The Advocate 10-09-2025

COMING HOME

BY HALEY MILLER Staff writer

Dozens of people stood filming and holding back tears along Airline Highway on Wednesday afternoon as police escorted the hearse carrying Deputy Charles Riley, who was killed in a struggle at the Iberville Parish Courthouse on Monday that resulted in gunfire.

Mourners line route of procession for slain deputy Crowds watch the procession for fallen Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office Deputy Charles Riley on Wednesday.

“What’s going on in the world that we’re losing a lot of law enforcers and medical professionals?” said Gonzales resident Brenda Blazek. “There’s so much crazy stuff going on. We need these people.”

Israel, Hamas agree to pause fighting

BY SAMY MAGDY, SAM MEDNICK and AAMER MADHANI Associated Press

WASHINGTON Israel and Hamas have agreed to pause fighting in Gaza and release at least some hostages and prisoners in an agreement that was put forward by the Trump administration and would represent the biggest breakthrough in months in the devastating two-year-old war

“This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace,” President Donald Trump wrote on social media. “All Parties will be treated fairly!”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on social media, “With God’s help we will bring them all home.” Hamas said it had agreed to a deal that will lead to the end of the war in Gaza, the withdrawal of Israeli troops, the entry of aid into Gaza and the exchange of prisoners for hostages.

Hamas called on Trump and the mediators to ensure that Israel implements all the provisions of the deal “without disavowal or delay in implementation of what was agreed upon.”

Hamas plans to release all 20 living hostages this weekend, people familiar with the matter told The Associated Press, while the Israeli military will begin a withdrawal from the majority of Gaza.

While many questions remain, the sides appear

See PROCESSION, page 4A

The procession brought Riley’s body to Ourso Funeral Home in Gonzales. Mourners from nearby parishes gathered to pay tribute along the route. His hearse was flanked by four police motorcycles and followed by a string of police cars belonging to multiple jurisdictions, including St. Gabriel, where he patrolled as

Legislators changing plans for upcoming special session

BY TYLER BRIDGES Staff writer

State legislators appear to have dropped plans to redraw boundaries for Louisiana’s six congressional districts when they convene in a special session on Oct. 23.

Instead, they likely will only move back the election schedule to ensure that candidates for House and Senate elections next year won’t have to qualify for their races before the U.S. Supreme Court issues its ruling in a muchanticipated Voting Rights Act case.

That ruling could lead to a new map, so lawmakers want to make sure that candidate qualifying for the primary elections would occur afterward.

“We are likely to address only the closed primary dates and wait on the Supreme Court ruling for the congressional maps,” said Sen. Caleb Kleinpeter, R-West Baton Rouge. Legislative leaders have agreed that the Senate will take the lead in moving the main bill that they tackle during the upcoming special session. It will be heard by the Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee that Kleinpeter chairs, and he will likely sponsor the legislation.

Gov Jeff Landry had more ambitious plans when he notified legislators two months ago that he planned to call them into a special session beginning on Oct. 23. Then, he told them he wanted lawmakers to pass a new congressional map contingent on the Supreme

page 4A

STAFF PHOTOS By HILARy SCHEINUK

Law enforcement members escort fallen Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office Deputy Charles Riley to the Ourso Funeral Home in Gonzales on Wednesday.

BRIEFS

Dolly Parton responds to health concerns

NEW YORK Dolly Parton “ain’t dead yet,” the country superstar said on social media Wednesday following public speculation about her health.

“There are just a lot of rumors flying around. But I figured if you heard it from me, you’d know that I was OK,” the 79-year-old singer said in a two-minute video posted on Instagram. “I’m not ready to die yet. I don’t think God is through with me. And I ain’t done working.”

Her post, which appeared on numerous of Parton’s social media accounts and her website, was captioned, “I ain’t dead yet.” Late last month Parton postponed her first Las Vegas residency in 32 years, citing “health challenges.” She was scheduled to perform six shows at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace for “Dolly: Live in Las Vegas” between Dec. 4 and Dec. 13, overlapping with the National Finals Rodeo Her dates have been moved to September 2026. She did not provide specific details at the time, writing, “As many of you know, I have been dealing with some health challenges, and my doctors tell me that I must have a few procedures. As I joked with them, it must be time for my 100,000mile check-up, although it’s not the usual trip to see my plastic surgeon!”

In the new video shared Wednesday, Parton speaks directly to the camera, telling her audience she’s about to record a few commercials for the Grand Ole Opry

29-year-old charged in deadly L.A. wildfire

A 29-year-old man has been charged with sparking California’s deadly Palisades Fire one of the most destructive wildfires in its history, authorities said Wednesday Federal officials said Jonathan Rinderknecht, who lived in the area, started a small fire on New Year’s Day that smoldered underground before reigniting nearly a week later and roaring through Pacific Palisades, home to many of Los Angeles’ rich and famous The fire that left 12 dead in the hillside neighborhoods across Pacific Palisades and Malibu was one of two blazes that broke out on Jan. 7, killing more than 30 people in all and destroying over 17,000 homes and buildings while burning for days in Los Angeles County Rinderknecht was arrested Tuesday in Florida and made his first court appearance Wednesday in Orlando on charges including malicious destruction by means of a fire, which carries a minimum sentence of five years in prison.

Dog helps a Fla. deputy find missing woman

DESTIN, Fla. — A dog named Eeyore turned into a rescuer, leading a Florida sheriff’s deputy to where a missing 86-year-old woman had fallen while walking him, bodycam footage shows. The woman’s husband reported her missing on Sept. 25 after she didn’t return from her walk in their neighborhood.

“She just takes that dog, but she never takes more than 10 or 15 minutes,” the worried husband told Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Deputy Devon Miller Miller drove around the neighborhood until she spotted Eeyore in the middle of the road The dog trotted up to the deputy, who responded: “Hi! Where’s your mommy?” The dog then led her to the spot where the woman had fallen.

Comey pleads not guilty to federal charges

Case politically motivated, lawyers say

BY ERIC TUCKER, ALANNA DURKIN RICHER and MICHAEL KUNZELMAN Associated Press

ALEXANDRIA, Va. James Comey pleaded not guilty Wednesday in a criminal case that has highlighted the Justice Department’s efforts to target adversaries of President Donald Trump, with lawyers for the former FBI director saying they plan to argue the prosecution is politically motivated and should be dismissed.

The arraignment lasted less than half an hour, but it was nonetheless loaded with historical significance given that the case has amplified concerns the Jus-

tice Department is being weaponized in pursuit of the Republican president’s political enemies and is operating at the behest of an administration determined to seek retribution.

Comey’s not guilty plea to allegations that he lied to Congress five years ago kick-starts a process of le-

gal wrangling that could culminate in a trial months from now at the federal courthouse in Alexandria, Virginia, just outside of Washington. Defense lawyers said they intend to ask that the case be thrown out before trial on grounds that it constitutes a vindictive prosecution and also plan

Three scientists win the Nobel Prize in chemistry

BY KOSTYA MANENKOV, STEFANIE DAZIO and CHRISTINA LARSON Associated Press

STOCKHOLM Three scientists won the Nobel Prize in chemistry Wednesday for their development of new molecular structures that can trap vast quantities of gas inside, laying the groundwork to potentially suck greenhouse gases out of the atmosphere or harvest moisture from desert environments.

The chairperson of the committee that made the award compared the structures called metal-organic frameworks to the seemingly bottomless magical handbag carried by Hermione Granger in the “Harry Potter” series Another example might be Mary Poppins’ enchanted carpet bag. These containers look small from the outside but are able to hold surprisingly large quantities within.

The committee said Susumu Kitagawa Richard Robson and Omar M. Yaghi were honored for “groundbreaking discoveries” that “may contribute to solving some of humankind’s greatest challenges,” from pollution to water scarcity.

Robson, 88, is affiliated with the University of Melbourne in Australia.

Kitagawa, 74, is with Japan’s Kyoto University, and Yaghi, 60, is with the Uni-

versity of California, Berkeley

The chemists worked separately but added to each other’s breakthroughs over decades, beginning with Robson’s work in the 1980s.

The scientists were able to devise stable atomic structures that preserved holes of specific sizes that allowed gas or liquid to flow in and out. The holes can be customized to match the size of specific molecules that scientists or engineers want to hold in place, such as water, carbon dioxide or methane.

“That level of control is quite rare in chemistry,” said Kim Jelfs, a computational chemist at Imperial College London. “It’s really efficient for storing gases.”

A relatively small amount of the structure — which combines metal nodes and organic rods, somewhat like the interchangeable building pieces in Tinker Toys — creates many organized holes and a huge amount of surface area inside.

For instance, Jelfs said, a few grams of molecular organic framework may have as much surface area as a soccer field, all of which can be used to lock gas molecules in place.

“If you can store toxic gases,” said American Chemical Society President Dorothy Phillips, “it can help address global challenges.”

Weakened Priscilla nears Baja peninsula

Jerry churns in the Atlantic

By The Associated Press

A story in Tuesday’s edition about a judge dismissing a lawsuit by the Legislative Black Caucus against Attorney General Liz Murrill incorrectly identified the judge as Eboni Johnson-Rose. The judge was Tiffany Foxworth-Roberts The Advocate | The Times-Picayune regrets the error A story in Monday’s Advocate about a new Mango store in the Mall of Louisiana contained incorrect information. The store will only carry women’s clothing and Mango has been present in the U.S. since 2006.

MIAMI Priscilla lost its hurricane status Wednesday as it churned up Mexico’s western Pacific coast while Tropical Storm Jerry was expected to strengthen in the Atlantic on its approach to the Leeward Islands, forecasters said. Priscilla approached major hurricane status Tuesday before weakening to a tropical storm a day later with maximum sustained winds of about

70 mph, the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami said. The storm was bringing high surf and gusty winds to Baja California Sur, which was under a tropical storm watch from Cabo San Lucas to Cabo San Lazaro. Heavy rainfall and flash flooding were possible as the storm moves along Mexico’s Pacific coast and through the weekend in the Southwestern United States, forecasters said.

The storm was moving northwest at 8 mph. It was centered about 205 miles west-southwest of the southern tip of Baja

California, forecasters said. The hurricane center said the flood risk was increasing from all the rain Priscilla was dropping as it headed further north. In the Atlantic, Tropical Storm Jerry had top winds of 60 mph. It was centered about 605 miles east-southeast of the northern Leeward Islands while moving west-northwest at 23 mph. Forecasters said Jerry was expected to strengthen gradually and could become a hurricane by the weekend The core of the storm is expected to be near or to the north of the northern Leeward Islands late this week or weekend

to challenge the legitimacy of the appointment of the prosecutor who filed the charges just days after Trump hastily appointed her to her position.

“It’s the honor of my life to represent Mr Comey in this matter,” one of Comey’s lawyers, Patrick Fitzgerald, a longtime friend who served with him in President George W. Bush’s Justice Department, said

Wednesday

The indictment two weeks ago followed an extraordinary chain of events that saw the Trump administration effectively force out the prosecutor who had been overseeing the Comey investigation and replace him with Lindsey Halligan, a White House aide who previously served as one of the president’s former lawyers but had never served as a federal prosecutor The president also publicly

implored Attorney General Pam Bondi to take action against Comey and other perceived adversaries. Less than a week after being appointed, Halligan rushed to file charges before a legal deadline lapsed despite warnings from other lawyers in the office that the evidence was insufficient for an indictment. She sat at the prosecution table Wednesday

The two-count indictment alleges that Comey misled the Senate Judiciary Committee on Sept 30, 2020, when he was asked whether he had authorized any associate to serve as an anonymous source to the news media related to investigations of either Trump or 2016 Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. Comey replied that he stood by earlier testimony that he had not given such authorization.

Joan Kennedy, ex-wife of senator, dies at 89

BY MICHAEL CASEY Associated Press

BOSTON Joan B. Kennedy, the former wife of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy who endured a troubled marriage marked by family tragedies, her husband’s infidelities and her own decades-long struggles with alcoholism and mental health, died on Wednesday She was 89. The former Joan Bennett, one of the last remaining members of a family generation that included President John F. Kennedy was a model and classically-trained pianist when she married Ted Kennedy in 1958. Their lives would change unimaginably over the next decade and a half. Brotherin-law John F. Kennedy was elected president in 1960 and assassinated three years later Brotherin-law Robert F. Kennedy served as attorney general

under JFK, was elected to the U.S Senate in 1964 and assassinated while seeking the presidency Her husband was elected to the U.S. Senate and became among the country’s most respected legislators despite initial misgivings that he was capitalizing on his family connections. But Ted Kennedy also lived through scandals of his own making. In 1969, the car he was driving plunged off a bridge on Chappaquiddick Island, killing his young female passenger, Mary Jo Kopechne. She stood by her husband through the scandal, but their estrangement was nearly impossible to hide by the time of his unsuccessful effort to defeat President Jimmy Carter in the 1980 Democratic primaries. They would later divorce.

Joan Kennedy struggled to fit in to the high-powered family “Joan was shy and a really reserved person, and the Kennedys aren’t,” Adam Clymer, author of “Edward M. Kennedy: A Biography” said in 2005.

Joan Kennedy

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By FREDRIK SANDBERG

Chair of the Nobel Committee for Chemistry Heiner Linke, left, announces Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson and Omar yaghi, on screen behind, as the recipients the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, at the Nobel Assembly of the Karolinska Institutet, in Stockholm, Sweden, on Wednesday.

COURTROOM SKETCH By DANA VERKOUTEREN

Former FBI Director James Comey, second from left, stands during his arraignment at the federal courthouse in Alexandria, Va., on Wednesday.

Government shutdown grinds into week 2

Tempers flare as no end appears in sight

BY LISA MASCARO, MARY CLARE JALONICK and JOEY CAPPELLETTI Associated Press

WASHINGTON Tours at the Capitol have come to a standstill. The House is keeping its doors closed, while the Senate repeated its loop Wednesday of failed votes to reopen the government. President Donald Trump is threatening to mass fire federal workers and refuse back pay for the rest. As the government shutdown entered a second week, there’s no discernible endgame in sight.

“Congress, do your damn job,” said Randy Erwin, president of the National Federation of Federal Employees, with other top union leaders near the Capitol No negotiations, at least publicly, are underway, but behind the scenes quiet talks are emerging.

Clusters of lawmakers, Republicans and Democrats, are meeting privately, searching for ways out of the impasse, which hinges on striking a deal for preserving health care subsidies

Signs of discomfort are apparent: Military personnel and federal employees are set to miss paychecks, flights are being delayed at

yet to be seated in Congress.

Johnson, facing a diminished GOP majority once the new Democrat takes office, declined. A short time later

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York was confronted by home state

GOP Rep. Mike Lawler He was demanding the leader’s support for a one-year extension of the expiring health care subsidies, as Democrats pushed for a better deal. The encounter quickly digressed

“You shut the government down,” Lawler railed.

“You’re embarrassing yourself,” Jeffries retorted

At its core, the debate is over the health care issue that has tangled Congress for years, and in particular, the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, that Trump tried, and failed, to repeal and replace during his first term at the White House.

of higher policy rates for the new year

Two prominent Republicans, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia and Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri, have broken from their party, saying something must be done to help Americans pay for the coming health insurance rate hikes.

A loosely formed collection of senators, Republicans and Democrats, have bantered about options for addressing the health insurance problem.

airports nationwide and federal programs are disrupted. Confrontations erupted at the Capitol. Two dueling bills, one from Republicans and the other from Democrats, failed again in the Senate. The Republicans who have majority control in Congress believe they have the upper hand politically, as they fend off Democratic demands to quickly fund health insurance subsidies as part of any plan to end the shutdown.

House Speaker Mike Johnson appears so confident he is preparing to take live questions from callers on C-

SPAN’s Thursday morning public affairs show

But so have Democrats dug in, convinced that Americans are on their side in the fight to prevent the looming health care price spikes and blaming Trump for the shutdown.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer insisted it was Republicans who are

“feeling the heat.” Tensions rose Wednesday to a boil.

Outside the speaker’s office, Arizona’s two Democratic senators who were demanding that Johnson re-open the House to swear in Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva She won a special election to the state’s Tucson-area seat last month and has said she would sign on to releasing the files on the sex trafficking investigations into Jeffrey Epstein, but has

Congress increased the federalsubsidiesthathelppeople purchase private insurance policies on the Affordable Care Act exchanges during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The federal aid was popular and it boosted ACA enrollment to a record 24 million people Those enhanced subsidies are set to expire at year’s end

Republicans say Congress can deal with the health insurance issue in the months ahead.

Democrats are fighting to resolve the problem now, as people are receiving notices

Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine has offered her own plan for kickstarting talks. It involves re-opening the government now, but with a “commitment,” she said, to discussing the health care issue. Another option floated by GOP Sen. Mike Rounds of South Dakota, a former state governor, is a temporary extension of the subsidies, for one year, and then a phase out. And Trump himself signaled he was open to negotiating with Democrats over their demands to save health care subsidies. Earlier this week, the president said that talks were already underway as he wants “great health care” for the people, only to shift his tone hours later to say the government must reopen first.

“I’m pretty discouraged,” Rounds said Wednesday “My sense is that’s probably past the point of getting anything done.”

Pressure points ahead could bring quicker resolution

BY KEVIN FREKING Associated Press

WASHINGTON The first week is the easy one. The pressure to resolve the federal shutdown will gradually build as the shutdown enters its second week and as government workers miss paychecks and important programs run out of money The next payday for the nation’s military service members is Oct. 15. The U.S. has about 1.3 million active-duty service members, and the prospect of those troops going without pay is a big focal point when lawmakers on Capitol Hill discuss the shutdown’s negative impact.

“We have young airmen and soldiers deployed around the world right now defending our freedom and they’ve left their young families at home,” House Speaker Mike Johnson said. “They are dependent upon that check on October 15th.” Paydays for civilian federal workers depend on the agency The Bipartisan Policy Center, a nonpartisan think tank, says a majority of civilian workers will see a partial paycheck arrive between Oct. 10-15, reflecting days worked before the shutdown began.

Civilians at the Department of Defense and Health and Human Services, along with a few other agencies,

will experience their first entirely missed check on Oct. 24, while the majority of other federal workers will experience their first missed paycheck on Oct. 28. That includes air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration agents manning airport security checkpoints.

Air travel

For many Americans, the shutdown is a distant event that doesn’t impact them personally But that can quickly change for the flying public.

The nation’s longest partial shutdown in President Donald Trump’s first term was resolved soon after flights were halted at LaGuardia and delayed at other major airports because of a shortage of unpaid air traffic controllers who called in sick.

There has already been a rash of delays at a number of airports across the country Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said there has been an uptick in air traffic controllers calling out sick since the shutdown began. The biggest problems so far have been at the smaller airports in Burbank, California and Nashville Tennessee, with delays stretching longer than two hours, but those didn’t create massive ripple effects nationwide.

But there have also been delays at the major hubs in Chicago, Newark, New Jersey and Denver because of

staffing problems, and more problems are possible because of the ongoing shortage of controllers Even the absence of a handful of controllers in a key location could cause major disruptions. Earlier this year, the absence of just five controllers who took leave after a radar outage, snarled traffic in Newark.

“This is one that is just so intensely felt by travelers who might not even know about what the government shutdown is, or the mechanics or the politics surrounding it,” said Rachel Snyderman, managing director of economic policy for the Bipartisan Policy Center “You can go and expect a 30-minute line at Transportation Security Administration and it turns into three hours.”

Food assistance

The $8 billion Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, also known as WIC, provides vouchers to buy infant formula as well as fresh fruits and vegetables, low-fat milk and other healthy staples that are often out of financial reach for low-income households.

The program is being kept afloat by a $150 million contingency fund, but experts say it could run dry quickly After that, states could step in to pay for the program and seek reimbursement when funding finally passes, but not all states say

they can afford to do so.

Nearly 7 million women and young children rely on nutrition and health support through the program.

The White House said Tuesday it will use tariff revenue to bolster the program, but did not provide details on how such a transfer would work.

The National WIC Associa-

tion, an advocacy group, said that any effort to keep WIC operational is welcome, but critical details remain unknown, including how much funding will be provided, when it will be distributed, and how long it will last.

“WIC needs full-year funding, not just temporary lifelines,” said Georgia Machell, the group’s president and CEO. Meanwhile, the White House says SNAP benefits, also known as food stamps, will continue for the month of October, before the program’s funds, including contingency, are spent. About 41.7 million people per month, or some 12% of U.S. residents, participate in the program.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By JOHN MCDONNELL

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-Benton., left, addresses the media alongside House Republican Conference Chair Lisa McClain, R-Mich., and House Committee on Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole, R-Okla., on the eighth day of the government shutdown on Wednesday in Washington, D.C

a deputy in the Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office. Details of Riley’s funeral have not been made available yet. Many of those posted along Airline Highway said they knew Riley and wanted to show their support, while others were not close with the deputy but felt compelled to honor a life lost in the line of duty

“More people should’ve come, I think,” Blazek said. “Because he was from this community.”

Kit Janis said she recalled Riley as child, running around with other kids at the St. Theresa school in Gonzales. She didn’t know him personally she said, but heard he was a good-natured officer and beloved by others in the department.

“I’m just so sorry for the family,” Janis said, choking up. “I felt like if that was me, I’d want to know people cared.”

On Tuesday, friends remembered Riley as a man who loved his family and making people laugh. His loss will feel like “a piece that is missing” in St. Gabriel, they said. During the struggle at the courthouse Monday evening, three men were struck by gunfire: Riley, Capt. Brett Stassi Jr. and a suspect being questioned. Stassi is still hospitalized in critical but stable condition, the Sheriff’s Office said Riley and the suspect, Latrell Clark, were killed.

According to the Louisiana State Police, the deputies were attempting to arrest Clark, of White Cas-

SESSION

Continued from page 1A

Court case. The thinking was this: the Supreme Court on Oct 15 is scheduled to hear a challenge to Section 2 of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, the law that judges cited in ordering Louisiana to draw majority-Black congressional districts. Landry and Attorney General Liz Murrill are siding with conservatives who want the court to rule that Section 2 is unconstitutional. If the Supreme Court agrees, the justices would likely issue a ruling that would allow the Republican-controlled Legislature to revamp the current congressional map that elected four Republicans and two Democrats: U.S. Rep. Troy Carter and U.S. Rep. Cleo Fields. A new map would likely eliminate the seat of either Carter, whose New Orleans-anchored district stretches to Baton Rouge, or Fields, whose Baton Rougeanchored district stretches

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Continued from page 1A

to be closer than they have been in several months to ending a war that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians, destroyed most of Gaza and triggered other armed conflicts across the Middle East.

The war has sparked worldwide protests and brought widespread allegations of genocide that Israel denies. Israel is more isolated than it has been in decades and bitterly divided over the failure to return the hostages. The Palestinians’ dream of an independent state appears more remote than ever despite recent moves by major Western countries to recognize one.

The deal was solidified in Egypt after days of negotiations centered on a Trumpbacked peace plan that he hopes will ultimately result in a permanent end to the war and bring about a sustainable peace in the region

The arrival of Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, and the president’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, on Wednesday at Sharm elSheikh for the peace talks, which were also attended by Qatar’s prime minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, was a sign that negotiators aimed to dive deeply into the toughest issues of an American plan to end the war Netanyahu’s top adviser, Ron Dermer, was also present

tle, in a sex crimes investigation.

Clark attempted to disarm Stassi, Riley responded and multiple shots rang out, a preliminary investigation revealed.

State Police have not released further information on how the altercation unfolded, including if Clark was hit by one of the depu-

ties’ bullets or if he shot himself.

The Sheriff’s Office has organized daily blood drives to support Stassi’s recovery The next drive is at the St. Gabriel Community Center from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday Donations made in Stassi’s name generate a $30 credit toward his medical recovery, the Sheriff’s

Office said. As his son goes through multiple surgeries, Sheriff Brett Stassi Sr. has expressed gratitude for the support from around the parish and state. He also mourned Riley, calling him a hero of the department.

“His dedication to duty and com-

mitment to serving others will never be forgotten,” the sheriff said in a statement Tuesday “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and fellow deputies as we honor his sacrifice.”

Email Haley Miller at haley miller@theadvocate.com.

tion now, Landry noted.

to Shreveport Landry wanted lawmakers to pass a map in the upcoming special session to have it ready to go into effect if the Supreme Court invalidates Section 2. But legislators have pushed back on that idea, telling Landry privately that they don’t want to design a new map until after the Supreme Court rules. They have told the governor that the Legislature typically waits until a pending court case is settled before trying to address it through legislation.

