only two of the 31 journalists predicted a winning season. This is easily the most pessimistic that local reporters have been about the team’s prospects in the five years that I’ve conducted the poll.

Preseason predictions are often wrong, though. We learned that lesson in 2000 and 2006.

Here’s the prognostications: Madeline Adams, WVUE-TV: “This team will be tested early with tough matchups against San Francisco, Seattle and Buffalo within the first four weeks. If the Saints can stay relatively healthy, there’s a chance they can be better than most people around the league expect.” Final record: 5-12 Paul Chestnutt, WPNN-FM: “New head coach Kellen Moore will find ways to upset some teams, and the Saints defense will be better at stopping the run with new defensive coordinator Brandon Staley.” 8-8-1 Mike Detillier, WWL-AM: “Early stages of a rebuild. I like the additions on defense.” 6-11 Jeff Duncan, Times-Picayune: “There are too many holes and unanswered questions on this roster for Kellen Moore and staff to find answers in 2025. Unlike 2000 and 2006, Moore doesn’t have the luxury of having a veteran quarterback to build around.” 4-13 Kendall Duncan, WDSU-TV: “The team will struggle to find rhythm offensively, and an aging defense compounds the struggles. That, combined with the NFC South being vastly improved, results in another 5-12 campaign.” 5-12 Les East, Crescent City Sports: “Rookie head coach and youngest head coach in the NFL; least experienced group of quarterbacks in the league; shaky depth everywhere. If the rebuilt O-line is really good, which it can be, it can mask the inexperience at QB; if it’s not, it can exacerbate the inexperience. 6-11 Zach Ewing, Times-Picayune: “I’m not sure I believe the doom and gloom from the national media and oddsmakers. The defense almost has to be better than it was last year. But is it going to be much better than that? The gaping hole of uncertainty at quarterback doesn’t leave me optimistic.” 5-12 Sean Fazende, WVUE-TV: “This season will have its challenges, especially early on. However, six wins will be a great start to the Kellen Moore era in New Orleans.” 6-11 Marco Garcia, formerly Louisiana Spanish Network: “I’m optimistic primarily because of the defense and new mindset being installed by Kellen Moore and his staff.” 9-8 Garland Gillen, WVUE-TV: “The lack of depth at offensive line and wide receiver is a major concern for the offense. The Saints will miss the playoffs for the fifth year in a row, but they’ll get a

WALKER

Continued from page 1C pan out, including Marcus Davenport and Payton Turner.

Davenport was drafted 14th in 2018.

Turner was drafted 28th in 2021.

Foskey was drafted 40th in 2023.

Davenport and Turner never could stay healthy. Turner is still dealing with injuries and was put on the Dallas Cowboys injured reserve list (ribs) on Tuesday.

The Saints have selected seven other players with a top-40 pick since 2018.

Cesar Ruiz, picked 24th in 2020, has started consistently.

But he has had his struggles this preseason.

Chris Olave (11th in 2022) is one of the team’s best offensive weapons, but he has dealt with several concussions in his first three seasons. If he stays healthy, he can be a special one.

Trevor Penning (19th in 2022)

STAFF PHOTO By DAVID GRUNFELD

Saints coach Kellen Moore congratulates kicker Charlie Smyth after he kicked a field goal during a preseason game against the Denver Broncos on Saturday at the Caesars Superdome. top-five pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.” 4-13 Bobby Hebert, WWL-AM: “After the NFL draft, I was thinking six to seven wins, but now I think we’ll be the same as last year — five wins. My biggest concern is the offensive line play.” 5-12 John Hendrix, New Orleans Football: “I can find eight games the Saints could realistically win, but the problem is trusting them to deliver. They have to have everything go right to produce something better than we are predicting.

They’ve not been that fortunate historically, but I’m willing to buy the defense being better.” 7-10 Tina Howell, Canal Street Chronicles: “It’s a new era in New Orleans, and I believe Kellen Moore can put the Saints on the right track to success, but it will take time for everything to come together.

I think you will see an improvement from last season.” 7-10 Mike Hoss, WWL-AM: “While I’m typically a ‘get off my lawn’ guy in life, it somehow doesn’t apply to the Saints. I always lean more positive toward them, especially at the beginning of the season.

If this team can get beyond the first four games intact, I think they are a 9-8 team and division winner. I’ll get nailed as a homer for the Saints, but that’s OK. I’ve been called much worse in my 35 years.” 9-8 Sharief Ishaq, WDSU-TV: “Quarterback play, health and depth at offensive line, receiver, linebacker and cornerback are all legit question marks. I think parts of the season will be fun and competitive, but it’s gonna be tough at times. The future is bright under Kellen Moore, who will have some young talent to work with.”

5-12 Ross Jackson, LouisianaSports.net/ Locked on Saints podcast: “It’s hard to believe this Saints team loses more games than last year’s Dennis Allen-led, injury-riddled iteration, but it’s just as hard to believe it wins more right away.

This season is more likely to be about building momentum.” 5-12 Mario Jerez, Tropical Radio: “In my lifetime, the Saints have always surpassed expectations coming off an awful year and under a newly hired head coach. I think that will be the case this year, but not to the extremes of 2000 or 2006.” 8-9 Luke Johnson, Times-Picayune: “I feel better about the Saints future than I have in a long time. Kellen Moore is exceptionally bright, and he’s pulling all the right levers. Brandon Staley looks ready to reintroduce himself as a football genius, and there are some young players on the team who should excite fans. The Saints won’t be the worst team in football, but there is a lower ceiling with this group.” 6-11 Jared Paul Joseph, WGNO-TV: “The strength of schedule is deceiving.

Some of the teams New Orleans faces had bad records last season, but a good chunk of them (San Francisco, Chicago, maybe even Arizona) will have better 2025 campaigns.” 5-12 Juan Kincaid, WVUE-TV: “The start of the season is the key. If the Saints don’t start 3-3, then I don’t see them getting to five wins.” 5-12 Ricardo Lecompte, WWL-TV: “I think the Saints can find six wins on the schedule, although I think they will struggle to start the Kellen Moore era. Also, that win total is contingent on the Saints front-line players being available for at least 90% of the regular season. We’ll see if the workload measures taken during training camp help keep the team’s best players on the field.” 6-11 Fletcher Mackel, WDSU-TV: “Smart coaches, healthy playmakers, a solid O-line and a defense that has just enough juice. The Saints don’t finish with a winning record, but they clear the over/under that most sportsbooks have on them this season.” 7-10 Doug Mouton, WWL-TV: “I like what the Saints have done in Year One

Past Picks

Then there is quarterback Tyler Shough, selected with the 40th pick in April. He didn’t win the starting quarterback job, but he has shown flashes that he has the skillset and traits to become the franchise’s long-term solution at quarterback.

Time will tell.

There have been some hits outside of the top-40 picks, such as Erik McCoy (48th in 2019).

But one thing we know is the Saints have missed on several draft picks over the last few years. It’s a big reason why they haven’t been to the playoffs since the 2020 season, Drew Brees’ final year. It’s why the Saints are in the rebuild they currently find themselves in. The postseason drought probably won’t end this season.

The Saints desperately need to start hitting on their draft picks, especially the ones in the early rounds.

Foskey not lasting through the end of his rookie contract is the latest reminder.

Saints draft picks selected in top 40 since 2018: 2018 Marcus Davenport (14) 2020 Cesar Ruiz (24) 2021 Payton Turner (28) 2022 Chris Olave (11), Trevor Penning (19) 2023 Bryan Bresee (29), Isaiah Foskey (40) 2024 Taliese Fuaga (14) 2025 Kelvin Banks (9), Tyler Shough (40)

also has dealt with injuries and hasn’t lived up to expectations.

Penning’s switch this offseason from tackle to guard is supposed to change the course of his career, but he’s currently dealing with a toe injury.

Yeah, some of it is just bad luck. But teams can’t afford to have so many misses.

Outside of Foskey, the last four of the Saints’ draft picks in the top 40 look more promising.

Defensive lineman Bryan Bresee (29th in 2023) has been solid in his first two seasons.

Taliese Fuaga (14th pick in 2024) appears to be a staple at tackle for years to come. Same goes for Kelvin Banks (ninth pick this year), who could end up being one of the best draft picks in years for the Saints.

Email Rod Walker at rwalker@theadvocate.com.

of the rebuild, but the team has too many depth concerns and will get below average quarterback play. I think Kellen Moore will win in New Orleans, but not yet.” 6-11 Jeff Nowak, WWL-AM: “I don’t like to be this negative, but the reality is the Saints are in a takeyour-medicine season. This version of the Saints will be in a good number of games, but I don’t expect them to find the winning plays on offense often enough to put together a playoffcaliber campaign. The defense will keep scores low, and Kellen Moore’s first season still can be viewed positively if it ends with the Saints believing they have the QB of the future and a high draft pick to build with.” 4-13 Sara Palczewski, WGMB-TV: “I think this is going to be a rough year.

Some of the key pieces on the roster are aging, there’s a lot of unproven talent and the QB room is inexperienced. Based on the culture Kellen Moore is building, the Saints will have some fun moments this season.

But overall, it’s going to be a rebuilding year.” 3-14 Matthew Paras, Times-Picayune: “Despite a favorable schedule, there’s just too much uncertainty around the quarterbacks. This roster also needs work, and it’ll take time for the pieces to align with Kellen Moore’s vision fully.

I think Moore can be a solid coach, even if the product looks bleak at times this year.” 4-13 Jon Sokoloff, WGNO-TV: “The defense in Brandon Staley’s new scheme will hold its own and the offense will be up and down.

The schedule is ridiculously easy to the point where I was close to picking the Saints to win seven games. Their opponents’ combined winning percentage in 2024 was .419 (second worst in the NFL). New Orleans will play only four games against teams that made the playoffs last season, which is tied for the few-

est in the NFL. They play four games against teams that have a new starting quarterback, which is tied for third most.” 6-11 Katherine Terrell, ESPN: “I haven’t seen enough at the quarterback position this summer to alleviate concerns about the Saints’ deficiencies in other areas. Their top three wideouts all missed significant time last season, and Taysom Hill and Foster Moreau (11 combined TDs last year) are both working back through serious injuries. The defense, with the exception of the safeties, is largely the same unit from the end of the 2024 season. The defense will have to take a big step forward from its 21st finish in total defense last year. 5-12 Mike Triplett, New Orleans Football: “The schedule gets super easy after a brutal first four weeks, and I like the Saints’ “starting 22” more than most teams picked to finish 32nd. So they could eventually settle in and start winning half of their games over the last three months. But they’re paper-thin at almost every position, so even a normal level of injuries could derail them.” 5-12 Nick Underhill, New Orleans Football: “I’ve been at five wins this whole offseason, and I don’t think anything we’ve seen would make me move off of that prediction.

There’s the potential for upside, of course. I think there are some bright spots. But this is a rebuilding team, and my expectation is that the results will reflect that reality.” 5-12 Rod Walker, Times-Picayune: “The Saints will need everything to go right (no injuries, the growth of the young QBs, offensive line play, etc.) to have success. The defense will be good enough to keep them in most games, but the lack of depth will do the team in.” 4-13 Email Jeff Duncan at jduncan@theadvocate.com.

AP PHOTO By KyUSUNG GONG

Saints defensive end Isaiah Foskey runs during a preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Aug. 10 in Inglewood, Calif.

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Thursday, August 28, 2025 ■ 5C

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Penn St. QB Allar making strides in commanding offense

BY TRAVIS JOHNSON Associated Press

STAFF FILE PHOTO By DAVID GRUNFELD

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Trey Palmer, right, scores against New Orleans Saints cornerback Isaac yiadom, left, during a game at the Caesars Superdome on Oct. 1, 2023. The Saints claimed Palmer off of waivers from the Bucs on Wednesday.

Saints pick up receiver, O-lineman from waivers

BY LUKE JOHNSON Staff writer

Once the dust settled on the NFL waiver wire claims Wednesday, the New Orleans Saints picked up two players and saw two of their former players land elsewhere.

The Saints added former Buccaneers receiver Trey Palmer and former Broncos offensive lineman Xavier Truss on waivers. make space for Notebook To them on the 53-man roster, the Saints released veterans Cedrick Wilson and Jack Stoll, both of whom had signed back to the practice squad by the end of business Wednesday.

Former Saints D’Marco Jackson and Rico Payton landed with the Bears and Giants, respectively.

Palmer is a Kentwood native who began his college career at LSU before transferring to Nebraska, where he flourished. He landed with the Buccaneers as a sixthround draft pick and played 32 games in two seasons there.

He caught 39 passes for 385 yards and three touchdowns as a rookie, but he saw his role diminish in 2024, catching just 12 passes. Tampa Bay used its first-round draft pick on receiver Emeka Egbuka this year, further

SOUTHERN

Continued from page 1C McCoy ran for no gain on third down, and Southern punted for the first of five times in its 31-14 loss to North Carolina Central.

While no single play decided the Jaguars’ fate, it’s normal to imagine how the game would have turned out if the pass had been successful.

The Jaguars are beyond caring about what-ifs and are preparing for Mississippi Valley State at 4 p.m. Saturday at Rice–Totten Stadium in Itta Bena, Miss.

“We can’t change the past; we can only grind for the future,” McCoy said. “We’re just not gonna let our past affect (our) future.

You know, we got a long season ahead of us. It’s a lot of things that we could have done differently in that game, but it’s a lot of things that I liked from the game. So it’s just a learning experience.”

McCoy is still in a quarterback battle with redshirt sophomore Jalen Woods, who entered the game Saturday with 6:12 remaining. Coach Terrence Graves and his staff haven’t decided on an outright starter.

They plan on playing both quarterbacks and weekly performance will dictate playing time, Graves said.

McCoy’s first start included 9 of 14 passes for 71 yards, and 98 yards rushing and a touchdown on nine carries. He also had one fumble.

Graves was complimentary of how he looked in his debut.

“He led the team, managed the game,” Graves said. “He did well in terms of executing what we wanted to do. Of course, some things he’s gotta clean up, some things that he saw that he needed to fix in terms of a few missed throws. But overall, I thought he did a good job.”

Most of McCoy’s throws were on target, albeit the majority being less than 10 yards in the air.

His longest completion was 12 yards to Kobe Brown, who added 8 yards after the catch.

pushing Palmer out of a spot.

Palmer brings more speed to the Saints receiver corps. He ran a 4.33-second 40-yard dash at the 2023 combine. Truss joined the Broncos as an undrafted rookie free agent out of Georgia this year.

Although the 6-foot-7, 320-pounder is a guard by trade, he played all of his snaps for the Broncos this preseason at right tackle, according to Pro Football Focus.

Practice squad mostly set For the most part, the Saints know what their practice squad is going to look like.

The Saints announced 15 players they re-signed to their practice squad Wednesday afternoon. Because one of those players is kicker Charlie Smyth, who does not count against the 16-player limit because he came to the Saints through the International Player Pathway, New Orleans still has two more spots to fill. New Orleans brought two quarterbacks back on the practice squad, including Jake Haener, who cleared waivers. Haener opened training camp as one of three quarterbacks receiving first-team snaps, but he started to be phased out of the competition when the Saints traveled to California.

“We can’t change the past; we can only grind for the future. We’re just not gonna let our past affect (our) future.”

CAM’RON MCCOy, Southern quarterback McCoy’s biggest mistake was a turnover with 9:47 remaining in the game. On first down from the opponent’s 19-yard line, he was sacked after pump-faking a pass. Instead of throwing it out of bounds, he was tackled and lost possession. It was his team’s only time in the red zone.

McCoy’s final play of the game was the opposite of how he started. McCoy sprinted for a 69-yard rushing touchdown on Southern’s first drive of the game. He said that play was supposed to be a quick pass, but after recognizing heavy pressure and the hole in the man-to-man defense, he saw “daylight.”

His second-best rush was a 21-yard scramble, sliding to his team’s 46-yard line with 4:50 left in the third quarter.

While his improvisational running was exciting, it wasn’t able to consistently bail him out on third downs. McCoy admitted it’s one of the biggest areas he needs to improve.

The Jaguars went 2 of 10 on third downs. McCoy personally was responsible for converting only one third down — a 9-yard run on third and 8 — out of his six total passes and rushes. The other successful conversion was an 80yard touchdown carry by Trey Holly on third and 2 in the second quarter.

McCoy’s talent is evident, with a clear speed advantage over Woods, who completed 4 of 5 passes for 21 yards but never ran out of the pocket in his limited action.

But McCoy didn’t convince the staff he should be a full-time starter for a reason. Improving his ability to move the chains more often with his arm could go a long way.

Edge rusher Fadil Diggs, the only member of the Saints’ 2025 draft class who did not make the 53-man roster, also cleared waivers and made it back to the practice squad.

Here’s the full list: Haener, Diggs, Wilson, Stoll, Smyth, quarterback Hunter Dekkers, receiver Kevin Austin, safeties Terrell Burgess and Elliott Davison, offensive lineman Easton Kilty, cornerbacks Jayden Price and Dalys Beanum, linebacker Nephi Sewell, tight end Treyton Welch and defensive lineman Jonah Williams.

New pregame show host The new season will bring a new pregame host for the Saints’ in-house pregame show. Stan Verrett, a New Orleans native and 25year veteran of ESPN and former SportsCenter anchor, will host the new-look Saints’ pregame show, which airs across the team’s social and digital platforms. Former Saints linebacker Scott Shanle, part of the Super Bowl XLIV championship team, will be part of the show as well as team reporter Erin Summers.

The show airs an hour before kickoff for every Saints game with analysis, information and interviews.

The first episode is Sept. 7 before the Saints’ season opener against the Arizona Cardinals.

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Drew Allar and Andy Kotelnicki have developed quite the quarterback-coach tandem in their 18 months together.

Their partnership has grown to the point where Kotelnicki, Penn State’s second-year offensive coordinator, let Allar plan out most of what the No. 2 Nittany Lions would drill during their final training camp practices last week.

The fast-talking Kotelnicki and head coach James Franklin have been impressed. They’ve seen enough to know Allar’s improved command of the offense will give the Nittany Lions a shot at another deep run in the College Football Playoff.

That’s really where their rocketarmed quarterback has made his biggest strides since the Nittany Lions came up a drive short of potentially playing for last season’s national championship.

“Him being involved in that process (is) because he’s mature, because he’s got experience, because his football acumen allows that to happen,” Kotelnicki said. “He doesn’t need to be told what to do and think. He needs to be involved in the thinking process, and it has very, very much been that way.”

Allar, who’s thrown for 6,302 yards, 53 touchdowns and helped Penn State win a program-best 34 games over three years, returned to Happy Valley to chase what would be the program’s first national championship since 1986.

But he also came back to learn and hone his craft as a quarterback, even as NFL teams beckoned.

Allar saw another year with Kotelnicki and his ability to explain the why behind each concept within each play was the best way to do that. Kotelnicki’s process is much different than that of former coordinator Mike Yurcich, who helmed the offense when Allar arrived as a freshman in 2022.

Understanding the why has given Allar more access to checks and more control of the offense from the line of scrimmage.

As Kotelnicki puts it, every offensive coordinator likes to think they have a way to break every defense.

In this system, a quarterback’s ability to quickly process and adapt to shifting defenders can be the dif-

ference between ho-hum and a game-breaking play.

“We’re putting a ton on his plate,” Franklin said. “I think his greatest superpower is just how football smart he is.”

Smart enough to know that his penultimate throw last season — intercepted by Notre Dame to all but seal Penn State’s loss in the Orange Bowl — should’ve been a throwaway as soon as he threw it.

It was a rare mistake for a quarterback who began his career with 311 attempts before throwing his first interception — and just nine since then.

Allar has long since shaken it off.

“For me, I’ve always known when I’ve made progress because I’m not thinking about it anymore,” Allar said. “I just go out and play, and it happens because of how much I’ve repped it.”

He’s also been buoyed by the returning talent around him. That includes a veteran offensive line, a pair of 1,000-yard rushers in Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, who are each within striking distance of the program’s career rushing record, and a prospective top-10 defense led by first-year coordinator Jim Knowles, who helped Ohio State win the national championship last season in the same role.

Allar’s grasp of the offense has also come in handy as he’s mentored a handful of new receivers Penn State needs to produce after star tight end Tyler Warren left for the NFL and the team’s next two leading targets left for other programs.

Kyron Hudson and Devonte Ross transferred from USC and Troy, respectively, while former Syracuse receiver Trebor Peña transferred in before training camp.

Kotelnicki and Franklin have particularly enjoyed watching their veteran quarterback use all of his knowledge to fast-track the newcomers and build chemistry quickly.

Those are the subtle, behindthe-scenes improvements Allar’s coaches can see that the rest of the country might not be able to account for until the Nittany Lions are truly tested.

“Not everyone knows what’s involved in the decision making, and then the total mechanics of the offense,” Kotelnicki said. “I think he can improve a lot.”

RABALAIS

Continued from page 1C

Orleans singer Fats Domino? The beloved musician still lived in the Ninth Ward neighborhood where he grew up, a region of the city that became famous for how devastated it was. Immediately following Katrina it seemed the then 77-year-old Domino had simply disappeared, another New Orleans icon lost to the storm and the flood it unleashed.

Fortunately, Domino was very much alive. Rescued from the balcony of his home, Domino was first brought to the shelter inside the ruined Superdome, then was transported to LSU’s Pete Maravich Assembly Center. There he was processed under his given name: Antoine Domino.

LSU athletes were volunteering at the PMAC, helping distribute supplies. One of them was the quarterback who would be the Tigers’ starter in 2005, JaMarcus Russell. As it happened, Russell was dating Domino’s granddaughter at the time, so he was familiar with the face of the “Blueberry Hill” singer when he came across him inside the arena.

Soon, Domino and about 20 of his displaced family members left the PMAC to stay for two days in Russell’s suddenly stuffed-to-the-rafters off-campus apartment on Highland Road. By Friday, Sept. 2, four days after Katrina’s landfall, Domino and three carloads of relatives were getting ready to leave to take up residence elsewhere.

The world still didn’t know if Domino was alive. Before he left, Russell decided to call LSU sports information director Michael Bonnette, in effect breaking the news about the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer’s whereabouts.

“Fats Domino’s here,” Russell said.

Bonnette was incredulous.

STAFF FILE PHOTO By ALEX BRANDON

Legendary musician Fats Domino, center, is helped off a boat by New Orleans SWAT officer Trevor Reeves, right, and a New Orleans Harbor Patrol officer. As Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, rescues were being moved on Aug. 29, 2005, to the St. Claude bridge in the Lower 9th Ward in New Orleans.

“What did you say?” he asked.

“Yeah, Fats Domino has been staying with me for two days,” Russell said. “We’re trying to keep it under wraps, but we wanted to let people know he was safe.”

Bonnette, beginning his 26th season as LSU’s SID when the Tigers play Saturday at Clemson, found then LSU athletic department photographer Steve Franz. The two rushed over to Russell’s apartment to get a photo of Russell clasping hands with Domino at his car window just before the music icon departed.

“Tell the people of New Orleans that I’m safe,” Domino told Bonnette. “I wish I was able to still be there with them, but I hope to see them soon.” With that, he was off.

The news that Domino had survived Katrina was one of the few bright spots in the wake of

the terrible storm. The fact that one of New Orleans’ favorite sons was still around became a small symbol of hope that the resilient city would find a way back from the tragedy.

Domino died in 2017 at age 89, buried in Mount Olivet Cemetery in the Gentilly section of New Orleans. Before heading back to Denver following Sunday’s preseason game with the Saints, former New Orleans and current Broncos coach Sean Payton took his team to lay a wreath at Domino’s tomb.

“We should know who Fats Domino is,” Payton said.