Landry did not respond to an interview request Wednesday Redrawing the congressional boundaries also presents a series of land mines for legislators because it is so personal to both the members of Congress and the state legislators positioning themselves to run for those seats one day No legislator wants to pass a new map that upsets colleagues or powerful members of Congress if they can’t be sure the Supreme Court will mandate a new map.

for the talks.

Trump expressed optimism earlier in the day by saying that he was considering a trip to the Middle East within a matter of days. Yet another hint of an emerging deal came later in that event when U.S Secretary of State Marco Rubio passed Trump a note on White House stationery that read, “You need to approve a Truth Social post soon so you can announce deal first.” Truth Social is the president’s preferred social media platform

The note prompted Trump to proclaim, “We’re very close to a deal in the Middle East.”

The war began with Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel that killed about 1,200 people, many of them civilians, and took 251 hostage. Israel’s retaliatory military campaign has left tens of thousands of Palestinians dead, devastated Gaza and upended global politics. This would be the third ceasefire reached since the start of the war The first, in November 2023, saw more than 100 hostages mainly women and children, freed in exchange for Palestinian prisoners before it broke down. In the second, in January and February of this year, Palestinian militants released 25 Israeli hostages and the bodies of eight more in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners Israel ended that ceasefire in March with a surprise bombardment.

A growing number of ex-

But while legislators don’t want to change the map in the upcoming special session, they are planning to change next year’s election schedule — only they haven’t settled on a plan yet. Under a law passed by the Legislature last year at Landry’s behest, Louisiana’s congressional races in 2026 are scheduled to be run under the closed primary system, not the jungle primary that voters have grown accustomed to. Under the jungle primary, the top two finishers, regardless of party, advance to the runoff election, unless the highest vote-getter receives at least 50% of the vote. Under the jungle primary, candidate qualifying takes place no earlier than July, and the primary is not held until October or November

But under the new system for the congressional races, candidates would have to qualify in mid-January, and a party primary would be held in April. If no candidate received at least 50%, a second party primary would take place in May The winner in each party’s primary

perts, including those commissioned by a U.N body, have said that Israel’s offensive in Gaza amounts to genocide — an accusation Israel denies. More than 67,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza and nearly 170,000 wounded, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry

The ministry, which doesn’t differentiate between civilians and combatants but says around half of the deaths were women and children, is part of the Hamas-run government.

The United Nations and many independent experts consider its figures to be the most reliable estimate of wartime casualties.

The ministry said Wednesday that the bodies of 10 people killed by Israeli strikes had been brought to local hospitals over the past 24 hours.

In the Gaza Strip, where much of the territory lies in ruins, Palestinians have been desperate for a breakthrough. Thousands fleeing Israel’s latest ground offensive in northern Gaza and Gaza City have set up makeshift tents along the beach in the central part of the territory sometimes using blankets for shelter Sara Rihan, a displaced woman from Jabaliya, said she was praying for an end to the war

“I hope we return to our places and homes, even if there are no homes,” she said. “Our existence in our land is the biggest happiness for us.”

would advance to the November general election ballot.

Lawmakers want to push back candidate qualifying and the primary election dates to make sure the Supreme Court has issued an opinion before January Legislative leaders are speaking optimistically that they believe the high court will rule before mid-December because of the need to do so before an election scheduled in another state.

But Secretary of State Nancy Landry, who oversees the election system,

has warned lawmakers that moving back the qualifying period and the party primary election dates is no simple matter. Landry has advised them that any revised election schedule has to adhere to different federal and state laws and can’t interfere with scheduled local elections for mayor parish or city council or with local tax votes.

“We’ve been running different scenarios for legislators and the governor’s office,” Landry said. “It’s more involved than they can imagine.” There’s another complica-

“And we’re putting on an election at the same time,” she said. Given the complications, it’s possible that legislators will have to reverse themselves and go back to the open primary for next year’s House and Senate elections. And it’s even possible that they won’t be able to redraw the congressional map and change the election schedule next year If they can’t, the current congressional map would remain in place for another election cycle.

STAFF PHOTO By HILARy SCHEINUK

Friends, family and loved ones gather as law enforcement officers escort fallen Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office Deputy Charles Riley to the Ourso Funeral Home in Gonzales on Wednesday.

Dream Address Awaits

St. Tammany Council member to seek Bill Cassidy’s Senate seat

Mandeville resident joins crowded field

BY ALYSE PFEIL Staff writer

Seiden

First-term St. Tammany Parish Council member Kathy Seiden announc ed Wednesday she is running for U.S. Senate, joining a field of several Republican candidates who hope to knock incumbent Sen Bill Cassidy out of the race in a closed party primary set for April.

“I’m running because Washington has lost touch with the real challenges families face every single day,” Seiden said in a statement announcing her candidacy

“As a mother of four, I’ve lived those struggles. We need a fighter who stands unapologetically for faith, family and the American way of life.”

Seiden, 54, lives in Mandeville. She grew up in Brusly, attended Episcopal High School in Baton Rouge and has a bachelor’s degree from LSU in communications.

Her campaign website lists her stance on a dozen political issues that demonstrate her alignment with President Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” agenda: Christian faith, secure borders, opposition to abortion, support for gun rights, a belief that only two genders exist, and support for Robert F Kennedy Jr.’s “Make America

Healthy Again” movement, among others.

As part of the campaign launch, Seiden shared a sixminute video titled “The Outsider” that is meant to be the first in a series that “captures her outsider journey,” according to her campaign announcement. In the video, Seiden said that someone who is a mother to four boys “is exactly what Washington needs right now.”

She goes on to level a popular line of attack against Cassidy, saying that his 2021 impeachment vote to convict Trump for inciting an insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 that year “should disqualify you from being a Republican United States senator.”

In response to being called “another conservative Christian Biblethumper,” Seiden, in the video, says, “That’s exactly who I am. That’s exactly what this nation needs right now.”

Along with Cassidy, major Republican competitors in the race include state Sen Blake Miguez, R-New Iberia state Treasurer John Fleming and Public Service Commissioner Eric Skrmetta — all of whom are working to brand themselves as having the strongest MAGA credentials.

Sammy Wyatt, chief compliance and investigation officer at LSU Health Shreveport, is also running as a Republican. U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow R-Baton Rouge, and state Rep. Julie Emerson, RCarencro, are also considering getting into the race.

Email Alyse Pfeil at alyse.pfeil@theadvocate. com.

La. raising Medicaid payments

BY ALYSE PFEIL Staff writer

Doctors’ offices and hospitals will get paid more to treat patients on Medicaid, Louisiana Department of Health officials announced Tuesday Officials said higher reimbursement rates will attract more health care providers to serve Medicaid patients and increase patient access to health care.

“Today’s move really creates a space that allows physicians all over the state to be able to take more Medicaid patients in their panel, opening up access for patients,” said Louisiana Department of Health Secretary Bruce Greenstein.

“Better reimbursement rates empower doctors to see more patients and potentially open up more clinics,” he said.

Improved patient access should lead to more preventive care and better treatment of chronic conditions, Greenstein said. With the change, Medicaid

BY MEAD GRUVER Associated Press

FORT COLLINS, Colo A former Wyoming library director who was fired amid an uproar over books with sexual content and LGBTQ+ themes that some people complained were inappropriate for youngsters and who sought their removal from youth shelves will be paid $700,000 after settling a lawsuit.

Terri Lesley was fired as the library system director in northeastern Wyoming’s Campbell County in 2023, two years into the book dispute at the library in Gillette. Lesley sued last spring over her termination and reached the settlement with

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providers are now getting reimbursed at 85% of the Medicare reimbursement rate. Previously the rate for professional health care services was, in aggregate, 73% of the Medicare reimbursement rate, Greenstein said. That’s because different types of providers, such as primary care doctors, pediatricians, surgeons and psychologists, for example, had different rates.

Medicaid is a health insurance program for lowincome people run by the state. It’s funded by both the state and federal government, with the latter picking up most of the cost.

Medicare, the health insurance program for seniors, is run and paid for by the federal government.

The increased Medicaid rate applies to physicians, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified nurse midwives and physician assistants, Greenstein said.

Health Dep artment spokesperson Emma Her-

county officials Wednesday “I do feel vindicated. It’s been a rough road, but I will never regret standing up for the First Amendment,” Lesley said.

A major coal-mining area on the Western high plains, Campbell County is among the most conservative areas in one of the most conservative states.

Public officials there sided with the book objectors and violated Lesley’s First Amendment rights, Lesley claimed in her federal lawsuit against Campbell County, including its commission and library board.

The county denied Lesley’s claims. Only Lesley’s performance — not the dispute over the books — played a

rock said that while some rates had been bumped up in the past, “this is probably one of the most comprehensive increases to rates in a decade.”

Dr Wyche Coleman, a primary care doctor who has been practicing in rural northwest Louisiana for over four decades, said 50% of his practice is Medicaid patients.

“Firsthand I’ve seen the challenge with low reimbursement,” Coleman said.

He added that one of the “biggest challenges” is getting specialty doctors to see Medicaid patients.

Coleman, whose son is ophthalmologist and Health Department Deputy Surgeon General Wyche Coleman III, called the 85% reimbursement rate a “game-changer” that could incentivize young health care providers from Louisiana to return to rural hometowns and launch solo practices.

The increase in provider payments comes after state Sen. Gerald Boudreaux, DLafayette, sponsored a bill

in 2024 that directed the Health Department to put together a plan to increase rates. This spring, the Louisiana Legislature appropriated $258 million for the current fiscal year to cover the cost of the rate increase, including $200 million of federal funding, $22.5 million of state general fund dollars, and $26 million from savings generated by Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry’s Louisiana DOGE program, Health Department Undersecretary Drew Maranto said.

Some of the DOGE-related savings came from eligibility checks and removing people from the rolls who moved to another state or died, Greenstein said. Maranto said there are just under 1.6 million people on Medicaid in Louisiana. He also noted that the rates for behavioral health professionals are going up by more than 30%.

“We know that folks need treatment, and they need to get it at the right place,” Maranto said.

role in her dismissal, the county argued in court documents.

A private-practice attorney hired by the county for the lawsuit, Patrick Holscher, and County Attorney Nathan Henkes didn’t immediately return phone messages Wednesday seeking comment. The books objected to in Gillette included “This Book is Gay” by Juno Dawson, “How Do You Make a Baby” by Anna Fiske, “Doing It” by Hannah Witton, “Sex is a Funny Word” by Corey Silverberg, and “Dating and Sex: A Guide for the 21st Century Teen Boy” by Andrew P. Smiler

“We hope at least that it sends a message to other li-

brary districts, other states, other counties, that the First Amendment is alive and strong and that our values against discrimination also remain alive and strong,” said Lesley’s attorney, Iris Halpern. “These are public entities, they’re government officials, they need to keep in mind their constitutional obligations.” Halpern and her firm, Rathod Mohamedbhai in Denver, have supported fired library employees elsewhere in recent years. Under the settlement agreement, Lesley is dropping her lawsuit, though a separate lawsuit she has filed against three individuals who contested the books will continue.

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Stocks hit records

after brief stumble

Wall Street got back to rising on Wednesday, while the price of gold pushed further past $4,000 per ounce.

The S&P 500 climbed 0.6% a day after snapping a seven-day winning streak and set its latest all-time high. The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged down by 1 point, or less than 0.1%, while the Nasdaq composite rose 1.1% to its own record Trading has been relatively muted recently following the U.S. government’s latest shutdown The closure has delayed the release of several major economic reports that usually move the market. Stocks have been drifting without them or other signals to change expectations for cuts to interest rates by the Federal Reserve, one of the major reasons the stock market has surged since April.

Another force that’s pushed the market to records is the frenzy around artificial-intelligence technology

Advanced Micro Devices jumped another 11.4% to add to its rally from earlier in the week, when it announced an AI-related deal. AMD was the best-performing stock in the S&P 500.

Right behind was Dell Technologies, which piled more gains onto its own rally from Tuesday, when it talked up its growth opportunities related to AI. Dell rose 9.1% Poet Technologies climbed 17% and likewise added to its surge from Tuesday, when it said it raised $75 million in investment to accelerate its growth. The company sells high-speed optical engines and other products used in the AI systems market.

IRS to furlough nearly half its workforce

The IRS will furlough nearly half of its workforce on Wednesday as part of the ongoing government shutdown, according to an updated contingency plan posted to its website. Most IRS operations are closed, the agency said in a separate letter to its workers.

The news comes after President Donald Trump and Congress failed to strike an agreement to fund federal operations, and the government shutdown has entered its second week, with no discernible endgame in sight.

The agency’s initial Lapsed Appropriations Contingency Plan, which provided for the first five business days of operations, stated that the department would remain open using Democrats’ Inflation Reduction Act funds. Now, only 39,870 employees, or 53.6%, will remain working as the shutdown continues. It is unclear which workers will remain on the job.

Doreen Greenwald, president of the National Treasury Employees Union, said in a statement that taxpayers should expect increased wait times, backlogs and delays implementing tax law changes as the shutdown continues IMF chief offers this advice: ‘Buckle up’

WASHINGTON The global economy is holding up better than expected despite major shocks such as President Donald Trump’s tariffs, but the head of the International Monetary Fund says that resilience may not last.

“Buckle up,” Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said in a speech at a think tank Wednesday. “Uncertainty is the new normal and it is here to stay.” Her comments at the Milken Institute come on a day when gold prices hit $4,000 an ounce for the first time as investors seek safe haven from a weaker dollar and geopolitical uncertainty and before the IMF and World Bank hold their annual meetings next week in Washington. Trump’s trade penalties are expected to be in sharp focus when global finance leaders and central bankers gather

Meme investment fund returns

BY DAMIAN J. TROISE AP business writer

NEWYORK A resurgence of meme stock interest has prompted the return of a one-stop fund for the volatile and quirky investments.

Roundhill Investments is launching a meme ETF, which is an exchange-traded fund consisting solely of meme stocks. Several of those stocks have ridden a wave of meme investment sentiment this year The move comes two years after the provider of ETFs closed the fund because of slumping interest. The new fund trades under

the “MEME” symbol.

Investors have been sporadically turning to meme stocks throughout 2025 in an effort to find bargains amid a very pricey stock market.

The S&P 500 has had a busy year setting records. That has made it more difficult for investors to find stocks at lower prices that have potential for growth.

“Meme stocks started as a rebellion but have grown into a revolution,” said Dave Mazza, CEO of Roundhill Investments. “With MEME, we offer investors a tool to capture that power through an actively managed ETF that can ro-

tate quickly into the stocks dominating the conversation today.”

The biggest weight in the ETF is Opendoor Technologies, which has had a volatile year The real estate company’s stock was trading below $1 per share through early July, then surged above $3 that month as hedge fund manager Eric Jackson touted the stock on X. It fell back a bit, then gained more steam and closed above $9 on Tuesday

Other heavyweights in the index include Plug Power, which focuses on hydrogen fuel cell technology, and data center company Applied

Digital.

Meme stocks include companies with financial prospects that appear dim, but then gain ground for no seemingly fundamental reason. The stock gains are often fueled by online forums.

The stocks are often the target of “short sellers,” or investors betting against the stock. That sometimes prompts other investors to start buying the stock in an effort to get the people betting against the stock to do the same in order to cushion their own losses. This starts a cycle that further boosts the stock price.

Is there an AI bubble? Financial institutions sound a warning

BY KELVIN CHAN and MATT O’BRIEN AP technology writers

LONDON Lingering doubts about the economic promise of artificial intelligence technology are starting to get the attention of financial institutions that raised warning flags this week about an AI investment bubble.

Officials at the Bank of England on Wednesday flagged the growing risk that tech stock prices pumped up by the AI boom could burst.

“The risk of a sharp market correction has increased,” the U.K. central bank said.

The head of the International Monetary Fund raised a similar alarm hours after the Bank of England’s report.

Global stock prices have been surging, fired up by “optimism about the productivity-enhancing potential of AI,” IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said.

But financial conditions could “turn abruptly,” she warned in a speech ahead of the organization’s annual meeting next week in Washington.

Is there an AI bubble?

“Bubbles obviously are never very easy to identify, but we can see there are a few potential symptoms of a bubble in the current

situation,” said Adam Slater, lead economist at Oxford Economics.

Those symptoms include rapid growth in tech stock prices, the fact that tech stocks now comprise about 40% of the S&P 500, market valuations that appear “stretched” beyond their worth and “a general sense of extreme optimism in terms of the underlying technology, despite the enormous uncertainties around what this technology might ultimately yield,” Slater said.

The most optimistic projections about the fruits of generative AI products foresee a transformation of the economy, leading to annual productivity gains that Slater says have not been seen since the reconstruction of Europe after World War II. At the lower end, economist Daron Acemoglu of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology has predicted a “nontrivial but modest” U.S. productivity gain of just 0.7% over a decade.

“You’ve got this incredibly wide range of possibilities,” Slater said. “Nobody really knows where it’s going to land.” Doubts about worth of top AI companies

Investors have closely watched a series of intertwined deals over recent months between top AI developers such as OpenAI, maker of ChatGPT, and the companies build-

ing the costly computer chips and data centers needed to power these AI products. OpenAI doesn’t turn a profit but the privately held San Francisco firm is now the world’s most valuable startup, with a market valuation of $500 billion. It recently signed major deals with chipmaker Nvidia, the world’s most valuable publicly traded company, and its rival AMD, and a $300 billion deal with tech giant Oracle for the buildout of future data centers.

The Bank of England didn’t name any specific companies but said that on “a number of measures, equity market valuations appear stretched, particularly for technology companies focused on Artificial Intelligence.”

The report said stock market valuations are “comparable to the peak” of the 2000 dotcom bubble, which then deflated and led to a recession. With tech stocks accounting for an increasingly large share of benchmark stock indexes, stock markets are “particularly exposed should expectations around the impact of AI become less optimistic.”

The bank outlined so-called downside risks, including shortages of electricity data or chips that could slow AI progress, or technological changes that could lessen the need for the type of AI infrastructure currently being built around the world.

Fed minutes: Most officials supported further rate cuts

BY CHRISTOPHER RUGABER AP economics writer

WASHINGTON Most members of the Federal Reserve’s interestrate setting committee supported further reductions to its key interest rate this year, according to minutes from last month’s meeting released Wednesday A majority of Fed officials felt that the risk unemployment would rise had worsened since their previous meeting in July while the risk of rising inflation “had either diminished or not increased,” the minutes said. As a result, the central bank decided at its Sept. 16-17 meeting to reduce its key rate by a quarter-point to about 4.1%, its

first cut this year Rate cuts by the Fed can gradually lower borrowing costs for things like mortgages, auto loans, and business loans, encouraging more spending and hiring.

Still, the minutes underscored the deep division on the 19-person committee between those who feel that the Fed’s short-term rate is too high and weighing on the economy, and those who point to persistent inflation that remains above the central bank’s 2% target as evidence that the Fed needs to be cautious about reducing rates. Only one official formally dissented from the quarter-point cut: Stephen Miran, who was appointed

by President Donald Trump and was approved by the Senate just hours before the meeting began He supported a larger, half-point cut instead.

But the minutes noted that “a few” policymakers said they could have supported keeping rates unchanged, or said that “there was merit” in such a step. The differences help explain Chair Jerome Powell’s statements during the news conference that followed the meeting: “There are no risk-free paths now It’s not incredibly obvious what to do.”

Miran said in remarks Tuesday that he thinks inflation will steadily decline back toward the Fed’s 2% target, despite Trump’s tariffs,

and as a result he doesn’t think the Fed’s rate needs to be nearly as high as it is. Rental costs are steadily declining and will bring down inflation, he said, while tariff revenue will reduce the government’s budget deficit and reduce longer-term interest rates, which gives the Fed more room to cut. Yet many other Fed officials remain concerned about stubbornly high inflation, the minutes showed. Jeffrey Schmid, president of the Federal Reserve’s Kansas City branch, said in a speech Monday that “inflation is too high” and argued that the Fed should keep rates high enough to cool demand and prevent inflation from worsening.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By MATT OBRIEN

including Stargate, which has a data center complex in Abilene, Texas.

National Guardlands in Illinois,ordersunclear

BY CHRISTINE FERNANDO Associated Press

CHICAGO The Trump administration has yet to say what National Guard troops gathered outsideof Chicago will do next, but in Memphis, asmall groupstarted assisting law enforcement Wednesday

The troops were helpingwith theMemphis SafeTaskForce, said astate Military Department spokesperson who did not specify the exact role or numberofthe Guard members. The task force is acollection of about adozenfederal law enforcement agencies ordered by President Donald Trump to fight crime.

Tennessee Republican Gov. Bill Lee, who has welcomed the Guard, has said previously that he would not expect more than 150Guard members to be sent to the city.

Trump said online thatIllinois Gov. JB Pritzker andChicago’s mayor,both Democrats, “should be in jail” forfailing to protect federal agents during immigration crackdowns.

Trump fulfilled his threats to send troops to thestate this week The role of Texas NationalGuard membersataU.S.ArmyReserve Center in Elwood has not yet been publicly disclosed and extrafencing and tarps have gone up to block the view of the site.

Thepresident,contrary to statistics, hasrepeatedly claimed big cities run by Democrats are overwhelmed with crime. An immigration enforcementbuilding outside Chicago hasalsobeen the site of clashes between federal agents and protesters.

The government hasn’tcommunicated withstate officials about troop movements, Pritzker said.

“I can’tbelieve Ihave to say ‘troop movements’ in an American city,but that is what we’re talking about here,”Pritzker said.

Acourt hearing is set for Thursday on arequest by Illinois and Chicagotodeclarethe Guard deploymentillegal. Elsewhere, an appealscourt hasscheduleda hear-

French presidenttoname anew primeminister

BY SAMUEL PETREQUIN and JOHN LEICESTER Associated Press

PARIS French President Emmanuel Macron said Wednesday that he will name anew prime minister in the next 48 hours, for now rejecting other options in the face of apolitical storm.

The namingofareplacement for outgoing Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, who abruptly resigned on Monday,will —atleast for now —move France away from the likelihood of snap legislative elections, another possibility that is available to the Frenchleader butwhichcouldplunge the EuropeanUnion’ssecondlargest economy into even greater uncertainty

The announcement from Macron’soffice of aprime ministerial appointment before the weekend came after Lecornu —atthe president’srequest— spent the two days after his resignation taking the temperature in Parliament, to see whether therewas enough support in the powerful but fractured lowerhouse to form anew government.

Lecornu concluded that there was, even though Macron’scamp and its allies don’thave amajority in the National Assembly and the French leader’sprime ministerial appointments, leading minority governments, have tumbled one after another in quick succession over the past year

The presidentialstatement said that in the wake of his talks with political parties, Lecornu determined that amajority of National Assembly lawmakers don’twant snap legislative elections and that it’s“possible” that they could agree on a2026 budget for France by the end of the year

“On this basis, the presi-

France’sPresidentEmmanuel

dent ofthe Republicwill name aprime minister within 48 hours,” the statement said, without ahint of who Macron will choose.

Lecornu signaled that it won’tbehim again. “I’m not chasing the job,” he said. “Mymissionisfinished.”

In an interview with broadcaster France Télévisions before Macron’sannouncement,the outgoing prime minister said his 48 hoursoftalks withall parties exceptthose onthe far left and far right that refusednegotiationshad made progressand that “an absolute majority” of lawmakers don’tfor now see a needtodissolve the National Assembly,amove that backfired on Macron when he last did that.

Lecornu said Macron’s centrist camp and its allies in the Parliament, plus some opposition parties, couldstill cometogetherto form anew government

“There’samajority that can govern,” Lecornusaid “I feel that apath is still possible. It is difficult.”

The result from the elections triggered by Macron’s stunning National Assem-

bly dissolution in June 2024 was ahung Parliament. No onegroup has enough lawmakers in the 577-seat chambertoforma governmentalone. The ensuing political deadlock hasrattled investors, infuriatedmany voters andfrustrated efforts to agree on abudget to tackle France’smountingstate deficit anddamagingdebts.

Without astable majority, Macron’s minority governments have lurchedfrom crisis to crisis, collapsing as theysoughtlawmakers’ support for unpopular cuts to public spending.

Lecornu’sresignation on Mondaymorningcame just 14 hoursafter he’d named anew Cabinetthe night before, with his fragile coalition shattering in the face of political and personal rivalries.

To buymoretimeto weighhis options, Macron then asked the 39-year-old Lecornu —acloseallywho had previously served as defense minister —toreach out again to parties in the National Assembly,totry to build consensus behind France’snext budget,an urgent national priority

ing the same day over the govern-

ment’sdesire to send the Guard to Portland, Oregon. Ajudge blocked thateffort over the weekend.

The nearly 150-year-old Posse Comitatus Act limits the military’s role in enforcing domestic laws.

“This is about authoritarianism. It’sabout stoking fear,” Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said. “It’sabout breaking the Constitution that would give himthat much morecontrol over our American cities.”

In response to Trump’swish to jail him, Pritzker in downtown Chicago extended his armsand told MSNBC: “Ifyou come formy people, you come through me. So come and get me.”

Later Wednesday,U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis signaled that she planned to restrict federal agents from usingcertain crowd control tactics, such as tear gas, against peaceful protesters and journalists who have regularly gathered at aU.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcementfacility in Broadview

In June, police declared ariot, andthere have been smaller clashes since then.

In Portland, federal officials had requested that the city set up “free speechzones” for demonstrators and ensure agents’ access to the building with aperimeter,which was in place forHomelandSecurity Secretary Kristi Noem’svisit on Tuesday Mayor Keith Wilson told the Department of Homeland Security that the city “commits to peacefullyfacilitatingfree speech” and that police will “continue to evaluate the situation on the ground.”

However,Trump hassaidhewould be willing to invokethe Insurrection Act, which allows apresident to dispatch active duty military in states that are unable to put down an insurrection or are defying federal law

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO

Then-FrenchDefense Minister Sébastien Lecornu, right, and

Macron talk at the end of an address by the president to army leaders in Paris in July

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By LAURA BARGFELD

Uniformed

WednesdayinElwood, Ill., asuburb of Chicago.

Officials say evidence still lacking that targeted boats carried drugs

Administration says video clips are ‘hard evidence’

BY AAMER MADHANI, SEUNG MIN KIM, MATTHEW LEE and KONSTANTIN TOROPIN Associated Press

WASHINGTON

The Trump administration has yet to provide underlying evidence to lawmakers proving that alleged drug-smuggling boats targeted by the U.S. military in a series of fatal strikes were in fact carrying narcotics, according to two U.S. officials familiar with the matter

As bipartisan frustration with the strikes mounts, the Senate was voting Wednesday on a war powers resolution that would require the president to seek authorization from Congress before further military strikes on the cartels. The military has carried out at least four strikes on boats that the White House said were carrying drugs, including three it said originated from Venezuela It said 21 people were killed in the strikes.

The officials, who were not authorized to comment publicly about the matter and spoke on the condition of anonymity said the administration has only pointed to unclassified video clips of the strikes posted on social media by President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and has yet to produce “hard evidence’ they were carrying drugs.

The administration has not explained why it has blown up vessels in some cases while carrying out the typical practice of stopping boats and seizing drugs at other times, one of the officials said.

The Republican administration, in a retroactive memo justifying one of the strikes last month, declared

evidence’ that targeted vessels were carrying drugs, officials say.

drug cartels to be “unlawful combatants” and said the United States is now in an “armed conflict” with them. The declaration has raised stark questions about how Trump intends to use his war powers. It also has been perceived by several senators as pursuing a new legal framework to carry out lethal action and has raised questions about the role of Congress in authorizing any such action.

Asked about the lack of underlying evidence provided to Congress, the Pentagon on Wednesday pointed to videos of the strikes which do not confirm the presence of drugs.

The Pentagon also noted public statements by Hegseth including a social media post following the latest fatal strike in which he said, “Our intelligence, without a doubt, confirmed that this vessel was trafficking narcotics, the people onboard were narco-terrorists, and they were operating on a known narco-trafficking transit route.”

Lawmakers have expressed frustration that the administration is offering little detail about how it came to decide the U.S. is in armed conflict with car-

tels or even detailing which criminal organizations it claims as “unlawful combatants.”

Independent Sen. Angus King of Maine said Wednesday that he and other members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, in a classified briefing this week, were denied access to the Pentagon’s legal opinion about whether the boat strikes adhered to U.S. law

His comments came at a confirmation hearing for Joshua Simmons, a top legal adviser to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, to be the CIA’s next general counsel.

At the hearing, Simmons refused to say whether he had partaken in any deliberations over the targeting of cartels in the Caribbean, saying any legal advice he gave Rubio or other U.S. officials would’ve been confidential.

Attorney General Pam Bondi was pressed at a Senate hearing Tuesday about what advice she’s provided Trump to legally justify the strikes. She said, “I’m not going to discuss any legal advice that my department may or may not have given or issued at the direction of the president.”

Activists on Gaza flotilla claim harsh treatment

BY MICHELLE GUMEDE Associated Press

JOHANNESBURG Six South African activists who were detained by Israel while attempting to reach Gaza as part of an aid flotilla said Wednesday they were subjected to harsher treatment than other detainees because of South Africa’s role in a genocide case against Israel.

Speaking after their return, the activists, which include a grandson of Nelson Mandela, said they were singled out after Israeli guards noticed that they were from South Africa. Two Muslim women among the group said they had their hijabs ripped off their heads and were forced to strip naked in front of Israeli soldiers.

Since 2023, South Africa has led a highly contentious case in the United Nations’ top court accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza Mandla Mandela, grandson of South Africa’s antiapartheid icon and first Black president, said the South African activists on the flotilla were “harshly dealt with” because their country has confronted Israel over its actions in Gaza by launching the case at the International Court of Justice.

Their treatment was “because we are a nation that dared through our government to take apartheid Israel to the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court and hold them accountable,” Mandela said.

South African activists Fatima Hendricks and Zaheera Soomar told reporters at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo airport on their return that their hijabs were forcibly removed from their heads while they were detained by Is-

rael, which didn’t happen to other Muslim female activists.

“Both of us were forced behind a screen, our heads pushed against the wall and completely stripped naked in front of Israeli soldiers This did not happen to other women,” said Soomar “When they saw our passports, this is how we were treated as South Africans.”

Israel’s Foreign Ministry has denied any claims of mistreatment and noted that all activists were given the opportunity to voluntarily be deported without detention. It said Wednesday in response to the allegations by the South African activists that “all the legal rights of the participants in this PR stunt were and will continue to be fully upheld. The lies they are spreading are part of their pre-planned fake news campaign.”

The six South Africans were among some 450 activists who were arrested as Israeli forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla, a fleet of 42 boats seeking to break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza and deliver a symbolic amount

of aid to Palestinians in the famine-stricken territory

They were detained last week and brought to Israel. Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg was among the activists arrested. Thunberg and activists from other countries have also claimed they were mistreated by Israeli guards, claims Israel has rejected as “brazen lies.”

The Israeli military intercepted another flotilla early Wednesday and detained scores more activists on board.

Mandla Mandela has previously been criticized over his alleged support for the Palestinian militant group Hamas and was denied a visa to travel to the U.K. last year

South Africa has long been a supporter of the Palestinian cause dating back to when Nelson Mandela was president. The country has compared Israel’s treatment of Palestinians to the South African apartheid government’s treatment of Black South Africans during its previous period of racial segregation. Israel has rejected that comparison.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By EVAN VUCCI

The Trump administration has yet to produce ‘hard

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By THEMBA HADEB Mandla Mandela shows a victory sign amid his fellow members of the Global Sumud Flotilla at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Wednesday.

Murrill sues FDA over abortion pills

Case could block mailing certain medications

BY EMILY WOODRUFF

Staff writer

The state of Louisiana has filed a federal lawsuit challenging the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s decision to let abortion pills be sent through the mail, saying the change violates state law and puts women at risk.

The lawsuit, filed Monday in the U.S. District Court for the West-

ern District of Louisiana, was brought by Attorney General Liz Murrill and a Louisiana woman named Rosalie Markezich, who alleged she felt coerced to take pills her boyfriend ordered It argues that the FDA broke federal law when it removed the requirement that the abortion drug mifepristone be given to patients

in person by a certified provider At a news conference Wednesday, Murrill said reinstating the previous requirements “would probably fix this entire problem They require a doctor-patient relationship. They require an ultrasound. They require an aftervisit to ensure that the process has

been properly handled. They protect women.” Before 2021, the drug had to be taken in the presence of a provider in Louisiana. The in-person rule was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic, then was made permanent in 2023. The complaint says the change has allowed doctors and activists in states where abortion is legal to mail abortion pills to people in Louisiana, where almost all abortions are banned, except in some cases of fetal anomalies or to save the life of the

mother. The complaint cites data from the Society of Family Planning estimating that more than 600 abortions each month in Louisiana now happen through the mail. The state’s lawsuit claims the FDA’s policy was politically motivated and unlawful. It says the agency violated both the Administrative Procedure Act and the Comstock Act, a federal law that prohibits mailing items used for abortions. The lawsuit asks the

Baton

with toddler’s body buried in Mississippi

BY MATT BRUCE Staff writer

A Baton Rouge judge sentenced the man convicted of packing an unresponsive 2-year-old’s

into a

and burying

BY PATRICK SLOAN-TURNER Staff writer

Members of the East Baton Rouge Parish Metro Council capped the price companies can charge to remove a boot on a vehicle parked on private property in the city-parish. The council unanimously approved amending the city-parish booting ordinance Wednesday night, adding several other regulations like a requirement for booting companies

WILD

AT ART

ABOVE: Attendees walk by the Lovely Funckt Art booth during the Arts Fest at Perkins Rowe on Saturday. The event hosts local art, community vendors and live music LEFT: Tim and Ruthie turn each other around while dancing to the music of 2 Domestic 1 Import on Saturday STAFF PHOTOS By JAVIER GALLEGOS

BY CLAIRE GRUNEWALD

writer

Murrill

Court: AG can represent La. in death row case

Murrill has stepped into post-conviction cases involving death row prisoners

BY JOHN SIMERMAN Staff writer

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill can represent the state in capital post-conviction cases when the local district attorney requests it, the Louisiana Supreme Court ruled in the case of Antoinette Frank, a former New Orleans Police Department officer who was convicted 30 years ago in an infamous triple murder

The high court on Tuesday overturned a ruling in May by Orleans Parish Criminal District Judge Kimya Holmes, who refused to allow Murrill’s office or the private attorneys she hired to represent the state in Frank’s case.

Murrill has stepped into a host of post-conviction cases involving

death row prisoners since Louisiana resumed executions this spring after a 15-year hiatus. The state has expanded its menu of execution options to include nitrogen gas and electrocution.

In March, the state used nitrogen gas for the first time to kill Jessie Hoffman, who was convicted and sentenced to die for the 1996 abduction, rape and execution-style slaying of 28-year-old Mary “Molly” Elliott in rural St. Tammany Parish.

No additional death row inmates have been executed since then though Murrill has pressed to speed their paths to the execution chamber She has argued that many of the state’s 56 condemned prisoners have effectively abandoned their post-conviction claims by letting them languish.

Advocates for death row inmates say none of those on death row are currently eligible to be killed, with their state post-conviction or federal habeas corpus proceedings

still pending. Murrill’s office took over Frank’s case at the invitation of District Attorney Jason Williams, who in a March 14 letter cited “the commonality of the issues in the various cases and the benefits of a united appellate response.”

But Holmes found that Murrill had sought the case, that Williams hadn’t recused from it and that the state Constitution doesn’t allow the attorney general to run “point.”

Holmes found that “no provision in the law and Louisiana Constitution allows for the Attorney General’s participation in this case, and there is no cause for the Attorney General to assume the duties of the District Attorney in this case.”

On Tuesday, the state high court reversed her Though it agreed to keep Frank’s petition for post-conviction relief alive, the Supreme Court found that post-conviction is more of a civil proceeding than a criminal one, and Holmes couldn’t stop Murrill from stepping in.

Last N.O. jail escapee caught in Atlanta

Inmates escaped through a hole behind a toilet at facility in May

BY KASEY BUBNASH and MISSY WILKINSON Staff writers

After nearly five months on the run, convicted killer Derrick Groves was arrested Wednesday following a standoff with police in Atlanta, putting an end to a sweeping, multiagency search for the last of 10 inmates who broke out of the New Orleans jail in May Groves, 27, was taken into custody at 1 p.m. at a home on Honeysuckle Lane in southwest Atlanta, according to Deputy U.S. Marshal Brian Fair He was booked into Fulton County jail on a count of being a fugitive from justice, according to Fulton County Sheriff’s Office jail records. Standing outside the house at a news conference on Wednesday afternoon, Atlanta Police Department Deputy Chief Kelley Collier said the arrest followed a standoff with law enforcement. An Atlanta SWAT team deployed “a number of canisters of gas” to force Groves to move through the house, Kelley said. A Clayton County police dog even-

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The new ordinance also adds requirements for signage to inform parkers about booting policies and also requires booting operators to remove a boot within 60 minutes of the vehicle owner’s request.

Aaron Harrell, manager of booting company American Coachworks, said he supports the new regulations, saying it will help weed out “bad actors” in the industry “They’re really taking advantage of the public,” he said. “But then the Metro Council steps in and really just throws the book at our whole industry So we’re very happy that they’re getting ahead of it.”

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apartment on the afternoon of Sept. 24, 2021, and couldn’t revive her He drove the toddler across state lines and buried her body in a shallow grave along the banks of the Pearl River in Mississippi. When he returned home, he reported Allen missing, setting off a two-state search for the child that involved dozens of agencies, more than 200 first responders and hundreds of man hours.

“A 2-year-old is dead and it’s inexcusable, but you’ve continued to make excuses from the outset,” Crifasi said, describing Gardner’s actions as grossly negligent and cruel. “His conduct, both before and after, it’s very difficult to find any insignia of remorse. Rather, I see a whole lot of manipulation.”

Lanaya Brittany Cardwell, Nevaeh’s mother who lived in an apartment with Gardner and several other children, beat Nevaeh the morning of the girl’s death, according to police. The child suffered internal

tually tracked Groves to the home’s crawl space, where he was apprehended. Kelley could not say how long Groves had been staying at the house or whether he knew its owner Georgia authorities also found 15 pounds of marijuana, a pistol and a rifle magazine there, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said at a Wednesday media briefing. Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams said no injuries were reported, and that Groves’ capture “brings long-awaited calm to victims, their families, the witnesses who testified, the assistant district attorneys who prosecuted him and the people of New Orleans.

Other people were in the house when Groves was booked, officials said. Williams said his office will conduct a thorough investigation into anyone who may have aided Groves during his escape, but said it is too soon to address charging decisions. Darriana Burton, 29, a former Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office employee and girlfriend of Groves, was arrested in June on a felony count of conspiracy to commit simple escape after allegedly helping coordinate the jailbreak.

“He obviously had some help,” Williams said at a Wednesday media briefing.

A Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans tip helped lead to the arrest, said spokesperson Darlene Cusanza. The tipster will receive a $50,000 re-

Harrell explained that he and other booting operators have witnessed instances of unlicensed people buying boots online, posing as existing booting companies and booting cars to scam eventgoers out of their money in Baton Rouge.

The new ordinance adds some much-needed regulation to help put a stop that, Harrell said.

Ann Spink, owner of American Coachworks, was upset about the $150 cap. She said her company puts on about 200 boots per month in Baton Rouge, at a rate of about $200 per boot, and recently was thinking of raising the rate to $250.

“I just don’t understand how you arrived at this figure,” she said. “Is this just a figure you picked out of the air?”

Still, Spink said she appreciated

head trauma wounds and later died after Cardwell went to work. Gardner was alone in the apartment with Nevaeh and two of her siblings hours later when he found the toddler unconscious, pale in the face and without a pulse. Instead of calling 911 or seeking medical attention when she remained unresponsive, Gardner put Nevaeh’s body into a suitcase, stuffed it in his car and raced to a remote patch of woods across the Mississippi state line in Hancock County, just northeast of New Orleans.

After he reported Nevaeh missing and possibly kidnapped, it took days for authorities to discover her purported disappearance was a hoax to conceal that she had been killed That came after a massive search involving the FBI, drones, boats and aircraft a search that came in the middle of a record year for violence in Baton Rouge.

Cardwell, 28, was also indicted for second-degree murder in the child’s death; her trial is slated to begin Nov 3. She is expected to appear in court Thursday morning for a possible plea deal.

Crifasi handed down the maxi-

“There is no authority for the defendant or trial court to question the scope of that representation where the district attorney requested that the attorney general enroll and represent the state,” the court wrote.

Chief Justice John Weimer and Justice John Michael Guidry dissented, both saying that Murrill’s office filed the appeal too late. Frank was convicted of one of the most notorious crimes in modern New Orleans’ history: The slayings of fellow police Officer Ronald Williams II, along with 17-year-old Cuong Vu and 24-year-old Ha Vu at the Kim Ahn Noodle House in New Orleans East. Her co-defendant, Rogers LaCaze, was removed from death row in a 2019 deal with former Orleans Parish District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro, who now heads Murrill’s criminal division.

Frank has argued that a lifetime of abuse at the hands of her father left her vulnerable to the influence of LaCaze, a drug dealer who she claims forced her to shoot the Vus. Until last year, there had been

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ward. Tips to Crimestoppers played a role in five of the 10 arrests, resulting in five rewards.

Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson said Groves will be extradited to New Orleans, where he’s expected to face additional charges stemming from his escape. Murrill said she will see that Groves is prosecuted “to the full extent of the law.”

Groves and nine co-defendants were each charged with one count of simple escape on June 30, according to Murrill’s press secretary, Lester Duhe. Murrill said Wednesday that she will examine the possibility of upgrading that to aggravated escape, and that Groves will likely face charges in Georgia connected to the drugs and guns.

The Atlanta Police Department, the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Marshals Service and the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Apprehension Team worked to bring the four-time convicted killer back into custody, according to officials with OPSO. The Louisiana Bureau of Investigation also worked on the case, Murrill said.

“Trying to hide in Atlanta was a poor choice for Groves,” said Jim Joyner, U.S. Marshals Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force commander “The U.S. Marshals and state and local officers assigned to the Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force are relentless at what they do.”

Gaudet’s communication throughout the rewrite process, while Gaudet called feedback from companies “critical” in drafting the ordinance.

“There were some gaps that we missed, like with insurance and licensing, and they helped us see those,” he said.

Whitney Hoffman Sayal, director of the Downtown Development District, said booting and some of the high fees charged for removal have been a deterrence for tourism in Baton Rouge.

Sayal worked with council members on the new ordinance and said they looked at other cities when deciding on the rate. Many of those cities had rates around $70 to $100. Companies in violation of the newly amended ordinance will be fined $500 for each violation.

mum 40-year sentence for the obstruction of justice charge, calling it one of the worst cases of obstruction he has ever seen.

“She was left under your watch. You owed Nevaeh your adult care and reason,” the judge told Gardner “A call for help is all that it would’ve taken and objective professionals could’ve been immediately on board.”

Following his conviction, Gardner’s attorneys challenged the jury’s verdict, arguing he played no role in the alleged abuse, and it was Cardwell who caused Nevaeh’s fatal injuries. Crifasi last month rejected a defense motion for a new trial.

At Wednesday’s hearing, defense attorneys played for the judge a video where three of Gardner’s five children described him as a “fun,” loving and devoted father, who remains deeply involved in their lives even while behind bars The Slidell native was a union laborer and insulation technician who aspired to one day own his own construction company

“I never felt my son could be a person to murder a kid,” his mother, Kim Holmes, said in the video.

little activity from either side in her case since 2009, when Frank’s attorneys filed a supplemental petition for post-conviction relief, alleging that egregious actions by prosecutors and an ineffective lawyer denied her a fair trial. The state never filed a response.

“I’m grateful the Louisiana Supreme Court put to rest this frivolous claim regarding the Attorney General’s authority to defend these cases in state or federal court,” Murrill said in a statement. “This was another attempt by death penalty lawyers to delay these proceedings, and I’m glad the (court) shut it down.”

Matilde Carbia, an attorney with the Mwalimu Center for Justice, which represents Frank and dozens of other death row prisoners in Louisiana, said the court’s ruling didn’t address the substance of Frank’s post-conviction claims, or Murrill’s argument that Frank waited too long.

Holmes has set an evidentiary hearing on Frank’s post-conviction claims for the week of Dec. 16.

entertainers, athletes and political figures.

“I didn’t think it was real. I just freaked out a little bit,” Jones said. She said the recognition was a surreal honor and only possible due to the friends and family in the parish and across Louisiana who also speak out in defense of libraries.

Jones was recently featured in “The Librarians” documentary, which tells the stories of librarians who have fought against book ban challenges in the United States.

Livingston Parish has been embroiled in library drama that has been at the forefront of board of control meetings since 2022. The parish library system has dealt with book challenges, board member and director removals, and proposed library budget cuts The board has held several hearings over challenged books, but it has not completely banned books from the library, despite residents sometimes calling for it.

FDA

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court to overturn the FDA’s rule and bring back the in-person requirement. Markezich, one of the plaintiffs, said she felt pressured by her boyfriend to take abortion pills that were mailed from a doctor in California. She says she would not have been given the drugs if she had been required to meet with a doctor in person.

The case follows a similar challenge brought by anti-abortion groups that reached the U.S. Supreme Court last year but was dismissed because the plaintiffs lacked standing. Louisiana’s lawsuit argues the state does have standing because the mail-order abortions violate its laws and lead to medical costs for local hospitals.

“But to allow someone to hurt a child when you saw and knew it was happening, I do feel as though Kegan should be punished But to give him life in prison life? not for murder but because he did not help.

That’s not fair to his family; it’s not fair to his children.”

Marcus Allen, Nevaeh’s biological father, said Gardner’s actions made the past four years an inescapable living nightmare for his family

“He took the life of my baby Nevaeh Liyla Allen, and made everyone believe there was a chance she was still living,” he said Gardner had no intent to harm Nevaeh, a child he loved and raised as his own from her infancy, his attorneys argued at his trial. He admitted he was trying to cover up for Cardwell.

During Wednesday’s sentencing, he said it was a decision he made “in a state of shock and fear” while trying to protect the woman who was pregnant with his unborn child at the time.

“A pretty face taught me an ugly lesson,” Gardner said. “Underneath all that beauty was dark emotions: envy, lust and self-hatred. I felt

Parker, an Emmy winner best known for her role in the “Sex and the City” series, was an executive producer for the documentary and also wrote about Jones in the magazine.

“It has been a privilege to get to know Amanda through her work and the upcoming documentary ‘The Librarians.’ She is beyond deserving of wider recognition,” Parker wrote in Time.

Parker highlights Jones’ accomplishments. Jones has been recognized as a school librarian of the year by the School Library Journal, received awards from both the American Library Association and the American Association of School Librarians, and has also published a memoir, “That Librarian — The Fight Against Book Banning in America.”

“Through it all, Amanda has never wavered on her commitment to free speech and education,” Parker wrote. “She has become a national voice for intellectual freedom and democracy.”

“The Librarians” premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival in January Jones attended the festival and participated in a panel about the documentary

In 2024, Louisiana lawmakers voted to make mifepristone and misoprostol, the two drugs commonly used to induce abortions, controlled dangerous substances. It was the first state in the country to do so. The law makes it a crime to possess either drug without a valid prescription, punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Hospitals and pharmacies are required to keep the drugs in locked storage. Classifying them as controlled substances allows the state to more closely track how often they are prescribed. This lawsuit targets mifepristone, which can be used alone to induce an abortion.

If Louisiana wins, the case could block the mailing of abortion pills. The FDA and the U.S Department of Health and Human Services have not yet responded publicly to the lawsuit. Staff writer Alyse Pfeil contributed to this report.

that I was helping a drowning woman, but I was only precipitating my own disaster.”

Crifasi determined Gardner missed several opportunities to prevent tragedy both before Nevaeh became unresponsive and after He said that had Gardner taken action, he may have been able to save the girl’s life.

“You had a lot of chances to get assistance and didn’t,” the judge said. “It was a crisis situation; a difficult situation that you were in. I don’t overlook that. But if you were protecting mom, your decisions severely neglected Nevaeh’s needs.”

Frank

Barry,Robert

11am

Henderson Jr Henry

St.MaryA.M.E.Church in Addisat

10 a.m.