Domino’s post-Katrina story is also worth knowing, a pleasant memory from such a terrible time.

For more LSU sports updates, sign up for our newsletter at theadvocate.com/lsunewsletter

6C ■ Thursday, August 28, 2025 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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SCOREBOARD Odds

MIDWEST

College Football Thursday

FAVORITE OPEN Boise State 9½ at RUTGERS 10½ at B. GREEN 16½ at ULM 21½ at NC STATE 11½ Wyoming 8½ at DEL 32½ at UCF 17½ at MISSOURI 35½ at DUKE 29½ at OKLA ST. 21½ at HOUSTON 23½ at MIN 16½ Nebraska 6½ at WISC 17½ at SDSU 15½

TODAY O/U UNDERDOG 6½ (63½) at S. FLA 15½ (49½) Ohio 14½ (52½) Lafayette 23½ (45½) St. Francis 13½ (60½) E. Carolina 7½ (49½) at AKRON 29½ (54½)Delaware St 18½ (52½) Jcksnvlle St 36½ (51½) C. Arkansas 33½ (47½) Elon 19½ (55½) UT Martin 22½ (55½) S.F. Austin 18½ (44½) Buffalo 6½ (54½) at CIN 17½ (39½) Miami (OH) 18½ (53½) Stny Brook

FAVORITE OPEN at ARMY 18½ at MICH ST 18½ at W.F. 17½ App St 8½ at ILLINOIS 39½ Georgia Tech 4½ Auburn 2½ UNLV 12½ at SJSU 11½

TODAY O/U UNDERDOG 16½ (51½) Tarleton St. 20½ (49½)W. Michigan 16½ (51½) Kennsw St. 6½ (50½) at CHAR 45½ (63½) W. Illinois 4½ (52½) at COL 2½ (57½) at BAYLOR 10½ (60½) at S. HOUS 11½ (51½) C. Michigan

Friday

MLB

Thursday American League FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG Boston -178 at BALTIMORE N.Y Yankees -176 at CHI. WS National League FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG at MILWAUKEE -168 Arizona Pittsburgh -122 at ST. LOUIS at SAN FRANCISCO -130 Chicago Cubs at PHILADELPHIA -178 Atlanta at N.Y METS -220 Miami Interleague FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG at HOUSTON -240 Colorado

LINE +150 +148 LINE +142 +104 +110 +150 +184 LINE +198

High school football Baton Rouge area jamborees

Red Stick Rumble

(at Parkview Baptist) Dunham vs. University Lab, 6 p.m.

Brusly vs. Parkview Baptist, 7:30 p.m.

Riverside Academy at Episcopal, 5 p.m.

Hammond at Live Oak, 7 p.m.

Friday Battle on the Bluff

(at A.W. Mumford Stadium) Glen Oaks vs. Capitol, 6 p.m.

Istrouma vs. Scotlandville, 7:30 p.m.

Broadmoor vs. Woodlawn, 8:50 p.m.

Red Stick Rumble

(at Parkview Baptist) Catholic High vs. Madison Prep, 7 p.m.

Other games

Helix Mentorship STEAM Academy at Central Private, 5 p.m.

Amite at Southern Lab, 6 p.m.

Patterson at Franklin, 6 p.m.

Fontainebleau at Baker, 7 p.m.

Livonia at Zachary, 7 p.m.

Berwick at Centerville, 7 p.m.

Sacred Heart at Centreville Academy, 7 p.m.

Kentwood at West Feliciana, 7:30 p.m.

West St. Mary at Morgan City, 8 p.m.

Pro basketball WNBA glance Atlanta New York Indiana Washington Connecticut Chicago

W 24 23 20 16 10 9

L 14 15 18 22 28 28

Pct .632 .605 .526 .421 .263 .243

GB — 1 4 8 14 14½

x-Minnesota x-Las Vegas Phoenix Golden State Seattle Los Angeles Dallas

W 30 26 23 19 20 17 9

L 7 14 14 18 19 19 30

Pct .811 .650 .622 .514 .513 .472 .231

GB — 5½ 7 11 11 12½ 22

Indiana 95, Seattle 75 Phoenix 92, Los Angeles 84

Wednesday’s games

Las Vegas 81, Atlanta 75 Connecticut 101, Dallas 95

Thursday’s games

Washington at New York, 6 p.m.

Seattle at Minnesota, 7 p.m.

Chicago at Phoenix, 9 p.m.

Tennis US Open Results

Wednesday At USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center New York Purse: $31,620,000 Surface: Hardcourt outdoor

Men’s singles

Second Round Jiri Lehecka (20), Czechia, def. Tomas Martin Etcheverry, Argentina, 3-6, 6-0, 6-2, 6-4.

Novak Djokovic (7), Serbia, def. Zachary Svajda, United States, 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-3, 6-1.

Tomas Machac (21), Czechia, def. Joao Fonseca, Brazil, 7-6 (4), 6-2, 6-3.

Jerome Kym, Switzerland, def. Brandon Nakashima (30), United States, 4-6, 7-6 (2), 7-5, 3-6, 7-6 (8).

Raphael Collignon, Belgium, def. Casper Ruud (12), Norway, 6-4, 3-6, 3-6, 6-4, 7-5.

Taylor Fritz (4), United States, def. Lloyd Harris, South Africa, 4-6, 7-6 (3), 6-2, 6-4.

Benjamin Bonzi, France, def. Marcos Giron, United States, 2-6, 4-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-4.

Arthur Rinderknech, France, def. Alejandro Davidovich Fokina (18), Spain, 6-4, 3-6, 2-6, 6-2, 6-3.

Cameron Norrie, Britain, def. Francisco Comesana, Argentina, 7-6 (5), 6-3, 6-7 (0), 7-6 (4).

Frances Tiafoe (17), United States, def.

Martin Damm Jr, United States, 6-4, 7-5, 6-7 (8), 7-5.

Ugo Blanchet, France, def. Jakub Mensik (16), Czechia, 6-7 (2), 7-6 (5), 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7).

Women’s singles

Second Round Emma Raducanu, Britain, def. Janice Tjen, Indonesia, 6-2, 6-1.

Emma Navarro (10), United States, def. Caty McNally, United States, 6-2, 6-1.

Victoria Azarenka, Belarus, def. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, Russia, 6-3, 6-3.

Cristina Bucsa, Spain, def. Alexandra Eala, Philippines, 6-4, 6-3.

Jessica Pegula (4), United States, def. Anna Blinkova, Russia, 6-1, 6-3.

Barbora Krejcikova, Czechia, def. Moyuka Uchijima, Japan, 6-4, 6-2.

Taylor Townsend, United States, def. Jelena Ostapenko (25), Latvia, 7-5, 6-1.

Elena Rybakina (9), Kazakhstan, def. Tereza Valentova, Czechia, 6-3, 7-6 (7).

College football College football schedule All Times Central (Subject to change)

Thursday’s games EAST

Ohio (0-0) at Rutgers (0-0), 5 p.m.

Delaware St. (0-0) at Delaware (0-0), 6 p.m.

SOUTH

Stony Brook (0-0) at San Diego St. (0-0), 9 p.m.

Friday’s games EAST

Campbell (0-0) at Rhode Island (0-0), 5 p.m.

Tarleton St. (1-0) at Army (0-0), 5 p.m.

Monmouth (NJ) (0-0) at Colgate (0-0), 6 p.m.

New Haven (0-0) at Marist (0-0), 6 p.m.

SOUTH

Bethune-Cookman (0-0) at FIU (0-0), 6 p.m.

Kennesaw St. (0-0) at Wake Forest (0-0), 6 p.m.

Charlotte (0-0) vs. Appalachian St. (0-0) at Charlotte, N.C., 6 p.m.

MIDWEST

W. Michigan (0-0) at Michigan St. (0-0), 6 p.m.

Wagner (0-0) at Kansas (1-0), 6:30 p.m.

W. Illinois (0-0) at Illinois (0-0), 6:30 p.m.

SOUTHWEST

Auburn (0-0) at Baylor (0-0), 7 p.m.

UNLV (1-0) at Sam Houston St. (0-1), 8:30 p.m.

FAR WEST

Georgia Tech (0-0) at Colorado (0-0), 7 p.m.

Cent. Michigan (0-0) at San Jose St. (0-0), 9:30 p.m.

SOUTH

Other games

x-clinched playoff spot Tuesday’s games

FAR WEST

VMI (0-0) at Navy (0-0), 11 a.m.

Duquesne (0-0) at Pittsburgh (0-0), 11 a.m.

Richmond (0-0) at Lehigh (0-0), 11 a.m.

FAU (0-0) at Maryland (0-0), 11 a.m.

CCSU (0-0) at Uconn (0-0), 1 p.m.

Stonehill (0-0) at Sacred Heart (0-0), 1 p.m.

Fordham (0-0) at Boston College (0-0), 1 p.m.

Robert Morris (0-0) at West Virginia (0-0), 1 p.m.

Temple (0-0) at Umass (0-0), 2:30 p.m.

Nevada (0-0) at Penn St. (0-0), 2:30 p.m.

(at A.W. Mumford Stadium) East Feliciana vs. Belaire, 5:30 p.m.

Liberty vs. McKinley, 7 p.m.

Northeast vs. Tara, 8:30 p.m.

Western Conference

SOUTHWEST

Arkansas Baptist (0-0) at Houston Christian (0-0), 6:30 p.m.

UT Martin (0-0) at Oklahoma St. (0-0), 6:30 p.m.

Stephen F. Austin (0-0) at Houston (0-0), 7 p.m.

Saturday’s games EAST

Thursday Battle on the Bluff

Eastern Conference

McKendree (0-0) at Indiana St. (0-0), 5 p.m.

Lafayette (0-0) at Bowling Green (0-0), 5 p.m.

Mercyhurst (0-0) at Youngstown St. (0-0), 5 p.m.

Dayton (0-0) at E. Illinois (0-0), 6 p.m.

Wyoming (0-0) at Akron (0-0), 6 p.m.

Lindenwood (Mo.) (0-0) at St. Thomas (Minn.) (0-0), 6 p.m.

Upper Iowa (0-0) at Drake (0-0), 6:30 p.m.

Cent. Arkansas (0-0) at Missouri (0-0), 6:30 p.m.

Buffalo (0-0) at Minnesota (0-0), 7 p.m.

Cincinnati (0-0) vs. Nebraska (0-0) at Kansas City, Mo., 8 p.m.

Miami (Ohio) (0-0) at Wisconsin (0-0), 8 p.m.

Boise St. (0-0) at South Florida (0-0), 4:30 p.m.

St. Francis (Pa.) (0-0) at Louisiana-Monroe (0-0), 6 p.m.

Jacksonville St. (0-0) at UCF (0-0), 6 p.m.

Towson (0-0) at Norfolk St. (0-0), 6 p.m.

East Carolina (0-0) at NC State (0-0), 6 p.m.

West Georgia (0-0) at Samford (0-0), 6:30 p.m.

Elon (0-0) at Duke (0-0), 6:30 p.m.

Alcorn St. (0-0) at Northwestern St. (0-0), 7 p.m.

Alabama St. (0-0) at UAB (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Northwestern (0-0) at Tulane (0-0), 11 a.m.

Mississippi St. (0-0) at Southern Miss. (0-0), 11 a.m.

Tennessee (0-0) vs. Syracuse (0-0) at Atlanta, 11 a.m.

N. Dakota St. (0-0) at The Citadel (0-0), 11 a.m.

Toledo (0-0) at Kentucky (0-0), 11:45 a.m.

Cumberland (TN) (0-0) at Tennessee Tech (0-0), noon Georgetown (0-0) at Davidson (0-0), noon William & Mary (0-0) at Furman (0-0), 1 p.m.

Hampton (0-0) at Jackson St. (0-0), 2 p.m.

E. Kentucky (0-0) at Louisville (0-0), 2 p.m.

Marshall (0-0) at Georgia (0-0), 2:30 p.m.

Alabama (0-0) at Florida St. (0-0), 2:30 p.m.

Florida A&M (0-0) vs. Howard (0-0) at Miami Gardens, Fla., 3 p.m.

Maine (0-0) at Liberty (0-0), 3 p.m.

Chattanooga (0-0) at Memphis (0-0), 3:30 p.m.

NC A&T (0-0) at Tennessee St. (0-0), 3:30 p.m.

Southern U. (0-1) at MVSU (0-0), 4 p.m.

Murray St. (0-0) at ETSU (0-0), 4:30 p.m.

Weber St. (0-0) at James Madison (0-0), 5 p.m.

New Hampshire (0-0) at NC Central (1-0), 5 p.m.

Coastal Carolina (0-0) at Virginia (0-0), 5 p.m.

Webber International (0-0) at Stetson (0-0), 5 p.m.

Presbyterian (0-0) at Mercer (0-0), 5 p.m.

Gardner-Webb (0-0) at W. Carolina (0-0), 5 p.m.

Allen Yellow Jackets (0-0) at Morehead St. (0-0), 5 p.m.

Wofford (0-0) at SC State (0-0), 5 p.m.

Louisiana College (0-0) at McNeese St. (0-0), 6 p.m.

North Alabama (0-0) at W. Kentucky (1-0), 6 p.m.

LIU Brooklyn (0-0) at Florida (0-0), 6 p.m.

Charleston Southern (0-0) at Vanderbilt (0-0), 6 p.m.

Austin Peay (0-0) at Middle Tennessee (0-0), 6 p.m.

Nicholls (1-0) at Troy (0-0), 6 p.m.

Morgan St. (0-0) at South Alabama (0-0), 6 p.m.

SE Louisiana (0-0) at Louisiana Tech (0-0), 6:30 p.m.

LSU (0-0) at Clemson (0-0), 6:30 p.m.

Georgia St. (0-0) at Mississippi (0-0), 6:45 p.m.

Rice (0-0) at Louisiana-Lafayette (0-0), 7 p.m.

Grambling St. (0-0) vs. Langston (0-0) at Shreveport, La., 7 p.m.

MIDWEST

Texas (0-0) at Ohio St. (0-0), 11 a.m.

Ball St. (0-0) at Purdue (0-0), 11 a.m.

Merrimack (0-0) at Kent St. (0-0), 11 a.m.

Va. Lynchburg (0-0) at Valparaiso (0-0), 1 p.m.

Butler (0-0) at N. Iowa (0-0), 1 p.m.

Old Dominion (0-0) at Indiana (0-0), 1:30 p.m.

South Dakota (0-0) at Iowa St. (1-0), 2:30 p.m.

Holy Cross (0-0) at N. Illinois (0-0), 2:30 p.m.

Albany (NY) (0-0) at Iowa (0-0), 5 p.m.

North Dakota (0-0) at Kansas St. (0-1), 6 p.m.

Thomas More (0-0) at S. Illinois (0-0), 6 p.m.

Sacramento St. (0-0) at S. Dakota St. (0-0), 6 p.m.

New Mexico (0-0) at Michigan (0-0), 6:30 p.m.

SOUTHWEST

Alabama A&M (0-0) at Arkansas (0-0), 3:15 p.m.

Illinois St. (0-0) at Oklahoma (0-0), 5 p.m.

SE Missouri (0-0) at Arkansas St. (0-0), 6 p.m.

E. Washington (0-0) at Incarnate Word (0-1), 6 p.m.

UTSA (0-0) at Texas A&M (0-0), 6 p.m.

Ark.-Pine Bluff (0-0) at Texas Tech (0-0), 6:30 p.m.

E. Michigan (0-0) at Texas State (0-0), 7 p.m.

Lamar (0-0) at North Texas (0-0), 7 p.m.

Abilene Christian (0-0) at Tulsa (0-0), 7 p.m.

Prairie View (0-0) at Texas Southern (0-0), 7 p.m.

East Texas A&M (0-0) at SMU (0-0), 8 p.m.

FAR WEST

Chadron St. (0-0) at N. Colorado (0-0), 2 p.m.

Bucknell (0-0) at Air Force (0-0), 2:30 p.m.

Montana St. (0-0) at Oregon (0-0), 3 p.m.

UTEP (0-0) at Utah St. (0-0), 6:30 p.m.

Missouri St. (0-0) at Southern Cal (0-0), 6:30 p.m.

Portland St. (0-1) at BYU (0-0), 7 p.m.

Cal Poly (0-0) at San Diego (0-0), 7 p.m.

Idaho St. (0-1) at S. Utah (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Bryant (0-0) at New Mexico St. (0-0), 8 p.m.

Georgia Southern (0-0) at Fresno St. (0-1), 8:30 p.m.

N. Arizona (0-0) at Arizona St. (0-0), 9 p.m.

UC Davis (0-0) at Utah Tech (0-0), 9 p.m.

Idaho (0-0) at Washington St. (0-0), 9 p.m.

California (0-0) at Oregon St. (0-0), 9:30 p.m.

Hawaii (1-0) at Arizona (0-0), 9:30 p.m.

Utah (0-0) at UCLA (0-0), 10 p.m.

Colorado St. (0-0) at Washington (0-0), 10 p.m.

Sunday’s games SOUTH

South Carolina (0-0) vs. Virginia Tech (0-0) at Atlanta, 2 p.m.

Notre Dame (0-0) at Miami (0-0), 6:30 p.m.

Transactions FOOTBALL

National Football League ARIZONA CARDINALS — Re-signed WRs Andre Baccellia, Simi Fehoko and Tejhuan Palmer, LB Elliott Brown, OL Jeremiah Byers, Jake Curham, Sincere Haynesworth and Nick Leverertt, TE Josiah Deguara and DL Anthony Goodlow and Elijah Simmons.

BALTIMORE RAVENS — Signed S Kyle Hamilton to a four-year contract extension.

Signed QB Tyler Huntley, WRs Anthony Miller and Keith Kirkwood, CBs Marquise Robinson and Thomas Graham Jr., RB D’Ernest Johnson, S Keondre Jackson, FB Lucas Scott, LBs Chandler Martin, Kaimon Rucker and Malik Hamm, DL Brent Urban and C.J. Okoye, C Nick Samac, G Jared Penning, T Gerad Lichtenhan and TE Zaire Mithcell-Paden to the practice squad.

BUFFALO BILLS — Signed QB Shane Buech-

ele, RB Frank Gore Jr., WRs Stephen Gosnell and Kristian Wilkerson, TE Keleki Latu, OL Travis Clayton, Dan Feeney and Kendrick Green, DL Zion Logue and Jordan Phillips, LBs Jimmy Ciarlo and Keonta Jenkins, CBs Daequan Hardy and Dane Jackson and Ss Jordan Poyer and Sam Franklin the practice squad.

CAROLINA PANTHERS — Claimed CB Damarri Mathis off waivers from Denver and WR Dalevon Campbell from the Los Angeles Chargers. Waived DT Jaden Crumedy. Signed LBs Krys Barnes and Maz Mwansa, CBs Shemar Bartholomew and Mike Reid, OL Boogie Basham, DE Jared Harrison-Hunte, OL Jarrett Kingston and Brandon Walton, OT Mike Tarquin, DT Sam Roberts, TE Bryce Pierre, WR Ja’seem Reed and S Trevian Thomas to the practice squad.

CHICAGO BEARS — Signed WRs Maurice Alexander, Miles Boykin and JP Richardson, RB Brittain Brown, TE Stephen Carlson, DL Xavier Carlton, Jonathan Ford, Tanoh Kpassagnon and Jamree Kromah, LB Power Echols, LS Luke Elkin, DBs Tre Flowers and Mekhi Garner and OL Jordan McFadden and Ricky Stromberg to the practice squad. Claimed LB D’Marco Jackson from New Orleans and DB Jaylon Jones from Arizona. Released LS Scott Daly and WR Devin Duvernay.

CINCINNATI BENGALS — Re-signed HBs Gary Brightwell and Kendall Milton, OTs Devin Cochran and Andrew Coker, CBs Jalen Davis and Bralyn Lux, LBs Joe Giles-Harris and Maema Njongmeta, G Jaxson Kirkland, C Seth McLaughlin, WRs Jordan Moore and Isaiah Williams and DE Isaiah Thomas.

Signed QB Brett Rypien to the practice squad.

CLEVELAND BROWNS — Claimed DB Jarrick Bernard-Converse from the New York Jets and RB Raheim Sanders from the Los Angeles Chargers. Waived TE Brenden Bates Bates CB Dom Jones. Signed TE Sal Cannella, WR Kaden Davis, Ss Christopher Edmonds, CB LaMareon James, DTs Ralph Holley and Sam Kamara, RBs Ahmani Marshall and Trayveon Williams and DE Julian Okwara to the practice squad.

GREEN BAY PACKERS — Signed RB Israel Abanikanda, DL Deslin Alexandre, James Ester and Arron Mosby, DBs Johnathan Baldwin and Jaylin Simpson, T Brant Banks, WRs Mecole Hardman, Isaiah Neyor and Will Sheppard, LBs Jamon Johnson and Kristian Welch and K Mark McNamee to the practice squad.

DALLAS COWBOYS — Claimed DB Trikweze Bridges off waivers from the Los Angeles Chargers and DB Reddy Steward from Minnesota.

DETROIT LIONS — Claimed DT Tyler Lacy off waivers from Jacksonville and Tyrus Wheat from Dallas.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS — Claimed LB Chad Muma off waivers from Jacksonville.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS — Acquired WR Tim Patrick from Detroit in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round draft pick. Signed WRs Chandler Brayboy and Dorian Singer, OL Jerome Carvin, Ricky Lee and Sal Wormley, LB Branson Combs, QB Seth Henigan, TEs Patrick Herbert and Quintin Morris, RB Ja’Quinden Jackson, CB Keni-H Lovely, DBs Jabbar Muhammad and Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig and DL Keivie Rose to the practice squad.

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS — Signed WRs Alex Bachman, Shedrick Jackson and Justin Shorter, RB Chris Collier, QBs Cam Miller, TEs Albert Okwuegbunam Jr. and Carter Runyon, OL Laki Tasi, Atonio Mafi and T Dalton Wagner, DT Treven Ma’ae, DE Jahfari Harvey, LBs Matt Jones, CB Greedy Vance and Ss Terrell Edmunds, Trey Taylor and JT Woods to the practice squad.

MIAMI DOLPHINS — Signed CB Rasul Douglas. Waived CBs Isaiah Johnson, BJ Adams and Ethan Robinson, WRs Andrew Armstrong, Erik Ezukanma, AJ Henning and Theo Wease Jr., OL Mason Brooks, Braeden Daniels, Jalen McKenzie, Josh Priebe and Addison West, T Ryan Hayes, DTs Alex Huntley and Ben Stille, LBs Dequan Jackson, Mohamed Kamara, Derrick McLendon, Grayson Murphy and Channing Tindall, Ss Jordan Colbert, Patrick McMorris and John Saunders Jr., TE Hayden Rucci and RB Aaron Shampklin. Waived/injured T Bayron Matos and LB Eugene Asante. Claimed DB Julius Brents off waivers from Indianapolis. Placed OL Liam Eichenberg on the PUP list and C Andrew Meyer and K Jason Sanders on injured reserve.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS — Traded a 2026 fifthround draft pick and a 2027 fourth-round pick to Carolina in exchange for WR Adam Thielen, a conditional 2026 seventh-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS — Claimed QB Tommy DeVito off waivers from the New York Giants and DB Charles Woods from the Los Angles Rams.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS — Claimed WR Trey Palmer off waivers from Tampa Bay and G Xavier Truss from Denver.

NEW YORK GIANTS — Claimed DB Beau Brade from Baltimore and CB Rico Payton from New Orleans.

NEW YORK JETS — Claimed TE Jelani Woods off waivers from Indianapolis, LB Cam Jones and T Esa Pole from from Kansas City.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES — Waived G Trevor Keegan. Claimed OL Willie Lampkin off waivers from the Los Angeles Rams. Signed LBs Chance Campbell, OLBs Patrick Johnson and Antwaun Powell-Ryland, WRs Elijah Cooks and Terrace Marshall, G Kenyon Green, T Hollin Pierce, QBs Kyle McCord, CBs Brandon Johnson, Parry Nickerson and Eli Ricks, TEs E.J. Jenkins and Cameron Latu and S Andre Sam to the practice squad.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS — Claimed DT Jordan Jefferson off waivers from Jacksonville.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS — Claimed DB Derion Kendrick off waivers from the Los Angles Rams.

TENNESSEE TITANS — Signed DT Shy Tuttle to a contract. Released C Corey Levin.

Waived DT Timmy Horne, LB Curtis Jacobs, CB Gabe Jeudy-Lally and OL John Ojukwu.

Claimed CBs Jalyn Armour-Davis and Samuel Womack III, LB Dorian Mausi and DL C.J. Ravenell off waivers.

BASEBALL

Major League Baseball American League BALTIMORE ORIOLES — Selected the contract of 3B Emmanuel Rivera from Norfolk (IL).

Designated SS Vimael Machin for assignment.

Transferred RHP Brandon Young from the 15day IL to the 60-day IL. Optioned RHP Yaramil Hiraldo to Norfolk. Selected the contract of RHP Roansy Contreras from Norfolk.

MINNESOTA TWINS — Reinstated RHP Simeon Woods Richardson from his rehab assignment and reinstated him from the 15-day IL. Optioned RHP Pierson Ohl to St. Paul (IL).

SEATTLE MARINERS — Recalled RHP Emerson Hancock from Tacoma (PCL). Optioned LHP Sauryn Lao to Tacoma.

National League MIAMI MARLINS — Selected the contract of RHP Seth Martiniez from Jacksonville (IL). Recalled RHP Freddy Tarnok from Jacksonville.

Placed RHP Janson Junk on the 15-day IL, retroactive to August 24. Optioned LHP Josh Simpson to Jacksonville.

NEW YORK METS — Sent CF Jose Siri and LF Jesse Winker to St. Lucie (FSL) on a rehab assignment.

ST. LOUIS CARDINALS — Placed LHP John King on the 15-day IL, retroactive to August 26. Recalled RHP Andre Granillo from Memphis (IL).

Pro golf PGA Tour statistics FedExCup Season Points

1, Tommy Fleetwood, 2,923. 2 (tie), Patrick Cantlay and Russell Henley, 1,661. 4 (tie), Scottie Scheffler, Corey Conners and Cameron Young, 7,456. 7 (tie), Justin Thomas, Sam Burns and Keegan Bradley, 2,477. 10, 2 tied with 1,414.

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL American League glance

National League glance

East Division

East Division

W Toronto 78 Boston 74 New York 73 Tampa Bay 64 Baltimore 60 Central Division W Detroit 78 Kansas City 69 Cleveland 66 Minnesota 60 Chicago 48 West Division W Houston 73 Seattle 72 Texas 67 Los Angeles 62 Athletics 62

Tuesday’s games

Driving Distance

1, Aldrich Potgieter, 327.4. 2, Rory McIlroy, 323. 3, Jesper Svensson, 320.2. 4, Nicolai Hojgaard, 319.6. 5, Michael Thorbjornsen, 318.3.

6, Kurt Kitayama, 318.1. 7, Rasmus Hojgaard, 318. 8, Chris Gotterup, 316.9. 9, Will Gordon, 316.6. 10, 2 tied with 315.6.

Driving Accuracy Percentage

1, Paul Peterson, 73.87%. 2, Aaron Rai, 73.85%. 3, Ben Kohles, 72.33%. 4, Takumi Kanaya, 71.27%. 5, Collin Morikawa, 70.96%.

6, Andrew Putnam, 70.31%. 7, Joel Dahmen, 69.16%. 8, Brice Garnett, 68.70%. 9, Russell Henley, 68.62%. 10, Brandt Snedeker, 68.50%.

Pct .582 .552 .549 .481 .451

GB — 4 4½ 13½ 17½

L 56 65 66 73 85

Pct .582 .515 .500 .451 .361

GB — 9 11 17½ 29½

L 60 62 67 70 72

Pct .549 .537 .500 .470 .463

GB — 1½ 6½ 10½ 11½

W Philadelphia 76 New York 72 Miami 62 Atlanta 61 Washington 53 Central Division W Milwaukee 83 Chicago 76 Cincinnati 68 St. Louis 65 Pittsburgh 59 West Division W Los Angeles 76 San Diego 75 Arizona 65 San Francisco 64 Colorado 38

Tuesday’s games

L 57 61 71 72 80

Pct .571 .541 .466 .459 .398

GB — 4 14 15 23

L 51 56 65 69 75

Pct .619 .576 .511 .485 .440

GB — 6 14½ 18 24

L 57 59 69 68 95

Pct .571 .560 .485 .485 .286

GB — 1½ 11½ 11½ 38

Cleveland 3, Tampa Bay 0 Boston 5, Baltimore 0 N.Y. Yankees 5, Washington 1 Minnesota 7, Toronto 5 Kansas City 5, Chicago White Sox 4 Texas 7, L.A. Angels 3 Colorado 6, Houston 1 San Diego 7, Seattle 6 Athletics 7, Detroit 6, 10 innings

Atlanta 11, Miami 2 N.Y. Yankees 5, Washington 1 Pittsburgh 8, St. Louis 3 N.Y. Mets 6, Philadelphia 5 Colorado 6, Houston 1 Milwaukee 9, Arizona 8 San Francisco 5, Chicago Cubs 2 L.A. Dodgers 6, Cincinnati 3 San Diego 7, Seattle 6

Cleveland 4, Tampa Bay 3, 10 innings N.Y. Yankees 11, Washington 2 Seattle 4, San Diego 3 Boston 3, Baltimore 2 Toronto 9, Minnesota 8 Kansas City 12, Chicago White Sox 1 Houston 4, Colorado 0 L.A. Angels at Texas, n Detroit at Athletics, n

Atlanta 12, Miami 1 N.Y. Yankees 11, Washington 2 Seattle 4, San Diego 3 N.Y. Mets 6, Philadelphia 0 Pittsburgh 2, St. Louis 1 Arizona 3, Milwaukee 2 Houston 4, Colorado 0 Cincinnati at L.A. Dodgers, n Chicago Cubs at San Francisco, n

Wednesday’s games

Thursday’s games

Boston at Baltimore, 12:05 p.m.

Colorado at Houston, 1:10 p.m.

N.Y. Yankees at Chicago White Sox, 6:40 p.m.

Wednesday’s games

Thursday’s games

Arizona at Milwaukee, 1:10 p.m.

Colorado at Houston, 1:10 p.m.

Pittsburgh at St. Louis, 1:15 p.m.

Chicago Cubs at San Francisco, 2:45 p.m.

Atlanta at Philadelphia, 5:45 p.m.

Miami at N.Y. Mets, 6:10 p.m.

BOX SCORES Atlanta 12, Miami 1

Cleveland 4, Tampa Bay 3

Atlanta

Tampa Bay Cleveland ab r h bi ab r h bi Simpson lf 5 0 0 0 Kwan lf 3 0 1 1 Díaz 1b 3 1 2 0 Rocchio 2b 5 0 0 0 B.Lowe 2b 3 1 1 2 Manzardo dh5 0 1 1 Caminero 3b4 0 0 0 Kayfus 1b 4 0 0 0 J.Lowe dh 4 1 1 0 Arias ss 3 1 1 0 Pereira cf 4 0 1 1 Jones rf 4 1 2 1 Mangum rf 4 0 2 0 Wilson 3b 4 1 3 1 C.Williams ss4 0 0 0 Martínez cf 3 1 0 0 Feduccia c 2 0 0 0 Hedges c 2 0 0 0 Fortes ph-c 2 0 0 0 Naylor ph-c 1 0 0 0 Totals 35 3 7 3 Totals 34 4 8 4 Tampa Bay 012 000 000 0 — 3 Cleveland 010 010 001 1 — 4 DP—Tampa Bay 0, Cleveland 1. LOB— Tampa Bay 5, Cleveland 7. 2B—Díaz (25), J.Lowe (18). HR—B.Lowe (26), Jones (4).

SB—Wilson (2), Kwan (14). S—Martínez (4), Naylor (2).

IP H R ER BB SO Tampa Bay Rasmussen 6 4 2 2 1 5 2 Uceta H,17 ⁄3 2 0 0 0 1 1 Cleavinger H,19 1 ⁄3 0 0 0 1 2 Fairbanks BS,22-27 1 1 1 1 0 2 2 Jax L,0-2 ⁄3 1 1 0 1 1 Cleveland Cecconi 6 6 3 3 0 4 Festa 1 0 0 0 0 2 2 Sabrowski ⁄3 0 0 0 2 2 Enright 11⁄3 1 0 0 0 1 Smith W,6-5 1 0 0 0 0 1 Umpires—Home, Nestor Ceja; First, Todd Tichenor; Second, Tom Hanahan; Third, Adam Hamari.

T—2:47. A—23,316 (34,788).

ab 3 5 1 1 3 5 5 5 5 5

r h bi 4 2 2 1 2 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 2 2 5 1 2 3 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0

Miami

ab r h bi Edwards 2b 3 0 0 0 Sanoja 2b-p 1 0 0 0 Lopez ss 4 0 0 0 Marsee lf 3 0 2 0 Hernán. dh 3 0 0 0 Johnston 1b 1 0 0 0 Wagam. 1b-3b4 0 0 0 Myers rf 4 0 1 0 Hicks c 2 1 0 0 Hill cf 3 0 2 1 Acosta 3b-2b 3 0 0 0 Totals 38 12 11 12 Totals 31 1 5 1 Atlanta 105 302 100 — 12 Miami 000 010 000 — 1 DP—Atlanta 1, Miami 0. LOB—Atlanta 10, Miami 5. 2B—Fraley (1), Olson (35), Hill (6). HR—Profar 2 (12), Olson (20), Albies (13), Harris (17). SB—Marsee (8).

IP H R ER BB SO Atlanta Wentz W,3-3 62⁄3 4 1 1 2 5 Stratton 21⁄3 1 0 0 0 1 Miami 9 5 2 Gusto L,0-3 32⁄3 7 9 Tarnok 21⁄3 1 2 2 2 4 Martinez 1 2 1 1 2 1 Sanoja 2 1 0 0 1 1 HBP—Gusto (Acuña).

Umpires—Home, Tyler Jones; First, Nate Tomlinson; Second, Mark Wegner; Third, Shane Livensparger.

T—2:46. A—12,453 (37,446).

Profar lf Olson 1b White 1b Acuña dh Baldwin c Albies 2b Harris cf Alvarez 3b Fraley rf Bruján ss

N.Y. Yankees 11, Washington 2

Seattle 4, San Diego 3

Washington New York ab r h bi ab r h bi Wood lf 4 0 2 0 Grisham cf 5 1 1 1 Abrams ss 4 0 1 1 Caballero rf 0 0 0 0 Adams dh-c 3 0 0 0 Rice 1b 5 2 3 1 García 2b 4 0 0 0 Judge dh 4 2 2 2 Crews rf 4 0 0 0 Bellinger rf-cf4 1 3 1 Chaparro 1b 3 1 1 1 Chisholm 2b 2 1 0 0 Cavalli p-p 0 0 0 0 Domínguez lf5 1 2 2 Millas c 1 0 0 0 Volpe ss 5 0 0 0 Ogasawara p1 0 0 0 Wells c 3 2 1 1 Poulin p 0 0 0 0 McMahon 3b4 1 1 3 Ferrer p 0 0 0 0 Bell ph 1 0 1 0 Pilkington p 0 0 0 0 Rutledge p 0 0 0 0 Hassell ph 1 0 0 0 House 3b 3 0 0 0 Young cf 3 1 1 0 Totals 32 2 6 2 Totals 37 11 13 11 Washington 000 001 001 — 2 New York 109 100 00x — 11 E—Millas (4). DP—Washington 0, New York 1. LOB—Washington 5, New York 8. 2B—Wood (31), Domínguez (17). HR— Chaparro (1), Grisham (26), Judge (41), Bellinger (25), McMahon (2), Rice (22), Wells (18). SB—Chisholm (23).

IP H R ER BB SO Washington Cavalli L,1-1 21⁄3 8 8 7 1 4 Ogasawara 12⁄3 4 3 3 2 3 Poulin 1 1 0 0 1 1 Ferrer 1 0 0 0 0 1 Pilkington 1 0 0 0 0 1 Rutledge 1 0 0 0 0 2 New York Fried W,14-5 7 4 1 1 2 6 Blackburn 2 2 1 1 0 0 HBP—Cavalli (Judge).

Umpires—Home, Erich Bacchus; First, Brian O’Nora; Second, Mike Estabrook; Third, Laz Diaz.

T—2:54. A—35,501 (47,309).

San Diego

Seattle ab r h bi ab r h bi Tatis rf 5 0 2 1 Arozarena lf 4 0 0 0 Laureano cf 4 1 0 0 Raleigh c 3 0 0 0 Machado 3b 4 0 0 0 Rodríguez cf 4 1 2 0 O’Hearn dh 4 1 1 0 Naylor 1b 3 1 1 0 Bogaerts ss 4 0 1 0 Suárez 3b 4 2 2 3 Sheets lf 4 0 2 1 Polanco dh 4 0 1 0 Iglesias 2b 3 0 1 0 Raley rf 2 0 1 1 Arraez ph 1 0 0 0 Robles ph-rf 1 0 0 0 Cronenwo. 1b2 1 1 1 Crawford ss 4 0 0 0 Fermin c 3 0 0 0 Young 2b 3 0 0 0 Wagner ph 1 0 0 0 Totals 35 3 8 3 Totals 32 4 7 4 San Diego 000 002 001 — 3 Seattle 010 300 00x — 4 E—Fermin (2), Bogaerts (8). LOB—San Diego 8, Seattle 7. 2B—Cronenworth (17), Tatis (27), Raley (7), Polanco (17). HR— Suárez (6). SB—Bogaerts (20), Suárez (3), Tatis (27).

IP H R ER BB SO San Diego Darvish L,3-4 4 4 4 4 1 3 Jacob 11⁄3 0 0 0 0 0 2 ⁄3 2 0 0 1 1 Peralta 2 Morgan ⁄3 1 0 0 1 0 Matsui 11⁄3 0 0 0 0 1 Seattle Woo W,12-7 52⁄3 6 2 2 1 6 1 ⁄3 0 0 0 0 1 Speier H,19 Brash H,17 1 0 0 0 0 0 Bazardo H,7 1 0 0 0 0 2 Muñoz S,31-37 1 2 1 1 0 0 HBP—Woo (Laureano), Speier (Cronenworth).

Umpires—Home, Will Little; First, Lance Barksdale; Second, Ryan Wills; Third, Edwin Jimenez.

T—2:44. A—37,600 (47,929).

Boston 3, Baltimore 2

Houston 4, Colorado 0

Boston

Colorado

Baltimore ab r h bi ab r h bi Anthony rf 4 1 1 1 Holliday 2b 4 0 0 0 Bregman 3b 3 0 0 0 J.Jackson 3b 3 0 1 0 Story ss 4 0 0 0 Rivera 3b 1 0 0 0 Duran lf 4 1 2 0 Henderson ss4 0 0 0 Rafaela cf 4 1 2 2 Mountca. dh 4 0 0 0 Lowe 1b 4 0 0 0 Cowser cf 4 0 0 0 Yoshida dh 3 0 0 0 Basallo c 4 0 0 0 Gonzá. ph-dh1 0 0 0 Mayo 1b 4 1 1 0 Wong c 3 0 0 0 Beavers rf 2 1 2 1 Hamilton 2b 3 0 2 0 Carlson lf 3 0 1 1 Totals 33 3 7 3 Totals 33 2 5 2 Boston 100 000 002 — 3 Baltimore 010 000 100 — 2 E—Story (12). LOB—Boston 5, Baltimore 5. 2B—Rafaela (29), J.Jackson (3), Beavers (4), Carlson (7). HR—Anthony (7), Rafaela (15). SB—Duran (22), Henderson (20).

IP H R ER BB SO Boston 1 1 6 Bello 62⁄3 5 2 1 Wilson ⁄3 0 0 0 0 0 Weissert W,6-4 1 0 0 0 0 1 Chapman S,26-28 1 0 0 0 0 3 Baltimore 1 0 3 Enns 22⁄3 2 1 Contreras 41⁄3 3 0 0 1 2 Akin L,4-4 BS,3-9 2 2 2 2 0 2 HBP—Contreras (Bregman).

Umpires—Home, Mark Ripperger; First, Nick Mahrley; Second, Vic Carapazza; Third, Nic Lentz.

T—2:26. A—16,790 (45,971).

Houston ab r h bi ab r h bi Freeman rf 4 0 2 0 Peña ss 4 1 1 0 Doyle cf 4 0 1 0 Alvarez dh 2 2 1 2 Goodman c 3 0 0 0 Correa 3b 4 0 0 0 Fulford c 1 0 0 0 Sánchez lf 4 0 2 1 Beck lf 3 0 0 0 McCormick lf0 0 0 0 Bernabel 1b 4 0 0 0 Walker 1b 4 0 1 0 Tovar ss 2 0 0 0 Smith rf 4 1 1 1 Karros 3b 3 0 0 0 Dubón 2b 3 0 1 0 Farmer dh 3 0 1 0 Melton cf 2 0 0 0 Arcia 2b 3 0 0 0 Salazar c 2 0 0 0 Totals 30 0 4 0 Totals 29 4 7 4 Colorado 000 000 000 — 0 Houston 100 000 12x — 4 DP—Colorado 2, Houston 1. LOB—Colorado 5, Houston 5. 2B—Dubón (19). HR— Smith (8), Alvarez (4). SB—Doyle (14), Melton (5).

IP H R ER BB SO Colorado Dollander L,2-11 6 3 1 1 4 7 Anderson 1 1 1 1 0 1 Chivilli 1 3 2 2 0 2 Houston Valdez W,12-7 7 3 0 0 2 5 King H,24 1 1 0 0 0 2 Abreu 1 0 0 0 0 2 WP—Dollander, Valdez.

Umpires—Home, James Hoye; First, John Libka; Second, D.J. Reyburn; Third, Sean Barber.

T—2:19. A—28,338 (41,000).

THIS DATE IN BASEBALL

Scoring Average

1, Scottie Scheffler, 68.140. 2, Rory McIlroy, 68.083. 3, Tommy Fleetwood, 69.357. 4, Russell Henley, 69.716. 5, Harry Hall, 69.764. 6, Ben Griffin, 69.827. 7, J.J. Spaun, 69.880. 8, Robert MacIntyre, 69.900. 9, Justin Thomas, 70.041. 10, Sepp Straka, 70.047.

L 56 60 60 69 73

Aug. 28 1918 — Tris Speaker was suspended for the rest of the season because of his assault on umpire Tom Connolly following a dispute at home plate in Philadelphia.

1926 — Emil Levsen of the Cleveland Indians pitched two complete-game victories over the Boston Red Sox, 6-1 and 5-1. He did not strike out a batter in either game. The Indians used the identical lineup in both games.

1951 — The Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the New York Giants 2-0, snapping the Giants’ 16-game winning streak. The streak enabled the Giants to cut the Dodgers 13½-game lead to six.

1971 — In the nightcap of a doubleheader, Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Rick Wise hit

two home runs to help himself to a 7-3 victory over the San Francisco Giants.

1977 — Steve Garvey of Los Angeles hit three doubles and two home runs in five atbats, leading the Los Angeles Dodgers to an 11-0 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals. One of Garvey’s homers was a grand slam.

1977 — In a 6-1 loss to the Baltimore Orioles, Nolan Ryan of the California Angles struck out 11 batters to pass the 300-strikeout plateau for the fifth time in his career.

1987 — Mike Schmidt passes Ted Williams and Willie McCovey with 522 home runs 1990 — Ryne Sandberg became the first second baseman in history to have consecutive 30-homer seasons, leading the Cubs to a 5-2 victory over the Houston Astros.

Grilled and spicy makes for best corn on the cob

LIVING

T H E A D V O C AT E.C O M

|

T h u r s d ay, au g u s T 28, 2025

1dN

BY BETH DOOLEY

The Minnesota Star Tribune (TNS)

DREAMSTIME/TNS PHOTO By SURACHET SHOTIVARANON

Grilled Corn with Spicy Aioli

Bucatini with cherry tomatoes, capers bring big flavors

STAFF PHOTO By CHRIS GRANGER

Now that it’s corn season, everyone has an opinion about the best way to cook corn. In a pot of boiling water? Lightly steamed?

And what about grilling? Is it best to soak the ears in their husks first; pull back the husks, remove the silk and wrap them back up before grilling; or remove the husk and silk and wrap them in tin foil? The discusRecipe, sion will continue as Grilled Corn the embers burn low. with Spicy I stand by the Aioli simplest method.

2D Just husk the corn, remove the silk and grill those cobs naked so they’re lightly charred, sweet, slightly crisp with a roasty popcorn taste.

While you can’t beat a thick smear of butter, a sprinkle of coarse salt and pepper, I love anointing the cobs with a tangy-hot Mexican sauce and a dusting of salty cheese. The tangyhot combination is remarkably simple. Just whisk together good mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, salt and pepper. It amplifies the corn’s grilled flavor and balances its sweetness.

Corn season is short, so don’t limit the options. Try grilled corn with olive oil, basil and Parmesan cheese; tzatziki and curry powder; or cumin, chili crisp-whipped butter and a splash of rice wine vinegar. These combinations are not for corn purists who abide by their butter and salt.

This is messy corn! Forget the skewers with prongs that attach to the end of the cobs and keep fingers clean. Keep a garden hose next to the picnic table and plenty of napkins on hand.

Why not toss a few extra cobs on the grill while you’re at it. Leftovers, already seasoned, can be transformed into a great pasta or whole grain salad. Simply cut the kernels from the cobs and toss with hot pasta, a little oil and a sprinkling of cheese.

Let lemon chicken, a chilled soup and quinoa with raisins freshen up your summertime menus

Liz Williams TIP OF THE TONGUE

S

ometimes, I get into a rut and eat the same things over and over.

Sometimes, it’s because I am busy and my brain just grabs the familiar to put dinner on the table. And other times, there is just more of the same produce at the farmer’s market or the grocery store. It is hard to be creative when even farms are in a rut! But all of us need to try new recipes to keep life interesting. Here are some ideas. ä See SUMMER, page 2D

BY GRETCHEN McKAY

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (TNS) There is something about cherry tomatoes that tomato lovers find irresistible.

Perfectly portioned for one juicy bite, they’re an adorable fruit.

They’re also so sweet and intensely flavored that they make a great afternoon snack when plucked off the vine, still warm from the sun. Even our dog Harry couldn’t resist the tiny tomato’s charms, eating whatever Sun Golds he could reach as they ripened in planters on my patio.

While they often end up in salads, cherry tomatoes also work wonderfully in simple pan sauces because their thin skin allows them to cook down quickly in the oven or on the stovetop. Got 20 minutes, some

ä See BUCATINI, page 2D

Lemon Chicken Serves 6.

3 tablespoons flour Zest of 1 lemon 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 6 chicken thighs with skin and bone-in, trim off fat or excess skin ¼ cup olive oil 3 cloves garlic, grated on a microplane grater 1 cup dry white wine (if you have any leftover, flat

champagne, now is the time to use it) ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice 1 cup sliced mushrooms 1 tablespoon butter 6 slices of lemon for garnish Salt and pepper to taste 2 tablespoons chopped capers

1. Place the flour onto a plate, mix in the zest and the ground pepper. Dip each thigh into the flour on both sides. The point is to only lightly coat the thighs.