Robertson, Tommy WilbertFuneralHome, Plaquemine at 11am

Waddell, Leo

ResthavenFuneralHome, 11817 Jefferson Hwy.Baton Rouge,LAat

2:30pm

Obituaries

Boswell, Jo

Bettie Jo Amacker

Boswell, "Jo", age 89, died peacefullyather Billings, Montana home surrounded by her family and devoted guardian, Beignet (family poodle). She died of natural causes on 9/5/2025

She lived arich and full life, with great passion, great intensity and great joy. She loved her family fiercely and was aloyal friend to people from all walks of life. She had a sharp, organized mind and was the epitome of order and self-discipline. She graced our lives with her wonderful sense of humor and her appreciation of the absurd, her deep listening and her wise counsel. She had true strength of character; she lived her code. She lived with integrity, courage, simplicity and kindness. She also faced the challenges of life with quiet strength and dignity. Nota stranger to life's sorrows, she nevertheless was committed to livingin day tight compartments and finding joy in each day, especiallyinthe rituals of everyday life. She infused life's simple moments and daily tasks with grace and beauty. She truly was a"Steel Magnolia". Jo created agracious home withgenerous hospitality and always delicious homemade meals and beautiful well-kept flower gardens. She especially loved parties, celebrations and traditional holidays. Her contagious laugh, her warm smileand the lovely liltofher southern accent willberemembered fondly. She will be greatly missed by all who loved her. Jo was raised in acloseknit, loving community in Dekalb, Mississippi which she reflected on fondly all her life. She especially loved her years playing varsity and college basketball with her friends and teammates. She was the beloved wife of Dr. H. Frank Boswell, Jr., "Bos", for 54 years. Together,they created aloving home in New Orleans, La. She is survived by three of their children: H. Frank Boswell, III of Billings, Montana;Corinne Boswell Denegre and spouseDr. John G. Denegre of Billings, Montana;and Lucy Boswell Varin and spouse Edward C. H. Varin of Hinsdale, Illinois; grandchildren Eleanore Grace Denegre andJohn Gayle Denegre, Jr. andConstance Corinne Varin. She was preceded in death by her son, Richard Jackson Boswell; her husband, Bos; and her parents, Corinne and Luke Amacker. She was an active member of several civic, charitable andsocial organizations. Jo would not wishto be remembered, however, for what she did but for who she was and her devotion to her familyand those she loved. In lieu of flowers, please celebrate her life by passing on your favorite book to afriend and supporting your local bookstore and library or planting afavoriteflower in her honor Acelebration of life and memorial will be held at a later date in New Orleans at Trinity Episcopal Church. The family would like to thank the Rev. Melinda St. Clair of St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Riverstone Health Hospice and her compassionate nurse, Michaela, and all the caring staff; her first beloved caregiver, Nancy (Synergy) and the devoted Cornerstone caregivers at the end of her life.

WalterCain, affection‐ately knownasSpeed Buggy,peacefully passed awayonTuesday,Septem‐ber 30,2025 at Assumption Community Hospital.He was 73,a native of Liberty, MS anda resident of Napoleonville,LA. Visita‐tiononThursday,October 9,2025, at Williams & SouthallFuneralHome from2:00pm to 4:00 pm VisitationonFriday, Octo‐ber 10,2025, from 8:00 am toreligious services at 9:00 amatSt. Paul Baptist Church.Interment in Par‐son Hill MissionaryBaptist Church Cemetery in Lib‐erty. Arrangements by Williams &SouthallFuneral Home, 5414 Hwy. 1, Napoleonville,LA, (985) 369-7231. To sign theguest book or offercondolences, visit ourwebsite at www williamsandsouthallfune ralhome.com.

2Timothy 4:7TPT Ihave foughtanexcellent fight. I finished my full course withall my mightand I’ve keptmyheart full of faith. ReverendDr. Bianca Grant was born in BatonRouge, Louisiana on December 22, 1978, to Wanda Jacobs Bai‐ley andLarry DavidGrant She wasthe eldest of two. She residedinNashville, Tennessee.Dr. Grantwas anordainedminister, preschool teacher, author poet, lyricist,musical arrangerand painter. She leavesbehindher mother, Wanda Jacobs Bailey,her father, Larry DavidGrant her brother, CalebAdvas Baileyand ahostofother relatives andfriends.Other beloved closerelatives who have also transitioned are hermaternalgrand‐mother, GenieveWilliams, maternalgrandfather,Paul Lebeouf,Sr.,and auntsand uncles: KathyWilliams, PaulineJones,GailRay‐mond, CynthiaNelson, TheodoreWilliams, Jeffrey Williams,PaulLebeouf,Jr., DonaldMcBride,and Andre North.Her paternal grand‐parents,Verleon H. Smith‐son Grantand Roscoe C. Grant,Sr.,and uncles:John O.Grant andNormanD Grant.FuneralServiceswill beheldatShekinahGlory Christian Fellowship Church,10164 North Line St.,St. James, LA,onFriday, October 10,2025 at 10:00 am.

LeBlanc S.C., Brother Ivy

preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Elegie and Mae Rees LeBlanc, with whom he was very close. As apre-novice, Brother Ivyentered theformation program forthe Brothers of theSacred Heart on August 26, 1967, in Mobile, AL.Hebecame anovice on August 14, 1968, at Belvidere,NJ, and he professed first vows in Metuchen, NJ,onAugust 15, 1969. His perpetual professiontookplace in Bay St.Louis, MS, on June 10, 1975, and in 2019, there was agreat celebration when Brother Ivymarked the50thanniversary of his first profession. BrotherIvy prepared for hisyears as aprofessional religious educatorbyearning threedegrees: a Bachelor's degree in Accountingfrom LSU, a Master's degrees in Educational Administrationfrom Tulane University, and a Master's degree in PastoralMinistry from LoyolaUniversity. During his 31-years in direct schoolministry, Brother Ivyprefected at Catholic Boys' Home in Mobile, AL; taught and prefected at St. Stanislaus in BaySt. Louis, MS; and taught at McGill InstituteinMobile, AL.The majority of his educational ministry,however, was spent in NewOrleans, LA, on Elysian FieldsAve. at Brother MartinHigh School. It was therethathe served as teacher, Assistant Principal for Discipline, Principal, and President from1972 until 2000. An iconinthe Assistant Principal's office, Brother Ivywas wellrespected as ano-nonsense disciplinarian who could balance firmness with compassion. As an administrator,hewas agifted leader who blended adeep appreciation of thepast with acreative, visionary eye alwayslooking towardsthe future. He demanded excellence from everyone, especiallyhimself, and gavehis all to provide aquality, Catholic, holistic educational program forall in his charge. Brother Ivybrought his wisdom and vision to bear on his leadership role in his religious community as well. Withinthe Brothers of theSacred Heart,he served as provincial for seven years, provincial councilor to seven provincials, adelegatetoevery legislativeassembly of the Province from1973 to 2024, adelegatetothree general chaptersinRome,and as a member of many province boards.With sound judgment and abackground in finances, he functioned as treasurer for theBrothers of theSacred Heart on both theprovince and world-wide Institute level. Agifted speaker and zealous promoter of the charism of thefounder, Brother Ivy madepresentations to groupsaround theworld and mentored future school leaders in it

Aquiet man with adeep spirituality, Brother Ivy managed his job-related stress withpractical outletssuch as biking, running,working out, and watching sportsonTV.

drick); son, Lawrence Lott, Jr.; grandchildren, Byron Lott, Robert Kilbourne, Jr., Freddrick Thomas, Jr., FaedraThomas, Joshua Brumfield and great-grandchild, McKenzie Lott.Visitation on Saturday, October 11, 2025 9:00 am until religious serivce at 11:00 am, Camphor Memorial United Methodist Church, 8742 Scenic Highway, Baton Rouge, LA.PastorBryan Dalco officiating. Services Entrusted to HallDavis and Son.www.halldavisandson. com

Brenda Lee Nelson was born on April 6, 1947, in White Castle,Louisiana,to thelateNorman J. Deggs Sr.and Viola L. Deggs. On Thursday,October 2, 2025, our Lord and Saviorcalled Hisangel home at theage of 78. She attended Iberville HighSchool in Plaquemine, Louisiana, and upon graduation.She was preceded in death by her belovedparents, her son LewisDeggs, and her brotherNorman Deggs. She leaves to cherish her memory threedaughters: Renee Deggs, Demetrice Cage, and Tamika Nelson. She is also survivedbya host of grandchildren. Her siblings are Mary McCoy, Juanita Perkins, VurliaMcClay, and Margret James; along with ahost of cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family,and cherishedfriends.

PatrickSr.,Samuel Houston'Sammy'

Perdue, Larry Emerson

Brother IvyLeBlanc,S.C (née Joseph IvyLeBlanc, Jr.) 1945-2025-BROTHER IVY LEBLANC,S.C 80,a Brother of the Sacred Heart and aresidentof NewOrleans, Louisiana, since 1972, passed into eternal life at the Hospice and Palliative Care Unitat Ochsner Hospital in Jefferson,LA, on Friday, September 26, 2025. BrotherIvy was born Joseph Ivy LeBlanc, Jr., on September 5, 1945, in Baton Rouge,LA, to the late Joseph Ivy LeBlanc, Sr., of Breaux Bridge, LA and the lateBridgetBabin of Dutchtown, LA. He is survived by his sister, Mrs. Nancy LeBlanc Guidry (Norman) of Baton Rouge, LA; his bloodbrother DavidLeBlanc; and several nieces and nephews. He is

Awake and Mass of Christian Burial willbe held for Brother Ivyon Saturday, October11, 2025, in theConlin Gym at Brother MartinHighSchool (4401 Elysian FieldsAve., NewOrleans, LA 70122). Visitorsare asked to use thegym entrance on St Aloysius Drive. The wake willbegin at 9:00 AM followedbythe Eucharistic Liturgyat11:00 AM. Areception willbeheldinthe Tomand Gayle Benson Student Mall immediately following theliturgy. Because of local festivities in Bay St. Louis, MS, on October 11, Brother Ivywill be interred in theBrothers' cemetery in BaySt. Louis on Monday, October 13, at 4:00 PM In lieu of flowers,donations can be madein Brother Ivy'shonor to the Brothers of theSacred Heart Foundation(4600 Elysian Fields Ave.,New Orleans, LA 70122). Amass of christianburial willbe held at 11:00 AM on 2025-10 -11 at Brother MartinHigh School, 4401 Elysian Fields Ave.

Lott, Sherryl Sanders

Samuel HoustonPatrick Sr. “Sammy”, 82, aresident ofSt. Francisville,LA, died onSunday, October5,2025 Hestarted workingat Crown Zellerbachwhile in highschool andretired after 43 plus yearsand manynamechanges to the mill. Therewillbea visita‐tionatthe FirstBaptist Church of St.Francisville onThursday,October 9, 2025 from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pmand then on Friday,Oc‐tober 10, 2025 from 9:00 am until funeralservicesat 10:00 am,conducted by Bro.Joe Ratcliff. Burial will beinFeliciana Cemetery Heissurvivedbyhis daughter, JulieHornand husband RobbyHornofSt. Francisville; sonYancey Patrick andwifeMonicaof St. Francisville;sister Peggy Ainsworthof Lafayette,LA; sister Alice Hayes andhusband Bobby Bud” of Vick,LA; brother GaryPatrick andwife Sherry of Jonesville,LA; eight grandchildren: Made‐linePatrick,Emma Sagely MakenziePatrick,James Patrick Horn,JackHorn, Ju‐lianHorn, ChaseHorn, SheaCorona; five greatgrandchildren:Stella Sagely, Payton Sagely,Na‐ceigh Sagely,Ryder Horn and Sloane Horn.Hewas precededindeath by his parents,James “Tommy” and Marine Patrick, par‐ents-in-law James Roudolph”and EssieFoyil; wifeFreda FoyilPatrick; son Samuel “Sam”Patrick Jr.;brother-in-lawRoger Ainsworth.Pallbearers will beJames PatrickHorn, JackHorn, Julian Horn, NathanSagely, Noel Patrick,and Judd Patrick. Hewas aman of Godand memberofFirst Baptist Church St.Francisville. He was aproud Freemason and amemberofMasonic Lodge #31F&AMfor over fiftyyears.Hewas an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved allaspects of base‐ball: playing, coaching,and watching. He wasproud to bea Jack of alltrades. He was thebestDaddy and Papaever. Sharesympa‐thies,memories, andcon‐dolencesatwww.Charlet FuneralHome.com.

Lawrence"Larry" Emerson Perdue,III,passed away on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at theage of 82. Born on April 5, 1943, in Baton Rouge,Louisiana, Larry wasthe cherished son of the lateEmerson L. and AgnesJamesPerdue. Larry hada passion for learning, andteaching others.He earnedhis BA in Education in 1965 from Northwestern State University and completedhis M.Ed at Louisiana State University in 1968, along with extensivecoursework toward a Doctorate. He dedicated hiscareertoeducation, beginningasa teacherand eventuallyserving as Principal at St.Amant Elementaryfrom1965 to 1985, followedbyhis role as Head Master at Christian Life Academy from1985 until hisretirement in 2005. His love forteaching shaped the lives of countlessstudents, and he wasa true beacon of knowledge in thecommunity. Larrywas adevoutmember of Christian Life Fellowship and Healing Place Church wherehefound joyin studying God's word,and taughtSundaySchool for manyyears. He was an ordainedministerand his commitment to hisfaith extendedbeyondthe classroom, as he participated in mission trips to Indiaand Russia, sharing the message of hope and love.Inhis leisure time, Larryfoundsolace in readingand exploring history, particularly hispassion for Civil War history. Larry is preceded in death by his parents, hisson,Darren KeithPerdue, grandson Taylor Tupman;and niece, Jennifer LynnCampagna; paternalgrandparents LawrenceE.and Eva Webb Perdue;and maternal grandparents,Marshall andLelaBroussard James. He is survived by his belovedwife of 42 years, Pamela Smith Perdue; daughters,Stefanie Ruff (Phillip) andMilétPhillips; sister,Barbara Campagna (Mickey); uncle,Walter Perdue Sr;grandchildren, Gabrieland Camille Ruff, McKinseyand Miles Shilling, andChristopher KeithPerdue; great-grandchild, AddisonTupman;2 nephews MichaelMark Campagna (Jessica) and AndrewLawrence Campagna(Annette).Alsosurvived by hisgreat nieces andnephews, Claire Michael James, Malachi, Isaac,Cecilia, Maggie,and Joan Campagna. Thefamily wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Jody Lafield and WayneAustin for theirunwavering friendship.Alsotothe ladiesatLandmark South, Renata, Brenda, Sherela, Assuria, Crissy, Monique, andKimberly for theirexceptional care during Larry'stimewith them.The familywould like to invite all whoknewand loved Larry to join them as we commemorate his life. A visitation willbeheld on Friday, October10, 2025, at ResthavenFuneral Home, 11817 JeffersonHwy.,in Baton Rouge,from9:00 am untilfuneral servicesat 11:00am, with graveside servicestofollow.Inlieuof flowers, we wouldlikedonations made to Casa de la Luz, an orphanageinMexico started by the lateOllie Lovett.The address is RanchoLouisiana, 19202 HighlandRd., Baton Rouge, LA 70809.

Provost, Myrthie Alexander'Myrt'

reception. Myrt andSonny heldtheir ownwedding re‐ception afew yearslater in 1958. Both coming from large Catholic families Myrtand Sonnythenset about creating theirown large Catholic familyin‐cluding Josephine(1959) Sharon(1960),Michelle (1962),Emile III (1962) Kelly (1964),Patricia(1970), and LauraJean(1973) Myrtstayedhomefor years managing afull house of babies,children, and adolescentsbefore venturing againintothe world of paid work where she learnedthe artand the science of the floral busi‐ness, andlater,the daily routinesofthe Port Allen CityCourt.Myrtworked wellintoher eighties and regardlessofthe rolesand positions sheheldduring her career herrealjob was alwaystosupport andup‐liftothers. Sheenjoyed the simpleand familiar things inlife: real conversation overa cupofcoffee, serv‐ing herparishchurch, fam‐ily celebrations,romance novels, supporting thosein need,hand-in-footcard games with herfriends, praying therosary, T-bone steaks, spoilingthe grand‐children, andwell-made old fashioneds. Myrt wasa personofdeep faith and great capacity to love and beloved.She lovedSonny withall herheart.They weremarried 67 yearsand eight months.Myrtwas precededindeath by her parents,Joseph“Butch” Alexander andJosephine “Mame”“Mrs. Jo”Carrier Alexander,her siblings JoanPinellSmith,Ida Lushute, Paul “Polly Alexander,Peter “Pete” Alexander,and hergrand‐daughterCarolineWalker. She is survived by herhus‐bandEmile “Sonny Provost Jr., threesiblings, her sevenchildren, four sons-in-law,one daughterin-law, fourteen grandchil‐dren, andseventeen great grandchildren.Surviving siblings: Alfred “Al” Alexander,Charles Alexan‐der,and John Rogge Alexander.Surviving sonsin-law: Rudy Gomez, Leslie Brown, DouglasWalker, and ChristopherAlvarez Surviving daughter-in-law: JoliceProvost.Surviving grandchildren:Jesse Downs (Patrick), Mark Gomez (Jennifer),Thomas Gomez (Jessica), Mary Schauster (Matthew), Giles Gomez,Katherine Rudolph (Kyle), KatieBuvens (Joseph), Matthew Hyde (Christen), CamilleProvost, Luc Provost, Tori Erickson (Ronald), Hannah Brown, Brady Walker (Jordan),and Brandon Alvarez. Surviving great grandchildren: Julia Downs,Jacob Downs,Char‐lie Downs,OliverGomez, BenjaminGomez,Madison Gomez,PenelopeGomez, EleanoreSchauster,Skyler Buvens, Parker Buvens, LoftonHyde, Bryleigh Er‐ickson, Ella-KateBrown Brock Erickson,Drake Er‐ickson, Chandler Erickson and Olivia Walker.Visita‐tionwillbeatWilbert Fu‐neral Home in Port Allenon Friday, October10th, from 5 p.m. to 8p.m.and again atHolyFamilyCatholic Church in Port Allenon Saturday, October11th, from8:30a.m.until Mass ofChristian Burial at 10:30 a.m celebrated by Rev. Jerry Martin.Burialwillfol‐low in St.Johnthe Baptist Catholic Church Cemetery inBrusly. Memorial dona‐tions to St.JudeChildren’s Hospital. Please share memoriesatwww.wilbert services.com.

Myrthie“Myrt”Provost passedawayonSaturday, October 4, 2025, after a well-lived life of 90 years. MyrtgrewupinPortAllen, Louisiana as oneofthe eight children of Joseph Butch” Alexanderand Josephine “Mame” “Mrs Jo” CarrierAlexander and spent alot of time in her formative yearsworking in the familygrocery store–Alexander’s Meat Market When Myrt was20years old,she meta young man fromPortArthur,Texas, Emile “Sonny”Provost Jr while attendinga wedding

James, affectionately known as "Mailman"and Tom",passedawayon Wednesday,September 24, 2025, at hisresidence in Donaldsonville, sur‐rounded by hiswifeand children. He was80. Visit‐ing at Brazier-Watson Fu‐neral Home,623 Railroad AvenueinDonaldsonville, from4:00to6 pm on Thurs‐day,October 9, 2025. Visit‐ing on Friday,October 10, 2025 at Mt.Triumph Baptist Church,206 W. 10thStreet, Donaldsonville, from 9:30 a.m.until ReligiousSer‐vices at 11:00 a.m.,con‐ductedbythe Rev. Cornell Joseph. Burial in church cemetery. Survived by his wife, VernaHawthorn Smith.Daughters,Allyson Smith andStacy (Ronald) Myles.16grandchildren,3 great-grandchildren,sis‐ters-in-law Brenda,Sharon, and Roselene Hathorn, and Lindaand Mary LouDavis

Sherryl Sanders Lott entered into eternal rest on September 28, 2025. Survivedbyher daughter, SharonThomas (Fred- See more DEATHS page

Nelson,Brenda Lee

Grant, Rev. Dr.Bianca

Smith, JamesHenry

OPINION

Saturday is Election Day, so go vote

It is easy these days to become fixated on national political stories. They are charged, polarizing and, especially now,driven by an insatiable news cycle that demands fresh developments every minute andapolitical culture determined to provide them.

But it is most often the decisions, programs and officials in local government that affect the lives of Louisianans in the most immediate way.Drainage, road lighting, schools and infrastructure millages don’tregularly draw big turnouts on Election Day because they lack the charismatic personalities and media-driven drama of abig candidate race, but they keep crucial functions of our communities operating and accountable to the public.

That’swhy we urge Louisianans to make Saturday,Oct. 11 different from other lowwattage, low-participation elections.

There are races on ballotsin31parishes, though not all of those are parishwide votes, and each one of them is worthy of voters’ input

In East Baton Rouge, there is arace for aseat on the 19th Judicial District court bench with four candidates on the ballot. There are also racesfor City Court judge and amove torenew a10-mill property tax withinthe Downtown Development District to support the district’s operationsand management.

Voters in Ascension will select anew parish council member forDistrict 11, and in Denham Springs, voters will decide whether to renew alocal tax for the park system. The Iberville Parish town of Plaquemine has two 3.1-mill, 10year property tax renewals on the ballot,one to support the police department and one to pay for operations and upkeep up public buildings.

In Acadiana, Lafayette Parish voters will consider whether to renew for 10 years a7.79 mill property tax for the parish’sschools. The tax, which has been collected for ahalf century,is expected to generate about $20 million every year for the system’s general fund, operations and maintenance.

Other local races are sprinkled throughout the state.

Apart from in New Orleans, where ahighprofile, expensive mayor’srace and other major contests are on the ballot,turnout around the state is likely to be low.That’sashame. After all, if residents don’tcare about the way their local government is run, why should anyone else?

We know many have taken advantage of the early voting period,which ended last weekend. We commend those who have taken that initiative. And we urge those who did not vote early to commit to afew minutes on Saturday tohead down to their local precinct and make their voicesheard. It might not be exciting, but it is important.

LETTERSTOTHE

GUIDELINES: Letters are published identifying name, occupation and/or title and the writer’scity of residence

TheAdvocate |The Times-Picayune require astreet address andphone number for verification purposes, but that information is not published. Letters are not to exceed 300 words. Letters to the Editor,The Advocate, P.O. Box 588, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-0588, or email letters@ theadvocate.com. TO SEND US A LETTER, SCANHERE

Kirk’s supportfor Israel should be remembered

As acommitted Jew,Iwould like to add adifferent perspectiveonthe life of Charlie Kirk. Onedoes not have to share Kirk’sparticular faith in order to appreciate the strength and sincerityofthat faith and how it motivated andenabled Kirk to accomplish so much at such a young age. Kirk did not just lift millionsofyoung people out of apathy and get them involved in thepolitical process; he taught them that, first of all, they needed to livetheir own lives with faith, joy,energy,goodness and courage. Kirk modeled these virtues in his own life, which will guide and inspire others for years to come. Kirk was, in addition to everythingelse, agreat friend of the Jewish people and of the world’s only Jewish state, Israel. At a time when so manyinthe world find it convenient todefame and condemn Israel, turn truth and morality on their heads and deny fundamental truths about the3,500-year-old existence of

theJewish people, Kirk made it an important part of his mission to standupfor truth and defend bothIsrael and the Jewish people. He did so not only against detractors on theleft, but also, and most importantly, against the small but vocal group of bloggers and radio show hosts on the right who are attempting to rewritehistory and makethe Jews, once again, the world’s scapegoats. Kirk was not “far right.” He was atraditional values-based conservative. Andhewas not a narrow-minded religious bigot either.Hebelieved in the Christian faith, which has been at the center of western civilization for 2,000 years. Andhebelieved in thevision of America expressed in the Declaration of Independence and in the Gettysburg Address and in Martin Luther King Jr.’s“IHave aDream”speech,a vision we are constantly struggling to fulfill.

YIGALBANDER Baton Rouge

Iamwriting in response to Anthony McAuley’sarticle suggesting that residents are so fedupwith NewOrleans’ crime problem that they might welcomefederal intervention to assist.

While everyone wants safer streets, Iam shocked that the newspaper is attempting to manufacture consent forafederal power grab. This is not about crime. It is about undermining confidence in Black-led cities and getting people used to seeing troops on our streets.