2. Place the oil into a large skillet and heat over medium heat.

When the oil begins to shimmer, add the thighs to the pan. Allow the thighs to cook and the skin to begin to brown. Cook for 6 minutes. Then turn the thighs and cook another 5 minutes.

3. Remove the chicken thighs from the pan and set them aside on a plate. Add the garlic to the

pan and stir well. Add white wine to deglaze the pan.

4. Add the lemon juice and stir.

Cook for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Add the thighs back to the pan and add the mushrooms. Add the butter and allow it all to melt. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes.

5. Remove the thighs to a platter. Spoon the pan juices over the thighs, covering the thighs with the mushrooms. Put a slice of lemon over each thigh. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with the chopped capers and serve.

2D ■ Thursday,August 28, 2025 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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Grilled Corn with Spicy Aioli Serves 6. Recipe is from Beth Dooley. Grilling corn gives it a notably smoky, sweet char, but broiling works nicely, too. Mix up the dressing to have it on hand and ready to slather all over the sweet, hot ears as they come off the grill. If you don’t have a grill, turn on the broiler, and just watch that the cobs do not burn. ¼ cup good quality mayonnaise Zest and juice of 1 lime ¼ teaspoon ancho chili powder, to taste Coarse salt, to taste Freshly ground black pepper, to taste 6 ears fresh corn, shucked 2 to 3 tablespoons crumbled cotija, feta or ricotta cheese 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for serving Lime wedges for serving 1. Preheat the grill or broiler to high.

2. In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, lime zest and juice, ancho chili powder, and salt and pepper to taste.

3. Grill the corn until lightly charred and cooked through, about 7 to 10 minutes.

4. Remove and slather the hot cobs with the seasoned mayonnaise. Sprinkle with the crumbled cheese and the chopped cilantro.

Serve the corn with more cilantro and lime wedges on the side.

Bucatini with Burst Cherry Tomatoes Serves 4. Recipe is adapted from “More Mediterranean: 225+ New Plant-Forward Recipes” by America’s Test Kitchen.

FOR TOPPING: 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil ¼ cup capers, rinsed and patted dry 1 anchovy fillet, rinsed, patted dry and minced ½ cup panko bread crumbs Pinch sea salt Pinch freshly ground black pepper ¼ cup minced fresh parsley 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest FOR PASTA: 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 2 garlic cloves, sliced thin 2 anchovy fillets, rinsed and patted dry 2 pounds cherry tomatoes 1½ teaspoons salt, plus more for pasta water Large pinch red pepper flakes 12 ounce bucatini, or other favorite pasta 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn 1. Prepare topping: Heat oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add capers and anchovies and cook, stirring frequently, until capers have darkened and shrunk, 3-4 minutes.

2. Using a slotted spoon or fork, transfer caper mixture to paper towel-lined plate, and set aside.

Leave oil in pan and return skillet to medium heat.

3. Add panko, salt and pepper and cook, stirring constantly, until panko is golden brown, 4-5 minutes. Transfer panko to medium bowl and stir in parsley, lemon zest and reserved caper mixture.

4. Meanwhile, bring 4 quarts of water to boil in a large pot of salted water. While coming to a boil, heat 1/ 4 cup oil, garlic and

BUCATINI

Continued from page 1D garlic and olive oil and a heavy saute pan? In about the time it takes to cook and drain a pot of pasta, you’ve got dinner.

This dish was certainly a breeze on a warm summer evening. The tomatoes are tossed directly into a pan along with slivered garlic, extra virgin olive oil and anchovies without any prep (other than a quick rinse under cool water). As they burst and break down, they create a bright and tomato-forward sauce that’s full of umami flavor.

Today is Thursday, Aug. 28, the 240th day of 2025. There are 125 days left in the year.

Today in history: On Aug. 28, 1963, during the March on Washington, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech before an estimated 250,000 people in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. Also on this date: In 1862, the Second Battle of Bull Run began in Prince William County, Virginia, during the Civil War; the Union army retreated two days later after suffering 14,000 casualties.

In 1898, pharmacist Caleb Bradham of New Bern, North Carolina, changed the name of the carbonated beverage he’d created five years earlier from “Brad’s Drink” to “Pepsi-Cola.”

In 1955, Emmett Till, a Black teenager from Chicago, was abducted from his uncle’s home in Money, Mississippi, by two White men after he had allegedly whistled at a White woman four days prior; he was found brutally slain three days later.

In 1957, then U.S. Sen. Strom Thurmond, D-S.C., began what remains the longest speaking filibuster in Senate history (24 hours and 18 minutes) seeking to stall the passage of the Civil Rights Act of that year.

Gentle reader: Although your quesDear Miss Manners: I was leaving an underground transit station tion pertains to walking, every and making my way to the escala- type of vehicle has its own etitor to go up to the street when I quette for passing, and examining noticed a tall young man gaining the common features among the rapidly on me from behind. different systems is instructive.

We have an unwritten rule that You remembered two of the you stand on the right side rules: 1. that the overtaker of the escalator if you just — who has the better view want to ride, and move to — has the primary responthe left if you want to walk sibility to avoid colliding up the moving stairs. I with the overtaken; and 2. began to drift rightwards, that there is a correct side but he came galumphing for passing someone.

Judith up on the right side of me.

Unfortunately, you Martin forgot the equally, if not I stretched out my right MISS hand to take the banister, more, important shared MANNERS saying to him, “May I duty to avoid a collision. please get on the escalaThe rules of sailing extor?” press this gracefully by requirWith great annoyance, he ing the overtaken to hold their stepped around to my left side course — in other words, not to do and passed me, sternly proclaim- something surprising that makes it harder for the overtaker to preing over his shoulder, “Move out of the way for people walking vent a collision. faster than you!”

Grabbing the banister only to I could only muster the feeble prevent the 20-something from and not-quite-sensical response, passing on the wrong side made “Not if you pass on the right! This a collision more likely, and was is America!” therefore the worse infraction.

I am a reasonably fit and active He, of course, should have passed woman who will turn 50 this fall. on the correct side, and also The young gentleman looked to slowed down. be in his 20s and was wearing And while Miss Manners realbusiness attire. What is the etiizes that no one ended up on the ground, she does not believe that quette for “faster walkers”?

two strangers yelling at one another satisfies the goal of avoiding a collision.

Dear Miss Manners: I work as a volunteer at a military base overseas. My problem is with a coworker who will not communicate with me except via email. Usually the content of the communications is of a negative nature.

I am of the sort who prefers working out differences using speech and not the written word, especially when the two individuals live in close proximity.

This person is in a position of authority. I have repeatedly requested — to no avail — that we either talk in person or over the phone when she has gripes. Are there any etiquette rules regarding email and business communications?

Gentle reader: There are, but you are not going to like the most important one: The boss gets to set the rules.

Send questions to Miss Manners at her website, www. missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE PHOTO

By GRETCHEN McKAy

Bucatini with Burst Cherry Tomatoes

anchovies in large saucepan over medium heat.

5. Cook, stirring occasionally, until anchovies break down and garlic is lightly browned, 4-5 minutes. Add tomatoes, salt, sugar and pepper flakes to saucepan and stir to combine. Cover and increase heat to medium-high.

Cook, without stirring, for 10 minutes.

6. When water is boiling, add pasta. Cook, stirring often, until al dente (bucatini takes about 12 minutes). Reserve ½ cup cooking water, then drain pasta.

7. Off heat, add remaining 2 tablespoons oil to tomato sauce, and stir gently until it forms a light sauce. Add drained pasta and toss to coat.

8. Adjust consistency of sauce with reserved cooking water as needed (I added about ¼ cup).

9. Stir in basil and season to taste with salt. Serve, passing panko topping separately.

What really sets it apart, though, is the crunchy, gremolata-like panko topping. Fried capers and anchovies add a salty kick, and there’s also the tiniest hint of lemon. Unless you’re a cheese fanatic, you won’t miss the grated Parmesan you usually find on top of pasta.

The original recipe calls for penne, a traditional pairing for chunkier tomato sauces. But to me, it felt like a bucatini kind of night.

Any color of cherry tomato will work in the dish; just be sure they are vibrant, uniform in size and firm to the touch. For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes.

TODAY IN HISTORY

By The Associated Press

Drama on the escalator

In 1968, police and anti-war demonstrators clashed in the streets of Chicago as the Democratic National Convention nominated Hubert H. Humphrey for president.

In 2005, New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin ordered a mandatory evacuation as Hurricane Katrina approached the city.

In 2013, a military jury sentenced Maj. Nidal Hasan to death for the 2009 shooting rampage at Fort Hood that claimed 13 lives and left 30 people injured.

Today’s birthdays: Actor Ken Jenkins (TV: “Scrubs”) is 85.

Former MLB manager and player Lou Piniella is 82. Former MLB pitcher Ron Guidry is 75. Former U.S. Poet Laureate Rita Dove is 73. Artist Ai Weiwei is 68. Actor Daniel Stern is 68. Olympic gold medal figure skater Scott Hamilton is 67. Actor Jennifer Coolidge is 64. Film director David Fincher is 63.

Country singer Shania Twain is 60. “Pokemon” creator Satoshi Tajiri is 60. Actor Billy Boyd is 57. Actor Jack Black is 56. Hockey Hall of Famer Pierre Turgeon is 56. Actor Jason Priestley is 56. Olympic gold medal swimmer Janet Evans is 54. Actor Carly Pope is 44. Country singer Jake Owen is 44. Country singer LeAnn Rimes is 43. Rock singer Florence Welch (Florence and the Machine) is 39. Actor Quvenzhane Wallis is 22.

STAFF PHOTOS By CHRIS GRANGER

Avocado soup garnished with yellow peppers prepared by Liz Williams

Cold Avocado Soup Serves 6. All ingredients should be straight from the refrigerator and cold before making the soup.

3 avocados 3 cups chicken broth without salt 1 bunch fresh cilantro 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Juice of 1 lime Zest of 1 lime 1 tablespoon tequila Olive oil for garnish ½ cup chopped tomato for garnish

1. Place all the ingredients except the olive oil and the tomato into a food processor. (You can use a blender, but that makes the soup too homogenized.

I like the slight texture left

when you use the food processor.

2. Divide the soup into chilled bowls. Garnish each bowl with a few drops of olive oil and a few tomato pieces. Serve immediately

Quinoa with Raisins Serves 6.

1½ cup tricolor quinoa 5 cloves garlic wrapped in cheesecloth ½ cup golden raisins ½ cup toasted pine nuts

2 tablespoons butter 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1. Bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Add the quinoa.

Whack the cheesecloth package with the flat side of a knife to break the cloves. Then add the package to the pot. Simmer for 20 minutes and then remove from the heat. Let sit for 5 minutes. Remove the cheesecloth package of garlic. Drain the quinoa through a fine sieve. Place into a bowl.

2, Add the golden raisins and the pine nuts to the quinoa. Add the butter, salt and pepper. Toss well and serve.

SUMMER

Continued from page 1D Lemon Chicken is a light dish that works well in summer, and it’s full of bright flavors. It is easy to make and rewarms well, if you wind up with leftovers. It is also versatile. I usually make it with chicken thighs, because I find them tastier and juicier than chicken breasts. But if you prefer chicken breast, use this same recipe and you will still be happy.

Chilled Avocado Soup allows you to use the abundance of avocados that are available in the season,

Quinoa with raisins garnished with peanuts prepared by Liz Williams

but in a new way. This soup is easy and can be garnished in different ways. And when I have just a little bit left over, maybe a quarter cup or a few tablespoons, I mix it 2 to 1 with mayonnaise and use it as a dressing or on sandwiches. You have no waste.

When I am tired of regular potatoes, sweet potatoes, pasta and rice, I generally start looking at cracked wheat or farro. I have recently been trying to add quinoa to my rotation of starches. I started easing it into my dinners by mixing it half and half with rice. They cook in about the same amount of time, and when you aren’t accustomed to the little grain of quinoa, eating it with

rice is a way to ease into it.

In my recipe for Quinoa with Raisins, I just use quinoa and treat it a bit like couscous. I use golden raisins and pine nuts, but you could use chopped dried apricots and almonds. Even chopped dates would work with pecans or walnuts. It is time for us to use our imaginations.

Liz Williams is founder of the Southern Food & Beverage Museum in New Orleans. Listen to “Tip of the Tongue,” Liz’s podcast about food, drink and culture, wherever you hear podcasts. Email Liz at lizwillia@ gmail.com.

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BUSINESS

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Thursday, August 28, 2025 ■ 3D

T H E A D V O C AT E.C O M/news/business

DOW 45,565.23 147.16 0.32%

NASDAQ 21,590.14 45.87 0.21%

BRIEFS

FROM WIRE REPORTS

Wall Street goes higher, pushes S&P to record

Modest gains on Wall Street lifted the stock market Wednesday ahead of a highly anticipated earnings update from computer chip giant Nvidia.

The S&P 500 rose 0.2%, good enough to nudge the benchmark index past the record high it set two weeks ago. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.3% and the Nasdaq composite closed 0.2% higher.

Technology companies led the way higher, outweighing declines in communication services and other sectors.

After the market closed, Nvidia reported quarterly earnings and revenue that topped Wall Street analysts’ forecasts, though the company noted that sales of its artificial intelligence chipsets rose at a slower pace than analysts anticipated.

“Saying this is the most important stock in the world is an understatement,” said Jay Woods, chief global strategist at Freedom Capital Markets.

“The stock’s average move after an earnings release is plus or minus 7.4%, so just an average move will make an impact on the entire market.”

Several big software companies — CrowdStrike Holdings, ServiceNow, Palo Alto Networks, Intuit and Salesforce — rose ahead of the Nvidia results.

Shares in several companies rose after they reported quarterly results that topped analysts’ forecasts.

Department store chain Kohl’s vaulted 24% and database platform company MongoDB surged 38%. Both companies also raised their full-year guidance.

Ford recalls 355K pickup trucks NEW YORK — Ford is recalling more than 355,000 of its pickup trucks across the U.S. because of an instrument panel display failure that’s resulted in critical information, like warning lights and vehicle speed, not showing up on the dashboard.

According to documents published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the recall covers certain Ford F-150s from the 2025 model year — as well as other Ford “Super Duty” trucks, including 2025-2026 F-550 SD, F-450 SD, F-350 SD and F-250 SDs. A recall report dated Aug. 22 notes that the instrument panel cluster (IPC) can fail at startup, resulting in drivers seeing a blank screen.

As a result, the NHTSA notes, drivers may not be able to read critical “safety-related telltales and gauges,” increasing the risk of crash. The recall report notes that Ford isn’t aware of any accidents or injuries related to this issue — but had received 95 warranty claims as of June 26.

To address the display failure, Ford is offering a free IPC software update to impacted owners.

Minnesota pharmacists sue Walgreens Two Minnesota pharmacists who refused to administer gender-affirming drugs to patients are suing Walgreens and the state’s pharmacy board, claiming they were denied the right to refuse patient prescriptions that conflict with their religious beliefs.

Gender-affirming drugs are hormones or hormone-blockers that create physical changes in the body to align with the person’s gender identity.

The federal complaint, filed in U.S. District Court in Minnesota, alleges Walgreens fired Rachel Scott of Mahtomedi and drastically reduced the hours of Dora Ig-Izevbekhai of Woodbury after the two “Bible believing” Christians submitted formal requests for religious accommodations to not prescribe the drugs.

According to the complaint, Walgreens said their refusal to dispense the drugs over religious objections was illegal under Minnesota law.

S&P 500 6,481.40 15.46 0.24%

EURO 1.1633 -0.0009 -0.08%

CRUDE OIL 64.15 0.90 1.42%

GOLD 3,406.10 17.50 0.52%

6-MO T-BILLS 4.01 -0.01 -0.25%

30-YR T-BONDS 4.92 -0.0 -0.06%

Southern U.S. pulls ahead in growth It’s fastest growing regional economy, Visa report says

BY CASEY HE

The Dallas Morning News (TNS) Job growth, strong consumer spending, housing affordability and surging business investment are making the South the fastestgrowing regional economy in the U.S., according to a new report from Visa.

Economic growth slowed in all four U.S. regions in the first quarter of 2025 as tariff implementa-

tion and uncertainty weighed on businesses and consumers.

Still, the South led the nation in economic expansion and job creation, according to data from the credit card giant.

Service sector hiring across the region has outpaced expectations, and robust consumer spending in Texas and Florida — two of the country’s top domestic migration destinations — is fueling much of the momentum, the report said.

Michael Brown, Visa’s principal U.S. economist, said Texas in particular is an anchor for the regional growth story. He pointed to about 270,000 tech workers the state has added since the pandem-

ic.

Visa’s economists now forecast the South’s gross domestic product to grow by 1.6% and 1.2% year over year in the third and fourth quarters of 2025, followed by 1.9% growth in both 2026 and 2027.

Visa economists noted that the impact of the levies are hitting hardest in the West — which depends heavily on trade with Asia — and in the Midwest, where manufacturing and agriculture face significant disruptions.

By contrast, the South has so far escaped the brunt of the international surcharges reshaping global trade. That is leading to a more optimistic outlook.

“Export demand has held up better than we feared — that’s crucial for a state like Texas with significant international trade exposure,” Brown said.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the South’s population has surged, with workers and companies relocating from higher-cost regions to more affordable states. Between 2020 and 2024, the region added more than 6 million residents, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

That influx has lifted housing markets, which remain more affordable than elsewhere in the country, while drawing new investment into fast-growing industries.

Cracker Barrel’s reversal on new logo shows how tricky rebranding can be Executives have decided to return to the original Cracker Barrel logo, at left, after backlash over the new Cracker Barrel logo, below.

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTOS

HARD TACK

BY DEE-ANN DURBIN AP business writer

Like its namesake barrels that transported soda crackers until boxes replaced them, Cracker Barrel needed to change.

The restaurant chain’s new CEO, Julie Felss Masino, laid out the argument to investors last year: Cracker Barrel’s customer traffic was down 16% compared to 2019.

Research showed consumers thought the brand fell short of competitors in essential ways, from the quality of the food to value and convenience.

“We are not leading in any area. We will change that,” Masino said.

But over the past week, Cracker Barrel’s attempted revamp hit a wall. The company saw severe backlash over its plans to modernize and simplify its nostalgic logo — including from President Donald Trump.

“I don’t like the changes. I mean it’s always been Cracker Barrel like it is, so I’d like for it to stay like it is,” customer Sid Leist said during a visit to a Cracker Barrel in Vicksburg, Mississippi, on Tuesday.

By that evening, Cracker Barrel had reversed course and said its old logo would remain. It features an overall-clad man — said to represent Uncle Herschel, a relative of Cracker Barrel’s founder — leaning on a barrel, with the words “Old Country Store” underneath.

Investors cheered the move. Lebanon, Tennessee-based Cracker Barrel’s stock price rose 8% Wednesday to close at $62.33 per

share. That was even higher than its closing price on Aug. 15, before it announced the new logo.

Richard Wilke, a former executive at the brand consultancy Lippincott who helped lead rebrands for companies like Delta Air Lines and Walmart, said Cracker Barrel’s existing logo is too detailed and fussy for the digital age, when companies have to think about how their brand appears in a smartphone app.

But Wilke said Cracker Barrel’s new logo, featuring just the company’s name in brown letters on a gold background, lacked character. The logo’s rollout also seemed like an afterthought. In a news release about new fall menu items, the company mentioned the new logo in the fourth paragraph.

Cracker Barrel acknowledged Monday that it should have done a better job with the new logo’s rollout.

The company said it should have emphasized all the things that would remain the same about Cracker Barrel restaurants: the rocking chairs on the front porches, fireplaces in the dining rooms and vintage Americana and antiques scattered throughout.

The company said it would also continue to honor Uncle Herschel on its menu and on items sold in the country-style stores attached to its restaurants. But it was too late, and Cracker Barrel pulled its new logo the next day.

Thomas Murphy, a professor of practice at Clark University School of Business, said returning to the original logo was a “positive

course correction” given the intensity of fans’ response. Now, Murphy said, Cracker Barrel should reinforce the message that it’s not moving away from its values or heritage.

Murphy said Cracker Barrel can continue to “refresh” its stores, making them brighter and more welcoming to younger customers.

But it doesn’t really need to “rebrand,” he said, which would indicate a bigger change in direction or purpose.

Wilke agrees that Cracker Barrel should stick with the old logo but continue to revamp its restaurants in the short term.

Eventually, the company will have to adopt a simpler logo, he said, but it should design one that retains more of the brand’s heritage.

Cracker Barrel caught heat not only from Donald Trump Jr. but from the president himself. On Tuesday morning, Trump said via Truth Social that Cracker Barrel “should go back to the old logo, admit a mistake based on customer response (the ultimate Poll), and manage the company better than ever before.”

Later, Trump celebrated Cracker Barrel’s decision to drop its new logo.

Wilke said he wishes both Republicans and Democrats would stay out of brand decisions like Cracker Barrel’s. Rebrands are almost always about trying to attract new customers without alienating old ones, he said.

“This isn’t a political story,” he said. “If politicians now turn every company logo design update into a debate about being ‘woke’ or ‘anti-woke,’ we are headed into a damaging new era for corporate branding.”

Pro-DEI organizers fired up to maintain Target boycott Group says promises remain unfulfilled

BY TERRY TANG Associated Press

Organizers of a Target boycott that began in January are pointing to their tactics as a hopeful sign that actions against corporate retailers can still make a deep impact.

When Target announced its current chief executive officer will be stepping down in February 2026 and an insider was taking the helm, those organizers saw it as a move in the right direction and stress more than ever that boycotts will continue as long as previous promises made to the public go unfulfilled.

“It’s been now nearly 200 days and what all the statistics and economics are showing that since

that boycott was announced on that Monday — every single week since then — Target foot traffic in nearly 2,000 stores has declined sharply and continues to decline,” said organizer Jaylani Hussein, at a news conference of the National Target Boycott movement outside Target’s Minneapolis headquarters late last week.

Boycott organizers in Minnesota were among some of the first to galvanize when Target opted in January to follow other companies like Amazon and Walmart and forego diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. High-profile civil rights activists like the Rev. Al Sharpton and the Rev. Jamal Bryant also made similar calls for what they deemed a betrayal of previous DEI promises.

Social justice advocates say this shows boycotting is a key tactic not to be taken for granted.

Retail analysts say it’s difficult to gauge the exact impact of the boycott, since Target has faced a slump the last few years and a leadership change was in the cards.

Still, groups like Washington-based DC Boycott Target Coalition insist falling foot traffic is “due in no small part” to a boycott that spans coast to coast.

“The leadership change doesn’t mean anything without a culture change,” the group said in a statement, vowing to continue pressuring Target until the corporation sees its diversity goals as “more important than bowing to an administration that is filled with racism, failure and hatred.”

Opponents began the national boycott in February, during Black History Month. Their strategy left some Black-owned brands with merchandise on Target shelves conflicted or scrambling.

Stacey Widlitz, president of investment research firm SW Retail Advisors, said she believes that Target’s sales malaise has more to do with its operational issues — messy stores and poorly stocked shelves — not from its pullback from DEI initiatives.

The number of Americans who say they regularly shop at Target has gone down 19% since 2021, according to Consumer Edge. The number of Americans who say they do not shop at Target has risen 17%.

The same analysis also looked at trends along party lines. Since last year, the number of regular Target shoppers who identify as Democrat has declined 13%. Inversely, the number of Republican customers has risen 13%. It’s not clear if that is due to Target’s $1 million donation to Trump’s inauguration or some other factors.