The boiled-frog metaphor is everywhere these days, but it rings true. We should be in the streets over what’shappening, but mostof us are checked out. None of this stops unless all of us say no, together ALLISON MCCARROLL NewOrleans

On theevening of Sept.8, eastbound Amtrak Train 26 from New OrleanstoMobile, Alabama, was delayed by a malfunction of the Almonaster drawbridge. This malfunction delayed Train 26 for approximately an hour and ahalf. Train 26 resumed operation around 7:32 p.m.

At thesame time, the westbound Amtrak Train 25 from Mobile to New Orleanswas approaching from theMichoud area. Train 26 passed Train 25 in thevicinity of Paris Road around 7:53 p.m. Meanwhile, southbound Train 19 was approaching New Orleans from New York, where it met up withTrain 25 on the New OrleansBack Belt around 8:09 p.m. in thevicinityofNew OrleansCity Park. Train 25 was allowed to proceed to Union Passenger Terminal ahead of Train 19, presumably because Train 19 was early,Train 25 was slightly behind schedule and Train 19

would need to cross theinterlock before heading on toUnion Passenger Terminal trackage. Train 25 arrived at theterminal at 8:29 p.m. and Train 19 arrived at theterminal at 8:30 p.m. This is mostlikely the first time in themodern era when two passenger trains have arrived at the terminal within aminute of each other.Though theriders of theMardi Gras Service and the Crescent were probably unaware of the coordination and wherewithal of the Norfolk Southern Dispatch as well as the CSX Dispatch in bringing Train 25 as close to schedule as possible, dispatching of this caliber should be acknowledged and praised.

JOHN ADRIANI JR. secretary, Louisiana Association of Railroad Passengers on behalf of JOHN SITA JR., president ANDREWC.LODRIGUSS, vice president LOUIS BANGMA, treasurer

This is in response to Fred Schwab’sletter “Getting COVIDvaccine is harder thanks to GOPnanny state.” My husband and Iare in our 60s and wanted to get the COVIDvaccine prior to traveling abroad. Igot aprescription from my doctor,arrived at Walgreens forthe scheduled shot, but wastold Icould not receive it because Iamunder 65. Icontacted my physician, whoforwarded my prescription to CVS. Iwas given an appointmentfor the vaccine in Picayune, Mississippi. It wasalong drive to get ourselves vaccinated prior to our trip. Thankfully,wehave the meanstodoso. Unfortunately,most Louisiana citizens do not. Just another reason to leave this unhealthy state.

BETSY VEGA OPREA Mandeville

Watching the members of Congress in both political parties willingly subordinate their morals, principles, values and beliefstothe requirements of their respective party leaders, I am reminded of aquestion and answer Iheard afew years back. The question: Do you think it is possible to be agood Christian and be apolitician?

The answer: Ithink it is possible to be agood Christian and be apolitician, but it may not be possible to be apolitician and still be agood Christian. It depends on what comes first. BO BIENVENU Prairieville

Left andright believeinNew Deal fable

Progressives’retrospective aspiration for anew New Deal is shared by “national conservatives.” They, enthusiastic about the current administration, also believe government should comprehensively intervene in the economy, politically allocating capital (and therefore opportunity) toimprove on the rationality of free markets. But economist George Selgin’slatestbook refutes progressives’ triumphalist nostalgia for the New Deal. It thereby demonstrates that “national conservatives” are oblivious regarding the cautionary lessonsofFranklin Roosevelt’s experience. These kindred spiritson the left and right should read “False Dawn: The New Deal and the Promise of Recovery,1933-1947.”

Selgin mines amountain of scholarship to prove this: New Deal measures failed to achieve, and often impeded, recovery from the Depression. Roosevelt’smost constructive achievement, executed on his second day in office, was the national bank holiday,ameasure incubated by his predecessor,Herbert Hoover This weeklong banking shutdown in 1933 largely arrested the economy’s contraction. Recovery,however,required adecade, and World WarII. TheDepression was, Selgin says, the first economic crisisthe federal government tried to end by using all its resources. But the economy did not recover: It did not reach production consistent with full employment of the workforce until 1943.

At the end of the 1930s, the unemployment rate was 14.6%,higherthan the October 2009 Great Recession peak of 11%. Until World WarII, GDP was sometimes more than 30%, and never less than 20%, below its pre-Depression trend.

Directpayments to farmers (then

22% of the workforce) were funded by taxes on food processors (raising more revenue than either the personal or corporate income taxes). These costs were passed on to consumers. Crop-reductionprograms raised farmers’ incomes by raising prices consumers paid. Buttaking acreage out of production —prosperity through scarcity? —added 2million agricultural workers to the unemployed. Farm income in 1939 was still substantially below the 1929 level.

TheNew Deal’score idea was anon sequitur: In aDepression prices fall, therefore recovery would come if prices were forced to rise. Hence, the National Recovery Administration wrote (with business interests dominating the process) “codes of fair competition” cartelizing about 550 industries, outlawing competition that might lower prices. One manufacturer received this menacing letter:

“I feel sure that you will want to revise your prices so that they will bear acloser relation to those of your competitors [toavoid] an investigationtoascertain whether this price can be justified …such aprocedureis of course unpleasant and costly.”

TheNRA mandated cuts in employees’ weekly hours while forbidding cutsintotal pay.Sounemployment —as conventionally measured —declined, but largely because of such “work sharing.”

The1940s began as 1939 had: Seventeen percent of the labor force was completely unemployed or on work relief, adults were working 20% fewer hours than in 1929, industrial production was still 10% below the 1929 peak. FDR’sincessantregulatory fidgets, and vocal hostilitytoward business, produced aclimateof uncertainty that paralyzed investing, until war came.

Thegovernment-centric mentality thatproduced theNew Deal produced apocalyptic forecasts of postwar distress from demobilized

industrial capacity andmanpower (10 million transitioning from militaryto civilian life). Instead, as government spending fell 40% in ayear,federal revenue soared and the unemployment rate plummeted as the private sector hummed.

Postwar political culture reflected this learning: The war had been won by capitalism’sprodigious productivity: Defenseindustries were not nationalized during thewar.And, Selgin writes, “thewar gave abad odor to anything that smacked of fascism, including theactivist managerial state.”

Lessons are, however,forgotten. Donald Trump’sadministration, ardently admired by “national conservatives,” is the most economically interventionistadministration —by this importantmetric, it is the most progressive administration —since theNew Deal.

The administration reportedly might give farmers, especially soybean growers, billions to replace thebillions they are losing because —who could haveanticipated this? —other nations,particularly China, have imposed retaliatorytariffs in response to Trump’sprotectionist spasms.

Having semi-nationalized U.S. Steel, the administration has forbidden, surelyfor political reasons, the closure of an Illinois plant that the company thinks it would be economically rational to close. Such systemic inefficiencies multiply,draining dynamismfrom theeconomy.But progressives and “national conservatives”should purrcontentedly: Anew New Deal is here.

History has been called an early warning system. Selgin’shistory warns us. So does this truism: What we learn from history is that we do not learnfrom history

Email George Will at georgewill@ washpost.com.

In little we trustinthe Middle East

Trust: “Reliance on the integrity, strength, ability,surety,etc., of aperson or thing; confidence.”

Louisiana state government is enjoying a great benefit, but at great fiscal risk —arisk state lawmakers should work quickly to mitigate

Anew study by Jennifer Butlerand Tony Woodliefof the State PolicyNetwork, acollectionofright-leaning state think tanks, shows thatofall the statesinthe union, Louisiana is the single most reliant on federal funds for its state government budget.

An astonishing 51.6% of Louisiana’s state budgetcomes from national government sources. The nationalaverage is much lower (but still toohigh), at 37%,and nota single otherstate even reaches the 50% threshold.

First, let’sbeclear on whatthis does and doesn’tmean

This is notthe same, hackneyed statistic aboutwhichstatessupposedly “give more money to the federalgovernment than they getback,” andwhichare vice versa

The originalproponent of that statistic, the late Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan, D-N.Y., abandonedthatmeasure severalyearsbefore he diedwhenherealized that so many shifting factors went into thatcalculation that it was like comparing apples not just to oranges but to baseballs or something equally unrelated. Instead, this is amuch more objective measurement, just taking the state budgetitself andexamining howmuchofitoriginatesfrom the feds.

On onehand, relying on the federal government for more thanhalf of state government spending is arather neat trick. It means the state is getting far more bang forits own bucks.

On the otherhand, this means Louisiana is living precariously.Ifthe federal faucet is turnedoff or even slowed down, Bayou State government isn’twell-positioned to take up the slack,and ourcitizens could find themselves suddenly bereft of necessary services.

The current federal government shutdown may bring home thatreality sooner than later, although the results there aren’tplain to see yet.

Polls and simple observationsshow that Americans are placing lesstrust in institutions and individuals. AWall Street Journal story notes that the current government “shutdown” has raised the distrust level between the two parties and the president to new heights —or depths. Trust —orlack thereof —isalso an issue in the Middle East. The presidentisproclaiming peace in the region because Hamas hassaid it will agree to some of his 20 demands, which include therelease of theremaining hostages, livingand dead. Hamas has refusedto lay down their arms, or agree not to participate in afuture Gaza government. Hamas also wantsnearly 2,000terrorist prisoners released from Israeli jails, including convicted murderers. We’ve seen howpastbargains have gone with those who seek Israel’s destruction withmany returning to thebattlefield. Hamas has neverliveduptoasingle agreement or voided its charter that calls for the destruction of Israel and killing Jews. Why shouldthey be trusted this time? No one knows whoisin charge of Hamas or whether they have the authority to speak for the entire terrorist organization after theirleadership has been wiped outbyIsrael’s attacks. Hamas is only one of several terrorist groups that are also untrustworthy and have given nosign theyare willing to abandon goals identical to those of Hamas After the partial agreementtosome of the 20 demands made bythe president and agreed to by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump told Israel to stopbombing Gaza. Imagine President Franklin Roosevelt agreeing to adeal that would stop thebombingofJapan andnot finish off Germany’s Naziregime. Instead, Roosevelt spoke of “total victory”over those twonations. British Prime Minister Winston Churchill echoed Roosevelt’sgoal. Speaking in theHouse of

By

Relatives and supporters of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip carryposters with portraits of their lovedones during aprotest demanding their immediate releaseand calling foraceasefire in Jerusalem on Tuesday,the second anniversaryofHamas’ cross-border attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, which sparked theongoing war in Gaza.

Commons onMay 13, 1940, Churchill said: “You ask what is our aim. Ican answer in oneword: Victory.Victory at all costs. Victory in spiteofall terror. Victory however long and hard the road may be; for without victory there is no survival.”

Repeat that last part out loud: Without victory there is no survival. Then, as now,there are factions in theU.S. and Israel that favor negotiatingwith the enemy Hamasand its related groups are notonlythe enemy of Israel, but also the enemy of the U.S. and all “infidel” Western nations.

Negotiations, instead of victory, would allow Hamas to liveand fight another day,guaranteeing more death anddestruction. SinceGazans elected Hamastorun their government, maybethey should hold aspecial election that could oust them from office. Not that Hamas would willingly give

up their political power,but it might reduce their legitimacy in the eyes of theworld.

In reference to thedefinition above, what has Hamas —orany of Israel’s enemies —done to demonstrate their integrity or why any confidence should be placed in them? The answer is nothing and anyone who believes adeal can be madewith thedevil is afool. A quoteattributed to writer Kayla Krantz says: “Never make adeal with the devil unless you’re prepared to lose.” Israel only has to loseonce and it is finished as the Jewish state.

The president and Netanyahu should require that all 20 of their demands be met, or Israel should finish thejob Perhaps both. Otherwise, Hamas will survive and keep fighting. That’s the one thing they can be trusted todo.

Email Cal Thomasattcaeditors@ tribpub.com

At some point, though, with the federal government suffering fromagobsmacking $37 trillionindebt, the reckoning will comedue. By careful design or by some sort of financial panic or collapse,the gusher of federal funds will slowtosomething closer to atrickle.

This is where the brief but insightful SPN report is quite helpful. It gives the following advicetostate lawmakers:

“Nowisthe time to hardwire policiesthat reducefederal dependency and strengthen resilience.Fortunately,several states are alreadytaking steps to revitalize federalism and fiscal independence —byrequiring legislative approvalfor federal funds, planning forpotentialfunding losses, increasing transparency around federalguidance, andlimiting judicial deferencetoagencies.”

SPN reports thatTennessee and Oregon, for example,“require legislative approval before agencies can even apply fororacceptcertain federal funds. This ensures elected representatives, notbureaucrats, weigh the costs and conditions.”

Meanwhile, Nebraska,Utah andOhio “require agencies to plan for the potentiallossof federal dollars, protecting budgets from suddendisruptions.”

And Oklahoma,Indiana andotherstatestake severalotherrecommendedsteps to ensure thatstatesare prepared both to understand the ramifications of federal policy changes andtobemoreself-reliant if federal funding becomes limited.

Part of this might mean tightening state government belts even further.Partmight mean finding newrevenue sources within the state

Part might involve planning fororderly, ratherthanhaphazardly spur-of-the-moment, slowdowns of state functions in unexpected circumstancessuchasanextended federal shutdown.

All of this will take careful legislating and wise administrative planning. None of it is the political equivalent of sexiness; in other words, it’snot likely to earn great attentionor public renown. It is, though, or at least should be,partofthe nuts and bolts of responsible public service.

Louisiana lawmakers and agency chiefs should payheed to the SPN report —and start reacting accordingly

EmailQuin Hillyer at quin.hillyer@ theadvocate.com

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO

LEO CORREA

Quin Hillyer

George Will

Cal Thomas

Brothers-in-law, Roy (Catherine) Davisand Ed‐mund(Barbara) Davis, Al‐bertLandryand Stanley Whittington, also numer‐ous aunts, uncles,nieces, nephews,cousins,other relatives andfriends Hiram Lodge#12 Royal Arch, andAmericanLegion #98 membersare also in‐vited.Precededindeath by his parents, Mary Smith Josephand Clarence Joseph. His firstwife, GladysD.Smith.His son, Aaron Smith, Sr.Brother Dave(Francis) Steveson Brothers-in-law,Nathan Hathorn andIsaac Hathorn,Alsosisters-inlaw,Gracieand Mary Hathorn.His father and mother-in-law,Nathan Hathorn,Sr. andLillieRose Hathorn.Brazier-Watson Funeral Home in chargeof arrangements. Visitusat www.brazierwwatson.com to sign ourguestbook Wood,Bobbie Evelyn Andrews

BobbieEvelynAndrews Wood passed away peace‐fully,while holding her daughter’shand, on Octo‐ber 5, 2025. Bobbie was bornFebruary18, 1932 in WalthallCounty, MS,where she mether husband of 62 years,Charles R. Wood,Sr. and movedtoBaton Rouge, LAfor employment oppor‐tunities. In earlyyears she workedasanexecutive as‐sistant forFarmBureauIn‐surance Company, devel‐oping many fond memo‐riesofthe timesand peo‐ple shemet there. They fi‐nally settledinZachary,LA where they made theirlife‐longhomeand raised their children. When thechil‐drenwereinschool,she becameanEBR Parish SchoolBus driver,special‐izingindriving abus for disabledand specialneeds childrenuntil herretire‐ment. Although Zachary was home,Bobbieand Charles maintained the familyfarminTylertown, MS. Sheworkedside by sidewithher husbandrais‐ing beef cattle andmend‐ingfences. Bobbie wasthe

DEATHS continued from ultimate homemakerand caretaker.She created scrumptious mealsfor hol‐idaygatheringsand al‐waysmadebirthdays a special occasion.She never missed aballgame, recital,school program, or a specialevent in herchil‐dren’slives.She especially relishedthe days spentat the farm with hergrand‐children, fishinginthe pond. Her finaldevotion was thecareshe gave her husband until hisdeath fromCancerin2016. Bob‐bie is survived by herthree children: CharlesR.Wood Jr. andwife Tammy; Randal K.Wood andwifeMelissa; SandraWood Brownand husband Joey.Fivegrand‐childrenalsosurvive her: AustinWood andwife Jeanne; BradleyWood and wifeApril;AndrewBrown and wife Tracy; Jared Brown andpartner Charlie LeeAnn; andGarrett Wood and wife Brooke. Bobbie was theproud greatgrandmother of Elijah, Stella,Adeline,Morgan, Tyler,Silas andWade. She isalsosurvivedbytwo sis‐ters: ChristinePittman and Joyce Carney and many nephews andnieces. Pre‐ceded in deathbyher hus‐band, CharlesR.Wood,Sr.; parents:James Deweyand Estelle Boyd Andrews; sis‐ters: UnaMay Stewart, Neloise Alford,Kaitie Hunt Boylesand brother: Toxie Billy Andrews. Aspecial thankstoAshleyGrayand GriswoldHomeCarefor their loving compassion The family wouldalsolike toextendtheir deep appre‐ciation to CharlieLeeAnn for herloveand dedica‐tion. Pallbearerswillbe grandsons.There will be a visitationonFriday, Octo‐ber 10,2025 at CharletFu‐neral Home,Inc.in Zachary,LAfrom10:00 am until funeralservicesat 12:00 noon.Burialwillbein Louisiana National Ceme‐tery. Sharesympathies, memories, andcondo‐lencesatwww.CharletFune ralHome.com

Dorothy"Mae"Young, age 85 was born July10, 1940 to thelate Willie and DollyAnderson. She was a resident of Brusly, LA.She departedfrom this life on September 30, 2025. Avisitationwillbeheld from5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on 2025-10-10 at Nazarene BaptistChurch, 6571 LA Highway 1S.A funeral service willbeheld at 11:00 AM on 2025-10-11 at NazareneBaptist Church, 6571 La Highway 1S

Ozone

Young,DorothyMae

SU not panicking despite worststart in 25 years

BY TOYLOYBROWN III Staff writer

Mike Jones revisited thedejection he felt from Southern’s lastgame.

The redshirt senior linebacker’sfacial expression grew more serious whenremembering how his teamfelt after its most recent 38-13 loss to Jackson State. Hisdelivery demonstrated his disappointmentmore than his words could

“It hurtalot,” Jonessaid.

“Me being here since (coach Eric) Dooley,it hurt.”

The pain he and his team share is inextricable from the team’srecord. The Jaguars are 1-4for thefirst time since 2000.

“Wedefinitely didn’texpecttobewhere we are record-wise, but the reality is what it is,” coach Terrence Graves said Southernrebounded25yearsago with coach Pete Richardson and finished6-5 overall and 4-3 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

The 2025 team’slast loss was the first to count in the SWAC standings,and itsnext game against Bethune-Cookman (2-4,1-1 SWAC)willdecidewhether Southern falls to 0-2 in the SWAC for the first time since 2010. In that season, the Jaguars finished 2-9 overall and 1-8 in the conference.

The Jaguars will try to avoid that start when they visit the Wildcats at 2p.m.SaturdayatDaytona StadiuminDaytona Beach, Florida. It wouldn’t be surprising if Southern felt alevel of desperation or extra motivation to avoid asecond straight SWAC loss. When Graves was askedTuesday whether that wasthe case,hesaid: “Nope,none

ä See SOUTHERN, page 3C

Southerncoach Terrence Graveswatches his players during agameagainst Jackson State on Sept. 27 at A.W. Mumford Stadium.

SouthCarolinastandsinway of Kelly’s200th FBSwin

Notes on agolf scorecardwhile an obnoxious New York fan from theRyder Cup yells obscenities in my ear …Amilestone deferred is no less significant. Saturday againstSouth Carolina (6:45 p.m., SEC Network), LSU coach BrianKelly takes his second crack at his 200th career FBSvictory,anamazing achievement by any careerstandard. Kelly,who will be 64 later this month, had 118 career wins at Division II Grand Valley Statetostart his coaching career.He’scompiled 199 wins in FBS in stopsatCentral Michigan, Cincinnati, Notre Dame and LSU, where he’s3312 including a24-19 loss two weeks ago at OleMiss.

With all his wins combined, Kelly is the nation’swinningest active coach with317. When it comes to FBS games, he is behind only Kirk Ferentz, who has 207 career wins at Iowa since 1999. By the way,aUSA Today article pegged Kelly as the nation’seighth highest-paid coach this season with $10.175 million.

It’s interesting to saythat another bite at the200-win

apple comes for Kelly at an inflection point in his career and his four-year tenure at LSU. At 4-1, Kelly’sheroes are still ranked No. 11 nationally and are still very muchinthe hunt for berths in the Southeastern Conference championship game and the 12-team College Football Playoff. But given the rickety state of the LSU running game and concerns about quarterbackGarrett Nussmeier’shealth, to say there is lack of confidence in the Tigers to make it to the CFP would be aconsiderable understatement. There are plenty who also question Kelly’swork ethic, determination and dedication. Iwould have thought he answered that question by putting up $1 million of his own pay package in the offseason to help LSU gather the$18 millionitspent in NIL money to put together this year’sroster.Kelly radiates aCEO vibe that says he hires his staff and puts things on auto pilotwhile they

ä See RABALAIS, page 5C

BY MATTHEWPARAS Staff writer

“Watch out, media. RashidShaheed’s coming through!” Foster Moreau couldn’thelpbut crack ajoke during Wednesday’spractice when Shaheed’smomentum barreled the New Orleans Saints wide receiver toward a packofreporters after atight catch on the sideline. Shaheed smiled and shook his head.

“Don’tlisten to him, media,” Shaheed said. But, as the sayinggoes,there’sagrain of truth behind every joke. Case in point: Look at Shaheed’sperformance in Sunday’swin over the New York Giants. In hisbest outing of the year,Shaheed torched the Giants for an 87-yard touchdown and recorded the fastest speed —21.72 mph —onanoffensive touchdown this season. He also made a crucial 8-yard catch on fourth and 5to help the Saints drain the clock late in the win. He also topped100 yards for thefirst timethis season. The Saints hope the outing marks the start of an actual breakthrough forthe 27-year-old. BeforeSunday,Shaheed hada quiet start to the season. His targets were

down. His yards per catch were at acareer low.Itwas hardly thestarthenor the Saintsexpected in acontract year

The tide turnedSunday,somuchsothat Shaheedtweeted that EA Sports should “fix” his speed in itsannual “Madden” video game. The video gamefranchise ranks Shaheed’s speed at 93.

“He’sasfast as I’ve ever seen,” coach Kellen Moore said. Daysearlier,Shaheed saidhewasn’t worried about his production. The deeppassing attack hadyet to takeoff, but the widereceiver —who now leads theSaints in receiving yardswith 228 —said he had to stay patient because he knew theopportunities would come.

Defenses also were plenty aware of thethreat Shaheed possessed after last year. Despitebeing limited to six games

ä See SAINTS, page 4C

BY ROBMAADDI AP profootball writer

The Jaguars, Broncos and Patriots had statement victories in Week 5. How they follow up might determine whether they’re ready to becomereal contenders.

Trevor Lawrence ledJacksonvilletoan incredible 31-28comebackvictory over PatrickMahomes andthe KansasCity Chiefs on Monday night, overcominga fewofhis own miscues and saving his best forthe last drive.

TheJaguars areoff to a4-1 start under first-year coach Liam Coen, and they proved in front of anational audience that they can compete with any

Scott Rabalais

LSU coach Brian Kelly reacts to apenalty call in the first quarter of agame against SoutheasternonSept. 20 at Tiger Stadium.OnSaturday,Kelly will takeasecond crack at his 200thcareer FBS victory STAFFPHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

STAFFPHOTO By JAVIER GALLEGOS

7

HIGH SCHOOLS

NBA returns to China for first time since 2019

BY TIM REYNOLDS AP basketball writer

The last time the NBA went to China, there was silence. They were two of the most awkward games probably ever played, a pair of preseason matchups between the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Lakers with some fans barely reacting to anything and no news conferences held afterward

This time, it’s going to be different. Back to normal, it would seem.

The Nets and Phoenix Suns have made their way to the Chinese gambling hub of Macao for two preseason games — one Friday, the other Sunday, and marking the NBA’s first games played in China since 2019. There are two more games planned for next season in China as well

“I think it’s very important for us to be able to bring the live game experience, including live games, to as many fans of the NBA around the world,” NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum said “And there’s no doubt that China has one of the largest fanbases in the world hundreds of millions of fans in China, 300 million people play the game of basketball in China, and our mission is to inspire and connect people everywhere through the game of basketball.”

There was a time where it seemed uncertain if that connecting would still be possible.

A geopolitical rift was sparked by a tweet posted by Daryl Morey — then the general manager of the Houston Rockets, now of the Philadelphia 76ers — that was in support of antigovernment protesters in Hong Kong. China severed most ties with the NBA for some time, taking games off its broadcast channels, and the process of mending at least some fences took years. Even now, the games come at a turbulent time. There is trade friction between the U.S. and China, with both sides threatening sky-high tariffs on the others’ exports. And the NBA has long heard criticisms from lawmakers — on both sides of the aisle about not taking a stronger public stance about China’s human rights record.

“Much of the sports industry is based on relationships and we think sports plays a unique role in building community not just in the United States but around the world and particularly at times of heightened division,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver

said. “Whether that division is domestically or globally there’s almost nothing else I can think of that brings together communities like sports does, and particularly a sport like basketball that is globally played, globally understood.”

The Nets and Suns will play at Macao’s Venetian Arena, which is owned by the Las Vegas Sands Corp. which is a casino operator there as well. Sands president and chief operating officer Patrick Dumont is governor of the Dallas Mavericks, assuming that role after his family acquired the team

“Obviously, we know this is great for the Phoenix Suns and our community, our whole organization and the NBA,” Suns coach Jordan Ott said.

The Nets are owned by Joe Tsai, the chairman of Chinese tech giant Alibaba. And this NBA season comes with high hopes for a Chinese rookie: Yang Hansen, a 7-foot-1 draft pick who is expected to play a role for the Portland Trail Blazers this season.

He’s thrilled that the NBA is headed back there, finally China is an important market for the NBA, for obvious reasons. If the NBA’s numbers are right — 300 million fans that’s 300 million potential consumers in a basketball-crazed part of the world. The Blazers are already seeing how impactful that can be.

This has been no secret for some time. Chinese fans love the NBA, plain and simple, and want more. San Antonio Spurs’ star Victor Wembanyama spent time in China this summer; if he was spotted on a morning jog, fans would sprint that way just to try to get a look at him. The Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James toured China this summer for the 15th time with Nike, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer saying, “There’s an unbelievable love and appreciation for basketball in Asia that’s always incredible to experience.”

Jimmy Butler toured China again as well, as did his Golden State Warriors teammate Stephen Curry — who has long drawn massive crowds for his visits. Suns guard Jared Butler, a former Riverside Academy standout, said he’s been looking forward to the trip.

“I think it’s a beautiful thing just for the experience,” Butler said. “Me, I’ve never been to China and I know a lot of guys haven’t been to China. So, experiencing something new with your guys is going to just be a bonding moment.”

JOHNSON

MPA vs. Southern Lab, Central vs. Woodlawn among games to watch

BY JACKSON REYES Staff writer

The high school football season is past the midway point, entering Week 6. Here’s what to know about five big games happening Friday in the Baton Rouge area.

Madison Prep at Southern Lab

The Chargers (4-1) take to the road to play the Kittens (3-2). Madison Prep junior Landon Johnson has 12 total touchdowns on offense and two interceptions on defense. He will look to make an impact and give MPA its third straight win.

Southern Lab fell in its last game to Denham Springs 41-14. The Kittens have played their past two games without senior starting quarterback Jerry Bottley, a Delaware State commitment Central at Woodlawn

The Wildcats head on the road to take on Woodlawn in a District 4-5A battle.

After an undefeated start, Central (4-1) lost its last game at home to Lafayette Christian 55-48.

Woodlawn (3-2) has won its past two games with its last win coming against St. Martinville 26-20.

The two sides will battle for the Mayors Cup in a new rivalry declared by Central Mayor Wade Evans and St. George Mayor Dustin Yates.

East Feliciana at Slaughter Charter

The Knights (5-0) host the Tigers in a District 8-2A battle. The game will likely be Slaughter Charter’s biggest test of the season.

The Knights have played just one team with a record above .500 (Northeast at 3-2), but are making the most of a lighter schedule. Slaughter Charter has

shut out all five opponents. The Knights are also the last undefeated team in District 8-2A.

East Feliciana (4-1) is on a two-game winning streak. The Tigers are averaging 31.6 points per game and will look to end Slaughter Charter’s shutout streak. Donaldsonville at Brusly

The Tigers (5-0) will test their unbeaten record on the road against Brusly Donaldsonville has won every game by double digits, but will play its first game against a school with a winning record. The Tigers have shut out their past two opponents, winning both games by the same 36-0 score.

Brusly (4-1) won its last game against Belaire 51-12. The Panthers are averaging 39.2 points per game.

Brusly was held to 12 points in a loss to Plaquemine but has scored at least 40 points in its other four contests.

Brusly’s four wins have come against teams with losing records. Their Friday contest against Donaldsonville will be a chance to score a signature win.

Ascension Christian at Ascension Catholic

The Bulldogs host the Lions in a District 8-1A opener for both teams. Ascension Catholic (3-2) won its last game against Episcopal 49-40 The name to watch for the Bulldogs is senior running back Trevin Simon.

Simon had 283 yards rushing and five touchdowns on 23 carries. He’s also added a receiving touchdown. He has 1,067 yards rushing and 15 TDs. He also has one interception and one forced fumble on defense.

Ascension Christian has won its last two games, including a 40-0 victory over Houma Christian in its last game.

NCAA approves single transfer window in football

The NCAA approved a single January transfer window in college football on Wednesday, a move that will allow coaches with high-stakes postseason games to focus more on matchups than player retention.

The Division I administrative committee approved the new window of Jan. 2-16. Bowl subdivision coaches voted unanimously to support the change during their American Football Coaches Association convention earlier this year

The new 15-day period replaces the current 20-day December period. Most teams now will be able to keep active players as they prepare for their biggest games. Last season, Penn State backup quarterback Beau Pribula entered the portal and missed his team’s run in the College Football Playoff.

Teen son of late boxer Gatti found dead by hanging

NEW YORK The teenage son of late boxing star Arturo Gatti was found dead on Tuesday by apparent hanging, much like his father was in 2009.

Arturo Gatti Jr “was found hanging in an apartment in Mexico,” according to Gatti’s former bodyguard, Chuck Zito. The younger Gatti was just 17. Zito on Wednesday announced the news “with a heavy heart” that Gatti Jr., himself a boxer, was discovered “the same way they found his father dead in an apartment in Brazil 16 years ago.”

Gatti Sr.’s wife, Amanda Rodrigues Gatti, found the retired athlete dead on July 11, 2009, in a condo they rented in her native Brazil, where they had been staying for a second honeymoon. He was 37 at the time of his death.

NCAA panel proposes sponsor logos on uniforms INDIANAPOLIS An NCAA committee has proposed a change to rules barring commercial logos on uniforms in a move that would clear the way for sponsor patches to appear on jerseys next year Under current rules, the only commercial logo permitted on athletes’ equipment or apparel during regular-season games is the logo of the equipment or apparel manufacturer If the Division I Administrative Committee’s proposal is adopted, schools could place two additional commercial logos on uniforms and pregame/postgame apparel during non-NCAA championship competition. Also, one additional commercial logo would be permitted on equipment used by athletes.

Cardinals QB Murray sits out practice with foot injury

TEMPE, Ariz Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray didn’t practice on Wednesday because of a foot injury he suffered in a 22-21 loss to the Tennessee Titans on Sunday Coach Jonathan Gannon said he would “take it day by day” with Murray’s health.

The team’s backup is veteran Jacoby Brissett, who has played in 89 games, including 53 starts over 10 seasons with the Patriots, Colts, Dolphins, Browns and Commanders.

Murray hasn’t missed a game since 2023, when he returned after missing roughly 11 months with a torn ACL. The two-time Pro Bowl selection is completing 68.3% of his passes for 962 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions.

Sanders back at Colorado practice after procedure

Colorado coach Deion Sanders was back at practice Wednesday, a day after undergoing surgery related to his blood clots.

Sanders had a procedure called an aspiration thrombectomy, which involves the left popliteal — located behind the knee — and tibial arteries. He appears on track to be on the sideline Saturday when the Buffaloes (2-4, 0-3 Big 12) host No. 22 Iowa State (5-1, 2-1). On Tuesday night, in a video posted by Well Off Media, which chronicles the Buffaloes, Sanders and his medical team talked about the procedure that would clean out his arteries to prevent more clots. Sanders said it was his 16th surgery over the last few years.

“Same position,” Sanders said from his hospital bed “Never doubting God. Never stressing. Never second-guessing.”

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By CRAIG MITCHELLDyER

Portland Trail Blazers center yang Hansen poses for photos during the team’s media day on Sept. 29 in Portland, Ore.

STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL

Central quarterback Jacori Platt spins out of a sack attempt by Lafayette Christian defensive end Josh Wilson last Friday at Central. The Wildcats will try to rebound from that loss during a District 4-5A

New-look defense remains dominant for Buckeyes

BY MARCUS HARTMAN Associated Press

COLUMBUS, Ohio Ohio State lost every starter on its defensive line, three of five starting defensive backs and a linebacker who was both productive and a leader for the title-winning Buckeyes last season Coach Ryan Day also needed to hire a new defensive coordinator after Jim Knowles’ departure to Penn State.

A drop in production would have been understandable. Yet the topranked Buckeyes are right back at the top in scoring defense and third in total defense after five games this season while heading into a matchup Saturday at No. 17 Illinois.

Ohio State has held opponents to 10 points or fewer in its first five games, its longest streak since Earle Bruce’s first season as coach in 1979.

How did the Buckeyes reload so quickly?

In the mind of Minnesota coach

P.J. Fleck, a better question might be, “How could they not?”

“They put you in a corner and they change up so many different coverages and fronts,” Fleck said after his team lost 42-3 last week.

“After that first drive I thought we had them in their base defense and their base coverages and we had a really good bead on them. Then we came back and they changed it.”

Matt Patricia replaced Knowles, spent the spring learning the strengths of his new players at every level of the defense and in-

stalled a pro-style defense reminiscent of the ones he used to help coordinate with the New England Patriots under Bill Belichick. At several positions, players who might have been ready to play last year but were blocked by seniors have stepped into starting roles. That includes junior cornerback Jermaine Mathews taking the place of Denzel Burke; junior line-

backer Arvell Reese replacing Cody Simon; and senior defensive

linemen Caden Curry and Kenyatta Jackson taking the spots at end vacated by Jack Sawyer and J.T Tuimoloau.

They joined returning starters Sonny Styles at linebacker and Davison Igbinosun at cornerback to form a unit long on talent and short on youth.

Ravens defense hopes to have reinforcements

BY NOAH TRISTER AP Sportswriter

OWINGS MILLS,Md.— The Baltimore Ravens made two additions to their secondary this week and now another key player might be on his way back.

Kyle Hamilton was at practice Wednesday after missing last weekend’s loss to Houston with a groin problem. Baltimore was still without several key players — including quarterback Lamar Jackson — during the portion of practice open to reporters, but the situation in the back end of the defense is looking a bit less dire.

The Baltimore defense already has allowed 177 points in five games. The Ravens (1-4) can’t afford to wait until the trade deadline to fix that. On Tuesday, they signed safety C.J. GardnerJohnson to the practice squad and traded for safety Alohi Gilman.

“I woke up today and I was like, ‘Dang, there’s two new faces in the room.’ So, it’s a little different, but you realize that it’s your job,” rookie safety Malaki Starks said. “There’s a sense of urgency that goes behind it.” Gardner-Johnson and Gilman were both at practice Wednesday, along with Hamilton. Cornerback Marlon Humphrey (calf) was not. Neither were Jackson (hamstring) or linebacker Roquan Smith (hamstring). Tackle Ronnie Stanley (ankle) was on the field, but he practiced some last week and still wasn’t available for the game against the Texans.

“Same with all the guys that are dealing with the different injuries,” coach John Harbaugh said.

“I think it’ll be indicative as the week goes along and what their status will be going forward.”

Baltimore hosts the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday Then the Ravens get a much-needed open date before the schedule eases up a bit.

The 27-year-old Gardner-Johnson joins the Ravens a couple of weeks after being cut by Houston. He was released after only three games with the Texans. They had acquired him from Philadelphia in an offseason

SOUTHERN

Continued from page 1C

whatsoever.”

“We live in a precious present,” he said. “We’re not going to put anymore pressure on these guys than they already have pressure. We’re gonna go out and we’re gonna play and we’re gonna execute. We have not even talked about anything of that nature Our mindset is to go and play as well as we can to put ourselves in position to win.

“So no, we’re not, we’re never gonna talk about any pressure. These guys understand that there’s a sense of urgency because they want to win. We want to win and so because of that, that’s how

trade.

“I’ve always liked the way he played. He brings it,” Harbaugh said. “He’s a ‘bring it’ attitude guy. He’s a physical player a lot of juice and a lot of energy.”

Gilman, who turned 28 last month, was a starter in the secondary for the Chargers. Even if Hamilton is back, the Ravens could use help in a defensive backfield where three rookies — including two who were undrafted — started last weekend.

Harbaugh said there’s a chance Gilman can play right away this weekend He’ll have had a chance to catch his breath after a busy 24 hours surrounding the trade.

“I’ve been awake for about 21 of them It’s been a long day,” Gilman said “I’m still processing everything It’s been cool to be here, and everyone’s been opening up

we approach the game.” Graves has chosen to have his players focused on keeping their composure, graduate student offensivelinemanJuanGonzalessaid.

“Almost every day (in) team meetings with coach Graves, he says, ‘We are 1-4, that’s the reality of it.’ You can’t get too high. You can’t get too low,” Gonzales said.

“He says, ‘You got to stay evenkeeled.’ And that’s the team mentality right now.” Graves said that attitude is how a team in Southern’s position should handle its situation It’s also a mentality that translates into how he thinks Southern plays its best football.

“I tell them all the time, you play this game with emotion, but you can’t play emotional,” Graves said. “That’s a huge difference

their arms and just showing the hospitality I have a little bit of history with Maryland. I was at the Naval Academy out of high school, so it has a special place in my heart.”

Although the secondary has been a point of weakness for Baltimore, so has the pass rush, so losing edge rusher Odafe Oweh in the trade for Gilman could be significant. However, there’s still plenty of time before the Nov 4 trade deadline to add more on defense.

“It’s twofold — the guys (we currently have) will be in there, and their reps will ramp up. We’ll see how they handle it and see if they can get to the quarterback,” Harbaugh said. “Then, I’m sure until the trade deadline, those are going to be conversations that will be had.”

and sometimes getting emotional gets in the way of playing the game with great emotion, and it causes you to do things that you wouldn’t typically do.”

Southern, which was picked in the preseason to win the SWAC West Division, will not sugarcoat the position it is in and how it feels. Instead, the Jaguars believe they are talented enough to bounce back and contend for the SWAC and Celebration Bowl titles. They know those hopes have a better chance of coming to pass with a win on Saturday

“It’s a must-win game. Every game is a must-win game,” Gonzales said. “I don’t know many teams that are 1-4 that still have a chance to win the championship, so I mean, every game from now (on) is a must-win.”

uses to keep quarterbacks and offensive coordinators guessing.

Generally regarded as one of the best defensive players in the nation last year, he would most likely be in the NFL right now if the rules allowed, but the collective-bargaining agreement between the league and its players requires draftees to be at least three years removed from high school.

“It’s one thing to have an idea or have an adjustment, but it’s another thing to put it on the field,” Day said Tuesday as the team began preparations for Illinois. “So when you have guys like Caleb and Sonny and Arvell and IGB (Igbinosun) and Kenyatta and Caden who have played football enough and seen it, they have sort of a rolodex of plays that they can recall to get back to and then communicate that to the other guys on the defense So that’s the sign of a mature team when you can make adjustments but then actually execute them on the field.”

Since August, players have praised Patricia for his approach.

He jibed quickly with heady veteran leaders such as Downs and Styles.

“It’s not just the players and the depth,” Fleck said. “That’s just exceptional. That’s off the charts. Some of the best I’ve seen. It’s the schematic pieces that make it so complex. Every single play is a different front structure, blitz structure, coverage structure.” While there is versatility up and down the starting lineup, Caleb Downs is the prime piece Patricia

“It’s not like we’re on our heels,” Styles said Saturday night. “We’re on the attack all the time. We know that the different looks we give to offenses keeps them on their heels, keeps them a little bit confused. It just feels good. We’re all confident what we’re doing. We all know our jobs We’re really just growing in terms of, like, football knowledge and becoming smarter.”

Watkins’ injury makes UCLA Big Ten favorite

BY RICH ROVITO Associated Press

ROSEMONT, Ill USC star JuJu

Watkins propelled the Trojans to a Big Ten regular-season title and a second consecutive Elite Eight appearance last season.

If the Trojans want to match that success this year, they’ll need to do it without her

The absence of Watkins, who’s sidelined for the season while recovering from an ACL injury she suffered in the NCAA Tournament, has given way to UCLA becoming the lone conference powerhouse, with Maryland not far behind.

The Bruins advanced to the Final Four for the first time in program history after defeating the Trojans in the Big Ten Tournament title game last season and beating LSU in the Elite Eight. They are the clear-cut favorite with senior center Lauren Betts, the Big Ten preseason player of the year

The loss of Watkins is being felt throughout the conference, which sent a record 12 programs to last season’s NCAA Tournament.

“I’m bummed for her, for the rivalry, for the conference. I’m bummed for our game,” UCLA coach Cori Close said. “She makes me a better coach because of the level of excellence she brings to the court night in and night out.”

Close again has high expectations for her team, which features stars Betts and Kiki Rice, among a bevy of other top-level talent. Watkins’ presence on the court will be missed, Rice said.

“Obviously, injuries suck and we feel for her,” she said. “It’s unfortunate that she won’t be able to play this season because she’s such

a pivotal player for women’s college basketball.”

Close said she expects a rugged conference schedule and a variety of styles in the 18-team league to prepare the team for another deep tournament run.

“It doesn’t matter what kind of draw you get, you will know how to face that kind of style because of the depth and breadth of the Big Ten,” Close said.

Maryland is among the teams expected to contend with UCLA for the conference title after a Sweet 16 run and with a strong core of returning players, including Kaylene Smikle, Saylor Poffenbarger and Bri McDaniel.

“For us, it’s about wanting to go out and play to the best of our ability every single game against the so many elite level teams in our conference,” coach Brenda Frese said.

Don’t count out the Trojans, warned coach Lindsay Gottlieb, who said Watkins remains a crucial part of the team even if she’s unable to play

“No one is going to be JuJu. No one is trying to be JuJu,” Gottlieb said. “But I think we can put a team on the floor that is incredibly versatile and plays an exciting brand of basketball.”

Gottlieb has lofty goals of her own in leading the talented Trojans.

“When I took this job, the goal was to become the premiere program in women’s college basketball,” she said. “Our goals don’t change. USC women’s basketball isn’t going anywhere. We have a really different team with a lot of new faces but we’ll have the ability to compete at a very high level.”

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By JAy LAPRETE

Ohio State defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, red hat, watches his defense play against Grambling on Sept. 6 in Columbus, Ohio.

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE

PHOTO By JESSIE ALCHEH Southern California guard JuJu Watkins shoots a free throw during the first

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By CHARLIE RIEDEL Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyquan Thornton catches a touchdown pass as Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton defends on Sept. 28 in Kansas City, Mo.

NFL

Eagles, Barkley aim to rebound vs. Giants

BY STEPHEN WHYNO AP sportswriter

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. Abdul Carter could not believe Saquon Barkley had only six carries in the Philadelphia Eagles’ most recent game, which was also the reigning Super Bowl champions’ first defeat this season.

“I was shocked when I heard that stat,” Carter said. “I’m sure they’re going to come out and try to give him the ball.” No better time than the present, with the Eagles visiting Carter and the New York Giants on Thursday night.

Barkley is off to a slow start, averaging just over 50 yards through five games after approaching the single-season NFL rushing record last year He’s back at the Meadowlands to face his old team for just the second time.

Barkley torched the Giants for 176 yards and a touchdown in his anticipated return last October withthebackdropofleavinginfree agency and going to a division rival. Acknowledging he didn’t know whattoexpectthen,theemotionsof the moment have dissipated.

“It is what it is,” Barkley said. “I’m just focusing on trying to get back on track and getting a big win in the NFC East.

Barkley, the 2024 Offensive Player of the Year after rushing for 2,005 yards on the way to helping the Eagles win it all, popped up on the practice participation report this week with a knee injury He downplayed it and said it had nothing to do with his performance or the loss to Denver on Sunday, which dropped Philadelphia to 4-1.

“Nothing I’m too worried about,” he said “Some general soreness, and I’m excited to go play.” The Giants know all about what

ä Eagles at Giants 7:15 P.M. THURSDAy,PRIME

Barkley can do from him doing it for them in his first six seasons in the league. Their pass rush has the potential to take over, but their rushing defense is among the worst in the NFL and will be tested in a major way

“He’s Saquon Barkley, great running back,” nose tackle Dexter Lawrence said “We’ve got to stop the run. We understand that.”

New York fell to 1-4 after committing five turnovers in a loss at New Orleans last Sunday Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart had three of them: two interceptions and a fumble.

Dart is making his third professional start. He won his first on Sept. 28 against the Los Angeles Chargers, but the Saints game brought him back to earth.

“This was my first loss in the NFL and, just being realistic, it’s not going to be my last,” Dart said. “Trying to come back, identify the things I need to work on (while) at the same time being able to say things I did well and then try to carry those over to the next week.

Barkley and Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts downplayed the significance of a meeting they held with receiver A.J. Brown after a tough offensive performance against Denver and declined to get into the specifics of what was discussed

Barkley described it more as a meeting among friends but said: “The focus was all about the team.”

“When you hear ‘players’ meeting,’ that’s like all hell’s breaking loose. It wasn’t that at all,” Barkley said. “But also that we’re teammates. We’re all friends. We’re just having a conversation.”

Young back at practice after missing 5 games

BY LUKE JOHNSON and MATTHEW PARAS Staff writers

After missing the first five weeks of the season with a calf injury, New Orleans Saints defensive end Chase Young practiced Wednesday Young was a late arrival at practice, entering roughly midway through the period of practice open to the media.

The pass rusher injured his calf in the days leading up to the season opener against the Arizona Cardinals. Earlier this week, coach Kellen Moore defended Young after some criticism about how long his injury has kept him off the field, saying Young was doing everything in his power to return. It wasn’t the only positive injury news for New Orleans.

practice Wednesday It wasn’t all good for the Saints.

Running back Alvin Kamara suffered an ankle injury during practice Wednesday Moore did not elaborate on the injury other than to say it happened in practice and that Kamara was limited.

The only player who was not present at Wednesday’s practice was cornerback IsaacYiadom (hamstring).

Hill as backup QB?

Moore was asked a simple question during Wednesday’s news conference: As the Saints look to expand Taysom Hill‘s role as he gets healthier, could that include him becoming the team’s backup quarterback?

“Yeah, it could,” Moore said “He’s done it plenty of times in his career before.”

that he loved all three quarterbacks and added he wouldn’t worry about hypothetical “math problems” with the roster He downplayed the idea that a possible change was a reflection of Shough’s development.

“Tyler’s doing awesome,” Moore said. “We’ve got a good group going on right now.”

Hill was spotted wearing a quarterback wristband in Wednesday’s practice, and though one wasn’t visible on Shough’s arm band, Moore said Hill had a wristband “like all the other quarterbacks.” Rattler also wore one in the portion of practice open to reporters.

Continued from page 1C

could’ve won if not for a late interception.

It’s a quick turnaround and short week for the Jaguars after an impressive win. Some teams can let down in these situations. Jacksonville can’t afford to let up, especially with a trip to London to face the Rams coming up the next week.

Denver (3-2) went to Philadelphia on a short week of preparation after a lopsided win over the Bengals on a Monday night and stunned the reigning Super Bowl champion Eagles.

Down 17-3 in the fourth quarter, Bo Nix led the Broncos to a 21-17 comeback win and the defense stifled Saquon Barkley, Jalen Hurts and the rest of an inconsistent offense.

Now, they’re heading to London to face the NFL’s only winless team, the New York Jets

It’s another challenging travel week for the Broncos, who are tied with the Los Angeles Chargers in the AFC West. Sean Payton’s team can’t slip up against the woeful Jets, who have talent despite their 0-5 record.