4D ■ Thursday,August 28, 2025 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

FrAnK And erneSt

bIG nAte

zItS

For better or For WorSe

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zodIAC VIRGo (Aug. 23-sept. 22) A change will turn out to be a blessing in disguise. A change to how you present yourself or your ideas will offer feedback that can help you make better choices.

LIBRA (sept. 23-oct. 23) Choose peace, charm and intelligence over discord, embellishment and absurdity. A change of plans or direction or a diversion that creates uncertainty for an opponent will help you clear your way forward. scoRPIo (oct. 24-nov. 22) Sit back and let the dust settle. Emotional confusion is apparent, and communication will lack the truth. Taking care of business will have the most significant influence on the outcome. sAGIttARIus (nov. 23-Dec. 21) Risks aren't worthwhile. Observe when things don't measure up or when confusion takes precedence. Protect your reputation, money and health from anyone who may try to take advantage of you. cAPRIcoRn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) You'll have to face your demons if you procrastinate. Opportunity knocks; it's up to you to open the door. Focus on what makes you feel complete, and don't look back.

AQuARIus (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Refuse to let an emotional situation drag you down or cause you to miss out on something that can improve your life. Change will lead to happiness and a stellar you.

PIscEs (Feb. 20-March 20) Channel your energy into self-improvement, and enjoy what you learn and how it influ-

ences what you do next. Explore the possibilities and expand your interests.

ARIEs (March 21-April 19) Don't let hostility be your ally. Be a good listener and observer. Say little, but do a lot. Living up to your promises and feeling good about yourself will help you navigate your way to positive change and acceptance. tAuRus (April 20-May 20) You may feel comfortable sitting still, but a little exhilaration will stave off the boredom and encourage you to pursue your dreams, hopes and wishes. Turn your thoughts into action.

GEMInI (May 21-June 20) Shake things up, but first, prepare for the fallout. Avoid letting negativity or someone's critical input lead you astray. Listen to your inner voice and follow your heart. cAncER (June 21-July 22) Go over every detail; be precise and leave no room for error. A mistake will be costly, whether it's personal or professional.

Emotions and hostility will hurt your reputation.

LEo (July 23-Aug. 22) Observe the changes others implement, and learn from their mistakes. Having a practical vision and a friendly budget in place will help. Don't fear being different.

The horoscope, an entertainment feature, is not based on scientific fact. © 2025 by NEA, Inc., dist. By Andrews McMeel Syndication

WonderWord

peAnUtS

SALLY Forth

beetLe bAILeY CeLebrItY CIpher Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

toDAy's cLuE: V EQuALs J

Mother GooSe And GrIMM

SherMAn’S LAGoon FAMILY CIrCUS

dooneSbUrY

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Thursday,August 28, 2025 ■ 5D

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CurTiS

Hi and LoiS

Sudoku InstructIons: Sudoku is a number-placing puzzle based on a 9x9 grid with several given numbers.

The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once. The difficulty level of the Sudoku increases from Monday to Sunday.

Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer

BaBY BLueS

BLondie

THe wiZard oF id

nea CroSSwordS

La TimeS CroSSword

6D ■ Thursday,August 28, 2025 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

lll

B.C.

Bridge

By PHILLIP ALDER Some of you read these columns over the Internet. That would have been much harder to do if newspaper owners had foreseen the danger to their printed editions and always charged for everything on their websites. Now, maybe, it is too late.

Bridge players should also be keeping an eye open for dangers — the fourth letter of my “trade” acronym. In particular, it is hard to break the habits of a lifetime when a deal comes along that does not fit into a typical pattern. In today’s, how should South plan the play in three no-trump, and how should East defeat him?

After a simple Stayman auction, West leads the heart nine, top of touching cards in a suit containing no honors.

South has eight top tricks: three hearts and five clubs. He can get a ninth winner from diamonds. The danger is that the defenders will take the first diamond trick and cash four spades. When declarer needs some help from the defenders, he should put them on the spot as quickly as possible. South should take the first trick with his ace, play a club to the queen, feigning a finesse, and call for a diamond.

Many Easts would play second hand low without even thinking. But an East who is used to deducing the danger will

garfield

Pearls Before swiNe

hagar the horriBle

see that declarer has at least eight winners via three hearts and five clubs. If he is allowed to steal a diamond trick, he will be home.

East should dive in with the diamond ace and shift to the spade king. When it holds, he continues with his second spade and the contract dies. © 2025 by NEA, Inc., dist. By Andrews McMeel Syndication

wuzzles Each Wuzzle is a word riddle which creates a disguised word, phrase, name, place, saying, etc. For example: NOON GOOD = GOOD AFTERNOON

PiCKles

Previous answers:

mallard fillmore

word game InstRuctIons: 1. Words must be of four or more letters. 2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed. 3.

Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. 4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.

toDAy’s WoRD — RAGouts: ra-GOOZ: Mixtures of meat and vegetables cooked

Bizarro

marmaduKe

in a thick sauce.

Average mark 20 words Time limit 35 minutes Can you find 28 or more words in RAGOUTS? yEstERDAy’s WoRD — cRADLED cadre card carded care cedar clad clear cradle race rale read

real reclad acre adder addle alder arced dace dale dare deed

deal dear decal dread lace lacer ladder lade lard lead earl

loCKhorNs hidato Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer

today’s thought “Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivers from death.” Proverbs 11:4

Are you ready for the day of death? Wealth will not save you from Hell. Put your faith in the Lord before it is too late. — G.E. Dean

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Thursday,August 28, 2025 ■ 7D

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classifieds.theadvocate.com Search Search& &Place PlaceAds AdsOnline Onlineatatclassifieds.theadvocate.com classifieds.theadvocate.com* Call * Call -Friday Us Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM at 225-383-0111 8AM-5PM at 225-383-0111

Announcements ANYONE knowing the whereabouts of any property owner, heir or other related person, in regard to the properties listed below, please contact the East Baton Rouge CityParish, Department of Development – Neighborhood Revitalization Office at 225-389-8680.

3315 WYANDOTTE DAVID J EVERITT 6337 KINCAID AVE EDDIE SMITH 911 N 31ST ST JESSIE BELL, SR 3950 PRESCOTT RD 411 FOR WOMEN OUTREACH ORGANIZATION, LLC 8911 PECAN TREE DR AERIAL SKYCAM, LLC 635 N 33RD ST CARROLL ROWLEY / C/O MARILYN CAROL ROWLEY 3326 TECUMSEH ST LUCILLE RYRD CAIN 2685 N FOSTER DR MARY C CAIN 4318 JOSEPH ST EDWARD E NEELY SR 3554 PLANK RD T LOUISIANA CENTER FOR HEALTH & WELLNESS / RA: KRISTIN GRIMES 6325 KINCAID AVE MICHAEL WASHINGTON 1768 N 46TH ST ELLA MARY EVANS GAINES 1420 N 31ST ROBERT SMITH 512 SAGUARO AVE SAMUEL R FINES/ C/O LANDER STOVALL 638 N 38TH THE ESTATE OF LILLIAN B COLLINS WILSON 3629 CLAYCUT RD JAMES MURRAY WATSON 9724 HYACINTH AVE OTIS PAUL JORDAN 5246 BRYANT DR ALBERT J SPURLOCK, JR 2675 FARRAR ST LEE ROBERTSON/ C/O LUBERTHA A BROCK 2408 70TH AVE C & S REALTY INVESTMENT COMPANY, LLC 2536 DAYTON ST RICHARD AND GLADYS TAYLOR 13474 PARWOOD AVE DEDA C RICHARDSON 1864 WINTER RIDGE DR KAMAL L HAYES 925 BROADMOOR CIR BARNEY JOSEPH CARTER 5573 DOUGLAS AVE HOME 1ST, LLC 4206 GUS YOUNG AVE JAMES I STEVENSON 2825 CONVENTION ST EVA MAE BUCKNER 10134 AVENUE C HENRY BANKS 6232 BLACKBERRY ST JOSEPH MCKINLEY FORREST JR 2045 SAINT CROIX AVE TERRY L PIXLEY 4333 E MARIBEL CT JASMINE FAITH RICHARDSON 3803 TOPEKA ST MILTON POCHE 2754 MONROE AVE LOUIS MATTHEWS & ONESA N MATTHEWS 2476 79TH AVE PALMETTO 24, LLC 316 BRICE ST RELATED MORTGAGE CORP. 3162 BRADY ST MIKALA JOHNSON SQUARE 9795 MERGANZER AVE THE ESTATE OF JOE NATHAN FORD & HARRIET FORD 3108 DAYTON ST KANKO, LLC 3273 BRIGHTSIDE DR BRIGHTSIDE PROJECT, LLC, RA: KEVIN CUNNINGHAM

3318 TECUMSEH ST LUCILLE BYRD CAIN 3326 TECUMSEH ST LUCILLE BRYD CAIN 1670 FOUNTAIN AVE BARBARA REED GODCHAUX 3946 LYNN ST ANTHONY JAMES MITCHELL & ELIZABETH TOMEKA LANIEU 3633 SHERWOOD ST EAST BATON ROUGE REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 1249 N 48TH ST REBECCA H HUTCHINSON 1381 N 48TH ST C/O JESSIE MCNAIR FRANCES GALES 4708 BAWELL ST GEORGE WHITE 5212 JACKSON AVE EQUITY CAPITAL MARKETS, LLC 4206 KILKENNY DR CHARLES EDWARD DAVIS, JR. 11595 SEWANEE DR ELIZABETH M. BUCKLEY 228 MAXIMILIAN ST ARAB CHRISTIAN FOUNDATION 5359 ASTORIA DR SHANNON D FORT 4034 WASHINGTON AVE MITCHELL ROBINSON 2065 W BELFAIR DR ROOSEVELT THOMPSON & WILHELMENIA GREEN THOMPSON / CO AVIS THOMPSON 704 N 46TH LACEY BROWN 4449 CANNON ST THE ESTATE OF LEROU L FRANKLIN 8422 CHRISTIAN PAUL AVE IN & OUT HOME MAINTENANCE, LLC / CO MARK AMAR SR 3633 SHERWOOD ST EAST BATON ROUGE REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 7522 MAPLEWOOD DR CHARLES E BOWERS 6467 JEFFERSON HEIRLINE PROPERTIES, INC 155688-Aug 27-Sept 2, 7t $3,602 Anyone knowing the whereabouts of the Unknown Heirs of Catherine Turner Pleasant A/K/A Catherine T. Pleasant A/K/A Catherine Pleasant", please contact Creighton B. Abadie, Attorney, at (225) 924-5150.

155843-8/28-29-30-3t $109.00 Anyone knowing the whereabouts of the Unknown Heirs of John A. Janik A/K/A John Janik", please contact Creighton B. Abadie, Attorney, at (225) 924-5150.

155844-8/28-29-30-3t $97.00 Anyone knowing the whereabouts of the Unknown Heirs of Johnnie Ennis Burkett", please contact Creighton B. Abadie, Attorney, at (225) 924-5150.

155838-8/28-29-30-3t $97.00

Anyone knowing the whereabouts of “ADRENA JOHNSON,” Please contact Attorney Temica R Dukes PO Box 380 New Roads, La 70760; 225 713 8455.

155753-8/27-28-29-3t $97.00 Anyone Knowing The Whereabouts of “BRIAN R. REIGH,” Please Contact Attorney Temica R Dukes PO Box 380 New Roads, La; 225 713 8455.

155755-8/27-28-29-3t $85.00

Anyone One Knowing the Whereabouts of “HENRY COLLINS” Please Contact Attorney Temica R Dukes PO Box 380 New Roads, La 70760; 225-713-8455.

155749-8/27-28-29-3t $97.00 ATTENTION: If you or someone you know worked at Exxon Refinery a/k/a Exxon

THE CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT will be closed on NDAY, SEPTEMBER 1st MONDAY in observance of

LABOR DAY

Chemical in Baton Rouge, LA between 1950-1965 and worked with or knew Robert Pennington, please call Carter at Simmons Hanly Conroy toll-free at (855) 988-2537.

You may also email Carter at chall@simmonsfirm.com.

155010-Aug 21-Sept 3, 14t $487 ATTENTION: If you or someone you know worked for Landry & Pennington Heating & Air Conditioning in Baton Rouge, LA between 1960-1980 and worked with or knew Robert Pennington, please call Carter at Simmons Hanly Conroy toll-free at (855) 988-2537.

You may also email Carter at chall@simmonsfirm.com.

155013-Aug 21-Sept 3, 14t $487

DC Catering LLC. DC Eats is applying to the Office of Alcohol & Tobacco Control of the State of Louisiana for a permit to sell beverages of high and low alcohol content at retail in the Parish of East Baton Rouge at the following address: 4510 North Blvd.

Baton Rouge, La, 70806 DC Catering LLC. DC Eats Members: DeJon Cage 155768-Aug 28, 1t $106.38 Notice of Self Storage Sale Please take notice Metco Self Storage - Ethel located at 7371 Line Road Ethel LA 70730 intends to hold an Auction to enforce its privilege against the following parties at the facility for default of payment of Rent. The sale will occur as an online auction via www.storageauctions.com on 9/9/2025 at 10:00AM. Unless stated otherwise the description of the contents are household goods and furnishings. Shakira Norman Unit #017; Jarid Adams Unit #075. This sale may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Certain terms and conditions apply.

154828-Aug 28, 1t $143.94 Notice of Self Storage Sale Please take notice Park Forest Self Storage located at 9708 Greenwell Springs Rd Baton Rouge LA 70814 intends to hold an Auction to enforce its privilege against the following parties at the facility for default of payment of Rent. The sale will occur as an online auction via www.storageauctions.com on 9/10/2025 at 10:00AM. Unless stated otherwise the description of the contents are household goods, furnishings and garage essentials.

Derrick Britten unit #1073; Troy Waits unit #1080; Arqualia Terkins unit #1088; Jravis Jones unit #1219; Charhenitia Harris unit #1225; Miranda Jackson unit #1236; Jalen Rose unit #2001; Ryan Henry unit #2022; Ronniesha A Moore unit #2034; Jalyn Smith unit #2265. This sale may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Certain terms and conditions apply.

154833-Aug 28, 1t $187.76 Notice of Self Storage Sale Please take notice Radiant Storage Baton Rouge located at 6416 Quinn Dr. Baton Rouge LA 70817 intends to hold an Auction to enforce its privilege against the following parties at the facility for default of payment of Rent. The sale will occur as an online auction via www.storageauctions.com on 9/9/2025 at 10:00AM. Unless stated otherwise the description of the contents are household goods, furnishings and garage essentials.

Mike Cashio Unit #D-36. This sale may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Certain terms and conditions apply.

154825-Aug 28, 1t $143.94

Notice of Self Storage Sale Please take notice Red Door Storage located at 2010 Church St., Zachary LA 70791 intends to hold an Auction to enforce its privilege against the following parties at the facility for default of payment of Rent. The sale will occur as an online auction via www.storageauctions.com on 9/10/2025 at 10:00AM. Unless stated otherwise the description of the contents are household goods, furnishings and garage essentials.

James Ainsworth unit #C85. This sale may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Certain terms and conditions apply.

154831-Aug 28, 1t $137.68 Advertising Looking to promote your services or find a new hire? Deliver your classified message statewide for as little as $265 per week through the Louisiana Press Association’s Classified Network. Pre-payment required. To learn more, email advertising@lapress.com or call 225-344-9309.

Miscellaneous INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT? Don't accept the insurance company's first offer. Many injured parties are entitled to major cash settlements.

Get a free evaluation to see what your case is really worth. 100% Free Evaluation. Call Now: 1-833-466-1630.

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Donate your car, truck, boat, RV and more to support our veterans!

Schedule a FAST, FREE vehicle pickup and receive a top tax deduction!

Call Veteran Car Donations at 1-844-742-5188 today!

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Home Improvement WATER DAMAGE CLEANUP & RESTORATION: A small amount of water can lead to major damage in your home.

Our trusted professionals do complete repairs to protect your family and your home's value! Call 24/7: 1-833-4672604. Have zip code of service location ready when you call!

Replace your roof with the best looking and longest lasting material…steel from Erie Metal Roofs! Three styles and multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited Time Offer. Up to 50% off installation + Additional 10% off install (for military, health workers & 1st responders.) Call Erie Metal Roofs: 1-855-582-6043 Prepare for power outages with Briggs & Stratton® PowerProtect (TM) standby generators - the most powerful home standby generators available.

Industry-leading comprehensive warranty - 7 years ($849 value.) Proudly made in the

(225) 383-0111 Public Notices

Public Notices Bids/Proposals

PUBLIC NOTICE --ADVERTISEMENT FOR BID Sealed Bids will be re‐ ceived by the Purchasing Office, University of New Orleans, Admin. Annex Bldg, RM 1004G,2000 LAKESHORE DR, LAKE FRONT CAMPUS, NEW ORLEANS, LA 70148 for: YEARLY SERVICE CONTRACT FOR Elevator Maintenance, Sealed Bid No. BTB2876 until: September 18, 2025 @ 2:00 PM at which time and place the Bids will be opened and read.

There will be a Manda‐ tory Pre-Bid Conference held on September 8, 2025 at the University of New Orleans, Adm. Rm 112 at 10:00 AM .

Evidence of authority to submit the bid shall be required in accordance with R.S. 39:1594 C.(4).

Specifications may be obtained from the Pur‐ chasing Office.

The right is reserved to reject any or all bids and to waive informalities.

UNO is an equal opportu‐ nity/affirmative action employer.

By: Troy A. Bacino Assistant Director Procurement 155589-aug 28-1t $39.62

Place a Classified ad?

1-800-960-6397

Public Notices Bids/Proposals

PUBLIC NOTICE --ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Sealed bids will be re‐ ceived for the Louisiana Community and Techni‐ cal College System and shall be directed to Tra‐ han Architecture + Plan‐ ning, LLC at 819 Saint John St., Lafayette, LA 70501. The deadline for receipt of bids is 2:00 PM on Thursday, October 2th, 2025, CST, at which time bids will be opened and read aloud in a pub‐ lic meeting in the confer‐ ence room of Trahan Ar‐ chitecture + Planning, LLC at 819 Saint John St., Lafayette, LA 70501.

FOR: Roof Replacement, Buildings A/B/C South Louisiana Community College, Opelousas, LA PROJECT NUMBER: 01107-24-05 WBS No. F.01004576 Complete Bid Documents for this project are avail‐ able in electronic form.

They may be obtained without charge and with‐ out deposit from Trahan Architecture + Planning, LLC. Bid Documents may also be obtained from www.centralbidding.com for a nominal charge or subscription.

Printed copies are not available from the Designer, but arrangements can be made to obtain them repro‐ through most graphic firms. Plan hold‐ ers are responsible for their own reproduction costs. Questions about this procedure shall be directed to the Designer at: Designer Firm Name: Tra‐ han Architecture + Plan‐ ning, LLC Address: 819 Saint John St, Lafayette, LA 70501 Telephone: 337-504-7580 Email: russell@trahana

Public Notices Bids/Proposals

rchitecture.com All bids shall be accom‐ panied by bid security in an amount of five per‐ cent (5.0%) of the sum of the base bid and all al‐ ternates. The form of this security shall be as stated in the Instructions to Bidders included in the Bid Documents for this project.

The successful Bidder shall be required to fur‐ nish a Performance and Payment Bond written as described in the Instruc‐ tions to Bidders included in the Bid Documents for this project.

A PRE-BID CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD at 10:00 am CST on Thursday, Septebmer 18th, 2025 at the Project Site Bids shall be accepted from Contractors who are licensed under LA. R.S. 37:2150-2192 for the classification of either Building Construction (1) or Roofing and Sheet Metal, Siding (1.11)_. Bid‐ der is required to comply with provisions and re‐ quirements of LA R.S. 38:2212(B)(5). No bid may be withdrawn for a pe‐ riod of forty-five (45) days after receipt of bids, except under the provisions of LA. R.S. 38:2214.

Bids may also be submit‐ ted by electronic means via website www.central bidding.com. Free regis‐ tration is required to submit a bid via the Cen‐ tral Bidding website.

The Owner reserves the right to reject any and all bids for just cause. In ac‐ cordance with La. R.S. 38:2212(B)(1), the provi‐ sions and requirements of this Section; and those stated in the bidding documents shall not be waived by any entity.

Home Services HOME BREAK-INS take less than 60 SECONDS. Don't wait! Protect your family, your home, your assets NOW for as little as 70¢ a day! Call 1-833889-1143

Don’t let the stairs limit your mobility! Discover the ideal solution for anyone who struggles on the stairs, is concerned about a fall or wants to regain access to their entire home. Call AmeriGlide today!

1-844-855-4978

Public Notices Bids/Proposals

When this project is fi‐ nanced either partially or entirely with State Bonds or financed in whole or in part by federal or other funds which are not readily available at the time bids are received, the award of this Con‐ tract is contingent upon the granting of lines of credit, or the sale of bonds by the Bond Com‐ mission or the availabil‐ ity of federal or other funds. The State shall incur no obligation to the Contractor until the Con‐ tract Between Owner and Contractor is fully exe‐ cuted.

Act 751- Louisiana Com‐ munity and Technical College System is a par‐ ticipant in the Small En‐ trepreneurship (SE) Pro‐ gram (the Hudson Initia‐ tive) and the VeteranOwned and Service-Con‐ nected Disabled VeteranOwned (LaVet) Small En‐ trepreneurships Pro‐ gram. Bidders are en‐ couraged to consider participation.

Informa‐ tion is available from the website at Hudson (SE) & Veteran Initiatives Louisiana Division of Ad‐ ministration.

If you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to participate in this meeting, please con‐ tact Russell Trahan at russell@trahanarchitect ure.com as soon as pos‐ sible but no later than 48 hours before the sched‐ uled meeting.

ACT 751LOUISIANA COMMUNITY AND TECH‐ NICAL COLLEGE SYSTEM VICE PRESIDENT OF AD‐ MINISTRATION TOBY R. COMEAUX, MPA 155240-aug 28-sep 4-11-3t $1,526

personnel@sontheimeroffshore.com

Merchandise

WANT TO BUY Old Records 33's, 45's & 78's. All types of music. Call 985-259-1889 MISC FOR SALE CEMENT CRANES (EGRETS) TWO, LARGE, TALL, EACH $45 225-752-7273

Employment

Garage Sales ESTATE SALE 5715 Stratford Ave. Fri/Sat 7a-4p & Sun 9a-4p. Furniture, name brand clothing new w/tags, children's toys new, XMas decor, books, fine art, collectibles, hh items & more.

Baton Rouge Rental

PROFESSIONAL Now Hiring!

August 15 - September 15, 2025 Assistant Purchasing Director Chief Information Officer

AREA 3 3046 Chippewa St & 3144 Calumet St 3Br/1Ba Rent $700 Dep $300 Move-In Ready 225-357-6436

Apply Online www.brla.gov/jobs Equal Opportunity Employer 225-389-3132

MOBILE HOME 1, 2 & 3 BR mobile homes, $675 & up 6061 Plank Rd. CALL 225-978-4653

CONSTRUCTION Project Manager/Quality Control needed for local roofing company. Exp. with flat & metal roofing needed. Com‐ mercial & Residential. Send Resumes to Tracy@orleanssheetmetal.com

FREE RENT 225-351-7449

AREA 4

Roofing Estimator/Sales-Ability to bid new roofs & diagnose roof repairs. Exp. with all types of roofing. Send resumes to Tracy@orleanssheetmetal.com GENERAL HELP Automotive Technician Needed Must have 5yrs experience & own tools.