Denver will play four of its five games after the London trip at home before a bye in Week 12. The Broncos host the Giants and Cowboys, visit the Texans, and then host the Raiders and Chiefs. They could be 8-2 going into a matchup against Kansas City if they take care of business and don’t overlook anybody That starts with beating the Jets. New England (3-2) went to Buffalo and shocked the Bills on

Sunday night with Drake Maye leading a 23-20 victory The Patriots made it clear that Josh Allen and the Bills aren’t going to cruise to another AFC East title.

They won’t be pushed around anymore, not with coach Mike Vrabel standing on the sideline.

Maye has been impressive in his second season and certainly looks like the franchise quarterback the Patriots have sought since Tom Brady left.

But that win over the Bills can’t be New England’s Super Bowl.

The Patriots have a favorable schedule the rest of the way Only two of their remaining games are against teams that currently have a winning record — Buccaneers in Week 10 and Bills in Week 15.

The Patriots head to New Orleans (1-4) this week and Tennessee (1-4) next before returning home to face Cleveland (1-4). If they want to challenge Buffalo for the division, they must defeat inferior teams.

Adapting to change Baker Mayfield is on his third offensive coordinator in three seasons with Tampa Bay and fifth in four years, including his stints with the Panthers and Rams in 2022.

He has improved each season and is playing at an MVP level in 2025. Dave Canales spent one year as the Buccaneers offensive coordinator in 2023 and landed a head coaching job in Carolina.

Coen replaced him, Mayfield had his best season and the Jaguars hired him to be head coach.

Josh Grizzard took over for Coen, and Mayfield has elevated his game another notch as the Tampa Bay offense is averaging 27 points per game.

Right guard Cesar Ruiz, who missed last week’s game against the New York Giants with an ankle injury, returned to practice Wednesday afternoon in a limited capacity Ruiz suffered his injury against the Buffalo Bills in Week 4 when quarterback Spencer Rattler rolled into the back of his legs on a scramble. Undrafted rookie Torricelli Simpkins has filled in at right guard while Ruiz was out. The Saints have played with their preferred starting five along the offensive line for only 28 offensive snaps this season. Left guard Trevor Penning did not play in the first three games while recovering from a turf toe injury, and right tackle Taliese Fuaga missed the Week 3 game against the Seattle Seahawks with knee and back injuries.

Safety Justin Reid, who left the Giants game in the first quarter with a concussion, was also back at

SAINTS

Continued from page 1C

because of a season-ending knee injury, Shaheed’s speed changed games early on He hauled in touchdowns of 59 and 70 yards in backto-back contests to begin the year, and before the injury, he had six catches of at least 20 yards.

Shaheed said he saw subtle ways in which opponents adjusted Safeties played even farther back, making it more difficult for Shaheed to race behind them. And defenses rarely gave the Saints single-high looks since Chris Olave and Brandin Cooks also posed as speed threats. But the Saints knew they still needed to get Shaheed involved. With the lack of explosive plays, the coaching staff tried to feature Shaheed in other ways. In Week 4 against the Buffalo Bills, for example, Shaheed had two rushing attempts on jet sweeps He also saw an uptick in slant routes and hitches.

Still, through the first four games, Shaheed (25 targets) was targeted less often than Olave (43) and tight end Juwan Johnson (31).

The Saints now list Hill as a quarterback after having him at tight end the last few seasons. Hill’s actual position is more complicated than the title, given he plays a variety of roles — ranging from quarterback to receiver to running back to special teams ace.

Moore previously had said he expects Hill’s role to grow as he comes back from last season’s serious knee injury He played nine offensive snaps in Sunday’s win over the Giants.

Against the Giants, secondround rookie Tyler Shough served as Rattler’s backup even though Hill threw a 19-yard pass.

Moore’s answer leaves open the possibility the Saints could turn to Hill if Rattler was injured or benched, instead of Shough.

Asked whether a change could leave Shough inactive on game days, Moore shrugged and said

“He’s done a tremendous job,” Moore said of Hill “He can play quarterback for us, taking reps in that position, certainly plenty through the last couple weeks. He’s definitely available to be a backup quarterback.”

Player of the week

Kool-Aid McKinstry snagged his first and second career interceptions in the second half of the Saints’ 26-14 win against the Giants last week, and he was recognized by the league for his performance. McKinstry was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week for the performance, with his two interceptions being part of five consecutive turnovers forced by the Saints. McKinstry, 23, became the first Saints player to be recognized as the NFC Defensive Player of the Week since Paulson Adebo in 2023. The last Saints player to win any sort of weekly honor was Bryan Bresee last year, who was recognized on special teams after a field goal block that secured a win against the Giants.

On the 87-yard bomb, the Saints got a favorable look when they fooled the Giants by deploying a formation that featured three tight ends and Shaheed as the lone receiver With Johnson motioning to Shaheed’s side pre-snap, the movement caused Giants cornerback Paulson Adebo to stay with the tight end, leaving Shaheed one-onone with a safety

He ran straight down the field, faked as if he was going to break into a crossing route and then opened his hips to cut outside and break free. Touchdown.

“No, definitely not,” Shaheed said with a smile when asked whether anybody could catch him in that scenario.

“You’ve got to find ways to get him touches,” offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier said last week. “Obviously, people are going to play shell (coverage) and keep a roof on it. You can’t force the ball downfield. It’s important to find ways to get Shaheed the ball underneath coverage in different ways, whether it be options, slants or quick outs, whatever it may be.” Sometimes, sticking to what worked works.

Funny enough, Shaheed admitted after the win he was initially nervous that he was going to be tripped up when running. He joked that he was worried he’d “lose respect” in the locker room and teammates would question his speed. But then he had a question of his own. Did anyone happen to have the exact speed on his route? 21.72.

He nodded his head a few times.

“I’ll take it,” Shaheed said. “I’ll take it. I’m happy about that.”

STAFF PHOTO By DAVID GRUNFELD Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed catches an 87-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Spencer Rattler against the New york Giants on Sunday.

STAFF FILE PHOTO By JOHN McCUSKER

Saints defensive end Chase young runs down the ball carrier during training camp on Aug. 2 at the team’s

practice facility young missed the first five weeks of the season with a calf injury.

AP PHOTO By CHRIS SZAGOLA

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, left, fakes a handoff to running back Saquon Barkley during their game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday in Philadelphia.

Holdingall thecards:Acestake3-0 lead

Wilson hits last-secondjumpertoliftLas VegasinWNBAFinals

BY DAVID BRANDT AP sportswriter

PHOENIX— A’ja Wilson made a turnaround jumper with 0.3 seconds left, capping astellar 34-point night and lifting the Las Vegas Aces over the Phoenix Mercury 90-88 on Wednesday nightfor a3-0 lead in the WNBA Finals.

The Aces are one victory away from winning their third title in four seasons.

Game 4isFriday nightinPhoenix. Las Vegas had what looked like acomfortable76-59 lead entering the fourth quarter,but theMercury closedthe gap to 84-83 with3:06 left on Kahleah Copper’s3-pointer

DeWanna Bonner tiedthe game at

86-all on a3-pointer with 1:33 left and made two free throws with 1:01 left to tie it at 88.

That set up Wilson’s heroics in thefinal seconds. The four-time MVP made her turnaround jumper over Alyssa Thomasand Bonnerasthe Mercury’shome crowd groaned.

“I just needed the bucket to go in,” Wilson said. “I didn’tsee who was in frontofme. Ididn’tcare.

It’sthe finals.”

Phoenix had onefinal trytoget a bucket, but Bonner’squick jumper was nogood.

The 6-foot-4Wilsoncontinued her dominantpostseason run, making 11 of 20 shots from the field add adding four assists. She is averaging more than 26points in 11 post-

season games. Jackie Young added 21 points. Wilson’s291 totalpointsover11 gamesisaWNBA postseason record. The Aces took a2-0 lead by winning thefirst two games in Las Vegas, but the Mercury hoped for aboost from theirboisterous home crowd in Game 3. Instead LasVegas thrivedinthe hostile atmosphere, showing thepoise of aveteran team that’sbeen in highpressure situations manytimes. Bonner led the Mercury with 25 pointswhile SatouSabally had24. Copper scored 11 of her 17 points in the fourth quarter Thomas was oneassist short of atriple-doublewith14pointsand 12 rebounds.

Las VegasAcescenter A’ja Wilson reacts after scoring on Phoenix Mercuryforward Satou Sabally during the firsthalfofGame 3ofthe WNBA Finals on WednesdayinPhoenix. The Aces won90-88.

Arnold on Sept. 20 in Norman, Okla. The Sooners are tied for the NCAA lead with 4.2 sacks per game

ASSOCIATED PRESS

PHOTO By ALONZO ADAMS

OU’s ‘Dog Pound’ ready to chasedownManning

SoonersDLaimsto make life miserable againfor TexasQB

BY JIM VERTUNO AP sportswriter

AUSTIN,Texas Florida chased Arch Manning to the point of exhaustion and left the Texas quarterback with enough bruisestomake him ache for days. Now comes Oklahoma, which leads the nation in sacks per game. The Sooners have batteredopposing quarterbacks with the consistency of aticking clock that can strike midnight on just about any play Texas (3-2, 0-1Southeastern Conference)and No. 6Oklahoma (5-0, 1-0) clash in theirannual rivalry on Saturday in Dallas, andTexas’ability to protect Manning or get him beat up again will likely swing the day Texas tackle Trevor Goosbysaid he’sready for afightinthe trenches with aSooners’ defensive front known as the “Dog Pound.” “They’re an amazing defense. A lotofstoutguys,”Goosbysaid. “Try to cause alot of chaos.”

A fierce bite

The Oklahomadefensive front has been punishing quarterbacks all season. The Sooners have 21 sacks this season and average4.2 per game, tied for best in the nation.

Abig chunk of thosecameagainst Auburn, when the Sooners bulled

their way to aschool-record-tying nine sacksina24-17 win. The exclamation point was R. Mason Thomas’ sack and safetywith about one minutetoplay

Thomas is one of three Sooners’ defensive linemen with at least three sacksina deep rotation that keeps fresh bodies flowing onto the field.

“You know,when they said ‘Dog Pound,’ we just startedbarking becauseweliked it becausewesome dogs,” said defensive lineman Gracen Halton, who has 11/2 sacks and two quarterback hurries. “Everybody’sa dog on our d-line. We really like to eat.”

Sooners coach Brent Venables whoiscalling thedefensive plays thisseason, loves it. With that group up front, the Soonershave allowed theirfewest pointsthrough five games (36) since 1987. Venables embraces the “DogPound” mentality

“I like theengagement. To me that says there’sgreat ownership in thatgroup,” Venables said. “If they namedthemsomething and they play likeabunch of pansies, it wouldn’t be good.”

Manningonthe run

The Soonersare eager to chase Manning, whowas on the run all afternoon lastweek in thelossto Florida. TheGators sacked Manning sacked six times and had him under pressure in seemingly every passing situation.

Manning said this week that game left him “pretty sore,” but

he wasn’tinclined to publicly chide hisoffensive line that replacedfour starters from last season’sCollege FootballPlayoff semifinalists. Manning has enduredhis own struggles and criticism over poor play in his first seasonasthe full-timestarter

And he was willing to take some of theblame for thepoor pass protection.

“I think honestly,a few of those sacks, Icould avoid and get rid of it, switch protection,” Manning said. “But we’re going to play better than that. I’m fully confident of that.”

Texas coach Steve Sarkisiansaid he expects Texas to be better up front Saturday

“Right now, we’rejust notanexperienced group, especially notan experienced group playing together.We’ve got to keep pushing those guys to be thebestthattheycan be. Iknow there’smore in there.I know there’sbetterplayinthere, Sarkisian said.

Manning’sday on therun exposed Texas’ biggest weakness, but it also proved the quarterback is tough enough to take alicking and keep grinding through aclose game. He finished 16-for-29 passingwith 263 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions againstFlorida. He also ran for ateam-high 37 yards.

“That guy’sgot alot of courage; he’s got alot of toughness.I think he gained alot of respect fromhis teammates Saturday,which is a great thing,” Sarkisian said. “Does he need to play alittle better? Sure. Do we need to play better around him?Noquestion.”

LSUWRAndersonlistedas questionable vs.South Carolina

BY REED DARCEY Staff writer

TwoofLSU’sinjured offensive

starters are on track to return to the field Saturday against South Carolina, but two

STAFF

LSU widereceiver Aaron Anderson indicates a firstdownafter abig catchagainst FloridaonSept. 13 in TigerStadium

guard Paul Mubenga (ankle) was doubtful. Anderson left the Tigers’ Sept. 27 loss to Ole Miss lateinthe first half. CoachBrian Kelly hassaid he’s battling knee, toe and elbow injuries. Mubenga is dealing with ahighankle sprain.

Theavailability report also indicatedLSU expectsbothrunning backCaden Durham(ankle) and right tackle Weston Davis (concussion) to play,asKelly said Monday Durhamsprained hisanklein LSU’sSept. 20 win over SoutheasternLouisiana, then sat out its loss to the Rebels the following week. Davis was injured in pregame warm-ups for that game. The Tigers alsolisted defensive tackle Ahmad Breaux as probable.

EmailReed Darcey at reed. darcey@theadvocate.com. For more LSU sports updates, sign up for our newsletter at theadvocate.com/lsunewsletter

NCAA movescloser to allowing athletes to betonpro sports

BY DOUG FEINBERG AP sportswriter

The NCAA moved astepcloser Wednesday to allowing athletes and athletic department staff members to bet on professional sports.

The Division Iadministrative committee approved the change, which must still be approved by Division II and III for it to go into effect. If approved by all threedivisions, it would go into effect Nov.1

“The administrative committee was clear in its discussion today that it remains concerned about therisks associated with all forms of sportsgambling but ultimately voted to reduce restrictions on student-athletes in this area to better align with their campus peers,” said Josh Whitman, athletic director at Illinois and chair of the committee.

“This change allows the NCAA, the conferences,and themember schools to focus on protectingthe integrityofcollege games while, at thesametime, encouraging healthy habitsfor student-athletes whochoose to engage in betting activities on professional sports.”

Thisdoesn’tchange the NCAA rulewhich forbids athletes from betting on college sports. The NCAA alsoprohibits sharing information about college competitions with bettors. Theinstitu-

RABALAIS

Continued from page1C

make the show happen. But Ican’t imagine someone getting this far and still coaching in ademanding league like theSEC nothaving a fire that still burnsinside Whenever Kelly retires, the clock will start on his inevitable enshrinementinthe College Football Hall of Fame. Whether hisresume will include aCFP national title won at LSU remains the riveting question.Ifnot this year withthis team,thenwhen?

…There has been alot in the media about late LSU receiver Kyren Lacy and whether or not his driving contributed to afatal crash in Lafourche Parish in December

Lacy’s attorney has been all over the media disputing Lacy’s alleged involvement in the crash. Louisiana State Police have defended theirreporting of thecrash that led to Lacy being accused of negligent homicide. Plenty of opinions have been swirlingabout.

Ithought Kelly’scarefully worded answer to aquestion about the case at his Monday news conference was aprudent response.

“This is aprocess that takes time,” Kelly said. “I think Isaid back when this occurred that let’swait until all the information comes out. For us to make these universal statements early on, it just doesn’tserve anybody well.”

Clearly there needs to be more investigation before any conclusions are drawn. But nothing will change the fact that aman named Herman Hall waskilled in the wreck, or that Lacy took his own lifeinApril after being pursued by police in Houston.

Perhaps there could be some solace for the Lacy and Hall

tion alsodoesn’tallow advertising and sponsorships of NCAA championships by betting sites. Despite the potential change, the committeeemphasized that it doesn’tendorse betting on sports particularly forstudentathletes “Division Imembers are actively working to deregulate NCAA rules wherepossible, and theDivision IBoard of Directors remains focused on preserving rules that directly speak to the fairness of college sports competition and the academic successes of college athletes,” Virginia Tech president TimSands said. The change comes as NCAA enforcementcaseloadsinvolving sports betting violations have increased in recent years. Last month theNCAA banned three men’scollege basketball playersfor sports betting, saying they had bet on their own games at Fresno Stateand San Jose Stateand were able to share thousands of dollarsinpayouts TheNCAAcommittee on infractions released findings from an enforcement investigation that concluded Mykell Robinson, Steven Vasquez and Jalen Weaver bet on one another’sgames and/or provided information that enabled otherstodosoduringthe 2024-25regular season; two of them manipulated their performances to ensurecertain bets were won The eligibility was permanently revoked.

families waiting at the end of all this, but that’sfar from clear in the moment. …Saturday is the homecoming gamefor LSU, agame that will markahomecoming of sorts for LSU great DougMoreau, too. The former All-American tight end and kicker (1962-65) hung up his microphone before this season after 52 years as part of LSU football radio and television broadcasts. He will be recognized on the field during the first quarter of Saturday’sgame, according to LSU.

In addition to his timeon LSU radio and TigerVision, the school’sformer in-house pay-per-view network, Moreau played forthe MiamiDolphins from 1966-69 and was aBaton Rouge judge and district attorney from 1978-2009.

Moreau was replaced by formerTigers and NFL fullback Jacob Hester as radio color analyst last season on atemporary basis and full-time starting this season. …Not that LSU couldn’tbe upset by South Carolina on Saturday,but it certainly wouldn’tbe in keeping with the history of this series. The Tigers hold alopsided 20-2-1 edge on the Gamecocks, having lost to South Carolina only once, 18-17 in 1994, since the Gamecocks won their first meeting 7-6 way back in 1930. LSU’s .891 winning percentage against South Carolina is by far its best against any SEC rival. I’ll close with abit of trivia: LSU and South Carolina played to a20-20 draw in Columbia in 1995. It wasthe last tie in LSU history,asthe NCAA instituted overtime starting with the 1996 season. LSU has won eight straight meetings with South Carolina since, including last year’swild 36-33 victory in Columbia.

PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

ASSOCIATEDPRESS PHOTOByRICK SCUTERI

Tigers score9unansweredruns, forceGame5

BY DAVE HOGG Associated Press

DETROIT RileyGreene and Javier Báezhomered in afour-run sixth inning, and theDetroit Tigers kept their season alive with a 9-3 win over the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday in Game 4ofthe American League Division Series.

The Tigers forced aGame 5by winning at Comerica Park for the first time in more than amonth. They went 0-8 after Tarik Skubal’s 6-0win over theChicago WhiteSox on Sept. 6, including Seattle’s8-4 win on Tuesday

Thedecisive game of theseries will be Friday in Seattle,with Skubal facing George Kirby of the Mariners.

“Oneofthe easiest andmost excitingthings Iget to do is hand the ball to the best pitcher in baseball,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. “We’re getting on aplane across the country with alot of optimism because of Tarik Skubal.”

The Tigers’nine runs are their most in apostseason game since scoring13inGame6ofthe 1968 World Series.

After Detroit tied the game with three runs in the fifth, Greene gave the Tigers a4-3 advantage with a leadoff homer off Gabe Speier in the sixth. The 454-foot homer was the second-longest home run of Greene’scareer.

“That felt great,” Greene said of his first postseason homer.“I hadn’thit aball like that in awhile.”

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By PAUL

Detroit Tigers pitcher Will Vest celebrates after striking out Seattle Mariners’ RandyArozarena for the final out in Game 4ofthe ALDSon WednesdayinDetroit.

SpencerTorkelsonfollowed with adouble and scored Detroit’sfifth run on ZachMcKinstry’s single before Báez made it 7-3 with hissixth career postseason homer Gleyber Torres became thethird Tigers All-Startohomer when he

led off theseventh with ashot to right beforeBáez’seighth-inning groundout brought in Detroit’s ninth run.

“They wereabletoget to our bullpentoday,but those guys have bounced back all season,”Mariners

manager Dan Wilson said. “There’s no better place to do that than back at home on Friday.”

Troy Melton,Detroit’sGame 1starter,pickedupthe winwith threescoreless innings of relief.

The first 41/2 innings looked like another disaster for the Tigers.

Casey Mize allowed one run while striking outsix batters in thefirst three innings, but he needed 54 pitchestodoit. That may have played apart in Hinch’sdecision to send lefty TylerHolton to themound forthe fourth inning.

The decision didn’twork. Holton faced three batters and left with the bases loaded and no one out. Hinch broughtinsetupman Kyle Finnegan, who got Victor Robles to ground into arun-scoring double playbefore J.P.Crawford popped out.

The Mariners got to Finnegan in the fifth. Randy Arozarena led off with asingle, took second on awild pitch and scored on CalRaleigh’s single—his seventh hit of the series. That madeit3-0, increasing the booing from an angry home crowd

“I’veheardboos my whole career,soIdon’tmind them,” Báez said. “That’sjust showing thepassion of our fans.”

Dillon Dingler’sRBI double got the Tigers on theboardwithone outinthe fifth —the first run Detroit hadscored against Mariners starter Bryce Miller in 231/3 innings.

Speier came in,but Jahmai Jones

lined his first pitch down the leftfield line for apinch-hit double to make it 3-2 before Báez tied the game with abase hit.

BLUE JAYS 5,YANKEES 2: In New York, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.and George Springer each drove in arun, and eight Toronto pitchers shut down the New York Yankees on Wednesday night to send the Blue Jays to the American League Championship Series for the first timeinnine years.

Nathan Lukes provided atworun single and Addison Barger had three of Toronto’s12hits as the pesky Blue Jays, fouling off tough pitches and consistently putting theballinplay, bounced right back after blowing afive-run lead in Tuesday night’sloss at Yankee Stadium.

AL East champion Toronto took the best-of-five Division Series 3-1 and will host Game 1inthe best-of-seven ALCS on Sunday against against theDetroitTigers or Seattle Mariners. Those teams are set to decide their playoff series Friday in Game 5atSeattle. Ryan McMahonhomered for theYankees, whowereunable to stave off elimination for afourth time this postseason as they failed to repeat as AL champions. Despite aterrific playoff performance from AaronJudge after his previous October troubles, the 33-year-oldstarslugger remains without aWorld Series ring. New York is still chasing its 28thtitle and first since 2009.

Four-run first inning keepsCubs’ chancesalive

BY JAYCOHEN AP baseball writer

CHICAGO Pete Crow-Armstrong hit atiebreaking two-run single and the Chicago Cubs avoided a sweepbyholding off theMilwaukee Brewers for a4-3 victory in Game 3oftheir NL DivisionSeries on Wednesday Crow-Armstrong’stwo-out swing was part of afour-run first inning for Chicago. Michael Busch kicked off the rally by becoming the first player in MLB history with multiple leadoff homers in asingle postseason series.

The matchup of NL Central rivals is the firstpostseason series in which bothteamsscored in the first inning in each of the first three

games. Game 4isonThursday night.

“Yeah, I’m going to tell our guys it’s thefirst inningevery inning tomorrow,”Cubs manager Craig Counsell said. “I think that’s our best formularight nowoffensively.”

Jake Bauers rallied Milwaukee with an RBI singleinthe fourth and aleadoff homerun in the seventh. He started at first base in place of AndrewVaughn, whohit athreerun homer in the Brewers’ 7-3 victory in Game 2on Monday night Milwaukee loadedthe bases in theeighth,but Brad Keller escaped the jam whenhestruck out Bauers on afoultip on a97.1 mph fastball. Kellerthen retiredthe side in order in the ninth for the save.

“He’sgot agreat fastball. He got it by me,” Bauers said of Keller Lookingtosweep their way to thefranchise’sfirst triptothe NL ChampionshipSeries since 2018, Milwaukee jumpedinfront in the first. With runners on first andsecond withone out,William Contreras hit amile-high popup that Busch lost in the sun before it landedinthe infield for asingle. Sal Frelick followed withasacrifice fly off JamesonTaillon.

Chicagogot therun right back when Buschdrove afull-count cutter from Quinn Priester deep to right-center,delighting the crowd of 40,737 at Wrigley Field. It was the first baseman’steam-high third homer of the postseason.

Busch said he hadtomoveon right awayafter themiscuewith the popup in the top of the first.

“Just tried to reset,” he said. “It’s along game and there’salot of outs, andjusttried to remind myselfjust to have agood at-bat.”

Asingle by NicoHoernerand walks for Kyle Tucker and Ian Happ loaded the bases for CrowArmstrong, who chased Priester with alinertoright.Happmade it 4-1 when he ranhome on awild pitchfrom Nick Mears.