Apply in person at 9695 Hooper Rd. 225-262-7127

AREA 4 NO CREDIT CHECK/LEASE! Fully furnished apartments ALL BILLS PAID including premium cable & WIFI. Pet Friendly. Stay where you're appreciated! Call 225-434-4161 AREA 5 1 & 2 BR Apts, W/D, C A/H, Starting at $825/mo Deps vary 225-571-3453 AREA 5 1BR $550, 2BR $650 Tigerland. $500 Deposit. 225-475-1737

AREA 5 655 North St. Subsidized eff Apts cpabr.org 225-383-5551.

TDD/TTY /711RELAY

PRINT ADVERTISING

WORKS AREA 5 Plantation Trace, 4BR 2BA, $1950mo + dep 225-955-8970-225-810-0775 ROOMS FOR RENT Furnished Rooms. $125/wk. $500/mo.

225-933-7560

DOGS Maltipoo, Mini Schnauzer, Morkie, Shi‐ htzu, Teddy Bear, Toy Poodle - Adorable pups ready to go shots, wormings and beginning paper training health guar‐ antee. Facebook Puppy Tails Kennel of Walker $750up 2253173411

WORK

Must hold TWIC card, pass drug test & physical.

985-851-0727 or email:

Medical Equipment ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS! Discover Oxygen Therapy That Moves with You with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators.

FREE information kit. Call 1-833-6614164

PLACE YOUR PET SERVICES INFORMATION IN THE PET SERVICES DIRECTORY TODAY! • IT IS FAST AND EASY! • CALL 225-383-0111

CLASSIFIEDS

NOW HIRING Galleyhands Night Cooks

Dish Network: Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80,000 On-Demand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-855-654-8207

PETS • SUPPLIES • SERVICES • OBITUARIES • LOST & FOUND

CATS Ragamuffin & Ragdoll Kittens www.CatsByFrancy.com $1000 Up 337-230-3150

MARINE

DIRECTV- All your entertainment.

Nothing on your roof! Sign up for Directv and get your first three months of Max, Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, MGM+ and Cinemax included. Choice package $84.99/mo. Some restrictions apply.

Call DIRECTV 1-866-734-0452

Pets / Pet Services Directory

Run Date Tuesday 9/2 Wednesday 9/3

As always, you may place your ad 7 days a week, 24 hours a day online at www.theadvocate.com or call Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-844-3352962 today to schedule a free quote.

It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.

Health and Wellness DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company.

Coverage for 400 plus procedures.

Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now!

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And will be observing the following Early Deadline: Deadline: Display Ads Thursday 8/28 @ 3pm

U.S.A. Call Briggs & Stratton 1-844512-5930.

ROOMS FOR RENT Private Home. 15 mins from LSU. Prefer female Student. 225-772-3254

Recreational Vehicles BOATS Bought new in 2022. Seldom used, low hours. Boat, Trailer & Motor for sale. Covered when not in use. Great duck hunting boat. $13000. 225-2298672.

DOGS AKC Maltese puppies, 3wks, 225-235-9433 DOGS CKC YORKIE - Puppies w/papers vet checked shot & worming standard and parti will meet in Gulfport $550 334-467-3416 DOGS CKC Golden Doodles, boys & girls, S&W, 6mths. $200-601-303-3627.

Public Notices Bids/Proposals

PUBLIC NOTICE --BIDS TO BE OPENED: September 23, 2025 2:00 PM NOTICE TO PROPOSERS Notice is hereby given that sealed proposals will be received by City of Baton Rouge and the Parish of East Baton Rouge until September 23, 2025 at 2:00 PM local time in Room 826 of City Hall, 222 Saint Louis Street, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802 for: RFP SOLICITATION NO. 2025-12-5330 – EBRP Juvenile Detention Center Food Services Copies of the Request for Proposal may be ob‐ tained from LaPAC (https://wwwcfprd.doa. louisiana.gov/osp/lapac/ dspBid.cfm?search=dep artment&term=102), Central Bidding (http:// www.centralauctionh ouse.com) or by email re‐ quest to: (5330EBRPJuvDetCtr‐ FoodSvcs@brla.gov *Note: The City-Parish has elected to use LaPAC, the state’s online electronic bid posting and Central Bidding noti‐ fication system, in addi‐ tion to its standard means of advertising this requirement. LaPAC is resident on State Pur‐ chasing’s website at https://wwwcfprd.doa. louisiana.gov/osp/lapac/ pubmain.cfm and is available for vendor selfenrollment. NOTE: This RFP is not available to submit online via Central Bidding; submissions MUST be mailed or hand delivered to the address mentioned in the RFP. In that LaPAC and Central Bidding provides an im‐ mediate e-mail notifica‐ tion to subscribing bid‐ d h li i i

DOGS Yorkie. Morkie - Tiny pups vet checked, shots, wormed, potty trained licensed, $550 up 504-913-7464, Pmt #C 9044459

Public Notices Bids/Proposals

Public Notices Bids/Proposals

g ders that a solicitation and any subsequent ad‐ denda have been let and posted, notice and re‐ ceipt thereof is consid‐ ered formally given as of their respective dates of posting. Though not re‐ quired if receiving solici‐ tation and addenda no‐ tices from LaPAC and Central Bidding the CityParish will email ad‐ denda to all vendors con‐ tacting our office and re‐ questing to be put on our office Vendor Listing for this solicitation.

q pp y ployer and encourages the participation of Dis‐ advantaged Business En‐ terprises (DBE) in all of its projects.

Pro‐ posers/Prospective Con‐ tractors are strongly en‐ couraged to make posi‐ tive efforts to utilize mi‐ nority subcontractors for a portion of this project.

Proposers are requested to include in their pro‐ posal a description of plans for minority partic‐ ipation under this Con‐ tract as suppliers or sub‐ contractors.

The deadline for receiv‐ ing written inquiries is September 5, 2025 at 5:00 PM CST. Proposals received after the above specified time will not be considered.

Proposals will be opened immediately after pro‐ posal opening time in Room 806 of City Hall.

The right to reject any and all proposals and to waive irregularities and informalities is reserved.

The City of Baton Rouge and Parish of East Baton Rouge has established a Socially and Economi‐ cally Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (SEDBE) program in ac‐ cordance with Revised Statute RS 33:2233.4. It is the policy of the Parish to ensure that Eligible Business Enterprises EBE’s, certified in accor‐ dance with the Parish program, have an equal opportunity to receive and participate in parish contracts.

All questions concerning the Solicitation and Con‐ tract Documents MUST be received in accor‐ dance with the Schedule of Events cited in section 1.3 of the Solicitation documents and as further defined in section All questions concerning the Solicitation and Con‐ tract Documents MUST be received in accor‐ dance with the Schedule of Events cited in section 1.3 of the Solicitation documents and as further defined in section 1.7.2 Proposer In‐ quiry Periods of the same document.

Though not required if receiving solicitation and addenda notices from LaPAC, the City of Baton Rouge, Parish of East Baton Rouge will e-mail or mail addenda to all vendors contacting our office and requesting to be put on our office Ven‐ dor Listing for this solici‐ tation.

For this project the EBR Parish Purchasing office has directed a review of the scope of work and participation is strongly encouraged but not re‐ quired.

154769 Aug. 21, 28, Sept.

4, 3t $194.19

The City-Parish is an equal opportunity em‐ l d

CLASSIFIEDS.THEADVOCATE.COM

CLASSIFIEDS.THEADVOCATE.COM

Public Notices Bids/Proposals

Public Notices Bids/Proposals

PUBLIC NOTICE ---

Contact Jeromie Con‐ stantin 337-258-6011

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Deadline to submit ques‐ tions for this solicitation is Friday, August 29, 2025, at 5:00PM.

Bids will be received by email at ULLafayette‐ Bids@louisiana.edu up to 5:00PM on Tuesday, Sep‐ tember 9, 2025, by the Purchasing Office at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette for the follow‐ ing: File No. 26205 GIRARD HALL HVAC MODIFICA‐ TIONS SYSTEMS 1 & 2 Op‐ tional Pre-bid Meeting: 9:00AM Thursday, August 21, 2025 Bids will not be accepted by the Purchasing Office after the above specified time and date.

Access to full informa‐ tion, specifications, and bid forms may be ob‐ tained by: 1. Visiting the Office of State Purchasing & Travel’s LaPAC website at: https:// wwwcfprd.doa.louisiana. gov/osp/lapac/pubMain. cfm.

You must follow instruc‐ tions leading to the Uni‐ versity Purchasing Office website at: Public Works, Construction, and Reno‐ vation Solicitations (Title 38) | Office of Purchasing (louisiana.edu) 2. Visiting the University Purchasing Office web‐ site at: Public Works, Construc‐ tion, and Renovation So‐ licitations (Title 38) | Of‐ fice of Purchasing (louisiana.edu) 3. E-mailing your request to the University Pur‐ chasing Office: bidques‐ tions@louisiana.edu. In‐ clude Bid Number and Bid Name.

Site Visits: M-Th 8:00AM – 5:00PM, Fri 8:00AM-12:00 NOON

The Purchasing staff is working remotely with the following (virtual) Purchasing Office hours of operation: Monday through Thursday 7:30AM to 5:00PM, and Friday 7:30AM to 12:30PM. The public bid opening will take place on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at 11:00AM on Zoom, which is available for viewing by register‐ ing at: https://ullafayette.zoom. us/meeting/register/ 0mUH-8hVTSelPCqbgXq5 Zw Meeting ID: 947 9637 5190 Passcode: 382482 Evidence of authority to submit the bid shall be required in accordance with R. S. 39:1594. The University of Louisiana at Lafayette reserves the right to reject any and all bids.

UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA AT LAFAYETTE Kristi Montet NIGP-CPP Director – Procurement and Travel 153646 Aug. 14, 21, 28, 3t $97.89 PUBLIC NOTICE --NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed bids for the fol‐ lowing will be received by the Louisiana Depart‐ ment of Transportation and Development, Pro‐ curement Section, 1201 Capitol Access Road, 4th Floor, East Wing Room S447, Headquarters Ad‐ ministration Building, Baton Rouge, LA 70802, l h b

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Public Notices Bids/Proposals g Telephone number (225/379-1444) on date(s) shown below, until 10:00 A.M. No bids will be ac‐ cepted after this hour. At 10:00 A.M. of the same day and date, they will be publicly opened and read in Headquarters Ad‐ ministration Building, 4th Floor, East Wing S-447.

Evidence of authority to submit the bid shall be required in accordance with R.S. 38:2212 (A)(1)(c) and/or R.S. 39:1594 (C)(2) (D).

BIDS TO BE OPENED September 15, 2025 DOTD Treated Timber (D05) RFx 3000025344 DOTD Pipe and Bands (D05) RFx 3000025343 BID TO BE OPENED September 16, 2025 DOTD Contract- Preform Thermo Marking Tape RFx 3000025314 Full information may be obtained upon request from the above address.

The Department reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive any informalities.

GLENN P. LEDET, JR. SECRETARY, LADOTD JULIE KENNISON, CPPB, NIGP-CPP DOTD PROCUREMENT DI‐ RECTOR 155813 Aug. 28, 1t $18.34 PUBLIC NOTICE --NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed bids for the fol‐ lowing will be received by the Louisiana Depart‐ ment of Transportation and Development, Pro‐ curement Section, 1201 Capitol Access Road, 4th Floor, East Wing Room S447, Headquarters Ad‐ ministration Building, Baton Rouge, LA 70802, Telephone number (225/379-1444) on date(s) shown below, until 10:00 A.M. No bids will be ac‐ cepted after this hour. At 10:00 A.M. of the same day and date, they will be publicly opened and read in Headquarters Ad‐ ministration Building, 4th Floor, East Wing S-447.

Evidence of authority to submit the bid shall be required in accordance with R.S. 38:2212 (A)(1)(c) and/or R.S. 39:1594 (C)(2) (D).

BID TO BE OPENED Sep‐ tember 15, 2025

DOTD Sign Post Assem‐ bly RFx 3000025340 Full information may be obtained upon request from the above address.

The Department reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive any informalities.

GLENN P. LEDET, JR. SECRETARY, LADOTD JULIE KENNISON, CPPB, NIGP-CPP DOTD PROCUREMENT DIRECTOR 155810 Aug. 28, 1t $16.05

PUBLIC NOTICE --NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed bids for the fol‐ lowing will be received by the Louisiana Depart‐ ment of Transportation and Development, Pro‐ curement Section, 1201 Capitol Access Road, 4th Floor, East Wing Room S447, Headquarters Ad‐ ministration Building, Baton Rouge, LA 70802, Telephone number (225/379-1444) on date(s) shown below, until 10:00 A.M. No bids will be ac‐ cepted after this hour. At 10:00 A.M. of the same day and date, they will be publicly opened and read in Headquarters Ad‐ ministration Building, 4th Floor, East Wing S-447.

Evidence of authority to submit the bid shall be required in accordance with R.S. 38:2212 (A)(1)(c) and/or R.S. 39:1594 (C)(2) (D).

BID TO BE OPENED September 16, 2025 DOTD ContractPreform Thermo Marking Tape RFx 3000025314 Full information may be obtained upon request from the above address.

The Department reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive any informalities.

GLENN P. LEDET, JR. SECRETARY, LADOTD JULIE KENNISON, CPPB, NIGP-CPP DOTD PROCUREMENT DIRECTOR 155809-aug 28-1t $16.34

PUBLIC NOTICE --NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed bids will be re‐ ceived for Northwestern State University by the NSU Purchasing Office, Room 104, 200 Sam Sibley Dr., St. Denis Hall, North‐ western State University, Natchitoches, Louisiana 71497 until 2:00 pm, Thursday, August 28th, 2025.

Public Notices Bids/Proposals

PUBLIC NOTICE -NOTICE TO BIDDERS SP# 842 Sealed bids will be re‐ ceived by the Procure‐ ment Section of the Divi‐ sion of Administration, 1201 N. 3rd. St., 2nd.

Floor, Suite 2-160, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, at 10:00 A.M. for the follow‐ ing: RFx No. 3000025330, *Rebid* Cigarettes - LDH, 9/9/25 RFx No. 3000025324, *REBID* Lenalidomide – DOC – EHCC, 9/10/25 Bid proposal forms, in‐ formation and specifica‐ tions may be obtained by accessing the bid num‐ ber in LaPac at www.doa.

Louisiana.gov/osp or from the procurement section listed above. No bids will be received after the date and hour specified. The right is re‐ served to reject any and all bids and to waive any informalities.

Tom Ketterer Director of State Procurement FAX (225) 342-8688 155730 Aug. 28, 1t $12.34

PUBLIC NOTICE --Public Notice- Request for Qualifications On-Call Architectural and Engineering Consultant Services The East Baton Rouge Parish School Board (EBRPSB) is requesting proposals from qualified and experienced firm(s) to provide On-Call Archi‐ tectural & Engineering Consultant Services in areas of Architec‐ tural/Engineering (A/E) Services, Mechani‐ cal/Electrical/Plumbing (MEP) Engineering Ser‐ vices, Civil/Structural En‐ gineering, Landscape Ar‐ chitect (CSL) Services, Geotechnical Engineer‐ ing, Survey Engineer, and Material Testing.

INDEFINITE DELIVERY / INDEFINITE QUANTITY ON CALL ARCHITECTURAL AND ENGINEERING CONSULTANT SERVICES Solicitation 02-25 Opening Date: Wednesday, September 17, 2025, AT 2:00 PM, CST Statements of Qualifica‐ tions shall only be sub‐ mitted on East Baton Rouge Parish School Board Standard Qualifi‐ cations Form EBRPSB-AE dated August 14, 2025. A sample form is attached and a computer file can be provided upon re‐ quest. Interested firms may obtain an official Request for Qualifica‐ tions (RFQ) package from:

225-388-0111

Written comment on the proposed services may be sent within 15 days to 949 Government St, Den‐ ham Springs, La 70726, and to Program Manager, Department of Trans‐ portation and Develop‐ ment, P. 0. Box 94245, Baton Rouge, LA 708049245. Comments must be received by August 22, 2025.

Notice is hereby given that Livingston Parish Council intends to apply for a federal grant for op‐ erating assistance and/or capital assistance to provide Rural Public Transportation of a nonemergency, ambulatory nature for the FY 20262027 program year. The application for assis‐ tance is pursuant to the Non-Urbanized Area For‐ mula Program of 49 CFR 5311. Services will gener‐ ally be between 7:00am 2:00pm, Monday and through Friday, in the area encompassing Liv‐ ingston Parish, Louisiana. Transit ser‐ vices are provided with‐ out regard to race, color, and national origin in ac‐ cordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. Written comment on the proposed services may be sent within 15 days to 949 Government St, Den‐ ham Springs, La 70726, and to Program Manager, Department of Trans‐ portation and Develop‐ ment, P. 0. Box 94245, Baton Rouge, LA 708049245. Comments must be received by 9/15/25.

All interested persons are hereby advised that the Livingston Parish Council _ has applied to the Louisiana Depart‐ ment of Transportation and Development for project funding under Federal Transit Adminis‐ tration (Section 5310 and/or 5311) for the fol‐ lowing: Livingston PROJECT: Council on Aging is preparing to Replace ex‐ isting equipment to con‐ tinue transportation ser‐ vices to in Livingston Parish. Fm1her details relative to the project are available from Stephanie Landry, 949 Government Dr., Denham Springs, La. 70726 Interested persons are advised that they may request that a public hearing be conducted to provide a means for the public to express their views relative to the pro‐ posed project on the probable social, eco‐ nomic and environmen‐ tal effects involved. In lieu of requesting a pub‐ lic hearing, interested persons may submit their comments in writ‐ ing.

Should a public hearing be required, a public no‐ tice will be published stating the date, time and location of the hear‐ ing.

There is no cost associ‐ ated with collecting the documents. These docu‐ ments will not be pro‐ vided in any other way than as described here.

All interested persons are hereby advised that the Livingston Parish Council has applied to the Louisiana Depart‐ ment of Transportation and Development for project funding under Federal Transit Adminis‐ tration (Section 5310 and/or 5311) for the fol‐ lowing:

Statements of Qualifica‐ tions for this project will be accepted until 2:00 p.m., Central Standard Time, September 17, 2025.

Statements of Qualifica‐ tions that have not been received by the deadline date and time will be re‐ jected. Failure to submit all the information on Standard Form EBRPSBAE shall be considered non-responsive and may result in the Qualifica‐ tions Statement being re‐ jected.

The East Baton Rouge Parish School Board is an Equal Opportunity Em‐ ployer. Therefore, all re‐ spondents are encour‐ aged to utilize minority participation to the ex‐ tent possible through the use of small, disadvan‐ taged, and womenowned businesses as consultants.

Submissions will be re‐ viewed by the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board Architectural and Engineering Selection Committee. The Commit‐ tee reserves the right to reject all the submittals in response to this Re‐ quest for Qualifications.

Proposal Respondents, their consultants, subconsultants, or other parties representing the Proposer for this solicita‐ tion may not contact any EBRPSB Board Member or Architectural and En‐ gineering Selection Com‐ mittee member when the members are announced concerning this effort from the date of the so‐ licitation until the date of selection.

EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

Publication Dates: 1st insertion – Thursday, August 14, 2025 2nd insertion – Thursday, August 21, 2025 3rd insertion – Thursday, August 28, 2025

Looking for the right hire?

g g District. (Applicant: Brian Douglas Campbell, Pecue Properties, LLC)

The official RFQ package and all required docu‐ ments will be available electronically at: https:// www.beaconbid.com/sol icitations/east-batonrouge-schools

Specifications may be obtained by e-mailing your company name and address to purchasing@ nsula.edu and requesting a bid package. Bids will not be accepted after the hour and date specified and will be publicly opened at the hour spec‐ ified in the Business Af‐ fairs - Purchasing Sec‐ tion, St. Denis Hall, Northwestern State Uni‐ versity, Natchitoches, Louisiana. The right is re‐ served to reject any and all bids and to waive any informalities.

152654-aug 7-14-28-3t $75.73

g cordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.

Written requests for a public hearing and/or submittal of comments must be postmarked on or before August 22, 2025, and should be ad‐ dressed to: Stephanie Landry, 949 Government Dr., Denham Springs, La, 70726

By: Jordan Clements, Director of Procurement

ASHLEE GRAYSON DIRECTOR OF PURCHASING RODNEY WILSON CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER NORTHWESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY UNIVERSITY

Legal Notices

Only those firms that have obtained the official RFQ package for this pro‐ ject will be considered. If applicant is a joint ven‐ ture, each prime firm is required to obtain an RFQ package.

SEALED BID #7667 NSU CAPA Violin Replacement

Evidence of authority to submit the bid shall be required in accordance with R.S.38:2212( a )( 1 )( c ) and/or R.S.39:1594( C ) ( 2 )( d ).

Legal Notices

153375 Aug. 14, 21, 28, 3t $154.80

Legal Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE --Notice is hereby given that Livingston Parish Council intends to apply for a federal grant for op‐ erating assistance and/or capital assistance to provide Rural Public Transportation of a nonemergency, ambulatory nature for the FY 20262027 program year. The application.for assis‐ tance is pursuant to the Non-Urbanized Area For‐ mula Program of 49 CFR 5311. Services will gener‐ ally be between 7:00am 2:00pm, Monday and through Friday, in the area encompassing Liv‐ ingston Parish, Louisiana. Transit ser‐ vices are provided with‐ out regard to race, color, and national origin in ac‐ d i h i l f

Livingston PROJECT: Council on Aging is preparing to Replace ex‐ isting equipment to con‐ tinue transportation ser‐ vices to in Livingston Parish. Further details relative to the project are available from Stephanie Landry, 949 Government Dr., Denham Springs. La. 70726 Interested persons are advised that they may request that a public hearing be conducted to provide a means for the public to express their views relative to the pro‐ posed project on the probable social, eco‐ nomic and environmen‐ tal effects involved. In lieu of requesting a pub‐ lic hearing, interested persons may submit their comments in writ‐ ing.

Written requests for a public hearing and/or submittal of comments must be postmarked on or before September 15.

2025, and should be ad‐ dressed to: Stephanie Landry, 949 Government Dr., Denham Springs, La. 70726 Should a public hearing be required, a public no‐ tice will be published stating the date, time and location of the hear‐ ing.

152684 Aug. 7, 8, 2t $1,087.50 PUBLIC NOTICE The City of St. George Planning & Zoning Com‐ missions will hold public hearings on Monday, September 8, 2025, at 6:00 pm at St. George City Hall, 14100 Airline Hwy, St. George, LA 70817, to consider the following:

SP25-06 BREC Airline Safe Room at 16072 Airline Hwy: This 33.36-acre property is on the south side of Airline Hwy, near Paladin Dr, on Tr. A of the Recreation & Park Com‐ mission property, in Sec. 37 and 50, T8S-R2E, GLD, EBR, LA. The applicant re‐ quests a site plan to con‐ struct a BREC Airline Recreation Center / FEMA Safe House build‐ ing in the R Rural Zoning District.

(Applicant: Recreation and Park Commission for the Parish of East Baton Rouge (BREC))

Zoning Commission SP25-04 Pecue Properties Warehouses at 13600 Rieger Road: This 29.01acre property is located on the north side of the future Rieger Road (an extension of the current Rieger Road), south of Ward Creek, on Tract 3-A of the Leon R. Kleinpeter Tract, in Sec. 49, T8S-R2E, GLD, EBR, LA. The appli‐ cant requests a site plan to construct two build‐ ings (totaling 344,760 sq. ft.), with parking in the CW3 Commercial Ware‐ housing Three Zoning li i i i (

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Livingston Parish Council Publication Dates: Livingston Parish News 8/21/25 & 8/28/25 The Advocate 8/21/25 & 8/28/25

PUBLIC NOTICE --NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Zoning Request Master Plan Change

PUBLIC NOTICE ---

On September 11, 2025, at the hour of five o’clock (5:00) p.m., the Liv‐ ingston Parish Council shall meet for the pur‐ pose of certifying the as‐ sessment lists, together with any changes in con‐ nection therewith.

152395 July 28, Aug. 4, 11, 3t $56.76

WBR Public Notices

155007 Aug. 21, 28, Sept.

4, 3t $113.08

Said public hearing shall begin on September 5, 2025, at the office of the Livingston Parish Council located in the Govern‐ mental Building at 20355 Governmental Boulevard, Livingston, Louisiana, and shall end on Septem‐ ber 19, 2025. Person wishing to protest should do so orally or by certified letter before the close of business on Sep‐ tember 4, 2025.

Publish West Side Journal Three (3) Times: 8/28/2025, 9/4/2025, & 9/11/2025

WBR Oil/Minerals

WBR Legal Notices

The Livingston Parish Council will conduct a public hearing for all per‐ sons or their representa‐ tives desiring to be heard on the assessment of real and personal prop‐ erty as assessed by the Assessor in accordance with the fair market or use valuation.

g mental Building, 880 N. Alexander, Port Allen, LA 70767

153367-aug 21-28-2t $301.48

T25-08 Obscene Signs: Amend Title 7 Unified De‐ velopment Code to clar‐ ify standards related to obscene signs, and pro‐ vide for related matters.

Request: Rezone approx.

2.5+- acres from C-1.2 to AG-3 Owner: Martha B. Law‐ son Address: 9690 Hwy 190 W Port Allen LA 70767 Property Description: File #2025-23: as de‐ scribed by the WBR As‐ sessor site: TRACT J CONT 10.93 AC IN SECS 28 & 29 T6S R11E P/O SWAN‐ SON PROP 14-80

A PUBLIC HEARING will be held by the West Baton Rouge Zoning Commission relative to the rezoning requests.

Date: Tuesday, September 16, 2025 Time: 5:30 pm

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the West Baton Rouge Parish Council will meet as the Board of Re‐ view at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 25, 2025 at the Governmental Building in Port Allen, Louisiana to hear any and all protests from tax‐ payers on their 2025 as‐ sessment(s). The Board of Review shall consider appeal of any taxpayer desiring to be heard that has filed a protest at least seven (7) days prior to the final Board of Re‐ view meeting. Protests shall be filed in person at the Parish Council Office or by certified mail. Tax‐ payers must comply with R.S. 47:2321 et Sec and 47:2301 et Sec in order for the Board of Review to consider any protest.

Christopher P. Guerin, CLA West Baton Rouge Assessor Advertised: The Advocate August 28th & September 18th 154801 Aug. 28, Sept. 18, 2t $28.40

A PUBLIC HEARING will be held by the West Baton Rouge Parish Council relative to the re‐ zoning requests.

CLASSIFIEDS

WORK

Date: Thursday, September 25, 2025 Time 5:30 pm Public hearings will be held at the West Baton Rouge Parish Govern‐ l ildi

SHERIFF'S SALE SUIT NO. 49016 VANDERBILT MORTGAGE AND FINANCE, INC VS WADE JOSEPH MARTIN, A/K/A WADE J. MARTIN, A/K/A WADE MARTIN AND MADIE CROWE MAR‐ TIN, A/K/A MADIE C. MARTIN, A/K/A MADIE MARTIN 18TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT PARISH OF WEST BATON ROUGE STATE OF LOUISIANA SUIT NO. 49016

BY VIRTUE OF A WRIT OF SEIZURE AND SALE TO ME, DIRECTED BY THE HONORABLE THE EIGH‐ TEENTH JUDICIAL DIS‐ TRICT COURT, FOR THE PARISH OF WEST BATON ROUGE, IN THE ABOVE ENTITLED CAUSE, I WILL PROCEED TO SELL BY PUBLIC AUCTION, IN FRONT OF THE COURT‐ HOUSE DOOR, ON THE 1ST DAY OF OCTOBER, 2025 AT TEN O’CLOCK (10:00) A.M., THE FOLLOWING DE‐ SCRIBED PROPERTY: 2000 Cappaert, 52 x 28 manufactured home, Ser‐ ial Numbers CHVM329925615984A and CHVM329925615984B, im‐ mobilized onto and in‐ cluding: Two (2) certain tracts or parcels of ground situ‐ ated in Section 24, Town‐ ship 6 South, Range 10 East, West Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, and being known and desig‐ nated as Lots 94 and 95 of Flynnland Subdivision, said lots having such measurements and di‐ mensions as shown on the official subdivision plat by Arcade J. Parker, R.L.S., dated November 7, 1959 and recorded in the official records of West Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana.

The property is located at 12414 Patricia Avenue, Port Allen, Louisiana 70767 SEIZED SUIT.

IN

THE

Pursuant to the provisions of a resolution adopted on February 12, 2025 by the Metropolitan Council of the Parish of East Baton Rouge and City of Baton Rouge (the “Metropolitan Council”), acting as the governing authority of the Downtown Development District of the City of Baton Rouge, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a special election will be held in the Downtown Development District of the City of Baton Rouge, on Saturday, OCTOBER 11, 2025, and that at the said election there will be submitted to all registered voters of the Downtown Development District of the City of Baton Rouge, qualified and entitled to vote at the said election under the Constitution and laws of the State of Louisiana and the Constitution of the United States of America, the following proposition, to-wit: PROPOSITION Shall the Metropolitan Council of the Parish of East Baton Rouge and City of Baton Rouge, acting as governing authority of the Downtown Development District of the City of Baton Rouge, be authorized to renew the levy and collection of a ten (10) mills ad valorem tax on all property subject to taxation within the boundaries of the Downtown Development District of the City of Baton Rouge (the “Tax”) (an estimated $741,390 is reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the Tax for an entire year), for a period of five (5) years, beginning with the tax collection for the year 2027, and annually thereafter to and including the year 2031, and shall the proceeds of said Tax (after paying the reasonable and necessary expenses of collecting and administering the Tax, if any), be used entirely and exclusively for the planning, development, management, operation and improvement of the facilities, public improvements and services of the Downtown Development District of the City of Baton Rouge?

WBR Public Notices Sheriff Sales

PRAISEMENT AND CORDING TO LAW.

ABOVE

TERMS OF SALE: CASH TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER WITH BENEFIT OF AP‐

NOTICE OF SPECIAL ELECTION

AC‐

JEFF BERGERON, SHERIFF PARISH OF WEST BATON ROUGE BY: ANGIE DELAUNE, DEPUTY SHERIFF ADVERTISE IN THE ADVO‐ CATE ON: 8/28/25 & 9/25/25 $30.37 SHERIFF'S SALE SUIT NO 50239 SELECT PORTFOLIO SER‐ VICING, INC. VS LURELIA A. WILLIAMS 18TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT PARISH OF WEST BATON ROUGE STATE OF LOUISIANA

WBR Public Notices Sheriff Sales g g of record affecting the property.

Municipal Address: 4739 Viola Farms Drive, Addis, LA 70710 SEIZED SUIT.

IN

THE

ABOVE

TERMS OF SALE: CASH TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER WITH BENEFIT OF AP‐ PRAISEMENT AND AC‐ CORDING TO LAW. JEFF BERGERON, SHERIFF PARISH OF WEST BATON ROUGE BY: ANGIE DELAUNE, DEPUTY SHERIFF ADVERTISE IN THE ADVO‐ CATE ON: 8/28/25 & 9/25/25 $54.70

SUIT NO 50239

BY VIRTUE OF A WRIT OF SEIZURE AND SALE TO ME, DIRECTED BY THE HONORABLE THE EIGH‐ TEENTH JUDICIAL DIS‐ TRICT COURT, FOR THE PARISH OF WEST BATON ROUGE, IN THE ABOVE ENTITLED CAUSE, I WILL PROCEED TO SELL BY PUBLIC AUCTION, IN FRONT OF THE COURT‐ HOUSE DOOR, ON THE 1ST DAY OF OCTOBER, 2025 AT TEN O’CLOCK (10:00) A.M., THE FOLLOWING SCRIBED PROPERTY:

DE‐

ONE (1) CERTAIN LOT OR PARCEL OF GROUND, to‐ gether with all the build‐ ings and improvements thereon, situated in the Parish of West Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, in that subdi‐ vision known as SUGAR MILL PLANTATION, 13TH FILING, PHASE 2 and being designated on the official plat of said subdi‐ vision, on file and of record in the office of the Clerk and Recorder of said Parish and State, as LOT NUMBER EIGHT HUN‐ DRED TWENTY (820), said subdivision, said lot hav‐ ing such size, shape and dimensions and being subject to such servi‐ tudes as are shown on said map; subject to re‐ strictions, servitudes, rights-of-way and out‐ standing mineral rights f d ff i h

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01/013 (PART OF)

City-Parish Office Building, 1755 Florida Street, Baton Rouge

01/017 (PART OF)

Department of Public Works Traffic Engineering Building, 329 Chippewa Street, Baton Rouge

01/067 (PART OF)

St. Francis Xavier School, 1150 South 12th Street, Baton Rouge

The polling places set forth above and situated within the corporate limits of the Downtown Development District of the City of Baton Rouge be and the same are hereby designated as the polling places in which to hold the said special election, and the Commissioners-in-Charge and Commissioners, respectively, shall be those persons designated according to law pursuant to Section 1286(A) or Section 1286.1, as the case may be, of Title 18 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended.

A portion of the monies collected from the Tax shall be remitted to certain State and statewide retirement systems in accordance with the provisions of Subtitle 1 of Title 11 of Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended (La. R.S. 11:82).

In accordance with La. R.S. 18:1285(A)(1)(a)(v), the estimated cost of holding the election will be $2,600.00.

The said special election will be held in accordance with the applicable provisions of Chapter 6-A and Chapter 6-B of Title 18 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended, and other constitutional and statutory authority supplemental thereto, and the officers appointed to hold the said election, as provided in this Notice of Special Election, or such substitutes therefor as may be selected and designated in accordance with Section 1287 of Title 18 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended (La. R.S. 18:1287), will make due returns thereof to the Metropolitan Council, and NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that said Metropolitan Council will meet at its regular meeting place, the Council Chambers, City Hall, Third Floor, Room 348, 222 St. Louis Street, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2026, at FOUR (4:00) O’CLOCK P.M., and will then and there in open and public session proceed to examine and canvass the returns and declare the result of the special election. All registered voters in the Downtown Development District of the City of Baton Rouge are entitled to vote at said special election and voting machines will be used thereat.

THUS DONE AND SIGNED at Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on this, the 12th day of February, 2025.

WARD/PRECINCT

LOCATION

01/001

Fire Station #12, 555 Government Street, Baton Rouge

01/003 (PART OF)

South Blvd Flaim, 802 Mayflower Street, Baton Rouge

01/004 (PART OF)

New St. John Missionary Baptist Church, 1455 South Street, Baton Rouge

01/005A (PART OF)

Alaska Street Recreation Center, 3014 Alaska Street, Baton Rouge

ATTEST:

01/005B (PART OF)

Alaska Street Recreation Center, 3014 Alaska Street, Baton Rouge

/s/ Ashley Beck Council Administrator

01/006 (PART OF)

Greater New Bethel Baptist Church, 110 South 19th Street, Baton Rouge

/s/ Brandon Noel President Pro Tempore

152419-533486-aug 7-14-21-28-4t $ 745.72

NOTICE OF SPECIAL ELECTION Pursuant to the provisions of a resolution adopted by the City Council of the City of Port Allen, Parish of West Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, acting as the governing authority (the “Governing Authority”), of the City of Port Allen, Parish of West Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana (the “City”) on June 11, 2025, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a special election will be held within the City on November 15, 2025, and that at said election there will be submitted to all registered voters in the City qualified and entitled to vote at the said election under the Constitution and Laws of the State of Louisiana and the Constitution of the United States, the following proposition, to-wit: CITY OF PORT ALLEN, PARISH OF WEST BATON ROUGE, STATE OF LOUISIANA

Planning Commission S25-16-F Combination of Lots at 19533 &19543 N Muirfield Cir: This 7.72acre combined property is located at the south‐ ern end of N Muirfield Cir, where it meets S Muirfield Cir, and in‐ cludes Lots 23 & 24-A-1, Country Club of Louisiana, in Section 58, T8S, R2E, GLD, EBR, LA. The applicant requests to combine two lots into one in the R Rural Zoning District.

(Applicant: Robert Overall, Center‐ line Engineering Land Surveying LLC, for Michael Rutland)

/s/ Sandy C. Teal, Council Clerk

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PROPOSITION (POLICE DEPARTMENT TAX RENEWAL) (Citywide) Shall the City of Port Allen, State of Louisiana (the “City”) be authorized to renew the levy and collection of a tax of 5.020 mills on all property subject to taxation in the City (an estimated $285,000.00 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the tax for an entire year) (the “Tax”), for a period of ten (10) years, beginning with the year 2026 and ending with the year 2035, with the proceeds of the Tax (after paying the reasonable and necessary costs and expenses of collection and administering the tax), to be dedicated and used for the purpose of paying the maintenance and operating expenses of the City Police Department?

The special election will be held at the following polling places situated within the City, which polls will open at Seven O’clock (7:00) a.m., and close at Eight O’clock (8:00) p.m., in accordance with the provisions of La. R.S. 18:541, to-wit: PRECINCT

POLL PLACE NAME

LOCATION

00/06(P)

Brusly High School

658 N. Vaughn Dr.

00/09(P)

KC Hall

679 N. Jefferson Ave.

00/10(P)

Port Allen City Court

330 S. Alexander Ave.

00/13A(P)

Cohn Elem. School Activity Center

805 N. 14th St.

00/14A(P)

LSU AG Center, WBRT Ext.

210 Turner Rd.

00/14B(P)

LSU AG Center, WBRT Ext.

210 Turner Rd.

00/15

Cohn Elem. School Activity Center

805 N. 14th St.

The polling places set forth above are hereby designated as the polling places at which to hold the said election, and the Commissioners-

in-Charge and Commissioners, respectively, shall be those designated according to law.

The said special election will be held in accordance with the applicable provisions of Chapter 5, Chapter 6-A and Chapter 6-B of Title 18 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended, and other constitutional and statutory authority, and the officers appointed to hold the said election, as provided in this Notice of Special Election, or such substitute therefor, as may be selected and designated in accordance with La. R.S. 18:1287, will make due returns thereof to said Governing Authority, and NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that the Governing Authority will meet at its regular meeting place, 3rd Floor Council Chambers, City of Port Allen, 375 Court Street, Port Allen, Louisiana, on December 10, 2025, at Five Thirty O’clock (5:30) P.M. and shall then and there in open and public session proceed to examine and canvass the returns and declare the results of the said special election. All registered voters of the City are entitled to vote at said special election and voting machines will be used thereat.

Notice is further given that a portion of the monies collected from the tax described in the Proposition above shall be remitted to certain state and statewide retirement systems in the manner required by law.

The estimated cost of the election as determined by the Louisiana Secretary of State based upon the provisions of Chapter 8-A of Title 18 and actual costs of similar elections is $22,900.

STATE OF LOUISIANA PARISH OF WEST BATON ROUGE CITY OF PORT ALLEN I, the undersigned Municipal Clerk of the City Council of the City of Port Allen, Parish of West Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana (the “Governing Authority”), the governing authority of the City of Port Allen in the Parish of West Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana (the “City”), do hereby certify that the foregoing pages constitute a true and correct copy of the proceedings taken by the Governing Authority on June 11, 2025: A RESOLUTION ORDERING AND CALLING A SPECIAL ELECTION TO BE HELD IN THE CITY OF PORT ALLEN, PARISH OF WEST BATON ROUGE, STATE OF LOUISIANA, TO AUTHORIZE THE RENEWAL, LEVY, AND COLLECTION OF SPECIAL TAXES THEREIN; MAKING APPLICATION TO THE LOUISIANA STATE BOND COMMISSION AND PROVIDING FOR OTHER MATTERS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH. IN FAITH WHEREOF, witness my official signature at Port Allen, Louisiana, on this, the 13th day of June, 2025. /s/ Rose Roche_____ _ Rose Roche, Municipal Clerk

155732-545072-Aug. 28, Sept., 4, 11, 18-4t $ 613.00

10D ■ Thursday,August 28, 2025 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate Legal Notices

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EAST BATON ROUGE SEWERAGE COMMISSION The resolution was thereupon signed by the President, attested by the Secretary and declared to be adopted. The resolution provides as follows: RESOLUTION NO. 58748 EBROSCO RESOLUTION NO. 8735 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EAST BATON ROUGE SEWERAGE COMMISSION (THE “COMMISSION”), TO MAKE APPLICATION TO THE STATE BOND COMMISSION FOR CONSENT AND AUTHORITY TO ISSUE (A) NOT EXCEEDING $497,925,000 REVENUE REFUNDING BONDS, SERIES 2025A OF THE COMMISSION, FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING SUFFICIENT FUNDS TO REFUND ALL OR A PORTION OF THE OUTSTANDING PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF THE (I) THE COMMISSION’S $224,900,0000 REVENUE REFUNDING BONDS, SERIES 2020B (TAXABLE), AND (II) THE LOUISIANA LOCAL GOVERNMENT ENVIRONMENTAL FACILITIES AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY’S (THE “AUTHORITY”) $361,325,000 SUBORDINATE LIEN REVENUE REFUNDING BONDS (EAST BATON ROUGE SEWERAGE COMMISSION PROJECTS), SERIES 2020A (TAXABLE); AND TO PAY THE COSTS OF ISSUANCE OF THE SERIES 2025A REFUNDING BONDS, AND (B) NOT EXCEEDING $277,115,000 REVENUE REFUNDING BONDS, SERIES 2025B OF THE COMMISSION, FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING SUFFICIENT FUNDS TO REFUND ALL OR A PORTION OF THE OUTSTANDING PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF THE AUTHORITY’S SUBORDINATE LIEN REVENUE REFUNDING BONDS (EAST BATON ROUGE SEWERAGE COMMISSION PROJECTS), SERIES 2020A (TAXABLE); AND TO PAY THE COSTS OF ISSUANCE OF THE SERIES 2025B REFUNDING BONDS; AUTHORIZING THE SELECTION OF THE UNDERWRITER AND DEALER MANAGER IN CONNECTION WITH THE ISSUANCE, SALE AND DELIVERY OF THE SERIES 2025A REFUNDING BONDS AND THE SERIES 2025B REFUNDING BONDS; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF ANY AND ALL OTHER DOCUMENTS REQUIRED IN CONNECTION WITH THE ISSUANCE OF THE SERIES 2025A REFUNDING BONDS AND THE SERIES 2025B REFUNDING BONDS, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO A BOND PURCHASE AGREEMENT WITH THE UNDERWRITER AND A DEALER MANAGER AGREEMENT WITH THE DEALER MANAGER; AUTHORIZING THE PREPARATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF A PRELIMINARY OFFICIAL STATEMENT AND OFFICIAL STATEMENT RELATING TO THE SERIES 2025A REFUNDING BONDS AND THE SERIES 2025B REFUNDING BONDS; AND PROVIDING FOR OTHER MATTERS RELATED THERETO. WHEREAS, the City of Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana (the “City”), the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana (the “Parish”), and the Greater Baton Rouge Consolidated Sewerage District (the “District”) entered into a Local Services Agreement dated as of October 1, 1986, as amended by the Amendatory Intergovernmental Agreement dated as of June 1, 1987, the Second Amendatory Intergovernmental Agreement dated as of September 1, 1987, the Third Amendatory Intergovernmental Agreement dated May 4, 1992, the Fourth Amendatory Intergovernmental Agreement dated December 12, 2001, and the Fifth Amendatory Intergovernmental Agreement dated June 29, 2006 (collectively, the “Agreement”) creating the East Baton Rouge Sewerage Commission (the “Commission”) and providing for the consolidation of all of the public sewer systems in the Parish and placing such combined public sewer systems (the “System”) under the jurisdiction and control of the Commission; and WHEREAS, the governing authority of the Commission is the Board of Commissioners (the “Board of Commissioners” or the “Governing Authority”), which is comprised of the members who, from time to time, make up the membership of the Metropolitan Council of the Parish of East Baton Rouge and City of Baton Rouge (the “Metropolitan Council”); and WHEREAS, the Agreement provides that the Commission will proceed with diligence to incur indebtedness secured by (i) sewer user fees levied and collected in connection with the System, and (ii) the avails or proceeds of the one-half of one percent (1/2%) sales and use tax (the “Tax”) levied and collected by the Parish pursuant to Article VI, Section 29 of the Louisiana Constitution of 1974, as amended, Act 639 of the Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature of 1984 (La. R.S. 33:2721.6), and other constitutional and statutory authority, and pursuant to an election held in the Parish on April 16, 1988 (the “Election”) , in order to construct improvements, additions and betterments to the System, after payment of the reasonable and necessary expenses of collecting and administering the Tax, and after provisions has been made for the payment of expenses of operating, maintaining and administering the System (the “Net Sales Tax Revenues”); and WHEREAS, under the provisions of the Local Services Law (La. R.S. 33:1321-1337), specifically La. R.S. 33:1334(B), the Commission has the express authority to issue revenue bonds or incur other indebtedness in its corporate name for and on behalf of the political subdivisions that created such issuer in accordance with the provisions and procedures established

by Subpart C, Part 1, Chapter 10, Title 33 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended, without the necessity of securing the approval of the electorate at a referendum; and WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 14-A of Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended, the Commission is authorized to issue refunding bonds for the purpose of refunding, restructuring, refinancing or unifying the whole or any part of its outstanding securities in an amount sufficient to provide the funds necessary to effectuate the purpose for which the refunding bonds are being issued and to pay all costs associated therewith, which refunding bonds shall be secured by and payable from fees and charges from the customers for the use of the System, and the Net Sales Tax Revenues; and WHEREAS, pursuant to the authority of the aforesaid Election, the Metropolitan Council adopted an ordinance on September 14, 1988, which ordinance was amended and reinstated by Ordinance No. 8998 adopted by the Metropolitan Council on November 22, 1989, by Ordinance No. 9197 adopted by the Metropolitan Council on December 12, 1990, by Ordinance No. 9363 adopted by the Metropolitan Council on December 11, 1991, by Ordinance No. 9536 adopted by the Metropolitan Council on November 25, 1992, and by Ordinance No. 10127 adopted by the Metropolitan Council on December 14, 1994 (collectively, the “Sales Tax Ordinance”), providing for the levy and collection of the Tax; and WHEREAS, in accordance with the provisions of the Sales Tax Ordinance, the Net Sales Tax Revenues shall be available for appropriation and expenditure by the Parish for the purposes designated in the proposition authorizing the levy of the Tax, which includes the payment of bonds authorized to be issued in accordance with Louisiana law; and WHEREAS, pursuant to the authority granted by La. R.S. 33:1331 and La. R.S. 33:4256, the Commission is authorized to impose fees and collect rates and charges on the customers for use of the System; and WHEREAS, pursuant to the authority granted by La. R.S. 33:1331 and La. R.S. 33:4256, and in accordance with the Agreement and Ordinance No. 7853 adopted by the Metropolitan Council, acting as governing authority of the Parish, the City, the District and the Commission, on May 15, 1985, as amended from time to time, which Ordinance No. 7853 was amended and readopted by the Metropolitan Council on June 12, 2002 pursuant to Ordinance No. 12334 (EBROSCO Ordinance No. 2068) adopted on June 12, 2002, Ordinance No. 12647 (EBROSCO Ordinance No. 2131) adopted on May 28, 2003, and Ordinance No. 18504 (EBROSCO Ordinance 8614) adopted May 11, 2022 (collectively, the “Sewer User Fee Ordinance”), the Parish, on behalf of the Commission, levies rates and collects charges from the customers of the System, and such Agreement further provides that the Parish is required to levy sufficient rates and collect sufficient charges to meet all costs of the System and to pay all obligations of the Commission under the provisions of all covenants contained in any resolution providing for the issuance of revenue bonds, and, to the extent the Parish fails to levy such rates and collect such charges in such a fashion as to satisfy such revenue bond obligations, the Commission shall assume and exercise the power to levy such rates and collect such charges; and WHEREAS, in accordance with Resolution No. 41460 adopted by the Metropolitan Council, acting as governing authority of the Parish, the City, the District and the Commission, on December 12, 2001 (the “Original General Bond Resolution”), as amended and restated by Amended and Restated General Bond Resolution No. 43496 adopted by the Metropolitan Council, acting as governing authority of the Parish, the City, the District and the Commission, on August 25, 2004 (the “Original Amended and Restated General Bond Resolution”), as amended and restated by the Amended and Restated General Bond Resolution No. 44893 adopted by the Metropolitan Council, acting as governing authority of the Parish, the City, the District and the Commission, on June 28, 2006 (the “Amended and Restated General Bond Resolution,” and, together with the Original General Bond Resolution and the Original Amended and Restated General Bond Resolution, the “General Bond Resolution”), the Commission is authorized to incur indebtedness from time to time secured by and payable solely from (i) the sewer user fees levied and collected pursuant to the Sewer User Fee Ordinance (the “Sewer User Fee Revenues”), and (ii) the avails or proceeds of the Tax collected pursuant to the Sales Tax Ordinance; and WHEREAS, on August 18, 2020, the Board of Commissioners of the Commission issued its Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 2020B (Taxable), in the original aggregate principal amount of $224,900,000 (the “Series 2020B Refunding Bonds”), pursuant to the provisions of the General Bond Resolution, as supplemented and amended pursuant to Supplemental Bond Resolution No. 55045 (EBROSCO No. 8485) adopted by the Board of Commissioners of the Commission on August 12, 2020, for the purpose of, in the case of the Series 2020B Refunding Bonds, providing sufficient funds to (a) advance refund $184,795,000 in aggregate principal amount of the Commissions Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 2014B (Tax-Exempt); and (b) pay the costs of issuance of the Series 2020B Refunding Bonds; and WHEREAS, on August 18, 2020, the Louisiana Local Government Environmental Facilities and Community Development Authority (the “Authority”), at the request of the Commission, issued its $361,325,000 Subordinate Lien Revenue Refunding Bonds (East Baton Rouge Sewerage Commission Projects), Series 2020A (Taxable) (the “Subordinate Lien Series 2020A Refunding Bonds”), to (a) provide sufficient funds to advance refund all of the Authority’s outstanding (i) $126,260,000 Subordinate Lien Revenue Bonds (East Baton Rouge Sewerage Commission Projects), Series 2013A, and (ii) $209,785,000 Subordinate Lien Revenue Bonds (East Baton Rouge Sewerage Commission Projects), Series 2014A, and (b) pay the costs of issuance of the Subordinate Lien Series 2020A Refunding Bonds.