The 23-year-old Crow-Armstrong is batting .227 (5 for 22) with 11 strikeoutsinsix games in his first postseason. But the All-Star center fielderalso hit akey RBI single off Yu Darvish in aclinching 3-1victoryover San Diego in the wild-

SCOREBOARD

games BuffaloatAtlanta, 6:15 p.m. Chicago at Washington, 7:15 p.m. Pro basketball WNBAFinals (x-if necessary) (Best-of-7) Las Vegas3,Phoenix0 Friday,Oct. 3: Las Vegas 89, Phoenix 86 Sunday, Oct. 5: Las Vegas 91, Phoenix 78 Wednesday: Las Vegas 90, Phoenix 88 Friday: Las Vegas at Phoenix, 7p.m. (ESPN) x-Sunday:Phoenix at Las Vegas,2 p.m. (ABC) x-Wednesday, Oct. 15: Las Vegas at Phoenix, 7p.m. (ESPN) x-Friday, Oct. 17: PhoenixatLas Vegas (ESPN) Major League Baseball Postseason glance x-if necessary (Best-of-5) American League DivisionSeries Toronto 3, New York 1 Saturday: Toronto 10, New York 1 Sunday: Toronto 13, New York 7 Tuesday: New York 9, Toronto 6 Wednesday: Toronto5,New York 2 Seattle 2, Detroit 2 Saturday: Detroit 3, Seattle2,11innings Sunday: Seattle 3, Detroit2 Tuesday: Seattle 8, Detroit 4 Wednesday: Detroit 9, Seattle3 x-Friday:

Doval(Clement). WP—Schlittler. Umpires—Home,TonyRandazzo;First, Dan Bellino; Second, Roberto Ortiz; Third, Chris Segal; Right, Jordan Baker;Left, Adam Hamari. T—3:22. A—47,823 (47,309). Chicago Cubs4,Milwaukee 3 Milwaukee Chicago ab rh bi ab rh bi Yelich dh 51 10 Busch 1b 41 11

Chouriolf4 01 0Hoerner 2b 41 20

Turang 2b 30 00 Tucker dh 31 20

Contreras c3 01 0Suzuki rf 40 10

Frelick rf 31 11 Happlf2 10 0 Durbin 3b 30 10 Kelly c4 000 Bauers 1b 41 22 Crw-Armstr. cf 40 12

Lockridge cf 20 00 Swanson ss 30 10

card round.

“I’m pretty fortunate in acouple of these elimination games to just have pretty nice opportunities in front of me with guys on base, and Ithink that makes this job just a littlebit easiersometimes,” CrowArmstrong said. It wasarough homecomingfor Priester after abreakout performance this season. The 25-year-old right-hander, who grew up in the Chicago area, threw 39 pitches, 21 for strikes.

“Very frustrating. Very frustrated with thatfirst inning, the only inning,” Priester said. “Command wasn’tgood. My stuff wasn’tcoming out the way Iwanted it to and ultimately it falls on to me to make an adjustment.”

Spices add earthy depthto chicken

BY LINDAGASSENHEIMER

Tribune News Service (TNS)

Chicken seasoned with cinnamon, cumin and turmeric creates afragrant, savory Moroccan-inspired dish. The turmeric not only infuses the chicken with awarm golden hue but also adds an earthy depth to the flavor

It’sserved with pearl couscous which is also called Israeli couscous. Its small, round, pearl-likegrains are slightly larger and chewier than traditional couscous, making them an ideal companionto the aromatic chicken.

Helpful hints:

n Minced garlic can be found in the produce section of the market.

n Aquick way to chop cilantro is to snip the leaves from thestems with ascissors.

Moroccan Chicken

Yields 2servings. Recipeisby Linda Gassenheimer

2teaspoons olive oil

3/4 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast (1-inch pieces)

1cup thinly sliced onion

1teaspoon turmeric

2teaspoons ground cinnamon

3teaspoons ground cumin

3teaspoons minced garlic

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

2cups, no-salt-added, diced tomatoes with their juice

4cups washed, ready-to-eat spinach

2tablespoons chopped cilantro

1. Heat oil in anonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and brown on all sides,for about 2to3minutes Remove from skillet to aplate.

2. Add the onion, turmeric, cinnamon, cumin, garlic, salt and black pepper to taste and diced tomatowith juice tothe skillet. Cook 5minutes, stirring during that time.

3. Return chicken to the skillet along with the spinach. Stir just until the spinach wilts, about 1minute.

4. Divide between 2dinner plates and sprinkle chopped cilantro on top.

Nutrition info per serving: 354 calories (27 percent from fat), 10.7 gfat (1.8 gsaturated,3.9 gmonounsaturated), 126 mg cholesterol, 43.9 gprotein, 23 4 gcarbohydrates, 9.4 gfiber,162 mg sodium.

Couscous

Yields 2servings. Recipeisby Linda Gassenheimer

11/4 cups water

3/4 cup pearlcouscous

2teaspoons olive oil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1. Bring water to aboil. Stir in couscous. Reduce heat to medium, coverwith alid and simmer 10 minutes.

2. Drain, add oil and saltand pepper to taste. Serve on the dinner plates with the chicken Nutrition info per serving: 120 calories (37 percent from fat), 5.0 g fat (0.7 gsaturated, 2.2 gmonounsaturated), no cholesterol, 2.9 gprotein, 15.8 gcarbohydrates, 0.9 gfiber,1mgsodium.

MAGIC MOMENTS

Foratasty Halloween, conjure up StuffedMirlitonand PumpkinCrisp

As October unfolds in New Orleans, the city transformsintoaplayground of enchantment where history and mystery intertwine.

Stuffed Mirliton

Makes 6to8servings.

6mirliton(chayotes)

2tablespoons butter

BYBETH DOOLEY

TheFrench Quarter pulses with energy as families stroll along thestreets, children’s eyes widening at thefestive metamorphosis takingplace around them.

Wrought-iron balconies showcase Halloween finery —purple lights dance among Spanish moss, while grinning jack-o’-lanterns peer down. Shopwindows display voodoo dolls, ornate masks, and vintage Halloween ephemera that captivatechildren, pointingattreasures that blur theline between celebration and themacabre.

ä See BELTON, page 2D

2tablespoons vegetable oil

2cups chopped onions

1/4 cup slicedgreen onions

1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper

2tablespoons Creoleseasoning

4clovesgarlic, minced

11/2 cups seasoned breadcrumbs, divided

1teaspoon basil

1/2 teaspoon thyme

1tablespoon hot sauce

Kosher salt and pepper,totaste

1pound shrimp, chopped

1/2 pound boiled ham,chopped

4tablespoons butter

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Boil whole mirlitons in a pot of water until fork-tender Removemirlitons from water and let cool.

3. Melt 2tablespoons of butter in aheavy pan and add oil. Add onions, green onions, and bell pepper and fryuntil soft. Add Creole seasoning and garlic in the last few minutes.

4. Cut mirlitons in half and remove the large seed in center.Carefully scoop out pulp. Leave the shells of the mirlitons about half an inch thick; set aside. Add pulp to onions and green pepper mixture, cook forabout 15 minutes over medium heat.

5. Add 1cup of breadcrumbs, basil, thyme, hot sauce, salt and pepper.Add shrimpand ham and cook for 5additional minutes.

6. Fill shells with mixture and sprinkle with remaining breadcrumbs. Dotwith the 4tablespoons of butter and bake until breadcrumbs are browned, about 20 minutes.

The Minnesota Star Tribune (TNS)

Dinner is different with thearrival of autumn. Afternoonshadows lengthen, theair eventually chills and we turn away from the grill and toward thestove. In agloriousfarewelltosummer, theharvest is at its peak. Stroll the farmersmarketaislespiled high with acollision of seasons—the brilliant tomatoes, glossy eggplant,deepgreen kale andearly cauliflower,broccoli, cabbage, carrots, beets and potatoes.Aren’t we all hungry for more substantial comfortingfare —the soups, stews, curries? Celebrate the bounty with vegetable-forward dishes. Take cauliflower: Often underappreciated,

it’s extremelyversatile andcompliant.Blanchedorsteamed,cauliflower retains its mild cabbage-y nuttyflavors, readytobeboldly seasoned withhot chiles and warm Indian spices or swathed in alush herb-scented cream Tryroasting it on asheet pan until deepbrown with sweetly crisped edges,inviting ashower of shavedParmesan anddash of lemon. Or combine thesetwo techniques by pan-roasting cauliflower in butter and oil thencover andsteam it until tender and creamy.Season generously for a hearty side dish, or when paired with beansand served on rice or tangled in pasta, it makes asimple, satisfying vegetarian dinner

ä See CAULIFLOWER, page 2D

Kevin Belton

PHOTO By MONICA BELTON

TNS PHOTO By LINDAGASSENHEIMER Moroccan Chicken

Visitors thinkartwork is overpriced

Dear Miss Manners: Iamafine artist, withastudio attached to my home. Friends and visitors often ask to see the studio, and Iam happy to oblige Sometimes, avisitor will ask howmuch aparticularpiece costs. This puts me on the spot. Iusually say,“Well,I would normally charge $300 for thatpainting, but with my ‘friends and family’ discount, Iwould charge $150.”

On afew occasions, I’vehad avisitor who looks aghast and murmurs something to the effect

of,“Ididn’tthink it would be so expensive.”

Miss Manners, Idonot know howtorespond! Ihave already halved the price(which is never outlandishtobegin with), and am now made to feel I’m being greedy or unreasonable. My reactionhas beenastrained smile and somebreezy comment about how the piecewas particularly timeconsuming, etc.,but by thenthe atmosphere haschanged, and is difficult to undo

Am Ibeing rude? Should Ihave declinedtodiscuss prices in this context? Isuspect my guest has beenrude by implying my work is notworththe (discounted!) price.How can Ihandle this situa-

tion morepolitely in the future?

Gentlereader: Although the studio is adjacent to your home, you keep it separatefor areason (less paint in theyogurt). Miss Manners wonders if your guestsneed morespace between their slightly impertinent question and the implied sales pitch of your answer: They may have asked theprice out of mere curiosity

Either tell them you have not yet set aprice, or,ifyou think they are serious about apurchase, tell them that you would sell it to acommercial dealer for $300 —with an emphasis on the word “commercial” that invites them to ask afurther question.

Dear Miss Manners: Ibeg for guid-

ance on the proper etiquette with one’scutlery at hotel buffet breakfasts. While there are abundant clean plates, the protocol seemstobethat one has but a single set of cutlery

Perhaps this is to shameone into avoiding gluttonous behavior

However,when moving from bacon and eggs to toast or muffins, how should one get aclean knife? The knifeand fork disappear in the hands of the waitstaff.

Asking for new ones is rarely met with agraciousresponse from the (admittedly busy) servers.

Gentlereader: Is this atrick question,Miss Manners wonders? Onegets anew knifeand fork by requesting them,ananswer

Continued from page 1D

In City Park, the annual Ghosts in the Oaks event transforms ancient trees into awonderland of gentle frights.

The Garden District welcomes families with grand homes embracing the season— heirloom pumpkins line marble steps, while tasteful wreaths adorn doors that have witnessed generations of Halloweens.

The “Cities of the Dead” become educational opportunities during daylight hours. Restaurants serve gumbo, dark as the night and complex as the city’s history,laden with andouille sausage and okra that speak tothe cultural crossroads that is New Orleans cuisine.

Halloween brings the Krewe of

Pumpkin Crisp

Makes 8to10servings

FILLING

1can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree

3/4 cup granulatedsugar

1/4 cup brown sugar

2eggs

1teaspoon vanillaextract

11/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1can (12 ounces) evaporated milk

TOPPING

1cup all-purpose flour

3/4 cup old-fashionedoats

3/4 cup brown sugar

1teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup chopped pecans

Boo parade, and in neighborhood parks, community Halloween festivals offer bobbing for apples alongside food booths servingmirlitonstuffedwithspiced

1/2 cup butter,melted

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and lightly grease a9-by13-inch baking dish.

2. In alarge bowl, whisktogetherthe pumpkin puree, sugars, eggs, vanilla, spices, salt and evaporated milk until smooth Pourintothe dish.

3. In aseparate bowl, combine the flour,oats, sugar, cinnamon, andpecans. Add melted butter and stir until crumbly.Sprinkle over the filling.

4. Bakefor 45 to 50 minutes untilset and golden brown. Let cool before serving and serve with either icecream or whippedcream.

shrimp,the local squashcarved into spookyfaces before being filled withsavory delights.

Andatmyhouse, for friends and family who bring theirtrick-

or-treaters, there are homemade treats andsustenance in the form of stuffed mirliton and pumpkin crisp thatcan be eaten while visiting or easily packed to go.

October in New Orleansoffers adults and children amagical moment when culinary heritage, spiritual traditions, andcelebration intertwine to create experiences that engage every sense and plant the seedsfor alifetime of appreciation for this unique American treasure.

Kevin Belton is resident chef of WWL-TV and has taught classes in Louisiana cooking for 30 years. The most recentofhis four cookbooks, “KevinBelton’s Cookin’ Louisiana: Flavors from the Parishes of thePelican State,” was publishedin2021. Email Chef at chefkevinbelton@ gmail.com.

By The Associated Press

that does not depend on whether those previously supplied were madedirty by yourself or an unnamed third party

As to whether the staffisspending breakfast judging you, she cannot say forcertain, but suspects they have better things to occupy their thoughts —such as when this meal service is finally going to be over

Send questions to Miss Manners at herwebsite,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.

CAULIFLOWER

Continued from page1D

At themarket, you’llfind white, purple,green andgolden cauliflower. Allare equally delicious and can be used interchangeablyinany dish. Just note that thepurple cauliflower, whencooked, may turn amuddy blueishtogray;the goldand green will retaintheir color.The colored varieties containafew morenutrients andantioxidants than thewhite, andtheir flavors are abit richer,sweeter andnuttier Cauliflowerofall colors can standupinvibrantcurries of warmcumin andzingy ginger sparked withlemon,fresh cilantro andmint.Nomatter how youdress cauliflower,know it can takethe pan’sheat andbold flavors. Don’t hold back.

Pan-RoastedCurried

Cauliflower

Serves 4to6.Recipe is from Beth Dooley.Cauliflower screams forcurry withplenty of cumin and ginger.This is the kind of one-pan dinneryou can put together in 20 minutes. Serve withriceand anicecrispsalad on theside 2tablespoonsvegetable oil

1tablespoon unsaltedbutter

1headcauliflower (about 11/2 pounds), cored and broken into florets Coarse salt and black pepper

2to3tablespoons curry spice blend,or more to taste

1teaspoon ground cumin 1(1-inch) piece fresh ginger,finely grated

3cloves garlic,chopped 1jalapeño pepper,seeded and finely chopped

1(15-ounce)can or 11/2 cups cooked garbanzo beans,rinsed and drained 1tablespoon fresh lemon juice,to taste Rice or pasta,for serving Choppedcilantro and mint,for garnish Lemon wedges,for garnish

1. Film alargesaute panor cast-iron skilletwiththe oiland set over medium-high heat.

2. Whenthe oilbegins to ripple, addthe butter andmelt, then add thecauliflower. Stir andcook untilthe cauliflowerbegins to color, about3to5minutes.

3. Season withsaltand pepper, lowerthe heat andadd thecurry, cumin, ginger,garlic and pepper. Stir well then addthe beans. Covertosteam thecauliflower until tender, about3 moreminutes.

4. Servewithriceorpasta garnishedwiththe choppedcilantro andmint,and lemon wedges

TODAYINHISTORY

later went on exhibition at several museums worldwide.

Dear Heloise: Iread your hints about green grassand feel like Ihave to warn people about “regular watering.” Ithink most of the country is suffering from drought conditions. Water has become aprecious commodity, and I’d prefer to have regular showers rather than green grass. Our grass goes dormant in the summer and becomes abeautiful green in the winter.Please don’twastewater! —MaryG., in Oregon Mary,when all else fails, there are all kinds of ground cover these days. Youcan use gravel, rocks, cactus, fake grass and more to replace grass. —Heloise Sunday dueday

Dear Heloise: Ihad acard payment due on the 9th of the month; this was aSunday. Iassumed that Icould make the payment on Monday.Wrong! I incurred alate fee.

Icontacted the company on its website’s live chat and explained my situation. The representative could not have been nicer.Hewaived the fee (happy customer!) but let me know that thepayment isrequired by midnight E.T. on the due date (regardless of the day of the week thatitlands on) in order for it to be considered on time. —Julie W., in NewBraunfels, Texas Julie, companies may have different policies on Sunday payments, but I’m glad your situationworkedout well! You can also set up automatic bill payments with the company or through your bank. —Heloise Best phoneaccessory

Dear Heloise: Possibly the greatest cellphone and tablet accessory ever is the gooseneck phone or tablet holder

This thing is incredible. It clamps ontoawooden armrest or bookshelf, and it has an adjustable,flexible gooseneck thatgrabs and holds on to your device.

Youcan sitonthe couch or bed, adjustthe holder to exactly where you want it to be, and watch avideo or comfortably chat on the phone hands-free. I love it!And they are cheap (less than $20). No more cellphone elbow or text neck! —JohnnyT., in Ohio

Elicit vs.illicit

Dear Heloise: What’sthe difference between the words “elicit and “illicit”? They sound similar —James J.,inHouston James, good ear! These words are called homophones because they sound so similar but have different meanings.“Elicit” is a verbmeaning to draw out. For example, the comedian is trying to elicit laughter from his audience. “Illicit”isanadjective meaning illegal or forbidden. An example: She could be arrested for selling illicit copies of those books —Heloise Send ahinttoheloise@heloise. com.

Today is Thursday,Oct. 9, the 282nd day of 2025. There are 83 days left in the year

Todayinhistory: On Oct. 9, 2009, President Barack Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize forwhat the Norwegian Nobel Committee called “his extraordinary efforts to strengthen internationaldiplomacy and cooperation between peoples.”

Also on this date:

In 1910, acoal dust explosion at the Starkville Mine in Colorado left 56 miners dead. In 1962, Uganda won independence from British rule.

In 1963, amega-tsunamitriggered by alandslide at Vajont Dam in northern Italy destroyed villages and caused approximately 2,000 deaths.

In 1992, the highly visible Peekskill Meteorite streaked through Earth’satmosphere for hundreds of miles overthe U.S. Northeast before asmall chunk of it crashed into the trunk of aparked car in Peekskill, NewYork. The car,a bright red 1980 Chevrolet Malibu,

In 2010, adrill broke through into an underground chamber where 33 Chilean miners had been trapped for more than two months.

In 2012, former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky wassentenced in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, to 30 to 60 years in prison following his conviction on 45 counts of sexual abuse of boys.

Today’sbirthdays: Musician Nona Hendryx is 81. Musician Jackson Browne is 77. Actor Robert Wuhl is 74. TV personality Sharon Osbourne is 73. Actor Tony Shalhoub is 72. Actor Scott Bakula is 71. Actor-TV host John O’Hurley is 71. Football Hall of Famer Mike Singletary is 67. Jazz musician Kenny Garrett is 65. Film director Guillermo delToro is 61. Singer PJ Harvey is 56. Film director Steve McQueen (“12 Years aSlave”) is 56. Golf Hall of Famer Annika Sorenstam is 55. Musician Sean Lennon is 50. Actor Brandon Routh is 46. Author-TV presenter Marie Kondo is 41.

Judith Martin MISS MANNERS

Hints from Heloise

PHOTO By MONICA BELTON

Pumpkin Crisp

LIBRA (sept. 23-oct. 23) Put your energy into getting things done on time and to the best of your ability. Choose to do what's best for you, rather than trying to fit in or please someone else. Stick close to home

scoRPIo (oct. 24-nov. 22) Participate in events, and you will gain experience. Visiting a place that stimulates your mind and encourages you to learn something new will be a bonus. Opportunity is within reach.

sAGITTARIus (nov. 23-Dec. 21) Organize your schedule and get your house in order. Tidy up, prepare to host an event, or make a lifestyle change, commitment or move. Keep your money and possessions in a secure location.

cAPRIcoRn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Establish your expectations and be open with friends, associates and family. Investing time and money in yourself and what you want to achieve will help you fulfill your dreams.

AQuARIus (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Invest time and money in your health, wealth and personal life. A change to your living arrangements will offer comfort, convenience and ease. Let go of the past.

PIscEs (Feb. 20-March 20) You have options. Stop worrying about what others do and set your sights on what you want. A commitment will come easily if it's written in the stars.

ARIEs (March 21-April 19) Let your actions send a message to onlookers and friends alike How others respond will

show you what's possible and how to go about putting your plans into motion.

TAuRus (April 20-May 20) A positive turn of events will position you for success. Don't hesitate to reach out to those who can help you. Send out your resume. Ask, and you shall receive.

GEMInI (May 21-June 20) Set your sights on learning something or exploring new places, people or pastimes. Those you encounter will meet your expectations, and so will the possibilities and suggestions that follow.

cAncER (June 21-July 22) Don't secondguess yourself or defer to someone else due to a lack of confidence on your part. A passionate presentation or conversation can have a profound impact that influences how someone feels about you.

LEo (July 23-Aug. 22) Emotions will fluctuate depending on how and with whom you spend your time. Domestic issues will arise that divert attention to home improvements, relocation or maximizing the use of your space for profit. It will be necessary to set a strict budget.

VIRGo (Aug. 23-sept 22) Communication is the key to receiving the help you need to meet your deadlines. Be wary of people who offer too much and fall short. Put time aside to rejuvenate.

The horoscope, an entertainment feature, is not based on scientific fact. © 2025 by NEA, Inc., dist. By Andrews McMeel Syndication

FAMILY CIrCUS

ToDAy's cLuE: c EQuALs F

CeLebrItY CIpher

beetLe bAILeY

Mother GooSe And GrIMM

LAGoon

bIG

Sudoku

InstructIons: Sudoku is anumber-placing puzzle based on a9x9 grid with several given numbers. The object is to place the numbers 1to9inthe empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once. The difficulty level of the Sudoku increases from Monday to Sunday.

BLondie

BaBY BLueS

By PHILLIPALDER

J. William Fulbright, aSenatorrepresentingArkansasfrom1945to1975,said, “We must dare to think ‘unthinkable’ thoughts.Wemustlearntoexplore all theoptionsandpossibilitiesthatconfront us in acomplex and rapidly changing world.”

Atthebridgetable,themore“unthinkable”thoughtsyouhaveandanalyze,the more likely you are to succeed.Inthis deal,South is in six spades.West leads theclub ace.

After ruffing in thedummy,how should declarer continue?

When Southopened with avulnerable pre-empt,Northwonderedaboutagrand slam. Butnot knowing how to find out if his partner had the diamond king or a diamond singleton, he took the practical shot at sixspades.

South begins with 11 toptricks: seven spades, one heart,one diamond and two club ruffs in thedummy. The hunt is on fora12thwinner South should play atrumptohis hand and ruff his last club on the board. But what then?

One possibility is also to eliminate the hearts,thentohopeforluckindiamonds. Butthat should not work here.

In fact, the contract is guaranteed. Afterthe club ruff, aspade to theking andthesecondclubruff,declarershould return to his hand with aspade and run the heart 10. Here it loses to East’s queen, but what can East do?Whatever he returns concedes atrick. And even if West couldcover the heart 10 with the queenorking, Southwould win with dummy’s ace, then run theheart jack, discarding adiamond from his hand (unless, of course, East covered with the other heart honor).

Consider as many possibilities as possible. ©2025 by NEA, Inc.,dist. By Andrews McMeel Syndication

Each Wuzzleisa word riddle whichcreates adisguised word, phrase, name, place, saying etc. Forexample: NOON GOOD =GOOD AFTERNOON

Previous answers:

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 DIsTIncTIon: dih-STING-shun: An accomplishment that sets one apart.

Average mark 19 words

Timelimit 35 minutes

Can you find 27 or more words in DISTINCTION?

yEsTERDAy’s WoRD —PETARD

dater dear depart drape drat

today’s thought “The thiefcomes not, butfor to steal, andtokill, and to destroy: Iamcome that they might have life, and that they might have it moreabundantly.” John 10:10

Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer

wuzzles

Areyou looking forlifeatits best? Commityour lifetoJesus. G.E. Dean

marmaduKe

Bizarro

hagar the horriBle

Pearls Before swiNe

garfield

B.C.

PiCKles hidato mallard