WHEREAS, in consideration of the issuance of the Subordinate Lien

lll

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Series 2020A Refunding Bonds by the Authority, the Commission, pursuant to Supplemental Resolution No 55046 (EBRSOCO No. 8486), agreed to make payments pursuant to a Loan Agreement by and between the Authority and the Commission dated as of August 1, 2020, in an amount at all times sufficient to pay the principal of, premium, and interest on the Subordinate Lien Series 2020 Refunding Bonds and to pay all such other amounts required by the Loan Agreement; and WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners of the Commission now desires to issue its not exceeding $497,925,000 Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 2025A (the “Series 2025A Refunding Bonds”), for the purpose of providing sufficient funds to (i) refund all or a portion of the outstanding principal amount of the Series 2020B Refunding Bonds and the Subordinate Lien Series 2020A Refunding Bonds, (ii) fund a debt service reserve fund, if necessary, and (iii) pay the costs of issuance of the Series 2025 Refunding Bonds, including the premiums for a municipal bond insurance policy and/or a debt service reserve surety policy, if necessary; and WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners of the Commission now desires to issue its not exceeding $277,115,000 Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 2025B (the “Series 2025B Refunding Bonds,” and, together with the Series 2025A Refunding Bonds, the “Series 2025 Refunding Bonds”), for the purpose of providing sufficient funds to (i) refund all or a portion of the outstanding principal amount of the Subordinate Lien Series 2020A Refunding Bonds, (ii) fund a debt service reserve fund, if necessary, and (iii) pay the costs of issuance of the Series 2025 Refunding Bonds, including the premiums for a municipal bond insurance policy and/or a debt service reserve surety policy, if necessary; and WHEREAS, in order to effect the refunding of certain of the Series 2020B Refunding Bonds and the Subordinate Lien Series 2020A Refunding Bonds to achieve debt service savings, the Commission, in consultation with the Commission’s Municipal Advisor (as hereinafter defined), desires to engage in a tender transaction in which the Commission will invite holders of certain of such Series 2020B Refunding Bonds and Subordinate Lien Series 2020A Refunding Bonds, or portions thereof, to tender such Series 2020B Refunding Bonds and/or Subordinate Lien Series 2020A Refunding Bonds for purchase by the Commission from proceeds of the Series 2025A Refunding Bonds or the Series 2025B Refunding Bonds, which Series 2020B Refunding Bonds and/or Subordinate Lien Series 2020A Refunding Bonds, or portions thereof, upon surrender for purchase pursuant to an accepted invitation would be deemed refunded bonds, cancelled on the date of purchase and deemed no longer outstanding (the “Tender Transaction”); and WHEREAS, in order to effect the Tender Transaction the Commission desires to enter into certain arrangements and cause the preparation and delivery of certain documents in connection therewith, including the preparation and distribution of an invitation or offer to tender bonds (the “Tender Invitation”), the preparation and distribution of certain disclosure documents and statements containing information about the Series 2020B Refunding Bonds and the Subordinate Lien Series 2020A Refunding Bonds, or portions thereof, for which the invitation to tender for purchase is being made and setting forth the terms, rules and procedures related to such process (the “Series 2025 Refunding Bonds Disclosures”), entering into arrangements or submitting applications to ascertain the beneficial owners of the Series 2020B Refunding Bonds and/or Subordinate Lien Series 2020A Refunding Bonds, entering into a dealer manager agreement (the “Dealer Manager Agreement”) and a tender agent agreement (the “Tender Agent Agreement”) with underwriting and other firms to assist with the implementation and management of the Tender Transaction, entering into tender and purchase agreements (the “Tender Purchase Agreement”) with holders agreeing to tender, and any and all other notices, documents or agreements that may be necessary or appropriate for such purpose (collectively, the “Tender Documents”); and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners of the East Baton Rouge Sewerage Commission, acting as the governing authority of said Commission: Section 1. Application be and the same is hereby made to the State Bond Commission, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for consent and authority to issue, sell and deliver (a) not exceeding $497,925,000 Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 2025A of the Commission (the “Series 2025A Refunding Bonds”), and (b) not exceeding $277,115,000 Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 2025B of the Commission (the “Series 2025B Refunding Bonds,” together with the Series 2025A Refunding Bonds, the “Series 2025 Refunding Bonds”), in each case under the authority of Article VI, Section 37 of the Louisiana Constitution of 1974, as amended, and Chapter 14-A of Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended, and other constitutional and statutory authority, (a) in the case of the Series 2025A Refunding Bonds, for the purpose of providing sufficient funds to (i) refund all or a portion of the outstanding principal amount of the Series 2020B Refunding Bonds and the Subordinate Lien Series 2020A Refunding Bonds, (ii) fund a debt service reserve fund, if necessary, and (iii) pay the costs of issuance of the Series 2025A Refunding Bonds, including the premiums for a municipal bond insurance policy and/or a debt service reserve surety policy, and (b) in the case of the Series 2025B Refunding Bonds, to refund all or a portion of the outstanding principal amount of the Subordinate Lien Series 2020A Refunding Bonds, (ii) fund a debt service reserve fund, if necessary, and (iii) pay the costs of issuance of the Series 2025B Refunding Bonds, including the premiums for a municipal bond insurance policy and/or a debt service reserve surety policy, if necessary.

The Series 2025A Refunding Bonds shall mature not later than February 1, 2039, be issued as tax-exempt bonds, bear interest at a fixed rate or rates of interest not exceeding six percent (6.00%) per annum, sold at a price not less than 95% of the par amount thereof, and will be payable from and secured by (i) the sewer user fees levied and collected pursuant to the Sewer User Fee Ordinance in connection with the System in the Parish of East Baton Rouge, and (ii) the avails or proceeds of the one-half of one percent (1/2%) sales and use tax levied and collected by the Parish of East Baton Rouge pursuant to an election held in the Parish of East Baton Rouge on April 16, 1988, less the costs of collecting and administering the tax, and after provision has been made for the payment of expenses of operating, maintaining and administering the System.

The Series 2025B Refunding Bonds shall mature not later than February 1, 2048, be issued as tax-exempt bonds, bear interest at a fixed rate or rates of interest not exceeding six percent (6.00%) per annum, sold at a price not less than 95% of the par amount thereof, and will be payable from and secured by (i) the sewer user fees levied and collected pursuant to the Sewer User Fee Ordinance in connection with the System in the Parish of East Baton Rouge, and (ii) the avails or proceeds of the one-half of one percent (1/2%) sales and use tax levied and collected by the Parish of East Baton Rouge pursuant to an election held in the Parish of East Baton Rouge on April 16, 1988, less the costs of collecting and administering the tax, and after provision has been made for the payment of expenses of operating, maintaining and administering the System.

The Series 2025 Refunding Bonds shall be issued on a pari passu, parity basis, as to security and payment with each other and the Outstanding Parity Bonds (as hereinafter defined).

Section 2. The Series 2025 Refunding Bonds shall be issued under the authority conferred by Article VI, Section 37 of the Louisiana Constitution of 1974, as amended, Section 1334 of Title 33 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended, Chapter 14-A of Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended, and other constitutional and statutory authority. In accordance with the provisions of the General Bond Resolution, as heretofore supplemented, the Series 2025 Refunding Bonds shall be issued on a pari passu, parity basis, with (i) the Commission’s Revenue Bonds (Department of Environmental Quality Project), Series 2010, dated April 29, 2010, in the original aggregate principal amount of $8,300,000, currently outstanding in the aggregate principal amount of $2,811,000 (the “Series 2010 Bonds”), (ii) the Commission’s Taxable Revenue Bonds, Series 2013A, dated March 6, 2013, in the original aggregate principal amount of $45,000,000, currently outstanding in the aggregate principal amount of $24,103,000 (the “Series 2013A Bonds”), (iii) the Commission’s Taxable Revenue Bonds (Department of Environmental Quality Project), Series 2015A, dated October 8, 2015, in the original aggregate principal amount of $20,000,000, currently outstanding in the aggregate principal amount of $12,737,000 (the “Series 2015A Bonds”), (iv) the Commission’s Taxable Revenue Bonds (Department of Environmental Quality Project), Series 2016A, dated May 17, 2016, in the original aggregate principal amount of $12,000,000, currently outstanding in the aggregate principal amount of $8,172,000 (the “Series 2016A Bonds”), (v) the Commission’s Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 2019A, dated October 29, 2019, in the original aggregate principal amount of $305,340,000, currently outstanding in the aggregate principal amount of $290,080,000 (the “Series 2019A Refunding Bonds”), (vi) the Commission’s Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 2019B, dated October 29, 2019, in the original aggregate principal amount of $79,410,000, currently outstanding in the aggregate principal amount of $49,865,000 (the “Series 2019B Refunding Bonds”), (vii) Commission’s Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 2020A (Tax-Exempt), dated August 18, 2020, in the original aggregate principal amount of $61,385,000, all of which are currently outstanding (the “Series 2020A Refunding Bonds”), (viii) any non-refunded maturities, if any, of the Commission’s Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 2020B (Taxable), dated August 18, 2020, in the original aggregate principal amount of $224,900,000, currently outstanding in the aggregate principal amount of $220,810,000 (the “Non-Refunded Series 2020B Refunded Bonds”), and (ix) the Commission’s Multi-Modal Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 2021A, dated March 17, 2021, in the original aggregate principal amount of $137,210,000, currently outstanding in the aggregate principal amount of $124,710,000 (the “Series 2021A Refunding Bonds,” and, together with the Series 2010 Bonds, the Series 2013A Bonds, the Series 2015A Bonds, the Series 2016A Bonds, the Series 2019A Refunding Bonds, the Series 2019B Refunding Bonds, the Series 2020A Refunding Bonds, the Non-Refunded Series 2020B Refunding Bonds, if any, the “Outstanding Parity Bonds”) .

In addition, the Series 2025 Refunding Bonds will be secured on a senior lien basis as to the security and payment of (i) any non-refunded obligations, if any, of the Commission after the issuance of the Series 2025 Refunding Bonds, under that certain Loan Agreement dated as of August 1, 2020, between the Commission and the Authority executed in connection with the issuance by the Authority of its $361,325,000 Subordinate Lien Revenue Refunding Bonds (East Baton Rouge Sewerage Commission Projects) Series 2020A (Taxable), dated August 18, 2020, currently outstanding in the aggregate principal amount of $277,115,000 (the “Non-Refunded Series 2020A Subordinate Lien Refunding Bonds”), (ii) the obligations of the Commission under that certain Loan Agreement dated as of November 1, 2023 between the Commission and the Authority executed in connection with the issuance by the Authority of its $62,405,000 Subordinate Lien Revenue Refunding Bonds (East Baton Rouge Sewerage Commission Projects) Series 2023, dated November 16, 2023 (the “Series 2023 Subordinate Lien Refunding Bonds”), all of which are currently outstanding, and (iii) the obligations of the Commission under that certain Loan Agreement dated as of September 1, 2024 between the Commission and the Authority executed in connection with the issuance by the Authority of its $149,920,000 Subordinate Lien Revenue Refunding Bonds (East Baton

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Rouge Sewerage Commission Projects) Series 2024, dated September 26, 2024 (the “Series 2024 Subordinate Lien Refunding Bonds,” and, together with the Non-Refunded Series 2020A Subordinate Lien Refunding Bonds, if any, and the Series 2023 Subordinate Lien Refunding Bonds, the “Outstanding Subordinate Lien Bonds”), currently outstanding in the aggregate principal amount of $148,315,000.

Section 4. The President, Vice President and/or the Secretary of the Commission (the “Authorized Officers”), on behalf of the Commission, are hereby authorized and directed to execute the Bond Purchase Agreement by and between the Commission and BofA Securities, Inc. (the “Underwriter”) for the purchase of the Series 2025 Refunding Bonds. In addition, the Authorized Officers, on behalf of the Commission, are hereby authorized and directed to execute or deliver, as the case may be, the Tender Invitation, the Series 2025 Refunding Disclosures, a Dealer Manager Agreement, a Tender Agent Agreement, any and all other Tender Documents as may be necessary to effect the Tender Transaction, and/or one or more credit enhancement devices expressly authorized pursuant to the provisions of La. R.S. 39:1421 and La. R.S. 39:1429, in each case, as may be recommended by Bond Counsel, the Commission’s Municipal Advisor and the Underwriter in connection with the financing described herein.

Section 5. The preparation and distribution of the Preliminary Official Statement and Official Statement of the Commission relating to the Series 2025 Refunding Bonds containing security features, other pertinent information as may be deemed necessary, advisable or desirable and detailed and comprehensive financial and statistical data of the Commission, are hereby authorized and approved. Said Preliminary Official Statement may be submitted to such nationally recognized bond rating agency or agencies as may be recommended by Bond Counsel, the Commission’s Municipal Advisor and the Underwriter, together with a request that an appropriate rating be assigned.

The Preliminary Official Statement may also be submitted to such Municipal Bond Insurers and/or other credit enhancers, as may be recommended by Bond Counsel, the Commission’s Municipal Advisor and the Underwriter. In the event the Governing Authority makes a finding that substantial benefits will accrue from the purchase of municipal bond insurance and/or any other credit enhancement products, the Commission may qualify the Series 2025 Refunding Bonds for issuance of a policy of municipal bond insurance and/ or any other such credit enhancement products, and may contract for such insurance and/or any other such credit enhancement products on the Series 2025 Refunding Bonds, and the premium(s) and/or fees, as the case may be, therefor may be paid from the proceeds of the Series 2025 Refunding Bonds.

Section 6. It is recognized, found and determined that a real necessity exists for the employment of bond counsel in connection with the issuance of the Series 2025 Refunding Bonds and, accordingly, the firm of Butler Snow LLP, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is hereby employed as bond counsel to the Commission to do and to perform comprehensive, legal and coordinate professional work with respect to the issuance and sale of the Series 2025 Refunding Bonds. Bond counsel shall (i) prepare and submit to the Commission for adoption all of the proceedings incidental to the authorization, issuance, sale and delivery of the Series 2025 Refunding Bonds; (ii) counsel and advise the Commission with respect to the issuance and sale of the Series 2025 Refunding Bonds; and (iii) furnish their opinion covering the legality of the issuance thereof. The fees to be paid Bond Counsel shall be an amount less than the Attorney General’s then current Bond Counsel Fee Schedule as negotiated and other guidelines for comprehensive, legal and coordinate professional work in the issuance of revenue bonds applied to the actual aggregate principal amount issued, sold, delivered and paid for at the time the Series 2025 Refunding Bonds are delivered, together with reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses incurred and advanced in connection with the issuance of the Series 2025 Refunding Bonds, said fee to be payable from proceeds of the Series 2025 Refunding Bonds by the Commission for costs related to the issuance of the Series 2025 Refunding Bonds, subject to the Attorney General’s written approval of said employment and fee.

Section 7. Government Consultants, Inc., Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is hereby appointed as Municipal Advisor to the Commission in connection with the issuance, sale and delivery of the Series 2025 Refunding Bonds.

Section 8. BofA Securities, Inc. is hereby selected as Underwriter in connection with the issuance, sale and delivery of the Series 2025 Refunding Bonds. BofA Securities, Inc. is also hereby selected as Dealer Manager in connection with the Tender Transaction.

Section 9. Payment of all costs of issuance, including, but not limited to, services rendered by Bond Counsel, municipal advisory fees and expenses, underwriting fees and expenses of the Underwriter, fees and expenses of the Dealer Manager, rating agency fees, publication fees, printing fees, out of state travel expenses for representatives of the Commission, and other miscellaneous fees or expenses relating to the sale and delivery of the Series 2025 Refunding Bonds, are hereby authorized to be paid from the proceeds of the Series 2025 Refunding Bonds.

Section 10. The Authorized Officers and Bond Counsel are hereby directed to forward a certified copy of this Resolution to State Bond Commission, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, along with a letter requesting prompt approval of this application.

Section 11. The Authorized Officers are hereby further authorized and directed, for and on behalf of the Commission, to accept, receive, execute, seal, attest and deliver all such documents, certificates and other instruments as are required in connection with the authorization, issuance, sale and delivery of the Series 2025 Refunding Bonds and to take such further action as may be required by the Municipal Advisor and/or Bond Counsel to the Commission or appropriate or required by law in connection with the authorization, issuance, sale and delivery of the Series 2025 Refunding Bonds.

Section 12. By virtue of the Commission’s application for, acceptance and utilization of the benefits of the Louisiana State Bond Commission’s approval resolved and set forth therein, the Commission resolves that it understands and agrees that such approval is expressly conditioned upon, and it further resolves that it understands, agrees and binds itself, its successors and assigns to, full and continuing compliance with the “State Bond Commission Policy on Approval of Proposed Use of Swaps, or other forms of Derivative Products Hedges, Etc.,” adopted by the Louisiana State Bond Commission on July 20, 2006, as to the borrowing and other matters subject to the approval, including subsequent application and approval under said Policy of the implementation or use of any swaps or other products or enhancements covered thereby.

Section 13. A copy of this Resolution shall be published immediately after its adoption in one (1) issue of The Advocate, official journal of the Commission.

For thirty (30) days after the date of publication, any person in interest may contest the legality of this Resolution, any provision of the Series 2025 Refunding Bonds, the provisions herein made for the security and payment of the Series 2025 Refunding Bonds and the validity of all other provisions and proceedings relating to the authorization and issuance of the Series 2025 Refunding Bonds. After the said thirty (30) days, no person shall have any cause of action to test the regularity, formality, legality, or effectiveness of this Resolution, and the provisions hereof, for any cause whatsoever. Thereafter, it shall be conclusively presumed that every legal requirement for the issuance of the Series 2025 Refunding Bonds has been met. No court shall have the authority to inquire into any of these matters after the said thirty (30) days.

Section 14. That this Resolution shall become effective immediately.

This Resolution having been submitted to a vote, the vote thereon was as follows: Yeas: Laurie Adams, Denise Amoroso, Carolyn Coleman, Cleve Dunn, Jr., Rowdy Gaudet, Twahna Harris, Dwight Hudson, Darryl Hurst, Anthony Kenney, Aaron Moak, Brandon Noel, Jennifer Racca Nays: None Abstain: None Absent: None Done, Approved and adopted on this, the 13th day of August, 2025. /s/ Ashley Beck Council Administrator

/s/ Jennifer Racca President

STATE OF LOUISIANA PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE I, ASHLEY BECK, certify that I am the duly qualified and acting Secretary of the Board of Commissioners of the East Baton Rouge Sewerage Commission, the governing authority of the East Baton Rouge Sewerage Commission.

I further certify that the above and foregoing is a true and correct copy of an excerpt from the minutes of a meeting of said Board of Commissioners held August 13, 2025, and of a Resolution authorizing the East Baton Rouge Sewerage Commission (the “Commission”), to make application to the State Bond Commission for consent and authority to issue (a) not exceeding $497,925,000 Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 2025A of the Commission, for the purpose of providing sufficient funds to refund all or a portion of the outstanding principal amount of (i) the Commission’s $224,900,0000 Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 2020B (Taxable), and (ii) the Louisiana Local Government Environmental Facilities and Community Development Authority’s (the “Authority”) $361,325,000 Subordinate Lien Revenue Refunding Bonds (East Baton Rouge Sewerage Commission Projects), Series 2020A (Taxable); and to pay the costs of issuance of the Series 2025A Refunding Bonds, and (b) not exceeding $277,115,000 Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 2025B of the Commission, for the purpose of providing sufficient funds to refund all or a portion of the outstanding principal amount of the Authority’s Subordinate Lien Revenue Refunding Bonds (East Baton Rouge Sewerage Commission Projects), Series 2020A (Taxable); and to pay the costs of issuance of the Series 2025B Refunding Bonds; authorizing the selection of the Underwriter and Dealer Manager in connection with the issuance, sale and delivery of the Series 2025A Refunding Bonds and the Series 2025B Refunding Bonds; authorizing the execution and delivery of any and all other documents required in connection with the issuance of the Series 2025A Refunding Bonds and the Series 2025B Refunding Bonds, including, but not limited to, a Bond Purchase Agreement with the Underwriter and a Dealer Manager Agreement with the Dealer Manager; authorizing the preparation and distribution of a Preliminary Official Statement and Official Statement relating to the Series 2025A Refunding Bonds and the Series 2025B Refunding bonds; and providing for other matters related thereto.

IN FAITH WHEREOF, witness my official signature and the impress of the official seal of said Parish of East Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on this, the 13th day of August, 2025. /s/ Ashley Beck Ashley Beck, Secretary 155708-544945-Aug. 28-1t $ 856.60

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